NOVEMBER 2023.VOL. 23, NO. 11. PORTLAND, MAINE.
PORTLAND’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER. FREE!
Western Cemetery Uncovered
Another year of volunteer work in Portland's historic Western Cemetery uncovers the first family plot known to belong to a Black family and a rare table stone monument.
"With little interest
and effort, the Western Cemetery might be made a credit and an ornament to our city. Certainly our dead merit it and would cry out against the neglect.
Healing Together
-Nathan Gould, historian, 1913 By J. Peter Monro Another year of Stewards of the Western Cemetery’s extensive on-site A major obelisk in Western Cemetery belonging to the Nutter family before, during, volunteer work has drawn to a close with and after the restoration done by volunteers with professional guidance. -Photos courtesy of Peter Monro many achievements to look back on. For one thing, almost every grave marker along the path by the hillside tombs has at first only as a small white patch in the our volunteers have cleaned 73 gravebeen cleaned, repaired, and re-set upright. grass, a marble emerged that included a stones and repaired 33, including a major fully carved lamb fronting an infant’s small obelisk. The professional conservator Joe As a result, several massive marble gravestone. Ferrannini helped us for several days again tablets for the Poor family covered in dirt Meanwhile, the rough granite head this year with his expert skills and specialand grass in June now stand proudly three and foot stones of Joseph Dresser were ized equipment. to four feet high beside passersby. cleaned and straightened. He died in 1800 Kip deSerres organized a series of This summer and fall, volunteers also even though the first private burials of the tours in October as a trial for the comremoved most of the cemetery’s unwant- Vaughan family only began here twenty-six ing year. Behind the scenes, John Johnson, ed saplings and shrubs, perhaps the site’s years later! a public historian, continues his histormost visible change thus far. Stewards also Late in October, the four legs and ic research to build a nomination of the hired Davey Tree, Inc., to remove dead their apparent ledger tablet for a table cemetery to the National Register of trees and low-hanging branches throughstone monument were located. It is the Historic Places. Stewards’ president John out the grounds. first grave monument of that form discov- Funk readied our upcoming one-time capered in Western Cemetery and may prove ital campaign, while treasurer Sam Wilson Uncovering mysteries to be one of the few in Eastern or West- prepared grant applications. More discoveries and mysteries ern cemeteries that is intact, according After ground-penetrating radar rehave been unveiled. We uncovered and to Ron Romano, an expert on the area’s vealed only an abandoned water line, the restored the first family plot known to nearly gravestones. belong to a Black family. Markers for the These efforts complement last year’s city’s Historic Preservation staff approved descendants of Andrew Barnett and Mary cleaning and repairs to the more than a the construction of a tool shed and new Ann Barnett, originally Marianna de Remidozen grave markers along Vaughan Street. water line near the cemetery’s maintela from Dutch Guyana, included one of nance entry. Overall, in the past two years, 44 of Cont'd on Pg. 18 the most enthralling finds to date. Visible
Wondering how you can help? Maine Community Foundation has created a Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund with 100% of every dollar donated going to those impacted and organizations that will help. Learn more and find mental health resources on Pg. 3.
Stewards of the Western Cemetery Volunteer Work
2 years 44 volunteers 1,000 volunteer hrs 73 gravestones cleaned
33 gravestones repaired
VOTE Nov. 7
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Page 5
Pages 8-9
Page 14
Page 15
Maine Jewish Film Festival Marks 25th Anniversary
Urbanist Coalition of Portland surveys Portland candidates
Adventure traveler Nancy Dorrans takes readers to Hokkaido
Puzzles: Birds of New England Trivia, Sudoku & Crossword
2 THE WEST END NEWS / NOVEMBER 2023
NOVEMBER EDITION
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NEWS & INFO
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Compassionate & Innovative Memory Care Maine Community Foundation Establishes Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund Fund to support victims, recovery efforts following mass shooting The Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF) has established the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund in response to the devastating mass shooting in Lewiston. The fund will collect and allocate donations to support victims of Maine’s worst gun tragedy on record and the organizational efforts that will help heal the city. Adilah Muhammad, MaineCF board chair and Lewiston resident said, “We are heartbroken at this unspeakable violence, right here at home.The Maine Community Foundation is stepping up to help ensure that the community has the resources to respond to this terrible tragedy.” “We are in grief, disbelief, and shock,” said MaineCF President and CEO Deborah Ellwood. “This fund provides an avenue for those who wish to help those impacted in the Lewiston-Auburn area. We must support each other and care for one another in this difficult time for our state.”
In every season of change, we’re here to help. 207.878.0788 FallbrookWoods.com Portland, Maine
Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund Maine Community Foundation 245 Main St. Ellsworth, ME 04605 Donations to the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund will be distributed with deep community guidance, including from MaineCF’s statewide board, engagement by MaineCF’s Androscoggin County Committee, and community steering committees.
MaineCF administrative fees will be Donations may be made to victims and survivors or to the broader recovery waived and 100% of donations will go to support victims and the community. effort at MaineCF.org or by mail to:
Mental Health Support Call or text 988 for suicide and behavioral health crisis hotline The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) encourages anyone affected by the violence in Lewiston to reach out and connect with behavioral health support. Incidents of mass violence can lead to a range of emotional reactions, including anxiety, fear, anger, despair, and a sense of helplessness that may begin immediately or in the days or weeks following the event.
org. Information for the deaf and hard of hearing is available here. Teens and young adults can text (207) 515-8398.The National Alliance on Mental Illness Teen Text Line connects youth with other youth to help them manage their challenges every day from noon to 10 p.m.
If you’re unsure, contact 211. It provides general information, including how to access behavioral health and social serCall or text 988: This suicide and vice resources, 24 hours a day, seven days behavioral health crisis hotline is ana week. Information can also be found at swered 24 hours a day, seven days a week 211maine.org. by trained crisis specialists offering free, confidential support for anyone. SpecialAll of these resources provide free, ists also can respond by chat at 988lifeline. confidential support.
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WHAT'S GOING ON
Reiche Community Room 11/6 - 12/7 166 Brackett St. (2nd Floor, Use Clark St. Entrance)
DATE Mon 11/06
Thu 11/09 Mon 11/13 Thu 11/16
THE MAINE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 4-11
Showcasing new films from 8 countries / 4 continents in Portland ∙ Bangor ∙ Brunswick ∙ Lewiston ∙ Waterville ∙ Bethel
Opening Night 25th Anniversary Celebration and Screening
November 4th at Portland Museum of Art Full lineup, schedules and ticket info at
mjff.org
Mon 11/20 Mon 11/27 Thu 11/30 Mon 12/04 Thu 12/07 Mon - Fri Ongoing
A.M. Exercise
TIME
6:308:00 p.m. 4:155:15 p.m. 6:308:00 p.m. 7:00 pm. 4:155:15 p.m. 6:308:00 p.m 6:308:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 4:006:00 p.m. 6:308:00 p.m. 6:30 8:00 p.m. 4:006:00 p.m. 6:308:00 p.m 7:30 9:30 a.m.
