First Posted: 11/14/2014

THIS WEEK: Nov. 19 to 25, 2014

The Martyrs of El Salvador, commemorating 25th anniversary of the massacre of Jesuit scholars at UCA. Included: a lecture “Liberation Theology and the UCA Martyrs” at noon Nov. 18 at the DeNaples Center; and a film “Innocent Voices” about the Salvadoran civil war 6 p.m. Nov. 19 at Brennan Hall. 570-941-6480.

Storied Streets, a film exploring homelessness across America with Susan Sarandon. Held in conjunction with Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week at Walsh Hall, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 18. 570-674-6400.

TEACH, a documentary exploring the job of teaching, panel discussion. Insalaco Hall, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. 6 p.m. Nov. 18. 570-674-6400.

Can a Secular Society Observe Thanksgiving? talk by Rabbi Larry Kaplan. Irem Clubhouse, 64 Ridgway Drive, Dallas. 2 p.m. Nov. 19. Free. 570-675-1866.

International Film Series, screening of “The Little Girl Who Sold the Sun” (French; 1999), a crippled Senegalese girl doing a “boy’s job” selling newspapers. DeNaples Center, 900 Mulberry St., University of Scranton. 7 p.m. Nov. 19. Free. 570-941-6330.

Songs and Stories of the Civil War, stories of the North and South through music. Performer Bobby Horton uses period instruments and dresses. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 35 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19. $20, $15 seniors. 570-825-6653.

Standing Up and Speaking Out: Ending Violence Against Women, 5th annual National Family Week Educational Conference sponsored by Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Keynote speaker Lavar Youmans on “The Role Men Can Play in Violence Against Women.” Genetti’s 77 E. Market St., Wilkes-Barre. Nov. 20 8 a.m. 570-823-5144.

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, German-style holiday marketplace. Artists, live music, glassblowing, food booths, breakfast with Santa, gingerbread house exhibit. ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. Begins Nov. 20 and continues through Dec. 21, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 610-297-7100 or christmascity.org.

Technology Thursdays, basic computer and email questions with Jim Luft of Iron-Tech Computer & Network Services. West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave. 6:30 p.m. Nov. 20. 570-654-9847.

Dog Tags to Desktops, a documentary on area veterans who used the GI Bill, followed by a panel discussion. Theatre in Brooks, Keystone College, La Plume. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 20. Free. 570-945-5141.

Walk Around Nanticoke, an “indoor” virtual tour of the city. Nanticoke Historical Society, 495 E. Main St. 7 p.m. Nov. 20. 570-258-1367.

Faces of Homelessness, a panel discussion with men and women from the National Coalition for the Homeless in Washington D.C. who have experienced homelessness. Room 216, Insalaco Hall, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. Noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. Free. 570-674-6400.

Thanksgiving Film Festival, a screening of “What’s Cooking?” (2000; PG-13), about four ethnically diverse families celebrating Thanksgiving in California. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. 570-823-0156.

Empty Bowls, a simple meal of soup and bread served in take-home unique handcrafted bowls to raise awareness about hunger in the local area. Mary Kintz Bevevino Library, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. $5. 570-674-6400.

A Fragile Trust, a documentary about Jayson Blair, the New York Times journalist who plagiarized his work. Loyola Science Center, University of Scranton. 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. Free. 570-941-6333.

Santa Parade, the annual holiday march with festive floats, marching bands, dance groups and Santa Claus. Downtown Scranton. 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. 570-483-8757 or santaparade.net.

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, preceded by family-friendly events throughout downtown Wilkes-Barre including concerts and children’s activities. 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 along South Main Street to Public Square for a tree lighting, face painting and photo ops with Santa.

Holiday House Tour of four holiday-decorated homes, both historic and modern. Sponsored by the Waverly Community House, 1115 N. Abington Road. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. $20. 570-585-8113.

ThanksLIVING: Thanksgiving with a Twist, a holiday feast for the birds with a dinner created especially for the turkeys at Indraloka Animal Sanctuary in Mehoopany. Also (for the humans): a catered lunch by Nucleus Raw Foods, live bluegrass music by the Hickory Project, sanctuary tours, juggling performance, photo ops, raffles and the presentation of the Animal Hero Awards with Master of Ceremonies Mark Hiller of WBRE-TV News. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 23. $40. 570-763-2908 or thanksliving2014.bpt.me.

A Tribute to Charles Stegmaier, with beer samples, brewery tour, food and a talk on brewmaster Charles Stegmaier and the history of local brewing. Susquehanna Brewing Company, 635 S. Main St., Pittston. 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. $35. Reservations: 570-823-6244.

Fashion Show by the Sewing Club at the Wyoming Free Library, 358 Wyoming Ave. 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. With light refreshments. 570-693-1364.

Professional Wrestling, a night of survival matches with independent wrestlers from four states. The Sanctuary, 172 N. Wyoming St., Hazleton. 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. $5. Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected. 570-262-0636.

