At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

This is the best day. Yes, it is. There is no doubt in my mind. This is the very, very best day of the year! This is when we are able to give back to the town we love and the people who patronize us. This is when we show It’s A Wonderful Life and even the popcorn and soda are free. All ages, all economic strata, all kinds of personalities come to the theater to see it. How democratic this showing is. How simply lovely. As I’m writing this nearly two hundred people are in the theater watching the matinee. Tonight we’ll have to turn people away. A comfort since this morning I got it in my head that perhaps this would be the year no one would come and then I’d have to rethink having the yearly showing. But, sigh, the theater is full, so we’re safe for another year.

Of course, besides the movie itself, one of the best parts of the day is talking to the people who come to see it. They’re so full of excitement and news and want to know how we’re all doing and just chat a moment or two and I love it. All those dear faces, all those hands reaching out to touch, ever so briefly, to say thanks, thanks for this film, and then I have to say thanks for coming, dear friends, because you are part of a perfect day, and for that we are so grateful.

It’s hard to believe that this week coming up is Christmas. The years simply sled by, don’t they, as we grow older. The more we appreciate our time here on earth, the quicker it slips through our fingers. When we are young and callow, time seems endless, as if there will always be another morning, another sunset, another starry night. Then, as we use up all those first days, those days when we were young and full of dreams and grand ideas, then we come to this time when we actually see the stars, actually feel the sunrise, actually look at the beloved faces who spend their days with us. And we know that this time, our time, on this earth, is fleeting and that there will come a time when we won’t be here anymore.

So, we linger a little more over that cup of coffee with our dearies. We watch more intently as the children play, we listen more closely when they laugh. And filtering through what is here and now are our memories, some even stronger than the present, those dear faces calling out to us through the deep space of the universe, to tell us we are loved and missed.

Which may be why, as we grow older, death is not such a fearsome thing anymore. I think of the dear hearts waiting on the other side of life, and I am filled with longing to feel their hands clasped in mine once more. I laugh at hearing my mother tell my father that once more he has brought home a tree with a gaping hole in the center. Now, now, Mamma, he would say, and we’d hear sawing and then he’d come in with wire and he’d attach branches and pretty soon she would declare it a perfect tree.

So maybe that’s what we do with our memories, too. Maybe in reality my childhood wasn’t so perfect – maybe Christmas had a tense moment or two – but then I saw a little from this memory, wire a bit from that, and before I know it I have a perfect tree in a perfect childhood.

Snow falls in the Christmas of my youth, and the pines whisper around our cozy house. The dog lays by the fire and Mamma is in the kitchen and I’m curled up with a book and my baby sister is coloring on the floor, and Pop is adding a log or two to the gentle blaze. And we are so happy, so secure, so loved. That scene is my Christmas card to myself – dearest Mamma and Poppa stand in front of the tree and wave and smile and I see them, now, through a haze of tears.

Merry Christmas, dear friends. God bless you all.

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Yesterday “It’s a Wonderful Life” was on the Dietrich’s big screen for it’s free annual showings. We always have such great crowds to see the movie and the day is always so festive. Thank you to the Tunkhannock Methodist Church for sponsoring the event again this year and for providing homemade cookies for the showings.

And now that December is here, the Dietrich Theater and the Tunkhannock Public Library would like to invite you to take part in “Wyoming County Reads” and to pick up your free copy of “Pride & Prejudice” which we will be reading for 2008’s project. Books are available now at the Tunkhannock Public Library and will be available at surrounding Wyoming County Libraries soon. Book discussion and Wyoming County Reads Events will start up in February so there is plenty of time to take in this great read by Jane Austen. More information on Wyoming County Reads will follow.

Looking to 2008, Margie has once again lined up so many interesting and exciting events and classes. In Paint Your Art Out, preschoolers will create splatter and drip paintings, learn about warm and cool colors and work with tempera and watercolor paints with Amy Colley. Amy will also teach All Kinds of Sculpture, where little ones will make their own sculptures using an assortment of media including string, paper, clay and recyclables. She will also teach Mask Making for Mommy and Me where children and moms, dads or grandparents will create 3-D masks as they learn about different cultures and use different materials.

In January, the Dietrich will also be offering more Spanish classes with Victoria Romero. Victoria will teach Spanish for Children where students will learn Spanish through games and hands-on activities. For adults, she will teach Spanish for Professionals to help professionals in the fields of business, finance, social services and teaching better communicate with Hispanic members of the community in the course of their daily work.

The Dietrich will also host a Memoir Writing workshop with Ann Vitale in the new year. Students of all ages are invite to come out and learn how to craft their memories into stories to be enjoyed by family and friends in this class for novice and experienced writers of all ages. Admission is free.