EVENT
Magazine Readers Bridge Die Well Classic Movie Bridge Maine Aging Partners Game Night Animation Movie Card Making AARP Fraud Magazine Readers Card Making Spiritual Conversation Book Nook
PRESENTER Christine McHale Katherine Charbonneau Leona Oceania WENA
Katherine Charbonneau Kaitlyn Morse WENA WENA Faith Garnett Julie Flynn Robert Pantel Faith Garnett Jan King Collection of Free Books
NOTES
E-mail hello@wenamaine.org for materials Learn to Play or to Play Better Session 2: This is How We Die - Part 1 Doors open at 6:30 w/ popcorn & fizzy water Learn to Play or to Play Better How to differentiate longterm care programs
Play cards, word games, board game... Doors open at 6:30 w/ popcorn & fizzy water Using Provided Stamps and Watercolors How to Avoid Scams, Identity Theft, Fraud E-mail hello@wenamaine.org for materials Holiday Cards - Materials provided Respectful exploration of life’s spiritual side No Library Card Necessary
Tuesday Wednesday Mon & Fri 8:15Tai Chi Chih Qigong/Tai Strength, 9:15a.m. Sara Leonard Chi w/ Karen Mon -Fri Balance, Morency Flex DVD
Thursday Gentle Yoga w/ Karen Sheingold
MUSIC. COMEDY. THEATER. DANCE. and so much more... Join us on The Hill for amazing performing arts!
The Hill Arts (formerly St. Lawrence Arts) has a new name, look and feel! However, the mission and commitment remain the same:
Arts & Culture Neighborhood & Community Historic Preservation
11/1-11/19 Good Theater Presents: Broadway, Twin Piano Edition 11/6-7 Maine Jewish Film Festival: The Boy, March ‘68, and Barren 11/12 Pine Tree Pickers LIVE. Maine’s finest guitar pickers! 11/13-14 Stand-Up Comedy Showcase. 25 Comedians, 2,500 Laughs. 11/20 Hey Party People! Presents: Sketch Comedy with Miley Cyrus! 11/24 The Unfinished Blues Band LIVE in Concert! 11/25 Dragology Presents: Decades hosted by Gem Fatale 11/30 Sara Cox and Rod Picott LIVE in Concert 12/1 Bloom Ballet: Monologue/Dialoge Conversing Through Dance 12/2 Hustle and Flow Presents: Dancestravaganza 12/3 Andy Happel’s 2nd Annual Holiday Hootenanny 12/8-16 Vivid Motion Dance: ‘Twas the Night Before Burlesque 12/10 The Hyperion Trumpet Ensemble 12/17 Magic 8 Ball LIVE in concert 12/23 Dragology Presents: Feelin’ Frosty, hosted by Gem Fatale 3/29-30 JAMCO Comedy Series featuring Jamal Harrington 76 Congress Street s www.thehillarts.me s 207-347-7177
Proud supporter of all things local. 410 Fore St / Portland, ME 207-773-1274 www.josephsofportland.com
WHAT'S GOING ON
THE WEST END NEWS / NOVEMBER 2023
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COMMUNITY EVENTS NOVEMBER Holiday Fair EVENTS, ART, CONCERTS & MORE. Email your events to thewestendnews@gmail.com.
Maine Jewish Film Dia de los Muertos: Film Fest for A Celebration of Festival Marks 25th Casco Bay Sat, Nov. 4th / 3 - 6p / USM AbromRemembrance, Anniversary son Ctr. / Tickets Req.
Sat, Nov. 4th / 4 p / Portland Museum Culture & Community Friends of Casco Bay hosts Film Fest for Casco Bay. The afternoon will feature of Art / Tickets req. Sat, Nov. 4th / 5:30 – 11p / Urban twelve films curated by Maine Outdoor The Maine Jewish Film Festival (MJFF) Farm Fermentory, Portland / Free Film Festival and will support Friends of
will kick off its 25th anniversary on November 4th with a celebration and screening at the Portland Museum of Art, featuring the bittersweet Israeli comedy, “Karaoke,” followed by a party in the Museum’s Great Hall. Over the next eight days, the festival will host multiple screenings of over a dozen films from eight countries and four continents in Portland, Bangor, Waterville, Lewiston, Brunswick, and Bethel.
Casco Bay’s mission to improve and protect the health of Casco Bay. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door, and includes snacks and drinks and parking. Cash bar. Doors open at 2 p.m. at the University of Southern Maine’s Abromson Center, 88 Bedford Street, Portland. To This rich cultural event promises an purchase tickets or view films: cascobay. evening of tradition, remembrance, and org/film-fest. unity, bringing together people of all backMJFF’s six-city November festival, will grounds to honor the memory of their also present “The Art of Silence,” a pierc- loved ones. ing look into the art and life of mime MarThis event is free and open to the Sat, Nov. 11th / 9a – 3p / State Street, cel Marceau; “Rabbi on the Block,” about public. Attendees are encouraged to bring Portland / Free charismatic African-American rabbi Tamar photos, flowers, and other offerings to Join State Street Church, the Maine Manasseh, who takes her message into the place on the community altar. Irish Heritage Center, the Cathedral streets of Chicago’s South Side; “Valeria is Join us on Saturday, November 4th, Church of St. Luke, and other State Street Getting Married,” a drama about a young woman arriving in Israel as a mail-or- 5:30 to 11 p.m., at Urban Farm Fermento- neighbors for a day-long holiday fair featuring crafts, food, books, toys and unique der bride; and “I Am Not,” a journey of ry, 200 Anderson Street, Portland. holiday gifts. Do all your holiday shopping self-discovery through the eyes of a bright Highliths included a community altar, in one trip! All fair locations are within but troubled neurodivergent teen. storytelling and celebration, potluck of walking distance. Festivities include muTo view the schedule and purchase traditional food (bring a dish!), and music sic, caroling, hot beverages, home baked tickets visit: https://mjff.org/2023-mjff- and dance (21+) with WMPG’s talented goods, raffles... Come enjoy this wonderful schedule. Latine DJs. All ages until 8 p.m. holiday tradition. Cont'd Pg. 6 WMPG, in collaboration with the vibrant Latine community and the Department of Intercultural Student Affairs at the University of Southern Maine, is proud to announce a Dia de los Muertos celebration on Saturday, November 4th.
