Ship RawFaith Visits Portland; “Inspiring and Fascinating” Say Visitors – Looking for Crew Members & Financial Support..

Captain George McKay of RawFaith (Portland House is in the Background); "RawFaith is the first and only tall ship in America designed and built with wheelchair accessibility in mind."

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 316)

There’d been a steady stream of visitors to the RawFaith for the past two days and Captain George McKay had probably welcomed all of them personally to his 118 ft. ship that is the only tall ship in America designed and built with wheelchair accessibility in mind.  “We’re not there yet, but we are working on it,” said the 53 year old Captain – George McKay, yesterday afternoon. 

The inspiration for this massive undertaking is McKay’s 30  year old daughter, Elizabeth, who suffers from Marfans Syndrome.  She is wheelchair bound and lives in southern Virginia now.  The McKay family lived through  its own emotional chaos as it watched their young daughter go from surgery to surgery during her childhood.  “She had to fight and claw for every inch of recovery.  Her challenges ran the gamut,” says McKay in his book  “A Pictorial Guide to RawFaith.”  Her pain free days are rare as she’s been severely handi-capped by this disease, McKay added.

Last week the RawFaith and its five member crew were heading to Salem, Massachusetts when it ran into bad weather off Portland Harbor.  So, she headed into Portland Yacht Services to find  refuge from the  almost 6 ft. seas she’d encountered offshore.  In Salem, McKay had planned on giving tours over the Halloween weekend as well as recruiting possible crew members for the ship’s continued journey to Brazil.  McKay is sailing her to Brazil to have the ship bottom copper plated; labor is far less expensive there and copper is plentiful.  He said yesterday afternoon that he’s in talks with several area people who may join him for the upcoming trip to Brazil. 

Captain McKay was formerly employed by a major Massachusetts-based company, Digital Equipment Corp., in its Augusta office in the 1980’s.   A self-educated man, he was employed there as an electrical engineer.  Eventually, he began his own company and invented an internet switch.  That “start-up”  company was sold to US Robotics and today is part of 3-Com, a large internet company.   

The RawFaith was launched in Addison in 2003.  McKay said it took him and three sons 28 months over a 4 year period to build RawFaith.  While his mission is not faith-based, McKay said he does have his own faith.  “RawFaith” “speaks of the inner srength displayed by so many children bornwith physical disabilities who, in spite of their situations, still believe in the joy and beauty that can be found in life.  Their strength is raw and so is their faith,” McKay wrote in his book referred to above.

RawFaith remains in port at Portland Yacht Services for the next week or so, although tours are not available.  For more information, please visit www.rawfaithsailing adventures.com.  You may email him at: rawfaithsailing@gmail.com

Halloween On The Hill; Sorry Folks….

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 315)

This is no joke and MHN apologizes for the error.

MHN took photographs of  kids and adults dressed for Halloween, but my camera BROKE – yes it did and I can’t transfer them to my computer.

My sincere apologies.

Carol McCracken

“Rash of Criminal Activity” On The Hill said Officer Gayle Petty….

Pat Eltman, Director Office of Tourism, Officer Gayle Petty, and Barbara M. Whitten, President, Greater Portland Convention and Visitors Bureau at the Marriott Opening

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 314)

In mid-October Officer Gayle Petty took up her new responsibilities as Lead Officer for Sector One (includes the Hill, Kennedy Park and East Bayside).  The initiative was introduced by Chief James Craig to enable officers to work closely with communities in the city and to enhance policing and response by police.

According to Officer Petty yesterday afternoon, the program is working.  She is receiving numerous calls and emails that were listed on this blog on October 13th.  She’s receiving some “very helpful information” from cell phone calls and her email address as well that was made public on MHN.   So, once again her cell phone number is:  650-8770 and her email address is:  gaylep@portlandmaine.gov.  Please keep this information handy, should you need it.

Officer Petty said there has been a “rash of criminal activity” in the past several weeks.  She divides the criminal activity into two classes.  First, there are the drug driven crimes which result in residential burglary and stealing;  laptop computers are targeted here. Entry into homes is often through unlocked doors.  The other crimes are motor vehicle burglaries.  Electronic equiment such as IPods and GPS equipment left visible are the targets here.  Visible valuable items are an invitation to criminals – so cover valuable items up, said Officer Petty.  “And please keep your doors locked as well”, she added.

