MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER
MUNJOY HILL
OBSERVER
MayNon 2015 Profit Org1 US Postage
PAID
Portland, ME Permit No. 824
1979 – 2015
FREE • Published by the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization • Vol. 35, No. 4 • MAY 2015
Putting a Shine on Munjoy Hill APRIL STOOLS DAY and East End Community Cleanup 2015 were a huge success! Thanks to all our friends and neighbors who donated their time and energy to cleaning up Munjoy Hill on Saturday April 25th, a good time was had by all. Many remarked that the Hill was made cleaner than ever, so thanks to our neighbors who helped by taking the time to pick up their neighborhoods in advance. Early on Saturday morning, around 30 volunteers showed up at the Hill House, where they enjoyed coffee courtesy of Coffee by Design, and pastries donated by Rosemont Market. Armed with trash bags, rakes, shovels, and gloves, the worker bees dispersed across the Hill and the Eastern Promenade to beautify our surroundings. A lucky few came across the “Golden Turds” and won gift certificates from Fish and Bone or PetLife! At the end of their shift, volunteers chowed down happily on pizzas donated by Otto Pizza’s East End location. Later in the day, residents took full advantage of a document shredding truck, donated by AARP for the afternoon.
Above, the first wave of volunteers for the Cleanup get fueled up at the MHNO Hill House: L-R, MHNO board member Megan Summers, Friends of the Eastern Promenade board members Cami Smalley (VP, orange vest), Joyce Wethington Knight, and Diane Davison (ED).
A huge Thank You again to all our community members who donated time, energy, food and supplies to this event! Have a great Spring!
58 Fore: Getting the Lay of the Land By Matthew Kennedy
This article is the third in a series discussing aspects of the 58 Fore Street redevelopment proposal. In March we summarized the overall proposal and process, with emphasis on zoning issues. In April we addressed historic preservation designation. In this article we will report on the results of an MHNO survey of members regarding the redevelopment. We will also take a closer look at some of the key issues and concerns raised both in the survey and elsewhere.
MHNO Member Survey On March 23 the MHNO issued an on-line survey to its members to gauge sentiment regarding the current phase of the redevelopment proposal (the proposed rezoning), and to assess general levels of understanding regarding both the proposal and the process. The survey was distributed to 106 members for whom we had email addresses; we received 54 unique member responses, a response rate of slightly over 50%. Not all respondents answered all questions. The survey’s core question asked, “What is your opinion on the proposed zoning map changes and text amendments?” Respondents were able to choose one of the following six answers: strong support; support; no opinion; opposition; strong opposition; or “I have questions and want more information.” Focusing on the subset of respondents indicating a specific sentiment (that is, excluding those who chose “I have questions and want more information”), the results demonstrate broadly divided opinion regarding the proposed rezoning: • Twenty-one respondents, or about 48%, indicated some measure of opposition to the proposed rezoning and text amendments (that is, “oppose” or “strongly oppose”). • Eighteen respondents, or about 41%, indicated some measure of support for the proposed rezoning and text amendments (that is, “support” or “strong support”). • Five respondents, or a bit over 11%, had no opinion. The survey also allowed respondents to ask questions or provide comments. Not surprisingly, these generally reflected the divided opinion captured by the sentiment question. In many instances these questions and
comments involve issues yet to be addressed by the City. Some recurring themes include: • Public access to the site and waterfront; open spaces for public use • Opportunities for affordable housing • Impact on harbor views; height of buildings along Fore Street • Criticism of NIMBY (“Not In My Back Yard”) opposition to the project • Enthusiasm for a vibrant, mixed-use, 24/7 development • Preservation of the historic structures
A Closer Look
Below we take a closer look at four issues raised often in communications to MHNO (including the survey). These matters have also been discussed at length in meetings before the Historic Preservation Board, the Planning Board, and the City Council – meetings that will continue in coming months. We approach these matters from two perspectives. First, we summarize the developers’ stated intent. However, recognizing that such statements are, in the end, just that, we then consider external factors that may constrain the developers’ – or, should the property be sold, any future owners’ – freedom of action. 1. “The developer plans to make a gated community with private streets and access to the historic buildings will be restricted.” Developers’ stated intent: At the top of the developers’ published list of design principles is a desire to “enhance public access” at the site, including a goal of “dramatically increasing public access through the site from Fore Street to the water’s edge.” Additional design principles include “create an inviting neighborhood” and “encourage the development of a waterfront park” on adjacent City land. More recently the developers have provided the following statement on this issue: “[W]e have never intended, nor do we ever intend in the future, to restrict public access through the site. In fact, with the rezoning, we intend to increase public access through the site. This has always been a priority in our vision and development principles since the acquisition of the property.” The developers also view such public access to be an “economic necessity for a mixed-use development.” See page 4, 58 FORE: LAY OF THE LAND
Above, cherry blossoms make their appearance in a protected corner of the East End Community School’s children’s garden. PHOTO BY LISA PEÑALVER
Friends of the Eastern Promenade SPRING UPDATE FRIENDS OF THE EASTERN PROMENADE’S Board and Committees
have been using this time to refresh and renew administrative operations as we continue to grow into a stage two organization. For the year ahead, we’ve planned: • A new FoEP logo. • The return of our Summer Concert Series to Fort Allen Park
• The return of the Hidden Gardens of Munjoy Hill Tour on Sunday, July 12 Do you have a unique way of greening up your space? Do you know a Hill neighbor whose summer ’scapes brighten your life? Let us know. We’d love to consider your space for the garden tour. This year’s tour promises to Bee an exciting event! Curious?
Stay tuned at easternpromenade.org
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: PortlandMaine Rentals 9 • Maine Animal Coalition 9 • Events Listings 10-11 •
2
May 2015
MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER
Editor, Lisa Peñalver
All for one, and one for all! 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
Folks, I am pleased to report that the spirit of volunteerism is alive and well on Munjoy Hill! On April 25, I arrived at the MHNO Hill House (a.k.a :”Clean-Up Central”) for the Saturday community clean-up at 9 am, and the place was already crowded with helpers picking up trashbags and coffee and getting their marching orders. It does the heart good to see so many people pitching in like this! I noticed that there were other neighbors working in their own areas independently, including one older man and his young grandson. It is interesting how such an effort has ripple-effects. About a week ago, I was listening to a forum on MPBN where panelists were discussing the importance , benefits and possible drawbacks of volunteerism in the community. I have to first make a cursory nod to the downsides (since I don’t think the complaints are legitimate). Some people will argue that volunteers are taking away work from people who might actually be paid to do it. If you think about it, this actually turns into a good reason in support of volunteering, because usually what volunteers are doing are things for which no funding exists. If they didn’t do it, it would not get done.
No yard sales or rest area coffee to serve,
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
Beyond the obvious benefits to the community, there are a host of benefits for the individuals who participate in volunteering. Everything from exercise and self-esteem, to lower blood pressure, relief from depression, job networking and building new friendships. There exist whole websites dedicated to the topic.
Megan Summers ......................................... megan.summers@munjoyhill.org
Other resources: http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org/resources/ how-to-guides/manage-volunteers/doc/how-volunteers-benefit-organizations.html http://www.idealist.org/info/Volunteer/Benefits ht t p://spi rit.pr udent ia l.c om /v ie w/pa ge / soc/14839 http://www.helpguide.org/articles/work-career/ volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm
Andrea is taking the month off from her usual Helm piece.—Look for her next essay in the upcoming June 2015 issue of the Observer.
When the day of judgment nears, That there’s a special place in Heaven, Set aside for volunteers. Furnished with big recliners, Satin couches and footstools, Where there are no committee chairmen,
ATTENTION!! Look for NEW PARKING RULES AND SIGNS around Portland.
No library duty or bulletin assembly, There will be nothing to print or staple, Not one thing to fold or mail, Email lists are outlawed.
