At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

I’m sitting here in my dining room looking out at field after field of snow, the whiteness broken up only by the occasional green of the pines or the startling red of a fat old cardinal who has taken up permanent digs about twenty feet from the birdfeeder. What a gorgeous day! I love snowstorms. They are nature’s way of telling us to slow down and chill (literally) out. Once the snow starts to fall in earnest there is no fighting it. Nothing to do but sit back and enjoy one of mother nature’s most spectacular works of art.

Nothing new with the movies this week. Winn Dixie actually did better its second week as the word spread that it was a gentle, funny and dear family film. We have it for only one more week, so try to catch it if you can. The kids really enjoy it and its intelligent enough that the adults like it too.

As for Constantine – it’s a good movie for its genre, but it isn’t a genre T’town embraces. So much for experimental booking. But a deal is a deal with the movie companies and they will not let us out of it whether it makes them any money or not. Logic is not part of the game. But we’re hoping that next week we might be able to finally let it go and bring in Million Dollar Baby for you. Don’t go to the Cineplex to see it. We are absolutely going to bring it in for you. I promise!

Get this. Two of our film festival films just won the Academy Award! Can you believe it? Born Into Brothels, a documentary about the children of prostitutes in India, just took the Oscar for best documentary. And The Sea Inside took home the little statuette for the best foreign language film. So, along with our list of terrific films in general for festival, we have two that received filmdoms highest honor. Next week I’ll get out the list of festival films for you - they are exceptional this spring. But thanks to Jeffrey, they always are, aren’t they?

By the way, festival opening night is April 8 – for two movies and Epicurean Delight dessert feast. Sign up quickly, because you know we always have to turn people away.

I wanted to mention the fact that once again we have been gifted in memory of Dorothy G. Sheldon. A terrific lighting system has been added to the Sheldon Art Studio so our budding artists can actually see what they’re doing! (Well, they could see before, but not nearly as clearly as they can now.) Everyone is thrilled and so, so grateful!

Don’t’ forget the addiction forum at the theater on Wednesday night. There will be speakers with much to say as well as a question and answer session so you can ask the presenters whatever you need to ask. The purpose is to educate the audience as well as to give you all the information you need to find the help you need. Addiction is a major problem today and when you consider that the drug of choice for our kids is heroin (followed by methamphetamines) then you soon realize that we have to fight this with every ounce of strength in our bodies and minds and spirits. We can’t let the bad guys win, here, folks. For many of our children this is High Noon, and we have to stand up and take aim at the hearts of those who would destroy the future for our young ones. It’s not easy, because so many families believe that if they don’t ask, and the child doesn’t tell, that somehow it will all work out. (Oh, he’s just young – going to some parties – getting a little high – so what? He’ll grow out of it.) Except, if a person is born with that addict’s gene, he won’t grow out of it and the party will turn into a lifelong nightmare. Come to the meeting. Learn stuff. Maybe you can help save someone’s life. Isn’t that worth a few hours of your time?

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Margie Young

Can you believe that we are actually sorry to see February end? It is because our February project Wyoming County Reads: One County, One Book, One Movie is now over. Only in our memories can we relive our four lively book discussions at the Tunkhannock Public Library and the Dietrich Theater. We will never forget the visiting professors from Miseracordia and Wilkes University who enabled us to read To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee with new vision and insight. And we will especially associate Dr. Warren Bareiss, our discussion facilitator, with the inspiration and joy of discussing these insights. Warren was so engaged in the project that he even wore his Atticus Finch suit for the final discussions!

Special thanks to Susan Turrell, Director of the Tunkhannock Public Library, for all she did to promote the project throughout Wyoming County. At the Dietrich and the library we gave away 219 books, hosted discussions for more than 257 participants. More than 100 people saw the film. Participation included people from Nicholson, Meshoppen, Mehoopany, Laceyville, Factoryville, Noxen, Dallas, Clarks Summit and beyond. This collaborative project has been so successful that we will definitely seek funding to do it again next year. We can't wait to start planning next year's read. If you have any suggestions for a great film, based on a great book, give the Dietrich a call at 570-996-1500. We would love your ideas!

This March, the Dietrich has a potpourri of activities for you. On Thursday, March 10th at 7:00 pm, local quilter, instructor, and author Ingrid Rogler will present the "Art of Making Do". Quilting with what you have is not only resourceful it is also an art. Some quilters now pride themselves on being able to create patchwork with what is available from recycling old thread into material to using their families clothing to make memory quilts. Ingrid will show many examples of combining thrift and art. You are invited to bring your treasures that illustrate the art of “making do” to share with Ingrid and the audience. Admission is free.

Then on Saturday, March 12th, we have a treat for all of those Elvis fans. Our Dietrich After School Players are performing Little Elvis at 11:00 am.
This hard working group of teenagers has prepared for eight weeks. See two
die-hard Elvis fans travel the country in search of The King, eating in
diner after diner, until they open their own diner, calling it "King's Café"
in hopes that Elvis himself might stop in. The joy of watching one of these performances is that each student is a star on stage. Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning of First Act Children’s Theatre make sure that all children have a positive and esteem building experience. Come and see for yourself! The project is sponsored by Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts. Tickets are $3.00.

Now is also the time to sign up for March classes. Most of them start the
week of March 7th. We offer "Mixed Media, ages 5 -12", "Preschool Art",
"Mommy and Me Mixed Media for 3 and 4 year olds", "Pottery and Sculpture",
"Intergenerational Pottery", "Yoga", and "Decorative Painting". Call the
theater at 570-996-1500 for details.

Now to a more serious subject, on Wednesday, March 9th at 7:30 pm the
Dietrich will host "Broken Lives, Broken Hearts: A Community Faces
Addiction". This program will serve to inform, educate, and support those
who are concerned about the problem of drug and alcohol addiction. It will be
moderated by Andy Mehalshick from WBRE and is sponsored by Luzerne -Wyoming
County C.A.R.E.S. Show that you care by attending and supporting this important effort.

And, remember, the Dietrich is so much more than the movies!

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. March 19th, 10 - 11:30 am - Think Spring - Paint a Birdhouse. Call 570-996-1500 to register

Saturday 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 through 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, through March 12.

Cost: $80 ($10 per week)

Instructors: Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning

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, 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, 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, through March 30, 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Cost: $6 per lesson

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Peggy Lane

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, 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. 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, through March 30, 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Cost: $6 per lesson

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Gloria Eastwood

Yoga for You

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, Call 570-996-1500 for class dates.

Cost: $10 per lesson. Children are free.

Instructor: Melissa Russo: Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor