It's time to register your favorite canine companion! Come into the Town Clerk's office and pick up a lovely bright yellow tag that helps your dog get home if the unthinkable happens and helps provide much needed services for our furry friends across the state. Dog license fees account for 95% of the State Animal Welfare Program's entire funding and without these fees the State would be unable to protect the animal companions of Maine.

In order to obtain a license for your dog, you must present a current State of Maine Rabies Certificate obtained from a veterinarian. This certificate will verify that your dog has received its rabies shot within the past two years.  Also, bring with you written proof that the dog has been spayed or neutered, if applicable. If you have already shown proof of spay or neuter to the Town Clerk's Office then additional proof is not necessary. All dog licenses expire December 31st of each year.

Each November 11, Veterans Day, reminds us of the service members of the armed forces provide to our country. This year I had the honor of speaking with Firefighter/EMT Michael DiClemente, a 23 year veteran of the United States Coast Guard. Mike served on both coasts, north to south, from Maine to Maryland and Alaska to Texas. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer and says of his time in the Coast Guard, "I loved it. All of it. There wasn't one part of it I didn't like".

 

With both parents and many other family members who also served it is not surprising that his interest in the military started early. It was on a trip to Boston that the Coast Guard first caught his attention. "I wanted to go on the white boat with the red stripe on it that I saw while going over the bridge". The family tradition continues; his wife, Scarborough PD patrol officer Melissa DiClemente, is both a Navy and Army veteran, his son Michael served 4.5 years as a Marine, and his step-son Chandler Allaire is currently serving in the Navy aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt.

 

When asked how we can honor veterans for their service he says, "I think the older generation want to talk about it, just to be recognized for what they did, for the fact that they served. I try to tell them, 'You are history. How many kids would love to hear what you have to tell'. I find that more people are respectful [of military service] now than in the past. Just say, "Thank you for your service. Just don't forget us. Even the kids coming back today at 20 years old."

 

Mike and other Public Safety members show support for our current service members by taking part in RED Shirt Fridays. The RED stands for Remembering Everyone Deployed. The effort started when troops were first sent to Afghanistan and continues today. If you see one of our Public Safety team in a red polo on a Friday you'll know they are thinking of those currently deployed.

Now that the trees are nearly bare, it's time to start our fall clean-up. But, what should we do with all those leaves?! Before we begin raking, it's important to think about Scarborough's rivers, streams, marshes, and beaches, because yard waste can pollute our waters.

 

The Best Option: Take care of yard waste on your property by mulching leaves and grass clippings into your lawn (they make a great natural fertilizer!) or by composting them. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension  has great resources on composting, including fact sheets  and how-to videos . Check out their composting page  to learn more!

 

The Next Best Option: Take leaves and other yard waste (no branches, please) to the Community Recycling Center at 8 Runway Road. Scarborough residents can dispose of yard waste for free with proper ID. (Remember, the Town does not provide roadside pick-up for yard waste.) If you have questions, please contact Community Recycling Center at 207-885-9093.

 

DO NOT blow or rake yard waste into the street. Yard waste can block ditches and drains and lead to flooding. Removing the clog costs the Town time and resources.

 

DO NOT dump yard waste onto stream banks or beaches or into the Marsh or wetlands. Yard waste can clog waterways and smother wildlife habitat.

 

If we all do our part, we can help keep Scarborough's rivers, streams, marshes, and beaches clean and healthy for us all to enjoy!

It is that time of the year when the temperature starts dipping and there is a frost in the air. It is at that exact time when the staff of Scarborough Community Services is planning for the Town's Christmastime event. The Annual Santa in the Park event will be held on Saturday, December 1, in Memorial Park. Bundle up and join us for a chance to meet with Santa and tell him what you want for that special gift. Scarborough High School chorus will be providing live music during the event as we count down to the tree lighting. Scarborough Rotary Club will be providing hot beverages and goodies to event attendees. Home Depot will be joining us again with free build-your-own toy kits. As always, we will have many fire pits going to keep everyone warm and tractor rides to transport people to and from the High School parking lots. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the fun and stay for the fireworks display at the end of the night. Hope to see everyone there!

 

Saturday, December 1

5:00 to 6:30 pm

Memorial Park

5 Durant Drive, Scarborough

FREE

This week 351 checks totaling over $200,000 were mailed to residents who qualify and applied for the Property Tax Assistance Program. This program has been an inspiration to neighboring communities and is one of the most robust programs in the State of Maine. We're proud of our commitment to our senior residents and are grateful for the opportunity to work together with them to make sure they stay a part of our community for as long as they wish.

 

Are you wondering if you or a loved one are eligible to receive property tax assistance? Check out the Assessing Department page on the Town's website for more information. While you're there make sure you have applied for any exemptions you may be eligible for - homestead, veteran, veteran's widow(er), and blind.

Welcome to the 2018 Holiday Guide for Scarborough, brought to you by the Scarborough Community Chamber of Commerce, SEDCO and Scarborough Buy Local.