Original Portland

City received more than $900,000 assist asylum seekers

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 15:20:00 +0000

"The city of Portland has received more than $900,000 in recent donations to help assist newly arrived asylum seekers. Finance officials are recommending the city prioritize housing, basic needs and reimbursing local groups as it begins to appropriate the funds.The city’s finance committee unanimously endorsed that plan on Thursday night. Portland City Manager Jon Jennings told the committee that housing is the most urgent need, and is what the city told the public it would use the donations for."

https://www.mainepublic.org/post/portland-considers-how-spend-more-900000-donations-asylum-seekers

Sustain Maine Happier Hour Tonight 11/9

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 17:39:00 +0000

The Portland Pirates have invited Portland Buy Local to be the guest host of this week’s “Sustain Maine” Happier Hour at Empire. Local matters, local minds, local music!
Every Friday, the “Sustain Maine” series celebrates local community/environmental initiatives, local businesses, and local food + drink. Tickets are FREE w/valid ID + email address, and you can enter to win great prizes like Pirates’ tickets, Buy Local T Shirts, and a Portland Buy Local Individual Membership.
So come to Empire Dine and Dance (575 Congress Street) to connect with Portland Buy Local friends, enjoy food and local drink specials, hear some great music, and find out what “Sustain Maine” is all about!
When: Friday, November 9th
Where: 575 Congress Street
Time: 5:00 pm – 7:30pm

Yes on One

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 05:09:00 +0000

Redemption.

Peninsula City Councilors Endorse Lyons

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 16:56:00 +0000

PressHerald:

Wellington "Wells" Lyons has more than money going for him in his bid to unseat five-term City Councilor Nicholas Mavodones Jr. He has endorsements from two of Mavodones' peers, councilors Kevin Donoghue and David Marshall. The two councilors, members of the Green Independent Party, announced their support for Lyons on Tuesday, largely because he's a progressive Democrat who's more likely to back the Green agenda.

Beer Week

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:03:00 +0000

Portland Beer Week November 4 - 11

"an opportunity to enhance beer knowledge and appreciation through a series of events in the great city of Portland, Maine. Throughout the week, gatherings will be held to sample many unique offerings from dozens of world class brewers. With the support of local taverns, restaurants, caterers, retailers, and entertainers, Portland Beer Week is sure to provide something for everyone."

2012 Indie Biz Awards & Auction

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 19:07:00 +0000

Portland Buy Local: Please join us the evening of Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at One Longfellow Square for the 2012 Awards ceremony and to learn who this year’s winners are. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the Awards will be announced at 8:00 p.m.

This year’s Awards will also feature live music from local musicians Cubozoa and Josh Madore and a live auction featuring incredible local experiences like a private tour and tasting at Allagash Brewery, a year’s membership to GreenLight Studio, a day’s worth of cleaning from Green Clean Maine, and more! The auction will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Photo Works - Grand Re-Opening

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 02:34:00 +0000

Portland Photo Works has moved to 613A Congress St. We will have our grand opening this Friday during the First Friday Art Walk - 5-8 pm.

Photo Works now offers printing, film and print scanning, art copy services and framing. There is also a small gallery of photography.

Bunker Down Fest

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 01:25:00 +0000

Bunker Down Fest - A Fundraiser for the Portland Farmers' Market

Vote for your favorite Indie Biz

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:46:00 +0000

Buy Local:

Voting for the 2012 Indie Biz Awards is now open! You may vote once per day until Monday, September 24, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. Please join us the evening of Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at One Longfellow Square for the 2012 Awards ceremony and to learn who this year’s winners are.

A Rouge for City Council?

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 02:54:00 +0000

BDN:

Mavodones’ challenger is Wellington “Wells” Lyons, a 30-year-old attorney and activist who works for a small start-up that makes accessories for iPhones and other devices. Lyons is smart and personable, and he’s running a real campaign. For example, unlike most candidates for municipal office around here, he has a campaign manager. Unlike Mavodones, Lyons has a Web site (wellslyons.com) and a Facebook page dedicated to his campaign. And he’s already mustered a small army of volunteers (over 100 people so far) to do outreach on his behalf.

The end of West End News?

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 01:42:00 +0000

The legendary Ed King is apparently moving to Russia. The fate of the West End News (and Old Orchard Beach News) appears to be uncertain.

Ever since I was a long-haired, left-wing, pot-smoking hippie forty years ago, people have been saying to me 'If you hate this country so much, why don't you move to Russia?!' So, now Liz has taken a job as an English teacher in Volgograd, (formerly Stalingrad) Russia. We're hoping to be on the plane in mid-October. Seems like it was almost inevitable.

Occupy Your Opinion?

