The West End News - March 2020 - Vol. 20 No. 03

MARCH 2020.VOL. 20, NO. 03. PORTLAND, MAINE.

PORTLAND’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER. FREE!

UPDATE: MERCY ON THE MOVE Young Climate Activists Urge of State Street Hospital Citizens to be ‘Climate Voters’ Sale State Street hospital to remain open until Fore River campus expansion is complete

Youth rally at Portland City Hall on Super Tuesday to ask those who are old enough to vote with the climate crisis in mind. Below, Anthony Marvin of Sunrise Portland speaks to a reporter.

-Photos by Tony Zeli

Youth from all across Maine gathered at polling stations on Super Tuesday, March 3rd, to remind voters that while the youth cannot yet vote, the people at the polls can, and the youth encourage them to vote for the climate, and for a brighter future for the world at large.

“Our main message to voters today is to vote with the climate crisis… We’re asking people to head to the polls and vote for the candidates who are best equipped to deal with it,” said Anthony Marvin, an organizer with Sunrise Portland.

Northern Light Mercy Hospital State Street facade (left) and ER entrance on Spring Street (right). -Photos by Tony Zeli

“This local development group knows Portland well, and they are committed to engaging with the community in a meaningful way,” said Charlie Therrien, president of Mercy Hospital. “This sale and campus consolidation will position us for the future and ensure that we are able to carry on the mission of the Sisters of Mercy that began in Portland just over a century ago.”

By Tony Zeli

In Portland, youth rallied, sang, and shared stories at City Hall before spreading out to talk to voters in front of City Hall and at Lincoln Park and Monument Square. The teams of youth handed out environmental scorecards for the Democratic primary candidates.

Northern Light Mercy Hospital has sold its State Street property to NewHeight Redfern, a joint venture between local development firms NewHeight Group and Redfern Properties. The development group has a strong track record of community engagement on local projects. Proceeds from the sale will be invested in Mercy Hospital’s Fore River campus, where Mercy will consolidate hospital operations.

“Sunrise Portland, which is a member of the larger Sunrise movement, has officially endorsed Bernie Sanders. That said this rally is not really for or against any one candidate, it’s more informing voters that this is a very important issue for many of us… and many of us like youth in this state, in this country – This is folks who don’t have the opportunity to vote right now who are trying to make their voices heard because it is their futures.”

“We are excited about this project and the potential it holds for the West End and Portland as a whole,” said Erin Cooperrider, head of NewHeight Group.

“As we developed our proposal during the RFP process, we reached out to area neighborhood organizations to learn more about their priorities, and we look forward to engaging with them again as things move forward. Our preliminary concept imagines a largely residential In the near term, little will change at project, with new housing across the afthe State Street hospital. As part of the fordability spectrum, along with small agreement, Mercy will lease back and occommercial components.” cupy the State Street property until it’s able to relocate operations to an expandNewHeight Redfern has assembled a ed Fore River campus. Construction on local team, including Community Housing the Fore River campus is scheduled to of Maine and the Portland Housing Aubegin this spring with project completion thority. The team has experience develexpected in 2022. This schedule will allow oping housing, both for rent and for sale, for the development team to engage with at all income levels, and looks forward neighbors and the community on the de- to working with the neighborhood as it tails of their development plans. further refines its concept.

Pages 8 & 9… Conservatives and liberals come together for climate justice Page 11… Best Wines of 2019 Page 14... Portland Buy Local membership drive Page 17... New column on emotional intelligence Page 20… Crossword, Sudoku, trivia & more fun Page 22… Mountain and forest bathing adventures by Nancy Dorrans

Whitley Marshall leads Compassionate Leadership Project, Pg. 2

St. Patrick's Day events and parade details on Pg. 6

C. Love Cookie Project puts mission before cookies on Pg. 16

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THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

THE WEST END NEWS WEST END PEOPLE

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Whitley Marshall & Compassionate Leadership

By Tony Zeli If you could change one thing in the world what would it be? Here is Mrs. Portland’s response: “If Whitley could change one thing in the world, she would break down the systemic cycles of oppression leading to poverty, homelessness, hunger, disease, violence, lack of education, inequality, and more, laying the groundwork through compassionate education and community service.”

We all have heard some variation of this infamous pageant question, and we all have thought about our answers. But, how often do we act on our more grandiose ideas? For Mrs. Portland Whitley Marshall, her journey to capture the crown is also an opportunity to put her words into action.

COMPASSIONATE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Whitley is running for Mrs. Maine to promote compassionate leadership and she is actively developing a program through World Roots Culture Exchange, an organization she helped to start. Beginning with the premise that our world needs leaders who are guided by compassion and who will make thoughtful decisions for our planet and our future, the Compassionate Leader Project will train community members in social skills, nonviolent communication, de-escalation, bullying prevention and intervention, active listening, anxiety and stress coping skills, self-care and self-compassion.

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“Everybody’s a leader. You’re leading someone whether it’s your pet…” [Whitley’s dachshund, Mojo, joins us for the interview] “...within your family, in your workplace, with your friends—there’s someone who’s being influenced by you.

Whether you identify as a compassionate leader already or you want to develop those skills to be a more compassionate leader, I really would love to welcome everyone. “

Whitley Marshall, who readers may know best as a belly dance troupe leader with Barefoot Truth Dance Company, or as the wife of West End city councilor David Marshall (who served from 2006-2015), takes on a different role competing in the Mrs. Maine America pageant. Pictured above with husband David Marshall & Mojo. -Photo courtesy of

Whitley Marshall

tors, teachers, parents, and students to put together workshops to promote compassion, identify and prevent bullying, and help end detention as we know it.

“I believe that bullying is generally caused by trauma and brokenness within that person who is bullying,” says Whitley.

“So, they need to be treated. They need to heal from that trauma. They need to learn self-compassion. They need to learn compassion for others. They need to experience stories of diverse people and put themselves in their shoes.”

For Whitely, instead of focusing on problems, she would like to see us focusing on solutions, instead of focusing on oppression, focus on the oppressed. She wants to actively work to end the feeling of oppression, to change those cycles forever. No big deal.

Whitley has put her own compassionate leadership skills to the test, perhaps no more so than when she worked per diem at the Preble Street Teen Center.

She says she is grateful for the skills she has developed and wants to share them with others who haven’t had the opportunity to learn or could use a refresher.

“Small mindset shifts make a huge difference and acting with kindness in all things and thinking compassionately – to put yourself in other people’s shoes – is going to make the biggest difference of any. And so, exam yourself open mindedly and make small baby steps and it will make a huge ripple effect… Anyone can “It’s clear that a lot of people need be a compassionate leader.” these skills – things I work on myself, not being taught all of them through my FYI family dynamics. I learned them through If you’d like to become a compassionother means, like through workplaces or ate leader, contact compassionateleaderself-learning.” shipproject@gmail.com.

COMPASSION & SCHOOLS

The Compassionate Leadership Project will host An Artful Afternoon with Compassionate Conversations, an afternoon of creating art and sharing stories, on Saturday, March 14th, at Portland Media Center, 516 Congress Street, 3 to 6 p.m. For more details, see our writeup in “Community Events” on Page 6.

Whitley explains that while we expect parents to pass down many of these social/behavioral skills, the reality is that doesn’t always happen. This is an area for schools to step in, but they are not always well prepared to do so. For Whitley, hearing stories from friends, whose children And cheer on Whitley at the Mrs. have been bullied at school, and seeing schools unable to help, lead her to offer Maine America and Miss Maine for Amerthe Compassionate Leadership Project as ica pageants on Saturday, April 11th, 2020, at 3 p.m. at DoubleTree hotel, 363 Maine a resource.

Mall Road, South Portland.

One of the big goals for Whitely and the Compassionate Leadership Project is Tony Zeli is publisher and editor (and to work with Portland school administra- a longtime friend of the Marshalls).

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Maine Ranks 8th on Annual School Breakfast Participation Scorecard During the 2018–2019 school year, 37,173 students with low income in Maine started the day with a nutritious school breakfast through the School Breakfast Program according to a report released by the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). Nationally, 12.4 million students with low income participated in school breakfast in the 2018-2019 school year.

FRAC’s School Breakfast Scorecard ranks states on the rate of participation of children with low income in the School Breakfast Program. In the 20182019 school year, Maine’s school breakfast program reached 64 low-income children for every 100 who participated in school lunch. While there are still more students who can benefit from starting the school day with a nutritious breakfast, Maine is moving closer to FRAC’s goal of serving school breakfast to 70 children with low income for every 100 who receive school lunch.

“Since 2016 Preble Street Maine Hunger Initiative has worked with communities, schools, and families to increase the number of students participating in the school breakfast program,” said Meredith Cook, Maine Hunger Initiative Social Change Advocate. “We have witnessed the positive impact of school breakfast on student’s health and academic performance. Just as students are provided with books, computers, and desks to be set up for success, we must ensure every student has the fuel they need to learn and thrive.”

Research shows that students who eat breakfast at school are more alert and better able to concentrate, leading to improved attendance records, a boost in academic achievement, and higher graduation rates. For the one in five Maine children who live in a food insecure home, school breakfast is an essential part of the day.

In 2019, thanks in large part to advocacy efforts led by Preble Street, Full Plates Full Potential, and the Ending Child Hunger Coalition, Maine passed Breakfast After the Bell legislation, sponsored by Senator Marianne Moore, Senator Shenna Bellows, and Senator Cathy Breen. This program allows schools across the state to provide breakfast in the classroom before the school day begins, after first period, or through a “grab and go” option and will increase school breakfast participation among students with low income.

“Over the last four years Full Plates Full Potential has worked with schools and granted $142,000 dollars to support their breakfast programs flipping to a breakfast after the bell meal program,” said Justin Alfond co-director of Full Plates Full Potential. “This new law will jumpstart our coalition’s work to help thousands and thousands of more children get access and eat breakfast daily.” In addition to the many benefits school breakfast provides students, Maine schools are reimbursed by the federal government for each breakfast they serve to students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

Man Struck by Train Dies on Tracks On February 23rd, just after 3:30 p.m., Portland Police responded to the railroad tracks behind 400 St. John Street for the report of a man lying on the ground and bleeding. The subject, later identified as Raul Fabian Schneider (DOB 07-04-1965), was deceased when located by police.

