March 2014 Munjoy Hill Observer by Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization

1979 – 2014

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

M U N JOY HIL L 35

OBSERVER

Profit Org1 MarchNon 2014 US Postage

PAID

Portland, ME Permit No. 824

YEARS

FREE • Published by the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization • Vol. 34, No. 1 • March 2014

CONTINUITY AND CHANGE: THE 1978 MUNJOY HILL NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING PROJECT, PART 2 By Matthew Kennedy ON JUNE 15, 1978, the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Planning Project Steering Committee issued to the Mayor of Portland a report summarizing the results of the committee’s survey of 178 Munjoy Hill residents. In Part 1 of this article (published in last month’s Observer) we focused on the demographic profile of the survey respondents. This month, we’ll treat some of the survey’s major findings on “the opinions, complaints, needs, desires [and] concerns” of Hill residents, concerning a variety of topics. While notes of continuity are evident, the dominant impression is one of significant change since 1978.

A number of survey questions concerned housing on the Hill. About 70% of those surveyed were renters; clear majorities responded either “excellent” or “good” to questions regarding the safety of their neighborhoods, access to play areas, and the availability of parking. One question sought residents’ views on high-rise development on the Hill following the construction of Portland House (1969) and Promenade Towers (1975). While over half of respondents preferred restricting future development to three stories, over one quarter felt there should be no restrictions on apartment building development. With the pending completion of the East End sewage treatment plant (it was finished in 1979) came the expectation of a significant improvement in area water quality; the Steering Committee queried residents concerning possible new waterfront development. Top on residents’ minds was a renovation and expansion of the East End beach area, which had been closed to swimming since 1963 due to severe pollution (it would reopen in 1980). Renovations including new parking and a boat ramp were completed in 1990. Other waterfront priorities – general beautification, including plantings, development of a waterfront walkway, and construction of bicycle trails, have all come to pass in the years since the survey was taken.

Survey questions concerning library services and schools highlight additional ways in which the Munjoy Hill neighborhood has changed markedly over the past decades. One set of questions concerned Munjoy Hill Branch Library, then located in the Mirada F. Adams Elementary School. Rating its services, 83% were very satisfied. The survey also reported a high degree of library utilization by households with children or adolescents. With the closure of the Adams school in 2006, the Branch Library was moved to the new East End Community School. The Branch Library was closed in 2010. At the time of the survey, Mirada Adams school was one of three elementary schools, of four schools in total, operating on the Hill. A section of the survey queried residents regarding their future vision for these facilities, in light of the need for renovations and possible consolidations. While residents’ views were mixed, and the questions don’t lend themselves to simple summarization, most respondents seemed to favor a solution to these challenges that made use of existing facilities rather than construction of a new school. The actual outcome was far different, and quite unforeseen in 1978. Two of the elementary schools – Shailer at 56 North Street and Emerson at 13 Emerson Street – were closed and converted to residential use in 1984. Adams Elementary closed in 2006, to be replaced by Avesta’s recently completed Adams School Condominiums. And William B. Jack School, a junior high at the time of the survey and later an elementary school, was torn down in 2001 following discovery of potentially dangerous levels of airborne mold. Both Adams and Jack were replaced by the East End Community School, which opened in 2006.

The next FULL MEMBERSHIP MEETING of the MHNO will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 from 7-8:30 pm at the Harry E. Cummings Center, 134 Congress St. Topics will be announced on our website, Facebook page, via email, and in the April edition of the Observer. Be on the lookout!

PUT A SHINE ON IT!

“Charging up Munjoy Hill.” Send us an email telling us the location show here (with nearest cross-street) to observer@munjoyhill.org. The first 3 respondents will get a certificate for a free treat at Hilltop Coffee!

The combined Friends of Eastern Prom April Stool’s Day and MHNO Munjoy Hill clean up event will be held on Saturday, April 12 (rain date, April 13). Watch for more details to come soon, and join us in cleaning up our wonderful Hill!

A FRESH LOOK AT PORTLAND’S IRISH Through the Eyes of Matthew Jude Barker By Michael C. Connolly - Saint Joseph’s College history professor and a nearly lifelong resident of Munjoy Hill. The article is based on an interview with local writer, historian, and genealogist Matthew Jude Barker. I HAVE COME to know Matt

Barker over the past two decades largely through his work on Irish historical themes and his selfless volunteering at the Maine Irish Heritage Center (MIHC), located at the former St. Dominic’s Church in the west end. He made two valuable contributions to books that I edited, They Change Their Sky: The Irish in Maine (2004) and John Ford in Focus (2008). This interview was requested by the Munjoy Observer on the occasion of the release of Matt’s first book, The Irish of Portland,

Maine: A History of Forest City Hibernians (The History Press, 2014). Recently this book was listed in the Maine Sunday Telegram at number one in sales for local nonfiction works. Matt was born in East Deering but his family moved to South Portland when he was just five. He attended Holy Cross School and graduated from South Portland High School. Matt’s curiosity and love of history was present from an early age. He started to compile family histories at the age of eight, a task made all the more interesting to him when he discovered that he had Galway roots on both sides of his family. Matt has made two trips to Ireland to visit relatives and do genealogical research, mainly in Counties Galway and Clare.

Locally, Matt has been an active member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, a group that was responsible for commemorating the loss of forty-two souls, mainly Irish, in the sinking of the RMS Bohemian off the coast of Cape Elizabeth on February 22, 1864, 150 years ago this year. The AOH erected a memorial stone at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland for the twelve dead whose names were known but whose remains were unclaimed. Twelve bodies were claimed by family or friends and removed for burial, but an additional eighteen, neither identified nor claimed, were buried in a mass grave at Forest City Cemetery. Matt hopes to raise funds to mark their resting place in the near future. A memorial service is scheduled

See page 10, MATTHEW JUDE BARKER

Did you play a role in the founding of the MHNO? Do you have stories to tell? If so, we want to hear from you! Help us make history -- please email me at matthew.kennedy@ munjoyhill.org or call me at 207370-1446. Above, Matthew Jude Barker, at left, reflected in an antique mirror; photo by Beth Duddy

BUYING OR SELLING, THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR EXPERIENCE.

LOVE the city?

Own a piece of it!

151 Newbury St., Portland, Me 04101 • Cell 207.465.5569 • M arc c hadbourne . coM

March 2014

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

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

observer@munjoyhill.org (207) 272-5962 munjoyhill.org

Observer Committee Andrea Myhaver, Ross Fields, Tamera Edison, Caron Murray, Sarah Graulty, Lisa Peñalver

advertising Ross Fields Ross.Fields@munjoyhill.org (207) 233-4327 Tamera Edison tamera.edison@munjoyhill.org (207) 939-7998 Lisa Peñalver, Layout & Design Observer@munjoyhill.org (207) 272-5962 3,000 Circulation 8,000+ Readership 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 2013-14

Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization Andrea Myhaver, President.......................... . ......... andrea.myhaver@munjoyhill.org Ross Fields, Vice President............................ . ...................ross.fields@munjoyhill.org Elaine Mullin, Treasurer............................... elaine.mullin@munjoyhill.org..671-6132   Sam Cohen, Secretary.................................. . .................. sam.cohen@munjoyhill.org Ralph Carmona............................................ 518-9177.......ralphcarmona@gmail.com Sarah Graulty.............................................. . ..............sarah.graulty@munjoyhill.org Matthew Kennedy........................................ . ....... matthew.kennedy@munjoyhill.org Caron Murray.............................................. . ............. caron.murray@munjoyhill.org Thomas Kelley............................................. . .............thomas.kelley@munjoyhill.org Joan Sheedy.....joan.sheedy@munjoyhill.org . ............................................. 774-7616 Sean Ryan Turley......................................... . ........ Sean.Ryan.Turley@munjoyhill.org

MHNO Mission

MHNO President, Andrea Myhaver

Kindness

My boyfriend, a college sociology instructor, on occasion uses examples from our relationship to illustrate points that he makes in his classes. I usually cringe at the thought of him sharing our private life with his students, but I understand why he does it; real life stories are more persuasive and relatable to students than generic textbook examples. This time, it’s I who am sharing though, and hopefully he won’t find it cringe-worthy.

During our February Board meeting, which was jam-packed with agenda items, and full of vibrant discussion, I was reminded that one of the things that I really like about serving on the MHNO Board is the variety that is represented within our 11 volunteer directors. We range in age from 26 to 76 and have occupations, backgrounds and talents that include nursing administration, architecture, historic preservation, urbanism, artistry, songwriting, singing, family dynamics, sociology, college instruction, political science, writing, engineering, and information technology (and more). As diverse as our professional backgrounds are, so are our personalities and family histories. Somehow though, amidst all that variety, we manage to gel as a group and accomplish a great deal, and it is exciting to be a part of it.

