Jan17

FRIDAY, JAN. 17, 2014

For a review of “Ride Along,” see Page 3

We saw you at...

Boy Scout Troop 622’s Christmas tree collection

Mark Schropp, left, Schuylkill Haven, and Holly Conrad, Pine Grove

The need for speed From left, Noah Grabowski, 8; Jacob O’Toole, 9, and Zachary Brennan, 9, all of Schuylkill Haven For more photos from the collection, see Page 5

See Page 2

Hitting the track

Annual Pinewood Derby set for Sunday at Fairlane Village

BY ERIC PEDDIGREE COPY EDITOR

T

epeddigree@republicanherald.com

If you go

What: Cub Scout Pack 604 Pinewood Derhe green flag is ready to by drop on Cub Scout Pack When: 1 p.m. Sunday 604’s annual Pinewood Where: Fairlane Village mall, Pottsville Derby.

For more information on the Pinewood The races start at 1 p.m.

Derby, visit www.portcarbonscouts.com Sunday at the Fairlane Village mall, Pottsville, with registration at 12:15 p.m. to allow racers will be awarded in three special categories — most original, crowd favorite and Boy to make adjustments before hitting the Scout favorite. track.

“The more trophies we can give out the The unique event features homemade better,” Budwash said. cars racing down a sloped track with gravity First-year participants will receive a pin, serving as the only source of power. The while ribbons will be given to all repeat parScouts design and decorate the cars themticipants. selves, as long as they comply with the derby Budwash said having the event at Fairrules issued by the Boy Scouts of America. lane Village mall adds another fun element The Scouts build their speed for the Scouts. He said many machines with official kits, people stop to watch the racwhich include a block of “It’s all es, especially older Scouts wood, nails and wheels. who remember participatabout the kids A few of the guidelines ing in the derby when they having fun. are: width of the car must were a kid.

This is one of not exceed 2 1/2 inches, “It’s really cool having length shall not exceed 7 the most fun this at the mall because it inches and weight shall not does make it even more things they do exceed 5 ounces. exciting,” he said. as a Scout.”

“We tell parents the more All of the cars racing Suna child can do, the more you day are new creations. BudJoel Budwash, den have to let them do,” said wash said cars from previleader Joel Budwash, den leader for ous years are not permitted. the Lions and Bear scouts in He said the pack distributes Pack 604, Port Carbon. its kits about a month before The event begins with the Scouts compet- the derby, but the Scouts can begin working ing for first place in their den. The pack is on their cars at any time during the year. divided into six dens — Lions, Tigers, Wolf, Budwash said he believes the most imporBear and Webelos I and II. The racers who tant thing about the event is the opportunity finish first in the six dens will compete for children and parents to work together on against each other for the pack championachieving a goal. He said while parents may ship. Trophies will be awarded to the top six feel more disappointment if their car loses, racers. the Scouts will enjoy the event regardless of Although the dens are grouped by age, their personal outcome.

Budwash said the older kids do not have an “It’s all about the kids having fun. This is advantage in the final championship races. one of the most fun things they do as a ANDY MATSKO/STAFF PHOTO “You have some who know how to build a Scout,” he said.

For more information on the Pinewood Joseph Budwash of Boy Scout Troop 604 in Port Carbon was the official starter for car and you have some that just get lucky,” Derby, visit the pack’s website at www.portlast year’s Pinewood Derby. This year’s competition will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday he said. carbonscouts.com. at Fairlane Village mall, Pottsville.

In addition to the race winners, trophies 2

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

‘Ride Along’ runs out of gas A little Kevin Hart goes a long way in “Ride Along,” a dull buddy picture engineered as a vehicle for the mini-motor mouth Hart and the perma-sneering Ice Cube.

It’s mismatched cops on patrol in Atlanta in this “48 Hours”/“Bad Boys”/ “Showtime”/“The Hard Way” action comedy where four screenwriters tried to find funny bug-eyed rants for the normally amusing Hart to deliver in between shootouts and chases. But as producers of assorted Jim Carrey, Will Ferrell and Eddie Murphy movies could have told them, just pointing the camera at a funny guy is never enough to save a lame, worn-out idea.

Cube, whose career seemed over after one too many “Are We There Yet?” sequels, is cranky cop James, whose pursuit of a mysterious villain named Omar is interrupted by his sister’s fiance.

That would be Ben (Hart), a video game-addicted school security guard who longs to bring his wise-cracking/ voice-cracking banter to the Atlanta P.D. James drags Ben on a ride-along just to convince the dude he isn’t cut out for police work and that he isn’t good enough for James’ supermodel sister Angela (Tika Sumpter, all legs and shorts and cleavage and hair products).

