Page 12 - Wayne Dispatch Pages

International Film Festival coming in October

By Sarah Shurge the city. Great Britain, three films from Rus- guest speakers talking about film
The City of Wayne’s first ever In- With the concern of COVID, keep- sia, two films from Ireland, a film making as well.
ternational Film Festival is in the ing the community safe is the main from Iraq, along with a large amount All plans for the festival will be fi-
works for residents and the commu- goal. So they are still looking around of local films. nalized at a later date.
nity to enjoy. the city for safe places to display the The cut-off for submissions was “We’ve met a wonderful amount of
“This city is a great city. We need films. August 31st, so McKay still has a de- people and filmmakers,” said McKay.
to create a place for amazing art,” The festival was originally sched- cent amount of content and films to “I’m excited to grow the film commu-
said Antoine McKay, president of the uled for September 9th-12th, but go through before the festival. nity in Michigan and in Wayne, and
festival. has now been moved to October The festival will also have differ- to hopefully keep this festival going.”
McKay and his wife, Michelle 22nd-24th. “We are getting content ent events throughout the city such This will be the first International
McKay, vice president of the festival, via film or TV that comes from all as a concert, an improv workshop, Film Festival, but McKay hopes it
came up with the idea of a festival over the world,” said McKay. “It’s and an award ceremony where will become an annual event where
about two years ago. However, the opening up a world for people who awards will be presented for best people will be given opportunities to
pandemic really sparked their desire don't get to see this all the time.” actor/actress, director, and so forth. display their works of art for the
to follow through with the idea for They have received things from There could possibly be special community.
Wayne Historical Museum receives funding

By Sarah Shurge
The mission of the Wayne Histor-
ical Society is to display, preserve,
and promote the history of the City
of Wayne. But what happens when
the building that is dedicated to pre-
serving history, is in dire need of re-
pairs?
With holes in the roof, water
spots on the carpet, and buckets
strategically placed to catch water
leaking from the ceiling, the museum
desperately needed help.
“The museum was in need and it
was worth saving,” said Albert Dami-
tio, Wayne Historical Society board
member and former Historical Com- Councilman Alfred Brock, Mayor John Rhaesa and Wayne County Commissioner Al Haidous with the Wayne Historical Society
mission Chair. “The County Commis-
sioner really went to bat for us.” and Wayne County Commissioner at the announcement of the $191,000 Community Development Block Grant for the museum.
Damitio, County Commissioner lic. “It's a miracle we were able to get new furnace. roof will be done before winter, and
and former Wayne Mayor Al Haidous, the grant to be able to preserve our The grant will also be used to up- the rest of the projects will be done
Wayne Mayor John Rhaesa, City building the way we need to,” said date the inside of the museum with before spring.
Manager Lisa Nocerini, City Engi- Damitio. “That way we can do dis- new flooring and carpeting. “This will ensure that the mu-
neer Mike Buiten, Building Inspector plays for youth groups, schools, and “This is going to help us preserve seum stays open for years to come,”
Paul Vaughn, President of the Society everyone to come in and do re- our past and save our future,” said said Moll.
Nicole Conklin, and Tyler Moll who search.” Conklin. Receiving the grant money will
runs the museum, all participated in The grant will be used for many The two-story building was con- also allow the Wayne Historical Soci-
helping the museum win a grant much-needed repairs to the museum structed in 1878 and maintains ety to plan for its future in more
from Wayne County. including repairing the roof and gut- more than 100 exhibits. ways than just repairs.
Due to the great teamwork of so ters. “These repairs will allow more “This grant will also allow us to
many people, the Wayne Historical “This was a great saving grace,” presentations and special presenta- do some money saving, and possibly
Society won a $191,000 Community said Moll, who helped write the tions that we can do in the museum. give us the opportunity to get an on-
Development Block Grant (CDBG). grant. “Everything was last done in Especially for the kids to learn about hands director. That would allow
The CDBG is one of the longest- 1986. We have to put out buckets the history of the area.” said Damitio. more hours for the museum to be
running programs of the U.S. Depart- when it rains. This will really revamp The first project on the agenda is open.” said Damitio.
ment of Housing and Urban the place and give it life for another replacing the 35 year old roof before The museum is open Wednesday
Development (HUD) that funds local hopefully 50 years.” winter. 10 a.m. - 6p.m. and Thursday 10
community development activities In order to maintain the build- The county will bid out all the a.m. - 4 p.m..
such as infrastructure development ing’s accurate structure, the grant projects that need to be done, pick If you want to learn about events,
and public facility improvements. will also go towards repairing the the contractors, and schedule dates. fundraisers or more information
The museum was able to receive brickwork in a historically accurate Because the county is in charge of about the museum, you can visit the
the grant because it's a historical way. Along with replacing the broken scheduling, there isn’t a set timeline website at facebook.com/waynehis-
building and is used to help the pub- air conditioning unit and getting a for the projects but Moll believes the toricalsociety. Or call (734)722-0113.
12 · September 2021 · The Wayne Dispatch