April 2015 Munjoy Hill Observer by Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Munjoy Hill

OBSERVER

AprilNon 2015 Profit Org1 US Postage

PAID

Portland, ME Permit No. 824

1979 – 2015

FREE • Published by the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization • Vol. 35, N 3 • April 2015

April Stools Day & Community Cleanup Saturday, April 25 th 9 am to Noon Hosted by Friends of the Eastern Promenade & the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization

As the white stuff melts And the spring rain pelts Your presence is desired Or perhaps, even required What we specifically request is To remove stool presents uncontested And if the best friend is not four-pawed Help pick up rubbish after snow’s thawed.

Spring is coming, and so is the 23rd Annual April Stools Day and Community Cleanup! Please join your community in helping clean up the neighborhood of rubbish and refuse. MEET at the Hill House (92 Congress Street) at or before 9:00 am April 25th for coffee, tea and goodies, or stop by any of our hub stations along Eastern Promenade (Cleeves Monument, Cutter Street, East End Beach and more) between 9:00NOON. We will have supplies for you, like gloves, bags, pooper picker-uppers, and a free coffee token for Coffee By Design. $25 GIFT CERTIFICATES awarded to those who find one of the 8 famous “Golden Turds;” thanks so much to our sponsors of the annual program, both Fish & Bone and Pet Life! AARP In the spirit of spring cleanup inside AND outside the home, AARP is providing a document shredding truck for the day, which will be parked at East End Community School on North Street from 1pm – 3pm. Have you been holding on to old paperwork, tax documents, or other documents with private information on them? Now is the time to easily and securely rid your home of them, courtesy of AARP (see details on page 7 of this issue). VISIT Friends of Eastern Promenade’s website for other participating locations (like South Portland - Hinckley Park, Mill Creek Park, and Willard Beach, among others). THANK YOU to the City of Portland for providing supplies and taking away collected bags of trash. RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP includes picking up what your dog puts down! We live in a shared community and so it is our doo-ty to keep the parks and neighborhoods free from our pet’s waste. We hope to see our neighbors, pet parents, and children out for this year’s 23rd Annual April Stools Day! Scoopy Doo will be on site and eager to take pictures with kids and adults alike. If you’re interested in volunteering as a team captain for one of our hub stations or to get acquainted with either of our organizations, please email: Cami@easternpromenade.org or Elise. loschiavo@munjoyhill.org RAIN DATE Sunday, April 26th 9- 12pm For more information, visit the Friends of the Eastern Promenade easternpromenade.org or Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization www.munjoyhill.org.

Above, snow flies around the bandstand on the Eastern Promenade in late March. Winter lingers on in the spring of 2015. Photo © Bill Kenny For information about the photographer, please see box on page 2.

Balancing Past and Present:

Historic Preservation at 58 Fore Street By Matthew Kennedy

This article is part of a series on the proposed redevelopment of 58 Fore Street (the Portland Company complex) In last month’s Observer we summarized the proposed redevelopment of the 58 Fore Street site by the developers CPB2 LLC, with a focus on the first step in the multi-step process of review and approval before the city, the owners’ application to rezone the property. In this month’s article we will focus on the next step in the process, the consideration of a petition that the property be designated an historic district.

address matters salient to the proposed designation; all of the reports discussed here are available on the city’s website for download and review. “The Portland Company: Historic Significance and Integrity” was commissioned by the city “to research, document and analyze the historic and architectural significance of the Portland Company complex.” The report details the site’s historical significance on local, state and national levels, with particular emphasis on the site’s status as the nation’s first complex built specifically for the manufacture of railroad locomotives and related goods, as well as its status as the only such complex to survive from before the Civil War. The report also identifies a number of buildings for their architectural significance, as

this aspect has been treated in two additional reports, the first commissioned by the developers, the second solicited by the city. These reports come to similar conclusions regarding the current condition of the individual buildings, which the second of these reports characterizes as variously “between good and poor.” Three buildings are called out as being in particularly degraded condition.

The process of historic district designation is multi-stepped and lengthy, with embedded timelines to compel progress. As with the rezoning process (and, for that matter, the larger redevelopment The historic significance of the Portland process as a whole), there exist numerCompany complex has long been recogous opportunities for comment and renized; the Maine Historic Preservation view. The process typically begins with Commission noted the site’s eligibility for the National Rega workshop (currently schedister of Historic Places uled for 1 April) and a public 58 Fore Street Rezoning Status in 1976. Following the hearing before the Historic developers’ application Preservation Board, after The proposed rezoning of 58 Fore Street was for rezoning in August which that Board will make read before the City Council for the first time on 2014, Greater Portland March 16. The Council scheduled a workshop on a recommendation regarding Landmarks requested the issue for March 30 (after this issue had gone whether or not the proposed that the site be desigdistrict meets the criteria for nated an historic disto print), with a public hearing scheduled for designation. While the Histrict. Planning Board April 6, 2015 toric Preservation Board’s staff subsequently recFor more detail on the proposed rezoning see the cover criteria for recommendation ommended that conarticle in the March issue of the Observer, available online are largely historical in nasideration of this issue at munjoyhill.org be postponed until disture, it must also consider cussion of rezoning had whether the buildings’ physiconcluded. However, as cal condition justifies their a result of the February 23rd submis- substantially unaltered industrial struc- preservation or restoration. The matsion of a formal petition for designation tures displaying the styles, materials ter then moves to the Planning Board, by two members of the Historic Preser- and engineering techniques prevalent which may hold a public workshop on vation Board, these two issues are now during the time of their construction. the matter, and which also must conbeing addressed concurrently. The study did not address the current vene a public hearing. The Planning A number of recent and lengthy reports structural condition of the buildings; Board then makes its own determinaSee page 9, Portland Company Complex

Inside this issue: MHNO News 2 • AARP News, Aging in Place 3 • Capital & City, Money Prof 4 • MHNO Bulletin Board 5 • MHNO Bus Sponsors, Pet Essay 6 • Parenting Tips, Crossword 8 • Bus Focus: Circa Home and Vintage 9 • Abyssinian Meeting House 9 • Events Listings 10-11 •

...SPRING IS COMING!

