Welcome to The Borough of Paxtang

NEWS (last updated July 16, 2006)

National Night Out

Paxtang, Lenker Manor, and Swatara residents are advised National Night Out – Tuesday August 1, 2006. National Night Out is an annual event designed to strengthen neighborhood and community spirit. Many neighborhoods hold block parties where neighbors can meet and enjoy an evening out together. We strongly encourage neighborhoods in Paxtang to hold block parties on National Night Out, and any other time throughout the year. Street closures are often requested for these gatherings. If your neighborhood desires a street closure for a block party on National Night Out, a request must be submitted to the Borough Office no later than Thursday July 13th. Staff, the Fire Department, the Police Department, and Council will review the request, and Council will take action at the July 18th Borough Council meeting. For block parties at other times during the year, requests must be submitted no later than the Thursday prior to the last Borough Council meeting, prior to your event. Questions? Call the Borough office at 564-4770. And have a great night out with your neighbors!

Upcoming Events

A message from the Mayor - Dinner with the Neighbors

On the First Friday for the next four months the families on the Avenue are encouraged to make dinner plans at the same location during the same time period, between 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

  • Friday, June 2nd The Best Wok 909-6666
  • Friday, July 7th Paxtang Grill 564-2738
  • Friday, August 4th Paxtang Diner 564-2557
  • Friday, September 1st Mama's Pizza 558-0030
  • Friday, October 6th Tops Restaurant 564-2650

Each household is responsible for their own reservations and bill for the evening.

Pass this on to a friend in the Borough. They can join us and/or start a "Dinner with the Neighbors" on their street!

Any suggestions or questions on how to start your own "Dinner with the Neighbors", feel free to call Keldeen at 558-8373 or email: Keldeen@msn.com

A message from the Mayor - Walking Club

The WALKING CLUB is open to any walkers at any level. Contact Keldeen at Keldeen@msn.com or 558-8373 for a current schedule.

A message from the Mayor - Blood Drive

Dear friends and neighbors,

I'm excited to announce the Borough of Paxtang is partnering with the Red Cross to hold a blood drive on Tuesday, May 2nd 2-7 p.m. I am writing to request your support and participation in this drive.

Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. This ongoing need is felt by our area hospitals and patients. By donating blood, we can help save the lives of accident victims, patients with cancer and other diseases, as well as those undergoing surgery.

You may contact Mayor Keldeen Stambaugh at 558-8373 or Keldeen@msn.com or leave your name and number at the Borough Office 564-4770, to schedule your appointment for Tuesday May 2nd 2-7 p.m. Contact us TODAY to select your time.

If you are a member of a local organization that would like to participate as volunteers and/or blood donors, please share this information with them and let me know. This is a Community Project and therefore we need to involve many individuals in making it successful.

We will have a kids corner with crafts and books that could use a few more volunteers to read and do crafts with kids while the adults are donating blood. Extra special sweets and treats will also be accepted for the snack table.

Additionally, the Paxtang Fire Company welcomes you and the kids to visit the Fire Station and the Fire Engine!

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Keldeen Stambaugh

Borough Council Rejects Park as a Cell Tower Location - April 25, 2006

Council formally rejected the proposal being offered by T-Mobile Northeast, LLC to erect a cellular telephone tower within Saussaman Park. Several Borough residents as well as Swatara homeowners attended the April 18th meeting to present their opinions for discussion. After some lengthy deliberation, council voted to cancel any further negotiations for construction at this particular site based on the adverse historical effects. Ryanne Mendez, representing Central Penn Asphalt offered their property at 3715 Derry Street as an alternate site for the tower.

Cellular Antenna Tower Proposed for Saussaman Park - March 23, 2006

Recently the Borough was approached by representatives of a cellular telephone firm that is interested in constructing a cellular antenna at the edge of Saussaman Park.  The proposed antenna would resemble and function as a large flagpole.  In order for this to become a reality, it would be necessary for the Borough to lease a plot of ground at the park.  In exchange for the lease the Borough would receive revenues from the cellular provider.  Council has expressed their position that any proposal that would compromise the use of the park as an athletic field would not be acceptable.  The feasability of the project continues to be studied, as well as the impact to the community.

