February 2012 Munjoy Hill Observer by Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization

M u n joy Hil l

OBSERVER

Non Profit Org US Postage

MHNO, 92 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101

Change Service Requested

PAID

Portland, ME Permit No. 824

FREE Published by the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization Vol. 32, No. 1 • February 2012

Above, the view of Franklin Street to the east, toward Casco Bay, at the intersection with Fox and Somerset Streets. (File photo).

Fr anklin St. Revisited Phase II of the redesign would reclaim Franklin Street as an urban avenue By Markos Miller, Chair, Franklin Street Redesign Study Committee Residents of the East End are well acquainted with the problems that the current Franklin Street presents: high speed traffic, unsafe crossings, a lack of sidewalks, and acres of unused or under-used land, all resulting in a barren landscape cutting off historic neighborhoods. The roadway also presents a number of problems that prevent automobile traffic from moving safely and efficiently. However, in the months ahead the City of Portland will take the next steps to correct the mistakes of this urban renewal project, which date back over 40 years.

Phase Two of the Franklin Street Redesign Study will build upon the citizen-led study completed in 2009 and will result in a recommended design for the corridor that serves vehicular traffic, bicycles, and pedestrians, while also optimizing the social and economic benefits for the community. The effort to redesign Franklin Street was initiated over five years ago by the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization and our friends in the Bayside Neighborhood Association. With the support of Portland Trails and Greater Portland Landmarks, these neighborhood organizations formed the Franklin Reclamation Authority, which dedicated itself to implementing

the principles of NeighborhoodBased Planning to create a new vision for Franklin Street based on community education and involvement. This led to the Portland City Council creating the Franklin Street Study Committee, which completed the Phase One work of developing three concept alternatives for a new Franklin Street. Phase Two of this study will focus on the analysis of the range of options presented in the Phase One report: Reclaiming Franklin Street. The study will follow a holistic approach, following recent Complete Streets roadway design policies that recognize that urban corridors serve many users and offer a wide range of benefits to a community. Franklin

Photo by Lisa Peñalver

Street needs to be able to move cars safely and efficiently, but it also needs to serve pedestrians and bicyclists in a similar manner. In addition, the organization and uses of the land along Franklin Street can help create a sense of place, giving an identity to an important gateway into the city, reconnecting historic neighborhoods, and offering greater value to the community. The three concept alternatives for Franklin Street include: • The Urban Parkway • The Urban Street • The Multi-Way Boulevard. While each concept offers a distinct identity for the corridor, the committee members see the see page 6, Franklin Street

historic restorations of Fort Allen Park unfold: see page 10, Friends of the Eastern Promenade

Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization hosts its

MHNO Quarterly Meeting: Wed, Feb. 29 6-7:30 pm, East End Community School

With a Presentation by Avesta on the Adams School development project By Ralph Carmona, member of the MHNO Board of Directors

hensive issues that impact you and those around you.

The most central tool for a grounded democracy is community participation on issues that affect us as individuals. A viable way for Portlanders to participate is through neighborhood associations.

Becoming an active MHNO member is a way to meet people in the neighborhood, engage in social activities, and stay informed of and involved in issues of community interest. Munjoy Hill residents can experience all three of these benefits by coming to MHNO’s quarterly meeting, scheduled to take place in the East End Community School cafeteria from 6 to 7:30 PM on Wed, Feb. 29.

It is a way to measure the impact one’s personal life can have on others. Associations, like the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization (MHNO), are viable vehicles for weighing and working on compre-

Run • Bike • Sled...and may the wackiest one Win!

Feb 18 2012 see page 14 for details

Those attending will receive a briefing from Avesta, a Portland-based non-profit organization with a mission to provide quality affordable housing to southern Maine communities. They will provide an update on the Adams School neighborhood project—bounded by Munjoy, Moody, Vesper and Wilson Streets. According to Avesta Housing Director Ethan Boxer-Macomber, the development provided a “rare opportunity to erase a condition of blight and replace it with

quality new context sensitive housing and open space while reknitting the fabric of the neighborhood.” Feedback from the MHNO board of directors and open public dialogue were instrumental in shaping the project, according to BoxerMacomber. “Those involved know of the many discussions around density, scale, parking, site design, architectural design, financing, affordability targeting -- and more.” Much has changed since Avesta’s initial 2008 proposed plan to develop a green or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified housing project of 40 oneand-two bedroom units. In the face of shifting economic realities, the

latest update is of 16 ownership non-LEED certified condominiums. These changes are among the concerns that will be addressed by Avesta representatives at the quarterly meeting. The project also includes a public pedestrian way and neighborhood park. The Avesta update alone is good enough reason for residents to consider attending the quarterly meeting, which is open to the entire community. It certainly speaks to why non-members should consider paying $10, the price of a movie ticket, to be a MHNO member. Hope to see you there! Visit munjoyhill,org for updates and details.

February 2012

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

At the Helm The Munjoy Hill Observer is published

by the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization (MHNO) at 92 Congress Street Portland, Maine 04101 info@munjoyhill.org 207-775-3050 Editor: Lisa Peñalver

observer@munjoyhill.org (207) 766-5077 munjoyhill.org Observer Committee Andrea Myhaver, Tamera Edison, Sam Cohen, Kristin Rapinac, Lisa Peñalver advertising Tamera Edison tamera.edison@munjoyhill.org 939-7998, Lisa Peñalver, Layout, 239-1604

3,000 Circulation 8,000+ Readership

MHNO President, Andrea Myhaver

Munjoy Hill, how I love thee. Let me count the whys… It was just about a year ago that the MHNO kicked off its “We Love Munjoy Hill” campaign at our quarterly meeting at Hill House last February. Since then I’ve learned—through the support our members have shown us, neighborhood attendance at our events, and the comments that people have shared on our Facebook page— just how much people do love our neighborhood. It makes this “Hill Girl” smile. In our last issue I asked you to tell me why YOU love Munjoy Hill, and I’ve only heard back from a couple of people. Given the positive response to our campaign (and judging by the number of “We Love Munjoy Hill” t-shirts we’ve been selling), this surprised me, and I thought

maybe some of you are just too shy to share your reasons for loving Munjoy Hill in the newspaper. So, I decided to share with you MY reasons (and maybe it will inspire some of you to share too). In this month to celebrate love, and with apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, I give you this poem I wrote: Munjoy Hill, how I love thee. Let me count the whys. I love thee for your ocean, blue and green and gray which changes color with the weather and the day. I love thee for your culture, history, and grace And for greetings from my neighbors That bring a smile to my face. I love your hillsides in the winter, And flowers in the spring, And I love that I can walk to almost everything. I love thee for the people who make this Hill their home And I’m happy it’s the neighborhood that I can call my own.

About our paper The Munjoy Hill Observer is published by the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization (MHNO) as a service to its members and to the community as a whole, to inform Portland’s East End residents of local issues and events, and of the services that can be found here. The Observer serves as a vehicle to connect and inform our neighbors, while enlisting community partners to help us help those who need it most. The Munjoy Hill Observer was first published in May of 1979. Circulation is 3000, distributed free in Portland at over 100 locations. Nearly 300 copies are mailed to current and former members of the MHNO.

MHNO Board 2012 Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization

Andrea Myhaver, President.......................... . ......... andrea.myhaver@munjoyhill.org Kristin Rapinac, Vice President...................... . ............ kristin.rapinac@munjoyhill.org Elaine Mullin, Treasurer............................... elaine.mullin@munjoyhill.org..671-6132   Eben Albert-Knopp....................................... . ................... ealbertknopp@yahoo.com

Munjoy Hill has seen many changes throughout the years, and yet, as it evolves, it remains a vibrant community whose residents are committed to honoring its past, while keeping an eye towards the future. The MHNO invites everyone to come to our next gathering and continue to celebrate our love for Munjoy Hill at our quarterly meeting on Wednesday, February 29th at East End Community School at 6:00 PM. I hope to see you all there!

