Portland Green Streets

Two of many young Green Streeters who walk (or bus!) to the beach

Sign in now (click here) – Please take a minute to breathe amidst your busy summer and sign in now (and every month!) if you plan to walk, bike, take public transit, carpool, and/or telecommute this Green Streets Day – Friday, July 31st. (Click here and scroll down our main page to see who qualifies as a Green Streeter – anyone can do it!)

And find the Green Streets Sponsor nearest you with this great map! And/or read the rest of this entry for the freebies, discounts, and raffle items from local businesses – for those in Greater Portland who:

• Wear Green (shirt, pants, socks, whatever!)
• and Get Around Green (walk, bike, take transit, carpool, telecommute, etc.) on Green Streets Day!

As always – please e-mail us photos of you (& any other folks!) getting around green at PortlandGreenStreets@yahoo.com!

Notes on signing in:

• If you still want to track all your green commuting through the month you can go to the upper right corner of the screen and switch your entry form to “General” – just be sure to place a check on Green Streets Day.
• As in the past, your email address is required for identification. This information is kept absolutely private – Portland Green Streets never shares e-mails with anyone else.

Signing in enters you in this month’s Green Streets raffle and provides us with great collective green commuting data (which you’ll hear about with the raffle results!)

This Month’s Incentives (Freebies, Discounts & Raffle Items)

Freebies and Discounts for Green Streets Participants on July 31, 2009:

• Attention to Detail Residential Cleaning Services (221-6558, www.greencleanhome4u.com): Offering a one time 10% discount for new accounts who mention “Green Streets” when calling for a cleaning!
• Bruce’s Burritos (438 U.S. Rt. 1, Yarmouth, 846-6330, www.brucesburritos.com): 10% off  all menu items!
  
• Butterfly Baby (543 Congress Street, 553-9255, www.butterflybabyonline.com): 10% discount on all stock! (FYI, Butterfly Baby has cloth diapers, too – the only ones on the peninsula? – in addition to its other green friendly pre-natal to small child (& parent) products.)
• Clayton’s Cafe (447 U.S. Route One, Yarmouth, 846-1117, www.claytonscafe.com): Free small coffee – our first business to participate in Yarmouth!
• Down-Home Cookin’ (28 Preble Street, 228-2064, menu at www.mainetakeout.com): 10% off all breakfast items – formerly of the Portland Public Market with yummy offerings!
• Fetch! (195 Commercial Street, 773-5450): 10% off bio-degradable poop bags, poop bag dispensers, treat pouches and travel water bowls for Green Streets participants with pooches!
• Fog Cutter Coffee (Two Locations: 519 Warren Ave., Portland and 176 Gray Road, Cumberland, 761-4520, www.myspace.com/fogcuttercoffee: Free iced or hot medium coffee!
• Gorham Bike & Ski (1440 Congress Street, 773-1700, www.gorhambike.com): Free sample of Chamois Butter – don’t give chafe a chance!
• Green Clean Maine (221-6600, www.greencleanme.com): Sign in your participation in Green Streets and get $5 off any cleaning the week before or after Green Streets Day!
• GTE Federal Credit Union (63 Marginal Way – building marked with Gorham Savings Bank sign, www.gtefcu.org): Cookies, coffee and juice for all Green Streeters who stop by (definitely stop in even if you aren’t a member)!
• Guitar Grave (441 Congress Street, 775-4414, www.guitargrave.com): Free music CD with purchase. One free DVD with any purchase of $20 or more – & one pair of shoelaces!
• Homegrown Herb & Tea(195 Congress Street, 774-3484, www.homegrownherbandtea.com): 1/2 off any hot or iced tea – a whole host of possibilities every day!
• Hilltop Coffee Shop (99 Congress Street; 780-0025): Free regular coffee for Green Streets participants who bring their own mug (1/2 off for those who don’t)!
• Jen Burrall Designs (76 Washington Ave., 772-1902, www.jenburralldesigns.com): 10% off all merchandise!
• Lobby Cafe(400 Congress Street – in the Post Office building, 671-5776): Free coffee with breakfast or lunch sandwich!
• Longfellow Books (1 Monument Way, 772-4045, www.longfellowbooks.com): 25% off all used books!
• Maine Audubon (20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, 781-2330, www.maineaudubon.org): Four offers that day: 1/2 off a Maine Audubon membership; 20% off any Nature Store purchase for existing Maine Audubon members (including a great new book in stock, “Eco Babies Wear Green”!); Free “green gift” from the Nature Store for all participants; And a Return-Free sticker if participants have traveled by bus!
• Maple’s Organic Desserts (Two Locations: 151 Middle Street, 774-COOL or 796 Forest Avenue, 210-6051, www.maplesorganics.com): $1 off any Maple’s product – coffee, baked goods, ice cream cones, pints, etc.!
• North Star Cafe (225 Congress Street, 699-2994, www.northstarmusiccafe.com): Free small iced or hot coffee or tea!
• O’Naturals in Falmouth (240 US Rte 1, Falmouth, 781-8889, www.onaturals.com): Buy one entree get a second one for free!
  
