FRIDAY, DEC. 6, 2013
For a review of “Out of the Furnace,’ see Page 3
We saw you at... Schuylkill Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker”
Get in the holiday spirit See Page 2
Corinne Ley, left, and Sloan Hatter, both of Tremont
From left, Olivia Lattanzi, Haley Macalush and Sophia Susarchick, all of Tamaqua For more photos from the show, see Page 4
Catch the spirit Hamburg’s annual holiday festival set for Saturday BY ERIC PEDDIGREE COPY EDITOR
T
epeddigree@republicanherald.com
he Christmas spirit will be alive in Hamburg this weekend as the borough hosts its annual holiday bash. Catch the Spirit will be held all day Saturday in the downtown district. The event features a schedule of holiday-themed events for the family, as well as shopping in downtown area businesses. In its third year, the event continues to grow and gather support from the community. “This year we are partnering with more organizations so we have a bigger schedule,” Angela Kase, Elm Street manager, said. Due to the threat of rain tonight, the Christmas tree lighting was moved to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. The event at the Fourth and Pine streets municipal lot will feature music from Wings, the Hamburg Area Middle School choral ensem-
2
If you go
What: Annual Catch the Spirit event When: All day Saturday Where: downtown Hamburg For more information, visit www.hamburgpa.org ble, and the Bridge Church Choir. There will also be complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. Josh Shaffer, worship pastor at Bridge Church, played a significant role in organizing the tree lighting ceremony. “The church wanted to get more involved with the event,” Shaffer said. He said a few hundred people are expected to attend the ceremony, which has grown into the biggest attraction during Catch the Spirit. “The response has been very good,” said Shaffer, who also helped organize the Andulhea Heritage Choir performance at 2 p.m. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 99 Church St. The festivities kick off at 9 a.m. Saturday with the Christmas parade, sponsored by the Hamburg Area Business Association and Hamburg Lions Club, while Santa will be taking pictures with children at his workshop from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the municipal lot. At the Gallery of Hamburg, 335 State St., local author Michael Sgrignoli will host a reading and signing of his book “Dinorific Poetry.” Children can also get creative with free crafts by Salem Church and CONCERN Counseling Services at Hecky’s Sub Shop, 313 State St. After a day of activities, the children can unwind with free show-
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
The Bridge Hand Bell Choir and Andulhea Heritage Choir performed at last year’s event. This year’s concert will be held at 2 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 99 Church St., Hamburg. BELOW LEFT: Salem Church and CONCERN Counseling Services will offer free crafts for children at Hecky’s Sub Shop, 313 State St. ings of classic holiday specials at Hamburg Strand Theater, 6 N. Fourth St. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” will be shown at 4 p.m., followed by “Frosty the Snowman” at 5 p.m. Kase said in previous years, they showed one full-length movie but decided to show the two specials to break up the program for the children. “We figured it would be good for kids who want to drop in to one but don’t want to watch a full movie,” Kase said.
POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD
“This year we are partnering with more organizations so we have a bigger schedule.” Angela Kase, Elm Street manager, For the adults, Bethany United Methodist Church, 321 Island St., will host a Christmas Bazaar from 9 a.m. to noon. The Gallery will hold a wine and cheese tasting from noon to 3 p.m., featuring Long Trout Winery and
harp music by Barbara Greim. In addition to other events, artisans and crafters will set up displays on sidewalks and in storefronts in the downtown district. For more information, visit hamburgpa.org.
THIS WEEKEND’S EVENTS TODAY ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DRAWING — West End Hose Company, 12th and West Market streets, Pottsville. Music by DJ Digital 8 p.m. to midnight. Cover charge $3. Drawing prizes total $1,000. Tickets $1 each or six for $5. Call 570-622-5770. CHRISTMAS TREE SALE — 6 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Good Will Fire Company parking lot, 88 Washington St., Port Carbon. COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE — Noon to 5 p.m., Frackville Elks, 307 S. Third St., Frackville. Open to public. Visit www.redcrossblood.org. CUPCAKE WARS 2 — Contest starts 5 p.m., Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library, 214 E. Independence St., Orwigsburg. Contestants may bring own baked cupcakes to be judged. Cost $1 to judge or to enter. HOLIDAY EVENT — Catch the Spirit, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, downtown Hamburg. Christmas tree lighting, 5:30 p.m. municipal parking lot, Fourth and Pine streets. For more activities, call 610562-3106 or hamburgpa.org. MEETING — Parkinson’s Support Group, 6 p.m., Schuylkill Rehabilitation Center, Pottsville. OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS ON MAIN STREET — 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, The Shoppes at the Meck Knitting Mills, Schuylkill Haven. OPEN HOUSE — 1 to 8 p.m. today and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Mud & Maker, 6 S. Centre St., Pottsville. OPEN HOUSE — 3 to 9 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, The Arts Barn, 3 Berry Road, Schuylkill Haven. PEARL HARBOR DAY PROGRAM AND BREAKFAST — 9:30 a.m., Legion Memorial Garden, 100 block of North Main Street, Shenandoah,
followed by breakfast for veterans and their spouses at 10 a.m., Shenandoah Senior Community Center, 116 N. Main St. Reservations requested, call 570-462-1965. PERFORMANCE — “A Christmas Carol,” 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, The Strawberry Playhouse, Tuscarora. Adults $14, seniors and students $12, children 10 and under $5. Groups of 10 or more receive 20-percent discount. Call 570-401-8314 or lafala@ptd.net. PIZZELLE COOKIE SALE — Pick up today and Saturday and Dec. 10-12, Chizmar’s Styling, Saint Clair. Cost $4 per bag. Call 570-429-0303. BALLROOM DANCE CLASSES — 7 to 9 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, Centre Street and Howard Avenue, Pottsville. Sponsored by Pottsville Recreation Commission. Call 570-622-6619. MEETING — Schuylkill Amateur Repeater Association, 8 p.m., Schuylkill County Emergency Operation Center, 435 N. Centre St., Pottsville.
