The University of Scranton to Present Noel Night Concert Continuing a beloved holiday season tradition, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present its 56th annual Noel Night concert on Saturday, Dec. 2. The concert, which is open to the public, will begin at 8 p.m. in the University’s Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and prelude beginning at 7:05 p.m. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis. Considered the University’s Christmas gift to the community, Noel Night has been a must-attend event for many Scranton-area residents since its founding more than a half-century ago by the Rev. Edward Gannon, S.J. This year’s Noel Night will feature performances by The University of Scranton Singers, String Orchestra and Flute Ensemble. Outdoor instrumental caroling by members of the University Bands will greet audience members as they arrive. According to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga, the program will include a variety of sacred selections – including music by Ivo Antognini, Randol Alan Bass, Franz Biebl, Robert Ray, Igor Stravinsky, John Rutter and others – interspersed with readings of Nativity texts. Included in the program are works sung in English, Chinese, Latin, Russian and Zulu. Pianist for the evening is Ron Stabinsky, and Christopher Johnson is organist. The primary focus of Performance Music at The University of Scranton is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles. There is no music major at the University, and all enrolled University of Scranton students are eligible for membership in the bands, choirs, and string ensembles, with neither an audition nor enrollment fee required for membership. Hundreds of students participate in the ensembles each year.
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
Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center Announces Upcoming Events Thanksgiving Buffet Join Kalahari for its annual Thanksgiving Celebration Buffet and feast on all of the traditional favorites like roasted turkey, herb-crusted prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, candied yams, and so much more! Plus, don’t miss the dessert station! Thursday, November 23, 2023 4-8 p.m. Adults (ages 13+): $69.99 | Kids (ages 4-12): $29.99 | 3 & Under: FREE Located in the Kalahari Resorts Convention Center – 250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA 18349 More Info Breakfast with Santa Santa Claus is coming to town, and his first stop is Kalahari Resorts! Locals and resort guests are invited to join Kalahari for a holiday breakfast with Santa! Enjoy all your holiday breakfast favorites, including an omelet station, pancakes, waffles, fresh-cut fruit, and scrambled eggs. Plus, Kalahari is featuring a Build-Your-Own Mimosa or Bloody Mary add-on drink package for adults. After you eat, enjoy a special visit with Santa, stop by the Hot Cocoa Station, or take a train ride! December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 8:30-11 a.m. Adults (ages 13+): $34.99 | Kids (ages 4-12): $19.99 | 3 & Under: FREE Located in the Kalahari Resorts Convention Center – 250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA 18349 More Info Small Business Holiday Party Have a small company but want to celebrate in a big way? Enjoy the holidays together in style at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Small Business Holiday Party! Delicious hors d’oeuvres, festive cocktails, a full buffet dinner, and dancing awaits! Purchase your tickets today. Friday, December 15 7-10 p.m. $85 per person (inclusive of tax and service charge) | $62.50 Full Open Bar Add-On (inclusive of tax and service charge) Located in the Kalahari Resorts Convention Center – 250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA 18349 More Info Holiday Buffet Celebrate your holiday at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. Experience Kalahari’s incredible holiday feast, where you’ll enjoy all of your holiday favorites like Hand Carved Duck, Ham and Prime Rib, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Candied Yams, and so much more! Plus, don’t miss the dessert station featuring a wide array of sweet treats, sure to satisfy any sweet tooth! Monday, December 25, 2023 4-8 p.m. Adults (ages 13+): $69.99 | Kids (ages 4-12): $29.99 | 3 & Under: FREE Located in the Kalahari Resorts Convention Center – 250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA 18349 More Info NYE Buffet & Glow Party Ring in the New Year at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions! Join Kalahari for its New Year’s Eve Buffet, where you will enjoy all of your favorite holiday dishes. Plus, don’t miss the dessert station featuring a wide array of sweet treats, sure to satisfy any sweet tooth! After dinner, join Kalahari from 9pm – 12am for a Glow Party in Kilimanjaro Ballroom, along with a special ball drop at midnight! Sunday, December 31 5-9 p.m. Adults (ages 13+): $79.99 | Kids (ages 4-12): $29.99 | 3 & Under: FREE Located in the Kalahari Resorts Convention Center – 250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA 18349 More Info
Marywood University to Celebrate the Season by “Making Spirits Bright” “Making Spirits Bright,” Marywood’s annual celebration of the holiday season through festive programming, community service, and spiritual opportunities, will begin this month and continue through New Year’s Eve. Service activities and a concert will begin this month, followed by signature events and programming occurring in December. 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 6, at 4 p.m. Seasonal music from student musicians will be featured. 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, December 6-22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Marywood’s campus also will feature an outdoor Christmas display of the Nativity scene at the Memorial Arch on Adams Avenue. 