What did President Ronald Reagan think of Rocky IV? How did the Matthew Broderick film WarGames inform America’s missile defense system? What Michael J. Fox movie made such an impression on President Reagan that he felt compelled to mention it in a speech to the Joint Session of Congress?
Over the course of eight years, Mark Weinberg travelled to Camp David each weekend with Ronald and Nancy Reagan. He was one of a few select members invited into the Aspen Lodge, where the First Family screened both contemporary and classic movies on Friday and Saturday nights. They watched movies in times of triumph, such as the aftermath of Reagan’s 1984 landslide, and after moments of tragedy, such as the explosion of the Challenger and the shooting of the President and Press Secretary Jim Brady.
Weinberg’s unparalleled access offers a rare glimpse of the Reagans—unscripted, relaxed, unburdened by the world, with no cameras in sight. Each chapter discusses a legendary film, what the Reagans thought of it, and provides warm anecdotes and untold stories about his family and the administration. From Reagan’s pranks on the Secret Service to his thoughts on the parallels between Hollywood and Washington, Weinberg paints a full picture of the president The New Yorker once famously dubbed “The Unknowable.”
Movie Nights with the Reagans is a nostalgic journey through the 1980s and its most iconic films, seen through the eyes of one of Hollywood’s former stars: one who was simultaneously transforming the Republican Party, the American economy, and the course of the Cold War.
CONNIE HARSHAW & PASTOR REGINALD DAVIS - FREEDOM BELL RINGING TO HEAL RACIAL DIVIDE
The Bell at the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, one of the oldest African-American Baptist churches in the United States, rang for the first time since segregation in 2016. On Sunday, February 25th the bell will ring again to heal America’s racial divide after a tumultuous year marked by violence, strife and protest in Charlottesville, VA, scuffles at the University of Virginia, and rallies across the nation. The First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, will light the way by calling on churches around the country to bring awareness to what unites us, and appeal for racial harmony during the 11’0clock church service - traditionally the most segregated hour of the week in American households. On February 25th, the last Sunday of Black History Month, the church will spearhead a yearlong initiative to ignite inclusion and racial harmony during the 11’Oclock hour. Led by Pastor Davis, the day’s celebratory service invites Americans of colors, faith, and creed - young and old - to join in celebration. Speaker and guest Pastor, Rev. Travis Simone of the Williamsburg Community Chapel will highlight the day’s ceremony with a special sermon and the lauded College of William & Mary Choir will perform.