Schemel Forum World Affairs Luncheon, with Judith Renyi of the Mayor’s Commission on Literacy in Philadelphia speaking on “The Great Learning Gap and Why We Must Do Something About It.” Rose Room, Brennan Hall, 320 Madison Ave., University of Scranton. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24. $20. Reservations: 570-941-6206.

Conservation Talk, by animal behaviorist, conservationist and tracker in South Africa Joe Viljoen, owner of the ChaZen Nature Preserve, who discusses the challenging study of genetics and the changing demands of conservation biology. Room 102, Cohen Science Center, South River Street, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24. Sponsored by the North Branch Land Trust.

FUTURE

Parade of Trees, holiday trees decorated by area organizations. Vote for your favorite for $1. Grotto Pizza, 3445 Lakeside Drive, Harveys Lake. Opens Wednesday, Nov. 26 and continues through Wednesday, Dec. 31 with hours daily from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. 570-639-3278.

The Canadian-Pacific Holiday Train stops at Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, bedecked in holiday lights with free entertainment and festivities to collect donations for local food banks. 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 27. Accepting non-perishable food items and cash donations. 570-340-5200.

TreeFest, the annual fundraiser for the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble with 100-plus decorated trees, Gingerbread House contest, dozens of professional artisans, and entertainment by local choirs and dance groups. Caldwell Consistory, Market Square, Bloomsburg. Friday, Nov. 28 to Sunday, Dec. 7 with hours 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. $6. 570-784-5532.

One More Row, a knit-and-crochet group for all ages. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 29. Free. 570-823-0156.

Victorian Ornament Workshop. Lackawanna Historical Society, Catlin House, 232 Monroe Ave., Scranton. Noon on Sunday, Nov. 30. Reservations: 570-344-3841.

Victorian Christmas Tea, with tea sandwiches and homemade scones along with entertainment by the Barber Shop Singers and a basket raffle. Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church, 420 Main Road, Hanover Township. 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. $15; $7.50 children. Reservations: 570-831-5593 or 570-825-6370.

Special Needs Shopping Day, with assistance on request to hold doors, carry packages, help with shopping choices and wrap gifts. Light refreshments served. Boscov’s, 14 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2. 570-823-4141.

Classic Movie Series, a showing of the holiday classic “A Christmas Story,” about nine-year-old Ralphie and his wish for a Red Ryder BB rifle. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Noon and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3. $5. 570-996-1500.

CAN DO Community Christmas, with holiday music by school groups, refreshments, photos and letter-writing with Santa. Christ Lutheran Church, 210 W. Green St., Hazleton. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3. Free. 570-455-1508.

Christmas at the Swetland Homestead, tours of the historic home with re-enactors portraying the Swetland family and the 143rd Pennsylvania Regiment who have established a field hospital in the home during the Civil War. Swetland Homestead, 885 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming. 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 5; 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. $6, $4 children. 570-823-6244.

Schemel Forum Lecture, with Grant Oliphant, president of the Heinz Endowments speaking on “Philanthropy in America: A Wide-Angle View.” Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall, 320 Madison Ave., University of Scranton. 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4. Free. Reservations: 570-941-6206.

Swetland Homestead Christmas Candlelight Tours, with living-history personages and a Civil War Hospital set up by the 143rd Pennsylvania Volunteers Re-Enactment Group. Swetland Homestead, 885 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming. 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 6; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. $7; $5 children. 570-823-6244.

An Olde-Time Christmas, the annual holiday celebration in downtown Jim Thorpe with a live nativity, historic walks, strolling carolers and musicians, train rides with Santa, Asa Packer Mansion Tours, Gingerbread House Contest, a display of more than 500 crèches, an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, Victorian horse-and-buggy rides, scavenger hunt, model railroad exhibit and more. Begins Dec. 4 with a Tree Lighting ceremony at 5:30 and continues 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 14. See schedule at jimthorpe.org.

Christmas Nature Crafts, using natural items to craft table centerpieces, Christmas cards and ornaments. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, 347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. $30. Reservations: 570-992-6161.

Pet Photos with Santa. Whitings Pet Supply, 161 N. Memorial Highway, Trucksville from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; and Dymonds Farm, 352 Brace Road, Dallas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. 570-333-5265.

Christmas in Our Hometown, the annual celebration with horse-drawn wagon rides, trolley rides, ice sculptures, Santa and Mrs. Claus, strolling carolers and musicians, living store windows, roasted chestnuts, hot drinks, sales and surprises. Along Tioga Street in downtown Tunkhannock. 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 with the lighting of the Christmas tree; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. 570-836-3188.

Santa Claus Train Rides, from Tunkhannock to Falls along the Susquehanna River on the Reading & Northern Railroad. Departing from downtown Tunkhannock at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7. $12; $9 children. Reservations: 570-836-3188.

Holiday Workshop, a morning of cookie decorating, holiday crafts, singing and creations by the Balloon Lady. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Free. 570-996-1500.

