At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

A plethora of pumpkins. Really. For whatever reason, that popped into my brain as my husband and I passed the third pumpkin stand in a five mile radius the other day. Pumpkins everywhere. On hay bales, on lawns, in fields, grinning wickedly (albeit a bit soon) from the pampered porch.

Now the occasional patch of red is popping up – as vivid as my mother’s 1940’s lipstick. (I was always fascinated by the way her lipstick wore down – - flat as a cookie sheet -- -flat as the becalmed ocean. Flat, flat, flat.) She’d stand in front of the mirror in her bedroom and I’d be sprawled on the bed behind her watching her in the mirror with the total absorption of a six year old as she took this perfectly flat object (from a cylindrical tube) and put it on her upper lip, and then pursed her lips together and then, with great flourish, took a tissue and blotted. The final step to this “date” with my father was the dab of Chanel Number 5, on each wrist, behind each ear. And then she’d turn around, this slim, pretty woman with the dazzling smile and say – “So, how do I look? Do I pass inspection?”

Oh, yes, Mamma. You passed inspection. And all those memories came flooding back because of a patch of red in the woods. Funny, isn’t it, how the mind longs for those we love and finds any excuse to bring them back to us even if it’s only for a moment.

(Ha! I bet you thought I was going to talk about pumpkins. I will – at Halloween.)

So, The Game Plan is a darling, darling movie! It’s gentle and sweet and funny. Perfect for anyone in the family.

Bringing in The Heartbreak Kid with Ben Stiller. It’s by the folks who brought you Something About Mary, one of the funniest (albeit raunchiest) films ever made. It’s very, very funny, but it is R rated, so you should be prepared for some pretty sophomoric humor. Still, how many movies make you laugh in spite of yourself? This is a goodie. Give it a try.

So, those cultural folks are up to their same old tricks. Bringing in La Voce, a unique ( to say the least) group of extremely talented area singers who are going to put on Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury. It’s a fund-raiser for the theater expansion, so we are just thrilled not only about the major talent that will be here to perform, but also about the reason for the performance (this is La Voce’s gift to us.)

But, that’s not all of it. The really totally unique and cool part of this is where the performance will take place. Try AT THE COURTHOUSE! Yeah. Really. At our very own gorgeous and historic courthouse. It only holds two hundred, so make sure to get your tickets soon – they’ll go fast. There will be some wine and little snacks, but the voices and the Gilbert and Sullivan opera will be the real treasure of that day. How often in downtown T’town do you get to see an opera? And help the theater expansion at the same time? (This is not a trick question – the answer is “almost never.”)

Do come to the gallery and see Margie Hovan’s gorgeous quilts. I’m telling you, I’ve never seen anything that rivals their beauty and creativity. Her talent leaves me speechless (okay, okay…speechless might be a bit unbelievable) but certainly completely in awe. The Baltimore quilt is so colorful and warm you just want to hug it to you. And when you look closely and see those little tiny perfect stitches, all done by hand, it’s the most amazing thing! Her patience and her skill are most excellent! Thank you, Margie, for making the world a more beautiful place.

See you at the Dietrich.

P.S. - - My sister just sold a SECOND story to Woman's World. Ain't she somethin?

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

What a full couple of weeks we’ve had at the Dietrich! Our Q & A with John Dobson was wonderful on Sunday night. To gain insight about astronomy from the inventor of the Dobsonian telescope mount was amazing. Our audience came prepared with so many questions and two members of the audience brought their own Dobsonian telescopes. After the Q & A they set up their telescopes for us on our lot next to the theater, and we all had the opportunity to see the craters on the moon, Jupiter and its four moons, and two star in the big dipper. I couldn’t believe what we were able to see! I think that was my favorite part of the evening.

This weekend the Dietrich will host another special event for the 6th Annual Airing of the Quilts on Saturday, October 6th at 11 am. Quilt author Rachel Pellman will be here for a presentation about Amish Women and Their Quilts. In this talk, Rachel will share the history and current trends in Amish quilting. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. The Dietrich will also have quilts by Margie Hovan exhibited in the Earnshaw Gallery. And between 1:00 - 2:00 pm on Saturday, Margie will be hand quilting on a frame in the gallery.

The Dietrich has some really interesting classes currently in session, such as our Photography Workshop with Kenny Ganz. The workshop has gotten off to a great start with a full class and Kenny has a great knowledge base about cameras and photography. We also have square dancing on Friday nights. Beginner and experienced square dancers are invited to come out and learn how to square dance with local square dancing caller Roger Furman. This is a great time for families to learn something new together. Square Dancing will be held on October 5, 12, and 19th from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Admission is $2 per session. Adults and children ages 6 and up are welcome to attend.

