AUGUST 2020.VOL. 20, NO. 08. PORTLAND, MAINE.
PORTLAND’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER. FREE!
Community Raises $175k Craft in a Time of Corona for Nonprofit Music Venue An interview with a Maine craft artist on the challenges of earning a living without arts and crafts events By Rosanne Graef My usual summer-time habit is to get ahead of a year’s worth of holidays, birthdays, and one-off gift-giving events. I scour newspaper calendars for festivals, powwows, and shows where folks from near, and occasionally far, gather to sell their useful, whimsical, clever, decorative, and skillfully done crafts and art works.
The stage is empty for the foreseeable future at nonprofit music venue One Longfellow Square. But the community rallied and raised funds to keep the venue alive until patrons may gather for shows again. -WEN file photo by Tony Zeli
ARTS & CRAFTS EDITION Page 5 Surviving the Pandemic at the Portland Conservatory of Music Page 7 Great Black Hawk bronze statue unveiled at Deering Oaks Park Page 9 Our wine guy offers a summer reading list for wine enthusiasts Page 12 New survey of local businesses offers a grim outlook Page 15 Arts & Crafts with Best Worst Trivia, crossword, Sudoku & more Page 17
Dr. Oren Gersten offers 5 evidenced based tools that may help bring down your stress levels
Page 4… It's time to fix the mayor position
West End, Portland – One Longfellow Square is deeply grateful to music lovers from near and far who have responded to our fundraising campaign with overwhelming kindness and generosity. We humbly say: thank you! After reaching an initial fundraising goal of $100,000, One Longfellow Square has eclipsed a second milestone of $175,000. OLS launched a GoFundMe campaign in mid-June, several months into the COVID-19 shutdown. The nonprofit performing arts center was in danger of closing forever with looming rent payments and no income on the horizon due to the nature of the virus and the live music industry’s reliance on dense crowds in small places. Incredibly, the community rallied around the venue and gave us a chance to survive the economic hardship of this pandemic.
What to do now that the pandemic has put the kibosh on these events? Gone, the pleasure of the hunt to discover something novel or exquisitely lovely. Remaining, my need to find just the right gift, as well as the creators’ needs to make a living or supplement their income. Like others, they may be working from home, but without the vending venues, how are they coping? I contacted a friend who’s active on the craft scene to find out. Laurie Babineau lives in rural Hartford, Maine, and has been creating and selling fine crafts and art for years. The past four years, under the name Wood B. Designs, she regularly attended at least a dozen events, mostly in the summer. Pyrography, the art of wood burning, is how she creates functional pieces such as her best-selling wooden spoons. She also does watercolors and combines pyrography and painting in fine art, as well as utilitarian pieces. Colder months find her offering crocheted items as well, mostly hats.
I asked her a few questions about There are many unknowns ahead. how things have changed: It’s a moving target to know when it will Marketing? “I’ve always had a webbe safe for the live music industry to resite, but most customers are through CONT'D ON PAGE 5 Facebook. Vending at fairs and festivals
Page 13… Patrick Kiruhura on cultural exchange (Part II)
Page 14… Safe return to business Zoom conferences
“W
e pass our support to each other because we know the value in what we do and how hard it is to make a living at it."
-Laurie Babineau, Wood B. Designs
is my best marketing tool. Advertising in publications is expensive and I never got much out of it. Being able to talk to people in person builds customer relationships, it’s a more personal connection ending with repeat sales and custom orders.” How’s business? “The pandemic has shut down my wholesale accounts. Those places are not open. No product is selling, so no orders for new items are being placed. All events I was vending at are cancelled—a huge loss of income. Most refunded my vending fee, yet some are holding it for next year. It’s a little tricky. I could use the money now but am glad I’m good for 2021 in terms of paying the fees. One of the events had to reschedule their first date and then cancel their second. I will most likely pay my vending fee a second time. I’m ok with that for these folks as they do a lot for community and raise money for kids to get art supplies. I know that they lost a lot more money than I did.”
CONT'D ON PAGE 3
Page 18… A visit to Ecuador & the Galapagos
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THE WEST END NEWS | AUGUST 2020
Homeless King By Wayne O'Brien I sometimes wish I were homeless with no worries of losing the one I love, or someone stealing my most cherished possession. A derelict in a world that would not notice me, a world that would not hurt me anymore than I’ve already hurt myself. Vagrant and lonesome, but lonesome for what? I would really have it all, the streets would be mine. And love would be nothing more than a serendipitous cup of coffee or cold burger from a donation of pity. I would be king of my loveless abode, wander where I want and want for nothing, nothing would make me cry except the teeth of the freezing cold blowing through the streets turning my tears to icicles, solidifying an endless flow. And the snot in my unkempt beard would remind me of how thick my emotions would be if I were to belong to someone. And I would be free to seek the evening warmth of a local McDonalds, sitting alone at my table, filling tubes of tobacco like a king on his throne. Watching from the corner of my eye with pity of my own for a young couple, holding hands giddy in love, for heartbreak is inevitable. Then claiming my spot for the night and swirling thoughts inside my head would not rob me of my sleep, and perhaps,
OUR READERS
Attitude
SUBMISSIONS
By Elaine Carver
WEN is a community newspaper and we need your voice!
We can sit around and mope about our cares and woes We’ve all got problems that’s just the way it goes
Share your submissions with thewestendnews@gmail.com or send to: The West End News Attn: Editor 795 Congress Street Portland, Maine 04102
Or we can stand tall smile thru our tears and pain Happiness is worth it all as we bounce right back again Attitude is a secret weapon that works every single time It’s more than a priceless gift and it doesn’t cost a dime
• Letters to the editor should be no more than 300 words. Include your name, neighborhood, and phone or email for confirmation. • Op-eds should be no more than 650 words and include a brief biography of 1-2 sentences. • WEN also accepts poetry, cartoons, and photo submissions. Deadline for publication is the fourth Friday of every month.
Happiness
Our column space is very limited, publication is not guaranteed, and submissions may be edited for length and content. Thank you for your voice!
By Elaine Carver
Happiness is a tear drop that washes away the pain Happiness is a romance that flickers once again Happiness is a broken heart that’s finally on the mend Happiness is that rainbow just around the bend Happiness is the pathway that will lead the way Happiness is that gentle breeze on a hot and humid day
Elaine Carver is a West End resident.
perhaps the Angel of Death would kiss me and take Me home and no one would cry for me. I would bequeath to the next poor bastard to wander by a tattered backpack full of sweatshirts and broken dreams. And may they find peace outside of the confines of their own emotions and maybe they too would become a homeless king.
Wayne O'Brien grew up on a dairy farm in Windham. He frequently reads at Lowery's Lodge Poetry Series in Westbrook.
Janet Oakes in Split, Croatia, submitted by Nancy Dorrans (2019). Submit your reader photos to thewestendnews@gmail.com.
Community Leaders Business Owners Artists & Other Interesting Folk of Southern Maine
Podcast available on Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts and Spotify Thank you for reading! Thank you for reading local, independent print news. If you like what we do, it’s easy to support the West End News.
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Craft in a Time of Corona CONT'D FROM PAGE 1
Adjustments? “I’m more aggressive posting my work on as many Facebook pages as possible. At the start of the pandemic I was running deals and contests. I gave a lot of work away to build up my customer base.Taking a good look at what is open for business helped me as well. Medical Marijuana Dispensaries have been open, so I am using that to my advantage, and it is helping. I started doing wood burnings related to medical use and that has covered the loss of my wholesale accounts. So far, my efforts are paying off. My overhead is much lower without the cost of doing events.” Supporting crafters? “Find out who they are! Most have websites and pages on Facebook and Etsy. Ask your friends! Word of mouth is the best selling tool. Local shops are opening up and they tend to sell product made by local crafters and artists. Shop local, it helps everyone. I know money is tight for many people, so it doesn’t hurt to ask about bartering, I just got a wonderful painting in exchange for a sign.” Anything else? “There are crafters’ organizations like United Maine Craftsmen and The Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen, both have a list of their members. Etsy has a list of Maine crafters and artists and Facebook has many groups. Funny...I don’t belong to any of these, but I have friends who do. We pass our support to each other because we know the value in what we do and how hard it is to make a living at it.”
