JUNE 2021.VOL. 21, NO. 06. PORTLAND, MAINE.
PORTLAND’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER. FREE!
Charter Commission faces far-reaching issues
Analysis: Political enthusiasm may be too great for charter commissioners to take a narrow view of their role By Tony Zeli
No matter who is elected to the Portland Charter Commission, whatever agendas they bring and whatever process they choose to follow, the public will be involved and ready to fight for the issues they care about. On June 8th, Portland voters select nine additional members to a twelve-member charter commission. Five members represent the city’s five political districts and four are at-large members. The city council already appointed the remaining three seats to former school board member Peter Eglinton, ACLU of Maine Policy Counsel Michael Kebede, and former City Councilor Dory Waxman. Many describe the city charter as being like the US Constitution, but for our city. It is not the worst metaphor. Like the Constitution, the City of Portland Charter grants powers to the city government, lays out rules for electing city officials, and begins with a pithy preamble. Unlike the Constitution, the city charter has no version of the Bill of Rights. The city charter is more focused on the perfunctory rules that enable the city to conduct business. For instance, the charter governs everything from city council and mayoral pay rates to how the city borrows money.
WHY NOW? Ultimately, the charter commission was formed because of a local petition for public campaign financing. Fair Election Portland turned in a qualifying ballot petition for a local Clean Elections system, but the Portland City Council decided to send the issue to a charter commission rather than to -WEN file photo by T. Zeli voters – since it would require a change to the charter. Portland voters approved of the charter commission in a vote in July 2020.
Banner by Artists' Rapid Response Team (ARRT!). -Photo by Karen Silverman (2021)
CLIMATE JUSTICE FEATURE
David vs. Goliath
South Portland's Ongoing Struggle Against Big Oil
Of course, as was the case a little over a decade ago when the city last formed a By Espahbad Dodd charter commission, once the commission was opened there were plenty of other Speaking with people around issues that people were ready to discuss. town, I’m struck by how little folks know about the David versus Goliath battle that is ongoing just across THE ISSUES the Fore River in South Portland. It Public Campaign Financing started in 2013 and continues until today and is a case of the underdog Arguably the first issue on the agenwinning against incredible odds… at da should be public campaign financing. least for now. Like Maine’s Clean Elections system, local candidates would qualify for funding from This is fundamentally a story about the city to run their campaigns. The last small “d” democracy and activism. It’s a charter commission discussed public fi- story about a community and those who nancing, but enough commissioners were live there. And it’s a story about fighting concerned about costs to sink the idea. the humongous power and influence of a gigantic industry with little more than Role of the Mayor spirit and a "slingshot."
Another difference: the US Constitution is not regularly amended in a wholesale way by an elected commission. The charter commission can drastically change the dynamics of government, potentially creating an entire new branch of governThe push led by progressives to crement like an executive mayor. However, ate a position of a popularly elected mayor the charter commission can only make kickstarted the last charter commission. recommendations. Portland voters get to And the balance of power between the approve or reject any amendments they put forth. Cont'd on Pg. 3
In this case, by putting the well-being of children and the elderly together with every resource they could muster, the underdogs miraculously came out on top. It’s a short history, an alive, ever-evolving sto-
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Espahbad Dodd lives on State Street in the West End. He is a member of the Portland Climate Action Team and the primary editor of that team’s monthly Bright Ideas column (see Pg. 18). Readers may reach him at espahbad@gmail. com. He welcomes feedback. ry, of the City of South Portland which has long been treated by the petroleum industry as an industrial “sacrifice zone.” Initially, people living in South Portland and their supporters sought to prevent the reversal of the Portland-Montreal Pipeline to bring tar sands oil from Canada. More recently, it has become a battle for clean air. How did it start? Who was behind it? Where does it currently stand? And where could it be headed?
Cont'd on Pg. 4
Page 8
Interview with entrepreneur Eric Kalala, owner of Chez Castel
Page 9
Antitrust enforcement is having a moment
Page 7
Surviving Cancer: What’s Next? From the Cancer care team at Northern Light Mercy
Pages 12-13
Layne's Wine Gig presents unusual Sake pairings and Sake Mini-glossary
Page 14
West End traveler Nancy Dorrans takes us to Namibia and Botswana
Page 15
Puzzles and Best Worst Trivia presents Maine Lakes
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THE WEST END NEWS | JUNE 2021
FROM THE EDITOR
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Many recent studies have documented a decline in public trust in journalism. The trend is perhaps unsurprising given the decline in trust in institutions more broadly. Without trustworthy sources of information how do we come together around a common vision? How does any community unite to solve common problems without shared truth?
INSIDE THIS EDITION Best Worst Trivia.........................................15 Bright Ideas...................................................18 Business & Community.............................8-9 Climate Justice.............................................18 Crossword....................................................15 Dumpster......................................................19 Events...............................................................6 Food & Drink.........................................12-13 Health & Wellness.........................................7 La Vida Local................................................16 Layne's Wine Gig...................................12-13 Map Page.................................................10-11 Neighborhood News...................................3 PelotonPosts...................................................8 Portland Buy Local........................................9 Puzzles...........................................................15 Travel..............................................................14 We're All in This Together.........................18 Words in Words..........................................15
The good news is that consumers of the news have plenty of tactics they are deploying to get to the truth of the matter. A study published in The International Journal of Press/Politics interviewed 55 young people of differing nationalities living in the Netherlands. “The trust gap: Young people’s tactics for assessing the reliability of political news,” by Joëlle Swart and Marcel Broersma, looked into “the WEN is a community newspaper and apparent paradox of why people may con- we need your voice! Share your submissume news that they do not trust and may sions with thewestendnews@gmail.com or send to: not trust the news that they use.” The West End News Basically, the results suggest that Attn: Editor “rather than critically evaluating news 795 Congress Street through comparing and checking sourcPortland, Maine 04102 es, users often employ more pragmatic
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shortcuts to approximate the trustworthiness of news.” These tactics included familiarity, endorsements by peers, design, tone, and even one’s gut feeling. Ultimately, for the young participants, it was not a matter of whether they could or could not trust a source, but rather whether it was “trustworthy enough.”
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We hope that our pages give you a good feeling in your gut and that you find us “trustworthy enough.” Written by your neighbors, you will find endless amounts of community knowledge and connections in our pages, circulated monthly for free - for all who want to read The News.
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The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in our pages belong solely to the Don’t accept our news uncritically. authors and not necessarily to the publiIf you spot an error, please write to me cation. so I can correct it. If you have a differing opinion, please share it in a letter. I print opposing views, but I need to hear from our readers to share them. Email me at thewestendnews@gmail.com. Published by Zeli Enterprises, LLC Thank you for reading! -Tony Zeli, Publisher & Editor
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
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Charter Commission faces far-reaching issues
Compassionate & Innovative Memory Care
Cont'd from Front Page
Early summer days in the courtyard are quite remarkable, especially because good friends, birding enthusiasts and gardeners will find each other.
popularly-elected mayor and the appoint- Noncitizen Voting Rights ed city manager has been a thorny issue Should legal residents who are not ever since. Historically, the city manager holds a position of great authority that is citizens vote for city council and school board? This issue failed to come out of the only accountable to city councilors. last commission. It did make it on the local Those who opposed creating a mayor ballot and barely lost a citywide vote. position voiced concerns about cronyism and “Chicago-style” politics. So, the char- Composition of Council, Term ter commission of 2009 created a com- Limits, other Elected Positions promise. Or as they called it, a hybrid-sysCurrently, we elect nine city counciltem consisting of a weak political leader ors: five each from geographically defined (the mayor) and a strong administerial voting districts and four at-large, one of leader (the city manager). The mayor has whom is the mayor. They serve three-year little power other than political tools and terms, except for the mayor, who gets a budget veto that has never been used. four years to enact their political vision.