And this October the Dietrich will be offering a new workshop with Ann Vitale. On Mondays, October 8th through November 12th from 7:00 - 9:00 pm, the Dietrich will host a Memoir Writing Workshop for Veterans. Veterans of all ages and all branches of services are welcome to attend this workshop. If you piloted a plane or rode a desk chair, if you served in Korea, Vietnam, stateside, or anywhere else, you have stories to share. Join this supportive group and craft your unique experience into written work to share with others. Admission is free.

Then on Veterans’ Day, Sunday, November 11th, the Dietrich will take a bus trip to the Everhart Museum in Scranton 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. The bus will depart from the Dietrich at 1 pm and return at 5 pm. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to reserve your space. Tickets are $7.00 and veterans attend for free.

Oh, and come out tonight for Mike Stevens Live at the Dietrich. Starting at 7 pm, Mike will share will us stories from some of side roads and country lanes he’s found in the 25 years he’s been traveling the Pennsylvania Road for WNEP. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. Refreshments will be 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

All About Pottery & Sculpture, ages 9 - 12

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

Thursdays, October 11, 18, 25, November 1 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35, materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Basketry Workshop, ages 16 -adult

Create an open round basket with hexagonal weave throughout, a form used traditionally to drain whey from curds. This basket makes a great serving vessel at home or to give as a gift. Call 570-996-1500 to sign up.

Saturday, October 20 from 9:00 - 4:00 pm.

Admission: $80, materials provided.

Instructor: Susi Nuss

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, materials provided.

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Everhart Experiments, grades 4 -6

Experiment with the Everhart at the Dietrich this fall. Learn many ways you can take ordinary paper and create extraordinary, unique and fun works of art!

Tuesdays, October 9, 16, 23 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $12

Instructor: Everhart Museum Educator

Golden Days of Radio Players Group

Come back with us to those thrilling days 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".

Tuesdays, October 2 - November 13 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: Free

Instructor: Valerie Paulus

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

Make Believe Players, ages 6-11

A fun and creative introduction to all that acting is! Students will use their wonderful imaginations and learn all about acting and theater. Skills and activities covered include acting techniques, theater games, improvisation, storytelling, play making, character creation and much more. Students will get a chance to create their own unique characters and stories while learning how much fun theater is. A casual performance will end the workshop. Anyone with any level of experience is welcome to join in the fun!

Tuesdsays, September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $50

Instructor: Michaela Moore of All About Theatre

Mask Making for Preschoolers, ages 4 & 5

Make your own mask! Preschoolers will create three-dimensional masks as they learn about different cultures and explore using a variety of materials.

Thursdays, October 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1 from noon - 12:45 pm.

Admission: $30.

Instructor: Amy Colley

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. Session 2 - October 10, 17, 24, 31. Session 3 - November 7, 14, 28, Dec. 5.

Admission: $20 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Memoir Writing for Veterans

Veterans of all ages, all branches of service are welcome to attend this workshop. If you piloted a plane or rode a desk chair, if you served in Korea, Vietnam, stateside, or anywhere else, you have stories to share. Join this supportive group and craft your unique experience into written work to share with others.

Monday, October 8 - November 12 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: free.

Instructor: Ann Vitale

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. Session 2 - October 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2. Session 3 - 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. 2-October 9, 16, 23, 30. 3 - November 6, 13, 20, 27.

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

Instructor: Steve Colley

Painting on Glass, ages 16 to adult

Wednesday, October 24 at 7 pm - Learn the process of glass painting - paint a vase and matching votive holders.Wednesday, November 7 at 7 pm - Decoratively paint glass ornaments.

Wednesday, October 24th at 7 pm. Wednesday, November 7 at 7pm.

Admission: $15 per class, materials provided.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Photography Workshop

Would you love to improve your photography skills? Learn all about camera operation, effects, use of lenses and accessories as well as composition. Students should bring film or digital cameras. No experience is required.

Wednesdays, September 26, Oct. 3, 10 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Admission: $50.

Instructor: Kenny Ganz

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. Session 2 - October 8, 15, 22, 29. Session 3 - 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

Square Dancing for Families

Beginner and experienced square dancers are invited to come out and learn how to square dance with local square dancing caller Roger Furman.

Fridays, October 5, 12, 19 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $2 per class

Caller: Roger Furman

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