We also have some interesting events coming up in January. For families and children, storyteller Fiona Powell will be at the Dietrich for Family Story Time on Saturday, January 12 at 11 am. Join us as Fiona sits at her spinning wheel and spins tales from around the world for all ages. Admission is free. And then on Sunday, January 20th, the Dietrich will host a presentation on the Legacy of the Coalminer with Joe Nichols and other presenters from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. And this is only a taste of what the Dietrich has to offer next year.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

3-D Madness, ages 9 - 12

Students will learn how to sculpt with an assortment of mediums including clay, string, paper, cardboard, etc. while learning about artists Pablo Picasso and Joseph Cornell.

Thursdays, February 14, 21, 28, March 6 from 4;00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

After School Players

Students will learn all about theater arts as they prepare for the musical "50 Years of Rock 'n Roll: American Bandstand to TRL". Students will also provide input for the show and learn choreography. No experience is required!

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:30 pm, January 7 - March 8

Admission: Free

Instructors: Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning, First Act Children's Theatre

All About Printmaking, ages 5 -12

Students will learn about printmaking while creating their own etchings, monoprints and lithographs.

Ages 5-8: Fridays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Ages 9-12: Thursdays, March 13, 20, 27, April 3 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructors: Amy Colley and Steve Colley.

All About Printmaking, ages 5 -12 - Mehoopany Outreach Studio

Students will learn about printmaking and create their own etchings, monoprints, and lithographs.

Wednesdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

All Kinds of Sculpture for Mommy & Me, ages 3 & 4

Create all kinds of sculpture using an assortment of media including string, paper, clay and recyclables with your mom, dad or grandparents.

Thursdays, February 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10:30 - 11:15 am.

Admission: $30.

Instructor: Amy Colley

All Kinds of Sculpture for Preschoolers, ages 3 - 5

Preschoolers will create all kinds of sculpture using an assortment of media including string, paper, clay and recyclables.

Thursdays, February 7, 14, 21, 28 from 12:00 - 12:45 pm.

Admission: $30.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Basketry Workshop - A Wearable Pouch

Students ages 16 and up will create a small basket of hand pounded black ash wood splints and various natural basketry materials such as cedar bark, elm bark, or birch bark. The basket is small enough to wear as a woven pendant. Preparation of natural basketry materials will also be covered.

Saturday, February 23 from 9:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $80, materials included.

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Basketry Workshop - Create a Berry Basket

Students ages 16 and up will create a small open berry basket of hand pounded back ash wood splints. The basket features a square check weave base. Besides learning basketry techniques, students will learn how to prepare black ash wood splints. No experience is required.

Saturday, April 5 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $80, materials included.

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Basketry Workshop - Twig Plant Tower

Learn what goes into harvesting and creating unique rustic twig towers for use as plant supports in the garden. The towers are great to use for climbing plantss such as morning glories, ivy or runner beans. They can be placed in large clay pots for teppe shaped topiaries or set in the landscape to provide dimension. In the winter the structures can be decorated with lights to enhance the winter garden.

Saturday, March 1 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $80, materials included.

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. January 23, 30, February 13, 20, 27, March 12, 19, 26, and April 16, 23, 30.

Admission: $20/class plus the cost of painting surfaces

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Exploring Color for ages 3 - 5

Little ones will learn about color by creating works of art and by playing theater games.

Thursdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27 from 10:30 - 11:30 am.

Admission: $30

Instructors: Amy Colley & Michaela Moore

Fun and Feathers, for grades K - 6

Flock to the Dietrich this March to experience the wonderful world of birds! Based on the Everhart's exhibit, "Flocks & Feathers", learn about birds, their habitat, and their connections to us through art, writing and science. Birds are the inspiration for masks, prints, origami and even paintings on eggs!

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

Admission: Free

Instructor: Everhart Museum Staff

Holiday Camp, ages 6 -12

Young artists will become familiar with pottery, drawing and painting as well as famous artists in this camp.

Thursday, December 27 from 9:30 - 11 am -Pottery; Friday, December 28 from 9:30 - 11 am - Drawing & Painting

Admission: $25, materials provided.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Intergenerational Quilting, ages 13 and up

The Wool Workshop - Think warm and woolly this winter. Learn quilting techniques as you experiment with wools, weaves and other textiles. Examine vintage quilts and recapture the sensibility of quilts of old.

Wednesdays, January 9 - March 26 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane and Terry Keller.

Jewelry Making - Glass Fusing, ages 16 and up

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.