THE WEST END NEWS | AUGUST 2020
Compassionate and Innovative Memory Care
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Many residents and our true-blue staff know this inspiring and newly relevant song~
“There’ll be blue birds over...”
-Image: Wood-burned plaque with brook trout by Laurie Babineau,Wood B. Designs
RESOURCES: United Maine Craftsmen: http://unitedmainecraftsmen.com/business-directory The Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen: http://societyofsouthernmainecraftsmen.org/members.html
Reach Laurie at: Facebook: Wood B. Designs E-mail: wood.b.stone@gmail.com woodbedesigns.com Rosanne Graef lives in the West End and is a volunteer contributor. Read her monthly column, “La Vida Local: Irregular Notes on West End Life” in the pages of our print edition and online at thewestendnews.com.
Mural at Fallbrook Woods
For an informative conversation please contact Susan at 207-878-0788 FallbrookWoods.com 60 Merrymeeting Drive Portland, Maine 04103
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THE WEST END NEWS | AUGUST 2020
OPINION
READER RESPONSE Biden, Dems & Nuclear Militarism Rob Korobkin makes a good point (Guest Opinion, “It matters if good people are in charge,” July 2020). Historically, Democratic administrations have outperformed Republicans in disaster response and general competence. Katrina and the current pandemic are examples.
Were Republicans still the party of Nixon’s ABM and Reagan’s START treaties, there would be some restraint. Sadly, they are not. We survived the First Cold War because there was a hawk/dove balance in Washington.Wiser heads prevailed often enough so that we survived.That balance is gone; I blame the Democrats.They and their followers have swallowed a bloodthirsty fiction that endangers all of us and robs the funding that should go to making lives better.
However, as endless wars and income inequity grow, that has shifted. Democrats fell short with the colossal theft of housing wealth post-2008, the fumbled response to Hurricane Sandy, and the refusal to take the next step Trump’s a racist, nationalist, incomafter ACA, even during a catastrophic petent disaster. We have lost 150,000 of pandemic. our loved ones to his science-denying Abroad, Obama multiplied two wars inaction. He’s done much to destabilize into several more – Syria, Libya, and the the nuclear balance, as well. US-supplied genocide in Yemen. Millions But, given the virulent Democratic of innocents killed. nuclear militarism, a Biden victory poses Worse, has been the dangerous equal or greater danger to the world. ratcheting of war tensions with Russia. -Jeffrey Hotchkiss Examples are the 2014 Ukraine coup d’état instigated by the U.S., Obama’s Woodfords Corners, Portland $1.5 trillion nuclear weapons expansion in 2015, and the rabid propaganda of the Russiahate Deception, which has all but Send your letters to the editor to shut down diplomacy between the two thewestendnews@gmail.com or mail to: The West End News, Attn: Editor, 795 greatest nuclear powers. Congress Street, Portland, Maine 04102. Democrats have chosen the path of Letters to the editor should be no more nuclear war risk and dragged us down than 300 words. Include your name, into the McCarthyite hell of a revived neighborhood, and phone or email for confirmation. Cold War.
Time to Fix the Mayor In 2015, I asked a newly elected Mayor Ethan Strimling how he was going to be effective working with city council. “My job is to turn that body of nine into a body of one,” he said. “To build the relationships with each person so that they are feeling heard and their perspective is being incorporated, so that we can find answers that help move us forward.”
choice voting, but only for the mayor. Back then it was a controversial issue. The previous commission didn’t address public campaign financing, and now we have the formation of a second charter commission driven by that very issue. And instead of a popularly elected mayor, the commission gave us a little understood, rarely implemented, hybrid form of government.
What went wrong? It wasn’t all Mayor Strimling’s fault. The mayoral position was poorly designed, and the past years have proved so. Three popularly elected mayors have each failed to enact the will of the people, leading to ballot question fever and mayoral turnover – the voters have yet to elect a sitting mayor to a second term. Surely, many will argue that we need to give Mayor Kate Snyder more time. We are out of time.
Seemingly, a city manager continues to run the City of Portland, a professional administrator who the council shields from public accountability. And the popularly elected mayor is mostly a figurehead, an ultra-city councilor with a longer term of office. Leaving the voters to plead with a complacent city council.
To the Portland City Council, as you choose your appointments to and endorse candidates for charter commission, In 2009 and 2010, many issues were better to have a transparent agenda then debated by charter commission hopefuls hide behind process, facilitation, and techand the eventually elected commission nicalities. members: noncitizen voting rights, ranked To the voters, elect charter commischoice voting, public campaign financing, sion members who stand on issues and the makeup of the city council and how support a strong mayor’s office that will districts are drawn, and of course, the have the power to resolve the people’s driving force behind the formation of the issues. commission, the popular election of an executive mayor. To future charter commissioners, listen to the people and create the charA divided charter commission – ter the people are asking for. Hear out seriously, their first vote for whom among the advocates and activists who made this them would serve as Vice Chair was a sixcommission happen. Get the job done to-six tie – failed to give people what they right, the second time. wanted. They didn’t accomplish legal noncitizen voting rights. The issue came up later as a ballot initiative that barely lost a Reach the editor,Tony Zeli by email at popular vote.They did put forward ranked thewestendnews@gmail.com.
Giving you a reason to read the news again. At The West End News, we promise to present solutions, cover stories of neighbors coming together, deemphasize the controversy, and clearly present the facts. And most importantly we will give readers relevant information that is helpful to their day-to-day lives. That is what we mean by positive community news.
WHAT'S GOING ON
THE WEST END NEWS | AUGUST 2020
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Surviving the Pandemic at the Portland OLS RAISES FUNDS Conservatory of Music
Cont'd from Pg. 1
By Jean Murachanian, PCM
It’s been a crazy year, to say the least, and we continue to face uncertainty in the near future. At the Portland Conservatory of Music (PCM), a nonprofit community music school in Woodfords Corner, the delivery of music education, concerts, and recitals have continued throughout the pandemic, albeit in a new online format. We have been fortunate that our teachers, students, and families quickly made the transition to online learning and hence helped create a sense of normalcy so desperately needed at this time. As music educators, we understand the benefits of music education. Music has the power to heal and nourish the soul. It allows students of all ages to express themselves in ways that other forms of communication simply cannot. The disciple of daily practice sets the foundation for good habits and structure, while the resulting progress yields students a sense of confidence in their abilities. As studies have shown, studying music is like exercising the brain; it enhances cognitive development and creates new neural pathways, which is probably why many successful people have studied music. Playing music in groups has the added benefit of building social skills, particularly listening and team building.
it worked. So much so that we held online recitals at the end of the semester. To ensure that the recitals ran smoothly, we asked students to submit videos of their performances, which we put together in onehour videos and aired live on Zoom. It was a sheer delight to see our families and their reactions as they watched the Zoom recitals. The new format Fiddle class. -Courtesy of PCM had the added benefit of allowing extended family members from afar to enjoy the online learning. While online lessons are not quite the same as in-person, they are recitals. convenient, allow some students to parWe also held our bi-annual Ocy ticipate more fully, encourage utilization of Downs Piano Competition online. We online enhancements, and have the potenasked the performers to come into our tial for expanding our geographic reach. studios one at a time to film their compeCONT'D ON PAGE 6 tition pieces. (Thanks to an arrangement with Steinway & Sons, the Conservatory is equipped with beautiful Steinway pianos, which are also available for sale.) The performances were then edited together and sent to our panel of jurors. All the students did an outstanding job. The first and second place winners were our very own students, Michael Bostock and Quentin Wu, both students of Naydene Bowder, charter PCM faculty member. The video of Michael’s performance can be found on our homepage. Note, Michael is only 14 years old.
sume again. OLS’s skeletal monthly costs are $7000 a month. The funds raised from this campaign will help maintain our venue through next summer, paying rent, utilities, insurance, and internet support services. OLS will also look for alternative ways to safely bring music to the public in the coming months and prepare to resume shows in the venue when that becomes possible. While we will not be raising the fundraising goal again, the campaign will remain online and active for the next several weeks. Any additional funds will further help OLS regain our footing amidst the changing landscape. Thank you again for believing in One Longfellow Square. We encourage you to share our story with your friends and family and help keep the music alive.
