The New Year has finally arrived after quite a year of ups and downs. We're ringing it in with a thoughtful message of gratitude from our Town Manager. And news of hope is here, too—read on for the story of COVID-19 vaccinations already being distributed to our first responders. 2021 is certainly looking bright in the Town of Scarborough. |
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Do you have a New Year's resolution? Share your goals with us on our Facebook post
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2021 Is Looking Bright
By Tom Hall, Scarborough Town Manager
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The new year is upon us— I hope this finds you and your family safe and well. This past year
has been one like no other as we have grappled with the impacts, adaptations, and
uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. I, like I’m sure many of you are, am ready to move
forward, but not without first acknowledging the people who have provided incredible services
and the lessons we have been reminded of during this time.
Through the course of the year, all of our municipal staff, from our first responders serving on
the front lines of the pandemic, to Community Services providing hybrid child care, to Public
Works and Town Hall staff, have continued to meet the community’s infrastructure and town
business needs. These employees have been resolute in their duty to serve our residents in the
face of these unprecedented times, and I extend my sincerest gratitude to them.
You, our community, have also responded to these challenges in a way that leaves me humbled
and thankful for your support. From your understanding when we had to shutter Town Hall at
the earliest stages of the pandemic, to your patience when we had a phased reopening, and the
outpouring of support you showed our first responders so they feel acknowledged and
appreciated for their courageous care; you make Scarborough a special place to live and work.
While it is easy to dwell on all of the challenges and hardships we have endured this past year,
in a moment of reflection, I choose to focus on some of the bright spots that have shown
through:
- The importance of family and our homes. This year showed us new ways to stay connected with loved ones from afar. Zoom calls and home offices will certainly be a memorable part of 2020.
- The unsung heroes among us, namely our health care workers, first responders, teachers and grocery store workers. We wouldn’t be where we are today without them.
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Individual actions (or inaction) affect others. This is a critical reminder that I took away from a tumultuous year.
- Scarborough’s wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities. I hope you made the most of our many parks, beaches, and trails. They provide solace in hard times, a way to get fresh air, and a safe place to recreate and remain social outdoors.
These bright spots have been here all along, but 2020 was a reminder of their true value.
Perhaps these glimmers of hope pale in comparison to the undertaking we endured in 2020, but
I find them helpful as I look forward. The New Year marks a refreshed outlook and with
optimism about what lies ahead. On behalf of the Scarborough family, we wish you and your
family a hopeful 2021. Happy New Year and I encourage you to focus on the positivity around
us.
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Public Works will pick up your discarded Christmas tree throughout the month. Place your tree on the curbside (only “real” trees, nothing artificial) 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 or covered by a snowplow, but still within reach for our crew. Please put it out on the DAY of your trash collection so it doesn't freeze to the ground.
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Please Note: Trash & tree pick up will not be happening at the same time; Public Works is doing tree pickup separate from the Pine Tree Waste trash/recycle pickup. If it is snowing on the day you plan to put your tree out for pick up, please wait until the following week. If snowing (or otherwise dangerous road conditions) our crew will be plowing rather than picking up trees. Thank you for your patience! |
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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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Fire Department Vaccinates Maine's First Responders |
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The Scarborough Fire Department has been selected as one of three Cumberland County emergency medical services assisting the State with vaccinating first responders. Our EMS providers have been on the front lines of this pandemic 24/7 since the first case was identified in Maine. They have cared for and transported dozens of COVID patients over the past several months while concurrently dealing with the stress and fear of potentially bringing the disease home to their families, friends and loved ones.
Now as we enter a new chapter of the pandemic, our providers are honored to help protect our coworkers within Scarborough as well as friends and colleagues across Cumberland County.
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First vaccines were administered to licensed EMS providers this week as part of a phased distribution schedule. All fire, EMS, police, and dispatchers will be vaccinated starting in January, among the over 16,000 first responders statewide—several thousand right here in Cumberland County—that will be vaccinated in early 2021. |
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If you have any questions about this article or any fire department issue please contact Fire Chief Mike Thurlow by email or phone, 730-4201.
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Congratulations to Paramedic/Firefighter Doug Kerr |
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Congratulations to career Paramedic/firefighter Doug Kerr on successfully completing his training to become licensed at the Paramedic level. Doug accomplished this while working full-time, raising a family, and dealing with all the additional challenges that COVID-19 tossed at him while working on his clinical skills.
