At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

We have two truly wonderful family movies for you this holiday season. We have the Newberry Award winning children’s book, “The Tale of Desperaeux” about a very, very brave little mouse. And we have the incomparable Adam Sandler as a devoted uncle whose Bedtime Stories to his niece and nephew tend to come true in the most disconcerting ways. Both are suitable for all families of all ages. And remember, that the movies are still the cheapest form of family entertainment going. And, if you have a few extra bucks, then after the movie you can take the kids for a sandwich or some ice cream. And if you don’t, you can all go home, make a big pot of hot chocolate, and talk about the movie you just saw – the funny parts, the scary parts, the parts that made you go “awwww.”

And those fun times with your family are what they will take with them into adulthood. They will remember when you sat around the kitchen table and laughed, and talked, and were a family. And aren’t sweet memories the best gift you can ever give your children? The toys will be broken and forgotten, gathering dust and little else, as the years trek by. But the memories shine through the mist of years and give us, again and again and again, a gift without equal.

My mother was one to make every occasion, and even some non-occasions, special, and in doing so she made everyone around her feel as if they were born to greatness. One of the best times of childhood for me, was to watch my mother get ready for the occasional, and rare, “date” with my father – an event that happened only a few times a year, and it was always about going to a movie.

I’d lie on my parents four-poster, chin in hands, watching my mother “put her face on” in the mirrors reflection. First would come the Ponds Cold Cream – slathered thickly and with a certain abandon – over perfect ivory skin. Then, with a flourish of the tissue, off it would come and out would come the small, round rouge pot. With the skill of an artisan, the two red dots she would dab on her cheeks would be blended in to give just the faintest hint of color on the ivory palette. Then the gold rectangular compact to give the airiest finish to her work. Finally, the lipstick, worn perfectly flat, to be applied to the top lip only and then, rubbing her lips together she would lean into the mirror for a closer inspection.

“How do I look, darling?” she’d smile at me in the reflection. “So pretty, Mommy.” And then, as if the timing were pre-planned, my father would call from the bottom of the stairs – “You ready, Mamma? Time’s a wasting.”

Then she would lean down and give me a kiss. “You’re my big girl. I know you’ll take such good care of your sister.” And my twelve year old heart would about burst with pride.

And that was the gift my mother gave my sister and me. The belief that we were special, that all things were possible, that the Creator sees the sparrow fall. Every Christmas, every birthday, every snow day, was as special as those “dates” with my father. She put so much care, so much love into all of them. Her family was everything to Mamma, and we repay her the only way we can - - by remembering her, and for me, by writing about her.

And here’s the grand thing about Christmas – in the soft light of the tree, in the wonderful scent of Christmas dinner, in the carols we will sing, my folks are with me. My mother is young and strong, checking her lipstick in the golden compact. My father is laughing and talking as he carves the turkey.

Your loved ones are with you, too. Because love, especially at Christmas, sails through time and space, and nestles safely in the harbor of our hearts. Have a merry, merry Christmas. God bless us, one and all.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Christmas in Our Hometown was so festive this year. We hosted two sold out shows of Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, and the Holiday Workshop definitely put you in the Christmas spirit. At the Holiday Workshop, the young and young at heart made icicle tree ornament and decorated holiday sugar cookies. And of course, Silly Sally made all different kinds of delightful balloon creations from hats, butterfly wings, swords, bunnies, dogs, cats and more! It was so great to see so many families out and about enjoying Tunkhannock.

Droves of people also came to the theater to view our Christmas Night display in the Earnshaw Gallery. It’s magical. We would like to thank all of our contributors who made the exhibit possible including Amy Colley, Sarah Sidorek, Cynthia Weber, and Karen O’Grady-Smith. If you have a chance, make sure you stop by the Dietrich to view this winter night wonderland!

The Dietrich Theater and the Tunkhannock Public Library also have an exciting project we would like to invite you to participate in. For our Wyoming County Reads project this year we will be handing out free copies of "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder to read. Get your free copy of the play at libraries in Wyoming County while supplies last. Join us for book discussions and see the play performed live. Admission to all book discussions is free and refreshments will be provided. Stay tuned for more information about this project.

