At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So my friend Beth and I were on our way to a conference in NYC on Thursday evening, and we were discussing the fact that the human race in general seemed mean spirited and unkind and doomed. (You know… the typical going to NYC discussion about the human race.) Suddenly up ahead on this eight lane Jersey highway, the 70 mph traffic is stopped dead in three lanes and creeping ever so slowly in the fourth. As we drew closer I saw that a truck had apparently jackknifed across three lanes. “Oh no,” I thought. “I hope no one is hurt.” As we got closer and started to slowly pass, however, we saw that it wasn’t an accident at all, but that the trucker had deliberately put his truck across the lanes. Why? Because three very confused Canadian geese were in the road, milling about, having chosen a pretty horrific place to hold their meeting. They would start to walk off into the woods and then apparently one of them would think of something else to say and back they’d go to the middle of the lanes, honking and carrying on. It looked pretty bleak for dem gooses. Suddenly a motorcycle came roaring up behind us. “Oh, no!” Beth and I called out practically in unison, sure he was just an impatient thug who was going to tear past them even if it meant something awful. Instead, the man I had deemed an outlaw in my tiny brain, used his bike as a border collie. He rounded up the geese, wouldn’t let them stray, kept going from side to side and moving them ever forward until he got them safely into the woods. We cheered! Everyone around cheered! Life went on, for the people and the critters. Does it get better than that? (I love how serendipitous life can be.)

The Ant Bully starts on Friday. It’s a funny kids flick about walking this earth in someone else’s moccasins. It is so easy to divide the world up into “us” and “them.” Especially in this world of cable television and nut radio where the most extreme points of view shout and rage and carry on twenty-four hours a day, all proclaiming that only THEY are righteous. So sometimes we forget that just because someone or some creature isn’t like we are, that they have a right to be on God’s good earth.

That is the message of The Ant Bully. A little boy who likes to torment ants is suddenly miniaturized and brought into the world of ants. What a different perspective on life that is! We journey with the boy on his funny and silly and poignant tale of enlightenment. Bring the kids – it’s got lots of adult humor – and see a film that, funny as it may be, will give you lots to talk about after. (That’s important, you know. Being able to talk with your kids about a movie theme is one of the best reasons to go to the movies. Opens up a healthy dialogue. Good for everyone.)

Last week for Pirates of the Caribbean 2. What an incredible blockbuster! It has blown every historical record out of the water! Good for Johnny Depp. He’s turned in so many meaty performances, he truly deserves being a big star. I know nothing about him personally, but I do know he has worked at his craft and honed it and is now in the rarified air of a deeply talented star! Good for him!

On August 4 we will open Talladega Nights starring Will Farrell. It’s about Nascar, country humor, a really dopey character and looks to be hilarious. It’s our last summer blockbuster, so gear up for a good time. I can’t wait to see it – the trailers had me laughing right out loud!

Don’t forget our Sudoku classes on August 8 and 15. All the Dietrich ladies are going to take it because we need to exercise our brains. Or something. You have a good week, now. Come to the movies. It’s coooool inside.

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Have you ever solved a sudoku puzzle? The reason I ask is that the Dietrich has a great workshop coming up in August - Beginning Sudoku! I never heard of sudoku until a few months ago when Margie Young, our Program Director, discovered sudoku in newspapers and online. She likes them because they really make time go by quickly. I tried sudoku and can tell you it is fun and addictive! Now let me tell you a little bit about this puzzle craze!

Suduku puzzles are on a nine by nine grid and each grid is divided into nine smaller squares. The objective is to fill in digits from 1 to 9 so that they appear with just one of each number in a column, row and small 3 by 3 square. There is a strategy for doing these puzzles and they appeal to both children and adults. Not only are they fun, but sudoku also helps develop reasoning skills and concentration in children. For adults, it is great exercise for the brain! Research shows that doing sudoku boosts brainpower, stops memory loss and may help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s diseases. For me, I like the satisfaction of solving a puzzle. I can’t wait to learn more about sudoku strategy from instructor Gloria Fassett in these workshops. Try Beginning Sudoku on Tuesdays, August 8th and 15th from 7:00- 8:00 pm at the Dietrich. Admission is free! Please call 996-1500 to register.

