Change is in the air as summer comes to a close, back to school prep is underway, and fall programs start up again. Plan ahead for the season by putting some upcoming dates on the calendar—Summerfest to close out the season (August 21) and Election Day (November 3), to name a few. And be sure to snap some photos of these fleeting summer days for our photo contest! Read on for details on these seasonal reminders and more.

Scarborough Marsh Day is today from 9:00am-5:00pm! It is hosted by the Scarborough Land Trust. Learn more below and on their website.

"Close the Gap" Trail Ribbon Cutting Celebration

Last week the Town of Scarborough celebrated the grand opening of a new segment of the Eastern Trail with the City of South Portland, Eastern Trail Alliance, East Coast Greenway Alliance, the many sponsors and partners who made the project possible, and enthusiastic members of the community.

New Trail Now Open

Spanning 1.6 miles, the construction of this new trail closes a gap in the Eastern Trail and now provides 16 continuous off-road miles for public enjoyment. The new segment required the construction of two new bridges, one over the Nonesuch River crossing and a second elevated over the railroad tracks. Construction began in June 2025 and the project had an initial estimated completion date of October 2027. Thanks to the efficient work of Shaw Brothers Construction, the trail is open 15 months ahead of schedule.

To enjoy the new trail, park at the trailhead on Eastern Road or at Wainwright Sports Complex in South Portland.

Photos by Zachary Gould / Credit Eastern Trail Alliance

Summerfest is Friday! Free Activities for the Family

Join us on Friday, August 21st from 5:00-10:00pm for the 30th Annual Scarborough Summerfest at the High School Sports Complex—our biggest event of the year! Come for games and activities, crafts, giveaways, food trucks, live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks show to finish the night!

Exciting Offerings

🤸 Jump around in the Kids’ Bounce Zone! Entry is FREE thanks to our generous sponsor, Town and Country Federal Credit Union.

🚚 Food will be available from a variety of food trucks, including Cargo Pizza, Poppie’s Kettle Corn, Giuseppe Roasters, Vy Banh Mi LLC, Mow’s Munchies, Cheese the Day, and El Rodeo.

🍨 Local businesses, organizations and nonprofits will be offering everything from fun activities, games and face painting, to goodies like snow cones, ice cream, popcorn and much more.

🛍️ Visit the Junior Makers Market, where you’ll find a variety of booths run entirely by kids!

🎷 Live music kicks off at 6:00pm with the Maine Pops Concert Band. Returning after a crowd-pleasing performance last year, they bring more than 100 talented community musicians together for a memorable concert everyone can enjoy.

🎸 The Barflys Band takes the stage at 7:00pm. From classic rock anthems and country favorites to blues, '80s hits, disco grooves, and old-school classics, their high-energy setlist spans generations. Sponsored by The Little Gym Scarborough.

🎆 This event concludes with a grand finale of fireworks, scheduled to begin around 9:15pm. Be sure to bring your blanket or folding chair and find your spot early! Sponsored by Generac.

Check the website for a detailed event map, schedule, and more.

Latest Photo Contest Entries📸& Last Chance to Enter!

"Cattail Song" by Emile Olens

"Last Catch of the Day" by Rachel Jacobsen

"Calm Before the Faceoff" by Cameron Dolan

Enter yours!

📸 Accepting Entries Until August 31st

Outdoors is the place to be this summer in Scarborough—its parks, nature preserves, and beaches provide the perfect setting for the season. We want to see these spaces through your lens. Snap photos while you're out enjoying scenery or time with family, and share with us for a chance to win!

Submit up to three photos with a title and caption (optional). They must be taken in Scarborough and outdoors to qualify! For each photo, select which category to enter it into:

Categories

• Beach Days
• Scenic Views
• Nature & Wildlife
• Golden Hour
• Community & Summer Fun

Photos are uploaded to Facebook on a rolling basis. The photo with the most 'Likes' in each category will win a gift card from a local Scarborough business. Thanks to Dairy Corner, El Rayo, Cafe Luna, and Dunstan Tap & Table for the great prizes!