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 03:02:00 +0000

While those opposed to the development of Congress Square have succeeded so far in putting off the City's approval of Eastland's proposal, some of the opponents don't want to let you read articles supporting development. Daily Sun:

most of the Aug. 22 issues of "Vex" magazine were suspiciously removed from stands or vandalized, according to Mort Todd, the magazine's publisher. Todd said the article advocating for the square's redevelopment was what led to the magazine's theft, vandalism and redistribution because someone failed to agree with an opposing view on what should happen to the failed public space.... Todd said he thinks that his publication was victimized by members of the Occupy Maine movement who didn't agree with the article's view on Congress Square Park. The Portland-based Occupy group has advocated for the preservation of Congress Square as a public space.

Beer Tours

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 02:53:00 +0000

PFM has the scoop on Maine Beer Tours:

The Friday tours visit Shipyard, Sebago, Maine Beer Company and Bull Jager. The Saturday tours go to Allagash, Urban Farm Fermentory, Rising Tide and a 4th stop which is TBD

Eastland's Plans for Congress Sq Rejected

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 12:51:00 +0000

The new owners of the Eastland Park Hotel planned development on Congress Square has been rejected. It looks like the company will need to come back with a plan that does not take up the entire footprint of the park, or perhaps turn it into a private park that is open to the public (as Andy Graham suggests). Hopefully the company can come up with a more creative plan, as public funding to redevelop the park is unlikely.

PressHerald: "The Congress Square Redesign Study Group, which was formed in 2008 to look for ways to improve the park as a public space, was reconvened last year when Rockbridge Capital proposed the new ballroom. On Aug. 1, the group voted 7-2, with two members abstaining, to reject the proposal and focus efforts on redesigning the park. After that vote, Rockbridge asked the city for time to come up with a new proposal. The Housing and Community Development Committee agreed Wednesday."

Rustic Overtones - Deering Oaks 8/25

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 03:14:00 +0000

"The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office TRIAD Program and ECMG Events are proud to bring Maine's favorite sons, Rustic Overtones to the bandstand at Deering Oaks Park in Portland on Saturday, August 25th, at 4PM. Rustic Overtones has just released a brand new CD entitled Let’s Start a Cult and will be performing tracks from their latest album, along with all the fan favorites. This special event starts at 2:00 PM with original singer/songwriter Eric Bettencourt, followed by Eric's party band Velourosaurus at 3 PM. All proceeds benefit the various charities supported by the CCSO TRIAD throughout the year. Tickets will be available at the show for a suggested 10-dollar donation."

Food Trucks Approved

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 20:22:00 +0000

"A unanimous City Council vote Monday night established the regulatory framework for licensing and operation of the mobile food vendors. Although councilors voted as a unified bloc to approve the recommendations that originated with a specially created food truck task force and sent to them by their Public Safety, Health, and Human Services Committee with minor amendments, city residents who commented on the issue were divided." - Forecaster

a. Food trucks may operate on the peninsula from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the
following locations:
 West Commercial Street from Park Street to Danforth Street;
 Bayside along Marginal Way from Forest Avenue to East End Beach
Trail, along Washington Avenue from I295 to Cumberland Avenue, along
Cumberland Avenue from Washington to Forest Avenue and along Forest
Avenue from Cumberland to Marginal Way;
 On the north side of Park Avenue between High Street and I295, except
when there is a game or event at Hadlock Field in which case food trucks
are limited to Park Avenue along Deering Oaks Park only two (2) hours
before or after the game or event;
 Spring Street between Temple and Center Street;
 Commercial Street from Franklin Arterial to India Street and then along
Thames Street;
 Eastern Promenade from Washington Avenue to Cutter Street;
 St. John Street from A Street to Valley Street and along Valley Street back
to A Street and along A Street between Valley and St. John Street.

Eastland Boards Up

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 01:45:00 +0000

As part of their year long renovations, the Eastland Park Hotel has begun to be cleared out.

Alive at Five - 2012 Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:23:00 +0000

Free Concert Series Thursdays, 5pm - 7:30pm Monument Square

"Listen to free music by your favorite bands in the summer sun, and enjoy a cold drink in the beer garden, presented by Sebago Brewing Company!"

July 12 - Phantom Buffalo (Indie Rock) and dilly dilly (Folk Rock)

July 19 - Spencer Albee (Pop Rock), Zach Jones (R&B), Lady Zen (Soul)

July 26 - McCarthys (Alt Country) and Amy Allen (Singer-Songwriter)

August 2 - March Forth (New Orleans Marching Band), Anna and the Diggs (Americana), Veayo Twins (MAMM Slam High School Band Winners)

August 9 - The Mallett Brothers (Country Rock) and CuLLu (Reggae)

Gelato: Gorgeous v. Fiasco

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 18:18:00 +0000

Which is your favorite? The Phoenix investigates:

"The last year or so has brought Portland two gelato shops — Gorgeous Gelato and Gelato Fiasco, right across from each other on Fore Street in the Old Port. Both make their gelato fresh every day, on site, using traditional methods and fresh ingredients. Nonetheless, their approaches to gelato are different enough to offer two perspectives on the convergence of adulthood and childhood. With summer weather finally arriving in Maine, it's the perfect time to appreciate gelato's generational significance."

