Come to the David A. Howe Library at 630pm, share your ideas an vision!
By Andrew Harris
The Village of Wellsville purchased the former “Lin-Ray Theater” in order to save the structure from ruin When many questioned the move, Mayor Randy Shayler, noted that to let the property continue to degrade would be tragedy in the making.
“Can you imagine a scenario where that marquee disconnects and falls onto the sidewalk and street? This is a defensive move for the village,” said Shayler after the village officially took ownership.
Since then Shayler has annointed a task force of citizens to start working on the future of this grand building. Several meetings have been held and the group has brought in the owners of the Hornell and Warsaw movie theaters to advise. Read about the groups first meeting here.
Tami and Scott Treutlein, owners of two successful area theaters were give a tour of the building and asked, “What should we do?”
After the tour and meeting, they Treutleins implored the group to focus on the core virtues of a small town theater: Nice seats, good sound, good popcorn, and great drinks. They also pointed out that it is time to organize and start raising money for this big project
So far the questions still out number the answers. The village has agreed to repair the rotting roof and keep the heat running during the winter to prevent further degradation. The task force, “Friends of the Theater,” could be a possible new moniker, is looking for all the ideas and all the help possible.
They hope to establish an informal “board of directors” to lead the effort forward in an organized manner.
If you are interested in this subject, want to help, or even want to be part of the theater’s future, please attend this meeting. The meeting will start at 630pm this Tuesday September 24 in the exhibition room at the David A. Howe Library.
If you can’t attend but would like to be invited to future meetings, email group organizer Angela Glickstein at angelacauliflower@gmail.com