Ranked Choice Voting
Ranked choice voting in Portland was originally only for the popularly elected mayor. Later in 2020 voters overwhelmingly approved a local referendum to use ranked choice voting in all city elections. However, the last charter commission wrote the language specifically for the mayor’s position, and it mandates majority support from voters. This requires a different tabulation process in multi-seat elections, like for charter commission.The current charter commission will likely discuss the following language from the charter: “the city clerk shall conduct an instant runoff tabulation as provided … until the candidate with the majority of votes cast is determined.”
Police Investigate Attack in West End
www.FallbrookWoods.com (207) 878-0788 60 Merrymeeting Drive ~ Portland
Should the council have at-large members? Maybe instead of five, twelve voting districts would match up better with our small neighborhoods? How long should city council terms be, and should there be term limits? Councilors often serve for decades. Last time a charter commission met they spent more than enough time discussing the timing of elections. Even or odd years? Summer or fall? Also, should voters elect the city manager, clerk, and/ or attorney? Others want to create and elect a public advocate.
And the list of issues for the commission continues: • Pay rate for elected officials and city workers • Police accountability and public complaints • Create a human rights commission • Require racial impact statements on ordinances and the budget • Create more public process in budgeting
The commission will have to determine a process for reviewing the charter, and from the start Portland residents The Portland Police Department is should be involved. After all, nothing will investigating an attack that happened on be amended without voters’ approval. the night of Wednesday, May 5th around 9:40 p.m. on Gray Street. A female victim Tony Zeli is publisher and editor. Reach reported being punched several times in him at thewestendnews@gmail.com. the face and head. The victim told officers that she was out walking and talking on her phone at the time when she felt someone Charter Commission tap her on the shoulder. When she turned Timeline around, a male suspect punched her in the face and she fell to the ground. The July 14, 2020 - City of Portland votsuspect continued punching her before ers approved creating a charter comleaving the scene in an unknown direction. mission to open up the city charter The suspect was described as a white for review. man with a slim build, standing between August 10, 2020 - The Portland 5’5”- 6’ tall and was wearing dark clothing City Council approved the appointand possibly a ski mask and hood. ment of three members to serve on Due to the nature of the attack, the charter commission and estabpolice are advising anyone who may be lished that nine additional members walking alone to take extra care to proelected by Portland voters will serve tect themself.This includes being alert and on the commission. monitoring your surroundings and staying October 5, 2020 - The council set in well-lit areas. the election date for when voters will If anyone has information that could choose the remaining members. help solve this crime, please contact Portland Police. Anonymous phone tips Tuesday, June 8, 2021 – Voters can be left on the Portland Police Deelect the remaining nine members of partment’s Crime Tip line: 207-874-8584. the charter commission using ranked Mobile phone users can text the keyword choice voting. “PPDME” plus their message to 847411 (TIP411).
Trees ◊ Shrubs ◊ Evergreens Annuals ◊ Succulents ◊ Air Plants Perennials ◊ Herbs ◊ Roses Pottery ◊ Vegetable Seedlings
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THE WEST END NEWS | JUNE 2021
CLIMATE JUSTICE FEATURE
An On-going David vs. Goliath Struggle: The Portland-Montreal Pipeline
ly was and seeing the extensive amount of citizen engagement, the mayor and city council enacted a six-month moratorium on further action. During this time, a draft ordinance committee was formed to put together the South Portland Clear Skies Ordinance (CSO). This ordinance was immediately passed by the city council to become law on July 21st, 2014.
The origins may be traced back to a massive oil spill in the Kalamazoo River in 2013, as well as the tragedy that befell Lac Megantic, Canada, when a “bomb train” derailed.The Lac Megantic disaster demolished much of the town and filled the skies with cancerous pollution. Both disasters were wake-up calls that motivated climate activists to oppose fossil fuel production more vigorously. So, when the petroleum industry proposed reversing the aging 75-yearold Portland-Montreal Pipeline - which had been used to carry oil to Canada the fight was on. Reversing the pipeline would bring tar sands oil directly to South Portland for export overseas. This dirty oil would pass through Canada, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine before arriving in South Portland. The pipeline crosses numerous water sources, including Sebago Lake which provides drinking water to 20% of Maine’s population. What could go wrong with that? To make matters worse, two 70foot smokestacks were to be built on the shores of Casco Bay. The smokestacks would emit toxic carcinogenic fumes into neighborhoods, threaten health, and imperil crucial marine and tourism industries.
In South Portland the Community Rallies The resulting groundswell of community outrage was led by the Natural Resources Council of Maine, Environment Maine, Sierra Club, and the fledging 350 Maine. They held rallies and lead marches to raise public awareness. Gradually, the resistance grew as more people realized the risks. Upwards of 2,000 people marched to and rallied on the Portland State Pier. This led to the ensuing David versus Goliath battle, as young and old South Portlanders pitted themselves against the American Petroleum Industry en masse. But the odds against the people were simply enormous.
The South Portland Clear Skies Ordinance is a declaration of home rule and a confirmation of the community’s right to self-determination in protecting its citizens and the planet from the dirtiest oil on the planet. It stopped corporate oil in its tracks. Now, with clearly defined battle lines, the issue of the ordinance and right to home rule has gone to court where it remains to this day. A ruling against the peoSchool playground in South Portland with tanks behind. -Photo by Karen Silverman ple could still come down. But due to the decline of the oil industry and ever-changing market conditions reversing the pipehind the action. South Portland resident and represent their interests. They presline is unlikely to occur. Rachael Burger heard the call to action sured the Fire Fighters Union into supand decided to whip up community sup- porting them. With industry advocates In any event, Protect South Portland port against the pipeline. They formed wearing red t-shirts and sitting on one now has other concerns. Concerned Citizens of South Portland side of the high school gym at meetings, (later to morph into Protect South Port- the people of South Portland wore blue From Pipelines to Tank land). With supporters going door-to- and sat on the other side, vastly outnumFarms door, larger and larger numbers of people bering the reds. signed petitions and showed up to testify According to Rachael Burger, “We The LePage administration’s Departat public meetings. were very aware that we had stopped ment of Environmental Protection (DEP) some terrible pollution from happening, According to Rachael, “It took time sided with the oil companies. Residents but we didn’t fully realize that there were to garner support. We started with only eventually learned that the South Portland 120 oil tanks in SoPo.” ten people and, over the course of a year, Code Enforcement Officer had ruled in held hundreds of meetings in our living 2009 that the 70-foot smokestacks were The South Portland tank farms are rooms. Initially, we had no idea of what “not structures but equipment.” This located amidst peaceful residential neighwe were doing, but with guidance from formed the basis for granting Portland borhoods just across the Fore River from professionals at Toxic Action Maine (now Pipeline Company a permit. Portland. Indeed, the deep waters of CasCommunity Action Works), we learned to Pollution from those smokestacks co Bay make it an attractive site for exbe more effective in our door-to-door efporting oil. But the people are no longer forts. Seventy-percent of those we spoke would have contaminated air in the entire going along with the oil industry’s plans. Greater Portland region for decades to with were supportive.” come, destroying the waterfront and rais- Their health concerns and worries about the environment must be addressed. Another South Portland resident, ing the stakes for residents. Roberta Zuckerman, emphasizes that RaSo, with fears of a pipeline reversal chael is “truly the mother/grandmother Clear Skies for South abated, the fight for clean air went into of Protect South Portland. She’s the rock full swing. However, in March 2016, resiPortland that keeps us rooted to our purpose.” dents had a rude awakening. The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that some petroleum tanks of Global Partners had vastly exceeded their permitted emission limits. Soon to follow was the news that Sprague had also violated its permit. So much for the industry’s “good neighbors” campaign.
It was a tremendous effort by the people to draw up and collect the signatures needed for a comprehensive Waterfront Protection Ordinance. The City The oil industry pulled out all the Council voted against the initiative. At Organizers put out the call for a ded- stops to undermine the citizen mobiliza- the last minute, citizens collected 4,000 icated group in South Portland to get be- tion. They hired people to ring doorbells signatures (three times what was needed) to place the issue on the ballot for a city-wide vote. A day before that vote, citizens linked arms and lined the Casco Bay Bridge in a milelong human chain. With a 45% voter turnout, the ordinance failed by a mere 197 votes.
