Schuylkill Matters

...Chocolate! And to celebrate the holiday that simultaneously celebrates love and chocolate I though it was time to stop by the shop our the county’s newest chocolatier The Sweet Barista, 17 South Centre Street, Pottsville. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Owner Teresa Hauck was generous enough to offer me a few samples and answer a few questions. And The Sweet Barista offers more than just chocolate. They offer a different soup of the day each weekday. Soup with chocolate for dessert! Could lunchtime be any better? Check Facebook for the next day’s soup.

VISION: When did you begin working with chocolate?

TERESA: Since my daughters were young. They always showed an interest and were very creative. “Let’s mix this and this. Let’s try that.”

VISION: What made you open The Sweet Barista?

TERESA: Well it started out as a hobby. Then I just wanted to do events, but needed to bake in a certified kitchen. I had done one event, at the Art and Ethnic Center when I asked Lisa [Lisa of Lisa's Ladle formerly at the spot where The Sweet Barista is located now] if I could rent her kitchen on the weekends back in the Spring. Then she had to close for personal health reasons, the place was vacant, I called, and two weeks later…

VISION: So what are the special for Valentine’s Day?

TERESA: White Chocolate Bottom Brownies, Heart Shaped Chocolate Espresso Cakes with Chocolate Espresso Ganache, Valentine Lollipops, and more.

VISION: Do you have a deadline for ordering Valentine treats?

TERESA: Well, I’ll be working late into the night just to keep up with orders and if you want anything I order from other companies [like the Tait Farms Chocolate Sauces from State College] as soon as possible because they just won’t be shipping closer to Valentine’s Day.

VISION: I had great fun enjoying the food prepared by your guest chef, Bill Shugars of the Schuylkill Country Club. Will Bill be returning?

TERESA: I plan to host this Open House event on a monthly basis and it will include (bakers and chefs) of all ages, both male and female.

VISION: Tell us about the future of The Sweet Barista, after you survive Valentine’s Day!

TERESA: As a certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP), my vision is to expand the Sweet Barista to offer a Chocolate Lounge where we will host events such as Weddings, Girl’s Night Out, Corporate Events, Children’s Parties, Birthday Parties, Anniversaries, Bridal and Baby Showers to educate our guests about chocolate, make chocolates together, build fondue, and learn about pairings with food and drinks. We are in the planning process of creating a Recipe Swap where anyone, any age, male or female is invited to share their “prized, family recipes” which allows us to “feed off” one another and brainstorm new ideas, concepts, techniques. etc.

VISION: So stop by to visit one of downtown Pottsville’s newest businesses.

More Chocolate Fun!

Chocolate Addiction Dinner

Where: The Restaurant at the Station, Tamaqua

Date: Sat., Feb. 4

Time: 6:00 pm

Cost: $39.99 per person plus tax and gratuity, pre-paid reservations are a must

Notes: Four course dinner that highlights everyone’s favorite sweet and inlcudes a glass of milk chocolate wine

Chocolate and Wine Valentine Weekend

Where: Stone Mountain Wine Cellars, 1615 Panther Valley Road, Pottsville

Date: Sat., Feb. 11 and Sun., Feb. 12

Time: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Notes: Wine specials and complimentary tastings as well as chocolate goodies.

