August, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
No Flying Debris, Please
The City of Portland Public Services crews will collect trash and
recycling for their normal Monday collection schedule tomorrow,
and the City is asking that residents place their trash and recycling
curbside no earlier than 6:30 AM tomorrow morning in order to
reduce the potential for flying debris caused by Hurricane Irene.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Thirteen-year-old Kicks
LePage's Butt (At Billiards)
A 13-year-old national billiards champion visited the Blaine House
on August 19th and beat Governor Paul LePage in what was
described as a "close match."
Taylor Reynolds, of Winslow, visited the governor's mansion in
Augusta to meet Governor LePage, and talk about her upcoming
trip to the World Pool-Billiard Association World Junior 9-Ball
Championships, which will be held in Keilce, Poland, from August
31st through September 3rd.
Taylor recently, took the national title for girls 14-and-under at the
Billiard Education Foundation’s National Championship in Illinois.
The Governor lost the match with the champ, and urged her to
“bring home the gold.” Before leaving, Taylor presented Governor
LePage with a new cue stick, and encouraged him to keep
practicing.
The daughter of Steve and Tammy Reynolds, Taylor learned her
craft initially at home with dad on their own table, then she
practiced and played many old timers at TJ’s Billiards, the family-
owned pool hall located Waterville. She is also an honor student,
Taylor’s winning cue sticks from tournaments are currently being
raffled at TJ’s Billiards. All proceeds will help fund her trip to
Poland. For more information about the upcoming tournament visit
http://www.billiardeducation.org/ or if you would like to support
Taylor Reynolds in her fundraising effort, visit TJ’s Billiards, Airport
Road, Waterville.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Local Group to Mark 50th
Anniversary of Demolition of
Union Station
Greater Portland Landmarks will mark the 50th anniversary of the
demolition of the clock tower at Union Station on Wednesday,
August 31st, hosting "Remembering Union Station" at its office at
93 High Street from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Union Station was located at
the current site of the Union Station shopping mall on St. John
Street.
The event will include a viewing of local historian John
Marcigliano's 50-minute documentary, "All Aboard for Union
Station". Old photos will be on display and there will be a
discussion following the film. The demolition of Union Station
resulted in the beginning of the historic preservation movement in
Portland.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Congress Street Bank Robbery
Quashed
Portland police say that several customers and bank employees
tackled a would-be bank robber at the TD Bank branch on
Congress Street near Monument Square at about 4 PM today and
held him until police arrived. The bank robber, identified as
Benjamin Poirier, 31, of Naples, Maine, was taken to Maine Medical
Center with possible injuries from the aborted heist.
Bill Umbel, owner of the Empire Dine and Dance on Congress
Street, was identified as one of the bank customers who helped
subdue the suspect.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Oversight Review Finds No
Evidence of Wrongdoing at
Maine Green Energy Alliance
West End Rep Jon Hinck accuses Republicans of
'scraping bones looking for political red meat'
A government audit of the Maine Green Energy Alliance has found
no evidence of political wrongdoing by Democrats working for the
organization, or by Democratic lawmakers.
The Office of Program Evaluation & Government Accountability
(OPEGA) presented its findings to the Legislature’s Government
Oversight Committee today. The three-month long probe, initially
requested by The Utilities Committee on which West End State
Representative Jon Hinck serves, found that the now non-
operational alliance had weak financial controls and informal
practices that created a risk for misuse of funds, but found no
fraud or inappropriate use of federal money.
“Republicans operatives keep looking to use the management
lapses at the Maine Green Energy Alliance to assail Democratic
candidates who worked for the organization and worse, lawmakers
who promote weatherization,” said Hinck, the lead House Democrat
on the legislature’s Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee .
“The audit douses those sparks, and exposes the sham of
overheated Republican rhetoric. We should simply learn a few
good lessons here about managing contracts with start-up non-
profits and move on," said Hinck. "Scraping the bones of a small
defunct operation looking for political red meat does little to
improve building energy efficiency or lower the cost of energy.
Let’s get on with the real work here.”
Friday, August 19, 2011
Groundhog on Western Prom
Gets Stuck in Tin Can
A West End resident reports that he came upon a groundhog on
the Western Prom whose head was stuck in a tin can. The
resident, with the help of other residents, tried to free the creature,
but were unable to remove the can. They eventually called for help
from someone in Westbrook who specializes in animal rescues.
The animal was transported to Westbrook, but it is not known if
the groundhog was successfully freed from the tin can.
Designers to Re-Do West
End Mansion
The thirteenth edition of the Portland Symphony Orchestra’s
Designer Show House will be open to the public from September
10th through October 2nd, with a preview party on the evening of
September 9th. Seventeen designers and landscapers from
around Maine were invited to transform fifteen distinct areas of the
Hamlen House at 149 Western Prom. Each designer or design
team is assigned a space in the Show House, and must implement
the re-design between the beginning of August and the house
opening for the preview party.
A range of influence and expertise is represented in the group of
designers. As a group, the designers have won national and local
awards and accolades for their work, and their influences range
from the classic and traditional to the modern and contemporary.
About the House:
With its boulevard-esque, tree-lined streets, the Western
Promenade overlooks the Fore River as it meets Casco Bay, and
on clear days, the White Mountains are visible against the horizon.
The house was built in 1920 atop a portion of the John Bundy
Brown Estate which was destroyed in 1915. Architect John P.
Thomas built the spacious stone and slate tudor, complete with a
servants' wing and chauffeur's apartment above the garage for
James C. Hamlen and his family (related to Hannibal Hamlin,
Abraham Lincoln's Vice President).
Admission to the Show House is $25 per person or $20 if
purchased by September 8th. Tickets will also be available at the
door for $25. Admission to the Show House is limited to adults and
children over age ten.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Civic Center Modernization:
32 Million Dollar Bond
Question This November
PAMELA CRAIGIN
On Monday, August 8th, the Cumberland County Commissioners
voted to put a 32 million bond - called the Cumberland County
Civic Center Modernization - on the November ballot. Commissions
Feeney and Cloutier voted in favor, while Commissioner Witonis
dissented.
The modernization plan includes a 62% increase in concession
points of sale, 84% increase in concourse area, 23% increase in
ticketing area, all new seating, 500 "club" seats with adjacent
lounge, 90 new accessible seats, improved locker rooms and
public bathrooms, mechanical and electrical systems and exterior
facade. The complete details of the plan can be found on the
Cumberland County website http://www.cumberlandcounty.org/
Five members of the public - three of whom did not support the
bond due concern for tax increases - were present to ask
questions. One estimate was given of a potential tax increase
between $5 and $12 per household, per year, according to 2011
mil rates.