This news came as a shock to Protect South Portland and others who had been focused exclusively on the pipeline. They wanted to know the real health risks of long-term exposure to the toxins in the emissions.
Realizing how big an issue this real-
Cont'd on Pg. 5
Oil Industry Pushes Back
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CLIMATE JUSTICE FEATURE
THE WEST END NEWS | JUNE 2021
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A Brief History of the Fight for Clear Skies in South Portland The DEP, unfortunately, was consistently evasive in answering residents’ questions. They alleged that it would take time to gather the needed information. They claimed to have neither the personnel nor financial resources to conduct a proper study. Simple, straightforward questions couldn’t be answered. As a result, tank companies were left up to their own devices. For monitoring emissions, they used a mathematical formula created by the American Petroleum Institute. Was this a case of the fox guarding the hen house?
The People vs. Big Oil
has also been linked to making people more vulnerable to Covid-19. But who’s to say what an acceptable amount of risk is?
Current Monitoring Efforts In the midst of scientific uncertainly, it was prudent to be cautious. Those living near tanks needed to know the extent to which tank farm emissions were compromising their health. Emission monitoring was vitally important. Responding to citizen pressure, the Maine DEP finally set up five ambient monitoring stations. However, the siting of the monitors was too far from the sources of emissions to be of much real value. Nonetheless, the results revealed elevated levels of naphthalene and benzene, both considered hazardous air pollutants by the EPA. Benzene, a known carcinogen, should have a zero-tolerance standard according to most experts.
The Clean Air Advisory Committee is recommending fence line monitoring Supporters listen intently with tanks in such as that proposed by EPA Region 1 background, at an April 23, 2021 rally. scientist Patrick Byrd in 2016 but never -Photo by Karen Silverman funded. Meanwhile, citizen scientists could The fight for clean air pitted the implement a low-cost method to monipeople against all tank farm operators in tor some emissions for a cost of $1500 South Portland rather than a single com- a month. pany. Residents were once again thrown Since the technology needed to radback on their own resourcefulness as they ically reduce and/or control toxic tank investigated the science of VOCs (Vola- emissions already exists, there is little justile Organic Compounds). The rank, rot- tification for not taking immediate action. ten-egg, burnt-oil smells were a nuisance, Install the required equipment, known but the toxic gases emitted could not be as Vapor Recovery Units. Other states seen and people were getting sick. Resi- mandate this. And oil companies must, of dents needed to prove that their health course, foot the bill for such equipment. concerns were legitimate. To do that re- Consider it a cost of doing business in quired certain knowledge based on solid Maine. research and facts. It was destined to be a nuanced, complex fight. A successful campaign would require elevated public awareness and education which, in turn, would mean more meetings and rallies to get media coverage. All while also lobbying for state legislation to require oil companies to eliminate the dangerous vapors. Outside experts were brought in to help residents understand, in lay terms, complex reports about chemical releases and exposure rates. The City Council formed the Clean Air Advisory Committee to study the question. Long-term exposure to the toxins in question are known to cause respiratory illness, neurological problems, liver and kidney problems, and cancer. Air pollution
Broadening Efforts
Rachel Burger with sign. -Photo by Karen Silverman (2021)
the dangerous toxins. But what happens if legislative action falls short of citizen hopes and expectations? Where would the people of South Portland and their supporters go from there? This is yet to be known but, after evaluating their options, we can be sure that the battle will continue.
The people see no other alternative if they wish to have healthy, happy lives. They could, of course, continue pressuring the governor and state legislature to pass more favorable legislation. They could also find the funding needed to do their own fence line monitoring to gather the data needed to substantiate their claims of health risks. And there could be more street action to raise ruckus and increase public outrage while producing negative press for tank companies. People from all over New England might even be motivatBills and resolutions currently before ed, and some people could get arrested the State Legislature could, finally, bring for civil disobedience. the power and resources of the State’s We just don’t know now how things DEP to bear on the problem. It’s time to require tank farm operators to eliminate will play out. However it ends, we hope it Protect South Portland recently broadened its outreach and scope by forming a coalition with eleven other health and environmentally oriented groups, including Physicians for Social Responsibility, Defend Our Health, American Lung Association, Maine Association of Naturopathic Doctors, Conservation Law Foundation, Sierra Club, Natural Resources Council of Maine, 350Maine, Community Action Works, Portland Climate Action Team, and Elders for Future Generations.
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is favorable to the health and well-being of the people of South Portland.
“I
t’s important in a democracy for people to feel they have a voice, and that regular people can participate in our world and communities. SoPo people now realize that they have a way to become involved and to come together as a community. Lots of things are now being addressed and getting done.” -Roberta Zuckerman, Protect South Portland Espahbad Dodd lives on State Street in the West End. He is a member of the Portland Climate Action Team and the primary editor of that team’s monthly Bright Ideas column. Readers may reach him at espahbad@gmail.com. He welcomes feedback. Disclosure: Publisher-Editor Tony Zeli is a board member of Green Initiatives Education Fund, an organization that advocated against the reversal of the Portland to Montreal Pipeline.
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THE WEST END NEWS | JUNE 2021
WHAT'S GOING ON
EVENTS JUNE 2021 COMMUNITY Art, Events, and Happiness... VivMo Shorts: Fairy Tales West End Neighborhood Visit THE WAve MURAL and Folklore on the Virtu- Association June Meeting Root Wild Kombucha on Washington Ave Wed., June 9th | 6:30 - 7:30 PM | Reiche Indigo Arts al Stage May 28 – June 11th | Available on-demand | School Playground - under the tent Please join us for the June meeting Tickets: $5 - $20 (pay what you can) outdoors at Reiche School Playground. Vivid Motion is putting its VivMo We were sequestered for far too long. It’s Shorts: Fairy Tales and Folklore on the time to reconnect with our neighbors—in virtual stage from May 28th to June 11th. person! Come when you can, leave when Our choreographers have taken stories you must, and share if you would. and turned them into short dance vignettes - each with its own quirky and IF YOU ARE FULLY VACCINATED, innovative style. there is no mask requirement, however From contemporary ballet to bubble- this will be managed entirely on each indigum pop, with a little modern, jazz, hip- vidual’s honor system. Please respect the hop and sneaker ballet thrown in; there’s concerns of others who remain vulnerasomething for everyone! Some classic ble due to unrelated health issues. Mother Goose, a new spin on Hansel and Gretel, and a journey through The Woods are among the tales being told through dance this spring. Each short dance is its own small story filmed in a variety of locations and streamed to the comfort of your home.
We will host Coreena Behnke, the youth services officer for the Portland Police Department and lead instructor for self-defense training in partnership with the Amy St Laurent Foundation. She will be giving us tips for self-defense, insight into the complaint process, and more. Come Since we started this whole project with questions and prepared to learn. back in February, we’ve been working hard Also on the agenda: updates about to bring you a dance show in a safe, social- happenings in the neighborhood, possible ly distant way. We had two separate casts return of concerts on the Western Promto allow more people to dance while still enade, Winter Street/Mercy development staying at least six feet apart. The entire update, August Picnic planning… And we time masks adorned our faces. Each tale want to hear from you! was rehearsed for three weeks and then For more info visit wenamaine.org. filmed on the fourth week. Filmed at St. Lawrence Arts and Baxter Woods in Portland Maine - this is dance for film, not simply a dance video. When you purchase a ticket, you will get a link that is unique to you. You will have 24 hours to watch the show.You can pause, or rewatch it, as many times as you like in those 24 hours. So, while we hope to see you back in the theater soon, come see us online for now! For ticketing information head to vividmotion.org or contact us at vividmotion@vividmotion.org.
