Well, 2020 is winding to a close. Now's the time to reflect on what a year it's been, and to look forward to the hope and opportunities that lie ahead. This month, we're cautiously "staying the course" and urging you and your family to stay safe during the holiday season. But we're also highlighting stories of hope and recognizing our staff for the hard work and dedication to our town. Read on for upcoming holiday reminders and updates on what's happening.
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Let's see your "winter wonderland" photos! Tag us on Instagram @townofscarboroughme
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Holiday Trash Pick Up Schedule |
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Planning Ahead: Christmas Tree Disposal |
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Public Works will pick up your discarded Christmas tree in January. When you are ready to dispose of your tree (only “real” trees, nothing artificial), place it curbside on the same day as your trash collection any week in January. Please place it far enough from the curb that it will not get hit by a car, covered by a snowplow, or tripped over by a pedestrian-staring-at-their-phone-rather-than-where-they-are-going. However, please don’t put it so far away from the curb that it is difficult for our crew to reach. Lastly, please put it out on the DAY of your trash collection, as it may freeze to the ground otherwise. |
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Public Works will be coming to get your tree separately from the Pine Tree Waste trash/recycle truck. So, if you see your that your trash/recycling has been picked up but your tree is still there (or vice versa), DON’T PANIC! We will get there. |
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Our Public Works building is currently open to the public by appointment only. |
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A Winter Safety Message from Your Fire Chief |
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As we approach the middle of December it seems like an opportune time to review some basic winter fire safety tips before the onset of the snow storms we know are right around the corner. |
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Emergency Access & Egress Leads
If you have an emergency that requires fire, police, or EMS it is very important that we have adequate access to get to you. Make sure your driveways are clear and that there are at least two different ways to leave in case you have a fire or some other type of emergency that requires immediate evacuation.
Carbon Monoxide
During severe winter storms the fire department responds to a number of calls for Carbon Monoxide (CO) problems. The vast majority are due to blocked exhaust vents from snow drifts. Check your exhaust vents outside to confirm they are clear of snow or other restrictions. Also, if you use a portable generator during a power outage, make sure you do so outside to prevent CO exposure.
House Fires
Heating is the second leading cause of home fires following cooking, and 29% of home heating fires occurred because the heat source was too close to combustible materials. If you are using space heaters, fireplaces, or stoves make sure that you keep anything that can burn at least three feet away.
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Carbon Monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is critical that you install and routinely test a CO detector on each level of your home to alert you if concentrations are unsafe. |
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If you have any questions about this article or any fire department issue please contact me at mthurlow@scarboroughmaine.org or 730-4201. |
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Sign Up for CodeRED Alerts
As we head into the winter storm season, sign up for our Town's CodeRED computer alert system. It is used to quickly notify large groups of people for emergency situations like criminal activity, severe weather, road closures, evacuations, and missing persons. It's free and secure to sign up for cell phone alerts.
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The Town Hall remains open to the public for your in-person services (masks required). Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm; The 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, Town Hall open from 8am-6pm
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Behind the Mask: Patrick Sugrue
Program Analyst for Operation H.O.P.E., Scarborough Police Department
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While the holiday season is filled with joy, traditions, and loved ones, for many it is also a difficult time of the year. Those struggling with addiction and substance use disorder may be away from family while in treatment, or not have family in their lives at all. It is also a time when people may return to use. Being in a global pandemic only heightens the struggles, as there are new and burdening anxieties, isolation, and limitations brought on by Covid-19. |
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Patrick Sugrue, Program Analyst for Operation HOPE (Heroin-Opiate Prevention Effort), wants to remind anyone who may be struggling now that we’re here to help. “We care about them. Recovery is possible even during these current unstable times. We’re here for them.”
For Patrick, these are the supporting words that guided him through his own addiction and recovery story, but it was only in hindsight from a years-long journey that he has come to fully appreciate it. After years of substance use, starting in high school and spiraling to an uncontrollable windfall post-college graduation, his family finally packed up his bags from their Massachusetts home and sent him south for a 28-day recovery program in Florida. From what at first felt like something he had under control (“I told myself I could stop at any point if I wanted to”), Patrick’s addiction to opiates and heroin wasn’t simply wiped clean after a month in treatment.
One month in Florida turned to five years and in his words, you name it, and he went through it. Finally, Patrick concluded that the only pathway he could see himself on if he stayed there was death or jail. So, he called his brother for help. Click Here to read more.
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Overcoming the hurdles as he has, Patrick is passionate about being a supportive resource for others navigating their own addictions. “I want to instill the hope and belief that recovery is possible.” Now supporting the efforts of Operation HOPE for the Scarborough Police Department, he is doing just that each day.
