This Weekend 05-31-13

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013

For a review of “After Earth,” see Page 3

We saw you at...

Summer Kick-off Concert, Pottsville

Tower City’s Old Home Week See Page 2

Alex Rodriguez, left, and Bob Dallago, both of Pottsville

Theresa Palamar, left, and Nora Lee Matz, both of Pottsville For more photos from the concert, see Page 4

Fun

on the

Midway

Annual week-long festival set for next week in Tower City

BY ERIC PEDDIGREE COPY EDITOR

A

epeddigree@republicanherald.com

If you go

year after revamping its agenda, the Tower-Porter Old Home Week returns to Tower City with more activities and fun.

“Last year was a total facelift. This year, it’s a facelift plus,” said Michael Brennan, committee president.

Running from June 3 to 8, the annual fair will be held at the American Legion Midway Grounds for the 66th year. The event began as a homecoming for returning war veterans before moving to the Midway and becoming one of the county’s biggest summer fairs.

The fair will feature 15 rides, including this year’s newest addition — The Zipper.

“It is a fantastic thrill ride for teenagers,” Brennan said. The ride takes passengers on a vertical oval track while the individual carts “Last year rotate at the was a total same time.

An all-ride facelift. This wristband will year, it’s a be available for facelift plus.” $15 Tuesday through SaturMichael Brennan, day. The wristCommittee band will give president the rider access to all the rides through the night. The rides will run from 6 to 11 p.m.

While individual ride tickets will still be sold, Brennan said the deal is worth the price. For example, The Zipper alone would cost a rider five tickets or $5.

On “Super Saturday,” wristbands will be $10 from 1 to 5 p.m.

“Super Saturday” will feature a parade beginning at 11 a.m.

The committee decided to bring the parade back to the fair last year as part of its improvement project. Brennan said members received a lot of 2

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013

What: Tower-Porter Old Home Week When: June 3-8 Where: American Legion Midway Grounds, Tower City.

For more information, visit www.tpoldhomeweek.org

positive feedback for that decision.

“We are doing it again this year and it is growing,” he said, adding that the parade will feature the Shriners mini-cars, local baseball teams, firetrucks and floats from local businesses. He said it is a great way for businesses to advertise to a large crowd. The parade ends at the Midway.

Other activities throughout the week include live musical performances every night, bingo and games. “Super Saturday” activities will include an appearance from the Schuylkill County Clowns, Close-Up Magic of Randy and a fireworks extravaganza at 10:35 p.m.

There will be many vendors offering a wide range of food from fair staples such as hamburgers and hot dogs to unique treats like bloomin’ onions and deep-fried Oreos.

Brennan said the committee wanted to make the fair a destination event, especially for local residents. He said last year’s attendance was the highest they have seen in decades.

“The Midway was jam packed,” he said. He expects the same turnout this year, weather permitting.

Proceeds from the event are distributed to multiple community groups. Last year, the fair split $7,350 between 15 groups, including churches, fire police and the library.

Brennan said the committee hopes to double that sum this year.

“We like to take every bit of money and throw it back into the community,” he said.

For more information on Old Home Week, visit the fair’s website at www.tpoldhomeweek.org or its Facebook page.

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

The American Legion Midway Grounds, Tower City, will be full of games, food and entertainment from June 3-8 during the annual Tower-Porter Old Home Week celebration.

Last year, a parade was brought back after many years as part of the festivities. This year’s parade, which begins 11 a.m. Saturday, will feature the Shriners minicars, local baseball teams, firetrucks and floats.

‘After Earth’ disappointing sci-fi tale What do you give the kid who has everything? His own summer action-adventure blockbuster, of course.

That’s exactly what Will Smith has done for his 14year-old son, Jaden, with “After Earth,” a sci-fantasy film based on a story idea by Papa Smith and starring father and son — although Dad definitely has the supporting role. Well, it certainly beats a cake and a card, but considering what a wellcrafted bore “After Earth” turns out to be, perhaps not by much.

It’s 1,000 years after Earth has been destroyed by man and abandoned for some farflung solar system. Smith the elder is Cypher Raige, a stern military commander who may be great at slaying alien beasts on foreign worlds, but has trouble connecting with his son, Kitai (Smith the younger). To the delight of his long-suf fering wife (Sophie Okonedo, “Hotel Rwanda”), Cypher agrees to take Kitai on his next mission off-planet for a little bonding time.

But to escape a nasty asteroid storm, their heavily damaged ship ends up in a dusty quadrant of the galaxy where the only planet they can crash land on is some nearly uninhabitable relic called Earth. All of the crew dies except for Dad, who has two broken legs, and Kitai, who’s remarkably unscathed.

The wreckage with the tail section of the ship, where there’s a beacon that can be used to call for help, is many k i l o m e t e r s aw ay f ro m Cypher and Kitai.

So, it’s up to plucky Kitai to brave the fearsome elements (animals have evolved to prehistoric proportions without man around to knock ’em down to size), retrieve the beacon, and save

MOVIE REVIEWS himself and dear old Dad. (Let’s not even mention the monstrous creature, the ursa, the ship was transporting that has now escaped.)

It’s a simple, predictable quest story that, if told well, could still be effective. But as directed by M. Night Shyamalan and written by Shyamalan and Gary Whitta (“The Book of Eli”), it’s a self-serious monotone of a movie built around a young actor who, though he tries valiantly, can’t yet carry a film on his slender shoulders.

The usually magnetic Will Smith could have injected some energy, but he’s completely passive, reading his lines like an orator and spending most of the movie wounded on his back, watching Kitai on the ship’s monitors that miraculously still work.

