More than the Movies: Falconry, Winter Fest and more at the Dietrich

Bob Astegher’s presentation of The Art of Falconry was a sold-out Dietrich Theater event, filling the Evans Theater that seats 213 people. I sat next to a couple from the Back Mountain area, and all around me were people who knew Bob and others who traveled a distance to get a glimpse of an ancient sport that we did not know was practiced on our nearby mountains.

Falconry, said to be the favorite sport of English kings, Astegher explained, is not for everyone. His interest began when he was 8 years old. For most of us I suspect that we came to find out about falconry not to become falconers, but to get a little nearer to the wild world of birds of prey and the mystery of life in our beautiful unspoiled mountains. Learning how Bob captured his red-tailed hawk Big Bertha, trained her to hunt small game, and how he will release her back to the wild, was fascinating and brought us a little closer to our natural world.

Have you heard the buzz about the two Opening Night movies of Winter Fest on Friday, Feb. 16? The Boys in the Boat, directed by George Clooney, promises to be just the inspiration we need this time of year. An underdog team of rowers competing in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin is a true story, based on the book of the same name. The Holdovers is getting rave reviews from showings in film festivals around the world and it is nominated for five Oscars. Starring Paul Giamatti and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, it tells the story of the New England prep school teacher who is forced to stay on campus to babysit the handful of students who have nowhere to go over Christmas break. Two winning movies to jumpstart Winter Fest that runs through March 7.

I just reserved my Opening Night tickets and you can do the same by calling 570-836-1022 x3. Opening Night includes the two movies, wine, beer, and soft drinks, as well as popcorn, and snacks and a delectable dessert by T & C Grille. $25 in advance or $30 at the door. It is a great time to come with your family and friends, and a perfect way to meet new friends. A seasonal way to enjoy a winter evening at your favorite movie theater in historic downtown Tunkhannock!

Speaking of the movies, a special opportunity is coming up for all of you who have the perfect idea for a movie script. Introduction to Screenwriting is coming to you via Zoom, a class taught by screenwriter Catherine Shefski, our friend who grew up in Tunkhannock. A six-week class will be hands-on with exercises and feedback. The class is for those 18 and up on Tuesdays in February and March 5 and 12, $65 for all six weeks. We welcome Cathy Shefski back to the Dietrich for this special opportunity.

We want to invite you a special Meet the Artist reception for Ryan Bogedin on Sunday, March 24 from 2 p.m. -4 p.m. His work is displayed in all our galleries through February and March. Ryan describes his paintings as “intuitive cerebral expressionism, allowing viewers to witness the interplay between the abstract and the concrete.” In other

words, his artwork really makes you stop, examine and think about what you are seeing. I find myself doing just that.

Falconry. Winter Fest Opening Night. Inspiring art. We have it all right here at the Dietrich. All we need is for you to walk through our doors. And you are invited.