Marywood University and The Center for The Living City Announce Weeklong Observe Scranton Events

Marywood University and The Center for The Living City announce, Observe Scranton, a weeklong program of events. The community festival celebrates Scranton through the eyes of Jane Jacobs, a hometown iconic city activist, on what would be her 105th birthday. Free community exhibits located throughout the city, in collaboration with the Lackawanna County Library, Marywood University, the City of Scranton, other local colleges and universities, and many private community-minded developers, organizations, and businesses, include:

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

  • The festival will kick-off with Jane Jacobs Day & Flag Raising at Scranton City Hall, at 10 a.m., 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. Join Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., president of Marywood University, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, and the Center for the Living City for the inaugural Jane Jacobs Day Proclamation, a day of community conversations and gatherings, along with the Jane Jacobs flag raising on what would have been her 105th birthday.
  • A book launch will take place at 6:30 p.m., in the theater at Lackawanna College. Author Glenna Lang will give a slide presentation to celebrate the publication of her book, Jane Jacob’s First City: Learning from Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

  • The Jane Jacobs Walk will take place at the Forest Hill Cemetery, at 2 p.m., at 1830 Jefferson Avenue, Dunmore, Pa. Join the cemetery’s caretaker and archivist, Norma Reese, for a fascinating tour of Scranton’s first landscaped cemetery, founded in 1870.
  • The Architecture and History of Lackawanna Avenue will be explored at the Jane Jacobs Walk, at 5:15 p.m., at The Marketplace at Steamtown, 300 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton. Architect and local historian, Richard Leonori, will lead a several block walk along Scranton’s main downtown street, laid out as part of the original plan for the city in the 1850s.
  • Book signing at Library Express Bookstore will take place at 6:15 p.m., with author Glenna Lang, who will read passages from Jane Jacob’s First City. The book signing will take place at The Marketplace at Steamtown Mall, 2nd floor, 300 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton.
  • A Community Conversation: A Scranton City Dialogue will take place from 6 – 7:30 p.m., via Zoom. Those interested can register at surveymonkey.com/r/ObserveScranton. An inspired community conversation focusing on questions and themes Jane Jacobs raised in a seminal 1987 letter to the City about “what Scranton is, has been, and can be.” This event is hosted by The University of Scranton and city partners.

Thursday, May 6, 2021

  • From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. a virtual event, Blue Zone + the Built Environment, will be provided. Those interested can register by emailing Margaret.Brown@sharecare.com with the session the participants plan to attend including:
  • 10 – 11:15 a.m., Built Environment – Government. Discussions targeted to government and planning leaders for public works, economic development, walking and bike infrastructure, public safety, and more.
  • 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.: Built Environment – Policy Advocates: Discussion targeted to walk and bike advocates, neighborhood associations, chamber of commerce reps, and more.
  • 1 – 2 p.m.: Blue Zones for Elected Officials: Discussions targeted to mayors, city councils, county commissioners, and state and federal representatives, as well as the public.
  • A Book Reading with Glenna Lang and community members will take place at 5:30 pm., at the Lackawanna County Courthouse, across from the iconic Electric City sign. Accompanied by special guests, author Glenn Lang will provide an outdoor book reading of Jane Jacob’s First City, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing.

Friday, May 7, 2021

  • First Friday Scranton, from 5-9 p.m., will feature a wide variety of cultural events found in some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes, as well as galleries, boutiques, and other small businesses.
  • Interactive Exhibit, from 5 -7 p.m., at the Observe Scranton headquarters, 546 Spruce Street, in the Scranton Life Building. During the First Friday event, attendees are encouraged to share their thoughts about the past, present, and future of Scranton.
  • The Inaugural Community Night Light Ride will take place at 8:30 p.m., with registration at 7:30 p.m. Those interested will meet at the corner of Adams Avenue and Spruce Street. A fun evening bicycle ride through the city of Scranton will take place. Attendees are encouraged to decorate their bicycles with lights. Registration can also be made prior to the event, at northeastartproject.com/lightthenighride.

Saturday, May 8, 2021

  • A Jane Jacobs Walk will take place from 10 – 11 a.m., at 1712 Monroe Avenue, Dunmore, the childhood home of Jane Jacobs. Architect and longtime Dunmorean, John Cowder, will retrace Jane’s routes to her neighborhood school, the potato chip factory in the alley, and other mom-and-pop stores she and her family and friends frequented.
  • Scranton StorySlam with Scranton Fringe will take place at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Scranton StorySlam is a celebration of diverse voices, welcoming all to share their stories of triumph, disappointment, humor, and heartbreak with supportive audiences. Featured storytellers include Amber Viola, Chris Kelly, Glynis M. Johns, Gerard Hetman, Laureen M. O’Handley, Terry Thompson, and Jessica Rothchild, Ph.D., as well as many others.

