Issuu

MAY 2021.VOL. 21, NO. 05. PORTLAND, MAINE.

PORTLAND’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER. FREE!

Garden Survival Guide

Thanks to climate change, even our favorite outdoor activities seem filled with risk. Here are some tips to help you survive your garden this spring. By Tony Zeli

It’s spring! Time for us to get outside and enjoy our gardens. Whether a backyard retreat, a balcony sanctuary, or a community garden getaway, our gardens are an important part of enjoying the outdoors in our urban landscapes. But we all know in this time of escalating climate catastrophe that we must be extra careful out there. Even paging through your favorite community newspaper, you read about the mounting threats. Every year the dangerous browntail moth, whose little hairs irritate the skin and eyes and can cause respiratory issues, expands its habitat over the city. Or you read that for the second year in a row many downtown Portlanders are receiving free lead soil tests thanks to contamination levels that the EPA considers an elevated risk. (If you live in Bayside, East Bayside, Parkside, or West End, sign up for a free soil test at https://tinyurl. com/FREESoilTest.)

The National Institute on Health publishes findings that support attempts to reduce exposure to pesticides, and we have done so with organic law care ordinances in Portland and South Portland. -WEN file photo by T. Zeli Now, the Maine State House is considering a bill from Representative Ben Collings of Portland to require organic lawn care statewide by banning high-risk cosmetic pesticides. In Portland, a city ordinance bans synthetic pesticides on both public and private property and requires all property owners to go organic, though it includes exemptions and an emergency waiver provision. But whether your town requires it or not, going organic in the garden is a good idea for your health and the planet’s. So here are a few tips.

TIP: USE VINEGAR

A common and well-known alternative to synthetic chemicals is vinegar. But note, everyday household vinegar is not Even stepping outside to do the gar- strong enough to do the job right. Hortidening seems fraught with threats. So, cultural vinegar is much stronger and will here’s a few tips to help you survive your be more effective. Use with care as it will gardening experience. kill whatever it touches.

THREAT: CHEMICALS Pesticides, herbicides, and other garden chemicals contaminate the ground and water. In addition to killing unwanted insects and invasive vegetation, they can be toxic to wildlife and put ecosystems out of balance. Plus, they can pose a risk to human health. Mishandling garden chemicals can cause acute health symptoms like stinging eyes, rashes, and blisters. Scarier still, the pesticides in our environment and on our food can lead to cancer, especially a risk for children and pregnant women.

TIP: MOW HIGH

doing so without harmful chemicals. Then plant native species that help the birds and A successful organic lawn begins with bees! mowing high. The longer the grass, the deeper the roots. This reduces the need TIP: TAKE A SHOWER for watering and increases access to nuGood advice is to take a shower trients. Also, longer grass can shade out within two hours after spending time outweeds. In fact, dandelions and crabgrass doors to wash off any unattached ticks. love lawns that are only 1-inch tall. But a Pay close attention to those warm areas 2- to 2.5-inch-tall lawn prevents dandeliticks love to hide, like your underarms, ons from germinating and stifles crabgrass behind the knees, in and around the ears, growth. your belly button, and of course anywhere you have hair. THREAT:TICKS Okay, the long grass suggestion above begs the question: What about ticks? Like the browntail moth, ticks are one of the most hazardous insects in Maine. They love that our environment is They are By andriano_cz / Adobe Stock warming. spreading throughout the state and are bringing high rates of tickborne diseases such as lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis.

So, when we say mow high to help the grass grow without chemicals, let’s keep in mind this other threat we face, the tick, which likes the long grass. As such, Maine CDC recommends mowing your lawn to 3 inches or less. This lowers the humidity at ground level making it difficult for ticks to survive. Putting this together with our TIP: PLANT NATIVE advice on shutting out weeds organically, Why not plant native species to at- it looks like 2.5 inches to 3 inches is the tract birds and pollinators? Attracting sweat spot for mowing. birds and helpful insects can help reduce Here are some additional tips to help pests, and pollinators are essential to a you face down the deadly tick. healthy garden. Native plants conserve biodiversity and create migration corriTIP: PLANT NATIVE dors for birds and insects. For more information on native species, visit the Wild Yes, that one again. Invasive plants Seed Project: http://wildseedproject.net. such as Japanese barberry and glossy Or ask your local lawn and garden center buckthorn provide the perfect habitat for and they will be happy to point you in the ticks. If you already have these plants in right direction. your yard, consider removing them – and

TIP: DON’T USE A MATCH Do not use a hot match, petroleum jelly, dish-soap, nail polish, or other folk remedies to remove ticks. They might not work and may increase the risk of infection. If you have an attached tick, all you need is a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal spoon. Grab the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure so you remove all the tick from under the skin.

TIP: BE MODEST Cover up with long pants and longsleeved shirts, light-colored clothing, and tuck your pant legs into your socks and your shirt into your pants. That last tip to be modest is also an excellent way to avoid exposure to the sun, bringing us to the next garden threat.

THREAT: SKIN CANCER Enjoying the spring sunshine is good. Not only is natural sunlight associated with a boost in mood, but UV rays can help provide essential nutrients (such as vitamin D). But the fact is that people who enjoy the outdoors are at risk for sunburn and skin cancer, and Maine has a higher-than-average incidence rate of skin cancer compared to the nation.