A person walking on the railroad tracks found Schneider in the area near the I-295 overpass and immediately called 911. Officers from the Amtrak Police and the Railroad Police from Pan Am Railways determined that Schneider was struck by the southbound Amtrak Downeaster train at 3:08 p.m. as he was walking on the railroad tracks behind 400 St John Street at the I-295 overpass.

Raul was identified through fingerprints he provided when he entered the United States at a Texas border crossing in 2014, and at that time he identified his country of origin as Argentina. It is believed that he was living in a campsite near the area of Park Avenue and St. John Street.

A photo of Raul Fabian Schneider, from a body worn camera when police had a non-criminal contact with him in August of 2019. Contact Portland Police if you have any information that could help notify Scneider's family.

The Portland Police Department are trying to locate anyone that might have known Schneider and would be able to help determine where he was living, working, or any other information about him that could help to notify his family of his death. If anyone has any information that could help Police, please call (207) 8748575.

THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

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Compassionate & Innovative Memory Care Residents of Fallbrook Woods, along with an accomplished local artist, displayed plenty of imagination while developing ideas for this enchanting mural.

Their talent and enthusiasm continues to inspire and amaze us…every single day.

For more information or to arrange a tour, contact Susan at (207) 878–0788 or visit www.fallbrookwoods.com

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THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

OUR READERS & OPINION

READER OPINION Young Voters in Maine Can Change History

LA VIDA LOCAL: IRREGULAR NOTES ON WEST END LIFE

Focus Groups, Needs Assessments & Surveys, Oh My!

By Joe Oliva Listen, I understand why young people don’t go to things like caucuses.

I’m 23 years old, and a recent college graduate – I get it. Showing up to a community gym only to go stand in a corner for a while? Hanging out with a bunch of older folks talking about politics? Not hold in our economy. I’m tired of being everyone’s idea of a riveting afternoon. told to distrust immigrant families.This is Here’s the thing: your presence at not the best America can be. the caucus can change the course of Young voters of Portland – our history. Truly. minds are full of hope and our bodies full As has been proven out, young of energy. I understand that desperation people have a unique and pivotal voice is not flattering, but I implore you: vote in elections. We possess a political will in the Democratic Primary on March 3rd marked with a distinct idealism, op- and make your presence felt at the Demtimism, and energy. We dream of the ocratic Caucus at King Middle School world we hope to inhabit for the rest on March 8th. Take part in the process. of our lives – even if it bears no resem- This is the way we create change. This is blance to the world of today. Look no the avenue by which we can collectively further than the midterm election of address the issues of the day and miti2018 to witness the impact of youth gate the problems tomorrow. You have voters. According to all statistics, 2018 the potential to correct our course as a saw unprecedented turnout for young nation. You have the chance to create a adults with the upshot of a blue wave brighter future for us all. nationwide.The midterm elections fracMy name is Joe Oliva. I'm 23 years old tured a Republican dominated governand have been a Maine resident my ment and allowed for actions such as entire life. I grew up in the Portland impeachment to see the light of day. area and live in the West End now, Entertain this thought: Maine is one having spent my college years in of the most important states in the 2020 Waterville. I believe that young elections. Don’t believe me? A cursory people hold the key to not only Google search shows reports of unpar- defeating Trump, but also selecting alleled amounts of outside money that the best Democratic candidate to do has flooded into the state for expressly so. political activity. We are at the center of the nation’s focus — a state that can change the current political reality for the country. Represented by Susan Collins, and having split our 2016 electoral votes, we are as purple as purple gets.

While this means that we’ll see more and more advertisements and smears, it also suggests that our voice matters now more than ever before.

I’m not alone when I say I’m tired of it. I’m tired of getting the impression that the climate change crisis, middle class wage stagnation, and healthcare aren’t issues important enough to be addressed meaningfully. I’m tired of hearing about my peers being saddled with untold amounts of debt after graduation. I’m tired of reading about Republican representatives cutting taxes for corporations and the rich, while the rest of America struggles to find a foot-

Thank you for reading!

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SUBMISSIONS WEN is a community newspaper and we need your voice!

Share your submissions with thewestendnews@gmail.com or send to: West End News Attn: Editor 795 Congress Street Portland, Maine 04102 • Letters to the editor should be no more than 300 words. Include your name, neighborhood, and phone or email for confirmation.

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Deadline for publication is the fourth Friday of every month.

Our column space is very limited, publication is not guaranteed, and submissions may be edited for length and content.

By Rosanne Graef When the Portland School Committee recently voted to rename Riverton Elementary School to Gerald E.Talbot Community School, it also endorsed the possibility of moving from an elementary to a community school model, the first in the city to do so. Following a community survey and focus groups, a plan could be developed by the end of this school year. One already sees the school referred to as Riverton Community School, just as we have East End Community School and Howard C. Reiche Community School. Originally and over time these facilities incorporated and/ or dropped recreation, public health, branch libraries, and other municipal services for all residents.You’re excused if you find this rather confusing. Sometime along the way between the 1970s and now the meaning of “community school” seems to have changed.

AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES Back in 2014 Portland became the first city in Maine to join AARP’s Age-Friendly Communities project that envisions a community-wide effort to make the city safer, healthier, more inclusive and supportive for residents as they age. A steering committee did an assessment of where the City of Portland stood with respect to the project’s criteria, surveys of residents were conducted, and a 5-year action plan was developed. Over the intervening years, among other activities, senior resource and transportation guides were published, the snow shoveling for seniors program was expanded, businesses were given the opportunity to be identified as age-friendly, speakers presented on disability rights and other pertinent topics. In 2020, the committee is going to be conducting a new needs assessment as well as revising and updating the action-plan.

Last May I participated in one of several focus groups initiated by the City Manager through the Recreation Department to talk about Portland’s needs vis-à-vis community centers. These were followed by a community survey and neighborhood meetings in the fall. A team from the University of New Hampshire was to analyze the data, and the results, I hope, will be available soon. One of the big questions to be answered on this issue will be “Does Portland need a big, new centrally-located community center or are scattered smaller facilities more suited to providing what the community wants (and can afford)?” Hint: refer to first paragraph.

ONE CLIMATE FUTURE In late winter of 2019, Portland and South Portland launched the One Climate Future project with the goal of determining the cities’ possible responses to ongoing climate change. Surveys were conducted on what people are doing already with regard to transportation and land use, high performance buildings, resilience and preparedness, and waste reduction, followed by another round of inquiries as to what barriers they face in addressing these challenges. After one more survey this spring that will seek to prioritize actions the municipalities can take, a plan is to be presented in early summer 2020.

HOLISTIC DECISION-MAKING In my mind, these projects and proposals are intimately entwined and must be considered and evaluated in relation to each other in order to make the best decisions for our city’s civic, social, and financial success. I hope they’ll be treated holistically and not sit in their boxes of Education/Health and Human Services/Parks, Recreation and Facilities/Sustainability and Transportation.

Rosanne Graef is a West End resident. Readers may reach her by email at lavidalocalwen@gmail.com.

COMMENTARY

PEOPLE POWER AND THE HOUSING CRISIS

By Adam Rice

Currently, a person would have to earn $65,100 and $78,120 to qualify for these “affordable” units under these guidelines.

This is because the AMI figure is based on an area that includes surrounding towns with higher average incomes. If the definition for “affordable” was based on just our city, the median income would be drastically lower. The result is that when affordable units do get created, the people who need them the most don’t qualify because they are still too expensive. Our city currently subsidizes these units at A NEW COALITION 100% to 120% of the AMI, but if they were FORMS subsidized at 30% – 60% this would result Last summer I attended The March in a lower barrier of entry that would be to End Homelessness, where we learned more appropriate for the average incomes about the history of gentrification in our in our city. city and many great connections were DISCRIMINATION made. The result of this march was the Another key issue the group is workformation of The Peoples Housing Coalition. As a Portland resident, I was very ing to address is discrimination that exhappy to get involved and bring my experi- ists within the local housing system. Many ences to this network to strive toward re- individuals holding housing assistance solving many issues that have gone on far vouchers are now starting to lose them. too long. In this article, I will explain a bit After years of searching and applying, their about this coalition and some of the goals vouchers are not being accepted for a people are currently organizing around. wide array of reasons.

Readers can find the group on Facebook The most common reason vouchers and Twitter and are welcome to attend are denied is that rents are consistently organizing meetings that are held monthly. higher than the programs cover. Likewise, Within the confines of acquiring af- requiring three months’ rent upfront is fordable housing, or ensuring our home- typically more than most programs will less neighbors are housed, there are quite cover for people. As a result, people staya few things to consider. Many of these are ing at the shelter can be denied access issues the group is currently researching to apartments and it does not count as a form of discrimination. Many anti-disand organizing around. crimination laws are also not enforced or REDUCE COSTS difficult to prove, so it is nearly impossiCurrently, in America 60% of renters ble for folks at the shelter to even acquire are cost-burdened, meaning they current- an apartment due to the high barriers for ly pay more than a third of their income entry.

Growing up working in my family’s property management business I have watched not just the homeless population grow exponentially in recent years, but also the unaffordability of housing reach a point that it seems clearly unsustainable to most. It has always appeared to be a complex web of inter-related issues that are quickly approaching the point where everyone in our city is affected in some way.

Zoning Restricts Affordable Housing Through research and meetings over the past few months, we have found there are two crucial areas that if addressed, could potentially result in solutions that would resolve some of the cost-related issues. First, many towns in the state have land rules that restrict the building of apartments.These zoning codes make it impossible to build more affordable housing in more areas.

Likewise, the laws that mandate including affordable units in new construction allow developers to pay a fee to escape this obligation, causing a reduction in supply parallel to an increase in demand.

AMI & What’s Truly Affordable In Portland “affordable” units are based on the area median income or AMI.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Adam Rice is a 30-year-old activist from Portland, Maine. He says, “Journalism became a necessary hobby when I realized how much the truth of important issues was being suppressed from the mainstream. I believe finding common ground and working together are vital. Using many forms of media, I hope to share what's going on to people free of a hidden agenda and possibly educate a bit along the way.”