Shyamalan has created a film that looks good, the computer-generated beasts are appropriately ferocious, and best of all, it’s not in 3-D. Plus, kudos to production designer Thomas E. Sanders for coming up with a future that substitutes lightly colored fabrics and cloth for the expected metal and chrome.

It’s nice to know Pier 1 will survive whatever catastrophe ravages Earth.

Considering the disasters Shyamalan has delivered lately — “The Last Airbender” being the most recent — “After Earth” is, at the very least, not an embarrassment.

But that may not be enough to turn this exercise in competency into a franchise that will make Jaden a bona fide star and ease his father into early retirement, if that’s what Will was thinking.

Sorry, Dad. Looks like you’re going to have to keep

ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Summit Entertainment release, “Now You See Me,” stars, from left, Isla Fisher, Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson and Dave Franco. working for awhile. And if you want to give Jaden something special next year, why not just settle for a nice party?

“After Earth,” a Sony/ Columbia release, is rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, disturbing images.

Running time: 101 minutes. ★★

“Now You See Me” There’s a great movie out now about magicians, sleightof-hand maestros, illusionists, card and coin tricksters.

“Now You See Me” is not that movie.

If you’re so inclined, check out “Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay,” a wonderful and illuminating documentary about the veteran prestidigitator. It’s playing in select theaters and will no doubt be available on DVD and VOD. As for “Now You See Me,” it’s a slick and kind of smirky entertainment in which a quartet of street charlatansturned-Las Vegas stars pull

off an epic heist — using the tricks of the magic trade. But where a deft magic act turns on the performer’s ability to make the impossible appear completely real (after all, you’ve just witnessed it happening right in front of you), in Louis Leterrier’s film, the presto changeo business is done with mirrors, so to speak. And with a flashy whirl of visual effects that undermine the experience, rather than enhance it.

The movie wants to be “Ocean’s Eleven” with top hats and wands, but the rapport between “Now You See Me’s” principals doesn’t come close to approximating Clooney and company’s (or Sinatra and company’s) cool.

Instead, we get Jesse Eisenberg, tightly wound and talky as J. Daniel Atlas, a cocky card and coin hustler who finds himself banding together with three other characters: Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher), who does Houdini-like escapes; Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), a mental-

ist, and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco), a pickpocket. Assembled by a billionaire businessman (Michael Caine), they become a kind of instant supergroup, billed as the Four Horsemen and headlining on the Vegas strip.

Their showstopper: robbing a Paris bank vault — by teleportation — and showering its bounty of bills down on the audience. They’re Robin Hoods, these four — bent on redistributing the wealth, and making fat cats pay for their greedy ways.

And so the FBI, in the person of Mark Ruffalo, is on the case, assisted by an intrepid French Interpol detective (Melanie Laurent). She says, “We are dealing with something far bigger than us” in an accent to die for.

Congratulations to my nephew Chris and his fiancee Afton on their recent engagement From

West Coast Video

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

Morgan Freeman, as is his wont lately (see “Oblivion”), shows up to make meaningful pronouncements in a voice that could sell credit cards or gay marriage (he’s done ads for both). He is cast as a kind of professional debunker, and casts a cynical eye on the Four Horsemen and their high-stakes shenanigans.

Leterrier, who directed the instant classic “Clash of the Titans,” thinks himself an action director, and so much of the time “Now You See Me” jettisons all pretense of the illusionary arts to devote its time, its money and its stunt team to high-speed chases and car crashes.

Maybe “Now You See Me” really wants to be “Fast & Furious” with top hats and wands.

“Now You See Me,” a Summit Pictures release, is rated PG-13 for profanity, action, sex, adult themes. Running time: 112 minutes. ★★½ Reading Movies 11 & IMAX FRI-THU • 5/31-6/6

DON’T JUST SEE A MOVIE, EXPERIENCE IT AT

Reading Movies 11 & IMAX 30 N. 2nd Street 610-374-2828 • www.rctheatres.com FREE GARAGE PARKING Digital Projection & Sound Stadium Seating Showtimes for Friday, May 31 through Thursday, June 6

NOW SHOWING IMAX: STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS IN IMAX3D (PG13) 12:45, 4:00, 7:05, 10:10

FEATURING IN REALD DIGITAL 3D: EPIC IN DIGITAL 3D (PG) 9:45 AFTER EARTH (PG13) (1:20, 4:20), 7:20, 9:55 NOW YOU SEE ME (PG13) (1:05, 4:05), 7:05, 10:05 FAST & FURIOUS 6 (PG13) (12:50, 1:20, 4:05, 4:40), 7:05, 7:35, 10:05, 10:30 EPIC (PG) (1:10, 4:10), 7:10 HANGOVER 3 (R) (1:30, 2:00, 4:30, 5:00), 7:30, 8:00, 10:05, 10:30 STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS (PG13) (1:15, 4:30), 7:25, 10:30 THE GREAT GATSBY (PG13) (12:55, 4:05), 7:10, 10:15 IRON MAN 3 (PG13) (1:15, 4:30), 7:30, 10:30 CHILDREN UNDER 3 NOT ADMITTED TO PG13 or R RATED MOVIES AFTER 6PM SHOWTIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013

3

We saw you at ...

Memorial Day program, Mahanoy City

Summer Kick-off concert Christina and Michael Weiss, New Philadelphia

Photos

by Andy Matsko

Christine Wiekrykas, left, and Bonnie Keff, both of Mahanoy City

Sarah Devine, left, and Ginny Marley, both of Mahanoy City

STEVE’S

14-16 Sunbury St. • Minersville

570-544-6096

WEEKEND SPECIAL

2 Eggs, Homefires, Sausage Patties Breakfast Served All Day

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 5:30 am to 2 pm We Accept Credit Cards

Catering available on and off site Ask about our “Customer Loyalty” card.

