May30

FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

For a review of “Maleficent,� see Page 3

We saw you at...

Nativity vs.

Schuylkill Haven baseball game

Old Home Week celebration See Page 2

Jessica Jones, left, Barnesville, and Olivia Andrefski, Orwigsburg

From left, Nevaeh and Arriella Ryes and Michelle Foster, all of Saint Clair For more photos from the game, see Page 5

Community celebration O

BY ERIC PEDDIGREE COPY EDITOR

epeddigree@republicanherald.com

ne of Schuylkill County’s biggest block parties will kick off Monday in Tower City.

The 67th Tower-Porter Old Home Week will be held from Monday to June 8 on the American Legion Midway Grounds. The carnival will be open from 6 to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday.

Peter A. Hoffman, treasurer of the Tower-Porter Improvement Organization, which organizes the event, said the carnival expanded into Sunday this year. After rainy weather affected last year’s carnival, the committee decided to add Sunday as a way to generate more funds.

Hoffman said the proceeds from the carnival are distributed among 10 and 12 groups, with the largest recipient typically being the local swimming pool.

The highlight of the carnival is “Super Saturday,” which features the Spirit Parade. According to the event’s website, www.tpoldhomeweek.org, the parade will step off at 11 a.m. It will feature members of the community, such as service groups, businesses and organizations. The day will conclude with a fireworks extravaganza at 10:45 p.m. Hoffman said the nightcap draws a “tremendous” amount of people to the Midway.

The parade returned a couple years ago after the carnival com2

FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

Tower-Porter Old Home Week slated for next week

If you go

What: 67th Tower-Porter Old Home Week When: 6 to 11 p.m. Monday through June 6; 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. June 7; noon to 6 p.m. June 8 Where: American Legion Midway Grounds, Tower City

mittee felt the event needed to be revamped. Hoffman said up until 2011, the carnival was on a dying trend. Since then, the committee’s goal has been to return the carnival to its heyday of the 1960s and ’70s.

“People just love the way that we brought it back to the way it used to be,” Hoffman said.

The effort included bringing in more rides to fill the Midway. This year, at least 15 rides are scheduled to appear at the carnival. They include the dump truck bounce house, The Scrambler, The Zipper and a Ferris wheel. According to the website, ride wristbands will be available for $15 from Tuesday to Saturday.

Ride tickets will also be available during operation times. The sessions will be held from 6 to 11 p.m.

Tuesday through Friday and 6 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday. Special discount ride wristbands will be available for $10 from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Rides will not be running on opening night due to setup.

The rides will be provided by Nonweiler Amusements Midway Inc., Lehighton, who will also bring challenging games. Local community organizations will also be running game stands, such as a dime pitch, money wheel and dice roll.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Scrambler will be one of 15 rides at the 67th Tower-Porter Old Home Week, scheduled for Monday through June 8 at the American Legion Midway Grounds, Tower City.

According to the event website, nightly entertainment is planned throughout the week. The entertainment tent, which seats 72, will be home to musical acts every night. The performers scheduled to appear are: Monday — Local variety band Shannon from 7 to 10 p.m.

Tuesday — Country band Laredo from 7 to 10 p.m.

Wednesday — Classic rock band Blowin’ Smoke from 7 to 10 p.m.

Thursday — Oldies rock ’n’ roll

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

band Rockville Revue from 7 to 10 p.m.

Friday — Elvis show, Brad Crum and His Legend Band from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Saturday — Party band Deuce from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Sunday — Christian choral group Men in Harmony from 2 to 5 p.m.

In addition to rides and games, food vendors will be set up around the Midway. Some of the stands will be manned by local organiza-

tions, such as the Porter-Tower Little League selling chicken wings and the Porter-Tower Recreation Commission selling fried Oreos, tacos salads, birch beer and birch beer floats.

This year, money raffle drawings will be moved to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Hoffman said there will be 10 winners of $500.

For more information about the carnival, visit the event’s website or Facebook page.

Jolie’s performance highlight of ‘Maleficent’ It takes talent to walk around in a black leatherhorned cap and not look silly.

Angelina Jolie turns in a magnificent performance in “Maleficent” as the (now we are told) misunderstood villain of the “Sleeping Beauty” tale.

Despite the odd look — inspired by the drawings of Marc Davis for the 1959 animated Disney film — Jolie makes the character equally sinister and sweet.

This is still the story of Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning), who is cursed at her christening by Maleficent to fall into a deep slumber. Only the kiss of her true love can wake her. But the story looks more at how Maleficent — with cheekbones sharp enough to cut diamonds — goes from star-crossed lover to vindictive party crasher.

Jolie rules this film with a powerful acting grace accented by director Robert Stromberg’s film style that shifts from film noir to children’s comedy without a flinch.

There’s just not enough fleshing out of the story to support these elements.

The villain of this film is the script by Linda Woolverton, which promises Maleficent’s real story but delivers little more than a couple variations on the original theme.

Woolverton should have aggressively adapted the story to add something more original. The times when she does stretch, she falls so short it’s obvious this writing task exceeded her grasp.

One of the biggest blunders comes when Aurora pricks her finger and falls into the deep sleep. Not to give anything away, but this is the story of a “sleeping” beauty — not a “napping” or “nodding off” beauty. Part of the drama is how long the kingdom waits for the powerful kiss to end the spell.

There’s also a major

MOVIE REVIEWS moment near the end that should have touched Aurora deeply, but her reaction is less enthusiastic than a teen learning the shoes she wants to buy are no longer on sale.

