JANUARY 2020.VOL. 20, NO. 01. PORTLAND, MAINE.
ReCode Portland: Online commenting available, Pg. 3
Report from CMP Corridor public hearing on Pgs. 8-9
STRIVING TO BE IDLE-FREE
The Idle-Free Portland banner is moving around the city and can be seen at Reiche school in the West End until mid-January. This local campaign asks you to do the -Photo by Tony Zeli community a simple favor: Please turn your engine off! By Tony Zeli, Publisher-Editor
The Portland Palate does LB Kitchen/ West End, Pg. 21
What does a dwarf have to do with Polish history? Pg.22
Page 5… Reader response to fluoride commentary Page 6… Who’s performing at Hear Here 2020 Page 10… Pillars of Portland: Fred Forsley Page 11… FAQ on Osteoporosis by Northern Light Mercy Hospital Page 14… Portland Buy Local looks to the next decade Page 19… Astrological forecast for the New Year Page 20… 2020 trivia game and word puzzles
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The transportation sector was the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in 2017, and 59% of those emissions “You know you see no idling signs came from passenger vehicles. (EPA) around different places and so on, and Myth busted. then you see people sitting right in front of them with their cars running as they scroll You need to warm up your car bethrough their messages,” notes Rosanne fore driving it in the winter. It’s a myth! Graef, a member of PCAT and regular Although, it used to be true. Before the contributor to The West End News. 1980s, cars had carburetors to regu-
We’re well into the season of remote starters and the start and scrape, as we all struggle to warm our cars against the bitter and dangerous cold. But, the Portland Climate Action Team (PCAT) wants you to think twice before you idle your car.Their message is simple: it’s bad for the Given grim statistics and a lack of environment, bad for our health, wastes noticeable enforcement, Rosanne and a fuel, and is just plain gross. So, please, just subcommittee of PCAT members decided turn your engine off. to take action. The idle-free campaign preTo get everyone on board, this group sented itself as an effort in which anybody of local environmentalists sponsored by could take part. the Sierra Club, are jump starting the Idle“Not everybody can start biking to Free Portland campaign. You may know work. Not everybody can afford an elecPCAT from some of their other success- tric car, and so on… But idle-free was es. They were a prime mover behind the something we thought was meaningful and municipal solar array at the Ocean Avenue doable.” Landfill. And they share their Bright Ideas Their first focus is on schools, where every month in our Climate Justice secparents idle while dropping off and picking tion. up children, who are particularly vulnerThey ask that you consider the price able to toxic car exhaust fumes. PCAT we all pay for the convenience of idling. would like to speak with your PTO or According to the US Department of En- green team about sharing informational ergy, personal vehicle idling wastes about postcards designed by the former pubthree billion gallons of fuel every year. lisher of The West End News and local That’s generating 30 million tons of CO2 cartoonist, Ed King. He also designed the annually, and costing Americans $13 mil- banner. lion dollars every day! Eliminating unTheir other focus is on Casco Bay necessary idling of just personal vehicles Bridge with the message: Bridge up. Engine would be the same as taking five million off. More than 32,000 vehicles cross this vehicles off the roads. draw bridge each day. PCAT’s advice, if Idling is also bad for your lungs. you’re unlucky enough to get caught when The pollutants in car exhaust fumes have the bridge is up, take the opportunity to been linked to serious human illnesses turn off your car, step out, and enjoy the including asthma, heart disease, chronic view. bronchitis, and cancer. Children are espeThe PCAT Idle-Free committee has cially at risk: exposures during pregnancy also gotten the Secretary of State to agree and early childhood to roadside air polto put information about the importance lution have been linked to higher rates of of reducing unnecessary idling in the next subsequent respiratory and developmenedition of the Maine Driver Education tal problems, according to a study pubManual. They’re working on the Comlished in 2009 by “Pediatrics.” mercial and Motorcycle learners’ manuals For these reasons it’s illegal to idle in next, a bigger hurdle since those are nasome places, including the City of Port- tionally produced. land. Technically, you’re not supposed to I asked Rosanne how she would reidle for more than five minutes within the spond to anyone who says, “Hey, it’s wincity limits, commercial or residential vehiter and I’ve got to warm up my car.” cles, subject to a $25 ticket. (There is an exception if the temps are below 0 deRosanne, having grown up in rural grees.) Of course, just saying so doesn’t Maine in the 1950s, didn’t hesitate: “You make it so. It’s difficult to enforce, and do warm up your car by driving it… and a people even notice the signs? little discomfort never killed anybody.”
late the fuel to air mixture. Carburetors needed to be warmed up to work properly in cold weather. Today’s vehicles have replaced carburetors with fuel injection systems. Now, idling is not only unnecessary but can even be excessive. In fact, the modern catalytic converter, which reduces emissions, operates sooner when driving.
The solution. Even on cold days, the general recommendation is to idle the vehicle for no more than 30 seconds and then drive off gently. The engine and interior cabin will both warm up more quickly when the car is moving. Also, don’t worry about starting and stopping. Today’s starters and batteries are much more durable than they were back in the day.
Places to avoid idling. Turn off the engine whenever you are: dropping someone off (especially at schools), in line at drive-throughs, at ATMs, at car washes, stuck in traffic, in driveways, when parked scrolling on your phone, or anytime you are waiting for longer than 10 seconds.
Do you know of a good spot to hang the Idle-Free Portland banner? It’s 30 ft. long and 3½ ft. high. Contact Rosanne Graef at lavidalocalwen@gmail.com.
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OUR READERS
THE WEST END NEWS | JANUARY 2020
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
POEMS FROM OUR READERS
Keeping Dogs Dry The cold rain of Death is just the As arctic weather approaches our fall beginning state, its time for dog guardians to take steps to ensure Fido is safe and warm this winter! Please consider the following guidelines: Keep your dog inside as much as possible except for walks and potty breaks. You’ll want to wipe off their paws after being out in the snow and ice because they may pick up salt etc. on them. If you MUST leave your animal outside, provide a sturdy doghouse that is raised off the ground, has an off-center flap, faces to the south, and has bedding made of STRAW. Anything else used for bedding other than STRAW, not hay, will absorb moisture from the dog’s coat and FREEZE. Also provide extra food as dogs will burn more calories in the cold, and make sure their water supply is not frozen. -Don Kimball, South Portland
By Patrick Russell
By George Jreije
The cold rain of fall And after all Don’t all things change? Both big and small
Fear not the deathbed on this final year Indeed your misery will not end here When the grim reaper comes to knock What comes after will be a shock
From at close range Sometimes kindness seems strange? Like shadows in the night Like moments of fame
At her invitation, leave your gurney And so begin the fated journey Into the heavens will you soar Hear the angelic choir’s roar
For society we fight Believe the future is bright Give all that you can Say all will be right! Both women and man Take part in the plan And do what it takes Listen to understand
@ByGeorgeJreije
WEN is a community newspaper and we need your voice! Share your submissions with thewestendnews@gmail.com or send to: West End News Attn: Editor 795 Congress Street Portland, Maine 04102 • Letters to the editor should be no more than 300 words. Include your name, neighborhood, and phone or email for confirmation. • Op-eds should be no more than 650 words and include a brief bio. • WEN also accepts poetry and photo submissions. Deadline for publication is the fourth Friday of every month. Our column space is very limited, publication is not guaranteed, and submissions may be edited for length. READ THE WEST END NEWS ONLINE
The universe holds the stakes Of all the news that it makes There is life all around Let us learn from the greats So sanctity can be found Help each other off ground true love we must allow Look for me, I am around
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS PORTLAND CITY INFO
RECODE PORTLAND
City Provides Online Tool for Public Feedback
THE WEST END NEWS | JANUARY 2020
Compassionate and Innovative Memory Care
expressed through Portland’s Plan 2030 (the comprehensive plan document begun in 2015) and rewriting the code to better align with that vision. The City is working to create a well-organized new zoning code that will increase predictability and clarity for the development review process and eliminate outdated, unclear, or duplicative language. The effort also focuses on increasing the use of taReCode Portland is the first rewriting bles and illustrative graphics to make the of the city’s land use code in more than 50 next iteration a more accessible docuyears. City planners are working to create ment for all. a new, unified development code to serve In order to facilitate public feedback, Portland for years to come. As of print, the first seven articles were available for the City is using an interactive online civic engagement tool. Members of the public review and comment online. can read the draft of the first seven arPhase I of this effort is focused on ticles and leave comments and feedback reformatting, streamlining, and reorganiz- directly in the document as well as see ing the existing zoning into a more legible comments from others. and user-friendly document. Phase II will Visit: https://www.recodeportland. involve the process of carefully examining the code, considering policy goals me/public-input-1.
Portland Youth Council Holds First Meeting The Council consists of the following members: At-large Farhia Ali Gedow, Portland High School Abby Jennings, Cheverus High School Margaret Ojut, Waynflete School District 1 Aaliyah Ferreira, Deering High School The City of Portland has set the Jocelyn Rodriguez, Waynflete School membership for the Portland Youth Council, with the purpose to connect, engage, District 2 and empower Portland’s diverse youth Tess Conroy, Portland High School (Dispopulation through government and civic trict 2) participation. Laney Friedland, Waynflete School The Youth Council consists of 13 youth who reside in Portland and are be- District 3 tween the ages of 14 and 18. Membership Brendan Mailloux, Portland High School includes two members from each of Port- Emily Wiggin, Cheverus High School land’s council districts and three at-large District 4 members. Ruben Mawaba, Deering High School The City of Portland created the Seneca Ward-Bailey, Portland High School Portland Youth Council to serve in an advisory role to the City Council in or- District 5 der to provide youth with a real voice on Maddie Long, Deering High School issues of importance to them. It started Amina Mohamed, Waynflete School with four students from the Portland Public Schools who participated in the Their first meeting was held on FriUniversity of Southern Maine’s Gateway day, December 6th. The Youth Council will to Opportunity (G20) program. They de- typically meet twice a month after school, voted six weeks working at City Hall cre- and will have a devoted staff member, ating the documents that would be used Dena Libner (Assistant to the City Manas the framework for the Portland Youth ager for Constituent Services), acting in an Council, including an application for mem- advisory capacity. bership and the Youth Council’s Mission The Youth Council members will have Statement and bylaws. opportunity to work with and learn from The students also conducted a sur- both staff and city councilors to effectuate vey of Portland youth to identify issues of change surrounding areas of unique incritical importance to them. They identi- terest and concern to our city’s youth. To fied issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, learn more about the Youth Council, visit teen homelessness, and climate change. www.portlandmaine.gov/youthcouncil.
