Original Portland - Portland, Maine News & Whatnot

3rd Healthiest for Women

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:32:00 PST

Self.com ranks the Portland metro area 3rd out of 100 healthiest places for women. Burlington took the top prize.

"'You can work downtown, hop on a bike at lunch and quickly be in a wooded area by a stream,' enthuses Heather Chandler, 38, publisher of the Sunrise Guide, a book of green-living tips for southern Maine. The area (including South Portland and Biddeford) posts primo scores for water and air quality and has nearly 70 percent more green buildings than the average. The state gives a green stamp of approval to eco-aware hotels and restaurants so customers can seek them out."

tip: I Love Portland Maine.com

Green Hand Bookshop Opens

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:43:00 PST

The Green Hand book store is now open on Congress St. (next to Joe's Smoke Shop). The bookstore, run by Michelle Souliere of Strange Maine blog fame share the space with the 'International Cryptozoology Museum.'

photo by Bryan Buchman

The Scarlet Letter D

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:27:00 PST

While Portland did the right thing last night, the majority of those who voted statewide chose discrimination with their votes to repeal the state's same-sex marriage law. The very disappointing result makes Maine the latest to not only continue to condone legal discrimination, but to reaffirm it by a popular vote.

While I am confident that in time this will be changed, we now have the mark of discrimination branded upon the state. It was a reminder that outside of Portland, many people in the state live in very different worlds. In countless communities there is no longer an economic engine, so people only leave and people who hold different values and provide new perspectives and don't move into those communities.

Once the bitterness of last nights vote passes, efforts to change the minds of those in the remote (and not so remote) communities can begin. Certainly many people won't change their views, but some will. While I don't know how this should be done, we can't just wait for the inevitable generational shift before we remove the stain of discrimination that has been placed upon our state.

Beans to Close Portland Outlet Store

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:37:00 PST

The L.L. Bean outlet store on Congress St. will close next September. Maybe Linda will sell me irregular Smartwool socks.

VOTE, dammit

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:54:00 PST

Phoenix endorsements
League of Young Voters endorsements

Bayside Trail Update

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:45:00 PDT

The Bayside Trail is coming along - see some photos by Corey Templeton at Daily Photo.

Oakhurst Adds Hybrid Truck

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:27:00 PDT

WMTW:

"The Portland-based company said the truck will use between 30 percent and 50 percent less fuel than its conventional trucks, burning about nine gallons a day as it delivers products to locations within 70 miles of Portland.

As part of the company's environmental commitment, Oakhurst said it has also installed a new solar energy system with 216 solar panels at its Waterville distribution center."

Art Beats Housing

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:43:00 PDT

Quimby will not have to pay for the housing units she is eliminating.

"The Portland City Council early this morning voted 6-3 to allow Roxanne Quimby to renovate a run-down apartment building on Congress Street into studios for an artist-in-residence program without having to pay more than $400,000 in city fees earmarked for affordable housing.

The vote at approximately 12:30 a.m. followed the “heart-wrenching” testimony of roughly 50 people divided equally between housing advocates who opposed the exemption and supporters of the arts who favored it, according to City Councilor David Marshall, chair of the council’s Housing Committee.

Councilors John Anton, Kevin Donoghue and Nicholas Mavodones Jr. voted against allowing the exemption."

- Portland Press Herald

Hell No on One! ~ Benefit Shows

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:29:00 PDT

Two shows at Empire Dine and Dance: Saturday 10/18, and an all ages show Sunday 10/19. Shows benefit Protect Maine Equality.

Featuring performances in whole or in part by members of:
Spencer and the School Spirit Mafia
Gypsy Tailwind
Lady Lamb the Beekeper
Jason Spooner
Kyle Gervais
The Rock and Roll Guru from WBLM
Chef Death Match
Kenya Hall
Lady Zen
The Number 9
As Fast As
The McCarthys
The Goodnight Process
Holy Boys Danger Club
Seymor (Billy Libby, Aren Sprinkle, Sean Morin)

Vintage Congress Square View

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:45:00 PDT

Old postcard of Congress and Free Streets. Photo Works is now offering flatbed scanning services for images up to 8x10.

Portland Pumpkin Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:40:00 PDT

"Camp Sunshine's 2009 Portland Pumpkin Festival goes all-out to light the night with jack-o-lanterns. The event will be held at Monument Square in Portland, ME from October 15-17, 2009. All donations made to the Portland Pumpkin Festival will be matched by Androscoggin Bank, up to $10,000."

JavaNet Out, Bean In

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:43:00 PDT

JavaNet on Exchange St. is apparently closing, to be replaced by one of Linda Bean's new restaurants.

Press Herald: "The Portland restaurant on Exchange Street will be the third year-round eatery when it opens next month. It will continue to operate as JavaNet until then. The other year-round restaurants are in Delray Beach, Fla., and Camden. Seasonal locations are in Rockland and Freeport. A pilot franchise has opened in Hull, Mass."

Phish 11/29

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:32:00 PDT

Portland Press Herald:

"Jam band Phish performs at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29.

Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. on Oct. 24. General admission and reserved seat tickets are $50 and are available through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available through the civic center box office on Spring Street or by calling 775-3458.

Box office sales on Oct. 24 are cash only. A limited number of tickets are available through the band's online ticketing system until 5 p.m. on Oct. 16. Go to http://phish.portals.musictoday.com."

Portland Kickballers Going to World Championship

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:33:00 PDT

The Forecaster:

"The Portland All Stars Only are the first kickball team from Maine to participate in the world championships, now in its 12th year. The team will be one of 72 competing in the Founders Cup World Kickball Championship Tournament on Oct. 10 at Desert Breeze Park in Las Vegas.

