At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

What an afternoon! In the section of the brain where we store memories marked “magical,” we need to put the Peg Fassett Performance Studio reception at the top of the list. As always, Margie and Erica had planned everything to perfection. It was a by-invitation-only affair because the room is relatively small and we didn’t want people to feel crowded. The Prince Hotel (bless Lois’s creative heart) did little tea sandwiches and cucumbers with cream cheese and tiny corn muffins with ham. It was just gorgeous. And Epicurean Delight (oh, we do so love those folks) brought in trays and trays of their delectable cookies. Scott Stone poured the wine and Fern and Bob Boyce (board members extraordinaire) kept everything stocked on the tables. The room was freshly painted a cheery yellow and Steve Colley had polished the oak floors to a mellow glow. Danny Huff had finished the woodwork and the window seat and the ladies room and all the things that made it look new and cared for. Finally, just two days before the event, the room was ready to rock and roll!

And then, seemingly all at once, at five o’clock last Saturday afternoon, the Fassett clan appeared to celebrate the naming of the studio. They came from all over the country, and they are a joyous lot. They are friendly and open and full of fun. Laughter bounced off the walls, wafted about the room, and nestled in our hearts.

A little wine, a little food, a few remarks from those of us representing the Dietrich (mainly thank you, thank you, thank you) and then Barbara Oski-Beane brought her mother’s wheel chair center-stage so Peg could hear what Barbara was saying. And then Barbara made us laugh, and made us cry, and mostly awed us in her tales of a life magnificently spent.

Peg Fassett was a modern woman in times where that wasn’t always welcome, I’m sure. She was a tiny little woman with a fierce determination and a spirit that would not be cowed. She was a mother and a housewife, a pilot and a hunter. She was innovative and when she saw that something needed to be done, she did it and others followed behind her. She was an inveterate fund-raiser for the causes she believed in. If someone turned her down, she waited a week and went back to ask again. And if she didn’t succeed that time, she’s wait another week. But she kept going back and she stopped only when she had that check in her pocket.

She started the Tunkhannock Tree Association and the Tyler Hospital Annual Antique Show. She decorated eggs for the Methodist Church Christmas Bazaar that were so beautiful that they sold before the sale even started. She did extraordinary needlepoint. She was on the library board forever and then was its “honorary chairperson” when the fundraising began for the new library. But “honorary” was a poor term for her involvement. She was their major fund-raiser for private funding.

And when we started the Dietrich project, Peg was one of our first donors. Back when all we had was a dream and precious little else, she invested some of her money in that dream. And Saturday, her name was on the front of the building, along with the name of her dear friend, Dorothy Sheldon. It is fitting that two great matriarchs of Tunkhannock should have their names on the front of the building that promotes the arts the way they did in their active, vibrant lives.

And make no mistake, Peg Fassett is still very much alive, teaching her children and caregivers that a grand and expansive spirit will not be brought low because the body fails. The body only houses the spirit, it doesn’t command it. She is gracious and loving and ever the lady, no matter what burdens increased age and fate have bestowed on her.

John and Gloria Fassett, Judy and Peter Aydelott, Rick and Renee Fassett and Paul and Barbara Oski-Beane donated the money that created the Peg Fassett Performance Studio. We are so grateful to them for their gift. This couldn’t have happened without their generosity.

And we are deeply, deeply grateful to Peg herself, for the role model she is to women of all times and all ages. She is living proof that a life of courage, high spirits, and a strong sense of community and true family values can change the world.

Thank you Mrs. Fassett and all your wonderful, wonderful family. You are extraordinary people and we are honored to know you.

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Live at the Dietrich August 10, 2005

Tonight, the Dietrich will host a live Motown concert with The Chickz at 7:30 pm! This is a concert that entire families can enjoy. Mercedes, Erin, Kaylee, and Kelsey bring so much life and energy to their performances. For a sampling of their music, visit www.thechickz.com. Their music is sure to take you back to the days of Motown. Two members of this all-girl group are the daughters of Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning, the directors of the Dietrich’s Afterschool Players, a theater workshop that the Dietrich offers each winter. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the door for $5.00. Hope to see you there!

Then next Wednesday, August 17th at 7:30 pm, the Dietrich will celebrate folk music with the Gathering of Singers and Songwriters IV. We always get a great crowd for this show. Tom Flannery, Shawn Z., Jay Smar, and Lorne Clarke each have unique songwriting and performance styles. In this concert, we will get a taste of their rock and folk music as they perform as a group and individually. Tickets are $5.00. Call 570-996-1500 to reserve your tickets.

And our final summer concert will be Tennessee Heartstrings Band on Wednesday, August 24th at 7:30 pm. I can’t say enough about this all-woman bluegrass group. Before seeing their concert last summer at the Dietrich, I had a small appreciation of bluegrass music, but to see them live and to watch the audience respond to the group, has me really looking forward to that concert in two weeks. The reason we are able to bring this Nashville-based group to the Dietrich, is their lead singer, Bo Jamison, was a former resident of Tunkhannock and she has a soft spot in her heart for Tunkhannock and the surrounding communities. Tennessee HeartStrings has performed at several bluegrass festivals throughout the country. Their tight vocal harmonies, energetic stage performances, and crowd pleasing mix of traditional and original acoustic music is something to experience. Advance tickets at $10 are available and can be reserved by calling 570-996-1500. They will be sold at the door if still available.

