Fidelity Bank Makes Multiple Donations In late August, Fidelity Bank donated $50,000 to Marywood University. ($25,000 from Fidelity Bank and $25,000 from the Fidelity D&D Charitable Foundation.) Pictured: Dan Santaniello, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank, Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., President of Marywood University, and Dragan Jokic, Assistant Vice President & Retail Branch Manager of the Dunmore branch. In late July, Fidelity Bank donated $7,500 to Sisters of IHM. ($2,500 from Fidelity Bank and $5,000 from the Fidelity D&D Charitable Foundation) Pictured: Bob Brown, President of Sisters of IHM, Sister Ann Bubser, Executive Director of Sisters of IHM, Dan Santaniello, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank, and Lori Barrett, Vice President & Senior Trust Officer at Fidelity Bank, and also Treasurer of Sisters of IHM. In late July, Fidelity Bank donated $2,500 to the Cody Barrasse Memorial Foundation. Pictured: Dan Santaniello, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank, Lori Barrett, Vice President & Senior Trust Officer at Fidelity Bank and Joseph Barrasse from the Cody Barrasse Memorial Foundation.
Misericordia University Community Choir to Present Christmas Concert Celebrate the season of Christmas with the Misericordia University Community Choir on Thursday, December 7th at 7:00 PM in the University Chapel. The Center for Adult & Continuing Education invites you to come together with family and friends to experience the magic of the holiday season through the gift of music. It promises to be a night of harmony, goodwill, and festive delight. The concert is FREE and open to the public. Date: Thursday, December 7, 2003 Time: 7:00 PM Location: University Chapel, First Floor, Mercy Hall Please contact Paul Nardone at pnardone@misericordia.edu or by phone 570-674-8130 with any questions or for additional information.
Johnson College Enrolling Students in Forklift Operator Training Course Johnson College’s Continuing Education program is offering a Forklift Operator Training Course on Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Diesel Truck Technology Center on the College’s Scranton campus. The cost of the course is $200, but if you are a current Johnson College student or alum the cost is only $100. Space is limited! The forklift operator training is designed to familiarize students with OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training Requirements (29CFR Standard 1910.178 and ASME B56.1), provide current training requirements under the newly adopted standards, and assist participants in becoming an authorized operator of forklifts through theory and tactile testing. Nine hours of instruction including pre-operational inspection, picking up, traveling, and placing loads, parking procedures, refueling, and practical operation. To learn more or to enroll, visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/forklift/ or contact the Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.
The Wright Center Welcomes New Psychiatrist Psychiatrist Aditi Sharma, M.D., MPH, has joined The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Practice, where she is accepting new patients. Dr. Sharma will treat adults who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, providing consultations and evaluations to develop personalized behavioral health and medicinal care plans. Additionally, Dr. Sharma will serve as core faculty and associate program director in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Psychiatry Residency program. Dr. Sharma is a 2023 alumna of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. She earned her medical degree from Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Himachal Pradesh, India. She also holds a master’s degree in public health and health promotion from London South Bank University. After completing her studies in Britain, Dr. Sharma came to the United States and has previously lived in Texas and Illinois. She speaks English, Hindi, and Punjabi. Dr. Sharma is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society. The Wright Center for Community Health operates 10 primary and preventive care practices in Northeast Pennsylvania, including a mobile medical and dental vehicle called Driving Better Health. The health center treats individuals of all income levels and insurance statuses, including the underinsured and uninsured. No patient is turned away due to an inability to pay. To learn about the many services offered at The Wright Center, including its psychiatric and behavioral health services, go to TheWrightCenter.org. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sharma at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Practice, 501 S. Washington Ave., call 570.941.0630.
