Margaretville area gets ready for its close-up

The first feature-length documentary ever made about the Delaware County village will begin at 7 p.m. at the Roxbury Arts Group on Vega Mountain Road in Roxbury. Admission is free, and there will be a wine and cheese reception following the screening.

Roger Bobley of Margaretville is the man behind the movie. He wrote, photographed and edited the 76-minute film that highlights all the things he loves about the greater Margaretville area.

"It took a full year," Bobley said. "On one hand, it was a grueling experience, but it was also wonderful."

Bobley, who is also the facilitator of the Andes Roundtable discussion group, said he made the movie "to present a realistic view of contemporary life in the Margaretville area that could serve as a historical record."

He said he also wanted "to enlighten those who have heard tales of this wondrous place, but want a better view of what life up here really is all about."

Bobley said he tried to create an unbiased look at the pros and cons of life in the area, but said that audiences will most likely come away with a positive feeling about small-town life in the mountains.

"The film is humorous and touching," said Jenny Liddle, Roxbury Arts Group director. "It provides a rare glimpse of the honesty of friends and neighbors in the region."

The movie features interviews with a variety of people, including old-timers and newcomers, full-timers and part-timers, natives and transplants, young people and old.

Bobley explored the various livelihoods in the area and filmed people from all walks of life, including farmers, scholars, artists, plumbers, musicians, business owners and salespeople.

More than 100 residents of Margaretville, Andes, Arkville, Big Indian, Bovina Center, Denver, Fleischmanns, Halcottsville, High Mount, Kelly Corners, New Kingston, Roxbury, Roxbury Run and Pine Hill appear in the movie.

"I have been here over nine years," said Bobley, who moved to the area from Long Island. "But I am continually amazed at the creative, unusual, accomplished people who live here."

Waitress Linda Regel, college dean Stanley Fish, students Santana Finch and Jamie Vogler, farmer Bud Gladstone, concert pianist Justin Kolb and his manager-wife Barbara Mellon Kolb, business consultant Maggie Inge, ex-advertising saleswoman Doree Hubar and retired professor Bill Piervincenzi all star in the film.

Robert A. VanBenschoten, a descendant of the area's settlers, brings his historical perspective to the screen, and Brenda Reeser tells her story of growing up on a local farm, only to leave the area and come back to a very different lifestyle.

Bobley said he also included scenes of cultural, sporting and social activities. Al Gallodoro's concert at the Andes Hotel, an appearance of the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus at the Roxbury Arts Group and a Common Ground Garden Club Flag Day Lunch at the Arkville Pavilion, are just a few of the highlights.

Bobley was a book publisher and encyclopedia editor until he retired in 1994. He said making the movie required acquiring new skills like video editing, but he enjoyed the entire process.

"Marvelous Margaretville" is available on DVD. The proceeds from sales at the premiere will be donated to The Roxbury Arts Group. The DVD will also be available at various local venues, and all proceeds collected after Bobley recoups his costs will go to local charities.

Call 326-7908 for information and/or directions.

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