October 2014 Munjoy Hill Observer by Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization

35 M U N JOY 1979 – 2014

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

HIL L

OBSERVER YEARS

Profit Org1 OctoberNon 2014 US Postage

PAID

Portland, ME Permit No. 824

FREE • Published by the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization • Vol. 34, No 9 • October 2014

Historic Event on the Promenade Draws the VIPs THE MORNING OF SEPTEMBER

20, 2014, began mildly enough, with warmth and sun, as the Honor Guard, speakers and dignitaries, guests, volunteers and dozens of parade-watchers gathered along the Eastern Promenade for the Friends of the Eastern Promenade’s Celebratory parade and presentations commemorating the completion of the Fort Allen Park project. (see page 6, FoEP, for details)

The Portland Delegation—Mayor Michael Brennan, Senator Justin Alfond, Representative Diane Russell, and City Councilor Kevin Donoghuewere in attendance, and the Honorable Governor LePage spoke in recognition of the commitment and dedication of the City of Portland and Friends of the Eastern Promenade for their years of work renovating and restoring Fort Allen Park, the historic cannons and grounds, and for seeing this

project to full completion. The combined Deering/Portland High School Band played patriotic favorites. The Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization carried its banner in the parade and had a booth set up. Food trucks arrived at noon to offer lunch options. By then, a cold front with wind and rain had blown in, and with the speeches over, the crowd dispersed post-haste.

Above, carrying the Banner for the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization on the march up the Eastern Prom are, from left to right, Observer Sales Rep Deborah Stevenson, MHNO Board member Elaine Mullin, and MHNO President, Andrea Myhaver (Photo by MHNO Board member, Matthew Kennedy).

MHNO to Launch New Web Site! SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, the

MHNO Communications Committee embarked on a journey to reorganize and update our web site. Thanks to a generous donation from AARP ME, who funded half of the cost of the redesign, we were able to engage Holly Valero of Holly Works!, a local company that specializes in Responsive Web Design, to help us with this task. Holly was wonderful to work with! Using our new logo (thank you again, Cecilia Ziko for your generous contributions to our

CURBSIDE LEAF PICKUP The City of Portland provides curbside collection of leaves, grass & yard waste in the fall, between October 27 and November 21, 2014 (subject to change as the season dictates) Just put your leaves out on the

re-branding effort), as a starting point, Holly designed a web site for us that is fresh, bright and clean. Best of all, the new site will also be easy for us to manage using our limited volunteer resources. We’re so excited about our new s ite, which we’ll be launching sometime during the week of October 6 (watch your email and Facebook for the announcement). We hope you check it out and we can’t wait to hear what you think! Visit us at munjoyhill.org

curb on your normal trash pickup day during this period. IMPORTANT: The leaves must be in the large, paper biodegradable leaf bags that can be purchased at most hardware stores. (Note: there is no curb-side collection of leaf bags during spring or summer.)

Look .out. They’re coming! Fri Oct 31: Halloween • Tues Nov 4: Election Day • Tues Nov 11: Veterans Day • Thur Nov 27: Thanksgiving Day • Wed Dec 24 Christmas Eve • Thur Dec 25: Christmas Day • Fri Dec 26: Boxing Day • Weds Dec 31 New Year’s Eve

Oh no, It’s ... The

Holidays !!

Happy Halloween

KATIE BROWN

It ’s almost that time— Here’s the roundup:

Above, “Moon, Observatory, new Superette, Fennel the cat.” (... If you don’t know where this is, then you’re not from around here!)

NOW G IN SHOW

BUYING OR SELLING, THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR EXPERIENCE

http://118onmunjoyhill.com/

M arc chadbourne . coM

http://www.marcchadbourne.com/

511 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101 • Cell 207.465.5569

October 2014

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

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, Tamera Edison, Ross Fields, Deborah Stevenson, 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

MHNO President, Andrea Myhaver

At the Helm WHEN I WROTE my last column

(for the September issue), it was mid-August, the weather was lovely, and I was just about to head off for a week’s vacation on the lake. Now it’s the end of September and wow, what a difference six weeks can make! While we did enjoy some wonderful late summer weather this past weekend; by and large, our world out there has become ensconced in autumn. I’m good with that. Autumn means pumpkins, and apple-picking, and football games, and fairs, and at the MHNO, autumn means we have a breather from a summer filled with elections, new Board member orientation, re-organizing, and event-planning, and we can settle into the business at hand. The MHNO Board has been working hard over the last several months to strengthen our committee structure, improve the way we communicate, and figure out where we should con-

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.

1) If you are regular reader of this newspaper, and haven’t actually become a member of the MHNO, DO IT TODAY! 2) If you are already a member (or if you just joined ‘cause I told you to a second ago), drop in to a committee meeting (schedule published on the bulletin board page, and updated on our website regularly) to see what we’re all about. You’re going to meet some cool people who love Munjoy Hill. Wait, “cool people who love Munjoy Hill”, doesn’t that sound like you? What are you waiting for?

3) Consider joining our board. Yes, we all work hard, but we also like to have fun! Stop into our next monthly board meeting (second Monday of every month from 7-9 pm at Hill House) to experience this group in action first hand. I guarantee you’ll leave knowing that you’ve been among people who really care about Munjoy Hill, and I also bet you’ll leave having shared some laughter and levity along the way. So there you have it! I’m challenging you, yes, you, and you, and YOU! Join us and join the fun!

Keep On Keepin’ On! HERE WE ARE in October, and despite the sum-

mer weather making a few more cameo appearances, there is no denying the falling leaves and the crisp evenings—Autumn is upon us. Vacationers have largely departed (except for the waves of cruise-ship tours), and Portland is settling back down to business. Look around Munjoy Hill these days, and you see construction projects at nearly every corner. This community is being transformed before our very eyes. Munjoy Hill has been called the up-and-coming neighborhood for over 10 years. It seems to have ‘arrived’, and the question hanging in the air is, “what now?”

MHNO Board 2014-15

Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization

Volunteers for organizations like the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization, the Friends of the Eastern Promenade, and the St. Lawrence Arts Center, have, all along, been working hard over the past 30-plus years, to guide its course and to preserve the best qualities of this wonderful place: its beauty, its generosity of spirit, its diversity of members, its energy.

Andrea Myhaver, President........................... andrea.myhaver@munjoyhill.org Matthew Kennedy, Treasurer......................... matthew.kennedy@munjoyhill.org Sean Turley, Secretary.................................. sean.turley@munjoyhill.org Sarah Graulty.............................................. sarah.graulty@munjoyhill.org Elise Loschiavo............................................. elise.loschiavo@munjoyhill.org

There is not always agreement on how this is to be accomplished, but the conversations are happening, as they must. And there are issues that continue to need our attention.

Elaine Mullin............................................... elaine.mullin@munjoyhill.org   Lindsay Salvatore........................................ lindsay.salvatore@munjoyhill.org..........

In this new age of electronic and virtual realities, many people find themselves desperately short of personal time. Fewer and fewer people are making the effort to go out and have faceto face conversations with people they may not agree with. I believe that this is still very much

Joan Sheedy................................................ joaniesheedy@gmail.com Megan Summers ......................................... megan.summers@munjoyhill.org

MHNO Mission

So what is “the business at hand” that we have left to do? Well, we’re always a work in progress, and one of our biggest challenges right now is building up both our membership and our board so that we can continue to support the programs we have in place and foster new ideas as well. At 9 directors, our board is the smallest it’s been since I joined the MHNO in 2010. Don’t

get me wrong. Small doesn’t mean ineffective. The group we have in place right now is dedicated, hardworking and engaged and I am proud of what we have accomplished so far. I also know that with a few more like-minded people among our ranks, we would be unstoppable. So, dear readers, I’m issuing a challenge to you:

Editor, Lisa Peñalver

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.

Incorporated as a nonprofit organization

centrate our collective energy in the upcoming fiscal year. We’ve made a great deal of progress, and some of the fruits of our labor have already started to shine forth, such as, a successful fundraising event at Otto pizza in July, introducing our new banner at the recent Fort Allen bicentennial event, a great start to our new business sponsor program (check out our charter sponsors on page 7), and designing our new web site, which will launch during the week of October 6.

needed. These efforts require many voices, and we need people to step up, now more than ever. The work is not done. If you care about issues in the community, or believe that changes are needed, shooting off an email to a City Counselor is a good first step. But if you are serious about making a difference on Munjoy Hill, you need to come out to join with other members of the community through your friendly neighborhood MHNO. Organize. It’s the difference between the mutterings of people in a concert audience and the joined voices of a choir. [A word about real meetings versus virtual conversations. Social media has proven to be a very powerful tool, and it’s certainly easier than getting a group of busy people in the same room at the same time! But even the business world has recognized that, where “complex social interaction is required, when tasks and decisions are complex, and when there is a need to respond quickly…, face-to-face communications are… more effective.”*] *From “Why Face-to-Face Business Meetings Matter” A White Paper (2009) by Professor Richard D. Arvey, Ph.D. Business School, National University of Singapore for The Hilton Family ® , posted on the International Association of Conference Centers website, http://www.iacconline.org

SEND YOUR LETTERS AND HILL NEWS TO

in January 1979, our purpose is to be a

OBSERVER@MUNJOYHILL.ORG

broad-based, representative organization committed to improving the quality of life for the residents of Munjoy Hill and the East End, by strengthening the

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!

groups, encouraging self-sufficiency, and

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

enriching the lives of all residents.

