Santa visits the Sports Pub

On December 19, 2011 Santa swung by the Sports Pub on his Harley Sleigh.
After passing out candy and gifts to the children of Copperopolis he passed out some pre-Christmas cheer to the patrons at the Pub.

New Years Eve Party at the Sports Pub

The Sports Pub will be hosting a New Years eve party featuring live music by the California Outlaws!

9-1.

Micki heads to Nashville

Micki and author Charity Maness went to Nashville on a book signing tour for Charity's recently released non-fiction book "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam, based on letters written from Micki's husband Jim Piper KIA in Vietnam April 11, 1967.
NASHVILLE 12-11

"It's lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam booksigning...heartwarming

Book sales reaching over 60 was not the highlight of the evening, it was the outpouring of love and support from family and friends.
Two of Jim's brothers, Tom and Dennis, with their wives and families attended along with cousins and lifelong friends.
A heartmelting event occurred early in the evening when Swanee and Abel, high school friends of Jim's and Vietnam veterans arrived surprising Micki and bringing her to joyful tears. Quietly speaking to Micki, Abel slowly pulled a torn dollar bill from his billfold and explained that when he and Jim had deployed to Vietnam, Jim in the Army, Abel in the Air Force, Jim had torn a dollar in half and said "when we get home we'll have a beer." 44 years later Abel still carried the torn bill....on October 23, 2011 he gifted the torn bill to Micki.
Micki said she will frame it and place on the wall at her business, Micki & Larry's Sports Pub, beneath Jim's rubbing from the Vietnam Wall in D.C.  a gift from Marine Vietnam Veteran Ric Ryan.

Swanee, Micki , Abel

Nicole (Jim's neice) Micki, Larry

Nicole and author Charity Maness

Author Charity Maness meets Abel and Swanee (Jim's high school friends and Vietnam Veterans)

Upcoming booksignings (books will be available for purchase at events)

November 11, 2011 at 11am Snaps Coffee House and Wine Bar, Copperopolis Town Square 785-1616

November 11, 2011 3-4 pm Starbucks Angels Camp

November 26, 2011 12-2 Once Upon a Time Book store Copperopolis Town Square 785-6828

Karaoke and Mikey..woohoo!

Hi guys - Karaoke every other Saturday Night. 

 

Also " MIKEY'S "  back on Saturday Nights and he has a  different drink special every week. Come check it out.

A Haunting Good (hi-tech) Time on the Horizon for the Sports Pub

Hi all,

Its PARTY time, Halloween party-time,  Saturday Oct 29th from 9pm-1am. 

Live music by (CHAINS REQUIRED).

Prizes for best MALE-FEMALE-and COUPLES costumes.

We have lots of changes coming to the Pub, we now take credit cards and have wireless access.

The night of the Halloween party your pictures in costume  will be shown on TV through out the night, and soon, concerts will be shown on DVD.

Yep, the Pub is getting hi-tech (about time after 14 years) :)

Looking forward to seeing all of you again and the great costumes you create. Lets have fun.

Thanks Larry & Micki

Karaoke Saturday 10-1-11

Come join the fun with Karaoke at the Sports Pub Saturday night 10-1-11, beginning at 8 pm!
785-4646

Booksigning party at the Pub

Local author Charity Maness will be signing her latest non-fiction release titled, "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam on October 23, 2011 at 4:00 PM.

April 9, 1967, in a letter from Jim Piper to his young bride Michelle, he wrote, "I thank God each night for my wife and my life and also enjoy each breath that I take and praise every morning I wake up too. It means another day gone, another day I'm alive and another day closer to being home with my wife forever."

PFC James Dennis Piper was in killed in action two days later on April 11, 1967 in the jungles of Vietnam.

Jim's death left Micki a young widow. Jim was Micki's first love.

Each handwritten letter from Jim to Michelle has been carefully transcribed and historical documentation has been added. Cross referencing and correlating data from sources such as declassified CIA documents, Pentagon Papers and unrestricted use of Weider History Group archives has created a historically correct and profound journey through eight months of the Vietnam War. Chronologically juxtaposing Jim's personal and tender letters written to his young bride with public facts and documents of the war on each of those same dates allows the reader an intimate and compelling snapshot of that time in history.