Commissioners Feeney and Cloutier made a case for taking
advantage of low interest rates available now, and Cumberland
County’s AAA bond rating.
In response to the public comments about the project, Neal Pratt, a
member of the Cumberland County Civic Center Board of
Trustees, indicated that the public was invited to be involved at
every step. Mr. Pratt said that revenue projections for the civic
center were difficult to estimate and not included in the
presentation, but are available on the website.
Man Assaulted, Robbed in
Deering Oaks Park
Portland police have arrested three people and charged them with
robbery after a man was attacked and robbed in Deering Oaks
Park at about 1 AM on Saturday.
Arrested near the Portland Expo on Park Avenue just blocks from
the alleged crime were Ryan Nadeau, 24, address unknown,
Kayla Warren, 28, of Portland and Jeffrey Matthews, 21, of South
Portland.
Police say that Warren was accompanying the victim, who
described her to police as his girlfriend, when the two men ran up
to the victim, assaulted him and took his wallet. Police say Warren
left the scene with the two men.
Drug Dealing and Stabbing
on Ocean Avenue
Portland police arrested three suspects from Massachusetts in
connection with an incident at 546 Ocean Avenue on Monday
morning which sent three people to the hospital with minor stab
wounds, and one with an ankle injury.
Arrested were Jeremy Frost, 22, of Dorchester, who was charged
with assault and aggravated drug trafficking; Camilia Clark, 23, of
Dorchester, charged with assault; and Tiana Clark, 28, of
Medford, who was charged with aggravated assault. Tiana Clark
was one of three people arrested in Saco in January on charges of
kidnapping a woman who reported being held against her will and
being forced to be a prostitute.
Police say the three suspects entered an apartment in the building
and got into an argument with the people there.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Portland Native Beats Red
Sox
Portland native Charlie Furbush allowed just one run over seven
innings to the Boston Red Sox on Sunday in Seattle, as his
Seattle team defeated the Sox 5-3 . Furbush, 25, a left-handed
rookie pitcher for the Seattle Mariners, was traded to the Mariners
last week from the Detroit Tigers. It was his second victory since
the trade. The victory denied Sox veteran Tim Wakefield his 200th
Major League win.
Furbush, who was born in Portland and grew up a Red Sox fan,
attended South Portland High School. He then went on to St.
Joseph's College and Louisiana State University before turning
professional. He made his Major League debut, and earned his
first Major League victory, on May 23rd. He pitched five shutout
innings against the Red Sox earlier this year as a member of the
Tigers.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Local Belly Dancer Featured at
Las Vegas Belly Dance Festival
Photo by Jon Reese
Portland belly dancer Rosa Noreen will appear as a featured
instructor at the 2011 Las Vegas Belly Dance Intensive in
September. Just over thirty instructors were chosen from worldwide
applications. Rosa is the only teacher from New England.
The Las Vegas Belly Dance Intensive, held at the Flamingo Hotel &
Casino in Las Vegas, NV, is one of the world's top belly dance
festivals. Rosa will perform in the juried professional show, "A Night
in the City of Riches" on Friday, September 9th, and she will teach
a workshop entitled "Delicious Pauses: Negative Space in
Movement" on Sunday, September 11th.
Drawing on her extensive ballet training and her love of Egyptian
dance, Rosa has developed a uniquely elegant style of belly
dance which impressed the selection committee. Trained in
classical ballet from a young age in Ellsworth, ME, Rosa was
injured during a pre-professional program near Boston as a
teenager and gave up dance. After college, however, she returned
to Maine and in 2004 fell in love with belly dance under the
instruction of local teacher Jamileh.
In 2010 Rosa co-founded Portland's first belly dance-focused
studio, Bright Star World Dance. She produces the popular
quarterly belly dance show, "Raqs Borealis," and the annual
variety show, "Solstice Spectacuar," which features top Portland
entertainers across genres and a different world-famous belly
dancer each year.
“I'm excited to bring my style of dance to Las Vegas, and it's a
great opportunity to learn new techniques and meet other dancers
from around the world!” says Rosa.
Details about the Las Vegas Belly Dance Intensive and Rosa
Noreen can be found on the website, http://RosaNoreen.com/,
by emailing info@rosanoreen.com, or by calling (207) 409-
9540. The shows are all-ages. Tickets are $45. Workshops are
$30 a la carte. Event packages are available. Photos and an
online press release can be found at http://RosaNoreen.
com/pressreleases/
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Driver Arrested After Crashing Truck
into Congress Street Sandwich Shop
Portland police have arrested Charles Know, 43, after he crashed
a 1993 Ford pickup into th Mr. Sandwich and Mrs. Muffin Sandwich
Shop on Congress Street and Deering Avenue (Bramhall Square)
around 5 AM this morning. He was charged with leaving the scene
of an accident after he fled the scene on foot and was arrested
soon after.
The shop serves baked goods and quiche for breakfast, and a
range of soups, salads and sandwiches through the rest of the
day. The owners of the shop, which originally opened in April,
2010, plan to reopen next Tuesday.
Alfond Blasts Governor,
State Republicans
"Democrats will not be bullied," says Senator.
In a wide-ranging editorial in the August 10th issue of the Bangor
Daily News, Portland State Senator Justin Alfond says that the
LePage administration and the Republican majority is responsible
for an increasingly politically-charged tone in Augusta.
He accuses the governor of leading the Republican Party in an
attack on the environment, introducing dozens of anti-worker bills,
and leveraging their majority status to ramrod bills through the
legislature.
Alfond is Assistant Senate Democratic leader. The entire editorial
can be seen here:
https://bangordailynews.com/2011/08/09/opinion/new-
leadership-in-augusta-detracts-from-jobs-economy/
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Feline Flash Mob Hits
Monument Square
The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland organized a flash
mob at noon today in Monument Square. The group is hoping to
find 350 homes for the cats they have. The ARL is experiencing up
to 25 surrenders per day and now they have 350 kittens looking
for homes. About 50 participants in the flash mob wore kitten
masks and did the Kitten Adoption Dance at noon. The ARL is
waiving adoption fees from August 11th to 14th to try to place all
the kittens.
West End Block Party Still
Planned for Tonight
The West End Neighborhood Association is inviting all nineteen
mayoral candidates to come to the West End and share their
campaign ideas with West End residents at the annual WENA
Picnic and Block Party tonight from 6-8 p.m. Bring food and a dish
to share. Festivities will take place on the Salem Street block
between Brackett and Clark Streets. Grill will be located in the
driveway at 30 Salem.
