By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

RESERVE – The Reserve150 committee, which is planning and organizing the events to be held in conjunction with this year’s sesquicentennial celebration of the founding of Reserve, held the first of its scanning days Friday at St. John Theatre.

The scanning days were set up so residents could bring in their old photographs and have them scanned for inclusion in the materials being created in honor of the anniversary.

Local technical wizard Lennen Madere and documentary filmmaker Jeff Duhe manned the computers.

Only a handful of people showed up to the theater on Friday to participate, Duhe said, but those who did come brought a wealth of photos.

“We were lucky to have some older people come in with their entire albums,” he said, “But we could use a whole lot more.”

Duhe said the age of the pictures is not really relevant as the history of Reserve is constantly evolving and growing. He explained he could not be sure exactly what form the film he is producing will take until all material is collected. The pictures, he said, will tell the story.

The group is also seeking subjects to interview for the documentary.

“We’re just beginning to schedule people to talk to on camera,” said Duhe.

Anyone interested in submitting their photos or in being interviewed on camera can send an e-mail expressing their interest to Reserve150@rtconline.com or just come out to one of the last two scanning days, scheduled for Friday and Saturday. On Friday, Duhe and Madere will be at Our Lady of Grace School on River Road and on Saturday at the St. John Senior Citizen Center at 214 Regala Park Road. The event will last from noon to 5 p.m. both days. Pictures will be returned immediately after scanning.

The committee also has T-shirts and fans for sale, both of which are emblazoned with the logo created for the celebration. The shirts are $10, and the pair can be purchased together for $15. According to Dawn Remondet, children’s sizes are now available.

The group debuted the shirts at the Independence Day celebration at St. Peter. Remondet said they sold about 100 shirts that day.

“We did well,” she said.

Anyone wishing to purchase a shirt, fan or both can contact Remondet at 985-390-0698.