Shoshana Hoose begins the day by visiting the herons that artists Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein created for Portland’s Back Cove. Photo by Shoshana Hoose

Shoshana Hoose, 70, of Portland, fell in love with the city in 1977 and moved here in 1986. She teaches English part-time at Portland Adult Education. She says one of the things she loves about Portland is that she often finds free activities there. She challenged herself to imagine a perfect day where she wouldn’t spend any money.

My perfect day begins about half an hour before sunrise when I leave my home in Portland by bike and head out Back Bay. As the first light illuminates the marsh grass, I drive to the statue of two herons across from Hannaford. Artists installed the bamboo sculpture in June and it quickly became one of my favorite public art pieces of all time.

As I bike, I sing a medley of my favorite songs, including one by Linda Hirschhorn: “May I remain amazed all my life long, / And at all the ways the world goes round, / Amazed at what I have, not at what I have not, / All soon forgotten in the ways of the world.”

I arrive at the herons just in time to see the sun rise behind them. I thank the bicycle and pedestrian activists who helped build a network of bike paths and bike lanes in our city. Thanks to their work, it is easier every year to get around without a car. And I thank Hiking trails in Portland; because of their work, every city dweller lives within half a mile of a walking trail that connects them with nature.

From Back Cove I meander to my Community garden on Brentwood Streetnear Evergreen Cemetery. Cultivating Community, which manages all 10 of Portland’s community gardens, provides soil, water, mulch and any tools you might need. The $65 annual fee is reduced or waived for people who otherwise couldn’t afford fresh fruits and vegetables.

Being part of the garden means much more than just having a place to plant tomatoes.

I love getting to know my neighbors, including young families, and seeing what people are growing in their gardens. Each of us is part of a team. We are expected to help with tasks such as tending the fruit trees or compost heaps. In return, we can help pick the berries, apples and other fruits.

Shoshana Hoose rides her bike to her community garden on Brentwood Street. Photo by Shoshana Hoose

After I have weeded and watered my bed, I cycle to Mackworth Island (in Falmouth) to meet a friend. Parking is very limited on the island, so biking is definitely the best way to get there. Since I’m a senior, I get free admission to all the state parks.

My girlfriend and I take a dip in the sea. Then we walk around the island, stopping to see the fairy houses built by children in the forest and the cemetery where Governor Percival Baxter’s dogs are buried.

Baxter and his father, longtime Portland Mayor James Phinney Baxter, are among my heroes. In addition to Mackworth Island, they gave the people of Maine such gems as Baxter Boulevard, Baxter Woods, and Baxter State Park, which includes Mount Katahdin.

Two people walk on the beach at Mackworth Island in 2023. Portland’s Eastern Prom and Portland House can be seen in the background. Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer

My girlfriend and I enjoy a picnic overlooking the water. Then I go home to read my latest book that I bought from Portland Public Libraryand take a nap in the afternoon.

Refreshed, I prepare a picnic dinner from my garden vegetables. I hop back on my bike for a free concert in Payson Park. People who live near the park have created this new concert series, one of many that take place every week in Portland during the summer.

I meet several friends at the concert; this is Portland, after all. Bondekothe band playing tonight is made up of musicians originally from Albania, Guinea, France and New York. I am proud that our city has welcomed immigrants from all these countries; our culture has been enriched because of it.

The band plays with the bay and downtown Portland in the background, a breathtaking sight. Children jump around and dance in front of the performers. As the sun sets, it’s time for me to put on my bike lights and head home.

You may have noticed that, unlike the other perfect days described in this column, my day is free. I got around the city without a car. I socialized with my neighbors by participating in the community garden, using the public library, and attending the outdoor concert. I am happy every day to be able to live in this beautiful city and all it has to offer.

Shoshana Hoose from Portland. Photo courtesy of Shoshana Hoose

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