Friday, November 28, 2008
Man Attacked in West End With
Meat Cleaver
Portland police responded to a reported aggravated
assault at 845 Congress Street, near the Maine Medical
Center, at 5:20 AM this morning. Officers discovered
the 33-year-old victim with multiple injuries to his head
and extremities, caused by being struck with a meat
cleaver.
The victim was transported to Maine Medical Center
where he is being treated and admitted. The suspect
fled the scene prior to police arrival. The victim and
suspect knew each other and this did not appear to be a
random act of violence.
Portland Police detectives later located the suspect in
Portland and brought him to police headquarters at 109
Middle Street. There, they arrested Jose Mendoza, 41,
and charged him with elevated aggravated assault.
Peabody Center Local Event to Raise
AIDS Awareness
Free Testing to be Available
Frannie Peabody Center, Maine’s largest HIV/AIDS
service organization, will hold an event on Monday,
December 1st World AIDS Day, at One Longfellow
Square, to recognize the impact of HIV/AIDS.
The Center will be hosting a noontime service featuring
music, guest speakers, and the opportunity to reflect on
the effect of HIV/AIDS in the community. Participants
will have the opportunity to participate in a prayer ritual
by writing thoughts, feelings, or memorials on red
ribbons and hanging them in the trees in Longfellow
Square.
Frannie Peabody Center will also be providing free,
anonymous, rapid HIV testing and information from 1:
00 to 6:00 pm and a viewing of “A Closer Walk: A film
about AIDS in the world,” narrated by Glenn Close and
Will Smith, at 7:00 pm. All activities are free and open
to the public.
Also on December 1st, Maine government, religious,
and HIV/AIDS community leaders will unite for a non-
denominational service to be held at the state's capitol.
The service will include a display of the Official AIDS
Quilt and a chain of more than 1,200 links to represent
the number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the state.
Guest speakers will include Governor John Baldacci,
Dr. Dora Ann Mills of the Maine Center for Disease
Control, religious leaders from various denominations
across Maine, and HIV/AIDS community activists.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Bryan, Graef Jump into WENA
President Race
The field of candidates to replace Leana Good-Simpson
as president of the West End Neighborhood Association
has suddenly become very crowded.
Reiche School activist Ed Bryan and current WENA
Vice President Rosanne Graef have joined former
president Jo Coyne in the race for the post. Coyne said
that now that there are other strong candidates, she will
run for vice-president. Good-Simpson has also
expressed interest in the VP slot.
Annual elections will be held at the December 10th
meeting at the Reiche Community Center at 6:30 PM.
Anyone interested in making a nomination or in running
for office themselves is asked to contact Chris Hirsch.
(hirscc@mmc.org)
Also featured at the December meeting will be a cookie
exchange. Those participating should bring four dozen
home-baked cookies (all one kind), packed in baggies (3
to a bag).
Participants will trade baggies all around, with everyone
going home with 4 dozen cookies from others. Please
email Rosanne Graef (or call her at 879-6024) or see the
WENA calendar for further details.
Woman Identifies Alleged Assailant
On November 16th at 11:45 PM, police were called to
948 Forest Avenue regarding a stabbing. They were met
outside by a female victim who identified the alleged
assailant, and told police that he was upstairs in an
apartment at that location.
Lang Hers, 33, of Portland, was arrested and charged
with elevated aggravated assault. Hers also had
outstanding warrants for assault, operating under the
influence, and operating after suspension.
The victim was treated for injuries to her hand and
wrist, and was taken to Maine Medical Center for
treatment. -Marge Niblock
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Trash/Recycling on Thanksgiving
The Department of Public Services Solid Waste crews
will not collect trash or recycling on Thanksgiving,
November 27, and Friday, November 28. Residents
who normally receive collection services on Thursday
and Friday will need to wait until the following week
December 4 and 5 for trash and recycling pick-up. If
residents have further questions about their
trash/recycling collection, they can contact the
Recycling Hotline at 756-8189 or go to www.
portlandmaine.gov.
The Riverside Recycling Facility will also be closed for
the Thanksgiving Holiday, and will resume normal
business hours on Saturday, November 29, 7:00 AM to
4:00 PM.
Students Get Thanksgiving Spirit
A number of Portland public school students have
carried out public service projects to start the holiday
season.
A class for at-risk students at Portland High is making
fleece blankets, scarves, hats and mittens that will be
sold at the school. Students in the Reconnecting Youth
class are using the proceeds to adopt a family for the
holidays and to make a donation to the Animal Refuge
League.
The student council at Presumpscot Elementary School
made Thanksgiving cards for the residents at Seaside
Nursing Home on November 19th. The student council
also organized a school-wide food drive to collect
canned goods and other items for a local food pantry.
The fast foods program at Portland Arts and
Technology High School (PATHS) organized a building-
wide food drive on November 20th as part of the
school’s annual harvest meal. The class also collected
financial contri-butions for the Preble Street Resource
Center.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Commissioners Consider Hike in
County Budget
The Cumberland County Commissioners will hold a final
budget meeting on December 4th at the Cumberland
County Courthouse. The commissioners are considering
a 3.6% hike in their annual budget, including more
money for law enforcement and technology.
There are concerns about the costs at the Cumberland
County Jail, which are such a large part of the budget
and have been increasing for years.
County Manager Peter Crichton called it a “difficult
budget”, noting that the County may be eliminating
seven positions.
The final budget vote will take place December 15th.
Outgoing Commissioner Esther Clenott cautioned the
commiss-ioners to be cautious in cutting services,
because programs are difficult to start up again once
they have been eliminated.
Sunday, November 23 2008
Fire Destroys Local Pub
A fire on Congress Street at about 3:30PM this
afternoon heavily damaged an apartment building and a
popular local pub, causing heavy damage to Bingas
Wingas in Bramhall Square and a grocery store and
meat market in the building next door, which received
major structural damage according to a fire official.
Heavy smoke poured through holes in the roof of the
three-story building, and firefighters used a chain saw to
cut through the roof as flames shot out. The
surrounding West End neighborhood was filled with the
smell of smoke, and Congress Street was closed to
traffic for several blocks, as curious neighbors filled the
street to watch the local drama.
Sunday afternoon patrons at the sports pub were
quickly evacuated and no injuries were reported, though
a number of ambulances responded to the scene.A chef
at the pub told WCSH-6 NEWS that he saw smoke
coming in the back door and discovered the back porch
on fire when he opened the door.
The fire occurred directly across the street from the
Bramhall Square fire house.
Barber Foods Founder Dies
Gus Barber, 87, the founder of Barber Foods in the
West End, died on Friday, November 21st .
Barber started his business with one worker in 1955.
Barber Foods, one of the country's largest makers of
frozen foods, now has more than 700 employees. It is
known for hiring immigrants and providing a wide range
of training programs for them.
Driver Tries to Run Down Old Port
Bouncer
Police are looking for the driver of an SUV who tried to
run over Curtis Smith, a DJ and bouncer at the Cactus
Club in the Old Port, on November 17th.
Smith told police he was trying to stop a man from
urinating on the sidewalk outside the Fore Street bar
when he was attacked by two men. The two men got
into a white Lincoln Navigator with Massachusetts
plates, drove onto the sidewalk and tried to run down
Smith.
The SUV crashed into a pizza shop next door before
leaving the scene.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Rally Against Hate Today
There will be a ‘Rally Against Hate’ at 5pm today at the
Woodbury Campus Center on the University of
Southern Maine’s Portland campus.
Representatives from the Center for the Prevention of
Hate Violence, Maine Civil Liberties Union, National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People-
Portland Branch, Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland,
Cumberland County Sheriff Mark Dion, and Mayor-
Elect Jill Duson and other organizations and individuals
will speak to the recent events in Standish, Gray-New
Gloucester, and Mt. Desert Island.
For more information: Brianna Twofoot at MCLU 774-
5444
City Prepares for Winter Parking
Bans
Residents can sign up at Portland's website to
get notices about city parking bans
City residents and visitors that can sign up online at
www.portlandmaine.gov to receive email notices from
the city when a citywide parking ban is implemented.
People can also call the parking ban hotline at 879-0300
or check the Time and Temperature sign for up-to-date
postings.
A citywide parking ban is called when weather impacts
the city's ability to carry out its winter storm operations
and ensure that roads are safe for travel. When a
parking ban is declared, all vehicles must be off city
streets by 10:00 PM until 6:00 AM the following day.
Vehicles left on the street during a ban will be towed at
the owner's expense (tow fee - $70, impound fee - $25,
ticket cost - $30 and all outstanding tickets must be
paid). Vehicles will be towed to the city's impound lot
located at the International Marine Terminal on
Commercial Street (phone number 774-3025).
There are a number of places people can park at no
charge during a parking ban including:
Ø Deering Oaks - on the left hand side of Tennis Court
Road only
Ø State Street gravel lot - abutting Deering oaks
Ø Fitzpatrick Stadium parking lot
Ø Hadlock Field parking lot
Ø All Portland Public School lots EXCEPT the lot at
Reiche School which abuts the school and playground
Ø Cutter Street lots (off the Eastern Prom)
Ø Beach Street lot accessible from Commercial Street
(This lot is available after 8 P.M. )
Ø Lot across the street from the International Marine
Terminal on Commercial Street (corner of Park and
Commercial Streets)
Ø Many parking garages in the area are open for
parking bans at reduced rates - check with individual
garages for rates and hours
Vehicles can begin to park in these designated areas at 5:
00 PM the night a parking ban is declared. Vehicles
must be moved from the city lots by 7:00 AM the
morning the ban is lifted.
