Do you want to support the writer's strike?

This might be how.

You do have to read the entire post from Cinema Salem in order to figure it out:

Three pieces of big news for this week's email: 1) THERE WILL BE BLOOD, the Oscar magnet so many of you have requested, will open this Friday at CinemaSalem; 2) A fantastic slate of films for the Salem Film Fest is almost ready for publication. We plan to have the final schedule up in the next few days. If you like Oscar-nominated films, there's something for you here. But more later; 3) As a preamble to the Fest, we're presenting a screening of a riveting documentary this Saturday at 1:30. More details below.

THERE WILL BE BLOOD (R- 158 minutes) inspired the New York Post to write, "The best movie performance so far this century? No contest. There's Daniel Day-Lewis' awe-inspiring turn as a greedy oilman in There Will Be Blood, and there is everyone else." Or perhaps you'll agree with the opposing viewpoint espoused by the New Yorker, "As astounding in its emotional force and as haunting and mysterious as anything seen in American movies in recent years. "
One thing's for sure: THERE WILL BE BLOOD opens on Friday and will play Friday through Sunday at 12:30, 3:45, and 7:30; and Monday through Thursday at 3:45 and 7:00.

About once a month, we like to bring in some movies you can't see anywhere else, and this week is no exception. If you've ever been born, or if you've given birth, you'll be interested in a thoughtful film called THE BUSINESS OF BEING BORN which is showing this Saturday, February 1, at 1:30 pm. Immediately after the screening, one of our favorite stores, Crunchy Granola Baby, will host a short discussion about the movie.

THE BUCKET LIST (PG-13 - 97 minutes) prompted this thoughtful review from Cinema Signals: "The greater your capacity for the sentimentality factor, the quicker it will cling to your heartstrings. For the less inclined, it's an interesting primer on your values and options when you're facing mortality."

THE BUCKET LIST will play Friday and Saturday at (11:20 AM), (4:15), 7:15, 9:30; Sunday at (11:20 AM), (1:45), (4:15), 7:15; and Monday-Thursday at (4:00) and 7:200.

Who loves JUNO (PG-13 - 96 minutes)? Yes, you're right. It's the Kansas City Star: "What propels the film into the stratosphere is Juno herself. As played by Ellen Page, Juno is a winning combination of fierce intelligence, irrepressible irony, casual profanity and, though she doesn't want to admit it, emotional vulnerability."

JUNO plays Friday-Saturday at (11:30 AM), (2:15), (4:45), 7:00, 9:40; Sunday at (11:30 AM), (2:15), (4:45), 7:00; and Monday - Thursday at (4:10) and 7:10.

Thanks again for supporting CinemaSalem.

I'm sorry to report that there will be no refrigerator-ready show-time cutout in this week's email. We're submitting this email from a remote location with no access to Photoshop. We will be happy to send a 5 cent refund to any of you who miss this feature. Simple send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to MISSING REFRIGERATOR-READY SHOW-TIME CUTOUT REFUND OFFER, % CinemaSalem, Two East India Square, Salem, MA 01970. Your nickel will arrive in 15 days or less!

[Once again, this email has been certified not funny.]

Paul Van Ness

Okay, here is how to support the writers' in Hollywood with their strike.
1. Print out this post.
2. Bring it with you to Cinema Salem, with your name and address written on it.
3. Leave it for Paul, demanding that he send you TEN-CENTS for this offer, because you want the residuals from the Internet value of his writing.

That is all there is to it.

Oh, and by the way, be sure to stop by the Hawthorne Hotel either before or after the movie to have a drink and a bite to eat in the Tavern, or Nathaniel's for that matter.

I hope to see you here.

Juli

Juli

So much to do in Salem, Ma this February -- Wow!

Here is another event for you to enjoy when you come to visit Salem this February:

Salem’s So Sweet 2008 Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival!

Salem Main Streets, the Salem Chamber of Commerce, and local retailers,restaurants and businesses will host the 6th annual Salem’s So Sweet,Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival.

A decadent tradition of delectable chocolate, sparkling ice sculptures and Valentine’s Day shopping.

