BREAKING NEWS
Body Found in Harbor View Park
Portland police were at the scene of Harbor View Park on York Street in the West End
just before 7PM on Thursday evening, where a passerby reportedly discovered a dead
body along the pathway from York Street to Commercial Street, next to the Casco Bay
Bridge. The area was cordoned off by yellow police tape. Police officials removed two
backpacks from a shopping cart that was at the scene, and placed them in the Crime
Investigations Unit truck. No other information is available.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Shooting Incident Reported on Munjoy Hill
Portland police are investigating the second shooting to occur on Munjoy Hill in the last
two weeks. The latest incident occurred late Wednesday night outside an apartment
house at 87 Cumberland Avenue.
According to Portland police,someone fired shots a car window, smashing the window,
but not injuring anyone. There have been no arrests.
On April 20th, Lashawn Covington of New York City, was shot to death on Cumberland
Avenue, just down the street from the latest incident. A suspect in that case is in
custody.
Political Sign Season Begins
Political signs for local candidates in the 2008 primary election season started to appear
throughout the city on April 30th.
Justin Alfond, one of three Democrats running for the State Senate seat, was the first
candidate to start erecting signs - in the West End, Deering Oaks Park, and along
Brighton Avenue.
Congressional candidates Michael Brennan and Ethan Strimling also had signs erected.
The primary election will be held on June 10th.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
22 Employees Accept Early Retirement
City offers one-time early retirement option in effort to minimize
layoffs for next year's budget
Portland has announced that twenty-two employees have accepted an early, one-time
voluntary retirement incentive. This incentive offered qualifying employees the option of
receiving eighteen months of COBRA payments for health insurance or a one-time
payout of $8,500. The retirement incentive was offered to employees as a means to
eliminate some of the proposed lay-offs in the 2009 budget. Due to significant revenue
shortfalls, the 2009 budget proposes a number of service changes including the
elimination of 98 positions - of which 25 are currently vacant.
Of the twenty-two participating employees, two are department heads,
Duane Kline, Director of Finance, and Lee Urban, Director of Development
and Planning. Three police officers and one public service clerk for the
Portland Police Department also elected to accept the retirement
incentive.
A Deputy Fire Chief, three Fire Lieutenants, and two firefighters also
announced their decision to retire. A member of corporate counsel, a commercial loan
officer, medical personnel at the Barron Center as well as staff at the Jetport have also
indicated their intention to accept the retirement incentive.
West End NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP Day
Saturday, May 3, 9am-12pm Start at Reiche School Playground.
Potluck picnic to follow at Harbor View Memorial Park
For more info call John Navarra at 775-0105 x161.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
AIDS Walk Scheduled for Back Cove
The annual AIDS Walk of Northern New England will be held at Back Cove on
Sunday, May 4th, registration starting at 11AM, 5K walk at noon.
West End Critter Complaints
Two complaints to the Portland Police Department about animals in the West End were
recorded by police on April 23rd. There was a raccoon on Spring Street biting its
stomach, and an opossum on Emery Street growling at people from underneath a car.
The complainants in both cases were afraid that the animals might be rabid. Both
animals had left by the time animal control officers arrived.
-Marge Niblock
Good Cause Moving
The Good Cause Thrift Shop on Congress Street near Longfellow Square is moving to
Congress Square Plaza, on Forest Avenue, just down from Congress Street.
Hey Nellie! Health is on the Way!
This week’s prizes in the West End Nellie drawing will go to three lucky winners! Each
will win a pair of free passes good for 10 visits to Obie’s Fitness Center at 633 Forest
Avenue. (www.obiesgym.com)
Find Nellie and let us know where she is in the West End NEWS – page # and
approximate location. Send your name, address and phone # to: West End Nellie, PO
Box 5234, Portland, Maine 04101. Or go to our website: thewestendnews.com, go to
“Contact Us,” and send us your entry. Deadline is May 9th. One entry per reader, no
calls please! Last week’s winner of $25 worth of Wash & Fold at Coyne’s Laundromat
is .
Monday, April 28, 2008
Major Changes in Bulky Waste Pickup Schedule
The city’s popular Bulky Waste Pickup will be held this year - probably for the last time
- but residents will have to pay attention to the schedule of pickups in order to not miss
the opportunity to get rid of their unwanted large items.
In past years, pickups were made according to City Council Districts. This year
however, pickups will be made on the same schedule as residents’ regular trash pickups.
Residents whose trash is picked up on Monday must have their bulky items on the street
on Monday, May 5th. Tuesday trash pickup recipients must have items on the street by
Tuesday, May 13th. Other pickup times are as follows:
-Wednesday - May 21st
-Thursday - May 29th
-Friday – June 6h
Items for pickup must be on the street on the appointed day because City workers will
not return after making the initial pickup run.
A complete list of items acceptable for the Bulky Waste Pickup will be on Page 3 of the
upcoming West End NEWS, or call the Buiky Waste Program Hotline at 756-8189, or
visit www.ci.portland.me.us for more information.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Angela Hubbard, Old Port Store Manager, Dies at 39
Angela Ann Hubbard, manager of the Ritz Camera Shop in the Old Port, died suddenly
of a brain aneurysm on April 17th. She was 39.
She was born in Heidelberg, Germany, on April 1, 1969, the daughter of Bruce and Jane
(Williams) Hubbard of Unity.
She was a graduate of the Kennebec Valley Christian School in Waterville and the
Hallmark Institute of Photography in Turner Falls, Mass.
She was known for her interests in photography, animals, flowers and her love of
children.
She donated her organs and was able to save at least seven lives.
She is survived by her longtime partner, Janice Higgins; her parents; her grandparents;
brothers Kirby Hubbard and his wife, Terri, and children Hannah and Ethan of New
Portland and Adam Hubbard and his partner, Anne Poirier, of New Gloucester; and
many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service was held on April 26th in Buxton (Bar Mills). In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 87 Elm St., Suite 203, Camden,
ME 04843.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
School Budget Referendum Set for May 13
For the first time ever, Portland voters will be asked to approve the Portland Public
School System's budget in a citywide referendum. Maine’s School Administrative
Reorganization Law now requires all school districts to hold elections for approval of
their budgets.
The Portland City Council is set to vote on the school budget May 5th. The subsequent
citywide referendum will be held May 13th. All polling places will be open. The budget
must be approved by a majority of voters.
Detailed information about the school budget may be found on the Portland Public
Schools Web site: www.portlandschools.org
Student Art Show to Open at City Hall
Students from across Portland will share their artwork at Portland City Hall in the 8th
Annual Portland Schools Art Show.
The exhibition, sponsored by the Portland Education Partnership and funded through the
Maine Arts Commission, consists of more than 1,000 pieces of art in a variety of media.
The art show opens on May 1st from 4 to 6 p.m. with music and refreshments. It will
be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through May 15th. Admission is free.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Ocean Gateway to Open
The City of Portland will hold the dedication ceremony for the Ocean Gateway
International Marine Passenger Terminal on Friday, May 2, at 2PM. The new facility in
the heart of the waterfront will serve Portland's cruise ship and international ferry
business. The Bay Ferries' CAT will disembark from Ocean Gateway for trips to
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
Mayor Ed Suslovic will be joined by Governor Baldacci, Congressmen Michaud and
Allen, members of the State Legislature, City Council and others.
The City's Transportation Department will be hosting its Roads, Rails, Rudders &
Destinations Transportation Trade Show at the Ocean Gateway Terminal on Saturday,
May 3rd from 10 AM to 4 PM. (Admission free).
West End Car Chase Results in Arrest
Shortly after 1 AM, on April 14th, while on routine patrol, Officer Ryan T. Rooney
noticed a vehicle with a headlight and taillight out traveling east on Danforth Street. He
followed the car, which had only one occupant.
The car turned onto State Street, and Rooney tried to stop it on York Street, where it
sped away. The driver made several quick turns - to Brackett, Summer, and then a
sudden turn into the parking lot at Danforth Heights.
The officer could smell the odor of burning rubber, and he found the unoccupied vehicle
and gave a description of the driver over the police radio.
Shortly afterward, officers in the area of May Street found Dean Enright, 24, of
Portland, who was on foot, and matched the description they had been given.
Enright was charged with failure to stop for a police officer and operating without a
license. The car was not registered to him.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
‘We Broke Humpty Dumpty’ Says General
Brigadier General John Johns (U.S. Army, Ret.) joined 1st Congressional District
candidate Chellie Pingree at a press conference on April 23rd in Portland to discuss their
support of A Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq.
“We broke Humpty Dumpty and you can’t put him back together again,” said Johns in
assessing the Iraq situation.
“This plan is not an example of 'cut and run',” said Johns, who, along with retired
General Paul Eaton, consulted on the writing of the document, a comprehensive plan to
get the US out of Iraq that Pingree and five other Congressional candidates presented in
March. Since then, over 50 US House and Senate candidates have signed on.
Johns spoke about the similarities between the current situation in Iraq and what
happened in Vietnam, where he served.
"We are on the ninth verse of the same song that was sung in Vietnam: 'the next six
months are critical.'"
General Johns is on the board of the Council for a Livable World, a nonpartisan
organization that provides Senators and members of Congress with technical and
scientific information about weapons of mass destruction, nuclear nonproliferation, and
other national security issues. Johns served 26 years as a combat arms officer before
retiring as a Brigadier General.
St Luke’s to Dedicate Needlepoint Kneelers
For several years, parishioners from parishes throughout the Episcopal Diocese of
Maine have been creating needlepoint kneelers to be used for worship at the Cathedral
Church of St. Luke (Episcopal) at 143 State Street. The completed kneelers will be
dedicated at the 10 am service at the Cathedral on Sunday, April 27, 2008 .
Twenty-nine people from twelve parishes in the Diocese have contributed to the project.
There will be a reception in the Upper Hall following the service to thank the stitchers
for their offering of time and talent and for the gift of comfort and beauty the kneelers
will create for worshippers. It takes approximately 500 hours to complete a kneeler,
which has 57,000 stitches, and uses 750 yards (or ½ mile) of wool. Each kneeler is
individually designed and is unique to the church or stitcher it represents.
‘Family Friendly’ Neighborhood Market Re-Opens
The Spring Street Market at the corner of Spring and Clark Street in the West End has
re-opened as Mainley Kidz.
New owner Christy Hanaman says the store will feature fresh, made-to-order food,
groceries, pizza, bagels, and fresh fruit smoothies.The market will also stock emergency
school supplies and toys, but will not sell beer or cigarettes as part of its policy of being
‘family friendly’. It will serve Sunday brunch every other week.
ROMNEY TO SPEAK AT REPUBLICAN CONVENTION
The Maine Republican State Convention will be held at the Augusta Civic Center on
May 2 and 3, 2008. At a February caucus, local Republicans elected 59 delegates and 30
alternates to represent Portland.
A dinner on Friday night will feature former presidential candidate Mitt Romney as the
keynote speaker. Columnist Cal Thomas will address the group on Saturday afternoon.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
'Friends of Reiche' Clarification
Dear Editor:
In your April 18-30 issue, you state that the Friends of Reiche is being formed "to
encourage better communication between the community and the School Department.”
The purpose of the Friends of Reiche is to provide and promote advocacy for Reiche
Community Center. If the School Department wishes to join in, so much the better.
All those interested in being involved with Friends of Reiche are encouraged to contact
us at wendneighborhood@yahoo.com.
Sincerely, Jo Coyne
Man Assaulted After Refusing Money, Cigarette
Portland police were called to 41 Chestnut Street in Bayside at 2 AM on April 16th, in
response to an alleged assault. They were told by the victim that he’d been walking on
Portland Street a little earlier, and Brandon Gagne, 22, of Portland, who was known to
him, began yelling at him.
