PRESS RELEASE Date: June 24, 2022
Friends of the Mindemoya Old School (FOMOS) announces that the Old School is about to embark on an exciting new adventure and once again become a viable, contributing part of the Manitoulin community. At the Council meeting on Thursday June 23, the Municipality of Central Manitoulin agreed to a long-term, 21-year lease for the building. “This iconic century building has such exciting potential. Having a lease is a major milestone in bringing the Old School back to life. Now the real work begins!” said Jan McQuay,President of FOMOS. FOMOS will create multiple spaces for artists/artisans and small compatible businesses to make, showcase and sell their wares. This will encompass most of the main floor. On the lower floor, seniors will have a “Seniors Connection Centre” , a place to gather to reconnect and socialize, work on shared projects and attend organized programs. Some of the space will showcase the history of the building and its importance to the community. “The brick-and-stone shell, the outside of the building, is in wonderful shape, although the roof needs re-shingling,” added Ms McQuay. “The main floor is also in surprisingly good condition.” On the lower level, where the floors must be completely replaced, FOMOS’ plans include comfortable in-floor heating. “FOMOS has 300 members, so there is a lot of support and a great core team. Now that we are closer to making this a reality, we hope more people will be inspired to add their support, time and skills. It will be truly a community project, that’s the only way it can work. We will need help with fundraising, grants searches and applications and outreach. We will need organizers, bakers, tech-savvy people, you name it. Our youngest volunteer is a new teenager and some of our oldest supporters are great bakers, over 90 years old,” Ms McQuay added. FOMOS will solicit “gifts in kind” such as offers to help with electrical, plumbing, heating, construction, designs, equipment, furnishings etc. to help with the renovations while keeping costs manageable. “We’re very excited. Now that we have a lease, we can bring the Old School back to life,” said Ms McQuay. Contact: Jan McQuay, Friends of the Mindemoya Old School 705-377-4045 mindemoyaoldschool@gmail.com