** WENA monthly meetings are at the Reiche Community Center,
166 Brackett Street, Portland. Next one is Wednesday, September
14, 2011 at 6:30p.m.
** Save the date: Saturday, May 19, 2012: WESTFEST 2012
More info: http://www.WENAMaine.org/
Public Safety Committee:
City Should Ban Fireworks
The Portland City Council's Public Safety Committee voted
unanimously on Tuesday, August 9th to recommend that the City
of Portland ban consumer fireworks in the city, despite a recently-
enacted state law allowing their sale in Maine.
West End Councilor David Marshall joined Public Safety Committee
Chair Ed Suslovic in making the recommendation to the Council,
which will make a final decision on the issue in September.
Councilor John Coyne, the third member of the committee, was not
present at the meeting.
Portland Fire Chief Fred LaMontagne said his department had
"grave concerns" about fireworks causing fires and injuries if
allowed in the city. Marshall said he has already received a lot of
complaints about fireworks in his district.
Tuesday, August 9th
Smokey Bear to Throw Out
First Ball at Seadogs Game
Smokey Bear will celebrate his 67th birthday and remind people to
be careful with all outdoor fires - by throwing out the first pitch at
the Portland Seadogs game at 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 9th
(tonight) at Hadlock Field in Portland.
Smokey Bear was first found as an orphaned cub in a dangerous
wildfire in New Mexico in 1944.
After Smokey throws out the first pitch for the game, he will walk
through the stands and be available for pictures with fans.
Since 1944, Smokey Bear has been a recognized symbol of
conservation and protection of America's forests. The famous bear
has educated generations of Americans about their role in wildfire
prevention.
For more information about Smokey Bear, go to: www.
smokeybear.com
For more information about Maine Forest Service’s Fire Prevention
Program, call: (207) 287-4990.
For more information about the Maine Forest Service, go to: http:
//www.maineforestservice.gov
Monday, August 8, 2011
Two Busted for Parkside
Graffiti Markings
Portland police arrested Robert Sinnott, 26, of Portland, and Alana
Saleeby, 22, of Scarborough at about 1:40 AM on August 8th, and
charged them with criminal mischief for violating Portland's new
graffiti ordinance. They are the first people charged with violating
the new law.
Police say the pair was lying in the intersection of Deering and
Mellen Streets in the Parkside neighborhood, and were carrying
markers on them that were the same as those used in marking
nearby traffic signs and mailboxes.
The new Portland ordinance bans creating graffiti as well as
possession of graffiti-making implements. Violators of the
ordinance can be fined $500 and be required to do at least 25
hours of community service. Possession or furnishing of graffiti
instruments calls for a fine of as much as $250.
Same Day Voting Petitions to
be Delivered Today
As many as 81,000 signatures could be delivered
The Protect Maine Votes coalition has gathered at least 68,000
signatures to put a People's Veto on November's ballot that could
overturn the new state law requiring voters to register two business
days before an election, The new law eliminating same day voter
registration was signed by Governor LePage in June.
The coalition is submitting those signatures to the Secretary of
State today, and one source says that the coalition has as many
as 81,000 signatures on the petitions. The minimum number of
valid signatures required is 57,277,and they must be delivered to
the Secretary of State by Tuesday afternoon to force a November
referendum.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Coyne, Leeman Unopposed
in Re-election Bids
Nineteen candidates have taken out nomination papers to run for
Portland's mayor, but so far, City Councilors John Coyne and
Cheryl Leeman have drawn no opposition in their bids for re-
election to represent Districts 4 and 5 on the Council.
Leeman, who has served as Portland mayor twice herself, was the
leading voice in opposition to the changes that led to the mayor
being elected in a popular vote. She has served on the Council for
27 years and will be running for her 10th term.
Coyne will be seeking his second term on the Council. He
previously served one term on the Portland School Committee,
including two years as its Chair.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
WENA Invites Mayoral Candidates
to Annual Block Party
The West End Neighborhood Association is inviting all nineteen
mayoral candidates to come to the West End and share their
campaign ideas with West End residents at the annual WENA
Picnic and block Party on August 10th.
Annual WENA Picnic on Wednesday, August 10, from 6-8 p.m.
Bring food and a dish to share. Festivities will take place on the
Salem Street block between Brackett and Clark Streets. Grill will be
located in the driveway at 30 Salem.
** WENA monthly meetings are at the Reiche Community Center,
166 Brackett Street, Portland. Next one is Wednesday, September
14, 2011 at 6:30p.m.
** Save the date: Saturday, May 19, 2012: WESTFEST 2012
More info: http://www.WENAMaine.org/
Police Department Offers
Basic Self Defense Class for
Women Next Month
Rape Aggression Defense course to offer real
life defense tools and tactics
This September, the Portland Police Department will offer its Rape
Aggression Defense Training class. R.A.D. provides women with
the tools they need to both avoid dangerous situations and escape
them. The course is specifically designed to help women survive
situations in which their lives are in jeopardy.
This class is open to all women, ages 13 and older, in the Greater
Portland area, who would like to develop real life defensive tools
and tactics. The Basic Self-Defense Course consists of a series of
four classes and one scenario day. The class is scheduled for
September 6, 8, 13, and 15, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and
September 17 from 8:00 AM to noon (registration deadline August
31). All classes must be attended to complete the course. The
classes will be held at the Portland Police Department, 109 Middle
Street, Portland, Maine.
A donation of $25.00 for the course is suggested. All donations
support the Amy St. Laurent Fund, which sponsors the R.A.D.
training. Due to attendance issues, all donations must be paid
prior to the first class (send checks to ASLF/PPD RAD Program,
Portland Police Department, 109 Middle Street, Portland ME
04101). To sign up for the class or receive more information about
Portland R.A.D., e-mail ppdrad@portlandmaine.gov or call 874-
8643.
September 6, 8, 13, 15, and 17, 2011
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (9/17 class 8:00 AM – noon)
Portland Police Department
109 Middle Street, Portland
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Portland Delegation Makes
Freedom of Access Request
in LePage/Olsen Feud
Portland's legislative delegation has made a request under the
Freedom of Access Act to obtain all documents related to the
allegations made by former Marine Resources Commissioner
Norman Olsen, after Olsen resigned his post last week.
