FUN, FUN, FUN IN FLEETWOOD!

August 2, 2007

We have just returned from four glorious days in Fleetwood/Reading, Pennsylvania, where Maria McDonell, her husband Tom Sandor, and their three boys, Ethan, Owen, and Aidan were the most awesome hosts ever! Not only did they find places for seven of us to sleep, but they fed us and kept us entertained. We had a blast (see our pictures for proof). Their extended families were also amazing, bringing food by every time we turned around, hanging out with us, and attending our screenings in nearby Reading.

The McDonnell/Sandor family is featured in our film, and all were on hand to answer questions at our Q&As at the Goggleworks in Reading, where the movie was booked to play for a week. Aidan did a great job of introducing the crew, and Ethan even tried to pass himself off as Andrew Carson! We had some wonderful audiences--especially our last night there when a film discussion group attended--and some amazing Q&As. Special thanks to Dennis for doing such a great job running the show(s)!

In between screenings (there were two each day over the weekend), we played a lot of sports...soccer, whiffleball, basketball. Thanks to the McDonnell/Sandor's neighbors for letting us cool off in their pool after working up a sweat! Fleetwood is Mennonite country, and while playing soccer, we saw several horse and buggies go by. At night, we enjoyed a full moon while sitting on the porch. One night, Tbarn entertained us by performing some of his original songs with Collin accompanying him on the guitar. Another night, we went to dinner at The Works, a restaurant with a huge arcade.

On Monday, we took a day trip to Greeley, PA, to visit Pine Forest Camp. This was a walk down memory lane for Barbara, who had worked at PFC while a freshman at UGA. When we arrived at camp, there were "Welcome Darius Goes West" signs everywhere. After a Q&A with counselors, who had seen DGW the night before, we spent the day climbing a rock wall, touring the grounds in a golf cart, playing pool basketball, relaxing in a cabin designated specifically for DGW, and eating some great food. Thank you, Mickey Black, camp director, and his wife Barbara Black for making us feel so at home. And an even bigger thanks for making a $1,000 donation to Charley's Fund in honor of our visit!

Speaking of generous donations, Tom Shadyac (director of Evan Almighty and many other cool films) has purchased 15 (yes, 15) DGW "I am the 13th crew member" t-shirts for himself and his staff. If you recall, Tom saw the film in Telluride and stood up during the Q&A to say how much he liked it and wanted to help. His $15,000 donation to Charley's Fund will help a LOT!

Know about it!