The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Santa Train Celebrates 25 Years in a Small Town The most wonderful time of the year is almost here, and so is the beloved Santa Train! Join the 25th anniversary of this free family event that brings magic and joy through the Lackawanna Valley on Saturday, December 2nd. The Santa Train will travel along the historic Delaware & Hudson railroad line, stopping at six stations to greet children and families with special silver anniversary surprises. Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, and other characters will distribute candy, gifts, and holiday cheer. The train will feature live entertainment by Doug Smith’s Dixieland All-Stars, Franko the Great, Ryan Cornelius the Balloon Wizard, a special guest appearance by the Brown Initiative, the Valley View High School Band, and Champ, the mascot of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Rail Riders. A holiday tradition since 1996, the Santa Train took a two-year hiatus but made a triumphant post-pandemic return in 2022 with hundreds of families and children in attendance. The train will arrive in Carbondale at 10:30 AM; Archbald at 11:20 AM; Jessup at noon; Olyphant at 12:45 PM; Dickson City at 1:30 PM, and its final destination, the Steamtown National Historic Site, at 3 p.m. Beyond its popularity as a festive celebration, the Santa Train is a way of honoring the region’s rich heritage, shaped in large part by the railroad industry. With its origins in Carbondale, the D&H was one of the most important railroads in the country, connecting local coal mines with markets in New York and across the Atlantic seaboard. The Steamtown NHS in Scranton preserves and showcases the history and legacy of steam locomotives with exhibits, demonstrations, and excursions. The Santa Train is a communitywide effort made possible by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley, Steamtown NHS, Delaware/Lackawanna Railroad, Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Rail Authority, Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau, Carbondale Business Association, City of Carbondale, the boroughs of Archbald, Jessup, and Jessup 21st Century Association, Dickson City, Olyphant, and the City of Scranton. Special thanks to this year’s sponsors: Peoples Security Bank, Community Bank N.A., NBT Bank, Honesdale National Bank, Rotary Club of Scranton, North Penn Charitable Foundation, Quinn’s Market and Propst Transportation and Lackawanna County. For more information, visit www.lhva.org.
Cooper’s Seafood House to Benefit The Women’s Resource Center Indulge in a feast fit for a cause at Cooper’s Seafood House! From Wednesday, December 6th to Friday, December 8th, 2023, Cooper’s is excited to offer a special deal that brings together delicious seafood and charitable giving. Alaskan King Crab Extravaganza for a Cause! For a limited time, treat yourself to one pound of succulent Alaskan King Crab Legs for just $20! With each order Cooper’s will make a $10 donation to the Women’s Resource Center. It’s a win-win – savor the unparalleled taste of Alaskan King Crab while contributing to a meaningful cause that supports and empowers women in our community. Special Details: Dates: December 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2023 – Dine in only Deal: One pound of Alaskan King Crab Legs for $20. Sides Included: Enjoy the perfect pairing with complimentary French fries and cole slaw. By participating in this special event, you not only get to relish a delectable seafood experience but also make a positive impact on the lives of women through your generous donation to the Women’s Resource Center. Join Cooper’s Seafood House for a feast that goes beyond the table, where every bite makes a difference!
The Wright Center Receives Donation from Dunkin Franchisee Group To help area children and families in need, The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement (PCE) was recently presented with a $2,500 donation from a regional Dunkin’ franchisee group and a matching gift from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation. The $5,000 contribution will be reinvested in the community through PCE’s activities, such as school backpack giveaways, winter clothing and blanket giveaways, free food distributions, and other special mission-driven projects. The Lufrankton Network, a franchisee group that operates stores in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, chose PCE to receive charitable funding made available during its recent “Renovation Celebration” to highlight the makeover of its Dunkin’ location in Eynon. The foundation generously doubled the gift because its mission – “to provide the simple joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness” – is reflected in many of PCE’s initiatives to assist children in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and nearby counties. “We are grateful for this amazing support from Dunkin’,” said PCE Director Holly Przasnyski. “For its ongoing operation, the nonprofit PCE relies on external funding such as donations and fundraising. So, if it wasn’t for the kindness of civic-minded businesses like Dunkin’, we would not be able to conduct our events that help feed, clothe, and otherwise support the under-resourced children and their families in the communities we serve.” PCE is a subsidiary of The Wright Center for Community Health. Employees of the health center volunteer to conduct its activities, which are intended to improve people’s access to health care and empower them to be co-managers of their health and wellness plans. In particular, PCE strives to help Wright Center patients and others in the community overcome food insecurity and other non-medical issues that can affect their ability to focus on achieving and maintaining their maximum wellness. Those issues commonly include transportation barriers, lack of access to educational opportunities, homelessness, and poverty. For more information about The Wright Center and its primary and preventive care services, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Settlers Hospitality Announces Holiday Events There’s no place like Settlers Hospitality for the holidays. Celebrations at The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, Silver Birches, the Hawley Silk Mill and Hotel Anthracite help make the season merry and bright. Candlelight Christmas, December 1 through 3, at The Settlers Inn ushers in the most wonderful time of the year. The annual event is a signature celebration and an eagerly anticipated festivity in the Pocono Mountains Lake Region. Guests are greeted with live music and décor that features natural greens, artisanal and handcrafted decorations and an offering of mulled wine or syllabub. Horse and carriage rides plus an oversized gingerbread replica of The Settlers Inn enhance the festive atmosphere. A lavish holiday meal features entrees such as braised short ribs, grilled pork tenderloin and prime rib. Indulgent dessert choices include peppermint pillow ice cream, Buche de Noel and English toffee pudding. Christmas Tea is an elegant new addition to the festivities at The Settlers Inn. Every Thursday in December from 2-4 p.m. guests may delight in the Inn’s holiday finery while enjoying a traditional afternoon tea. Visitors may savor freshly brewed teas, finger sandwiches and decadent desserts surrounded by fresh greens, twinkling lights and a crackling fire. Winterfest Brunch at The Settlers Inn on December 9 and 10 features live music by harpist Kristy Chmura accompanied by a prix fixe menu of holiday inspired fare. Guests may enjoy the celebration from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. each day. It’s the fun of holiday baking with none of the at home clean-up. Make and take home four types of cookies during a Holiday Cookie Baking Class in the Boiler Room at the Hawley Silk Mill on December 7 and 14. The class from 4:30-8 p.m. will have attendees ready for holiday gatherings with eight dozen cookies. A Buche de Noel Baking Class on December 21 offers a hands-on lesson in wowing guests with a traditional yule log dessert. Gorgeous Floral’s Oh! Christmas Trees Sip and Snip on December 7 and 14 takes holiday decorating to a new level. Attendees create their own miniature boxwood Christmas Tree. The fun evening event includes a cocktail or mocktail. A Chocolate and Coffee Tasting at Cocoon Coffeehouse and Bakery on December 8 is a delicious way to warm up. Moka Origins will offer samplings of its award-winning craft chocolate and coffee from 1-3 p.m. Distinctive gift ideas from a collection of curated vendors await shoppers at the Winterfest Artisan Fair at the Hawley Silk Mill. The marketplace is open December 9 and 10 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Visitors may soak in the holiday spirit at The Waterfront at Silver Birches on December 9. Breakfast with Santa features a bountiful meal, the chance to take photos with Santa Claus, gingerbread cookie decorating and more merriment. The Jolly Old Elf also makes a special appearance at Hotel Anthracite in Carbondale on December 10. Families are invited to Brunch with Santa from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for a festive meal and an opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus. New Year’s Eve celebrations run the gamut from elegant and intimate to laid-back and lively. The Settlers Inn offers a holiday dinner from 5:30-10 p.m. accompanied by live piano music from Dan Bradley. Ring in 2024 in the Pioneer City with a New Year’s Ball. Hotel Anthracite hosts the party in Gravity Hall complete with live entertainment, food stations throughout the night and more. There is also a New Year’s Eve Bash at The Waterfront at Silver Birches. A buffet meal, DJ music and dancing lead up to a midnight champagne toast and noisemakers to welcome 2024. Celebrate early or late at Glass- wine.bar.kitchen. Enjoy early seating from 5-7 p.m. and late seating after 8 p.m. Festivities include live music and a special tasting menu. Spend the first day of 2024 at The Settlers Inn’s New Year’s Day Brunch. The holiday meal features a prix fixe menu and live piano music. Settlers Hospitality has December stacked end to end with holiday cheer, anticipated tastes, enchanting scenes and plenty of merry making. For more information, visit settlershospitality.com
The Lackawanna Historical Society to Screen Local Documentaries This season, the Lackawanna Historical Society will offer a special treat for the community with screenings of two local history documentaries at the Ritz Theater on Sunday, December 17 at 2 pm. The program begins with the Cannon Fire 2023 production “Stories from the Block: Remembering Scranton’s Wholesale District”. From the 1870s through the 1960s, Scranton’s Wholesale Block stretched along Lackawanna Avenue from the Lackawanna River to Mifflin Avenue, serving a hub of commercial activity as fresh produce and other goods were unloaded at nearby railroad freight depots. “Stories from the Block” focuses on some of the businesses that operated on the block and highlights how the city’s commercial activities reflected periods of growth and decline through the years. The project was produced by Cannon Fire Productions, with funding support from private donations, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley, and the Spitz Foundation. The work of filmmakers Bob Savakinus and Timothy Novotney features interviews with individuals like former Scranton Mayor Gene Peters, who remembered the wholesale district, and also explores the adjacent commercial district as well. The wholesale block film will be followed by a screening of “Rocky Glen Park”. This 2009 documentary presents a history and overview of one of our region’s most beloved sites and celebrates 101 years of how the park brought laughter and recreation in the Wyoming and Lackawanna Valleys. Admission is $10 at the door. There will be no advance ticket sales. For more information about the program, contact the Lackawanna Historical Society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahistory@gmail.com.
