Zombies are “retro” and “yesterday” (see “Night of the Living Dead (1968),” but zombies are also “hip” and “today” (see “Zombie Land (2009)” and AMC’s new television series　”The Walking Dead (2010)”). Be sure to check out Thomas Berdinski’s heartfelt tribute to this horror film　sub-genre　(a double-feature!) tonight at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 for both films.

Without the horror films of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, we wouldn’t have “Friday the 13th,” “Halloween” or “Scream.” Experience the roots of horror in the same way our parents did, from the balcony of a classy theater. Starting at 2 p.m.

Saturday, the Strand will showcase seven horror gems from the past, which feature accomplished actors and directors.　

B-movie great Bela Lugosi starred in “Invisible Ghost” and “The Devil Bat” Boris Karloff (“Frankenstein”) and a young Jack Nicholson starred in “The Terror.”

Francis Ford Coppola (yes, THAT Francis Ford Coppola, who directed　　”Apocalypse Now,” “The Outsiders,” “Dracula (1992)” and “Peggy Sue Got Married”) directed “Dementia 13.”

Fay Wray (of King Kong fame) starred in “The Vampire bat.” “Attack of Giant Leeches” was directed Bernard Kowalski, who also directed many　television series, including “Gunsmoke,” “Knight Rider,” “Baretta,” “Perry Mason” and “Columbo.”　

“It’s Alive” was directed by Larry Buchanan, who is known for “Mars Needs Women,” “Goodbye, Norma Jean” and “The Other Side of Bonnie & Clyde.”

Admissionis $5 for the festival, and patrons may come and go.

At 2 p.m. on Sunday, bring the whole family to see the comedy classic “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken,” starring Don Knotts, who portrayed America’s favorite deputy on “The Andy Griifith Show.” Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children.

This is quite a week for the Strand. The first three events were diverse and interesting. Jobs for America’s Graduates, Domestic Violence Awareness and Poetry. The next 10 will be interesting too (yes we said 10).

Friday night Zombies return to the Strand. The Italian Zombie Movies Pt. 1& 2. On Saturday starting at 2:00pm and finishing around midnight, we have horror flicks all day long. For only $5 you can come and go. We’ll stamp your hand, and that will be good for re-admission. Sunday is the Ghost and Mr. Chicken. Come join the fun! The Strand Volunteers will be dressed for the occasion. Wear a costume and your picture will be posted on our web site.

The Strand is decorated for Halloween. In honor of the showing of the 1966 Don Knotts classic “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken”, we even brought an old pipe organ console in the cabaret area. On our quest for organ parts, this became available in Ohio many years ago. It is, to say the least, ugly. When we took it out of storage this past Sunday, the dirt and cob webs were real, not fake. It is a sight to see. We will be posting a story about this on our web site soon. Much to our surprise, it has quite a history, even if it is relegated to a stage prop.

Many others things are happening at the Strand. At long last, our new popcorn machine is built and is being delivered to the theatre TODAY. With the help of Bishopp’s Appliances experienced movers, the new 403# machine will be moved into its new home. Steve Dennis Electric will be at the theatre to make sure our electrical connection is correct. Hopefully by the end of the weekend, it will be popping away. Thank you to the many donors and supporters that made this happen. The list is long, but a special thanks goes out to Studio 10 who has supplied our popcorn during this whole ordeal. Thank you.

This past week our community lost someone very special. Dee Wickizer passed away after a long illness. Dee was always there for the arts, always encouraging. As we started the Strand, we emulated the great examples of people like Don and Dee Wickizer to help us approach the huge task at hand. Every time you saw the Community Band performing, those red and white vests were sewn by Dee Wickizer. They are now prized possessions that bring back memories of a great person. The Strand family will miss Dee.

We hope to see you this weekend. Thank you for the support…and TRICK OR TREAT!

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Saturday, October 30, 2010 starting at 2:00pm

Invisible Ghost (1941)
Dementia 13 (1963)
The Vampire Bat (1933)
The Terror (1963)
Attack of the Giant Leeches (1959)
The Devil Bat (1940)
It’s Alive (1969)
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Sunday, October 31, 2010:
The 1966 classic, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken will screen at 2:00 PM. This is a family-friendly movie.
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Poetry returned to the Strand Theatre on Wednesday October 27, 2010.   The event, organized by Three Sisters Books and Gifts, brought Indiana poet Shari Wagner as the featured poet of the evening.  

The evening was filled with wonderful creativity.   Poets that read included:

• Robin Haus
• Tom Orr
• Gaye McKenney
• Jim Julian
• Steve Talbert
• Pam Dearinger, reading a poem by Carl Tucker, Sr.

Below Shari Wanger reading from her book Evening Chore:

On October 26, 2010, the Shelby County Domestic Violence Task Force presented a program that included the film “Sin of Silence.”    A question and answer session followed the very moving documentary.   

Below organizer Crystal Tumey during the question and answer session:

Jobs for America’s Graduates, founded in 1980, has served approximately 750,000 participants in JAG Model Programs in more than 32 states and 800 programs conducted in Middle Schools, High Schools, Community Colleges, and Community-Based Organizations.  For over three decades, JAG Model Programs have achieved extraordinary outcomes, including: kept at-risk youth in middle school and high school through graduation; assisted JAG graduates in securing an entry level job leading to career advancement opportunities;  encouraged and helped JAG graduates pursue a postsecondary education; and provided program participants with competency-based classroom experiences, recognition and leadership opportunities in the motivational JAG student organization, work-based learning experiences prior to and for 12 months following graduation from high school; and a network of relationships that will enhance the outcomes of JAG, a confidence-building  and motivating national student organization with service-learning activities and numerous opportunities for recognition, active local chapters, and assistance in becoming more than when participants were interviewed and selected for a JAG Model program.  The purpose of JAG has always been to “make a difference” in the personal, professional, and career life of program participants. 

The core of a successful program is its ability to track participants served, services delivered and outcomes achieved, produce statistical reports for local, state and national use, and produce periodic descriptive reports that help identify:”achievement gaps”, “best practices” and strategies” to overcome  barriers to success for the young people served across the JAG National Network. 

The event at the Strand Theatre was the induction ceremony for the 2010-2011 school year.  

Everyone is invited to a celebration of our local veterans, past and present, at 7 pm, on Thursday, Nov. 11.  Adam Barlow will share his experiences, as a Ranger in Afghanistan in 2009.     

This event is sponsored by the Shelby County Ministerial Association and the area churches.  We are encouraging our community to come together in thanks-giving, not only to remember and celebrate the contributions of our veterans, but to pray for peace and guidance in these sensitive and needful times.

Three Sisters Books & Gifts

Invite You to Poetry Night at The Strand on Wednesday, 
October 27 at 7 p.m