The first Warrior Writers Reunion and BBQ was a great success, according to facilitator Jenny Pacanowski and member Larry White.
“We should definitely do it again next year,” said both Jenny and Larry.
Warrior Writers at the Dietrich Theater is in its third year, sponsored by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation. We at the Dietrich Theater are so proud to support this program, because it is our major effort to reach out to our military veterans in a way that can have real impact on their lives. Like other programs in the arts for veterans, Warrior Writers provides a safe place to express feelings and thoughts about military experience. Once those are expressed, lives can begin to change.
The free program is returning to meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. the second Friday of every month, and is open to all military veterans. Veterans can just show up at the Dietrich Theater or call 570-996-1500 for information.
The wonderful acoustics in the Evans Theater did their magic to showcase the incredible talents of the five musicians of Hickory Project, presenting a preview concert for the Cornstalk Festival at Lazybrook Park in Tunkhannock last week. Such a winning mixture of Blue Grass, Jazz, and Celtic music! Expert musicianship, including banjo, mandolin, flute, penny whistle, guitar and string bass, made for a very special afternoon for the enthusiastic and appreciative audience. We are so pleased that we could also host instrumental workshops for Cornstalk, providing space for lessons to take place.
What talent we have all around us.
Our River Towns Bus Trip is filled, but everyone is invited to attend Rick Hiduk’s presentation River Towns of the Endless Mountains at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. Come learn about how the communities from Tunkhannock to Sayre came into existence and how the Susquehanna River was necessary for survival, economy and transportation. Hiduk is fascinated by the richness of our history that beckons us to learn more about it.
This free presentation is sponsored by the Endless Mountains Heritage Region, with funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Come and take an armchair journey to the river towns of the Endless Mountains.
A wonderful tie-in to our River Towns celebrations is another upcoming free presentation. Author Jim Remsen will present “Visions of Teaoga” at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, telling the dramatic history of Indian life along the Susquehanna River during the 17th century.
Remsen’s book, “Visions of Teaoga,” written for young adults, is narrated by Queen Esther, notorious American Indian matriarch, and will be available for sale and book signing. For information, visit www.jimremsen.com.
Coming up for the children there is so much to tell you about. Music for Littles with Abi Zieger will be back from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12. This free class continues on Tuesdays throughout September, October and November. It is for the 2-and-a-half to five-year-old age group, and is a wonderful exploration of basic musical elements through song and movement. This is a chance for children and their caregivers to experience the fun and joy of music.
Also for the preschool age group is Preschool Pottery and Sculpture for ages four and five, beginning from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday Sept. 15 and continuing the same time on Fridays through Oct. 6. Amy Colley engages the little ones in an exploration of the medium of clay, even introducing them to the potter’s wheel.
Pottery and Sculpture for Kids with Steve Colley begins from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Friday Sept. 15 and continues on Fridays through Oct. 6. It is amazing what the five to 12-year-old set can create as they work on potter’s wheels and learn sculpting and hand-building techniques.
Also for the kids in September is Quilting for Kids, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays , beginning Sept. 13 and continuing through Dec. 13. Ingrid Rogler, Terry Keller and Peggy Lane teach quilting techniques in the process of helping children ages six and up make a project to take home.
To register for any of these classes, call 570-996-1500.
Next week I will tell you about the upcoming inter-generational and Adult Classes for September.
I would be remiss not to mention Fall Film Festival Preview Day, scheduled for 1 and 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7. All the trailers for the 22 films in Fall Film Festival – free. The Opening Night Gala, scheduled Friday, Sept. 15 is filling up fast, so don’t miss your opportunity. The Fall Film Festival follows, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 6. So many wonderful opportunities coming up.
When will we see you at the Dietrich? We hope it will be soon and often.
