Dec13

FRIDAY, DEC. 13, 2014

For a review of “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” see Page 3

We saw you at...

“A Christmas Carol” at Strawberry Playhouse

Joe Barnetsky, left, and Ann Marie Calabrese, both of Cumbola

Christmas around the country From left, Kayla Zamudio, Tamaqua, and Max Valentine and Emily Barrett, both of Tuscarora For more photos from the show, see Page 4

See Page 2

Holiday happenings

Take time to enjoy gingerbread houses, lights, trees at country’s top Christmastime attractions

BY BETH J. HARPAZ ASSOCIATED PRESS

N

EW YORK — Lights, trees, gingerbread and the Grinch are among the Christmastime attractions on display around the country.

New York City’s holiday traditions include the tree at Rockefeller Center, the Radio City “Christmas Spectacular” show, origami decorations on the tree at the American Museum of Natural History, the Neapolitan Baroque creche and tree at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and of course windows decorated with Christmas themes in stores around the city.

In the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden hosts its annual train show, with model trains winding around miniature replicas of New York landmarks made from plant materials like bark, leaves and nuts. At Grand Central Terminal, there are real trains, along with a light show each evening through Dec. 26 from 5 to 11 p.m.

And at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, an interactive exhibit called “The Grinch’s Holiday Workshop” is up through Dec. 31, along with a synthetic ice rink where kids can skate in their socks.

In Florida, Universal Orlando offers the “Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular” show and re-enactments of New York’s Macy’s parade with balloons and costumed characters through Jan. 4. At Walt Disney World, festivities include Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom, the candlelight processional at Epcot, and the Osborne Family Spectacle 2

of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

In Virginia, the Ice Palace, a 30foot (9-meter) ice dome with falling snow, a light show, huge snow globes and a 360-degree interactive exhibit on the Arctic, is on display through Dec. 24 at Norfolk’s MacArthur Center. The Dominion Garden of Lights, a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) drive-through light show at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens in Hampton Roads, is held nightly through Dec. 31. Elsewhere in Virginia, Busch Gardens Williamsburg claims one of the largest light displays in the country, with 6 million lights covering the park.

Gingerbread displays include the Connecticut casino Mohegan Sun’s life-size gingerbread house, so big visitors can walk through it.

In Honolulu, the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani hotel hosts a gingerbread village with creations depicting world landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Australia’s Sydney Opera House. And in New York City, Le Parker Meridien hotel is hosting a display of gingerbread creations by local chefs depicting city sights like Coney Island. Visitors can view the display for free but voting on a favorite costs $1, with proceeds going to City Harvest, a local food bank.

In Las Vegas, the Bellagio Resort & Casino’s winter display includes more than 32,000 fresh poinsettias and a 45-foot-tall (14-meter) tree, along with a chocolate reindeer and life-size candy house. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is hosting a nightly light show with 400 animated lights along the 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) racetrack. And while real snow is highly unlikely, Town

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2013

Square Park hosts a show of artificial snowflakes falling at 7 p.m. nightly until Dec. 23, with a second show at 8 p.m. Friday-Sunday.

In Western Massachusetts, Springfield hosts “Bright Nights” at Forest Park, a drive-through experience with nearly 3 miles (5 kilometers) of lighting displays depicting characters from Dr. Seuss, Jurassic World and more.

In North Carolina, the Biltmore Estate offers 56 decorated trees in the main house, 1,000 red and white poinsettias in the estate’s Winter Garden, and evening musical performances, along with classes on building gingerbread houses and caring for Christmas plants. The National Historic Landmark is located in Asheville, N.C.

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Anna Ladner, left, and Vanja Ojes Dahlberg sip Champagne in front of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree after it was lit, in New York. Some 45,000 energy efficient LED lights adorn the 76-foot tree. TOP: The Ice Palace, a 30-foot ice dome at MacArthur Center in Norfolk, Va., features falling snow, a light show, huge snow globes and a 360-degree interactive exhibit on the Arctic.

New ‘Hobbit’ breathes fire into trilogy Bilbo turns tougher and more cunning and “The Hobbit” turns altogether more entertaining in “The Desolation of Smaug,” Peter Jackson’s livelier, funnier and action-packed middle film in his trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s slight delight of a novel.

It looks more like a fantasy — fantastical, with more murk and the otherworldly light of those mass-produced Thomas Kinkade paintings.

Characters feel more distinct, with Martin Freeman’s Bilbo making the transition from mere passenger on this dwarf ’s quest “beneath the Lonely Mountain” to the brains of the motley crew.

And there’s just more going on. Jackson and company wisely tamper with the Holy

MOVIE REVIEW Writ of Tolkien to invent a lady elf andtofindOrlandoBloom’s elf Legolas a part to play.

They’re more concerned with making this all a prelude to “The Lord of the Rings,” so foreshadowing and the suspicions of Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) step to the fore.

That ups the ante, creates urgency and sets up a love triangle, just one of several elements that become cliffhangers before “The Desolation of Smaug” ends.

The company of quarrelsome dwarfs led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) stumble through Mirkwood as they make their way through spiders, suspicious elves and Lake-town toward

the Lonely Mountain, where they have a date with a dragon who wiped out their kingdom and stole a vast treasure.

Bilbo, who found this magical ring he refuses to tell them about, saves their biscuits time and again.

Gandalf, worried that “The enemy has returned,” leaves them on their own, of course.

So they stumble into Woodelves, which is where Legolas and the lovely-but-deadly Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly) enter the story. Tauriel takes a shine to the tallest of the dwarfs.

(No, it’s not who you think.)