James figures sis should date an Atlanta Falcon, an Atlanta Brave “or even somebody from the Hawks.”

Instead, she’s hooked up with this sweet-talking shrimp who’s “about one chromosome away from being a midget.”

He drags Ben along for a “Training Day” of botched interventions with bikers, silliness at the shooting range and a strip club shootout.

Because there’s no such thing

MOVIE REVIEWS as a cop buddy movie without a trip to a strip club.

Even by the standards of this well-worn genre, “Ride Along” is a lazy movie, insulting the audience by letting us stay five steps ahead of the hack screenwriters.

At several points, Hart takes center stage, plants his feet and unloads on a student headed down the wrong path, on a biker moll who has more facial hair than he can manage, etc. Sometimes, he finds a laugh or two. Often, these ranting monologues run out of gas before they start. His girlish shrieks at the first sign of danger are funnier, but not by much. And you start to wonder if Ice Cube’s feigned irritation with him involved any acting at all.

“Ride Along,” a Universal release, is rated PG-13 for sequences of violence, sexual content and brief strong language. Running time: 100 minutes. ★½

“Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” Tom Clancy’s C.I.A. analyst-hero Jack Ryan returns to the screen in a workmanlike if unoriginal and uninspiring reboot — “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit.”

Hardcore fans of espionage thrillers will recognize it as on a par with the least of the Jason Bourne films, sort of “Bond Lite,” a prequel about how Jack Ryan wasn’t just some mild-mannered numbers cruncher and desk jockey when he first joined the agency. But director Kenneth Branagh, his new Ryan (Chris Pine), and co-stars Kevin Costner as Jack’s handler and Keira Knightley as the woman Jack hides his true career from, make sure that it’s never less than effi-

cient and reasonably entertaining.

This Ryan was an economics student in Britain when 9/11 happened, a smart cookie who enlisted in the Marines, was crippled in combat and met his lady love (Knightley) while in rehab.

Costner plays Harper, a mysterious Navy commander.

Harper recruits Jack to be a C.I.A. agent working (illegally) on Wall Street, sniffing around his bank for shady terrorist deposits. Clancy never would have made that sort of basic violation of the C.I.A. charter, but hey, a Brit directed, so what can you do?

And playing up Ryan’s military background makes his ability to handle himself in

life-or-death brawls less surprising than the Alec Baldwin and Harrison Ford versions of the character.

Jack gets wind of gigantic Russian holdings of U.S. currency, holdings that can only do us harm if they sell them all at once. So Harper ships his desk jockey to Moscow to pry the truth out of Russian oligarch Vitkor Cherevin, played by Branagh.

There’s a ticking clock to the proceedings. The fiance thinks Jack is cheating on her, she gets mixed up in his business and we get a taste of Knightley in cocktail wear in sexy, glitzy Moscow. Branagh does his best hissing, no-lips Russian villain, one who answers to former ballet star

Mikhail Baryshnikov as a Kremlin insider.

Working in the film’s favor are the perfor mances.

Knightley does an American accent, and everybody has a great rapport with everybody else — Costner with Pine, Pine with Knightley, Knightley with Branagh. It’s a movie of romantic and dramatic close-ups of actors in dialogue scenes, jumpy, jerky photography edited into a blur in the action beats.

Working against it — that famed Clancy precision, the technology that never fails, the tradecraft that has spies prepared for any contingency. And sadly, once it breaks that spell of omnipotence, the movie turns even more predictable —

car chases, shootouts, a manic hunt for terror suspects.

“Shadow Recruit” is a January movie, which lowers expectations considerably. If they’d had much hope for it, the film would have merited a Christmas or late spring release. But that said, Branagh and company keep up appearances with a thriller that works mainly because all of its parts — locations, fights and plot twists — are well worn from the thrillers they’ve been in before.

“Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit,” a Paramount release, is rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and intense action, and brief strong language. Running time: 105 minutes. ★★½

West Coast Video New Releases First Featuring Elmer’s Hobby Shop

And Chris’s Electronic Cigarettes

99¢ Movie Rental

Schuylkill Mall

when you Rent 1 new release at regular price

For Showtimes: 570-874-2505 • www.schuylkillmalltheatres.com www.facebook.com/schuylkillmalltheatres Playing 1/17 - 1/16

DEVIL’S DUE (R) 3:45, 9:00 RIDE ALONG (PG-13) 12:15, 6:30 LEGEND OF HERCULES 3D (PG-13) 4:00, 6:45, 9:30 LEGEND OF HERCULES 2D (PG-13) 1:00 NUT JOB 2D (PG) 12:15 NUT JOB 3D (PG) 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

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, January 17 through Wednesday, January 22

FROZEN 2D (PG) 12:45, 4:00 PARA. ACTIVITY MARKED (R) 6:30, 9:00 SAVING MR. BANKS (PG-13) 12:45, 3:45, 6:30, 9:15 JACK: SHADOW RECRUIT, PXC (PG-13) 3:30, 9:30 LONE SURVIVOR, PXC (R) 1:00, 6:45

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

NOW SHOWING IMAX:

JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT IN IMAX (PG13)

1:15, 4:15, 7:15, 9:45

FEATURING IN REALD DIGITAL 3D: THE NUT JOB IN DIGITAL 3D (PG) 9:30 THE LEGEND OF HERCULES IN DIGITAL 3D (PG13) 9:40 JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT (PG13) (1:45, 4:45), 7:45, 10:15 RIDE ALONG (PG13) (1:05, 4:05), 7:05, 9:35, 10:05 THE NUT JOB (PG) (1:20, 4:10), 7:00 DEVIL’S DUE (R) (2:00, 4:40), 7:40, 10:00 THE LEGEND OF HERCULES (PG13) (1:40, 4:40), 7:10

JACK: SHADOW RECRUIT (PG-13) 1:00, 6:30 LONE SURVIVOR (R) 4:00, 6:10, 9:30, 11:40

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

BAR & GRILL

LONE SURVIVOR (R) (1:15, 4:15), 7:15, 10:10 HER (R) (1:10, 4:10), 7:10, 10:10 PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE MARKED ONE (R) (1:40), 7:30

DEVIL’S DUE (R) 12:30, 6:00

AMERICAN HUSTLE (R) (1:05, 4:05), 7:05, 10:05

RIDE ALONG (PG-13) 3:30, 9:15

HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS DAILY

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

THE HOBBIT: DESOLATION OF SMAUG (PG13) (4:00), 9:30 FROZEN (PG) (1:20, 4:20), 7:05

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014

3

Area groups plan eagle-related events “It’s going to be a great way to learn. It’s a fun opportunity, and you get to see birds that you would very rarely get to see in the wild right up close.”

BY CAITLIN HEANEY STAFF WRITER

cheaney@timesshamrock.com

Catching a glimpse of an eagle in the wild used to be next to impossible. Thanks to conservation efforts though, the local eagle population has rebounded, and enthusiasts will have a chance to spot and learn more about the birds this month.

Several groups have planned eagle-related activities around the region, including Eagle Day at the PPL Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center, Hawley on Jan. 25.

Free activities at the center run from 1 to 4 p.m. and begin with a presentation by Bill Streeter of Delaware Valley Raptor Center.

“He brings eagles and raptors and lots of birds with him,” said Bethany Keene, outreach and events coordinator for Delaware Highlands Conservancy, which planned the event with the learning center.

That program will last an hour, and for the rest of the day visitors can participate in family-geared activities like bird banding and nest

Fri., Jan. 17th • “NICK CHIKOTAS” Sat., Jan. 18th • “THE BOYS UPSTAIRS” 570-366-1914

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

JT’s PUB TEEN NIGHT Saturday, January 18th DJ CUZO 6-10 PM +21 DANCE PARTY DOWNSTAIRS 10 PM - 2 AM

Saturday, February 1st

PREQUEL TO PUFF’S FEST 7 PM - 2 AM All Ages $5 Cover +21 to drink

FEATURING:

Tusko, Faith in Exole, Moxie & Rebel, Young at Heart, Outlies, and more!

WING NIGHT EVERY THURSDAY Clams $3 Dozen

318 Washington St. Port Carbon

570.622.6218 • 570.617.0811

4

Bethany Keene, outreach and events coordinator for Delaware Highlands Conservancy building. And since the learning center sits right on the lake, Keene said guests might spot some eagles during their trip in addition to those Streeter brings.

“It’s going to be a fun day,” she said. “It’s going to be a great way to learn. It’s a fun opportunity, and you get to see birds that you would very rarely get to see in the wild right up close.”

