"Where there was an obstacle, we saw an opportunity - an opportunity not only to restore a historic landmark, but to create something that would enrich our lives. When we were presented with a challenge, we saw a chance - a chance not only to demonstrate how wonderful our community is, but to make it even better," writes Leo Redgate in his Founder's Message on the Community Theatre Foundation's Web site, www.communitytheatrefoundation.org.

The Community Theatre Foundation has faced many challenges since its inception in 2001. It leases the historic landmark - with the elaborate circa 1920s marquee that is expensive to maintain - from the Pollack family. Redgate and his supporters had no idea in those early days - after fixing up the decrepit theater - that his idea would even work. It has.

But now the foundation faces another challenge. Repairs are desperately needed to the property, which Redgate would like to buy from the Pollack family. He has made a couple of multimillion-dollar offers, but Norman Pollack told the Fairfield Citizen-News that the seven members of the family who make up the limited liability company are not inclined to sell at this time. Redgate is not asking for anything unreasonable in wanting to buy

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the property. The lease even states that he can match any offer the Pollacks receive - whether now or 10 years from now - for as long as he still rents the place.

We are in no position to tell the Pollack family that they should sell the property - which stretches from Yoga for Everybody to Park Lane Opticians - but we would like to remind the community at large, including the Fairfield Center businesses, what they will be losing if Redgate closes the theater on Oct. 1.

The Community Theatre Foundation was established based on the premise that the theater would become a hub of inexpensive family entertainment (admission is $4 a movie, which has risen only one dollar in seven years) while bolstering "a revitalized spirit of service and involvement," according to the Web site.

"From the beginning, the Community Theatre Foundation sought to create an environment that would bring together people of all ages, with the hope that our community would respond with enthusiasm, commitment and imagination to the challenge of working together to accomplish common goals," according to the history of the foundation on the Web site.

The theater is run by young volunteers, who have found a second home at the downtown location. During their after-school and weekend hours, they run the concession stand, sell tickets and help choose the movies. They learn valuable lessons about life and business while forging lasting friendships with one another and with patrons. Not to mention that their involvement saves the foundation nearly $75,000 a year in operating expenses and allows the organization to award a scholarship for higher education to deserving volunteers.

Without the theater, hundreds of nonprofit, school and civic groups would lose a venue for fundraising activities. And the foundation contributes financially from box office proceeds to nonprofit organizations in the community.

The theater has other numerous programs, including a film school, student film festivals and free movies occasionally for senior citizens.

Additionally, the theater brings 85,000 people a year to Fairfield Center, and a lot of them have money to burn, especially since they only pay $4 for a movie. That great number of people to the downtown area is good - perhaps even vital - for the Fairfield economy.

In his Founder's Message, Redgate writes, " The Foundation has not saved and restored a historic landmark in the center of town. We all have. The Foundation has not created a welcoming atmosphere where we all can enjoy a great film for only three dollars. This community has. The Foundation has not made it possible for us all to experience special programs and events while providing support for great organizations that serve our neighbors. You have "

A future without the Community Theatre would be bleak for all. Let us know what you think. The Fairfield Citizen-News has started a discussion on its Web site, www.fairfieldcitizen-news.com : What would it mean to you if the Community Theatre closed on Oct. 1?