Author: Robert Sylvain

Annual Meeting and Election Results

On By Robert SylvainIn Governance, Uncategorized

6/3/25 UPDATE: The board elected officers and organizational seats at the June 3rd meeting. See below.

Introducing the 2025 Bayside Neighborhood Association Board of Directors:

  • Tom Blackburn, President
  • Robert Sylvain, Vice-President
  • Colette Bouchard, Secretary
  • Peter Markoe, Treasurer
  • Jim Hall
  • Alex Landry
  • Susan McCloskey
  • Deb Van Hoewyk
  • organizational seat: Portland Downtown, Betsy Boyd

The bylaws allow up to two organizational seats. If you are part of or know of an organization in Bayside that may be interested in joining the BNA board, please contact board@baysideportland.org

Our New President, Tom Blackburn: “Following an absence of about 15 years from the BNA board, I am pleased to see the recent direction of the BNA, especially the revival of committees and subsequent broad support from the community. I’m particularly interested in the BNA as a partner to the proposed Bayside Opportunity Center, in hopes of establishing a community center for Bayside; potentially a game changer for the community and Bayside residents, especially the immigrant population.” -Tom has lived on Hanover Street in Bayside since 1998.

The BNA Annual Meeting and Potluck was held on Saturday, May 31st, along with the annual election of half the board. All five nominated candidates were approved by a wide majority of the assembled members of the larger Bayside community. 18 ballots were cast. Congratulations to the following BNA board members:

  • Tom Blackburn, 14 Hanover Street — 15 votes
  • Colette Bouchard, 8 Hanover Street — 13 votes
  • Jim Hall, 47 Cedar Street — 13 votes
  • Peter Markoe, 47 Hanover Street — 15 votes
  • Robert Sylvain, 167 Falmouth Street — 17 votes

The remaining board members seated for a two-year term in 2024 are as follows:

  • Alex Landry, 15 Boynton Street
  • Deborah Van Hoewyk, 21 Chestnut Street
  • Susan McCloskey, 25 Parris Street

Also elected in 2024 for one-year terms were one organizational seat, and the office of president, as follows:

  • Portland Downtown, represented by Betsy Boyd
  • Sarah Michniewicz, President

This year the board made changes to the bylaws affecting the method of election of board president and organizational seats. The office of president will be chosen by and from the full board— along with the other board offices of vice-president, treasurer and secretary—at the next board meeting this Tuesday June 3rd. Sarah Michniewicz stepped down as BNA president last November when she was elected to Portland city council, making VP Robert Sylvain (who is one of two allowable board members not residing in Bayside) the president pro tempore until a “resident president” is elected. In addition, up to a total of two organizational seats may be selected by the new board.

Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center to Close

On By Robert SylvainIn Welcome Team

Very sad news from our friends at the IWC. More than ever our community needs to come together and help each other. The BNA is committed to helping bridge the gap left by these circumstances. Please reach out as we navigate the uncertain time ahead. We can make a difference together.

Thursday, May 22, 2025
The Board of Directors of the Immigrant Welcome Center (IWC) has made the difficult decision to close our physical location at 24 Preble Street in Portland, ME due to a sustained funding shortfall, heavily impacted by the loss of federal funding for our programs. Walk-in services at our Center will end Monday, June 30th, 2025. 
Our offsite English Language Education (formerly iEnglish) partner classes will continue through July to allow current students to complete their courses. We are exploring all options to support clients and continue projects of the IWC that can happen off-site through the calendar year. Soccer Saturday will expand this summer, offering ten consecutive weeks of free soccer for local youth and families.
For more than seven years, the Immigrant Welcome Center has lived up to its name, providing a place where New Mainers could find not only essential services but also a sense of belonging and welcome. Its closure marks a significant loss for the many individuals and families who have relied on its programs and open doors. While the physical space is closing, the need for this work remains urgent. We promise to continue to coordinate with community partners to explore new homes for key programs in the months ahead.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the staff of IWC, whose commitment, skill and compassion have shaped every aspect of our work, and to our funders, partners and the thousands of immigrants who have placed their trust in us.
Your support has made everything we have accomplished possible. Although this chapter is ending, our mission remains: to help New Mainers navigate life in Maine and strengthen the fabric of our shared community.
For questions or suggestions, please contact the Board at board@welcomeimmigrant.org. You can still reach staff directly at their individual email accounts, or reach out to info@welcomeimmigrant.org for your email to be forwarded to the correct program. 
We look forward to finding new ways to serve this community together.
Sincerely,The Board of DirectorsGreater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center

Bayside Cleanup Sucess!