The city can also declare a Yellow Zone parking ban for
downtown. When a yellow ban is announced, parking is
prohibited from Franklin Arterial to State Street and
Commercial Street to Cumberland Avenue.
K-9 Unit Nabs Hit-and-Run Suspect
On November 8th at 6:20 PM, police answered a call
regarding a hit-and-run accident at Brighton and Taft
Avenues, and were given a description of the vehicle
and its license plate.
While heading to the scene, officers found a car
matching the description of the suspect vehicle, located
at 121 Taft Avenue. When they began to approach the
car, they heard doors slamming and saw someone
fleeing.
With the use of the K-9 Unit, they ultimately
apprehended Eric S. Faulkingham, 29, of Portland, at
700 Riggs Street. He was arrested and charged with
operating without a license and leaving the scene of an
accident.
-Marge Niblock
Thursday, November 20, 2008
NAACP PREZ TO VISIT MAINE
The newly-installed president of the nation’s oldest civil
rights organization will spend a day in Maine next month
visiting his father’s high school alma mater, Deering
High School; meeting with the NAACP Prison Branch
and prison officials at the Maine State Prison; and
delivering the keynote address for an annual Human
Rights Day program.
Benjamin T. Jealous, who began serving as the national
president of the NAACP in September, will speak at
Hannaford Hall on the USM Portland campus on
Monday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m. The NAACP
Portland Branch has organized his visit to Maine in
collaboration with the local branches of Amnesty
International and the United Nations Association, in
order to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the UN
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Governor John
Baldacci and USM President Selma Bottman will offer
welcome remarks and Portland’s mayor will present
Jealous with a key to the city.
At age 35, Jealous is the youngest national president in
the history of the 99-year-old NAACP. In that job, he
becomes part of the legendary leadership group that
extends from W. E. B. Du Bois and James Weldon
Johnson in the early 20th century to Roy Wilkins and
Julian Bond in recent decades.
Jealous was director of Amnesty International’s U.S.
Human Rights Program from 2002 to 2005, where he
led efforts to pass federal legislation against prison rape,
rebuild public consensus against racial profiling in the
wake of the September 2001 terrorist attacks, and
expose the widespread sentencing of children to life
without the possibility of parole.
He was managing editor of the Jackson Advocate, the
oldest black-owned weekly newspaper in Mississippi,
which was torched repeatedly for its stands on civil
rights, and he served as executive director of a
federation of more than 200 black-owned papers. He
has also worked as a community organizer on civil
rights lawsuits in the 1990s, and was program director
of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.
His career of advocacy began early at 14 when he
organized his first voter registration drive. While a
student at Columbia University, he organized boycotts
and pickets for homeless rights, environmental justice,
and full-need financial assistance.
Jealous’ first stop in Maine will be at Deering High
School, where school where he will speak at an
assembly of approximately 1200 students and staff
including students from other high schools and middle
schools. Immediately following the assembly, students
will return to their classrooms to discuss the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights.
Following up on his previous interest and work on
prison issues, the NAACP leader will then travel to
Warren with officers of the NAACP Portland Branch.
They will meet with the organization’s Prison Branch
and Maine Department of Corrections Commissioner
Martin Magnusson. Attorney General Steve Rowe has
been invited.
The final event of Jealous’ busy day will be to deliver
the keynote address for Human Rights Day at the
University of Southern Maine. Each year, early
December is celebrated as the time in 1948 when the
United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights. Eleanor Roosevelt, one
of its principal architects, described it as a modern
Magna Carta. The UDHR states “recognition of the
inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of
all members of the human family is the foundation of
freedom, justice, and peace in the world.”
Neighbors Detain Burglary Suspect
Police received a call of a burglary in progress at 3AM,
November 9th on Bishop Street, and found Stephen
Joyce, 49, of Cumberland, sitting in the middle of the
roadway with a small group of people around him.
The group surrounding the man, which consisted of
men and women, told police they had been in a nearby
apartment and one of them saw the victim’s car with
Mr. Joyce in it. After calling police they had removed
him from the car and detained him until arrival of
officers.
Joyce drank a two-liter bottle of soda that had been in
the car, and other items from the vehicle had been
moved around.
According to police “he smelled of intoxicating
beverages.” Joyce was arrested and charged with
burglary of a motor vehicle. -Marge Niblock
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Downtown Portland Corporation
Honors Local Businesses
Richard Berman, Pierce Promotions and Ready
Seafood receive top awards
On Thursday, the Downtown Portland Corporation will
present its thirteenth annual business awards to three
local businesses that have played a major role in
developing Portland's downtown.
Richard Berman, a real estate developer responsible for
a number of local projects including Stroudwater
Heights, Gateway Court and Unity Village in Portland's
Bayside area, will receive the 2008 Economic
Development Achievement Award for his Portland
developments, including most recently the Chestnut
Street Lofts.
The Chestnut Street Lofts is a mixed- use building with
thirty-seven units and two ground-floor commercial
units. The location was formerly a brownfield site, and
Mr. Berman rehabilitated it by working with the DPC's
revolving loan program to fund the clean up of pollution
from a long-defunct gas station. This development,
together with Unity Village, added to the City's Bayside
Vision - a city initiative to revitalize and spur economic
development in the Bayside neighborhood.
Located in the heart of Portland's downtown with more
than 140 employees, Pierce Promotions, a national
marketing firm representing TD Banknorth, Burger
King, People Magazine and Discovery, will receive the
2008 Business of Year Award. Ranked among the top
100 marketing firms in the country, Pierce has
experienced phenomenal growth with offices in
Bentonville, Chicago, New York and Washington DC.
The firm was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in
downtown Portland at One Monument Square.
Receiving the 2008 Small Business of the Year Award,
Ready Seafood located on Hobson's Wharf has taken
lobstering in a new and innovative direction. Its "Catch a
Piece of Maine" allows people to purchase a designated
trap, keep up with the trap's catch online and receive the
lobsters caught in the trap through the mail. Employing
six full time and seven seasonal workers, Ready
Seafood not only embodies Maine's entrepreneurial
spirit, but the company supports the city's efforts to
maintain a working waterfront.
All three award recipients will be recognized at the
DPC's annual event. The DPC was created by the
Portland City Council in 1990 to create and foster a
variety of uses and encourage economic development
within the downtown of the city.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Gulf of Maine Research
Institute
350 Commercial Street
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Gorham to Challenge Donoghue for
His Former Council Seat
Before Portland’s new City Councilors have been sworn
in, former East End Councilor Will Gorham has
announced that he plans to run against Councilor Kevin
Donoghue in 2009 for the Council seat that Donoghue
won from him in 2006.
Gorham is currently President of the Munjoy Hill
Neighborhood Organiza-tion. Hewas re-elected to the
board of the MHNO at the group’s annual meeting on
June 29th, and was then elected the group’s president
when he was the only candidate to accept a nomination
to the post.
Gorham failed to gain election to the board two years
ago, and several months later, lost his City Council seat
to Donoghue. His top priority has been dealing with
problems at the MHNO’s neighborhood newspaper, The
Munjoy Hill Observer.
Other issues that Gorham listed as concerns were the
fact that the MHNO lost half of its funding from the
Housing and Community Development funds that the
City gets from the federal government, because of the
organization’s failure to file the proper paperwork in
time.
Gorham also echoed concerns expressed at the annual
meeting about the fact that there has been a 75% drop in
the organization’s membership, which has decreased to
fewer than 100 members.
Gorham was nominated for the MHNO presidency by
Randee Bucknell, who had been circulating a petition
drive to recall Donoghue from office over the Adams
School issue.
Gorham was on the City Council when it appointed a re-
use committee for the Adams School and issued a
Request for Proposals. He is in favor of replacing the
school building with housing. Donoghue, who is on the
Council’s Housing Committee also favors the housing
plans currently being formulated for the former school.
He recently promoted a zoning change that would
reduce parking requirements and thereby promote new
housing construction in the city.
Donoghue was writing a monthly column for the
Observer concerning issues before the City Council
when it suspended publication in June, and has said that
he hopes to be able to continue the column when the
Observer resumes publication. He currently publishes
Council updates on his blog - http://kevindonoghue.
blogspot.com/
Donoghue is Chair of the Council’s Transportation
Committee, is on the board of METRO, and has actively
pursued his interest in transportation issues, including
reconfiguring the city’s bus routes and bringing a car-
share program to the city.
Man Arrested After Using Stolen
Credit Card
Allan G. Jenkins, 32, of Portland, was arrested on
November 12th and charged with theft, burglary of a
motor vehicle, forgery, misuse of credit identification,
and violation of conditional release.
Jenkins is accused of stealing a wallet containing a
credit card from a car parked on State Street, and using
the card to make purchases at Olympia Sports on
November 11th. On that day the victim of the auto
burglary got a call from his credit card company
regarding some unusual transactions made on his
account. At that point, he discovered his wallet was
missing from his car.
After Jenkins left Olympia on the 11th, employees
discovered that he had dropped a receipt from a credit
card transaction with a different name on it, and they
notified Portland police. The dropped slip was for items
bought at the Pine Street Cumberland Farms.
Jenkins went back to shop at Olympia again on
November 12th and was recognized by employees, who
immediately notified police. Officer Jeffrey Druan
arrested Jenkins at the store at 11:00 AM.
-Marge Niblock
Monday, November 17, 2008
Carsharing Coming to Downtown
The Portland City Council has approved a
recommendation from the Transportation Committee to
contract with a carsharing company to set up in
Portland.
Under the contract, the city will dedicate four on-street
parking spaces for vehicles operated by U-Car Share, a
division of U-Haul International. The service is proposed
to launch in early 2009.
U-Car Share allows members to reserve a vehicle online
and unlock it with a membership card. Members pay for
vehicle use by the hour, including gas and return it back
to its parking space.
"Carsharing offers an attractive alternative to
ownership," said City Councilor Kevin Donoghue, who
does not own a car and serves as chairman of the City
Council Transportation Committee. "Some of us need
access to car all of the time, yet many more need it only
some of the time."
Two of the vehicles are proposed for Commercial Street
near to Casco Bay Lines and the other two are
proposed for Elm Street, off of Monument Square and
across from the METRO Bus.
For more information of U-Car Share, visit the company
website at https://www.ucarshare.com
Lincoln Middle School Rallies to
Help Ailing Student
Students, faculty members and families at Lincoln
Middle School are rallying to the aid of a seventh grader
suffering from cancer and other serious health
problems. Students have organized a bake sale and
returnable bottle drive to raise money for Shea Messier,
who has spent much of the fall at Maine Medical Center.
Lincoln families have donated gas cards, clothing and
household items to Messier and her family. The Lincoln
Parent Teacher Friend Organization gave the family a
quarter of the proceeds from the school’s Halloween
dance. Lincoln teachers take turns making meals for the
family when Shea is in the hospital.
Shea just started attending Lincoln last spring, but she
quickly made friends. She has cystic fibrosis and
neurofibroma, in addition to the cancer diagnosed last
summer. She’s blind in one eye and had a leg
amputated. Her shoulder-length, blond hair fell out
since she started chemotherapy, leaving her bald. But
her spirits remain strong.
Lincoln students have brightened Shea’s hospital room
with homemade, get-well cards. Students write to her
on a blog. Several students have visited her. The school
hopes to arrange for Shea to participate in classes
through the Internet via webcams.
Shea lives with her mother and a younger sibling in a
second-floor apartment with no elevator. The family is
struggling to make ends meet, and Lincoln families have
tried to pick up some of the slack. Donations from the
school paid for a wig for Shea, as well as food and
other supplies.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
New Housing to Require Only One
Parking Space
The Portland City Council voted unanimously on
October 24th to reduce parking requirements for new
construction on the Portland peninsula. New dwelling
units previously required two off-street parking spaces
and now require only one. The move is meant to
encourage new housing development on the peninsula,
and more affordable housing developments citywide.
The change came at the recommendation of the Housing
Committee and the Transportation Committee.
"This vote encourages development at zero cost to
taxpayers," said Councilor Kevin Donoghue, who serves
on the Housing Committee and is the chairman of the
Transportation Committee.
"By reducing the development costs associated with
excessive parking and conditional zoning, we are
working smarter rather than harder toward a broadened
residential property tax base."
Friday, November 14, 2008
Ten Apply for Superintendent Of
Schools
Ten applicants are seeking the position of superintendent
of the Portland Public Schools, said Sarah Thompson,
the Portland School Committee member who is chairing
the search committee. Half of the applicants are from
Maine and half are from out of state, she said.
The School Committee held an executive session on
November 12th to review the applications. Candidates
will be evaluated based on a list of desirable
characteristics developed from community input.
Among the top priorities are selecting a good
communicator with experience in the classroom and an
administrator with strong business skills.
The committee will select candidates to be interviewed
by a 20-member panel that includes teachers,
administrators, union representatives, business and
education partners, parents, community members and a
student.
After site visits, the School Committee will make a final
appointment. It is expected that a superintendent will be
hired in February 2009 and begin work on July 1, 2009.
The School Committee advertised nationally for the
superintendent position. The Maine School
Management Association is assisting with the search.
For more information about the superintendent search
process, please visit www.portlandschools.org.
Questions should be addressed to Sarah Thompson at
thompsa@portlandschools.org or by calling 761-9275.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
33,000 Voters Support Marriage
Equality
EqualityMaine, which set a goal for Election Day to
identify 10,000 pro-marriage equality voters across the
state, more than tripled the goal, identifying over 33,000
Maine voters who support marriage for same-sex
couples. It was the largest single-day action in
EqualityMaine's 25-year history.
The organization is going to deliver the postcards they
collected to legislators in Augusta, but first will enter all
the information into their database.
The effort to collect the 33,100 signatures involved 100
volunteer poll captains and 300 volunteer poll workers at
almost 100 polling places in 12 counties.
Public Policy Director Darlene Huntress reported that
the group hit its goal of 10,000 signatures by noon on
Election Day. Calls began pouring in from volunteers
who were running out of postcards. They scrambled to
print and deliver thousands more postcards across the
state.
As the postcards ran out, voters began signing scraps of
paper, jotting their names and addresses down on
anything they could find, and handing them to the
volunteers.
Truck Hits Power Pole, Closes
Congress Street
An accident closed Outer Congress Street for several
hours on Thursday evening, November 6th after a box
truck hit a utility pole which caught the power lines on
fire and took out phone, power and cable TV lines.
Witnesses reported that the driver was swerving all over
the road just before the accident. He suffered minor
injuries.
Power also went off in part of the Stroudwater
neighborhood, and about 600 CMP customers in the
area lost power.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Dems Regain Control Of City Council
Meeting Today to Elect New Mayor
The balance of power on the Portland City Council
shifted on November 4th with the election of Democrats
Dory Waxman and John Coyne. Waxman defeated
Mayor Ed Suslovic, and Coyne, who was formerly
Chair of the Portland School Committee, won the
District 5 seat being vacated by Councilor Jim Cohen.
Although the Council is officially non-partisan, Waxman
and Coyne are expected to join forces with current
Councilors Jill Duson, Nick Mavodones, and Dan
Skolnik, putting the three Green Independents (David
Marshall, Kevin Donoghue, and John Anton) and
Republican Cheryl Leeman, in the minority. The
development of the Maine State Pier is the major issue
that is likely to be affected by the shift in power.
The newly-formed Council will meet today, November
12th, to select a new mayor. Marshall, along with
Donoghue, are the two Councilors who have served on
the Council longest without serving as mayor, a position
that would historically put them in line for that position.
But either of their elections could be in jeopardy because
of the new majority.
Marshall said that he would be interested in serving in
the position, while Donoghue said he was not. Skolnik
said that he would support Councilor Duson if she was
nominated for the post. Waxman said she had not
discussed the election with any of the other
councilors. -Ed King
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
VETERANS' DAY
Irish Heritage Center Honors Joe
Brennan
The Maine Irish Heritage Center has announced the
first annual Claddagh Award Celebration, to be held at
the Center on November 14th. They have chosen
Governor Joseph E. Brennan as this year’s recipient.
The Claddagh is a beloved symbol for all people of Irish
descent and expresses the principles of friendship (the
Claddagh hands), love (heart) and loyalty (crown).
It is fitting that this year’s recipient of an award named
for this treasured emblem is a man who has spent his
career in dedicated service to the people of Maine.
After serving as Cumberland County District Attorney
and State of Maine Attorney General, Joe Brennan
served as Governor from 1979 to 1987, and as a
member of the U. S. House of Representatives from
1987 to 1991. Since 1999, he has served as a Federal
Maritime Commissioner. The Maine Irish Heritage
Center is honored to pay tribute to one of Maine ’s most
respected native sons.
The Maine Irish Heritage Center, the former St.
Dominic’s Church, has recently reopened after an
extensive renovation and restoration to repair damage
sustained in 2006 and 2007. The Claddagh Award
Celebration, in addition to honoring Governor Brennan,
will also commemorate the Center’s grand re-opening
and availability for celebrations such as weddings,
concerts, recitals, educational programs and film
festivals.
The program begins with a social hour at 5:30 followed
by a program with personal recollections of Governor
Brennan from his family and friends. A brief video of
some of the highlights of Governor Brennan’s long
distinguished career will also be presented.
Man Arrested After Scuffle at Jetport
Drops Pants in Screening Line
Portland police arrested Steven Goodine, 43, of South
Portland, at the Portland International Jetport on
November 3, at 11:45 AM. Goodine was about to take a
flight to Florida when he aroused the interest of
Transportation Security Administration officers as the
metal detector went off when he was in the security
screening line.
While TSA personnel were trying to ascertain what had
caused the detector to go off, Goodine dropped his
pants to the floor, causing them to request police
assistance.
Officer John Morin ascertained that Goodine had an
outstanding warrant for his arrest from South Portland,
charging him with several crimes committed there:
aggravated assault, reckless conduct; assault on a police
officer; and leaving the scene of an accident.
Goodine was told he was under arrest and began
fighting when Officer Morin tried to put handcuffs on
him.
