At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Boy, oh boy! Did Mamma Nature pull a fast one on us today, hmmm? (I’m writing this on Tuesday.) My sister called me about nine in the morning and said “You’re not going to work, are you?”

“I thought I was,” I said, being completely ignorant of the world outside, having just awakened and turned on Morning Joe to see what was happening in the world of political nuttiness.

“I don’t think so,” she said. “Look out your window.” I did. Ice as far as the eye could see. All the leaves were covered, the bushes, the road. Not a car was to be seen (well, okay – it’s not like South Auburn is a heavy traffic zone on the best of days).

“But I thought we were supposed to have some rain. I just watched Tom Clarke last night.”

“Right”’ she said. “Weather prediction is an imperfect science.” (Sometimes my very smart sister sounds like a science teacher. It’s cool.)

“So what happened?” I asked.

“The cold air stayed. As I said, unpredictable.”

Now, you may ask, how in the world does a Tuesday morning ice storm tie in with talking about the movies.

Heh. Heh. Unpredictablity. The weather and the “hit-ness” (I just made that word up) of a movie are both completely impossible to predict.

Each Friday night when we open a new movie, my tummy knots up. It’s like having a party and not knowing if anyone will show up. It can be the best movie in the world - -with the most sterling reviews – and hardly anyone comes. Or it can be soooo critically challenged and the theater is mobbed. An imperfect science.

So, with that in mind, this week we are bringing you two totally opposite films – one an art film, the other a pop film and hopefully you will choose to see them both.

In the Evans we will be showing The Bucket List starring two of the worlds most charming actors --- Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It’s the story of two dying men and the friendship they form in the chemo ward of the oncology unit. As the friendship develops they decide that there are a few things they wish they’d done before they die, and so they decide to do them. In other words, “things to do before you kick the bucket” list. It’s charming and dear and sad and funny and all the things life is, in general. It will be with us for two weeks, so come and enjoy.

In the Murray, for one week only, we’ll be playing Charlie Wilson’s War, the true story of how one fun-loving, womanizing, hard-drinking, larger-than-life United States Congressman defeated the Russians in Afghanistan when they were fighting the Afghanis to the death. It’s a rip-roaring story of intrigue and secret plans and finally getting real help to a desperate people. True, in the long run, it didn’t work out so well since the Mujahadeen were shortly replaced by the Taliban and we all know how shivery they are and how much trouble they would cause in the world. But at the time (and really, how many of us can see into the future?) it was a resounding success. It stars the wondrous Tom Hanks (who simply doesn’t make a bad film) and the glorious Julia Roberts (I think I have seen her portrayal of Erin Brockovitch about a thousand times) and then we mustn’t forget Phillip Seymour Hoffman who’s performance has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

As you can see, you have a great choice this week. So, get rid of those mid-winter blahs by coming to the movies – you know, all those bright lights and razzle-dazzle. Great popcorn. And you know, we’re always so happy to see you!

See you at the Dietrich

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Approximately 100 people came out for The Legacy of the Coalminer exhibit and reception on Sunday, January 20th. One gentleman who came was a coalminer many years ago in the area and another person who attended is a miner today. Many of those who came had family members who were miners and had stories to share about growing up in the coal towns in our area. It was quite a homespun experience and it was also very fitting that the event was held on that Sunday because the 49th anniversary of the 1959 Knox Mine Tragedy was on January 22nd. We would like to thank Joe Nichols, Karen Black and the many others who helped make this event possible.

We’ve had a wonderful turnout for so many of our classes for adults this winter including Memoir Writing, Spanish for Professionals, and Yoga for You with Melissa Russo. Now is the time to sign up for other upcoming winter classes at the Dietrich especially our jewelry classes with Esther Harmatz. These classes are very popular and are very convenient for people to fit into their busy schedules since most of them are only one class each.

Esther Harmatz will be teaching three very different jewelry making classes for adults on Mondays in March. On Mondays, March 3 and 10 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm, students will learn the process of creating small pieced fused glass work. Each student will create a fused glass item that will be finished, polished and wire wrapped. Admission is $60, including materials. Then on Monday, March 17th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm, Esther will teach students metal working. Students will learn how to use a jewelers saw, how to do basic metal cutting, filing and polishing. Each student will create a pendant. Admission is $50, materials will be provided. And finally on Monday, March 24th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm, students will learn three easy beading jewelry making techniques. I took this class the last time it was offered and I learned how to do loom beading, peyote and beading on fabric. I’ve made a few beaded items at home since that class. It is very easy and fun. Admission is $25 and materials are provided. To sign up for any of these classes, call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500.

Remember to join us next Wednesday, February 6th at 7:00 pm at the Tunkhannock Public Library as we kick off our Wyoming County Reads Pride & Prejudice book discussions. Bill Chapla and Julia Peterson will lead this first discussion entitled “What makes Pride & Prejudice an Enduring Novel?”. Admission is free and refreshments will be provided by Vanessa’s Bakery. If you are not able to make that discussion, Bill and Julia will be taking that discussion on the road to the following locations: Mehoopany Library and Factoryville Library - Monday, February 11 at 6:30 pm, Laceyville Library - Monday, February 18th at 6:00 pm, Nicholson United Methodist Church - Monday, February 18th at 7:00 pm, and the Schenck Memorial Library in Noxen on Thursday, February 14th at 2:00 pm. And join us on Sunday, February 10th from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at Father Nallin Hall for live music and contra dancing with caller Bob Nicholson. Contra dancing is the American version of how Jane Austen’s characters danced in Pride & Prejudice. This form of communal folk dancing requires no partner or experience and is just plain fun. Admission is free.

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 through 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 through 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 through 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

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