Downton Abbey on the Silver Screen
Now in the theaters

Welcome back to the beloved characters: from Lady Mary who now runs the Crawley’s majestic Highclere Castle to Mr. Carson who is asked to return back from retirement to supervise his intrepid staff as the family is occupied by an impending royal visit. For the devotees of this amazing TV program (and I am one of them), this marvelous movie continues the depiction of the glamorous era in the daily life ofthe British aristocracy. Stunning photography, excellent acting, beautiful fashions, intriguing vignettes and an observation of the masterful acting and theatrics by the marvelous Dame Maggie Smith – this will be the most entertaining two hours you spend in the comfort of a movie theater in your area. May I suggest to enjoy an Afternoon Tea in a luxury hotel in order to get the full enjoyment of this movie outing? I did it with a dozen of my friends and it was fab!

Information
Now playing in a movie theater near you

Photo courtesy of KQED

“Corks, Forks, Rhythm & Blues” in Alameda
October 5, from Noon to 3 p.m.

Held in the heart of the Bay Area on the island city of Alameda, “Corks, Forks, Rhythm & Brews” is truly one of the most exciting luxury events. Showcasing California’s best winemakers, spirits and breweries, distilleries, gourmet foods, restaurants and live music, “Corks, Forks, Rhythm & Brews” is set against the magnificent Alameda Point as a benefit for the Alameda Boys & Girls Club. A fun Saturday afternoon to welcome the fall season.

Tickets and Information
Prices range from $100 to $200
510-522-4900
corksforksonthepoint.com
Alameda Point
950-West Mall Square in Alameda

Photo courtesy of CFR&B

Flying the Freedom Birds: Airlines and the Vietnam War
September 28, 2019 through January 21, 2020 at SFO International Terminal

The next time you spend a few extra hours waiting for your plane’s departure, visit the new and fascinating Freedom Bird exhibit located at SFO’s International Terminal. For the Vietnam generation of U.S. military veterans, this phrase meant only one thing: the aircraft that brought them home at the end of their tours. However, these were not military aircraft, but commercial airliners under contract with the U.S. Air Force Military Airlift Command (MAC) and served by civilian crews and flight attendants. The airliners were not just used to bring the soldiers home, but to fly them into the war zone as well. During the course of the war, thousands of flights crisscrossed the Pacific Ocean. For military personnel, it was a deeply emotional journey in both directions. This exhibition, based on extensive interviews with the key participants of the airlift operations, provides insight into their experiences serving aboard the Freedom Birds.

Photos courtesy of the SFO Museum

Design & Discovery…Dedicated to a Cure
October 11 at 10:30 a.m.

Join the Grand View League, a 25-year all-volunteer fundraising branch of the American Cancer Society, as it hosts Design & Discovery…DEDICATED TO A CURE, an American Cancer Society Event. This tea party and luncheon will feature a silent auction whereby guests will have an opportunity to view and bid on lovely items and unique experiences. Guests will also have an opportunity to shop at some of their favorite boutiques from past years as well as a new boutique. The on-site boutiques will be selling jewelry, clothing and handbags. Each boutique will donate a portion of its sales to the American Cancer Society.

Guests will be updated on the Grand View League Research Funding Initiative (GVLRFI) launched in 2016. This initiative has funded a local cancer research scientist each year since its inception with a total of four being funded. Donors of $1,000 or more actually participate in selecting the research grant to be funded. The American Cancer Society has been involved in nearly every major cancer breakthrough in the last century — from medications that help people live longer and better, to lifesaving cancer screening tests. As the world’s largest private founder of cancer research, the Society supports the best ideas of the brightest researchers, who with each discovery get us closer to a world without cancer. Since awarding its first grant, the Society has awarded over $4.8 billion to promising investigators. As the afternoon draws to a close, guests will depart knowing they have supported an important cause and did so while enjoying the company of friends. Grand View League has raised over $16 million in support of the Society in its cancer research and patient services efforts. There are now 47 Nobel Laureates among the Society’s funded researchers.

Tickets and Information
Individual tickets are $175
408-688-0112
ACSGrandviewleague.org
La Ranconada Country Club
14595 Clearview Drive in Los Gatos

Illustration courtesy of Grand View League

Lina Broydo immigrated from Russia, then the Soviet Union, to Israel where she was educated and got married. After working at the University in Birmingham, England, she and her husband immigrated to the United States. She lives in Los Altos Hills, CA and writes about travel, art, style, entertainment, and sports. She hardly cooks or bakes, with no borsch or piroshky on her home cooking menu. Therefore, she makes reservations and enjoys dining out, mostly sushi.