Shark Sightings at Scarborough Beaches

Photo by Steve De Neef

It's been a "wild" week along Scarborough's coast! Our Marine Resources Officer first posted a media announcement about two shark sightings near Pine Point Beach on August 4th. Then, the next day, drone footage captured an additional 5-7 sharks swimming and feeding in the area. And earlier this week, on August 10, our public safety team reported on a close encounter with a white shark that occurred on Saturday afternoon off Scarborough Beach State Park, in which a lifeguard swimming with a rescue device was pulled 5-6 feet below the surface before being able to free himself from the strap attached to the rescue device and swim safely back to shore.

The increased activity is believed to be associated with seasonal prey availability, including schools of baitfish and seals. Scarborough Public Safety continues to monitor the areas and notify the public, as the safety of residents and visitors remains our highest priority. Shark sighting signs are being placed at Higgins, Pine Point, and Scarborough Beach State Park for awareness. We remind beachgoers that the presence of white sharks in the area is an ongoing concern and encourage using caution when entering the water. 

Safety/Caution Reminders

• Pay close attention to lifeguards and posted beach advisories. 

• Immediately exit the water when instructed by lifeguards or public safety personnel. 

• Avoid swimming near schools of fish, seals, or areas where birds are actively feeding. 

• Avoid swimming alone and remain aware of changing conditions. 

• Understand that shark activity can occur close to shore and in relatively shallow water. 

• Report any shark sightings to lifeguards or local public safety personnel. 

Follow the Town of Scarborough Maine Harbor Master & Marine Resources Facebook page for beach-related media releases. These will also be shared to the Scarborough Police and Town of Scarborough Facebook pages for visibility.

Thanks for Attending National Night Out!

Thanks to everyone who attended National Night Out with Scarborough Police and Fire last week! National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. It was a fun-filled community event at Memorial Park that we look forward to every August.

Town Manager Tom Hall Receives Distinguished Award

Town Manager Tom Hall, center, holds his award with senior staff

This week while attending the Maine Town, City and County Management Association's (MTCMA) 80th New England Management Institute, Scarborough Town Manager Tom Hall was awarded their Distinguished Service Award.

This award "is one of the highest recognitions our association can bestow upon a member of our profession," said Board President Sandra Fournier when introducing Hall as this year's recipient. "It is recognized as the individual whose career reflects exceptional service to their community, leadership within our profession, support and mentorship of our colleagues, and contributions that extend well beyond the walls of their own municipal office."

Tom’s career in public administration began as the Assistant Township Manager of Hatfield, PA. Within three years he was appointed as the Township Manager of Bethlehem Township, PA. An opening for a new City Manager in Rockland brought Tom and his young family back to his home state. He served as the City Manager in Rockland for nine years before heading south to Scarborough in November of 2008, where he has served for 18 years as our Town Manager.

Now Available: Fall Programs Brochure

Fall is right around the corner! Check out our Fall 2026 Brochure for upcoming Active Adult, Teen, and Youth programs. Registration opened this week for residents and August 17th for non-residents.

Today is Scarborough Marsh Day—All Day Activities!

TODAY at Blue Point Primary School, 174 Pine Point Rd, Scarborough, ME

Join the Scarborough Land Trust for a fun-filled day celebrating the beauty, history, and wildlife of our local marsh! Explore the marsh on a guided walk or paddle, learn about the birds, fish, crabs, and shellfish that call this ecosystem home, and discover how scientists, conservationists, and community members work together to protect this special place.

Celebrate the marsh through crafts, booths and presentations at our main tent at Blue Point School and/or register for activities across Scarborough!

Let's Meet Lisa Saulle, Scarborough's Tax Collector

Like many Scarborough natives, Lisa’s first job at Capt’n Bob’s Grove (now Bayley’s Seafood) was a rite of passage that brought with it fond memories and foundational skills. Today, as the Town’s Tax Collector, Deputy Treasurer, and Revenue Office Manager, her work looks very different than it did as a teen, but the draw to customer service has remained a key component of her career.

The Revenue office is where you go to pay your taxes, register or renew a vehicle or trailer, get a hunting or fishing license, and more. Lisa manages the team of five who work at the counter. ...

Read the full Day in the Life article about Lisa in the latest edition of Scarborough Living, a free magazine available at many businesses throughout town. It's a great way to get to know our community!

Lisa in her home garden, where she loves to grow flowers and vegetables in her free time.

