2019 Christmas Light Extravaganza
Iiiiitttttt’s back!
COAL REGION REVIEW – LUCKY'S DELI – SHENDO
We packed up the van and headed up north 61 to Shendo, and paid a visit to Lucky’s Deli. It was my first time, and I ate like a true king.
School Lunch Tour – Schuylkill Haven
Haven and I have a lot of history. I don’t think they’ve ever forgiven me for being an integral part of beating them in football 1989 when I was an assistant water boy for Nativity.
But, despite all of that, I’m still a stand up guy and thought it was necessary to review their lunch. I wasn’t disappointed. Patty and the entire crew did an amazing job.
Doing this tour really makes me realize just how great it was to have school lunch every day.
SCHOOL LUNCH TOUR – SCHUYLKILL TECHNOLOGY SOUTH
Jim Gurcsik does an amazing job with the students at Schuylkill Technology South. The restaurant is open to the public and 100% run by the students. And they’re not just making your rinky dink menu. They have everything from Curry Alfredo Pasta to Oysters Rockefeller.
Add this to your list of lunch stops.
ELECTION DAY PORK & SAUERKRAUT BLIND TASTE TEST
Even though I’m Italian I can appreciate some good pork & sauerkraut. I picked up three. One from Yorkville Hose in Pottsville, another from Schuylkill Hose #2 in Haven, and the last one from Good Will in Minersville.
All three were excellent, but I could only choose one winner. No bias at all as it was done as a blind taste test (as the title of the post tells you)
NEW PODCAST – BASKETBALL COACHING LEGEND KENNETH KLINE
Kenneth Kline is my neighbor. I had zero idea of the coaching legend that he was in the Coal Region. He led Jim Thorpe to a state championship in the 60s, and lost a second one on a half court buzzer beater.
He then came to Pottsville where he accumulated over 200 wins, and was a shop teacher.
A great neighbor, and it seems like an even better coach.
SCHOOL LUNCH TOURNEY – DHH LENGEL
Pan Rolls. Mac & Cheese. Eagle week. Do you need anything else?
NEW PODCAST – MAMMA MILLIE
Took the show on the road this week and visited Millie from Mamma Millies bakery in Pottsville.
Key advice … when in doubt, bring an apple Jewish cake!
NEW PODCAST – JOHN O’HARA
PRESENTED BY CACL AND DARREN J. MARCH FINANCIAL SERVICES
I’ve read a total of zero John O’Hara books, but I still had fun doing this interview with Jim Haluska from the Schuylkill County Historical Society. You will too.
NEW PODCAST – JUDGE WILLIAM BALDWIN
Today we visit with President Judge (a big deal) Judge William Baldwin and discuss growing up in Pottsville, challenges of being a judge, and I compliment his weekly fruit selection at Giant.
NEW PODCAST – HAUNTEd WALKING TOURS IN POTTSVILLE
October is pretty much the best month of the year.
Fall Weather.
Football.
Baseball playoffs.
Halloween.
Today we can easily take care of the last one for you with an interview with Diana from the Schuylkill County Historical Society giving us all the details on the Haunted Walking tours starting this Friday.
NEW PODCAST – FORMER NATIVITY BASKETBALL GIRLS COACH GEORGE FORNEY
George Forney carried the Nativity Golden Girls basketball torch for quite some time, including winning 2 state titles as a head coach, and being a part of 7.
Today, we discuss his career, and, perhaps, most importantly, his niche skill of being able to deliver a perfect volley serve with his foot.
Skook Tours – Chill OUT ICE CREAM – SHENANDOAH
I’ve been hearing about Chill Out ice cream for quite sometime. We ventured up north of the mountain to see what all the fuss was about.
I tried out a different format. Still some kinks, we’re going to work out.
Chill Out is going to be at Pottsville on Tap this weekend and they’re open till October 6 for the season, so get up there.
Also, did I marry a sociopath?
SKOOK REVIEW – MOUNTAIN VALLEY WINGS
The Skook Review Tour hit the road north of the mountain this week to Mountain Valley Golf Course. Let’s see how the wings fair out in their day in Skook Review Tour court.
2019 Summer Reviews – Railway Concession Stand
PRESENTED BY CACL …
I make no secret of my loyalty to Rotary Little League.
Sure, Railway made it to the Little League World Series, which was a huge deal. Sure, they may or may not have produced a better overall stock of baseball players. Sure, they didn’t use a pitching machine. Sure, they beat us in All Stars my 12 year old year. You get it …
… but Rotary was still better despite all this factual evidence of their superiority. Some things just don’t make sense, and they don’t need to.
But I put all that aside to give them an honest shake at a concession stand review.
NEW PODCAST – SERVANTS FOR ALL
Servants for All in Pottsville is an integral part of the community serving those in need. Today we spoke with Jeanette Triano, the Executive Director, about the vision going forward.
If you don’t listen to anything, make sure if you ever have extra food from a party or anything, bring it there. It will go to good use.
2019 SUMMER REVIEW – YORKVILLE BLOCK PARTY
The Yorkville Block Party is just one of those things that never gets old. It’s as good as you remember every time. It brings back so many memories of school starting, end of summer, summer flings … just all the good things in life.
No surprises in this review.
NEW PODCAST – DAVE HOLLAND
Dave Holland is basketball royalty in the Coal Region. You’re going to be blown away by his enthusiasm for teaching the game, teaching, and his zest for life.
