With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the start of the holiday season has us feeling a deep sense of gratitude for our community. We are thankful to you for making this a vibrant place to live and work. You voted in record numbers, get involved in town issues that you care about, and make the most of the resources that Scarborough has to offer. Read on for upcoming holiday reminders and updates on what's happening in our town.
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Municipal Election Results |
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The Clerk's Office would like to thank our Elections Crew for their dedication and hard work throughout the election process. A special kudos to our Absentee/Early Processing Crew who went above and beyond to meet the voters' needs. We would also like to thank the Voters of Scarborough for coming out to vote and participating in the democratic process. We had an 80% turnout—our numbers reflect how important the election process is here in Scarborough.
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Upcoming Public Forums
Review the Comprehensive Plan for Town Growth
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We want to hear from you! What will our town look like in the next 5, 10, 15 years? The Town of Scarborough’s Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) has been reviewing this very question over the past several years and presents you with the latest draft of the Town's Comprehensive Plan.
The Plan aims to be an expression of Scarborough residents’ hopes and thoughts on important issues that impact the day-to-day experience of what it means to live and work in Scarborough. Please review the latest draft and attend an upcoming virtual public forum to offer comment and learn more.
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Tuesday, November 17, 6 PM
- Thursday, November 19, 6 PM
- Tuesday, December 1, 6 PM
After this round of community engagement, the LRPC will make final revisions before submitting to Town Council to adopt in the new year.
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Click Here to read the latest draft of the 2020 Comprehensive Plan
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Thanksgiving Tips & Reminders |
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With COVID-19 cases rising quickly in Maine, we ask you and your family to take extra care in how you celebrate Thanksgiving this year. We recommend reviewing CDC holiday resources to make an informed decision about your plans. Click Here to read full CDC guidance.
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Click Here for the latest news on paving, trash pickup, & more from Public Works
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Our Sustainability Coordinator encourages you to compost! Drop off your food waste: |
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Thanksgiving Fire Safety
Reminder from Fire Chief Mike Thurlow
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As we approach the beginning of the holiday season it is important for everyone to remain particularly vigilant in terms of fire safety. The three main causes of Thanksgiving Day fires are carelessness or unintentional actions, combustible materials too close to open flames, and electrical malfunctions. One of the best ways to prevent a disaster is to have a plan. Here are some tips:
- Don't leave stove unattended while cooking.
- Keep papers, napkins, books, etc. away from stove burners and open candle flames.
- Know how to handle small grease fires (cover to smother flames, don't add water).
- Know proper use of extension cords and routinely check for breaks or cuts to prevent electrical malfunctions.
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Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season is a wonderful time to enjoy family and friends but it requires extra caution this year, not only for fire safety but due to the COVID pandemic. Please be careful about large gatherings, wear your face coverings, and spend a few minutes considering and implementing these simple fire safety recommendations. Be safe and enjoy the upcoming holiday season. |
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Read Fire Chief Thurlow's full article above. If you have any questions about any fire department issue please email Fire Chief Thurlow or call 730-4201.
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With temperatures dropping, stepping out into the cold is no fun! Our Finance Department wants to make your payments and renewals process easier and more accessible. You can now make your property tax payment (and more) online through our website. |
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For those who have come into the Town Hall for these services, we extend a great big "Thank You!" for your efforts in social distancing and wearing masks while in the revenue office. Our staff appreciate your thoughtfulness. |
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Save the Date: Hybrid Care Open House
Tuesday, December 1, 6-7 PM
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Need a safe and fun setting for your child during their remote learning days? Do they need assistance in getting their daily work completed? Scarborough Community Services has openings in their Hybrid Care Program for grades K-6 Scarborough students. The program operates Monday through Friday from 7am to 6pm. Choose either the 2-day or 3-day program for your child’s remote learning days. Just like school, we intersperse remote learning time and assistance with school work with fun activities like arts and crafts, outside play, gym time, and more.
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Programs take place in our new Community Services Hub at 418 Payne Road. |
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Anyone interested in the program, seeing the space, and getting questions answered is invited to attend our Open House on Tuesday, December 1, from 6-7pm. Masks required. Children welcome! For more information, call (207) 730-4150. |
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New Board of Education Members: Welcome! |
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Scarborough Schools and the Board of Education are pleased to welcome their new members: |
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Shannon Lindstrom was elected for a three-year term to replace Hillory Durgin who did not seek a second term. Mrs. Lindstrom holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Services from the University of Central Florida, and a Master of Science degree in Public Policy from George Mason University. She in self-employed as the President of MSL Financial Counseling.
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Gabby Giftos has also joined the School Board as the junior class representative from Scarborough High School. She will team up with senior class representative, Max Bennett, to give the Board and the community the student perspective on school-related issues.