• Others! coffee and gelato cafe (15 Monument Square, 874-7411): Free 8-oz cup of Others! Fair Trade/organic coffee or tea! Or bring your own mug and they’ll fill it – up to 16 ounces for free!
• Panera Bread (343 Gorham Road, South Portland, 780-1212, www.panerabread.com): Free small coffee!
• Portland Dog Wash (981 Forest Ave., 797-7082 , www.portlanddogwash.com): $2 off a self-service dog wash and a free Greenie dog treat!
• Portland Photo Works (142 High St., Suite 220, 228-5829, www.portlandphotoworks.com): 10% off digital printing and select photo prints!
• Rosemont Market (Two locations: 559 Brighton Ave., Portland, 774-8129; 96 Main St., Yarmouth, 846-1234): Buy a delicious homemade pastry and receive a free cup of Coffee by Design coffee!
• Slainte! (24 Preble Street, 828-0900, www.myspace.com/slaintewinebar): $2 pints for all Green Streets participants from 4-9pm – stop by for some great live music that afternoon and evening.  In fact, on last Fridays Green Streeter Chris Keenan plays from 5-7 pm and he loves to see other Green Streets participants!

Raffle Items for July 2009:

Sign in to be entered to win!

• A $20 gift certificate to use at any Goodwill Industries retail store!
• A gift bag of merchandise from Downtown shops – from the Portland Downtown District!
• A $25 gift card to Pat’s Pizza in Yarmouth!
• 6 cans of Super C22^TM fro Dr. Newton’s Naturals - a unique beverage powder, containing the power of 22 forms of Vitamin C – a whopping 2,500% of the recommended daily allowance, that you add to water!
• One free U Car Share membership ($50 discount) OR a number of hours of free use!
• Two tickets to “The Saturday Show” from the St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center!
• A super-extensive map from Portland Trails!
• $10 gift card from Rosemont Bakery on Congress Street!
• One Ten-Ride Ticket from the South Portland Bus Service!
• A $50 gift certificate to the Maine Running Company!
• A fancy water bottle from Healthy Portland!
• One free pint of Others! famous gelato!
• Two free tickets for the Greater Portland METRO Bus!
• A 6 month subscription from Port City Life Magazine!
• Free admission tickets to the Children’s Museum of Maine!
• One free pair of Bridgedale or SmartWool socks from Nomads!
• A natural tote bag – from WMPG – Greater Portland Community Radio!
• A $10 gift card to enjoy at O’Naturals!

Join Us on Facebook

Portland Green Streets is now on Facebook! Be one of the first members to join! Network and socialize with other Green Streeters.  You can find friends to commute with or meet up with at participating businesses for discounts on Green Streets Day. To join, click on the Facebook button to the left or click here – or search for Portland Green Streets on Facebook. Share it with Green Streeters you know and your friends!

