Dec20

FRIDAY, DEC. 20, 2013

We saw you at...

“Christmastime in Ireland” show

Loretta Apshago, left, and Frannie Tkach, both of New Philadelphia

John Henry and Kim Schroeder, Barnesville For more photos from the show, see Page 5

For a review of “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, see Page 3

Showtime at Sovereign See Page 2

Holiday cheer

Pottsville Gymnastics & Theatrical Center Inc. to present annual Broadway Christmas show

BY ERIC PEDDIGREE COPY EDITOR

Y

epeddigree@ republicanherald.com

oungsters will spread holiday cheer through song this weekend at the Sovereign Majestic Theater, Pottsville.

The Pottsville Gymnastics & Theatrical Center Inc. will present its annual “A Broadway Christmas” on Saturday at 209 N. Centre St. The show will begin at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door.

The show will feature about 40 performers ranging in age from 5 to 21 performing Broadway classics and holiday favorites. Participants are split into four groups — children, junior, senior and Pottsville GTC’s performance squad Spotlight Kidz. Also, several college students will be singing during the show.

Sandy Kost-Sterner is serving as director, while Kate Zimmerman is music instructor and Lucy Murray is the choreographer.

“Audiences will be delighted as they are entertained this holiday season by some of the area’s most talented singers. ‘A Broadway Christmas’ will feature Christmas songs from various Broadway shows as well as some favorite traditional holiday 2

If you go

What: “A Broadway Christmas,” presented by Pottsville Gymnastics & Theatrical Center Inc. When: 6 p.m. Saturday Where: Sovereign Majestic Theater, Pottsville Cost: $15

songs. This is a great way to get in the holiday spirit with this annual show hosted by the Pottsville Gymnastics & Theatrical Center Inc.,” KostSterner said.

Songs scheduled to be performed come from Broadway shows such as “Elf,” “White Christmas,” “The Sound of Music,” “Meet Me in St. Louis” and “ A Christmas Carol.” Holiday classics planned for the show include “Oh, Holy Night” and “The First Noel.”

In addition to the ensembles, Kost-Sterner said many solo performances are scheduled. Soloists include Kylee Clark, Makenna Copeland, Jade Richards-McDonough, Kieffer Quandel, Gabrielle Quandel, Celena Granito, McKenna Becker, Morgan Flick, Reiley Lonergan, Tyler Pangonis, Cassidy Conroy, Katrina Calvin, Nicolai Kabana and Kayla Sabol.

“A Broadway Christmas” is the sixth show Pottsville GTC has presented at the Sovereign Majestic Theater this year. The other shows were “Let’s Go to the Movies,” “Lil’ Bits of Broadway,”

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013

DAVID MCKEOWN/STAFF PHOTOS

“A Broadway Christmas,” presented by Pottsville Gymnastics & Theaterical Center Inc., will be held at 6 p.m.

Saturday at the Sovereign Majestic Theater, Pottsville. Members of the cast include, from left, Christopher Hobbs, Caroline Hobbs, Rylee Denion, Kali Grochowsky, Taylor Fitzpatrick and Bo McDonald. Gavin Stone, top, is also a member of the cast.

“The Diary of Anne Frank,” “Magical Memories: A Tribute to the Magic of Disney” and the group’s first musical play, “Annie Kidz.”

“We are very proud of what we accomplished this year in bringing quality shows to the area and exposing the area to the magic of music and theater. We are happy to be closing out the 2013 season with a great holi-

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

day show and are looking forward to a wonderful 2014 season,” Kost-Sterner said.

Auditions for Pottsville GTC’s next show, “Movie Magic,” will be held Jan. 27 and 29 at Sovereign Majestic Theater. They are open to boys and girls ages 5 to college students. The show is scheduled for April 27.

In addition, Pottsville

“We are very proud of what we accomplished this year in bringing quality shows to the area and exposing the area to the magic of music and theater...”

Sandy Kost-Sterner, “A Broadway Christmas” director GTC plans to do another play, possibly Shakespeare, in the summer and a children’s musical in the fall.

For more ticket information for “A Broadway Christmas,” call the box office at 570-628-4647.

Ron Burgundy takes Manhattan If over the next few days your friends begin exchanging such cryptic phrases as “lace man” and “chicken of the cave,” followed by helpless guffaws, the reason is clear.

They’ve seen “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.”

The follow-up to a classic is tough to pull off. “Anchorman 2” is Will Ferrell’s “Exile on Main Street” or “Physical Graffiti,” a somewhat baggy successor to a gem. It may not leave the same imprint on American culture as its super-quotable predecessor.

But it has moments of howling hilarity and the improvisatory spirit that gave Ron Burgundy’s origin story its shaggy, ramshackle charm.

