September 2012 - Munjoy Hill Observer

M u n joy Hil l

M u n joy Hil l

OBSERVER

OBSERVER

Non Profit Org US Postage

MHNO, 92 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101

Change Service Requested

PAID

Portland, ME Permit No. 824

FREE Published by the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization Vol. 32, No. 8 • September 2012

By Ralph Carmona Almost 20 years ago, children’s author Jane Cowen-Fletcher wrote a book, titled It Takes A Village. It was about a young African girl, Yemi, and her search for her lost younger brother, Kokou, who wandered away from her while she was watching him on Market Day. Throughout the story, Yemi expresses her concern that Kokou must be hungry, thirsty, hot, tired, and scared. Yet, the reader is assured that he is not any of those things, and the story ends with Yemi finding that her village had been watching over Kokou the whole time.

Munjoy Hill is a figurative “village,” while also being a densely populated urban neighborhood.

Density means fewer resources for more people, as well as a great diversity among residents.

If not countered by outreach efforts, such density can result in individual isolation, as people struggle to meet their own needs; such struggles can be perceived as competitive. It requires a rich and inclusive community life to unite the many groups and to create the type of “village” that supports all the residents.

This environment is being achieved on Munjoy Hill, and it is one of the reasons for the resurgence of the entire East End. The Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization (MHNO) has played an important role in this transformation.

For Over 30 years, the MHNO has been working to create an inclusive community and give voice to all residents for the good of all.

Your active support of the MHNO provides you with what Vice-President Ross Fields calls, “POP”: —Pride in belonging to the community;

—Opportunity to engage in that community; and —Peace of mind that comes from that.

In your support of the MHNO, there is recognition that community matters in our lives. “It takes a Hill.”

To achieve the “POP” vision, we need your help—with generous giving of both individual volunteer time and financial donations.

Donations enable the MHNO to provide direct support to our “villagers” in the form of heating assistance, camp sponsorships, and holiday giving, as well to provide the infrastructure needed to organize ongoing social activities, and public conversations about issues that matter to the “village,” such as the Avesta Adams School project, and the Mumford and Sons Concert. Decisions, to embrace or challenge events, have consequences—sometimes unintended.

The MHNO is here to help examine and address the issues that arise, then, as a group, we can decide what lessons can be learned from those Hill experiences.

Making an annual request—and an individual donation—is important, and necessary.

It is not easy to ask you to part with your financial resources; it is very personal. Because when you give a donation, you are making a statement. In our material world, money too often defines people. But the opportunity to give to MHNO speaks to a personal generosity and recognition that we want something beyond our individual needs. Your support for MHNO will always be a statement of generosity -- not of wealth. Munjoy Hill people, rich and poor alike, need to be given the opportunity to contribute what they can. For

some it is purely the donation; for others it may be volunteer time.

But the opportunity must always be there to do both, or either.

As chair of the MHNO annual appeal, I will soon be calling and asking many of you to consider providing a beyond-MHNO membership donation. These funds will help support our budget and implement the many emailed ideas that came in from the community when President Andrea Myhaver asked readers for new ways to enhance our community efforts in an ever-changing Munjoy Hill.

Help make our Hill a better place, with your ideas, donations and time, by supporting the MHNO, our “village” organization. As Ralph Waldo Emerson believed, “when you help others, you help yourself.”

Ralph Carmona is member of the MHNO Board of Directors and chair of its annual appeal campaign.

Annual MHNO Festival set for September 29 The MHNO is partnering with Munjoy Hill Community Policing and Portland Recreation to celebrate our community on Saturday, September 29, 2012, from 10 am to 3 pm. The celebration formerly known as MunjFest will be held at the East End Community School (195 North St.).

Here’s a sampling of what will be offered: Leonardo’s Pizza • Hella Good Taco • Portland Pottery Café • Nita’s Lunch Cart • Mr. & Mrs. Fish • Spark’s Ark • Slugger the Seadog • Bike Rodeo • Single Bungee Trampoline • Face Painting • DJ Music • Police SRT Vehicle • Hula Hoops • Sidewalk Chalk • Fire Depart-

ment Demo Truck • Parachute Game • Bubbles • Live Music • Police Canine Demo • Arts & Crafts • Games • Art • Jewelry • Pottery • Knitted Goods • Tshirts • Handbags • Homemade Soap • Sea Glass Art • Hats • Tarot Readings • Non-profit & Business Informational Tables • 50/50 Raffle • Le Creuset Raffle • Activities indoors and out, and more! Find all the details online at munjoyhill.org. Send an inquiry to: festival@munjoyhill.org.

Non-Food Vendor Spaces still available! See page 6 for instructions and application.

At right visitors line up to try a single bungee trampoline, similar to the one coming to the Munjoy Hill Festival this month.

unique, colorful, textured works of art. Jenifer also produces colored pencil drawings, watercolor paintings, and serigraphs (silk screen prints). Please join us for some light refreshments and an opportunity to view Jenifer’s art.

On Friday, September 7, the MHNO will welcome visitors to Hill House, 92 Congress St, for our First Friday open house from 6-8 pm. The featured artist for September is Jenifer Wickstrom, a Munjoy Hill resident who uses items found locally (East End Beach, her garden) to make

Artists interested in participating in an MHNO First Friday event, please send us an email at info@munjoyhill. org, with subject line, “First Friday.”

Also, if you are a musician interested in getting exposure, we’d love to have you play a set during one of our upcoming First Friday events (to entertain visitors as they peruse the art on the walls). Please include “First Friday-Music” in your subject line.

Finally, weekly curbside compost pickup! see page 7 for details

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September 2012

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

At the Helm

The Munjoy Hill Observer is published

MHNO President, Andrea Myhaver

Happy new year!

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

observer@munjoyhill.org (207) 766-5077 munjoyhill.org Observer Committee Andrea Myhaver, Tamera Edison, Lisa Peñalver advertising Tamera Edison tamera.edison@munjoyhill.org 939-7998, Lisa Peñalver, Layout & Design 239-1604 3,000 Circulation 8,000+ Readership About our paper The Munjoy Hill Observer is published by the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization (MHNO) as a service to its members and to the community as a whole, to inform Portland’s East End residents of local issues and events, and of the services that can be found here. The Observer serves as a vehicle to connect and inform our neighbors, while enlisting community partners to help us help those who need it most.

The Munjoy Hill Observer was first published in May of 1979. Circulation is 3000, distributed free in Portland at over 100 locations. Nearly 300 copies are mailed to current and former members of the MHNO.

MHNO Board 2012-2013 Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization

Andrea Myhaver, President.......................... . ......... andrea.myhaver@munjoyhill.org Ross Fields, Vice President............................ . ...................ross.fields@munjoyhill.org Elaine Mullin, Treasurer............................... elaine.mullin@munjoyhill.org..671-6132 Sam Cohen, Secretary.................................. . .................. sam.cohen@munjoyhill.org Eben Albert-Knopp....................................... . ................... ealbertknopp@yahoo.com Ralph Carmona............................................ rccarmona@hotmail.com.........518-9177 Nova Ewers........ nova.ewers@munjoyhill.org Thomas Kelley............................................. . .............thomas.kelley@munjoyhill.org Joan Sheedy.....joan.sheedy@munjoyhill.org . ............................................. 774-7616 Ann Quinlan..... ann.quinlan@munjoyhill.org

MHNO Mission

In an effort to preserve the sanity of our wonderful Editor, Lisa Peñalver, as well as to keep a promise to myself and my son, I am writing my column early this month. You see, as I write this in early August, my vacation is still 2.5 long weeks away, but by the time we go to press, I will hopefully have left all work behind, and become deeply involved in all things related to relaxing and enjoying life in Maine, “the way life should be.”

Anyone who knows me well knows that I’m not really good at fully disconnecting from my various commitments during my vacations, so this is a big deal, and I’m really looking forward to the down-time to reconnect with my son and have some fun.

So, despite the fact that summer is still in full swing right now, I’m turning my attention to September. To me, September, more than January, has always signified the true “new year”. It’s a holdover from my school days, when September meant a new schedule, new books, new shoes and clothes, new classmates and new teachers. I was always inspired, as September approached, to become organized anew, and couldn’t wait to

stock up on notebooks, pens, and gadgets that would help me start the school year off on the right foot, with a place for everything and everything in its place.

I’ve also always felt that September held out the promise of new adventures and new opportunities, and, as much as I hated to say goodbye to summer, I always greeted the fall with enthusiasm.

Obviously, my school days are long gone now, but I have to admit that I still get a little thrill when September approaches (okay, some of that may come from knowing my child will soon be returning to the land of academics).

Applying some of that spirit to my work at the MHNO, I find that there is much to get excited about for the neighborhood in the next month. We will start off September with First Friday activities at our Hill House, featuring Munjoy Hill artist Jenifer Wickstrom, on Friday, September 7.

The challenges posed by the arrival of fall are like a test. September comes along, and, in Maine, everything changes. The temperature drops, kids start school; our daily routines change. All this change can make us look harder at our lives and habits, at what is working and what is not. Usually some change is just needed. It can be good to shake things up.

The work of a neighborhood organization (like the work of an editor) is never done. But there is ample inspiration to be found all around, in the scenery, in the people and in the community.

Even the cooler weather and clear air bring an infusion of energy to fuel the work to come.

Because there IS always work to come; September is crunch time.

Our annual appeal will be in full swing in September, and while that may not seem “exciting” to all of you, it is to me, because it means that we are building the foundation for establishing new ways that we can give back and expand our charitable efforts.

Finally, we will end September on a high note, on the 29th, with the return of the We Love Munjoy Hill Festival, which promises to be fantastic this year! (See the front page for more details.)

I hope you will join the MHNO in all of our events and efforts this September, and that your “new year” will start off just great!

We’ve decided to spice things up a bit on First Fridays by bringing in live music. As I write, we are still working on the details for

Change is Good Summer is over and I am trying to teach my 11-year old daughter not to fear tests. I dust off Eleanor Roosevelt’s assertion that, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself,” and present it to her. But tell that to a kid, and she looks at you as if you had two noses. So I suggest she think of tests as just a measurement of something, like her height, or a check-up, like going to the dentist. Not so awful, really.

She remains sceptical.

September, but if all goes well, you’ll have some great sounds to listen to while enjoying Jenifer’s colorful, textured works.

From the Editor, Lisa Peñalver

The tourists have cleared out and the flip-flops are stowed; now we can get back down to business. We have two solid months to focus before the November elections and the cycle of winter holidays arrive to complicate our efforts.

With all that needs to be done, it can be tempting to dispense with the “fun things in life.” It is worth remembering (I tell myself) the importance of balance.

When an opportunity for fun and connection arises, say, like the upcoming We Love Munjoy Hill Festival on Sept 29, make room for it—in your schedule and in your heart.

Come out and meet the MHNO team, meet the neighbors; say hello and get involved. It’s what makes life worthwhile.

Observer Corrections Parking for PLUM—NOT in Rite AID Lot Parking for the PLUM consignment store is only on Congress Street and NOT in the Rite Aid parking lot, as was indicated in the article.

Correction to Blueberry Cobbler recipe: Some of the amounts were incorrectly listed in

the August issue. See the correct recipe in the column at the right.

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

a

broad-based,

representative

WHO YOU GONNA CALL? You can help prevent crime on the Hill!

organization committed to improving the

If you see a crime happening or see/hear anything suspicious in your neighborhood, please call the police!

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

756-8135 Daytimes: Janine Kaserman with Community Policing 2) 650-8770 cell: 11 am thru the night, new Senior Lead Officer Tony Ampezzan 1)

(at right)

groups, encouraging self-sufficiency, and enriching the lives of all residents.