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could receive them, neighborhoods would receive smaller facilities, and the staff could also be kept safest while working.

Winters in Maine are frigid, the lack of access to shelter results in death and many have lost friends this way. If the issues renters face continue, so will the rise in our homeless population. Likewise, if the issues the homeless community faces continue, we will sadly continue to lose our friends and neighbors when these deaths could be avoided. As a group, we view solving the issues most renters face as a way to prevent those numbers from increasing. This allows us to look at ways to find housing for those at the shelter and ensure they receive services and support so they can succeed in their new living situation.

SOLUTIONS Many who are reading this are likely already aware that rents in Portland are out of control, that application fees and high deposits make renting harder, or that the number of homeless has risen exponentially in recent years. This is the main function of the group, to connect everyone in our city into a welcoming community ready to work towards solutions.

-WEN file photo by Kelly Merrill Each time a building like Bayside is sold it creates more competition for the same units and fewer people can acquire apartments that they can afford on their income alone. If a housing assistance program does in fact pay enough for a vacant unit, there are often many other applications submitted and property owners opt for the person with a cosigner and higher credit.

BED CAP

Housing and homelessness are certainly connected and it’s shocking how many people could become homeless if they experience an unforeseen emergency. The more people can come together effectively through a group like this, the easier it becomes to put the voices of those affected at the forefront of the discussion. As the group grows, more experience and knowledge can be incorporated into finding effective solutions to these issues that are all very much related.

Everyone deserves to be able to afford their dwelling, and certainly shouldn’t have to endure things like black mold just to live somewhere in their price range.

If programs exist to help people at the shelter pay rent and get on their feet, it shouldn’t be impossible to find a home while utilizing rental assistance programs.

There is certainly a wide array of issues that affect the people who are currently homeless in Portland. Outside the long list of reasons why low-income residents continue to lose housing, and why marginalized communities struggle to obWe hope by continuing to write lettain it, there are still more issues that per- ters to the editor, speaking at city hall tain to both communities. meetings, and doing outreach we can grow Where the coalition functions as a this project and awareness of it. There are network we have worked with Homeless many serious issues that affect people’s RISING EVICTIONS Voices for Justice to advocate for better lives, and if decisions made by our city are To keep up with rising costs, property solutions to the emergency shelter sys- hurting our residents, we as the people of owners move towards establishing more tem in Portland than what is currently Portland must come together and see that expensive units and this can result in in- proposed. Within this topic is the “bed the proper changes are made. creasing numbers of evictions. Each year as cap.” The facility is to be built based on I do not advocate for any one soluthe rents increase, people struggle more, data for how many people on average tion but seek to encourage all residents and this results in more evictions for non- present at the shelter each night. This of Portland to unify. If we approach each payment of rent. Once evicted, that mark number has not considered the number of other with patience, respect, and civility on people’s records can become a reason people who do not utilize these services. we can all learn from each other and find to deny rental on future applications.

Some individuals don’t use the shelter for ways to correct problems while ensuring Another problem area is when safety or sanitation reasons, and others we also aren’t causing harm to other residents of our city. At this point, there are building owners sell a property and the are banned entirely. new owner terminates all the leases by Currently, a large number of people certainly more questions than answers, “non-renewal” so they can renovate the occupy a very small building and residents and ultimately, I just don’t want to see whole property. Each time this occurs it can receive a year-long criminal tres- people suffer needlessly anymore. reduces the supply of affordable units. A pass order for altercations in the facility.

This housing group has found several great example of this was the recent sale In council meetings, we learned that the great places to start organizing, but rentof Bayside Village which got a lot of atten- number of people banned from the shel- ers, workers, and taxpayers still hold little tion several months ago. ter could easily equal the number of peo- power in the city. It is by connecting people as neighbors and allies that we gain the Many landlords in Portland end all ple who actually use it. ability to truly affect change. It is my hope their leases in the spring and summer to Shelter Access & the Scatin writing this that a healthy dialogue can have maximum occupancy while the heat tered Site Model be encouraged in Portland, we can make is on. The other side of this equation is In the same way that homeless res- compassion a priority, and we set a good that there is too much competition for the empty units in a short period of time. idents cannot access housing, many have example for other cities in America facing Many people end up spending excessive access issues with the shelters themselves. similar issues. Where Maine goes, so goes amounts of money on application fees, Advocates had encouraged creating multi- the nation, and I truly believe we can make which makes the high deposits more of a ple small shelters to solve the root cause a significant difference if we strive to work burden and the people who need housing of this problem. In a model like this, the together on these things that affect all of people who require additional services us. the most often do not obtain it.

on rent. Likewise, the cost of homeownerThe lack of clearly established rights ship has increased which forces many into and responsibilities for all parties involved renting with no way to ultimately move to leaves a lot of people fending for themownership. selves when struggling to keep a roof over There are a lot of elements that re- their heads. Rents increase each year, and sult in rents being so high. Aside from high as the taxes and operating costs rise this tax rates, construction costs are so high burden is felt most by the tenants and that developers often opt to build only shelter residents. expensive units as it’s the only way to gain a return on their investment once operating costs are factored in. With the current push for code enforcement in the city, it has also increased the operating costs for existing landlords, which has resulted in profit becoming the deciding factor for who receives a lease.

THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

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THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

WHAT’S GOING ON

COMMUNITY EVENTS MARCH 2020 Opening of Irish Art Exhibit ‘Ca Bhfuil Sinn Fein?’

Friday, March 6 | 4– 7pm | Maine Irish Heritage Center The folks at Maine Irish Heritage Center are incredibly excited to bring together as part of Portland’s First Friday events, current and former MECA artists as they reflect on their Irish American histories and its relation to their artistic practices, identities, connections, and collective struggles. Opening night features traditional Irish and American music by Maine musicians and a reception in the sanctuary. Artwork will be featured at all our March events and during our Friday open hours. Closing reception on Saturday, March 21st, 4 to 6:00 p.m. FMI: maineirish@maineirish.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Irish Singing & Story& Celebration telling Sunday, March 15 | 11am arrival; 12pm pa- Friday, March 20th | 5:30-6:30pm | Portland rade | Portland Fish Pier Public Library On, Sunday March 15th at noon the An evening of Irish singing and stoIrish American Club St. Patrick’s Parade rytelling presented by Kate Chadbourne. will kick off from the Portland Fish Pier FMI:.http://www.portlandlibrary.com. parking lot on Commercial St. Participants should arrive at 11:00 a.m. Parade goes PechaKucha Portland east on Commercial Street to Buoy Park.

Night:VISION 20x20 FMI: club2@irishofmaine.org

After the Parade Celebration Sunday, March 15 | 1-3pm | Maine Irish Heritage Center Warm up after the parade with lots of food, fun, music, and dancing at the Maine Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray St., Portland. Cash Bar. FMI: maineirish@ maineirish.com

Saint Patrick’s Day Flag Raising Tuesday, March 17 | 8:30am | Maine Irish Heritage Center

An Artful Afternoon with Compassionate Conversations

Saturday, March 14 | 3–6pm | Portland Media Center Join us for an afternoon of creating art, hearing and sharing stories of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and having conversations about our social and global impact. We will have some extra paints, canvasses, card-stock paper, sketch paper, colored pencils, markers, pencils, and magazines (for collage) to share. We will also have an inspiration board and creative ideas! Please bring anything else you may want for your art. This is an all ages event!

Questions? Contact Whitley Nabintu Marshall at compassionateleader-shipproject@gmail.com.

Saint Patrick’s Day will begin with the raising of the Irish Flag over Portland. Join us at 8:30 a.m. on the steps of the Maine Irish Heritage Center as we walk through the old Irish neighborhood and raise the Tricolor at Harbor View Park. Coffee tea and soda bread will be served from 9 to 10 a.m. FMI: maineirish@maineirish.com

ILAP HOSTS

CeleSoirée: Celebrating Immigration Through the Arts Friday, March 27 | 5-8pm | Portland Ocean Gateway | $75+

On Friday, March 27th at 5 p.m., the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) will host its annual fundraising event, CeleSoirée, at Portland Ocean Gateway. The evening features a buffet dinner catered Thursday, March 26 | 6:30pm doors open; by local immigrant-owned restaurants, 7:20pm show begins | Port City Music Hall | live music from diverse cultural traditions, Suggested: $7 a community spotlight, and exciting raffle PechaKucha Night, now in over 1,000 prizes. cities, was devised in Tokyo in 2003 as an CeleSoirée is ILAP’s signature anevent for young designers to meet, netnual event that celebrates immigration work, and show their work in public. The through the arts while highlighting the events feature storytellers who have 20 organization’s programs and commitment slides and 20 seconds per slide to share to advancing justice and equity for immitheir story. Open, spontaneous, fun, ingrants in Maine.

Each year, it draws more formal, silo-breaking – words used to than 400 guests, including friends of ILAP, describe how PechaKucha brings people business and community leaders, elected together around the world to laugh, learn, officials, volunteers, and Pro Bono Panel and connect. attorneys.

On March 26th, PK Portland will Marking its 16th year, CeleSoirée 2020 launch its first show of the decade. The will feature dinner by local restaurants theme is purposely broad: VISION 20x20.

Ameera, El Rodeo, and Sichuan Kitchen, (Get it? The year 2020 = 20 slides x20 secan opening from Namory Keita, Master onds per slide). At its essence, PK is visual Drummer, and a performance by soul/funk storytelling that celebrates humanity and dance band BOBA FUNK. Namory Keita highlights the best of what we can be. If is a world-renowned teacher and peryou could use some of that, then come to former who brings traditional West Afrithe next PechaKucha Portland Night on can drumming from the villages of Guinea Thursday, March 26th at Port City Music to his home in Maine.

BOBA FUNK is a Hall (504 Congress St., Portland). Doors self-described “soul/funk dance band” that open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts at 7:20 p.m.