According to police, Gagne asked for a cigarette, then asked for money. The victim
stated that he didn’t have either of the items requested, when Gagne said: “If you’re
lying to me, I’ll punch you in the nose.”
Gagne then made accusations regarding past experiences with the victim, struck the
victim in the nose and fled the area. He was subsequently found and arrested for assault
and three outstanding warrants for theft, unlawful possession of schedule drugs,
carrying a concealed weapon, and operating after suspension.
-Marge Niblock
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
EARTH DAY! Earth Day Block Party in Congress Square
This year's event is focused on transportation, but is also a family and local produce
event. Live music by Samuel James and the Jerks of Grass! Come one Come all!
April 22, 2008 at 11am Congress Square Congress and High Street.
Neighborhood, Waynflete Meet to Discuss Issues
Waynflete School officials held an open neighborhood forum on April 17th to allow
neighbors of the private West End school to express their concerns about the school's
growth and expansion into the neighborhood.
Among the issues brought up by members of the Western Prom Association and the
West End Neighborhood Association were parking issues, student drop-offs, delivery
truck noise, construction schedules, and the school's newly-started arts center. West
End City Councilor David Marshall was in attendance.
Monday, April 21, 2008
POLICE ARREST SUSPECT IN KILLING
Portland police have arrested Randel Phillips, 45, (above) in connection with a homicide
that occurred last night on Munjoy Hill.
A 25-year-old man from New York City, Lashawn Covington, arrived at Mercy Hospital
with multiple gunshot wounds at about 9:50 PM. He was transported by MEDCU to
Maine Medical Center for critical-care treatment, but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
A building at 73 Cumberland Avenue, which is Phillips' residence, was identified as the
crime scene, and a search warrant was obtained.
Phillips is being held at the Cumberland County Jail.
Also arrested was Klein Fernandes, 21, of New York City. He was charged with class A
robbery, and assault on a police officer, when he resisted arrest at 109 Middle Street.
The investigation revealed that Fernandes and Covington entered the Cumberland
Avenue apartment with the intention of robbing the occupants at about 9:30 PM. Several
people were in the apartment at that time. The robbery led to a conflict that extended
outside the apartment, ending in the shooting that brought Covington to the hospital.
Both men who are in custody have extensive arrest records, according to police, who
also say they suspect that narcotics were involved in the incident.
Photo by Marge Niblock
Police marked letters and numbers in bright orange paint up the sidewalk from
Romasco Lane past Sheridan Street. These marks indicate areas where blood has stained
the bricks. A long tire mark in the street in front of the house was also marked with
orange paint, but Chief Tim Burton would not discuss its relation to the case at a 3 PM
press conference held Monday afternoon.
Sunday,April 20, 2008
Maine Med Seeking Input on Helipad
Officials at the Maine Medical Center are asking neighbors to contact them with any
concerns or problems that are related to the operation of the West End hospital's helipad,
and they have set up a dedicated e-mail address and phone line for this purpose.
The hospital asks that callers give the date and exact time of what happened,where it
happened, how long it lasted
the type of problem (noise, lights, other). The message can be anonymous, but the
hospital encourages callers to leave their name and contact information.
To reach the hospital, call 662-6699 or send an e-mail to : helipad@mmc.org
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Patriots' Day Race to be Held in
Westbrook
The 59th Annual High School Patriots Day Road Race will be held on Monday at 10:00
am. Registration, start & finish will be at Riverfront Park on Main Street in downtown
Westbrook.
A course map has been posted on the USA Track & Field website: http://www.usatf.
org/routes/view.asp?rID=119020
The race was organized to provide high school athletes a chance to participate in the
New England tradition of Patriots Day marathon and road races.
Back Cove-What Might Have Been
Museum to Show Vintage Post Cards,
Ferries and WPA Projects
Portland Harbor Museum opened its new exhibit, Four Stories: Inside the Portland
Harbor Museum Collection, on April 18th. The exhibit will run from April 18th through
November 30th.
The exhibit focuses on four themes taken from the museum’s collection: The Portland
Ship Ceiling Company, vintage postcards, Casco Bay Lines ferries, and an unrealized
WPA project in the 1930s that could have transformed Portland’s Back Cove.
Portland Harbor Museum is located on the waterfront in South Portland. During April
and May, the museum is open from 10:00 – 4:30 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and
seven day a week beginning Memorial Day Weekend. Admission is $4 for adults.
Children under the age of 18 and students are admitted free. For more information and
directions, call the museum at 799-6337 or check www.portlandharbormuseum.org
Friday, April 18, 2008
Hearing and Vote Planned for Portland School Budget
The Portland City Council will hold a public hearing on the Portland Public Schools
budget for fiscal year 2009 on Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m. in the Council chambers at
Portland City Hall.
The council's Finance Committee has unanimously approved the $89.5 million budget
proposed by the Portland School Committee. The full City Council is scheduled to vote
on the school budget on May 5.
A first-ever referendum on Portland's school budget will take place on May 13th.
Maine's new School Administrative Reorganization Law requires all districts to hold
budget votes.
All Portland polling places will be open for the May 13th election. A majority of those
who cast ballots must approve the budget in order for it to take effect.
Detailed information about the school budget is available on the Portland Public Schools
Web site: www.portlandschools.org.
Heavy Item Pickup Changes to Get Public Hearing
The City will hold a public hearing on April 23rd to give residents a chance to weigh in
on proposed changes to the popular Heavy Item Pickup program. The hearing will be
held at 11AM at the Public Works building at 55 Portland Street.
The program is scheduled to run from May 5th to early June . Among the items eligible
for pickup are:
- Mattresses and box springs
• Furniture
• Large toys
• Rolled carpets
• Cabinets
• Toilets, sinks, tubs
For more information, visit the City's web site, www.ci.portland.me.us/ or call Troy
Moon at 874-8801.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
New Law Lets Seniors Work Off Taxes
AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci signed into law on April 16th a bill that will permit
towns to create a senior citizen volunteer service program in exchange for property tax
relief. Under the new law, municipalities may adopt a program that allows seniors who
are at least 60 years of age to earn up to $750 toward their property taxes by providing
volunteer services for the town.
The law will go into effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns. Seniors who are
interested in whether their town plans to adopt the program should contact their town
officials.
City Looking for Private Funding for Endangered
Programs and Services
The City of Portland is asking community groups, residents and businesses to consider
a financial donation earmarked for any of the following targeted budget items that could
be cut from the City budget:
-Opening the Kiwanis pool - $42,000
-Purchase of Fire Department turnout gear - $32,000
-Purchase of three police vehicles - $32,000 each
- Replace Center for Therapeutic Recreation funding - $64,000
-Rehabilitate the Payson Park skating pond - $9,000
-Restore records for the City Clerk - $17,000
-Support an intern for tree inventory - $7,000
-Replace roses for the Rose Circle in Deering Oaks Park - $1,500
-Replace Deering Oaks Park sign - $2,000
-Volunteer to staff the lobby at the Barron Center
- 4th of July fireworks (up to $30,000)
Resident Donates Federal Rebate to City
Upon learning of the City's budget cuts, Charles Leary, a Portland resident, contacted
City Hall to donate his federal rebate.
"As a Portland resident, I place a lot of value on the services provided by the City, said
Leary. "I believe that the challenges we face are driven by a troubled economy strained
by policies and agendas set outside the state, which is why I intend to donate my federal
rebate to the City. I encourage other members of the community to join me in helping
save these programs."
Members of the community can visit Volunteer Portland, www.portlandmaine.
gov/donations a web-based initiative designed to allow the people that live and work in
the City a chance to volunteer or donate their time, services or financial resources. The
site's gift catalog includes more than fifty items available for donation and a wide variety
of volunteer opportunities.
Photo by Amy Grommes Pulaski
Workers raised the tower bell at the former St. Dominic's Church - now the
Maine Irish Heritage Center - on Gray Street in the West End, on Friday,
April 11th. The bell fell through two stories of the tower in 2006. Repair
work continues on the structure.
UNION MAY BID FOR PRESS
HERALD
The Portland Newspaper Guild has launched an exploratory effort to make a bid for
local employee ownership of the Blethen Maine Newspapers and web sites, following
the Seattle Times Company announcement last month that it was offering all its Maine
properties for sale.
An ad will run in this week’s Maine Sunday Telegram touting employee and local
ownership, and a web site, www.yourhometownpaper.org has been launched to help in
the effort.
The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, Kennebec Journal of Augusta,
Morning Sentinel of Waterville and MaineToday.com, have over 600 employees.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Cummings, Haskell Named Truman
Winners
The Portland Democratic City Committee will recognize Speaker of the House,
Representative Glenn Cummings, and Representative Anne Haskell with the annual Harry
S Truman Award.
Cummings has built a culture of political cooperation in Augusta that has led to passage
of the largest economic investment bond package in Maine’s history; increased funding
for higher education; passage of a first-in-the-nation bill requiring college applications to
be a part of the high school curriculum, passage of one of the country’s most
aggressive and comprehensive anti-predatory lending laws. He has also worked to fill
the current budget shortfall while preserving programs for those most in need.
Haskell serves on the Labor, and Criminal Justice and Public Safety committees. She
helped to craft the County Jail / State Prison consolidation plan and has worked to
improve the Sex Offender Registration Act. Besides her work in the legislature, she is
active in city issues – she was Campaign Manager for Portland City Councilor Jill
Duson, she volunteered at the Portland caucus, and she has a monthly TV show,
‘Haskell from the House’ on Community TV.
The Harry S Truman Awards Dinner will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 5:00
to 8:30 PM, at the East End Community School, 192 North Street. Suggested
donation is $10 for an individual, $20 for a family.
Anti-Terrorism Exercise Takes Hill by Surprise
Photo by Marge Niblock
Taking hostages on Munjoy Hill
A training exercise held by the Portland Police Department at the Adams School on
Munjoy Hill on Saturday, April 12th, caught a number of East End residents off guard at
the sight of heavily-armored officers roaming the streets - just one day after ten cars
were set on fire in the West End in a pre-dawn arson spree.
. The exercise was designed to simulate a potential terrorist/disaster situation and
required response by the Special Reaction Team, Hostage Negotiation Unit, Hazardous
Devices Unit, patrol officers and other elements of the Department.
The police department issued a press release on Thursday afternoon, just 36 hours
before the event, but residents seemed alarmed and unaware of what was going on in
the normally peaceful neighborhood.
East End City Councilor Kevin Donoghue said that he didn't learn about the exercise until
the next day. The event was originally scheduled for March 1st but was postponed
because of bad weather.
Tax Day Anti-War Rally to be Held
A group consisting of veterans, community leaders, and a USM economics professor
will gather outside the Portland Post Office on Forest Avenue on April 15th to highlight
the cost of the Iraq War to Maine taxpayers, and to urge Senators Snowe and Collins to
‘Invest in America, Not Endless War in Iraq’.
USM Economics Professor Dr. Michael Hillard, and former U.S. Army officer and pilot
and Maine People’s Alliance member Betty Ann Sheats will be among the protesters.
The rally will begin at 4:15 P.M. Volunteers will begin leafleting at the Post Office
starting at 3pm. Information about the cost of the Iraq war to Maine taxpayers will be
released.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Public Forums Planned for Proposed Congress Street
Historic District
The Portland Planning Department will hold informational sessions on a proposal to
create a Congress Street Historic District. The area proposed for designation is from the
Franklin Arterial in the East End to Bramhall Square in the West End.
