Portland East - Portland, Maine News & Whatnot

Win a 42 inch TV!

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:16:00 PST

The Marsh Agency Insurance, located at 560 Brighton Avenue, has donated a 42″ HD LCD Vizio Flatscreen TV for Portland Buy Local to give away. Raffle tickets are available for $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. Purchase your tickets at the following member businesses:

Longfellow Books
Marsh Agency
Planet Dog
University Credit Union
Videoport

Raffle tickets are also available from any Buy Local Board Member or by contacting Mary Marsh at marym@marshagency.com.

The drawing will be held at our next Buy Local Mixer, which will be held on Wednesday, December 14th at the Portland Museum of Art.

Please note that the winner does not need to be present for the drawing (but you won’t want to miss the chance to make a room full of other people jealous!).

Purchase your tickets now for a chance to win!

Go-Go friday

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:47:00 PST

Each December, the Bakery Photographic Collective hosts its annual fundraiser, Photo-A-Go-Go. One of Southern Maine’s most anticipated events, Photo-A-Go-Go is a silent auction featuring works from established and emerging photographers at incredible prices. Members, interns and photographers from all over the country donate framed photographic prints that are displayed for viewing and sold via the silent auction. Arguably the largest photo exhibition in the state of Maine, the fundraiser has continued to be a huge success and has allowed the collective to thrive and provide a reliable photographic resource to its members, interns and the Southern Maine photographic community.

Go-Go Party and Auction: Friday, December 9th, 6pm-8pm, Free

Council rejects Occupy Maine permit

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:38:00 PST

As expected, the City Council has rejected Occupy Maine's request for a permit for Lincoln Park. The next question is when and how to clear the park out.

At issue was whether the city should allow the group to stay in Portland’s oldest park despite an ordinance that forbids people from being there between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The council’s Public Safety Committee voted 3-0 last week to recommend that the council reject the permit request.

After the vote, John Branson, an attorney for the protesters, said the group will seek a court order to allow it to remain in the park. Press Herald

Public Safety Committee Votes Against Occupy Maine

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:07:00 PST

The City Council's Public Safety Committee voted 3-0 Thursday night to recommend that the council reject Occupy Maine's request for a permit that would allow it to continue its encampment in Lincoln Park. The vote came after a five-hour meeting that included more than two hours of public testimony in the packed City Council chambers. The council will vote on the permit at a special meeting Wednesday. - PressHerald

More background on Munjoy Hill News

Yes on Civic Center Bond

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:33:00 PST

The Civic Center needs to be renovated to bring it up to modern standards. As an economic engine to Portland and the County, it is well worth the money to improve it. civiccenterforme.com:

Voters will be asked to approve a $33 million bond on November 8th. Two leading national economic research companies agree there will be substantial revenue increases if the renovations to the CCCC are implemented. These revenue projections show there will be no new net taxes for residents of Cumberland County. The enhancements will allow the Civic Center to attract new shows which would currently not come to the Cumberland County Civic Center. The enhancements will also provide a much better experience for people who attend events at the civic center. The overall experience will be greatly enhanced by improvements and increase in restrooms; the expansion of the concourse; new seating including premium seating; increase in concession stands; major improvements for handicap access and seating and numerous other necessary upgrades. The loading dock on Center Street will also be upgraded providing better service to acts that perform at the civic center and enable the Civic Center to attract new acts. This will be the first renovation since the Civic Center opened 34 years ago.

Yes on One

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 09:51:00 PDT

The new voter registration law is simply undemocratic, and causes many more problems that it solves. Protect Maine Votes:

We have had same-day voter registration for almost 40 years now, and it works well. We have one of the highest voter participation rates in the country, and no significant problems with voter fraud. The politicians in Augusta should not be trying to get rid of it – Vote YES to keep same-day registration.

Election fraud in Maine is rare. There have been only two cases of prosecuted election fraud during the past 38 years.

A lot of people in Maine have to work two or even three jobs to make ends meet, which can make it difficult for them to take time off to go register. Same-day registration makes it possible for many working Mainers to vote. Without same-day registration, these hardworking people could be shut out.

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:48:00 PDT

The Bollard's rundown on the Mayoral Candidates .