4) EMERGENCIES: 9-1-1

sense of community, maintaining the current diversity of social and economic

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

October 2014

It’s Time to Make Your Voice Heard Lori K. Parham, State Director, AARP Maine WITH JUST WEEKS to go before the

elections on November 4th, this is a good time to carefully consider where the candidates stand on the issues each of us finds important. Mainers have important decisions to make regarding both the state and federal races. If you are having trouble making up your mind about the candidates, AARP Maine’s non-partisan voters’ guides can help. For more than 28 years, AARP has worked to make sure that the candidates address the issues that are important to older voters. As a reminder, AARP is strictly non-partisan and never endorses candidates. As we have done in the past, AARP has produced online and print versions of our 2014 Maine voters’ guides which provide statements from congressional and, this year, gubernatorial candidates. In 2014, the guides include the candidates’ responses to specific questions on topics such as Social Security and Medicare, utilities and retirement security. The candidates’ responses are printed alongside AARP’s nonpartisan principles on each of these issues. The voters’ guides provide unbiased information that can help voters make informed decisions when they go to the polls. You can easily find the voters’ guides for Maine at www.aarp.org/yourvote.

AARP Maine volunteers and staff are also embarking upon an “elections tour” during October, starting with a kickoff event in Bangor on Tuesday, October 7. From Portland to the County, we’re hosting community conversations and participating in local events to hear what is on voters’ minds, and discuss issues of particular concern to 50+ Mainers. As a state, Maine has a strong voting history. Particularly among voters 50+, the statistics are very impressive. According to the US Census Bureau, Maine’s voting data for voters 45 and older in the last mid-term election was some of the highest in the country. In the 2012 election, the numbers were even higher. Interestingly, the US Census Bureau also states that the number one reason for registered voters not voting is that they are too busy. That is not a good excuse if you live in Maine, though, because our state offers many options for its registered voters, including absentee ballots and early voting. For any questions related to voting, including registration, you can just go to the Maine Division of Elections at www.maine. gov or call (207) 624-7650. Easy! At AARP Maine, we work hard to listen to the needs and desires of our members and their families. In fact, AARP Maine recently released the results of our 2014 Survey of Maine Registered

Voters age 50 and older. This survey collected the opinions of 2,000 Mainers, both AARP members and non-members, regarding a broad range of issues that impact people 50+ and their families. The results reveal that Mainers 50+ are deeply concerned about financial security and maintaining their independence as they age. An overwhelming majority of survey respondents indicated their intention to vote for candidates in 2014 who pledge to address these issues. From caregiving to financial security, to the need for agefriendly communities and consumer protections against fraud, AARP Maine’s 2014 survey lays the groundwork for prioritizing fruitful discussions among the 2014 candidates on these issues which are clearly of paramount importance to the well-being of Maine residents. Maine’s most active voting block insists that candidates represent their needs and desires, demonstrate concern for issues pertinent to those 50+, and exhibit a commitment to finding solutions. Every voice does matter and we all have the opportunity to make it count. Let’s make it count on November 4th. If you want to share feedback, email me at me@aarp.org.

Every Vote Counts!

May 1980 front page, from the Collections of the Maine Historical Society.

The First Observers – Found!! By Matthew Kennedy

HAVE YOU EVER TRIED to delete

copy of the maiden issue from May 1980. These early issues are certainly of interest for their content, but they are also a metaphor of sorts for the fledgling organization itself, which was both growing in size and also working to define its “look” — the role it would serve in the community.

an email? I mean, fully, permanently, confidently destroy every copy of an email? It’s not easy. And, in the end, chances are that you didn’t succeed — not really. In this age of ubiquitous and endlessly replicated digital data, when something posted to the internet or web is likely to survive even the most diligent effort to obliterate it, it’s worth considering how recently we emerged from the age of ephemeral information, when destruction of data required little more than a match, a trash can, or simple indifference.

The very first issue, just four black and white pages, is a far cry from the Observer of today, but already the ambition is apparent (the paper was founded as a monthly). Energy and enthusiasm is apparent in the content as well; a cover article notes that fifteen candidates vied for five available board seats at the organization’s first annual meeting, and outgoing President Ned Chester declined re-nomination “in order to keep this organization dynamic” and to “tap new resources.” Meantime, the Observer was also

Which is why we are thankful for institutions like Portland’s own Maine Historical Society, where we recently found the only known surviving copies of the earliest issues of the Munjoy Hill Observer, including a single

Continued on Bulletin Board, page 5

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MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

FROM THE TOWER EAST END Business Focus organization. Every ticket Dare You to Alive purchased helps to support this endeavor of preserving Sonny Robinson - The Happy Medium Walk Among valuable and restoring the historic cemBy Lisa Peñalver most all houses are haunted: “It’s etery. Their research and educavery rare that you would have no the Shadows? tion committee comes up with a A couple of years ago, in the energy there at all. Energy doesn’t By Jeanne Bull

IT WAS A CLEAR, crisp late Oc-

tober evening. A light breeze crackled thru the remaining leaves on the trees as I walked past the ancient cemetery. It was the time of year when my thoughts turned to things that go bump in the night, and as I peered thru the black iron fencing I was sure I saw shadows flitting between the old stones. Could it be those two long dead captains confronting each other again? Could it be? But no, it was Spirits Alive preparing for their 6th annual WALK AMONG THE SHADOWS tour! For those who haven’t heard of this fun event, Spirits Alive is the organization that has taken on the task of making the Eastern Cemetery come alive to us as a repository of 300 years of our history. They offer tours, lectures and workshops, and they work with the City in implementing the Master Plan they completed several years ago. The WALK AMONG THE SHADOWS tour is the annual fundraising event for the Spirits

theme, and then selects 8 individuals buried there who have a connection to that theme. Actors from Acorn Productions write a script for each of those historical figures and present them as monologues to visitors as they are led by lamplight thru the cemetery. This year’s theme is 1807 – a year that started with great excitement in Portland, only to end as a year of crushing hardship. It was also the year of the opening of the Observatory; I wonder if the Tower’s Captain Moody will be one of the featured spirits?

Do come and support this great cause. I’ll be there—but you’ll never recognize me! During the last week of October, watch for the banner on the cemetery, or check it out online at spiritsalive.org/wats. Jeanne Bull is a former Board member of the MHNO and a long-time volunteer docent at various historic locations around Portland, including the Portland Observatory on Munjoy Hill. She lives on the Hill.

Footsteps of Angels, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (last 4 stanzas) With a slow and noiseless footstep Comes that messenger divine, Takes the vacant chair beside me, Lays her gentle hand in mine.

Uttered not, yet comprehended, Is the spirit’s voiceless prayer, Soft rebukes, in blessings ended, Breathing from her lips of air.

And she sits and gazes at me With those deep and tender eyes, Like the stars, so still and saint-like, Looking downward from the skies.

Oh, though oft depressed and lonely, All my fears are laid aside, If I but remember only Such as these have lived and died!

October 2012 Observer, I wrote a piece on local entrepreneur and Munjoy Hill alumnus and psychic—Sonny Robinson. With “All Hallow’s Eve” coming up, I wanted to check in and see what he’s been up to.

die; that’s just physics.”

If, when you think of a spiritual medium, you imagine a gypsylike guide (usually a woman), sitting at a round wooden table covered by a fringed tablecloth, in a small darkened room, lit by a few flickering candles, then you’d be in for a surprise, were you to go to a reading with medium Sonny Robinson. Sonny, with his long black hair, jeans, black tee, and cheerful friendly disposition, has little in common with the clairvoyants of film or fiction. Meeting him will quickly dispel any other illusions you may hold about people who have second sight. For one thing, Sonny doesn’t believe in “setting the stage” for his readings. He can do readings in an office, or a living room, or over the phone. He explained that recently he’s been going out to islands-—he’s found Vinalhaven and North Haven to be particularly “hot spots for psychic readings.” Halloween is a busy time for him with lots of bookings. But if people come into the reading expecting a joke, they tend to sober up quickly. As a friend of mine says. he’s the Real Deal, and he’s not here to entertain you. Which is not to say he doesn’t like to have fun! He is a person with many enthusiasms. He plays in a rock band, with the group “Sun Gods in Exile”. Formerly he played with “Twisted Roots”; they got a spot on MTV and opened for Ozzy Osbourne. Sonny’s a huge fan of the ‘70s group KISS. Once upon a time, he worked at the Laura Fuller Gallery (still here on Congress Street) making stained glass panels; he also enjoys painting. And he’s very funny. I asked Sonny whether he knows of any haunted houses on the Hill. He laughed and said that al-

He went on to say that on Munjoy Hill, there are whole areas which are very haunted. There was one time, when he lived on Waterville Street, where he was “launched from the living room into the kitchen; you’d hear voices behind you. This happened very early in my life with this ability. It was very new to me, so this was literally a crash course!” Since this is a Business Focus, after all, I can’t get all caught up in the stories – I’ll let the audience seek him out for that! Sonny‘s uncanny talents, both as a medium and as a musician, are taking him in new directions. He had been doing on-the-fly readings for patrons over at Brian Boru on Center Street (you may still see him there some nights). He’s also been doing a radio show with Brian James at WBLM (102.9), which in turn has lead to work on an upcoming television show, set in Nashville. They are “in production,” and that’s all he’s allowed to say about it for now. Meanwhile, he’s flying out to L.A. in the next few weeks to do some work for a Very Important family out there, all hush-hush of course. He’s practically giddy with excitement for his upcoming adventures. “The biggest thing I believe in is the Law of Attraction. Life is magical and thoughts become reality. If you think of dark things, you draw them to you, but if you think of wonderful things, they become your reality! You can contact Sonny via his Facebook page “SonnyRobinson Psychicmedium Adviser” or email sonnyguns@gmail.com. You can read more about Sonny in the April 2014 article in the Portland Daily Sun online: http://www. portlanddailysun.me/index.php/newsx/localnews/11966-the-maine-medium-former-twistedroots-drummer-tackles-reality-tv .

