PROPERTY TAX / RENT REFUNDS NOW OPEN --- APPLY SOON!

State Rep. Herb Adams is reminding Portlanders that the new application period for the "Circuit Breaker," the state Rent Refund and Property Tax rebate program, officially opens its next round for applications on August 1st.
The program is open to Mainers who are renters, homeowners, or elders. New income levels have opened the rebate program to thousands of new people. Single persons who earned $60,000 or less in 2007, or those with spouses or dependents who earned $80,000 or less in 2007, are over the first hurdle.
The number of successful applicants in 2006 hit record levels in Parkside, Bayside, and East Bayside, and the average refund was about $460, says Adams.
"Generally, if your 2007 property tax was 4% of your household income, or your rent in 2007 was 20% of your household income, you are in the ballpark for a refund, " says Adams. " But it is well worth the price of a stamp to find out. "
Maine elders are eligible for refunds up to $2,000 under the same program. All applications must be filed by June, 2009.
Free applications will be available in August at the Portland Public Library and at local markets such as DiPietro’s in East Bayside, Dyer's Market in Bayside, and Terroni's and Mellen Street Market in Parkside," and every other place that will let me in the door " says Adams.
Over 200,000 Maine households qualified for the program in 2006, a number expected to hit 230,000 in 2007.

After August 1, 2008, applicants may also file online at www.maine.gov/revenue.

"The earliest applicants get the fastest refunds," says Adams. "This is one of the most successful, direct-to-you state programs in Maine history. Winter is coming, and thrifty Baysiders should pinch every happy penny."

Free forms are also available by calling Rep. Adams at 772-2565.

Now, Don’t Tell Us There’s Nothing to Do

Aug. 7

Children's Performance Series with Yo Yo People (yoyo tricks… and hula hooping)
12:30pm, Free
Deering Oaks Park

Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen
8pm
One Longfellow Sq

Shakespeare's "Two Gentlemen of Verona"
6:30pm, Free
The Pavilion in Deering Oaks Park

Alive at Five Concert Series with The Brew
5-8pm
Monument Square


Aug. 8

Ellen Cherry
8pm
With Andrew Grimm & Valerie Orth
One Longfellow Square

The Longfellow Trail: An Urban Expedition ~ Family Walking Tour
11am-12pm, Adults: $5.00; Children: $2.00.
Maine Historical Society

Weekday Music Series: Phantom Buffalo
Noon-1pm
Congress Square

Aug. 9


Shakespeare's "Two Gentlemen of Verona"
6:30pm, Free
The Pavilion in Deering Oaks Park

Soul Movement
8pm
One Longfellow Sq

Hanifa Washington
8-11pm
Peace Folk Benefit
Meg Perry Center


Aug. 10

Shakespeare's "Two Gentlemen of Verona"
2pm, Free
The Pavilion in Deering Oaks Park


Aug. 11

The Children’s Hour ~ Family Tour of the Longfellow House
11am-12pm, Adults: $8.00; Children: $3.00.
Maine Historical Society

MEMIC’s Movies in the Park (rain date)
Dusk
Congress Square

Aug. 12

Super Sized Chameleons
8pm
One Longfellow Sq

Tuesday Night Concert with Truth About Daisies (soulful harmonic folk rock)
7:00pm, Free
Deering Oaks Park Bandstand

Dave Wickerham, Boca Raton, FL - Pops
7:30pm, Pre-concert talk at 6:30pm, $12
Merrill Auditorium

Aug. 13

The Children’s Hour ~ Family Tour of the Longfellow House
11am-12pm, Adults: $8.00; Children: $3.00.
Maine Historical Society

Sunset Folk Series with Will Gattis (piano based folk music)
7:30pm, Free
Western Prom Park

Aug. 14

Alive at Five
5-8pm
Monument Square


Aug. 15

The Longfellow Trail: An Urban Expedition ~ Family Walking Tour
11am-12pm, Adults: $5.00; Children: $2.00.
Maine Historical Society