We were impressed when our faculty quickly pivoted to online learning this What we’ve found is that like anyspring. It was a little bumpy at first, but thing else, there are pros and cons to
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THE WEST END NEWS | AUGUST 2020
WHAT'S GOING ON/CLIMATE JUSTICE
Surviving the Pandemic at PCM CONT'D FROM PAGE 5
RACIAL JUSTICE IS CLIMATE JUSTICE
Few people see the connection between climate justice and racial justice, but one cannot exist without the other. Before there is a successful transition to a decarbonized society, we must address systemic racism.
Advanced teen Jazz Ensemble at Portland Conservatory of Music. -Courtesy of PCM To adapt to the new normal, we have been working on delivering a better online product this fall to provide online transparency and communication between teachers and students/families. This will include a user-friendly template for detailing items covered at each lesson with links to various online resources. We’ve also invested in high quality equipment so our faculty can teach online lessons from our studios. Come fall we anticipate a hybrid approach, both online and in-person private and group lessons. However, we will not require anyone, faculty or students, to come in for in-person lessons if they are uncomfortable doing so. The safety of our community comes first.
economically affected by the pandemic through job loss. It is a challenge running a nonprofit community music school, now more than ever. Although arts education is not seen as a primary need, it is a means of creating better citizens and enriching our community, which is fundamental to our society. If you’ve ever considered learning an instrument, we encourage you to register for our fall semester. We take pride in the exceptional quality of our instructors. As PCM embarks on its 25th anniversary, we are looking at how best to serve our community going forward. If you would like to help us in this endeavor, please contact us. We are always looking for volunteers, board members, and of course, donors.
As a community music school for all ages, abilities, and financial levels, we have Jean Murachanian is Executive Direcworked hard to add a variety of group tor of the Portland Conservatory of opportunities to create a sense of com- Music. munity and make music lessons affordable. Group classes have included cello choir, chamber music (advanced and beginning), jazz history/theory/ensembles, Middle Eastern ensemble, beginning fiddle, and Cuban Rumba. We also have the Boy Singers of Maine and the Girls Singers of Maine choral program for grades 2-12. On Saturdays we offer the Karger College Prep Program for advanced middle and high school students considering a future in music. Thanks to the efforts of our faculty from our annual Faculty Fundraising Concert, we are able to offer need-based financial aid of 30-50% off the cost of lessons. In addition, we are currently fundraising to provide financial relief to those families (current and new) that have been
Through the lens of climate justice, climate change is an ethical/political issue which accepts that those least responsible for climate change suffer its gravest consequences. Low income communities and communities of color suffer disproportionately. Black and brown neighborhoods often lack transportation options, tree canopy, and open spaces that help negotiate the hardships of climate change. Race is a prime indicator for the placement of toxic facilities. Changes in agriculture, threats to livelihoods, and conflicts over land, water, and other resources are multiplying exponentially due to extreme climate events. The resulting social, psychological, and physical distress contribute to the tenuous situation we find in our streets today. Before real progress towards equity and the protection of human rights can be achieved, we must face the challenges on multiple fronts simultaneously.
BRIGHT IDEA: Use Smart Energy & Promote Fair Practices An entrenched complex of political and corporate power is an obstacle to dismantling fossil fuel empires which have pillaged planetary resources by perpetrating colonialism and expropriation at the expense of indigenous people and minorities. Racism is a political wedge that divides the electorate, enabling the elite to hold onto power:
“
It facilitates the exploitation of a class of underpaid labor. It imposes an economic burden on people of color that inhibits their ability to take action for social change. It stands in the way of bringing about a society centered on basic human dignity and environmental stewardship rather than maximizing economic growth and corporate profit.” -Commentary by Frederick Hewitt on WBUR
What can we do to address the wider ecological, social, and political emergency we face? For starters… •
Recognize the injustices that have occurred and initiate reparations.
•
Shift the economic focus from endless growth to sufficiency.
•
Push the government to enact legally binding policies to reduce carbon emissions and consumption levels.
•
Stop funding and promoting of fossil fuels.
•
Put 100% renewable energy systems into the hands of communities.
•
Ensure a workers.
•
Create citizen assemblies to oversee the changes so that everyone has a voice in a democracy fit for purpose.
Adult Jazz Ensemble. -Courtesy of PCM
BONUS PUZZLE
just
transition
for
Racism and climate change demand that we reconsider the social and economic legacies of our past.
WEN file photo: Hands of Peace (at Merrimack coal plant protest on Sep. 28, 2019). -Photo by Johnny Sanchez
Bright Ideas is brought to you by Portland Climate Action Team which, during the pandemic, meets online on the 4th Thursday of the month, 6-7:30PM. All are welcome to join in. FMI: portlandclimateaction@gmail.com.
Find solution at thewestendnews.com/puzzle-solutions
MORE PUZZELS ON PAGE 15
CLIMATE JUSTICE
THE WEST END NEWS | AUGUST 2020
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We’re All in This Together Great Black Hawk Sculpture Climate Solutions Beyond Your Backyard Unveiled in Deering Oaks Park
Lobbying (Virtually) for Carbon Reduction
November 2019 Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL) meeting with Sen. Collins. This year -Photo courtesy of CCL the lobbying continued but via vitual meetings.
By Don Parent
turn this around.
Forty years have passed since I studied the mechanics of climate change in a ridiculously difficult engineering class. It was clear back then, and it is even more certain today, that continued fossil-fuel based greenhouse gas emissions progressively alter Earth’s climate.
Meetings were held with Senator King, Congresswoman Pingree, and with members of Senator Susan Collins’ and Representative Jared Golden’s staff to discuss the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (H.R.763). The Act would put a price on carbon and return the proceeds to consumers, neutralizing its downside cost impact. Studies have consistently shown that this approach would be very effective in driving down emissions.
