What better time to watch a series of films than on frosty Wednesday afternoons in January and February? That's exactly what Gold LEAF's Curriculum Chair Susan Wahlstrom had in mind when she and committee member Ray Stillman planned the Tribute to Robin Williams for this current term.

It seemed fitting to honor the legacy of Robin Williams and thus a group of nearly forty members meets weekly to watch the films (which are shown in the order of production) and then to go off to dinner at a local restaurant (optional) to continue the discussion of the film. Williams had a phenomenal and productive career, going from the days of "Mork and Mindy" through to the more recent Patch Adams.

Yet, the focus of this story should really be on our Curriculum Chair, who we would like to honor as well. It is a stroke of genius to be so aware that such a program could "fly" and that really only a few of our Gold LEAF Institute members are actually snowbirds. It is critical that ongoing events keep us focused and with "plans" of how to get through the winter. Thanks to Susan's ingenuity, participants have this to look forward to each week.

Of course, there is often another side to the coin. Along with the great idea comes the nitty-gritty of getting the films, running the equipment, and organizing the reserved tables at the local restaurant. Thanks to Susan all this is accomplished behind the scenes.

I leave you with this one last "proof of cleverness" on Susan's part. Having purchased the films Susan was left with the problem of what to do with the movies at the end of the series? Susan's solution: On the last Wednesday, raffle tickets will be distributed to all, and the DVD's will be raffled off to the lucky winners. Yet one more thing to look forward to, just as mud season rolls in. So clutch that raffle ticket and pass the popcorn.