Now let me tell you about some of our current camps and classes. “Knights, Princesses, and Dragons Theater and Visual Arts Camp” is in full swing this week. Dietrich Theater artist-in-residence Amy Colley and Michaela Moore of All About Theatre, are teaching a class of 20 children ages five to twelve about medieval times through theater and art activities. Amy and Michaela have helped the campers create their own costumes for the theatre aspect of the camp. Their costumes are so creative! Kids have also been making art representative of that period in the Dietrich’s Dorothy G. Sheldon Studio.

Due to the popularity of this class, we have added on a similar class to our August schedule called “Drawing Knights, Princesses, and Dragons”. During the week of August 22nd to 26th from 10:00 – 11:30 am, students ages 8 and up will be able to create and illustrate their own Knights, Princesses, and Dragons story with Amy Colley, M.F.A. There are still a few spaces available. Admission is $45.00. Call 570-996-1500 to preregister.

Looking to the fall, we will be offering new classes including Tilemaking, Pantomime, Discovering Great Artist: Mixed Media for Children, and Painting on Glass, as well as some of our old favorites such as Open Studio, Mommy and Me, Golden Days of Radio Players and more. Kindermusik classes with Tonya St. Clair will also be held at the Dietrich starting in September.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Acting for Adults II, ages 16 and up

Students will add to their "toolbox" by focusing on the physical life of their characters. Students will strengthen their technique, and learn how to apply their skills to material that is more complex and stylistic. This class session will culminate in a showcase of students work open to the public. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Tuesdays, July 19, 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Cost: $60 for the six-week session.

Instructor: Sara Lane, M.F.A. in Acting from the National Theatre Conservancy

Decorative Painting for Adults, age 13 and up, Day Sessions

Learn the skills and techniques of decorative painting as you create decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. All levels of experience welcome. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, August 3 -31. September 7-28. October 12 - November 16, November 30 - December 14 from noon - 3:00 pm

Cost: $15 per lesson + cost of painting surface

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Decorative Painting for Adults, ages 13 and up, Summer Night Sessions

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

Thursdays, August 11, 18. 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Cost: $15 per lesson + cost of painting surface

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Discovering Great Artists, ages 5-8

Mixed media for children ages 5-8. The art activities in each four-week session are designed to expand the creative experience and awareness of young artists in all aspects of the visual arts through drawing, painting, printing, and sculpture.

Fridays from 4:00-5:30 pm. Session 1 - September 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7. Session 2 - October 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4. Session 3 - November 11, 18, Dec. 2, 9.

Admission is $30 per session.

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

Discovering Great Artists, ages 9-12

Mixed Media for children. The art activities in each four week session are designed to expand the creative experience and awareness of young artists in all aspects of the visual arts through drawing, painting, printing, and sculpture.

Thursdays from 4:00-5:30 pm. Session 1 - September 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6. Session 2 - October 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3. Session 3 - November 10, 17, Dec. 1, 8.

Admission is $30 per session.

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

Drawing Knights, Princesses, and Dragons, ages 8-12

In this camp, students ages 8-12 will learn about medieval times as they create their own knights, princesses, and dragons story and illustrate it. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Monday, August 22-Friday, August 26 from 10:00-11:30 am

Admission is $45.00

Instructor: Amy Colley, M.F.A.

Everhart Modern Art Experiments, grades 4-6.

Got Art? The Everhart returns to the Dietrich this fall to let you get your creative juices flowing as we play with paints, pastels, and colors and learn about modern art!

Tuesdays, October 4 -October 25 from 3:45 - 5:00 pm.

Admission is free.

Instructors: Everhart Museum Staff

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, October 11 - December 6 from 7:00-8:30 pm

Admission is free.

Instructor: Valerie Paulus

Holiday Camp, ages 6 and up

Young artists will become familiar with pottery, drawing, and painting as well as famous artists in those fields in this holiday camp. Enjoy one day of camp or explore the arts in all three days. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

December 27 from 9:30 -11:00 am - Pottery. December 28 from 9:30 - 11:00 am - Drawing. December 29 from 9:30 - 11:00 am - Painting.

Admission is $15 per class or $30 for all three classes.

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

Intergenerational Quilting, for all ages.

A Study in Color - Following a series of simple exercises, students will explore color in a new way. A sampler will be created by studying 6" blocks. You will rethink how you use color in your next quilt after taking this class. For beginners and advanced quilters.

Wednesdays, September 14 - December 14 from 6:00-7:30 pm.

Admission is $6.00 per class. All materials will be provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, Terri Keller.

Jewelry for Kids, ages 8 and up

September 13th - Make a Necklace.-Choose from a large selection of beads and learn how to knot them into your own jute necklace.September 27th - Learn how to bend wire and crimp beads to make your own pierced earrings and bracelet.