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THE WEST END NEWS | JANUARY 2020
NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES
La Vida Local: Irregular Notes on West End Life
Contradictions & Confusions By Rosanne Graef Most of us like to have some kind of anchors in our lives. Sure, we enjoy novelty and surprises, but knowing there are some guiding principles and coherent thoughts determining the course of events around us is reassuring and allows us to plan our own courses of action. Today more and more of us sense that an increasing number of people subscribe to no creed other than expediency in dealing with the issue du jour. In this month’s La Vida Local, I’ll present two Portland examples that I think illustrate this disconnect.
be awash with developer dollars and attendant tax-payer-funded breaks, why not let 58 Fore Street, WEX, and all the other corporate neighbors who have bought into that area finance the park while the City retains title to the land? Then the public money earmarked back in 2005 – for a spot that may be underwater much of the time in another 50 years – can be redirected to helping address the Climate Emergency? Specifically, the funds could purchase $176,000 of trees for Portland residents to plant around the entire city on April 22nd, 2020, the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day.
What difference can a few trees make? Two West End locations, Winter St. (left) and Danforth St. (right), beg the question. -WEN file photos by Rosanne Graef
as well as the public sector, I’m centering these comments on Maine Medical Center (or Maine Health or Maine Medical Partners or whatever moniker fits). Now that MMC has flung its operations all over HOW ABOUT SOME TREES? When you’re facing an emergency, is it southern Maine, how about they conThe first is climate change and the really prudent to keep on with a 15-year- centrate on helping people get to those City’s approach to rising to the challenges old project that in too many ways exem- appointments in Sanford, Kennebunk, or we face. A few weeks ago, the City Coun- plifies the reasons the emergency exists? Scarborough? cil declared a “Climate Emergency” folThe company that’s given St. John Vallowing an impassioned presentation by a A LITTLE HELP GETTING ley the parking penitentiary could certainTHERE? student-driven movement. Fine, but now ly start its own shuttle service to ensure what? The second has to do with demo- that people, who do not or cannot drive, On December 10th the Press Herald graphics.We hear repeatedly that the Unit- can actually get to those far flung appointreported that the Finance Committee was ed States is cursed with an overabundance ments without the added stress and worprepared to fund $176,000 worth of con- of old people and that somehow they have ry of calling agencies, friends, family, taxis, struction on an “interim park” on the Am- to be dealt with. So, in typical American Uber… and hoping that they can make it ethyst Lot near the Ocean Gateway and fashion, we come up with marketing cam- to their treatments as scheduled. the expansive redevelopment of the Port- paigns revolving around Aging-In-Place, Let’s hope that 2020 bring us all some land Company and other parcels in the Age-Friendly Communities, Healthy Aging, Happy and Healthy resolutions to our Eastern Waterfront. The report said this Grumpy Old Men, and Golden Girls. Like many challenges! funding was provided for back in 2005 as the Climate Emergency, also fine, but how part of the whole Ocean Gateway project. is this playing out around here? Rosanne Graef is a West End resident. Reach her at lavidalocalwen@gmail. Now that the East End appears to To spread my laments to the private com.
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COMMENTARY
5G TECHNOLOGY Do Risks Outweigh the Benefits? fields often result in wildlife experiencing more harm than humans. It is likewise Around the world many cities are still untested what long-term effects 5g demanding that the installation of 5g cell- will have on ecosystems as a whole. phone towers be paused. Residents are realizing that this upgrade poses serious In Europe, 200 doctors from 35 health risks to people, animals, and the countries have signed a declaration to environment. Currently our city and state officials of the European Commission have begun the process to implement the demanding they pause the expansion to technology and are doing so without eval- determine the risks it poses. The city of uating the risks. Brussels has halted the process entirely until more concrete data exists. The company Tilson received a $100 million dollar investment to bring In America, cities in California and 5g services to Portland. Another compa- Oregon are taking a similar approach. ny named Redzone has been working to The city council in Mill Valley, California bring it to rural areas also. Most large car- recently voted to block deployments of riers are also advertising that 5g will be small-cell 5g towers in residential areas here soon. through an urgency ordinance. With the expansion paused, it has allowed for There is no debate about the speeds peer-reviewed research to be initiated of this improvement, but there should be that would facilitate their council creabout its potential risks. Portland must ating appropriate policy and regulations. initiate a necessary dialogue and ideally follow in the footsteps of other cities in It is my stance that Portland should America to ensure that their residents are follow their lead, as this would allow our kept safe from unnecessary dangers. councilors to take steps that would protect the health and safety of our city’s In Switzerland, 5g towers were residents. turned on in 102 locations and almost instantly people began having unusual All cellphone towers emit frequenphysical symptoms. Included in these were cies that are harmful to our health.There intense headaches, earaches, and ringing are two primary reasons 5g is more in the ears. Likewise, others experienced dangerous than the previous generation. chest pain, stomach pain, and insomnia all These upgrades will emit “ultra-high beginning the same day. Not long after, Dr. frequencies” which have shorter waveBertrand Buchs called for a moratorium lengths. This equates to more waves hiton the technology and demanded testing ting our bodies in the same amount of be done regarding its human impacts be- time. Current towers emit between 1 fore more work was initiated. and 6 GHz frequencies, but new towers can go as high as 300 GHz. In Germany, a woman named Anne Mills wrote a book called “All EMF’d Up” They also utilize “ultra-high intenin which she talked about her experienc- sity” which has a shorter wavelength es with wireless radiation poisoning. Her meaning the number of towers will have husband had been working on a military to be increased. In addition to the curbase at the time, and her symptoms mim- rent towers remaining operational, enicked what was seen in Switzerland.When tire cities will be checkered with high inshe was diagnosed, her physician stated tensity devices on nearly every building this was very commonly seen in military flooding the air with RF radiation. With radar operators, or in individuals who this type of radiation, a person’s proximmaintain cell phone towers. ity to the source and length of exposure are more relevant than the power level, Similarly, in 2017 and 2018 when as it dissipates with distance. diplomats in China and Cuba became ill with unexplained symptoms, experts finalThe Department of Defense is proly concluded they were likely caused by jecting it will require 13 million pole microwave radiation. Dr. Beatrice Golomb mounted antennas to launch the initial published findings in Neural Computa- upgrade, and it will cost Americans $400 tion’s September 2018 issue and explained billion dollars. that these new symptoms were the result Many scientists state that the waves of pulsed microwave radiation. Many docfrom these towers will cause cancer. It tors theorized they were hit with EMF has been likened to turning on your miweapons due to the symptoms described. crowave with the door open and leaving The list of locations where the tow- it that way for the rest of your life.All cell ers have been activated is quickly growing, phone towers emit RF radiation which is as is the number of people affected. proven to cause cancer as well as break down DNA. To increase the speeds with The effect of these towers also have the new “G,” it will require millions of been observed to have a negative impact new mini towers to be installed in reson wildlife populations in areas where 5g idential areas, specifically one tower for is active. Videos have surfaced where the every 2 to 8 houses. frequencies interfere with birds’ ability to navigate, and at times even caused them If the upgrade is completed, there to fall from the sky. Other areas found will be virtually no method to protect that the microwaves led to colony death ourselves as these harmful electromagof bees in the vicinity of the cell phone netic waves will fill the air in our entire towers. city. By Adam Rice
Birds and bees use a magnetic substance called cryptochromes to navigate, which interacts with the current of Earth’s electromagnetic field. This substance is vital to the biology of many other animals too, playing a role in their biological clock. Man-made oscillating electro-magnetic
All sources point to the safest option at this juncture would be pausing before we start. Some cities have taken the chance to impose regulations limiting the acceptable amount of EMF radiation and studying what the maximum should be. There is much debate on this
THE WEST END NEWS | JANUARY 2020
READER RESPONSE
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Don’t Overlook Benefits of Fluoride in Drinking Water In response to the November 2019 column that discussed fluoridation, I would like to broaden the discussion a bit. I understand that Adam Rice was looking at this issue from a legal/consent viewpoint, but I think his disregard for the benefits of fluoride in the water needs to be addressed. I am a retired physician. The ill effects of fluoridation have been studied for many decades, with no clear evidence that fluoride causes cancer, apart from female laboratory rats exposed to high dosages. Male lab rats: no increased cancer rate. Progeny of female lab rats: no increased cancer rate. Despite the millions of people in developed countries exposed to either natural or supplemental fluoride, no studies have conclusively shown any increased risk of cancer. In populations with higher rates of fluoride occurring naturally in the water, there were no higher cancer rates. Having worked for 4 years in a county in Appalachia whose public water department refused the free machinery and free supply of fluoride from the state health dept., I can offer the following non-statistical anecdote (which, as a wry observation, is the level of non-science that drives the anti-vaccination movement as well)... it was exceedingly rare for me to look in the mouth of a patient over age 35 or 40 who did not have false teeth or major decay problems.
In conclusion, (leaving aside any legal/consent issues) having reviewed the scientific evidence, I ensured that my children received fluoride supplements, and I confidently prescribed such to my patients. -David L. Smith, MD West End
issue and part of the reason is the lack of should be confirmed before anything new data and research. is constructed. Likewise, if it is not safe, we all need to be telling our city council Governments and corporations that we want them to put a stop to this around the world are rushing to install expansion. these towers before studying the real risks. Before we rush to fund this expanAdam Rice is a 30-year-old activist sion it only seems logical that we acquire from Portland, Maine. He says, “Jourdata that proves its safety beyond a reanalism became a necessary hobby sonable doubt. Some tests have occurred when I realized how much the truth of to date pertaining to device functionality, important issues was being suppressed but none pertaining to health impacts. from the mainstream. I believe finding It is time we all put health before common ground and working together profit and join cities around the world in are vital. Using many forms of media, I calling for a moratorium on 5g technol- hope to share what's going on to peoogy so we can prevent disaster before it ple free of a hidden agenda and possioccurs. If it truly is safe, then this finding bly educate a bit along the way.”