Woolverton needed to push, twist and reshape the story into something bigger and better. As is, the film is fun but not memorable.

Young children also might have trouble forgetting the movie, which has intense live-action scenes.

Fewer predictable battles and more original writing would have made “Maleficent” magnificent. If only the script had been as good as Jolie’s performance and the beautiful visuals from Stromberg, this would have been a summer sleeper beauty.

“Maleficent,” A Walt Disney Pictures release, is rated PG for scary sequences. Running time: 97 minutes. Grade: B-minus

“A Million Ways to Die in the West” Seth MacFarlane wants to be a movie star in the worst way.

“A Million Ways to Die in the West” is result of this longing — a long comedy with long waits between jokes and longer waits between those that work.

Thus does his leading-man career begin and end with a “worst way” Western that’s basically an excuse for a guy with zero screen presence to lock lips with Oscar winner Charlize Theron.

The voice and creative mind behind the animated “Family Guy” and the halfanimated “Ted” makes what is essentially a dirty-mouthed Don Knotts comedy, a farce so lame it’s as if “Blazing Saddles” never happened or MacFarlane never saw it.

He plays Albert, a timid

sheep rancher in 1882 Old Stump Township, located in the scenic Monument Valley of Arizona. His clumsiness with his sheep and his cowardice with the locals costs him his best girl (Amanda Seyfried). His pals Edward ( G i ova n n i R i b i s i ) a n d Edward’s hooker girlfriend Ruth (Sarah Silverman) worry he’ll never get over that.

And then Anna (Theron), the moll of a desperado (Liam Neeson), ducks into town, laying low. She takes pity on the only guy in the Old West without a tan — Albert.

The running gag here is Albert’s profane irritation at all the ways you can get killed in the wild, careless, pre-antibiotic, pre OSHA, lawless, trigger happy environment

they all live in. That’s another reason Louise (Seyfried) dumps him.

“People are living to be 35 these days!” No need to rush into marriage. Not with the local moustache Lothario (Neil Patrick Harris) waiting in the wings.

Albert must find his mettle, learn to use a gun and take a spirit journey with some hallucinogen-equipped Indians (Wes “Geronimo” Studi is their leader) before he can get the girl.

There’s an ambitious barn dance scene set to Stephen Foster’s “If You’ve Only Got a Moustache” that works.

And the Indians initiating the palest pale face bit provokes a grin.

But MacFarlane and his cast — including cameos by

everyone from Ryan Reynolds to Christopher Lloyd (“Back to the Future,” anyone?) and Ewan McGregor — seem to think that merely saying a dirty word, showing a bodily fluid or demonstrating a bodily function is all it takes to earn a laugh.

And in the center of it all is the bland MacFarlane, cowriter, producer, director and star, and in none of those guises does he find enough jokes to fill a two hour “comedy.” Characters stiffly stand in the foreground exchanging unfunny lines that don’t advance the plot while extras stand around behind them doing nothing funny either.

A long, bloody barroom fight — more ways to die — has one decent gag in it.

In traditional Westerns,

there was humor in the guy who hasn’t mastered the basics of Western life — riding, roping, shooting and drinking. Albert is plainly that guy, and isn’t the least bit amusing in his ineptitude.

Which leaves the actor who plays him wandering back behind the camera with his tail between his legs, facing just one question from moviedom: When are you delivering “Ted 2”? Because “Million Ways” is strictly D.O.A. “A Million Ways To Die In The West,” a Universal release, is rated R for strong crude and sexual content, language throughout, some violence and drug material.

Running time: 116 minutes. ★½

West Coast Video New Releases First Featuring

Elmer’s Hobby Shop

Schuylkill Mall

For Showtimes: 570-874-2505 • www.schuylkillmalltheatres.com www.facebook.com/schuylkillmalltheatres Playing 5/30-6/5 A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (R) 12:30P 3:30P 6:30P 9:15P BLENDED (PG13) 12:15P 3:15P 6:15P 9:00P MALEFICENT (PG) 12:30P MALEFICENT 3D (PG) 3:30P 6:00P 8:30P GODZILLA 2D (PG13) 12:45P

GODZILLA 3D (PG13) 3:45P 6:45P 9:45P HEAVEN IS FOR REAL (PG) 12:00P MILLION DOLLAR ARM (PG) 6:30P 9:15P XMEN: DAYS OF PAST 2D (PG13) 12:15P XMEN: DAYS OF PAST PXC 3D (PG13) 3:15P 6:30P 9:30P

Experience Good Food/ Drinks and a movie in A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST 21+ R the VIP Auditorium at 12:30P 6:30P 3:15P 9:30P

DON’T JUST SEE A MOVIE, EXPERIENCE IT AT

Reading Movies 11 & IMAX 30 N. 2nd Street 610-374-2828 ∙ www.rctheatres.com FREE GARAGE PARKING Digital Projection & Sound • Stadium Seating

Showtimes for Friday, May 30 through Wednesday, June 4 Tickets are now on sale for:

EDGE OF TOMORROW - BEGINS THU 6/5 at 8:00 NIGHT BEFORE OUR STARS - SPECIAL SCREENING WITH Q&A - THU 6/5 at 8:30 FAULT IN OUR STARS - BEGINS THU 6/5 at 9:00 BARGAIN TUESDAYS ALL SHOWS ALL DAY $5.25 (Excluding IMAX, Additional fee for 3D)

