The Guide 12-23-2011 by The Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company

THE GUIDE

A GUIDE TO THE GUIDE

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“My girls are coming in (from out of town), and we spend Christmas with friends who have been my friends since seventh grade.”

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“In addition to being a retired physics professor from Wilkes, I’m a priest. I’ll be saying Mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Providence of God (Polish National Catholic) Church in Scranton.”

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GETTING INTO THE GUIDE All submissions must be received two weeks in advance of the pertinent event. E-mailed announcements via guide@timesleader.com are preferred, but announcements also can be faxed to 570-8295537 or mailed to 15 North Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711. The Guide provides advance coverage and/or notice for events open to the public. Events open only to a specific group of people or after-thefact announcements and photos are published in community news. All announcements must

include a contact phone number and make note of any admission or ticket prices or note that an event is free. We cannot guarantee publication otherwise. We welcome listings photographs. First preference is given to e-mailed high-res JPGs (300 dpi or above) submitted in compressed format to guide@timesleader.com. Color prints also can be submitted by U.S. mail, but we are unable to return them. Please identify all subjects in photographs.

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Mary Therese Biebel - 829-7283 mbiebel@timesleader.com Sara Pokorny - 829-7127 spokorny@timesleader.com LISTINGS Marian Melnyk guide@timesleader.com Fax: Attention: The Guide 829-5537 Advertise: To place a display ad - 829-7101

THE GUIDE

The Blue Comet Diner can be detected in this scene from the Anthracite Model Railroad Club’s Open House in Hazle Township, which will reopen to visitors the weekends of Jan. 7-8 and 14-15.

Events THIS WEEK: DEC. 23 T O 2 9 , 2 0 11

By MARY THERESE BIEBEL mbiebel@timesleader.com

Festival of Trees, a fundraiser for Toys for Tots. Electric City Trolley Museum, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 31. 963-6590.

FUTURE

CLARK VAN ORDEN/THE TIMES LEADER

Jennifer Hill and Susan Anderson practice the hooping skills they will perform at First Night Scranton.

FIRST NIGHT SCRANTON Where: Courthouse Square, Steamtown Mall and nearby venues in downtown Scranton When: 6 p.m. Dec. 31, culminating with fireworks at midnight More info: firstnightscranton.com Admission: $10, $5

FIRST NIGHT HAZLETON AIMEE DILGER/THE TIMES LEADER

Decades of rock-‘n’-roll will be represented at First Night Scranton, where you just might spot ‘the King,’ as well as beatniks and greasers and poodle skirts. Here Jonathan Ross, 12, Jim O’Hora owner of Taney’s Costume Shop, Emma Ross, 15, and Mollie Edsell, 12, dress in costume to celebrate the musical theme.

rock sound will add to “that whole coffeehouse, early-beatniky kind of thing. We paired her with poetry at the AFA Gallery.” Groove Train’s high-energy dance music will harken back to the late ’60s and early ’70s, reminiscent of Earth, Wind and Fire, Balitskisaid,andtheheadlinersof theevening,TheWinstons,willoffer a Motown tribute and perhaps their1959 hit “Color Him Father.” Jugglers, fortune tellers, facepainters, carriage rides and family Bingo help round out the program for Scranton’s alcohol-free, com-

munitycelebration,whichorganizers hope will end with fireworks and revelers singing “Auld Lang Syne” on Courthouse Square. About 40 miles south, meanwhile, First Night Hazleton attendeeswilllikewisecelebratethe last few hours of 2011. New-to-Hazleton entertainment this year includes a Wild West Show of bullwhipandlariatwizardryaswellas a Celtic song-and-dance troupe called Irish Blessing. “There really is something for everyone,” First Night Hazleton coordinator Lena Kotansky said,

Where: City Hall, Hazleton YMCA, JJ Ferrara Center and nearby venues in downtown Hazleton. When: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 31, culminating with fireworks at midnight More info: firstnighthazleton.com or 459-4947

adding people can look forward to such traditional favorites as The Brain Show quiz game and the life-size Candy Land game. The symphonic-rock band Twelve Twenty-Four, the Oxymorons comedy troupe, the doo-wop group The Clusters, carriage rides, fireworks and a grand procession will add to the fun. “First Night Hazleton is 90 percent indoors, and (the venues) are very close together,” Kotansky said.“Butifyoudon’tfeellikewalking, you can ride the trolley.”

Model Railroad Open House at the Anthracite Model Railroad Club, 1057 Hanover Court, Hazle Township. With detailed scenes of Jim Thorpe, Eckley Miners Village, the Jeddo Breaker, the city of Hazleton and other local communities. Noon to 7 p.m. Jan. 7; 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 8 and 15; and 1 to 7 p.m. Jan. 14. 4591804 or amrclub.org. New England Contra Dance, with music by the Wyoming Valley House Band. Church of Christ Uniting, 776 Market St., Kingston. 7 p.m. Jan. 7. No partner or experience necessary. $9. 333-4007. Malanka, the annual Ukrainian New Year dinner dance with a Ukrainian buffet, cash bar, midnight toast and dancing to the Ukrainian orchestra Fata Morgana.. St. Vladimir Parish Center, 428 N. 7th Ave., Scranton. Jan. 13 with doors at 5:45 p.m. and event 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. $40. Reservations: 822-5354. Judi H Rock On, the second annual cancer fundraiser in memory of cancer victim Judi H. Perry Hartridge. With refreshments, cash bar, and music by Paul LaBelle and the Exact Change and Jack Bordo with Old Friends. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 7 to 11 p.m. Feb. 4. $40 includes raffle tickets for a Fender Stratocaster guitar and Roland amplifier. 800-424-6724. Home Expo, the 100-booth showcase of builders, remodelers, suppliers and financial services plus children’s crafts, wine tasting and raffles. Sponsored by the Building Industry Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania at the 109th Field Artillery Armory, 280 Market St., Kingston. 4 to 7 p.m. March 2; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 3; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 4. 287-3331.

PAGE 3

If you remember what it was like to hold a plastic hoop to your waist, swivel your hips and — CRASH!—cringeasthatwidecircle hit the floor, Jennifer Hill and Susan Anderson can identify. Theyremembersimilarfrustrations when they were growing up. But that didn’t stop them from trying again as adults and succeeding. “Ithelpstocloseyoureyesand not over-think,” said Hill, whose sister presented her with a hoopmaking kit three years ago. Experts now at sustaining the motion of several hoops at a time, the two local women will don whimsical costumes and perform as Whirligig Hoopers during the First Night Scranton celebration. Their three sessions, at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31 in the Steamtown Mall, will celebrate the pure joy of movement, Hill said, describing them as “peppy, silly, almost clownlike.” SheandAndersonwillgiveaudience members a chance to try the hoops, because what better time than the dawn of a new year to experience something new? Or something retro? “We would absolutely love it if people would dress up in disco clothes or poodle skirts and sweaters. I think that would be a riot,” saidFirstNightScrantoncoordinator Paige Balitski, explaining the annualeventwillhavearock-’n’-roll theme,concentratingonthemusic of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. EntertainersrangefromCrimson Tears, who play music of the Beatles and Rolling Stones, to husband-and-wife duo Common Threads, who “do a lot of Eagles’ music, a lot of stuff with harmony,” to Mollie Edsell, whose folk-

Stage THIS WEEK: DEC. 23 T O 2 9 , 2 0 11 Holiday Memories, Truman Capote’s stories of his childhood holidays in the Depression-era Deep South. Performed by the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble at the Alvina Krause Theatre, 226 Center St., Bloomsburg. 7:30 tonight, Thursday and Friday ( Dec. 30). $25, $20, $12. 784-8181 or bte.org.

FUTURE Death of a Salesman, the Arthur Miller drama following the career of salesman Willy Loman. Performed by Gaslight Theatre Company as part of the Community Concerts Series at Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St., Scranton. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 6 and 7; 2 p.m. Jan. 8. 955-1455. Ultimate Girls’ Night Out, with the original Chippendales male strip show. Genetti Hotel, 77 E. Market St., Wilkes-Barre. Jan. 13 with doors at 8 p.m. and show at 9 p.m. $30 advance, $40 at the door. 820-8505. Shrek: The Musical. The beloved ogre meets a feisty princess. Presented by the Broadway Theatre League of Northeastern Pennsylvania at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 8 p.m. Jan. 20 and 2 and 8 p.m. Jan. 21 and 1 and 6 p.m. Jan. 22 342-7784. Live from the Met, a high-def transmission of “The Enchanted Island,” with characters from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “The Tempest.” Movies 14, 24 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre. 12:55 p.m. Jan. 21. 825-4444. Julius Caesar, Shakespeare’s story of power, politics and assassination. Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble at the Alvina Krause Theatre, 226 Center St., Bloomsburg. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27-28. $12. 784-8181 or bte.org. The Amazing Kreskin, the magician, mentalist and TV star. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 2 p.m. Jan. 29. $35 (Meet & Greet), $15. 344-1111.

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By MARY THERESE BIEBEL mbiebel@timesleader.com

Mrs. Innkeeper is such a good baker, her razzleberry pudding cake wins prizes. But her disposition is far from sweet. One of the most ornery characters the Rev. Jerry Gurka has invented in 20 years of writing Nativity plays, she sends a blind beggar away empty-handed, gambles her family’s savings in the “Bethlehem Seven” and is indignant about her husband allowing a young, expectant couple to stay in the stable out back. “Your father did what?” she exclaims to Barnaby and Boris, her two sons who just squealed on Dad. “We don’t respect ourselves or anybody else,” said Dylan Weaver, 11, borrowing a line from Gurka’s script to explain during a recent rehearsal why two of the youngest Innkeeper children are such trouble-makers. But if you attend “The Innkeeper’s Children and the First Christmas Trees,” set for Christmas Eve at St. John the Baptist Church in Larksville, you’ll meet plenty of warm-hearted characters, too. Abner the Innkeeper and his daughter Mirabella want to help the holy family, as do angels and stars, a lamb, a donkey and even an ensemble of evergreen trees. “Your eyes go sideways and forth and back,” Gurka told the actors who portray the trees, explaining he wants them to mime reactions in the style of “a comical Greek chorus.”

