The West End News July 2020 Vol. 20 No. 07 by The West End News

JULY 2020.VOL. 20, NO. 07. PORTLAND, MAINE.

PORTLAND’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER. FREE!

Local Farms & Markets Innovate During a Pandemic By Tony Zeli Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, interest in local foods was burgeoning. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture interest in local food in Maine has seen a steady increase since the early 1990s. That interest has intensified, as the pandemic revealed the fragility of national distribution chains. In fact, Hannaford said their supermarkets saw a 27 percent increase in sales of produce from local farms in March 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.

has served people throughout Portland, as well as South Portland, Westbrook, Falmouth, Scarborough, Gorham, Cumberland, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Saco, and the islands of Casco Bay. So far, the Portland Food Co-op has successfully matched every shopper with a need to a volunteer who can help.

“We’ve had an overwhelming response from our community offering volunteer shopping services,” said Nicole Byrne from the Food Co-op. “We have volunteer shoppers standing by, ready to Yet, meeting the demands of the con- assist the entire Greater Portland area sumer was never easy for local, indepen- and some beyond – even as far as Hiram/ dent farms. It only became more difficult Cornish!” as the pandemic brought shutdowns, soByrne shared a particularly heartcial distancing, stay at home orders, and warming email from a member-owner: the greatest barrier… fear. “I can’t thank you ALL enough for From a flower farm in Buxton that providing what feels like such a safe, sane, shifted production to edible produce, to responsible place right now. Staff have a cheesemaker in Waldoboro who spear- been remarkably upbeat & welcoming, headed the Maine Farm and Seafood Prod- even as they face the public for hours evucts Directory, we look at ways Maine ery day... every day we remain so grateful farmers have innovated and proved that a that this community persists in supporting pandemic cannot stop them from bringing and connecting us all, and particularly in healthy local food safely to our tables. We these current hellish conditions.” -Portalso look at a Portland food market and land Food Co-op member-owner a farm stand in Cumberland to see how In addition, the Co-op has been workconsumers have safely accessed local food ing with Brigada de Víveres (Food Brigade) through retail models. We begin with the by donating food that can no longer be local green grocers. sold. Brigada de Víveres distributes food A NEW WAY – VOLUNTEER directly to the doorsteps of low-income people, specifically those who are unable SHOPPERS to access other forms of aid or assistance. At the Portland Food Co-op, they The brigade is affiliated with Presente immediately recognized a need to help Maine. shoppers who were at high-risk of coronavirus complications. In response, they THE OLD-FASHIONED developed the Substitute Shopper Pro- HONOR SYSTEM gram. This program connects volunteers Meanwhile, there is the example of that can offer shopping services with Pine Ridge Acres. For seven years they those in need of groceries. Since it began have offered self-serve honor system in April, the Substitute Shopper Program

Page 7… Here's a Bright Idea: Save Portland's trees

Page 13… Patrick Kiruhura on world cultural exchange

Haley unpacks a shipment at the Portland Food Co-op. How are local markets and farms innovating to bring healthy food to our tables and to do so safely? Stories of a volunteer shopper program, a farm stand that persisted with a tried and true honor system, a cheesemaker who built an online database of local producers, and a flower farm that shifted production to include more veggies and herbs. -Photo courtesy of Portland Food Co-op shopping at their Cumberland farm stand. It’s a simple system: grab what you want, write it down, leave the money. No contact and no crowds. Pine Ridge never intended the honor system as an alternative to grocery shopping during a pandemic. But it did happen to offer a no-contact method to get your groceries. Operator Michael Cianchette noted the farm stand has seen huge growth over the years as people focus on knowing where their food comes from. [Discloser: Michael Cianchette is related by marriage to publisher-editor Tony Zeli] “We ask that people follow the steps, let us know what they’ve purchased, and leave cash or a check in the box, or a credit card payment online,” said Cianchette. “We don’t have the ability to make change, so it is a great opportunity to do some shopping for some products you might not normally purchase.” And like the Portland Food Co-op, CONT'D ON PAGE 3

Page 14… NL Mercy Hospital on a safe return to health care

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE... Page 4 Guest Opinion by Rob Korobkin & La Vida Local: Notes on West End Life Pages 8 & 9 The Food & Dining section features Portland take-out and picnic wines Page 12 Portland Buy Local asks what kind of new normal we want to build Page 15 The Puzzle Page with Best Worst trivia, crossword, Sudoku, and more Page 16 Astrologer Leo Knighton Tallarico provides insights into personal & global transformations Page 17 Emotional Intelligence coach Michael Stern provides questions for self-reflection

Page 18… Nancy Dorrans takes us to the old-growth

THE WEST END NEWS | JULY 2020

Mill town

OUR READERS

SUBMISSIONS

By Wayne O'Brien Visiting an old church today, memories of childhood flooded my mind of an old mill town where my father worked. Remembering the pungent odor like boiling cabbage that seemingly oozed out of the stacks of a once thriving paper mill. The hustle and bustle of hard working middle class men and women, happily laboring the survival of a simple time. On a narrow and dirty street once called Danna Court stood an old red brick building. I can see the exodus of men with their dinner pails and flannel shirts, and the smell of rubber dust that seem to follow them home from the dimly lit tire shop. They stopped only briefly to launch an incendiary assault on the end of a Pall Mall or a Lucky Strike, tipping back

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 biography of 1-2 sentences. • WEN also accepts poetry, cartoons, and photo submissions.

their heads with an exhalation of smoke familiar to that of the very smokestacks of the Nearby Paper Mill. Later as I walk along the slow moving river, speckled with pairs of Mallards baptizing themselves in the murky water, more memories rushed through my minds eye and I see days gone bye, days of love, honesty and only one flavor of coffee. I close my eyes and suddenly it’s 1972, I hear a ball game drifting from someones AM radio. It’s Carl Yazstremski at bat! Then a tear runs down my face as I know, soon I will have to return to reality, a present time I do not recognize. Oh what I wouldn’t give to smell the smoke on the sweat stained shirt hanging on the back of my father’s chair. It smelled of hardship, truth and love, but mostly of the memory of an old mill town where my father worked. Wayne O'Brien grew up a dairy farmer in Windham and has lived in southern Maine for most his life. He frequently reads at Lowery's Lodge Poetry Series in Westbrook.

Jinsol Lee at a convenience store in South Korea (2019). Submit your reader photos to thewestendnews@gmail.com. Deadline for publication is the fourth Friday of every month. Our column space is very limited, publication is not guaranteed, and submissions may be edited for length and content. Thank you for your voice!

Trees ◊ Shrubs ◊ Evergreens Annuals ◊ Succulents ◊ Air Plants Perennials ◊ Herbs ◊ Roses Pottery ◊ Vegetable Seedlings

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Local Farms & Markets

Innovate During a Pandemic

THE WEST END NEWS | JULY 2020

Compassionate and Innovative Memory Care

CONT'D FROM PAGE 1 Pine Ridge Acres wanted to rise to the moment and help those in need. They donated proceeds from purchases of reusable branded grocery bags to Full Plates, Full Potential to fight hunger in Maine. “Since we are a self-serve store, our customers bring their own bags. But when we saw that some folks were looking to have ‘Pine Ridge Acres’ bags to show their support, we saw an opportunity to partner with a great local non-profit. Farmers love feeding people, and making sure kids get enough to eat is critical. We donate a dollar from every bag we sell and are closing in on the $100 mark so far. We’ve had some customers leave ‘extra’ in the cash box and ask us to pay it forward to Full Plates, Full Potential. It is a great example of community coming together,” said Cianchette.

MAINE FARM & SEAFOOD DIRECTORY Farmers reacted quickly, too. Allison Lakin of Lakin’s Gorges Cheese recognized early that the pandemic would severely impact her business. She saw an immediate need to reach a much larger audience than before. “I needed to pretty quickly come up with a way to change and adapt to the situation,” said Lakin. So, she spearheaded the Maine Farm and Seafood Products Directory resource, which UMaine Cooperative Extension now hosts as an interactive map.

need that had long been missing and she hoped it will continue to evolve. To date there are several hundred listings on the directory – a success. But there are about 7,000 farms in Maine. Lakin admitted there is much to do to raise the visibility of the smallest producers and to highlight a diverse offering of products for the most economic impact. She was grateful the Cooperative Extension took on the resource.

