FOLA Starts 2012 '1st Thursday' Season with "Casablanca"

On Thursday, January 5 at 7 PM, FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) will start its second season of '1st Thursday' movies at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium with the showing of the classic movie, "Casablanca".  Casablanca is an  American romantic drama film directed by Michael Curtiz, starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid, and featuring Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre and Dooley Wilson. Set during World War II, it focuses on a man torn between, in the words of one character, love and virtue. He must choose between his love for a woman and helping her and her Czech Resistance leader husband escape from the Vichy-controlled Moroccan city of Casablanca to continue his fight against the Nazis.  Casablanca won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Its characters, dialogue, and music have become iconic, and the film has grown in popularity to the point that it now consistently ranks near the top of lists of the greatest films of all time.  The line, "Play it again, Sam", has been woven into our movie culture.  The movie is free; donations are appreciated.  Other '1st Thursday' films selected by FOLA for the 2012 season include:  Lawrence of Arabia, Citizen Kane, On the Waterfront, The Maltese Falcon, Dr. Strangelove, The Manchurian Candidate, Dances With wolves, The African Queen, Bridge Over the River Kwai, The Third Man, and Shane.  For information, 228-7239.

Okemo Meets FOLA Starts Dec. 29 with 'Young Frankenstein'

The special four movie series sponsored jointly by Okemo and FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) opens Thursday, Dec. 29 at 7 pm at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium with Mel Brooks' hilarious film, "Young Frankenstein". The film stars Gene Wilder as the title character, a descendant of the infamous Dr. Victor Frankenstein. The supporting cast includes Teri Garr, Cloris Leachman, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle, Madeline Kahn, Kenneth Mars, Richard Haydn and Gene Hackman. The screenplay was written by Brooks and Wilder.The film is an affectionate parody of the classical horror film genre, in particular the various film adaptations of Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein produced by Universal in the 1930s. Most of the lab equipment used as props were created by Kenneth Strickfaden for the 1931 film Frankenstein. To further reflect the atmosphere of the earlier films, Brooks shot the picture entirely in black-and-white, a rarity in the 1970s, and employed 1930s-style opening credits and scene transitions such as iris outs, wipes, and fades to black. As a special added treat, FOLA will raffle-off all of the films it exhibited this past year as part of its '1st Thursday' program. These include DVDs and Blu-Rays of Mamma Mia, March of the Penguins, Secretariat, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, To Kill a Mockingbird, Chariots of Fire, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Harvey, and North by Northwest. The Okemo-Fola series will continue with the following films: Jan. 12, "Some Like It Hot", Jan. 19, "True Grit", and Feb. 16, "The King's Speech". In addition, FOLA will continue its first Thursday of the month series throughout 2012 starting with the all-time favorite, "Casablanca" on Jan. 5. All films are free; donations are appreciated.

FOLA Readies Christmas Tree for Celebration

In keeping with its tradition, FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) helped the Town of Ludlow ready for the Christmas season by erecting the annual Christmas tree in the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium this past week. FOLA will be sponsoring the annual Community Christmas Celebration in the Auditorium on Friday, Dec. 16 at 7 pm. The Christmas tree was decorated by members of FOLA in anticipation of the this celebration.


Pictured above is a display of the difficulty of dealing with bulbs imported from China that lack any means of connecting them to the tree is being solved, with considerable effort, by David Almond and Jim Alic as they patiently insert wire leads into the bulbs, bend the the leads to hold the bulbs securely and pass them to Susan McNeeley who has the responsibility of then bending the other end of the bulb's lead to attach it to the tree. Other FOLA members who participated in the tree decoration included: Anita Alic, Janet Pace, Jean Eggleston, Mary Jane O'Hara, and Patricia and Kevin Kuntz.


The Christmas Celebration on Dec. 16 will feature a number of area residents and students in a variety of holiday presentations.


Constance Wilcox,along with directing the Ludlow Elementary School singers and the Black River High School Chorus, will lead the "Bell Ringers" to start the program.


She will also play piano for two local singers, Cara White and Ashlee Shook, who will be singing some popular Christmas and holiday pop numbers.


The program will feature three student group performances by the Black River High School Jazz Band, the high school chorus, and the 3rd and 4th grade students from Ludlow Elementary School who will lead a sing-along to end the gala event.


Bruce Farr, a local creative writer and commentator, will read the popular Christmas poem, "The Night Before Christmas", accompanied by Tony Masteler on the guitar.


Broadway and TV writers and authors Stan and Jane Hart will offer their own seasonal play, "A Holiday Story".


