munjoy hill observer november 2015

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INSIDE THE OBSERVER

THE LIGHTNING ROUND …page 6

LIVING WITH PEACE …page 7

SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR… page 10

LOCAL EVENTS… page 15

The signs are everywhere! Campaign signs, that is – all along Portland’s Eastern Promenade. Portland voters head back to polls on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 to decide on a variety of high visible and even controversial issues. Among them are whether voters will approve a $15 per hour minimum wage within the city limits, and the Question 2 referendum on the development of the former Portland Company complex at 58 Fore Street. District 1 residents will also elect a new representative to the Portland City Council to replace outgoing council member Kevin Donoghue.

On October 6th, the Friends of the Eastern Promenade held our seventh annual meeting at Coffee By Design’s Diamond Street location in East Bayside. This yearly program presents an opportunity to recognize and express our gratitude to members, generous donors, and departing directors and officers and to celebrate the previous year’s accomplishments. We also elected new directors and officers and looked a bit to the future by offering members and others a preview of FoEP’s goals and priorities for the coming year.

Three board members’ terms came to an end at the meeting, including our sole remaining founding board member, John Wuesthoff. John’s formative contributions

to this still-young organization are too numerous to count; he will continue to serve on our Project Committee, for which we are eternally grateful.

Ed Gardner, another departing boardmember, has left his permanent mark on the organization – and at Fort Allen, quite literally – through his generous support of one of the recently restored cannons. Ed is thoughtful, intelligent and generous “Friend” and his presence in the boardroom will be missedl we are grateful for his continued service on our Development Committee.

Nick Harding has served on our Membership, Volunteers & Programs committee for the

past several years, providing a steady voice of reason for so many of our programs and volunteer opportunities. He and his wife Lena are the tireless “roadies” of FoEP, the formidable team overseeing summer concert logistics, setting things up and tearing things down week after week. Thank you Nick!

George Campbell, our inspirational president for the past three years, has also stepped down from his post. Under George’s leadership, the Friends undertook both a focused capacity-building pledge program as well as an ambitious capital campaign for the rehabilitation of Fort Allen Park.

See page 12, FoEP ANNUAL MEETING

District 1 City Rep. RetiresAn Interview withKevin DonoghueBy Sean Turley

What originally inspired you to run for city council?I fell in love with Portland upon moving here in 2003 at age 24. Having chosen to stay here, I wanted to get involved. I helped found the West End Neighborhood Association and later joined the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization.

After a series of poor interactions with City Councilors and experiencing the debacle of the 2004 Democratic Caucus, I got involved with the Green Party and found myself recruiting candidates, only to find yours truly and Dave Marshall. Dave and I were encouraged by one another and inspired by a city that seemed to teeming with new energy in 2006. We were confident that if we focused on issues (housing, transit, schools and the arts) and worked really hard, we would win.

How has Munjoy Hill changed in the time since you began serving? No doubt the extreme rise in real estate and attendant demographic displacement represents the greatest change. While we are seeing more people moving to our neighborhood, it seems that fewer and fewer of them are children. The implication for the neighborhood is both a loss of diversity and a loss of history as lifelong residents disappear. For my part, I have worked to reduce barriers to lower-cost housing types and to develop new affordable housing.

What has improved and what still needs to be improved?I believe our transportation system has improved considerably. Munjoy Hill has bus service that runs more regularly, later in the evening, and now directly to Portland Transportation Center for transfers to Amtrak and Concord Coach.

While I take pride in having invested in dozens upon dozens of accessible curb ramps, there remains much more to do.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of seeing implemented? I am most proud of my successesi n promoting affordable housing, transportation choice, and reinvesting in Bayside.

With housing, much of the work has been in zoning, removing unreasonable barriers to new residential development, but also facilitating development of affordable housing, especially affordable ownership opportunities on Munjoy Hill.

See page 14, DONOGHUE

At Annual Meeting “Friends” Showcases Accomplishments and Celebrates Supporters

City Causes Some Confusion in Distributing “Sample” Storm-water Bills Ahead of January 1st Service Charge Implementation

The City of Portland announced last week that it was merely alerting residents with sample storm-water bills it sent in September. The City says it has been receiving payments from those statements and has moved to inform residents that they were merely for sample purposes.

In a press release sent by the city on October 15, the city said the “sample” bills were sent in order to allow property owners time to prepare ahead of the January 1, 2016 implementation of the new storm-water service charge ordinance. The latest service charge on Portland residents was passed unanimously by the Portland City Council in January and will charge property owners fees for storm water runoff based on the size of their rooftops and driveways.

City Water Update

Non Profit OrgUS Postage

PAIDPortland, ME

Permit No. 824 MUNJOY HILL

OBSERVER1979 – 2015

FREE • Published by the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization • Vol. 35, No. 10 • NOVEMBER 2015

2 November 2015 MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER

The Munjoy Hill Observer is published by the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood

Organization (MHNO) 92 Congress Street

Portland, Maine [email protected]

[email protected]

OBSERVER COMMITTEETamera Edison, Ross Fields,

Jay Norris, Cecilia Rebecca Ziko

ADVERTISINGRoss Fields

[email protected] (207) 233-4327

Tamera Edison [email protected]

(207) 939-7998

Cecilia Rebecca Ziko, Layout & Design [email protected]

3,000 Circulation 8,000+ Readership

ABOUT OUR PAPERThe Munjoy Hill Observer is published by the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization (MHNO) as a service to its members and to the community as a whole, to inform Portland’s East End residents of local issues and events, and of the services that can be found here. The Observer serves as a vehicle to connect and inform our neighbors, while enlisting community partners to help us help those who need it most.

The Munjoy Hill Observer was first published in May of 1979. Circulation is 3000, distributed free in Portland at over 100 locations. Nearly 300 copies are mailed to current and former members of the MHNO.

