Who were the stars of one of the best shows at the Dietrich this year? All those who attended Close Encounters with Birds of Prey, sponsored by the Overlook Estate Foundation, would tell you they were the live raptors, introduced by Delaware Valley Raptor Center presenter Bill Streeter, one by one, to a rapt audience of 120 in the Evans Theater.
A peregrine falcon, a red tailed hawk, a saw-whet owl, and a young bald eagle were skillfully removed from their darkened cages, perched on the arm of and displayed by Bill as he walked up and down the aisles of the theater, giving everyone a chance to see them up close. I have never witnessed so much admiration and awe of a wild species as I have when Bill gives us this opportunity.
These are all birds that have been injured and brought to the center. These are the ones that cannot be released back into the wild because of their injuries, such as a broken wing or blindness. Bill relates that because he can now use them for his educational programs as many as 100,000 people have learned more about them.
To find out more about the Delaware Valley Raptor Center go to the website www.dvrnconline.org. You can donate, become a member, and sponsor a raptor.
Bill told us that his center is no longer the benefactor of the major provider of food for the raptors, mice from a laboratory, and he does not know how long the center can survive by having to pay $100 a day for the mice.
River Day
River Day on Saturday, July 20 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Riverside Park in Tunkhannock will be an opportunity to spend some time right on the edge of the Susquehanna River, a habitat of raptors, including the bald eagle. Continuous music at the pavilion: J.P. Williams Blues Band at 1 to 2:30 p.m.; The Ziegers from 3 to 4 p.m.; learn about Endless Mountains Heritage Region events from 4 to 4:30 p.m.; Flatland Ruckus from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; Blue Roots from 6 to 7 p.m.
Watch the River Float kayaks and canoes come down from Meshoppen as you listen to music. Then enjoy Mannings Ice Cream and your favorite food trucks – Jamaican Me Hungry, Southwest Savory Grill, and Greenley’s BBQ. But before you leave check out all of the environmental displays and stop by the Gingher Apiary booth to pick up some honey or honey-based products.
Rock Painting with Kitson Arts Alliance. Mural painting with Steve and Amy Colley! Animals Up Close with the Endless Mountains Nature Center! Face painting, too! So many reasons to bring the kids to River Day. A free event for everyone. For information call 570-996-1500.
Summer Fest
Back at the theater, Summer Fest is in full swing. The finest foreign and independent films! So many people have told me they want to see all 21 of them. I will definitely see Chaperone, brought to the screen by the same people who brought us “Downton Abbey.” And I am sure many of you, including me, will take in “Amazing Grace,” the new documentary featuring concert footage of Aretha Franklin, performing gospel songs at New Temple Baptist Church in 1972. Multiple showings of 21 movies. Go to www.dietrichtheater.com to see the full listing.
Nature adventures, music opportunities, award-winning movies that you would otherwise have to go to NYC or Philly to see – all right here in NEPA Remember we do it all for you.
Mojo the rescued Saw Whet Owl from the Delaware Valley Raptor Center meets Mary Turner, the Dietrich’s assistant cultural director, at the theater’s Close Encounters with Birds of Prey program.
