The neighborhood that wouldn’t die

BY ED FELIEN

It was an act of faith when Joe and Sue Senkyr bought the Colonial Inn almost 40 years ago, in 1971, and began Pepitos. The neighborhood was showing signs of decay and deterioration. But their energy and faith in the neighborhood was soon echoed by other businesses that also believed in the corner.

Another major turning point for the community came just a few years ago when the Parkway Theater went up for sale and no one wanted to buy it. Running a movie theater is not a quick way to make money in the 21st Century, but, once again, Sue and Joe stepped in and put their money where their hearts were. Joe has turned the Parkway Theater into an amazing venue. His lifelong love of theater—he has written plays, acted in Hollywood, helped produce local films—now gives him a legitimate outlet for all his creative energies.

Upcoming events at the theater reflect his diversity. Louie Anderson did his comedy show there last Sunday, April 11. There will be a live, rap version of “Alice in Wonderland” May 22 and 23, and Big Ed Schultz will hold a Town Hall Meeting June 4.

Welcome to the neighborhood.