Suggested donations: Adults $7, Students combines high energy hits from across the $5, but all are welcome regardless of abil- decades to create their own unique style. ity to pay. See more at pechakuchaportRaffle prizes include two VIP tickets land.org. to live tapings of “Full Frontal with SaREAD THE WEST END NEWS ONLINE mantha Bee!” and “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,” a custom dress design from Adele Masengo Designs, and a wine basket donated by ILAP’s Board of Directors.

CeleSoirée supports ILAP’s direct legal services, community outreach, and advocacy programs that benefit more than 5,000 people across Maine each year.

www.thewestendnews.com

More information about CeleSoirée, including how to purchase tickets ($75 General Admission, $100 Host Committee), is available at my.ilapmaine.org/ cs2020.

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WHAT’S GOING ON

THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

7

West End Neighborhood Association & West End Community Action Network - Aging in Place

Reiche Community Room Activities March 2020 - FREE!

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THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

CLIMATE JUSTICE

‘Conservative’ Climate Advocates Lobby Congress for Carbon Fee & Dividend DEALING WITH CLIMATE ANXST AND ANGER The Doomsday clock just advanced to 100 seconds before midnight – the closest we have ever been to utter disaster. Helplessness is a common response to such news. There are no simple solutions to the climate emergency. Dealing with the problem means nothing less than a complete halt in the way we do things.

Most people have no idea of how bad things really are. In fact, 40% of 16- to 24-year-olds are “overwhelmed.” As Greta Thunberg said recently, “I don’t want your hope… I want you to panic. I want you to feel the fear I feel every day. I want you to act.”

BRIGHT IDEA: Get out there and get active!

“Engagement is our only chance,” says climate activist Bill McKibbon. We must build resilience to address the physical and mental health impacts of climate change. How we manage our feelings is critical. Consider these helpful hints…

•

Believe in your own resilience. Supporting local campaigns to preserve habitat positively influences your mental health.

•

Reappraise your circumstances to foster optimism. Embrace a better present. If there is good news to be found, find it! (For example, one day last year, Ethiopia planted 350 million trees.)

•

Find personal meaning by having a spiritual practice to boost your sense of well-being. Mindfulness practices provide a greater sense of purpose and meaning.

•

Be prepared for short-term disasters with an emergency kit that includes food, water, supplies, and medication, but also comfort items (pictures, blankets, toys, favorite foods or treats, etc.).

•

Develop strong social connections to provide a secure foundation and a critical protective resource during times of adversity.

•

Stay connected to family, friends, and role models. Children look to parents as models for managing their emotions.

•

Maintain your connections to place. Most people don’t abandon their homes regardless of the changes experienced.

•

Join the fight. The most effective responses are collective.

Acting together helps us not to feel so powerless and can be a healthy outlet for expressing anxiety, anger, and grief with others.

-WEN file photo by Tony Zeli (March Against Monsanto, 2015)

BRIGHT IDEA: Check out the Good Grief Network!

A delegation of advocates from Maine and elsewhere, all members of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) “Conservative Caucus” traveled to Washington, D.C., recently to press Republican members of Congress for climate change solutions that fit with their conservative values and policies. Specifically, they were advocating for a policy that would put a price on carbon pollution while returning revenues in equal shares to households. That policy is called Carbon Fee and Dividend. It was developed by former Treasury Secretary George Shultz and Nobel economist Gary Becker about ten years ago.

The Energy Innovation Act as written should drive down carbon dioxide pollution because energy companies, industries of all kinds, and Americans would, given the rising cost of the fossil fuels, choose cleaner, cheaper energy options throughout the economy. The money from the carbon fee will be returned directly to people as a monthly dividend. Most American households should end up with more money in their pockets, with those with low incomes intended to receive more in their monthly dividend check than they would pay in extra costs for heating fuel, gasoline, and other goods.

“We all struggle to think of what we can do to help move public policy in a positive direction on climate change. The ‘carbon dividend’ idea should have particular appeal to conservatives because it will lead to a dramatic decrease in carbon emissions while at the same time letting the free market sort out the best innovative alternatives, whatever they may be.

Let’s face it, the government’s batting average on picking its own winners and losers isn’t very good,” said former State Senator Roger Katz, a member of the delegation from Maine to this Conservative Climate Lobby Day. Katz also served as Mayor of Augusta and practices law there.

This policy uses the term “fee” rather than “tax” because it is intended to be revenue neutral and to replace all subsidies for energy with an incentive favoring the adoption of clean energy sources. This proposal is similar to one proposed by the Republican-led Climate Leadership Council.

Roger Katz was joined by KC Hughes of Cumberland and Peter Garrett of Winslow. Following a day of lobby training on February 3rd, they went to Capitol Hill the following day for meetings with Senator Collins as well as Republican Senators and Representatives from other states.

They all sought support for the bipartisan Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (H.R. 763), which, when enacted, will put a fee on the carbon content of all coal, oil, and natural gas used in the United States.

Given that Senator Collins has already shown strong support for carbon pricing in the CLEAR Act she co-sponsored in 2009, the Maine delegation was hopeful that she would be interested in co-sponsoring the Energy Innovation Act, once it is introduced in the Senate. The policy, they believe, will benefit our economy, our health, and our futures here in Maine, and would be a strong lever supporting the State’s efforts to shift towards clean energy.

These local advocates were delighted to find that Senator Collins has now joined Senator King as a member of the recently formed Senate Climate Solutions Caucus. The Caucus is meeting frequently to find common ground on climate solutions. Membership is strictly bipartisan, with equal numbers of Democratic and Republican Senators.

This online 10-step approach will help you build personal resilience while strengthening communities to help combat despair, inaction, eco-anxiety, and other heavy emotions in the face of daunting systemic predicaments.

When things get bad enough, types of action that were previously impossible become possible. As individuals, we can’t save the world, but we can make it a tiny bit better… and perhaps save our sanity in the process.

Bright Ideas is brought to you by Portland Climate Action Team which meets the 4th Thursday of the month, 6-7:30 p.m. upstairs at the Reiche Community Room on Clark Street. All are welcome. FMI: portlandclimateaction@gmail.com The delegation: Roger Katz (ME), Bill Chapman (NY), August Radbill (MA), Isuru Deneviratne (NY) and Peter Garrett (ME), after meeting Susan Collins’ Energy and Environment Aides (to right) Kayla McMurry and Molly Ryan.

-Photos courtesy of Citizens' Climate Lobby

CLIMATE JUSTICE

Electric Truck Industry Addresses Solid Waste Group On February 26th, attendees to the Northern New England Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America’s Technical Session at USM's Hannaford Hall heard from representatives from the electric truck industry.

EPA scientist Gary Rennie was on hand and discussed details of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act and available grant funding for public and non-profit organizations to move from older diesel engines to newer, cleaner, and more efficiently powered vehicles. Rennie touted the waste management industry as one that is poised for great strides in the near future, saying, “refuse trucks represent a great opportunity for diesel emission reduction.”

Given this, Ecomaine, with funding from the EPA and Maine Department of Environmental Protection, is poised to purchase two new, all-electric trucks to haul its ash from the organization’s waste-to-energy plant to its nearby landfill. “Ecomaine is in a unique position for these electric trucks,” said Kevin Roche, CEO of Ecomaine. “Because we are both the user and the supplier of electricity through our waste-to-energy plant – and it allows us to pilot this type of vehicle on behalf of all of our seventy member communities at once.”

Globally, more than 12,000 electric buses and trucks are on the road, but only 113 operate in the United States, according to representatives from BYD automotive company.

THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

9

We’re All in This Together

Climate Solutions Beyond Your Backyard

Sharing Stories and Finding Common Ground My name is Riley Stevenson and I am a junior at Lincoln Academy.Throughout the past year, I have become increasingly worried about climate change and distressed by the lack of action by my elected officials, and have become involved in several groups throughout the state working to project the voices of youth and make meaningful steps toward addressing climate change.

Two groups I have become involved with are Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL) and the Maine Youth Environmental Association, both of which allowed me the opportunity to attend CCL’s November Lobby Day in DC. My time in DC with CCL profoundly impacted my ideas surrounding advocacy, and I have never felt the level of energy, excitement, and focus as I felt while participating in the events in DC. Having the opportunity to speak to elected officials and their aides created a sense of empowerment in me as an activist and made me feel as if I was truly making a difference. The structure of the event also made it easy to feel fully prepared for our time on Capitol Hill and provided us with ample opportunities to learn about lobbying and having civil conversations.

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Directly following one of our meetings during our day on the Hill, Georgia Senator Sanford Bishop became a co-sponsor of HR 763, an important and exciting step in making a carbon fee and dividend (federal legislation that levies a steadily rising fee on carbon emitting fuels and returns it to American households in the form of dividends) a reality. Bishop is a moderate Democratic senator from Georgia, and his endorsement of the legislation was a very exciting win for our group.

One of my greatest takeaways from this experience was the power of sharing stories and gratitude.

Being able to find common ground and communicate with those who may have differing views from oneself is an important skill in our current political climate,

and CCL is a wonderful leader in creating commonalities and teaching others how to do the same.

Riley Stevenson is a Citizens’ Climate Lobby volunteer and Coordination Director for Maine Youth Climate Strikes.

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THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

FOOD & DRINK

THE PORTLAND PALATE

Noodle Love

658 Congress Street, Portland | 207-536-4014 www.facebook.com/MainelyNoods Hours Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; 4/4:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Saturdays 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.; 4:00- 9:00 p.m.

Sundays 12:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Review and Photos by James Fereira This winter, like every year, I’ve noticed my penchant for wanting comfort food. And since I’ve been especially into Asian cuisine this season, that craving has arrived in the form of pho. Pho-quest, I call it: just give me the noodles, please!

According to Wikipedia, pho (pronounced “fah”) is a Vietnamese soup consisting of rice noodles, broth, herbs, and meat (usually beef or chicken). In America, pho has morphed to include a variety of noodle types, spices, and ingredients.

Enter Noodle Love. It’s the latest reincarnation of owner Anusat’s Poke Pop, in the same location, or so my friend Fran and I were told on our late-January weekday visit to the eatery in the Arts District.

It opened on January 3rd.