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Alliance (IAA), a Black-led creative organization cultivating the development of artists of African descent, is thrilled to announce the completion of the WAve Mural created by Portland-based artists Ryan and Rachel Adams. Located at Root Wild Kombucha on Washington Ave, the WAve mural exhibits the power of artist collaboration by bringing together four additional artists including IAA artist-in-residence alums Pam Chévez ‘21 and Ebenezer Akakpo ‘19, and husband and wife duo Jason Brown and Donna Decontie of Decontie-Brown. This project incorporates design elements from each artist inspired by their cultural heritage. The overall concept was informed by the tradition of quilt making. The layout of the mural is constructed by using elements of Freedom Quilts, quilts that were given to slaves in the 1800s that were alleged to contain directions to free states.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Surviving Cancer: What’s Next? By the medical team at Northern Light Mercy Cancer Care All of us, or someone close to us, has likely been touched by a diagnosis of cancer. “Survivor” is a word that can be used to describe someone who was treated and no longer has cancer or is living with cancer now. About 17 million people in the United States are now considered cancer survivors, living longer and more productive lives than ever. June is National Cancer Survivor Month, and it’s important to recognize that surviving cancer can result in a range of experiences. It can be traumatic, provide an opportunity for growth, or be somewhere in between. Regardless of the path it takes, surviving cancer can be a transformative experience emotionally and physically.
Trying to get back to ‘normal’ Common concerns for many survivors focus on managing fears that cancer might return or that concentration or energy are not as good as they once were. It may take a while to find a balance between managing these concerns and moving forward with the “new normal” of life. This is especially true if physical fatigue or discomfort from cancer treatments are taking a while to go away. Some are surprised to realize they have mixed feelings about ending their treatment. While they are happy to have
THE WEST END NEWS | JUNE 2021
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Content Provided By Northern Light Mercy Hospital is a nonprofit community hospital sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. it over, they need to adjust to changes in routines and less frequent contact with their medical team. Once time and energy are more available to a survivor, they and their loved ones may be thinking about what is most important to them in life. This assessment of priorities is very normal, and it can be helpful to consider expressing these thoughts to a trusted friend, in a journal, or through other creative work.
Support for survivors A patient’s medical team includes a social worker for counseling. Therapists, clergy, and support groups can also help sort out feelings during the transition to healthy survivorship. Practical ways to manage these concerns start by using relaxation as the foundation for clear thinking and problem solving. Setting aside some time each day, even a few minutes, for doing something relaxing can make a big difference. For example, breathing exercises, meditation, prayer, or any activity that relaxes the body and mind is a good start. Taking control of worrisome thoughts by gathering facts can help move beyond
Cancer care team members at Northern Light Mercy unrealistic concerns. Making reasonable plans while remaining flexible can help us manage easing into new routines. And remaining in the moment by being mindful and focused on the next task can help get through even the most challenging situations. Relaxation and rest may help with any short-term memory problems, too. Occupational and physical therapy can be a big help in learning how to manage fatigue, getting around, poor balance, swelling, or difficulty concentrating. This type of therapy can help survivors get back to doing the things most important to them. Getting regular exercise has a protective effect on health, and it may boost energy and mood. Support for survivors is also available from registered dieticians. More than just diets, survivors can receive assistance with healthy lifestyle changes, including how to shop within a budget for tasty and nutritious meals.
friends and relatives may not understand the real challenges survivors are going through, especially if they “look good” on the outside. Caregivers may be adjusting to their changing roles as well, wondering what they need to do to be most helpful. Survivorship may also require coming to grips with the financial impact of cancer. Changes in employment are often on the minds of survivors. They may be wondering if their work is fulfilling or whether they have the energy to do it. While financial situations may have changed since first being diagnosed, the medical team’s social workers and financial counselors can help a lot with these concerns.
A team to lean on
If you or a loved one are a cancer survivor, you’ve been through a lot and learned much. We encourage you to celebrate your accomplishments and use this occasion for personal growth and exploration. Please remember that the care Readjusting to life team at Northern Light Mercy Cancer Being a cancer survivor sometimes Care will always be available to you for requires increased attention to relation- support. ships with family and friends. Survivors might be treated like they can’t do as Northern Light Mercy Hospital is much for themselves as they once did. Or a paid advertiser.
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THE WEST END NEWS | JUNE 2021
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY What’s next for you?
Eric Kalala: Entrepreneur
and owner of Chez Castel
I would like to be part of the first generation of successful Black entrepreneurs in Maine. Maine is mostly white. If there are more prominent Black entrepreneurs in Maine, then other minorities will feel that they too can make it here.
Once my family arrives – my wife is also skilled in running businesses – I want to move into real estate and learn how to Every month PelotonLabs co-founder Liz Trice interviews a local community member. flip houses, then open an art gallery and This month, Liz caught up with Eric Kalala, the owner of Chez Castel, an African a restaurant. Many people rent for years, specialty food store. Before coming to Maine, Eric was the Co-Founder & General Secbut they can use that same money to buy retary of the National Chamber of Commerce of the Democratic Republic of Congo. their own properties. Owning one’s own land brings stability and increases retention. ing for new specialty food items that are I came here because I believe in free Tell me about your store, expensive to import from Africa. speech, which wasn’t supported in my Chez Castel. Why did home country. The regime wanted me to Visit Chez Castel at 799 ForAnd you also led the Chamjoin them, but I wanted to stay neutral and est Ave, Unit C, right next to you choose that name ber of Commerce for Congo, not be part of a political party. I’m looking Saigon Restaurant, (207) 618and what do you sell? forward to bringing my wife and kids here 2909. right? to live a peaceful life. My birth name was Muteba Kalala. Yes. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in When I was baptized, I got a Christian Electrical Engineering then I moved to name, Eric Castel. People call me Eric Johannesburg, South Africa, for ten years, How amazing that you led Kalala for short. My friend Stefanie Trice starting two business computing centers DRC’s National Chamber of Content Provided By Gill, Founder of IntWork, suggested I call and a restaurant. Commerce! Are you on any PelotonPosts is created by Pelotonit “Chez Castel” which is French for “Casleadership committees here? Labs and WEN provides column space tel’s Place.” It’s not just a store, it’s also After returning to DRC, I discovered without charge. PelotonLabs has been I’ve applied for a few, but they never a place for community members to meet that many people were trying to start a paid advertiser. WEN publisher and got back to me. and connect and feel at home. businesses, but there was no government editor Tony Zeli is a coworking member structure to help them, so I started coachNow that Chez Castel is doing well, at PelotonLabs. At Chez Castel, you can experience a ing people. I helped companies develop bit of African culture – African music and high-quality food products, then negotiat- many immigrants come to me and ask for languages, clothes and sandals, and taste ed to get them in the supermarkets, who advice on how to start their own business. Newcomers also ask for advice on how the flavors of Africa. When we learn from normally only sold imported products. to process their asylum application (I tell each other, it brings inclusion and understanding. You stop seeing the other as a That’s how I became the Co-Founder them to get a lawyer), about the health stranger, but as a brother or sister. Love & General Secretary of the Chamber of system, car insurance, etc. I also translate for them when they get letters. of culture is one of the keys that brings Commerce. people together. Residents are supposed to contribute While leading the Chamber, I led to the economy of the state where we Gastronomy is one of the things that business delegations to France, Morocco, live, but so many African immigrants who defines populations. You are the fruit of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbacome to Maine end up leaving for other PelotonLabs is a coworking space in what you eat. bwe, and South Africa. I was in charge of states. I don’t see any initiatives from the the West End of Portland, Maine with drafting our national strategic plan.We adI bring in food, clothes, shoes, and vised the government on how to stimulate state trying to retain them. I’d like to help a mission to connect and encourage cosmetics that Maine residents from An- development in each sector: agriculture, the state develop techniques to retain people working on their own to manigola, Rwanda, Burundi, Nigeria, Cameroon, energy, education, tourism, and infrastruc- them here. fest their visions without fear. Gabon, Congo Brazzaville, Congo Kinsha- ture. I advised the government to orgasa are looking for. Some specialties include nize international salons – or conferences misili – a Congolese vegetable (fougère – for each sector. Last year, DRC held the PORTLAND [fern] in French), dried fish and eel, fresh first International Salon on Tourism – I inifish, goat with skin, bitiyo, a variety of fresh tiated that. 642CONGRESSST . vegetables, and bulk grains. 801. 8978 When I first got my work permit in the U.S., I worked days installing dish networks and nights caring for people with disabilities. But I was longing to be an entrepreneur again – that freedom, I missed it! When the opportunity came to open a store, I jumped at it. We opened on January 27th, 2020, just as Covid-19 was just starting – less than ideal timing! But now the business is taking off. I’m busy now, some days serving over 100 customers per day. I’m enjoying the growth, but it brings new challenges, such as people ask-
What brought you to Maine?
