First Posted: 2/16/2015

Have you had a chance to catch any of the films that are part of the Dietrich’s Classic Movie Series this year? Boy, are there some good ones!

They include older classics such as “The Grapes of Wrath” starring Henry Fonda and “The Philadelphia Story” with Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn, as well as some newer favorites like “Pretty Woman” with Richard Gere and Julia Roberts and “The Breakfast Club.”

Our next classic movie will be “Catch-22” at noon and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4.

Starring Alan Arkin, this 1970 movie is about a World War II bombardier who is trying desperately to be certified insane so that he can stop flying missions. In addition to being part of the classic movie series, this film is also the culminating event of Wyoming County Reads. And for that reason, admission will be free to all who attend.

If you would like to learn a little bit more about Joseph Heller’s book “Catch-22” and how it compares to the movie, we invite you to join us for next week’s Wyoming County Reads discussion at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25 at the Tunkhannock Public Library. Discussion leader John Tindell will provide background on the book and film and then compare the film to the novel.

John Tindell has taught film and mass media courses at Northampton Community College for the past 12 years and is the faculty advisor of the college’s Monroe Campus’ Film Society. Admission to the discussion is free and cookies and coffee will be provided.

Other free events to look forward to in March at the Dietrich include a nature presentation, a concert and a health and wellness program.

Naturalist and WNEP Pennsylvania Outdoor Life personality Rick Koval will be back to present “Camouflage and Mimicry: What You See Isn’t What You See!” at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14. During this PowerPoint program, we will learn about the amazing techniques and adaptations animals use to avoid detection. This interactive program is geared for all ages. You will leave feeling both informed and entertained. This free program is sponsored by the Overlook Estate Foundation.

The following weekend, the Dietrich will go on a musical journey with Jay Steveskey during his “From Bach to Brazil – Classical Guitar Concert.” Classical guitarist Jay Steveskey will regale us with the music of the Baroque master Johann Sebastian Back and Brazilian master Heitor Villa Lobos, two of Steveskey’s favorite composers, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 22. This free event has been sponsored by John P. Keker in memory of Jessie Reppy Keker.

We will round out the month at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 28 with a program on “Diabetes Prevention and Management: Understanding the Key to Control.”

Registered nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator Deborah Brown will share with us lifestyle modifications for the prevention of Type II diabetes. She will share the risk factors for Type II diabetes and what we can do now to prevent the onset of the disease. Attendees will also learn what diabetes is, how to live with it and successfully manage the disease for a long and healthy life. This program is also free and has been underwritten by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation.

For more information or to reserve tickets for any of these three events, call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500.

As you can see, the Dietrich is so much more than the movies!