At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

It’s a dark and stormy night. (Uh oh. That might not be original.) Sleet is rat-tat-tatting against my windows. It’s January and the bleak midwinter is upon us. Isn’t it terrific? I know there are many who feel about these cold and snowy days of winter the way I feel about the hot steamy days of summer - - just make them go away. But I love the wintry days because there is no fighting them. We can’t say – well, it’s going to snow seven feet deep tomorrow, but I’ll carry on as usual. Nope. When the snow or the ice of winter comes to call we simply have to give in. Nothing to do but pretend we’re big old bears on the verge of a brief but wondrous hibernation.

I have a stack of books on my nightstand, saved through the busy summer and autumn, and of course, who can read during the mad rush of the holidays? But they sit there, patiently waiting the arrival of January when, through some osmotic process known only to books and perhaps a dog or two, they know I will take them in hand and curl up, afghan tucked securely around my legs, Jack Russells on my lap, and open them for a good old-fashioned read. I particularly love books about sunny places in the winter. Years ago when I read Under The Tuscan Sun (no relationship to the movie whatsoever) I saved it like fine chocolates and only allowed myself one chapter a night because I didn’t want my trip through Tuscany to be hurried. But a good thriller is fine too, especially if the wind is howling and there’s a chance the electricity will go off. That makes the book so much scarier.

I know there are snowbirds who leave in January and don’t come back until sometime in April or May, but then they miss the harshness, the skeletal tree limbs, the bitterness of the wind careening in from the north, the spareness of Mother Nature in her crystal whiteness. And if you miss the bitter cold you also miss the fragile stirrings of spring hidden in the heart of a gray February day. Just the slightest change in the direction of the wind, a scent in the air not there in January. Of course, with that comes the realization that there is trickery afoot because we still have many days to go before we will feel the warmth of the sun.

Hmmm. Do you believe I’ve taken up over half my column talking about the weather? I do have to add one thing here. Don’t spend too much time alone reading books - - it’s definitely not good for you to be too reclusive. No, sir. After you’ve read , say, half a book, or even one third of a book, it’s time to put on those boots and mufflers, warm hats and gloves and head for the movies! Yes, the place where, although you can’t bring your dog with you, you can buy the best popcorn in the east, and say “hey” to friends and neighbors and just kick back and relax.

Lucky for you there just happens to be a movie theater right here in your home town. Even luckier, King Kong and Chronicles of Narnia have one more week with us, so if you haven’t seen them, you have time. If you have, come see them again – they’re both worth another look-see. Of course, if we had three screens (or, sigh…four) we would have Walk The Line already playing instead of having to wait another week. And The Producers or Fun With Dick and Jane.

Which brings up the subject of the corner lot. True, we bought it three weeks ago and we are so glad it’s finally ours, but we do need to pay it off before we start the capitol campaign to add screens. We’re about a third of the way to our goal of three hundred people donating one thousand dollars each, which means we have two-thirds to go. So, if you think you can help us out here we would surely be deeply grateful. I’ll keep you posted on our progress.

Enjoy the snow. Make some hot chocolate. Read a book. When the plow comes through, come to the movies. What a life! Isn’t it wonderful?

See you at the Dietrich

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Today is our first day of yoga in 2006 and what a great way to start the new year! It always amazes me to see how relaxed our yoga students are when they leave class. And they all say how much better they feel after class. Margie, our Program Director, usually takes two classes a week. Yoga is great for the mind and body.

One of the most calming and relaxed people I have ever met not only is one of the Dietrich’s certified yoga instructors but she is also a supervisor at the theater, Mary Frances Giordano. Mary has been practicing yoga for the past twelve years and has been teaching for the past eight years. One of her friends took her to her first yoga class and she never missed a class after that. According to Giordano, the benefits of yoga are numerous. She claims she has much more energy after practicing yoga and the headaches she used to get daily are a thing of the past. She also says besides feeling physically better, yoga makes her not as easily agitated and more patient.

In her classes at the Dietrich, students learn basic yoga poses and breathing techniques. Basic yoga poses stretch and strengthen the body. Special attention is paid to proper body alignment. Yoga classes are offered at the Dietrich on Mondays from 7:00 - 8:00 pm, Wednesdays from 10:00 - 11:00 am, and Saturdays from 10:00 -11:00 am. Admission is $10 per class. Both Mary and Melissa Russo, our Wednesday morning yoga teacher, can teach students at any level of experience. So if one of your new year’s resolutions is to improve your health, work out, or relax, these classes might be just what you need.

Just a fun yoga fact, celebrities including Madonna, Meg Ryan, Cameron Diaz and Ricky Martin all practice yoga.

Besides yoga classes, the Dietrich will offer Open Studio classes in January. Open Studio is a great class because students have the opportunity to work with their choice of medium including clay, painting, and drawing. In the past, we have had artists of all levels of experience take these classes. Steve Colley can help you with your first art project or provide guidance on a project you have already start or in a field of art that you already have a lot of experience in. Classes will be held on Tuesday nights from 7:00 - 8:30 pm starting on January 10th. Admission for four classes is $45 and all materials will be provided. This past fall when I would set up the Dietrich’s Sheldon Art Studio for Wednesday’s Decorative Painting class I would always be intrigued to see what students created the night before in Open Studio. I would see pottery, sculpture, still life drawings, paintings and other unique works of art. If you would like more information about Open Studio, call the theater at 570-996-1500.

