Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to the Journal-Tribune article of April 13 on the Avalon Theater.
First, we have two auditoriums (high school and county building on Sixth Street) that have successfully handled concerts, plays, musicals, and programs like the library author series. Also we have a large room with a stage at the Methodist Church and soon will have the same at the new Catholic Community Center. I would think this is sufficient.
I feel that many people were anticipating having a movie theater in Marysville again, especially senior citizens who don’t like to drive to Columbus and teenagers who aren’t old enough to drive. Marysville offers few places of entertainment for teens so a movie theater would be much appreciated. For a good description why theaters are still wanted, see the Journal-Tribune’s April 14 issue (In shutdown, a glimpse of life without movie theaters). I understand that plans are to have movie projection in the new Avalon but how often will movies be shown?
Secondly, I see that a bar is planned for the building, presumably that means alcohol. Why do Marysville planners think drinking is necessary? What message does this convey to our children and teens – that the adult thing to do is consume alcohol? We have programs at West Central and Wings to support sobriety and decrease the number of people who end up in jail due to alcohol and other drugs. At the same time, you have people walking around on Uptown Friday Nights with drinks and alcohol sold at the Taste of Marysville, Memorial Auxiliary Gala, Balloon Rally, etc.
You are probably aware if the groundswell against selling alcohol at the high school stadium. This is a hot issue and one that will turn a great number of people against supporting the Avalon Theater. I personally don’t patronize any of the above events even though there may be programs I’d like to attend.
Nancy Jeffers
Terrace Court