By Judy Shields
Ronald Reagan Library, Simi Valley CA (The Hollywood Times) 07/22/2024
This was a paid event for all of Star Wars fans and let me tell you, the event was Far Out!
It included a three-course lunch, an amazing panel discussion with Set decorators, Property masters, and the Propstore regarding the “Making of Star Wars”. When we entered the Learning Center room, we were welcomed by Christine Bernie, Director of Event Services and Operations at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. There were several friendly staff there to welcome us to our tables and Christine Bernie escorted my friend Kate and myself to a table that would give us a great view of the panel.
The table settings were amazing, as well as the presentation of the food. First off there was a small wedge salad with blue cheese dressing and small grape tomatoes on a chilled plate. Also on the table was an awesome looking chocolate mouse cake with this way cool Darth Vader chocolate treat. The lunch was being served as the panel members took their place on the tables in front of us to talk all props used for Star Wars movies and what they do with props. The moderator was Pam Elyea and Greg Finnin and Brad Elliott of PMG and Brandon Alinger from the Propstore.
Here are some photos that I took:
After our refreshing wedge salad, they brought us our delicious lunch, which was grilled chicken with risotto rice, grilled carrots and light gravy. It was so yummy! Those at our table all said it was delightful.
The panel questions were great and we learned a great deal about props used for the various Star Wars movies. Here is short video of some of the discussion:
Here is the flyer for the event last Saturday:
A few Star Wars fans dressed in costume and so many had on Star Wars T-Shirts:
I believe we all enjoyed the dessert and especially the delicious Darth Vader chocolate treat.
After our wonderful lunch and the Q&A with panel and several attendees, with even several children asking some great questions, we were encouraged to visit the SDI and Star Wars exhibit tour and it is truly worth your time to see.
You still have a couple of months to see this amazing and informative exhibit. I have to say, my most favorite Star Wars artifact was Princess Leia’s slave outfit and of course the lightsabers they had on display. For the SDI defense artifact, it was just about everything they had on display because it was history and who doesn’t like history. You all need to come see it in person to appreciate what is on display. Click HERE to read all about the exhibit and get your tickets.
NOW through September 8, 2024
On March 23, 1983 in a televised address to the nation, President Ronald Reagan announced his intention to embark upon groundbreaking research into a national defense system that could make nuclear weapons obsolete, called the Strategic Defense Initiative, or SDI. The heart of the SDI program was a plan to develop a space-based missile defense program that could protect the country from a large-scale nuclear attack. The media quickly began calling the program “Star Wars,” since it seemed as impossible as the events of a galaxy far, far away.
With SDI, President Reagan was able to unleash America’s entrepreneurial spirit. The project ultimately helped end the Cold War. It not only revolutionized the way we think about missile defense, but also led to significant advancements in other areas of technology such as satellite surveillance and communications. America and allies around the world benefit from it today.
Just a few years prior, George Lucas launched the Star Wars franchise with Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Since its inception, Star Wars has been a phenomenon that transcends generations. The concept of “the force” and epic battle scenes have captivated audiences for decades and continue to do so with each new release.
After Ronald Reagan announced SDI, the media sarcastically dubbed it “Star Wars” since it seemed to rely on futuristic technology, including space-based laser systems that had not yet been developed, although the idea had been portrayed as real in science fiction.
