Magazine features Linglestown-area resident

The November issue of Central PA Magazine profiled Lower Paxton Township resident David Russell and other local adults who are pursuing college degrees. David occasionally hangs out at St. Thomas Roasters and presented his artwork at the now-closed Chocolate Cafe a few years ago.

CLICK HERE to download the article. The section about David is on page 2.

Merry Christmas from the Gazette

To all of you who regularly stop by this corner of the Internet, here's my wish that this time of year brings a little light and love into your home. -B²
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Photo is from the Christmas Tree Lighting held in the village square in 2007.

Let there be light ...

Installation of old-fashioned street lamps has been completed along Route 39 in the village of Linglestown.

Lower Paxton watchdog, Dec. 2010

* Township supervisors approved a tax hike and increased a long list of fees for 2011. The property-tax hike isn't a big one – $17.50 more per year for a property assessed at $200,000.

To give you an example, I paid $91.88 this year on a residential property assessed at $105,000. With the tax increase, I'll pay $101.33 in 2011, which isn't a big deal when you consider all the services the township provides for residents.

Like other municipalities across the country, the township's finances have been squeezed the last couple of years due to the recession and lack of new development.

CLICK HERE for additional information from The Patriot-News.

* In other tax news, Central Dauphin School District officials are taking preliminary steps required to ratchet up the district's property-tax rate this spring.

Java deal in Linglestown

St. Thomas Roasters is featured today on a deal-of-the-day website called Groupon.

CLICK HERE to check it out.

I've been enjoying Java Geof's seasonal Noel Blend the last few days. This craft coffee has a heavenly taste, especially when mixed with a little cream and sweetener.
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This is offer is only good for a limited time, and a FREE membership to Groupon is required to get this special coffee deal.

Here comes Santa Claus

Linglestown Fire Company once again will be taking Santa on a tour of the Linglestown area this Sunday, Dec. 19.

Signs have been posted at locations where Santa will make stops during the afternoon.

LP police seek man who stole lottery tickets

Lower Paxton police are seeking help in identifying a person who stole a large quantity of "Happy Holidays" $1 scratch-off lottery tickets from the A-Plus Sunoco located near Linglestown. CLICK HERE for story from The Patriot-News.

Loaded gun in CD East prompts action

While police in Dauphin County continue to investigate last week's incident, the school has decided to take action and make things safer. CLICK HERE for the story from WHP TV-21.

Home checks on rise as LP crime jumps

Record-high burglaries cause residents to ask police to check homes over the holidays. CLICK HERE to view video report from WGAL TV-8.

CD East group is reforming

The Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) at Central Dauphin East High School is reforming and holding a meeting tonight in response to recent violence at the school. The meeting will be start at 6:30 pm in the school library.

New members, parents, teachers, and students are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served.

For more info, contact Catherine Clements-Jenkins at (717) 903-1403 or send her e-mail.

Linglestown weekender, Dec. 3 and 4

* On Friday evening, Lower Paxton Township’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting celebration will be held at the Friendship Center, 7 pm, free event. Enjoy refreshments, entertainment and a visit from Santa.

* Free music at
St. Thomas Roasters this weekend features Frank Cotolo (pictured, left) and his son, Jack, performing classic tunes Friday evening that are sure to delight all who stop by for a cup of java or tea. Womack & Lowery (pictured, right) will be on the coffee house's stage Saturday. Music runs from 7 pm or so to 10 pm both nights.

* Keystone Concert Bank will perform a Christmas concert Saturday, 11 am at St. Andrews in the Valley Episcopal Church on Linglestown Road, and a tea will follow the concert, $5 donation.

Lower Paxton watchdog, Nov. 2010

Below are highlights of actions taken by Lower Paxton Township officials during November:

* The supervisors approved a plan submitted by Holy Name of Jesus Church to construct a 1,400-seat sanctuary at the rear of the church property on Allentown Blvd. Church officials held a groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 22.

* The township Parks & Recreation Department is gearing up to do initial planning for the development of Wolfersberger Park and upgrading of 40-year-old Koons Park in Linglestown.

Wolfersberger Park is a 93-acre tract of undeveloped land located east of Linglestown along Wenrich Street, and a portion of it is leased for use as a paintball field.

The two park properties are fairly close to each other and the intent is for them to become sister parks, and planning for both parks will be done together.

The township does not expect to have money in the near future for improving parkland, but the township supervisors approved moving ahead so plans are in place when funds become available. The planning process will include a series of meetings for gathering public input.

Problems at Koons Park were discussed during an informational meeting, including inadequate parking, the closeness of athletic fields to adjacent houses, poor drainage, and lights and public address systems that bother nearby residents.

* The supervisors will hold a workshop session on Nov. 7 at t pm to discuss a possible property-tax hike for 2011 to fund a projected $530,000 shortfall in the township’s cash reserves. The meeting will be held at the Municipal Center on Prince Street.
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SWAN will be holding its annual holiday party on Monday, Dec. 13 at 7 pm at Epiphany Lutheran Church on Colonial Road. Members and invited guests need to RSVP to Betty Miller via e-mail by Dec. 8.

SWAN submitted information used in this post.