Cordova is most certainly an example of a tight knit town that often comes together to help solve community issues just as Stonesfield did. There are many places in Cordova that hold sentimental value to us and if any were to be threatened I am sure the community would respond in a manner similar to how the Stonesfield Community Benefit Society did. To me, the heart of Cordova is not one location or building, it is the surrounding areas where we spend so much time hiking, kayaking, fishing and exploring. Anyone who has grown up in Cordova has memories of playing at the 9-mile sand dunes, swimming in the reservoir, or hiking one of our many trails. However, there are specific locations around town that hold sentimental value to us all. The harbor and the Cordova Center are both places that are at the heart of our community. Seeing as Cordova is a town that relies so strongly on the fishing industry, the harbor is such a crucial location. All throughout the year, although less so in the winter, the harbor is buzzing with activity. The Cordova Center is a common gathering space for events such as the bazaar, festival activities, movies, music and dance performances and art exhibits. Just as the White Horse pub was important to the people of Stonesfield, these places are both important to many Cordovans. Unfortunately, over the past year many of these indoor gathering spaces have been temporarily closed. In the wake of the coronavirus outdoor locations have become more popular for gatherings. These include the ski hill, Sheriden glacier, the grassy field, the reservoir, and more.

      Cordova’s White Horse Tavern is the harbor–without it we would not be here.  In the summer, it is constantly buzzing with life. With or without the coronavirus pandemic, the harbor is the heart of Cordova (literally and metaphorically). This past year has given us perspective though, on how lucky we are to be disconnected from the rest of the world. Because of the pandemic, we’ve found more of a social hub and a sense of community through social media, online events, as well as our own backyard. Livestream and zoom events, scavenger hunts, and distanced hikes–Cordovans were able to adjust to restrictions in creative ways just like others. 

      In the same way that the citizens of Stonefield came together to save a place that they cared for, Cordovans have risen up times for various causes. These include the lack of ferry service as well as attempts to build a road, or even back to cleanup from the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. Our deep connection to our surroundings furthers our resilience and tightens our bond as a community. We are lucky to be in a place where we can gather outdoors and share our passion for this area with others, still in a socially distant way. Unlike citizens in other cities, like Stonefield, where people gather in bars and or coffee shops, we had flexibility. I would also argue that the Cordova Center is our social hub, especially in the winter, which is usually busy with concerts and shows.