16 minute read
Yuletide Fun and Entertainment
From Movie Theater to Cultural Center
he Dietrich Theater has
Tcome a long way since its
reopening in April 2001 after being closed for 14
years. What began as a little movie house in downtown Tunkhannock has expanded into a dynamic cultural center.
Also known as the Wyoming County Cultural Center, it is now more than just a place for movies. Studios that host a wide variety of classes throughout the year are a big part of the center. Open mic
nights, performances, Tai Chi yoga, jewelry making classes, writers’ work-
shops and programs that connect veterans are all examples of some of the offerings.
The Golden Days of Radio
Players read original scripts from old-time radio plays from the 1930s to the 1950s while wearing attire that represents the era. Although most of the sound effects are digital, live sound is used whenever possible. There are currently 17 members of this group of all ages including one who is over 100 years old! A performance of the Golden Days of Radio will be on December 6 at 7 p.m. Three halfhour long readings of comedies including an episode of The Mystery Traveler, an episode of The Great Gildersleeve, and a short play called The Bickersons. The performances are all serial shows that were held at that time. Prior to television, families would come home, have dinner and listen to the radio programs. The group tries to recreate what it was like for audience members in a radio studio broadcast.
The studios also host art camps for children of all ages including preschool pottery, sculpture, drawing, printmaking and painting taught by artists in residence. For teens and adults, open studio sessions and portfolio preps are held.
Local artwork and history presen-
tations are also part of the programming. The theatre partnered with the Kitson Arts Alliance to showcase both local and international artists’ works.
During Tunkhannock’s
“Christmas in our Hometown,”
on December 2 and 3, a classic Christmas display (with a toy theatre model created by a retired set designer of film and television) ,a quaint dollhouse and holiday scenes will also be exhibited.
The Dietrich Theatre will present the “12 Days of Christmas” - a movie festival with a mix of Christmas movies shown for free at various showtimes. It will run from December 2-15 and again on December 21. On December 21, “It's a Wonderful Life,” will be shown.
Before it became a cultural center, the Dietrich was a small movie theater constructed in the Art Deco-style by entrepreneur George Dietrich in 1936. The theater prospered until the 1950's when television took over as the primary source of entertainment. Outdoor driveins also gained popularity causing indoor movie theaters to close across America.
After many struggles, the Dietrich Theater closed its doors in 1987. For more than a decade, it remained vacant while a few potential buyers expressed interest in purchasing the theater None of the potential buyers had a credible business plan, however. In March 1998, visionary citizens explored the possibility of reopening the theater as a non-profit cultural center. Secretary Hildy Morgan, who was the executive director at the time, along with president Sandy Vieczorek, went door to door to collect money to purchase the theater. The town rallied behind it and donated the necessary money. The theater was able to make the down payment, and a board was established.
Organizations such as the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Pennsylvania Humanities Council, and the Bradford County Regional Arts Council also helped to make the project possible. The Dietrich Theater has a film festival every season. At least 21 independent movies are shown within in a three-week period. "It has been exciting to see how the theater has grown and evolved over the past 20 years. We look forward to continuing to provide arts, cultural and educational offerings and entertainment to all ages throughout the region”, said Erica Rogler, Executive Director. H
–Ben Freda
60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock •
dietrichtheater.com • 570-836-1022
Dietrich Theater’s 12 Movies of Christmas
December 2 – 15, 2022 Admission: Free Seating is first come, first served. No advance tickets
Enjoy 12 holiday movie favorites for free on the Dietrich’s big screen at various showtimes for 14 days.
For list of films and showtimes visit DietrichTheater.com Funded in part by the Wyo. Cty. Tax fund and the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau.
StoneHedge Festival of Lights
A2.5 mile Festival of Lights display
is located at Stonehedge Golf Course in Tunkhannock. Now in its sixth year, this holiday experience is enjoyed by
all ages. Founded in 2017 by owners Bill and Karen Ruark, the Festival of Lights was created to provide a positive impact on the local community and economy, and an opportunity for seasonal golf employees to retain full time employment through the winter months. The strong support and patronage of guests has allowed the Festival of Lights to give back to the community in a big way. A portion of the admission proceeds is donated to local charities and organizations each year. The Festival of Lights also increases tourism to the small town of Tunkhannock. A variety of themed displays, both fixed and in motion, are selected and arranged differently each year by Karen and her small team. Since 2019, the displays are also locally manufactured by Stonehedge, allowing for new annual themes, keeping the display fresh and inviting. The grounds crew wraps hundreds of trees with thousands of individual strands of multi-colored lights that create a true sight to behold! Guests can also visit the pavilion for seasonal refreshments including hot cocoa, homemade cookies, brownies and other family friendly food. Roast a s’more at one of the numerous free fire pits. Local vendors also offer fun holiday shopping items. Free pictures with Santa are available Sunday through Wednesday nights. After the holidays, other characters will be available Sunday through Wednesday for pictures with little ones.
