Marywood University to Hold Community Stalking Awareness Campaign

January 2024 marks the 20th National Stalking Awareness Month, an annual call to action to recognize and respond to the serious crime of stalking.

Stalking is defined as a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that causes fear. Many stalking victims experience being followed, approached, monitored and/or threatened—including through various forms of technology. Victims and survivors often suffer anxiety, social dysfunction, and severe depression as a result of their victimization, and many lose time from work and/or move.

As a part of the Department of Justice Grant, Project SHARE, Marywood’s prevention education efforts of the grant will be supporting a Stalking Awareness Week, January 22-26, 2024. The events scheduled are as follows:

  • January 22 – Sweet Information Table, Learning Commons, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.: This will be a tabling event where students can pick up information (flyers, brochures, etc) about Stalking Awareness on a college campus.
  • January 23 – Stalking In the Media Presentation, Upper Main, Nazareth Student Center, 5-6 p.m.: This event is a presentation about how the media portrays stalking behaviors.
  • January 25, 2024 – Stalking Awareness Presentation, given by the Women’s Resource Center (WRC), Swartz Center, from 3-4 p.m.: WRC will give a presentation on stalking behaviors and ways to stay safe.

Broadway in Scranton Announces Shows Coming to The Scranton Cultural Center

This past weekend, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon HAIRSPRAY played to capacity crowds at the Scranton Cultural Center! The company had an incredible time in Scranton, and audiences raved about the show.

2024 is off to a sensational start, and there’s still plenty of Broadway to come – tickets to ANNIE, THE CHER SHOW, COME FROM AWAY, and PRETTY WOMAN – THE MUSICAL are now on sale online at BroadwayInScranton.com and in person at the Scranton Cultural Center Box Office. Box Office hours are Monday – Friday 10AM – 5 PM, Saturday 10AM – 2PM.

Ticket buyers are reminded that BroadwayInScranton.com, the Scranton Cultural Center Box Office, and Ticketmaster.com are the only official retail ticket outlets for all individual Broadway in Scranton tickets. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that Broadway in Scranton is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

ANNIE                                                                                                              February 16 – 18

Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production–just as you remember it and just when we need it most. ANNIE, directed by Jenn Thompson, features the iconic book and score, written by Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way.

THE CHER SHOW                                                                                               March 1 – 3

Superstars come and go. Cher is forever. For six straight decades, only one unstoppable force has flat-out dominated popular culture – breaking down barriers, pushing boundaries and letting nothing and no one stand in her way. THE CHER SHOW is the Tony Award®-winning musical of her story, and it’s packed with so much Cher that it takes three women to play her: the kid starting out, the glam pop star, and the icon.

THE CHER SHOW is 35 smash hits, six decades of stardom, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy®, an Oscar®, an Emmy®, and enough Tony Award-winning Bob Mackie gowns to cause a sequin shortage in New York City, all in one unabashedly fabulous new musical that will have audiences dancing in the aisles!

THE CHER SHOW features Scranton’s own

Lorenzo Pugliese as Sonny Bono!

COME FROM AWAY                                                                                    April 5 – 7

Broadway’s COME FROM AWAY is a Best Musical winner all across North America!

This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley. Newsweek cheers, “It takes you to a place you never want to leave!”

On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all.

PRETTY WOMAN                                                                      May 17 – 19

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde). PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will lift your spirits and light up your heart. “If you love the movie, you’ll love the musical!” (BuzzFeed News). PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL delivers on all the iconic moments you remember. Get ready to experience this dazzling theatrical take on a love story for the ages. Are you ready to fall in love all over again?

Fidelity Bank Commits $250,000 to Marywood EMPOWER Campaign

Fidelity Bank has made a $250,000 commitment to The Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion at Marywood University, as part of Marywood’s comprehensive campaign, EMPOWER.

