Tuesday December 13th

Tree Lighting &

Hot Chocolate Social

Gino & Liz Marcus Community Complex 1168 Drouillard

5pm-8pm

Join Ward 5 Councillor Ed Sleiman for the annual tree lighting ceremony.

Enjoy caroling, Tim Horton’s hot chocolate & coffee, Christmas treats and craft sale.

Event is free, all welcome!

Event hosted by the Ford City Residents in Action

What's Been Happening in Ford City? November 2011

Ford City Sharing Our Vision: Community Forum a Success

On November 3rd the Ford City community came together to hear the results of this past summer's Community Conversations project.The report is available for download on the right side of the top of our blog under Envision Ford City.

.

The Community Conversations brought Ford City community members together to discuss questions such as "what do you love about Ford City", "how would you like Ford City to be know in 10 years", and "what could be done with vacant land or property in Ford City". Groups of participants sat around small tables with a hot cup of coffee, a snack and the company of fellow community members to discuss their answers.

Project staff recorded answers and complied data. After an analysis of themes and answers a report was produced to summarize the results and 35 recommendations were generated.

These recommendations will inform the work of the Ford City Redevelopment Committee, the Ford City Neighbourhood Renewal Project, the Ford City Residents in Action, the city and other organizations with a stake in the area's revitalization.

We would like to acknowledge and thank the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for their support of both the Sharing Our Vision Forum and the Community Conversations project. We would also like to acknowledge CMHC for their contribution of a shed for the Ford City Community Garden in the summer of 2011.

For more information on this project or to obtain a copy of the report please e-mail info@fcnr.org

Ford City Sharing Our Vision: Listening + Learning Event

On November 4th The Ford City Listening & Learning event, held at Atelier Virginianne 1078 Drouillard, showcased the photography of residents, a visual representation of the parts of Ford City that speak to their experience living there.The event also featured works from members of BCL such as "Make This Better".

About 100 guests enjoyed the art, live music and participated in the silent auction of the photos. The money raised from the event went towards the activities of both the Ford City Residents in Action and the Ford City Community Garden.

This event also marked a first for Ford City; the opening of an art studio and workspace called Atelier Virginianne. The space features a large work area and kiln that can be rented, and Virginianne herself teaches lessons here.

Call 519-962-5638.

Thank you to all who attended. Your support is vital to the momentum of Ford City.

Ford City Sharing Our Vision November 3 & Listening + Learning November 4

Click the posters to enlarge.

Visit http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2321555836 for more info!

Paint the Towne-Site 2-Part 2 "Beautify"

Our second Paint the Towne site has evolved.....a local artist has been up to "all good" by beautifying the store front with her artistic prowess. Although not completed, what do you think??

Before

To be continued....

Paint the Towne Strikes Again with Site 2 Refresh!

The second 'Paint the Towne' site was refreshed today with a coat of primer. Shortly a local artist will begin putting on the finishing touches with a neutral design....so stay tuned!

Before.......

After!

Check Out Our Aviva Community Fund Grant Idea: An Accessible Park at the Gino & Liz Marcus Community Complex on Drouillard Road

Wouldn't it be wonderful to see a brand new accessible all-ages park space at the Gino & Liz Marcus Community Complex on Drouillard???

Please check out our idea and vote daily. Together we can make this happen!

ROUND 2 begins October 24th so vote once a day! Thank you!

Paint the Towne Rolls On!

On August 30th we first wrote about our Paint the Towne project and we told you to stay tuned.....well here is the latest photo of the building.

Notice anything new?

Thanks to New Beginnings, and in particular their youth outreach worker Toni Soldevilla, the building is proudly displaying artwork painted by neighbourhood youth at the Ford City Funday event that was put on Sept 3rd by the Ford City Residents in Action.

Stop by sometime and have a look at the artwork. If your child was one of the artists maybe they can point out which part they did!

A big Ford City thank you goes to New Beginnings for helping us further beautify this building with your donations of time and materials.

