Common Ground

Virginian-Pilot photographer Vicki Cronis-Nohe will explore the theme ''Everyday Heroes,'' in which she will look for people in our community who are quietly making a difference in the lives of those around them, with no motivation of recognition or praise. They might be helping a family member, a friend, or a stranger.

Category: Photos

Capt. Sam's Home Theatre

Oct 08

3:48 AM

Jody Collins, left, hugs friend Cleve Smith at the entrance to Capt. Sam's Home Theatre. Bags of popcorn await visitors underneath pictures of Captain Sam.

One afternoon a week, the crowd at Captain Sam’s Home Theatre is ladies-only, and the movie is strictly PG-rated. If you don’t have a reserved sign with your picture on it, well, you may not get a seat. There is only one showing, at 1pm sharp, and Captain Sam’s wife, Jody Collins, will have the popcorn and drinks ready when you get there.

Jody Collins, right, says goodbye to regular Mellie Rose after a recent movie.

Jody has been hosting the ladies four years now, every Sunday. Personally, she is not a movie person, the theatre was started by her late husband, retired Navy captain Sam Collins, as he was the movie buff. She started the afternoon tradition because, “Sunday is a long day for widows, when your children have grown up and moved away - it kind of gives us something to look forward to.”

Lynn Braendle enjoys a recent viewing of "The Ultimate Gift" at the home theatre.

Fellowship is really what keeps the group going. Several decades are represented, from 50-something to 95, and social hour starts after the movie has ended. Conversation is as varied as the movies they watch, ranging in one afternoon from homemade honey to hot flashes

Jody walks the women to their cars afterwards, sometimes lingering in the street to chat. The afternoon is officially over when Jody bids them goodbye with her trademark phrase, “Stay safe.”

This is a great tradition, started by a great lady, Jody Collins. She is an inspiration to me, always positive and upbeat. I am priviledged to know her, and tell the story of why she is a Everyday Hero.

Stay Safe, Jody!

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Re: Hello

Submitted by tc12641 on Sun, 10/12/2008 at 2:53 pm.

I would like to take a moment to say it's nice to see articles such as this. It would be so nice if we could turn the clock back when neighbors were neighbors and everyone watched out for everyone, including the neighbors children.
Great Story.

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