MHNO Board 2015-16Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization

Jay Norris, President .................... [email protected]

Sean Turley, Vice President [email protected]

Colin Apse ................... [email protected]

Linda Bancroft ............. [email protected]

Ned Chester ................. [email protected]

Doug Fillmore .............. [email protected]

Sarah Graulty .............. [email protected]

Elise Loschiavo [email protected]

Molly McCarthy [email protected]

Nini McManamy [email protected]

Lindsay Rowe ............... [email protected]

Joan Sheedy ..................... [email protected]

Megan Summers .......... [email protected]

MHNO MissionIncorporated as a nonprofit organization in January 1979, our purpose is to be a broad-based, representative organization committed to improving the quality of life for the residents of Munjoy Hill and the East End, by strengthening the sense of community, maintaining the current diversity of social and economic groups, encouraging self-sufficiency, and enriching the lives of all residents.

At the HelmMHNO President, Jay Norris

It’s November in Maine, in all its blue-skied, windy-day and Earth-tone glory, and along with it, the familiar debate surrounding the state of politics. Big decisions are to be made, or already have been, depending on when you’re reading this. Debates have raged. Some have cooled while others will no doubt continue. Some always do. We’ve had plenty of debate in our own house over whom and what to vote for, and against. It’s been a tough month personally as I navigate the prickly path of neighborhood politics and the personalities and dynamics that come along with it. These aren’t big problems, mind you, but big enough to cause passing headaches and sighs of temporary frustration, mostly in critique of my own performance.

November is also the time Americans are told to offer thanksgiving. Why we need an entire month to do what we’ve been taught since kindergarten to practice daily is beyond me, but if I fail at other daily, no-brainer life rules (and I often do), I’m pretty good at remembering to count my blessings. I’m thankful.

Like you, I’m thankful to live here and now. I’m grateful for what I have, the home I get to live in, and I realize I’m among the lucky few to have unconditional, abiding love. I’m thankful for that, mostly because I know so many lack that particular blessing.

Humanity needs more of it, and I too often forget what a problem that is.

We’ve had plenty of discourse in our community in recent months; from debates over minimum wage to the hot-button issue of what, oh WHAT to do about 58 Fore Street! Our streets have become seas of blue, red, white and green signs yelling at us to vote for one side or another, for this candidate or that, but rarely explaining why; just the barking of a “yes” or “no” or a first name followed by a really, really big last name, with the coveted political office noted underneath.

I initially complained about all that discourse, and I still do a little bit. But in the last days leading up to November 3rd, I’ve become more grateful to the people who’ve spent the thankless, countless hours to bring these issues to us. Would we really know much about any of this if it weren’t for those who took a stand for and against the issues? Personally, I’ve found our city government to be ineffective in recent years as far as the business of explaining things is concerned. We seem to have become a city managed by referendum. Those dedicated to doing the job somehow, at some point, lost their way. Their jobs are tough and perhaps they aren’t thanked enough for the work they accomplish, but the job of explaining their decisions, and rallying support for or against

truly important issues has fallen to others. Why that is, I’ll leave to your opinion. But I’m thankful to those on all sides who’ve stepped in to lead their neighbors and fellow citizens in the big decisions that come before us at this most critical time in the evolution of our city.

Whatever the outcome of November 3rd, may our local leaders begin anew their relationship with us. May they decide wisely, and make those decisions not based on the squeakiest of wheels or those with the most money, but on what’s truly best for this special place. May they go forward realizing that national and statewide politics are important, but that the welfare of Portland, for the purpose of their jobs, comes first. And may they pick up all those signs and recycle them. Responsibly. I’d be very thankful for that.

—JayPresident, Munjoy Hill Neighborhood

Organization

We’re looking for a few good men and women for a few very important committees, driving some incredibly important projects. Take a look at what we’re doing, reach out, and help make a great place to live even better!

Safe & Livable Committee

Helping to advocate for the neighborhood, identifying the issues that keep us safe and make the East End a more livable, healthy and happy place to live. From working with city leaders to advising the Board of Directors to identifying future community needs, this committee is what drives our founding principals and it needs you, now!

Events Committee

Coordinating and implementing community events and activities that the MHNO sponsors or develops—big, fun events

like our annual & quarterly membership meetings, fundraisers, community cleanup days and more. There’s no way this committee isn’t interesting, and it can benefit from what and who you know! If you like planning events, or ever wanted to, jump on in and join the fun!

AtHome on Munjoy Hill

Who doesn’t have the heart to help some of our most vulnerable and in-need neighbors? From assisting the great senior community on the Hill, to helping with light errands, such as stopping at the market for an elderly neighbor, or helping with dog walking. This is what community is all about. We could use a hand, and yours would be perfect!

Winter Warriors

Not yet its own committee, but a start-up effort to continue to good work of

an awesome neighbor. We’re a group of guys and gals who’ll respond to those icy, wintry emergencies facing some of our most vulnerable neighbors. Shoveling the walkway or steps for the elderly or infirm, keeping an eye out for those who may need friendly phone calls or short visits during the long winter months, and providing an easy, helping hand and a sunny smile on a gloomy day. Don’t just love thy neighbor, help shovel them out from time to time! Please join us!

To get involved in any of these great, worthy endeavors, or if you’d like to contribute in other ways, please let us know!

Email us at [email protected]

PLEASE SEND YOUR ESSAYS, LETTERS & HILL NEWS TO

[email protected]

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!Everyone’s on Munjoy Hill for a reason. Maybe you grew up on these quiet streets and never wanted to leave. Maybe you went away, only to have the Hill call you home again, or maybe you’re a newcomer who realized a good thing when you saw it. It’s a great place to live! That’s why the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization needs YOU!

3MUNJOY HILL OBSERVER November 2015


The latest addition to Munjoy Hill’s music scene is not your typical indie band, but a popular string quartet voted as the Best Musical Group across genres in the state of Maine.