A spartan but hip, clean interior gives the space a sense of openness.The lighting was a bit blinding for my sensitive eyes: I rarely enjoy visiting a business which feels like a solar blast just occurred. There’s a hold-over Poke Pop cold case of non-alcoholic beverages to choose from, and water/condiment station is self-serve. Modern woman-forward song tracks during our visit were played at a volume where we could actually hear ourselves talk.

Two friendly young women commanding the cafeteria-style ordering counter coached us on how it all works.

A large wall menu of noodle bowl choices, sides, and an a la cart build-your-ownbowl option get you started.

THE PHO-EXPERIENCE Upon entering, you see a pink neon bulb inscription which reads “Send Noods,” next to a small dining table which faces Congress Street for optimal people-watching. All other tables are against a long wood panel wall which runs the length of the main dining room, and pillows are scattered for what otherwise would be uncomfortable bench seating, along with some chairs.

“Man” and “Lady” rest rooms in the back are clean, and adjacent to the kitchen. One piece of “art” – a collection of Polaroid images of mostly-millennial customers posing in front of the neon entry sign – breaks up the starkness of the imposing wall. Flooring and counter facade are a tasteful and utilitarian grey and white stone tiling.

(Above) Egg noodle bowl with chicken, and (below) egg and noodle bowl with braised pork.

PHOOO-GOOD!

PHO-4-ALL

Fran went simple and ordered an egg Noodle Love embraces not only noodle bowl with chicken and scallion in a carnivores but vegan, vegetarian, and glucoconut curry broth. ten-free folks as well. There is no wheelchair access due to the 6-inch step which My bowl of identical noodles and must be conquered to get in the front broth was a bit more involved, substituting door. Parking is on the street, or better braised pork for the chicken, and adding yet…. ride any of the Congress Street scallion, cilantro, carrot, soy, and peanut METRO buses to a nearby stop. Or it’s a sauce. quick walk from Longfellow Square and We both really enjoyed and felt nour- many other West End locations. ished by our warm, slightly spicy noodle My pho-quest adventure continues bowls, and they were inexpensive at just now, as I try to hit every place possible under $8.00 and $10.00, respectively, mi- to satisfy an insatiable yearning for noodle nus counter gratuity. bowls around the city. And while Noodle Throw-away utensils are standard for fork and spoon, or chopsticks, or both if you prefer; and you bus your own table post-meal. We counted five other patrons eating-in during our 45-minute stay, but there was an equal number of patrons doing take-out.

Love is certainly not the most sophisticated of these, it is one of the most satisfying in my price range.

I’ve been thinking about it for a month now and will return before the snowdrops and croci push through the frozen ground – and after.

James Fereira has a background in equestrianism, langlauf, and community organizing. In his spare time, he enjoys napping and questioning authority.

James can be reached at ThePortlandPalate@ gmail.com.

Fresh Approach The West End’s Meat Market Celebrating 28 years in the neighborhood!

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Layne's Wine Gig

FOOD & DRINK

THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

11

BEST WINES OF 2019 mostly red, made from the syrah grape.

They are dark, brooding, long lived, with I try hundreds of wines a year, most- black cherry and leathery flavors. Not for ly with meals, purchased at my expense, the puny or faint of heart. The costliest from a variety of stores and restaurants. run into many dollars a bottle.

My wine lifetime total, including buying The white made from Marsanne trips abroad and wine competition judggrapes is little known but is a positive gift ing’s, runs to around 100,000.The quality at around $50.00 a bottle. Cave de Tain, criteria isn’t based on the costliest, alHermitage Blanc, 2010, $55.00 is loadthough I have had more than my share of ed with floral, rich, high viscosity intense those, but is based on pleasure for money lanolin style flavors that cut through the spent – from tasty to spiritual, with all levfoods.

A remarkable pairing. Always be els of wine drinkers’ enjoyment as part of ready for the unexpected. the deal.

Review and photos by Layne Witherell

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A LUCKY FIND

Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc, Sonoma, 2018, $12.00-15.00. Lemon zest with a touch of greenery and racy French oak.

This is the portal entrance from the refrain “hey, another glass of pinot grigio over here” to “wow, so that is what wine is supposed to taste like.” Always a stylish wine. Many fume blancs’ are out there as an adjunct to pinot grigio. The French version of this sauvignon blanc is Sancerre or Pouilly Fume for around $20.00. Modest adventure at a modest price.

“Gee, Layne, what is your favorite wine?” It comes from a little 35-mile strip of limestone, called Burgundy in France.

Monks in the Middle Ages planted and studied the vineyards with microscopic care. French kings revered them and today, sadly, hedge fund moguls drive the bottles from these tiny parcels into insane prices well over thousands of dollars a bottle. “What’s a poor boy to do?” (Chuck Berry).

SPECIAL OCCASION We are always attracted by “new bright shiny objects,” namely all that is present in food and beverages on Washington Avenue in Portland. Fore Street, the venerable establishment at 288 Fore Street, resembles a rustic pizza oven 19th century throwback but still packs a knockout punch on both your taste buds, dining experience, and wallet.

Bourgogne, Macon, and Pouilly Fuisse are the little local siblings running $20.00 plus a bottle. I seek out these wines and seriously explore to find them. Louis Jadot Chassagne Montrachet, 2013 (reg. $69.99 bottle, $130.00 in a restaurant) marked down to $29.99 a bottle. Why? Don’t ask.

The local saying in the region is “there are no great Burgundies-only great bottles of Burgundy.”

Your Vivino app won’t help you here.

A copy of Burgundy 2nd edition by Anthony Hanson will. He takes you inside these tiny village and vineyard alcoves. The wine was a monument of voluptuous earthy chardonnay with those monkish toiled limestone vineyards following along as a classic lingering farewell in the aftertaste.

Our 2019 evening’s wine lesson was the 2013 Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains, Calif., $88.00, accompanied by their wood grilled monkfish. Both combined to perform a remarkable dance of pure chardonnay intensity and the roasted butter sweetness of the Transcendent.You just can’t make this monkfish. The wine list is classic and solid, stuff up. Just bring on the lobster. Always but the Ridge chardonnay is a true rarity. keep on the lookout for gems.

PERFECT PAIRING So, when my buddy John of Middle Intervale Farm at the Deering Oaks Farmer’s Market had a rack of veal that was simply too irresistible a deal, I needed to act fast and come up with a masterpiece, a great wine to pair with this delicious morsel. This is tough. You could dumb it down with something every day or a more adventurous way to go with some foods.

BEER PEEPS Mr. Tuna and Goodfire Brewing collaboration. Three handroll’s (tuna, salmon, eel) and a can of a specially crafted local Japanese style Sapporo taste to accompany the dish. I discovered this while wandering through the Monument Square market in search of pizza. If only the wine people could be this quizzical, creative, and downright funny.

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The books on food and wine pairing My hat is off to the quirky, brilliant losay to go out and find some Marsanne. cal creators.

Marsanne? It is a Rhone region grape that shows up in Australia, California, and even Michigan (Michigan!). The greatest version -Layne V. Witherell, is Hermitage Blanc. Hermitage wines are Master Knight of the Vine

Layne has been a professional in the wine business for many decades as a teacher, importer, writer, competition judge, and winery CEO. He was awarded a Master Knight of the Vine for the pioneering work he did in the Oregon wine industry. His website is http://winemaniacs.wordpress/blog.

EVENTS, TALKS AND PRIVATE TASTINGS CAN BE ARRANGED AT lvwitherell@gmail.com

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THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

It

Come Novembah, we’ll remembah!

is demanding, but I don’t watch television, so…

I hope they learn about turning lemons into lemonade.

Don’t get me in trouble with the West End News!

Rooftop decks can be a liability.

I fell off a roof just last year!

Up late playing with yarn again!

Graffitibusting patrol hasn’t started yet!

Gotta be made in Maine!

I like bananas, sucka!

Resist fear.

Assist love.

Sorry you won’t be getting my article on the climate servicvie!

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THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

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I appreciate your general tardiness and Mainahness.

I saw the headline and got so excited... until I realized it’s the other Portland!

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Smile… it’s a beautiful day!

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I got this thing at the Art Walk for just five bucks!

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BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

Portland Buy Local Membership Drive

By Mary Alice Scott

THE BUSY & THE BUSIER In chatting with a local business owner recently, I asked if they were able to slow down and catch their breath during the winter. “Not really,” he said. “We’ve got a busy season and a busier season!”

It feels similar for our organization, Portland Buy Local. We work year-round to support the local, independent businesses that give Portland its unique flavor.

This March, we are particularly busy – preparing for our annual publication (the Buy Local Guide) and helping to organize a national conference on the future of the Buy Local movement.

•

Feature gift ideas in our annual Holiday Gift Guide

•

Support the advocacy work we do on behalf of Portland’s independent businesses

JOIN NOW

Individuals who are interested in supporting our mission can join as an individWe distribute 25,000 copies of the ual member of our organization and will Buy Local Guide, and it is a popular re- receive a Portland Buy Local canvas tote source for visitors and residents alike. bag or limited-edition poster.

Local businesses who join or renew this month will get a free listing in this guide!

Information on joining as a business, For the first time, businesses outside of nonprofit, or individual can be found at Portland are eligible to join, but you must www.portlandbuylocal.org/join. still be locally owned and independently operated (full guidelines are available on SHIFT LOCAL our website).

Business members who join Buy Local receive many benefits, including: •

Listing in our online and print directories

•

Access to local advertising at discounted rates

•

Networking and educational events with other Portland business owners

•

Receive marketing materials to identify yourself as locally owned and independent

•

Market your special events and news through our website, social media, and newsletter (which reach a combined 30,000 Portlanders each month)

•

Offer a member-to-member discount, increasing your visibility

As always, we like to take each month to highlight a different sector of the local economy and encourage consumers to shift 10% of their spending in this sector to a locally owned, independent business.

If everyone in Greater Portland made the 10% shift, it would generate $50 million annually in new economic activity for the region and create 600 new jobs!

Speaking of Portland’s unique flavor, for the month of March, we’re highlighting the delicious restaurants, bars, and drinks in our area! Visit our online directory at www.portlandbuylocal.org/directory to find a place for a cozy cup of tea for these final days of winter or look up a new bakery (Pi Day approaches!).

Mary Alice Scott is Portland Buy Local (PBL) Executive Director.