On By Robert SylvainIn Trees & Greens, Uncategorized

Thanks to all who turned out for another successful Spring Cleanup! Special Thanks to city arbosist Mark Reilland for providing compost and mulch for the BNA Tree Team to spread on our new neighborhood trees. Congratulations to our raffle winners! We’ll be reaching out to deliver prizes soon. Many thanks to the generous Bayside Businesses that donated gift certificates:

Leavitt & Sons Deli – Joseph Nseko
Isa Bistro – Cam Carson
Wilson County BBQ – Hilda Taylor
Bayside Bowl – Peter Wool
Two Fat Cats Bakery – Joshua Soucy
Tally’s Kitchen- Peter Markoe
Maine Oyster Company – Allison Cyr

Two more opportunities to clean up are coming up :Tuesday April 22 with Preble Street, and Saturday May 3rd with Portland Parks Conservancy. See below for details:

BNA Annual Spring Cleanup

On By Robert SylvainIn Uncategorized

Join us for our annual community cleanup and raffle! We need as many helpers as we can get this year because in addition to picking up trash, we’ll be mulching many newly planted trees. We’ll be meeting at the Community Garden on Chestnut Street and spreading out from there. Midtown Community Policing is providing supplies and support and Portland Public Works is providing mulch for our beloved trees. Please download and print the poster, and bring your friends. All participants will be entered into our annual raffle for gift certificates to our friendly neighborhood business sponsors:

  • Leavitt & Sons Deli
  • Isa Bistro
  • Wilson County BBQ
  • Bayside Bowl
  • Two Fat Cats Bakery
  • Tally’s Kitchen
  • Maine Oyster Company

Gloves, trash bags, tools & light refeshments provided. contact info@baysideportland.org for more information

Samosa Social Success!

On By Robert SylvainIn Welcome Team

The Welcome Committee has co-hosted its first event – the Samosa Social!  On Thursday, April 3, the BNA and the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center held an afternoon get-together at the IWC at 24 Preble Street in Bayside.  The idea was to bring together various organizations, including the BNA, who serve our newly arrived neighbors who come to the IWC to learn English, access workforce and entrepreneurial programs, and navigate their way to citizenship.

Bayside neighbors and immigrants from all over the world made short work of the over 200 samosas donated by Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, along with other halal treats from Portland’s immigrant groceries and restaurants.  Music and conversation were the order of the day, along with presentations by representatives from immigrant-serving organizations.  Grace Mo-Phillips from Coastal Enterprises, Micky Bondo from In Her Presence, Bright Musuamba and Amen Mibaraka from Prosperity Maine, and Belinda Vemba from the Immigrant Welcome Center, all spoke about how their organizations help the community.  City Councillor and Bayside resident Sarah Michniewicz was on hand not only to meet and listen to new neighbors, but also to help serve up samosas to the crowd.

The BNA formed the Welcome Committee to better connect with the various communities who comprise the very diverse population of Bayside – home to immigrants and faith groups, home owners and renters, social service and education organizations.  The Welcome Committee works to unite neighbors in making Bayside a more “welcoming” place. We’re hoping this event is the beginning of many enduring collaborations.

BNA Seeking New Board Members!

On By Robert SylvainIn Uncategorized

The Bayside Neighborhood Association has voted to expand our board by up to 2 new seats. All who “live work or play” in Bayside are eligible to submit their name to the Nominating Committee for consideration; two-thirds of the final board makeup will be Bayside residents.

Please send potential nominees’ names and addresses to:  info@baysideportland.org 

Deadline for submissions is Friday April 25. 

Qualifications for nomination by the committee include: 

  • Previous involvement with the BNA (attending meetings, community cleanups, former BNA board or committee service, etc.)
  • Positive leadership and collaborative qualities
  • Having demonstrated that one has the best interests of the Bayside Neighborhood Association and the neighborhood in mind. 