Since that time, I have learned that the downsides of a warming climate will be significant and irreversible for hundreds of years. We are already seeing firsthand evidence of changes to our fisheries and to our coastline. But on the bright side, Maine would benefit economically from mitigation efforts. The increased use of wood in construction would benefit our forest products industry while sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Maine’s leadership in offshore wind development would enable us to export green electrical power to our neighboring northeast states. And improving thermal insulation in our older housing stock would provide critically needed jobs. And that’s just a start. A recent Pew poll indicates that two thirds of Americans believe the federal government is not doing enough to reduce the effects of climate change. On June 16th, members of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) continued our biannual June lobbying tradition by holding online meetings with Maine’s congressional delegation to discuss a novel plan to
Twenty-one CCL Maine volunteers participated in these virtual meetings, with three high school students and five small business owners taking part. In previous lobbying, CCL Maine volunteers met with all four of our national lawmakers, including Congressman Golden, in Washington, D.C. Nationally, Citizens Climate Lobby has more than 180,000 volunteers and maintains relationships with virtually every office in the US Congress. The inexorable, and essentially irreversible, rise in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and its growing impact on our world demands a change. Maine’s congressional delegation has a reputation for environmental leadership. We need their leadership on climate change legislation now more than ever. Don Parent is a climate-concerned mechanical engineer, entrepreneur, and business owner, and a member of Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
A statue of a rare visitor, the Great Black Hawk, was unveiled in Deering Oaks Park in July. It may serve as a reminder of the environmental changes that could have brought him so far from home. -Photos by James Fereira Climate News Brief In late 2018 through early 2019, Deering Oaks hosted a juvenile Great Black Hawk native to Central and South America. For visitors of the park, seeing the Great Black Hawk was akin “to seeing a zebra at Baxter State Park,” according to a Maine Audubon staff naturalist. Huge crowds came to the park to witness this extraordinary visitor. Enduring a few light snowstorms, the hawk ultimately succumbed to frostbite during a sleet storm in January 2019. Despite heroic rehab efforts by Avian Haven, the irreversible frostbite damage necessitated euthanizing the hawk. An informational poster for the Great Soon after, a collaborative effort was Black Hawk statue reads, in part: undertaken to honor this unexpected visitor by commissioning an authentic, lifeeople of all backsize bronze statue in an area of Deering grounds were inspired Oaks where it was often seen. Created by its beauty, wondered why by award-winning Maine wildlife sculptor, it came, pondered possible David Smus, the proposed work received unanimous approval by Portland’s Historenvironmental changes that ic Preservation Board, the Portland Public may have thrown him so far off Art Committee, the Parks Commission, course, and grew concerned for and Portland City Council. The Friends of Deering Oaks gifted the statue to the City his well-being. The bird brought of Portland’s Public Art Collection. It was joy and a sense of wonder to installed at Deering Oaks in July. many and reminded us of the Sculptor David Smus noted, “Support for this project from individuals, businessimportance of preserving and es, and organizations locally and nationstewarding urban habitat wide is a testament to the value they put that can sustain such awe-inon this beautiful green space to all of life spiring wildlife." as a whole.”
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THE WEST END NEWS | AUGUST 2020
FOOD & DRINK
THE PORTLAND PALATE
Portland Farmers Market 252 years of excellence in fresh, local produce Review and Photos by James Fereira Location: Deering Oaks Park, Portland When: Wednesdays & Saturdays, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., rain or shine, May - November Winter Hours & Location: Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Dec. - April, at 631 Stevens Ave., Portland (on the #9 METRO bus routes) Summer in Maine is finally here. Along with it comes the superfluity of outdoor activities which we so enjoy and associate with it, including the Portland Farmers Market. Despite the devastating impact which Covid-19 has had on our economy and community, the market prevails. It opened in late April under stricter safety guidelines, and although I was initially reluctant to visit, I’ve since “gotten over myself” and made a couple of trips, one with friend Fran.
There are conspicuous entry points at the market. Having arrived toward closing time, I observed some interactions, wondering if the volunteer monitors had become fatigued at that point, enough not to feel compelled to convey compliance with masking? We saw a few people without them and some on skateboards and bicycles, breezing through the loop in an impolitic direction. The market had a chill vibe about it but a sense of caution, too. It felt odd in a way, as formerly there was a bustling energy and great people-watching here. It’s a trade-off now: crowds and community versus personal space and safety.
Signs at the Portland Farmers Market welcome and guide customers through the Covid-safety rules... and offer a warning about brown tail moth caterpillars. • Snell Family Farm, Buxton
However, I liked the greater distance between shoppers. I never felt boxed-in from anyone unintentionally sideswiping me as they try to snag an especially attractive leek or pint of raspberries.
For 252 Years… Portland’s market, as best my research could establish, is the fifth oldest continuously running farmers market in the U.S., and the oldest in New England. It started in 1768 before Portland was called Portland.
Many things are notably different, including the fact that the market now operates solely at Deering Oaks Park on both Wednesdays and Saturdays (in order to allow for physical distancing, which was not feasible at the usual Wednesday locaThe market is tried-and-true and fun tion in Monument Square). to visit. Farmers markets support and exemplify the ‘Buy Local’ enterprise at its Follow the Loop (& New very core. There are many advantages to supporting them – for farmers, consumRules) ers, and communities alike. Historically, Up to forty vendors are trailer-length Maine’s land and economy, is of course, apart in a large oval loop with oak trees pastoral. So, it is unsurprising that we as a backdrop. It abuts the kiddie wading would have an old and awesome farmers’ pool and duck pond on one side, and the market here. sports courts and children’s playground on the other. Enjoy the Harvest! Signs encourage one-direction perSome of the vendors come from ambulating through the loop. Facemasks hours away, which means you know they’ve are required and there are signs reminding been up since well before the crack of visitors of Covid-safety best practices. dawn. Check-out the list of vendors at www.PortlandMaineFarmersMarket.org. Also, you’ll find signs warning of the presence of the menacing brown tail moth I shopped (and photographed, with caterpillars. I wish those had been posted permission) these vendors during my in June (and yes, I am still dealing with the Wednesday visits: aftermath of that merciless encounter you • Olde Mill Farm, Brownfield read about in the July issue). Ugh!
Offering free local delivery for Portland area customers. Simply order and pay online: homegrownherbandtea.com Or call (207) 774-3484.
There is a market information booth that has the scoop on the market and how it operates. Vendors vary in what they accept for types of payment, but generally you’ll do good to bring cash, and credit/ debit.
In 2012, the Cultivating Community initiative began, and now SNAP recipients • Alewives Brook Farm, Cape Elizabeth can shop using their EBT. SNAP works at the market by using a wooden token system to buy produce. You can sign up for the Maine Harvest Bucks Program, giving you a complimentary perk on a 2-for-1 fresh veggies and/or fruits deal. This program is reciprocal with Portland Food Co-op, Rosemont Market/West End, and other purveyors throughout Maine. Visit • Merrifield Farm, Cornish www.MaineHarvestBucks.org for more details.
Get Involved
• Goranson Farm, Dresden • Uncle’s, Hollis • Meadowood Farm,Yarmouth
In 2010, “Travel and Leisure” magazine ranked the Portland Farmers Market in the “Top 10 Best Farmers Markets in the United States.” The Market is always seeking, and grateful to receive, volunteers. They also offer a Market Sponsorship, and Friends of the Market Programs, in concert with vendors and businesses. The Portland Farmers Market is a 10-minute walk from Congress Street. It is located near the #2, 4, and 5 METRO bus routes, and for car-people, good luck finding parking. It can be had if you apply patience and gratitude.
A couple of notes about the Portland Farmers Market during COVID: street artists and buskers are not permitted right now, according to their website. Nor are non-profit vendors, who informally set-up their small crafts tables. That being said, I thought I saw a couple of dissenters and there was definitely a street-performer/ musician doing their thing at each of my For under $34.00 I purchased: butter visits. lettuce, green leaf lettuce, strawberries, I love Portland Farmers Market… I yellow and red tomatoes, green onion, had forgotten how much. I’ll be back soon highbush blueberries, garlic scapes, new for the fresh, local lowbush blueberries, red potatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and a and corn-on-the-cob, and the colorful palquart of lemon yogurt. ette of late summer, and all things autumn. • Balfour Farm, Pittsfield
James Fereira has a background in tour guiding, roller coaster operation, and public speaking. In his spare time he enjoys white water rafting and questioning authority. James can be reached at ThePortlandPalate@gmail.com.
FOOD & DRINK
THE WEST END NEWS | AUGUST 2020
9
LAYNE'S WINE GIG
SUMMER READING By Layne V. Witherell
T
his marks my 400th published wine column with many more to come. The key is to constantly taste a wide variety of wines and especially to read a wide variety of wine books and articles. You never know when the inspiration will appear. Also, carry a notebook to write down thoughts. I stick a ton of major wine writers’ columns in the several hundred wine books sprawling around the house. Inspiration is everything. I mention all of this because there is an unending source of ideas. Today we will look at two wine writers, both totally different.
E
van Goldstein, “Perfect Pairings” and “Daring Pairings.”
He was a distributor and importer in France and at the age of 45 began to write a book, a revolutionary book where he ranks and categorizes all the vineyards in France, and a huge variety of the world, with his thoughts of their glory, hierarchy, and misgivings. I have discovered the first modern wine critic. He saw it all.
