Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Did You Know?
Did you know the City of Westbrook Seal features a drawing of the vessel that carried the city's namesake, Col. Thomas Westbrook, to Maine from New Hampshire? The Seal also consists of the Westbrook family crest (which is described in the Highlights of Westbrook History as a "mailed knee and foot") and the years in which Westbrook was incorporated as a town (1814) and incorporated as a city (1891).
The Seal was adopted in June 1891.
Source: Highlights of Westbrook History, edited by Marion B. Rowe. (Westbrook Woman's Club: 1952).
- John C.L. Morgan
The Seal was adopted in June 1891.
Source: Highlights of Westbrook History, edited by Marion B. Rowe. (Westbrook Woman's Club: 1952).
- John C.L. Morgan
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
(Almost) Nothing to See Here
Allow your pangs of guilt for not attending tonight's Planning Board meeting to absolve, because nothing really happened in the latest round of the Stroudwater Place debate. Or to paraphrase my Room 114 neighbor Laura Burden, there was a lot of talking about, well, talking.
To be fair to the Planning Board, the project is so meaty that it is difficult to figure out exactly where one should initially sink her teeth.
Nevertheless, the Board needs to spur the progress of the debate along. Expressing a willingness to increase their work rate by scheduling extra meetings devoted solely to this issue is a good start. But more action (such as scheduling a public hearing or at least substantive discussion) would've been more encouraging.
- John C.L. Morgan
P.S. The Planning Board wasn't entirely impotent tonight. They recommended the City Council stand pat on the issue of 5,000 square foot houselots, as well as an instruction for the City to explore design requirements that consider a prospective home's size and scale relative to the 50 x 100 lots. And the Board also tabled a housing development proposed for Austin Street. On the other hand, the latest round in the Pike/Idexx issue has been postponed, as it did not meet the Planning Board's 10p deadline for tackling new business.
To be fair to the Planning Board, the project is so meaty that it is difficult to figure out exactly where one should initially sink her teeth.
Nevertheless, the Board needs to spur the progress of the debate along. Expressing a willingness to increase their work rate by scheduling extra meetings devoted solely to this issue is a good start. But more action (such as scheduling a public hearing or at least substantive discussion) would've been more encouraging.
- John C.L. Morgan
P.S. The Planning Board wasn't entirely impotent tonight. They recommended the City Council stand pat on the issue of 5,000 square foot houselots, as well as an instruction for the City to explore design requirements that consider a prospective home's size and scale relative to the 50 x 100 lots. And the Board also tabled a housing development proposed for Austin Street. On the other hand, the latest round in the Pike/Idexx issue has been postponed, as it did not meet the Planning Board's 10p deadline for tackling new business.
On Location: Lady Ball's Victorian Boutique and Tea Room
"Walking into Lady Ball's Victorian Boutique and Tea Room," wrote the Portland Press Herald 's food writer Meredith Goad in a May 2007 article, "[l]adies will feel as if they've walked into a florid romance novel. [And] Gentlemen, well, let's just say here's your opportunity to show your sensitive side."
Consider it done, Ms. Goad: I felt like I did walk into a florid romance novel and I did take advantage of my opportunity to show off my sensitive side. Which is not to say that I am a cultured hermaphodite. Just that both reactions are to be expected, regardless of gender.
Indeed, the pageantry of the place is dizzying. The scent of Yankee Candle's Home Sweet Home wafts in the air. A seemingly overflowing array of Victorian-style antiques, home decorations, furniture, jewelry, and tea accessories appear to battle for wall space. And the decor generally respects the fine line between elegance and kitsch, which gives the space a refined feel that does not sacrifice coziness at the altar of stuffiness. Also, the ubiquitous vibrancy of the colors splashed about ensure that the approximately seventy flavors of black, white, green, oolong, herbal, fruit, and decaf loose-leaf teas will not drowse you into a slumber despite how relaxed one will feel.
Owing its name to the late Irene Ball, a British emigre who was like a grandmother to owner Deb Shangraw, this ornate boutique and tea room at 752 Main Street is unlike anything I've experienced in Westbrook.
And that's a good thing.
- John C.L. Morgan
P.S. The boutique and tea room are open from 11a-5p, Monday-Friday. It can be open on Saturdays and Sundays, but only if you schedule an appointment for a group of ten or more. A 16-ounce pot of tea costs $5, and a 32-ounce pot will set you back ten greenbacks. Baked goods, cookies, and sandwiches are also available. And the outdoor deck with a capacity of twenty people will open soon.
