SEPTEMBER 2020.VOL. 20, NO. 09. PORTLAND, MAINE.
PORTLAND’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER. FREE!
Spare the Woodman’s Axe Heritage Tree Ordinance to Protect Urban Trees By Tony Zeli planting and maintaining city trees. If the property owner plans to replace it, then replacement trees must be of the same or similar species and size. However, there are exemptions if trees are unavailable. In In Preble’s own telling of his persuch a case, the property owner can reambulating journey through Portland (as place the tree with a greater number of recorded in “History of Portland,” by smaller trees. William Willis, 1864), Preble noted State, And in case of a tree that poses a risk Danforth, and Cumberland as “beautifulto safety, the city arborist may give imme- ly embowered” by trees. He counted no What the ordinance does and diate authorization to remove it. Likewise, more or less than 301 trees along Conduring severe weather or emergencies. gress Street alone. Preble concluded, “… doesn’t do through the whole period of our history, Portland properly has been called the If you have a big tree in your neigh- Big role for the city arborist borhood that you love, you may think it’s The ordinance places a lot of respon- ‘Forest City.’” That was in 1854. protected. Think again. The ordinance pre- sibility on City Arborist Jeff Tarling. When Fast forward to June 2020. While vents the removal of any “heritage tree” asked if he had the staffing to properly imthousands of Portlanders joined the rest on private property but only within his- plement the ordinance, Tarling was hopeof the nation mourning George Floyd, a toric districts. Also, it may be relatively ful. much quieter protest began in the West simple to get a permit granting permission “We have asked for some addition- End over the removal of trees. to swing the axe. al funding to support staff to inspect and On a lot on the corner of Park and A “heritage tree” is a tree located evaluate trees that are affected by the new Gray Streets, seven healthy, mature linden on privately owned property and locat- ordinance,” said Tarling. “We are working trees—deciduous trees with heart-shaped ed in a designated historic district. They on promotional and media information leaves—were cut down. Many of the larginclude large shade trees of 24 inches in for both property owners, commercial arer trees were reportedly two to three diameter when measured at breast height. borists, and the public. feet in diameter. Also included are ornamental trees that “Overall, we think this is a good first measure 12 inches in diameter at breast Distraught neighbors protested and height. They include trees on the state’s step to protect Portland’s heritage trees. hung signs on fencing along the properRegister of Big Trees (known as the “Big I think we can thank our citizenry and ty. They read: “Where did the trees go?” Tree List”) and native trees that are rare [Portland] City Council who supported and “CRIME SCENE.” Property owners this effort and the past unknown tree promptly removed the signs. Protesters or threatened. planters [who] have cared enough to replaced them with skull and crossbones A property owner can obtain a per- plant these beautiful trees often a century and more signs. It went on for weeks. mit from the parks department to remove ago – to this we are also honoring them. a heritage tree. The city arborist approves Of course, this is why Portland has been Theses weren’t the first trees to go the permit if there is a plan to replace it known as ‘the Forest City’ since the early down. West End community members or if applicants pay into a tree trust for 1800’s. Trees are part of Portland’s fabric; (including members of Portland Climate Action Team who submit The West End it has always been that way...” News “Bright Ideas” column) began to Denuding of the ‘Forest City’ wonder if our “Forest City” could remain INSIDE THIS Captain George H. Preble undertook such for very much longer. A new ordinance in the City of Portland makes it harder for private property owners to chop down large, healthy trees. But it allows emergency waivers and tree removal permits. City Arborist Jeff Tarling believes the new heritage tree ordinance is the first of its kind in northern New England, although Massachusetts and Connecticut have had such ordinances for many years.
EDITION Page 4
La Vida Local asks what’s wrong with camping Page 5 Community events including a virtual trail event
the first known tree survey in Portland in 1854. He claimed to have walked every one of Portland’s approximate 134 streets and lanes to count each of Portland’s 3300 trees.
The first two photos from the top left are a look at the Precious Blood Monastery, viewed from Winter Street, after many large trees were cut down (2019). The third and fourth photos of skull and crossbones and recently cut linden trees were taken at Gray and Park Streets (2020). -First three photos by Rosanne Graef and fourth by Espahbad Dodd
Blood Monastery on State Street get the ax (2019). Before that, a homeowner’s association took down several large trees along Clark Street (2018).The HOA felled the trees to fulfill a city parking space requirement for a development on Brackett Street. A nearby resident, who had walked under the huge trees twice a day, awoke one morning and found herself “shocked” by the scene. A few years farther back, a huge stretch of undeveloped land along West Commercial Street experienced a clear cutting (2015). Owners did this to prevent camping by unhoused persons.
Another example is Elm Terrace on the corner of High and Danforth Streets. Although Capt. Preble isn’t counting It had been a green space with huge white trees today, it is clear that the number of pines. Many enjoyed the pines with great trees cut down in the West End over the pride until they came down. past handful of years is staggering. Neighbors saw huge trees behind the Precious CONT'D ON PAGE 3
Page 6 Wine Guy Layne Witherell looks at pet nats Page 8 The Portland Palate does food trucks Page 9 Climate Justice features on strategic business and pandemics and climate Page 16
Astrologer Leo Knighton Tallarico returns with a look at the most important time of our lives
Page 13… Cullen Ryan and Jess Falero on homelessness
Page 15… Tree Trivia
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THE WEST END NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
OUR READERS
Pace the Path Above the SUBMISSIONS Rocks By Christopher Palmer WEN is a community newspaHave I yet to fault how alike we may have been? Do you long for colder days as I do? Carry yourself confident and upright as distant mountains, Carry your casket with a pride of representation. Sweetly smell drying leaves and to View the world through orange tinted lenses? Memories bind you to the season we share. Broodmare of autumn: Strides silently through forests and roadsides, Rust colored death follows closely behind. On your way to meet our lady winter: White Mare to be both loved and feared. Constellatory conclave: patient November nightskies. Pacing the path above the rocks, just out of view. Ice-cold throne on the waterfront, dark tides sucking at sand. Sharper winds as you stand on the precipice of
per and we need your voice! You may share your submissions with thewestendnews@gmail.com or send to: The 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 700 words and include a brief biography of 1-2 sentences. • WEN also accepts poetry, cartoons, and photo submissions. Deadline for publication is the fourth Friday of every month. Our column space is very limited, publication is not guaranteed, and submissions may be edited for length and content.
Thank you for sharing your voice!
seasons, remaining in the safety of your Golden brown wooded frame. Rising from black waters She is come. Slowly to the trail she goes, a new brand Of death in these hooves: powdery wet yet hard like Bone. Bejeweling the newly grounded foliage with frost Until out of sight.
CORRECTION In the August edition, the interview with Maine craft artist Laurie Babineau, “Craft in a Time of Corona,” misstated the artist’s web address. The correct address is http://woodbdesigns.com.
Fran Houston, who readers may know best as friend Fran,The Portland Palate James Fereira's frequent dining companion. Here is Fran at Hamilton Falls, Jamaica, VT. Submit your photos to thewestendnews@gmail.com.
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Heritage Tree Ordinance Cont'd from Page 1 The list goes on. Off Danforth Street a row of dead pines and pine stumps… A large tree near Spring and High… And so it goes...
Compassionate and Innovative Memory Care
Trees are good for the environment, raise land values, and provide habitat for animals. The heritage tree ordinance is intended specifically to clean the air, reduce runoff (a mature tree can store 50 to 100 gallons of water during large storms), and sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Trees also reduce the urban heat island effect, cooling the air and literally making the city more livable.
“There’ll be blue birds over...” Sign hung in protest of tree cutting at Gray and Park Streets. -Photo by Rosanne Graef
“The ordinance contains so many loopholes, we suspect it is unlikely to stop the removal of most trees in Historic Districts,” said Portland Protectors co-founder Avery Yale Kamila. “Loopholes included in the ordinance allow heritage trees to be cut when they will be replaced by new trees, when the property owner makes a payment, or when the property owner can For all they do for us, a handful of demonstrate financial hardship.” West End residents and others took the Liz Parsons, one of the West End reslead and worked with city staff and counidents who pushed for this ordinance, encilors to protect the trees. couraged others to view it as a necessary Activists want more from the first step.
ordinance
Yes, the heritage tree ordinance is a potential hurdle for those looking to develop property. But the most intriguing opposition comes from groups who support the ordinance. They seek to protect more trees across the whole city.
“All members of the Sustainability and Transportation Committee have said they want the ordinance expanded beyond the historic districts. But they began with something they thought could pass fairly easily, could be learned from once implemented, and subsequently improved…” said Parsons.