Having conquered the San Diego TV news market in the 1970s, then lost it all through hubris the obtuse news reader is recruited to help fill time in a new, 1980s concept: a 24hour news channel. Ferrell, whose grasp on anvil-headed stupidity has never been firmer, rounds up his news team (Steve Carell, Paul Rudd and David Koechner, a formidable band of cut-ups) to take New York by storm.

Ron’s path is impeded by the prettier, slicker hairdo anchoring the prime-time slot (James Marsden, who holds his own nicely). He also runs afoul of his sultry African-American boss (Meagan Good). When they meet he can’t stop blurting out the word “black.” When they become an item and he greets her prim and proper family with thug slang, it gets exquisitely uncomfortable.

“Anchorman 2” communicates an almost childlike delight in big, silly, naughty jokes. Ferrell, who again shares writing credits with director Adam McKay, salts some savvy satire into the script.

Ron accidentally invents

MOVIE REVIEWS every pernicious, substancestrangling trend in today’s ratings-driven TV news ecosystem. The cable news channel is even owned by a greedy, corrupt Australian (Josh Lawson). I wonder who inspired that?

The film’s strong suit, however, is its unhinged, anything-for-a-laugh audacity. If somebody thinks there ought to be a 10-minute detour from the central plot to blind Ron and exile him to a remote lighthouse, that happens.

Would it be entertaining to see him and his pals tossed about, slo-mo, in a crashing Winnebago full of boiling deep-fry grease, bowling balls and live scorpions? In it goes.

I left the theater having laughed a lot, but mildly dissatisfied — mildly! — because of the erratic sketch-comedy pacing and the random nature of often haphazard gags. It’s such a pleasure when scenes actually develop and build upon each other and lead to payoffs down the road, rather than just stacking up as much randomly goofy material as possible.

Then again, a classically constructed comedy could never build to the stupendous comic melee that caps the action here, with heaps of bigname cameo players in a gladiatorial battle royal. If I had to choose between tidy construction and belly laughs, wall-towall crazy wins every time.

“Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues,” a Paramount release, is rated PG-13 for crude and sexual content,

West Coast Video

New Releases First Featuring

Elmer’s Hobby Shop

And Chris’s Electronic Cigarettes Stop in Christopher Jenkins for your Free Movie Rental

drug use, language and com- heading south at the onset of ic violence Running time: 119 Alaskan winter, hounded by minutes. ★★★ all manner of carnivores and omnivores.

But thankfully, “Walking with it’s not just another “Land Dinosaurs” Before Time.”

The BBC series “Walking A feeble modern-day framWith Dinosaurs” gets a kid- ing device packs teenage friendly big-screen treat- Ricky (Charlie Rowe) and his ment, complete with cutesy tweenage sister Jade (Angoustory and dino-poop jokes, in rie Rice) off to visit their “Walking With Dinosaurs paleontologist uncle (Karl 3D.” Aimed squarely at that Urban) in Alaska. Jade’s dino-crazy demographic (7- down with digging for dino12), it pumps a few IQ points saurs. But Ricky figures he into a kid film genre sorely already knows plenty about in need of them. dinosaurs and would rather “Walking” takes care to ID play with his phone. each new dinosaur species Then, a raven voiced by introduced, including factoids John Leguizamo gets the about what they ate and any boy’s attention and tells him special skills they might have the tale of the bird’s ancestor, had.It’sdownrighteducational. an Alexornis, a bird from the Just don’t tell your kids that.

Cretaceous period. “Alex” is Combining striking cinematography of some of the last great remote places on Earth (Alaska) with state-ofthe art dinosaur animation, “Walking” is another “Great Migration” tale — herbivores 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 GIVE THE GIFT OF ENTERTAINMENT RC THEATRES GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE AT THE THEATRE BOX OFFICE TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE FOR: 47 RONIN – BEGINS TUE, DEC 24 AT 8PM THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY, GRUDGE MATCH, AND WOLF OF WALL STREET – BEGIN WED, DEC 25

SHOWTIMES FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 23 THERE WILL BE NO SHOWS AFTER 8PM ON TUE, DEC 24 THERE WILL BE NO SHOWS BEFORE 4PM ON WED, DEC 25

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: WALKING WITH DINOSAURS IN DIGITAL 3D (PG) 9:40 THE HOBBIT: DESOLATION OF SMAUG (PG13) HIGH FRAME RATE DIGITAL 3D (12:15, 3:45), 7:10, 10:40 ANCHORMAN 2 (PG13) (12:55, 1:45, 4:05, 4:45), 7:05, 7:45, 10:05, 10;35 AMERICAN HUSTLE (R) (12:30, 4:05), 7:05, 10:05 SAVING MR. BANKS (PG13) (12:45, 4:10), 7:10, 9:55 WALKING WITH DINOSAURS (PG) (1:30, 4:30), 7:20 THE HOBBIT: DESOLATION OF SMAUG (PG13) (1:00, 4:00), 7:20, 10:00 TYLER PERRY’S A MADEA CHRISTMAS (PG13) (1:45, 4:30), 7:15, 9:55 FROZEN (PG) (1:20, 4:40), 7:40, 10:40 THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE (PG13) (12:45, 4:00), 7:15, 10:30