April 2015

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, 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 Deborah Stevenson deborah.stevenson@munjoyhill.org (207) 807-0396 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 President, Andrea Myhaver

Like many children of the seventies, I grew up watching The Brady Bunch, first as a primetime TV show on Friday nights, and then, when it went into syndication, after school on most days. I watched it so much that many of the episodes are indelibly etched in my brain. So I guess it should be no surprise that for the past few weeks, as this column has been percolating in my mind, the song from the episode when Peter went through puberty has been stuck in my head: “When it’s time to cha-a-ange”. (For those of you not familiar with the show or the tune, you can find it on YouTube https://youtu.be/ MKEQm10-n84). The next few months will be a period of change both for me personally, and for the organization, as I transition from President and Board member, to regular MHNO

member. Last June, I told the then Board that if I was elected for another term as President at the annual meeting, it would be my last. The original by-laws of the organization limited the number of terms that one person could consecutively serve as President to two, so when I was elected in 2011, I did not intend to serve in the role beyond June, 2013. However, the by-laws were updated in 2013, and the clause limiting the number of consecutive presidential terms was removed (the term is still for one year, though). At the time, there was not anyone else interested in running for President, and we were in the midst of several initiatives that I played a large role in. It made sense for me to stay on, and so I did, enthusiastically, for two more terms. However, the time is now right for me to move on and allow others to

take on the charge of running the organization, as I reclaim some of my precious and limited free time. At the end of June, my final term as President will be over, and I will also step down from the Board. It was five years ago this month that I walked into my first MHNO Board meeting. I had no idea what to expect then, and I certainly had no idea at the time that the MHNO would become such an important and pivotal part of my life. So, I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a bit stymied now when I picture what life will be like for me once I leave the Board. One thing I know for sure though is that I will be okay, and so will the organization. I have no doubt that as the MHNO transitions to a new leader, it will be with renewed energy and with new ideas that will serve to benefit its members. In the mean-

MHNO is a valuable resource

Editor, Lisa Peñalver

The Munjoy Hill community is experiencing the pressures of change these days. The heat is on, and just like bubbles in a pot of water on the stove, small local groups are bubbling up to voice their concerns and interests, and to advocate for moderation and inclusion in the decisions being made which are poised to change the face of Munjoy Hill.

tion is YOUR organization. If you have concerns, it would make sense to bring them to the organization.

This is not the first time the neighborhood has faced challenges; not the first time residents have been alarmed enough to become active. I would like to suggest that these group avail themselves of the structure that exists with Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization.

By becoming involved with the MHNO, groups can amplify their message, and be more effective in approaching the City. The MHNO was born out of a time of turmoil for the community. Residents were the ones who, back in the late 1970s, came together to restore the sense of place that was on the verge of being lost. They came together because they cared deeply for their neighborhood. over 35 year later, this organization is still going strong. So, with such a resource available to the community, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. This organiza-

But don’t expect people to do the job FOR you. The Board is a group of working people, just like all of you. What the MHNO brings to the table is a structure, connections, and the credibility of having served the community for almost 40 years. When the MHNO speaks, the City listens. Because the organization weighs its messages carefully and offers a balanced perspective, it opens doors. And the Board members can offer guidance on how community activists can use their time and energy most effectively.

MHNO Board 2014-15

From the front page, About the photographer

Andrea Myhaver, President........................... andrea.myhaver@munjoyhill.org

Bill Kenny Jr., a.k.a., “Alphaholik” (because he uses Sony Alpha Camera Equipment). Kenny has been shooting “ full-time” since 2009. He explains, “It’s more of a hobby for me, though some people like my work enough to purchase prints, or hire me for weddings, class reunions, band shoots, senior class portraits, pet photography, etc.” A Munjoy Hill resident, he can be reached at alphaholik@icloud.com. His Flickr account link is https://www. flickr.com/photos/alphaholik/ .

Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization

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 Elaine Mullin............................................... elaine.mullin@munjoyhill.org   Joan Sheedy................................................ joaniesheedy@gmail.com

time, I will continue to serve with the same dedication and passion that I always have, and I’m grateful for two more months to write this column, as I think “At the Helm” is one of the things I’m going to miss most, come July.

So what I am saying is, if your REALLY want to have an impact, get involved in your neighborhood organization; come to meetings (only once a month!); join a committee— or form a committee!! What the community wants, the community can get, but only if everyone works together.

We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon. —Franklin D. Roosevelt

Megan Summers ......................................... megan.summers@munjoyhill.org

MHNO Mission

Please Send Your essays, Letters and Hill news to

Incorporated as a nonprofit organization

observer@MunjoyHill.org

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

April 2015

Please Help Protect Vital Programs for At-Risk Mainers By Japhet Els, AARP Maine Outreach Director

Mainers have signed on, but we need everyone to get involved.

While AARP Maine is tackling many issues this legislative session, one of our real concerns in the state budget discussions is the proposal to cut the Medicare Savings and Drugs for the Elderly Programs. Many low-income Mainers are really struggling to make ends meet and it is important to protect these programs that help them stay healthy.

The Medicare Savings Program or MSP covers premiums for doctor visits, preventive care, ambulance services and outpatient care. It also covers Medicare Part D prescription drug costs and co-payments. Under the current proposal, tens of thousands of seniors and adults with disabilities will be cut from the program. These cuts will be devastating to the state’s most at-risk resident if they go through.

AARP has created a petition about this issue and already hundreds of

The Drugs for the Elderly Program or DEL helps pay for prescription drugs for Mainers whose monthly income falls below approximately $1,600 for an individual and $2,200 for a couple. It is important to remember that this income has to cover heating costs, rent/mortgage, food and other necessities. Current DEL beneficiaries are on the cusp of Medicare eligibility - between the ages of 62 and 64½. They have nowhere else to turn. These are the poorest of the poor in Maine, counting the days to Medicare eligibility.

Choosing Wisely: Making Better Health Care Choices for You & Your Family A Community Forum: Join “At Home on Munjoy Hill” (AHOM) & Maine Quality Counts Sunday, APR 12, 2-4 PM • Bayview Heights• 158 North St, Portland Bring a friend, bring your family, and join us for an engaging discussion!

The U.S. spends more on health care than any other developed country—and gets worse results. At the same time, we know that, as patients, we sometimes ask for tests and treatments that are not always in our best interest. Doctors may order tests and treatments, at times even when they know they shouldn’t. In fact, the U.S. Congressional Budget Office says that up to 30% of U.S. health care is unnecessary. The problem has become so serious that the ABIM Foundation and more than 20 professional medical societies have joined forces in a project called Choosing Wisely®, an effort in which doctors have come together to identify tests or treatments that they themselves say are done too often. The goal of Choosing Wisely® is to help physicians and patients - all of us! – think more, and talk together about the overuse of health care resources. The campaign is part of the ABIM Foundation’s goal of promoting wise choices by clinicians in order to improve health care outcomes, provide patient-centered care that avoids unnecessary and even harmful inter-

ventions, and reduce the rapidlyexpanding costs of the health care system.

By identifying the barriers and emphasizing coping strategies, we will be able to pave the way to making sustainable change. While there are many effective change management tactics, here are a vital few to help get you on your way. Barriers: 1. We rely on “so-called” experts rather than trusting ourselves. This stifles creative thinking and leaves the re-

We hope that Maine residents will go to our website at www.aarp.org/ me or find us on Facebook at aarp-

~ Sponsored by At Home on Munjoy Hill, a program of the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization whose mission is to empower older residents to remain in their homes as they age and Maine Quality Counts, a non-profit regional health improvement collaborative working to improve health and health care in Maine.~ For more information about the AtHome senior program on Munjoy Hill, contact ahom@munjoyhill.org or Elaine Mullin at 207-671-6132.

