Stories and Memories: A Conversation with Cathy

As 2009 draws to a close, it's a time of reflection and a time to share a few stories from the Cameo.

It's Christmas Day. My son Jason and I are walking to the Cameo to open for the evening's feature. It's silent – not a car on the street, not a creature stirring. We stop in the middle of Main Street, turn slowly in all directions, and remark that we've just been transported to a set on a studio back lot and we are the first extras to arrive. We smile… lights, camera, action!

Being the proprietor of an institution such as the Cameo is rich with many stories, some bittersweet. We get to know the faces and notice when they're no longer in the lobby. A story of two sisters, lovers of the cinema, spending many an afternoon or evening enjoying the big screen. Recently this became a solo journey, with one of the sisters passing. The magic of the movies brings us all together and the story continues reflecting always in our memories.

With memories and stories come announcements, and it is with pleasure that I share in two. First our webmaster Barry Low got married this month to Lainey. They reside in Angwin. Barry's genius continues to awe us and our audience alike. Congrats Barry and Lainey. And secondly, one of our own staff members, Craig Church, became engaged to Larissa on Halloween (is this so he can remember his future anniversaries?!). We wish you both the best!

Most days I have to pinch myself… How lucky to find a place like St. Helena to call home! A place where walking in the "Pet Parade" with Max is like being a part of the Rose Parade, where every entrant has their moment of stardom. And then when I think life just can't get any better, living where I live, doing what I love, I stand on my porch on Halloween giving candy and popcorn to over 400 different characters when a young man of about 10 walks down the sidewalk and shouts, "Are you the Cameo lady?" I answer "Yes" with a dash of hesitation. A big smile breaks across his face and he hollers, "YOU ROCK!"

Patrons, volunteers, and staff of the Cameo, that's the way I feel about each one of you. You rock!

Happy Holidays!

Cathy M. Buck
Proprietor