From the Editor, Lisa Peñalver

We’ll take a cup of kindness yet * February can be dreary and cold in our corner of the world, but I, for one, welcome the lull that it brings after the turmoil of the holidays. It’s a good time to personally regroup—decide what’s been working, and what needs more effort. This is the month many of us start exercise classes, and of course, it’s the time to think about…preparing our tax returns. Looking back prepares us to look forward and make plans. I can almost hear my father asking me how many of my 2011 goals I met. Well…you know that saying, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy

making other plans”? Uh, that. But it needn’t be all seriousness. The mascot for the month is a groundhog, for Pete’s sake! This is the month of Valentine’s Day—sweethearts and chocolate; what’s not to like? In the middle of the month (Feb. 18), the Annual Snowman Adventure Race on the Eastern Prom offers an opportunity to have fun, let off steam, and help Portland Trails fund its good work. Looking ahead in the economy, there is a distinctly warm glow on the horizon. The economy is gradually picking up steam and offering more work for the many

job-seekers. This year’s cold weather has taken so long to arrive, we know it cannot possibly last very long. All the while, our neighborhood continues to grow and thrive. On the East End, historic buildings are being restored, and new businesses are appearing on our streets. I urge you to take advantage of any pause in your calendar to reacquaint yourself with all the many diversions the Hill has to offer. When you’re not off sledding on the Eastern Prom, try new flavors at one of our exceptional restaurants. Pause for a pastry and a cup of tea, coffee and conversation. East End

shops and galleries carry everything from locally-made beverages and gifts to housewares and produce. With plenty of venues for live performances, both theatrical and musical, there is just no excuse for letting cabin fever get the best of you. (*A line from Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne)

Send Your Letters and Hill news to observer@MunjoyHill.org

Ralph Carmona............................................ rccarmona@hotmail.com.........518-9177 Sam Cohen..................... slamco@gmail.com

se recy ea

Katie Brown...... katie.brown@munjoyhill.org Joan Sheedy.....joan.sheedy@munjoyhill.org . ............................................. 774-7616 Ann Quinlan..... ann.quinlan@munjoyhill.org

MHNO Mission Incorporated as a nonprofit organization in January 1979, our purpose is to be

broad-based,

representative

organization committed to improving the quality of life for the residents of Munjoy Hill and the East End, by strengthening the sense of community, maintaining the current diversity of social and economic groups, encouraging self-sufficiency, and enriching the lives of all residents.

Show neighborhood pride! Munjoy HilL t-shirts are available: S-XL@$16, XXXL@$20, Tees come in black or white. Or get this bumper sticker! (measures 6”x 4”) $3 per sticker. Buy one and support your Neighborhood group. Send your check to MHNO: 92 Congress St, Portland ME 04101. Email inquiries to info@munjoyhill. org.

e this ewspape n

Jamie Lane-Fitzgerald.................................. . .. jamie.lane-fitzgerald@munjoyhill.org

Christina Feller . ............ christina.feller@munjoyhill.org . ............................................ 773-4336

WHO YOU GONNA CALL? You can help prevent crime on the Hill! If you see a crime happening or see/hear anything suspicious in your neighborhood, please call the police! 1)

756-8135 Daytimes: Janine Kaserman with Community Policing

2) 650-8770 cell: 11am thru the night, new Senior Lead Officer Tony Ampezzan (at right) 3)

874-8575/-8574:

Dispatch/non-emergency events

4) Emergencies: 9-1-1 Anonymous Crimes tips Program: Phone Tip—Dial 874-8584 | Online: tipsubmit.com Text-A-Tip: Text “GOTCHA” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES) Clip and save these numbers!

BULLETIN Board the munjoy Hill neighborhood Organization MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Keeping our Sidewalks Free of Ice and Snow

Open MEETINGS: The MHNO Board meets every second Monday of each month at 7 pm at the Hill House at 92 Congress St. — all are welcome!

Residents’ Rights and Obligations

By Eben Albert-Knopp and Joan Sheedy, of the Safe & Walkable Neighborhood Committee of the MHNO

You are invited!

With winter finally upon us on Munjoy Hill, it is time once again to dust off the shovels, tune up the snowblower, and dig out the rock salt. When the snow starts flying, property owners have a few basic duties to ensure that this winter is a safe and enjoyable one for our cherished community.

MHNO Quarterly Meeting East End Community School Wed., February 29, 2012

By city ordinance, residential property owners and anyone else responsible for maintaining residential property must remove snow from the sidewalk in front of the building within 24 hours of when it ceases to fall, or within 24 hours of when the city finishes clearing snow from the storm, whichever is later. For commercial properties, snow must be removed within 12 hours of when it ceases to fall. For purposes of the snow-removal ordinance, commercial properties include those located in a commercial zone or consisting of more than 4 dwelling units. Property owners must also clear a path through curb cuts at least four feet wide, and must clear any ice that accumulates on the sidewalk (or make it safe by spreading sand) within 24 hours.

6-7:30 pm

Immediate JOB Opening

Part-Time Ad Sales

FREE SAnd/Salt: The city leaves a number of blue pub-

Assistant Ad Sales Rep needed for the Observer

lic sand barrels and sand boxes around Munjoy hill each winter for residents’ use. Every property owner is entitled to two bucket-fulls of sand from these barrels each storm. Barrels may be found at the following locations, among others: • Atlantic Street at Congress •

the Munjoy Hill fire station

•

Marion at Romasco Lane

•

the East End Boat Ramp

Residents may report an uncleared sidewalk by calling the Public Services Sidewalk Hotline at 874-8793, or emailing citysidewalks@portlandmaine.gov. The city will then take appropriate steps to inform the propertyowners of their responsibilities, clear the sidewalk if necessary, and penalize habitually noncompliant landlords. Penalites can include fines of up to $250 in addition to the costs of any necessary snow removal (which the city estimates at $100 for an average sidewalk) plus a 10% administrative fee. Some assistance is available for Seniors who need help clearing snow from their sidewalks. For more information, please call Joan Sheedy with the Senior’s Triad Shoveling Project at 774-7616. For more information regarding the City’s sidewalk snow removal ordinance, Chapter 25, Article VIII, section 25-171 et seq., please see the City website, portlandmaine.gov, click on City Code under the City Council tab. .

Happy shoveling!

Firefighters from Engine 1, Munjoy Hill scoured the hill to clear 150 hydrants after the Jan 12 snow, the first winter storm of the season. Above, firefighter Ben Waterhouse digs out a hydrant.

Recycle and support the MHNO Heating Assistance Program Donate your recyclables thru our CLYNK! bags at Hannafords ! Funds raised support MHNO’s Fuel Assistance “Warm Hearts, Warm Neighbors” program. Stop by the Hill House at 92 Congress and pick up a free green bag (in box on fence0, or call us if we need to put out more bags: call Louise Little at 780-0860. (Note: please don’t take our bags unless you’ll use them for returnables- we DO pay for them! Please bring us any unused green bags so that others may use them. Or drop off a contribution to the effort.)

Keep those cans & bottles coming!

STAY INFORMED! Sign up for our email list at munjoyhill.org to receive alerts on events and issues pertaining to the East End (fyi: we do not share our list.). Get the first glimpse of the each month's Observer. "Like" the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization on Facebook! Just visit us online at munjoyhill.org and click on our Facebook link. Follow our updates, join the conversation, post photos and share links, all on our FB page.

February 2012

Competitive commissions paid. Anywhere between 8-20 hrs/wk, depending on sales; some experience preferred. Must be able to work independently, invoice and keep records, communicate regularly with senior ad rep and with Observer Editor. Must be computer literate and have a computer. Please email a letter describing your interest & qualifications, and a resumé, to info@munjoyhill.org.

February 2012

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

CapitAl City

City Councilor | kevin Donoghue Mayor Brennan is now settled into his office at City Hall and has appointed new standing committees of the City Council. Indeed, Mayor Brennan has used his office to restructure committees, namely consolidating the six key policymaking committees into three committees with broader charges. The Health and Recreation Committee has been consolidated with the Public Safety Committee, emerging as the Health and Safety Committee, featuring Councilor Suslovic (Chair), Councilor Coyne (Vice Chair), Councilor Marshall, and Councilor Duson. The Transportation Committee and Sustainability Committee have also combined, with Councilor Marshall (Chair), myself (Vice Chair), Councilor Anton, and Councilor Leeman; as have the Housing Committee and Community Development Committee, whose membership now consists of Councilor Mavodones (Chair), Councilor Leeman (Vice Chair), myself, and Councilor Suslovic. The Finance Committee, Legislative Committee, and Appointments Committee, of which I am a member, still survive as standalone committees. Notably, all committees expanded from three to four members, allowing the possibility that unanimous committee recommendations pass with a vote from the Mayor. For my part, I am optimistic that the policy committees on which I will serve shall be successful. I have served as Chair of the Transportation Committee for five years, and Councilor Marshall has served with me on the Transportation Committee and as Chair of the Sustainability Committee nearly as long. Councilor Anton has always strengthened our work and offered critical insight to our recommendations. Should we arrive at unanimous recommendations on key issues in these areas with Councilor Leeman on the Transportation and Sustainability Committee, nine votes are all but assured at full City Council. One of our earlier tests will be passage of a bicycle and pedestrian chapter of the Comprehensive Plan, balancing continued demand for parking on residential arterials with expanding demand for bike

kjdonoghue@portlandmaine.gov

lanes. Councilor Leeman and I will also need to partner on development in Bayside and the Eastern Waterfront as we work with Councilor Mavodones and Councilor Suslovic on Housing and Community Development. I believe we agree on some major development issues, namely that residential growth should be steered toward downtown neighborhoods and that we should not use scarce city resources to subsidize parking. Our most critical test will be how committed we are to supporting development of affordable housing, an issue whose profile I hope is elevated with consolidation of Housing and Community Development. Naturally, even where there is a divided recommendation out of committee, good policy can still prevail. Finally, I will continue to serve on the Appointments Committee with Councilor Leeman (Chair), Councilor Coyne (Vice Chair), and Councilor Anton. We interview candidates for various city committees such as the Planning Board, Parks Commission, and DevelopCommunity ment Black Grant Scoring Committee. Watch this space throughout the year for announcements of opportunities to apply for these positions. To be sure, the City Council committee workload will be no lighter and the need for success no less. However, with fewer consolidated committees come fewer chairs and fewer lead staff and with

them a more manageable task for Mayor Brennan to coordinate a policy agenda and for the City Council and City Manager Mark Rees to coordinate support for a policymaking process that has struggled in the past. Whether we are successful depends largely on our ability to set priorities for pursuing the public interest and the interplay of teamwork and leadership in open processes that continuously seek input from you. Please let me know what priorities – large and small – you would like to see us work on for you in 2012. Contact: kjdonoghue@portlandmaine.gov

Now located right on Munjoy Hill!