Portland Protectors, the group that Councilors Spencer Thibodeau and pushed for the city’s pesticide ordinance Belinda Ray from the Sustainability Comgave the following statement: mittee echoed this sentiment as they vot“We applaud the City Council for tak- ed to pass the ordinance at their early ing steps to protect the city’s trees, howev- August city council meeting. At that same er, we see the Heritage Tree Ordinance as meeting, Councilor Tae Chong called the an inequitable ordinance that leaves most ordinance a “pilot program,” seeming to city trees and most city neighborhoods imply that it is a first step in need of exwith no protection. In a time when policy pansion if successful. makers are being asked to undo systemic Ultimately, the new heritage tree orracism and injustices in public policy, it’s dinance is one step, and maybe not the particularly troubling that the city would last, to protect trees in a city that has long adopt a policy that provides greater en- done so. Consider the Deering family, who vironmental protection for some of the donated Deering Oaks Park to Portland. city’s wealthier neighborhoods while de- They decreed “spare the woodman’s axe,” nying those same environmental protec- to save their beloved White Oaks. Many tions in other neighborhoods.” of which still stand today, a century and a They say the heritage tree ordinance leaves most trees with no protection. Also, there is no citizen oversight, unlike the pesticide ordinance which has a citizen committee overseeing waivers. Here, city staff have full purview over reviewing applications and granting waivers.
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Many residents and our true-blue staff know this inspiring and newly relevant song~
Extolling the benefits of trees It’s not just about losing beautiful trees and cooling shade. As one of the protest signs along Gray Street read, “1 healthy, mature linden [tree] produces in 1 summer enough 02 for 10 people to breathe in one year.”
THE WEST END NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
half later. For the next several months, the Climate Justice section will feature a deeper look at our urban trees. Tony Zeli is publisher and editor. Reach him at thewestendnews@gmail.com.
Mural at Fallbrook Woods
For an informative conversation please contact Susan at 207-878-0788 FallbrookWoods.com 60 Merrymeeting Drive Portland, Maine 04103
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OPINION
THE WEST END NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
La Vida Local: Irregular Notes on West End Life
What’s Wrong with Camping? By Rosanne Graef
Homelessness is not new in Maine and working toward a resolution has been ongoing for centuries. Much of the approach taken here began with the Poor Laws of England and Wales which originated in Elizabethan times. Actions taken included physical punishment, outdoor relief (passing out food, clothing, and other necessities), local collection of poor taxes to help the poor, and workhouses, among others. Over time these efforts became more and more centralized, ultimately evolving into the modern British welfare system.
Unhoused residents camp in protest at City Hall, July 2020. -WEN file photo
Meanwhile, here in Maine the 1821 pauper laws continued those of Massachusetts that were in effect before Maine’s statehood. These established criteria for a person’s being legally settled in a town, thereby obligating the town to provide relief, if necessary. Such relief could be outdoor or indoor (almshouse or town farm). A system of local overseers of the poor could indenture minor children and adults, as well as pay a farmer or other resident to adopt a minor or provide room and board for a child or adult.
that there are indeed shelter openings in different facilities, as well as hotel rooms being rented for those in need.
As with many endeavors, some worked extremely well and others failed abysmally. Decades of reform led to new approaches for the those unable to work, those with mental illness, veterans, and those facing other challenges such as financial collapse, family break-up, or substance abuse. The pendulum swung between large residential institutions, community-based care, involuntary commitment, social work approaches, pharmacological solutions, laissez-faire, passing the buck, and out-of-sight, out-of-mind.
However, this isn’t possible in Portland now. Camping on public property is illegal and those who camp on private property can anticipate having their set-up dismantled and have the constant stress of being unsure of the security of their person and possessions.
For years there have been campers in various parts of Portland, some who aren’t allowed at a shelter, as well as some who choose and prefer that outdoor environment. Just as there are housed people who are introverts or who want to avoid crowds, potential conflicts, or restrictions, that choice to camp could be the best option for some people’s emotional and physical well-being.
Camping in public parks is not the answer, but what’s wrong with establishing a sanctioned camping area with facilities for personal hygiene, safety, waste disposal, etc.? The recent City Hall encampment organized itself in several productive ways Here we are in 2020 with scores of that could be emulated. homeless people in Portland, a pandemic, and extraordinary financial strain at all Not everyone wants to live as such, levels of government and in the private but for those individuals who would sector as well. All this and an opioid ep- choose to do so, making it legal, available, idemic, lack of affordable housing, pauci- more orderly, and safe could improve ty of mental health services, and a highly their well-being when they’re in a place charged adversarial political atmosphere that’s comfortable for them. to boot. Rosanne Graef lives in the West End A recent encampment on City Hall and is a volunteer contributor. Readers Plaza protested the lack of affordable may reach her by email at lavidalocalhousing.The City, in turn, widely publicized wen@gmail.com.
SUBMIT YOUR OPINION
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Share your opinion with the editor. Email thewestendnews@gmail.com or mail to: The 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/town, and phone or email for confirmation. Op-eds should be no more than 700 words. 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.
Letters to the Editor A Better Option than Report Tank Farm Odors Using Free App Biden? I won’t debate Jeffrey Hotchkiss on his assertions [see “Reader Response: Biden, Dems & Nuclear Militarism,” August edition 2020] about Democrats (other than the “Russiahate Deception” – the Russians and their government have been, are, and will be our enemies for a long time).
Do you smell petroleum fumes at your home? At your workplace? At the playground? In the morning? In the middle of the night? Fumes from the city’s petroleum tank farms have been a problem in South Portland and Portland for years. In Portland, it tends to be particularly problematic on the West End.
To quote Mr. Hotchkiss’s next to last paragraph, “Trump’s a racist, nationalist, incompetent disaster. We have lost 150,000 of our loved ones to his science-denying inaction. He’s done much to destabilize the nuclear balance.”
We have a chance to change that, and you can help.
Protect Voters 50+
The free SmellMyCity app lets residents record air quality issues with just a few clicks. The app tracks smell, location, severity, and any associated symptoms. You can download Smell MyCity from the Apple App Store or on Google Play, then report a smell wherever and whenever you notice it. Try the app—it’s simple to use—and then tell your neighbors about it.
The state legislature will soon review a proposal by the Department of Environmental Protection on how to best monitor and control emissions from those tanks. It’s important that the peoI have to ask then, how is it that ple who live near them and who have to “...a Biden victory poses equal or greatcope with hazardous emissions have the er danger to the world?” And is there a strongest voice possible. To that end, we better option? need to document the scale and scope of the problem. -Richard Dana, Cape Elizabeth
With just over two months before the November 3rd elections, many Mainers find themselves grappling with unexpected hardships brought on by the coronavirus. We’ve heard from Mainers who are deferring retirement or coming to grips with unexpected unemployment. Some struggle to afford their health care and medications. Many family caregivThe reports will make it clearer to ers find that providing care, whether city and state officials just how many peoat home or long-distance, is now even ple in the region are affected and how more challenging. often. They will strengthen testimony in Augusta when the results of Sen. RebecSuffice it to say that the 2020 elec- ca Millett tank farm study bill (LD1915) tion will be like no other, but voters can are presented for a public hearing. They count on AARP Maine to advocate on will be used to advocate for strong reguthe issues our members and their fam- lations, for the health of our whole comilies care about. Through our non-parti- munity. san voter engagement campaign, Protect -Chelsea Byun & Roberta Zuckerman, Voters 50+, we are providing information South Portland on how to cast your vote safely whether by absentee ballot or in person. We’re also tracking key races and candidates’ positions on issues that matter to voters 50+.Visit AARP Maine’s election page I was very interested to read Dr. www.aarp.org/mainevotes for details. Oren Gersten’s column on “Stress and Additionally, as part of Protect Vot- Health” (Aug. 2020, page 17).We need to ers 50+,AARP is providing polling results, reduce our stress levels to stay healthy. sponsoring debates and hosting tele- I think it’s also important to acknowltown halls. We know that Mainers want edge the impact that external events to hear how the candidates will address have on our stress level. As an example, key issues like protecting Social Security take the stress of living under this counand Medicare, bringing down healthcare try’s poorly functioning health insurance costs including prescription drug prices, system. I think we are all feeling some stress right now due to the uncertainty and strengthening the economy. of whether or not we will become sick with Covid-19. Many Americans are feelI hope you, too, will ask the candiing the extra stress of wondering whethdates where they stand on issues of coner they can pay their medical bills should cern to you and your family. Especially they become ill. This source of stress is during this pandemic, it is essential for highly preventable. politicians to protect the health and fiThe actions and inactions of our nancial security of older voters. Let’s work together to demand action and en- elected officials in Washington, DC can sure that Mainers 50+, whether they are have a big influence on our stress level. working parents, grandparents or family We need to think carefully about who caregivers, can vote safely and make their we elect to the United States Senate in November. Lisa Savage supports Medivoices heard. care for All; Sara Gideon and Susan Col-Pat Pinto, AARP Maine Volunteer State lins do not. Ranked choice voting is still President, Portland in effect for the US Senate race, so voters should rank Lisa first on their ballot this November. She’s the only candidate whose policies would truly fix our inequitable healthcare system.
Support Lisa Savage for U.S. Senate
-M.Warner-Evans, Parkside
WHAT'S GOING ON
COMMUNITY EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2020 Drive-Thru Food Drive
Friday, Sept. 18, Wayside Food Programs in Portland On Friday, September 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., United Way of Greater Portland will host a drive-thru food drive at Wayside Food Programs. Donations will benefit food pantries throughout Cumberland County to aid ongoing food insecurity and access for individuals and families. To ensure the safety of all participants, the drive-thru food drive will be contactless. Neighbors dropping off bags and boxes of food and non-perishable items can put donations in their trunk or backseat, and volunteer will grab them for you. Companies, individuals, groups, and more are welcome to contribute and drive thru as we join together (though 6 feet apart) to make a difference in our community.