August 19: Town Council Meeting

First Reading: Radio System Infrastructure Upgrade

The Town of Scarborough is exploring a significant municipal two-way radio communications system upgrade for its public safety, public service, and school departments in Scarborough and Old Orchard Beach. The total cost for the full infrastructure overhaul is expected be over $12 million, and grant funding is actively being requested. This project was included in the FY2027 budget and was also discussed in a Town Council workshop in February. The Town Council will hold a first reading during their August 19th meeting to determine if this project will be included as a referendum question in the November municipal election, with a proposed authorization of up to $6 million. Their second reading and vote is scheduled for September 2nd.

Complete Streets & Traffic Calming Guidance Manual

The Town Council will act on a request to formally accept the Complete Streets & Traffic Calming Guidance Manual. Engineering staff and the Transportation committee have been working on the manual to help the Town make streets safer and more accommodating to all modes of transportation. Public engagement began in Fall 2025 and continued with feedback requested throughout the process. It was then presented to the Town Council in their July 15th workshop.

Scarborough Wood Bank

The Town Council also had a July 15th workshop presentation with the Scarborough Wood Bank, a community effort, similar to a food pantry, that collects, processes, and stores firewood for neighbors who need heating assistance in the winter months. In the August 19th meeting the Council will act on the request to authorize the Town Manager to execute the Memorandum of Agreement with the Scarborough Wood Bank.

Apply by October: Senior Property Tax Assistance

The Senior Property Tax Assistance Program applications are due by October 15th. The program is one of multiple forms of tax relief that Town of Scarborough has for residents looking for assistance with their property taxes. If your annual property tax burden exceeds 5% of household Adjusted Gross Income, you may be eligible for a return of up to $1,200 at the end of the year. For residents who rent, including owners of properties within a Manufactured Home Park, rent paid is considered part of your property tax burden.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Applicant is age 62 or older as of the application deadline

2. Applicant has been a Scarborough resident for at least 10 consecutive years as of October 15, 2026

3. Federal Adjusted Gross Income (household) does not exceed $60,000

Applications for the Property Tax Assistance Program are available online or in the Assessing Office. The deadline to apply is October 15, 2026.

When you submit your application, we will need to see identification and proof of income, either in the form of your 2025 Tax Return or your 2025 Year-End Social Security Benefit Statement, if you don’t file taxes. If you rent, we will also need a statement of rent paid between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.

Please contact the Assessing office at (207) 730-4060 or visit our office on the lower level of Town Hall if you have any questions.

Want to Run for Elected Office? Accepting Nominations

Nomination papers are available in the Town Clerk's office to pick up if you are interested in running for elected office in Scarborough. They are due by Wednesday, September 2.

The open seats will be filled in the Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 3rd. They will fill the following vacancies:

• One Board of Education member, to fill a term to expire in June 2028

• Three Town Council members

• Three Sanitary District members

Questions? Contact the Clerk's office at (207) 730-4020.

What's Happening in Boards & Committees? Read More

The Town of Scarborough has a number of boards and committees, guided by the expertise of citizen volunteers, who meet monthly to enhance our community. This year alone they've contributed hundreds of hours to site plan reviews (Planning Board), zoning consolidation (Long Range Planning Committee), traffic safety project support (Transportation Committee), and much more. We captured the highlights in a special edition Board & Committee newsletter last week. If you missed it in your inbox or skipped over it, we encourage you to give it a peek to see the wide array of work happening behind the scenes. If this type of work interests you, consider applying to volunteer as a member.

School Building Project Plans Continue to Develop

The Post-Referendum Building Committee has been working closely with the School Department, Town staff, and our architecture team at Harriman to review educational programming, site planning, building layouts, project phasing, and operational needs. As the design continues to advance, the team is preparing the materials that will be submitted to our estimators for detailed cost analysis later this fall. Meanwhile, the permitting process is underway, and the team is preparing materials for Planning Board review.

This fall, the committee anticipates receiving updated cost estimates based on the advancing design, providing an important milestone as the committee evaluates the project and continues refining the plans. They are planning a community forum in November to share project updates, present the latest designs, discuss the cost estimates, and answer questions from residents. 

Short Term Rentals Must be Registered by Year-End

The new Short Term Rental Registration Ordinance, approved by the Town Council on May 20, requires short term rental operators to register with the Town by December 31, 2026 and annually thereafter. A safety inspection is also required with new registrations. 