Falmouth Flowers and Gifts 58 Washington Ave. | Portland A hundred hearts would be too few

To carry all my love for you.

—Author Unknown

Falmouth Flowers and Gifts is a fullservice florist offering first quality, fresh cut flowers and arrangements. We will exceed your expectations for all occasions. We can create one-of-a-kind arrangements for newborns, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, funerals, and special events of all kinds. We also create unique holiday decorations and wreaths as well as theme-specific gift baskets. For this festive winter season, we have: • beautiful Valentine’s Day arrangements; • fresh wreaths, kissing balls and candle rings; • fruit and gourmet baskets; • live seasonal plants; • gift certificates in all denominations and a lovely selection of gifts to choose from. • In-home decorating available.

*Valentines Day is February 14th

~ Be sure to order early! We are located at the corner of Washington Ave. and Oxford Ave. (on the Silly’s side of the street.) Making floral deliveries throughout the greater Portland and Falmouth area. Like us on Facebook

Local Delivery Available | Wire-Out Service | Satisfaction Guaranteed

207-781-5533

H o m e H e at i n g Assis ta n c e For resources to all Health and Human Services, call 2-1-1 or visit their website (www.211maine.org). The operator will direct you to someone who will answer your questions or assist you in getting the services you need. The following are some resources for helping Maine families stay warm this winter: Maine State Housing Authority – An excellent resource which includes information on where to receive help this winter, including: • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides money to help homeowners and renters to pay for heating costs. • Low Income Assistance Plans help you pay for electricity by providing a credit on your electric bills. • Weatherization Grants to help improve home energy efficiency. • Governor’s Weatherization Program provides a home energy audit and weatherization improvements. • Appliance Replacement Program replaces home appliances that are inefficient and expensive to operate • Home Energy Loan Program offers loans at a low fixed-interest rate for home improvements that increase energy efficiency. United Way of Greater Portland’s Keep ME Warm Program provides heating assistance to those families that need it most. To download a brochure, go to http://www.megrants. org/documents/energyforum_092008/KeepMEWarmBrochure.pdf. Efficiency Maine is an endeavor to encourage more efficient use of electricity, help Mainers decrease energy costs, and improve our state’s environment.

CapitAl City Statehouse Update | Senator JusTin Alfond

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

February 2012

MHNO is a proud member of Portland BuyLocal

justinalfond.com

Balancing the Budget and Covering Healthcare No easy solutions

Late last year, the LePage Administration reported that the projections they made for the state budget last spring were wrong, and Maine had been spending more money than planned, particularly in the Department of Health and Human Services. When the administration proposed their fix for this problem, Democrats were skeptical. The size of the budget shortfall kept changing, and we couldn’t validate their numbers. Therefore, Democrats made a conscious decision to not sign the Governor’s DHHS budget proposal. While many consider the signing of the budget proposal customary, Democrats strongly believe that a signature is an endorsement. As Democrats, we have taken a stand against a proposal that is reckless and irresponsible. Democrats, like our colleagues across the aisle, want a balanced budget. But we must have a budget that is based in fact, is legal, and is compassionate. The current proposal is none of these things. The administration’s proposal to solve the shortfall revolved around taking vital health care services away from 65,000 Maine people. As time went on, what we were told by the administration raised more questions than answers. The Appropriations Committee wisely asked the non-partisan Office of Fiscal and Program Review to validate the numbers. Their initial report came out this month. While the fiscal office was able to bring clarity to the size of the budget hole—$125 million for the rest of fiscal year 2012—questions remain about what is causing the actual

and projected budget hole at the DHHS. Democrats are leading the charge to uncover the real causes of the shortfall. We want to not only fix this budget, but also prevent shortfalls in the future. Already, Governor LePage has offered a number of excuses for his administration’s failure to manage the budget. First, he said it was because MaineCare enrollment was up and we were covering far more people than he planned for. That was not true, and was proven wrong by his own department. Then he blamed massive fraud in MaineCare for the budget hole, but DHHS’s fraud prevention unit dispelled that myth, too - fraud makes up a fraction of one percent of the MaineCare budget. Then he blamed the federal government, and that turned out to be false as well. Make no mistake: health care costs are outpacing what we expected to spend, and we have to balance the budget. However, it’s time for the Governor to be honest about the real causes of the shortfall. The biggest mistake was building his budget. The Health and Human Services budget was miscalculated and had wrong assumptions—this causes much of the shortfall. On top of that, the Department of Health and Human Services’ computer system changes continue to cause one-time budget problems. Next, the State changed the way we pay hospitals, also causing budget challenges. These caused the shortfall, and now we have real problems to work through. The Governor’s proposal before us will make things worse by increasing health care costs for everyone, filling up emergency rooms, closing health care centers, risking thousands of jobs and punishing Maine seniors, working parents and people living with mental illness and disabilities.

There is a smarter way, but it takes patience, detailed work, and a reliance on the facts. Democrats are already digging in to find solutions. For example, five percent of all MaineCare patients are responsible for costing 55 percent of the entire program budget. We can and must manage those patients’ care better and save money without just showing them the door. Democrats are taking a thoughtful approach to this budget: making smart choices about today’s budget challenges, but not losing sight of the fact that the legislature must get back to the work of improving Maine’s economy to make these lean years a thing of the past. The real solution to a budget problem is a healthy economy and that’s where our focus needs to be. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this and other topics. You can reach me at justin@justinalfond.com.

See puzzle on page 8

As legislators head back to Augusta, the biggest challenge to tackle is the proposed cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services budget.

February 2012

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Franklin Street, from front page opportunity to blend design features of the three concepts to arrive at an optimal design. Each concept calls for a total of four lanes of traffic from Marginal Way to Congress Street, and then a narrowing down to two lanes from Congress Street to Commercial Street. (Traffic counts show that the majority of traffic leaves Franklin by Congress Street). Sidewalks will run the length of the corridor on both sides. The Urban Parkway envisions a pedestrian/ bike trail and green space on the east side of the road, with increased development opportunities on the west side of the road; a landscaped median separates traffic. The Urban Street envisions a corridor similar to Park Street, with on-street parking and development on both sides of the street. The Multi-Way Boulevard includes low-speed local access lanes separated from the center travel lanes by tree-lined strips. A more detailed description of these three concepts can be found on the City’s website, www.portlandmaine. gov/franklinstreetarterial.htm and www.franklinstreet.us. The original Franklin Street neighborhoods, including Little Italy between Fore and Middle streets, were razed in the late 1960s in an effort to revitalize downtown Portland. Development and investment following World War II, supported by policies that favored automobiles and highway construction over public transit, also favored suburban communities and commercial areas such as the Maine Mall. Many downtown buildings and neighborhoods, often of significant character and value, had been abandoned or neglected. The arterial project of the ’60s removed these neighborhoods as part of a larger effort to establish an urban highway that would wrap around the peninsula, theoretically making it easier for the people who had moved out to the suburbs to commute back into the city. The stretch of Spring Street from Middle to High Streets was part of this same effort. The result was a roadway that had only one purpose—to move cars. Old walking paths, community economic centers, and local identities were subjugated to the automobile. However, as the footpaths running across Franklin Street where Federal Street and Oxford Street once passed through attest, historic pathways are not so easily buried. This car-centered urban planning was not unique to Portland. Cities across the country, often fueled by federal “Urban Renewal” grants, embarked on massive demolition of neighborhoods to accommodate the new suburban driver. These neighborhoods were often home to immigrant and minority communities that did not have the capacity to effectively resist their removal from their homes. In Portland, those removed from their homes included Italian, Armenian, and Jewish families. The Spring Street widening, on the other hand, was stopped when wealthy residents on the West End realized their town houses would be marked for demolition. The highway expansion that began in the ’50s and ’60s devastated cities across America. However, cities across the country are starting to wake up to the damage urban highways have caused and are beginning to offer solutions. Cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and Buffalo are removing highways that once divided historic neighborhoods and repairing the urban street grid. The traditional network of city streets provides a variety of travel options and supports safe travel speeds, as opposed to

the highway model that races cars from point A to point B, only to spill out through a bottle-neck, whether it’s a highway ramp or a downtown parking lot. These redesign projects are also opening up huge swaths of high value urban real estate, creating opportunities for economic development and the restoration of quality public spaces. In Portland the Franklin Street redesign presents the opportunity to open up nearly 8 acres of prime real estate for

