Tinnitus Support Group to host audiology expert at meeting
The Tinnitus Support Group of Northeast Pennsylvania will meet Friday, Aug. 7, at 2 p.m. at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. The meeting will feature an audiology and mindfulness expert as the speaker.
At the August meeting, featured presenter Erin Walborn Sterantino, Au.D., CH-TM, will discuss how to move beyond just “managing symptoms” through the principles of Polyvagal Theory and Mind-Body Medicine, to retrain your system to move from “survival mode” back into “rest and digest.”
Sterantino holds a Doctor of Audiology degree, is certified in tinnitus management and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and has advanced training in mind-body medicine. As the director and certified MBSR teacher at the Mindfulness Center of the Capital Region and an audiologist at Audiologic Solutions Hearing Center, she provides treatment for hearing loss, tinnitus, sound sensitivity and mindfulness-based stress reduction to her patients.
Beyond traditional audiology, Sterantino is a certified provider through the Polyvagal Institute for the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP).
The support group welcomes individuals living with tinnitus, their family members and friends, and anyone interested in learning more about this complex audiological and neurological condition. Participants can connect with others who share similar experiences, exchange practical coping strategies, and find encouragement in a compassionate, confidential setting.
A virtual option will be available for those unable to participate in person.
For more information or to request the virtual meeting link, contact Joe Kelly, community health worker at The Wright Center for Community Health, at kellyj@TheWrightCenter.org or 570-903-0492.
Arts to the Rescue exhibit returns
The Scranton Area Community Foundation’s NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative is partnering with AFA Gallery for the return of Arts to the Rescue, a three-week exhibition to celebrate the arts while making a difference for animals in need.
The exhibition opens for First Friday on Friday, Aug. 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at AFA Gallery, 101 Penn Ave., Scranton. The event allows the public to meet some of the animals looking for forever homes while learning more about the organizations working throughout Northeast Pennsylvania to improve animal welfare.
The artwork will remain on display throughout August, inviting visitors to experience original portraits inspired by adoptable animals from participating NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative member organizations.
AFA Gallery pairs talented regional artists with adoptable animals, transforming their stories into one-of-a-kind works of art that raise awareness about pet adoption and the lifesaving work of local shelters and rescues. Each portrait highlights an individual animal’s unique personality while encouraging community members to consider adoption.
Participating organizations this year include Griffin Pond Animal Shelter; Animal Care Associates Inc., Scranton; Paw Paw Canine Rescue & Recovery and Kitties of NEPA Pet Fund & Rescue.
Proceeds from Arts to the Rescue will benefit the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative Fund, helping expand collaborative initiatives that support animal welfare across the region. Funds raised will help provide educational materials for pet owners, promote adoptable animals, improve access to veterinary care and strengthen collaborative partnerships that improve the lives of animals throughout the region.
Admission to both the exhibition opening and the Adoptable Pet Meet & Greet is free and open to the public. The exhibition will also feature animal-themed artwork by local artists alongside the custom shelter portraits.
For more information about Arts to the Rescue, follow both organizations on Facebook and AFA Gallery on Instagram.