Marywood University Is Celebrating the Season by “Making Spirits Bright” Marywood’s annual celebration of the Christmas season through festive programming, community service, spiritual opportunities, and student and alumni events, will begin in December continue through New Year’s Eve. FESTIVE PROGRAMMING The signature event of the Christmas season, Marywood’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, will take place in the Rotunda of the Liberal Arts Center on Wednesday, December 4, at 4 p.m. Festive music will be provided. The event is free and open to the public. The public also may view the Marywood Christmas tree during the normal operating hours of the Liberal Arts Center, Monday through Friday, from December 4 to December 20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Additionally, Marywood’s campus will feature an outdoor Christmas display of the Nativity scene at the Memorial Arch on Adams Avenue, and the Motherhouse and Seminary Morgan Memorial Garden in front of the Learning Commons will be adorned with lights and seasonal decorations. Sounds of the season will be broadcast by Marywood’s award-winning, student-run radio station, VMFM 91.7, which once again becomes Christmas 91.7 and continues its traditional community gift of broadcasting commercial-free Christmas music, 24/7. Christmas programming starts on Tuesday, December 3, and continues through New Year’s Eve. Those outside of the station’s local broadcast range can stream it for free online or through the Tune-in app. Salute to Service Basketball games for the men’s and women’s teams, in conjunction with the local National Guard, will be held on Saturday, December 7, at 1 p.m. (women’s) and 3 p.m. (men’s) at the Insalaco Arena, Center for Athletics and Wellness. Some military vehicles will be on display, the team will borrow military jerseys that they will wear, and there will be a tunnel for the team to run through onto the court. Military alumni, students, supporters, and families will be recognized at these games. The Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance is presenting several free seasonal concerts: 12/5 Guitar Ensemble Concert, Marian Chapel, 5 p.m.The Marywood Guitar Ensemble presents its traditional Holiday Concert by performing a diverse repertoire, including songs, old carols, Viennese Waltzes, and contemporary music. 12/5 Clarinet Choir Concert, Marian Chapel, 7 p.m. 12/12 String Project Concert, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts, 5 p.m.String students, ages 4-18, will be performing in small ensembles and string orchestras in this Holiday Gala performance. Admission is free and all are welcome to join this celebration of our young musicians. Additionally, there will be a Marywood Wind Symphony Holiday Concert at Marywood Heights, December 11, 7 p.m. The Band does this event each year to bring joy to the residents/staff of Marywood Heights. They will perform many traditional holiday favorites including sing-a-longs for the residents. Attendance at this event is limited to residents and staff of Marywood Heights. COMMUNITY SERVICE An on-campus Christmas Giving Tree service project will run from November 20 to December 6. Several Giving Trees on campus feature tags that can be selected to purchase a gift for a child in need in the local community. Gifts can be dropped off to the Office of Community Service and Social Justice in the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life or the Student Engagement Office in Nazareth Student Center by Friday, December 6. Student volunteers will also collect gift donations at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on December 4. This year’s Christmas Giving Tree is co-sponsored by the Office of Community Service and Social Justice, Marywood University Student Educators (MUSE), and Marywood Student Government Association. All gifts will be donated to the annual “Gifts for Kids” program, which is the collaborative effort of Catherine McAuley Center, Catholic Social Services, Friends of the Poor, and the Salvation Army. Contact communityservice@m.marywood.edu with any questions. SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITIESMarywood’s annual Advent/Christmas Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, December 8, at 7:30 in the Marian Chapel. This will be a Candlelight Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent. This will be the last Sunday Mass of the semester. Marywood will celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, its patronal feast, on Monday, December 9, with Mass at Noon in the Marian Chapel. It is a tradition of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary to renew their vows on this day. On the liturgical calendar this feast is celebrated on December 8, but because it falls on the Second Sunday of Advent this year, it has been moved to Monday, December 9. STUDENT AND ALUMNI EVENTS The Student Government Association (SGA) will host the Annual Christmas Office Decorating Contest on campus. The SGA will announce winners at the tree lighting on December 4. The winning offices will have their monetary prizes awarded to the charity of choice in their honor, as follows: First Place – $250, Second Place – $150, and Third Place – $100. The SGA also is sponsoring a “Letters from Santa” project for members of the Marywood community (including alumni) and their families, who request letters for the children in their lives. The deadline for requests is December 4. For more information, contact marywoodclubs@marywood.edu. The traditional Breakfast with Santa event, hosted by the NEPA Marywood Alumni Chapter in conjunction with the Office of Alumni Engagement is set for Sunday, December 8, 10 a.m., in the Latour Room, Nazareth Student Center. Seating is limited, and preference is given to Marywood alumni. Advanced registration is required; once event capacity is reached, registration will be closed. Alumni can join the Office of University Advancement for “Cookies and Cocoa” in Maria Hall after the annual Christmas Tree Lighting on December 4, from 5-6:30 p.m. Also, the Marywood Alumni Association is hosting several off-campus events, including: NYC Alumni Meet Up at the Met, Friday, December 6, at 6 p.m., and a NYC Happy Hour Alumni Meet Up on Friday, December 6, 8-9:30 p.m., at Five Mile Stone, 1640 2nd Ave, New York, NY. Hershey Hotel Alumni Meet Up, at the iconic Hershey Hotel, featuring an exciting wine and chocolate pairing session, is set for Wednesday, December 11, 6-9 p.m. Alumni Gathering at the Binghamton Club, Binghamton, NY, Thursday, December 12, 6-9 p.m.
