Page 5 - The Wayne Dispatch

Goodbye to 2020

By Carolyn Marnon 2020 graduated in a socially-dis-
With a sigh of relief, 2020 has tanced ceremony due to the COVID-
now of ficially come to a close. Let’s 19 pandemic that rocked the world.
look back on a few highlights and Taft-Galloway got a sensory room
events that happened in Wayne last for students with autism thanks to a
year and were mentioned in The large donation from Freddi Bello, the
Wayne Dispatch. Pizzaman.
The Wayne Police Department COVID-19 infiltrated the United
welcomed a golden retriever named States causing major shutdowns
Zeke to their ranks as a community across the nation. Schools, restau-
therapy dog. rants and non-essential stores Zeke joined the the Wayne Police Department ranks as a community therapy dog.
At the Ford Wayne Assembly closed. Thousands of people were nan was immediately tasked with the new classes, new friendships to be
Plant, the Ford Bronco rolled of f the suddenly unemployed. Stay-at-home challenge of how to serve students made, and seeing old friends. Re-
production line and is being built. orders were put in effect. Zoom be- remotely during the pandemic. turning to learn in 2020 involved ta-
Since 1966, Chum’s Donuts, came the new way to interact with Lori Morrow was named the new bles and desks set up in homes as
across the street from Wayne Memo- others. Executive Director for Wayne Main Wayne-Westland students returned
rial High School, had been a part of Officer Michael Bolton was Street. to school virtually.
many high school students’ morning. named 2019 Wayne Police Officer of A new Veterans Memorial was Wayne’s oldest resident, 110-year-
Chum’s closed early in the year after the Year. erected outside Wayne City Hall after old Winifred Nichols, died in Sep-
the death of owner Larry Stockwell. The Wayne Fire Department suf- five years of dreams and fundrais- tember. She did not die of COVID.
The Wayne-Westland Community fered as 50% of the staff were side- ing. Wayne residents voted to elimi-
School District had what was proba- lined with COVID. Community The sale of recreational mari- nate the Ward System for electing
bly their largest-attended graduation members stepped up to supply the huana was approved in 2019 by city council members. This will take
ceremony when 84-year-old Avery department with meals and gift Michigan voters. In 2020, the Wayne effect with the 2024 election. The
Hall received his high school cards. City Council approved recreational Wayne City Council welcomed Mayor
diploma. Avery had left school at a Wayne-Westland Community marihuana sales in the City. John Rhaesa, Mayor Pro Tem Tom
young age to serve in the armed School District welcomed a new Su- Most students are excited to re- Porter, Councilman Kevin Dowd and
forces. The rest of the Class of perintendent, John Dignan. Mr. Dig- turn to school in September with new Council member, Alfred Brock.

The Wayne Dispatch · January 2021 · 5