A
ndre Jullien, “The Topography of all the Known Vineyards Containing a Description of the Kind and Quality of their Products and a Classification,” London, G.&W.B. Whittaker, 1824. The first problem is finding it in English – lots of French editions. Also finding a decent copy at a reasonable price if you are going to take the deep plunge into this thing. Enter the Facsimile Publisher.With a little searching, I located a newly printed, English edition quarter bound in leather for $30.00, resembling a bound journal.
Both of his books are readily available to order on the internet at around $10.00 each. They are great books from a brilliant wine person, loaded with pairings, recipes, and wine ideas from the simple to the sublime. The subject in question was duck since recipes and wine pairings are Goldstein’s specialty. His thoughts ran to duck Jullien’s thoughts applicable to today: with orange sauce paired alongside a glass The vendor can be peddling stuff just of gewürztraminer. Sheer brilliance. With to peddle it. that in mind, we were heading to The Village Inn and Tavern in Belgrade, Maine A connoisseur can be duped. (a.k.a., duck central) to try out some new Wine regions will make inferior wines ideas. to sell to tourists. Ever try the almond crusted duck He was there when Champagne was tenders? We decided to do two sauces in its infancy. Twenty bottles in 100 exand a different wine with each sauce, while ploded. Look closely at the vineyards, not looking at the splendid lake and the live just the brands. ducks.
The world was awash with “small Lemongrass dipping sauce with wines.” Giesen Marlborough N. Z. Sauvignon Blanc ($9.00 glass). New Zealand sauviWine is good for you. gnon blanc is a flavor combo of lime, melon, and grapefruit. It was an okay pairing There was a lot of spurious mixing while doing not much of anything exciting and game playing going on. with the dish or the wine. Regions and producers need to be The unexpected knockout was a constantly reevaluated. roasted garlic aioli and Marinara sauce French Burgundy: “In good seasons alongside a glass of Zenato Valpolicella these wines unite all the qualities of from the corvina grape from Northern perfect wine – they want no mixture or Italy ($9.50 glass). Duck, and duck with preparation to reach the highest degree dipping sauce, were both unexpected and of perfection.” thrilling. The wine has a luscious red cherry freshness that speaks to both the duck Our second serendipitous find (in and the sauce. Great pairings elevate both a wine store in Rockland, Maine) was a the dish and the wine. Do try this at home. French classic, Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes Moral of the story: we do not eat enough de Beaune Domaine Billard Pere et duck or drink enough Valpolicella. Fils, 2018, $32.00 / btl. Like our favorite My second writer for today is pure locally hand-crafted Ben Coombs glasses, serendipity. I was reading an article on the wine offers up a special artisan-proPouilly Fuisse, the famous region in South- duced treat from first sip to lingering fareern Burgundy in France, home of our friend well. Andre Jullien would be proud. the chardonnay grape. Their thought was to elevate the area from a regular AOC Appellation Controlee to a Premier Cru. That does not sound like much, but having been an importer, distributor, and retailer in prior lives I could sniff out a $25.00 bottle becoming a $35.00 bottle on the shelf. Then, they mentioned this guy that I had not heard of in ages as the originator of the idea, Andre Jullien (1766-1832).
We are bombarded today with tasting notes.This book is way beyond that.Andre Jullien deserves a place in the pantheon of explorers, thinkers, and tasters of the world’s most revered beverage: wine.
CONTACT LAYNE AT
lvwitherell@gmail.com FOR EVENTS, ONE ON ONE TOURS, AND PRIVATE TASTINGS
Layne has been a professional in the wine business for many decades as a teacher, importer, writer, competition judge, and winery CEO. He was awarded a Master Knight of the Vine for his pioneering work in the Oregon wine industry. Visit winemaniacs.wordpress.com/blog.
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THE WEST END NEWS | AUGUST 2020
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BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
THE WEST END NEWS | AUGUST 2020
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Local Business Survey Reveals Grim Outlook By Mary Alice Scott, Portland Buy Local
Every month, I sit down to write an article for The West End News and consider what’s most pressing or relevant to local businesses at the time. For big holidays and events, the theme is easy. In March of this year, I started reaching out to business owners to see if they would be interested in writing guest columns to have different voices and sectors contribute. Covid forced me to quickly rescind those offers and instead focus on the vast impact the pandemic was, and is, having on our local business community. It’s hard to believe that this is month five of the coronavirus crisis, and still there is no clear path forward. Many businesses have found a way to safely re-open and serve their customers, but the nature of the pandemic means that businesses can only serve a fraction of the customers they previously did.
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25% of businesses say they are considering permanently closing
We conducted a survey in mid-July -Source: Portland Buy Local and asked local business owners to assess survey results their current needs. Our findings were grim and made it clear that businesses need long-term support if we want our got commercial rent relief through their community to remain vibrant. landlord. One-third of respondents in our surWithout a national plan to limit the vey said they are generating 20% or less spread of the virus, and without long-term of typical revenues, with another 20% of financial support for commercial rent or businesses generating 40% or less of their other fixed costs, business owners are typical revenues. And yet fixed costs restuck. They’re forced to open, with a fracmain stable. tion of their typical revenue, in order to The expense of maintaining a com- continue paying for commercial leases. mercial space remains an unresolved part It’s astounding that 25% of businesses of the crisis.The top three concerns facing in our survey said they were considering local businesses are (in order): permanently closing. It’s hard to imagine our downtown with a quarter of the 1) keeping their community healthy storefronts empty. But right now, it’s a real 2) having to close down again 3) paying commercial rent/mortgage possibility. Commercial rents in Portland are notoriously high – often $10,000+ a month – and landlords are offering rent relief on an inconsistent basis. Only 11% of the businesses who took our survey said they
Mary Alice Scott is Portland Buy Local Executive Director. Discloser: Publisher Tony Zeli is president of the board of directors and a media partner.
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
THE WEST END NEWS | AUGUST 2020
The thing that has helped me be successful is that I create platforms for people to create their own solutions.
Patrick Kiruhura
What are some of your ideas to let cultures get to know each other in Maine?
Asking the right questions to feel connected to our neighbors (Part 2 of 2) Every Month Peloton Labs founder Liz Trice interviews a community member for the West End News. This month is a continuation of Liz’s chat with Kiruhura Babu Patrick, who is founding a new nonprofit in Portland called World Roots Culture Exchange.
Last month we talked about how we need to understand each other’s nature and cultures to feel connected and to provide value to each other. Any advice for people who want to get to know their neighbors better?
Do you have family here?
My parents and siblings are in Rwanda, one sister is in Nashville, she has two children and a husband. That’s it for very close family, but when I count my family, I count eight generations. I may say this great-great-grandfather had seven women, and they had this many boys and girls… If you count that, I have a lot of family memThe biggest problem is we measure bers in the U.S. I know the whole family people on intellectual level instead of tree… emotional level. So we ask people, ‘What This might blow your mind: I have do you do?’ But what really connects peo- several family groups on What’s App - one ple is emotions. Ask them, ‘How are you that includes all my cousins and aunts and handling coming to the US?’ instead of uncles up to my grandfather, one up to his ‘Why did you come to the US?’ to con- father (my great-grandfather), and another nect at a deeper level. Ask, ‘What are the up to his father (my great-great-grandfachallenges you’re facing? How is your fam- ther) and so on. I have one family group ily? How are your children?’ Those are the of over 800 people. If I was about to host questions that will create relationships. a wedding, I might host over 1,000 people, In my culture, people ask about me, because my wife’s family is included, too, and everyone in our family group will conabout my mom, my dad, about my siblings tribute money to the wedding, even if they (even if they don’t know if I have any sibdon’t come. It is a responsibility. If somelings), and when they finish asking this, one dies, or if someone goes to hospital, I become very open to them, because I or if a family can’t afford school for a child, feel these people really care about me. It’s a request goes out, and everyone donates building a house of information and trust. something. It’s like crowdfunding. It’s really The environment that you meet peo- organized. ple in is important. If you meet someone on the street, chat, and invite them to have tea in a coffee shop, then you can take an- You know your family back other step to invite them to your home eight generations? That’s or let them invite you to their home to amazing! I don’t even know all learn more about one another. If you go into someone’s home, they will be very my cousins! Are you getting open and give you everything they have messages all the time from to give. hundreds of people? Also, if you want to create relationships between rich people and poor people, the rich person has to seek out the poor person. It’s hard for a poor person to find a rich person, but it’s easy for a rich person to find a poor person. They can humble themselves, and say, ‘I am no different than you.’ Every person is different, so when you’re helping people, don’t put them in a group. Work with them individually.
