June 2009

By Carol McCracken

Portland has announced its series of three concerts starting next month at the Fort Allen Park Gazebo on the Eastern Promenade.  Dubbed “Nostalgia Night” the concerts last about an hour and if there is inclement weather, the concert will be canceled, except the Chandler’s Band Concert, which will be rescheduled).

Thursday, July 9 – 7:30 PM C handler’s Band Concert

Thursday, July 16 – 7:30 PM The Lighthouse Jubilees

Thursday, July 23 – 7:15 PM Chandler’s Band Concert

Thursday, July 30 – 7:15 PM Rain Date for Chandler’s Band Concert

Please visit the city’s website at www.portlandmaine.gov/rec/summer.htm or call the Recreation Division office at 207-756-8275 for more information.  Information/cancellation program hotline: 207-756-8130.

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Does Life Get Any Better Than This?!

By Carol McCracken

Over 100 students from Mt. Aratat Middle School took a break from classes and visited Portland and  many of its museums and other attractions; including the Duck Boat Tours.

Lunch was eaten on the Eastern Promenade with several games of touch ball breaking out before heading back home at the middle of the afternoon.

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Jill Babcock, (l) learns about the "Aware Movement" from Lea Moon, Organizer

By Carol McCracken

She was stringing a large banner between two trees at the juncture of the Eastern Promenade and Quebec Street when the MHN cruiser saw her and stopped:  “Awake Movement” read the banner.  That’s the juncture where this new community will start meeting this morning – early this morning.

Hill resident Lea Moon is the organizer of this new community on the Hill.  She and ten other insructors have developed a program to fit ino the busy schedules and meet the needs of those looking for “mediation movement” and all it brings with it.  It can be a healing experience for many; especially in the peaceful and beautiful setting of the Eastern Promenade.

Different types and levels of yoga are offered under this non-profits auspices.  The program starts this morning, Monday, June 15th and runs until August 31st.  The early morning class meets at 7:00 a.m. and runs for about an hour 7 days a week.  At 9:00 a.m., three days a week there is another class.  Those days are:  Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday.  Participation is by donation.

Jill Babcock who is new to the area expressed interest in learning more about the classes, because she’s never taken yoga lessons.  “I’m looking for the perfect exercise program that wil help keep me healthy. This gives me a good opportunity to explore meditation and movement practices on the Eastern Promenade.  What could be better?  I’ll be back,” she promised as she continued her walk home near the Promenade.

For more information and class schedules, please visit www.theawakecollective.com or please call 207 – 841-5610.

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Councilor Kevin Donoghue Addressing Attendees At The Flag Day Celebration

By Carol McCracken

What is normally an outdoor celebration of Flag Day was forced  inside today because of the rain and cool temperatures.  But  that didn’t dampen the spirits of the smaller than usual crowd who gathered to observe the day at the Observatory on the Hill.

Hillary Bassett, director of Greater Portland Landmarks who manages the Observatory for the City, welcomed the group of supporters and said this event is an example of the “cooperative spirit of the city.”  She thanked the many sponsors of the event.  Then she introduced Councilor Kevin J. Donoghe, in whose district the Observatory is located.

Donoghue who lives near the Observatory said it is a symbol of “stability” in this constantly changing neighborhood .  “A historic structure like this allows us (politicans) to slow down and think about our City with a long view.”

Following the flag raising, visitors were free to take a self-guided tour to the top of the Observatory.  There was no fog and so the stupendous view was unhindered by the weather.  Balladeer David Peloguin entertained visitors with his marine-oriented music.  Tours of Munjoy Hill and of the Eastern Cemetery went on as scheduled.

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