To the Editor:

On Sunday, November 30th, I realized a dream of mine to show Gone with the Wind on the big screen to an enthusiastic crowd for its 75th anniversary at my favorite theater, the Edmond Town Hall. I grew up in this town and remember lining up down the block for the Disney animation films. Going to the movies was always at the Edmond Town Hall, where I’d sit among an audience of my friends and neighbors, sharing in the unifying journey of cinematic storytelling.  Tapping into the classics of 1939 for this Sunday Cinema Series was intended to bring the generations together, opening dialogues about our cultural history at a time when even yesterday is old news.  It has been so gratifying to see two and three generations of family members attending these movies, and personally, some of the best conversations I have had with our teenage son this year were after seeing one of these movies together.

I’d like to personally thank the several committee members who helped to plan last Sunday’s event, and to thank Raiza and Gary Arnone, Elaine Barbera, and Donna Mangiafico for their help in running the event.  Thank you Sheila Torres and her topnotch staff at the Edmond Town Hall for their support, which made our event run like a well-oiled engine. Thanks to Marleen Cafarelli for donating her time to be our event photographer (view photos at photoartworks.smugmug.com). Thanks to the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission for its financial support, both for the film series and the refreshments during Sunday’s intermission. Thanks also to the Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers for its collaboration in bringing this series celebrating 1939 films into fruition.  Lastly, a huge thank you to our sponsors, like HK Consulting Group, who not only made it affordable to show these films, but also allowed us to raise money for improvements in the theater.

I am very interested to hear feedback from others who attended Gone with the Wind, or any of our other films in the 2014 Sunday Cinema Series.  Those interested in sharing, please email me at SundayCinemaSeries@gmail.com.

Jennifer Rogers

Newtown Cultural Arts Commission member

43 Flat Swamp Road, Newtown             December 6, 2014