development or public use. The eastern third of historic Lincoln Park was taken to make way for today’s roadway, and the park has never been the same. There is also the opportunity to create pedestrian crossings or to reconnect the street grid at streets like Newbury, Federal, and Oxford, creating transportation options and increasing the street level activity that we expect in a vibrant city. Following “Complete Streets” principles, Franklin Street can serve auto traffic safely and efficiently while also supporting other users that bring economic and cultural vitality to the city. The Franklin Study will aim to best balance these factors. Phase One of the Franklin Study made clear the failings of the current roadway for automobiles, bicyclists, and pedestrians and showed that the roadway can work better for all users if a balanced approach is used. For example, travel speeds of 25 to 30 mph are the threshold for pedestrian safety; fatalities increase exponentially for collisions at higher speeds. Meanwhile, travel speeds of 25 to 30 mph allow a roadway to maximize its capacity to move traffic; more cars can fit and move safely at these speeds. The trick is to design a roadway that results in cars regularly traveling at these speeds. Not that long ago, plans for Franklin Street were headed in a very different direction. The Peninsula Traffic Study of 2006 envisioned a Franklin Arterial that would eventually be widened out to eight lanes of traffic. This was averted thanks to the hard work of neighborhood organizations and individual citizens. A citizenled initiative to educate the public and to facilitate inclusive dialogue about traffic and community development changed the conversation regarding Franklin Street and has stewarded this conversation through Portland City Hall, the Maine Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration. The three alternative concepts are actually based on design ideas generated by over 100 members of the public at a community design workshop held in the spring of 2009. Public engagement will be a critical component for the upcoming Phase Two study as well. The MHNO will be represented along with other East End neighborhoods, islanders, off-peninsula residents and commuters. In addition, public meetings will be held to bring residents up to speed on the planning process and to get input from the public so that the

final design best reflects the values of the community. There are many exciting developments taking place on Franklin Street these days. New businesses now sit at the former site of the Jordan’s Meats plant at Fore Street. This winter, a short-term goal of the Franklin Street Study was realized by construction of the Franklin Street Trail Connection, connecting Franklin Street and the Bayside Trail to the Back Cove Trail under I-295. There are also plans for a mixed-use artsbased development alongside Franklin Street in the India Street neighborhood. Potential developments in Bayside can also bring increased vitality to the Franklin Street Illustrations center and above are from Page iv, City of Portland | Franklin Concepts, 12 November 2009, of the report, “Reclaiming Franklin Street, Report corridor. Portland is tak- for the Franklin Street Arterial Committee,” prepared for the Portland City Council, ing a proactive approach by project consultants Smart Mobility and MRLD Landscape Architecture + Urbanism, dated November 16, 2009. Used with permission. to envisioning this important corridor, looking levels to advance our model of citizen-based at how we want to develop our city in a ho- planning and to realize the benefits of an listic manner, considering long-term issues integrated approach to transportation planof sustainability and livability. We should ning. It started here at the MHNO. You can be proud of our leadership in developing make a difference in your community—get new solutions to old problems and building involved in your neighborhood organizapartnerships at the local, regional, and state tion.

The Sight of Love

Art Soul

We’ve come to know Valentine’s Day as a romantic celebration, when cards and gifts are exchanged, accompanied by images of the heart and professions of unending love. The connection of romantic love to Valentine’s Day was not always so. Some say the origins of the celebration are rooted in the ancient Roman Festival of Lupercalia, when young men honored the goddess Juno by drawing lots from among the names of young, unmarried women. Others say its origins can be traced back to the second century martyr, Valentine, who was executed by order of the Roman Emperor Claudius II because of his fidelity to the Christian faith. As two successive legends would have it, Valentine miraculously gave sight to the blind daughter of one of his prison guards and sent her a note shortly before his execution, signed, “your Valentine.” The legend of Valentine giving sight to the guard’s blind daughter captures the imagination and makes me think of the connection between sight and love. The sight I refer to is not of the eye but of the heart, and the love is a love that transcends physical appearance. Two expressions of this kind of love come to mind. One is the love that embraces all life and all people. It’s the love that diverse spiritual traditions have called compassion, compassion that arises from seeing and experiencing oneness with others. This perception and experience of the oneness of all people and things is what sages of many traditions have called wisdom. This wisdom, this perception of oneness is the sight that sees into things and who or what they really are. It’s the love that forms community. It says, I am my neighbor and his or her sadness is my sadness and his or her joy is my joy. A related expression of love that’s part of community life is the unique love between two people who commit themselves to one another. While Valentine’s Day celebrates the sweetness of love in each stage of life -- from little ones in the school yard to young lovers lost in one another’s eyes to old people holding hands -- I’m especially warmed this Valentine’s Day by the beauty of old couples whose loving sight of one another has endured and deepened through all of life’s vagaries. I think of life partners helping one another climb stairs or rise from a chair with a tenderness and view of their beloved that transcends wrinkles, infirmity and dimished stature. And perhaps, deep within all the expressions of love in every stage of life there is the sight that sees the divine -- without intention or label -- in the face of the other.

Art Quilts Maine, a statewide contemporary quilt art guild, will exhibit a collection of small quilts created in reference to artists’ favorite children’s books at the Portland Public Library. Quilts are on display in the library’s children’s room from now until Feb. 24.

N othing Is Much Fun

I p ou red tea in tw o cu p s, then d rank too m u ch tea I w ent skyd iving alone, no one saw it bu t m e

N Much Fun I mothing easu red m yIsheight against ju st m y ow n on the w all Poem by Andrew Lapham Fersch, by Phil Ashworth After each throw in catch, I had to ruIllustration n after the ball I phad a thu bw alone and Idstill anaged lose ou red teamin twaro cu p s, then rankmtoo m u chtotea Sherlock w ithalone, no Watson, II’m w ent skyd iving no one searching saw it bu t for m e clu es Im lost thered three-legged race, I only have easu m y height against ju st m y owtw n oon the w all N othing m u ch in fu catch, n, u nless I get to nd after o it wthe ith ball you After eachisthrow I had to ru I had a thu m b w ar alone and I still m anaged to lose I’m Sherlock w ith no Watson, searching for clu es I lost the three-legged race, I only have tw o N othing is m u ch fu n, u nless I get to d o it w ith you

Andrew Fersch is a teacher and writer who is working on a book of poetry for children that he’s going to publish and donate to all the elementary schools in Maine 89

ReadersWrite ReadersWrite ReadersWrite R e ad ReadersWrite ReadersWrite ReadersWrite R e adsWrite ReadersWrite ReadersWrite R e ad

By Fred Barancato

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

February 2012

Welcoming the New Year Traditions are Many / Times Vary By Delores Lanai, M.Ed. You thought you’d finished celebrating New Year’s for 2012? Here are other dates celebrated in our country around our year! Take your pick! Christian—Jan 1st—Around the world this is celebrated as “the” beginning of the year… a secular event. It was the Christian New Year which spread around the world as the Solar/Sun calendar became the most used one… now called the Common Era. Chinese New Year—JanFeb—Catch the tale of the Dragon before Feb 7th! Celebrated by Chinese of any religion. This starts a Lunar year so the date changes each year… between 1/21 and 2/20. This Year of the Dragon started with the New Moon on Jan 23rd and continues through the Full Moon on Feb 7. Dragon brings water for agriculture… is one of 12 animals which we know from the place mats at some Chinese restaurants… based on the 12-year cycle of Jupiter. This is a celebration of optimism, joy, and enthusiasm! (why my favorite holiday!) Houses are cleaned to sweep away misfortune. Special foods are blessed by the Elders/ Seniors and Ancestors are re-

membered. Red is for good luck, health, and prosperity as are new clothing and fireworks.

honey for a sweet new year. A special meal “Seder” blesses the symbolic foods.

Buddhists celebrate Chinese New Year by going to temples offering incense and prayers. Statues of Buddha are bathed in a ceremony and worshipped by devotees and other gods are paid homage. Candles are lit in temples, houses are cleaned, new clothes are worn to visit friends and relatives, gifts and wishes exchanged. Traditional foods are eaten and fireworks enjoyed on the street. Celebrations will vary in different countries.

Pagan New Year—Oct 31 celebrates the end of Harvest. Preparations are made for the winter darkness and storage of food. Cleansing is done with a bonfire. Ancestors are worshiped. This has become the secular Halloween and Catholic Day of the Dead Nov 1st.

Sikh—March 14—Calendar is solar so does not change. Sikh means Disciple of God, remembering of God at all times, truthful living, equality and social justice. Baha’i—March 21 -The 19-month year starts on Spring Equinox. The 19-day festival is held on the first of each of 19 months around the year… each month being named for an attribute of God. The feast has spiritual and social functions and is the principle gathering of each Baha’i group. Jewish New Year—Sept—is Sept 16-18 this year considered the “Head of the Year.” Symbolic foods include apples dipped in

Islamic New Year —NOV—A moveable date when compared to Common Era calendar. This year Hijri New Year will be Nov 14 marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar on a New Moon. It is a quiet celebration with prayers and readings. Native American—various dates set by the various tribes. One northwest tribe celebrates on Dec 19 just before Winter Solstice. It’s the time to honor their traditions, including the return of sacred foods—nusux/salmon, nukt/deer, and sliiton/bitter root. They sing, drum, dance, and pray together then share a meal. Other tribes celebrate corn, beans, and squash with a Bean Planting Festival. Others celebrate late Jan based on the moon and star constellations indicating a time to plant. Check various Tribes for their NYD.