15th Annual State Street Holiday Stroll
& Lunch
Sat. Nov. 11, 9am-2pm
STATE STREET CHURCH 159 State St, Portland
Homemade lunch - soup, bread & apple crisp $10, baked goods, cookie walk. Tag sale, attic treasures, vintage electronics, used books, games & puzzles, crafts, jewelry & silent auction.
Part of the State Street Holiday Stroll.
How to Support Community News 1. Read local news. 2.Visit our advertisers. 3. Tell them you saw their ad. Thank you for reading!
6 THE WEST END NEWS / NOVEMBER 2023
WHAT'S GOING ON
COMMUNITY EVENTS NOVEMBER EVENTS, ART, CONCERTS & MORE. Email your events to thewestendnews@gmail.com.
Building the International Appalachian Trail
City’s Annual District Meetings Begin
5
Through Sat, Jun. 1 / MHS ShettleDistrict meetings are a chance for worth Gallery, Portland / Tickets Req. residents to engage with their elected Noted Maine wildlife biologist Rich- and city officials ard Anderson first proposed the International Appalachian Trail (IAT) in 1993. Today, the IAT stretches from the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine, through portions of Canada, Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Europe, and into northern Africa.
The C Word
A Contemporary Craft Pop-up Ongoing thru Jan. / Washington Av, Portland The C Word: A Contemporary Craft Pop-up is a 3-month retail gallery, opening in October and running through January 2024. Our pop-up retail gallery will offer a colorful, curated selection of thoughtfully crafted items made by over 20 Maine artists. Follow @c_word.shop for more info!
LIVE MUSIC
•
The City of Portland’s Annual District Meetings began on October 25th with the District 2 meeting. The rest of the meetings will take place during November. Mayor Snyder, City Councilors, City Manager Danielle West, and City staff will be available to discuss neighborhood In 2022, the IAT donated its archive issues and answer questions from the to Maine Historical Society. Building the public. International Appalachian Trail includes These meetings are the public’s opselected publications, photographs, and portunity to meet their district councilor, Maine Chapter records of this historic trail. the Mayor, and representatives from the The show runs through June 4th, 2024, at various departments within the city. the Maine Historical Society, Shettleworth Gallery, 489 Congress Street, Portland. District 1 - VIRTUAL Tickets are free for MHS members and kids under five or $15 for general admis- Hosted by Councilor Anna Trevorrow sion. Plan your visit at mainehistory.org. Wednesday, November 1st, at 6:00 p.m.
PERFORMING ARTS
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Portland District Map: Annual District Meetings are a chance for residents to meet their elected leaders.
District 4 - IN PERSON Hosted by Councilor Andrew Zarro Thursday, November 16th, at 6:00 p.m. Ocean Avenue Elementary School Cafeteria 150 Ocean Avenue, Portland
District 5 - VIRTUAL Hosted by Councilor Mark Dion
Hosted by Councilor Regina Phillips
Wednesday, November 29th, at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 9th, at 6:00 p.m.
Visit portlandmaine.gov/DistrictMeetings to see the locations and agenda for each meeting. For more information, email: info@portlandmaine.gov.
23 Orono Road, Portland
COMMUNITY EVENTS
11.3 MAMA’S BROKE 11.4 REED FOEHL 11.5 SÄJE 11.11 OLS CO-PRESENTS: KALETA & SUPER YAMBA BAND @ SPACE GALLERY 11.16 THE PORTLAND JAZZ ORCHESTRA 11.18 CRYS MATTHEWS 11.19 BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN STEPHEN 11.24 KELLOGG PRESENTS: THE SIT DOWN AND STAND-UP TOUR DUKE 11.25 ROBILLARD BAND 11.29 USM STUDENT JAZZ COMBO NIGHT 11.30 MELISSA FERRICK SCAN FOR TICKETS/INFO
1
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District 3 - IN PERSON
Amanda Rowe Elementary School
•
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Portland Public Health encourages screening for lead poisoning at ages 1 and 2 years old Dust from old lead-based paint, frequently found in homes built before 1978, is the major source of childhood lead poisoning in Maine. In the Portland area, approximately 50% of homes were built before 1950. Even low levels of lead exposure can impair a child’s cognitive development, putting them at a disadvantage in school. As such, Portland Public Health encourages parents to follow requirements to screen all children for lead poisoning at ages 1 and 2 years old. Childhood lead poisoning is preventable; yet, nearly 300 Maine children under 3 years old were newly identified with lead poisoning in 2021. In addition to blood lead testing, families should follow these tips: • Get your home tested. If you live in a home built before 1950 and have young children, order a free lead dust test kit at maine.gov/healthyhomes. • Wash your child’s hands often, especially before eating and sleeping. Wash floors, windowsills, and children’s toys once a week. • Keep children away from chipping and peeling paint and areas of your home where you are doing renovations or home repairs. • Renovate your home in a leadsafe way. Never dry scrape or sand chipping or peeling paint. Learn how to renovate, repair, and paint safely before beginning any home improvement projects. For more information or to request a free lead dust kit: leadprevention@portlandmaine.gov.
Free Covid-19 Vaccinations Continue for Uninsured Adults In September, the Bridge Access Program officially launched, providing continued free coverage for the estimated 25-30 million adults who would have otherwise lost access to affordable Covid-19 vaccines since the distribution of vaccines transitioned to the commercial market. Administered through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the more than $1 billion program will create a public-private partnership to help maintain uninsured individuals’ access to Covid-19 care at their local pharmacies, through existing public health infrastructure, and at their local health centers. With updated Covid-19 vaccines now recommended for use, CDC has taken steps to ensure Americans who are uninsured and underinsured are able to receive these vaccines at no-cost. If you have not received a Covid-19 vaccine in the past 2 months, CDC recommends getting the updated Covid-19 vaccine to protect yourself in advance of any potential surges in virus circulation this fall and winter. Covid-19 vaccines remain free for most Americans through their health insurance plans – or through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides recommended vaccines and immunizations at no cost to about half of the nation’s children. The Bridge Access Program is temporary and scheduled to end in December 2024. The Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program, proposed in both the FY 2023 and 2024 Presidential Budgets, would cover all recommended vaccinations at no cost for uninsured adults.This proposal has not yet been enacted into law.