Maine is a family. No matter what roots we come from, we still have to live in the same house, and if it rains, it’s going to rain on the whole house. I’m trying to create a space, a platform, that brings all the elements of Maine together. A Mainer is a Mainer because of all the elements Patrick Kiruhura speaking in red coat. that are there together. In order to be -Photo courtesy of Patrick Kiruhura fully comfortable in Maine, you need to will give them everything they need. Only know a few of the cultures you are living after they have rested and ate, I would ask, with. Meet a few Congolese people, a few Chinese, et cetera.You have to spend time ‘How did you get my name, and how are outdoors, and time in the city with people you connected?’ of different cultures from yours. I had a German friend, and she was I would like to create an Intercultural made part of my family, too. The foundaMaine Center for all the cultures in Maine tion of our culture is dependency and to have a point of meeting to learn from family based. We care about togetherness. one another, to celebrate our differences If you come to my family, and my mom and participate in making Maine a home works a lot to cook you a lot of food, the for everyone. biggest offense would be to say, “Thank Host backyard bonfire events with you for feeding me.” Because you didn’t value her for who she is, but rather what music from musicians from different she gave you. The food is just the envi- backgrounds. We did this weekly at Root ronment she created so that she could House in Rwanda, which was a coworking connect with you. The food is nothing, the space, mini hotel and cafe. house is nothing, it’s just a tool to create a Create an app to match older people relationship with you. to younger people who can provide services. I think during this pandemic would What are the needs of your be a good time to do that.
community at this time?
We could create local experiences where people of different backgrounds Before you help someone, ask them can take you to visit their world right here to share with you what they need. Take in Maine for a day. the time to learn about people, and then help them figure out how to function We can create tours where you stay within your environment. with a family in their home country, so you
I believe my life is different from yours because of culture. Culture is tradition and laws. The first thing I need to function in the U.S. is information about the laws and the traditions. If I don’t have that, I will be criminalized. The second thing is to help Yes, my What’s App is very busy! See, people have a language, so we can share you can see this message here: thirty value with each other. The third thing, and people are contributing money, one five last thing, is to help them find a home. dollars, another twenty dollars, twenty People are naturally very good! But dollars, twenty dollars. All to solve comif I function just like you, then my value munity problems. If you are lucky to get is lost. So, you have to help people keep connected to one of our culture members, their identity, let people have the space to you get connected to all of it. If I have a home, it is not my home, it is the home of do it their way, free their creativity.Then, if the family. If someone is coming to Maine, you give them money, they will add more someone says, “Patrick lives there,” and I money to you and your community.
PelotonLabs is a coworking space in the West End of Portland, Maine with a mission to connect and encourage people working on their own to manifest their visions without fear.
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understand what it’s like to live in their culture. We can create a space that has food, crafts, music, and events from many different cultures. I’m looking for partners for all of these.
If you like Patrick’s ideas, you can reach him at kiruhura01@gmail.com
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THE WEST END NEWS | AUGUST 2020
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Safe Return to Business By Northern Light Mercy Hospital
•
Helpful tips on facility modifications, PPE purchasing, and resiliency
As we continue through this pandemic and all that it entails, we’ve heard • The impact of COVID-19 on food from many organizations and businesses service, travel, and team culture in Maine about the challenges they face • Caring for employees: return to as they seek to safely keep their doors work guidelines, team building, and open for employees and customers.While COVID-19 testing we’ve been navigating some of the same uncharted COVID-19 waters, we have We have new weekly topics planned learned a thing or two along the way and through the end of August, and we welcome want to share some valuable tips and inyou to join us.To register for an upcoming formation with our community. Zoom session, view past presentations, or As a healthcare system, Northern access resources and informational vidLight Health has in-house experts who eos, please visit NorthernLightHealth.org/ can offer guidance to help organizations Resources/Safe-Return-to-Business. safely welcome employees, customers, To find out more about what Mercy volunteers, and students. Just as many orHospital is doing to keep our employganizations across our state, we are workees, patients, and visitors safe, please vising through these concerns every day in it NorthernLightHealth.org/SafeCare. our ten hospitals and at our more than 100 other locations across Maine, and Content Provided by we look forward to continuing to partner with our communities as we work Northern Light through this together. Mercy Hospital As part of this work, we launched a weekly series of “Safe Return to Business” Zoom conferences. During these free Zoom sessions, our experts offer education and guidance to support the safe return to work for Maine organizations. Past topics included: • •
Northern Light Mercy Hospital, a nonprofit community hospital sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, has been providing care to greater Portland since 1918. Mercy consistently receives an ‘A’ grade by The Leapfrog Group for meeting the highest safety Balancing on-site needs and em- standards in the country. It has also ployee accommodations been recognized as a top hospital by Risk mitigation through infection Newsweek and U.S. News and World prevention, communication, and Report. de-escalation
HEALTH NEWS: Health Care Workers Volunteer to Fight Hunger Good Shepherd Food Bank and the Maine Shared Community Health Needs Assessment collaborative, which includes Central Maine Healthcare, MaineGeneral Health, MaineHealth, Northern Light Health, and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, are partnering to connect volunteers with local food pantries to help meet the unprecedented demand for services across the state of Maine. The community health collaborative is organizing COVID-19 compliant activities in communities across the state to help distribute food to Mainers who are struggling with hunger. Once identified, volunteers will be connected with a community resource representative from the food bank to create an action plan to meet their local community needs. Every effort will be made to ensure that the Maine CDC’s social distancing guidelines are met.This coordinated effort avoids overwhelming pantry staff with unnecessary personal contact at a time when staff are stretched thin, helps ensure that foods meet nutrition standards, and that local needs are considered. An estimated 50 volunteers are being sought to participate.
ern Light Health, one of the first to volunteer. “Both have been very flexible and great to work with. I’ve been able to easily fit this volunteer opportunity around my schedule. I’m really looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and making a difference.” Before COVID-19, more than 200,000 Mainers were unsure as to where they would find their next meal. That number is expected to increase by over 40 percent as the effects of the pandemic continue. While there are initiatives that have risen to meet this challenge, there are many gaps. This call to action seeking volunteers is just one way to add capacity to a system facing growing demand. This work is in line with Maine’s healthcare systems’ and the Maine CDC’s commitment to improving the health of all Mainers in ways that extend beyond hospital and health department walls.
Good Shepherd Food Bank has more than 500 partner agencies, including food pantries, meal sites, and shelters. They are all feeling the pinch of purchasing limits on essential items such as shelf-stable protein, pasta, rice, and toiletries. This comes at a time when many of these sites have also experienced a drop in volunteers due “Kai Loundon, the Food Bank’s com- to concerns over COVID-19. munity resource representative, and To find a meal site near you, Natasha Fields of St. Anne’s Penobscot Nation food pantry on Indian Island have visit the Food Map on the Good enthusiastically welcomed me into their Shepherd Food Bank’s website: work,” says Jose Alicea-Santiago of North- https://www.gsfb.org/get-help/food-map.