Rebekah Brody plays one of the Angel Stars who protect the Holy Family in the Rev. Jerry Gurka’s Nativity play.

FRED ADAMS/FOR THE TIMES LEADER

The Rev. Jerry Gurka, playwright and pastor, directs his cast.

In a nod to certain old legends from England and Italy, both Elmore the Lamb, played by 13year-old Kyle Torporcer in a woolly headpiece, and “The Donkey,” portrayed by long-time church volunteer Debbie Kester, have a chance to speak. “She’s awesome,” props person Sharon Prohaska said of Kester who, after several years in the same role, has developed a style of prancing and swishing her sewed-on tail with gusto. “Nobody calls me Debbie or Mrs. Kester anymore. They just call me Donkey,” said Kester, whose teenage daughter, Rachel, plays Mary. Robed in blue and white, Mary gives birth to the baby Jesus

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Mary and Joseph (Rachel Kester and Matt Zaleskas) rehearse a scene for the Nativity play at St. John the Baptist Church in Larksville.

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THE GUIDE

Notes on Music

Havira album is ‘Dulcet’ W

By SARA POKORNY spokorny@timesleader.com

hen Charles Havira heard a recording of one of his performances last year, he knew it was too good to let sit around, so he decided to use it as his third album release. “I couldn’t believe how great it sounded,” the Scranton-based musician said. “The great thing about it is the way it was recorded. It’s in a massive space, where you could fit over 700 people, and that night there were a couple hundred there. Hearing it makes you feel like you were there.”

FUTURE CONCERTS

The Fabulous Greaseband, America’s party band celebrates dance music from the 1950s to the ’90s. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Dec. 30. $17 advance, $22 day of show. 866-605-7325. The Tartan Terrors, Celtic music, comedy and dance. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8:30 p.m. Dec. 30. $28. 325-0249. Live Wire, an AC/DC tribute band. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 9 p.m. Dec. 31. $22 advance, $27 day of show. 866605-7325. WatersEdge, the Christian-music group. Mohegan Sun Arena, Wilkes-Barre Township. Jan. 7; doors at 1:30 p.m., concert at 2 p.m. and Penguins game at 7 p.m. $23, $21, $18 includes concert, game and giveaways. 9703607. Tony Roi: The Elvis Experience, a tribute to the King of Rock-’n’Roll. Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono. 8 p.m. Jan. 7. $10. 877-682-4791. ABBA: Arrival, the Swedish band pays tribute to the pop foursome. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. Jan. 8. $34, $24. 826-1100.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

For his third go-round, local folk artist Charles Havira went live, using tracks recorded at Downtown Arts in Wilkes-Barre.

sions of tracks from Havira’s 2008 self-titled album and 2004’s “Holiday,” as well as another cover song: a version of Ed McCurdy’s “Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream.” Purchase “Dulcet” at all five locations of Joe Nardone’s Gallery of Sound or Embassy Vinyl, 352 Adams Ave., Scranton. Fans of Havira’s live work can catch him on PA Live on WBRETV in the new year. ••• What’s Santa going to do once he’s dropped all the presents off to the good girls and boys? Party, of course. This year he’s stopping at Ole Tyme Charley’s in Plains Township to have a pajama party with local ’80s cover band M80. The doors open at 8 p.m., and DJ EFX will drop beats in the Lava Lounge as well. ••• Rusted Root returns to the area Wednesday at the Scranton Hardware Bar for an 18-and-up

show. Local acts Kriki and Nowhere Slow will open for the Pittsburgh-based band. A limited amount of meet-andgreet tickets are available for $40. All tickets can be purchased via www.ticketfly.com ••• Local band Cabinet is thankful for the friends, family and overall support it’s received over the years and would like to give back to fans this holiday season. The bluegrass group has released “This is Cabinet – Covers,” an album free to download online. “Covers” is a live collection of Cabinet’s favorite cover songs that were recorded during performances at the River Street Jazz Café in Plains Township and Sarah Street Grill in Stroudsburg in February. The seven-track album includes renditions of Paul Simon’s “The Boy in the Bubble” and “Gumboots” and Lester Flatt’s “Rollin’ in My

IF YOU GO What: Charles Havira live on TV When: 4 to 5 p.m. Jan. 2 Where: PA Live on WBRE-TV ••• What: Rusted Root with local opening acts Kriki and Nowhere Slow When: 6 p.m. Wednesday Where: Scranton Hardware Bar, 519 Linden St., Scranton Tickets: $24 in advance, $29 day of show. Twenty limited tickets available for meet-and-greet with Rusted Root before the show for $40. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketfly.com/event/74687 ••• What: Christmas Night Pajama Party with M80 and DJ EFX When: Doors at 8 p.m. Sunday. M80 at 10:30 p.m. Where: Ole Tyme Charley’s, 31 S. River St., Plains Township

Sweet Baby’s Arms,” among others. “Covers” can be downloaded at www.cabinetmusic.com. Fans can choose to support the production of the album with a monetary donation.

The Scranton Brass Orchestra, with guest trumpet soloists Chris Jaudes and Joseph Boga. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, University of Scranton. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8. Free. 941-7624. An Evening with Erica Kiesewetter and Steve Ryan, an intimate chamber-music concert by the violinist and pianist from the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. The Westmoreland Club, 59 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 6:30 p.m. Jan. 12. $26.50. 341-1568. Jerry Seinfeld, America’s premier comedian. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Jan. 13. $80, $65. 826-1100. Tavares, the funky R&B group (“Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel”). Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono. 8 p.m. Jan. 14. $40, $25. 877-682-4791. Darius Rucker, the country crossover star and former lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Jan. 20. $52-$92. 826-1100. Gone Madigan, comedian Kathleen Madigan, past winner of the “Funniest Female Standup Comic” at the American Comedy Awards. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Jan. 27. $27. 826-1100.

PAGE 5

The songs were recorded the night before Thanksgiving last year at Downtown Arts in Wilkes-Barre. Havira performed in the same show as fellow local musicians Mike Mizwinski and Kriki. The recording was done by Keith Litzenberger, and Bret Alexander at Saturation Acres mixed the tracks. The seven-song album earned the name “Dulcet,” a term that means “pleasant sounding.” The Havira original “All Along the Way,” his cover of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” and “Railroad Boy,” a traditional song Havira arranged himself, are part of the previously unreleased material on the album. The Dylan song holds great significance for the folk musician, who says it’s his and his future wife’s song. Havira said he is strongly influenced by Dylan’s musical stylings. “I love singing his songs,” he said, “and the thing is that I don’t sing like Bob Dylan, I don’t play guitar like Bob Dylan, but I’m just so incredibly comfortable with his work. Many of his lyrics really speak to me.” The other songs are live ver-

Concerts

THE GUIDE

Restaurant Review

Luigi’s filled with holiday charm

he completion of a large and intriguing outdoor party deck at the Mountain Top location of Luigi’s caught our eye in late summer, but one thing and then another got in the way, and we just never got there. This time of year’s not exactly a great time to request outdoor seating, but, at least where this attractive and well-maintained Italian eatery is concerned, it’s no matter. Not only is the place outfitted in lovely white lights, it almost resembles an oversize gingerbread house, beckoning you off the highway for a lovely hot meal on a cold winter’s night. I suppose that has something to do with the colors and levels and little architectural touches. Maybe you won’t agree, but that doesn’t matter either. You go for the food, and the warm-cozy feeling you get once inside is a bonus, icing on a gingerbread cake. First let us speak to pizza fans. Yes, we tried some: a medium meatball pizza, which was actually eye-poppingly large and looked a work of art with its pressed meatball slices as ornament. (“Medium” is the small here and extra-large is the large, for what it’s worth.) Cheese fans will be delighted if the meatball pie is any indication of the key ingredient on a most creative array of other pizzas, ranging from $8.99 to $17 and including cheesesteak, chicken Parmesan, white broccoli or spinach, fresh broccoli/ tomato and several others. The

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Luigi’s Pizza & Restaurant, on Route 309 in Fairview Township, is a sight for tired eyes this holiday season. And the food’s tasty, too.

cheese was so prevalent in fact, we didn’t really taste very much sauce. On the first piece, that’s often no biggie. By the second, though, we were longing for a little more red stuff. As intriguing and artful as the pizzas were, however, we actually came for the pasta, about which we’d heard rave reviews. Jumping off the page was the first on the list: ravioli carbonara for $10.95. It was all I could do not to order this guilt-inducing dish starring bacon and Alfredo sauce, but I bypassed on caloric content somewhat but mostly (honestly) because my guest professes to have ordered and loved this multiple times and says you can trust him. (There must be a reason they list this one first, right?) Instead I had stuffed vodka rigatoni (also $10.95) and became an immediate fan of the

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generous sauce. Vodka sauce on its own tops my list, but this version, not especially thick, came with a bonus of tiny onion pieces that added just enough crunch. The rigatoni were stuffed with ricotta, but not overly so. An accompanying house salad was not particularly remarkable, especially considering it came with a packet of dressing, but it See REVIEW, Page 7

