Thursday, October 2, 2008
City Announces New Façade Program
The City of Portland’s Economic Development
Division announces a new grant program for
businesses and properties located along Congress
Street between Monument Square and Longfellow
Square. The program offers grants and architectural
assistance to restore or renovate commercial
storefronts and replace deteriorated or poor quality
commercial signs and awnings. Grants must be
matched be an equal investment in private funds.
The Façade Improvement Program offers grants of
up to $20,000 for individual storefronts and up to
$2,000 for signs and awnings. The program, funded
by the federal Community Development Block grants
will cap out at $84,000 and therefore, priority will be
placed upon applications that will have the greatest
impact on enhancing the streetscape. Grant
applications are due by November 7, 2008.
For more information about the program, visit the city’
s website at Portland Facade Improvement Program.
Police Investigate Stabbing Near St.
John Street
The Portland Police Department Detective Division is
investigating the stabbing of a 24 year old Portland
man on September 30th.
Shortly before 1AM, a police officer saw the victim
staggering in the street at the intersection of Congress
and Frederick Streets, just west of St. John Street,
near the Cumberland County Jail in the Libbytown
neighborhood.
The victim was suffering from multiple stab wounds.
He was transported by ambulance to Maine Medical
Center where he underwent emergency surgery. His
injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
Detectives are interviewing several witnesses. The
victim had been involved in an altercation just prior to
the stabbing, according to police. The attack does not
appear random.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Maine Med Adds $10,000 Reward in
Murder Investigation
A reward offered in the murder investigation of James
Angelo has been increased to $30,000.00. Maine
Medical Center, through Interim President and Chief
Executive Officer Richard Petersen, issued the
following statement:
“Maine Medical Center wanted to show its support for
Mercy Hospital, its staff, patients, and their families,
and has added $10,000 towards the reward for the
capture of those responsible in the shooting death of
James Angelo.
The two hospitals are part of the same neighborhood -
just a few blocks from each other. Officials at
Maine Medical Center feel it's important that people
see hospitals as places of healing and safe havens -
places where you should feel safe while there.”
The additional $10,000.00 reward is being combined
with Mercy Hospital’s original $20,000.00 offer. The
same conditions apply. This reward of up to $30,000
is for information leading to the arrest and indictment
of the individual(s) responsible for the death of James
Angelo. Upon verification of the information provided
and the arrest and indictment of the responsible
individual(s), a reward will be decided by Mercy
Hospital, in its sole discretion, and that decision is
final, binding and non-reviewable. Persons involved
in, responsible for or assisting in the death of James
Angelo will not be eligible to receive a reward. This
reward offer expires and is no longer in effect after
October 31, 2008. No reward money will be
disbursed for information received after October 31,
2008.
Anyone having information regarding the death of
James Angelo is asked to contact the Detective
Division of the Portland Police Department at 874-
8524 immediately.
Fake Cop Pulls Over Off-Duty Agent
Portland police have arrested a Portland man who they
say was masquerading as a police officer when he
pulled over a vehicle that was being driven by an off-
duty federal agent. On Monday September 29, 2009 at
11:00 P.M., they arrested Andrew J. Chaisson, 21 at
his residence in Portland. He is charged with criminal
threatening with a firearm and impersonating a public
servant.
At around 10:30 P.M., the off-duty federal agent
reported that he was stopped by a black 2007
Chevrolet pickup truck displaying Maine registration
ACE HI. The driver of the pickup truck displayed a
blue police strobe light and pulled the victim over on
outer Forest Avenue.
The driver of the truck then backed into a nearby
driveway, squealing tires, and did not approach the
car. This was suspicious to the federal agent and he
now questioned whether the man was a police
officer. The agent approached the man in the truck,
but backed away when he was threatened with a
shotgun. The suspect fled in the truck, and the victim
notified police. Chaisson was taken into custody at
his residence, where a shotgun was confiscated but
the blue light was not located.
Police say that they do not have any other reports of
someone impersonating a police officer in this
fashion.
Drivers are advised that unmarked police cars are
used for traffic enforcement. These vehicles are well
equipped with multiple blue lights, often built into
headlights and front grills of cars. Laptop computers
and dash-mounted radar units are often visible and
officers are in full police uniform.
To protect themselves, drivers being stopped by
unmarked cars should stop in well-lighted and heavily-
traveled areas if possible. Drivers may also use cell
phones to call 911 and confirm that a police officer is
stopping them. If the officer is not in uniform, a
driver should ask that a uniformed officer also
respond.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Laughing Buddha Missing from Salem
Street
Norris and Eli Dale of Salem Street have discovered
that their garden sculpture of Laughing Buddha was
stolen from their Summer Street
garden sometime in late September.
The Dales looked for the thieves’ means of access, as
the locks and latches were still on the gates, and they
found footprints in a garden bed adjoining a neighbor's
yard.
"The thieves seem to have squashed the neighbor's
chain link fence and climbed over," said Mr. Dale.
"The statue is solid concrete and weighs about 60
pounds, so I can't imagine one person climbed back
over the fence carrying it alone."
The Dales searched the immediate neighborhood,
assuming that the thieves dropped the heavy statue
after a short distance; but Buddha was not found.
"If anyone knows where he is, we'd appreciate getting
him back -- no questions asked," said Mrs. Dale. "He
had a perfect home under the Japanese maple."
Monday, September 29, 2008
Traffic on Outer Congress Street to be
Detoured
Traffic on the section of Congress Street west of
Stevens Avenue at the Westgate Shopping Center will
be detoured Saturday, October 4th, from 6:00 AM to
7:00 PM. Access to the shopping center and
residences will be maintained.
Inbound traffic on Congress Street will be detoured at
Frost Street, via Capisic Street and Stevens Avenue,
returning to Congress Street. Outbound traffic will be
detoured at Stevens Avenue to Capisic Street and
Frost Street returning to Congress Street.
Community Chorus to Start at St.
Lawrence Arts Center
A community chorus open to anyone who wants to
sing is forming at the St. Lawrence Arts Center on
Munjoy Hill.
Led by Choral Director Tom Kovacevic, the group's
repertoire will include a wide variety of music, from
traditional choral pieces to modern music from all
genres.
Rehearsals will take place on the first and third
Saturday of each month from 10am-Noon.
Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to email or
call Liz McMahon at liz@stlawrencearts.org
775-5568 ext. 102
Sunday, September 28, 2008
St. John/Valley Street Qualifies for
Federal Funds
The St. John/Valley Street neighborhood will be
considered this year for the first time to receive
funding from the federal Community Development
Block Grant program. The area has been eligible since
the 2000 census showed that income levels of people
living there had dipped below the qualifying level,
making it an entitlement zone.
West End Councilor David Marshall said that the area
could be getting some new sidewalks and other
pedestrian improvements when $2.1 million is
dispersed in the spring to eligible neighborhoods and
social service agencies.
Marshall and City staffers will hold a community
meeting on Thursday, October 2nd at 6:30 PM at the
Reiche Community Center on Brackett Street to get
neighborhood input on how the CDBG money could
be spent.
In past years, the CDBG funds have been used for
improvements to the community center, new
sidewalks around the district, and handicap accessible
improvements, among other things.
District 2 includes the West End, Parkside, and St.
John Valley neighborhoods.
Clerk Foils Holdup at Paul's Market
A would-be holdup man fled from Paul's Market in
Congress Square empty-handed on Saturday morning,
September 27th, after a grocery clerk refused to hand
over money to him from the cash register.
The man reportedly placed a knife on the counter and
demanded that the clerk hand over cash, to which she
replied: "I will not!"
Police have a description of the suspect from
witnesses and from the store's security cameras. He is
described as a white male, who is 6-feet tall. He was
last seen wearing a blue sweatshirt and carrying a
small blue backpack. If you have any information,
you're asked to call the Portland police department at
874-8555.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Neighborhood Meetings to Discuss
CDBG Funds
City Councilors Kevin Donoghue, Dave Marshall and
Dan Skolnik are seeking input and feedback from
residents about CDBG funding at work in their
community at a series of public meetings next month.
The City of Portland receives approximately $2.1
million annually of federal funding from the
Department of Housing and Urban Development in the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for
urban planning, development and social service needs
in Portland Districts 1, 2 and 3.
Councilors and city staff will also provide an update
on the work underway by the CDBG Task Force,
which has been charged with reviewing current
allocations of CDBG funds and making
recommendations for priorities on how to use of these
funds in the future.
Following is a schedule of the neighborhood meetings:
District 2 Meeting (West End, Parkside, and St.
John Valley) Hosted by Councilor Dave Marshall -
October 2 at 6:30 PM Reiche Community Center,
166 Brackett Street
District 1 Meeting (Bayside, East Bayside, Munjoy
Hill and Cliff Island)Hosted by Councilor Kevin
Donoghue -October 8 at 6:30 PM Merrill Rehearsal
Hall, 20 Myrtle Street
District 3 Meeting (Libbytown) Hosted by Councilor
Dan Skolnik October 27 at 7:30 PM West School, 57
Douglass Street.
For more information about these meetings or CDBG
programs, contact Amy Grommes Pulaski HCD
Program Manager at 874-8731, or
avp@portlandmaine.gov.
For more information about the CDBG Task Force,
visit www.portlandmaine.gov/cdbgpriority.htm.
Friday, September 26, 2008
More Burglaries Hit West End
Over the past four weeks, the West End has
experienced a rash of commercial and residential
burglaries, eighteen in all, according to police. The
area impacted is bordered by High Street, Congress
Street, Commercial Street and Valley Street. Police
say that many of these crimes appear connected.
Most of the burglaries have targeted residences and
occurred during the day when no one was home.
Thieves are entering through unlocked first floor
windows, cutting screens, or forcing doors of upper
level units. Items stolen include jewelry, prescription
drugs, cash, and small electronics such as laptop
computers and Ipods.
Police are warning residents to lock all doors and first
floor windows. Residents should also be aware of
suspicious people in driveways, side and back yards.
Anyone observing suspicious activity is asked to call
911. Anyone with information regarding these crimes
is asked to call the police department detective bureau
at 874-8596.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
City, Police Working to Clean Up West
End Trouble Area
At the last West End Neighborhood Association
meeting on September 10th, several residents from
Dow Street and Horton Place reported ongoing
problems with drug dealing, violence and generally
unsafe conditions. They asked how loitering and
other unsavory behaviors could be controlled, both
on their streets and in the nearby 7-Eleven parking
lot.
After some discussion of Portland's "hot spot"
ordinance, needed improvements to the area by
Public Services, and other measures that can be
taken, West End City Councilor Dave Marshall
promised to meet with the residents to develop
strategies for addressing the problems.
Trees on the street were trimmed several days later by
the City’s parks department to allow for more
visibility on the street.