Borough Council Update

The Paxtang Historical Society meeting, April 3, 2006, in the gymnasium of the Municipal Building, at 7:00 p.m. will feature three speakers:Land Warrants - Jonathan Stayer, Newside Church - Dr. Morton Glise, and the Paxton Boys - Millie Landis Coyle.The meeting is open to the public.

www.paxtanghistoricalsociety.com


Winter 2006

Activities for Borough Residents

Sponsor a Tree

The Shade Tree Commission has been a proud accomplishment of Paxtang Borough for many years. Recently, there have been more budget cutbacks and we are unable to accomplish our usual plantings. Please consider sponsoring a tree in the borough. Plaques are provided with the purchase of a tree. You could purchase it as a family to complete a memorable occasion, in honor of someone special, or in memory of a loved one. Whatever the reason, it is a win for everyone

TRASH COLLECTION

The Borough's trash collection contract is with Waste Management. If your trash pickup is missed, please call the Borough Office to report it for record keeping. If you have a large item (ie., appliances or furniture) sitting outside for an extended period of time, you need to contact Waste Management at 1-800-634-4595 to arrange a pick up. Please note that you will be charged a nominal fee.


Borough positions available

Auditor
Judge of Elections

If you are interested in more information, please call the Borough Office at 564-4770.


As chairman of the Public Relations Committee over the past two years, one of the most enjoyable projects was working on the Paxtang Past. Communication is a vital part of a small borough and we tried to relay as much information as possible in this local newsletter. During the past two years, we cut costs in printing, eliminated staff time for the delivery by shifting from staff to volunteer resident and council members, and we updated the borough website with the skills of a generous resident.


Thanks for your support!

Keldeen


Any further comments, suggestions or additions to be posted in this Newsletter can be sent to the new PR Chair, Virginia Panza at 564-5374. The next deadline is March 15, 2006.


Shade Tree Commission Meetings for 2006 - all held at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building, second floor:

February 13

May 8

October 16

Civil Service Commission Biennial Organization meeting, 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building, second floor:

February 6

Trash Guidelines

All trash must be in bags, placed inside trash containers and covered with a lid. This assists in a clean and easy pick up for Waste Management.

Trash can be placed in your designated trash pick up area as early as 4:00 p.m. on the day prior to pickup.

Trash cans shall be put away following pick up as late as 10:00 p.m. on the day of pick up.

Our trash ordinance requires that your trash receptaclesto be off the street by10:00 p.m. the day of the scheduled pick up.This part ofordinance was designed to keep thereceptacles from sitting out on our Main streets.We do also ask that receptacles on secondary streets (alleys)put neatly away and not left strewn in the street. Thank you for your cooperation.



Mark your calendar!

ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION

Saturday April 29, 2006

Ceremony at 10 a.m.

Location to be an announced.


Paxtang Borough Office, 3423 Derry Street, Harrisburg, PA 17111 717-564-4770 www.paxtang.com

January is a big month for reorganization in the Borough Office. As a result from the November elections, the following elected officials were sworn in:

Keldeen Stambaugh as Mayor

John Ninosky re-elected to Borough Council

E. Denny Beaver, Borough Council

Heather Misiti, Borough Council

John Rowe, Borough Council

Helen Koser, re-elected as Tax Collector

The following individuals were appointed to office and took the oath in January:

Deb Seneca, Borough Council

Viriginia Panza, Borough Council

Faye Clark Borough Secretary/.Treasurer


Please note: The Humane Society is a private service in our region and charges accordingly.

Removal of any animal is NOT a borough service. However, if you have questions or concerns of safety, please contact the police.

Paxtang Lions Club

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Saturday, February 11, 2006

at the Borough Building.


Confirmation of the Paxtang Special Fire Policethe Year 2006 washeld at the January 17th Paxtang Borough Council Meeting.

