Men gather to meet, eat and take in a flick
(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 1/22)
By Mike Lauterborn
© 2011. All Rights Reserved.
1/21/11
Fairfield, CT – Pizza. Beverages. Intimidating electronics. A top-rated guy’s film. The evening had all the makings of a good time for a bunch of local men looking for an evening activity.
“Guys Night Out”, a new program offered by Fairfield Public Library geared to men only, got its kickoff early Friday night in the Rotary Room at the main branch, 1080 Old Post Road. The main focus of the social event was a showing of the 1999 cult classic Fight Club on the library’s 120” hi-definition projection system complete with surround sound. Colony Grill supplied pizza pies, and snacks and beverages were also available. About 20 people attended.
Coordinator Jim Swift, the library’s Systems Administrator, said the library’s director approached him about what it could do specifically for men. Swift said, “I suggested movies and food, which makes great use of our hi-def system.”
Swift’s colleague, Valerie Fredericks, a reference librarian, indicated that Swift was a highly appropriate person to be offering the event. “Jim watches a tremendous amount of movies and is very knowledgeable about them. I think he’s put together a great series. Next month’s movie will be ‘The Hangover’. These are real guy movies.”
Besides The Hangover, the series will offer other action-packed films like The Godfather, Full Metal Jacket, Snatch and The Matrix. Films will be shown every third Friday of the month going forward.
Attendee Bernard “Bert” Leskovsky, 60, thought it would be a good diversion and fills a void in area programs. “I’m a Fairfield resident and have been laid off for the second time in four years. This is a good distraction. Usually, events are dedicated to children, women or seniors and not for guys specifically. It’s a nice alternative.”
Darin Mann, 40, agreed that the event met a need. “It’s unique to see a Guys Night Out posting. I thought it would be interesting and it’s nice to see something fun.”
The social aspect of the activity appealed to Joe Whyte, 66, who was attending with his friend Rudy Costello, 64. “I come to the library frequently. It seemed like a good time. You get a little camaraderie and meet some new people.”
For Chuck (declined to give last name), a self-described “library rat” who had just relocated to Fairfield, it was a chance to reconnect. “I just recently moved back here and this seemed like a good way to meet some local people. I haven’t seen the film, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Like Leskovsky, Allen Cassatt, 60, was down on his luck and appreciated the night out. “I’m not currently working and never get a chance to visit the library. I thought this would be a good opportunity and to fraternize with my town. It gives you peace of mind.”
Rich Rizzardi, 59, was very enthusiastic about the program. “I think the concept is fantastic. I take advantage of most of the library’s amenities. When this came up, I said ‘wow!’ I don’t think you even need the food – the movies are current and the event is very social.”
For Shashi Chaddha, 71, the event was an opportunity to experience library offerings. “I’ve not used the library very much and noticed this program. I thought this would be interesting to see.”
John Quintiliano, 52, probably couched things best, noting, “You come out here and they have food and a real good movie. It’s very comfortable and social. You can’t ask for more.”
For more information about upcoming films and scheduling, contact www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 203-256-3160.
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