Old-time radio fun filled the auditorium of the Evans Theater at the Dietrich Theater last week. We were taken back to 1937 and 1950 for the plays “Big Town: Pittsburgh,” “Lil” and “Father Knows Best: The Housekeeper” – with a special visit from a ventriloquist and pre-show entertainment by the barbershop group of Vocal Accord. Thirteen seasoned radio players were “ON AIR,” dressed in 1940s costumes, delighting 101 fans of all ages. This is truly an evening of pure fun that comes twice a year at the Dietrich. Watch for the next show in the fall. New players are also invited.

Especially notable was the performance of ventriloquist Cortland Birchard, who tried to teach his little Joey Joker, 70, a few things about American history. Cortland, celebrated his 88th birthday the day of the performance, is a master of this art form that is not often performed today. He was honored with a birthday cake at a reception following his performance. It was a very special night at the Dietrich. Thank you Rotary Club of Tunkhannock and Ed Battestin, in memory of Pat Battestin.

Donna LaBar sent 38 people on a new path towards Achieving a Healthy Weight at last week’s workshop. If you can attend one of her workshops, I guarantee you will make at least one lifestyle change that will impact your life. Donna has made such a difference to so many and her mission is to share her common sense approach with as many people as she can.

If you missed these events, you can still make it to Tunkhannock’s Founder’s Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 23.. The streets will be filled with vendors, entertainment and food trucks. Not to miss is all the fun at the Dietrich Theater: exhibits, strawberry shortcake, a basket raffle, movie raffle, a quilt raffle and a presentation on Wyoming County’s Parks and Trails.

This year the Earnshaw Gallery exhibit entitled “Every Day Life in Wyoming County in 1900” features photographs, scanned from glass plates taken by Ralph Monsey when he was just 13 years old. Come and witness the simplicity of life in 1900 — skinny dipping in the Susquehanna River, picking strawberries in the field, a traveling minstrel show, proud women in their horse-driven carriages in front of the courthouse, and so many more vivid scenes. These remarkable historic photos are complemented by memorabilia of the time, such as clothing, china, furniture, toys and games.

Also, take in the exhibit in the Sherwood Gallery featuring Wyoming County’s Parks and Trails. Wyoming County does not have a state park or a national park, but it has other parks and trails just waiting for you to discover them. Come find out about Wyoming County parks and trails and the scheduled guided hikes to explore them. Jeff Mitchell and Rick Hiduk will tell you all about them and show you images of the beauty waiting for you explore. Pick up a brochure with maps and descriptions at the presentation. This program is funded by the Endless Mountains Heritage Region, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, the Wyoming County Room Tax Fund, and the Wyoming County Marcellus Legacy Fund.

To make a perfect day of it, Shakespeare in the Park at Riverside Park brings back the Gamut Theatre Group of Harrisburg for a production of “Macbeth” at 7 p.m. Playgoers need to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets, but the production is free, sponsored by the Overlook Estate Foundation. “Macbeth” is performed in an 80-minute version of Shakespeare’s own words with narration to bridge scenes. Always included is a short introduction and a talkback with actors at the end. For information about Founders Day at the Dietrich Theater, call 570-996-1500.

We hope we will see you on Founder’s Day and any of the 365 days a year the Dietrich is open for movies, classes, and events. We hope we will see you soon…….and often!

Young
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/web1_Margie-Young-2.jpg.optimal.jpgYoung

Esther Harmatz, Golden Days of Radio director, and Cortland Birchard, ventriloquist, at Birchard’s 88th birthday party reception following the show.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/web1_Radio-players.jpg.optimal.jpgEsther Harmatz, Golden Days of Radio director, and Cortland Birchard, ventriloquist, at Birchard’s 88th birthday party reception following the show.

Esther Harmatz, Golden Days of Radio director, and Cortland Birchard, ventriloquist, at Birchard’s 88th birthday party reception following the show.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/web1_Movies.CMYK_.jpg.optimal.jpgEsther Harmatz, Golden Days of Radio director, and Cortland Birchard, ventriloquist, at Birchard’s 88th birthday party reception following the show.

More than

the movies

Margie Young