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THE WEST END NEWS | JANUARY 2020
WHAT’S GOING ON
COMMUNITY EVENTS JANUARY 2020
FIRST FRIDAY
DETENTION CENTER IN A TRUCK VIDEO PROJECTION Friday, January 3 | 5-8 pm | Congress Square Park LumenARRT!, the video crew of the Artists’ Rapid Response Team (ARRT!), will be using a video projection in a truck to call attention to the new ICE office and holding cell that has opened at One City Center. The video projection event will be 5 to 8 p.m. at Congress Square Park, Portland (Congress and High Streets) on First Friday Art Walk, January 3rd, where passers-by will be given information about the new ICE office, emphasizing that Portland is a welcoming city for immigrants. The video projection creates a simulation of a detention center and asks the public to pressure for the eviction of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) from One City Center. The messaging about Portland as a welcoming city, also calls attention to family separation that continues at ICE facilities and the harassment and profiling of immigrants throughout Maine. This includes workplace raids, deportations, and requiring passengers to get off buses in Bangor and Portland, as ICE checks the ID’s of all passengers. ARRT!, a project of the Union of Maine Visual Artists, has created over 400 issue-oriented banners to promote the work of progressive non-profits throughout the state. Now LumenARRT! is creating video projections to call attention to the work of these non-profits. Examples of previous projections can be seen at their website LumenARRT.org.
House Concert Hear Here 2020 A local talent showwith Pianist case of emerging and Diane Walsh Chopin on the West End Friday, January 10 | 7 - 8:30 pm | Private Home | $60 (limited seating)
established Portland musicians & performing artists
This benefit concert by renowned pi- Sunday, Jan. 26 | 4pm | Merrill Auditorium | anist Diane Walsh supports the programs $25 Adults, $12 Students/Children of the Portland Conservatory of Music. Creative Portland in collaboration Diane will be performing a 45-minute repwith the City of Portland, co-promoted by ertoire of music by Chopin. The Crewe Foundation and David E. Shaw, The performance will be held on are pleased to announce that Hear Here Friday, January 10th (with a snow date 2020 is back for a second year to celeon Saturday, January 11th). Refreshments brate and showcase Portland’s performing precede the concert at 7 p.m.; concert arts gems on the big stage at Merrill Audistarts 7:45 p.m. The concert will be held torium on January 26, 2020 at 4pm. at a private home on Portland’s West End. Concert sponsors Coffee by DeThe location will be emailed to you, after purchasing a ticket on Eventbrite. Tickets sign, Praxis Motion Pictures, University are $60 and seating is limited. Additional of Southern Maine, Press Hotel, Bayside donations will help fund community music Bowl, WMPG, Maine Magazine, WBLM, News Center Maine, and Portland Phoeeducation in southern Maine. nix allow for affordable prices of $25 for The award-winning Steinway Artist adults and $12 for students and children, Diane Walsh has given solo and chamber showcasing artists with diverse culturmusic concerts in major venues across al traditions and music genres under the the world and has released 18 record- same roof: a flamenco dancer, an indie pop ings of repertoire ranging from Bach to singer, a roots band, a USM choral group, Corigliano. In 2015 Ms Walsh was a Vis- Rwandan drummers, and more! Mostly iting Artist at Colby College. She lives in performing original pieces, the variety of Scarborough with her husband, the writer artists attract different audience groups. Richard Pollak. Last year, in the inaugural concert, Hear Here welcomed 700 guests.
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Dinah Minot, Executive Director of Creative Portland, will serve as Artistic Director with an illustrious production team including Tony-Award Winning Lighting Designer Chris Akerlind, Production Manager Gregg Carville, Headlight AV,
Transformit, and Big Room Studios, as well as a curatorial team of local music industry pros and media sponsors. Last year, Creative Portland assembled over four dozen community sponsors to offer in-kind services and marketing outreach to promote Portland’s exceptional performing arts talent. The City of Portland has once again offered the use of Merrill Auditorium, Portland’s “Carnegie Hall,” to showcase the city’s local talent and to present Portland as a destination for high-quality performing arts. This year’s lineup of all-Portland artists includes: Lindsey Bourassa, Flamenco Dancer extraordinaire Bri Lane, a singer/songwriter, who recently auditioned for “The Voice” Pihcintu United Nations Video “Somewhere,” performed live by Shy Ikirenga Cy’Intorie, Rwandan drummers led by Maurice Habimfura Jason Spooner Band, a rootsy blues band with over five albums USM Chamber Singers, conducted by maestro Nicolas Alberto Dosman Dominic Lavoie, a multi-talented composer, singer, musician and filmmaker Angelikah Fahray, a 24-year-old emerging singer/songwriter Drum Circle Finale, featuring Francheley Benazo.
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Other Events
Monday, January 6 6:30-8 pm Book Nook Book Club Monday, January 13 6:30-7:30 pm Tutti Cantano Campfire Singalong Wednesday, January 22 6:45 pm Movie - Night on Earth Monday, January 27 6:30-7:30 pm - Laughter Yoga 166 Brackett Street, Portland (Enter on Clark Street)
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THE WEST END NEWS | JANUARY 2020
CLIMATE JUSTICE
Climate, First Nations, and the CMP Corridor CLIMATE EMERGENCY!
Perhaps the brightest idea of late is the city’s decision to declare a Climate Emergency, setting 2030 as the goal for net-zero emissions. It being a call to action…
BRIGHT IDEA: Begin acting like it’s the emergency it is. Realizing their futures hang in the balance, young people understand this… but why doesn’t everyone? Sure, there are signs that some hear the clarion wakeup call, but with only 10 years left in which to respond, the wake-up had better happen fast! Top climate experts maintain that an escalation equivalent to that in response to WWII is required. Consider what people did back then – the food and fuel rationing, the massive transformation of industries throughout the country to produce the necessary armaments and supplies, among other things.We urgently need something similar to happen now if we are to avoid the direst consequences of the climate crisis.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hold public hearing on CMP corridor
By Kelly Merrill During a December 5th packed public hearing, people from across Maine, parts of New England, and Canada, gathered in Lewiston to express overwhelming opposition to the proposed Central Maine Power (CMP) corridor r, known also as New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC), through Western Maine and demand the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conduct a rigorous environmental review.
As individuals we can do lots, but what really big things could be done en masse? Climate action groups have grappled with this question for years.
The controversial transmission line has been found to have significant problems by both state and federal agencies, and is opposed by representatives of Penobscot, Pimicikamak Cree, Democratic and Republican legislators alike, and a full spectrum of people in between, for its destruction of the natural environment, recreational economy, and cultural genocide.
Realizing that 84% of all carbon emissions are from the energy sector, which is difficult for us as individuals to address, our team members suggested we focus initially on transportation where 27% of emissions come from cars and trucks. But these are all big, expensive things, aren’t they?
Indigenous Statespersons in Solidarity: Water, Biodiversity, Genocide
Here are a few ideas worthy of consideration (disclaimer: some of you may find them outrageous and inconvenient):
Lisa Savage, the only U.S. Senate candidate in attendance, held a press conference prior to the Army Corp of Engineers public hearing side-by-side with representatives of First Nations to voice strong, public condemnation of the CMP Corridor.
BRIGHT IDEA: Let’s join forces to do something big and significant.
•
Limit access to the city by internal combustion engines. Adopt the odd/ even numbered license plate system – odd numbers for three days; even numbers on the other three. Consider the benefits: o An instantaneous, major reduction in pollution. o Stimulation of METRO usage and ridesharing as well as walking and biking. o Significant reduction in parking problems.
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Create more bike paths, trails, and pedestrian “villages” by blocking off vehicular traffic.
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Place a moratorium on building new parking areas (to further discourage bringing vehicles into the city).
Notwithstanding, we also need to promote more costly solutions like electric vehicles, infrastructure and building upgrades, heat pump and solar panel installations, etc. And carbon needs to be sequestered anywhere, and in any way, possible. It will take political courage to accomplish this because there will be naysayers. Sacrifices must be made as each of us does our part. Business-as-usual is no longer a viable option. Creative, novel solutions are called for.
It’s time for us to work together cooperatively! Bright Ideas is brought to you by Portland Climate Action Team which meets the 4th Thursday of the month, 6-7:30 PM at the Reiche Community Center on Clark St. All are welcome. FMI: portlandclimateaction@gmail.com.
John Gonzalez, a Canadian representing Pimicikamak Cree Nation from the neurotoxin hydro-impacted area, said indigenous people are suffering from the highest levels of methyl-mercury poisoning, the land has been decimated, the sturgeon are disappearing, and that there are no longer any caribou. And now, he says, CMP wants to build a New Jersey-sized corridor through a pristine, fragile biodiversity.
Dawn Neptune Adams, activist, speaks at a December 5th public hearing in Lewiston.
-Photo by Kelly Merill
monthly basis, each Maine citizen would receive a whopping 38 cents per month. Per month. That’s not a lot of money. In exchange, Central Maine Power would make 5 million per month, and Hydro Quebec would make a little more than 41 million per month. So compare that 38 cents to these millions that these energy companies are going to get. It’s pennies for the people and millions for power companies. Adams added, “When the means of production are in the hands of the people, then people make decisions about what is best for our communities. The people decide if they want to be responsible for the cultural and ecological genocide of their indigenous neighbors to the north, who are directly affected by the flooding of their territories."
Among those who defended Maine’s ecosystem under attack, was Dawn Neptune Adams of the Penobscot Nation, who said her number one concern about the corridor is the health of the water, which does not respect borders, she said.
Adams continued, “In the short term, we need to convince these governmental agencies, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, to reject this injustice….We need the people to vote on a referendum Adams carried a message from re- to reject the corridor through this prisspected elder Tommy Monias, an activist tine wilderness…” who works to reveal the megadams for Proposed Bill to Take the monstrosities they are. Monias has expressed how his people practice their cul- Over CMP and Create A ture with fishing and trapping and hunting and just being with the river, and how dan- Consumer-Owned Utility gerous it is for them now, just to exist as In the long term, said Adams, let’s put themselves in their territory. It is cultural the means of electricity production in the genocide, they said. hands of the people by turning energy Dawn Neptune Adams also read a quote from the March 17th Sun Journal,from Tom Saviello, a Republican Senator with whom Dawn regularly disagrees. But Saviello lives in Wilton, in the path of the corridor, so in this they are aligned. Both have publicly denounced the project, revealing that Mainers will receive pennies in trade for ecological and cultural devastation.