Marshall has also walked the property behind the 7-
Eleven store with other City officials, and the City’s
legal department is developing a plan to get 7-
Eleven - the owners of the property - to clean it up.
Marshall called the area “neglected” and “a mess” -
strewn with trash and sleeping bags.
Marshall says that police have also stepped up
patrols in the area. Neighbors reported witnessing a
severe beating, and one woman was arrested after
she rammed her SUV into a building on Horton
Place. Both incidents were believed to be drug-
related.
Pingree Volunteer Reports Second
Stolen Bike
Pine Street resident Claudia Rich has
reported that she has been the victim of
bicycle thieves for the second time this
summer.
Rich’s first bike was stolen earlier this
summer from outside the campaign
office on Congress Street of
congressional candidate Chellie Pingree
- where Rich is a volunteer.
The second bike, which was given to
Rich as a replacement by Pingree, was
stolen during the night from the bike
rack on her car, on Pine Street near
Andrews Square.
The bike is a maroon ‘Mountain
Extreme’ men’s bike.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Back Cove Trail Rehab Project
Completed
The City of Portland has unveiled a new kiosk and
trail markers as part of a $300,000 preservation
project for a recently rehabilitated Back Cove Trail.
This unveiling marked the completion of the two-
year project. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
donated $100,000 for the rehabilitation to Portland
Trails.
The rehabilitation project addressed erosion
problems exacerbated by the Patriot's Day Storm of
2007, created handicapped accessible entrances,
fortified stone embankments, added new vegetation
to prevent future erosion, and repaired guardrails.
In addition, new trail markers were designed and
installed, as well as a kiosk with maps of the
Portland trail system, historical information about
the Back Cove Trail and the legacy of James
Phinney Baxter, and an educational piece about the
importance of urban ecosystems.
The Back Cove Trail is one of the oldest and most
popular trails in Portland. More than 250,000 people
traverse the 3.5 mile loop annually, and more than
fifty walks/runs benefiting non-profit organizations
are held at the cove each year.
In 1893, James Phinney Baxter was elected
Portland's mayor and initiated an effort to establish
a park system for the city similar to Boston's. Baxter
believed that a connecting series of parks, waterways,
and roadways would enhance both Portland's
economic growth and natural beauty. More than
twenty-five years later, Baxter realized his vision with
the opening of Back Cove Boulevard (now named
after James Phinney Baxter as Baxter Boulevard).
The original fifty Linden trees that line the
Boulevard were planted on Arbor Day in 1920, each
labeled with a brass plate with the name of a World
War I victim. Since the planting, the American
Legion has contributed funds to add trees to the
Linden tree legacy. Many of the originally-designed
structures, including the granite ellipse with benches
and sundial that grace the west side of the Vannah
Avenue intersection and the cobble gutters, remain
as part of Baxter's legacy.
In 1989, Baxter Boulevard was listed in the National
Register of Historic Places. Today, the boulevard
and trail are protected under Portland's historic
preservation ordinance along with Deering Oaks,
Lincoln Park, and the Eastern and Western
Promenade.
Green Streets to Celebrate First
Anniversary
The upcoming Green Streets Day, Friday, September
26th, is also the 1st Annual Celebration of Portland
Green Streets. Wear green and go green as usual
on Green Streets Day - and then come out for some
fun from 5-9 pm that evening at Green Streets
sponsor Slainte at 24 Preble Street (off Monument
Square, right across from the former Public Market)
in downtown Portland.
We’ll have some great music performances from
Green Streeters Chris Keenan and Jim Tasse - blues,
old-style rock, and folk. And we’ll have some
special time (between 7 and 8 pm) to recognize all
you wonderful folks who’ve been out there making
Green Streets happen in Greater Portland!
There will be happy hour food, made available
thanks to Green Streets volunteers and Down-Home
Cookin’ next door. Plus, Slainte is offering $2 pints
(as usual!) to Green Streeters age 21 and up.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Two Arrested in $10G Copper Wire Heist
At 10:18 AM on September 15th, police
received a call regarding two men who
were seen cutting up copper wire in the
backyard of an unoccupied residence on
Ocean Avenue.
The officer arriving at the scene
observed two men in the yard, one of
whom was pushing a large spool of
copper wire. Subsequently, eight large
spools of copper wire were found at that
property.
Simultaneously, another police officer
was at a construction site on Outer
Congress Street investigating the theft of
eight spools of copper wire, which had
been stolen earlier. Police were able to
positively identify the spools found on
Ocean Avenue by their markings as the
missing construction site material. The
value of the wire was just under
$10,000, and all but about 40 feet had
been stripped of its plastic coating.
James S. Brichetto, 34, and Gilbert E.
Wayne, 33, both of Portland, were
arrested and charged with commercial
burglary and theft. They were also
charged with aggravated criminal
mischief because the company owning
the wire would be unable to use it due to
its having been stripped. Both men also
had tools used for stripping wire in their
possession.
-Marge Niblock
USS Portland Rehab Project Begins
The City of Portland, in partnership with
Cianbro and other local businesses, has
begun a-two week restoration project of
the USS Portland's mainmast. The mast
is part of a memorial including the USS
Portland's bell and bridge shield at the
Fort Allen Park along the Eastern
Promenade. The memorial was installed
and dedicated at the park July 4, 1962.
The restoration project, estimated at $150,000,
includes sandblasting the exterior paint, clean-up
and repair to the structure and repainting. The
project will be completed entirely through
donations of time and materials.
Authorized on February 13, 1929, the USS
Portland, a heavy cruiser known as Sweet Pea,
played a crucial role for the Navy during WWII.
The Portland was involved in a number of battles
during the war and in one on November 13, 1942,
the ship took a torpedo hit, which blew off both
inboard propellers and jammed the rudder. Even
though the steering damage forced the ship to
steam in circles during the battle, the Portland
was still able to defend itself and sink the
Japanese destroyer Yudachi.
Due to the USS Portland's outstanding record
during the war, the ship was selected as the site
for the surrender of the headquarters of Japan's
forces in the Pacific. The signing of these
documents took place at the same hour on
September 2, 1945 as the ceremonies aboard the
battleship Missouri.
Following the war, the Portland was a part of the
massive effort to transport American troops home
from Europe, known as Operation Magic Carpet.
On her second voyage, the Portland encountered
a violent hurricane with seas up to one hundred
feet. The storm was so rough that the New York
Times erroneously reported the Portland had been
lost at sea. Damage from the storm was severe
and caused the death of two men, with two others
swept out to sea and more than fifty injured. Upon
its return to New York, the ship was declared
unseaworthy and was decommissioned July 12,
1946.
Retired Navy Captain Arthur Forrestall led the
effort to salvage the pieces of the USS Portland
and bring them to Maine. The city's USS Portland
collection also includes the ship's brass steering
wheel, a compass, the builder's plate and silver
service.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Hill Residents to Weigh in on Newspaper
The Munjoy Hill Neighborhood
Organization will hold its quarterly
membership meeting on Sunday,
September 28th , 3-5 p.m. at the East
End Community School on North
Street. The MHNO will take the
opportunity at this meeting to hear from
MHNO members and members of the
community about what they would like
to see in the monthly MHNO
"Observer" newspaper. FMI: 775-3050.
SoPo Man to be on SURVIVOR
Robert Crowley of South Portland will be a
contestant on the upcoming SURVIVOR reality TV
show - Survivor: Gabon, which premieres on
Thursday, September 25th, at 8:00pm.
Crowley, 57, is a high school physics teacher in
Gorham, and holds both Associate and Bachelor
degrees in forestry from the University of Maine -
Orono, and a Masters of Education degree from
the University of Southern Maine. He considers
himself to be a hybrid of Indiana Jones and
Robinson Crusoe. He loves the outdoors and is
always ready for his next adventure.
Besides his teaching career, Crowley is also a first
mate on a research boat for the Smithsonian
Institution in Canada, an entomologist for the
USDA, a skunk re-locater, as well as president,
vice- president and chief negotiator for his
teacher’s union.
His other interests include journal- writing,
storytelling, photography, bone -collecting,
archeology and camping.
He’s also built numerous structures from recycled
material including wharfs, saunas, a chicken
house and a hunting cabin.
Crowley’s strategy is to be a provider and to fly
under the radar on SURVIVOR. He and his wife
Peggy live in South Portland and have two sons,
David and John, and one daughter, Page.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
PHS Students Cite Resource Officer as
“Hero”
Stephen Black, the Portland policeman
who serves as the school resource officer
at Portland High School, was honored at
the September 17th
Portland School Committee meeting as a
local hero.
The Portland High Student Council
nominated Black for recognition during
National Heroes Week, an event
coinciding with the anniversary of
September 11, 2001 that honors public
safety officers and others who serve the
community.
Black joined the Portland Police
Department in 2000. He served in the
Munjoy Hill and Kennedy Park
neighborhoods before being assigned to
Portland High in the fall of 2006.
Jules Szanton, the Portland High
student representative to the School
Committee and a Student Council
officer, wrote a proclamation that was
read by Emma Wilson, another Portland
High Student Council officer, at the
September 17th meeting.
Man Arrested for Spraying Chemicals,
Slamming Door
On September 8th at 11:15 AM, Portland police
officers were sent to Showroom Collision Center, a
body shop at 240 Warren Avenue, where John J.
Roy, 42, of Portland, had come to deal with
someone who worked at the shop, and became
agitated. The employee tried to get Roy to leave, and
Roy responded by spraying him with a disabling
chemical spray.
When Roy did leave, he slammed the door so hard it
caused damage, causing him to be arrested and
charged with criminal mischief and criminal use of
disabling chemicals. -Marge Niblock
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Man Found Safe After Dip in Harbor
Portland police located a man on Commercial Street
on September 9th after he was reported to be in
trouble after he either fell or jumped into Portland
harbor.
A few minutes before 11:00 PM, someone called
police after hearing a man in the water screaming,
and then noticing a hat floating in the water. The
caller also stated that a wallet and other items were
on the dock nearby.
When police were arrived at 400 Commercial Street
to investigate, they found wet footprints on the
wharf. After checking in the immediate vicinity, they
found an intoxicated, 29-year-old man walking on
the opposite side of the street, near Rufus Deering
Lumber Company.
The man showed some signs of hypothermia but
otherwise seemed to be all right, and was
transported to Maine Medical Center to be
checked.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Portland Ice Arena expands Public
Skating Times
The Portland Ice Arena will expand public skating
times to include Saturday evenings from 9:00 PM
- 10:30 PM to meet a growing demand from the
community.
The Ice Arena will continue to offer public skate
times Sunday afternoons from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m., as
well as lunch time "get away" skates throughout
the week. As many as 350 skaters hit the ice
during the public skate times and the addition of
Saturday should help the City's Recreation and
Facilities Management Department meet the
increasing demand for skate time.