FROM FLOWERS TO PRODUCE Nancy Stedman at Little River Flower Farm in Buxton had been attending online video meetings with the Cooperative Extension early in the pandemic and learned of the need for local food to fill grocery shelves. Little River acted and shifted their greenhouse production to grow more fresh produce. Little River had been growing about 35 percent produce and herbs and 65 percent flowers, mostly for weddings and some pick-your-own. But during the pandemic they reversed production and grew much closer to 65 percent produce. A win-win for the supplier who had fewer weddings for their flowers and for the markets who needed the extra produce. Particularly, this was a boon for the Portland Food Co-op as the market needed the extra greenhouse produce in the early spring when it was still cold out. Little River has been turning out cucumbers, zucchini, summer squash, hot peppers, eggplant, swiss chard, collard greens, kale, culinary herbs, and more. You can find their produce locally at Rosemont Market, the Portland Food Co-op, and Solo Cucina Market in South Portland.

Starting with free software, Google Sheets, Lakin set to work building a database of local food producers, their available food, and alternative pick-up options. The idea was to attract more business, not just to Lakin’s Gorges Cheese in Waldoboro but also to all the other farmers And if you need fresh cut flowers, Litwho find themselves in similar situations. tle River started a CSA-style flower share. There will be Tuesday pick-up of fresh Indeed, Allison Lakin was not alone. bouquets at the Portland Food Co-op and Within the first thirty days, 300 people the option to pick-up at the farm. signed on. It became a large project, and an unwieldy document, especially for Lakin “Don’t expect a crowd,” said Nanwho admitted she’d never used Google cy Stedman, “There’s plenty of space to Sheets before. But the UMaine Cooper- spread out…” ative Extension also recognized the need and took on management of the resource. Tony Zeli is publisher and editor. Reach Lakin said the directory fulfilled a him at thewestendnews@gmail.com.

( 207)7813753

( 207)5361076

Many residents and our true-blue staff know this inspiring and newly relevant song~

“There’ll be blue birds over...”

Mural at Fallbrook Woods

For an informative conversation please contact Susan at 207-878-0788 FallbrookWoods.com 60 Merrymeeting Drive Portland, Maine 04103

OPINION

THE WEST END NEWS | JULY 2020

GUEST OPINION

LA VIDA LOCAL - IRREGULAR NOTES ON WEST END LIFE

It matters if good people are in charge

By Rob Korobkin

The Watched Pot By Rosanne Graef

also think it is a mistake to look only at Although often attributed to Ben I will be voting for Joe Biden this No- the very top of the federal government in Franklin, the proverb “A watched pot nevdetermining who to vote for. vember. er boils” didn’t appear in Poor Richard’s By all means, look at the Oval Office. Almanack. Like many aphorisms, its origins Was he my first choice? No. Of course not. Am I critical of a lot of what But I implore you to also think about the are disputed. But its meaning is familiar to he’s done over the course of his career office of your local housing authority and everyone: “time goes slowly when you’re the social workers there who are trying waiting for something.” I’d like to consider and his life? Absolutely. to process their waiting list for Section an alternate interpretation for a moment. So why am I voting for him? 8 after Trump cut HUD expenditures by Let’s consider cooking and the conA big part of it, of course, is Trump. almost $10 billion. Think about your lo- sequences of not watching your pot. You But I believe strongly that if all Biden’s cal Head Start preschool, and the school all know what I’m talking about, things are campaign does is attack Trump, he’ll lose. teacher who’s now the principal there, sit- bubbling along, you’re adding and stirring At this point, the vast majority of Ameri- ting in her office, trying to figure out how in ingredients to your pot on the stove cans have already decided what they think to handle next year’s budget cuts after and then you get distracted by something about our current President. That line’s Trump cut national Head Start funding by or someone. Before you know it dinner’s already been drawn in the sand, and no $360 Million. boiled over or burned on. matter how many hundreds of millions Those offices matter too. That’s the Let’s use this cooking analogy to reof dollars get spent on campaign ads be- actual work of government. It matters if flect on what many of us have been seetween now and November, I’d be shocked good people are in charge over there. It ing, hearing, and thinking in the past weeks if it moves very much in the next seven matters if people throughout the totem since the murder of George Floyd in Minmonths. Screaming into the void about pole have the resources they need to do neapolis. For those who came of age in just how much of an [expletive removed] their jobs well. Ultimately, those offices the late 1960s/early 1970s, the scenes and 45 is, while fun, just doesn’t seem like a are all under the jurisdiction of the Execfeelings are familiar. Against the backdrop very fruitful use of time. And, come on, utive Branch, and we, the people, get to of Vietnam, our school days were punctuthat’s not actually an argument as to why pick the person who sits at the top of the ated by assassinations, protests, riots, camyou should vote for Biden – if Trump were grand pyramid. pus strikes, police raids, National Guard running against Hitler, I’d vote for Trump. call-ups, and political turmoil. The pot was For what it’s worth, I trust Biden and Every time. boiling. the cohort of Democrats around him to No, to me, the biggest concern that do that Herculean work of coordinating We made progress on some fronts I have has to do with the federal govern- our nation’s civil services competently and during those years, namely voting rights, ment as an institution. It’s got two mil- effectively. some civil rights, the repeal of national-orlion workers. Almost $4 trillion in annual igins quotas in immigration, and enactThat’s who I’m voting for: our nation’s expenditures. Almost all the subsidized ment of some environmental protections. public sector workers and the hundreds housing in the country. It shoulders a But the ERA, LGBT rights, equal opportuof millions of Americans who depend on huge portion of the healthcare costs for nity housing, education, and employment them. the elderly and impoverished. Science and languished, and wages began to stagnate research. A massive amount of money for for many. Too much went back to business education, from preschool to graduate as usual. school. Organizations can withstand four years of bad management, but eight years Eventually gentrification, neoliberis tough. The good people leave. Fewer alism, welfare reform, the war on drugs, new people come, and the ones who do mission creep, militarization of the police, aren’t as competent. and deliberate political polarization got thrown in over the years and just kept I have no doubt that Biden will be simmering away. Meanwhile too many of able to keep federal agencies staffed with us were immersed in our careers, our competent, middle of the road bureaufamilies, our material selves, our passions, crats who will keep the lights on, the reour bucket lists. Throw in the ultimate ports filed, and the gears turning on our distraction of the Internet and you get government. a society that’s not watching the pot. In The same way that I think it is myother words, a society of people who are opic to equate “voting” with “voting for not paying sufficient attention, not seeing President” – come November (and July what’s really happening in the lives of our too!) there will be LOTS of other races neighbors and our fellow companions on in which your participation will matter – I Rob Korobkin lives in Portland, Maine. this earth.

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

Podcast available on Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts and Spotify

One reads and hears that this time feels different. Let’s hope so. We need more than commissions, statements, and pledges from corporations, businesses, non-profits, and individuals. We all need to pay attention and act against the injustices that we see and educate ourselves on those we’re not seeing because they’re being done behind closed doors and in spurious ways. All those things that we need to address before they bubble up and boil over. For years the mission statement of the YWCA has been “…eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.” Even though Portland’s YWCA doesn’t exist anymore, that’s a personal mission statement that anyone can take as their own. In an interview with The Washington Post, Rapper Michael “Killer Mike” Render summed up the how-to this way, “Shop local, support the Little Guy, vote, organize that vote, and have some demands that come with that organization. Plot, plan, strategize, organize, and mobilize.”

“S

hop local, support the Little Guy, vote, organize that vote, and have some demands that come with that organization. Plot, plan, strategize, organize, and mobilize.” -Michael “Killer Mike” Render

Pay attention and watch that pot.

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

Giving you a reason to read the news again. At The West End News, we promise to present solutions, cover stories of neighbors coming together, deemphasize the controversy, and clearly present the facts. And most importantly we will give readers relevant information that is helpful to their day-to-day lives. That is what we mean by positive community news.

WHAT'S GOING ON

THE WEST END NEWS | JULY 2020

Maine Artists & National Acts Speak Up One Longfellow Square Turns to for Independent Venues In Peril Stating that “the collapse of this crucial element in the music industry’s ecosystem would be devastating,” more than 600 of the nation’s most cherished musical artists, including many with ties to Maine and many who have played at the State Theatre here in Portland (such as Maggie Rogers, Brandi Carlile, David Byrne, Jason Isbell, and hundreds of others), issued a letter to Congress asking legislators to provide urgent financial support for independent venues and promoters in the U.S., which are in grave peril due to the pandemic.

#SaveOurStages component of the small business sector, which normally fuels substantial economic growth for the communities they serve.