Gardener’s Dirt The Ever-Shifting Moontide Garden GOOD GARDENS ALL have several things in common.

They have a purpose which is clear to the viewer (growing vegetables, providing an escape from urban living, housing a plant collection, for example), they have a structure that works in all four seasons (often provided by hardscape, or evergreens, or twiggy shrubs with nice bark color, etc.), they invite the viewer to enter (even if just by viewing from outside), they are designed with maintenance in mind, and they exhibit elements of formal design such as balance, proportion, unity, rhythm, and focus. The winter months, which, in Maine, can stretch from October through March, are a great time to study some of Portland’s wonderful public gardens to see these principles in action, and the little-known Moontide Garden in front of Portland’s Ocean Gateway Terminal is a great place to start. This little gem, designed in 2007 by Cambridge, Massachusetts, artists Mags Harries and Lajos

By Nini McManamy

Heder, uses the ocean as a design element, with an Asian-style stone garden brushed twice a day by rising tides. The crushed stone courtyard contains a series of white standing stones arranged in an easterly line from the granite steps where visitors can sit and lunch or Above and at lower left, the Moontide Garden at the Portland’s Ocean Gateway just feast on the view. Paths Terminal. (Photos by Nini McManamy) cut in the crushed stones and a looking glass. The dynamic action of the tides, and fan out like the rays of a compass the transient nature of the effects, inspire contemplation, and the garden changes slowly and the park benches overlooking the garden attract quiwith the tidal flow. et visitors. Only at the time of the full moon, however, does the garden reveal its full nature to the viewer. Full moon tides are higher than those during the rest of the month, and high tides on those days flood the stone courtyard through a tidal gate and fence, surrounding the standing stones and lapping against the crushed rock berms. During the nighttime high tide, the full moon is reflected in the water and off the white standing stones. When the air and water are still, the rays cut in the crushed stone are visible and the water becomes both a window

Next full moon is scheduled for October 8, with the morning high tide at 11:20 pm and the evening high tide under a full moon at 11:49 pm. An even higher daytime tide occurs on October 9 at 12:09 pm--perfect for a takeout lunch in the little park next to the garden. To view the garden, walk into the parking area outside the Visitor Center at the Gateway Terminal and down the path through the lawn to the water. Study the ways the artists achieve balance, focus, proportion, unity and rhythm in this garden without plants and you will come away with new insights into the gardens in your own life. Writer Nini McManamy is a Master Gardener with a garden design and consultation business, Gardener’s Dirt (ninimaine@aol.com)

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

October 2014

THE MUNJOY HILL NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION Original Observers-FOUND! continued from page 3

changing; by June, the paper had doubled in size to eight pages, and the original masthead, which bore a pen and ink sketch of the hill viewed from the south, had been replaced by one bearing a photograph looking east over Munjoy Hill’s rooftops. In November, the new President, Alan Caron, called for an assessment of organizational priorities; meantime the masthead changed again, this time to simple block text, all business. A final change in December introduced the masthead that the paper would sport for some time to come – a photograph of the observatory before a stylized rising sun. Images from the Collections of the Maine Historical Society.

SCANS OF THESE PAGES AT NEARLY FULL-SIZE WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE ONLINE EDITION OF THIS OBSERVER. SEE PAGES 17-18 ONLINE FOR IMAGES OF THESE EARLY ISSUES.

OPEN Meetings!! The MHNO Board meets every 2nd Monday of each month at 7 pm at the Hill House at 92 Congress St.

Everyone is Welcome!

Please help us welcome Deborah Stevenson to the MHNO Ad Sales team!

Show your neighborhood pride! MUNJOY HILL T-SHIRTS are available: S-2XL: $15. Tees come in blue & gray. And get this BUMPER STICKER too! (measures 6”x 4”), just $3 each. Buy one and support your Neighborhood group. Send your check to MHNO,92 Congress St, Portland ME 04101. Email info@munjoyhill.org.

Join the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization

Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization Committees Committees

Get involved! Join fun! Get involved! Jointhe the fun! Communications Committee -‐ This committee oversees all methods by which the Communications Committee -‐ This committee oversees all methods by which the MHNO communicates information of relevance to the community we serve, including rd MHNO web, communicates of relevance o the c3ommunity serve, print, social minformation edia, email and direct mail. Mteetings: Monday ow f te he Month including web, print, media, mail contact and dCirect ail. G M eetings: 3rd Monday of the Month from s6ocial :30-‐7:30 pm. Pe lease hair, m Sarah raulty: sarah.graulty@munjoyhill.org for Cmhair, ore information. from 6:30-‐7:30 pm. Please contact Sarah Graulty: sarah.graulty@munjoyhill.org for more information. Observer Committee – This committee publishes the MHNO’s monthly community newspaper, the Munjoy Hill Observer. Meetings: 1st Monday of the month from 6-‐7 Observer C ommittee – TChis committee publishes the MHNO’s monthly community pm. Please contact hair, Andrea Myhaver: andrea.myhaver@munjoyhill.org for newspaper, t he M unjoy H ill O bserver. M eetings: 1st Monday of the month from 6-‐7 more information. pm. Please contact Chair, Andrea Myhaver: andrea.myhaver@munjoyhill.org for Membership and Fundraising Committee – This committee champions the growth and more information. involvement of our membership base and develops and implements initiatives to raise money to support MHNO programs and keep the organization sustainable. Please Membership Fundraising Committee – This committee champions the growth and contact aCnd hair, Matthew Kennedy: matthew.kennedy@munjoyhill.org for more involvement of our membership base and develops and implements initiatives to raise information. money to support MHNO programs and keep the organization sustainable. Please Home M on atthew Munjoy K Hill Committee – This committee is developing a program whose contact At Chair, ennedy: matthew.kennedy@munjoyhill.org for more mission is to help empower older residents to stay and live comfortably on Munjoy Hill. information. rd Meetings: 3 Wed of the month from 5:30-‐7, locations vary. Please contact Chair, Elaine Mullin: elaine.mullin@munjoyhill.org, for more information. At Home on Munjoy Hill Committee – This committee is developing a program whose ommittee – This ocommittee coordinates and aind mplements community eovents mission Events is to hCelp empower lder residents to stay live comfortably n Munjoy Hill. rd and 3 activities he M sponsors r develops, such as voary. ur 3 f ull membership Meetings: Wed that of tthe mHNO onth from 5o:30-‐7, locations Please contact Chair, meetings/gatherings each year, our annual Community Clean-‐Up Day, festivals, and Elaine M ullin: elaine.mullin@munjoyhill.org, for more information. other fun social activities. Meetings: Ad hoc based on Event Schedule. Please contact Chair, Elise Loschiavo: elise.loschiavo@munjoyhill.org for more information. Events Committee – This committee coordinates and implements community events Safe & Ltivable Neighborhood Committee his committee o discuss and activities hat the MHNO sponsors or d-‐ Tevelops, such parovides s our 3a fforum ull mtembership and implement ways to improve life on the Hill for all its residents and to protect meetings/gatherings each year, our annual thCommunity Clean-‐Up Day, festivals, and Munjoy Hill’s unique character. Meetings: 1 Monday of the month 7-‐8 pm. Please other fun social activities. Meetings: Ad hoc based on for Event Please contact contact Chair, Sean Turley: sean.turley@munjoyhill.org more Sichedule. nformation. Chair, E lise Loschiavo: elise.loschiavo@munjoyhill.org for more information. note that unless otherwise noted, a-‐ ll Tchis ommittee meetings take place at Hill to discuss Safe & LPlease ivable Neighborhood Committee committee provides a forum House, 92 Congress St. Meetings days and times are subject to change, so please and implement ways to improve life on the Hill for all its residents and to protect consult our online calendar at munjoyhill.org th for the most current schedule. All are Munjoy welcome Hill’s unique character. Mjoin eetings: to attend, so please, us! 1 Monday of the month 7-‐8 pm. Please contact Chair, Sean Turley: sean.turley@munjoyhill.org for more information. Please note that unless otherwise noted, all committee meetings take place at Hill

NEW MEMBERSHIP

RENEWAL

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

Membership Levels

VOLUNTEER for a Committee!