Happy Hour

All You Can Eat

BREAKFAST BUFFET Sunday, June 2nd 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Immaculate Conception Social Hall Saint Clair 570-429-0302

Dan Kelly and Kim Weaver, both of Pottsville

Abbey Wiekrykas, left, and Sabrina Keff, 3½, both of Mahanoy City

Blu Tavern Restaurant & Motel

Rt. 209, Llewellyn • 570-544-9919

Featured Entree: PRIME RIB OF BEEF AUJUS (EVERY FRIDAY TIL SOLD OUT)

TUSCAN LEMON CHICKEN

Summer Salad Menu Coming Soon!

Sunday Brunch Buffet 10 am-2pm For more info www.bluetavern.com

T he New Village Inn Bar, Restaurant & Catering

Kitchen Hours

ANOTHER SIDE

Thurs. 6-9 p.m. Seafood & Steaks

It's PicnicTime! Have it at your Place or Ours!

Free Setup & Delivery with ALL Occasions!

Fri. 4-8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 7-11 a.m. & 4-8 p.m.

THIS SATURDAY JUNE 1ST 9PM-12AM $8.00 COVER

Menu for May 31 & June 1st

Build Your Own Burger, FF, C.S ............... 6.50 Pasta & Meatballs..................................... 7.95 Halupki's, Potato, Vegetable ................... 8.50 Chicken Parm & Pasta ............................. 8.95 N.Y. Strip Steak w/ Mushrooms & Onions ............................ 11.95 Baked or Broiled Devil Crab Cakes....... 12.95 Broiled Haddock..................................... 12.95 Broiled Stuffed Haddock ....................... 13.50

Open Father’s Day 11-4 All You Can Eat Family Style Dinner...9.95 per person beverage & dessert included.

WE CATER FOR EVERY OCCASION !!!!

Myrtle May’s Café M

Strike Up the Band for Diabetes

Wednesdays

236 Sunbury Street, Minserville PA 17954 • (570) 399-5110 www.myrtlemayscafe.com

M&J Big Band

LADIES HAPPY HOUR featuring: Skinny Girl Drink Menu Friday, May 31st.

“STERLING KOCH” “JEM”

WE WILL BE OPEN SUNDAYS

Saturday, June 1st

Starting June 9th, 7am-2pm Open Tues. Thru Sat. 5am-2pm Sun. 7am-2pm

Coal Creek Plaza, Saint Clair

BREAKFAST SERVED ALL DAY!

570-429-1888

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013

PINE GROVE VFW

101 West Centre Street Mahanoy City 773-9927 or 467-2232

Mon-Thurs 5-7 p.m.

Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials

4

Marie Graham, left, Norristown, and her sister, Jeri Chelak, Mahanoy City

Sunday Breakfast Buffet 7-11 a.m. $6.95 Public Welcome - Weekly Specials Coming July 20th - “Sapphire” Guests Accompanied By Members Only – ID a Must Visit Us On Facebook

Performing

Saturday, June 15, 2013 at the Pottsville Zone Hall from 6:00-10:00 pm Includes food from 6:00-8:00 p.m. coffee and soda included Band from 7-10 pm All proceeds benefit: Schuylkill County Diabetes Organization Tickets in advance $20 (570) 628-3827 or At the door $22 (570) 628-9793

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

2501 West End Avenue Pottsville - 570-622-8741

$2 HAPPY HOURS: Mon-Thurs 4-6pm Fri., 4-8pm, Sat 8-10pm $10 Fajitas $.60 wings Wed. $.50 wings Fri. PATIO IS OPEN! Tonite 10 pm

“GAS STATION DISCO” Saturday, “BEVERAGE PONG TOURNY” $100 Prize based on 12 teams

Sovereign Majestic Pottsville Gymnastics & Theatrical Center, Inc. Presents The 5th Annual LIL’ BITS OF BROADWAY Sunday, July 14 – 2:00 p.m.

Tickets Only: $15.00

In Cooperation with Lift Your Spirits Performing Arts “Gilligan’s Island…of Death” Saturday, July 27, 2013 – 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 28, 2013 – 3:00 p.m.

Call: 570-628-4647

GIORGIO’S PIZZA RESTAURANT

(570) 429-1237

36 N. 2nd St., St. Clair PA We Deliver Open Tues.-Thurs.11am to 9:30 pm Saturday 11am-10pm • Sunday 4pm till 9:30pm • Mondays-Closed

Enjoy summer in own backyard So I’m thinking the cold temperatures are done having their way with us and summer is here. I hope I’m right!

Summer is my favorite season. I’m looking forward to three months of sunshine, warm breezes, blue skies and maybe a vacation day or two.

June brings us fun, food and festivals of all kinds.

Recreational opportunities abound in all corners of Schuylkill County. The first Lavender Festival at Hope Hill Farm, Cressona, on June 22 promises to be simply wonderful.

Hope Hill will feature samplings from Jersey Acres & Stone Mountain Winery, Susquehanna Brewing Company, Sculp’s Hill Herbs, Mud & Maker, Beauregard Catering, woodcrafters, live entertainment and of course, lots of lavender! Speaking of lavender be sure to make time for Ruby’s Kitchen & Catering’s Lavender Dinner &

the Schuylkill River Heritage Area and brings hunRegina dreds of outdoor enthusiasts Gargano each year.

In fact, make a day of it in Schuylkill Haven on Saturday and have breakfast on the river at The Shoppes at Meck Knitting Mill and hit up the Walk-In Art Center’s Brew Pairing on June 27-29.

Rock the Block Festival, too!