The purpose of designating Congress Street and its immediate environs as a historic
district is to provide recognition and protection for the historic structures that define
downtown Portland, and to ensure that alterations, additions and sign solutions are
compatible with their historic character. With designation, building owners interested in
rehabilitating their historic properties would also become eligible for significant federal
and state tax incentives. As well, the creation of a historic district would provide an
improved mechanism to encourage high quality new construction along Portland’s
“Main Street”.
The sessions will be held on Monday, April 14 at 5:30 at One Longfellow Square (in the
former Center for Cultural Exchange), and on Friday, April 18 at Noon in the Rines
Room of the Portland Public Library.
Anyone with questions about the proposed district may contact Deb Andrews (874-
8726) or Scott Hanson (756-8023) in the Historic Preservation office of the Portland
Planning Department.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Police to Simulate Terrorist Incident
The Portland Police Department will be conducting a multi-disciplinary training exercise
at the Adams School on Moody Street on Saturday, April 12. The exercise is designed to
simulate a potential terrorist/disaster situation and require response by the Special
Reaction Team, Hostage Negotiation Unit, Hazardous Devices Unit, patrol officers and
other elements of the Department.
Members of the media were invited to attend the training and, if interested, participate in
the exercise, which is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am and will begin with a briefing at
the Munjoy Hill Community Policing Center on Congress Street.
Arrest Made in Peninsula Fires
Thomas Cassidy, a 19-year-old Portland man with no known adult criminal history, was
arrested at 6:00 AM Friday morning and charged with one count of arson, one count of
burglary to a motor vehicle, and one count of carrying a concealed weapon. The nature
of the confiscated weapon was not divulged. He is being held on $250,000 cash bail and
is at the Cumberland County Jail. Information was developed giving police probable
cause to believe Cassidy was involved in setting at least one of the ten fires that had
been set on the peninsula starting at 4:00 AM.
Cassidy was arrested on Pleasant Street, not far from the last reported fire. At a 3:00
PM press conference held at 109 Middle Street, Chief Tim Burton stated that 10 cars
were burned and an 11th was virtually destroyed. At least nine other cars were
subjected to either criminal mischief or theft to a motor vehicle. He said “There was no
discernible pattern.” Some cars were parked on the street, some were in driveways, and
some were in a small parking lot.
Burton said that Cassidy was on foot the entire time. A map was placed at the front of
the auditorium showing the locations of the fires: three on Sherman Street; two on
Cumberland Avenue; two on High Street; one on Pleasant Street; one on Danforth Street
and one on Park Street.
Two of the fires on Sherman Street and one on Cumberland Avenue then spread to
nearby buildings. In all, five buildings received fire damage.
Portland Police Department investigators and investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s
Office are at the fire scenes collecting evidence and taking statements from witnesses.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents can call 874-8596, Police Detective
Division.
House votes to impose residency requirement for driver’s
licenses
Measure would require applicants provide documentation establishing they
reside in Maine
AUGUSTA– The Maine House of Representatives voted on April 11th to require that
persons applying for a Maine driver’s license or non-driver identification card provide
acceptable documentation that they live in Maine . The measure passed in the House by
a vote of 126-1.
Friday, April 11, 2008
SEVEN CAR FIRES SET IN CITY
Portland Police are looking for whoever set fire to seven cars on the Portland peninsula
before dawn this morning. An apartment house on Sherman Street was evacuated after
one of the fires spread to the building. No injuries were reported.
The fires were set between 4AM and 7AM on Sherman Street, Cumberland Avenue,
High Street, and Park Street.
Alfond and Ginn in the 'Hood
Two of the three candidate in the June 10th Democratic primary for Portland's State
Senate seat made appearances at neighborhood association meetings this week.
On April 10th, activist Justin Alfond and attorney Cliff Ginn spoke to members of the
Parkside Neighborhood Association about their reasons for running for the open seat.
Alfond is the former head of the League of Young Voters, and both candidates were
instrumental in the formation of Opportunity Maine, a program designed to keep young
people in Maine by helping to pay their student loans.
Alfond also spoke to the West End Neighborhood Association the previous night.
Current East End State Representative Ann Rand is also a candidate in the Democratic
race for the seat, which she once held. Republican Eric Lusk will face the winner of the
primary in the November election.
Friends of Reiche Forming
Several West End residents are forming a group called ‘The Friends of Reiche’ to
encourage better communication between the community and the School Department.
The charter members of the group are Rachael Weyand, Patrick Baldwin, Andrew
Sawyer, and Jo Coyne.
The idea for the group was proposed by Coyne at the West End Neighborhood
Association meeting on April 9th. The group will hold its first meeting on Wednesday,
April 23, 6:30 p.m. at Weyland’s house on Summer Street.
$20,000 PRIZE IN ‘YOUR PIECE OF MAINE’ YOUTUBE
CONTEST
The Maine Association of Realtors has announced the launch of the “Your Piece of
Maine” YouTube contest that encourages people in Maine to show why they love — or
why they want — their piece of Maine.
Beginning April 15th, any Maine resident can make a YouTube video up to three minutes
in length, and submit it to the contest by visiting yourpieceofmaine.com.
The videos, which can be made by most computers, cell phones or video recorders,
should be creative: they can be funny, serious, staged or talking about or showing why
someone loves or wants a piece of Maine.
The contest ends on June 2nd. Winners will be announced before June 30. A grand
prize of $20,000 will be awarded along with one $5,000 prize and eight $1,000 prizes.
To learn more about the ‘Your Piece of Maine’ YouTube contest, visit www.
yourpieceofmaine.com.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Bike Cops' Photo Wins First Prize
"Bike Cop and Friends"
An art exhibition at City Hall of work by Portland employees and their relatives features
four photographs taken by Dan Knight and Karl Geib, of the Portland Police
Department, titled “Bike Cop’s View of Homelessness.” One of these, “Bike Cop &
Friends,” taken by Knight, won a first prize award.
Geib posted a commentary along with the photos, in which he states: “The photos
show that even within the grips of homelessness there are moments of levity. Some of
the subjects have passed on and some have achieved sobriety. Some are still on the
streets.”
Two of the pictures in the exhibit are in memory of people in the photos who have died.
“Girlfriends” is in memory of Cher Gilliam, and “Ricky” is in memory of Ricky Stahl.
Geib said that these photographs were used at memorial services held for these two
people, and that Gilliam’s daughter requested a copy of the picture because she liked it
so much.
Geib’s commentary also states: “Congratulations to ‘Vodka Mike’ with ten months
sobriety and ‘Peanut,’ sober for three months.”
-Marge Niblock
Tower Bell to be Raised at St. Dom’s
Consigli Construction and Becker Engineering will raise the bell at the Maine Irish
Heritage Center on Gray Street on Friday, April 11, at 2 p.m., signifying the ongoing
efforts to restore the former St. Dominic’s Church. The 1893 building was once used
by Maine’s Irish immigrants as the home of one of the largest Irish Catholic
congregations in New England.
In 2006, the tower’s bell frame broke through the belfry floor and collapsed through
two floors of the tower. The Maine Irish Heritage Center was forced to close the
facility and cancel its events, leading to a significant effort on the part of its volunteers
to raise funds and awareness to the Center’s importance in the community.
House Approves Protections Against Predatory Lending
AUGUSTA – Responding to concerns over the national mortgage crisis, the Maine
House of Representatives passed a bill on April 9th that will protect homeowners from a
predatory lending practice known as equity stripping.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Charlie Priest, D-Brunswick, would require any
company that engages in foreclosure purchasing to be licensed in Maine. The licensing
requirement for foreclosure purchasers would be similar to those already required of
supervised lenders.
Foreclosure purchasing is a practice by which a company purchases the title to a
foreclosed property with the intent of allowing the owner to occupy the property and
repurchase the home after a set period of time. Predatory companies purchase the title
for substantially less than fair market value, and then create contract provisions that
make it impossible to repurchase the property. Ultimately, the high interest rates and
substantial fees involved lead to the eviction of the homeowner as well as loss of any
equity that had been built in the property.
Committee members were concerned that the initial language was unclear as to whether
or not all foreclosure purchasing was predatory.
In order to aid consumers, the bill would provide for credit counseling and a right of
cancellation of the contract within five days. It also requires that the homeowner
receive 82 percent of the fair market value of the property if the homeowner does have
to leave the home. The bill also creates criminal and civil penalties for lenders who do
engage in equity stripping.
The bill now goes to the Senate for a final vote.
Wednesday, April 9,2008
Wife Charged in Domestic Violence Death
At approximately 1:30 AM on April 8th, police responded to a call from 56 Maggie Lane,
where Laureen Rugen, 50, said that her husband Christian, 61, was in need of medical
attention. Christian Rugen was unresponsive and emergency medical personnel
summoned by police determined that he was dead.
Laureen Rugen was detained immediately at the scene and subsequently placed under
arrest at 109 Middle Street and charged with murder. She is in the Cumberland County
Jail pending arraignment.
The murder was characterized at a 3 PM, April 8th news conference, held by Chief Tim
Burton, as a “domestic violence-related incident.” Burton stated that there had been prior
reports of “issues in the household,” and that Christian Rugen had been arrested in the
mid-1990s. He also said that this particular incident “transpired over a number of hours”
before the call to police had been made. No medical treatment was necessary for
Laureen Rugen.
Police did not divulge the cause of death or discuss any weapon that might have been
involved. The Maine Attorney General’s Office and the State Medical Examiner have
joined with the Portland Police Department in the ongoing investigation.
-Marge Niblock
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
2008 Spring and Summer Parks and Recreation
Guides Available
Portland Parks and Recreation have released their Spring and Summer Program. The
guide includes information on City programs available through the summer. They
include summer camps and programs for children and teens, adult fitness and athletic
leagues, and aquatic programs for all ages.
Tickets are also available for trips to Fenway Park to watch the Boston Red Sox play the
Minnesota Twins, LA Angels and Toronto Blue Jays (July 7, 28 and August 17).
Normally, the guide is mailed to all residents of the City, but due to budget constraints
this year, the guides are available at the following locations:
-Portland Parks & Recreation Offices, 134 Congress Street and 17 Arbor Street
-City Hall (1st floor Rotunda)
-East End Community Center, Reiche Community Center and Riverton Community
Center
-All Portland Public Libraries
You can also access the guide online at www.portlandmaine.gov. For more information
about the Portland Parks and Recreation programs available, visit call 756-8275 or email
vla@portlandmaine.gov.
Allen to Host Foreclosure Forum
Congressman Tom Allen will host experts in the banking, mortgage lending, realty and
legal professions for a discussion and tips on how to prevent foreclosure on your home.
The forum will be held at Deering High School on Stevens Avenue on Saturday, April
12th, from 10AM until noon.
HUD-approved counselors will be available to meet with individuals to offer objective
advice about their specific situation. Please bring all relevant mortgage and financial
paperwork to ensure a more thorough and efficient evaluation process.
People who wish to register or to learn more about this Homeowners Security Forum
can do so by calling his office, (207) 774-5019.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Council Fails to Support School Bond
A proposal to ask voters to pass a $20 million state bond to build a new elementary
school in Portland failed to gain enough votes at the Portland City Council meeting on
April 7th. The vote bond required a 7-2 'super majority' to pass, but received only six
votes. Mayor Ed Suslovic and Councilors David Marshall and Kevin Donoghue voted
against the proposal.
Bronx Man Arrested With Loaded Gun
Jorge A. Torres, 21, of the Bronx, New York, was arrested on April 1st at the Inn at St.
John at Congress and Valley Streets. He was on probation in New York for unlawful
trafficking of scheduled drugs.