PAGE 6

By SARA POKORNY spokorny@timesleader.com

During these bone-chilling months, many like a steaming mug of espresso cupped in their hands. Theo’s Metro is serving the coffee beverage in martini form and, though it comes to the table cold, it’s sure to warm up any drinker’s insides. The main ingredient in the Winter Breeze Espresso Martini is Van Gogh Espresso Vodka, which lends a rich espresso taste. A hazelnut kick comes from Frangelico, a liqueur dating back 300 years to Christian monks living in the Piedmont region of northern Italy who would use wild hazelnuts during a distilling process. Cocoa, vanilla berries

and natural extracts now make up Frangelico’s flavor as well. Raspberry makes it way into the drink not only in the form of Chambord, a raspberry liqueur, but also because of the thin layer of raspberry sauce that lines the bottom of the glass. As the liquid dwindles, the sauce creeps in to mix with the espresso flavoring, leaving a sweet aftertaste. If you’d prefer the syrupy combination the whole time you sip, ask bartender Lynn Schneider to decorate the drink with one of her signature designs. “Sometimes I’ll make a flower with the sauce on the top; that

way you get the flavor throughout, and it looks nice.” ••• WINTER BREEZE ESPRESSO MARTINI Served at: Theo’s Metro, 596 Mercer Ave., Kingston Price: $6.50 Recipe: • 1 shot Van Gogh Espresso vodka • 1 shot Chambord • 1 shot Frangelico • Splash of crème Rim martini glass with powdered chocolate. Pour thin layer of raspberry sauce into bottom of glass. Shake all ingredients together with ice, then pour into glass and serve.

729829

Cheers!

REVIEW Continued from page 6

certainly was tasty. Sliced red onions deserve a lot of the credit for that. Garlic bread, toasted with soaked-in butter, was another gratis accompaniment, and it tasted as beautiful as it looked. Meat-lovers can choose from several chicken or veal dishes, most studded with some combination of mushrooms, onions,

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olives or broccoli. Something called Chicken Chiara was an absolute stunner, replete with tomatoes, red peppers and plump, tasty black olives. All of these shared space with the chicken and angel-hair pasta, under a canopy of a brothy, garlicky (in a good way) sauce. On presentation alone, the dish deserves accolades galore. Fans of more traditional chicken will be pleased with a basic parmigiana ($11.99). Sauce was light, fresh and tasty, and we liked the linguine noodle choice. The chicken itself was nicely breaded (not with a heavy

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PAGE 7

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try. Then report back to us. Even if to say you just don’t get the gingerbread-house imagery. In which case we can agree to disagree. Except, we hope, not on the food.

New Year’s Eve

• Spinning • Yoga • Pil Pilates t

161 Main St • Luzerne • 570-718-0440 www.changeshealthandfitness.com

homemade tiramisu or cannoli – or can have a cheesecake instead. We’re sorry to say we just could not do it – portions are that abundant here – but, based on visuals, we’d recommend you

THE GUIDE

Outdoors

Hickory Run Hike, nine moderate miles at the state park. Meet at the Fire Company, Routes 309 and 437, Mountain Top. Bring lunch and water. 9 a.m. Jan. 15. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 655-4979.

FUTURE Warrior Run Hike, six easy miles on the Warrior Run Trail to Shickshinny. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315 near Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre. 11:45 a.m. Jan. 1. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 256-9743. New Year’s Hike, a three-mile trek through Hickory Run State Park with the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at the Union Pacific Caboose at the White Haven Shopping Center. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 1. Free. Registration: 474-5884. Winter Walks for Adults, exploring the trails of Kettle Creek for animal signs and other discoveries. Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays from Jan. 4 to 25. $5. Registration: 629-3061. Winter Trails Day: Snowshoeing for Beginners. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 9 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 7. Registration: 403-2006. Snowshoeing Hike, two miles through the trails at Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole

Reads THIS WEEK: DEC. 23 T O 2 9 , 2 0 11 Book Signing, with Nancy McDonald, author of “If You Can Play Scranton: A Theatrical History, 1871-2010.” Steamtown National

Snowshoe Stroll Along the Lehigh. Meet at the Union Pacific Caboose at the White Haven Shopping Center. 10 a.m. to noon. Jan. 19. Bring snowshoes or reserve them when registering. 403-2006.

Hardy hikers looking toward January excursions can pencil in a three- or five-mile hike with the Susquehanna Trailers at The Tubs Natural Area in Plains Township, set for 11:45 a.m. Jan. 22. Here, Trailer Paul Furtak of Plymouth ascends a Tubs incline. Road, Drums. 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 7. Bring snowshoes or reserve them when registering. 4032006. Promised Land Hike, seven easy miles at the state park. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315 and Oak Street, Dupont. 10:45 a.m. Jan. 8. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 814-2803. Historic Site, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. 11 a.m. Dec. 24. 340-5200.

FUTURE Book Club, a discussion of “The Help” by Katherine Stockett. Pittston Memorial Library, 47 Broad St., Pittston. 10 a.m. Jan. 21. 654-9565.

Tubs Natural Area Hike, three- or an optional five-mile hike. Meet at the Sears Automotive parking lot, Wyoming Valley Mall, off Kidder Street, Wilkes-Barre Township. 11:45 a.m. Jan. 22. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 825-7200. Owl Prowl, an evening walk and indoor session to learn about owl species that reside in the park. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 28. Registration: 4032006. Nescopeck State Park Hike, six moderate miles at the state park. Meet at the Fire Company, Routes 309 and 437, Mountain Top. Bring lunch and water. 11:45 a.m. Jan. 29. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 889-5256.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Jennie R. Martin, of Dallas, recently released a new cookbook titled “This Is a Cookbook for the Digestively Challenged,” including gluten-free, milk-free and mostly vegetarian recipes. Available on amazon.com.

Don’t just watch a movie, experience it! All Stadium Seating and Dolby Surround Sound ALL FEATURES NOW PRESENTED IN DIGITAL FORMAT

• FIRST MATINEE SHOW ALL SEATS $5.25

EXPERIENCE D/BOX MOTION ENHANCED SEATING ON SELECT FEATURES

*We Bought A Zoo - PG - 135 min. Fri: (12:50), (3:40), 7:10, 9:55 Sat: (12:50), (3:40), 7:10 only ***Adventures of Tintin 3D - PG - 115 min. Fri: (1:10), (3:30), 7:20, 9:45 Sat: (1:10), (3:30), 7:20 only *The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo R - 170 min. Fri: (1:00), (3:40), (4:20), 7:00, 8:00, 10:20 Sat: (1:00), (3:40), (4:20), 7:00, 8:00 only *Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol PG13 - 145 min. Fri: (12:40), (1:20), (3:40), (4:15), 7:00, 7:30, 10:00, 10:30 Sat: (12:40), (1:20), (3:40), (4:15), 7:00, 7:30 only Alvin and the Chipmunks: ChipwreckedG - 95 min. Fri: (12:30), (1:00), (2:40), (3:10), (4:50), (5:20), 7:15, 7:40, 9:20 Sat: (12:30), (1:00), (2:40), (3:10), (4:50), (5:20), 7:15, 7:40 only *Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows PG13 - 140 min. Fri: (12:40), (1:00), (1:30), (3:30), (3:50), (4:20), 7:00, 7:20, 8:00, 9:50, 10:10 Sat. (12:40), (1:00), (1:30), (3:30), (3:50), (4:20), 7:00, 7:20 only Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows In D-Box - PG13 - 140 min. Fri: (1:00), (3:50), 7:20, 10:10 Sat: (1:00), (3:50), 7:20 only Young Adult - R - 105 min. Fri: (1:15), (3:30), 7:10, 9:30 Sat: (1:15), (3:30), 7:10 only New Year’s Eve - PG13 - 130 min. Fri: (12:30), (3:10), (3:45), 7:15, 7:40, 9:55, 10:20 Sat: (12:30), (3:10), (3:45), 7:15, 7:40 only The Sitter - R - 95 min. Fri only: 9:45 (No Show Sat) **Arthur Christmas - PG - 110 min. Fri and Sat: (12:30) Happy Feet Two - PG - 110 min. Fri and Sat: (1:10) All Showtimes Include Pre-Feature Content

(Parenthesis Denotes Bargain Matinees)

Avoid the lines: Advance tickets available from Fandango.com Rating Policy Parents and/or Guardians (Age 21 and older) must accompany all children under 17 to an R Rated feature *No passes accepted to these features. **No restricted discount tickets or passes accepted to these features. ***3D features are the regular admission price plus a surcharge of $2.50 D-Box Motion Seats are the admission price plus an $8.00 surcharge First Matinee $5.25 for all features (plus surcharge for 3D features).