"The Portland legislative delegation was concerned about
comments made by former Marine Resources Commissioner
Norman Olsen that the Governor would not work with the City of
Portland because we are "against him," says State Senator Justin
Alfond. Governor Paul LePage agreed to meet with Portland Mayor
Nick Mavodones last week to discuss the issues surrounding
Olsen's resignation, but the legislative delegation was blocked
from attending that meeting.
"We felt it was necessary to get to the bottom of these allegations,
so we submitted a letter under the Freedom of Access Act (FOAA)
to request all documents regarding the allegations made by
Commissioner Olsen," said Alfond.
In a letter to the Governor's office, the delegation formally
requested the following documents - or access to the documents -
for the period from February 1st to the date of Commissioner
Olsen’s resignation:
•All emails and other correspondence between the Governor’s
Office and employees of the Department of Marine Resources
related to the City of Portland.
•All emails and other correspondence related to groundfishing and
lobstering in Maine. The groundfishing industry and lobster
industry shall mean “but not be limited to owners of businesses
and vessels, vessel operators and crew, employees, agents,
lobbyists, representatives, lawyers.”
•Records of meetings and correspondence between members of
the groundfishing and lobster industries and the Governor’s Office.
•Records of meetings and correspondence between employees of,
elected officials of, and member of the legislative delegation from
the City of Portland and the Governor’s Office.
•All notes from staff from the Governor’s Office regarding any of
the meetings or correspondence noted above.
The delegation requested a written response to this request within
ten (10) business days, and asked the Governor provide or make
the documents available within 30 days.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Police Identify Man Shot to
Death on Congress Street
Portland police have identified a man was shot to death on Outer
Congress Street on Monday as Allen Maclean, 41, of Portland. His
death has been ruled a homicide. An autopsy today determined
that Maclean died of a gunshot wound.
The shooting occurred at about 4:30 AM. Police closed off the
area around Congress and Massachusetts Avenue for about five
hours, as they began the search for a suspect.
WMTW Channel 8 reported that Maclean ran across Congress
Street from the back of an apartment building at 4 Massachusetts
Avenue, holding his chest and saying he had been shot, before he
collapsed on the street. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses reported seeing a man fleeing the scene. No arrests
have been made.
Property Tax and Rent Rebates Now
Available
Refunds of up to $1600 are available, as of August 1st, for taxes
or rent paid in 2010. Thousands of Portland households qualify for
the targeted refund, according to East End State Representative
Diane Russell, including working families, seniors and others who
can apply by filling out the one-page application, and will receive a
partial refund of taxes and/or rent paid on their primary residence.
To qualify, an applicant's 2010 adjusted household income must
be $64,950 or less ($86,600 for those with spouse or
dependents). In addition, an applicant's 2010 property tax must
have been more than 4% (or rent more than 20%) of their 2010
household income. Low-income seniors do not need to meet this
requirement. To apply, visit maine.gov/revenue/taxrelief or call
Maine Revenue Services at (207) 626-8475.
Waynflete Fiddle Player Raises over
$1000 for Friends of Casco Bay
Waynflete graduate and fiddle player Meghan Mette of Cape
Elizabeth has donated the proceeds of her first CD to Friends of
Casco Bay.
Meghan has a passion for protecting the ocean, which led her to
volunteer for the marine conservation organization in South
Portland . As a 2010 summer intern, she helped with algae studies,
water quality monitoring, and research on environmental issues for
Casco Baykeeper Joe Payne . On her volunteer application,she
happened to note, “Although it isn’t relevant, I am a passionate
fiddle player.” As it turns out, it has been extremely relevant, as
she has leveraged her talent to raise over $1,000 for Friends of
Casco Bay.
During the spring of her senior year, Meghan recorded a CD with
14 tracks, many of which she composed herself, inspired by the
fiddle music of several genres: Celtic, Cape Breton , bluegrass,
folk, and Louisiana blues. She is contributing the entire proceeds
from sales of First Day to the environmental organization.
Friends of Casco Bay ’s Executive director Cathy Ramsdell
enthused, “Meghan’s interdisciplinary approach to life is so
enriching to be around. Her enthusiasm and her talents will take
her far. We’ve been so lucky to have her as a generous Friend to
the Bay. She’s a star at whatever she does, and we know we’ll be
looking back one day saying, ‘We knew her when…’”
Meghan has postponed entering Oberlin College for a year in
order to devote herself to her other passion: studying fiddle music
in Ireland .
Public Meeting to Discuss Much-
Anticipated Back Cove Trail Connector
City and state officials invite public to view plans for
Bayside-Back Cove link
The City of Portland, Maine Department of Transportation and
Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS) will
host a public meeting on Wednesday, August 3rd to discuss plans
to construct a trail connector from the Franklin Street-Marginal
Way intersection to the Back Cove Trail. The connector will help
fully realize the vision for the Bayside Trail as a key link connecting
the city's most used trails and parks: the Back Cove Trail, the
Eastern Promenade and Eastern Prom Trail, East End Beach, and
Deering Oaks. The connector will also provide easy and safe
access for cyclists and pedestrians looking to travel from Portland’
s downtown to communities off-peninsula.
“Linking these popular trails with a safe and accessible connector
is going to have a tremendously positive impact both on the
Bayside neighborhood but also for those who commute to the
downtown by bike or foot,” stated Director of Public Services
Michael Bobinsky. “The success of this project is directly related to
the willingness of all parties, from MDOT to the city and PACTS to
the public, to collaborate and work towards a common goal – make
the city accessible to all modes of transportation.”
The public is encouraged to attend the meeting to learn firsthand
of the preliminary plans for the proposed ten-foot-wide, asphalt
and stone-dust bike/pedestrian trail, ask questions, and provide
feedback to the design. The $195,000 trail connector, funded by
the Maine Department of Transportation with a 20% local match
provided by the City of Portland, is expected to be constructed this
fall. Plans for the trail connector will also be available for review at
Portland Public Services, 55 Portland Street.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 6:00 PM
Merrill Auditorium, Rehearsal Hall
Myrtle Street, Portland
Monday, August 1, 2011
Fatal Shooting on Outer
Congress Street
Portland police say a man was shot to death near the Mobil gas
station next to the Doubletree Hotel on Outer Congress Street this
morning at about 4:30 AM. Police closed off the area around
Congress and Massachusetts Avenue for about five hours, and
were searching for a suspect.
WMTW Channel 8 reported that the man ran across Congress
Street from the back of an apartment building at 4 Massachusetts
Avenue, holding his chest and saying he had been shot, before he
collapsed on the street. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses reported seeing a man fleeing the scene.
Police later said that the victim was 41 years old, but declined to
reveal his identity until after an autopsy is performed on Tuesday.