For a small fee, hop on an adorable train for a short ride Sunday through Wednesday nights all season. The Festival of Lights at Stonehedge Golf course is open November 23December 31, but will be closed on Christmas Eve.
Hours are Sunday – Thursday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m, Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Follow on Facebook and visit www.playstonehedge.com H
Holiday Gift Guide
The BriarPatch at Thornhurst Nurseries, Thornhurst
Soy candles with an invigorating fragrance such as newcomers ‘Birch’ and ‘Mountain Mist’. And the always popular ‘Forest Crunch’ with its true aroma of freshly cut pine. 14 oz jar $21.99 278 Pine Grove Rd., Thornhurst, PA 570-842-1266. Follow us on Facebook.
Alpacas of Sunshine Farm, New Milford
The Essential Sweater does it all! It’s a shrug, it’s a cardigan, it’s a hoodie, it’s a shawl collar! Available in a variety of colors. Best worn with a dark shirt and jeans to bring out its beautiful color and texture! 70% alpaca - 30% acrylic Reg $130, XL $140
570-465-3360
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
The perfect present for a baseball fan in your life. Two gift package offerings including game tickets, apparel, and more – Deck the Halls ($310) & Stocking Stuffer ($150). Call
570-969-BALL
to learn more and purchase.
Van Gorders’ Furniture, Lake Wallenpaupack, Honesdale, Milford
Unique rustic bottle barrel hutch by Fighting Creek. American-made, Amishcrafted showpiece to adorn your home bar or man cave. $1,799 570-253-1860
The Beehive, Moscow
The boutique portion of our store has this cozy, fleece mid-length plaid shacket in red, sizes small-3xl, $58.
570-780-9005
Bella Faccias, Old Forge
Elegant necklaces for your holiday celebrations or for gift giving. 14K gold/rhodium plated over brass chains and genuine freshwater pearls. Beginning at $30.00.
570-343-8777
My Mother's Delicacies, Inc., Scranton
Small, medium, large and extra large gift tins filled with authentic butter and cream cheese rugelach in cinnamon walnut, apricot, raspberry, and/or chocolate flavors. Approx. 16-48 pieces Straight from Galicia, Poland! $22.49-$52.49 570-343-5266
3 Sisters, Kingston
When words can’t express it, wrap up your love with Pandora jewelry. Beautiful sterling pieces that you personalize for yourself or a loved one. Prices range from $50-$65.
570-288-3147 Deep Roots Hard Cider, Sugar Run
Gift Baskets come with either a bottle of Raspberry or Apple Crisp Hard Cider, 2 bags of Pittston Popcorn, Chocolate covered pretzels and Non-Pareils! $30 each!
570-746-3222
2023 HOLIDAY PACKS 2023 HOLIDAY PACKS
Give the gift of RailRiders Baseball this season! Give the gift of RailRiders Baseball this season!
DECK THE HALLS $310
2 Limited Edition RailRiders Holiday Shirts 20 Undated Infield Box Seat Vouchers 1 SWB Snowflake Ornament 1 Aaron Judge Nutcracker Ornament
STOCKING STUFFER $150
Call (570) 969-BALL or email info@swbrailriders.com today!
Triple-A Affiliate of the | SWBRAILRIDERS.COM | (570) 969-BALL
Beginning December 18,
menorahs will be placed in windows, letting their light shine to the world outside. Their flickering flames symbolize a miracle that occurred almost two thousand years ago.
Hanukkah celebrates the uprising of faithful Jews against their powerful Greek oppressors. When the Jews defeated their enemy against all odds, they traveled to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem to reclaim and rededicate it to the service of God. They found only enough oil inside to light the menorah for one day; however, it miraculously lasted for eight until new oil could be prepared. It is this miracle that is now celebrated by Jews across the world. To celebrate the eight-day festival of lights, families attend special services, perform special prayers, eat delicious foods and exchange gifts. Hanukkah is the only holiday where Jews publicize to the world. Every other holiday they observe and take to themselves, but because of the nature of the miracle, they are supposed to put a menorah in the window so that the outside can see. The centerpiece of Hanukkah is the menorah—a nine-armed candelabra. On the first night, the center candle, or shammash, is lit, then used to light a second candle. Another candle is added each night until the eighth and final night of Hanukkah. Just as Hebrew is written from right to left, candles are placed in the menorah from right to left; however, the candles
Festival of Lights
are lit each night from left to right. After placing the candles in the menorah but before lighting them, three blessings are recited to commemorate the miracle of Hanukkah. The menorah is always placed by a window. Traditional Hanukkah foods add flavor to each night’s celebration. In remembrance of the miracle, fried foods like potato latkes and jelly donuts are always included. The dreidel game is another popular Hanukkah celebration, especially for kids. While its origin is unclear, the letters that appear on the fourfaced piece—un, gimmel, hey and shin—are said to stand for the phrase, “Nes gadol haya sham,” which in Hebrew means, “A great miracle happened here.” Though not an original part of the celebration, many exchange gifts on each night of Hanukkah as well. In this way, it has been adopted to American culture. H
Wayne County Inspires Winter Wonderland
Sleigh bells ring, are
you listening?” Chances are you can sing the next sentence. “Winter Wonderland” is one of the most recognizable Christmas songs in history and the most often recorded. Honesdale native Richard “Dick” Smith was inspired by his hometown to pen the beloved tune in 1931.