The DaPonte String Quartet will perform “Enemies of the State” at the Maine Jewish Museum on November 5th, the first in a series of scheduled performances. The performance will feature the work of three composures who died or were brutalized at the hands of the state. Those composers include Wolfgang Amedeus Moart’s Quartet in A Major, Erwin Schulhoff and Dmitri Shotakovich.

“There’s been very little chamber music performed at the museum or around the East End and we can’t wait to be there!” said Amy MacDonald, executive director of the Friends of the DaPonte String Quartet.

The quartet was voted best in Maine in 2014 by Down East Magazine. While the performance does not mark the beginning of an official residency for the group, MacDonald said other performances will follow in March and into the spring and summer of 2016 with the March performance featuring a guest tenor.

“The Maine Jewish Museum is such an underappreciated gem for both Portland and the East End of the city,” said MacDonald. “The arts scene in that part of Portland is really vibrant and coming alive and we’re excited to be coming.” The first performance will take place on November 5 at 7:30pm at the Maine Jewish Museum, 267 Congress Street in Portland. Tickets are on sale at the quartet’s website, DaPonte.org or by calling 207-529-4555.

Award Winning Quartet will Play at Maine Jewish Museum

Medicare Open Enrollment Has Begun The Centers for Medicare and Medicade (CMS) has announced the annual open enrollment period for 2015 for those enrolled in Medicare health or prescription drug plans.

The enrollment period began on October, 15th and will run through December 7th, 2015. Participants in the plans will be able to make applicable changes to their coverage during the annual enrollment period. Those interested can learn more by visiting the websites, Medicare.gov or Medicare.gov/find-a-plan

The DaPonte String Quartet. Left to right: Lydia Forbes, Myles Jordan, Ferdinand Liva, Kirsten Monke

After a long, challenging legislative session, AARP Maine is proud of many successful results which will have a positive impact for Mainers in 2015 and in the years to come. One highlight is the passage of the CARE Act which was sponsored by Representative Drew Gattine of Westbrook. This law went into effect on October 15, 2015 and it is of paramount importance to every caregiver in Maine.

CARE stands for Caregiver Advise Record Enable and this law features three important provisions: The name of the family caregiver is recorded when a loved one is admitted into a hospital; the family caregiver is notified if the loved one is to be discharged back home; and, the facility must provide an explanation of the medical tasks that the family caregiver will perform to help their loved one recover at home.

During the legislative hearings, we heard many examples of why the CARE Act is so important. A resident from South Portland, Ann Swasey, described what she and her husband experienced following treatment in a hospital for blood clots in his legs. As his caregiver, Ann was given no instruction for at-home care when her husband was discharged. He ended up back in the Emergency Room and subsequently an additional medical facility due to the communication breakdown regarding his discharge plan.

I, too, know first-hand what a difference the CARE Act would have made for my own family following a life-threatening accident my mother suffered in 2001. When the day finally came for my mother to be discharged from the hospital, her ordeal was far from over. She required multiple medications which needed to be administered at specific times of the day—some with, some without food—extensive wound care, physical therapy, special bathing procedures and she needed to be on a restricted diet as well. For any caregiver of any age, the post-hospital care for my mother was overwhelming. With little instruction other than an armload of prescriptions, bandages, unctions and an order for a physical therapist, my mother was discharged into the care of my then

80-year old father who was still in shock from the entire incident.

The CARE Act would have enabled my father to be better informed and a more integral part of the hospital discharge plan before my mother set foot out of the hospital. So much of that plan came as a surprise to him because he simply wasn’t included in the discussion and no one made certain he understood the care instructions. While we as his children were ultimately able to assist, for many caregivers there is no such built-in support when a loved one returns home from the hospital.

These are just two examples of how the CARE Act will make a difference to family caregivers. If you are a caregiver in need of support, please visit the AARP Caregiver Resource Center at aarp.org/caregiving or call 1-877-333-5885.

In Maine, the CARE Act happened to pass the same day as the release of the AARP Public Policy Institute’s new report, Valuing the Invaluable: 2015 Update. According to the report, 178,000 family caregivers in Maine provide 165 million hours of unpaid care annually, with an economic value of $2.22 billion statewide. Most seniors who receive assistance at home rely exclusively on these unpaid family caregivers for help. With the passage of the CARE Act, Maine has taken a significant step toward providing critical supports to family caregivers and their loved ones. On behalf of AARP Maine and all Maine caregivers, we thank Rep. Gattine for his leadership on this important legislation.

Celebrating the CARE Act in MaineBy Jane Margesson, AARP Maine Communications Director

For many caregivers there is no such built-in support when a loved one returns home from the hospital.


JOIN TODAY!Munjoy Hill Neighborhood

Organization

VOLUNTEER for a Committee!We need your help to make Munjoy Hill an even better place to live! You can get involved by joining one or more of our committees:

Events

Communications

At Home on Munjoy Hill

Safe & Livable Neighborhood

Observer

Membership & Fundraising

New Membership Renewal

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Yes! I would like to be kept up to date with MHNO news via email

Day Phone ( ) Eve Phone ( )

Membership Levels

Individual: $20 Family: $35

Additional Donation

$25 $50 $75 $100 $250

$500 Other Amount: $

Membership $ + Additional Dination $ = Total payment $

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We want all members of our community to join the MHNO regardless of financial circumstances. If you are unable to pay the suggested minimum amount, please pay what you can. If you are able to contribute more, we encourage you to do so. We thank you for your support, and we’re excited to have you on board!

