Memories and Renewals A Reflection on the Retiree's Luncheon by Harry Eisen The first thing that struck the eye were the tables filled with name tags. Some unforgettable, some very familiar. Some remembered, some a reminder of how we were the busy hands and minds that filled the cutting rooms, and then the screens, not all that long ago. And there we were, the same faces so clearly remembered. Those unmistakable voices, still incredibly the same. The bodies so recognizable and aging well, with the noticeable changes not diminishing the person one iota. We'd recognize each other anywhere. Even the ones who couldn't make it this time but are still so fondly remembered. Then came the conversations. A simple greeting, a handshake, a hug reminding us of events that took place long ago but were here, now, with us as we talked. We laughed at the deadline doom that faced us back then, and how we managed to get past it. And what now seemed a little more meaningful: the shared memories of simple events and sometimes not-so-simple events that brought out the camaraderie and friendships forged in both difficult and fun times. Camaraderies and friendships which are alive and well today. But on this Sunday in May, the emphasis was on the fun times, reminding us that it wasn't all just work, but personal involvement and shared events with some really great people that made huge contributions to our lives and memories. In the passage of time, these take on a personal meaning which doesn't fade away. Not for editors, anyhow. We lived them and hold onto them like editing keepsakes. We were also reminded that this happy event didn't happen on its own. From our president, Donn Cambern, through the reunion chairman, Bill Elias, through our entire Local 700 staff, I offer the grateful thanks of us retirees to all of you. Our hope is that you will keep this wonderful event going, so that when you join the ranks of the retired, you'll be here living the memories with us. Visit "Scenes from the Retirees Luncheon" with photographs by Norman Karlin.   Reprinted from The Motion Picture Editors Guild Newsletter Vol. 20, No. 4 - July/August1999   Guild Home | Newsletter Home | Top of Page   Copyright © 1999, All Rights Reserved by The Motion Picture Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700