SATURDAY ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT CHICKEN POT PIE DINNER — 4 to 7 p.m., Liberty Fire Company No. 4, 223 Columbia St., Schuylkill Haven. Adults $8, children $4, quarts $6. Takeouts available. Free delivery in Schuylkill Haven area by calling 570-385-3341. BAKE SALE — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church hall, Oak and White streets, Shenandoah. Sponsored by United Methodist Women. CHEESESTEAK DINNERS — 3 p.m. to sellout, William Penn Fire Company. Cost $8 per platter. For orders and free local delivery, call 570462-0338. CHILDREN’S CHINESE ACTION — Shop and drop, 4 to 6 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Zion Lutheran Church, Fourth and Lewis streets, Minersville. Auction Please see CALENDAR, Page 7
‘Furnace’ needed more time in oven Memories of “The Deer Hunter” creep in long before the deer hunt in “Out of the Furnace,” co-writer/director Scott Cooper’s ambitious, impressionistic and confused ode to steel belt machismo, code, family and revenge. Cooper’s follow-up to the O s c a r- w i n n i n g “ C r a z y Heart” landed a cast studded with Oscar winners and Oscar nominees. But the story he stuck them in is an unsettlingly violent and unfocused stomp, from its psychotic drive-in assault opening to its dispiriting and unsatisfying finale. Christian Bale and Casey Affleck play Pennsylvania steel-town brothers. Russell Baze (Bale) stays out of trouble and works hard at the mill, as his dad before him did. Rodney (Affleck) gam-
MOVIE REVIEW bles when he’s at home, anything to mimic the risks he takes as a soldier stuck doing multiple tours in Iraq. Russell is planning a life with Lena (Zoe Saldana). But looking out for Rodney is his life’s work. When the kid gets in deep with the local hustler/loan shark (Willem Dafoe), Russell tries to settle his debts. But after he does, with the requisite drinks that come with that transaction, a deadly car wreck lands him in prison, costs him his girl and his future. When Rodney returns from war, the kid ups the ante by getting into illegal, bareknuckle prize fights in the abandoned steels mills of Appalachian Pennsylvania.
And that’s when he runs afoul of Harlan (Woody Harrelson). A New Jersey thug with his fingers in everything illegal in these mountains, we’ve seen him brutalize a date at the drive-in in the film’s opening scene. He’s the sort of guy who picks fights. In this character and Harrelson’s portrayal of him, “Out of the Furnace” shows its strengths and its failings. There are no small performances in this movie. Characters, motivated or otherwise, are mercurial, flying into rages, breaking into tears, none more that the psychotic Harlan. Cooper’s deal with the devil was promising all his players lots of big, busy emotive close-ups. And to a one, they chew the scenery in their big moments.
From Harrelson’s drawling, teeth-clogged ugliness to Affleck’s tirades about what he saw and did in Iraq and his bristling, boxer’s reaction to meeting Harlan, scenes just sort of blow up on us because that’s what the actors are allowed to do. The vivid rusting, roughneck milieu is as sharply drawn as the meth-belt Ozarks of “Winter’s Bone.” But as colorful as it and its people are, Cooper lets the brawling and the bigger-thanbig performances get the better of him, and his story. “Out of the Furnace” feels undercooked as a result. “Out of the Furnace,” a Relativity release, is rated R for strong violence, language and drug content. Running time: 113 minutes. ★★
West Coast Video New Releases First Featuring
Featuring Elmer’s Hobby Shop
Elmer’s Hobby Shop Congratulations And Chris’s
Penn State Electronic
Playing 12/6 - 12/12
HUNGER GAMES FIRE 21+ 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 10:00 HOMEFRONT 21+ 4:30, 9:30
DELIVERY MAN 12:45, 3:30, 6:45, 9:45 FROZEN
2-D 12:45 FROZEN
3-D 3:45, 6:45, 9:00
on Cigarettes a Great Win!
OUT OF THE FURNACE 21+ 1:30, 6:45
Great Food
DON’T JUST SEE A MOVIE, EXPERIENCE IT AT
Reading Movies 11 & IMAX 30 N. 2nd Street 610-374-2828 • www.rctheatres.com FREE GARAGE PARKING Digital Projection & Sound • Stadium Seating Give the Gift of Entertainment RC Theatres Gift Cards Available at the theatre Box Office TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE FOR:
Happy Hour Special Daily
THOR DARK WORLD 3D 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 10:00 OUT OF THE FURNACE 1:15, 4:15, 7:15, 10:00
HOMEFRONT 1:00, 7:00, 10:00
The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug in IMAX3D – Dec 12 at Midnight The Hobbit Double Feature in IMAX begins at 8PM with Part 1 MET Opera – Falstaff – Dec 14 at 12:55 Showtimes for Friday, December 6 through Wednesday, December 11 BARGAIN TUESDAYS ALL SHOWS ALL DAY $5.25 (Excluding IMAX, Additional fee for 3D)
LAST VEGAS 4:00
NOW SHOWING IMAX:
THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE IMAX (PG13) 12:30, 3:45, 7:00, 10:15
FEATURING IN REALD DIGITAL 3D:
HUNGER GAMES FIRE PXC 12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 9:30
FROZEN IN DIGITAL 3D (PG) (1:20, 4:20), 7:10, 9:35 GRAVITY IN DIGITAL 3D (PG13) 1:20, 4:45, 7:20, 9:45 OUT OF THE FURNACE (R) (1:00, 4:10), 7:20, 10:00 SPECIAL SCREENING: STANDARDIZED SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 AT 11AM