Steamtown National Historic Site Announces Events for Winter Winter Updates and Holiday Events at Steamtown National Historic Site Winter is knocking on the door! While heading into the “off season” there are still plenty of opportunities to get into the spirit of the season at Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS)! Winter Updates Saturday, November 16: begin winter hours of operation, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., daily. Steamtown’s History Museum, Roundhouse building, and outdoor spaces will remain open throughout the winter. Weather may cause delays or closures, for updates visit http://go.nps.gov/STEAconditions. Friday, 11/22 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Stuff the Caboose Spread some holiday cheer and help us “Stuff the Caboose” with non-perishable food items to benefit United Neighborhoods of NEPA ahead of the holiday season. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy some hot cocoa, s’mores, holiday lights, and music performed by West Scranton High School Band. Friday – Sunday, 11/29-12/1 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., each day Holiday Express to Moscow Have family visiting for the holiday? Spend time with them on board a scenic train ride along Roaring Brook through a northeastern hardwood forest to the quant country borough of Moscow, Pennsylvania. NOTE: this train may already be sold out, however, folks are encouraged to visit the park or Moscow Station to see the train in action before departure and after arrival. Saturday, 12/7 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. LHVA’s Christmas in a Small Town “Santa Train” Santa and Mrs. Claus will once again spread holiday cheer as they journey through the upper and mid-valley communities of Lackawanna County, stopping at five historic train stations along the way. Families are invited to join in the festive spirit, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet children with warmth and joy, sparking the magic of the season. NOTE: this is NOT a passenger train. Review the Clauses travel itinerary, so you don’t miss their visit to your town: · Carbondale – 10:30 a.m. · Archbald – 11:35 a.m. · Jessup – 12:20 p.m. · Olyphant – 1:00 p.m. · Dickson City – 1:45 p.m. · Scranton/Steamtown – 3:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 12/8, 12/14, 12/15, 12/21, and 12/22 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., each day North Pole Limited Join the Iron Horse Society and Santa for a magical steam train adventure! Get into the holiday spirit by experiencing the sounds and tastes of the holiday season starting with an “All Aboard” from the Conductor! Sing along with our roaming musicians as they play carols and enjoy a holiday treat. Tickets and additional information: North Pole Limited — Iron Horse Society
NEPA Philharmonics’ Holiday Concerts: A Festive Tradition Returns! The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s annual holiday concerts will feature the PNC Pops orchestra, under the baton of Maestra Mélisse Brunet, with soloist Nick Driscoll on clarinet. Performances will take place on Saturday, December 7, at 7 PM, at the FM Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre, and an afternoon matinee on Sunday, December 8, at 3 PM, at the Scranton Cultural Center. Maestra Mélisse Brunet, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, and Santa and Mrs. Claus invite you to celebrate the holiday season with the orchestra and special guests on December 7 and 8. Guest artists featured for Holiday 2024 are the Choral Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania, singers from the Wilkes University Choir (Dr. Joshua Harper, Artistic Director), Marywood University Concert Choir (Dr. Rick Hoffenberg, Music Director/Conductor), Ballet Theatre of Scranton (Joanne Arduino, Artistic Director), String Students of the Valenches Music Company, Special Guest Conductor Nancy Sanderson, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. This year’s concerts will include a broad variety of holiday favorites including “Jingle Bell Rock”, “Christmas Day”, “Klezmer 101”, “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” danced by Ballet Theatre of Scranton, “White Christmas” “Angels from the Realm of Glory”, “Sleigh Ride”, and more. The concert will end with a Holiday Sing-Along” including “Deck the Halls” and ‘Jolly Old St. Nicholas”, finishing with a “Jingle Bells Concert Finale”. Sponsoring Holiday 2024 are PNC Foundation, Dr. Seth & Carolyn Fisher, Allied Services, Benco Dental, Geisinger, Gentex, Karam Orthodontics, Pagnotti Enterprises, Inc., Realty Network, Riggs Asset Management, and Toyota of Scranton. Media sponsors are WNEP 16, WVIA, Discover NEPA, Halibut Blue, Happenings, and Lamar. Tickets may be purchased online at NEPAphil.org, by calling the Philharmonic office at 570.270.4444, at the FM Kirby or Scranton Cultural Center Box Offices, now or at the door immediately prior to the concerts. Reserved seats range from $42-$78 and student tickets, K-12, are $16. Holiday 2024 is dedicated to Nancy Sanderson, Executive Director, who will be retiring on December 31, 2024, following a decade of dedicated service to the orchestra. Newly appointed Executive Director, Chason Goldschmitz, will formally assume his role on January 1, 2025.