In addition to public skating times, the Portland
Ice Arena offers "Learn to Skate" programs for
children and adults of all ages. With more than
one thousand skaters learning to skate at the Ice
Arena each year, the city is anticipating a busy
fall and winter season. Mini lesson programs are
available now with the fall skating program set to
begin at the end of the month. People can register
for classes at the Ice Arena or call 774-8553.
For more than two decades, the Greater Portland
Industrial Hockey League has offered league play
for adults at all skill levels. For information about
the league, visit www.gpihl.com.
The Portland Ice Arena opened in December,
1984, with a seating capacity of 750. The Arena
contains four locker rooms, skate sharpening
services, skate rentals, and a concession area. For
more detailed information about the City's
Skating Program and the Ice Arena visit www.
portlandicearena.com.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
M.H.Observer May Publish in January
The Munjoy Hill Observer Restructuring
Committee says that it would like to
begin publishing the neighborhood
newspaper again in January, 2009, if
not sooner.
The Committee has been meeting twice
a week to try to put together a set of
policies which would guide the paper’s
direction. The paper ceased publication
in July.
The Committee plans to notify past
volunteers and contributors to the paper
that all positions on the paper are vacant
and all opportunities to work on the
paper are on hold until the restructuring
is completed.
The Committee will send letters to all
involved with the paper, including the
paper’s advertisers, apprising them of
the situation.
The Neighborhood Organization
distributed questionnaires at Munjfest on
September 14th, asking for residents’
ideas for the paper. The topic will also
be discussed at the organization’s
quarterly meeting on September 28th at
the East End Community School on
North Street.
Police Hold Golf Fundraiser for Fallen
Comrade
“Gone but Not Forgotten”
Portland police rescheduled a fundraiser - the
Sergeant Robert Johnsey Memorial Golf
Tournament - at the Riverside Municipal Golf
Course, to raise money for the college fund set up
for Sergeant Johnsey’s children, Rachel and A.J.,
Johnsey met a tragic and untimely death from an
accidental gunshot wound in May.
Tropical Storm Hannah’s deluge of Portland on
September 7th flooded out the golf course and the
event was held on September 14th. There were
144 people participating with 36 teams of 4.
Officer David Cote was the chair of the
tournament and organized the event. He’d been a
coworker of Johnsey for nine years. A buffet
dinner was held at Bruno’s Restaurant & Tavern
on Allen Avenue, where auctions were conducted,
with items donated by local businesses. Over
$40,000 was raised, and more money came in at
the rescheduled tournament.
The theme of the tournament was “Gone but not
forgotten.” The tournament logo is an image of
Johnsey and Carr, the dog that worked with him;
the family has had the dog since its retirement
from the Portland Police Department. -
Marge Niblock
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Library Board Meetings Not Enough
Say Some WENA Members
The board of directors of the Portland Public
Library has scheduled a series of neighborhood
meetings that, according to the library, are “part of
its ongoing planning process.” However, some
members of the West End Neighborhood Association
are saying that the meetings are insufficient.
The meetings, which will be held on Tuesdays at 7 p.
m., according to the following schedule, with "a
final, all-neighborhood meeting on Wednesday,
November 5th, 7 p.m., at the Main Library, are
designed to share the status of current Library
planning and projects and to hear comments from
Portland citizens to inform ongoing Library
direction, says the library board.
Tuesday, Sept. 16, Peaks Island Community Room
Tuesday, Sept. 23, Reiche Community Center
Tuesday, Sept. 30, Deering High School Cafeteria
Tuesday, Oct. 7, Riverton Community Center
Tuesday, Oct. 14, East End Community School
Wednesday, Nov. 5, Main Library, Monument
Square.
The meetings have been scheduled following a
commitment made in May by PPL to a year-long
open, community-based planning process. WENA is
urging residents to attend not only at the September
23rd meeting that will be held at Reiche, but also as
many of the other meetings they are able to attend.
Portland City Councilors and residents have little
influence on the City's library system, despite the
fact that Portland taxpayers provide most of its
budget.
WENA is working to ensure cross-neighborhood
representation at all the meetings and to ensure that
the scheduled meetings are only the beginning of the
community-based planning process and not its sum
total.
For more information, visit WENA's website http:
//wenamaine.org/
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
MHNO Says Adams School is a Problem
The Public Safety Committee of the
Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization
reported to the group’s Board of
Directors on September 8th that the
grounds around the Adams School have
become “extremely bad.”
The group said that the schoolyard had
become a dog park, with dog feces
everywhere-including hanging from
bags on the fence.
They also reported that the site is
covered with graffiti and cigarette butts,
people drinking and urinating, and that
“skateboarders have invaded the streets
around the area.”
One member said that a Public Works
crew had spent several hours mowing
the lawn and cleaning up the area
recently, but more regular maintenance
was needed.
The group also expressed concerns
about people smoking in the garden
outside the Hill House, despite recently-
installed signage prohibiting it. One
resident was reportedly strongly rebuked
when she confronted smokers at the
location.
Vets Donate Big Screen TV to Friends of
Reiche
The Deering Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post 6859, located at Woodford's Corner, has
donated a large screen TV to the Friends of Reiche.
Members of the Post saw an article in the West End
News and decided to donate their TV when they
upgraded the one at the Post, according to member
Mark Reilly.
The WEN article said that the Friends of Reiche was
working on a plan to acquire a large screen TV for
the Reiche Community Center where neighborhood
residents could gather to watch sporting events such
as the Olympics, movies, and other programming.
The TV could also be used by the Reiche School for
school programming.
West End resident Jo Coyne discussed the idea with
members of the West End Neighborhood
Association, saying that it would bring more people
out to make use of the community center and get
involved with other community activities. Coyne
says that the Friends of Reiche will now meet with
City and school officials to plan programming for
their new TV.
Monday, September 15, 2008
West Enders Alarmed by Rash of
Criminal Activity
The West End Neighborhood
Association meeting on September 10th
addressed the concerns of West End
residents who have become alarmed at
the recent crime spree sweeping the
district. Sarah Colton, the West End
Community Policing Coordinator, was
at the meeting with officers who patrol
the West End. They heard residents of
the area around the Seven-11 store on
Congress (Dow Street, Horton Place)
describe numerous crimes in the area,
including prostitution, drug dealing and
beatings. West End City Councilor David
Marshall said that a number of steps
would be taken by the police department
and the City to alleviate the problem.
Between August 16th and 18th, the West
End also experienced many home
burglaries on Danforth, State, Pleasant,
Brackett, and Spruce Streets, where
entry was gained by means of unlocked
doors, or screens having been cut on open first-floor
windows.
Cash, jewelry, laptops, prescription medication, two
autographed baseballs, checks, purses, and small
electronic devices were stolen.
On August 20th, Portland Magazine at 722 Congress
Street had a window smashed; two Nikon cameras
and an iBook laptop were taken. On the 23rd, a May
Street window screen was pushed in, but nothing was
stolen from that location. On the same date, entry to
a Vaughn Street residence was gained by means of
an unlocked garage door. A mountain bike was
taken and a backpack and CDs were removed from
an unlocked car in the garage.
A number of other incidents have also plagued the
neighborhood.
-On Wednesday evening, September 3rd, the
Cumberland Farms on Pine Street was the scene of
a theft. A man who left his wallet on the counter
and went to choose something from the store, found
an empty counter when he returned with his item.
-Also at Cumberland Farms, on the same evening, a
group of teens was evicted from the store for
throwing sandwiches across the store and being
generally disruptive.
One West End resident reported chasing away a
young man who walked up her driveway and was
peering in her
basement window while she was parking her car in
the driveway.
Residents also reported suspicious activity at the
Reiche basketball court, including loud arguing and
cursing late at night, money exchanges, and men
urinating at the site.
At the beginning of August, North Deering also
suffered a number of break-ins. Portland
detectives recovered an expensive necklace from
a pawn shop in South Portland, which had been
taken from one of the residences. They were able
to identify a suspect, and are still working on the
investigation.
Meanwhile, Portland police issued the following
guidelines for residents to follow to reduce the
chances of becoming a victim:
-Lock all exterior doors
-Secure sliding glass doors with commercially
available bars or locks, or put a wooden dowel or
broom handle in the door track.
-Lock windows, particularly those at ground level.
-Make sure all porches, entrances, and outside
areas are well lighted.
-Trim any bushes or trees that hide doors or
windows. Keep ladders and tools inside when
you're not using them.
Do not hide your keys under the doormat or
flowerpot.
-Renters - make sure that mailboxes are in
publicly traveled, well-lighted areas; use common
area locks and encourage your neighbors to do
the same.
Pedestrian and Driver Safety Tips
--Do not walk or jog alone, take a friend or
neighbor along if possible.
-Choose busy streets and avoid passing vacant
lots, alleys, or deserted construction sites.
-Always lock your car and take the keys.
- When you drive, be on the lookout for any
problems that affect the neighborhood's well-
being, such as abandoned cars, missing signs,
malfunctioning traffic lights, reckless drivers, or
poor street lights. Follow up and report any
problems to 874-8479.
-Park in a well-lighted area that will still be well-
lighted when you return.
-Always carry an emergency kit in your car. It
should contain a flashlight, flares, first aid
products, and a 72-hour supply of food and water.
-Marge Niblock
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Candlelight Vigil to Remember Slain
Guard
Over three hundred people gathered in
Monument Square on Friday evening, September
12th, for a candlelight vigil to remember James
Angelo, the Mercy Hospital security guard who
was gunned down in a Mercy Hospital parking lot
at around 4AM last Sunday
The crowd started the vigil singing Amazing
Grace, and members of the Sudanese community
sang African spirituals.
Speakers at the vigil included West End City
Councilor David Marshall and Parkside
Representative Herb Adams, a neighbor of
Angelo. Adams quoted extensively from a speech
given by Senator Robert Kennedy in the spring of
1968 upon the assassination of Martin Luther
King.
Several other public officials were also in
attendance, including Congressman Tom Allen,
Mayor Ed Suslovic, Police Chief Joseph Loughlin,
and several other City Councilors.
A memorial service and funeral procession for
Angelo will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Friday, September 12, 2008
$20,000 Reward Offered by Mercy
Hospital
At a news conference held at 12:30 PM,
September 11th, in an appeal to the citizens of
Portland, Interim Chief Joseph Loughlin
announced a $20,000 reward being offered by
Mercy Hospital for information leading to the
arrest and indictment of those responsible for the
death of James Angelo, a security guard who was
shot while on patrol outside the hospital on
September 7th.