“C
MP will make $60 million in profit a year, and HydroQuebec will make $10 billion in revenues over the course of 20 years. That’s a lot of money. Putting their offer on a
companies into public utilities like that proposed in Rep. Seth Berry’s (D-Bowdoinham) bill. Using revenue bonds would allow Maine to buy CMP and Emera and create a “consumer-owned utility,” which would be owned by taxpayers and operated by the state. Maine has four COU’s already. COU’s, which serve one in seven Americans, have consistently been shown to deliver power at lower rates with fewer and shorter outages, and do not use tax dollars. Berry’s bill has bipartisan support and is gaining traction.
CONT'D ON PAGE 9
CLIMATE JUSTICE Climate, First Nations, and the CMP Corridor Cont'd from Pg. 8
“This is a climate emergency, right now,” she said. “I think that many young people look at my generation and say, ‘What part of emergency do you not understand?’ Savage expressed incredulity at the absurdity of drowning forests and cutting down vast tracts of land that are sequestering carbon at a time when we are in dire crisis.
“When I see ads from these people from Avengrid [who owns CMP] that say they’re bringing clean energy to Maine, it’s an absolute falsehood. It’s an absolute lie! It’s beyond fake news. It’s not true. I’ve been up to Northern Quebec. I’ve seen what they’ve done up there. I’ve seen thousands of acres of forest that they’ve flooded and destroyed - boreal forests gone forever.”
promises. Now, it is not the marble and sandstone buildings that defines Con Marble arches and statues are gress, it is those that choose to speak not the structures that define Washing- up, articulate and empowered by the real ton. No, Washington, to me, is no longer world around them. a white jungle of closed-door conversations and marble. It is a place of power, Thanks to the coalition between not just for the politicians who reside the Maine Youth Environmental Organithere, but for the people they represent. zation and Citizens Climate Lobby, for the past three years in November, it has The youth of this country have long been the youth of Maine who are speakbeen the first ones to stand for the most ing up in Washington. We walk through pertinent issues of the day. Today, it is the those marble arches, we button our suit youth of this country that have become jackets, and we stand tall. If our elected the most articulate for the climate justice politicians are unable to see the urgent this country needs, becoming educated necessity for climate protection, then and expressive environmental activists in the youth of this great state and country the process. have and will continue to take it to the My name is Ruth Metcalfe, and for Hill. the past two years I have travelled to Ruth Metcalfe is President of the our country’s capital to lobby to support Maine Youth Environmental Organiclimate legislation with Citizens Climate zation and a Citizens’ Climate LobLobby, but more importantly, travelled by volunteer. Ruth is pictured below to stand for the future of our genera- (right) with Riley Stevenson (left) tion. It is because the youth of Maine are outside the US Capitol in Washington, change-makers that these trips are pos- DC. -Photo courtesy of CCL sible, because they see and feel the injustice that comes from inaction in climate protection policy. While polarization has long held back conversations around climate protection policy, I believe the youth voice is able to bring clarity to the largely unproductive efforts taking place in Congress today. By Ruth Metcalfe
Left to Right: Mark Roman, Lisa Savage, Dawn Neptune Adams, and John Gonzalez gather before entering the hearing on the CMP Corridor. -Photo: K. Merrill ments of Massachusetts District Attorney Maura Healey, calling it a “sham,” without transparency to reveal what kinds of energy swaps are going on under the radar. “The whole reason for this project was to help Massachusetts hit its allegedly lofty and green energy goals of 80% dirty energy reduction by 2050. But in the effort to meet that goal, we’ve basically given the seal of approval on this energy, which is anything but clean. We know that this energy is a human rights disaster. We know that it’s part of an indigenous genocide. It has flooded an area the size of the state of Vermont.
“Human beings may very well be an endangered species soon and we may very well take many other life forms down with us. I have grandchildren. I have children,” she urged. “Many of you here have loved ones that you don’t want to see live in the kind of world with constant weather disruptions and lack of potable water and out-of-control storms and the kind of suffering that comes when climate refugees “So, it’s just a crime to allow this to are pouring into Maine looking for a place go forward when the people of Maine, just to be safe and live with their families. and increasingly people around the world, None of us want to see that happen. understand that this is dangerous energy,” “The Maine wilderness is far too valu- said Stein. able of a heritage and a resource and a life Statewide polling done last spring by support system for so many living things, the Natural Resources Council of Maine that these decisions cannot be put into indicates that 65% of Mainers oppose this the hands of corporations with a profit project, and only 15% support it. In directmotive. They must be made by the people ly impacted counties, those numbers are for the benefit of the people and for the even more dramatic. next seven generations….” Jonathan Carter, a past Green Party gubernatorial candidate and the Director of the Forest Ecology Network, called the CMP Corridor a “boondoggle,” defined as work or activity that is wasteful or pointless but gives the appearance of having value. He spoke of political corruption and big money that is undermining the will of Mainers.
We’re All in This Together
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Climate Solutions Beyond Your Backyard
Boondoggles & Falsehoods: The Climate Emergency and Dirty, Dangerous Energy Lisa Savage, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat of Susan Collins under ranked choice voting as a Maine Green, gathered allies for the press conference to voice strong, unified public opposition to the project. Savage, who is also a teacher and activist, is appalled.
THE WEST END NEWS | JANUARY 2020
“Maine should be leading the charge in creating the infrastructure for the production of clean, renewable energy, not importing dirty and human-rights oppressive, big hydro from Canada,” Stein said. And in a statement from the former chief of the Penobscot Nation, Barry Dana pled with the state of Maine to “reject the proposed power corridor known as a so-called ‘green energy’ coursing its way across our sacred lands here in Maine, but also known to me and my people as our homeland.
“This project symbolizes the continued attack on native peoples and the Earth. This New England ‘clean’ energy corridor is nothing more to my people than continuous cultural genocide, ethnic cleansing, massive-scale, ecosystem “We need to stop this. If Maine allows destruction, and deforestation of a once this power to transit down to Massachu- pristine, sacred place. This never should setts, we are complicit in the destruction have happened nor should it continue. of a forest that is incredibly important “This mega damn is just mega profits for carbon sequestration…. If the Army for the rich at the expense of the Earth Corps of Engineers permits this, they are and future generations. My people have turning their heads and their eyes away been lied to about these dams and cofrom the truth of what we need to do to erced into signing deals...based on lies... save this planet.” history repeating itself. Enough is enough. Carter hopes that the Army Corps of Engineers will listen to the people, analyze what they hear, and conclude that the project should not be permitted.
It’s time for real leadership in Maine and DC. We have the guts to combat global climate change. Megadams are not the answer.”
Dr. Jill Stein, two-time presidential Green Party candidate, traveled from Massachusetts to talk about the impact on the other end of what she called a “dirty energy project,” using the words of the Maine Sierra Club, and agreed with senti-
If you’d like to get involved, please contact MerrillWEN@gmail.com. Merrill is an activist, organizer, and journalist who works on climate, housing, harm reduction, anti-fascism, and other areas of social justice.
We, the youth of this state, simply ask our representatives to stand to protect our futures through legitimate environmental protection policy, not empty
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THE WEST END NEWS | JANUARY 2020
PILLARS OF PORTLAND
Fred Forsley & Shipyard Brewing
place Forsley at odds with many Portland residents who believe the waterfront should be preserved first for marine uses.
By Cameron Autry Pillars of Portland is a monthly column It’s no joke that in some parts of Portcelebrating local leaders and doers.This land you can throw a rock in any direction month we honor Fred Forsely, a Gray and hit a brewery. But just a few decades native who founded Shipyard Brewing ago that wasn’t the case - and the beer Company and helped usher in the eartaps in bars and restaurants throughout ly days of the craft beer revolution in town featured a narrow selection of simiPortland. -Photo courtesy of Shipyard Brewing larly tasting commercial lagers. Now, Portland boasts some of the finest, most cre“The same year Longfellow was born ative craft brews available in the country. was the same year one of the Federal Jack’s ships was built in Kennebunkport,” BEGINNINGS OF A CRAFT said Forsley. “I always feel it’s kind of a BREWERY MOVEMENT spiritual connection because Longfellow In the early days, opening a craft brew- was such an impactful Portlander and ery was a gamble, but a few early brewers touched on a lot of our history with some and entrepreneurs took the risk, including of his poems.”
“You don’t have to restrict one over the over, and recently the City took action to do that I firmly disagree with that,” said Forsley, referring to a moratorium on non-marine use expansion in the working waterfront. Of course, not everyone agrees Portland needs more luxury condominiums or upscale office buildings either which are viewed as major reasons for soaring rents and the vanishing of the “Old Portland.”
Forlsey remains an influenFred Forsley, founder and owner of ShipThe Shipyard headquarters and tasttial figure in Portland. By emyard Brewing Company. ing room, located on 86 Newbury Street boldening the burgeoning Maine craft beer industry, Shipyard has In 1991, Forsley, a Gray native who in the Old Port, sits directly beside the had dabbled in real estate before brew- birthplace of Longfellow, who was born nomic dynamism hinges on local entrepre- had an overwhelmingly positive impact on ing beer, visited a brewpub while traveling in a long-demolished home that occupied neurs starting companies in Maine, such as the culture and economy of Portland and with friends and felt inspired to open one the corner of Hancock Street and Fore IDEXX and WEX. the rest of Maine as well. of his own. Forsley then began brewing Street. Forsley has also been an active philanTHOUGHTS ON THE beer out of Federal Jack’s, a restaurant he BEYOND THE BREWING thropist, and some of these activities inowns in Kennebunk, and the birthplace of WATERFRONT clude supporting the M.S. Society, PortShipyard. Forsley, whose business ventures exIn regard to Portland’s marine inland Trails, and Maine Adaptive, as well as tend much beyond beer, views Shipyard as “The biggest thing was convincing dustry, Forlsey stated, “Casco Bay is an fundraising for the Gary House, which his proudest accomplishment - especially people to try the beer, getting people away amazing resource. It’s 200 miles closer to provides lodging for families of the serithe impact the brewery has had on the from the mainstream,” said Forsley. “The Europe than New York City, and there’s ously ill at Mercy Hospital. immediate neighborhood. perception of beer was very generic.” no reason that port [Portland’s port] “I think - to a degree - it’s a responThe brewery and tasting room shouldn’t be more active.” Forsley wasn’t alone in tempting sibility of a community and a company to are located on a previously abandoned Mainers to stray from Budweiser and Forsley argues that increasing the get involved,” said Forlsey. brownfield site; there was a pump station Coors. David and Karen Geary of Geary commercial activity of the working waternearby with a smoke stack that released Brewing Company, Portland’s - and New a steady stream of unpleasant odors into front can occur in tandem with develop- Cameron Autry is a freelance writer England’s - oldest craft brewery, started the downtown air. When Shipyard moved ment of commercial and residential spac- and the host of The Southern Maine pouring Geary’s Pale Ale in the winter of into this section of the Old Port, Forsley es that also hug the waterfront. This might Report podcast. 1986. Two years later Gritty’s brewpub put together a plan to clean up the gritty opened in the Old Port. industrial feel of the neighborhood. Shipyard officially incorporated in “We worked with the City, and we 1994, and is now the largest brewery in worked with the local area,” said Forlsey. Maine, as well as one of the largest inde“And we were able to put close to over pendently owned breweries in the coun$3 million in infrastructure around the try. Many brewers looking to gain experisite.” ence working with larger brewing systems Voted Greater Portland’s Best Deli every year since 2004! cut their teeth at Shipyard - making it an As a prominent developer and real esincubator for talented brewers. tate player in Portland, Forsley has played a hand in constructing some of the modPortland now boasts nearly 20 brewCall Ahead! Available in just 48 hours! ern buildings on the peninsula that house eries - with Maine boasting around 100. sleek offices and high-end condominiums. FOUR CHEESE LASAGNA Craft beer has become part of the culAnania’s family recipe made on the premise. ture of Maine, and Mainers are proud to Forsley shared his vision for the fuproduce some of the highest quality and ture of Portland, which includes promotSmall Tray (serves 8-12) $44.50 innovative brews in the country. ing Maine entrepreneurs, continuing deLarge Tray (serves 18-28) $77.50 velopment, and increasing shipping activity. Without a doubt, Forsley played a FOUR CHEESE BAKED ZITI strong role in advancing this movement, “I don’t think necessarily we can alMade w/ Mozzarella, Ricotta, Provolone, & Romano cheeses. and he notes a special link between Ship- ways attract companies to come here,” yard and renown Portland Poet Henry said Forlsey, who believes Portland’s ecoSmall Tray (serves 8-15) $44.50 Wadsworth Longfellow. Medium Tray (serves 15-24) $61.50 Large Tray (serves 24-35) $77.50
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
OSTEOPOROSIS When bones break easily
• • •
By Wesley P. Fairfield, MD, ECNU What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a disorder that affects the bones, causing weakness with increased risk of fracture (broken bones). The inside of normal healthy bone has small spaces, like a honeycomb, and osteoporosis increases the size of these spaces resulting in loss of strength and density. The outside rim of the bone also grows weaker and thinner. Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because most people with osteoporosis do not feel bones weakening. Breaking a bone is often the first sign of osteoporosis, or people with osteoporosis may notice that they are getting shorter or their upper back is curving forward. Symptoms of severe osteoporosis can include a fracture from a fall or even from a strong sneeze or cough. How common is osteoporosis?
50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Why do people get osteoporosis? Bone is a dynamic living tissue, and every bone in the body is remodeled, restructured, and reformed about every 7 to 10 years. Most people reach a peak bone density by age 30 and then lose bone as they age.
Approximately 54 million Americans There are a number of common reahave osteoporosis and low bone mass, which places them at increased risk for sons people may experience accelerated osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can occur bone loss: at any age but is more common in old• Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis puts you at greater er adults, especially women. People with risk, especially if your mother or osteoporosis are at a high risk of bone father have a history of hip fracture. fractures while doing routine activities • Women are much more likely to such as standing or walking. The most develop osteoporosis than are men. common affected bones include the ribs, hips, wrists, and spine. Approximately one • Caucasian or Asian descent increases the risk of osteoporosis. in two women and one in four men age
Long term low calcium intake causes poor bone strength. Restricting food intake and low body weight weakens bone. Tobacco use weakens bones and drinking more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases the risk of developing osteoporosis. People who spend a lot of time sitting have a higher risk of osteoporosis than do those who are more active.
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is no cure for osteoporosis, there are medications used to treat it that can help protect and strengthen bones and reduce the risk of getting fractures. Medications help slow the breakdown of bone in the body and some treatments can result in growth of new bone.
Some other factors to consider addressing to reduce the risk of weakening bones, include: • Nutrition: A balanced diet with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and There are many health problems that other important nutrients keeps increase the risk of developing osteopobones healthy. rosis, including: autoimmune disorders; • Calcium: Calcium is needed to digestive and gastrointestinal disorders; strengthen bones and 400-500 mg cancer; nervous system disorders; endoof calcium with each meal from food crine/hormonal disorders; chronic lung, sources is generally recommended kidney, and liver disease; poor diet; and to prevent and treat osteoporosis. weight loss. • Vitamin D: Vitamin D is needed for Commonly prescribed medications the intestines to be able to absorb can also cause bone loss, including antacthe calcium found in foods. ids containing aluminum, antiseizure med• Exercise: Any weight-bearing icines, cancer chemotherapy, steroids, and exercise and activity that promotes many more. balance and good posture help How is osteoporosis diagnosed? strengthen bones. Walking, running, jumping, dancing, and weightlifting A bone mineral density (BMD) test is are particularly helpful. an important measure of bone health. The most widely used BMD test is a dual-ener• Fall prevention: The single most gy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) test. This important method of preventing fracture is to prevent falls. painless, low energy x-ray test of the hip and spine usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. • Lifestyle changes: Drink less alcohol DXA tests can identify osteoporosis, deand stop smoking tobacco. termine the risk of fracture, and assess response to osteoporosis treatments. If you have questions, I encourage you to speak with your health care providWhat can I do to decrease my risk er about what you can do to keep your of having bone fractures? bones healthy. Without treatment, osteoporosis can worsen. As bones get weaker and thinner, Content provided by Northern Light Mercy Hospital. the risk of fracture increases. While there •
Dr. Wesley Fairfield is a board-certified and Harvard trained endocrinologist who focuses on the treatment of a wide variety of endocrine disorders using the latest therapies. He practices at Northern Light Mercy Endocrinology and Diabetes Care, and his clinical interests include thyroid diseases, osteoporosis, and pituitary disorders.
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THE WEST END NEWS | JANUARY 2020
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
Local Economy 2020
Portland Buy Local works with independent business groups across the country to re-envision the local economy movement SHIFT LOCAL JANUARY By Mary Alice Scott, PBL HEALTH & WELLNESS Executive Director As always, we like to take each month to highlight a different sector of the local economy and encourage consumers to shift 10% of their spending in this sector to a locally owned, independent business. If everyone in Greater Portland made the 10% shift, it would generate $50 million Because of this changing environment, annually in new economic activity for the the Buy Local movement is vastly differ- region and create 600 new jobs! ent today than when Portland Buy Local For January, we’re highlighting the started 13 years ago. It’s time to evaluate Health and Wellness sector. Yes, the turnwhat’s working and what isn’t. 2020 offers ing of the calendar is a somewhat arbithe City of Portland an opportunity to trary occasion, but January brings us a re-envision what a healthy local economy chance to reflect on our current patterns looks like. We have the chance to learn and decide what we want to continue, and from the past decade of work and to what we want to change. It’s your chance enact fresh approaches that ensure local to create a perfect vision for your 2020 businesses thrive in this new environment. and beyond! Many of the challenges facing local Whether it’s a new fitness routine, a businesses aren’t unique to Portland. Port- pair of eyeglasses, or time for a massage, land Buy Local was invited to join the plan- Portland Buy Local’s online directory can ning committee for a national conference guide you toward local businesses that with the American Independent Business will fulfill your every need. Alliance: “2020 Vision: Local Economies for the 21st Century.” This conference is bringing together local business associations like ours from across the country to re-envision the next decade of the local economy movement. We are excited for Portland Buy Local to be part of this national group working to bring our movement into the next phase in 2020 and beyond. By Ye Liew / Adobe Stock If you’re interested in learning more Visit www.portlandbuylocal.org/diabout the local economy movement and rectory to help you find locally owned getting more involved, consider attending businesses that will support your 2020 the conference in Wisconsin (April 22-24), goals, as well as support our local econor become a citizen or business member omy! And what else could be better for a of Portland Buy Local. fresh start in a new decade? Unprecedented growth of Amazon, unrelenting climate change, rising commercial rents, and corporate consolidation – the last decade has presented myriad challenges to local businesses and to the communities that support them.
Mary Alice Scott is Portland Buy Local (PBL) Executive Director.
Disclosure: Publisher-Editor Tony Zeli is president of the board of directors and The West End News is a PBL media partner.
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If there was one policy change you could make. . .
Mike Desjardin
How the International Paper strike influenced a software developer to stay politically active
I’m fully in favor of Medicare for all. People should be able to afford their medications, not worry about bankruptcy from a health crisis. There are lots of other benefits, too. People can start new businesses without fear, they can leave unhappy marriages and unhappy jobs. As a socialist I’d want to nationalize the health care system, but we’ve got to be realistic, and I think letting people buy in to Medicare is practical.
to change- it’s a problem Every Month PelotonLabs founder Liz Trice interviews a Peloton member for the West End News. when the people who This month Liz caught up with Mike Dejardin, a software developer for Sendwave, a company that work in restaurants can’t makes an app that allows African immigrants to affordably send money home via their mobile devices. live in Portland - we can’t be the biggest, foodiest How did you get here, and what in. It had a profound effect on me and city if workers can’t live here, and we does your company do? How has Peloton been helpful to my thinking on politics. I was 12 or 13 at don’t have the transit to support people you? the time, and I was raised in this environI’m originally from Maine. I moved living in suburbs. I’ve met a lot of cool people here.This away for college and stayed away for a few ment where it was labor versus corporate In the past year I’ve gotten involved is the third coworking space I’ve tried, and years, then came back to start a family and greed, worker’s rights, very much a class with a new company, and that has meant this is the one that feels most comfortbe closer to my wife’s family; she’s from struggle. less time for politics. I’m spending more able. I was working at home and frankly it Solon. There weren’t a whole lot of tech No one would look at me and considjobs here at the time; I was able to get er me blue collar today, but I’m empathet- time with my family. My daughter is play- was getting depressing - just me and my a job in telecom and fintech here, then ic when I look at what’s going on in the ing hockey and my son is on the robotics dog all day long. It’s a happiness thing. I’m a little extroverted and this helps. started working remotely after a while. world today.That’s why I got involved with team. I’ve worked in the music industry, fintech, the DSA - Democratic Socialists - and the You can see Mike’s Remote Work Job board at www.remotelyawesomejobs.com. for a startup that did auto repair, mostly Democratic Party, to stick it to Jeff Bezos I’ve done web development. Right now, and other billionaires. A lot of those feelI’m the lead of a software team so I do ings from when I was a kid came back with management, and software, and API devel- the 2016 campaign. I helped out with the opment. DSA voter’s guide and score card. We’re currently serving Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, and can send from Canada, US, UK, Spain, Ireland, and Italy, and are adding more countries in both directions. The most complicated part of the business is compliance with banking regulations; every state and country has their own regulations and exams you have to take. It’s a lot of bureaucracy.
I read that - it was excellent. I was impressed to think that so many things I care about - affordable housing, food and farming, entrepreneurship, vibrant towns and neighborhoods - might be connected by the underlying social economic rules of our culture.
There’s a united belief that capitalism has led us into a bad place; whether you look at the divide between the rich and the poor, racism, military imperialism, climate change. . . Socialism is about workers - the people who are actually building things - having an equal say in the economy. No matter how many dollars you have, it’s still one person, one vote. Whereas in capitalism, the more money you have, the more influence you have over everything: The founder was working in Africa on economy, government spending, social jushumanitarian projects and was frustrated tice, foreign policy. at how hard it was to get money through I’m not a die-hard socialist. I’m more normal channels. People told him he was what’s called a social democrat - what you crazy, but now we’re doing over $1 billion see in Northern Europe - believing that in transactions. He started in 2013. The capitalism has a few miles left in the tank company has several dozen employees at but that it needs to be regulated. There this point. are others in the DSA that disagree with If you send via Western Union, you have to go into an agent location during business hours, and they charge up to 15%, and with us you send money online 24/7, and there’s no fees. The company makes all of its money on the exchange rate. We charge the individual exchange rate but we pay the banking exchange rate, and the difference over thousands of transactions makes enough to be a profitable company.
I was originally a Ruby on Rails devel- me, but I’m ok with that. Cooperatives are oper, and now I’m doing Python, Android, one part of the answer. I’ve toyed with the idea of starting my own coworking space and iOS and thought maybe it could be a cooperI’ve also done some freelancing and ative, then decided it probably wouldn’t run a remote job search engine on the make enough money to be a good coopside for fun. erative… Tell me about the remote work board? I helped initiate the first research on remote workers in Maine. We found that there are 40,000 remote workers in Maine, more than the number of people employed by the forest products industry. I’m interested in how remote work could provide jobs to people in rural Maine.
(Laughs) Agreed!
…and that most people are happy to pay more and not have any obligation or responsibility. The ideal type of organization is a Credit Union, where there can be a lot of members with only a few elected to carry responsibilities, but you need a big organization to pull that off. There’s a reason you don’t see them everywhere. I believe that there are that many There are a lot of practical challenges. remote workers - there are four remote What issues have you gotten inworkers on my block alone. Our job volved in? board is set up so that anyone can subscribe to emails with updates on new jobs, I got involved with the rent control and anyone can submit jobs listings. We campaign - addressing the cost of housget 30,000 hits per month, and our list is ing in Portland. There probably needs to about 2,000 people nationally. be more education about what rent conWhat town did you grow up in? Jay; no one’s heard of it except for the paper mill strike, which my dad was
trol could do and who it would impact. When you’re taking on the interests of big real estate interests, they have a lot of power. Eventually something will have
PelotonLabs is a coworking space in the West End of Portland, Maine, with a mission to connect and encourage people who are starting in a new place or career find support and community to manifest their visions without fear.
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THE WEST END NEWS | JANUARY 2020
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
Rwanda Bean & Luke’s Lobster Receive Governor’s Award for Business Excellence Joined by Maine Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Heather Johnson, Governor Janet Mills recognized four Maine businesses as recipients of the Governor’s Award for Business Excellence (GABE) at the Blaine House in Augusta on December 18th. Two local businesses were recognized: Rwanda Bean,Welcome Home Award; and Luke’s Lobster, Heritage Industry Award. The Welcome Home Award recognizes business excellence in Maine’s underrepresented business community. Rwanda Bean has locations in South Portland and on Stevens Avenue in Deering Center. Owner and founder Mike Mwendata operates the two retail coffee shops and manufactures and distributes his own line of premium, roasted coffee products to wholesale and retail customers throughout Maine and New England. Half of Rwanda Bean’s net profits are reinvested back into Rwandan farm communities, and Mwendata utilizes a direct-trade model to ensure all farms get a fair price for their beans. Rwanda Bean also uses an ecommerce platform for Rwandan coffee farms to promote their products direct to consumers. The Innovation Award celebrates and recognizes business excellence through
Mercy Hospital Receives $1 million Challenge Grant to Support Move to Fore River Campus
entrepreneurship and innovation. Luke’s In December 2019, Northern Light Lobster has locations in both Portland Mercy Hospital announced that it reand St. George, with 38 global locations ceived a $1 million capital campaign in total. challenge grant to support the hospital’s campus consolidation project. The chalLuke’s Lobster is a vertically integrat- lenge grant, which was made possible by ed seafood company which also operates four anonymous donors, provides a onea lobster and crab processing facility in to-one match up to $1 million for all gifts Saco. Luke’s Lobster launched two con- made to Mercy’s capital campaign through sumer packaged goods products at Whole March 31st, 2020. Foods Market in late 2018 and works intimately with several lobster and fish coopThe gift was made in honor of the eratives in Knox County to ensure that all donors’ mother who is a longtime Mercy seafood is 100 percent traceable. friend and supporter with strong ties to Maine and the greater Portland commuOther 2019 Governor’s Award for nity. Business Excellence winners are: Bigelow Brewing Company, Rural Revitalization “Mom has demonstrated her belief Award; and CourseStorm, Innovation in the importance of Mercy Hospital. We Award. Bigelow Brewing Company, locat- want to acknowledge the special place ed in Skowhegan, produces beer made Mercy has in her heart and help ensure with malts that are grown in Maine. the success of the Mercy capital campaign. CourseStorm is located in Orono and It is our hope that others may also wish to offers an innovative and simple system pay tribute to someone they wish to honfor online class registration. Current- or,” said one of the anonymous donors. ly, CourseStorm has worked with over To date, Mercy has raised more than 300,000 students in all 50 states. 75% of its $20 million capital campaign Since 1991, the GABE award has rec- goal. ognized and celebrated Maine businesses “The Mercy family is deeply grateful with a high level of commitment to their that these remarkable donors have chocommunity and employees, as well as exsen to honor their mother with such an emplary performance in the manufacturimpactful and meaningful gift. Their genering or service profession. Past recipients osity provides Mercy with a tremendous have included L.L. Bean, Jackson Laboratoopportunity to double our contributions ries, and Sea Bags.
As part of its consolidation plan, Mercy is selling its State Street campus (above) and is looking for the right partner to take over the immense West End location. Mercy released a request for proposals in the summer of 2018, and has been receiving responses, holding walkthroughs, and seeking a buyer. More information on the sale of the State Street hospital is expected in the coming weeks. -Photo by Tony Zeli over the next four months to help complete our capital campaign,” said Charlie Therrien, president of Mercy Hospital. Earlier this year, Mercy received state approval to complete the consolidation of services and hospital operations to its campus on Fore River Parkway. Construction to expand the Fore River campus is expected to begin in 2020 and be completed in 2022.
THE BROADER PICTURE
NUTRION NEWS BRIEFS
NEW REPORT: More than one in 10 Maine families lack adequate nutritious food
Pingree Introduces Bill to Allow Interstate Traffic of Raw Milk
Maine has 12th-highest rate of food insecurity in the country AUGUSTA, Maine — Food is fundamental to human life, but more than 77,000 Maine households — more than one in ten — lacks the nutrition need-WEN File Photo by Tony Zeli ed to thrive, while one in 20 households WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representadoes not have enough food to meet basic tives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Chellie caloric needs. Pingree (D-ME) introduced the InterIn the three-year period that end- state Milk Freedom Act (H.R. 5410) on ed with 2018, Maine had the worst food December 12th, 2019. This bill prohibits security in New England, and the 12th- federal interference with the interstate worst rate in the country, according to traffic of unpasteurized milk and milk a new issue brief published in December products that are packaged for direct by the Maine Center for Economic Policy. human consumption. “Food insecurity in Maine reflects broader economic insecurity, fueled in part by widespread income and wealth inequality,” said James Myall, a MECEP policy analyst and the issue brief’s author. “As a nation and a state, we have the resources to ensure no one goes hungry. But people still needlessly struggle to put food on the table.” Here are key Maine facts highlighted in the brief: •
Food insecurity costs Maine $709 million annually. That’s just over one percent of state GDP, and far more than the $103 million estimated cost to feed every food-insecure family.
It’s legal to drink raw milk in 50 states. It is legal to sell raw milk in 28 states. Congress has never passed a ban on raw milk. Yet, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did so in capitulation to a lawsuit. “So many people across the country want to make sure their food is fresh and local—including fruits, vegetables, and even their milk,” said Rep. Pingree. “Raw milk is currently the only food banned for interstate commerce—an onerous regulation that hurts small farmers for selling milk straight from their cows to the consumer.”
