At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Once again I’m having to devote this column to something other than movies or cultural events, and I’m doing it so you will know the facts straight out instead of the rumor and speculation that travels through a small town faster than a speeding bullet. I know many of you have scanners and so you heard that the Dietrich was robbed Sunday afternoon. In fact, we were. But thanks to a quirky coincidence and the fast work of the State Police we got every dime back.

Here’s the quirky coincidence: Sarah and I were going to feast on the Prince Hotel’s Sunday dinner and I needed some cash to do so. I cashed a check from our safe. We ate, came back an hour later and the money was gone. So we knew it had disappeared within the hour. It made it easy then to know who had been in our offices in that hour and we called the police and they were on it right away. In less than two hours every penny was returned.

Happy ending, right? Well, not quite. It’s terrific that no money was lost, because, frankly, we work darned hard for every dime we make here. But the reason for the theft seems to be a recurring theme in Tunkhannock right now. I believe the money was stolen to buy drugs. And the thief had been one of our best kids – a charming, sensitive, outgoing kid from a loving and caring home. Who is now up to his eyebrows in a world of trouble while his family nurses a collectively broken heart.

As if that weren’t enough, I had to make a call to a wonderful woman- one of the nicest people I know – to tell her we suspected her child of coming to work in an altered state. Once again, loving, nurturing family. She was stunned and grateful. More heartbreak.

It makes me sick! Somehow the dealers keep dealing. I don’t think I understand why that is. I know our cops try – but somehow the great drug engines just keep chugging along. Maybe we need some “Scared Straight” programming in the high school. I know we need more rehab facilities. Maybe the kids need to meet with parents and siblings who have lost someone to drug usage. Maybe the kids have to see the unending pain of a surviving parent to understand what will become of their own if their usage goes down that long and utterly final road.

We believe we have the “cream of the crop” at the Dietrich. Our kids are so cool! We love them all. They’re bright and funny and hard-working and generally very, very dear. But obviously some of them just don’t get it. I want to shake them, tell them this is the only life they get, that what they do now will affect them forever, to please, please stop and think. But the siren call of easy pleasure and cheap highs lures some of them to a nightmare place. Sure, the drugs are cheap at first. But what happens when you’ve become addicted? You have to steal to support your habit, that’s what happens. And you have to lie, and cheat.

“You know me, Hildy,” the voice on the phone said as I spoke to him telling him to return the money I knew he’d taken. “You know me. I’d never do that to you. Never!” Such incredible sincerity. Such a bald-faced lie.

I never, ever would have believed such a thing possible from this young person. And yet, the lie was there. Drugs are the great assassins of character. They break hearts. They shatter trust. They kill.

And what do we do about it? First we admit that we have a problem. Then we work together to solve it. Anybody have any suggestions?

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

January is busy, busy, busy at the Dietrich Theater! On Monday, we had our first “Mommy and Me Mixed Media” class for three and four year olds. Those little ones were definitely having a great time exploring art! It is also an excellent opportunity for young moms to meet other moms, form friendships, and create play dates for their kids.

Later on Monday, the Dietrich After School Players had their first session. About twenty Middle and High school students came out. The directors, Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning of First Act Children’s Theatre welcomed them and talked about the large but fun project they were just about to undertake of creating a play including costuming, set design, makeup and a final performance in March. You could feel their excitement as they were meeting new friends and reuniting with friends from the previous two years of After School Players. It amazes me to see the commitment and hard work these kids put into this project. They meet for two hours three days a week for eight weeks, and I have to say the final performance is spectacular. There is still room for additional cast members so call 570-996-1500 to register.

Then on Tuesday, the “Golden Days of Radio Players Group” met for the first time in the new year. New members, new ideas for radio plays, and talk about their fun performance this past December filled the night. As someone who has only heard radio plays on tape or caught a glimpse of what the Golden Days of Radio where like by watching the movie “Annie”, I could not believe how words and simple sound effects came to life in a vivid complex manner at their performance in December. All are welcome to take part in their new undertaking. This group led by Valerie Paulus meets every Tuesday night at the Dietrich Theater Art Studio from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Last fall, participants of all ages came out to be a part of this opportunity.