Since their formation about a year and a half ago, the team has gone 42-0 and is now ranked No. 1 in the nation, according to Courtney Silvagney of the World Adult Kickball Association.

But still, team member Sarah Nelson said the group is unproved on the national circuit and an underdog heading into Saturday's contest."

Councilors Split on Artists Studios Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:25:00 PDT

Roxanne Quimby's plan to renovate 660 Congress St. into artist studios will eliminate seven apartment units. Under City law that requires either replacing those housing units, or a payment of $57,850 per unit. Quimby's request for exemption from that as a "Project of Special Merit," was before the Housing Committee last night. Councilor Donoghue voted against it, while Councilors Marshall and Coyne voted in favor.

"The need for housing in the city, especially affordable housing, should not be shortchanged, said Dee Clarke, an advocate with Homeless Voices for Justice. 'I think the vision is awesome,' she said, 'but to give it special treatment, to not put money in housing replacement, is not fair.'

Councilor Kevin Donoghue voted against the exemption, saying the goal of preserving the city's housing stock is too important to waive, even for a desirable project.

Committee Chairman David Marshall said it is difficult to choose between important community goals like housing and the arts. 'I know many artists that struggled to find housing that is affordable and artists that are homeless,' he said. But he said he feels the project meets the community benefit required for the exemption."

“Project of Special Merit” - A project may not be designed as a project of special merit unless the council determines that:

a. The project is consistent with the comprehensive plan of the City of Portland.

b. The project will provide significant public and civic benefits, including without limitation, social or other benefits which are significant to the community, and particularly desirable at the location proposed; and

c. Notice of the hearing before the Council shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Portland not less than seven (7) days prior to final action and notice shall also be sent to all persons who would receive notice in the case of an appeal for a variance.

photo - 10/5/09

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:50:00 PDT

Rainbow from Congress Building, Portland

Save Station A?

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 09:02:00 PDT

The Postal Service may be closing the Post Office at 622 Congress St. (next to CBD). While this Post Office is extremely convenient for me, there are two other Post Offices in walking distance. As reflected in the estimated $7 billion budget shortfall, the Post Office is just not as important as it used to be. And like the countless mill closings throughout the state, you need to look for ways to adapt to the new economic realities instead of trying to cling to an obsolete way of life.

"The plan is part of the Postal Service's effort to close a budget gap nationwide. The Congress Street branch is the only location targeted for closure in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Riley contended that the station is profitable, bringing in revenue of about $330,000 a year, with operating costs of about $137,000.

'The Postal Service is maxed out, but there are bigger battles to fight,' Riley said. 'We are a public service. Closing a place like this hurts our image in the community.'

Tom Rizzo, district communications coordinator for the Postal Service, said Riley's numbers are inaccurate. He said no final decision has been made on closing the station." - Portland Press Herald

First Friday Art Walk (or Trolley Ride)

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:54:00 PDT

Time again to check out Portland's amazing diversity of art. Of course I recommend some superb photography. If you can't handle the actual walking part, there is a free trolley available tonight.

PACA is pleased to announce that the trolley run by Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours will run from 4:30pm until 8:30pm during the next First Friday Art Walk.

The trolley will run, free of charge, making stops along the following route: Longfellow Square, Congress Square, Monument Square, Washington Avenue & Congress Street, India Street & Middle Street, Exchange Street & Middle Street. The trolley will begin boarding passengers at 4:30pm at Longfellow Square and will repeat the route at 5:30pm, 6:30pm and 7:30pm. Five minutes will be allowed for boarding at each of the stops - look for the trolley at the bus stops!

White Heart - Goodbye for Now?

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:45:00 PDT

As noted by PFM, The White Heart ~~has been sold, and is closed temporarily~~ is for sale. Hopefully the new owners will keep up the great cocktail menu.

A spokesperson for the bar said that the bar would reopen under new ownership, but declined to give a date for the re-opening. The bar wished to express its appreciation to all its patrons.

- WestEndNews

Maple's Closes Old Port Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:08:00 PDT

This is the sign on the door at Maple's - more on their website

Uber Transit Map

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:44:00 PDT

The new Greater Portland Transit Guide shows these bus, train and ferry routes all in one map -

* Greater Portland Transit District METRO
* South Portland City Bus
* Casco Bay Island Transit District
* Shuttle-Bus - Zoom
* Amtrak Downeaster

No on One - Vote and Donate Today

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:03:00 PDT

The opponents of marriage equality have begun running deceptive ads designed to scare people into voting to overturn the legislature's support for same sex marriage. Unfortunately even ads that are blatantly false won't likely be stopped before the election.

To help end discrimination based on sexual orientation, please donate to the No on One campaign. You can also go to SPACE next Saturday (the 26th) to show your support by dancing (and donating).

You can also vote by absentee ballot before election day to make sure your voice is heard.

Front page news, really?

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:45:00 PDT

Press Herald: "City Hall's tower clock failing the test of keeping time"

It's been running fast by about 10 minutes, causing the chimes to go off early and fooling some workers into thinking they're late.

New Playhouse

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:32:00 PDT

Bob Keyes:

"Portland's theater scene gets a little more crowded in October. On Oct. 9, co-artistic directors Michael J. Tobin and Jeffrey Caron will open the Old Port Playhouse, a 70-seat venue that will house a non-Equity professional theater, concerts, special events, classes and an art gallery."

The Times likes our Chefs

noreply@blogger.com (Elliott) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 06:03:00 PDT

As many already know, there is a lot of great food in Portland.

Good photographers too.