George Thomson will tie the entire event together acting as program emcee. George will also present the classic reading of "Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus".


The Community Christmas Celebrate is, according to FOLA chairman, Ralph Pace, "FOLA's way of thanking the community for its support of various FOLA activities". For more information about this free event, call 228-7239.

Community Christmas Celebration Dec. 16

Ludlow and the Black River area will enjoy a free "A Community Christmas Celebration" at Ludlow Town Hall's Auditorium on Friday, December 16 at 7 pm, sponsored by FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium).

Constance Wilcox,along with directing the Ludlow Elementary School singers and the Black River High School Chorus, will lead the "Bell Ringers" to start the program.


She will also play piano for two local singers, Cara White and Ashlee Shook, who will be singing some popular Christmas and holiday pop numbers.


The program will feature three student group performances by the Black River High School Jazz Band, the high school chorus, and the 3rd and 4th grade students from Ludlow Elementary School who will lead a sing-along to end the gala event.

Bruce Farr, a local creative writer and commentator, will read the popular Christmas poem, "The Night Before Christmas", accompanied by Tony Masteler on the guitar.


Broadway and TV writers and authors Stan and Jane Hart will offer their own seasonal play, "A Holiday Story".


George Thomson will tie the entire event together acting as program emcee. George will also present the classic reading of "Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus".


"This will be a chance for FOLA to thank the people for supporting us and to offer everyone a chance to celebrate this holiday with family, friends, and neighbors," said Ralph Pace, FOLA chairman. He indicated that the event was free and open to all to attend.


The Community Christmas Celebration will be at Ludlow's Town Hall on Friday, December 16 at 7 pm. The event is free to everyone. For information, call 802-228-7239.

North by Northwest Next FOLA Film on Dec. 1

Comedy Skits Draw Over 175

The 9 original comedy skits by Stan and Jane Hart, called "Old Enough to Know Better", was a huge success last Friday night at the Town Hall Auditorium, drawing a full house of over 175 people.  The area actors performed flawlessly and drew constant laughter from the audience.  Pictured above is Stan Hart as he directs some of the cast members in one of the skits.  Pictured from left to right are Stan Hart, Kata Welch, Barbara Dickey, and Sandra Russo.  In addition to the Hart’s, the other members of the cast, all from the Black River area, include: Gloria Leven, Sandra Russo, Patty Greenwood, Scott Stearns, Leo Graham, Kata Welch, Barbara Dickey, Paul Cooper, Judith Edwards, and Michael Pember.

Nov. 4 is 'Comedy Tonight' at Ludlow Auditorium

Original comedy skits by Stan and Jane Hart will be the featured show at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium on Friday, November 4 at 7 PM. Sponsored by FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium), the show, entitled "Old Enough to Know Better", will consist of nine skits written by the part time Proctorsville couple.

In describing what the skits will be about, Jane said, “Look in the mirror. That funny object you see is you!


In the nine comedies we wrote, you will surely recognize yourself or someone you live with, demonstrating the comedy of everyday life”.


The titles of the skits will provide some clue as to what the “human conditions” she alluded to may be about: “Look at It This Way’, ‘Wedding Bells’, ‘Tell Me about It’, and ‘Where’s There a Will’.


In addition to the Hart’s, the other members of the cast, all from the Black River area, include: Gloria Leven, Sandra Russo, Patty Greenwood, Scott Stearns, Leo Graham, Kata Welch, Barbara Dickey, Paul Cooper, Judith Edwards, and Michael Pember.


Both Stan and Jane spent a good deal of their lives in New York. When Stan wasn’t writing comedy material for Carol Burnett, he might be found writing articles for Mad Magazine, writing a play produced on Broadway or, as a change of pace, inventing products like the Ring Pop, Push Pop, and the Garbage Pail Kids for the Topps Company. Jane began as a journalist who wrote articles for popular magazines. She then authored the highly-praised book, ‘The Hidden Children of the Holocaust’ about the experiences of Jewish youngsters who were hidden and saved by non-Jews during the Second World War. The latter work was recognized by the Pulitzer Prize people with a nomination for that prestigious award.


Jane later turned to art, becoming a leading art therapist and portraitist. Her paintings are available at an art gallery on Depot Street in Ludlow.


Jane likes to simply say that the skits to be performed at the Nov. 4 show are “about you and me”.


With all that is going on in their lives, Jane did note that the Harts “are still talking to each other”.


Jane and Stan Hart are part-time residents in Proctorsville (aka a village within Cavendish). Jane is a licensed art therapist and acclaimed portraitist while Stan won two Emmys as the head writer for the popular Carol Burnett TV program.


