The Monday Night Spectacular

I don't really have the words to describe last night... amazing, powerful, touching, overwhelming - don't begin to describe it.

Food and people started to pour in the doors at the Hipp before 6pm on Monday. It was hot and chaotic but everyone was easy going and patient. We just went with the flow and waited for whatever was going to happen. There was food and people absolutely everywhere!

By the time Kathy arrived at 6:30ish it was apparent that we were way beyond the capacity of the cinema. Thanks to a few words from Hutch that morning, we had decided to have the mainstage set up just in case. It seats nearly 300 and it was pretty full.

It was calm and cool in there until Kathy rolled in. The crowd erupted and gave her a long standing ovation, one of at least 3 or 4 that evening. Mayor Craig Lowe read a proclamation and honoring Kathy by declaring June 7th, Dr. Kathy Cantwell day. He then went on to give her a key to the city, an honor not often bestowed. Another standing ovation.

GRU then made a short presentation honoring Kathy with a beautiful plaque in honor of all her hard work for our community. Another thunderous round from the audience.

Hutch (Robert Hutchinson, ACT) then spoke about Kathy and land conservancy. He noted that he and several other activists met for about 3 hours earlier that day while Kathy explained to each of them what was what and what still needed to be done. And then yes, another uproar from the crowds.

Kathy then read a short speech filled with "Cantwell" power. She told us of her love the nature and the important part that it plays in her peace with the world and with her own destiny. She admonished/encouraged us to get out in nature, to take moment regularly and drink it in quietly. And she made some funny jokes.... Another long round of applause.

Julie was sitting next to Kathy throughout and had a wonderful smile on her face. The first I have seen in a month. It was great to see. Although admittedly not a public speaker, Julie rallied and read a beautiful poem that I hope someone will post for you. More applause.

People said their thanks and goodbyes to Kathy and the public part of the evening was over. Close friends and family then went down to the cinema to watch a couple of short videos. The first was one that I had made for Kathy's 60th birthday (last September). The second was the video that Patty shot of the skit we put for that same celebration. Laughter ruled the end of the evening. My cheeks were cramping from smiling.

Thank you Hippodrome (Mary, Rocky, Robert) for all the support last night and thank you friends of Kathy - you know who you are.