Join Hope Hill and Tom Hawk Mountain’s Arts Leskin to experience this Tour is also Saturday and not unique taste sensation with to be missed. Pick up a map at Ruby’s own Chef Conrad.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, If you’re into the outdoors, Drehersville, and explore this this weekend features one of free self-guided tour which the big events of the year as includes carvings, painting, hundreds of river enthusiblacksmith, jewelry, quilting asts climb into their kayaks photography and stained and canoes for the annual glass, just to name a few mediSchuylkill River Sojourn um included on the tour. that launches from June offers a multitude of Schuylkill Haven on Saturdiversions including Heritage day morning.

Day in the Valley in HeckThe Sojourn is a 112-mile scherville on June 9, Mounguided paddle from tain Valley’s $100,000 Golf Schuylkill Haven to BoatShootout from June 3-9 and house Row in Philadelphia its Kielbasi/Pierogi Tournathat is organized annually by ment on June 21, Hidden Val-

Summit View Restaurant & Pub

570-754-7535

Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays Between 4 PM & 5 PM

Receive 10% Off Your Entire Food Bill

Route 183, Summit Station Wed. & Thurs. 4-8pm • Fri. & Sat. 4-9pm Sun. Noon-7pm • Closed Mon. & Tues.

Corner Nice & Spring Sts. Frackville • 570-874-4496

Serving Dinners

Dine In or Take Out

Fri. & Sat. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

OPEN Monday thru Sunday Specials for Friday, Saturday and Sunday

•SEAFOOD •PASTA •WINGS •PIZZA •SANDWICHES •OTHER SNACK FOODS ETC. Lobster & Sauteed Shrimp Combo

28 S. D Street, Mahanoy City 570-773-1195

Grilled Delmonico Steak Jumbo Lump Deviled Crab Crab Au-Gratin Stuffed Shrimp Plus Regular Menu!!

$19.95

Delmonico Steaks 16 oz.

$16.95

Dining Room is now Smoke Free

Christy Joy’s

Cost is $25.00 Call Jack 570-622-7218 or Bob 570-622-5750

1874 train station. Grab a chair or blanket and enjoy!

This is dad’s month and there are plenty of great Father’s Day gifts to be had in Schuylkill County! Book him some tee time at the area golf courses. Or get out to Heisler’s for a game of mini-golf and ice cream or one of its many “Night in the Country” concerts on Saturday, June 9, 22 and 30.

You can get him a case of his favorite brew at Brewer’s Outlet or that remote starter he’s been wanting at 12Volt Dave’s Audio. Call our friends at the Schuylkill County Airport and book him that plane ride or lesson he’s always wanted to try.

Treat him to a delicious meal at Vito’s Coal Fired Pizza & Restaurant, McKeansburg Hotel, The Oak Hill Inn, Ruby’s Kitchen & Catering Prix Fixe Dinners, The Wooden Keg or my dad’s favorite, Roma Pizzeria. Or

POTTSVILLE ZONE'S COMEDY NIGHT

DELCAMP’S

THE

BlackCOMEDY Amish

TOUR Earl David Reed &

Raymond the Amish Comic

JUNE 14, 2013

Saturday, June 1st

“RED HALO” Playing all Your

Favorite Party Songs!

10pm - 1am For a Full Menu, Specials & Events check our website Mineshaftcafe.com

do It’s Just Barbecue’s Saturday Night Prime Rib. Yum! Just don’t forget him!

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a few opportunities to learn over the summer. That’s right, summer school! The Arts Barn has a complete schedule of workshops for both young and old, as do both the Walk-In Art Center and Mud & Maker.

Diakon has a full summer schedule including papermaking, line dancing, feng shui, portraiture and more for adults.

The Schuylkill County Historical Society has a great history camp lined up for children ages 7-12 the week of June 24.

For more information on the events I mentioned and many others go to www. schuylkill.org and enjoy summer in your own backyard!

(Gargano is executive director of Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau) Jersey Acres Market Stone Mountain Wine Cellars Wine Tasting Daily

Friday Deviled Crab Dinner ........$5.99 Chicken Salad Hoagie ...... sm. $4.99 lg., $5.99

Spring Onions, Asparagus, Rhubarb & Strawberries.

Local Hot House Tomatoes

St. Clair • 8AM to 8PM • 570-429-1470

www.stonemountainwinecellars.com

1615 Panther Valley Rd., Pine Grove, PA Phone 570-739-4418

Comedy Show: 9:00PM to 2:00AM Dinner Buffet: 6:30PM to 8:30PM

DJ Dan Poletti before & after the comedy show.

THE POTTSVILLE ZONE

Tickets : $28.00 Per person or $50 per Couple For tickets Contact the Pottsville Zone at 570-628-9793

Wednesday - Mexican Night Thursday - Lobster Special

Crimson Tide Football Club Golf Tournament and Picnic

Saturday, June 1st Golf at Hidden Valley - Registration starts at noon Cost for golf is $80.00 Includes golf, prizes, refreshments and picnic Picnic only is at 3:00 p.m.

ley’s Father’s Day adult/ junior 9-hole two-person scramble on June 15, Tamaqua Summerfest on June 16, Long Trout’s Disc Golf Tournament on June 15 and its annual “Take your Top Off” celebration on June 29.

Schuylkill Haven’s Wine, Walk & Wander on June 20, Liquid History-Beer Appreciation @ The Shoppes at Meck Knitting Mill on June 22, Mud & Maker’s first birthday celebration and open house on June 8, Wheel & Wine Nights at Mud & Maker on June 14 and 29 and Mad Summer Meltdown at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Summit Station, on June 21-23.

