The South Portlander

SoPo Filmmaker’s Documentary Airs Thursday

2009-11-12T11:57:38Z

South Portland filmmaker Lisa Wolfinger’s documentary on the impact that so-called dirty bombs could have on U.S. cities will air Thursday night at 10 p.m. on the National Geographic Channel.

Radio station MPBN reports that Wolfinger chose to film her documentary in Portland, rather than in a large metro area, like Washington, D.C., or Boston. She worked with Portland first responders, including firefighters and medical workers, to show how authorities are trained to react to terrorism on U.S. soil.

Wolfinger and her husband, Kirk, run Lone Wolf Productions in the Knightville district in South Portland. She received help on the script from the Department of Homeland Security, according to MPBN radio.

Dirty bombs are explosive devices that contain radioactive materials.

According to the Lone Wolf Web site, “Dirty Bomb” examines “the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to prevent these ‘weapons of mass disruption’ from ever being deployed, and learn why ‘dirty bombs’ may only kill a few but bankrupt many.”

DEC 4-5: Alternative Holiday Craft, Fair Trade Sale

2009-11-11T14:59:11Z

Alternative Gift Market and Fair Trade Craft Sale at SMCC:

Shoppers purchase items for needy people, in the name of friends, family and loved ones.

Friday, Dec. 4, 11-3, and Saturday, Dec. 5, 10-2, Southern Maine Community College

PRESS RELEASE: Give a gift to the world by purchasing life-sustaining gifts in honor of your friends, family, and associates, such as uniforms and books for children in DR Congo, a sewing machine for female entrepreneurs in India, or tools, seeds, and training for farmers in Honduras. A card will be provided to give as an alternative gift, reading, “A gift has been given in your name to the following organization.

The Alternative Gift Market and Fair Trade Crafts Sale at Southern Maine Community College is a perfect way to get into the real spirit of the season and help others all over the world. The event will be held in the Campus Center at 2 Fort Road. Admission is free.

All donations through the purchase of alternative gifts are tax-deductible.

Veterans’ Day Parade Kicks Off at SMCC

2009-11-11T13:01:05Z

South Portland holds it annual Veterans’ Day parade, with folks gathering at 10 a.m., at Southern Maine Community College.

The parade proceeds for a mile along Broadway, traveling to the American Legion Post 35, at 413 Broadway, and then along Cottage Road to City Hall.

Expect to see city dignitaries, a procession of public safety vehicles, the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, antique cars and the award-winning SPHS marching band. An official bell-ringing will take place at 11 a.m., per City Council resolution.

Group Bids for S&K Menswear’s Customer List

2009-11-10T21:03:31Z

The Buxbaum Group will buy the company name and database of 2.5 million customers of bankrupt S&K Menswear.The retail chain has closed all 105 stores, including in South Portland. S&K filed for bankruptcy in February and the remaining merchandise at its stores was sold.

The Buxbaum Group needs approval from a bankruptcy court before its bid will be accepted.

On the S&K Menswear web site, the company advises South Portland customers to keep gift cards in the event that a new owner chooses to honor them.

The South Portland store was at 198 Maine Mall Rd.

NOV. 14: Rep. Eberle Hosts Coffee Hour

2009-11-10T18:39:52Z

PRESS RELEASE
Rep. Jane Eberle, D-South Portland, invites South Portland and Cape Elizabeth residents to her monthly coffee hour Saturday, Nov. 14, at J.P. Thornton’s.

The coffee hour is from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Constituents are encouraged to come have coffee with Eberle, discuss their concerns and have their questions answered. J.P. Thornton’s is at 740 Broadway.

NOV. 28: SPHS Reunion Planned

2009-11-10T13:13:11Z

A 30th reunion for South Portland High School’s Class of ‘79 is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 28, at Thatcher’s Restaurant, Foden Road, South Portland.

FaceBookers can find details at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=98137672898.

For alumni not on Facebook, contact Brenda Linscott Peluso for more information, bpeluso@maine.rr.com.

Livingston Wins Recount for School Board

2009-11-10T01:35:10Z

Alan Livingston has been declared the winner of the District 5 School Board seat, after the City held a recount this afternoon. The vote was 4,166 to 4,149.

Livingston, a math teacher, said in an interview this evening that he picked up a few votes but was unsure of the final tally. He said a quorum of the Council witnessed the recount and approved him as winner.

The original count put Livingston at 4,166 votes and Tappan Fitzgerald, his opponent, at 4,152. Fitzgerald had requested the recount.

Livingston said that he and Fitzgerald have become friends during the recount process, held at City Hall.

Livingston has never held public office but has a lot of experience with South Portland schools. His three grown children attended South Portland schools, and his two grandchildren are now students in the city’s public schools.

Livingston himself attended South Portland schools. As a career educator, he has taught at public schools in South Portland and Westbrook. He currently teaches math at Cheverus High School.

