PURPOSEFUL - The author says going to the Los Gatos Theatre can be about much more than just watching a movie. (Courtesy of Lissa Kreisler)

According to Merriam-Webster, a “community” is a unified body of individuals with common interests living in a particular area.

My mother taught me as a kid that community was everything—and that you volunteered to make it better. Bill Weaver, my boss at KLOK-AM, my first job in radio right after college, pulled me aside one day to tell me his two “musts.” To dress nicely. And to become a community advocate.

In my four decades of sunny mornings on KLOK and then KBAY-FM, I took both very seriously. I dressed nicely, even if it was radio and you couldn’t see me; and I signed up to be a volunteer—whether as a nonprofit advisor, an ambassador, a board member or an emcee at a community event.

My 40 years in radio are over, but my days of volunteering in the community will never end. And “my community” has extended over the last four-plus years to Los Gatos.  

What I’ve learned about this wonderful town of Los Gatos is that the residents are friendly, engaged and kind. I first saw that during the height of Covid. On my daily walks downtown, I frequently received a smile, wave, or a, “Good morning,” from other walkers. I interviewed more than 200 residents and merchants during my seven seasons at KCAT-TV and saw first-hand the love, support and goodness of the people in this community.

I joined the Rotary Club of Los Gatos and witnessed the giving and respect people here have for each other with my own eyes. Now, as part of Los Gatos Thrives—which has as its mission “to make Los Gatos an age-friendly community for older adults to live engaged and meaningful lives”—I’ve yet again been impressed with the community cohesiveness and can-do attitude here.

On the first Monday of the month (except holidays), Los Gatos Thrives gathers residents at our fabulous, historic Los Gatos Theatre for a movie and good times. For $10 you get a seat, a coffee and a pastry from Teri Hope and Los Gatos Roasting Company (and some amazing fun). We’ve shown three movies so far.

Our next event will be held Oct. 7. The crowds have been large each time. It’s a unified body of individuals with common interests living in a particular area. People are laughing and hugging friends, happy to be together for a common purpose. It is an amazing scene to watch. When leaving the movie, people say their goodbyes and make plans to gather again. 

Los Gatos Thrives has created a new community. And one of the people who helped facilitate this, Paul Gunsky, the owner of Cinelux Theaters (which manages our beautiful Los Gatos Theatre), deserves to be recognized.

Paul and his son Chris have opened the venue’s doors to Los Gatos Thrives for free. This enables us to use the proceeds from the $10 ticket fee to cover expenses—and even make a bit of money for the organization’s future endeavors. Cinelux has become a big donor. Paul and Chris come in early to make popcorn, so the wonderful smell fills the lobby. They’re gracious hosts who’ve frequently been spotted greeting guests.

Have you been to the Los Gatos Theatre since they reopened under the Gunsky leadership? It was closed for several years. Many Los Gatans tried out and became accustomed to other nearby movie theaters. I hope you return to ours.

You walk inside and get that old-time Hollywood feeling. Even walking past the ticket office on the outside makes you smile and feel great about entering. The ambiance is amazing. But more importantly, watching your movie at the Los Gatos Theatre is what community is all about.

Let’s get together at the Los Gatos Theatre. It’s more than just a movie at a theater; it’s a shared experience that strengthens the fabric of our community. By choosing to watch a movie there, you’re not just enjoying a film—you’re investing in the heart and soul of Los Gatos. 

Fill those theater seats with laughter, tears and the warmth of shared moments. Create memories that bind us together. After all—as my mother taught me—community is everything.

Lissa Kreisler is a media host and community volunteer. She’s also the life partner of regular Los Gatan columnist Jeffrey P. Blum.

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