By Kathleen M. Kerr

sponsibility of success with the experts, letting us off the hook. 2. We bite off more than we can chew. Overwhelm sets in, and we begin to feel out of control. This produces stress, and change suddenly becomes a disliked chore. 3. Is the carrot we are chasing even reachable? Have we considered if the current environment can support our desired outcome? If the outcome we desire is not achievable, we are doomed. 4. The change belongs to others. Change is personal, even when we are working on behalf of others. If we have not connected with it and made it our own, how committed can we be? Strategies 1. Make the change meaningful to you. Define how you want the future to look. Spend time thinking about it, envisioning it, and answering the important “what’s in it for me” question. The more defined you can envision the outcome, the easier it is to manifest it.

maine to sign the petition. Anyone can sign it right online. For those without internet access, we can mail a paper version of the petition if you call our office. Just call 1-866-5545380. Even if you will not be directly affected by cuts to the MSP and DEL, chances are you know someone who will be. Let’s work together to protect our most vulnerable friends and neighbors.

As We Grow Older and Wiser...

What Do We Want? By Elaine Mullin As described in last month’s article, At Home on Munjoy Hill (AHOM) is ex-cited to see that Portland is now a member of the national initiative of Age-Friendly Communities. The assessment of community needs is the next step and includes a survey of the population, details below. As noted, all are welcome to participate regardless of age. Please take the survey and let AHOM and the city know your thoughts, choices and opinions! The City of Portland, in collaboration with AARP and the Muskie School of Public Service, is conducting an anonymous research survey of Portland residents aged 50 and above to find out how “livable” our community is to people as they age. The survey focuses on housing, transportation/streets, outdoor spaces, health and wellness, social participation, community services, information, and civic engagement.

If you or your family member has ever had a medical test, procedure, or treatment that you wondered if you should question, join us to learn more and be part of a thought- provoking discussion. Or just come and listen – it might just come in handy the next time you or your doctor are thinking about ordering that next test!

The Space Between Many people struggle with change, whether they are responding to events in their personal lives or working to make a difference in their organizations and communities. In this article, I focus on what it takes to shift out of resistance, when confronted with change, into a habit of welcoming it. In this rapid world of constant change, we no longer have the luxury of sitting on it until we come to terms with its ending, our loss, or even our acceptance of it. If we are to succeed in creating sustainable change, we have to plan for its arrival and strategize our responses before it shows up and catches us in our very natural human reaction to it - resistance.

What some in Augusta don’t seem to understand is that older Mainers and residents with disabilities simply cannot absorb these costs. They will stop going to their doctors and taking their medications. They will use the emergency room for their primary care and only as a last resort. We cannot express enough the importance of protecting these vital programs.

Portland is the first city in Maine to sign on as a member of AARP’s Age-Friendly Communities; a national initiative aimed at creating great places to live for people of all ages. For more information about this initiative visit www. aarp/livable.org. Our target audience is Portland residents aged 50 years and above; how-ever, the survey is open to any person living in the Portland area, aged 18 years and above. Which services and amenities are most important to you? What do you like about living here? What do you find most challenging? How might your priorities change as you age? Let us know what you think. V i s i t h t t p s : //s n a p s u r v e y. u s m . m a i n e . e d u /s n a p w e b h o s t /s . asp?k=142564144911 to take the survey now.

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

2. Plan the change; break it into smaller chunks and work towards achieving bite-size success. This fuels your motivation and brings the change back into your control. We feel energized when we have control. 3. Trust yourself; see where your strengths contribute and seek out the strengths others have that can help. Everyone matters. Take pride in what you do offer and contribute, no matter how small; each effort contributes to the creation. Own the change. 4. Develop the habit of a beginner’s mind. Give yourself permission to try it differently, be curious for alternatives, and start again. This keeps you from reverting to old habits and routines. 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.

April 2015

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER justinalfond.com

Homelessness in Maine Falling through the cracks On a cold and rainy November morning, I arrived at the Oxford Street Shelter in Portland. It was 6:15a.m., and the more than 150 people who slept at the shelter the night before were starting their day--understandably sour about the weather outside. I, along with other volunteers, were at the shelter for the 100,000 Homes Portland Campaign. I stood outside, talking to one homeless person after another about their health status, their housing needs and their overall vulnerability. I spoke to a dozen homeless people and found out that nearly every person who is a part of the Oxford Street Shelter community suffered from mental illness, substance abuse, or both. Every single one of them wanted a permanent home and to find a way to contribute and be a part of our community. Most were severely depressed and did not feel much hope.

After speaking with us, each person scrambled to find trash bags and any sort of cover from the rain, to head out into weather with all of their belongings. The fact is, no one chooses this. No one chooses to be homeless. Our shelters serve as the last line of de-

fense for the neediest among us. Shelters like Oxford Street provide the most basic and fundamental needs for those who have virtually nothing left. There are some, however, who don’t see shelters the same way. In recent weeks, some in state government have tried to use homeless shelters and those who rely on their safety, as political footballs in their attempt to undermine Maine’s social safety net. While it’s easy to mislead the public about who uses shelters and why, it is much harder to face the truth. Recently, the City of Portland stud-

The Golden Shovel AWARD

ied 30 of the so-called “long-stayers” at the shelters. Every single one of them had serious and persistent mental health issues—often untreated. They are not staying at homeless shelters to save money—they are staying there because they believe staying at a shelter is the best option available to them. Mental illness is not easy to understand. But it is something that we all need to take a closer look at. We can’t be afraid of it. And most of all, we can’t play the blame-game that serves no purpose other than to distract and delay from a meaningful solutions-based dialogue. So, while some try to cut spending and vilify those who need to use shelters, many of us are working to strengthen and stabilize our system. I have introduced a bill, LD 443, to provide more adequate and reliable funding to the 42 homeless shelters across the state. I will be sure to keep you informed of how it goes. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments. Please feel free to email me at Justin@JustinAlfond.com.

By Markos Miller

The third weekend of March we dodged another

snow storm. The warm sun of March, climbing higher in the sky, melted down the snow banks. Our harsh winter begins to fade into memories. It is now time to reclaim our sidewalks and fully enjoy our walkable neighborhood. We win!

The City of Portland has Resources for YOUR Spring Clean-Up! Starting April 4th, Hazardous Household Waste* will be is accepted at the Riverside Recycling Facility. Hazardous waste is accepted the first Saturday of each month, April through November. Hazardous waste includes such things as oven cleaners, pool chemicals, automotive batteries, herbicides, paint thinners, photo chemicals, gasoline, and oil based paints. E-Card holders are allowed up to 10 gallons hazardous waste at no charge. Other residents are charged $6.50 per gallon, or $3.50 per pound for solid waste. For more detail: The Riverside Recycling Facility at 7976200 or http://riversiderecycles.com/hazardous-waste . * Latex paint is NOT considered a hazardous waste item. The recommended way to dispose of latex paint is to dry the can out. You can use kitty litter, a speed-dry product, or sand. Once the can is dry and non- pourable, you can put it in your regular city trash bag. (Do not exceed 30 pounds in weight in any Portland set out.) Portland’s ‘TAG IT’ Bulky Item Program runs April thru November. “Tagged” household items weighing less than 30 pounds will be picked up for free on your regular trash day. Items must be tagged. Apply for the free tag on the city web site at http://riversiderecycles.com/ ecard. At this application site you will answer questions to verify eligibility. All Portland residents are eligible. Eligible items do not fit in a trash bag. Kitchen chairs, rolled up carpets, lawn equipment, and large toys are examples of eligible items. http://portlandmaine.gov/508/Bulky-ItemCollection Large item Tags are $40.00 each and are applied for at the same city web site. Large item examples include couches and mattresses. Items required by law to be recycled will not be accepted by either Bulky Item or Tag It program. This includes: televisions, microwaves, refrigerators, computers, air conditioners, humidifiers and printers. These items contain hazardous materials. These items must be properly recycled to keep their hazardous metals and chemicals out of our water, soil and air. Free Community Electronic Waste Recycling Day: Saturday April 25th, 9 a.m. - 1p.m. This yearly event co-sponsored by the City of Portland is a real bargain for participants. Appliances with freon such as a refrigerants and air conditioners are accepted as well electronics. This event is open to all. Drop off your items at USM Woodbury Campus Parking Lot located at 45 Bedford Street. All will be properly recycled. For more info contact Steve Sweeney 780-4658.