I like quiet, calm, clean places. I have been to Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Iowa, Maryland, D.C., Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts, and when I visited Maine, I fell in love. People here live a higher quality life and take more responsibility than in big cities. You don’t see trash in the street. Here we have many trees and breathe cleaner air. I like that it’s laid back, with less crime. As soon as I leave Maine, I miss it and want to come back. I feel safer in Maine than anywhere else in the U.S.
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BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
THE WEST END NEWS | JUNE 2021
Two ways to support local business this summer By Mary Alice Scott, Portland Buy Local Executive Director It’s no secret that local businesses have been hurting for the past year. What you may not know is that many local businesses were on the verge of closing even before “Covid” became part of our everyday language. Some of the things that can make or break a small, local business are obvious: location, ability to obtain and retain customers, good products and services, and creating a good customer experience. But many others are invisible to the general public. These challenges are often more difficult for individual businesses to control, like the ability to obtain funding and broader market forces (like a global pandemic).
The second way to help local businesses this summer may take you outside your comfort zone. But it’s vital to the long-term success of local businesses across the country. Flex your citizenship muscles and talk to your federal elected officials about antitrust.
Antitrust enforcement is having a moment. And just in time. After decades of neglect, there is bipartisan support for enforcing the antitrust laws that already exist and taking steps to ensure a fair market. In the fall of 2020, the House Subcommittee on Antitrust released a report after months of investigating companies like Amazon and Google. The report was a 449-page document. It made clear that big tech companies need to be broken up and better regulated. “Our investigation revealed an alarming pattern of business practices that degrade competition and stifle innovation,” said committee member Val Demings (DFL). “Competition must reward the best idea, not the biggest corporate account. We will take steps necessary to hold rulebreakers accountable.”
2020-21 Buy Local Guide & Map
Now, we need community members like you to ensure that Congress does Here are two ways to help local their job and follows through on the businesses this summer. One recommendations made in this report. will feel familiar, but the other Proposed legislation is expected to be you may not have thought of released in June, and when it does, we’ll need you to act in your role as a citizen. before. Let your elected officials know that local The first is the call-to-action you have businesses need a fair market to survive. heard before: Buy Local! Visit the local stores who have weathered the past year. Be extra nice to them. Leave more generous tips. Share your finds on social me- Mary Alice Scott is Executive Director dia! And keep buying gift cards. The supply of Portland Buy Local. The West End chain issues for many goods have not yet News is a Portland Buy Local member been resolved, and many local shops can and media partner. still use support with their cash flow.
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THE WEST
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Those people who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.
We can’t take any credit for our talents. It’s how we use them that counts. -Madeleine L’Engle
I don’t be in astrolog
Sagittarius and w -Arthur C
-Isaac Asimov
Magic has always worked in mysterious ways. -Nnedi Okorafor
Men often ask me, ‘Why are your female characters so paranoid?’ It’s not paranoia. It’s recognition of their situation. -Margaret Atwood
M I ac they w – my I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don’t let anybody tell you different. -Kurt Vonnegut
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FOOD & DRINK
THE WEST END NEWS | JUNE 2021
LAYNE'S WINE GIG PRESENTS
RETHINKING FOOD & WINE: UNUSUAL SAKE PAIRINGS MOMOKAWA PEARL JUNMAI GINGO NIGORI, SAKEONE, OREGON, $15.99 720ml. Nigori is slightly filtered, milky white cloudy and SLIGHTLY SWEET. Shake and serve chilled. Rich and creamy.
By Layne V. Witherell It is time to move away from the mundane and take two steps into the miraculous. The photo [right] is your author in our study in front of an ancient gong purchased serendipitously at the Fairfield Maine Antiques Market some years ago. Our operative thought: a peek at our eclectic West End lifestyle and an adventure into new ideas on food and wine. The Sake cup is by Matthew Hyleck via the Susan Maasch Gallery, Portland, Maine. Men’s kimono - origin unknown. Sake and brilliant new pairing ideas are by Momokawa/Sake-One, Oregon and Japan. Sake and sushi are a traditional and still exciting pairing. I have been thinking for several years about the possibility of a wide variety of alternatives (think pizza and Sake). This month we will look at some of those alternatives. Keep in mind, I am proposing that we become more creative with food, wine, and life. Let’s begin a 30-day moratorium on all things dull like Pinot Grigio, Rose, Vinho Verde, Malbec and Marlborough, and New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs. And, perhaps, include that increasingly expensive and equally boring non-adventuresome wine Sancerre. Our celebration will be drinking, thinking, and combining exciting pairings of alternative dishes accompanied by Sake.
Layne at home in the West End and looking to get creative with Sake. Sake cup: By Matthew Hyleck via the Susan Maasch Gallery, Portland. Men’s Kimono: Origin unknown. -All photos courtesy of L.Witherell
Paired with a charcuterie platter containing duck liver with pistachio, chicken liver pate, and Jasper Hill Highlander cheese. The medium dry, crisp Sake marries with both pates and creates a combined flavor and spirit, releasing umami as a flavor dance. A great, memorable pairing, smooth, soothing, and luscious. For color contrast and fun include a Cabernet Franc red alongside, place and price, a wine of Sake has been quaffed and savored for your choice. over two thousand years, and with a little imagination we can make our modern food and wine pairings considerably more fascinating as well.
Paired with a Creole Shrimp dish, recipe courtesy of The New York Times. Large Argentine shrimp that has the sweetness of lobster combined with Creole seasoning, bay leaves, garlic, cloves, hot sauce, and tomato sauce. The spiciness is a perfect foil to the slight sweetness of the Creole seasoning. The Nigori and the sweetness of the Creole shrimp are unique as a pairing. Sweet always works with sweet. You will never drink cheesy overpriced Rose as a food pairing again (save it for the beach). The milky color of the Nigori Sake in a clear wine glass is a pleasant shocker.
MOMOKAWA SILVER TOKUBETSU JUNMAI CRAFT SAKE, OREGON, $15.99 720 ml.
The DRIEST of their Sakes. All are vegan friendly, gluten-free, and Kosher. encourages you to linger over another bite and think about the next sip while This is the drink that replaces Pinot you are lingering... a show stopping revGrigio for the summer. elation. The dish is chicken Caesar salad, a perfect warm weather set of flavors. The chicken breast, greens, and dressing all pair effortlessly with the Sake. A great pairing
SAKE PAIRINGS MOMOKAKA DIAMOND JUNMAI GINJO, SAKE-ONE, OREGON, $15.99, 720 ml. Serve chilled. MEDIUM DRY, crisp with balance of soft water. Sake-One is a Pacific Northwest craft winery and importer that excels in high quality Sake. Their brand is Momokaka, together with a slew of imported Sakes. They have become the benchmark for American produced Sake.
A chicken Caesar salad paired with Momokawa Silver Tokubetsu Junmai Sake, the driest of Sake-One's vegan friendly, gluten-free, and Kosher Sake from Oregon and Japan.
Harcuterie platter containing duck liver with pistachio, chicken liver pate, and Jasper Hill Highlander cheese and paired with Momokaka Diamond Junmai Ginjo from Sake-One.
SAKE HOT OR COLD? Play with it. Pick your favorite temp.