PUZZLE PAGE
THE WEST END NEWS | AUGUST 2020
15
Arts and Crafts Trivia 1. Founded in the 1960s, The Bread and Puppet theater was known for building 10-15 foot tall puppets out of what pulpy material? 2. The American Needlepoint Guild has an award named for what actress from Dial M for Murder, who was also the Princess of Monaco? 3. The modern art of collage started with Cubist painters like Georges Braque and what famous Spaniard born in 1881?
Our live quizzes are currently on hiatus! Find us on Facebook and Instagram: @bestworsttrivia
4. What pioneering electronic music group sadly weren’t named for their love of arts and crafts, but after the German word for “power station”? Find the answers online at thewestendnews.com/puzzle-solutions!
Words In Words By Rosanne Graef
How many words can you make from the letters in the phrase? Words must have at least 4 letters, plurals don’t count, and no proper nouns, abbreviations, or foreign words not commonly used in English.
“There is no joy in Mudville” -from Casey at the Bat by Phineas Thayer
GOLD = 150 words | SILVER = 125 words | BRONZE = 100 words BONUS = What are your longest words starting with ‘j’ or ‘v'? July's bonus (3-letter min.): Names of animals in “Beautiful pea-green boat” bat, lion, tiger, bear, gerbil, rat, pig, turtle, robin, grebe, tapir, rabbit, beagle, egret, trout, ant, ape, flea, eagle, eel, gnat, bee, goat, frog, beetle
Cast Iron Skillet Fried Chicken Korean Style Wings Buttermilk Biscuits Soups, Salads and Daily Specials
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16
THE BROADER PICTURE
THE WEST END NEWS | AUGUST 2020
What is Empathy?
Self-Reflection & Practice
By Michael Stern
Paying attention to their responses Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional and using that information to inform what Intelligence, describes three types of em- you then say or do is a way to demonpathy. strate empathy. Cognitive empathy means understanding the perspectives of others, including how they think about and see the world. We communicate more effectively by using language and mental models that are familiar to the other person.
Think about a time when someone helped you.
Ultimately, the key questions to keep in mind are: What is it like to be this person? What are their goals and motivations? What need(s) are they trying to meet? And how can I support them?
Remember the care and concern they had because they saw that you could use some extra support.
Emotional empathy means having a Empathy Across direct sense of how others feel because Differences you feel it too. When we know how anEmpathy is an essential competence other person is responding to us, we can adjust our communication or behavior ap- of emotional intelligence. But it can be hard to have empathy for someone who propriately. we disagree with, or who has hurt or ofEmpathic concern, also known as fended us. compassion, means not only do you unOur country is experiencing tremenderstand what the other person is thinking and feeling, you truly care about their dous difficulty, and yet the cultural converexperience and are genuinely moved to sation is deeply polarized and full of blame. Practicing empathy for someone “on the help if they are in distress. other side” can be a radical act. Empathy is fundamental to healthy We often think we understand somerelationships and communication because it allows us to interpret, understand, and body when in reality we have simply put relate to a range of perspectives and emo- them in a mental category that feels comtions, even if they are not our own direct fortable for us or satisfies our curiosity.
What did they see in you? How did they help you? How did they “tune in” to you, especially your unspoken emotions? What did it feel like to be on the receiving end of this kind of interaction - to be seen, understood, and cared for?
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But if we want to truly understand Self-Empathy others even when it’s challenging to do so, We all make mistakes. We all hurt How to Build Empathy the key is to acknowledge and accept our others. We’re all learning as we go. The root of empathy is wanting to own emotions towards them first. The more we are able to replace understand another person. (Not just It’s important to remember that hav- self-criticism with self-acceptance and making them believe you want to under- ing empathy for someone does not mean self-understanding, the easier it becomes stand them.) we agree with them, condone their behav- to expand our circle of understanding and In order to truly understand some- ior, or are required to maintain a relation- care to include others. one, we need to be curious about them ship with them. However, many of us tend to be hardand have a genuine interest in their exBy balancing empathy for others with er on ourselves than on anybody else. perience. empathy for ourselves, we can aim to Our internal self-dialogue often consists Two simple (not necessarily easy) meet our own authentic needs while re- of things we would never say to someone practices can help you develop greater membering that others are doing the best we care about. empathy: ask questions and listen atten- they can to meet their needs as well. In this case it can be helpful to first tively. From that perspective we can remain bring to mind someone who we find it Asking questions can help you under- open to making meaningful connections easy to have empathy for (for example a stand the other person’s point of view, and with others and helping them whenever child). Getting in touch with our genuine how they understand the world in their possible, while still maintaining healthy care for others can make it easier to rediboundaries. rect those feelings towards ourselves. own terms. experience.
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Think of someone in your life who could use an extra bit of empathy right now. Set an intention to connect with them, be genuinely curious about their experience, give them your full attention, and see if there is any way you can be of help. Michael Stern (www. IntegralAlignment.com) is a certified Emotional Intelligence coach whose mission is to support others in creating a better life and a more beautiful world.
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When is the last time you showed empathy for another? How did it make you feel? How do you think it made them feel?
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THE BROADER PICTURE
BEYOND 7 MINUTES
THE WEST END NEWS | AUGUST 2020
17
I trained as a Family Doctor so that I would be ready to help patients with any challenge. The old school family doc used to take that skill set out into the community on house calls, sports sidelines, and town hall meetings. At some point the job description was boiled down into a job that started and ended with a 7-minute office visit. That setup is not good for patients, and it's not good for doctors. In this column I hope to start to push the boundary of where the doctor patient interaction takes place - onto the page, into the community, and BEYOND 7 MINUTES.
STRESS & HEALTH By Dr. Oren Gersten
On July 14th twelve engaged citizens, a health coach, and a primary care doctor met virtually to discuss the impact of stress on health. This meeting, “Stress Reduction as Medicine,” was part of a free and open community forum dedicated to improved health through lifestyle change.
as touching a hot stove, the response is straight forward. A nervous impulse causes a person to retract their hand from the stove in a matter of milliseconds. The area then feels pain causing the person to attend to the area. Blood flow increases and immune cells begin to repair damaged tissue. Although no one wishes to burn their For those disappointed to have hand, the process to fix it is an “adaptive” missed it, worry not! The tips below en- type of stress. compass many of the important points. Also, the community forum series will Contrast this to a different type of continue with “Food as Medicine” in the stress, such as that caused by chronic Fall. illness. Diabetes, hypertension, inflammatory diseases, and poor nutrition all put stress on the body. The body reacts to the WHAT IS STRESS stresses in predictable ways – hardening From a medical perspective a body arteries, storing excess energy as fat, and experiences stress when we expose it to increase in pain signals for example. A lot an unwanted stimulus. This could be heat, of our medical care focuses on resolving cold, fear, anger, illness, toxins, sun damage, these stresses on the body by reversing or sleep deprivation just to name a few. and curing disease. Being dynamic, organisms adapt to stress in many ways. The simplest way is to avoid PSYCHOLOGICAL it. We see this when we apply a noxious stimulus to even the simplest organism – SYMPTOMS it moves away (assuming it can move). When most people think of stress, For humans, the solution may not they likely think of the psychological elbe so simple. For acute stresses, such ements of stress such as chest tightness,
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anxiety, irritability, and trouble sleeping. Interestingly, these feelings all have physiological underpinnings. Stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol increase heart rate, alter mood, and drown out sleep signals. Although the experience of stress is mainly psychological, the mechanism is physiological. We live in a world where there will always be stressors. If we take the hot stove as an example, certain stress responses may even be adaptive. However, for many people the chronic stress of work, home life, money, and illness is maladaptive. If we don’t implement strategies to manage stress it can easily overwhelm us.
Here are five evidenced based tools that may help bring down your stress levels: 1. Make time for a daily mindfulness practice such as mediation, journaling, or even mindful eating. 2. Exercise! Not only is it good for your body but it helps to counteract the buildup of some of those maladaptive stress hormones.