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

friends with a Pachyrhinosaurus, “Patchi,” voiced by Justin Long. We follow the baby Patchi out of the nest, through a few near death experiences and into adulthood as he migrates south with his herd, tries to stick to his bigger, tougher brother Scowler (Skylar Stone) and catch the eye of the fetching Juniper (Tiya Sircar).

They endure attacks by TRex like Troodons, Gorgosauruses and flying Pterosaurs, injuries and the threat of a forest fire.

Co-director Barry Cook came from animation (“Mulan”), and partnered up with BBC nature film vet Neil Nightingale (he produced “Meerkats: The Movie”). And while the tale they

tell (the “Happy Feet” scribe wrote it) has dull patches that may try an adult’s patience, the animation is astonishingly real and the approach is just smart enough to keep your interest.

The story they package all this in might be too childish for anybody over 12, but the research behind it and effort to pass that knowledge on to young dinosaur fans make “Walking With Dinosaurs 3D” as at home in the classroom as it is in theaters. But again, let’s keep that between us. No reason the kids need to know it might be good for them.

“Walking With Dinosaurs 3D,” a Fox release is rated PG for creature action and peril, and mild rude humor. Running time: 86 minutes. ★★½

Schuylkill Mall

Gift C erti Avail ficates able

For Showtimes: 570-874-2505 • www.schuylkillmalltheatres.com eatress com www.facebook.com/schuylkillmalltheatres Playing 12/20 - 12/26

12/20-12/24 FROZEN 3D 6:00P 9:00P HUNGER GAMES FIRE 12:30P 3:45P 7:00P 10:00P MADEAS CHRISTMAS 12:45P 3:30P 6:45P 9:30P THE HOBBIT: SMAUG 3D PXC 12:00P 3:15P 6:30P 9:45P

AMERICAN HUSTLE 12:30P 7:00P ANCHORMAN 2 3:45P 10:00P WALKING WITH DINOSAURS 2D 12:15P WALKING WITH DINOSAURS 3D 3:30P 6:30P 9:00P FROZEN 2D 12:45P 3:00P

THE HOBBIT: SMAUG 3D 12:00P 3:15P 6:30P 9:45P

WEDNESDAY(CHRISTMAS) AND THURSDAY AMERICAN ANCHORMAN 2 HUSTLE 12:45P 4:00P 7:00P 10:00P 12:00P 6:30P 47 RONIN 3D WOLF OF WALL 12:30P 6:45P STREET SECRET LIFE OF 3:00P 9:30P WALTER MITTY WALKING WITH 3:45P 9:45P DINOSAURS 2D GRUDGE MATCH 12:15P 1:00P 4:00P WALKING WITH 7:00P 10:00P DINOSAURS 3D THE HOBBIT: SMAUG PXC 3:30P 6:30P 12:00P 3:15P 9:00P 6:30P 9:45P

Experience Good Food/ Drinks and a movie in the VIP Auditorium at

AMERICAN HUSTLE 3:45P 10:00P ANCHORMAN 2 12:30P 7:00P

BAR & GRILL

HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS DAILY

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

WEDNESDAY(CHRISTMAS) AND THURSDAY VIP THEATRES 47 RONIN 3D 4:00P 9:30P SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY 12:30 7:00 AMERICAN HUSTLE 3:30 10:00 WOLF OF WALL STREET 12:00P 6:30P

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013

3

THIS WEEKEND’S EVENTS TODAY

BENEFIT CONCERT — 7 p.m., Living Waters Church of God, 155 S. Balliet St., Frackville. Proceeds go to help typhoon victims in the Philippines. Freewill offering accepted, nonperishable food items, summer clothes and blankets. Call 570-874-1585.

CHRISTMAS COOKIE AND DESSERT BREAD SALE — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., today and Saturday, Chizmar’s Styling, Saint Clair. Benefits St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, Lake Harmony. Call 570-429-0303.

COFFEEHOUSE — 7 p.m., Gods Mountain Activity Center, Union and Cadbury streets, Palo Alto. Christmas music by Diaspora. Free.

CONCERT — Presented

by Twelve-Twenty Four band, a Trans-Siberian experience, 7 p.m., Pine Grove Area High School auditorium, 101 School St., Pine Grove. Cost $20.