Last week I told you about so many opportunities for children in the new year, now I would like to focus on classes and workshops for adults. For those who are interested in making jewelry, Esther Harmatz will be teaching a few classes including Introduction to Glass Fusing, Jewelry Making: Art Clay Silver, and Introduction to Stained Glass.

Instructor Sarah Sidorek will be teaching students how to knit hats using round knitting needles on Tuesdays, January 13 & 27 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Then in late March, she will teach participants decorative painting techniques as they create a patio candleholder.

Our longer class series for adults include Pottery & Sculpture and Open Studio for Painting, Drawing, & Sculpture, Spanish for Adults, Writers’ Group, Yoga for You, and Decorative Painting. For more information about any of these offerings, please visit www.dietrichtheater.com and click on classes.

And just a reminder, there is still time to sign up for Holiday Camp for children ages 6 and up on December 29, 30, and 31 from 9:30 - 11:00 am. During this three-day workshop, campers will learn how to make pottery and sculptures and create drawings and painted masterpieces. Admission is $35. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to sign up.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

After School Players for Middle and High School Students

Students will learn all about theater arts as they prepare to perform the comedy "Laugh-In". Students will also provide input for the show and learn choreography. No experience is required. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

January 5 to February 21- Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: Free

Instructors: Carl Canedy & Patti Dunning, First Act Children's Theatre

All About Drawing, ages 9 - 12

Students will learn the basic concepts of drawing including line, shape, texture, value, color, and space while creating their own masterpieces.

Thursdays, February 12, 19, 26, March 5 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Steve Colley

All About Painting, ages 9 - 12

Students will learn the basics of perspective, line, color and value as they paint from life. All levels of experience welcome.

Thursdays, January 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

All About Pottery & Sculpture, ages 9 -12

Students will learn hand building techniques (coil and slab construction, glazing techniques, and experience using potter's wheels.

Thursdays, March 12, 19, 26, March 5 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Steve Colley

Explore and Create Fairy Tales, ages 5 -12

Go on a journey through magical lands, creative characters, and suprise endings! Write, draw, create and explore fairy tales from around the world based on the Everhart's special exhibit, Fairy Tale Art. Visit the exhibit with your family on April 3rd.

Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Bus Trip: Saturday, April 3 from 12:30 - 4:30 pm.

Admission: Free

Sponsored by: Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

Holiday Camp, for ages 5 - 12

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

Monday - Wednesday, December 29, 30, and 31 from 9:30 -11:00 am

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Intergenerational Quilting, ages 13 and up

"Peaks & Valleys" - Develop quilting skills with this variation on the classic log cabin pattern. Students will learn the use of color and value and explore creating variations in their designs.

Wednesdays, January 14 - March 25 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6 per class

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, and Terry Keller.

Jewelry Making: Art Clay Silver, for ages 16 and up

Have fun learning the basics of working with silver clay to create pieces of silver jewelry! Silver clay is made up of real silver particles, organic binder and water. After drying, the clay binder is burned off with a torch and what remains is 99.9% pure silver. Students will fabricate choice of rings, earring or pins!

Monday, March 30 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making: Introduction to Glass Fusing, for ages 16 and up

Learn the basics of small piece fused glass work. Each student will create a fused glass item which will be finished, polished, and wire wrapped.

Series 1 - Mondays, January 12 & 26 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Series 2 - Mondays, March 9 & 23 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60 per series; materials will be provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making: Introduction to Stained Glass

Learn the first steps of working with glass to create stained glass pieces. Students will learn to work with a design, cut glass, polish, foil wrap and solder. Each student will leave with a finished item. All glass supplies and equipment will be supplied.

Monday, March 16 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $55

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Knit a Hat, ages 10 to adult

Learn how to knit a hat using round knitting needles. Choose from three hat styles. All materials are included.

