It's showtime in Knightdale

Denise Sherman

Nov. 4, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- KNIGHTDALE -- Joe and Connie Magaro of Knightdale don't travel to the Garner Senior Center to watch free movies anymore. They've got a "theater" in their own back yard.

The Knightdale Parks and Recreation Department sponsored free morning movies every other Wednesday in October. The shows will start again in December after a pause this month. The movies are shown in an activities' room at the Knightdale Recreation Center.

"The movies she's (program coordinator Michelle Wester) selected have been excellent," said Joe. "They've been funny and don't have foul language."

The Margaro's are movie buffs partial to old movies they see on TNT at home, Connie said.

Last Wednesday, they got a taste of a contemporary drama called "My Sister's Keeper," a Hallmark movie selection starring Kathy Bates, Vanessa Redgrave and Elizabeth Perkins.

It's a love story of two sisters, one of whom has an extreme form of bipolar disorder. Based on a true story, the sisters overcome societal constraints and family conflicts to form a sustaining bond.

Arlene Keener, a retired bookkeeper, said the movies provide the comfort of leisure in an otherwise hectic schedule.

"I've had a busy week," she said. "I thought, 'I just need to relax.'"

Keener enjoys that she can bring her own popcorn to the shows since she's on a salt-restricted diet. Popcorn and a beverage may be purchased at the Recreation Center for $1.50.

"We're trying to get seniors involved," said Wester. "We'd love to have more people."

Wester said she got the idea to put on the shows from a senior citizen she met at another Parks and Recreation event.

While Wester had senior citizens in mind for the movies because of the flexibility in schedules, they aren't limited to senior adults.

Showtime is at 10:30 a.m. No registration is necessary. The next shows are Dec. 2 and Dec. 16.

denise.sherman@nando.com or 269-6101 ext. 101

Newstex ID: KRTB-0271-39431035