FOOD PANTRY — Hosted

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

To qualify for food pantry you must have a PA state-issued

DELCAMP’S Friday

Breaded Haddock w/ Mac & Cheese & Stewed Tomatoes................. $5.99 Fish Sandwich..........................$2.29

St. Clair • 8AM to 8PM • 570-429-1470

4

ID card and fall at or below the income guidelines. Emergency food pantry available by appointment only, call 570-277-6041.

FREE HOLIDAY MOVIE — “A Christmas Carol,” 7 p.m., Sovereign Majestic Theater, 209 N. Centre St., Pottsville.

Sponsored by Pottsville Lions Club. Visit www.sovereignmajestic.com.

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, Minersville 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 and Saturday, Chizmar’s Styling, Saint Clair. Cost $12.50 each. No orders required.

Benefits St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, Lake Harmony. Call 570-429-0303.

MEETING — Stroke and Brain Injury support group, 12:30 p.m., Schuylkill Rehabilitation Center, 300 Schuylkill Medical Plaza,

Pottsville. Call 570-6219500.

PIEROGIE SALE — Pick up 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Saturday, Chizmar’s Styling, Saint Clair. Choice of uncooked potato and cheese, cabbage and prune with extra light dough.

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

STEAK, HAM, PORK CHOPS OR FISH DINNER — 4 to 7 p.m., Pine Grove Masonic Lodge, 23 Oak Grove Road, Pine Grove.

Cost $11, children’s platters available. Sponsored by Pine Grove Temple Association.

For takeouts and information, call 570-345-0165.

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.

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

STEVE’S

14-16 Sunbury St. • Minersville

Tonite: “FAT CATS" Saturday: “DIASPORA”

570-544-6096 Weekend Specials Eggs, Homefries & Scrapple

570-366-1914

Breakfast Served All Day

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

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

Station. Food available. 3341.

SummitFire34@comcast.net BREAKFAST WITH SANTA for more information.

— 9 and 11 a.m., Mountain Valley Golf Course, 1021 SATURDAY Brockton Mountain Drive, Barnesville. Adults $7.95, ANNUAL COOKIE SALE children $3.95. Reservations — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Trinity recommended. All children United Church of Christ, 109111 W. Lloyd St., Shenan- will receive a gift from Santa. doah. Cost $9 per pound in New unwrapped toys will be the following varieties: sugar, accepted for Toys for Tots. butter, chocolate chip, Michi- For more information, call gan rocks and peanut butter. 570-467-2242, ext. 2.

A BROADWAY CHRISTTo order, call 570-462-4346 MAS — 6 p.m., Sovereign or 570-874-3014.

CHRISTMAS POPS CON- Majestic Theater, 209 N. CERT — 7:30 p.m., present- Centre St., Pottsville. Tickets ed by Anthracite Philharmonic $15. Call 570-628-4647.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT under the direction of Mark P. Thomas, First United Method- — 7 to 9 p.m., Tremont Comist Church, Third and Market munity building, Clay Street, streets, Pottsville. Adults Tremont. Free.

CHRISTMAS EVENT FOR $10, senior citizens $8, free KIDS — 1 to 3 p.m., secfor students.

BREAKFAST WITH SAN- ond floor of Mahanoy City TA — 9 to 11 a.m., Liberty Public Library, 17-19 W. Fire Company No. 4, Colum- Main St., Mahanoy City. bia and St. James streets, Crafts, snacks, story and Schuylkill Haven. Adults $8, games. Register at the lichildren 12 and under, $4, brary’s front desk or contact buffet style. Call 570-385- Sarah at 570-573-1822 or

Middleport Inn Coal St., Middleport

Friday Specials

• Stuffed Peppers • Sausage Pasta Bake • Deviled Crab • Maryland Crab Soup Thursday - Wing Night

570-277-9015

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.

sarahfucci@gmail.com.

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE — 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mauch Chunk and Greenwood streets, Tamaqua. Visitors invited to see the decorated church and enjoy the putz, a display depicting the Nativity. Light refreshments will be served.

CHRISTMAS LOTTERY BASKET RAFFLE— Sponsored by Ashland Area Historic Preservation Society.

Tickets $1 each, with $150 worth of instant tickets. Tickets available at, and basket displayed at, Payne’s Flower Shop, 723 Centre St., Ashland. Tickets also available by calling 570-875-8611 or 570-875-2632.

TOY RAFFLE — 8:30 p.m., American Hose Company No. 1, Walnut and Seventh streets, Ashland. First prize, Lionel Three Rivers Fast Freight train set; second prize, children’s Wi-Fi accesPlease see CALENDAR, Page 6

Anne's Bakery and More Branchdale Call 570-544-5105 We Have Mackerel Weekend Special Stuffed French Toast

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

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

Season’s Eatings TONIGHT

Friday, December 20th

“Nick Michels”

Order Your Christm Eve Favoritases Today!

