n Danville: Geisinger Medical Center's Division of Spiritual Care will offer four opportunities to participate in spiritual care classes in January. According to a press release, the following classes are offered at the Henry Hood Center for Health Research in Intermediate Conference Room 4 on the GMC campus: "A Biography of Cancer," a science and religion series, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 and Feb. 7 and 14, a six-week series involving a study of cancer, beginning at its first documentation in the 20th century, with the text, "The Emperor of All Maladies" by Dr. Mukherjee required for the course; "Stages of Spiritual Development," an interfaith spirituality series, 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 4 and 11, reviewing the common threads that scientists, psychologists, philosophers and theologians have identified as instrumental to a person's spiritual development; "Genesis with the Rabbis," a Jewish studies series, from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26 and Feb. 2 and 9 at the Shiloh UCC, 500 Bloom St., Danville, providing participants an opportunity to view the breadth of Jewish understanding through modern Jewish commentators in an interfaith environment; "Destructive Emotions," a Buddhist studies series, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Wednesday from Jan. 25 to May 16, a five-month effort discussing the nature and role of emotions in life and offering tips on managing harmful or destructive emotions. The classes, taught by Chaplain Karl Polm-Faudre, director of education, research and outreach, Division of Spiritual Care at Geisinger, are free and open to the public. No registration is required. For more information, call 570-271-3700 or email Polm-Faudre at kafaudre@geisinger.edu.
n Fountain Springs: Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs will hold its next depression support group meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 in the Susan Amedow Boardroom. The group is designed to help individuals and family members and friends who may be experiencing signs of depression. Attendees will learn about the causes of depression and ways to cope every day with depression. Participants are encouraged to discuss and share their own feelings in a confidential and safe environment. For more information, call 570-875-6965.
n Gordon: The Gordon Area Seniors held their annual Christmas party on Dec. 14 at the municipal building. President Ray Umlauf opened the meeting with a prayer. A meal was catered by Subs and Stuff. Christmas gifts were donated by local merchants. Senior of the Year was awarded to Barbara Zadhodick. The dues for 2012 are due and with the resignation of membership person, Grace Long, dues of $5 can be paid to Joann Young or Joan Clark.
n Shenandoah: PPL Electric Utilities Corp. has teamed up with the Visiting Nurse Association of Northeast Pennsylvania to donate weekly medication containers to all VNA patients from Scranton to Shenandoah, according to a PPL press release from Martha M. Herron, regional community relations director. PPL contributed the medication containers to be distributed by local VNA employees. The VNA has been serving the community for more than 100 years with home health nursing, nurses' aides, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social work, hospice care and an inpatient hospice unit in Wilkes-Barre, according to the release. Principals on hand to kick off the effort included A.J. Onuschak, PPL; Herron; Loretta Udovich, RN; Joan Brugger, RN; Jolene Knecht, VNA marketing; Al Onuschak, PPL; Judy Plitnick, RN; Elizabeth DeFrain and Sharon Hunsinger, HHA. Other VNA employees taking part in the distribution include Anthony Urillo and Jeff Platek. For more information, contact Herron at 570-459-7314.
n Tamaqua: The New Life Assembly of God Church recently held its fifth annual First Gift Community Christmas Program at the church. Members donned Hawaiian attire for the free community event that was open to families and children up to age 11. Pastor Ed Noftz said the vent is meant to "spread the true meaning of Christmas - the celebration of Christ's birth."