For additional information about Observe Scranton events with Center for The Living City and Marywood University, please visit observescranton.org/schedule.

Marywood University Announces “The Counselor Next Door Podcast”

Marywood University’s Counseling and Student Development Center (CSDC) is offering its podcast, titled “The Counselor Next Door,” each Friday through the conclusion of the semester on Friday, May 7, 2021. The podcast’s aim is to present thoughtful conversations to support wellness, drawing from the experience of Marywood’s community.

Each episode of “The Counselor Next Door” covers a topic related to health and wellness from a counseling perspective, discussed by a counselor from Marywood’s CSDC, as well as a member of the University’s community. The topics are varied, ranging from equity and equality to art therapy, spiritual wellness, and more.

Episodes air every Friday, at anchor.fm/marywood-csdc. To learn more about Marywood’s Psychology and Counseling programs, visit marywood.edu/psychology-counseling/index.html, or call the Office of Admissions at (570) 348-6234.

Marywood University Students, Alumni, and Staff Volunteer to Spring Clean at Nay Aug Park in Scranton

Marywood University students, alumni, staff and family members volunteered this past weekend to help clean up Nay Aug Park, Scranton, Pa. Organized by The Greenhouse Project, and Debbie A. Frable Welby and Paul Welby, Memorial Rose Garden chairpersons, Scranton, Pa., Marywood volunteers assisted with work on two areas for new flower beds and benches. The volunteers cleaned, weeded, raked, and bagged more than sixty bags of leaves, and they spread two truckloads of red mulch.

Pictured (left to right) are: Logan Casebolt, family member; Mary Errico Casebolt, Marywood University alumna; Ann O’Brien, assistant director of Service-Learning and Community Service; Sarah O’Brien, (front) family member; Tommy Flynn, undergraduate student; Sister Rachel Terry, IHM, campus ministry associate; and Courtney Loughlin, graduate student.

Marywood University Announces Music, Theatre, and Dance Concerts

Marywood University’s Music, Theatre, and Dance department recently announced several spring concerts and performances to conclude the semester.

  • The Jazz Ambassadors Concert will take place on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 7 p.m. The concert directed by Vincent LoRusso and Steve Kurilla, will be streamed for those interested in attending.
  • Live from the Liberal Arts Center Rotunda on Sunday, May 2, 2021, Marywood University’s Chamber Singers, conducted by Rick Hoffenberg, will bring you, “Hail, Queen of Heaven.” The concert will be live streamed at marywood.edu/performances, for those interested in attending.
  • On Monday, May 3, 2021, at 7 p.m., Marywood University’s String Project Spring Gala will take place in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts. This performance will be streamed for those interested in attending.

For additional information about Marywood University’s Spring Concerts, please visit marywood.edu/mtd.

Marywood University Confirms Plan to Return to In-Person Classes for Fall 2021

Marywood University has confirmed its plan to return to in-person classes for the fall 2021 semester. Structured with the goal of keeping the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff paramount, the in-person plan was developed by Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., Marywood University president, in collaboration with a team of experts from across the University.

Sister Mary Persico, said, “We’ve been looking forward to a return to normalcy since the beginning of the pandemic. While our foremost concerns have always been, and continue to be, the health, safety, and welfare of our students, faculty, and staff, we are excited to return to in-person classes for the 2021-2022 academic year. Our plans are made possible as a result of the continuing cooperation of our campus community.”

Marywood’s overall goal is to provide the best in-person experience possible. If the situation changes, the University is prepared to make whatever adjustments are necessary to keep students, faculty, and staff safe.

Marywood University’s fall semester classes begin on Monday, August 23, 2021. For additional information, please visit marywood.edu, or call the Office of Admissions at (570) 348-6234. While vaccinations will not be required for students to attend classes, the University strongly encourages students to vaccinate against Covid-19 and to continue to follow CDC guidelines. For questions, please visit marywood.edu/forward/communications-contact-information/, or call Marywood University, at (570) 348-6211.

Observe Scranton Festival

Join us for a weeklong community festival celebrating Scranton through the eyes of Jane Jacobs, its hometown iconic city activist, on what would be her 105th birthday.