PLEASE SEND THIS FORM, ALONG WITH YOUR CHECK, TO:

MHNO, 92 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101Questions? email [email protected] or visit munjoyhill.org

Welcome to the MHNO!NOVEMBER 2015


It is November—almost Thanksgiving. We have all had ups and downs this year. Somehow, we are able to joyfully accept or cope with these events. There are those events that are uncontrollable, such as poor health, loss of loved ones, accidents and so on. But many events, both positive and negative, can be managed with some thought and planning. Some of us have been asked at one time or another, “what is the most important asset you have?” The typical response is good health, good friends, financial security, or maybe real estate. Many books have been written on another form of asset—attitude. For example, Michelle Poley’s book A Winning Attitude: How to Develop Your Most Important Asset and Dwight Jeffery’s Success is an Attitude.

One’s attitude is so important. It is the way you see things and accept or reject ideas and events. It has been my experience that successful individuals have positive attitudes. Their mindset evolves around

the concept “I can do this.” They do not live in the past but are forward looking. Failures represent events that support future successes. Having a positive attitude revolves around being with other positive-thinking individuals. Think about the things we are giving thanks for while we celebrate Thanksgiving this year. How many of them can you attribute to having a positive, can-do attitude?

Attitude also has a lot to do with your financial success. Financial success means you have been able to reach your goals. Having a positive attitude towards accumulating money is necessary for attaining one’s goal.

College professor and financial adviser Joel I. Gold is the owner of the Gold Company, located off of India Street, 145 Newbury Street, 3rd flr, (207) 650-7884, where he works as a Fee-Only Financial Planner. He’s been in Portland since 1995.

Who: Peter Donatelli; first generation Italian-American; owner of Liliana’s Laundry at 111 Congress Street, Portland; Lifelong-resident and business-owner on Munjoy Hill, Musician; Masters in Divinity from Bangor Theological Seminary; married to Cindy Donatelli; father of two and one of the most familiar faces on the Portland peninsula.

Observer: What’re you watching these days?

Peter Donatelli: Game of Thrones is probably my favorite TV show, but I love reality stuff. The Bachelorette was great this year!

O: Read anything lately?

PD: Liturgical Theology by Simon Chan

O: What’s your fave hangout spot?

PD: The [Blue] Spoon! I love it. Great for people watching but one of my favorite places for lunch or dinner. It’s also really close, so, of course...

O: Favorite Beer.

PD: Allagash White.

O: What’s on your mind these days?

PD: Everything, but mostly Portland itself. Our town’s great, but Portland would be a better city if people would just stop and think of the other person before making a decision, just for a few seconds. I guess that applies to a lot of places (laughs), but I’m talking Portland here.

The Lightning RoundSnapshots of People Around the Hill

Ask the Money Prof.Attitude—Our Most Important AssetBy Joel I. Gold

ANSWER

Crossword puzzle on page 11

Peter Donatelli owner of Liliana’s Laundry at 111 Congress Street

Draw your own hand turkey


Roger Ruganzu, Chairman of the Board of Living With Peace today announced that the non-profit organization has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with five major immigrant community organizations in Portland to collaborate on hosting a year-long program for building immigrant economic self-reliance through entrepreneurship.

The first event is scheduled for November 3rd at Portland Adult Education, Cumberland Avenue. Limited to 30 registrants, participants will receive a basic introduction to entrepreneurship in America and will learn how to go about building a business in Maine. Noting that the latest Kaufman Foundation data shows that 28.5% of all newly created small businesses in the United States are started by immigrants, Ruganzu said, “we came to Maine because of the great quality of life here, the good schools, the friendly community, and the wealth of cultural diversity. We have learned how to

budget off city services, get an education, and better ourselves through hard work and even by holding multiple jobs at the same time. We have come to learn that true vision means starting your own business. To be successful Americans, we need economic independence, and that comes from having a successful business. Immigrant businesses matter to the Maine economy. We are part of the Maine economy and we want Maine to be strong.”

Entrepreneurial activity is critical to the health of a city’s economy because entrepreneurs drive job creation, the development of more innovative products and services, and increased economic mobility and opportunity. By coming together to help more people start and grow great companies, we can make our community more economically vibrant.

Living With Peace has signed agreements with the Maine Association of New Americans, the Djibouti Community Association of Maine, the Rwandese Community Association of Maine, the Burundi Community Association of Maine, and the Congolese Community Association of Maine and is also receiving critically important assistance from the Portland Public Library, which will be building a special library resource area on immigrant entrepreneurship that will be open to everyone.

The second event to be held in late November or early December will be a major community dialogue focused on family business ownership and cultivating women’s business awareness. As Damas Rugaba, Chairman of the Rwandese Community Association noted, “business creation gives us the opportunity to do more with our lives, but it is also complicated. We have to have a major dialogue about this because we need to learn how to support each other in business.”

Ruganzu noted that Living With Peace is reaching out to funders to help underwrite this year-long program. He welcomes support from local business owners who can give them needed hands-on experience in all of the facets of ideation, organization, creation, financing, marketing, and promotion. This workshop is paid for by the People of Color Fund of Maine Community Foundation and by Norway Savings Bank.

For more information about how you can be involved in this exciting new program on immigrant entrepreneurship, please reach out to [email protected] or call (207) 939-3800.

Living With Peace is a dynamic local grassroots community support organization investing in the future of our immigrants by providing information, resources, and training to newcomers to the community and culture.

Living With Peace Announces Partnerships for EntrepreneurshipBy Christina Feller, Executive Director, Living With Peace

THE

SEASON

OF HELPING

THOSE

IN NEED

IS HERE

Do you know of a Hill resident

or family in need?