Consider it done, Ms. Goad: I felt like I did walk into a florid romance novel and I did take advantage of my opportunity to show off my sensitive side. Which is not to say that I am a cultured hermaphodite. Just that both reactions are to be expected, regardless of gender.
Indeed, the pageantry of the place is dizzying. The scent of Yankee Candle's Home Sweet Home wafts in the air. A seemingly overflowing array of Victorian-style antiques, home decorations, furniture, jewelry, and tea accessories appear to battle for wall space. And the decor generally respects the fine line between elegance and kitsch, which gives the space a refined feel that does not sacrifice coziness at the altar of stuffiness. Also, the ubiquitous vibrancy of the colors splashed about ensure that the approximately seventy flavors of black, white, green, oolong, herbal, fruit, and decaf loose-leaf teas will not drowse you into a slumber despite how relaxed one will feel.
Owing its name to the late Irene Ball, a British emigre who was like a grandmother to owner Deb Shangraw, this ornate boutique and tea room at 752 Main Street is unlike anything I've experienced in Westbrook.
And that's a good thing.
- John C.L. Morgan
P.S. The boutique and tea room are open from 11a-5p, Monday-Friday. It can be open on Saturdays and Sundays, but only if you schedule an appointment for a group of ten or more. A 16-ounce pot of tea costs $5, and a 32-ounce pot will set you back ten greenbacks. Baked goods, cookies, and sandwiches are also available. And the outdoor deck with a capacity of twenty people will open soon.
Planning an Interesting Evening
Besides hearing 500 Westbrook LLC's formal application for a contract zone for their proposed Stroudwater Place development, the Westbrook Planning Board will also consider the Spring Street expansion of Pike Industries at tonight's meeting.
The meeting is at 7p in Westbrook High School's Room 114, and the agenda can be viewed here.
- John C.L. Morgan
The meeting is at 7p in Westbrook High School's Room 114, and the agenda can be viewed here.
- John C.L. Morgan
Monday, May 5, 2008
Department of Hot Water
According to media blogger (and political columnist) Al Diamon, Westbrook resident Kevin Crocker's radio talk show, "Talking Maine," has been "suspended indefinitely" from WLOB's airwaves. The suspension, according to Diamon, is the result of an incident Saturday morning in which Crocker used an ethnic slur and profanity while the microphone was still hot.
Crocker, who is also the treasurer of the Westbrook Republican City Committee, has yet to comment publicly about the incident. And an ongoing debate of the issue can be followed here.
- John C.L. Morgan
Crocker, who is also the treasurer of the Westbrook Republican City Committee, has yet to comment publicly about the incident. And an ongoing debate of the issue can be followed here.
- John C.L. Morgan
Department of Public Service Announcements
We interrupt this regularly scheduled broadcast to bring you these two important messages:
- If you were a schlub (like me) and were at Stockhouse Restaurant at 8:30a Sunday morning wondering where all the
alcoholic beveragesrunners were, you probably didn't receive notice that the Main Street Mile had been canceled and rescheduled for Sunday, May 11 at 8:30a. - And if you are a schlub and still have your leaves hanging out on the curb waiting to be picked up, you probably are unaware that the leaves need to be dropped off at the Public Services facility on Saco Street.
Do be sure to make the appropriate revisions on your May calendar.
- John C.L. Morgan
Easy Listening
"A Prairie Home Companion", one of my favorite radio programs, broadcast live from Bangor Saturday night. And though I recommend you listen to the entire show, I command you to listen to segments two and five.
About 22:30 into segment two, my new hero Lucien "Lou" Mathieu of Westbrook graces the microphone. And the fifth segment begins with an instrumental version of the University of Maine's fight song, "The Maine Stein Song," which was arranged by Westbrook's favorite son, the late Rudy Vallee.
And while I'm getting all elitist on y'all, I might as well recommend you check out Maine writer Richard Ford's reading of John Cheever's short story "Reunion" in a The New Yorker podcast. I've listened to it at least five times and can't seem to get enough of it.
- John C.L. Morgan
P.S. Once I start, I just can't stop. Check out the Maine Humanities Council's collection of podcasts. Hmm, these would fit it in nicely with a certain idea I had a while ago.