The Atlantic Street and Morning Street areas of the Hill have been especially hard-hit by criminals, Officer Petty said.

Portland Downtown Marriott Hotel Opens (Officially) on the East End; Mayor Duson Cuts The Ribbon

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 313)

Ara Aftandilian, an investor, Greg A. Mitchell, Director of Ec. Development, and Mayor Jill Duson visiting at yesterday's reception

Mayor Jill Duson welcomed the Residence Inn by Marriott to the east end of Portland in an opening celebration yesterday afternoon.  In her welcoming remarks, the Mayor said:  “This opening is a significant achievement, not just for the Marriott but for the city as a whole as it brings us one step closer to realizing our vision for a revitalized and reimagined Eastern Waterfront.  This Inn will serve as a cornerstone for the development of the Eastern Waterfront, as it provides the area with future retail space and creates more pedestrian traffic on the East side of Franklin Arterial.”

“In these economic times, tonight’s opening is a good news story,” she said.

According to one Marriott official, the concept for a residence inn came about in 1983 and the concept has been growing ever since.  The Portland Marriott is the 602nd to be built and the first one to be built in Portland.  Shortly thereafter Mayor Duson cut the ribbon.  That tradition was followed by another tradition in which Marriott officials dropped the front door key into a bucket never to be used again; that symbolizes that the front door of the Marriott is always open – 24/7.

Around 200 attended the function which included community members, business leaders, city leaders as well as 8 members of the hotel’s management from Kansas, where the corporate headquarters are located.  This hotel is located at 145 Fore Street.

Management said they’ve been extremely pleased with the occupancy rate since July when it opened:  when asked why so successful so soon, Dick Merkan, an executive vice president said: 
“Because of the name Marriott on the buiding!”

That says it all.

Wharf Owners Petition the Planning Board for Relaxation of Zoning Ordinance

Charlie Poole and Steve Dimillo, wharf owners, also addressed the planning board on behalf of WCZ

By Carol McCracken (Post # 312)

Controversy and the waterfront are synonymous in the history of Portland’s coastline.   Public access and private control are the primary issues that have divided the two communities and caused bitter struggles between the two.  One can only hope that the latest proposal by a group of waterfront property owners – the Waterfront Central Zone – will not reopen old wounds that have dominated the discourse on the Hill in the recent past.

Dick Ingalls, former Portland Harbor Commissioner, represented a coalition of wharf  owners, “WCZ” yesterday in its petition that would permit 50% of dockside space replace the  10% now permitted for mixed use; that  50% of ground floor space be changed to mixed use; that the current 100 ft. rule be replaced by 150 ft.; and that the  mixed use allowances be relaxed to  allow for more diversity on the waterfront; and that a more equitable method be devised to allow property owners to request other individual improvements.  The owners are not advocating “for the return of residential/condominium development, but the requested changes are critical for the ability to continue to provide the City with well over a milltion dollars in real estate taxes and continued growth in jobs for the City of Portland,” said a letter dated October 10, 2009 from the owners to David Silk, Chair of the Planning Board.

Planning Board Vice Chair Bill Hall said:  “The whole concept of the working waterfront is in jeopaardy.  Is this concept the doom of the working waterfront?  I do think that changes are needed here.”   Chair Silk said to the owners:  “You are asking us to do 2 things at once.  The zoning has to be consistent with the city’s comphrensive plan.  They are in conflict with each other here.”

Senior planner Bill Needelman recommended  that the Planning Board conduct a walk-around on the waterfront before the next workshop which comes toward the end of November.   

Former Working Waterfront member and former member of the Planning Board, Jack Humeniuk, said following the meeting:  “Because the changes appear very broad based and effect the community, there has to be a much broader public participation if we are gong to make changes in the comprehensive plan.”  Munjoy Hill resident and attorney Barbara Vestal, formerly a member of the Working Waterfront coalition attended the planning board meeting but did not speak.

East End Community School Celebrates New Green School Grounds; 10/28.