Double-check the signs when you park your car!
But a finger snap will bring Cool drinks and gourmet dinners And rare treats fit for a king.
For the latest rules and where they apply, go to:
You ask, “Who’ll serve these privileged And work for all they’re worth?” Why, all those who reaped the benefits,
http://www. portlandmaine. gov/CivicAlerts. aspx?AID =757
And not once volunteered on Earth.
Elaine Mullin............................................... elaine.mullin@munjoyhill.org Joan Sheedy................................................ joaniesheedy@gmail.com
To listen to the MPBN piece on Volunteering in Maine online, visit: http://news.mpbn.net/post/ volunteering-maine
So, if volunteering is something you have never tried, please consider it! If it’s something you
--Author Unknown
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.
Andrea Myhaver, President........................... andrea.myhaver@munjoyhill.org
I have a friend who told me that one important quality she looks for in a man is the “helper gene”. I think that this quality exists in many people, regardless of gender, race, or culture. It just takes a certain amount of chutzpah to act on it, sometimes. Dare to be bold.
Ode to Volunteers Many will be shocked to find,
Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization
Volunteers run neighborhood organizations, for one thing, and they lead the way in looking at problems in a community and working with City officials to find solutions. They watch out for those who are vulnerable. They see what needs to be done and they do it.
are already doing: THANK you!! — and please write to me (and the MHNO) to share your experience so we can include it in the Observer. Your work can inspire others to get involved. As the saying goes, “many hands make light work.” Go out and do good! :)
MHNO President, Andrea Myhaver
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.
MHNO Board 2014-15
Now, mind you, I did not get to hear the full radio discussion (I was in the car on the way to the dentist when it began). But it made me think about the important role volunteers play in our lives.
At right, How to Build Community, poster text by the Syracuse Cultural Workers (SCW); Karen Kerney, watercolor, SCW © 1998. Poster available through www. syracuseculturalworkers.com. Used with permission.
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
WHO YOU GONNA CALL? You can help PREVENT crime on the Hill!
committed to improving the quality
If you see a crime happening or see/hear anything suspicious in your neighborhood, please call the police!
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.
1)
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 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
Help Stamp Out Hunger in Maine on May 9th ONE PERSON IN MAINE going hungry is one too many. Our state has a far-flung population, and many who live here are on low or fixed incomes. One third of Mainers 65+, for example, is dependent on Social Security for 100 percent of their income, just over $1,100 per month. Every extra expense can have a ripple effect forcing at-risk seniors to have to choose between paying for their basic living expenses or their next meal. Now, more than ever, we must seek out opportunities to help Maine
residents, no matter their age, keep food on the table. If we work together, we can make a huge difference! On May 9, 2015, the nation’s largest single-day food drive which is called Stamp Out Hunger will once again play an important role in stocking food pantries across the country and right here in Maine. Hosted by the National Association of Letter Carriers and the U.S. Postal Service, this is the 23rd year of this effort. Getting involved in this great initiative is easy! On May 9th, about 180,000 letter carriers across the
The Space Between
country will collect non-perishable food donations from more than 10,000 communities at the same time they deliver the mail. After picking up all these donations they will deliver them to a local food bank or pantry. Households nationwide will be alerted to the opportunity to participate in this food drive through a postcard or bag delivered to their home. It’s a fantastic and simple approach to helping those in need in every community across the state. Considering the size and importance of this single-day food drive, postal carriers are always apprecia-
Five years ago, I embarked on a journey of huge proportions. I reinvented myself – changed careers, downsized my home, and while I did not add to my 401K during that time, I neither drew from it nor spent down my entire savings. Though I am proud of my efforts, there were times when my inner critic’s voice was louder than my inner wisdom. In those very trying times, I practiced the tips I write about in this column and share in my coaching practice. I offer them to you with the hope they renew your spirit and remind you that reality is ours to create.
It took about two years before the career-change idea sprouted any blossoms in my mind, and even then, it was another season before I found the courage to take any action. I was in resistance, firmly planted in it. I remember my peer coach asking me what it would take to loosen the dirt called resistance. One of the best ways to overcome this resistance is to practice letting go. When we can let go of the familiar, the comfort of “what is”, we create space for possibilities. Because letting go is easier said than done, it is important to create strategies for dissolving our attachments to our present reality. Fertilized with possibility and free from the security of familiarity and comfort, I decided on my course of action. I narrowed my focus to what I wanted to achieve and then mapped out the steps. Of course, there were roadblocks at this stage too. My inner critic was as loud as a chorus of Spring Peepers is during mating season. She sang the songs
Gardener’s Dirt
of doubt, fear, and failure. To battle this roadblock, I practiced the Law of Attraction. It states, I attract to myself whatever I give my focus, attention, or energy to; whether wanted or unwanted. Staying connected to my goal and taking the next right best step, when the whole process seemed too overwhelming, got me through some of the most challenging times. I had to take an interim job that was not a good fit for me at all, yet, it paid well enough that I could continue adding to my repertoire of skills, and grow my coaching practice. Today, I am working full time as a change consultant, and living in a maintenance-free condo overlooking the water; life is good. 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.
Writer Nini McManamy is a Master Gardener with a garden design and consultation business, Gardener’s Dirt (ninimaine@aol.com)
Finding herbal bounty in unexpected places BY THE TIME you read this column, dandelions will be popping up all over the Hill. For some, the flowers are a glorious sign of warm weather; for the bees, they are an important food source; and for some, they are a scourge to be eliminated, hopefully without chemicals. But, to herbalist Mischa Schuler, they are a timely source of spring tonics. According to Schuler, the roots and leaves can be used in a tonic to stimulate the gall bladder to emulsify fats and eliminate the effects of winter on our bodies, while giving a generous dose of vitamins A and C, plus essential minterals. Schuler will be leading an herb walk on the Eastern Promenade on May 14 to introduce some wild herbs readily available locally. Schuler is an herbalist with a practice on Congress Street; she holds a master’s degree in herbal medicine. Participants in the herb walk will learn how to prepare medicines from the herbs they gather. Herbal medicines are the root of
today’s pharmaceuticals and have been used by traditional cultures for thousands of years. Some of the beneficial plants widely available on the Hill include sumac fruit (vitamin C), plantain (an anti-inflammatory treatment for bug bites and stings), white pine (bark and needles produce antivirals), burdock root and burrs (used for liver and kidney support and skin tonics). Also, Rosa rugosa (vitamin C), Japanese knotweed (known locally as “bamboo”, anti-inflammatory for arthritic joints), Queen Anne’s Lace, and St John’s Wort. The dandelion not only can be used to jump-start a sluggish gall bladder, but also to re-mineralize the jaw, and anchor loose teeth. “Have you seen this happen?”, an incredulous reporter asked. “Yes”, replied Schuler. Though Schuler holds a degree from the accredited Maryland University of Integrative Health, she finds much herbal knowledge is handed down through oral tradition, and she frequently learns from participants in her herbal classes.
3
By Jane Margesson, AARP Maine Communications Director
tive of help from volunteers. Ask your postal carrier how you can become an active part of the process on May 9th. Many Stamp Out Hunger volunteers even use their own car to pick up the food donations, and either deliver them to a drop-off point or to the local food pantry. However you can help will have a huge impact for everyone involved. Rates of food insecurity among those 50 and older have more than doubled since 2001. Sadly, Maine ranks highest in New England for hunger, but we can work together to change that. Right here in Portland,
Preble Street is doing amazing work to combat hunger and homelessness. I encourage you to go to www.preblestreet.org to learn more and to see how you can help. To find out more information about Stamp Out Hunger visit https:// foodlifeline.org/ and click on the Stamp Out Hunger tab near the bottom. Please share the details with friends, family, and neighbors about Stamp Out Hunger day on May 9th and, on behalf of AARP Maine, thank you for taking the step to help others through this great initiative.
