At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So this is a column that’s hard to write. Not because of the movies we’re showing – they’re just fine. In fact, they’re better than fine. We have the delightful “Princess Diaries 2” which doesn’t have an objectionable bone in its body and the lovely “DeLovely” with the music of the one and only Cole Porter. With stars Kevin Kline and the gorgeous Ashley Judd, how could it be anything but a wonderful cinematic experience?

Nope. This is hard to write because it’s personal and a cautionary tale and the cautionary part is one of the reasons I’ve chosen to write this. The other is that this is a very small town where rumors can grow very, very large indeed.

I have to take a couple of weeks off (not too long, just a week or two) because I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I know some people think that if you have cancer it should be kept secret as if it’s a shameful thing, but how could that be? I don’t think I did anything to bring this on so why would I hide it? Besides, I won’t be around the theater for a bit and just imagine the stories that could arise from that?

Provided everything goes all right and I don’t catch a cold or whatever, I will have a modified radical mastectomy on Saturday morning. And then, depending on lymph node involvement (hopefully there won’t be any, but that’s something we won’t know until after the surgery) they will decide the course of treatment. It could be as simple as taking tamoxifen for a few years. Or it could be about doing a course of chemo and/or radiation. I don’t know that yet.

But here is the cautionary part. I didn’t have a mammogram for maybe five years. I knew better. My mother had breast cancer. So why didn’t I have mammograms? Because I was afraid. How stupid is that? How foolish and silly and perverse. Finally Sandy kept pestering me so much that I said yeah, yeah and finally had one and they caught something I had not picked up in regular breast exams. Therefore, if I am to be saved Sandy saved my life (how do you ever say thank you for that?).

So, even with all this, I am a very, very fortunate person. I’m scared to death but my friends are all here, cheering me on. My sister is there every second reminding me that Mamma lived a long and healthy life post surgery. My husband, in a desperate attempt to make me feel better the other night, went to the store and came back with three containers of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, Dove chocolate, potato chips and a big box of Cocoa Pops. (I’ve never eaten a Cocoa Pop – or is it Puff??? – in my life.) But it was a heartfelt gift for someone who believes chocolate represents all the major food groups.

Barb called “just to hear my voice” and Margie to say that she would do anything I needed her to do. Esther smiles encouragement and speaks calmly about how this is all going to turn out fine. Sarah tells me it’s just good to see me, because she’s been sad all weekend. Sandy and my sister call me constantly, always encouraging, always confident in my eventual recuperation. And even though fear has left me with a constant metallic taste in my mouth, I know I am loved and that is the most wonderful gift you can ever be given. All other things in life are fleeting – material goods, jobs, health, wealth – they can be gone in the wink of an eye. But love? Oh, that really is eternal. And right now, in spite of what’s happening to my body, that makes me one of the luckiest folks in the world!

See you at the Dietrich (pretty soon, honest.)!

P.S. Get those mammograms, now ladies. Don’t put it off. Once a year when you get to “a certain age”. If it’s been a while, you pick up that phone right now. Right now! You hear?

Live at The Dietrich

By

The Dietrich Theater will celebrate an evening of bluegrass and acoustic music with Tennessee HeartStrings Band, a Nashville-based, all woman Bluegrass group on Wednesday, August 25th at 7:30 pm. Be prepared to witness a crowd-pleasing mix of traditional and original acoustic music. Come out to support former Tunkhannock resident, Sharon Hebda, and her band! Tickets are $10 and will be sold at the door.

The theater is also gearing up for its fall schedule of classes and events for both children and adults. Stop by the theater to check out our new brochure listing some old favorite classes such mixed media, preschool art, pottery and sculpture, yoga, and decorative painting as well as some new offerings including introduction to acting, jewelry making, and a radio players group. New classes are also on our website at www.dietrichtheater.com.

This September we will be featuring a poetry workshop, Poetic Challenges –The Practice of Poetry” taught by Jennifer Hill Kaucher for adults and students ages 13 and up. In this class, students will experiment with a variety of poetic forms, theories about the creative process, vocabulary expansion exercises, and tips on revision and critique. Class participants will read and share their work with each other in an effort to improve. It is a goal to keep the writing mind (and hand) challenged. Several of Jennifer’s previous poetry students in her Spring 2004 poetry workshop said her class helped them break their writers block. If you are interested in this workshop, mark your calendar for Tuesdays, September 7th through 28th from 7:00 –8:00 p.m. and enroll by calling (570)-996-1500. Admission for this class is $40.00.