Individual: $20 Family: $35

We need your help to make Munjoy Hill an even better place to live! You can get involved by joining one or more of our committees:

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

Events Communications At Home on Munjoy Hill Safe & Livable Neighborhood Observer Membership & Fundraising

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! 10/2014

October 2014

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

District Update

parking bans, it will now be bi-weekly, still allowing plenty of opportunity to sweep streets and remove snow banks every other week. Beginning in the spring, you will be greeted by signs announcing this change on your street.

First of all, I am hopeful you will join me and Mayor Brennan at the District One Annual Meeting scheduled for 6pm on Wednesday, November 5 at the East End Community School. These meetings allow district residents to help city leaders set policy goals for the next year, such as those that address popular issues of parking, transit, and meeting housing demand. There are signs of progress in all of these areas and I am glad to update you on a few here. I look forward to updating you on others when you join us the night following Election Day.

To address persistent complaints that city bus service runs too slowly for busy people, we will be speeding up bus run times by strategically removing bus stops from all of our lines. Those stops that will be removed to speed up your trip will also be those that serve you least. METRO is taking care to favor those stops that are convenient and accessible to the disabled. Beginning this fall, you will note that your bus trips will be shorter and your stops better.

Also at the District One Annual Meeting, I will update you on the four neighborhood planning efforts on whose task forces I serve as co-chair: Franklin Street Public Advisory Committee, India Street Neighborhood Advisory Committee, Congress Square Redesign Study Group and the State and High Street Two-Way Conversion Public Advisory Group. Of course, I will also be listening for your suggestions on agenda items for 2015.

On Munjoy Hill as in Bayside, there are calls for housing that stabilizes neighborhoods, whether through a higher rate of home-ownership or a greater emphasis on affordability. That’s why we have identified city-owned lots in these neighborhoods to promote this stability. At 65 Munjoy Street, a parking lot associated with the old Ad-

FROM THE

Friends of the Eastern Promenade

History in the (Re) Making By Diane Davison, Executive DirectorFoEP ON THE WEEKEND of September 19 & 20, 2014, MHNO

participated in Friends of the Eastern Promenade’s Bicentennial Celebration of Fort Allen on the Eastern Promenade. On Friday evening, a panel of distinguished speakers who discussed the War of 1812 and its effects in Portland, Maine. Martha Lyon, lead landscape architect for the Fort Allen design also presented on historic research that provided the foundation for the restoration plan. This historic occasion on Saturday September 20 began at 10 am, with an observance and a moment of silence at the War of 1812 Memorial. From there, the parade assembled

As always, I am glad to read your input on any issues at kjdonoghue@portlandmaine.gov.

along the Eastern Prom and marched to Fort Allen for the continuation of the celebration.

Grand Marshall for the parade was Munjoy Hill resident and former governor, Joe Brennan. Other participants included the Maine National Guard Honor Guard, United States Coast Guard Honor Guard, Portland Police Department Honor Guard, Portland Fire Department Honor Guard, Grand Marshal Governor Brennan, State and City Dignitaries, Combined Deering/Portland High School Marching Band, Friends of the Eastern Promenade (FoEP), Greater Portland Landmarks (GPL), Maine Historical Society (MHS), Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization (MHNO),Fire, Police & National Guard Vehicles. At 11 am, Master of Ceremonies, Dan Haley,Jr, brought the Bicentennial Celebration of Fort Allen underway with flag raising and the National Anthem. Portland’s Fire Boat provided a red, white and blue water salute. FoEP President, George Campbell recognized dignitaries and gave introductions. Governor Paul LePage, Mayor Michael Brennan, Adjutant General James At left, Bird’s-eye-view: the combined Deering/Portland High School Marching Band leading the way, with MHNO, Greater Portland Landmarks and Friends of the Eastern Promenade marching in the Parade Assembly to Fort Allen from the 1812 Cemetery. (Photo by Diane Davison)

1. Stringed instrument 5. Young child 8. Fuss 12. Obviate 14. Be indebted to 15. Fragment 16. Water barrier 17. Single 18. South American animal 19. Restless 21. Brass instrument 23. Japanese currency 24. Scorch 25. Weep 28. Small stream 30. Ploy 35. Harvest 37. Amphibian

PLANNING UPDATES

LOTS OF HOUSING

To address the perennial complaint about tickets issued for failure to move one’s car to make way for city services that seldom occur, we are reducing this inconvenience by half. Instead of each side of the street subjected to weekly

ACROSS

At 65 Hanover Street, a property soon-to-be-vacated by the Department of Public Services, in one of the most challenging areas of the district, we are promoting affordable home-ownership. Requests for the Proposals for the redevelopment of each of these underdeveloped parcels will be issued by the end of the year, with development proposals under review come spring.

TRANSIT SIGNS

PARKING SIGNS

CROSSWORD

ams School that was replaced by permanently affordable home-ownership units as well as a public open space and playground, we are promoting development of affordable housing to stabilize a gentrifying neighborhood.

Campbell, Captain Brian Gilda, Historian Herb Adams, Greater Portland Landmarks Executive Director Hilary Bassett and Landscape Architect Martha Lyon provided remarks. Diane Davison, Executive Director, FoEP gave thanks and closing remarks followed by the Deering/Portland High School Band rendition of “God Bless America!” Chandlers Band was then the first performance to occur in the newly renovated Bandstand. The celebration was enjoyed by hundreds of people who lined the top of Fort Allen Park.

October 14: Save the date! Friends of the Eastern Promende

6Th ANNUAL MEETING & CELEBRATION

ON TUESDAY EVENING, October 14, from 5:30 – 7:30pm,

Friends of the Eastern Promenade will host its 6th Annual Organizational Meeting at DiMillo’s on the Water. We at FoEP have much to be grateful for this year; Fort Allen is nearly complete and we were able to return all three cannons in time to celebrate the Bicentennial of the sacred landscape. Please come and share and evening of joy and success with friends, neighbors and community partners. We will, of course, make time to provide general organization report and elect our 2015 Board of Directors. The majority of the evening will be dedicated to merriment and cheer. PLEASE RSVP YOUR ATTENDANCE to Jessica@ easternpromenade.org so adequate refreshments will be available. Cash bar will be available too. More details at easternpromenade.org

Solution on Page 13

39. Very slow tempo 40. Hawaiian island 41. Overhang 43. Musical composition for one 44. Contempt 46. Sate 47. Carbon black 48. Purloined 50. Zeal 52. Solfa syllable 53. Parch 55. Label 57. Part of a set of bagpipes 61. Female inheritor 65. Country life 66. Regret 68. Visual part of TV 69. Animated 70. Lout

71. Church officer 72. Manufactured 73. Moist 74. Musical instrument of Ancient Greece

15. Denotes more than one 20. Combine 22. Music with syncopated melody

36. Knitting stitch 38. Small wooded hollow 42. Roofing material 45. Cuddle 49. Indicating maiden name DOWN 24. Stringed instru51. Callow 1. One of two equal ment 54. Pointer parts with keyboard 56. Kind of restaurant 2. Assert 25. Traverse 57. Pack to capacity 3. Wander 26. Respond 58. Polynesian dance 4. Righteousness 27. Cheerful sounding 59. Desiccated 5. Implement search engine 60. Part of a church 6. Possess 29. Loiter 61. Lift with difficulty 7. Fangs 31. Musical setting 62. Miniture whirlpool 8. Movie for a 63. Soothsayer 9. Type of year religeous ceremony 64. Painful 10. Highest attainable 32. Sulk 67. Arab federation, level 33. Ice hut initially 11. Type of fuel 34. Part of a comb 13. Postpone

Standard Crossword- usp005, Free Puzzles © Puzzle Choice

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

October 2014

Businesses Step Up to Support the MHNO!

PHOTO BY COREY TEMPLETON

Invest in your future. Join the MHNO today.

COME TO A MEETING • JOIN A COMMITTEE • GET INVOLVED

By Matthew Kennedy, Treasurer of the MHNO and Chair of the Membership & Fundraising Committee.

MUNJOY HILL LEVEL SPONSOR

IN LAST MONTH’S Observer we an-

nounced the launch of the MHNO Business Sponsorship Program, the first initiative of the newly-formed Membership and Fundraising Committee. The goal of this program is to provide local businesses the opportunity to actively support the entire mission of the MHNO, while ensuring that such support is recognized by the community. Sponsorships are available at a number of levels and are renewable on an annual basis.

Fundraising

Now, only one month later, we could not be more thrilled with the response we’ve received from the business community! Though we are still in the very earliest phases of outreach and publicity regarding the program, three local businesses have already joined with the MHNO as charter Business Sponsors: Coffee By Design, Ocean Gate Realty – Ed Gardner, and Portland Maine Rentals! The MHNO wishes to thank these businesses for their generosity and community spirit in supporting the programs and services of the

organization, and in helping us more effectively perform our mission to preserve and improve the quality of life on Munjoy Hill. And we encourage you to express your thanks as well, by patronizing our Business Sponsors. Look for the blue and white “MHNO Business Sponsor” sticker in the window of your favorite restaurant, coffee shop, store or office. And we will soon be listing all sponsors on our website.