Get in touch at Giving@

MunjoyHill.org


Candidates for Portland’s District 1 City Council seat gathered October 20 for the first open public forum to discuss the issues facing the district and the city at large. The forum was hosted by The Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization. Left to right Paula Agopian, Sean Kerwin, Brandon Mazer & Belinda Ray.


not allowing any goods from England to be unloaded. Lieutenant Mowatt had been sent to enforce respect for the Crown and its merchandise. In gentlemanly fashion, Lieutenant Mowatt was released with the understanding that he would return the following day. Instead of returning he upped anchor and headed back to Boston. In Boston he received orders to return up the coast with orders to punish any town protesting the Crown’s taxes. Lieutenant Mowatt headed straight for Portland intent on having his revenge. He arrived on the 15th of October, gave warning to the town and on the 16th of October began bombardment. When the bombardment ended every building in Portland was either leveled or on fire. Back to the Observatory… The Observatory was built in 1807 as a signal tower by Captain Lemuel Moody. Moody devised a system of signal flags to let merchants in town know of arriving ships. He was paid for this service. The frame of the tower is made from eight white pine posts extending from the foundation to the lantern deck. Moody also constructed a two-story building that served as the family’s residence, dance hall and banquet hall. In addition, a bowling alley stood behind the tower. If you have the time and it is open, it is worth the climb up the 102 steps to see the magnificent views of Casco Bay. Now head up North Street. During the first part of the twentieth century Munjoy Hill had many neighborhood markets where the residents would purchase their groceries. One such store was Barrett’s Market located in the building at 16 North Street. Barrett’s Market was known for the ads they would send out. In 1925 one ad read:

Rump beef 23¢, lean smoked shoulders 12¢Turner Center milk 11¢ qt, 5 lbs sugar 27¢Bagged coal 16¢, 2 lbs fresh ground hamburg 27¢Boneless sirloin steak 33¢, pot roast beef – boneless 15¢, cube steak 25¢

As a point of reference, tradesmen earned about 50 cents an hour in 1925. Continue up North Street to the Shailer School and Fort Sumner Park. Shailer School, now Avesta apartments, once was home to third, fourth and fifth grade classrooms. Fort Sumner Park, next to Shailer, built in 1792 as a harbor defense and fire watch is 172 feet above sea level, the highest elevation on Munjoy Hill. On clear days you can see Mount Washington, which is the tallest peak in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range. Keep walking to the corner of North and Melbourne streets. Here stands the former home of Moses Gould, an early real estate developer, which was built in 1854. His dream of making Munjoy Hill an upper class neighborhood was partially realized with the homes seen at the southern end of the Eastern Promenade. His son, Captain Moses Gould, lived at 218 Eastern Promenade. Continue along North Street and turn right onto Montreal Street to head down hill to the Eastern Promenade. Notice the little tucked-away gardens around, between and behind the homes. When you reach Eastern Promenade, cross the street, turn right and proceed until you are at the far end of the basketball court. This municipal basketball court has been listed as one of the top ten most scenic courts in the nation. It is easy to see why.

Look down the hill to the War of 1812 stone cemetery where the remains of 21 unknown soldiers are buried. To this day it is not certain if they were British or American. Either way, it serves as a reminder that in war many make the ultimate sacrifice no matter what flag one swears allegiance to. This hillside was witness to another historic event that took place in July 1727. It was here that the governors of Massachusetts and New Hampshire met with Indian leaders of the Penobscot, Norridgewock, Arreguntonock, and Wawenock tribes to sign articles of peace. A feast was held afterwards. With Casco Bay on your left, continue along Eastern Promenade. When you reach the playground, turn right and head up Turner Street. Turn left at Emerson – the 2nd street on your left – and look for the old Emerson School, which housed grades six through eight. The school was dedicated to the first Mayor of Portland, Andrew Emerson (1832-1897). For those who attended school during the first three decades of the twentieth century, it would have been difficult to avoid Miss Marada Adams. Miss Adams taught for seventy-two years and had the distinction of being the oldest active teacher in the United States. She was Emerson’s first principal in 1898 and served until she retired in 1935. She died three years later at the age of 92. She was fondly remembered by every student who had the pleasure of knowing her. Continue walking on Emerson. At Congress turn left to head to the get to the Eastern Promenade and Casco Bay or turn right to get back to your starting point.

See page 11, WALKING TOUR

Welcome to Munjoy HillSelf-Guided Walking Tourby Ross Fields

Distance: One mile

Type: Easy

Time: One hour

Starting Point: Hill House, 92 Congress Street, office of Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization at the corner of Congress and Atlantic Street. Next to Lolita’s and Rosemont Market, across the street from Blue Spoon Restaurant, Hilltop Coffee and Benchmark Real Estate.

Starting at Hill House, cross Congress Street and head west towards downtown Portland passing Willa Wirth’s Silver Designs studio. You will see the Observatory, the tall tapered structure that looks something like a lighthouse. Things have changed a bit in the past 100 years. Chester & Vestal Law Office, Congress and Lafayette, was once Rankin’s Drug Store. A small periodicals shop stood where Donatelli’s Tailor Shop and the Liliana Dry Cleaners and Laundromat is today. Pause in front of the Laundromat and look for the old trolley car tracks in the middle of Congress Street. These tracks serve as a reminder that during the first half of the twentieth century Portland had a trolley system. The Munjoy Loop ran up Congress, made a circle around the neighborhood and then traveled back down Congress. Most families living on Munjoy Hill did not own vehicles. If they did, they “put them up” during the winter months and relied on the trolley. Today we have the Metro bus system, which follows a very similar route.

