Big Brothers Big Sisters Partners with Macy’s for the Holidays This holiday season, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Macy’s join together through Macy’s Mission Every One. The partnership will kick-off this holiday season inviting Macy’s customers to round up purchases in-store and donate online from Nov. 1 through Dec. 24, 2022. Visit Dickson City Macy’s and WilkesBarre Macy’s.
The University of Scranton Noel Night Concert Performance Music at The University of Scranton will kick off the holiday season with its 55th annual Noel Night concert on Saturday, Dec. 3. Beginning at 8 p.m. in the University’s Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, the concert will feature The University of Scranton Singers and Chamber Ensembles. Doors open at 7 p.m., with a prelude beginning at 7:05 p.m. Admission to the concert is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis. The University’s Christmas gift to the community, Noel Night has been a beloved holiday tradition for numerous Scranton-area residents since its beginnings more than a half-century ago when it was founded by Rev. Edward Gannon, S.J. This year’s concert will feature music by composers J.S. Bach, Randall Alan Bass, Vaclav Nelhybel, Mark Sirett and others, according to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga. Pianist and harpsichordist for the evening is Ron Stabinsky and organist is Christopher Johnson. Performance Music’s fully restored Steinway grand piano and Austin Opus 301 symphonic organ will be heard on the program, and the evening will feature the debut of the department’s newly donated and restored Zuckerman harpsichord. Remarks and readings will be offered by Rev. James Duffy, S.J., M.D., superior for the Scranton Jesuit Community; Robert W. Davis Jr., Ed.D., vice president for University advancement; Leonard Gougeon, Ph.D., professor emeritus, Department of English and Theatre; Hal Baillie, Ph.D., professor emeritus, Philosophy Department; and senior student members of the ensemble.
Marywood University Wraps Up Its “Making Spirits Bright” Campaign Successfully Marywood University’s answer to encouraging prayer, sharing gifts, and uplifting people through November and through New Year’s Day is a success. Marywood University began its festivities in November with its “Making Spirits Bright,” initiative, prior to students leaving campus to finish the remainder of their semesters online. The students desire to help plan and share in the holiday event, which has become such a special part of their Marywood experience, was the catalyst for campus representatives to gather with students and find creative, community-minded solutions. The timeline also connected to the spirit of Marywood’s sponsors, the IHM Congregation, who celebrate their Founders’ Month in November. Marywood University’s Community Christmas Card Writing project yielded nearly 5,500 Christmas cards that were delivered to 18 different groups locally, nationally and internationally. Participants included 17 clubs and campus organizations, 2 athletic teams, 21 additional individual students, 58 staff members, 20 departments, 5 faculty, 1 retiree, the retired IHM sisters living at Our Lady of Peace residence, and 97 students at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Elementary School, Dunmore, Pa. Recipients of the Community Christmas Card Writing project included Marywood Heights residents, Our Lady of Peace residents and staff, NativityMiguel School students and staff, the Gino Merli Veterans Centers residents and staff, St. Francis Commons residents and staff, Regional Hospital staff, Moses Taylor Hospital staff, Geisinger CMC staff, St. Joseph’s Center residents and staff, Friends of the Poor staff, the children in Big Friends Little Friends after-school program, and active/deployed military members. Marywood University also collected a record number of gifts this year, thanks to the generosity of the “Making Spirits Bright” initiative. More than 160 gifts were provided to local children/teens through Friends of the Poor, 73 gifts were provided to Marywood Heights residents, and 146 items for persons experiencing homelessness were donated to the Keystone Rescue Mission. Marywood University’s “Making Spirits Bright” kicked off its campaign with an Outdoor Tree Lighting and Blessing of Nativity. Student groups typically create ornaments for the tree, but, since it was an outdoor event this year, the student organizations decided to participate in campus decorating efforts with Marywood’s Grounds/Maintenance staff. Campus decorating was completed by 18 volunteers who contributed 54 hours of service to decorate campus. Marywood University continues its “Making Spirits Bright” project through New Year’s Day. The “Light Up Campus” drive through light display will remain in place through the New Year. Additionally, Marywood University’s award-winning, student-run radio station, WMFM 91.7, will continue its traditional community gift of broadcasting commercial-free Christmas music, 24/7 through News Year’s Eve. And, Marywood University’s concerts, events, mass, and chats can be accessed, at youtube.com/watch?list=PLNBU0ru7D18C-3quPrCUVwxt2FTeHZD6I&v=r_pZAXVqVO4&feature=emb_title. To check out all of Marywood University’s “Making Spirits Bright” initiatives, please visit marywood.edu/article/2020-Making-Spirits-Bright.