One of the reasons that I know my boyfriend is “the one” is how we fight with one another. Yup, I said fight. Of course we fight, or, to say it more nicely, have disagreements. We’re human beings with independent thoughts, preferences and personalities. Disagreements are inevitable and arguments are sometimes unavoidable. WHEN we argue though, even when the arguments get heated and the stakes are high, we always manage to remember

From the Editor, Lisa Peñalver

Spring is on its way How is it possible that it’s

March already? It sure doesn’t feel like it! Valentine’s Day came and went with a wave of chocolate and a gust of icy wind, so that must mean it’s now time for Restaurant Week! Let’s show our local eateries some love—it’s a win-win celebration.

The idea for Restaurant Week came as a way to prompt people to get out and enjoy local restaurants, receive discounts on meals, and explore the local foodie scene before the waves of tourists arrive. It helps out restaurants during otherwise lean times, and gets shy people out and about! According to the website (mainerestaurantweek.com), “customers love it because dining on special 3-course menus feels downright decadent. Also, through annual fundraising, local non-profit organizations benefit from Maine Restaurant Week. The 2014 non-profit beneficiaries are Big Brothers Big Sisters and Preble Street.” So let’s try to think past the fact that we might still see more snow. Spring is coming! The days are verifiably longer! The Portland Flower Show and

Boat Show http://portlandcompany.com/) are happening right in our own neighborhood! Daylight Savings Time moves clocks ahead on March 9. We can start planning for coming attractions like the annual joint MHNO/FoEP Cleanup Day, the magical May Ebune parade (Sunday, May 18th, FMI: Amanda Panda Parkhurst, musicandmagicmaine@gmail.com or (207) 956-3019), and the Maine Comics Arts Festival at the Portland Company Complex this year (also May 18!) Of course, we can hardly wait for the Hidden Gardens Tour of Munjoy Hill during the balmy days summer! Soon enough we’ll be slathering on the sunscreen and clearing out the guest rooms, but, for now, we can enjoy the lull by welcoming the songbirds at our bird feeders, starting some seeds, reading a good book and sharing meals with friends. Off you go!

that it doesn’t have to be about one person being right, and the other person being wrong. We have such genuine love and affection for one another that we realize the most important outcome of any argument is sustaining our relationship, and all other outcomes are secondary to that. So, we compromise, and we listen, and we allow each other to be imperfect. I think the same principle that is present in my relationship with my partner is what allows the Board members of the MHNO to disagree without becoming disagreeable. No, I’m not saying that life on the MHNO Board is akin to a 1960’s free love commune. However, we do all genuinely like each other, and even when we disagree on fundamental issues, we are able to find common ground, treat each other with respect, and, when all else fails, diffuse the situation with humor. We have some lively debates, and as Ross mentioned is his piece this month, there is no shortage of passion when it comes to how we feel about the past, present and future of Munjoy Hill. That passion is what drove us to volunteer our time in the first place, and it’s that passion that allows us to remember that the desired outcome is sustaining this won-

Take Notice —Joseph Malia—

It’s almost over, the rain trickles down, the naked trees will bear life again. The snow is retreating, the air once fierce, now is calming. The creatures come out, the day is warm again and open, nothing restaining the travel. The tiredness from the cold is wearing thin, the sun is now shining on. Now take the time, to breathe it in, and carpe diem. Seize the day.

derful place we live in, and so we find the points we can agree on, and we work from there. What do you do though when you find yourself in a situation in which you can’t find common ground with another person, or, <gasp> you really DON’T like each other? To answer that question, I look to words from the chorus of a wonderful song that my brother Kurt Myhaver wrote called “Kindness”. It goes like this: You don’t have to love me or want me You don’t have to like me at all Treat me with kindness I’ll treat you the same Keep being passionate. Keep being kind. Happy March! (Kindness, copyright 2013, by Kurt Myhaver. Used with permission)

It’s Natural —Joseph Malia—

I can hear a piano in my head, playing Love’s Divine. I can hear my heart beating fast, looking at you. I can feel a soothing wave, an electric nervousness. I can see color, vibrant and beautiful. I can feel no anger, no hate. I can sense, we’re not all that different. I can sense, that you are in my heart, where am I? In your heart.

The poems above were written by Joe Malia, a student at Southern Maine Community College who lives on Hammond Street near Munjoy Hill. He is inspired by spending time on the Eastern Promenade.

Send Your Let ters and Hill news to

observ er@Munjoy Hill .org

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

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!

756-8135 Daytimes: Janine Kaserman with Community Policing 2) 650-9005 cell: 11 am thru the night, Senior Lead Officer Jeff Druan 3) 874-8575/-8574: Dispatch/non-emergency events 1)

4) Emergencies: 9-1-1 Clip and save these numbers!

Anonymous Crimes tips Program: Phone Tip—Dial 874-8584 | Online: tipsubmit.com Text-A-Tip: Text “GOTCHA” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES)

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

March 2014

Space, The Final Frontier By Ross Fields, VP & MHNO Membership Seems like every meeting I attend now-a-

days, the focus is on space. No, not interplanetary travel, with someone standing with finger pointed to the sky exclaiming, “to infinity and beyond!” No, these meetings are dealing with the issues of public space, living space, driving space, community space, commercial space, parking space, standing space and personal space. And with as many meetings, there are as many disagreements on how “this space would be best utilized.” Of course, as in every disagreement, all sides are right. Herding chickens would be easier than finding common ground on some of these issues. I know. I have personally herded chickens, successfully, more than once. It can be done. Attempting to have well-intended citizens, developers and government officials decide the best direction for, say, Congress Square Park or the Bayside Midtown development, not so sure.

I do see a common thread holding this tapestry of “spirited verbal backand-forth” together. That thread is passion. Portland may have a finite amount of space, and a plethora of differing opinions, but there appears to be no limit of sincere passion expressed by its citizens, individually and collectively. What disturbs me, is when being right is more important than treating each other in a civil manner. Or worse, when it puts a friendship at risk. So what can you do? How do you keep from going over the edge, from crossing that line? In managing people during my differing careers, I had two go-to sayings:

These thoughts have both served me well and gotten me through many challenging issues. I will say that Dr. Dyer’s quote will challenge you to your core, and will produce the most rewarding results. The second quote just keeps things from getting personal, while keeping everyone focused on getting to the root cause of an issue. So as we continue to explore the “frontiers” of space here in our beloved Portland, I encourage each of us to put minimal “space” between us.

“When you change the way you look at things . . , the things you look at change.” —Dr. Wayne Dyer

and

“Critique the process, not each other.” —Unknown (me?)

PortlandWalkingSchoolBus.org

Ask the Money Prof

By Joel I. Gold

Here we go again! Income Taxes 2013 Are you working on your taxes yet? If

not, don’t worry yet; you still have until April 15th to finish them. Does everyone have to file their Federal 1040s and State of Maine tax returns? If you are seeking a refund from withholding taxes during the year, you will have to file. If your income is above the sum of your standard deduction ($6,100 per individual or $7,600 if over age 65) and the personal exemption of $3,900 per individual, then one must file. I have been doing my own taxes for many years. Here are some tips that might help you: Use folders to maintain all tax records If you derive “miscellaneous income” and receive 1099-MISC forms, you might have to wait to receive them. All institutions must mail out their forms by February 28th. Use tax software (Turbo tax, Kiplingers, etc.) – they are user friendly and you can file on line and get your refund faster. Having refund checks directly deposited in your checking account instead of mailing it to you, can cut down on identity theft. If you own real estate (Schedule E) or own a business (Schedule C) make sure you list all your expenses from checkbooks, online banking, credit card statements, and expense receipts. If you have a mortgage and pay property taxes, it may pay for you to itemize your deductions (Schedule A) instead of taking the standard deduction(s). We want to “avoid” taxes by making sure we take all the allowable deductions. Leave yourself enough time to prepare your taxes, in case you have to obtain information required for your return. Understand what your marginal tax rate is. That is the rate in which your last dol-

lar of income is taxed. It is also the rate in which you save on expenses (write-offs). You can find the federal income tax rate schedule online. Here is the Federal tax rate for married taxpayers: 10% on taxable income from $0 to $17,850, plus 15% on taxable income over $17,850 to $72,500, plus 25% on taxable income over $72,500 to $146,400, plus 28% on taxable income over $146,400 to $223,050, plus 33% on taxable income over $223,050 to $398,350, plus 35% on taxable income over $398,350 to $450,000, plus 39.6% on taxable income over $450,000. All taxpayers begin at the lowest 10% rate on the first $17,850 of income, then the rate “progresses” as your income rises. So, couples that have taxable income between $72,500 and $146,400 would pay 25% on that portion of income. These couples that can find additional write-offs would reduce their taxable income and save 25% in taxes on that write-off. Some taxpayers have more complex tax situations with multiple Schedules, or others that do not want to do their own taxes. My advice is get referrals on professional tax preparers and advisers and shop around for pricing. College professor and financial adviser Joel I. Gold is the owner of the Gold Company, located off of India Street, 145 Newbury Street, 3rd flr, (207) 650-7884, where he works as a Fee-Only Financial Planner. He’s been in Portland since 1995.

