Fern was a very early member of the Rosendale Theatre Collective. She and her sister donated the money to buy the theater’s digital projector. She has been a regular volunteer at all of the Collective’s fund raisers and now coordinates Rosendale Theatre memberships. She also volunteers at the movies as ticket taker, concession seller, and whatever else is needed. She is invaluable!
When did you first come to the Rosendale Theatre?
In December, I will have my house 15 years, so I guess I came to the theatre 15 years ago. The tickets cost $3 then, I think & I became a Rosendale Theatre ‘groupie.’ I have shared this story before, even at my mother’s funeral last November. I would bring my mother to the theatre when she was visiting and Fanny Cacchio would be in the ticket booth. My mother ‘prided herself’ in walking out of movies she didn’t like. One time in Rosendale, I can’t remember the movie, my mother started figitting & muttering & I knew what was about to happen–she walked out! I knew she couldn’t go far so I watched the end of the movie & when it was over, there was Mom chatting with Fanny & holding a ticket in her hand. Fanny had returned her ticket saying she didn’t want anyone to be unhappy with a movie shown at the Rosendale Theatre! Fond memories….
Why do you volunteer at the Rosendale Theatre?
I did inherit the ‘volunteer gene’ from my mother who was a huge volunteer & I give back whenever I can for all different causes and programs. As soon as I heard that the Rosendale Theatre Collective was created to save my beloved theatre, I immediately got involved. I helped at numerous fund raisers in various capacities as we all worked towards the initial down payment & I have been involved ever since. Not long before my mother passed away, my sister and I donated the digital projector for the theatre in memory of our Dad who was a projectionist. For the past year, I have been coordinating membership & I volunteer at the theatre whenever I can.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in The Bronx & still have an apartment there.
What is your favorite movie?
Anything with Paul Newman, “Crash” & “On Golden Pond”
What do you do for a living or what do you want to be when you grow up?
I was a teacher and retired as an Assistant Principal in NYC, a large part of my career was spent in the South Bronx. I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up! I am still trying to figure that out!
What words do you live by?
Have fun. Care deeply. Love each other, give back…and don’t forget to dance!
What else should we know about you?
I do love to dance–swing, salsa, cajun, zydeco– & listen to music. I am a Big Joe Fitz ‘groupie! I love to cook.