The festival kicks off with a Chocolate and Wine Tasting, on Friday, February 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Hamilton Hall. This luscious tasting event, now in its sixth year, features wine, chocolate and coffee samplings fromCaptain Dusty’s, Capt.’s Waterfront Grill, Coffee Time Bake Shop, FINZ,Seafood & Grill, Harbor Sweets, Maria’s Sweet Somethings, Nathaniel’s, NewCivilitea, Pamplemousse, Rockafellas, Rose Medallion, Salem Wine Imports, Salem Waterfront Hotel, Sophie’s Sweet Shop, Strega Restaurant & Lounge,Victoria Station, Ye Olde Pepper Co.

Samples include unusual and unexpected chocolate items such as New Civilitea’s unique chocolate teas as well as Captain Dusty’s ice cream.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance at the Salem Chamber of Commerce or at the door on the night of the event.

In addition to this Chocolate and Wine Tasting, this year there will be 15 magical ice sculptures (by Ice Effects from Boston’s First Night) throughout downtown Salem including; the Salem Witch at the Salem Witch Museum, a Jazz ice sculpture in front of Rockafellas, a child reading a book in front of Cornerstone Books and much more. This festival is free and fun for the whole family. Maps showing the location of the ice sculptures are available throughout downtown Salem and PickeringWharf at participating businesses.

Approximately 40 businesses are offering in-store promotions during theevent ranging from a chocolate fountain at Maria’s Sweet Somethings to 20% off regularly priced clothing at Signatures. Businesses participating in the in-store promotions include: A Touch of the Past, Capt.’s WaterfrontGrill, Chulamama, CinemaSalem, Coffee Time Bake, Cornerstone Books, CrunchyGranola Baby, Finz Seafood & Grill, Kensington - Stobart Gallery, LauraLanes Skin Care, Maria’s Sweet Somethings, New Civilitea, Pamplemousse, Peabody Essex Museum Shop, Penelope’s Pet Boutique, Quint Essentials, Radiance Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Spa, Red Lion Smoke, Remember Salem, RoseMedallion Tea Room, Rouge Cosmetics, Salem Waterfront Hotel, Salem WineImports, Salemdipity, Signatures, Sophia’s of Salem, Sophie’s Sweet Shop,Strega Restaurant and Lounge, Thai Place Restaurant, The Art Corner, The Crafters Market Candles & Gifts, The Picklepot, Trolley Depot, Victoria Station, Washington Square Studio, Wicked Goodz… for Cool Stuff! and WitchTees.

“Come to enjoy the brilliant sculptures in downtown Salem and stay to shop and dine. It is an event for the whole family to enjoy” remarks JenniferBell, Salem Main Street Manager.

In celebration of the chocolate weekend, many of Salem’s finest restaurantswill feature special chocolate offerings on their menus, including desserts, cocktails, and inventive sauces. Participating Salem retailers will offer in-store promotions, innovative displays and items geared toward chocolate and Valentine’s Day. Many stores will offer free chocolate samples to shoppers.

This year, collect free the Salem’s So Sweet Golden Ticket as part of the festival. Visit 10 participating businesses, have your ticket validated and enter your Golden Ticket in the raffle to win a Salem’s SoSweet gift basket. Items in the So Sweet raffle include Sophia perfume from Sophia’s, a martini clock from Wicked Goodz, and a Syndey Love handbag from Signatures.

On Saturday, February 9 the Red Cross will hold the annual “Give From theHeart” Blood Drive along with the Salem Park and Recreation Department in Old Town Hall from 10 - 3. Body & Soul Massage and Wellness Center will offer free chair massages for blood donors on Saturday. For more information contact event organizer, Jennifer Bell at (978)744-0004 or visit www.salem-chamber.org for more information.

I hope to see you here in Salem.

Juli

A Film Festival for Salem -- February 28 through March 6

Will Salem become the next Cannes or Sundance Film Festival? Will Cinema Salem become the HOT ticket for film aficionados? Only time will tell.

Our first ever (that I know of, anyway) film festival will be held February 28 through March 6 at our good friend, Cinema Salem, One East India Square, Salem, MA.

