By Carol McCracken (Post # 334)
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By Carol McCracken (Post # 333)
Most of the Hill lost its power this morning. The power was out for about three hours. All but Atlantic, St. Lawrence Streets up to Walnut Street and Washington Avenue lost their power, said Bob Taylor, a veteran Central Maine Power troubleshooter and lineman for the company. Part of Sheridan Street as well did not lose its power.
The equipment failure happened at a pole near the corner of Congress and India Streets – near the Family Practice Center. The power failure was not weather related. The problem involved wiring. There are lots of aluminium conductors and they don’t mix well with salt air – leaving vulnerable places in the wiring. Copper is stronger, but far too expensive to be used for this purpose. Power was back on just before 1:00 pm.
Taylor said: “The biggest problem we have in town is with squirrels. They get on a transformer and wag their tails in the wrong place. It happens too often. CMP puts squirrel guards on the transformers, but there are lots of places they can get into.”
The power failure number for CMP to call is 1 800 696-1000,
Lisa Silverman
By Carol McCracken (Post # 332)
The long-anticipated re-opening of Lisa Silverman’s Five Seasons Cooking School is this weekend and Lisa has planned special events to mark the occasion. Her well-known macrobiotic school, located at 87 St. Lawrence Street, has been closed down for several years as her home has undergone extensive renovation. Finally, the first floor which encompasses her brand new gorgeous kitchen is ready to be back in service. Lisa is clearly excited about resuming cooking classes and special events there.
Kicking off this special weekend at 87 St. Lawrence Street is Warren Kramer, a senior macrobiotic counselor with a national reputation. Tomorrow evening, Lisa is hosting a dinner followed by a lecture by her long-time friend. It runs from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. On Saturday, Warren is conducting a cooking class from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in Lisa’s new kichen as well. The theme is “how to relieve stress” with macrobiotic cooking. The cost is $45. and there is still space available. She’s also planning a holilday cooking class for Tuesday night, December 15th. It runs from 6:30 – 9:00 pm and the fee is $35.
Lisa grew up on the Hill. Her grandfather founded Day’s Jewelry store which originally was located on Congress Street where the Maine Historical Society now is. Her grandparents lived at 150 Eastern Promenade; the lovely home currently is owned by marine writer Lincoln Paine and his wife.
In the late 80s, Lisa heard a lecture on macrobiotics at Southern Maine Community College where she was taking culinary courses. That lecture planted a seed in her which has developed into a successful career. Lisa studied at the Kushi Institute in Beckett, MA. Following that, she studied in Switzerland and that is where she met her long-time friend Warren Kramer. Her first cooking classes were given at the Cummings Center on Congress Street. Finally, she started Five Seasons Cooking School on St. Lawrence Street in 1996. Lisa’s business is successful and it’s all been because of “word of mouth” from clients who return class after class.
At some point down the road she might start-up a macrobiotic restaurant. Perhaps in the shorter term is a Friday Night Dinner Club that she’d host. Until then, you can enjoy Lisa’s cooking classes and special events by visiting her at www.fiveseasonscookingschool.net
By Carol McCracken (Post # 331)
Five years ago, Ready Seafood opened its business doors on Hobson’s Wharf. Since that time, this lobster selling business has grown sufficiently to need more space in which to operate. That’s why Brendan Ready petitioned the Community Development Committee yesterday afternoon for a 3-year lease at the Portland Ocean Terminal at the bottom of the Hill. The space sought is about 9,000 sq. ft, about double the space the business currently occupies on Hobson’s Wharf.
Gregory Mitchell, director of the city’s economic divsion, said: “There is no other location for them in Portland. We want to keep them here in Portland.” The two other councilors present at the committee meeting echoed the same sentiments. Councilor Leeman, presiding over the committee, in the absence of Chair Dan Skolnik said: “We are excited to have you here. You are doing an incredible job down there.” Soon-to-be mayor, Nick Mavadones concurred.
Brendan was at the CDC meeting representing his company “A Piece of Maine” which buys and sells lobsters all over the world. He said business is very good. His brother John Ready is his business partner. Most of the Portland Ocean Terminal is a storage facility. Portland Tugboat has storage space there as well. The three year lease would cost the company $100,000.
The matter goes to the full council on Monday, December 7, for its approval.
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