Chamber Music
8pm
One Longfellow Sq

Weekday Music Series: The Toughcats
Noon-1pm
Congress Square


Aug. 16


Elvis
8pm
One Longfellow Sq

Aug. 18

The Children’s Hour ~ Family Tour of the Longfellow House
11am-12pm, Adults: $8.00; Children: $3.00.
Maine Historical Society


Aug. 19

Peter Conte Wanamaker - Classical
7:30pm, Pre-concert talk at 6:30pm, $12
Merrill Auditorium

Jazz at the Sq
8pm
One Longfellow Sq


Aug. 20

The Children’s Hour ~ Family Tour of the Longfellow House
11am-12pm, Adults: $8.00; Children: $3.00.
Maine Historical Society

Lovesick Sessions
8pm
One Longfellow Sq


Aug. 21

Latin Dancing
8pm
One Longfellow Sq

Ruby Slippers Workshop: Finding Forgiveness
12:15-1:15pm
Portland Public Library, Rines Auditorium


Aug. 22

The Longfellow Trail: An Urban Expedition ~ Family Walking Tour
11am-12pm, Adults: $5.00; Children: $2.00.
Maine Historical Society

Truth About Dasies
8pm
One Longfellow Sq


Aug. 23

43rd WCSH 6 Sidewalk Art Festival
Congress Street

Ukulele
8pm
One Longfellow Sq

Aug. 25

The Children’s Hour ~ Family Tour of the Longfellow House
11am-12pm, Adults: $8.00; Children: $3.00.
Maine Historical Society


Aug. 26

James Vivian Temple Church, London - Classical
7:30pm, Pre-concert talk at 6:30pm, $12
Merrill Auditorium

Aug. 27

The Children’s Hour ~ Family Tour of the Longfellow House
11am-12pm, Adults: $8.00; Children: $3.00.
Maine Historical Society

Aug. 29

The Longfellow Trail: An Urban Expedition ~ Family Walking Tour
11am-12pm, Adults: $5.00; Children: $2.00.
Maine Historical Society

Project for Public Spaces

Project for Public Spaces is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people create and sustain public spaces that build stronger communities. Founded in 1975, PPS embraces the insights of William (Holly) Whyte, a pioneer in understanding the way people use public spaces. Today, PPS has become an internationally recognized center for best practices, information, and resources about Placemaking. Three in-house training courses held at PPS in New York City are coming up: Streets as Places (September 15-16), How to Turn a Place Around (September 25-26) and How to Create Successful Markets (October 17-18). For information on all three courses, please visit http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=224710976&u=2350075 and use the links on the right side panel. Visit PPS at www.PPS.org.

IMAGES OF ANIMALS FEATURED IN EXHIBITION AT THE PORTLAND MUSEUM OF ART

Opening Aug 16

From the earliest examples of American art until the present day, images of animals serve as vehicles for meaning. Native and exotic creatures alike help artists to explore issues of identity: the quality and nature of being American or foreign, human or beast, wild or civilized, innocent or worldly. These are all issues that artists grapple with in the exhibition American Menagerie. On view from August 16 through November 9, 2008, at the Portland Museum of Art, American Menagerie features more than 25 works of art drawn primarily from the Museum’s permanent collection.

While representations of creatures associated with the American continent—the eagle, for instance—helped to establish an American identity, depictions of exotic beasts tapped into concerns about the larger world. One of the icons of early American painting is The Peaceable Kingdom, a Biblical theme painted multiple times by Quaker artist Edward Hicks, among others. The scriptural verse and the painting motif alike prophesy a time of peace in which the aggressive and the meek, i.e., the leopard and the lamb, may coexist in harmony, and that “a little child shall lead them.” One of Hicks’s most fully realized treatments of the subject, including a painted frame with the words from Isaiah inscribed on it, is on loan for the exhibition from the Mead Art Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts. This remarkable painting, through its serene depiction of the creatures of the world, poignantly encapsulates American hopes for the young nation, its moral compass, and its future generations.

