When Annie Ware makes her monthly trip to the movies, she goes in style.

Cincinnati police officer Princess Davis hugs Ozella Parker, 81, at the Showcase Cinemas. Officer Davis helps transport senior citizens to the movies monthly. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

        Metro bus driver Charlie Crooms arrives at her home at Beechwood Apartments in Avondale shortly after 11 a.m. and welcomes her as he extends the wheelchair ramp. The 78-year-old woman then gets help from Cincinnati Police Officer Jana Cruse, who has a brief conversation with her before rolling her onto the bus.

        “This is beautiful,” Mrs. Ware said. “I look forward to this every first Thursday.”

        That's when District 4 police officers organize Metro buses to pick up 100 to 200 senior citizens and take them to the movies. The program, which started last spring, gives the elderly a chance to socialize with each other and the police.

        Four buses, escorted by patrol cars, drive to various neighborhoods and pick up residents. Within a half hour, they arrive at Showcase Cinemas in Norwood to watch a silver screen classic movie.

        For $1, seniors get a movie ticket and a small drink, a bag of popcorn, cookies and cake. The bus ride and police escort are free.

        “It gives us a chance to get out,” Gladys James said. “Some people don't have any other way to get out. They just sit in their apartment all day.”

        The 82-year-old Roselawn resident joined some of her neighbors July 11 to watch Irish Eyes are Smiling.

        Next month, Showcase will be showing Rear Window. The movie is open to anyone, not just those participating in the busing program.

        Officer Daphne Law started the bus program last year while she was part of a District 4 neighborhood unit to give seniors in her area a chance to get out into the community. Since then the program has expanded to other neighborhoods.

        Several seniors said they enjoy the chance to see movies they have not seen in years, including Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.

        “I never miss — I love it,” said Johnnie Mae Laury, a 74-year-old Avondale resident. “I brag to everyone how good the movie was.”
       
       
       

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