BE SUSPICIOUS OF ANY CALLERS YOU DON’T KNOW!
By Kathleen M. Kerr
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 SPRING REPRESENTS NEW beginnings for me. It is when I feel energized and full of possibility. This is when I initiate change. Not in January, when I feel like a grizzly bear and wish only to hibernate until spring once again fills the air with new life. This year though, as I get ready to turn 50, I am reflecting on my 40s, and all that I have created.
May 2015
By Nini McManamy
CURRENT SCAMS in Maine include: the Imposter Scam, Computer Fix Scam, Medicare scam, Grandparent scam, Fake Check Scams, Lottery/Sweepstakes, Government Grants Scams, Nigerian Scheme, and Internet Phishing. From: http://www. maine.gov/ag/consumer/scams.shtml ; DO NOT give people your birth date, your Social Security numbers, or your credit card numbers. If they refuse to give you a call-back number, just HANG UP! For more info: http://www.aarp.org/money/scamsfraud/fraud-watch-network/
FREE SCREENINGS FOR SKIN CANCER PEOPLE WHO ARE uninsured or under-insured can get free screening for skin cancer on upcoming dates by appointment. These screenings are especially important to people with freckles, those who sunburn easily, or have a family history of skin cancer. Screenings for skin will include a thorough visual exam from a qualified health professional who will provide useful prevention tips. Space is limited and patients who have never been screened by a dermatologist will receive priority for skin cancer screening. We will be also be offering a special oral cancer screening event at the MMC Cancer Institute on May 21 from 6-8pm for uninsured and under-insured patients. Oral Cancer (or Head and Neck Cancer) Screening is recommended for those that don’t have routine dental care or have oral concerns such as: a mouth sore that doesn’t heal, a lump inside your mouth, white or reddish patches inside your mouth, or tongue pain.
Interpreter service is available. To complete an assessment and schedule an appointment, call 1-844-504-9680. All screenings are sponsored by the American Dermatology Society, Maine Medical Center Cancer Institute, Southern Maine Health Care, Mercy Oncology Hematology Center, Cancer Care Center of York County, and the American Cancer Society. Tuesday, May 19, 2015 Mercy Oncology-Hematology Center Fore River Medical Building 195 Fore River Parkway, Suite 360 Portland, Maine Thursday, May 21, 2015 – Also offering screening for oral cancer Maine Medical Center Cancer Institute 100 Campus Drive, Suite 121 Scarborough, Maine For additional information, call the Maine Medical Center Cancer Institute at 1-844-504-9680.
Eastern Prom Community Garden COMING SOON TO A HILLSIDE NEAR YOU! Herbalist Mischa Schuler finding early dandelions on the Promenade
Schuler doesn’t encourage foraging for some herbs on the Promenade because of questions about the soil health, and also the presence of pet waste. Most of her professional foraging is done in rural areas, such as Pineland Farms in Gloucester. To learn more about Schuler’s practice, see her website at wildcarrotherbs.com or call her at 274-3242. To enroll in the May 14 herb walk, which will be held from 6 to 8 pm, see the Portland Adult Education website at portlandadulted.org and register for course 3276, Herb Walk.
By Laura Mailander THE EASTERN PROMENADE community garden is going to be built with the help of volunteers, city staff, and the wonderful people at the Resilience Hub. Our first work evening will be May 12th, starting at 5:30. If interested, email garden@cultivatingcommunity.org for more information. To sign up for the waiting list for a community garden plot in Portland, visit cultivatingcommunity. org. The wait is usually 1-2 years, but we hope to build at least one new community garden each year to reduce the waiting time. The new garden on the Eastern Promenade will have around 60
plots. A section of the garden will be a common share area for growing food communally and dividing the harvest. Brentwood Farms Community Garden currently uses a combination of individual plots and common growing areas. We plan to plant fruit trees around the garden and possibly high bush blueberries as well.
4
May 2015
MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER
Building a Better Budget for Maine BUDGETS ARE A REFLECTION of our priorities. From schools, to roads and bridges, to public safety, how we spend our tax dollars tells the world and each other what we care about. Tax too much, and we stifle growth. Spend too little, and we fail to make critical investments justinalfond.com in our future. When the right balance is struck between revenue (taxes) and spending and meeting our needs, then we have the right conditions for everyone to do well. Earlier this year, Gov. LePage submitted his $6.5 billion two-year budget proposal. While the budget addresses all aspects of state government, the biggest conversation has centered on the changes in the tax code. The LePage proposal makes reductions to the income tax: giving 50% of his tax break to the top 10% (individuals with taxable income more than $134,000)
In response, Democrats unveiled an alternative tax plan, call the Better Budget for Maine. Our budget decreases the tax burden on Maine’s working and middle-income earners while maintaining critical investments in infrastructure, public safety, and education. Here are some of the highlights of the Better Deal for Maine proposal: The Better Deal cuts property taxes by doubling the Homestead exemption for all Maine homeowners (not just those over the age of 65, as Gov. LePage proposes), and increasing the Property Tax Fairness Credit. The $120 million of direct relief to property taxpayers will have a huge impact on families’ bottom lines. The Better Deal cuts income taxes and targets that relief at the middle-income earners, while making our income tax more progressive. Under our plan, 98% of the income tax relief goes to 95% of all Mainers. The Better Deal for Maine prevents property tax spikes by investing $80 million in revenue sharing so that our communities can pay for local services like police, fire, and public works, and will not be forced to hike up property taxes to pay for essential services. The Better Deal for Maine does not tax non-profits. The Better Deal does not raise the sales tax rate. We keep the sales tax rate, the most regressive tax, at its current level of 5.5%. The Better Deal makes critical investments in our future. Our plan invests an additional $20 million a year into K-12 education and gets us two percentage points closer to the voter mandated goal of 55%.
while middle-income earners will get around $145 break. Additionally, he proposes increasing the sales tax to 6.5%. He also completely eliminates revenue sharing by 2017--causing our towns to either cut essential services or raise property taxes--or do both. And, finally, for the first time ever, Gov. LePage proposes taxing non-profits. In short, his priorities are based on the failed premise of trickle-down economics: help the rich get richer, shift much of the tax burden on to property taxes, and squeeze future government spending and investments. This is not a sustainable path for future growth.
The Better Deal is fully paid for, now and in the future. The LePage plan leaves a $300 million shortfall in the next budget. With everyone in Augusta agreeing upon the need for tax reform, we stand at a critical juncture that could positively shape Maine for decades to come. Democrats believe that we offer a better deal for Maine families, a better deal for Maine communities, and a better deal for Maine. We look forward to working with our colleagues and Gov. LePage to do what’s best for Maine families and our economy. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments. Please feel free to email me at Justin@JustinAlfond. com.
Cartoon, above, by Mike Dater © 2005, mikedater.com, for The New Hampshire Gazette, used with permission. www.nhgazette.com
ASK THE MONEY PROF Building Wealth with Investments PERSONAL FINANCIAL wealth means having enough net worth to have the funds necessary to meet your desired goals. Let’s face reality: Someone with $2,000,000 in net worth (calculated by taking one’s assets minus all debt) is probably in better financial condition than someone with $200,000. Of course, everything is relative. Most of us will not inherit fortunes of money while we are in our younger years, if ever. Becoming educated and getting a good job is the most important route to building financial wealth. I often tell students in my personal finance classes that saving and investing, beginning as early as possible, is an excellent way to build
financial wealth. All the monies that are spent on non-appreciating expenses and assets are lost opportunities for saving and investing. The goal of investing is to use money to make money. That means to make a profit or to have a positive investment return. There are really only two types of profits that one can make: income returns and capital gains. Income can come in the form of interest or dividends. Capital gains occur if assets appreciate in value. Take any investment; for example, buying stocks. The investment objective of buying most equities (stocks) is capital gains. Many stocks also pay dividends. Bonds, on the other hand are purchased primarily for income (interest ). Capital gains can be realized if bonds are sold for a higher price than the cost basis.
