lcfc party reports

1995: Afternoon with The Quartermaines
Helayne Rosenblum

The "Quarrelsome Quartermaines" did everything but quibble at a fabulous fan club luncheon extraordinaire this past July 22nd at the Burbank Airport Hilton in California.

My family and I were some of the fortunate guests at a delightful Afternoon with the Quartermaines coordinated by the capable hands of Kay Marrs and Krista Evans of the Leslie Charleson Fan Club. This was truly an afternoon to remember for any General Hospital fan -especially a long time once such as myself. For almost two decades (since my high school days), I have both laughed and cried with this beloved television family, portrayed so perfectly by a diverse group of talented actors. They have entertained and educated us, and have been a welcome diversion from the stresses of everyday life. It was heartwarming to see how genuinely happy they were to meet the enthusiastic group of all ages and backgrounds in attendance. They seemed just as pleased and honored to be with us, as we were with them.

Leslie Charleson, who looked just beautiful, conducted the well-orchestrated event with charm, poise and humor, by introducing her fellow castmates one by one. How exciting to see Stuart Damon, Anna Lee, Wally Kurth, Rena Sofer, Susan Brown, Steve Burton, Sean Kanan and John Ingle in person! They laughed and joked with one another and us, and spent two and one half hours entertaining us with an organized question and answer session, a raffle of GH memorabilia, a wonderful mini-concert by Wally Kurth and the Kurth & Taylor Band (otherwise known to us as the "Idle Rich"), as well as an autograph session, that also afforded some opportunities for photographs with the stars. There was so much to do, so many people and so little time ... it was a treat that we won't soon forget!

The lunch was probably delicious -- it looked that way -- but I was too excited to care -- they could have served empty plates for most of us -- there was just too much to look at and enjoy! The table decorations were champagne bottles labeled The Quartermaine Winery and filled with elegant gold and white balloons. We all received lovely memento programs which doubled as excellent autograph books! Our tablemates became instant friends, as we all had a common bond.

All the stars were so gracious, we did get quite a few opportunities to speak to them personally -and it was gratifying to thank them for all the hours of pleasure they have given us over the years. This was the first major event my husband, I and my 16 year old daughter (also both big GH fans) ever attended. It was well worth the three thousand mile trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida (just for the weekend!) to meet some of my favorite characters. Thanks to all the stars, and kudos to Kay and Krista for a job well done. Looking forward to doing it again one day soon.