DEC 15TH, 12:30 PM DUKE ELLINGTON’S SOPHISTICATED LADIES ENCORE PERFORMANCE
FROZEN (PG) (12:50, 1:50, 4:00, 4:40), 7:30, 9:55 THE BLACK NATIVITY (PG13) 7:30, 9:50 THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE (PG13) (12:45, 1:45, 4:00, 5:00), 7:15, 8:15, 10:30 DELIVERY MAN (PG13) (1:10, 4:10), 7:10, 9:45 THE BEST MAN HOLIDAY (R) (1:00, 4:05), 7:00, 10:05 THOR: THE DARK WORLD (PG13) (1:45, 4:20), 7:40, 10:15
For Showtimes: 570-874-2505 • www.schuylkillmalltheatres.com • www.facebook.com/schuylkillmalltheatres
POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD
CHILDREN UNDER 3 NOT ADMITTEDTO PG13 or R RATED MOVIES AFTER 6PM SHOWTIMES SUBJECTTO CHANGEWITHOUT NOTICE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013
3
We saw you at ... ‘The Nutcracker’ on Sunday
4
From left, Madison Connors, Abby Kramer, Hailey Mundy and Reagan March, all of the Orwigsburg Girls Scouts
From left, Raquel DiProsperis, Morgan Miller, Kaeley Walton and Laurysa Seigfried, all from the Orwigsburg Girls Scouts
Photos by David McKeown
Madison Evans, Cressona, left, and Rebecca McDonald, Pottsville
BOILO CONTEST Saturday, Dec.,7th
Mountaineer Hose South & 3rd Sts., Minersville Registration and Doors open @5pm, Judging @7pm No Breakfast Sunday
From left, Jasmin Spink, Kayla March, Maddie Swick and Madison Green, all of the Orwigsburg Girls Scouts
POTTSVILLE ZONE
Sports Bar & Grill 351 RAILROAD ST. CATERING CHRISTMAS WEDDINGS WITH ELVIS AWARD WINNING ELVISTRIBUTE AND ARTIST: NICK MISCHISSIN ANY OCCASION. .. HOSTED BY On-SitePAT orMcCOOL Off. COMEDIAN DECEMBER 13TH ATTHE Call today! POTTSVILLE ZONE BANQUET HALL 570-628-9793
BANQUET STYLE BUFFET 6-8 PM 337STARTS Peacock St. SHOW AT 8PM SHARP Pottsville CALL FORTICKETS 570-628-9793
Ringtown Valley Fire / Rescue All You Can Eat Breakfast
Sunday December 8, 2013 • 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Breakfast with SANTA!!!
Adults - $8.00 • Children (under 12) - $4.00
Buffet Style Breakfast includes: • Bacon • Sausage • Home Fries • Pancakes, • French Toast • Eggs • Scrapple • Mackerel, • S.O.S. & Much More! Coffee, Tea, Orange Juice, Fruit Punch included and Water available. *Wheat Toast available upon request
Ringtown Valley Fire & Rescue Company
46 W. Main Street, Ringtown, PA 17967 • Telephone: (570) 889-3245
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013
TOOM’S PUB (Formerly Longboards)
204 Peacock St., Pottsville • 570-622-8920
SATURDAY DECEMBER 7TH
“RED HALO” 10PM-1AM
SATURDAY DEC. 14TH - 9PM MEMBERS OF COLLECTIVE SOUL AND CINDERELLA COME TOGETHER AS “CHEAP THRILLS” $10 COVER
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY BREAKFAST FEATURE CHEESE STEAK OMELET JUST $5.50!
For Our Full Menu and List of Events Check Our Website www.mineshaftcafe.com
Open Today & Saturday 3pm Sun., Mon., Thurs. 6pm
Saturday 9pm
“DJ 1:01”
Sat., Dec. 14th
"FAT CATS"
Fri., Dec. 20th
“BOY’S UPSTAIRS” Check Facebook Page Guinness for Holiday Schedule on Tap Friend us on Facebook
Breakfast with Santa Holiday Stop and Shop Sunday, December 15th • 8am-12pm All menu items will be made to order. Santa and Mrs.Claus will be there mingling with the children during breakfast and will also be available for pictures.
Cressona Fire Co. #1, 59 South 2nd Street Cressona For questions call:570-640-9012
POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD
Tia, left, and Zara Johnson, Reading
Blu Tavern Restaurant & Motel
Rt. 209, Llewellyn • 570-544-9919
Featured Entree
• Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus
Sunday Brunch 10 am - 2 pm Santa Brunch Dec. 22nd. Sunday NFL Ticket w/$1.50 Coors Light or Miller Lite drafts
For more info www.blutavern.com
WE DELIVER
GIORGIO’S PIZZA RESTAURANT
(570) 429-1237 36 N. 2nd St., St. Clair PA
Gift Cards now available! For Christmas give a gift of Giorgio’s. We Deliver
Sunday 4-9:30pm • Tues. thru Thurs. 11-9:30 • Fri. & Sat. 11am-10pm
Closed Mondays.
Let Us Cater Your Next Event! Like Us on Facebook
CHRISTKINDLMARKT
AT THE SCCA
Shop the beautifully decorated Yuengling Mansion Find a beautiful selection of unique gifts.
December 7th & 8th Saturday 10:30AM - 7PM Sunday 11 AM - 6 PM Experience our Fifth Annual
German Christmas Market
1440 Mahantongo Street • Pottsville 570-622-2788 Presented by SCCA
Count your blessings this holiday season Hamilton Wright Mabie said, “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!” A conspiracy of love, how beautiful. I love this idea for both the holidays and every day. Truly I do. Counting our blessings, showing our gratitude, helping our fellow man, loving our brothers, carrying on holiday traditions, bestowing gifts on others; it genuinely is the most wonderful time of the year. When I’m thinking about gifts for the people I love, I look to our local Schuylkill County small businesses. For every $100 you spend in a locally owned business, $45 circulates back into your community. That same $100 in a chain store only puts $13 back into the community. This means I’m helping my business neighbor pay for his kids’ college tuition, sponsor a local little league team,
Myrtle May’s Café M 236 Sunbury Street, Minersville PA 17954 • (570) 399-5110 www.myrtlemayscafe.com
OPEN SUNDAYS 7AM-2PM OPEN TUES. THRU SAT. 5AM-2PM Breakfast Served All Day!
