Sign Of The Times

I am still in denial that The Silver Screen Cinema and Cafe is actually closed. Last week, the e-mail came, after 15 years, Steve and Liz had to make the difficult decision to close their doors. Yes, close their doors on a Hometown Favorite, an institution here in Wellington. The cost of operation was too high, food prices were up, they were behind in their rent, they could not justify raising the prices as high as they would need to. It was just time. Time to close and move on.
At this time in history, too many businesses are having to make decisions to close, cut back, lay-off. This "Sign Of The Times" hit too close to home....it hit HOME....it hit my HEART.
Knowing that the days were numbered for The Silver Screen, Ron and I pulled a double header last Saturday. An early show and pizza with the girls, then we rushed them home and returned to our reserved table for dinner and a movie...one last time. One last time to experience that home town atmosphere where everyone knows each other and enjoys dinner and a movie in a unique setting. It was easy to over look the little quirks about The Silver Screen, the not-so-great sound system, the screen that needed repairing, the movies that were not first day new releases, etc. The quirks are what made Silver Screen all the more enjoyable.
I remember viewing Napoleon Dynamite at The Silver Screen and being the only person in the theater cracking up because I "GOT" that movie at every level having lived out west in one of those small towns.
It was just a great "go to" place for a family outing or a date night with Ron. We would call ahead and reserve our favorite table for dinner. We did not even have to arrive early as we knew our table was waiting and they knew we would be there before the movie started.
And the food...always delicious and satisfying.
We have hosted and attended parties at Silver Screen, met friends there, and never once entertained the possibility that someday The Silver Screen would close it's doors. Especially at a time when we need stability and comfort in every corner of our lives.

Thanks for 15 years of memories, Steve and Liz!

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