March 2014

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

MEET THE BOARD OF THE MHNO KEEPING YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION RUNNING

Ross Fields, MHNO Vice President Turner St.

Caron Murray St Lawrence St.

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Andrea My

Sean Ryan Turley Joined MHNO Board February 2014, Vesper St.

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Matthew Kennedy Beckett St.

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Ralph Carmona North St.

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Ross Fields, Ad Sales Rep

Joan Sheedy North St Tamera Edison, Ad Sales Rep

Each MHNO Board member on this page has been profiled in recent issues of the Observer, which are all available online in “.pdf” form. To read the brief bios, go online to munjoyhill.org.

Sarah Graulty Waterville St.

Lisa Peñalver Editor of the Observer; also Graphic Designer, and BioMedical Illustrator, Peaks Island GEARS ILLUSTRATION: THINKSTOCK

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

March 2014

the munjoy Hill neighborhood Organization Observer Submission Deadlines!

Open Meetings!!

To submit your letter, article or ad into the next month’s issue of the Observer, please send it to us by the 15th of each month. If you do not receive a reply (you should), please follow up with a phone call to our Editor, Lisa Peñalver at 207-766-5077.

Note-Worthy The Former Colucci’s market, having been reportedly purchased by Munjoy Hill resident and developer Bill Simpson, now has a sign in the window announcing the new name, “Hilltop Superette” with the promise of “Opening this Spring.” Follow their progress on Facebook! Glad to see progress! Hilltop Coffee has moved into the former Bar Lola

location, right across from the MHNO office on Congress Street

Bar Lola restaurant has closed for now, with rumors of a reincarnation (as Lolita’s?) in a nearby location. See the April issue of the Observer for details

The MHNO has a number of active committees. We are always seeking new members. Do any of the areas below interest you? Please drop in to a meeting (times and days for each committee listed below) at Hill House, 92 Congress St, to find out more! All meeting times listed are subject to change. Please visit our website for most current meeting schedule. Membership and Events Membership Committee oversees the expansion, maintenance and involvement of members;

also coordinates and implements all MHNO sponsored events such as quarterly and annual meetings, Membership & Events - Co-chairs: Ross Fields and Andrea Myhaver - contact ross. fields@munjoyhill.org Services Committee Services Committee initiates and implements all service and assistance programs, such as Fuel Assistance, Youth Community Services, Holiday Gifts and our new program for elder assistance. Services Chair: Elaine Mullin contact elaine.mullin@ munjoyhill.org NEW! Communications Committee

Everyone’s Welcome!

Com-Com News:

Report from the NEW Communications Committee MHNO’s new Communications Committee is responsible for identifying and monitoring sources of information of potential relevance to residents of Munjoy Hill; for coordinating the distribution of such information via channels such as email, the MHNO website (munjoyhill.org), Facebook, and the Hill House marquee; and for overseeing other sorts of communication between the MHNO and the larger community. Chair of this committee is Matthew Kennedy (matthew. kennedy@munjoyhill.org).

Volunteer with the MHNO You can make a difference!

The MHNO Board meets every second Monday of each month at 7 pm at the Hill House at 92 Congress St.

Safe & Livable Neighborhood Committee The SLN Committee oversees MHNO involvement in all matters affecting street, sidewalk and neighborhood environments (includes safe sidewalks, street clean up, parking and traffic issues, maintenance and use of the Hill House).

Email info@munjoyhill.org. Show your neighborhood pride! Munjoy HilL t-shirts are available: S-XL: $18, XXXL: $18. 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.

*WELCOME*

Sean Ryan Turleywho joined the MHNO Board February 2014

Follow the Franklin Street redesign process! Go online to franklinstreet.mindmixer.com Join the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization

Chair of this committee is Sam Cohen: sam. cohen@munjoyhill.org

The Observer Committee The Observer Committee provides oversight to the MHNO’s monthly newspaper, the Munjoy Hill Observer. Chair: Andrea Myhaver Contact andrea.myhaver@ munjoyhill.org

New Membership

Name(s)_ ____________________________________________________________ Street Address________________________________________________________ City________________________________________State_______ Zip___________ Email (for MHNO updates)_____________________________________________ Day Phone (____)________________ Eve Phone (____)______________________

Membership Levels Individual: $10 Family: $20 Business: $35 Additional Donation

Baby, it’s cold outside!

The MHNO Heating Assistance Funds can help those in need. Are you having trouble keeping your home warm? The MHNO has a fuel assistance program for our neighbors having trouble paying fuel bills. Thanks to the generosity of our community who use the green Clynk bags we supply (in the green box on our fence), we have money to use for this purpose. Please reach out to Elaine at elaine.mullin@munjoyhill.org if you need help with heating costs.

Renewal

$25 $50 $75 $100 $250 $500 Other Amount: ($______) wish my gift to be anonymous

Volunteer for a Committee! We need your help to make Munjoy Hill an even better place to live! Get involved by joining one or more of our committees:

Membership & Events Communications Services Safe & Livable Neighborhood Observer

We want all members of our community to join the MHNO regardless of financial circumstances. If you are unable to pay the suggested minimum amount, please pay what you can. If you are able to contribute more, we encourage you to do so. We thank you for your support, and we’re excited to have you on board! Please send this form along with your check to:

MHNO, 92 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101 Questions? Call (207) 775-3050, email info@munjoyhill.org or visit munjoyhill.org Welcome to the MHNO! 02/2014

March 2014

CapitAl City

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER justinalfond.com

Taking Care of Basic Needs the safety net for Children in Maine

Food, shelter, and water.

The basic needs of life. And yet, more than 20,000 kids are hungry—every day—right here in Maine, and another 65,000 kids are at-risk of hunger. In Portland, there are over 3,700 students who are hungry — just over 53% of all students. For example, the free and reduced breakfast and lunch rate at Riverton Elementary is 81%. At East End School, the rate is just a bit better at 79%, and the Portland High School rate is 55%. Maine has the third highest rate of hunger in the country. That means one in four children under the age of five isn’t getting enough to eat. In America, that shouldn’t be the case. Making sure people—and especially children—have enough food is a basic right. We have a responsibility to make sure that

Changes to Maine “Circuitbreaker” Program

Now:“Property Tax Fairness Credit”

The Circuitbreaker Program has been replaced by a refundable Property Tax Fairness Credit that can be claimed on the Maine Individual Income Tax Form. How much is the refundable credit? Qualified Maine residents can get as much as $300 ($400 if 70 years of age or older). The new credit will be available beginning in January, 2014 on the 2013 Maine Individual Income Tax Form 1040ME, and Schedule PTFC. A worksheet will be included with Form 1040ME to calculate the amount of the credit. http://www.maine. gov/revenue/taxrelief/tnr. htm, and more at income. tax@maine.gov.

our most vulnerable get their basic needs met: Food. Shelter. Water. Kids cannot help that they are poor. You wouldn’t think that feeding hungry kids would be a political issue—or even a partisan one. But it has been lately. Governor LePage vetoed my bill that would

feed hungry students during the summer months when school is not in session— summertime is when 70,000 students don’t have access to school lunches. For many students, school is the only place where they can get a meal. Feeding students during the summer is nothing new. In fact, the first summer food program began in 1968. And, the National School Lunch Program that offers free and reduced lunch to children in poverty began twen-

ty-two years before that in 1946. As a country and a government, we’ve long seen the need, and accepted the responsibility, to help provide nutrition to our neediest children. It just makes sense. We know that hunger is one of the most severe roadblocks to learning. A child who doesn’t have enough to eat won’t do as well in school. They’re more likely to get sick more often—and, less likely to finish high school. My bill is simple. It reaches out to the 84,000 Maine kids who qualify for free or reduced lunch and asks the schools, who already offer summer programming like a rec program, to consider whether a summer food program is right for them. The bill even allows schools to partner with churches or nonprofits or other community and civic organizations. In Portland, there’s even a summer food program in the park—at Deering Oaks. The goal is to go to where

Even the food costs are paid for. The federal Summer Food Program picks up 100% of the food costs. But still, if a school doesn’t want to participate, they can opt out. Ultimately, it’s a local decision. All we are expecting is for the adults to have a conversation about the hungry children at their school, in their community.

In the wake of the recent eco-

nomic crisis more people are hungry than ever before. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (USDA) reported on September 5, 2012 that 50 million Americans, including over 16 million children are food insecure. A person is considered food insecure if they lack access to enough food to ensure adequate nutrition.