3)

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

874-8575/-8574:

Dispatch/non-emergency events

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

Blueberry Cobbler makes 6-8 servings 1 cup pecans 1 cup almonds 1/2 cup pitted Medjool dates 2 Tbs coconut butter or coconut oil —pinch sea salt 3 1/2 cups fresh blueberries 1 Tbs raw agave nectar-optional, for added sweetness 1. Place the pecans and almonds in the food processor and blend until well chopped.

2. Add in the pitted Medjool dates, coconut butter or oil and sea salt and blend until a crumble texture is achieved.

3. Remove crumble mix from food processor and loosely spread it into a pie plate.

4. Blend 1 3/4 cups of blueberries (and 1 Tbs of agave if you would like to sweeten the mix a little more) in the food processor and blend to a syrup.

5. Pour syrup over the top of the nut crumble mix and top with remaining 1 3/4 cups of fresh blueberries.

On Hill We Are All Members Being the chair of the Membership Committee for the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization (MHNO), of course I would like to see every resident, every property owner and every business on Munjoy Hill become a member of MHNO. However, whether you join MHNO or not, you are still a member of the community. How you apply your “membership” impacts both your experience and the experience of every Hill resident.

Community can be as simple as two people living together, or as complex as the Earth’s inhabitants trying to make it all work. For me, it is about caring for, and taking pride in, where I live. In the past year, our city has been recognized as one of the most desirable places to live in these United States of America. AARP Magazine listed Portland, Maine, in the top ten cities in America in which to live and retire affordably (July 21, 2011).

Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine named Portland the “Best City in the U.S. for Your Second Act.” Parenting Magazine named Portland the “Third Best City in the U.S. for Families.” How could you not be proud of these accolades?

My question to you is, what part do you play in all of this?

What is it that you do each day that creates this amazing community we call Portland, and even more specifically, Munjoy Hill?

Each of us most likely has our own definition of what community is. Webster’s Dictionary defines community as: common possession or enjoyment; agreement; a society of people having common rights, etc.; the public in general; any group having work, interests, etc. in common.

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

September 2012

By Ross Fields, Vice President of the MHNO, Membership Committee Chair

There are many different types of community situations, all with varying sets of rules and prescribed behavior. I have experienced living in several differing types of communities: military, homeowner’s association, intentional and municipal.

In the military community, everyone was informed of the rules and expectations. If you had difficulty in following through with these rules and expectations, someone was there to remind you. Ever wonder why military bases look so neat and tidy? If you lived in base housing and forgot to cut your lawn, you would get a visit from the Military Police reminding you that your lawn needed mowing. Once a month, all military personnel are assigned some type of base duty (community service) which can involve keeping the grounds cleaned up. Would your property pass military inspection? Maybe it just needs that once-a-month touch-up?

Living in an intentional community where decisions were made by consensus was the ultimate lesson in patience and win-win negotiating. Consensus decision-making is where, in the end, everyone is supposed to feel satisfied with the outcome. Getting to that point takes a lot of caring for each other and commitment to the process.

So here we all are living in our municipal community of Munjoy Hill in the city of Portland. We don’t have the military police knocking on our door to tell us to clean up our yards or to mow our lawns. We don’t have the homeowner’s association sending us letters reminding us that our camper needs to be moved. And we don’t have to all meet and come to consensus on every issue affecting life on the Hill.

In other words, life is pretty good here. We are fortunate to live in a community that allows us the freedom to be ourselves. But remember, with that freedom come certain responsibilities. I ask that you, as a member of the Munjoy Hill community, take the time to look at how your actions impact your neighbors. I encourage you to take pride in where you live. We have done a great job in modeling to the rest of the country how special this place we call home is.

Together we can keep it that way.

A homeowner’s association is similar to a military base in that there are specific rules and expectations, but instead of the military police knocking on your door, you will most likely just get a warning letter in the mail. If the letter does not work, then one of your friendly neighbors will most likely pay a visit. If that doesn’t work, it can just get plain See page 5 for community-minded things you can do… ugly after that. Our home in Austin, Texas, was in such a community. I remember getting a very nice letter explaining that my camper could not be parked in the open drive, in view of all. It had to be behind an ap Regarding the Avesta Playground Equipment: The City proved fence or stored at another locaof Portland will hold a meeting on the fate of the playground equiption. You also could not have a tag sale or ment on Tues, Augt 28, after the Sept. Observer deadline. Details to hang out your laundry to dry in the back appear in the October issue. yard, just to name a few items. Plus everyone’s yards were neat and tidy as well.

Regarding the Mumford & Sons Concert event review:

MHNO News—Of NOTE:

the MHNO has received feedback from a number of neighborhood residents, and we are looking forward to the announcement of the date of City’s planned follow-up meeting with the public.

Trash? Tag it! for Free City Pickup

By Suzanne Hunt This summer, Portland introduced a Bulky Item Program which allows free pickup of items weighing less than 30 pounds. Items are picked up on your scheduled pickup day and require a sticker. Examples include baby crib mattresses, large children’s toys, vacuum cleaners, off-rim tires, grills and small dressers.

Free stickers for this small-item pickup are available by applying on the City website: recycleportlandmaine.gov. A large item such as a couch requires a Large Item sticker, which costs $40. The bulky item program is for both renters and residential property owners. Electronic waste is not eligible for small item free pickup. These items contain toxic metals and are required to be recycled.

The existing E-Card program is another valuable resource to residential property owners. An E-Card allows the holder to bring items to Riverton Recycle (910 Riverside Street 797-6200) at no cost. This valuable card can be applied for at the City website: recycle.portlandmaine.gov, or call 756-8189.

free E-Card disposals include:

✔ 10 gallons of Hazardous Waste. Hazardous waste is accepted only on the first Saturday of the month April through November. All hazardous waste must be properly contained. Acceptable hazardous waste includes oil-based paint, pool chemicals, drain cleaners, air conditioner refrigerants, gas, oil, rat poisons, herbicides and insecticides. Non-E-Card holders will be charged 3.50-$6 per gallon of hazardous waste. Obtain an E-Card by applying online at: recycling.portlandmaine.gov/ecardprogram.asp, or call 797-6200, or email recycling@portlandmaine.gov.NOTE: Please do not bring latex paint to the drop-off program—It is not considered hazardous waste. Instead, let it harden in the can, and put it in your regular trash for curb-side pickup. Also, do not bring explosives, ammunition or medical waste. If you have questions about a specific item, please e-mail recycling@ portlandmaine.gov or call 797-6200. ✔ 10 bulky items annually. Includes furniture, yard waste, grills, appliances.) Appliances that contain Freon such as freezers, and air conditioners are not included in the 10 free items ✔ Electronic or E-Waste: Includes TVs, Microwaves, printers cellphones, computers. These products contain toxic metals such as lead or copper. ✔ Universal or U-Waste. Includes florescent bulbs and tubes, thermostats and household batteries, and any products that contain mercury.

Proper disposal is an environmental issue that is worth our care and attention. Reusing is always a good option for items in working condition. Check out Freecycle at freecycle.org and or sell the item on Craigslist at maine.craiglist.org. FMI: call Suzanne Hunt at 756-8166, Fall Sanitation Compliance Office.

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BULLETIN Board the munjoy Hill neighborhood Organization

September 2012

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Meet the 2012-2013 Board of the MHNO! Andrea Myhaver Ross Fields President Vice President

Sam Cohen Eben Albert-Knopp Thomas Kelley Secretary

Elaine Mullin, Treasurer, MHNO I have called Maine my home now for 25 years, with the last five spent here on Munjoy Hill. As a young adult, I realized that staying in the suburbs of Boston where I grew up was not for me. Having lived two hours inland for a while, I also realized that I needed to be near the ocean. The pace of life in Maine was one of the primary attractions.

As a nurse, I’ve spent most of my career in some type of home health, or other outpatient care. Getting to know the patients in their own homes or neighborhoods gives you a chance to know the whole person more easily. I’ve always had a soft spot for the older folk I’ve met, and I’ve enjoyed spending time with more than one elder who has become like a grandparent to me.

That’s why I’m thrilled to be part of the “At Home on Munjoy Hill” program here at the MHNO. Besides helping people live at home safely and happily, the relationships that will develop between volunteers and elders will be priceless.

Munjoy Hill returns me to my childhood neighborhood in many ways.: the dense housing, the ocean down the street, friendly neighbors. I look forward to aging safely and happily here, in one of the most beautiful places in the world!

“LIKE” us & STAY INFORMED! Sign up for our email list at munjoyhill. org to receive alerts on events and issues pertaining to the East End (fyi: we do not share our list.). Get the first glimpse of the each month's Observer.

"Like" the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization on Facebook!

Just visit us online at munjoyhill. org and click on our Facebook link.

Follow our updates, join the conversation, post photos and share links, all on our FB page.

Joan Sheedy Nova Ewers Ralph Carmona Ann Quinlan

with wife, Vana Carmona

Get to know us!

Andrea Myhaver (President, MHNO) Andrea was born and raised on the Eastern Prom of Munjoy Hill.

After she graduated from high school, Andrea’s travels and jobs took her across the country. In 2002 she decided to return to Maine and her roots on Munjoy Hill to raise her young son, Reid. She and her son have been residents of North Street ever since. Andrea joined the MHNO board of Directors in 2010, where she quickly jumped in to serve as Secretary.

In 2011 Andrea was elected to her first term as President, and was re-elected to serve another term at the June 2012 annual meeting. Andrea says that most people know that she comes from a large family (7 brothers and 3 sisters) but may not know about her family’s musical talents, or that she herself is a singer. The “Von Myhaver Family Singers and Dancers” perform mostly at family events, but you never know when the month, at they might come to a venue near you!

A favorite quotation, from the Talmud: “Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now.

Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.”

Eben Albert-Knopp

over Standpipe Park, it’s always a beautiful day on the Hill thanks to the beautiful people who live here.” Few people may know that Nova has sailed across each of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans twice.

A favorite quotation, “It is not so much what is on the table that matters, as what is on the chairs” (W.S. Gilbert)

Ralph Carmona

(Chair, MHNO Annual Appeal Campaign) Over two years ago, Ralph and Vana (an 11th generation Mainer) Carmona decided to make Munjoy Hill the next stage in their lives because of its quality of life and the potential to make a difference.

Ralph joined the MHNO Board in February 2011. What he likes best about Munjoy Hill are his morning walks with Vana throughout Eastern Promenade. Most people do not know that Ralph has a doctorate, is Regent Emeritus at the University of California Tom Kelley and Executive Director of the Maine Global Tom became a Board member in March Institute.every 2nd Monday of 2012; he has lived onThe Munjoy Hill forBoard one MHNO meets A favorite quotation: “Think where one’s year. He likes living among the eclectic 7group pm ofatMunjoy the Hill Housewho at all 92 Congress —most Please us!then say: greatestSt. glory begins join and ends, Hill residents My greatest glory is that I had such friends.” share the common traits of being friendly, amazing people. Few would know that Tom (William Butler Yeats) is an avid traveler; he has already visited a Ann Quinlan third of the world’s countries!

Ann became a Board member in 2011; she has lived on Munjoy Hill for three years but Joan Sheedy has spent summers on the Hill ever since Joan has been a Board member for 6+ years; she has lived on Munjoy Hill for eight the ‘60s. She enjoys “living in a well-knit community with neighbors who all know years. Joan sees the Munjoy Hill commuone another. Instead of confining ourselves nity as one big family whose members are to particular age brackets.” Ann believes all willing to help each other and to work together in pursuit of common goals. In ad- it is important to live inter-generationally and to connect with people of all ages. dition to participating in the MHNO, Joan is also involved in many other activities A favorite quotation of Ann’s: ”We are not across Portland, such as City Hall affairs. here to be perfect; we are here to be real.”