Please join us in thanking our sponsors for their generous support of Munjoy Hill.

Membership

As we ramp up our Business Sponsor program, we are also working to update our membership tracking system so that we can more effectively communicate with current members and reach out to potential new members. Admittedly, we fell behind on maintenance of our membership rolls; perhaps worst of all, we have failed to give timely notice of pending membership expirations. But we are working on it, we’ll get it right, and we will reach out to you soon! Of course, if you know that your membership has expired, no need to wait – we encourage you to renew (or join!) .

HILL HOUSE LEVEL SPONSORS ED GARDNER, OCEAN GATE REALTY

Your logo HERE

To join the MHNO please complete and return the membership form on page 5. A quote from a call for new members from the June 1980 issue of the Observer, words that are no less true today:

“We are not asking you to make a major commitment. If you’re like most of us, between work and family responsibilities, you can’t. But if a lot of us give a few hours a month to serve on a committee, help with an event, sign up new members, or work on a specific project, we can get things done.” Above, the MHNO Business Sponsor window decal.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CHARTER BUSINESS SPONSOR? Please contact Matthew Kennedy at matthew.kennedy@munjoyhill.org or call 207-370-1446.

October 2014

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

The Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization

d r a o B r u Me e t yo 2014-2015 Andrea Myhaver

Elaine Mullin

Sean Turley

Matthew Kennedy

Joan Sheedy Elise Loschiavo

Sarah Graulty

Lindsay Salvatore Megan Summers

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

The Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization

d r a o B e h t o t Ne w

October 2014

We Live Where You Live… Work with your neighborhood Realtors! Trevor Coyne REALTOR, Associate Broker

Joe Piergrossi, Jr.

REALTOR, Associate Broker Myth: The Housing Market screeches to a halt during the holidays.

e r o t a v l a S y a s d n Li Lindsay recently moved to Munjoy Hill from Oak Park, Illinois, where she had

lived for 8 years. Lindsay has a Master’s

Truth: Sellers – People ALWAYS need to buy houses. During the holidays festive decorations, cozy room layouts, and flickering fires can make your home irresistible! Truth: Buyers – Houses may present great in the summer, but during chillier, darker months you can really see how the natural light moves and feel whether it is warm and welcoming or cold – a perfect time to select your home!

Check out our FREE Mobile App!

degree in Urban and Regional Planning, with a concentration in Land Use and Transportation, and is currently pursuing an MBA in Healthcare Management. While in Oak Park, she served as a Community Design Commissioner, and she looks forward to taking an active role in her community here with the MHNO. Lindsay enjoys the walkability of the neighborhood and appreciates the vibrant community resulting from mixed-use development.

Portland Pottery

& Metalsmithing Studio

118-122 Washington Ave. Portland, ME 04101

Fall Clay & Jewelry Classes Beginning October 15th-21st

Tuition $245 inludes instruction, materials & open studio

Halloween Raku Date Night

Raku Firing Lantern Workshop and a Three Course Dinner October 24th • 6pm-9pm • $75 person

24th Annual Holiday Show & Sale Friday, Dec. 12 • Saturday • Dec. 13 • Sunday • Dec. 14

207-772-4334 • www.portlandpottery.com

and potter l t y or

122 washington ave portland me

***daily seasonal specials

coffee tea cappuccino housemade pastries and desserts breakfast all day fresh homemade soups vegetarian vegan & gluten-free options

cafe

Enjoy a meal in our cafe and browse the pottery in our gallery Hours: mon-thur 8am-7pm fri-sat 8am-5pm 207-772-4334 www.portlandpottery.com

39 Howard Street We helped our buyers find their dream home in the heart of Munjoy Hill.

45 Eastern Promenade Updated 2BR/2BA condo with balcony, and ocean views. $425,000

Call us today for your FREE no obligation consultation -

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October 2014

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

GROWINGTOGETHER TIPS

PARENTING

R EL AT I O NSH I PS

By Ross Fields, CPE & Kathleen Fields, CPE

Creating Success for You and Your Child WOW, CAN YOU believe the kids have been

back in school for over a month now? Where does the time go? Everyone has probably settled into the school routine, which makes it the perfect time check in on how things are going – for all of you. From your child’s perspective, even though the routine has become familiar, it can still be a bit of a roller coaster ride of emotions, from the highs of developing new friendships, to the lows –and stress— of not-so-great grades. You remember how tough it could be, being a kid in school. So now, as a parent, what can you do help your kids feel good and achieve the success they desire? Encourage these three important skills:

READING, LISTENING and EXPRESSING READING: is probably the most important tool

anyone can have. Being able to read well clears the path to success and high self-esteem. If your child isn’t reading, you need to take action. Sit with him and encourage him to talk about how he feels about his reading (or lack of reading). Does he want to read better? Together, create a plan that you both agree upon, and get started. It may involve reading more together, finding things he’s interested in, getting a tutor, or using online teaching tools for reading improvement. The main thing is to be diligent in assisting your child in improving this most important skill. With a little added creativity, you can also make it fun. Here are a couple of helpful RESOURCES: For younger children: Reading Rockets, online at http://www.readin-

grockets.org/helping For tweens & teens: Reading is Fundamental, , online at http:// www.rif.org/us/literacy-resources/articles/ teenagers-and-reading.htm) LISTENING: is essential for effective communi-

cation. Generally, we all tend to talk too much, or talk at our kid and then wonder why she’s not understanding us. You can best teach listening by doing exactly that: listen. The key is to stay focused on what the other person is saying. Look at it as a form of meditating – training your mind not to wander or become distracted. The most common mistake in “listening” is forming a reply before the other person has finished what they have to say. Without interrupting, do the following while your child is talking. It will demonstrate your sincere effort at listening: • • • •

affirmative head-nodding respond, “I see.” respond, “Tell me more.” acknowledge feelings, “I see that you’re really (upset, excited, confused – fill in with the most appropriate response) about this.”

• encourage problem solving by asking, “What will you do?” Then, patiently wait for his or her response. Listening must be practiced in order to improve. EXPRESSING: is the ability to confidently put

thoughts to words. This skill, just like reading and listening, only gets better with encouragement and practice. Because most of our kids’

The Lurkers in the Reservoir

day is structured for them, there are seldom opportunities for them to say what’s on their minds. (Could very well be the same for you.) Then when the opportunity does arise, and he or she is called upon to express what they think about an issue, that deer-in-the-headlights look takes over. There is one very simple thing that you can say to help your toddler, tween, or teen learn this skill. Frequently ask him, “What do you think about that?”

By Storyteller, Lynne Cullen

Then give him time to formulate his words, and listen without judgment.

On the evening of August 5, 1893, I was taking my habitual evening walk around the Reservoir, when I noticed an unusually damp patch of ground by the waste pipe. As I drew closer, I saw a furtive figure crouched by the pipe about twenty feet away, digging at the graveled base of the reservoir.

Instead of saying, • “Why would you think that?” • “That’s not what I would say.” • “That’s ridiculous!” Use phrases like: • “That’s an interesting thought. Tell me more.” • “How did you arrive at that conclusion?” • “We don’t think alike, but I respect what you have to say.” The main thing in all of this is to make sure you take the time to check in with your child on a regular basis and ask how things are going. You will get the best results if you can train yourself to use fewer words, and actively listen. 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.

Nobody believes me. I have been locked up in this Lunatic Asylum since 1893. They still think that the bursting of the Munjoy Hill Reservoir in Portland, Maine, which resulted in the drowning of four people, was an accident. Fools! I told them I tried to prevent it!

I shouted and ran at the vandal; the figure rose, and, in the light of the full moon, I saw with a shock that the face was not human at all: the moonlight reflected off its huge, fishlike eyes, and illuminated the scaly, hairless, body. An instant later, the creature, with a hoarse, gurgling cough – that is as close as I can come to describing the awful sound –slithered around the bend of the hill, and was gone. See page 15, TALE OF FRIGHT

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For more Information Contact Tom Landry [E]LandryTeam@BenchmarkMaine.com [C]207-939-0185

Elevations, specifications and images are concepts only and not a promise of what can or will be built. The concept shown has not been approved by the city for construction. Seller is willing to sell the property and plans and not move forward with construction.

SunsetLoftsME.com

BenchmarkMaine.com (207) 775-0248

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

October 2014

Spotlight on Non-Profits is a regular feature. To have your favorite non-profit profiled here, please contact observer@munjoyhill.org.

Southern Maine Workers’ Center restaurant and hotel workers, union members, retired teachers, clergy and lay religious leaders, students, selfemployed workers, and more.

aged to become “sustainers” of SMWC, which just means they spread their donation out by giving monthly over the course of the year.