donate to a benefit or support a local event. And that’s important to me. Knowing I can purchase unique highquality gifts that benefit our communities is the way I choose to give to my loved ones because I like it here. I know you’ve heard me say it time and time again, but I like living in Schuylkill County and count it among my many blessings. Another added bonus is that it’s convenient to shop local. You’ll spend less travel time (and we all know how precious of a resource our time is), use less gas and meet those local business owners who support your
community face to face. Additionally, I find the service is always better as is my overall shopping experience. The visitors bureau has compiled our Local Holiday Shopping Guide again this year. It’s full of gift ideas that keep your dollars in our county and is easily found online under local deals at www.schuylkill.org December kicks off into high gear with the Spirit of the Holidays tour this weekend. Experience the enchantment of the season with Pa. artists, the Christmas markets of Germany and the Holiday traditions of Victorian England with SCCA’s Christkindlmarkt and Mud & Maker in Pottsville, The Arts Barn in Orwigsburg and the Walk In Art Center and an Old-Fashioned Christmas on Main Street, both in Schuylkill Haven. As always, The Greystone will host its annual Local Artists Art Show and Sale on Sun-
day. Hawk Mountain hosts its annual Holiday on the Mountain on Saturday. Schuylkill on the Move will have you outside enjoying nature on Saturday with the Crow Trail Walk at Tuscarora State Park, Barnesville. Schuylkill Choral Society will perform its Christmas in Europe concert on Saturday at Trinity Episcopal in Pottsville and on Sunday at Schuylkill Haven Area High School. As December flies by, (and I know this is the case for many of us, myself included) plan to head out to the Simon Kramer Institute in New Philadelphia on Dec. 14 for A Victorian Christmas that includes two seatings of lunch with Santa, photos with Santa, arts and crafts, pet blessings and rides on Miss Molly the Christmas Trolley. Another holiday event that offers inimitable giftshopping opportunities is Hope Hill Lavender Farm’s
Holiday Open House on Dec. 14. I am a huge fan of their products and have yet to find one that wasn’t a pure joy to my senses. Also, on Dec. 14 is the Marimba Christmas at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Pine Grove; the Anthracite Philharmonic Christmas Pops concert at First United Methodist Church, Pottsville, and the Pottsville Lions Club Christmas movie, “Disney’s A Christmas Carol,” at the Sovereign Majestic Theater, complete with popcorn, candy and a visit from Santa himself! Speaking of the Sovereign Majestic, you’ll want to call them now at 570-628-4647 and order your tickets for the Wizards of Winter on Dec. 15 and A Majestic Christmas with Bradley Dean & Ron Stabinsky on Dec. 23. Both are fabulous shows that sell out quickly every year. Our little gem of a theater will round out December with A Broadway
Christmas on Dec. 21. Here at the visitors center we have many blessings to count this holiday season. Although our budget remains small, we continue to remain sustainable and carry out our mission of increasing the number of tourists to Schuylkill County, assisting to enhance the image of our county and supporting the development of new tourist attractions through our designation as the county’s tourist promotion agency. In addition to awarding four new Tourism Recognition Awardees (to be revealed in the very near future), we are also celebrating our 50th anniversary of service. Our many partners in tourism have made our job far easier and exponentially more enjoyable. We are genuinely grateful. (Gargano is executive director of Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau)
Hoagie Shack Deli & Bakery
Capt. Mike’s
14-16 Sunbury St. • Minersville
STEVE’S
DELCAMP’S Friday
CHRISTMAS PIZZELLE COOKIES $4 a bag For: St. Peter’s Church
Regina Gargano
Mahanoy City Fri. Sat. Sun. Specials Homemade Pierogies & Beleenies - CheeseSteak Italian w/Roasted Red Peppers
570-773-5100
315 N. Centre St., Pottsville 570-628-4220 www.thegstone.com TONIGHT Friday, December 6th Greysto is availablenefo all of your r Holiday Cater needs. ing
“Boys Upstairs” Starting at 8:00pm Sunday, December 8th 11:00AM to 5:00PM
8th Annual Christmas Open House & Local Artist Show & Sale
Taking Reservations For Your O ffi Holiday ce Parties!!
Musical Performances by, Jubilatte Bells Choir at 1:00pm Byzantine Choir at 2:30pm • Photography • Oils • Watercolors • Mixed Media • Jewelery • Pottery • Treats for Fido • Wine • Fresh Greens and Much Much More –– Complimentary Refreshments ––
Shenandoah 570-462-0155
Broiled Iceland Cod Restaurant Friday 4-8 Fried Seafood Platters To Go
Take-out Fri. 11:30-7:30
570-544-6096
Weekend Specials Sausage Pattie, Eggs & Homefries
Breakfast Served All Day
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 5:30 am to 2 pm We Accept Credit Cards
Salisbury Steak w/ Mashed & Corn.. .................................................$5.99 Tuna Hoagie..............................$3.99
St. Clair • 8AM to 8PM • 570-429-1470
Sold at: Chizmar’s Hairstyling, St. Clair
Dec. 6th, 7th, 10th & 11th (570) 429-0303
JT’s PUB
Give A Gift That Will Keep Giving This Holiday Season!
Sovereign Majestic
Poinsettias - Jason’s Jewelry - Wreaths - Candles Emma’s Friends Lotions & Soaps Made To Order Specialty Gift Baskets & Much More!!!
