A League of Gentlemen
By Donald Partelow
The Pawling Library partnered with the Akin Library to bring to our community a very special presentation: An Afternoon with Actor / Director Roger Hendricks Simon. The program was held on Saturday, October 12 at the historic Akin Library that stands tall and majestic on top of Quaker Hill. Theater legend Roger Hendricks Simon, appeared for a dramatic reading of Sarah Levine Simon’s second novel, the murder mystery, Locked Out, followed by a screening of his award-winning documentary film The Boys of Late Summer. Throughout his presentation, as Mr. Simon spoke to the audience, his moving words touched the hearts of all. He was not the only star within the Akin’s impressive main room: also present were many of the men who appeared in his documentary, his fellow teammates, members of the featured senior softball league that plays in Poughkeepsie. A newscast that covered the making of the film was also shown. The program ended with a rousing burst of applause, and all the players gathered to pose for a group photograph. It was a warm, sunny day and the leaves were falling in picturesque Pawling, made only more beautiful by these kind-hearted people who support one another. Roger Hendricks Simon’s most recent acting role was in the comedy Love in Kilnerry which had its red carpet premiere at the Soho International Film Festival in Manhattan this summer. We thank the Akin Library director Matthew Hogan for helping us to make this presentation possible. The Akin Library is located at 378 Old Quaker Hill Road in Pawling. Make both the Akin and Pawling Library part of your destination.