NOW SHOWING IMAX: MALEFICENT IMAX3D (PG) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:40 FEATURING IN REALD DIGITAL 3D:

MALEFIECENT IN DIGITAL 3D (PG) (4:00), 9:30 X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST IN DIGITAL 3D (PG13) (12:45, 4:30), 7:40, 10:30 (4:15), 10:15

NEIGHBORS 21+ R

BAR & GRILL

HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS DAILY

DRIVE - IN MOVIE THEATRE

Rent 1Electronic New Release at Reg. Price Get 2nd 1 for 99¢ Cigarettes

GODZILLA IN DIGITAL 3D (PG13)

1:00P 4:00P 7:00P 9:45P

XMEN: DAYS PAST 2D 21+ PG13

And Chris’s AndElectronic Chris’s Cigarettes

MOVIES ON THE MOUNTAIN EVERY FRI, SAT, AND SUN. GATES OPEN AT 8, MOVIES START AT 9

SCREEN 1: MALEFICENT (PG) SCREEN 2: XMEN:DAYS OF FUTURE FOLLOWED BY PAST (PG13) FOLLOWED BY BLENDED (PG13) GODZILLA (PG13)

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 IN DIGITAL 3D (PG13) 7:00, 10:00 MALEFICENT (PG) (12:45, 1:30, 4:30), 7:00, 7:30, 10:00

A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (R) (1:40, 4:40), 7:40, 10:20

X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (PG13)

(12:15, 12:30, 4:00, 4:15), 7:10, 7:20, 10:00, 10:15

BLENDED (PG13)

(12:50, 4:05), 7:05, 9:50

GODZILLA (PG13) (12:45), 7:15 NEIGHBORS (R) (1:15, 4:15), 7:20, 10:20 THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2(PG13) (12:15, 4:00) CHILDREN UNDER 3 NOT ADMITTED TO PG13 or R RATED MOVIES AFTER 6PM SHOWTIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

3

The choice between losing, or losing really fast

Dear Mark: I like to play the keno machines and would like to know about the payouts.

Does the machine pay out after so much money goes into the machine, or is it based on picking random numbers? I have noticed that sometimes I will play a string of numbers, and when I get off those numbers, they will start lighting up. Can you shed any light on this?

Pat H. Just as with all the cards displayed in video poker, or the symbols of a slot machine, a random number generator determines all numbers drawn in video keno. All 80 numbers on a keno game have the same chance of being drawn, whether you are playing them or not.

4

pop, the most you could lose on a live keno game is about $15 an hour, as that is the average number of games Deal Me In called per hour. A typical video keno player can easily burn through $15 in quarters in under three minutes. The fact of the matter is that the choice between keno and video keno is the choice between The medium casino losing, or losing really fast. advantage on all video keno Allow me to dole out some games is 7.5 percent. That’s very high by my standards (2 advice for playing the cybernetic version of keno. First, percent or less), but comthink about switching to vidpared to approximately 28 percent on a live keno game, eo poker instead. Your hourly loss to the house will end up it’s considerably lower. And why lower? It is because vid- being much, much lower.

If you are not going to liseo keno has better paytables. ten to me, that’s fine. It’s only Now, even if on paper, it an advice column. Be that as looks like video keno is the better deal and you should be it may, you do want to search for the highest-paying paytahauling in some serious kables. The higher the payouts ching, it’s really not. At $1 a

Mark Pilarski

GIORGIO’S PIZZA RESTAURANT (570) 429-1237

2501 West End Ave., Pottsville

YOUTH LEAGUES Are Now Forming!

Call today or visit

36 N. 2nd St., St. Clair PA

STOP BY. WE DELIVER!

www.strikezonealleys.com

570-622-8740

Like Us on Facebook

For additional details.

Heritage Day in the Valley Heckscherville Clover Fire Company 8 Clover Road, Pottsville PA 17901

June 1st. 11 am to 6 pm

11am AOH Memorial Walk & Ceremony Walkin' to St. Kieran's 12-5 2:15 pm 3 pm

to mention they offer eating and gambling at the same time. It is actually kind of fun, with two of my favorite pastimes together. Have you ever heard of such a thing?

Jeff F. Who hasn’t, Jeff, sat on the counter in a casino coffee shop scarfing down a 99-cent breakfast special and playing keno at a buck a game. Oh, and it used to come with free cocktails, too. If those weren’t the good old days, I 2 pastimes don’t what were.

Dear Mark: Actually, eating and gamI am glad to see you menbling has a historical backtioned the El Cortez being drop. Did you know the origithe place to play when it nation of the sandwich is comes to gambling in Las directly related to gambling?

Vegas. Although I usually Thank the Earl of Sandwich. stay at the Rio, I always make He loved to gamble so much my way downtown and play he had his cortege bring him there. By the way, you forgot meats, bread and cheese so he

Crimson Tide Football Club Golf Tournament and Picnic

WE DELIVER

Hours: Tues. thru Thurs. 11 - 9:30 Fri. & Sat. 11-10 • Sun. 4 - 9:30 Closed Mondays

for the spots you play, the lower the house edge. Play fewer spots so the odds against hitting a winning ticket are not so astronomical. Deliberately play at a leisurely pace, because the slower you play, the less of your hard-earned money ends up in the casino’s coffers. Finally, use your Player’s card to offset the losses you will experience on this negative-expectation game.

