Editor’s note: This week’s column was written by Dietrich Theater Program Director Margie Young.

This past week we lost an early supporter of the Dietrich Theater and a very good friend.

Sad to say, musician George Wesley lost his battle with cancer and is no longer with us. George was one of the first musicians to perform at the Dietrich Theater about 15 years ago, sharing his reggae style music and always positive messages. I remember so well his Jammin’ With George Saturday program for kids and their families, when he brought instruments for them to play and everybody joined in. He also was a frequent guest performer at our Gathering of Singer/Songwriters, often upstaging the other performers with his skilled background guitar playing. He just couldn’t have a guitar in his hands and not play it.

Sarah Sidorek remembers that he visited CMC Hospital in Scranton as a volunteer, just to comfort and entertain patients while her relative was there, asking what song they would like him to play.

So, in your own words, George, we say, “Thank you! For your inspiration. Life is a struggle but we won’t give in. (We) feel your good vibrations.”

A bright light of our local world of singer/songwriters has gone out, but his inspirational music will be with us for a long time.

And speaking of inspiration, your kids still have several opportunities to sign up for creative summer camps. We still have a few openings for Mermaids, Pirates and Treasure, Oh My! for ages 5-12, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday, Aug. 1 through 5. Led by artist-in-residence Amy Colley and Michaela Moore of All About Theatre, campers will create aquatic characters and art projects, culminating in an original oceanic play for family and friends.

And there is still time to sign up 6-12 year olds for Acting and Theatre Creation. Moore will perform her magic in teaching the kids theatre games, improvisation, storytelling, play making, character creation and more. Theatre camps do so much to build confidence and creativity. Your children may surprise you with what they can do.

There is room for a couple more to sign up for Drawing and Painting Camp for ages 5-12, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Aug. 8 through 12. Artist-in-residence Steve Colley will teach art techniques and elements and include lots of fun in the process of learning the skills of painting with watercolor, tempera, paste, drawing, and printmaking.

For all of you classic movie buffs, as part of our 15th anniversary classic movie celebration, you can come see “Walk the Line,” the wonderful 2005 film about Johnny Cash and his rise to fame. The free showings will be presented at 1 and 7 p.m. Aug. 17. Don’t miss the chance to see this slice of American music history starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. It was a great success at the Dietrich in 2005 and is bound to be popular this time round.

So keep coming to the Dietrich for all kinds of reasons. Your presence inspires us to keep giving you the best in entertainment and educational programs. And we thank you for your inspiration.

For information about any of our programs call us at 570-996-1500.

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Young
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More Than Movies

Erica Rogler

Reach the Abington Journal newsroom at 570-587-1148 or news@s24528.p831.sites.pressdns.com.