Enthusiasts also can participate in several eagle watches scheduled for next week, too. Monroe County Conservation District Environmental Education Center, Stroudsburg, will hold a watch from 8:30 a.m. to

5:30 p.m. Jan. 24, and Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Lehman Township, will follow with a watch from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 25. Endless Mountains Nature Center, 1309 Vosburg Road, Tunkhannock, will wrap up the local activities with Eagle Day from 2 to 5 p.m. Feb. 2. All three events require paid admission.

Also on Jan. 25, Lackawanna Audubon Society will hold a free eagle watch. Anyone interested in participating can meet at the rest stop on Interstate 84 east by mile marker 25 at 8:30 a.m. or at the Milford Beach boat launch, Route 6, Milford, at 9 a.m. Participants then will carpool to the Delaware and Lackawaxen rivers and Rio Reservoir as they search the skies for eagles.

“The Delaware River and the Lackawaxen are always good spots,” said Derry Bird, a member of the society’s board of directors.

“Since the eagles have come back, they’ve become even better.”

The society’s trip will mainly look for bald eagles, of which many now nest in the area thanks to the strengthening of their numbers in

Wing Night

West End Hose Co. Pottsville

Sat., Jan. 18th

5 pm to 8 pm Dine In or Take-Out

570-622-5770

We also have Cheeseburgers, Chicken Planks,French Fries and a Soup Special

MEAT Saturday, January 18th at 1:00p.m.

Doors Open at 11 a.m.

First UCC Social Hall (In Front of Penn State Schuylkill)

110 Rt. 61 S. Schuylkill Haven

Food and Drinks Available Tickets $10.00 20 Games, Raffles & Specials Extra For More Info Call 570-385-2049

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Bill Streeter of Delaware Valley Raptor Center will show off several birds during an Eagle Day presentation at PPL Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center, Hawley.

Lots of people participate in recent years. A watcher recently counted 55 bald eagles, Bird said. eagle watches, Bird said, calling the Participants might spot a golden bald eagle a “magnificent bird.”

“It’s the symbol of America,” he eagle, he added, although that is said. more rare.

2501 West End Avenue Pottsville - 570-622-8741 SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH ANOTHER SIDE @ 10 PM $1.50 16OZ CHESTERFIELD ALE FRIDAY, JANUARY 24TH CHRISTEN KARAOKE @ 9 PM $1.50 16 OZ LANDSHARK SATURDAY, JANUARY 25TH J.C.J. @ 10 PM $2.50 STELLA ARTOIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 26TH NICK MICHELS @ 4-7 PM $2.00 MILLER LITE BOTTLES 19 FRONT ST., CRESSONA

570-385-1927

This Weekend Bands & Drink Specials

January 19th 7 AM -12 PM

Mackerel, Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Ham, Pancakes, S.O.S., French Toast, and Omelets 25 North Railroad Street, New Ringgold

(570) 943-2212

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

WING NI T E Saturday, Jan 18th. • 5-8pm All Welcome

TOOM’S PUB (Formerly Longboards)

New Ringgold Fire Co.

Mackerel Breakfast

Mar Lin Citizens Hose Co.

204 Peacock St., Pottsville

570-622-8920

Saturday January 18th 10pm-1am “Roxy Nova” Playing mix of rock covers and originals.

Come in for Yuengling cooler give away, must be present for drawing.

Saturday January 25th Sam Adams beer tasting 2:30-5:30pm!

Open Friday 3 pm, Sat., Sun., Mon., & Thurs 6 pm Tonite 9 pm

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

Guinness on Tap Friend us on Facebook

1120 Centre Street, Ashland • 875-3292

“DJ 1:01”

SATURDAY 9 PM

"NICK CHIKOTAS"

SATURDAY JAN. 25TH.

"BOY’S UPSTAIRS"

- CLASS OF 85 BENEFIT RENNINGER FAMILY CHECK FACEBOOK FOR DETAILS & SCHEDULE

POTTSVILLE ZONE

Sports Bar & Grill CATERING WEDDINGS AND ANY OCCASION. . .

On-Site or Off. Call today!

570-628-9793 337 Peacock St. Pottsville WE DELIVER

GIORGIO’S PIZZA RESTAURANT

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

Subs, Wraps. Clubs, Trays for catering your special office meetings or events: birthdays, baby showers, etc.

Call ahead for pricing, ask for Frank.

Open Daily 11 am - 9:30 pm • Sundays 4-9:30 pm

Closed Mondays.