Police Seek Bank Robber

2009-11-10T01:10:31Z

South Portland Police issued the following press release:

On November 9th at approximately 2:05 PM a male entered the Gorham Savings Bank and handed a teller a note demanding money. No overt threats were made and no weapons were shown. The male left the bank with an undetermined amount of US Currency and was last seen walking through the Mall Plaza lot headed towards the Maine Mall Rd.

A description of the suspect is as follows: White male approximately 25 to 30 years old with reddish facial hair. The subject didn’t have a full beard, but it appeared as though he hadn’t shaved in a few days. He was described as being approximately 5’10” tall and having a medium build. He was wearing a dark green hooded windbreaker, gray pants, and white sneakers.

Anyone who may have been in the area and witnessed anything related to this robbery, or have any information at all concerning the possible identity of the suspect is asked to call the South Portland Police Department at 207.799.5511 or 207.347.4100 (an anonymous tip line).

Tom Blake Looks Back on Term As Mayor

2009-11-09T00:12:43Z

The City Council will start to caucus Nov. 23 on South Portland’s next mayor. I recently interviewed outgoing Mayor Tom Blake about his one-year term.

From helping to boost volunteerism in SoPo to pushing for more land bank funds, Blake summarized his work as mayor.

Blake also said he supports the idea of making the mayoral post an elected position.

The following are my questions and his responses:

Q. What do you feel are your top accomplishments as mayor?
BLAKE:
Establishment and ongoing work of:
* Comprehensive Planning Committee, first meeting on the 19th of November
* Open Space Update Committee, meeting with Council soon
* Sawyer Park Committee
* Volunteer Committee
* Long Creek Revitalization Committee & Long Creek District (National Award)
Introduction and development of:
* Department Strategic Plans with prioritization of public facility needs
* Fish, Foul and Animal Committee
* Green Codes
* Increase of Land Bank Funds
Public Library steps:
* Union Contract Agreement
* Development of long and short term facility needs through a committee
* Creation of a new LAB ordinance through a committee that is nearing completion
Misc:
* Finalized Willard Beach Committee work
* Strengthened connection with GPCOG
* Introduced public comment session at workshops
* The continued expansion of the West End Trails

Q. Are there still things on your to do list as mayor?
BLAKE: With only three weeks to go, I would prefer to say in the final year of my first term, seeing all the above come to fruition, as well as seeing these concepts go to the next level:
* the Gift Book
* the transfer facility swap barn
* development of a package for new residents and businesses, a marketing/promotions package
*continued improved responses from our employees to our constituents

Q. How are the roles of Councilor and Mayor different?
BLAKE: Historically the position has been touted as ceremonial. It is far from it. Just by receiving an increased amount of invites to community events, the Mayor is generally busier and therefore quite involved with the Community. Hardly a day has gone by that I have not had some sort of public activity. The Mayor also works more closely with the City Manager and others (including the other councilors) on establishing the workshop and Council agendas.

Q. Anything you will not miss after you complete your term as mayor?
BLAKE: The time commitment has been more than I anticipated but I have thoroughly enjoyed the year and will look back upon my term as Mayor of SP as a year of pleasurable experiences with our community members. We have some wonderful people!!!!!!! I also think we have an excellent Council and City staff from top to bottom. Nothing would have been accomplished in 2009 without a full team effort. Councilor DeAngelis will be a strong addition with immediate impact.

Q. What did you get out of being mayor? Did you learn anything new about the city, government or the role you play as a city official?
BLAKE: One reason I pushed for public input at workshops is that they are so important as to how we proceed with the direction of SP. Having the public involved more this year at that level continues to remind me just HOW important workshops are. I am in hopes we can televise workshops in the near future.

In many ways they are more important to our future that the council meetings. I have also been pleasantly surprised at how high a regard many people consider our Mayor’s position. While politics are at a crossroads in America, people support our system. This contributes to my thoughts on how we elect our Mayor.

Q. Should the mayor be an elected official?
BLAKE: There are many ways to do this, but yes I feel this position should be elected. Those interested should declare in sufficient time to be placed on the November ballot. The timing is perfect and the cost is miniscule. Then let the public decide who they want out of those interested. We have very astute and educated voters in SP, so let them pick!

Three Brothers Closes, Promises to Reopen

2009-11-06T15:12:09Z

Three Brothers Eatery on Broadway locked its doors without notice, but is promising to re-open the restaurant.

A note on the door informs the public that Three Brothers is closed for the winter but will return in the spring. A call to Three Brothers was not answered.

The restaurant, run by 24-year-old Ryan Coulombe, opened a year ago after major renovations to the building, which used to house JP Thornton’s. The restaurant served pizza, fish and chips and a variety of sandwiches.

Three Brothers offered walk-up counter service, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Coulombe had promised to start a delivery service.