Ask the Money Prof

It is now time to get out there and clean up the archeological findings left behind by the melted snowbanks & glaciers. I know I sometimes feel some resentful about the trash I find on the streets; “This isn’t my trash”, “I don’t even have a dog!” But I know that we get through the winters here with the help of others, and by helping others out. What each of us invests in making our neighborhood reflect our aspirations, pays off in pride, beauty, and community.

Taking care of catastrophic financial events By Joel I. Gold

The Golden Shovel hopes to encourage everyone to do their part. Each month we will present the Golden Shovel Award to a Munjoy Hill resident or property owner who has been exemplary in maintaining a walkable sidewalk. We hope that others are inspired to do the same.

This month’s Golden Shovel recipient embodies the spirit of pitching in to help his neighbors. Phil Simon of 56 Lafayette was nominated by his neighbor K.E. Smith. Not only does Phil do an exemplary job of keeping his own family’s sidewalk clear, but he usually clears K.E.’s sidewalk at the corner of Lafayette St. and Quebec St., as well as the house next to theirs on Quebec Street. K.E., her husband, and the other neighbor are all in their 70s, and while they do get out there to do some shoveling, but they are very grateful for Phil’s snow-blowing. As we move into spring, let’s continue to help our neighbors out, learn from past challenges, and work for the betterment of our community. Happy Spring!

You can send nominations to thegoldenshovel207@gmail.com

Webster’s Dictionary defines the word catastrophic as “bringing about ruin or misfortune.” Murphy’s Law states that “If anything can go wrong, it will.” So, how do we, as prudent leaders of our families, go about reducing risk and prevent catastrophic financial events? A basic approach is to steer clear of risky situations. For example, think twice before driving during dangerous weather conditions; do not walk down dark and empty streets alone (there is safety in numbers); or be careful of climbing high mountains without any experience. This all makes sense, but there are risky events that one cannot expect or control. This is where transferring the risk to an insurance company can be the best alternative. Carrying insurance can be vitally important when it comes to events that can be frequent, but, more importantly, severe, catastrophic. We all are not happy about paying premiums and one should be careful about

purchasing the right type of insurance, the right amount of insurance, and dealing with the right insurance company. Let’s take life insurance. Low cost life insurance can protect a family’s income and assets. Health insurance is another vital risk management product. Family property such as homes, autos, etc., can be protected with an adequate homeowner’s policy. Liability coverage is covered with the homeowner’s policy which can be the most important part of the policy, given the legal system today. Also consider an umbrella liability policy, which is relatively inexpensive and has high limits. Some families should consider a personal disability income policy which covers injuries incurred off the job. Looking further out, long-term care insurance can come in very handy if assisted care or nursing home care is warranted. Buying insurance is all based on probability of occurring events. Risk takers might not be receptive to insurance, but for most of us, taking a chance of incurring large losses, even with low probabilities, is worth the premium cost.

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.

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

April 2015

Image from Peacebridge.org

Join the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization

Recycle AND help fund the MHNO Heat Assistance Program: Donate recyclables thru

CLYNK! at Hannafords ... Funds raised support MHNO’s Fuel Assistance “Warm Hearts, Warm Neighbors” program. Pick up the green bag from the fence box outside the Hill House/92 Congress. FMI: email Louise Little at louise.little55@gmail.com. Keep those cans & bottles coming!

Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization Committees Munjoy Hill Get Neighborhood involved! JoinOrganization the fun!

New Membership

Renewal

Name(s)___________________________________________________________

to unteersngs l o V ING SEEK ity Planning meeti g actin attend C rojects imp fo@ p n o t r o p ail in and re l Please em ipate. il H y jo n u M rtic org to pa

Committees Communications Committee -‐ This committee oversees all methods by which the Get involved! Join the fun! MHNO communicates information of relevance to the community we serve, including web, print, social media, email and direct mail. Meetings: 3rd Monday of the Month Communications Committee -‐ This committee versees all methods by which the from 6:30-‐ 7:30 pm. Please contact Chair, Soarah Graulty: MHNO communicates information of fror elevance to the community we serve, including sarah.graulty@munjoyhill.org more information. web, print, social media, email and direct mail. Meetings: 3rd Monday of the Month Observer Committee – This cCommittee publishes the MHNO’s monthly community from 6:30-‐7:30 pm. Please contact hair, Sarah Graulty: newspaper, the Munjoy fHor ill m Observer. Meetings: 1st Monday of the month from 6:30-‐ sarah.graulty@munjoyhill.org ore information. 7:30 pm. Please contact Chair, Andrea Myhaver: andrea.myhaver@munjoyhill.org for information. Observer Cmore ommittee – This committee publishes the MHNO’s monthly community newspaper, the Munjoy Hill Observer. Meetings: 1st Monday of the month from 6-‐7 Membership and Fundraising Committee – This committee champions the growth and pm. Please contact Chair, Andrea Myhaver: andrea.myhaver@munjoyhill.org for involvement of our membership base, and develops and implements initiatives to raise more information. money to support MHNO programs and keep the organization sustainable. Please contact Chair, Matthew Kennedy: matthew.kennedy@munjoyhill.org for more Membership and Fundraising Committee – This committee champions the growth and information. involvement of our membership base and develops and implements initiatives to raise Home M on HNO Munjoy Hill Committee – This committee is developing a program whose money to sAt upport programs and keep the organization sustainable. Please mission is to help Keennedy: mpower omlder residents to stay and live comfortably on m More unjoy Hill. contact Chair, Matthew atthew.kennedy@munjoyhill.org for Meetings: 3rd Wed of the month from 5:30-‐7, locations vary. Please contact Chair, information. Elaine Mullin: elaine.mullin@munjoyhill.org, for more information. At Home on Munjoy Hill Committee – This committee is developing a program whose Events Committee – This committee coordinates and implements community events mission is tand o haelp empower older residents to stay and live comfortably on Munjoy Hill. ctivities that the MHNO sponsors or develops, such as our 3 full membership Meetings: meetings/gatherings 3rd Wed of the month :30-‐7, locations vary. Please contact Chair, each fyrom ear, o5ur annual Community Clean-‐ Up Day, festivals, and Elaine Mullin: or bm ore oin nformation. other eflaine.mullin@munjoyhill.org, un social activities. Meetings: Ad hfoc ased Event Schedule. Please contact Chair, Elise Loschiavo: elise.loschiavo@munjoyhill.org for more information. Events Committee – This committee coordinates and implements community events Safe & Livable eighborhood Committee -‐ This scuch ommittee provides forum to and activities that the MNHNO sponsors or develops, as our 3 full maembership discuss and implement wo ays improve life on the HCill for all its Dresidents and to and meetings/gatherings each year, ur tao nnual Community lean-‐Up ay, festivals, Munjoy H M ill’s unique cA haracter. lease ocn ontact Chair, Sean Turley: other fun spreserve ocial activities. eetings: d hoc bPased Event Schedule. Please contact sean.turley@munjoyhill.org for more information afnd dates and times. Chair, Elise Loschiavo: elise.loschiavo@munjoyhill.org or m meeting ore information.