Musings on the Marmota Monax An essay by Elizabeth Miller, Waterville St. Happy Whistle-Pig Day! Doesn’t ring a bell? Try land-beaver. Woodchuck? Groundhog? Why does this rodent of many names merit its own holiday? After all, Punxsutawney Phil does a lousy job of “prognosticating” the end of winter, despite the tender efforts of his handlers in Gobblers Knob, Pennsylvania. And what about its relentless pursuit of a herbivorous diet, chomping, munching and masticating its way through vegetable gardens near and far? Why celebrate when we’re on the eve of destruction? Given winter’s late arrival this year, perhaps Munjoy’s many whistle-pigs will sleep in. Days before Christmas, my sister in central Pennsylvania, where they call them groundhogs, voiced her fury at the furry creatures audaciously sunning themselves on her deck. Really guys, give it a rest. Sleep until June or July. Anything to salvage a pea crop. This will be year four in my war with the woodchucks. Wikipedia tells me that the average woodchuck can live up to six years, hydrates by eating leafy green plants (i.e.

peas, lettuce, beet greens and broccoli), and can climb trees. Probably they can chuck wood. These are not the most stable families; the male abandons the den before the female gives birth, usually two to six young. Then “mom” evicts her children at six weeks of age to fend for themselves. Is it any wonder these whistle-pigs are a bunch of hooligans? German immigrants brought the custom of predicting spring based on the hibernation patterns of the European hedgehog. Groundhog Day’s roots, however, run deeper, to the pagan holiday Imbolc, meaning “in the belly” of Mother Earth. Far beneath the surface, seeds, bulbs and roots begin to stir at this midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox. I like this image, because it suggests that out of the darkness comes light. From despair, hope. That insight has its stirrings from deep within. One doesn’t get to be a middle-aged broad without realizing that sometimes you just have to hang on, because, as Scarlett said, tomorrow is another day.

By February, I contemplate the next garden season as I plant lettuce on our window sill. What worked well and what do I want to try next? Is it time to rotate the tomatoes to another part of the garden? And, of course, what crops will I plant to outwit the woodchucks that reside in the vacant lot behind us on Kellogg Street? There are other seeds I’d like to plant, these for improving life on the Hill. Let’s start with how we get to and from our neighborhood: Franklin Street. Having shed its “arterial” name, it still awaits becoming more pedestrian friendly. Could 2012 be the year we finally get a sidewalk all the way from Middle Street to Congress Street? Even on just one side? And how about a real crossing at Federal or Newbury Streets? Maybe we could recruit our local army of woodchucks to burrow a tunnel under Franklin Street. Hopefully, those pigs ain’t just whistlin’ dixie.

February 2012

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Art Soul

Good Neighbor of the Month

by Katie Brown

Nan Cumming—Leaving One Legacy to Start a New One

For 12 years, Nan Cumming has led Portland Trails and the two names have been practically synonymous. During her tenure with the urban land trust more than 20 miles of trails have been added to the Greater Portland landscape, connecting neighborhoods and making outdoor recreation more safe and interesting. Residents and visitors can trek along beaches, over estuaries, through woods, alongside waterfalls, and up hills with long views, right in the city. And just as Trails Portland marks its 20thyear milestone, Nan is moving on to concentrate on another passion in her life. Nan and her twin sister began a cottage business called Cherry Belle Designs (named after their grandmothers, Charity and Isabella), a modern take on classic ‘50s beaded cardigan sweaters. They collect vintage sweaters and “upcycle” them with flourishes of appliqued fabric and beadwork. For a few years they’ve been selling these sweaters at fine weekend craft fairs and on Etsy, and now Nan will be leading a membership organization that helps artists like them: the Maine Crafts Association. The mission of the Maine Crafts Association, in part, is to promote education and appreciation of the work of Maine craft artists. Two of Nan’s immediate goals are for the MCA to foster more educational opportunities for craft artists across the state; and create more opportunities for them to sell their work, which could include opening a permanent gallery in Portland, finding opportunities to market Maine crafts out of state, and creating

more traveling exhibitions of crafters’ fine work.

The Maine Crafts Association is headquartered in Dover Foxcroft and maintains the Center for Maine Craft—a gallery and retail space for hundreds of Maine craft artists – at the West Gardiner service plaza on route 126, next to the Maine Turnpike. Popup galleries appear around the state at different times of the year. Nan and her husband moved to Munjoy Hill in 1998. For now, she will work for the Maine Crafts Association from her home. Sadie Bliss, Director of Markets for the MCA, also lives on Munjoy Hill (and commutes to the W. Gardiner space). Nan hopes to eventually set up a Portland office within walking distance of Munjoy Hill. If the success of Portland Trails is any indication of how the Maine Crafts Association is going to fare under her leadership, craft artists in Maine have a lot to look forward to. When asked how she might use her experience with Portland Trails for the MCA, she said, “Both are about promoting what’s unique and wonderful about Maine and what we have here. I see a lot of ties to the Buy Local movement.” She points out that both are member organizations, “serving our members, representing their interests.” For more on the Maine Crafts Assocation: Mainecrafts.org. To see Nan and her sister’s upcycled sweater designs: cherrybelledesigns.etsy.com.

A single conversation with a wise man is better than ten years of study. —Chinese Proverb

King Middle School teachers, Karen MacDonald and Caitlin LeClair in the library after the Jan. 27 presentation of “Small Acts of Courage” by students at the school.

Living civil rights History King Middle School students discover real-life stories, produce “Small Acts of Courage” Seventh grade students from King Middle School embarked on an exciting journey this past fall. They have been studying the Civil Rights Movement and documenting the oral histories of people in the Greater Portland area who were involved in the movement in some way. The seventh grade students and their teachers, Karen MacDonald and Caitlin LeClair, have been working with the Talbot family and with Susan Bock, from The Jean Byers Sampson Center for Diversity in Maine, located at USM. The students contacted local citizens to interview who had been personally involved in the Civil Rights Movement in the Portland area. In teams of four, the students interviewed each of these “living historians” and wrote up their stories to be included in a collection of oral histories, published in a set of four booklets. The publication, titled “Small Acts of Courage,” can be found at the USM Library as part of the Sampson Center for Diversity’s African American Collection. For more information, or to purchase one of these booklets, email macdok@portlandschools. org or call King Middle School at 874-8140.

School February Break Mon Feb 20–FrI Feb 24 2012

f o o d f ro m f r i e n ds , f amil y & tr ave ls

lun ch & dinn e r m o n day – s aturday

Join us for Wine Time! Daily wine specials and a small-bites menu

Love Brunch!

Blue Spoon now serves Saturday brunch 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. e i g h t y n i n e co n g r e s s s t r e e t • 2 0 7 . 7 7 3 . 1 1 1 6

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Living With Peace

February 2012

Living With Peace is a dynamic local grassroots community support organization investing in the future of our immigrants by providing information, resources, and training to newcomers to the community and culture.

Turmoil in the African Nations

Djibouti Ethnic Groups

By Christina Feller, President, Living With Peace

(from CIA Factbook at https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/ the-world-factbook/geos/dj.html):

“It’s a terrible situation there; that is why they come here.” We in the state of Maine have been receiving hundreds of new immigrants from African nations. Those who are “refugees” must pay back to the U.S. Government the total cost of their airfare to Maine and that of all their family members. They must seek out and take jobs; if they cannot find paying jobs, they work at what is called “workfare” jobs. These jobs are in return for their housing here in Portland or Lewiston. They may get food stamps for the family like anyone else who qualifies. Others coming to Maine include “asylum-seekers”—people who have obtained legal 3-month visas to come to the U.S., have legal passports from their home countries, and have a purchased an airline ticket for their return home. They arrive here and announce to immigration authorities that they are seeking asylum in the United States. They come because they are reasonably fearful of punishment or persecution including death if they were to stay in their own country. In order to stay, they must file certain papers in a timely manner, while facing work restrictions. The third type of new residents are called “secondary migrants.” Maine is experiencing less migration of these individuals over recent years, and there is anecdotal evidence that we are losing immigrants to southern states such as Texas, North Carolina and Missouri.

and South Portland, Ethnic groups: Somali 60%, Afar 35%, other 5% (includes French, Arab, Ethiopredominantly. The pian, and Italian) immigrants from BuLanguages: French (official), Arabic (official), Somali, Afar rundi are organized into a self-help mutual aid society Religions: Muslim 94%, Christian 6% called the Burundi Community Association of Maine and they have an elected Board of Directors. This organization serves the and serves as an important transshipment location for needs of new arrivals and links them to important sogoods entering and leaving the east African highlands. cial services. Some of these recent immigrants are “torThe present leadership favors close ties to France, which ture survivors” and need specific and quick interventions maintains a significant military presence in the country, upon arrival. Others are already ready to advance their but also has strong ties with the U.S.. Djibouti hosts the careers by going back to school. only U.S. military base in sub-Saharan Africa.”