Saturday, December 7, 7:00 PM; Sunday, December 8, 3:00 PM. Tickets Only: $10.00
Casper 10 PM - 2 AM
Back By Popular Demand! The Wizards of Winter
Saturday, December 14th
A Broadway Christmas
9 PM - 1:30 AM
Every purchase at an Avenues retail location benefits individuals with physical and/or developmental disabilities
Christmas Through the Years, A Salute to Our Veterans
Sunday, December 15, 3:00 p.m. $18.00 Sunday, December 15, 7:00 p.m. $20.00
Saturday, December 21, 2013 - 2:00 p.m. Tickets Only: $15.00
Expressions 938 W. Locust St. Valley View, PA 17983 (570) 632 - 2522
1755 W. Market St. Pottsville, PA 17901
(570) 623 - 5316
2 Park St. Pottsville, PA 17901
(570) 622 - 7368
114 N. Main St. Shenandoah, PA 17976
(570) 462 - 6252
A MAJESTIC CHRISTMAS WITH BRADLEY DEAN AND RON STABINSKY A Holiday Concert
Monday, December 23, 2013, 7:00 p.m. Tickets Only: $15.00
Call: 570-628-4647
POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD
and CATERING
Saturday, December 7th
570 Bash with
DJ Guardian
Every Thursday Karaoke with Mike Jamison 9 PM - 1:30 AM
318 Washington St. Port Carbon
570.622.6218 • 570.617.0811
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013
5
Win/loss report documents play
Dear Mark: Because I don’t keep track of my wins and losses when I play, my accountant has asked me for a win/loss statement from the casino where I play so I might be able to write off some of my gambling losses. How do I go about getting one? Jim D. When you use your player’s card, Jim, it documents your play. If you flip it over, there should be a telephone number on the backside. Just ask the rep when you call that you would like a win/loss statement sent to you. Likewise, if you visit the casino often, you can also drop by the slot club booth and request a statement. City Seafood & Steakhouse 570-773-1195 Fri., Sat., Sun.Specials • Grilled Filet Mignon • Jumbo Lump Deviled Crab • Shrimp & Scallop Combo
CHILDREN’S CHINESE AUCTION December 8, 2013 Zion Lutheran Church 4th and Lewis Streets Minersville, PA 17954
SHOP and DROP: Saturday, December 7th from 4:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. Sunday from 10:00a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Middleport Inn
PRIZES FOR ALL AGES AUCTION STARTS AT 1:00 THERE WILL BE FOOD FOR SALE
Friday Specials
*** THERE WILL BE AN *** AMERICAN GIRL DOLL
Coal St., Middleport
• Salisbury Steak • Basil Cream Chicken • Stuffed Shrimp • Split Pea & Ham Thursday - Wing Night
570-277-9015
Saint Clair Lions Club New Year’s Eve December 31, 2013 Doors open at 8 P.M. Bingo starts at 9 P.M. Price is $35.00 per person Includes Dinner
Reservations needed Info./Reservations
call Bob (570) 429-0549 6
your losses. If you keep impeccable records while you play, the IRS will accept a written log detailing the Deal Me In date of your wagers, the location, amount of the bet, type of gaming, and wins and losses as documentation. If you don’t, a win/loss statement from the casino They probably can print it definitely helps. out for you straight away. Quick note: Gambling You, or in this case your losses can only be used to accountant, will report your counterbalance gambling gambling winnings on a 1040 winnings during that same tax form on the Other tax period. They cannot be Income Line. You report any carried forward or back to gambling losses on Schedule any other tax year. A, Line 28, Miscellaneous Playing keno Deductions. Your accountant is lookDear Mark: ing to offset your tax liability I usually play a five or an on your wins by reporting eight spot ticket when play-
Mark Pilarski
ing video keno. I have hit five spot tickets multiple times, but I have never hit an eight-spot. Does the machine make sure that one or two of my numbers won’t come up because the payoffs are so much larger for an eight spot ticket versus a five spot one? Ellen G. Video keno games, Ellen, are just as random as if you were playing slots or video poker. Like the cards displayed in video poker or 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. The RNG
Saturday 10pm-2am
"BOYS UPSTAIRS"
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7TH PAN @ 10 PM $2.50 LEINENKUGELS SNOWDRIFT VANILLA PORTER FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13TH KARAOKE WITH BLONDIE @ 9 PM $1.50 16 OZ LANDSHARK SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15TH UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY TO BENEFIT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS $2 MILLER LITE BOTTLES 19 FRONT ST., CRESSONA
570-385-1927
Murphy Jewelers
BINGO
play at a leisurely pace, because the slower you play, the less of your hard-earned money finds its way into the casino’s coffers. Finally, use your slot club card to offset the losses YOU WILL experience on this high negative-expectation game.
ALL YOU CAN EAT
Jersey Acres Market Stone Mountain Wine Cellars Wine Tasting Daily
BREAKFAST BUFFET
2501 West End Avenue Pottsville - 570-622-8741
Friday 10 pm-2am "DJ RAV"
doesn’t know what has happened in the past. It just keeps picking random numbers, and the odds are the same on every play. As for catching a solid 8/8, your chances are 230,114 to one. Those, Ellen, are pretty long odds. Have you ever thought about playing video poker instead? That said, Ellen, allow me to suggest some advice when playing the cybernetic version. First, search for the highest-paying paytable. The higher the payouts for the spots you play, the lower the house edge. Play fewer spots so that the odds against hitting a winning ticket are not so astronomical. Deliberately
Holiday Craft Show
Humane Fire Co. Third and Laurel Blvd. Pottsville, PA
Sunday, December 8, 2013 7:00am to Noon $8.00/Person Cream Chipped Beef, Pancakes, French Toast, Eggs, Bacon, Ham, Sausage, Homefries and much more
Gambling wisdom of the week “Vegas looks like somebody took one of Liberace’s jackets and made a city out of it.” — Lance Humble, Ph.D., and Carl Cooper, Ph.D, “The World’s Greatest Blackjack Book” (1980) (Pilarski can be reached at pilarski@markpilarski.com)
Gift Baskets & Gift Certificates Apple Cider
We accept FMNP checks Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm Sat. 8am-4pm, Sun. 11am-4pm
1615 Panther Valley Rd. Pine Grove, PA Phone 570-739-4418 www.stonemountainwinecellars.com
Spirit Of The Holidays
Doors Open 11:00 pm Bingo Starts 1:00 pm Admission $25
Blue Mountain High School
A Schuylkill County Arts & Cultural Tour Friday, Dec .6th, Saturday, Dec.7th, Sunday, Dec. 8th Visit www.celebrateschuylkill.com for details.