To help you make your picks on Nov. 8, we’ve provided brief profiles of all 15 candidates and their answers to our voters’ guide questions. We asked the contenders what they would do to lower property taxes and whether they think the city’s been too generous (or not generous enough) giving tax breaks to wealthy developers and lawyers who want waterfront offices. The candidates were asked for their thoughts on the idea of limiting the spread of chain and franchise businesses and the prospect of putting the publicly owned Maine State Pier back on the market for private development. Waterfront zoning, the future of the Cumberland County Civic Center, and other issues were also discussed.

Indie Biz Awards - voting open

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:31:00 PDT

Vote here

We’ll be celebrating the winners – and all of the organizations who make Portland such a great place to live – at the 2011 Indie Biz Awards! Organizations must be located in Portland, be locally owned and independent.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011
6:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress

FREE for Portland Buy Local Members and their employees!
$5 suggested donation requested from all others.

More Booze

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 06:18:00 PDT

When beer and mead are not enough. Mainebiz

Wight intends to make gin, whiskey and rum in a gleaming 250-gallon copper still he had custom made in Portugal. Last spring, he moved into a 3,000-square-foot facility in an industrial area off Forest Avenue, where his neighbors include microbrewers Geary's Brewing Co., Allagash Brewing Co., Rising Tide Brewing Co., Bull Jagger Brewing Co. and Maine Beer Co. It's fitting that Wight's located here, because experts predict artisanal liquor will follow a similar trajectory to microbrews, which have grown in popularity over the last two decades.

Downtown Worker Appreciation Day - tomorrow morning!

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:54:00 PDT

Portland's Downtown District and Portland Buy Local are joining forces to present:
Downtown Worker Appreciation Day!

Thursday September 15th
(Rain date Sept. 16)

Mayor Watch

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:26:00 PDT

With more candidates than I can keep track of, I rely on the West End New's MayorWatch2011 for the latest on the crazy campaign. The next forum is at the State Theatre:

The Portland Music Foundation (PMF) and the Portland Arts &
Cultural Alliance (PACA) are teaming up to present a Portland mayoral
forum focused on issues and policies related the city’s arts, culture and
music community on Monday, October 3rd from 6 to 8 pm (doors open
at 5 pm) at the State Theatre at 609 Congress Street. The event is free
and open to the public.

Urban Outfitters Coming

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:43:00 PDT

In the seemingly forever "soon to be opening" space at 188 Middle St., it appears Urban Outfitters is moving in. They will be taking up 9,945 sq. ft. of prime Old Port space.

http://www.portlandmaine.gov/planning/hpmemo188middlestreet.pdf

I think of them as selling cheap, mass-produced junk. Anyone see them differently?

Time Dollar Silent Auction

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:53:00 PDT

"Hour Exchange Portland is proud to announce its annual Spring Into Summer Online Silent Auction! HEP, formerly Portland Time Bank, has always been about celebrating gifts… the uniquegifts and talentswithin each oneof us…the gifts of our love and time spent with others. In this season of giving and celebration, we remind ourselves of the opportunity to reflect on the abundance in our lives, and the tapestry of people that enrich our experiences.

That is why the items in our auction were chosen-- to help us appreciate the gifts all around us-- our family, our friends and our community. The Portland area boasts a wide array of generous and innovative businesses, which is why our auction highlights Buying Local and Maine’s abundance."

Preble Street's Drug Market

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Sun, 15 May 2011 14:39:00 PDT

The West End News has a stunning article about the illegal drug market at the Preble Street Resource Center. While an important resource for many homeless and others in need, the center is reported to an open air drug market. The apparent ease at which drugs can be bought at the center (which is also in very close proximity to Preble Street's Teen Center) is disturbing. While much of this is not new news (the Press Herald just reported on crime problems in the area), the details in the WEN article suggest the center may be causing more harm than good.

One of them is Joe T., a man in his late thirties, who says that to those involved in the illegal drug market, the Preble Street Resource Center is known as the “Preble Street Pharmacy” and the Soup Kitchen is called “Preble Street Garden,” comparing it to the Olive Garden restaurant. Joe is very familiar with both of these Portland scenes, since he has used them for several years. He says Preble Street is a “hot spot for drugs,” that when people are calling one another on their cell phones to set up drug transactions, they’ll make arrangements to meet at either the “Pharmacy” or the “Garden.” “Preble Street is the drug market of Portland,” he concluded. His feelings regarding workers are “They are enabling. Staff don’t care.”

Art Walk!

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Fri, 06 May 2011 10:39:00 PDT

Great night for the Art Walk. Be sure to stop by Moments and Abstractions at Photo Works. There will also be an artist reception tomorrow from 4-6.