“There are 5 human rights principles that guide all of our work: equity, accountability, transparency, universality, meet at 68 Washington Ave to develop and implement and participation,” explains SMWC strategies for improving the lot of workchair, DrewChristopher Joy. There are 5 human board ers in Portland and beyond. They are “That’s why we became a membership the members and allies of the Southorganization—we know our power ern Maine Workers’ Center. SMWC is a rights principles that comes from people joining in and pargroup of working and poor people who guide all of our work: ticipating in ways that mean some“unite and organize to ensure that all of thing to them and the organization.” our basic human rights are met.” Their equity, accountability, Members elect the board of directors, priority is to be a voice and a force for, attend meetings with some regularity, transparency, and of, low-wage workers in this part of and pay dues—which are based on a the state. modest sliding scale. universality, and The Workers’ Center—as it’s referred to The best way to help the Workers’ Cenparticipation” by those familiar with it—was formed in ter is by finding a way to participate. 2006 by the Southern Maine Labor CounTry out attending a meeting; child care cil, to build the power of non-union workis always available and transportation can be provided ers, especially low-wage, young, immigrant, and people of if you contact SMWC ahead of time. Those interested color workers in Southern Maine. Current members of in supporting the organization with a donation can give the Workers’ Center range from age 2 to 72. People from online at www.maineworkers.org. Donors are encourall walks of life are involved: artists, non-profit workers,

“We love our location,” says Joy (who is also a neighborhood resident). “We are in the middle of a vibrant and diverse working class neighborhood. Organizing on the Hill and in East Bayside is very important to our work.”

HUMAN RIGHTS ON THE HILL: A WARM WELCOME FOR WORKERS By Elizabeth Capone-Henriquez, MPH

SEVERAL TIMES A MONTH, local community members

LIVING WITH PEACE

Everyone is welcome to attend SMWC’s community events and general meetings. The group has two main projects now: the Work With Dignity committee is creating a Know Your Rights training manual for workers; the Health Care Committee is a human rights committee, doing surveys with local residents about their health care coverage and needs. To find out about meeting times, sign up for SMWC’s e-newsletter by visiting their website at www.maineworkers.org. The SMWC offiice is located at 68 Washington Ave, Portland, at the foot of Munjoy Hill. FMI, people can call the Workers’ Center at 207-200-7692, email them at info@ maineworkers.org, or “like” them on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/MaineWorkers. Mailing Address: SMWC, PO Box 3902 • Portland, ME 04101

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.

Kenya: Where Innovation Generates Income and Positive Societal Change By Christina Feller, vice president, Living With Peace When we think of entrepreneurship we must also think about innovation. After all, why start up a business that does not bring some innovation to the product, to the sector, or into the marketplace? Does the product or service respond to an unmet need, fill a gap, create a new market, or add value to existing products in a way that positively impacts quality, design, cost, volume, efficiencies of scale, environmental sustainability, or market reach? We teach business management and entrepreneurship with a goal of developing managerial and operational talent, capacity, and technical skills but how do we convey the idea of innovation to people who simply have a new idea. Where do new ideas come from and how do we analyze the impact on the marketplace?

Patrick Kiruki who is both a product designer and a social entrepreneur. He has designed a waterless toilet. While Bill Gates spends millions to find the “right” waterless toiler for Africa, Patrick has designed one that “fits” the conditions of the slums and the people who live there. Not only waterless, it folds up and is portable. For more information on the Banza toilet (hey America, this is great for camping and campsites and rural areas without sanitation facilities) go to: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=rcaRHEgeBnU or Twitter at @BanzaToilet or http://www.grandchallenges.ca/grantee-stars/0298-01/. LIGHTEN UP AFRICA! Wilfred and

Mutugi are two enterprising men who have developed the solar powered lanIt is said that necessity is the mother tern (flashlight/torch) and they are of invention. In Kenya 60% of urban The Banza Toilet designed by Kenyan innovator changing the conditions for both urpeople have no access to clean run- Patrick Kiruki. Photo courtesy of www.greatchal- ban and rural people who have no eleclenges.ca. ning water at all and more than 80% tricity. Only about 16% of all Kenyans of rural inhabitants have no electrichave access to electricity and only 6% ity whatsoever. The necessity is overwhelming and the re- of urbanites have access to electricity. Without electricity, sponse has been amazing. Let’s profile some Kenyans at the people are subject to crime, forefront of innovation. animal threats, and loss of THE BANZA TOILET, the latest innovation on human-waste productivity in health care, management. There is a sanitation crisis in Kenya as a whole education, and agriculture. and especially in Nairobi slums. In Kenya, water supply Having grown up in rural coverage is 59%, and only 31% of the total population of Kenya, Wilfred had to de38 million had access “improved” sanitation services as of pend on kerosene lamps 2008 according to the World Bank. Poor sanitation condi- that produced a lot of smoke tions contribute directly to the country’s high instances of harming the environment water-borne illnesses causing disease and death. Kenya’s and personal health and overall health and economic statistics go hand in hand the cost of fuel was not afwith inadequate sanitation: each year 25,000 children un- fordable. The entrepreneurs der five die from diarrhea, infant mortality is 85/1000; life state that 89% of Kenya is expectancy in the country is 55 years; and 46% of the popu- off the grid and thus lacks lation lives below the poverty line. The most severe sanita- access to electricity. Solar tion problem is found in Kenya’s informal settlements, or is the answer. Wilfred and slums, concentrated in the capital Nairobi. Nairobi’s popu- Mutugi manufactured the lation is 3 million, and it is estimated that approximately Great Hope Lantern in Inhalf of the population lives in slums throughout the city, dia and they are on a miswhich cover only 5% of the city’s area. The slums are not sion to distribute 1 million recognized by the government as legal settlements, and are pieces in Africa. Wilfred therefore excluded from receiving any municipal services tells me that this is the most such as water, sewage, lighting, security, etc. Along comes affordable product in this market and sells for about 5

At right, Kenyan innovators Wilfred and Mutugi with their Indian manufactured Great Hope Traders Solar Lantern. Photo courtesy of Christina Feller

US dollars. He’s not keen on making large margins since his primary goal is to make sure school going kids get access to clean sources of light to do their homework and to light the way to collect water and do chores after dark. Anyone willing to sponsor the lantern project can reach out to Wilfred or Mutugi at wilfrenet@gmail.com or mutugi@tanasuk.com or dial +254-711494175. BABY DIAPERS AND SANITARY NAPKINS FROM CROP WASTE: Raw materials of dried papyrus, banana stalks, rice

straw and water hyacinth has turned university students Moses Mathenyu, Edwin Madivoli, and Martin Murigi into entrepreneurs. Students in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) state they collect the raw materials, dry them, grind them into polymers, place it in non-woven cotton fabrics, and sell the sanitary pads and diapers to the “low-end” market. Most diapers and pads are made from petroleum products that do not decompose quickly and can last up to 1,000 years in landfills. Innovation comes not only in product design but also from resource inputs. Banana and rice farmers earn cash income from their waste products; water hyacinth is an environmental menace. These young innovators turn waste into economically beneficial inputs and at the same time help clean up Lake Victoria—a win-win situation for everyone, especially women and girls.

October 2014

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

ASK THE MONEY PROF

justinalfond.com

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Creative Funding Sources Can Help Maine Businesses Thrive ONE OF MY FAVORITE aspects of representing parts of Port-

land is the opportunity to walk down Congress Street and through the Old Port to chat with the local owners about their successes and struggles of owning a business in Maine. I am always amazed by the unique assortment of restaurants, shops, and offices our small city has to offer. These small, local businesses are the drivers of our economy. Not only do they produce a rich experience for locals and visitors alike, but more importantly, they provide jobs to thousands of Maine workers. Since we regained the majority two years ago, one of our top priorities as Democrats has been economic growth and job creation. This past session, we passed multiple initiatives to support both sides of the economy—job creators and job seekers—to help ensure an economic future for all of Maine. One challenge many entrepreneurs face is the initial hurdle of financing their idea. Starting a business requires capital. For that reason we improved and refunded Maine’s seed capital program, providing up to $4 million in 2015, and developed a new initiative that will enable local investment in new ideas. The Seed Capital program provides a tax credit to private equity investors who invest in eligible Maine businesses. Maine lags behind the rest of New England and the nation for annual venture capital investment per capita. The improvements to this program will enable and encourage investors to put their money into businesses right here in Maine. Another investment initiative we passed was a bill I sponsored to promote crowd-funding as a means to raise startup capital. To participate, Maine businesses must set a target amount of money to raise and a deadline by which they must

In addition to the investment legislation, we also approved a $12 million dollar bond for small business loans through the Finance Authority of Maine. These loans are intended to support small businesses in creating jobs, revitalizing downtowns, strengthening the economy and spurring general investment and innovation. These programs will play a critical role in growing Maine’s economy, but good jobs demand skilled workers. For that reason, we created the Joint Select Committee on Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future to help address the “skill gap” we face in Maine, and ensure that Maine people have the skills that today’s businesses need. The bipartisan work of the committee extended select community college programs to areas of rural Maine, created a scholarship for adult learners who were unable to finish their degrees, significantly eased the process of transferring credits between Maine colleges and universities, and expanded the “industry partnerships” program that requires all workforce stakeholders to align their programs with one another and with the needs of workers and businesses. We made some great strides last session to bolster Maine’s economy. Although there is still plenty of work to be done, I believe these innovative strategies put Maine on the right path to a healthy, strong economy. As always, please send your thoughts and comments to me at Justin@JustinAlfond.com.

