Owner Of Independence Theater Seeks Help Restoring Building

INDEPENDENCE — Anthony Fitz reels off memories of his youth while pointing at spots in the historic Malek Theater.“I remember sitting right down there watching ‘Empire Strikes Back.’ I remember sitting over there watching ‘E.T.,’ ” he said. “I can vaguely remember sitting up there with my mother watching ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter.’ ”Now Fitz is asking for the public’s help to save the 73-year-old downtown Independence landmark so future generations can make their own memories.Fitz, whose mother Jodeen bought the Malek in 1992, has started an online GoFundMe campaign in hopes of raising $150,000 to fix the roof and seal up the building at 116 Second Ave.