Cruisin’ for a Cure Motorcycle Ride to Fight Childhood Cancer
Saturday, Sept. 19, at the L-A Harley-Davidson in Lewiston ($25 and up) Bikers everywhere are invited to join Cruisin’ for a Cure, a motorcycle ride to support the American Cancer Society on Saturday, September 19th. Funds raised will support pediatric cancer research. The event begins at L-A Harley-Davidson, 839 Main Street, Lewiston. Registration starts at 9 a.m., and the poker run will begin sharply at 10 a.m. The last stop on the run will be at The Pit Bar & Grill, 838 Lisbon St., Lewiston, where there will
be great food, drinks, prizes and more. All bikers are welcome! The donation to participate is $25 per poker hand for solo riders or $35 per poker hand for 2 up. The first 50 people to sign up will get a free poker hand at the event. Register or donate online at https:// bit.ly/CruisinForACure2020.
THE WEST END NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
Palaver Strings Season 7
Palaver Strings is thrilled to announce their upcoming season with a pivot to a virtual fall featuring weekly ensemble performances, livestream concerts, chamber music, collaboration, and learning! Palaver Strings is a musician-led string ensemble and nonprofit organization based in Portland, whose mission is to strengthen and Trail to Prevail Virtual inspire community through music. Palaver’s musicians share artistic and adminis10K Sunday, Sept. 20 - Saturday, Sept. 26, Virtual trative leadership, guided by a passion for Event (Ages 14 and up: $20; Ages 6-13: $10; engaging new audiences, addressing social justice issues, and amplifying underrepreAges 5 and under: free) sented voices through classical music. Portland Trails presents Trail to PreSeeking to establish a more permavail: a virtual 10K event to celebrate the nent community presence and develop prevailing spirit of our community! educational initiatives in Portland, Palaver The Portland Trails network has been opened the Palaver Music Center (PMC) a space for physical and mental wellness in September 2019. PMC is continuing to for so many during this challenging year. work through the pandemic, offering Early In response to the pandemic and resultChildhood Music Classes, private string ining challenges, the Trail to Prevail will celebrate wellness, trails, and the power of community. It will replace this year’s Trail to Ale 10K. Design your own route on the trails and walk, run, bike, rollerblade, unicycle, roll, skip, dance - whatever you’d like! - for 10 kilometers to raise funds for Portland Trails. All ages and abilities are welcome. The Trail to Prevail event will be held for a week beginning Sunday, September 20th and ending Saturday, September 26th. Our intention is that participants will have plenty of time to complete their 10K without overcrowding our trails. All funds raised will directly support the Portland Trails network and our work in the Greater Portland community.
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strument lessons, community music classes, and songwriting workshops to over 325 students from infancy to adulthood. In Season 7, Palaver will record their third full-length album, Ready or Not, featuring works by incredible female composers from the Renaissance through today. Season 7 will also bring a collaboration with trad musicians Dana Lyn and Kyle Sanna on a program about the effects of climate change; a program of music that shaped Palaver musicians’ musical upbringing and style; new commissions written for Palaver by Akenya Seymour, Abby Swidler, Noah Fishman; and the second season of the Beehive Chamber Series. Individual members of Palaver will also share a weekly Solo Session Livestream. To register for Season 7 events and for more information, visit palaverstrings.org.
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THE WEST END NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
FOOD & DRINK
LAYNE'S WINE GIG
Pet Nats & Others
A groovy take on funky wine, plus pairings at Ada’s By Layne V. Witherell
Inside a Funky Drink
No, a pet nat isn’t one of those tiny, winged creatures flying around your kitchen this time of the year. It is a wine that is either very ancient in origin or as modern as a hipster beanie.
Methode Ancesteral, as it is called, refers to the style of the good old rustic wines and early days in the Languedoc. The locals of course want to become modern and experiment with that elegant international darling the chardonnay grape. The hipsters are born again rustic and adore the funk, cloudiness, and unpredictability of original pet nat. The big difference is that most wine articles—that are written off 3X5 card research—don’t say the most important part of the wine: land cost.
Its place of birth was France, the original sparkler created in the Languedoc region of the far south of France in an area called Blanquette de Limoux. The monks at the abbey of Saint Hilaire originally made this wine in 1535 from the rustic local grape called mauzac.
“M
auzac is rather rustic, but all the more tasty for that.”
St.Hilaire Blanquet de Limoux ($14.00/ btl. retail), the original petillant naturel. -Photos by Layne V. Witherell
-Jancis Robinson Its official name is petillant naturel. The wine is fermented and sealed with cloudiness, some residual sweetness, and low alcohol content. It does not go through the entire second fermentation in the bottle like Champagne. It can be a fascinating and funky drink, rustic simplicity, as opposed to the grandeur and elegance of Champagne (usually running $40.00 a bottle). St.Hilaire Blanquet de Limoux is $14.00/bottle retail.
Oh, by the way, that label looks like an expensive bottle of Champagne. Veuve Cliquot anyone? Want to fake out your friends? Good thought, until they look it up. That is the 3X5 card textbook definition. Now, on to the ground. After all, I traveled throughout the Languedoc for a decade searching for, making, and experiencing the regions’ wines. Here’s the inside scoop.
“B
ottled during the end of active fermentation, cloudy, yeasty, toasty and fresh.”
-Oyster River Winegrowers Morphos
One of the things that struck me with pet nats is that they still require some hand selling. Their funky, spritzy character is frankly unpredictable from bottle to bottle, and there are some people who just like consistency. Read…the general wine drinking public. The greatest fear among the pet nat people is that they will become Taylor Swift mainstream popular. Read those wine labels (both front Imagine a hipster “Skinny Girl” label. and back) at your favorite hip restaurant or bar. The words Napa or Champagne Ada’s Kitchen: Dining usually won’t appear on the label because Alfresco on Congress St. land costs run from $300,000 to $600,000 an acre in these hallowed spots. You can’t I asked Sid, chef, chief cook, and bottle be a pet nat hipster in Napa or Cham- washer at Ada’s, “What should I be drinkpagne unless your family just handed you ing this evening?” off a whole lot of Berkshire Hathaway He reaches into the cooler past the stock. first half dozen bottles and says, “I only get Try Mendocino because grapes are one case of this and I think you will like it.” taxed lower than pot, or Beaujolais–wel“Spuma” by Denny Bini, Emilia come to pet nat cheap land paradise Romagna Frizzante, NV, $23.00 btl. ($5,000 acre). Just 450 cases produced on 16 tiny acres Which brings us back to where we in the North of Italy. This reinforces my started, the Languedoc. Still cheap land, thoughts that they are for you, the lucky, still 700,000 acres of vines. Go to town, the chosen few, an ethos that pervades get funky. pet nats.
A Groovy Pet Nat from Warren, ME Oyster River, “Morphos,” 2019, $17.00 btl., 10% alc., Pet Nat, Warren, Maine. If you want to see what the 60’s was like or get a serious flashback, go there. The décor, early barnwood shabby chic, and vibe matches the wines perfectly. Also, this is what a serious, hard core pet nat is supposed to taste like. And it happens to be great with oysters. The beauty of artisanal pet nat is that you don’t have to mention grape varieties. This is perfect for Maine as there are lots of off the wall varieties that ripen well here. Don’t forget the tie dye or flannels. It was one of two wines featured as a weekend special for sale at The Shop at 123 Washington Avenue in Portland.
It is orange, fizzy, totally refreshing, and a further dream introduction to the pet nat world, made from the famed Lambrusco di Sorbara grape. Especially refreshing in those little less than formal fun flutes. The world is a great place while smiling at Judy, my wife. Cont'd on Pg. 7
Judy dining alfresco at Ada's in Portland enjoying a glass of Spuma. ($23.00/btl.)
Community Leaders Business Owners Artists & Other Interesting Folk of Southern Maine
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FOOD & DRINK
Pet Nats & Others
THE WEST END NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
7
Cont'd from Pg. 6
Pairings at Ada’s This is far from a shabby spot for alfresco. Congress Street dining rocks. Our favorite dishes are always the tuna crudo special, a take on a Northern Italian Poke dish with fresh local tuna, adorned with a touch of aoili chili oil.
Oyster River Morphos ($17.00/ btl.), a pet nat from Warren, Maine.