Oren Gersten is a board-certified family doctor who brings his passion for connecting and caring for people to his private practice, Portland Direct Primary Care, at 27 Ocean Street, #3, South Portland. Reach him at (207) 618-9792 or visit PortlandDirectCare.com. 3. Spend time in nature. Anything from stepping outside for a breath of fresh air to a long hike can be beneficial. 4. Stay connected with friends and family, especially those you feel comfortable talking to about your life stressors. 5. Ask for professional advice if you are feeling overwhelmed. A doctor, counselor, or coach can all be great resources to help you come up with a stress management plan.
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THE WEST END NEWS | AUGUST 2020
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
What a day for a daydream… dot dah dada dah…. By Nancy Dorrans
First Stop, Quito
What are you doing with your 2020 summertime? As I write, it is a hot and sticky Maine summer day and I’m stuck in a daydream from 2014. That summer came on suddenly for me. I guess this will happen when you fly across the globe to two different hemispheres and explore two new continents/countries during the same month!
Unlike many Galapagos tours where you explore and sleep on a small ship the entire time, ours was different. Our group chose a land based itinerary. We spent three nights in Quito and then flew to the Galapagos for a total of eleven days of adventure in history, culture, sea lions, science, sea life, culinary delights, hundreds of tortoises, Darwin finches, and the locals … friendly, colorful locals!
In early May 2014, myself and a small group of travel advisors were invited by the tour operator GAdventures (a world leader in small group, sustainable, adventure travel) to travel to Australia and “familiarize” ourselves with this adventurous destination. We journeyed from Adelaide to Uluru and then up to Cape Tribulation. I will share this amazing adventure another time… A week after my return from Australia, I escorted my first international Adventure Marketplace small active group to South America. I was nervous and excited. The registrations came in slowly at first. By the time we boarded our flight, there were fifteen adventurers heading to Ecuador and the Galapagos.
GALAPAGOS ADVENTURE Our South American tour with GAdventures was the first adventure since grade school with my childhood friend Anne Galehouse. She now refers to me as her “travel agent from second grade.” She and several others have continued to join me on other small active Adventure Marketplace tours to Southern Africa, Namibia/Botswana, Iceland, Vietnam/ Cambodia, and most recently our Women, Walking and Wine adventure to Portugal and the Azores in the spring of 2019.
We stayed in small inns and hotels on four different islands and traveled between them during the day on water shuttles.
Otavalo Market - Outside of Quito.
Here’s an Exercise: Daydream & Connect
Ecuador is the second smallest country in South America but what it lacks for in size, it makes up for in character, culture, food, atmosphere and 86 volcanoes! On our second day in Quito, most of us took a tour up and down a winding Andes mountain road to the bustling Otavalo Market. Three of the group braved the altitude and weather and took a day hike on Cocopaxi, an active stratovolcano in the Andes Mountains and one of the highest active volcanoes in the world! The Galapagos Islands are located about 620 miles off the Pacific coast of South America. Charles Darwin was forever influenced by what he observed there. Our group explored only four of the thirteen major islands in the Galapagos archipelago and explore we did!
Boobies & Giant Tortoise
-All photos courtesy of N. Dorrans (2014)
Now, “I’m lost in this daydream.” There is so much more to this story and the many other Adventure Marketplace small group tours that have followed since. Please join me and embrace a daydream this lazy, hazy, crazy summer of 2020. If it’s too hot, wet, or foggy to play outside, pull out or up some of your own travel photos. See if you can get lost in a Blue footed boobies traveling daydream and connect and/or reconnect (socially distancing, of course) male Frigate birds nesting on the rocks. with your adventurous friends and your We hiked into a rainforest on the island shared memories. of Isabela and discovered pink flamingos, …And you can be sure blue footed boobies, and penguins! that if you’re feeling right, On Isabella we visited the Giant TorA daydream will last long into the night… toise Breeding Centre. In the late 1950s, -From the Loving Spoonfuls hit “Daydream” written with the giant tortoise on its way to exby John Sebastian tinction, this program was established to One day or DAY ONE, we will travel protect these noble creatures. We shared breakfast with a local highland family and together again… slugged in the rain up to the rim of Sierra Negra Volcano.
We rode bikes to the town beach in San Cristobal where we came face to face with the local active, loud, and stinky sea lion colony. On the boat ride to the quiet The last and most gorgeous day, we island of Floreana, we saw dolphins play- hiked past loads of pre-historic looking ing in the wake and bright red breasted marine iguanas and kayaked along the mangroves off an isolated beach on Santa Cruz.
The Galapagos are so much more than just a small group of islands off the coast of Ecuador. I was surprised to learn during a visit to the Charles Darwin Research center on Isla Santa Cruz that Darwin only visited the Galapagos Islands once! I would go back again in a heartbeat!
Above: Watermelon Watershuttle with Nancy Dorrans, Anne Galehouse (Akron, OH), and Kimberly Schroeter (Rockland, ME). Right: Bill Connolly and friend Below: Nancy on Santa Cruz with Anne Galehouse & the Marine Iguanas.
-All photos courtesy of N. Dorrans (2014)
Nancy Dorrans at Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. Nancy is an independent entrepreneur, volunteer, painter, outdoor enthusiast, traveler, and travel advisor at Adventure Marketplace. She is a resident of the West End.
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THE WEST END NEWS | AUGUST 2020
THE DUMPSTER…
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THE WEST END NEWS
WHERE WE THROW ALL THE STUFF THAT WE DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH…
In celebration of his 97th birthday, Gov. Janet Mills proclaims July 13th to be Ashley Bryan Day in honor of the world-renowned Cranberry Isles’ author and illustrator of ‘Beautiful Blackbird’… From the world of food and dining… MaineIceCreamTrail.com Beautiful Blackbird by Ashley Bryan, brings cold treat enthusiasts their first comprehensive courtesy The Ashley Bryan Center online directory cataloging every single ice cream stop in Maine… And the cherry on top is the interactive ice cream map… In sporting news… Patriots linebacker Brandon Copeland hands out $50 gift cards at the Westgate Plaza Shaws as part of a 5-state promotion with the supermarket… From our inbox of best of lists… Wallethub names Maine as the 6th Most Energy-Expensive State largely due to home heating-oil consumption… And they claim that Portland is 2020’s 6th Best City for Renters due largely to our high ‘city satisfaction’ ranking… And in honor of the arts & crafts theme, we end our issue with kudos to Indigo Arts Alliance who collaborated with The Francis Hotel and Tandem to transform an empty storefront into a message of reflection and outrage…
Published by Zeli Enterprises, LLC 795 Congress Street Portland, Maine 04102 www.thewestendnews.com thewestendnews@gmail.com Tony Zeli, Publisher & Editor Rick Ness, Sales Printed in Maine by Lincoln County Publishing Co.
ALL SALES INQUIRIES Contact Rick Ness 207-577-7025 rickthewestendnews@gmail.com
VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS Nancy Dorrans, Travel & Adventure James Fereira, The Portland Palate Dr. Oren Gersten, Beyond 7 Minutes Rosanne Graef, La Vida Local Michael Stern, Emotional Intelligence Leo Knighton Tallarico, Astrology (returning next month) Layne Witherell, Layne's Wine Gig
Thank you for contributions from Don Parent, Citizens' Climate Lobby Mary Alice Scott, Portland Buy Local Ben Taylor, Best Worst Trivia Liz Trice, PelotonLabs Northern Light Mercy Hospital Portland Climate Action Team & Portland Conservatory of Music
Thank you for reading! The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in our pages belong solely to the authors and not necessarily to the publication.
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On behalf of Laura, Joe, and the rest of the El Corazon ´ family we want to thank all of you out there in newspaper land for all your continued support with your take-out and delivery orders during this difficult time. We truly appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts (Corazon). ´ Together we will re(Maine) strong.
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AUGUST EDITION 2020
