As I gaze into my crystal ball, I can clearly see a resurgence of drive-in movie theaters booming like wildfire across America. Since the coronavirus has become a global catastrophe, it has practically halted life to a bare minimum. What a deadly disease, wiping out thousands of lives in a four-month period. It originated from China. A million dollar quiz that not one person can answer how it all began. Not even the most knowledgeable scientist knows where it came from or how it can be cured from spreading and taking a multitude of lives.

Hopefully by wearing face masks and gloves, it will help alleviate the spread of this deadly virus. Keep at least 6 feet away from other people; don’t touch anyone. Handshaking or hugging is taboo! If the movie theaters reopen, a space between each person must be mandatory.

The Mahoning Valley Cinema in Lehighton has been closed permanently. What a disappointment to moviegoers. It has eight theaters that will deteriorate in due time. Let’s hope some business executive with money to burn will buy the theater one day. In the meantime, it appears drive-in movie theaters are the desired mode of movie viewing since a family can pack in the kids and take off for a safe night at the drive-in movie. Be sure to bring along plenty of snacks; you don’t want to get out of the car to buy goodies at the popcorn refreshment stand. A face mask shouldn’t be required while sitting in your vehicle, keeping the windows closed. And you don’t have to be concerned about a stranger sitting several spaces away from you in a theater.

It’s a sure winner drive-in movie theaters will become a widespread fad, due to its safety reassurance. May every American pray our brilliant scientists will discover a fantastic vaccine that will wipe coronavirus off the face of the earth forever and our world will NEVER live through another living nightmare! God bless this beautiful world.

Earle E. Stahler

West Penn Township