This letter to the editor appeared in the Woodstock Independent in October 2023.

“Friends Indeed 

A recent Monday afternoon at Stage Left Café was anything but quiet. Over 40 older active adults (being over 60 was the only requirement to enter the raffle for a ticket), an increasing segment of the population, were the guests of the Friends of the Opera House for a presentation by the well-known cultural historian, Barry Bradford.

Barry’s presentation focused on the year 1973 – a pivotal time in history for many of the audience members, and the world in general. Barry highlighted politics, sports, music, TV, books, famous people, and Broadway, etc., to the great enjoyment of the group.

This wonderful occasion was made possible by the generosity of the Friends of the Opera House. The Friends collaborated with SOAR@Dorr to initiate opportunities such as this event to support older active adults with meaningful programming, an important part of the mission statements of both groups. We look forward to the next special opportunity, 30 tickets to White Christmas which will be playing at the Opera House in December.

On behalf of SOAR@Dorr and the lucky audience who spent a lovely afternoon treated to an excellent presentation, my heartfelt thanks go to the Friends of the Opera House for creating something new and special  for a special group of people.”

Laura Wassinger
Director, SOAR@Dorr
Woodstock, IL