For more information or to be among the first to purchase this book prior to its release on amazon.com visit my e-store at

https://www.createspace.com/3627313


Sincerely,

Charity Maness

charitymaness.blogspot.com

Halloween Party Oct 29, 2011

The Sports Pub will be hosting their annual Halloween Party Saturday October 29, 2011 beginning at 8 pm.
Chains Required will be there playing the tunes we all love to dance to!
For more information please call 785-4646

Micki & Larry's has gone wireless

Thats right, you can now access the internet through your smart phone or other wireless device while enjoying a cocktail and some great company at Mick & Larry's Sports Pub.

Come on down and join the party!

Brian Stow Poker Run

Motorcyclists Descend on Sports Pub Saturday Morning

Micki and Larry surprised many hungry bikers Saturday morning as they fed them biscuits and gravy when they hit the Sports Pub on their first of many stops on the Brian Stow Benefit Poker Run.

Brian Stow was beaten at the opening game at Dodger Stadium earlier this year. The poker run was organzied to help defray some of the medical costs to him and his family for his care. Beginning at Clausen's Corner in Angels Camp and finishing at Utica Park for an old fashioned ball park BBQ.

From the Copper Gazette

Sports Pub Welcomes New Member of the Team

Arriving in early July, Michael Phillips (Larry's son) has made the smooth transition to bartender Friday and Saturday nights.
Stop on by and welcome him to the Sports Pub family.

Calaveras Enterprise Interviews Micki Phillips and Charity Maness

In the spring of 1967, James Piper told his wife he loved her for the last time.

“I thank God each night for my wife and my life and also enjoy every breath that I take and praise every morning I wake up ...” the Army private wrote from Vietnam on April 9, 1967. “It means another day gone, another day I’m alive, and another day closer to being home with my wife forever.”

Piper never made it home to his young wife, Micki. He died from small-arms fire just two days after writing that letter. The couple, who married June 18, 1966, planned to vacation in Hawaii and try to start a family when he was scheduled to return home to San Lorenzo later that summer.

On April 4, 2011, Copperopolis resident Micki Phillips took the letters out of storage, deciding it was time to share her late husband’s story and the stories of other Vietnam veterans.

"It's Lonely Here in Hell" love letters from Nam

In 2010 Michelle (Micki) Phillips (previously Micki Piper) approached me and asked if I would be interested in writing a story based on love letters from the Vietnam War era. While my writing at the time leaned toward romance novels and cub reporting my interest was piqued. When she informed me the letters she was referring to were letters written to her from her husband who died from small arms fire in the Vietnam War leaving her a young widow, my heart broke.
To be allowed the intimate glimpse into her life, the life she so briefly shared with her young husband, and to then share his letters with the world was without a doubt an honor I would not take lightly.
How better to honor, not only her husband’s memory, but the memory of all the servicemen that never made it home to hold their wives, their daughters, their sisters, their mothers.

April 4, 1967

Dearest Darling,

Marine Presents Vietnam Widow with Rubbing of Husband from "the Wall"

Monday, May 30, 2011

Marine Presents Vietnam Widow with Rubbing from 'The Wall' in D.C.

When Micki Phillips, owner of Micki & Larry's Sports Pub, was informed that her husband PFC James Dennis Piper was killed in action on April 11, 1967, she thought her world had come to an end.

44 years later, the memory not dulled with time, Micki has collaborated with local author Charity Maness to write a book based on Jim's love letters. Armed with all Jim's letters, prom pictures, draft notice, boot camp photos and more, Charity began in earnest documenting Jim's life as he changed from civilian to soldier, boy to man, finally paying the ultimate sacrifice in the jungles of Vietnam in the Binh Dinh Valley as part of the US Army Co.A 1st Bn 8th Cav 1st Cavalry Division Airmobile.

Receiving research help from local Vietnam veteran Jim Vinson (USMC Co. D 1^st Bat, 7^th Marines, 1^st MarDiv) along with information from LBJ's personal diaries and other information sources, Charity has been able to correlate each letter with what was occurring on that specific date in Vietnam and America. "Though the research is intense, the emotional toll is much more significant. I am finding that I truly like this man and I do not want the story to end, because, unfortunately, I do know how it ends."

As more people learned of Charity's efforts and Micki's loss so long ago, more veteran's stepped up to help in any way they could. One such veteran was USMC Ric Ryan, otherwise known as the 'walking man of Murphy's.' Ric was slated to take a vacation, a journey he had only hoped of completing before he passed away, to the Vietnam Wall in Washington D.C., to say his final farewell to those he once knew and had the privilege of calling 'friend.' During his heart wrenching visit Ric was able to remember Micki and her first husband James Dennis Piper. He located Jim on 'The Wall' and made a rubbing for Micki. He took pictures and procured paperwork with his name and rank. Going the extra mile, as Ric is known to do, he then had each of the photos and rubbings framed for Micki. He delivered the framed gift to Charity, who in turn delivered it to Micki.

