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When it comes to auditioning for projects like \"Avatar\" and \"Star Trek,\" truth is better than (science) fiction THE AUDITION PROCESS HAS EVOLVED SINCE THE 1980S, WHEN casting director Margery Simkin put together the ensembles of movies like \"Top Gun\" and \"Beverly Hills Cop.\" While serving on the jury of the 2024 Mediterrane Film Festival in Malta, she shared valuable insights with us about casting James Cameron's \"Avatar\" films, as well as Akiva Goldsman, Alex Kurtzman, and Jenny Lumet's \"Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.\" When it comes to casting kids, how do you find the magic? What are the challenges of casting recognizable roles? Is there anything specific you look for when casting a science fiction project?

[Mabel] was born in Brooklyn, NY, and moved with her parents, Harry and Minne Krepshan, sister, and brother Sidney to New Britain, CT. She graduated from New Britain State Teachers (now Central Connecticut State University) and became a teacher in elementary school until she married [Louis] and moved to Worcester in 1939. In Worcester she was an active and valued member and supporter of many civic, religious, and charitable organizations, including Hadassah, of which she was a Life Member and special honoree in 2005, Rachel's Table, the Worcester Public Library, past president of the Congregation Beth Israel Sisterhood, member of the Worcester Democratic City Committee, a volunteer in the Palliative Care Unit of UMass Hospital, and a volunteer Home Visitor for the Jewish Family Service. She was also a foster parent and host to friends and relatives; her dinner table was always open to guests and strangers.

WORCESTER Mabel Pulda, 93, died peacefully on Saturday, August 23, surrounded by family members and friends. Mabel, known to all as Mary, experienced 93 years of life well and fully lived. She was the matriarch of a large and loving family that includes daughters Margery Blonder and her husband Fred, Elizabeth Tapper and her partner Peter Simkin, and Harriet Ben Ner and her husband Avner; sons Arnold and his wife Patricia, and Robert and his wife [Kathy Pulda], her son-in-law Howard Rifkin, and her sister Carolyn Sumner. She is predeceased by her husband, Louis, and her daughter, Ruth. Mabel also had 15 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, many nieces, grand-nieces, nephews, grand-nephews, and countless friends.

Sheran Skabelund Simkins, 66, passed away peacefully and with dignity at her home in Ivins, Utah on April 2, 2004, after a long and courageous battle with M.S. She was born on October 3, 1937 in Logan, Utah, a daughter of the late Howard and Utahna Skabelund. She married Kirk L. Adams on October 3, 1956 in Logan, Utah. After his death in 1981, she married the love of her life, Estol \"Ike\" Simkins on May 14, 1993 in Las Vegas. Sheran's selfless service and love of others was always a priority in her life. Her greatest pleasure and devotion was for her family. She loved to sing and play the piano, listen to classical music and enjoyed her trips to hear the Randy Anderson Band. She took great pride in the fact that Randy Anderson was one of her former piano students. Sheran enjoyed writing about her family history and spent countless hours telling of the inspiring experiences of her pioneer ancestors. She was especially proud to be the granddaughter of Lola Skabelund. Sheran possessed that same pioneer spirit she saw in her grandmother to help her overcome the many challenges in her life. She fell in love with the beauty and grandeur of the Big Red Mountain in Ivins, Utah. It was there, that Sheran and her husband, Ike, built their dream home. She loved decorating and filling her home with beautiful furnishings. Sheran was an amazing inspiration to all those who knew and loved her. Her courage and determination to live each day to its fullest will be an everlasting legacy to all of those who loved her. She is now home with the many loved ones who have completed their mortal missions. She is free and whole again, and waits for us. Surviving family include her children, Kelly (Susan) Adams of Ivins, Utah, Robin (Rodney) Schumacher of Las Vegas, Steven Simkins of Las Vegas, David Simkins of Scottsdale, Ariz., Daniel Simkins of New Zealand and Marilyn Simkins of Provo, Utah; a sister, Tammy Boccia of Logan, Utah; and seven grandchildren. There will be a visitation on Monday, April 5, 2004, from 6-8 p.m., Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2004, 1 p.m., Logan City Cemetery, Logan, Utah.