The Maine Probation and Parole Department requested the assistance of Portland police
while doing a probation check of Torres. The terms of his probation stipulated that he
was subject to random searches, and when checking the belongings of Torres, a .32
caliber handgun was located inside his suitcase.
Torres was arrested and charged with probation violation and possession of a firearm by
a felon.
-Marge Niblock
Lab Finds Toxins in Children’s
Products
Results from new testing released by the Alliance for a Clean & Healthy Maine show
high levels of phthalates, toxic chemicals that have been linked to harmful health effects,
in popular children’s products.
Waterproof crib mattress covers, teething rings, toys, and bubble bath are among the
products recently tested by a Maine lab for the presence of phthalates. Twenty of the
24 products tested contained phthalates, chemicals restricted from use in children’s
products in Europe, California and Washington State .
For the study, 24 products made for small children were purchased at Target, the Dollar
Tree, and Toys R Us in South Portland . The Alliance for a Clean & Healthy Maine paid
the Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory to analyze the products to
determine whether or not they contained phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals used to
add fragrance to products and to soften plastics.
The Maine Legislature is expected to vote on LD 2048 as early as today. LD 2048, “An
Act to Protect Children’s Health and the Environment from Toxic Chemicals in
Consumer Products” would create a process to identify unnecessary, dangerous
chemicals in children’s products, study the safer alternatives and phase out the toxic
chemicals when alternatives are safer, effective and affordable. This legislation directs
Maine to cooperate with other states to share information and collaboratively fill the gaps
in the broken federal safety system for toxic chemicals.
For more information about the product testing results or LD 2048, contact Amanda
Sears at 207-939-7333 or visit www.cleanandhealthyme.org.
Monday, April 7, 2008
City to Establish Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Task Force
.
At tonight's Portland City Council meeting, the Council is expected to establish a task
force that would identify locations in Portland and the Greater Portland area (e.g. parks,
bridges, public buildings, city streets, highways) as candidates to be named for Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
The task force will be charged with identifying candidate sites, evaluating sites for
viability and steps involved, reporting back to the City Council on its findings, and
recommending one or more sites for City Council consideration.
The task force would be made up of representatives of a number of local organizations.
No Place for Seagulls
The City is expected to rule that one of the buildings on Custom House Wharf - at 86
Commercial Street - is in such a serious state of deterioration that it is a dangerous
structure, and will order its demolition.
An engineer hired by the City to evaluate the building said that "the safe allowable loading
of said derelict building is not more than one seagull per square foot." He called it " a
suitable candidate for demolition."
Cops Find Concealed Weapon, but No
Drugs
On March 15th, a little before 8 PM, police received a call regarding a possible drug
transaction in front of Matthew’s Pub at 133 Free Street. Upon arrival, they saw Robert
Grady, 46, who matched the description they had been given.
After approaching Grady, police conducted a pat-down search and discovered a four- to
five-inch-long knife in his possession. No drugs were found, but Grady was arrested
and charged with carrying a concealed weapon.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Planning Board Denies Permit for Hill
Project
The Portland Planning Board on March 25th denied the necessary permits to a local
developer who wants to demolish a building on Washington Avenue to build five luxury
lofts that would sell for as much as $600, 000 each.
The lofts would overlook the Bayside neighborhood and Back Bay. Neighbors of the
project say it would obstruct their view, and does not fit into the neighborhood
Coyne to Rebuild Salem Street Home
Former West End Neighborhood Association President Jo Coyne, who lost her Salem
Street home to an explosion and fire almost one year ago, will be breaking ground for
her new house this week at the same location.
Coyne planned to share her plans with neighbors at the Ohno Cafe on Brackett Street on
April 2nd
Local Inn Leads the Way in ‘Going Green’
The Wild Iris Inn in Parkside is the first lodging establishment in Portland to become
part of Maine's Environmental Leader Certification for Lodging, a program of the Maine
Environmental Protection Agency to encourage environmentally sound practices.
There is a trend in the hospitality business to create a green environment. Numerous
hotels and inns have started instituting green policies that will lessen the impact on the
environment, as well as save them money in the long run.
The Wild Iris Inn has installed energy-efficient lighting (compact fluorescent light bulbs)
and an on-demand hot water system that will save energy and reduce utility bills. The
inn also buys from local businesses and chooses organic ingredients whenever possible,
like the Organic Fair Trade coffee from Coffee By Design. Their homemade granola is
made from all organic ingredients.
The inn has also installed solar-powered garden lights, and is also composting food
waste, and recycling paper, metals and plastics. Their trash liners and plastic cups are
made of biodegradable corn product. They also have a towel & linen reuse program in
place, and have incorporated environmentally-friendly cleaning and laundry products into
their housekeeping department.
Diane Edwards, owner of the Wild Iris Inn, has also recruited her guests in the effort by
asking them to conserve on water consumption, by participating in the inn’s optional
towel and linen reuse program, and by not letting water run unnecessarily in sinks and
showers.
She also asks them to recycle plastic, metal and paper by separating them and putting
them in the inn’s recycle bin, turning off lights and air conditioners in rooms when
they are out, asking them for ideas for ‘going green’ and offering a prize for the best
suggestion.
For more information about the Wild Iris Inn’s Green Policy visit their website at www.
wildirisinn.com.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Bystanders Help Put Out Truck Fire
Several people wielding blankets, plywood sheets, and fire extinguishers were able to
extinguish a fire that erupted in the back of a pickup truck at a shopping mall on Forest
Avenue on Thursday afternoon.
Flames and thick smoke filled the air as the citizen firefighters tried desperately to keep
the fire from spreading to the trucks cab, and causing a more serious situation. The fire
was finally put under control, before Portland firefighters arrived when the fire
extinguishers were brought on the scene.
Transportation Director Early Victim of 'Black
Friday'
Portland's longtime Transportation Director Jeff Monroe appears to be the first victim of
'Black Friday' the term one City Councilor used to describe the day that the Portland
City Council releases its 2008 budget. The City is expected to lay off numerous workers
in various departments and cut some municipal services.
Resolution Promotes Free Legal Aid
for those in ForeclosureAUGUSTA – With a record-
breaking number of foreclosures in Maine and a foreclosure rate outpacing the national
average, Rep. John Brautigam , D-Falmouth, has submitted a resolution that honors a
group of attorneys working to keep Mainers in their homes and encourages other legal
professionals to follow suit.
In response to the growing public need for legal assistance with foreclosures, the Maine
Volunteer Lawyers Project and Pine Tree Legal Assistance have collaborated to establish
a project called Maine Attorneys Saving Homes. The MASH project strives to ensure
that homeowners are on an equal playing field with lenders and other stakeholders in
foreclosure disputes, which often require specialized legal training and preparation.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Legislature Enacts Hinck’s Anti-idling Bill
The Maine Legislature has enacted a bill sponsored by West End Representative Jon
Hinck that will curb idling of commercial vehicles.
The bill, LD 2056, will prohibit some commercial vehicle operators from leaving their
vehicles running idle for more than five minutes when the temperature is above freezing.
Vehicles can idle longer in colder temperatures. The law will not apply to emergency
vehicles or vehicles stuck in traffic and includes some exemptions to provide for the
safety and comfort of truck drivers and for equipment that needs to remain running in
order to function.
Based on a model law developed under the auspices of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, the bill had support from truckers and other members of the
business community.
Needless truck idling nationwide consumes more than 1 billion gallons of diesel fuel and
produces 11 million tons of carbon dioxide per year, according to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
The bill will now go to Gov. John Baldacci to be signed into law.
Neighborhood Schools Bill Passes in
House
The House of Representatives on April 2nd enacted a bill sponsored by West End
Representative Jon Hinck, that will help to preserve successful historic neighborhood
schools.
The bill, LD 2082, would allow for the preservation and restoration of successful,
historic, neighborhood schools as long as the buildings substantially comply with
modern energy efficiency standards.
Hinck submitted it as a result of the lengthy debate over the possible renovation and
future use of the Nathan Clifford School in Portland. It was one of the few bills
accepted by legislative leadership for consideration in the second session of the
Legislature and was enacted as an emergency measure.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Portland High School Places Third at New England Science
Bowl
Students from Portland High School won two awards at the New England Regional
Science Bowl held in March at the University of Southern Maine (USM).
PHS students Luke Parker, Nathaniel Walden, Kayla Artinyan and Sean Dowling earned
third place in the academic competition.
Another PHS team won first place for creative design in the Mouse Trap Car
Competition. Mario Martinez, Eric Medina, Eoin McCarron and Sam DiPeitrio thought
outside the box to design a car named the Death Star, accompanied by the theme from
“Star Wars.”
The competition has a fast-paced, quiz show format. Students must solve technical
problems and answer questions from all branches of science and mathematics. Teams
compete in a round robin, facing new opponents every half-hour. Each team receives a
“mouse trap car kit” at the beginning of the day, and uses the supplies to build a car
propelled by the mousetrap.
Deering Oaks Playspace to be Reviewed
The Deering Oaks Playspace Committee will be presenting the design plan and rendering
to the Friends of the Parks Commission meeting on April 14th.
Anyone who would like to see the plan for replacing the Deering Oaks playground, and
would like to comment, may attend the Friends of the Parks meeting on Monday, April
14th in Room 24, City Hall.
For more information, contact Councilor David Marshall at 409-6617, or Denise
Clavette, Director Parks and Recreation at 874-8793 or email
dclavette@portlandmaine.gov
USM Career Fair Open to the Public
The University of Southern Maine has scheduled their annual Career Fair for Thursday
afternoon, April 10th 1-4PM in the Sullivan Gym on the USM Portland campus. The
event is free and open to the public.
Members of the community can come meet the employers who will be on campus.
There will be over 75 employers at the Career Fair, including UNUM, Bank of America,
Lee Auto Malls, the Internal Revenue Service, and Wright Express.
Parking is available in the parking garage on the south end of the campus.
Members of the public are encouraged to come with multiple copies of their resume in
hand. For more information, or to see a list of all of the employers scheduled to attend,
you can check with the Career Center web site: www.usm.maine.edu/careers/jobfair.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Criminal Mischief in the Old Port
Man Kicks Car, Makes Dent, Clenches Fist, Gets Arrested
Shortly before 1 PM on March 23rd, police were sent to Market and Middle Streets
regarding a man who had just kicked someone’s car, causing a dent.
Police later found Tyson Cumming, 29, of Portland, in the area of Oxford Street.
Cumming matched the descrip-tion that had been given to them.
Officer Bradley Rogers was ignored when he attempted to have an interaction with
Cumming, and when the officer tried to detain him, Cumming made a fist. He was
arrested and charged with criminal mischief and refusing to submit to arrest.
OLD PORT ROBBERY SUSPECT CAUGHT
Portland Police Detectives arrested Patrick Morency, 24, of Portland on March 31st, in
connection with the robbery earlier in the day at the Old Port Pharmacy.
Portland police say Morency entered the Old Port Pharmacy at 195 Middle Street at
approximately 7:56 AM on March 31st, approached the pharmacist with a sharp object,
and demanded narcotic drugs. The pharmacist complied with the demand and the robber
fled with an undisclosed amount of narcotic drugs.
Witnesses saw the suspect fleeing down Exchange Street in a small silver hatchback
vehicle. Witnesses described the suspect as a white male, approximately 6’0”, brown
hair and moustache and last seen wearing a white tyvex suit.
Mr. Morency was arrested at police headquarters at 109 Middle Street and charged with
Robbery (class A) and Possession of Schedule W drug (class C).
Morency is being held at the Cumberland County Jail and bail has not been set.
