Musical Sequel to Benefit Holy Family Residence

Posted on July 5, 2017 by The Dunmorean

Cast members of ‘Nunsense II” include John Baldino, left, and Rob Misko as Reverend Mother.

The residents of Holy Family Residence in Scranton will benefit again this year from a professional musical production. Last year’s production of “Nunsense” was such a huge success for Holy Family Residence, the Little Sisters of the Poor are bringing the sequel, “Nunsense II” to their home in Scranton.

Our Cabaret Productions will present Dan Goggin’s off-Broadway smash hit musical comedy, “Nunsense II: The Second Coming” on Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. at Holy Family Residence in Scranton.

“We are so pleased to welcome back the cast and crew of Our Cabaret Productions to our home, “said Mrs. Jackie Galvin, director of development and communications for the Little Sisters of the Poor, Holy Family Residence. “Our Cabaret’s production of ‘Nunsense’ last summer brought us so much joy seeing the happiness in our guests’ faces as they exited our auditorium following the show. The show also served a wonderful fundraiser for our residents. We are truly looking forward to hosting Our Cabaret again this August and seeing just what the Little Sisters of Hoboken have planned at their special thank-you show.”

Sarah Wagner will play the role of Sr. Mary Leo; Christine McGeachie as Sr. Mary Paul (Amnesia), and Taylor Patullo as Sr. Mary Robert Anne.

This event is a collaboration of two “Nunsense” veterans, Rob Misko and John Baldino, who have been involved in productions of the show for over two decades. Baldino produces and Misko directs. No production team in Northeastern Pennsylvania has more experience with the “Nunsense” franchise, and Our Cabaret Productions is the only professional production company in the region to mount this acclaimed musical comedy.

“What really makes this show work is that it’s real,” says Misko. “Presenting the Sisters as real people, and not campy caricatures is the essence of the show. John and I understand the humor of the nun because we know so many Religious Sisters so well. We were both taught by nuns.”

“I have a tremendous respect and love for religious Sisters,” adds Baldino. “I’ve worked with Sisters my entire adult life, and that’s what makes me love the ‘Nunsense’ shows. Working with Robby (Misko) makes it even better as we have the same vision for the show, and are true to Dan Goggin’s original intention.”

“Nunsense II” takes place one year after the Sisters have staged their first benefit. The sisters are back presenting a thank-you show for all the people who supported them in the past. But now, they’re a bit slicker, having been “bitten by the theater bug.” The show stars Misko as Reverend Mother and Baldino as Sr. Mary Hubert. Completing the cast are Sarah Wagner as Sr. Mary Leo, Christine McGeachie as Sr. Mary Paul (Amnesia), and Taylor Patullo as Sr. Mary Robert Anne.

Tickets for the show are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and available at ourcabaret.com, or by calling the 24/7 toll-free box office at 1-800-838-3006. Seating is limited, so advance tickets are highly recommended.

“Nunsense II: The Second Coming” is produced by Our Cabaret Productions through special arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, New York, NY. All net proceeds will benefit the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Little Sisters of the Poor Host St. Joseph’s Day Celebration

Posted on April 5, 2017 by The Dunmorean

Little Sisters of the Poor - St. Joseph's Celebration

The Most Rev. James C. Timlin, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Scranton,; Sister Laurelliya, l.s.p.; the Rev. E. Francis Kelly, chaplain of Holy Family Residence; Mother Theresa Louisa, l.s.p., superior of the Little Sisters’ Scranton community; and resident Loretta Culkin, (seated), pause for a moment during the Little Sisters of the Poor’s annual St. Joseph’s Day celebration.

The Little Sisters of the Poor at Holy Family Residence hosted their annual St. Joseph’s Day celebration on Monday, March 19.. The Most Rev. James C. Timlin, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Scranton, and several diocesan priests, celebrated a special Mass at 10:30 a.m., in the chapel at the residence, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton. At 11:30 a.m., the priests served lunch and visited the residents.

St. Joseph, who is the husband of the Blessed Mother and the foster father of Jesus, is the patron saint of the universal Church as well as the protector of the Little Sisters of the Poor.

The Little Sisters, who have been serving the elderly of Northeastern Pennsylvania since 1908, work closely with staff, volunteers, and benefactors to create a family spirit for the residents who make their home with them. They welcome the elderly who have limited funds and provide for their needs so they can thrive in an atmosphere of respect, dignity, and love.

Little Sisters of the Poor Plan St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

Posted on March 1, 2017 by The Dunmorean

COMMITTEE MEMBERS planning the 2017 St. Patrick’s Day celebration and dinner for the Little Sisters of the Poor are, first row, from left: Theresa Durkin, Lisa Sutter, Carole Paswinski, and Nancy Wilson. Second row: Karen Caruso, development assistant; Pete and MaryCarol Kanton; Sr. Marie Therese, l.s.p.; and Jackie Galvin, director of development and communications.

Also serving on the committee are Lisa Blaker, director of activities and volunteer coordinator; Charlie Butler, Faith Foley, Ann Kwak, Mary Sheils, Mary Jane Sheridan; Janet Skibinski, and Mother Theresa Louisa, l.s.p.

The Little Sisters of the Poor are kicking off St. Patrick’s Day in the city of Scranton at their fourth annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and Dinner on Sunday, March 5, at Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave., located adjacent to Marywood University. The event will begin with Mass at 11 a.m. with a bagpipe processional and recessional in the chapel followed by the dinner and entertainment from 12 to 4 p.m. in the auditorium.

The menu includes ham and cabbage with potatoes and carrots, rolls and butter, vanilla ice cream with mint or chocolate syrup, and beverages. The entertainment for the afternoon includes the Kearns Drum and Pipe Band, D.J. Dr. Dragon – the Practitioner of Entertainment, and Irish step dancing by the Crossmolina School of Dance.

Tickets for adults are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Tickets for children 10 and younger are $6. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling (570) 343-4065 or online at www.littlesistersofthepoorscranton.org.

In addition to the dinner, there will be a bake sale which will include the Sisters’ famous homemade scones and an assortment of other baked goods. There will also be raffles for gift baskets and gift certificates for area restaurants and businesses as well as a 50/50 raffle.

There will be plenty of free and convenient parking in the residence’s parking lot or via a handicap accessible van providing shuttle service from the Marywood University parking lot on the corner of Adams and University Avenues to the dinner.

The Little Sisters also have numerous dinner sponsorship packages available which are great advertising vehicles for businesses as well as a way to honor or remember someone you love.

For advance ticket purchases and sponsorship information, please contact Mrs. Jackie Galvin, M.S., director of development and communications, at (570) 343-4065 ext. 3144 or scdevelopment@littlesistersofthepoor.org.

All proceeds will be used to purchase patient lifts and standing and raising aids for the residents at Holy Family Residence.