“The Blues Got a Hold on Me” — the song and the genre filled the Evans Theater at the Dietrich Theater. Last Sunday two vocalists, two guitarists, two drummers, and a harmonica virtuoso, all members of the JP Williams Blues Band, took us on a musical history journey of The Blues, the uniquely American music genre. At least 60 Blues fans took the journey with us, listening to classic and original songs, concluding with JP’s hit “Stolen Cadillac.” It was fitting that the late George Wesley’s family was there to hear John Williams’ special song, a tribute to George. At least one attendee told us this was the best concert the Dietrich has brought to its stage.

Speaking of comments about the Dietrich, we were told the Dietrich was used as an example in a Sunday sermon in Wyalusing. The pastor related that his children were treated so well – with kindness and respect. He went on to say we should all treat each other this way, the teaching of all major religions. We are so proud of our staff for the way they treat everyone.

If you missed Jeff Mitchell’s presentation about Wyoming County Parks and Trails on Founder’s Day, you missed an armchair hike into State Game Lands 57, an extraordinarily beautiful area with so many stunning trails and vistas it could be a national park, according to Jeff. Explore Wyoming County Parks and Trails brochures are now available at the Dietrich or the Endless Mountains Visitor Center. If you want to take an actual hike, three guided hikes are scheduled: Little Rocky Glen on Saturday, Aug. 11 at 9 a.m.; Endless Mountains Nature Center on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 9 a.m.; and State Game Lands 57, time to be determined. For more information about these hikes or to sign up for them, call 570-996-1500.

Another way to learn more about the wonders of the natural world around us is to come on Saturday, July 7 at 11 a.m. to Close Encounters with Birds of Prey with Bill Streeter of the Delaware Raptor Center. This free presentation features four or five raptors, including a peregrine falcon and a saw-whet owl. Bill is an educator and a showman, delighting the audience with stories about these raptors that have been injured and brought to the Delaware Raptor Center. The ones that cannot be returned to their natural habitat can become educators for Bill to take to places like ours to teach us to be good stewards of the wonders of nature that are part of our world. Tickets are available at the door as long as they last.

As I write this column, I’m looking forward to Preview Day tomorrow – the day we get to see all 22 of the trailers of movies in Summer Fest beginning Friday, July 13. Next week, I will tell you my list of must-see movies. Summer Fest begins with our Opening Night complete with wine and beer from Nimble Hill, soft drinks, popcorn, crackers, cheese and fruit before the first movie “Finding Your Feet.” Between this first movie and the second movie “The Sea Gull,” we serve homemade strawberry shortcake, assembled right in front of you to your specifications! A wonderful evening of good food and drink, plus two acclaimed foreign and independent movies for $25. Don’t forget to make your reservations by calling 570-996-1500.

Summer is in full swing at the Dietrich. Matinees every day of the week. Four movie theaters for all the summer blockbusters. Summer Fest for all the best foreign and independent movies. Summer guided hikes. Raptors up close and personal. Summer Camps for children. When will we see you at the Dietrich? We hope it will be soon. And often!

Young
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More than

the Movies

Margie Young

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