Ford City FUNDAY- A Huge Success

Ford City Funday September 3, 2011

FUNDAY was back this year, and better than ever, to celebrate the end of summer and the return to school! With the help of sponsors and volunteers FUNDAY provided everyone in attendance with FREE food and entertainment. Funday included: jello eating contest, tee ball game, bird house building, water balloon toss, canvas painting, face painting, historic walking tour, bouncy house, live music and more to Ford City residents.

The Ford City Residents in Action thank all who attended the family funday! They would like to thank all the volunteers who worked hard in the heat to put on the event. A big Ford City thank you goes out to the sponsors: Local 444, Local 2458, Local 200, Excess Metals, Metro, City of Windsor, New Beginnings, YU Express, Windsor Family Credit Union, Champion Products, Windsor Taxi, Mainsonville Court, Long & McQuade, Canada Bread, Lowes, Drouillard Place, Windsor Fire & Rescue, Windsor Police Services and Computers for Kids.

Paint the Towne Site #1: Getting Fresh!

On August 25th the Ford City Neighbourhood Renewal kicked off its Pain the Towne program. Thanks to a partnership with Drouillard Place Teen Centre, who sent us two excellent painters, it only took 4 hours to scrape the paint and put on two fresh coats of white primer.

And guess what??? We're not done yet! Stay tuned.......

Before

After!

We would like to thank Spectrum Contracting and Drouillard Place

for sponsorship of this program.

Thank you to Browns Lounge for use of their ladder. Thank you to Canadian Salvage for donating the paint rollers.

Art in the Garden Youth Party August 13th

Update: Check out the Windsor Star Article Called "Ford City Gathers For Art's Sake" here, published August 15th as a follow up to the event.

Art in the Garden 2011

Ford City Community Safety Meeting July 26-6pm Gino & Liz Marcus Community Complex

Hosted by your Ward 5 Councillor Ed Sleiman-Come on out and hear from Windsor Police Services, Fire & Rescue and others about how to remain safe, what to look out for and what to report. There will be time for Q&A.

This event is free. All public welcome! See you there!

Giant Ford City Yard Sale July 23 9-4 July 24 10-3

Ford City BMR Property Security Upgrade Program 2011

Want to secure your property? Can’t afford expensive upgrades?

Take advantage of this offer and SECUREyour home/business at a deep discount right now!

Home or business owners in the Drouillard area can take advantage of heavily discounted security hardware such as dead bolt locks, security doors and door frames!

Your property will be looked at by a BMR installer to determine needed hardware and pricing before installation.

Funding is limited so act quickly to take advantage of this offer!

Contact Karlene or Stephen at 519-915-9583 to book a consultation with BMR Windsor Building Centre staff

We thank our Sponsors:

BMR Windsor Building Centre 11365 Tecumseh Road East

Windsor Police Services

June 2011 Edition of Ford City Newsletter Hitting Mail Boxes Soon!

June Edition of Ford City Newsletter is Available

Check Out the Action in Ford City!

(Please excuse the missing letters)

If you do not receive a copy in your mail please stop by Gino & Liz Marcus Community Centre for a copy later this week.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

Envision Ford City is a community wide conversation to talk about what is good in Ford City and what YOU, the residents, property owners and community leaders want for the future of your community!

Community Conversations is NOT another meeting to talk about what is wrong or bad in the community. Nor is it another meeting to talk about some else's plan for Ford City. It IS about your family, your home, your business, your future, your vision, your ideas! We want to hear YOUR ideas, YOUR vision, for YOUR Ford City.

Please join us for any one of the sessions listed! All meetings are open to the public and ALL AGE are encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be provided and childcare is available at most locations.

There is a Brazilian proverb that says "when you dream alone, it remains just a dream. When you dream together, it is the beginning of a new reality." Please come and help us begin a new reality for Ford City!

• June 2nd - 10AM @ New Song Church
• June 2nd - 2PM @ Maisonville Court
• June 3rd - 6:30PM @ New Song Church
• June 9th - 6PM @ Drouillard Terrace
• June 11th - 2PM @ Drouillard Terrace
• June 16th - 6PM @ Gino Marcus C. Centre
• June 18th - 2PM @ Gino Marcus C. Centre

Click here for a PDF version of the poster.