Another investment may be real estate. On rental income properties, income is derived from rents and other income-generating sources. As rents increase, the value of the properties will increase, resulting in capital gains. A primary residence is generally not considered a source of income. When the residence is sold, there is, however, potential to realize good capital gains. Finally, let’s take a look at what the profit incentive is to buy a business. Same thing: income/capital gains. The income is derived from the earnings of the business (revenues minus expenses) and as the business prospers, eventually it can be sold at a capital gain. The wealth of the richest has been a function of their success with investments. So, consider doing this: start small, but do yourselves a big favor, and start investing now.
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.
58 FORE: LAY OF THE LAND, from front page External constraints: In evaluating and approving development plans for the site, the Planning Board and City Council will be guided by a set of authoritative policy documents including the Eastern Waterfront Master Plan, which is part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. This document calls for development of a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood integrated with neighboring districts, including establishment of an appropriately scaled internal street and pedestrian network that links with existing networks. Similarly, the purpose of the B-6 zoning requested by the developers is to promote “twenty-four hour urban vitality” through development that provides “a quality pedestrian experience, promotes public transit, and demonstrates exemplary urban design.” City staff and elected officials have emphasized that they have the power and obligation to ensure that any development of the site aligns with the principles set forth in the Eastern Waterfront Master Plan, the B-6 zoning, and other elements of the Comprehensive Plan. Failure to do so could expose the City to legal action, as occurred last year in the context of the Bayside Midtown development. There currently exists no formal public access to the developers’ property, nor public access to the historic buildings. To the extent any such access is established by the owners or mandated by the city, it would represent a net gain over current conditions. 2. “The developer plans to move the waterfront trail so he can build on the water.” Developers’ stated intent: The developers have expressed an interest in moving the trail closer to the waterfront, from which it is currently separated by a wide strip of land used for boatyard and float storage, as well as a chain link fence. The developers have held informal discussions with Portland Trails regarding this proposed relocation. External constraints: The developers cannot unilaterally restrict access to the trail, nor can they unilaterally change its location. The trail runs on land they do not own, and over which other entities have easements. Any such change would require the agreement of a number of bodies, including the City Planning Board. The Eastern Waterfront Master Plan calls for increased public access to the waterfront and enhanced recreational trail access. The proposed rezoning would establish the 75-foot strip of land adjacent to the shoreline as an Eastern Waterfront Port Zone (EWPZ). The EWPZ exists to “protect and nurture” both extant and potential marine uses; examples include transient and long-term commercial berthing, marine-related warehousing, and ship and off-shore support services. “Pedestrian and/or bicycle trails” are permitted in this zone “without limitation”; residential construction is explicitly prohibited. The rezoning would also prohibit all construction within 25 feet of the shoreline with the exception of marine offices, which could be built within 5 feet of shoreline or pier edge. 3. “What are the suggestions from the historical preservation committee? Is there any way to control how the development looks?” Developers’ stated intent: The developers’ design principles include the desire to “restore and invigorate the historic character” of the site, and they have stated an intention to retain a “core” of historic buildings in any development. External constraints: The Historic Preservation Board is in the early stages of evaluating a petition to designate the site an historic district, a designation first proposed by Greater Portland Landmarks. See the April Observer for more information on this process. Such designation would place additional burdens on the developers and limitations on what sorts of changes could be made to historic structures. Any proposed development will be evaluated by the Planning Board with regard to the City’s Design Guidelines for the Eastern Waterfront, part of the Eastern Waterfront Master Plan. These guidelines address building height, massing, articulation, materials, and so on, and call for designs that are broadly compatible with the architecture and urban character of surrounding neighborhoods. These guidelines also call for the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic structures when practicable. 4. “The buildings should not come above Fore Street.” Developers’ stated intent: The developers propose constructing new buildings along the south side of Fore Street, to rise a maximum of 35 feet (or about three stories) above street grade. View corridors to the water will be maintained along the north-south street lines (Atlantic, St. Lawrence, Waterville, and proposed Mountfort extension). While there is clearly economic advantage in this, the developers also argue that such construction would afford the best opportunity to build an outward-facing district integrated with the neighboring residential community, and would also facilitate development of enhanced public access through the site and to the waterfront. The Planning Board recently voted to recommend approval of the proposed zoning change permitting such construction. External constraints: Both constraints noted above – 35-foot maximum height, retention of view corridors – would be mandated per the proposed rezoning supported by the Planning Board. In fact, other aspects of this See page 9, 58 FORE: LAY OF THE LAND
MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER
May 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 G N I 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
Street Address_ _____________________________________________________ City______________________________________ State_______ Zip__________ Email (for MHNO updates)___________________________________________ Day Phone (____)________________ Eve Phone (____)_____________________
Membership Levels Individual: $20 Family: $35 Additional Donation
OPE N M eetings!! The MHNO Board meets at 7 pm every
$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
the month at the
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!
“Hill House”
PLEASE SEND THIS FORM, ALONG WITH YOUR CHECK, TO:
—92 Congress St.
MHNO, 92 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
second Monday of
Everyone is Welcome!
Questions? Call (207) 775-3050, email info@munjoyhill.org or visit munjoyhill.org Welcome to the MHNO! 04/2015
THE MUNJOY HILL NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION
5
6
May 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.
TREVOR COYNE, REALTOR JOE PIERGROSSI, REALTOR
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.
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.”
Pet Insurance, Who Needs It? By John Flood, DVM
DURING YOUR PET’S LIFE, the chances that you are going to incur a vet bill of over $5000 is not great. But with some degree of bad luck, a bill of $2000 or $3000 would not be uncommon. And bills of $500 are almost a given; for instance, the cost to collect a minimum database on a sick pet. Pet insurance costs between $300 and $600 a year. So if you save the $50 a month premium for five years, and your dog can stay out of major trouble, you might get ahead of the game. So... do you feel lucky? But that’s not the only question to ask yourself. Maybe more importantly, what is your situation? Is your pet rambunctious and into mischief all the time? Is your toddler playing fetch with your lab puppy using corn cobs (a very common intestinal foreign body)? Just an example, but you get the idea. Not everyone is at the same risk. The criteria used by insurance companies to quote you a policy are: breed, age and location. How bad can it be, with a $200 deductible? If you live in Manhattan with your 12-year-old French bulldog, Trupanion’s monthly premium is $268. The same policy for a 2-year-old mutt in Maine is $50. I have chosen a handful of popular companies and am going phone shopping for a policy for Mojo, a two year old Brittany. I want protection from big veterinary bills. To save on the premium,I will opt for a moderate deductible, 200-250 and a copay of 10%. No wellness care, thanks, I can afford this. It is a given that preexisting conditions are excluded and a bilateral clause is in place. That is, any history of trouble on one side (i.e., previous lameness in the left rear leg) would exclude coverage of a related condition in the opposite rear leg. In most cases, congenital and inherited con-
ditions are covered. And there is no cap on coverage, or it is high enough not to be an important factor. Variations will be cited as I review the companies. I will get a price for Mojo’s major medical coverage and give them a hypothetical case: Mojo ruptures her ACL (buggers her knee), and the work-up and repair costs $4000. Sorry Wilson, Truman and YC, I’m only researching dog insurance. Here are a few companies I looked at. 1. Trupanion Vancouver, BC, 1998: It is a medium-size publicly-traded company which consistently ranks high in industry reviews. Dealing on the phone with them, I felt they had good customer service. Let’s look at the policy: the office call/exam fee for each visit is never covered, but otherwise they seem to exclude very few things. The deductible is per condition, not per year. With a chronic ailment, allergy is a good example, you pay only one deductible for all care given that is related to this problem. Mojo’s policy will cost $56 per month. Her ACL repair ($4000) will be $580 out of pocket (deductible and co-pay).