“I just try as hard as I can to make ‘com(Einstein). munity’ on the Hill and to draw people together.” (Joan) Eben has lived on Munjoy Hill for three years; he became a Board member six months ago. He enjoys the great Munjoy community, Rosemart Market and living within walking and biking distance from the Eastern promenade and downtown Portland. Eben is an alumnus of the College of the Atlantic, which is located in Bar Harbor ME

Open MEETINGS:

Ross Fields (Vice President, MHNO) Ross has lived on Munjoy Hill for one year; he became a Board member last December (2011). Ross likes the vibrancy of the Rosemont Market and the local restaurants on the Hill. He also enjoys living only a couple blocks away from the ocean. Few people may know that, when Ross lived in Vermont—before he moved to Portland—he sang tenor in a barbershop quartet.

A favorite quotation of Ross’—”When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” (author unknown)

Sam Cohen (Secretary, MHNO) Sam became a Board member half a year ago; he has lived on Munjoy Hill for two years. Sam likes the community-feel of Munjoy Hill, ”making the city feel like it’s tiny,”and he enjoys knowing the people that live around him. Few people likely know that Sam is an owner of three bikes.

Nova Ewers Nova has lived on Munjoy Hill for two years; she became a Board Member in March 2012. Nova loves how Munjoy Hill residents take pride in and love their neighborhood. “From sunrise over the Prom to sunset

Open MEETINGS: The MHNO Board meets every 2nd Monday of the month, at 7 pm at the Hill House at 92 Congress St. — Please join us!

Tamera Edison Ad Sales Rep

Lisa Peñalver Observer Editor

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

September 2012

the munjoy Hill neighborhood Organization Elder Program, At Home on Munjoy Hill, Moving Forward and mission of At Home On Munjoy (AHOM) is to honor the desire of any elder on The Hill who wishes to continue living at home. According to a report from AARP, “80% of seniors prefer to live at home in their later years.”

By Elaine Mullin, Susan Violet, Ann Quinlan, MHNO At Home Committee Welcome to the first of our monthly columns on “At Home on Munjoy Hill.” We are moving forward, and have held the first of our planned focus groups. This week, seven residents of Bayview Heights (the independentliving home for elders on North Street, run by Volunteers of America), gave us their perspectives on aging, and they shared experiences and ideas for what a home support program should consider and include.

We are committed to helping them do so, in a way that works best for our community. For that, we need your help. Our next focus group will be looking for participation and input from elders on the Hill who currently live in their own homes, not a supported living situation. In addition, we want to hear, in a separate focus group, from the caretakers of elders on the Hill. Adult children, neighbors and other informal caretakers often assume more and more of the care of their relative, neighbor or friend as their need for assistance grows.

We are very grateful to them for sharing themselves and their time, and impressed by the level of commitment they already have to helping their neighbors. We also want to thank Sandra Pedersen, Manager of Bayview Heights for participating in the planning and contributing her time.

Can you help? If you are a senior living independently on the Hill, or the caregiver of a senior on the Hill and would like to participate in a focus group in the coming weeks, please give us a call at the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood organization, 775-3050, or email to info@munjoyhill.org.

We heard about personal stories, and learned what their issues have been as they’ve aged, what they have learned and believe that other elders need to have, or know about. This community is a great model of neighbor-to-neighbor compassion and caring.

If you have questions you’d like to have answered or are interested in participating in this wonderful program, we would love to hear from you.

Munjoy Hill is not alone in exploring creative ways to meet the changing needs of its elderly neighbors. At the most basic level, the vision

We Are All Members: Some simple Community-minded things you can do…

• Take a walk around your neighborhood once a day.

• Follow trash and recycling rules.

• Say “Hello,” to someone you may not know.

• Contact your City Council member with questions, ideas, issues.

• Take care of your property and yard…all the way to the curb.

• Pick up after your dog and place waste in a trash container.

• Ask for more trash containers on the Hill.

• Support local businesses.

• Dispose of cigarette butts properly.

• Follow parking rules.

Call For Volunteers to Participate in a 90-Minute Focus Group OVERVIEW: Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization “AT HOME ON MUNJOY Hill” Many factors contribute to an individual’s ability to remain in their home and MHNO recognizes a growing number of aging Munjoy Hill residents are facing challenging life decisions of how they will continue to live and remain connected to their home and community. A subcommittee has formed to identify how the idea of a “neighbors helping neighbors” program could best support aging residents who desire to continue to live in the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood.

WHO:

SENIORS LIVING INDEPENDENTLY in the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood

CAREGIVERS OF AGING ADULTS who live independently on Munjoy Hill

WHAT: 90-MINUTE FOCUS GROUP confidential “AT HOME ON MUNJOY HILL” WHY:

To draw upon the knowledge and experiences of aging Munjoy Hill residents and caregivers of what “At Home” neighbor to neighbor program activities would make a difference and add to your quality of life to as a Munjoy Hill neighbor, resident and/or caregiver.

WHEN: RESIDENT ELDERS: October 6th,10:00 to 11:30 AM

October 13th, 1:00 to 2:30 PM CARETAKERS: October 6th , 1:00 to 2:30 PM

October 13th,10:00 to 11:30 AM WHERE: HILL HOUSE, 92 Congress Street UNDECIDED? Need additional information before deciding to participate? Please call the MHNO at 775-3050, or email: info@munjoyhill.org

Join the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization

• Contact your Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization with questions, ideas, issues.

• Share this article.

• Join the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization.

For more thoughts on building community, see Ross Fields’ article on page 3.

New Membership

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

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

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

Renewal

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

Volunteer for a Committee!

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

Membership Events Services Safe and Walkable Neighborhood Observer

We want all members of our community to join the MHNO regardless of financial circumstances. If you are unable to pay the suggested minimum amount, please pay what you can. If you are able to contribute more, we encourage you to do so.

We thank you for your support, and we’re excited to have you on board!

Please send this form along with your check to:

MHNO, 92 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101 Questions? Call (207) 775-3050, email info@munjoyhill.org or visit munjoyhill.org Welcome to the MHNO! 08/2012

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September 2012

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

On Hill

Vendor information and application for the We Love Munjoy Hill Festival 2012

On Hill

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

courtesy photo

Good Neighbor of the Month Gil Helmick

By Lisa Peñalver On Munjoy Hill, we have an eclectic collection of neighbors. There are a healthy number of “natives,” born-n-raised-here, a substantial contingent of international expats, and a growing number of those “from away”—transplants from other states. All of these bring a host of new ideas and creative energy to our community.

Gil Helmick is one of the recent transplants. He made his way to Munjoy Hill about four years ago, by way of Bailey Island. His previous landscapes were those of California, Mexico, New Orleans, Pennsylvania and Nova Scotia.

I first came across Gil’s name in the context of Port Veritas, the local poetry group that meets weekly to share and read their poetry. When I started working with the Observer in 2009, Port Veritas was meeting at the North Star Café, and Gil was the guy sending me emails telling me about the poetry slams. He also writes and reads his own poetry. (These days, Port Veritas meets and performs at Local Sprouts, and Gil is STILL the guy telling me about the poetry events. In the past, he has contributed his own poems to the Observer; I appreciate these things!)

In addition to his passion for the written word, Gil Helmick works with local artists and musicians to create collaborative events that blend visual and musical performances to create expanded appreciation of the arts. Recently, as a member of the group, After Nirvana, he put together a performance at One Longfellow Square that combined piano, saxophone, cello, bass, jazz vocals, dance, poetry and painting!

On another front, Gil Helmick is working on a serial radio broadcast production set in Maine, which is starring one of the bartenders from the Snug.

Gil came to Portland to find an environment that is both energizing and beautiful. He speculates about why this area, and Munjoy Hill in particular, draws so

many creative people to the shores of Casco Bay. “I think Portland is in a sweet spot in history—unspoiled, beautiful, affordable—precisely because it has never “succeeded” hugely, like so many places on the West Coast.”

[This thought gave me pause: Portland is a great place now because it never really succeeded. That’s a kicker (as they say).

In fact, the City of Portland has sunk pretty low at various points, as our local historians will tell you (ever hear about the “three doors of death” on Commercial Street? Different story… ). What does this tell us about the desirability of success? Hmm. But I digress.]

Gil told me, “I have lived in places which DID become “successful,” and they’ve gotten so trendy that the average person can’t afford to be there—they‘ve become city-limit to city-limit boutiques.”

Gil elaborated, “They’ve lost their texture and diversity, becoming homogenized to a state of ennui. The vibrant population that created the atmosphere was relegated to an inferior status due to class consciousness and income disparity. This tendency is repetitious, tedious and deadly.“ Gil came to Portland with his teenage daughter and wife Ani Helmick, who is working with the Maine Jewish Museum. She is researching the history of Jewish life on Munjoy Hill (see page 14 for article on this project). She is planning on creating a walking tour of Jewish history on Munjoy Hill, as well as a permanent exhibit at the museum, so that visitors can experience the rhythm of a different era in this neighborhood the Helmicks now call home.

Gil and Ani genuinely appreciate the combined proximities to the sea and to a lively cultural center, and have found that the East End offers the best of all worlds.

Who’s doing your dirty work?

Above, Gil Helmick, at center at the microphone, during a recent performance of After Nirvana.

Find the Observer at these Fine Businesses: East End

Two Fat Cats Bakery

Congress Street

Bayview Heights

Tu Casa Restaurant

Hot Suppa! Restaurant

Blue Spoon

Old Port

State Theater

Buffalo Wings-n-Things

Bard Café

Wild Burritos

Coffee By Design

Casco Variety

Monument Square

Colucci’s Market

City Beverage

City Hall

Cummings Center

Dunkin Donuts

Portland Public Library

Donatelli’s Custom Tailor Shop

Fit to Eat Resturant

The Works Bakery Cafe

Norway Savings Bank

Liliana’s Dry Cleaner & Laundromat

Sebago Brewing

The Public Market House

East End Community School Library

Waterfront

Ferrechia Hair Salon Foodworks/Beautiful Foods to Go The Front Room The Good Egg Cafe Hilltop Coffee

Finally, weekly curbside compost pickup.

Garbage to Garden is a non-government community initiative that allows you to: • Compost your organic waste instead of dumping it in a local landfill • Have a clean compost bin each week; to leave curbside along with your city garbage and recycling • Save an average of $72/year in city trash bags • Let the composting pros nuture your waste into valuable organic fertilizer

• Provide educational and volunteer opportunities for local schools and community members • Heaps of rich, black earth are yours for free after we’ve composted them for you!

• Save an average of $85/year on potting soil and compost • Grow the most lucious garden you’ve ever seen • Take pride in knowing that your plants are fueled by the food you threw away It’s important that we all participate. Participating in Garbage to Garden is voluntary! We hope it’s as important to you as it is to us!

Let us do the dirty work—join the program now and start composting today!

Sign up online at Garbage to Garden garbagetogarden.org, (207) 329-2284

Videoport $3 Deweys Becky’s Diner Casco Bay Ferry Terminal DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant

The Public Market Coffee shop LONGFELLOW SQUARE The Green Hand–Books Outer Congress Tony’s Donuts Outer Forest Big Sky Bread

Katie Made Bakery

Five County Credit Union

Mama’s Crow Bar

Flatbread Pizza

Barron Center

Mittapheap World Market

Hamilton Marine

Park Danforth

Portland Lobster Co.