This legislation was introduced as an amendment to the 2018 Farm Bill. It • Maine’s low food security is was also introduced as a standalone bill driven by lower wages and tighter in 2015 and 2014. budgets. Mainers earn less than the average American and spend a The Interstate Milk Freedom Act higher percentage of their income states that if two states have legalized on health care, housing, utilities, the sale of unpasteurized milk, then no and transportation. federal department, agency, or court may • The LePage years brought a steep take any action to prohibit or restrict the drop in eligible Mainers receiving interstate traffic of milk between those food assistance. In 2010, when two states. This bill would prohibit the Gov. Paul LePage was elected, 63 federal government from interfering with percent of households in poverty the interstate traffic of raw milk prodreceived food assistance. In 2018, ucts between states where distribution after the state enacted several or sale of such products is already legal. policies designed to take food assistance away from low-income Massie owns 50 head of cattle on his Mainers, that figure had dropped off-the-grid farm in northeast Kentucky. to 43 percent. Pingree raises grass-fed beef and chickTo read the full report, visit https:// ens on her island farm in North Haven, www.mecep.org. Maine.
THE WEST END NEWS | JANUARY 2020
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The top 3 primary care impacts of 2019
By Dr. Oren Gersten
2. A baby Aspirin per day
Medicine is a constantly evolving field. We are always reviewing new research and re-reviewing old research in order to find the best path to health. What was once gospel can sometimes be overturned with a seminal paper. Although it’s daunting, change can be good. It assures that we do not take our assumptions for granted.
Aspirin used to be routinely prescribed for primary prevention of heart disease. Primary prevention is stopping a disease before it has started. This is in contrast to secondary prevention where someone already has a disease and the goal is to prevent progression. For example, preventing a second heart attack is secondary prevention.
As a primary care doctor who cares for all ages and the full spectrum of maladies, I must stay up to date on the latest research and guidelines. My practice is centered around applying these guidelines to each unique patient. Much of the nuance of medicine is in finding the personal within the labyrinth of data which can feel at times very impersonal. Below are the top 3 advances that changed my practice this year. As always, these points are illustrative only and do not take the place of personal care from a primary care provider you know and trust. 1.Timing of Blood Pressure Medication
The game changing (albeit controversial) ASPREE trial followed older adults for five years and did not find a reduced risk of heart attack on aspirin users. The challenge is in interpreting what this data means for those younger than 70 years old. McNeil JJ, Wolfe R, Woods RL, et al, for the ASPREE Investigator Group. “Effect of aspirin on cardiovascular events and bleeding in the healthy elderly.” New England Journal of Medicine 2018;379(16):1509-1518. 3.The new era of genetic testing Genetic testing has reached the point where the United States Preventive Screening Task Force now recommends screening women for patterns of heritable cancer and referring for BRCA genetic counseling and testing where appropriate. This does not mean every woman should have genetic screening. The screening tools can help a woman and her primary care doctor understand her risk and make the right choice for her.
We long assumed that a medication worked the same regardless of what time of day it was taken. That logic was turned on its head with a remarkable paper comparing morning to evening dosing of blood pressure medications. People who took their blood pressure medication at bedtime had a close to 50% reduction in cardiovascular events. What’s most remarkable about this intervention is that US Preventive Services Task Force. “Risk it doesn’t cost a penny! If this result is assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic replicated in future studies, it may turn testing for BRCA-related cancer.” US Premedication timing recommendations upventive Services Task Force recommendation side-down. statement. JAMA 2019;322(7):652-665 Hermida RC, Crespo JJ, Dominguez-Sardina M, et al, for the Hygia Project Investi- Oren Gersten is a board-certigators. “Bedtime hypertension treatment fied family doctor who brings his improves cardiovascular risk reduction: the passion for connecting and caring Hygia Chronotherapy Trial.” European Heart for people to his private practice, Journal 2019 Oct 22. Pii Portland Direct Primary Care.
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THE WEST END NEWS | JANUARY 2020
THE BROADER PICTURE
It’s time. To give people 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 present readers with relevant information that is helpful to their day-to-day lives.
That is what we mean when we say positive community news. Thank you for reading, Tony Zeli, Publisher & Editor
THE BROADER PICTURE
THE WEST END NEWS | JANUARY 2020
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PERSPECTIVES FROM THE SKY - ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST JANUARY 2020
Open Yourself to New Energies The world economy is in a bubble, in its manic stage for years now. The true If you want to know what 2020 will character of the stock market is manic/ be like, pay close attention to this winter, depressive, so we know what is coming but most especially January 2020. very soon. There is a powerful Lunar Eclipse These January planetary movements on January 10th, the same day that suggest powerful change in our world and liberating transformational planet with the institutions of the Empire. Uranus goes Direct. The Pluto/Saturn exact opposiThen two days later Saturn and tion to the Lunar Eclipse Full Moon Pluto are conjunct in Capricorn, very in Cancer this month promises stark closely opposing that Lunar Eclipse warning signs of what is to come. Full Moon in Cancer. As we bring in the New Year 2020, We are inexorably moving into a new there may be a lot of sadness accompaage: Age of Aquarius, and of course death nying “should old acquaintance be forgot,” accompanies birth. as soulful Pisces is the sign of the Moon as The death of the old age accompanies we shift into 2020. the birth of a new age. By Leo Knighton Tallarico
END OF THE OLD AGE And so now dark clouds are forming this month over that old age. This old Pisces age began around the time of the birth of Christ, while Rome was in the glory of its Empire.
Uranus will be shifting from Retrograde to Direct that same day, bringing in surprises that break us out of old confines that have kept same-old, same-old patterns going. Then on the 12th Saturn will make exact conjunction with Pluto, bringing in the power of deep transformation. Some important previous blocks in our collective energy field will be broken down, allowing pent up energies to explode into our consciousness and world.
NEW ENERGIES ARRIVE
These new energies are at their core energies of light, love, and truth for the Age of Aquarius. But there is the distorTHE GOOD NEWS IS ON tion of old programming that darkens its expression. We will need and will receive ITS WAY the banishing of obstacles by elephant god Then late on the 1st the Moon Ganesh now. goes into “let’s get things moving” That clearing of obstacles may not alAries. Mercury conjuncts Jupiter ways be pretty, but it will be effective and to allow for visualization of posiwill open up the channels. tive success this coming year. Then on January 3rd, Mars leaves darkly In personal lives, allow old patterns to dense Scorpio for free spirited Sag- die now, and open up to moving on into ittarius. new territories in consciousness and lives.
Leo Knighton Tallarico is an astrological and spiritual guide with 30 years of experience. His specialties are counseling for those in the process of change or crisis and couples counseling for all kinds of relationship. To contact Leo email soulus@ aol.com. come together with others to make the world better. And Aquarius is the Age we are moving into, one where each of us wants to actualize our authentic individuality instead of answering to cultural programming of who we should be.
As the old Pisces Age ends, there is an Empire again:The Military-Industrial Complex that President Eisenhower warned would threaten our freedoms and the Many will feel genuine uplifting enerMany will experience breakthroughs And with that individuality, we all leadership of “we the people.” gies for their personal lives in 2020. out of old stories and thinking now, allow- come together in the unity of community. So, you can expect the dark clouds Mars in Sagittarius will allow some ing Transformation to accelerate. LOOKING AHEAD… over the economy and military to become who are not in balance to follow their deThe last quarter of the lunar cystorms that transform the world we live sires to be impulsive. There is a difference cle that began at the Solar Eclipse On January 24th at 4:42 PM in. between spontaneous and impulsive. New Moon in Capricorn on Decem- EST, we experience a New Moon in The stock market will be threatened; Energies will intensify. Import- ber 26th, begins on January 17th Aquarius, one that effectively ends this Eclipse Season, while at the same time and world war may threaten our old ant events will unfold in our world as with the Moon in Libra. ushering in the new beginnings that have world too. we get closer and closer to the LuOn January 20th, the Sun moves nar Eclipse Full Moon in Cancer on into its annual month in Aquarius. resulted from that Eclipse Season. Iran and North Korea will be even the 10th. The power of the State is being reEvents that blow in over the next few more demonized than they already are here in America, which will set the stage That Lunar Eclipse will be on placed by the power of community. months will be a result of what has been stirred up during that Eclipse Season. for great world conflict and will bring in January 10th at 2:21 PM EST. Saturn For each of us, we can let go of so China and Russia. Just this last week, Chi- and Pluto are part of its signature many “shoulds” and “have-to’s” and inTill next month, na, Russia, and Iran engaged in military ex- and will bring in dark clouds of de- stead be motivated by a social consciousercises together. struction. Leo ness that recognizes our human need to
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PUZZLE PAGE
THE WEST END NEWS | JANUARY 2020
2020 Trivia 1. The news program 20/20 has run contuously since 1978 on which network?
by
ST WORST BE
TRIV 2. The 20th amendment changed the date when a newly-elected president takes office to Mondays: what day in January? 3. The 1969 Beach Boys album “20/20” features limited contributions from what lead songwriter? 4. Mogen David 2020 wine was originally created as a kosher option for what Spring Jewish holiday?
A
Lazzari @ 8pm Luke’s Lobster @ 6pm Wednesdays: Rivalries @ 8pm (Starting 1/8/20) Find us on Facebook and Instagram, @bestworsttrivia
Find the answers online at thewestendnews.com/puzzle-solutions, in next month’s issue, or come ask us at one of our weekly quizzes! Last month’s answers: 1. Egg nog; 2. Window displays; 3. 44 candles; 4. Stonehenge
ThankyouforplayingtheWestEndNewsPuzzlePage. Findsolutionsatthewestendnews.com/puzzle-solutions.
THE PORTLAND PALATE
LB Kitchen / West End 231 York Street, Portland | 207-536-0997 www.lbkitchenportlandme.com
THE WEST END NEWS | JANUARY 2020
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Paired with the freshest glass of OJ, on the white, unadorned walls – though my psyche morphed into a healthy, heav- the light and simplicity here is attractive, enly space. unto itself. Carolyn’s hearty harissa hash was equally satisfying, and came with sweet potato and caramelized onion, black beans, organic greens, and creme fraiche all topped with the now-popular add-on: the free-range fried egg. It needed only a bit more spice, so we grabbed a S&P set from the self-serve kiosk, along with water, and more napkins for my messy self.