Fans of the novel will be impressed with the gloom of Mirkwood and the vast complex of the dwarf ’s city beneath The Lonely Mountain. Lake-town, the community of men at the base of the

mountain long terrorized by the dragon Smaug, is a Teutonic fairytale Venice, a watery city of canals and wood and downtrodden residents, all in leather and dirty shades of brown. Stephen Fry is the town’s dictator, the Master, one of the few “name” players in this semiobscure cast. Luke Evans is Bard the Boatman, another Lake-town resident destined to play a key part in the third film.

Jackson stages a splendid chase and a few stirring brawls with legions of digitally augmented goblins. And he lets the dwarfs and their sometimes incredulous hobbit “burglar” be funny.

They’re greedy, petty and far more in need of help than they’d ever admit.

Quibbles? The landscapes mostly look like matte paintings and the murk can be a bit too much. Jackson costumes the soldiers of Laketown in battle gear from the Wicked Witch of the West Collection. And Jackson’s use of 48-frames-per-second filming speed does nothing to smooth out digital action beats, which have a jerky video game-graphics quality.

The dumbest voice casting stunt ever may be Benedict Cumberbatch, utterly unrecognizable as Smaug, the synthetic-voiced digital dragon.

The BBC/PBS Sherlock Holmes gets to team up with his Dr. Watson (Freeman), but any voice actor could have done that and we’d have been none the wiser.

But “The Desolation of

West Coast Video

THIS WEEKEND’S EVENTS TODAY ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING — 6 p.m., Gazebo, Port Carbon. Visit with Santa.

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS — 6 p.m., Carbon County Environmental Education Center, 151 E. White Bear Drive, Summit Hill. Cost $5 per craft. Bring glue gun and small decorations.

Also jewelry project, make and take three pair of earrings. Cost $20. Call 570-645-8597.

CHRISTMAS SALE — 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Cressona Mall, center court, Cressona. New and used items and decorations. Sponsored by Making It Pawsible.

CHRISTMAS TREE SALE — 6 to 9 p.m. today, and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Good Will Fire Company parking lot, 88 Washington St., Port Carbon.

Choice of Douglas fir, Frasier fir and blue spruce.

HOLIDAY SHOP OPEN HOUSE — 5 to 9 p.m. today, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Min-

ersville Station. Featuring unique items from Minersville Historical Society, Project 113 and John Pritz Reproductions.

HOMEMADE NUT AND POPPYSEED ROLL SALE — Pick up 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Chizmar’s Styling, Saint Clair.

Cost $12.50 each. No orders required. Benefits St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, Lake Harmony. Call 570-429-0303.

LUMINARIA SALE FOR CHRISTMAS — Kits containing five luminaria available from Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship members, local church offices and Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce office, 114 W. Broad St., Tamaqua. Cost $5.

For more information, call 570668-1880.

PIEROGIE SALE — Pick up every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until Dec. 22, Chizmar’s Styling, Saint Clair.

Cost $6 per dozen. Call 570429-0303. Sponsored by St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, Lake Harmony.

Please see CALENDAR, Page 6

Smaug” is engagingly desolate and absorbingly backengineered to prefigure “The Lord of the Rings,” a movie that clips along and amuses as it does. Look for Jackson’s cameo in the opening, which sets the tone. Call it another visual triumph for New Zealand’s vision of Middle Earth.

Still, the national tourism board shouldn’t start counting the cash from another uptick in visitors, thanks to this. The Land of the Kiwis never looks so digitally desolate.

“The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug,” a Warner Brothers/New Line/MGM release, is rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images. Running time: 159 minutes. ★★★ New Releases First Featuring

Elmer’s Hobby Shop

And Chris’s AndElectronic Chris’s Cigarettes

Playing 12/13-12/19

Todd Electronic Heintz stop in for your Cigarettes Free Video Rental

THE HOBBIT: SMAUG

21+ SCREEN 1 PG13 12:00P 3:15P 6:30P 9:45P HUNGER GAMES FIRE

21+ SCREEN 2 PG13 3:45P 9:15P A MADEAS CHRISTMAS SCREEN 3 PG13

12:45P 3:30P 6:45P 9:30P

OUT OF FURNACE

Great Food

21+ SCREEN 2 R 1:00P 6:45P Happy Hour Special Daily

DELIVERY MAN SCREEN 5 PG13

12:30P 3:45P 7:00P 10:00P

FROZEN 2-D SCREEN 4

HOMEFRONT SCREEN 5 R

OUT OFTHE FURNACE SCREEN 7 R

12:15P 3:00P300

1:00P 7:00P

6:00P 9:00P

1:15P 4:15P 7:15P 10:00P

BARGAIN TUESDAYS ALL SHOWS ALL DAY $5.25 (Excluding IMAX, Hobbit & Anchorman, Additional fee for 3D)

NOW SHOWING IMAX:

THE HOBBIT: DESOLATION OF SMAUG IMAX3D (PG13) 12:00, 3:30, 7:00, 10:30 FEATURING IN REALD DIGITAL 3D:

THE HOBBIT: SMAUG PXC SCREEN 8 PG13

12:00P 3:15P 6:30P 9:45P

DUKE ELLINGTON’S SOPHISTICATED LADIES ENCORE PERFORMANCE DEC 15TH 12:30PM

For Showtimes: 570-874-2505 • www.schuylkillmalltheatres.com • www.facebook.com/schuylkillmalltheatres

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

Reading Movies 11 & IMAX 30 N. 2nd Street 610-374-2828 • www.rctheatres.com FREE GARAGE PARKING Digital Projection & Sound • Stadium Seating GIVE THE GIFT OF ENTERTAINMENT RC THEATRES GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE AT THE THEATRE BOX OFFICE

