The West End News - April Ed. 2022 - Vol. 22 No. 4 by The West End News

APRIL 2022.VOL. 22, NO. 04. PORTLAND, MAINE.

More City Councilors, Municipal Clean Elections & Universal Voting Portland Charter Commission advances proposals that could transform city politics. Of course, with twelve members there is the possibility of council votes Portland now has 5 city council districts. ending in a tie. Generally, a tie would be a The Portland Charter Commission’s prolosing proposal. Consider, a tied vote that posal would increase that number to 9, happened at the charter commission. The creating much smaller districts and proposal to increase city council pay (curincreasing the total size of city council rently an annual stipend set at less than to 12 seats. $7,000) failed with a six-to-six vote. An(Map Source: https://portlandmaine.gov) other possibility, the charter commission could recommend that the executive mayBy Tony Zeli or preside as a council president who can Although there is much to be decid- other hand, a district city councilor may break ties - similar to the Vice President ed, what the Portland Charter Commis- represent four or five neighborhoods. For who presides over and breaks ties in the sion has already advanced would be trans- instance, City District 2 covers the West Senate. formative. They have supported more city End, Parkside, St. John-Valley, and Oak(As of print, the commission has not councilors, universal resident voting rights, dale-USM neighborhoods. decided on a recommendation for a govclean elections, and more. The commisAs proposed, the charter commis- ernance model. But all proposals still unsion continues to convene weekly to meet sion’s recommendation adds four addi- der review include a mayor who runs an their deadlines. They must submit a pretional district seats. As such, the city coun- executive branch separate from the legisliminary report to Portland City Council cil would become a twelve-member body: lative city council. Also, still to be decided by May 9th and a final report by July 11th. three at-large councilors and nine district is whether the school board would grow Their recommendations in the final report members. to twelve members.) would go before voters in November.

n your home?

More City Councilors The Portland Charter Commission approved a proposal to increase the size of the Portland City Council to twelve seats by creating new, smaller city districts. Currently the city council has nine seats. The mayor holds one seat. Another three seats are at-large, and at-large councilors can live anywhere in the city and are elected by voters of every district.The other five are district seats. District councilors must live within the district and are elected only by voters in the district.

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On the current map, districts for Portland City Council are larger than districts for the Maine House of Representatives. So, a state rep in Portland might represent a neighborhood or two. On the

According to the literature reviewed by the charter commissioners, smaller districts can increase connection to the neighborhood and lead to more diversity in representation. Commissioners also noted that with more city councilors there would be more people to do the work and serve on council committees.

Universal Voting Rights

The charter commission voted to move forward with a recommendation for universal resident voting rights. The proposal grants all residents of voting age the right to vote in municipal elections and municipal referendums regardless of Representation is an issue that reso- citizenship status. nates for Portlanders who live on the isAt this stage, the commission aplands of Casco Bay. Currently, City District proved a proposal that the commission’s 1 covers the islands along with Munjoy attorney Jim Katsiaficas will draft into forHill, East Bayside, and the Old Port. Un- mal charter language. der the recommended proposal, the city However, attorney Katsiaficas advised council would redraw the district maps. They could give the islands their own the commission that the proposal is illegal representation. Also, they could consider under Maine law. The commission decided placing demographically diverse districts to seek a second opinion. They will vote such as Parkside or Bayside in their own again on the final charter language at a future meeting. districts.

Clean Elections The charter commission approved a proposal for clean elections, establishing a public fund to provide campaign financing for qualifying candidates who reject traditional financing. The proposal tasks the city council with drawing up the details of the program. The final costs are unknown, but an estimate provided by Commissioner Marpheen Chann puts the cost of a municipal clean elections program in Portland for the first fiscal year at approximately $287,734. That cost represents the paid staff person the charter proposal directs the council to hire.

Participatory Budgeting The approved participatory budgeting proposal directs the city council to develop a process where residents can direct a portion of the city budget either through direct proposal or vote.

Upcoming Meetings Portland Charter Commission meets weekly in April on Wednesdays starting at 6:00 p.m. The charter commission conducts meetings via Zoom. For more information, visit the city website at https:// portlandmaine.gov. Expect meetings to run for four or five hours as the commissioners rush to present a preliminary report to the city council by May 9th. Their final report goes before the council on July 11th. All recommendations from the charter commission will go before voters in November. Tony Zeli is publisher and editor. Reach him at thewestendnews@gmail.com.

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PORTLAND’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER. FREE!

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City launches new sustainability effort

Northern Light's Mary Sanders offers keys to successful change

Layne's Wine Gig Presents Unicorn Wine Hunt

Nancy Dorrans shares a secret spot for Maine travel

APRIL EDITION 2022

THE WEST END NEWS / APRIL 2022

Portland Residents: Save Energy, Save Money, Protect the Planet Did you know you can save money and help the environment by installing energy efficient heat pumps in your home? Even after recent price increases for electricity, heat pumps are cheaper than fossil fuels. Annual cost to heat with oil: Annual cost to heat with a heat pump:

$3,800 $1,800

Our Electrify Everything! program can connect you with rebates and discounts on air source heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. Our program partner, ReVision Energy, can also provide ﬁnancial help to power your home with solar. trify ec

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Fresh Approach The West End’s Meat Market Celebrating 30 years!