2. Petplan USA, Philadelphia, PA, 2006: Chris and Natasha Ashton imported this plan from the tried-and-true Petplan UK. It is a large successful privately-held company with good reviews. Its deductible is more severe than others, per condition, per year, or... you pay it for each condition, each year. It has yearly caps; the one we used for Mojo’s policy was $22,000. Her premium would be $36/mo and out of pocket for the knee work would be $600. 3. VPI Brea, CA, 1984: This company is owned by Nationwide Insurance, and is the oldest and most entrenched ($1,000,000 policies) company out there. They also look to be See page 9, PET INSURANCE
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.
MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER
We’re Evolving, Growing and Changing METRO is seeking your input on how ALL bus routes can be improved, proposed locations for new bus stop shelters, and the recommended design of the new Portland-Falmouth-Yarmouth-Freeport Express Bus Service. Saturday, May 16 10:30-11:30 am Portland Public Library Meeting Room 5 5 Monument Square, Portland
Wednesday, May 20 5:30-6:30 pm Portland Public Library Meeting Room 5 5 Monument Square, Portland
Monday, May 18 5:30-6:30 pm Merrill Memorial Library Lewis Hall (3rd floor) 215 Main Street, Yarmouth Tuesday, May 19 5:30-6:30 pm Walker Memorial Library Gathering Room (2nd Floor) 800 Main Street, Westbrook
Wednesday, May 27 6:00-7:00 pm OceanView Falmouth Blueberry Commons Room 20 Blueberry Lane, Falmouth
May 2015
! S R EA Y 5
1
For more information, go to gpmetrobus.com or call 207-774-0351 MINI GUINEA FEST, MAY 16, 2015 Masters of West African Music & Dance to Teach/Perform in Portland EmbodyTheRhythm, a Portland Maine-based community for West African-inspired dance, presents “Mini Guinea Fest”. With the vision of building community, we celebrate the esteemed master drummer, teacher, and “Village Drum Leader”, Namory Keita, and his recent move to Portland. The occasion also marks the 10th Anniversary of EmbodyTheRhythm, Portland’s West African-Inspired Dance hub, and it celebrates the many artists and students who have helped to foster the drum and dance community in Maine and beyond. www.EmbodyTheRhythm.com
photo by Fidoloves.com
(Please park on non-sidewalk side of Blueberry Lane.)
DOG WASH SUPPLIES TREAT BAR FERRY SERVICE DELIVERY 195 Commercial Street, Portland | 207.773.5450 | TheFishandBone.com
50 WATERVILLE STREET
HISTORIC GREEK REVIVAL HOME SURVIVED THE FIRE OF 1866. IN THE SAME FAMILY SINCE THE 1950'S, THIS HOME IS A SECRET HAVEN, SHELTERED FROM THE STREET BY GREENERY. IT BOASTS A GARDEN OASIS OF GRAPES, TULIPS, IRISES AND A SEA OF LILY OF THE VALLEY, EMBELLISHED WITH CREATIVE STONEWORK. ITS ORIGINAL FEATURES INCLUDE A FORMAL ENTRY WITH WALNUT STAIRCASE, LIVING ROOM WITH BAY WINDOWS, A SMALL DR, 2 BR'S, A DEN, PLUS A 1950'S KITCHEN AND BATHS. 3 C PARKING AND WATER VIEWS FROM THE SOUTH SIDE ENHANCE THE CHARM. RECONFIGURE THIS DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH, OR SIMPLY MAXIMIZE ITS INHERENT CHARACTER. THE OWNER, A LIFE LONG HILL RESIDENT, WILL MISS THE SCENIC WATERY VISTAS AND BOAT TRAFFIC OF THE EASTERN PROMENADE, 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS, LIVELY BAND CONCERTS IN THE FORT ALLEN GAZEBO, THE DISTANT FOG HORNS, THE OBSERVATORY BEACON AND HIS BIKE RIDES TO THE EAST END BEACH. AMAZING LOCAL CUISINE, THEATER, WATER ACTIVITIES, THE NEARBY HISTORIC OLD PORT AND AN ARRAY OF PORTLAND'S AMENITIES, COMPLETE THE MUNJOY HILL EXPERIENCE.
More information available with
Munjoy Hill’s “Go To” Girl, Rita Yarnold BAY REALTY 207-831-8356 List Price $350,000
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 began in April.
7
8
May 2015
MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER
GROWINGTOGETHER T I PS O N PAR EN T I N G & R EL AT I O NSH I PS By Ross Fields, CPE & Kathleen Fields, CPE
THRIVING … on Food Part Three of a Four-Part series on Thriving
WHAT GUIDES YOU in making food
choices for you and for your family? Is your family thriving from the foods you eat, or just surviving? If you knew that certain food choices actually reduced the risk of some healththreatening conditions, would you be at least curious?
FOOD QUIZ #1: Which is more beneficial – one crunchy oats & honey granola bar, or two slices of a popular, 100% whole wheat bread? (answer below) Over the past two years, Kathleen and I have been focused on how what we eat directly impacts our health. We’ve discovered that what we previously thought as being “healthy” wasn’t necessarily accurate. The biggest change for us was learning how carbohydrates equate to sugar calories. My intent is not to be preachy, but rather to share the results we experienced. I certainly don’t want to create a power struggle between you and your child around food (you probably have enough of those already). From the parenting side of things, I encourage you to be more of a guide and teacher, not a food dictator. Think about what worked well, and what could have worked better, in your own food journey. Parenting is probably the most challenging job there is. Your kids deserve to have you at your best. Eating in a way that promotes health and well being will benefit you and your whole family. Think about this: the foods we eat that are grain-based were developed for surviving, not for thriving. They were for quelling hunger, filling up one’s belly, and were a relatively cheap way to feed the masses. Consuming grains is a deep-rooted habit. But just because it’s a habit doesn’t mean it’s correct. Imagine reading, in 1543, De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres) by Nicolaus Copernicus, that the earth revolved around the sun, and not the other way around as previously believed. Provocative then, known fact now.
FOOD QUIZ #2: Healthy start to your day – Yes or No? FOOD
SERVING
HEATHY?
Fresh orange juice
1 cup (8 oz.)
Y/N
“O’s” cereal, plain
1 cup (8 oz.)
Y/N
Milk, 2%
1 cup (8 oz.)
Y/N
1
Y/N
1 TBS
Y/N
Medium ripe banana Spoonful honey
In his book, The 100, Jorge Cruise explains that keeping your daily intake at, or just under, 100 sugar calories per day will not only shed that undesirable belly fat, it will also promote good health. To determine how many sugar calories, multiply the grams of carbohydrate in each serving by 4. For example: a 6 oz. fruit yogurt cup contains 25 grams of carbohydrate, meaning 100 sugar calories. Oops, that’s your whole daily allotment in one snack! A 1.52 ounce milk chocolate bar is exactly the same. FOOD QUIZ #1 – Answer: Neither —A single crunchy oats & honey granola bar has 15 grams carbohydrate totalling 60 sugar calories. Eating both bars, in the package, puts you over your daily target of 100 sugar calories. —Two slices of 100% whole wheat bread has 40 grams carbohydrate, meaning 160 sugar calories. Remember, the goal is for 100 sugar calories for the whole day. Are you finding this intriguing? Are you wondering what the heck you would eat? FOOD QUIZ #2 – Answer: None of them. Orange juice, 26 grams of carbs; cereal, 20 grams; banana, 26 grams; honey, 16 grams; milk, 12 grams; for a total of 100 grams of carbs, or 400 sugar calories. Yikes! In one seemingly “healthy” breakfast, you’ve consumed 4 days worth of sugar calories. And you wonder why it’s so challenging to take off extra pounds and keep them off.
