Wooden snowmen characters, decorated hub caps, historic quilting patterns, welded metal robots, original pottery and paintings and fused glass jewelry were the stars of our very first Makers Fest, an event sponsored by Route 6 Alliance Artisan Trail.

Each wooden painted snowman told a story. One was a Hobo Snowman, reaching out with his blanket to give it to someone who needs it more.

Each hub cap was more bejeweled than the other, each quilting pattern had a story to tell, each little pot individually carved, each painting more evocative than the other, and each jewelry creation unique in design and beauty.

All items were for sale and many were purchased. I was the only one, however, who witnessed that one small item was quietly slipped by the artist into the hands of an admiring young girl, a gift from the artist to perhaps an aspiring young artist. No fanfare, just a quiet act of true generosity. We ended the year with a memorable event and a little act of kindness.

We began the year by joining 11 other non-profit organizations committed to participating in the first-ever NEPA Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community/Walk for the Dietrich on Saturday, June 16 at PNC Field in Moosic. Highmark challenges us to identify walkers, individuals or teams, to participate and get sponsors, and 100% of the proceeds go to the Dietrich Theater to help pay for free and low cost classes and events. If you, your friends, your family, your business, your colleagues would like to form a team or if you would like to participate as an individual, let us know at 570-996-1500.

Coming up…

Now for our upcoming classes at the Dietrich Theater. Last week I promised to tell you about them. We have a full roster of opportunities for children and adults alike, just waiting for you to sign up. I will start with our Yoga and Nia classes. So many have discovered the amazing benefits of Yoga. Did you know we have three different Yoga offerings?

• Free Chair Yoga classes, taught by Donna Fetzko, are sponsored by the Rotary Club of Tunkhannock and a friend of the Dietrich. They are held from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays and Fridays. To keep the class size to 20, we ask that you come to just one each week.

• Simply Yoga classes for $10 a session are offered from 10 to 11:15 a.m. each Wednesday. This is the YogaFit style for practitioners who can be down on a mat. Experienced and new students are welcome.

• Kundalini Yoga is taught at 5:30 p.m. Monday nights by Barbara Tierney. This is the Yoga taught by Yogi Bhajan, exploring breath, movement, and mantra. Again new and experienced students are welcome to join the $10 sessions.

• Nia is taught by Laura Ancherani. This class is a combination of dance, yoga and the martial arts. All those 16 and over are encouraged to give it a try from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, $10 a class.

• Warrior Writers for military veterans meets at 7 p.m. the second Friday of the month. Facilitated by Jenny Pacanowski, new and returning veterans are always welcome.

• Writers Group is ongoing at 7 p.m. Thursday evenings, encouraging all who wish to improve their writing to participate.

For information about any of these classes for adults, call 570-996-1500.

Next week I will tell you about Dietrich children’s classes. In the meantime, stay warm, stay safe, and stay engaged by coming to the Dietrich.

We truly hope we will see you soon and often.

http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/web1_AJ-Dietrich-Margie-Young-MUG.jpg.optimal.jpg

Carol Moyer and her decorated hub caps at the Dietrich Makers Fest.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/web1_ABJ-Dietrich-Makers-Fest.jpg.optimal.jpgCarol Moyer and her decorated hub caps at the Dietrich Makers Fest. Submitted photo

More Than Movies

Margie Young

Reach the Abington Journal newsroom at 570-587-1148 or news@theabingtonjournal.com.