This year, join a celebration of international film and music in Salem, Massachusetts, America's first international city. Enjoy outstanding features, documentaries, and short films from around the world, participate in face-to-face discussions with filmmakers, and party with world-class musicians in one of America's most beautiful and historic cities. This seven-day event will showcase the work of brilliant, emerging, and controversial filmmakers from Spain, Iran, Romania, Nigeria, Russia, the Dominican and the U.S.

For more information visit: www.salemfilmfest.com or call Cinema Salem at (978) 744-1400.

I hope to see you here.

Juli

Valentine's Day Event at the Hawthorne Hotel

In addition to our own very special dinner in Nathaniel's Restaurant on Valentine's night (which you need to reserve for SOON, by calling 978-825-4311), the Hawthorne Hotel is the site for:

A Valentine's Day Murder Mystery!

The Griffen Theatre presents: Curse of the Cupid: A Valentine's Day Murder Mystery

The famous and deadly antique blowgun "Cupid's Arrow" is up for auction, when it is mysteriously stolen. Audience members must help solve the crime while enjoying a romantic dinner in the ballroom of the Hawthorne Hotel.

This delightfully deadly dinner theatre features Erik Rodenhiser, back in action as Detective Dennis Detroit.

Thursday, February 14th at The Hawthorne Hotel, On the Common
18 Washington Square West, Salem Ma. 01970

Doors open at 7pm for cocktails. Dinner at 8pm.

Tickets are $65 per person which includes tax and gratuity

Make reservations by calling 978 317 1169 PLEASE NOTE, this is not being run by the Hawthorne Hotel, so you need to contact the Griffen Theater direction at this 978-317-1169 number.

Book a table today! (Seats eight to ten people)
Credit cards accepted

Hawthorne Hotel's Flags of the Week ~~ January 28 through February 3, 2008

Monday , January 28 ~~ Yemen and Illinois
Tuesday , January 29 ~~ Zambia and Indiana
Wednesday , January 30 ~~ Zimbabwe and Iowa
Thursday , January 31 ~~ Afghanistan and Kansas
Friday , February 1 ~~ Albania and Kentucky
Saturday , February 2 ~~ Algeria and Louisiana
Sunday , February 3 ~~ Andorra and Maine

Juli

Lost and Found -- A Hotel Headache

If you have ever worked in a hotel, especially in housekeeping, you will already know what I am about to write about -- the headache that is "Lost and Found".

Why is it a headache? Let me count the ways.

1. HONESTY ~~ Many people assume that the hotel staff members are dishonest. This is probably the biggest issue for those of us who are dedicated to serving our guests well. And it is simply not true. I cannot tell you how many times that an employee has brought me or the front desk items of very high value (wallets, purses, cameras, jewelery, etc.) that they have found, and could have easily pocketed with not a word. They simply would not think of doing that.

2. LOOK FIRST ~~ Many people assume as soon as they can't find something that they must have left it at the hotel, before they really thoroughly research things for themselves. I cannot tell you how many times we have turned the hotel upsidedown looking for something for someone, only to learn later that they found their item in a side pocket of a suitcase, or they never brought it at all, or a colleague picked it up for them. The issue for the hotel is all the time we spend dealing with these issues, and sometimes people never even call us back to let us know that they did find their item.

3. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY ~~ Many people assume that we are somehow responsible for anything they decide to claim is missing. People! Be responsible for your own stuff! Keep track of your things, and don't assume that just because you are careless, that somehow makes a hotel responsible. It does not.

4. WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THAT STUFF ~~ Storage is precious in hotels, and leaving behind your stuff means we have to find a place to keep it safe for you. PLEASE, keep track of your stuff, pack carefully, check all the places you have been to be sure you are leaving nothing behind. We (all hotel managers) will adore you for your responsibility. BTW, we donate all unclaimed items to a local charity after 30 days for 'normal' items and 90 days if we perceive it has a high value.

