What does it mean to be a community? Is it a group of people living in the same place or is it more than that? Is it a place that evokes a feeling of fellowship, of having something in common, and wanting the best for one another and for the greater entity?

 

As residents of Scarborough who love living here, we began to be concerned that the way we've gone about resolving our differences of late has started to fray the fabric of our community. We've spent the last year listening to a broad and diverse sample of Scarborough residents talk about what they value and what concerns them. We learned a lot about the history of this place, the things that hold us together and the things that divide us.

 

We've come to several conclusions. Among them, is our belief that we will not be able to effectively resolve our very real differences, whether they relate to taxes, funding for education, property lines, beach access or development plans, until we've built greater trust and understanding among us.

 

That is why we are holding an event at Camp Ketcha on December 17th, from 6:00 - 9:00, called One Scarborough Community Conversation. The goals are these:

• Create a time and place in which it feels safe and constructive to share your own views and experiences
• Learn about and understand views held by Scarborough residents without judging those that are different from your own
• Develop connections with residents with differing views to provide a foundation for a stronger more unified community

The success of this event depends on who shows up. The more diverse views and perspectives represented, the better and more meaningful it will be.

 

Please note, no organization of entity is sponsoring this event. Janice Cohen and Dana Morris-Jones, along with a small group of volunteers, are solely responsible. If you believe in our cause, please come to the event. If you would like to help, please contact either of us at

dzmorr@gmail.com or jacywalt@gmail.com.

Trash and recycling pick up will be "bumped" by one day for the upcoming holidays. For details, please refer to the attached document, or see below: 

Christmas Week: 

• Monday pick up (Dec. 24) is normal
• If your pick up is normally on Tuesday (Dec.25th) it will be picked up on Wednesday (Dec. 26)
• If your pick up is normally on Wednesday (Dec. 26th) it will be picked up on Thursday (Dec. 27th)
• If your pick up is normally on Thursday (Dec. 27th) it will be picked up on Friday (Dec. 28th) 
• If your pick up is normally on Friday (Dec. 28th) it will be picked up on Saturday (Dec. 29th) 

• Monday pick up (Dec 31) is normal
• If your pick up is normally on Tuesday (Jan. 1st) it will be picked up on Wednesday (Jan. 2nd) 
• If your pick up is normally on Wednesday (Jan. 2nd) it will be picked up on Thursday (Jan. 3rd)
• If your pick up is normally on Thursday (Jan. 3rd) it will be picked up on Friday (Jan. 4th) 
• If your pick up is normally on Friday (Jan. 4th) it will be picked up on Saturday (Jan. 5th) 

Christmas trees will be picked up throughout the month of January. Simply put your tree out on the day your trash and recycling are collected and the tree will be taken as well.

 

We often get calls from tenants complaining about mold in their dwelling unit, and the expectation is that the problem is a result of some code violation. While the root cause of the mold may in fact be a result of a code violation, it is more common that there is some other issue that may not always be obvious, and rarely is it an issue on which the code office can take enforcement action.

 

Molds are naturally-occurring organisms that can be found everywhere, both indoors and out. Humans do not live in a mold-free environment, nor would we want to. Molds are a necessary part of our natural environment.  Problems occur, however, when conditions indoors allow for excessive mold growth. The primary culprit for this excessive growth is excess moisture. Maintaining your home or building to prevent excess moisture and properly fixing moisture problems when they do occur are the keys to preventing both building damage as well as health problems associated with mold. In old and/or poorly insulated buildings, it's not uncommon to have mold form on cold surfaces such as exterior walls.  When warm, moist indoor air contacts a cooler surface, condensation can occur, creating moisture that enables mold to grow. Things that can exacerbate moisture problems are unvented clothes dryers, broken or nonexistent bathroom fans, and building/plumbing leaks.   Mold affects different people differently. An amount of mold that has no ill health effects on one person can make another person sick.  Due to these variables, there are no quantifiable standards for how much mold is too much unless it's so severe that it makes the place uninhabitable by anyone's standards (those are very rare). Curing the cause of the moisture doesn't always solve the problem unless the wet surfaces are properly dried out. If a mold problem exists in a building, resolving it is a matter between the building owner and occupant(s) and may be a violation of The Implied Warranty of Habitability .