Daniel Santaniello, Fidelity Bank CEO, is a Marywood graduate and regional community business leader, who earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1990. Mr. Santaniello, who has contributed his own personal financial support to the EMPOWER campaign, was proud to also guide the major gift from Fidelity Bank.

“To be a part of this is inspiring,” said Mr. Santaniello. “The IHM Sisters and Marywood, and their core values, focusing on exemplary ideals like community and excellence, along with their commitment to continuous improvement through lifelong learning, share the core values that we have at Fidelity Bank.”

By proactively addressing increasing healthcare workforce shortages that place communities at risk and limit timely access to care, Fidelity’s significant commitment to the EMPOWER Campaign is a key part of the solution, providing vital support to advance Marywood’s ability to expand its healthcare offerings.The Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion is a 15,000 square-foot addition to the existing Keith J. O’Neill Center for Healthy Families. With state-of-the-art simulation laboratories and technology-supported classrooms, Marywood University will be able to teach more health sciences students, who will learn and work together in one facility. This real-world environment will better prepare them to deliver an integrated model of collaborative clinical care after entering practice.

“The demand is here today,” Mr. Santaniello affirmed. “The workforce is asking for these professionals. None of us anticipates the demand for healthcare workers will go down anytime soon. In fact, it is going to continue to grow.” He added, “This contribution makes it possible for Marywood to expand and meet the ever-growing demand that exists today. We need to respond in a way that is proactive. We feel that this (campaign initiative) will absolutely help meet that demand.”

For more information about EMPOWER: The Campaign for Marywood University, go to: marywood.edu/empower.

Geisinger Announces Importance of Pap Smears for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Routine Pap smears are one of the best (and simplest) ways to prevent and detect cervical cancer.
Scott C. Purinton, MD, PhD, chief of gynecologic oncology at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

Whether it’s your first or fifth time, it’s completely normal to feel nervous or have questions before a Pap smear. But knowing what to expect can help put your mind at ease before your appointment.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Staying up to date on your Pap smears is a big part of that.

Here’s what to know about this valuable procedure.

A Pap smear, or Pap test, checks for changes in your cervical and vaginal cells that could develop into cancer over time.

One of the biggest advantages of these tests is their ability to detect abnormal cells before they even become cancerous. This leads to earlier treatment and better outcomes.

During the procedure, your healthcare provider gently scrapes cells from your cervix. These cells are examined for changes and can also be tested for human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer.

While these screenings can be a little uncomfortable and awkward, they should never cause pain.

How often you need a Pap smear depends on your age and health history. The guidelines are:

  • Women ages 21 – 29: You should have a Pap smear every three years.
  • Women ages 30 – 65: Discuss the following options with your doctor:
    • Have both a Pap smear and an HPV test every 5 years
    • Have only a Pap smear every 3 years
    • Have only an HPV test every 5 years
  • Women older than 65: You might no longer need to be screened, depending on your health history and doctor’s recommendation.

Whether you’re sexually active or not, you still need a Pap smear. While most cervical cancers are caused by HPV (which is sexually transmitted), this isn’t the case for all cancers. 

Pap smears don’t screen for STIs like HPV, gonorrhea or chlamydia. Instead, they test for any abnormal cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer. If you want additional testing for STIs, ask your healthcare provider during your appointment.

A Pap smear is different from a pelvic exam but you should have both.

A pelvic exam is typically performed at your annual well-woman visit with your healthcare provider. During this exam, they’ll check your vulva, vagina, cervix, ovaries, uterus, rectum and pelvis for any abnormalities.

A Pap smear specifically screens for precancerous changes. If you’re due for one, you can get a Pap smear during your annual pelvic exam.

Depending on how heavy your flow is, your period may affect the results of your Pap smear.

A lot of blood can make your sample harder to read, which could produce inaccurate results. This shouldn’t be an issue if your flow is lighter.

The best thing you can do is call your provider’s office and talk about your options. There’s no reason to avoid it while on your period unless you’re having the exam because of abnormal discharge or another concern. 