The Gemelli Pasta with Sicilian pesto is a masterful combination of cheese, basil, and pine nuts to match the acid tartness and touch of sweetness of the wine. Gemelli with its twists and swirls is a perfect vehicle for holding pesto. With over 500 shapes, you could spend a lifetime studying pasta. for ten years: “Wine Maniacs: Life in the Wine Biz,” in a new 2020 revised edition. A word about the kitchen. To paraIt is my memoir of this “long, strange trip” phrase the late, great Anthony Bourdain in the wine biz with thoughts of where we in his masterpiece memoir Kitchen Conare in this most historically revisionist era fidential … when I need a favor, shoulder known as 2020. to cry on, or to make bail, I don’t call a fellow writer, I call my sous-chef. Or in our Next month, I will share some case, when we order gemelli with pesto, thoughts and moments from this irrevand Chelsea the sous chef at Ada’s gives us erent, funny, and provocative book. It will the thumbs up, we know it will be perfect. be available shortly at Print A Bookstore at 273 Congress Street in Portland, (207) The Others Part 536-4778. You will notice a different Layne’s Contact Layne Wine Gig ad. I adore Blue and can’t wait Email lvwitherell@gmail.com for prito return on stage when they reopen. In the meantime, during my four months at vate tours, tastings, and events. For more home, I decided to update a project (read information visit http://winemaniacs. obsession) that I have been working on wordpress.com. Layne has been a professional in the wine business for many decades as teacher, importer, writer, competition judge, and winery CEO. He was awarded a Master Knight of the Vine for his pioneering work in the Oregon wine industry. Visit winemaniacs.wordpress.com/blog.
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FOOD & DRINK
THE WEST END NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
THE PORTLAND PALATE
Food Truck Craze Review and Photos by James Fereira It’s summer.The weather’s been beautiful and we’re outdoors again, defying Covid and the ever-present danger which thwarts and threatens to keep us paralyzed in our lonely, locked-down world. Breaking out, however, you’ve undoubtedly seen them. Perhaps driving past in a flash of garish color or staged at your favorite brewery, park, or downtown street. It’s the food truck phenomenon.
Also, there were Chuck Wagons in the mid-1800’s, whose purpose was to nourish wagon trains and cattlemen plying the Old West. Hot dog carts arrived shortly thereafter, showing up on the campuses of major East Coast colleges. Field Kitchens (mobile canteens) came during WW1 to feed US troops, and in 1936 Oscar Mayer rolled-out its first portable cart, The Weiner Mobile.
While the traditional restaurant paradigm collects casualties, food carts, trailers, and trucks appear to be prospering. At least that’s been my take-away after visiting several and conversing with owners about how they are faring during a pandemic.
Food Trucks Are Survivors By their very concept they are naturally well-suited to sustain during Covid. Fran and the Oscar Mayer Weiner First and foremost, they are nomadic. Mobile in New Braunfels, TX, 2019. They are small and have limited staff. They can operate in all seasons if necessary and Later, 1950’s America saw the birth have overhead costs lower than that of a of ice cream trucks—still popular today. I brick and mortar business. know, because from my windows I can ofEven a flat tire or engine problem ten hear the crazy-making “Turkey in the might not stop them: park the truck, call Straw” folk song and other unrelenting AAA, and serve the masses and the ser- melodies, evoking in me the wistfulness of vice technician—from where you broke- the blithesome parts of my childhood. down. Once you’ve finished repairs, if The 1960’s construction industry business is slow, it’s time to move on. introduced “roach coaches” to the proA Brief History of Food letariat, and the first taco truck emerged in LA (not Lewiston-Auburn) in 1974. The Trucks history goes on. For a fascinating and nosMobile kitchens began in earnest in talgic look at the food truck craze, checkPortland in 2012, and the following year, it-out at http://www.Wikipedia.org/wiki/ when City Hall loosened restrictions on food_truck. them, their scope, variety, and sheer numbers burgeoned. Hitting the Streets But other cities, like “the other Portland,” have treasured food trucks for much longer. In fact, at last tally the City of Roses counted 600 food carts about town.
Fox Street we descended, hoping to catch some grub at one of the several breweries there. We were getting hungry now.
Success at the Brewery
Above a sampling of the food trucks James was able to visit on his recent stroll around the East End. From top left, clockwise: Totally Awesome Vegan food truck, Mr. Tuna, Maine Maple Creemee Co., and Tacos La Poblanita.
Success! Conveniently parked at Next, we indulged in kiddie-cup sized Austin Street Brewery was the Tacos La blueberry and maple twist ice creams Poblanita food trailer. We each grabbed a from the crème truck: $3.00 each. meat (steak, and spicy pork soft shell) taco, served-up fast with two shells per with chopped radish, cilantro, onion, and salsa on the side for $4.50 per order, $1.00 for sour cream, plus tax and tip.
Meat tacos from Tacos La Poblanita
Blueberry maple twist ice cream from Maine Maple Creemee Co.
Paired with a Short Story Long imperial stout ($6.00, for her) and a Maine Finally, for the long walk home, we Root Beer ($3.00, for me) from the brew- shared a refreshing lemonade from Totally Friend Fran and I embarked on our ery, this was a filling and satisfying first find. Awesome, sweetened with vegan cane and noshing-about play day on a Friday aforganic maple syrup, for $3.50. ternoon, covering six miles on foot. We It was back up the hill from here, checked-out Google Maps and the Food- zigzagging our way across the East End We skipped the other trucks simply trux.co mobile app to steer us, but found toward Casco Bay. Much to our delight, because our tummies and taste buds were them to be mostly unhelpful. There’s also we saw them: a small pod of food trucks satiated: all the vendors being worthy, with one called RoamingHunger.com which we parked alongside the Eastern Promenade super-friendly, mask-wearing staff, who did not use. and one at Fort Allen Park. were happy to serve us.
According to Mobile-cuisine.com, mobile eateries first made their mark in 1691 in New Amsterdam (now known as New York City). And lest we forget, for The better plan seemed to be - just We didn’t order from them all, but Visit while It’s Hot over three centuries meals-on-wheels show up. Lower Washington Avenue re- we had a good variety to choose from: have served important functions for hu- vealed many outdoor eating options, but Tacos Del Seoul, Mr. Tuna, Maine Maple Note that these are casual eateries. manity. Their informality is half the fun. Some we found no food trucks there. Down Creemee Co., Falafel Mafia, and Totally accept cash and some do not. Most have Awesome Vegan. some combination of website, social meAbundance at Eastern Prom dia, or food truck app presence.
ELIZABETH
PRIOR
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Starting with a single hand roll for $6.00 at Mr. Tuna, I realized late my skepticism of seaweed. Nori problem, these eat like a cone. You can push the good stuff up through the paper-thin wrap. This one with tiny shrimp, sesame, pickled ginger, teriyaki, cucumber, and tempura flakes was quite tasty.
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Mr Tuna spicy crunchy shrimp roll up
Being mostly unfamiliar before this, visiting the trucks is now a new-found fancy for me. Check them out before their season ends with the onset of colder weather. Or perhaps, this year, we’ll find more of them braving the elements for an extended period because of our hard-hit economy—or simply due to Portlanders’ hardiness and collective year-round love for all things foodie.
James Fereira has a background in volunteerism, equestrianship, and crisis intervention. In his spare time, he enjoys ballroom dancing and questioning authority. James can be reached at ThePortlandPalate@gmail.com.
CLIMATE JUSTICE
THE WEST END NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
9
We’re All in This Together Climate Solutions Beyond Your Backyard By Portland Citizens' Climate Lobby
Climate Change is a Strategic Business Issue!
By Bob McKillop
Any business planning to operate over the next twenty-five to seventy-five years will be dealing with the impacts of climate change on their market demographics, labor supply, material sourcing, and their capital projects and physical plant. The most successful and innovative businesses see problems as opportunities. Addressing the impacts of climate change is an opportunity for businesses to invent new products, new processes, and new services that will differentiate them from their competitors and help them succeed. Consider, as corollary, workplace safety. A century ago, workplace injuries were common. Injured workers had no recourse for recouping lost wages and medical costs that resulted from injuries, and the burden of supporting these workers fell to society. Workers compensation insurance integrated the costs of workplace injuries into the cost of the goods and services that were related to the injuries. Businesses were able to innovate, improve safety, reduce their workers compensation premiums, and become more competitive. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act provides the same type of opportunity for business to profitably help mitigate the societal costs of climate change caused by greenhouse gases.
A gradually increasing fee on carbon (starting at $15/ton and increasing $10$15 each year) will allow businesses to integrate the cost of carbon-based energy into the total cost of their products. They will absorb the costs, pass them on to the consumer, or find innovative ways to reduce their use of carbon in their processes. The businesses that innovate to reduce those carbon costs will become more competitive. This economic activity will drive down the use of greenhouse gases and help reduce the impact of climate change. The costs are predictable over time, and consistent across state lines, allowing business to plan effectively for their future operations and budgets. Most of the carbon fee would be redistributed back into the economy in the form of dividend checks to every US citizen. This bill does not increase government or taxes and is projected to create 2.1 million jobs in its first decade. It would lead the US to exceed our Paris Protocol goals within eight years (with every subsequent year achieving greater emissions reductions). Rep. Pingree is a co-sponsor of this legislation. If you are a business leader in Maine, please ask Sens. King and Collins to support the Senate companion bill. Learn more at energyinnovationact.org.
Bob McKillop is a CCL volunteer who lives in Portland, Maine.