Any plans for Valentine’s Day? Don’t miss The Perfect Pair, a wine and chocolate tasting happening at the Walk-In Art Center on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Don’t have a sweetheart? Bring your brother, bring your mother, bring your next door neighbor! After all it’s wine AND chocolate! To learn a little more about this fundraiser I spoke with Auburn resident, Lisa Greenwalt. Lisa is a true “soccer mom” with both her son Cameron and daughter Kayla playing soccer for the Blue Mountain School District. Lisa is chairing the fundraising efforts for the Girls Team, which will be traveling to England in 2013.
VISION: England? We don’t hear about one of our teams traveling to England everyday!Howdid they find this opportunity?
LISA: It is an arranged tour/camp organized by Robert Burcik, head coach of the Blue Mountain boys’ soccer team. Many years back, Mr. Burcik became friendly with an individual who was visiting from Liverpool. he was visiting the Reading area for some sort of soccer function. He kept in touch with the gentleman who once played soccer himself and now coached. Years later, after coaching as a side job, this individual started running soccer camps/tours. Mr. Burcik saw this as an opportunity. the Blue Mountain boys have been attending every two years (for the most part) since 1991. The girls started attending every two years since 2006, I believe.
VISION: When will they be going?
LISA: Although no 2013 dates have been set at this time, the itinerary and timeframe will be very similar to other trips: London, Southport, Duke’s Folly, Liverpool, Chester and Edinburgh, Scotland.  They usually depart somewhere during the last week of July, travel about 2 weeks, and then return in August.
VISION: Now on to The Perfect Pair idea…I’m guessing the team is responsible for raising the majority, if not all, of the money needed for the trip. True?
LISA: The trip is not a school sponsored function.  Therefore, it is up to each player and their parents to raise the money necessary for the trip.  Our goal is to raise enough money to cover the majority of the costs associated with this trip including passports, airfare, hotel accommodations, meals, and fees involved in the soccer camp. Right now, unless the value of the dollar drastically increases or decreases, the total amount necessary to cover those expenses is about $3,000 per player.
VISION: WOW! So tell us how you plan to meet your goals.
LISA: The Boys soccer program has been participating in this trip longer than the Girls.  Therefore, they have already developed an annual fundraiser which raises a significant amount of monies that can be applied toward the costs of this trip.  However, the girls have not yet established such a fundraising event that allows a substantial amount to be raised in a single fundraising effort. Every parent on the England Trip committee takes a turn at organizing and running a fundraiser.  In my in mind, I had already envisioned The Perfect Pair.
The Scranton Council of Literacy Advance, also known as the SCOLA Volunteers for Literacy, was in jeopardy of closing their doors due to state budget cuts.  In an effort to raise the much needed monies, the Council began a very successful event known as the “Chocoholic Frolic”.  For the past six years, the funds generated by this event have helped allow SCOLA to continue to provide its free adult educational and tutoring services.
I found this whole fundraiser idea very interesting and wondered if it may work in Schuylkill County.  It isn’t often you hear of such a fundraiser in Schuylkill County.  Something new, something different, something very eclectic … I felt this could be a much welcomed change in terms of a fundraising event.  The Walk In Art Center also offers that “something new, something different, something eclectic”, and many are still unaware of its existence and location.  It seemed like the “perfect” location!     It is my hope that this fundraiser will prove to be beneficial for the Walk In Art Center and the Girls Soccer England Trip … this year and many years to come … another perfect “pair”.
Originally, I meant for “pair” to metaphorically represent a pair of shoes, since the WAIC resides within Evans Delivery Headquarters (which is the same building where the Walk In Shoe Company resided for many years).  However, the meaning of “pair” has additional interpretations such as the combinations of chocolate & wine or soccer & art.
VISION: Tell us a little about the event.
LISA: The WAIC has been great to work with on this event!  It’s the perfect time to get out and about.  Whether its for the purpose of celebrating Valentines Day or just an excuse to get together with your friends and your family, you’ll have the opportunity to eat, drink and be merry while supporting a good cause.  There will be chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate.  The wineries and brewery will be available for sampling and tastings.
WAIC will be providing tours of the current facility and explain the phases of construction and possibilities the WAIC can provide once completed.  Enjoy the entertainment of Sterling Koch, a nationally recognized lap-steel guitarist who plays Chicago-style blues.   Bid on silent and live auctions, of which many of the items were donated by local artists and businesses throughout the community.
VISION: Will there be any local wines featured at the event?
LISA: Yes, local wineries are representing both Southern and Northern Schuylkill County.  Stone Mountain Wine Cellars, Pine Grove and Red Shale Ridge Vineyards from Hegins have both graciouslly offered a selection of wine tasting services at our event.  Also, by request from our non-wine drinkers, Weyerbacher (a small brewey out of Easton) has also donated their services for a sampling of their unique brews.
VISION: What is the cost of the event and do attendees need to register/buy tickets by a certain date? Where will tickets be available and will tickets be available at the door?
LISA: Cost of the event is $20 if tickets are purchased in advance.  Tickets can be purchased from any particpating player or a check can be written out and mailed to Blue Mountain Soccer Fund- England Trip, c/o Lisa Greenawalt, 1008 Horseman Drive, Auburn PA  17922.  Once a check is received, your tickets will be set aside and held for you to pick-up at the registration table on the night of the event. We’re hoping people will register by February 6 but tickets will also be available at the door for $25. Everyone attending must be over 21 and provide ID.