9:00am to 3:00pm Free Admission
8th Christmas Open House & Local Art Show & Sale
St. Nicholas School
Kauffman Chicken BBQ
Sunday, December 8, 2013 St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose
Includes 16 Regular Games & 4 Specials Proceeds benefit
Including 20% of purchases made that day on special displayed jewelry items.
Great prizes... delicious foods!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013
Saturday, December 7, 2013 1076 West Market Street Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
Chinese Auction Bring the entire family and visit with Santa!
Sunday, December 8th 11:00am to 5:00pm At The Greystone Restaurant
Delicious Food and Drinks for sale
Please Support the Blue Mountain Band Vendors please visit our website for booth reservation www.bluemteagleband.org
POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD
Send us your events for our online calendar at www.schuylkill.org
Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau MONDAY-FRIDAY: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM 570-622-7700 • www.schuylkill.org One Progress Circle, Suite 100, Pottsville
CALENDAR Continued from Page 3
starts 1 p.m. Sunday. CHRISTKINDLMARKT — 10:30 to 7 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, 1440 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. Freewill offering. CHRISTMAS BAZAAR — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 9 W. Railroad St., Nesquehoning. Call 570-669-6036. CHRISTMAS GALA HOLIDAY DISPLAY — Sponsored by Girardville Historical Society, 1 to 5 p.m. today and Sunday, Girardville Borough Hall, Fourth and B streets, Girardville. Santa Claus visit, 2 p.m. today. CHRISTMAS GALA — 3 to 8 p.m.,Masonic building,Second and West Norwegian streets, Pottsville. Benefits American Cancer Society. Free. CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE YEARS — USO Salute to our Veterans, 7 p.m. today and 3 p.m. Sunday, Sovereign Majestic Theater, 209 N. Centre St., Pottsville. Presented by Lift Your Spirits Performing Arts. Tickets $10, free admission for veterans. Call 570-628-4647. CHRISTMAS VISIT WITH SANTA — 5 to 7 p.m., Girard Park, Shenandoah, includes lighting of trees in park, along with Christmas-themed decorations at Pennsylvania
Anthracite Miners Memorial at Main and Washington streets. Sponsored by Greater Shenandoah Area Chamber of Commerce. CONCERT — “Christmas in Europe,” presented by Schuylkill Choral Society, 7:30 p.m. today, Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 S. Centre St., Pottsville, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Schuylkill Haven Area High School, Schuylkill Haven. Adults $15, seniors and students $10. Tickets available from any choral society member, at the door or by calling 570-628-3388. DANCE — 9 a.m. to noon, Newtown Volunteer Fire Company, 36 Wood St., Zerbe. Cover charge $5. HOLLY TRAIL — Noon to 4 p.m., hosted by Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library, 214 E. Independence St., Orwigsburg. Tickets $15 in advance or $20 day of event and can be purchased at the library, HOLIDAY ON THE MOUNTAIN — Open house, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Visitors Center, Drehersville. Visit www. hawkmountain.org or call 610-756-6961. HOLIDAY BAKE SALE — Sponsored by The Lamplighter Group of St. Paul’s United
Anne's Bakery and More Branchdale Call 570-544-5105
Tonite: 'GLENN FLEAGLE" Saturday: "ACCOVCO" 570-366-1914
1240 Centre Turnpike Route 61 Orwigsburg, PA 570-366-1914
We Have Mackerel
Church of Christ, Main and Pine streets, Mahanoy City. HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Blue Mountain High School cafeteria, 1076 W. Market St., Orwigsburg. Visit with Santa and Chinese auction. Free. Sponsored by band association. HOMEMADE PIGEON DINNER — 4 to 7 p.m., Aristes Fire Company. Cost $9. Takeouts available. Call 570-8757465. OPEN HOUSE AND HOLIDAY MARKET — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Walk In Art Center, 220 Parkway, Schuylkill Haven. Free admission. ORWIGSBURG FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS — Music starts 4:30 p.m., tree lighting 5:30 p.m., followed by Santa arrival 6 p.m. Wreaths decorated from area businesses on display in town square, Orwigsburg, for attendees to vote on. Voting starts 4:30 p.m., winners announced at 6 p.m. PENNY AUCTION — 2 to 4
p.m., doors open 1 p.m., Locustdale Fire Company, Fire House Hill, Locustdale. Cost $2 and unwrapped gift. REMEMBRANCE OF PEARL HARBOR — 1 p.m., Admiral Boone Park, South Third Street, Saint Clair. REUNION BREAKFAST — Pine Grove High School Class of 1969, 9 a.m., Red Lion Cafe, Deturksville. Call 570-345-8683.