Phew, what a month! This month also hails the beginning of Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce’s free summer concert series. Beginning June 6, this series hosts a different free concert every other Thursday through September at their fabulous restored

Plants with a Purpose!

MAY HOURS: Weekdays 8-4 Saturday 8-2 Sunday 12-4

Single $12.99, Twin $18.99 Surf & Turf $18.99

Friday & Saturday

Early Bird Special 4-6pm Prime Rib $16.95 Specials are Dine In only

The Station House Fine Food & Spirits Corner of Railroad & Willing Llewellyn

JUNE HOURS: Weekdays 8-4 Saturday 9-2

• Flowering Baskets • Packs • Planters • Pots • • Annuals • Perennials • Herbs • Geraniums • • Garden Stones • Cemetary Planters • Wreaths • • Trash to Treasures • Seasonal Gifts • • Gift Certificates•

570-544-4456

Dining Open Tues-Thurs 4pm-8pm • Fri & Sat 11am-9pm

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013

5

Smart play, cash back makes for positive expectation game

Dear Mark: I am a little confused when you say that with comps, you can make video poker and blackjack a “positive expectation” game. Could you please explain how comps make up for the “built-in” house edge on the two games that I play?

Jason G. Bless their hearts, casinos love to offer their patrons a wide variety of freebies ranging from small trinkets to first-class all-expense paid trips. The hook here, Jason, is that all comps serve the same purpose: To fuel a player’s gambling losses at the machines and table games.

Fortunately, many gamblers

persuading players to hand over their hard-earned money. So, in the spirit of competition, casinos started offerDeal Me In ing comps to attract and keep loyal customers. Today these incentives are taken for granted, and knowledgeable player uses them to bargain for the best deals, along with lowering the house of today are hard-core baredge. gainers who insist on being The main objective in catered to at no cost to them. using a Player’s Club card is Now here’s a dirty little to be rewarded for your casino secret. Gamblers did patronage by getting your not invent complimentary fair share of comps and cash drinks, food, rooms or anyback. When you add smart thing else educated gamblers play and decent paytables, can get their grubby little you can turn a game like vidhands on. The casinos did! eo poker or blackjack into a Casinos make gazillions positive expectation game.

Mark Pilarski

Covenant Home Care

Celebration of Life Service 1:00pm Butterfly Release 1:15pm

June 2, 2013 - St. Mary’s Church 94 Walnut Rd., Hamburg, PA 19526

$25 Donation includes live music, butterfly, and refreshments.

For more information 1-800-726-8761 or sbann@covenanthc.org

Pine View Acres Sunday, June 2nd 2-6pm

NEW SPECIAL

Ham, Potatoes, Sausage & Kielbasi)

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013

AGED PRIME RIB LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 30¢ WINGS ALL DAY

STUFFED PORK CHOPS $13.95 2ND DINNER $6.95 WINGS $6.50 DOZ. EVERY NIGHT

Anne's Bakery and More

Branchdale Call 570-544-5105 We Have Mackerel

SUN

570-754-7259 • Summit Station

Congratulations JEANETTE Class of 2013

Thur.-Fri.-Sat.-Sun. 6 a.m.-12 noon

TIME TO ENJOY! Rock the Block Art Festival

at the Walk In Art Center Schuylkill Haven, June 1st

Hawk Mountain Arts Tour, June 1st A Night in the Country Concert Series at Heisler's, June 1st Breakfast by the Schuylkill River: Cheer on the Sojourners! at The Shoppes at Meck Knitting Mill, June 1st Pink Weekend at Pine Creek Country Gardens, May 31st thru June 2nd, featuring Sterling Koch on June 2nd

$19.95

Now Accept 570-628-3207 • Chamberlaine Ave., Pottsville WeEBT Cards

6

FRI - SAT

FRIDAY SEAFOOD BUFFET

Sundays Big Breakfast Buffet (Fruit Filled Crepes, Cinnamon Bread,

LADIES NIGHT - OPEN JUKEBOX WITH 2 FOR 1 DRINK SPECIALS

SPECIALS

King Crab Legs-Steamed Clams Haddock-Shrimp ( Fried & Cocktail) Includes Dessert & Salad Bar & 12 other items

Creamed Chipped Beef, Biscuits, Scrapple,

WEDNESDAY

Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge

“MINSTREL” Polka Band

BLUE RIDGE HOTEL

For example, with proficient play, a 9/6 machine (nine for the full house, six for a flush), the house edge is under 1 percent. Coupling your skills with incentives like cash back and other comps, mathematically, you now have an overall return greater than 100 percent.

Hence, a “positive expectation.”

Note, Jason, that it doesn’t necessarily have to be “comps included” to make a certain video poker machine a positive expectation game.

Take an 8/5 (eight for the full house, five for a flush) video poker machine that has a progressive meter. If the linked progressive meter

Send us your events for our online calendar at www.schuylkill.org

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau MONDAY-FRIDAY: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM 570-622-7700 • www.schuylkill.org One Progress Circle, Suite 100, Pottsville

reads at least $2,200 on a quarter and $8,800 on a dollar game, you have now crossed the threshold to a positive expectation game.

As for blackjack, you not only earn more in comps and cash back than you would at most other table games, it too can be made into a positive expectation game, with of course, some use of your noggin. Here’s how.

Casinos by-and-large use a customary 2-percent advantage over blackjack players in calculating how much they are willing to give a blackjack player in cash back or comps. However, the basic strategy player can

Blue Mt Lakes Summit Station Rt 183

reduce that house edge to under 1 percent, which, with cash rebates along with your skillful play, makes blackjack a winning proposition with an overall return greater than 100 percent.