NOW, when I say many people, I know I am painting this picture with a broad brush, and we do get some really nice stories regarding lost and found occasionally. So, here is one of those NICE STORIES, that came from our Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing, Mike Kernander:

Last night at the Salem Chamber of Commerce event at Fresh Taste of Asia, Kristie and I met Karen Pelletier from the House of the Seven Gables. In the course of our visit, Karen told us she was staying here with her brother and her sister on December 8. However, she left behind something in her room. It was a
gift-wrapped brick from the building her father worked at in Pennsylvania. The building was being torn down brick by brick. Karen's brother gave her the brick, and her sister gave her two pictures of the building. She discovered that she left the brick behind in the room they were staying. Karen thought the brick was lost and thought there was no way we would keep something like that. She never even thought to call to check.

As she was telling us this story last night, I wrote down in my PDA what she had lost. this afternoon, I asked James, from housekeeping, about the lost and found and we went to the bin in Housekeeping. James recognized the item and gave it to me. We had both the brick and the pictures.

I brought the brick to the House of the Seven Gables and Karen met me in the lobby. She had an idea that I had come to deliver the brick and had a wide smile as she came out to meet me. She thought it was lost forever.

Karen told me that we made her brother’s day by recovering the brick and her sister’s day by recovering the photos. I think we helped make her day by finding them and bringing them to her. It made my day to be able to deliver it to her.

Smiles all around!

A happy ending to a vexing problem.

Juli

Photos are a bit fuzzy, but the story will warm your heart

These are photos of Candace and her parents, Mark and Candy. They live in Marblehead, and Candace had her birthday dinner here last week, when she turned 12.

They have been coming to Nathaniel's to celebrate Candace's birthday since she turned 8, and she refuses to go anywhere else -- Nathaniel's is her favorite.

We love these kinds of stories, where family is such an important part of our life and times here at the Hawthorne Hotel. I hope you enjoy it too.

Juli

Some Lovely Views by Laura Beals Photography

These photos were part of a shoot done by Laura Beals at the Hawthorne Hotel for an event that took place here during the recent holiday season. We liked the photos so much that we asked for her permission to use them, and here are some of them for you to see.

The exterior is self-explanatory. However, it is a view that is not usually photographed, being our 'side' rather than our 'front' door. This is the door on Essex Street, featuring the side of the building where the Kensington-Stobart Gallery is, as well as where Nathaniel's Restaurant and Sophia's Meeting Room are. I loved the look of the staggered lights on in the guest rooms above. The photo has a great feel, don't you agree?

The second photo is of our staircase that leads up from the lobby to the second floor. In this one I love how Laura captured the complimenting curves of the architecture.

In this final photo you see one of our two 'famous' grandmother windows. Many, many years ago, there was a dancing class that was regularly held in our Ballroom. The 'grandmothers' would sit upstairs and chaperone the dances through these windows. Today they are used by brides to throw their bouquets to the waiting bridesmaids below, and for Santa to announce that he has arrived to the children assembled in the Ballroom for our annual holiday event.

Thanks so much, Laura, for letting us show these great photos.

Juli

Excellent Movies, Just One Block from the Hawthorne Hotel

If you have read this blog before, you already know how much I love Cinema Salem. Here is this week's newsletter, which especially highlights the big new release, Cloverfield. I haven't seen this one yet, but I did get to see Juno on Friday night, and I must say it is an EXCELLENT movie.

I hope you stop by Cinema Salem soon, and do tell Paul that Juli sent you. If he's there he might even give you a free small popcorn.