In January, we will also be offering a great winter nature experience on Saturday, January 21st from 11:00 am - noon. Katina Brown, Wyoming County Conservation District’s Environmental Educator is “For the Birds”. Winter birds, that is, and you can be too. Join us for her presentation on how the shape of birds’ beaks determines their favorite foods and vice versa. Katina will also help you make several bird feeders to tide them over during the winter cold. Admission is free. We recommend calling the Dietrich at 996-1500 ahead of time to reserve your space.

And don’t forget to sign up now for art classes. We are offering a new Mosaic class and we are bringing back Mixed Media class for kids of all ages!

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 environment. Classes will be held at the Tunkhannock Middle School.

Thursdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30, April 6 from 3:30 - 5:15 pm.

Cost: Free!

Instructor: Everhart Museum Staff.

Decorative Painting, ages 13 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques while creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. Each project will be completed within one to two classes. All levels of experience welcome.

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm. January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.

Cost: $15 per class plus the cost of the painting surface. Preregistration required.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Dietrich After School Players

For grades 5 - 12. Learn the theatre arts while preparing for the play "Get a Clue!" including costuming, set design, makeup, and performing for an audience at the Dietrich. Sponsored in part by State Farm Insurance and PA Partners in the Arts.

January 9 - March 4th. Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:30 pm.

Admission is $80 for the nine-week workshop

Directors: Carl Candey and Patti Dunning, First Act Children's Theatre.

Functional Mosaics, ages 13 to adult

Students will provide their choice of furniture (end table, mirror, etc.)to enhance by using mosaic tiles in their own unique design.

Thursdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Cost: $45, includes all materials.

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

Intergenerational Quilting, for all ages

"Interlocking Boxes" - Learn the tricks of discovering new patterns inside this intriguing design. Family members can collect these charming 6" blocks and stitch them into one memorable quilt.

Wednesdays, January 11 - March 29 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Peggy Lane

Introduction to Sign Language

Learn the manual alphabet and some basic signs. For ages 8 to adult.

Tuesdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Admission is $30.

Instructor provided by the Scranton School for the Deaf

Jewelry for Kids, ages 8 and up

Make a necklace and bracelet, one jute and one on wire - large selection of beads to choose from.

Tuesday, March 14th from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Cost: $9, includes all materials.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Mixed Media, ages 5 - 8

A new artist will be introduced each week as students learn about famous artists in Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, etc. and create their own works using a variety of materials including clay, tempera, charcoal, ,pastels, etc.

Fridays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Session 1 - January 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3; Session 2 - February 10, 17, 24, March 3; Session 3 - March 10, 17, 24, 31.

Cost: $30 for each series of four classes.

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

Mixed Media, ages 9 -12

A new artist will be introduced each week as students learn about famous artists in Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, etc. and create their own works using a variety of materials including clay, tempra, charcoal, pastels etc.

Thursdays, 4:00 - 5:30 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: $30 for each series of four classes.

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

Mommy & Me Mixed Media

For ages 3 and 4. Young artists and their moms, dads, or grandparents will create works of art using an assortment of materials, including clay, tempera, watercolor and collage.

Fridays, 10:30 - 11:15 am, Session 1 - February 3, 10, 17, 24; Session 2 - March 3, 10, 17, 24.

Cost: $25 for each series of 4 classes.

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

Mosaic Design, ages 13 to adult

Learn basic techniques as you create and assemble your own mosaic design using ceramic tiles.

Thursdays, January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2.

Cost: $45, includes all materials.

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

Mosaic Murals, ages 13 to adult

Students will learn the process of creating ceramic murals as they design their own original works using clay and plaster molds.

Thursdays, February 9, 16, 23, March 2 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Cost: $45, includes all materials.

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

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing & 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 - Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31; Session 2 - Feb. 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., M.F.A.

Painting on Glass

Paint a spring bouquet on a vase. All levels of experience welcome. For students ages 13 to adult.

Wednesday, March 1 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

Cost: $17, all materials included.

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 - Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30. Session 2 - Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 3 - March 6, 13, 20, 27.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes.

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

Thursdays, noon - 12:45 pm, Session 1 - January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2; Session 2 - February 9, 16, 23, March 3. Session 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

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 a puppet performance in the Dietrich's very own theater.

Tuesdays, March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission is free!

Everhart Museum Staff

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Friendship Star" - Experience the joys of team quilting while playing our new quilting games. Each student will take home their own quilt. Stitch one star in three lessons or stitch a sky full.

Wednesdays, January 11 to March 29 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Gloria Eastwood, Terri Keller, Mary Louise Dodge

Writers Group

Come and read your work or listen and be inspired. Learn the craft of writing as you write. All genres and levels of writing are welcome.

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 from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Classes are ongoing.

$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 from 10:00 am -11:00 am. Classes are ongoing

Admission is $10 per class.

Instructor: Mary Frances Giordano, certified Hatha yoga instructor