Eileen Skinner, Mercy’s CEO, was at the podium
with Loughlin. She said Angelo was a “beloved
employee,” whose mother also works at the
hospital. “As a matter of justice we want to do
something. We want to help the Police
Department.”
Loughlin said this is the largest reward ever made
in an investigation. “Detectives are working
diligently and tirelessly” on the case, referring to
it as “a day-and night operation.” He
characterized the shooting as “an insult to the
entire community,” and said “The Portland Police
Department does not give up.” He also stated
police “have made some substantive leads.”
Still in effect at the hospital are increased
security provisions, including screening of
individuals. Skinner said Mercy plans to hire an
off-duty police officer in the emergency room and
there will be increased patrols around the hospital.
The offer for the reward will expire on October
31st, a date chosen by Captain Vernon Malloch,
who said “The expiration date adds immediacy.”
-Marge Niblock
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Police Investigating Hate Crime
A 31-year-old Portland man was the victim of a
hate crime at 12:30 AM on September 6th, when
he was assaulted in front of 419 Cumberland
Avenue after returning from a night downtown.
According to Merrie Cartwright, who spoke at a
news conference conducted by Captain Vernon
Malloch, the victim told police the attackers said
he “looked like a faggot,” before knocking him
nearly unconscious with a blow to the head,
causing him to fall to the ground. Cartwright was
there on behalf of the victim’s family and friends.
She made an emotional plea to the perpetrators,
then asked them to consider turning themselves
in.
The man who was attacked is a performance artist
who had appeared earlier in the evening in a
variety show in Monument Square,as part of
Portland's First Friday Artwalk, made up as a
mythical creature. He had gone home and
changed, and then went out again.
He was taken to the hospital by MEDCU after a
passerby called police. He suffered a concussion
and bleeding of the brain, but has been released
and is experiencing aftereffects and symptoms
associated with the injury. The road to recovery
may take several weeks or months.
Captain Malloch stated “reported hate crimes in
Portland have been in decline.” In this instance
there was no attempt to rob the victim and “the
motivation seems to be his appearance,” which
included spiked hair and piercings.
The suspected attackers are described as two
males in their early twenties. One man is black,
between 5’6” and 5’10”, with a muscular build and
shaved head or very short hair. He is thought to
be the primary aggressor. The other man is white,
with a thin build and long brown hair. They fled in
a late-model white four-door sedan with fancy
chrome wheels, when someone driving the car
stopped and picked up the two suspects after the
attack.
Anyone with information is asked to contact
police at 874-8604 or at the police Web site www.
police.portlandmaine.gov and click on the citizen
input link.
A Web site set up by friends of the victim at www.
healportland.com is trying to raise funds to help
defray medical costs, since he has no health
insurance.
-Marge Niblock
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Task Force to Look at Polling Place
Changes
The Portland City Council has created a ten-
member task force to evaluate and make
recommendations to the Council on reducing the
number and location of polling places in the city -
with a goal of having an equal number of voting
places in each voting district.
The task force will consider issues related to parking,
transit accessibility, handicapped accessibility,
voter circulation and proximity to residents. The
members of the task force will be appointed by
the Council. No members have yet been named.
The ten voting members on the task force will
include one City Councilor and at least one
member from each voting district, one member
from each of the Democratic, Republican and
Green Independent political parties, and a
member representing unenrolled voters. At least
five members will represent neighborhood
associations in different areas of the city.
No changes in the number of polling places in the
city or their locations will take place before the
November 4th general election. The task force
will elect a Chair and Secretary from its own
membership, and make its recommendation to
the Council on or before January 15, 2009.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Security Guard Shot and Killed at
Mercy Hospital
On Sunday September 7, 2008 at 4:10 A.M.
Portland police responded to a report of gunshots
being fired in the area of Mercy Hospital.
Hospital employees reported hearing the shots
and seeing a man running south on Winter Street
and turning west on Spring Street. A few minutes
later, hospital employees found an injured
security guard in their Winter Street parking lot.
The victim had been shot. He was treated in the
Mercy Hospital emergency room before being
transferred to Maine Medical Center where he
died.
The victim has been identified as 27 year old
James Angelo of Portland. He was employed as a
Mercy Hospital security guard.
Witnesses report two people walking south on
Winter Street who fled in opposite directions
when the shots were fired. One of these people is
described as being a short, black man with a slight
build in his early 20’s. He has short black hair
and appeared clean shaven. He was wearing black
pants and a white hooded sweatshirt with some
type of all over design or print. The other person
is only described as wearing a light colored shirt
or jacket.
Police are asking that anyone who may know the
identity of these two people contact the Portland
Police Department at 874-8479. Information can
also be left on the web site www.police.
portlandmaine.gov Click on the citizen input
link.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Volunteers Needed for Reiche
International 5K Road Race
The first annual Reiche International 5K road
race celebrating the more than 30 nationalities
that attend the Howard C. Reiche Community
School in Portland’s West End will start Sunday,
Oct 19th at 9:30. There are slots available for
both racers and volunteers. The race is being
organized by the Reiche PTO, and proceeds will
support school swim and arts programs.
The race starts and ends at Reiche Elementary,
166 Brackett Street in Portland. The well-marked
single loop course continues through the streets
of the West End including Chadwick, Neal, Pine
and Spring Streets. It includes one favorite local
climb - the uphill behind the Western Prom
Cemetery. Otherwise the course is flat and fast,
and ends with a party. All are welcome.
In deference to the upcoming Halloween season,
participants are invited to wear a costume
(although costumes are not mandatory). Walkers
are welcome, as well.
More information and a printable entry form are
on line at www.Reicheinternational.com. Runners
may also sign up through active.com. A link is
available under “Details” on the site.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact
Joan Murray at murraj@portlandschools.org.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Man Charged With Robbing Friend at
Gunpoint
On Friday September 5th at 1:45 A.M., a 22-year-
old Portland man reported being robbed at
gunpoint while in front of 40 Alder Street in the
Bayside neighborhood. The victim told responding
officers that an acquaintance, known only by his
first name, had threatened him with a gun while
demanding money.
The perpetrator fled on foot after taking the
money. No one was injured and no shots were
fired.
Officers began searching the area and located a
suspect a short distance away on Wilmot Street.
Dale Sukeforth, 38, of Portland was arrested
without incident. Sukeforth is charged with
robbery and giving a false name.
Workshops Set for Congress Street
Historic District
The City of Portland’s Historic Preservation
Board and Planning Board have scheduled
workshops to consider a proposal to create a new
downtown historic district. The “Congress Street
Historic District” would extend from City Hall to
Bramhall Square and include portions of abutting
blocks on the north and south sides of Congress
Street.
The purpose of establishing the historic district is
to provide protection for the historic buildings
within Portland’s downtown and ensure that
alterations, additions and sign solutions are
compatible with their historic character. With
designation, building owners interested in
rehabilitating their historic properties would also
become eligible for federal and state tax credits.
New construction within the district would be
reviewed as well.
If the proposed historic district is approved,
alterations and new construction will be reviewed
by the Historic Preservation Board (or staff,
depending on the scope of the project) according
to Portland’s historic preservation ordinance
standards.
The proposal was developed at the request of the
Portland City Council’s Community Development
Committee and is the product of two years of
documentation and study. Informational
meetings for all affected property owners were
held last spring. This summer, more detailed
discussions were held with a focus group
comprised of representatives of downtown
business and cultural organizations. The proposal
has been revised to address issues and questions
raised during these meetings.
Following the process required for designating a
new historic district, the draft proposal must first
be reviewed by both the Historic Preservation
Board and the Planning Board. These boards, in
turn, will forward their respective
recommendations to the City Council, which will
make the final decision regarding designation.
Property owners in the affected area will be
informed of every upcoming workshop and public
hearing on the initiative. Public comment will be
taken at each meeting. The first scheduled
workshops are as follows:
Wednesday, September 17 5 pm
Tuesday, September 23 3:30 pm
Room 209, City Hall
The purpose of the initial workshops is for
planning staff to introduce the scope and nature
of the proposal to the respective boards and to
answer any questions. The boards will make their
final recommendations at a later date, after
formal public hearings have been held.
FMI, contact Deb Andrews (874-8726) or Scott
Hanson (756-8023) in the Historic Preservation
office of the Portland Planning Department. Send
comments to Deb Andrews at dga@portlandmaine.
gov.. They will be forwarded to the respective
boards for their consideration.
Friday. September 5, 2008
Bystanders Rescue Hurt Seagull on
Congress Street
At around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September
4th, a group of Congress Street bystanders
assisted in the dramatic rescue of a seagull that
had a fishing lure caught in its beak and side.
The gull was seen thrashing in uncontrollable
circles in the middle of Congress Street, near the
Maine College of Art and the CVS Pharmacy.
One of the bystanders managed to herd it to the
curb where she wrapped it in a blanket that
another women had donated. A man then used
pliers to remove the fishing lure hook from its
mouth. The bird calmed down significantly after
the sidewalk operation was performed.
Animal Control officers were summoned, due to
another hook still stuck in the gull’s side that did
not appear life-threatening.
The seagull, christened "Icarus" by a MECA
student and MECA employee who stood vigil with
it until help arrived, seemed stable and alert when
it was picked up by the Animal Control officer
who planned to drive it to Sparks Arks, the well-
known wildlife rehabilitation farm in Windham.
To make a donation to help injured wildlife such
as Icarus, send your check to Sparks Arks, 7
Rousseau Road, Windham, Maine. Also, please
be careful with your fishing lures -- they can be
deadly to birds and animals. -Annie
Wadleigh
September 3, 2008
Fireboat Rescues Kayakers and Boat in
Distress
The Portland Fire Department’s fire boat rescued
two men from Back Cove and one from Casco Bay
on Labor Day after strong winds caused problems
for the men who were kayaking and wound up in
the 62-degree water for about half an hour.
Deputy Fire Chief Michael Shutts said that all
were taken to the hospital to be checked for
possible hypothermia. One ambulance met the
fireboat at Hannaford Plaza and another was sent
to the East End Beach boat ramp.
While the fireboat was returning to its dock, it
also came across a boat in distress that it towed to
safety.
-Marge Niblock
City Announces New Façade Program
The City of Portland’s Economic Development
Division announces a new grant program for
businesses and properties located along Congress
Street between Monument Square and Longfellow
Square. The program offers grants and architectural
assistance to restore or renovate commercial
storefronts and replace deteriorated or poor quality
commercial signs and awnings. Grants must be
matched be an equal investment in private funds.
The Façade Improvement Program offers grants of
up to $20,000 for individual storefronts and up to
$2,000 for signs and awnings. The program, funded
by the federal Community Development Block grants
will cap out at $84,000 and therefore, priority will be
placed upon applications that will have the greatest
impact on enhancing the streetscape. Grant
applications are due by November 7, 2008.