Mayor Keldeen Stambaugh, Murvin E. Grunden (Captain), Thomas H. Leach, Michael J. Feldman, and Norman D. Templin.

hoto by Dave Turner

HAIL TO THE CHIEF


The past four years, William Parker, was kind enough to serve as Mayor of the Borough of Paxtang. As you may or may not know, the Mayor and Council serve as volunteers to the Community of Paxtang. On behalf of the Borough, I say thank you to Mayor Bill Parker, the outgoing Council President Jim Schmidt and Council members, George Murphy, Karen Benjamin and Dan Stambaugh for their numerous hours of service to the Borough. They led Paxtang in many new and positive accomplishments and set the groundwork for long term goals. They spent many hours dealing with the good and the bad and their service is appreciated.


We thank you and salute you!


A SMALL ACTION MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE

By Keldeen Stambaugh


  1. Taking pride in your property

  2. Not parking on a sidewalk or a neighbor’s lawn.

  3. Not parking along a yellow painted curb

  4. Not parking in Handicapped parking unless authorized to do so

  5. Picking up your pet waste.

  6. Not throwing trash in alleyways or other persons’ yard.


To keep a community nice and safe, it takes a little bit of effort from everyone. Responsibility for your property or rental unit and respect for other property is encouraged.


I realize that some may find it hard to physically keep up, and we would like to offer assistance through volunteers in the borough. If you are elderly or disabled and in need of assistance for outside maintenance, we will try to suggest someone to assist. If you are willing to do volunteer work in your community, please contact the borough office.


I recently spent a Saturday morning with the Harrisburg Jaycees cleaning up a few blocks in a neighborhood outside the borough. As I picked up a concentrated amount of trash from someone’s front lawn and sidewalk, I found myself wondering what was going through the mind of the individuals who threw the trash down in the first place. Exactly who did they think was going to pick up after them? From the look of the entire area that day, it was clearly an acceptable action to litter anywhere and everywhere.


I am glad to come home to Paxtang, where residents take pride in their property and teach their children the same respect of property.


In the long run, this caring will strengthen our community, provide opportunities for future borough improvements, possibly increase property values, and allow Paxtang to continue its’ well-earned reputation in the region. A small action in your immediate area makes a big difference throughout the borough. Let’s work together to keep Paxtang clean and a great place to live!


The PAXTANG WALKING CLUB will begin again in March. This is a FREE

ACTIVITY to support a Healthier

Community. If you are not already signed up, contact Keldeen Stambaugh at 558-8373 or Keldeen@msn.com


Times will be distributed to all persons who request to be added to the list.

Lenker Manor—Paxtang

Womens Organization

Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show

Saturday, April 1, 2006

at Spring Garden Center

Price per ticket is $17.00.

Fashion show highlights the works of Liz Claiborne.

Menu choice is – Broiled Crab Cakes, or Chicken Caesar Salad, or Pasta Primavera.


Seating is limited so order your tickets today!

Contact Linda Flowers or any Women’s Club Member for tickets. Also accepting contributions for the raffle prizes.


ADVERTISE YOUR

BUSINESS HERE


Contact the Borough Office for details.

The very first Paxtang Blood Drive was held on December 29, 2005. According to the Red Cross it was a successful first event! There are current plans for the next blood drive to be held in the Borough Gym on May 2, from 2-7 p.m. Contact Keldeen Stambaugh at 558-8373 or Keldeen@msn.com, if you are interested in making an appointment to

donate blood. Kids Corner and more will be available. Watch for more details in the April Newsletter and online at www.paxtang.com

INFLUENZA

By Sue Yeager, RN, Local Health Officer


Influenza, or “the flu”, as everyone calls it is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a variety of viruses. The flu season normally begins in late autumn or early winter and lasts through early spring. National statistics show that between 5% and 20% of the population of the United States will suffer with flu each year. Thus far in 2005, there have been 24 cases of flu reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Health (minus Philadelphia). Two of these cases have been reported from Lancaster County. None have been reported from Dauphin County or any other surrounding county.


