At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

I was lying in bed Saturday morning listening to wave after wave of geese flying over the rooftop, pondering why it was that I never paid them much mind when I was younger. Upon hearing the fervent honking, Pop would go running out the front door, calling for us to follow, and he and my mother would wave them onward, giving a solemn recognition to such courage and grit.

Jennie and I would be bored, wondering why we should be standing there watching birds fly south. But I understand now. For some years I have stopped whatever I was doing to run outside to hear the chatter of the determined travelers, but now, as I grow old (and for those who might disagree, I say that sixty-five may not be oldest, and although it certainly beats the alternative, it is no longer young) I see that my parents were marking the seasons of their lives. And they were paying homage to the mysterious forces of nature over which we have no control and little if any understanding.

We’re not so different than the geese, I suppose. As they head north, or south, they fly on blind faith, on instincts honed by the Gods, or Fate, or DNA or The Creator – whatever or whoever that may be. Through storms and cold, through blinding sun or stinging rain, they fly, because if they don’t, they’ll die. It’s a pretty dimple equation. And just by the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other, as my mother would have said, we, like those wondrous winged creatures, march unknowingly toward our own fate, our personal destiny. With no idea what lies in store.

Of course, how we deal with what comes at us makes all the difference in the world about the quality of the life we are given. There is no way for us to know whether we will be lucky enough to grow old (and therefore have a chance to grow in grace and character) or whether we will slip through this world having been here only briefly, like the Monarch butterfly landing on the flowers, staying only long enough to be nourished on its journey to somewhere else. But here is what we do know – we do know that we have the ability to take what is given us with courage and good humor, and by doing that we shine like stars on a cloudless night.

I was thinking about that when our dear Barbara (Pink) was felled by the flu this week. Because she is a severe diabetic any illness is a danger to her. Any illness can hospitalize her. She must watch everything she eats, be careful about everything she does. She has had over fifty laser treatments on her eyes. She has to wear a permanent brace on her ankle. And yet….and yet….no one has EVER heard her complain about her health. EVER! Ever, ever, ever. She is kind and gentle, thoughtful and charitable and tells really, really terrible jokes, but with such enthusiasm that we laugh along with the groans. She has chosen to make her life one of value, and with that she has succeeded superbly.

And then I was talking to lovely Gail James the other day, having a bit of a bad bout with illness, whose cheerful voice and easy laughter was wonderful to hear. She doesn’t doubt she will be well again (neither do I) and there wasn’t one complaint about the chemo she must endure. Not one! She even laughed about her bald head. I told her I’d worn scarves and a great pink fedora Mo Dispenza had bought me. Gail said she wasn’t in the market for headwear – after all, if she had to look at her head that way so did everyone else! Bravo and standing ovation!!!! Hooray for you, Gail!!! (If it happens to me again, I shall do the same!)

And for dear Sandy Ide who has been given such a terrible blow in the last few weeks, if there is a God, surely he holds you, dear, dear woman, in the palm of his hand. You, who visited those of us terrorized by breast cancer and told us it was all right – we’d get through it – we’d have a life again. Surely, your beauty, your courage, your generosity, will not go unnoticed by the same God that guides the geese through silver skies toward home. You are a woman of courage – you will win this terrible fight! We are all cheering you on! God bless you, Sandy.

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

The ladies in our Decorative Painting at Night class made the quaintest autumn decoration on Monday night! Under the instruction of Eileen Balboa, these beginner students were able to learn decorative painting techniques and leave with a finished project in just three hours. Can you believe it?! One-session classes are perfect for those who like to experience new things, but don’t have the time to take an ongoing class.

We also have several other one-session classes planned over the couple of months. On October 18th ­ from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, local artist Jan Henning will be back for a Watercolor Workshop. Students will learn that placement and mixing colors are equally important in watercolor painting. She will also help students explore pigment properties and the use of color for impact. The class is open to beginners as well as intermediate painters. What is so neat about Jan’s classes is that she demonstrates each watercolor technique and by the end of the day you have watched her create a finished watercolor painting. Admission is $60.

Local basketry artist, Susi Nuss, will also be teaching a few one-session classes over the next few weeks. On Monday, October 20th from 7:00 - 10:30 pm, students will learn how to weave a cuff style bracelet with narrow black ash wood splints. By the end of the class, students will have created their own lovely fashion accessory that particularly appeals to basket makers. Then on Saturday, November 1 from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, Susi will offer another basketry workshop. In this workshop, students will create miniature, rectangular market baskets. The baskets will feature double satin, black ash wood splints, spokes, and weavers. Students will also learn options for personalizing weaving techniques, rim styles, handle placement, and embellishment details.

For those of you who were always interested in learning how to make jewelry, Esther Harmatz has a few introductory jewelry making classes coming up. On Thursday, October 23 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm, students ages 16 and up will have fun learning basic loom beading. By the end of the class, participants will have completed a bracelet. Admission is $25 and all materials and equipment will be supplied.

Then on Thursday, November 6th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm, students will learn basic metal jewelry fabrication. Students will work with jeweler’s saws and cut, form, and polish their own metal pieces and will leave with a finished pendant.

The Dietrich also has a few special events coming up this month. We will be hosting a free local history presentation with Dr. Sheldon Spear on Wednesday, October 15th at 7:00 pm on Conflicts in Northeastern Pennsylvania History. Then for children and families, Rick Mikula, the Butterfly Guy will be at the theater on Saturday, October 18th at 11 am to teach children ages five and up about butterflies - how to handle them and how to raise them with household items. Admission will be free. This event will be sponsored by Asera Care Hospice and Asera Care Home Health.

To round out the month, the Dietrich will host a Writers’ Workshop on Saturday, October 25th from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm in conjunction with Pennwriters that will feature multi-published authors Marta Perry and Charlee Ganny. Marta will speak about “Keeping the Reader Reading: Building Suspense in Your Story" and Charlee Ganny will discuss “Writing for the Hot Markets”. General admission is $20 and Pennwriter admission is $15. Space is limited so make your reservations today by calling 570-996-1500.

Then the following day, beautiful music will fill the theater with the Sweeny - Steveskey Classical Guitar Duo. What began as a teacher - student relationship has been revisited as this classical guitar duo. Chopin said it best when he said, “Nothing is more beautiful than a guitar, save perhaps two.” Join us for this live concert with classical guitarists Paul Sweeny and Jay Steveskey as they play together again. Tickets are $10 each. Call the Dietrich for concert information.

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 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, 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. October 15, 22, 29. November 12, 19, 26. Dec. 3, 10, 17.

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.

Tuesdays through November 11 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Admission: Free

Instructor: Valerie Paulus

Holiday Camp, for ages 5 - 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 from 9:30 -11:00 am

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 through 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

Jewelery 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

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 - Filled

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

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.

Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19, Dec. 3 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

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: Paint a Welcome Sign - Friday, October 10 from 4:30 - 6 pm.Cardmaking for Kids - Friday, October 17 from 4:30 - 6 pm.

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

Admission: $5.00 per class

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

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

Mehoopany Masks & Monsters, ages 5 - 12

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

Wednesdays, October 8, 15, 22, 29 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Steve Colley

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 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 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 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.

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"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.

Wednesdays through December 10 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $6 per class

Instructors: Peggy Lane, Terry Keller and Ingrid Rogler

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 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