• Population: 1,328,361 (Source: US Census, 2013 estimate)

• Maine ranks 3rd in the nation (1st in New England) for very low food security (hunger) • DHHS reported a 38% rise in SNAP (food stamp) participation between 2008 and 2012 • Currently Maine is only serving 16% of children who eligible to receive a free meal in the summer.

know where their next meal is coming from, despite our having the means to provide nutritious, affordable food for all Americans. Directors Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush examine this issue through the lens of three people who are struggling with food insecurity: Barbie, a single

New Statistics Confirm Ongoing Hunger Crisis

• In 1977 there were 3 food pantries open in southern Maine, today there are 80 food pantries • Approximately a quarter (25%) of these pantries have opened in the past 5 years • Food pantries provide food to more than 25,000 people in southern Maine. Additional Facts About Poverty & Hunger

Poverty rate in Maine: 13.3 percent (Source: Census Bureau) Child poverty rate in Maine: 19.3% (Source: Nov 2013 ‘‘Kids Count’’ report by the Maine Children’s Alliance) Maine unemployment rate: 6.2% Dec 2013 (Source: https:// www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/laus.html)

Food Stamps: Approximately 19% of Mainers are using food stamps (FY 2011, Source: USDA) 40 percent of Maine’s food insecure population makes too much to qualify for food stamps and must rely on the charity food assistance network (Source: Feeding America) You can help locally by making a donation to the Preble Street Food Pantry: 252 Oxford Street, Portland At Left: coming to Space Gallery in April (see below); “Who’s Hungry” is an evening of experimental tabletop puppet theater that gives a voice and face to hunger in America. A series of plays tell the stories of those who, on a daily basis, must choose between life’s basic necessities - food or rent, food or medicine, food or bus fare.

(Source: http://www.preblestreet. org/mainehungerinitiative.php)

50 million people in the U.S.—one in four children—don’t

If your heat is included in your rent, you may still apply for LIHEAP. For mre information, call (207) 626-4603, or email: LIHEAP@mainehousing.org, and visit mainehousing.org

As always, I’d love to hear from you. Please send your thoughts and comments on this and other topics to Justin@JustinAlfond. com.

Hunger in Maine

Monday, March 24, 2014, 7:30 PM, Doors open at 7 pm, SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress Street, Portland, $8

You may be eligible for assistance if your total household income falls within the income eligibility guidelines or 60% of the state area median income, whichever is less. Eligibility for households with incomes between 150% and 170% of the federal poverty guidelines is limited to those households with a member who is susceptible to hypothermia, such as elderly, a child twenty-four months of age or under, or with a doctor’s diagnosis.

This new law gives us a chance to feed our state’s hungry children so that we can make sure all of our kids, even the hungry, have the basic building blocks to go toe to toe with their classmates or in fact with anyone, anywhere.

Many Mainers have been hard hit by the recession. The USDA estimates that 14.7 percent of Maine households, or approximately 200,000 individuals, are food insecure. The number of Mainers who are food insecure has increased significantly in recent years. Maine ranks 18th in the nation and 2nd in New England in terms of food insecurity.

A Place at the Table

(LIHEAP) provides money to help low-income homeowners and renters pay for heating costs.

After the Governor’s indefensible veto, the Legislature was given a second shot to make this bill become law. After working with my Republican colleagues in the House and Senate, the Legislature voted to override Governor LePage’s veto.

Hunger in Maine Source: website for the Good Shepherd Food-Bank, http:// www.gsfb.org/hunger/

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

the kids are and make it as easy as possible.

Philadelphia mother who grew up in poverty and is trying to provide a better life for her two kids; Rosie, a Colorado fifth-grader who often has to depend on friends and neighbors to feed her and has trouble concentrating in school; and Tremonica, a Mississippi second-grader whose asthma and health issues are exacerbated by the largely empty calories her hardworking mother can afford. Their stories are interwoven with insights from experts including sociologist Janet Poppendieck, author Raj Patel and nutrition policy leader Marion Nestle; ordinary citizens like Pastor Bob Wilson

and teachers Leslie Nichols and Odessa Cherry; and activists such as Witness to Hunger’s Mariana Chilton, Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio and Oscar®-winning actor Jeff Bridges.

of Portland Ovations’ presentation of the puppet theater project Who’s Hungry, taking place at SPACE in April. Co-presented with Portland Ovations and the Maine Hunger Initiative.

Ultimately, A Place at the Table shows us how hunger poses serious economic, social and cultural implications for our nation, and that it could be solved once and for all, if the American public decides—as they have in the past—that making healthy food available and affordable is in the best interest of us all.

Coming in April: a n evening of experimental tabletop puppet theater.

We are screening this in advance

Who’s Hungry? April 10April 12, 2014, 2:00pm show Saturday, April 12; 8:00pm shows Thursday-Saturday April 10-12 Space Gallery. See http://www. preblestreet.org/events/WhosHungry/648/

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

March 2014

GrowingTogether T ips

Grampa Al’s Pizza Night Does your family have a special time when everyone

comes together to prepare a special food, or play a game, or both? Does this special time have its own name? Like Family Game Night or Kids Make Dinner Night? Bestowing a name on such a time gives it an identity, even possibly leading to the creation of a family tradition. I created such a time in our family and awarded it the title of . . . (. . .wait for it,) Grandpa Al’s Pizza Night!

When I was growing up, my dad would create a fun family evening by making the most wonderful, best tasting, thin crust pizza (from a box, no less!). Unfortunately, he was killed in an accident long before my daughters were born. Creating Grandpa Al’s Pizza Night not only brought those wonderful memories of my dad back to me, it also helped the girls hear about the grandfather they would never get to really know. Dad (Grandpa Al) swore by Chef Boy-Ar-Dee’s pizza mix. It came in a yellow box and had everything you needed; pizza flour, yeast, sauce and cheese. Dad would start with the basic cheese pizza and add his own toppings, like little balls of hamburg precisely spaced (he was an engineer), or strips of Velveeta cheese laid over the whole thing. I think Velveeta cheese was its own food group back in the day. So when I decided to initiate Grandpa Al’s Pizza Night, I made a beeline for our small-town grocery store in Lyndonville, Vermont, and was overjoyed—and a bit surprised—to see ol’ Chef Boy-Ar-Dee smiling at me from almost the exact same box. It was like greeting an old friend I hadn’t seen in a long time. I took one box off the shelf and then quickly turned back to grab a second, ex-

P arenting

R elationships

By Ross Fields, CPE & Kathleen Fields, CPE claiming to myself, “Let Grandpa Al’s Pizza Night begin!” You may question my personal claims of “best tasting pizza ever.” Sure, the pizza had a role, but more importantly, it was how dad went about it. He had a certain ritual and a way of involving me, my sister and my mom, in the whole process. The kitchen would be electric with anticipation from start to finish as we each did our assigned tasks. From checking on the dough a s it took its time to rise, to stretching it out by hand to the edges of the rectangular pan, ladling on the sauce, and toppings being meticulously placed. Finally the cheese was evenly sprinkled over every square inch of our team effort. After 20 minutes in the oven, the pizzas would emerge, edges golden brown and crispy, cheese and sauce bubbling. It was now time to cut, serve and enjoy – watch out for that hot cheese on the roof of your mouth. The menu for Grandpa Al’s Pizza Night slowly transitioned from the box mix to homemade whole grain pizza dough, with more refined ingredients than what I grew up with, but Grandpa Al’s Pizza Night continued on. From then on, when anyone of us spoke those magic words, “Hey, let’s have Grandpa Al’s Pizza Night” we knew it would be an evening of pizza, playing games, and just having fun together. It really didn’t matter what we were doing. We were doing it together, as a family. No TV, no devices. Just talking to, and laughing with, one another. Oh yes, and guess what? Family times such as these are great for teaching and learning life skills: leadership, followership, cooperation, consensus, and asking for what you want, to name a few. Family members can take turns

at being “in-charge” of the whole event, like being the captain-of-the-ship. Specific responsibilities can be assigned for food preparation, clean up, and game selection. It’s also a great way for your child to feel powerful, by being able to invoke a family gathering by simply saying, “Hey, let’s have Grandpa Al’s Pizza Night!” or whatever name you have come up with. So, what name will your family fun time be called? Deciding how this time will look, and deciding on a name, could be an event (family meeting) all by itself (like naming the family pet). Whatever you come up with, I know it will be just as magical for you as Grandpa Al’s Pizza Night continues to be for me. And as always . . . with patience, education, and practice, you will become a more confident and effective parent. It’s ALL about the relationship. Ross & Kathleen Fields are Certified Parenting Educators (CPE) and, co-founders of Results Parenting, LLC, www.resultsparenting.com.

March 2014

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

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FRIDAY APRIL 4 FROM 6 TO 9 PM Keynote: Elizabeth Strout Where: Abromson Center, USM 88 Bedford St., Portland Tickets: www.ILAPmaine.org

More about the 2014 CeleSoiree on page 14

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

March 2014

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Living With Peace

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.