D jibo u ti We have a number of families from this country now in Portland. According to the online CIA Factbook, “The French Territory of the Afars and the Issas became Djibouti in 1977. Unrest among the Afars minority during the 1990s led to a civil war that ended in 2001 following the conclusion of a peace accord between Afar rebels and the Issa-dominated government. In 1999, Djibouti’s first multi-party presidential elections resulted in the election of Ismail Omar GUELLEH; he was re-elected to a second term in 2005. “ The report goes on to say, “Djibouti occupies a strategic geographic location at the mouth of the Red Sea

Current challenges facing the Djibouti people include inadequate supplies of potable water, limited arable land, desertification, increasing numbers of endangered species, and reduction in land and animal biodiversity. Many people doubt that the government of Djibouti, with so many competing interests, is likely to take a direct line in solving these pressing infrastructure problems. A history of widespread corruption and the presumption of ballot-tampering have resulted in many residents leaving to find safer and healthier homes for themselves and their families.

Meanwhile, there are elections taking place in all of these countries to promote democratic values. One would think that this fact would keep people at home to fight for democracy and good governance. So why are they coming to America? Let’s consider the situation for two particular groups of arrivals in Portland— those from Burundi and from Djibouti.

Bu ru ndi is a very small country, perhaps one of the smallest on the African continent. There are about 8 million people in this beautiful country. I asked my dear friend Francoise why Burundian people come here. She replied, “Unfortunately, it is a simple reason--it’s a terrible situation there; that is why they come here.” Others from Africa went on to explain that the rebel groups, or even in some cases, the government forces, instill hatred and revenge, and they follow you until you leave or they find you. Depending on who they are and why they want you, you may be beaten up, threatened, go to jail or prison, be tortured, or murdered. There are now about 35 to 40 Burundian families here in Portland and Westbrook

Crossword Across

1- Sky light 4- Dupe 9- Come about 14- Barcelona bear 15- ___ Is Born 16- Home ___ 17- Scene 19- Capital city of Yemen 20- Greek marketplace 21- Living in flowing water 23- Capone’s nemesis 24- Island in the East China Sea 27- Fail to hit 30- Mediterranean resort area 32- Back muscle, briefly 33- Whorl 37- Singer Cleo 39- Removed faults 40- Shave 42- Florence’s ___ Vecchio

43- Elementary particle 44- Call ___ day 45- Glitter 48- He loved Lucy 50- Atlas feature 51- Pro ___ 55- Snap 57- Vive ___! 58- Dined at home 60- Resembling wood 64- Old finnish money 65- Author Jong 66- Enzyme ending 67- The number system with base 8 68- Small drum 69- Fish eggs; Down

1- Gannet 2- Grammarian’s concern 3- Taboos 4- Tabula ___ 5- Computer key

6- Mom-and-pop org. 7- Blame 8- End of a threat 9- Kiln for drying hops 10- Assert as a fact 11- Pertaining to a council 12- Actress Merkel 13- Actor Stephen 18- AMA members 22- Belonging to us 24- House rodents 25- Ardent 26- “... ___ the cows come home” 28- ___ Domingo 29- Dutch painter Jan 30- Travels on 31- Wonderland girl 33- Lacking interest 34- Chew the scenery 35- Being reborn 36- Big bang cause 38- Cockpit abbr.

40- Actress Sommer 41- Skin 43- Hesitant sounds 46- Snap 47- Short sock 49- One of Chekhov’s “Three Sisters” 51- TKO caller 52- Bellowing 53- Trunk 54- Actress Anouk 56- Deep blue 57- Make-up artist? 58- GI mail drop 59- Gumshoe 61- 401(k) alternative 62- Tomcat 63- Cpl., for one; BestCrosswords.com

Solution on page 5

February 2012

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

On Hill

Facelift for Fort Allen Park

Public invited to view Fort Allen Park restoration plans Plans for the historic restoration of Fort Allen Park continue to unfold. Friends of the Eastern Promenade is sponsoring this major endeavor, which seeks to reclaim the park’s historic grandeur from a century ago. The public is invited to view the design for the Fort Allen Park Restoration Project at four more meetings in February, March and April, which are listed at the end of this article. All are encouraged to attend, and public comment will be taken. Current plans and more details can be found at easternpromenade.org. Friends of the Eastern Promenade hired the design team of Martha Lyon and Regina Leonard to research the park’s rich history, create schematic plans and develop a budget and construction documents, working closely with the Historic Preservation Board and staff from the City of Portland. The final design must be approved by the Historic Preservation Board as well as the Planning Department. “The intent of the project is to rehabilitate the park and restore its character by utilizing historic landscape elements, while balancing current needs such as an ADA accessible overlook,” says Diane

Davison, President of Friends of the Eastern Promenade. Once the final plans are approved, Friends of the Eastern Promenade will launch a major fundraising campaign, with hopes to complete the park’s restoration in time for Fort Allen’s bicentennial celebration in 2014. Fort Allen Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a Historic Landscape by the City of Portland. As a designated historic landmark, improvements to the property must follow guidelines set by the Secretary of the Interior. The park contains the original earthen berm from Fort Allen, which was inaugurated in 1814 to protect the entrance to Portland’s harbor. The park’s iconic bandstand, carriage drive and overlook were built in the 1890s. In 1905, the renowned Olmsted Brothers landscape firm created a master plan for the Eastern Promenade, including Fort Allen Park. The park’s original design exemplifies the ideals of the Olmsteds’ signature landscapes. Fort Allen Park has slowly declined since its glory years. Landscape and infrastructure changes have marred

the original design. The carriage drive was straightened and the central pathway and pedestrian walkways flanking the drive were removed. Several historic structures have fallen into disrepair, particularly the Civil War cannons and carriages and the wrought iron fencing at the park’s steep edge and overlook area. Memorials added over the years, including the USS Portland Memorial and the 9/11 Memorial, need to be better integrated into the landscape. Decorative evergreens are currently seen as overgrown, having lived out their useful life. Designs for Fort Allen Park have been guided by careful research, which established the park’s period of historic significance from 1890 to 1930. Plans reflect the Olmsteds’ vision for pedestrian circulation within the park, as well as the need for modern amenities, such as accessibility, lighting and safety codes. Removal of vegetation, including the evergreens, will be balanced with the addition of new trees and shrubs. “This current design scheme offers a more graceful, beautifully landscaped and historically appropriate experience for all who enjoy the Eastern Promenade and Fort Allen Park,” Davison says.

See top of page 11, Features of Current Design

2012 Public Meetings for Plan Review

Please save these meeting dates for opportunities for public comment:

Historic Preservation Board: Fort Allen Park Restoration Workshop, 5 pm Feb. 15, 2012 Room 209 City Hall, Parks Commission Fort Allen Park Restoration Presentation, 5 pm March 8, 2012 55 Portland St., Portland

Fort Allen Park Public Presentation Sponsored by Friends of the Eastern Promenade. 7 pm March 8, 2012, East End Community School, Portland Historic Preservation Board: Final Fort Allen Park Restoration Public Hearing, 7 pm April 18, 2012, Room 209, Portland City Hall

Restaurant Open at 9 am on Saturday & Sunday Serving breakfast all day!

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Serving Lunch & Dinner Tuesday through Sunday

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

February 2012

Features of the Current Design Plans

Infrastructure

• Replace the original central walkway leading to the bandstand • Replace the pedestrian walkways on either side of the carriage drive and connect them to the lower path • Realign the carriage drive to its original layout, reinstating the cobblestone gutters • Rebuild the overlook terrace to improve accessibility for people with disabilities • Replace fencing at the top of the slope and the overlook terrace • Relocate utility lines • Address drainage issues, details and materials, ensure pathways meet current code regulations

Landscaping

• Remove remaining evergreen trees • Introduce low groups of plantings around the bandstand, on the down slope of the overlook and around the USS Portland • The recommended tree species for along the Eastern Promenade roadway at the top of Fort Allen Park is Gingko Biloba Magyar, a slow-growing shade tree reaching a height of 40-60 feet and 30 feet wide at maturity with medium foliage texture. Trees would be planted 50 feet on center as recommended within the Eastern Promenade Master Plan • The recommended tree species for planting along the outer edge of the interior pathways is Hawthorne Winter King, a slow-growing tree with lacy, open canopies reaching 25-30 feet in height at maturity • Remove volunteer and invasive growth along the cliff and slope to improve views

Historic Structures & Monuments

• Repair the Civil War cannons and carriages • Repair and repaint the bandstand • Better integrate the USS Portland and the 9/11 Memorial into the park

Ask the Money Prof: Should I build a portfolio with Common Stock or Mutual Funds? By Financial Advisor and USM Professor Joel I. Gold