Cont'd on Pg. 4

Page 6

Adilah Muhammad on Maine’s Black Cultural Infrastructure

Page 7

Portland Buy Local helps you celebrate spring!

Page 11

Fictional Gardeners Trivia

Page 3

UPDATE: Metro hits pause on new bus routes

Page 4

The healing power of plants by Dr. Oren Gersten

Best Worst presents Fictional Gardeners Trivia

Page 5

1. Mr. Michael McGregor just wants to keep Peter Rabbit out of his garden in a series of books by what author and illustrator?

Bright Ideas: Complete Neigh2. A garden & of carnivorous plants,Gardens hemlock, and borhoods Community poison ivy was kept by what spooky TV wife and mother played by Carolyn Jones?

3. According to a nursery rhyme, whose garden grows with silver bells, and cockle shells, and pretty maids all in a row? 4. Which member of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Fellowship

Mondays @ Lazzari Find out more on Facebook and Instagram: @bestworsttrivia

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THE WEST END NEWS | MAY 2021

THE WEST END NEWS Published by Zeli Enterprises, LLC 795 Congress Street Portland, Maine 04102 www.thewestendnews.com thewestendnews@gmail.com Tony Zeli, Publisher & Editor Rick Ness, Sales VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS

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CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF COMMUNITY NEWS!

INSIDE THIS EDITION Best Worst Trivia.........................................11 Bright Ideas.....................................................5 Business & Community.............................6-7 Climate Justice...............................................5 Commentary...................................................4 Crossword....................................................11 Dumpster......................................................15 Food & Drink.........................................12-13 Health & Wellness.......................................10 La Vida Local...................................................4 Layne's Wine Gig...................................12-13 Map Page.....................................................8-9 Neighborhood News................................3-4 PelotonPosts...................................................6 Portland Buy Local........................................7 Puzzles...........................................................11 Travel..............................................................14 We're All in This Together............................5 Words in Words..........................................11

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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Metro Hits Pause on New Bus Routes

THE WEST END NEWS | MAY 2021

Innovative & Compassionate Memory Care

Springtime is in the air, our senses, our hearts and our courtyards. Fallbrook Woods residents are once again delighting in the beauty of nature and friendships forged.

Metro pauses proposal to eliminate Route 8 and create a Portland Peninsula Circulator. Regional transit operators perform a geographically broader study. Regional transit study begins Beginning in May, Metro will work with the Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) to study a region-wide network redesign. The Transit Together study, as it is called, will look at not only bus routes operated by Metro in Portland, but also South Portland Bus Service, Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach Transit, Regional Transportation Program, and York County Community Action Agency. The study will lead to recommended route changes.

Transit Tomorrow study will look at "mirco-transit" services as a potential way to meet ondemand door-to-door service needs. -Photo courtesy of GP METRO

Life with memory impairment continues…let us show you how. 60 Merrymeeting Drive, Portland, Maine 04103 (207) 878-0788 www.FallbrookWoods.com

The study will also examine the administrative and organizational functions of the region’s transit agencies. And it will explore new “micro-transit” services, which could provide on-demand service for riders in low-density or low-ridership areas. This could be the method Metro uses to address the need for door-todoor service at locations like 75 and 100 State Street.

First set of proposed changes shelved

In 2019, Greater Portland Metro began evaluating potential changes to bus By Tony Zeli routes on the peninsula, with the goal of Greater Portland Metro hit pause on creating a bi-directional circulator route. its efforts to revamp bus service on the Metro proposed adjusting several other Portland peninsula. The proposal to elimi- bus routes, including eliminating Route 8. nate Route 8 and create a peninsula circuMetro released its first set of route lator route will be shelved and rethought. change proposals last December. Some Metro will further study and integrate bus current riders expressed concern that the route changes into a region-wide bus sys- proposed circulator route would affect tem redesign effort that begins this month. older adults and people with disabilities “We’ve heard many of our riders living on the peninsula tell us how important it is to maintain door-to-door services for people with mobility challenges,” said Greater Portland Metro Executive Director Greg Jordan.

by adding walking distance in several areas of the peninsula.

Metro planned to make adjustments before finalizing the proposed routes this spring. Route changes would have gone into effect in late 2022.The bus agency will “To best meet those needs and build now incorporate those next steps into a better overall transit system that at- the Transit Together study. Metro expects tracts new riders, we know we’ll achieve to complete the study in late 2022. better outcomes if we opt for a regional Tony Zeli is publisher and editor. Reach approach,” said Jordan. him at thewestendnews@gmail.com.

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THE BROADER PICTURE / COMMENTARY

THE WEST END NEWS | MAY 2021

The healing power of plants By Dr. Oren Gersten

Plants and herbs are the original medicine used to treat human illness. Many of our modern pharmaceuticals are based on chemicals that we discovered in plants or in nature. Spring is the perfect time for us to appreciate the medicinal properties of some of the plants growing around us. An important thing to understand about medicinal plants is that “natural” does not always mean “safe.” Some people incorrectly assume that using natural substances to treat disease is safer than using pharmaceuticals. There can be risks and benefits to any treatment. Having an experienced herbalist or doctor trained in integrative medicine can help you understand the specifics of any treatment.

Aloe Vera This hearty plant grows well in arid climates but is easy to cultivate almost anywhere. We use the pulp within its leaves to treat a variety of maladies including skin burns and stomach upset. There are different formulations, some of which include the whole leaf and others that do not. Many over the counter burn treatments include derivatives of this plant.

Ginger Ginger root, which is commonly used in cooking, is an excellent way to treat nausea. Whether used in tea or in a pulverized form there are substances in ginger that are soothing to the stomach. It can be a useful tool in any traveler’s formulary to combat motion sickness.

Turmeric Turmeric is a root similar in appearance to ginger. It is commonly used as a spice in foods from India and the middle east. It has been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful in treating arthritis pain. There are certain formulations and dosages which need to be used to attain maximum anti-inflammatory pain relief.

La Vida Local Irregular Notes on West End Life By Rosanne Graef

Build Back Better

Reiche Community Center The City of Portland is considering consolidation of several Health and Human Services programs at 39 Forest Avenue. In the proposed schedule, the Maternal and Child Health Program and the Minority Health Program currently located at the Reiche Public Health Station in the West End would move to Forest Avenue in July 2021.What are the implications of this plan for the Reiche Community Center?

Pictured above is an aloe vera house plant. Aloe is often used to treat skin burns and stomach upset.

-Photo by Tony Zeli

Capsaicin This compound is found in hot chili peppers and imparts the spicy flavor. Used topically capsaicin creams can combat muscle and joint pain through modulation of pain receptors. Use care and do not get capsaicin in your eyes or mouth. It is the same ingredient used in bear deterrent pepper spray!

In the Reiche school renovation plan, the Public Health Station was slated to move to the large, open upstairs space most recently occupied by the school’s music program. The floor plan on the school department’s “Buildings for our Future” website shows the same space slated for “heavy renovation” with interior walls dividing it into several smaller rooms or offices. If the Public Health Station moves, is this still the plan?

Indoor Community Space Needed

As the ozone thins and more UVB rays reach our skin, scientists say we can expect more DNA damage and skin cancer. Additionally, as temperatures clime, skin cancer risk increases. Research has shown that not only does UV radiation become more effective at creating tumors at higher temperatures but also that nonmelanoma skin cancer risk increases for every Celsius degree of temperature increase. So, don’t pass on the sunscreen.Without appropriate sunscreen, sun exposure can contribute not only to melanoma risk, but also to skin aging and acute damage. Luckily, we have an overwhelming supply of possible protective products. There are countless sprays and lotions, designed in every SPF level and for every skin type, but the Maine CDC recommends SPF 15 or higher. Remember to reapply every two hours. Here are some more tips to help you enjoy the sun.

-WEN file photo by Tony Zeli

recreation departments in Portland and nearby municipalities are currently facing. These include revenue shortfalls in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, as well as hurdles to cross in reopening when pandemic restrictions are lifted. In Portland, most of the pre-pandemic programming for seniors was centered around trips which, of course, came to a screeching halt last March. Other activities that neighbors had organized at Reiche such as book club, exercise class, movie night, sing-along, and others also ceased.

In 2019, a team from the University of New Hampshire conducted a community center needs assessment. Their report, submitted in February 2020, has These are only a few of the amazing not yet been publicly presented or acted plants that can aid in human health. If you upon. However, if you’ve lived here for are interested in learning more consult any length of time, it’s pretty obvious that your nearest local expert. Portland is sorely lacking public indoor community spaces where residents from Dr. Oren all age groups and walks of life can gathGersten is a er for recreation and socializing and feel board-certified Connecting Neighbors that they are welcomed. Even simple infamily doctor door walking for seniors is pretty much During Difficult Times who brings his unavailable. (We’ve tried it at the Reiche passion for The isolation of the pandemic has gym, but the only possible time slot was connecting brought home to many the importance at 6:30 a.m., not exactly prime time on a and caring for of having a network of both close and cold, dark day in December.) people to his informal connections within one’s neighprivate pracIsn’t this the time to bring that up- borhood. Without those it is hard to tice, Portland stairs space at Reiche back into the realm maintain your equilibrium and get by in Direct Primary of the community center administered difficult times. Where do you meet those Care, at 27 Ocean Street, #3, South by the recreation department? Isn’t this a people? If you live in the West End, Reiche Portland. Reach him at (207) 618-9792 perfect opportunity to build back better and its campus are where many people’s or visit PortlandDirectCare.com. with programs and access for all residents lives cross. of the neighborhood? Let’s encourage Portland’s recreation department and community policing to A recent Portland Press Herald arclaim any space that public health abanticle related some of the challenges that dons at Reiche and bring access for all age TIP: AVOID 10 AM - 4 PM groups to a wide variety of site-based acSunlight is most damaging between tivities. 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the most intense. So, spend those hours indoors or in the shade when you can. ReRosanne Graef lives in the West End member, a cloudy day does not mean you Share your opinion with the editor. Email and is a regular volunteer contributor. are protected from UV radiation. Clouds thewestendnews@gmail.com or mail Email: lavidalocalwen@gmail.com. block only about 20 percent of harmful to: The West End News UV rays. Attn: Editor TIP: DON’T TAN 795 Congress Street Portland, Maine 04102. Avoid products like tanning beds. Tanning beds increase the risk of melaLetters to the editor should be no noma and other skin cancers without the more than 300 words. Include your healthy benefits of sunshine. name, neighborhood/town, and phone It’s a changing world we live in, full of or email for confirmation. Op-eds threats from our changing climate. But we should be no more than 700 words. shouldn’t have to give up our gardening! Deadline for publication is the fourth Hope these tips help. Be safe out there. Friday of every month. Our column space is very limited, publication is not Tony Zeli is publisher and editor. Reach guaranteed, and submissions may be edited for length and content. him at thewestendnews@gmail.com.