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE FOR: ROYAL BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER – TUE DEC 17 AT 7PM ANCHORMAN 2 – BEGINS TUE DEC 17 AT 9PM SAVING MR. BANKS & AMERICAN HUSTLE – BEGIN THU DEC 19 AT 8PM SHOWTIMES FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 THROUGH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17

HUNGER GAMES FIRE SCREEN 6 PG13

4:00P 10:00P

FROZEN 3-D SCREEN 4 PG

DON’T JUST SEE A MOVIE, EXPERIENCE IT AT

THE HOBBIT: DESOLATION OF SMAUG (PG13) HIGH FRAME RATE DIGITAL 3D (12:15, 3:45), 7:10, 10:40 FROZEN IN DIGITAL 3D (PG) (1:20, 4:20), 7:10** THE HOBBIT: DESOLATION OF SMAUG (PG13) (1:00, 1:15, 4:00, 4:15), 7:20, 7:40, 9:30**, 10:00, 10:20 TYLER PERRY’S A MADEA CHRISTMAS (PG13) (1:00, 1:45, 4:30, 5:00), 7:15, 7:45, 9:55, 10:40 FROZEN (PG) (1:20, 4:40), 7:40, 10:40 THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE (PG13) (12:45, 1:15, 4:00, 4:30), 7:15, 7:45, 10:30 OUT OF THE FURNACE (R) (1:00*, 4:10), 7:20**, 10:00 *TIME NOT SHOWING SAT. ** TIME NOT SHOWING TUE.

CHILDREN UNDER 3 NOT ADMITTEDTO PG13 or R RATED MOVIES AFTER 6PM SHOWTIMES SUBJECTTO CHANGEWITHOUT NOTICE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2013

3

We saw you at ... the show on Sunday From left, Kathy, Brooklyn and Joey Lescavage, Tuscarora, and Kathy Lescavage, New Philadelphia

Tim Zaspel, left, Pottsville, and Jonathan Donley, Minersville

From left Jasmine, Selena and Rosa Sadusky, Tamaqua, and Maria Tagliaferri, Pittston

Chris Fulmer, left, Tamaqua, and Jenna McBreen, Schuylkill Haven

Photos by David McKeown Every Tuesday Wings & Things $6.00 Every Thursday Jack Daniels Filet 4 oz. $10.99 • 8oz. $17.99

Served w/ French Fries & Veg. Every Friday 1/2 lb. King Crab Legs& 4 oz.

Filet w/ Pot., Veg., Soup or Salad $21.99 (Specials are Dine In Only)

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

570-544-4456

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

4

WE DELIVER 2501 West End Ave., Pottsville

FAMILY NEW YEARS EVE PARTY Tues., Dec. 31st. 6:30-8:30 pm $13.00 Per Person ( inc Bowling, Shoe Rental, Hot Dogs, Soda & Snacks.)

GALA NEW YEARS EVE PARTY Tues., Dec. 31st. 9:30 pm- 1:00am $26.00 Per Person ( Inc. Bowling, Shoe Rental, Noisemakers, Hot & Cold Buffet.)

Reservations being accepted. Sign up early to make sure you have a lane.

Christmas Eve 9 am-2 pm Christmas Day-Closed for Private Party

Call us for Details.

(570) 622-8740

Check us out on Facebook!

A Trans Siberian Holiday Concert Spectacular Twelve Twenty-Four Date: Sunday December 15th, 2013 Time: 6:00 P.M. Where: Mahanoy Area Complex Auditorium Mahanoy Area School District Tickets - $17.00 in advance, $20.00 at the door

For more info contact 570-773-3443 ext. 4027 Sponsor: Mahanoy Bear Band Boosters

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2013

GIORGIO’S PIZZA RESTAURANT

(570) 429-1237 36 N. 2nd St., St. Clair PA

Gift Cards now available!

For Christmas give a gift of Giorgio’s.

We Deliver

Sunday 4-9:30pm • Tues. thru Thurs. 11-9:30 • Fri. & Sat. 11am-10pm

Closed Mondays.

Like Us on Facebook

PINE GROVE VFW Sat. Dec. 14, 9-12

“BLOWIN SMOKE” Coming Dec. 21 “DJ Chubb”

Guests Accompanied By Members Only - ID a Must

----------------------Kitchen Hours

Friday 4-8 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday 7-11a.m. & 4-8 p.m.

Thursday 5-8 p.m. Seafood & Steaks

Sunday Breakfast 7-11 a.m.

Public Welcome - Weekly Specials Visit Us On Facebook

Breakfast with Santa Holiday Stop and Shop Sunday, December 15th • 8am-12pm All menu items will be made to order.

Santa and Mrs.Claus will be there mingling with the children during breakfast and will also be available for pictures.

Cressona Fire Co. #1, 59 South 2nd Street Cressona For questions call:570-640-9012

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

Joanne and Dan Hamm, Macungie

Jersey Acres Market Stone Mountain Wine Cellars Wine Tasting Daily

Gift Baskets & Gift Certificates Apple Cider

JT’s PUB and

CATERING

Saturday, December 21st

Christmas Party w/DJ Dat Skat

9 PM - 2 AM • NO COVER

Tuesday, December 31st

Apple Butter

New Year’s Party

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

Drink Specials & Dinner Buffet

Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm Sat. 8am-4pm, Sun. 11am-4pm

w/ DJ Dat Skat $8 Cover

Call to reserve a table 318 Washington St. Port Carbon

570.622.6218 • 570.617.0811

Saturday, December 14 Sunday, December 15 Stop in Between 5 to 8 pm Rain or Shine The Lighthouse Church Route 61 Orwigsburg IT’S ALL FREE! For Information Call: (570) 366-1300 www.thelighthousechurch.com

You can grieve however you see fit I wanted to write something light this week. I wanted to perhaps make fun of some ridiculous holiday traditions I don’t understand or maybe even write about how awful a lot of Christmas songs are and offer my suggestions for ones that actually aren’t horrible, but in wake of the recent tragedy in my neighborhood, I just didn’t have it in me to be clever and witty this week. I know it’s almost impossible to believe I’m not clever and witty at all times, but it’s true.