About 22:30 into segment two, my new hero Lucien "Lou" Mathieu of Westbrook graces the microphone. And the fifth segment begins with an instrumental version of the University of Maine's fight song, "The Maine Stein Song," which was arranged by Westbrook's favorite son, the late Rudy Vallee.
And while I'm getting all elitist on y'all, I might as well recommend you check out Maine writer Richard Ford's reading of John Cheever's short story "Reunion" in a The New Yorker podcast. I've listened to it at least five times and can't seem to get enough of it.
- John C.L. Morgan
P.S. Once I start, I just can't stop. Check out the Maine Humanities Council's collection of podcasts. Hmm, these would fit it in nicely with a certain idea I had a while ago.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Top 10 Local CDs: April 21- April 27, 2008
Here are the Top 10 Local CDs for the week of April 21-April 27 (the album's spot in last week's Top 10 is in parentheses, much like this fyi note), courtesy of the Portland Phoenix:
- Various Artists, "Greetings from Area Code 207, Vol. 7" (-)
- Rustic Overtones, "Long Division" (1)
- As Fast As, "Destroy the Plastique Man" (3)
- Dead Season, "Rise" (2)
- Spose, "Preposterously Dank" (4)
- Lost on Liftoff, "Mixtape Blackouts" (5)
- Cambiata, "To Heal" (9)
- Sly-Chi, "The Space" (8)
- Cambiata, "Into the Night" (6)
- Christian Cuff, "Silo" (10)
The list was compiled from Bull Moose Music.
- John C.L. Morgan
Westbrook Almanac: April 27-May 3, 2008
Week-to-Date:
High: 53F (April 29, May 1, May 2)
Low: 29F (May 1)
Precipitation: 3.48 inches
Previous Sunrise: 5:31a
Previous Sunset: 7:47p
Month-to-Date (May):
High: 53 (May 1, May 2)
Low: 29 (May 1)
Precipitation: 0.12 inches
Month-to-Date (April):
High: 76F (April 23)
Low: 28F (April 14, April 16)
Precipitation: 4.47 inches
Year-to-Date:
High: 76 (April 23)
Low: -5F (January 4)
Precipitation: 21.4 inches
Source: National Weather Service
- John C.L. Morgan
High: 53F (April 29, May 1, May 2)
Low: 29F (May 1)
Precipitation: 3.48 inches
Previous Sunrise: 5:31a
Previous Sunset: 7:47p
Month-to-Date (May):
High: 53 (May 1, May 2)
Low: 29 (May 1)
Precipitation: 0.12 inches
Month-to-Date (April):
High: 76F (April 23)
Low: 28F (April 14, April 16)
Precipitation: 4.47 inches
Year-to-Date:
High: 76 (April 23)
Low: -5F (January 4)
Precipitation: 21.4 inches
Source: National Weather Service
- John C.L. Morgan
Thursday, May 1, 2008
American Journal One-Liners
Westbrook Police warn residents to lock their cars.
Stroudwater Place is on the agenda for the upcoming Planning Board meeting.
Prospective resident caught amid regulations for substandard lots.
High gas prices are negatively affecting consumers and businesses.
- John C.L. Morgan
Stroudwater Place is on the agenda for the upcoming Planning Board meeting.
Prospective resident caught amid regulations for substandard lots.
High gas prices are negatively affecting consumers and businesses.
- John C.L. Morgan
Speed City
Once again, my 'Brook radar failed to register a big happening within the confines of the Paper City. Fortunately, though, one of my dear readers cured my ignorance by asking if I'd heard about the greatest publicity Westbrook has ever gotten.
I am, of course, referring to Westbrook's ignoble appearances on the WGME-13 feature 'Streets of Speed.' (Random programming thought of the day: Each segment of 'SoS' should be introduced by the voice featured in the intro of the old Blades of Steel video game.) Anyway, check out the 'SoS' segment of Cumberland Street and the 'SoS' segment devoted to Longfellow Street.
These videos almost make up for WGME's Cinemagic promos that are so awful, they're actually awesome.
- John C.L. Morgan
I am, of course, referring to Westbrook's ignoble appearances on the WGME-13 feature 'Streets of Speed.' (Random programming thought of the day: Each segment of 'SoS' should be introduced by the voice featured in the intro of the old Blades of Steel video game.) Anyway, check out the 'SoS' segment of Cumberland Street and the 'SoS' segment devoted to Longfellow Street.
These videos almost make up for WGME's Cinemagic promos that are so awful, they're actually awesome.