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THE WEST END NEWS / NOVEMBER 2023
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8 THE WEST END NEWS / NOVEMBER 2023 Urbanist Coalition of Portland Candidate Survey (?=No Response)
PORTLAND ELECTION
? x x ☑☑☑☑☑☑ ? ☑ x ? x x ☑☑☑☑☑☑ ? ☑☑ ? x x ☑☑☑☑☑☑ ? ☑☑ ? ☑☑☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ? ☑ ☑ ? ☑☑☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ? ☑ x ? ☑☑☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ? ☑ ? ? ☑☑☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ? ☑ ☑ ? ☑ x x ☑☑☑☑☑ ? ☑ x ? ☑ ☑☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ? ☑ ☑ ? ☑ x☑☑☑☑☑☑ ? ☑☑ ? ☑ x☑☑☑☑☑☑ ? ☑ x
Portland Voting Districts Not sure of your voting district? Find your district and polling place at https://www. maine.gov/portal/government/edemocracy/voter_lookup.php. Vote Tuesday, Nov. 7.
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PORTLAND ELECTION
THE WEST END NEWS / NOVEMBER 2023
Urbanist Coalition of Portland asks the candidates about ReCode Portland Mark Dion The Urbanist Coalition of Portland* is a local group with the goal of making Portland, Maine a more pleasant and safe place to live and work for everyone through creating more middle density housing, walkable mixeduse neighborhoods, transit and cycling infrastructure, and green spaces. The group meets in person monthly and has a robust discussion channel on the Discord app. Recently, the Urbanist Coalition of Portland made recommendations to the City’s ReCode process to make it easier to build housing throughout the city, and those were used to create this questionnaire for all mayoral and city council candidates. Learn more at https://livableportland.me. *UCP was originally called “Livable Portland,” but changed the name to avoid confusion with the Maine DSA’s campaign of the same name.
UCP Summary of Candidate Positions on their ReCode Recommendations Portland Mayoral Candidates Pious Ali • Declined to answer UCP candidate survey • “I have decided not to take a position on your questions because city staff are still working on the ReCode process. I will Pious Ali wait to see the final result of their process and then compare it side-by-side with [UCP’s] work. I will then decide where there can be a merger and where I will have to advocate for some of your proposals to be included. I appreciate your work and look forward to working with you to mitigate the housing crisis we have in our city.” Justin Costa • Generally does not support UCP proposed ReCode changes • Wishes to preserve single-family zoning • “As Mayor, I think it will be my first job to [bring] forward reform packages that are designed to be uncontroversial. So, specifically, I think that we should begin by allow- Justin Costa ing increased density to housing projects that meet affordability requirements along the Brighton and Forest Ave. corridors... I believe an approach like mine is most likely to minimize neighborhood opposition and minimize concerns that we will accidentally trigger another influx of luxury development.”
• Does not support UCP’s proposed ReCode changes • Wishes to preserve neighborhoods and Mark Dion limit zoning reform • Supportive of permitting and inspection reform to speed up development timelines • Did not respond to emails asking for details. Dylan Pugh • Endorses UCP proposed ReCode changes • Proposes doubling the amount of deed-restricted affordable units required for new multifamily developments; UCP believes this would drastically disincentivize new construction.
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big. ReCode has been going on for almost a decade, we’ve wasted low interest rates and construction costs… Robert Cady We must democra- Andrew Zarro • Sent a brief note instead of respondtize our zoning to ing to UCP survey build affordable housing, combat cli• Supportive of gentle density mate change, produce new revenue streams, reduce property taxes, and • Wishes to respect existing residents increase economic opportunities.” and current neighborhood characteristics
City Council at Large April Fournier
• Endorses UCP proposed ReCode changes • Supportive of improvements to bike and pedestrian infrastructure and reducing car-dependence • Supportive of Franklin Street redesign
• “I’m in favor of allowing increased gentle density in Portland, with increased building for the lot size. I am also in favor of improving mass transit (bus), and improving pedestrian and bike access and safety. I am a proponent of local, small businesses, and would just want to be respectful of existing residents and current neighborhood characteristics.“
• “I have enjoyed my first three years on the council and the relationships City Council District 5 I have had the opportunity to build. I think now that we have a lot more Matthew Buonopane permanent staff in our director posi• Supportive of some of UCP ReCode tions we can really push to get things recommendations, but does not supmoving. There also seems to be a lot port allowing multi-family housing of agreement on the council to look citywide. very closely at ReCode and consider • Does not support increasing the where we can further improve it to funding of GPMetro to provide imaccomplish our housing and density proved bus service goals.”
• “The mayor must play a key role in translating technical requirements into a shared vision of a better Portland. I would lead a series of Dylan Pugh workshops to build grassroots support for these programs, while ensuring that community feedback is prioritized. If we expect things to change we must provide • Supportive of Franklin St redesign but Bill Linnell people with a compelling alternative undecided on funding it to car travel. I would also advocate • Endorses UCP proposed ReCode • “...New multi-family development for longer [transit] service hours, to changes should be along corridors such as accommodate late-shift workers.” • Supportive of improvements to bike Deering, Forest, and Congress rather and pedestrian infrastructure and rethan set back into the neighborhoods George Rheault (write-in candidate) ducing car-dependence behind these corridors. I would like • Endorses UCP proposed ReCode to see some restrictions around • Supportive of Franklin Street redesign changes construction of ADUs with respect • “We need to remember that Port• “Portland desperately needs to take to their setback from neighboring land is Maine’s largest city.We are not responsibility for helping to create houses and certain amenities (such a suburb… Back in the day, when famour crisis of homelessness and housas swimming pools, for example). …I ilies were larger, Portland held 10,000 ing affordability. We did this to oursupport allowing modest height inmore people than we have now. selves and now we must fix it. That is creases, reducing lot size minimums, Greater density… helps avoid urban the single biggest reason I decided to and building on bigger portions of sprawl, reduces use of fossil fuels, run. Portland controls its zoning code each lot.” and preserves more greenspace for and right now that code makes it imrecreation and farmland. If we relax Kate Sykes possible to build all kinds of housing [zoning] limits, we can gently absorb – low-income, middle-income, and • Endorses UCP proposed ReCode expected and unavoidable growth… higher-end in much of our city. The changes [and make it] possible for workers to status quo City Council has been • Top priority is to have the city act live in the City, rather than have to content to slow-walk zoning reform as a Social Housing Developer that commute.” for YEARS despite more and more can bond, invest directly in and build poor people getting priced out. It is community-owned, mixed income City Council District 4 a moral issue of the highest order.” housing democratically controlled by Anna Bullet Andrew Zarro residents, modeled after Montgomery County, MD; Seattle, WA; and Vi• Endorses UCP proposed ReCode • Endorses UCP proposed ReCode enna, Austria. changes changes • Wants to create workforce parking • “[I would work to make Portland a • Sets an ambitious target for housing zones, offer discounted transit fares, better, more livable city] by adding creation of 12,000 new housing units increase commuter bike infrastrucoff-peninsula parking with frequent in 10 years ture, and close Congress Street to all fast, cheap, public transit to down• Proposes rezoning industrial land for vehicles except buses town, especially during weekends and mixed-use development, which UCP tourist season; gathering input from • “Eliminating exclusionary zoning has endorsed public school students of all ages, alone will not solve housing afford• Led push for Franklin Street redesign walkers, bus-riders, and bikers about ability and equity issues, and has the on City Council what feels safe and what feels scary as potential to displace low-income they navigate their daily commutes... communities of color. Increasing zon• “The City of Portland must lead the partnering with Maine HUD and ing density in certain neighborhoods way on our housing crisis and the Avesta… to build needed low income may never benefit low-income peomayor’s job is to be a visionary… but housing; ensuring the [permitting] ple, therefore any zoning reform must we can’t be visionary if we don’t think process is as accessible and as fast for be undertaken alongside other policy individual homeowners seeking small measures such as rent control, social renovation permits as it is for large housing, and grant programs that enscale developers. sure growth happens equitably.”