Please note that unless otherwise noted, all committee meetings take place at Hill Safe & Livable Neighborhood -‐ Tahis ommittee provides a forum to discuss House, 92 Congress St. CMommittee eetings days nd tcimes are subject to change, so please and implement woays o improve life n unjoyhill.org the Hill for faor ll itts esidents and to protect consult ur otnline calendar at om he rm ost current schedule. All are Munjoy Hill’s unique Meetings: 1th Monday of the month 7-‐8 pm. Please welcome to caharacter. ttend, so please, join us! contact Chair, Sean Turley: sean.turley@munjoyhill.org for more information. Please note that unless otherwise noted, all committee meetings take place at Hill House, 92 Congress St. Meetings days and times are subject to change, so please consult our online calendar at munjoyhill.org for the most current schedule. All are welcome to attend, so please, join us!

ill. munjoyh

Ope n M eetings!! The MHNO Board meets at 7 pm every second Monday of the month at the “Hill House” —92 Congress St.

Everyone is Welcome!

Street Address_ _____________________________________________________ City______________________________________ State_______ Zip__________ Email (for MHNO updates)___________________________________________ Day Phone (____)________________ Eve Phone (____)_____________________

Membership Levels Individual: $20 Family: $35 Additional Donation $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! You can get involved by joining one or more of our committees:

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! 04/2015

the munjoy Hill neighborhood Organization

April 2015

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Invest in your future. Join the MHNO today.

Come to a meeting • Join a committee • Get involved

MHNO is grateful for the support of our Business Sponsors!

Munjoy Hill Level sponsor

Please join us in thanking our Sponsors for generously supporting the Munjoy Hill community:

Observatory Level sponsor

interested in becoming a charter Business Sponsor? Please contact Matthew Kennedy at matthew.kennedy@munjoyhill.org or call 207-370-1446.

Invest in your future— Join the MHNO today. Come to a meeting. Join a committee. Get involved. To join the MHNO please complete and return the membership form on page 5.

Trevor Coyne, REALTOR Joe Piergrossi, REALTOR

Hill House Level sponsors Ed GardneR

Fort Sumner Level sponsors portlandpaddle.net. Portland

Paddle

“ 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.”

CITY OF PORTLAND BAG FEE / POLYSTYRENE FOAM BAN

Last summer the Portland City Council enacted ordinances that place a fee on disposable shopping bags and a ban on polystyrene foam containers. Why? Most packaging materials are used one time and are then discarded, which is a waste of natural resources. Too often, these items end up as unsightly litter that tangles in trees, clogs catch basins and fouls the environment. Foam products and plastic bags are not recyclable in Portland’s curbside program.

What does this mean for you? Bag Fee: Beginning April 15, 2015 stores will begin charging 5 cents for each shopping bag used at the point of sale. This includes paper and plastic. You can avoid this fee by bringing your own bag when you shop. Doing so will save you money and reduce your environmental footprint. Polystyrene Foam Ban: On the same date, restaurants and other food vendors will no longer be able to package prepared food in polystyrene foam containers. Coffee, take-out orders, and leftovers will need to be in paper or acceptable plastic containers. You can reduce packaging waste by bringing your own mug when you grab a coffee and recycling your other packaging.

Thanks for doing your part to keep Portland green! For more information: http://portlandmaine.gov/1451/Green-Packaging

Your logo HERE Message at left is a quote from the June 1980 Observer, in the ‘Call for New Members’. These words are no less true today.

An Outstanding Feline: Victor the Cat By John Flood DVM On a Saturday morning last spring, Victor arrived at our boat for a routine checkup and a rabies vaccine. Nancy, Victor’s owner, filled me in on how he lives life on the island. She shared that he is not a cat with a lot of personality. He is not one of the flamboyant types who march into a room with their tails straight up in the air, assuming always they are in the limelight. No, Vic does not want to be the center of attention. Nor is he big on playing and nonsense. He does not suffer fools. He lives his life as a solitary nocturnal hunter, fulfilling the true nature of the cat. Victor is not going to exit the pet carrier willingly. If the top can’t be removed, the “dump method” will be necessary. The box is upended and we use gravity and gentle plying to dislodge him. Once he’s on the exam table, he glares about the cabin with eyes that say, “So what, you got me out of the box.” You know just by looking at him that he has a threshold of poking and prodding that would be wise not to

cross. Thermometer up the butt is definitely out. The Clint Eastwood of cats stares me down. And he has my respect. His eyes betray his age. The irises have lost their luster and appear a little moth eaten. What these eyes have seen in his 14 years. The only remarkable thing about Vic’s health is he has developed an increased appetite and lost weight. Here is where with effort we avoid tunnel vision and continue with our history, exam and the routine tests for a senior cat.. But Amy and I both feel Victor likely has hyperthyroidism or Graves Disease, named after Dr Graves who described the disorder in people 160 years ago. As part of the exam I gently run my fingers down the front of the windpipe searching for the thyroid glands that are normally not felt. Victor’s left gland is palpable, it slides under my finger and pops out the side. The labs are sent to test for elevated thyroid hormone and a couple of dozen other parameters. Results, next week… A year later; Victor’s signs subsided on their own. He did not have Graves Disease. He was died later that year, an accident. He was a remarkable cat. Please send veterinary questions to John Flood DVM • Islandvetservice@gmail.com . John practices with Island Veterinary Service and House Calls on the Mainland www.islandvetservice.com. Blog; Cascobaymaine.com

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Fight fraud— shred instead!

April 2015

15 years ago on April Stoolʼs Day, we opened as a store called Fetch on Munjoy Hill. Weʼre still the same seriously playful pet supply store with the same original ownership, but weʼve grown! Visit us in the Old Port, on Newbury Street in Boston, and on our web store!

Dispensing Healthy Pet Food & Advice Since 2000

BOSTON A-LIST 2014

Join us for a free shredding event. Don’t let the next victim be you. Rifling through trash cans for personal information is a common tactic of identity thieves. Shredding sensitive and personal documents can minimize your risk.

Saturday, April 25, 2015 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. East End School 195 North Street in Portland (Munjoy Hill) Limited to boxes or bags of personal or household documents. (Please note: No need to remove staples or paperclips, but the following will not be accepted at this event: Electronics, plastic of any kind, binder clips or plastic binders). For more information, call Jane at 1-866-554-5380 or email me@aarp.org.

Tours now offered. Experience the amazing sense of space and light created by 10-foot ceilings, 8-foot doors and 7-foot windows. All corner units. One-level living. 2-3 bedrooms plus den. Private decks. Indoor parking, mud rooms, storage, a shared workshop and even a dog wash! Every design and construction detail has been carefully considered by the developers (They’re residents too!) Move in begins in April.