P.S. Your period does not bother your healthcare provider.

Cervical cancer is preventable — and receiving regular Pap tests is the best way to prevent it.

Remind your mom, sisters, friends — every woman in your life — to schedule their appointment (especially if it’s been a few years).

And if you still have questions, don’t be afraid to ask your provider. There are no bad questions when it comes to your health. We want you to be open and honest so we can help you achieve your best health. 

For the latest health and wellness tips and advice, visit geisinger.org/balance.

Sky Zone Holds Fundraiser for Detective Gilmarten Tonight

Join Sky Zone in Supporting Detective Kyle Gilmartin and His Family.

On January 11th, 2024, Detective Kyle Gilmartin, while on patrol in the streets of Scranton, PA, was injured by a heartless act. In his commitment to protecting our community, he took swift action, demonstrating true heroism.

In light of these events, we are coming together to host a fundraiser for Detective Kyle Gilmartin and his family. This dedicated officer has not only served our community with unwavering dedication but has also gone above and beyond the call of duty.

20% of all Proceeds Will Be Donated To The Scranton FOP Wellness Fund  

Thursday, January 18th
4:00pm – 8:00pm

Sky Zone Pittston, 195 Enterprise Way, Pittston, PA 18640, United States

Lackawanna College and Police Academy Extend Support to Wounded Detective

Lackawanna College and the Lackawanna College Police Academy extends our unwavering support
and prayers to Detective Kyle Gilmartin, his family, friends, and all of the brave men and women
who make up the Scranton Police Department.

Detective Kyle Gilmartin was shot and seriously wounded while honorably performing his duties on
January 11, 2024. This tragic act of violence services as a stark reminder of the dangers our local law
enforcement officers face on a daily basis while serving and protecting our communities.

Lackawanna College has a longstanding and meaningful relationship with the Scranton Police
Department, and Detective Kyle Gilmartin was a distinguished graduate of our Police Academy in 2010.

His resilience, integrity, heroism, and unwavering dedication to duty serve as a shining
example of the highest standards in law enforcement.

We extend our heartfelt wishes for a swift and complete recovery for Detective Kyle Gilmartin. Our
thoughts and support are with him and all those who uphold the noble cause of ensuring the safety
and well-being of our society.

Waverly Community House to Host Spanish for Adults Course

The Waverly Community House is hosting Spanish for Adults with Kate Cawley. The objective of this six-week course is to establish a foundational understanding of the Spanish language through practical vocabulary development, a stock of frequently used phrases, and an idea of fundamental grammar and cultural perspectives.

Using listening, reading and writing activities, the course will explore the following topics:

  • Greetings/Introductions/Courtesy
  • Letters, numbers, pronouns, days, months, weather, common objects
  • Asking and responding to common questions: Who/What/Where/When/How
  • Noun/adjective agreement
  • Subject/verb agreement

Tuesdays for six weeks at 6:00pm beginning January 23, 2024 in the CRB Room

To register, please click HERE

$65

The Scranton Counseling Center Launches Crisis Unit

The Scranton Counseling Center marked a significant milestone with the successful launch of its Crisis Receiving Stabilization Unit on January 5th, 2024. This facility represents a crucial advancement in mental health care for Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties, providing both overnight and crisis residential support for adults in a secure environment for up to 72 hours. The center specializes in delivering immediate crisis counseling and creating personalized safety plans, catering to adults from the mentioned counties. The emphasis on direct and personalized care reflects the center’s commitment to addressing mental health concerns promptly and effectively.

Importantly, the center adopts a no-appointment-necessary approach, eliminating barriers to access and ensuring individuals can seek immediate support during times of crisis. This proactive stance aligns with the center’s dedication to making mental health services readily available, underscoring the importance of timely assistance for those in need. The launch of this facility signifies not only a significant step forward in mental health care but also a tangible commitment to fostering a responsive and accessible support system within the community.