I often say, “If I die, please, before anyone does anything, delete my Facebook account,” but, through various tragedies, I’ve seen people take to Facebook accounts to speak their final goodbyes.

I believe it’s very cathartic for them to be able to say what is in their hearts when they lose someone, and Facebook pages have become such a part of our identities, if those who “keep in touch”

DELCAMP’S Friday

Pork & Kraut w/mashed, roll & butter................................... $5.99 Deviled Crab Dinner.................$5.99

St. Clair • 8AM to 8PM • 570-429-1470

his death, I couldn’t quite grasp what had happened. I was in disbelief and conJenna vinced someone needed to do something.

Wasakoski It couldn’t be true.

But it was.

So I started the process.

I was mad — raging mad. I was sad. I was weak. I was anxious. I cried for what with their loved ones find seemed like months. peace in those posts, all the I didn’t know how to even better for them.

Some may have their opin- begin to deal.

For a while, I drank in order ions about such a public disto numb the pain, escape the play, but I think, if it helps, reality of what happened and you are allowed to grieve however you see fit, with the to sleep at night. That wasn’t exception of hurting another really a good idea, trust me, but I felt, at the time, if I didn’t, living being or yourself.

I wouldn’t be able sleep, someI share a lot through my columns, and it’s pretty com- times for days as my head mon knowledge if you know raced with the thoughts of losing him. me well enough that I lost All I did was worry if he my brother 11 years ago in a was lost, alone, safe, scared. car accident on his way After all this time, it’s still home from work.

When they describe griev- hard, but, if you lose someone you love, trust me, it ing, they call it a process. does get easier to cope with, And boy, is it ever. but it takes time.

In the initial moments of

Myrtle May’s Café M 236 Sunbury Street, Minersville PA 17954 • (570) 399-5110 www.myrtlemayscafe.com

OPEN SUNDAYS 7AM-2PM OPEN TUES. THRU SAT. 5AM-2PM Breakfast Served All Day! We will be closed Tuesday & Wednesday Dec. 24th & 25th.

DID YOU KNOW… You can get your GED for Free??

Ages 17-21 We have the inside scoop on GETTING JOBS !!

*What local employers want *Info on entering into Higher Education LIMITED SEATS call or email TODAY to verify eligibility!

It doesn’t feel like it will right now, but it will. I’m living proof. It will never heal completely, but you can and will go on.

I, still, after many years, have trouble facing my brother’s death and accepting the fact that he is gone.

I’m not sure I’ve ever fully dealt with it, or ever fully will, but I’m still working on it and I’m living my life.

When you lose someone, you will have bad days, you’ll have good days. You’ll think of them often, and the memories that you shared together are something you will cherish forever. No one and nothing will ever be able to take them from you.

Losing the people we love is hard, but losing someone you love when you least expect it is most likely the hardest thing you’ll ever have to go through in your life. Dear Lord I hope it is, because I can’t imagine worse.

But take the time you

need. If you want to post on that person’s Facebook account every day for the rest of your life, do it. If it heals your heart, do it.

Whatever outlet you choose, just make sure you take care of yourself.

That’s the most important thing. You know what it feels like to lose someone and it’s a pain you wouldn’t wish upon anyone, so don’t put yourself in any position of danger throughout your process.

No matter what you believe, religiously, spiritually or otherwise, please don’t ever believe that when someone is gone, they are gone forever and their existence just ceases.

Everyone has their own system of beliefs and they are entitled to that, but for me, personally, I believe that energy is constant and that’s what we are made of.

I think our spirit is forever.

Just like Johnny Cash sings in “A Thing Called Love,” “Ever since time nothing’s

ever been found that’s stronger than love.” I think we are beings made of love and I truly believe love never dies.

My way of looking at life and death has helped me immensely in dealing with loss. This physical world can’t be all there is.

I’ve experience too many things that have been clear signs my brother is watching over me to think otherwise.

Holidays are going to be hard — birthdays and death anniversary days even worse.

People are going to comfort you and be by your side while you mourn, but eventually, they’ll dwindle down. It’s not that they don’t care, it’s just part of moving on.

And we all, as hard as it is, have to pick up the pieces and move on from tragedy.

But we all are fully entitled to do so in our own ways, at our own pace. Don’t let people tell you otherwise. Don’t let anyone tell you to get over

STEVE’S

City Seafood & Steakhouse 570-773-1195 Fri., Sat., Sun.Specials • Chesapeake Broiled Haddock • Jumbo Lump Deviled Crab • Shrimp & Scallop Combo Plus Regular Menu

Hoagie Shack Deli & Bakery

14-16 Sunbury St. • Minersville

570-544-6096

Tonite: “THE BOYS UPSTAIRS" Saturday: "BILL YAZI" 570-366-1914

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

Weekend Specials Scrapple, Eggs & Homefries

Breakfast Served All Day

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

Mahanoy City Fri. Sat. Sun. Specials Tuna Cheesesteak w/ Roasted Red Peppers Italian w/ Roasted Red Peppers 12 Cut Pizza

570-773-5100

Give A Gift That Will Keep Giving This Holiday Season!