RailRiders’ Breakfast with Santa Returns to PNC Field! Christmas comes early this year at PNC Field: Breakfast with Santa is BACK! Continue the tradition or start a new one at the ballpark with your loved ones and little ones on Saturday, December 7. Thanks to your high demand and positive testimonials, we’ll be bringing back the All-You-Can-Eat buffet with a loaded omelet station, CHAMP’S Holiday Storytime, and more fan-favorites! RSVP ONLY. This event has SOLD OUT two years in a row, so lock in your seats now! Contact Kirsten at events@swbrailriders.com or (570) 558-4545 to book. Event Details: https://loom.ly/8GpspLk
Rotary Club of Scranton Requests Baskets for Karaoke Event Rotary Club of Scranton is hosting Christmas Karaoke for Kids to help raise funds for the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) in Scranton. WRC provides support and safety for those facing domestic violence, sexual assault, abuse, stalking, or human trafficking. We are graciously looking for sponsors to help offset the cost of the prizes and basket raffles. ALL SPONSORS WILL BE PUBLICLY RECOGNIZED THAT EVENING THROUGHOUT THE EVENT AND ON SOCIAL MEDIA! Please Consider the Following: Donating a basket full of goods from your business to be raffled off. Donating a gift card to your establishment for raffle. Making a monetary donation of $50, $75, or $100 toward purchase of a raffle prize (your business name will be recognized as donor). Donation checks can be made out to: Rotary Club of Scranton P O Box 1715 Scranton, PA 18501 THANK YOU in advance for any donation you can contribute! Please reach out with any questions to Sonya Dowling at sonya.dowling@fddbank.com or (570)-687-5107.
Bucknell vs Siena at Mohegan – Get $5 Off Tickets As a valued member, you can enjoy $5 off premium tickets to the Bucknell vs Siena basketball game at Mohegan Arena in Wilkes-Barre, simply by using the code “GSCHAM” at checkout. This game marks a historic moment—Division 1 basketball returns to the greater Scranton area for the first time in 19 years. Don’t miss this chance to witness top-tier action as Siena, led by Scranton native and head coach Gerry McNamara, takes on Bucknell in what’s sure to be a thrilling contest. Details: • Game: Bucknell vs Siena • Date: November 30th at 6PM • Location: Mohegan Arena, Wilkes-Barre • Discount Code: GSCHAM (for $5 off premium tickets) Get your tickets now and be part of the excitement. Click here to purchase: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0200612AC4253681?did=gscham
Misericordia University to Hold Open House Misericordia University invites you and your family to experience their campus, meet students, visit with professors, learn more about athletics, and speak with admissions representatives at the open house on November 16th! If you are looking for a college that delivers a powerful education and a personal experience, then look no further than Misericordia University. Learn more and register here!
90s Throwback Show – $5 Tickets for Chamber Members The Ritz Theater is pleased to offer up to 1,000 discounted tickets to Chamber members for the upcoming show on Friday, November 15th, 2024. In collaboration with the Chamber, tickets for this event will be available for just $5—marked down from the original price of $20—to encourage greater participation and commitment. Event DetailsDate: Friday, November 15th, 2024Discount Code: WELOVETHE90STicket Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1034148484957?aff=oddtdtcreator To purchase tickets: Visit the event page using the provided link. Click the “Get Tickets” button. Enter the discount code WELOVETHE90S in the “Promo Code” box. Select the number of tickets you wish to purchase and click “Check Out.”
I Need A Speaker Presents Free Webinar with Dr. Roger Firestien The most revolutionary ideas often emerge from unexpected connections. On November 15, Dr. Roger Firestien, a global expert in creative problem-solving, is hosting a free live webinar designed to help participants unlock the power of these connections and spark creativity that drives innovation. In just one hour, attendees will learn practical, proven techniques for deliberately making these creative connections, turning ordinary ideas into extraordinary innovations that outpace the competition. Dr. Firestien’s methods have helped over 600 organizations worldwide enhance their creative capabilities, with his work featured in Fast Company, Forbes, and INC. Key webinar takeaways include: Learn how to spark creativity on demand to drive innovation Discover how unexpected connections can lead to groundbreaking ideas Walk away with 100 actionable ideas to enhance events, meetings, and classes Participate in a live problem-solving session to generate real-world solutions Answer the question: Can bathtubs really fly? Co-sponsored by I Need A Speaker, this session is ideal for event planners, business leaders, and anyone interested in creating more engaging, meaningful experiences—whether in-person or virtual. As an added bonus, all attendees will receive a list of the creative ideas generated during the session, providing a treasure trove of actionable insights to use immediately.