Every Tuesday Wings & Things $6.00 Every Thursday Jack Daniels Filet 4 oz. $10.99 • 8oz. $17.99
PINE GROVE VFW
For more info contact 570-773-3443 ext. 4027 Sponsor: Mahanoy Bear Band Boosters
Guests Accompanied By Members Only - ID a Must
----------------------Kitchen Hours
Friday 4-8 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 7-11a.m. & 4-8 p.m. Thursday 5-8 p.m. Seafood & Steaks
Fine Food & Spirits Corner of Railroad & Willing Llewellyn
Sunday Breakfast 7-11 a.m. Public Welcome - Weekly Specials
Dining Open Tues-Thurs 4pm-8pm • Fri & Sat 11am-9pm
Visit Us On Facebook
Weekend Specials Friday
Mac & Cheese $8.95 Yuengling Beer Battered Haddock $10.95 Ocean Catfish & Shrimp Creole $12.95
A Trans Siberian Holiday Concert Spectacular
Tickets - $17.00 in advance, $20.00 at the door
Coming Dec. 14 “Blowin Smoke”
The Station House
Thur.-Fri.-Sat.-Sun. 6 a.m.-12 noon
Twelve Twenty-Four Date: Sunday December 15th, 2013 Time: 6:00 P.M. Where: Mahanoy Area Complex Auditorium Mahanoy Area School District
“KAT & THE MAD DOGS”
(Specials are Dine In Only)
Taking Christmas Orders for Pies, Candy & Cookies
ACTION COLLECTION DRIVE — Sponsored by ACTION Youth Group for Toys 4 Tots and Birthright Drive, Mahanoy City. Turn on porch light at 6 p.m. to donate new baby items or toys. Call Debbie at 570-773-0813 if you do not have a porch light. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST — 7 to 11 a.m., Friendship Fire Company, Seventh and Pine streets, Frackville. Call 570-874-4030. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SPAGHETTI DINNER — 11:30
Sat. Dec. 7, 9-12
Served w/ French Fries & Veg. Every Friday 1/2 lb. King Crab Legs& 4 oz. Filet w/ Pot., Veg., Soup or Salad $21.99
570-544-4456
SUNDAY
Saturday
116 Ringtown Blvd Ringtown 570-889-2357 Join Us This Weekend!
Stuffed Peppers $8.95 Chicken Arribbiata $10.95 Brazilian Steak $13.50
Sunday
Steak & Mushrooms Over Noodles $8.95 Roast Turkey Breast $9.95 Flounder Francaise $11.95
Sunday Breakfast
Chipped Beef Snicker Doodle French Toast Check our Facebook page For our breakfast specials
to 2:30 p.m., St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church Parish Center, 313 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. Adults $7.50, children $3. Takeouts available. ANNUAL MURPHY JEWELERS BINGO — 1 p.m., doors open 11 a.m., St. Nicholas Hall, Route 901, Primrose. Tickets $25. Call Sherri at 570544-5767 or 570-544-4581. Benefits St. Nicholas School. CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA AND HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE — 1 to 6 p.m., John O’Hara Roundhouse, Seventh Street and Laurel Boulevard, Pottsville. Free. Fundraiser in memory of David Wrona Sr., who lost battle with cancer Oct. 30. CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION CONCERT — 7:30 p.m., St. Mary Star-of-theSea Roman Catholic Church, Branchdale. Concert in memory of Russell W. Coles. CHRISTMAS CONCERT — Advent Lessons and Carols presented by Trinity Choir, 4 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 S. Second St.,
Pottsville. Free. CHRISTMAS CONCERT — Presented by Nativity BVM High School music department, 7 p.m., high school gym, Pottsville. Free. CHRISTMAS PROGRAM — Presented by Sounds of Heaven, 6 p.m., former St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church, Lawton and Nichols streets, Saint Clair. COAL CRACKERS POLKA DANCE — 2 to 6 p.m., Pine View Acres, Chamberlain Avenue, Pottsville. Call Joe at 570-622-3321. FRACKVILLE MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE — Christmas memories of Frackville, 1 to 4 p.m., Frackville borough building, 42 S. Centre St., Frackville. HANGING OF THE GREENS PROGRAM — 7 p.m., St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 100 W. Main St., Ringtown. Freewill offering. LONGABERGER BASKET BINGO — 2 p.m., doors open Please see CALENDAR, Page 8
West End Hose Co #7 Pottsville
Christmas Cash Drawing!! Friday, December 6th win up to $1,000.00 chances are $1.00 each or 6 @ $5.00. DJ Digital playing 8 pm to 11 pm
2501 01 West End Ave., Ave Pottsville Pottsv
We still have a few Openings For Holiday Parties.
Call for Prices & Times available. Have Your Next Fundraiser with us. One of the easiest ways to raise money for your organization.
Call us for Details. (570) 622-8740 Check us out on Facebook!
Pine View Acres SUNDAYS BIG BREAKFAST BUFFET Open Tuesdays Thru Friday 11:30am-8pm Lunches & Dinners
Sunday, Dec. 8th. “SWINGMASTERS POLKA BAND”
Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge
Sonny’s Smoked & Tiki Bar Now Open
SPECIALS
FRIDAY SEAFOOD BUFFET
King Crab Legs-Steamed Clams Haddock-Shrimp (Fried & Cocktail) Includes Dessert & Salad Bar & 12 other items
$19.95
December Specials
8 oz. Chicken Breast w/ Hot Pepper Raspberry Sauce $9.95 Chicken Coq-Au-Ben $9.95 Everyday Special 10 Jumbo Smoked Wings & Pitcher of Yuengling Light Lager $10.95
570-628-3207 • Chamberlaine Ave., Pottsville
POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD
We Now Accept EBT Cards
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013
7
Am I still allowed to be thankful?