The 600 artists sending the letter to Congress are joining more than 500 other touring artists and comedians with a combined social media presence exceeding 900 million who have urged their fans to have their voices heard at SaveOurStages. com. So far people across America have These artists join Mavis Staples, Lady written more than 500,000 emails asking Gaga, André 3000, Coldplay, Willie Nelson, Congress to #SaveOurStages. Billie Ellish, Gary Clark Jr, Robert Plant of The artists’ letter to Congress says, Led Zeppelin, Miranda Lambert, Billy Joel, in part: Earth Wind and Fire, Leon Bridges, Wyclef Jean, and Bon Iver, along with beloved co“We will know America is “back” medians such as Jay Leno, Tiffany Haddish, when our music venues are filled with fans Jeff Foxworthy, Jerry Seinfeld, and Tig No- safely enjoying concerts with abandon. taro in writing Congress. The live music experience is inextricably tied to our nation’s cultural and economic Formed at the onset of the Covid-19 fabric. In fact, 53% of Americans – that’s shutdown, the National Independent Ven172 million of us – attended a concert last ue Association (NIVA), now has nearly year. 2,000 members in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. including the State Theatre “Independent venues give artists their and Port City Music Hall. These indepen- start, often as the first stage most of us dent venues and promoters were the first have played on. These venues were the to close and will be the last to fully re- first to close and will be the last to reopen. open. They are at real risk of closing per- With zero revenue and the overwhelming manently if Congress does not take quick overhead of rent, mortgage, utilities, taxes, and specific action to address the unique and insurance, 90% of independent vencircumstances of this still-shuttered ues report that if the shutdown lasts six

months and there’s no federal assistance, they will never reopen again.

Next Phase of Campaign to Reopen

“We are asking you to support NIVA’s request for assistance so these beloved venues can reopen when it’s safe and welcome us and our fans back in. The collapse of this crucial element in the muOne Longfellow Square is deeply sic industry’s ecosystem would be devas- grateful to music lovers from near and tating.” far who have responded to our fundraising campaign with overwhelming kindness The shutdown is indefinite and likeand generosity. We humbly say thank you! ly to extend into 2021, as these venues which host live music and comedy are in Having met our original $100,000 the final stage of nearly every jurisdictions’ goal, we know that we can maintain our reopening plans. Many are not permitted venue through next summer, paying rent, to open until there’s a vaccine or cure. utilities, insurance, and internet support The ability to open at partial capacity is not economically feasible. Rents, utilities, payroll, taxes, insurance, and artist pay are fixed costs – they are not on a sliding scale that matches the capacity venues are permitted to host. Due to the national routing of most tours, this industry will not recover until the entire country is open at 100% capacity. NIVA members need assistance in order to survive until that day. And their absence will be sorely felt - for every $1 spent on a ticket at small venues, a total of $12 in economic activity is generated within communities on restaurants, hotels, taxis, and retail establishments.

services. We are now increasing our goal to $175,000 in the hopes of holding on to our incredible staff who will look for alternative ways to safely bring music to the public in the coming months and prepare to resume shows in the venue when that becomes possible. We are announcing a challenge match! A friend of OLS will double your gift by matching all new donations up to $20,000 – which will help us raise a total of $40,000 towards our new goal.

Thank you again for believing in One Longfellow Square. We couldn’t picture Keeping independent venues alive is Portland without OLS, and we’re honored a benefit not just for fans, employees, and that you all agree. We encourage you to artists, it’s an investment in communities share our story with your friends and family and help keep the music alive. across America.

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ONE LONGFELLOW SQUARE NEEDS YOUR HELP In Portland’s vibrant music and arts scene One Longfellow Square stands out as a music venue beloved by both musicians and audiences alike. Our small, 185 seat venue brings the audience close to the stage, creating an intimate performing and listening experience. OLS have been unable to host shows since March, and there is no clear date for reopening. We have used up all of our options for government assistance, and to save the venue we have started a GoFundMe campaign. We’ve been amazed at the support we’ve received so far – we’ve reached our first goal of $100,000 to pay rent and basic expenses until next summer in just over a week. But we aren’t finished: our next goal is to reach $175,000 to hold on to our staff, who will look for alternative ways to safely bring music to the public in the coming months and prepare to resume shows in the venue when that becomes possible. Please donate today to save OLS!

LEARN MORE AND DONATE: ONELONGFELLOWSQUARE.COM/SAVEOLS

THE WEST END NEWS | JULY 2020

CLIMATE JUSTICE

Protect Portland’s Trees

The West End recently experienced three significant multiple mature tree cuttings. Due to this tree loss, a group of West Enders has worked closely with the City to craft a tree protection ordinance. Signs go up in June in protest of the clear cutting of trees near 75 State Street. -Below photos by Rosanne Graef

Capturing the destruction of a beautiful shady corner at Gray and Park Streets in the West End. Some of the trees had trunks 2-3 feet in diameter. Every tree, large and small, at this location was cleared, leaving many in the neighborhood to wonder, who's responsible for this? -Below photos by Espahbad Dodd

THE HEARTBREAKING DESTRUCTION OF FOREST CITY TREES In these tumultuous times, it’s difficult to remember that we face a gigantic climate emergency. A return to “business-as-usual” is unlikely to occur. Is it “liberal soft headedness” to care about the environment? Climate change arrived well ahead of schedule and, consciously or unconsciously, we know that trees are critical to our own survival. So, how can we stand by and watch the ruthless destruction of mature, healthy trees in Portland? One person nicely summed it up, “The cutting was a slap in the face to the supposed climate goals of the City of Portland.”

BRIGHT IDEA: Protect Portland’s Trees Research confirms the immense value and benefits mature trees and urban forestry make in people’s lives.

TREES ADD BEAUTY & IMPROVE PERSONAL HEALTH On the job 24/7, trees boost urban quality of life. Without them, the city is a sterile landscape of concrete, brick, steel, and asphalt. Trees add beauty and create an environment beneficial to mental health. Think of the colors, flowers, beautiful shapes, forms, and textures. Trees deeply impact our moods and emotions.

TREES REDUCE AIR POLLUTION & NOISE A healthy tree stores about 13 pounds of carbon annually. Trees trap and hold particulate pollutants, absorb dangerous gases and, in turn, replenish the atmosphere with oxygen (enough on each acre for 18 people per day). Trees also help reduce unwanted urban noise.

TREES SAVE MONEY AND ENERGY They reduce air conditioning costs in the hotter months by up to 30% and serve as winter windbreaks to save 10-50% in heating costs. According to the Forest Service, every $1 spent on trees returns $2.70 in benefits.

TREES MODIFY LOCAL CLIMATE & CONSERVE WATER They slow storm water surface runoff, preventing erosion and harmful chemicals from reaching water courses. Their shade helps cool the “heat island” effect of thermal energy from concrete, steel, and asphalt. Trees increase humidity in dry times, reduce glare on sunny days, and cut wind speeds.

TREES INCREASE ECONOMIC STABILITY & PROPERTY VALUES The first impression a community often projects to its visitors concerns the number and health of its trees. Urban forests are an extension of community pride and spirit. Property values on tree-lined streets can be 5-15% higher.

TREES CREATE WILDLIFE & PLANT DIVERSITY Trees provide habitat and food for birds and animals in addition to creating suitable micro-climates for other plants.

BRIGHT IDEA: Support implementation of the Heritage Tree Ordinance and its extension beyond the historic district. Contact the Mayor and City Councilors and Make Public Comments Bright Ideas is brought to you by Portland Climate Action Team which, during the pandemic, meets online the 4th Thursday of the month, 6-7:30 p.m. All are welcome to join in. F.M.I.: portlandclimateaction@gmail.com.

