Some may think it is a crude saying, but its hard cold truth is never denied: "He puts his money where his mouth is!"

Norman Adie, new owner of the Foxmoor Village theater and a veteran New York City movie house entrepreneur, did just that last Friday in the midst of the grand opening of the refurbished Foxmoor Cinemas7.

Among the dignitaries was Mario Scavello, R-176, who is a staunch supporter of the recent annual Red Cross Telethon. Scavello was virtually flabbergasted, observers say, when Adie, recognizing the worthy community cause, presented him with a $500 check for the cause.

Like your style, Mister Adie, you put the exclamation point right where you said you would — on community involvement. I'm sorry I missed the big event and hope to get a chance to meet you sometime.

Meanwhile, Adie's right-hand gal, Schelley Cunningham, who handles public relations, advertising, marketing and whatever else Adie throws her way, said this wasn't just a one-time grandstand play.

"We already have two local benefits coming up," she said. "On May 25 part of the theaters' proceeds will go to the United Way effort, and on June 16 another donation will be made from box office receipts to the Middle Smithfield Elementary School Parent Teachers Organization."

You might recall that when Adie alighted upon the drowntrodden Foxmoor Village scene he was all positive, saying he would pick it up by its bootstraps, get more stores in it, and make it a place people want go to.

Tenisha Person, 15, of Bushkill, doesn't need a partner to enjoy one of the dance video games in the 2,000 square foot arcade section of the theater. Photographer: Mark A. Genito/Pocono Record

Nearly 250 people showed up for the grand opening ceremonies which were emceed by Gary in the Morning and Elisa from radio station WSPG. About 190 of them caught "Mission: Impossible III," which is showing in two of the five theater houses that opened and will run for another week. The two other theaters in the complex will open in about a month.

"The people seemed genuinely impressed with the renovations, especially the comfortable Grade A luxury seats," said Cunningham. "And we had people come from as far away as Mount Pocono."

Cunningham said some of the other comments were rewarding to the staff which worked so hard to get the theaters up and running in time.

"Several movie-goers said they were impressed with the the counters," she said.

The 15-year veteran promoter was too professional to let out a squeal, but you could tell even over the telephone how delighted she was at the turnout. And she is never at a loss for words to tell you about the Foxmoor revival.

"The original movie posters really took their eye and were perfect for the new decor," she said. "You really have to see this decor, it's gorgeous. Some were calling it retro-chic."

Jessica Krupski, 19, of Bushkill, is all smiles while selling popcorn to a new customer at Foxmoor Cinemas. Photographer: Mark A. Genito/Pocono Record

Adie spent $20,000 on buying and framing the posters, according to Cunningham. That was just a pittance compared to the $800,000 renovation that includes new projection systems.

Adie has been in the movie production business since 1967 and once ran all of the Fox Theaters in England. He also was instrumental in New York's 42nd Street revival.

His Park and Stop Theater in Brooklyn recently was named the best independent theater in the country, according to Cunningham.

So, you could say by comparison his efforts here will be a slam dunk.

Meanwhile, you don't have to convince Bruce Brandli, owner of Brandli's restaurant next door to the theater. He told Cunningham he had his best night in six months.

Bob Charlanza may be reached at 420-4334, by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or by mail at: 511 Lenox St., Stroudsburg, PA 18360.