Tuesdays, September 13 and 27 from 3:30-5:00 pm

Admission is $7.00 per class.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Jewelry Making - Bead Crocheting

Here is your opportunity to learn crochet with seed beads. In this class, you will be shown how to bead crochet a key fob. With this skill, you then can make bracelets and necklaces.

Wednesday, November 2 from 7:00-9:00 pm.

Admission is $35.00. All materials will be provided.

Instructor: Jeanne Browning

Mommy & Me Mixed Media, ages 3 and 4

Young artists and their Moms, Dads, or grandparents have the opportunity to engage in projects that encourage critical thinking and problem solving skills as they explore drawing, painting, paper, and sculpture.

Mondays, noon -12:45 pm. Session 1 - September 12, 19, 26, October 3. Session 2 - October 10, 17, 24, 31. November 7, 14, 21, Dec. 5.

Admission is $25 per session.

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

Open Studio

Students of all ages and levels of experience will have the opportunity to work at thier own pace and medium of their choice with instructor Steve Colley. A model will be provided for an additional fee if the group chooses. Please call 570-996-1500 to register.

Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm. August 9, 16, 23, 30.

Cost: $30 per child, $45 per adult per session

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

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing and Pottery

Students of all ages and levels of experience will have the opportunity to work at their own pace and medium of their choice with instructor Steve Colley. A model will be provided for an additional fee, if the group chooses.

Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30 pm. Session 1 - September 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4. Session 2 - October 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1. Session 3 - November 8, 15, 22, 29.

Admission is $30 per child and $45 per adult.

Instructor: Steve Colley, M.F.A.

Painting on Glass for Adults, ages 13 and up

Learn the basics of painting on glass. Design your own wine glass set for your home or to give as a gift. Register by calling 570-996-1500.

Wednesday, November 16 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

Admission is $15.00 plus the cost of your painting surface.

Instructor: Sharon McArdle

Pantomime, ages 8 to adult

Learn how to tell a story without words. Rand will teach students ages 8 and up a series of mime techniques, as well as moonwalking and invisible walls. In pantomime you will learn how to focus your coordination and concentration to communicate without words. This class will culminate with a Christmas in Our Hometown performance of "Weird, Wild and Wonderful - A Look at the Holiday Season" with Box of Light Theatre.

November 1,7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, Dec. 6, 7, 8, 9. Afternoon Session - 4:30 -6:00 pm. Evening Session - 7:00 -8:30 pm.

Admission is $60.00

Instructor: Rand Whipple, Box of Light Theatre

Pottery & Sculpture

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

Mondays, 7:00-8:30 pm. Session 1 - August 8, 15, 22, 29. Session 2 - September 12, 19, ,26, October 3. Session 3 - October 10, 17, 24, 31. Session 4 - November 7, 14, 21, 28.

$45 for four classes

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

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

Maple Medley - Create a Maple Leaf quilt sampler. The more you sew, the move leaves you collect. Let nature teach us about color and learn about the beautiful maple trees that grow here.

Wednesdays, September 14 to December 14 from 3:30-5:00 pm

Admission is $6.00 per class. All materials are provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, Gloria Eastwood, Mary Louise Dodge, and Terri Keller.

Theatre and Visual Arts Camp - Knights, Princesses, & Dragons

Theater and art activities centered around medieval times.

Ages 5-12: Monday, August 8 - Friday, August 12 from 10 am - noon. Ages 4 and 5: Tuesday, August 9 - Thursday, August 11 from 12:30 - 1:30 pm

Cost: $45 for ages 5 - 12, $30 for ages 4 and 5

Instructors: Amy Colley and Michaela Moore

Tile Making

Steve Colley of Colley Tile Works will lead students through the process of creating their own handmade tiles from design, the mold making process, printing, firing, and glazing.

Thursdays, September 15 to November 3 from 7:00-8:30 pm.

Admission is $200. All materials are provided.

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

Writers Group

Love to write? The group celebrates all different types of writing styles and formats. Join at any time. Admission is free.

Thursdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Meeting are ongoing.

Admission is free.

group format - no instructor

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

Yoga for You at Night!

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.

Mondays through October from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

$10 per class

Instructor: Mary Frances Giodano, certified Hatha yoga instructor

Yoga for You -Saturdays

This class will teach or reinforce the basic yoga poses (asanas) which gently stretch and strengthen the body. Special attention will be given to proper breathing and alignment in the postures. Please bring a yoga mat or beach towel. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Saturdays, through December from 10:00 am -11:00 am

Admission is $10 per class.

Instructor: Mary Frances Giordano, certified Hatha yoga instructor

Young at Art - Preschool Art, ages 4 and 5

Preschoolers will have the opportunity to engage in projects that encourage critical thinking and problem solving skills as they explore drawing, painting, paper & sculpture.

Thursdays, noon - 12:45 pm. Session 1 - September 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6. Session 2 - October 13, 20, 27, November 3. Session 3 - November 10, 17, Dec. 1, 8.

Admission is $25 per session.

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