At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Well, I have to tell you that meeting Ernie Hudson and his friend Willis Burke was quite the hoot! They didn’t arrive at the theater til past 9:30 because the weather was so terrible that traffic was bumper-to-bumper through New Jersey. But once he came he was so gracious and answered everyone’s questions with such good humor (and terrific storytelling ability) that he charmed the socks off the audience. Later, because they’d had no dinner, everyone went to Twigs, which Lori and Jerry Bogedin had kept open for the visiting Hollywood folks. The meal was superb, everyone had the best time – good food, a saved bottle of champagne and lots of laughter and…well…we all ended up feeling like movie stars. However, when I didn’t get home until two in the morning and had to get up at regular time on Saturday to do a million chores, I have to tell you, then I felt like a sixty-ish country girl who’d been up way, way past her bedtime!

Such terrific movies for you this week. For the kid in us all we have Jerry Seinfeld’s The Bee Movie. It’s funny, poignant, really, really cute and rated PG which means you can bring all your kin no matter what age and everyone will have a good time. It’s going to be the hit of the season, and in fact, kicks off the holidays movie-wise.

For the grown-ups we have Elizabeth: The Golden Age. This is the sequel to the first Elizabeth movie put out two years ago. For those of you who love history, pomp and ceremony and a simply glorious story (with some incredible costuming), this is the movie for you.

Okay, this is the weekend of the Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts. These are juried artists and crafts people with their wares on display for your buying pleasure. But even if you’re not in a buying mood this weekend, you can peruse and take business cards for those you’d like to get in touch with later. And last year the stuff was gorgeous! (I particularly loved the sparkling apple cider – great gift for those who don’t drink alcohol but who love something fancy at the holiday table.) And then there was the bee man – candles and soaps and, well, every wonderful smelling thing you could think of. Plus all the artists who will display their latest creations. It’s a grand festival, really.

Plus, on Friday night, Chef Jordan of Keystone’s Culinary School, will create three appetizers right there at the festival. I love to see Chef’s do that sort of thing. It just seems so elegant -- like something you see in a movie. Of course, I think almost everything is like something you see in a movie. So, do try to make it to Triton Hose on Friday night. It’s a lovely night and you can get a head start on your Christmas shopping. The stuff is gorgeous and all different price ranges are represented. Plus, the proceeds support all those wonderful cultural programs. Do come – we know you’ll have a splendid time.

So, last night I dropped by my sister’s house on my way home and she told me George Dietrich had died. I don’t know how that fact had escaped the ladies of the Dietrich, but it had. I knew he had been ill, but I had no idea how serious it apparently was. So, I want to send our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Dietrich – especially his two wonderful daughters, Lavona and Barb. He was such a grand, grand man. Esther did an interview of him which we have on tape a few years ago and he was so full of fun and had so many funny and wonderful stories to share with us. It’s a priceless piece of tape that I hope one day to show at the theater.

We are thanked here so often for bringing the Dietrich back, but right now I want to say that we couldn’t have brought it back if Mr. Dietrich hadn’t built it in the first place. During the great Depression, George Dietrich built a house of dreams and wonderment. Thanks, sir, for being a visionary and understanding the power of film. Thanks for building a movie house so solid that it stands today. Thanks for the thousands of funny, sad, loving, fantastical stories you brought to us all these years. Thanks for the memories, Mr. Dietrich. You’re a local hero, now and forever.

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Only a couple more days until the Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts starts up at the Triton Hose Banquet Hall in Tunkhannock on November 2nd and 3rd. I am looking forward to seeing the selection of hand-crafted items by fine artists and artisans such as pottery by Teresa Velardi, jewelry by Emilie Deery, photography by Dick Allyn, fine art by Matthew Haney, quilts and quilted accessories by P.A. Designs, botanical art by Lucille Norella, metal work by Donald Shelton and more! Plus there will be food items available for sale such as homemade fudge, dipping oils, sparkling cider, and apple salsa, which make great gifts for the holidays. Honey house will also be there will their natural soaps and honey products and Paraffinalia Candles will offer their hand-poured, long burning candles. I am especially interested in seeing the work of Linda Doucette from Millville, PA. Linda does woven acrylic paintings and weaving. Her woven paintings are assembled from two or more paintings on paper that are stripped and woven with additional images painted or collaged on the surface. She does fiber dying from natural materials such as flowers, roots, leaves, berries and bark.

Join us Friday, November 2nd from 5:00 – 9:00 pm for Preview Night where you will be the first to see and buy these items. The evening will include live music by Alan Thatcher and a reception of wine and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling 570-996-1500. Then on Saturday, the festival will continue from 10 am – 4 pm. Tickets are $2 each. On Saturday, we encourage you to bring the children along to meet two alpacas of Endless Mountain Alpacas. These animals are so sweet-tempered and pet-able too. Wool from their coats will be available in its natural colors as well as hand-dyed varieties. The yarn made from this wool is exceptional for all of those knitters out there.

And speaking of animals, Indra Lahiri from the nearby Indraloka Animal Sanctuary (There was a great story on the sanctuary in the Wyoming County Advance on October 19th.) will be at the Dietrich with some of her animal friends on Saturday, November 10th at 11 am. Indra will share stories and slides of these special animals that will make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and lose your heart to these precious animals. She is also planning to bring Tinkerbell the Saint Bernard, Merlin the cat, Magdie the pig, and Ruckus the goat. Admission is free.

