Happy Holidays from the BNA! We’ve been working hard to increase capacity and drum up support for a number of initiatives central to our mission, and aligned with our stated community priorities for 2025. We’re looking for more engagement from the community at large as we build new teams and renew our lasting commitments. Here are some highlights:
We have a new Bayside Community Garden Team leader! Holly Picotte has been a great asset as a fellow gardener, volunteer, and crew member and is steeping up to manage and administer the BNA garden. She can be reached through email at garden@baysideportland.org or by filling out the form on our website here: https://baysideportland.org/bayside-community-garden-signup/ We’ll also be posting again in the springtime on instagram @baysidecommunitygarden
We have a new Safe Streets Team, inspired by the dialogue at our December 17th meeting with Mayor Dion, Chief Dubois, Midtown Community Policing and many residents and business owners. Our new neighbors Bowman and Anna Brown of Elda have stepped up to lead the team and keep the momentum going. You can contact them at safestreets@baysideportland.org As always, the BNA continues to advocate for the safety and dignity of all residents, workers, and visitors.
Development developments continue to develop in Bayside, and the Development Team is on top of it! We’re following the following proposals for new construction projects in our neighborhood:
• 3300-seat music venue at Myrtle Street & Cumberland Ave
• 48-unit “housing first” project by Avesta at former Oxford Street shelter site
• Childcare center with 50-units of affordable family housing at Youth & Family Outreach
and of course we’ll continue to monitor the ongoing master development plan by Reveler including the apartments at 89 Elm St. which recently broke ground, and the still stalled Federated Co. Midtown project, among others. Learn more and get involved by emailing development@baysideportland.org
The BNA is also very much involved with the exciting new project at Justin Alfond’s 72 Parris Street property, which he is generously gifting to the community, forming a steering committee including BNA board members, residents, and other stakeholders to determine the best use of the former Fork Food Lab site. Check out this video of the first planning stage: 72 Parris Street Project
In other news: Meet the BAYsideBEEs!
The BAYsideBEEs volunteer corps is the brainchild of longtime Bayside artist in residence Deirdre Paul. Deirdre hopes to add “more fun” to everything we get done. From street cleanups to community meals, block parties, greening and educational programming, the BAYsideBEEs will be there to help, and we need your help to make that happen! Contact us at volunteer@baysideportland.org Working on hats too!
Citizens’ Trash Brigade — Our ongoing volunteer activities have always included a spring and fall neighborhood cleanup. We’re already planning our spring cleanup and raffle on April 19, 2025, and need a big turnout to cover every street. Another new neighbor, Megan Holt has suggested forming the BNA Citizens’ Trash Brigade. Great idea Megan, let’s do it! In addition to our spring and fall cleanups, the CTB is planning monthly targeted cleanups, one block at a time, where we stick together instead of spreading out. The first one will be Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11am to Pickup Preble Street, weather permitting. We’ll meet at the 72 Parris Street parking lot, gloves and bags provided, hot drinks afterward. Contact us at CTB@baysideportland.org for more information.
(above) Volunteers and staff for the Wayside Food Programs’ Community Lunch at 409 Cumberland Avenue. Mondays noon-1pm, starting again after the holidays on January 6th. All are welcome.
SELECTED HOLIDAY EVENTS:
APOHADIAN THEATRE
https://apohadiontheater.org/Upcoming-Events
Dec 20-22 — Experimental Santa feat. BonBon Boys, all ages
Dec 31st — New Year’s Eve show feat. Eniam and others, all ages
BATSON RIVER BREWING
https://batsonriver.com/calendar/list/
Dec 23, 30 — Reindeer Games
Dec 25 — Movie Night
Dec 24, 31 — Spirit of Giving – Toys for Tots drive
BAYSIDE BOWL
New Year’s Eve — Masta Killa and others, all ages
MAINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
https://www.mainehistory.org/whats-on/
Dec 21st — Comfort and Joy: Tour the Wadsworth-Longfellow House decorated for a 19th century Christmas.
MERRILL AUDITORIUM
Dec 20-22 — Portland Symphony – Magic Of Christmas
Dec 23, 30 — Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ – Christmas with Kennerley
PORTLAND STAGEThru Dec 24 — The Snow Queen
Next BNA Board Meeting: Tuesday, January 7, 2025 6pm online using zoom. Open to the public. Please email info@baysideportland.org for an invitation and link. Check our community calendar often for updates
http://www.baysideportland.org
Mission Statement:
“The Bayside Neighborhood Association (BNA) empowers the Bayside community by building meaningful partnerships that promote health, safety, green spaces, diversity, housing, and sustainable development for all who live, work, and play in this unique urban neighborhood.”
We need your help! Please consider a tax-deductible year-end donation to the BNA, a 501c(3) non-profit organization. Contact Jim Hall, treasurer for more information at treasurer@baysideportland.org