CLIMATE JUSTICE

THE WEST END NEWS | JULY 2020

We’re All in This Together

Gulf of Maine Research Institute Climate Solutions Beyond Your Backyard Launches Climate-Focused Citizen Science Platform

Frontlines of the Climate Crisis

Susana Hancock in the Artic during summertime. -Photo courtesy of Citizens' Climate Lobby

By Susana Hancock

197 billion tons of ice melted from Greenland last summer. Kiribati in the South Pacific is considering relocating its entire population. No region of the world is safe from the warming planet. Yet, while climate change doesn’t discriminate, its impact isn’t equal: it exacerbates existing divisions. I’ve lived on the climate frontlines in the Arctic and the Middle East, and I’ve seen how climate justice isn’t just about the earth; climate justice is human justice. “Growing up, my fears were wolves and radioactive lichen [Chernobyl fallout]. Now it’s climate. 20 generations of herders before me, and now what?” Premature snowmelt meant that Ásllak, a Sámi reindeer herder, began his annual migration a month early as the journey’s success depends on adequate snow. He expects to lose another month of winter weather by 2050. Moreover, deforestation and wildfires further ravage feeding grounds. Despite leaving early, he was still forced into a circuitous route after some animals drowned breaking through the pack ice. Longer routes cost more in time and fuel (he accompanies his herd by snowmobile), and Ásllak isn’t breaking even. In addition to the loss of livelihood,

climate change furthers disease, migration, and wealth inequality, which overwhelm regions of the world already fractured by weak governance and social instability. In the Middle East, I lived near a Syrian girl my age, Amina, whose father joined the Islamic State, lured by the promise of feeding his family after extended drought destroyed his farm. In addition to cataclysmic civil uprisings in Syria, continued drought has led to concerns about “hydro hegemony” as regions race to divert water to serve wealthier districts triggering whispers of armed conflict. There’s work here at home, too. Throughout the world, climate change is the legacy of extraction and colonialism, as is our heritage of slavery. Until we rectify racial discrimination and restore tribal sovereignty, we will never achieve climate goals. While Black Lives Matter underscores how far this country has to go, Covid-19 has demonstrated that we can take wide-reaching emergency action. And just like racism, if we’re not actively fighting climate change, we’re contributing to it.

In June, the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) publicly launched their all-new Ecosystem Investigation Network — a climate-focused citizen science platform. Collaborative groups of citizens and scientists are invited to use the platform and resources to design and host their investigations of climate-driven change in the Gulf of Maine and its watershed.

of Maine’s rivers and streams,” said Molly. “Volunteers are collecting valuable data that will directly benefit future management and conservation decisions.”

The Power of Citizen Science

Citizen science is born from the premise that science – well and collaboratively organized, designed, and supported GMRI built the Ecosystem Investiga- – can be, and should be, open to anyone tion Network with the goal of connect- to participate and contribute. ing the many people and organizations Done well, citizen and community investigating climate change impacts in science can change the people who parand around the Gulf of Maine watershed. ticipate in it. Scientists can learn from the The Ecosystem Investigation Network insights, local knowledge, and concerns of is designed to bring together stories of their public partners. They can also imclimate-driven change from across our prove their ability to communicate what region to reveal a new understanding of they do and why it matters. Public parpatterns, change, and connectedness of ticipants may improve their science skills, the Gulf of Maine watershed. knowledge, and learn more about the places they care about, as well as influence Pilot Progress what research priorities are addressed. Having launched in a pilot phase earIn that spirit, the Ecosystem Inveslier this year, the Ecosystem Investigation tigation Network has been designed to Network is now hosting nine collaboraengage everyone from lawyers to lobtive research initiatives. Examples include: stermen, anglers to accountants, young • The Coastal Flooding: Storms and Sea and old. The platform will connect these Level rise project, co-created with res- people, communities, and organizations idents from the City of Belfast to study across the region who want to know how the impacts of a rising ocean on their climate change is impacting species, habshoreline and infrastructure. itats, and communities in the Northeast. • The Jellyfish Forecast project, which collects observational data for a scientist at Bigelow Laboratory who is working on a predictive model of jelly fish distribution and abundance.

Citizen Science in the Classroom The Gulf of Maine Research Institute, which has spent years helping teachers incorporate citizen science into their classrooms, is also hosting a selection of classroom-specific projects on the Ecosystem Investigation Network.

• The Smelt Spawning project, a cooperative project among The Nature Conservancy, the Downeast Salmon Federation, Maine’s Department of Marine Resources, and trained citizens Participating in citizen science invesinterested in the health and abundance tigations exposes students to real scienof this iconic diadromous fish tific research efforts. They learn alongside GMRI is supporting thoughtful proj- their teachers and peers as they work in ect creation with partners and citizens, the context of questions that have not yet resulting in projects that deliver strong been answered and data that they are the scientific results and rewarding experienc- first to see and share. es for participants. Participating partners, As one Narraguagus High School stusuch as TNC’s Molly Payne Wayne, are dent put it, “You may never know what’s seeing the benefits of this approach. going on, unless you get out and explore

“Working on this project has already proved an incredible opportunity to conSusana Hancock is part of Citizens’ nect local community members to our Climate Lobby and Maine Youth for work restoring native sea-run fish and Climate Justice. the importance of restoring connectivity

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THE PORTLAND PALATE

A Lesson on Three C’s Review and Photos by James Fereira

I begin my July review with a correction and apology about last month’s bio. I referenced living alone but should have said that I am the only human living here. I, in fact, have a cat, and his name is Catsby. He is my roommate and constant source of joy, entertainment, and the occasional annoyance. Catsby, originally named Gatsby, just turned five and came from the HART cat shelter in Cumberland in February 2017. He was on a truckload of felines shipped here from a high-kill shelter in Louisiana, where he likely would have died had he stayed. His previous owner had him neutered and declawed, then ditched him at the shelter when she took up with a man … and there wasn’t room for two. Luckily for me, she chose the man, with whom Catsby did not get along.

nade to eat. As fate would have it, we were hardly alone in forging that plan. The park was crowded. Taking turns sitting uncomfortably on a tentacled tree branch and bed of pine needles, we nevertheless enjoyed our meal: a Chicken Satay appetizer with peanut sauce,Thai iced tea, Pork Pad Thai, and Basil Pad Thai with veggies for $35.67.This included tax and tip and we paid with debit card by phone. Our meal – toothsome, and the noodles on-point with a requested onestar ‘heat’ – was walked-off after lunch through the West End as we marveled at impressive gardens in full spring bloom.

GILBERT’S CHOWDER HOUSE

Kitty is an Alpha male who sometimes hisses when he doesn’t get his way. With some success, I’ve been teaching him to give kisses, not hisses. I’ve learned to laugh it off and to appreciate his quirky personality, which includes having only an “inside purr,” yowling at night while he drags his stick (aka prey) through the apartment, and his effective habit of biting my exposed skin to get attention, usually for food.

Friend Fran and I happened upon an opened Gilbert’s on the Memorial Day weekend that we strolled into the “Ghost Port” for our first time in many weeks. We downed yummy fish chowders at Bell Buoy Park [pictured above], and I doggy-bagged my fried scallop appetizer, being After two years, he is off Prozac. able to stretch two meals out of it – one We’ve grown to accommodate and un- made impromptu with pasta and sundries derstand each other, and his aggressive from my kitchenette. Cost= $25.50 including tax and gratuity. behaviors have calmed.

This is James' #stayathome friend, Catsby. Isn't he handsome? Find him on Instagram, Catsby207. He loves attention! green beans, and his bang-up homemade buttery mashed potatoes with gravy. We agreed that the savory loaf was exceptionally good and worth going back for.

Moving on to food… We enter our fifth month of the COVID pandemic. I find myself better adjusted to the task of writing a food column amid uncommon circumstances. I’ve embarked on take-out, curbside pickup, and dining al fresco activities as of late. All utilizing best PPE practices, of course. Here are some of the highlights.

I now refer to this event as “The Day of the Attack of the Browntail Moth Caterpillars.” Unbeknownst to us, the park was teeming with them, and we thought nothing of flicking them off the table and our clothing. We’re pretty sure none got in our food.

The next day, an English muffin meatloaf sandwich with melted cheddar, sliced cucumber, fresh shallots, tomato, and special sauce with a side of chips was satisfying! I’m still thinking about that meatloaf. Next time, however, I’ll order fewer green beans: 1.5 pounds goes a long way…. Not Fran and I shared this folie à deux sure what I was envisioning. That volume affliction over the next ten days. Sadly, it practically feeds an army. was not a delusion. We both developed an itchy, fulsome skin rash. We commiseratCOAL’S PIZZA ed about the discomfort, using Calamine, witch hazel, hydrocortisone cream, Benadryl, and oatmeal and Epsom salt soaks to treat the poison ivy-type urticaria. It was not fun. Turns out I learned something new in my advanced age: if you see a browntail moth caterpillar [pictured below]… run for the hills and don’t ever touch one! These woolly critters carry toxin on their hairs which lodge in your skin and annex your bloodstream. The hairs are airborne and can enter your lungs, causing respiratory distress. Remarkably, neither Fran nor I had to resort to using our rescue inhalers.

We appreciated the friendly service He is quite handsome. If you want to meet Catsby, you can do so on his Ins- from Jen and the staff on duty, two weeks tagram page, Catsby207. Please say hello. after they reopened for take-out. Gilbert’s He loves attention (on his terms) and will accepts cash or debit/credit for payment. appreciate that you visited.

