The Sharp Mountain Film Festival kicks off this weekend in Pottsville, PA. Named for the mountain range on Pottsville's southern border, the festival brings idependent film and filmmakers to Schuylkill County, PA. The festival will showcase independent films, and also sponsors a "48 Hour" Competition, to inspire new filmmakers. One of the organizers, Loretta Mestishen, is also a filmmaker. She was quoted in the Pottsville Republican: "We also would like to attract more filmmakers from outside the county to show them what we have here, because I think Schuylkill County is a great place to shoot." Mesitshen is also the owner of Brighter Dark Studios and Media in Pottsville. In January she won the top trophy at a 48-hour film competition sponsored by Nexus Foundation for Today's Art, Ph... 04/24/2010

Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville PA April 6, 2010 6:30 pm Making Music - Let the Music Take You Tuesday, Apr 6, 13, 20, 27 / 6:30 - 8 pm / $40. Trinity Lutheran Church - 300 West Arch Street, Pottsville Calling all singers, songwriters, and instrumental musicians. If you are looking to improve your skills, develop stage presence, communication skills, overcome shyness, and build self confidence then this course is for you! Call 570-624-3018 or 1-800-621-6325 to register Also, the church is looking for clothing donations. Attention Spring Cleaners!!! We are looking for new or gently used clothing in all sizes to be donated to our Adopt a Child program. This August, Trinity's Adopt A Child Program will be hosting a "Clothing Swap" Fundraiser in Trinity Hall. The "Clothing Swap" allows ... 04/04/2010

Schuylkill County Artists: BLOCK OF ART 2010 The Organizing Committee for “Block of Art”, a three day arts exhibition scheduled for April 23rd, 24th, and 25th, 2010 in Pottsville announces a call to artists working in painting, printmaking, colored pencil, pastels and other traditional visual media, sculpture, photography, mixed media, book arts, fabric arts and smaller-scale installation art. Also, please contact us if you’d be interested in staging a small street performance (music, theatre). Submissions will be accepted throughout the month of March.   Please deliver work to either of these locations: Many Worlds Gallery /Hours: Wednesday to Saturday from 11 AM to 5PM (215-290-1193) All Things Good /Hours:Wednesday to Friday 1PM-7PM, Sat 11AM-3PM (570-624-9841) Many Worlds also invit... 03/02/2010

Pottsville, PA Recreation Commission   The City of Pottsville has a great Recreation Commission. They are extremely active and have lots of things going on for both kids and adults. The Recreation Department is under the direction of Councilwoman Lori Spotts and is a non-profit service agency for PASD citizens. For more information regarding these programs, call City Hall at 622-1234 Ext. 346 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Here is the Winter/Spring 2010 list of what's going on with the City of Pottsville Recreation Commission: *AQUA AEROBICS* At I.U. #29 Pool in MarLin TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS 6:00 - 7:30 PM Suspended until September 2010 due to pool renovations Instructor: Loretta Wonchalk - Call 682-341 *BALLROOM DANCE* At CATHOLIC WAR VETERANS FRIDAYS 7:00-9:00 PM Janu... 02/21/2010

The Partridge House -- Pottsville, PA Bed & Breakfast   I have an out-of-town buyer just starting to look at houses for sale in Pottsville, PA. They're like most buyers right now, starting their search for homes on the internet. I have been corresponding with this couple for about 3 months now, and they're getting pretty close to their move at this point, so they're just getting to the serious looking point.   I've given them a ton of information over the internet, and had a half dozen phone conversations. Based on their family's needs and interests, we've narrowed down their search criteria to a few neighborhoods. Ideally, they'd like to be in Forest Hills, Seider's Hill, or Chestnut Hill developments. They'll be coming into town in a few weeks to start the search in person, and today ... 02/20/2010

Pottsville Area History & Hobby Events in February 2010 - Model Airplane Display, History Fair, Popular Cookie Sales & More! - Fairlane Village Mall is the focal point for several annual events that area residents look forward to throughout the year, including: · Sat., Feb. 6 & Sun., Feb. 7 – Tuscorara RC Club during their Model Airplane Display. Model airplanes of all sizes will be on view during regular mall hours in Center Court. Members of this remote-control airplane club will show off some of their prized models and answer questions about these works of art that really can fly. · Wed., Feb. 10 – Little Villagers members who are aspiring rock stars can get a taste of virtual celebrity during a free Animated Airheads event from 5 to 7 p.m. Animated Airheads uses the magic of green s... 01/12/2010