And check out Geno's for photos by Braelyn Degnan

"Why is She Taking a Picture of THAT?!"

Braelyn Degnan bought her first camera last spring on a whim & now brings it nearly everywhere with her. Preferring uncommon subjects, the mutterings of passerby’s inspired this series’s title. She works in social services & her other interests include good books, bad television & rock shows. Music to follow!

(Printed at Photo Works)

Downtown Worker Appreciation Day - tomorrow morning!

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Wed, 04 May 2011 11:15:00 PDT

"We invite all those who work downtown to visit our tables located outside at the Portland Museum of Art, Monument Square, and Tommy's Park tomorrow morning.

Enjoy coupons and gifts from local businesses, refreshments and snacks!

Local businesses want to thank you for working downtown and keeping Portland's core vibrant. "

Moments & Abstractions - May 5 - June 24

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 19:28:00 PDT

Photography by C.C. Church and Richard Veit
Opening Reception April 7, 4-6 pm
Portland Photo Works

C.C. Church, a long time Portland photographer has been called the “undiscovered treasure of Maine.” He will be showing original silver gelatin prints from 1968-1984. The photographs in the show will feature people in the natural landscape. His work is in the collection of the Portland Museum of Art and several other Maine museums.

Richard Veit, a relative newcomer to the photography scene, will be displaying photographs of structural abstracts. The strength of Veit's work was noticed by the Portland Museum of Art who selected two of his images for the 2011 Biennial.

Peaks Island Can't Get Away Yet

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 19:21:00 PDT

Munjoy Hill News:

Late this afternoon, the State’s Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government voted unanimously to deny an act that would give Peaks Island the okay to secede from the City of Portland. The workshop session and vote took place in the Cross Building, Augusta.

Dobra Tea Opening

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:10:00 PDT

Upstairs from Videoport & Bull Moose is the new Dobra Tea

"Stop in Apr 1 – April 3 and come celebrate!

We’ll have music and over 100 varieties of tea along with many desserts and savory, light fare.
Bring your friends, family, out of town guests, and join us!

151 Middle Street, Portland"

Marshall to Throw in his Hat

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:24:00 PDT

David A. Marshall, a current city councilmember who was instrumental in the new elected mayoral system, is running for mayor. From his bio:

2006 - Present Represents Portland as the first artist elected to the City Council.
2009 - Present Joins the Boards of Creative Portland and the Maine Volunteer Lawyer for the Arts.
2009 - Amends the City of Portland 2010 Budget to fund Creative Portland through the Creative Economy Tax Increment Financing District with unanimous support from the City Council.
2008 - Sponsors and passes the Creative Economy Tax Increment Financing District for investing in the Creative Economy with unanimous support from the City Council.
2005 - Protests City of Portland ordinance that regulates street artists as vendors and compromises Freedom of Expression. The Council exempts artists from the ordinance following the protest.

One weekend left

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:59:00 PDT

for a Chorus Line, a two hour marathon of a show.

"A Chorus Line is rarely done in community theatres because of the difficulty of the material. This cast is doing over 90% of the original choreography of the Broadway show."

Seventeen dancers are vying for eight spots in a Broadway chorus. The original Broadway run garnered 12 Tony nominations with 9 wins, plus the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Don't miss this Broadway classic! Appropriate for ages 13 and up.

New Buy Local Website

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 07:37:00 PST

Portland Buy Local has launched a new and improved online directory - the best place to find your independent businesses.

The Buy Local renewal campaign is also in progress, so now is the time to join or renew to be included this year's print directory.

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts drop-in clinic - 3/4

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 06:23:00 PST

Where: Constellation Gallery at 511 Congress Street
When: Fri. 3/4 from 5:30-7 PM.

During March 4th's First Friday Art Walk, we will be hosting a drop-in clinic at our office in the Constellation Gallery at 511 Congress Street from 5:30-7 PM.
Interested artists and arts organizations will be able to spend 15 minutes speaking with a Maine VLA volunteer lawyer Brad Lawwill about a law-related issue of concern to them. Depending on the issue, the Maine Attorney Law may point the artist or arts organization in the right direction to find an answer on their own, or assist in arranging for a volunteer lawyer to get involved. Appointments will be made on a first come, first serve basis, starting at 5:30 PM.

More info at MEVLA

Congress Square, 2/25/11 [photo]

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:24:00 PST

You will miss this in a few months [photo]

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 11:42:00 PST

Maybe.

nonesuch photo