Body Found in Harbor View Park
Portland police were at the scene of Harbor View Park on York Street in the West End
just before 7PM on Thursday evening, where a passerby reportedly discovered a dead
body along the pathway from York Street to Commercial Street, next to the Casco Bay
Bridge. The area was cordoned off by yellow police tape. Police officials removed two
backpacks from a shopping cart that was at the scene, and placed them in the Crime
Investigations Unit truck. No other information is available.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Shooting Incident Reported on Munjoy Hill
Portland police are investigating the second shooting to occur on Munjoy Hill in the last
two weeks. The latest incident occurred late Wednesday night outside an apartment
house at 87 Cumberland Avenue.
According to Portland police,someone fired shots a car window, smashing the window,
but not injuring anyone. There have been no arrests.
On April 20th, Lashawn Covington of New York City, was shot to death on Cumberland
Avenue, just down the street from the latest incident. A suspect in that case is in
custody.
Political Sign Season Begins
Political signs for local candidates in the 2008 primary election season started to appear
throughout the city on April 30th.
Justin Alfond, one of three Democrats running for the State Senate seat, was the first
candidate to start erecting signs - in the West End, Deering Oaks Park, and along
Brighton Avenue.
Congressional candidates Michael Brennan and Ethan Strimling also had signs erected.
The primary election will be held on June 10th.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
22 Employees Accept Early Retirement
City offers one-time early retirement option in effort to minimize
layoffs for next year's budget
Portland has announced that twenty-two employees have accepted an early, one-time
voluntary retirement incentive. This incentive offered qualifying employees the option of
receiving eighteen months of COBRA payments for health insurance or a one-time
payout of $8,500. The retirement incentive was offered to employees as a means to
eliminate some of the proposed lay-offs in the 2009 budget. Due to significant revenue
shortfalls, the 2009 budget proposes a number of service changes including the
elimination of 98 positions - of which 25 are currently vacant.
Of the twenty-two participating employees, two are department heads,
Duane Kline, Director of Finance, and Lee Urban, Director of Development
and Planning. Three police officers and one public service clerk for the
Portland Police Department also elected to accept the retirement
incentive.
A Deputy Fire Chief, three Fire Lieutenants, and two firefighters also
announced their decision to retire. A member of corporate counsel, a commercial loan
officer, medical personnel at the Barron Center as well as staff at the Jetport have also
indicated their intention to accept the retirement incentive.
West End NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP Day
Saturday, May 3, 9am-12pm Start at Reiche School Playground.
Potluck picnic to follow at Harbor View Memorial Park
For more info call John Navarra at 775-0105 x161.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
AIDS Walk Scheduled for Back Cove
The annual AIDS Walk of Northern New England will be held at Back Cove on
Sunday, May 4th, registration starting at 11AM, 5K walk at noon.
West End Critter Complaints
Two complaints to the Portland Police Department about animals in the West End were
recorded by police on April 23rd. There was a raccoon on Spring Street biting its
stomach, and an opossum on Emery Street growling at people from underneath a car.
The complainants in both cases were afraid that the animals might be rabid. Both
animals had left by the time animal control officers arrived.
-Marge Niblock
Good Cause Moving
The Good Cause Thrift Shop on Congress Street near Longfellow Square is moving to
Congress Square Plaza, on Forest Avenue, just down from Congress Street.
Hey Nellie! Health is on the Way!
This week’s prizes in the West End Nellie drawing will go to three lucky winners! Each
will win a pair of free passes good for 10 visits to Obie’s Fitness Center at 633 Forest
Avenue. (www.obiesgym.com)
Find Nellie and let us know where she is in the West End NEWS – page # and
approximate location. Send your name, address and phone # to: West End Nellie, PO
Box 5234, Portland, Maine 04101. Or go to our website: thewestendnews.com, go to
“Contact Us,” and send us your entry. Deadline is May 9th. One entry per reader, no
calls please! Last week’s winner of $25 worth of Wash & Fold at Coyne’s Laundromat
is .
Monday, April 28, 2008
Major Changes in Bulky Waste Pickup Schedule
The city’s popular Bulky Waste Pickup will be held this year - probably for the last time
- but residents will have to pay attention to the schedule of pickups in order to not miss
the opportunity to get rid of their unwanted large items.
In past years, pickups were made according to City Council Districts. This year
however, pickups will be made on the same schedule as residents’ regular trash pickups.
Residents whose trash is picked up on Monday must have their bulky items on the street
on Monday, May 5th. Tuesday trash pickup recipients must have items on the street by
Tuesday, May 13th. Other pickup times are as follows:
-Wednesday - May 21st
-Thursday - May 29th
-Friday – June 6h
Items for pickup must be on the street on the appointed day because City workers will
not return after making the initial pickup run.
A complete list of items acceptable for the Bulky Waste Pickup will be on Page 3 of the
upcoming West End NEWS, or call the Buiky Waste Program Hotline at 756-8189, or
visit www.ci.portland.me.us for more information.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Angela Hubbard, Old Port Store Manager, Dies at 39
Angela Ann Hubbard, manager of the Ritz Camera Shop in the Old Port, died suddenly
of a brain aneurysm on April 17th. She was 39.
She was born in Heidelberg, Germany, on April 1, 1969, the daughter of Bruce and Jane
(Williams) Hubbard of Unity.
She was a graduate of the Kennebec Valley Christian School in Waterville and the
Hallmark Institute of Photography in Turner Falls, Mass.
She was known for her interests in photography, animals, flowers and her love of
children.
She donated her organs and was able to save at least seven lives.
She is survived by her longtime partner, Janice Higgins; her parents; her grandparents;
brothers Kirby Hubbard and his wife, Terri, and children Hannah and Ethan of New
Portland and Adam Hubbard and his partner, Anne Poirier, of New Gloucester; and
many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service was held on April 26th in Buxton (Bar Mills). In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 87 Elm St., Suite 203, Camden,
ME 04843.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
School Budget Referendum Set for May 13
For the first time ever, Portland voters will be asked to approve the Portland Public
School System's budget in a citywide referendum. Maine’s School Administrative
Reorganization Law now requires all school districts to hold elections for approval of
their budgets.
The Portland City Council is set to vote on the school budget May 5th. The subsequent
citywide referendum will be held May 13th. All polling places will be open. The budget
must be approved by a majority of voters.
Detailed information about the school budget may be found on the Portland Public
Schools Web site: www.portlandschools.org
Student Art Show to Open at City Hall
Students from across Portland will share their artwork at Portland City Hall in the 8th
Annual Portland Schools Art Show.
The exhibition, sponsored by the Portland Education Partnership and funded through the
Maine Arts Commission, consists of more than 1,000 pieces of art in a variety of media.
The art show opens on May 1st from 4 to 6 p.m. with music and refreshments. It will
be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through May 15th. Admission is free.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Ocean Gateway to Open
The City of Portland will hold the dedication ceremony for the Ocean Gateway
International Marine Passenger Terminal on Friday, May 2, at 2PM. The new facility in
the heart of the waterfront will serve Portland's cruise ship and international ferry
business. The Bay Ferries' CAT will disembark from Ocean Gateway for trips to
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
Mayor Ed Suslovic will be joined by Governor Baldacci, Congressmen Michaud and
Allen, members of the State Legislature, City Council and others.
The City's Transportation Department will be hosting its Roads, Rails, Rudders &
Destinations Transportation Trade Show at the Ocean Gateway Terminal on Saturday,
May 3rd from 10 AM to 4 PM. (Admission free).
West End Car Chase Results in Arrest
Shortly after 1 AM, on April 14th, while on routine patrol, Officer Ryan T. Rooney
noticed a vehicle with a headlight and taillight out traveling east on Danforth Street. He
followed the car, which had only one occupant.
The car turned onto State Street, and Rooney tried to stop it on York Street, where it
sped away. The driver made several quick turns - to Brackett, Summer, and then a
sudden turn into the parking lot at Danforth Heights.
The officer could smell the odor of burning rubber, and he found the unoccupied vehicle
and gave a description of the driver over the police radio.
Shortly afterward, officers in the area of May Street found Dean Enright, 24, of
Portland, who was on foot, and matched the description they had been given.
Enright was charged with failure to stop for a police officer and operating without a
license. The car was not registered to him.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
‘We Broke Humpty Dumpty’ Says General
Brigadier General John Johns (U.S. Army, Ret.) joined 1st Congressional District
candidate Chellie Pingree at a press conference on April 23rd in Portland to discuss their
support of A Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq.
“We broke Humpty Dumpty and you can’t put him back together again,” said Johns in
assessing the Iraq situation.
“This plan is not an example of 'cut and run',” said Johns, who, along with retired
General Paul Eaton, consulted on the writing of the document, a comprehensive plan to
get the US out of Iraq that Pingree and five other Congressional candidates presented in
March. Since then, over 50 US House and Senate candidates have signed on.
Johns spoke about the similarities between the current situation in Iraq and what
happened in Vietnam, where he served.
"We are on the ninth verse of the same song that was sung in Vietnam: 'the next six
months are critical.'"
General Johns is on the board of the Council for a Livable World, a nonpartisan
organization that provides Senators and members of Congress with technical and
scientific information about weapons of mass destruction, nuclear nonproliferation, and
other national security issues. Johns served 26 years as a combat arms officer before
retiring as a Brigadier General.
St Luke’s to Dedicate Needlepoint Kneelers
For several years, parishioners from parishes throughout the Episcopal Diocese of
Maine have been creating needlepoint kneelers to be used for worship at the Cathedral
Church of St. Luke (Episcopal) at 143 State Street. The completed kneelers will be
dedicated at the 10 am service at the Cathedral on Sunday, April 27, 2008 .
Twenty-nine people from twelve parishes in the Diocese have contributed to the project.
There will be a reception in the Upper Hall following the service to thank the stitchers
for their offering of time and talent and for the gift of comfort and beauty the kneelers
will create for worshippers. It takes approximately 500 hours to complete a kneeler,
which has 57,000 stitches, and uses 750 yards (or ½ mile) of wool. Each kneeler is
individually designed and is unique to the church or stitcher it represents.
‘Family Friendly’ Neighborhood Market Re-Opens
The Spring Street Market at the corner of Spring and Clark Street in the West End has
re-opened as Mainley Kidz.
New owner Christy Hanaman says the store will feature fresh, made-to-order food,
groceries, pizza, bagels, and fresh fruit smoothies.The market will also stock emergency
school supplies and toys, but will not sell beer or cigarettes as part of its policy of being
‘family friendly’. It will serve Sunday brunch every other week.
ROMNEY TO SPEAK AT REPUBLICAN CONVENTION
The Maine Republican State Convention will be held at the Augusta Civic Center on
May 2 and 3, 2008. At a February caucus, local Republicans elected 59 delegates and 30
alternates to represent Portland.
A dinner on Friday night will feature former presidential candidate Mitt Romney as the
keynote speaker. Columnist Cal Thomas will address the group on Saturday afternoon.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
'Friends of Reiche' Clarification
Dear Editor:
In your April 18-30 issue, you state that the Friends of Reiche is being formed "to
encourage better communication between the community and the School Department.”
The purpose of the Friends of Reiche is to provide and promote advocacy for Reiche
Community Center. If the School Department wishes to join in, so much the better.
All those interested in being involved with Friends of Reiche are encouraged to contact
us at wendneighborhood@yahoo.com.
Sincerely, Jo Coyne
Man Assaulted After Refusing Money, Cigarette
Portland police were called to 41 Chestnut Street in Bayside at 2 AM on April 16th, in
response to an alleged assault. They were told by the victim that he’d been walking on
Portland Street a little earlier, and Brandon Gagne, 22, of Portland, who was known to
him, began yelling at him.