No Flying Debris, Please
The City of Portland Public Services crews will collect trash and
recycling for their normal Monday collection schedule tomorrow,
and the City is asking that residents place their trash and recycling
curbside no earlier than 6:30 AM tomorrow morning in order to
reduce the potential for flying debris caused by Hurricane Irene.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Thirteen-year-old Kicks
LePage's Butt (At Billiards)
A 13-year-old national billiards champion visited the Blaine House
on August 19th and beat Governor Paul LePage in what was
described as a "close match."
Taylor Reynolds, of Winslow, visited the governor's mansion in
Augusta to meet Governor LePage, and talk about her upcoming
trip to the World Pool-Billiard Association World Junior 9-Ball
Championships, which will be held in Keilce, Poland, from August
31st through September 3rd.
Taylor recently, took the national title for girls 14-and-under at the
Billiard Education Foundation’s National Championship in Illinois.
The Governor lost the match with the champ, and urged her to
“bring home the gold.” Before leaving, Taylor presented Governor
LePage with a new cue stick, and encouraged him to keep
practicing.
The daughter of Steve and Tammy Reynolds, Taylor learned her
craft initially at home with dad on their own table, then she
practiced and played many old timers at TJ’s Billiards, the family-
owned pool hall located Waterville. She is also an honor student,
Taylor’s winning cue sticks from tournaments are currently being
raffled at TJ’s Billiards. All proceeds will help fund her trip to
Poland. For more information about the upcoming tournament visit
http://www.billiardeducation.org/ or if you would like to support
Taylor Reynolds in her fundraising effort, visit TJ’s Billiards, Airport
Road, Waterville.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Local Group to Mark 50th
Anniversary of Demolition of
Union Station
Greater Portland Landmarks will mark the 50th anniversary of the
demolition of the clock tower at Union Station on Wednesday,
August 31st, hosting "Remembering Union Station" at its office at
93 High Street from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Union Station was located at
the current site of the Union Station shopping mall on St. John
Street.
The event will include a viewing of local historian John
Marcigliano's 50-minute documentary, "All Aboard for Union
Station". Old photos will be on display and there will be a
discussion following the film. The demolition of Union Station
resulted in the beginning of the historic preservation movement in
Portland.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Congress Street Bank Robbery
Quashed
Portland police say that several customers and bank employees
tackled a would-be bank robber at the TD Bank branch on
Congress Street near Monument Square at about 4 PM today and
held him until police arrived. The bank robber, identified as
Benjamin Poirier, 31, of Naples, Maine, was taken to Maine Medical
Center with possible injuries from the aborted heist.
Bill Umbel, owner of the Empire Dine and Dance on Congress
Street, was identified as one of the bank customers who helped
subdue the suspect.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Oversight Review Finds No
Evidence of Wrongdoing at
Maine Green Energy Alliance
West End Rep Jon Hinck accuses Republicans of
'scraping bones looking for political red meat'
A government audit of the Maine Green Energy Alliance has found
no evidence of political wrongdoing by Democrats working for the
organization, or by Democratic lawmakers.
The Office of Program Evaluation & Government Accountability
(OPEGA) presented its findings to the Legislature’s Government
Oversight Committee today. The three-month long probe, initially
requested by The Utilities Committee on which West End State
Representative Jon Hinck serves, found that the now non-
operational alliance had weak financial controls and informal
practices that created a risk for misuse of funds, but found no
fraud or inappropriate use of federal money.
“Republicans operatives keep looking to use the management
lapses at the Maine Green Energy Alliance to assail Democratic
candidates who worked for the organization and worse, lawmakers
who promote weatherization,” said Hinck, the lead House Democrat
on the legislature’s Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee .
“The audit douses those sparks, and exposes the sham of
overheated Republican rhetoric. We should simply learn a few
good lessons here about managing contracts with start-up non-
profits and move on," said Hinck. "Scraping the bones of a small
defunct operation looking for political red meat does little to
improve building energy efficiency or lower the cost of energy.
Let’s get on with the real work here.”
Friday, August 19, 2011
Groundhog on Western Prom
Gets Stuck in Tin Can
A West End resident reports that he came upon a groundhog on
the Western Prom whose head was stuck in a tin can. The
resident, with the help of other residents, tried to free the creature,
but were unable to remove the can. They eventually called for help
from someone in Westbrook who specializes in animal rescues.
The animal was transported to Westbrook, but it is not known if
the groundhog was successfully freed from the tin can.
Designers to Re-Do West
End Mansion
The thirteenth edition of the Portland Symphony Orchestra’s
Designer Show House will be open to the public from September
10th through October 2nd, with a preview party on the evening of
September 9th. Seventeen designers and landscapers from
around Maine were invited to transform fifteen distinct areas of the
Hamlen House at 149 Western Prom. Each designer or design
team is assigned a space in the Show House, and must implement
the re-design between the beginning of August and the house
opening for the preview party.
A range of influence and expertise is represented in the group of
designers. As a group, the designers have won national and local
awards and accolades for their work, and their influences range
from the classic and traditional to the modern and contemporary.
About the House:
With its boulevard-esque, tree-lined streets, the Western
Promenade overlooks the Fore River as it meets Casco Bay, and
on clear days, the White Mountains are visible against the horizon.
The house was built in 1920 atop a portion of the John Bundy
Brown Estate which was destroyed in 1915. Architect John P.
Thomas built the spacious stone and slate tudor, complete with a
servants' wing and chauffeur's apartment above the garage for
James C. Hamlen and his family (related to Hannibal Hamlin,
Abraham Lincoln's Vice President).
Admission to the Show House is $25 per person or $20 if
purchased by September 8th. Tickets will also be available at the
door for $25. Admission to the Show House is limited to adults and
children over age ten.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Civic Center Modernization:
32 Million Dollar Bond
Question This November
PAMELA CRAIGIN
On Monday, August 8th, the Cumberland County Commissioners
voted to put a 32 million bond - called the Cumberland County
Civic Center Modernization - on the November ballot. Commissions
Feeney and Cloutier voted in favor, while Commissioner Witonis
dissented.
The modernization plan includes a 62% increase in concession
points of sale, 84% increase in concourse area, 23% increase in
ticketing area, all new seating, 500 "club" seats with adjacent
lounge, 90 new accessible seats, improved locker rooms and
public bathrooms, mechanical and electrical systems and exterior
facade. The complete details of the plan can be found on the
Cumberland County website http://www.cumberlandcounty.org/
Five members of the public - three of whom did not support the
bond due concern for tax increases - were present to ask
questions. One estimate was given of a potential tax increase
between $5 and $12 per household, per year, according to 2011
mil rates.