ROSEMONT MARKET WEST END

And what happened next…

Finally, it was over to Coal’s Pizza for me and Fran on a warm Friday afternoon for cashless preordered curbside pickup. You may recall that Coal’s was #1 on my “best of” list of pizza joints on the peninsula in a WEN review I wrote last summer. I’ve been back once since, pre-COVID, plus this time, and I’m still a huge fan.

We walked to Deering Oaks Park, nabbing the only shaded picnic table availSAENG THAI HOUSE able, under a large oak tree, and ate there. We split a Dean Martin (pepperoni) pizza (…Fran’s first at Coal’s) and a smoked Curbside pick-up was a new experi- chili vinaigrette-dressed arugula salad with ence for me, and this was a seamless en- cherry tomatoes, pineapple, red onion, deavor. Having gone to PortlandFoodMap. and cashews. Cost came to under $26.00. com to find resources, Rosemont seemed a no-brainer due to its nearby-on-foot location, and because I find their products to be superior. Debit card online preorder of $37.47 got me a neatly organized bag of precooked meatloaf, 1.5 lbs. of green beans, 6 sesame bagels, 16 ounces of fresh Friend Alex and I preordered on a strawberries, and a bulb of garlic. The hot, late May afternoon. Our food came friendly clerk had my order ready at the on time and was placed on a makeshift ta- promised time at the front door. ble outside their front door. We rambled This made several meals, including up Bramhall Hill to the Western Prome- one with friend Nick featuring meatloaf,

Though I’ve walked through Deering Oaks often, prior to this, I had not stopped to sit or eat in the park for about a decade. Now I know why. I won’t be doing that again anytime soon. Go gently out there. Be wary of COVID, cats, and especially… caterpillars.

James Fereira has a background in community mental health work, music education, and commercial driving. In his spare time he enjoys creative writing and questioning authority. James can be reached at ThePortlandPalate@gmail.com

FOOD & DRINK

THE WEST END NEWS | JULY 2020

LAYNE'S WINE GIG

BOHO VINTAGE By Layne V. Witherell Good news for staying at home is that you do manage to save money as there is nowhere to spend it, other than freaking out online. Best to practice some restraint. Upon the easing of restrictions, the first purchase wasn’t really a purchase. Judy, my long-suffering wife has been wanting me to get a bicycle for years to accompany her to the Western Prom, and to paraphrase her “get your sorry self out of the house.” In addition, I have envisioned a cool funky ride with a wooden wine box on the back to search out some new, interesting wines, and to assemble a picnic.

Layne with his new 'Boho Vintage' bike, wine box included. -Photo by Judy Witherell

She is a canny shopper of “Nextdoor” and there it was – a free bicycle on a per- es, and Wiener schnitzel. It has less weight son’s yard in North Deering. Quick, off in flavor than chardonnay and no oak aging. Total picnic cost around $20.00 the couch and go check it out! The photo is my ancient 1960’s Peugeot ten-speed bike rescued from that yard. It is both a bike and a piece of classic outsider art, a “Boho Vintage.” The good folks at Allspeed on Marginal Way put together all the inner parts. They liked the funk, while I liked the price of only $180.00 to make it into a ride instead of a backyard ornament. Thank you. More to spend on wine. Word of caution: they used to ship wine in wooden wine crates like we do cardboard egg crates today. They do not appear very often. Befriend your local wine merchant or develop a taste for Bordeaux – the last wooden box refuge.

PICNIC WINES Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, Italy, Pianoro, 2019, $15.00. The regular trebbiano grape is the fodder of choice for brandy and barely makes it up to picnic quality. They grow a lot of it. Drink it fast, drink it cold. The Abruzzo variety is of unknown origin and vastly better in flavor than the regular grape. Love those unknown origin grapes. There is a dry light almond character here that would be perfect with a cold chicken or a dish with nutty flavors like a Waldorf salad, or a young pecorino Italian cheese. Look for a recent vintage, you don’t age this one. Total picnic cost $20.00.

Gruner Veltliner, Austria, Anton Bauer, 2019, $12.00 liter bottle. Back in the 90’s when all the junior sommeliers were cutting their teeth on new wines, it became fashionable to disrespect chardonnay and “replace it with the ‘It’ girl just off the plane from Vienna” (thank you, Evan Goldstein). It has stuck around due to its versatility. With 42,000 acres planted in Austria and the luxury of high yields, you won’t be running out of this grape any time soon.

Savennieres, Loire Valley, France, D’Epire, 2018, $17.00. This is the last wine that you search for to throw into your picnic wine box bicycle rack. First, it is a miracle that the lengthy name even fits on the label. Second, it is a strange lengthy name and one that is not awfully familiar. The place is Anjou in the Loire valley in France (as in the pear). The grape (not listed) is the chenin blanc, referred to locally as pineau. It is not the chenin blanc we know and love, that slightly sweet, juicy grape that tastes like a ripe apricot. No, this wine is raised in slate. “If Vouvray has the chalk, Savennieres provides the blackboard,” (thank you, Kermit Lynch). It is elegant, mineral, steely with finesse and depth. And, it is dry. Go big or go home. Lobster salad is perfection with this taste quenching mate. Total picnic cost $80.00.

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KITCHENS MATRESSES LAUNDRY REFRIGERATION

ULTIMATE PICNIC No one hypes their wine more than Bordeaux. (Napa tries, and the natural wine people have developed a chorus.) Recently the “vintage of the century sale beg-a-thon” is all about the unproven and un-road-tested 2019’s. Saving up means that I can indulge myself in a bottle of true picnic greatness. Chateau Grand-Puy Ducasse, Pauillac, 2016, 5th Classified Growth, $44.99. Even though the chateaus are ancient, the winemaking is not. Discarding lesser grapes, lower yields, and creating a second label results in a wine that is fun to drink, silky and fresh, yet classic in quality. Moderate cheese, duck liver pate, and rare roast beef are picnic perfection with this cabernet/merlot blend. Total picnic cost? Name a price.

BEER PEEPS Shipyard Smashed Blueberry, $16.00 4-pack.

A 12-oz. can that thunders old school Scotch Ale and Porter. 9% alc. The best news is not only its saline aromatic, apple sauvignon blanc like charCONTACT HIM AT acter but, and this is the big bonus, it pairs with foods that many wines do not. Bring lvwitherell.gmail.com for events, onethe asparagus and artichokes, herbed dish- on-one tours, and private tastings. Layne has been a professional in the wine business for many decades as a teacher, importer, writer, competition judge, and winery CEO. He was awarded a Master Knight of the Vine for the pioneering work he did in the Oregon wine industry. His website is http:// winemaniacs.wordpress/blog.

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It feels a little strange (actually, it feels very strange) to be moving towards “normal” operations right now. Between a global pandemic, important and long overdue conversations about racial injustice, and general feelings of uncertainty about the future, it’s hard to pick up where anything left off in March – a especially when the landscape looks so different.

Local entrepreneurs are navigating dire straits. Even cornerstone businesses are grappling with how to keep their lights on. The everyday challenges of running a business feel small when held up to the challenges of the day. But for all these reasons, our work at Portland Buy Local is more important than ever. The past few months, we’ve dropped all our “normal” activities to focus on advocating at the local, state, and federal levels. Our full-time staff pivoted, making sure the voices of local businesses were heard in every room, at every table.We’ve won some great victories, but there’s a long way to go. As we re-envision our streets and communities, we must ask ourselves who and what we want to survive. If we still believe in the power of local business to drive the economic and social engines of Portland and beyond, then the fight must go on. If you’ve been a member in the past, have thought about joining or are just learning about the organization through projects like our Customer Conduct Decals [pictured to right], our Town Hall Series, or our Green Cleaning Supply orders, now is the time to fight with Buy Local, so we can fight for our local business community.

WE ARE OPEN BY APPOINTMENT, FOR YOUR CONVIENIENCE AND SAFETY

Our organization is driven by membership because we’re driven by our members. Membership starts at just $10/month, but we also created a scholarship program for businesses who can’t afford those costs right now. Because Portland Buy Local doesn’t qualify for financial support programs like the PPP, and many of our members cannot afford their dues this year, support from the community is more important than ever. You can help keep our community organization going by becoming a member as a business, nonprofit, or individual. If you are a community member – you can donate to Buy Local, or better yet, you can sponsor a business to make sure that local businesses in our community have access to critical resources and support. Visit https://www.portlandbuylocal.org. Mary Alice Scott is Portland Buy Local Executive Director. Discloser: Publisher Tony Zeli is president of the board of directors and a media partner.