THE TROUBLES THE MCCORMICK SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE FINNEGAN’S WAKE

Music, Dance, History, Genealogy, Food & More No admission Bring lawn chairs! Bring a canopy! friendsofstkierans@ptd.net • (570) 874-1166

FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

Saturday, May 31st Golf at Hidden Valley - Registration starts at noon Cost for golf is $80.00 Includes golf, prizes, refreshments and picnic

Christy Joy’s

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

315 N. Centre St., Pottsville 570-628-4220 www.thegstone.com FRIDAY, MAY 30TH

80’s Night Pajama Party Featuring DJ Chubb Starting at 8:00pm

THURSDAY, JUNE 5TH

Patio Party

Featuring Rusty Foulke • Starting at 5:30pm SERVING LUNCH

Thursdays & Fridays ONLY 11:00am to 1:00pm FREE BUSINESS DELIVERY

Want to be added to our fax list? Call for more info

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

would not have to abandon the gambling parlors, from which comes the sandwich.

The El Cortez figures you can’t win if you’re not playing.

So, Jeff, like you stated, you don’t have to decide between your hot streak and a hot pastrami on rye. With their Gambling Gourmet, you can enjoy an El Cortez dining experience without leaving your table. They will bring you grub game-side, so you can have at it gambling nonstop.

Gambling wisdom of the week “The trick always, in taking a sucker, is to get him to suggest a bet.”

— Marty Reisman, “The Money Player” (1974) (Pilarski can be reached at pilarski@markpilarski.com)

MADNESS ON THE MOUNTAIN DECK PARTY FRIDAY, MAY 30th 6PM - 10PM

MONDAY - SUNDAY LUNCH & DINNER 11 am to 9 pm SUNDAY BREAKFAST 7 am to Noon

We saw you at ... the game on May 23

From left, Steve and Cyndy Witman, Dalmatia, and Gwen Belding, Pitman

Melissa Kubeika, left, and Rachel Wood, both of Pottsville

Steve Schade, left, Williamstown, and Lee Houtz, Tower City Sandy and John Killian, Live Oak, Florida, and their grandson, Adam Bailey, Schuylkill Haven

Photos by Andy Matsko

From left, Rieley Reed, Klingerstown; Amber Chick, Sacramento; Mackenzie Klock, Pitman

All You Can Eat

BREAKFAST BUFFET

570-345-6347

Adults $6.00, Children under 8 $3.00

Thursday & Friday 7 a.m.-10 a.m.

Saturday & Sunday 7 a.m.-11 a.m.

The Pottsville Zone Sports Bar & Grill Stop in or take out Lunch and Dinner.

Choose from our Full Menu.

Specials

Breakfast

--------------

Coming June 21 “HONEYPUMP”

Experience our "Create Your Own" Burger Menu!

10 oz grilled fresh Ground Beef topped with any of our 12 delicious toppings for $9.95 served with fresh cut French fries or crispy curly fries. Add our garden fresh salad bar for $3.00

Featured Entrees: • Prime Rib of Beef Aujus • Sausage & Pasta Primavera

SATURDAY, MAY 31ST ADRENALYN @ 10 PM

Sunday Brunch 10 am - 2 pm

SUNDAY, JUNE 1 JON STEFON @ 4-7 PM (Acoustic Solo)

All menu items available for takeout.

Guests Accompanied By Members Only – ID a Must

For more info www.blutavern.com

Visit Us On Facebook

COACH PURSE and UGGS BINGO West End Fire and Rescue 700 W. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City

SUNDAY, JUNE 8 Doors Open 12:30 - Bingo Starts 2 p.m.

Cost $25 - Limited Tickets

Presales 570-778-6118

Price Includes Meal, Coffee & Sweet Table

Every Tuesday thru Saturday

337 Peacock Street Pottsville • 570-628-9793

Rt. 209, Llewellyn • 570-544-9919

Kitchen Hours

Sunday, June 1st

Immaculate Conception Social Hall Saint Clair 570-429-0302

Restaurant & Motel

Public Welcome – Weekly Specials

Friday 4-8 pm • Saturday 7-11 am & 4-8 pm Sunday 7-11 am & 3-8 pm Thursday 6-9 pm Seafood & Steaks

8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Blu Tavern

PINE GROVE VFW

UGGS Prizes Redeemable at Peace Frog, Pottsville

ST

ID A MUST

19 FRONT ST., CRESSONA

570-385-1927

Tuesdays Tapas 5/$5

Wine Down Wednesdays Thursdays Ladies Night 6-8 pm Fri., May 30th.

“PEGGY KELLAR”

Coal Creek Plaza, Saint Clair

570-429-1888 JUNE 16-20, 2014

2501 West End Avenue Pottsville - 570-622-8741

WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT Tonite, “Rob Buehner & Paul” ( Acoustic ) Sat., “DJ RAZZ” HAPPY HOURS: $2.25 You Call It! Mon. & Tues. 5-6 pm • Wed. 4-6 pm, Thurs. 8-10 pm • Fri. 4-8 pm Sun. $1.80 Natural Light Drafts Friday 60¢ Wings from 4-8 pm

Patio Bar is Open Fri & Sat. @ 5 pm Margarita Mondays,TacoTuesdays, Wing Night Wednesdays, Mojito Thursdays, Fish Bowl Fridays

10 thru 17 <There is still time to register> AGES10am til 3:30pm

18 N. Delaware Ave. Minersville, PA

Thursday’s are WING NITE Fri. & Sat. 10 pm - 2 am

DJ 7eVens Sat. Steak Nite Open at 5 pm

(570) 544-5442

For a Week of Adventure, Learning & Fun

LOCATION“THE BARN”