And what about the exponential rise in childhood obesity? It may be due more to food choices than lack of exercise.
Suggested Reading List
By simply paying attention to sugar calories, I’ve been able to easily shed the extra pounds – 210 to 175 pounds, waist of 42 inches to one of 34. I sleep better and have more stamina and energy – not spiking my blood sugar has a lot to do with that. My blood pressure is a very nice 111/ 71, had been in the 135/95 range. Kathleen’s experience is similar. Plus we eat 3 full meals a day.
It Starts with Food – Discover the Whole30® and Change Your Life in Unexpected Ways by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig
I have so much more that I could say, but I think I’ve given you enough to “chew on”. I’m certain that you’ll benefit from the information and guidance presented in the books listed below. Prepare your food with love and, as often as possible, sit together as a family at meal time. Take time to appreciate the abundance and variety of food we have today. Make meal preparation a fun time together – it’s a great way to learn teamwork. As always … with patience, education, and practice, you will become a more confident and effective It’s ALL about the relationship... with yourself, your child, your family, your community, and yes, even with your food.
Ross & Kathleen Fields are Certified Parenting Educators (CPE) and, co-founders of Results Parenting, LLC, www.resultsparenting.com.
“You cannot ‘out-exercise’ poor food choices and the resulting hormonal disruption” —from It Starts with Food
The 100: Count ONLY Sugar Calories and Lose Up to 18 Lbs. in 2 Weeks by Jorge Cruise
Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth About Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar – Your Brain’s Silent Killers by David Perlmutter, MD. Everyday Paleo – Family Cookbook by Sarah Fragoso Nom Nom Paleo; Food for Humans by Michelle Tam and Henry Fong (nominated for a James Beard award)
It’s about
relationships
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
FULL
CROSSWORD
SERVICE
PRINTING
Solution on Page 10
ACROSS
lift (5) 20. Meandering inlets join up 12. Premier trees end (6) 1. Pattern in suedes ignored product (5) 21. Located cadet our (6) 13. Governor then finds the alternative way (6) 3. Beer keg in snack bar only way is up (5) relocated (6) DOWN 14. Ravine garden contains 7. Gritty tabloid is abrasive something sour (7) (9) 1. Makes a decision about a 15. Put fruit in a heap please 10. Frantic rider is not so wet month in short, part of (5) (5) the Roman calendar (7) 11. Recurring sport? (7) 2. Confusion between his, us 16. Dwells on past instruments (5) 12. Release spear, it’s is fishy (5) 18. I dove into picture independent (9) 4. Found something was broadcast (5) 15. Atmospheric vessel, floats pickled in it (5) in the sky (7) 5. Prone to prevarication? (5) 17. Saw a bird halfway 6. Shattered icy cap a plot for From: http://www.puzzlechoice.com/ pc/Puzzle_Choicex.html through Sahara venture ultimate doom (11) (5) 8. Inner veracity shows 19. Heard tins tainted when courage (5) mixed (9) 9. More money gives you a
MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER
May 2015
9
EAST END Business Focus Maine Animal Coalition
Portland Maine Rentals
By Lisa Peñalver
PORTLAND MAINE RENTALS is Portland’s premier rental
My first encounter with the Maine Animal Coalition (MAC) was through an article I saw in the PPH back in 2009, about the vegetarian festival held at the East End Community School. Being the newlyhired editor of the neighborhood newspaper, pictures of tables overflowing with yummy-looking vegetarian foods, and crowds of smiling families—on Munjoy Hill no less!—immediately caught my eye (it’s taken me a bit longer to arrange this interview).
well-being of animals destined to be food, on promoting a vegan lifestyle and on ending animal suffering in the state and beyond. People who support MAC care deeply about how all animals are treated – including our food animals. Many are brought to this concept through experiences they have had with their family pets. Anyone who includes a cat or dog (or horse, goat or chicken) as a member of their family, knows that these creatures are emotional and fully capable of communicating their wants with you (if you are paying attention).
Earlier this month, I spoke with MAC volunteer, Mike Angelone, There are many common-sense reawho filled me in on the workings sons to take up a vegetarian lifestyle: of this organization. The group has improved health, protecting the a part of the Portland environment, and “If you have men scene since 1989, economic sustainwhen Will Anderson who will exclude any ability benefits, and Ray Putman cobut among these, of God’s creatures founded the organizavaluing the very tion, their goal being feelings of animals from the shelter of to eliminate animal is one of the most compassion and pity, emotionally comsuffering in the state. pelling. Research is you will have men According to the showing that most group’s mission state- who will deal likewise animals are more ment, the Maine with their fellow men. capable of social Animal Coalition connections, and —St. Francis of Assisi is “Dedicated to the are much more Elimination of Animal akin to humans than had long been Abuse and Exploitation through Eduthought, when the comment,“dumb cation, Advocacy and Example.” animal”, was accepted as fact. The mission is carried out through: It’s not such a big step then, to Education: MAC educates people believe in honoring the lives of about animal abuse and exploita- animals as we honor our own. The tion by partnering with other social justification for ignoring animal justice organizations and sponsoring consciousness comes out of a desire lectures, workshops, web-based and to maintain the meat diet, which is other grassroots efforts. historically traditional, and is still Advocacy: MAC promotes cruelty- very profitable, but which is not acfree consumer options, lobbies for tually sustainable from an environpro-animal Maine legislation, and mental perspective. Are we, as husupports local and national efforts mans, able to change course when that minimize the suffering of ani- faced with new information? The pragmatist in me says that Amerimals. cans will not be giving up meat any Example: MAC refrains from time soon, but what if it turns out contributing to animal suffering that all our lives depend on turning wherever possible; this includes this corner? Food for thought. demonstrating respect for animals, avoiding the use of products with These topics, and more, will animal-derived ingredients and ac- be examined at the upcoming tively encouraging cruelty-free alter- Vegetarian Food Festival, in the documentary,“Cowspiracy” (June 6, natives.” 2 pm), - which takes a hard look at Mike described his own personal the effects of corporate animal agriprogression toward vegetarianism culture on the environment. as gradual, following the lead of his now 30-something son, but his pas- The 11th Annual Vegetarian Food sion about animals came from see- Festival will be held June 6th at the ing the suffering of a beloved fam- East End School for the 7th year in ily pet—brought about by a genetic a row. Beth Gallie, MAC President, disorder that resulted from careless reports that last year (2014), “about 800 people attended, and we feel we breeding programs. have become part of the communiMike went on to explain how the re- ty. Our free festival features live mucent MAC focus has been on animal sic, lectures, free food samples, and cruelty issues (puppy mills, aban- a movie. For details please see http:// doned animals), advocating for the www.maineanimalcoalition.org/
agency. We own and manage 190 furnished and unfurnished properties on the peninsula, offering short and long term rentals, vacation rentals and corporate relocation assistance. We are dedicated to providing high quality rentals with exceptional customer service.
house referrals. Much of our success comes from the professional, round-the-clock customer service we provide our tenants. The vacation rental market has grown over the past several years as more people are traveling to Portland as a vacation destina-
Portland Maine Rentals evolved from a partnership which started in 1989 between Crandall Toothaker and Francis Cloutier. Crandall purchased his first property on Munjoy Hill in the late 1970’s and lived there until the late 1980’s. He left the Hill to explore other areas of Portland but returned in 2000. Today, Portland Maine Rentals owns numerous rental properties on Munjoy Hill, and Crandall and Frank are fortunate enough to call the Hill their home. About two thirds of our rentals are unfurnished with many of our tenants renting from us for several years. We are lucky enough to have exceptional tenants and rely on in-
tion. Portland Maine Rentals offers weekly accommodations, as well as monthly, with many of these rentals on Munjoy Hill and the Eastern Promenade. A number
of our summer vacationers return year after year, requesting the same rental. We have recently taken on a new project in the Bayside area of the City. Portland Maine Rentals will be renovating several buildings in this neighborhood. In addition, we will expand the outdoor green space surrounding these buildings. We feel that this area is up and coming and will continue to thrive over the next several years. The Hill has become one of the most desirable places to live in Portland. We believe this area will remain vibrant and even more desirable with new construction and rehabbing of older, rundown buildings. As development continues with more store fronts, this area will become a self-sustaining neighborhood. With the best view in Portland, restaurants, markets, a coffee shop, diversity and a strong sense of community, who wouldn’t want to live on the Hill?