Then on Sunday, November 11th, the Dietrich will take a trip to the Everhart Museum for a guided tour of the Requiem exhibit. This exhibition is a memorial to the 135 photographers of the Vietnam War who were reported as missing or dead. Also see a selection of artifacts from the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Collection of the National Park Service. We will leave from the Dietrich at 1 pm and return by 5 pm. Admission is $7 and veterans attend for free. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 570-996-1500.

The Dietrich also has some great classes coming up in November. For kids, we will provide All About Impressionist Painting for children ages 9 –12, Pottery and Sculpture for Preschoolers, Mixed Media for ages 5 –8, and Crazy Creatures for Mommy & Me. For adults, there is Pottery & Sculpture, Introduction to Knitting, an ornament-making workshop with Susi Nuss, Painting on Glass and more. I took a Painting on Glass class with Sarah Sidorek last week and was able to paint a floral design on vases and votive holders by just learning a few basic techniques. Join us on Wednesday, November 7th for Sarah’s class on how to decoratively paint glass ornaments at 7 pm. It is fun, easy and Sarah is an excellent teacher. Admission is $15 and materials are provided.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

All About Impressionist Painting, ages 9 -12

Students will learn about Impressionist painters such as Monet, Manet, and Seurat as they experiment with different painting techniques.

Thursdays, November 8, 15, 29, Dec. 6.

Admission: $35, materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Crazy Creatures for Mommy & Me, ages 3 & 4

Create fantastic, fuzzy, feathered and fury friends using a variety of materials including clay, paint, colorful pastels and more with your mom, dad, or grandparents.

Fridays, November 2, 9, 16, 30 from 10:30 - 11:15 am

Admission: $30, materials provided.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Decorative Painting for Adults

Learn decorative painting techniques while creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. All levels of experience welcome. Preregistration required. Call 570-996-1500 to sign up.

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm through Dec. 19

Admission: $15 per class plus the cost of the painting surface.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Elves Workshop, for ages 12 - adult

The elves will be busy in preparation for the winter holidays. So join us in learning how to make a variety of folded and woven decorations. Class participants will create five folded and woven ornaments. The ornaments may include a bird, fish, Moravian star, heart, garland, reindeer and a wreath.

Fridays, October 26 - November 16 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $50 or $15 per class.

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Holiday Camp, ages 6 -12

Young artists will become familiar with pottery, drawing and painting as well as famous artists in this camp.

Thursday, December 27 from 9:30 - 11 am -Pottery; Friday, December 28 from 9:30 - 11 am - Drawing & Painting

Admission: $25, materials provided.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Intergenerational Quilting, ages 13 and up

"School House 101" - Learn quilting techniques as you create a community quilt rediscovering variations of the classic school house pattern. Explore exciting block setting options and learn how to boldly mix colorful fabrics.

Wednesdays through December 12 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, and Terry Keller

Introduction to Knitting, ages 10 - adult

Learn to knit and purl and end up with a scarf. All materials included.

Wednesdays, November 28 and December 12 at 7 pm.

Admission: $15

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Mehoopany Outreach Studio Mixed Media, ages 6 -12

Mixed Media at the Mehoopany Outreach Studio(87 Main Street). Students will learn about famous artists and create their own works using materials including clay, tempera, watercolors, collage, etc. Call 570-996-1500 to sign up.

Wednesdays from 3:30 - 5:00 pm. November 7, 14, 28, Dec. 5.

Admission: $20 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mixed Media, ages 5 - 8

A new artist will be introduced each week as students learn about famous artists and create their own works using materials including clay, tempera, charcoal, pastels, etc.

Fridays from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. November 9, 16, 30, Dec. 7.

Admission: $35 for a series of four classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing & Pottery, for all ages

Students of all ages and levels of experience will have the opportunity to work at their own pace with the medium of their choice.

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. November 6, 13, 20, 27.

Admission: $15/class or $50 for 4 classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Painting on Glass, ages 16 to adult

Learn how to decoratively paint glass ornaments.

Wednesday, November 7 at 7pm.

Admission: $15 per class, materials provided.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Pottery & Sculpture for Preschoolers, ages 4 & 5

Preschoolers will learn all about pottery and sculpture as they create fun sculptures, and make pottery using a potter's wheel and hand-building techniques.

Thursdays, November 8, 15, 29, Dec. 6 from noon - 12:45 pm.

Admission: $30, materials provided.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Pottery & Sculpture, ages 13 - adult

This class is designed for students of all levels of experience. Students will work on pottery wheels and learn hand-building and sculpture techniques.

Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. November 5, 12, 19, 26.

Admission: $50 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley, M.F.A.

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"There Goes the Neighborhood" - Design a house or create a village in your own quilt. Have fun learning quilting techniques and the history of this traditional quilting block.

Wednesdays through December 12 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, and Terry Keller

Writers' Group

Come and read your work or listen and be inspired. Learn the craft of writing as you write. All genres and levels of writing are welcome.

Thursdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Meetings are ongoing.

Admission is free.

group format - no instructor

Yoga for You

This class will teach and reinforce the basic yoga poses (asanas)which gently stretch and strengthen the body. Attention will be given to breathing and alignment in postures. Call 570-996-1500 to confirm dates. Please bring yoga mat or beach towel.

Wednesdays, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Call 570-996-1500 for class dates.

Cost: $10 per lesson. Children are free.

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor: Melissa Russo