January 2022 Newsletter

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Friends of Woodfords Corner News
January 2022

FWC Spotlight:
Active Transportation Committee (ATC)

This year, we'll dedicate a few of our monthly newsletters to explaining more of the pillars of our work as the Friends of Woodfords Corner. Our Active Transportation Committee (ATC) is dedicated to improving the experience and safety of those who walk, bike, and ride METRO. Let's learn more about what this committee does!

So, What is Active Transportation?

Our board member Eric Larsson LOVES to explain about Active Transportation – read his great article that breaks it down for us.

At the heart of Friends of Woodfords Corner’s mission of fostering a thriving, welcoming, and sustainable village hub is the work of the Active Transportation Committee. But what is Active Transportation, and what does the committee actually do? Very simply it comes down to making Woodfords Corner more walkable. Read more >>

Deering Ave Installation Report

In the 113 days between installation on July 15 and removal on November 5, the Friends of Woodfords Corner collected survey data from 129 people to evaluate the project. The responses were overwhelmingly positive! Read more>>

Making Sure We All Know Snow

Do you know your responsibilities when it comes to sidewalk snow and ice removal in the City of Portland? Help keep Woodfords Corner walkable–a safe place for your neighbors to get around–all winter long! Read more >>

Just a reminder of the basics:

The City has a supply of free sand and pet-safe salt mix located at the Little League parking lot in Payson Park (for residential use only).
You can help the Portland Fire Department by keeping areas around fire hydrants clear of snow and ice.
FWC Volunteers will be heading out to educate our neighbors about snow removal in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing you!

Volunteer for the Active Transportation Committee!

If you’re a community member interested in working with us to help make Woodfords Corner safer and more inviting, contact Nancy Grant, the Committee Chair, at nancylewisgrant@gmail.com.

Learn More about ATC

fwc announcements

Question of the Month:
Tell Us What You Think!

Each month we're asking one (1) question to hear from YOU! Answer the question to be entered to win a fun prize – this month, a pair of handmade sweater mittens (see photo at right)!

January's Question:
How likely are you to walk to a business in the Corner in the winter (after a snowstorm)?

Answer the January Question of the Month!

FWC Honored with MDC 2021 Downtown Project of the Year!
Maine Downtown Center (MDC) is a program through Maine Development Foundation (MDF) that serves as the state's Main Street America coordinator. MDC helps to promote the Main Street approach of economic vitality, design of public spaces, building organizational capacity, and promoting the assets of a downtown. As a Main Street Affiliate, FWC is a part of the larger MDC close-knit network of 23 other downtown districts in the state!

We are so honored to be receiving the Maine Downtown Center 2021 Downtown Project of the Year award for our Deering Ave Traffic Demonstration! You can read more about the awards given R ead more>>.

There's still time to give
Thank you to everyone who has donated to support our big plans this year!

We've already raised over $10,000 to make 2022 the year we achieve the biggest impact yet! Help us reach our goal of raising $20,000 so we can go above and beyond and tackle some "big lift" projects. Be a part of Woodfords Corner's transformation:

make a gift today as an investment in your community!

Learn More & Donate Today!

Thank You, Andy Nesheim!

Andy joined the FWC board in 2020 while he and his wife Zara were developing the new business Coveside Coffee. Even during this very challenging time of the pandemic, Andy and Zara created the very kind of hangout the corner needs. Coveside has become a local meeting place for friends, families and business meetings. They hosted several public events over the warmer months with food trucks, co -sponsored the 2021 Community Garden Tour and hosted pop-up shopping in the holiday season featuring local artisans. While Andy is stepping down from the board, he remains committed to the mission of a walkable, family friendly and economically sustainable village hub. Please support Andy and Zara over the cold months and visit Coveside often!

Thank You to Our November Donors!

We are so grateful to all of the small businesses in the Corner who have donated to us in our Year-End Appeal: The Honey Exchange, Lucas Realty, Lux Box, Tsunami Tattoo, The Great Lost Bear & Pot + Pan

A special thanks to a few of our neighbors for their donations as well: Patrick Boothe, Erin Brennan, Jackson Brown, Will Elting, Anne Fowler, Mary Jacobs, Linda & Martin Rogoff, Jeff Levine, Kari & Robert Suva, Elizabeth Sellers, Bill Shouse, Kellan Simpson, Peter Terhune, Sam Tracy & Teresa Valliere.

Thank you to all 67 of our donors!

corner news

Submit Your Events & News!

Have a Corner Happening coming up? Submit your events to be included in the FWC Community Calendar and upcoming monthly e-News editions!

Have news or an announcement about your business, property, or organization? Submit it to be included in upcoming monthly e-News editions!

Join Our Team: Volunteer for Friends of Woodfords Corner!

Join us in our efforts to foster a thriving, welcoming, and sustainable village hub in Woodfords Corner, and make an impact on your community! We're always looking for more volunteers for our committees and folks who want to serve as board members. Complete one of the forms, linked below, to inquire and learn more!

FWC & Main Street America

In 2019 (a mere 3 years ago) Friends of Woodfords Corner became a Main Street Affiliate. What does this mean for our organization and our community, and how does this make us unique among many varied community groups in the Portland area? Learn more here>>