— Business Sponsor Promotion—
vegetarian-food-festival. To learn more about the Maine Animal Coalition, visit the website at http://www.maineanimalcoalition. org, or find them on FB.
MAC CALENDAR OF EVENTS Support LD 335 Help Stop Puppy Mills Follow Animal Related Bills before the Maine Legislature See our list online.
MAC’s 11th Annual Vegetarian Food Festival Mark your
calendar June 6th, 2015 for the Veg Fest
Purchase a Specialty License Plate to help support Maine’s Animal Welfare Program Purchase an ADOPT specialty plate to support the State’s Animal Welfare Program and the Help Fix Me lost cost spay/ neuter program. Maine Vegan Meetup Group: Join your fellow Mainers as you dine for a cause! The Maine Vegan Meetup’s goal is to generate more interest in and acceptance of a vegan lifestyle by encouraging restaurants to offer more vegan selections.
Spotlight on Non-Profits is a regular feature. To have your favorite non-profit profiled here, please contact observer@ munjoyhill.org.
58 FORE: LAY OF THE LAND, from page 4 zoning would limit buildings to less than this 35-foot maximum for most of the length of Fore Street. Recent public meetings have focused closely on the question of whether building height should be measured from “average grade” (which would permit the sort of buildings proposed by the developers) or from “flood plain” (which would largely prevent construction of buildings above the Fore Street grade). The focus of this debate concerns the intent of the City Council in 2004 when a key policy document, the Eastern Waterfront Building Height Study, was approved. Both City staff and residents affiliated with the advocacy group, Soul of Portland, have researched this issue in great depth, including review of historical documents, audio tapes of 2004 Planning Board meetings, and video tapes of 2004 City Council meetings. This debate will continue at the City Council hearing now tentatively scheduled for June 1. Additional Sources • http://www.portlandmaine.gov/1341/58-Fore-Street-PortlandCompany -- the City of Portland’s portal for key documents related to the 58 Fore Street project • http://www.cpb2.com/ -- the developers’ website • http://www.soulofportland.org/ -- the website of the advocacy group Keep the Soul of Portland in the Portland Company
PET INSURANCE, from page 6 the least expensive: major medical, $26/mo. But they differ from the others in a significant way; their payouts (per condition, per year) are off their own VPI schedule, regardless of the veterinary bill. This looked problematic. They had mixed reviews and more exclusions than other companies. Mojo’s premium would be $26/mo, and out-of-pocket for the knee would be around $700. This list of companies is far from all-inclusive, but the names of these three kept coming up, when I talked with clinics around Portland. There are web sites that can help you understand and compare policies. Two I looked at were pet-insurance-university.com and petinsurancereview.com. They seem unbiased in comparing companies, but keep in mind,they both receive referral fees from the insurance companies they list. In the end, there is no simple answer, good deal vs. bad deal. It’s a personal decision, with consideration toward the likelihood of your pet needing expensive veterinary care down the road, and your attitude toward insurance. Do you buy some peace of mind, or do you roll the dice? 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
10
May 2015
MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER
MAY 10: MOTHERS’ DAY! The IKEA Bus rides again!
Laughter Yoga Club
Thursdays’ Laughter Yoga is a great way to end your work day. Join us for this simple yet very powerful form of exercise that everyone can do anywhere and anytime! Learn the benefits of laughing for no reason at all. Be it real laughter or intentional laughter, you’ll leave the sessions with joy in your heart and feeling both happy and relaxed.FMI phone or email Denise Macaronas, Certified Laughter Yoga Leader at DLM@portlandmaine. gov or leave message at 7662970. Portland Parks & Rec program
Hidden Gardens of Munjoy Hill SAVE THE DATE: SUNDAY, JULY 12, 2015. We’d love to consider your space for the garden tour. Contact aynned@hotmail.com
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/
Tahntay! Spring Parade and Celebration SUN May 17th 2015 11am-3pm, FREE and for ALL At the Eastern Promenade Portland, Maine, Community Picnic 11:00 am (bring a blanket and something to share) , Face painting and Crown making activities 11:00 am- 1:00 pm (under the Music and Magic Maine Tent), Parade Begins at 1:00 pm (carry one of our puppets or bring your own parade props), Following the Parade around 2:00 pm join the Spring Celebration Led by Enchantment Camp, for more information please conact Amanda at musicandmagicmaine@gmail.com
PhoPa Gallery
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.
Maine Jewish Museum
267 Congress St, Phone (207) 773-2339 Email; ani@ treeoflifemuseum.org Website; http://
SWAPmaine Clothing Swap
SAT May 9 to benefit Goodwill of Northern New England.
the SWAP will return to the East End School (195 North St, All proceeds and leftover clothing and accessories will be donated to Goodwill Industries of Northern New England. The swap begins at 10 am and ends at noon. FMI: SWAPmaine.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Portland Public Library Teen LGBTQ Film Series SAT, May 23rd from 2:00-3:30pm in the Teen Lounge. Come to the LGBTQ Teen Book Group! This month we will discuss Jacqueline Carey’s Santa Olivia.
CROSSWORD-puzzle on page 8
BUY LOCAL . . . REALLY L CAL
PLACE AN AD IN THE OBSERVER AND SHOW SUPPORT FOR YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD!
FARMSHARE 2015!
List of CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) in Cumberland County, Source: mofga.net Alewive’s Brook Farm, Cape Elizabeth Black Kettle Farm, Portland delivery Broadturn Farm Inc., Scarborough Crystal Spring Community Farm, Brunswick Cultivating Community, Portland Dandelion Spring Farm, Portland Deri Farm, N. Yarmouth Dow Farm Enterprise, Standish Freedom Farm, pickup site in Portland Frith Farm, Scarborough Green Spark Farm, Cape Elizabeth Hidden Acres Farm, Bridgton Ibrahim Family Farm, CSA pick-up in Freeport Jordan’s Farm, Cape Elizabeth Juniper Edge Farm, Brunswick Laughing Stock Farm, Freeport Left Field Farm, Portland delivery Morgan Hill Farm, New Gloucester Maple Springs Farm, Harrison Meadowood Farm, Yarmouth Milkweed Farm, Brunswick New Beat Farm, pickup site in Portland Pleasant Valley Acres, Cumberland Ctr Plowshares Community Farm, Gorham Resilient Roots Permaculture Farm, N Yarmouth Rippling Waters Farm, Steep Falls The Farmer’s Eight Daughters, New Gloucester Two Coves Farm, Harpswell Wealden Farm, Freeport Winter Hill Farm, Freeport
Mention code JOY15 to receive 15% off your next order. (maximum discount $25.)
