Category Archives: September 2018

CaPAA Theater Holds Audition for Disney’s “Newsies”

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CaPAAOpen auditions for high school and college students and adults have been scheduled for Sept. 10 and 11 at CaPAA’s Theater at the Ritz for an upcoming production of Disney’s “Newsies.” Auditions are open to all Marywood University students, CaPAA students, and actors from Northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond. For audition details and materials go to www.CaPAA.org.

Production dates for the upcoming production are Dec. 20-23 at CaPAA’s Theater at The Ritz.

The Creative and Performing Arts Academy has helped foster a community of support for the performing arts, making The Ritz Theater a mecca of creativity and inspiration once again. Part of that support comes from an exciting collaboration with Marywood University’s Department of Music-Theater-Dance.

In partnering with Marywood University and its skilled faculty, the possibilities of bringing more top class productions and talent to the Scranton stage is broadened, which enriches the local culture and provides amazing opportunities for our youth. The professional talent and direction from both organizations combine to make a powerhouse team in presenting this winter’s production of Disney’s Newsies!

Collaborative creative team members from CaPAA and Marywood University include: Michael Melcher, producer; Chuck Gorden, associate producer; Mandy Bruno Bogue, director; Sheri Melcher, music director; Cristina Sohns Williams, choreographer, and Michele Gorden, assistant to the director.

There will also be student leadership roles, including a variety of positions giving the opportunity to learn new, or  refine existing, technical skills, such as Stage Management, Scenic Design, Stage Technicians, Lighting and Sound Tech.

Back to School Safety Tips from PennDOT

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2018 Back to School-SmallAs the new school year gets underway, motorists need to be vigilant to avoid potentially tragic crashes and strong penalties as school buses return to the roads and transport children.  

“Our lives are filled with distractions, but we simply must put them aside and focus on the road ahead when we get behind the wheel,” said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. “Even a momentary distraction – especially around school buses and in school zones — can lead to tragedy.”

Motorists approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended are required to stop in all directions at least 10 feet from the bus. The only exception to the law is when a school bus is stopped on the opposite side of a highway clearly separated by a divider, such as concrete barriers or grass medians. Even in this situation, motorists should remain watchful of students trying to cross the road to catch the bus.

If convicted of violating Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping law, drivers face a $250 fine, five points on their driving record and a 60-day license suspension.

pennDOT-logoStudents are also exposed to traffic while waiting for buses or walking to the bus stop or school. Motorists are reminded to be cautious and alert when approaching a school bus stop and to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.  

In addition to watching for school buses, motorists should be alert in school zones, which become hubs of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Motorists are required to slow down to the posted speed limit of 15 mph in school zones. If convicted, violators face a fine and three points on their driving record.

For more information on Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping law, school bus safety tips and programs, visit www.penndot.gov/safety.

 

Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

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September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and while the dangers of childhood obesity are well chronicled, many families need support changing their families’ habits with the goal of overweight and obese children obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight.

That’s why the Greater Scranton & Wilkes-Barre Family YMCAs — leading community-based organizations dedicated to improving health — want families to understand the dangers of childhood obesity and ways to reverse course through improved eating habits and increased physical activity

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of obesity has remained stable at about 17 percent and affects about 12.7 million children and adolescents. Today, obesity affects one in six children and one in three are overweight, which poses greater risks for many health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and some cancers.

“For years, parents have heard the dangers of childhood obesity, but making the necessary lifestyle changes—as a family—remains the biggest barrier to real progress,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Together, we can learn healthy behaviors and community-based organizations like the Y can provide a helping hand.”

YMCAThe Greater Scranton and Wilkes-Barre Family YMCAs are helping families improve their health and potentially reduce the impact of childhood obesity through incorporating physical activity into all of our youth programs, including summer day camp, early childhood education and after school care. Additionally, we’re proud to continue offering youth sports, swim lessons and sports leagues.

While outside support is key, developing healthy habits begins at home. The following tips are some great ways to incorporate healthier eating habits and more physical activity into your daily family routine:

Eat & Drink Healthy: Make water the drink of choice and encourage everyone to fill half their plates with fruits and vegetables by offering two or three colorful options at every meal. As a family, choose a new fruit and veggie every week to taste together.  Place a full pitcher of water on the table during meals and allow children to pour their own water. Keep full water bottles available in the car and back packs.

Play Every Day/Go Outside: Children should have at least an hour a day of unstructured play outside (when possible) and break a sweat at least three times a week by getting 20 minutes or more of vigorous physical activity. Join your children in games that get your hearts pumping and bodies moving.

Get Together: Eat as a family as frequently as possible. Involve kids in meal planning, preparation and clean up. In addition, adults should take a break from electronics and spend one-on-one time each day with their kids, enjoying one another’s company.

Reduce Recreational Screen Time: Time spent in front of a television, computer, tablet, cell phone or video games should be limited to two hours or less per day. Make a family plan to reduce screen time at home (i.e. turn off screens during meals, charge electronics/screens in the kitchen overnight, go for a walk after a meal, set a timer to remind you to power down the screen).

Sleep Well: Kids and adults need to keep a regular sleep schedule; unwind together in the evenings by reading a book or listening to soft music to ensure the body is preparing for sleep. Kids are growing and need 10-12 hours of healthy sleep per night and seven to eight hours for adults.

To learn more about the Greater Scranton and Wilkes-Barre Family YMCAs Youth and Healthy Living Programs, visit www.greaterscrantonymca.orgor www.wbymca.org.