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What do you envision doing in Portland?

Patrick Kiruhura

Creating an environment for all cultures to thrive (Part 1 of 2) Every Month Peloton Labs founder Liz Trice interviews a community member for The West End News.This month Liz caught up with Patrick Kiruhura, who is founding a new nonprofit in Portland called World Roots Culture Exchange.

What is the World Roots Culture Exchange? I’m a person that is sensitive to the environment that I live in and want to create solutions that help people thrive. When I came to the United States, I found that Portland is a welcoming place, and people are community-based, and people were enthusiastic to open their places to new people. I have learned that for different cultures to live together, they need a certain level of knowledge to create good relationships, but I saw no such platform to help people understand each other. So, I decided to create an organization with two platforms. One platform that provides comprehensive orientation information to immigrants and refugees on Maine’s cultural, legal, political, and social norms to support cultural literacy, increase opportunities for inclusion, and speed the path to integration. The second platform is a network that will provide opportunities to Mainers to create relationships with immigrants and refugees through events that reveal the norms of different cultural groups in our communities. I believe that, as a farmer, the fruits you get depend on how your ground is worked. No matter what type of fruit you plant, if the ground is good, all the trees will bear good fruit. We can have as many cultures as we want in Portland, if we create the environment for every culture to grow to be what it is. I am a seed, and if I have the environment I need to grow, I will bear the fruits I would have borne in Rwanda. Culture is the identity of people. If you take away the culture of people, they are no use to you. If you try to change me, I malfunction, and then I become a problem to the community instead of providing value. Culture is the only thing that can bring innovation and good life to everyone in America. That is what I’m trying to do, and I believe in that idea.

That’s a beautiful vision! What’s your background? I am a public speaker and social entre-

My vision for Portland is helping the community with cultural competence, where everyone creates relationships that are sustainable because everyone has trust based on the knowledge of the other cultures. I am encouraging every culture to be the ambassador of their own culture, by offering opportunities for people to host events to share their culture and welcome people to come in. It will be a center where all the different cultures are found.

preneur. I started by founding Root Foundation in Rwanda, and when I traveled to How are you adapting to Germany, my friends and I that used to Patrick Kiruhura speaking in red coat. pandemic? What would be volunteer for Root Foundation Rwanda -Photo courtesy of Patrick Kiruhura most helpful to you? created Root Foundation Germany. When most done with the documents to regisI returned to Rwanda, I saw that there The pandemic shocked me so much. were problems between Rwandans and ter the organization. I believe that we are all suffering, but we foreigners who came to work there, so I need to understand how different culTell me about the organizacreated a company called Root House. tures are reacting differently. If we can use tion you created in Rwanda. Zoom and video to gather and share, we No matter your color or background What does it do? can still help people connect and be toor the country you come from, if people can identify you as part of a culture, then We started the organization in Rwan- gether. We can learn from each other and everyone accepts you, and you add value da in 2012 to inspire the youth in Rwanda how to fight it as a community. to them. When I came to the U.S., I was to take action, with a vision to create a You would be amazed if you came inspired and astonished by the number of world in which all the vulnerable children into my room, I’m always thinking, and cultures living here, and I felt that the vi- have the chance to fulfill their potential making notes on the wall. I worked so sion I had in Rwanda could be bigger and and to become valuable members of the hard to put what I have in mind into the better here. community. Education is a very good tool, real world, and I still don’t know how to but education without identity is a deadjust to the pandemic. I’d like to create a I also always wanted to have a place structive instrument. If you have a good magazine that shares stories: What does I could call home. To work on that, I had identity, and you have knowledge, you will the day of a Rwandan look like? to ask: What do I want my home to look use the knowledge to add value in the like? I had to study a lot about the norms community, but if you don’t have identity If I can find people who can help me and nature of people and how they react it’s a problem. that would be perfect. Money is helpful, to change. Through my experience staying but I also value where money comes from. with cultures around the world, I asked The organization has five staff, and we Money comes from people, and people inmyself what is culture as a concept? How have four international and five Rwandan vest in what brings value to them. All of us do you get to notice a new culture that is volunteers, and some other part-time volinvest where our heart is. I invite people not yours? How do you integrate a cul- unteers. We work with 350 children in our to work with us to create an environment ture within another culture? center. We place them in interest-based where everyone contributes. activities, like brass band, traditional dance, So, I started working on this organitraditional drums, groups for girls to work Next Month: Part 2: How do we get to zation. My friend Whitley Marshall, who is on their future and their rights, groups know our neighbors better when we a dancer and has traveled through many for boys to help them learn to handle life come from different cultures? countries, wanted to work with me. I met outside. Every group of ten kids has one [Whitley] in Rwanda and she hosted me mentor. when I came to the U.S. Also, I have another friend, Tobin Scipione, that wants We rent houses for the kids who are to write grants. So, I started writing proj- homeless and pay school fees for some ect plans, contacting people, and hosting children. For the parents, we educate them events. on parenting and create cooperatives for them to work; we have a sewing and craft We hosted a culture exchange series, cooperative, where they produce things called Culture Acoustic Night – where and sell in Rwanda and in Europe. artists from different cultures came to share stories and play music. I would invite I had this vision when I was very PelotonLabs is a coworking space in some Congolese, some Rwandans, some young and studied filmmaking so that I the West End of Portland, Maine with Americans, some Native Americans – all could interest people in being part of my a mission to connect and encourage different people. I even invited someone vision. It is an organization that thrives people working on their own to maniI met playing music on the street – and from the love of the people. fest their visions without fear. his music was so amazing, and he had so many stories about being hosted by people from cultures around the world. We hosted the event three times at Portland Media Center before Covid came in. Now we are writing and organizing. We are al-

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Providing a Safe Return to Content Provided by Northern Light Health Care Mercy Hospital At Northern Light Mercy Hospital, the health and safety of our patients is always our top priority. For that reason, we want you to get the care you need for your health conditions when you need it. Our team is dedicated to providing safe, high-quality care no matter what is going on in the world, and we want you to feel confident when you come to us. All our locations – from hospitals to healthcare centers – have implemented enhanced safety measures to keep you safe. We hope the infographic accompanying this article and the answers to frequently asked questions below are helpful as you consider seeking care. We’ve also developed a series of videos to show you what you can expect at your in-person visit to our hospitals, walk-in care locations, emergency department, and medical offices. These videos and additional FAQs can be found by visiting NorthernLightHealth.org/SafeCare. If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact your healthcare provider to learn more.

Are you seeing general patients?

Northern Light Mercy Hospital, a nonprofit community hospital sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, has been providing care to greater Portland since 1918. Mercy consistently receives an ‘A’ grade by The Leapfrog Group for meeting the highest safety standards in the country. It has also been recognized as a top hospital by Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report.

How are you ensurTelehealth uses computers or tele- ing patients stay more phones to provide care when you are than six feet away unable to see your healthcare team in from each other? offering telehealth visits when possible.

person. In-person visits are still available We have observed that for care that requires a face-to-face visit, our patients already are doing physical examination, treatment, or procea good job of physical distancdures. Your care team will help you detering. We have also reorganized mine which is best for you. our reception areas and other What happens when I arrive? public spaces with fewer chairs and marked our floors at sixYou will be greeted by one of our emfoot intervals. We’re working ployees who will provide you with hand hard to schedule appointments sanitizer and a mask if you do not have with time to avoid any crowdone. This greeter will also ask you some ing in our reception areas. screening questions and take your temperature using a touch-free thermometer. While our current univerYou may be asked multiple times about sal masking policy adds another any symptoms you may have during your layer of protection, the expecvisit—please be patient. This is for your tation is that physical distance safety. will be maintained using scheduling, workflow changes, and Have you increased cleaning physical design of our spaces.

frequency within your hospi-

Yes, and our Safe Care Commitment tals and clinics? ensures your in-person visits to all our Yes, we have established new, more facilities are welcoming and safe. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and recommen- frequent cleaning protocols throughout dations to physically distance, we are also all our hospitals and clinics.

To learn more about our services, testing, and what Mercy Hospital is doing to keep patients safe, please visit NorthernLight.org/Mercy.

PUZZLE PAGE

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July 4th Trivia 1. Which actor played the American President in 1996's Independence Day: Bill Paxton or Bill Pullman? 2. What’s the name of the Philadelphia building where the Second Continental Congress debated and voted on the Declaration of Independence? 3. On July 4, 2018, what professional eater beat his own record by eating 74 hot dogs with buns in 10 minutes?