Disclosure: Publisher-Editor Tony Zeli is president of the board of directors and The West End News is a PBL media partner.

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BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

15

Kym Dakin: Training groups to listen with the head, heart, and hands

Every Month PelotonLabs founder Liz Trice interviews a Peloton member for The West End News. This month Liz caught up with Kym Dakin, a presentation coach and team experience designer.

You train people to work in situations where there is potential conflict, right?

Yes. For example, I did some very interesting work with the DEP. They were sending field staff to go meet with landowners who were in violation of environmental laws – this is a situation primed for hostility – and they wanted help in training staff so those conversations would go well.

For example, say a landowner wants to pave over a wetland portion of his property. The fieldworker’s job is to meet with the landowner, tell him or her what the laws are and the consequences, and why the landowner should comply – this is a difficult conversation to have go well!

The fieldworkers are very educated and data-saturated, and generally operate with the idea that more information will help, but the conversations were backfiring because information alone does not change a person’s mind. You have to listen and communicate with the head, heart, and hands.

I met with the field workers to understand their process and then designed a training. The fieldworkers were mostly listening for information about what happened in the past and were looking for ways to insert more information (that’s the head part) and solve problems in the future (that’s the hand part). But they were missing the heart listening: What’s the sound of their voice telling you?

What’s the facial expression saying? What are they open to, or scared of? What do they care about?

The heart listening was essential to building alliances with landowners and creating positive outcomes. So, I developed a group training on what to listen for, and that training was extremely effective. We brought in a person to act as a grumpy landowner, and we would play out scenarios in front of the group, stop every time the conversation got into trouble, analyze the situation, and start again.

And you train people in public This sounds like the type speaking. of consulting expertise that I do a lot of trainings and facilitations Yes, I’ve done a lot of work with would be difficult to market around conflict.A few years ago I created a women who are stepping into higher po- for! game called ShiftPOV to help groups deal with conflict, and I recently started working with Craig Freshley’s model of Make Shift Coffeehouse, which is a way to host community conversation across political difference. There are many topics that we hesitate to discuss outside of a group that we know agrees with us, but that reduces our capacity to relate to what is happening on the other side. The power of Make Shift Coffeehouse is to elicit stories about why people feel the way they do rather than elicit more facts that bolster their separate opinions. I went through the training and am facilitating two upcoming coffeehouses.

You also train doctors.

Yes, I work in the simulated patient program to train medical residents at Maine Med in more productive patient conversations. Residents learn to have better conversations with patients, but some residents find they struggle with the skills of effective communication, empathy, deep listening, reading behavior… and sometimes end up choosing research instead of medical practice, and that’s a valuable outcome, too.

sitions where they have to make speeches and presentations. I’ve worked as a speech and presentation coach for Lisa Pohlmann, the Executive Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. More recently I started working with teams of young women there, who are saturated with data as part of their jobs but have to communicate to members of the legislature. I work with the women individually, but also as a group so that they can support each other. It’s fun working with groups of women, because as they develop trust, they can really be there for each other, and call each other on their stuff, and can continue to support each other without me being there.

(Laughs) Absolutely! It’s all word of mouth. I do a lot of networking and I listen for challenges that I can help with. I look for workplaces that are having trouble retaining talent, or has a team that used to be productive, but has hit a barrier and is struggling. I also look for women that have been newly recruited to positions of high visibility.

You can learn more about Kym’s work at: https://voiceintolearning.com

And more about Make Shift Coffeehouse at: https://makeshiftcoffeehouse.com PelotonLabs is a coworking space in the West End of Portland, Maine with a mission to connect and encourage people to manifest their visions without fear.

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THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

WEN FEATURED NONPROFIT

C. Love Cookie Project, L3C

By Tony Zeli What motivates you to buy a cookie?

Most likely you’re satisfying a sweet tooth.

I get it. I have a sweet tooth, too. But at C. Love Cookie Project, L3C you can also satisfy your inner altruist. But, since you really want to satisfy that sweet tooth, let’s start with the cookies.

A PASSION FOR PASTRY I can speak from personal experience; these cookies are delicious. Baker Katherine Slevin has worked with amazing chefs in Chicago and studied pastry in Paris. She crafts her cookies with the finest ingredients, sourced locally where possible, including King Arthur flour from Vermont, eggs from an Amish farm in northern Maine, and the highest quality chocolate.

“It’s pretty basic ingredients – you know sugar and flour,” says Katherine. But the secret isn’t really the ingredients, is it?

Perhaps, it’s the passion of the chef, and that is one thing Kathrine is not missing.

A sampling of cookies from C. Love Cookie Project, L3C. -Photo by Tony Zeli

21% OF SALES TO SUPPORT IMMIGRANTS As mentioned before, Katherine gives 21% of sales to organizations that support immigrants in Portland. Why 21%? She wanted to choose organizations that directly support immigrants at each of three stages: welcome, education, and community. Each organization receives 7% of sales, for a total of 21%.

“I always knew I wanted to be a pastry chef.” She describes her love of pastry It wasn’t easy choosing, but the oras an obsession, and she pours her energy ganizations that Katherine settled on are: into every recipe.

Way of Life Mission, providing basic needs “I chose just one medium and went to those who have re-settled in Maine; nuts on the menu,” she says. That menu Portland Adult Education; and The Root includes chocolate chip, goat’s milk cara- Cellar, a community center in East Bayside. mel shortbread, vanilladudes, lavendudes, As of print, C. Love Cookie Project and coffeedudes (variations on the snickhas raised over $14,000. No small cookerdoodle, the last being made with Coffee ie for a sole baker in Portland, Maine. But

By Design’s Rebel Blend), Lebanese shortKatherine is moved to do this work. bread, and more.

“I mean it’s insanely hard,” she admits.

It’s $3 for a chocolate chip cookie and “Every year I joke that this is the hard$5 for a bag of 3 dudes, and 21% of sales est thing I’ve ever done… But I also feel support immigrants in Portland…. Wait, this insane drive. And I’m at a point in my what? career where I don’t feel any pressure In addition to being in love with pas- anymore.” This allows Katherine to leave try, it turns out our baker, Katherine, also behind the stress of competition and put the mission first. loves humanity. Let’s back up.

BEING OF SERVICE

BAKING CLASSES

In 2015, led by a sense of mission and deep understanding of the power of humanity, Katherine joined a friend from Bible group and volunteered on the Greek island of Lesvos. This was during the peak of the European refugee crisis. In fact, Katherine and her friend were in Greece when the three-year-old Syrian boy, Alan Kurdi, washed ashore. The image of Kurdi’s body made global headlines after he drowned in the Mediterranean Sea on September 2nd, 2015.

Katherine also partners with the Opportunity Alliance’s WIN (Women in Neighborhoods) program to provide one-on-one baking classes with immigrant women and their families. “A big part of the mission is supporting women and bringing them into the kitchen. And cookies are the most basic and easiest pastry-thing to teach,” Katherine says.

The baking classes are developing and one day may be a 501c3 project. In the meantime, you can help C. Love by For six months Katherine aided ref- spreading the word and ordering cookies. ugees. Upon returning to Maine, she was moved to help others in her community. WHERE TO FIND And so, she founded C. Love Cookie ProjC. Love does not have a retail front… ect, L3C to combine her obsession with yet.

You can find C. Love Cookies at Coffee pastry with her passion to be of service By Design, Portland Food Coop, Browne to others.

Trading Market, Standard Baking Co., The L3C business model is a hybrid and many other local retailers. Or order legal entity for a low profit company that online at https://www.clovecookieproject. has a charitable mission. The L3C model com/special-order. fits neatly into Katherine’s vision for herself, a 50/50 split between a baking busi- Tony Zeli is publisher and editor. Reach him at thewestendnews@gmail.com. ness and a community mission.

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The Life-Changing Power of Emotional Intelligence

By Michael Stern What does it mean to live a good life?

And how does one actually do it?

As a teenager growing up in New York City I became disillusioned with the dominant cultural narrative that urged me to follow a “straight and narrow” path to a conventional definition of success. At 24, I was introduced to the teachings and practices of Buddhism, which provided great insights into some of the questions with which I had been struggling for several years.

But I couldn’t figure out how to fully reconcile those insights with my life Michael Stern (www.IntegralAlignas a twenty-something New Yorker who ment.com) is a certified Emotional still had plenty of worldly challenges and Intelligence coach whose mission is ambitions. At a friend’s suggestion I read to support others in creating a beta book, “A Theory of Everything” by the ter life and a more beautiful world.

American philosopher Ken Wilber. This was a pivotal moment for me – the spark that lit the fuse that propelled me into the The one thing that has had a connext phase of my life. sistently transformative impact on every single client I’ve ever worked with is deI immersed myself in learning about veloping their emotional intelligence. Out the possibilities of human potential in evof all the tools, theories, and practices ery area, from nutrition and exercise to I’ve encountered and experimented with, psychology and neuroscience to purpose working with emotional intelligence ties it and productivity to psychedelics and mysall together in a way that is coherent, acticism. cessible, and practical.

My desire to answer those timeless My intention is to use this monthly questions of what it means to live a good column to explore the meaning and value life and how to live my own best life has of emotional intelligence. My focus will be been fueling my journey for the last twenon the practical application of emotional ty years. My passion for learning continues intelligence skills to real-life issues many to lead me into new, exciting, and challengof us encounter on a daily basis at home ing territory. and at work.

Why bring emotional intelligence skills to readers?

I invite you to join me in this exploration and use whatever insights you might gain to develop your own emotional intelOne of my biggest (ongoing) lessons ligence and achieve your goals to create a has been that a healthy, conscious relahappier, healthier, and more successful life. tionship with my emotions is an essential key to my health, happiness, and success.

Developing my capacity for emotional self-awareness, self-management, and emIf you’re interested in an experienpathy, has helped me become more eftial introduction to the Foundational fective at achieving my goals and creating Skills of Emotional Intelligence, I invite meaningful connections with others. you to register for my workshop on SatAs a life, career, and leadership coach, urday, March 14, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. the essence of my job is helping others at Good Medicine Collective (231 York clarify what it means to live their own best St., Portland). Details can be found at life and achieve their goals of being health- https://goodmedicinecollective.org/ ier, happier, and more successful according event/foundational-skills-of-emotionto their own definitions of those words. al-intelligence/.

THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

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BEYOND 7 MINUTES I trained as a Family Doctor so that I would be ready to help patients with any challenge. The old school family doc used to take that skill set out into the community on house calls, sports sidelines, and town hall meetings. At some point the job description was boiled down into a job that started and ended with a 7-minute office visit. That setup is not good for patients, and it's not good for doctors. In this column I hope to start to push the boundary of where the doctor patient interaction takes place onto the page, into the community, and beyond 7 minutes.

Who owns health care?

Part 1:The brain trust

By Dr. Oren Gersten Humans have always and will always suffer from disease. We live in a world with radiation, toxins, stress, and trauma.

By their nature biologic organisms break down over time. As long as there is disease there will be room for healers.

Throughout medical education there is an incredible amount of information transfer. From book to brain, from teacher to student, from attending physician to resident physician, and from lived experience to cultivated wisdom, this brain trust holds a large amount of knowledge, and through that, power.

Healers come from different traditions and philosophies. As a Western In our modern medical system gaintrained medical doctor, I can speak from ing access to that knowledge is often my experience becoming a physician. difficult. There are cost barriers, communication barriers, cultural barriers, and During or after an undergraduate convenience barriers to name a few. degree a doctor will study the “pre-requisite” material to enter medical school.

Over the next few months we will This includes physics, chemistry, and bi- explore the question of who this knowlology in addition to some soft science edge belongs to. Is it the physician who like psychology and philosophy. Then a chose the path of healer? Is it the patient student must apply this knowledge to a who requests the care and contributes to standardized test called the MCAT or the fund of knowledge through their exMedical College Admission Test. This al- perience of illness? Is it our government lows entry into one of a few hundred that provides for our communal wellbemedical schools across the country ing through schools, infrastructure, and where a student will be immersed in the public health? Is it the private companies art and science of working as a physician. like insurance groups and hospitals who control the flow of money through our Most medical school graduates will health care system? go through a residency training program to specialize in a specific field of medIt is through questions like this that I icine. They will apprentice with other hope to distill a better sense of why our doctors in their chosen field to learn the health care system works the way it does skills of the trade. A pediatrician will nec- and how we can make it better. essarily learn a different skill set from an orthopedic surgeon.

There is also an indoctrination process where one learns the subtleties of providing a specific type of care. For example, residency is where family doctors learn how to manage competing demands in a busy clinic day or where a surgeon hones her skills speaking to a patient before and after surgery.

Undoubtedly the physician training process is long and challenging. Many doctors leave training with educational debt, as well as the opportunity cost of starting a career a full decade or more after their peers. Most graduates justify this sacrifice by acknowledging the privilege of caring for another human but also the relatively high earning potential in the field.

Oren Gersten is a board-certified family doctor who brings his passion for connecting and caring for people to his private practice, Portland Direct Primary Care, at 27 Ocean Street, #3, South Portland. Reach him at (207) 618-9792 or visit PortlandDirectCare.com.

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THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

PERSPECTIVES FROM THE SKY - ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST MARCH 2020

An Early Fog Clears – But Are We on the Same Page

By Leo Knighton Tallarico As we have been writing, the old system and paradigm are dying.

As we see the impact of coronavirus and the subsequent falling of the stock market, we are only viewing the early stages of the crumbling of an empire and the beginning of what is coming from the breaking open of Pandora’s Box.

So, I guess I have predicted Warren to win, but I do not believe myself totally – but, I did not believe either Obama or Trump would win, and thought my formula was off the mark; indeed, they won. It may not seem possible right now, but I know you all can recognize the world is changing rapidly.

EARLY MARCH FOG

March begins with Mercury still Retrograde, so mental confusions, lapses, and head scratching continue until March 9th at 11:49 PM EDT. It then goes back to the “sanity” of Direct – but not so fast – fogginess may As Pandora’s Box is emptying of its continue for some for another week toxic contents filled with fear and hatred, to 10 days.Then you can make important it opens for the Creation of the Age of decisions again, communicate better with friends, relatives, etc.

Aquarius.

Greater internal strife between two deeply divided USA cultures, and the likely break out of wars in the Middle East and Asia, are large parts of what will stream out of Pandora.

About a half day earlier, there is And of course, Bernie’s Revolutionary “army” is a large part of the Aquarian a Full Moon in Virgo around 1:48 PM. That means Sun in Pisces directly oppowave of change. site Moon in Virgo. This Full Moon is usuA NOTE ON THE ELECTION ally quite gentle, but still can emit some Aquarius is about Equality, Fairness, nervous energy that does not feel in the Social Consciousness, and Diversity With- flow, as the Sun in Pisces prefers. Moon in Unity. The cries “bring down the billion- in Virgo cares more for perfection, purity, aires” and create a more Utopian world and order over “go with the flow.” of Equal Sharing is a large part of Bernie’s Whereas Sun in Pisces seeks to be mantra, as it is of Elizabeth Warren. part of organic unfolding and surrender Many of you remember I predicted of needs to control, Moon in Virgo needs Trump to become President in 2016, and more control, at least mental control. Virmaybe others might remember I also pre- go can be very critical or picky, fussy, or dicted Obama would run against John Mc- choosy. Virgo sees the glass as “half empCain and then become president in 2008. ty.” Pisces may simply ignore the glass altogether. It is always trying to evade what For this coming election, I used my feels more heavy or obligatory. So, at this same formula again and found a virtu- full moon, see if you can find a way to balal tie between Bernie, Elizabeth Warren, ance needs for orderly perfection with Bloomberg, and Trump – yes, Trump. needs for peace and serenity.

Then I decided to view those three from the vantage point of the Eclipses in June and November/December 2020.

Warren is the one most connected to the Eclipses, especially the Solar Eclipse New Moon in Cancer right on the Summer Solstice, which is Warren’s Birthday.

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And on the 31st, Mars in Aquarius gets a big stop sign as it makes conjunction with Saturn. Your desires to do it your way may meet up against a community or group of family that do not agree.

We are now withing range of the And Pluto is not far away, also in late Capricorn. That is a potent combo with Jupiter conjunct Pluto aspect that is much motivation to fulfill ambition and ac- already adding much intensity to our lives. complishment needs. It seeks to succeed, Will talk about in April, and most of all to Manifest. Time to make dreams real or to squash them with cyn- Leo icism – a powerful time, as in early April when Jupiter will make conjunction with Pluto.

And of course, to add some spark to the movement, the Sun has just entered forceful and active Aries.

With the Sun in Aries for a month, there is need to take more control of your own life, to make things happen, but the New Moon in Aries will put both the Sun and Moon in active mode together.

TIME TO MOVE

March 13th through April 11th.

In Business 40 Years!

It is time to rev up your engines for taking action, but not time to go forward yet. Holding back may be especially difficult at that time because high flying Jupiter is conjunct action-oriented Mars in Capricorn on March 20th.

After such a long and oft depressing The fourth and last quarter of the lunar cycle begins on March 16th time period, restlessness is understandat 5:34 AM EDT. Moon is in Sagittarius, able, and maybe all is cleared for takeoff so some energies of excitement will tend in your life now. to push the relaxed flow away today.

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It also means the Moon is losing more 30th, Mars leaves regimented Capriand more light every day until the New corn and enters Aquarius.

Moon on the 24th in Aries.

In Aquarius, Mars moves more into Before that, and in the last quar- distinct individuality, needing to accept its ter of the lunar cycle, there is Spring ways and desires even if outside the old Equinox at 11:50 PM EDT on Thurs- boxes the patriarchy wants it to be confined. day the 19th of March.

On March 24th, the flame is lit, and it is time now. There is a New Moon in Aries at 5:28 AM EDT on the 24th. Action can be good, but Mars ruled Aries can also mean competition or at its most toxic, war.

At the end of the month on the

Leo Knighton Tallarico is an astrological and spiritual guide with 30 years of experience. His specialties are counseling for those in the process of change or crisis and couples counseling for all kinds of relationship.

To contact Leo please email soulus@aol.com.

Community Leaders Business Owners Artists & Other Interesting Folk of Southern Maine

Podcast available on Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts and Spotify

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THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

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THE AMOS FARM

SPRING CLEANING

By Christian Torp If you’ve been in agriculture any length of time I’m certain you’ve been remiss, thinking “I should have” before it was too late, wishing you’d spent the few extra minutes earlier in the season to sprinkle some diatomaceous earth on a minor infestation... instead of spending more time composting your bed of wilting, spoiled, and rotten crops.

if you happen to come across a fire sale, you’ll wish you already had all your ducks in a row so you could drop the hammer.

After all, the only thing unbelievable about an unbelievable opportunity is when you let the opportunity pass you by.

PLAN Have a plan, do your research, and write it down.

The time to do, is now. March is the SURVEY last month with average lows below freezing in Portland, and when it’s not freezing If you own your own parcel(s) and your plants are growing... and the bugs are you’re not certain of the boundary lines, multiplying. then have a professional survey completed before you even start dreaming of WORK NOW the future. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s less A stitch in time saves nine, the time expensive than bringing or defending an you put in now will pay dividends as the action to quiet title. Beware though, you season progresses. Need to order grain might be concerned about neighbors enstorage so that you don’t find larvae in croaching on you, only to learn that you’re your stores this summer? Do it. Sharpen encroaching on them. your tools if you haven’t already.

Each season do you find yourself wishing that you had a something-or-other to help you with a certain task? Ask yourself if the cost is worth it, where’s the best place to get a good one, and get it or budget for it. You don’t just decide one day that you would like to try your hand at a walk-behind tracker, pop by Wal-Mart and get one. You research what’s available, whether you’re in the market for new or used, talk to whomever you know or their acquaintances who have one. Then make a plan and carry it out.

You’ll do better and get better and beat everyone else who waited until the last minute, when they NEEDED one. And

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Ever thought of using a cold frame to get an early start on the season? It's a transparent-roofed enclosure that admits sunlight during the day and prevents heat escape at night, like a miniature green house. If you want to use one this season, it's time to research and make a plan.