The two started their Vermont theatrical careers last year in the first annual Christmas Celebration produced by FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium). Since then, they have been badgered by FOLA to develop new comedic productions.


The play is free to everyone, although donations to offset costs are appreciated. For additional information, call 228-7239.

Harvey, the Invisible Rabbit, in Ludlow, Nov. 3

On Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7 PM in the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium, an invisible rabbit will be the center of attention as FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) presents the classic comedy, Harvey. Starring Jimmy Stewart as the the only one who can apparently see (and talk to) this rabbit, Harvey is a comedy about a family (and a good part of a town) trying to come to terms with this invisible rabbit. Elwood P. Dowd (Stewart) is a middle-aged, amiable (and somewhat eccentric) individual whose best friend is an invisible 6' 3.5" tall rabbit named Harvey. As described by Dowd, Harvey is a pooka, a benign but mischievous creature who is especially fond of social outcasts (like Elwood). Elwood has driven his sister and niece (who live with him and crave normality and a place in "society") to distraction by introducing everyone he meets to his friend, Harvey. His family seems to be unsure whether Dowd's obsession with Harvey is a product of his (admitted) propensity to drink or perhaps mental illness. Elwood spends most of his time in the local bar, and throughout the film invites new acquaintances to join him for a drink (or to his house for dinner). Interestingly, the barman and all regulars accept the existence of Harvey, and the barman asks how they both are and unflinchingly accepts an order from Elwood for two Martinis. What happens to Elwood's family, his doctors, and his friends throughout this relationship is comedy at its best. The movie is open to everyone and is free; donations to support the movie's cost are appreciated. For information, call 228-7239.

Healthcare Forum on Act 48 on Oct 20 in Ludlow

With the mounting discussions concerning Act 48, the legislation aimed at creating a statewide healthcare policy, and the on-going questions as to how such a system might work and cost Vermonters, FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) decided it was time for the two major sides to address the pros and cons of the issue before an area audience.

As a result, FOLA has created a panel of six statewide leaders in the healthcare field debate to discuss the meaning and impact of Act 48 on Thursday, October 20 at 7 PM at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium. To ensure that the panel discussion addresses all the key questions concerning this issue, FOLA asked Stewart Ledbetter, Senior Political Reporter for WPTZ/WNNE, to moderate the panel discussion.

The panel will consist of, top row, left to right, Steve Kappel, Dr. Deb Richter, Wendy Wilton; bottom row, left to right, State Senate President John Campbell, Bob Gaydos, and Darcie Johnston.


The forum will begin with an introduction of the panel and moderator, followed by a brief PowerPoint presentation outlining the major elements of the Act 48 legislation. Following this, the moderator will ask the panel members to respond to his questions. The audience will then have the opportunity to ask the panel questions about both Act 48 and its impact. For additional information, call 802-228-7239.

FOLA Cosponsors Civil War Piano Concert Oct. 9

Gypsy Reel at Auditorium Oct. 1

"Close Encounters" Is FOLA's October Movie

"Chariots of Fire" at Auditorium Sept 1

FOLA Sponsors healthcare panel October 20

With all the talk coming out of Montpelier (and, now, everywhere in Vermont), FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) has decided that it's time to have a public forum where all sides to the debate may be heard.


Consequently, FOLA has set aside Thursday, October 20 as the date when the public will have an opportunity to 1, have the precise nature of the legislation passed by the recent session of the legislature explained in simple, layman's terms - terms that are agreed to by both sides of the debate, 2, have a moderated discussion about the legislation, its implications, and costs, and 3, give the public a chance to ask direct questions to a panel involved in the process.


Kristin Carlson, Senior Political Reporter for WCAX, will moderate the discussion. The panel will consist of statewide people either directly involved in the creation of the legislation or in opposition to some, if not all, of the resulting legislation. The panel will be evenly divided in this respect. For more information about the forum, which will be held in the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium, call 802-228-7239.

The Rutland Herald will cosponsor the event with FOLA.

FML and FOLA Join to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Historic Book

Gregory Peck in award-winning role in "To
Kill a Mockingbird"

"To Kill a Mockingbird," the Pulitzer ward winning novel by Harper Lee will celebrate its 50th year as part of the American - and International, literary scene this year. The story of racism and small town Southern life as seen through the eyes and experiences of a young child, has become a fabled part of our written and filmed history. In keeping with the celebration of this great novel, the Friends of Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow has joined with FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) to feature this work as both an outstanding piece of literature and a milestone motion picture. The Friends of Fletcher Memorial Library will conduct a discussion of the book at the Library on Thursday, July 28 at 7 PM. Copies of the book may be obrained from the Library. In conjunction with the book, FOLA has arranged to feature the film version as its "First Thursday", with the film showing on Thursday, August 4 at 7 PM at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium. The film features what many believe to be the greatest acting performance of Gregory Peck. For information, call 802-228-8921.