Punky’s Market

Pepperclub Restaurant

Residence Inn by Marriott

Steve & Renee’s Diner

Portland Pottery & Café

Standard Bakery

Promenade East Apartments

Parkside / Bayside

.....and More!

Root Cellar

Bayside Bowl

Rosemont Market Silly’s Restaurant

GR DiMillo’s Restaurant & Sports Bar

St. Lawrence Arts Center

Running with Scissors Art Studios

Otto Pizza

Garbage to Garden is a cooperative of friends and neighbors whose mission is to reduce Greater Portland’s food waste, educate about composting for sustainable food production, and enable all residents to participate in turning their table and kitchen scraps into valuable organic fertilizer.

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September 2012

Off-Peninsula

For rates and information, contact Tamera Edison at 207-939-7998 Tamera.Edison@munjoyhill.org and info@MunjoyHill.org

Support your communit y & re ach the public

Advertise in the Munjoy Hill Observer!

Now online at munjoyhill.org

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September 2012

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

CapitAl City

Statehouse Update | Senator JusTin Alfond

justinalfond.com

Talking Maine: Perception is Reality As a business owner and lawmaker, I can understand the merits of taking a cue or two from business.

Certainly, there’s room for increased efficiency and accountability in government.

I can also tell you that one of the most important aspects to any business is its marketing plan. Companies spend millions finding the right spokesperson to market their products because they know how important a first (second or third) impression is. Reputations are not built overnight but in nearly a wink of an eye, or a slip of the tongue, a hard-earned reputation can disappear. Businesses know that perception is reality—this is a concept to which Governor LePage should pay closer attention.

When the Governor speaks, people listen—which is why words matter. Facts matter. And, yes, perception matters.

The Governor is our state’s marketer-in-chief. No matter if we are seeking to attract businesses or families, or college students or tourists to this state, the way in which our Governor talks about Maine, will color and define the perception and reputation of our state.

The Governor is the bell weather of our state. Just like a CEO signals confidence or anxiety about the strength and direction of a company, the Governor signals to the rest of the country whether or not Maine is a good place to live, work, invest, and play.

Nearly everyone agrees that the number one job of lawmakers is to grow our economy and create good paying jobs. Two years ago, Governor LePage campaigned on this promise. Yet, he hasn’t delivered.

If Maine is going to move forward and attract businesses and entrepreneurs, encourage people to move here, raise a family here or go to school here, then we need to market our state. It shouldn’t be a hard sell. We have much to be proud of. We have a lot going on right here. And instead, of touting these assets, LePage, with his words, insults the people who live here, work here, and go to school here.

Worse, much of what LePage has said is simply not true.

Earlier this month, LePage said that Maine people are “looked down upon” by the rest of the nation. He added that Maine students are unprepared and have a bad reputation with out of state colleges. He has called Maine state employees “mostly corrupt”. And last year when Maine received a poor rating from Forbes magazine as a place to do business, LePage said it was because we had too many people on welfare. The editor at Forbes said

LePage made that up.

Year after year, Maine and Portland score high as “one of the best”. We have a workforce renowned for having a hard work ethic. Many of Maine’s downtowns are going through a renaissance with “Buy Local” nearly a universally accepted philosophy. Our natural resources and environment are among the most beautiful in the world—and we have world-class recreational activities. We also have top notch higher education institutions. And above and beyond, we have people known for our neighborliness, our strong moral character and integrity and our down-to-earth, nononsense nature.

I am not wearing rose-colored glasses. I’m a realist. I understand that Maine has some challenges—we can do some things better—and we should not ignore those things in need of improvement. However, it is one thing to acknowledge that we can do better, and it is quite another to denigrate Maine and our people.

Moving forward, we must discuss reality accurately— and without distortions and divisiveness. We must set the bar high and aspire to achieve, not lower the bar and sink to the lowest common denominator.

Maine is a great place to work, live, invest, and play. It is time for our Governor to tell it like it is—not just to the great people of Maine, but also to our nation.

India Street Planning Effort to Include City’s First Form-Based Codes

By Markos Miller A few months ago, the Observer reported on the India Street Neighborhood Association’s (ISNA) efforts to engage the City in a neighborhood planning process. Residents, concerned about the impacts of proposed and possible future development projects, have been advocating for a range of planning projects to provide some guidance to the imminent build-out of the neighborhood’s many vacant or underdeveloped lots.

“After smaller, short-term projects were rejected by the Planning Board, and the needs of various developments demonstrated the need for different zoning than is now available, the city agreed to the need for a comprehensive plan for the India Street neighborhood,” shared ISNA Board member Hugh Nazor.

The one-year study, which is expected to begin this September, will be funded by a $140,000 fee assessed to the Phase 2 development of the Hampton Inn property at Middle St. and India St. The developers were recently awarded Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) by the Portland City Council to offset this fee, and other requirements of the City, including burying utility lines underground.

Neighborhood planning efforts typically work closely with residents, neighborhood organizations, and other stakeholders to articulate a shared vision for the neighborhood, based on an analysis of the community assets and challenges. This work then informs land-use and transportation plans, and in the case of the India St. neighborhood, will include new guidelines for building heights and the nature of development, in order to strengthen the pedestrianfriendly, human-scale neighborhood.

Bill Needelman, a Senior Planner for the City of Portland, added that this planning effort will include Portland’s first foray into form-based codes (FBC). Form-based codes, which emphasize the physical form of buildings, have been used in other communities to provide greater predictability for both communities and developers. “Establishing a form-based code provides a unique opportunity for residents to be proactive rather than reactive about new development”, says Laura Reading, a graduate student at the University of Michigan’s School of Urban Planning. “The process encourages the public to think about how their values and priorities can be expressed through physical form; physical form that is harmonious with our lifestyles greatly contributes to our quality of life”. Laura is developing a visual survey to collect public preference input for the development of a form-based code for the Franklin Street corridor as a summer internship project for the Franklin Reclamation Authority.

Planning Board member Patrick Venne has been a longtime advocate for form-based codes. “Form-based codes

draw upon building and planning practices which have evolved over centuries, and typically aim to create contextsensitive urban design by describing how buildings should relate to each other and to the street,” says Venne, who goes on to describe our current zoning, developed during the 1950’s, as “less efficient” and based on difficult-to-understand and purely textual layering of segregated land uses.

Since FBC’s are based on the input of a specific local population, they are by nature sensitive to the vision and realities of a specific locae,l such as the India Street neighborhood. “A successful form-based code, therefore, requires as much commitment to process as to final substance. This is critical to ensure long-term public buy in”, emphasizes Venne, who practices as a land-use attorney. “Ensuring broad consensus derived from and built upon meaningful opportunity for input from all parties concerned, is the sine qua non of any lasting zoning code, but this is particularly true for form-based codes.”

“This community input often comes from neighborhoodbased design charrettes and more traditional means of public engagement, capitalizing on community assets and expertise.”

“The benefit of such “frontloaded” public engagement is that, if done right, having public discourse related to future development prior to actual development proposals allows such proposals to sail through an otherwise often contentious or tiresome regulatory review process,” points out Venne.

So, this fall, the India Street neighborhood should be receiving some much-needed attention, which should

guide the future development that will surely be coming.

Furthermore, our community, rich with civic involvement and design sensibility, will have the opportunity to participate in a historic planning exercise, one that not just produces a feel-good vision statement, but also results in legal requirements that ensure the built environment that the community desires.

On Hill

As the beginning of school draws near, it is important to recognize that you are your children’s best teacher, 365 days a year. As their best teacher one of the most important things you can do for them is to read together and encourage them to read on their own. Being able to read builds confidence and selfesteem. Here are three simple things you can do to help your child develop good reading skills and habits: Read Out Loud For younger children, one of the best things you can do is to sit together while you read out loud. Be sure the books have plenty of pictures and are fun. During this time consider turning off all electronic devices to convey to your child how important this reading time together is. For older children, schedule a family reading time where everyone takes a turn to read aloud.

GrowingTogether Tips

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Parenting

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R el at i

By Ross Fields, CPE & Kathleen Fields, CPE Get A Library Card If you live in a community that has a library, get your children their own library cards as soon as they are old enough to have one (make certain you have one, too!). Make

Take some time to observe their genuine interest. Then, go to the library or do an internet search together to get some printed material to read. It is important to not make your children’s inter-

“YOU are your child’s best teacher!” it an event. Begin scheduling trips to the library together to get books, or to just sit and read.

This will reinforce the fact that you see the library as a valuable resource.

Focus on Interest If your children are not interested in reading, or are having a difficult time with reading, be patient. Find out what they are truly interested in. Cooking? Maps? Spiders?

How things work? The weather?

ests your interests. It can be fun to let them teach you about what they are learning. This is such a great way to build self-esteem and solidify knowledge.

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September 2012

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or “You shouldn’t feel that way.”

The goal here is to promote the understanding, and taking ownership, of one’s feelings.

At dinner time or bedtime, try asking, “What were you happy about today?” or “What were you sad about today?”. Stay away from asking what made them happy, sad, or mad. In using the words, “what made you…,” you are teaching that our feelings are a result of something that is outside ourselves and that we have no control over, or responsibility for. It is like the classic line, “He made me do it!” when in fact, the truer statement would be, “I chose to do it.”

So remember, take care of yourself today, be risky, and most of all, have fun.

Ross & Kathleen Fields are Certified Parenting Educators (CPE) and co-founders of Results Parenting, LLC, www.resultsparenting.com.

Everyday Joyful Rituals Essay by Delores Lanai, Munjoy Hill

Every time I do dishes I transport myself to Amsterdam, to the wonderful days on a rented houseboat, to the wonderful coffee shops, to the house of Anne Frank, and time with friends. Why does doing dishes call up this particular memory? Because when the houseboat didn’t have sponges to do dishes, I went to the grocery store there and got a bag of sponges! Now I always get that same kind of sponge to do dishes!

When in Sebastopol, California, I would like to have purchased a direct memory of being in a redwood grove, but that wasn’t possible, of course. Instead, I bought a leather wallet because it is turquoise, my favorite color. I didn’t even know what I would use it for, and then I found it’s perfect for credit cards.

So when I find it in my purse, it often takes me back to the redwoods and the lovely trip. The redwoods are majestic and must be saved.

When I prepare to travel, I review my housewares to see if I should get anything I need while overseas. I like to bring back something that will remind me of that place when I use it. Towels are good souvenirs because they are useful and easy to pack. These rituals are secular, not sacred, but they bring great joy to me. I don’t journal with words, as I find many extroverts don’t; my household items are my journal!

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Density, use, FAR (floor-area ratio), setbacks, parking requirements, maximum building height(s), frequency of openings, and surface articulation specified.

2. Ask the question regularly, “How do you feel about that?”

Then listen, empathize, and validate. You might say something like, “I see how you could feel that way.” or “I have felt the same way.” Stay away from saying things like, “Don’t feel that way.”

Self-awareness is the first of the five Emotional Intelligence stages. Here are two simple things that you can do to help develop self-awareness in your child (or anyone):

©2006 Peter Katz and Steve Price—Urban Advantage

How zoning defines a one-block parcel

1. Ask the question often, o n sh i p s “What do you think?”

Once the question is asked, your job becomes that of listener and encourager. You might say things like, “Tell me more.” or “I see,” to stimulate more response. Simply nodding your head signifies you are listening. Don’t judge what is being said, just listen. In general, we grow up being told what to do and what to think. By asking, “What do you think?” you are promoting the development of self-awareness.

Emotional Intelligence: Developing Self-Awareness

Form-Based Codes, continued from page 8

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When I want to reduce items in my house I choose items that don’t have a memory attached to discard, unless I had chosen it for its pure beauty.