Goodine was charged with refusing to submit to arrest
for his conduct. Razor blades and drugs were found in
the pockets of his pants and confiscated before he was
allowed to put them back on before being taken to the
Cumberland County Jail.
-Marge Niblock
Sunday, November 9, 2008
USS Portland Rededication
Ceremony on Veteran's Day
Original sponsor and members of the ship's
crew will join city officials for ceremony
This Tuesday, Veteran's Day, the USS Portland
memorial - including the mainmast, bell and bridge
shield - will be rededicated, following a $150,000
rehabilitation project. 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 first dedicated at the park
July 4, 1962.
The original sponsor of the USS Portland, Mary
Doughty, will rechristen the memorial at the close of the
ceremony. At the age of twelve , Mary Brooks, now
Doughty, the daughter of Ralph Brooks, Chairman of
the Portland City Council, christened the ship on May
21, 1932 in Quincy, Massachusetts.
Mayor Ed Suslovic, the USMC Color Guard, Mary
Doughty, members of the USS Portland crew and Bill
Whitten, a local citizen who led the donation campaign,
will partake in the re-dedication ceremony.
The City of Portland, in partnership with Cianbro and
other local businesses, recently completed a two-week
restoration project of the USS Portland's mainmast. The
restoration project – estimated at $150,000 - included
sandblasting the exterior paint, clean-up and repair to the
structure and repainting. Through this partnership, the
project was completed entirely through donations of
time and materials.
Authorized 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.
Tuesday, November 11, 12 Noon
Fort Allen Park
Eastern Promenade
Friday, November 7, 2008
Police Shoot Raccoon on Munjoy Hill
Lots of excitement was generated on Munjoy Hill at
about 8:30 AM on November 7th, with police firing
shots near 96 Vesper Street that killed a raccoon.
After a call came in to police that a raccoon killed a cat,
followed by other calls of a raccoon menacing people,
several police cars were sent to the area in response.
Jeff Ferland, who lives at 91 Vesper Street, directly
across from where the raccoon ultimately met its
demise, stated that his roommate told him “A raccoon
ate a cat.” That information prompted him to go outside,
where he saw police searching for the animal.
“I can verify that my next-door neighbor was chased by
the raccoon.”
Sergeant Robin Gauvin was one of the first responders
to the scene. Captain Ted Ross also arrived at the
location, and said “When we got a call saying the
raccoon was chasing kids, we made more effort to
locate it, because of the erratic behavior.”
“We had police telling people to watch their animals and
kids. Then someone said ‘There it is!’” and the chase
was on.
Most of the pursuit centered around a house at 96
Vesper Street, with the raccoon running at the back and
alongside the building. Police checked the residence to
be certain no one was home before any weapons were
fired. Five bullets were discharged before the animal
was killed in the driveway by Officer Cong Van Nguyen
and Sergeant Robin Gauvin. An evidence technician
from Portland gathered the spent bullet casings. There
was some minimal damage to a portion of the building's
siding, but no other damage appeared evident.
An animal control officer from Scarborough’s Police
Department, who has expertise in handling rabid
animals, arrived at the scene to remove the body. It was
taken to Gray to be tested for rabies by the state lab.
-Marge Niblock
Reward Increased to $41,000 in
Murder Investigation
A press conference was held on October 30th by the
Portland Police Department, to extend the deadline
indefinitely - and increase the amount of the reward
offered - for information leading to the arrest of those
involved in the shooting of James Angelo, the security
guard slain at Mercy Hospital on September 7th.
Another $10,000 had previously been added to the initial
amount of $20,000 offered, which had an expiration
date of October 31st. With another $11,000 added the
total is $41,000, with three new donors contributing the
additional money.
North East Mobile Health Services added $5,000, with
Polly Miller, an executive of the agency, stating that the
business wants to show support for Mercy Hospital and
that there is “urgency to find justice for James and his
family.”
Bill Umbel, the owner of the Empire Bar & Grill has
donated $1,000 to the reward fund, saying that as a
downtown business he wants to “show support for the
police department and the Angelo family. We stand
united.”
Another $5,000 was donated by a private citizen who
wants to remain anonymous.
Acting Chief Joseph Loughlin said solving this crime is
“a complex undertaking; it’s a difficult investigation.”
He said some physical evidence has been recovered
from the crime scene and that there is “a concerted
effort” ongoing between “our detectives and federal
agencies.” Loughlin stated the primary facts remain the
same, but added “We’re making progress and getting
support from the community.”
James Corbett, a Vice President of Mission
Effectiveness at Mercy Hospital, said “the notion of
justice should also extend to the family,” and spoke
about the James Angelo Memorial Fund, which has been
established to help raise his child, two-year-old Amari
Elizabeth Angelo.
The James Angelo Memorial Fund goes to the benefit of
Amari Elzabeth. Donations to the fund are a way the
Portland community can help the Angelo family by
providing future care for this child. Contributions may
be mailed to:
James Angelo Memorial Fund
Mercy Hospital
Attention: Cashier’s Office
144 State Street
Portland, ME 04101
-Marge Niblock
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Annual District Meetings to Discuss
City Issues
Councilors and city staff will be available to discuss
neighborhood issues
The City of Portland's annual district meetings will be
held throughout the city, beginning tonight at the East
End School..
City Councilors and staff will be available to discuss
neighborhood issues and answer questions from the
public. These meetings are the public's opportunity to
meet their district councilor, the Mayor and
representatives from the various departments within the
city.
The City of Portland's annual district meetings will be
held throughout the city, beginning tonight at the East
End School..
City Councilors and staff will be available to discuss
neighborhood issues and answer questions from the
public. These meetings are the public's opportunity to
meet their district councilor, the Mayor and
representatives from the various departments within the
city.
The meetings are scheduled as follows:
District 1 Meeting
Hosted by Councilor Kevin Donoghue
November 6 at 7:00 PM, East End Community School,
195 North Street
District 2 Meeting
Hosted by Councilor Dave Marshall
November 10 at 7:00 PM, Parkside Community Center,
85 Grant Street
District 3 Meeting
Hosted by Councilor Dan Skolnik
November 12 at 7:00 PM, Deering High School, 370
Stevens Avenue
District 4 Meeting
Hosted by Councilor Cheryl Leeman
November 19 at 7:00 PM, Presumpscot School, 69
Presumpscot Street
District 5 Meeting
Hosted by Councilor Jim Cohen
November 18 at 7:00 PM, Riverton Community Center,
1600 Forest Avenue
For more information about these meetings, contact
Mike Murray, the city's Island and Neighborhood
Administrator at 756-8288, or MSM@portlandmaine.
gov.
Man Gets Dressed Before Arrest
Edward T. Carr, 45, of Portland, was arrested at 12:41
PM on October 27th at the YMCA at 70 Forest Avenue.
Police say that Carr was in the process of trying to steal
some objects from the room of another person living in
the building when he was caught by the rightful
resident, who found him taking some rare coins and an
MP3 player from his room.
When police arrived at the scene, after being called by
the victim, they went to Carr’s room, where he greeted
them at the door - without any clothes. He was allowed
to dress for his trip to the Cumberland County Jail, and
was charged with residential burglary and theft. Police
stated that he was intoxicated at the time of his arrest.
-Marge Niblock
Police Catch Burglar
Eugene J. Paolino, 39, of Portland was arrested on
October 28th, a little before 8 PM., for theft and
residential burglaries.
He was charged with committing burglaries on Primrose
Lane and Braintree Street. The residence on Braintree
Street was a nearby neighbor and police were able to
identify Paolino from forensic evidence connecting him
to that crime.
Paolino had some items in his possession from the
Primrose Lane burglary, and had been pawning items
before the burglary was even reported by the victim.
Those items were retrieved by police.
-Marge Niblock
No Curbside Trash/Recycling in
Portland on Veteran's Day
The Department of Public Services Solid Waste crews
will not collect trash or recycling on Veteran's Day,
November 11. Residents who normally receive
collection services on Tuesday will have their trash and
recycling collected this Saturday, November 8th. All
items should be out by 6:30 AM to ensure collection. If
residents have further questions about their
trash/recycling collection, they can contact the
Recycling Hotline at 756-8189.
The Riverside Recycling Facility will be closed on
Veteran's Day as well, and will resume normal business
hours on Wednesday, November 12, 7:00 AM to 4:00
PM.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Hit-and-Run Ends with Gunfire
Nineteen-year-old Trista Townsend of Portland was
arrested November 2nd and charged with leaving the
scene of a personal injury accident, and reckless
conduct with a dangerous weapon.
At 7:40 P.M., Portland police officers responded to 246
Auburn Street for a report of gunshots fired and a hit-
and-run accident. Upon arrival, officers found a 19-
year-old Portland man unconscious in the parking lot.
Witnesses said he had been struck by a car that fled the
scene. Witnesses also reported that the driver fired
gunshots from the car as she left the area.
The victim was transported by ambulance to Maine
Medical Center for treatment of his injuries, which are
not life-threatening. No one was injured by gunfire.
A short time later, Townsend’s vehicle was stopped on
Washington Avenue at the Eastern Promenade. She and
the victim are known to one another. Investigation is
ongoing and the case will be reviewed by the District
Attorney’s office to determine if additional charges will
be brought.