Ah, the eternal question.Try one each of KIBO JUNMAI SAKE 180 ml can, $6.79 per can. One cold, one poured in a glass bowl and microwaved for 30 seconds. Have next to grilled salmon. Warm, it is elegant and sophisticated but lacking any flavor drive. Cold, has power, and brings forward our old friend umami. Special thanks to Steve Vuylsteke, President of Sake-One in Oregon for walking me through the mysteries of Sake. Full disclosure: Steve and I go back - way back. His family were among the first wineries in Oregon in the 1970’s. Together with running wineries, he was a founding member of the Oregon Pinot Noir Celebration, now a global event. Kanpai, to you Steve! Yours, “The Cat.”
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WHAT IS SAKE:
FOOD & DRINK
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13
WINE, BEER, OR EXPERIENCE?
A SAKE GUIDE By Layne V. Witherell
What is Sake made of? Rice: Specific strains and terroir. Remember terroir? Flavor of place, an exact site. The rice strains should be grown and chosen to contain larger grains for higher starch content. The degree of polish to remove the bran husk is a key to flavor quality. The higher removal, the better. Junmai is pure rice Sake containing no added distilled alcohol. Junmai/Gingo is pure rice Sake where at least 40% of the rice’s outer layer has been polished away. Polishing away parts of the outer hull of rice is vital to quality. Water: Soft, free of minerals. Yeast:Mostly proprietary. None of your business. Some things must remain secrets. The biggest secret is pairing up the yeast with the exact rice strain and water. No mean trick.
There's a book for that. There is a book that plunges you into the whole mysterious Sake world: “Sake-pedia” by Jeff Cioletti. At a mere two hundred pages, it will either scare you to death or entice you to hop on a plane to Los Angeles and enroll in the Sake School of America, and then move to Portland, Oregon, the Sake capital of America. There is a lot of Kanji language (Japanese script), but the glossary alone makes this book worth owning.
Here are some major Sake ideas that you’ll need to master. Umami: In the taste sensation world there is sweet, sour, salty, bitter... and umami. “A savory deliciousness that deepens flavor.” This is life beyond cheesy Rose and Pinot Grigio! Get over it. If you pair it right, this flavor characteristic ads something irreplaceable as a remarkable pairing. There is another thing called SMV: SMV refers to Sake Meter Value and measures dryness versus sweetness in your Sake. For instance, -22 is very sweet, while +5 is very dry, with everything in between. The number can be found on the back label. This is a key in your food pairing. If it isn’t there, just pull up the brand name on the website of the label (especially all Kanji script Japanese bottlings) and it should be listed.
SAKE MINI-GLOSSARY ETIQUITTE Pour for your guest and sip Sake. Do not throw it down.
GUINOMI Midsize Sake cup.
CHOKO Small earthenware Sake cup.
MULTIPLE PARALLEL FERMENTATION Hey, look that up.
IZAKAWA Small sized eating and drinking place.
KOJI Mold used to convert starch to fermentable sugar.
TOJI Sake brew master.
KANPAI “Dry cup,” or cheers! Time to pour another cup for your guest.
Layne has been a professional in the wine business for many decades as a teacher, importer, writer, competition judge, and winery CEO. He was awarded the Master Knight of the Vine for his pioneering work in the Oregon wine industry. He can be reached at:
lvwitherell@gmail.com His website is:
http://winemaniacs.wordpress.com
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
THE WEST END NEWS | JUNE 2021
Namibia and Botswan-AH! By Nancy Dorrans In the spring of 2017, a small Adventure Marketplace group began an almost three-week journey of Namibia and Botswana. There were seven of us: my aunt Henrietta and her best friend Mary Beth from Michigan that met in junior high (in their mid-60’s); best friends Carolyn in Maine and Dee in Manhattan, college roommates in 1950 (ages 79 and 80); me and my friend Anne from Ohio, a friend since second grade (mid-50’s); and Tony, the token male (60-ish). With visions of brilliant sunsets, canoes, and hippos in the Okavango Delta - plus being a huge fan of the #1 Ladies Detective Agency novels - I had always wanted to visit Botswana. Our tour operator and guide Rudolf Badenhorst of Madikela Tours encouraged us to add in Namibia. I met Rudolf the previous year during our South African Adventure and together we crafted this most amazing itinerary. It remains one of my all-time favorite adventures.
Namibia is a country of wonder and contrasts.
Nancy Dorrans at Deadvlei in Namibia, with Rudolf Badenhorst of Madikela Tours. "The brilliant orange color comes from the tiny flecks of iron that are mixed in with the sand - and filled our shoes!" -All photos courtesy of N. Dorrans a short hike through the deep Sesriem Canyon which was carved out of the rock by the Tsaushab River. Heading west through Kuiseb Pass famous for its unique geology - we stopped at a rustic roadside market. Of course, I bought a plate of unique rocks. Dee kicked herself afterwards for not buying her own plate of rocks. And so, I secretly put most of mine in her carry-on. She laughingly thanked me later, when she found them in her backpack after arriving home in New York!
Our journey began with the stunning desert landscapes and great sand dunes at Sossusvlei, the pan at Deadvlei, and Sesriem Canyon.We arrived at dawn and as the sun rose and wind blew, we hiked up Dune We drove on to the Namibian Coast 45. It is so named because it lies 45 km and stayed two nights in the coastal town past Sesriem Canyon. of Swakopmund. While Tony, Henrietta, After the dune, we hiked around and Mary Beth explored town one afterDeadvlei, which is Afrikaans for “dead noon, the rest of us enjoyed a three-hour marsh.” The long-dead camel thorn trees cruise on Walvis Bay. We met a pelican that contrast the flat white clay floor of named Lady Gaga and enjoyed sparkling the pan are approximately nine hundred wine, fresh oysters, and other snacks years old. They have never decomposed while listening to a chorus of Cape Fur due to the dry climate.We continued with Seals on Pelican Point.
Exploring Etosha National Park and on to Botswana.
Our next few days were spent exploring Etosha National Park. Here we caught glimpses of a pride of female lions stalking zebra and two huge male lions roaring and running - no doubt to ward off a rival. We lingered much of the afternoon at the watering hole watching zebra, elephants, and Where Elephants Rule. other animals come and go. Then we all We could have ended our adventure enjoyed the most amazing dinner at our here, but our flights were out of JohannesTaleni Lodge in Etosha Village. burg. So, after our farewell to the Delta, The next day, as the road stretched Rudolf pointed the vehicle in a southerly far into the horizon we drove through the direction towards South Africa. We stayed vast tracks of land and national parks and one night at Elephant Sands bush camp encountered more wild animals roaming in North Eastern Botswana, “Where Elefreely. We entered Botswana and began to phants Rule.” cross the Kalahari Desert to reach Ghanzi That afternoon, a huge herd of eleTrail Blazers Lodge. phants came to the waterhole in the midHere we had the opportunity meet dle of the camp and in front of our raised and interact with the well-known but rare- canvas tent cabins. ly seen Koi San people and learned about their traditional life. That evening we were treated to a performance of their traditional dances around the campfire. Then we spent two nights primitive camping in the Kalahari Bush. Arriving in the town of Kasane we enjoyed a scenic flight over the vast and lush Okavango Delta and a sunset cruise on the magnificent Chobe River which left us longing for more.
E L IZ A BE T H PR IO R Lat i t ude& Longi t ude
Si l ver ,Gol d& Gl as s
Elephant Sands bush camp in North Eastern Botswana. It was here we learned about the Water for Elephants Trust. They provide water for one of the continents biggest free roaming herds of elephants.
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Nancy Dorrans meeting the Koi San women of Southern Africa. Nancy is currently working as a Dedicated (in school) Substitute Teacher at Deering High School. She figured she could do something meaningful while we wait for travel to be safe again.
I long for the colorful landscapes of Namibia and Botswana with their herds of elephants, other wild animals, many birds, delicious food, and friendly, welcoming, beautiful people. On the Chobe River in Botswana.
Sigh... One day or DAY ONE we will travel to Africa again.