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PANDEMICS & CLIMATE CHANGE ARE CONNECTED Absolutely, pandemics and climate change are connected! And the evidence is strong. As the planet heats up, animals big and small head toward the poles to get out of the heat. During this migration, they encounter one another and create new opportunities for pathogens to pass to new hosts. Over the past few decades, the number of emerging infectious diseases—especially coronaviruses and other respiratory illnesses believed to have come from bats and birds—has skyrocketed. Experts estimate that more than 32,200 strains of coronaviruses already exist among bats.
Image By Near / Adobe Stock
The origins of SARS, Covid-19, Ebola, and Nipah virus epidemics can all be traced to wildlife that endure extreme climate and habitat strain. Climate warming is driving a catastrophic loss in biodiversity that, when coupled with reckless deforestation and aggressive conversion of wildland for economic development, pushes farms and people closer to the wild and opens the gates for the spread of disease. Failing to recognize the relationship between climate change and pandemics and take meaningful action against these trends will allow future pandemics to be stronger and more frequent.
BRIGHT IDEA: Notice how our health and that of wildlife connect to Mother Earth’s health. Only 15% of the planet’s forests remain intact. As forests die, grasslands and wetlands are destroyed too. Diversity of life on earth is being lost at a rate not seen since the dinosaurs. And more than half of life on earth went extinct 65 million years ago. More than a million animal and plant species currently face extinction. Roughly 60% of new pathogens come from animals and roughly one-third of those can be directly attributed to changes in human land use. Climate change is even bringing old pathogens back to life, e.g., thawing zombie contagions like the anthrax released from a frozen reindeer in 2016.
BRIGHT IDEA: See how the Green New Deal fits in. OK, so what do we do now? One crisis at a time. Clearly, the old ways of doing things are no longer working. Change is in order and the Green New Deal may be a timely vehicle for ushering it in. The Green New Deal resolution outlines a 10-year mobilization to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, while creating new jobs and investing in green infrastructure. Climate policy, so often thought of as a very long-term thing, now comes sharply into focus thanks to the Covid-19 crisis. With the Green New Deal, we can make the case for an immediate environmentally conscious stimulus plan to rebuild the economy. Author’s note: Much of our content this month is thanks to an article in ProPublica by Abrahm Lustgarten (5/7/2020). Bright Ideas is brought to you by Portland Climate Action Team which, during the pandemic, meets online on the fourth Thursday of the month, 6-7:30 p.m. All are welcome to join in. FMI: portlandclimateaction@gmail.com.
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THE WEST END NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
We are maintaining a safe and enjoyable shopping environment! There’s another place of destruction by Danforth Heights. A row of dead pines and pine stumps! Yes, we have a number of Big Trees!
My stand is that trees are a resource that belongs to everyone!
My favorite tree It’s now protected!
That song was made for belly dancing!
Maine melons. Yum!
Support Local News Advertise in the West End News
Positive Community News The West End News is a free monthly community newspaper funded primarily by advertisers. We circulate 11,000 copies to Portland, South Portland & Falmouth.
Sorry you wo be getting article on t census.
THE WEST END NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
EAST END REDEMPTION
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THE WEST END NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
Home Away from Home By Mary Alice Scott, Portland Buy Local
Sponsor a Print Ad for a Small Business of Your Choice! Independently-owned shops and restaurants help our city thrive. As we all face the ecnomic disruptions brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, we at The West End News want to do our part by offering a new way to support local business!
GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE SPONSOR A SMALL BUSINESS is a program of The West End News designed to promote locally-owned businesses AND support local journalism. Help your favorite local businesses advertise — in The West End News at discounted rates — so they can let customers know when they’re open and what their customer conduct rules are.
HOW IT WORKS 1. Call Rick Ness of WEN Sales with the local business(es) you would like to donate advertising space to. 2. Rick will contact the business on your behalf to create the ad to run in a select issue in 2020.
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How can we give back to the local businesses that provide that home-away-fromhome feeling? Portland Buy Local’s Mary Alice Scott has a suggestion to share from a local business owner. -WEN file photo In September 2010, my college roommate and I moved into her grandmother’s spare bedroom in North Deering. We shared a bedside table with three small drawers and mostly lived out of our suitcases while we looked for jobs.
One of my favorite facts about the benefits that local businesses bring to a community is that they actually increase social capital and connection. The barista who knows your name is one of many people with whom you develop a small but meaningful relationship.Added togethFaced with a difficult job market and er, many thousands of these relationships a slowly-but-steadily improving economic are what shape our community. recovery, I went door-to-door with my resume, visiting businesses and organizations Over the last six months, personal that seemed like they would be a good fit. connections at every level are at a bare When my friend and I needed a break, or minimum. We’re making this sacrifice for wanted to write a cover letter, we’d get a the health of ourselves, our loved ones, tea at Bard Coffee and join the ranks of and our community as a whole. well-caffeinated customers plodding away But if we don’t provide sufficient supon our computers. After several days in a port for small businesses, scores of local row getting tea or coffee, the barista knew businesses will close. By losing these busiour names, and it became the first businesses, we risk having communities that ness in Portland that felt like home away are permanently less connected. from home. In a roundabout way, these connections led to my first job in Portland. But the experience of walking my resume door-to-door in downtown Portland also cemented two things in my heart: 1) September is the most beautiful month of the year here, and 2) the connectedness that shapes Portland’s entire community is remarkably special.
One Portland Buy Local member (Josh, co-owner of Print Bookstore) recently posted to Twitter about ways customers can support local businesses. One of them? Leave a kind note when you place an order online. It’s a great way to continue connecting to the local businesses that give us that home-away-fromhome feeling.
After ten years living in Portland, any number of local businesses now feel like home away from home. It makes the work I do at Portland Buy Local feel even more personal and important.
Mary Alice Scott is Portland Buy Local Executive Director. Discloser: Publisher Tony Zeli is president of the board of directors and a media partner.
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
THE WEST END NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
13
Jess Falero and Cullen Ryan talk about homelessness Every Month Peloton Labs founder Liz Trice interviews a community member for The West End News. This month Liz caught up with Jess Falero of People’s Housing Coalition and Cullen Ryan, the Executive Director of Community Housing of Maine (CHOM). Jess (right) has experienced homelessness, is a peer advocate, community organizer, and emerged as a leader during the recent homeless encampment at City Hall. Cullen (left) has a 30+ year career working with people who are homeless as a clinician, advocate, and housing developer. CHOM is currently the largest provider for people who have experienced homelessness, focused mainly on long term stayers. All: It’s nice to meet you finally! Cullen: I’d love to engage as fellow advocates. We’ve housed over 250 longterm stayers in the last five years, mostly in scattered site apartments. We have a 95% retention rate... we’ve actually reduced long term homelessness by 75% in the last 5 years. We have units that become available from time to time—right now we have units in Hallowell. Also, Shalom House administers the BRAP program, and landlords are more open than usual to subsidies right now because they seem more reliable than rent from people who might lose their jobs. Jess: Do you provide housing for people experiencing substance use disorder? Cullen: Yes. We run the Greater Portland Addiction Collaborative Recovery Residences with Amistad. They have recovery apartments with two people per bedroom, and they provide medically assisted treatment. We expect relapse and recovery to happen and support that process.We also focus on victims of domestic violence and veterans.
Jess: . . . that’s me. Cullen: . . . and comments are due September 22nd. There’s been outrage around the country. The Region III Homeless Council voted unanimously to sign a letter, and we’ll pursue letters from the other organizations working to end homelessness. We help people speak with one voice on these issues and carry that voice with the state and our national delegation. That’s the kind of advocacy that I do.
I don’t think encampments are good for anyone, and it complicates the work of trying to end homelessness for everyone. So, I’ve been working to try to make shelters low barrier so no one is barred. Sometimes people act out . . .
Jess: ...I need to point out that when you say “acting out,” that perpetuates the dangerous narrative of non-contextual bias. What that actually means is that, as a result of very real childhood trauma, these folks who have not been given resources and support react and communicate Jess: I’m just starting out on policy. I in the only way they know how. That is a did a lot of work in Augusta last year, and perfect example of how stigma manifests. I know that the youth I’ve been working Also, this narrative causes harm bewith are feeling empowered to make a change for their communities and them- cause these people are more at risk of suffering from substance use disorder. Some selves, and that’s a beautiful opportunity. teens are not staying in the teen shelter Cullen: I encourage you to hop on because it is unsafe for them. There is the Maine Homeless Policy Committee, racism in the shelter, as well as homophothe Region I Homeless Council, and/or bia, and sexual harassment. That is to be the Statewide Homeless Council. There’s expected when warehousing people in a always time on the local council for new small space is the only tangible resource topics.You’re welcome to participate in all available. It’s supposed to be temporary, three. but many times is not.