Ford City Residents Bring Back the BOOM!

The Ford City Residents in Action (FCRA) are bringing back the BOOM with the return of a community fireworks display on Saturday, May 21st in Drouillard Park. This FREE event, which is supported by the Ford City Redevelopment Committee, will provide families with live entertainment, face-painting, and of course the fireworks! Food and drink sales will help support future community events. Everything starts at 6pm and wraps up at 11pm.

Having successfully hosted the Ford City Winter Wonderfest, an Easter Egg Hunt and a Neighbourhood Clean-Up, the Residents in Action Committee is thrilled to be bringing a community fireworks event back to Ford City,” stated Gary Dugal with the FCRA. “We are planning on a tremendous turnout from across the city.”

This event is just one of the many signs that great things are happening in Ford City. The Residents in Action have worked tirelessly to prepare a night of family friendly fun and entertainment. You don’t want to miss It!

Facts
When: Saturday May 21, 2011 (Rain Date: Sunday, May 22, 2011)
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Where: Drouillard Park, 1247 Drouillard Road
Purpose: Build community spirit and raise funds for future community events.
Includes: Live entertainment, food concessions, and fireworks!
Admission: Free
Info:

Karlene Nielsen or Stephen Lynn
Ford City Neighbourhood Renewal
1168 Drouillard Road, Windsor
T: 519-915-9583
fordcityrenewal@gmail.com
___________________________________________________________________
The Ford City Residents in Action are the 2011 winners of the United Way’s “Creating Thriving Neighbourhoods” award. This voluntary committee, made up of Ford City residents, is determined to improve the quality of life in Ford City for all residents. They are also committed to the creation and implementation of family friendly events that create opportunities for individuals to meet their neighbours and engage one another to experience their community.

Two Windsor Entrepreneurs Locating on Drouillard Road

A recent Windsor Star article showcased two new businesses that are located in the 1600 block of Drouillard Road. LeeAnn Walmsley opened Magic Hair Salon in January at 1657 Drouillard and Jay Sales plans a June 1 opening for his restaurant next door.

Both Walmsley and Sales love the Ford City/Drouillard Road area and are exciting about being apart of the revitalization efforts taking place here.

We're happy to have both their businesses on the street and look forward to doing our own spotlight on them in the months to come.

You can read the story here

UPDATE: Clean Sweep/Egg Hunt Moved to Sunday April 17th

UPDATE:

The Clean Sweep/Easter Hunt is canceled for tomorrow due to rain and will be held this SUNDAY APRIL 17TH instead! Please let everyone know! Sunday April17th the clean sweep will start at 9:45am in Drouillard Park, followed by a free pizza lunch for participants. At 1:30pm the Easter Egg Hunt starts in Drouillard park for grade school aged children and under. Hope to see you all there!

More Theatre In Ford City: Kordazone Double Bill!

http://www.kordazone.com/kordazone/Current_Show.html

You might be thinking what can i do this weekend? You might be joining us for the Ford City Clean Sweep this Staurday and be looking for some entertainment afterwards.......well why not visit Kordazone Theatre on Seminole in historic and interesting old Ford City? They will be featuring this Shakespearian Double Bill which looks outta this world! Check out their website or call 519-562-3394 for more info.

Drouillard Viaduct....Facelift?!

Check out the city's proposed plans for a Wyandotte facelift that includes the Drouillad viaduct!
http://windsorite.ca/2011/04/04/city-proposes-make-over-to-wyandotte-street-east/
This illustration is featured at the bottom of the linked Windsorite.ca page above.

Crime Stoppers Neighbourhood Meeting-March 24th 7pm

Want to meet a local patrol officer assigned to the Drouillard Area?

Want to lean about crime prevention?

Want to voice concerns? Then please join us March 24th @7pm!