Carol Dayn, Principal of the EEECS

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 311)

The public is invited to attend a brief ceremony to celebrate the transformation of the grounds around EECS into a public park Wednesday, October 28 at 1:00 p.m.  The celebration marks the culmination  of four years of work – much of it by community minded volunteers.

The new playspace now includes features such as granite climbing wall, large sand pit, woodland garden, raised bed garden maze and much more.  “There is something for everyone,” said Carol Dayn, EECS principal.  “My favorite part is that the kids are out there playing with and learning from so much natural and recycled material that is from Maine.”

The project resulted from a collaboration of Portland Trails’ School Ground Greening Coaltion, EECS parents and teachers, the City of Portland and others.  Funding came from Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), along with smaller grants.

Interview With Peter Berley; Presenter at Two Harvest on the Harbor Cooking Workshops

Peter Berley, James Beaard Foundation Book Award Winner for "The Modern Vegetarian Kitchen"

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 310)

Peter Berley has already been honored with one James Beard Award for a cookbook and perhaps there will be another one in the future – that is when he finds the time to complete it – he’s a busy man; between his heavy teaching responsibilities in New York City and appearances at galas like this weekends Harvest on the Harbor, finding writing time is not easy.

In an exclusive interview held at Rabelais Book Store, Peter generously took the time with MHN to suggest some ways in which cooks can improve their cooking:  don’t buy food out of season because you will lose its flavor, the cost will be more and because of the addition of fossil fuels involved; don’t boil meats, beans and other sources of protein - gently simmer them;  people should taste food as they cook it.  Another tip he offered was – don’t buy food from people you don’t know!  In fact, he believes in that so strongly, it’s the theme of the book he’s currently working on.

Peter grew up in NYC surrounded by good cooks. His mother used to plop him down in front of the tv to watch the Julia Child cooking show.  (Perhaps that’s partly why he did such a good imiation of her at the first workshop he conducted on Friday afternoon – he conducted a second workshop on Saturday afternoon)  He attended the Berkley School of Music in Boston with the intention of pursuing a musical career in compostion/piano.  However, the cooking genes won him over in the end.   

While in Portland, Peter ate at Street & Co. and Fore Street Restaurants.  He also said that Allagash Beer is his favorite Maine beer!

“Down East” magazine and Hannaford Brothers were co-sponsors of the event.  Harmon’s and Barton’s supplied the floral arrangements.

Chef and Spirit Elites Prepare for Harvest on the Harbor Kick-off Event Tonight; A Chat With The Chefs!

Alan Cook, executive chef, at the Portland Regency Hotel (R) with a Staff Member (L)

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 309)

The harbor from the Ocean View Room was spectacular as always, but no one inside the Room was taking note - chefs and beverage vendors were busy setting up for the kick-off event tonight.  It’s the first night of the three-day  Harvest on the Harbor at the Ocean Gateway on the Hill waterfront.  Tonights event is the Grand Tasting on the Harbor – and grand it is.  

Tonights event, the Grand Tasting, was sold out as it was last year.  This year is a repeat appearance  for Alan Cook, Executive Chef for the elegant Portland Regency Hotel & Spa  at Twenty Milk Street in the Old Port.  “So many people tried to get tickets for tonights event, but the event was sold out,” he said.  ”I’m sure that if the space were double this size, double the tickets, at least, could be sold. For the people who don’t eat seafood, Chef Cook prepared leaves of Belgian Endive filled with a Roast Duck, Native Apple and Sundried Cranberry Salad entree.   ”It’s a nice opportunity to get together with other chefs in the area to compare the summer,” he said.  www.theregency.com

Making his company’s first apearance at the Grand Tasting was Bob Henkins for Maine Distilleries, LLC who makes Cold River Vodka, Freeport. The vodka is made from potatoes grown in Fryeburg and the water comes from the Cold River aquifer in western Maine.   Said Henkins, (spelling of last name ?!), “This event is a great exposure to a crowd that appreciates what Maine has to offer in terms of great chefs and great wines.  We will be back,” he said grinning.  The company is 4 years old.   www.coldrivervodka.com