Micki and her husband Larry Phillips, also a Vietnam Veteran, were moved beyond words at the gift bestowed upon them. The framed gift is on display at the Sports Pub and Micki is hoping to have it on display at Homecoming, either in the Armory or near the Historic 150th Anniversary wall where James has a brick in his name.

The picture below is of Micki and Ric's first meeting, the photo of James Dennis Piper on 'the wall' and the rubbing.

 

Story by Charity Maness

"Copper Holdings Company" rocked the Sports Pub

Local rock talent Copper Holdings Comapny rocked the Sports Pub March 12th 2011 to an enthusiastic crowd.

For more pictures visit the Copper Holdings Company Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/media/set/?set=a.200712569958783.55629.100000601242452

Celebrate Super Bowl at the Sports Pub

Sunday February 6, 2011 Micki & Larry invite you to spend game time with them and all your friends at the Sports Pub.
10 oz beer only $1.50
Games will be played and whoever wears their team jersey or shirt with pride wins a prize!
(Jersey need not be the Super Bowl teams.)

Come enjoy the fun!
Party starts at 3:00 pm!

News story from the Copper Gazette 1-22-11

Micki & Larry's Sports Pub hosted comedian Scot Shields and his 'Just Another Hangover Tour' Saturday night. The Pub was packed. Couples, friends, and whole groups filled the bar leaving standing room only.

The first three comedians didn't impress, but waiting for the headliner was worth the wait. Completing upwards of 400 shows Scot has comedy down to a hilarious science. Zinging out one liners, some politically incorrect, and hilarious stories of the life of a comedian had the crowd in stitches throughout his routine. There was only one noticeable lull in positive crowd response, it occurred when he cracked a joke about Prison Guards.

Though the din of conversation and rattling of background noise was sometimes intrusive, it didn't seem to faze Scot one bit.

In true Sports Pub fashion...Karaoke followed and the fun continued late into the night.

News story 1-18-11 from Copper Gazette

Comedian Scot Shields Hits Copper Saturday Night

Saturday night, January 22, 2011 at 8:00 pm, Micki & Larry’s Sports Pub will be hosting “Just Another Hangover” tour with Scot Shields. Touring with Scot on this trip to Copper will be comedian Danny Minch from Fresno.

Scot has entertained Copperopolis before to enthusiastic crowds. His humor reminiscent of the late great Rodney Dangerfield is full of innuendos, one liners, political incorrectness, and off the cuff gut busters. While some may find his humor slightly off, much like that of Dangerfields, he most certainly has something for everyone within his repertoire.

Harking from Humbolt County he followed the path of intellectual enlightenment receiving a double Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics and Physics from Cal Poly. Taking the path less traveled, that of comedy, Scot now entertains 10 to 12 months out of the year “barring incarceration.” He has missed only 11 states. In three of the states Scot toured he managed to receive a personal tour of the inner workings of the justice system, mainly the jail. In reference to one of those states he said, “It would take a lot of money to get me to work South Dakota again.” Though he didn’t let the cat out of the bag as to why…we can only hope the answer will be in his performance Saturday night.

When asked what kind of crowd he likes, he stated, “The kind that laughs.”

There is no cover charge, come and enjoy the fun!

To listen to a couple of his show clips click on  Scot Shields

There will be Karaoke before and after the comedy performance, provided by Pegasus aka: Craig & Shelly.

By, Charity Maness

News story 8-13-2010 from thepinetree

Veteran of Foreign War Membership Meeting to be held in Copperopolis

Looking for Vets to start a VFW in Copperopolis


With large numbers of our local youth returning from the Middle East with experiences that only another veteran of war could possibly understand, a VFW Post is a vital to the healing process that those young men will need.
If you are a veteran of a foreign war and would be interested in helping form a VFW post in Copperopolis please attend our next meeting to be held 2:00 p.m. August 15, 2010 at Micki and Larry’s Sports Pub in Copperopolis.
At this meeting we will be answering questions, taking nominations for interim officers, and signing up new members. This is a fledgling group in need of your support and your input.
Not sure if you qualify?
Here are the requirements to be a Veteran of Foreign War:
You are eligible if you:
have received a campaign medal for overseas service;
served 30 consecutive days in Vietnam;
have served 30 consecutive or 60 non consecutive days in Korea;
have received hostile fire pay;
or have received imminent danger pay.
For more requirement information please visit www.vfw.org/resources/pdf/eligibility05.pdf.
You can be active military to join, as long as you meet one of the eligibility requirements.
If interested please come to our meeting. If you have any questions, email Michael McDaniel at survivormicusmc@gmail.com
To begin a new VFW post there must be a minimum of 35 interested members…we need your help.