Tuesdays, January 13 & 27 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $20

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Little People & Nature, for ages 3 to 5

Rebecca Lesko of the Endless Mountains Nature Center will teach little ones about Porcupines & 'Possums, Owls, Black Bears, and more of nature's wonders. These classes are sponsored by the Overlook Estate Foundation.

Series 1 - Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 from 10:00 - 11:00 am. Series 2 - Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 from 10:00 - 11:00 am.

Admission: Free

Instructor: Rebecca Lesko

Mehoopany All About Drawing, ages 5 -12

Students will learn the basic concepts of drawing including line, shape, texture, value, color, and space while creating their own masterpieces.

Wednesdays, February 11, 18, 25, March 4 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mehoopany All About Painting, ages 5 -12

Students will learn the basics of perspective, line, form, color, and value as they paint from life. All levels of experience welcome.

Wednesdays, January 12, 21, 28, Feb. 4 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mehoopany All About Pottery & Sculpture. ages 5 to 12

Students will learn hand building techniques (coil and slab construction), glazing techniques and experience using potter's wheels.

Wednesdays, March 11, 18, 25, April 1 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mehoopany Crafts fro Kids, ages 8 and up

Join Instructor Sarah Sidorek in making these fun crafts at the Mehoopany Outreach Studio. Preregistration is required. Call 570-996-1500.

Make It/Bake It Jewelry for Kids - Thursday, March 19 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Decoratively Paint a Frame - Thursday, March 26 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $5 per class.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Mixed Media, ages 5 - 8

Students will express themselves using different types of clay, paints, and drawing materials as they create their own masterpieces.

Fridays from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Series 1 - January 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6. Series 2 - February 13, 20, 27, March 6. Series 3 - March 13, 20, 27, April 3.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Amy Colley

Mommy & Me Mixed Media, ages 3 to 5

Young artists and their moms, dads, or grandparents will create works of art using an assortment of materials including clay, tempera, watercolor and collage.

Fridays from 10:30 - 11:15 am. Series 1- January 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6. Series 2 - February 13, 20, 27, March 6. March 13, 20, 27, April 3.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Amy Colley

Open Studio: Painting, Drawing & Pottery - Nights

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

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Series 1 - January 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3. Series 2 - February 10, 17, 24, March 3. Series 3 - March 10, 17, 24, 31.

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

Instructor: Steve Colley

Open Studio: Painting, Drawing, & Pottery - Days

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

Mondays from 9:30 - 11:00 am. Series 1 - January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2. Series 2 - February 9, 16, 23, March 2. Series 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

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

Instructor: Steve Colley

Paint on Glass, ages 16 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques as you create a patio candle holder for your home or to give as a gift. All materials are supplied. No experience is required.

Tuesday, March 31 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $12

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Pottery & Sculpture, ages 13 and up

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. Series 1 - January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2. Series 2 - February 9, 16, 23, March 2. Series 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

Admission: $50 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Preschool Art, ages 3 to 5

Preschool students will explore the arts as they work with a variety of materials such as clay, tempera, watercolors, collage and more.

Thursdays from noon - 12:45. Series 1 - January 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5. Series 2 - February 12, 19, 26, March 5. Series 3 - March 12, 19, 26, April 2.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Underground Railroad" - Go on an adventure and learn techniques of quilting and stories behind this Civil War period quilt. Use reproduction time period fabrics as you create this quilt out of four patches.

Wednesdays, January 14 to March 25 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $6.00/class

Instructors: Terry Keller, Peggy Lane, and Ingrid Rogler

Spanish for Adults, ages 16 and up

Students will learn basic Spanish phrases and vocabulary using a variety of teaching methods. Hispanic culture will also be explored. The class will be tailored to individuals' personal language learning goals.

Wednesdays, March 11 to April 15 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm.

Admission: $30.

Instructor: Victoria Romero

Writers' Group

Come and read your work or listen and be inspired. Learn the craft of writing as you write towards a goal of publication. 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