Commissioners Feeney and Cloutier made a case for taking
advantage of low interest rates available now, and Cumberland
County’s AAA bond rating.
In response to the public comments about the project, Neal Pratt, a
member of the Cumberland County Civic Center Board of
Trustees, indicated that the public was invited to be involved at
every step. Mr. Pratt said that revenue projections for the civic
center were difficult to estimate and not included in the
presentation, but are available on the website.
Man Assaulted, Robbed in
Deering Oaks Park
Portland police have arrested three people and charged them with
robbery after a man was attacked and robbed in Deering Oaks
Park at about 1 AM on Saturday.
Arrested near the Portland Expo on Park Avenue just blocks from
the alleged crime were Ryan Nadeau, 24, address unknown,
Kayla Warren, 28, of Portland and Jeffrey Matthews, 21, of South
Portland.
Police say that Warren was accompanying the victim, who
described her to police as his girlfriend, when the two men ran up
to the victim, assaulted him and took his wallet. Police say Warren
left the scene with the two men.
Drug Dealing and Stabbing
on Ocean Avenue
Portland police arrested three suspects from Massachusetts in
connection with an incident at 546 Ocean Avenue on Monday
morning which sent three people to the hospital with minor stab
wounds, and one with an ankle injury.
Arrested were Jeremy Frost, 22, of Dorchester, who was charged
with assault and aggravated drug trafficking; Camilia Clark, 23, of
Dorchester, charged with assault; and Tiana Clark, 28, of
Medford, who was charged with aggravated assault. Tiana Clark
was one of three people arrested in Saco in January on charges of
kidnapping a woman who reported being held against her will and
being forced to be a prostitute.
Police say the three suspects entered an apartment in the building
and got into an argument with the people there.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Portland Native Beats Red
Sox
Portland native Charlie Furbush allowed just one run over seven
innings to the Boston Red Sox on Sunday in Seattle, as his
Seattle team defeated the Sox 5-3 . Furbush, 25, a left-handed
rookie pitcher for the Seattle Mariners, was traded to the Mariners
last week from the Detroit Tigers. It was his second victory since
the trade. The victory denied Sox veteran Tim Wakefield his 200th
Major League win.
Furbush, who was born in Portland and grew up a Red Sox fan,
attended South Portland High School. He then went on to St.
Joseph's College and Louisiana State University before turning
professional. He made his Major League debut, and earned his
first Major League victory, on May 23rd. He pitched five shutout
innings against the Red Sox earlier this year as a member of the
Tigers.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Local Belly Dancer Featured at
Las Vegas Belly Dance Festival
Photo by Jon Reese
Portland belly dancer Rosa Noreen will appear as a featured
instructor at the 2011 Las Vegas Belly Dance Intensive in
September. Just over thirty instructors were chosen from worldwide
applications. Rosa is the only teacher from New England.
The Las Vegas Belly Dance Intensive, held at the Flamingo Hotel &
Casino in Las Vegas, NV, is one of the world's top belly dance
festivals. Rosa will perform in the juried professional show, "A Night
in the City of Riches" on Friday, September 9th, and she will teach
a workshop entitled "Delicious Pauses: Negative Space in
Movement" on Sunday, September 11th.
Drawing on her extensive ballet training and her love of Egyptian
dance, Rosa has developed a uniquely elegant style of belly
dance which impressed the selection committee. Trained in
classical ballet from a young age in Ellsworth, ME, Rosa was
injured during a pre-professional program near Boston as a
teenager and gave up dance. After college, however, she returned
to Maine and in 2004 fell in love with belly dance under the
instruction of local teacher Jamileh.
In 2010 Rosa co-founded Portland's first belly dance-focused
studio, Bright Star World Dance. She produces the popular
quarterly belly dance show, "Raqs Borealis," and the annual
variety show, "Solstice Spectacuar," which features top Portland
entertainers across genres and a different world-famous belly
dancer each year.
“I'm excited to bring my style of dance to Las Vegas, and it's a
great opportunity to learn new techniques and meet other dancers
from around the world!” says Rosa.
Details about the Las Vegas Belly Dance Intensive and Rosa
Noreen can be found on the website, http://RosaNoreen.com/,
by emailing info@rosanoreen.com, or by calling (207) 409-
9540. The shows are all-ages. Tickets are $45. Workshops are
$30 a la carte. Event packages are available. Photos and an
online press release can be found at http://RosaNoreen.
com/pressreleases/
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Driver Arrested After Crashing Truck
into Congress Street Sandwich Shop
Portland police have arrested Charles Know, 43, after he crashed
a 1993 Ford pickup into th Mr. Sandwich and Mrs. Muffin Sandwich
Shop on Congress Street and Deering Avenue (Bramhall Square)
around 5 AM this morning. He was charged with leaving the scene
of an accident after he fled the scene on foot and was arrested
soon after.
The shop serves baked goods and quiche for breakfast, and a
range of soups, salads and sandwiches through the rest of the
day. The owners of the shop, which originally opened in April,
2010, plan to reopen next Tuesday.
Alfond Blasts Governor,
State Republicans
"Democrats will not be bullied," says Senator.
In a wide-ranging editorial in the August 10th issue of the Bangor
Daily News, Portland State Senator Justin Alfond says that the
LePage administration and the Republican majority is responsible
for an increasingly politically-charged tone in Augusta.
He accuses the governor of leading the Republican Party in an
attack on the environment, introducing dozens of anti-worker bills,
and leveraging their majority status to ramrod bills through the
legislature.
Alfond is Assistant Senate Democratic leader. The entire editorial
can be seen here:
https://bangordailynews.com/2011/08/09/opinion/new-
leadership-in-augusta-detracts-from-jobs-economy/
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Feline Flash Mob Hits
Monument Square
The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland organized a flash
mob at noon today in Monument Square. The group is hoping to
find 350 homes for the cats they have. The ARL is experiencing up
to 25 surrenders per day and now they have 350 kittens looking
for homes. About 50 participants in the flash mob wore kitten
masks and did the Kitten Adoption Dance at noon. The ARL is
waiving adoption fees from August 11th to 14th to try to place all
the kittens.
West End Block Party Still
Planned for Tonight
The West End Neighborhood Association is inviting all nineteen
mayoral candidates to come to the West End and share their
campaign ideas with West End residents at the annual WENA
Picnic and Block Party tonight from 6-8 p.m. Bring food and a dish
to share. Festivities will take place on the Salem Street block
between Brackett and Clark Streets. Grill will be located in the
driveway at 30 Salem.