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4. Which American city holds a multi-day International Freedom Festival from July 1st to 4th with its neighbor, Windsor, Ontario? Find the answers online at thewestendnews.com/puzzle-solutions or come ask us at one of our weekly quizzes!

Words In Words By Rosanne Graef

How many words can you make from the letters in the phrase? Words must have at least 3 letters, plurals don’t count, and no proper nouns, abbreviations, or foreign words not commonly used in English. (Ignore the hyphen.)

“Beautiful pea-green boat” -from The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear

GOLD = 150 words | SILVER = 125 words | BRONZE = 100 words BONUS = How many names of animals can you make? June's bonus: Words with two adjacent vowels in “So rare as a day in June.” Someone got 84! Could you find more?

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WINDS OF CHANGE

spiritual guide with 30 years of experience. To contact Leo email soulus@aol.com.

The next Eclipse Season, which we DON'T FORGET have been experiencing in late spring and ABOUT MERCURY As we enter the second half of early summer this year, brought out the 2020, we are going full force into the murder of George Floyd and the subseTwo important planetary events pregale winds of a Lunar Eclipse Full quent rage, protests, arrests, and riots. cede this Lunar Eclipse: Mars goes into Moon in Capricorn. The Sun in CanThe sense and hope, with all the Aries on June 27th for an extendcer is meeting up in opposition to powerful changes this year, is that these ed stay of six months. And on July the Moon in Capricorn. changes are deeply transformational, not 29th/30th Jupiter will make its secSun in Cancer makes for a nurturing, just fleeting. ond of three meetings this year with sensitive, unconditional, permissive, supPluto. Rights for women, people of color, portive, and understanding Father. Moon This combination of planetary events in Capricorn represents a Mother who the LGBTQ community, and for people all will keep the flame lit on the enormous expects their child to “keep it together,” over the world who have been oppressed transformational journey we are all on stay on course, take responsibility, create and treated as if they are inferior and de- now. healthy boundaries, and do what needs to serving of less will be more enduring this time. Mars in Aries is a sign that it is time for be done with no excuses for failure. action, for moving forward. It can be like The ‘60 and ‘70s brought the first These issues are common issues for “ready or not here I come.” Mars going a Capricorn Moon and Sun in Cancer Full wave of human rights for an Age of Aquar- into Aries is a sign showing that conflicts Moon combination. However, since we are ius, and these next few years are bringing will be coming over the next six months. talking about an eclipsed full moon, there an even bigger wave of transformation.We Jupiter conjunct Pluto adds is 10 or 20 times more power to it than a are moving inexorably into Age of Aquarius consciousness. But the Powers That much intensity to our journey. And “normal” full moon. Be will fight to put everything back into Mercury is Retrograde until the This is the last eclipse of three eclips- the old boxes again, so their privilege can 12th, so please do not do anything imes in a row. continue. pulsive and do not make major decisions. Eclipses bring winds of change, and I As the old guard becomes more milAnd then Mercury does go back am sure you have witnessed increased in- itant in “keeping order,” the forces of cha- Direct on the 12th, which should begin tensity, perhaps being taken off your usual os will in turn express their own power. a process of finding more clarity and dirhythm and stride. And this is how the transition into a rection for our life journey. The eclipse shake-ups can be life al- New Age will likely play out. tering for some, especially so if the signs THE CROSSROADS And through all the fire and smoke and degrees of the eclipse trigger planets On July 20th, we experience the of change, we see before us the lights of in one’s natal birth chart. second New Moon in Cancer this a New World shining into our conscioussummer, the first one was on SumECLIPSE SEASONS – A ness. mer Solstice in the form of a Solar RECAP The Lunar Eclipse Full Moon in Eclipse New Moon. Cancer/Capricorn is on Saturday Cancer time is a time to feel safe and In the greater world, this year’s two July 4th/5th. On the east coast it is acnurtured, to take care of your Self. It can Eclipse Seasons, with five eclipses so far, tually on July 5th at 12:44 AM. It makes also be a time for family, expressing and has taken our old life out of its usual balvery close aspect to the USA natal Sun in sharing feelings with others, and being ance. Cancer. So, the purposes and identity of The first Eclipse Season was last win- the USA will be challenged in some way, more in touch with needs for intimacy. On July 22nd, the Sun moves out ter. It brought on the novel coronavirus around the Lunar Eclipse, or at least we and some scares about the state of the will be given clues as to what lies ahead of Cancer and into Leo. Leo is an open shining heart, creatively expressing itself. stock market and economy. for America. with Leo Knighton Tallarico

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Our country is in the process of falling apart, while losing respect from all over the world. We are in decay on the inside as our values are eroding. When that happens the lower values of fame and wealth take over, and the slide downward goes faster. The values of the USA from its inception were very idealistic and noble: equality for all, freedom and liberation, diversity within unity. But so much has changed since then, and we are at a crossroads as we move into a New Age and New Paradigm. We could go the way of Rome. Or we can come back to our deeper values and become an equal and contributing member to a world community in the Age of Aquarius. Till next month, Leo

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THE BROADER PICTURE

Emotional Intelligence, Ethics & Social Change By Michael Stern

DEVELOPING OUR ETHICAL MIND Howard Gardner, a developmental psychologist and professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, says our sense of ethics develops with the influence of three sources of support. The first is institutional support and mentorship, which gives us models of who we aspire to be like (or not). The second is our fellow citizens, peers, and community members who help us act on our ethics and drive our moral compass forward (or not). The third are periodic “Wake-Up Calls.” Good or bad, these are the pivotal moments that reveal to us where we stand on matters of ethics and justice. REFLECT: What core values make up your ethical foundation? What institutions and mentors have shaped your values? What type of community can support you in acting on your values? What are the pivotal moments, large or small, that have opened your eyes, connected you to your own sense of justice, and affirmed your values?

ETHICAL LEADERSHIP America is in the middle of a WakeUp Call. With Black Lives Matter demonstrations occurring in the middle of a pandemic, we must ask ourselves some tough questions, such as: •

What kind of society do I want to live in?

•

What am I willing to sacrifice, or to fight for?

•

What am I doing to stand up for what I believe?

With so much at stake, we need ethical leadership now more than ever. So far, responses from leadership at the local, state, and national levels have varied greatly.

THE WEST END NEWS | JULY 2020

Who owns health care?

Part III:The Healers

By Dr. Oren Gersten

cians are employed by hospitals or large health systems. Without physicians the hospitals would not have much to offer. In turn physicians have been conditioned to see health care from the perspective of an employee. There is very little accountability for a physician employed by a health system to do anything other than the specific job outlined by the system in question. Flexibility and creativity are not valued assets in this environment.