On Saturday, September 18th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm the Dietrich Theater will also be hosting an Introduction to Genealogy seminar. This afternoon workshop will be taught by the Director of Clarks Summit’s Family History Center, Nancy Aiello. Students will learn how to start tracing their own history, what websites to use, and how to do a pedigree and family group sheet. Students are encouraged to bring names, dates, and stories of their ancestors. Researching genealogy could be a great family project. As instructor, Nancy Aiello says, “Genealogy is like an apple, take one bite at a time.” Preregister for this class by calling Margie Young at (570)-996-1500. Admission is $10.00.

And just a reminder, film festival time is almost here -sixteen foreign and independent films in fourteen days! The opening night gala, September 10th at 6 p.m. will be spectacular! The movies “Bon Voyage” and “Coffee and Cigarettes” will be shown, hors d’oeuvres will be provided by twelve local restaurants, and Epicurean delight will wow us again with an assortment of tasty desserts. Tickets are $25.00 per person and can be reserved by calling (570)-996-1500. Check out www.dietrichtheater.com for the film festival schedule and more information about the festival movies.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Art Class for Preschoolers - Mondays

These aspiring young artists will have the opportunity to experiment in a variety of materials such as clay, collage and tempra to create their unique works of art.

Mondays, 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Session 1 -September 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4. Session 2 - October 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1. Session 3 - November 8, 15, Dec. 6, 13.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes

Instructor: Amy Colley

Art Class for Preschoolers - Thursdays

These aspiring young artists will have the opportunity to experiment in a variety of materials such as clay, collage and tempra to create their unique works of art.

Thursdays, 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Session 1 - September 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7. Session 2 - October 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4. Session 3 - November 11, 18, Dec. 2, 9.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes

Instructor: Amy Colley

Basic Jewelry I

Participants will learn beginner metal work - saw, shape, & polish. Work with brass and sterling silver. No soldering. Students will have a sterling charm and a pair of earrings at class end.

Tuesday, November 10th, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Cost: $40 including jewelry making kit

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Basic Jewelry II

Participants will fabricate a bracelet and learn to attach findings, bend wire, make jump rings, and various bead placement techniques. Sterling wire, attachments and an assortment of beads included.

Tuesday, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, November 17th

Cost: $40 including jewelry making kit

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Bead Knotting, ages 13 and up

During this class, you will learn the ancient art of knotting between beads and how to attach sterling bead tips and sterling clasps. Your kit will include beads and everything needed to make a necklace.

Tuesday, October 26th, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Cost: $35 includes bead knotting kit

Instructor: Jeanne Browning

Decorative Painting for Adults, ages 13 and up

Introduction to decorative painting. Try your hand at painting decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts.

Wednesdays through November 17 noon - 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $15 per session plus cost of painting surface.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Dietrich Theater Writer's Group

Love to Write? Join at any time. Group focuses on pop -ficton.

Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:00 pm, September 2 through December 2

Free!

Dietrich Theater Writer's Group members

Drawing and Painting for Adults (13 and up)

Learn the basics of perspective, line, form, color, and value as students draw and paint from life. All levels of experience are welcome.

Mondays, 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.

Cost: $40 for all four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Everhart Art Experiments, Grades 4 - 6

Got art? The Everhart returns to the Dietrich this fall to let you get your creative juices flowing as we play with paints, pastels and colors galore!

Tuesdays, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., October 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2.

FREE!

Instructor: Everhart Museum Staff

Fun for Tots: Stories and Songs for 3 - 5 year olds

Enjoy stories and songs with Mary Baker. Children must be accompanied by parents or care givers.

Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., October 7, 14, 21, 28.

FREE!

Mary Baker, singer and storyteller

Golden Days of Radio Players Group

Come back with us to those thrilling dats of radio drama and comedy. Join us as we prepare a radio play production. Together we will explore the magic of "The Theater of the Mind". Call 570-996-1500 for more information.

Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, October 5th - November 16th

Free!