For more information about the program, visit the city’
s website at Portland Facade Improvement Program.
Police Investigate Stabbing Near St.
John Street
The Portland Police Department Detective Division is
investigating the stabbing of a 24 year old Portland
man on September 30th.
Shortly before 1AM, a police officer saw the victim
staggering in the street at the intersection of Congress
and Frederick Streets, just west of St. John Street,
near the Cumberland County Jail in the Libbytown
neighborhood.
The victim was suffering from multiple stab wounds.
He was transported by ambulance to Maine Medical
Center where he underwent emergency surgery. His
injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
Detectives are interviewing several witnesses. The
victim had been involved in an altercation just prior to
the stabbing, according to police. The attack does not
appear random.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Maine Med Adds $10,000 Reward in
Murder Investigation
A reward offered in the murder investigation of James
Angelo has been increased to $30,000.00. Maine
Medical Center, through Interim President and Chief
Executive Officer Richard Petersen, issued the
following statement:
“Maine Medical Center wanted to show its support for
Mercy Hospital, its staff, patients, and their families,
and has added $10,000 towards the reward for the
capture of those responsible in the shooting death of
James Angelo.
The two hospitals are part of the same neighborhood -
just a few blocks from each other. Officials at
Maine Medical Center feel it's important that people
see hospitals as places of healing and safe havens -
places where you should feel safe while there.”
The additional $10,000.00 reward is being combined
with Mercy Hospital’s original $20,000.00 offer. The
same conditions apply. This reward of up to $30,000
is for information leading to the arrest and indictment
of the individual(s) responsible for the death of James
Angelo. Upon verification of the information provided
and the arrest and indictment of the responsible
individual(s), a reward will be decided by Mercy
Hospital, in its sole discretion, and that decision is
final, binding and non-reviewable. Persons involved
in, responsible for or assisting in the death of James
Angelo will not be eligible to receive a reward. This
reward offer expires and is no longer in effect after
October 31, 2008. No reward money will be
disbursed for information received after October 31,
2008.
Anyone having information regarding the death of
James Angelo is asked to contact the Detective
Division of the Portland Police Department at 874-
8524 immediately.
Fake Cop Pulls Over Off-Duty Agent
Portland police have arrested a Portland man who they
say was masquerading as a police officer when he
pulled over a vehicle that was being driven by an off-
duty federal agent. On Monday September 29, 2009 at
11:00 P.M., they arrested Andrew J. Chaisson, 21 at
his residence in Portland. He is charged with criminal
threatening with a firearm and impersonating a public
servant.
At around 10:30 P.M., the off-duty federal agent
reported that he was stopped by a black 2007
Chevrolet pickup truck displaying Maine registration
ACE HI. The driver of the pickup truck displayed a
blue police strobe light and pulled the victim over on
outer Forest Avenue.
The driver of the truck then backed into a nearby
driveway, squealing tires, and did not approach the
car. This was suspicious to the federal agent and he
now questioned whether the man was a police
officer. The agent approached the man in the truck,
but backed away when he was threatened with a
shotgun. The suspect fled in the truck, and the victim
notified police. Chaisson was taken into custody at
his residence, where a shotgun was confiscated but
the blue light was not located.
Police say that they do not have any other reports of
someone impersonating a police officer in this
fashion.
Drivers are advised that unmarked police cars are
used for traffic enforcement. These vehicles are well
equipped with multiple blue lights, often built into
headlights and front grills of cars. Laptop computers
and dash-mounted radar units are often visible and
officers are in full police uniform.
To protect themselves, drivers being stopped by
unmarked cars should stop in well-lighted and heavily-
traveled areas if possible. Drivers may also use cell
phones to call 911 and confirm that a police officer is
stopping them. If the officer is not in uniform, a
driver should ask that a uniformed officer also
respond.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Laughing Buddha Missing from Salem
Street
Norris and Eli Dale of Salem Street have discovered
that their garden sculpture of Laughing Buddha was
stolen from their Summer Street
garden sometime in late September.
The Dales looked for the thieves’ means of access, as
the locks and latches were still on the gates, and they
found footprints in a garden bed adjoining a neighbor's
yard.
"The thieves seem to have squashed the neighbor's
chain link fence and climbed over," said Mr. Dale.
"The statue is solid concrete and weighs about 60
pounds, so I can't imagine one person climbed back
over the fence carrying it alone."
The Dales searched the immediate neighborhood,
assuming that the thieves dropped the heavy statue
after a short distance; but Buddha was not found.
"If anyone knows where he is, we'd appreciate getting
him back -- no questions asked," said Mrs. Dale. "He
had a perfect home under the Japanese maple."
Monday, September 29, 2008
Traffic on Outer Congress Street to be
Detoured
Traffic on the section of Congress Street west of
Stevens Avenue at the Westgate Shopping Center will
be detoured Saturday, October 4th, from 6:00 AM to
7:00 PM. Access to the shopping center and
residences will be maintained.
Inbound traffic on Congress Street will be detoured at
Frost Street, via Capisic Street and Stevens Avenue,
returning to Congress Street. Outbound traffic will be
detoured at Stevens Avenue to Capisic Street and
Frost Street returning to Congress Street.
Community Chorus to Start at St.
Lawrence Arts Center
A community chorus open to anyone who wants to
sing is forming at the St. Lawrence Arts Center on
Munjoy Hill.
Led by Choral Director Tom Kovacevic, the group's
repertoire will include a wide variety of music, from
traditional choral pieces to modern music from all
genres.
Rehearsals will take place on the first and third
Saturday of each month from 10am-Noon.
Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to email or
call Liz McMahon at liz@stlawrencearts.org
775-5568 ext. 102
Sunday, September 28, 2008
St. John/Valley Street Qualifies for
Federal Funds
The St. John/Valley Street neighborhood will be
considered this year for the first time to receive
funding from the federal Community Development
Block Grant program. The area has been eligible since
the 2000 census showed that income levels of people
living there had dipped below the qualifying level,
making it an entitlement zone.
West End Councilor David Marshall said that the area
could be getting some new sidewalks and other
pedestrian improvements when $2.1 million is
dispersed in the spring to eligible neighborhoods and
social service agencies.
Marshall and City staffers will hold a community
meeting on Thursday, October 2nd at 6:30 PM at the
Reiche Community Center on Brackett Street to get
neighborhood input on how the CDBG money could
be spent.
In past years, the CDBG funds have been used for
improvements to the community center, new
sidewalks around the district, and handicap accessible
improvements, among other things.
District 2 includes the West End, Parkside, and St.
John Valley neighborhoods.
Clerk Foils Holdup at Paul's Market
A would-be holdup man fled from Paul's Market in
Congress Square empty-handed on Saturday morning,
September 27th, after a grocery clerk refused to hand
over money to him from the cash register.
The man reportedly placed a knife on the counter and
demanded that the clerk hand over cash, to which she
replied: "I will not!"
Police have a description of the suspect from
witnesses and from the store's security cameras. He is
described as a white male, who is 6-feet tall. He was
last seen wearing a blue sweatshirt and carrying a
small blue backpack. If you have any information,
you're asked to call the Portland police department at
874-8555.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Neighborhood Meetings to Discuss
CDBG Funds
City Councilors Kevin Donoghue, Dave Marshall and
Dan Skolnik are seeking input and feedback from
residents about CDBG funding at work in their
community at a series of public meetings next month.
The City of Portland receives approximately $2.1
million annually of federal funding from the
Department of Housing and Urban Development in the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for
urban planning, development and social service needs
in Portland Districts 1, 2 and 3.
Councilors and city staff will also provide an update
on the work underway by the CDBG Task Force,
which has been charged with reviewing current
allocations of CDBG funds and making
recommendations for priorities on how to use of these
funds in the future.
Following is a schedule of the neighborhood meetings:
District 2 Meeting (West End, Parkside, and St.
John Valley) Hosted by Councilor Dave Marshall -
October 2 at 6:30 PM Reiche Community Center,
166 Brackett Street
District 1 Meeting (Bayside, East Bayside, Munjoy
Hill and Cliff Island)Hosted by Councilor Kevin
Donoghue -October 8 at 6:30 PM Merrill Rehearsal
Hall, 20 Myrtle Street
District 3 Meeting (Libbytown) Hosted by Councilor
Dan Skolnik October 27 at 7:30 PM West School, 57
Douglass Street.
For more information about these meetings or CDBG
programs, contact Amy Grommes Pulaski HCD
Program Manager at 874-8731, or
avp@portlandmaine.gov.
For more information about the CDBG Task Force,
visit www.portlandmaine.gov/cdbgpriority.htm.
Friday, September 26, 2008
More Burglaries Hit West End
Over the past four weeks, the West End has
experienced a rash of commercial and residential
burglaries, eighteen in all, according to police. The
area impacted is bordered by High Street, Congress
Street, Commercial Street and Valley Street. Police
say that many of these crimes appear connected.
Most of the burglaries have targeted residences and
occurred during the day when no one was home.
Thieves are entering through unlocked first floor
windows, cutting screens, or forcing doors of upper
level units. Items stolen include jewelry, prescription
drugs, cash, and small electronics such as laptop
computers and Ipods.
Police are warning residents to lock all doors and first
floor windows. Residents should also be aware of
suspicious people in driveways, side and back yards.
Anyone observing suspicious activity is asked to call
911. Anyone with information regarding these crimes
is asked to call the police department detective bureau
at 874-8596.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
City, Police Working to Clean Up West
End Trouble Area
At the last West End Neighborhood Association
meeting on September 10th, several residents from
Dow Street and Horton Place reported ongoing
problems with drug dealing, violence and generally
unsafe conditions. They asked how loitering and
other unsavory behaviors could be controlled, both
on their streets and in the nearby 7-Eleven parking
lot.
After some discussion of Portland's "hot spot"
ordinance, needed improvements to the area by
Public Services, and other measures that can be
taken, West End City Councilor Dave Marshall
promised to meet with the residents to develop
strategies for addressing the problems.
Trees on the street were trimmed several days later by
the City’s parks department to allow for more
visibility on the street.
Marshall has also walked the property behind the 7-
Eleven store with other City officials, and the City’s
legal department is developing a plan to get 7-
Eleven - the owners of the property - to clean it up.
Marshall called the area “neglected” and “a mess” -
strewn with trash and sleeping bags.
Marshall says that police have also stepped up
patrols in the area. Neighbors reported witnessing a
severe beating, and one woman was arrested after
she rammed her SUV into a building on Horton
Place. Both incidents were believed to be drug-
related.
Pingree Volunteer Reports Second
Stolen Bike
Pine Street resident Claudia Rich has
reported that she has been the victim of
bicycle thieves for the second time this
summer.