Gambling wisdom of the week “A number of moralists condemn lotteries and refuse to see anything noble in the passion of the ordinary gambler. They judge gambling as some atheists’ judge religion, by its excesses.”

— Charles Lamb, “Essays of Elia,” 1832 (Pilarski can be reached at pilarski@markpilarski.com)

Middleport Inn Coal St., Middleport

570-754-7934

Fri., May 31st, 10 p.m.-1 a.m.

“Eddie Bluestone Band” Sat., June 1st Tro ut Tournament with tag fish & cas h prizes Starts at 8 a.m.

“Still Rockin’” 10 p.m.-1 a.m.

June 7th Catfish Tou rnament

Friday Specials

Stuffed Chicken Breast Beer Battered Haddock Broiled Shrimp with Scallops Jambalaya Beef Barley Thursday - Wing Night

570-277-9015

FREE tuCrdoayn,cJuenert1sint • 6:th00ep.mP.ark Sa

evening!

enjoy the Bring your lawn chair and Rainy weather locatios n:Hill Bubeck Park/Stoyers Dam Luther Ridge at Seider Music by the Sensations

Sponsored by

Luther Ridge at Seiders Hill • Assisted Living Residence 160 Red Horse Road, Pottsville PA, 17901 • 570-621-7200

THIS WEEKEND’S EVENTS TODAY BINGO — 6 to 8 p.m., doors open 4 p.m., St. Jerome Roman Catholic Church Hall, 266 W. Broad St., Tamaqua.

REGISTRATIONDEADLINE FOR TOURNAMENT — 3-on3 basketball tournament, to be held June 22-23, Williamstown Multi-Sports Complex, Water Street, Williamstown.

Open to seventh- through 12th-grade boys and girls.

Registration fee $125 per team. Hosted by Williamstown Development Organization. Email sincyrd@yahoo. com or call 717-319-1690.

RUTH M. STEINERT MEMORIAL SPCA THRIFT BOUTIQUE — Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, one mile south of Pottsville Dunkin’ Donuts on Route 61, turn into Auto Liquidators lot.

Look for sign with red balloons. Call 267-334-4220.

WOMEN’S WEEKEND WITH GWEN MOULIERT — Today through Sunday, Blue Mountain Christian Retreat, 1 Christian Lane, New Ringgold. Services times, 7 p.m. today, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.

Sunday. www.bmcr.org or call 570-386-2154.

Fast Frank’s Friday, May 31 Karaoke, 9PM

Fri., Sat., Sun. Special Clams, $3.95/Dozen All Yuengling 12oz. Cans Lager - Lite Premium, $1

Saturday & Sunday

Breakfast, 7AM-Noon 22 Coal St., Middleport 570-277-6060

SATURDAY ANNUAL ETHNIC DAY — Sponsored by Mahanoy City Homecoming Church Committee, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Citizens Fire Company, 212 W. Centre St., Mahanoy City.

ANNUAL TOWNWIDE YARD SALE — 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ashland. Maps available at Eureka Park, 17th and Arch streets. Sponsored

by Ashland Borough Recreation Committee. Rain or shine.

ANNUAL TOWNWIDE YARD SALE — Starts 8 a.m., throughout borough of Port Carbon. Benefits Port Carbon Children’s Christmas Party with Santa. Maps available in front of Grace United Methodist Church, (across from Turkey Hill. Look for yellow balloons. Call Deniece at 570-573-1946.

BREAKFAST BY THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER — 8 to 10 a.m., The Shoppes at the Meck Knitting Mill, 101 W. Main St., Schuylkill Haven. Adults $8, children 12

(Formerly Longboards) 204 Peacock St., Pottsville • 570-622-8920

Open Today 3pm, Sat & Sun 4pm Mon-Thurs 6pm Tonight 9pm

“DJ 1:01”

Saturday 9pm

“BOY”S UPSTAIRS”

Saturday, June 8th

“COLLINS BUNCH” Sat., June 15th Guinness “DJ JOE DEVINE” on Tap Outdoor Patio Open

es to the Island. Check-in 8 to 8:50 a.m. Registration fee $25. Open to all ages.

Online registration at www. pretzelcitysports.com. Call Nena at 570-732-3728, ext.

301, or Kim at 570-3859048, ext. 3031. Proceeds benefit Walk-In Art Center.

INDOOR YARD SALE — 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trinity United Church of Christ, 316 W. Market St., Pottsville. No early birds.

INDOOR YARD SALE — 7 a.m. to noon, Trinity Chapel (basement), 71 Upper Beechwood Ave., Buck Run (Pottsville).

KAUFFMAN’S CHICKEN BARBECUE — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Minersville Fire and Rescue, North Street, Minersville. Cost $7.

LOTTERY TICKETS FOR JUNE — Sponsored by Sheppton-Oneida Volunteer Fire Company. Cost $5, available at fire company, 900 Center St., Sheppton, or call

570-384-4746.

NASCAR TICKET RAFFLE — Drawing today, Locustdale Fire Company, Firehouse Hill, Locustdale. Winner will received two tickets to Party in the Pocono 400 on June 9. Tickets $5. Call 570-8753297.

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY — Weiser State Forest with Bob and Judy Llewellyn. Hike four miles round trip. Easy to moderate. Meet at 10 a.m., Lutheran Church parking lot, Main Street, Ringtown.

PINE GROVE COMMUNITY DAY — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Veterans Memorial Drive, Pine Grove, by the canal. Entertainment by S&S Sound Production 10 a.m. to noon, Rehrig Brothers noon to 3 p.m., Pine Grove Community Band concert 4 p.m.

Car show, vendors, crafts, yard sales, flea market, food stands.