Modern-Day Human Trafficking why should I care about the Lost Girls? A “lost girl” beaten and hidden behind a wall of shame. When they “dumped her” on the street, they put a Niqap (traditional Muslim “veil” or “mask”) over her to hide her face. She is now missing and feared dead. There are three elements to hu-

man trafficking: what, how and why. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Article 3, paragraph (a) of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, it is defined “as (what) the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of (how) the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of (why) the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation.” You may have heard of the Lost Boys, those boys from South Sudan who walked for hundreds of miles to find freedom in the west. Unfortunately, a Lost Girl is not so easy to

By Christina Feller, VP of Living With Peace

define. They are girls from victimized, marginalized tribes or clans. The Lost Girls I am speaking of are Somali Bantu/Nilotes, the lowest of the low in terms of victimized people in East Africa. The Lost Girls are females that have disappeared without a trace, or worse, they are known and we are unable to capture them and get them away from the heinous people who hold them. You might ask, why? Why would a woman stay in such a situation? If you are asking that question, then you are not aware of how women are used and abused and fear for their lives every second of every day. I cannot describe in 500 words what is going on. Suffice it to say, there are more than 1,000 girls who are Somali Bantu/Nilotes who are currently being held captive in homes across Nairobi, working day and night without any form of safety net. They do not have documents. They are not allowed to get out to register or even to get to safety. They are watched and followed as they go to the market to buy food for their masters. They work 16 hours a day for little or

no pay. They are beaten and sexually abused. They are intimidated if community workers from the UN or the IOM (International Organization for Migration) come to the home. They are held against their will and kept away from authorities. You might ask, how do they procure these girls in the first place? They buy them. Simple as that. They go into the camps and “order” them as if ordering a take-out food. They say it is to give them work. Once gone, the phone number is changed and the family never hears from their girl again. They are “lost.” Dear readers, please be aware of what goes on in this world today. It happens even HERE in the U.S.! Human trafficking is occurring everywhere. Be aware. If you see a girl who is withdrawn and refuses to speak, find out why. No girl should be afraid to speak. No girl should be Lost.

Among Matt’s other accomplishments is the periodic release of the genealogical newsletter, the Downeast Shamrock, with its focus on local family history tracing back to Ireland. On any Friday between 10am and 2pm, one could often find Matt working with others at the MIHC library on the Maine Gaeltacht Project, a database that currently includes over 150,000 Maine Irish names and which combines research, family histories, and modern genetic testing tools linking locals to possible relatives both here and in Ireland.

Crossword ACROSS

1 Painting and sculpturing 5 Participate in a school bee 10 Old magazine title 14 Boxing match 15 Bert’s buddy 16 In a lazy way 17 Gray wolf 18 Screwdriver ingredient 19 Merriment 20 Came forth 22 Shuns 24 Traveler’s stop 25 Shoe sole ridge 26 French farewell 29 Happiness 30 Adolescents 34 Uncle __ Rice 35 Layer of turf 36 In __; refusing to face reality

Hotline

—Confidential—

Christina Feller is an international development consultant Report Human Traffiking and advises local Diaspora OrText INFO or HELP to ganizations on returning to home BeFree (233733) countries to rebuild resiliency in polarisproject.org local economies and populations.

1-888-373-7888

“Serving Greater Portland Since 1980”

Correction: In the February issue, we indicated we needed 10-40 volunCongratulations to all of tonights teers for our new project the Portland Micros. It should have read 10 volunAward Winners! 104 Washington Avenue • Portland, ME 04101 • 207.773.8198 teers. I apologize for the error.

www.dalerandprinting.com

104 Washington Avenue • Portland, Maine 04101 • (207) 773-8198 mikerand@maine.rr.com

Matthew Jude Barker & Portland’s Irish, at the MIHC on the actual 150th anniversary of the sinking of the Bohemian.

Hundreds of East African girls, from underprivileged tribes, like the child shown at left, are being stolen from their families, beaten, raped and sold all over the world. Some are murdered; they just “disappear.”

For your enjoyment, visit Matt’s website of nearly sixty sites of Irish interest in Greater Portland, including ten on or near Munjoy Hill. This is accessible by searching: www.maineirishheritagetrail. org. One of the local sites is the Daly Block at 193 Congress Street, named after Barney Daly, one of Portland’s first labor contractors responsible for the rebuilding of the city after the Great Portland Fire of 1866; and also the Murphey Block at 241 Congress Street, currently home of Carlson Turner Books, named for Edward William Murphy a local druggist, baseball promoter and political figure at the local and state levels. Matt never stops working. He is currently adding to his studies

from front page

of the local Irish in the Civil War and also a broader study of the Portland Irish, possibly picking up the thread of his current book and running it up through the twentieth century. Matthew Jude Barker is clearly a Portland treasure and a proud Irishman, documenting the history of his people from their rough beginnings as famine and post-famine immigrants and noting their many contributions to this city and state. In 2012 he was named in the “40 Under 40” list by a noted Irish American newspaper, the Irish Echo. His many friends at the MIHC and beyond, including many on Munjoy Hill, are very proud of his many accomplishments and wish him well in his future endeavors.

65 Takes to court 66 Deviously 67 Makes angry DOWN 1 Competent 2 Kitchen or den 3 Toothpaste container 4 Building levels 5 Early bedtime 6 Nudge; spur on 7 Conclusion 8 __ to happen; very probable 9 Rent long term 10 __ up; take life less seriously 11 Eric __ of Monty Python 12 Piloted 13 Observes 21 African antelope 23 Provide food for a

banquet 25 Document that alters a will 26 Taken __; surprised 27 Actress Winger 28 Bring upon oneself, as a penalty 29 Occupation 31 Large sea duck 32 Tacks 33 Snoozed 35 Yrbk. section 36 Lion’s lair 38 Upper room 39 Foot digit 42 Nest egg 44 Small grill 46 Fez dangler 47 Michael J. __ 49 Widens a hole 50 Impudent 51 Hair coverings 52 Hawaiian island

9/18/2009 8:37:35 AM

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37 CBS competitor 38 Dispute settler 40 Pass away 41 Pie bottoms 43 Pros opposite 44 Beatles movie 45 24 __ gold 46 __ up; bind 47 At __; in the beginning 48 Like measles, the flu & many other diseases 50 Cry 51 Observes 54 Like income you report on a Form 1040 58 Deserve; merit 59 Blaze residue 61 Bedspring, e.g. 62 Hoodlum 63 Lunch & dinner 64 Actor Azaria

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53 Real; genuine 54ACROSS Blab 155Painting Wild hogand sculpturing 56 Chain piece 5 Participate in a 57school BPOE bee folks Dobbin’s dinner 1060Old magazine 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 24 25 26 29 30 34 35 36 37 38 40 41 43

title Boxing match Bert’s buddy In a lazy way Gray wolf Screwdriver ingredient Merriment Came forth Shuns Traveler’s stop Shoe sole ridge French farewell Happiness Adolescents Uncle __ Rice Layer of turf In __; refusing to face reality CBS competitor Dispute settler Pass away Pie bottoms Pros opposite

by Jacqueline E. Mathews

THE Daily Commuter Puzzle by Jacqueline E. Mathews

4 Building levels

Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Gary Dobson & Portland Public Services

By Lisa Peñalver

I asked him what it’s been like to do this job this winter. He grinned broadly and waved back at a small dump truck full of salt, idling in the road.

THE CITY OF PORTLAND takes

”You see that truck there? It hasn’t stopped running in 3 days! One operator just got out of it and another driver is getting right back in to take it out. The trucks are down just long enough to refuel and then they’re sent back out.

Given the nature of the business district and old neighborhoods in the Portland area (think, steep, narrow streets, cobblestones), there are significant “complexities” to the snow-removal process. Teamwork is essential.

We work 12 to 16 hour shifts, and lately it’s been mostly the longer shifts. Today I came in to prep the trucks, but I’ll go out on the roads later on.”

the job of snow cleanup very seriously. According the Director of Public Services, Mike Bobinsky, “If our transportation systems are not accessible, then the city is not accessible.”

I stopped in to the Public Services site on Hanover St. on a sunny afternoon in late February to speak with Gary Dobson, one of the City snowplow drivers. He has been working for the City for 22 years.

“After a snowstorm like the one we just had (around Valentine’s Day), we have to hit the main lines and the Old Port first, then the neighborhoods. My route is District 1, so that includes Munjoy Hill.” Safety is the priority during and

after the storm. If cars can’t get through, it could lead to a dangerous situation. City streets are monitored by Public Services and the Fire Department to make sure the street widths remains adequate for parking, safe vehicular passage, and access by emergency vehicles. Vehicles quickly return after the bans, hence snow is then removed on the Peninsula, often utilizing parking restrictions associated with the City Services signs, or else the City posts “Emergency No Parking” signs right away. Gary explained, “Once things calm down and the snow stops, we’ll go back to widen berms and remove the big piles of snow.” This was happening as we spoke. While trucks were still heading out with salt, other larger trucks were carrying snow from the snow dump on Somerset Street nearby over to the site on Outer Congress.