VOTE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7th
10 THE WEST END NEWS / NOVEMBER 2023
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FOOD & DRINK
LAYNE’S WINE GIG PRESENTS
Also, Raclette: a glorious Swiss dish of melted cheese and potatoes to be shared with friends.
The Last Dance
Duck Rillettes, shredded, with Armagnac and spices. Lovely little duck fat. Bread, Institution- “A person or thing long more bread. established in a place.” Boeuf Bourguignon for Judy (the last Petite Jacqueline started in our neighorder). Thank you, Julia Child, for the idea borhood at Longfellow Square in 2011. of that one. Duck confit for me. Can’t have They moved to the Old Port in 2016. You too much duck, especially with a delirious make the call as to your favorite location. Port reduction. Please, some restaurant Judy and I were there for the last din- needs to take up this dish. If you’re Jonener service in a place that we regarded sin’ go to Chaval for their Coq a Vin, it will as a great Portland institution. Nothing get you through. about the evening was somber. There was A bottle of Bichot Mercurey 1er cru an evening long crackle of laughter among Burgundy. Pinot Noir, glorious Pinot Noir, Layne with bottle of Bichot Mercurey longtime Portland friends and an energy from Mercurey, a small town in the south 1er cru Burgundy, providing mouthwafrom the longtime restaurant staff. We of the famed Burgundy region of France. It teringly delicious fruit and acidity to acwent so far as to have the entire staff sign provides mouthwateringly delicious fruit company his duck confit. our menu (including the dishwasher). and acidity to accompany the duck and Since we are collectors (actually, just sauce. du Rhone Blanc. The white of the Rhone a tiny step away from hoarders), I thought Chocolate pot de crème for dessert. region is rare, the grapes are Clarette and it fun to share memories from some of Roussanne. Dry, delicious, mouth filling. Goes well with Pinot Noir, too. the dinners and wines over the years. You can’t blame us for not eating well TASTE OF THE PETITE JACQUELINE in Portland. But wait, there are archives RHONE 2017 46 Market St., Portland, ME galore… By Layne V. Witherell
September 30, 2023, Last dinner service, “The last dance.”
LOBSTER WEEK 2021 3 course pairing
To start: Four Roses small batch Old All lobster, all the time. Lobster Fashioned for Judy, and Joseph Drouhin Bisque. Beef Tartare topped with a tempuMacon by the glass for myself. I always ra battered lobster claw. Lobster Gnocchi. start with Macon - the classic mineral refreshment of Chardonnay. Burgundy, ahhThoroughly enjoyed and irrigated it hh, Burgundy. with a bottle of Jean Luc Colombo Cotes
3 course pairing
Whitefish Quenelle with white fish cream sauce. Cervelas de Lyon, pork sausage, and black truffles. Next, Parfait de Poire, a custard, red wine, spiced pears. Accompanied by three splendid Rhone wines from Guigal, the master of the region: Cotes du Rhone Blanc, Cotes du Rhone Rouge, and Crozes-Hermitage.
Happy Hour at the bar was from 4:30 to 6 daily, except for Wednesday. A couple of glasses of house wine, French of course, from the south of France - the Pays d’Oc. Or, if you just hit the lottery, you could luxuriate while savoring the mussels in white wine (moules in French) or some oysters with a bottle of Batard Montrachet, Grand Cru white, Burgundy for the tidy sum of $600.00 a bottle. Their wine list was ever changing. I probably snagged a couple of dozen copies over the years. Favorites from Taste of the Rhone wine list: • Domaine Les Fines Graves Moulin a Vent. From the best Beaujolais village in full bodied Gamay flavor. • Chateau Greysac, Medoc, Bordeaux. An old standby. Steak frites best friend. • Chateau D’Aqueria Tavel Rose. Full, rich, life beyond Provence. • Cottat Sancerre. The original Sauvignon Blanc. Like a basket full of luscious minerals. As you are reading this, the price is going up. Oh, we will miss this place with their multi-course themed dinners, ever changing wine list, and their Foie Gras, Duck Confit, and Boeuf Bourguignon. Most of all, we will miss their warmth and hospitality.
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THE WEST END NEWS / NOVEMBER 2023
WINES FOR THANKSGIVING
sace in search of the Pinot Gris vines to bring back and plant for the state’s now acclaimed white.
Cont'd from Previous Page
HUBERT TRIMBACH
But there is a wine that they grow and make that you will have to search for on your bucket list – the rare and astonishingly small production three-acre Trimbach Clos St Hune Riesling, $340 to $900 for a bottle. The last bottle I had was for our 1999 “End of the World New Year’s Dinner” in Richmond, Virginia. It is a rare experience. “Great wine makes you feel like a genius,” according to Matt Kramer. Fortunately, the world didn’t end.
neighbors who have been constantly at war. Hubert spoke French, German, and English (and who knows how many others). He related that when the Germans ruled, their wines were shipped in bulk to anonymously wind up in German wine blends. When the French won the war, they went back to who they were with the name of the individual grape on each label together with the quality that made them famous.
(1938-2023)
Hubert was the face and front of the house person for the venerable Trimbach Estate in Alsace, France for fifty years. He was their road warrior, traveling from market to market, carrying on the family tradition that spans twelve generations going back to 1626. Hubert joined the family winery in 1963, when Alsatian wines were less than a blip in America.