PUZZLE PAGE many words can you make from the Words In How letters in the phrase below? Words must have at least 4 letters. Plurals don’t count, nor do proper Words nouns, abbreviations, or foreign words not comBy Rosanne Graef
monly used in English.
“In other Junes than ours” -from The Orchard by Laurence Binyan GOLD = 150 words | SILVER = 125 words | BRONZE = 100 words
BONUS= How many words with a double consonant can you make? May’s bonus: Words with a “P” in “The Pedigree of Honey.” Some examples: pigeon, pretend, hyphen, deepen, petrify, typed, peony...
THE WEST END NEWS | JUNE 2021
15
Maine Lakes Trivia 1. Which of Maine’s lakes is the deepest in New England?
2. Moosehead Lake was once described as a “gleaming silver platter at the end of a table” by what author better known for his time on a certain Massachusetts pond? 3. At Damariscotta Lake, you can witness the run of what member of the herring family which comes to freshwater to spawn?
Mondays @ Lazzari Tuesdays @ Ri Ra Find out more on Facebook and Instagram: @bestworsttrivia
4. Ladies’ Delight on Cobbosseecontee Lake is the only inland version of what type of structure for which Maine is famous? Find the answers online at thewestendnews.com/puzzle-solutions!
ANSWERS:
Turn the page and find solutions to Sudoku, Crossword, & Best Worst Triva on Pg. 17. Thanks for playing!
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THE BROADER PICTURE
THE WEST END NEWS | JUNE 2021
La Vida Local: Irregular Notes on West End Life
Random Thoughts on Gardening, Face Masks, & Property Revaluation
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By Rosanne Graef
Flying Blind
Herewith, a brief compilation of observations and ideas that I’ve been thinking about lately. Some might be useful, amusing, or thought-provoking for you— or maybe not.
Property revaluations are often fraught with anxiety. Due to the pandemic, Portland understandably delayed its revaluation for over a year. However, with less than a month before the public’s vote on the school budget, we’re told that the revaluation statements won’t come out before the election as planned, but three weeks afterwards. It is a cause for concern. The reason given for the delay is that commercial real estate values have suffered due to Covid-19, and the firm conducting the revaluation,Tyler Technologies, needs more time to take those effects into account.
Plastic Bag Ban On July 1st, 2021, enforcement of the state’s ban on single-use plastic shopping bags begins. The ban was to have gone into effect on Earth Day 2020 but was postponed twice due to the pandemic.
Composting Pilot Since Earth Day 2021, Portland residents may drop off food waste at designated sites located at community gardens at Boyd Street, North Street, Douglass Street, Clark Street, and at the Riverside Recycling Facility.
We hear every day that residential real estate prices—especially on the peninsula—are soaring. This dramatic increase is also largely attributable to the pandemic. This is not reassuring to those of us who have been and continue to be here for the long haul. Believe it or not, there are still people who do not regard their homes as cash cows just waiting for the prime moment to be milked!
Green Thumb Ingenuity Gardeners are always resourceful. A fellow on my street has small beds and pots of edibles growing in every possible spot around his building, including strawberries in wooden boxes next to the outside ledge of his basement windows.
In 2020, the George F. West Mansion In Japan, gardeners lovingly coddle on the Western Prom sold for $2.8 miltheir garden vegetables and fruits with lion. The city currently values the propsupports and protective netting that keeps erty at $1.3 million. them clean and free from rot, as well as -WEN file photos by Tony Zeli preventing them from becoming misshapHow long will the commercial crater en. This seems to be a great answer for versus the residential bubble last? Who the question, “What to do with unneedwill be strapped until the next revaluation? ed face masks?” Instead of throwing them away, rig those masks up as hammocks for Having to vote on a school budget ripening tomatoes! with this revaluation question mark hanging over us is unfair. Voters are always adSpeaking of Face Masks vised to inform themselves of the issues and potential impacts of their decisions. For many people the loosening of panHow is this to be accomplished when you demic restrictions has happened very suddon’t even know the value of the property denly. With all that we have gone through you own or rent? over the past months, in both the medical and political realms, let’s hope that we can navigate a polite, respectful, and compas- Rosanne Graef lives in the West End sionate transition for everyone—especial- and is a volunteer contributor. Email: lavidalocalwen@gmail.com. ly those in public-facing jobs.
THE BROADER PICTURE
THE WEST END NEWS | JUNE 2021
How Affordable Health Care Can Help to Fix the Worker Shortage
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By Dr. Oren Gersten The big economic news story of the last month has been the shortage of workers. As people become vaccinated and start to resume normal activities, businesses become busier. Many of these businesses had to cut back worker hours, or in some cases even close during the pandemic. Now that restrictions are easing, commerce is becoming feasible again with one missing piece: workers. Although unemployment is relatively low, many employers are reporting that they are unable to fill job vacancies. There are different views on why this may be. Economists speculate that low wages could be a deterrent to people going back to work. Others think that unemployment benefits, which were increased early in the pandemic, may make it less appealing for people to re-enter the labor market. Others cite continued health concerns with Covid exposure being exponentially higher in frontline and service industry workers. The true story is likely some combination of all of the above.
Oren Gersten is a board-certified family doctor in private practice at Portland Direct Primary Care in South Portland. Reach him at (207) 618-9792 or visit PortlandDirectCare.com.
By soupstock / Adobe Stock
attract workers. Unfortunately, in the low margin sectors where workers are most likely to be scarce there is typically not a budget to offer a robust benefit package. For a typical business to offer even the most meager health insurance plan they must spend 20% of their overhead for a service the workers may never use.
This is where low cost, In medicine we first look high value health care opfor a diagnosis before we tions come in. can recommend a treatIncreasingly small businesses are ment. If the diagnosis turning towards local doctors who offer above is correct, what is health care services for a fixed fee. In our area the New England Direct Primary the treatment? One opportunity could be to incentivize returning to work by making employment more attractive. Historically benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off were used to
Care Alliance (NEDPCA) is one such organization. I joined the NEDPCA in 2018 when I opened my practice in South Portland. By contracting directly with a doctor or a group of doctors, a company can offer health care access for a fraction of
the cost of what it might take to offer an insurance plan. In addition to keeping spending local, this service offers a benefit the employee is more likely to use and therefore appreciate. It makes sense that worker retention not only saves businesses money but leads to better worker satisfaction. From a doctor’s perspective working together with other independent local doctors allows us increased bargaining power to negotiate great deals for our patients on things like labs, meds, and imaging. As we progress through this pandemic an investment in health care may be the solution that we need to rebuild a happy, healthy workforce and re-open businesses. Looking beyond traditional insurance may be a way smaller businesses can invest in their workers and attract employees without going over budget or wasting money.
Thank you for reading! Thank you for reading local, independent print news. If you like what we do, it’s easy to support the West End News. Next time you are looking for a local product, reliable service, or night out, visit one of our advertisers and tell them the West End News sent you. Thank you for reading!
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
Best Worst Trivia Answers:
(from Pg. 15)
1. Sebago Lake 2. Henry David Thoreau 3. Alewives 4. Lighthouse
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THE WEST END NEWS | JUNE 2021
CLIMATE JUSTICE
We’re All in This Together: Climate Solutions Beyond Your Backyard
Fixing Climate Critical to Protect Us from New Infectious Diseases By Ed Pontius, M.D.
didn’t go to hell for us in 2020 because of some blunder we made last year.The truth is that we’ve been driving faster and faster on the edge of catastrophe for some time. We’ve been living on this planet in ways that were definitely going to catch up with us. So, 2020 was when it caught up with us.