Need not be a resident of Copperopolis to join.

News Story 8-1-2010 from thepinetree

Laughter on the Road in Copperopolis ~ by, Charity Maness

Saturday night the Sports Pub brought in a hilarious form of entertainment to Copperopolis, a touring comedy show titled “Just Another Hangover Tour.” The headliner, harking from Humbolt County, which he inferred should tell you a lot, came on the scene in early 2003 and has been touring the US ever since; hitting luxurious destinations such as Puxico, Missourri at Cooter Browns Club, and Shattuck, Oklahoma at Young Guns Saloon claiming all the while “If you’ve heard of it…we don’t work there.” With such well known towns under his belt, it was only a matter of time before he landed in Copperopolis…or in jail, but I digress, that is a story better told by him.

Scot, armed with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Math, decided that pushing papers was just not the life for him. So began the journey of his stand up comic dream. Playing to the crowd last night with stories of the seemingly endless amounts of mishaps and misadventures that occur in his life on the road, the audience warmed up quickly. His demeanor reminiscent of the late great Rodney Dangerfield allowed him to easily poke fun at the “four basic food groups: drinking, sex, drugs, and the news” and sometimes an unsuspecting patron, having the majority of the crowd in stitches. This being his second visit to Copperopolis this year it was amazing to hear his new material, though when a bit of the older material was delivered, the crowd found it to be just as funny as it was six months ago.

Opening the act for “Just Another Hangover Tour” was stand-up comic and U.S. Marine, Colin Dillon, from Santa Monica California. With experience in acting, attending an acting school in Seattle, he used not only his words to whip up the joke, but his body too. His high energy and extreme patience helped him to handle the hecklers in the crowd, playing off their words or missteps. Though his language was definitely rated ‘R’ his humor was unquestionably a hit with the audience. Colin has had the opportunity to not only play in comedy clubs across the US but in areas of Asia also.

The PTC for Copperopolis Elementary was there on hand to take a mug shot with the comedians and sing their praises. One said, “I haven’t seen a comedy show since we moved to California, this is amazing!” Another local who enjoyed the show said, “It is nice to have something different in this town.” Other words used to describe the evenings show, “very funny, hilarious, great time.” If you missed ‘em this time, the “Just Another Hangover Tour” plans on hitting the Sports Pub again this winter, sometime in January or February.

For more information on Scot visit scotsditch.com, for information on Colin visit him on facebook Colin Richard Dillon.

News story 6-22-2010 from thepinetree

Local VFW Post soon to become a reality for Copperopolis

After working for over a year coordinating with the VFW headquarters in Kansas City and working with Sacramento the very first meeting for the formation of a VFW Post in Copperopolis was held on June 13, 2010 at Micki & Larry’s Sports Pub. This date holds special meaning to me, for it was my son’s 22 birthday, which he was celebrating in Afghanistan with the rest of 3/7 India Company of the United States Marine Corps.

I would like to give you a little background on why I personally felt a VFW post was necessary. 

We have so many young men coming home from the Middle East with visions in their heads that can never be erased. How, as a mother, am I to understand his pain? The atrocities he’s seen? The pain he has had to inflict? The loss of a fellow brother? It’s simple…I can’t. But other veterans of foreign wars can. Our young soldiers and Marines need a group of men and women that will be here for them when they come home; a band of brothers that will help them through the gut wrenching memories and help them move forward.

Over 15 VFW members from Post 2600 in San Andreas turned out to show their support for the formation of a VFW in Copperopolis. Not only did they show their support by their mere presence, they donated monies to a start up fund for the VFW and for a woman’s auxiliary post. Don Cuneo, Commander VFW Post 2600, had a plethora of information and nothing but words of encouragement.

After an initial shaky voiced, nervous speech by myself, (I now recall why I didn’t get high marks in Speech in college) membership applications were handed out and stories were flying. A delicious buffet was served by Vietnam Veteran Larry Philips and the camaraderie began. Each veteran in attendance stood, introduced themselves and told of the war they had served in. It was as if I was taking a walk through history. From Pearl Harbor, to Korea, to Vietnam, to the first Persian Gulf War. These men are true American heros. It was an honor to be in their presence.