Portraits of children from this time also frequently feature animals as a sign of the sitter’s relative affluence, as only wealthy families would have regarded cats and dogs as pets—and worthy subjects for art—rather than beasts of burden. Animals in portraits could also convey messages about the character of the child they accompanied, alluding broadly to innocence or employing more specific symbolism dating from the middle ages. The idea of a kind of moral kinship between children and animals persisted through the 20th century, with idealized depictions of children at play. Also included in the exhibition are a collection of toys with animal themes.

Many modern and contemporary artists have also found that animal forms provide appealing and timeless themes for their work. Artists like Marguerite and William Zorach found and depicted nobility in their own household pets, while their daughter, Dahlov Ipcar, uses the widely varied shapes, colors, and patterns of the animal kingdom to create richly textured canvases and illustrations. The work of Bernard Langlais taps into the emotional power of animals, with wood sculptures and works on paper that seem to examine the inner life of creatures both domestic and untamed. Although these were trained artists, the persistence of an essentially non-academic artistic approach can be detected in their work. As earlier artists were, they are drawn to a fundamental purity—an uncontrived nature—in the motif of the animal, a concept that is reflected in their approach to their art.

Among the other artists included in the exhibition are Mildred Burrage, Will Barnet, Wendy Kindred, Scott Leighton, Hunt Slonem, and Roger Winter.

The exhibition also includes a special group of works related to political cartoonist Clifford K. Berryman, who is credited with the creation of the “Teddy Bear.” Early in his long career, Berryman created this loveable and timeless character as both a personification of and a fictional companion to President Theodore Roosevelt. Illustrations by Berryman and a group of political pins featuring the teddy bear, all on loan from an important private collection, add another layer to the idea of American animals in this election year.

Portland Trails Events

TRAIL STEWARD SATURDAYS

Trail volunteers meet the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month to work on various trail maintenance projects. To be added to the email list, email info@trails.org

May 14 – Sept 10, 2008
Back Cove Weekly Race Series

Wednesdays, 6:00 PM
An informal weekly race around Back Cove. Free to the public, but donations support Portland Trails. Meet at the Preble Street extension parking area, Back Cove Trail.

Portland Trails Discovery Trek Series 2008


Friday, August 15th at 5:30pm
“The Remains of the Cumberland and Oxford Canal”
with Bud Quinn, Portland Trails' Volunteer Trail Steward.

Learn about the fascinating history of the C&O Canal while enjoying a magnificent trail. Meet at the entrance to the Fore River Trail at the end of Hobart Street , off of Congress Street .

Friday, September 12th at 5:30pm
“Casco Bay's Lobster Fishery”
with Susan Olcott, Outreach Coordinator for the Ocean Conservancy.

Learn about the local lobster fishery, past and present, as you stroll along the waterfront on the Eastern Prom Trail. Having worked in the lobster fishery as a biologist and lived on Chebeague Island for a year, Susan will discuss how lobsters are fished in Casco Bay and the culture of the fishing communities on the nearby islands. Meet at the iron globe on the corner of Commercial Street and Franklin Arterial.

Friday October 3rd at 5:30pm
"Explore the Eastern Cemetery "
with Christina White, founder of Spirits Alive , an organization dedicated to the preservation and beautification of the historic Eastern Cemetery.

Discover this "museum without walls" and visit the interment sites of notable area residents while learning about conservation efforts here. Meet at the Congress Street entrance.



Sunday September 21, 2008
9th Annual Portland Trails 10K
"Trail to Ale"

The Portland Company, 58 Fore Street in Portland

Register online with Active.com

Editorial

District Attorney Stephanie Anderson's decision to dismiss Drinking in Public charges with No Further Action (NFA) findings was met with stunned incredulity by Bayside residents and business owners. As word seeped out around the neighborhood, folks began to recognize that upswing in "layouts" and people drinking on their steps may be more than the typical summer upswing, but rather the result of a revolving door policy that allows people arrested for drinking in public (DIP) to be back on the street again in just a few hours.

