We hear so many disparaging comments about our kids not being interested in books and not reading books like they used to. That is not the case at the Tunkhannock Middle School and the Dietrich Theater’s Readers Meeting Writers program is proving that.

Last Wednesday, 30 eager readers stayed after school to talk with the author of the book they are all reading. Cynthia Noonan piqued their interest at an assembly in late January, inviting them to three after school workshops to talk about the book, learn how she researched it, and how she was inspired to write it. This program, a collaboration of the theater and the school and sponsored by Tunkhannock Rotary Club, distributed free books to all 30 students.

At the first sessions, they were expected to have read the first 12 chapters. An after school class with 30 excited readers!

The book by local author Cynthia Noonan is “Dark Enough to See the Stars,” the story of one young slave boy’s escape on the Underground Railroad. Noonan began the first class with a lesson about how to find the North Star and its importance to the runaway slaves. To make it crystal clear, students were given folders and star stickers to decorate them by creating the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper – now planting an indelible image in their minds.

Noonan got the idea for the title of her book from a fortune cookie.

“When it is dark enough, you can see the stars,” was the perfect title for her book, just shortened a little. Her challenge to the students was to use a fortune cookie for inspiration to write whatever came to mind, a fun way to do some creative writing. The students loved the challenge and came up with wonderful stories.

In Tunkhannock, the kids are reading and writing!

National Theatre Live of London will bring the play “Amadeus” to the Dietrich Theater screen at 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 26 and March 12. A very special afternoon is in store for those who come to the Feb. 26 showing, when WVIA’s Larry Vojtko will talk about Mozart and Salieri before the movie. There will even be a door prize drawing and WVIA goodies to giveaway. Come and meet Larry Vojtko and get insight that you can only get right here at the Dietrich.

Preschool opportunities abound at the Dietrich and another one is coming up soon. Little People in Nature is coming up from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays in March, and you can register by calling 570-996-1500. Rebecca Lesko, of the Endless Mountains Nature Center, brings all kinds of hands-on experiences for the 3-to-5- year-olds, teaching them about owls, creepy critters, groundhogs and seeds through crafts, role-playing, games, stories and more.

For you adults, Winter Fest is beckoning you to see the finest foreign and independent films through Thursday, March 2. Check out all the movies at dietrichtheater.com or pick up a brochure at the theater. Multiple showings of 14 movies including “The Beatles: 8 Days a Week,” “Moonlight,” “A Man Called Ove,” “Hell or High Water” and “The Dressmaker.”

A very special film night will be Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. for the showing of the life affirming film “Embrace.” It is about one woman’s journey to accept her body just the way it is. At this showing, Melissa Russo, founder of Yoga Jouneys and Marlee Stevanelli, licensed dietician, nutritionist and professional counselor, will lead a discussion for all those who wish to stay. What a wonderful evening to attend with daughters and friends.

So much good news to report from downtown Tunkhannock and the Dietrich Theater. So many positive and enlightening opportunities for children and adults! Which program, movie, or event is on your calendar? They are all here just waiting for you.

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More Than Movies

Margie Young

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