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Community Description

Area Description

Portland has one of the finest harbors on the Atlantic Coast.  It is the largest city in Maine, and a leading industrial and commercial center.  Its metropolitan area population is 221,100.

Municipalities With Macrobiotic Services Or Activities

Bar Mills, Billeford, Brunswick, Cape Elizabeth, Freeport, Kennebunk, Otisfield, Portland, Scarborough.  

Summary and Impressions of the Community

Macrobiotic activity in Portland started sometime in the 1980's by a woman called Peggy who used to prepare dinners. Lisa Silverman has been active in the community since the early 1990's giving cooking lessons, and promoting macrobiotics by hosting Warren Kramer four times a year. Jessica Porter and Howard Wallen were very active doing cooking lessons and consultations together. Jessica continues on her own and is now doing hypnotherapy and acting, and is providing macrobiotic services. Although Portland does not have a resident macrobiotic counselor, there are two cooking teachers, and many residents practicing the macrobiotic way of life. Warren Kramer consults and lectures quarterly in Portland, and monthly pot lucks are enthusiastically supported.  Several other people active in macrobiotics (Meg Wolf and Pauline Jordan) provide support to community activities. There are three independent whole foods supermarkets that provide the needs of residents, including macrobiotic foods, publications, books and services.  

Macrobiotic Community Assessment

Healthy Services: No resident counselor, 2 cooking teachers, Regular visiting counselor. Macro services started in the early 1980’s. Moderate Activities: Monthly potluck.  Used to have more activities.

Professional Services

Resident Counselors

None. Lisa Silverman gives coaching; assistance for someone following their consultation.

Resident Cooking Teachers

Lisa Silverman in Portland; Ernest and Jane Quintal in Otisfield.  Rosemary Whitaker used to give lessons but stopped some time ago.  

Visiting Counselors and Cooking Teachers

Warren Kramer; 4 times a year.  

Professional Cooks or Caterers

None

Support System

Paid or Potluck Dinners

No. There is a monthly potluck dinner that also serves as a support group.  From 10 to 15 people usually attend.

Education Centers

None

Seminars

Warren Kramer, a senior macrobiotic teacher comes to Portland four times a year.  He does a seminar with lectures and cooking classes. About 20-25 people attend. A dinner is arranged while he is in  Portland.  He also gives personal counseling.  

Newsletter

None

Support Groups

Part of the monthly potluck dinner.  

Work Study Program

None

Publications, Books, Cassettes

At health food stores.  

Web Sites

http://www.seaveg.com/

Natural Food Sources

Macrobiotic Restaurants

There are no macrobiotic restaurants in the Portland area, and only five restaurants with vegan options.  

Natural Food Chain Stores

No macrobiotic restaurants.  Wild Oats stopped construction of a new store recently, and don't seem to be in a hurry to finish it.  

Independent Natural Food Stores

Whole Grocer, Lois Natural Marketplace, Royal River Natural Foods.

Natural Food Coops

Fare Share Co-Op  

Mail Order Buying Clubs

No collective organized mail order buying.

Cottage Industries

None