At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Can you feel it? The autumnal undercurrent? It’s that certain coolness that so gently wafts around and through the heat of summer, and you can feel it, or maybe smell it, and suddenly you’re thinking apples, and bonfires and the turning of the leaves. It has to be some instinctual thing, something that says to our bodies – “Whoa – those lazy, hazy etc. days of summer are fast drawing to a close and you’d best find those fuzzy bedroom slippers you put away when the cherry blossoms bloomed.” Or something.

To this day, with my sixty-fifth birthday fast approaching, the coming of autumn and then the winter is so exciting I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas. Although there is a touch of melancholy when the geese begin their southward trek. “Good luck, flyboys,” I think, as I stand, earthbound, and watch them navigate the sky.

My father was a character. Truly, he was. The kindest, gentlest, dearest man I’ve ever known. And fall, according to him, was the best time of year. And one of the reasons it was the best time was that nature’s bounty was everywhere and not only was it everywhere, but a good deal of it didn’t cost a dime. So, as the air took on a chill we picked apples in his aunt’s fields. Tart, crisp, wonderful apples from trees bent and twisted like a Disney crone, but still capable of producing a fine apple – as long as you were willing to eat around the occasional worm.

And the grapes, wild and tart – “Ha!” he’d say as we went trudging behind him, little cloth sacks over our shoulders. “This is God’s good fruit, Babe, and it’s all here for the taking. And still plenty left over for whatever other creatures have a mind to feast.” And we’d fill our sacks with grapes and he’d fill large pails and home we’d go, where Mamma would take half of them for jelly and Pappa would make undrinkable wine (although he would, were he here, argue that there is no such thing).

But the most exciting were the hickory nuts. Oh, yeah! They were the all time big time of “gathering.” We had to wait, though, until the first heavy frost, when the bedroom windows would be made exotic by icy fans and curlicues we could redesign by scraping at the ice with our child-hands. On the morning the windows were covered with the signs of winter-to-be, my father would appear in the doorway – “It’s now or never!” he’d pronounce dramatically as he handed us each an empty paint can. “We don’t act quickly, those damn squirrels will take every one and there’ll be no nut cake for Christmas.” (Gasp!)

So Mamma would bundle us up, give us each a quick kiss, and down the road we’d trudge to Hickory Lane, so named because shagbark hickories lined the path where we would “show those damn squirrels who’s boss!” If there was a squirrel or two in the lane when we arrived my father would declare that this was all out war and we had to pick fast and faster, since you could never trust a squirrel – “they’re smart little fellas, and devious, too.”

And home we’d go, our pails piled with nuts, my father’s large pails full to bursting, and he’d take them to the cellar where he’d lay them out in boxes to dry until the holidays, and then patiently, so, so patiently, he would crack them and take the meat out for cake. And every once in awhile we’d hear him chuckle – “Here’s one more nut you squirrels didn’t get!” How can you not love the autumn with an upbringing like that?

Star Wars: The Clone Wars, PG, animated for kids in the Evans, Batman still in the Murray and An Occasional Fish, made by a local filmmaker, on Wednesday night at 7:00. (Gorgeous local scenery!) Do try to make it.

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

I just love our exhibit, “A Peek at Batik II”, in the Dietrich’s Earnshaw Gallery this month. It is so full of color and cheer. The artists of the Verve Vertu Studio in Wilkes-Barre created the works of art in this exhibit. Batik is a wax resist dyeing technique used on cloth. It is great to see batik back at the Dietrich since we offered a batik class just a few years ago with artist-in-residence Gail Jones. I am just amazed at the talent and creativity of these artists. All are welcome to visit the exhibit during scheduled movie times or by appointment through August.

At the end of August, please take some time out and join us for the Gathering of Singers and Songwriters 7 on Wednesday, August 27th at 7:30 pm. This will be an entertaining evening with some of our area’s best folk musicians featuring Lorne Clarke, Tom Flannery, Josh Pratt, and Micah Vierling. Every year Lorne Clarke comes up with a great group of musicians to perform acoustic music for the event. Newcomer to this year’s Gathering of Singers and Songwriters is Micah Vierling. Micah’s unique style of music combines folk, blues, and rock. To listen to a sampling of Micah’s music, visit www.micahvierling.com. Tickets for the Gathering of Singers and Songwriters 7 are $5 each and can be purchased at the Dietrich Theater ticket booth or over the phone by calling (570)-996-1500.

We will also host another folk music concert in September with must-see artist Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies in conjunction with the Old Lynn Concert Series. Jez Lowe is best known for his songs describing the mining culture, society and the people of his native Northeast England. Jez’s band, The Bad Pennies, has been one of the high points on the British folk scene for over a decade. They performed a sold-out show at the Dietrich two years ago, and we are delighted to have them back from England for this live concert on Wednesday, September 17 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $10 each and reservations are recommended. Call the Dietrich for ticket information.