GARDEN SURVIVAL GUIDE CONT'D FROM PG. 1

In the West End, Reiche and its campus are where many people’s lives cross.

SUBMIT YOUR OPINION

CLIMATE JUSTICE

THE WEST END NEWS | MAY 2021

We’re All in This Together Climate Solutions Beyond Your Backyard

Citizens’ Climate Lobby & Effective Climate Communication Combat Your Climate Despair By Mary King, CCL Volunteer

NEW SYSTEMS FOR WORKING TOGETHER

As a mother and educator, I some- 'The Burden,' times struggle with climate related despair. a documentary Climate change presents us with ever Despair has no party affiliation. It is the re- about fossil more serious challenges - financial, food, sult of helplessness and lack of hope. But fuel depenand housing insecurity, not to mention change agents need to maintain hope and dence and the strain on physical and mental health. clear strategies. Since joining Citizens’ Cli- U.S. national We must rely more on each other to mate Lobby (CCL), I have new reasons for security. get by. The pandemic certainly brings this optimism and a commonsensical path forpoint home. How do we build the incluward. CCL’s bipartisanship bridges politiThose steeped in the importance of sive, regenerative economy we need? Start cal divides that get in the way of progress. obedience and following legitimate sourcby building the organizations, community Research shows that political parties of authority might be moved by “The groups, and business structures that will sanship has a more powerful impact on Burden,” a documentary about fossil fuel support an enhanced new, energy efficient, beliefs about climate change than one’s dependence and U.S. national security. and waste free lifestyle. level of scientific knowledge. So, effective People motivated by the freedom founEveryone has a stake in this. And we climate communication involves under- dation may respond to a Tea Party Conneed to hear from everyone. But we’re standing our “audience” and delivering servative fighting for solar energy alternanot starting from zero. Efforts like worktives. Researchers at UC Berkeley found our message accordingly. er cooperatives provide shining examples that “self-identified conservatives experiNYU professor of Ethical Leadership ence increased motivation after reading of what’s possible when ordinary people Jonathan Haidt delineates six basic foun- articles stressing the need to protect the come together. Many of those marginalized dations which shape moral dispositions:1. purity of the environment and when shown by our current system are finding ways of Compassion; 2. Obedience; 3. Loyalty; 4. such repellant images as a person drink- resourcing the people and organizations Freedom; 5. Purity; 6. Fairness. ing dirty water, a forest filled with garbage, needed for a just and equitable transition to a carbon-neutral future. Those rich in and a city under a cloud of smog.” Haidt’s Moral Foundation Theory exexperiential knowledge and participatory plains why, across cultures and subcultures, The Energy Innovation and Carbon processes have the expertise we need to there are significant similarities regarding Dividend Act, the most widely sponsored ensure the sustainable production and acmoral norms. It also explains how individ- bi-partisan carbon pricing bill in Congress, cessible distribution of healthy food, track uals and cultures can differ so dramatically resonates with the moral foundations progress on energy efficiency and waste in moral frameworks. and sensibilities across partisan divides. reduction, and improve transportation. It would gradually increase the price on Much of the language and imagery Small “d” democracy is what local carbon at the source and then return used to talk about climate change to date 100% of the net revenues to households organizations, neighborhood associations, has been ineffective in shaping behavior and as a dividend. Both parties agree this bill and community groups do. And that’s what attitudinal changes for those not already is good for people, the economy, and the we’ll need to establish a wide variety of sympathetic to the issue. Environmental environment. Join the Citizens Climate cooperative enterprises to serve multiple messages cater to those with strong comLobby or learn more at https://citizenscli- purposes. passion tendencies, while ignoring the five matelobby.org/chapters/ME_Portland. other moral foundations. For example, imComplete Neighborhoods ages of barren rainforests or dying coral Mary King is the Assistant Principal at BaxThe concept of “Complete Neighreefs are less motivating to those outside ter Academy for Science and Technology. borhoods,” is a cornerstone of the One of the compassion orientation than imagWe’re All in This Together is a monthly column Climate Future (OCF) plan. Complete es connecting climate action to our civic submitted by volunteers of the Portland chapter of neighborhoods bring residents into closer responsibility as a US citizen. Citizens' Climate Lobby. contact with one another as we access the necessities of daily life. The plan includes clustering transportation hubs, housing, schools, civic functions, food, and open space within easily walkable or bikeable distances. With increasing independence from personal cars, we will see more commuter shuttles, rideshare programs, and facilities for bicycle storage.