Handling Transitions and Change WHEN MY PARTNER approached me about my weight gain, I

can tell you that it wasn’t a conversation that was easy or welcomed… but it was necessary. Basically, I was told that my changing body was starting to lose its appeal and could impact our relationship going forward if something didn’t change. The moment those words left my partner’s mouth, I felt the flush of humiliation for having failed to sustain weight loss I previously had worked so hard to achieve, and for that failure being exposed. Between that feeling and my next breath, several options occurred to me: I could deflect, and detail the mile-long list of my partner’s flaws; I could sink into the untrue, but very old, beliefs that unconditional acceptance and love were not to be mine, and thus, this relationship is doomed and I should end it. OR, I could step into “The Space Between”. Has this ever happened to you? Life is going along seemingly well and then BAM! Something CHANGES: change you didn’t invite and weren’t prepared for and yet, there it was, demanding your attention and demanding it NOW. How did you handle it? Do you ever wish you could have handled it differently if only you had known how? Join me in “The Space Between” and explore the navigational aids that can help you pilot your safe passage through the turbulent winds of CHANGE. Acceptance is the first step when navigating change of any kind. It requires awareness and acknowledgement that what was is no longer. You are now free to let go and begin charting a new beginning – of your own choosing. Even though nothing in life is guaranteed, it is true that we have more power over what happens in our lives than we actually believe. If we accept the following:

By Joel I. Gold

reach it. Business owners can sell a maximum of $5,000 in equity to individual investors; however if the goal is not reached, the money is returned. Not only does this provide a low-risk investment opportunity to individuals, it also gives Mainers the chance to invest in their local economy.

The Space Between – Insights on By Kathleen M. Kerr

How much should I pay for my child’s college education?

“Our beliefs shape our filters; our filters form our thoughts; our thoughts drive our feelings; our feelings spur our actions; our actions become our habits; our habits reinforce our beliefs.”

origins of our thoughts and feelings, and how to shift them, in order to choose differently—prompting actions that support your beliefs and goals. As with any habit, the key to sustaining it is consistent practice and reinforcement. Having a strong support network is necessary; sustaining change isn’t ever achieved alone. We require encouragement from the sidelines, support when our resolve weakens, guidance with course corrections, and periodic review showing the progress we’ve made. Why choose this story to share? It is perfectly suited to illustrate how change shows up all the time. Some changes blow in like a nor’easter, some we initiate. And others sneak up on us in quiet conversations. Regardless of its shape or size, the instruments for navigating change are the same. Stepping into The Space Between allows you time to question your beliefs, decide what’s true, plot your course and step into action.

The financial costs of rearing a child can be overwhelming. When one factors in the daily expenses, both discretionary and non-discretionary, coupled with the costs of higher education, we can be talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars. Do we owe a college education to our kids? Are we responsible for the costs of tuition, living expenses, books and so on as we have been through primary and secondary schools? My response is no! However, I believe it our responsibility to assist and provide guidance to our children, even as they move on in years. Since, college is such a high priced item, families must plan for this expenditure. A realistic approach must be taken, based upon family income, student’s desire to attend college, and potential future income from the college experience. To pay for all direct and indirect costs of college may not be the best idea, even if families can easily afford the cost. Students should have some skin in the game. Paying for the entire academic side of college is fine and makes life easy for students, but paying also for all the social aspects of college, may be a bit too much. If you want your kids to understand independence, give them some responsibility through college. If at a later date, after they mature and understand the world a little better, you can help them pay off their loans (but do not tell them you will be doing that while in college). I have always said that there is good loans and bad loans. Education loans are good because the best investment is in oneself. The average student graduating with a baccalaureate degree owes $26,500. This represents approximately 60% of college students. This amount of debt may seem high at first, but given a student’s future long-term employment earning power (even for the average student), monthly payments can be affordable. The problem today is that many students incur too much debt while attending college. My advice is to select accredited institutions that have competitive pricing. Attending community colleges for the first two (or even more) years and then transferring credits into a 4-year institution is a good strategy for some. Another strategy would be to take online courses at various schools. Whatever the cost, parents and students should have a plan that is fair and understandable. Put aside the guilt, your children will still love and appreciate you, even if you cannot pay for all their education. 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.

Imagine being able to detach from a conversation long enough to observe your thoughts and feelings, in order to gain perspective and decide upon a response. Once I admitted that what my partner said was, in fact, true, I was also able to see that what I had said was also true. Our relationship is strong enough to handle something like this, and the next steps were completely Sudoku Puzzles - Book up to me. I reflected on what happened and, Moderate instead of focusing From www.veryfreesudoku.com on how it made me feel – I was already well aware of that —I asked myself what I wanted to happen next. Choosing to see the situation differently allowed me to imaginePuzzle what my partSudoku 13 ner might be thinking and feeling, and how I could change the approach to our next conversation. This knowledge gave me hope, strength and courage to speak my mind with love and honesty.

9 1

“Our beliefs shape our filters; our filters form our thoughts; our thoughts drive our feelings; our feelings spur our actions; our actions become our habits; our habits reinforce our beliefs…,”

The next time, when the winds of change blow my way, I’ll know just the place to go - The Space Between. Write to me Kathleen. kerr@kmkcoaching.com to share your stories of change. See you next month!

then you can see how untrue beliefs negatively impact our ability to respond in ways that support achieving our goals and living our best lives. Understanding your core beliefs – about the world and yourself – is critical for being able to understand the

Kathleen Kerr is a professional transition coach supporting clients as they explore the space between endings and beginnings to dauntlessly create beginnings that support them reaching their goals with optimism, courage, and joy.

3 5

3 5 4 5 3 4 6 2 2

1 8

6 3

2 9 1 6

7 9

7 4

Sudoku Puzzle 14

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Senior Moments IDLE THOUGHTS WITH SUMMER WANING, my mind’s still running on idle. So, I’ve decided to ease into [October] and share some thoughts and observations: If you appreciate razor-sharp writing, read Kevin Cullen’s columns in the Boston Globe. He nails sensitive issues with the best of them. If you enjoy top-notch, fastpaced suspense novels, try anything by Daniel Silva. You’ll find yourself in England, Israel, Russia, and more points of the compass, wondering what’s going to happen next. If you want to escape to France and Spain, rent the movie My Way. Martin Sheen plays a doctor whose son dies while hiking the famous trail, The Way of St. James or El Camino de Santiago. Sheen flys to France, views the body before cremation, and then decides to continue his son’s journey, carrying the box of ashes, spreading a bit here and there, along the way. The now-deceased film critic, Roger Ebert, called the movie “quietly positive.” I found it touching, hopeful, and full of introspection. If nothing else, the local color and the scenery dazzle. Join Sheen on the hike. Ever notice that you spend more time in the doctor’s waiting room than you do in the office? Hey, hockey fans, the Portland Pirates return to play in the Portland Civic Center again. And, mark your calendar for October 8 when the Boston Bruins start a new season facing off against those Broad Street Bullies, the Philadelphia Flyers. Here’s a big pet peeve of mine. Why do interviewers on TV say, “Let me ask you a question.” Just ask the darn question.

by Hunter Howe

Why do folks who can afford a $200,000 recreation vehicle, motor to the old campground consuming massive amounts of fuel, park two feet away from another rather large vehicle? Nothing like escaping to the spacious, great outdoors. What am I missing here? Feels like Brooklyn. Remember when Katie Couric’s husband, Jay, died of colon cancer? To promote colonoscopies, she had one on national TV. That sure took some guts. Well, I read an article in South Florida’s Sun-Sentinel that said, “Andy Milovitch, the Vice President and General Manager for the Class A Myrtle Beach Pelicans will get a prostate exam (in his fight against cancer) in front of 6,600 people. And he’ll do it while singing, ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game.’” Boy, that’s some 7th-inning stretch! Many of us attempt to practice the skills of Social Intelligence, but fail at one significant aspect— speaking less and listening more. To point, Khalil Gibran said, “I have learned silence from the talkative.” A Hebrew proverb refers to silence as, “The fence around wisdom.” September’s an “S” month. [October is an “O” month: Onward!] Stop the idling and start your engines, Seniors. Get revitalized with the music of Donna Summer, The Spinners, and The Stylistics, the latter singing these lyrics in “ Betcha By Golly, Wow”: “You’re the genie in disguise Full of wonder and surprise… If I could catch a falling star To shine on you so I’ll know where you are.” Now dance your own way into [November]. —•—•—•— Column reprinted with permission from the Southern Maine Agency on Aging, Senior News. Hunter also writes for Maine Seniors Magazine

Recycle AND help fund the MHNO Heat Assistance Program: Donate your

Find crossword puzzle on page 6

recyclables thru CLYNK! at Hannafords... Funds raised support MHNO’s Fuel Assistance “Warm Hearts, Warm Neighbors” program. Stop outside the Hill House at 92 Congress to pick up a free green bag. FMI: email Louise Little at louise. little55@gmail.com. Keep those cans & bottles coming!