Healing has always been a part of huwho are committed to the courageous work of building a better life for them- man existence. Somewhere early in human evolution we learned that we could augselves and a better world for all of us. ment the healing process. Oetze, the “ice No matter what your current situa- man,” the earliest preserved human who tion is, you can start where you are and died around 3,300 B.C., was preserved do what you can to make things better in in ice and found with an herbal poultice a way that matters to you and the people wrapped around one of his wounds. Such you care about. a poultice was an early version of an anREFLECT: What is your “cause” – an issue, tibiotic. As societies formed, traditional In the last 50 years most physicians topic, or world event that matters to you and healers, shamans, and witch doctors were impacts many people? Why does this cause tasked with keeping communities healthy. have turned from independent practitioners to corporate employees. Also, in matter to you? What are some practical ways In modern society there are many you can contribute to your cause? (Tip: start professions tasked with healing: nurses, the last 50 years we have seen our health by considering how you can build on what is counselors, therapists, chiropractors, and system turn from a collective of small enterprises with the common goal of health already working.) Who can you collaborate acupuncturists, just to name a few. to a collective of corporate enterprises with to reach your goal? Perhaps no profession is so explicitly with a mix of goals. During this process EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE tasked with healing as the physician. The patient care has suffered. modern physician has roots going back to Many within the system are pushing Emotional intelligence is essential for ancient Greece with Galen and Hippo- for positive change. A few brave physicians great leadership. However, without ethics, crates. This lineage extends 2,000 years have ventured outside the established the basic EI skills can be used to maniputhrough notable scientists such as Louis system to offer care on their own terms. late and harm others. Pasteur and Helen Taussig. For every no- Whether the change comes from within Our “ethical rudder” can be the dif- table figure there were countless others or outside the medical establishment, we ference between creating positive social who did the bread and butter work of can all agree that there is room for imchange and repeating age-old patterns of caring for the ill and will never get credit provement in health care. for it. trauma and suffering. As the providers of care, repositories Compassion is empathy in action. The modalities used in healing have of knowledge, and the face of healthcare, When we unite our capacity to act with steadily evolved.The nature of science and physicians should be at the forefront of our capacity to care, emotional intelli- medicine requires constant revision and this charge. We need to demand fair and gence becomes a powerful tool to help re-analysis in pursuit of new cures and transparent pricing for our patients. We us stay true to our ethical compass and treatments. The medical miracles of today need to modify our current communicademonstrate leadership in our communi- couldn’t have existed without the trials tion systems, so we are accessible and apties during challenging times. and errors of generations past. proachable to all.We need to advocate for more time to practice medicine in the way REFLECT: What self-limiting beliefs, unconIt may seem to some that medical scious habits of mind, emotional triggers, or knowledge is owned by the people with that leads to the best health outcomes, impulsive reactions tend to get in the way of the training to use it. With a historical not the most profit. We need to take back achieving your desired outcomes, and how analysis this view quickly breaks down. power and ownership of healing for ourcan you better manage those obstacles? Dr. Henry Heimlich could not possibly selves and for our patients. What is the best possible future you can see “own” the Heimlich maneuver, nor could To physicians everywhere – let’s take around your cause? What will enable you to Dr. Charles Drew “own” the blood trans- back ownership of healthcare! keep going despite obstacles, or to bounce fusion. Both advances were developed back from defeat? Who do you have a genu- with and for patients. Therefore, it is the Oren Gersten is a board-certified family docine interest in helping, who could benefit from patients who benefit from the treatments tor who brings his passion for connecting and your experience? and physicians who administer them who caring for people to his private practice, Portland Direct Primary Care. Reach him at (207) collectively own this knowledge. 618-9792 or visit the website at PortlandIn modern health care, most physi- DirectCare.com.

We have seen that being an elected official is not the same thing as being a good leader, and that being ethical is not exclusive to the political left or right. We have also seen that we don’t have to be in positions of formal power to demonstrate leadership. And that acts of Michael Stern (www.IntegralAlignkindness and compassion can help bridge ment.com) is a certified Emotional painful cultural divides. Intelligence coach whose mission is to As a coach I work with what I call support others in creating a better life “Emerging Leaders” every day – people and a more beautiful world.

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THE WEST END NEWS | JULY 2020

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Escape to the Great Smoky Mountains By Nancy Dorrans

They offered to let me pass. I decided to Spending three months in E. Tennes- stay with them and listen, to learn from see with my family (while unexpected) has them about these towering giants. been loaded with special moments and memories, and I remain grateful. However, I was also literally itching to get outside, hike, and explore a bit more of the area, with proper precautions of course.

Over the three days I met hikers from nearby and from away: Ohio, Michigan, Florida, and Alabama to name a few. We all practiced social distancing. It seemed everyone was just happy to be outside, hungry for and engaging in conversations about the trail, trees, and these times, and wishing each other the best.

On May 9th, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (a one to two hours’ drive from where I was staying) began reopening. The first phase included many roads and trails within the park.

ROAD TRIPS Will road trips become the next phase in travel? I think so. It is already starting. My solo road trip to the Smoky Mountains was liberating! “Right now, a road trip means freedom – freedom from stay-at-home orders, freedom from the daily routine, and freedom to get a bit of that travel bug met,” (“Safety Tips for Solo Road Trips during Covid-19, Kiowa County Press).

Albright Grove is an excellent example of an old-growth cove hardwood forest, containing some of the oldest and tallest trees in the park. They pointed out massive Eastern Hemlocks, Tulip Poplars, Basswood, Beeches, Maples, Magnolias, and what they believed to be the huge trunk of a toppled American Chestnut tree.What a While there were no black flies to truly magical day. Add dendrophile to my bother me in Tennessee, I did get bit by pandemic personal descriptive. ticks, stung by bees, and had poison ivy. Starting with a list of “16 Must-Do Ironically, I am still embracing and itching hikes” within the park (Outdoorproject. my travel bug! com), I began to plan out my trip. I booked an Airbnb cabin in Cosby for two nights Postscript and chose three hikes nearby: Albright It wasn’t until my drive back from Cosby Grove Loop Trail, Mount Cammerer, and that I became aware of the death of George Ramsey Cascades. Floyd and the erupting global protests. Thank you, to all of you for what you are doing to BAXTER CABIN help make change locally. Please be safe, take good care, and be kind. Since hiking in the National Park was now permitted, and to get a bit of relief from the pandemic, I borrowed my father’s car and headed out on a three-day solo road trip. I purposely avoided the craziness of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and drove a bit further east to less crowded trails and the quiet mountain rural town of Cosby, Tennessee.

The Small Sky Hollow Cabin was the perfect spot for my getaway. Surrounded by mountains and plenty of fresh air, Jim and his sweet dog Eddie were excellent hosts along with the nearly full moon, fireflies, and sounds of the “frogs in yonder pond.” To get to the Albright Grove I took the Maddron Bald trail that was built by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) in the early 1930’s. I soon passed a oneroom log cabin known as the Baxter Cabin. Built in 1889 by Willis Baxter, the cabin was a wedding present for his son, constructed from one single giant chestnut tree. Could Willis be related to Percival Baxter? The thought crossed my mind.

HIKING & HIKERS

Nancy Dorrans is an independent entrepreneur, volunteer, painter, outdoor enthusiast, dendrophile, traveler, and travel advisor at Adventure Marketplace. She is a resident of the West End … back in Maine as of June 23rd. -Photos courtesy of Nancy Dorrans

OLD-GROWTH FOREST I passed only two hikers and their dogs on the way up Maddron Bald. Just past the trail junction to the Albright Grove Loop I came upon a group of four older gentlemen staring up into the giant trees. Not bird watching but tree gazing!

The next day, via the Low Gap trail and Appalachian Trail, I reached the panoramic 4,928-foot summit of Mount Cammerer: total elevation gain 3,045, highest elevation 5,054. The third day on my way home I hiked up to Ramseys Cascades.

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THE WEST END NEWS | JULY 2020

THE WEST END NEWS

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

Maine’s U.S. attorney wants you to know there is no such thing as facemask exemption cards and the misuse of the D.O.J. seal is a federal crime… Quaker Oats retires the 131-year-old Aunt Jemima name and brand in response to the BLM movement… NEA awards $50,000 grant to Portland Ovations for a series of projects in partnership with Indigo Arts Alliance and Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center featuring work of Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists… Get your swagger on with WMPG summer socks that are only available as a thank you gift for donating to Portland’s best community radio station… Maine Youth for Climate Justice endorse Betsy Sweet (D) for U.S. Senate believing she can win and her policies will bring about a more climate-conscious future… In unnecessary list news for the month of June, Wallethub lists Maine as the state with the 4th Most Improved Health during the Covid-19 pandemic… Also from Wallethub, Maine is 2020’s Safest State with the least amount of assaults per capita… And from Effortless Insurance, Portland is the 5th Best City for Same-Sex Married Couples… From the world of social media, Reddit bans The_Donald, its biggest community devoted to President Trump, citing hate speech and harassment… Likewise citing racist and violent content on Facebook and Instagram, local solar installer ReVision Energy pulls its advertising from both platforms and donates their July ad budget to local ACLU chapters…

Published by Zeli Enterprises, LLC 795 Congress Street Portland, Maine 04102 www.thewestendnews.com thewestendnews@gmail.com Tony Zeli, Publisher & Editor Rick Ness, Sales Printed in Maine by Lincoln County Publishing Co.

ALL SALES INQUIRIES Contact Rick Ness 207-577-7025 rickthewestendnews@gmail.com

VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS Nancy Dorrans, Travel & Adventure James Fereira, The Portland Palate Dr. Oren Gersten, Beyond 7 Minutes Rosanne Graef, La Vida Local Kelly Merrill, Reporting Michael Stern, Emotional Intelligence Leo Knighton Tallarico, Astrology Liz Trice, Interviewing Layne Witherell, Layne's Wine Gig

Thank you for contributions from Susana Hancock, Citizens' Climate Lobby Mary Alice Scott, Portland Buy Local Ben Taylor, Best Worst Trivia Northern Light Mercy Hospital & Portland Climate Action Team

Thank you for reading! The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in our pages belong solely to the authors and not necessarily to the publication.

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JULY EDITION 2020

The West End News July 2020 Vol. 20 No. 07

Articles inside

Providing a Safe Return to Health Care