Poinsettias - Jason’s Jewelry - Wreaths - Candles Emma’s Friends Lotions & Soaps Made To Order Specialty Gift Baskets & Much More!!!

Every purchase at an Avenues retail location benefits individuals with physical and/or developmental disabilities

Tommie Ann McShaw @ 570-622-5253 ext. 147 tamcshaw@redcogrp.com

Buy TWO 24oz. Candles Get ONE 24oz. Candle FREE With Coupon ONLY Over 200 Scents Available Expires 12/24/2013

Expressions

www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us 203 E.Arch Street, Pottsville, PA 17901

Please see JENNA, Page 8

938 W. Locust St. Valley View, PA 17983 (570) 632 - 2522

1755 W. Market St. Pottsville, PA 17901

(570) 623 - 5316

2 Park St. Pottsville, PA 17901

(570) 622 - 7368

114 N. Main St. Shenandoah, PA 17976

(570) 462 - 6252

Open Christmas Eve Until 3:00pm For That Last Minute Gift.

Need A Fundraising Idea? Call Us For More Info!

Mach’s Gut Candle Barn located at 1468 Route 61 South Pottsville, PA 17901 • Phone: (570) 593-8792

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2013

5

CALENDAR Continued from Page 3

BALLROOM DANCE CLASSES — 7 to 9 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, Centre Street and Howard Avenue, Pottsville (use Second Street entrance). Sponsored

by Pottsville Recreation Commission. Call 570-622-6619.

FOOD PANTRY — Hosted

by New Life in Christ Ministries, 3:30 to 5 p.m., 217219 Market St., Cumbola.

Emergency food pantry available by appointment only, call 570-277-6041.

SMOKE-FREE BINGO — 6:45 p.m., doors open 5:30 p.m., Summit Station Fire Company, 88 Firehouse Road, Summit Station.

SummitFire34@comcast.net for more information.

SATURDAY

BOOK SIGNING — KristaLyn Vetovich, author of “Pure Fyre,” 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Simon Kramer Community and Recreation Center, 15 Alliance St., New Philadelphia. Call 888-361-9473 or email Michelle Whitman at michelle@keymgc.com.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA — 9 a.m., Yuengling Mansion, 1440 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. Adults $15, children $10. Schedule photo with Santa, cost $20. For reservations, call 570-6222788, ext. 0.

BRUNCH WITH SANTA — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 144 Carbon St., Minersville.

Free. All are welcome.

CHRISTMAS GALA — 3 to 8 p.m., Masonic building, Second and West Norwegian streets, Pottsville. Vote on more than 25 decorated trees. Entertainment, vendors, trains, Santa, food including homemade candy and baked goods. Benefits American Cancer Society. Free.

CHRISTMAS VENDOR AND CRAFT SHOW — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Phoenix Park Fire Company, 2186 Main St., Pottsville. Sand art for children, 50/50 drawing and Chinese auction.

CONCERT — “Christmas Pops,” presented by Anthracite Philharmonic under the direction of Mark P. Thomas, 7:30 p.m., First United Meth-

Mar Lin Citizens Hose Co.

WING NI T E Saturday, Dec. 14th • 5-8pm All Welcome

6

TUESDAYTACOSAND MARGARITAS WEDNESDAYYUENGSANDWINGS ETC. WE ARE NOW SERVING BREAKFAST SATURDAY AND SUNDAY This Week’s Feature:

2 Poached Eggs with Toast

$

2.15

odist Church, Third and Market streets, Pottsville. Adults $10, senior citizens and students $8. Open to public.

DANCE — 9 a.m. to noon, Newtown Volunteer Fire Company, 36 Wood St., Zerbe.

Music by Hooligans. Cover charge $5.

FREE KIDS CHRISTMAS MOVIE NIGHT — 7 p.m., doors open 6:30 p.m., Sovereign Majestic Theater, Pottsville. Santa visit, free candy and popcorn for children.

Sponsored by Pottsville Lions Club. Call 570-628-4647.

GOODWILL DONATION DRIVE — Noon to 4 p.m., St. John’s United Church of Christ, 150 Pine St., Tamaqua. Sponsored by Tamaqua Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts to benefit Goodwill. Accepting clean used clothing and household items. Drop off items in parking lot at rear of church.

HOLIDAY COOKIE SALE — 10 a.m. to sellout, Holy Ascension Orthodox Church, 209 S. Lehigh Ave., Frack-

Schuylkill Hose Co. Union St.,Schuylkill Haven

Roast Beef or Turkey Dinner

Includes Mashed Potatoes, Choice of Vegetable, Drink,Roll & Dessert

Saturday, December 14, 2013 4:00pm to 7:00pm

Adults $8.00 Kids (under 12) $4.00 Eat in or Take out Free Delivery in Town Call 570-385-0393 to order.

For Our Full Menu and List of Events Check Our Website www.mineshaftcafe.com

St. Michael The Archangel Orthodox Church St. Clair, PA

Currently taking Halupkie orders for Christmas St. Michael's Social Hall 110 North Morris Street, St. Clair, PA Call to order - 570-429-2138 Pick Up - 12-21-13 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2013

ville. Homemade cookie assortment, gift-wrapped in 1½-pound decorated trays.

HOLLY “ROSE” TRAIL — Registration and tickets available 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Church of the Nazarene, 220 W. Main St., Schuylkill Haven. Reception from 3 to 5 p.m., Walk In Art Center, 220 Parkway, Schuylkill Haven. Tickets available at East Ward Wellness Center, 134 E. Union St.; Hess Catering, River and St. John streets; Lewis General Store, 22 E. Main St.; Luckenbill’s Family Restaurant, 18 W. Union St.; Schuylkill Haven Borough Hall, 12 W. Main St., and Valenti’s II Restaurant, 107 E. Main St. People can enter a drawing to win a free pass to the trail at Valenti’s II Restaurant and Brok-Sel Market, 22 E. Main St. For more information, contact Jerry Bowman at 570-385-1750.