According to police, Gagne asked for a cigarette, then asked for money. The victim
stated that he didn’t have either of the items requested, when Gagne said: “If you’re
lying to me, I’ll punch you in the nose.”
Gagne then made accusations regarding past experiences with the victim, struck the
victim in the nose and fled the area. He was subsequently found and arrested for assault
and three outstanding warrants for theft, unlawful possession of schedule drugs,
carrying a concealed weapon, and operating after suspension.
-Marge Niblock
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
EARTH DAY! Earth Day Block Party in Congress Square
This year's event is focused on transportation, but is also a family and local produce
event. Live music by Samuel James and the Jerks of Grass! Come one Come all!
April 22, 2008 at 11am Congress Square Congress and High Street.
Neighborhood, Waynflete Meet to Discuss Issues
Waynflete School officials held an open neighborhood forum on April 17th to allow
neighbors of the private West End school to express their concerns about the school's
growth and expansion into the neighborhood.
Among the issues brought up by members of the Western Prom Association and the
West End Neighborhood Association were parking issues, student drop-offs, delivery
truck noise, construction schedules, and the school's newly-started arts center. West
End City Councilor David Marshall was in attendance.
Monday, April 21, 2008
POLICE ARREST SUSPECT IN KILLING
Portland police have arrested Randel Phillips, 45, (above) in connection with a homicide
that occurred last night on Munjoy Hill.
A 25-year-old man from New York City, Lashawn Covington, arrived at Mercy Hospital
with multiple gunshot wounds at about 9:50 PM. He was transported by MEDCU to
Maine Medical Center for critical-care treatment, but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
A building at 73 Cumberland Avenue, which is Phillips' residence, was identified as the
crime scene, and a search warrant was obtained.
Phillips is being held at the Cumberland County Jail.
Also arrested was Klein Fernandes, 21, of New York City. He was charged with class A
robbery, and assault on a police officer, when he resisted arrest at 109 Middle Street.
The investigation revealed that Fernandes and Covington entered the Cumberland
Avenue apartment with the intention of robbing the occupants at about 9:30 PM. Several
people were in the apartment at that time. The robbery led to a conflict that extended
outside the apartment, ending in the shooting that brought Covington to the hospital.
Both men who are in custody have extensive arrest records, according to police, who
also say they suspect that narcotics were involved in the incident.
Photo by Marge Niblock
Police marked letters and numbers in bright orange paint up the sidewalk from
Romasco Lane past Sheridan Street. These marks indicate areas where blood has stained
the bricks. A long tire mark in the street in front of the house was also marked with
orange paint, but Chief Tim Burton would not discuss its relation to the case at a 3 PM
press conference held Monday afternoon.
Sunday,April 20, 2008
Maine Med Seeking Input on Helipad
Officials at the Maine Medical Center are asking neighbors to contact them with any
concerns or problems that are related to the operation of the West End hospital's helipad,
and they have set up a dedicated e-mail address and phone line for this purpose.
The hospital asks that callers give the date and exact time of what happened,where it
happened, how long it lasted
the type of problem (noise, lights, other). The message can be anonymous, but the
hospital encourages callers to leave their name and contact information.
To reach the hospital, call 662-6699 or send an e-mail to : helipad@mmc.org
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Patriots' Day Race to be Held in
Westbrook
The 59th Annual High School Patriots Day Road Race will be held on Monday at 10:00
am. Registration, start & finish will be at Riverfront Park on Main Street in downtown
Westbrook.
A course map has been posted on the USA Track & Field website: http://www.usatf.
org/routes/view.asp?rID=119020
The race was organized to provide high school athletes a chance to participate in the
New England tradition of Patriots Day marathon and road races.
Back Cove-What Might Have Been
Museum to Show Vintage Post Cards,
Ferries and WPA Projects
Portland Harbor Museum opened its new exhibit, Four Stories: Inside the Portland
Harbor Museum Collection, on April 18th. The exhibit will run from April 18th through
November 30th.
The exhibit focuses on four themes taken from the museum’s collection: The Portland
Ship Ceiling Company, vintage postcards, Casco Bay Lines ferries, and an unrealized
WPA project in the 1930s that could have transformed Portland’s Back Cove.
Portland Harbor Museum is located on the waterfront in South Portland. During April
and May, the museum is open from 10:00 – 4:30 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and
seven day a week beginning Memorial Day Weekend. Admission is $4 for adults.
Children under the age of 18 and students are admitted free. For more information and
directions, call the museum at 799-6337 or check www.portlandharbormuseum.org
Friday, April 18, 2008
Hearing and Vote Planned for Portland School Budget
The Portland City Council will hold a public hearing on the Portland Public Schools
budget for fiscal year 2009 on Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m. in the Council chambers at
Portland City Hall.
The council's Finance Committee has unanimously approved the $89.5 million budget
proposed by the Portland School Committee. The full City Council is scheduled to vote
on the school budget on May 5.
A first-ever referendum on Portland's school budget will take place on May 13th.
Maine's new School Administrative Reorganization Law requires all districts to hold
budget votes.
All Portland polling places will be open for the May 13th election. A majority of those
who cast ballots must approve the budget in order for it to take effect.
Detailed information about the school budget is available on the Portland Public Schools
Web site: www.portlandschools.org.
Heavy Item Pickup Changes to Get Public Hearing
The City will hold a public hearing on April 23rd to give residents a chance to weigh in
on proposed changes to the popular Heavy Item Pickup program. The hearing will be
held at 11AM at the Public Works building at 55 Portland Street.
The program is scheduled to run from May 5th to early June . Among the items eligible
for pickup are:
- Mattresses and box springs
• Furniture
• Large toys
• Rolled carpets
• Cabinets
• Toilets, sinks, tubs
For more information, visit the City's web site, www.ci.portland.me.us/ or call Troy
Moon at 874-8801.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
New Law Lets Seniors Work Off Taxes
AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci signed into law on April 16th a bill that will permit
towns to create a senior citizen volunteer service program in exchange for property tax
relief. Under the new law, municipalities may adopt a program that allows seniors who
are at least 60 years of age to earn up to $750 toward their property taxes by providing
volunteer services for the town.
The law will go into effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns. Seniors who are
interested in whether their town plans to adopt the program should contact their town
officials.
City Looking for Private Funding for Endangered
Programs and Services
The City of Portland is asking community groups, residents and businesses to consider
a financial donation earmarked for any of the following targeted budget items that could
be cut from the City budget:
-Opening the Kiwanis pool - $42,000
-Purchase of Fire Department turnout gear - $32,000
-Purchase of three police vehicles - $32,000 each
- Replace Center for Therapeutic Recreation funding - $64,000
-Rehabilitate the Payson Park skating pond - $9,000
-Restore records for the City Clerk - $17,000
-Support an intern for tree inventory - $7,000
-Replace roses for the Rose Circle in Deering Oaks Park - $1,500
-Replace Deering Oaks Park sign - $2,000
-Volunteer to staff the lobby at the Barron Center
- 4th of July fireworks (up to $30,000)
Resident Donates Federal Rebate to City
Upon learning of the City's budget cuts, Charles Leary, a Portland resident, contacted
City Hall to donate his federal rebate.
"As a Portland resident, I place a lot of value on the services provided by the City, said
Leary. "I believe that the challenges we face are driven by a troubled economy strained
by policies and agendas set outside the state, which is why I intend to donate my federal
rebate to the City. I encourage other members of the community to join me in helping
save these programs."
Members of the community can visit Volunteer Portland, www.portlandmaine.
gov/donations a web-based initiative designed to allow the people that live and work in
the City a chance to volunteer or donate their time, services or financial resources. The
site's gift catalog includes more than fifty items available for donation and a wide variety
of volunteer opportunities.
Photo by Amy Grommes Pulaski
Workers raised the tower bell at the former St. Dominic's Church - now the
Maine Irish Heritage Center - on Gray Street in the West End, on Friday,
April 11th. The bell fell through two stories of the tower in 2006. Repair
work continues on the structure.
UNION MAY BID FOR PRESS
HERALD
The Portland Newspaper Guild has launched an exploratory effort to make a bid for
local employee ownership of the Blethen Maine Newspapers and web sites, following
the Seattle Times Company announcement last month that it was offering all its Maine
properties for sale.
An ad will run in this week’s Maine Sunday Telegram touting employee and local
ownership, and a web site, www.yourhometownpaper.org has been launched to help in
the effort.
The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, Kennebec Journal of Augusta,
Morning Sentinel of Waterville and MaineToday.com, have over 600 employees.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Cummings, Haskell Named Truman
Winners
The Portland Democratic City Committee will recognize Speaker of the House,
Representative Glenn Cummings, and Representative Anne Haskell with the annual Harry
S Truman Award.
Cummings has built a culture of political cooperation in Augusta that has led to passage
of the largest economic investment bond package in Maine’s history; increased funding
for higher education; passage of a first-in-the-nation bill requiring college applications to
be a part of the high school curriculum, passage of one of the country’s most
aggressive and comprehensive anti-predatory lending laws. He has also worked to fill
the current budget shortfall while preserving programs for those most in need.
Haskell serves on the Labor, and Criminal Justice and Public Safety committees. She
helped to craft the County Jail / State Prison consolidation plan and has worked to
improve the Sex Offender Registration Act. Besides her work in the legislature, she is
active in city issues – she was Campaign Manager for Portland City Councilor Jill
Duson, she volunteered at the Portland caucus, and she has a monthly TV show,
‘Haskell from the House’ on Community TV.
The Harry S Truman Awards Dinner will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 5:00
to 8:30 PM, at the East End Community School, 192 North Street. Suggested
donation is $10 for an individual, $20 for a family.
Anti-Terrorism Exercise Takes Hill by Surprise
Photo by Marge Niblock
Taking hostages on Munjoy Hill
A training exercise held by the Portland Police Department at the Adams School on
Munjoy Hill on Saturday, April 12th, caught a number of East End residents off guard at
the sight of heavily-armored officers roaming the streets - just one day after ten cars
were set on fire in the West End in a pre-dawn arson spree.
. The exercise was designed to simulate a potential terrorist/disaster situation and
required response by the Special Reaction Team, Hostage Negotiation Unit, Hazardous
Devices Unit, patrol officers and other elements of the Department.
The police department issued a press release on Thursday afternoon, just 36 hours
before the event, but residents seemed alarmed and unaware of what was going on in
the normally peaceful neighborhood.
East End City Councilor Kevin Donoghue said that he didn't learn about the exercise until
the next day. The event was originally scheduled for March 1st but was postponed
because of bad weather.
Tax Day Anti-War Rally to be Held
A group consisting of veterans, community leaders, and a USM economics professor
will gather outside the Portland Post Office on Forest Avenue on April 15th to highlight
the cost of the Iraq War to Maine taxpayers, and to urge Senators Snowe and Collins to
‘Invest in America, Not Endless War in Iraq’.
USM Economics Professor Dr. Michael Hillard, and former U.S. Army officer and pilot
and Maine People’s Alliance member Betty Ann Sheats will be among the protesters.
The rally will begin at 4:15 P.M. Volunteers will begin leafleting at the Post Office
starting at 3pm. Information about the cost of the Iraq war to Maine taxpayers will be
released.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Public Forums Planned for Proposed Congress Street
Historic District
The Portland Planning Department will hold informational sessions on a proposal to
create a Congress Street Historic District. The area proposed for designation is from the
Franklin Arterial in the East End to Bramhall Square in the West End.