Protect Yourself from Fraud & Scams Lori K Parham, State Director, AARP Maine OVER A PERIOD of five years

“Jeremy,” a con artist now doing time, worked a number of gold coin scams. “We would tell people that gold would absolutely double in value in the next one-to-two years and that the prospect would be able to rely on it making them far more money than any other investment vehicle,” he said from his jailhouse cell. What he failed to disclose was that he was selling the gold at up to a 500 percent markup. Identity theft, investment fraud and scams rob millions of Americans of their hard-earned money every year. Research shows that more than $20 billion was stolen from about 13 million victims in 2012, according to the latest Javelin Strategy and Research reports on identity fraud. Older adults tend to be bilked out of about $3 billion every year. Con artists use a myriad of scams to steal your hard-earned money, including phishing scams, techsupport scams, gold coin scams, oil and gas scams, sweepstakes and lottery scams, grandparent scams and many more. Although their methods are different, research shows that the tactics scammers use are the same. When authorities ask convicted con artists to describe the trick to scamming people out of money, they all say the same thing: “Get them under the ether.” The ether is a heightened emotional state that makes it hard to think clearly and make rational

decisions. Con artists ask questions that trigger an emotional response. Once they find something you care about that triggers emotions, they will “throttle up” on that trigger and get you to focus on it until you are in a heightened emotional state and ready to open your wallet. Another tactic con artists use is making a personal connection with a potential victim. Scammers will develop a victim profile by asking a series of personal questions so they can find your emotional trigger. Once they wrap you in emotion that blurs your logic, they’ve endeared you to them and you begin to trust them.

not required. It’s free and open to everyone – members, non-members and people of all ages – and it allows access to talk to a real, live person, learn about active scams, and find resources about what to do to spot and avoid them. In keeping true to its mission of protecting the financial security of older adults, AARP is launching this local campaign to fight identity theft and fraud in Maine. Protect yourself or a loved one. Get this information, watchdog alerts and more by visiting aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call 877-908-3360. You can also reach me directly at me@aarp.org.

Snow clearing on Munjoy Hill, as well as in the Park Side and West End neighborhoods, is complicated by the narrow residential streets, so snow removal operations in these areas will often continue beyond the parking ban periods. It hasn’t been easy, but City crews have kept up with Mother Nature, and I, for one, appreciate their efforts. As winter winds down, Gary and his co-workers will transition to the work of patching potholes and repainting crosswalk lines, but until then, please continue to observe parking bans when they are announced and keep the sidewalks in front of your homes clear and

Far left, Gary Dobson beside the salt shed; above, Somerset St. snow dump; below: “I PUT SNOW IN ITS PLACE”— Bumper sticker displayed in the window of a Public Works snowblower.

GOOD NEIGHBORS of the Month City of Portland Public Services crews work roundthe clock to keep streets open this winter

March 2014

walkable following City snow plow operations. The City sidewalk ordinance requires that residential properties must clear snow and ice from their sidewalks within 24 hours after the City plowing work is completed and properties have 12 hours after City plowing has stopped for that storm.

HERBAL INSIGHTS

Here comes the Sun! By Mischa Schuler The mornings are cracking open early – with the orange sun rising above the Eastern Prom before 6:30 am, and setting below Sumner Park after 5:15pm. On Sunday, March 9, we’ll be transitioning back to Daylight Saving’s Time, falling back an hour, with longer evenings and darker mornings. Spring time, here we come! In conjunction with this happy occasion, the annual Portland Flower Show will be opening its doors and welcoming the community to its Fore Street location. The Gala Opening event is Wednesday evening, March 5 from 6 – 9pm. Tickets are $30. Day passes to the flower show range from $13 for a one day pass to $50 for a four day pass. PORTLAND FLOWER SHOW HOURS: Thurs, March 6, 10am-6pm Fri, March 7, 10am-7pm

Con artists also use a tactic they call “phantom riches” meaning something you want, but can’t have. The con artist will dangle that phantom in front of you in order to get your emotion up so you will make an impulsive decision. Researchers say this is the number one tactic found in undercover audiotapes of con pitches.

Sat, March 8, 10am-7pm

This information and more can all be found in the “Con Artists Playbook.” The Con Artist’s Playbook is part of the Fraud Watch Network, which contains this interview and others, along with access to information to help protect people from theft and fraud.

March is a time to enjoy the last few weeks of winter winter, appreciate the chilly days and long nights that bring meaning to the seeds of joy we’re planting in anticipation of summer.

The Fraud Watch Network gives you free access to information about how to protect yourself and your family. Membership is

Sun, March 9, 10am-5pm, *PLANT AUCTION starts at 5:30pm Held at the Portland Company Complex, 58 Fore Street, Portland, ME Additional information can be found at PortlandCompany.com/ As the days lengthen to be equal in length to the night, we’ll be anticipating the colorful bounty of snow drops, crocuses and daffodils, emerging shortly after Vernal Equinox, on Thu., March 20.

Mischa Schuler is a Community Herbalist offering classes on the Hill. She can be found daydreaming about her garden, cooking up a meal, or reading a good book. www.WildCarrotHerbs.com

March 2014

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

East End Business Focus

Indoor Plant Kingdom, IPK I came across the bright green business card for IPK (Indoor Plant Kingdom) on the counter of the Rosemont Market on Commercial Street, where I am a regular consumer of their amazing sandwiches. On a day in-between snowstorms, with the sun streaming through the big front Rosemont window, I was thinking about growing some fresh veggies of my own, so the idea of an Indoor Plant Kingdom conjured up all kinds of images in my mind. Then I realized that the IPK is just over the Hill; right down on Anderson Road at the far end of the Urban Farm Fermentory building in Bay #9. Now I HAD to go see for myself what sorts of growing goodies they have!

efits of growing one’s own food, using locally-produced materials. “It’s important for people to understand what food IS and what is involved in producing it. Also, we are faced with a really short growing season here in Maine. There comes a time each year when it’s hard to get fresh local greens. People don’t realize that with just a little bit of knowledge and assistance, you can grow your own food yearround!” “Even with a small budget and a small space, you can get big rewards.” Chris has both experience and supplies for people to delve into vermiculture (composting with live earthworms), hydroponics and aquaculture.

Walk into the IPK store and you will see bold, colorful murals on every wall, à la poster artist Peter Max. One of the defining concepts of IPK founder Chris Gillard is an intermingling of the art of gardening with other creative arts, including visual & music (more on —Indoor Plant Kingdom’s owner, Chris Gillard this in a moment).

“Even with a small budget and a small space, you can get big rewards.”

The IPK shop sell a wide range of organic gardening supplies, from gloves and shears, to pots and grow-lights, soil, fertilizers and seeds. They can set up a beginner to start seedlings in a window tray or provide everything a gardener might need for a full-sized greenhouse. Chris Gillard started the business in 2009 working out of his barn; it’s literally a home-grown operation. His goal is to increase awareness of the ben-

By Lisa Peñalver

“I think it’s especially important to raise this awareness with children. You get more nourishment and satisfaction from your food when you put energy into producing it.”

Local gardeners (like you!) can call to speak with Chris if they have a specific area of interest or need guidance with a garden project; he is a wealth of information. IPK hosts events and workshops throughout the year. This spring, IPK will be installing a garden at Kennedy Park, in conjunction with the Community Policing Center, which will incorporate an art installation by Tim Clorius, (a.k.a. “Subone”). Visit Indoor Plant Kingdom at 200 Anderson St. Unit Bay #9 Portland, Maine | ph. 207-699-4940, Chris Gillard, owner. Winter hours: M-Thurs 10-6, Fri 10-5, Sat Noon-5, and online at indoorplantkingdom.com/ If you have not been down there yet, it’s well worth the trip. Maybe make a late morning outing on a Saturday, when you can also stop in for the Winter Farmer’s Market.

Wellness on the Hill

bird from Serendipity Acres in North Yarmouth, available occasionally at Rosemont and the Farmer’s Market. Find Serendipity Acres at 140 West Pownall Road, North Yarmouth, but be sure to call Jules or Joel before you leave at 210-7381.

2 organic celery sticks, coarsely chopped (celery is one of the most pesticide-laden vegetables, so spring for organic)

Jules says of their beloved birds, “Our chickens are raised on open pasture. A good deal of their diet is just grass, which makes them super-healthy. Eating our chicken is a whole different experience than eating commercial chicken. The biggest benefit is that it tastes FANTASTIC. We have frozen chicken available at the farm right now, and in May we will have fresh chickens with chicken feet.”

Place all ingredients in your crockpot, stockpot, or roasting pan. I find the roasting pan to be the easiest method. Simply fill the roasting pan to the brim with water, set your oven to 300 degrees, and leave for three hours. In three hours you’ll have 1.) Dinner – a roasted chicken! 2.) A ton of delicious stock to pour into a pot and have on hand for gravy, steaming veggies, soup, and sipping.

A cup of steaming hot broth is the ultimate comfort food, soothing your soul and digestion, and makes an awesome electrolyte replacement after a hard workout or hot yoga session. When you make homemade broth, you are ingesting and assimilating the mineral-rich gelatin from the bones, cartilage, and marrow of the chicken. If you struggle with any digestive problem at all, you may find that a cup of broth with every meal greatly improves your overall-gut-health.

