“What was going on in Tunkhannock last Saturday? I drove by the Dietrich in the afternoon and the street parking was all filled?” asked my friend.

Another friend said, “I went to see the movie and I got there late and could not find a seat, it was so packed.”

It turns out that the movies “The Boys in the Boat” and “The Holdovers” were the reason for the best matinee attendance for two independent movies for a long time.

You can still see “The Holdovers” on Thursday, March 7, at 7 p.m.

Did you see the coverage of the Winter Fest film festival on WNEP this last week?

Reporters came to see and hear from Ronnie, Erica, Mary, and film buff extraordinaires, Sandy Austin and Harry Sweppenheiser. Ronnie Harvey selected the 20 films of the festival; Erica Rogler and Mary Turner gave their nod of approval and made sure that the information got out on ads, brochures, and the internet. This Winter Fest attendance has been an affirmation that they all got it just right. Sandy Austin agrees apparently because she has already seen 17 of the 20 films!

I have seen seven Winter Fest films so far: “Anatomy of a Fall,” “The Boys in the Boat,” “The Holdovers,” “Dream Scenario,” “Four Daughters,” “Joan Baez: I Am a Noise,” and “The Persian Version.”

All of these films challenge you to see people’s lives in new ways. For instance, I grew up with the music of Joan Baez in the background, never knowing what was in the background of her life. I know there are so many restrictions on the lives of so many women in the world, but learned how even today, as shown in “Four Daughters,” how dire their lives can be. “Anatomy of a Fall” is a movie I am still thinking about because it is so beautifully told and so complex. So many have garnered nominations or won awards and now I can see why. I will be sure to go to the Post Film Festival Discussion on Friday, March 8, at 1 p.m. to hear from others and learn new insights.

Speaking of movies that tell stories, an amazing storyteller will be here for a free presentation of Leprechaun Lore just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day.

Hal Pratt will share the art of storytelling with us on Saturday, March 16, at 11 a.m., an event for the whole family. He will answer all of your questions about the lives and looks of leprechauns, where to find them and what they wear. Storytelling is an ancient art and entertainment and Hal Pratt graciously comes to our stage just for you. He was the Director of the Bloomsburg Library for years and now lives in our little corner of northeastern Pennsylvania. You are invited to Leprechaun Lore and you can make your free reservation by calling the Dietrich at 570-836-1022 x3 or just show up. Seats available as long as they last.

Another master of another art, the art of stained glass, will teach Intro to Stained Glass on Tuesday, March 12, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Esther Harmatz wears so many hats at the Dietrich and one of them is teacher. In Intro to Stained Glass you will learn how to design, cut glass, polish, foil wrap, and solder, producing a finished item. All supplies and equipment will be provided for only $60. Call the number above for your reservation.

When you next come to the Dietrich, take a peek into the Sheldon Art Studio. After many years of ongoing art glasses the studio is getting a renovation with fresh paint, new lighting, new shelving and more. Steve and Amy Colley and Jim Rosengrant are doing the work, along with electrician Danny Huff. Stephen Hendrickson has ordered the new lighting. Thank you all for your labors of love for our art classes and the many children and adults that they serve. All of these renovations are possible with a grant from the Sheldon Family Foundation. We are so grateful and thank you so much.

So many good things are happening at the Dietrich. Come and witness it all. We can’t wait to see you come through our doors.