WINES FOR THANKSGIVING
The obits and Microsoft Bing AI give a formal, cold, PR look at their remarkable wines, as well as their family traditions. I knew Hubert as a kind, caring ambassador not only of their wines, but all of Alsace. In Oregon in the 1980’s, I was Vice President of their largest distributor in sales in the United States. Not New York, LA, or San Francisco, but Oregon. We took their wines to heart and had every restaurant in our seafood wonderland paired up with one or several of their remarkable white wines.
Maison TRIMBACH PINOT BLANC, 2021, Alsace, France, $23.99
Layne's wife, Judy, with Boeuf Bourguignon and accompaning Mercurey 1er cru for “The Last Dance” final dinner service at Petite Jacqueline.
During one of our relaxing moments after a wine event, Hubert put his feet up and smiled, “Someday I want my ashes scattered in the Clos St. Hune Vineyard.”
I hope he got his wish. Farewell old Full bodied, dry with apple flavors friend. and hints of spice. “A full bodied, confident white. A lip-smacking halfway house Maison TRIMBACH RIESLING between pinot gris and pinot grigio,” “VIELLES VIGNES,” 2017, Alsace, says Jancis Robinson. Great way to carry France, $49.99 through the meal. This is when the connoisseurs show Maison TRIMBACH GEWURZTRA- up for dinner and you want to blow them MINER, 2017, Alsace, France, $31.99 away. The mineral laden richness of “old vine” Riesling is a combination of flavors Multi-purpose Thanksgiving wine: seldom encountered. “Elegant, dry preit works with all the dishes and people. cise,” Trimbach. Layne has been a professional in The intense floral fruit makes the novice Hubert and I often met with our dear the wine business for many decades drinkers think it is sweet, while the lack of residual sugar makes the pros at the table friend and my mentor John Fraunfelder. and was awarded the Master Knight think its dry. It is dry. Note the vintage. There wasn’t a restaurant in Portland, Or- of the Vine for his pioneering work They hold their wines back several years egon that we went into that didn’t serve in Oregon. He can be reached at to allow complexity in the bottle to de- their wine. Those Trimbach wines were lvwitherell@gmail.com. velop the classic lychee, nectarines, and the inspiration for a group of Oregon -All photos courtesy of Layne Witherell apricots the grape is famous for. winemakers to make the pilgrimage to Al-
We saw Hubert frequently. Yes, he didn’t check his luggage, but prepared to depart the flight and immediately connect with his long-time customers and friends. Hubert wasted no time. We did a zillion tastings and events together and after one memorable tasting sat down and had a heart-to-heart chat about European history. Alsace is small and surrounded by
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14 THE WEST END NEWS / NOVEMBER 2023
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Hokkaido: An Element of Surprise... By Nancy Dorrans
Then we were off to Lake Kushu Course for a relaxing hike around this Was I dreaming? That’s what it feels springtime and fall bird watching paradise. like now anyway. In early September I flew across the world to a destination about The seaweed (‘Rishiri-konbu’) of which I knew very little. The beauty and Rebun and Rishiri is considered a deliwildness of northern Hokkaido came cacy. It is sustainably harvested from the flowing into view upon arrival to Wak- ocean and laid out to dry in the sun for kanai airport at the northernmost tip of two days.We learned all about it when we Japan. From here you can see Russia on stopped to help a few rugged hip island a clear day. And so began my Adventure seaweed gatherers with their task. Travel World Summit Pre-Summit AdvenOur last stop of the day was the Moture (PSA), exploring the two small islands modai Nekodai Observatory located in of Rebun and Rishiri. the southwest of the island. Found here is After connecting with our guides Zac Momaiwa Rock. It was formed when magand Tobaji from Adventure Hokkaido and ma pushed the earth’s surface upward and fellow adventurers, we boarded the twoit cooled into a huge spherical rock with and-a-half-hour ferry to Rebun Island. layers like an onion. Known as the floating flower island, rare Japanese alpine flowers blanket this island From here we spotted a few of the each spring. Since we were there late in last blossoms of Edelweiss and had our the season, there were some but not a lot first view of the towering volcano on of blooms. We had beautiful summer like neighboring Rishiri Island. This imposing weather, much cooler and more pleasant 5,646-foot peak is one of Japan’s “100 Fathan in Tokyo. mous Mountains.” We ate an interesting breakfast served in small colorful dishes with dried smoked fish, seaweed and miso soup, caviar, escargot, tempura, a pickled plum, coffee Jello, other fermented vegetables, and rice.
Hiking the small island of Rebun in northern Japan. -All photos courtesy of Nancy Dorrans
Dinner this night was at a very small, traditional, local seafood (isakaya) bar and restaurant where we sat on the floor, grilled our own fish and scallops at the table, and tried several types of sake. The seas around the islands are teaming with Next, we enjoyed another day with a seafood, from scallops to konbu kelp. stunning hike to the southern tip of ReSo went my first days in the lessbun. We saw a few more blooms, ate a er-known region of northern Hokkaido. I late lunch, and took the forty-minute af- continued on to Sapporo for the ATTA ternoon ferry to the totally different land- summit and then a post-summit adventure scape of Rishiri Island. to Daisatsuzen National Park. There I met Whether the weather was not fit, or we were not, the next day we opted for a partial hike towards the summit of the volcano Rishiri-Fiji. Then, we turned up the side trail of Mt. Chokan, just below at 1200 meters, and toasted the view with our new friends and some fine Japanese whiskey.
Then we headed off to hike from Cape Sukoton, the northernmost point of Rebun Island. Here we ventured out on the Cape Tour Course, a hike along the coastline from Cape Sukotom to Cape Sukai. The hike offers breathtaking views of the island’s cliffs and rolling hills. We had the trail and views to ourselves.
a famous eighty-four-year-old mountaineer photographer and a sake rice farming snowboarder, hiked where the bears live, cycled around the mountains of Higashikawa, and learned about the history and lives of the indigenous Ainu people. I was stunned and smitten by the beauty, the warm welcoming culture, and the wonderful hospitality of our hosts and guides from Adventure Hokkaido. This was a destination of which I knew very little. That’s why I believe it is necessary to head off the beaten path and to spread out to these lesser known, out of the ordinary regions. The Adventure Travel Trade Association agrees: “While traveler demand for
At our beach lunch stop, Tobaji collected shells for each of us, each with small holes in them.The holes are made by Tsumegagai snails that drill into the shells to eat the clam. The sandwiches and fruit we enjoyed were delicious, not quite as “interesting” as breakfast!
iconic experiences and bucket list destinations is higher than ever, the adventure travel community sees the potential — and necessity — of offering lesser-known regions and an element of surprise [as they did for me] in Japan.”
Nancy with a seaweed harvester from Rebun & Rishiri, where seaweed is a delicacy.