Jess: What benefits and barriers do We need to address that when someyou see for me or others I might bring in one loses their job, they can be traumaJess: Amistad is amazing. Ashish is to participate in these groups? tized after a few months of staying at the amazing, do you know him? shelter, because the shelter is not trauCullen: I don’t see any barriers if Cullen: Yes, he is wonderful. ma-informed. It’s not deliberate, but staff you’re able to get zoom on your phone. Jess: He had so many relationships That said, it can sometimes be hard doesn’t always listen to people, and that’s with people in the encampment, he was to reach consensus. It’s slow, relation- traumatizing. People sleep outside bethe bridge to some great friendships. Just ship-building work. I’ve seen people who cause they feel safer. to clarify something you mentioned earli- arrive with what they think are the right Having so many people with PTSD in er, what did you mean about people being ideas but find themselves unable to gain a shelter can be intolerable for both climostly in scattered apartments? traction right away and then give up. It’s a ents and staff. marathon, not a sprint, and by building reCullen: The state is only building Some folks have been institutionallationships over time, things slowly begin about 12 units per year, and about 80 peoized in the past, and they leave the shelto happen. ple are experiencing long-term homelesster because they don’t want to feel instiness in the state right now, and all of them Liz: I’m curious about how many tutionalized, or are working to heal that need supportive housing. Because of that people camping out in Portland don’t have past by being free to move in and out of void, we work with landlords to use rental other options? the shelter; they have every right to ausubsidies, and then work with partners to tonomy. Cullen: A lot of people think they arprovide support. Staff do awful things that go unaden’t allowed in a shelter, but most are. We Jess: It’s amazing what housing plus have fifteen organizations that are coordi- dressed, and that makes people feel unsafe. community support will do for people. nating to find places to put people; if you So shelters aren’t always the answer. I’m curious to hear about your advocacy can’t go to Florence, we look at Oxford work. and Milestone... I spoke with someone who had been housed for six months, but still slept on Cullen. We have 11 staff members, I don’t think there’s an advantage for their porch because being inside is trigand we do two things: we provide sup- people to stay outside; it’s difficult for gering. I’d like to bring these things to the portive housing, and we do advocacy for people to go straight from camping to bepolicy conversation. populations that need a voice, including ing housed. Many people have substance people with mental illness, disabilities, and use disorder or persistent issues that lead Cullen: I’ve known people who got people experiencing homelessness. We to being distrustful, and it’s hard for out- housed and still wanted to sleep outside, focus on raising those voices on a state, reach workers to engage with someone too. I second and agree with everything local, and national level. A lot of what we that’s on the other side of a tarp or tent you’re saying. All those things ring true do is educate folks. Today the Region 3 because it feels like you’re intruding on from what I am seeing. These are exactly Homeless Council is addressing a rule someone’s private space. It’s much easier the kind of stories that need to be part from Ben Carson that will set the stage to engage people if they are in a shelter, of the conversation. We need to not have for discrimination of transgender and because then you can sit at a table across people stuck outside for a long time, or stuck in shelters for a long time, and not from each other and talk openly. non-binary people. . .
just have shelters be low barrier, but to be safe, and not traumatizing. Your voice can help shelters become safe and effective. Not all shelters or staff are aware of how they impact people. Liz: What do you think about the proposed shelter location? Cullen: I think it’s less important where the shelter is than to make sure that all resources are available in the same place so that people aren’t having to walk and bus all over the place to eat, sleep, and get medical care. I preferred the Brighton Avenue location because it’s on a bus location and has other things around there.We give privacy to people who have health care needs, and I think we ought to give the same thing to people who are experiencing homelessness. It doesn’t need to be on display or part of your identity. Jess: I agree that a location with wraparound services is good but have mixed feelings about having it out of view versus being public. Cullen: Homelessness is a symptom of failures of our mental health and health care system. We have a lot to straighten out. I look forward to having you as an ally. When we house people, they do better. The system doesn’t move very fast—I’ve been at this for 33 years. But your voice will help. Jess, reach out any time, I look forward to working with you. Jess: Sounds copacetic, take care.
Resources: Maine Statewide Homeless Council: https://www.maineshc.org Community Housing of Maine: https://www.chomhousing.org Maine People’s Housing Coalition: https://www.facebook.com/phc.me
PelotonLabs is a coworking space in the West End of Portland, Maine with a mission to connect and encourage people working on their own to manifest their visions without fear.
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THE WEST END NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
HEALTH & WELLNESS
How long has it been since your last health screening? -Provided by Northern Light Mercy Hospital
For many, it’s been too long due to Now, it’s a good mixture of in-person serCOVID-19 concerns. And that’s a concern vices along with virtual visits made possibecause delaying care when it’s needed ble through telehealth options. can lead to additional health problems. Due to the pandemic, many MainNorthern Light Mercy Health Cen- ers have not had a health screening since ters, with locations across the greater March. That’s why it’s important to the Portland region, are home to a dedicated Mercy primary care team that patients feel staff of medical professionals, including Dr. comfortable coming back in to get crucial Su-Anne Hammond, who is the medical care, including bloodwork or x-rays that director for primary care at Northern are available onsite. Light Mercy Hospital. Hammond and her As Hammond explains, part of good primary care teams are currently accept- primary care is about making people ing new patients for in-person and virtual more aware of their health and preventing visits while following strict safety guide- issues before they happen. lines. At the Northern Light Mercy Health At each health center, social distanc- Centers across the region, key services ing is being practiced. The amount of peo- include blood tests, pediatric screenple in reception areas has been limited. ings, women’s health screenings, vaccinaAll high-touch surfaces are sanitized reg- tions, immunizations, same-day sick visits, ularly. Meanwhile, all visitors, patients, and Medicare wellness visits, minor wound employees are required to wear masks treatment procedures, and even chronic or face coverings. Finally, anyone who is disease education and management. The experiencing COVID-19 symptoms must centers also use care consultants that can stay home and call ahead so that they can help patients deal with substance use disbe directed to the most appropriate loca- order, stress, anxiety, depression, and othtion to receive care. er health issues. “We want to keep our patients comThis is all part of what Hammond calls ing in to get treated, but their safety is also their “holistic” approach to medicine that our biggest priority,” Hammond says. puts preventative healthcare at the forefront. Now, patients can rely on their local Before COVID-19, most patients doctor’s office to achieve better wellness used in-person appointments and walk-in overall. services for necessary health screenings, routine wellness exams, and sick visits. “When patients come here, we focus
on anything and everything they might be dealing with,” Hammond says. “It’s all about comprehensive care for us.” The Northern Light Mercy Primary Care teams are able to do so much because they are a part of an integrated healthcare system.With one visit to a Northern Light Mercy Health Center, patients can connect with a network of specialists, who are all practicing the latest safety best practices. With this, Northern Light Health has found a way to make safe, in-person healthcare work for its patients. “We all need to keep up with our health, so it’s good to know our safety guidelines are making this happen,” said Hammond. “We’ve been safely seeing patients throughout these uncertain times, and we look forward to continuing to be partners in their care moving forward.” Additional information about Mercy Primary Care can be found by visiting MaineMadeUs.com/MercyPrimaryCare. To learn more about the safety measures being taken across Mercy and Northern Light Health, please visit NorthernLightHealth.org/SafeCare.
Left: Dr. Su-Anne Hammond, medical director for primary care at Northern Light Mercy Hospital. Right, A patient screening at a Northern Light Mercy health center. -Photos courtesy of N.L. Mercy Hosptial
Content Provided by Northern Light Mercy Hospital 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.
PUZZLE PAGE
many words can you make from the Words In How letters in the phrase below? Words must have at least 3 letters. Plurals don’t count, nor do Words proper nouns, abbreviations, or foreign words By Rosanne Graef
not commonly used in English.
“Of cabbages and kings” -from The Walrus and the Carpenter by Lewis Carroll
GOLD = 150 words | SILVER = 125 words | BRONZE = 100 words BONUS = How many words with two identical adjacent consonants can you make? August’s bonus: Longest words starting with ‘j’ or ‘v’ in “The is no joy in Mudville”
juvenile - venomous - Any others?