Starting at 8:00pm

Greystone Gift Cards...

GREAT Stocking Stuffers!!

Ugly Sweater Contest TONIGHT 8:00pm PRIZES!!

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!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

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

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

We saw you at ... the show on Sunday

Eleanor O’Brien, Orwigsburg, left, and Elaine Mulqueen, Minersville

From left, Theresa Dunmoyer, Minersville; Helen Holley, Phoenix Park; Mary Flanagan, Minersville

Dolly Calderone, left, and Helen Ann Roberts, both of Minersville

Front, from left, Kathi McGowan, Port Carbon; Nancy Gallagher, Minersville; Cookie and Patrick Gibbons, Orwgisburg; back, Sarah McKeown, Saint Clair; Rose Ann Petrusky, Minersville; Patty East, Pottsville; Hugh McGowan, Port Carbon

Photos by Jacqueline Dormer Lorraine and Jim “Flash” McDonald, Minersville

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!

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

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

L NEWYEAR’S DAY L I W D O O G E CO. January 1 PORK HOCrSessona & SAUERKRAUT st

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21ST DAVE MYERS 10 GALLON HAT @10 PM $2.50 SAM ADAMS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27TH KARAOKE WITH CHRISTINE @ 9 PM $1.50 16OZ LAND SHARKS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28TH ADRENALYN @ 10 PM $2.50 BUD LIGHT PLATINUM TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31ST NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH DJ 1:01 @ 10 PM $2 BUD LITE LIME ID A MUST 19 FRONT ST., CRESSONA

570-385-1927

New Year’s Eve Party

DINNER

Music by Sapphire, 10-1

Donation $ 25 in Advance $ 30 at the Door Food & Drinks Party Favors Included

Doors Open at 9 PM Must be 21 ID Required

For Info & Tickets Call Days Nights 570.385.1579 570.449.9209 Benefits Good Will Hose Co.

St. Clair Lions Club Building McCord Avenue Serving 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Eat In or Take Out Family or Group Reservations Accepted Information Call

Bob 570-429-0549

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

Book Your Holiday Parties now!

Tuesdays Tapas 5/$5

Wine Down Wednesdays THURSDAYS Ribs & Beer

Friday, Dec. 20th.

"AFTER HOURS"

Saturday, Dec. 21st.

“STERLING KOCH”

TEXT the message bmmobi vitos to the # 368638 Replay Yes to the prompt

Coal Creek Plaza, Saint Clair

570-429-1888

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013

5

NBC greenlights ‘Bible’ sequel series ‘A.D.’

BY PATRICK KEVIN DAY LOS ANGELES TIMES

LOS ANGELES — “The Bible” was a hit for History this year, so it only makes sense that more would be coming. On Tuesday, NBC announced the sequel — “A.D.”— is making the leap from cable to broadcast. It will air on NBC sometime in the spring of 2015.

The 12-hour miniseries, executive produced by “The Apprentice” creator Mark Burnett, Roma Downey and Richard Bedser, is expected to take up the story of the New Testament after the crucifixion of Jesus.

“The Bible” premiered its 10-episode run in March and grabbed 13.1 million viewers.

The series averaged 13.2 million viewers per episode when live-plus-7 figures are factored in. The series was the third most-watched cable series or miniseries of the year.

6

Jersey Acres Market Stone Mountain Wine Cellars Wine Tasting Daily

Gift Baskets & Gift Cards Apple Cider Apple Butter Closed Christmas Day Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm Sat. 8am-4pm, Sun. 11am-4pm

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

Blu Tavern Restaurant & Motel

Rt. 209, Llewellyn • 570-544-9919

Featured Entree

• Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus • Tuscan Salmon

Santa Brunch This Sunday 10 am - 2 pm Sunday NFL Ticket w/$1.50 Coors Light or Miller Lite drafts

Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day The Blu Tavern Wishes Everyone a Happy Holiday!

For more info www.blutavern.com

CALENDAR Continued from Page 4

717-647-4855.

FREE KITCHEN KETTLE MEAL — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. third Saturday of every month, Restoration Fellowship Church, 201 W. Oak St., Shenandoah. All are welcome.

MEETING — Black Diamond Writers’ Network, 10 a.m. to noon third Saturday of each month, Tamaqua Public Library, 30 S. Railroad St., Tamaqua. Call Kathy at 570645-3059.

OPEN HOUSE — Tremont Area Historical Society, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., borough building, 19 N. Pine St., second floor, Tremont. Society open third Saturday of each month.

OPEN HOUSE — 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mauch Chunk and Greenwood streets, Tamaqua. Call 570668-2180.