Nancy Dorrans is founder of Adventure Marketplace... Navigating travelers on authentic, nurturing, global and local adventures since 2014.
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PUZZLES
THE WEST END NEWS / NOVEMBER 2023
Birds of New England Trivia 1. What large water bird from the north thrives in New England because it loves open, grassy spaces like public parks, golf courses, and airports? 2. What state bird of Connecticut is the most abundant bird in America, with a brown back and a bright reddish-orange breast? 3. The Great Blue Heron looks a lot like a crane, but unlike a crane, the heron always flies with its neck: straight or curved? 4. Vermont's state bird, the Hermit Thrush, is used as a symbol of the American voice in "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd" by what 19th century poet?
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16 THE WEST END NEWS / NOVEMBER 2023
BROADER PICTURE
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Our human fascination with “what’s next” now has a definitive—if irreverent — travel guide. Jeopardy! champion and best-selling author Ken Jennings’s hilarious new “100 Places to See After You Die: A Travel Guide to the Afterlife” is written in the iconic, “everything that happens is part of the happy experience” style of a local guide. It’s incredibly well researched, with fascinating details of Scribner Book Co. different heaven and hell destinations presented in brief “must see” lists, local customs, ways to avoid the crowds, and tips to get past the gatekeeper to prevent getting lost in some horrifying, painful, and eternal hellscape. If you choose Dante’s Inferno as your destination, Jennings comforts us, “That’s the great thing about hell: nine huge circles, but it still feels like a small town.”
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‘No Two Persons: A Novel,’ by Erica Bauermeister The book starts with the story of a young author publishing her first novel. The rest is stories of people who are touched by the book. No two persons have the same experience with it, and in fact, not all of them love the book or even read it. Detective fiction lovers will appreciate the dozens of cross connections between the characters. A delightful and fun novel that will make your reader’s heart sing. ‘The Last Devil to Die,’ by Richard Osman I’ve recommended Osman’s previous Thursday Murder Club books, and while this latest is not as strong as the first three, it is still a must-read for anyone who is already in love with Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim, the beloved septuagenarian detectives of Coopers Chase retirement home. In some ways, this one felt like Osman giving tribute to the welllived lives and beautiful friendship of his characters. I enjoyed it and read it in just one rainy day. But if you haven’t read the others, hold off on this one and start with the first book in the series.
If you are taking the paths espoused by the Ancient Egyptians, Jennings shares a savvy traveler tip: “Of the 189 spells in the Book of the Dead, the very last one protects travelers from a seemingly unlikely misfortune: having to eat and drink their ‘Foxtrot Algorithm,’ by Atticus Prinn own poop and pee.” (Maine Author) Want to start your afterlife option Written by a seventeen-year-old with a thrilling cliff dive? Jennings knows Maine author as part of the Telling Room’s the only place to die (spoiler: with the Young Emerging Authors Fellowship, “FoxMaori people of New Zealand). trot Algorithm” is narrated by a sensitive, On the other hand, if “Hell” isn’t thoughtful, private high school student really your thing, try Valhalla, the “pre- grappling with all the ordinary challenges ferred afterlife of the Viking warriors and of growing up, as well as a few extraorone of the rowdy house parties of the dinary ones like finding out that staying gods.” Feeling a bit more industrious? with the first person you feel a meaningful “Mormons head to the grave prepared to connection with could lead you to a life keep on working.” in prison. It’s all there: star-crossed first Love frequent flyer miles? Cunning love, parental abuse, stupid friends, alcotravel promoter Jennings knows just the holism, overzealous campus security ofdestination. Follow the Hindu tradition to ficers—and an amazingly compassionate die in “Vaikuntha, [where] you will have and approachable teacher.The book’s proyour own celestial airplane” for eternity. tagonist, Luke Willoughby, has an authentic voice and his journey will break your Jennings’ compilation is inspired by heart—as well as give you hope for our everything from Greek philosophy to next generation of citizens. Harry Potter. It’s a delightful and fastVisit www.tellingroom.org for dozens paced romp through centuries of mortal imagination to help you plan ahead for of wonderful books by young authors and to support this terrific program. that final journey. Bayside resident Stephanie Miller is a voracious reader and bibliophile and spends a lot of time lost in the stacks of bookstores and libraries. Find her online @StephanieSAM.
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CLIMATE JUSTICE
Overhauling our Past for a Climate Tolerant Future hauls of old, often worn-down systems that were built for another time. It’s not It’s holiday season and along with the as simple as standing up and declaring we good cheer, delicious food, and twinkling need change. lights comes a spike in energy use, travel, and overall consumption. There are many Portland and South Portland have things one can do to reduce the impact. come together to draw the map to help Compost waste from the many generous deliver this and prepare for climate reparties and dinners from October to the siliency while transforming the cities to New Year. Use reusables when possible, meet climate goals. The plan is called One opt for low energy bulbs, etc. However, Climate Future (OCF), with aggressive as we celebrate and do our part, there’s actions to transform the cities into more something laboring in the background to than just “sustainable,” but as the Maine bring us the at-your-fingertip comforts we motto goes, make it “the way life should be.” enjoy. And that is infrastructure. By Jennifer Ruggiero
It’s not sexy. It’s not fun. And it certainly isn’t easy. It’s also often overlooked as part of the climate solution. However, it sits as the foundation of our society, helping it run in a seamless manner. The only time we really take notice is when it starts to inconvenience us: a broken water main, road construction, a blackout. And it’s not just the physical that we should consider, but also the soft infrastructure, such as facilities, agencies, institutions, and industry that are a piece of the greater picture. We can dream as much as we want about a brilliant future filled with renewable energy and carbon-negative options and sustainable harvests, but without the proper infrastructure, the dream will topple. Our cries for change require over-
The OCF covers everything from energy to land use to waste reduction. But what’s the next step to bring this map to life? Infrastructure. How do we overhaul the infrastructure? Besides thoughtful innovation and planning, it takes time and money. A Sustainability Fund could kick start an infrastructure transformation by allocating funds earmarked specifically for projects meant to advance early efforts to battle climate change and prepare us for a future which is already at our doorsteps. Bright Ideas by the Portland Climate Action Team (PCAT), meeting the third Tuesday of the month, at 6 p.m. FMI: portlandclimateaction@gmail.com.
THE WEST END NEWS / NOVEMBER 2023
17
Question 3:The Most Important Climate Vote in the U.S.