Rich’s first bike was stolen earlier this
summer from outside the campaign
office on Congress Street of
congressional candidate Chellie Pingree
- where Rich is a volunteer.
The second bike, which was given to
Rich as a replacement by Pingree, was
stolen during the night from the bike
rack on her car, on Pine Street near
Andrews Square.
The bike is a maroon ‘Mountain
Extreme’ men’s bike.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Back Cove Trail Rehab Project
Completed
The City of Portland has unveiled a new kiosk and
trail markers as part of a $300,000 preservation
project for a recently rehabilitated Back Cove Trail.
This unveiling marked the completion of the two-
year project. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
donated $100,000 for the rehabilitation to Portland
Trails.
The rehabilitation project addressed erosion
problems exacerbated by the Patriot's Day Storm of
2007, created handicapped accessible entrances,
fortified stone embankments, added new vegetation
to prevent future erosion, and repaired guardrails.
In addition, new trail markers were designed and
installed, as well as a kiosk with maps of the
Portland trail system, historical information about
the Back Cove Trail and the legacy of James
Phinney Baxter, and an educational piece about the
importance of urban ecosystems.
The Back Cove Trail is one of the oldest and most
popular trails in Portland. More than 250,000 people
traverse the 3.5 mile loop annually, and more than
fifty walks/runs benefiting non-profit organizations
are held at the cove each year.
In 1893, James Phinney Baxter was elected
Portland's mayor and initiated an effort to establish
a park system for the city similar to Boston's. Baxter
believed that a connecting series of parks, waterways,
and roadways would enhance both Portland's
economic growth and natural beauty. More than
twenty-five years later, Baxter realized his vision with
the opening of Back Cove Boulevard (now named
after James Phinney Baxter as Baxter Boulevard).
The original fifty Linden trees that line the
Boulevard were planted on Arbor Day in 1920, each
labeled with a brass plate with the name of a World
War I victim. Since the planting, the American
Legion has contributed funds to add trees to the
Linden tree legacy. Many of the originally-designed
structures, including the granite ellipse with benches
and sundial that grace the west side of the Vannah
Avenue intersection and the cobble gutters, remain
as part of Baxter's legacy.
In 1989, Baxter Boulevard was listed in the National
Register of Historic Places. Today, the boulevard
and trail are protected under Portland's historic
preservation ordinance along with Deering Oaks,
Lincoln Park, and the Eastern and Western
Promenade.
Green Streets to Celebrate First
Anniversary
The upcoming Green Streets Day, Friday, September
26th, is also the 1st Annual Celebration of Portland
Green Streets. Wear green and go green as usual
on Green Streets Day - and then come out for some
fun from 5-9 pm that evening at Green Streets
sponsor Slainte at 24 Preble Street (off Monument
Square, right across from the former Public Market)
in downtown Portland.
We’ll have some great music performances from
Green Streeters Chris Keenan and Jim Tasse - blues,
old-style rock, and folk. And we’ll have some
special time (between 7 and 8 pm) to recognize all
you wonderful folks who’ve been out there making
Green Streets happen in Greater Portland!
There will be happy hour food, made available
thanks to Green Streets volunteers and Down-Home
Cookin’ next door. Plus, Slainte is offering $2 pints
(as usual!) to Green Streeters age 21 and up.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Two Arrested in $10G Copper Wire Heist
At 10:18 AM on September 15th, police
received a call regarding two men who
were seen cutting up copper wire in the
backyard of an unoccupied residence on
Ocean Avenue.
The officer arriving at the scene
observed two men in the yard, one of
whom was pushing a large spool of
copper wire. Subsequently, eight large
spools of copper wire were found at that
property.
Simultaneously, another police officer
was at a construction site on Outer
Congress Street investigating the theft of
eight spools of copper wire, which had
been stolen earlier. Police were able to
positively identify the spools found on
Ocean Avenue by their markings as the
missing construction site material. The
value of the wire was just under
$10,000, and all but about 40 feet had
been stripped of its plastic coating.
James S. Brichetto, 34, and Gilbert E.
Wayne, 33, both of Portland, were
arrested and charged with commercial
burglary and theft. They were also
charged with aggravated criminal
mischief because the company owning
the wire would be unable to use it due to
its having been stripped. Both men also
had tools used for stripping wire in their
possession.
-Marge Niblock
USS Portland Rehab Project Begins
The City of Portland, in partnership with
Cianbro and other local businesses, has
begun a-two week restoration project of
the USS Portland's mainmast. The mast
is part of a memorial including the USS
Portland's bell and bridge shield at the
Fort Allen Park along the Eastern
Promenade. The memorial was installed
and dedicated at the park July 4, 1962.
The restoration project, estimated at $150,000,
includes sandblasting the exterior paint, clean-up
and repair to the structure and repainting. The
project will be completed entirely through
donations of time and materials.
Authorized on February 13, 1929, the USS
Portland, a heavy cruiser known as Sweet Pea,
played a crucial role for the Navy during WWII.
The Portland was involved in a number of battles
during the war and in one on November 13, 1942,
the ship took a torpedo hit, which blew off both
inboard propellers and jammed the rudder. Even
though the steering damage forced the ship to
steam in circles during the battle, the Portland
was still able to defend itself and sink the
Japanese destroyer Yudachi.
Due to the USS Portland's outstanding record
during the war, the ship was selected as the site
for the surrender of the headquarters of Japan's
forces in the Pacific. The signing of these
documents took place at the same hour on
September 2, 1945 as the ceremonies aboard the
battleship Missouri.
Following the war, the Portland was a part of the
massive effort to transport American troops home
from Europe, known as Operation Magic Carpet.
On her second voyage, the Portland encountered
a violent hurricane with seas up to one hundred
feet. The storm was so rough that the New York
Times erroneously reported the Portland had been
lost at sea. Damage from the storm was severe
and caused the death of two men, with two others
swept out to sea and more than fifty injured. Upon
its return to New York, the ship was declared
unseaworthy and was decommissioned July 12,
1946.
Retired Navy Captain Arthur Forrestall led the
effort to salvage the pieces of the USS Portland
and bring them to Maine. The city's USS Portland
collection also includes the ship's brass steering
wheel, a compass, the builder's plate and silver
service.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Hill Residents to Weigh in on Newspaper
The Munjoy Hill Neighborhood
Organization will hold its quarterly
membership meeting on Sunday,
September 28th , 3-5 p.m. at the East
End Community School on North
Street. The MHNO will take the
opportunity at this meeting to hear from
MHNO members and members of the
community about what they would like
to see in the monthly MHNO
"Observer" newspaper. FMI: 775-3050.
SoPo Man to be on SURVIVOR
Robert Crowley of South Portland will be a
contestant on the upcoming SURVIVOR reality TV
show - Survivor: Gabon, which premieres on
Thursday, September 25th, at 8:00pm.
Crowley, 57, is a high school physics teacher in
Gorham, and holds both Associate and Bachelor
degrees in forestry from the University of Maine -
Orono, and a Masters of Education degree from
the University of Southern Maine. He considers
himself to be a hybrid of Indiana Jones and
Robinson Crusoe. He loves the outdoors and is
always ready for his next adventure.
Besides his teaching career, Crowley is also a first
mate on a research boat for the Smithsonian
Institution in Canada, an entomologist for the
USDA, a skunk re-locater, as well as president,
vice- president and chief negotiator for his
teacher’s union.
His other interests include journal- writing,
storytelling, photography, bone -collecting,
archeology and camping.
He’s also built numerous structures from recycled
material including wharfs, saunas, a chicken
house and a hunting cabin.
Crowley’s strategy is to be a provider and to fly
under the radar on SURVIVOR. He and his wife
Peggy live in South Portland and have two sons,
David and John, and one daughter, Page.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
PHS Students Cite Resource Officer as
“Hero”
Stephen Black, the Portland policeman
who serves as the school resource officer
at Portland High School, was honored at
the September 17th
Portland School Committee meeting as a
local hero.
The Portland High Student Council
nominated Black for recognition during
National Heroes Week, an event
coinciding with the anniversary of
September 11, 2001 that honors public
safety officers and others who serve the
community.
Black joined the Portland Police
Department in 2000. He served in the
Munjoy Hill and Kennedy Park
neighborhoods before being assigned to
Portland High in the fall of 2006.
Jules Szanton, the Portland High
student representative to the School
Committee and a Student Council
officer, wrote a proclamation that was
read by Emma Wilson, another Portland
High Student Council officer, at the
September 17th meeting.
Man Arrested for Spraying Chemicals,
Slamming Door
On September 8th at 11:15 AM, Portland police
officers were sent to Showroom Collision Center, a
body shop at 240 Warren Avenue, where John J.
Roy, 42, of Portland, had come to deal with
someone who worked at the shop, and became
agitated. The employee tried to get Roy to leave, and
Roy responded by spraying him with a disabling
chemical spray.
When Roy did leave, he slammed the door so hard it
caused damage, causing him to be arrested and
charged with criminal mischief and criminal use of
disabling chemicals. -Marge Niblock
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Man Found Safe After Dip in Harbor
Portland police located a man on Commercial Street
on September 9th after he was reported to be in
trouble after he either fell or jumped into Portland
harbor.
A few minutes before 11:00 PM, someone called
police after hearing a man in the water screaming,
and then noticing a hat floating in the water. The
caller also stated that a wallet and other items were
on the dock nearby.
When police were arrived at 400 Commercial Street
to investigate, they found wet footprints on the
wharf. After checking in the immediate vicinity, they
found an intoxicated, 29-year-old man walking on
the opposite side of the street, near Rufus Deering
Lumber Company.
The man showed some signs of hypothermia but
otherwise seemed to be all right, and was
transported to Maine Medical Center to be
checked.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Portland Ice Arena expands Public
Skating Times
The Portland Ice Arena will expand public skating
times to include Saturday evenings from 9:00 PM
- 10:30 PM to meet a growing demand from the
community.
The Ice Arena will continue to offer public skate
times Sunday afternoons from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m., as
well as lunch time "get away" skates throughout
the week. As many as 350 skaters hit the ice
during the public skate times and the addition of
Saturday should help the City's Recreation and
Facilities Management Department meet the
increasing demand for skate time.
In addition to public skating times, the Portland
Ice Arena offers "Learn to Skate" programs for
children and adults of all ages. With more than
one thousand skaters learning to skate at the Ice
Arena each year, the city is anticipating a busy
fall and winter season. Mini lesson programs are
available now with the fall skating program set to
begin at the end of the month. People can register
for classes at the Ice Arena or call 774-8553.
For more than two decades, the Greater Portland
Industrial Hockey League has offered league play
for adults at all skill levels. For information about
the league, visit www.gpihl.com.