PRAYER BREAKFAST — 8 a.m., Country Squire restaurant, Route 61, Schuylkill Haven. Sponsored by Covenant

BREAKFAST BUFFET

ALL YOU CAN EAT

PHOENIX PARK FIRE COMPANY

Third and Laurel Blvd.

Pottsville, PA

VENDOR FAIR

Sunday, December 22, 2013 7:00am to Noon $8.00/Person

Saturday, Dec. 21st.

10am-2pm

Cream Chipped Beef, Pancakes, French Toast, Eggs, Bacon, Ham, Sausage, Homefries and much more

Local Vendors Something for Everyone!

sible tablet; third prize, bundle of children’s toys. Tickets $2, with proceeds to benefit equipment fund. For tickets, contact any member or call 570-875-1910.

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 CLOTHING CLOSET — 10 a.m. to noon, Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church, 13th and Market streets, Ashland. Namebrand clothes and coats for all sizes and ages. Call 570875-3000.

FREE CLOTHING AND FREE MEAL — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. third Saturday of every month, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 1931 E. Wiconisco St., Reinerton. Call Dale Oxenrider at 570-617-1530 or

Humane Fire Co.

United Methodist Church. FOOD SALE — Noon to 5 Group meets third Saturday p.m., Saint Clair Lions Club of each month. hall, McCord Avenue, Saint Clair. Admission $5 includes SUNDAY 25 tickets. Benefits Barbara Bennett, who is undergoing ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKradiation treatments for brain FAST — 8 to 11 a.m., Altumor. Call 570-621-8836. tamont Fire Company, Morea CHRISTMAS CANTATA — Road, Frackville. Adults $8, “The Promise of a King,” 10 children $4.

ANNUAL SERVICE OF a.m., Zion’s Reformed United LESSONS AND CAROLS Church of Christ, 2400 Cen— 6 p.m., St. Paul’s Lutheran tre St., Ashland. Freewill ofChurch, 215 N. Warren St., fering accepted.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT Orwigsburg. Featuring voice and handbell choirs with — “Sing the Songs of Bethguest organist Lee Ferrier lehem,” 3 p.m., Jerusalem and instrumentalists. Special Evangelical Lutheran Church, prelude music at 5:30 p.m. 252 Dock St., Schuylkill Haven. Featuring Jerusalem Freewill offering accepted.

BLUE CHRISTMAS SER- choir and chamber orchestra VICE-LONGEST NIGHT — of strings and brass. Freewill 6:30 p.m., Trinity Lutheran offering accepted.

CONCERT — Teen ChalChurch, 300 W. Arch St., Pottsville. Conducted by lenge Choir, 10 a.m. Life Centre Foursquare Church, MahPottsville Ministerium.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS antongo Street, Pottsville.

GABRIEL YOUTH ORCHESPARTY — 2 p.m., William Penn Fire Company. Open to TRA HOLIDAY CONCERT — children in coverage area only. 3 p.m., D.H.H. Lengel Middle CHINESE AUCTION AND School auditorium, 1541 W.

2501 West End Avenue Pottsville - 570-622-8741

Friday 4- 8 pm Wings 60¢ Saturday 10 pm- 2 am “DJ RAZZ” No Cover

Sovereign Majestic

Lions Club Christmas Movie Saturday,December December 14,20 2013 - 7:00p.m. p.m.

Friday, - 7:00 In Association with Pottsville Wizards of Winter Gymnastics Theatrical Center, Inc. Dec. & 15th - Cancelled A Broadway ChristmasWITH A MAJESTIC CHRISTMAS Saturday, DecemberDEAN 21, 2013AND - 62:00 p.m.

BRADLEY TicketsSTABINSKY Only: $15.00 RON A Holiday Concert WITH A MAJESTIC CHRISTMAS Monday, December DEAN 23, 2013AND - 7:00 p.m.

BRADLEY TicketsSTABINSKY Only: $15.00 RON In Association Pottsville A Holidaywith Concert

Gymnastics & Theatrical Inc. Monday, December 23, 2013Center, - 7:00 p.m.

A Broadway Tickets Only: $15.00 yChristmas Saturday, 21, Holidays 2013 - 2:00 p.m.

HomeDecember for the Tickets Only: Saturday, December 28,$15.00 2013 - 7:00 p.m.

Tickets Home for Only: the $15.00 Holidays

M&T December Movies at28, the Majestic Saturday, 2013 - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday,Tickets January 18, 2014 - 7:00 p.m.

Only: $15.00

Call: 570-628-4647

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013

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

Happy Holidays Please check our Facebook page for our

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

weekend specials Or call

Annual Christmas Party Dec. 24th.

Dining Room Closed on Dec. 24th & 25th for the Holidays.

Reopening on Dec. 26th.

The Station House

Laurel Blvd., Pottsville. Admission $5.