An exchange of letters between District Attorney Anderson and Portland Police Chief Tim Burton [see below] illustrates the growing frustration between police, County Jail authorities, and the DA's office. The reluctance of judges to sentence offenders to more than "time served" drained DA's office of resources and barely allowed time for folks to sober up and clean up. From a patrol officer's point of view, why should he or she bother with the hassle of arresting someone if the person was going to be on the street again in no time?

The adoption of the NFA policy raises several questions for Bayside residents and property owners. What options exist for patrol officers who often see their role as actually helping people from doing further self inflicted harm? What are residents supposed to do about issues such as obstructing a public way (sitting Indian style in a circle blocking a sidewalk or blocking a street)? What sort of activity rises to a level of being actionable? The new policy creates a threshold where any intrusion upon a resident's quality of life is supposed to be taken in stride. Why ? Bayside may always have more calls for service than more sedate, neighborhoods, but what sort of official policy position would be purposely implemented in a manner that was virtually guaranteed to make matters worse? What was the DA thinking?

Anyone who has had the experience of a feeling trapped in her or his home while a group of folks sits on their steps and drink and yell, or anyone who has had folks camp in his or her backyard leaving their trash and HUMAN WASTE behind knows it can be unbelievably frustrating and dispiriting. Why have a garden, or a courtyard, or a place to hang the wash if it is only going to be trespassed upon? North Deering residents don't routinely walk out of their houses and see someone urinating on a tree. People in Bayside do. Parents in other neighborhoods don't spend nearly as much time having to plan safe routes for their kids to get to activities as Bayside parents do. The chilling effect on property values and people’s general sense of well-being makes creating a caring cohesive neighborhood even more daunting.

The Oxford-Portland Street corridor has one of the highest numbers of calls for service of any area in Portland. Cumberland Avenue ranks high on the list, too. (Weekly crime statistics are available at:http://police.portlandmaine.gov/crimemonthly.asp#calls) Taking a set of law enforcement tools from the hands of police officers is counterproductive in the extreme.

Enforcing Drinking in Public, layouts, refusal to leave, and other laws against so-called minor offenses has the dual benefit of creating a better, safer environment for residents and may possibly be an entree to the offender’s getting help. While it's true that jail isn't necessarily the best place to make changes and point one's life in a better direction, it's also often true that a precipitating event is required to cause people to make positive changes.

The mixed messages sent by different service providers, Portland Police, Health and Human Services, and the District Attorney's Office have a devastating and confusing effect on Bayside. The Bayside Neighborhood Association has worked hard to promote dialog between agencies, residents, and authorities, with mixed results and a decidedly indifferent attitude on the part of providers and government officials. But, it's not their steps that are getting pissed on, not their employees who feel unsafe going to their cars on a winter afternoon, not their houses that they can't find suitable tenants for.

District Attorney Anderson is an administrator with limited resources. However, when she institutes a general policy she really needs to consider the implications for the area most affected.

Steve Hirshon

The Wild Side

Think you know pigeons? Here are some facts that might surprise you.

Pigeons and doves have been around for a long time—longer than humans. Pigeons, also known as Rock Doves, are thought to have originated in southern Asia several million years ago. Compare this to modern humans, who first appeared about 120,000 years ago.


A pigeon usually constructs its nest on covered building ledges that resemble cliffs, a Rock Dove’s natural habitat. They also nest and roost on the support structures under bridges in cities and along highways. Pigeons build their nests with small twigs. A male pigeon brings the nesting material to his mate, one piece at a time, and she builds the nest. Nests are usually well hidden and hard to find.

Pigeons usually lay two white eggs. The parents take turns keeping their eggs warm (incubating). Males usually stay on the nest during the day; females at night. Eggs take about 18 days to hatch.

Both male and female parent pigeons produce a special substance called "pigeon milk," which they feed to their hatchlings during their first week of life. Pigeon milk is made in a special part of the bird’s digestive system called the crop. When hatchlings are about one week old, the parents start regurgitating seeds with crop milk; eventually seeds replace the pigeon milk.

Pigeons have excellent eyesight. Like humans, pigeons can see color, but they also can see ultraviolet light—part of the light spectrum that humans can’t see. Pigeons are sometimes used in human search-and-rescue missions because of their exceptional vision.