October 2014

SAVE THE DATE! Join At Home on Munjoy Hill (AHOM) for our first social/cultural event Who: Michael Connelly, author, history professor and Munjoy Hill native. What: A History of Munjoy Hill. When: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH at 2 pm. Refreshments will be served. Where: MHNO Hill House, 92 Congress St, Portland FMI: Contact ahom@munjoyhill.org or Elaine Mullin at 671-6132

Elder Care Resources —Clip-n-Save—

Portland Area Coalition for Elder Services (PACES) http://pacesseniors.com PACES members serve the senior community in greater Portland by providing high quality goods and services. Our monthly meetings focus on sharing best practices, improving business relationships and educating our members about community services available to older adults. CONTACT: Lynne Maxfield-Cole PACES Membership Chairperson 53 Waterford Rd. Harrison, ME 04040 lmaxroad@yahoo.com 207-754-0730

Phoebe Chandler PACES President phoebe@allenselig.com 207 712-6500

The Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) http://smaaa.org The Southern Maine Agency on Aging offers a wide range of programs and services for older adults living in York and Cumberland counties. These programs and services are designed to foster independence, reduce the burden on family and caregivers, and promote an active and healthy lifestyle throughout the aging process. CONTACT: Southern Maine Agency on Aging 136 U.S. Route One Scarborough, ME 04074 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

207-396-6500 1-800-427-7411

Fax 207-883-8249 Call 711 if you are deaf or hard of hearing and need relay service. info@smaaa.org

October 2014

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

t u o b A & Ou t FARMERS MARKET AT DEERING OAKS PARK, PHOTO BY COREY TEMPLETON

Maine Senior FarmShare

Farmers Markets

Know a low-income senior (relative, friend or neighbor) who could benefit from $50 of fresh, unprocessed, locally grown produce? Please contact a local farmer directly to sign up. Contact your local area Agency on Aging by calling the ELDERS-1 toll-free number: 1-877-353-3771, for a list of participating FarmShare Farmers, http://www. getrealmaine.com.

Portland Observatory Open daily until October 13. 10 am – 5 pm. All tours are guided; last tour begins at 4:30 pm. Please allow 45 minutes for your tour. http:// portlandlandmarks.org/observatory/ 138 Congress Street on Munjoy Hill, (207) 774-5561.

Port Veritas Spoken Word Poetry Readings, every Tuesday 7-10 pm, @ Bull Feeney’s 375 Fore St. - 7:30-10pm / All Ages, FMI: Gil Helmick, 400-7543. Our Monday Venue: Mama’s CrowBar is located at 189 Congress St. . Formerly Awful Annie’s which was formally George’s Tavern which was formally some fishermen getting wicked hammered in a tent. Mama’s features American Craft Beers as well as nightly musical and poetry events.

Spirits Alive Cemetery Tours Tours of Eastern Cemetery on Munjoy Hill on Congress Street will continue through October 15 every Wednesday, Sat & Sun at 1:30 PM. All tours are led by trained volunteers. New this year: “Last Saturday Tour” conducted at 11:00 AM. This tour introduces Bartlett Adams, Portland’s first stone carver; from 1800 to 1828,his shop produced more than 700 stones found in Eastern Cemetery. Admission for these tours: Adults $10.00. Students and Seniors (65+) $5.00, Under 12, Free. FMI: sa@spiritsalive.org.

SATURDAYS In Deering Oaks Park, 7 am to 1 pm and WEDNESDAYS on Monument Square, 7 am to 1 pm. Find Maine-grown vegies, live plants, baked goods and crafts!

Maine Jewish Museum 267 Congress St, Phone (207) 773-2339 The Jewish Museum is hosting Merrill St artist Lin Lisberger’s exhibit, “Vessels: Sculpture and Prints”, until August 29. Email; ani@treeoflifemuseum.org Website; http://mainejewishmuseum.org.

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. Running With Scissors Announces

The Makers Meal

October 16, Running With Scissors, 250 Anderson St, Portland, will present “The Makers Meal,” a five-course chef- and brewery-paired meal showcasing more than 30 local makers of fine art, crafts, food and beer. The Makers Meal celebrates the strength -- and showcases the beauty -- of local makers at a unique and innovative benefit event. Dinner will take place in the Running With Scissors gallery and feature locally sourced and made food and brews, handmade place settings, and uniquely curated tables and environment. Many items such as linens, place settings and other home goods, and original artwork, will be available for experiencing and for sale at the event. Tickets range from $75 to $250 and can be ordered online http://themakersmeal. bpt.me/ or by phone (207) 831-5682.

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www.mainehistory.org/ Maine Historical Society offers historical walking tours of Portland. Walk to the waterfront and be guided through Portland’s evolution. Tours leave from MHS located at 489 Congress St. near Monument Square in Portland. Tours are daily at 1:30 pm and are approximately 60-75 minutes long. Admission: $10 walking tour only; $15 walking tour and Longfellow House tour. Free for children six years old and younger. Recommended for ages 12 and older.

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MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

maine

TALE OF FRIGHT from page 10

October 2014

LYNN CULLEN is an artist, playwrite, and storyteller who trained in Yorkshire

A quick inspection showed me the earthen wall was intact; but the increased dampness on the ground troubled me; what if the creature returned to finish what it had begun? Before reporting the incident – for who would believe it? – I decided to return the next night, and catch the creature unawares. I would be hailed as a hero, both for saving the reservoir, and for making a great scientific discovery!

England. She performs frequently at Seanachie Nights, as host, storyteller, singer, and musician See her in action on OCTOBER 17 AND 18 :, when Lynne tells Tales of Terror at Victoria Mansion! Lynne and her concertina celebrate eight years of scaring the #$%&# out of people! Come hear two classics of Victorian horror, plus a children’s show of spooky folktales for the early Saturday show. Or on MON OCT 20 AT BULL FEENEY’s Irish Pub/Res-

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taurant on 375 Fore Street, Portland, Maine, from 7pm-9pm.

On the night of August 6, I returned, armed with a lantern and a pistol. I hid behind a large rock and waited. Hours passed, but at last my patience was rewarded. I heard the slapping of flat, webbed feet upon damp ground, and there was the creature. Again, it began to dig at the earthen wall, gurgling as it worked. I should have acted the moment it appeared, but I was mesmerized by the primeval sight.

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I had barely shaken off my paralysis, when I heard something that stopped me in my tracks: from inside the reservoir there issued a second, bubbling cry. The creature returned the call and began scrabbling more frantically than before! I sprang forward, aimed the pistol, and fired! But the creature was hellishly fast, and in one lightning-swift movement, it threw itself upon me. I gagged at the briny stink of its breath; then I felt its cold, webbed fingers close around my throat, and I knew no more.

OCTOBER 1 ~ 19

By the time I woke, I was lying in a hospital bed, and it was all over. That morning, the reservoir had burst, hurling 22 million gallons of water over the streets, down the hill, and into Casco Bay. Had a policeman not found me lying on the damp ground with my lantern and gun, shivering and raving, I would have drowned with the others. Perhaps that ... would have been a mercy.

A TIMELESS CLASSIC Played out against the drought of the 130’s, this touching romantic by N. Richard Nash comedy unfolds in a sexy, vibrant production

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October 2014

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October 2014

Image from the Collections of the Maine HistoricalÂ Society.

October 2014

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

The First Observers – Found!! maiden issue from May 1980. These early issues HAVE YOU EVER TRIED to delete an email? I are certainly of interest for their content, but mean, fully, permanently, confidently destroy they are also a metaphor of sorts for the fledgevery copy of an email? It’s not easy. And, in the ling organization itself, which was both growing end, chances are that you didn’t succeed — not in size and also working to define its “look” — really. In this age of ubiquitous and endlessly the role it would serve in the community. replicated digital data, when something posted The very first issue, just four black and white to the internet or web is likely to survive even pages, is a far cry from the Observer of today, the most diligent effort to obliterate it, it’s worth but already the ambition is apparent (the paper considering how recently we emerged from the was founded as a monthly). Energy and enthuage of ephemeral information, when destruction siasm is apparent in the content as well; a covof data required little more than a match, a trash er article notes that fifteen candidates vied for can, or simple indifference. five available board seats at the organization’s Which is why we are thankful for institutions first annual meeting, and outgoing President like Portland’s own Maine Historical Society, Ned Chester declined re-nomination “in order where we recently found the only known sur- to keep this organization dynamic” and to “tap viving copies of the earliest issues of the Mun- new resources.” Meantime, the Observer was joy Hill Observer, including a single copy of the also changing; by June, the paper had doubled By Matthew Kennedy

in size to eight pages, and the original masthead, which bore a pen and ink sketch of the hill viewed from the south, had been replaced by one bearing a photograph looking east over Munjoy Hill’s rooftops. In November, the new President, Alan Caron, called for an assessment of organizational priorities; meantime the masthead changed again, this time to simple block text, all business. A final change in December introduced the masthead that the paper would sport for some time to come – a photograph of the observatory before a stylized rising sun. Images from the Collections of the Maine Historical Society.

Image from the Collections of the Maine Historical Society.

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Images from the Collections of the Maine HistoricalÂ Society.

October 2014