Portland Green Streets Logo Contest on Facebook

And don’t miss out on our logo contest! Portland Green Streets is seeking creative ideas for a new logo. Upload your design ideas on Facebook! The winner will get a free t-shirt with his/her logo design and a raffle prize of his/her choice.

Green Streeters at the first Drop-In Volunteer Social in July

We’re experimenting with a fun new way to get some Green Streets work done. Twice a month we’ll be holding Green Streets Drop-In Volunteer Socials – at North Star Cafe, 225 Congress St.,  in Portland.

So come on out for one!  They’re on:

• 3rd Tuesdays from 5:30-7pm (for evening folks and/or folks with schedules that are more accommodating in the evening)

It’s a chance for Green Streets volunteers to crank out some organizational work in a supportive social atmosphere, so just:

• Bring yourself and/or a friend
• Come hear about some volunteer possibilities if you’re new
• Bring a notepad and/or laptop
• If you’re on a committee, bring some paperwork
• Grab a coffee
• Get some solo or group work done
• Bounce questions and ideas off other organizers
• Come when you can – leave when you need to!

Per the above schedule, the next Drop-In Volunteer Social will be this coming Tuesday, August 18th from 5:30 – 7 pm.  Hope to see you there!

Rainy summer day? Great for taking a train trip!

AMTRAK Downeaster Specials

Early risers are rewarded on Saturdays and Sundays. Pay just $24.00 round-trip when traveling on train 690 and 695, 697, or 699. Tickets must be purchased at least three days in advance of travel. Reference promotion code v175. Blackout dates and restrictions may apply.

The Downeaster is currently offering 50% off the price of any Downeaster ticket for senior citizens (62+) and folks with disabilities. The discount can be used any day of the week and on any Downeaster train. To take advantage of this discount, travelers must use discount code V543 and must reserve their tickets at least three days in advance. Seniors will need to show proof of age; disabled folks will need to show a Medicare card or other proof of disability status. Disabled individuals can book tickets over the phone or at a staffed ticket window, due to a limitation in Amtrak’s web site - for contact and station information click here. All in all, this is a fabulous discount and a great way for seniors and disabled folks to get out, enjoy the summer, and leave the car at home!

METRO Summer Youth Pass – Still A Great Deal With Over A Month Left!

For only $20, children and teens – ages 18 and younger – can ride the METRO and South Portland City Bus anywhere the bus goes, anytime from June – August.  Take the bus for a safe, affordable and convenient solution to transportation needs this summer. Bus service is available in Portland, Westbrook, South Portland and Falmouth. Bike racks and wheel chair lifts are available on all buses. Head to the beach, go shopping, visit an island (take the #8 METRO Bus to Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal), hike Portland Trails or see a movie. Visit your friends or take the bus to your job or summer camp. Passes are available where most bus tickets are sold: METRO Downtown Transportation Center (PULSE) on Elm Street; Participating Hannaford’s and Shaw’s Supermarket locations on bus routes (Please note: Youth Passes are not available at Hannaford’s on Forest Avenue); Casco Bay Ferry Terminal; Portland and South Portland City Hall; METRO office, 114 Valley Street.  [Note: While school is out of session for the summer METRO Student Fare Cards and Student IDs do not qualify for discounted fare. During school months, regular student fare is $1.]

Click here for “Oh the Places You can Go” on METRO!

Click here for “Learn to Ride Guide”

South Portland Bus – 4th Annual Ride Home Free From the Beach!

Take the South Portland bus (including from downtown Portland locations) to Willard Beach and get a free ride home – from June 15th  to September 5th.  Show the driver your beach towel, sunscreen, etc. at the Preble & Willow St. bus stop only, and get a free trip back home. Once you’re on the bus you can enter the drawing for a fun South Portland Bus Service beach towel. Drawing forms available from the driver. Four winners picked each Friday. For more information, call 767-5556.