825.4444 • rctheatres.com

• 3 Hrs. Free Parking At Participating Park & Locks with Theatre Validation •Free Parking at Midtown Lot Leaving After 8pm and All Day Saturday & Sunday.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23 ONLY MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL (XD) (PG-13) 1:25PM, 4:25PM, 7:25PM, 10:25PM

ADVENTURES OF TINTIN (3D) (PG) 11:00AM, 1:40PM, 4:20PM, 7:00PM, 9:35PM ADVENTURES OF TINTIN (DIGITAL) (PG) 11:55AM, 2:55PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED (DIGITAL) (G) 11:35AM, 12:15PM, 1:05PM, 2:35PM, 3:20PM, 4:50PM, 5:35PM, 7:05PM, 7:50PM, 9:20PM ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (DIGITAL) (PG) 11:05AM DESCENDANTS, THE (Digital) (R) 11:20AM, 2:00PM, 4:40PM, 7:20PM, 10:10PM GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, THE (2011) (DIGITAL) (R) 11:50AM, 1:35PM, 3:20PM, 5:05PM, 6:50PM, 8:35PM, 10:20PM J. EDGAR (DIGITAL) (R) 8:15PM MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 11:10AM, 12:40PM, 2:10PM, 3:40PM, 5:10PM, 5:55PM, 6:40PM, 8:10PM, 8:55PM, 9:40PM MUPPETS, THE (DIGITAL) (PG) 11:10AM, 1:30PM, 4:05PM, 6:55PM, 9:30PM MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (DIGITAL) (R) 11:25AM, 1:50PM, 4:30PM, 7:30PM, 10:05PM NEW YEAR’S EVE (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 11:15AM, 2:05PM, 4:45PM, 7:35PM, 10:30PM SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 11:15AM, 12:20PM, 1:15PM, 2:15PM, 3:15PM, 4:15PM, 5:15PM, 6:15PM, 7:15PM, 9:15PM, 10:15PM SITTER, THE (DIGITAL) (R) 10:35PM TWILIGHT SAGA: THE BREAKING DAWN (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 11:30AM, 2:20PM, 5:05PM, 7:55PM,10:40PM WE BOUGHT A ZOO (DIGITAL) (PG) 1:10PM, 2:40PM, 4:10PM, 5:40PM, 7:10PM, 8:40PM, 10:10PM YOUNG ADULT (DIGITAL) (R) 12:30M, 3:00PM, 5:20PM, 7:40PM, 10:00PM NO PASSES

You must be 17 with ID or accompanied by a parent to attend R rated features. Children under 6 may not attend R rated features after 6pm

the Dietrich Theater Tioga St., Tunkhannock WEEK OF 12/23/11 – 12/29/11

WE BOUGHT A ZOO (PG)

PAGE 8

Fri. 12:30, 3:45, 7:00, 9:35 Sat. 12:30, 3:45, 7:00 Sun. 3:45, 7:00, 9:35 Mon., Tues. , Wed., Thurs. 12:30, 3:45, 7:00, 9:35

CHIPWRECKED: ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS (G)

Fri. 12:20, 2:30, 4:45, 7:10, 9:10 Sat. 12:20, 2:30, 4:45, 7:10 Sun. 3:20, 5:15, 7:10, 9:10 Mon., Tues. , Wed., Thurs. 12:20, 2:30, 4:45, 7:10, 9:10

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO (R)

SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS (PG-13)

Fri. 12:00, 3:30, 6:45, 10:00 Sat. 12:00, 3:30, 6:45 Sun. 3:30, 6:45, 10:00 Mon., Tues. , Wed., Thurs. 12:00, 3:30, 6:45, 10:00

Fri. 12:15, 3:15, 7:15, 9:45 Sat. 12:15, 3:15, 7:15 Sun. 3:15, 7:15, 9:45 Mon., Tues. , Wed., Thurs. 12:15, 3:15, 7:15, 9:45

836.1022 www.dietrichtheater.com

‘Tintin’ a true work of mod art

THE GUIDE

By RENE RODRIGUEZ McClatchy Newspapers

By KENNETH TURAN Los Angeles Times

t’s not like “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” was ever going to be “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm.” Not even close. As readers of the Stieg Larsson novel and viewers of the recent Swedish film version know all too well, what’s on offer is a bleak and savage story of crime and punishment with generous portions of sadistic rape, twisted torture and murders that can charitably be called grotesque.

Still, adding David Fincher, the director of “Seven,” “Zodiac” and “Fight Club,” to the mix has proved counterproductive. Fincher’s gift for disturbing, twistthe-knife cinema made him the obvious Hollywood choice, but here that choice feels like shipping truckloads of ice to the polar regions and betrays a misunderstanding of what’s at the heart of the phenomenal international success of the “Dragon Tattoo” franchise. That would be the character of Lisbeth Salander, one of the most unlikely, idiosyncratic and compelling crime fighters since Sherlock Holmes. Antisocial when she’s not downright furious, a sullen 24-yearold computer hacker with more piercings than friends, she is fierce,

IF YOU GO What: “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” ★★ 1/2 Starring: Rooney Mara, Daniel Craig, Christopher Plummer Directed by: David Fincher Rated: R for brutal violent content, including rape and torture, strong sexuality, graphic nudity and language Running time: 152 minutes

furtive and feral. You never want to get in her way. Niel Arden Oplev’s “Dragon Tattoo” had the crucial advantage of actress Noomi Rapace. Her savage Salander was as skittish and tattooed as she should be, but there was always a sense of an actual person inside those fierce defenses. Playing Salander now is Rooney Mara, an intense young actress who had a fine scene with Jesse Eisenberg’s Mark Zuckerberg at the opening of Fincher’s excellent “The Social Network.” She committed herself totally and clearly did everything asked of her, but this film’s cold, almost robotic conception of Salander as a twitchy, anorexic waif feels more like a stunt. Before Salander appears on the scene, “Dragon Tattoo” introduces its nominal protagonist, magazine journalist Mikael Blomkvist, played with relentless surliness by an effective Daniel Craig. A crusader for truth against the bloated capitalists of the world, Blomkvist is not having the best of days. He’s found himself on the losing

end of a libel verdict, faces imprisonment and wants to take a break from his magazine, so he’s receptive when an attorney calls to say one of Sweden’s most powerful men wants to see him. That would be Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer), a retired industrialist who lives on a nearby family-owned island and has, in his own words, “spent half of my life investigating the events of a single day.” Those events involve the disappearance of Vanger’s favorite niece, Harriet. On the day in question, when a bridge accident made leaving the island impossible, 16-year-old Harriet vanished. Vanger suspects she was murdered by a family member and wants Blomkvist to put his investigative reporting skills to work. So the journalist moves into a frigid cabin on the island and starts making charts and tacking photos onto the wall. Circumstances make Blomkvist aware of Salander and her skill set, and he persuades her to work with him. She is having deep troubles of her own, including a vicious sexual predator who thinks she is an easy mark (ha!). The screenwriter has adroitly pared down the 500-plus-page book, and the chatter about a change to the ending is a tempest in a teapot. This film also benefits from the work of “Social Network” collaborators, but unlike that one, “Dragon Tattoo” is too frigid around the heart to be really effective.

PAGE 9

Watching “The Adventures of Tintin” gives you the same thrill you felt when you saw “Toy Story” for the first time: Here is a nextgen animated film that builds on everything that’s come before to create something new and exciting. Motion capture has been used everywhere from “The Polar Express” to “Avatar,” but in his first foray into animation, Steven Spielberg uses it to achieve cartoonish photo-realism. The images look like impossibly beautiful hand-drawn photographs. This is the first in an intended series of films drawn from the comic books by the IF YOU GO Belgian artist Herge (Peter Jackson, who What: “The Adventurproduced the movie, es Of Tintin” ★★★ is slated to direct the Starring: Jamie Bell, next one). The char- Andy Serkis, Daniel acter of Tintin (Jamie Craig, Simon Pegg, Bell), the intrepid re- Toby Jones, Cary Elwes, Nick Frost porter who looks like Directed by: Steven a boy but is actually a Spielberg man, is a beloved Running time: 107 icon around the minutes world but not that Rated: PG for mock well-known in the violence United States. Tintin, his dog Snowy and supporting characters such as the reformed alcoholic Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis) will be new to most Americans. Herge could not have asked for a better introduction. The script draws its plot from three separate books, and many in-jokes and appearances by Tintin regulars will delight the hardcore. But a working knowledge of the books is not required to enjoy what Spielberg has pulled off. When a vendor at an open-air market points at Tintin and shouts “Him? Everybody knows him!” the joke works two ways. The first action setpiece in “The Adventures of Tintin” comes just a few minutes into the film, a brief bit of business involving Snowy and a cat. From then on, the sequences get bigger and bigger until an extended motorcycle chase through a city in Morocco, all in one astonishing take, that is the most thrilling piece of film in any movie this year. Sequences rival some of the high points in “Raiders of the Lost Ark”: Spielberg has no contemporary peer when it comes to cutting action and finding just the spot to place his camera, and Tintin lets him indulge his creativity without worrying too much about plot. The story isn’t all that engaging and a bit hard to follow, but there isn’t a moment when you’re not staring at the screen in wonder. And the 3-D! Spielberg is the third bigname director to give the gimmick a try this year, and the extraordinary results make you start wondering if 3-D is a good idea after all.

THE GUIDE

‘Marilyn’ cast great, script not

PAGE 10

By MICHAEL PHILLIPS Chicago Tribune

In 1956, not long after she married “Death of a Salesman” playwright Arthur Miller, Marilyn Monroe made a movie with director and star Laurence Olivier at England’s Pinewood Studios. The film, “The Prince and the Showgirl,” came from Terence Rattigan’s drawing-room comedy “The Sleeping Prince,” which Olivier had performed on the London stage opposite his wife, Vivien Leigh. Fresh out of Oxford, aspiring young filmmaker Colin Clark was hired by Olivier to assist on the film adaptation. With Miller temporarily back in the states, Clark IF YOU GO became Monroe’s What: “My Week With guide, confidant, Marilyn” ★★ 1/2 sounding board Starring: Michelle and almost-lover. Williams, Kenneth Later Clark wrote Branagh, Eddie Redtwo books about mayne Directed by: Simon the contentious, Curtis prolonged shoot: Running time: 99 “The Prince, the minutes Showgirl and Me” Rated: R for some and “My Week language With Marilyn.” Now comes the film version of this genteel backstage gossip item. It’s not much. But Michelle Williams and Kenneth Branagh are pretty wonderful in it — the problem, of course, being that actors can’t do anything about the way they’re being filmed or the script they’re handed. Amid pedestrian staging and direction, Williams valiantly presents a woman equally calculating and guileless, whose crippling insecurities and chronic lateness drove Olivier to distraction. Was Monroe a great actress? More accurate: She was a fearsomely popular star with flashes of greatness, though part of the frustration here lies in the quality of the original film. First-time feature film director Simon Curtis has made a minor picture about a minor picture, major talents notwithstanding. Adapted by screenwriter Adrian Hodges, the story hinges on what we see through the innocent eyes of Clark, played dully by Eddie Redmayne. Such stalwarts as Judi Dench, Julia Ormond, Toby Jones and Dominic Cooper spice things up as characters of varied familiarity. “All I can say is: Give me vulgarity!” Monroe’s “Showgirl” character, Elsie, says in the 1911-set movie, taking in the garish finery of her newfound surroundings. “My Week With Marilyn” could’ve used some of that vulgarity to go with the celebrity fawning.