An Afternoon of Colonial Hospitality, a re-creation of life in early Wyoming Valley with living-history personages, refreshments, period music and tours of the historic Nathan Denison House, 35 Denison St., Forty Fort. 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7. $5; $3 children. 570-288-5531.

Old-Time Christmas, the annual holiday tours centering on traditions of a 19th-century Pennsylvania Dutch farm. With Victorian skits, a Christmas Putz, living Nativity, caroling in the one-room schoolhouse, storytelling, refreshments and a visit by the Belschnikel. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, 347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 3 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 6 to 14. $10, $5 children. 570-992-6161.

Living Christmas Village, an interactive journey through biblical times with music by local high school choirs. Also: Santa’s workshop, puppets, a live Nativity, cocoa and cookies. Grace Bible Church, 130 University Drive, Dunmore. 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7. Free. 570-342-5651.

Community Contra Dance, with music by fiddler Henry Jankiewicz, keyboardist John Wobus and Curt Osgood on hammered dulcimer. Church of Christ Uniting, 776 Market St., Kingston. Saturday, Dec. 6 with a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. and dancing at 7 p.m. Pay what you wish. No partner or previous experience necessary. 570-333-4007.

Monthly Bingo, with door prizes, cash prizes and refreshments. Sponsored by St. Faustina Kowalska Parish at St. Mary’s School, 1010 Hanover St., Nanticoke. Sunday, Dec. 7 with doors at 12:30 p.m. and games at 1:45 p.m. 570-735-4833.

Holiday Tours of all three floors of the seasonally decorated Grey Towers National Historic Site, the 1886 mansion of Gov. Gifford Pinchot. With a Holiday Art Exhibit and Sale and an Interpretive Gift Shop. 122 Old Owego Turnpike, Milford. Monday, Dec. 8 through Saturday, Dec. 20 with tours at 1 and 3 p.m. $8. 570-296-9630.

Tibetan Monks will recite the Tara Puja ritual and prayers with melodic music for inner peace and compassion followed by a question-and-answer session, the dissolution (sweeping) of the Mandala, and blessing and distribution of sand. Presented by the Asian Studies Program at PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center, University of Scranton. 6 p.m. Dec. 8. Free. 570-941-7643.

Open Skate, the 11th annual event with doors open for public ice skating at the Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9. Admission: an unwrapped toy or $5 donation to Toys for Tots. No skate rentals at the Arena but limited skates available ($3) at the Toyota SportsPlex on Coal Street in Wilkes-Barre. 570-970-3507.

Classic Movie Series, a showing of the musical “Holiday Inn,” starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Noon and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10. $5. 570-996-1500.

Hawley Winterfest, the annual holiday weekend with ice sculptures, Cookie Walk and Victorian Luncheon, Holiday Artisans Fair, Holiday House Tour, Safe Kids Fair, Beer Tour, towed tube rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, Santa’s Workshop, open houses with music and treats, living Nativity, breakfast with Santa, art exhibits, Christmas stage show and more. Village of Hawley and nearby vicinities. Friday, Dec. 12 through Sunday, Dec. 14. See schedule at hawleywinterfest.com. 570-226-4064.

Holiday Open House. Join the Lackawanna Historical Society for wassail, sweet treats, stories and games along with horse-drawn carriage rides around the downtown. Catlin House, 232 Monroe Ave., Scranton. 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12. 570-344-3841.

Christmas Party, sponsored by the Tunkhannock Lions. Lake Winola Fire Company, 1204 Route 307. 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 with a social hour (BYOB) followed by a chicken-and-biscuit dinner. $10 plus an unwrapped children’s toy. Open to the public. Reservations: 570-836-1205.

Story Time for Grown-Ups! Adult stories and games along with wine, holiday-themed drinks and snacks. Christmas sweaters encouraged. West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave. 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. $20 advance; $25 at the door. 570-654-9847.

It’s a Wonderful Life, the annual free showing of the classic holiday film. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 2, 7 and 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16. 570-996-1500.

Candy, Cards and Confections Workshop, a morning of making chocolate-covered treats, Valentine cards and more. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, 347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7. $30. Reservations: 570-992-6161.

Harlem Globetrotters, the comic hoopsters in a game against the Washington Generals. Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22. 800-745-3000.

An Evening of Fine Food and Wine, samplings of food-and-wine pairings offered by area restaurants. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 26. Reservations: 570-344-1111.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Holiday Bus Trip Fundraiser, transportation to New York City for personal shopping or entertainment. Departs from the First Presbyterian Church, 115 Exeter Ave., West Pittston. 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. $30. Reservations: 570-654-9847.

Be an Angel to a Senior, Veteran or Needy Family. Stop in Boscov’s Department Store, 15 S. Main St. in downtown Wilkes-Barre and select a tag from the Angel Tree by Dec. 8. After purchasing the requested item on the tag, take the angel and item to the Courtesy Desk and it will be wrapped and delivered in time for Christmas. 570-823-4141.