On May 4-8, free community exhibits will be located all over the city in collaboration with the Lackawanna County Library, Marywood University, the University of Scranton, the City of Scranton, and many private community-minded Developers, organizations, and businesses.

Live Music, First Friday Celebrations, Book launch/signings, Flag raising, Bike rides and more. The Festival concludes with a special ticketed Fringe Festival event StorySlam. 

Marywood University Announces Its Summer Athletic Camps and Clinics

Marywood University announces its summer athletics camps and clinics. Those interested can, “Pick Your Passion this Summer,” from more than ten camps and clinics featuring an array of sports activities. Our camps will follow CDC and PA Department of Health Guidelines. Additional guidelines pertaining to individual camps will be sent after registration. To register, please visit marywood.edu/camps/index.html.

  • Stroke Technique Clinic will take place on Friday, May 21, for ages 7-12, from 3:30 – 5 p.m.; ages 13-18, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, May 22, 23, for ages 7-12, at 10:30 a.m., and 11 a.m.-1 p.m., for ages 13-18, at the Aquatics Center, in the Center for Athletics and Wellness.
  • Girls Lacrosse Camp will take place from Monday, June 21 – Thursday, June 24, from 9 a.m. – noon, on the Synthetic Turf Field. This camp is for athletes in grades 5-9. The cost of the camp is $100, and registration can be made by June 10. This camp will focus on lacrosse skills with lots of fun activities woven in.
  • Boys Basketball Instructional Camps will be held the week of Monday, June 28 – Friday, July 2, and from Monday, July 26 – Friday, July 30, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., each week, at the Center for Athletics and Wellness. The instructional camp is for ages 7-15, and the cost $190 per week. Early bird cost is $160 until June 7 for both camps. Campers will be divided into groups based on age and ability. Each day, campers will go through a dynamic stretch, ball handling workout, six stations, and one game set each morning, and more.
  • Volleyball Summer Camp will take place from Tuesday, July 6 – Thursday, July 8, from 9 am. – 4 p.m., each day, at the Center for Athletics and Wellness. This camp is offered to girls in grades 9 – 12. Each camper will receive a t-shirt and lunch will be provided. The cost is $150.
  • Esports Virtual Coed Summer Camp will take place from Monday, July 12 – Thursday, July 15, from 12-4 p.m., each day. This camp is for high school aged students in grades 9-12. The cost of the camp is $159, but campers can register by June 14 for the early bird cost of $129. This four-day virtual camp will give attendees the opportunity to learn about esports in a variety of capacities. At the end of the camp week, matches will be broadcast for parents to watch live or following as recordings.
  • Family Basketball Camp will take place from on Saturday, July 24, from 5-9 p.m., and Sunday, July 25, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Center for Athletics and Wellness. The minimum age for campers is 5, and the cost of the camp is $120, with an early bird option of $100 for those who register by June 26. The skill work for this camp is designed to give both parents and children useful drills and techniques to take home and continue working on together.
  • Boys and Girls Soccer Camp will take place from Monday, July 26 – Wednesday, July 28, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., each day, on the Synthetic Turf Field. This camp is for ages 8-12, and the cost is $200, with an early bird option of $180 if registered by June 28. The camp will provide soccer-based and other fun activities to all campers. Instruction will be for all levels and based on the ability of each camper.
  • Girls Basketball Day Camp will take place from Monday, August 2 – Wednesday, August 4, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., each day. This day camp is open to grades 3-8, and the cost is $150, with an early bird option of $125 if registered by July 5. Players will be divided based on age and skill, and the camp will be composed of individual competitions as well as team competition, stations, guest speakers, and fun.
  • Girls Basketball Elite Camp will take place from Monday, August 2 – Wednesday, August 4, from 6 – 9 p.m., each day, at the Center for Athletics and Wellness. This camp is recommended for high school athletes in grades 9-12, and the cost is $100, with an early bird option of $85 if registered by July 5. Players will be placed on teams where they will compete against other players in a competitive setting. Attendees will work on the skills needed to succeed in high school and college basketball.
  • Men’s Lacrosse Camp and ID Clinic will take place from Wednesday, August 4 – Saturday, August 7, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., each day, on the Synthetic Turf Field. The camp and ID clinic is suggested to athletes in grades 7-12, and cost $150, with an early bird option of $100 if registered by July 5. Players will be divided by age and will work on basic skills as well as advanced concepts unique to college play. Saturday will be used as a prospect day, and players will have the option to sign up for this day only.
  • Girls Field Hockey Jr. High/High School Preseason Prep Camp will take place from Monday, August 9 – Thursday, August 12, from 9 a.m. – noon, each day, on the Synthetic Turf Field. This camp is suggested for athletes in grades 7-12, and costs $150. Athletes will be divided into junior high and high school groups to keep skill and ages appropriate. The day camp will consist of team warm up, preseason fitness, skill instruction, small sided games, and scrimmaging.
  • Pre-Season Prep Swim Clinic will take place from Monday, August 16 – Friday, August 20, from 3:30 – 5 p.m., each day for ages 7-12; and 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., each day for ages 13-18, at the Aquatics Center, in the Center for Athletics and Wellness. The cost for one session is $55, two sessions is $100, three sessions is $160; and four sessions is $175 per week.
  • Softball Summer Prospect Clinic will take place on Sunday, August 29, from noon 12 – 4 p.m., on the Softball Field. This clinic is for athletes in grades 9-12, and the cost is $75, with an early bird option of $65 with registration by August 1. This one-day clinic will offer instruction and help athletes’ skills in offense, defense, pitching, base running, and more. Athletes will be instructed by Marywood’s coaching staff and team, and a tour of campus will also be provided.