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A community garden in the West End, an example of bringing people together while stabilizing our food supply and lowering carbon emissions. -WEN file photo

Community Gardens Another way of bringing people closer together is to stabilize and expand the supply of healthy local food. Due to climate change, we can no longer rely so extensively on food from away. The shipping of food from the far corners of the country and beyond produces substantial amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. OCF calls on our twin cities of Portland and South Portland to expand the network of community gardens. Let’s make community gardens available in all neighborhoods. The final “Big Move” in the OCF plan calls for close monitoring to track greenhouse gas emissions and expanding distributed (small-scale) energy resources.

BRIGHT IDEA: Everything Must Change

“E

very aspect of our lives currently controlled by shareholder profits must be rethought and rebuilt in the context of terrestrial survival.” -Ben Ehrenreich,The New Republic, Apr. '21

Access the full draft of the OCF plan at www.oneclimatefuture.org. Bright Ideas is brought to you by Portland Climate Action Team which, during the pandemic, meets online on the 4th Thursday of the month, 6-7:30 p.m. All are welcome to join in. FMI: portlandclimateaction@gmail.com.

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

THE WEST END NEWS | MAY 2021

Adilah Muhammad

The Third Place Builds Maine’s Black Cultural Infrastructure Every Month PelotonLabs founder Liz Trice interviews a community member for The West End News. This month Liz caught up with Adilah Muhammad (right), a founder of the Third Place, a space for BIPOC professionals, community builders, and entrepreneurs.

What is the Third Place? The Third Place is an organizational collaborative and 1500-square-foot coworking suite for professionals, community builders, and entrepreneurs designed to build cultural infrastructure within Maine’s Black community. We started late in 2016 following an increase in demand within the community for a safe, affirming, and affordable work and community space. Members of our community work together across sectors to share resources and expertise to grow and sustain new businesses, organizations, and initiatives that benefit communities of color.

What does the name mean? In placemaking, a “third place” is a space separate from work and home. These are places such as coffee shops, parks, and community centers where the actual work of community building takes place. The Third Place, Portland is a place where community members can both work and build community – hosting small scale events such as poetry readings and “house” shows. Our Third Place is like a

magnet to attract and retain an ethnically diverse talent to Maine. As someone who has considered leaving Maine due to the social and professional isolation I have experienced, it is an absolute necessity to building an equitable quality of place.

A lot of readers may be thinking about racial inequities. What can they do?

Read and educate yourself. Racial inequities exist due to personal bias and structural racism. We all play a role in perpetuating inequity. There is a plethora of community living room where we engage nomic landscape. information that exists detailing how racial in group action and problem-solving. As each network grows, it is our bias shows up in all of our lives through that they become reliable resourc- the institutions that sustain our economic What projects are you hope es for other BIPOC employees exploring sectors. It is important that people undermost excited or hopeful opportunities to live and work in Maine. stand why a problem exists and find ways to change their own role in the system about? and contribute time and money to efforts How did you get into working to reform the residue of white Social and professional networking is this work? supremacy. central to our work. Since the majority of As an organizational development the Black community comes from diverse For more information, please visit backgrounds culturally and geographically, professional, I have worked with sev- https://www.thethirdplace.me. it is a priority to ensure that individuals eral ethnic and community-based orare connected in meaningful ways that ganizations. Over the years, I have identified some critical gaps that exist create shared value. within and between the various commu- PelotonLabs is a coworking space in Shift, our cross-sector organizing ini- nity groups. While there has been an in- the West End of Portland, Maine with tiative, brings together Black, Indigenous, credible amount of institution building to a mission to connect and encourage and People of Color (BIPOC) working in support direct services, there was little to people working on their own to mantarget sectors to address barriers to ra- support those leading these institutions ifest their visions without fear. cial equity and reduce professional isola- and those within the BIPOC community tion. We are currently building networks who are not connected to direct service in the healthcare, legal, media/commu- organizations. Organizations dedicated to nications, environmental, and education cultivating a BIPOC “professional class” Content Provided By sectors. These networks are created to did not exist. ensure that BIPOC employees in these PelotonPosts is created by PelotonI felt that this was a huge gap because Labs and WEN provides column space sectors have a group of peers that can collectively identify issues and prioritize BIPOC communities are always strapped without charge. PelotonLabs has been action for addressing their professional with a narrative of deficit. The Third Place a paid advertiser. WEN publisher and needs. In addition, these networks allow wishes to showcase the depth of assets editor Tony Zeli is a coworking member BIPOC professionals to increase their that BIPOC professionals bring to the at PelotonLabs. visibility as critical players in Maine’s eco- community and use these networks as a

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BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

THE WEST END NEWS | MAY 2021

What are you looking for this Spring? By Tony Zeli Now that spring is upon us, we look for ways to get outside and connect with our urban ecology. Portland Buy Local member businesses can help us do that. When looking for goods, services, or experiences, start with the Buy Local directory, printed every year. To help you get started here are some ways to celebrate spring locally: • Explore the Portland Farmers Market. The market returns to Deering Oaks and Monument Square this time of year. Go to support local growers and producers, eat seasonally, and get outside at the same time.