For the entire month of December, Lessie's Garden & Gift Shop in Pottsville is hosting their annual Poinsettia & Wreath Sale. Held weekdays 8 am - 4 pm, Saturday 9 am - 1 pm Lessie's Garden & Gift Shop is a great cause and very special operation. It is run by trained individuals who are either physically or mentally challenged. These individuals learn all types of planting skills through our greenhouse coordinator, supervisors, and program specialist. Lessie's Garden & Gift Shop offers a variety of plants and gift items.We not only have beautiful plants, but we also sell balloon bouquets, snack baskets planters, seasonal items, seasonal flowers, dried arrangements and many other creative items.   Lessie's Garden & Gift Shop, 2 Park Street, Pottsville 17901 Poinsettias, wreath and holida... 11/29/2009

Steve Buzalko used to be a postman and also served in the Army. But all of his life he loved woodworking, and finally realized that creating custom works of art -- furniture, built-ins, etc -- was his true calling. I am thrilled that he switched careers to follow a different path, as Buzalko Woodworking (Makers of fine furniture, cabinetry, and millwork) is a now a major name in Pottsville. Steve has run Buzalko Woodworking since the mid-1980s and is he is the go-to guy for both residential and commercial custom-built furniture and cabinetry. I asked Steve to create built-ins at my house a few years ago. I sketched an idea of what I had in mind, and Steve refined the sketch and made it come to life. The result is fantastic. My entry way used to be a dead area of wasted space. Now I have... 08/08/2009

One of my favorite bars/restaurants in Pottsville, PA is Maroons Sports Bar. Owned by Bob and Karen Dittmar, Maroons celebrates Pottsville's professional sports team -- NFL World Champions -- from the 1920s. To understand the amazing story of this team, click here and scroll down to read the history of the Maroons, and their stolen World Championship... and the real reason that the Cardinals will NEVER win a world championship (hint--until they return our trophy, they are "cursed"!) But the city of Pottsville never gave up. While the story was sort of buried for years, just a few years ago an ESPN writer read of the "stolen championship" and he could not believe the story. David Fleming wrote a book that came out to wild accplaim here in Schuylkill County. Click here to read about Flem... 08/06/2009

When you're from Schuylkill County, you take for granted Yuengling beer. It's everywhere! All the local bars stock it, and it's one of the cheapest beers you can buy locally. But when you leave the area, and see Yuengling promoted as a premium beer, or Yuengling signs hanging in a bar in Florida, that's when you realize we have something special here. Yuengling beer, proudly brewed in Pottsville, Pennsylvania since 1829, is America's Oldest Brewery, and still family owned. Dick Yuengling made the news the other day (and the front page of our local paper in fact!) becuase he was interviewed by Neil Cavuto, who asked his thoughts on the fact that President Obama did not serve American-made beer at the "beer summit" he held this week at the White House. Yuengling was quoted in the paper: "... 08/02/2009

Thursday, July 16, 2009 7:00 p.m. M&T Movies at the Majestic—Paul Blart—Mall Cop Free Admission and Popcorn. Hosted by the Pottsville Recreation Commission When a shopping mall is overtaken by a gang of organized crooks, it's up to a mild-mannered security guard to save the day.   Wednesday July 22, 2009 Hosted by Reiley and Friends Lil’ Bits of Broadway A Benefit for St. Joseph's Center in Pottsville Tickets $15.00 For Tickets Call 581-8617   July 31, 2009 – 7:00 p.m. August 1, 2009 – 2:00 p.m. August 1, 2009 – 7:00 p.m. The Town That Was A documentary about Centralia Tickets: $5.00 per person The Town that Was is an independent film directed by Chris Perkel and Georgie Roland depicting the life of Centralia residents remaining in the community today. In 1962, a trash fire ignited a se... 07/16/2009

I cannot believe we're already half way through 2009! I just pulled the Jan-June 2009 statistics for the Pottsville, PA 17901 area and here's where we stand right now. I pulled Pottsville homes for sale (single family) and there are 169 homes for sale right now in the School District, which is higher than norma, and 32 of those are pending.  63 properties closed in the past 6 months, ranging from $6000 to $320,000! Average selling price: $57,443 and average Days on Market: 118. Compared to a year ago, we sold 66 houses in the same time period in 2008 (so very similar). But the difference kicks in when it comes to the other stats: Average selling price: $70,414 was a year ago, with DOM only 97. So in the past year, we've seen a serious drop in sales price (18.4% -- which is in line with ... 06/30/2009

Greystone Restaurant Patio Party I've been looking forward for the Greystone's patio parties for a few weeks now. Winter is over, spring is fading, and summer is now officially here with the return of these events. Every Thursday throughout the summer, look for the Greystone Restaurant's Patio Party. Every week there will be food and drink specials, live music, a bi-weekly Raw Bar and great times. Every Thursday throughout the Summer starting at 5pm, from now through Labor Day. Come out to The Greystone at 315 North Centre St in Pottsville. 570-628-4220   05/26/2009