Looking to tomorrow, Maxwell Kofi Donkor will be here for a Drumming Workshop! I can hear those drum beats now! Last year it was so much fun to take part in a drumming circle. To drum different rhythms with almost thirty other drummers is amazing. It’s relaxing and revitalizing and provides you with a strong sense of community. There are still a few spaces remaining. The workshop will be from 7:00 – 9:00 pm on January 13th across the street from the Dietrich at Father Nallin Hall. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Then on Saturday, January 15th, the Dietrich very own Sarah Sidorek will teach a craft class for kids ages 10 and up. Sarah is quite creative – she paints, she makes jewelry, she arranges great exhibits. Basically, Sarah is the major force behind decorating the theater. From 10:00 – 11:30 am on the 15th, kids will have the chance to paint a snowman figurine. This class only costs $1.00 per child, but space is limited so preregister by calling 570-996-1500.

Oh and do we have a big event for February! In the upcoming weeks one big question everyone will be hearing is “Got Your Book?”. The Tunkhannock Public Library and Dietrich Theater are preparing for Wyoming County Reads: One County, One Book, One Movie featuring the classic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Free books are available at the Dietrich and public libraries in Wyoming County. Fun book discussions will be held at the Tunkhannock Library and the Dietrich, and on February 24th, the Dietrich will host two free showings of “To Kill a Mockingbird” on the big screen. So make sure you got your book and take part in Wyoming County Reads. Free books, discussions, refreshment, and the movie have been made possible by a grant from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council. Call the Dietrich (996-1500) or the Tunkhannock Public Library (836-1677) for details.

And don’t forget, the Dietrich offers quilting, mixed media for kids and adults, pottery and sculpture for all ages, yoga and more!

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Afternoon Adventures for Girls, grades 5 -8

Hey girl! You are a force to be reckoned with, an independent spirit. Celebrate yourself and your place in the world through interactive seminars on voice, body, culture, art and the environment. This series of classes will be held at the Tunkhannock Middle School. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Thursdays, March 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28. 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Free

Everhart Museum Staff

Crafts with Sarah Sidorek, ages 10 and up

Enjoy a Saturday morning of crafts with local artist Sarah Sidorek. Saturday, January 15th, 10 - 11:30 am - Paint a Snowman Figurine. February 5th, 10 - 11:30 am - Make a Jute Necklace. March 19th, 10 - 11:30 am - Think Spring - Paint a Birdhouse. Call 570-996-1500 to register

Saturdays, January 15th, February 5th, March 19th, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Cost: $1.00 per class

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Decorative Painting - New Night Sessions!

Try your hand at painting decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. All levels of experience welcome. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, February 2 to March 30, noon - 3:00 pm. Night Sessions: Thursdays, February 24 and March 3 from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Cost: $15 per class + cost of painting surface

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Dialogue and Marketing for Screenwriters

Learn the art of creating great dialogue and the ins and outs of marketing a screenplay. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Saturday, March 5th from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Cost: $30

Instructor: Catherine Shefski

Dietrich's After School Players, grades 5 -12

Learn theater arts while creating a play, including costuming, set design, makeup, and performing for an audience at the Dietrich. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, 3:30 - 5:30, January 10 to March 12.

Cost: $80 ($10 per week)

Instructors: Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning

Drumming Workshop for Adults, ages 13 and up

Maxwell will lead the group in an amazing, interactive experience where African rhythms are incorporated into fantastical group songs. All that is needed is a desire to drum. Space is limited. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Thursday, January 13th, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Father Nallin Hall

Cost: $30

Instructor: Maxwell Kofi Donkor, Master Drummer

Golden Days of Radio Players Group

Come back with us to those thrilling days of radio drama and comedy. Join us as we prepare a radio play production. Together we will explore the magic of "The Theater of the Mind". Call 570-996-1500 for more information.

Tuesdays, January 11th through March 8th, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Admission is free.

Instructor: Valerie Paulus

Intergenerational Pottery & Sculpture

This class is designed for students of all ages and levels of experience. Students will work on pottery wheels and learn hand building techniques. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Tuesdays, 5:00 - 6:30 pm, Session 1 - January 11, 18, 25, February 1. Session 2 - February 8, 15, 22, 29. Session 3 - March 8, 15, 22, 29.