Registration is now open and can be accessed from our website.

Please reach out to Autumn Speer at aspeer@scarboroughmaine.org with any questions.

Coming Soon! More Public Transit Launches This Fall

Greater Portland Metro is coming to Scarborough this fall and offering new public transportation opportunities for our community. Public transit is a safe, reliable, and affordable way to cut traffic, expand mobility for those who cannot or choose not to drive, and reduce climate pollution.

Fixed Route

Launch: October 4, 2026

A new fixed-route bus service (Route 25) will connect Metro’s downtown transit hub to Scarborough, primarily along Route 1 and cross over to Cabela’s parking lot, with stops served along the route every 45 minutes. From Portland, riders can connect onward to Westbrook, Gorham, Falmouth, Freeport, Brunswick, and beyond. The Route 1 stops will link up with Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach Transit, effectively creating bus service from Brunswick to Biddeford.

On-Demand Microtransit

Soft Launch: September 14, 2026

"An Uber-style service at a fraction of the cost"—book a ride and have "curb to curb" service anywhere within the zone. It serves areas up to 2 miles from the fixed route service corridor. The initial zone covers the area east of the Maine Turnpike between the Scarborough-South Portland line and Dunstan Crossing, including parts of Pine Point Road and Black Point Road. Riders can book a pickup through Metro's app, website, or by phone, and a van will meet them at the nearest cross-street to take them within the zone or connect to the fixed route.

For residents without easy access to a car, including teens, seniors, and people with disabilities, this transit service can open up everyday errands, medical appointments, and job opportunities that were previously out of reach.

Learn More & Get Involved

Find Metro at Summerfest with one of the microtransit vans, and information on the programs and how to ride. They will also attend and present at senior lunches and at the Age Friendly committee meetings. There will be a formal event for the launch in October 2026 and free fares for the first 2-4 weeks of the service. Stay tuned for more!

A Record Year for Scarborough's Plovers

It was another busy summer on our beaches for endangered piping plovers. Scarborough’s four coastal beaches were home to 34 pairs of plovers this year, three fewer pairs than last year’s record of 37. While we had fewer nests in 2026, 70 plover chicks survived to become fledglings (old enough to fly), a new record! The table below shows the number plover pairs and fledglings in Scarborough since 2019. 

Maine’s beaches from Ogunquit to Georgetown had 190 nesting pairs of plovers this year, a new record for the state. The number of statewide fledglings also set a new all-time high, but there are still a few chicks to fledge, so the final number isn’t known yet. 

Photo by Rachel Jacobsen (2026 photo contest entry; submit yours)

It was also a good year for endangered least terns on Scarborough’s beaches. Terns formed two nesting colonies on Western Beach, one on either end of the beach, as well as a small colony on Higgins. Tern chicks are more difficult to monitor and track than plover chicks, so we’re still waiting on final estimates of tern fledglings from Maine Audubon. 

We extend thanks to the Town’s volunteer beach monitors, Scarborough’s Park Rangers, and staff from Maine Audubon who keep a close eye on the plovers throughout the season. We also thank residents and visitors who are mindful of the plovers while at the beach. 

Ask & Answer: How can I have a voice in decision making?

The Town Council is elected to represent the views of its constituents, our community. When it comes time to vote on issues, they are taking the sentiments of the community into account, even if it means coming to a compromise. There are ways to add your voice into the process:

Attend meetings: Attending board/committee or council meetings are a guaranteed way to stay in-the-know on current issues. Council meetings start with a public comment period, where you have up to 3 minutes to speak on an issue that's not on the agenda.

Build relationships: Our councilors often attend Town events, so it's a great opportunity to connect with them in a different environment. Find their table at Summerfest next week! Also, talk to your neighbors to stay informed with what's happening or to come together on an issue.

Send an email: All of our councilors have access to emails sent to towncouncil@scarboroughmaine.org. They also each have their own Scarborough email address if you want to reach out to one of them directly. It's not guaranteed that you'll receive a response, but they are all read.

Attend a Council Corner Live: This event format started a few years ago as a way for councilors to talk with the public in a less formal setting than a council meeting. Each Council Corner Live covers a different topic of relevance and is a time to speak directly with councilors in a constructive conversation. The next one is expected to be held this fall.

