Latest Meeting Recap

At the 11/12 meeting, we welcomed two couples, Diane & James and Liz &Jesse. They are excited to be with us and contributed valuable comments to our discussion. We are open to a few new members and are still capping the meeting attendance at 22, to facilitate a good discussion and to make things easier for our server. If you know anybody interested in joining, please have them contact Laurie.

Speaking of servers, Jay did an excellent job last night, and we hope those in attendance were happy with their meals and service.

Laurie reminded the group of some of the club’s basic rules:

1.No horror movies.

2. The annual $5.00 club dues for 2025 will be collected in January and must be paid up by February. Dues can be paid in cash or via Zelle (301-906-8402). A spreadsheet accounting of all dues collected, member status, and expenses is maintained on the club’s Google Drive.

3. Regarding reminders and RSVPs, Laurie always sends an email about five days before a meeting. We need a FINAL count by the Monday before a Tuesday meeting. This is to give a clear number to the Wheelhouse. There was a suggestion that it would be helpful if the email's subject line is “REMINDER Movie Club”. Look for that to be implemented for our December meeting.

A printed copy of the 2025 meeting dates was distributed. The list of meeting dates can be found on our website's new 2025 Meeting Dates page or by clicking here. Laurie would also be happy to send a copy to anyone who requests it so it can be printed at home. Laurie also has extra copies.

We also did an informal, anonymous survey (slips of paper in a paper bag!) to ask which method of communication works best for them. The result is that many people prefer texts, while some use email and our website. The clearest consensus was texting. So, with that in mind, Laurie will need cell numbers for all members. Please send an email to the MOVIE CLUB email address. Laurie will create an FSMC text group. We ask that when you reply to an email, please DON’T “Reply All” as this gets tedious and clogs inboxes, as we all know!

We will continue to use email and the website to communicate clearly and provide options. Hopefully, this will suffice and cover all bases. We are open to any and all feedback from those not in attendance.

Laurie also repeated the information about Amazon digital credits. Basically, if you are not in a rush for the item(s) you are ordering on Amazon, you are often eligible for digital credits to use for future movie purchases. They are automatically applied when you order a movie, making many movies free or discounted. Some members already use these credits to watch the movies for the movie club. Details are available on Amazon. Also, Laurie is happy to host anyone to screen a club movie at her house before any meeting.

We opened the movie discussions by asking if there were any remaining comments about the September movie, “Bernie” or “The Conversation” (the movie to be discussed at the canceled October meeting. There were no additional comments on "Bernie". Bill briefly talked about “The Conversation” which is a 1974 thriller. This was a time of government distrust and paranoid/conspiracy thrillers were a trend. “The Conversation” is often discussed along with “The Parallax View”, “All the President’s Men”, “Three Days of the Condor”, and “Marathon Man” as classics in the genre which was popular in the 1970s. “The Conversation” touches on spying and focuses on isolation, and is as relevant today as it was in the ’70s. 

John L. went on to lead us in a thorough talk about “Jimmy Carter: Rock and Roll President”. The movie was well received by the group, and we were all reminiscing about where we were in the ’70s and the surprising themes from Carter’s campaign, celebrities endorsing candidates, and the recent campaign. When we selected this movie in September, we thought it would be more about music, and the ‘70s. We were surprised at the similarities between political campaigns past and current. We also considered if famous people really can influence voters. (Consensus, no). We discussed the impact of the high oil prices, interest rates, Carter’s integrity and intellect, steadfastness, and humble beginnings. We also talked about how much he (and Rosalyn) accomplished AFTER their time in the White House. Many of us didn’t realize how close the friendships were between Carter and Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and the Allman Brothers. Also, from a very young age, music of all types - gospel, jazz, rock and roll - had a huge influence on Carter’s life and he felt it united all of us.

Finally, the movie for December will be “Harriet” (2019) and will be led by Sally. This is available on several major streaming platforms. The meeting is at the Wheelhouse on December 3 at 5:45.

January’s movie is “One Life” and will be on January 21 (due to repairs being done at the Wheelhouse and will be led by Kathleen.

As always, all information will be posted on the website.

Have a great Thanksgiving and see you in December!