I’ve traveled a lot and have many items from these countries, but we can all equally cherish the items of significance to us. Here’s to joyful memories!

How form-based codes define a one-block parcel Street and building types (or mix of types), build-to lines, number of floors, and percentage of built site frontage specified.

Challenging Sudoku Puzzles - Book 4 From www.veryfreesudoku.com

Sudoku Puzzle 3

©2006 Peter Katz and Steve Price—Urban Advantage

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Find the 6 differences between the two pictures. More comparison puzzles can be found at Out There by George.com

Street and building types (or mix of types), build-to lines, number of floors, and percentage of built site frontage specified.

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Do you have favorite things? Perhaps you treasure a pillowcase from your grandmother, or a special notebook or journal? Do using these items bring wonderful memories to you? Can your mind be triggered to remember wonderful past times?

How form-based codes define a one-block parcel

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September 2012

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Living With Peace­

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

Somali Culture and Development Association Celebrates Ten Years

By Christina Feller When Mohamud Barre originally created the Somali Culture and Development Association of Maine in 2002, there were less than 500 Somalis in the whole state. As Mohamud and his partner, Dr. Osman Hersi, celebrate ten years of serving the needs of Somali immigrants, they can rest assured their work has been deeply meaningful and has made a difference in the lives of thousands of Somalis in Portland and Lewiston.

The vision was to create a Somali Resource Center to meet the current and expanding needs of the Somali community in assimilating and adapting to American culture while maintaining respect and appreciation for traditional ways. The mission of the organization is to promote the integration of Somali immigrants, refugees and American-born children as contributing, responsible participants in a healthy and inclusive society.

Mohamud Barre cares passionately for the Somali community, balancing a full-time job while serving as volunteer Executive Director of the organization.

He is well-respected in the Somali and African as well as the mainstream community for his knowledge of community resources, networking and language skills. As a father of nine sons and daughters, Mohamud has a keen interest in youth development and sup-

port for all members of Somali families to achieve a good quality of life. “ In the beginning we wanted to be everything to everyone. We have learned that to be an effective organization, we must focus on the most important concerns – access to resources, education about topics of living in America, and a good life for our children,” says Barre.

Dr. Osman Hersi, a trained physician who practiced medicine in Somalia before coming to the states, is a strong health education advocate for the Somali population. Dr. Hersi is a trusted and respected community elder and coowner with Mohamud of Maine State Interpreters, offering certified medical and court interpreters in many languages.Dr Hersi acknowledges, “We are grateful for our many American friends.”

At left and enlarged above, the pictogram of the Affordable Care Act prepared by the Somali Culture and Development Association to help immigrants understand the newest health care law.

Devout Muslims representing both Northern and Southern Somalia, members of this partnership serve as a constant example of a unified Somali community, adapting traditional values for life in America. Mohamud and Osman take their role seriously as supporters and champions of the Maine Somali community. “We welcome all new arrivals to share what we have learned,” says Barre.

The Somali Community Newsletter: In its tenth year of publication, with a print run of over 3,000 copies shared with twice as many people, the newsletter provides up-to-date information to the Somali community.

It is delivered to mosques, service centers and local markets in Portland and Lewiston/Auburn.

Topics provide education about basic life skills, health concerns, parenting, community resources and much more, all written in Somali. The newsletter includes a community directory for both Portland and Lewiston areas. Newsletters are distributed for free and printed usually on a quarterly basis. The Association provides linkages to the programs, services and expectations of the mainstream community, including referrals, resource information, advocacy and direct support for the Somali community in the areas of job assistance, youth activities, referrals for counseling, housing, transportation, immigration, and conflict mediation and resolution among other things.

Association Wins MeHAF Grant to provide Health News that Explains access to resources and the Affordable Care Act to Refugees and Immigrants: The Maine Health Access Foundation (MeHAF) made a grant to the Association to work with other communities and develop a meaningful but understandable guide to the Affordable Health Care Act. They have produced a simple guide that is understandable even to people who do not read and do not understand Western health care practices.

If you have an interest in knowing more or helping the Somali community of Portland, we hope you will reach out to Mohamud or Dr. Hersi at 207-233-6014. You can learn more online at mesom.org The office is on Elm Street in the East Bayside Neighborhood of Portland. They would be delighted to hear from you. You can learn more online at mesom.org

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

September 2012

East End Business Focus Chiang Mai Restaurant Above, a detail of a panoramic painting of the India Street Neighborhood skyline by Rush Brown, on display now at the Maine Jewish Museum on Congress Street.

Maine Jewish Museum Hosts Exhibition by Rush Brown

If you haven’t been in to see it, there is still time to catch this special collection that especially highlights the neighborhoods of the East End and the Portland waterfront. Rush Brown’s Portland: Capturing a Changing Neighborhood will be up until Monday, September 10 at the Maine Jewish Museum in the Etz Chaim Synagogue at 267 Congress Street (where India Street begins).

Brown, who lives in the India Street neighborhood, says, “Every day, I draw and paint out in public. I work in coffee shops, libraries, marketplaces, the ferry terminal and on the street.

Rather than seek out noteworthy subjects, I try to create works of merit from views of ordinary people and things in my immediate surroundings.”

Currator of the show, Nancy Davidson says, “The exhibition has been well recieved...some days up to 30 people have visited.”

Large oil paintings of the Portland skyline over the working waterfront and intimate watercolors of the inside of Portland’s centers of commerce draw the viewer away then back in deeper into this city we live in.

Stop in and take in the show on the September (7th) First Friday Art Walk on your way downtown, any weekday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., or by appointment.

FMI: Ani Helmick, Special Projects Director, Maine Jewish Museum, 267 Congress St., Portland ani@treeoflifefoundation.org

Road Work on the Hill Traffic Advisory:: Congress Street will see road crews: Starting Aug. 27 and continuing for approximately two weeks, paving work will be underway on the inner lanes of Congress Street between Washington Avenue and the Eastern Prom. Parking restrictions will be in place while the work is underway. Commuters should seek alternate routes to avoid traffic and delays and as always remember to share the road with bicycles.

City Councilor Donoghue noted that “One feature of the new surface will be a climbing bike lane between Washington and North St.”

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I’d been hearing good things about the little Thai restaurant on Washington Ave. and last week I finally had an excuse to go try it for myself.

I went with my parents for their anniversary dinner out.

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By Lisa Peñalver

all the veggies were very freshly prepared. The crab rangoons were crispy and spiced just right.

We found the portions to be spot-on, generous but not overwhelming.

Everything was brought out hot, freshly prepared, and crispy where crispy was desired. The spring rolls were delightful, and it was all prepared to please the eye as well as the palate. As we finished, we were served chilled slices of orange, a very civilized end to a satisfying meal.

For starters, I should explain that THIS Chiang Mai Thai Restaurant opened under new ownership just four months ago (in May 2012)—it is I have since gone back NOT to be confused with to try their Basil Duck, Sokunthim Nou, our friendly hostess, and Rotonak the former “Chiang Mai Above, Huot, her husband and the Chef of the Chiang Mai Thai Reswhich arrived with tender Two” or the “Sala Thai taurant on Washington Ave. strips of slow-cooked duck Restaurant & Lounge” among gently-steamed which were previous tenants of this location. Not greens, onions, basil, bok choy, peppers and a few I all Thai restaurants are created equal! Tucked becould not name, too busy was I, ladling the creamy tween Tu Casa (El Salvadoran food) and Silly’s resbrown sauce onto my steamed rice. taurant (eclectic & fun), Chiang Mai brings authentic and fresh Thai flavors to round out the foodie The restaurant itself is clean and tastefully decorated, a comfortable setting in which to eat. We had offerings on the East End. arrived early on a Thursday evening, and the place The hostess greeted us warmly as we entered. filled up shortly after we were settled. Judging from We were seated right away and she immediately the conversations I overheard, people are just startbrought out small complimentary bowls of a deliing to discover this little gem. cate tofu soup, which we enjoyed as we perused the menu. We opted for an assortment of appetizers, I have since spoken with the owners of the Chiang Mai: Sokunthim Nou, who was our friendly hostess and just a couple of the main dishes. the first night, and Rotonak Huot, her husband and My mom ordered the tasty drunken noodles at the Chef. The original recipes come from Sokunspice level #2 and I went with one of the curries, thim’s mother, who is a Chef back in Phnom Penh which I loved, but next time I will ask for hot level in Cambodia. They explained that Cambodian food #1! (Be advised that their spice levels do run high, and Thai food is very similar, and they chose the and unless you aim for pain, aim low). We tried the Thai menu, it being more popular among AmeriHot Chili sauce on the table, guessing that it must cans. Chiang Mai is a place I plan to add to my list be at #4, but were surprised to learn that it’s barely of favorite stops on the East End. a #1 on their scale! Our server told us with a chuckle that they have one guest who regularly asks for #8 They do offer take-out as well as dine-in. You will find Chiang Mai Restaurant at 52 Washington spicy—not many locals should attempt that feat!

Ave (Portland, ME 04101, right across from Maine The appetizers were all delicious and we could tell Mead), 253-8021

Ask the Money Prof By Joel I. Gold

Building Financial Wealth – How to Get Started?

As a younger independent person, starting out today and trying to make it big, appears to be an awesomely difficult task. I really do understand this. Seeing other people driving around in fancy cars, living in nice apartments and houses, eating out in nice restaurants, all seem off limits. You ask yourself, “how can they afford it?” It can appear to someone with limited means, an impossible goal to have all these material things.

The fact is, you can have it too, but you need to have a positive attitude. This can take some work. Successful people usually are forward-looking. Their preference is to hang with other people that have an “Can do” attitude. Complainers and negative-thinkers are not welcome.

So, the question is how does one get this attitude? To begin with, get educated about the factors that create personal wealth. Taking a simple personal finance course or reading a few personal finance texts can begin to open your knowledge base about this subject. The more you learn about the topic, the more interested and confident you will become. Financial wealth usually means an abundance of net worth.

Building assets through investments that appreciate in value is the core of this wealth center.

When you are first starting out, begin small. Invest small amounts in your savings accounts or buy mu-

tual funds or other securities with low transaction costs. The keys are consistency, systematic contributions and patience. You will be amazed as to how small amounts grow into big amounts. It will motivate you to do even more. The challenge is to motivate yourself to get started.

One technique is to think of something very important to you that you must have (i.e., your goal), something you cannot do without. For example, let’s take an extreme example. Your child needs an operation and it will cost $2,000. I think you probably would do just about anything to get that money. Why? Because it is important to you.

Just saving money and making investments without any goals will usually result in lack of continuation. It really IS critical to think about what is most important to you and then invest to meet those goals. Of course, to do this, you will need a surplus of funds above your normal expenses. This requires getting a good job (or even more than one job), cutting back on spending that does not help you build your financial wealth, and selecting investments that will appreciate in value.

Do this, and time will take care of the rest. So, if you want to build your financial wealth, identify your goals, create a plan for yourself today, and work on acquiring that positive attitude.

Student Bus Fares Discounted Greater Portland Transit District METRO will offer discounted fares during the 2012/2013 school year for students attending schools (K-12) in Portland, Westbrook and Falmouth. Students can ride METRO buses for $1 (regular fare is $1.50) using a current student photo ID throughout the school year.

12

September 2012

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

Portland Community Health Center Access, Excellence, Compassion, Respect, Accountability—Serving Locally, Leading Nationally

ity of a FQHC Board of Directors must be individuals drawn from the patients receiving the health center’s services. This unique governance model ensures substantive input into the clinic’s operational decisions by the communities served. The patients that serve on the Portland CHC Board are proud of the goals and core values of the health center. “The health center helped me so much. Now I volunteer on its board of directors” says Thierry Muvunyi, student and New Mainer.