Head towards the Observatory and North Street. During the 1930’s and 1940’s along this block you would have passed a Chinese Laundry, Allie Leavitt’s barbershop where it cost two bits (25cents) for a haircut and 20 cents for a shave, Doc McConnell’s Tailor Shop, Delavina Ice Cream Parlor, Dr. Harold Bickmore’s office and Hilton’s Drug Store at the corner of Congress and North. Both drug stores had registered pharmacists and the standard soda fountain. The Delavina Ice Cream Parlor made their own ice cream and candy – both Portland favorites. Look for the Freedom Trail marker at Congress and North streets on a granite post. The residents of Portland played significant roles in the success of the Underground Railroad. The building that now houses Hilltop Superette, previously Colucci’s Hilltop Market, used to be the store owned and operated by Ben Donnell. It was one of the most prosperous stores on the Hill. The store sold hardware, paint, and associated products. It is interesting to note that somewhere close to where you are standing right now an event took place that would set into motion the desire of one man to have his revenge on the town of Portland, then known as Falmouth. While taking a walk after church on the top of Munjoy Hill in the spring of 1775, Lieutenant Henry Mowatt of the King’s Navy suffered the humiliation of being captured by Colonel Samuel Thompson and his militiamen. At the time Portland was protesting the British Crown’s taxes by


WALKING TOUR, from page 10

If you choose to turn right, walk up the hill. The stone building on your left is what remains of the St. Lawrence Congregational Church minus the sanctuary, which is now a vacant lot. The sanctuary and towers fell into disrepair and were torn down. Today the building is home to the St. Lawrence Arts and Community Center. Continuing up Congress, you will pass the Front Room restaurant, another one of Munjoy Hill’s fine eateries and Fraser Art Studio, located in one of the oldest homes on Munjoy Hill. I hope you have enjoyed this little tour even though it barely scratches the historic

surface of Munjoy Hill. There is so much more to learn and enjoy. If you are interested you can search out the following books: Munjoy Hill, Portland’s Scenic Peninsula by Donald Linton Ferguson

Closeness, Memories of Mrs. Munjoy’s Hill by Howard C. Reiche, Jr.

A Concise History of Portland Maine, An Incendiary Record by John B. Robinson Thank you for taking a walk through time with me.

Ross and his wife Kathleen lived on Munjoy Hill, without owning any vehicles, since they moved here in July of 2011. •

Across1. Large oval tropical fruit (5)

3. Meat pies (7)

6. Water flask (7)

7. Juice from cooking meat (5)

9. Beverage (3)

10. Sweet drink containing carbonated water (4)

14. Frankfurter served on a bun (6)

15. Often used with a cup (6)

19. Consumes (4)

20. Hard-shelled seed (3)

22. Very thin crisp brown toast (5)

23. Spicy sauce made from red peppers (7)

24. Small prickly cucumber (7)

25. Plant having hollow cylindrical leaves used for seasoning (5)

SOULTION ON PAGE 6

Down1. Spice made from nutmeg seed (4)

2. Aromatic herb with pungent leaves

used as seasoning (7)

3. Larder (6)

4. Sweetener (5)

5. Sauce made from fermented beans (3)

8. Downy fruit resembling a small peach (7)

11. Kind of porridge (7)

12. Meat from a domestic hog or pig (4)

13. Professional cook (4)

16. Sour or bitter in taste (7)

17. Meat from a mature domestic sheep (6)

18. Light meal (5)

21. Edible flatfish (4)

22. Drinking vessel with handle (3)

Crossword WordPuzzle by PuzzleChoice.com/PC/Puzzle_Choicex.html


FoEP ANNUAL MEETING, from page 1

We are thankful that George will continue to serve on the board and as chair of our Development Committee.

Erin Piper, David Ritter, Shawnee Sax, Carolyn Young and Caron Zand were newly elected to the board, each for a three-year term. The board also elected new officers to one-year terms: Matthew Kennedy will serve as President, Cami Smalley was re-elected as Vice-President, Joyce Wethington-Knight is our new Secretary, and Erin Piper was elected Treasurer.

At the annual meeting, Executive Director Diane Davison summarized the past year’s progress at Fort Allen where restoration efforts are almost complete. The new year will see installation of interpretive exhibits at the park – mock-ups of which were displayed at our meeting – as well as completion of the steel fence bordering the park’s southern boundary. In addition, Diane discussed the planned restoration of the neighboring Cousins Memorial, as approved by Historic Preservation and for which FoEP is currently seeking funds. We wish to thank those who are supporting finishing touches on our restoration efforts, in particular Norway Savings Bank, an anonymous and generous “Friend” of the Eastern Prom, and the Maine Community Foundation.

Top: Mock-ups of the interpretive exhibits to be installed at Fort Allen Park. Left to right: Incoming Friends president Matthew Kennedy, Jack Vreeland of Montgomery Design, Friends Executive Director Diane Davison, Norway Savings Bank President and CEO Patricia Weigel, Norway Savings’ Dana Tait, and Nancy Montgomery of Montgomery Design.

Below: At their annual meeting the Friends of the Eastern Promenade discussed the planned restoration of the Cousins Memorial, as depicted in the concept plan pictured below.

Incoming President Matthew Kennedy introduced a new FoEP initiative at the meeting, the East End Waterfront Access Project, to be undertaken in partnership with the city to help alleviate safety and access concerns for personal watercraft users at East End Beach. Funding has been obtained for initial design and permitting efforts; a forum is planned for early 2016 to seek input from the public, stakeholders and users regarding preliminary design alternatives.

A theme struck throughout the meeting was the importance of private, public and non-profit partnerships in efforts such as the Fort Allen rehabilitation, the Cousins Memorial project, and the East End Waterfront Access Project. The need for such partnerships was emphasized by our keynote speaker, Portland City Manager Jon Jennings, who spoke of the critical role of such alliances in the current budgetary climate. As Jon candidly put it, “the city can’t do it all.” FoEP is extremely grateful for the support of our private- and public-sector partners, and for the tireless efforts of our membership, board and staff. We look forward to reporting strong progress at our eighth annual meeting in October of 2016.