DEIBERTS VALLEY ROAD, SCH. HAVEN

**HIGHLIGHTS***

Full Day in Gettysburg--Meet Charlie Adams, Mark Nesbitt, Julie Pellegrino & The Paranormal After Party Team. Snacks & Drinks Everyday--Camp TShirts-- Plus Many More Surprises & Tons of Fun

CONTACT US NOW TO GET REGISTERED SO YOU DON’T MISS OUT (570) 294-2195 • (570) 294-8997 • (610) 468-6560 sosparanormal3@yahoo.com • https://www.facebook.com/sospara.normal.33

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

5

THIS WEEKEND’S EVENTS TODAY

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK — 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Schuylkill Haven Senior Community Center, rear of 121 Main St., Schuylkill Haven. Call 570-624-3017.

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

ANNUAL SUMMER BARBECUE BASH — Noon to 9 p.m., Liberty Fire Company, Schuylkill Haven. Event includes poker run beginning at noon, Chinese auction, noon to 8 p.m., pig roast, 3 to 9 p.m. and fire truck parade at 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact the firehouse at

6

570-385-3341.

CHILDREN’S CHINESE AUCTION — 5 p.m., doors open 4 p.m., St. John the Baptist Polish National Catholic Church, 414 W. Oak St., Frackville. For children ages 14 and under. Call 570-8740119 or 570-573-1974.

CONCERTSERIES—William Preston,concert pianist,7 p.m., St. Mary Church of Branchdale, State Road, Branchdale. Admission $10 at door and $10 for dinner at 8 p.m.

CRIMSON TIDE FOOTBALL CLUB GOLF TOURNAMENT — 1 p.m., Hidden Valley Golf Course, Panther Valley Road, Pine Grove. Cost $80. Call 570-947-3253 or 570-6227218.

CRIMSON TIDE FOOTBALL CLUB PICNIC — 3 p.m., Christy Joy picnic grounds, Bulls Head Road, Pottsville.

Cost $25. Call 570-9473253 or 570-622-7218.

DANCE — 9 p.m. to midnight, Frackville Elks Lodge, 307 S. Third St., Frackville.

Music by Deuce. Cover charge $3.

FAMILY BLOCK PARTY — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Good

Will Fire Company picnic grove, end of Water Street, Pottsville. Cost $5 per child, includes unlimited access to activities. Old-Fashioned Appalachian Trail toys with Porcupine Pat, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

GRAND OPENING — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., new location of Riverview Bank Orwigsburg office, 100 Hollywood Boulevard, Orwigsburg.

MEETING — Celebrate Recovery, 9 to 11 a.m., Fearnot Assembly of God Church, 1152 W. Mountain Road, Hegins. Free. For more information or directions, call Brian at 570-205-2813.

SCREENING — “From the Hard Coal,” 8 p.m., Sovereign Majestic Theater, 209 N. Centre St., Pottsville. Length 15 minutes.

SPAGHETTI DINNER — 2 to 6 p.m., West End Fire Company, 325 Broad St., Arnot’s Addition. Adults $8, children ages 4-10 years $5, children 3 and under free. Call 570429-0420 for local delivery and take out.

REGISTRATION FOR ANNUAL RINGTOWN COMMUNITY YARD SALE — Begins

9 a.m. today for yard sale July 19 starting 8 a.m., open to all Ringtown area residents, including Union Township, Brandonville and Pattersonville areas. To participate, register at Ringtown Area Library to be included on yard sale map. Cost $5.

SUNDAY ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET — 8 to 11:30 a.m., Immaculate Conception social hall, Caroline Avenue, Saint Clair. Adults $6, children 8 and under $3.

CRAFT SHOW AND RAFFLE — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Columbia Hose Company, Shenandoah. Raffle starts at 3 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Shenandoah Valley High School Class of 2017.

GOLF TOURNAMENT — White Birch Golf Course, Tuscarora. Shotgun start 11 a.m. Cost $70 per person.

Sponsored by Ryan Township Emergency Rescue Squad.

Call Jack Burke at 570-5730223 or 570-391-9300.

HERITAGE DAY IN THE VALLEY — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.,

DELCAMP’S

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

Fri. May 30 - “Michels” Sat. May 31 - “Diaspora” 570-366-1914

Breakfast Served All Day!

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

Schuylkill County Predators Football Game At Simon Kramer Cancer Community & Recreation Center, New Philadelphia Saturday,May 31,2014 Starting at 1:00pm

National Trails Day Walk At Sweet Arrow Lake Saturday,June 7,2014 Starting at 10:00am

Pink Week 2014 At Pine Country Gardens Music-Food-Workshops Saturday, June 7,2014 Starting at 10:30am

Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau MONDAY - FRIDAY: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

570-622-7700 • www.schuylkill.org One Progress Circle, Suite 100, Pottsville

FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

Friday

Shrimp Dinner.....................................$4.99 Seafood Salad Hoagie....sm. $3.99 lg. $5.99 St. Clair • 8AM to 8PM • 570-429-1470

Coal Mine Tap Room

2 N. Third St. St. Clair 570-429-0825

Wed. Wings & Yuengs $1.75 Lager Bottles Fri. Burger & Fries & 16 oz. drafts/Soda $8.95

Are you a Veteran or the Family of a Veteran who served in the US Military?