** WENA monthly meetings are at the Reiche Community Center,
166 Brackett Street, Portland. Next one is Wednesday, September
14, 2011 at 6:30p.m.
** Save the date: Saturday, May 19, 2012: WESTFEST 2012
More info: http://www.WENAMaine.org/
Public Safety Committee:
City Should Ban Fireworks
The Portland City Council's Public Safety Committee voted
unanimously on Tuesday, August 9th to recommend that the City
of Portland ban consumer fireworks in the city, despite a recently-
enacted state law allowing their sale in Maine.
West End Councilor David Marshall joined Public Safety Committee
Chair Ed Suslovic in making the recommendation to the Council,
which will make a final decision on the issue in September.
Councilor John Coyne, the third member of the committee, was not
present at the meeting.
Portland Fire Chief Fred LaMontagne said his department had
"grave concerns" about fireworks causing fires and injuries if
allowed in the city. Marshall said he has already received a lot of
complaints about fireworks in his district.
Tuesday, August 9th
Smokey Bear to Throw Out
First Ball at Seadogs Game
Smokey Bear will celebrate his 67th birthday and remind people to
be careful with all outdoor fires - by throwing out the first pitch at
the Portland Seadogs game at 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 9th
(tonight) at Hadlock Field in Portland.
Smokey Bear was first found as an orphaned cub in a dangerous
wildfire in New Mexico in 1944.
After Smokey throws out the first pitch for the game, he will walk
through the stands and be available for pictures with fans.
Since 1944, Smokey Bear has been a recognized symbol of
conservation and protection of America's forests. The famous bear
has educated generations of Americans about their role in wildfire
prevention.
For more information about Smokey Bear, go to: www.
smokeybear.com
For more information about Maine Forest Service’s Fire Prevention
Program, call: (207) 287-4990.
For more information about the Maine Forest Service, go to: http:
//www.maineforestservice.gov
Monday, August 8, 2011
Two Busted for Parkside
Graffiti Markings
Portland police arrested Robert Sinnott, 26, of Portland, and Alana
Saleeby, 22, of Scarborough at about 1:40 AM on August 8th, and
charged them with criminal mischief for violating Portland's new
graffiti ordinance. They are the first people charged with violating
the new law.
Police say the pair was lying in the intersection of Deering and
Mellen Streets in the Parkside neighborhood, and were carrying
markers on them that were the same as those used in marking
nearby traffic signs and mailboxes.
The new Portland ordinance bans creating graffiti as well as
possession of graffiti-making implements. Violators of the
ordinance can be fined $500 and be required to do at least 25
hours of community service. Possession or furnishing of graffiti
instruments calls for a fine of as much as $250.
Same Day Voting Petitions to
be Delivered Today
As many as 81,000 signatures could be delivered
The Protect Maine Votes coalition has gathered at least 68,000
signatures to put a People's Veto on November's ballot that could
overturn the new state law requiring voters to register two business
days before an election, The new law eliminating same day voter
registration was signed by Governor LePage in June.
The coalition is submitting those signatures to the Secretary of
State today, and one source says that the coalition has as many
as 81,000 signatures on the petitions. The minimum number of
valid signatures required is 57,277,and they must be delivered to
the Secretary of State by Tuesday afternoon to force a November
referendum.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Coyne, Leeman Unopposed
in Re-election Bids
Nineteen candidates have taken out nomination papers to run for
Portland's mayor, but so far, City Councilors John Coyne and
Cheryl Leeman have drawn no opposition in their bids for re-
election to represent Districts 4 and 5 on the Council.
Leeman, who has served as Portland mayor twice herself, was the
leading voice in opposition to the changes that led to the mayor
being elected in a popular vote. She has served on the Council for
27 years and will be running for her 10th term.
Coyne will be seeking his second term on the Council. He
previously served one term on the Portland School Committee,
including two years as its Chair.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
WENA Invites Mayoral Candidates
to Annual Block Party
The West End Neighborhood Association is inviting all nineteen
mayoral candidates to come to the West End and share their
campaign ideas with West End residents at the annual WENA
Picnic and block Party on August 10th.
Annual WENA Picnic on Wednesday, August 10, from 6-8 p.m.
Bring food and a dish to share. Festivities will take place on the
Salem Street block between Brackett and Clark Streets. Grill will be
located in the driveway at 30 Salem.
** WENA monthly meetings are at the Reiche Community Center,
166 Brackett Street, Portland. Next one is Wednesday, September
14, 2011 at 6:30p.m.
** Save the date: Saturday, May 19, 2012: WESTFEST 2012
More info: http://www.WENAMaine.org/
Police Department Offers
Basic Self Defense Class for
Women Next Month
Rape Aggression Defense course to offer real
life defense tools and tactics
This September, the Portland Police Department will offer its Rape
Aggression Defense Training class. R.A.D. provides women with
the tools they need to both avoid dangerous situations and escape
them. The course is specifically designed to help women survive
situations in which their lives are in jeopardy.
This class is open to all women, ages 13 and older, in the Greater
Portland area, who would like to develop real life defensive tools
and tactics. The Basic Self-Defense Course consists of a series of
four classes and one scenario day. The class is scheduled for
September 6, 8, 13, and 15, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and
September 17 from 8:00 AM to noon (registration deadline August
31). All classes must be attended to complete the course. The
classes will be held at the Portland Police Department, 109 Middle
Street, Portland, Maine.
A donation of $25.00 for the course is suggested. All donations
support the Amy St. Laurent Fund, which sponsors the R.A.D.
training. Due to attendance issues, all donations must be paid
prior to the first class (send checks to ASLF/PPD RAD Program,
Portland Police Department, 109 Middle Street, Portland ME
04101). To sign up for the class or receive more information about
Portland R.A.D., e-mail ppdrad@portlandmaine.gov or call 874-
8643.
September 6, 8, 13, 15, and 17, 2011
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (9/17 class 8:00 AM – noon)
Portland Police Department
109 Middle Street, Portland
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Portland Delegation Makes
Freedom of Access Request
in LePage/Olsen Feud
Portland's legislative delegation has made a request under the
Freedom of Access Act to obtain all documents related to the
allegations made by former Marine Resources Commissioner
Norman Olsen, after Olsen resigned his post last week.