We also have a wonderful family event coming up at the Dietrich in September. Scranton Public Theater will be back at the Dietrich to perform Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs on Saturday, September 13th at 11 am. During this interactive live theatre event, children will be delighted to share in the telling of this classic children’s story. Tickets are $5 each and can be reserved by calling (570)-996-1500.

And the Dietrich’s Fall 2008 Film Festival is just a month away! Join us for fourteen days of over fourteen foreign, independent and art films. We will open up the festival on Friday, September 19th with our Gala night featuring films “Brideshead Revisited” and “Priceless”. In addition to great films, enjoy hors d’oeuvres by Epicurean Delight, Twigs, and Seasons Restaurant and desserts by Epicurean Delight. Tickets are $40 each and can be reserved now.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

All About Pottery for Mommy & Me

Create your own hand thrown bowls on a potter's wheel, design your own whistles and birdhouses in this pottery class for all levels of experience.

Fridays, November 14, 21, Dec. 5, 12 at 10:30 - 11:15 am.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

All About Pottery for Preschoolers

Create your own hand thrown bowls on a potter's wheel, design your own whistles and birdhouses in this pottery class for all levels of experience.

Thursdays, November 13, 20, Dec. 4, 11 from noon - 12:45 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

All About Pottery, ages 5 - 8

Create your own hand thrown bowls on a potter's wheel, design your own whistles and birdhouses in this pottery class for all levels of experience.

Fridays, November 14, 21, Dec. 5, 12 at 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

All About Pottery, ages 9 - 12

Create your own hand thrown bowls on a potter's wheel, design your own whistles and birdhouses in this pottery class for all levels of experience.

Thursdays, November 6, 13, 20, Dec. 4 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Basketry Workshop: Create a Cuff Bracelet

Learn how to weave a cuff style bracelet with a narrow black ash wood splint. The bracelet as shown is a good introduction to "two by two" twill. It is adjustable to most wrist sizes and makes a lovely fashion accessory with particular appeal to basket lovers.

Monday, October 20 from 7:00 - 10:30 pm.

$40

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Basketry: Create a Mini Market Basket

Create a miniature, rectangular market basket. The basket features double satin, black ash wood splints, spokes, and weavers. Options will be discussed for personalizing weave techniques, rim style, handle placement and embellishment detail.

Saturday, November 1 from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Admission: $80

Instructor: Susi Nuss.

Basketry: Create a Random Weave Pot Topiary

Students will learn the basics of random weave basketry while creating a globe shaped willow rod basket that can be used as a topiary for ivy or other climbing plants indoors or out.

Saturday, September 27 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $80

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Basketry: Create Folded & Woven Ornaments

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. The ornaments include a folded and woven square four-armed cross, a box braided wreath, a snowflake and a hexagonal ball.

Mondays, October 27, November 3, 10, 17 from 7:00 - 10:00 pm.

Admission: $20 per class or $75 for all four classes.

Instructor: Susi Nuss.

Decorative Painting at Night

As you have requested, we are offering an evening decorative painting class! The project is an autumn door decoration suitable for beginner and intermediate painting skills. This is something anyone can complete in the three hour class, no previous painting experience required. Come and join us for a fun time. Preregistration required.

Monday, October 6 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $30, includes materials.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

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. August 20, 27.

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

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Golden Days of Radio Players Group

Do you remember old time radio? Did you always wonder how all the sound effects were made...like a door opening and closing or someone walking on gravel? Or wonder how it woudl feel to stand in front of a microphone and read the lines of the character you are playing? Or act like a hero or a villian? Or use your voice to sound very old or very young? Join us and you will learn and experience all of this and more. Oh, did I mention that we always have a lot of fun putting a show together to be played for an audience.

Tuesday, September 30 to November 11 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Admission: Free

Instructor: Valerie Paulus

Holiday Camp, for ages 6 - 12

Young artists will become familiar with pottery, drawing and painting as well as famous artists in this camp.

Monday - Wednesday, December 29, 30, and 31.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Intergenerational Quilting, ages 13 to adult

"Medallion Quilt" - Develop quilting skills with our easy board sampler class. Learn how to make border variations with simple basic templates while designing a Medallion Style Quilt.

Wednesdays, September 10 - December 10 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, and Terry Keller

Introduction to Knitting

Learn to knit and purl and end up with a scarf. For ages 10 to adult.

Wednesdays, October 22 and November 5 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, materials are provided.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

It's Raining Cats & Dogs, ages 3 - 5

Little ones will learn how to draw, paint and sculpt their favorite furry friends.

Preschoolers: Thursdays, September 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2 from 10 am - noon. Mommy & Me: Fridays, September 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3 from 10:30 - 11:15 am.

Admission: $30.

Instructor: Amy Colley

It's Raining Cats & Dogs, ages 5 - 8

Learn how to draw, paint, and sculpt your favorite furry friends.

Fridays, September 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Amy Colley

It's Raining Cats & Dogs, ages 9 -12

Learn how to draw, paint and sculpt your favorite furry friends.

