It was emotional and exciting. Thirty or more members and staff rallied around Cheryl and Gary Karlin, Producers, to fulfill their idea of an Academy Awards evening. Eight Oscar winning movie scenes, selected by members, filled the program.

George and Vally Flint, former directors and producers of the Garlands Play-Reading Group, flew in from Florida to watch their former actors emote for the new Producers and present the Oscars.

Cocktails and hors-d'oeuvres started at 5 PM in the Robbie Lounge. Actors in dress costumes mingled accepting encouragement and good wishes. The enthusiasm continued to the Winslow for a candlelight dinner then on to the walk down the red carpet with photographers and paparazzi.

Actors, experts in sound and lighting and the back stage crew came together to provide wonderful entertainment. The scene group leaders selected the props, costumes and songs. Our Don Reed and his daughter Sarah Maple created audio/visual background, initiated music and aided voice projection.

The eight Oscar scenes for the evening were Gigi, Casablanca, All About Eve, Rear Window, Stagecoach, An Affair To Remember, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Fiddler On the Roof. Arsenic and Old Lace won the audience vote for best performance. The winning actors: Betty Guthrie, Carol Holmes, George Flint, Vette Kell, Jeanette Hidding and Marilyn Van Huss rushed happily to the stage to receive their Oscars.

We thank Cheryl and Gary Karlin for their creativity, stamina and persistence in fashioning the marvel of our own Academy Award Show. Finally, the Garlands management earned high praise for their positive support making available actors, workers and facilities.

Too many members and staff to name individually, however our active retirement community thanks them all for the joy created. Happily, a video by Jackie Rubashkin of Barrington High School recorded it all.

Jack Roche

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