Pine View Acres SUNDAYS BIG BREAKFAST BUFFET

Open Saturdays 4 - 8 pm Open Tues Thru Fri 11:30 am - 8 pm Line Dancing Every 2nd Friday of the Month Every Thursday “DJ PARTY TYME” Saturday, May 31st.

“LEGENDS”

203 E Arch Street PA Career Link at Schuylkill County Pottsville PA 17901 www.jobgateway.pa.gov

Schuylkill County At Pottsville Equal Opportunity Program/Employer Auxiliary Aids & Services Available Upon Request to Individuals with Disabilities.

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

SEAFOOD BUFFET

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

$19.95 JUNE SPECIALS

Chicken Parmigiana w/ Spaghetti only $9.95 Chopped Sirloin w/ Caramelized Onions $9.95

LUNCH SPECIALS Hot Turkey Sandwich $4.95 w/ Fries or Mashed $6.70

Chicken Wings $6.95 doz. Everyday

Friday

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls $8.95 Old Fashioned Deviled Crab $10.95 Shrimp & Broccoli Scampi Over Pasta $12.50

TOPICS TO DISCUSS....

Please call 570-622-5253 ext. 129 to reserve your seat.

SPECIALS FRIDAY

Weekend Features

PA CareerLink will be holding an informational session on services available to Veterans & their families.

• Education • Family Assistance • Opportunity House • Veterans Affairs

Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge

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

Tuesday, June 3, 2014 • 11:00am to 12:00pm

• Career Services • Counseling • Disability Claims

team cash awards, door prizes and closet to pin contest.

For more information, contact Michael Nieddu at 570-4623927, ext. 5, or email at trinitymike@yahoo.com.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY — 2 to 3 p.m., Faith Church, 1168 Centre Turnpike, Route 61, Orwigsburg. Free. Mailing address P.O. Box 323, Orwigsburg, PA 17961.

FREE DINNER, BREAD, PASTRY, ROLLS AND FOOD ITEMS — 12:15 to 1:30 p.m., Living Waters Church of God, 155 S. Balliet St., Frackville.

Call 570-874-1585.

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. Call 570-277-6041.

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

Clover Fire Company, 8 Clover Road, Heckscherville. Celebration of Irish and Valley history and traditions. Benefits The Friends of St. Kieran’s.

No admission charge.

MEAT BINGO — 1 p.m., doors open 11:30 a.m., Good Intent Hose Company, 12 Silverton Road, Llewellyn. Advance tickets $20, at door $25.

Call Joyce at 570-544-6169 or Chris at 570-617-6005.

PROGRAM — Good News from Jerusalem, 6 p.m., Higher Ground Worship Center, Friedensburg. Call 570-2941539 or 570-739-1601 for directions.

TRINITY ACADEMY’S ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC — Mountain Valley Golf Club, Barnesville. Shotgun start 1 p.m., with four-person team scramble format. Cost $75 per player, includes cart, green fees, food and refreshments after tournament,

Saturday

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

Baked Lasagna $8.95 Rib Eye Steak Sandwich $10.95 Chesapeake Chicken- crab filled chicken baked with fresh tomoto & cheese $12.95

Sunday

Boneless BBQ Ribs $8.95 Veal Cutlet Cordon Bleu $9.95 Haddock Oreganatta $11.95

Sunday Breakfast

Creamed Chipped Beef Apple Cinnamon French Toast

Enjoy summer in own backyard Summer is just around the corner and I am so grateful!

June is the month known for bringing us perfect days and I hope it proves to be true this year. After a long cold winter and a colderthan-usual spring, I’m ready to get outside and enjoy some sunshine in our beautiful corner of the mountains of east central Pennsylvania.

Summer in Schuylkill County is a wonderful time, a beautiful time and I intend to make the most of it.

There’s plenty of prose about the “idle days of summer” but I find summer to be anything but idle. In fact, there’s so much to do, I know I’ll never get it all in!

Outdoor enjoyment abounds in Schuylkill County and summer’s lush mountain views and cool evergreen forests invite trekkers, campers, kayakers, bird watchers and nature lovers of all ages. Our three beautiful state parks, one county park and many private campgrounds are the best to be found anywhere.

Why not take a break and go camping for a few days or explore the Appalachian Trail? June 7 is National Trail Day, a celebration of trails that has been going strong since 1993. It grew from an impetus to have all Americans be able to go out their front doors and within

chance to breathe fresh air, get our hearts pumping and Regina escape from our stresses. Get Gargano on our website at www. schuylkill.org and access the Schuylkill County Trail Directory available online for you to plan your own excursions. Our friends at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park are conducting a 15 minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or National Trails Day Hike at 10 a.m. June 7, too. towns and bring them back Now maybe getting into without retracing steps.

Sounds nice, right? But it’s the water is more to your liking? Our county provides a a whole lot more than just nice folks. A whole lot more. number of streams and lakes for fishing and our Keep in mind that trails do not just magically appear for state parks offer great boating and swimming. June 7 our enjoyment. It takes marks the beginning of the many hours of planning, Schuylkill Sojourn. The labor and negotiating to Sojourn is a 112-mile guided develop them. canoe or kayak trip that National Trails Day, the only nationwide celebration takes a week down our beautiful Schuylkill River. of trails, increases awareBeginning at Island Park ness about trails and celein Schuylkill Haven (once brates the hard work and support of many people and known as the Irish Flats) and partners — including volun- ending at Boathouse Row in teers, land agencies and out- Philadelphia, participants door-minded businesses just register for as many days as they can or for the entire to name a few. Plan to take trip. Go to www.schuylkillsome time to introduce people to the many joys and ben- river.org for more information. efits of trails.