We are very proud of your accomplishment Doug, and are confident you will be an outstanding Medic. Well done!
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License Your Dog Before January 31st |
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Our Town Clerk's office staff are dog whisperers, and they hear your pooches asking for a license! Dogs 6 months & older are required by State law to be licensed in their municipality. Dog licenses are valid for one year and expire on December 31st.
License Fees:
$6.00 per year for spayed/neutered dogs
$11.00 per year for dogs not spayed/neutered
Per state law, any dog license that is re-licensed after January 31st will be subject to a $25.00 late fee, so don't delay!
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Town Council Corner: Marijuana Ordinance
By Councilor Ken Johnson
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As state laws on marijuana change, so does the need for Scarborough Town Ordinances to regulate new marijuana establishments to include cultivation, manufacturing and testing. Over the past year, Town Council has put together the 1018 Marijuana Establishment License Ordinance with much research, legal consultation and public input. The purpose of this Ordinance is to regulate and license Marijuana Establishments in order to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of Scarborough. |
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The Town Council has recently approved up to 30 licenses for Marijuana businesses established in the Town of Scarborough. As cultivation facilities become more present in Scarborough, the Town has been receiving increased complaints from abutters about the odor it produces in the growing process. The Town has secured an odor expert to assist with assessing each of the cultivation facilities and suggest odor mitigation measures to be implemented by the licensee. There is also an odor complaint form on the Town website. All complaints will be investigated! A workshop is scheduled for January 20th at 5:30pm to include growers and property abutters. Head to the Town website calendar for a link to view or participate. |
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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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Winter Activities for the Whole Family |
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Our Community Services Department wants you to stay active and healthy this winter! Participate in outdoor activities as a family for exercise, mood boosting benefits, and bonding. Nonprofits, local businesses, and foundations are offering free or discounted access to exciting outdoor activities this winter, sponsored by L.L.Bean. Bundle up and partake in opportunities to ski, sled, skate and more in our great state all season long! |
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Police Department Receives Heartfelt Note |
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The Scarborough Police Department shared a compelling story last week about a heartfelt note and gift they received just before Christmas. Erin Dupee thanked the entire department and retired Deputy Chief Marla St. Pierre for their overwhelming support 26 years ago.
"For Erin and her husband Eric, the Department support was life changing. And for Erin, finally expressing her gratitude was in a gift in itself. 'It’s like there’s a void that’s been filled.'"
Watch the news story to learn more and see Marlea, the Police comfort dog (and namesake of Marla St. Pierre) who inspired Erin to express her gratitude over two decades later.
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School Superintendent Announces Retirement |
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At the December 3rd, 2020 Board of Education meeting Sanford Prince IV announced his intent to retire from his position as Superintendent of Scarborough Public Schools when his contract expires on June 30th, 2021.
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Sandy joined Scarborough Public Schools in 2019 as Interim Superintendent after previously retiring from RSU 14. His contract was updated later that same year to extend his original contract through June 30th, 2021. Soon after joining SPS, Sandy quietly made himself an integral part of our district, leading by example and allowing our schools to consistently operate with high standards for excellence. The world of education changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and Sandy’s calm and compassionate demeanor has served the district well as we have navigated the challenges. It is with sincere gratitude that we thank Sandy for his dedication to our staff, students, and the Scarborough community.
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Public Library Switches to "SPL-To-Go" |
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The Scarborough Public Library is closing the building to patrons as of December 31 and will start the new year with “SPL-To-Go” (computer lab available by appointment). Pick up books at the front door or curbside. Request materials by email or phone, details below!
Library Hours
Monday 10am-5pm • Tuesday 10am-5pm • Wednesday 10am-6pm • Thursday 10am-5pm • Friday 10am-5pm • Saturday 10am-2pm • Sunday Closed
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SPL-To-Go Made Easy
- Request materials by phone or email
- Wait to be notified for pickup
- When you arrive, call or text your name to (207) 883-4723 option 2
- Staff will bring out requested materials
Computer Lab: Call 396-6271 for 30-minute appointment (includes fax, scan, copy, & print services). Masks required.
Library Numbers to Know
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New Books at the Library
Looking for a new book for the new year? Check out their homepage for the latest. Then, make requests! How?
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Visit SPL@Home to access remote services, including cloudLibrary eBooks & e-audiobooks, Flipster digital magazines, Kanopy streaming, Udemy online learning, Ancestry Library Edition, & more.
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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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