Symptoms will include headache, fever (usually above 100 degrees), and muscle aches. Many people also will experience extreme tiredness, a dry cough, sore throat, and a runny/stuffy nose. Although stomach symptoms may occur, the flu always includes respiratory symptoms. (Many people who experience only gastrointestinal symptoms say that they have the flu. They may have a stomach virus, but it is not “the flu”.)


There can be severe complications, such as pneumonia and dehydration. Pre-existing chronic medical conditions may get worse, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may experience sinus problems or ear infections. Continued on page 4


Influenza continued


The flu virus spreads by coughing and sneezing. You can also become infected by touching a contaminated item or surface, such as someone’s hands, after they have coughed or sneezed. Someone who has not yet developed symptoms is able to transmit the flu virus from 1 day before symptoms begin to 5 days after. This means that you can transmit the disease before you even know you have it!

The best way to prevent getting the flu is to get a flu shot. People at high risk for complications are the first priority. These include:

  1. Persons 65 years of age or over

  2. People living in nursing homes or other facilities that house persons with long-term illnesses

  3. Adults and children 6 months of age and older suffering with chronic kidney disease or a weakened immune system

  4. Children 6 months to 18 years of age who are on long-term aspirin therapy

  5. Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season

  6. All children 6 to 23 months of age

  7. People with any condition that causes them to have difficulty breathing or swallowing

  8. People 50-64 years of age because many have one or more medical conditions that place them at risk for complications

  9. Any person in close contact regularly with anyone at high risk for complications (including health care workers, household contacts or out-of-home caregivers of children 6-23 months of age, and close contacts of people 65 years and older)


Certain people should not get a flu shot without checking with their physician. They include:

  1. Anyone with a severe allergy to chicken eggs

  2. Anyone who had a severe reaction to influenza vaccine in the past

  3. Anyone who developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome within 6 weeks of getting a flu shot in the past

  4. Children less than 6 months of age because the vaccine is not approved for this age group

People who have a moderate to severe illness with a fever should wait until their symptoms have lessened


In closing, here are some general health tips to help prevent getting the flu:

  1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick

  2. Stay home when you are sick

  3. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing

  4. Wash your hands often

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth


Supporting Our Local Heroes

If you are interested in joining the

Auxiliary, please email us at

auxiliary40@comcast.net

and we will send you the information.

Both men and women welcome.

PUBLIC NOTICE


In accordance with the provisions of Act 175 of 1974, and Act 94 of 1986, the Council of the Borough of Paxtang hereby provides a schedule of Council and Committee meetings to be held through the calendar year February to December 2006. Unless otherwise noted, all Council agenda meetings are scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m., all regular meetings are scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m., prevailing time, the third Tuesday of every month. Council workshop meetings are scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. All meetings are held on the second floor of the Municipal Building, 3423 Derry Street, Paxtang, PA 17111.


Any person with a disability requiring a special accommodation to attend a Council meeting should notify the Borough Secretary at 564-4770 as early as possible, but no later than three working days prior to the meeting. The Borough will make every effort to provide a reasonable accommodation.


2006 Council Regular Monthly Meetings:

February 21 March 21 April 18

May 17 (Wed.) June 20 July 18

August 15 September 19 October 17

November 21 December 19

2006 Council Workshop Meetings:

February 27 March 28 April 24

May 30 June 26 September 26

October 30 November 28 December 26

SCHEDULING UPDATE:

THE COVERED DISH COMMUNITY GATHERING will be rescheduled soon. Please watch for updates on the borough website and announcements posted at the Borough Building.

Any meetings scheduled in the Council Chambers MUST be scheduled through the Borough Office.

Use of the gym is also scheduled only through the Borough Office according to borough policy.



A BIG WELCOME

TO THE NEW BUSINESSES IN PAXTANG!

************

BCA Billiards & Game Room

3212 Rear Pike Street


Eastern Frontier Construction, Inc.

3701 Derry Street


Johnathan’s Fine Furniture

3440 Derry Street

Old News