Thanksgiving is over so it is now appropriate to turn from thankful turkeys to hateful holiday hams, right? Wrong. It’s nice to see people being thankful in the month of November — not as nice as the beards that sprout up that month, but nice nonetheless. I just have to question the sincerity of some of it. Most people post to Facebook all the things they are thankful for throughout the month, but it seems slightly insincere and a little showy. I understand it’s a theme and a trend and some see it as a good opportunity to reflect on things they should appreciate more, but why November? Why not every day? I think my bitterness as of late stems from the transition of Black Friday, something I’ve never been on board with, butting its way into Thanksgiving. I feel like Thanksgiving barely exists anymore. It’s like people can’t wait until pumpkin pie signals the end of dinner so they can run out, trample each other and put all the simple pleasures in life on the back burner in a quest for material things. I, for one, try not to take to
Pro: Word of mouth isn’t always a bad thing. As much as people may speak of me Jenna in a bad light, there are also those who see my value and Wasakoski worth and that not only makes me feel good, it also occasionally gets me work. I recently did a makeup trial for a stranger who is getting married in the spring. How Facebook to complain too often. I like to keep it light, but did she find me? People were talking about me. While I find myself in my own there are those who may moments of self-pity much more than I’d like to admit. So, speak ill of our lives, there in my reflection on the things I are also positive people do not have or want, I look for applauding our merits as human beings for the talents the opportunity to recognize we may possess. what I do have and I do so after Money Thanksgiving, because gratitude should be a daily practice. Woe: I’m not rich. I wish I Every minute we breathe would hit the lottery or just should be cherished. stumble upon bags of money Things I complain about with my name on it for no and why I should be thankful: particular reason but guided by the thought that more Gossip money will make me happier. Woe: People gossip and Pro: I am rich. I have great start rumors which lead to friends and a family more inaccuracies in my personal amazing than any gal could life. This, many times, has ever ask for. That in itself caused me heartache and makes me rich. I’m kind to hardships. Why can’t people others as often as I can be just worry about themselves and make an effort to smile and their own lives? What do at strangers and be generally they gain by involving and pleasant for the better part speaking of the goings-on in of my days. I also have a my world? warm house, a car, a nice
CALENDAR Continued from Page 7
12:30 p.m., Columbia Hose Company, Shenandoah. Sponsored by William Penn Fire Company. MEGA BINGO — Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 618, 2 p.m., doors open at noon, St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church Hall, Oak and Main streets, Shenandoah. Call 570-6172000 or 570-590-1188. PINE GROVE AREA MIDDLE SCHOOL HOLIDAY CONCERT — 2 to 4 p.m., Pine Grove Area High School auditorium, 103 School St., 8
Pine Grove. Free. TICKETS FOR CHRISTMAS IN IRELAND SHOW — Noon to 3 p.m., BG’s Value Market, Kings’s Plaza, Minersville. Tickets, $20 in advance, $25 at door, $30 front-row seating (advance only). Show features Tony Kenny to be held 2 p.m. Dec. 15, Minersville Area High School. Call Hap Anthony at 570-544-4674 after 3 p.m. TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY — 6 p.m., Simpson United Methodist Church, Biddle Street, Gordon. Santa arrival.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013
comfy bed and all the modern-day electronic luxuries like television, a smart phone, a computer, and most importantly, devices which allow me to listen to music, which guides me and has gotten me through some of the more trying things I’ve encountered in life. I can’t expect to have money fall into my lap. I work hard for what I have, and although I get in the mindset that it’s never enough, there are those who truly live in poverty who lack the material things that I have and, unfortunately, some even lack the love I’m lucky enough to have from those I surround myself with. Money isn’t everything and although it may solve some problems, it doesn’t equal happiness.
FRIDAY PLATTERS 4-7PM OPEN TO PUBLIC
STUFFED PEPPERS HOT ROAST TURKEY SANDWICH W/ SIDE HADDOCK W/MAC & CHEESE
SAT. BREAKFAST 7-11AM SATURDAY DEC. 7TH
“JOHNSON BROTHERS” BAR BINGO FRI., DEC. 13TH 7PM SHARP
SAT., DEC. 14TH. 8-11PM “RECKLESS” TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE
Reservations 570-345-8050
POTTSVILLE (PA.) REPUBLICAN HERALD
Drama
Woe: Why is there is so much drama around me? Pro: Concern for others is what makes me feel like I make a difference in the world. Drama is ever present in the modern world and it’s Weight very easy to get wrapped up Woe: I wish I could lose in, but there is value in being like 15 pounds. Pro: I’m generally healthy. there for others through diffiI’m well within normal range cult times. when it comes to BMI, weight and all those numbers we love to hate. I could nit-
Lakeside Ballroom NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH!
PINE GROVE LEGION POST 374 42 S.Tulpehocken St. Pine Grove 570-345-8050
pick 100 things a day that I may not like about myself, but torturing myself over the idea that dropping 15 pounds will lead to a newfound love for my physique is irrational. I can afford to eat healthy, and, for the most part, I try to, and I’m active enough to dodge the deadly sin of sloth. To be comfortable in one’s own skin is more important than any number on a scale and we should celebrate what we’ve got instead of constantly depriving ourselves in efforts to reach unrealistic and, in some cases, unhealthy goal weights.
The Fabulous Sixty Boys (Best of the Oldies)
Saturday, December 7th. 10:00 a.m. till sold out
Italian Wedding Chicken Rice Chicken Noodle Beef Vegetable Bean Stuffed Pepper Cream of Potato Sausage
All Homemade Takeouts Only
9:30pm - 12:30am $50 Tickets (includes)
Band and HOT/COLD Buffet
$35 Tickets (include)
Band and COLD Buffet Serving HOT Buffet at 6:30pm till 8:00pm in Restaurant Serving COLD Buffet at 10:00pm in Hall
DOORS OPEN FOR BAND
AT 8:00PM SHARP!! Champagne Toast/Noise Makers at Midnight For Information & Tickets Call 570-467-2630 Deadline for Tickets Dec. 23, 2013
40 Crystal Lane • Barnesville • 570-467-2630 www.lakesideballroom.net
There are times we overstep boundaries, but, in general, caring about people and being there for them is not a bad thing. We just need to know our place and not make others’ business too much of our own. Many times, it’s better to stay out of things which do not concern you, as I mentioned before in addressing gossip, but once in a while, lending your ear as a stranger or someone outside the situation can shed some light and spark positivity toward a brighter outlook. And we could all use a brighter outlook. Not just on Thanksgiving. Not just when things are going right. But every day and every moment we’re given in this life. (Wasakoski, a News-Item editor, is a graduate of Von Lee School of Aesthetics and is certified as a professional makeup artist)
Book Your Holiday Parties now!
Tuesdays Tapas 5/$5 Wine Down Wednesdays
THURSDAYS Ribs & Beer Fri., Dec. 6th.
"PE-WE DAMITER"
Coal Creek Plaza, Saint Clair
570-429-1888