To the editor:

The question has been posed as to whether Union needs a performing arts center. My answer to this question is a resounding yes.

Our town has been often praised for its talents in the performing arts, but we have no place to showcase this talent. For years we hoped to develop the old Union High auditorium for this purpose, even presenting a proposal to the state for locating the Governor’s School for the Arts here. Did you realize we were close to achieving this but were outbid by Greenville? Some people clung to this hope until those dreams went up in smoke.

We now have an opportunity to revive those dreams. Property was donated by concerned citizens to Boogaloo and then transferred to the city for this purpose. Money from insurance and money only available for downtown revitalization is in place to be used for this center.

We must seize this opportunity or lose it.

This building will provide a much needed multi-purpose space not only for Boogaloo but for many civic groups, receptions, reunions and guest performances. We hear the need for a space like this from all corners of our community.

Like the Timken Complex, built for the future needs of Union, we must keep a positive attitude or we will fade away like so many small towns. Businesses look to locate in areas that are forwardly motivated. They are not looking for towns that have given up on themselves.

We are a people of strong wills and have often surprised ourselves with our success in achieving our dreams to help others in need. We are in need. It is time we help ourselves by looking ahead to a future we can take pride in.

Kathy Stepp

Union