The purpose of designating Congress Street and its immediate environs as a historic
district is to provide recognition and protection for the historic structures that define
downtown Portland, and to ensure that alterations, additions and sign solutions are
compatible with their historic character. With designation, building owners interested in
rehabilitating their historic properties would also become eligible for significant federal
and state tax incentives. As well, the creation of a historic district would provide an
improved mechanism to encourage high quality new construction along Portland’s
“Main Street”.
The sessions will be held on Monday, April 14 at 5:30 at One Longfellow Square (in the
former Center for Cultural Exchange), and on Friday, April 18 at Noon in the Rines
Room of the Portland Public Library.
Anyone with questions about the proposed district may contact Deb Andrews (874-
8726) or Scott Hanson (756-8023) in the Historic Preservation office of the Portland
Planning Department.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Police to Simulate Terrorist Incident
The Portland Police Department will be conducting a multi-disciplinary training exercise
at the Adams School on Moody Street on Saturday, April 12. The exercise is designed to
simulate a potential terrorist/disaster situation and require response by the Special
Reaction Team, Hostage Negotiation Unit, Hazardous Devices Unit, patrol officers and
other elements of the Department.
Members of the media were invited to attend the training and, if interested, participate in
the exercise, which is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am and will begin with a briefing at
the Munjoy Hill Community Policing Center on Congress Street.
Arrest Made in Peninsula Fires
Thomas Cassidy, a 19-year-old Portland man with no known adult criminal history, was
arrested at 6:00 AM Friday morning and charged with one count of arson, one count of
burglary to a motor vehicle, and one count of carrying a concealed weapon. The nature
of the confiscated weapon was not divulged. He is being held on $250,000 cash bail and
is at the Cumberland County Jail. Information was developed giving police probable
cause to believe Cassidy was involved in setting at least one of the ten fires that had
been set on the peninsula starting at 4:00 AM.
Cassidy was arrested on Pleasant Street, not far from the last reported fire. At a 3:00
PM press conference held at 109 Middle Street, Chief Tim Burton stated that 10 cars
were burned and an 11th was virtually destroyed. At least nine other cars were
subjected to either criminal mischief or theft to a motor vehicle. He said “There was no
discernible pattern.” Some cars were parked on the street, some were in driveways, and
some were in a small parking lot.
Burton said that Cassidy was on foot the entire time. A map was placed at the front of
the auditorium showing the locations of the fires: three on Sherman Street; two on
Cumberland Avenue; two on High Street; one on Pleasant Street; one on Danforth Street
and one on Park Street.
Two of the fires on Sherman Street and one on Cumberland Avenue then spread to
nearby buildings. In all, five buildings received fire damage.
Portland Police Department investigators and investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s
Office are at the fire scenes collecting evidence and taking statements from witnesses.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents can call 874-8596, Police Detective
Division.
House votes to impose residency requirement for driver’s
licenses
Measure would require applicants provide documentation establishing they
reside in Maine
AUGUSTA– The Maine House of Representatives voted on April 11th to require that
persons applying for a Maine driver’s license or non-driver identification card provide
acceptable documentation that they live in Maine . The measure passed in the House by
a vote of 126-1.
Friday, April 11, 2008
SEVEN CAR FIRES SET IN CITY
Portland Police are looking for whoever set fire to seven cars on the Portland peninsula
before dawn this morning. An apartment house on Sherman Street was evacuated after
one of the fires spread to the building. No injuries were reported.
The fires were set between 4AM and 7AM on Sherman Street, Cumberland Avenue,
High Street, and Park Street.
Alfond and Ginn in the 'Hood
Two of the three candidate in the June 10th Democratic primary for Portland's State
Senate seat made appearances at neighborhood association meetings this week.
On April 10th, activist Justin Alfond and attorney Cliff Ginn spoke to members of the
Parkside Neighborhood Association about their reasons for running for the open seat.
Alfond is the former head of the League of Young Voters, and both candidates were
instrumental in the formation of Opportunity Maine, a program designed to keep young
people in Maine by helping to pay their student loans.
Alfond also spoke to the West End Neighborhood Association the previous night.
Current East End State Representative Ann Rand is also a candidate in the Democratic
race for the seat, which she once held. Republican Eric Lusk will face the winner of the
primary in the November election.
Friends of Reiche Forming
Several West End residents are forming a group called ‘The Friends of Reiche’ to
encourage better communication between the community and the School Department.
The charter members of the group are Rachael Weyand, Patrick Baldwin, Andrew
Sawyer, and Jo Coyne.
The idea for the group was proposed by Coyne at the West End Neighborhood
Association meeting on April 9th. The group will hold its first meeting on Wednesday,
April 23, 6:30 p.m. at Weyland’s house on Summer Street.
$20,000 PRIZE IN ‘YOUR PIECE OF MAINE’ YOUTUBE
CONTEST
The Maine Association of Realtors has announced the launch of the “Your Piece of
Maine” YouTube contest that encourages people in Maine to show why they love — or
why they want — their piece of Maine.
Beginning April 15th, any Maine resident can make a YouTube video up to three minutes
in length, and submit it to the contest by visiting yourpieceofmaine.com.
The videos, which can be made by most computers, cell phones or video recorders,
should be creative: they can be funny, serious, staged or talking about or showing why
someone loves or wants a piece of Maine.
The contest ends on June 2nd. Winners will be announced before June 30. A grand
prize of $20,000 will be awarded along with one $5,000 prize and eight $1,000 prizes.
To learn more about the ‘Your Piece of Maine’ YouTube contest, visit www.
yourpieceofmaine.com.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Bike Cops' Photo Wins First Prize
"Bike Cop and Friends"
An art exhibition at City Hall of work by Portland employees and their relatives features
four photographs taken by Dan Knight and Karl Geib, of the Portland Police
Department, titled “Bike Cop’s View of Homelessness.” One of these, “Bike Cop &
Friends,” taken by Knight, won a first prize award.
Geib posted a commentary along with the photos, in which he states: “The photos
show that even within the grips of homelessness there are moments of levity. Some of
the subjects have passed on and some have achieved sobriety. Some are still on the
streets.”
Two of the pictures in the exhibit are in memory of people in the photos who have died.
“Girlfriends” is in memory of Cher Gilliam, and “Ricky” is in memory of Ricky Stahl.
Geib said that these photographs were used at memorial services held for these two
people, and that Gilliam’s daughter requested a copy of the picture because she liked it
so much.
Geib’s commentary also states: “Congratulations to ‘Vodka Mike’ with ten months
sobriety and ‘Peanut,’ sober for three months.”
-Marge Niblock
Tower Bell to be Raised at St. Dom’s
Consigli Construction and Becker Engineering will raise the bell at the Maine Irish
Heritage Center on Gray Street on Friday, April 11, at 2 p.m., signifying the ongoing
efforts to restore the former St. Dominic’s Church. The 1893 building was once used
by Maine’s Irish immigrants as the home of one of the largest Irish Catholic
congregations in New England.
In 2006, the tower’s bell frame broke through the belfry floor and collapsed through
two floors of the tower. The Maine Irish Heritage Center was forced to close the
facility and cancel its events, leading to a significant effort on the part of its volunteers
to raise funds and awareness to the Center’s importance in the community.
House Approves Protections Against Predatory Lending
AUGUSTA – Responding to concerns over the national mortgage crisis, the Maine
House of Representatives passed a bill on April 9th that will protect homeowners from a
predatory lending practice known as equity stripping.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Charlie Priest, D-Brunswick, would require any
company that engages in foreclosure purchasing to be licensed in Maine. The licensing
requirement for foreclosure purchasers would be similar to those already required of
supervised lenders.
Foreclosure purchasing is a practice by which a company purchases the title to a
foreclosed property with the intent of allowing the owner to occupy the property and
repurchase the home after a set period of time. Predatory companies purchase the title
for substantially less than fair market value, and then create contract provisions that
make it impossible to repurchase the property. Ultimately, the high interest rates and
substantial fees involved lead to the eviction of the homeowner as well as loss of any
equity that had been built in the property.
Committee members were concerned that the initial language was unclear as to whether
or not all foreclosure purchasing was predatory.
In order to aid consumers, the bill would provide for credit counseling and a right of
cancellation of the contract within five days. It also requires that the homeowner
receive 82 percent of the fair market value of the property if the homeowner does have
to leave the home. The bill also creates criminal and civil penalties for lenders who do
engage in equity stripping.
The bill now goes to the Senate for a final vote.
Wednesday, April 9,2008
Wife Charged in Domestic Violence Death
At approximately 1:30 AM on April 8th, police responded to a call from 56 Maggie Lane,
where Laureen Rugen, 50, said that her husband Christian, 61, was in need of medical
attention. Christian Rugen was unresponsive and emergency medical personnel
summoned by police determined that he was dead.
Laureen Rugen was detained immediately at the scene and subsequently placed under
arrest at 109 Middle Street and charged with murder. She is in the Cumberland County
Jail pending arraignment.
The murder was characterized at a 3 PM, April 8th news conference, held by Chief Tim
Burton, as a “domestic violence-related incident.” Burton stated that there had been prior
reports of “issues in the household,” and that Christian Rugen had been arrested in the
mid-1990s. He also said that this particular incident “transpired over a number of hours”
before the call to police had been made. No medical treatment was necessary for
Laureen Rugen.
Police did not divulge the cause of death or discuss any weapon that might have been
involved. The Maine Attorney General’s Office and the State Medical Examiner have
joined with the Portland Police Department in the ongoing investigation.
-Marge Niblock
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
2008 Spring and Summer Parks and Recreation
Guides Available
Portland Parks and Recreation have released their Spring and Summer Program. The
guide includes information on City programs available through the summer. They
include summer camps and programs for children and teens, adult fitness and athletic
leagues, and aquatic programs for all ages.
Tickets are also available for trips to Fenway Park to watch the Boston Red Sox play the
Minnesota Twins, LA Angels and Toronto Blue Jays (July 7, 28 and August 17).
Normally, the guide is mailed to all residents of the City, but due to budget constraints
this year, the guides are available at the following locations:
-Portland Parks & Recreation Offices, 134 Congress Street and 17 Arbor Street
-City Hall (1st floor Rotunda)
-East End Community Center, Reiche Community Center and Riverton Community
Center
-All Portland Public Libraries
You can also access the guide online at www.portlandmaine.gov. For more information
about the Portland Parks and Recreation programs available, visit call 756-8275 or email
vla@portlandmaine.gov.
Allen to Host Foreclosure Forum
Congressman Tom Allen will host experts in the banking, mortgage lending, realty and
legal professions for a discussion and tips on how to prevent foreclosure on your home.
The forum will be held at Deering High School on Stevens Avenue on Saturday, April
12th, from 10AM until noon.
HUD-approved counselors will be available to meet with individuals to offer objective
advice about their specific situation. Please bring all relevant mortgage and financial
paperwork to ensure a more thorough and efficient evaluation process.
People who wish to register or to learn more about this Homeowners Security Forum
can do so by calling his office, (207) 774-5019.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Council Fails to Support School Bond
A proposal to ask voters to pass a $20 million state bond to build a new elementary
school in Portland failed to gain enough votes at the Portland City Council meeting on
April 7th. The vote bond required a 7-2 'super majority' to pass, but received only six
votes. Mayor Ed Suslovic and Councilors David Marshall and Kevin Donoghue voted
against the proposal.
Bronx Man Arrested With Loaded Gun
Jorge A. Torres, 21, of the Bronx, New York, was arrested on April 1st at the Inn at St.
John at Congress and Valley Streets. He was on probation in New York for unlawful
trafficking of scheduled drugs.