Like Us on Facebook

We saw you at ... the collection on Saturday

Brian Conrad, left, and Phil Handwerk, both of Schuylkill Haven

David Rickard, 13, left, and Nicholas Moyer, 14, both of Schuylkill Haven Photos by Andy Matsko

From left, Talon Kalbach, 17, of Pottsville; Zehn Schropp, 15, of Friedensburg; and Daniel Welsh, Schuylkill Haven

From left, Angela Brennan, Orwigsburg; Jared Benshoff and Todd Horning, both of Pottsville

PINE GROVE LEGION POST 374

Weekend Specials Friday

Eggplant Lasagna $8.95 Carolina Coast Chicken - crispy chicken breast topped with melted Pimento cheese $10.95 Crab Stuffed Sole Fillet $12.95

Steak Night

Sat. 1/18 - starting at 5pm Featuring Chef Bob McDonald $16.95 Delmonico - 16 oz. $19.95 Filet - 10 oz. and Yocko's featured Cast Iron Corn Bread w/almond butter $4 Margaritas Reservations recommended.

570-399-5365

Bill Cripps, left, Pine Grove, and Dave “Bear” Reager, Pottsville

Saturday

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

Stuffed Meatloaf $8.95 Anaheim Shrimp Salad- grilled shrimp on a bed of a cool corn & avocado salad with a honey lime dressing $10.95 Strip Steak Pizziola-topped with a pepperoni sauce and provolone cheese $12.95

Sunday

Roast Fresh Ham $8.95 Chicken Stroganoff - sautéed with Fresh mushrooms in a light brown sauce with a touch of sour cream $10.95 Haddock Oreganatta $11.95

Sunday Breakfast

Chipped Beef - Eggs Benedict

42 S.Tulpehocken St. Pine Grove 570-345-8050

FRIDAY PLATTERS 4-7PM FRIED SEAFOOD PIG STOMACH HADDOCK W/ MAC & CHEESE

SATURDAY BREAKFAST 7-11AM PUBLIC WELCOME!

SATURDAY JAN. 18TH 8-11 PM “ROCKVILLE REVUE” COMING SAT. JAN. 25TH

Give Your Valentine The Gift That Always Fits!

Red & Yellow Roses Fresh Mixed Bouquet Mixture of Multicolored $35 Dozen Sweetheart Roses, Gerbera $20 Half-Dozen Daisies & White Daisies $4 Single Rose $30

CALL TO PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY! *Orders will be taken unit Feb. 4th, Deliveries made Feb. 14th

“THE JOHNSON BROTHERS” SUNDAYS DRAFT SPECIALS & PEANUT BAR Reservations 570-345-8050

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

2 Park Street Pottsville, PA 17901 Hours: Monday - Friday 8AM to 4PM (570) 622-7368

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014

5

THIS WEEKEND’S EVENTS TODAY

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SPAGHETTI SUPPER — 4 to 7 p.m., Pine Grove Masonic Lodge, 23 Oak Grove Road, Pine Grove. Cost $8, children’s platters available.

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.

COFFEEHOUSE — 7 to 9 p.m., God’s Mountain Activity Center, Union and Cadbury streets, Palo Alto.

Music by Our Journey. Free.

Sponsored by Palo Alto Mennonite Church.

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.

RESERVATION DEADLINE FOR ELKS CITIZEN OF

YEAR DINNER — To be held Jan. 25, Mahanoy City Elks Lodge 695, to honor Harry W. Wagner Jr. Cash bar 6 p.m., dinner 6:30 p.m., followed by award program. Dancing 8 to 11 p.m. with music by DJ. Coat and tie required, black tie optional. Cost $20. For tickets or more information, call Jerry at 570-773-3185 or Linda or Frank at 570467-2612.

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 ANNUAL GREATER POTTSVILLE WINTER CARNIVAL EVENT — Snowdrop Fashion Show, 2 p.m., Boscov’s, Fairlane Village mall, Pottsville.

ANNUAL VENISON ROAST — 6 to 8 p.m., Oak Grove Sportsmens Clubhouse, Pine Grove.

ANNUAL CHINESE AUCTION — Shop and drop, 5

DELCAMP’S Friday

14-16 Sunbury St. • Minersville

Fish Sandwich.......$2.29

Breakfast Served All Day

Breaded Haddock w/Mac & Cheese and Stewed Tomatoes........ $5.99

St. Clair • 8AM to 8PM • 570-429-1470

6

STEVE’S 570-544-6096 Weekend Special Sausage, Eggs & Homefries

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

to 7 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, with drawings at 3 p.m., Llewellyn Fire Company, 12 Silverton Road, Llewellyn. No admission.

Benefits Kevin Beach Racing. Call Alicia at 570-5273636 regarding donations.