Our deepest thanks to Coffee By Design for providing a space for our meeting; to Vena’s Fizz House for providing wonderful cocktails and mocktails during the event; and for Ten Ten Pié for the amazing, amazing food. •


When your child comes home with his next report card, sit down at the table together, graciously receive it from him without even really looking at it, set it face down on the table, and slowly push it with one finger to the side. Then look your child right in the eye and ask, “What, about this report card, are you most proud of?” The first time you do this, you may want to have someone with a camera standing by to capture the confused look on his face. His first response may be, “What?” Just repeat the question, “Tell me what it is that you are most proud of on your report card?” He may have to think for a minute. Be patient. He may know immediately what it is he is most proud of. Once he tells you, your next question is, “Why?” Again, just give him time to feel why he is proud. This is not about the grades on the report lying on the table. This is about what your child considers to be his own personal achievement, but not necessarily reflected in any letter grade. He may feel most proud of the effort it took to go from a D to a C in a particular subject. Or, it could be his sense of pride at mastering a subject he loves.

You want your child to be motivated from within and to feel successful – and to build on that feeling.

Whatever your child shares, your job is to genuinely acknowledge his accomplishment: “wow, I can see how good you feel about this.” To finish, just ask, “Is there anything else you would like to share? Is there anything you need help with?”

If there is nothing your child can find to be proud of, just empathize with how that must feel. You might say something like, “I’m sorry that this is so hard for you.” Or, share with him a time that maybe you were going through the same thing. Ask, “how can I help you?” and then just listen. He may have to spew, cry, be angry, or any number of things. Help him look at how he can be in charge and take action. In assisting him in determining his next step say, “What is one thing that you could do—or we could do together—that would help you feel better?” Sticking with one thing at a time makes it easier to focus and be successful. The goal here is to help your child to experience the feeling of success.

I found this method to be so rewarding not just for my daughters but for me, as well. It felt like I was truly there for them. Remember, have that camera ready. The picture will be worth saving. With patience, education, and practice, you will learn how to better handle feelings, be more encouraging, and strengthen the relationship with your child.

Keep asking yourself, “If I approached my parenting as seriously as I do my profession, what would I be doing to improve my skill, and get better results?”

It’s all about the relationship.

Ross Fields & Kathleen Fields are Certified Parenting Educators (CPE) and co-founders of Results Parenting, LLC. ResultsParenting.com

Growing Together Tips on Parenting & RelationshipsBy Ross Fields, CPE and Kathleen Fields, CPE

The Report Card: Unlocking Hidden Achievements

You can help PREVENT crime on the Hill!If you see a crime happening or see/hear anything suspicious in

your neighborhood, please call the police!

• Daytime: 756-8135, Janine Kaserman, with Community Policing

• 11 am thru the night: 650-9005, Senior Lead Officer cellphone

• Dispatch/non-emergency events: 874-8575 or 874-8574

• EMERGENCIES: 9-1-1

ANONYMOUS CRIMES TIPS PROGRAM:Phone Tip: Dial 874-8584 | Online: tipsubmit.com

Text-A-Tip: Text “GOTCHA” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES)

THE SEASON OF HELPING

THOSE IN NEED IS HERE

Do you have the means or time to help?

Get in touch at [email protected]


Invest in your future. Join the MHNO today. COME TO A MEETING • JOIN A COMMITTEE • GET INVOLVED

ED GARDNER

MUNJOY HILL LEVEL SPONSOR

OBSERVATORY LEVEL SPONSOR

HILL HOUSE LEVEL SPONSORS

FORT SUMNER LEVEL SPONSORS

Please join us in thanking our Sponsors for generously supporting the Munjoy Hill community:

Message at left is a quote from the June 1980 Observer, in the ‘Call for New Mem-bers’. These words are no less true today.

Your logo HERE

“We are not asking you to make a major commitment. If you’re like most of us, between work and family responsibilities, you can’t. But if a lot of us give a few hours a month to serve on a committee, help with an event, sign up new members, or work on a

specific project, we can get things done.”

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CHARTER BUSINESS SPONSOR? Please contact Jay Norris [email protected]

portlandpaddle.net.PORTLAND PADDLE

TREVOR COYNE, REALTOR JOE PIERGROSSI, REALTOR

MHNO is grateful for the support of our Business Sponsors!

Invest in your future—Join the MHNO today. Come to a meeting. Join a committee. Get involved.To join the MHNO please complete and return the membership form on page 5.

DONOGHUE, from page 1

With transit, I look to achieving regular 15 minute frequencies downtown and expanding to high school transportation alongside the aforementioned improvements to the greater service levels now enjoyed on the #1 serving Munjoy Hill.

In Bayside, I have been proactive in investing in its infrastructure and in relocating the Department of Public Services, opening the door to private investment in a neighborhood that sorely needs it after having been neglected for so long.

What role do you see for neighbor-hood organizations in the decision-making process at the city level?Just as with elected officials, neighborhood organizations gain legitimacy by serving the interests of their constituents. An engaged and representative neighborhood organization can be indispensable both to constituents and to officials.

What are you most excited to do now that you are no longer serving?I want to read books. French books. Right now I’m reading Les Désorientés by Amin Maalouf. I recently finished Les Chavaliers du Sobjonctif by Erik Orsenna (it’s in the library box at the Hill House) and now I think I need to read everything else he wrote. Besides that, I just want to make sure that I play outside as much possible with [my daughter] Rosaleen.

What advice would you have for anyone new serving on city council?

Focus. There are endless distractions in city government and you can afford to spend very little of your time on them. If you focus on the needs and interests of the district, namely on those key issues on which you ran and were elected, you should ensure that you use the term to deliver on those. However, If you did not run on issues, good luck to you!

What is your perspective on the race for your seat?I believe the race is looking competitive between Sean Kerwin, Belinda Ray, and Brandon Mazer. While I’m hoping to see either Sean or Belinda ultimately elected, I’m glad to see five candidates running, adding Patrick Flynn and Paula Agopien.

How might the election shift the balance of power on the Council?Save for Councilors Mavodones, Duson, and Suslovic, the balance of the Council is still fairly new, so there is opportunity for a new Councilor to help lead the way!