Investing directly in common stock and/or mutual funds both have their advantages and disadvantages. Developing and managing a common stock portfolio can be more challenging in terms of the numbers of investments, but may pay off in the long run. Many professional portfolio managers that utilize common stock, require a minimum of 35 stocks. The stock portfolio needs to be diversified to reduce risk. Portfolio diversification can be achieved by selecting stocks that are in different industries that have strong growth potential. Other important techniques to diversify are by size of the companies (large caps, mid-caps, small caps); amount of foreign exposure; level of dividend yields and styles of management. Evaluating stock holdings can take time, but one does not have to be a finance wiz to do this. Just be able to see the bigger longterm picture of what the future of the industry and company’s outlook is. One of the nice things about owning stock directly is that investors can have a greater sense of corporate ownership, pride and enjoyment knowing the names of companies and their products. Other than transaction costs when stocks are purchased, there are no “hidden” annual fees. Taxes on capital gains are only paid when stocks are sold. The average investor by contrast may not have the desire, time or risk tolerance to own stocks directly. Mutual fund companies like Vanguard, American Funds and Fidelity, promote their multitude of funds based on professional management, fund diversification and marketability (at the end of 2010 there were over 7,581 mutual funds reported by the 2011 Mutual Fund Factbook). Investors perceive mutual funds as an “easier” and more comfortable way of investing. For the small investor the purchase of mutual funds makes sense, since

they would have to build up to the 35+/stock number that portfolio managers use. Many funds can have hundreds of individual stocks in their portfolio. However, this in itself does not make them diversified. If all the stocks are in only one class of investments such as large caps or small caps or emerging markets or investment grade bond funds, etc., then portfolio diversification is not occurring. Professional management is not a factor with index funds, since they are not managed investments. If management desires to beat the benchmark index funds, then they typically buy and sell throughout the year and turnover is higher than on index funds. Since mutual funds are created as trusts, they must distribute 90% of their realized (sold) capital gains during the year. Investors have no control over these distributions which could result in uninvited taxes. Studies also show that the performance of index funds beat 75% of the managed funds (source: Vanguard, using data provided by ASSIRT). As a goal-oriented (long-term) investor, I view with suspicion the philosophy of managed funds with high turnover. Common stock returns are more consistent over long periods than over short periods, which is the primary reason why index funds outperform most of the managed funds. In spite of higher annual expenses (fees can range on average from 0.2%- 2.0%), less investor control, and less clarity as to what is actually owned, open-end investment companies (mutual funds) serve a solid objective in one’s investment planning. Buying common stock and mutual funds are not mutually exclusive. With enough funds, investors can purchase both. Joel I. Gold is a licensed investment advisor with an office on India Street. He can be reached at 207 650-7884, or moneyprof.oob@gmail.com.

Lighting & Site Furnishings

• Install low-level bollard lights to illuminate pedestrian walkways rather than the roadway • Add more benches in the upper area of the park, at the overlook and possibly near the flagpole • Replace and add new interpretive signage and kiosks

For more information, email info@ friendsofeasternpromenade.org or visit easternpromenade.org.

February 2012

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

St. Lawrence Arts Center Your neighborhood arts center: at 76 Congress Street, stlawrencearts.org, 347-7177 MOOSE Droppings—Open Mic/Spoken Word Meetings “Maine Organization Of Storytelling Enthusiasts members have one thing in common. We are all Enthusiastic about Storytelling!” Every second Wednesday of the month, drop by the Portland Public Library for our Monthly MOOSE Open Mic / Spoken Word Story Telling Event! Adult original and traditional stories 10 minutes or less at the open mic hosted by a different MOOSE Member each month. Open Mic is followed by announcements, a short break with refreshments, and our featured performer. Suggested $5 donation. moosetellers.ning.com/ Mayo Street Arts, Performances & Classes 10 Mayo Street, mayostreetarts. org —Times vary. Classes: Tango, Belly Dancing, Kids Yoga, Juggling, Zumba and Pilates. Artist Studios, theater, poetry, music and more. Contact email: Blainor McGough, director@mayostreetarts.org, 615-3609, or info@ mayostreetarts.org Port Veritas Spoken Word Night Poetry Readings, Every Tuesday 7-10 pm, @ Local Sprouts, 649 Congress St., Portland, All Ages,Gil Helmick, 400.7543, SOCCER PICK-UP GamES Now indoor: Interested in playing SOCCER in the East End? Pick-up games—No fancy leagues, no super-competitive play - just have fun, keep in shape, and have fun. All ages/skill levels welcome! Contact Andrew: 670-8041 or drewleadley@gmail.com Free Workshops thru the Library: Wisdom at Work, a lunchtime professional development series at the Portland Public Library, details at www. portlandlibrary.com/

Feb 3—Mar 3: Photo Exhibit: Take to the Streets! new photography show about protesting in Maine, at the Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr. Lecture Hall. The exhibit is open Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm. Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress Street, Portland, 207–774–1822 www.mainehistory.org Fri Feb 4: Portland Playback Theater Where: CTN5 Studio, 516 Congress Street, Time: 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., , Every First Friday, Portland Playback Theater Company uses improvisation to re-enact true stories from your life ... on the spot., Tell your story and see what happens, or just come to watch and experience this unique community event. portlandplayback.com Feb 1—4: Portland On Ice cElebration Downtown Ice Fishing Demonstrations, Downtown Photo Scavenger Hunt, Live Music, Raffle—this new winter festival celebrates our city’s diverse music scene, world-renowned museums and galleries, and destination shopping. Over nine days, beginning with the Portland Harbor Hotel’s Ice Bar (Jan 26) and continuing through February’s First Friday Art Walk, Portland will host concerts, shopping events, outdoor sporting events, and family activities. It is downtown’s coolest event! fmi online: www.portlandmaine.com/cornerstone-events/portland-on-ice Thurs Feb 9:Cinderella Ate My Daughter...And What You Can Do About It. Starts at 7 PM, Ends at 10:00 PM, Free, All Ages. Space Gallery, 538 Congress Street, Portland. Join Hardy Girls Healthy Women for a book talk and discussion with Peggy Orenstein, author of Cinderella Ate My Daughter and member of Hardy Girls’ National Advisory Board. “Cinderella Ate My Daughter and What You Can Do About It” is a talk focused on solutions for raising healthy, happy, hardy girls. Co-sponsored with SPACE Gallery, The Telling Room, USM Women & Gender Studies Program, Add Verb Productions, and Longfellow Books. fmi: 207-780-4862 or Email: wgs@usm.maine.edu Sat Feb 11: Sweetheart’s Night Out - One Longfellow Square 181 State Street —featuring Darol Anger (Republic of Strings) & Emy Phelps/Corey Di Mario (Crooked Still) & Lissa Schneckenberger/Kai Welch (Abigail Washburn) & Brittany Haas (Crooked Still). Free dessert with ticket purchase. Musical Couples play (mostly) songs of love for Valentines Day. Well-known Roots musicians Darol Anger/Emy Phelps, Lissa Schneckenberger/Corey DiMario, Brittany Haas/ Kai Welch will present a musical evening of both the sweet and the scary side of romance, from their perspective as couples. This will be a lovely, romantic and very special evening, so bring your Most Important Person! ($20 adv/$23 door, 8 p.m.) fmi: 761-1757

Sat Feb 18: The Snowman Adventure Race It’s not to late to sign up! This race is a partner event involving one biker, one runner, with both participants sledding in most any weather condition. The race starts at around 10:45 a.m. Costumes & themes are strongly encouraged. Proceeds benefit Portland Trails. The course: The biker runs up the hill with the sled and sleds down to his/her bike. The biker rides around the Back Cove Loop (4.5 miles). The biker then passes the baton to the runner. The runner runs up the hill with the sled and sleds down. The runner runs the Eastern Promenade Loop (2.25 miles). In the meantime, the biker brings the sled to the top of the hill and waits. The runner finishes at the top of the hill and meets his/her teammate. The team tandem sleds to the finish line! Race starts at around 10:45 a.m. fmi: www.cascobayevents. com/snowmanadventure. Casco Bay Sports, PO Box 7581, Portland, ME 04112, , Event Director: Rich Edmondson, 207-221-0203, SAT Feb 18 Animal Welfare Society at the Portland Children’s Museum, Join the Animal Welfare Society of West Kennebunk Humane Educator and a shelter pet at the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine on Free Street in Portland for a hands-on program about animal care and handling from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Meet some great animals and learn about Pet Care and Handling. For more info call Animal Welfare Society at (207) 985-3244 x 117.

sun Feb 19: Blue Lobster Troupe concert 7:30 pm, Lucid Stage, (207) 899-3993, 29 Baxter Blvd, Portland. www.lucidstage.com Weds Feb 22: Nia with Erin! morning dance class Where: Bright Star World Dance, 496 Congress St., Time: 7-8 am - 8:00 am. Nia combines the healing arts and the martial arts with dance and is a wonderful way to wake up and renew your connection to your body. Barefoot dancing encouraged! Suitable for any fitness level. (Please no street shoes in the studio.) Bring water and wear comfortable clothes! $10 per class. Drop-ins welcome! , email : theshimmyshop@gmail.com

