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
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.
WRC Receives Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation The WRC (Women’s Resource Center) is pleased to announce the receipt of a generous $15,000 Community Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The SACF utilizes Community Needs grants to enhance the quality of life in Lackawanna County by supporting nonprofit programs in a variety of fields including education. The Empowering Youth through Healthy Relationships grant will significantly enhance WRC’s prevention education programs focused on healthy relationships including friendships that is offered in schools across the county. Last year, WRC reached over 2,500 elementary, middle, and high school students. Pictured are (L-R: Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Foundation President & CEO; Katie Gilmartin, Treasure, SAF Board of Governors; Patty McLain, WRC Teen Educator; Sarah Dawgert, WRC Education Manager; Frank Caputo, SAF Grants & Communications Coordinator and Cathy Fitzpatrick, Scranton Area Foundation Director of Grants & Scholarship.
UNC Receives Donation from Topp Business Solutions United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is proud to be the designated Lackawanna County agency for the WNEP Feed A Friend campaign’s 40th Annual drive. This year, UNC is committed to helping make the holidays brighter for more than 1,500 families in Lackawanna County through non-perishable food donations and monetary contributions. We are deeply grateful to Topp Business Solutions for their generous donation of $250 to support the Feed A Friend program. This contribution will directly assist in providing holiday meals to local families in need. Topp Business Solutions has been a valued community partner for over 60 years and continues to demonstrate unwavering support for our mission. Pictured (L-R): Chrissy Manuel, UNC; Karen Prokarym, Topp Business Solutions; Sue Lasota, Topp Donate to Feed A Friend and help families in our community enjoy a warm meal and the joy of the season, go to uncnepa.org/one-time-donation/ If you are a family in need with children in Lackawanna County, you can register to receive a $50 gift card for a local grocery store to choose items consistent with your traditions and cultures to celebrate Thanksgiving. For a complete list of locations to register, go to uncnepa.org/thanksgiving UNC is coordinating with over 70 locations in Lackawanna County that collect non-perishable items for our Angel’s Attic Food and Clothing Pantry at 410 Olive Street in Scranton; for a list of participating agencies, visit us on Facebook.
The Wright Center Geriatricians Recognized for Boosting Vaccination Rates The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) highlighted the accomplishments of two geriatricians with ties to The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education in its recent quarterly publication, AGS News, for their efforts to improve vaccination rates among older adults. Dr. Edward Dzielak, director of The Wright Center’s geriatrics fellowship program, was recognized for his leadership in incorporating the AGS Older Adults Vaccine Initiative into The Wright Center’s geriatrics care service line. The initiative, backed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, aims to increase immunization rates among older adults eligible for routine vaccinations in the U.S., with a focus on four key vaccines — COVID-19, influenza, shingles (zoster), and pneumonia. Dr. Muhammad Ishaq, a 2024 graduate of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Geriatrics Fellowship Program and an internal medicine resident physician at Rochester Regional Health’s Unity Hospital in upstate New York, was lauded for spearheading a quality improvement project and initiatives to boost older adults’ vaccination rates at The Wright Center’s primary care community health centers. Along with his colleagues, Dr. Ishaq, who received his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Khyber Medical College in Peshawar, Pakistan, established a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely) goal framework to help seniors take charge of their health and lives, integrated electronic medical record changes to prompt providers about patient vaccination statuses, and increased educational outreach and awareness. A Carbondale native board-certified in internal medicine and geriatrics medicine, Dr. Dzielak, of Greenfield Twp., has dedicated more than four decades of his life to medicine, specifically in internal medicine, critical care, and geriatrics. Following his residency in internal medicine at the Scranton-Temple Residency Program, now called The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, he served as the Residency Program coordinator from 1981 to 2015. He also served as the director of both medicine and the intensive care unit at Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton, from 1982 until his 2017 retirement. He returned to The Wright Center in October 2019 after being asked to serve as the founding geriatric fellowship program director. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Scranton in 1974 and his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1978. Dr. Dzielak accepts patients over the age of 60 at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley Practice, 5 S. Washington Ave. Jermyn. To make an appointment, to schedule a vaccine, or for more information on The Wright Center’s geriatric services line, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call (570) 230-0019. The Wright Center’s geriatric services line has been recognized by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement as an Age-Friendly Health System Partner, offering a full range of comprehensive, safety-net primary care and support services for older adults. A cornerstone of the program is the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Clinic, which provides thorough evaluations and testing accessible to all patients, regardless of their primary care provider. Additionally, The Wright Center is one of just 10 health systems nationwide selected to implement the innovative Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program developed by UCLA. Founded in 1942, the AGS is a New York-based nonprofit organization with more than 6,000 members that is dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults.