Besides exercising the mind, the Dietrich offers yoga classes that exercise the body! We have great turnouts for our Saturday and Wednesday classes with instructors Melissa Russo and Mary Frances Giordano from 10 -11 am. Pat Oliver, one of our yoga regulars, enjoys yoga for the exercise and stress release plus she finds that she is very relaxed and happy after class. So we encourage you to come out and try it. All you need to bring is an exercise mat or beach towel. Admission is $10 per class.

And on Wednesday, August 30th, we invite you to join us for a musical evening with our Gathering of Singers and Songwriters V. I can’t believe we have been hosting this concert for five years now! This year we will feature the musical styling of Tom Flannery, Lorne Clarke, Shawn Z and Josh Pratt. They play an excellent mix of rock and folk music. It promises to be a great night of original songs and fantastic storytelling! The concert starts at 7:30 pm and tickets are $5.00.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Beginning Sudoku

Enjoy learning about and solving this fun and popular puzzle - sudoku! Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. There is no math involved. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic. Caution: It's addictive!

Tuesdays, August 8 and 15 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Admission is free!

Instructor: Gloria Fassett

Decorative Painting, ages 16 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques while creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. Each project will be completed within one to two classes. All levels of experience welcome.

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm through August 31.

Cost: $15 per class plus the cost of the painting surface. Preregistration required.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Fantasy, Fairy Tales & Beasts: Theater & Visual Arts Camp

This camp is all about ancient gods, wonderful tales and fantastical beasts. Children enrolled will learn about all sorts of cultures and myths and use that knowledge to create wonderful dramatic and visual works of art! For ages 5 -12.

Monday - Friday, August 7 - 11 from 10:00 am - noon.

Cost: $50, all materials provided.

Instructor: Amy Colley & Michaela Moore

Intergenerational Quilting, for all ages

"Seascape Quilt" - This project is designed to challenge students to construct variations of the classic sailboat pattern and explore fabrics that create special effects.

Wednesdays through July 26 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Peggy Lane

Introduction to Acting Camp, ages 6 -11

A fun and creative introduction to all that acting is!

Monday - Friday, July 31 - August 4 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm.

Admission is $50, all materials provided.

Instructor: Michaela Moore, All About Theatre.

Kindermusik with Sarah Birchard

In Kindermusik summer camp, tots will blow music bubbles, play parachute and kite games, make yard art from a glue jar and sing! All of these summer camp activities are designed to nurture your child's natural curiousity and will draw him or her to learning new words, new numbers and new big ideas. For more information about Kindermusik contact Sarah at 570-965-2086.

Thursdays, July 27 through August 24. 18 months to 3 years: 9:30 - 10:30 am. 3 to 5 years: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm.

Contact Sarah about class fees at 570-965-2086.

Instructor: Sarah Birchard, certified Kindermusik instructor

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing & Pottery

Students of all ages and levels of experience will have the opportunity to work at their own pace and medium of their choice with instructor Steve Colley. A model will be provided for an additional fee if the group chooses.

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, August 8, 15, 22, 29.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Pottery & Sculpture, ages 13 to 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. August 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Sail Away" - Our easy Just for Kids sailboat pattern will ensure a smooth sailing experience for young quilters.

Wednesdays through July 26 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Gloria Eastwood, Terri Keller, Mary Louise Dodge

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. Meeting are ongoing.

Admission is free.

group format - no instructor

Yoga for You

Accomodations will be made for beginners, experienced practitioners, and those with special needs. Call 570-996-1500 to confirm dates. Please bring yoga mat or beach towel.

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

Cost: $10 per lesson. Children are free.

Instructors: Melissa Russo & Mary Frances Giordano: Certified Hatha Yoga Instructors