The Portland Ice Arena opened in December,
1984, with a seating capacity of 750. The Arena
contains four locker rooms, skate sharpening
services, skate rentals, and a concession area. For
more detailed information about the City's
Skating Program and the Ice Arena visit www.
portlandicearena.com.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
M.H.Observer May Publish in January
The Munjoy Hill Observer Restructuring
Committee says that it would like to
begin publishing the neighborhood
newspaper again in January, 2009, if
not sooner.
The Committee has been meeting twice
a week to try to put together a set of
policies which would guide the paper’s
direction. The paper ceased publication
in July.
The Committee plans to notify past
volunteers and contributors to the paper
that all positions on the paper are vacant
and all opportunities to work on the
paper are on hold until the restructuring
is completed.
The Committee will send letters to all
involved with the paper, including the
paper’s advertisers, apprising them of
the situation.
The Neighborhood Organization
distributed questionnaires at Munjfest on
September 14th, asking for residents’
ideas for the paper. The topic will also
be discussed at the organization’s
quarterly meeting on September 28th at
the East End Community School on
North Street.
Police Hold Golf Fundraiser for Fallen
Comrade
“Gone but Not Forgotten”
Portland police rescheduled a fundraiser - the
Sergeant Robert Johnsey Memorial Golf
Tournament - at the Riverside Municipal Golf
Course, to raise money for the college fund set up
for Sergeant Johnsey’s children, Rachel and A.J.,
Johnsey met a tragic and untimely death from an
accidental gunshot wound in May.
Tropical Storm Hannah’s deluge of Portland on
September 7th flooded out the golf course and the
event was held on September 14th. There were
144 people participating with 36 teams of 4.
Officer David Cote was the chair of the
tournament and organized the event. He’d been a
coworker of Johnsey for nine years. A buffet
dinner was held at Bruno’s Restaurant & Tavern
on Allen Avenue, where auctions were conducted,
with items donated by local businesses. Over
$40,000 was raised, and more money came in at
the rescheduled tournament.
The theme of the tournament was “Gone but not
forgotten.” The tournament logo is an image of
Johnsey and Carr, the dog that worked with him;
the family has had the dog since its retirement
from the Portland Police Department. -
Marge Niblock
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Library Board Meetings Not Enough
Say Some WENA Members
The board of directors of the Portland Public
Library has scheduled a series of neighborhood
meetings that, according to the library, are “part of
its ongoing planning process.” However, some
members of the West End Neighborhood Association
are saying that the meetings are insufficient.
The meetings, which will be held on Tuesdays at 7 p.
m., according to the following schedule, with "a
final, all-neighborhood meeting on Wednesday,
November 5th, 7 p.m., at the Main Library, are
designed to share the status of current Library
planning and projects and to hear comments from
Portland citizens to inform ongoing Library
direction, says the library board.
Tuesday, Sept. 16, Peaks Island Community Room
Tuesday, Sept. 23, Reiche Community Center
Tuesday, Sept. 30, Deering High School Cafeteria
Tuesday, Oct. 7, Riverton Community Center
Tuesday, Oct. 14, East End Community School
Wednesday, Nov. 5, Main Library, Monument
Square.
The meetings have been scheduled following a
commitment made in May by PPL to a year-long
open, community-based planning process. WENA is
urging residents to attend not only at the September
23rd meeting that will be held at Reiche, but also as
many of the other meetings they are able to attend.
Portland City Councilors and residents have little
influence on the City's library system, despite the
fact that Portland taxpayers provide most of its
budget.
WENA is working to ensure cross-neighborhood
representation at all the meetings and to ensure that
the scheduled meetings are only the beginning of the
community-based planning process and not its sum
total.
For more information, visit WENA's website http:
//wenamaine.org/
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
MHNO Says Adams School is a Problem
The Public Safety Committee of the
Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization
reported to the group’s Board of
Directors on September 8th that the
grounds around the Adams School have
become “extremely bad.”
The group said that the schoolyard had
become a dog park, with dog feces
everywhere-including hanging from
bags on the fence.
They also reported that the site is
covered with graffiti and cigarette butts,
people drinking and urinating, and that
“skateboarders have invaded the streets
around the area.”
One member said that a Public Works
crew had spent several hours mowing
the lawn and cleaning up the area
recently, but more regular maintenance
was needed.
The group also expressed concerns
about people smoking in the garden
outside the Hill House, despite recently-
installed signage prohibiting it. One
resident was reportedly strongly rebuked
when she confronted smokers at the
location.
Vets Donate Big Screen TV to Friends of
Reiche
The Deering Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post 6859, located at Woodford's Corner, has
donated a large screen TV to the Friends of Reiche.
Members of the Post saw an article in the West End
News and decided to donate their TV when they
upgraded the one at the Post, according to member
Mark Reilly.
The WEN article said that the Friends of Reiche was
working on a plan to acquire a large screen TV for
the Reiche Community Center where neighborhood
residents could gather to watch sporting events such
as the Olympics, movies, and other programming.
The TV could also be used by the Reiche School for
school programming.
West End resident Jo Coyne discussed the idea with
members of the West End Neighborhood
Association, saying that it would bring more people
out to make use of the community center and get
involved with other community activities. Coyne
says that the Friends of Reiche will now meet with
City and school officials to plan programming for
their new TV.
Monday, September 15, 2008
West Enders Alarmed by Rash of
Criminal Activity
The West End Neighborhood
Association meeting on September 10th
addressed the concerns of West End
residents who have become alarmed at
the recent crime spree sweeping the
district. Sarah Colton, the West End
Community Policing Coordinator, was
at the meeting with officers who patrol
the West End. They heard residents of
the area around the Seven-11 store on
Congress (Dow Street, Horton Place)
describe numerous crimes in the area,
including prostitution, drug dealing and
beatings. West End City Councilor David
Marshall said that a number of steps
would be taken by the police department
and the City to alleviate the problem.
Between August 16th and 18th, the West
End also experienced many home
burglaries on Danforth, State, Pleasant,
Brackett, and Spruce Streets, where
entry was gained by means of unlocked
doors, or screens having been cut on open first-floor
windows.
Cash, jewelry, laptops, prescription medication, two
autographed baseballs, checks, purses, and small
electronic devices were stolen.
On August 20th, Portland Magazine at 722 Congress
Street had a window smashed; two Nikon cameras
and an iBook laptop were taken. On the 23rd, a May
Street window screen was pushed in, but nothing was
stolen from that location. On the same date, entry to
a Vaughn Street residence was gained by means of
an unlocked garage door. A mountain bike was
taken and a backpack and CDs were removed from
an unlocked car in the garage.
A number of other incidents have also plagued the
neighborhood.
-On Wednesday evening, September 3rd, the
Cumberland Farms on Pine Street was the scene of
a theft. A man who left his wallet on the counter
and went to choose something from the store, found
an empty counter when he returned with his item.
-Also at Cumberland Farms, on the same evening, a
group of teens was evicted from the store for
throwing sandwiches across the store and being
generally disruptive.
One West End resident reported chasing away a
young man who walked up her driveway and was
peering in her
basement window while she was parking her car in
the driveway.
Residents also reported suspicious activity at the
Reiche basketball court, including loud arguing and
cursing late at night, money exchanges, and men
urinating at the site.
At the beginning of August, North Deering also
suffered a number of break-ins. Portland
detectives recovered an expensive necklace from
a pawn shop in South Portland, which had been
taken from one of the residences. They were able
to identify a suspect, and are still working on the
investigation.
Meanwhile, Portland police issued the following
guidelines for residents to follow to reduce the
chances of becoming a victim:
-Lock all exterior doors
-Secure sliding glass doors with commercially
available bars or locks, or put a wooden dowel or
broom handle in the door track.
-Lock windows, particularly those at ground level.
-Make sure all porches, entrances, and outside
areas are well lighted.
-Trim any bushes or trees that hide doors or
windows. Keep ladders and tools inside when
you're not using them.
Do not hide your keys under the doormat or
flowerpot.
-Renters - make sure that mailboxes are in
publicly traveled, well-lighted areas; use common
area locks and encourage your neighbors to do
the same.
Pedestrian and Driver Safety Tips
--Do not walk or jog alone, take a friend or
neighbor along if possible.
-Choose busy streets and avoid passing vacant
lots, alleys, or deserted construction sites.
-Always lock your car and take the keys.
- When you drive, be on the lookout for any
problems that affect the neighborhood's well-
being, such as abandoned cars, missing signs,
malfunctioning traffic lights, reckless drivers, or
poor street lights. Follow up and report any
problems to 874-8479.
-Park in a well-lighted area that will still be well-
lighted when you return.
-Always carry an emergency kit in your car. It
should contain a flashlight, flares, first aid
products, and a 72-hour supply of food and water.
-Marge Niblock
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Candlelight Vigil to Remember Slain
Guard
Over three hundred people gathered in
Monument Square on Friday evening, September
12th, for a candlelight vigil to remember James
Angelo, the Mercy Hospital security guard who
was gunned down in a Mercy Hospital parking lot
at around 4AM last Sunday
The crowd started the vigil singing Amazing
Grace, and members of the Sudanese community
sang African spirituals.
Speakers at the vigil included West End City
Councilor David Marshall and Parkside
Representative Herb Adams, a neighbor of
Angelo. Adams quoted extensively from a speech
given by Senator Robert Kennedy in the spring of
1968 upon the assassination of Martin Luther
King.
Several other public officials were also in
attendance, including Congressman Tom Allen,
Mayor Ed Suslovic, Police Chief Joseph Loughlin,
and several other City Councilors.
A memorial service and funeral procession for
Angelo will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Friday, September 12, 2008
$20,000 Reward Offered by Mercy
Hospital
At a news conference held at 12:30 PM,
September 11th, in an appeal to the citizens of
Portland, Interim Chief Joseph Loughlin
announced a $20,000 reward being offered by
Mercy Hospital for information leading to the
arrest and indictment of those responsible for the
death of James Angelo, a security guard who was
shot while on patrol outside the hospital on
September 7th.
Eileen Skinner, Mercy’s CEO, was at the podium
with Loughlin. She said Angelo was a “beloved
employee,” whose mother also works at the
hospital. “As a matter of justice we want to do
something. We want to help the Police
Department.”
Loughlin said this is the largest reward ever made
in an investigation. “Detectives are working
diligently and tirelessly” on the case, referring to
it as “a day-and night operation.” He
characterized the shooting as “an insult to the
entire community,” and said “The Portland Police
Department does not give up.” He also stated
police “have made some substantive leads.”
Still in effect at the hospital are increased
security provisions, including screening of
individuals. Skinner said Mercy plans to hire an
off-duty police officer in the emergency room and
there will be increased patrols around the hospital.
The offer for the reward will expire on October
31st, a date chosen by Captain Vernon Malloch,
who said “The expiration date adds immediacy.”