BASKET MAKING WORKSHOP — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Walk-In Art Center, 220 Parkway, Schuylkill Haven. Make traditional hearth basket for holding logs, magazines, etc. Open to age 14 to adult.

Cost $45. To register, call 570-732-3728, ext. 301.

BENEFIT — January Thaw, noon to 2 a.m., Fast Frank’s Place, 22 Coal St., Middleport. Featuring nine bands.

Admission $5. Proceeds benefit Middleport Fire Company.

FENG SHUI WORKSHOP — Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Diakon office, 118 S. Centre St., Pottsville. Cost $20.

Sponsored by Diakon Living and Learning. To register, call

PINE GROVE VFW Sat. Jan. 18, 9-12

“MIND SET”

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.

Saturday, January 18th.

Mach’s Gut Candle Barn located at 1468 Route 61 South Pottsville, PA 17901 • Phone: (570) 593-8792 FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014

7:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 18 • 7:00 p.m.

Scott Church’s DRAG A Documentary M & T Movies at the Majestic Directed by Michael Donati

Saturday, • 7:00 p.m.

Friday,February January1525, 2013

7:00 p.m.

- Free Admission and Popcorn Tickets Only: $7.00

Call: 570-628-4647

Pine View Acres

Need A Fundraising Idea? Call Us For More Info!

with a purchase of $25.00 or more

9Ball

Tickets Only: - Free Admission and$9.00 Popcorn -

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

(Coupon Expires March 31, 2014)

50% OFF ALL CLOTHING

Anne's Bakery and More

Guests Accompanied By Members Only - ID a Must

SUNDAYS BIG BREAKFAST BUFFET Open Saturdays 4 - 8 pm Open Tues Thru Fri 11:30 am - 8 pm For lunches & dinners Line Dancing Every 2nd Friday of the Month

Monday thru Friday 9:00am to 8:00pm Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm Sunday 9:00am to 3:00pm

Sovereign Majestic MSaturday, & T Movies at the19, Majestic January 2013

Visit Us On Facebook

NEW STORE HOURS

tion, call the church at 570875-3000.

HOMEMADE SOUP SALE — 9 to 11 a.m. or sellout, Good Will Fire Company, 25 North St., Minersville. Takeouts only. Cost $6 per quart.

To order, call 570-294-6235.

Benefits Minersville Area Skatepark Association.

LEARN TO SELL ON EBAY CLASS — Noon to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Pottsville Center, 201 N. Centre St., Pottsville. Cost $45. Sponsored

by Diakon Living and Learning. To register, call Susan at 570-624-3018.

MEAT BINGO — 1 p.m., doors open 11 a.m., First United Church of Christ, 110 Route 61 South, Schuylkill Haven. Tickets $10. Call 570-385-2049.

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

Coming Jan. 25 “Honeypump”

Public Welcome - Weekly Specials

Starting February

Susan at 570-624-3018.

Workshop for beginners.

FREE COMMUNITY SOUP SUPPER — 4 to 7 p.m., St. Clair-Wade United Methodist Church, 23 N. Front St., Saint Clair.

FREE COMMUNITY SUPPER — 3 to 6 p.m., Simpson United Methodist Church, East Biddle Street, Gordon.

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 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.

FREE CLOTHING CLOSET — 10 a.m. to noon, Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church, 1238 Market St., Ashland. For more informa-

“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

January Specials

Rack of Veal Demi-glaze $10.95 Pork Chops Grilled $9.95 Stuffed Mushroom Appetizers $6.50

570-628-3207 • Chamberlaine Ave., Pottsville

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

We Now Accept EBT Cards

Branchdale Call 570-544-5105 We Have Mackerel Weekend Special Breakfast BLT & Homefries

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

570-645-3059.

OPEN HOUSE — Tremont Area Historical Society, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., borough building, 19 N. Pine St., second floor, Tremont.

SPAGHETTI DINNER — 3 to 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 400 E. Mahanoy St., Mahanoy City. Adults $8, children $4.

SPAGHETTI DINNER — 4 to 7 p.m., Salem United Methodist Church, 133 S. Liberty St., Orwigsburg.

Freewill offering accepted.

SPAGHETTI DINNER — 4 to 7 p.m., Little Run Gun Club, Tremont. Adults $10, children 12 and under $6.

Benefits CPX 12U and 14U Softball Travel Teams.

