At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

I saw an ad yesterday while I was watching the news and it struck me as so sad – such a dividing line between the “haves” and the “have-nots.” I know those terms are used to talk about socio-economic status, but that’s not how I’m going to use them. I guess first I should start by telling you that the ad was about lightening up the stress of the holiday by going to this particular fast-food chain and getting take-out. I was stunned by the ad – it was as revolutionary a thought as I could imagine – right up there with banning books or chocolate. “Can you believe that?” I said to my husband. “It would be easier,” he said non-committedly. “Easy?” I said trying to keep my voice within reasonable levels of sound and shrillness. “Easy???? What in the world does easy have to do with Thanksgiving dinner? It was never meant to be easy! It’s meant to be…to be…well, good. It’s meant to be good and you can’t buy good.”

No fool, he decided the minefield here was way, way too treacherous for him to walk through and that it was a good time to take out the garbage – two days early. I sat in my chair and thought about what the holidays really are for folks like me – someone who had a wondrous and loved childhood in which food played an important part in the various joyous celebrations of life. And I thought about the fact that my sister and I could no more go out for Thanksgiving dinner than we could run the NYC marathon. Some things you simply have to accept.

But as I thought about it I came to realize that it isn’t about the potatoes and rutabagas and fresh cranberry sauce and the creamed onions and all the other goodies that laden our holiday table, it’s about the memories of those wondrous holidays when Mamma disappeared into the kitchen at some unholy early hour and when Pappa came downstairs and lit a fire in the fireplace, and then, after breakfast, took his girls for a walk in the woods or if the weather didn’t permit that, he would challenge us to a quick game of pick-up sticks in front of the fire (we always, always lost).

Our house was warm and cozy, the smells of the food coming out of the kitchen were beyond wondrous, and when my mother brought those dishes to our Thanksgiving table it was as sacred an act as any religion has ever come up with. She fixed that meal joyously and with great, great love, as her mother had before her and her grandmother before that.

And now our hands bring those same dishes to the table and in doing so we are united once again with the women who brought so much, through the decades, to the families they loved and provided comfort to. I look down at my hands now and they are Mamma’s hands – thin-fingered and aged, but they carry those dishes to the table with the knowledge that Mamma is with me, walking right alongside, clucking her approval that we haven’t changed a thing from the meal she made us. How could we? It was perfect.

And that’s what I mean by the “haves” and the “have-nots.” The haves are those who, like Jenny and I, have had a gloriously loving childhood and treasure those memories above all else. The have-nots, God bless them, would be fine with take-out for Thanksgiving. Which is okay – it’s not a sin. It’s just so sad not to have your Mamma there with you to celebrate the holiday long after she has passed on.

And what does this have to do with the Dietrich theater? To me, it has everything to do with it. The Dietrich is a place that evokes powerful emotions in people, a place charmed by the soft mist of cherished memories. The women of the Dietrich have tried to make it a place to come home to for the holidays and to feel cherished and loved, for our childhood memories are powerful things and deserve respect. Come join us at the Dietrich for the upcoming holidays and go back to a time when love and laughter and joy ruled your world. The Dietrich is waiting for you – shimmering through the past into the blessed now. Oh, my. I just love the holidays! Can you tell?

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Only a couple more days until the Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts starts up at the Triton Hose Banquet Hall in Tunkhannock on November 2nd and 3rd. I am looking forward to seeing the selection of hand-crafted items by fine artists and artisans such as pottery by Teresa Velardi, jewelry by Emilie Deery, photography by Dick Allyn, fine art by Matthew Haney, quilts and quilted accessories by P.A. Designs, botanical art by Lucille Norella, metal work by Donald Shelton and more! Plus there will be food items available for sale such as homemade fudge, dipping oils, sparkling cider, and apple salsa, which make great gifts for the holidays. Honey house will also be there will their natural soaps and honey products and Paraffinalia Candles will offer their hand-poured, long burning candles. I am especially interested in seeing the work of Linda Doucette from Millville, PA. Linda does woven acrylic paintings and weaving. Her woven paintings are assembled from two or more paintings on paper that are stripped and woven with additional images painted or collaged on the surface. She does fiber dying from natural materials such as flowers, roots, leaves, berries and bark.

Join us Friday, November 2nd from 5:00 – 9:00 pm for Preview Night where you will be the first to see and buy these items. The evening will include live music by Alan Thatcher and a reception of wine and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling 570-996-1500. Then on Saturday, the festival will continue from 10 am – 4 pm. Tickets are $2 each. On Saturday, we encourage you to bring the children along to meet two alpacas of Endless Mountain Alpacas. These animals are so sweet-tempered and pet-able too. Wool from their coats will be available in its natural colors as well as hand-dyed varieties. The yarn made from this wool is exceptional for all of those knitters out there.

And speaking of animals, Indra Lahiri from the nearby Indraloka Animal Sanctuary (There was a great story on the sanctuary in the Wyoming County Advance on October 19th.) will be at the Dietrich with some of her animal friends on Saturday, November 10th at 11 am. Indra will share stories and slides of these special animals that will make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and lose your heart to these precious animals. She is also planning to bring Tinkerbell the Saint Bernard, Merlin the cat, Magdie the pig, and Ruckus the goat. Admission is free.

Then on Sunday, November 11th, the Dietrich will take a trip to the Everhart Museum 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. We will leave from the Dietrich at 1 pm and return by 5 pm. Admission is $7 and veterans attend for free. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 570-996-1500.

The Dietrich also has some great classes coming up in November. For kids, we will provide All About Impressionist Painting for children ages 9 –12, Pottery and Sculpture for Preschoolers, Mixed Media for ages 5 –8, and Crazy Creatures for Mommy & Me. For adults, there is Pottery & Sculpture, Introduction to Knitting, an ornament-making workshop with Susi Nuss, Painting on Glass and more. I took a Painting on Glass class with Sarah Sidorek last week and was able to paint a floral design on vases and votive holders by just learning a few basic techniques. Join us on Wednesday, November 7th for Sarah’s class on how to decoratively paint glass ornaments at 7 pm. It is fun, easy and Sarah is an excellent teacher. Admission is $15 and materials are 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

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 or $15 per class.

Instructor: Susi Nuss

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