Tell me this picture isn’t crazy to think about. Look at all those great coaches!
2019 SUMMER REVIEWS – JFK
I always dreamed of jumping off “The Tower” at JFK. But I wimped out, and now it’s gone, and now I’ll never know the feeling. Did jump off the “44” a couple times though.
JFK has probably one of the more innovative concession stand menus out there. It’s mind boggling.
NEW PODCAST – TEABERRY
Teaberry is, arguably, the best flavor out there for any kind of summer treat. Look at the pep in these guy’s steps after eating it in an old Teaberry Gum Commercial.
Our in house Coal Region food expert Lori Fogg from A Coalcracker in the Kitchen​ takes us through everything you need to know about Teaberry.
2019 SUMMER REVIEWS – SCHUYLKILL COUNTY FAIR
This was one of the biggest days of the year for me. Unbelievable event. Paul Kennedy and the entire Schuylkill County Fair Association knocked it out of the park. Record breaking crowds. Record breaking livestock auction. And amazing food.
FREE Shakespeare
People love to complain there’s nothing to do here. Sure, we’re not NYC or Vegas, but there’s plenty to do if you open up your eyes a little. This week there will be FREE shows of Shakespeare in the Garden at the Yuengling Mansion. Yes, there will be alcohol … you sold yet? Plus some amazing young talent performing.
NEW PODCAST – JACK DOLBIN
As many of you know, a lot of times, I record these interviews weeks in advance just to stay on top of everything. I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Dolbin a couple weeks back, and even though I knew he had been battling, it came as a complete surprise to hear he had passed.
One of the reasons I started this podcast was to preserve and showcase our history, and Jack Dolbin’s career is a huge part of our coal region heritage, and throughout his incredible path his coal region core always shined.
Start it at 18:35 for some great Jack Dolbin footage in this NFL FILMS piece.
2019 SUMMER REVIEWS – ST. JOHN’S
This week we go back to where it all started with the Lenten Fish Dinner reviews … St. Johns. We put their bleenies to the test, devoured some Pugh Family Bean Soup, and drank a beer during the hottest day of the year. Just the kind of sacrifice I make for you …
NEW PODCAST – JOHN SEASOCK
To have your name on Grave Digger is probably one of the biggest honors one in the world can ask for. John Seasock accomplished that by being one of Grave Digger’s biggest rivals. A two time Monster Jam champion John Seasock represents the Coal Region to the highest degree.
2019 Summer REviews – New Philly RALLY IN THE VALLEY
I had no intention of going to this event. A couple people started asking me if I was going, then I decided might be good to try it out. I was sold on Alaskan King Crab Legs … they didn’t have them, but I think they recovered well.
New Podcast – The Kelayres Massacre
Most people have no idea about this. At least that’s what I’m going to tell myself to make me feel smarter than everyone. I came across this story just in general research and was blown away by it.
Then I saw there was a book written by Stephanie Hoover and I reached out to her. Like Jake Wynn she made everything bite size so small brained people, like myself, can better understand it, then talk about it with ease with anyone.
If you want the book. Get it here. Also check out her website … http://www.stefhoover.com/index.html
Take a listen.
2019 Summer Review – St. Nick’s Annual Festival
PRESENTED BY CACL
The St. Nick’s annual festival is one my favorites. I’m telling you that going into it. They have everything, and everything got put to the test … including our first bleenie review of the season
In the fall they will start their ALL YOU CAN EAT BREAKFASTS on Sundays. Exact details to follow (if I remember)
New Podcast – The Molly Maguires
Full disclosure. I know about the Molly Maguires, but I actually had zero idea what they were all about. I knew nothing. Notice I’m talking in the past tense. That is until Jake Wynn pulled up a chair, sat around the campfire, and filled us in.
If you’re not reading his blog … start. I mean look at this post. Guy is a walking Coal Region encyclopedia, and he’ll def be back on.
I became such an “expert” after our talk that I brought this up at a dinner, and everyone was super impressed with me. I’m not bragging.
Yuengling 190th Wrap Up
The weekend came and went … and it went too fast. Amazing job by everyone. Probably one of the funnest days since I’ve moved back to Pottsville. Just top notch every step of the way, and really can’t wait for the next event.
If they/we do this again next year, who would you want to see play? Leave a reply below. Thanks!
Yuengling 190th Celebration
This weekend is shaping up to be a huge day in the city of Pottsville. Things are going in the right direction, and there’s a lot of momentum right now. Sure, we’ll hit some roadblocks here and there, but what’s important is that the attitude is shifting in the right direction.
If you’re planning on coming in this weekend, make a day of it. Grab a cheesesteak at Roma (one of my favorite), go to Greystone and grab a drink, stop at the Something Sweet Candies and grab a snack. You get the point. There’s plenty to see and do. Just look up at the buildings and admire the history of the town.
Here’s all your questions answered …
2019 Summer Reviews – Rotary Concession Stand
PRESENTED BY CACL …
I traveled the long journey (1 block) to Rotary to relive my glorious past. Rumor had been that the plain slushy was dead … just a faint relic of the past. Gotta admit I didn’t like the sound of it, but I persevered …
New Podcast – Dick Yuengling
Dick Yuengling kicks off the new season of Coal Region Campfire. It was fun to sit down with him and talk baseball. Naturally, I wanted to talk Yuengling Little League baseball (the greatest franchise in the history of sports).
Take a listen.