This Sunday, according to poll conducted by Penn Schoen Berland, about 78% of Americans will be watching Super Bowl XLVI (that’s 46 if you’ve lost your mastery of Roman numerals). Of course, even though Sunday will be all football, all the time, some folks might be searching for something non-football related this weekend. It just so happens there are four interesting things happening around the county this weekend.

Tuscarora Radio Controlled Model Airplane Display

Where: Fairlane Village Mall

Date: Sat., Feb. 4 and Sun., Feb. 5

When: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cost: FREE

Souper Saturday

Where: Loafer’s Glory, 25 West Main Street, Schuylkill Haven (Riverfront Center)

Date: Sat., Feb. 4

When: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Cost: Tasters can “vote” for their favorite soup for $1 a vote. The voting money will then be divided up amongst the first, second, and third place winners.

Notes: Individuals or businesses can enter their favorite soup for a chance at cash prizes. Those willing to pass on their soup recipes will be included in the Souper Saturday Booklet of Recipes that will be available at Loafer’s Glory later this month.

Dioicesan High School Choir

Where: Nativity BVM High School, Lawton’s Hill, Pottsville

Date: Sat., Feb. 4

When:  2:00 pm — doors open at 1:30 pm

Cost: Adults $6/ Seniors and Students $3

Notes: Seven Catholic High Schools come together to perform as one band and one chorus.

Soup-er Bowl Collection

Where: Murphy’s Jewelers, Pottsville

Date: Sun., Feb. 5

When: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Notes: Bring a canned good for Murphy’s food drive to benefit the Greater Pottsville Food Bank.  Murphy’s “Diamond Girls” have been pushing shopping carts up and down the streets of Pottsville, visiting local businesses to collect food and monetary donations for the past few weeks. But you can also stop by the store with your donations. Customers who donate to the Soup-er Bowl Collection receive 50% off your purchase (some restrictions apply) on Super Bowl Sunday.

Some of the ladies organizing the Little Red Dress Event smiled for the camera in their finest red finery! Thanks ladies! Come join them next month, learn more about your heart health, wear your favorite red clothes, and have fun!

February is American Heart Month and the Center for Disease Control has named heart disease the number one cause of death in females. To raise awareness among women, the Schuylkill Health auxiliary is hosting the Little Red Dress Event on Sunday, Feb. 12 (snow date Sunday, Feb. 19).

Held at the Pottsville Club from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm the event will feature blood pressure screenings, body mass index measurements, bone density testing and healthy cooking demonstrations. There will also be a fashion show, new hair styles for 2012, free massages, and makeup demonstrations. Along with music and other entertainment, there will be self-defense demonstrations and a silent auction. You can also visit 50+ vendors of all types (but please bring some cash as not everyone is able to accept credit cards).

Tickets are $20 each (or $25 at the door) and include tea sandwiches, hors d’oeuvres, and a chocolate fountain.  A cash bar will also be available. Checks should be mailed by Monday, Feb. 6 made out to:

Schuylkill Health, Mary Bardell, Schuylkill Medical Center, 700 East Norwegian Street, Pottsville, PA 17901

Be one of this year’s Ladies in Red and ensure that you have a healthy heart!

We’ve all seen the goofy, musical, very un-bank like commercials on TV warning us to check our credit score. But how many of us have? Come on now, let’s see a show of hands. And if you DID check your score do you even know what a good score is? How to complain if you think they’ve made a mistake calculating your score? What you can do to improve your score?