April 2015

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

GrowingTogether

Hands-in-the-Dirt Fun for Kids Ages 4 to 14!

T i ps o n Par en t i n g & R el at i o nsh i ps

Turkey Hill Farm The Morris Farm

By Ross Fields, CPE & Kathleen Fields, CPE

in Cape Elizabeth

THRIVING … through nature.

to stay inside and view “nature” on their devices as if they are actually afraid of venturing out-of-doors, alone. So how do you begin to change this?

Connecting You and Your Child with Nature, and THRIVING

“Adventure”, you ask? “What kind of adventure?”

(Part 2 of a 4 part series) When I was a kid there was nothing better than being with my buddies exploring the woods, scavenging wood for the building of forts, riding bikes, catching crawdads in the creek, flying kites, playing a game of baseball or spending the entire day out in the snow. The main thing was that we were outside, feeling alive, feeling free - thriving. But since those times a lot has changed. It’s like we have outlawed nature for fear that something bad will happen to our kid, or we will be sued, or both. Either way, the thought of “playing in the woods” is quickly disappearing and no one explains this better than Richard Louv. In his book, Last Child in the Woods - Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder, Richard explores the increasing divide between the young and the natural world, and the environmental, social, psychological, and spiritual implications of that change. He clearly explains how contact with nature is essential in the development of healthy children - and adults. In today’s “plugged-in” world, kids seem to prefer

Something that gets you outside, makes your kid think you are a bit crazy, but has them intrigued as well. You will definitely need to be creative and you might have to work at it a bit. Top priority is for it to be fun and not like work.

Relationships are built on trust, and that’s something our sales representatives never lose sight of. You want to feel that you are in capable hands, and that we understand your expectations. From print to the packing and shipping details, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered into a partnership that fits; our clients tell us they like that.

3 Business Parkway, Suite 3, Brunswick Industrial Park Brunswick, Maine 04011

(207) 504-8200 • (800) 356-8850

www.alliance-press.com • printsales@alliance-press.com

Crossword Across 1 4 8 12 13 14 16

Snakelike fish Assist in crime Particle Imitate Fruit Pulsate Bad time for Julius 17 Border 18 Wipe out 19 Laconic 21 Sediment 23 Additional to or different from 24 Attempt 25 Slightly open 27 Cut down 29 Form of transport 30 Vitality 31 Fuss 34 Study of plants 37 Bill of fare

Believe it or not, your child wants to feel connected to you, to have a good relationship, and to feel good about who they are. I can think of no better way of creating that strong connection than doing something together that neither one of you have ever done before. In this way you both are a leader and a follower, a teacher and a student, thriving together.

Part-time (MWF or T/TH) and Full-time Programs available: 9am to 3pm with additional aftercare until 5pm Our Summer Day Camp offers fun, hands-on activities so your child can learn about organic gardening, farm animals, and forest and pond habitats.

SEEKING SIBLING POSSIBLY BORN in 1937 TO LORENA G., THEN ADOPTED Please CALL 207-854-3103

My Companion and I need a New Home

Stayed tuned for Part 3, Thriving . . . and food. As always … with patience, education, and practice, you will become a more confident and effective It’s ALL about the relationship. Ross & Kathleen Fields are Certified Parenting Educators (CPE) and, cofounders of Results Parenting, LLC, www.resultsparenting.com.

but

Solution on Page 10 69 Pack tightly 70 Medieval land worker 71 Hinge joint 72 Conifer

DOWN 1 Type of duck 2 Mineral used as an abrasive 3 Not as great 4 Simian 5 Pandemonium 6 Avid 7 Woody plant 8 Consumed 9 Tossed 10 Unwritten exam 11 Flowerless plant 12 Glove 15 Insect 20 Yield 22 Tibia 26 Crested bird

28 Flightless bird 29 Charge 30 Animal doctor, in short 31 Fit 32 Saucer 33 Woodwind instrument 34 Male hog 35 Merely 36 Variety 37 Coalesce 40 Saloon 41 Be unwell 43 Jump 44 Annual grass seeds 45 Melody 46 Gambit 49 Infer 50 Tree with conelike fruit 51 Person 52 Fry quickly in fat

My name is Finn. I am a 25 pound terrier who was rescued from the shelter by my lovely senior citizen person. We are looking for a new home in this area because my person has lived here for 10 years. She is very independent -- after all she shoveled our car out of many huge snow drifts all winter. I tried to help

We are looking for a:

1 bedroom apartment on the 1st floor with off street parking.

PRINTING

38 Napkin 39 Quartz used in cameos 40 Used to control a horse 41 As well 42 High mountain 43 Fraud 45 Each 47 Cereal grass seeds 48 Paddle 49 Aromatic herb 50 Fitting 51 Champion 52 Droop 55 Tablet 58 Aspersion 60 Languish 62 Residence 64 In the middle 66 Halo 67 Defamation 68 Shade of blue

Call 518-3427

Two Locations: Turkey Hill Farm in Cape s Elizabeth and The Morri t sse sca Wi Farm in

Okay, I personally enjoy walking and exploring the unknown, so this would be fun for me (Kathleen and I did backpack 500 miles across northern Spain in 2012). Like I said, you may have to call upon your creativity to come up with something that will be inviting and fun for all.

relationships

SERVICE

Call 518-1779

Try this - “Hey, I would like for us to go on an advenHands-in-the-Dirt Fun PROGRAM FOR OLDER KIDS: ture together, this week. You interested? Before you forTrek! Kids at Ages 4 toHill 11! Farm Turkey say ‘yes’ or ‘no’, let me tell you what I have in mind. Turkey Hill Farm The Morris Adventure program for ages 10-14 • 3Farm full in Cape Elizabeth in Wiscasset We pack a lunch and some snacks and just head out. week sessions: July 13, July 20, Aug.10 Open June 29 - Aug 21 Open July 6 – Aug 21 Start walking and see how far away from home we Call 518-1779 Call 518-3427 Register your child today at To Register can get. Just keep walking until we either don’t want Part-time (MWF or T/TH) and Full-time A s www.farmcampkids.com or call 518-1779 seen to go any further or are just too tired to continue. Do Programs 9am to 3pm with Callavailable: : PBS Nowonaccepting applications foraftercare Junior Counselors ages 13-16 additional until 5pm whatever we feel like doing as it presents itself. Then Our Summer Day Camp offers fun, hands-on activities so your child can we’ll call mom (or dad) to get a ride home. We can Our Summer Day Camp at the Morris Farm in Wiscasset offers about organic gardening, farm animals, and forest and pond habitats. o Lo use our cell phones to record our adventure asTwwe go.cations: in learn fun, hands-on activities so your child can learn about organic PROGRAM FOR OLDER KIDS: at Turkey Hill Hill Farm ey rk Tu gardening, farm animals, andFarm forestTrek! and pond habitats. How far do you think we could actually walk? Three and Adventure program for ages 10-14 • 3 full week sessions: July 13, July 20, Aug.10 Cape Elizabeth miles? Five miles? Ten miles? Are you in?ThAre orris Farm in Register your child today at www.farmcampkids.com or call 518-1779 e Myou ready to head out into the great unknown with me?” Wiscasset Now accepting applications for Junior Counselors ages 13-16