For additional information about Marywood University’s “Pick Your Passion” Athletic Camps and Clinics, please visit www.marywood.edu/camps/index.html.

Marywood University Announces Summer Academic Camps and Clinics

Marywood University announces its academic summer camps and clinics. Those interested can choose their passion from more than ten professional, environmental, health, and creative camps and clinics. Marywood University’s camps will follow CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health Guidelines. Additional guidelines pertaining to individual camps will be sent following registration. To register, visit marywood.edu/camps/index.html.

  • The Environmental Stewardship Summer Camp will be offered from Monday, June 21 – Thursday, June 24, from 8:30 a.m. – noon, each day, at the IHM Center’s Land Restoration Site. The cost of the camp is $75, and is appropriate for ages 10-14. This summer camp will educate students to be better environmental stewards, allowing them to explore some of the sustainability initiatives underway on Marywood’s campus. Attendees will learn about watersheds and mitigating stormwater, learning the importance of planting native plants, current sustainability initiatives, and more.
  • Pottery and Sculpture Camp will take place from Monday, June 28 – Friday, July 2, from 9 a.m. – noon, each day, at the Insalaco Center for Studio Arts. This camp is open to all high school students. The cost of the camp is $300. Attendees will use the pottery wheels, as well as learn hand building techniques like slab building and creating coil pots. They will also learn how to construct figurative and abstract sculptures while they explore various hand building techniques.
  • Comic Book Camp will take place from Monday, June 28 – Friday, July 2, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., each day, at the Shields Center for Visual Arts. This camp is open to all high school aged students. The cost is $375. Attendees will learn to speak in progressive art, the visual language of comics, and will create entire universes with nothing more than a pencil, paper, and inc. During the weeklong Comic Book Camp, attendees will focus on character creation and design, narrative structure and pacing, viewpoint and focus, visual cues, choosing the style of rendering to best compliment the narrative, and much more.
  • Digital Photography Camp will take place on Monday, June 28, – Friday, July 2, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., each day, at the Shields Center for Visual Arts. This camp is open to all interested high school students and the cost is $375. Attendees will learn digital photography basics using either their smartphone camera or digital SLR, as well as Adobe Photoshop. Attendees will explore digital photography techniques including shooting modes, aperture, shutter speeds, ISO, white balance, and composition. Projects include portraits, editorial, fine art, image editing techniques, animated GIFs, photo compositing, and more.
  • Healthcare Discovery: An Interprofessional Camp will take place from Tuesday, June 29 – Thursday, July 1, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., each day. The camp will take place at various locations, and is recommended for 7th – 12thgrade students The cost is $160. This camp offers attendees the opportunity to interact with others who are also interested in pursuing a career in healthcare to learn more about the field, gain pre-professional hands-on experience in each of the disciplines, work collaboratively, and learn from experts in the field in modern facilities.
  • Design Your Future Online Camp will take place from Monday, July 5 – Friday, July 16. This online camp is recommended for junior and senior high school students, and the cost of the DYF online camp is $1,200, with an option to gain 3 hours of college credit for an additional fee. Attendees will be offered a significant first experience in architectural and interiors education. In this two-week online program, attendees will engage in the process of design and develop the basic tools of imagination and expression.
  • Biotechnology Camp will take place from Monday, July 12 – Friday, July 16, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., each day, at the Center for Natural and Health Sciences, Lab 106. This camp is recommended to high school students who are enrolled in AP or honors biology, chemistry, or physics courses. The cost of the camp is $150. Attendees will be exposed to a variety of different techniques related to DNA and proteins to gain an understanding of the structure and function of the molecules. In addition, students will gain knowledge of applications used in medicine and the biotechnology industry regarding how DNA and proteins can be used to diagnose and treat disease.
  • Marywood’s Summer Musical Arts Academy will take place from Sunday, July 18 – Saturday, July, 24, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., at the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts. The academy is recommended to grades 7-12, and the cost is $375. An exciting, week-long band, orchestra, choral, and theater day camp, attendees will be engaging with exceptional faculty, artists, and other student musicians from our region in classes, rehearsals, sectionals, and performances throughout the experience.
  • Design Your Future (DYF) two-week overnight program will take place from Sunday, July 18, at noon – Saturday, July 31, at noon. Designed for rising high school juniors, seniors, and recent high school graduates, the DYF camp offers students a significant first experience in architectural and interiors education. This two-week overnight program will help students engage in the process of design and develop the basic tools of imagination and expression. The cost of the camp is $2,100.
  • Design Your Future Day (DYF) Camp will take place from Monday, July 19 – Friday, July 23, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., each day, at the Center for Architectural Studies. The cost of the week-long camp is $450, and is recommended for students in grades 8-10. The DYF camp will help attendees engage in the process of design and to develop the basic tools of imagination and expression.
  • Cryptology Summer Camp will take place from Monday, August 2 – Friday, August 5, 2021, from 9 a.m. – noon, each day, in the Comerford Auditorium, at the Center for Natural and Health Sciences. Marywood’s Cryptology Summer Camp is recommended for high school students who are enrolled in AP or honors mathematics. The cost of the camp is $75. This camp will introduce students to cryptology, the study of encryption and decryption techniques that are in common use today. Cryptology is used by specialists in Information Security, a highly lucrative and fulfilling career and one in great demand today. By the end of the week, students will leave with their own program to help them write their own secret messages.

