Sherman Oaks Winter MeetUp Eludes Hollywood Paparazzi Or Did They?

Sherman Oaks 2015 Winter MeetUp

Eludes Hollywood Paparazzi Or Did They?

It seems fitting that the Tri-County(Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara) 2014 Winter MeetUp took place relatively close to the studios and sound stages of Los Angeles.   Some of the best in movies and television has been filmed in the region and as the Sherman Oaks event proved the spirit of providing good entertainment and fun times along with learning and sharing is alive and thriving.

There were introductions to new people to be made as well as those who we may have spoken by phone yet never met face-to-face. Add some very special drop-in guests and you begin to get an idea of the plot twists that made this MeetUp a "two thumbs up" production in true Hollywood fashion.

Much  like  many films the idea started small -- just a get together that transformed into a MeetUp. Considering there were four people acting as hosts and the all too often disparaging things said about committees, our event seemed to be an ideal setting to learn, ask and to share.  Lots of discussion of ideas and information was shared but most of all there was laughter. Yes, there was lots of laughter.

Rive Gauche Cafe in Sherman Oaks provided a circular table for us away from most of the afternoon lunch visitors on Saturday, January 24, 2015 starting at 1PM.   The hosts were Endre Barath, Jr., Ron & Alexandra Seigel and myself. Three posts previewing the MeetUp were completed and ready for the curtain to be pulled back(sorry AR Staff about that curtain reference).   

In addition to the four of us, there were three additional members who responded in the affirmative they would be attending along with a possible fourth.   Just the right size, we thought. Of those who sent their RSVP and attended were Iris Messina and Inna Ivchenko.

Then a plot twist. Upon arriving at the restaurant the first surprise -- Dick Greenberg of Fort Collins, Colorado was there to greet us.   

After the shock wore off(ok I admit it, I was still a little stunned on the way home), the group eventually sat down.  Introductions and conversations and food.  For me it was a very comfortable atmosphere.  I guess that is the power and the unique appeal of ActiveRain which was discussed at length.  

Two hours practically flew by and both Iris and Inna had other plans. The five of us decided to stay(a bottle of fine wine was yet another incentive, thank you Ron and Alexandra) until it had become clear the table needed to be set up for dinner and the staff suggested a spot in the lounge by the fireplace.  

Before we moved -- yet another plot twist, Melinda (Mel) Peterson from Grants Pass, a Valley Girl before she moved to Oregon, dropped by as her SoCal stay was ending the next day. She had previously met Ron & Alexandra (as Dick had as well) and knew of the MeetUp(although not quite the correct time) so yet another fun Saturday afternoon surprise.

With early evening drives in multiple directions ahead of us and Mr Greenberg needing some shut eye from his early morning flight that day(just for this event, mind you) plus a return trip on Sunday, the Sherman Oaks 2015 AR Winter MeetUp, the first most of us had ever attended, ended close to 6PM.

So of course, you are wondering(in fact, I received a couple of emails asking) about photos.   It was decided by the hosts that this would be a paparazzi-free zone but through the power of the photoshop skills of a friend(no, not Sharon Tara), I share how this group avoided the lights and cameras with a homage to our visitor  from Colorado in appropriate disguise.

Sherman Oaks 2015 Winter MeetUp

Eludes Hollywood Paparazzi Or Did They?