By Seth Berry
In a few days, Maine voters will vote on Question 3. Speaking in Portland just weeks ago, leading national climate activist Bill McKibben urged us to vote “yes” – calling it “the most important thing on a ballot anywhere.” Question 3 would replace CMP and Versant, Maine’s two investor-owned utilities (IOUs), with the Pine Tree Power Company, a utility that is publicly owned and not-for-profit. Maine spends $5 billion annually on fossil fuels. This is changing as consumers choose EVs and heat pumps – swapping gasoline and oil bills for a higher CMP bill. But will we all? Can we all trust our utility and afford it? For too many, the answer is no. Our pole-and-wire network is no longer a necessity. Today, it is our lifeline to a livable planet. Pine Tree Power will replace Maine’s dysfunctional IOUs, CMP and Versant, paying them what they’re worth and refinancing that value at a lower carrying cost. At present, we pay back the full depreciated value of the grid over twenty years at higher annual rates. We also pay our IOUs for all their expenses and taxes – and even for their legal fees when they argue for higher rates. Others have made this transition, too, despite huge misinformation campaigns just like the one we’ve seen in Maine. These wise leaders include the state of Nebraska; Massena, NY; Winter Park, FL; Jefferson County, WA; water utilities and
others. Where people had the courage to move ahead, the ads proved false. Rates went down, reliability improved, and pride emerged in what the community had achieved. Are elections scary? We could eliminate them all, but it would not be wise. And Portlanders already elect utility board members.Your Portland Water District trustees serve eleven communities and about one in seven Mainers, doing an excellent job without fanfare or fuss. Question 3 is endorsed by 350, Sierra Club, NRCM, Maine Youth for Climate Justice, solar businesses, several municipalities, leading Maine economists, the Maine nurses’ union, MOFGA, the Penobscot Nation, and many others. In 2021, a majority of the Maine House and Senate supported an almost identical bill after years of study. To dig out from the avalanche of “no” ads, visit pinetreepower.org and for more detail ourpowermaine.org. With your “yes” vote on Question 3, Maine can truly lead on climate. Seth Berry served seven terms in the Maine Legislature, including as House Majority Leader and three as House Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Technology. He lives in Bowdoinham. The views expressed in our pages belong solely to their authors and not necessarily WEN or its advertisers.
COMPOST YOUR FOOD SCRAPS FOR FREE!
Collect food scraps at home and bring it to one of the drop-off sites and empty it into one of the containers. DROP OFF SITES LOCATED AT KING MIDDLE SCHOOL REICHE SCHOOL BRENTWOOD COMMUNITY GARDEN RIVERTON COMMUNITY GARDEN LIBBYTOWN COMMUNITY GARDEN PAYSON PARK COMMUNITY GARDEN BOYD STREET COMMUNITY GARDEN NORTH STREET COMMUNITY GARDEN PARKS & RECREATION 212 CANCO ROAD
18 THE WEST END NEWS / NOVEMBER 2023
THE WEST END NEWS
Western Cemetery Uncovered Cont'd from Pg. 1 Stewards’ volunteers also restored the cemetery’s paths, posted pamphlets, put out flags on veterans’ graves for Memorial Day, and documented work completed.
PUZZLE ANSWERS Puzzles on Pg. 15 Trivia Answers
All told, volunteers have invested more than 1,000 hours in the past 21 months, belying Mr. Gould’s belief that only a little effort would be required to improve Western Cemetery fully.
1.
Canada Goose
2.
American Robin
3.
Curved
4.
Walt Whitman
Uprooting invasive species Invasive sycamore maples and Norway maples were removed from the steep northern hillside as a result of the Bunyanesque efforts of one regular volunteer, Frank Mitchell. He repeatedly used our chest-high steel lever called a weed mortar to re-form. Kip deSerres (with name tag) leads a wrench, specially built for the purpose of For its part, the City of Portland, tour of Western Cemetery in October. uprooting saplings. -Photo by Peter Monro the cemetery’s owner, removed the acNative saplings of red oak and sugar cumulated piles of shrub and tree debris, maple remain that we hope will generate mowed the cemetery, and provided wood ceived a community grant from Maine enough shade in time to suppress invasive chips for mulching around the remaining Medical Center. groundcovers like garlic mustard and black trees. The city continues to guide us and If you wish to donate to the Capital swallowwort now populating the slope. collaborate with our activities. Campaign, mail your check payable to the We have begun to apply vinegar and Upcoming capital campaign “City of Portland” with a memo to “Westacids and to grub out woody sprouts that ern Cemetery Fund” addressed to the Soon, we Stewards, a federal 501(c)3 have proliferated against grave markers City of Portland, 212 Canco Road, Ste. A, nonprofit, will launch a $250,000 capital over the years, hoping to remove these Portland, ME 04103. campaign to pay for needed improvethreats once and for all. ments recommended in the cemetery’s Preparation for work next year in- city-adopted master plan. Significant proj- Peter Monro, a West End resident, is the cludes clearing the site of three thick ects include constructing the tool house, clerk of the Stewards of Western Cemmarble tablets of shrubs and daylilies and extending the water line, completing the etery, Inc. He is a retired landscape arthe re-setting of their bases level, and the perimeter fence, and restoring a historic chitect who has served on the Portland re-setting of two tablets with partially fence remnant along the Western Prom. Parks Commission and as board chair missing midbases that need specialized For this last project we have already re- of Portland Trails
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SLICE FROM THE PIE SLICES OF LEFTOVER NEWS FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT…
29 Bowdoin St sells for $2.75 million making it the highest selling single-family home in Portland in over 3 years… “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan pays a visit to Maine Vintage Toys in South Portland… US Fish and Wildlife starts construction on a new visitor center in Kennebunk celebrating the life and work of Rachel Carson… East End Community School veteran teacher Joshua Chard is honored by his peers as the 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year… From the world of our contributors… Eat Drink Lucky lifestyle news list features our own Master Knight of the Vine Layne Witherell and his fourth Wednesday live event Layne’s Wine Gig at Blue… Maine Conservation Voters host online Lunch & Learn event on the Arctic with climate researcher and WEN contributor Dr. Susana Hancock… And in unnecessary list news… Outdoor home services app Plowz & Mowz lists Portland as the 4th Best City for Dog Owners in part due to our city’s -Courtesy photo dog-friendly restaurants and trails… Personal finances website WalletHub places Portland in Top 1% of Small Cities comparing 1,300 cities below 100,000 population looking at indicators such as unemployment, crime, and health… According to iSeeCars black is the most popular car color in Portland and yellow the least…
THE WEST END NEWS / NOVEMBER 2023
Abraham
19
Looks to his progeny Who number More than the stars in the night sky And laments what he sees As love itself is set on fire Abraham weeps Uncontrollably Copious tears, And weeps And sobs To put out the annihilation, the conflagration, The fires of hate He Begs Human beings everywhere For the love of humanity
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