 

Click here for resources when dealing with mold

 

With all the hustle and bustle that comes with holiday preparations, there's one gift that is lasting - and there's an added bonus - it's FREE! That gift is time together. The Scarborough Public Library is your "go to" place for great ideas that can make that together time memorable. Here's one suggestion: Plan a Family Movie Night!

  

Have you discovered Kanopy yet? It's the latest addition to the Library's suite of online services. Kanopy works with most streaming and mobile devices as well as on computers. Planning a movie night with younger children? Kanopy KIDS offers great selections recommended by Common Sense Media. Teens and college-aged children home for the holidays? Kanopy features documentary films that can lead to thought-provoking conversations. Thinking of an "all ages" movie night? You'll find a great selection of classic and independent films to choose from. And all this great entertainment is free with your Scarborough Public Library card! The Library's physical collection also offers an excellent selection of movies for all ages in DVD and Blu-ray - including recent theater releases. So, pop some popcorn, get comfy, and enjoy that time together...compliments of the Scarborough Public Library!

  

Do you need help with this new service or any of the Library's many digital resources? Give us a call at 883-4723 option 4 and we'll be glad to assist you.

In 2018, the Town of Scarborough launched its ReCollect waste collection mobile app: "Scarborough Recycles." This app enables residents to find the garbage, recycling, and special pickup collection schedule for any address in Scarborough. The mobile app can also remind you of your collection day, so you won't forget! The app allows us to communicate with you as well, in the event of a schedule change due to weather, holiday, etc.

 

Remember, it is important that you have your trash and recycle carts curbside by 7:00 am on your scheduled pick up day. Also, be sure to leave approximately 2 feet between the carts, to enable the "arm" on the truck to pick the carts up effectively. Please also remember it is important to keep your carts in your driveway; do not place them in the roadway! (Particularly once the snow flies) The arms of the trucks are designed to reach into your driveway (up to about 12 feet) to pick up the carts.

 

Lastly, if you live on a private road, you will need to have your carts at the intersection of the nearest public road for pick up at no cost to you. (The "Scarborough Recycles" app will provide you with the trash pickup day of the public road closest to you.) You may also, of course, schedule pick up on your private road with Pine Tree Waste, at your own expense.

 

You may download the mobile app on either Apple or Android devices. Search for "Scarborough Recycles" in your app store. You can also access the app online  at our website .

 

Questions? Email us  or call 207.730.4400.

As the seasons quickly change, you might find yourself fighting the winter blues and looking for something fun to do. If you're over 55, look no further than Scarborough's 55+ Program! It's a great way to get out, meet people, and try something new!

 

We have many fun trips and activities planned for the upcoming months including Christmas lights rides, theater trips, lunch excursions, a winter sleigh ride, and a trip to see The Magic of Christmas at Merrill Auditorium. We also have several special events planned like a holiday dance, movie night, musical bingo, and a special Valentine's Day dinner. There are dozens of other programs to get involved with, and we invite you to see for yourself! Winter and spring activities and programs can be found in the front section of the latest Scarborough Community Services brochure. The Winter-Spring 2018-19 Brochure can be found on our website, or you can pick up a copy in the Community Services office at Scarborough town hall.

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.

Please join Town Manager Tom Hall and Superintendent of Schools Julie Kukenberger for a Listen to Learn session. These informal conversations are designed to give Tom and Julie direct insight from residents on what services you value most, what services you want more of, and what services you feel are more than is needed. This input will help guide budget development for FY20 and beyond so the more voices we hear the better the budget can reflect the community's priorities.

Thursday January 3, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Town Hall, Council Chambers

Wednesday January 16, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Scarborough Public Library, Community Room

Tuesday January 22, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Town Hall, Council Chambers

Wednesday January 30, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Wentworth School, Learning Commons