Community Spotlight Community Spotlight Bayside Corners revitalization project

Bouncing back after the pandemic, nonprofit Bayside Corners, has an ambitious community revitalization project --- the repair and restoration of Bayside’s 131 year old Temperance Hall and beautification of the surrounding property. Built in 1882, this centerpiece of Bayside’s historic district at the intersection of Old Arcata and Jacoby Creek Roads, has provided the space for public meetings, socializing, cultural events, classes and youth groups. For many years, the Hall’s main use has been Mistwood Educational Center.

With Mistwood’s cooperation, Bayside Corners aims to beautify the site and upgrade the Hall kitchen, bathrooms, stage and meeting hall, to make it attractive for community uses after-school hours, weekends, and summer months.

Maggie Gainer, Bayside Corners’ president, said, “We took ownership of the building because providing a social gathering place perfectly matches our community-building mission. Social isolation is caused by community design, social norms, public policy, neglect, and systems that make it hard to build connections. Communities are safer and healthier when residents know their neighbors to reach out to in times of need.”

This ambitious Master Plan needs community support to accomplish the project in stages. Phase I will address the stormwater drainage problems onsite, raise the building and strengthen the foundation. A USDA grant program for rural facilities can match local funds raised up to $52,000.

The first benefit for this project is a St. Patrick’s Day event on Friday, March 17th. An Evening of Irish Music & Humor in Bayside will feature The Fiddle Academy All-Stars and Seabury Gould. Doors open at 7:30 and live Irish music starts at 8:00 PM. Drinks and desserts will be available and the best of a limericks contest will be read aloud and win a free beer. Winning limericks will name local leaders, favorite landmarks and hangouts. See limerick instructions at the website www.baysidecorners.org where $20 tickets are also sold, or by contacting 707-826-2021, baysidecorners@gmail.com, or at Mistwood in the Temperance Hall Monday – Thursday 4-5:00 PM. Make this your St. Patrick’s Friday date night in Bayside.