PROGRAM — 1 p.m., Schuylkill Center for Mind-

FRIDAY 4-7PM PLATTERS HADDOCK W/ MAC & CHEESE CRAB CAKES LASAGNA SATURDAY BREAKFAST 7-11AM 8-11PM “REMEMBER WHEN”

Hours 9-12 or 9-2 Language Arts, Math, Social Studies & Science

For An Appointment or to Register Call

570-622-2788 Ext. 31 Pa Department of Education Certified

1 4 4 0 M a h a n t o n g o S t r e e t • Po t t s v i l l e

Lakeside Ballroom

2501 West End Ave., Pottsville

YOUTH GLOW N BOWL Every Friday Night

6:30pm-8:30pm (ages 18 and under) $7.00 Per Person Includes 2 hours bowling, shoe rental & 6 ArcadeTokes for Game Room

For more info call

Call (570) 622-8740 Check us out on Facebook!

Saturday, June 1st

JUST SAY YES @ 10

Presents

Saturday, June 8th

T.O.R.N. @ 10

June 15th May 10th

19 FRONT ST., CRESSONA

570-385-1927

WEEKEND DINNER FEATURES Friday

Spaghetti pie 7.95 Texas beef brisket 10.95 Breaded seafood combo Founder, shrimp & scallops 12.95

Schuylkill County Council for the Arts

3 Years Old Tues & Thurs 9-12 4/5 Years Old Mon/Wed/Fri

Please see CALENDAR, Page 8

1240 Centre Turnpike Route 61 Orwigsburg, PA • 570-366-1914

Seedlings Preschool Register For Register for 2013-2014School School Year Year 2012-2013

ful Living, 45 S. Second St., Cressona. Dr. Jeffrey Marrongelle will inform participants of steps to take to protect against harmful effects of curly florescent bulbs, electromagnetic field and persistent organic pollutants. Free and open to public. Call 570754-3655.

REGISTRATI0N FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL — 10 a.m. to noon today and June 8, VBS to be held 6 to 8 p.m. June 25-28, St. Clair Wade United Methodist Church, 23 N. Front St., Saint Clair.

ROCK THE BLOCK ART AND MUSIC FESTIVAL — Noon to 9 p.m., Walk-In Art Center, 110 W. Columbia St., Schuylkill Haven. Free daytime activities. Evening concert by Diaspora, cost $5.

Tonite “MICHELS” Saturday “DAVE HARTRANFT”

PINE GROVE AMERICAN LEGION 42 S.Tulpehocken St. Pine Grove 570-345-8050

TOOM’S PUB

(Featuring Eddie Collins)

and under, $5. Bring you own chair or blanket.

CAR WASH — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Cressona borough building. Cost $5 per car.

Sponsored by Bethany Christian Fellowship to benefit youth fund.

COAL CRACKERS POLKA DANCE — 7 to 11 p.m. today, and 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Pine View Acres, Chamberlain Avenue, Pottsville. Music by Lenny Gomulka, today and Maestro Men, Sunday.

Call Joe at 570-622-3321, John at 570-455-7676 or Anna at 570-462-9355.

DISPLAY ROOM OPEN — Auburn Area Historical Society, noon to 3 p.m. every Monday, 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and 1 to 4 p.m. first Saturday of month, 451 Pearson St., Auburn. Free.

5K RUN OR WALK — Starts 9 a.m., Walk-In Art Center/Evans Delivery parking lot, 110 W. Columbia St., Schuylkill Haven, progress-

Saturday

116 Ringtown Blvd Ringtown

Sweet chili glazed boneless ribs 8.95 Chicken Calabrese 10.95 Black & Gold Sirloin steak & stuffed shrimp 15.95

570-889-2357 Join Us This Weekend!

Sunday

Chicken & dumplings 7.95 Haddock oreganatta 11.50 Lamb chops 12.95

Sunday Breakfast

Strawberry banana French toast Creamed chipped beef

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

The Ideal WXW Kings (World Extreme Wrestling) One of the Top Will Return to the & Ballroom Journey Cougar StartsJohn at 7:35pm Doors Mellencamp Tribute Bands

open at 6.:30pm

9pm - 12 midnight

$15 ALL SEATS Doors open at 8pm For Information call $15 in Advance $20 at Door 570-467-2630

40 Crystal Lane • Barnesville • 570-467-2630 www.lakesideballroom.net

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013

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‘Murder in the Gallery’ CALENDAR whodunit, dinner to benefit SUMMER KICKOFF BARBECUE BASH — 3 to 9 p.m., Leadership Lackawanna Liberty Fire Company, ColumContinued from Page 7

BY PATRICE WILDING STAFF WRITER

pwilding@timesshamrock.com

Guess the murder weapon.

Guess the killer.

For fans of the board game “Clue,” these riddles might sound familiar.

The setting for this murder mystery, however, is not the study, the billiard room or the library. It’s Scranton Cultural CenteratTheMasonicTemple, and local detective wannabees will have the chance to participate today in a live whodunit.

“Murder in the Gallery” will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Shopland Hall on the fourth floor of the cultural center. Admission for the dinner party is $40 per person, with a cash bar available. Proceeds from the event benefit Leadership Lackawanna, the nonprofit organization dedicated to leadership and professional development for citizens of Lackawanna County.

Nicole Barber, director of the organization and fundraiser planner, said the concept for the activity came about in a brainstorming session with an alumni committee that was looking for a fresh idea.

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“We wanted something that hasn’t been overdone, something super creative that allows businesses to support it,” Barber said.

The fun begins with a cocktail hour in the lobby just outside Shopland Hall, which will be transformed to resemble an art opening for the conniving character Eric Van Der Hue, a greedy artist who demands more than his work is worth.