By ROGER MOORE McClatchy-Tribune News Service

“W

e Bought a Zoo” is a holiday movie worth rooting for. Directed by the cinema’s last great romantic, Cameron Crowe, it comes with cute tykes, young romance and a grownup grieving for a lost love, adorable animals and the comically crotchety Thomas Haden Church.

The director of “Jerry Maguire” seems to be taking no chances, pulling out all the emotional stops, but “Zoo” still struggles to find its footing, and Crowe fumbles in getting at the film’s heart. It’s a sweet-natured slog, peppered with pop music. Matt Damon stars as Benjamin, a newspaper journalist who’s made a career of “adventure” stories — hunting killer bees, flying into the eye of hurricanes. But newspapers don’t have money for his reporting anymore, so he quits.

IF YOU GO What: “We Bought A Zoo” ★★ 1/2 Starring: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Elle Fanning, Colin Ford, Thomas Haden Church, John Michael Higgins Directed by: Cameron Crowe Running time: 124 minutes Rated: PG for language and some thematic elements

His wife died six months ago, and his kids — 7-year-old Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones) and especially 13-year-old Dylan (Colin Ford) — are taking it hard. School isn’t working for Dylan. Benjamin decides to move, then he stumbles into that next adventure. He’ll spend all he has to buy a little zoo out in the country. They’ll fix it up and reopen it in summer. That’s their future. The Mee family soon discovers it’s no longer about “Mees.” There are zebras and lions to feed, tigers to medicate and snakes to keep in shipping boxes. There’s a competent but dismayed-at-their-clueless-new-boss staff, led by 28-year-old workaholic Kelly (Scarlett Johansson).

And there’s a state inspector, played with snotty verve by a measuring tapewielding John Michael Higgins, who must sign off on whether the place is safe for animals and human visitors. Crowe seems at a loss to get at his “big statement,” though the father-son rift plays well, as Damon really sells the line “You’re breaking my heart” to his rebellious kid. Johannson has never been more likable, batting her eyes at the new boss one minute, bawling him out over tough decisions he won’t make in the next. It’s a film littered with aphorisms, some provided by Benjamin’s pithy/ droll brother, played by the perfectly cast Church. “You do something for the right reasons, nothing can stop you.” Sadly, you can’t say the same for Crowe — who always leads with his heart — and his movie. With adult themes and dissonant bursts of profanity, this doesn’t quite come off as kidfriendly romp and stumbles when it reaches for emotional highs and lows. When a Crowe film works, it makes us laugh, then cry. Despite a full menagerie, “Zoo” rarely manages to do either.

New on DVD This week’s new DVDs range from a first-rate family film to a so-so concert movie: “DOLPHIN TALE,” GRADE A-MINUS: A young boy tries to help after a dolphin loses its tail. Harry Connick Jr. stars in this remarkable movie loaded with first-rate veteran

actors. “COLOMBIANA,” GRADE B: A woman grows up to be an assassin after seeing her parents murdered. This need for revenge is so hot it lasts years. “GLEE: THE CONCERT MOVIE,” GRADE C: This film, shot during the summer’s “Glee” tour, showcases the strong singing voices of

the TV cast, and the choreography isn’t that bad. The lack of plot is problematic. Also coming to DVD this week: “MIDNIGHT IN PARIS”: Woody Allen imagines life in 1920s Paris. “STRAW DOGS”: A couple’s trip to a small town turns deadly. Kate Bosworth stars. “WARRIOR”: Two brothers are in for the

fight of their lives. “MARGIN CALL”: Workers in an investment bank face the first 12 hours of the financial crisis. “TEMPEST”: A new look at the Shakespeare tale. Helen Mirren stars.

THE GUIDE

McClatchy-Tribune Newspapers

Movie Amy By AMY LONGSDORF For The Times Leader

heck out some of the more offbeat Christmas movies:

••• “REMEMBER THE NIGHT” (1940, Paramount, unrated, $20): The great Preston Sturges scripted this saga of a district attorney who can’t bear to put a shoplifter (Barbara Stanwyck) in the slammer on Christmas Eve. He posts bail, takes her home for the holidays, and the two fall in love. Smart, funny and sexy as hell. ••• “A MIDNIGHT CLEAR” (1992, Sony, R, $15 ): Set in De-

cember, with WWII waning, this fable follows a band of American soldiers sent to track down missing German troops. When they come upon the Nazi camp, they find frightened men too tired to fight. Can they call a truce long enough to celebrate Christmas? ••• “OLIVE, THE OTHER REINDEER” (1999, Fox, unrated, $15 ): One of the hippest Christmas cartoons is also one of the sweetest. Drew Barrymore voices a Jack Russell terrier who travels to the North Pole mistakenly believing Santa has called off Christmas. Amy Longsdorf also profiles celebrities for The Times Leader.

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Mail Entries to: Times Leader Disney Contest, 15 North Main Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711

Entries must be received by 1/5/12. Winners will be announced 1/6/12 in the Times Leader.

PAGE 11

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HERE’S HOW TO ENTER: No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years old or older to enter on behalf of a child. Five winners will each receive a Family Four Pack of tickets. Prizes have no cash value and are nontransferable. Winner agrees to have their name and photo used for publicity. Copies may be examined at our 15 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre office. The winner will be determined through a random drawing from all entries received by Thu., Jan. 5, 2012. This newspaper cannot answer or respond to telephone calls or letters regarding the contest. Sponsors employees and their immediate families are not eligible to enter. Winners will be announced in the Fri., Jan., 6, 2012 edition of the Times Leader.

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THE GUIDE

CELEBRITY Q&A BY R.D. HELDENFELS

JUMBLE

UNIVERSAL SUDOKU

BY MICHAEL ARGIRION & JEFF KNUREK

Dean Winters plays Mayhem in TV ads Q. Who is the handsome man playing Mayhem in the Allstate commercials? A. That is Dean Winters, a fine actor known for his work in comedies and dramas. He had a recurring role on “Rescue Me” as Tommy Gavin’s brother Johnny. On “30 Rock,” he has been seen as Dennis Duffy, once a boyfriend of Liz Lemon. On the prison drama “Oz” he was inmate Ryan O’Reily (whose brother Cyril was played by Winters’ real-life brother Scott William Winters). Also on “Oz” was Christopher Meloni, later of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”; Winters was on that series for its first 13 episodes, as a detective teamed with Munch. Q. Does Jane Lynch play the role of Spencer Reid’s schizophrenic mother on “Criminal Minds?” Was that her earliest break? She’s very good.

PREVIOUS DAY’S SOLUTION

CRYPTOQUOTE

A. Lynch, according to the Internet Movie Database, played Diana Reid in five episodes of the CBS drama between 2006 and 2008. I would not call that the “Glee” star’s earliest break, since she has credits going back about a decade before that TV role. Those include splendid turns in movies like “Best in Show,” “A Mighty Wind” and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.” And she worked so much, in a 2004 interview on AfterEllen.com, she was asked if she had been on every TV show. Lynch laughed and said, “Yeah, I’ve been on a lot of them. I’ve hit all genres, I think.” Do you have a question or comment for the mailbag? Write to me at rheldenfels@thebeaconjournal.com or by regular mail to the Akron Beacon Journal, 44 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44309.

HOROSCOPE BY HOLIDAY MATHIS

PAGE 12

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ll imme-

diately identify what’s in the way of you and a certain situation you want to create for yourself. You will effectively eradicate this obstacle. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Regular feedback will be your magic success ticket. Arrange to check in with a supportive person. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). This will be an ordinary extraordinary day. And yet you notice your moments differently, experiencing the uplift of interesting details.

ON THE WEB For more Sudoku go to www.timesleader.com

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your eyes and

ears are wide open, and wonders will be revealed to you. You’ll use all you learn to gain greater clarity about your world. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There will be a victory of sorts, and you’ll know that you have caused a change that would not have happened were you not involved. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Though you are in the process of instilling new habits, you may need to take a break from your efforts to do what’s necessary to overcome other challenges of life. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ll solve problems quickly. You might not find the fix that will last through the centuries, but what you come up with will do for now. And your ingenuity will be admired.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The help of a

socially supportive network will make a difference for you. With an enthusiastic team in place, you’ll be able to accomplish far more than you thought you would. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You have a jolly and flexible attitude, and that will bring you luck. You may have to push your plans around a bit to accommodate the realities of changed circumstances in your life. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You have much to accomplish, and you’ll be busy all day. The moment you check something off your list, you’ll want to move down to the next item. Pause to pat yourself on the back between tasks.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). There

are about 500 reasons to smile. Then again, you’ll only be as happy as you let yourself be. So remind yourself that you deserve to feel content. You really do! PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your observations will allow you to see financial opportunity. You’ll determine how you might offer something better and different from that of the competition. TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 23). Every week you’ll spend time developing your talent. Through the spring, you will focus on the needs of your loved ones, and somehow your own needs will be addressed in the process. Taurus and Pisces people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 49, 18, 24, 31 and 23.