Now choose your favorite way to cook – a crockpot, a heavy bottom stock pot, or my favorite, a chicken roasting pan. Then, you will need:

If you choose the crockpot, just throw everything in there and turn it on low, leave it all day, and when you get home from work, dinner and broth are waiting. If you choose the stockpot, bring everything to a boil, then turn to low and let simmer for 3-4 hours.

To start, buy the best chicken you can afford, whether it’s an organic grocery store chicken, or the very best, a pasture-raised

1 onion, coarsely chopped

Serendipitous Chicken Broth

Beat the Winter Blues, Volume 2 By Gretchen Miller Although the days are getting longer, the fiddleheads are still a long time coming. To prepare our guts to digest the feast of greens to come, add homemade chicken broth to your “fall-back” list. Having quarts of chicken broth ready in your freezer and fridge will enhance every single dish you make and you can cross off canned and boxed broths from your grocery list.

1 whole organic chicken ( if you have the gizzards, definitely throw them in!) 4 quarts cold water 2 T. Bragg’s Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar (to help extract the minerals from the bones – available at Hannaford and Whole Foods) 2 carrots, coarsely chopped

The Eco-Friendly Gardener Did you know...? Peat’s Been Beat: Ground coconut husk makes a more environmentally-friendly soil additive than peat moss. The coconut product is a readily renewable resource, whereas moss peat that is commercially harvested damages sensitive wetlands. Peat moss is a non-renewable resource whose replacement takes centuries. Peat bogs are seen by some scientists to be as important and fragile as rainforests. (Source: The Myth of Permanent Peatlands by Linda Chalker-Scott, Ph.D., Extension Urban Horticulturist and Associate Professor,Puyallup Research and Extension Center, Washington State University)

The Incredible Edible Sunflower More Than Just a Pretty Face: Sunflower seeds can be sprouted for food as well as for glorious flowers. Sunflower are robust growers, easy to germinate, nutritious, and highly versatile. How to prepare sunflower seeds to eat (i,e., shelling): 1 Fill a plastic bag with no more than ½ cup of sunflower seeds so the seeds lie in a single layer when the bag sits on its side. 2 Seal the bag and gently roll the rolling pin over the seeds to crack the hulls. 3 Empty the contents of the plastic bag into a bowl of water so the hulls (shells) rise to the top and the kernels sink to the bottom. 4 Skim the shells from the surface of the water with a skimmer or slotted spoon. 5 Pour the remaining water and sunflower seed kernels into a colander to drain the water away. The kernels are now ready to be eaten or used in cooking or baking. (Source: ehow.com: how_6148353_easy-way-shell-sunflowerseeds.html#ixzz2u07EzUT9)

1 T. peppercorns 1T. Redmond Real Salt (available at Whole Foods or online)

When you are done devouring your delicious roasted chicken, SAVE ALL THE BONES, and make a second batch of broth using just the bones. This second stock will not be as rich, but is still absolutely serendipitously delicious. Recipe adapted from Nourishing Traditions, by Sally Fallon.

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MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Gardener’s Dirt

March 2014

At right: These Eastern Promenade pussy willows flowered on February 23, while buds on nearby lilacs were swelling and green. Photo by Nini Mc Manamy

Spring Magic—White and Dark By Nini McNamany

Even

while

the

amazing

snows of 2014 have been piling up, plants from trees to perennials have been preparing for the growth of April and May. Plants have met their “chill requirements”--a little-understood need for chilly temperatures to trigger spring growth-hundreds of hours for fruit trees, but far less, unfortunately, for easily winter-damaged plants like roses and hydrangeas. As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, growth hormones migrate from stems into buds, and the annual frenzy begins. Sugar maples share this botanical magic with us—once the inter-

nal temperatures of the branches reach 32 degrees for a few hours, the sap begins to move. The sugary sap carries stored nutrients up from deep roots through a fragile network of conduits just under the bark, to flower and leaf buds. With taps we intercept the sap early in the season, if we are lucky, for some rare light amber syrup. Unfortunately, some garden plants get into the ready position very early in the winter--a long thaw in January brings up irises and swells buds on some hydrangeas. The magic of spring turns dark, as plummeting temperatures cause the cells in tender new growth to freeze and burst,

Spirits Alive WINTER 2014 LECTURE SERIES Sat March 29 - The Status and Future of Forgotten Cemeteries. A panel discusses historic small burial grounds and what it takes to restore them to our cultural landscape. FMI www.spiritsalive.org facebook.com/spiritsalive twitter. com/easterncemetery.

turning mushy or black. Winterkill can affect buds, new growth, or, in the case of perennials, entire plants. I throw an old bed sheet over my lace-cap hydrangea when the forecast threatens, and it seems to slow both warming and freezing to preserve my gorgeous blue flower buds.

Tips to reduce winter damage:

Roses seem to endure for most of the winter, only to suffer the black tips of winterkill in the warm sun of March. Vigorous spring pruning solves the problem, as most roses constantly form new flower buds through the summer.

• Make a note in your calendar to mulch next Dec. 1st.

Broadleaf evergreens also suffer winter-burn damage, as the warm sun of late winter initiates photosynthesis in foliage, but the plant’s frozen roots can’t draw water out of the ground to keep the foliage from drying out and dying. Eventually the plant will make new leaves, but proper

Fort Allen Park Rehabilitation Update By Diane Davison, Executive Director, FoEP Currently, all is quiet and snow covered at Fort Allen Park. According to legend, when the groundhog sees his shadow, it scares him back into his burrow for six more weeks of winter. As snow falls and more is expected, legend seems to prevail! When the spring thaw arrives, work will resume on the rehabilitation of Fort Allen. In the meantime, construction crews and city staff are keeping an eye on the site to prevent any damage from erosion. We at FoEP continue to work behind the scenes to fund the finishing touches of the project, which include:

• Cannon restoration • Directional, historical and informational signage and kiosks • Viewfinders at overlook • Utilities and Historic lampposts • Replacing wrought iron fencing Stay tuned for ways you can get involved to ensure the timely completion of this effort. Enjoy the Winter!

placement, to a location out of winter sun, and use of anti-desiccants will prevent the problem.

• Avoid the temptation to remove your mulch in March. Keeping the root zone frozen is the best way to slow sap movements until the weather is reliably warm.

• Avoid feeding lawns, perennials and woody plants after August--nitrogen encourages tender new growth at the tips and prevents the plant from storing nutrients in its roots for the following season.• Pay attention to nursery planting instructions. • And though it hurts my back to say it, pray for snow cover until late March.

Writer Nini Mc Manamy has worked for several years at O’Donal’s Nursery. She is a master gardener with a garden design and consultation business, Gardener’s Dirt (ninimaine@ aol.com)

Pussy Willows —Author Unknown There are willow pussies Clad in furry hoods, And a robin singing In the maple woods. There is a springing crocus, And a budding larch, Who’d ever think the Springtime Came along in March?

Franklin Street Workshop and Website Creates a Buzz By Carol Morris More that 140 people attended the

Franklin Street Workshop in late January and the website drew almost 2,000 visitors, more than 8,000 page views and 243 active participants. Many people asked how all these comments would be used. (Please go to http:// w w w.portlandmaine.gov/frank linstreetphase2.htm. for a summary of the comments. Next steps are for the city’s consulting team to use all the input to further refine the alternatives, which will then be evaluated using special metrics created for this project. The team will be assessing functionality for all modes of travel (vehicle, bike, pedestrian), which

includes developing a computer model of the traffic conditions along Franklin Street. Through that and other measures, the team will also look at factors such as safety, community and economic development, aesthetics and energy conservation. The results of this evaluation will be presented to and discussed with the Franklin Street Public Advisory Committee and the public this coming spring in order to develop a final recommended design for Franklin Street. The process is expected to be completed by the end of summer. For more information, contact Carol Morris at cmorris at morriscomm.net or at 329-6502.

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March 2014

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Maine Restaurant Week

When March 1-10, 2014, Where: Various locations throughout Maine. Maine Restaurant Week provides participating restaurants an excellent opportunity to showcase their establishments during what is otherwise a quiet time of year. Not only do the restaurants in Maine benefit, but also their suppliers and other local businesses.

Maine Jewish Film Festival

When: March 22 – 29, 2014 Where: Nickelodeon Theater, Portland, Maine, FMI: Maine Jewish Film Festival, 2014 MJFF, has “grown to be one of the best-attended, most well-respected, and highly-anticipated cultural events in the State. We attract a diverse, sophisticated, and deeply loyal audience base who loves independent film.”

Portland Flower Show March 5,6-9,2014 See p 9:

Maine Boatbuilders Show

See p 9: March 14-16 A collection of the finest wooden boats and fiberglass boats, built on the East Coast, including sailboats, powerboats, canoes, kayaks, and rowing boats.

2014 St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Where: Commercial Street, When: Sunday March 16 at noon. The parade will follow along Commercial Street from the Fish Pier to the State Pier. This year will be bigger and better than ever with two pipe bands, the Stillson School of Irish Dance, The Portland Hurling Club, the MHNO banner and the Maine Gaelic Sports Alliance.