“The Portland Community Health Center (PCHC) is growing and open to new patients,” says Leslie Brancato, CEO. “Our mission is to make sure that all people have access to quality primary medical care, and to reduce barriers to care.”

Background—For over half

a century, community health centers (also known as “federally qualified health centers” or FQHCs) have provided affordable, cost-effective, primary healthcare to millions of Americans. Funded primarily with federal grants, FQHCs utilize a time-tested, locally controlled health center model. Nationally, and here in Maine, community health centers have a proven track record of decreasing healthcare costs by increasing access to healthcare for the neediest populations.

“Portland Community Health Center, like other FQHC’s embraces a comprehensive, patient-driven approach to health

care that utilizes health care dollars wisely and improves patient health,” says Leslie Brancato, Portland CHC’s CEO. “The health center provides services not typically furnished in other primary care settings including behavioral health and other nonmedical services that remove persistent barriers to care, such as transportation, case management, and language interpretation.” These services are critical components to increasing the accessibility of health care, and result in increased utilization of preventive care services.

Under federal law, the major-

PORTLAND INITIATIVE - In 2009 the City of Portland Public Health Division, along with other local and state health care leaders saw the need, applied and received a federal grant to create the Portland Community Health Center (Portland CHC), at 180 Park Ave. Until 2009 none of the 18 community health centers in Maine were located in Cumberland County. This void was particularly vexing in light of Cumberland County’s disproportionately high rate of health disparities.

Because FQHCs serves all individuals, and this allows pa-

by Delores Lanai, M.Ed.

tients to remain with the health center as their medical home throughout many life stages— unemployment to employment —providing continuity of care, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. This, in turn, improves patient outcomes, helps prevent chronic conditions, and drives down healthcare costs for everyone.

While Portland CHC’s overall goal is to provide services to everyone, its focus is on the unmet health care needs of those in poverty and refugees and immigrants. It is located immediately adjacent to the Parkside neighborhood, which is designated as a medically underserved area.

Portland CHC plays a critical role in addressing important public health issues. Part of the basic primary care provided to patients, who would not otherwise have access, includes screenings and immunizations that help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, and help identify and manage chronic conditions at earlier stages. As such, the clinic is positioned to identify health trends and pro-actively address local health needs.

For all of these reasons, federally-qualified health centers have historically received strong bipartisan support, including these Portland centers which have received support from our federal, state, and City officials.

In the original grant, the vision was for the City of Portland to incubate the health center’s start-up, and for Portland CHC to become an independent nonprofit organization within the first five years. This vision is being realized, and the health center will become an independent organization on January 1, still called the Portland Community Health Center.

Portland Community Health Center is located at 180 Park Ave (across from King Middle School). It is open from 8 am to 4:30pm, with extended hours on Mon., Tues., and Thur. Coming soon, the Health Center will offer Saturday morning hours.

874-2141. Just recently PCHC received a grant for renovations to better utilize the space and to develop additional space for new services.

ReadersWrite ReadersWrite ReadersWrite ReadersWrite ReadersWrite

Art Soul

Lessons from my summer vacation Lesson #1: Don’t believe everything you read in the news. When we told people that we were vacationing in Greece, they questioned our sanity.

What about the demonstrations and riots? The cash runs on banks? What if you get stuck somewhere and can’t get back to the mainland? What if hotels suddenly close? Or you can’t use the ATMs or credit cards?

The sky did not fall in and we experienced no such problems. Unfortunately, too many tourists have been suckered into believing that Greece is in meltdown. Tourism is off by 40%, choking struggling hotels, merchants and restaurants.

The first signs of the economic crisis appeared as we rode the metro from the airport to downtown Athens. Billboard after billboard on the nearby highway

stood empty. Nothing to advertise: few people could afford to buy. Vacant storefronts and graffiti plague the central business area in Athens. Unemployment is over 20% and the middle class is in free fall. Clearly, austerity measures alone aren’t the cure.

Lesson #2: A little empathy goes a long way. One benefit of travel is conversation that takes you outside the tourist bubble. For example, we met a woman at a Mekong art gallery who had organized an exhibition of her father’s paintings.

He had left Mekong after World War I, studied at the Sorbonne and taught art in Athens. She rued her ancestral island’s transformation into a tourist mecca of souvenir shops and bars.

(Think Freeport on steroids.) Life was difficult in Athens, and she apologetically explained how illegal immigrants

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

What kinds of emergencies am I talking about? Hmm, how about the kind where Mom or some other relative shows up

an hour or 2 earlier than expected; you overslept, and the house is rather … discombobulated? Or your clothes are still scattered all over the bedroom floor, and you expect “special company” to arrive in 15 minutes (and your closet is already bulging)? Or your office desk is piled high with paper, and though you swear you know where everything is, your boss doesn’t believe it and is in fact heading over—in person—in 5 minutes? Those kinds of emer-

are the scapegoats for people’s frustrations. She “knew” better but was caught up in the fear-mongering that always lurks in tough times. Would she be surprised to know that the same xenophobia exists here?

Lesson #3: Trying to speak the language earns friends. During our 2009 visit to Greece, we mastered only “thank you” and “you’re welcome.” This time, our vocabulary expanded to “good morning, good afternoon, good night and excuse me,” the latter being most helpful. Such minimal efforts brought smiles and encouragement. Even greeting someone as an octopus rather than good morning (who knew the words were just one syllable different?) was met with well-meaning laughter. Remember that the next time a tourist asks where to get a lobster.

gencies.

The secret? Things that are put in orderly piles somehow look magically neater than overflowing piles.

So, when Mom calls and says they got an early start and should be at your house in 20 minutes, start folding and stacking like you work at Macy’s. Gather and put dirty dishes in the dishwasher if you have one, or neatly stacked in the sink with bubbly water hiding them. Straighten piles of bills or other papers so the new pile

13

An essay by Elizabeth Miller, Waterville Street

Uh-Oh, Mom’s at the Door (and the Place is a Mess!)

Shhh, don’t tell anyone, but I’m about to give you some tips to be used only in case of clutter-vanishing emergencies. If someone says you heard these from me, I will deny everything. But you have to cross your heart and promise to use these only in case of emergency, and once the emergency passes, to get back on track.

September 2012

Lesson #4: People are people are people. In tiny Apollonas on Naxos, we met a woman who had spent ten years in the US after marrying in 1979. Both children had been born in the US, the daughter now married and working in Greece. But her 20-something son was in graduate school in New York, so while she celebrated his opportunities, she feared he would never return to Greece and instead start a new American family. What parents in Maine haven’t felt the same ambivalence about children going out of state for college?

We returned home with stories of fun adventures, hospitable people and poignant conversations, feeling just a bit more connected to that big world beyond Munjoy Hill.

By Solange Kellermann, the Clutter Doc

looks squared off. Gather up returnables in a bag or box. Give the bathroom a quick swipe; focus on cleaning or hiding the grungiest items quickly.

Not sure you can do all that in 20 minutes? Give it a test run; you’d be surprised how little time it takes to do some things.

Messy bedroom floor? If you have two laundry hampers, or other containers like the collapsible hampers, put all the clean clothes in one hamper, dirty clothes in the other. No hampers or containers? Not

a problem. It’s Fold and Stack Like you Work at Macy’s time.

Put ‘hampers’ on your To-Get list. Pull up and straighten bed sheets and covers; put shoes under the bed; square off any piles of paper, books, stuff hanging around; put pens and sundry items in a drawer or mug. Remember this sense of panic the next time you start to dump clothing on the floor.

The boss is coming! The boss is coming! Square off all paper piles. If you’re afraid of losing something by doing this, crissSee page 18, The Place is a Mess!

El Camino de Santiago Essay by installment by Kate Campbell Strauss

After my encounter with the stray black dog, I continued walking for several days until we reached a tiny village nestled in the lush green hills. It had been ten days since I began walking and I needed to take a break. I had been walking with a group of other pilgrims and we were all going our separate ways.

It was time for my first goodbyes. Linda and Chrystiane, from Quebec, were going to join their husbands and friends to vacation on a French canal. Nicole would soon return home to Paris. Al wanted to walk several more days before taking a train to Paris to meet up with his wife. Manu, like me, was continuing to Santiago but was not ready for a break. My other pilgrim acquaintances were either continuing or going home, since many of them were walking the camino in stages of one or two weeks per year.

Interrupting the rhythm of the camino was uncomfortable. The day that I stayed in Conques, I woke up at the same time as everyone else, but instead of packing up and getting ready to go, I left my belongings in and around my sleeping bag and prepared to say goodbye. Up until the last minute, I hadn’t decided whether or not to stay behind. I didn’t want to stop walking and say goodbye to my friends, but I was physically exhausted.

In many ways, Conques was not the best place for me to take a break. It’s a village of about eighty, with two claims to fame: unusual stained glass cathedral windows and the relics of twelve-year-old Sainte-Foy that attract droves of tourists every day. So the only stores are boutiques and the only places to buy food are overpriced restaurants. I was trying to stick to a budget, so there wasn’t much to do all day, except sit, write, nap, and think. I met some new people, but I was too sad about saying goodbye to my

friends to really connect with them.

My body was still tired when I began walking the next day, but I was glad to be back in the rhythm of walking, which was becoming relatively comfortable for me, despite the shin splints, blisters, and tiredness. Catching up with my friends who had left Conques the day before would be impossible on foot, but I hoped it might work out to see them again, perhaps when they took a rest day. I found it strange to contemplate that, even though we might be less than a half hour’s drive apart, I might never see them again.

The day after leaving Conques, I found a note to me embedded in the stones piled on a cross along the way. The note was from Al and detailed where he planned to stay in the next city – Figeac. Once I arrived, I found my friend and enjoyed one last evening of laughter and camaraderie before saying a final goodbye to one of the first friends I made on the camino.

To be continued....

About the author: Kate Campbell Strauss moved to Munjoy Hill in February of 2012, one month after returning from her pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of Saint James.

Kate began her pilgrimage in Le Puy-en-Velay, France, and walked four months to the northwest coast of Spain, beyond Santiago de Compostela, where the route ends. She would love to be a resource to anyone who is thinking of making the pilgrimage. Please send emails to Observer@munjoyhill.org.

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September 2012

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Peering into the Past Investigating Jewish Life on the East End

By Jake McNally Earlier this spring, Ani Helmick scoured the meticulously kept, neatly handwritten attendance records of the old North School for September and April, 1909.

A truant officer run amok? No, Helmick was engaged in historical detective work on behalf of the Maine Jewish Museum.

By finding students who were absent on the dates of major Jewish holidays—Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in the fall, and Passover in the spring—she could identify Jewish families living in the India Street neighborhood at the turn of the century.

Her mission? To paint a portrait of early twentieth-century immigrant life on Portland’s East End. Helmick has been referencing city directories, analyzing photographs, reviewing oral histories and soaking up clues from any source that comes her way. Her work is supported by a one-year grant from the Sam L. Cohen Foundation.

Sometimes the research hits close to home. While speaking with Judy Halpert about Jewish life on Munjoy Hill, Helmick learned that her current apartment in a Morning Street triple-decker, was Halpert’s childhood home.

Helmick recalls the conversation. “She asked me, ‘Does it still have that bedroom off the kitchen?’ Yes, that’s my bedroom.

‘That’s where my cradle was!’”

“I had a really happy life up there,” Halpert said during an interview at her Craigie St. home.

Her family lived the up-the-hill and off-thepeninsula settlement pattern that Helmick’s work is documenting.