One of the things that the America’s 200,000 miles of Schuylkill River National trails allow us access to the natural world for recreation, and State Heritage Area does education, exploration, soli- extremely well is connect history and nature. If you do tude, inspiration and much the Sojourn, even for one or more. Trails take us to good two days, you will learn how physical and mental health critical the river was to the by providing us with a

Civil War, the Industrial Revolution and many other facets of our national and local history.

We all know that Schuylkill County is rich with history and culture: anthracite mining history, industrial revolution history, national war history, brewing history, native American history and ethnic and cultural heritage, right? When was the last time you explored our history? Shared it with a friend or relative?

Consider making time to do just that and visit the good folks at the Schuylkill County Historical Society this month.

These fine people have been discovering, procuring, cultivating and preserving our local history since 1903.

They’ve got a veritable treasure trove of artifacts, exhibits and knowledge to share with you. While I’m waxing history, Jerry’s Classic Cars & Collectibles Museum celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

The museum features more than 20,000 items of interest — from classic cars to memorabilia, displayed in vignettes that include a drive-in theater, soda fountain, bandstand, millinery and barbershop, auto parts store, appliance center, library, coal region style bar room. I can go on and on.

You’re bound to be intrigued no matter your age or interest so make it a plan to visit!

June marks outdoor concert season also. Before my time with you runs out, I must talk concerts. Tamaqua begins its Summer Concert Series in June with a concert

by Jay Smar on June 6 and with Steve Brosky and Jimmy Meyer on June 19. This popular series is free and open to the public. Concerts are 6 to 8 p.m. on the platform of the 1874 Railroad Station and run varying Thursdays from June through September.

You can reserve a table on the platform and enjoy a delicious dinner and drinks or just bring your lawn chair or blanket for a relaxing evening of free musical entertainment.

Heisler’s Dairy Bar in the pastoral Lewistown Valley begins its A Night in the Country Concert Series June 7 with Jay Smar. Additional concerts in June include Ann Marie Calabrese on June 13 and The New Individuals on June 21.

Finally, festivals are on the horizon! Tamaqua’s Summerfest on June 15 has some-

Jersey Acres Market Stone Mountain Wine Cellars Wine Tasting Daily

AspArAgus - spring OniOns- rhubArb Hrs.: Mon.-Fri. 8-7; Sat. 8-4; Sun. 11-4

28 S. D Street, Mahanoy City

570-773-1195

Citizens Fire Co. Palo Alto

DANCE Music by

M&T Movies at the Majestic

Cover Charge

Saturday, June 21 Free Entry In Association with Pottsville Gymnastics and Theatrical Center, Inc. Lil’ Bits of Broadway Sunday, July 13, 3:00 p.m.

Tickets: $15.00 Raymond The Amish Comic Saturday, July 26 Make Your Next Event Majestic Rent the theater $225

Must be 21 Beer Specials

http://www.sovereignmajestic.com

“Chuck Cahoe” Saturday, May 31st 9 p.m.12 a.m.

570-628-4647

Specials Fri. - Sun.

Open for Lunch and Dinner Tuesday Thru Sunday Breakfast Saturday and Sunday 7am-12pm Saturday May 31st Lee Lentes of “Red Halo” hosts an Acoustic Showcase! 9:30pm-1am Tuesdays $1.50 Taco Salads and $3 Margaritas Wednesdays Yuengs and Wings Night Thursdays $5.95 Nacho Supremes and $4 Martinis

Check Online for all specials and events mineshaftcafe.com

1120 Centre Street, Ashland • 875-3292

thing for everyone of any age, including plenty of delicious food, games, horse and carriage rides, crafts and historical re-enactments.

Hope Hill Lavender Farm will again delight us with their Lavender Festival on June 21. The festival features information sessions on growing and using lavender, distillation, bees, farm tours, arts and crafts vendors, delicious food from Brickhouse Grill and other local vendors, live music by Tommy Dee, beer and wine tastings, lavender products and plants and much more.

As I close this, I realize I’ve barely scratched the surface of the many happenings in Schuylkill County in June and I do apologize. There is always so much to do and see that I can’t possibly come close to covering it all each month.

As always, I urge you to go to www.schuylkill.org under events and check out our calendar frequently and remember to enjoy summer in your own backyard!

(Gargano is executive director of Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau)

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

Stuffed Flounder Grilled Filet Mignon Breaded Oysters Jumbo Lump Deviled Crab

Anne's Bakery and More

Plus Regular Menu Open Monday thru Sunday

Short Stack Pancakes with Bacon & Homefries

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

Branchdale

Call 570-544-5105 We Have Mackerel Weekend Special

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

FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

7

I’m not a poet and I know it

I won’t try to fool you. I don’t sit around and read poetry books under the shade of a pear tree on a sunny day.

I haven’t, as of yet, read “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” by Maya Angelou.

The closest I’ve been exposed to her work, aside from reading quotes on the Internet, has been in greeting cards my mom has given me.

I, however, like many, whether you followed her every word, caught an interview or simply ran across her name online, felt the impact of her loss when I read about it Wednesday.

There are people who reside on this planet who do a resounding amount of good and she was one of them. Despite any hardships she faced throughout her life, she managed to leave a legacy of love and positivity.

In reading her obituary today and various other things, I can see why she was so admired and it motivated me to catch up on her literary body of work.