May 27 Event -- Historical Society of Schuylkill County Program The Story of the Danville - Pottsville Railroad" 7 pm, Historical Society of Schuylkill County, 305 North Centre St., Pottsville. Historian Tom Dempsey will speak on the Danville Pottsville Railroad which was the first railroad in our area. The railroad ran from St. Clair to Girardville between the years of 1828 to 1838 era. A very interesting story of local county history and how the railroad scaled the mountains of the area. The program is free and open to the public. 570-622-7540. www.schuylkillhistory.org 05/26/2009

Schuylkill Women in Crisis is happy to announce that The Grateful Thread will be open for Mother’s Day shopping! In addition to hand-woven handbags, rugs, aprons, and mug rugs, they will be featuring craft supplies and special gift items for mom, including gift baskets, silk flower arrangements, wreaths, and more….   If you are looking for a unique bargain, The Grateful Thread Attic will have a variety of treasures! Local artists with items for sale will include: • Bubba’s Beads jewelry by Melanie Thornburg • Pottery from the Mad Potter Mary Byrne • Baskets by Jenn DeStefano • Copper Jewelry by Dona Jones • Jewelry by Jean Payne • Sewn crafts by Lois Wagner   Store hours for this special sale will be: 9 am-2 pm, Saturday, May 2; 10 am-4 pm Tuesday through Friday, May 5-8; 9 am-2pm, Satu... 04/27/2009

Yard Sale and Food Drive 8 am - 1 pm, Salvation Army, Terry Reilly Building, 12th Street across Market Square Apts. Bring two nonperishable items and you'll get a free Sloppy Joe sandwich. Help the Salvation Army. Everything under $10. Half off sale from Noon - 1 pm. 570-1220. The Salvation Army really can use our help right now. Drop off your nonperishables please!   Info about our Pottsville Corps:   Salvation Army, Pottsville Corps PO Box 107 400 Sanderson Street Pottsville, PA 17901 Phone (570) 622-5252 Fax (570) 622-2262 Web www.salvationarmyusa.org Captains Adam and Tammy Hench Email: ahench@use.salvationarmy.org or thench@use.salvationarmy.org Services * Welfare assistance for those in need of food or clothing. * Sallies' Kidz after-school program for ages 6 to 12. * Gymnastics p... 04/17/2009

Through My Lens by Johnathan Paroby (Photographer) Friday, April 17, 2009 6:30 p.m. Drop in at the Sovereign Majestic Theater for Pottsville’s first ever PhotoMovie. Followed by an opening reception at Sage Coffeehouse where you can mingle with the artist and his works… From The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Saturday, April 18, 2009 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $8.00 Length of Performance: 55 minutes To celebrate the 40th anniversary of E.L. Konigsburg’s Newbery Medal-winning classic, ArtsPower has created an enchanting new drama that follows Claudia Kincaid and her brother Jamie up the stone steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and right into the middle of an adventure sure to captivate audiences of all ages! Block of Art—Red Creek Wildlife Display Sunday, April 19, 2009 2:00 p.... 04/15/2009

Baked Haddock/Baked Salmon/Baked Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Dinners 4 - 7 pm, St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, 9th & Schuylkill Ave., Pottsville. Full Course Dinner including the best homemade New England Clam Chowder, full salad bar, choice of vegetables, choice of macaroni & cheese, baked, or mashed potatoes, beverages, and homemade desserts. Take outs available. Adults: Haddock $10.50, Baked Salmon $10.50, 1 Crab Cake $10.50, 2 Crab Cakes $12.50. Children 12 & under Haddock $7, Baked Salmon $7, 1 Crab Cake $7.   03/24/2009

A picture is worth a a thousand words, so here it goes: POTTSVILLE PRICING / NUMBER OF LISTINGS ... Pottsville Homes For Sale Prices are still dropping. Activitity is picking up ... but the number of listings is also on the rise. Does anyone NOT see the implications here? We're on a downward spiral. Number of listings rise. Buyers circle the ever growing number of properties. They buy some, but not all. More properties come on the market than are going PENDING. With more inventory, prices DROP even further. Some people state they see the bottom coming. I hope so, but I think this spring we're in for HIGHER inventories, lower prices, and months and months till this corrects. I'm not a pessimist, but we need to be prepared for a long ride. Now I know these numbers are not really that high... 03/16/2009

I wanted to write a brief post about one of my favorite lunch spots: Maroons Sports Bar in Pottsville. Go to their website for more details about who they are and what the Maroons are all about. There's a detailed history of the sports team.   "To call Maroons simply a Sports Bar & Grill is disingenuous. The reason is it’s so much more than what you’d expect. From the hand-painted, football field entrance ramp to the delicious lunch and dinner dishes, Maroons is a gridiron lovers dream that you can share with your friends or your entire family."   Try their burgers--they're incredible. So are the sweet potato fries and the monstrous salads. For lunch I like the half a sandwich and soup combo. They also serve dinners, of course, but I love their lunch menu.   Keep reading to learn WHY th... 03/07/2009