Today The Chronicle details the ongoing efforts to restore the historic Fox Theatre in downtown Centralia.

Just this past Friday night the old jewel was showing her age and also her future promise. Headlining the weekend JazzArtique festival in Centralia was Grammy-nominated jazz musician Karrin Allyson.

In a preview article in The Chronicle, Allyson said, I truly enjoy performing in just about every kind of venue there is, especially when the presenters really put TLC into it.

Led by Scott White, president of Historic Fox Theatre Restorations and other city leaders, the Fox Theatre is slowly being improved.

Friday night, however, during Allysons performance, a chunk of plaster fell from the ceiling onto the stage. Allyson was into her second set along with her upright bass and electric guitar players.

When the plaster clattered onto the edge of the stage, Allyson stopped, said aloud what was that? and called White up onto the stage. Clearly, she was worried about her safety. White came onto stage and assured Allyson all was fine. He mentioned at least water wasnt dripping into the theater something that happened during a recent burlesque show in the Fox.

White concluded the moment by telling the audience the falling ceiling was an example of why everyone is needed to bring the Fox Theatre into proper shape.

Allyson resumed her show, although she moved to a piano on the other side of the stage for the next few songs.

Yesterday more came down at the Fox Theatre, this time intentionally. The Fox Theatre marquee is being replaced by one that mirrors the original one from 1930 slim and vertical. Until enough money is raised, however, a temporary banner will be used.

Much has improved in the past decade in downtown Centralia, with the sidewalks and roads upgrades and the ongoing renovations within buildings throughout the downtown core on Tower Avenue.

The Fox Theatre at some point will be restored and be the centerpiece of the city, thanks first to the foresight of city leaders in purchasing the Fox back in 2001, and also for the dedication by White to the project. White remembers seeing his first movie in the Fox Theatre, and vows to see this project through.

Along with the new marquee, restoration includes a new roof and refurbished exterior brickwork.

Currently the work on the Fox Theatre is being funded through a local hotel and motel tax and a facade improvement grant.

White hopes the community also opens its wallet to the worthwhile cause. Donations are tax deductible, as the Historic Fox Theatre Restoration group is a registered nonprofit organization.

Donations can be sent to Historic Fox Theatre Restorations, 119 S. Tower Ave., Centralia, WA 98531.