-Photos courtesy of Christian Torp

BUY THE BEST YOU CAN AFFORD You’ll always save money in the long run by starting off with quality. Our home has a GE stove that was in the house when we bought it. It’s crap. It gets to temperature and says it is maintaining temperature when in actuality it has stopped heating.

We’re in the market for a new unit and knowing this we didn’t just pop down to the local big box store and get one. A professional dual-fuel, double oven with no digital displays and no gimmicks – and no Bluetooth and no wi-fi – is in process now. Occam’s razor: Entities should not be multiplied without necessity.

Likewise, your new car/truck/tractor with GPS and AC and so on and so forth might be appealing, but it’s not going to be around and see annual use like a mid-twentieth century rig still does.

Christian L.Torp is an attorney, missionary, activist, urban-farmer, master gardener, foster parent, and advocate for social change who lives at Justice House (Facebook: Justice House) with his wife, Tanya, son, Atticus and foster child, #TheNewOne in Lexington, KY.

The time you spend preparing might not be as exciting as carrying out a plan, but you’ll be much happier with the results. Prepare for an enjoyable season now, the investment will be well worth it.

If you have any questions or comments for Christian, or there’s something you’d like to know more about, please reach out to him at theamosfarm@gmail.com.

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THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

PUZZLE PAGE

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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21

Screening to save lives Ana Torres’ decision to have her first colonoscopy three years ago may have saved her life. During the procedure doctors found and removed polyps that could have turned cancerous.

For Ana, who moved to the United States from El Salvador 17 years ago, getting a colonoscopy was not as simple as seeking a referral from a primary care provider and showing up for the screening appointment. Like many immigrants, obstacles like a lack of insurance and a language barrier have made it more difficult for her to get the care she needs.

As in the previous effort, two colon cancer information sessions were held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Portland. One session was held in Spanish for Latin American immigrants, and the other session was attended by French-speaking African immigrants. Ana attended the Spanish-language session and was able to schedule her colonoscopy at the event.

The cost of the colonoscopy and all prep materials were covered by the grant along with taxi vouchers and a hospital room for pre-colonoscopy prep for those in need.

While Northern Light Mercy Hospital and its healthcare foundation secured the grant funding, coordinated the information sessions, and performed the colonoscopies, the screenings would not have been possible without support from Sister Patricia Pora, a Sister of Mercy and director of the Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Portland. Sister Pora regularly travels around Maine to assist Latino immigrants with a variety of issues, and she served as a link between the hospital and the immigrant community.

Recognizing a need to improve access for this underserved population, Northern Light Mercy Hospital has found an innovative way to help people like Ana overcome the barriers they face to getting screened for colon cancer. A grant provided by the Linda Tallen and David Paul Kane Cancer Education and Research Foundation made it possible for Mercy to addresses an unmet need in the community for cancer education and screening among those over 50 who are relatively new to this country.

Education, cost, transportation, and oth“When this was offered by the gaser variables that may prevent convenient troenterology team, I said ‘yes, I’m sure access to screening were funded by the there are people who can use it, because grant. healthcare is an area that many of them don’t have great access to,’” she says.

The first round of cancer screening “Some of them have been here for years for this underserved community began in and have never had a colonoscopy. And 2016. Based on the outcomes of that ef- they’re older adults.” fort (and the identification of more than a dozen pre-cancerous, at risk patients), Sister Pora followed up by phone with a second wave of screening took place in those who had scheduled colonoscopies December. to answer questions and describe some

Drs. Catherine McCrann and Christopher Kleeman from Northern Light Mercy Gastroenterology participated in community colon cancer screening events at Sacred Heart church in Portland. screenings. For Catherine McCrann, MD, a gastroenterologist at Northern Light Mercy Gastroenterology who attended one of the two informational sessions, this “back to basics” approach to medicine fuels her Ana is grateful to Mercy for providing passion for making a difference. an opportunity to get screened. Last fall, “This is just good, clean medicine,” she encouraged her husband to attend one of the November 2019 information says Dr. McCrann. “If you can take away sessions. He registered for a screening and all the barriers, like the language barrier and insurance barrier, you can help people recently had his first colonoscopy. stay healthy and prevent cancer. If detect“He didn’t want to do it,” says Ana. ed early, it’s truly curable. This is truly the “He’s 51, so it’s time.”

Mercy mission.” of the differences between healthcare in their home countries and the United States, which removed yet another barrier to accessing care.

While Mercy doesn’t have immediate plans to expand the screenings, a similar approach could someday provide better access to mammograms and other

Content provided by Northern Light Mercy Hospital.

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THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Mountain and Forest Bathing

By Nancy Dorrans

“T

he clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” -John Muir John and I agree, and we are not alone.

Being outside in any season is nurturing.

The 2020 Adventure Calendar is filling up. I’ve been working with my friend Amy of Earth Walkers to coordinate some local garden weekend tours to Cape Cod/ Nantucket in April and the Eastern Townships and Montreal Quebec next fall.

I stayed in Portland working as a travel advisor and continued to be lured to mountains near and further away. I have hiked all 48 (4000k+) mountains in New Hampshire and some more than once.

I’ve been to the mountains and bathed in the forests of Catalonia, Colombia, the Adirondacks, Tuscan hills, Vietnam, North Carolina, Alaska, Scotland, Wyoming and Montana, Ecuador, the Galapagos, Smoky, Green and Rocky Mountains, Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the Namibian Dunes…

According to the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, there are many names for the medicine of being in the forest: “Shinrin-yoku or Forest bathing refers to the practice of spending time in Whether I’m skiing or hiking, the forested areas for the purpose of enhanc- mountains energize, balance, and connect ing health, wellness, and happiness.” me in a way that a day at the beach never has.The forests’ flora, fauna, nature, and all FIND YOURSELF ON A its wonder add to my love and appreciMOUNTAIN ation for the mountains and our outside world.

Some say they “must” live by the ocean, but it’s the mountains and forests WHAT ARE YOUR that tug and draw me in. I used to live in the White Mountains. Almost twenty STRONGEST ELEMENTS? years ago I moved to Portland for a yearThe Chinese believe in the five funround full-time job at an online adventure damental elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, travel company called Away.com.

Metal, and Water. These elements are said Away’s slogan was: “Find Yourself…

Someplace Else.” I worked there just over a year, but after the tragic events of 9/11 our company lost its funding. The office closed and my co-workers and I had to do just that… “Find ourselves…someplace else!”

ADVENTURE AWAITS...

The Adventure Marketplace “Women, Walking and Wine” Series is taking off.

Last spring, we traveled to Portugal. In September, we’re heading to hike in the Catalonia region of Spain. This adventure is already sold out! Where to next ladies?

Nancy Dorrans at Loon Mountain volunteering with New England Disabled Sports. Nancy is a West End resident and independent travel agent at Adventure Marketplace.

So as not to leave anyone out, a new small group wilderness series is in the works for all genders. Not sure what to call it yet, but here’s a preview of where we may be heading: Spring over to Ireland to hike the Wild Atlantic Way and attend the European Capital of Culture event in Galway… Uganda Trek to meet the mountain gorillas… Also, on the short list are the Canadian Rockies and the Calgary Stampede in July… hiking and wine in Slovenia and/or the country of Georgia… skiing in the Tyrol region of Italy… adventures in Croatia and Patagonia.

Surprised? It makes a lot of sense to me. Each ski season I make a pilgrimage of sorts to the slopes of Loon Mountain to volunteer for New England Disabled Sports as a ski coach. I help teach people I’m also dreaming of a forest bath in with physical and cognitive disabilities how to be the fundamental building blocks of to ski, utilizing my strong Earth and Fire Scotland and a trip through the Standing Stones of Callanish on the Isle of Lewis, everything in the universe. Each of us has elements! near where my grandmother was born. all five elements in us. In a workshop I atWith Adventure Marketplace, I feel With so many paths to choose, I am havtended a few years ago, I learned that my two strongest elements are Fire (Enthu- quite blessed that as an independent ing trouble deciding! siasm and Passion) and Earth (Nurturing, business owner, travel advisor, and small group coordinator, I can combine my Fire Stability, and Security). housands of tired, nerve-shaken, and Earth elements with my love of the over-civilized people are beginforests and mountains in my group advenning to find out that going to the mountures and tours! My favorite adventures tains is going home; that wildness is a are those that include mountains and off necessity” ― John Muir the beaten trails, paths, tracks, and wending ways.

Nancy hiking in Catalonia, Spain. -Photos courtesy of Adventure Marketplace

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THE DUMPSTER

THE WEST END NEWS | MARCH 2020

THE DUMPSTER

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THE WEST END NEWS

WHERE WE THROW ALL THE STUFF WE DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH…

National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveils Mookie Betts Red Sox farewell bobblehead… Maine Crafts Association and Maine Crafts Guild merge to become one Maine craft organization… The Portland Press Herald halts Monday print edition and starts digitalonly ePaper… Viva and the Reinforcements leave the local stages for a while to return to the studio… Charlie Mitchell amicably buys out partner Justin Alfond to become sole managing owner of Bayside Bowl… Portland Downtown’s executive director Casey Gilbert will leave the organization in June to build a consulting practice… Optimal Self’s Eric Hilton joins Katlin Norton of Fitness Katlin to open Love and Muscles personal training studio in Falmouth… Medical marijuana is now Maine’s third largest agricultural product behind lobsters and potatoes… And from the world of lists… WalletHub names Portland the 15th hardest working city and Maine the 4th least sinful state in America… and the blog Fishingbooker.com names Portland the 6th best fishing city…

Published by Zeli Enterprises, LLC 795 Congress Street Portland, Maine 04102 www.thewestendnews.com thewestendnews@gmail.com Anthony Zeli, Publisher & Editor Rick Ness, Sales

VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS Nancy Dorrans, Travel & Adventure James Fereira, The Portland Palate Dr. Oren Gersten, Beyond 7 Minutes Rosanne Graef, La Vida Local Adam Rice, Commentary Michael Stern, Emotional Intelligence Leo Knighton Tallarico, Astrology Christian Torp, The Amos Farm Layne Witherell, Layne's Wine Gig

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