Man Attacked in West End With
Meat Cleaver
Portland police responded to a reported aggravated
assault at 845 Congress Street, near the Maine Medical
Center, at 5:20 AM this morning. Officers discovered
the 33-year-old victim with multiple injuries to his head
and extremities, caused by being struck with a meat
cleaver.
The victim was transported to Maine Medical Center
where he is being treated and admitted. The suspect
fled the scene prior to police arrival. The victim and
suspect knew each other and this did not appear to be a
random act of violence.
Portland Police detectives later located the suspect in
Portland and brought him to police headquarters at 109
Middle Street. There, they arrested Jose Mendoza, 41,
and charged him with elevated aggravated assault.
Peabody Center Local Event to Raise
AIDS Awareness
Free Testing to be Available
Frannie Peabody Center, Maine’s largest HIV/AIDS
service organization, will hold an event on Monday,
December 1st World AIDS Day, at One Longfellow
Square, to recognize the impact of HIV/AIDS.
The Center will be hosting a noontime service featuring
music, guest speakers, and the opportunity to reflect on
the effect of HIV/AIDS in the community. Participants
will have the opportunity to participate in a prayer ritual
by writing thoughts, feelings, or memorials on red
ribbons and hanging them in the trees in Longfellow
Square.
Frannie Peabody Center will also be providing free,
anonymous, rapid HIV testing and information from 1:
00 to 6:00 pm and a viewing of “A Closer Walk: A film
about AIDS in the world,” narrated by Glenn Close and
Will Smith, at 7:00 pm. All activities are free and open
to the public.
Also on December 1st, Maine government, religious,
and HIV/AIDS community leaders will unite for a non-
denominational service to be held at the state's capitol.
The service will include a display of the Official AIDS
Quilt and a chain of more than 1,200 links to represent
the number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the state.
Guest speakers will include Governor John Baldacci,
Dr. Dora Ann Mills of the Maine Center for Disease
Control, religious leaders from various denominations
across Maine, and HIV/AIDS community activists.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Bryan, Graef Jump into WENA
President Race
The field of candidates to replace Leana Good-Simpson
as president of the West End Neighborhood Association
has suddenly become very crowded.
Reiche School activist Ed Bryan and current WENA
Vice President Rosanne Graef have joined former
president Jo Coyne in the race for the post. Coyne said
that now that there are other strong candidates, she will
run for vice-president. Good-Simpson has also
expressed interest in the VP slot.
Annual elections will be held at the December 10th
meeting at the Reiche Community Center at 6:30 PM.
Anyone interested in making a nomination or in running
for office themselves is asked to contact Chris Hirsch.
(hirscc@mmc.org)
Also featured at the December meeting will be a cookie
exchange. Those participating should bring four dozen
home-baked cookies (all one kind), packed in baggies (3
to a bag).
Participants will trade baggies all around, with everyone
going home with 4 dozen cookies from others. Please
email Rosanne Graef (or call her at 879-6024) or see the
WENA calendar for further details.
Woman Identifies Alleged Assailant
On November 16th at 11:45 PM, police were called to
948 Forest Avenue regarding a stabbing. They were met
outside by a female victim who identified the alleged
assailant, and told police that he was upstairs in an
apartment at that location.
Lang Hers, 33, of Portland, was arrested and charged
with elevated aggravated assault. Hers also had
outstanding warrants for assault, operating under the
influence, and operating after suspension.
The victim was treated for injuries to her hand and
wrist, and was taken to Maine Medical Center for
treatment. -Marge Niblock
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Trash/Recycling on Thanksgiving
The Department of Public Services Solid Waste crews
will not collect trash or recycling on Thanksgiving,
November 27, and Friday, November 28. Residents
who normally receive collection services on Thursday
and Friday will need to wait until the following week
December 4 and 5 for trash and recycling pick-up. If
residents have further questions about their
trash/recycling collection, they can contact the
Recycling Hotline at 756-8189 or go to www.
portlandmaine.gov.
The Riverside Recycling Facility will also be closed for
the Thanksgiving Holiday, and will resume normal
business hours on Saturday, November 29, 7:00 AM to
4:00 PM.
Students Get Thanksgiving Spirit
A number of Portland public school students have
carried out public service projects to start the holiday
season.
A class for at-risk students at Portland High is making
fleece blankets, scarves, hats and mittens that will be
sold at the school. Students in the Reconnecting Youth
class are using the proceeds to adopt a family for the
holidays and to make a donation to the Animal Refuge
League.
The student council at Presumpscot Elementary School
made Thanksgiving cards for the residents at Seaside
Nursing Home on November 19th. The student council
also organized a school-wide food drive to collect
canned goods and other items for a local food pantry.
The fast foods program at Portland Arts and
Technology High School (PATHS) organized a building-
wide food drive on November 20th as part of the
school’s annual harvest meal. The class also collected
financial contri-butions for the Preble Street Resource
Center.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Commissioners Consider Hike in
County Budget
The Cumberland County Commissioners will hold a final
budget meeting on December 4th at the Cumberland
County Courthouse. The commissioners are considering
a 3.6% hike in their annual budget, including more
money for law enforcement and technology.
There are concerns about the costs at the Cumberland
County Jail, which are such a large part of the budget
and have been increasing for years.
County Manager Peter Crichton called it a “difficult
budget”, noting that the County may be eliminating
seven positions.
The final budget vote will take place December 15th.
Outgoing Commissioner Esther Clenott cautioned the
commiss-ioners to be cautious in cutting services,
because programs are difficult to start up again once
they have been eliminated.
Sunday, November 23 2008
Fire Destroys Local Pub
A fire on Congress Street at about 3:30PM this
afternoon heavily damaged an apartment building and a
popular local pub, causing heavy damage to Bingas
Wingas in Bramhall Square and a grocery store and
meat market in the building next door, which received
major structural damage according to a fire official.
Heavy smoke poured through holes in the roof of the
three-story building, and firefighters used a chain saw to
cut through the roof as flames shot out. The
surrounding West End neighborhood was filled with the
smell of smoke, and Congress Street was closed to
traffic for several blocks, as curious neighbors filled the
street to watch the local drama.
Sunday afternoon patrons at the sports pub were
quickly evacuated and no injuries were reported, though
a number of ambulances responded to the scene.A chef
at the pub told WCSH-6 NEWS that he saw smoke
coming in the back door and discovered the back porch
on fire when he opened the door.
The fire occurred directly across the street from the
Bramhall Square fire house.
Barber Foods Founder Dies
Gus Barber, 87, the founder of Barber Foods in the
West End, died on Friday, November 21st .
Barber started his business with one worker in 1955.
Barber Foods, one of the country's largest makers of
frozen foods, now has more than 700 employees. It is
known for hiring immigrants and providing a wide range
of training programs for them.
Driver Tries to Run Down Old Port
Bouncer
Police are looking for the driver of an SUV who tried to
run over Curtis Smith, a DJ and bouncer at the Cactus
Club in the Old Port, on November 17th.
Smith told police he was trying to stop a man from
urinating on the sidewalk outside the Fore Street bar
when he was attacked by two men. The two men got
into a white Lincoln Navigator with Massachusetts
plates, drove onto the sidewalk and tried to run down
Smith.
The SUV crashed into a pizza shop next door before
leaving the scene.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Rally Against Hate Today
There will be a ‘Rally Against Hate’ at 5pm today at the
Woodbury Campus Center on the University of
Southern Maine’s Portland campus.
Representatives from the Center for the Prevention of
Hate Violence, Maine Civil Liberties Union, National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People-
Portland Branch, Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland,
Cumberland County Sheriff Mark Dion, and Mayor-
Elect Jill Duson and other organizations and individuals
will speak to the recent events in Standish, Gray-New
Gloucester, and Mt. Desert Island.
For more information: Brianna Twofoot at MCLU 774-
5444
City Prepares for Winter Parking
Bans
Residents can sign up at Portland's website to
get notices about city parking bans
City residents and visitors that can sign up online at
www.portlandmaine.gov to receive email notices from
the city when a citywide parking ban is implemented.
People can also call the parking ban hotline at 879-0300
or check the Time and Temperature sign for up-to-date
postings.
A citywide parking ban is called when weather impacts
the city's ability to carry out its winter storm operations
and ensure that roads are safe for travel. When a
parking ban is declared, all vehicles must be off city
streets by 10:00 PM until 6:00 AM the following day.
Vehicles left on the street during a ban will be towed at
the owner's expense (tow fee - $70, impound fee - $25,
ticket cost - $30 and all outstanding tickets must be
paid). Vehicles will be towed to the city's impound lot
located at the International Marine Terminal on
Commercial Street (phone number 774-3025).
There are a number of places people can park at no
charge during a parking ban including:
Ø Deering Oaks - on the left hand side of Tennis Court
Road only
Ø State Street gravel lot - abutting Deering oaks
Ø Fitzpatrick Stadium parking lot
Ø Hadlock Field parking lot
Ø All Portland Public School lots EXCEPT the lot at
Reiche School which abuts the school and playground
Ø Cutter Street lots (off the Eastern Prom)
Ø Beach Street lot accessible from Commercial Street
(This lot is available after 8 P.M. )
Ø Lot across the street from the International Marine
Terminal on Commercial Street (corner of Park and
Commercial Streets)
Ø Many parking garages in the area are open for
parking bans at reduced rates - check with individual
garages for rates and hours
Vehicles can begin to park in these designated areas at 5:
00 PM the night a parking ban is declared. Vehicles
must be moved from the city lots by 7:00 AM the
morning the ban is lifted.