Passed hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar with signature cocktails will be available.

Around 6:30, the crowd will be moved to the hall, where part one of the production will begin. The murder will take place, and after the lights come back on, dinner

by Constantino’s Catering will be served.

As dinner wraps up, part two of the show will get under way, with more clues coming together as the audience members use their detective notepads to try to figure out the mystery. At the end of the show, accusations will be collected from audience members, and surprise giveaways will be awarded based on who solves the crime.

BLOCK PARTY Rain or Shine

Columbia Hose Fire Co. No. 1 742 W. Centre St., Shenandoah

Friday, June 7 • 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Saturday, June 8 • Noon - 11 p.m.

Fire Truck Parade - Friday - 7:30 p.m.

Entertainment Friday: DJ Grady Saturday: Toolshed Jack Moon Bounce, Face Painting, Games As Always, Columbia’s Famous Bleenies!!!

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013

bia and St. James streets, Schuylkill Haven. Food provided by Coal Crackin’ BBQ. Music by DJ Inspekta. Among events will be poker run, starting at noon, a Chinese auction inside firehouse and a firetruck parade at 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact the fire company at 570-385-3341 or visit www. libertyfireco.com.

YARD AND BAKE SALE — Starts 8 a.m., St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 21 S. Nice St., Frackville.

YARD AND BAKE SALE — 8 a.m. to noon, Higher Ground Worship Center, Route 443, Friedensburg.

BINGO — 6:30 p.m., doors and kitchen open 5 p.m., Coaldale Ambulance building. Free coffee and tea and weekly door prizes. Call 570645-2050.

BINGO — 6:45 p.m., American Legion, 3 E. Spruce St., Minersville.

BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER — 7 to 11 a.m. today and 7 a.m. to noon Sunday, American Legion Post 434, 505 W. Centre St., Ashland.

Cost from $2 to $7. Breakfast available every weekend.

MEETING — Shining the

Light, 8 to 9 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, Third and Arch streets, Pottsville.

Open to community.

MEETING — Vision of Hope, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 S. Balliet St., Frackville.

REUNION BREAKFAST — Pine Grove High School Class of 1969, 9 a.m., Red Lion Cafe, Deturksville.

Call 570-345-8683. Group meets first Saturday of each month.

SUNDAY ALL-YOU-CAN-EATBREAKFAST BUFFET — 8 to 11:30 a.m., Immaculate Conception Social hall, Saint Clair.

Adults $6, children 8 and under, $3. Take outs available. Call 570-429-0302.

Proceeds benefit St. Clare of Assisi parish.

ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT — Sponsored by Tamaqua Knee-Hi Football, registration 7 a.m., shotgun start 8 a.m., Mountain Valley Golf Course, Barnesville. Cost $70. Call Dave at 570-4492749.

BREAKFAST — 8 a.m. to noon, MaryD Fire Company, Sanderson Street, MaryD. Baked goods available.

BINGO — 1 p.m., Sheppton-Oneida Fire Company,

315 N. Centre St., Pottsville 570-628-4220 www.thegstone.com m FRIDAY, MAY 31ST

ARA

Starting at 9pm

Thursday, June 6th Outside Patio Party Featuring “Toolshed Jack” (acoustic) Serving Lunch Thursdays & Fridays ONLY 11:00am to 1:00pm FREE Business Delivery

Want To Be Added To Our Fax List? Call 570-628-4220 For More Info

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

for redistribution. Call 570874-1585.

FREE FEEDING PROGRAM — Soup kitchen open 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. every Sunday, New Life in Christ Ministries, 217-219 Market St., Cumbola. Full meal for families in need. Call 570-277-6041.

MEETINGS — Alcoholics Anonymous, noon and 7 p.m.

Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday; noon to 8 p.m.

Tuesday; noon Wednesday and Saturday, St. Stephen’s Center, 45 W. Fourth St., Mount Carmel.

MEMBERSHIP MEETING — Park Crest Fish and Game Protective Association, 2 p.m., Brandonville clubhouse.

SOCIAL GATHERING — Schuylkill Singles, 5:30 p.m., Pottsville Zone, Peacock Street, Pottsville. Call Mike at 570-385-2754 or 570-874-0288.

900 Center St., Sheppton.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY — 5 to 6 p.m., Faith Church, 1168 Centre Turnpike, Route 61, Orwigsburg. Biblical and balanced program created to help people overcome life’s hurts, habits and hangups.

Free. Mailing address is P.O. Box 323, Orwigsburg, PA 17961.

FLEXER FAMILY BENEFIT — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lehighton Recreation Center and Grove, 243 S. Eighth St., Lehighton. Funds raised will go to Flexer family who lost their home in a fire in April.

FREE COMMUNITY DINNER — 4 to 5:30 p.m., Grace Evangelical Free Church, 101 Graeff St., Cressona.

FREE BREAD, PASTRY AND ROLLS — 12:15 to 1:30 p.m., pick up at Living Waters Church of God, 155 S. Balliet St., Frackville. Accepting non-perishable food

Family Restaurant

Pottsville, Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre

Summer Burger Specials Served from 11AM to Close - Always fresh, not frozen!

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Black & Blue Taco Burger

(Blue cheese crumbles, bacon, lettuce and tomato) (Salsa, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, lettuce and tomato)

Tex Mex Burger

(Salsa, pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, lettuce and tomato)

Bacon Swiss Burger (Bacon, swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato)

Smothered Burger

(Sautéed onions, mushrooms, provolone cheese, lettuce and tomato) All served with French fries and a beverage.

Serving all new Summer Salads Join us for our new weekend dinner specials!

Fill out a comment card to let us know what you would like to change!