Halpert’s ancestors arrived in a wave of turnof-the-century immigration that swelled Portland’s population. Her grandfather came from Lithuania in 1894. Like many eastern European Jews, he was fleeing the Cossacks and lifetime conscription in the Russian tsar’s army.

Well-thumbed prayer books that rest on the shelves of the Maine Jewish Museum arrived with these immigrants from Lithuania, Poland, and Russia. One brittle volume was printed in Warsaw in 1860.

After a transatlantic passage, most likely to Canada, Halpert’s grandfather probably disembarked at the Grand Trunk Railway at the bottom of India Street. There he settled into a neighborhood where Jewish Silvermans and Steins nestled among Irish Murphys and O’Brions. According to the 1900 Portland City Directory, one address, 79 Middle Street, was shared by an Irish property owner, a Jewish synagogue and a Chinese laundry.

Halpert’s grandfather worked as a peddler, selling his wares by horse and wagon out in Hollis and Bar Mills.

By 1920, Italian Quottucios, Sicilianos and Paolinos had added to the immigrant mix. Just a few blocks east of Portland’s fine Victorian shopping district, Jewish businesses carved out niches on the immigrant end of Middle

Street. Blumenthal Grocery, Rubenstein’s Meats, and Bernstein Clothing jostled for store frontage with Italian barbers, fruit vendors and cigar shops.

The India Street neighborhood supported three synagogues: Shaarey Tphiloh on Newbury Street, Etz Chaim on Congress at the top of India, and Anshe Sfard at Cumberland and Franklin.

As the Jewish community became established, some families moved along the streetcar line up Munjoy Hill.

Halpert’s father, born on Deer Street in the India Street neighborhood, was one of the few Jewish men hired into the Irish-dominated post office. This steady, middle class employment allowed him to move his family to the top of the Hill where Judy was born.

By that time there were “lots of Jews on the Hill...I had so many great aunts and uncles all the way up Congress St. from Washington Avenue. We were very close and loving.”

Indeed, she remembers many Jewish owned businesses on Congress St. on Munjoy Hill by the 1940s.

The A&P grocery store was owned by Mr. Siegal. Mr Brickman had a little general store on Congress Street (his daughter married Halpert’s uncle). Mildred Kroot had a beauty salon where Jewish women got their hair done.

Munjoy Drug, owned by the Feldmans, had the “best ice

cream sodas and velvets.”

Jews, Irish and Italians on the hill mixed easily. “I got to decorate everybody’s Christmas tree. They all asked me over because they felt I was missing something.”

Halpert chuckles at the memory of accompanying her Irish friends to confession at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. To this day she meets those friends for lunch, sometimes on Munjoy Hill. “We talk about whether we could afford to live there today.”

“During World War II, people became well-to-do because of their businesses.” That’s when Jewish families began to move off the hill into the Oakdale or Woodford’s section of town.

Her uncle helped develop Forest Park off Baxter Boulevard where lots of Jewish couples got their first apartment.

“That was the cool place to live...It was not a step up but kind of a goal for Jews on the hill to move to Woodfords.”

By 1950, when Halpert graduated from Portland High, there were few Jews at the in-town high school. Most attended Deering.

The Hebrew School on Pearl St. and the Jewish Community Center on Cumberland Ave. brought teenagers from See page 15, Jewish Life

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

September 2012

15

Back-To-School!

East End Community School

GO Happy GO Healthy GO BERRY 399 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101

Students Return to School Sept.6

Welcomes Students and Families Back to School!

LIKE us at Facebook: GoBerry Portland

WWW.GOBERRYME.COM

The school’s annual Ice Cream Social and Open House will take place at school on Tuesday, September 4, 3:30 pm-5 pm. The first day of school for grades 1-5 is Thursday, September 6. School start time is 8:15 am. First day of kindergarten is Monday, September 10.

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Kathleen Carr Bailey

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Alison Grey Murray

First PTO meeting is Wednesday, September 19, 2012, 6-7 pm at EECS. Welcome back! We are looking forward to another great year at East End Community School! For PTO information, contact Alison at wharey@yahoo.com or http://eecs.portlandpto.org/ (PTO website)

Certified Maine Master Gardener

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Pre-kindergarten: 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Elementary schools: 8:55 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.

Middle schools: 8:25 a.m. to 2:35 p.m.

High schools: 8 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.

West School: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS): Morning session: 8 to 10:30 a.m.; Afternoon session: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• • • • • •

All students except pre-kindergartners are released one hour early on Wednesdays from September 26 through May. The PATHS schedule on early release days is 8 to 10 a.m. (morning session) and 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (afternoon session). FMI: .portlandschools.org/

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Back-to-School • Safety Tips

On August 27, 2012 East End Community School teachers visited with students at Popsicles in the Park on the Eastern Prom and at Kennedy Park. In the photo, Physical Education Teacher, Marjorie Queen, hands out popsicles to EECS students on the Eastern Promenade at one of the school’s “welcome back” events.

Here are some simple reminders for drivers: • Slow down and be especially alert in the residential neighborhoods and school zones • Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs • Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully • Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours • Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving Reminder for your kids: • They should cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old • Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks • Never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars • Make sure they always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them

From page 14,

“Serving Greater Portland Since 1980”

Jewish Life

the Hill together with teenagers from the Oakdale/

Congratulations to all of tonights Woodford’s communities.

Award Winners!

Halpert remembers the center­—with its theater, gym, 104 Washington Avenue • Portland, ME 04101 • 207.773.8198

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bowling alley and social hall—as “the greatest thing.” the Woodfords boy who later be-

That’s where she met 104 Washington Avenue • Portland, Maine 04101 • (207) 773-8198 mikerand@maine.rr.com came her husband. observer ad.indd 1

The normal daily schedule is:

Four elementary schools - Reiche, East End, Riverton and Presumpscot - and Lincoln Middle School will offer free breakfasts to all of their students for the first time, beginning in September.

DESIGN • INSTALLATION • COACHING

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Classes will begin on September 6 for students in first through 12th grades in the Portland Public Schools. Kindergartners and children enrolled in the district’s pre-kindergarten classes will start school on September 10.

9/18/2009 8:37:35 AM

In the mid-1950s, her family joined the exodus off of Munjoy Hill. She cannot recall any Jews of her generation who remained on the Hill for their entire lives.

Ani Helmick dreams of mapping this up-and-out pattern of Jewish settlement and assimilation. She imagines identifying Jewish families in the India St. neighborhood at the turn of the century, tracking the second generation up Munjoy Hill, and then following the third generation out to their Oakdale/Woodfords homes in the 1940s and ’50s.

Help Support the Observer with your advertising! email Observer@munjoyhill.org

Helmick will complete her work on immigrant life on the East End this spring and present it in some form at the Maine Jewish Museum.

Watching Bees at Dusk*

By Ezrah, aka “Mr. Bankhead,” Vy, Aranne, and Carlos from the East End School

My favorite picture is of the road because it looks kind of pretty when it’s dark and the light shines down really bright, and it has a pattern to it—dark tree, the road, yellow light, the dark tree again.

All the bees together look Like a patch of leaves Their wings like glass My body full of fear The buzzing rings my eardrums Faster the bees move I see a beautiful, yellow orange sun.

The sun is setting, but nobody notices through the thick fog.

I look at the picture of the ocean and almost cry.

*

Student writing from the Telling Room (tellingroom.org), currently posted outside the St. Lawrence Arts Center as part of the “Words in the Weather” installation.

In the meantime, an exhibit opening this month will offer a glimpse into Jewish life of the past on the East End. “Jewish Voices of Maine: Recordings of Cantors and Portland Oral Histories” opens at the Maine Jewish Museum on Sunday, September 9 with a reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The oral history component features selections from the Documenting Maine Jewry/Portland Public Library collection with thematic excerpts on topics such as “Life on Munjoy Hill,” “Family Businesses,” and “Portland High School.”

The personal listening stations installed for this exhibit will become a permanent part of the Maine Jewish History exhibits at the museum.

As for Helmick’s project, if anybody has stories or materials to contribute, she’s open to doing interviews at any time. Contact her with information about the East End immigrant experience at mainejews@gmail.com.

Rosh Hashanah (Sept 16-18) and Yom Kippur (Sept 25-26) services will be held this month at Etz Chaim Synagogue, 267 Congress St. Call 773-2339 for details.

16

September 2012

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

576 Congress St.

225 Congress St.

(207) 773-7099

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Lucid Stage is Closing

Hilltop Community Fellowship Serving the Community

The post at right is from the Lucid Stage website. Shows will be held throughout the month of September. fmi: Lucidstage.com.

Submitted by Sebastien Bukuru of International Christian Fellowship Hilltop Community Fellowship is here on the hilltop to take part in the Munjoy Hill community. Hilltop Community Fellowship is a church fellowship which presently meets Sunday evenings at 6:30 P.M. in the International Christian Fellowship building at 35 Lafayette Street. This is a community committed to serving.

Hilltop presently offers monthly dinners and assists individuals with certain other needs they may have such as clothing, food items, furniture and household items. Hilltop is also offering in-home discussions/ pastoral visits and Bible studies for home-bound individuals, or for those not comfortable in the confines of a church building.

Everyone is invited to meet with Hilltop on Sunday evenings, and you are invited to call the pastor, Dan White, at 251-6967, to let him know how they may serve the community. Hilltop Community Fellowship looks forward to meeting you and serving in the community. FMI Dan White at whidanj@yahoo.com

This incarnation of Lucid Stage will be coming to an end as of September 30th, 2012.

The overhead in this location was too costly for a small, non-profit arts center.

Thank you to all who have come to our shows and events, and especially those who volunteered time, and who donated “things” or money to Lucid Stage.

Our success will be measured by how many people were inspired by a performance they saw or a person they met here.

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Please support your local artists, arts groups and organizations – they are usually not independently wealthy!

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Best wishes, Liz Mc Mahon and the Lucid team

Crossword ACross 1- Chat 7- Boxer Laila 10- Lion’s share 14- New World songbird 15- Adult males 16- Fit to ___ 17- Doctrine maker 18- Implement used when rowing a boat 19- Type of guard 20- Bubbling 23- Sumptuous meal 26- Actress Charlotte 27- Skin openings 28- Fish-eating eagle 29- “You’ve got mail” co.

30- Little one 31- Went in 33- ___ vivant 34- Capote, to friends 37- Vegas roller

(Solution on page 19) 38- Salt Lake City athlete 39- Gerund maker 40- Occurrence 41- Paris possessive 42- Break off 43- Chief stagehand 45- Son-gun link 46- Frozen Wasser 47- Flexible tube 48- Island in the East China Sea 51- Caterer’s coffeepot 52- Crouch in fear 53- Unwholesome 56- For men only 57- ___ few rounds 58- Capital of Canada 62- Make weary 63- Covering for the head 64- Wrestling hold 65- Flat sound 66- RR stop 67- Indo-Europeans;

Down 1- Dot follower 2- Acapulco gold 3- Diarist Anais 4- Prophesy 5- Up in the air 6- Bone to pick 7- Unprincipled 8- Depart 9- About, in memos 10- Symbol 11- Alternate 12- Paris divider 13- Camp sights 21- Worn away 22- Like angel food cake 23- Eats 24- Bert’s buddy 25- Pays to play 29- Big name in insurance 30- Musical sounds 32- Expressing regret

33- Two-piece bathing suit 34- Hurl 35- Bluffer’s ploy 36- Higher 44- Spectral 45- Siouan speakers 46- List of corrections 48- Thin fogs 49- The opposition 50- Former Russian rulers 51- German submarine 52- More adorable 54- Sounds of disgust 55- A Chaplin 59- Simile center 60- Took the gold 61- Ques. response; BestCrosswords.com

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

A Time For Peace Wars and rumors of wars, occupations…dwelling on the just peace there ought to be ways found to address critical issues without the violence of military force, Every third tuesday of the month, A quiet time for meditation or prayer, a non-sectarian vigil, noon to 1 pm, in the garden at State Street Church, 159 State Street, Portland. Of peace, fmi: 774-6396

Sept 11, 2012 Remember and Serve

Spirits Alive Cemetery Tours

National Day of Remembrance and Service. And “I Will...” is the national service project My Good Deed created to unite people in paying tribute to those who died and those who rose in service on September 11, 2001.

