At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So, every time I turn on the television or open a magazine there is a list – ten best this, ten worst that. Of course, they almost always make me furious. I couldn’t believe Time Magazine did a list of ten best novels of 2007 and didn’t include Richard Russo’s Bridge of Sighs. (Thankfully, Stephen King included it in his Best list for Entertainment Weekly.) Best movies always leave me cold, too, wondering what I missed and muttering to myself - - “How could they possibly have chosen that????” So, in the spirit of listing, and of making half my readers really happy with my choices and the other half really furious with my choices, here is my best list for the movies that played at the Dietrich in 2007. (I’d love to hear your list – just email me at Hildya@epix.net!

10.Pursuit of Happyness. Even though it was completely tedious in so many places, Will Smith is always a joy to watch and it was an inspirational story if you could stand about eight hundred scenes where he is running because he is late.

9. Blood Diamond – an old fashioned adventure movie where the flawed protagonist is soooo sexy you just have to love his bad old self.

8. The Last King of Scotland – So fascinating in its portrayal of a petty thug who suddenly has total power and is utterly devoid of conscience. Unbelievable performance by Forest Whittaker.

7. The Queen – Proving once again that Helen Mirren is the queen of any film she stars in. Makes you feel real sympathy for a basically unsympathetic character. Also gives a glimpse into our “royal” presidency and their more “common” approach to governing.

6. In the Valley Of Elah – If this movie doesn’t bring home the high cost of war then nothing will. Tommy Lee Jones’s weathered face is a mask of tragedy. Trust me, with this film you can feel his pain.

5. Live Free or Die Hard -- Follows the tradition of all the Die Hard movies wherein Bruce Willis takes on the bad guys with only his police issue revolver. Not as good as the one with the snow, but then I love anything with snow in it. Still, it’s really, really fun!

4. Death At A Funeral – what is it about the Brits that makes their comedies so damn funny? This one had me screaming with laughter and I’m a tough nut with a comedy – as you can tell from my list, I don’t think most of them are funny.

3. Sicko – Best of all the Moore documentaries. This one sums it all up. Countries decide how they will care for their citizenry. England, Canada, France etc. offer universal health care. Americans are one medical crisis away from bankruptcy. It will make you laugh and cry and, mostly, think.

Waitress – there is not a false note in this terrific little indie about a gorgeous young woman who just can’t get it right – until she does. Totally charming. Makes you feel all warm inside. Also makes you really, really want a piece of pie.
Tada! My choice for best pick of the year at the Dietrich – The Painted Veil. To me it was the ultimate story of love and loss, grace and redemption. It told about lives lived badly turned into lives well lived. It’s a grand and inspirational film. I saw it five times. All of these films are available on video. Every one is worth a look. (As is Miss Potter, only I didn’t have room on my top ten list.)
Happy New Year, dear, dear friends. Let’s raise those champagne glasses high to toast the wondrous adventures of the coming new year!

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

What a busy holiday season it has been! Between now and the new year I plan to relax a little by watching a couple of movies and reading. I hope to catch “National Treasure: Book of Secrets”. The first National Treasure was so much fun, that I look forward to seeing Nicholas Cage in this family friendly adventure sequel. And I must admit Alvin and the Chipmunks looks cute and was a favorite of mine from my youth so I might catch that as well. I will also try to read some of Pride & Prejudice, which is our Wyoming County Reads book for 2008. The Tunkhannock Public Library and Wyoming County Cultural Center/Dietrich Theater invite residents of Wyoming County and the surrounding communities to read Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. Free copies of the novel are available at public libraries in Wyoming County while supplies last. Then in February, we invite everyone to come out and discuss “Pride and Prejudice” at various locations in Wyoming County and see the movie for free. A special feature of this year’s project is an afternoon of Contra Dancing. Contra Dancing is similar to the type of dancing that the characters in Pride & Prejudice do. It is a fun communal style of folk dancing and no partners or experience is necessary to take part in this free event.

We have some great classes coming up in 2008 for children and adults. In Trash to Treasures, students will learn how to create recycled art including 3-D art sculptures and relief sculptures. I can’t wait to see what kinds of sculptures students come up with in this class with Amy and Steve Colley. Kids are so creative and imaginative. For children ages 5-8, Trash to Treasures will be held on Fridays, February 8, 15, 22, 29 from 4:00 – 5:30 pm, and for students ages 9-12, it will be held on Thursdays, January 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7 from 4:00 – 5:30 pm.

For young children interested in nature and animals, Rebecca Lesko from the Endless Mountains Nature Center will be back for two Little People and Nature class series on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in February. Topics covered will include When Winter Comes, Bunny Hop, Going Batty, Feeder Flutter, Orion the Owl, Groundhog’s Shadow, Black Bears, and Trees are Terrific. She will also bring in a few animals for children to meet. Little ones had such a great time in last year’s class.