Cost: $30 per child $45 per adult

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A

Intergenerational Quilting for all Ages

Learn early American quilting. Recreate the classic pattern Amish Broken Bars (Chinese Coins). Bring a friend or family member. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, January 12 - March 30, 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Cost: $6 per lesson

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Peggy Lane

Introduction to Screenwriting

Take that story idea, the one you've been longing to get on the page (and screen) and develop it into a script you can pitch to Hollywood producers. A follow up class on Dialouge and Marketing will take place on March 5th. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Saturday, February 19th from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Cost: $30

Instructor: Catherine Shefski

Mixed Media, ages 5 - 8

A new artist will be introduced each week in this Mixed Media class. Students will learn about famous artists in Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, etc. as they create their own works using a variety of materials including clay, tempera, charcoal, pastels, etc. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Fridays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Session 1 - January 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4. Session 2 - February 11, 18, 25, March 4. Session 3 - March 11, 18, April 1, 8.

Cost: $30 for each series of four classes

Instructors: Amy Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A

Mixed Media, ages 9 - 12

A new artist will be introduced each week in this Mixed Media class. Students will learn about famous artists in Impresssionism, Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, etc. as they create their own works using a variety of materials including clay, tempera, charcoal, pastels, etc. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Session 1 - January 10, 17, 24, 31. Session 2 - February 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 3 - March 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $30 for each series of four classes

Instructors: Steve and Amy Colley, B.F.A, M.F.A.

Mixed Media/ Portfolio, ages 13 and up

In this class, you can build a diverse portfolio as you draw, paint, and create pottery and sculpture. Even if you are not planning a portfolio you will be able to experience art using a variety of materials and learn new techniques. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, 5:00 - 6:30 pm, Session 1 - January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2. Session 2 - February 9, 16, 23, March 2. Session 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Mommy & Me Mixed Media, ages 3 and 4

Young artists and their Moms, Dads, and grandparents will create works of art in an assortment of materials, including clay, tempera, watercolor and collage. Please call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays, noon - 12:45 pm, Session 1- January 10, 17, 24, 31. Session 2- February 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 3 - March 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes

Instructor: Amy Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Pottery and Scuplture for Adults, ages 13 and up

This class is designed for students of all levels of experience. Students will work on pottery wheels and learn hand building techniques as well. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Session 1 - January 10, 17, 24, 31. Session 2 - February 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 3 - March 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A. and M.F.A

Preschool Art, ages 4 and 5

Preschool students will be introduced to a famous artist each week as they explore a variety of materials such as clay, tempera, watercolors, collage, etc. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Thursdays, noon - 12:45 pm, Session 1 - January 13, 20 , 27, February 3. Session 2 - February 10, 17, 24, March 3. Session 3 - March 10, 17, 24, 31.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Pull the Strings, grades 4 - 6

Lights! Camera! Action! Go behind the scenes, write an original play and create a cast of puppet characters for the final puppet theater performance in the Dietrich's very own theater! Call 570-996-1500 to register. Space is limited.

Tuesdays, March 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26. 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Cost: Free!

Instructors: Everhart Museum Staff

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up - Log Cabin Project

Cabin Fever - Warm up while cold winds blow with this Log Cabin/Barn Raising quilting project. Construct one log cabin in 4 easy lessons or build more and discover variations of this popular pattern. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, January 12 to March 30, 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Cost: $6 per lesson

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Gloria Eastwood

Yoga for Kids - Second Saturday Event

All ages are welcome to this morning of yoga with certified yoga instructor Melissa Russo. Please call 570-996-1500 to register

Saturday, February 12, 11:00 am - noon

Admission is free.

Instructor: Melissa Russo

Yoga for You - New Winter Sessions

Accomodations will be made for beginners, experienced practitioners, and those with special needs. Call 570-996-1500 to confirm dates. Please bring yoga mat or beach towel.

Wednesdays, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, starting January 5th.

Cost: $10 per lesson. Children are free.

Instructor: Melissa Russo: Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor