Community tours performing arts center before deciding its fate at the polls

By Frances Ruth Harris
SUGAR LOAF — One hundred people meandered through "the gem of Sugar Loaf" on Sunday, Nov. 4.
An open house at the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center showcased the two inside theaters and one alfresco theater near the lake.
Voters on Tuesday agreed by more than three to one (3,292-1,040) that the Town of Chester should borrow $1.1 million to buy the center. A tour was led by Chester town board members Robert Valentine and Ryan Wensley, with Jim Lopolito, a hospitality consultant, and Steve Cirbus, an actor with a plan to turn the center into one of the area's premier cultural attractions.
Those on the tour said they were astounded by the array of lights in both theaters. Many asked to meet Richard Logothetis, who built and ran the theater for many years. But Logothetis was on a cruise.
Several said they hope the theater brings many shows to town and becomes an educational center for youth.
Tour-goers kept their energy going with the cookies, donuts, cider, and coffee served at the open house.
The proposition that the town should borrow $1.1 million to buy the center was one of three that Chester voters approved by wide margins on Tuesday.
Related storyRelated story at chroniclenewspaper.com:
"Town debates performing arts center purchase"
"Election results"