Thursdays, September 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Steve Colley

Jewelry for Kids - Glass Fusing

Students will learn about glass fusing as they design and create two glass pieces which can be turned into jewelry - pendants or pins!

Friday, November 7th from 4:00 - 6;00 pm.

Admission: $25, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making: Introduction to Glass Fusing

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.

Thursdays, October 16 & 30 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewlery Making - Loom Beading

Have fun learning basic loom beading. Students will create a bead bracelet. All materials and equipment will be supplied. For ages 16 and up.

Thursday, October 23 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $25, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewlery Making: Introduction to Metal Working

Students will learn the first steps necessary for anyone who wants to do their own metal work in jewelry fabrication. Students will learn to use a jewelers saw, cut, form and polish. Everyone will leave with a finished pendant.

Thursday, November 6 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $50, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Masks & Monsters, ages 3 - 5

Children will learn various techniques using papier mache to create their own masks and monsters.

Preschoolers: Thursdays, October 9, 16, 23, November 6 from noon - 12:45 pm. Mommy & Me: Fridays, October 10, 17, 24, Nov. 7.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Masks & Monsters, ages 5 - 8

Children will learn various techniques using papier mache to create their own masks and monsters.

Fridays, October 10, 17, 24, Nov. 7 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Amy Colley

Masks & Monsters, ages 9 -12

Children will learn various techniques using papier mache to create their own masks and monsters.

Thursdays, October 9, 16, 23, 30 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mehoopany All Abot Pottery, ages 5 -12

Create your own hand thrown bowls on a potter's wheel, design your own whistles and birdhouses in this pottery class for all levels of experience. At the Mehoopany Outreach Studio located at 87 Main Street; Mehoopany, PA. Call 570-996-1500 to sign up.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mehoopany Crafts for Kids, ages 8 and up

Join instructor Sarah Sidorek in making one or all of these fun crafts at the Mehoopany Outreach Studio. Preregistration is required. Call 570-996-1500.Classes: Decoratively Paint a Wooden Box - Friday, September 26 from 4:30 - 6 pm.Make It/Bake It Jewelry for Kids - Friday, October 3 from 4:30 - 6:pm.Paint a Welcome Sign - Friday, October 10 from 4:30 - 6 pm.Cardmaking for Kids - Friday, October 17 from 4:30 - 6 pm.

Fridays, September 26, October 3, 10, 17 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm.

Admission: $5.00 per class

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Mehoopany Intergenerational Quilting

"Kaleidoscope Magic" - Learn quilting techniques as you create a quilt with mirrors. Spin and twirl your quilt blocks to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece full of color and movement.

Thursdays, September 11 to October 16 from 4:00 - 5;30 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, all materials are provided.

Instructor: Ingrid Rogler, Terry Keller, and Peggy Lane.

Mehoopany It's Raining Cats & Dogs, ages 5- 12

Learn how to draw, paint, and sculpt your favorite furry friends at the Mehoopany Outreach Studio. The Mehoopany Outreach Studio is located at 87 Main Street; Mehoopany, PA.

Wednesdays, September 10, 17, 24, October 1 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructors: Steve Colley

Mehoopany Knitting for Kids, ages 8 and up

Children will learn to knit and purl and end up with a scarf. All materials are supplied. At the Mehoopany Outread Studio located at 87 Main Street; Mehoopany, PA.

Fridays, October 24 and November 7 from 4:30 - 6;00 pm.

Admission: $15.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing & Pottery - Nights

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 - August 5, 12, 19, 26. Session 2 - September 9, 16, 23, 30. Session 3 - October 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 4 - November 4, 11, 18, 25.

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

Instructor: Steve Colley

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing, & Pottery - Days

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.

Mondays from 9:30 am - 11:00 am. Session 1 - September 8, 15, 22, 29. Session 2 - October 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 3 - November 3, 10, 17, 24.

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

Instructor: Steve Colley

Painting Glass Ornaments

Learn the process of glass painting - paint glass ornaments.

Wednesday, November 19 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $15.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

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 - August 4, 11, 18, 25. Session 2 - September 8, 15, 22, 29. Session 3 - October 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 4 - November 3, 10, 17, 24.

Admission: $50, materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Pull the Strings, ages 5 -12

Lights! Camera! Action! Go behind the scenes, write an original play and create a cast of puppet characters for the final puppet performance in the Dietrich's very own theater.

Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: Free.

Instructor: Everhart Museum Instructor.

Watercolor Workshop - Intensify Your Colors

"Colors are like jewels: each should be placed as carefully as a precious gem in a setting" - Jeanne Dobie. Students will learn that placement and mixing of colors are equally important in watercolor painting. They will explore pigment properties and the use of color for impact.

Saturday, October 18 from 9:00 am - 4:00 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 towards a goal of publication. 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 Kids, ages 8 and up

Explore yoga postures, relaxation, and breathing techniques with Melissa Russo, certified yoga Ed. instructor, that will help calm the body, strengthen muscles, and stretch your mind. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel.

Wednesdays, July 30, August 6, 13, 20 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Melissa Russo

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