If you’re suddenly thinking that, “Hey, maybe I need to know a bit more about my credit score” here’s your chance! The Union Bank and Trust Company is hosting a FREE seminar on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at their West Market Street Office, 22nd and West Market Streets, Pottsville from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

The seminar is open to the public but the bank is asking that you pick up a registration form (name and phone number) at any of their branch offices. Please RSVP by dropping your form at a branch office by Friday, Feb. 3.

Union Banks can be found at:

• West Market Street, Pottsville
• Pottsville Park Plaza, Pottsville (by Weis Markets)
• 84 Valley Street, New Philadelphia
• Route 61, Orwigsburg
• 450 West Shamokin Street, Treverton

It’s January 23! Do you have your fork? Your milk? Your ice cream? Your whipped cream? Today is National Pie Day. So pop into that kitchen and bake yourself a pie! No? Not a pie maker? Me neither. But I am an expert pie eater! So I’m always happy to see the flyers for our local libraries Deppen Pie Sale. Help your library AND celebrate National Pie Day by stopping by or calling your local library to order a delicious treat to brighten up your March. What’s your favorite? I’m leaning toward blueberry crumb but my daughter may insist on lemon sponge.

So what flavors can I order?

• Blueberry Crumb
• Apple Crumb
• Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb    
  
• Double Crust Cherry
• Double Crust Raisin
• Shoofly
• Pumpkin Custard
• Lemon Sponge
• No Sugar Apple

Pies are $8.50 each and orders and payments must be made at your nearest library by mid-February. Pies can then be picked up on Wed., Feb. 29. So where are these pie-loving libraries?

Port Carbon Library

Stop by or Call: Jason Abati, library director at 570-622-6115

Deadline for Orders: Friday, Feb. 10

Pottsville Library

Stop by: 215 West Market Street

Deadline for Orders: Tuesday, Feb. 14

Ringtown Library

Stop by: 132 West Main Street

Deadline for Orders: Tuesday, Feb. 14

Shenandoah Library

Stop by or Call: 570-462-9829

Deadline for Orders: Friday, Feb. 10

Don’t Forget!

Tonight is the premiere of the Pottsville documentary. No need to head to the theatre, just settle down in your favorite chair and turn on the TV. The “Our Town” documentary will run at 7 pm tonight on WVIA. Don’t miss it! Everyone will be chatting about it tomorrow and you’ll want to add your two cents worth!

Snow Date

The date for the Education Express has been changed to Sat., March 3. By attending you can earn 100 points for your school in the mall’s Cash Back Program. Also, the first 150 children to complete their Education Passport will receive a free soft pretzel courtesy of Village Pretzel.

Wednesday I was in Harrisburg for work and got talking to a man I met about being from Schuylkill County. And this is what he said,

“My hobby is photography and even though I’ve lived in the area all my life I only every went to Schuylkill County a year or so ago. It’s beautiful.”

Living in Schuylkill County, we tend not to notice the good things about it. Let’s face it, people just enjoy complaining. Perhaps it’s time to stop and enjoy the appeal of our hometown. A good way to do that is to look at the area through the eyes of an outsider. When we have out-of-town visitors they can always find plenty of things they want to do…they want to take a hike, they want to tour Yuengling’s Brewery, they want to take photos of old buildings, they want to try local wines.

Ready to look at Schuylkill County through a visitor’s eyes? No need to invite the in-laws for a visit! Instead, download a copy of the 2012 Visitors Guide here or call 622-7700 for a print copy.

This Saturday the third annual Education Express will be held at the Fairlane Village Mall, organized by the Local Education And Resource Network of Schuylkill County or L.E.A.R.N. The event happening from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm will consist of at least 17 vendors, ranging from preschools to school districts and parochial schools to early intervention programs each offering a craft or activity for the children who attend. Each craft or activity will align with one of the skills children will be learning during their early years in school.

In addition showing children that learning can be fun, the event will introduce parents to the state education standards, show them the importance of quality early education, and promote the transition from preschool to Kindergarten and early Elementary. Education Express is the perfect event for children in Pre-School through early Elementary grades and their parents.