The greatest challenge that our incoming Councilor will face is time management. Beyond a formidable meeting schedule, there remains the usual learning curve and attendant homework assignments as well as the demands of constituents, neighborhood associations, and various interest groups to get better acquainted. It does get more manageable with time, but it is a full-time position at the outset.

Any final thoughts?

Whoever should win, I’m glad to serve as a resource, if only on a part-time basis! •


Election DayNOVEMBER 3PortlandMaine.gov/325/Elections-Voting

Visit the City of Portland website for registration information, sample ballots, polling place locator, Ranked Choice Voting guide, and more.

St. Lawrence Arts76 CONGRESS STREET, PORTLANDStLawrenceArts.org

The world premier of Mama’s Boy, a look at a family behind an event that changed the course of history, premiers on October 28th and runs through November 22nd. Visit their website information about this show and other offerings.

Port VeritasBULL FEENEY’S | 375 FORE STREET, PORTLANDPortVeritas.com

Bull Feeney’s hosts this poetry reading series the second Tuesday of every month. The show is all ages and runs from 7:30pm to 10pm. Visit Port Veritas’ website for more information.

Maine Historical Society489 CONGRESS STREET, PORTLANDMaineHistory.org

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was often called “the children’s poet” and his love of children is still well remembered. Monthly, Maine Historical Society invites children ages 4-9 to celebrate reading and literature in an hour-long book-and-craft program. This month, the book is In November by Cynthia Rylant. The accompanying activity is a fall leaf painting craft. Wednesday, November 18, 10:30 am.

Maine Audubon Society20 GILSLAND FARM ROAD, FALMOUTHMaineAudubon.org

The Maine Audubon Society is offering a class on “Birding Basics: Attracting Birds” in Falmouth, which starts on Thursday, November 12th at 7pm. The class is designed for birders of all experiences. The class will cover a different topic every two weeks. The class costs $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Visit their website for more information.

Portland Museum of Art7 CONGRESS SQUARE, PORTLANDPortlandMuseum.org

The museum is hosting its ninth biennial, showcasing recent work by living artists from Maine through January 3rd, 2016. The exhibition is entitled, “You Can’t Get There From Here.” Visit their website for more information.

Half Moon Jug Band

Mayo Street Arts10 MAYO STREET, PORTLANDMayoStreetArts.org

The Mayo Street Arts center will host several shows in November. The opening for an exhibition of art by Pat Corrigan and Shon Mahoney takes place on November 12th from 6pm to 8pm. Violinist Yaeko Miranda Elmaleh takes the stage on November 13th from 7:30pm to 9pm. Half Moon Jug Band holds a CD release show on November 14th from 7pm to 9pm. On November 21st, the space hosts the King Friday’s Dungeon Puppet Slam from 7:30pm to 10pm. Visit the Mayo Street Arts website for more information.

Maine Jewish Museum267 CONGRESS STREET, PORTLANDMaineJewishMuseum.org

“Rich Entel’s Cardboard Menagerie” gives broken musical instruments a new body and a new voice. Opening First Friday, November 6th, 2015, 5pm to 8pm. The show runs through January 4th, 2016.

Portland Farmer’s Market

Portland Farmers’ MarketPortlandMaineFarmersMarket.org

Portland’s farmers’ market continues outside until December. The market convenes from 7am to 1pm in Deering Oaks Park on Saturdays and from 7am to 1pm in Monument Square on Wednesdays. The market will move inside starting on December 5th. Visit their website for more information.

34th Portland ThanksgivingDay 4-MilerDOWNTOWN PORTLANDPortlandThanksgiving4miler.eventbrite.com

A Southern Maine running tradition, the 34th Annual Thanksgiving Day 4-Miler & Kids 1K benefit the St. Patrick’s Secondary School in Iten, Kenya, the USM Womens Track team, the Rafiki Foundation, Portland Trails and Partners for World Health. A food drive, now in it ’s 30th year, will benefit Project Feed, an area emergency food pantry. All donors will receive a T-Day Race Souvenir. Thursday, November 26th, 2015, 8:30am Kids 1K, 9am 4-miler.

PhoPa Gallery132 WASHINGTON AVENUE, PORTLANDPhoPaGallery.com

An exhibition of Cheryle St. Onge’s photographs starts on October 14th and continues until November 7th. Visit their website for more information.

Portland Public Library5 MONUMENT SQUAREPortlandLibrary.com

Our Places, Our Times : Portland Through the Decades, 1930s – 2000s is comprised of series of photos pulled from the Portland Press Herald Still-Film Negative Collection: Portland Public Library Special Collections, this exhbition shows the collective history and experiences of Portland’s people over the past eight decades. Onview through June 15, 2016.

Greater Portland Landmarks LecturePORTLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY, RINES AUDITORIUM

Ship Builders and Merchants, a lecture by Herb Adams, November 17th from 6pm to 7 pm. For 300 years Portland has been the shipbuilding, sailing and fishing center of Casco Bay. The story of the Port of Portland is one of merchants and mariners, shipbuilders and sailors, visionaries and villains.

Portland Food Co-op290 CONGRESS ST, PORTLANDPortlandFood.coop

Celebrate the Co-Op’s one year anniversary on Thursday, November 19th. Stop in throughout the day to enjoy samples from lots of local farmers and producers, live music, raffles, as well as exciting specials.

#FromTheTrikeSheridan StreetYou may have seen Michie O’Day, who moved to Munjoy Hill in March of 2014, riding around on her trike. She doesn’t drive but she loves to snap photos with her iPhone while she’s out and about. O’Day is an artist who lost her hearing 19 years ago. Maine is filled with good painting subjects. She looks forward to creating a Munjoy Hill body of work. Her work is for sale and on view at MichieODay.com.

munjoy hill observer november 2015

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