Portland's Coffee Boom

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 02:39:00 +0000

Like the recent micro-brewery expansion, Portland is adding several coffeehouses and roasters. Is gourmet pizza next? MaineBiz:

Walsh's Arabica and Mary Allen Lindemann and Alan Spear's Coffee By Design, a fellow pioneer in Portland's local, independent coffee community that had opened the year before, together established a coffee culture in Portland that today boasts three coffeehouses per 10,000 people, as many specialty and commercial coffeehouses per capita as Portland, Ore., and second in the country only to Seattle in coffee shop density. Of the specialty coffee set, there lately has been particular buzz. There are now 10 locally owned gourmet coffeehouses on the Portland peninsula that roast their own coffee, up from four spots a decade ago, and in July a new roastery with top-notch pedigree plans to open in the Bayside neighborhood.

tip PFM

Otto to Expand Again

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 02:32:00 +0000

So no more squeezing next to the large iron radiator? Portland Food Map reports:

Tonight’s meeting of the Historic Preservation Board is reviewing Otto’s plans to expand into 574 Congress Street where Wild Burrito used to be located. Otto opened at 576 Congress in June 2009 and by the end of the year had taken over the space to the right to open Enzo. The vacancy left by Wild Burrito provides a natural way for the popular pizzeria to grow.

Mumford and Sons tickets on sale Friday

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Wed, 30 May 2012 13:46:00 +0000

WHO: Mumford & Sons with St. Vincent, Dawes, The Maccabees, Apache Relay, Simone Felice and Haim
WHEN: 2 p.m. Aug. 4
WHERE: Eastern Promenade, Portland
HOW MUCH: $69; A limited number of $59 tickets will be available first-come, first served; On sale at 10 a.m. Friday
INFO: Gentlemenoftheroad.com

- PressHerald:

Winston Marshall says it's a "disgrace" that his band – acclaimed British folk rockers Mumford & Sons – haven't played Maine yet.
That's partially why he and his band mates have picked Portland as one of just four U.S. sites for the band's "Gentlemen of the Road Stopovers" tour this summer. The Aug. 4 outdoor show on Portland's Eastern Promenade was announced by the band Tuesday and tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, only at Gentlemenoftheroad.com.
Hundreds of places across the country were considered by the band. But Marshall said Portland was one of the few picked because of its setting on the ocean, its vibrant arts and music scene, and the fact that the guys in Mumford & Sons had never been here before.

Buy Local Mixer Tonight

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:25:00 +0000

"Portland Buy Local will hold our next mixer at art studio and gallery Running With Scissors. Come connect with Buy Local members and explore Running With Scissors, a unique venture in Bayside that is home to 30 artists using a variety of media including printmaking, ceramics, jewelry, painting, sculpture, photography and more.
When: Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012
Where: Running With Scissors, 54 Cove Street (ample parking)
Time: 5:30- 8:00 p.m.
Buy Local Member Mixers are informal networking and social events for members, friends, and anyone who would like to know more about Portland Buy Local. Come unwind and celebrate with other indie biz enthusiasts, plus get updates on the latest happenings in the Buy Local scene. We hope you can make it!"

Business Development Grants

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Wed, 23 May 2012 02:12:00 +0000

Forecaster:

The Business Assistance Program for Job Creation, called BAP by city officials, offers grants of up to $20,000 for businesses to invest in improvements like building renovation or equipment purchases that will result in new jobs. Officials announced Tuesday morning that they are now accepting applications for the grants.
Officials said BAP is targeted at helping low- and middle-income Portland residents. Participating businesses must match each dollar of the loan with their own investment, and create at least one job for every $10,000 they receive. The grants will be prioritized, with preference to employers that offer job training, are located near public transportation or public housing, and plan to create more than one new "quality" job per $10,000. BAP grants will also be available to entrepreneurs, who form the flip side to the city's focus on already-established businesses.
Rather than luring larger companies from away, the city should be trying to attract entrepreneurs to move to Maine, Brennan said: "The economy of the future is really going to be a knowledge-based, skill-based economy."

Eastland's Plans for Congress Square

noreply@blogger.com (elliott) — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:36:00 +0000

As someone who looks over the "park" everyday, it is little more than a place where people drink, piss and fight. Unless someone else comes in with a few million dollars to change it into a better designed park, then the hotel should be able to use it.
PressHerald:

The owners of the Eastland Park Hotel are asking the city for permission to build a ballroom on Congress Square Plaza as part of a multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion of the 85-year-old hotel.
The ballroom would take up nearly all of the public park. Advocates for the homeless and many residents of the neighborhood said the city should improve the park rather than sell it to developers.
The city established Congress Square Plaza in 1981, after a Dunkin' Donuts shop at the site was torn down. The plaza has never been popular. In his blog about architecture and town planning, Portland architect Michael Belleau describes the plaza as a "sunken, empty, tar-covered space often filled with vagrants."