Members of the public said they have noticed that the restaurant has not generated a lot of traffic.

The city said it has no other information on the status of the restaurant.

Library Vacancy to Be Advertised, Filled Soon

2009-11-06T13:07:33Z

Library Director Kevin Davis says that a vacancy created by the recent retirement of a long-time worker in the children’s area at the main library will be advertised and filled soon. Whether two workers laid off this year in budget cuts will get top consideration seems to be an open question.

Here is a recent email exchange I had with Davis:

Q: I hope to find out whether you plan to fill the position of Pat Unnold, who recently retired. Has the job been posted or is it frozen because of budget constraints?

DAVIS: Yes, I fully intend to fill the currently vacant position. The services we provide to South Portland’s young children are a major part of the library’s overall business, at both library locations. The loss of Pat has put a crimp in children’s services and programming, and it is essential that we get these services restored.

It has not been posted yet, but should be soon. The job description is being updated, so that it meets the current needs of the department. We held off on moving too quickly to fill the position until we knew the results of Tuesday’s tax-related referendum questions. Now that we’re clear of those issues, we’re free to move forward.

Q: Will either of the laid-off employees have priority if she applies for the job? Is there a right of first refusal in the first 18 months after a layoff?

DAVIS: As I’m sure you can understand, it would be very inappropriate for me to discuss the hiring of any specific individuals for any specific positions. Nothing I say below refers to any specific employee, past or present, or position, past, present or future. I will attempt, however, to outline some basic rules we follow.

I’ll also preface this by saying that what I say is all “as I understand it.” Rest assured that the technicalities of officially offering employment to anyone is handled by City Hall.

All laid off employees who are subject to recall are notified, by the City, of any open positions.

I believe that an employee who has been laid off, subject to recall, has “first refusal” of a job, if that job is the one they had held prior to the layoff.

Per the library’s new contract, “Prior to interviewing outside candidates, employees will be given the opportunity to interview first.” This means that any current employee (a laid off employee subject to recall is still considered a current employee for this purpose) who is interested in an open position will be interviewed for the position before outside candidates.

With 23 years of service to the City of South Portland, Pat was full time and fully dedicated to serving this audience, so, filling the gap left in her absence is no easy task. I’m hoping that, as we move forward, our youth services department can do justice to Pat’s history with us, as well as blaze a trail toward an evolution of the library’s services, for the benefit of our users.

Oil Tank Art Project Under Way

2009-11-05T20:21:13Z

Resident Deni Tirrell offers this photo of the distinctive artwork that is emerging on an oil tank that can be seen by commuters crossing the Veterans Bridge in South Portland.

South Portland already is home to Maine’s largest shopping mall. It soon will host Maine’s largest public art display, in a series of painted oil tanks that are being stylized to call attention to the state’s creative economy.

In this case, the artist is Venezuelan Jaime Gili, who won a global competition to develop a design and color scheme for the tanks. Once the project is done, the public will be able to see the painted tanks from the ground, water and in airplanes taking off and landing at the Portland Jetport.

Organizers are raising money to fund the art project.

Cracker Barrel Eyed for Maine Mall Site

2009-11-05T16:32:55Z

The owner of the Wyndham Hotel is advertising Cracker Barrel restaurant as a future tenant at its 10-acre hotel site, across from the Maine Mall.

VanEastland LLC is offering development sites on its hotel property for lease or for sale. The sale prices for three advertised commercial sites range from $1.3 million to $2 million, according to Malone Commercial Properties. Ground leases will start at $100,000 a year.

Malone Commercial Properties also is advertising that Cracker Barrel will be a tenant on a fourth “pad site” at the hotel property. Cracker Barrel has been considering for the last few years developing a restaurant in the Maine Mall retail area, which extends from South Portland to Scarborough.

The South Portland Planning Board recently approved commercial additions to the Maine Mall Road hotel site, though the owner will have to improve site drainage and mitigate water pollution.

The real estate broker estimates daily traffic counts at more than 12,000 vehicles. The Tax Assessor values the hotel property at $11 million.

Gary Crosby: SoPo Has a ‘Definitive Answer’

2009-11-04T17:06:53Z

Gary Crosby offered the following statement on the defeat of a referendum he led to limit dogs on Willard Beach:

“I am very happy with the large turnout on Tuesday and certainly I would have liked to have won.

“However, I think we all won in the most important thing of all, Democracy. We had large voter participation and a definitive answer to the question. It just can’t get much better than that!

“My primary reason to forward this referendum was to get our citizens involved and clear up a long-standing issue and I am proud of that. I saw people vote that had never been involved before; what a great sight that is to see. I know some voted for me and some against me but nonetheless, they got educated, involved and voted, and I thank everyone for that.”

Results From Council, School Board Races

2009-11-04T14:46:14Z