Jeff Mitchell, hiker extraordinaire, treated over 140 other hikers to his stunning photographic scenes that most of us can only see on screen. I am sure everyone who attended his Hiking Through the Natural Beauty of Pennsylvania presentation came away with a new appreciation of the awesome landscape that surrounds us.
Jeff said that nearby Gamelands 57 was once slated to be a national park because of its amazing rock formations, waterfalls and other natural wonders. Ricketts Glen State Park is better known and visited by hikers from all over our nation and the world. The wonder of Gamelands 57 is more of a well-kept secret, but Jeff whets our appetite for learning more about it. Thank you, Jeff, for taking us on a virtual hike and for reminding us that the Pennsylvania constitution states we have a right to clean water, clean air, and the right to make sure our scenic beauty endures.
The Academy Award Oscars have been awarded and one of the Opening Night films for Winter Fest – “Parasite” – won four awards: Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Director, and Best International Feature Film.
Our film booker Ronnie Harvey says, “’Parasite’ one of the best films I have ever seen. I liked it so much that I have already seen it twice.”
Opening Night tickets are still available. For reservations, call 570-836-1022 ext. 3. A fun night of beer and wine from Nimble Hill, crackers, cheese, fruit, and popcorn, two movies, beginning with “Edie,” followed by “Parasite.” Between the movies, enjoy the Dietrich signature brownie dessert with your choice of ice cream, chocolate or caramel sauce, and whipped cream. Enjoy an evening of great films and the community of other foreign and independent film lovers.
We also invite you to two special movie events during Winter Fest. The acclaimed movie “Harriet,” the story of Harriet Tubman who, heroically, led so many slaves to freedom, has a special showing on Saturday, Feb. 22 at noon. Prior to the showing at 11:45 a.m., Ej Murphy, tour guide of the Waverly Community House Destination Freedom Underground Railroad Tour, will talk about the tour and the Underground Railroad in northeastern Pennsylvania. After the movie, he will conduct a Q and A and VIA will be there with prize giveaways.
Erica Rogler, Dietrich Theater executive director, tells me that another movie with a lot of buzz is “Fantastic Fungi.” Did you know there is a great interest in mycology – the science of mushroom growing – right here in our area. For the showing of the movie on Saturday, Feb. 29 at noon, special guests will be David Wasilewski of the Wyoming Valley Mushrooms Club, Stacey Kalechitz of the Susquehanna Valley Mycological Society, and mushroom grower Tim Owen of Growen Food. You are invited to join us for an afternoon of mushrooms, fungi and fun and a special showing of “Fantastic Fungi.”
Last summer I discovered the wonderful mushrooms of Growen Food at the Farmers Market at Creekside Gardens. I had never tasted Lion’s Mane mushrooms until they were offered to me, freshly cooked right on the spot. They are absolutely fantastic, and the growers even taught me how to cook them.
So much to look forward to at the Dietrich Theater. All we need is for you to be there.