The city can also declare a Yellow Zone parking ban for
downtown. When a yellow ban is announced, parking is
prohibited from Franklin Arterial to State Street and
Commercial Street to Cumberland Avenue.
K-9 Unit Nabs Hit-and-Run Suspect
On November 8th at 6:20 PM, police answered a call
regarding a hit-and-run accident at Brighton and Taft
Avenues, and were given a description of the vehicle
and its license plate.
While heading to the scene, officers found a car
matching the description of the suspect vehicle, located
at 121 Taft Avenue. When they began to approach the
car, they heard doors slamming and saw someone
fleeing.
With the use of the K-9 Unit, they ultimately
apprehended Eric S. Faulkingham, 29, of Portland, at
700 Riggs Street. He was arrested and charged with
operating without a license and leaving the scene of an
accident.
-Marge Niblock
Thursday, November 20, 2008
NAACP PREZ TO VISIT MAINE
The newly-installed president of the nation’s oldest civil
rights organization will spend a day in Maine next month
visiting his father’s high school alma mater, Deering
High School; meeting with the NAACP Prison Branch
and prison officials at the Maine State Prison; and
delivering the keynote address for an annual Human
Rights Day program.
Benjamin T. Jealous, who began serving as the national
president of the NAACP in September, will speak at
Hannaford Hall on the USM Portland campus on
Monday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m. The NAACP
Portland Branch has organized his visit to Maine in
collaboration with the local branches of Amnesty
International and the United Nations Association, in
order to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the UN
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Governor John
Baldacci and USM President Selma Bottman will offer
welcome remarks and Portland’s mayor will present
Jealous with a key to the city.
At age 35, Jealous is the youngest national president in
the history of the 99-year-old NAACP. In that job, he
becomes part of the legendary leadership group that
extends from W. E. B. Du Bois and James Weldon
Johnson in the early 20th century to Roy Wilkins and
Julian Bond in recent decades.
Jealous was director of Amnesty International’s U.S.
Human Rights Program from 2002 to 2005, where he
led efforts to pass federal legislation against prison rape,
rebuild public consensus against racial profiling in the
wake of the September 2001 terrorist attacks, and
expose the widespread sentencing of children to life
without the possibility of parole.
He was managing editor of the Jackson Advocate, the
oldest black-owned weekly newspaper in Mississippi,
which was torched repeatedly for its stands on civil
rights, and he served as executive director of a
federation of more than 200 black-owned papers. He
has also worked as a community organizer on civil
rights lawsuits in the 1990s, and was program director
of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.
His career of advocacy began early at 14 when he
organized his first voter registration drive. While a
student at Columbia University, he organized boycotts
and pickets for homeless rights, environmental justice,
and full-need financial assistance.
Jealous’ first stop in Maine will be at Deering High
School, where school where he will speak at an
assembly of approximately 1200 students and staff
including students from other high schools and middle
schools. Immediately following the assembly, students
will return to their classrooms to discuss the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights.
Following up on his previous interest and work on
prison issues, the NAACP leader will then travel to
Warren with officers of the NAACP Portland Branch.
They will meet with the organization’s Prison Branch
and Maine Department of Corrections Commissioner
Martin Magnusson. Attorney General Steve Rowe has
been invited.
The final event of Jealous’ busy day will be to deliver
the keynote address for Human Rights Day at the
University of Southern Maine. Each year, early
December is celebrated as the time in 1948 when the
United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights. Eleanor Roosevelt, one
of its principal architects, described it as a modern
Magna Carta. The UDHR states “recognition of the
inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of
all members of the human family is the foundation of
freedom, justice, and peace in the world.”
Neighbors Detain Burglary Suspect
Police received a call of a burglary in progress at 3AM,
November 9th on Bishop Street, and found Stephen
Joyce, 49, of Cumberland, sitting in the middle of the
roadway with a small group of people around him.
The group surrounding the man, which consisted of
men and women, told police they had been in a nearby
apartment and one of them saw the victim’s car with
Mr. Joyce in it. After calling police they had removed
him from the car and detained him until arrival of
officers.
Joyce drank a two-liter bottle of soda that had been in
the car, and other items from the vehicle had been
moved around.
According to police “he smelled of intoxicating
beverages.” Joyce was arrested and charged with
burglary of a motor vehicle. -Marge Niblock
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Downtown Portland Corporation
Honors Local Businesses
Richard Berman, Pierce Promotions and Ready
Seafood receive top awards
On Thursday, the Downtown Portland Corporation will
present its thirteenth annual business awards to three
local businesses that have played a major role in
developing Portland's downtown.
Richard Berman, a real estate developer responsible for
a number of local projects including Stroudwater
Heights, Gateway Court and Unity Village in Portland's
Bayside area, will receive the 2008 Economic
Development Achievement Award for his Portland
developments, including most recently the Chestnut
Street Lofts.
The Chestnut Street Lofts is a mixed- use building with
thirty-seven units and two ground-floor commercial
units. The location was formerly a brownfield site, and
Mr. Berman rehabilitated it by working with the DPC's
revolving loan program to fund the clean up of pollution
from a long-defunct gas station. This development,
together with Unity Village, added to the City's Bayside
Vision - a city initiative to revitalize and spur economic
development in the Bayside neighborhood.
Located in the heart of Portland's downtown with more
than 140 employees, Pierce Promotions, a national
marketing firm representing TD Banknorth, Burger
King, People Magazine and Discovery, will receive the
2008 Business of Year Award. Ranked among the top
100 marketing firms in the country, Pierce has
experienced phenomenal growth with offices in
Bentonville, Chicago, New York and Washington DC.
The firm was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in
downtown Portland at One Monument Square.
Receiving the 2008 Small Business of the Year Award,
Ready Seafood located on Hobson's Wharf has taken
lobstering in a new and innovative direction. Its "Catch a
Piece of Maine" allows people to purchase a designated
trap, keep up with the trap's catch online and receive the
lobsters caught in the trap through the mail. Employing
six full time and seven seasonal workers, Ready
Seafood not only embodies Maine's entrepreneurial
spirit, but the company supports the city's efforts to
maintain a working waterfront.
All three award recipients will be recognized at the
DPC's annual event. The DPC was created by the
Portland City Council in 1990 to create and foster a
variety of uses and encourage economic development
within the downtown of the city.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Gulf of Maine Research
Institute
350 Commercial Street
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Gorham to Challenge Donoghue for
His Former Council Seat
Before Portland’s new City Councilors have been sworn
in, former East End Councilor Will Gorham has
announced that he plans to run against Councilor Kevin
Donoghue in 2009 for the Council seat that Donoghue
won from him in 2006.
Gorham is currently President of the Munjoy Hill
Neighborhood Organiza-tion. Hewas re-elected to the
board of the MHNO at the group’s annual meeting on
June 29th, and was then elected the group’s president
when he was the only candidate to accept a nomination
to the post.
Gorham failed to gain election to the board two years
ago, and several months later, lost his City Council seat
to Donoghue. His top priority has been dealing with
problems at the MHNO’s neighborhood newspaper, The
Munjoy Hill Observer.
Other issues that Gorham listed as concerns were the
fact that the MHNO lost half of its funding from the
Housing and Community Development funds that the
City gets from the federal government, because of the
organization’s failure to file the proper paperwork in
time.
Gorham also echoed concerns expressed at the annual
meeting about the fact that there has been a 75% drop in
the organization’s membership, which has decreased to
fewer than 100 members.
Gorham was nominated for the MHNO presidency by
Randee Bucknell, who had been circulating a petition
drive to recall Donoghue from office over the Adams
School issue.
Gorham was on the City Council when it appointed a re-
use committee for the Adams School and issued a
Request for Proposals. He is in favor of replacing the
school building with housing. Donoghue, who is on the
Council’s Housing Committee also favors the housing
plans currently being formulated for the former school.
He recently promoted a zoning change that would
reduce parking requirements and thereby promote new
housing construction in the city.
Donoghue was writing a monthly column for the
Observer concerning issues before the City Council
when it suspended publication in June, and has said that
he hopes to be able to continue the column when the
Observer resumes publication. He currently publishes
Council updates on his blog - http://kevindonoghue.
blogspot.com/
Donoghue is Chair of the Council’s Transportation
Committee, is on the board of METRO, and has actively
pursued his interest in transportation issues, including
reconfiguring the city’s bus routes and bringing a car-
share program to the city.
Man Arrested After Using Stolen
Credit Card
Allan G. Jenkins, 32, of Portland, was arrested on
November 12th and charged with theft, burglary of a
motor vehicle, forgery, misuse of credit identification,
and violation of conditional release.
Jenkins is accused of stealing a wallet containing a
credit card from a car parked on State Street, and using
the card to make purchases at Olympia Sports on
November 11th. On that day the victim of the auto
burglary got a call from his credit card company
regarding some unusual transactions made on his
account. At that point, he discovered his wallet was
missing from his car.