LIVE NATIVITY DISPLAY — 6 to 8 p.m., front lawn of First United Methodist Church, 25 S. Balliet St., Frackville. Sponsored by Youth Group. Featuring characters from first Christmas story, including live animals.

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.

SOLO CONCERT — Presented by Steven Moyer, local pianist, 5 p.m., Tamaqua Community Art Canter, 125 Pine St., Tamaqua. Doors open 4:30 p.m. Adults $5, students and seniors $3. For more information, call 570668-1192 or visit www.tamaquaarts.org.

SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST — 7:30 a.m. to noon, Mountaineer Hose Company, Third and South streets, Minersville. Open menu.

TOOM’S PUB (Formerly Longboards)

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

Open Fri., Sat., 3 pm Sun., Mon., Thurs., 6 pm

570-544-4456

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

Open Tuesdays Thru Friday 11:30am-8pm Lunches & Dinners

Saturday, Dec. 21st.

“MEMORY LANE”

Sunday 7-11 pm Eagles Happy Hour

Thurs., Dec. 26th, 8pm

“DJ 1:01”

“TOM DAVIS”

Sat., Dec., 28th. 9 pm

“FULL CIRCLE” Acoustics ( Country, Pop) Check Facebook for

Guinness Holiday Hours & Specials. on Tap Friend us on Facebook

Pine View Acres SUNDAYS BIG BREAKFAST BUFFET

Saturday 9 pm

$1 off all drinks & food

Fine Food & Spirits Corner of Railroad & Willing Llewellyn

Tonite 9 pm

“BOYS UPSTAIRS“

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

North Pole Naughtiness Vintage Theater presents adult comedy ‘The Eight: Reindeer Monologues’

BY CAITLIN HEANEY STAFF WRITER

cheaney@timesshamrock.com

Most Christmas stories burst with mistletoe, elves, carols and cheer. Generally, they steer clear of scandals at the North Pole.

Not this one.

Today and Saturday, Scranton’s Vintage Theater, 326 Spruce St., will present “The Eight: Reindeer Monologues,” a dark comedy for adult audiences set in the days before Christmas. Doors open at 7 p.m., and local band the Push will perform prior to the show.

Director Kimmie Leff described the play, written by Jeff Goode, as an atypical Christmas story. When one of the reindeer brings about an accusation of sexual harassment against Santa Claus, she said, “you don’t know if the reindeer are going to unite and have the

Lakeside Ballroom Presents Pres Pr esen es ents en ts

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

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

Band and HOT/COLD Buffet

$35 Tickets (include)

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

DOORS OPEN FOR BAND

AT 8:00PM SHARP!!

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

Christmas run on Christmas monologue the most, noting Eve or what’s going to hap- it probably is the most pen.” uncomfortable of the eight.

Reindeer games All of the reindeer share their perspective on the situation in monologues and rang e from what Lef f described as Santa supporters to those who have their own agendas.

“For Donner, it brings up a pain for him that he’s tried to push into the past,” she said.

“It makes a lot of statements, and it’s just absurd in the process.”

Leff has enjoyed seeing the cast of five women and three men enjoy the script as much as she has. The cast members have done research about their reindeer, she added, and she loves something about each of their interpretations of the monologues.

In terms of the story, though, Leff enjoys Donner’s

Donner’s story “You want to hate him and be like, ‘How could you have done that?’ ” she said. “But when you kind of hear his story, it’s almost like you could sympathize.”

Leff fell in love with the play after coming across it several years ago. It “definitely paints a different picture about Christmas and ... how we have traditionally thought of the North Pole,” she said.

“It’s just a diversion from the normal kind of fluffy, happy holiday stuff,” she said. “It’s kind of like it’s good for the person who’s not into Christmas. If you’re having a hard time with the JASON RIEDMILLER/SPECIAL PHOTO Christmas spirit, it’s kind of a different perspective to give Starring in “The Eight: Reindeer Monologues” at the Vintage Theater this weekend are, from left, Jeff Boam, Erin Healey, Chantal Mitchell and Casey Thomas. you, and it’s just fun.”

Give a Little Bit of

Home for the Holidays Sale!

Unique Gift Ideas that Say Schuylkill The Perfect Stocking Stuffer Coal Candy!!

We have the Got Boilo? shot glass!!

Perfect to give with your own homemade recipe for “Christmas in a Cup.”

POTTSVILLE ZONE Sports Bar & Grill

Christmas Buffet with all the fixins!

December 25th Noon to 4 pm

1595 per person

$

Pottsville Zone Catering Hall

570-628-9793 337 Peacock Street

337 Peacock St., Pottsville Pottsville • 570-628-9793

Along the Schuylkill, A Guide to the Mollies, Schuylkill & Berks Ghost Stories, Some Stones Shine & more!

