At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

What a strange week it’s been. I was at the phenomenal Kiwanis county fair a couple of times this week working the C.A.R.E.S. booth. It felt surreal. Like so many of my fellow citizens, I had been glued to the television watching the folks on the gulf coast fight for their lives, die of hunger and thirst and illness, and then I turned the television off and went to the fair where along with everyone else I ate and drank to my heart’s content. It felt weird. Out of sync. I felt guilty, as if each mouthful I took somehow deprived those in need. Of course, it didn’t. That was illogical. But it still felt so, so surreal.

In Ann Morrow Lindbergh’s “A Gift From The Sea” she writes that a hundred years ago the only sorrows a family had to deal with were their own. And that sometimes was too burdensome. Then came the modern media (and she wrote the book way, way before twenty-four hour news cycles on twenty-four/seven cable channels) and suddenly we had to take on the troubles of the world. For fragile and tender hearts this is often unbearable. At least when tragedy strikes your own family you can do something - - bake a cake, sit with the loved one, hold someone’s hand. Something. Even if it doesn’t change anything.

But when you watch grave tragedies on television you soak up the pain and the grief and can, for the most part, do nothing. Sure, you can write a check and send it out, but that doesn’t ease the heart’s pain. It is, after all, only money and the pain of the losses we are watching is from the loss of life and joy and, finally, hope.

I’ve learned in the past year something that so many learn much earlier (which shows what a sheltered life I’ve led): everything you have and love and cherish in this life can be lost in the blink of an eye. There are no guarantees that we will either be here tomorrow or that the life we have will be a continuation of the life we’re living. If cancer teaches you anything positive it’s that we must learn to fully enjoy each additional day we are given. The blue of the sky is more vivid now, and the sunsets more breathtaking. My friends are dearer to me as is my family.

It’s so strange, isn’t it? So often we value something after it is lost. So we don’t tell our children or our sisters or moms or brothers or dads how much we love them. We don’t tell our friends that they are the golden threads of the tapestry that makes our lives so richly textured. We don’t take that extra second or two to give the dog a special pat and say thanks for loving us, pally - - even when we don’t deserve it.

So let me take this moment in time to tell you, dear readers, that not only do I love my family and friends beyond reason, but I love this town, and this theater and all of you. When I hear from you via e.mail or a note or a phone call it just makes my day. This is a good town snuggled inside a terrific county. Our verdant hills protect us from so much and they do it with such style. Every season of the year around here you can look to the hills that surround us and see nothing but beauty - - from the lush green of summer to the oranges and reds and yellows of autumn to the stark blacks and whites of our winters and then the soft pastels of spring. Oh, we owe these mountains - - not only do they protect us in a thousand ways, but they nourish our souls with their constant beauty.

So, take these wondrous, perfect, crisp, colorful days of autumn and single them out for the joy they bring. All we have is right now. Make the most of it.

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Hope you all have had a happy and safe holiday weekend! The change of seasons always feels like a fresh start and a time to try new things. One way to try new things is to explore the arts. According to the National Arts Education Public Awareness Campaign website “Participation in the arts opens children’s worlds and minds and offers them the skills they need for a bright future.” And the Dietrich has a few classes this fall that will get your children’s creative juices flowing.

The Dietrich will offer “Discovering Great Artists” classes right after school from 4:00 – 5:30 pm for nine to twelve year olds on Thursdays and for five to eight year olds on Fridays starting the week of September 12th. Amy and Steve Colley, M.F.A., have designed each four-week session to expand the creative experience and awareness of young artists in all aspects of the visual arts through drawing, painting, printing, and sculpture. The total cost of four classes is $30 including all materials.

Amy Colley will teach “Young at Art – Preschool Art” for four and five year olds on Thursdays from noon – 12:45 pm starting on September 15th. Preschoolers will have the opportunity to engage in projects that encourage critical thinking & problem solving skills as they explore drawing, painting, paper & sculpture.

Amy will also teach a “Mommy & Me Mixed Media” class on Mondays for three and four year olds. This class is a great opportunity to introduce your little ones to other children in their age group while having the comfort of mom, dad, or their caregiver right there. The subject matter is similar to the “Young at Art” class and will help prepare them for preschool or kindergarten. Admission to “Young at Art” and “Mommy and Me Mixed Media” is $25 for four classes.

We also offer “Quilting for Kids” on Wednesday from 3:30 – 5:00 pm starting on September 14th for children age six and up. Under the direction of Ingrid Rogler, student will learn the art of quilting a Maple Leaf quilt sampler. Quilting helps hand-eye coordination and student also learn about early American history at the same time. Admission is $6.00 per class, all materials are provided.

Sarah Sidorek will teach a “Jewelry for Kids” workshop on Tuesdays, September 13th and 27th from 3:30 – 5:00 pm. Kids age eight and up will learn how to make a necklace, bracelet and earrings. Admission is $7.00 per class.

To learn more about these and other classes, stop by the Dietrich during our “More than the Movies Open House” on Saturday, September 10th from 6:00-8:00 pm. Meet the instructors, see projects from previous classes, enjoy hands-on activities and register for classes. If you can’t be at the Open House, call the theater at 570-996-1500 and we can give you more information about classes.

On Saturday, September 10th, the Dietrich will also host its Second Saturday Event, Kindermusik with Tonya; from 11:00 am – noon. This will be the perfect morning of music and movement for children ages six and under.
And just a reminder, the Fall Film Festival starts on Friday, September 30th. Come out for our Opening Night Gala. Starting at 6:00 pm, enjoy an evening of hors d’oeuvres, two movies, dessert, and discussion with the director of A Sidewalk Astronomer, one of our opening night films. Tickets are $25.00. Call the theater at 570-996-1500 to place your reservation. Visit www.dietrichtheater.com for the film festival schedule, or stop by the Dietrich to pick up a brochure.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

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, September 14 - 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

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.

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.

Improv at the Dietrich

Come try out to be a part of the "Improv at the Dietrich" comedy troupe. If you have a quick wit and can think on your feet, you might have what it takes! Call 570-996-1500 for details.

Auditions: Fridays, September 9th and 16th from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Peg Fassett Performance Studio

Admission is free.

Organized by Gregg Childress

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

Kindermusik with Tonya

Classes begin the week of September 12, 2005."Our Time" is designed for children ages 1 1/2 - 3 1/2 years of age. With a parent or caregiver, children enjoy singing, moving, listening and interacting socially, and playing instruments each week."Village", for children newborn to 1 1/2 years of age, incorporates the most current research on early childhood development and provides families a special place for learning and connecting with other families through music and movement.

Classes begin the week of September 12. Village classes: Tuesdays 9:15 am & Saturdays 10:15 am. Our Time classes: Tuesdays 10:15 am & Saturdays 11:15 am.

Call Tonya at 570-945-5098 for more information and to register.

Instructor: Tonya St. Clair

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 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 - September 12, 19, ,26, October 3. Session 2 - October 10, 17, 24, 31. Session 3 - 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.

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.