The Nominating Committee will determine who is eligible according to our Bylaws and Elections Policy, verify interest, publish a final slate of candidates May 1, and announce that slate at the May 6 regular board meeting.

Board service includes one monthly 1-2 hour board meeting on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 PM; participation on a committee or team; and attending, participating, or leading BNA community events and activities. Before submitting your or another’s name, please read the information linked below to learn more about the rights & responsibilities of BNA board members. 

The election of board members will be held at our Annual Meeting on Sat May 31st, venue TBD. 

Elections Process Summary:

  • Today – Submissions for consideration by the nominating committed accepted at info@baysideportland.org
  • April 25 – Last day for submissions to the Nominating Committee
  • May 1 – Nominating Committee announces the final slate of nominated candidates
  • May 6 – Regularly scheduled board meeting – Board votes on attached amendments
  • May 31 – Annual Meeting – General Members who sign a membership form vote on board candidates
  • June 3 – Regular monthly board meeting – Board selects its 4 officers

Hope to hear from you!

——

In addition, at the May 6 BNA board meeting, the Board will vote on proposed amendments to BNA Bylaws and Elections Policy. Please see attached below.

Summary of proposed bylaws changes:

  • Revised election process – individual candidates must receive a majority of “yes” votes from valid ballots cast, and are elected to open seats from most to least votes until seats are filled
  • The board president is elected by the board, from among current board members, like other officers (VP, secretary, treasurer)
  • Organizational seats are elected by the board – previously organizational representatives ran against individual board members
  • Shifting some of the detailed requirements and processes from the bylaws into a policy document (board residency requirements, board size, schedule for alternating board slates, handling of ties, etc.)
  • Adding our newly revised mission statement to our bylaws!

Redlined documents showing exact wording of proposed amendments:
BNA Bylaws – Amendments Proposed for Board Vote 5/6/25
BNA Nominating & Election Policy – Amendments Proposed for Board Vote 5/6/25

BNA Board Meeting recap

On By Robert SylvainIn Comms Team, Uncategorized

Tuesday night the BNA board met for their monthly meeting, reviewing team reports and how they align with the BNA strategic vision. We also welcomed as a special guest newly elected Senator Rachel Talbot-Ross, who provided a legislative report and fielded questions about the state of the State. The Senator emphasized how our neighborhood is affected by politics at every level of government, and offered her support and continued advocacy. We’ll be hearing from Senator Talbot-Ross on a regular basis and she can be reached via email at Rachel.TalbotRoss@legislature.maine.gov any time.

Thanks to the BAYsideBEEs Team working to add fun to every BNA event, the board capped the evening with a map challenge game, shown in the photo. Thought-provoking and laugh-inducing, we’re looking forward to similar team-building activities in the future.

Here’s a link to the BNA Teams Report as presented to the board:

BNA Team Reports 2025_02_04Download

Here’s a copy of the Board meeting agenda:

2025_02 BNA AgendaDownload

Here’s a copy of the Strategic Vision overview:

BNA Strategic Vision One-sheetDownload

Bayside Business Breakfast Club Begins

On By Robert SylvainIn Business Club, Uncategorized

A small but enthusiastic group of local business owners braved the snow this morning to meet for the first Bayside Business Breakfast Club event at Isa Bistro, hosted by Chef Isa and Suzie St. Pierre. Also in attendance was Sam Dooley of Maine Clay Collaborative, Stacy Begin of Two Fat Cats Bakery, Kendra Haskell of The Knickerbocker Group, and Peter Leavitt of Leavitt & Sons Deli.

Topics included wayfinding signs, neighborhood branding, collaboration with Creative Portland, Portland Downtown, Chamber of Commerce, and other local organizations, pedestrian safety, connection to the downtown district, and more. We talked about modes of communication and online organization, but all agreed that nothing beats getting together in real life and making the personal connections that make Bayside a vibrant and welcoming community. So… we’re doing it again next month! In February we’ll meet at Two Fat Cats Bakery, and look forward to growing together. If you’re a Bayside business owner and would like to join us, reach out to breakfastclub@baysideportland.org and let us know what days/times work best and we’ll keep you in the loop.