Valerie Paulis

Holiday Camp

Young artists will become familiar with the self portraits and symbolism of Frida Kahlo, the expressive paintings of Vincent Van Gogh, and the genius of sculptor and painter, Leonardo Da Vinci, by exploring a variety of mediums as they create their own masterpieces.

Monday - Wednesday, December 27, 28, 29, Ages 6 -8: 9 am - 10:30 am; Ages 9 - 12: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Cost: $30

Amy Colley

Holiday Workshop, for all ages

Get into the holiday spirit! A morning of cookie decorating, wreath making, holiday crafts, and creations by the balloon lady. Fun for all ages.

Saturday, December 11th at 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Free

Dietrich Theater

Intergenerational Art Camp

Intergenerational mixed media- pottery, sculpture, drawing and painting. Fun for the entire family. Ages 6 and up welcome.

August 23rd through August 27th, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Cost: Adults- $50 per week. Children - $25 per week.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Introduction to Acting, ages 11 - 17

This class will focus on the technique of acting with a performance at the end of the class. Students will learn about storytelling and the basic techniques of acting including voice, body, mind and imagination. Students of all experience levels will be accomodated.

Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., September 28 - November 16

Cost: $60 for all 8 sessions

Instructor: Michaela Moore

Introduction to Genealogy

In this class, students will learn how to get started, what web sites to use, and how to do a pedigree and family group sheet. Participants will also receive a free genealogy computer program. Bring names, dates and stories of your ancestors. Genealogy is like an apple, take one bite at a time.

Saturday, September 18, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Cost: $10 per person

Instructor: Nancy Aiello, Director of Clarks Summit Family History Center

Mixed Media, ages 5 - 8

Give your child the opportunity to explore their creativity through charcoal and pencil, watercolors and clay while learning about proportion and perspective.

Fridays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Session 1 - September 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8. Session 2 - October 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5. Session 3 - November 12, 19, Dec. 3, 10.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes

Amy Colley

Mixed Media, Ages 9-12

Give your child the opportunity to explore their creativity through charcoal and pencil, watercolors and clay while learning about proportion and perspective.

Mondays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Session 1 - September 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4. Session 2 - October 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1. Session 3 - November 8, 15, Dec. 6, 13.

$25 for eac series of four classes

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mixed Media/ Portfolio Prep for Adults, ages 13 and up

This class is a great opportunity for students to build a diverse portfolio as you draw, paint and create pottery & sculpture. Even if you are not planning a portfolio, you will be able to experience art using a variety of materials and learn new techniques.

Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Session 1 - September 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6. Session 2 - October 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3. Session 3 - November 10, 17, Dec. 1, 8.

Cost: $40 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Poetic Challenges - The Practice of Poetry

This workshop will include a variety of poetic forms, theories about the creative process, vocabulary expansion exercises, and tips on revision and critique. We will read and share our work with one another in an effort to improve. It is a goal to keep your writing mind (and hand) challenged. New and returning work shoppers are welcome.

Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., September 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $40

Instructor: Jennifer Hill Kaucher

Pottery and Sculpture for Adults (13 and up) Evening Class

In these classes students will learn hand-building techniques using earthenware as they become familiar with the works of artists such as Rodin, Michelangelo, and Picasso. All levels of experience are welcome.

Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.

Cost: $40 for all four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Pottery and Sculpture for Adults, ages 13 and up

In this class, students will learn hand-building techniques using earthenware as they become familiar with the works of artists such as Rodin, Michelangelo and Picasso. All levels of experience welcome. Individualized instruction.

Mondays, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Session 1 - September 13, 20 , 27, Oct. 4. Session 2 - October 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1. Session 3 - November 8, 15, Dec. 6, 13.

Cost: $40 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

Kaleidoscope Magic - Have you ever marveled over a kaleidoscope? Each slight turn creates an amazing design. We will teach you how to capture all this in a quilt. Bring your imagination...we'll supply the rest.

Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., September 15 to December 15.

Cost: $6 per class

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler/ Gloria Eastwood

Yoga for You

Accommodations will be made for beginners, experienced practitioners, and those with special needs. Ages 9 to adult. Classes will be ongoing in October through December. Call (570)-996-1500 for exact dates.

Wednesdays, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. - August 4 and 11. September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.

Cost: Adults $10 per session or $45 for 5 classes, children free.

Presented by Melissa Russo.