In the book Bowling Alone, author Robert Putnam described the phenomenon of communities losing the very essence of what made them great, or at least functional, when they acted as vehicles that helped bring individuals together. Since the book’s original publication in 2000, the problem has intensified. Witness an internet comment chain as proof that individuals lobbing verbal grenades from their couch bunkers do not help create a thoughtful and close-knit community.

Here on the Vineyard, though, a bowling alley is being built that by all accounts, due to the enthusiasm already generated, could literally turn the clock back on the problems of Bowling Alone.

And this week the news arrived that Mark Snider and Richard Paradise are teaming up to bring back both the Strand and Capawock Theatres. The plan is to lease the theatres from the Hall family, and then update them where needed, mostly in technology, while also maintaining the look and feel of the past.

Mr. Snider said he first came up with the idea forty years ago, back when he was a kid loving going to movies on the Island and the community it created for him. This was, of course, long before the theatres went dark, but even then he was afraid of losing something so important to him.

That these theatres are located in two key downtown locations is good news for everyone. More screens means more movies of all types, but having these businesses up and running again will most surely help other businesses in the area as more people are drawn to the main streets of town. They will also play an important component in the vibrancy of the community.

In the movie Swimming With Sharks, the character played by Frank Whaley says he wanted to work in the movie business because of the memories. All of his best memories could be traced to what movie was playing at that time in his life.

Memories of walking with friends to attend a movie at the Strand, (Jaws perhaps), or more recently at the Capawock, are shared by many in the Island community. The idea that these memories might not be just a thing of the past and could be returning to the big screen gets two thumbs up.