We’re just around the corner for all your digital printing and copying needs. 100 Fore Street, Portland the arts
days: Take your health into your own hands by studying this ancient Chinese art. Nurture your mind, body and spirit. Discover how to center and relax. We will practice stationary and moving exercises that are both easy to learn and suitable for everyone. Contact the instructor with questions: benarn77@hotmail.com Instructor: Ben Arnold. Deadline to pre-register: One week prior to start of session Portland Parks & Rec program
d
Introduction to Tai Chi at EECC Tues-
an
Hearts, Minds & Homes:
an Arts & Civic Listening Dialogue on Homelessness, Gentrification & the Middle, FRI, May 1, 5PM to 8PM at Monument Square, Portland, WHO: Produced by Art At Work with USM Social Work, USM Art, UMA Architecture, Creative Portland, Contact: Project Coordinator, Marty Pottenger,, marty@artatwork.us www.artatwork.us 917 509-1447
on SAT, MAY 16 meet at the Marginal Way Park & Ride lot (located across the street from the World Gym) SLIGHTLY BEFORE 8 AM. ($3.19 gets you on the bus!, but register online- tickets go fast). The bus leaves the lot promptly at 8, so don’t be late! IT’S THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY, Y’ALL!!! Bust out your party hats, because the IKEA Bus turns 5 this year, and we party like to like we mean it. This year is going to be bigger, sparklier, and more fun than ever. You might even be able to say, OFF THE CHAIN. FMI: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/ikea-bus-5-thefast-the-ikea-bus-tokyo-drift-tickets-16461703398
Comparison Puzzle-by OutherebyGeorge.com. See if you can find the six differences
Su
f ppo ro rting non-p
ts
[next to Hamilton Marine on your way to the Eastern Prom]
775-2444 www.xcopy.com
Come See Us before the Prom for Your Tuxedo Rental!
PROM SPRAY TAN
SPECIAL $17
When the Beach is Out of Reach ...
• Tanning Beds & Booths • Sunless Spray Tan • Clothing & Jewelry • Tuxedo Rentals
www.tanoramame.com
Portland 775-3318 Windham 893-0903
MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER
The Maine Comics Arts Festival MeCAF 2015: Sunday, May 17,
Hands-in-the-Dirt Fun for Kids Ages 4 to 14!
Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 11:00am - 4:00pm sponsored by the South Portland Historical Society
Turkey Hill Farm The Morris Farm
MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS, MAY 23-25
in Cape Elizabeth
in Wiscasset
Open June 29 - Aug. 21st
Open July 6 - Aug. 21st
Call 518-1779
Call 518-3427
As seen on PB S
Two Locations: Turkey Hill Farm in Cape ris Elizabeth and The Mor Farm in Wiscasset
Portl;and Company Complex http://www.mainecomicsfestival.com/location
Bug Light Kite Festival
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.
Hands-in-the-Dirt Fun PROGRAM FOR OLDER KIDS:
forTrek! Kids at Ages 4 toHill 11! Farm Turkey
Turkey Hill Farm The Morris Adventure program for ages 10-14 • 3Farm full in Cape Elizabeth in Wiscasset week sessions: July2113, July 20, Aug.10 Open June 29 - Aug Open July 6 – Aug 21 Call 518-1779 Call 518-3427 Register your child today at To Register Part-time (MWF or T/TH) and Full-time As www.farmcampkids.com or call 518-1779 seen
Programs 9am to 3pm with Callavailable: :
PBS Nowonaccepting applications foraftercare Junior Counselors ages 13-16 additional until 5pm
Our Summer Day Camp offers fun, hands-on activities so your child can Our Summer Day Camp at the Morris Farm in Wiscasset offers learn about organic gardening, farm animals, and forest and pond habitats. s: on ti ca wo Lo fun, hands-on activities so your child can learn about organic in rm Fa PROGRAM FOR OLDER KIDS: at Turkey Hill ll Hi y ke gardening, farm animals, andFarm forestTrek! and pond habitats. Aug.10 e Elizabeth and Adventure program for ages 10-14 • 3 full week sessions: July 13, July 20, ATTORNEYS AT LAW Morris Farm in Register your child today at www.farmcampkids.com or call 518-1779 et ss Wisca Now accepting applications for Junior Counselors Overages 30 13-16 years of service to Munjoy “Serving Greater Portland Since 1980”
CHESTER & V ESTAL, P.A. Hill
REAL ESTATE • SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
Congratulations to all of tonights JUVENILE DEFENSE • PROBATE, WILLS AND ESTATES Award Winners! 104 Washington Avenue • Portland, ME 04101 • 207.773.8198 107 CONGRESS STREET • PORTLAND, MAINE 04101
www.dalerandprinting.com
(207) 772-7426 | www.chesterandvestal.com
104 Washington Avenue • Portland, Maine 04101 • (207) 773-8198 mikerand@maine.rr.com
observer ad.indd 1
May 2015
Portland Pottery 9/18/2009 8:37:35 AM
118-122 Washington Ave. Portland, ME 04101
Summer Camp for Kids June 22nd - August 21st
Wheel Throwing, Sculpture, Fiber Glass, Jewelry, Metalsmithing & More Ages 6+ • One Week Camp $250
Portland Pottery Cafe
Homemade Baked Good • Sunday Blackboard Brunch
www.portlandpottery.com • 207-772-4334
11
12
May 2015
MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER
Local - Savvy-Responsive Portland’s Real Estate Leader®
Portland - East End
Portland - East End
Can sticks and bricks provide more than shelter? Can the built environment inspire, excite, embrace and nurture? Can a home with enough thought, attention and love become more than just a home? Can Home = Art? We at CornerStone Building & Restoration think so... Come tour our latest show house on Portland’s Hip & Happening Munjoy Hill. Comprehensively restored and updated to the highest levels. Near worry & maintenance free, rare heated garage/studio, first floor master with spa bath... 45 Montreal St. 45MontrealSt.com Price: $845,000
A Wonderful Home. A Wonderful Neighborhood. A Wonderful Life. Enjoy the best of Portland Peninsula living in an exceptional East End single family home. 51 Waterville provides a rare blend of what everyone seems to want in a Munjoy Hill home: expansive water views, sun-filled Southeast orientation, quiet location, very rare 2 car garage, comprehensive and quality updates, retained historic charm blended perfectly with high-end modern amenities, energy efficiency, lovely patio & more. 51 Waterville St. 51WatervilleSt.com Price: $795,000
It’s About People – Not Properties...
The Landry Team Tom Landry
Broker / Owner (207) 939-0185 tomlandry@benchmarkmaine.com
Glenna Irvine “We initially attempted to sell our home ourselves as For Sale By Owner but were not receiving any offers. We consulted with Tom and were immediately impressed with his unmatched marketing materials. Tom’s knowledge of the market allowed us to maximize the pricing of our home. However, Tom’s greatest asset proved to be during the negotiations as his cool demeanor and experience paid off to allow us to sell well over our asking price at FSBO. Working with Tom - Jen & Scott Derrig was our best opportunity to sell our home at its full potential.”
Buyer Broker (207) 749-9098 glennairvine@benchmarkmaine.com
Trust your Local – Savvy – Responsive Realtors®
BenchmarkMaine.com (207) 775-0248 ANGELA BANCROFT Ironman Competitor Norway Savings Customer
HELOC Fixed for 12 months: Adjusts to Prime +0, Current Prime +0 rate:
3.25 % 3.25 %
APR
APR
And save up to $650 on closing costs!
Rate and closing cost offer are effective April 1, 2015, subject to change without notice and are for new home equity lines of credit. The 3.25% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is fixed for the first 12 months after the loan closes and then becomes variable each month. The APR will be based on an Index PLUS a margin after the initial fixed rate period. The index is the highest Prime Rate published in The Wall Street Journal. As of April 1, 2015 the Prime Rate was 3.25%; however the APR can never go below 3.25%, the floor rate. The maximum APR will be 16% APR, the ceiling rate. APRs assume a credit score of 750 or better; other programs with other terms or costs are available for credit scores below 750 or line amounts over $500,000. Minimum line amount is $5,000.00. Offer excludes expenses for unusual legal, unique property appraisals or title issues. Offer applies to owner-occupied 1-4 family primary residences and second homes, excluding mobile homes. Homeowners insurance is required.
Big Dream. Little Rate. 1.888.725.2207
YOU’RE IN THE HOME STRETCH. LET’S GET YOU THERE! MEMBER FDIC
www.norwaysavingsbank.com