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Have you seen any good movies lately?

Friends have told me I must see Bohemian Rhapsody, which recounts rock band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury’s performance at Live Aid in 1985.

Relatives and friends are certain it’s a movie I’d enjoy, so this weekend I’ll check it out.

I did, however, make it to a movie premiere last weekend at RC Theatres Wilkes-Barre Movies 14.

“Cain Rose Up,” a short horror film by 17-year-old Coughlin High School senior A.J. Gribble, who made a connection with Stephen King’s team and got permission and the rights to make the film, premiered last Sunday. The movie was shot in Wilkes-Barre, with many scenes taking place at King’s College.

How cool?

The debut or premiere was held with family and friends coming out to support A.J. and his endeavor. As I sat in the audience I marveled at how much planning, work and organization the production must have taken.

While he had help from local professionals, family and friends, it’s certainly a lot for a young man to take on.

I was thrilled his dad, Alan, invited me to attend and wouldn’t have missed it.

Kudos to Movies 14 for helping A.J. out, too, and agreeing to show the film.

I’ll be sure to visit A.J. when he’s famous in Hollywood some day.

I was also able to attend a portion of a new member orientation for businesses of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce last week.

New businesses were welcomed and got an introduction – for some a refresher – to the bevy of services the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce offers, along with tools needed to help them make the most of the worthwhile membership. Welcome to the new (and some existing) Chamber businesses in attendance Monday night:

• Geo Crafts Inc.

• A Brand New Age Home Care Inc.

• A+ Enterprises Junk Removal Demolition Excavation

• Vector Security

• Health Coaching by Caroline

• Office Team: A Robert Half Company

• Oddballgoods.com

• Restored Church

• The Beaumont Inn

• Le Manhattan Bistro

Best Western Genetti Hotel & Conference Center, a longtime member, had an employee attend to learn about ways to better utilize Chamber services.

Each quarter the Chamber will be hosting these orientations and providing an in-person overview of its offerings. It’s a phenomenal way to remind business owners and stakeholders what more they could be doing.

A small reception at Franklin’s on Public Square followed, and it was uplifting to see the enthusiasm the Chamber and the new businesses have.

Much of the value of joining the Chamber has to do with networking and taking advantage of resources available.

I’m fortunate to be an ambassador for the Chamber and able to attend many of its functions throughout the year.

If you or a business owner you know has any interest in learning more about the organization, feel free to send me a note.

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Mike McGinley

Around Town

Mike McGinley is the Times Leader Media Group’s major accounts executive. Reach him at [email protected] or 570-704-3945.