New Covered Bike Racks in Spring St. Garage!

Thanks to the hard work of and financing from the Portland Downtown District, new bike racks that hold 20 bikes have been added just inside the Spring Street garage at the entrance on Free Street in Portland.  Spread the word – bikes parked there are out of the rain and in a safe location.  An enormous plus for people who ride (or get stuck) in inclement weather – like the past 10 days!

Bring a U Car Vehicle to Munjoy Hill!

Car Sharing is a wonderful way to save money (get rid of your other car!) while having the convenience of a car when you need it – and you only pay for the time you’re actually using it. U Car Share (run by U Haul) pays EVERYTHING, including gas, maintenance, and insurance. Rate for a Chrysler PT Cruiser is $9.50 per hour, or $66 per day.  It’s  wonderful service! If you live on the East End in Portland get your membership application fee waived for a limited time.   Log in at www.ucarshare.com to sign up anduse this promotional code: MUNJOYHILL. If enough of East Enders join, the company will locate a car close by. For more information, contact Peter Alexander at 773-4606.

Remember to Join Our Partner Group the Portland Bicycle Commuter Meetup!

For great online information, a brief but informative weekly news update, and simple answers to your questions about smart, safe cycling – definitely join the Portland Bike Commuter Meetup! A group of people who like to ride their bikes for transportation, not just recreation – their goals are to build community and promote the use of bicycles as transportation.  Meeting monthly to socialize and discuss topics of interest, and the group also conducts regular monthly seminars in Beginning Commuting and Traffic Safety. The group includes both veteran and beginning bike commuters, and you are welcomed regardless of which you are, or even (especially) if you are just thinking about it.

Membership (IT’S FREE!) benefits include:

• Free copies of “Bicycling Street Smarts” booklet about riding safely in traffic
• Short-term folding bike rental, perfect for trips incorporating trains, busses, and ferries. See http://bike.meetup.com/132/pages/Folding_Bikes_for_Rent/ for details.
• Free bike stickers from www.1lesscar.com, and
• The ability to fully participate in the online site, such as posting messages.

This is a great network of transportational  bike riders right in the Greater Portland area – and you can participate as much as you like or just take what you need and leave the rest.  Definitely sign up!

True Tales Walking Tours

Harlan Baker is leading walking tours of downtown Portland leaving from Monument Square every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 3:45 pm. No Reservations Required. Tours last approximately 2 hours and leave rain or shine. Tour will cost $12 for Adults, $10 for Students/Seniors, and $5 Kids.  Free map included! The tour will go to Gorham’s Corner through the Old Port to India Street and end at the foot of Munjoy Hill. Along the way Baker will tell stories about the neighborhoods history and colorful characters that lived there.  Based in fact, all tales are accurately conveyed, providing superb history lessons which transition into some of the most enticing narratives ever told.  Many of the stories are based on interviews Baker conducted while a writer for North country an alternative newspaper that was published in Portland from 1969 to 1974. You will hear stories about bootlegging,the old fishing fleet, the Great Fire of 1866,the destruction of Falmouth Neck in October of 1775 by the British and much more. A local actor, professor and historian, Baker is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Southern Maine , and a columnist for The West End News.

Control MDOT Spraying of Your Roadways

No Spray Agreements are available for landowners abutting roadways, railroads and utilities. Parties who participate agree to remove brush adjacent to their properties in lieu of herbicide treatments. To request a No-Spray Agreement, call Maine DOT at 207-624-3000.

In the Maine DOT Roadside Brush Control Program, powered spraying is prohibited in the following areas: within 100 feet of wells and springs; 150 feet of parked vehicles; 100 feet of animal pastures; 150 feet of occupied buildings, homes or playgrounds; 100 feet of organic farms, pedestrians, bicyclists or picnic tables; or within areas defined by Maine DOT No-Spray Agreements.