We’d also like to invite all middle school and high school aspiring actors to come out for the Dietrich’s After School Players. In this eight week, three day a week workshop, students will learn the ins and outs of the theater arts while preparing for the multimedia musical “50 Years of Rock ‘n Roll: American Bandstand to TRL”. Directed by Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning of First Act Children’s Theater, students will also be able to provide input for the show and learn choreography. Admission is free and no experience is required. Classes will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, January 7 – March 8 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 for more information or to sign up.

Oh, if you would like to receive a brochure of all of the Dietrich’s winter events, please give us a call at 570-996-1500.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

3-D Madness, ages 9 - 12

Students will learn how to sculpt with an assortment of mediums including clay, string, paper, cardboard, etc. while learning about artists Pablo Picasso and Joseph Cornell.

Thursdays, February 14, 21, 28, March 6 from 4;00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

After School Players

Students will learn all about theater arts as they prepare for the musical "50 Years of Rock 'n Roll: American Bandstand to TRL". Students will also provide input for the show and learn choreography. No experience is required!

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:30 pm, January 7 - March 8

Admission: Free

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

All About Printmaking, ages 5 -12

Students will learn about printmaking while creating their own etchings, monoprints and lithographs.

Ages 5-8: Fridays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Ages 9-12: Thursdays, March 13, 20, 27, April 3 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructors: Amy Colley and Steve Colley.

All About Printmaking, ages 5 -12 - Mehoopany Outreach Studio

Students will learn about printmaking and create their own etchings, monoprints, and lithographs at the Mehoopany Outreach Studio.

Wednesdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

All Kinds of Sculpture for Mommy & Me, ages 3 & 4

Create all kinds of sculpture using an assortment of media including string, paper, clay and recyclables with your mom, dad or grandparents.

Thursdays, February 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10:30 - 11:15 am.

Admission: $30.

Instructor: Amy Colley

All Kinds of Sculpture for Preschoolers, ages 3 - 5

Preschoolers will create all kinds of sculpture using an assortment of media including string, paper, clay and recyclables.

Thursdays, February 7, 14, 21, 28 from 12:00 - 12:45 pm.

Admission: $30.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Basketry Workshop - A Wearable Pouch

Students ages 16 and up will create a small basket of hand pounded black ash wood splints and various natural basketry materials such as cedar bark, elm bark, or birch bark. The basket is small enough to wear as a woven pendant. Preparation of natural basketry materials will also be covered.

Saturday, February 23 from 9:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $80, materials included.

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Basketry Workshop - Create a Berry Basket

Students ages 16 and up will create a small open berry basket of hand pounded back ash wood splints. The basket features a square check weave base. Besides learning basketry techniques, students will learn how to prepare black ash wood splints. No experience is required.

Saturday, April 5 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $80, materials included.

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Basketry Workshop - Twig Plant Tower

Learn what goes into harvesting and creating unique rustic twig towers for use as plant supports in the garden. The towers are great to use for climbing plantss such as morning glories, ivy or runner beans. They can be placed in large clay pots for teppe shaped topiaries or set in the landscape to provide dimension. In the winter the structures can be decorated with lights to enhance the winter garden.

Saturday, March 1 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $80, materials included.

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Decorative Painting, ages 16 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques while creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. Preregistration required. Call 570-996-1500 to sign up.

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm. January 23, 30, February 13, 20, 27, March 12, 19, 26, and April 16, 23, 30.

Admission: $20/class plus the cost of painting surfaces

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Exploring Color for ages 3 - 5

Little ones will learn about color by creating works of art and by playing theater games.

Thursdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27 from 10:30 - 11:30 am.

Admission: $30

Instructors: Amy Colley & Michaela Moore

Fun and Feathers, for grades K - 6

Flock to the Dietrich this March to experience the wonderful world of birds! Based on the Everhart's exhibit, "Flocks & Feathers", learn about birds, their habitat, and their connections to us through art, writing and science. Birds are the inspiration for masks, prints, origami and even paintings on eggs!

Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: Free

Instructor: Everhart Museum Staff

Intergenerational Quilting, ages 13 and up

The Wool Workshop - Think warm and woolly this winter. Learn quilting techniques as you experiment with wools, weaves and other textiles. Examine vintage quilts and recapture the sensibility of quilts of old.

Wednesdays, January 9 - March 26 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane and Terry Keller.

Jewelry Making - Glass Fusing, ages 16 and up

This class will be a very basic introduction to the process of small piece fused glass work. Each student will create a fused glass item which will be finished, polished, and wire wrapped.

