Below are three items of interest for Linglestown area residents. They appeared in the latest newsletter published by Stray Winds Area Neighbors, better known as SWAN. Well-known political and nuclear power activist Eric Epstein heads up the Lower Paxton Twp. watchdog group. Be sure to check out their Web site, and thanks to SWAN members Watson Fisher and Ted Robertson for penning the news briefs. * The group operating Koons Park Pool is seeking financial help from LP Twp. A pool representative told the LP supervisors earlier this month that the pool had a financial deficit of just over $4,000, and the red ink would likely grow to as much as $6,000 by the end of the season. The pool also was a point of discussion at the August meeting of the LP Parks and Recreation Board. They noted that the pool's long-term operation is in doubt due to upgrades needed at the aging facility, and discussed the possibility of getting grant money to rebuild the pool or to build a new facility somewhere else, possibly Wolfersberger Park, which is undeveloped parkland located along Wenrich Street. * Linglestown Football Association is seeking help from LP Twp. to upgrade the football field turf at Koons Park after this season at an estimated cost of over $23,000. The field is used by 17 youth football teams. No decision on the request was made, but LP Parks and Recreation Department director Brian Luetchford said annual topdressing and reseeding would most likely be adequate. * LP Twp. supervisors recently signed off on a new agreement for South Central EMS to provide emergency medical services to township residents that calls for the yearly contribution to go from $112,000 to $224,000. The increase was needed to due decreased subsidies from federal, state and local sources and the increase in fuel and other costs. ____ Source: SWAN Newsletter #28 – July 24 to August 13, 2008

A couple kids were spotted splashing around in the lap pool Monday and new signs have been posted about the daily rate (pictured). CLICK HERE for membership rates and other pool news posted on Linglestown Gazette last week.

OK - first of all, June 20? Are you kidding me? Where is the time going? Second - c'mon people, give me a little nudge if you don't see a new post up here. I have plenty to say. Anyway, I actually AM around this weekend. Tonight, it's Mexican delights at El Sol then off to a colleague's one-woman comedy show, "Oh Crap, I Forgot to Have Kids." Here's the lowdown on the rest of the weekend:

• You're going to the 5th annual Harrisburg Brewer's Fest, right? My friend, Paul, is flying all the way back from California for this, if that speaks to its greatness. a pre-event will be held tonight at Shady's; post-party fun is at McGrath's. 
• Saturday is also Summerfest at the Boiling Springs Pool. 
• On Sunday, stop into Arts at 510 for their first ever Art Auction. Doors open at noon.
• Starting Monday, Carmella's will no longer be open for lunch. Stay tuned for udpates on changes at the Mediterranean bar and restaurant.
• The Chinese Cultural & Arts Institute presents Liao Wen-Ho Glove Puppet Theater at Open Stage on Tuesday. Admission is $15.
• Also, if you missed this week's column, be sure to check out Tuesday Bluesday at the Maennerchor each week. Free admission; cheap booze. Can't beat it.

I talked with two Koons Pool officials Tuesday to get the lowdown on plans to open the pool this summer. Pool board spokesman Chuck Barto gave me a nickel tour of the pool facility. Water in both pools has been treated with chemicals. The lap pool is about halfway cleaned and the diving pool, the smaller of the two pools, hasn't been touched yet. The pool will be opened as soon as the cleaning is complete and the state health department approves the pool water as being safe for swimming. It’s possible opening day could be this weekend or sometime next week. “You’ll know we’re open when you see kids in the pool,” said Barto. Barto has lined up enough workers to open the pool and snack bar but continues to be on the lookout for a few more lifeguards. Anyone who is certified to lifeguard and is looking for some work should e-mail Kristen Shatto, the pool manager. Shatto told me that she has mailed membership applications to individuals and families on last year’s membership list. Prospective members can pick up a form when the pool opens, she said. Also, Kristen is willing to field questions about the upcoming swimming season via e-mail. Membership rates are the same as last year for both renewals and new members: Family $235, Individual $155, Senior Individual $120. The day-rate for nonmembers is $7 per person. ____ Pool notes … The pace of work at the pool has picked now that a couple lifeguards are able to spend time during the day cleaning the pool. If the weather stays dry today, a volunteer is supposed to do weed-whacking. … Gail Reece posted a comment under the “Koons Pool watch” blog entry (June 16) with a suggestion for the pool board about membership rates, and she volunteered to help get the word out about volunteer help needed to open the pool. ... Pictured is a lifeguard cleaning the lap pool early this afternoon.

Pictured are two volunteers working today in the 4 pm hour to ready Koons Park pool for swimming. They appeared to be cleaning the pool walls with brushes and a vacuum system.

Koons Pool update … The filtration systems has been running for several days; two men were spotted working Saturday and Sunday at the pool; and a few lifeguards that worked at the pool last summer have been asked to help out again. (Photo taken Friday, June 13.) Summertime family fun … Regal Harrisburg Stadium 14 movie theater is sponsoring a Free Family Film Festival on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings this summer. Admission is free on a first come, first served basis for movies that begin at 10 am. Hat tip to Rob Nease of Harrisburg at Home for passing along this tidbit. Mowing update … As most of you know, a lot is riding on the way Linglestown Gazette publisher/editor BB takes care of his lawn this summer because of the Grass Mowing Contest that was launched in April. (I’m up to 14 cuts.) I raised the deck of my mower prior to my last trip around the yard on Friday, June 13. Why? My yard is starting to dry out and having longer grass might keep the lawn greener a little longer than in past years, especially in areas that get a lot of sun. Garden and yard guru George Weigel of The Patriot-News has more tips for summertime mowing in his This Week In The Garden column that was published Thursday, June 12. (Scroll down to section entitled "Mow smart.")

Koons Pool spokesman Chuck Barto told a Gazette reader today that the pool could open this weekend if chemicals can be obtained to finish preparing the water for swimming. (See comments under post entitled Hump day backyard news links.) Another reader informed me via e-mail that Barto and a small group of volunteers have committed to opening by June 16 so learn-to-swim classes can use the pool. Membership rates are the same as last year, said the reader.