To report violations of these buffers, call the BPC at 207-287-2731 (24-hr answering service).

Thanks so much to all of you who signed in with your participation in Green Streets Day, Friday, June 26th - especially with people on vacation and the damp weather out there!

With people able to report others going green at their locations, we have an estimated number of 365 total participants – and there were 79 of you great folks signing in:

• 22 walking, 28 biking,  10 taking the bus, train or ferry, 12 carpooling or vanpooling, and 2 telecommuting, and 5 using multiple modes (i.e., some combination of the above)!
• collectively saving 870 single-occupancy vehicle miles! (many of you saving those kinds of miles every day)
• keeping approximately $91.50 in gas money in your wallets!
• improving our air quality & individual health, & reducing our climate-changing CO₂ emissions by approximately 679 pounds!
• enjoying the opportunity to get outdoors a bit more and/or share transportation with others
• starting (& continuing) a fun and important conversation with the people of our community about how we get around!

Note: please continue to sign in every month – and please talk to other Green Streets participants about doing so as well. It helps us with participation data, like number of miles & emissions saved, commuting methods used, etc!

The winners of this month’s raffle come from the following work/school/life places: (Remember, you don’t have to be headed to a job on Green Streets Day – just getting around green no matter what you’re up to!)

Barber Foods, Center for International Educational Exchange (CIEE), City of Portland, Concordia Partners, Friends School of Portland, Lanco Assembly Systems, Maine Medical Center, Mitchell & Associates, Portland, Trails, SAPPI Fine Paper, Self-Employment, Southern Maine Community College, Turkey Hill Farm, University of Southern Maine

Now! The winners are:

• TODD FORSYTH – A $25 gift card to Pat’s Pizza in Yarmouth!
• VANESSA LEVESQUE, CHRIS FITZE, BETSY MELROSE, JOHN BROOKING, KRIS HANSON, and LIZ NEWMAN – 1 can each of Super C22^TM (a month’s supply!) from Dr. Newton’s Naturals - a unique beverage powder, containing the power of 22 forms of Vitamin C – a whopping 2,500% of the recommended daily allowance, that you add to water!
• MATT VIARA – One free U Car Share membership ($50 discount) OR a number of hours of free use if you already have a membership!
• EVA HENRY – Two tickets to “The Saturday Show” from the St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center!
• JON HOGUE – A super-extensive map from Portland Trails!
• TESS GROSSI – $10 gift card from Rosemont Bakery on Congress Street!
• MOLLY CASTO – One Ten-Ride Ticket from the South Portland Bus Service!
• MEREDITH KIRBY – A $50 gift certificate to the Maine Running Company!
• MARCUS GILLIAM – A fancy water bottle from Healthy Portland!
• KATE MASTERS – One free pint of Others! famous gelato!
• ROB LEVIN – Two free tickets for the Greater Portland METRO Bus!
• KARYN JENKINS – A 6 month subscription from Port City Life Magazine!
• ADRIAN DOWLING – Free admission tickets to the Children’s Museum of Maine!
• SCOTT HARRIMAN – One free pair of Bridgedale or SmartWool socks from Nomads!
• JAIME PARKER – A cool natural tote bag – from WMPG – Greater Portland Community Radio!
• MEAGHAN WRIGHT – A $10 gift card to enjoy at O’Naturals!

Winners will be notified how to claim their prizes.

Thanks again to Pat’s Pizza in Yarmouth, Dr. Newton’s Naturals, U Car Share, St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center, Portland Trails, Rosemont Market & Bakery, South Portland Bus Service, Others!, Maine Running Company, O’Naturals, the Children’s Museum, Nomads, Port City Life, METRO, WMPG, and Healthy Portland for your gifts to the Portland Green Streets initiative!

Have a great month out there going green and don’t forget these July events and opportunities!