I have always felt this way, but now I know that our corner of the Endless Mountains is indeed inspirational in its beauty and history.
Since I was a child my family vacationed here, coming to Tunkhannock by train to our family’s homestead near the Susquehanna River. This has always been a place of peace and wonder for me, but now I know that it was also a sacred place for the indigenous residents – the Six Nations, including the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk and Tuscarora.
On Founders Day, Dr. Gere Reisinger told us that Seneca Trail Park on Route 29 was like a Camp David, a place where peacemaking among the nations occurred.
Did you know it was the native tribes who taught the settlers about democratic government? They were said to be the First Founders of our democratic government. Seneca Trail Park has recently been reclaimed and cleaned up by Wyoming County and a dedicated band of volunteers. Make it your destination this summer. Walk the short distance to the flowing waters of Bowman’s Creek and experience its beauty and imagine those who came before us who understood its power of place.
Another chance to experience the wonder of our area is at our 18th annual River Day on Saturday, July 22, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Riverside Park in Tunkhannock, a rain or shine free event. On the main stage at the pavilion, continuous music will feature Doug Smith’s Dixieland All-Stars, J.P. Williams Twilight Revue, Bret Alexander and Tom Flannery, and Dave Brown & the Dishonest Fiddlers. The Dietrich Theater Jam Along Band Camps and the recognition of the 2023 PA River of the Year presentation will also be featured.
For times and other activities go to www.dietrichtheater.com. Pick up the River Day brochure at the theater. Next week I will tell you more about the activities, vendors and Paddle Trip that you can join.
Did you make your reservation for Opening Night of Summer Fest on Friday, July 14?
Erica tells me that both opening night movies have great reviews: “You Hurt My Feelings,” with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, a story about a “perfect” marriage, and “Somewhere in Queens,” starring favorites Ray Romano and Laurie Metcalf, a touching family story. Light hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and strawberry shortcake is served between the movies.
Come enjoy the fun and camaraderie of the evening. It is contagious! Just call 570-836-1022 x3. Summer Fest is sponsored by Peoples Security Bank & Trust.
In the meantime onscreen at the Dietrich are the greatly anticipated blockbusters – “Asteroid City” and “Indiana Jones: Dial of Destiny.” In “Asteroid City,” Wes Anderson takes us back to 1955 with his unique look and story with Tom Hanks and Scarlet Johansson. And Harrison Ford endeavors to keep an ancient artifact from falling into the wrong hands in the latest Indiana Jones. Two perfect movies for a summer escape are waiting for you.
For the 11- to 17-year-old set, “All Star Players” is a special way to learn about theatre – acting techniques, creating a character and more through theatre games and producing a play. Brenda Fager and Mary Turner will be there to direct the fun July 10 to 14 from 9:30 a.m. to noon, a free opportunity, sponsored by the Overlook Estate Foundation. For more opportunities for the kids, check out our website above for more classes in Pottery, Mask Making, and more.
I would like to end this column with a story about visitors to the Dietrich on Founders Day.
A couple from Germany entered the Dietrich about a half hour before Gere Reisinger’s presentation. I could see that they were interested in Reisinger’s exhibit in the gallery and engaged them in conversation. They had flown to Wilkes-Barre for a wedding but they had just enough time to drive to the Dietrich to learn more about our Indian history. Apparently, especially in Bavaria, Germans have a keen interest in our indigenous peoples. They only had an hour to spare, but came to the Dietrich to learn more.
That’s what I love about the Dietrich – a chance to learn something every day!