-Marge Niblock
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Police Investigating Hate Crime
A 31-year-old Portland man was the victim of a
hate crime at 12:30 AM on September 6th, when
he was assaulted in front of 419 Cumberland
Avenue after returning from a night downtown.
According to Merrie Cartwright, who spoke at a
news conference conducted by Captain Vernon
Malloch, the victim told police the attackers said
he “looked like a faggot,” before knocking him
nearly unconscious with a blow to the head,
causing him to fall to the ground. Cartwright was
there on behalf of the victim’s family and friends.
She made an emotional plea to the perpetrators,
then asked them to consider turning themselves
in.
The man who was attacked is a performance artist
who had appeared earlier in the evening in a
variety show in Monument Square,as part of
Portland's First Friday Artwalk, made up as a
mythical creature. He had gone home and
changed, and then went out again.
He was taken to the hospital by MEDCU after a
passerby called police. He suffered a concussion
and bleeding of the brain, but has been released
and is experiencing aftereffects and symptoms
associated with the injury. The road to recovery
may take several weeks or months.
Captain Malloch stated “reported hate crimes in
Portland have been in decline.” In this instance
there was no attempt to rob the victim and “the
motivation seems to be his appearance,” which
included spiked hair and piercings.
The suspected attackers are described as two
males in their early twenties. One man is black,
between 5’6” and 5’10”, with a muscular build and
shaved head or very short hair. He is thought to
be the primary aggressor. The other man is white,
with a thin build and long brown hair. They fled in
a late-model white four-door sedan with fancy
chrome wheels, when someone driving the car
stopped and picked up the two suspects after the
attack.
Anyone with information is asked to contact
police at 874-8604 or at the police Web site www.
police.portlandmaine.gov and click on the citizen
input link.
A Web site set up by friends of the victim at www.
healportland.com is trying to raise funds to help
defray medical costs, since he has no health
insurance.
-Marge Niblock
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Task Force to Look at Polling Place
Changes
The Portland City Council has created a ten-
member task force to evaluate and make
recommendations to the Council on reducing the
number and location of polling places in the city -
with a goal of having an equal number of voting
places in each voting district.
The task force will consider issues related to parking,
transit accessibility, handicapped accessibility,
voter circulation and proximity to residents. The
members of the task force will be appointed by
the Council. No members have yet been named.
The ten voting members on the task force will
include one City Councilor and at least one
member from each voting district, one member
from each of the Democratic, Republican and
Green Independent political parties, and a
member representing unenrolled voters. At least
five members will represent neighborhood
associations in different areas of the city.
No changes in the number of polling places in the
city or their locations will take place before the
November 4th general election. The task force
will elect a Chair and Secretary from its own
membership, and make its recommendation to
the Council on or before January 15, 2009.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Security Guard Shot and Killed at
Mercy Hospital
On Sunday September 7, 2008 at 4:10 A.M.
Portland police responded to a report of gunshots
being fired in the area of Mercy Hospital.
Hospital employees reported hearing the shots
and seeing a man running south on Winter Street
and turning west on Spring Street. A few minutes
later, hospital employees found an injured
security guard in their Winter Street parking lot.
The victim had been shot. He was treated in the
Mercy Hospital emergency room before being
transferred to Maine Medical Center where he
died.
The victim has been identified as 27 year old
James Angelo of Portland. He was employed as a
Mercy Hospital security guard.
Witnesses report two people walking south on
Winter Street who fled in opposite directions
when the shots were fired. One of these people is
described as being a short, black man with a slight
build in his early 20’s. He has short black hair
and appeared clean shaven. He was wearing black
pants and a white hooded sweatshirt with some
type of all over design or print. The other person
is only described as wearing a light colored shirt
or jacket.
Police are asking that anyone who may know the
identity of these two people contact the Portland
Police Department at 874-8479. Information can
also be left on the web site www.police.
portlandmaine.gov Click on the citizen input
link.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Volunteers Needed for Reiche
International 5K Road Race
The first annual Reiche International 5K road
race celebrating the more than 30 nationalities
that attend the Howard C. Reiche Community
School in Portland’s West End will start Sunday,
Oct 19th at 9:30. There are slots available for
both racers and volunteers. The race is being
organized by the Reiche PTO, and proceeds will
support school swim and arts programs.
The race starts and ends at Reiche Elementary,
166 Brackett Street in Portland. The well-marked
single loop course continues through the streets
of the West End including Chadwick, Neal, Pine
and Spring Streets. It includes one favorite local
climb - the uphill behind the Western Prom
Cemetery. Otherwise the course is flat and fast,
and ends with a party. All are welcome.
In deference to the upcoming Halloween season,
participants are invited to wear a costume
(although costumes are not mandatory). Walkers
are welcome, as well.
More information and a printable entry form are
on line at www.Reicheinternational.com. Runners
may also sign up through active.com. A link is
available under “Details” on the site.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact
Joan Murray at murraj@portlandschools.org.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Man Charged With Robbing Friend at
Gunpoint
On Friday September 5th at 1:45 A.M., a 22-year-
old Portland man reported being robbed at
gunpoint while in front of 40 Alder Street in the
Bayside neighborhood. The victim told responding
officers that an acquaintance, known only by his
first name, had threatened him with a gun while
demanding money.
The perpetrator fled on foot after taking the
money. No one was injured and no shots were
fired.
Officers began searching the area and located a
suspect a short distance away on Wilmot Street.
Dale Sukeforth, 38, of Portland was arrested
without incident. Sukeforth is charged with
robbery and giving a false name.
Workshops Set for Congress Street
Historic District
The City of Portland’s Historic Preservation
Board and Planning Board have scheduled
workshops to consider a proposal to create a new
downtown historic district. The “Congress Street
Historic District” would extend from City Hall to
Bramhall Square and include portions of abutting
blocks on the north and south sides of Congress
Street.
The purpose of establishing the historic district is
to provide protection for the historic buildings
within Portland’s downtown and ensure that
alterations, additions and sign solutions are
compatible with their historic character. With
designation, building owners interested in
rehabilitating their historic properties would also
become eligible for federal and state tax credits.
New construction within the district would be
reviewed as well.
If the proposed historic district is approved,
alterations and new construction will be reviewed
by the Historic Preservation Board (or staff,
depending on the scope of the project) according
to Portland’s historic preservation ordinance
standards.
The proposal was developed at the request of the
Portland City Council’s Community Development
Committee and is the product of two years of
documentation and study. Informational
meetings for all affected property owners were
held last spring. This summer, more detailed
discussions were held with a focus group
comprised of representatives of downtown
business and cultural organizations. The proposal
has been revised to address issues and questions
raised during these meetings.
Following the process required for designating a
new historic district, the draft proposal must first
be reviewed by both the Historic Preservation
Board and the Planning Board. These boards, in
turn, will forward their respective
recommendations to the City Council, which will
make the final decision regarding designation.
Property owners in the affected area will be
informed of every upcoming workshop and public
hearing on the initiative. Public comment will be
taken at each meeting. The first scheduled
workshops are as follows:
Wednesday, September 17 5 pm
Tuesday, September 23 3:30 pm
Room 209, City Hall
The purpose of the initial workshops is for
planning staff to introduce the scope and nature
of the proposal to the respective boards and to
answer any questions. The boards will make their
final recommendations at a later date, after
formal public hearings have been held.
FMI, contact Deb Andrews (874-8726) or Scott
Hanson (756-8023) in the Historic Preservation
office of the Portland Planning Department. Send
comments to Deb Andrews at dga@portlandmaine.
gov.. They will be forwarded to the respective
boards for their consideration.
Friday. September 5, 2008
Bystanders Rescue Hurt Seagull on
Congress Street
At around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September
4th, a group of Congress Street bystanders
assisted in the dramatic rescue of a seagull that
had a fishing lure caught in its beak and side.
The gull was seen thrashing in uncontrollable
circles in the middle of Congress Street, near the
Maine College of Art and the CVS Pharmacy.
One of the bystanders managed to herd it to the
curb where she wrapped it in a blanket that
another women had donated. A man then used
pliers to remove the fishing lure hook from its
mouth. The bird calmed down significantly after
the sidewalk operation was performed.
Animal Control officers were summoned, due to
another hook still stuck in the gull’s side that did
not appear life-threatening.
The seagull, christened "Icarus" by a MECA
student and MECA employee who stood vigil with
it until help arrived, seemed stable and alert when
it was picked up by the Animal Control officer
who planned to drive it to Sparks Arks, the well-
known wildlife rehabilitation farm in Windham.
To make a donation to help injured wildlife such
as Icarus, send your check to Sparks Arks, 7
Rousseau Road, Windham, Maine. Also, please
be careful with your fishing lures -- they can be
deadly to birds and animals. -Annie
Wadleigh
September 3, 2008
Fireboat Rescues Kayakers and Boat in
Distress
The Portland Fire Department’s fire boat rescued
two men from Back Cove and one from Casco Bay
on Labor Day after strong winds caused problems
for the men who were kayaking and wound up in
the 62-degree water for about half an hour.
Deputy Fire Chief Michael Shutts said that all
were taken to the hospital to be checked for
possible hypothermia. One ambulance met the
fireboat at Hannaford Plaza and another was sent
to the East End Beach boat ramp.
While the fireboat was returning to its dock, it
also came across a boat in distress that it towed to
safety.
-Marge Niblock
| Find out more about these local businesses: Mitpheap Asian Market Asian American African Latin |
Are you parenting a struggling reader? I can help. Wendy Gaal, M.A., M.Ed. Reading Specialist Mass General Hospital-trained Orton-Gillingham tutor Experienced teaching reading to children with learning differences. Excellent references. 775-4329 East End wendy@gaal.com |
Please join us on First Friday October 3 for an in-store Wine Tasting. West End Deli & Catering 133 Spring Street. |
| “The Spin Stops Here!” COYNE’S LAUNDROMAT 88 DANFORTH STREET (AT HIGH & DANFORTH) OPEN 7DAYS 8AM to 8PM WASH & FOLD ‘Home of the 2 minute laundry- 1 minute dropoff- 1 minute pickup!’ 871-5744 |
| Fix-It Man "Your Problem Solver" Repairs-Improvements- Maintenance 61 Sherman St. Portland www.fix-itman.com 771-0202 |
| Brackett Street Veterinary Clinic Welcomes Dr. Sarah Tasse! Dr. Tasse will be offering acupuncture and herbal medicine as well as alternative therapy for cancer treatments. 192 Brackett Street, Portland, ME 04102 207-772-3385 www.portvet.net |
| You are invited to discuss the City of Portland’s Proposed Priorities for Community Development Block Grant Funds. Tuesday, October 7th 7:00 PM Council Chambers City Hall (See Details) |