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Leanne Kazilionis was voted in for a second term with the Board. Ms. Kazilionis, who was also the prior Board Chair, will now resume the role as the Vice Chair. At the November 5th School Board meeting, April Sither was chosen as the new Board Chair. Congratulations and Welcome to the new (and returning) School Board members!
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Town Council Corner: Election Results & What's Next
By Council Chair Paul Johnson
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The Scarborough Town Council has sworn in its newest member, Jonathon Anderson. Mr. Anderson, along with incumbents John Cloutier and Jean-Marie Caterina, secured his spot this past week winning one of the three open seats in a field of five candidates. I would like to thank everyone who ran for local office. It takes a lot of courage, and even more energy, to make the leap from private citizen to elected official. Looking ahead, here are 4 significant issues slowly moving through the local government process: |
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1) The Town Council votes to appoint members of the Charter Review Committee on Wednesday, November 18. The committee will make recommendations to the Council, and ultimately the voters, on enhancements to our charter (a document roughly analogous to the country's constitution). It is important to note that this committee is not made up of elected officials; it is made up of your neighbors who have applied to be part of the process. |
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2) The Town Council will vote to appoint members of the The Downtown Committee on Wednesday, November 18. The committee will provide input to the Council and The Downs on what the residents want to see in the new downtown area. Like the Charter Review Committee, this is not made up of elected officials. The Town Council selects the members from those residents that have applied to be part of the committee. |
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3) The Long Range Planning Committee, and The Council, are in the final stages of adopting a new Comprehensive Plan. Although this is the final stage, it is expected to take several months as we solicit public input and make sure elected officials are pleased with the final product. |
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4) Working off the new Comprehensive Plan, we are in the process of reviewing our Growth Management Ordinance (GMO). In a nutshell, the GMO is used as a mechanism to promote/limit growth in such a way to meet the goals outlined in the new Comprehensive Plan. |
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This is both an exciting and complex time at Town Hall. I look forward to seeing lots of new faces and opinions that all of these initiatives are bringing to the table. As always, you can reach any of us at the contact information posted on the town website. |
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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Scarborough Town Council. |
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Scarborough Town Council
Paul Johnson, Chair • Don Hamill, Vice Chair • Jonathan Anderson • Jean-Marie Caterina • John Cloutier • Betsy Gleysteen • Ken Johnson
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Behind the Mask: Meet Lauren Dembski-Martin
Social Services Navigator, Scarborough Police Department
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Meet Lauren Dembski-Martin, Social Services Navigator for the Scarborough Police Department. Since joining in the new position in Fall of 2019, one year later her role is proving critical for our community and she has conducted hundreds of hours of direct service for Scarborough citizens.
"As a social worker embedded directly within the police department, I have been able to provide intervention and advocacy, while helping to collaboratively build a continuity of care where pieces are missing. The individuals I connect with are often adversely affected by mental health, substance use, homelessness, or other identified unmet needs. This position has also provided ongoing mental health and wellness training and resources for department personnel.
So far, I've conducted 770 contacts with Scarborough citizens, totaling over 226 hours of direct services hours. I've been able to collaborate care with local crisis teams, provide emotional support to individuals and families facing difficult times, partner with Adult Protective and Child Protective to ensure safety, provide basic need resources (local food pantries, shelters and housing applications), and more.
I remain energized and passionate that this position allows individuals that little extra support and advocacy needed to help navigate through the web-like complexities of our systems. I am often interacting with and supporting individuals during vulnerable moments and yet it is these moments when linking them with continuity of care is vital!"
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Scarborough Public Library
Your Source for Digital Resources
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With the pandemic limiting the use of public spaces, the Scarborough Public Library is making it easier than ever for patrons to access their digital resources and technology services. Here are just a few ways the Library is expanding their role as an information and digital education hub for the Town:
- Sanitized, distanced computer stations available by appointment
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Instructional videos to learn more about digital resources like CloudLibrary eBooks, Kanopy video streaming, Flipster digital magazines, and more
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More CloudLibrary titles and remote access to Ancestry Library Edition.
- Boosted free Wi-Fi, now accessible 24/7 from the parking lot and grounds
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Scarborough Public Library has a wealth of virtual events for adults, teens, and children. From read alouds, book discussions, a lecture series, & more, tune into enriching content all season long.
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Click on the calendar event to view Town Council meeting Zoom links |
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Our mission is to keep you informed about town events and activities. |
Your Newsletter Team
Tody Justice, Town Clerk • Lucy Norvell, Public Library • Jill Deering, Community Services • Donald Begin, IT • Magdalena Slawiec, SEDCO • Brian Longstaff, Codes & Planning • Kelly Johnston, Scarborough Public Schools • Michael Thurlow, Fire Department • Kim Sperlich, Police Department • Ruth Porter, Finance • Leona Oceania, Public Works • Allison Carrier, Communications
Please note our website is the central repository for information on Town government.
If you have ideas for stories, please email us!
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