Juli


Dear Juli,
I watched the midnight premiere of CLOVERFIELD, along with tons of other people, and I loved it. Why?, you ask. Well, here are the Top 10 reasons:
1) it's an intelligent monster movie, and JJ Abrams' style from LOST is evident in every scene -- you want to take in every detail in case it's significant; 2) It's appealing to many ages, based on the crowd at the midnight show and beyond; 3) the long beginning (before the monster shows up) is exquisite, dwelling intimately on the social lives of urban young adults, while dramatic tension builds wildly in the audience, knowing that the monster is out there; 4) the cast is great, and look like people I know; 5) the movie never condescends to the viewer with explication or scientific mumble jumble ("the saline leak from the factory must have triggered the atomic fusion which released the beast from his undersea cave") -- the story just plays out naturally; 6) the shooting is innovative and dynamic, and the filmmakers have in every instance resisted the temptation to assault the audience -- I only jumped once during the whole movie; 7) there isn't much gore, and as in the best filmmaking, most of it is left to the imagination; 8) it broke the all-time January box office record; 9) it's funny!; 10) a Marine appears near the end wearing a video camera on his helmet, prompting much internet speculation about a sequel, which even if it's not true, is pretty fun!
But enough about CLOVERFIELD. All of our three movies are doing so well, we're hanging on to them for another week. But ATONEMENT, SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES, and the Salem Film Fest are right around the corner.
CLOVERFIELD enjoys a hefty rating on RottenTomatoes.com, including this rave from the SF Chronicle: "A terrific movie, filled with spectacle and a surprising amount of humor", and this from Roger Ebert, "An effective film, deploying its special effects well and never breaking the illusion that it is all happening as we see it."
CLOVERFIELD (PG-13 - 90 minutes) plays Friday and Saturday: (12:00), (2:30), (4:30), 7:15, 9:25; Sunday: (12:00), (2:30), (4:30), 7:15; Monday-Thursday: 4:30, 7:20.
THE BUCKET LIST (PG-13 - 97 minutes) tickled the fancy of the Houston Chronicle: "Not every film about death needs a bald Swede and a game of chess: Sometimes, the sky-diving's enough.".
THE BUCKET LIST will play Friday and Saturday at (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:15), 7:00, 9:15; Sunday at (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:15), 7:00; and Monday-Thursday at (4:20) and 7:00.
JUNO (PG-13 - 96 minutes) actress Ellen Page just garnered an Academy Award nomination, which doesn't shock the Detroit News: "Juno is the best movie of the year. It's the best screenplay of the year, and it features the best actress of the year working with the best acting ensemble of the year."
JUNO plays Friday-Saturday at (11:15 AM), (2:15), (4:45), 7:30, 9:35; Sunday at (11:15 AM), (2:15), (4:45), 7:30; and Monday - Thursday at (4:40) and 7:10.
Thanks again for supporting CinemaSalem.
[Once again, this email has been certified not funny.]
Paul Van Ness

Are You Planning a WEDDING?

More Details on the Hawthorne Hotel's Princess Tea

Attention All Princesses!!!
Princess Tea
Saturday February 23rd, 2008
Noon until 2pm
Children 11 and under $15 and Adults $22

Join us in our Grand Ballroom for Tea, Music,
and Photos with the “Hawthorne Hotel” Princess

Hats, White Gloves and Pink Attire are Optional
and Always in Good Taste.

Stations of Royal Fare

"Tini-Tiny Tidbits "

Fresh Crudités with Green Princess Dip

and Blueberry-Yogurt Dip
Fresh Fruit Cocktail with Rosy Red Strawberries
Royal Cheese Display with Crackers and Breads
Banana and Carrot Tea Breads with Cream Cheese and Butter
Assorted Mini Muffins, Danish, Scones and Coffee Cake
Assorted Jellies

"Canapés "
Cheese and Berry Tartlets,
Turkey and Cranberry, Honey-Orange Mascarpone,
Mozzarella and Tomato

"Tea Sandwiches"
Tuna with Tomato, Chicken Salad with Bibb Lettuce,
Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly, Sliced Ham and Cheese,
Roast Beef and Boursin Spread,

“Sweets for the Sweet”
Mini Pastries and Cupcakes, Petit Fours, Mini Fruit Tarts, Brownies, Cookies, Blondies and Tea Cookies,
Chocolate Cups with Strawberry and Chocolate Mousse

“I’m A Little Tea Pot” Table
Assorted Teas, Hot Chocolate, Princess Punch

For Reservations and Information, call 978-825-4311

I hope to see you here.

Juli

The Hawthorne Hotel Takes Safety Seriously

Several years ago the Hawthorne Hotel established a safety committee. During the time that it has been in existence, it has grown in size, and influence.

Our hotel has definitely become a safer place because of the safety committee.

Here is a photo taken at the most recent meeting.

Left to right, in the back row, are Marcus Wilcox, James, Kluge, Ramon Rodriguez, Simon Checksfield, Steve Nelson, Chris Madigan and Jay Gilliss.