Pigeons can hear sounds at much lower frequencies than humans can, such as wind blowing across buildings and mountains, distant thunderstorms, and even far-away volcanoes. Sensitive hearing may explain why pigeons sometimes fly away for no apparent reason-- maybe they heard something you can’t.

Information taken from


www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Rock_Pigeon.html

Reminder!! Street Cleaning Operations Underway

All of the streets on the peninsula are posted with signs restricting parking either one night or one day a week. If you are parked in violation of these signs, your vehicle may be towed.

The City's Public Services and Parking Department appreciate your cooperation with these parking restrictions as it allows us to carry out necessary street operations and keep our streets clean.

For more information, contact the city's Parking Division at 874-8443.

Low Interest Loans for Energy Efficiency Available

$325,000 available through City of Portland's Division of Housing & Neighborhood Services for qualifying homes

The City of Portland announces the availability of low-interest loans for Portland homeowners for energy efficient renovations. The Owner-Occupied Residential Rehabilitation Program offers loans of up to $15,000 to be paid over a period of up to twenty years. Interest rates range from zero to three percent and can be forgiven in certain circumstances. Income eligibility ranges from $38,200 for an individual to $54,550 for a family of four.

"During such difficult economic times, this program is an excellent way for homeowners to pay for energy efficient upgrades they might think they would be unable to afford otherwise," stated Councilor Dave Marshall.

"With fuel costs doubled in just a year, people really need to find ways to reduce their use of heating oil. Replacing an out-of-date inefficient furnace or adding insulation in the attic could help rein in those costs, and those energy savings could be a lifesaver for a family struggling to keep their home. People need to know that there is a program in the city that can help them," concluded Marshall.

The federally funded program encourages renovations designed to make a single-family home more energy efficient such as window replacement, insulation, sealing air leaks, and repair or replacement of inefficient heating systems. To help homeowners access the loan program, the city's Housing & Neighborhood Services Division now has a state-certified residential energy auditor on staff.

"As the city's energy auditor, I am able in a matter of hours, to assess the situation in a home and make some very cost-effective suggestions on ways to reduce energy consumption and save the family money," stated Roger Hutchins, Housing Rehabilitation Specialist. "This service is free and available to any qualifying resident interested in the loan program.

Loan applicants can also receive help from the city's Housing & Neighborhood Services Division in locating a contractor, preparing any paperwork necessary for the loan, and managing the construction. The Program requires correcting any building or safety code violations that may need to be fixed in the home.

For more information visit the city's website at www.portlandmaine.gov/planning/housing or call Mary Davis at 874-8698.

Nightly Crosswalk Painting Underway

The Department of Public Service’s Traffic Division continues to be engaged in nightly crosswalk painting throughout the City of Portland.

Pedestrians are reminded that the glass bead used to facilitate the painting process is slippery and people should use caution while walking across newly painted crosswalks. Motorists should also take care not to slam the brakes when driving over freshly painted crosswalks and center lines as they too can be affected by the glass beading. The glass bead will wear off quickly once morning traffic begins.

The painting process will be ongoing for the next month or so (weather permitting), beginning with pedestrian walkways followed by directionals (arrows) and center lines.

Park Ranger Program for East End Beach

The city’s Park Ranger Program for the East End Beach will run through the remainder of the summer. The Rangers are charged with supervising the East End Boat Launch as well as enforcing safety regulations for the East End Park.

The Rangers will collect boat launch fees, which are list below (proof of residency for Portland residents is required).

Daily Fees: Resident $5, Nonresident $10 and Commercial $125

Boaters are reminded that the following acts are prohibited at or near the boat launch: storage of gear on dock; swimming; consumption of alcoholic beverages; boat anchoring; fishing off or near the dock; and overnight parking. Boaters are allowed fifteen minutes for loading and unloading gear on the dock and should park in designated areas. Children under ten years of age must wear a personal floatation device and be accompanied by an adult. Dogs need to be on a short leash (8 feet or less).

