I want to write about the wonderful, new events of downtown, outdoor movies the Silver Screen Cinema has brought to our community. I was intrigued with this project upon first reading of it in the Log Cabin and followed the coverage to fruition as I found it to be something I would enjoy, along with my friends and family. What fun it would be to watch a movie with families from all over the community in the fresh, open air of our beautiful downtown Conway. I am so pleased to see the cinema's success as I believe it to be a true family-building event, which are the types of events I feel promote a strong community. Strong families make a strong community and I am so happy to see events in our city supporting that structure.

In addition to supporting family structure, the project has many more community benefits seen in the promotion of volunteerism and assistance to charitable organizations all across our city. Many organizations get involved and work hand-in-hand supporting one another for the better of our community.

The Silver Screen Cinema is a win-win for all citizens of our wonderful community and I applaud the individuals involved. Thank you to all of you who helped bring in this project and continue to do so.

Sincerely, Tina F.

My husband and I would love to volunteer to help with the events -- let me know if we can be of service. This past year I've really begun to realize how neat Conway is. We live in Mayflower and I don't want to miss out on the fun. Last weekend was the first time we'd ever been to the cinema and I think I've told everyone I've run into this week about how much fun we had! So much better than just going to the movie theater! Thanks!

-- Christine B.

My heart belongs to Conway
By TAMMY KEITH Log Cabin Democrat

There are those moments when you realize life is good.

I wasn't born here, but I consider Conway my town.

I've grown to love it in the last almost 14 years. My older son was just learning to walk when we moved here. Now my husband and I are raising a teen-ager and a 10-year-old.

We made friends, got to know people in the community, joined civic organizations and a church, and watched the city grow.

I've been here long enough to start sounding like one of those people. The ones who "remember when." I remember when our subdivision was just a cow pasture.

There was a small-town flavor about Conway that I loved.

I still feel it. Maybe not when I'm trying to get across town at 5 p.m. on a weekday, but it's definitely still here.

Last weekend, my brother came to visit. We took our lawn chairs and went downtown to Silver Moon Cinema to see "Raiders of the Lost Ark." A big screen was set up in Toad Suck Square, and a band was playing. They were good. I knew the words to their songs.

We found a spot to set up and went for food. Kids were playing, teen-agers were lolling on blankets, and families were relaxing in lawn chairs.

Some of the stores were open, much to my delight. My brother and I bought some books.

As it got darker, we settled in for the movie. A breeze was blowing. I saw the mayor and his beautiful wife sitting together. He went over to a street light, reached up, and turned it off.

I don't know why, but that was the moment. I had my family with me and we were all happy and safe. I knew a lot of the faces in the crowd, but not all of them. Still, we were there together in the dark, sharing an experience in our city.

It was like a big, outdoor living room.

I looked around at the buildings, remembering the downtown fire I once covered, and thought about the personalities of the downtown businesses.

I got teary-eyed. It's corny, but I did think of Mayberry.

A train came by, and I even loved that. I've grown accustomed to that sound in Conway. You can rely on it.

On Monday, I got to see one of my favorite people - Ray Simon. He was named superintendent of the Conway School District right after I moved here. He's smart and funny and recently was named to the U.S. Department of Education.

At a roast and toast held at St. Joseph School for him, there were one-liners flying.

But, our mayor made some serious remarks. He said the men who established this community, like Col. Asa P. Robinson, deserve a lot of credit. However, he maintained that people like Ray Simon who are passing down character and principles to the next generation are "founding the city again."

He's right. I'm thankful for all those people, and I want to be one, too.

Kudos to Silver Moon Cinema! My family and I arrived early on May 15 [2004] with our lawn chairs and had the chance to catch the pre-show entertainment. Pure fun! Seeing everyone coming out and having a good time, the kids in their Wizard of Oz costumes, everyone cheering at the movie screen and just hanging out with their families made me fall in love with Conway.

After attending the first two movies Spider-Man, with about 800 or 900 people, and a crowd well over 1,000 for the Wizard of Oz - we know Silver Moon Cinema is going to be successful. I hope Silver Moon Cinema becomes a Conway tradition and will perhaps open the door to other great ideas for Conway. My husband, both daughters and I are all looking forward to the movies that are coming in the weeks ahead and dont want to miss any of the fun or the food.

Anne P., Conway
Letter to the Editor, Log Cabin
May 28, 2004

My family would like to thank you for all of your efforts with Silver Moon Cinema. Our boys had a wonderful time what a treat it was for those of us who remember Drive-In Movies! We had a lot of fun and will continue to spread the word. Thanks again to you and your team for all of your hard work.

Jackie H. and family

Congratulations on the success of your outdoor movies in downtown Conway. I love downtown and appreciate your efforts to keep it alive.

Lynn P.

Silver Moon Cinema is to be commended for their efforts and the hard work they are doing to help our community. We appreciate you!

Debra R.

03:25pm 06/20/08
anonymous
I think the idea of the Silver Moon Cinema is WONDERFUL. It's great for all ages. I've been twice as part of the "girls' night out" event my friends have going on and we plan on doing more this season. Thanks!

08:39pm 05/5/08
Melissa
My singles group from church attend a lot of the movies as a "group date" and we have a GREAT TIME! It's such an informal night out, it's comfortable hanging out with friends (old and new). We all buy bags of popcorn and boxes of candy to share with each other. And it's a cheap date to boot! We all look forward to movie nights!! Thank you!!

11:26 07/29/08
Cynthia
I just want to thank Robin Morrissey for all her hard work getting the Silver Moon Cinema program started back in 2004 -- my son turned seven that season, so 'Grease' was his birthday party and they all dressed in costume. Adorable! My family and neighbors have been enjoying the movies since the very first movie (I think it was Spider-Man). It's been a great way for us to meet up with our friends for an informal get-together and nobody has to clean house or cook! LOL Anyway, thanks for sharing your time with the community!! If you ever need any help with getting posters hung up around town, give me a call or email me. Cynthia