In the front row are Marianne Stewart, Kristie Poehler, Shannon Civitarese, Mike Kernander, and Donna Daly.

Thanks to everyone who works towards making the Hawthorne Hotel a safe place.

Juli

Hawthorne Hotel's Flags of the Week ~~ January 21 through January 27, 2008

What do all the countries whose flags we fly each week have in common?

Monday , January 21 ~~ United Kingdom and District of Columbia
Tuesday , January 22 ~~ United Republic of Tanzania and Delaware
Wednesday , January 23 ~~ Uruguay and Florida
Thursday , January 24 ~~ Uzbekistan and Georgia
Friday , January 25 ~~ Vanuatu and Guam
Saturday , January 26 ~~ Venezuela and Hawaii
Sunday January 27 ~~ Vietnam and Idaho

Juli

A Charming Scene Today at the Hawthorne Hotel

I couldn't resist snapping these photos of the Flower Girls for today's wedding here at the Hawthorne Hotel. They were engrossed in playing, while they waited for the wedding to begin.

Aren't they sweet?

Juli

A visit from a scene-stealer, here at the Hawthorne Hotel

Yesterday my administrative assistant's niece dropped by to take her to lunch. Here you see Christine and Mia (Mia is the one in pink), in my office.

There is an adage in acting that says words to the effect ' never work with babies or dogs, because they will steal the show', and that is what it seemed like around here yesterday, between Mia's visit and the Lionberger dogs checking in, it was hard to keep up.

Juli

Kody and Skyler, the Lionberger Dogs Arrive at the Hawthorne Hotel

Since we are a pet-friendly hotel we are somewhat used to VIP (very special pets) arriving here. However, today's pair were a bit of show-stoppers, since they are so big.

Here are Kody and Skyler, girl and boy Lionburger dogs from New Hampshire.

They received our welcoming treats from our night manager, Simon Checksfield, and were quite enthusiastic about it.

We were very delighted to welcome them. I thought you might enjoy this everyday-slice-of-life of the Hawthorne Hotel.

Juli

Some More Views In The Snow in Salem

The Andrew Safford House in the center of this photo is the view from the 'front' of the Hawthorne Hotel. In the foreground you will see the Eagle that sits atop our front door awning. He (or she?) was covered with a coat of snow from this week's blizzard.

I thought you might be interested in this different perspective of the Historic Hawthorne Hotel, and our lovely neighborhood here in Salem, Massachusetts.

Juli

A NEW Event ~~ Our Princess Tea

Do you have a Princess in your life? Perhaps this is just the event for her.

Because of the success we have had with our Teddy Bear Teas each December, we have decided to offer a new event, something to help to chase away the winter doldrums, and a way for you to to celebrate the Princess in your life.

Be sure to wear your most precious (pink?) outfit. Hats for the ladies are most appropriate.

Here are the details:

Princess Tea

Saturday, February 23rd

from Noon - 2pm in the Grand Ballroom

Buffet, tea and costume characters, music and merriment.

Photos are included, of course.

Cost is $22 for adults and $15 for children twelve and under.

For information and reservations please call, 978-825-4311.

The Hawthorne Hotel in the Snow Today

While the snow may not be the best thing for business, both ours and many others, today, it is certainly pretty to look at. I snapped these photos around 10 am this morning, and thought you would enjoy seeing us covered in 'white icing'.

Juli

Hawthorne Hotel's Flags of the Week ~~ January 14 through 20, 2008

Monday , January 14 ~~ Tunisia and Alaska
Tuesday , January 15 ~~ Turkey and American Samoa
Wednesday , January 16 ~~ Turkmenistan and Arizona
Thursday , January 17 ~~ Tuvalu and Arkansas
Friday , January 18 ~~ Uganda and California
Saturday , January 19 ~~ Ukraine and Colorado
Sunday , January 20 ~~ United Arab Emirates and Connecticut

I hope to see you here. Go to www.HawthorneHotel.com to make your reservations, or to send us an email requesting a favorite flag to be flown for you during your visit.

Juli

Where, oh where are our antique wedding photos?