INDOOR YARD SALE — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Salem United Church of Christ, Fourth and

2501 West End Avenue Pottsville - 570-622-8741

Saturday 8pm-2am "DJ CEIZ" Sovereign Majestic Lions Club Christmas Movie Saturday, December 14, 2013 - 7:00 p.m.

Wizards of Winter Dec. 15th - Cancelled

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13TH KARAOKE WITH BLONDIE @ 9 PM $1.50 16 OZ LANDSHARK SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15TH UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY TO BENEFIT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS $2 MILLER LITE BOTTLES SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21ST DAVE MYERS 10 GALLON HAT @10 PM $2.50 SAM ADAMS OCTOBERFEST ID A MUST 19 FRONT ST., CRESSONA

570-385-1927

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

A MAJESTIC CHRISTMAS WITH BRADLEY DEAN AND RON STABINSKY A Holiday Concert

Monday, December 23, 2013 - 7:00 p.m.

Tickets Only: $15.00 In Association with Pottsville Gymnastics & Theatrical Center, Inc. A Broadway Christmas Saturday, December 21, 2013 - 2:00 p.m.

Tickets Only: $15.00

Home for the Holidays

Saturday, December 28, 2013 - 7:00 p.m.

Tickets Only: $15.00

Call: 570-628-4647

Centre streets, Mahanoy City.

MARIMBA CHRISTMAS — 2 p.m., Sweet Arrow Lake clubhouse, Pine Grove. Featuring Sharon Daubert and Karen Bachert who represent unit of Pine Grove Marimba Players. Free and open to public. For more information or directions call 570-345-8952.

POCONO GREYHOUND ADOPTION — Meet and greet, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tractor Supply Co., Route 61, Saint Clair. To learn more, visit www.poconogreyhound. org or call 570-856-0377.

OPEN HOUSE — 1 to 6 p.m., Walk In Art Center, 220 Parkway, Schuylkill Haven.

Visit artists in their studios.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA — 9 to 11 a.m., Ashland American Legion Post 434, 501 Centre St., Ashland. Adults $5, children 12 and under free. Adult must accompany children.

PIZZELLE COOKIE SALE — Pick up through Wednes-

day, Chizmar’s Styling, Saint Clair. Cost $4 per bag. Call 570-429-0303.

POTTSVILLE OPEN WRITERS — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pottsville Free Public Library, 215 W. Market St., Pottsville. Bring pen, paper and creativity. Open to ages 18 and older. Free.

SANTA AT TRINITY — Hosted by Trinity Academy, Shenandoah, 9 a.m. to noon, professional school photographer will take photos of children with Santa. Photos available for pickup 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 20 and from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 21, 233 W. Cherry St., Shenandoah. For more information, contact Christine Fannick, advancement director, at 570-462-3927.

YARD SALE — 8 a.m. to noon, New Hope Wesleyan Church basement, 32 S. Spencer St., Frackville. Food and baked goods will be available. Sales held second Saturday of each month.

TOOM’S PUB (Formerly Longboards)

POTTSVILLE ZONE

204 Peacock St., Pottsville • 570-622-8920

Open Today & Saturday 3pm Sun., Mon., Thurs. 6pm Tonite & Fri., Dec. 27th 9pm

“DJ 1:01”

Fri., Dec. 20th, 9pm

“BOY’S UPSTAIRS”

Sat., 9pm

"FAT CATS"

Thurs., Dec. 26th, 8pm

“TOM DAVIS”

Sat., Dec. 28th, 9pm

“TURN ROW ACOUSTICS” (Country) Check Facebook Page Guinness for Holiday Schedule on Tap Friend us on Facebook

Please see CALENDAR, Page 7

Sports Bar & Grill 351 RAILROAD ST. CATERING CHRISTMAS WEDDINGS WITH ELVIS AWARD WINNING ELVISTRIBUTE AND ARTIST: NICK MISCHISSIN ANY OCCASION. ..

HOSTED BY On-SitePAT orMcCOOL Off. COMEDIAN DECEMBER 13TH ATTHE Call today!

POTTSVILLE ZONE BANQUET HALL 570-628-9793

BANQUET STYLE BUFFET 6-8 PM 337STARTS Peacock St. SHOW AT 8PM SHARP Pottsville CALL FORTICKETS 570-628-9793

Pine View Acres SUNDAYS BIG BREAKFAST BUFFET Open Tuesdays Thru Friday 11:30am-8pm Lunches & Dinners

Saturday, Dec. 14th.

9pm-12 midnight

“SOLID GOLD”

Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge

Sonny’s Smoked & Tiki Bar Now Open

SPECIALS

FRIDAY SEAFOOD BUFFET

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

$19.95

December Specials

8 oz. Chicken Breast w/ Hot Pepper Raspberry Sauce $9.95 Chicken Coq-Au-Ben $9.95 Everyday Special 10 Jumbo Smoked Wings & Pitcher of Yuengling Light Lager $10.95

570-628-3207 • Chamberlaine Ave., Pottsville

We Now Accept EBT Cards

CALENDAR Continued from Page 6

WINGS AND THINGS WITH SANTA — 5:30 to 9 p.m. or sellout, Rangers Hose Company, 6 E. Ogden St., Girardville. Wings $8 per dozen, fries, $3, fries with wing sauce, $4. All children 12 years and under receive gift from Santa, hot dog and beverage. Call 570-276-1406.