In the meantime, I’ll share

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BREAKFAST T

hesitate because we don’t feel entirely ready for them. I can relate for sure. And, please, Jenna understand the next one: “Nothing will work Wasakoski unless you do.”

I work hard. I think that’s apparent to anyone who knows me, but I do find myself in moments of “I wish I would just win the lotsome quotes which I think are totally profound in their tery already” like it’s going to be the answer to all my simplicity that we can all prayers.

Please. I know it apply to, honestly, any aspect wouldn’t hurt, don’t get me of our lives — from a tiny wrong, but to work hard to insignificant detail to our achieve things, whether it be entire approach at the unihealthy relationships, career verse and why we are here. goals, personal goals is the “Ask for what you want only respectable way to go. and be prepared to get it.”

Life’s not easy and it can be Many times, I think we a pain in the rump at times, reach a point of comfort in but if you have the will, you life. I know I have in the past can always find a way to few years. There are goals I achieve what you desire. need to reach, but I’ve become “I’ve learned that people so comfortable in my routine, will forget what you said, I’m almost afraid to take furpeople will forget what you ther steps to reach them. did, but people will never Many of us are certain of forget how you made them things we want in life, but feel.”

PINE GROVE

LEGION POST 374 42 S.Tulpehocken St. Pine Grove

570-345-8050 FRIDAY 4-7 PM

Sunday, June 1st 7:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Public Welcome in Patriot Rm. for Dining

BLUE RIDGE HOTEL BAR AND GRILL

Liver & Onions Pork Chops Haddock

Platters

Sat. 7-11 am Friday Breakfast DAVE HARTRANFT 7-10 PM Sunday SATURDAY 8-11 PM BEACH VOLLEYBALL 2-5 PM B “RECKLESS” Sunday, June 22nd 12-4 pm SUNDAY BRUNCH 8 AM-1 PM WING EATING CONTEST V Pig Wings

The Wing Eating Contest is a fundraiser for the Blue Mountain Girls Soccer Team.

SAT., JUNE 7TH • 8-11PM

570-754-7259 • Summit Station

“REMEMBER WHEN” Reservations 570-345-8050

8

It’s open to the public.

FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

MEAT BINGO Good Intent Hose Co. No. 1 LLEWELLYN - June 1, 2014 Doors Open at 11:30 a.m.

Presale $20 At The Door $25 Call 570-544-6169 For Tickets Food and Refreshments Available for Purchase (Meats from Tony’s Meat Market, 17 North St., Minersville, PA 17954)

POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD

Fortunately for me, I’ve had people in my life who have lit up my life. I’ve been down and out and had my day brightened by simple things like surprise Lawrence Welk memorabilia on my desk or a random note I hadn’t expected.

Never in my life do I want to be someone who makes anyone’s life harder. That’s not what I’m here for.

I understand some people are just negative by nature, but I’ll always try to turn that around. Whether it be by something completely ridiculous that comes out of this mouth of mine or just something I know will brighten their day, I feel purpose when I make someone happy and that’s something for which I’ll never apologize.

And unfortunately, it’s hard to forget those who made us feel awful as well, but in growing up and learning to forgive, it’s something to learn not to dwell on.

Lakeside Ballroom Presents

June 14th County Line (All Country Music) $15 per person $25 per couple

June 21st Autumns Golden Oldies 40 Crystal Lane • Barnesville

570-467-2630

www.lakesideballroom.net

Being treated unkind can teach a lesson in how not to treat others, so pay attention.

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.”

When I was younger, I used to hate writing the number 8. Honestly. My hand just didn’t want to move the way we were taught. The infinite stroke of the proper way to draw the figure was not something I enjoyed so I took to drawing two circles instead like the rebel I am and now it’s my favorite number to pen.

So insignificant, but shows the range of Angelou’s advice.

You can apply it to the littlest parts of your life. Or, it can change your entire outlook.

I can identify with this big time right now because I feel like I’ve been doing an awful lot of complaining lately and not a lot of changing. I don’t like to be that person.

I know there are things

that must change in my life which will eliminate the things I complain about.

It comes full circle back to asking for what you want and being prepared to get it.

I’m telling you, this woman had it right. Just writing this now, I feel motivated to heed all of this advice and do all the things I know I’m capable of because...

“Don’t trust people who don’t laugh.”

As a rule, I will only surround myself with people in my life who I can laugh with because I find no greater joy in the whole world. It’s all about riding out the negative to experience and share as much positive as possible.

Thank you, Miss Angelou.

Your wisdom truly surpasses all earthly boundaries and will stand the test of time.

Rest in peace.

(Wasakoski, an assistant editor at The News-Item, can be reached at jenna_ w@newsitem.com)

WINE TASTING JUNE 21, 2014, 4:30-7:30 PM

Reading Railroad Heritage Museum 500 South Third Street • Hamburg, PA 19526 Come Out and Join Your Friends and Neighbors as the RCT&HS Embarks on our First Wine Tasting. Sample the Fine Wines and Explore our Collection Of Vintage Reading Company Equipment and Artifacts.

Cheese, Crackers and Snacks included in Admission.

Advance Purchase Tickets $20.00, 2 for $35.00 $25.00 at the Door All Proceeds to Benefit our Building Fund. Help us on our Mission to Preserve the Past for the Future Send checks to: RCT&HS Wine Tasting P.O. Box 15143 Reading, PA 19612-5143 Telephone (215) 721-3006 for further information