Wandering about talking to the veterans, I spoke with the wife of a Vietnam veteran only to find out that all three of her sons have been enlisted in the military. Two have served their country and are home, one is still active. The youngest, when he enlisted, knowing his mom was hurting knowing all her boys were in the military said, “Mom, I know you don’t want me to go, but there’s a lot of guys out there that need to come home.” She reiterated this story to me with tears in her eyes; tears of pride.

As the meeting wound down the membership application count came in at 18 members for the new VFW; 17 more and we will have a Post. If you are interested in becoming a member please contact Charity Maness at maness@caltel.com, VFW in the subject line. The VFW is more than just another club. It is a brotherhood 2.2 million strong that encompasses all ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds. The VFW has over 8100 posts worldwide fighting for your rights, passing legislation ensuring your rights as a veteran, and helping you to navigate the VA benefit maze to get you the proper care you deserve.

As the grand-daughter, step daughter, and niece of military veterans, and proud mother of a Marine I want to thank all veterans from the bottom of my heart for your service. Your selfless acts and those of your brothers in arms that fought and fell beside you have given me and my family a gift of freedom that we do not take lightly.

Thank you all so very much.

Charity Maness

News article by Charity Maness thepinetree 10-7-09

A Big Thank You To The Sports Pub From The 6th Graders of Copper Elementary~By Charity Maness

Copperopolis, CA...Over the years Micki and Larry, owners of the Sports Pub in Copperopolis, have been huge supporters seemingly every Copperopolis community project and fund that has come through town, from youth sports to blood drives. Over the summer Micki and Larry raised funds for the Copperopolis Elementary sixth grade science camp by putting on a youth chili-off and running 50/50 raffles. With their help approximately 4 children will be able to attend science camp this year...

In 1998 when Micki and Larry Phillips purchased the Sports Pub they took over a small wine and beer bar with a small but loyal local clientelle. With of
course some of their customers having children and Micki and Larry being great listeners, it began to feel as if they personally knew half the children in
Copperopolis. From there it was a natural progression for Micki and Larry to support these children they so loved. It started with t-ball and as the children
grew advanced to softball. Before long the Sports Pub became known as the sponsor a team wanted to have. would find themselves mysteriously treated
to a juicy pizza, courtesy of Micki and Larry.

When the kids grew the request to sponsor teams dwindled and Micki and Larry needed an outlet for their big hearts. Enter the food pantry. In the corner
of the pub one will always see a fifty five gallon drum accepting collections for the local food pantry. They have had some nights, ingeniously football
Mondays, where they nicely inform the customers of the "can for entry" rule. Meaning if you want to watch the big game on one of their multiple televisions
with surround sound and the great camaraderie you better bring a can of food. The patrons rallied around this idea and brought in not just a can or two,
but bags of food.

On a roll and realizing they have not only found a niche as a great local place to hang out and be with friends to play pool, darts, listen to music (live some
nights) watch a game or two, but also they have discovered this community has a huge heart. On their own and with the help of some of their clients they
have hosted car shows, chili cook offs, 50/50 raffles, cancer benefits, car shows, sear point race car benefit, all to benefit the local community.
They have raised funds for kids that couldn't afford to play sports, the Volunteer Fire Department, kids camp, multiple families in need, the Food Pantry, sixth grade science camp.

The latest fund raiser, and most definitely very close to their hearts, is the Poker Run on October 10th for Leslie Rabeneau. Micki and Larry (along with
most of the town) have known Leslie for years. Known her smile, her kindness, her warmth and her love for her family and friends. So when they found that Leslie was in need of a Bone Marrow transplant and would require hours of chemo and undergo painful procedures, they knew they needed to do
something. If you have ever known someone with cancer or suffering a debilitating disease, you know it is not only the 'victim' per say that suffers.

The amount of emotional stress on the spouse and children can sometimes be almost as painful. To relieve some of the financial stress on the family Micki and Larry decided to throw a multi community Poker Run to benefit Leslie and her wonderful family.

When I cornered Micki to ask her about all that she had done for the community, she dismissed my question with a wave of her hand and took no credit for all that she and Larry had done. "We feel so much a part of this community, we just want to give back." Being a bar can have its disadvantages when trying to raise funds for children, though the patrons are giving and charitable, society tends to mark them as a pariah. But Micki is well aware of that sentiment and says, "We do so much more than just serve drinks, we serve people." They are both active members of the Lions and CABA and their pub is a ECV watering hole. They have also recently generously offered the pub as a Post site for a VFW attempting to start in this town as Larry is a Veteran of a Foreign War.