"The Portland legislative delegation was concerned about
comments made by former Marine Resources Commissioner
Norman Olsen that the Governor would not work with the City of
Portland because we are "against him," says State Senator Justin
Alfond. Governor Paul LePage agreed to meet with Portland Mayor
Nick Mavodones last week to discuss the issues surrounding
Olsen's resignation, but the legislative delegation was blocked
from attending that meeting.
"We felt it was necessary to get to the bottom of these allegations,
so we submitted a letter under the Freedom of Access Act (FOAA)
to request all documents regarding the allegations made by
Commissioner Olsen," said Alfond.
In a letter to the Governor's office, the delegation formally
requested the following documents - or access to the documents -
for the period from February 1st to the date of Commissioner
Olsen’s resignation:
•All emails and other correspondence between the Governor’s
Office and employees of the Department of Marine Resources
related to the City of Portland.
•All emails and other correspondence related to groundfishing and
lobstering in Maine. The groundfishing industry and lobster
industry shall mean “but not be limited to owners of businesses
and vessels, vessel operators and crew, employees, agents,
lobbyists, representatives, lawyers.”
•Records of meetings and correspondence between members of
the groundfishing and lobster industries and the Governor’s Office.
•Records of meetings and correspondence between employees of,
elected officials of, and member of the legislative delegation from
the City of Portland and the Governor’s Office.
•All notes from staff from the Governor’s Office regarding any of
the meetings or correspondence noted above.
The delegation requested a written response to this request within
ten (10) business days, and asked the Governor provide or make
the documents available within 30 days.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Police Identify Man Shot to
Death on Congress Street
Portland police have identified a man was shot to death on Outer
Congress Street on Monday as Allen Maclean, 41, of Portland. His
death has been ruled a homicide. An autopsy today determined
that Maclean died of a gunshot wound.
The shooting occurred at about 4:30 AM. Police closed off the
area around Congress and Massachusetts Avenue for about five
hours, as they began the search for a suspect.
WMTW Channel 8 reported that Maclean ran across Congress
Street from the back of an apartment building at 4 Massachusetts
Avenue, holding his chest and saying he had been shot, before he
collapsed on the street. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses reported seeing a man fleeing the scene. No arrests
have been made.
Property Tax and Rent Rebates Now
Available
Refunds of up to $1600 are available, as of August 1st, for taxes
or rent paid in 2010. Thousands of Portland households qualify for
the targeted refund, according to East End State Representative
Diane Russell, including working families, seniors and others who
can apply by filling out the one-page application, and will receive a
partial refund of taxes and/or rent paid on their primary residence.
To qualify, an applicant's 2010 adjusted household income must
be $64,950 or less ($86,600 for those with spouse or
dependents). In addition, an applicant's 2010 property tax must
have been more than 4% (or rent more than 20%) of their 2010
household income. Low-income seniors do not need to meet this
requirement. To apply, visit maine.gov/revenue/taxrelief or call
Maine Revenue Services at (207) 626-8475.
Waynflete Fiddle Player Raises over
$1000 for Friends of Casco Bay
Waynflete graduate and fiddle player Meghan Mette of Cape
Elizabeth has donated the proceeds of her first CD to Friends of
Casco Bay.
Meghan has a passion for protecting the ocean, which led her to
volunteer for the marine conservation organization in South
Portland . As a 2010 summer intern, she helped with algae studies,
water quality monitoring, and research on environmental issues for
Casco Baykeeper Joe Payne . On her volunteer application,she
happened to note, “Although it isn’t relevant, I am a passionate
fiddle player.” As it turns out, it has been extremely relevant, as
she has leveraged her talent to raise over $1,000 for Friends of
Casco Bay.
During the spring of her senior year, Meghan recorded a CD with
14 tracks, many of which she composed herself, inspired by the
fiddle music of several genres: Celtic, Cape Breton , bluegrass,
folk, and Louisiana blues. She is contributing the entire proceeds
from sales of First Day to the environmental organization.
Friends of Casco Bay ’s Executive director Cathy Ramsdell
enthused, “Meghan’s interdisciplinary approach to life is so
enriching to be around. Her enthusiasm and her talents will take
her far. We’ve been so lucky to have her as a generous Friend to
the Bay. She’s a star at whatever she does, and we know we’ll be
looking back one day saying, ‘We knew her when…’”
Meghan has postponed entering Oberlin College for a year in
order to devote herself to her other passion: studying fiddle music
in Ireland .
Public Meeting to Discuss Much-
Anticipated Back Cove Trail Connector
City and state officials invite public to view plans for
Bayside-Back Cove link
The City of Portland, Maine Department of Transportation and
Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS) will
host a public meeting on Wednesday, August 3rd to discuss plans
to construct a trail connector from the Franklin Street-Marginal
Way intersection to the Back Cove Trail. The connector will help
fully realize the vision for the Bayside Trail as a key link connecting
the city's most used trails and parks: the Back Cove Trail, the
Eastern Promenade and Eastern Prom Trail, East End Beach, and
Deering Oaks. The connector will also provide easy and safe
access for cyclists and pedestrians looking to travel from Portland’
s downtown to communities off-peninsula.
“Linking these popular trails with a safe and accessible connector
is going to have a tremendously positive impact both on the
Bayside neighborhood but also for those who commute to the
downtown by bike or foot,” stated Director of Public Services
Michael Bobinsky. “The success of this project is directly related to
the willingness of all parties, from MDOT to the city and PACTS to
the public, to collaborate and work towards a common goal – make
the city accessible to all modes of transportation.”
The public is encouraged to attend the meeting to learn firsthand
of the preliminary plans for the proposed ten-foot-wide, asphalt
and stone-dust bike/pedestrian trail, ask questions, and provide
feedback to the design. The $195,000 trail connector, funded by
the Maine Department of Transportation with a 20% local match
provided by the City of Portland, is expected to be constructed this
fall. Plans for the trail connector will also be available for review at
Portland Public Services, 55 Portland Street.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 6:00 PM
Merrill Auditorium, Rehearsal Hall
Myrtle Street, Portland
Monday, August 1, 2011
Fatal Shooting on Outer
Congress Street
Portland police say a man was shot to death near the Mobil gas
station next to the Doubletree Hotel on Outer Congress Street this
morning at about 4:30 AM. Police closed off the area around
Congress and Massachusetts Avenue for about five hours, and
were searching for a suspect.
WMTW Channel 8 reported that the man ran across Congress
Street from the back of an apartment building at 4 Massachusetts
Avenue, holding his chest and saying he had been shot, before he
collapsed on the street. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses reported seeing a man fleeing the scene.
Police later said that the victim was 41 years old, but declined to
reveal his identity until after an autopsy is performed on Tuesday.
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