Okay, it’s spring in Portland. It’s getting green and we’ve got flowers. We may have had a ghastly year with Covid, but we’ve made some real progress with vaccination, and we can begin to believe we’re getting our lives back. So why should we have to think about new health threats around the Covid-19 wasn’t a fluke. corner – with climate? They keep talking The best evidence is that what we’ve about “one or two degrees warmer.” How would I even notice that? Why should I been going through with Covid-19 was care about climate threats to health after certainly the result of damage to our environment. Specifically, the result of our everything we’ve been through? expanding land for animal agriculture at There’s no doubt we’ve had a the expense of the little remaining habitat for wildlife. Animals such as bats – used rough year. to spending their entire lives hidden away Way too many people have died and from people, deep in the jungle – have littoo many of us are suffering from long- tle habitat left and have been forced into haul complications. Even as we’re worried contact with people and particularly our about possible additional waves and new pigs and other livestock. strains of the virus. Entire sectors of the The Covid virus had been a part of economy and many businesses and jobs life for these wild animals (what we call have been ravaged. It’s been scary and our ‘endemic’), until we forced wild animals lives have been turned upside down. I get into contact with domestic animals and it. It seems like we’ve suffered enough. We with us. An infection that begins as a mireally want to go back to life before the crobe endemic to an animal population virus, to have a normal life again. and then goes on to infect people causing Unfortunately, we can’t go back. Life disease is called a “zoonosis.”
Scientists believe that most of our nastiest diseases started out as zoonoses, crossing over from wild animals to us, and then always a threat to us after. In the US, the CDC is currently worried about eight zoonoses, including strains of influenza, West Nile virus, Plague, Rabies, Brucellosis, emerging Coronovirus infections (like Covid-19), and Lyme disease.
Climate change, even the limited climate change we’ve seen so far, can make these diseases more dangerous and can unleash new ones. How? As with Covid, further loss of natural habitat forces us ever closer to wild animals and their microbes. Scientists already know of microbes that could cause serious or fatal illness in humans, for which we currently have no immunity and no treatments.
thought to be the reason deer ticks, once rare in Maine, have exploded across our state, bringing these serious illnesses with them.
But there is good news. True, we are already experiencing many of the effects of climate change, and infectious disease is only one part of the impact of climate change on our health. But the good news is that doing things to fix climate can also begin to reduce our risk of disease. Restoring natural habitat will help restore our planet’s ability to take up CO2 from the atmosphere, helping our climate and reducing our risk from zoonoses. Moving our economy away from fossil fuels to renewable energy, as with a Carbon Cash Back, can help us build not only a sustainable economy, but a healthier future for all of us.
Yes, this past year with Covid has really sucked. But we’re not going back to Existing illnesses can also be made the way things were. That was a dead end. more dangerous through the impact of It’s time for us to be dreaming big and climate change on “vectors.” Vectors are making things better. creatures like mosquitoes and ticks that can transmit disease. In Maine, the deer tick, I. scapularis, is responsible for spreading several severe illnesses. These include Dr. Pontius is a Maine physician and Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, psychiatrist living in Portland. His passion is working to promote healthy, and Powassan Encephalitis. sustainable communities in Maine, and In recent years, the increase in aver- he invites all to join him in volunteerage temperature through Maine winters is ing with Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
Everything Must Change “
(It’s) a cry for survival… from the planet itself, one that can’t be any more desperate or any more clear.” -President Joe Biden
To do what needs to be done, we must abandon the flawed concept of perpetual growth. The only hope is for an economic structure that restores harmony to our relation to the planet and Since we started this column two ensures fairness among ourselves. When years ago, what’s been accomplished? Have we listen to science, we understand what our prospects for the future changed in ghastly futures await us, but only if we are any meaningful way? not bold enough to avoid them. BRIGHT IDEA: Get serious about what To recap, here are a few of the highit means to be in a Climate Emergency lights of our local One Climate Future Our last column ended with a basic truth: Everything Must Change. Implementing all the recommendations made in the One Climate Future (OCF) plan, is only a starting point. We face decisions of epic proportions.We can be overwhelmed by discomfort and fear putting all our energy into getting things back to the way they were… or… to create a new normal. If we fail to dramatically lower emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050, a cataclysm of almost unthinkable scale awaits. According to the dictionary, a “cataclysm” is “a momentous and violent event marked by overwhelming upheaval or demolition – an event that brings great changes.” To avoid exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming, emissions need to fall 7.6% every year for the next 10 years. No one, no government, no organization is about to magically solve this problem for us. We have to do it ourselves by working together.
plan: 1. Build buildings that are designed and fitted to be energy efficient using renewables. 2. Connect people to places and opportunities by strengthening neighborhoods with services that bring people together. 3. Promote clean renewable electricity to phase out fossil fuels, update and transform the energy system. 4. Grow a circular economy to eliminate wastefulness, recycle, and use all our resources intelligently. 5. Nourish ecosystems which nourish us by partnering with the natural world. 6. Build collaborative capacity by promoting more democratic systems of work and interpersonal relationship. We must rethink and rebuild in the context of terrestrial survival. Actions which seemed impossible before must now become possible.
Author’s Note: Ben Ehrenreich’s article, “We’re Hurtling Toward Global Suicide,” The New Republic (3/18/2021), is largely reKeep in mind that humans have walked sponsible for our content this month. this planet for at least 300,000 years, but Bright Ideas is brought to you by Portland Clifossil-fueled industrial capitalism is less mate Action Team which, during the pandemic, than two hundred years old. For 99.9% of meets online every 4th Thursday of the month, human history, we didn’t significantly alter 6-7:30 p.m. All are welcome to join in. If you have the atmosphere or wipe out vast numbers ideas to contribute to this column, contact of species with whom we share the planet. us at portlandclimateaction@gmail.com.
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THE DUMPSTER
WHERE WE LOVINGLY PLACE SOME OF THE THINGS WE HAD NO ROOM FOR…
The New York Times features a rural Maine school in Woodland for helping cursive handwriting make a comeback… In a sign of pandemic recovery times… the Portland Food Co-op is now open later than ever until 9pm which is a change that was delayed for over a year… Even real estate agents are surprised as overall median home sales price in Portland jump $20k in one month from $514,500 to $533,250… Acadia National Park’s Cadillac Summit Road now requires an advance vehicle reservation in addition to a park pass to avoid overcrowding… For those celebrating anniversaries… WJZP celebrates 15 years of broadcasting jazz, blues, reggae, funk, and R&B for the Portland community… Maine Preservation may now be old enough to preserve itself as the organization celebrates 50 years of preserving Maine history… Because we can’t get enough lists… U.S. News & World Report designates Bar Harbor the No. 1 best small town to visit… Portland is 2021’s 10th Best City for Summer Jobs thanks to a high workforce participation rate for young workers and low Covid-19 cases… Embassy of Spain honors José Iván Sabau Torrelo, fifthgrade teacher in Lyseth Elementary’s Spanish Immersion program, as Teacher of the Year for a mystery-solving game project...
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REDEMPTION CENTER
THE WEST END NEWS | JUNE 2021
RAINBOWS IN THE SKY
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THE CRUTCH For the past several days,
(A Song)
walking along Middle Street
The weather is clearing. It’s stopped raining. The clouds have passed away. The light of a new day.
it has caught my eye. A silver crutch leaning against a brick wall.
Rainbows in the sky, the colors gleaming so high. Rainbows in the sky, beaming into my eyes.
And I can’t help but wonder whose it was and why they left it—abandoned, a single crutch. Perhaps it belonged to someone
There’s shiny yellow and blue. Rising up for you. Bright red, orange and green. A beautiful picture scene.
who jumped into a taxi and inadvertently left it behind; perhaps it was discarded by someone
Rainbows in the sky, these visions open so wide. Rainbows in the sky, the images waving by.
after a heavy night of drinking;
Rainbows in the sky, the colors gleaming so high. Rainbows in the sky, beaming into my eyes.
(“Arise, my child, and walk”).
Rainbows in the sky, these visions open so wide. Rainbows in the sky, the images waving by. -Samuel J. Scola, Westbrook
or perhaps, like in biblical times, it was simply cast aside It has been said that some people use religion as a crutch, which may be true, but then again, who is to say we don’t all sometimes have to limp? -Rick Huleatt, Portland
Submit your poem: Send to thewestendnews@gmail.com. Deadline for publication is the 4th Friday of every month. Our column space is very limited, publication is not guaranteed.
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THE WEST END NEWS
JUNE EDITION 2021
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