Butch Cassidy Raids Ludlow July 7

Pictured above, apparently relaxing after robbing a Winnemucca, Nevada bank, is the "Wild Bunch" - better known to us as the "Hole in the Wall Gang", led by Butch Cassidy (front row, center-naturally). The gang will be featured in the next 1st Thursday movie at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium on Thursday, July 7 at 7 PM, in the movie that starred Paul Newman and Robert Redford as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Sponsored by FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium), the film depicts the careers of two train and bank robbers at the end of the 19th Century. The movie is free and is shown on the new large auditorium screen using the state-of-the-art projection equipment given to the town by FOLA. Incidentally, for those wondering how the Sundance Kid ever earned his moniker, it wasn't as romantic as the name might suggest. When, as a very young lad, he was in jail in the town of Sundance, Wyoming, he was referred to as the kid from Sundance; hence, the Sundance Kid. The movie also featured the memorable song, "Raindrops Keep Falling".

Mamma Mia Featured for June 1st Thursday Movie

FOLA Readies Ludlow Piano For Summer Duty

After arranging the donation of a very special piano to the Ludlow Auditorium, FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) decided it was time for the piano to enjoy a tuning now that the main heating season is over. The piano, donated to Ludlow by Glenn Brown of Ellison Lake Road, is an upright grand piano, manufactured by Hartmann Company in 1908. According to Richard Johnson, pictured above tuning the piano, it reflects the "old style" pianos manufactured when this country was still manufacturing quality pianos. Johnson, an owner-technician of Frederick Johnson Pianos, Inc. of White River Jct, also noted that the style of the piano fit perfectly with that of the auditorium. FOLA has taken responsibility for maintaining the century-old piano, having it tuned twice a year. The piano will be the focus of a planned 150th anniversary celebration of Vermont's entrance into the Civil War on October 9 when renowned pianist, Jacqueline Schwab, will be featured at a concert of Civil War and Mark Twain era music. Schwab is most recently noted for playing period pieces as background music to a number of Ken Burns' epic productions on PBS, including the Civil War, Mark Twain, and baseball history.

Mamma Mia Featured for June 1st Thursday Movie

1st Thursday Movies Continue with'Secretariart'

"It's Curtains" For Ludlow Auditorium!

Since FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) decided to show recently-released and classic family-oriented films in the Ludlow Auditorium of Town Hall, one problem has beset them: How do you show movies in a large room with massive windows when it is light outside? Thanks to the ingenuity of Chrisandra's, Ludlow well-known interior decoration specialist, along with the efforts of David Almond, FOLA's pointman to resolve the problem and Ludlow Town Manager Frank Heald, the problem was resolved with especially designed window shades for the balcony and main floor windows. The custom designed vinyl shades, in a color to complement the interior walls of the auditorium, were purchased by FOLA for the town and installed recently. Pictured above is, from left to right, Kevin Zaloudek, owner of The Blind Man who did the installation, Frank Heald, and David Almond as they examine one of the specially-designed 19 curtains that will enable FOLA to show movies even when the sun is shining brightly outside. The installation of the curtains was completed just in time since FOLA has scheduled it first full-length movie, The March of the Penguins, for Thursday, April 7 at 7:30 PM in the auditorium.

Gorman-Dover Highlight Concert April 16

March of the Penguins First FOLA Film April 7

Curbstone Chorus Featured March 26

Ludlow Reviews New Movie Gear from FOLA

Pictured above is Frank Heald, Ludlow Town Manager, as he reviews the multitude of equipment being prepared by FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) for use in showing first run motion pictures and other graphic devices in the renovated Ludlow Auditorium. The equipment, which will be formally presented to the town, was acquired by FOLA with the help of David Giancola of Edgewood Studios in Rutland. It consists of a professional level projector capable of projecting over 100 feet to the newly-installed large screen in the auditorium along with various devices to display DVD's, VHS, slide, and computer graphic images. FOLA will be adding a new blu ray player to the inventory of equipment to provide high definition movie images. With the help of Edgewood Studios, it has also installed new audio equipment to enhance the sound quality of the motion pictures it plans to exhibit in the near future. FOLA is looking for individuals interested in learning how to operate this equipment, principally to show movies in the auditorium. Anyone interested in participating in this project can get more information at 228-7239.