Volunteer on a Board or Committee: The time and expertise of committee members have a tremendous impact on the Town. It's also a great way to know your town and fellow residents on a deeper level, plus it adds to your skill set.

Consider an Open Seat for Elected Positions: See above for the openings on the Town Council, School Board, and Sanitary District.

Stay Informed: The first step in having a voice is keeping yourself apprised of current issues. Read these Town newsletters and periodically check the What's Happening page on the website.

Council Corner: Leading Through Growth

By Karin Shupe, Town Council

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.

So far, nine residents have pulled nomination papers to compete for the three open seats on the Scarborough Town Council this November. While not all nine people may ultimately submit their papers and appear on the ballot, it is encouraging to see so many residents who care enough about our community to step forward and consider public service. 

As the population of Scarborough has continued to grow, so have the responsibilities of the Town Council. More residents mean more calls for police and fire services, more students filling our classrooms, more cars on road that were not built for today’s traffic volumes, and greater demand on the departments that keep our town running. As Maine’s fastest growing town, town councilors are faced with the ongoing challenge of meeting the needs of our rapidly increasing population while responsibly managing the costs that accompany that growth. 

One of the most important responsibilities of the Town Council is determining how taxpayer dollars are spent. Every spring, the town manager and the school superintendent submit their proposed budget, and the Town Council spends weeks reviewing it. This process gives Town Councilors a meaningful opportunity to advocate for their priorities and those of the residents they represent.  

At the same time, budgeting can be a delicate process. With seven Councilors bringing different perspectives, priorities, and opinions to the table, reaching consensus is rarely simple. Building a majority requires collaboration and compromise among Councilors. Effective governing is not about getting everything you want; it is about finding common ground and making decisions that best serve the community as a whole.

While Town Councilors play an important role in the budget process, they do not have the authority to approve any expenditure over $600,000. Under Scarborough’s Town Charter any major capital expenditure over $600,000 requires voter approval. Before voters have that opportunity, however, the Town Council must first decide whether to place the proposal on the ballot.

On the Town Council agenda this week is a proposal to place a $6 million bond referendum before voters this November to fund upgrades to the Town's communications system. Our responsibility is not simply to determine whether the project is worthwhile. We must also consider the broader impact of asking residents to take on additional debt. The effects of a $6 million bond do not exist in isolation. Councilors must evaluate the proposal alongside other community needs and consider whether November is the right time to ask residents to support this investment.

As residents consider whether to run for office, and later whom to support at the ballot box, it is worth remembering that local government is built on thoughtful debate, collaboration, and difficult choices. There are rarely easy answers to the challenges facing a fast-growing community, but the willingness of residents to become engaged and serve is what helps ensure Scarborough remains a place we are all proud to call home.

Scarborough Town Council

Cory Fellows (Chair) • Larry Cain (Vice Chair) • Jonathan Anderson • Scott Doherty • Bill Donovan • Michelle Hayes • Karin Shupe

Town Council meets the first and third Wednesday of each month (third Wednesday only in July and August). Visit our Town Calendar for links to attend and view agendas.

Upcoming Programs at Scarborough Public Library

Repair Fair! Let's Fix What's Broken

Tuesday, August 18, 10:00am-1:00pm

Learn More

Do you have small things that need fixing? Come to the library and consult the amateur experts! (People who know a lot doing their best.) No appointment needed. Possible fixes includes battery replacements for watches, remotes, clocks, etc., gluing small broken items, dollhouse furniture repairs, small electric appliances, rewiring appliances and lamps, picture frame repairs, jewelry repairs, small furniture, and minor bike repairs.

Tiny Art Gallery Opening

Tuesday, August 18, 5:00-6:30pm

Join us for a Tiny Art Gallery Opening! Meet some of the artists, check out the tiny showcase, enjoy a nice glass of lemonade, talk about art. Drop in between 5-6:30pm!

Back to School Kids Clothing Swap

Wednesday, August 26, 1:00-3:00pm

Why buy new when you can swap? Bring your washed, gently used clothing and other apparel items, FOR KIDS CLOTHES ONLY, at the day and time of the event. We'll do a self-sort onto labelled tables and then take what you like! Bring a bag! Bring the type of thing you would hand down to a friend. It's also okay to just take what you need and not bring anything but yourself! Registration is not required.