After Jenkins left Olympia on the 11th, employees
discovered that he had dropped a receipt from a credit
card transaction with a different name on it, and they
notified Portland police. The dropped slip was for items
bought at the Pine Street Cumberland Farms.
Jenkins went back to shop at Olympia again on
November 12th and was recognized by employees, who
immediately notified police. Officer Jeffrey Druan
arrested Jenkins at the store at 11:00 AM.
-Marge Niblock
Monday, November 17, 2008
Carsharing Coming to Downtown
The Portland City Council has approved a
recommendation from the Transportation Committee to
contract with a carsharing company to set up in
Portland.
Under the contract, the city will dedicate four on-street
parking spaces for vehicles operated by U-Car Share, a
division of U-Haul International. The service is proposed
to launch in early 2009.
U-Car Share allows members to reserve a vehicle online
and unlock it with a membership card. Members pay for
vehicle use by the hour, including gas and return it back
to its parking space.
"Carsharing offers an attractive alternative to
ownership," said City Councilor Kevin Donoghue, who
does not own a car and serves as chairman of the City
Council Transportation Committee. "Some of us need
access to car all of the time, yet many more need it only
some of the time."
Two of the vehicles are proposed for Commercial Street
near to Casco Bay Lines and the other two are
proposed for Elm Street, off of Monument Square and
across from the METRO Bus.
For more information of U-Car Share, visit the company
website at https://www.ucarshare.com
Lincoln Middle School Rallies to
Help Ailing Student
Students, faculty members and families at Lincoln
Middle School are rallying to the aid of a seventh grader
suffering from cancer and other serious health
problems. Students have organized a bake sale and
returnable bottle drive to raise money for Shea Messier,
who has spent much of the fall at Maine Medical Center.
Lincoln families have donated gas cards, clothing and
household items to Messier and her family. The Lincoln
Parent Teacher Friend Organization gave the family a
quarter of the proceeds from the school’s Halloween
dance. Lincoln teachers take turns making meals for the
family when Shea is in the hospital.
Shea just started attending Lincoln last spring, but she
quickly made friends. She has cystic fibrosis and
neurofibroma, in addition to the cancer diagnosed last
summer. She’s blind in one eye and had a leg
amputated. Her shoulder-length, blond hair fell out
since she started chemotherapy, leaving her bald. But
her spirits remain strong.
Lincoln students have brightened Shea’s hospital room
with homemade, get-well cards. Students write to her
on a blog. Several students have visited her. The school
hopes to arrange for Shea to participate in classes
through the Internet via webcams.
Shea lives with her mother and a younger sibling in a
second-floor apartment with no elevator. The family is
struggling to make ends meet, and Lincoln families have
tried to pick up some of the slack. Donations from the
school paid for a wig for Shea, as well as food and
other supplies.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
New Housing to Require Only One
Parking Space
The Portland City Council voted unanimously on
October 24th to reduce parking requirements for new
construction on the Portland peninsula. New dwelling
units previously required two off-street parking spaces
and now require only one. The move is meant to
encourage new housing development on the peninsula,
and more affordable housing developments citywide.
The change came at the recommendation of the Housing
Committee and the Transportation Committee.
"This vote encourages development at zero cost to
taxpayers," said Councilor Kevin Donoghue, who serves
on the Housing Committee and is the chairman of the
Transportation Committee.
"By reducing the development costs associated with
excessive parking and conditional zoning, we are
working smarter rather than harder toward a broadened
residential property tax base."
Friday, November 14, 2008
Ten Apply for Superintendent Of
Schools
Ten applicants are seeking the position of superintendent
of the Portland Public Schools, said Sarah Thompson,
the Portland School Committee member who is chairing
the search committee. Half of the applicants are from
Maine and half are from out of state, she said.
The School Committee held an executive session on
November 12th to review the applications. Candidates
will be evaluated based on a list of desirable
characteristics developed from community input.
Among the top priorities are selecting a good
communicator with experience in the classroom and an
administrator with strong business skills.
The committee will select candidates to be interviewed
by a 20-member panel that includes teachers,
administrators, union representatives, business and
education partners, parents, community members and a
student.
After site visits, the School Committee will make a final
appointment. It is expected that a superintendent will be
hired in February 2009 and begin work on July 1, 2009.
The School Committee advertised nationally for the
superintendent position. The Maine School
Management Association is assisting with the search.
For more information about the superintendent search
process, please visit www.portlandschools.org.
Questions should be addressed to Sarah Thompson at
thompsa@portlandschools.org or by calling 761-9275.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
33,000 Voters Support Marriage
Equality
EqualityMaine, which set a goal for Election Day to
identify 10,000 pro-marriage equality voters across the
state, more than tripled the goal, identifying over 33,000
Maine voters who support marriage for same-sex
couples. It was the largest single-day action in
EqualityMaine's 25-year history.
The organization is going to deliver the postcards they
collected to legislators in Augusta, but first will enter all
the information into their database.
The effort to collect the 33,100 signatures involved 100
volunteer poll captains and 300 volunteer poll workers at
almost 100 polling places in 12 counties.
Public Policy Director Darlene Huntress reported that
the group hit its goal of 10,000 signatures by noon on
Election Day. Calls began pouring in from volunteers
who were running out of postcards. They scrambled to
print and deliver thousands more postcards across the
state.
As the postcards ran out, voters began signing scraps of
paper, jotting their names and addresses down on
anything they could find, and handing them to the
volunteers.
Truck Hits Power Pole, Closes
Congress Street
An accident closed Outer Congress Street for several
hours on Thursday evening, November 6th after a box
truck hit a utility pole which caught the power lines on
fire and took out phone, power and cable TV lines.
Witnesses reported that the driver was swerving all over
the road just before the accident. He suffered minor
injuries.
Power also went off in part of the Stroudwater
neighborhood, and about 600 CMP customers in the
area lost power.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Dems Regain Control Of City Council
Meeting Today to Elect New Mayor
The balance of power on the Portland City Council
shifted on November 4th with the election of Democrats
Dory Waxman and John Coyne. Waxman defeated
Mayor Ed Suslovic, and Coyne, who was formerly
Chair of the Portland School Committee, won the
District 5 seat being vacated by Councilor Jim Cohen.
Although the Council is officially non-partisan, Waxman
and Coyne are expected to join forces with current
Councilors Jill Duson, Nick Mavodones, and Dan
Skolnik, putting the three Green Independents (David
Marshall, Kevin Donoghue, and John Anton) and
Republican Cheryl Leeman, in the minority. The
development of the Maine State Pier is the major issue
that is likely to be affected by the shift in power.
The newly-formed Council will meet today, November
12th, to select a new mayor. Marshall, along with
Donoghue, are the two Councilors who have served on
the Council longest without serving as mayor, a position
that would historically put them in line for that position.
But either of their elections could be in jeopardy because
of the new majority.
Marshall said that he would be interested in serving in
the position, while Donoghue said he was not. Skolnik
said that he would support Councilor Duson if she was
nominated for the post. Waxman said she had not
discussed the election with any of the other
councilors. -Ed King
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
VETERANS' DAY
Irish Heritage Center Honors Joe
Brennan
The Maine Irish Heritage Center has announced the
first annual Claddagh Award Celebration, to be held at
the Center on November 14th. They have chosen
Governor Joseph E. Brennan as this year’s recipient.
The Claddagh is a beloved symbol for all people of Irish
descent and expresses the principles of friendship (the
Claddagh hands), love (heart) and loyalty (crown).
It is fitting that this year’s recipient of an award named
for this treasured emblem is a man who has spent his
career in dedicated service to the people of Maine.
After serving as Cumberland County District Attorney
and State of Maine Attorney General, Joe Brennan
served as Governor from 1979 to 1987, and as a
member of the U. S. House of Representatives from
1987 to 1991. Since 1999, he has served as a Federal
Maritime Commissioner. The Maine Irish Heritage
Center is honored to pay tribute to one of Maine ’s most
respected native sons.
The Maine Irish Heritage Center, the former St.
Dominic’s Church, has recently reopened after an
extensive renovation and restoration to repair damage
sustained in 2006 and 2007. The Claddagh Award
Celebration, in addition to honoring Governor Brennan,
will also commemorate the Center’s grand re-opening
and availability for celebrations such as weddings,
concerts, recitals, educational programs and film
festivals.
The program begins with a social hour at 5:30 followed
by a program with personal recollections of Governor
Brennan from his family and friends. A brief video of
some of the highlights of Governor Brennan’s long
distinguished career will also be presented.
Man Arrested After Scuffle at Jetport
Drops Pants in Screening Line
Portland police arrested Steven Goodine, 43, of South
Portland, at the Portland International Jetport on
November 3, at 11:45 AM. Goodine was about to take a
flight to Florida when he aroused the interest of
Transportation Security Administration officers as the
metal detector went off when he was in the security
screening line.
While TSA personnel were trying to ascertain what had
caused the detector to go off, Goodine dropped his
pants to the floor, causing them to request police
assistance.
Officer John Morin ascertained that Goodine had an
outstanding warrant for his arrest from South Portland,
charging him with several crimes committed there:
aggravated assault, reckless conduct; assault on a police
officer; and leaving the scene of an accident.
Goodine was told he was under arrest and began
fighting when Officer Morin tried to put handcuffs on
him.