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INSIDE THIS EDITION Best Worst Trivia.........................................14 Bright Ideas...................................................13 Business News...............................................6 Crossword....................................................14 Events...............................................................5 Health & Wellness.........................................4 Layne's Wine Gig..................................10-11 Map Page (Overheard in Portland).......8-9 Neighborhood News...................................3 PelotonPosts...................................................7 Poetry.............................................................15 Sudoku...........................................................14 Travel..............................................................12 We're All in this Together..........................13

Thank you for reading! Maine’s Friendliest Gay Bar

ALL WELCOME! Blackstones is proud to be an advertising partner with the West End News! Blackstones, 32 years as the West Ends’ LGBTQ+ neighborhood bar! All Welcome! Portland’s Oldest Operating LGBTQ+ Establishment O P E N W E E K D A Y S 4 P. M . – 1 A . M . S AT. & S U N . 1 1 A . M . – 1 A . M . 6 P I N E S T. , P O R T L A N D • 7 7 5 . 2 8 8 5

Published by Zeli Enterprises, LLC 795 Congress Street Portland, Maine 04102 thewestendnews@gmail.com

Tony Zeli, Publisher & Editor Rick Ness, Sales VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS Nancy Dorrans, Travel & Adventure David Kunhardt, Citizens' Climate Lobby Ben Taylor, Best Worst Trivia Liz Trice, PelotonPosts Layne V. Witherell, Layne's Wine Gig

Thank you for contributions from:

Mary C. Sanders, Northern Light Mercy & Portland Climate Action Team Printed in Maine by Lincoln County Publishing Co.

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

SUBMISSIONS WEN is a community newspaper and we need your voice! 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 and town or neighborhood. • Op-eds should be no more than 750 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. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in our pages belong solely to the authors and not necessarily to the publication.

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

City Launches Sustainability Effort: Electrify Everything!

City Hall Gets Greeters & Updates Mask Policies

THE WEST END NEWS / APRIL 2022

Innovative & Compassionate Memory Care

Springtime is in the air, our senses, our hearts and our courtyards. Fallbrook Woods residents are once again delighting in the beauty of nature and friendships forged.

The City of Portland launches Electrify Everything! —a new program that provides residents with exclusive discounts on solar panels and home heating appliances.

Portland City Council approved a new “enhanced customer service” for those visiting City Hall. Soon, two greeters will staff the two entrances at Congress Street and Myrtle Street during regular operating hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 To launch this initiative the City p.m., Monday through Friday. partnered with ReVision Energy, a local full-service solar company with over 15 Accessing City Hall – Mask years of experience designing, installing, Policies and maintaining solar energy systems. As part of the program, Revision Energy will As of March 14th, masks are recomoffer the following discounts to Portland mended, but not required when visiting property owners: City Hall and the City’s Canco Road facilities. This applies to members of the public • $500 off solar installations as well as staff. Masking requirements may • $250 off air source heat pumps, heat return if Cumberland County’s risk level pump water heaters, and home EV returns to High and/or the CDC changes its guidance again. chargers

Life with memory impairment continues…let us show you how. 60 Merrymeeting Drive, Portland, Maine 04103 (207) 878-0788 www.FallbrookWoods.com

The City’s Treasury Office, which • Up to $60,000 to help low-income processes auto and boat registrations as households go solar well as property tax payments, is open These discounts are in addition to re- by appointment only. Auto renewals and bates, incentives, and tax credits available property tax payments can be paid online, from state and federal programs such as and those wishing to drop off property those offered by Efficiency Maine. tax payments in person can leave them in To help low- and moderate-income a secure drop box at the Congress Street homeowners make this switch, ReVision entrance. Energy has pledged to support up to 20 The City Clerk’s Office and Parking low- to moderate-income residents with Office are open for walk-in service. Re$3,000 discounts off the cost of a turnkey maining city services can be accessed eisolar installation. This will pay down the ther online or by checking in at one of cost of financing the installation so the the new greeter stations. Masks continue participating residents will save money on to be required when visiting the Health & energy from day one. Human Services department at 39 Forest Residents who are not able to install solar or who live in apartments can participate in Electrify Everything! and reduce their monthly electricity bills by subscribing to an offsite solar array. This option, known as community solar is available through ReVision Energy and other providers. Residents also can purchase an ownership stake in an offsite solar project. Both programs are available to any resident with an electricity bill from Central Maine Power.

Avenue.

Updated Mask Policies at City-Owned Event Venues

Also, the City has updated its safety protocols for events at its indoor facilities, which includes Merrill Auditorium, the James A. Banks Sr. Portland Expo Building, and Ocean Gateway. Following the latest CDC guidance, the City is lifting its masking mandate at these venues. Masking is still recommended for those who may be To receive all the discounts, Portland at high risk. The City’s venues are mask residents must sign a contract with Re- friendly and welcome those who continue Vision Energy before September 1, 2022. to wear a mask. The vaccination policy reLearn more: portlandmaine.gov/electrify. mains in place for now.

Temporary Schedule Changes to METRO Route 1 and BREEZ Effective March 28 – May 7, 2022 Greater Portland METRO is temporarily reducing service due to staffing shortages on two bus routes, METRO BREEZ and Route 1. These changes began on March 28th and are expected to continue through May 7th.

son’s Point, including along St. John Street and Mercy at the Fore. Route 1 provides local service between Thompson’s Point/PTC and Munjoy Hill/Eastern Prom with stops every 1/4 mile along Congress Street. During this time, METRO is reducing Route 1 service frequency from every 30 minutes to every 60 minutes. Many stops along Route 1 are also serviced by Route 7, 9, and BREEZ.

METRO BREEZ provides express service between Portland,Yarmouth, Freeport, and Brunswick, with 14 roundtrips Monday through Friday. During this service reduction, four southbound and three METRO is experiencing staffing northbound trips will not operate. Saturshortages due to unforeseen short - and day service will not change. long-term bus operator leave of absences During the service disruption, the (mostly unrelated to the Covid-19 virus). one-way fare for BREEZ will be lowered METRO does not have sufficient bus opfrom $4 to $2 (reduced fare lowered from erators to run all routes as scheduled. In $2 to $1). To provide additional service, early May, METRO plans to return to regBREEZ will also stop at all Route 1 stops ular service for Route 1 and BREEZ. between Washington Avenue and Thomp-

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THE WEST END NEWS / APRIL 2022

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Why is Change so Hard?

As you implement the new behavior, remember that consistency is the key to success. Consistency is also the hardest of these three components to success. I recommend finding ways to stay motivated, keeping your eyes on your ultimate destination, and finding new and creative ways to continue moving forward. As anyone who has made lasting behavior changes will tell you, often the joy comes from the journey, not just the destination.

By Mary C. Sanders, FNP-C, BC-ADM, Clemente, behavior change has six distinct CDCES stages: Let’s face it; change is hard. Most of our behaviors are habitual and become automatic overtime. We are all multi-tasking, so anything we can let run on “auto-pilot” allows us to conserve energy for the multitude of other responsibilities we are trying to juggle. Anyone who’s ever tried to break a bad habit or start a new healthy one can tell you it takes time and energy—two things that we just don’t always have. For example, let’s say you have a goal to stop drinking soda. Initially, you will have to make a conscious effort every time you grab a drink, order a drink, or even think of taking a drink, NOT to drink soda. However, over time (and admittedly it may be a while), your conscious choices will become unconscious and will become habituated.

Change is not a straight line From a physiologic perspective, our brains are wired to adapt to any change. This adaptability is referred to as neuroplasticity. When we make a change, our brains change chemically, structurally, and functionally. In fact, intentional behavior change requires the severing of a formed neural connection (what we refer to as breaking the old habit) while simultaneously establishing and strengthening new pathways (creating a new habit). From a psychologic perspective, according to researchers James Prochaska and Carlo Di-

1. Precontemplation (The Blissful Ignorance Stage): You are not even aware of a problem or a need for change. 2. Contemplation (The “Hmmm” Stage): You become aware there may be a behavior you want to change but aren’t quite ready to take the leap. 3. Preparation (The Ready, Set Stage): You become motivated to make a change and learn how to go about shifting patterns of behavior.

Mary C. Sanders, FNP-C, BC-ADM, CDCES, is a nationally certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a member of the care team at Northern Light Mercy Endocrinology and Diabetes Care and Mercy Hospital’s Mattina R. Proctor Diabetes Center.

4. Action (The Go Stage):You start im- tency. Start with establishing a direction plementing the new healthy behavior. (you can also call it a vision, goal, or any other target word that motivates you). 5. Maintenance (The Keep It Up The important thing is that you visualize Stage): You fully realize the benefits yourself at your end game: being where of change and the efforts required to you want to be, achieving what you want continue your new-found habits. to achieve. It is important to acknowledge here that ultimately it is you who must 6. Relapse (The Try Again Stage): You determine what you want to change. Atslip back into old habits and work to tempting to change a behavior that you resume the new, healthy behavior. think someone else wants you to change So, what is the lesson here? We should is challenging. expect that change is not a straight line. Once you have a direction, plan your In fact, lasting change will take time and route. Identify strategies you will use to requires that we accept the occurrence achieve your goal. Surround yourself with of setbacks as we seek to make positive allies who will support you in achieving it behavior change. and remind you why you started in the first place. And lastly, brainstorm some poKeys to successful change tential obstacles you may encounter and I believe successful change comes potential ways to overcome them. Once down to three things—identifying a direc- your plan is in place, it’s time to get starttion or destination, planning, and consis- ed!

Setbacks may be part of the journey Relapsing is a normal part of the change process. At some point, we have all found ourselves sliding back into comfortable old patterns and behaviors. It may be due to stress, fatigue, or perhaps we tried to make too many changes at once. Instead of throwing in the proverbial towel and giving up on the change, try this instead—use the setback to identify triggers and regain motivation for change. Most importantly, be kind to yourself through the process, focus on your successes and build on those. Remember, change is not a straight line and setbacks will be part of your journey. Ultimately though, if you take anything away from reading this, please remember—change is hard, and hard things take time. But hard things are not impossible.You’ve got this!

Content Provided By Northern Light Mercy Hospital is a nonprofit community hospital sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. Northern Light Mercy Hospital is a paid advertiser.

WHAT'S GOING ON

THE WEST END NEWS / APRIL 2022

Concert for Ukraine - A Jane’s Walk 2022 Benefit for Partners for Comes to Maine, May 7 World Health Maine Nonprofits Host Free “Walking Con-

versations” A group of nonprofit place-based organizations, including Friends of Congress Square Park, Greater Portland Landmarks, Maine Downtown Center, Maine Preservation, and Portland Downtown announced that Jane’s Walk ME will be held on May 7th, 2022. Jane’s Walks combine the simple act of exploring a place with personal observations, local history, and The concert will feature performanc- civic engagement and is celebrated globales by prominent local musicians: Jason ly in more than 200 cities and towns. Spooner, Joe K. Walsh, Caroline Cotter, Individuals and organizations are inDominic Lavoie, Clarisse Karasira, Angevited to learn more about Jane’s Walk by likah Fahray, Jeff Beam, and more. visiting tinyurl.com/janeswalkme and may Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at submit a walk via an online form until the door. Donations will be accepted for April 29th. A typical walk is 60-90 minutes those who are unable to attend the event. and is free and open to the public. All proceeds from ticket sales will be doThe roster of walks that have already nated to Partners for World Health to enbeen planned include “A Vision for Downsure that urgently needed medical equiptown Westbrook,” hosted by the City of ment and supplies will be sent to Ukraine Westbrook; “Biddeford Garden to Table,” and to Ukrainian refugees in Poland. hosted by Heart of Biddeford; “Imagine To donate directly to Ukraine: bit.ly/ Places Here:The Future of Surface Parking Partners-Ukraine or Text help4ukraine to in Downtown Portland,” hosted by Portland Downtown; and others. A full roster (207) 656-5261. of walks will be available at least one week Because our venue is so small, we will before the festival. require all staff, volunteers, performers, Jane’s Walk is a global festival of free, and patrons to show proof of full vaccination against Covid-19 when they attend volunteer-led walking conversations inOLS events and to wear masks indoors spired by community activist Jane Jacobs. unless they are actively drinking, eating, or She spent her life (1916-2006) using grassroots activism to protect neighborhoods. performing. Sat., April 9 / 7pm doors, 8pm show / One Longfellow Square / $15 advance - $20 at the door / Proof of full vaccination + masks required One Longfellow Square announces a Concert for Ukraine - A Benefit for Partners for World Health on Saturday, April 9th at 8 p.m. at One Longfellow Square, 181 State St., Portland.

Portland Conservatory Raises over $16,000 at Faculty Concert Event Portland Conservatory of Music (PCM), a nonprofit community music school, hosted its 4th Annual Faculty Concert and Fundraiser on March 5th to raise funds to support innovative programming and continued improvements to the Conservatory’s new home at 28 Neal Street in Portland’s historic West End. Rachel Herzer, piano instructor, was awarded the Carol Eaton Elowe Faculty Award for her dedication to her students throughout the pandemic, keeping them

engaged and learning through lockdowns and remote learning.

UPCOMING MUSIC + EVENTS ROSE ALLEY (JERRY GARCIA BAND TRIBUTE) W/S/G HAMBONE Apr 1, 2022 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM

CLUB D’ELF W/ JOHN MEDESKI : ALBUM RELEASE SHOW! Apr 8, 2022 8:00 PM – 11:30 PM

VAPORS OF MORPHINE W/S/GS MICROMASSÉ Apr 30, 2022 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM

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The concert took place in the performance hall at the new PCM building on Neal Street with nearly 100 people in attendance. Corporate sponsors for the event were Wright-Ryan Construction, Genesan/Clean-O-Rama, and TRSS Wealth Management.The evening of music raised over $16,000 through ticket sales, donations, auction pledges, and sponsor support.

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JILL SOBULE W/ EMMA IVY ALASH ENSEMBLE USM STUDENT JAZZ COMBO NIGHT THE DON CAMPBELL BAND ERIC BETTENCOURT, WILL MALLETT, & PAT BYRNE LUCY WAINWRIGHT ROCHE & SUZZY ROCHE THE PORTLAND JAZZ ORCHESTRA PARSONSFIELD HOUSE OF HAMILL

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THE WEST END NEWS / APRIL 2022

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Added Downtown Portland City Council unanimously approved EVGo Services, LLC to deploy electric vehicle charging stations on cityowned property. EVGo says it operates more than 800 EV fast charging stations in 34 states and the District of Columbia. EVGo will install up to 44 Level-2 chargers and four DC fast chargers (serving eight parking spots) in Portland. The DC fast chargers and twelve of the Level 2 chargers will be installed before the end of 2022 in the following locations: • Two DC fast chargers in the parking lot at the corner of Spring Street and High Street • Two DC fast chargers on Commercial Street, across from Maple Street • Four level 2 chargers in the Reiche School parking lot on Brackett Street • Four level 2 chargers in the East End School parking lot on North St.

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

charge to a single vehicle in 30 minutes.

public health message.

For this reason, EVGo will install clusters of Level-2 chargers in neighborhoods so EV owners can plug in and walk to their home. DC fast chargers will be installed in busier parts of the city so visitors and residents alike can use them and enjoy local amenities while they charge. EVGo focuses on deployment of DC Fast Chargers.

Angela Adams, an internationally recognized artist and designer who was born and raised in Maine, offered an in-kind donation and customized design services with four print variations. Pandora Lacasse’s team generously offered their in-kind services to help install the flagpole banners when she took down her seasonal winter lights.

Creative Portland Hires Local Artists to Create Spring Arts Banner Creative Portland, the official arts agency for the City of Portland, is encouraging Mainers to “Reopen and Revive” this spring with banners that reflect a welcoming message of hope, inclusion, and respect. The new banners will replace the City’s “Stay the Course” public health campaign banners. They were created by ten Maine artists and graphic designers who were selected by Creative Portland on a work for hire basis, via an open call.

Diverse artistic designs reproduced • Four level 2 chargers in the Deering on large scale banners and applied to flagOaks parking lot on State Street poles throughout downtown will target The chargers in the school parking tourists and locals who are patrons in the lots will be available for public use during arts district and downtown Portland. hours that school is not in session. The original art banners, installed in Level-2 chargers add approximately October of 2020, reinforced Covid safety 25 miles of charge for every hour of use. measures and focused on masking up and As such, it takes six or more hours for social distancing. Over two dozen develsuch equipment to fully charge most ve- opers, businesses, and property managers hicles. The 180 kw DC fast chargers pro- downtown participated by offering their posed by EVgo can add up to 300 miles of facades to hang banners to get out the

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Arts Messaging in the new round of spring revival banners are pro-Bevin Homberg Bevin Holmberg vided by these Maine artists: Angela Adams, Cyril Bennett, Buffcat, Gloria DiIanni, Sarah Hiers, Bevin Holmberg, Anastasia Inciardi, Spenser Macleod, Stacy Mitchell, and Rebecca Volynksy.

City Launches New Microenterprise Grant Program

profits and for-profit businesses in Portland. To be eligible, the business must have seven or fewer employees (including the owner), and the business owner(s) must be low/moderate income. The grant will provide up to $7,500 to be used for rent, payroll, equipment, insurance, inventory, and other working capital needs. Businesses that have never received a Microenterprise Grant from the City, can apply for up to $7,500 if they operate from commercial space that costs at least $500/ month. Home-based businesses or those that operate from commercial space that costs less than $500/month can apply for up to $3,500.

In addition, businesses that have already received MicroSpenser Macleod Buffcat enterprise or Rapid Response grants from the City may now apply for additional funds. If the business previously received $5,000 it can apply for an additional $2,500 bringing the sum of all City grants to $7,500. If the businesses previously received $2,500, it can apply for an additional $1,000 of grant funds bringing the sum of all City grants to $3,500.

For more information contact Nelle Opening eligibility to more small busiHanig, Business Programs Manager, Housnesses impacted by pandemic ing and Economic Develop-ment DepartThe City of Portland launched a new ment, at nrh@portlandmaine.gov or call Microenterprise grant program aimed at 207-756-8019. supporting businesses, existing and new, that have been or continue to be impacted Find the application and learn by the pandemic. The grant program uses more: funds from the American Rescue Plan. https://www.portlandmaine.gov/2749/MiThe grant program is open to both non- croenterprise-Grant-ARPA-Funded.

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

THE WEST END NEWS / APRIL 2022

Brad Ferris at Craft3: Using banking for public good Every month PelotonLabs co-founder Liz Trice interviews a local community member. This month, Liz caught up with Brad Ferris of Craft3, a nonprofit lender making loans to small businesses in the Pacific Northwest that have positive community impact and don’t qualify for traditional bank financing.

tana, and then worked at traditional banks for a decade as a credit underwriter, analyst, and lender. I’ve lived and worked all over the country – Arizona, Massachusetts, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana.

We ended up lending them $2 million to buy the property. We gave them one year to come up with a plan and another year to execute the plan. A bunch of organizations stepped in to help purchase the property and made a plan to demolish it and build housing and community spaces.

The outdoor recreation community is unique here because of the blend of both ocean and mountains. I think Maine is culturally more like the west coast than Massachusetts, especially in Portland where it’s a more laid back and progressive city. I enjoy that it’s a small city but feels like a big city. People are very comMore recently, there was a situation munity focused. where seven immigrant-owned businesses were in a building that was going to be I’d like to stay long term and am intersold, and we helped a non-profit purchase ested in getting involved in the local comthe building so those businesses could munity. In the past I was on the equivalent stay there. of Buy Local for Spokane. I’d also like to get back into running long distance races.

I was attracted from banking to Craft3 seven years ago because of the community focus. Right now, I’m in the role of an underwriter. The loan officer finds the deals, interacts with the borrower, does the sales, and then the underwriter researches everything about the transaction and all the risks associated with it and structures How did you come to live in Porta deal to mitigate those risks.

Craft3 is a community development financial institution (CDFI) – that “uses capital to build resilience, lessen the racial wealth Is there an equivalent to Craft 3 land? gap, and expand economic op- Tell me about some projects in Maine? I really like to run, and my first time portunity for all.” How do you do you’ve worked on. to the east coast was to run the Boston Coastal Enterprises is probably the that, and how did you get started? I’m proudest of deals that have a big Marathon. community impact. I ended up living and working in MasRight when I started, there was a sachusetts for a while and visited Portland development near Portland, Oregon, the a few times. I always liked Portland and Sugar Shack, which was basically a strip thought it would be a great place to live, club center in a neighborhood with lots and so about a year ago I sold my house of families. People were using drugs in the in Washington State and moved. I moved parking lot and there was a lot of prostitu- here alone and didn’t know anyone, but I tion. When the owner of the property got live in an apartment in the Old Port, and in trouble the operations closed, and the I’ve been enjoying exploring Portland’s people in the neighborhood knew they restaurants and bars and meeting people. needed to do something, but they didn’t I’m looking forward to spending more I went to college in Missoula, Mon- have a plan. time outdoors in the summer.

We focus on businesses in Washington and Oregon owned by individuals from groups that historically have had trouble getting traditional financing: those that are immigrant, veteran, women, BIPOC-owned, or those that are doing good things for the environment. Our work also includes commercial owner-occupied real estate and affordable housing for veterans . . . a lot of variety! Our loans are typically $25 thousand to $5 million.

closest. There are also lots of organizations that help local and disadvantaged entrepreneurs. RESOURCES https://www.theindusfund.com https://southernmaine.score.org https://www.ceimaine.org https://www.craft3.org PelotonLabs is a coworking space in the West End of Portland with a mission to connect and encourage people working on their own to manifest their visions without fear.

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LAYNE'S WINE GIG PRESENTS

UNICORN WINE HUNT By Layne V. Witherell

If you Google up “unicorn wine” you get not only a slew of mixed wisdom from the reigning sommelier god of the moment, but you can also get steered to a wine club, or label design company, or maybe even your next gig. Take your pick. There is always somebody out there in the internet world who is willing to dig their hand deep into your pocket. Let’s keep it simple and say that a unicorn wine is something that you must search for and maybe won’t appear again. Which brings me to the subject of this column: an ever so delightful read, the just released book “South of Somewhere: Wine, Food and the Soul of Italy” by Robert Camuto. This isn’t just some random guy wandering and traveling in southern Italy. Mr. Camuto is a full-time paid journalist working for The Wine Spectator - the world’s largest consumer lifestyle wine magazine. He is on a mission of unicorn hunting among the unknown, barely known, and soon to be discovered. His stated thesis is a journey to connect with his grandparents’ old stomping ground in the far south of Italy, while interviewing and hanging out with a wonderful cast of eccentric winemakers to observe how rural southern Italy is changing. It is a search for the modern granddaughters of the contadini (peasant farmers) who are making “new discoveries among old

vineyards” and who are creating a new out little pieces of the family vineyard and generation of unicorn wines to send to have adapted it to their own ideas. Keep their “ardent following in Tokyo, London, your eyes out for the wines. Brooklyn, and Los Angeles.” The Abruzzo region is on every savvy modern wine drinker’s radar now, as well EMIDIO PEPE it should be. There might not specifically He has been making wine in the be an Emidio Pepe wine in your future, but Abruzzo region for sixty-five years and there are tons of choices available from is the master of the red Montepulciano the region. d’ Abruzzo (average $135.00 bottle) and the Trebbiano d’Abruzzo white (average FRANK CORNELISSEN $110.00 a bottle). The older vintages can Mount Etna in Sicily is an active volcarun $1,300 a bottle in restaurants. This is no imbued with mystical properties of soil, semi-unicorn territory with pricey wines location, cultural layering of history, local and scarce availability. When last seen loreverence, and that awe inspiring terroir cally his wines were on the list of the late combined with a spiritual linking of them great wine bar Lio in Portland, and hopeall. There is an increasing addition of a new fully haven’t fallen off the distribution plancrop of aspiring sage winemakers. et in Maine, but it happens. The original “Mac Daddy” was Frank Pepe is important because he is an Cornelissen, a Dutch day trader, wine imunassuming gentleman with very unconporter, and explorer who “became Etna’s ventional winemaking ideas that may selzealot with an avid following.” I have had dom be seen again. He totally forgoes oak his wines and they are eccentric, wacko, barrels, ages his wine in glass for decades, and overpriced. But that was his biodyand hand decants each bottle before renamic phase. “He seemed to be making lease. This is your taste of ancient Rome. manifestos against the modern world.” The picture with my wife Judy was taken in our favorite wine bar in Rome. Frank has settled down now and his wines are usually just overpriced. He has three daughters who are The biggest obstacle to this book adorned in “jeans, summer blouses, and stylish sunglasses” and are plugged into is that Mr. Camuto never says what the social media. The grown kids have carved wines he is drinking cost. You need your

Layne's wife Judy at their favorite wine bar in Rome with a bottle of Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo. -All photos by L.Witherell phone plugged into a wine search engine and look everything up for the real shock value to kick in. Try Frank’s Magma Rosso at $300.00$600.00 per bottle. “I once watched a couple of English speaking straniere (foreigners) order a bottle in a restaurant in Lingualossa, and what poured out was not red but cola brown. They seemed surprised but did not reject it.” Now THAT is a cult wine! Cont'd on Next Page...

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The secret to success for people in grapes bring a pad of sticky notes to plasthe “natural wine world” like Frank Cor- ter throughout the book, labeling as you nelissen consists of the following formula: go. Still, at $25.00 per copy it is cheaper than two little adorable pours of natural • Have an eccentric personality- so wine. I do like the profile photos scattered eccentric that people believe every throughout. Very Italian, with each wineword you utter. Say “geeky” a lot. maker pointing in a different direction, a • Own or rent a tiny vineyard, the older great juxtaposition. and more out of the way the better. • Discover or grow grapes that NO ONE has ever heard of.

THE WEST END NEWS / APRIL 2022

THE OTHER PORTLAND: HELP WANTED AD

PAIRINGS is a wine store located in • Establish a cult like following with the other Portland and I was drawn to the your tiny importer, distributor, sales fact that we are getting closer to them reps, and retail and restaurant staff. than you think in vibe. On their website • Be relentless in your social media you can sign up for the wine “Astrology two pack,” match a wine to your sign; or promotions (daily is best). the “personality pairing six pack,” which • Search for people who are eager for includes stubborn, inventive, warm, or grill your latest story. master. There is, of course, the “wine pairing to anything pack,” tight pants, sincere, SO WHY THIS BOOK? stylish, etc. My favorite is “Wine 101 Virtual… Wine tips with the wine guy” for Camuto interviews lots of fascinating, $300.00. They don’t call it Portlandia for under the radar winemakers in regions nothing. that you may or Or, if you simply want to move out may not be faWest you can apply to their help wanted miliar with. It is ad for a “Sunday Wine Slinger and Storya delicious read, teller.” You must know stuff about natubut its major deral wine, but in addition to Sunday from ficiency, other 12-7 you MIGHT additionally work from than no informa5-8 on several weekdays. But it is a “fun, tion on pricing, is cheerful, perky atmosphere.” There is the the lack of an in“invite your friends that will want you to dex. If you want pour for them” part (infomercial). Also, to keep track of there is the typical save the planet pitch, the personalities in addition to understanding Insta and and their newTik Tok. “Or perhaps you are a seasoned found long-lost

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.

sommelier looking for non-soul sucking work.” I predicted the glamorous Sommelier world would be in for an awakening, but not one this soon where they begin to eat their own. Don’t forget to bring your trust fund; it looks like you will need it. The unicorns aren’t just the wine anymore.

LAYNE’S WINE GIG For an afternoon of snark, fun, and wine, come to Layne’s Wine Gig on the 3rd Thursday of every month 5:00-6:00 p.m. at BLUE, 650 Congress Street. 4 pours of 3 oz. each. Best to check the website for updated vax and mask policies as they are changing all the time: Portcityblue.com.

Layne interviews Robert Mondavi for Style Weekly (2002).

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Pandemic Gains By Nancy Dorrans One of the gains of the pandemic is that a lot more people have ventured outside for their vacations. While hesitant to travel by air or stay in hotels, road trips and camping seemed a safer alternative. People that had never considered themselves the “outdoor types” decided to give it a go. Travel trailer sales skyrocketed! However, training on how to drive and camp didn’t necessarily come with these vehicles.

GOING OUTDOORS I encountered such a family of “outdoor types” in July of 2020 while tent camping with a few friends at Peaks-Kenny State Park. This state park is a quiet gem hidden on the south shore of Sebec Lake in Dover-Foxcroft.

were from Connecticut and hadn’t been out of the house for months. They had three young children that had been in school at home, virtually, since the beginning of the pandemic. The whole family were so excited and eager to be campers! I was a tad envious of all that flashy gear including a fancy Zodiac boat for the lake and shiny fishing poles. I’m not sure how much fish they caught.

OVER-TOURISM CONCERNS

visuals and testimonials.

While I’m glad that more people got outside during the last two years, I’ve been reading and hearing a lot about the effects of travel on our planet. In a recent article in Outside Magazine, it was made ever more clear: “Overtourism Has Reached a Dangerous Tipping Point.” The article was written by Stephanie Pearson. She is a colleague from the Adventure Travel Trade Association and is also in my virtual pandemic meditation group. (Learning to meditate is another pandemic gain!)

So, what do we do to help prevent over-tourism? I say find quiet, peaceful, and even dark places to explore. Don’t go where and when everyone else goes. April is a quiet time in Maine, and it will be extra dark this year. Instead of a Blue Moon, we’ll have two New Moons. The Black Moon, or second New Moon is only “slightly rare, occurring about once every two to three years.” Maine has some of the darkest skies in the country. The organization Dark Sky Maine encourages and educates about where to go and how to appreciate the darkness.The Black Moon at the end of this month will give us an extra opportunity!

While relaxing in my hammock after a leisurely lunch I heard – but didn’t see – a large vehicle drive up to a site not far from ours. I then heard a door slam and young woman’s frantic voice- “Honey, Honey… STOP!!! Remember what they told us at the dealership? You have to turn the wheel Stephanie has made a life out of travelthe opposite of what you think! Honey... ing and writing about her adventures. Like Honey… HONEY!” me and a growing number of adventure Then a man’s voice, “Stop yelling at travel industry professionals, she is concerned. The pandemic has put many more me!” And so on… visitors in and pressure on popular do- HERE’S A SECRET My friends and I wandered a bit clos- mestic destinations, especially our national There are plenty of peaceful places to er and saw a shiny red truck and a huge parks.The film “The Last Tourist,” directed explore and go in Maine. I can’t share all brand new fifth wheel travel trailer. When by Tyson Sadler and executive-produced my secrets but here’s one. they finally got settled, we went over by G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip, and chatted with the young family. They exposes these consequences with painful Mud Brook is a stream situated near

Nancy Dorrans kayaking and canoeing on Sebec Lake with Marc Hills - Fellow MOACer. Nancy is a profession-

al travel expert and founded Adventure Marketplace in -Photos by Nancy Dorrans 2014.

to Mathews Cove and close to Mud Cove in Greenville. I haven’t been there yet, but I am going. The weekend before Memorial Day, I’m co-leading a MOAC (Maine Outdoor Adventure Club) group camping trip to Lily Bay State Park in Moosehead Lake. Mud Brook is the name of the group site situated on a secluded peninsula. It “May” be a cool mud/bug adventure, but it won’t be crowded. We will have the place to ourselves and be able to soak in the peace, quiet, and darkness.

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We’re All in This Together

Climate Restoration: PERMACULTURE & CLIMATE CHANGE Amidst the confusion of our times, we take refuge in what we know to be right and natural. So, this month we want to see the correlation between finding balance in the garden and saving the planet. Permaculture’s roots are in the adage that “everything is connected to everything else.”

are under threat. By carefully examining environmental legislation and policies we can find ways to reroute power away from the 1% and to the 99% (and the political and economic institutions serving them). We can imagine justly distributed political, economic, and cultural power where humans have regenerative relationships with Finding balance in the garden is di- nature. rectly connected to saving the planet. In both cases, limited resources are used Since so little time is left, significant wisely to produce the greatest possible ef- economic disruption and transformation fect. Each plant or object in a landscape is may well occur. What can we do? Take inbusy interacting with other elements and spiration from the Green New Deal that being acted upon in turn. Most everything proposes a large-scale economic mobilithat enters a natural landscape is captured zation deploying the nation’s resources in and used, absorbed, and recirculated. By- response to the crisis. A common strateproducts and wastes are recycled and gy and relentlessly pursuing shared goals swallowed into new living organisms. must supersede everything else. Transitioning away from fossil fuels, which curBut forgetting about balance has, in rently power most everything, is a key thing part, produced climate change which is to do. now undermining our food supply. One way of ensuring that food needs are met Permaculture holds powerful lessons is by vegetable gardening. In a garden, we that could guide many of our actions and, can produce food and observe balancing thereby, help us find a balance between interactions among plant, animal, and hu- production and consumption. man inhabitants.

BRIGHT IDEA: Review the Sierra Club’s Path to CarbonPositive Landscaping.

A Needed and Hopeful Goal By David Kunhardt

the oceans with an iron compound that will grow phytoplankton and enhance fish populations (while producing oxygen and capturing CO2), embedding and mineralizing CO2 in layers of basalt underground, and curing concrete with CO2 to lock it up. We should add to this list using cross laminated timber, another construction method that locks up carbon for a cenWe have already put 50% more car- tury plus. bon dioxide in the atmosphere than was Does this mean that our efforts to present for the last three million years. That CO2 is not going away. Already we mitigate emissions can be set aside and see dire consequences of this volume of fossil fuel companies can continue to polgreenhouse gases. Unless we take steps to lute? No; we need both. Let’s pass a cardraw down their levels, climate disasters bon fee and dividend law, to place a cost on every ton of CO2 equivalent in fossil will get worse. So, what do we do? fuels as they are mined, and share that The Foundation for Climate Resto- revenue with everyone, equally. Then we ration has recommendations worthy of also need to sponsor activities that render our attention. First, set a goal of restoring CO2 reductions. It is time for “both/and,” the clear blue health of our atmosphere not “either/or.” We need to step up mitito the way it was before we started to gation, so we reduce the causes, and at the pollute it. That’s a vision we can all agree same time stimulate the means of a cure: on, yes? Second, encourage methods of Climate Restoration. carbon dioxide and methane reduction To learn more, see the Foundationthat are scalable, permanent, and financeable. There are thoughtful strategies to do ForClimateRestoration.org website, as this, the most promising of which involve well as CitizensClimateLobby.org. natural processes and biomimicry, and David Kunhardt of Scarborough is a some also involve technologies. retired solar executive and a volunteer

Have you ever worried that efforts to mitigate climate change are not enough? I was in the solar industry from 2007 through retirement in 2020, and I was proud to help customers save money while lessening the damage of fossil fuels. But it was not enough.

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PUZZLES

Mountain Trivia 1. The Bernese mountain dog gets its name from one of the 26 autonomous cantons that make up what European country? 2. "There is a Mountain" was a hit single released in 1967 by what Scottish singer who gave us "Sunshine Superman", "Mellow Yellow", and "Hurdy Gurdy Man"? 3. With leaders like George Danton and Maximilien Robespierre, La Montagne was a political faction that led a "reign of terror" during what historical event? 4. Orodruin and Amon Amarth are alternative names in the language of Sindarin for what fictional volcano found in Middle Earth?

Mondays @ Lazzari Tuesdays @ Ri Ra Thurs @ Locally Sauced in Yarmouth Find out more on Facebook and Instagram: @bestworsttrivia

Find the answers online at thewestendnews.com/puzzle-solutions!

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THE DUMPSTER WHERE WE THROW ALL THE STUFF THAT DIDN’T FIT…

In a first for Maine cheesemakers Lakin’s Gorges Cheese wins Best of Class for its seaweed-lined Rockweed cheese at the World Championship Cheese Contest… This summer after a two-year postponement Opera Maine will present The Flying Dutchman with a reimagined production set in 19th century coastal Maine honoring Maine’s bicentennial… In state news… Gov. Janet Mills proclaims the third week of March Maine Agriculture Week… And welcomes Montenegro’s Chief of Defense to the State House declaring a Montenegro-Maine Partnership Day… In Congress Rep. Chellie Pingree helps form the first bipartisan public shipyard caucus… From unnecessary list news… Portland Major General Farnham, Mills, Brigadier ranks as the #1 most dog-friendly city Governor General Milutin Djurovic of Montenegro according to Rocket Homes for the number of pet stores, dog-friendly cafes and breweries, and pet-friendly public transit… Colby College is named the Best Value College in Maine by SmartAsset.com… In media news… After a long hiatus from live recording Blunt Youth Radio returns to WMPG… Also returning to the community airwaves is Kate Manahan with a new program “What Mama Wants” considering the impact to Mother Earth from toxic chemicals…

THE WEST END NEWS / APRIL 2022

Yellow Willows I see yellow willows out my window Thin delicate branches wave gently in the spring wind So welcome after a harsh, fallow, Maine winter Willow trees have been known for millenniums Their medicinal properties valued for centuries Early peoples wove baskets and mats from willow twigs So supple and flexible Growing on river and lake banks they reduce erosion And thrive on abundant water Sorrowful, drooping, aged, green willows Carved into many tombstones Symbol of life after death From my window I see Young yellow willows Promising life Endurance Hope Eternity Susan Pickford (c) 2022

We Publish Poetry Please keep sending your poetry submissions. The WEN Poetry Corner publishes reader submissions when space permits. Please send to thewestendnews@gmail.com or write to: The West End News, 795 Congress St., Portland, ME 04102.

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