Visitors to the East End Beach are reminded that glass containers, alcoholic beverages, floating devices and fishing are prohibited at the beach. Dogs are permitted on the beach from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Please help keep the beach clean by throwing away all trash in proper receptacles.

The public restrooms located at the East End Beach will be open 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The East End Park is closed from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Two New Sculptures

Cloud Bench and Rustle

Maine artist and Maine College of Art graduate Vivian Beer recently oversaw the installation of her two sculptures, Cloud Bench and Rustle, in Winslow Park near Baxter Boulevard. The two works were recently acquired by the Portland Public Art Committee for the city’s collection.

Cloud Bench, a flowing metal structure, will serve as an intimate seating area with a view of Back Cove. The two painted metal structures that make up the piece Rustle were designed to evoke a waving flag or the movement of the wind. In the fall of 2007, Cloud Bench and Rustle were featured in an alumni exhibit at the ICA at the Maine College of Art.

Vivian Beer, grew up in Ellsworth Maine and currently has several large-scale sculptural and functional works on display throughout New England and around the country, including a summer outdoor show at the Courthouse Gallery in Ellsworth.

Cloud Bench and Rustle were selected through an open proposal process by a selection committee made up of local residents, artists, and business owners, as well as members of the Public Art Committee. The site was selected by the Public Art Committee when Milkweed Pod, a temporary sculpture in that location for several years, was blown down in a storm two years ago.

Various site work, stonework, and planting projects will be ongoing for the next month. The work should be completed over the summer and an opening event will be held in late summer or early fall.

"The Portland Public Art Committee would like to thank the City's Public Services Department and Landscape Architect Regina Leonard, who have worked together with artist Vivian Beer to install Portland's newest public art piece," stated Committee Chair Jack Soley.

Portland Taxi Fares Increase

New guidelines to become a licensed taxi driver will also go into effect

As of July 1, 2008 Portland’s taxi fare increased for the first 1/10 of a mile to $1.90 and to a rate of $0.30 for each additional 1/10 of a mile. The fare from the Portland Jetport increased to a minimum of $5.00 or the amount on the meter at the end of the trip, whichever is greater. Taxi fares were last increased four years ago.

Passengers are reminded to use licensed taxis. All licensed vehicles must have a meter, a taxi light on the roof, fares painted on the doors, the driver’s license with photo prominently displayed, and as of July 1, a blue taxi license sticker in the rear window. The public can be assured that these taxis have been inspected, have proof of insurance, and have passed the City’s standards for operating. Licensed taxi drivers undergo driving and criminal background checks.

Vehicles with magnetic signs on their doors, no light, or a light that says “shuttle” and no sticker or meter are not licensed as taxis by the City. The absence of a taxi driver license means that the driver has not undergone the required background checks.

The city has designated taxi lines at the Portland Jetport; the Portland Transportation Center, which houses Concord Trailways and the Downeaster; and the Greyhound Bus Station.

Passengers seeking to use a particular taxi company can call and arrange for pickup at any location in the city. The driver of the taxi or livery service must have an order with the passenger’s name and time of expected arrival available for checking by taxi authorities. Pre-arranged taxis do not have to wait in the taxi line but must go to assigned pickup locations.

Passengers with problems should call the taxi hot line at 756-8185. If possible, have the name and number of the cab and driver available.

Fundraising Effort of New Skate Park Underway

Portland receives $50,000 matching grant for Momentum Campaign

The City of Portland’s Skatepark Planning Committee has unveiled its Momentum fundraising campaign for a new skate park at Dougherty Field. The Committee initiated its “Buy a Brick” effort to help raise $50,000 for a dollar-for-dollar matching grant from the Ollie Fund of the Maine Community Foundation.

“This campaign is an excellent opportunity for the community to come together in support of skate boarders and bicyclists,” stated Chair of the committee and City Councilor Dave Marshall. “With the loss of the park at Marginal Way, the city has been without a fun and safe venue for our extreme sport enthusiasts and it’s time we worked together to change that.”