- John C.L. Morgan
Housekeeping
We've added our YouTube channel, Paper Television, to the table of contents page on our sister site RiverbankRepublic.com.
Besides boasting a lengthy list of Maine-centric subscriptions, an assortment of playlists ('Maine History,' 'Maine Humor,' 'Maine Life,' 'Maine Music,' 'Maine Politics,' and 'Westbrook Life'), and a collection of my favorite Maine-related viral videos, Paper Television will also feature original content in the near-future.
So subscribe to Paper Television to remain updated, though we think we'll do okay self-promoting any new material.
- John C.L. Morgan
Besides boasting a lengthy list of Maine-centric subscriptions, an assortment of playlists ('Maine History,' 'Maine Humor,' 'Maine Life,' 'Maine Music,' 'Maine Politics,' and 'Westbrook Life'), and a collection of my favorite Maine-related viral videos, Paper Television will also feature original content in the near-future.
So subscribe to Paper Television to remain updated, though we think we'll do okay self-promoting any new material.
- John C.L. Morgan
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Cooks, Waitresses, and Management: Lend Me Your Eyes!
We're not sure about our readership among Westbrook's movers and shakers in the food biz, but if anyone from the the Paper City's gastro sector is reading what I'm typing right now, I recommend you check out the Portland Food Map's, well, Portland Food Map Event Calendar and add your event(s) to the compilation of food-related happenings.
Oh, and a discount the next time I visit your establishment would be nice, too.
- John C.L. Morgan
P.S. Speaking of the Portland Food Map, props to them for pointing out two reviews of the Frog and Turtle (here and here) that I can now add to my ever-growing compilation of Westbrook restaurant reviews (here, here, here, here, here, and here).
Oh, and a discount the next time I visit your establishment would be nice, too.
- John C.L. Morgan
P.S. Speaking of the Portland Food Map, props to them for pointing out two reviews of the Frog and Turtle (here and here) that I can now add to my ever-growing compilation of Westbrook restaurant reviews (here, here, here, here, here, and here).
1896 Funeral: $138, Living a Full Life: Priceless
Suzan Roberts Norton goes diary-mining and antidote-hunting over at her Likes2Write blog.
- John C.L. Morgan
- John C.L. Morgan
Keirstead is the Next Greg Maddux. Sort of.
In a Press Herald article about St. Joseph's College baseball coach Will Sanborn, former Westbrook High School baseball player Andrew Keirstead was described by his coach as "the softest thrower on [the pitching] staff" who throws "slop" or "junk" kind of like, um, Greg Maddux.
As of April 28, the 2005 WHS graduate had posted a 5-1 record with 4.70 ERA and was named the Most Valuable Player in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference tournament. Keirstead also boasts a .312 batting average and four home runs.
- John C.L. Morgan
P.S. In the interest of full disclosure, I should reveal that my cousin, Dustin Spiller, also plays for the Monks. And that I'm hoping my alma mater stomps on St. Joseph's later this evening.
Ah, nothing like Division III baseball trash talk on a sunny spring day.
(Update: When I left Standish in the bottom of the sixth inning, USM was winning 5-2. The highlight of the game--if you're a Huskie loyalist, of course--was when former Westbrook standout Anthony D'Alphonso smacked a Keirstead offering well beyond the right field fence, which is 350 feet from home plate.)
As of April 28, the 2005 WHS graduate had posted a 5-1 record with 4.70 ERA and was named the Most Valuable Player in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference tournament. Keirstead also boasts a .312 batting average and four home runs.
- John C.L. Morgan
P.S. In the interest of full disclosure, I should reveal that my cousin, Dustin Spiller, also plays for the Monks. And that I'm hoping my alma mater stomps on St. Joseph's later this evening.
Ah, nothing like Division III baseball trash talk on a sunny spring day.
(Update: When I left Standish in the bottom of the sixth inning, USM was winning 5-2. The highlight of the game--if you're a Huskie loyalist, of course--was when former Westbrook standout Anthony D'Alphonso smacked a Keirstead offering well beyond the right field fence, which is 350 feet from home plate.)
Westbrook Native Captains Collegiate Champions
Asheley Ireland, who grew up in Westbrook, was the captain of the Mount Holyoke College dressage team that won the 2008 National Intercollegiate Dressage Association team championship on April 26.
Ireland finished fifth overall in the First Level division.
- John C.L. Morgan
Ireland finished fifth overall in the First Level division.
- John C.L. Morgan
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