The Maine Probation and Parole Department requested the assistance of Portland police
while doing a probation check of Torres. The terms of his probation stipulated that he
was subject to random searches, and when checking the belongings of Torres, a .32
caliber handgun was located inside his suitcase.
Torres was arrested and charged with probation violation and possession of a firearm by
a felon.
-Marge Niblock
Lab Finds Toxins in Children’s
Products
Results from new testing released by the Alliance for a Clean & Healthy Maine show
high levels of phthalates, toxic chemicals that have been linked to harmful health effects,
in popular children’s products.
Waterproof crib mattress covers, teething rings, toys, and bubble bath are among the
products recently tested by a Maine lab for the presence of phthalates. Twenty of the
24 products tested contained phthalates, chemicals restricted from use in children’s
products in Europe, California and Washington State .
For the study, 24 products made for small children were purchased at Target, the Dollar
Tree, and Toys R Us in South Portland . The Alliance for a Clean & Healthy Maine paid
the Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory to analyze the products to
determine whether or not they contained phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals used to
add fragrance to products and to soften plastics.
The Maine Legislature is expected to vote on LD 2048 as early as today. LD 2048, “An
Act to Protect Children’s Health and the Environment from Toxic Chemicals in
Consumer Products” would create a process to identify unnecessary, dangerous
chemicals in children’s products, study the safer alternatives and phase out the toxic
chemicals when alternatives are safer, effective and affordable. This legislation directs
Maine to cooperate with other states to share information and collaboratively fill the gaps
in the broken federal safety system for toxic chemicals.
For more information about the product testing results or LD 2048, contact Amanda
Sears at 207-939-7333 or visit www.cleanandhealthyme.org.
Monday, April 7, 2008
City to Establish Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Task Force
.
At tonight's Portland City Council meeting, the Council is expected to establish a task
force that would identify locations in Portland and the Greater Portland area (e.g. parks,
bridges, public buildings, city streets, highways) as candidates to be named for Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
The task force will be charged with identifying candidate sites, evaluating sites for
viability and steps involved, reporting back to the City Council on its findings, and
recommending one or more sites for City Council consideration.
The task force would be made up of representatives of a number of local organizations.
No Place for Seagulls
The City is expected to rule that one of the buildings on Custom House Wharf - at 86
Commercial Street - is in such a serious state of deterioration that it is a dangerous
structure, and will order its demolition.
An engineer hired by the City to evaluate the building said that "the safe allowable loading
of said derelict building is not more than one seagull per square foot." He called it " a
suitable candidate for demolition."
Cops Find Concealed Weapon, but No
Drugs
On March 15th, a little before 8 PM, police received a call regarding a possible drug
transaction in front of Matthew’s Pub at 133 Free Street. Upon arrival, they saw Robert
Grady, 46, who matched the description they had been given.
After approaching Grady, police conducted a pat-down search and discovered a four- to
five-inch-long knife in his possession. No drugs were found, but Grady was arrested
and charged with carrying a concealed weapon.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Planning Board Denies Permit for Hill
Project
The Portland Planning Board on March 25th denied the necessary permits to a local
developer who wants to demolish a building on Washington Avenue to build five luxury
lofts that would sell for as much as $600, 000 each.
The lofts would overlook the Bayside neighborhood and Back Bay. Neighbors of the
project say it would obstruct their view, and does not fit into the neighborhood
Coyne to Rebuild Salem Street Home
Former West End Neighborhood Association President Jo Coyne, who lost her Salem
Street home to an explosion and fire almost one year ago, will be breaking ground for
her new house this week at the same location.
Coyne planned to share her plans with neighbors at the Ohno Cafe on Brackett Street on
April 2nd
Local Inn Leads the Way in ‘Going Green’
The Wild Iris Inn in Parkside is the first lodging establishment in Portland to become
part of Maine's Environmental Leader Certification for Lodging, a program of the Maine
Environmental Protection Agency to encourage environmentally sound practices.
There is a trend in the hospitality business to create a green environment. Numerous
hotels and inns have started instituting green policies that will lessen the impact on the
environment, as well as save them money in the long run.
The Wild Iris Inn has installed energy-efficient lighting (compact fluorescent light bulbs)
and an on-demand hot water system that will save energy and reduce utility bills. The
inn also buys from local businesses and chooses organic ingredients whenever possible,
like the Organic Fair Trade coffee from Coffee By Design. Their homemade granola is
made from all organic ingredients.
The inn has also installed solar-powered garden lights, and is also composting food
waste, and recycling paper, metals and plastics. Their trash liners and plastic cups are
made of biodegradable corn product. They also have a towel & linen reuse program in
place, and have incorporated environmentally-friendly cleaning and laundry products into
their housekeeping department.
Diane Edwards, owner of the Wild Iris Inn, has also recruited her guests in the effort by
asking them to conserve on water consumption, by participating in the inn’s optional
towel and linen reuse program, and by not letting water run unnecessarily in sinks and
showers.
She also asks them to recycle plastic, metal and paper by separating them and putting
them in the inn’s recycle bin, turning off lights and air conditioners in rooms when
they are out, asking them for ideas for ‘going green’ and offering a prize for the best
suggestion.
For more information about the Wild Iris Inn’s Green Policy visit their website at www.
wildirisinn.com.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Bystanders Help Put Out Truck Fire
Several people wielding blankets, plywood sheets, and fire extinguishers were able to
extinguish a fire that erupted in the back of a pickup truck at a shopping mall on Forest
Avenue on Thursday afternoon.
Flames and thick smoke filled the air as the citizen firefighters tried desperately to keep
the fire from spreading to the trucks cab, and causing a more serious situation. The fire
was finally put under control, before Portland firefighters arrived when the fire
extinguishers were brought on the scene.
Transportation Director Early Victim of 'Black
Friday'
Portland's longtime Transportation Director Jeff Monroe appears to be the first victim of
'Black Friday' the term one City Councilor used to describe the day that the Portland
City Council releases its 2008 budget. The City is expected to lay off numerous workers
in various departments and cut some municipal services.
Resolution Promotes Free Legal Aid
for those in ForeclosureAUGUSTA – With a record-
breaking number of foreclosures in Maine and a foreclosure rate outpacing the national
average, Rep. John Brautigam , D-Falmouth, has submitted a resolution that honors a
group of attorneys working to keep Mainers in their homes and encourages other legal
professionals to follow suit.
In response to the growing public need for legal assistance with foreclosures, the Maine
Volunteer Lawyers Project and Pine Tree Legal Assistance have collaborated to establish
a project called Maine Attorneys Saving Homes. The MASH project strives to ensure
that homeowners are on an equal playing field with lenders and other stakeholders in
foreclosure disputes, which often require specialized legal training and preparation.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Legislature Enacts Hinck’s Anti-idling Bill
The Maine Legislature has enacted a bill sponsored by West End Representative Jon
Hinck that will curb idling of commercial vehicles.
The bill, LD 2056, will prohibit some commercial vehicle operators from leaving their
vehicles running idle for more than five minutes when the temperature is above freezing.
Vehicles can idle longer in colder temperatures. The law will not apply to emergency
vehicles or vehicles stuck in traffic and includes some exemptions to provide for the
safety and comfort of truck drivers and for equipment that needs to remain running in
order to function.
Based on a model law developed under the auspices of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, the bill had support from truckers and other members of the
business community.
Needless truck idling nationwide consumes more than 1 billion gallons of diesel fuel and
produces 11 million tons of carbon dioxide per year, according to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
The bill will now go to Gov. John Baldacci to be signed into law.
Neighborhood Schools Bill Passes in
House
The House of Representatives on April 2nd enacted a bill sponsored by West End
Representative Jon Hinck, that will help to preserve successful historic neighborhood
schools.
The bill, LD 2082, would allow for the preservation and restoration of successful,
historic, neighborhood schools as long as the buildings substantially comply with
modern energy efficiency standards.
Hinck submitted it as a result of the lengthy debate over the possible renovation and
future use of the Nathan Clifford School in Portland. It was one of the few bills
accepted by legislative leadership for consideration in the second session of the
Legislature and was enacted as an emergency measure.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Portland High School Places Third at New England Science
Bowl
Students from Portland High School won two awards at the New England Regional
Science Bowl held in March at the University of Southern Maine (USM).
PHS students Luke Parker, Nathaniel Walden, Kayla Artinyan and Sean Dowling earned
third place in the academic competition.
Another PHS team won first place for creative design in the Mouse Trap Car
Competition. Mario Martinez, Eric Medina, Eoin McCarron and Sam DiPeitrio thought
outside the box to design a car named the Death Star, accompanied by the theme from
“Star Wars.”
The competition has a fast-paced, quiz show format. Students must solve technical
problems and answer questions from all branches of science and mathematics. Teams
compete in a round robin, facing new opponents every half-hour. Each team receives a
“mouse trap car kit” at the beginning of the day, and uses the supplies to build a car
propelled by the mousetrap.
Deering Oaks Playspace to be Reviewed
The Deering Oaks Playspace Committee will be presenting the design plan and rendering
to the Friends of the Parks Commission meeting on April 14th.
Anyone who would like to see the plan for replacing the Deering Oaks playground, and
would like to comment, may attend the Friends of the Parks meeting on Monday, April
14th in Room 24, City Hall.
For more information, contact Councilor David Marshall at 409-6617, or Denise
Clavette, Director Parks and Recreation at 874-8793 or email
dclavette@portlandmaine.gov
USM Career Fair Open to the Public
The University of Southern Maine has scheduled their annual Career Fair for Thursday
afternoon, April 10th 1-4PM in the Sullivan Gym on the USM Portland campus. The
event is free and open to the public.
Members of the community can come meet the employers who will be on campus.
There will be over 75 employers at the Career Fair, including UNUM, Bank of America,
Lee Auto Malls, the Internal Revenue Service, and Wright Express.
Parking is available in the parking garage on the south end of the campus.
Members of the public are encouraged to come with multiple copies of their resume in
hand. For more information, or to see a list of all of the employers scheduled to attend,
you can check with the Career Center web site: www.usm.maine.edu/careers/jobfair.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Criminal Mischief in the Old Port
Man Kicks Car, Makes Dent, Clenches Fist, Gets Arrested
Shortly before 1 PM on March 23rd, police were sent to Market and Middle Streets
regarding a man who had just kicked someone’s car, causing a dent.
Police later found Tyson Cumming, 29, of Portland, in the area of Oxford Street.
Cumming matched the descrip-tion that had been given to them.
Officer Bradley Rogers was ignored when he attempted to have an interaction with
Cumming, and when the officer tried to detain him, Cumming made a fist. He was
arrested and charged with criminal mischief and refusing to submit to arrest.
OLD PORT ROBBERY SUSPECT CAUGHT
Portland Police Detectives arrested Patrick Morency, 24, of Portland on March 31st, in
connection with the robbery earlier in the day at the Old Port Pharmacy.
Portland police say Morency entered the Old Port Pharmacy at 195 Middle Street at
approximately 7:56 AM on March 31st, approached the pharmacist with a sharp object,
and demanded narcotic drugs. The pharmacist complied with the demand and the robber
fled with an undisclosed amount of narcotic drugs.
Witnesses saw the suspect fleeing down Exchange Street in a small silver hatchback
vehicle. Witnesses described the suspect as a white male, approximately 6’0”, brown
hair and moustache and last seen wearing a white tyvex suit.
Mr. Morency was arrested at police headquarters at 109 Middle Street and charged with
Robbery (class A) and Possession of Schedule W drug (class C).
Morency is being held at the Cumberland County Jail and bail has not been set.
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