It’s about

FULL

Open July 6 - Aug. 21st

As seen on PB S

Go on an adventure - together!

in Wiscasset

Open June 29 - Aug. 21st

53 Pointer 54 Chew 55 Buddy 56 Wading bird 57 Part of the ear 59 Long and thin 61 Facile 63 Mischievous fairy 65 Staining substance

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Abyssinian Meetinghouse in 2015 By Jeanne Bull Thankfully, spring is finally spreading its much-needed warmth and as the snow-pack recedes, we are able to emerge and look anew at our surroundings. I recently enjoyed a new look at a local neighborhood when I attended a talk on the “Story of India Street,” given at the Jewish Museum. This was a presentation of a paper prepared by TTL Architects for the city’s Historic Preservation office. Though much of the built landscape of that area has been lost by fire and development, there are several buildings still standing from Portland’s earliest years, most notably the Abyssinian Church on Newbury Street. For newcomers to the East End, the Abyssinian community was organized in 1826, and the church itself was built in 1828 by a group of African American Portland residents. These individuals were determined to have their own place to worship, educate their children, and use as a center for involvement in the social issues of the day especially the abolitionist and Underground Railroad movements. The Abyssinian is one of the three oldest African American houses of worship in the United States. It is also one of the few wood-frame buildings that survived the Portland fire of 1866. I knew those facts, but what I did not know is that there are other buildings in the neighborhood known to have survived the fire, including the home of Rueben Ruby at 81 Newbury. According to the research, Ruby owned the entire block where his home was located; he sold the adjacent lot to the Abyssinian Society for the construction of its meetinghouse. Ruby also sold a lot to Abraham Niles, who built his home at 77 Newbury, and another to John Parris, who built at 16 Federal Street. All three of these buildings, along with the Abyssinian, are still standing, though much has changed, including street names; Newbury was originally Sumner Street. Niles and Parris both listed their occupations as mariners; with Ruby, they were founding members of the Abyssinian and most likely very involved in its activities. The

Abyssinian was at the center of the African-American and abolitionist communities in Portland. The building provided a place for speakers and was a known station on the underground railroad, harboring an untold number of fugitive slaves, one of whom was Josiah Henson, said to be the inspiration for Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom in her famous book. Mrs. Stowe wrote her book right up the road in Brunswick, and I wonder how she heard about his story … did she attend lectures at the Abyssinian? Oh, if those walls could talk! Well, the Committee to Restore the Abyssinian is attempting to do just that. After all the uses and abuses the building has gone thru since its beginnings, it is a wonder it is still standing at all. It is really the determination of a small group of 21st-century visionaries that have dedicated their efforts to see that this building not only doesn’t disappear, but that it is brought back to its prominence as a landmark of our city’s history. But progress can be slow, restoration is never a straight path, and money is always an issue. I recently spoke with David Paul, longtime volunteer with the project, who told me they are in the process of finishing the archeological work in the basement, and completing the basement level, to provide a building they can actually work out of. It is still very much a work-in-progress and not at all ready for regular visitors until that work is done. He was enthusiastic about a recent meeting at Key Bank with Mayor Brennan, Superintendent Caulk, and members of the Red Claws, among others, hoping these connections will lead to growing exposure and support. Their immediate need is to raise $150K to finish the basement work, and they’re working with a fundraiser toward that goal. This is a project we all should support. For more information I urge you to take a look at their website at www. abyme.org and spread the word!

Portland Company Complex continued from front page tion, taking into account not only historical considerations but also, per the city ordinance, “the effect such designation on other aspects of the comprehensive plan of the city.” Deliberations then move to the City Council for final determination, again taking into account both historical and nonhistorical factors. The buildings in question are protected from any alteration or destruction during this entire process. Historic preservation is a delicate balancing act. Apply it with too light a touch and the city risks losing valuable historical resources to market and other pressures; err in the opposite direction and we restrict opportunities for adaptive reuse (and therefore an economic basis for restoration and preservation), while potentially impeding other sorts of urbanis-

tic benefits and goals as set forth in the comprehensive plan. CPB2 managers have acknowledged the historic importance of this complex, and describe maintenance of an historic core of buildings as “a key component of our vision.” Similarly, Greater Portland Landmarks’ Hilary Bassett notes that her organization does not seek to prevent the site’s redevelopment, but wants to ensure that its historic character and integrity are maintained. It remains to be seen the degree to which these apparently kindred sentiments reflect similar visions, but they provide grounds for optimism that the deliberative process outlined above will yield a balanced and complementary solution addressing both the shared, and the distinct, interests of the owners, the neighborhood, and the city as a whole.

April 2015

East End Business Focus

Circa Home and Vintage by Lisa Peñalver At a time when technological advances are outpacing most people’s ability to keep track of what’s new, there is a growing appreciation for the styles and fine workmanship of the past. Tools and household items made of wood and iron, worn smooth from wear, offer a tangible connection to a time when life was much simpler and things were made to last. The word “vintage” has come to apply to those things “classic” or made a long time ago. Enter the shop Circa Home and Vintage at 247B Congress St., tucked into one of the cozy shop spaces with the high ceilings and brick walls that line the foot of Munjoy Hill, and you will see “vintage” all around you. Owner Tonya Sattin artfully arranges her wares in a setting that is both intriguing and welcoming. Interspersed among an eclectic collection of New England–made goods are scattered mid-century pieces, furniture, books, toys and more.

The shop opened on Congress Street two and half years ago. I asked Tonya where all these interesting things came from. Some of the items and furniture are antiques, while many of the home goods are new (many handmade and organic items). “I opened with a lot of mid-century items (1950s), that I’d been collecting. I’ve always loved highquality rustic pieces; I started collecting vintage furniture, long before I knew what I was going to do with it, but I knew it was not all going to fit in my home.” “I grew up in Freeport. I briefly considered opening the shop there, but I was not finding the sort of cute space that I found here. I had never run a shop before either; it was a radical leap of faith” Along with the vintage furniture (tables, shelves, lamps, chairs) there is a line of complementary items which are new: books, greeting cards, linens, toys, and kitchen items, the list goes on. With a few exceptions, these are made almost entirely by small New England businesses.

In the short time she has been on Munjoy Hill, Tonya has picked up the torch to champion the East End business community. She has become the point-person for the East End Holiday Stroll that is organized around Christmas time each year. “I‘ll make sure it happens,” She said, “but it existed before me, and it’s really a groupled effort. It’s become a well-loved community event, drawing shoppers from all over, and is a real showcase for our neighborhood. I worked with a local design agency to upgrade the artwork last year and we hope to have a website to go along with it for 2015’s Stroll. We’ll be ahead of the game.” Meanwhile, right now is a good time to stop in at Circa Home and Vintage, before the summer crowds arrive. Maybe you can even make a dent in next year’s gift shopping! (Be sure you tell her the Observer sent you!!) Circa Home and Vintage is located 247B Congress St.. Be sure to check the Facebook page for shop hours, or call (207) 899-0198 http://CircaHomeAndVintage. You can follow Tonya on Instagram for a more balanced look into the life of a shop-owner.