THE WEST END NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
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THE WEST END NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
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PERSPECTIVES FROM THE SKY SEPTEMBER 2020
The Most Important Time of Our Lives Virgo can be harsh with criticism, Those countries may want to take but usually saves the worst of its judg- advantage of a weakened America, or the As we enter September, we move ments for itself. President of USA could engineer a big into the last four months of 2020. These Pisces and Virgo both seek to be conflict to try to save the election for four months may be more important than of service. Virgo is at its best a humble Trump. any such period of time in our lives. person, wanting to be of service to what These are old paradigm and old Age There are powerful and meanit sees as a good cause or a fine person. attitudes. We may not be able to stop the ingful planetary movements, anothPisces can be very illusive and difficult in wheels from turning in that direction, now, er Eclipse Season in November and expressing its own needs, instead sacrific- as that story may already be written. December, and a new 20-year cycle ing itself for the needs of someone else or But we can collectively begin to realbeginning on Winter Solstice. That some spiritual cause. ize that these kinds of beliefs or actions cycle has Jupiter conjunct Saturn Use this full moon on the 2nd to help will destroy humanity, the Earth, and its at 0+ degrees of Aquarius, which for me is a strong indicator we will be you to let go more and release old ego creatures if we do not change our belief making a turning point journey into patterns that do not serve you anymore. systems of might makes right, dog eat the first baby steps of the Age of We are all becoming more and more dog, and every man for himself. We are all transparent and authentic. Let it happen connected, and we all need to be able to Aquarius. know and feel that reality. naturally. And the Presidential Election for the USA happens during these swirling ener- Mercury, Mars, and the Jupiter Goes Direct gies of change coming from the planetary Election On September 12th, five days alignments. before the New Moon in Virgo, JupiOn September 9th Mars in Aries But even now the energies have been ter goes Direct while still in Caprivery intense, and with them changes in goes Retrograde, where it will stay corn. our real lives, personally and collectively. until November 14th, eleven days afEmotions and energies are raised ter the election. 4 Planets to Watch from old patriarchal values of obedience There are planetary indications that for country and President. This may be In September and early October, the results of the election may not be the attempt to use loyalty and patriotism three planets will be moving from known right away. first and foremost in people’s minds and Retrograde into Direct movements. Mercury changes from Retro- hearts. These planets are Jupiter, Saturn, grade to Direct on the night of the On September 17th, there is and Pluto. These “outer planets” Election, the last time that happromise changes in society and in pened was Election night in Novem- a New Moon in Virgo at 7 AM EST. spiritual dimensions of transforma- ber of 2000. That night, news anchors This is a good time to be humble and tion. went back and forth between Bush and grateful, to simplify our lives, and to And one other planet changes Gore for who would win the presidency. mend, fix, or heal what is in need of directions during that time: Mars in Weeks later the Supreme Court made the those things. Aries, its favorite playground. Mars decision for Bush. Virgo also tends to make things has been shaking things up this second more real, however in this case NepThis year promises confusion of some half of 2020. One of its purposes is emtune in Pisces will oppose the planesort and a non-knowing of truth around powerment, not “power over” for domitary alignment of this New Moon in the election day. nation, but instead the power to stand up Virgo. Confusion can get in the way of Mars on September 9th goes too tight of an agenda and requires one to for oneself and speak one’s Truth. Retrograde at 28+ degrees of Ari- let go and trust. es, promising the likelihood of conflict or September 2020 war, with finger pointing to USA challeng- Autumn Equinox and the September begins with a Full es with North Korea, China, or Iran. Feminine Moon in Virgo/Pisces on September Israel’s Mars is triggered as is Trump’s 2nd at 1:22 AM EDT. This annual full On September 22nd at 9:31 AM moon is meant to be a gentle and kind full Mars. With the election getting closer and EDT is the Autumn Equinox, which moon, as both Virgo and Pisces have that closer, one can imagine war-like moveis Sun in Libra Time. ments from those countries and people. relatively softer presentation. Autumn Equinox is the time of light and dark being equal, but then it turns to more and more darkness Offering European every day. The Libra Scales are evenly artisan and traditional matched with Yin and Yang on the Equinox, but then Yin begins to gain more and American breads, rolls, more influence. By Leo Knighton Tallarico
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Autumn Equinox feels like a Sunset time of year, as nighttime approaches. Male/Female, Light/Dark, and Yang/Yin keep the scales even before the movement downward.
Leo Knighton Tallarico is an astrological and spiritual guide with 30 years of experience. To contact Leo, please email soulus@aol.com. by the magical circle of life Unity. And the Feminine is poised to rise even more now, especially as it knows more and more its value, a value so important now as more might-is-right beliefs threaten our existence.
Saturn Goes Direct Saturn goes Direct on September 29th, and as it does father time moves us forward in time, letting us know some things are meant to be. There is no time to waste, and we are ready for the challenges.We must take responsibility for our lives and the life of our Mother/Home Earth. We the people are here now and must know that we can congregate and enact great change and transformation. Already these past few years, with energy of the executive branch of government being abusive of its power, we still have pushed forward empowerment movements for women, people of color, and LGBTQ peoples. The feeling now is that nothing will stop this train of Justice and Equality Yes, we still face Covid challenges, an economy blowing up—so we can create one that is fair for all the people on Earth—and more human rights challenges. Biden/Harris will win the election, but god only knows the dark process to get us there.Think of it like an extremely difficult birth of a child. Labor pains are enormous and sometimes it feels like the baby will be lost or compromised. But the Universe is in charge, Nature is in charge, the Power of the People in the Age of Aquarius is in charge. Do not project our power onto Trump or anyone else. Do not demonize and fear the evil of an all-powerful demon. We are ready for the Transformation now. October 1st is a Full Moon in peace or war Libra/Aries, and October 4th brings a movement from Pluto, going from Retrograde to Direct, one month before Election Day and the eclipses.
The Yin/Yang symbol is perfectly known at the Equinox and shows us Spir- Till October, itual Intention of all opposites to be held Leo
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Doctors & patients unite! Adaptability is essential for times of uncertainty UNITING DISPARATE By Dr. Oren Gersten
As a doctor who has dedicated a career to primary care and public health I have more than a strong feeling that our health care system is heading towards change—and soon. Costs are too high, patients are too sick, and doctors are too burnt out to keep going on the current track. History has shown that systemic change often comes in fits and starts. But when change comes, it can be revolutionary.
CONCERNS
It is possible that in working towards change separately we may deepen the divide between doctor and patient. I have seen doctors get lumped in with big health care systems as “part of the problem.” While it is true that many (but not all) doctors are employed by large health systems this does not mean that we are Since the passing of the ACA in 2010 beholden to them. the health care system has been fairly On the other hand, many of my phystagnant in terms of systemic change. This sician colleagues have expressed frustrais not for a lack of effort. In different ways tion with their jobs, and by proxy their patients, doctors, employers, and health patients, due to unreasonable demands on care systems have been advocating for their time and job description. Even the change. But these efforts do not always most caring doctor may misattribute a align. In theory different groups all say they patient “no show” or a medical “non-adsupport the quadruple aim of better care, herence” as the fault of the patient rather lower costs, higher patient satisfaction, than the fault of the system. less physician burnout. However, when the If we are going to change health care rubber meets the road there is not much for the better, doctors and patients must agreement on how to do this. get on the same page about what the fuUnfortunately, stasis and lack of ture of health care will look like. change has led to conflict between difThe patient is in the position to exferent groups. Doctors feel trapped in a health care system that doesn’t appreciate plain the experience from the consumer them. Patients feel like they are being left perspective: what they value and don’t valout to dry medically and financially. Health ue, what a reasonable cost is, and practical care systems feel the squeeze of competi- things like how much time they want and need to feel heard. tion and financial viability. We are led to believe that this is a zero-sum equation with winners and losers. What if the solution to our health care conundrum doesn’t have to pick winners and losers?
LOCAL GROUPS FOR CHANGE Outside my day-to-day practice as a family doctor I have become involved with two non-profit groups working towards change. The first is the Southern Maine Workers Center, which has a “health care is a human right” committee. This grassroots organization has brought together working-class folks from all over Maine to discuss the path towards systemic change. The group–which anyone can join—has a public list of priorities which they formulated through democratic process.
Doctors are on the front line of delivering that care, which means they have firsthand experience on the science and practice on what improves health and happiness. They are also the ones who order the tests and medications, which cost money. Making prices transparent to doctors and patients would be one of the best and easiest ways to bring down cost.
SUSTAINABLE HEALTH CARE FUTURE
I fear that at the current trajectory the impending health care revolution will lead to compromises that will either be impractical, un-sustainable, or more expensive than what we have now. If patients win their demands but the doctors are not on board, who will provide the care? If doctors win their demands and they do Another group with similar but sep- not line up with what people want and arate aims is Maine All Care. This group need, are we better off than we are now? is affiliated with Physicians for a National It is only by delving into the details at Health Plan and is made up mostly of doctors, but non-doctors are welcome too. the most granular level that we can give They advocate for a universal single-payer ourselves the best chance of winning the system and have been working legislatively sustainable and lasting changes we deand regionally for years to accomplish this. serve. Oren Gersten is a board-certified family doctor who brings his passion for connecting and caring for people to his private practice, Portland Direct Primary Care, at 27 Ocean Street, #3, South Portland. Reach him at (207) 618-9792 or visit online: PortlandDirectCare.com. READ THE WEST END NEWS ONLINE
see problems as opportunities for learning and growth.
By Michael Stern
Like millions of parents around the Neuroscience research indicates country, I’m feeling slightly overwhelmed by the changes we’re currently navigating adaptability can also be improved through in light of the ongoing pandemic and the regular aerobic exercise, as well as by prioritizing stress-reduction activities, such start of a new school year. as walking in nature, extending kindness Since schools closed last spring, the or compassion to others, and meditation.1 world has changed irrevocably. The complexity and disruption continue unrelent- QUESTIONS FOR SELF ingly and there doesn’t appear to be any REFLECTION end in sight. Are there any challenges or situations In the context of such profound uncertainty one of the most essential emo- where you are feeling stuck or rigid in your tional intelligence skills we can practice is response? How might you handle things differently if you were more adaptable? adaptability. According to Dr. Daniel Goleman, author of the groundbreaking book “Emotional Intelligence,” adaptability means “having flexibility in handling change, being able to juggle multiple demands, and adapting to new situations with fresh ideas and innovative approaches.”