Mondays, March 3 and 10 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making - Metal Working, ages 16 and up

Students will learn how to use a jewelers saw, how to do basic metal cutting, filing and polishing. Each students will create a pendant.

Monday, March 17 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $50, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making -Easy Beading, ages 16 and up

Have fun learning three beading styles. Basic loom beading, peyote, and beading on fabric will be demonstrated. All materials and equipment will be supplied.

Monday, March 24 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $25, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Little People & Nature - Series 1, ages 2 1/2 to 4

Rebecca Lesko of the Endless Mountains Nature Center will teach us about:When Winter Comes - Where do some of the animals go in the winter? What animals can we still see? Children will learn the answers to these questions through songs, stories, puppets and crafts.Bunny Hop - What do wild bunnies eat? Where do they live? How do they hide? Learn why domestic rabbits don't make good pets for children, and meet a rescued rabbit.Going Batty - What makes a bat a bat? Can you see bats in the winter? Dress like a bat? make a puppet, listen to a story, sing a song, and pretend to be a bat. Learn about the only flying mammal.Feeder Flutter - We've gone to the birds! Meet a live bird. Make a bird feeder to take home. Explore the discovery stations, feathers, puppets and stories.

Wednesdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27 from 10 -11 am.

Cost: $35, children should be accompanied by an adult

Instructor: Rebecca Lesko, Endless Mountains Nature Center

Mask Making for Mommy & Me, ages 3 & 4

Make your own mask! Little ones will create three-dimensional masks as they learn about different cultures and explore using a variety of materials with their moms, dads or grandparents.

Fridays, January 11, 18, 25, February 1 from 10:30 - 11:15 am.

Admission: $30.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Memoir Writing for all ages

It's never to early or too late to begin writing about your personal memories. Learn to craft them into stories to be enjoyed by family and friendsin this class for novice and experienced writers of all ages.

Tuesdays, January 15 - March 4 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Admission: Free

Instructor: Ann Vitale

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 with the medium of their choice.

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Session 1 - January 8, 15, 22, 29. Session 2 - February 5, 12, 19, 26. Session 3 - March 4, 11, 18, 25.

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

Instructor: Steve Colley

Paint Your Art Out for Mommy & Me - Mehoopany Outreach Studio

Students and their moms, dads and grandparents will explore the arts through splatter and drip painting, the use of warm and cool colors, tempera and watercolors. For ages 3 and 4.

Wednesdays from 10:30 - 11:15 am. January 9, 16, 23, 30.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Paint Your Art Out for Preschoolers, ages 3 - 5

Learn to paint! Preschoolers will create splatter and drip paintings, learn about warm and cool colors, and work with tempera and watercolor.

Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31 from noon - 12:45 pm.

Admission: $30

Instructor: Amy Colley

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. Session 1 - January 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 2 - February 4, 11, 18, 25. Session 3 - March 3, 10, 17, 24.

Admission: $50, materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

Sunshine & Shadow/ Trip Around the World - Learn about these two quilts and the people who made them as you learn quilting techniques. Blend the best of both designs into one quilt. Explore the use of color to make a unique and bold design.

Wednesdays, January 9 - March 26 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $6/class, materials provided.

Instructors: Peggy Lane, Ingrid Rogler and Terry Keller.

Spanish for Children

Through listening and active participation in "hands-on" activities and games, children will gain comfort with the sound of the Spanish language, enabling a smooth transition into speech. A dynamic method of instruction based on the Natural Approach and Total Physical Response methods will be used to focus on functional language skills.

Grades 1-3: Mondays, January 21 - February 25 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Grades 4 - 6: Tuesdays, January 22 - February 26 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $30, scholarships available.

Instructor: Victoria Romero

Spanish for Professionals

This class is designed to acquaint students with a working knowledge of grammar and communication necessary for professionals in the fields of business and finance, social services and teaching to better communicate with Hispanic members of the community in the course of their daily work.

Mondays, January 21 - February 25 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm.

Admission: $50

Instructor: Victoria Romero

Trash to Treasures, age 5 -12

Learn how to create recycled art including 3-D art sculptures and relief sculptures at the Mehoopany Outreach Studio.

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

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Trash to Treasures, ages 5 -12

Learn how to create recycled art including 3-D sculptures & relief sculptures.

Ages 5 - 8: Fridays, February 8, 15, 22, 29 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Ages 9 -12: Thursdays, January 17, 24, 31, February 7 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructors: Amy Colley and Steve Colley

Watercolor Workshop

Learn the basics of watercolor from supplies and uses, preparing watercolor paper for paint application, setting up a palette, and techniques for applying paint to paper.

Friday, January 25 from 7- 9 pm & Saturday, Jan. 26 from 9:30 am - 4 pm.

Admission: $60

Instructor: Jan Henning

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