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For anyone currently struggling with substance use disorder, Operation HOPE is a safe community service extending you support with no judgment and access to resources for detox and recovery. Click Here to learn more.
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Employee Milestone: Retiring After 20 Years
Thank You for Your Service!
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Join us in congratulating Heidi McNinch, Human Resources Coordinator, as she retires from the Human Resources Department after 20 years. She plays the incredible role of processing payroll for between 400-500 employees every week, coordinating benefits, and more. We will truly miss the dedication she has put into her work each and every day for the town and its employees. |
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Heidi began her career with the Town of Scarborough on November 13, 2000. |
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Thank you to our Community Services team for pulling off a successful Santa Drive Thru adaptation of our annual holiday tradition! Their festive spirits at last Saturday's event made for cars full of smiling children and a generous collection of donations to the Rotary Club's food drive.
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Town Explores Property Purchase |
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The Governor William King Masonic Lodge (formerly Alger Hall), located at 649 U.S. Route One in Scarborough, recently went on the market and has created an opportunity for the Town of Scarborough to hold on to a piece of our town's history. Acquiring this space also brings the possibility of continuing its legacy of public use, whether for the community or through Community Services programming for seniors, adults, and children.
The decision will be reviewed by Town Council in the Wednesday evening meeting. Click Here for public viewing (or participation) links.
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Town Council Corner: Purchase of Masons Building
By Councilor Jean-Marie Caterina
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It is hard to believe that it is December already with snow on the ground and a chill in the air. I
am not sure about you, but I will be really happy to see 2020 turn into 2021. What a year we have experienced! This will be one for the history books for sure.
Speaking of history, I sit and write today to let you know why I support the town’s purchase of the Masonic Lodge on Route One. According to Becky Delaware, Vice President of the Scarborough Historical Society, and a
member of the Town Historic Preservation Committee, the Scarborough Historical Society and Alger Hall were shared properties of the Alger Hall Trustees to be used “for the public good.” This building abuts the Dunstan Fire Station and the Scarborough Historic Society, and is iconic in Scarborough's history.
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As a Councilor and real estate broker, I think that this purchase is prudent for all of reasons listed above. Not only is the purchase price fair, the location meets the needs of Scarborough in many ways. I can envision it being utilized for senior programming, public meetings, rentals
for family occasions, rentals to businesses in need of space, and so forth. There is potential
here to offset costs. This is a win-win for all.
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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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Town Council meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7 PM. Visit our online calendar for links to attend and view agendas. |
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Heading into 2021, the Board has a full agenda, outline below. More detailed communications on these three initiatives are ahead in the coming weeks. |
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Superintendent Search
Sandy Prince announced he will be retiring at the end of June after serving as our Interim Superintendent for the past two years. We are grateful for his willingness to join Scarborough after sixteen years as Windham-Raymond’s superintendent. Sandy has quietly led our district using his vast experience, calming influence, and his ability to bring out the best in each and every person. The Board will begin a search for his successor in 2021. Stay tuned for ways you can be involved with this process!
Equity & Inclusion Steering Committee
The Board is beginning the process of conducting an evaluation of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the school district with the guidance of the Mid Atlantic Equity Consortium (MAEC). We will be sending details and an application link very soon for community members, parents, staff, and students who may be interested in being part of this process!
Corona Relief Funds (CRF)
Scarborough Public Schools applied for and received two grants through the federal government to assist with the reopening of our schools.
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The School Board thanks our incredible staff and administration for all their hard work in successfully opening school this fall. There was nothing normal or usual about beginning a school year during a pandemic and they’ve handled every situation with grace and thoughtfulness. We are so appreciative of their efforts! |
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Gift & Give Back: Library Sketchers' Print Sale |
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The Scarborough Public Library is here for your holiday needs! For shoppers looking for a unique gift, the Library Sketchers have made prints available for purchase. Prints are for sale in the Library this month, made from original art by three members of the Library Sketchers.
There is something for everyone including scenes of Scarborough Marsh and the Atlantic Ocean from Scarborough’s shores, whimsical animals to delight the children in your life, imaginative prints made from sculptures, and clever sketches of everyday life. At $25 each, your print purchase will help support the Library’s Annual Fund, which just launched in late November, and it will potentially cross a gift off your list. Unique, Maine-made, and simple to ship, these prints are a win-win gift!
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See what else the Library is up to! From YouTube tutorials, to virtual author talks, educational programs, curbside pickup, and more, the Library is dedicated to making their wide array of services available to everyone.
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Click on the calendar event to view Town Council meeting Zoom links |
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Find us on Facebook! Get the inside scoop from the Town of Scarborough on your newsfeed. Give us a like today.
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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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