L.E.A.R.N. promotes community engagement in children’s education by offering materials for parents and children at a variety of events, including Education Express, throughout the year. A new program is the Baby Bag Project which offers new parents, or those with children under 12 months, a baby bag filled with resources to help parents engage their young children because, as organizer Carmel Yingling said, “Learning begins in infancy.”

Two months until Spring! Yes, the end of this week will mark 60 days until Spring blows in on a warm breeze on March 20.  And how will you be celebrating the beginning of the warm weather countdown? You could stop by Sweet Arrow Lake County Park for their Fire and Ice Winter Fest on Sunday, January 22 from  2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. So what is a  Fire and Ice Fest? Well, let’s start with the fire…

• Campfire — complete with hot dogs and marshmallows
  
• Campfire Songs
• Fiery Chili Cook-off
• Fiery Warm Hot Chocolate

And don’t forget the ice…

• Ice golf (miniature, of course)
• Ice Cream Making
• Ice Cream Competition (for those with a homemade ice cream recipe)
• Icing (for the cake decorating contest)

Mother Nature hasn’t decided if she’ll be coming down on the “fire” or “ice” side so check with the weatherman and dig out your thermals and woolen hat, just in case. To participate in the chili, ice cream, and cake decorating contest you have to pre-register. Contact Susan at 570-624-3018. Admission is free but some events have a fee.

Fire and Ice isn’t the only event Sweet Arrow Lake is hosting as they wait for Spring to arrive. Don’t succumb to Cabin Fever! Stop by Sweet Arrow Lake instead!

Groundhog Day

Where: Sweet Arrow Lake Clubhouse

Date: Thursday, Feb. 2

Time: Breakfast starting at 7:30 am/Weather Prediction at 9:00 am/Additional Events after Prediction

Cost: $5 for Breakfast, other events free

Registration: Event is held rain or shine but cancelled for blizzards. Call 570-345-8952 or email revanchalk@co.schuylkill.pa.us for info.

Notes: Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee. After Grover (and his new bride Sweet Arrow Sue) make their prediction there will be music by the Groundhog Band, a PA Dutch video, a Chinese “Groundhog” Auction and PA Dutch stories by the members of Pine Grove Grundsau Lodge #5.

Winter Botany

Where: Park Pavilion

Date: Saturday, Feb. 11

Time: 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Cost: FREE

Notes: Identifying winter plant forms with the help of DCNR forester Frank Snyder. Outdoor event for teens and adults — dress for the weather.

Fly Tying Classes

Where: Sweet Arrow Lake Clubhouse

Date: Tuesdays: Feb. 21, March 6 and March 13

Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Cost: FREE

Registration: Call 570-527-2505 to register so there will be enough supplies for everyone.

Notes: Bruce Schneck and other members of Trout Unlimited will be on hand to give you fly tying tips and swap some fish stories. Beginning and experienced tiers welcome!

Cabin Fever Hike

Where: Meet at Waterfall Road parking lot

Date: Saturday, Feb. 25

Time: 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Cost: FREE

Notes: Shake off the Winter Blahs with Porcupine Pat while searching fro winter birds, plants and scenery.

Break the Ice Oldies Dance

Where: Sweet Arrow Lake County Park Clubhouse

Date: Friday, March 2

Time: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Cost: $8 in advance/$10 at the door

Registration: Order advance tickets by calling Susan at 570-624-3018

Notes: Enjoy the music of “The Sensations”

Annual Maple Syrup Pancake Breakfast

Where: Sweet Arrow Lake County Park Clubhouse

Date: Saturday, March 17/Snow Date: Saturday, March 24

Time: 7:00 am to 11:00 am

Cost: $5.00/$3.00 for children 12 and under

Registration: Order tickets by calling Bob Evanchalk 570-527-2505 or the Schuylkill Conservation District at 570-622-3742 Ext. 5. Tickets will be sold at the door only as long as supplies last!

Notes: Local expert John Flynn will be giving maple sugaring demonstrations and selling syrup.

Wild Mushrooms with Jim Logan

Date: Tuesday, March 20

Time: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Notes: Depending on the weather and mushroom growth this may be a “walk and talk” workshop or it may be a presentation in the clubhouse. More information to follow!