TOY BINGO — 1 to 4 p.m., doors open at noon, Nativity BVM High School, One Lawtons Hill, Pottsville. Prizes include toys and gift cards for boys and girls grades K Please see CALENDAR, Page 8

Middleport Inn Coal St., Middleport

Friday Specials • Beef Enchiladas • Liver & Onions • Basil Cream Scallops • Chicken Tortilla Soup Thursday - Wing Night

570-277-9015

315 N. Centre St., Pottsville

570-628-4220 www.thegstone.com

Friday Night, January 17th

“J.E.M.” Starting at 8:00pm It’s Not Too Early To Think About Valentine’s Day! - Friday, February 14th Special Valentine’s Dinner Menu Entertainment by J.E.M. • Starting at 8:00 pm -Saturday, February 15th - Special Valentine’s Dinner Menu -Sunday, February 16th - OUR AMAZING VALENTINE’S BRUNCH -

11:00 am to 2:00 pm • Call Today For Reservations

Learn the subtle art of tipping Dear Mark: Sometimes at a table game I will tip at the end of the session versus nickel-and-diming the dealer through the course of play. At some joints after I color up, if I flip the dealer a black chip, the dealer will convert to four green and place them behind the paddle. What protocol dictates why the black chip isn’t set behind the paddle as tokes?

Randy S. There is no consistency, Randy, when it comes to how dealer tips are handled within the pit. Every casino has a different policy regarding tokes, especially when carrying $100 chips off the game.

For my readers, let’s first begin by breaking down some of the casino lingo used in your question. A black chip is typically $100, green $25. “Behind the paddle” refers to a slot that is right of the dealer where he or she deposits your hard-

Mark Pilarski Deal Me In

earned moolah in exchange for chips. “Nickel-and-diming” is an occasional tip for the dealer during the course of play. In dealer jargon, the term “toke,” relates to a tip or tipping, as used in the green felt jungle subculture.

As for “coloring up” it is a lot easier for both the dealer and patron to carry a few larger denomination chips than a bunch of smaller denomination chips. When players are done with their session, they simply push their chips toward the dealer and ask, “could you please color me up?” The dealer will count your chips and

exchange all of your smaller denomination chips for fewer larger denomination chips.

With an eagle eye, some pit bosses tend to track black chips as if it’s their own booty. Where you played, the policy was to reverse the color up, leaving the black chip on the table, exchanging it out for green. My experience working in multiple casinos has been the opposite.

Although as a pit boss it was my responsibility to be the custodian over higher denomination chips, I didn’t sweat the money, and, unless the game was light on $100 chips, the dealer was allowed to walk them off the game.

Again, this varies according to the protocol of each individual casino.

In blackjack, you can offer your tip directly to the dealer during play, or as you did, generously toss a C-note in token form when done playing. You can also place a side

bet on top of or in front of your wager for the dealer.

So which do dealers prefer? Most favor a side bet alongside yours rather than receiving a tip directly. A side wager makes them feel like they are also in action and have a stake in the game.

A bet for the dealer provides a little excitement in what can be a humdrum job.

The problem with tipping after a blackjack session is that you don’t reward the dealer when winning, then avoid tipping if your session

WILD ABOUT WINTER Head to Hawk Mountain

NOW through February 9th EMMAUS (610) 966-2271

PA 026000 WWW.STOVESNSTUFF.COM

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

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

Blu Tavern Restaurant & Motel

Rt. 209, Llewellyn • 570-544-9919

NOW OPEN Featured Entrees • Prime Rib of Beef • Old Fashion Pot Roast Sunday Brunch 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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

The 46th 2014

Pennsylvania State Dart Tournament

The Longest Consecutively Running Dart Tournament in the World since 1969 Qualifying Dates Are Saturday January 25th Saturday February 8th Saturday February 15th

NEW Format this year!

Music Singer Jesse Wade Send us your events for our online calendar at www.schuylkill.org

You can’t gamble by the clock. Time can place a limitation on pleasure.

— Nick “The Greek” Dandalos, “Nick the Greek: King of Gamblers” (1969) (Pilarski can be reached at pilarski@markpilarski.com)

Presents

• ALSO

TAMAQUA (570) 386-5656

Gambling wisdom of the week

Lakeside Ballroom

Sweet Arrow Lake Country Park Clubhouse Pine Grove Sunday, January 26th 2-5pm • Hot Dogs over an open fire • Homemade Ice Cream demonstration

on Hearthstone wood, gas, and pellet stoves and fireplace inserts

service. Even Yours Truly, with 20 years on the inside, won’t tip a dull at a dishwater dealer who makes me feel like I’m wasting their time.