Trap Landry, Executive Chef, for the venerable Black Point Inn on Prouts Neck,  in Scarborough was just beginning to prepare for serving his house cured fennel and Lemon Artic Char with Chevre and Salmon Roe on a Salted Cracker. The Char is native to Finland.  Chef Landry invites the public to visit Black Point Inn and witness for themselves all the wonderful changes that have been made in recent years! www.blackpointinn.com

Another of the elite restaurants represented  at the event was the dramatic 136 year old  Cliff House Resort & Spa, Ogunquit.  Sous Chef Steven Bernstein was making his first appearance at the Grand Tasting event even though the Cliff House participated last year.  Chef Bernstein brought to the tasting table a Chocolate Pretzel Tart with Maine Sea Salt and a Fall Sugar Pumpkin Sip with Seasoned Pepitas.  “We all hve our specalilties and our niche, but we think of each other as part of a special community.  With the slowing down of the busy summer season, we’ll take some time to explore and discuss other styles,” he said.  www.cliffhouse.com  

“Down East” magazine and Hannaford Brothers co-sponsored the event.   Harmon’s and Barton’s provided floral arrangements.   

Please visit www.harvestonheharbor.com for more inforation on the weekend events.

Silver Stars Present First Reading at Eastern Cemetery on 10/30 & 10/31; Acting Troup Just Formed for Area Seniors

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 308)

The Silver Stars will raise a (symbolic) curtain on its first reading when it presents excerpts from the “Spoon River  Anthology”, Friday and Saturday, October 30 and 31st at the historic Eastern Cemetery at the base of the Hill.  The reading begins at 6:00 p.m. and lasts about l/2 hour.   The director is Denver Rey Whisman.   The event is free, but donations would be appreciated.

The Silver Stars is an accomplished group of actors in Portland  that meets monthly for the sole purpose of reading a good play.  The Silver Stars meet at the Hill home of actress Sue Yandell.  “It’s for actors too old to get roles we’d like to play,” said Yandell.   “So we read them in my living room and it’s fun.”  There are about ten in the group.

The idea is the brainchild of Sue Yandell.  She and Denver met this past January at the Hilltop Coffee Shop to discuss the idea.  They contacted other actors in the Portland area and the group formed from there.  ”It’s for  older actors who no longer are chosen for roles they want.  The readings are not restricted by age and appearance.  Many seniors have short-term memory loss and can’t memorize long parts, so this works for them,” Yandell said over the telephone. 

Denver Rey Whisman is a veteran actor for Portland Stage Co. Last season he appeared in “Julius Caeser”, “Peer Gynt” and in the ensemble of “A Christmas Carol.”  He was trained at Acorn Studios by Mike Levine.  Whisman was a 2008 finalist in the Maine Short Play Festival.  Yandell likewise was trained at Acorn Productions by Mike Levine.

The Silver Stars invite the public to attend its premier reading at Eastern Cemetery and hear the stories amid the tombstones  from the mythical Midwestern town of Spoon River.

Please call Sue Yandell for more information at 899-1012.

City Fair at Root Cellar; 10/24

Pumpkins!

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 307)

A new initiative, the City Fair, will debut  this Saturday, October 24, at the Root Cellar, from 10:00 a.m. until noon.  The purpose is to introduce the public to city staff and learn about the variety of services offered throughout the city.   The Root Cellar is located at 94 Washington Avenue.

Representatives will be on hand to discuss recycling programs, the soon to open Portland Community Health Center, lead abatement, home funds available for energy efficiency and weatherization, the Circuit Breaker Program, voter registration and so much more they can’t all be listed here!  The event will be fun for the whole family with games for children, food, raffles and door prizes.

“City Fair is a great opportunity for residents to learn about city services and have one-on-one conversations with staff about any issues or concerns they may have,” stated Major Jill Duson.  “This fair is our chance to break down any barriers, real or perceived, to City Hall.  Portland residents need to know and believe that accessing city services is easy.  Whether it is as simple as finding out how to get a copy of a birth certificate or more complicated like understanding the site plan review process, we want to help,” she added.

The event is free and open to the public.  For more information, please call 874-8656 or email msm@portlandmaine.gov.