Erica Rogler, Executive Director of the Dietrich Theater, was the guest speaker at the Feb 4 Rotary Zoom Meeting. Erica spoke about some of the challenges the Theater has faced over the last year with the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021 is their Year of Hope. They are looking forward to things returning to normal.
20 years ago, on April 13, 2001, the Dietrich Theater reopened, so this is a banner year for them. Little ones have seen their first movies here, grandparents have taken their grandchildren to the movies, first pots were made on pottery wheels and seniors were doing chair yoga. There have also been lots of incredible experiences for students, who have various physical and mental challenges over the last 20 year.
Currently, they are operating at 10% capacity, with CDC and PA DOH guidelines being followed and now showing new films.
Many of their classes are continuing virtually and in person. Approximately 40 people have been taking the chair yoga online, versus the 25 when classes were in person. In addition, the homebound participants can take multiple classes each week. They also have in person art classes with 2 sessions of pottery and mixed media. They have a variety of new endeavors planned for this year.
In Spring, they will partner with the Tunkhannock Public Library for Wyoming County Reads featuring Ernest Hemingway’s works, “The Old Man and the Sea” and “A Farewell to Arms”. Then they will be showing the movies at the Dietrich.
They need community support to keep the Dietrich open and many of the programs going.
Prior to the Meeting, Pres. Terri Detrick popped over to the Dietrich to present our donation for $3,000 to the Dietrich Theater. The check was accepted by Erica Rogler and Mary Turner.
Pres. Terri Detrick (left) presenting a Dietrich Theater check to Eric Rogler (center) and Mary Turner