Kelley Hubbard has a mission: to see as many films as possible in the Ohio Goes to the Movies year-long lineup. When the statewide celebration of Ohio-related movies was launched in February, Kelley was there for the opening event — first watching Thomas Edison films in Milan, then heading to Pickerington for “Beloved.” Those trips were quickly followed by Worthington for “Best in Show,” Cleveland Heights for “Cool Hand Luke” and Steubenville for “The Deer Hunter.”
And according to Kelley, she’s just getting started. She already has 12 more films on her “will do” calendar. “I’ll work in others when time permits,” she said. “I bring as many family and friends along as I can, but I will go by myself rather than miss a movie.”
OGTTM: A Welcome Comfort
Kelley, of Delaware, Ohio, discovered OGTTM during a difficult chapter in her life, as her husband and moviegoing partner, Rodney, was seriously ill. Rodney was her best friend and constant companion in all of life’s adventures. She first heard about the program during a presentation by program director Molly Kreuzman at the McConnell Arts Center in Worthington in October 2025.
“I found myself smiling excitedly about what she was telling us because my husband, Rodney, and I have always been great movie lovers,” Kelley said. “As Molly spoke, I knew that THIS was going to get me through Rod’s illness and the profound grief that I would feel at losing him.” Rodney passed away a month later, in November 2025. “I know he is so happy that I have this wonderful distraction.”
Through her OGTTM travels, Kelley has created new memories and connections — exactly what the program hoped would happen when the statewide celebration was conceived.
“So far, ‘Cool Hand Luke’ at the Cedar Lee Theatre has been my favorite because it’s one of my all-time favorite movies and because of my interaction with Melissa Newman,” she said. (The film stars Shaker Heights native Paul Newman, Melissa Newman’s father, and she joined several speakers at the screening.)
She also fondly recalls her visit to Steubenville. “Once the people there found out how far I had traveled to see ‘The Deer Hunter,’ the warm welcome from staff member Jennifer and the other attendees earned that experience an honorable mention.”
A Statewide Adventure
The architectural gems scattered across Ohio have become a bonus for Kelley’s travels. “I love visiting the historic theaters across the state,” she said. “I also want to support the libraries, drive-ins and other venues that are participating. I repeatedly go through the OGTTM website and newsletter to add as many possibilities as I can to my calendar.”
Kelley has enjoyed exploring the Ohio cities, theaters and restaurants she had never visited before — and she plans to return to many of them. “Oh, I make each one of these an event,” she said. “I make my own T-shirt, research the venues, dining options and sights to see on the way. My late husband, Rodney, and I found Ohio to be a great one-tank-trip state, so while nothing has required an overnight stay yet, I’d have no problem doing that.”
At the kickoff event in Milan, attendees received a swag bag with a notebook to record movie experiences, and Kelley is putting hers to good use. “I create picture collages for my Facebook page and send messages to others to encourage them to attend,” she said.
Kelley has become an OGTTM celebrity in her own right thanks to her enthusiastic support. The OGTTM team appreciates her energy — and her view of Ohio as a treasure map for film related travel.
Coming Home to Delaware
Kelley was recently honored in her hometown when she was invited to serve on the committee for the Strand Theatre’s OGTTM screening of “42.” “I shouted for joy when I was asked to be on the committee for the Strand’s screening in October 2026. It’s going to be BIG! How lucky am I that all of this is happening around me and I get to be a part of it?”
As a seasoned filmgoer, Kelley’s advice to OGTTM fans is simple and spirited: “Just GO, enjoy and be proud of these free, wonderful Ohio-related movies. You’ll enjoy yourself coming and going!”
Tell Us Your OGTTM Story!
Have a memorable moment from an Ohio Goes to the Movies screening? We’d love to hear it. Drop us a note about your strategy, your favorite film experience, new favorite theater or road trip plans as you make your way through Ohio’s movie map. Your stories help inspire fellow film lovers statewide!