First wife has heard enough of her replacement’s chatter Dear Abby: After 19 years of marriage, my husband left me for a younger woman. I found out later that they had been dating for several years. They moved in together immediately after our separation, and she was pregnant at the divorce hearing. At every event with my kids, they come together with their son and she steers the conversation to her life. I have tried to be silent and civil, but

DEAR ABBY ADVICE she ruined my daughter’s high school graduation by gossiping and giggling behind me and the kids the entire event. I am trying not to be a bitter ex, but I have had to bite back some nasty words to both of them. Any suggestions on how to deal with a miserably blended family? — Blended Family in Baton Rouge, La.

Dear “Blended” Family: The surest way to deal with your miserably blended family is to make a conscious decision to get on with YOUR life. Develop your own interests and activities, and meet some new friends. The stronger and more independent you become, the better off you’ll be. Trust me. Dear Abby: I have been in a relationship with “Anita” for four years. She moved in with me two years ago and our home life has been wonderful. We are a unique couple. We have dis-

GOREN BRIDGE

cussed marriage, but neither of us believes in the tradition. I’d like to show Anita how much I love her, as well as show others we’re in a serious relationship. An engagement ring would be a way to show it. However, the term “engagement” would not be accurate because we do not plan to marry. Can you suggest another symbol or even another term for a ring to show unity without indicating the eventuality of marriage? — Romantic in Ohio

THE GUIDE

Dear Romantic: How about calling Anita’s ring a commitment ring? Or give her a pendant with a sweet message engraved on the back? Another way to indicate to others that you’re together but don’t believe in “tradition” would be to hold a commitment ceremony and invite friends. To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send a business-sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 ($4.50 in Canada) to: Dear Abby’s “Keepers,” P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage is included.)

CROSSWORD

WITH OMAR SHARIF & TANNAH HIRSCH

HOW TO CONTACT: PAGE 13

Dear Abby: PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069 Celebrity Questions: TV Week, The Dallas Morning News, Communications Center, PO Box 655237, Dallas, TX 75265

THE GUIDE

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(N) (TVPG) (TVPG) 30 Rock Two and Two and Big Bang Monk (CC) (TVPG) Monk (CC) (TVPG) Phl17 Eagles Big Bang 30 Rock 2 (TV14) Half Men Half Men Theory News Game Theory (TV14) We Were Soldiers (5:00) (R, ‘02) Mel Young Guns (R, ‘88) Emilio Estevez. Six deputized Young Guns II (PG-13, ‘90) AMC Gibson, Madeleine Stowe. (CC) regulators become the objects of a manhunt. Emilio Estevez. (CC) Fatal Attractions (CC) Fatal Attractions (CC) Wrong Turn: The Kati Fatal Attractions Infested! (CC) (TVPG) Wrong Turn: The Kati AP (TV14) (TV14) Kim Story (TVPG) Kim Story Beyond Scared Beyond Scared Beyond Scared Beyond Scared Beyond Scared Beyond Scared ARTS Straight (TV14) Straight (TV14) Straight (TV14) Straight (TV14) Straight (TV14) Straight (TV14) Mad Money (N) American Greed Rich- American Greed American Greed American Greed Mad Money CNBC ard Scrushy. John King, USA (N) Erin Burnett OutFront CNN On The Frontlines Piers Morgan Tonight CNN On The Frontlines Erin Burnett OutFront CNN (N) (N) Daily Show Colbert (6:59) 30 (:29) 30 Jeff Dunham Christmas (:01) Jeff Dunham: Controlled Jeff Dunham Christmas Jeff DunCOM Report Rock Rock Special Chaos (CC) (TV14) Special ham SportsNite Flyers Pre- NHL Hockey Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers. (N Flyers SportsNite (CC) Football Israeli CS game Subject to Blackout) (Live) Postgm Weekly Bask. Worth Christmas Daily Mass The Holy Life on the Rock (TVG) Christmas WE The Gift of Peace St. Joyful Hour Praying the CTV Living Sp. Rosary Sp. BELIEVE Luke. rosary. (TVG) Gold Rush “Lovestruck” Gold Rush “Gold At Gold Rush “On the Gold Rush “Behind the (:01) Flying Wild Alaska Gold Rush “Behind the DSC (CC) (TVPG) Last” (TVPG) Gold” (CC) (TVPG) Scenes” (TVPG) (N) (TVPG) Scenes” (TVPG) A.N.T. Good Luck Jessie (CC) Jessie (CC) (:40) Good Luck Jessie (CC) Jessie (CC) The Search for Santa Paws Shake It Farm (TVG) Charlie (TVG) (TVG) Phineas (TVG) (TVG) (G, ‘10) Voices of Kaitlyn Maher. DSY Up! (CC) Charlie and Ferb Premiere. (CC) (TVG) Kourtney & Kim Take E! News (N) E! News The E! True Hollywood The Soup Fashion Chelsea E! News E! New York Story (TV14) Police Lately SportsCenter (N) (Live) NFL Kickoff (N) (Live) Countdown to Tip-Off College Basketball Baylor vs. West Virginia. SportsCenter (N) (Live) ESPN (CC) (TV14) (CC) (N) (Live) From Las Vegas, Nevada. (N) (CC) (TV14) NFL32 (N) (Live) (CC) College Basketball Western Kentucky at Louis- Countdown to TipNFL Kickoff (N) College Basketball ESPN2 ville. (N) (Live) Off (N) National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (PG, ‘00) Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch FAM (PG-13, ‘89) Chevy Chase. Jim Carrey, Jeffrey Tambor. Stole Christmas Diners, Drive-Ins and Diners, Drive-Ins and Bama Diners, Diners, Diners, Guy’s Disney Holiday Diners, Food FOOD Dives Dives Glama Drive Drive Drive Drive Attack Special Report With FOX Report With The O’Reilly Factor Hannity (N) On Record, Greta Van The O’Reilly Factor FNC Bret Baier (N) Shepard Smith (N) (CC) Susteren (CC) A Holiday Engagement (‘11) Jordan Moonlight and Mistletoe (‘08) Can- The Night Before the Night Before HALL Bridges, Bonnie Somerville. (CC) dace Cameron Bure. (CC) Christmas (‘10) Jennifer Beals. (CC) Modern Marvels “Wine” Modern Marvels (CC) Invention Invention Invention Invention Invention Invention IRT Deadliest Roads HIST (TVPG) (TVPG) USA USA USA USA USA (N) USA (N) (CC) (TV14) Hunters Hunters Hunters Hunters Hunters Hunters Hunters Hunters Hunters Hunters Hunters Hunters H&G Int’l Int’l Int’l Int’l Int’l Int’l Int’l Int’l Int’l Int’l Int’l Int’l Unsolved Mysteries Unsolved Mysteries Unsolved Mysteries America’s Most America’s Most Starving Secrets With LIF (CC) (TV14) (CC) (TV14) (CC) (TV14) Wanted (N) (CC) Wanted (CC) Tracey Gold That ’70s That ’70s Friendzone Friendzone Ridiculous- Ridiculous- Ridiculous- Ridiculous- Bam Margera Presents: Where the... Is MTV Show Show ness ness ness ness Santa? (R, ‘08) Bam Margera. 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PAGE 14

SPIKE

(:07) Gangland “Evil Breed” (CC) The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior (9:18) (PG-13, (TV14) ‘08) Michael Copon, Randy Couture. WWE Friday Night SmackDown! (N) (CC) Sanctuary “Sanctuary (:01) Eureka (CC) for None” (N) House of House of House of Meet the Better Better Call Me Claus (‘01) Payne Payne Payne Browns Worse Worse Premiere. (CC) Backfire (‘50) Virginia Mayo. A war vet- Lady in the Lake (‘46) Robert Montgomeran searches for an old friend. ery, Audrey Totter. (CC) Say Yes, Say Yes, Say Yes, Say Yes: Top 10 Weddings of Say Yes, Say Yes: Dress Dress Dress Bliss 2011 (TVPG) Dress Bliss Law & Order “Lost A Christmas Carol (‘99) Patrick Stewart, Deck the Halls (‘11) Boys” (TV14) Richard E. Grant. (CC) Kathy Najimy. (CC) Star Wars Thunder- King of the King of the American American Family Guy Family Guy cats Hill Hill Dad Dad (CC) (CC) Ghost Adventures (CC) Ghost Adventures (CC) The Dead Files (CC) Ghost Adventures (CC) (TVPG) (TVPG) (TVPG) (TVPG) Home Home Love-Ray- Love-Ray- Love-Ray- Love-Ray- Love-Ray- King of Improve. Improve. mond mond mond mond mond Queens NCIS “Missing” (CC) NCIS “See No Evil” NCIS “Good Wives CSI: Crime Scene (TVPG) (CC) (TVPG) Club” (CC) (TVPG) Investigation 100 Greatest Hard 100 Greatest Hard 100 Greatest Hard It Might Get Loud Rock Songs (TV14) Rock Songs (TV14) Rock Songs (TV14) (PG, ‘08)