To date, the Committee has raised $150,000 towards its $325,000 goal. With the receipt of the $50,000 matching grant, the Committee hopes to raise the remaining funds needed in time to begin construction next spring. The Buy a Brick program was designed to allow residents, businesses, and supporters of the skatepark an opportunity to buy a piece of the park. Each brick will be inscribed and become a permanent part of the structure.

“The Portland Downtown District is excited to get involved with this effort,” remarked Executive Director Jan Beitzer. “It is important that Portland’s local businesses step up and help the city reach its goal. Skateboarders and cyclists deserve a safe space to practice the sport.”

“Skateboarding and cycling is an important part of our community, and this fundraising campaign is a chance for our community to embrace the sports and its athletes,” stated James Meliota, Skatepark Planning Committee Member. “As a skateboarder, I cannot wait to see the designs for the new park. They will be innovative and unlike anything Portland boarders have even seen.”

The Momentum logo was designed by Deering High School student Meaghan Maurice, the winner of a citywide contest. For more information on how to purchase a brick or about the work of the Skatepark Planning Committee, visit www.portlandmaine.gov/skatepark.

Cultivating Community

This summer, Cultivating Community is holding “Twilight Dinners,” candlelit 3-course meals prepared by local chefs from the organization’s organic bounty.
$15/person (byob); 6:00 p.m. in the orchard - Limit 50 attendees, reservations required. Seatings still available for the September 11 dinner.
To make a reservation, email craig@cultivatingcommunity.org or call 761-GROW.
Directions to Turkey Hill Farm: After crossing the Casco Bay Bridge from Portland, get in the right lane and turn right at the second set of traffic lights. Follow Route 77 4.3 miles, through Cape Elizabeth town center, then turn left at the second entrance to Old Ocean House Road (it intersects twice with Route 77). Turkey Hill Farm is the 4th driveway on the right.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also, Cultivating Community is organizing another 20 Mile Meal this fall--an event that truly showcases the rich food system we have here in southern Maine while supporting the organization’s youth development and anti-hunger work.
If you would like to volunteer and be a part of the planning team, please contact event chair Sarah Bullett at sarahbullett@gmail.com or Craig Lapine at craig@cultivatingcommunity.org.

Individuals will also be needed to help with specific tasks such as set-up, clean-up and support during the event itself.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cultivating Community is an organization based in Portland that grows food in the community in an organic, sustainable way and helps to feed people who are most vulnerable. The food-growing work is used in youth and community development programs that reconnect people to the natural and social systems that sustain us all.

WHEN BAYSIDE MEANT BUSINESS

These two scenes taken on a summer's day show how many of life's needs were once served by proud Bayside businesses. The first, taken from the corner where today the Public Market Parking Garage stands, looks southwest to the corner of Preble Street and Cumberland Avenue sometime around 1875-1885. There, the E.M. Thompson Monument Works stands behind a tidy picket fence, tall white family cemetery monuments displayed thick as a forest on its tiny front lawn, and white marble headstones stacked against the shop wall on the right. From the late 1860s to 1890 Enoch M. Thompson's premier stone shop stood here, where a team of six skilled stonecutters shaped and cut many of Portland's most distinguished funeral monuments. Portland's Eastern, Western, Evergreen, and Cavalry cemeteries still feature the magnificent monuments once fashioned here. Hundreds of Portland's Civil War soldiers came home to rest beneath humbler headstones also cut here in Bayside.

Thompson's shop was demolished in 1890 for Horation N. Jose's 3-story brick office building, which still stand there today. But in the late 20th century, city road crews digging near here were startled to find unfinished tombstones buried in the street--reminders from a century ago that Baysiders leave their footprints in the sands (and stones) of time.