2020-21 Buy Local Guide & Map • Visit local grocers. Local markets like Portland Food Co-op, Rose- Become a Member mont Market, Pat’s Meat Market, or Being a Buy Local member – business, the West End’s Fresh Approach offer non-profit, or individual – gives you a vagreat seasonal, local options. You can riety of ways to celebrate every time of literally taste spring in their products! year. Whether it’s finding a local service, • Use local services and shop at learning about your city, or being a part local home and garden retailers. of community, Portland Buy Local is not Those of you who are gardeners can just about growing local economy. It’s also rejoice at the plethora of local op- about growing a sense of place. Join us! tions for garden supplies, services, Visit https://www.portlandbuylocal.org. and plants. Consider Reny’s, McCarthy Tree Service, or the Portland Tony Zeli is publisher and editor. The Food Co-op – the Co-op offers seed- West End News is a Portland Buy Local lings this time of year. member and media partner.

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THE WEST END NEWS | MAY 2021

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THE WEST END NEWS | MAY 2021

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

THE WEST END NEWS | MAY 2021

Let's make this National Nurses Week like no other

Jordynne Copp is a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at Northern Light Mercy Hospital. -Photo courtesy of Northern Light Mercy Hospital

Maine Veterans’ Dental Network Launches Governor Janet Mills announced today the formation of the Maine Veterans’ Dental Network in partnership with Northeast Delta Dental, participating dental clinics, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC).The network will provide dental services to Maine’s veterans who otherwise could not afford them and will officially launch on May 15th. The Maine Veterans’ Dental Network is the result of a $35,000 grant for veterans from Northeast Delta Dental, which has been divided among participating clinics and FQHCs. Services will be provided on a first-come first-serve basis and will be available until funding runs out.

There are eight participating dental clinics across the state, including more locally Community Dental (Biddeford, LewNational Nurses Week begins While a lot was learned over the Thank you, Jordynne, and all iston, Portland) and UNE Dental Clinic each year on May 6th and ends on May past year, Jordynne recently reflected Northern Light Mercy Hospital nurses (Portland). These dental clinics can provide the 12th, which is the birthday of Florence on the importance of teamwork when for everything you have done and conNightingale, the founder of modern it comes to tackling challenges. tinue to do on behalf of our patients following services: preventative, diagnostic, restorative, oral surgery, and major nursing. and our communities. uring this past year restorative. Services not provided include dental implants, orthodontics, fixed bridgI have learned how Jordynne Copp is a registered es, telehealth, or PPE charges. quickly things can Content Provided By nurse at Northern Light Mercy Hos-National Nurses Week image by scoutori/Adobe Stock

pital where she works in the intensive care unit caring for critically ill patients. While the pandemic presented many tests to healthcare in general, nurses like Jordynne and her team worked tirelessly to deliver the best care possible to every patient they treated.

“D

change and how important it is to be able to adapt to those changes that we are presented with on a daily basis,” said Copp. “I feel very grateful to have such an amazing team in the ICU. We truly relied on each other during this past year.”

Northern Light Mercy Hospital is a nonprofit community hospital sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy that has been providing care to greater Portland since 1918. Northern Light Mercy Hospital is a paid advertiser.

An Honorable or General Under Honorable discharge is required to qualify for the program.

For more information or to access the Maine Veterans’ Dental Network, please contact Sarah Sherman at 207-4305816 or email sarah.sherman@maine.gov.

PUZZLE PAGE

THE WEST END NEWS | MAY 2021

Fictional Gardeners Trivia 1. Mr. Michael McGregor just wants to keep Peter Rabbit out of his garden in a series of books by what author and illustrator?

2. A garden of carnivorous plants, hemlock, and poison ivy was kept by what spooky TV wife and mother played by Carolyn Jones? 3. According to a nursery rhyme, whose garden grows with silver bells, and cockle shells, and pretty maids all in a row?

Mondays @ Lazzari Find out more on Facebook and Instagram: @bestworsttrivia

4. Which member of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Fellowship of the Ring was a gardener by trade?

Find the answers online at thewestendnews.com/puzzle-solutions!

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FOOD & DRINK

THE WEST END NEWS | MAY 2021

LAYNE'S WINE GIG PRESENTS

DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR By Layne V. Witherell There have been three dramatic changes over the past year in the world of wine. The first, of course, is the disappearance of your favorite local restaurant. Bummer. Then the space reopens with a takeout sign and an exceptionally large help wanted sign. None of this is comforting or soothing.

Recent releases of the numbers as they relate to your quick shop are startling: “Wine power brands,” in the words of the CEO of Constellation (the #2 wine company in the world), are through the roof. You did not even slow down in the aisles. Josh Cellars is up 36%, Bota Box sees a 42.5% increase, Meiomi, Apothic, 19 Crimes (remember Snoop?), all are ablaze in sales. The recognizable images are the new norm. Leave it to the slick marketing people to create a new category called “betterment brands.” Hell, I thought that I was lucky the store had toilet paper, a bottle of my favorite zinfandel, and that I made it out of the store - much less stopping to look for a wine or even trying to locate the “betterment department.”

your Door” movement. It is more of a stampede, an irresistible force that follows you any time you look up wine on any device or think of ordering food for your cloistered life. There are wine clubs, delivery services, and even this strange posting for “My Wine Society.” They want Instagram wine influencers who love to post on social media “as much as we do.” I chose not to take their little quiz for fear of falling down the clickbait wine channel rabbit hole. They are all crawling out of the woodwork.