Smith was born in Honesdale, PA on September 29, 1901. He lived with his parents John and Eliza Smith and siblings in a house with a direct view of Central Park and the Wayne County Courthouse. He learned to play the piano at his family home. He graduated from Honesdale High School in 1920 and then left the area. Smith attended Penn State where he conducted the school’s orchestra, served as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and September 29, 1935 at the age of 34. “Dick Smith‘s song has become a classic– a work of enduring excellence,” said the Wayne County Historical Society. “It has timeless lyrics that are just as fun to sing or listen to as they were in 1934. Though the song is generally recognized as a Christmas song, the lyrics do not refer to Christmas at all, just the snowy winter season.” “Winter Wonderland” was featured in Ziegfeld Follies on Broadway and Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadian Orchestra performed the song. Over 200 artists have recorded “Winter Wonderland” including Bing Crosby, The Andrew Sisters, Perry Como, The Carpenters, Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin.
“There is a small plaque on the front porch of a privately owned house in Honesdale where Dick Smith grew up. The locals know which house it is and tell their children and friends.” H
wrote several songs for the Glee Club and plays. After graduation, he managed movie theaters in Connecticut, New York City and Chattanooga, TN. Smith married Jean Connor from Scranton on March 30, 1930 and contracted tuberculosis shortly after in 1931. He was admitted to Lenox Hill Hospital and later Scranton’s West Mountain Sanatorium, where he wrote his best-known work, “Winter Wonderland.” He wrote the song about the snow-covered beauty of the park that he saw from his boyhood home. Felix Bernard composed the music for the song.
Although Smith realized his dream of writing a Christmas song, he passed away before it rose to popularity. He died on
LEGAL Excellence
Brian J. Cali, Esquire Marianne M. Stivala, Esquire Kurt T. Lynott, Esquire Adrienne R. Pierangeli, Esquire
103 East Drinker Street • Dunmore, PA • (570) 344-2029 • www.brianjcali.com
T
he babies are coming: January 2023
Submit your baby's photo for inclusion in the next "New Baby Photo Gallery". All entries must be received prior to December 12.
(Baby must be born after Nov. 1, 2021)
$25 Entry Fee See details at happeningspa.com Question? Email info@happeningspa.com
Back in 1936, Ralph Van Gorder rented the bottom floor of the Jenkins Building on Honesdale, PA’s Main Street and placed an ad in the Wayne Independent saying he would buy anyone’s used furniture— “a single piece, an attic full or a house full.” was originally the National Hotel, has stood at the corner of Church and Sixth Streets since 1865. As the business continued to grow, Ralph’s son Don opened a second showroom on Route 6 near scenic Lake Wallenpaupack in 1978. Eventually, Don’s son Scott came on board and added Although he first named his busi- a unique focus on rustic ness the Honesdale Furniture Adirondack-style furnishings that Exchange, it has matured into an reflect the natural beauty of the 86-year-old fourth-generation Pocono Mountains, Catskills and family business now known as Upper Delaware River region. Van Gorders’ Furniture, featuring Since that time Van Gorders’ has quality name brands of the latest specialized in the furniture styles for every room. finest AmericanThree Big Showrooms in Milford, Hawley and Honesdale made rustic home furnishings. Business picked up quickly and In October 2014, Ralph soon realized the need to Van Gorders’ expand. He purchased a sprawl- Furniture once ing four-floor historic landmark again expanded in Honesdale, which is still in use into its third showtoday as Van Gorders’ flagship room at 321 Water showroom. The building, which
Street (Route 2001) in Milford, PA, just down the road from The Waterwheel Cafe. Scott’s three sons Derek, Dylan and Max now manage the three showrooms.
Quality Furniture Ready for Delivery
All of Van Gorders’ showrooms offer Sealy Mattress Galleries where customers can test out the newest Sealy Posturepedic and Stearns & Foster mattresses. And, the Honesdale location offers a La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio with hundreds of recliners and sofas of all styles and sizes. Van Gorders’ Furniture Right now, Sealy mattresses and Laz-Z-Boy recliners are in stock and ready for delivery. Celebrates 86 Years in Business Unlike the typical big box stores, all three of Van Gorders’ showrooms feature a unique mix of lodge-style furnishings that bring the outdoors inside.
Friendly Staff
Another factor contributing to Van Gorders’ 86 years of success is its caring and knowledgeable staff—many of whom have been with the business for decades. For more information, check out Vangorders.com or stop by one of its three welcoming showrooms soon for your shopping adventure! H
