April 2009

By Carol McCracken

Culture Days got off to an enthusiastic beginning this morning when singers and dancers from Africa and Southeast Asia dressed up in their finest and danced their hearts out before an appreciative audience at Portland High School. The day marked the start of the 12th annual International Show put on by members of the International Club.

“Some of us are in this country because of war in our countries,” said the Portland High student announcer. “We come from unstable countries. We are lucky to live in a country where Obama was elected president. We are united by hope,” she added.

The chorus opened the performance with three songs. Next there was a fashion show by co-eds dressed in gorgeous native gowns. Then the dancers took over the stage with grace and dignity and smiles from ear to ear. There were groups from Etheopia, Sudan, Somali, Rowanda, the Congo and many more. Each performing a native dance with skill and poise beyond their years. One of the many highlights of the morning was the young rapper from the Sudan. His lyrics were: “I was raised without a mommy or daddy – life is tough, but I gotta keep at it. Do the right thing. Keep my mind on school. That’s how it is. That’s how it’s gonna be!”

“Because Portland High School is the most diverse high school in Maine, it’s only right to show the beauty in our culture here, ” said Suad Hassan, 18, and a senior. She sat beside MHN during the hour long performance. Next fall Suad plans to attend college in Massachusetts where she’ll study political science. Steve Norbet, a social studies teacher, said he loves teaching at Portland High. He attended Portland High himself. For a brief time, after his marriage, he lived on the Hill. It was his dream to come back and teach here after college.

Culture Day participants were scheduled to put on another show this afternoon and two tomorrow until many of the younger grades in the Portland area had an opportunity to enjoy the performance. There are currently 27 different languages spoken at Portland High.

Portland High School was originally established in 1821 on Exchange Street in the Old Port. In 1863 it was moved to its present location on Cumberland Avenue. It was the third public high school in the country to be established and remains the second oldest continuing high school in existence – second to Boston Latin in Boston.

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By Carol McCracken

The Portland Finance Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the propoed budget for the POrtland Public School system and the City of Portland’s municipal operations on April 28th at 5:00 p.m. at the East End Community School on the Hill.

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By Carol McCracken

“No More Bailouts” – “Social Programs Are Not A Career Choice” – “It‘s The Spending Stupid” -”Fascism Is Here” – were some of the signs visible this afternoon at the East End Beach where about 100 people gathered to celebrate the Tax Day Rally. Later in the Day, there was another much larger rally held on the Maine State Pier at the bottom of the Hill. There were reports of rallies sponsored by companies in private tax parties in local restaurants.

While the Rally was billed as non-partisan there were plenty of partisans present at the East End Beach. Randy Dominick, a history teacher living in Falmouth addressed the enthusiastic crowd saying: “We need to limit payouts to people like illegal immigrants. The concept that there are some jobs that are beneath Americans bothers me.”

Laurie Brown, also of Falmouth, was the organizer of the event at the East End Beach. She said the government needs to “stop spending our money, our children’s money and our grandchildren’s money.” She said, “I read the stimulus bill and 99% of it should be left out. It’s all about pork and personal agendas.”

Behind the catchy signs, colorful windbreakers and sun glasses there were plenty of partisans angered by President Obama’s policies – both domestically and overseas. One self-identified conservative from Lincoln County said: “This is a good forum to let the government know we are dissatisfied. The govenment is too big.” When MHN asked where budget cuts should be made, he replied: “I don’t think that the average Joe should be expected to make those kinds of choices. It’s too deep for him.”

Not everyone in the crowd agreed with the Rally. “I don’t know what to think of this,” Kathleen Iselin, also of Falmouth said. “I don’t like to get out here and demonstrate like this. I’d take a different route.”

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By Carol McCracken

The areas first tattoo parlor opened yesterday. The Squid & Whale Tattoo Shop opened without a lot of fanfare, but the two women owners are confident that will change soon. The Shop is located at 181 Congress Street and replaces the Filament Gallery formerly located there.

“We are inviting the community to come in and take a look around and get acquainted with us and what we do,” said Hanna one of the owners. The two do mostly traditionally inspired tattoos. They invite the public to come in and talk to them about the designs in which they are interested. They are always interested in new ideas. At that consultation, costs to the consumers can also be agreed upon. Walk ins are accepted, but they prefer appointments. This way they can give more attention and thought to designing the tattoo.

Cyndi, a former professional photographer, says the Shop will also host art shows beginning on June 1. They are going to continue to be part of the First Friday Art Walk that was a tradition at the Filament Gallery. The Shop will hold rotating art shows.

The two were previously employed at Just Good Tattoos located at the State Theater until mid-February when the shop relocated out of town.

The phone service is not expected to be installed for another several weeks at least. When it is, the number is (207) 699-4192. The Shop’s hours are Tuesday-Thursday; noon until 6:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday; noon until 8:00 p.m. It is closed Sunday and Monday.

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