To: GOLEADER, goleader@worldnet.att.net

To the Editor:

Our community’s recent concern over the fate of the Rialto Theater is settling down with the purchase of the building by theater operator CJM Entertainment. Now that it appears our initial objective has been achieved, those of us who were active on the Save the Rialto subcommittee of Westfield MainStreet want to take the opportunity to thank all of the many citizens who lent their support to our efforts.

More than 250 people wrote letters, made phone calls and otherwise volunteered to help rescue an important part of our town’s cultural and commercial life. Our committee was the result of an overwhelming and spontaneous reaction to the possible demise of the theater.

While it has been wonderfully gratifying to have friends and neighbors offer their thanks for saving the theater, those thanks are due to all of you who lent a hand. And we still have a job to do. We must support Jesse Sayegh of CJM Entertainment and help him succeed in his plans to restore the Rialto and turn it into a local showpiece.

The first thing we can do is to let him know what we want and expect in our local theater. The other thing we have to do is simply patronize the place; it’s time to put our money where our mouth is. Only that will truly save the Rialto.

One sixth grade girl in my neighborhood has remarked wryly that having demonstrated in front of the theater with her classmates to save it, the Rialto is now showing three R-rated movies that most sixth grade girls aren’t permittted to see. She and her classmates can now write to Jesse Sayegh to suggest the kind of movies they would like to have him program at the Rialto. Her reaction also reflects that of many Westfield parents who above all else want this town to have a safe, clean, convenient movie theater where they and especially their children can enjoy the diversion of a good (and appropriate) movie.

So it behooves us to communicate with the new owner to give him an accurate idea of what kind of theater this town will support. Anyone interested in conveying their suggestions to Mr. Sayegh can write to him at CJM Entertainment, 25 Kinnelon Road, Kinnelon, NJ 07405. I’m sure he will appreciate hearing from all of us.

Sincerely yours,

David Owens Chairman Save the Rialto Committee

08/06/97.