For additional information about Marywood University’s “Pick Your Passion” Camps and Clinics, please visit marywood.edu/camps/index.html.

Marywood University to Hold Virtual Spring Undergraduate Open House

Marywood University will hold a virtual undergraduate open house on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at 10 a.m. The virtual event is free and open to high school sophomores and juniors. Prospective students can register online at marywood.edu/openhouse.

High school students and their parents can register for the live virtual event with staff, current students, faculty, and coaches. Students and parents can then participate at their convenience in additional online open house experiences.

For more information about Marywood University’s virtual spring undergraduate open house event, please visit marywood.edu/admissions, or call the Office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234.

Marywood University to Serve as Environmental Justice Community Hub for Virtual Conference

Marywood University will serve as an Environmental Justice Community Hub by joining several universities and organizations across the state for the virtual Environmental Justice in Pennsylvania (EJ in PA) conference on Tuesday, April 6th, 2021, from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. The virtual conference is free and open to the public. To register, visit summits.harrisburgu.edu/ejp/registration/.

The summit is a virtual one-day event that will bring community members to activate local Environmental Justice hubs around Pennsylvania. The event will build on existing EJ work and events, with the focus of supporting ongoing activity through the EJ community following the event.

The program will begin at 9:30 a.m., with keynote speaker, Mustafa Santiago Ali, Ph.D., vice president of Environmental Justice, Climate, and Community Revitalization with the National Wildlife Federation. A renowned thought leader, international speaker, policy maker, community liaison, trainer, and facilitator, Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali uses a holistic approach to revitalizing vulnerable communities, and has worked with more than 500 domestic and international communities to secure environmental, health, and economic justice.

The conference is a collaboration of The Pennsylvania Environmental Resource Consortium, Harrisburg University, and the Department of Environmental Protection/Office of Environmental Justice (DEP/OEJ). EJ in PA community hubs serve as the convener of local organizations who are interested in environmental justice, community health, and community connection. The EJ community hubs provide a space for local dialogues that will lead to actions that will ensure long-lasting environmental justice within the community.

For additional information about the Environmental Justice online conference, please visit summits.harrisburgu.edu/ejp/schedule/. For questions regarding Marywood University’s participation as a community hub, please contact Melinda Krokus, Ph.D., associate professor of Religious Studies at Marywood University, at krokus@marywood.edu.