At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

I am writing this on Monday morning when the world is like a Disney fairyland. Even for those who shudder at snow (I never understand that), even they would have to admit that this morning is one of nature’s gifts to us. Every tree, every shrub, every blade of grass has its own white coverlet, making the world look like a great, soft, clean, wondrous place. I needed this, since I spent the weekend felled by a stomach bug – the nastiest of bugs as far as I’m concerned. So to wake up this morning to this calendar world was much appreciated.

When you read this column Thanksgiving will be over, the turkey will be eaten, we will be stuffed (although the bird no longer will be) and we will have made another year of memories to enjoy when we’re old and rocking by the fire (or playing golf, or running a movie theater, or…well…whatever). I think Thanksgiving is such a great holiday because it’s centered on only food and family – no gifts have to be bought (maybe a fine wine) and one can decorate, I suppose, if one likes that sort of thing, but the main decoration is the food-laden table.

Although I love Christmas (I’m just a total sucker for the holidays) with its wonderful decorations and the good food and all the things that go with it (church, if you are religious), it’s a stressful holiday. Unless you are the soul of organization, it always seems to pounce on us a week or two early, even though there has been an entire year to get ready for it. There’s never enough time, nor is there enough energy to get through the Christmas to New Years stretch without a deep seated desire to head off to a nice quiet corner with one’s pillow and blankie and take a little snooze. After Christmas week is finally over, I’m always greatly cheered by January’s bleak midwinter and the cold and the dark that allow us to read, or write, or simply meditate. January is such a welcome contrast to the hectic days that precede it.

But Thanksgiving is so jolly, with food and family being front and center. How good it is to see those beloved faces smiling at us across the holiday table. How wonderful to tell stories about those who may not be physically present, but whose lives have shaped ours and who, being so missed, are brought back to life with stories. “Do you remember when Mamma ….remember the year Pappa?....or cousin John…or…..” Whatever your stories are, when they’re told we hang on every nuance, every subtlety, every word, although we have heard them hundreds of time, because they are our link with the past, our past, and only there, in the set nature of that which is completed, can we find the sense of security always missing in thoughts of the unknown future.

So, eat up, drink that wine, make those toasts, and bask in the love surrounding you. All the great religions of the world come with the same message – it is love that fills us, it is love that abides with us, it is love that gives us the strength to endure the unendurable. If you are one of those lucky enough to be loved, give thanks. For love is the greatest gift of all.

But, and with no proper segue here, there are other gifts which can show our love (heh heh) and the best of these is (you know what’s coming here, I’m sure) the Dietrich Theater Gift Bag!!!! Yyyyaaayyy!!!! Remember that giving a theater gift bag is a two-fold gift – it makes the recipient really, really happy (they’ll wonder how you got so smart even if you did flunk chemistry) and it puts money in the theater savings account to help us get through those bleak days when Hollywood is being disappointing but we still need to pay the bills. Plus, you don’t have to wrap them or dust them. Perfect, perfect, perfect.

Come visit us at the holidays – we have good movies for you and great popcorn. What else could you ask?

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Margie Young

Do you remember the golden days of radio? I do. Growing up, my sister and I slept in a bunk bed, and I being the older one, slept in the top bunk. My father built a little shelf just big enough for a small lamp and my radio. A special delight was to listen to the radio after we turned off the light to programs like My Friend Irma. Well, last Tuesday night in the Peg Fassett Performance Studio, I had a chance to relive a childhood experience. The 1950 Christmas episode of My Friend Irma was performed by our Dietrich Theater Radio Players. Barbara Jones regaled the audience as the ditzy Irma. The performance was complete with Rinso White, Rinso Blue commercials and the theme song about friendship. Bob Kulow, sound effects expert, ingeniously created every door closing, telephone ring, police siren, and footstep. This ensemble is now so renowned that it has been asked to return for a performance at Steamtown Historic Site in Scranton on March 22. If you couldn’t be here to see it last Tuesday, support our Dietrich Radio Players on March 22.

Another date to put on your calendar is Friday, December 7 so you will not miss the free showings of Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas at 5:30 and 7:00. For the second year in a row, the Jim Henson Legacy Foundation has given us the permission to show the legacy version, the one that is introduced by Kermit the Frog. Calista Hendrickson, my sister and the Costume Designer for the movie, will be at both showings to answer questions about the production of this classic. These showings coordinate with Tunkhannock Business Association’s celebration of Christmas in Our Hometown when our town will be alive with holiday fun for everyone.

Would you like a sneak preview of 2008 classes and events at the Dietrich? We are working out the details, but here is a sampling of things we are working on for the new year: another Watercolor Workshop with Jan Henning, Storytelling with Fiona Siobhan Powell, a bus trip to Ellis Island, a history of Rock ‘N Roll with our After School Players, an Historic Homes of Tunkhannock Exhibit in our gallery, River Day with expanded hours and activities, Shakespeare in the Park at Riverside Park and, of course, the continuation of our art classes for children and adults. Not everything is final, but we will tell you the details in the following weeks.

Finally, don’t forget that we offer many enticing gifts for your holiday shopping pleasure. Gift bags are a big favorite. And remember, they are already gift-wrapped! But did you know that we also offer certificates for classes? We can personalize them for you. What a wonderful way to introduce your family and friends to a new art or craft! Ask us for ideas about gift giving. All of your purchases help support the ongoing programs at the Dietrich.

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, Seurat as they experiment with different painting techniques.

Thursdays, November 8, 15, 29, Dec. 6 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

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

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

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