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TV TALK 6 a.m. 22 The Daily Buzz (TVG) 6 a.m. CNN American Morning (N) 6 a.m. FNC FOX and Friends (N) 7 a.m. 3, 22 The Early Show (N) 7 a.m. 56 Morning News with Webster and Nancy 7 a.m. 16 Good Morning America Dwyane Wade; big stories of 2011; stocking stuffers; the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Corale perform. (N) 7 a.m. 28 Today Jenna Bush Hager’s trip to Africa; performance from Jersey Boys; real estate; spoiled kids. (N) 8 a.m. 56 Better A Christmas show at Rockefeller Center; holiday drinks. (N) (TVPG) 9 a.m. 3, 22 Anderson Anderson’s first holiday show is full of surprises; a big surprise for Santa; a big giveaway. (N) (TVG) 9 a.m. 16 Live! With Kelly Kelly and co-host Mark Consuelos

remember special moments from holidays past. (N) (TVPG) 9 a.m. 53 Dr. Phil Families with unconventional parenting styles. (TVPG) 9 a.m. FNC America’s Newsroom (N) 10 a.m. 16 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Justin Bieber; Principal Sherrie Gahn; David Freese; a couple who got tickets to the World Series. (TVPG)10 a.m. 28 Today (N) 10 a.m. 53 The Steve Wilkos Show A woman claims a man impregnated her, but his current girlfriend doesn’t believe her. (N) (TV14) 11 a.m. 56 Maury Viewers guess whether guests were born male or female. (N) (TVPG) 11 a.m. 16 The View Meryl Streep; Phyllida Lloyd; Mario Cantone; Joey McIntyre. (N) (TV14)

11 a.m. 44.2 Democracy Now! (TVG) 11 a.m. 53 The Wendy Williams Show Star Jones; David Mizejewski brings creepy, crawly animals; Wendy’s Shameless Surprise Stunt. (TVPG) 11 a.m. FNC Happening Now (N) noon 56 Jerry Springer A woman falls for her boyfriend’s cousin; a woman says her life was ruined by a stripper. (N) (TV14) noon 28 The Nate Berkus Show Decorating for the holidays; clutter; Kelly Osbourne. (N) (TVPG) noon 44.2 State of Pennsylvania 1 p.m. CNBC Power Lunch (N) 2 p.m. 3, 22 The Talk Margaret Cho; Ross Cassidy and Jeffrey Alan Marks. (N) (TV14) 2 p.m. 56 Dr. Phil A polygamist family insist that their union is a love story. (TVPG)

FOUR-STAR MOVIES F R I D AY

7:06 p.m. SPIKE Jaws A New England police chief, a shark hunter and a scientist have a showdown with a huge white shark. (HDTV) 8:00 p.m. TBS A Christmas Story In the 1940s, little Ralphie tries to convince his parents to get him a Red Ryder range-model BB gun for Christmas. Narrated by Jean Shepherd. (HDTV) 10:00 p.m. TBS A Christmas Story In the 1940s, little Ralphie tries to convince his parents to get him a Red Ryder rangemodel BB gun for Christmas. Narrated by Jean Shepherd. (HDTV)

S U N D AY 9:30 a.m. TCM Ben-Hur An en-

slaved Judean prince meets his Roman betrayer, a former friend, in a chariot race. 2:00 p.m. TBS A Christmas Story In the 1940s, little Ralphie tries to convince his parents to get him a Red Ryder range-model BB gun for Christmas. Narrated by Jean Shepherd. (HDTV) 8:00 p.m. TCM Going My Way Singing Father O’Malley bails out crusty Father Fitzgibbon’s financially strapped parish. 12:00 a.m. TCM Duck Soup Spies intervene when Freedonia’s prime minister declares war on nearby Sylvania.

M O N D AY 8:00 a.m. FMC The Snake Pit An ex-patient recalls the horrors of a mental institution.

By SANDRA SNYDER ssnyder@timesleader.com

Who has time for TV on Christmas, right? Maybe midnight Mass from Rome tomorrow? (Actually 10 p.m. Mass. Rome’s gone the way of the churches, or the churches have gone the way of Rome. Which?) And, of course, who can resist “A Christmas Story” as background “music” for family gatherings? TBS begins its annual 24-hour Ralphie marathon at 8 p.m. tomorrow, so tune in any time for notable quotables. Otherwise, January looms large. ABC, naturally, is hyping yet another new round of “The Bachelor,” you’ll be pleased, or disgusted, to learn. Next year’s tear-stained something-like-love fest begins earlier than ever, at 8 p.m. Jan. 2, so you can ring in 2012 responsibly, then irresponsibly set your DVR to record the whole shameful season. That way, when some of the contestants really start to annoy you, you can go back to remind yourself why you really, really don’t want them to win. Say she did something really, really stupid right out of the limo, such as slap “The Bachelor” in the face? Yeah, Chantal clocked Brad last season and almost won the ring anyway. We can’t explain this stuff. Instead we just report the buzz.

Now through

JANUARY

7th

This year’s man of the hour is Ben Flajnik, the California winemaker heave-ho’d by Ashley Hebert. (And he did not Ben Flajnik go quietly.) So, who looks like the early fave to win his lock-and-keyed heart? Well, we can’t not mention the elephant in the room, who happens to be a senior citizen competing on the grounds that love is ageless. Really, ABC? Has it come to this? Poor Sheryl. It’s safe to assume the AARP candidate won’t prevail and this is just another network stunt, so why not start the predictions off by randomly picking a winner based on nothing other than a quick study of ABC’s mugshots and mini bios? You heard it here first: Nicki, 26, a dental hygienist from Texas, wins. Why? Who knows? Because she’s a brunette and Ben’s a bruin? Because she’s 26, he’s 29, and the numbers work? That prediction will change, of course, come January, so stay tuned as this writer still tries to prove herself prescient right up to the bitter end. Ah, instability, name of this game. Reality TV’s very lifeblood.

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SAT & SUN FOOTBALL SPECIALS In the Bar ONLY 1pm-7pm 1 Dozen Clams $5 • 6 Cuts Pizza $4 Stuffed Mushrooms $6 Peel & Eat Shrimp $5.50 Loaded Nachos $6.50 Large Boneless Wings $ 6.50 Small Boneless Wings $4.50 7 oz. Lobster, fries, slaw $13.95 Turkey dinner, potato, veg $7.50 Chicken or Delmonico Cheesesteak, fries & slaw $7.95 $2 Pints of Coors Light & Miller Lite

W C  N. R S. P PA  P: () - F: () -

PAGE 16

Show This Ad To Get A $100 Gift Certiﬁcate for $80 or a $50 Gift Certiﬁcate for $40

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ENTERTAINMENT

Grand Slam Sports Bar

@ Grotto Pizza Harveys Lake (639-3278) Tonite 8:30

NICK COYLE

www.grottopizzapa.com

WEEKLY SPECIALS

M:         T T:  , .      W:     .   S A B L T:      F: .         S: .    . ’   S:  :-: (   )         --     .    .   

Kids

CC Ryder’s Bar & Grill

1011 Main Street, Swoyersville, PA

287-5950

THIS WEEK: DEC. 23 T O 2 9 , 2 0 11

(Eat in only)

JCC Winter Camp, a week of activities for ages 5 to 12 including a trip to Great Wolf Lodge and a roller-skating party. Jewish Community Center, 60 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday (Dec. 30). Discounts for early registrants. Signup: 824-4646.

Winter Wonderland Mini-Camp, three days of art, music, parades and imaginary play. Gymboree, 1159 Route 315, Wilkes-Barre. 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday. $60 with 25 percent sibling

(5 MINIMUM)

discount. 208-2908. Holiday Camp, three days of artistic explorations. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday. $35. 996-1500.

Open House. Gymboree, 1159 Route 315, Wilkes-Barre. Jan. 9 to 13. Reservations: 208-2908.

•Gin gerb rea d Ho u s es

•Red a n d Green Ho lid a y Brea d s

Corner of George Ave. & Woodward St. • Wilkes-Barre on Northampt orner ofinE.Wilkes-Barre at the Csi . St & Hill de

SPECIAL WEEKL—YSERVED WITH BAKED POTATO & COLE SLAW

8oz. LOBSTER TAIL $17.95

G ORDERS NOW TAKIN’S FAMOUS FOR STAN NOW TAKING & COLESLAWVATIONS FOR R E RES ’S EVE NEW YEAR

•Ho lid a y Deco ra ted Ca kes , Co o kies a n d Cu p ca kes

728560

•M in ia tu re P a s try Gif tTra ys

823- 3400 8233400 2 290 90 So So u th th R iiver ver S Street tre e t • P llaa iinn s

829-2300

SED AY KITCHEN CLO RISTMAS D H C & E EV CHRISTMASPPY HOLIDAYS! HA

•Fu ll V a riety o f P ies

•Ho lid a y Sto llen , P a s ka & Cha lla h Brea d

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Christmas Eve Hours 1PM - 6PM

STIN

•Ho m em a d e Fru itca ke & Ru gela h

P yra m id s

824-4150

322 N. PENN A VE. W -B

Ceccoli’s Pizza

T R TONIGH IN THE BA LUES BAND GRAYS B

•P o p p ys eed , P ru n e, Ap rico t, Cherry, •Ba gel a n d Brea d Ba s kets •Deco ra ted Co o kie Tra ys a n d

K IN G T U T ’S

G O L D R E PA IR H U T

FUTURE

Pla ce H olid a y O rd ers E a rly Co co n u t, Chees e a n d Nu tRo lls

A ntiqu e Jewelry (Brok en OK) Dental Gold,Gold Filled Eyeglasses,Etc.

724081

Aladdin and Jasmine will take a magic-carpet ride at the ‘Disney on Ice’ show ‘Treasure Trove,’ set for Jan. 11 to 16 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre Township.