The second major change is the way you shop at your local grocery store. You struggle to make sure your mask is on tight, your hand sanitizer is in place, and your shopping list is in front of your fogged up glasses. This leads to our photo of the essentials of your shop: toilet paper and your favorite bottle of wine, both Today we will look at some of these collected quickly without hesitation. The varied delivery services and put one of The third and by far the most importphotos both represent refined, delicious them to the test. ant trend from all of this is the “Direct to wines that are among my favs.

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talks with Drizzly, the alcohol beverage delivery service, to the tune of an $1.1 billion offer. This could be a game changer for what comes to your door with your food.

There are services locally that make WINE CLUBS claim to deliver to your door. Since this There is something for every taste is a “wine gig” column and not a “wine and pocketbook out there. rep” column. You must consider all those choices yourself. I just report it. I do not • Somm Select: All those out of peddle it. work, in debt, sommeliers are pooling their accumulated wisdom. This is esDELIVERY SERVICES oterica central. • Carhop.Me: Delivery service listed • Splash Wines: They offer the Mcin stores. Daddy of deals with sales, sales, and more sales proving that there is a lot • Drizzly: Beverage delivery service of cheap wine in the world waiting to you can search. be consumed. • Amazon: Who knows what tomor• Sotheby’s: Your bespoke wine merrow brings? Whole Foods delivery chant. You can literally hear the crisp with Walmart peering over their press of their starched shirts through shoulder. • Uber: The rideshare company is in

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your phone. Also, you can track the Are they passing along that accumulated Hong Kong fine wine auction market 60-percent plus margin that is lying on the or just cozy up to a $600 bottle of table? Grange from Australia. Sorry, limit Of course, the ultimate allure of the three bottles only. wine club is simply that it is available there • Wine Till It’s Gone: This is the and not here, rendering you “oh so cool.” “it drives you crazy” app. Four bottles remain with two minutes to go. ELDEN SELECTIONS Quick, get out of the car and press They are the Burgundy experts for the button before it is too late. Take a direct from the source buying. It is one minute to do your homework on the thing to say “gee, I like Elden Selections,” deals. It is always better to know what and yet another to press the button and you are going to buy before you press plunk down $702 for twelve bottles. Shipthat button. ping is free and tax is included; that works • Wine.com: Pull up any wine on your computer and there they are. Your ubiquitous wine experts with their smiley faces. Wilfred Wong is their guru, and I fondly remember him slinging three plus laptops into the international tasting competitions we were judging and taking both his and the judges’ notes - all the notes in a fury of keystrokes!

Bottles of Burgundy: Santenay “Gravieres," a rare white; and Chassagne Montrachet Blanc “Vielles Vignes," a thrilling red.

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ing “indie” winemakers and selling Included below are my notes, redirect to you, with a help send a kid (fledgling winemaker) to camp aes- search, and analysis of my thoughts of retails that you would expect to pay per thetic. bottle if you bought them at your local The pitch behind wine clubs, as well wine merchant with importer, wholesaler, as winery wine clubs, is that you are elim- and retailer margins. inating two or three layers of markup and are buying direct from the source. It is al- Santenay “Vielles Vignes” Pinot Noir, ways wise to see if that is true or if they 2018. Currants, mushrooms. $45.00. are pocketing the remainder of that pile Santenay “Gravieres” red, 2018, $45.00. of money gleaned direct from the source. Santenay “Gravieres” white, 2018,

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THE WEST END NEWS | MAY 2021

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 the Master Knight of the Vine for his pioneering work in the Oregon wine industry. He can be reached at: lvwitherell@gmail.com. His website is: http://winemaniacs.wordpress.com.

Puligny Montrachet, “Vielles Vignes,” 2018. Queen of chardonnay, $120.00. Impeccable character.

So, there you have it.There are “filler” wines but included are six great unrivaled Bourgogne Blanc, 2018. A smaller flavor experiences. chardonnay, $25.00. Bourgogne Rouge, 2018, a smaller flavor pinot noir, $25.00. Be Cautious

Cremant de Bourgogne Sparkling, $25.00.

You must do some research beforehand and wager that this sight unseen case Bouzeron Blanc, 2018, the seldom seen is good. Or you just might discover that aligoté grape, $30.00. you bought $750.00 worth of wine for Chassagne Montrachet Rouge, two $702.00. vineyards, classic village, and 1er cru pinot I probably won’t be joining the wine noir. Thrilling “potentially haunting essencclub, virtual events, or the persistent es of place,” $75.00 each. emailing list, but this little white-knuckle Chassagne Montrachet Blanc, 2018, ride in wine “Direct to your Door” was “Vielles Vignes” and “Morgeot vine- a fun learning and drinking experience, as yard,” 2017, $120.00 each for two bottles. they require tons of research to find the Benchmark chardonnay. best offering. Be cautious, be wary.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

THE WEST END NEWS | MAY 2021

Exploring the Val d’Orcia on Foot By Nancy Dorrans Outside is forever where I’d rather be. A hiking adventure in the Val d’Orcia region of Italy is sure to always provide beautiful views, exquisite food, wine, culture, and passionate locals. In 2018, it was my good fortune to experience this region of Italy for six days prior to attending the Adventure Travel Trade Association World Summit 2018 in Montecatini Terme, Tuscany. There were several Pre-Summit Adventures (PSA) to choose from and I chose PSA #3 - Exploring the Val D’orcia on Foot. Upon arrival, a dozen or more adventurous souls – tour operators, guides, journalists, advisors, and entrepreneurs from around the world – jumped in the transfer van and bonded quickly.