Springtime Crime Prevention Tips By Janine Kaserman, Munjoy Hill Community Policing As the warmer weather approaches, the Portland Police Department wants to remind you of some tips to keep yourself and your home safe during the spring months. Keep your home or apartment doors locked at all times. Even if you are around your home, keep all your doors including the garage door (if you have one) closed and locked. Always lock your doors when you leave, even if you only plan to be gone for a few minutes. During the spring weather, many people open windows or sliding glass doors while they are at home. Always remember

to close and lock your windows and sliding doors when you go to bed or leave the house. Install motion-activated lights in your front and back yards, so when someone approaches your home, the lights automatically come on, illuminating that person. Put all ladders and other tools back into a secure storage area after you use them. Ladders and other tools can be used by criminals to access your home. Always lock any storage unit or shed you have on your property. Always remember to roll up your car windows and lock your car doors.

Lock your doors every time you exit your vehicle, even if your vehicle is parked in your driveway. Be aware of suspicious people in the area. If you witness any suspicious activity please call 911 or the police non-emergency number, 874-8575. Being a good neighbor can be one of the best crime prevention tools. Watchful, attentive neighbors can spot criminals and alert the police and the community to their presence. Get involved in your community, and help us keep your spring happy and safe.

Do not leave anything of value in your car.

B•I•C•Y•C•L•E spells Respect! This year the Bicycle Coalition of Maine is introducing a “vulnerable user” law that includes pedestrians, wheelchair users, bicyclists, construction workers, farm workers, and motorcyclists. The bill also clarifies law enforcement’s ability to ticket bicyclists engaging in unsafe behavior, and upgrades the “yield to pedestrians in sidewalk” law to a stop instead of a yield. You can add your name to a list of supporters here, get fact sheets, and get instructions on how to contact your legislators. http://www.bikemaine.org/

April 2015

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

St. Lawrence Arts Your neiborhood arts

center! Creating an affordable and accessible venue for a diverse offerings of arts including but not limited to theater, dance, music, film, and workshops; http://www.stlawrencearts.org/

PhoPa Gallery

Women’s Stories Told On Screen at UNE

At the University of New England on Thursday, April 2 at 7 pm, as the Women and Gender Studies program, along with the Maine Women Writers Collection, present The Best of the Bluestocking Film Series. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place simultaneously at both the Portland and Biddeford campuses of University of New England. In Portland, it will be held in the WCHP Lecture Hall in Parker Pavilion at 716 Stevens Avenue, and in Biddeford in the Alfond Center, Room 205 at 11 Hills Beach Road., please visit http://bluestockingfilms.com.

132 Washington Ave | photographs and works on paper. March 11 - April 18, 2015 , Salt, Silver, and Sun:, Historic Processes by Photographers Today, Guest-Curated by Brenton Hamilton, , http://www. phopagallery.com/

Mayo Street Arts Performances &

Classes 10 Mayo Street, mayostreetarts. org —Times vary. Classes: Tango, Belly Dancing, Kids Yoga, Juggling, Zumba and Pilates. Artist Studios, theater, poetry, music and more. Contact 615-3609, or info@ mayostreetarts.org.

Earth Day 2015, April 22

All Munjoy Hill Gardeners! 29th Annual Chocolate Lovers’ Calling Do you know of an interesting garden, precious Fling Sunday, April 12th, 1-4 p.m., Holiday Inn window nook, porch planters, or sidewalk

by the Bay. Tickets for this all seated event will still be only $50, and are available now! A benefit for SARSSM (Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine) • Hotline: 1.800.313.9900, http:// www.chocolateloversfling.org/index.htm

Nonprofit Spotlight:

landscapes on the Hill? Friends of the Eastern Promenade seeks gardens for the Hidden Gardens of Munjoy Hill 2014 tour! Email info@ easternpromenade.org Return of the Hidden

Gardens Touris scheduled for Sunday, July 12

Maine Audubon

Maine Audubon is the state’s largest wildlife conservation organization. They work to protect all Maine wildlife and habitat through advocacy efforts in Augusta, educational programs for youth and adults, and conservation programs such as the Piping Plover Recovery Project. They have a unique focus on citizen science programs that engage youth and adults in understanding how climate change is impacting Maine wildlife and habitats. From counting frogs in the spring and loons in the summer, to fishing for brook trout and identifying birds in your backyard, the 172-year old organization is committed to engaging Mainers in hands on conservation work to increase environmental literacy in the state.

Gilsland Farm in Falmouth is a five minute drive away. The 63-acre wildlife sanctuary and Environmental Center offers a monthly speaker series and naturalist’s forum, weekly bird walks, special events (be sure to check out their annual Peony Bloom Ice Cream Social on June 16) and camps and preschool programs for kids.

Quoted in the Washington Post Our Hill-gal Diane Russell, District 39 - Portland , Maine State Representative, is quoted in the introduction of a Washington Post article by Katrina vanden Heuvel on March 24 : “I had a college degree, a decade of experience, and the only job I could get was making $8 an hour at the local convenience store in my neighborhood,” Maine state Rep. Diane Russell (D) said in January, recalling her unlikely path to public office. “I have no business being in politics. I was not groomed for this. But thanks to public financing, I have a voice. And thanks to public financing, a gal who takes cash for the convenience store for selling sandwiches can actually talk about the stories that she’s learned from behind the counter.” Russell was speaking at an event on the fifth anniversary of the Citizens United ruling that set off an avalanche of money in politics. After her state’s “clean elections” system propelled Russell into office in 2008, she quickly became a force in Maine politics. Her progressive record of defending voting rights and workers, for example, led the Nation to recognize her as its “Most Valuable State Representative” in 2011.”

Crossword-puzzle on page 8

They have an upcoming BIRD WALK on the Eastern Promenade on Tuesday, April 14 from 7:00 – 9:00 am. Join Doug Hitchcox, Maine Audubon’s staff naturalist, for a walk around the promenade to identify ducks, gulls, songbirds and hopefully some early returning southern migrants.

The article, Tell the election success stories, too, can be read in its entirety at http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/tell-the-electionsuccess-stories-too/2015/03/24/22a4b7eed18f-11e4-a62f-ee745911a4ff_story.html

BUY LOCAL . . . REALLY L CAL

Visit maineaudubon.org for more information or call (207) 781-2330.

For those of us in Portland, we are fortunate that Maine Audubon’s headquarters at

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Sunday April 26 in Portland: Hosted by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. Buy or sell. The Portland Swap will be held from 10am-1pm on Sunday, April 26th, USM Sullivan Sports Complex, with bike drop-off on Saturday, April 25th. Admission to the event is $3; and$ 3 bicycle listing fee. http:// www.bikemaine.org/coalition-news/find-a-sweet-ride-at-the-great-mainebike-swaps-in-orono-and-portland-mainetoday-com

April 5 - Easter egg hunt, other activities, at Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, 142 Free Street, Portland, 207-828-1234. Fax: 207-828-5726. Email: info@kitetails. org. PHOTOS with the Easter Bunny: Special Bunny Photo Packages will be available at the Maine Mall where the Easter bunny will be hanging out for several days and evenings during the month of March and April.

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