For more info www.blutavern.com

• Complimentary Hot Chocolate and Bird-Friendly Coffee

FIRE & ICE WINTER FEST

Save up to $400

STROUDSBURG (570) 424-2421

ends badly. If a dealer knows they will be tipped when the player is winning, they begin rooting for you, and some actually do subtle things to help, like allowing deeper penetration into the shoe before re-shuffling if the dealer feels the deck is still rich in face cards. The casino obviously does not want this type of rogue behavior, and I concur, but it does happen.

The bottom line here, Randy, is that you should only tip what you are comfortable with, and only tip for good

3 Brackets of Starting Times for (Each Date) 10:30AM • 12:30PM • 2:00PM All Pairs Luck of the Drawl on arrival

Awards to ALL Teams that make the Finals Finals held Saturday February 22nd 10:30AM No Food or Alcohol permitted in Tournament (PA Law) For Information/Directions Please call 570-467-2630 or Visit www.lakesideballroom,net 40 Crystal Lane • Barnesville • 570-467-2630 www.lakesideballroom.net

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014

7

CALENDAR Continued from Page 6

through 8. Cost $7 for 10 games. Benefits Nativity’s Theater Arts Club for spring production of “Godspell.”

WING NIGHT — 5 to 8 p.m., West End Hose Company, 1219 W. Market Street, Pottsville. Eat in or take out.

Call 570-622-5770.

CANCER FUNDRAISER — Noon to 8 p.m., Ryan Township Fire Company, 945 Barnesville Drive, Barnesville. Food and refreshments available, Chinese auction, and live music by Friar’s Point Band, 3AM, Roger Ressler, and DG Mick Uranko. Benefit for Debbie Dawson Hartman to help defray expenses. Call 570-952-4890 or 570-7783719.

GET WILD ABOUT WINTER EVENT — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Drehersville. Programs include live raptor program, feeder interpretation, kids crafts, guided winter woods walk Complimentary hot chocolate and bird-friendly coffee. Hiking is free for members. Non-member trail fees are $6 for ages 13 and up, $5 for seniors 65 and older. Hazardous weather/travel conditions will cancel this event. For more information, call Hawk Mountain Sanctuary at 610-756-6961.

SUNDAY

BEEF AND BREW — 2 p.m., Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Avenue and Beech streets, Mount Carmel. Hosted by Holy Name Society. Tickets $10 and must be purchased in advance. Call church office at 570-339-0650 during business hours.

BINGO — 2 p.m., doors open 12:30 p.m., Newtown Volunteer Fire Company, 36 Wood St., Zerbe. Call 570695-3777.

BINGO — 2 p.m., doors open at noon, St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church Hall, Main and Oak Streets, Shenandoah. Hall accessible to handicapped. Food avail8

able. Sponsored by Francis Cardinal Brennan Knights of Columbus Council 618.

CHRISTIAN UNITY MASS — Noon, St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 82 N. Centre St., Ringtown. Lunch served from 11 to 11:50 a.m. at the rectory.

FREE THROW CHAMPIONSHIP — 5 p.m., sign up starts 4 p.m., Nativity BVM High School, Lawtons Hill, Pottsville. Open to boys and girls ages 9 to 14. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus St. John Neumann Regional Council 14009, Saint Clair. Call 570-429-2568 or 570-429-0088.

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

ALL-YOU-CAN-EATBREAKFAST — 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-EATBREAKFAST 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.

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.

WINE TASTING DINNER Wednesday, Jan. 29th.

Make Plans Now to Attend our

First Winter NIE USED BOOK SALE

Friday 1/24 & Saturday 1/25 at the

Schuylkill Mall Rte. 61 & I81

Changes as a direct result of feedback received from our Readers and Shoppers: • Winter sale in January • Mass produced fiction grouped by the first initial of the authors last name.

• August sale dates made public earlier.

Thank you for the positive feedback and suggestions.

2501 West End Ave., Pottsville Come in outta the cold!

We've got FUN for EVERYONE! Saturdays & Sundays Friends & Family Rent-A-Lane Any 2-hour period 2-6 pm $34.95/lane includes shoes Fridays & Saturdays Glow Bowl Rent-A-Lane Any 2-hour period 8 pm - 10 pm $49.95/lane includes shoes & only $44.95 after 1O pm.

Don’t Forget, Birthdays with us are NO MESS, NO FUSS! Call & book your party today!

Strike Zone Alleys

570-622-8740

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS GO TO: Reservations a Must.

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

Coal Creek Plaza, Saint Clair

570-429-1888

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

niebooksale.weebly.com or call 570-628-6145