Adventurous traveler Rudolfo (center) celebrates his birthday under the Tuscan sunset at villa Podere Salicotto. -Photos courtesy of Nancy Dorrans

Abbey and the towns of Montalcino, San Quirico d’Orcia, and cheese making Pienza round out this adventure that is sure to awaken your taste buds and relax the soul.” -https://www.adventuretravel.biz

Cycle Europe, a tour operator based in Tuscany was our host. Operated by sisters Monica and Maria Elena, and Monica’s Oh, the wine! husband, Michele, Cycle Europe’s primary Our first meal in Tuscany was at the mission is to help others slow down and hillside village of Chiusura with a big bowl experience the world through active travof Ribollita! Oh, and then there was wine! el. “And yes, we do more than cycle!” This was after our visit to the impressive Benedictine Abbey of Monte Oliveto MagI was ready! giore. Built in the 13th Century the cloisrguably one of the most ter and its beautiful frescoes are still home beautiful parts of Italy, the to Benedictine monks. We had a leisurely UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Orthree-hour walk on rolling country roads cia Valley, has a multitude of layers to be before lunch. And later that evening we discovered. As you walk along the famous visited Montalcino, the town famous for ‘white roads/gravel roads’ of Tuscany, you the Brunello wine. will be met with stunning views and The next morning’s walk led us to warm greetings from the people workCasato Prime Donne winery, an all-female ing and living on the surrounding land. winery run by Donatella Cinelli ColomAlong the way meet female wine makbini. Her ancestors first owned land in ers - a rarity in Italy, the largest family the Montalcino area in the 16th century. run saffron farm in the country, and secDonatella’s winery has since become a ond-generation leather makers. Cultural powerful voice for female led companies visits to the Monte Oliveto Maggiore

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all over Italy. After another scrumptious lunch, we met a two-generation leather maker where we made our own embossed leather bracelets. The day winded down at our lovely villa Podere Salicotto, with hosts Silvia and Paolo, a wine tasting with a local wine maker, a buffet of apericena (or aperitifs), much laughter, new friends, and the most brilliantly golden evening light! We were under the Tuscan sun!

Pecorino Cheese & Truffles Our days were spent wending along the sweeping vistas across the Orcia Valley with its clay hills lined with cypress trees. We wandered into the intriguing town of Bagno Vignoni and had an overnight in Pienza, known as the home of Pope Pius II and for its ever-present aroma of pecorino cheese.We visited Crocus Brandi (family) Saffron Farm and ventured out on a truffle hunt with two guides, four dogs, and a puppy. Later we dined on a pasta dish made using our truffles, herbs, and other locally grown ingredients. Oh, and then there was always more wine!

Successful truffle hunters Nancy Dorrans (of Adventure Marketplace) and Chrissy Human (of Earthstompers Garden Route tours). Nancy is currently working as a Dedicated (in school) Substitute Teacher at Deering High School. She figured she could do something meaningful while we wait for travel to be safe again.

Thanks to Cycle Europe, our off the beaten path Val d’Orcia itinerary was a perfect blend of activity and calm. Many of the adventurous people I met are still friends. The lessons I’ve learned and the food and wine I savored are delicious memories.

here is a land where time One more fascinating hilltop town, seems to stand still, is a caCortona offered more amazing views and ress for the soul. -Silvia from villa Podere narrow streets full of colorful buildings Salicotto and people. We learned (or watched) the art of bread-baking, from pizza to focaccia, Oh Tuscany, you stole my heart. I’ll be baguettes as well as the Pici, a local pasta! back for it one day!

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THE WEST END NEWS | MAY 2021

THE DUMPSTER… WHERE WE PUT EVERYTHING WE DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH… Husson University creates a new Bachelor of Science in extended reality degree program to train the virtual and augmented reality professionals of tomorrow… In a sign of the pandemic times, an April Portland City Council meeting is postponed after the remote assembly is interrupted by a widespread internet outage… From business news, Dobrá Tea celebrates their 10th year since opening on Middle Street during a crazy April blizzard… In impossible political news, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree casts her vote to make Washington, D.C. the 51st state and hence forth call it the Douglass Commonwealth… In recycling related news, Fiddlehead Center for the Arts wins grand prize in Ecomaine’s ‘Upcycle Challenge’ with a working chandelier made from single-use plastic bottles, foam, bottle caps, felt, and other materials… Also, Ecomaine and environmental groups announce the revival of Maine Recycles Week to be celebrated this Nov 15-19 for the first time since 2010… In excessive list news,TravelMag.com calls Portland one of the 30 Most Charming Small Cities in the U.S. thanks in part to our waterfront and still-functioning fishing wharves… Creative Portland beautifies recently installed street closure barricades by hiring five local artists: Angela Adams, Pam Chevez, Ebenezer Akakpo, Tamara Jones, and Nora Tryon… Here is local jewelry designer and MECA alum Ebenezer Akakpo’s design…

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MAY EDITION 2021

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