Marywood Sets Virtual Info Session for Dual Enrollment Program Academically focused high school students can get a head start on college by participating in Marywood University’s pre-collegiate program, Momentum. Courses in the Momentum program are offered at a special rate of $95 per credit, providing students with a head start on their collegiate career at an affordable price. To provide program details to students who are interested in taking dual enrollment classes, Marywood is hosting a virtual information session on Wednesday, November 20, from 6-7 p.m. Students should be ranked in the top 50% of their high school class or have a 2.75 High School GPA (80%) to participate in the Momentum program. Students can register for the virtual session at https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/Momentum. Marywood University’s dual enrollment program provides qualified high school students with the opportunity to earn college credits while completing requirements for high school graduation. Students choose from a wide variety of courses during the summer, fall, and spring semesters. Dual enrollment courses use the same curriculum, assessments, and instructional materials as other college-level courses. Momentum students are eligible to receive: Privileges to utilize Marywood University’s academic and recreational resources (e.g. library and fitness center). Free parking on campus. A Marywood University ID (This can be used for local university student discounts!) Free admission to most Marywood University athletic, musical, social and cultural events.
Laugh to Live: Laughter Yoga to Relieve Holiday Stress During a season known for generosity and gift-giving, the one person who needs to be at the top of your list but is often forgotten, is you. Two Scranton-area organizations are collaborating to offer residents the gifts of stress relief and a boost to their well-being on Saturday, November 23 at 10 a.m. at Connell Park in Scranton. Laugh to Live, a Scranton-based business founded by Jeannine Luby, is teaming up with Valley in Motion’s Connell Park Walking Club to provide stress-reducing laughter yoga activity before the Club’s weekly walk around the park. Luby said she suggested the inclusion of laughter yoga to Walking Club Manager Roxy Brown because this time of year can feel overwhelming. A 2015 survey conducted by Healthline, a consumer health information site, revealed that 62 percent of respondents described their stress level as “very or somewhat” elevated during the holidays, while only 10 percent reported no stress during the season. Among the holiday stressors listed by respondents were the financial demands of the season, negotiating the interpersonal dynamics of family, and maintaining personal health habits such as an exercise regimen. Luby said, “We all experience stress in our everyday lives, but the holidays can add extra pressure as many of us feel the need to live up to family traditions or what we see others doing on social media. It is often more than we have the capacity for whether it is because of time constraints, limited financial means or our emotions. So it’s important to set manageable expectations but also build in time for stress relief like walking outdoors, talking to a good friend and laughing.” Luby received an ARPA (American Rescue Plan) Creative Grant from the City of Scranton in 2024, in part to deliver laughter yoga to Scranton residents, and when she met Gus Fahey, president of Valley in Motion, and learned about the nonprofit’s weekly walking club at Connell Park that incorporated special guests on wellness-related topics, she coordinated with him and Brown to plan laughter at the park. “The Connell Park Walking Club is a great way to connect with friends, get some exercise, and learn new ideas for healthy living. Partnering with Laugh to Live provides our participants with a fun and innovative way to both enjoy the outdoors and lower stress levels,” said Gus Fahey, president of Valley In Motion. Laughter therapy has been around for a long time, but it seemed to gain credibility and the attention of the medical community when magazine publisher Norman Cousins’ article “Anatomy of an Illness (As Perceived by the Patient)” was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1976. Cousins would later publish a book with the same name in 1979 to fully detail his experience of how laughter provided him with relief from pain caused by connective tissue disorder. Luby explains thatLaughter Yoga isnot the same as traditional yoga or what people picture when they hear the word “yoga.” Laughter Yoga was created in 1995 by a medical doctor in India named Dr. Madan Kataria who believes in the researched health benefits of laughter that include lowering the stress hormone cortisol, improving blood flow and immune system performance, boosting brain chemicals and endorphins that help to manage pain and so much more. In the laughter yoga that Luby will lead on November 23, participants will not use a yoga mat, need to wear fitness clothes, or even touch their toes; they will follow Luby’s instructions to breathe, clap, laugh and repeat. You can learn more at www.laughtolive.net for follow Laugh to Live and Connell Park Walking Club on Facebook. The Connell Park Walking Club meets every Saturday at 10am at Connell Park at 800 Gibbons St. in Scranton and is free and open to everyone.
Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum Hosts Conversations in the Gallery Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum is pleased to announce Conversations in the Gallery with Scott Herring, which will take place on Saturday, November 23. Site Administrator, Dr. Bode Morin, said, “Scott Herring is the last Anthracite Photographer having spent the last 50 years chronicling the changing coal and industrial landscapes of Northeast Pennsylvania. Scott’s unique relationship with the land and its people is reflected in his vast work. This exhibit is as much a celebration as it is a record.” Join us as we kick off the holiday season with a curated and insightful gallery talk. On Saturday, November 23, visitors can meet the “Last Anthracite Photographer,” Scott Herring, in his new exhibit, Anthracite Family Album. Herring will give opening remarks, then spend time answering questions and chatting with visitors in the exhibition. Conversations in the Gallery will start at 2pm and end at 3:30pm. Program included with regular admission: $8 for adults, $6 for youth (ages 3-11), and $7 for Seniors. Free for museum members. For more information, call (570) 963-4804, visit our event page, or our Facebook page.
Lackawanna College Culinary Students Open “MISFITS” Lackawanna College is thrilled to announce the return of its holiday pop-up event, Misfits, a festive and inclusive experience set to open in downtown Scranton at 409 on Adams, the College’s student-run restaurant. This event will run from November 13th through December 21st, and invites guests to embrace the holiday spirit in an unconventional way – where everyone is welcome and being different is celebrated. Following the success of last year’s inaugural season, which saw over 7,000 guests, Misfits is set to be bigger and better in 2024. The theme of the event is inspired by the heartwarming story of Charlie, a kindhearted but misunderstood soul who inherits an old boarding house. Inside, the rooms are filled with unique characters and festive tales that bring a fresh perspective to the holiday season. Attendees are encouraged to come, find their tribe, and celebrate the holidays with a twist. “Misfits is about creating a space where everyone can come as they are and be part of something special,” said [Name], [Title] at Lackawanna College. “It’s a unique celebration that brings together our community, our students, and everyone who supports the College and its mission. Last year was a huge success, and we look forward to welcoming even more guests in 2024.” A Meaningful ImpactBeyond being a fun and festive experience, Misfits plays a vital role in supporting the mission of Lackawanna College and empowering its students. All proceeds from the event help fund initiatives that provide tangible support for the College’s diverse student body, including: Loaner Laptops for Students – Providing 130 students with the necessary tools to succeed in their education by loaning out laptops to help bridge the digital divide. Fighting Food Insecurity – Through programs like The Common Kitchen, Lackawanna College combats food insecurity among students by offering nutritious food staples, culinary training, and access to a community-driven food bank. Student Leadership Opportunities – Scholarships and workforce training opportunities are provided to upperclassmen who take on leadership roles within the College, preparing them for real-world success. Nourishing Neighbors – In partnership with the Scranton Counseling Center, Lackawanna College has provided over 2,300 meals to local families in need, supported by over 100 hours of student and faculty volunteer time. “We’re not just celebrating the season – we’re supporting our students and our community,” added [Name]. “By attending Misfits, you are helping to make these programs possible, and together, we can continue to create opportunities for those who need it most.” Become a SponsorLackawanna College is actively seeking sponsors for the 2024 Misfits season. Sponsorships not only provide visibility and recognition within the community but also directly support the College’s mission to empower students and give back to the Scranton area. For more information about becoming a sponsor, or to inquire about event details, please contact [Name] at (570) 504-7945 or via email at deckers@lackawanna.edu.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart to Deliver Meals to Patients for Thanksgiving On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 28th, Hospice of the Sacred Heart will deliver meals to patients and their families. This is the 19th year the hospice will provide this service project. Over 700 meals complete with roasted turkey, all traditional Thanksgiving sides and pumpkin pie will be prepared by Mansour’s Market Café in Scranton, packaged, and delivered by hospice staff members and volunteers. “We so look forward to this day. Many of our hospice staff and volunteers enjoy this beautiful tradition of blessing the meals, the friendship of our colleagues and the delivery of over 700 Thanksgiving meals to our patients and their families. This project demonstrates our gratitude for the blessings in our lives,” said Diane Baldi, CEO, Hospice of the Sacred Heart. Media outlets are invited to photograph the distribution process beginning at 7:50 am at Mansour’s Market Café, 969 Prescott Avenue, Scranton. Deacon Patrick J. Massino will bless the meals at 8 am and deliveries will begin immediately afterwards. Diane Baldi, CEO, will be available for interviews between 8 and 10 am.