Mondays, March 3 and 10 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making - Metal Working, ages 16 and up

Students will learn how to use a jewelers saw, how to do basic metal cutting, filing and polishing. Each students will create a pendant.

Monday, March 17 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $50, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making -Easy Beading, ages 16 and up

Have fun learning three beading styles. Basic loom beading, peyote, and beading on fabric will be demonstrated. All materials and equipment will be supplied.

Monday, March 24 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $25, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Little People & Nature - Series 1, ages 2 1/2 to 4

Rebecca Lesko of the Endless Mountains Nature Center will teach us about:When Winter Comes - Where do some of the animals go in the winter? What animals can we still see? Children will learn the answers to these questions through songs, stories, puppets and crafts.Bunny Hop - What do wild bunnies eat? Where do they live? How do they hide? Learn why domestic rabbits don't make good pets for children, and meet a rescued rabbit.Going Batty - What makes a bat a bat? Can you see bats in the winter? Dress like a bat? make a puppet, listen to a story, sing a song, and pretend to be a bat. Learn about the only flying mammal.Feeder Flutter - We've gone to the birds! Meet a live bird. Make a bird feeder to take home. Explore the discovery stations, feathers, puppets and stories.

Wednesdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27 from 10 -11 am.

Cost: $35, children should be accompanied by an adult

Instructor: Rebecca Lesko, Endless Mountains Nature Center

Mask Making for Mommy & Me, ages 3 & 4

Make your own mask! Little ones will create three-dimensional masks as they learn about different cultures and explore using a variety of materials with their moms, dads or grandparents.

Fridays, January 11, 18, 25, February 1 from 10:30 - 11:15 am.

Admission: $30.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Memoir Writing for all ages

It's never to early or too late to begin writing about your personal memories. Learn to craft them into stories to be enjoyed by family and friendsin this class for novice and experienced writers of all ages.

Tuesdays, January 15 - March 4 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Admission: Free

Instructor: Ann Vitale

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 with the medium of their choice.

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Session 1 - January 8, 15, 22, 29. Session 2 - February 5, 12, 19, 26. Session 3 - March 4, 11, 18, 25.

Admission: $15 per class or $50 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Paint Your Art Out for Mommy & Me - Mehoopany Outreach Studio

Students and their moms, dads and grandparents will explore the arts through splatter and drip painting, the use of warm and cool colors, tempera and watercolors. For ages 3 and 4.

Wednesdays from 10:30 - 11:15 am. January 9, 16, 23, 30.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Paint Your Art Out for Preschoolers, ages 3 - 5

Learn to paint! Preschoolers will create splatter and drip paintings, learn about warm and cool colors, and work with tempera and watercolor.

Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31 from noon - 12:45 pm.

Admission: $30

Instructor: Amy Colley

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 - January 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 2 - February 4, 11, 18, 25. Session 3 - March 3, 10, 17, 24.

Admission: $50, materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

Sunshine & Shadow/ Trip Around the World - Learn about these two quilts and the people who made them as you learn quilting techniques. Blend the best of both designs into one quilt. Explore the use of color to make a unique and bold design.

Wednesdays, January 9 - March 26 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $6/class, materials provided.

Instructors: Peggy Lane, Ingrid Rogler and Terry Keller.

Spanish for Children

Through listening and active participation in "hands-on" activities and games, children will gain comfort with the sound of the Spanish language, enabling a smooth transition into speech. A dynamic method of instruction based on the Natural Approach and Total Physical Response methods will be used to focus on functional language skills.

Grades 1-3: Mondays, January 21 - February 25 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Grades 4 - 6: Tuesdays, January 22 - February 26 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $30, scholarships available.

Instructor: Victoria Romero

Spanish for Professionals

This class is designed to acquaint students with a working knowledge of grammar and communication necessary for professionals in the fields of business and finance, social services and teaching to better communicate with Hispanic members of the community in the course of their daily work.

Mondays, January 21 - February 25 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm.

Admission: $50

Instructor: Victoria Romero

Trash to Treasures, age 5 -12

Learn how to create recycled art including 3-D art sculptures and relief sculptures.

Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Trash to Treasures, ages 5 -12

Learn how to create recycled art including 3-D sculptures & relief sculptures.

Ages 5 - 8: Fridays, February 8, 15, 22, 29 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Ages 9 -12: Thursdays, January 17, 24, 31, February 7 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructors: Amy Colley and Steve Colley

Watercolor Workshop

Learn the basics of watercolor from supplies and uses, preparing watercolor paper for paint application, setting up a palette, and techniques for applying paint to paper.

Friday, January 25 from 7- 9 pm & Saturday, Jan. 26 from 9:30 am - 4 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. 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