Mostly it was the chairs that needed attention: white-coated metal, garden variety. They sat low and were uncomfortable. Fortunately, we discovered throw pillows on a settee nearby, and borrowed two. We enjoyed the woman-forward music tracks played during lunch, imagining how inviting the light must be on the porch facing Fore River in the warm weather, when the retro garage-style doors are fully rolled up and back to let in fresh air.
LB Kitchen/West End is an easy stroll from many neighborhood locations. Parking is on the street. Or you can ride the #8 METRO bus or Routes 21 and 24 coaches of South Portland Bus Service to within three blocks’ walk. occupies the corner space vacated by Outliers, overlooking Casco Bay Bridge. In the vast sea of local eating estab- Being on ground level, it is wheelchair-aclishments, from middling to the inspired, cessible with two entrances. it feels like Portland might be approaching its inevitable saturation point. Is it reLB Kitchen/West End opened in June. ally happening? The comings and goings On my recent weekday lunchtime visit of restaurants is constant, and there are with friend Carolyn, it seemed to be a myriad reasons for that: the inside stories popular pick. often not being divulged to the public for With the predictable din of a busy want of privacy. The task of discerning main dining room, we made our way inthe advent of a bubble, even if performed side the light and airy bistro. We grabbed using an empirical approach, boggles the the end of a large community-style table mind. What are all the criteria, and how and were greeted by a friendly, energetic can you measure absolute capacity? woman who not only competently comOne method might be to step back manded the counter, but also the entirety to see the proverbial Big Picture. In doing of the front-of-house. so, I’ve recently noticed my lack of enthuThe vibe is relaxed and inclusive. Pasiasm to rush out in a frenzy to the newtrons appeared to be homologous, Wi-Fi est restaurant simply because it opened. It wielding, well-to-do’s of mixed age and seems wiser to hold back and give a new gender. The food is locally sourced, mostestablishment time to work out the kinks, ly organic, and you feel like you really are to incubate a character and a following. attending to your health and well-being Enter the niche restaurant trend. here. Review and Photos by James Fereira
NICHE IS IN Portland’s restaurateurs, it seems, are now creating something unique which separates them from the rest of the pack. Be it their physical structure, thematic environment, targeted demographic, or a nuanced cuisine… owners and chefs are focusing their businesses. It seems they must, if they want to survive in our micropolis of “coopetition.” From hummusiyas and dessert-only eateries, to raw bars and power food cafes, niche restaurants have arrived. One such place is LB Kitchen/West End. While the original LB remains a bustling breakfast and lunch choice on lower Munjoy Hill, chef/owners Lee Farrington and Bryna Gootkind’s newest venue now
Sipping a striking colonial blue warm chai, my friend and I agreed that we’d found a place to eat that deserved a come-backto. For under $38.00 including gratuity, this meal was healthy, delicious and filling.
LB Kitchen/West End is a restaurant which smartly blends fine, healthy fare with fair prices, and a sense of community. Vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free? No problem: they’ve got it covered. They also offer catering services, as well as delivery via www.doordash.com. LB proves that eating healthy doesn’t have to mean eating dull. They prove and add to the maxim that ‘we are not only what we eat,’ but where we eat. It’s no wonder that Gootkind and Farrington’s establishments are faring well, and we hope they continue to.
HEALTHY & HEAVENLY
GOOD FOOD & COMMUNITY
My LB sandwich, with thick ‘happy pig’ bacon, sliced tomato and avocado, organic greens, pickled jalapeño and sriracha mayo came on perfectly grilled toasting bread. It was ample and moist and a bit messy – and all the more fun to eat because of it!
Forward-thinking and innovative, it doesn’t hurt that LB Kitchen/West End also works in partnership with the adjacent Good Medicine Collective: a kind of soul-enriching urban spa and health practice. This is a unique collaboration, where They are a new gem in the West End. you can head upstairs after lunch for a Just add pillows. yoga class or doctor appointment. Our experience at LB Kitchen/West End was overall positive. There were a few minor concerns, though none of them insurmountable. Noise occasionally came from above the cavernous ceiling where precariously placed wood plant shelves (smartly mounted against sunny windows) loomed. It would be nice to see some art
James Fereira has a background in production assembly, hiking in the desert, and winning at Gin rummy. In his spare time, he enjoys eating cheese and questioning authority. James can be reached at ThePortlandPalate@gmail.com.
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THE WEST END NEWS | JANUARY 2020
Why Not Poland? By Nancy Dorrans
If someone asked me a few months ago to tailor a trip to Poland, I would have asked... why Poland? However, this past November, I was selected to attend the debut European Travel Agent Forum in Poznan, Poland, to strengthen my travel expertise for Poland and other Central and Eastern European countries… and it did!
Hidden Dwarves in the Venice of Poland My adventure began in the capital city of Wrocław, (pronounced Va-RAHTZlawf) in the Lower Selesia Province. Known as the Venice of Poland, Wrocław boasts 130 bridges connecting 12 islands and one of Europe’s most breath-taking market squares! Hidden around the city there’s a tiny world waiting to be discovered. These are the hundreds of pint-sized dwarves of Wrocław.
“
…each statue is actually a nod to the Orange Alternative, a peaceful anti-Soviet resistance movement born in Wrocław that used dwarves as its symbol and helped topple Poland’s oppressive communist regime in the 1980s.” -BBC.com We journeyed away from Wrocław to the southwest region of Lower Selesia. With over 1000 years of history, this rural and mountainous region has been part of Medieval Poland, Bohemia, Austria, Prussia, Germany and as modern Poland after 1945.
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
I now have firsthand experience and a clearer view. Being there made all the difference.The experience is worth it and an incredible value! What with pierogis, crystal factories, beef cheeks, a vodka museum, castles, duck confit, spas, markets, Wrocław dwarves, underground tunnels, elaborate murals, ski resorts, wild bison, parades, goats, and St. Martin’s CroisDizzying Last Days in Warsaw sants… Instead of “Why Poland?” I now After two full days of workshops ask, “Why not Poland?” This country deand meetings we were whisked off to ex- serves your attention. You should ask me plore the cities of Łódź and Warsaw. Our when, where, what, and how? guide in the city of Łódź (pronounced Dziękuję Ci (pronounced YenCooYah). “woodge”) offered an animated walking Thank you, Poland! You are an amazing, A pint-sized dwarf waiting to be distour down Piotrkowska Street and a tour historic country full of energetic and forcovered by adventurers in Wrocław. of the textile Manufaktura (Museum of the ward-thinking people. -Photos courtesy of Nancy Dorrans Factory). A few of us enjoyed a late eveWishing you all a very healthy and ning of Polish beer tasting and gallivanting. Secrets of The Castle Ksiaz adventurous New Year in 2020! After a morning visit to the Księży Młyn In Wałbrzyck, we had a delicious roast and the Centre of Science & Technology, duck lunch and then toured The Castle we headed to Warsaw. Ksiaz. Built in 1288-92 the castle has a draIn Warsaw, were treated to a Chopin matic history, over four hundred rooms concert at Frederyk Concert Hall. Fryand hundreds of secrets. It is referred to deryk Chopin is the pride of Warsaw. A as the Pearl of Selisia, situated on top of a talented young woman pianist performed hill overlooking the Pełcznica River. his most famous works from his early, the St. Martin’s Day Croissants are traditionally savored only on St. Martin’s Day (celebrated throughout Europe). Unlike French croissants, they are crescent-shaped sweet rolls with a poppy seed-almond filling. Our group had the opportunity to help create and enjoy these celebratory delicacies before the parade.
In 1941, the castle was confiscated by classical and the late romantic periods. I Nazi authorities.Tunnels were built by pris- was mesmerized! oners who were worked to death during Our last day was a bit of a blur with German occupation of WWII. a guided tour around Warsaw, including Old Town, Palace of Culture and Science, St. Martin’s Day in Poznan the ghetto area, Copernicus Science CenAfter three days of touring Wrocław ter, and Lazienki Royal Park, and then an and Lower Selesia, we traveled to the city evening visit to the Museum of Life unof Poznan for our conference. We arrived der Communism, the Museum of Warsaw in time to celebrate 30 years of Polish In- Uprising, and ending with a vodka tasting. dependence on November 11th. This is Whew! also St. Martin’s Day, named after St. MarBy delving into Poland’s rich culture, tin of Tours, a revered European saint who heritage, and gastronomical experiences, was known for his kindness to strangers.
ADVENTURE MARKETPLACE
Give the Gift of Travel Quebec City Winter Carnival Weekend Coach Tour from Portland Feb. 7-9, 2019
Register and pay online at Adventure-Marketplace.com
contact Nancy@adventure-marketplace.com or call for more details at 207-712-5699
Nancy Dorrans at Muzeum Polskiej Wódki (Polish Vodka Museum). Nancy is a West End resident and independent travel agent at Adventure Marketplace.
THE DUMPSTER
THE WEST END NEWS | JANUARY 2020
THE DUMPSTER
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THE WEST END NEWS
WHERE WE THROW ALL THE STUFF WE DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH…
Bayside Bowl receives Portland’s 2019 Small Business of the Year award for bringing new life to Bayside… City’s tall natural gas-powered recycling trucks are tearing down low-lying utility cables across Portland… American Folk Festival dissolves after an 18-year run on Bangor’s waterfront… Legal pot sales in The Bay State hit $420 million in the first full year of legit recreational use… Meanwhile in Maine a lack of cannabis testing facilities could delay legal sales… Maine Craft wins Best Theme in the downtown Holiday Window Display Contest…Across the country wild turkey populations explode this fall… And we learn from police in Massachusetts that male turkeys love to attack shiny black cars… The holiday tree in Monument Square was a 30-yearold Norway spruce planted by city arborist Jeff Tarling during his first year on the job… East Bayside’s nonprofit arts center Mayo Street Arts receives an anonymous matching gift of up to $10,000… Portland Firefighters gather at Bramhall Station to receive 50 pairs of new boots thanks to funding from Firehouse Subs… And Best Overall holiday display goes to The Art Department!!!….........................
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WEN TEAM Anthony Zeli, Publisher-Editor Cameron Autry, Freelance Writer Rick Ness, Sales VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS Nancy Dorrans, Travel & Adventure James Fereira, The Portland Palate Dr. Oren Gersten, Health Rosanne Graef, La Vida Local Kelly Merrill, Cause Blog Adam Rice, Cause Blog Leo Knighton Tallarico, Astrology
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