Goodine was charged with refusing to submit to arrest
for his conduct. Razor blades and drugs were found in
the pockets of his pants and confiscated before he was
allowed to put them back on before being taken to the
Cumberland County Jail.
-Marge Niblock
Sunday, November 9, 2008
USS Portland Rededication
Ceremony on Veteran's Day
Original sponsor and members of the ship's
crew will join city officials for ceremony
This Tuesday, Veteran's Day, the USS Portland
memorial - including the mainmast, bell and bridge
shield - will be rededicated, following a $150,000
rehabilitation project. 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 first dedicated at the park
July 4, 1962.
The original sponsor of the USS Portland, Mary
Doughty, will rechristen the memorial at the close of the
ceremony. At the age of twelve , Mary Brooks, now
Doughty, the daughter of Ralph Brooks, Chairman of
the Portland City Council, christened the ship on May
21, 1932 in Quincy, Massachusetts.
Mayor Ed Suslovic, the USMC Color Guard, Mary
Doughty, members of the USS Portland crew and Bill
Whitten, a local citizen who led the donation campaign,
will partake in the re-dedication ceremony.
The City of Portland, in partnership with Cianbro and
other local businesses, recently completed a two-week
restoration project of the USS Portland's mainmast. The
restoration project – estimated at $150,000 - included
sandblasting the exterior paint, clean-up and repair to the
structure and repainting. Through this partnership, the
project was completed entirely through donations of
time and materials.
Authorized 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.
Tuesday, November 11, 12 Noon
Fort Allen Park
Eastern Promenade
Friday, November 7, 2008
Police Shoot Raccoon on Munjoy Hill
Lots of excitement was generated on Munjoy Hill at
about 8:30 AM on November 7th, with police firing
shots near 96 Vesper Street that killed a raccoon.
After a call came in to police that a raccoon killed a cat,
followed by other calls of a raccoon menacing people,
several police cars were sent to the area in response.
Jeff Ferland, who lives at 91 Vesper Street, directly
across from where the raccoon ultimately met its
demise, stated that his roommate told him “A raccoon
ate a cat.” That information prompted him to go outside,
where he saw police searching for the animal.
“I can verify that my next-door neighbor was chased by
the raccoon.”
Sergeant Robin Gauvin was one of the first responders
to the scene. Captain Ted Ross also arrived at the
location, and said “When we got a call saying the
raccoon was chasing kids, we made more effort to
locate it, because of the erratic behavior.”
“We had police telling people to watch their animals and
kids. Then someone said ‘There it is!’” and the chase
was on.
Most of the pursuit centered around a house at 96
Vesper Street, with the raccoon running at the back and
alongside the building. Police checked the residence to
be certain no one was home before any weapons were
fired. Five bullets were discharged before the animal
was killed in the driveway by Officer Cong Van Nguyen
and Sergeant Robin Gauvin. An evidence technician
from Portland gathered the spent bullet casings. There
was some minimal damage to a portion of the building's
siding, but no other damage appeared evident.
An animal control officer from Scarborough’s Police
Department, who has expertise in handling rabid
animals, arrived at the scene to remove the body. It was
taken to Gray to be tested for rabies by the state lab.
-Marge Niblock
Reward Increased to $41,000 in
Murder Investigation
A press conference was held on October 30th by the
Portland Police Department, to extend the deadline
indefinitely - and increase the amount of the reward
offered - for information leading to the arrest of those
involved in the shooting of James Angelo, the security
guard slain at Mercy Hospital on September 7th.
Another $10,000 had previously been added to the initial
amount of $20,000 offered, which had an expiration
date of October 31st. With another $11,000 added the
total is $41,000, with three new donors contributing the
additional money.
North East Mobile Health Services added $5,000, with
Polly Miller, an executive of the agency, stating that the
business wants to show support for Mercy Hospital and
that there is “urgency to find justice for James and his
family.”
Bill Umbel, the owner of the Empire Bar & Grill has
donated $1,000 to the reward fund, saying that as a
downtown business he wants to “show support for the
police department and the Angelo family. We stand
united.”
Another $5,000 was donated by a private citizen who
wants to remain anonymous.
Acting Chief Joseph Loughlin said solving this crime is
“a complex undertaking; it’s a difficult investigation.”
He said some physical evidence has been recovered
from the crime scene and that there is “a concerted
effort” ongoing between “our detectives and federal
agencies.” Loughlin stated the primary facts remain the
same, but added “We’re making progress and getting
support from the community.”
James Corbett, a Vice President of Mission
Effectiveness at Mercy Hospital, said “the notion of
justice should also extend to the family,” and spoke
about the James Angelo Memorial Fund, which has been
established to help raise his child, two-year-old Amari
Elizabeth Angelo.
The James Angelo Memorial Fund goes to the benefit of
Amari Elzabeth. Donations to the fund are a way the
Portland community can help the Angelo family by
providing future care for this child. Contributions may
be mailed to:
James Angelo Memorial Fund
Mercy Hospital
Attention: Cashier’s Office
144 State Street
Portland, ME 04101
-Marge Niblock
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Annual District Meetings to Discuss
City Issues
Councilors and city staff will be available to discuss
neighborhood issues
The City of Portland's annual district meetings will be
held throughout the city, beginning tonight at the East
End School..
City Councilors and staff will be available to discuss
neighborhood issues and answer questions from the
public. These meetings are the public's opportunity to
meet their district councilor, the Mayor and
representatives from the various departments within the
city.
The City of Portland's annual district meetings will be
held throughout the city, beginning tonight at the East
End School..
City Councilors and staff will be available to discuss
neighborhood issues and answer questions from the
public. These meetings are the public's opportunity to
meet their district councilor, the Mayor and
representatives from the various departments within the
city.
The meetings are scheduled as follows:
District 1 Meeting
Hosted by Councilor Kevin Donoghue
November 6 at 7:00 PM, East End Community School,
195 North Street
District 2 Meeting
Hosted by Councilor Dave Marshall
November 10 at 7:00 PM, Parkside Community Center,
85 Grant Street
District 3 Meeting
Hosted by Councilor Dan Skolnik
November 12 at 7:00 PM, Deering High School, 370
Stevens Avenue
District 4 Meeting
Hosted by Councilor Cheryl Leeman
November 19 at 7:00 PM, Presumpscot School, 69
Presumpscot Street
District 5 Meeting
Hosted by Councilor Jim Cohen
November 18 at 7:00 PM, Riverton Community Center,
1600 Forest Avenue
For more information about these meetings, contact
Mike Murray, the city's Island and Neighborhood
Administrator at 756-8288, or MSM@portlandmaine.
gov.
Man Gets Dressed Before Arrest
Edward T. Carr, 45, of Portland, was arrested at 12:41
PM on October 27th at the YMCA at 70 Forest Avenue.
Police say that Carr was in the process of trying to steal
some objects from the room of another person living in
the building when he was caught by the rightful
resident, who found him taking some rare coins and an
MP3 player from his room.
When police arrived at the scene, after being called by
the victim, they went to Carr’s room, where he greeted
them at the door - without any clothes. He was allowed
to dress for his trip to the Cumberland County Jail, and
was charged with residential burglary and theft. Police
stated that he was intoxicated at the time of his arrest.
-Marge Niblock
Police Catch Burglar
Eugene J. Paolino, 39, of Portland was arrested on
October 28th, a little before 8 PM., for theft and
residential burglaries.
He was charged with committing burglaries on Primrose
Lane and Braintree Street. The residence on Braintree
Street was a nearby neighbor and police were able to
identify Paolino from forensic evidence connecting him
to that crime.
Paolino had some items in his possession from the
Primrose Lane burglary, and had been pawning items
before the burglary was even reported by the victim.
Those items were retrieved by police.
-Marge Niblock
No Curbside Trash/Recycling in
Portland on Veteran's Day
The Department of Public Services Solid Waste crews
will not collect trash or recycling on Veteran's Day,
November 11. Residents who normally receive
collection services on Tuesday will have their trash and
recycling collected this Saturday, November 8th. All
items should be out by 6:30 AM to ensure collection. If
residents have further questions about their
trash/recycling collection, they can contact the
Recycling Hotline at 756-8189.
The Riverside Recycling Facility will be closed on
Veteran's Day as well, and will resume normal business
hours on Wednesday, November 12, 7:00 AM to 4:00
PM.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Hit-and-Run Ends with Gunfire
Nineteen-year-old Trista Townsend of Portland was
arrested November 2nd and charged with leaving the
scene of a personal injury accident, and reckless
conduct with a dangerous weapon.
At 7:40 P.M., Portland police officers responded to 246
Auburn Street for a report of gunshots fired and a hit-
and-run accident. Upon arrival, officers found a 19-
year-old Portland man unconscious in the parking lot.
Witnesses said he had been struck by a car that fled the
scene. Witnesses also reported that the driver fired
gunshots from the car as she left the area.
The victim was transported by ambulance to Maine
Medical Center for treatment of his injuries, which are
not life-threatening. No one was injured by gunfire.
A short time later, Townsend’s vehicle was stopped on
Washington Avenue at the Eastern Promenade. She and
the victim are known to one another. Investigation is
ongoing and the case will be reviewed by the District
Attorney’s office to determine if additional charges will
be brought.