This is a photo of the wall where our antique oval-framed wedding photos hung. All that is left are the picture hangers. Someone stole them this past weekend, most likely on Friday night, January 11/12, since they were missing at 7 am on Saturday morning. If you happen to know where they may have gone, please contact me, and if you are the thief, shame on you! The police have been noticed.

Juli

We LOVE Cinema Salem! Our Neighborhood Movie Theater

. . . with the BEST popcorn with REAL butter. Here is their newsletter, which is 'certified not funny' and if you want to know what that is about, you will simply have to read it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Juli,

As you might have expected, the Writers' Strike has had an impact on CinemaSalem. Like Jay Leno, the Golden Globe Awards, and many other television shows and movie productions, we've had to adjust the way we carry out business. We hope you will be patient and accommodating during the duration of the strike as we make the following changes:

Change #1: The Emergency Fire Exit announcement that a CinemaSalem employee normally makes in person before each film will now be replaced with a silent, modern dance/mime performance with streaming orange and red ribbons and another employee dressed as a firefighter. If you like this modified presentation, please do NOT show your appreciation by waving your lit cigarette lighter in the air.

Change #2: Any mini-reviews written on the Cafe chalkboard by patrons must now conclude with the following disclaimer: "If this comment ends up in a movie script, the author must be paid a share of the DVD residuals!" This might result in a good amount of revenue for our patrons.

Change #3: We have received permission to continue to publish these weekly emails, providing that there are no funny lines, which should not be a problem.

Now here's the scoop on the movies!

Remember last year's Academy Award show when Jack Nicholson sported a shaved head? They said it was for a movie role where he had been diagnosed with cancer. And now, 11 months later, the movie is here! THE BUCKET LIST (PG-13 - 97 minutes) stars Jack and Morgan Freeman in a great flick that explores the possibility that it's never too late to have a great life. Ebert and Roeper loved it, noting that "Any filmgoer's Bucket List should be seeing these two legends playing off one another."

THE BUCKET LIST will play Friday & Saturday at (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:15), 7:00, 9:15; Sunday at (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:15), 7:00; and Monday-Thursday at (4:30) and 7:20.

Like THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA and LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, JUNO (PG-13 - 96 minutes) is a movie after which everyone leaves the theater smiling and happy. Roger Ebert calls it "A fresh, quirky, unusually intelligent comedy about a 16- year-old girl who wins our hearts in the first scene."

JUNO plays Friday & Saturday at (11:15 AM), (2:15), (4:45), 7:30, 9:35; Sunday at (11:15 AM), (2:15), (4:45), 7:30; and Monday - Thursday at (4:40) and 7:10.

This is your last week to catch NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS (PG - 120 minutes) before it heads off to hibernate until the DVD is released in May. It's the biggest box office story of the holiday period, and you simply can't consider yourself a true film lover if you haven't seen it.

NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS plays at CinemaSalem at the following times: Friday and Saturday at (11:00 AM), (1:45), (4:30), 7:15, 9:50; Sunday at: (11:00 AM), (1:45), (4:30), 7:15; and Monday through Thursday at (4:20) and 7:00.

Next week, the super-mysterious CLOVERFIELD opens in fuddy-duddy movie theaters on Friday. But the hip movie theaters will additionally be offering a MIDNIGHT PREMIERE on Thursday night.

And yes, CinemaSalem is a hip movie theater, so be the first in your neighborhood, dorm, cell block, or cubicle to be able to identify the "thing" that is attacking NYC.

[The Writer's Guild has approved this email, noting that the concept that the writers' strike is effecting CinemaSalem, the list of the three resulting "Changes", including the mime fire announcement, the idea of this email being approved providing it's not funny, the reference to Jack's shaved head, the faux snooty attitude about people who haven't seen National Treasure, the list of locations of which you could become the coolest by attending the midnight show, and indeed this paragraph purported to be a certification of non-funniness by the WGA, -- all of these passages contain not a scintilla of humor, and therefore have been approved for dissemination during the strike.]

Thanks again for supporting CinemaSalem.