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.

FREE MOVIE NIGHT — 7 to 9:30 p.m., Living Waters Church of God, 155 S. Balliet St., Frackville. Free pizza, snacks and soft drinks. Call 570-874-1585 or 570-6223587. Movie every second Saturday.

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 ADVANCE ORDER DEADLINE FOR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY FOOD SALE — Pick up Dec. 23, Immaculate Conception Social Hall (ICC Catering), Saint Clair. Choice of halupkie, filling, city chicken, pierogies, coleslaw and gravy.

Proceeds benefit St. Clare

of Assisi Roman Catholic Church. Call 570-429-0302 (mornings only), 570-4290581 or 570-628-4676.

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST — 8 a.m. to noon, St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church Hall, 462 W. Ludlow St., Summit Hill. Cost $7, includes eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, pancakes, Father Jim’s mess, breakfast sandwiches, toast omelette station, waffles, cake, coffee, juice and tea.

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET — 7:30 a.m. to noon, Independent Hose Company, Diener’s Hill, Saint Clair.

Cost $7 adults, $3.50 children. Eat in or take out. Call 570-429-0867. Breakfast held third Sunday of the month.

BINGO — Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 618, 2 p.m., doors open at noon, St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church Hall, Oak and Main streets, Shenandoah.

Food and refreshments available. Call 570-617-2000 or 570-590-1188.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Country Squire Restaurant, Schuylkill Haven. Children will receive free picture and gift.

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS PAGEANT — 4 p.m., St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, Oak Street (Route 61), Frackville. After pageant, free meal in parish hall and visit from St. Nicholas.

CHRISTMAS CANTATA — “The Heart of Christmas,” 7 p.m., St. Andrew’s United

Weekend Specials Friday

Mexican Lasagna $8.95 Grammy Labenberg’s Old Fashioned Devil Crab $9.95 Monterey Jack Stuffed Shrimp Jammers $13.95

Saturday

116 Ringtown Blvd Ringtown 570-889-2357 Join Us This Weekend!

Boneless BBQ Country Style Ribs $8.95 Potato Crusted Cod $10.95 Steak & Cake $13.95

Sunday

Louisiana Meatloaf $8.95 Oven Breaded Pork Chops $9.95 Grilled Haddock with a Puttanesca Sauce $11.95

Sunday Breakfast Chipped Beef Breakfast Pizza

Check our Facebook page For our breakfast specials

Methodist Church, 1382 W. Main St., Valley View.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT — Presented by Ashland Area Community Choir, under the direction of Betty Chappell, 3 p.m., Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ, 2400 Centre St., Ashland. Freewill offering will be accepted.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT — 2 p.m., Pine Grove Area High School auditorium, 101 School St., Pine Grove. Featuring jazz band, choir and concert band. Free, donations accepted.

CHRISTMAS CHORAL CONCERT — “Sounds of the Season,” 5 p.m., Trinity United Church of Christ, 316 W. Market St., Pottsville. Freewill offering accepted.

CHRISTMASTIME IN IRELAND — 2 p.m., featuring Tony Kenny, Minersville Area High School, 1 Battlin’ Miner Drive, Minersville. Benefits Castle Green Grotto, Coal Castle. Tickets in advance, $30 for premium seats, $20 for all other seats. Tickets $25 at the door. For tickets or more information, call Hap at 570-544-4674 or Bob at 570-544-3658.

CONCERT OF HOLIDAY MUSIC — Performed by Susan M. Featro, 2:30 p.m., Tamaqua Community Arts Center, 125 Pine St., Tamaqua. Tickets $5 in advance, $6 at the door, with 50 per-

PINE GROVE LEGION POST 374 42 S.Tulpehocken St. Pine Grove 570-345-8050

FRIDAY PLATTERS 4-7PM OPEN TO PUBLIC

HOT ROAST BEEF SANDWICH W/ FILLING MEAT LOAF HADDOCK W/MAC & CHEESE

FRIDAY 7 PM CHRISTMAS BAR BINGO SATURDAY 8-11 PM “RECKLESS” NEW YEAR’S EVE TICKETS AVAILABLE “THE NEW INDIVIDUALS”

Reservations 570-345-8050

cent of the ticket money going to Tamaqua Blue Raider Foundation and 50 percent of ticket money going to the Tamaqua Community Arts Center. For tickets, call 570668-3232.

PIEROGIE SALE — After 8:30 a.m. Mass, St. Ann Roman Catholic Church, Spring and Line streets, Frackville.

Call 570-874-2395 or 570874-3001.

RESERVATION DEADLINE FOR CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY — To be held 1 to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 22, social hall of First United Methodist Church, 25 S. Balliet St., Frackville. Toddlers through fifth grade welcome. Sponsored by Youth Group. Bring box of cereal for Frackville Food Bank. Register by calling church office at 570-874-0792 with number of children.

RESERVATION DEADLINE FOR CHRISTMAS CAROLING — Begins 6 p.m. Sunday, conducted by ACTION Youth Group, Mahanoy City. Any borough resident who would enjoy having carolers coming to their home, call Debbie at 570-773-0813.

SACRED MUSIC FESTI-

Lakeside Ballroom Presents Pres Pr esen es ents en ts

NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH! The Fabulous Sixty Boys (Best of the Oldies)

VAL — 7 p.m., St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 19 E. Pottsville St., Pine Grove.

Sponsored by Pine Grove Area Council of Churches.

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AND OPEN HOUSE — 6 p.m., Lansford Historical Society, 117-119 E. Bertsch St., Lansford. Musical program and displays.

Free. Rain or shine. Call 570617-4683.