Rí Rá Portland Plunge

St Paddy’s Day Annual Rí Rá Portland Plunge benefiting Firefighters Children’s Burns Foundation. Eleven years running, Rí Rá Portland, joined with faithful and dedicated souls, jump into the Atlantic Ocean at the East End Beach at 5:30 am on March 17th for St. Patrick’s Day. The pub opens at 6am with Irish Breakfast and an auction to kick a day filled with Irish celebrations. With $20,000 raised this year, it brings the total to over $75,000 that has been raised from this annual event for the PFCBF.

Rock Around the World

March 21 from 7 to 11 p.m Contact: Nanette Dyer Blake Community Coordinator / Multilingual & Multicultural Center, a night of music, dancing and hors d’oeuvres to benefit the Portland Public Schools’ multilingual extended learning programs. FMI blaken@portlandschools. org (207) 874-8135

ILAP’s 10th Annual CeleSoiree

Friday April 4, from 6 to 9 PM, Keynote: Elizabeth Strout , Where: Abromson Center, USM , 88 Bedford St., Portland, Tickets: www.ILAPmaine.org, Ten. Diez. Tobaan. Dix. Dieci. Zehn. Any way you say it, it’s 10 years of CeleSoiree! The Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) welcomes you to our 10th annual celebration of immigration through the arts. This year, join us for Pultizer Prize winning author Elizabeth Strout, discussing her latest novel set in Maine, The Burgess Boys, and what she learned about the Somali community in researching the book. As always, there will be fabulous music, dance, and an art sale, plus a reception that rivals any networking event you’ve ever attended. Bid on wonderful live auction items, or buy raffle tickets to support ILAP’s social justice work in the community. Get your tickets early, as this event is always a sell out.

Maine Maple Sunday

When: Sunday, March 23, 2014 At various locations throughout Maine, FMI: mainemapleproducers.com

Camp Susan Curtis Leadership Celebration Friday, March 28, 2014; 6 – 9 pm Portland Marriott Sable Oaks 200 Sable Oaks Drive, South Portland, Fundraiser/Dinner benefiting Camp Susan Curtis—Transforming the lives of disadvantaged Maine children through development of skills needed for lifelong achievement. Admission: $150 per person; FMI: 207-774-1552 (ph); info@susancurtisfoundation.org; www.susancurtisfoundation.org, www.susancurtisfoundation. org Facebook: Friends of Camp Susan Curtis https://www.facebook.com/ pages/Friends-of- Camp-Susan- Curtis/126681667413475. Twitter: @CampSusanCurtis

28 __ City, NV 31 British nobles 32 Cloth for military clothing 34 11/11 honoree 36 Out of town 4 Parched 37 Light brown 5 In a bad mood 38 In this place month. Drop by the Portland Public Li6 Antlers 39 Up until now Open brary for our birds Monthly MOOSE Mic 7 Heron’s cousin 40 Migratory Telling Event. Adult /Spoken Word Story 8 Bring home, of Canada original and traditional stories, minutes after10expenses 41 Insect stage or Remember less. Suggested $5 donation. moose9 Bit of soot 42 tellers.ning.com/ 10 Tiny spots 44 One who dies 11 Ballerina’s skirt for his beliefs 12 Leave out 45 Everybody 13 At a snail’s __; 46 Cheeriness Your neighborhood arts venue is at 76 Convery slowly 47 Foolish gress Street, stlawrencearts.org, 347-7177 19 Native New 50 Hose twist Zealander 51 Actor Lowe 21 __ up; 54 Mai tai cherry Poetry Readings, 7-10 pm, misbehaves 57 Garment of oldevery Tuesday @ Bull Feeney’s 375 Fore - 7:30-10pm / 24St.Mayberry’s Rome 58 All Dock Ages, FMI: Gil Helmick, sheriff 400-7543. 25 Rouse from 59 External sleep 60 Twisted; askew 26 Drama 61 Kill DoLooks you know of an interesting 27 Bottomgarden berth 62 space, precious window nooks,Nicolas porch 28 Actor searchingly plants or neighborhood 29 sidewalk Topples land63 Utilizes scapes? Friends of the Prom30 Eastern Pushy; too bold enade will consider all32 garden shapes __ over; faint& DOWN sizes for the Hidden Gardens of Munjoy 33 __ and hers 1 Actor’s part 35 Rip 2 HillWickedness 2013 tour! Email info@easternprom37 Inventor the 3 Done on enade.org. To purchase a set ofof cards telephone purpose with various scenes

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A Time For Peace

Tues, MAR 12, Noon-1pm. Wars and rumors of wars, occupations…dwelling on the just peace ... There ought to be ways found to address critical issues without the violence of military force. A non-sectarian vigil, noon to 1 pm, in the garden at State Street Church, 159 State Street, Portland. Of peace, fmi: 7746396

of the East End, visit easternpromenade.org. Proceeds benefit FoEP.

38 Male red deer 40 Wild winds 41 On a __; just for fun 43 Pet bird 44 Those under the age of 18 46 Ore seeker

47 48 49 50 52 53 55 56 57

Little rascals Tack Region Windy day toy Meanie Sea inlets Police officer Red or blue Greek letter

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Portland Winter Farmers Market

Saturdays at the Urban Farm Fermentery, 200 Anderson Ave, East Bayside. We’ll be there from 9 am-1pm! What are you buying at the market this week?

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 615-3609, or info@mayostreetarts.org

MOOSE Droppings

Maine Organization of Storytelling Enthusiasts meet Second Wednesday of the

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School News East End Community School Parent Teacher Organization

pre-kindergarten program for four-year-olds will be accepted during that same period.

For info about the EECS PTO and upcoming events, go to www. eecs.portlandpto.org or contact board@eecs.portlandpto.org.

Kindergarten registration takes place by appointment at the child’s neighborhood school: East End Community School - 874-8228 Ocean Avenue Elementary School - 874-8180 Hall Elementary School - 874-8205 Longfellow Elementary School 874-8195 Lyseth Elementary School - 874-8215 Peaks Island Elementary School - 766-2528 Presumpscot Elementary School - 874-8220 Reiche Community School - 874-8175 Riverton Elementary School - 874-8210

Calendar 2014 March 20th & 21st, 2014: Teacher Conferences, 12pm Noon Dismissal Feb 27-March 7 Kindergarten Registration, Pre-K Application Period (see below) April 2-6, 2014: Mark your calendar for the Portland Children’s Film Festival, an East End Community School Event. www. portlandchildrensfilmfestival. com

Parents who are unsure which is their neighborhood school should call 874-8237. To register children whose families speak a language other than or in addition to English at home, please contact the Multilingual Intake Center (874-8135). They will oversee English language proficiency testing and health screening as well as registration. The center is located at Lyman Moore Middle School, 171 Auburn Street.

Looking Ahead: Spring Break: April 21-25

Kindergarten Registration, Pre-K

Children must be five years of age on or before October 15, 2014 in order to attend kindergarten. Parents should bring the following documents to register a child: original proof of birth, the child’s immunization record, and proof of

maine

Application Period Ends March 7th The Portland Public Schools will be registering kindergartners for the 2014-2015 school year through March 7. Applications for the district’s

The pre-kindergarten school day runs from 8:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. or from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., depending on the class. Parents are responsible for their own transportation. The pre-kindergarten classes will be chosen by lottery, and parent will receive confirmation in April. In order to reach the district’s goal of improving school readiness, classes are designed to look like the most diverse elementary school. Students accepted for pre-kindergarten will be notified individually and their parents will complete more paperwork at that time.

Portland Children’s Film Festival East End Community School invites students in kindergarten through 12th grade are participating in the Young Filmmakers Contest, a signature

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The district plans to have 92 prekindergarten slots available in five classrooms; all plans are contingent on approval of funding through the Portland Public Schools budget. Children are eligible if they turn four years old by October 15, 2014. The program is free and follows the district calendar.

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March 2014

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MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

event of the annual Portland Children’s Film Festival. Films last three minutes or less and incorporate the contest theme, “change.” Winners will be shown during the festival on April 2-6, 2014, at various venues, including the Nickelodeon Cinema. Individuals, classes and other groups of young people are invited to submit films by the deadline of February 28, 2014. The contest will have a new category for the best film submitted by a class or faculty-sponsored club. See www.portlandchildrensfilmfestival.com

Children’s Summer Camp Fair Sunday, March 16, 2014 from 1 – 4 p.m. at East End School Gymnasium, 195 North Street. Portland. Free admission. 70 camps participating! Meet camp staff and find a great summer fit for your child, ages tots to teens. Overnight & Day camps. See Seadogs Slugger! Only camp fair in Southern Maine this year. Info: www.mainecamps.org or 207-518-9557. (Event is for the entire Southern Maine area and has been publicized through schools in a wide area of Southern Maine. We are a non-profit organization sponsoring the free event. )

March 2014

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER