“The NEW West End NEWS is HERE!”
Volume 14 Number 2 Portland, Maine September 5 - September 18, 2014
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge: Who’s Next?
On the first day of school, September 2nd, King Middle School students cheered on Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk and Kathleen Casasa, former president of the Portland Education Association, as they dunked themselves with ice water to raise money for the ALS Association. -West End NEWS Photo
CAULK CHALLENGES LOCAL New Online Classes Stir POLITICIANS Controversy with School Board The Ice Bucket Challenge has arrived in Portland. Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk challenged Mayor Michael Brennan, Maine Senate President Justin Alfond, and Chris Hall, director of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, to dunk themselves with ice water in the name of ALS research. In just one month, from July 29 to August 29, this national social media craze raised over $100 million from more than three million donors for the ALS Association, a nonprofit fighting Lou Gehrig’s disease. Participants agree to have a bucket of ice dumped on their heads, post footage of it on Facebook, and then challenge others to participate. Teacher of the Year Karen MacDonald took the challenge earlier this summer, and
publicly challenged Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk and Kathleen Casasa, former president of the Portland Education Association, to do the same. Caulk made his ALS donation in honor of the late Nan Urban, a social worker at Deering High School for nearly 25 years, who died of ALS in 2009. Casasa challenged the new leaders of the Portland Education Association. They are Sue Olafsen, president, Kevin Brewster, vice president, and Carrie Foster, secretary. The money raised will be used to fund research and care for patients. ALS is a disorder that affects the function of nerves and muscles. According to the ALS Association as many as 30,000 Americas have the disease at any given time. There are 15 new cases of ALS every day in America.
School Board members want a say in how online courses are offered to students in Portland schools. A new program starting this fall would allow students to take online classes. The new program was first introduced to the School Board at their meeting on Tuesday, September 2nd. According to Superintendent Caulk the program is part of the school’s curriculum and does not need Board approval, as long as it remains within budget. Pearson is the private company that was hired to run the new online program. Pearson currently runs the State’s online school that was created under the new charter school law. The School Board had no say in the choice of the company. Pearson provides the program at a cost of $4250 per
student, less than the $7000 per student that Portland schools receive in state funding. It is unknown which students would be allowed to take the online classes. According to Caulk, the classes are part of a pilot program that targets students who have left for the state’s online charter school. In Portland this is only seven students. Chief Academic Officer David Galin maintains that the online classes would have to be offered to all students. Caulk said he would have answers to the School Board’s concerns at their next meeting on Tuesday, September 16th. The School Board will meet at 7:00 pm in Casco Bay High School, Room 250. Casco Bay High is located at 196 Allen Avenue.
thewestendNEWS.com 2 RUBY MEETS THE PRESIDENT
Vol. 14 No. 2 September 5 - 18, 2014
THE BALLOT BOX
Portland Municipal Races Begin to Take Shape - Tony Zeli, WEN Staff
On September 2nd, former President Bill Clinton grabbed coffee downtown and later stumped for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mike Michaud at a rally held in the Portland Exposition Building in Parkside. -Action Shot by West End NEWS My dog Ruby and I were walking toward the Old Port when I noticed a commotion up ahead at the corner of Middle and Exchange. I figured out pretty quickly that it was Bill Clinton who was in town. That familiar shock of white hair stood out, even from fifty yards away. I had plenty of time to get my cell phone camera ready as the President marched straight toward me, Starbucks cup in hand. I snapped a picture. A little blurry, but good enough. I shook the President’s hand and welcomed him to Portland. He was smaller than I thought. His handshake was firm, but gentle, unlike gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler, who almost broke my hand with his crushing grip at an event in Deering Oaks Park a few weeks ago. I followed the President and his entourage across Middle Street, trying to get a better picture. The Secret Service men were getting a little nervous. Other people all around were taking pictures, and shaking
hands, and even posing for pictures with the President. As the President was climbing into his SUV, he looked down at Ruby and said to me, “I like your dog!” Ruby is very cute. People stop us on the street all the time to say hello and pet her. But she’s a little shy. “Her name is Ruby,” I said to the President. “Hello, Ruby!” the President called out, trying to draw her in. But Ruby wasn’t that interested. “I have three dogs,”said the President in his Arkansas drawl. “She probably smells them on me.” Some people laughed. It might have been the Secret Service agents. Then the President jumped in the back of the car, and was off to his next stop. Ruby and I walked home, had dinner, and now she’s taking a nap.
-Ed King, WEN Staff
Nearly 1600 people attended the rally to see Bill Clinton. Thirty minutes before the Expo opened its doors hundreds of Clinton fans had already lined up. -West End NEWS Photo
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District 4 City Council (East Deering, Back Cove) The East Deering / Back Cove City Council seat is being vacated by long-time Councilor, and last Republican standing, Cheryl Leeman. With Leeman out of the picture, District 4 has gone from the “No one dares challenge Leeman” seat, to the most hotly contested race in the city. Sitting District 4 School Board member Justin Costa will try to make the step over to City Council. Also running is Maine Education Association field director Rosemary Mahoney and former Portland police officer Raymond Ruby, who currently works for the Boys & Girls Club. Despite being the youngest candidate, Costa has the most political experience, but he has yet to win a campaign against any opponent. Costa was first elected as a writein candidate in 2008, and he ran for re-election in an unopposed race. This should be an interesting contest. District 5 City Council (North Deering, Riverton, Deering Center) John Coyne is vacating North Deering’s Distrcit 5 seat, but this open seat will not be the scene of any political excitement this year. David Brenerman, a former Mayor, City Councilor and three term State Representative, is the only candidate that managed to turn in the needed qualifying signatures. Welcome back to the Council, Mr. Brenerman.
School Board District 4 Two candidates will compete for the District 4 School Board seat being vacated by Justin Costa. Stephanie Hatzenbuehler is a social worker, and Rebecca Wartell is a young activist and local artist. Let the race begin! School Board District 5 Incumbent Marnie Morrione is running unopposed. At-large School Board (Citywide) In what might be the only race to hold a candle to the District 4 City Council contest, John Eder is taking on Gene Landry for Atlarge School Board. John Eder was once the highest elected Green in the country, when he served as State Representative for the West End. Gene Landry ran unsuccessfully for At-large School Board in 2013, placing an anemic fifth out of six candidates. Eder is a real threat for this seat, and that might scare local Democrats. The Green Independents currently have two members on School Board, West Ender Holly Seeliger and At-large member Anna Trevorrow. Will the Greens take another seat? Peaks Island Council Two candidates are running for two twoyear term seats on the Peaks Island Council, Timothy Wyant and Lisa Penaiver. No one took out papers for the two 3-year term seats that are available.
Vol. 14 No. 2 September 5 - 18, 2014
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West End Neighborhood Association Wednesday, Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m. Reiche Community Room Meeting Agenda includes Neighborhood Watch, Results of Neighborhood Survey, State/High Traffic Study, Congress Square Redesign and More Get Involved in Your Neighborhood! All Are Welcome
Two-Way Traffic on State and High Streets: Public Workshop Planned A workshop to provide the public with information on a recently launched study to evaluate the effects of re-introducing twoway traffic flow on State and High Streets will take place at the Merrill Auditorium Rehearsal Hall on Monday, September 8th, starting at 6 pm. Members of the public who are interested in how the study will be conducted, the goals of the study and initial traffic findings within the study area are encouraged to attend. There will be ample opportunity for individuals to provide comments and ask questions. The study was initiated by the City of Portland for the purpose of making improvements in vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian access and safety in this portion of the city core, which for the purpose of this study generally consists of State Street between Marginal Way and York Street, and High Street between Forest Avenue and Commercial Street. A large proportion of the infrastructure within this area is in need of upgrading, so
before making any financial investment, the City wants to assess what kind of changes could make the area more functional for all transportation modes – pedestrians, bicycles, transit and other vehicles. The study will look at the potential effects of making State and High Streets twoway for vehicular traffic, adjusting turning patterns, adding bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and other changes that could enhance the livability in this area. The study will look at how these changes would affect mobility, parking and safety, as well as estimating approximate costs to make any proposed changes, including already needed upgrades. More information on the study, including the members of the advisory committees and involved City staff can be found online at: www.portlandmaine.gov/1315/ State-and-High-Street-Study, or by calling Carol Morris, Study Public Outreach, at 207-329-6502. Interested members of the public may also email Carol Morris: cmorris@morriscomm.net.
Southern Maine Labor Council Pres. Doug Born addresses over 300 union members and allies at a Labor Day rally for Fairpoint workers.
LABOR DAY UNION RALLY HELD IN LONGFELLOW SQUARE PARK On Labor Day, September 1, Fairpoint workers held a demonstration in Longfellow Square to protest what they consider to be union-busting tactics by the communications corporation. The workers were joined by members of other unions, who were gathered down the road at the Irish Heritage Center (on State Street) celebrating Labor Day breakfast. Fairpoint Communications claims they have reached an impasse in negotiations with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and Communications Workers of America (CWA), who represent nearly 2,000 workers, or about two-thirds of Fairpoint’s workforce. Fairpoint has struggled to operate the Northern New England landline operations it purchased from Verizon seven years ago. They state the need to reduce health care, labor and pension costs.
The company declared that they are at an impasse in negotiations, and used this legal maneuver to impose new contract terms that have not received union approval. Generally, both the company and union must approve of new contracts. Union members vote on new contracts, and if the vote fails the negotiation process resumes. In response to the imposed terms, CWA and IBEW released an open letter to their members stating, “We are outraged. We are disgusted. And, we are fighting back.” The unions say they want a fair contractand are willing to continue negotiations. Speakers at the event included Chellie Pingree, Democratic Senate candidate Shenna Bellows, National AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Tefere Gebre, and former West End News contributor and long-time labor activist Harlan Baker, who shared a dramatic reading.
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Vol. 14 No. 2 September 5 - 18, 2014
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Vol. 14 No. 2 September 5 - 18, 2014
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Preble Street Police to Hold Announces Staff Self Defense Changes Program for Kristin Doneski of Portland has joined Women Preble Street as teen services supervisor. Doneski will work with homeless youths to help them develop life skills that promote long-term stability. She previously worked at Larkin Street Youth Services in San Francisco. Also at Preble Street, Charlotte DeTroy of Falmouth was promoted to supervisor of Preble Street Teen Services First Place Transitional Living Program. She joined the nonprofit as a caseworker in 2008 and previously served as a team leader. Daniella Cameron of South Portland was promoted to manager of the Preble Street Anti-Trafficking Coalition. Cameron joined the nonprofit in 2009 and has served as a teen services supervisor.
Michaud Receives Labor Award On Labor Day, September 1st, the Southern Maine Labor Council held its annual Labor Day breakfast at the Maine Irish Heritage Center on State Street. At the Labor Day breakfast, a ‘Working Class Hero’ award was presented to US Congressman Mike Michaud, the Democratic candidate for governor, who worked for more than twenty years at Great Northern Paper Company in East Millinocket.
The Portland Police Department is currently taking applications for the September 2014 session of the Basic R.A.D. program (Rape Aggression Defense). RAD is a comprehensive international self defense program for women and girls, in which participants will learn personal safety tips as well as physical skills. The first four sessions of the September class will be held September 16, 18, 23 and 25 from 6 PM - 9 PM and the fifth session will be held September 27 from 8 AM - 12 PM. All sessions must be attended to complete the class. Cost of the class is $25 and all proceeds benefit the Amy St. Laurent Foundation. If you would like more information about the class or to obtain a registration form you can call 874-8643, email PPDRAD@portlandmaine.gov or go to the Amy St. Laurent Foundation webpage.
