Downtown Ludlow during flood. Much has been done to recover BUT much more remains to be done.

FOLA Donates $1,000 to Ludlow Recovery Fund

At the recent meeting of the Ludlow Rotary Club, David Almond, FOLA Treasurer, presented a check for $703 plus a second check to the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce to the fundraising programs to assist in the Ludlow-area flood recovery programs.

The $703 submitted funds represented the proceeds FOLA audience members donated during the annual Silent Movie Festival, attended by more than 45 people, on Saturday, August 26 in the Heald Auditorium in Ludlow’s Town Hall.  The remaining check was a donation from FOLA’s Executive Board.

To demonstrate the extent of the donations at this event, Jeff Rapsis, the featured pianist providing background music to the Charlie Chaplin comedy, “Gold Rush”, donated his fee.

Almond noted that this was truly a community effort.  “It just showed us that the folks attending the movie had more on their mind’s than just watching this great comedian”, he observed.  “It’s heart-warming to realize how much people will donate when the situation calls for generosity.  It just makes you feel very proud.”

FOLA donated all of those receipts to the Ludlow Area Rotary Charitable Fund and the Chamber Fund to be used to assist local individuals and businesses repair or replace property that was damaged by severe storms.  Similar donations may be sent to:

Ludlow Area Rotary Charitable Fund (LARCF)
PO Box 216
Ludlow, VT  05149


The Villainess of “Cruella” Comes to
Heald Auditorium Screen Oct. 21

On Saturday, October 21, at 7 PM, FOLA will screen the film. “Cruella”, in the Heald Auditorium at Ludlow Town Hall.

Pictured here is Cruella and her dogs as her cohorts look on. The Disney feature “Cruella” is FOLA’s next movie in the Heald Auditorium at Ludlow Town Hall on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 7 PM.

“Cruella” is a gripping and stylish origin story that explores the transformation of the iconic Disney villain, Cruella de Vil, before she fully embraces her wicked persona.

Set in 1970s London, the film introduces us to Estella, a young and exceptionally talented fashion enthusiast with a penchant for the avant-garde. Growing up as an orphan, Estella befriends a pair of fellow thieves, Jasper and Horace, and together, they navigate the bustling streets of London while engaging in various heists.

Estella’s life takes a dramatic turn when she catches the eye of fashion mogul Baroness von Hellman, a supremely fashionable and ruthless figure in the fashion world. Estella’s unparalleled creativity and flair for fashion design earn her an apprenticeship with the Baroness, who, unbeknownst to Estella, holds a dark secret connected to her past.

As Estella navigates the cutthroat world of high fashion, she begins to embrace her rebellious alter ego, Cruella. With the help of her newfound friends, Jasper and Horace, she starts to execute daring schemes to challenge the Baroness’s dominance in the industry. These elaborate heists not only captivate the public but also lead to a fierce rivalry between Cruella and the Baroness.

The film delves into Cruella’s complex psyche as she grapples with her identity, the influence of her newfound fame, and the truths about her family’s history that begin to unravel. Along the way, viewers are treated to a visually stunning display of fashion, music, and a thrilling cat-and-mouse game between the two fashion mavens.

As tensions escalate, the movie hints at an epic showdown between Cruella and the Baroness, a confrontation that will ultimately determine the course of Cruella’s transformation into Disney’s most notorious villains.

Step into the world of style, intrigue, and chaos with ‘Cruella’ – a cinematic masterpiece that will leave you craving more. Join us for a night of fashion-forward thrills and discover the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villainess. Get ready to embrace your inner rebel at the must-see event of the year!

Doors open at 6:30 PM.  The movie is open to everyone and is free; donations are appreciated.  Info at (802) 228-3238.