Looking to the left (up Preble Street toward Monument Square), behind the waiting wagons, stands the Presumpscot Shoeing Shop, run by Messrs. McKusick and Kennard at 26 Preble Street. Once, scores of such establishments dotted Portland, like today's filling stations. Then, Portland was home to more horses than people, and convenient blacksmiths’ hammers rang in many a neighborhood. (Note that behind the roof of the shoeing shop rises the steeple and clock tower of the Casco Street Baptist Church.) In 1927 the Portland Sunday Telegram lamented their passing: “In 1900 when the automobile came into vogue, there were 44 stables, large and small, in the city from St. Lawrence Street to St. John Street. The largest of these were those of Charles N. Jewell on Preble Street [in 2008 near the Salvation Army shop] and Whitman-Sawyer Stable Company, rear 697 Congress Street [in 2008 the big parking lot behind the Rite Aid near Mellen Street]. Today [1927] there are only seven small stables in Portland, and that . . . is probably more than is needed. . . . The horses kept for pleasure driving may be counted on one's fingers. The auto did it.”

Museum of African Culture Events

A note from Museum Director Oscar Mokeme:

Dear Friends, What a busy summer it's been at the Museum of African Culture. We are excited to be preparing for our 10th Anniversary event, which is sure to be fantastic! Check out our upcoming events ... and drop in to see our newest exhibition, The Royal Insignia. FRIDAY and SATURDAY, August 8 & 9--10th Anniversary and Celebration of Diversity. Join us in commemorating a decade of achievements in a 2-day celebration, free of charge! In brief, the schedule is as follows: • FRIDAY, August 8: Double-Film Screening 4-6 pm @ Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square Featuring 2 award-winning films from East Africa: Menged (Ethiopia) and Come Back to Sudan (US and Sudan). Panel discussion and refreshments to follow the screenings. Drumming Workshop with Master drummer Sanga of the Valley 7:30-10 pm @ World Arts and Culture Center, 65 Commercial Street. Call to pre-register: 207-761-3765 • SATURDAY August 9: Film Screening 11 am - 1 pm @ The Portland Public Library: Wardance (Uganda). Join us for the Street Festival from 1-5 pm @ Brown Street. World music and dance performances, activities for kids, food and drinks, and more! Details on our website coming soon! Thanks for your support! Museum of African Culture 13 Brown Street, Portland, ME 14101 207.871.7188 africart@museumafricanculture.org www.museumafricanculture.org

ADAMS URGES INSURANCE RATE REFUNDS

State Rep. Herb Adams is urging Portlanders to apply for refunds due them under a multimillion dollar settlement reached between the State of Maine and the MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company.
Last month the Maine State Bureau of Insurance reached a court-ordered settlement for rate overcharges to Mainers who had individual health insurance policies with MEGA between 2004 and 2007. The total settlement due Mainers is about $5.5 million, said Adams.
MEGA is required to help locate the hundreds of potential policyholders and rebate claimants statewide.
Adams has located almost 100 Portland people and families owed rate rebates, plus interest, in the Parkside, Bayside, and East Bayside neighborhoods alone. The state list of possible claimants in Portland city-wide totals "about 500 names, an amazing number for our small city " said Adams.
"These are tough times, and everyone who is eligible for refunds should claim them quickly " said Adams. To protect privacy, Adams is not releasing the West End list at this time but will be contacting individuals listed and encourages all Portlanders who think they may be owed a rebate to contact the State Bureau of Insurance directly at 1-800-300-5000.
The amount of each refund will depend on the length of time a person held a MEGA policy between 2004- 2007 and the kind of coverage held.
MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company specialized in coverage for small business and the self-employed.
Rep. Adams may be contacted at 772-2565 for help and the State claims help line is 1-800-300-5000 toll-free.

Arson in Police Van

Police responded to 223 Cumberland Avenue on June 20, at 12:40 PM, after being called by the victim of a domestic assault.
Sol Bolton, 22, of Portland, was stated to be the assailant, and he was still there when police arrived.
Bolton had previous injuries to his arm, which were aggravated while he resisted arrest.
He was taken to Maine Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. When police went to remove him from the arrest van upon arrival at the Cumberland County Jail, they smelled smoke and saw a smoldering handkerchief on the floor of the van.
This led to a charge of arson, in addition to those of assault and refusing to submit to arrest.

By Marge (“Scoop”) NIblock