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 Wednesday, December 6, following the Tree Lighting Ceremony, 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. The Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance is presenting several seasonal concerts, which are free and open to the public, including: Percussion Ensemble Concert, November 28, 5 p.m., Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts – The concert will feature two works arranged by Clair O. Musser for the 1935 International Marimba Symphony Orchestra: Edward Elgar’s – “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1,” and “Bolero,” by Eustasio Rosales. The concert will also feature works by composers Michael Udow, Nathan Daughtrey, and a novelty ragtime xylophone solo by Harry Breuer: “Back Talk,” with Benjamin Werle as xylophone soloist. There will also be a touch of Christmas Music! Guitar Ensemble Holiday Concert, December 9, 7:30 p.m., Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual Life – Join us for a program that includes music by Francisco Tárrega, the 19th-century Spanish virtuoso, combined with live Jazz improvisation! The program also includes a few Christmas classics, such as “Silent Night.” Chamber Singers Holiday Concert, December 10, 2 p.m., Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual Life – The annual Christmas concert by the Marywood University Chamber Singers will feature sacred and secular music and carols by Pierre de Manchicourt, Richard Rodney Bennett, Abbie Betinis, Kevin Allen, John Milne, and John Orfe. Additionally, there will be a Marywood Wind Symphony Holiday Concert at Marywood Heights, December 6, 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 Giving Tree service project will run from November 13-December 8. Unwrapped gifts, valued at $15, for the Giving Tree are due on Friday, December 8, at the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life. In addition to unwrapped gifts, monetary donations, as well as gift cards to stores such as Target, will be acceptable. Donations of gift wrap that can be shared with families are also welcome. Co-sponsors of this service effort are MUSE Education Club and the Maxis-Gillet Student Ambassadors for Service, Faith, and Justice. The gifts are being given to children, senior citizens, and men and women in the Scranton area who are experiencing homelessness. Contact communityservice@m.marywood.edu with any questions. Marywood students will spread holiday cheer to the retired IHM Sisters at Our Lady of Peace Residence, located on campus, with two afternoons of Christmas caroling on Tuesday, November 28, and on Monday, December 11, at 2:30 p.m. on both dates. SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITIESMass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, patronal feast of the IHM Sisters and the United States, will be celebrated on Friday, December 8, at Noon in the Marian Chapel. An Advent Prayer Service is taking place on December 13, 2023, 6:30 p.m., at the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes in the IHM Center adjacent to Marywood’s campus (1512 University Avenue). This bilingual prayer service is being coordinated by IHM Associates Alejandra Marroquin and Rufino Cano. STUDENT AND ALUMNI EVENTS An office decorating contest, sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA), will allow students to vote for their favorite décor. A $250 donation will be given to the winning office’s favorite charity, and the winner will be announced at the tree lighting ceremony. Additionally, the SGA 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. Marywood will offer its traditional Breakfast with Santa event, hosted by the NEPA Marywood Alumni Chapter in conjunction with the Office of Alumni Engagement. The event is set for Sunday, December 3, from 9 a.m. – Noon, in the Latour Room, Nazareth Student Center. Seating is limited, and preference is given to Marywood alumni. Advanced registration is required; once the event capacity is reached, registration will be closed. For details, go to: marywood.edu/alumni/events. For information on Marywood’s Christmas events and related resources, visit marywood.edu/makingspiritsbright.
The Wayne Bank to Host Food Drive for Wayne County Food Pantry From November 13th through the 17th, Wayne Bank’s Honesdale Main Street Community Office will host a food drive to support the Wayne County Food Pantry. The Office will collect non-perishable food items including food, paper products, and personal care items during regular lobby hours. “There are many local families in need this time of year,” explained Jill Hessling, Vice President and Regional Manager for Wayne Bank. “Wayne Bank is committed to not only supporting our local neighbors with their financial goals, but we also care about their well-being and understand the importance of giving back. All items collected will be donated to the Wayne County Food Pantry. Just in time for Thanksgiving and the holiday season. Please consider taking a moment of your day to stop by with a donation that can help make a difference in our community.” The Wayne County Pantry Program is sponsored through County Government. It is operated under the leadership of the Wayne County Pantry Board which is comprised of private citizens. Board members are also coordinators at each of the pantry sites. The Wayne County Pantry Program has five sites located in strategic areas of the County to serve eligible County residents. The five food pantry sites can be found in Honesdale, Lakeville, Newfoundland, Lakewood, and Damascus. If you are interested in becoming involved with the food pantry or would like further information, please contact 570-253-4262 or visit https://www.waynecountypa.gov/169/Pantry.
Marywood University to Hold Wind Symphony Concert on Nov. 12 Marywood University’s music, theatre, and dance (MTD) department recently announced that the University’s Wind Symphony will present English Folks Songs, on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at 4 p.m., in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts. The concert will feature: “Army of The Nile” by Kenneth Alford; “Lincolnshire Posy” by Percy Aldridge Grainger; “Fantasy on English Folk Songs” by Gene F. Milford; “Three Studies in English Folk Song” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and “Children’s March” by Percy Aldridge Grainger. The wind ensemble will be conducted by Fred David Romines, D.M.A., director of bands and co-chair of the Music, Theatre, and Dance Department at Marywood University. During a 43-year professional career, Dr. Romines has directed bands from public and private schools, community groups, collegiate ensembles, military, and professional organizations. The Wind Symphony Concert is free and open to the public. For more information and to learn about other Marywood University MTD events, go to marywood.edu/mtd and scroll to the bottom of the page to view upcoming performances.
The Waverly Community House to Host Annual Artisans’ Marketplace For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, click HERE, scan the QR code, or call the office: 570.586.8191. Volunteers are needed for this event. Please contact Kathy at the Comm office to discuss volunteer opportunities. 570.586.8191