Crime Stoppers liason Ryan Burney, OPP and Steve Dickson, Windsor Police will be at the

Gino & Liz Marcus Community Centre 1168 Drouillard on March 24th at 7pm.

Refreshments will be provided. This event is free and all are welcome!

Thank you to Crime Stoppers and Ford City BIA.

Ford City Clean Sweep April 16th, 2011 Starts 10am

CLEAN SWEEP Drouillard April 16th, 2011-An Early Earth Day Celebration

Meet us at Drouillard Park for 9:45am. We will provide you with gloves, bags and pickers. We will begin at 10am and end at 11:30am. Afterward cleaners will receive free pizza and pop!

We will be clean sweeping the area between the Drouillard Park and the Whelpton Parkette. If there are a lot of people we will be able to cover a bigger area so come on out! ;)

Clean sweeps are great ways to give back to your community and get to know your neighbours! We will gladly sign community service forms for those of you looking for community service hours.

See you there!Don't forget the Easter Egg hunt from 1:30-2:30 in Drouillard Park on the same day, April 16th! Open to grade school aged children only, thank you!

Lights, Camera, Action-Theatre Comes to Drouillard

What's better than LIVE theatre? When it comes with dinner!!!!

Join the Slovenian Cultural Club for a night of delicious theatre as they present Twelve Angry Women on

March 4th @ 6:30pm. Tickets are $20/person and can be reserved by calling 519-735-1499 or emailing windsor.scc.Zvon@live.com. Located at 1367 Drouillard Rd.

Dinner features Supreme Breast of Chicken with a Mushroom Cream Sauce, Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Mixed Vegetables. Salad of Mixed Greens, in a Balsamic Olive Oil Dressing with a hint of Maple syrup and Dijon mustard.

12 Angry Women is an adaptation of Reginald Rose's Twelve Angry Men. This nail-biting court drama tells the story of a jury forced to decide the fate of a young man and endure the personalities of their peers.....

Just Paint

Check out this cool video of many different cities brightening up their communities with paint, could we do this in Ford City? Where? Let us know.

Dulux Walls

Dulux Walls was the film element of the Lets Colour Project. A global integrated campaign, who's mission was to bring colour to peoples lives. Together with local communities we transformed areas of Rio de Janeiro, Paris, London and Jodhpur.

Check out their website here.

Space for Rent!

1080 Drouillard Rd Updated Apartment

For rent, is one of four freshly painted vintage one bedrooom apartments that have new laminate floors. They are above a 4,000 square foot Artists Workshop in Trendy Old Ford City at 1080 Drouillard Rd. with a Secure Entrance.

Laundry facilities, inside bike storage, and a window air conditioner are provided. Street parking or paid parking is available. The Bus Line Transit # 3, is on the corner of Richmond steps from the front door.$420.00 per mo. plus utilities.
Contact Virginia Ann @ 519-962-5638


We want to promote your rental/property as well! Contact us today 519-915-9583 FCNR

Postcard from a Delighted Ford City Visitor

We recently received a post card from a woman visiting the area.

She writes:

“FORD CITY, home of the New Song Church which is one of the most welcoming churches in Windsor….Square Deal Market and their famous Rudy’s kielbasa and pepperoni that people come from as far as Toronto for….historic Russian Orthodox churches that sell perogies and borsch…..the Slovenian Culture Centre (don’t miss their potato salad) with their wonderful carousel of nations celebration…. Car expert after car expert who can take care of any car troubles you may have….knowledgeable and friendly residents that love their neighbourhood….And that’s just to name a few things I love about Ford City!”

Great Things Happening in 2011!

Happy New Year Ford City!

2010 was a great year and we ended it on a high note with our fantastic 1st Annual Ford City Winter Wonder Festival!

2011 is bringing great new ideas and projects which will be started hopefully this Spring. If you have any new ideas or want to meet your fellow neighbours, please come out to the Ford City Residents in Action meetings.

You can always contact us at the office or by email. We met many new people at the Winter Fest and we hope to see some more new faces this year!

P - 519-915-9583
E - fordcityrenewal@gmail.com