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.

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

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 Center, 45 W. Fourth St., Mount Carmel.

WINGS — Noon until sellout every Sunday, Rainbow Hose Company, Dock Street, Schuylkill Haven. Cost $9 per dozen. Also burgers, cheesesteaks and chicken finger platters. Free delivery in town, including businesses. Call 570-385-1511.

Blu Tavern

New Year’s Eve

Restaurant & Motel

Rt. 209, Llewellyn • 570-544-9919

Closed Friday, Dec. 13th for Private Party

Featured Entree

• Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus Chicken Cordon Blu

Sunday Brunch 10 am - 2 pm Santa Brunch Dec. 22nd.

Sunday NFL Ticket w/$1.50 Coors Light or Miller Lite drafts

For more info www.blutavern.com

Deadline for Tickets Dec. 23, 2013

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

Includes Dinner

Reservations needed Info./Reservations

call Bob (570) 429-0549

TONIGHT

Friday, December 13th

$35 Tickets (include)

AT 8:00PM SHARP!!

Champagne Toast/Noise Makers at Midnight For Information & Tickets Call 570-467-2630

Bingo starts at 9 P.M. Price is $35.00 per person

Season’s Eatings

Band and HOT/COLD Buffet

DOORS OPEN FOR BAND

December 31, 2013 Doors open at 8 P.M.

315 N. Centre St., Pottsville 570-628-4220 www.thegstone.com

9:30pm - 12:30am $50 Tickets (includes)

Band and COLD Buffet Serving HOT Buffet at 6:30pm till 8:00pm in Restaurant Serving COLD Buffet at 10:00pm in Hall

Saint Clair Lions Club

“PEE-WEE”

Order Your Christm Eve Favoritases Today!

Starting at 8:00pm

Ugly Sw Contest eaidter ay, DecembeFr r 20 8:00pm th PRIZES!!

Greystone Gift Cards...

GREAT Stocking Stuffers!!

Tuesday, December 31st

New Year’s Eve Featuring

DJ CHUBB

RING

IN 2014

Starting at 10p.m.

Complimentary Hats, Noise Makers & Champagne Toast Make You Reservations Now!

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2013

7

Splitting 5s never applies

Dear Mark: I got into disagreement with a player on a blackjack game over splitting 5s when the dealer was showing a six.

Granted, I am no expert, but I told him he should never split 5s, instead he should double down. I posed the question to the dealer, and she stated they were not allowed to give advice. My two-part question is was my advice the correct call, and, is the dealer allowed to offer his or her opinion on how to play a hand?

Craig H. In blackjack, when you double down, you double your original bet after your first two cards. When doing so, you only receive one more card.

When splitting pairs, you are allowed to make a second wager equal to your first.

Each of those matching cards, in this case the 5s,

inferior position since the dealer is more than likely not going to bust. So, readers, commit this rule to memory.

Deal Me In When you have a pair of 5s, double against a dealer’s 2 through 9, hit against a 10 and an Ace, but never split them.

I cannot speak for all casinos’ internal rules and regubecomes the starting point lations regarding doling out of a separate hand. advice, but some allow it, Any time you are dealt a some don’t. As a substitute, two-card hand of 10, not only Craig, I recommend that all are you in possession of a players use a basic strategy potent starting hand, but also card. A strategy card will give an excellent opportunity on you the concise and definitive which you can double down. play for every starting hand.

The only thing splitting 5s As for providing advice to will do is give you two medio- fellow players, I have always cre starters. Here’s why. recommended not giving A dealer will only bust 43 solicited or uninvited help. percent of the time with a 5 The player who asked, or took face up, and 42 percent with a your guidance, will usually 6 showing. Additionally, more end up being upset with you than half the time a dealer if your recommendation endwill make a hand of 17 or bet- ed up causing a losing hand. ter. By splitting a pair of 5s, (Pilarski can be reached at pilarski@markpilarski.com) you are put yourself in an

Mark Pilarski

JENNA Continued from Page 5

it. Don’t get upset when people try to relate your loss to one of theirs.

Grieving is personal and very important. And it’s yours.

No matter what relation you were to the person, your grief is important and just as important as anyone else’s.

Think of the life that was lost, and live yours to the fullest to honor that person who was robbed of all the things they could have become, all the things they should have been able to

experience. Don’t waste time and be sure those you love know it. Tell them. Show them. Hold them close and cherish each and every moment because you really never know when it will be someone’s last.

I hope you find comfort in these words and you’re going to be OK. We all will. God bless.

(Wasakoski, a News-Item editor, is a graduate of Von Lee School of Aesthetics and is certified as a professional makeup artist.)

Anne's Bakery and More

Middleport Inn

We Have Mackerel

•City Chicken •Beer Battered Haddock •Prime Rib •Beef Macaroni Soup

Branchdale Call 570-544-5105

8

Taking Christmas Orders for Pies, Candy & Cookies

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

Book Your Holiday Parties now!

Tuesdays Tapas 5/$5 Wine Down Wednesdays

THURSDAYS Ribs & Beer Fri., Dec. 13th.

"FAT CATS"

Coal St., Middleport

Friday Specials

Thursday - Wing Night

570-277-9015

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2013

What Holiday Cookie Are You? Answer 8 fun questions

to find out which seasonal sweet fits your personality!

A winner will be randomly selected from all entries to

win $150 in prizes from our sponsors: BG’s Value Market Bill’s Produce Martin’s Farm Market PawPrints Pet Salon Rodnick’s Discount Grocery Sisters’ Mexican American Restaurant & Cantina Enter now:

Coal Creek Plaza, Saint Clair

570-429-1888

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

republicanherald.com/cookie