THE END OF AN ERA/APOLOGIES
Hello supporters. I am going to make this brief as many of you probably have a movie to get to. It is a very sad day for all who love Avalon. Tonight the Avalon Theatre will screen its last movie in an incredible 90-year run. It's hard to believe this magical theatre that weathered the Great Depression and a world war has finally met its match. 

In what feels like a lifetime but is really only just shy of eight weeks ago, we thought that if we could somehow show the Island Company how immeasurably treasured this special place was to so many people in Avalon and all over the world, we might just be able to persuade them to find some way to continue theatre operations. I am deeply sorry that we were not able to achieve what we set out to do. 

The future of the theatre remains unclear. In the most recent statement we have, the Island Company says it is "committed to working with local residents, and others, to either help develop viable plans to show movies in the Avalon Theatre or, if a viable plan is presented to the company, proceed with that." We take them at their word and will report back to you with any/all developments. 

MOVIE NIGHT
As we reported to you in our last update, we have been in conversation with Councilmember Steve Hoefs regarding the establishment of a City-organized once-per-month free or low-cost movie night at the theatre. The Island Company has stated its willingness to provide the theatre space for this to occur but the details of this arrangement are still being worked out. Please see the most recent statement we have from them on this matter here: "The Island Company has been approached by a number of people who have various interesting ideas for future uses of the casino movie theater. One of those proposals is, indeed, a monthly movie showing. While the company is open to that concept, its viability has yet to be determined. From what we understand, the individual who came to us with that proposal is continuing to work on the details, and we expect to meet with him again in the not too distant future."

We believe that Councilmember Hoefs is committed to seeing this through and we will keep you apprised of progress on this plan as it develops.

CONCLUSION
Please know that your incredible outcry of support astonished the Island Company, forced a dialogue that would not have otherwise occurred, and demanded attention from many influencers and decision-makers that would not have otherwise been paid. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. 

Supporters, we aren't done. We still have work to do and we are going to ask you to continue on with us and see this through to its conclusion. Just this week we have had inquiries from three different reporters interested in this story! The City of Avalon is developing a real plan to serve those who need the theatre the most! We may not have achieved what we set out do to, but with your incredible support, we achieved quite a lot--and we aren't done yet. 

Happy New Year, everybody. Besides health and happiness, my wish for you in 2020 is that you have many opportunities to enjoy a movie with friends and family in our beloved Avalon Theatre, surrounded by those breathtaking murals, under that starry, domed ceiling.

We'll keep you posted.