Next time you notice resistance or conflict in a conversation, pause and ask yourself: Is there another way I could approach this conversation? What questions can I ask that might help me better understand the other person’s position and/or needs?
Think about other people in your life who always find ways to move forward when Adaptability helps you to avoid getobstacles come along - friends, family, coworkting stuck when difficult challenges arise. ers, etc. what can you learn from them? Adaptable people stay focused on what matters most and look for solutions by Emotional intelligence skills can be communicating with key stakeholders, deliberately practiced by taking small developing a strategy, and taking effective steps on a regular basis. These questions action. can help you increase your adaptability by raising your self-awareness and prompting you to think about what other options might be available in various challenging situations. This will also give you a great Underlying adaptability are the skills starting point to engage in open commuof self-awareness (which helps us recog- nication with others who are invested in nize how our emotions affect our behav- supporting your learning and growth. iors) and emotional balance (which allows us to stay calm and effective even in the 1. Goleman et al. (2017). “Building moments when we experience disturbing Blocks of Emotional Intelligence: Adaptability: emotions). By developing these foundaA Primer.” More Than Sound, LLC. tional skills, we support and enhance our capacity to be adaptable.
HOW TO DEVELOP ADAPTABILITY
Most of us seek a sense of control because it helps us feel safe. With the world changing so quickly and dramatically, our sense of control (which is often an illusion anyway) is easily lost. We then resist change because we are afraid of the unknown and of what else we might lose. We can counter this tendency by practicing curiosity, openness, and acceptance, and by focusing on the benefits that change can bring. Developing this type of flexible and resilient mindset can help us
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Michael Stern is a certified Emotional Intelligence coach whose mission is to support others in creating a better life and a more beautiful world. Visit www.Integral Alignment.com.
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THE WEST END NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
20 years in 207 By Nancy Dorrans This month marks my 20th anniversary living in Maine. Twenty years of adventure, new friends, culture, and change for me and the City of Portland.
er whiff of something scrumptious and learned it was B&M Baked Beans! According to their website, “B&M still bakes its beans in the traditional manner, in open pots inside brick ovens–a process that gives the beans a firmness and authentic taste far superior to modern cooked-inthe-can ‘baked’ beans.”
The year 2000 brought me from the White Mountains to a third-floor apartment on Munjoy Hill. I had landed a new Beans, franks, and buns... all being crejob as a travel advisor and reservationist ated in my new backyard! Just add Moxin Monument Square at Away.com, an on- ie, Humpty Dumpty potato chips, and a line adventure travel company. I knew only whoopie pie, right? one other person living in the state. The next weekend, the one person I I live here now!! knew in Maine invited me to go with her and a few of her friends to Monhegan IsJumping in with both feet, my first land for the day. We took the ferry out week in Maine was an immediate cultur- and back from Boothbay, stopped for lobal, gastronomic, scenic, social, and coastal ster suppa at Five Islands, and had a maple immersion. soft serve ice cream cone after that. I was My new job at Away.com started on still pinching myself! “I live here now!” the Tuesday after Labor Day. The next day I attended the Maine Outdoor Adventure Our magical state Club (MOAC.org) general meeting. I was I have so many stories and fond meminvited for MOAC après at The Great Lost ories from living in Portland and of my Bear. So far, so good! outdoor adventures around the state of The next day was an absolutely stunningly calm, sunny, and cool September day. After work, my new co-workers and I were treated to a Casco Bay ferry ride for Happy Hour on Peaks Island, followed by pizza and beer at the office. We then ended up at the Bramhall Pub to meet and hear the Jerks of Grass! What a welcome! I remember exclaiming, “I live here now!!”
Beans, franks & buns From my apartment on “The Hill” I could smell the sea and occasionally the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread from Nissens Bakery on Washington Avenue. The J. J. Nissen Bakery was established in Portland in 1909 by a Danish immigrant, Jergen (John) Jepson Nissen. At the company’s peak it employed 250 workers, and an average of 35 tractor-trailer trucks set forth from its 12 loading-dock bays on Washington Avenue daily, delivering nearly 200 varieties of baked goods.
Maine in all the seasons. Along the coast, in the mountains, ocean, rivers and lakes. I’ve “Raced with the Moon” at Shawnee Peak, “Ducked the Dead” in the Forks, and volunteered for Maine Handicapped Skiing at Sunday River and the Loaf. I’ve been ice fishing on Moose Pond, kayak camping on Jewell Island, and didn’t swim at Shopping Cart Falls during the early spring Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race. This summer, even during the pandemic, I’ve managed to get out and explore new places in our natural magical state. I learned to shuck oysters in Phippsburg, then went camping at Camden Hills State Park over the 4th of July and later at Peaks Kenny State Park in Dover-Foxcroft.
Above atop Saddleback Mountain, Sept. 2018 (from left): Roxanne Royce, Bonnie Farrand, Nancy Dorrans, Elaine Vadeboncoeur, Dick Fecteau. Below Nancy (left) snowshoes with Vanessa Pike at Stratton Brook Hut, Maine Huts and Trails, 2019. Hill to the West End just over 10 years ago. Nissen’s and Jordan’s are gone. Bayside is now a bustling business district. The Portland Farmers Market is a bi-weekly celebration of local food and music. Independent breweries, bakeries, and coffee shops are on every corner. Fine dining options come and go, as do tourists and cruise ships. The library got a face lift and more than 18,000 DVDs when the Portland fixture Videoport closed. The Asylum is now Aura, the State closed and reopened, One Longfellow Square remains folksy and hip. Bubbas is Bubbas and Geno’s still rocks! In 2014, after twelve years at AAA Travel, I founded Adventure Marketplace, an independent travel company based in Portland. Hopefully we will all survive this pandemic! Twenty years ago this month I came to Maine from Away. I worked at Away and have traveled to lands far Away. I’ll probably always be considered “From Away.” That’s okay. I’m still pinching myself! I live here now!
During the last two days of July, I met up with MOAC friends to camp, kayak, and bid a fond farewell to Old Quarry Ocean Adventures and Captain Bill in Stonington. The property was sold to a private buyer and the business closed as of August 1st. Down the hill from Nissens was Old Quarry was a coastal treasure that Jordan’s Meats. The plant operated for will be missed! 77 years and closed in 2005. The vacant building (having since been demolished to Changes and more make way for a condominium develop- changes ment) burnt down in the spring of 2010. These 20 years have flown by, and I’ve Just over the bridge I caught anoth- seen many changes. I moved off Munjoy
Nancy Dorrans kayaking at Stonington Quarry. Nancy is an independent entrepreneur, volunteer, painter, outdoor enthusiast, traveler, and travel advisor at Adventure Marketplace. She is a resident of the West End. -All photos courtesy of N.Dorrans
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THE WEST END NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
THE DUMPSTER…
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THE WEST END NEWS
WHERE WE THROW ALL THE STUFF THAT WE DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH…
Reporting watchdog Pine Tree Watch changes name to The Maine Monitor to avoid confusion with an environmental publication, or with Pine Tree Waste, Pine Tree Seafood, Pine Tree Legal... Jonah Fertig-Burd leaves the Cooperative Development Institute to join the staff at the Sewall Foundation leading food systems and outdoor education programs… Island Veterinary Service is back on Facebook and invites you to like their page… The former Aurora Provisions space in the West End is available for purchase or lease and immediate occupancy… Portland Paddle’s annual gear sale runs through the entire month of September selling off lots of used kayaks, paddleboards, and other gear… Mayo Street Arts presents their Mission Award to activist band the Ideal Maine Social Aid and Sanctuary Band… Royal River Conservation Trust selects Friends of Casco Bay and their Executive Director Cathy Ramsdell as recipients of the Conservation Champion Award for their work in winning a No Discharge Area status for the Bay… From our inbox of endless lists, we noticed that New Hampshire peace activist Granny D makes USA Today’s list of Women of the Century… The West End News announces publication date of our 20th Anniversary edition will be March 2021… James Fereira finds Jeff Blake’s 4th floor Monument Square Donald Trump days left in office countdown quite amusing, so here’s a picture of it…
Published by Zeli Enterprises, LLC 795 Congress Street Portland, Maine 04102 www.thewestendnews.com thewestendnews@gmail.com Tony Zeli, Publisher & Editor Rick Ness, Sales Printed in Maine by Lincoln County Publishing Co.
ALL SALES INQUIRIES Contact Rick Ness 207-577-7025 rickthewestendnews@gmail.com
VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS Nancy Dorrans, Travel & Adventure James Fereira, The Portland Palate Dr. Oren Gersten, Beyond 7 Minutes Rosanne Graef, La Vida Local Michael Stern, Emotional Intelligence Leo Knighton Tallarico, Astrology Layne Witherell, Layne's Wine Gig
Thank you for contributions from Bob McKillop, Citizens' Climate Lobby Mary Alice Scott, Portland Buy Local Ben Taylor, Best Worst Trivia Liz Trice, PelotonLabs Northern Light Mercy Hospital & Portland Climate Action Team
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SEPTEMBER EDITION 2020
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