At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So I spent Monday afternoon at the movies. I really wanted to see both Atonement and Juno before I wrote this column because I knew we’d be keeping them another week, and I wanted to tell you what I thought. I went in having read all the reviews and I think I had some prejudices – I believed I would love Juno (I did) and not be that crazy about Atonement (I was so wrong!). So, I am thrilled with those films that I want to spend just about all the space I have talking about them.

About Juno – moms and dads, bring those cool daughters of yours to see it (and some sons wouldn’t hurt either). This is a movie about a girl so out there that she is totally cool (dude) and when she gets curious about sex she and her equally dear best friend (a darling geek) decide to see what it’s all about. The result is a pregnancy.

When she first finds out she’s pregnant she decides to have an abortion, but once she finds out that at two and a half months the baby has fingernails, she just can’t do it. This baby, she decides, is going to be brought into the world and given to a family who will dearly love it. The scene where she has a sonogram and her stepmother goes after the judgmental technician like a mamma tigress is one of the most satisfying scenes in any movie at any time.

At first the movie feels a little flip, as if the hugeness of this event will be reduced to clever one-liners. But (and you have to trust me here) it’s not casual at all. It doesn’t shrug off the huge consequences of teen pregnancy. And brave as she is, and funny as she is, she’s just a kid and sometimes she’s scared, and lonely as the teens around her get on with their lives.

So now, let me reiterate what I said last week – bring your teens. They love this movie. The soundtrack is way cool, the characters a delight. And after you’ve seen the film with them (WITH THEM) then you can take them out for a snack and talk about it.

It doesn’t matter if you agree with all of it – just talk to your sons and daughters. Movies are simply the best jumping off place for important conversation.

Now, on to Atonement. One of the finest films we’ve ever had here. Deserving of the Golden Globe. Deserving of the Academy Award nomination. It is one of those films you will never forget. It is about not getting dress rehearsals in life, and sometimes there is such an injustice committed that people are, quite simply, ruined, and their dreams are shattered and there is no good reason for any of it except that it’s human and thus the tragedy becomes understandable, but still, deeply, deeply tragic.

An imaginative thirteen year old girl with a crush on the housekeeper’s son becomes upset when she realizes he loves her beautiful older sister. In her melodramatic imagination she chooses to misinterpret what is happening around her. And then, faced with a moment to even scores, she tells a lie so devastating, so truly awful, that there will never be any coming back from it.

And there is more tragedy in this film. There is the utter madness of war. I don’t know why men choose to settle differences in such a hopeless and miserable way, but they do – generation after generation. And the men who fight, dazed and discouraged, stare at scenes from hell and barely blink, because for whatever reason, hell is the place they were sent to. They try to look out for each other, but in the end all they can hope for is that it will end someday and maybe they’ll be left standing and maybe not, but just, please, let it be over. This is not a movie for easy viewing, but it is intelligent, beautiful, deeply sad, and so memorable you won’t be able to stop thinking about it. The performances, the cinematography, the music, the story will haunt you for many days. If you love movies, and beautiful writing and performing, don’t miss this film. It needs to be seen on the big screen.

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Since we are reading Pride & Prejudice for our Wyoming County Reads project this year, the Dietrich Theater and Tunkhannock Public Library will be offering a very special event along with the scheduled book discussions and movie showing. Have you ever wanted to learn how to dance like the characters in Pride & Prejudice? Well, on February 10th from 3:00 - 5:00 pm, you will have your chance. Join us for an afternoon of live music and contra dancing with caller Bob Nicholson at Father Nallin Hall in Tunkhannock. Contra dancing is a communal-style folk dance that is fun and easy to learn. No partner or experience is necessary. A caller leads the dancers through a series of moves and the sequence repeats itself. You can enjoy dancing in a friendly, fun environment. Admission is free.

Our first Pride & Prejudice book discussion will be held on Wednesday, February 6th at 7 pm at the Tunkhannock Public Library. Keystone College instructor Julia Peterson and Bill Chapla will be leading the discussion “What Makes Pride & Prejudice an Enduring Novel?”. Admission is free and refreshments will be provided. If you are not able to make that discussion, we will be holding similar discussions at various locations in Wyoming County including Monday, February 11th at 6:30 pm at the Mehoopany Library and the Factoryville Library, Monday, February 18th at 6:00 pm at the Laceyville Library and 7:00 pm at the Nicholson Methodist Church. Wyoming County Reads is sponsored by the Procter & Gamble Fund.

There are still a few spaces available in our Watercolor Workshop scheduled for this Friday, January 25 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm and Saturday, January 26th from 9:30 - 4:00 pm. Local watercolorist Jan Henning will teach beginner and intermediate students watercolor techniques. She will cover supplies and uses, setting up a palette, and techniques for applying paint to paper. For intermediate students, a challenge will be provided. Admission is $60 for the two-day workshop. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 for more information or to register.

Susi Nuss is another talented local artist who will be back to teach at the Dietrich this winter. Basketry artist Susi Nuss will teach three very different basketry classes over the next few months. In February she will teach students how to make a wearable pouch which will be made out of cedar bark, elm bark or birch bark. Then in March, students will have the opportunity to create rustic twig plant towers just in time for spring plantings. And in April students will learn how to create a berry basket. What makes Susi’s classes so interesting is that she is a master at not only basketry but she also is very knowledgeable about processing natural basketry materials.

For little ones who love to create art out of a variety of materials, Amy Colley will be teaching two All Kinds of Sculpture classes this February. Little ones will be able to create all kinds of sculptures out of string, paper, clay, and recycled items. Both classes are on Thursdays, February 7, 14, 21, 28. All Kinds of Sculpture for Preschoolers (ages 3-5) will be held from noon - 12:45 pm and All Kinds of Sculpture for Mommy & Me (ages 3 & 4 with an accompanying adult) will be held from 10:30 -11:15 am. Admission is $30.
The Dietrich will also have a couple of winter classes at its Mehoopany Outreach Studio for students ages 5 -12 on Wednesdays from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Steve Colley will be teaching All About Print Making and Trash to Treasures. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 for more information about these classes.

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 through 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

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 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

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 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 through 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.

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