Through October 13th, Spirits Alive will be giving tours of the Eastern Cemetery on Saturdays at 10 am and on Sundays at 1:30 pm. No reservations required.

Sept. 15, 11 am Eastern Cemetery --New Stone dedication

neighborhood

Dedicating stone to a Munjoy Hill African-American who served in the US Navy in War of 1812, lived a hard working life back home, and was murdered by his own son— the grave forgotten and grave site lost, until now. Rep. Herb Adams got stone approved and delivered from the VA. There will be a nice ceremony on tap, with the colors, bugler, etc. Deering Post VFW 6758 and Harold Andrews Post 17 of American Legion on Deering Street will be doing the honors.

Sept 20: Maine Women’s Gala & Auction Thurs, September 20, 2012. with Bidding to Break the Glass Ceiling. This festive auction, dinner, and dancing event will be held at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland, Maine www. mainewomenspolicycenter.org This is the largest fundraising event of the year for the Maine Women’s Policy Center, and helps sustain our efforts to organize, train, and support the participation of women and girls in the policy-making process. Maine Women’s Policy Center, 207.622.0851, info@mainewomen.org

St. Lawrence Arts Center Your neighborhood arts center is at 76 Congress Street, stlawrencearts. org, 347-7177

Paintings of the India Street

by Rush Brown, Exhibition from July 19-Sept 10, 2012, at the Maine Jewish Museum, housed in Portland’s historic Etz Cahim Synagogue—267 Congress St., 207-329-9854, ask for Ani Helmick.

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

September 2012

Sept. 29th at 10am-3 pm We Love Munjoy Hill Festival East End Community School munjoyhill.org Sponsored by the MHNO, Community Policing and Portland Recretion

Good Theater, LOOKING AHEAD: Starting this season, Good Theater will be offering rush tickets to anyone who lives on Munjoy Hill. No reservations, cash only, tickets, if available, will be up for sale 15 minutes prior to the performance. For more information or to check on availability call the Good Theater box office at 885-5883.

—Oct & November Events— An Evening with Broadway Star Florence Lacey – pre-season special event, SAT, October 6 at 7:30, and Sunday October 7 at 2 pm All seats $30. A cross between Inside the Actors’ Studio and the old Merv Griffin show.

Good People by David LindsayAbaire. Maine premiere of this recent Broadway success that was nominated for a Best Play Tony Award in 2011, October 10 – November 4.

Striking 12 – a new holiday musical, a reworking of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl told with a funky beat. Great for the whole family., November 14 – December 9, www.mainewomenspolicycenter.org

serving a changing menu of carefully crafted dishes open for dinner wednesday through saturday 5 until 10pm

100 congress street, portland | 207.775.5652 | www.barlola.net

Haley’s Dog Walking, LLC Dog First-Aid Certified Insured • Portland, Maine

207-408-2889

haleysdogwalking@hotmail.com

Soccer Pick-Up Games Now indoor: Interested in playing SOCCER in the East End? Pickup games— just have fun, keep in shape, and have fun. All ages/skill levels welcome! Contact Andrew: 670-8041 or drewleadley@gmail. com

Train Rides : Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Labor Day Celebration - September 1, 2 & 3: We will celebrate the holiday weekend by running a steam locomotive all weekend. The museum will feature activities for children.

The Roaring Twenties - September 22, & 23: We will host a 1920’s themed celebration marking the heyday of much of our railroad equipment. Period dress is strongly encouraged!

135 congress Street • portland, Me 04101

774-2279

Open 7 Days a Week Sun to Thur: 6 am – 11 pm fri & Sat: 7 am – Midnight

Lunch SpeciaL 3-Ham Italian for 99¢

Buy-One/ get One free 10” Pizza Try our fresh homemade

Italian Sausage

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

Port Veritas Spoken Word Night Poetry Readings, every Tuesday 7-10 pm, @ Local Sprouts, 649 Congress St., Portland, All Ages, Gil Helmick, 400-7543.

MOOSE Droppings —Open Mic/Spoken Word Maine Organization of Storytelling Enthusiasts meet Every second Wednesday of the month. Drop by the Portland Public Library for our Monthly MOOSE Open Mic / Spoken Word Story Telling Event! Adult original and traditional stories, 10 minutes or less at the open mic hosted each by a different MOOSE Member.

Suggested $5 donation. moosetellers.ning.com/

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Restaurant Open at 9 am on Saturdays and Sundays Serving breakfast all day!!

40 Washington Avenue ~ 772-0360

www.sillys.com eatatsillys@yahoo.com

Serving Lunch & Dinner Tuesday through Sunday

NEW—Check it out: Right next door!

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September 2012

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Corey Templeton

Portland Trails 13th Annual Trail-to-Ale 10K Race/Walk

Above, runners start the 2011 Portland Trails-to-Ale race.

Below, left: 2012 Portland Trails-to-Ale race route (from Portlandtrails.org website)

EcoMaine Annual Open House & Recycling Fair Saturday, September 22, 8:30-11:30 AM

a high-end women’s consignment store

316 A Congress Street Portland ME 04101 207-775-PLUM (7586)

Now accepting consignments; please call.

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PLUM

Facilities are located at 64 Blueberry Rd, Portland, ME 04102, off Outer Congress just past the Turnpike overpass. Call 773-1738. or visit ecomaine. org for details & directions. le thi

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Have you seen the new Eastern Prom TrailMap & Guide? The full-color guide includes a map of the entire Eastern Promenade, including trails, nature paths, monuments and landmarks, as well as information about the park and Friends of the Eastern Promenade. Find them at Fort Allen and Loring Memorial Trails, or email kristin@easternpromenade.org.

Free reycling of TVs & electronics, Free breakfast sandwiches, Free recycling bins, Free raffle for a tent & 2 sleeping bags, and much more!

er

NEW Trail Map & Guide for Eastern Prom

Festivals & Fairs!

September means the arrival of fairs of all flavors. All up and down the coast, communities strut their stuff. You can find live music and locally-grown produce, critters, arts & crafts and antiques, ...and then there’s the FOOD! For more details, visit www.mainefairsandfestivals.com

Sunday, September 16, 2012, 9 a.m.

The 2011 race was so crowded, they’ve tweaked the course to accommodate everyone more comfortably! It will start on the Eastern Promenade to allow everyone to spread out the first quarter, loop Back Cove, end at East End Beach, then party with Shipyard Brewing Company and Portland Pie Company in a tent in the Ocean Gateway queuing lot!

FMI trails.org

Here Come Maine’s Fantastic

Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass

8/31/12 - 9/2/12

3

FRI

Brunswick

Lewiston/Auburn Greek Festival,155 Hogan Rd

09/06/12-09/08/12

2

Wed

Lewiston/Auburn

Annual Eastport Pirate Festival

9/7/12 - 9/9/12

2

FRI

Eastport

24th Annual Summer Solstice Craft Show

9/8/12 - 9/9/12

2

SAT

Wells

11th Annual Fall Festival of Arts&Crafts,Smiling Hill Farm

9/8/12

1

SAT

Westbrook

The Maine Crafts Guild Scarborough Show

9/8/12

1

SAT

Scarborough

Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival

9/8/12 - 9/9/12

2

SAT

Wells

New Portland Lions Agricultural Fair and The Maine Crafts Festival

9/14/12 - 9/16/12

3

SAT

New Portland

4th Annual Family Jamboree

9/15/12

1

SAT

Wells

15th Annual Harvestfest & Chowdah Cookoff

9/15/12

1

Sat

Bethel

Common Ground Country Fair

9/21/12 - 9/23/12

3

Fri

Unity

Piscataquis Chamber Harvest Dance

9/22/12 - 9/24/12

3

Sat

Dover-Foxcroft

Annual Fall Show

9/22/12 - 9/23/12

2

Sat

Boothbay

OOB 365 Autumn Celebration

9/22/12

1

Sat

Old Orchard Beach

Art In The Park Show

9/22/12 - 9/23/12

2

Sat

Bar Harbor

Shaker Hill Apple Festival

9/22/12 - 9/23/12

2

Sat

Alfred

Punkinfiddle Festival

9/22/12

1

Sat

Wells

141st Annual Cumberland Fair

9/23/12 - 9/29/12

7

Sun

Portland

Suburban Boston Fall Home Show

9/28/12 - 9/30/12

3

Fri

Wilmington

Carol Sebold Harbor Arts Arts & Crafts Fall Show

9/29/12 - 9/30/12

2

Sat

Camden

Kennebunkport Fine Art And Crafts Show

9/29/12

1

Sat

Kennebunkport

Eliot Festival Day

9/29/12

1

Sat

Eliot

Fryeburg Fair

9/30/12 - 10/7/12

8

SUN

Fryeburg

Berwick Pto Fourth Annual Touch A Truck

10/2/12

1

Tue

North Berwick

Damariscotta Pumpkinfest And Regatta

10/5/12 - 10/8/12

4

Fri

Damariscotta

Airport Mall Craft Fairs

10/6/12

1

Sat

Bangor

Rangeley Lakes Logging Museum Apple Festival

10/6/12

1

Sat

Rangeley

Blue Mountain Arts And Crafts Festival

10/6/12 - 10/7/12

2

Sat

Newry

17th Acadia’s Oktoberfest

10/6/12

1

Sat

Southwest Harbor

Fall Foliage Festival

10/6/12 - 10/7/12

2

Sat

Boothbay

Harvestfest & Kidsfest

10/13/12 - 10/14/12

2

Sat

York

Celebrate Our Schools

10/13/12 - 10/14/12

2

Sat

South Portland

Apparently there is nothing that cannot happen today.

MHNO is a proud member of Portland BuyLocal

—Mark Twain

PORTLAND ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE Uh-Oh, The Place is a Mess! from Page 7 cross the categories; i.e. project 1 is portraitoriented, project 2 is landscape-oriented.

Tuck it away! Put dirty mugs and other dishes in a drawer. Put trash in the trash can; that means candy and chip wrappers, lunch and snack detritus. Put pens and pencils in a mug or a drawer. Look at the top of your desk—it should only have items related to what you are currently working on.

After the boss leaves, promise yourself that you’ll create a file for every project you’re working on and will keep only current and frequently-needed files on your desk, so you won’t have paper high-rises growing around your desk any more.

131 Preble Street Portland, Maine

www.portlandsalvage.com

207-780-0634

There… Looks good. Now go sit down and relax—Mom, that ‘special guest’ and the boss are not actually coming ‘til tomorrow.

See puzzle on page 16

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

September 2012

19

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September 2012

MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

Colorful Solutions for Financing a Home Mortgage

The home you’ve dreamed of may be within reach. At Norway Savings, we offer several down payment assistance programs for eligible borrowers.

Karen Perry

Vice President & Branch Manager, Congress Street 207.482.7905

Claire Owens

Business Development Officer, Exchange Street 207.482.7924

Call for a no obligation appointment today – while rates are at historic lows. We’ll help you explore the many financing options available.

Member FDIC

1.888.725.2207 • www.norwaysavingsbank.com