WEN IS PROUD TO SUPPORT
West End City Councilor Dave Marshall, his best friend Mocha (dog), and Portland Residents Erin Cianchette, Brian Redmond and Melissa DeMerchant on Long Pond in Belgrade.
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Vol. 14 No. 2 September 5 - 18, 2014
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Community Events Thursday, September 18
Saturday, September 20
Public Art Committee Parkside to Celebrate African Culture with Commemorates Gala Acquisition of Bernard Langlais The Parkside neighborhood will be the site of an African Gala celebrating African Works food and culture on Saturday, SeptemThe Portland Public Art Committee will commemorate the acquisition of several works by Maine artist Bernard Langlais, including sculptures, wood reliefs, abstract works, and bird houses gifted to the City of Portland from the Kohler Foundation. The event will take place on Thursday, September 18th at the Portland Public Library, Rines Auditorium, 5 Monument Way, at 5:00 pm. It is free and open to the public. Artist Bernard Langlais forged his early career in Europe and New York City, successfully exhibiting paintings and abstract reliefs. His rustic sensibilities and desire to work on a larger scale brought him back to Maine in the late 1960s. In the last eleven years of his life, he created a lively art environment on his property in Cushing, comprising more than 100 outdoor pieces. A lecture will be presented by Hannah W. Blunt, Langlais Curator for Special Projects at the Colby College Museum of Art. She is currently preparing for a retrospective exhibition of the artist, whose Maine-coast home she occupied from 2010-12. In her lecture, Blunt will trace the remarkable evolution of Langlais’s work and career, detailing the artist’s search for deep connections to his environment, and his passionate reconciliation of art and place.
ber 20th at the Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Church, 65 Mellen Street. The colorful event, which will run from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, is a fundraiser for a parish that is a vital source of financial and spiritual assistance for many local residents. The gala will feature traditional dishes from Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan and many other countries. Burundi dancers and drummers will entertain at the gathering, which will also include performances from Les Voix des Anges, a choir comprised of nearly 30 men and women, most from central African countries, that sings in four different languages. Proceeds from the gala will benefit the Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Capital Campaign, which aims to make necessary repairs to the historic church located on the corner of Mellen and Sherman Streets. To date, the parish has raised close to $150,000 with a campaign goal of $200,000. Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Parish provides countless community programs, social justice presentations, and workshops for local residents, including Catholic Charities Refugee & Immigration Services. The parish’s food pantry distributes close to 3,000 pounds of food each week, and when in need, hundreds in the neighborhood turn to the parish for clothes and household items.
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THE DUMPSTER WHERE WE THROW ALL THE STUFF WE DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH
Organizational meeting of Activist Street Band held at USM in July. Liz McMahon now one of the ESL teaching staff at Portland Adult Ed...Silver-haired photo shoot at Kutz...Marie Galland loves her luxurious new pad on State Street... Cora Brown still going strong at 104...Results of West End Survey about to hit the street..Is the Portland Public Library’s Brown Bag Lunch now the Brown Bag Supper?!...David Kauffman back in town...John Eder only municipal candidate outside 04103 area code... Will Hessein of Meg Perry Center promises more flash mobs... Activist Street Band holding organizational meetings...Was that Harry and Ann Pringle rooting for the Sea Dogs at Hadlock Field?!...A full patio in Longfellow Square for Bill Doukas’ annual Clam Festival...Johnny Robinson strolling Congress Street on Labor Day...Ron Spinella re-habbing with a new knee...Portland police worried about continuing in-town car burglaries...This year’s Sea Dogs team may be the best ever... UMaine’s Derrick Johnson hoping to catch on with New England Patriots...Martin’s Point sponsoring Grandparents Day at Hadlock...New West End NEWS developing a collection of young writers...Terra Firma’s Lori Dorr set to open a sock store on Preble Street... When we last left DeliveryMan and PaperBoy, they were driving the WestEndNewsMobile somewhere around Capisic Street looking for new places to dump bundles of the NEW West End NEWS. “Are we still in the West End?” wondered PaperBoy as he kept an eye out for the Fresh Approach Market. But as DeliverMan alway said: “The West End ends where the advertisers end.”...
