FILM CENTRAL by Emmy and other things

Dear All,

During the Film Festival the Fall Fair will also be held on both Friday and Saturday (26-27 of September). We are planningto have a booth somewhere downtown that has be named: FILM CENTRAL by Emmy. Posters from the various films in the festival, merchandise to sell, free AIFF Souvenir Programs and general information will be available to the public. Several thousand visitors are expected that might want to see a film!!

If you are interested in helping at FILM CENTRAL for a few hours when you are not busy at the screenings, receptions or other events, please contact Emmy Lou at 321. 4301 or forward this to anyone on your email lists.

Also, it was discussed earlier that instead of one big First Monday Meeting in September, we have specific issue-related sessions at various times during September. (Cathy is working on a Master Calendar for this.)

Finally, the St. Mary's/FB Ferry is commencing this week on Thursday, August 28 for $15 round trip tickets. Anyone wishing to join some of us, please let me know! First Departure is at10 am with return trips @ 11:30 am, 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm.Thanks

Tony

Christopher Rex presentation August 25th

The Fernandina Beach City Commission has been invited to attend a presentation on Monday, August 25, 2008 at 4:30 PM sponsored by the Friends of the Library at the First Baptist Church, located at 416 Alachua Street, Fernandina Beach.

International known musician Christopher Rex will demonstrate the acoustics in the First Baptist Church sanctuary, and also present will be Acentech Company from Lynn, Massachusetts who will give a brief opinion and/or recommendation of the quality of the sound in the sanctuary. This presentation is open to the public.

Amelia Island Film Festival-Inaugural Season

Amelia Island Film Festival-Inaugural Season

The Amelia Island Film Festival welcomes local, stateand national filmmakers, producers and visiting/local film-goers to its First Season! Activities begin Thursday am at the Florida House Inn with a Welcoming Event; Friday'sGALA at 8 pm at the Florida House and The Award's Presentations on Sunday afternoon at the Downtown Hampton Inn & Suites.

Screening Venues include: the Palace Saloon,Fernandina Beach Woman's Club, Florida House Innand the Peck Center. Ticket information and AIFF ALL-PASSES available by calling: 904. 335. 1110 or visitwww.AmeliaIslandFilmFestival.org.

GOOD NEWS FROM CITY COMMISSIONERS

On Tuesday evening both John D'Agnese and myself attendedthe City Finance Workshop/Hearings at the Peck Center.

Over 45 people were there to participate. The Agenda was to discuss the Grants submitted by the various non-profit groups including the AIFF's $ 2500 Grant Application that was submitted back in June.

I was second on the list to speak and briefly explained ourneed for equipment for the Festival next year. I also toldthe Commissioners that since the Peck Center has no usable equipment for the public (except for chairs), the AIFF would offer our equipment purchased from the City Grant to be made available to other non-profits under some agreement with the City. At the end of my short presentation, the Mayor commented that he was greatly supportive of the efforts of the Film Festival!!

When all the public response was made (John was the last tospeak) Commissioner Ken Walker voiced his support for the AIFF. A discussion developed concerning voting and goingthrough each grand request line by line. It was agreed to followa grant by grant request and come to consensus on each request.

When the AIFF grant was discussed the staff had recommendedonly $ 1400 be awarded. Mayor Malcolm suggested it be raised to $ 2000. Commissioners Eric Childers and Ken Walker agreed. Majority ruled.

Great News for our efforts, especially for next year since thisbudget is for 2009. Another issue of interest that was suggested by Commissioner Sapp was to grant the City's newest Advisory Group, the Arts Council a $ 10,000 grant for next year to develop city-wide events, such as presentations, art exhibits, musical events for the city. After some discussion the Commissioners agreed toaward a $ 5000 grant to the Arts Council.

Other Agencies and Non-profits grants approved were:

Shop With A Cop $1500 ($ 3000 asked)
Amelia Island Museum of History $ 10,000 ($ 18,000 asked, staff recom. $ 9,500)
Island Book Festival $900......
plus many others
Community in Schools
Barnabas Center
Council on Aging

Thanks to all you have been helpful in gaining additional funding and Corporate Sponsors for the Film Festival!

Tony

Friday night GALA September 26, 2008

Just got an email from Lucia Fishborne, FL State Film Commissionerletting us know she would like to join us at the Friday night GALA at the Florida House Inn, September 26, 2008. Very excited that she plans to come here.

See you soon,
Tony