Shop Local and Give a Little Bit of Home this Holiday!

Deadline for Tickets Dec. 23, 2013

Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau

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

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

Call us for Details.

(570) 622-8740

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Sat. Dec. 21, 9-12

D. G.Yuengling & Son, Early Coal Mining in the Anthracite Region, Pottsville in the Twentieth Century, Pottsville, John O’Hara’s Anthracite Region, Schuylkill County Firefighting, Around St. Clair, Frackville &

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

PINE GROVE VFW

Great Cultural Heritage and Historic Books

Frackville II, Mahanoy Area, Minersville, Centralia, Lakewood Park, Coal Country Ghosts, Schuylkill County II,

2501 West End Ave., Pottsville

BREAKFAST EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 7AM-12PM

‘DJ CHUBB”

Coming Dec. 28 “Liz Krome & The Surge”

Guests Accompanied By Members Only - ID a Must

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

DAILY LUNCH AND DINNER FEATURES! SATURDAY DECEMBER 21ST “THE DONNA NYE BAND” 10PM-1AM ONE OF THE AREAS BEST FEMALE GUITARISTS!

Sunday Breakfast 7-11 a.m.

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

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Friday 4-8 p.m.

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

Thursday 5-8 p.m. Seafood & Steaks

Public Welcome - Weekly Specials

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013

7

Uncle Sam loves $1,200 jackpots

Dear Mark: Who originated the $1,200 starting point as the amount that can be taxed when playing slots? It seems when playing today’s higher denomination machines, you get taxable jackpots far more often.

Sam L. The $1,200 threshold, Sam, came about 40 years ago when the government and casino industry negotiated that specific sum. Prior to dollar slots, video poker and progressives, you had to be a high roller playing quarters on a mechanical reel machine to hit a jackpot that large. The $1,200 divide has never changed despite the fact that a $1,200 jackpot is now quite common. With the huge increase of jackpots today, the casino industry would love to see the limit higher since the paperwork is quite time consuming.

Unfortunately, don’t plan on this happening anytime soon. If it were raised to say, $2,500, Uncle Sam wouldn’t be getting his cut of the lesser jackpots that are currently being hit.

Allow me, Sam, a quick word to the wise. Before you fritter away your taxable win, put some ka-ching aside for your namesake Uncle, because when you win, he wins too!

Better paybacks

Dear Mark: You have stated that “generally speaking,” on slot machines you get a better return when playing up in denomination. You say dollar machines return better than quarters, quarters than nickels. Does the denomination on a 9-6 Jacks-or-Better video poker game pay more 8

that pays 8-for-1 on a full house and 5-for-1 on a flush, your return drops to 97.3 percent with expert play, and Deal Me In less for mere mortals who just wing it.

Fortunately, with video poker, paytables are in full view for you to compare and shop for value when you on dollars than on quarters? change denominations from Kathleen C. nickels to quarters, quarters to dollars and even higher.

On slot machines, KathOnce again, as a general rule, leen, yes, “generally speaking,” the higher the denomi- you will note that the paytable for the dollar denomination the higher the paynation VP machine tends to back percentage. Video be more generous than the poker differs from slot paytable for the quarter machines in that when you game, and the quarter change the paytables, you denomination’s heftier than change the percentage return. A 9-6 Jacks-or-Better the nickel denomination.

My recommendation here, machine is the same game, Kathleen, will always remain with the same average paybacks, regardless of whether the same. Play within your means on machines that offer you are playing dollars, the best paytables, use perfect quarters or nickels. basic strategy, use your PlayYou identify the payback percentage on a video poker er’s Card, and over the long run, you will experience more machine by looking at the good results than bad. pay table. Your example, 9-6 Jacks or Better game that (Pilarski can be reached at pays 9-for-1 on full houses pilarski@markpilarski.com) and 6-for-1 on flushes, will return 99.5 percent with PINE GROVE expert play regardless of the LEGION POST 374 coin denomination. Combin42 S.Tulpehocken St. ing your skills with incenPine Grove 570-345-8050 tives like cash back and othFRIDAY PLATTERS 4-7PM er comps, mathematically, OPEN TO PUBLIC you now have an overall SATURDAY 7-11 BREAKFAST NO BAND THIS WEEL return greater than 100 percent, making it a “positive NEW YEAR’S EVE expectation” game.

Sadly, hardly any 9-6 TICKETS Jacks-or-Better machines are on the casino floor any more.

AVAILABLE In their place, the casino now uses a virtual screw“THE NEW driver and tightens the machine just by changing INDIVIDUALS” the flush and full house paybacks. By offering an 8-5 Reservations 570-345-8050 Jacks-or-Better game, one

Mark Pilarski

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

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Are You Naughty or Nice?

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