Bu ying Gold Jew elry D ia m onds,Pla tinu m , Pu re S ilver,S terling, Indu stria l & Coin S ilver

726794

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Everhart Razzle Dazzle! A holiday camp with songs, stories, puppets, museum activities and exploration. Everhart Museum, 1901 Mulberry St., Scranton. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. $25. Signup: 346-7186.

littleneck Maine clams $3.99 Dozen Mini (Bigger Than Average) Lobster Tails $1.50 ea

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Mark Mysterio’s Tales of Magic and Mystery, family fun, comedy, magic and audience participation. Shawnee Inn. Shawnee Playhouse, 1 River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. 10 a.m. Monday and Tuesday. $10. 421-5093.

THE GUIDE

...casual dining with a difference!

Weekend Features

Seafood Stuffed Sole $16.95 A flavorful Sole stuffed with a seafood stuffing served with a choice of two sides.

Prime Rib $18.95

A mouth watering 12-14 oz cut of Prime Rib served with a side of Au jus, and a choice of two sides.

Filet Mignon $27.95

Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is a new pair of

UGG

A hand-cut 8 oz Filet Mignon cooked to perfection and served with a choice of two sides.

Lobster Tail Dinner $28.95 An 8 oz Lobster Tail baked to perfection and served with drawn butter, and a choice of two sides.

Please inquire about our private dining room for any and all occasions.

HAPPY HOUR

Gateway Shopping Center, Edwardsville (570) 714-7777 WWW.COSTELLOS.INFO

158 Memorial Hwy. Shavertown 1.800.49.SHOES

PAGE 17

Sunday-Thursday 4pm - 6pm.

729841

Now Taking Reservations for Christmas & New Year’s Eve Parties!

THE GUIDE

Exhibits

288-8386. The Language of Nature, by the Verve Vertu Art Studio. Through Jan. 7. Marquis Art and Frame, 122 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. 2085305.

ONGOING EXHIBITS

Give the Gift of Art Holiday Exhibit, paintings, ornaments, décor, jewelry, clothing and more. New Visions Studio & Gallery, 201 Vine St., Scranton. Through Thursday: noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. 878-3970. Cider Painters of America. Miniature art. VGogh Gallery, 281 Wyoming Ave., Kingston. Through Dec. 30. 287-5544. Buds, Blooms and Berries: Plants in Science, Culture and Art. Through Dec. 31. Everhart Museum, Scranton. $5, $3 seniors, $2 children. 346-7186. On Christmas Eve, Who Let the Monkeys In, interactive display by Stephen Hendrickson, production designer for “The Good Wife.” Also: antique toys and a doll house. Through Dec. 31 at the Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 996-1500. Holiday Photography Exhibit by the Wyoming Valley Camera Club. Through Dec. 31. Back Mountain Memorial Library, 96 Huntsville

This Polish Szopka, a Nativity scene made in Krakow, Poland, is part of ‘Winter Traditions of Poland and Polish America’ at the Luzerne County Historical Society Museum in WilkesBarre through Jan. 31. Road, Dallas. 675-1182. Environmental Concerns: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, photography and recycled glass art. Through Dec. 31 at Mainstreet Galleries, 370 Pierce St., Kingston. 287-5589. Seasons, Sabine Thomas paintings. Through Jan. 6 at Something Special, 27 W. Walnut St., Kingston.

IORIO Jewelers

Holiday Hours

10:00 to 7:00 until Christmas Eve Christmas Eve til 3:00pm

Faculty and Alumni Art Exhibit. Through Jan. 7. Schulman Gallery, Luzerne County Community College, Nanticoke. 740-0727. Winter Traditions of Poland and Polish America, including Wigilia

PEPPE’S NEW YORK PIZZERIA RESTAURANT & BAR

151 E. Main St., FREE Plymouth DELIVERY! 779-3700 Open 7 Days a Week “GRAMMA’S P

IZZA”

You have to try our Signature Pizza

Christmas Eve dinner, kulig (visiting house to house), trimming the choinka and singing of Koledy. Through Jan. 31 at the Luzerne County Historical Society Museum, 69 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. $4. 822-1727.

EVERY THURSDAY

Pool Tournament (cash prize) 50/50 Rafﬂe Tickets $1.50 Coors Lite Pint All Day Sign Up 6-6:30pm THURSDAY HAPPY HOUR 5-7 $1.75 Pints $2.00 Domestic Bottles $2.50 Shot (Bottom Shelf) $5.99 Large Pizza 16”

Stromboli • Pasta’s Hot & Cold Subs

Monday thru Wednesday Special

Expires

1/3/12 2 Large 16” - $15.00 $ 1 Large Pie 16” & 12 Wings - 12.99

Get $2.00 OFF Gramma’s Pizza Expires 1/3/12

Call-ins mention code 9774

Nestled on the 9th Fl. in Luzerne Bank Building 67-69 Public Square • Suite 902 Wilkes-Barre, PA • (570) 823-2861

PIZZA PERFECT PIZZA • WINGS AND MORE!

SAME ORIGINAL RECIPE, HAND MADE, HAND BAKED 16 Carverton Road Trucksville

Mon. - Thurs. 4pm to 10pm Fri 11am to 11pm • Sat. 12:30pm to 11pm Sun. 2pm to 10pm

729826

PAGE 18

696-2100

651 Wyoming Ave. • Kingston 283-4322 • 283-4323

for

Tax & Toppings Extra

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

From Everyone at the Checkerboard Inn! Thank You for your patronage!

OPEN NEW YEAR’S EVE 4-9PM MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW! Back Room Available For Parties • Catering Off Premises Available See all our specials at www.checkerboardinn.com

Carverton Road, Trucksville • 696-1648

Cannot be combined with any other offer. One coupon per visit. Expires 12-29-11

verbrook Pub & Grille Specials

Braised Beef Short Ribs

NOW OPEN MONDAYS

w/ black garlic mashed potatoes & vegetable

Linguine with White Clam Sauce Open Sat. 12-3 • Closed Sun. & Mon. • Re-open on Tues.

Watch Monday Night Football $1.50 Drafts Check Out Our Specials!

Mon., Tues. & Wed. Open For Dinner Only 4-10 Thurs.-Sun. 12 Noon-Close

259 Overbrook Road • Dallas, PA 18612 Phone: 570-675-2727 • www.overbrookpub.com

Patte’s Sports Bar and Restaurant

Now N T Taking ki Di Dinner and d Party Reservations For The Holidays • Open Christmas Eve, Kitchen Open ’Til 9 p.m. • Open New Years Eve, Last Seating in Our Dining Room 10 p.m. • Open New Years Day, Kitchen Open At 11:00 a.m. Featuring Beef Stew, Pork & Sauerkraut

Dates Available For Holiday Parties!

Patte’s Gift Cards Make A Great Gift!

W Hollenback H ll b k Ave., A Wil B 65 W. Wilkes-Barre www.gotopattes.com • visit us on facebook

PIZZA P IZZA 256 Schuyler Ave. • Kingston

288-9677

Open 7 days a week

Mix & Match 6-packs make a great holiday gift!

262504 2625 62504 5827 729827 7298 7

2 Large 16” Plain Cheese Pizzas

CHECKERBOARD INN

THE GUIDE

824-8015

Our 20th Anniversary Special

2 Large 16” Pizzas and dozen and a d ozen wings g

2000*

Just $

*Not valid with any other offer or coupon. T Tax, ttoppings i & ddelivery li extra. t E Expires i 11-31-12. 31

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy New Year!! from

Now Accepting Reservations For Christmas Eve & New Years Eve!

Lunch Served Mon. - Fri. from 11:30 am to 2:00 p.m. Dinner Served Tues. - Sat. from 5:00 p.m. to Closing Sundays Reserved For Private Parties, Special Events or Social Gatherings • Private Dining Room (25 guests) & Banquet Room (130 guests) Available 283-6260 www.vanderlyns.com

239 Schuyler Ave. • Kingston, PA

Christmas Story Train Drawing Held December 23rd Ages 12 or younger are eligible to win. 1 Entry Per Person 16 Carverton Rd, Trucksville • 570.696.2100 Open: Mon - Thurs 4pm to 10pm Fri. 11am to 11pm • Sat 12:30 to 11pm • Sun 2pm to 10pm PAGE 19

Gift239 Ave. • Kingston, PA CerSchuyler tiﬁ 283-6260 www.vanderlyns.com Availab cates le

KIDS! ENTER TO WIN In Our 6th Annual Holiday Giveaway

Get news when it happens.

Great Holiday Gifts!

Handmade Jewelry, Scarves, Watches Handbags and Engravables

Amore Jewelry & Gifts Behind Burger King • Shavertown • 675-3105 Open Sundays 12-4 • www.bridaltrinkets.com

724687

timesleader.com

‘

THE GUIDE

QUALITY TAKE-HOME SEAFOOD

From the Leaders in Seafood since 1948

STARTING FRIDAY DECEMBER 23rd

OPEN DAILY 9AM TILL 5PM

304 Kennedy Blvd.

PITTSTON 654-6883

www.coopers-seafood.com

Gift Certiﬁcates Also Available $5 Free Certiﬁcate with $50 Purchase

PAGE 20

570-208-2909

729669

Receive a free pint of bisque of crab soup with a $25 purchase in the retail market.

723164

• Homemade Soups H & Salads Tails & • Lobster L Crab Legs C Fish • Fresh F • Raw R & Cooked Shrimp S Crab Meat • Scallops, S & Clams & Prepared • Mussels M Foods F