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the west end NEWS Volume 14 Number 2 September 5 - 18, 2014
Community Events Thursday, September 11
People’s Climate March Pub Social The Sierra Club Maine Chapter is hosting a pub social for anyone planning to attend the People’s Climate March in NYC. The march will be held in New York City on September 21, during the UN summit on climate change. Learn more about the march at the Sierra Clubs’ next Portland Pub Social, Thursday, September 11th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, at Bull Feeney’s Pub, 375 Fore Street (Yeats Room on the 2nd floor) in the Old Port. Hundreds of people from Maine are planning to attend the climate activist march in New York City. To purchase a $30 seat on Sierra Club charter buses to the People’s Climate March, go to maine.sierraclub.org.
Friday, September 12
CRIT MASS / ROCK SHOW A critical mass bike ride is planned for Portland. Critical mass is a social phenomenon that began in cities like Chicago and San Francisco, where cyclists converge
with the hope of a reaching a critical mass of riders to control traffic flow in the streets. The critical mass will be followed by a rock show at a secret location. You will have to ride along to know where it is going to happen, on Friday, September 12th, in Monument Square on Congress Street at 5:00 pm. Organizers promise, “It will be awesome.”
Saturday, September 13
Portland First Annual Greenfest The Natural Resources Council of Maine and the City of Portland - working to become one of the greenest cities in New England - will cosponsor Portland Greenfest 2014 on Saturday, September 13th in Monument Square on Congress Street from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. More information is available at: portlandgreenfest.org. Portland Greenfest is slated to be southern Maine’s premier annual celebration and festival of all things green. There will be live music, local food, and locally made sustainable products. Also featured will be more than 60 exhibiting groups and organizations who are working hard every day to make Maine more sustainable. The Greenfest will also have local art, a free eco-film or two, and an eco-fashion show and eco-poetry slam.
Anyone interested in exhibiting or selling goods at Portland Greenfest 2014 should submit an application soon, as space is limited. Sponsorship information is also available on the event website.
Sunday, September 14
MARTIN’S POINT BRIDGE BASH Volunteers on both sides of the new Martin’s Point Bridge, Route 1, are planning a celebratory BridgeBASH on Sunday, September 14th, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The Bash is designed to celebrate the new bridge that links Falmouth and Portland over the Presumpscot River, and offers a much improved travel experience for everyone. The Bash will take place on the new bridge’s 10-1/2 foot-wide multi-use path and spill over into adjacent Martin’sPoint Health Care. Free parking for the event is available at the Martin’sPoint Health Care parking garage. The event is free of charge and everyone is welcome. Participants can view antique cars, funky bicycles, and a proposed new trail that will link the multi-use path to the Martin’s Point trail, as well as photos of the new bridge under construction and details of its engineering. Other fun attractions include lots of music, food trucks, face-painting and
homemade pie! Those proud of their culinary skills who are interested in donating a pie for a Bake Off should falmouthmemoriallibrary.org and click on the Bridge Bash Bake Off icon. Or call the library at 781-2351. The event is sponsored by the City of Portland, Town of Falmouth and Martin’s PointHealth Care, and is FREE to all. For more details on the event, go to the event FaceBook page (Martin’sPointBridge BASH) and ask for more information, or contact Carol Morris at 329-6502 or email, cmorris@morriscomm.net.
Wednesday, September 17
CTN Filmmakers Night Come to the Community Television Network, 516 Congress Street, on Wednesday, September 17th, at 6:00 pm, to participate in an open forum designed to help us support and collaborate with the Portland film and video community. Guests include Karen Carberry-Warhola, Director of the Maine Film Office, and Barry Dodd, Webmaster for the Entertainment Experiment. Don’t get verklempt. Speak out! Discuss! Come out and play!
MORE EVENTS ON PAGE 7