[Certified not funny.]
Paul Van Ness

Our Employees of the Year for the Hawthorne Hotel

In this first photo you will see all of the employees of the month for 2007 who were able to come to the Hawthorne Hotel Holiday party on Monday night. They are,
Left to right, top row: Lourdes Gonzalez de Rey; John Goss; Paul Beausoleil; Rosa Nina-Brito; Lucie Ogeron; Sylvester Toribio. Middle Row, standing: Arber Doci; Cheryl Ennis; Brian Zuzelo; Margarita Gonzalez; Emmy Nelson; Tiffany Mento; me, Juli Lederhaus, Kelly Grimmer and Allison Austin. In front: Edi Rovi; Bobby Celentano and Jonah Pringle.

On Monday night we celebrated our success during 2007 by having a party at a local restaurant for all of our staff members. For the ones who could not attend because they had to work, we did something special as well.

The most rewarding thing for me, as I read the list of names this year, is that each and every Employee of the Month, both full and part-time, are all still working for us at the end of the year. This is the first time, in all my years of managing in the hotel business (and there are a LOT of those years) that something so wonderful has occurred. I am very thankful and proud that such important parts of our core team were able to all stay on board throughout the entire year.

Here is the list of all of this year's winners:
Full Time
January ~~ Ana Jerez
February ~~ Jonah Pringle
March ~~ Paul Beausoleil
April ~~ Manuel Pena
May ~~ Bill Soper
June ~~ Lucie Ogeron
July ~~ Ramon Jerez Hernandez
August ~~ Rosa Nina Brito
September ~~ John Goss
October ~~ Sylvester Toribio
November ~~ Jonathan Hotz
December ~~ Kelly Grimmer

Part Time
January ~~ Ana Jerez
February ~~ Sandra Sinagra
March ~~ Blanca Woods-Arzu
April ~~ Allison Austin
May ~~ Tiffany Mento
June ~~ Lourdes/Margarita Gonzalez
July ~~ Brian Zuzelo
August ~~ Robert Celentano
September ~~ Neal Governor
October ~~ Cheryl Ennis
November ~~ Arber Doci
December ~~ Margaret Nelson


In this second photo you will see us posing with John Goss, our Full-time Employee of the Month. To John's left is Shannon Civitarese, our Rooms Division Manager, and you can see me to his right.

Here in this final photo you see, left to right, Edi Rovi, Arber Doci, Rosa Nina-Brito, Cheryl Ennis and Brian Zuzelo. Cheryl, in the hot pink, was our winner for Part-time Employee of the Year. Chery has worked at the Hawthorne Hotel for the better part of 20 years, and she also holds down a challenging full-time position here in Salem. Congratulations to all our Employees of the Month!

Our runners up were:

Full-time:

First Runner Up -- Ana Jerez, Kitchen Staff

Second Runner Up ~~ Rosa Nina-Brito, Dining Services Staff

Part-time

First Runner Up ~~ Neal Governor, Night Audit

Second Runner Up ~~ Edi Rovi, Dining Services Staff

Congratulations to all of our winners, and thank you to each and every one of our staff members.

Juli

Welcome to the Hawthorne Hotel, Little One

Here is Jacob Jude Letterman, who arrived into the world just 10 days ago. He is the son of our very own Melisa Letterman, and if you are a faithful reader of this blog, you will see her, with Jacob quite apparent although not yet fully visible, in a photo just last month.

Welcome, Jude, we can't wait until you are old enough to come to work for the Hawthorne Hotel 'family'.

Juli

Tavern ~~ January Dinner Specials

On Sundays, Mondays,
Tuesdays and Wednesdays
From 5pm – 10pm

Two complete three-course dinners for only $26 -- yes, that is $13 per person.

Ginger-Basted Salmon
lemon rice, moo shi vegetables
and sesame-ginger sauce

~or~

Angel Hair Pasta
mini meatballs and marinara sauce

~or~

Old-Fashioned
Beef Stew



Each Entrée comes with a Small Mixed Green Salad
or Cup of the Soup of the Day, and Chef’s Choice of Dessert

This chef's choice dessert was a banana-chocolate chip cake that was awesome.

I hope to see you here.

Juli