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Sun Feb 12: Kids, Kartoons & Kotzschmar Merrill Auditorium; A family concert with live illustrations to music featuring organist Rob Richards of Disney’s El Capitan Theatre and illustrator Christina Siravo. This concert will also features a special tribute to the Girls Scouts of Maine who are celebrating their 100th anniversary! Concert at 2 p.m Mon Feb 13 Weaving Conversation With Sky: A Celebration of Women in Poetry is a new play written and directed by Portland’s own Tricia Henley. This event also serves as a special fundraiser for Women Of The World Poetry Slam representative, Sarah Lynn Herklots. stlawrencearts.org, For Tickets/ Information please call us at 207-347-3075. Weds Feb 15: Friends of the Easter Promenade: Historic Preservation Board: Fort Allen Park Restoration Workshop, 5 pm Room 209 City Hall, Parks Commission Feb 18 thru Feb 19 : Maine Home, Remodeling and Garden Show at the Cumberland County Civic Center. The show will be will be filled with inspirational ideas plus unique products and services for the home and garden. For info and tickets phone the box office at (207) 775-3458 or phone (866) 295-6438

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MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

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www.katiemadebakery.com Wed Feb 29: Maine Restaurant Week: Opening Night Cocktail and Dessert Competition Where: Portland Harbor Hotel, Portland Square, Time: 5:30 - 8:30 pm, celebrates the statewide restaurant community. Maine’s top bartenders and dessert makers converge and vie for the title of ‘People’s Favorite’. Attendees will be able to try each cocktail and dessert entry and cast a vote to choose the crowd favorites. Single ticket: $35, ticket pairs: $65, packs of four: $120, Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door for $40 each. fmi: www.mainerestaurantweek.com/events March 1-8: Maine Restaurant Week fmi: www.mainerestaurantweek.com/events

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February 2012

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER Spotlight on Non-Profits is a regular feature. To feature your favorite non-profit, please contact Lisa Peñalver at observer@munjoyhill.org.

By: Sam Cohen When entering Portland’s facility of the Boys and Girls Club, the vibrancy is obvious. The hustle of kids headed for the pool, the bustle of a group surrounding a ping-pong table. Motion throughout. Scenes such as these are not uncommon in the Portland Clubhouse. Portland’s is one of five clubhouses around Southern Maine. The others are located in Riverton Park, Sagamore Village, South Portland and Lewiston-Auburn. All five have a singular goal: “To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” According to Ann Messinger, the Director of Development and Marketing for the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine, the non-profit has been in Portland since 1909 and has been operating out of their current Cumberland Ave. building since 1931. In addition to the pool and ping-pong table, the Portland Clubhouse is equipped with a gymnasium, computer lab, arts room and a freshly renovated teen center, all of which are uti-

lized during after-school programs for children from 6-18 years old. The annual membership is over 1,000 kids. The programs offered are numerous and comprehensive, covering a broad range of interests and goals. There are programs to teach tolerance, build self-esteem and learn the value of responsibility, in addition to teaching hands-on skills such as participating in sports leagues, or learning to manage money responsibly. One program last summer had club members build and tend to a garden. Members constructed raised beds and learned to plant and care for beans, tomatoes, herbs, lettuces, squash, tomatillos and watermelons, according to their website (bgcmaine.org). Many of these programs are only made possible with the help of a large group of volunteers. According to Messinger, much can be created in terms of programming for people looking to help. “There is no shortage of volunteer options, that is for sure,” she said. Messinger gave an example of a retired Swarthmore professor who volunteers five days a week at the Riverton Park Clubhouse. The reliability and regularity of time is crucial according to Messinger. “One of the most important things for volunteers is consistency so that they can bond with the kids and build trust,” she said. To join the club, kids pay a $5 membership fee for the year, although no child is turned away if unable to pay. The afterschool program runs from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through

Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. There is also a summer program Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Potential volunteers can download an application form online at bgcmaine.org or call 874-1069 to contact the club for more information. The the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine is located at 277 Cumberland Avenue, email: info@bgcmaine.org, and online at bgcmaine.org

Save the Date

30th Annual Spring for the Kids Auction Friday, March 30, 2012 PATRIOTS DAY 5-MILER Sunday, April 15th

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

East End Business Focus The Micucci Grocery Co. No picture of Munjoy Hill would be complete without including Micucci’s Grocery. The grocery store in the wide brick building at 45 India Street has been providing Portland with the “pantry staples” for Italian cooks for almost 50 years. As Rick Micucci pointed out, “generations of families have been coming here.” Step into the store and you are greeted by the aroma of fresh-baked bread and garlic; the mouth-watering smell emanating from the rear of the store beyond the wine section is probably their piping hot Sicilian Slab pizza, which, by word-of-mouth alone, has earned a cult following in the neighborhood. The space is small, but the selection wide. The shelves are piled high with “pantry staples” for Anna and Rick Micucci, owners of the Micucci Grocery on India Street the Italian kitchen—pasCourtesy photo.i tas of every shape and size (including gluttenfree!), sauces and pickled condiments, and a whole wall of spices; Here is everything an experienced Italian cook could ever need or want. The deli counter and freezers offer all manner of Italian cheeses and cured meats. It’s the best of the best, yet owners have made it a point of honor to keep prices low.

Micucci’s longevity and loyal following are no accident. This is a locally-owned family business, owned and operated by the offspring of Iris and Leo Micucci. It was 1951 when the Micucci family began selling food wholesale out of their home basement in East Deering. The business has been growing steadily ever since. These days, Iris still comes into the grocery store almost every week, while one of Rick and Anna’s five children, Vanessa ,and her husband, are now working in the business as well. The family’s focus has always to sell high-quality Mediterranean food at a great price, and this goal was carried over from the original wholesale business (still owned by three of the sons) to the grocery, which is owned by Rick Micucci with his wife Anna. Today, owners Rick and Anna Micucci continue to shape the store. I asked them how they’ve come to stock so many unique and different products (I was thinking of the “Turkish Delight” desert my daughter is so fond of, and the kilogram block of dark chocolate from Aragon, Spain, I discovered in the back.) “We attend Fancy Food Shows around the country. We need to keep current with food trends.” Anna explained.

By Colleen Bedard

Low interest rates continue to attract investors and buyers who owner-occupy their homes. With Portland’s low vacancy rate, investor owners see multi-family proper-

ties as a good place to place their cash. Munjoy Hill’s walkability to great parks, restaurants, stores, and the Old Port makes our neighborhood a desirable place to live. I predict that 2012 will continue to be a strong real estate market for the East End with demand outstripping the supply of housing available for purchase. It’s both a good time to sell and buy on Portland’s Munjoy Hill. Colleen Bedard lives on Munjoy Hill and is a Realtor with Townsend Real Estate. She can be reached at 233-7273 or cbedard@townsendre.com

What has sold on Munjoy Hill?

Properties sold January 1 – December 31, 2011

By Lisa Peñalver

Real EstatE Up on Munjoy Hill We continue to enjoy a robust real estate market on Munjoy Hill! Single family homes sell quickly as very few come on the market (only 4 in 2011), and there is a high demand for these homes. Despite a struggling market in other areas of the country, sales prices for all property types—condominiums, single family homes, and multi-family units—on the Hill have remained strong.

February 2012

Rick added, “Sometimes we’ll get new products from our distributors. But it’s our customers who will ask for things. Usually, if it’s a Mediterranean food and someone asks for it, I will order it and give it a try. We have some unusual foods on our shelves that you just can’t find anywhere else around. And now people expect us to carry those items- all the time!” Some folks eat to live, while others live to eat. Regardless of your preference, you will surely find something to love when you step into the charming aisles of the Micucci’s Grocery. on India Street.

Micucci’s Grocery is located at 45 India Street, and can be reached at 775-1854. You can also find them on Facebook under “Micucci’s.”

February 2012

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Wipeout Wednesdays Start February 8 City and Ski Maine kick-off Wednesday activities for kids to pursue winter sports Portland Recreation and Ski Maine will host Wipeout Wednesday, a program designed to encourage participation and access to winter sports for Portland youth. Coinciding with early release from public schools, Portland youth will be able to get tips from ski and snowboard professionals from Maine ski areas Wednesday afternoons. Representatives from Maine ski areas will be on hand to demonstrate and provide guidance and Ski Maine Association will sponsor weekly give-a-ways for the young sport enthusiasts. Hot cocoa will be available for those looking to take a break and warm up. Participants should bring their own skis, snowboards and helmets. Parking is available in the parking lots located at the bottom of the hill or near the athletic fields in Payson Park. Motorists are asked to not park on Ocean Avenue. For more information about Wipeout Wednesdays, call Portland Recreation

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Happy Valentines Day! Cookies at left are the work of the Two Fat Cats Bakery on India Street. Munjoy Hill also boasts a superb truffle shop on Middle Street—Dean’s Sweets; We have Katie Made Bakery up on Cumberland Ave., and now the new Bakery on the Hill, at 253 Congress Street. So many ways to satisfy your sweet tooth or your sweetheart!!