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Town of Scarborough Newsletter |
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Happy peak summer! July brings along a number of events, updates, and ways to connect with fellow community members. Kick off the month with evening concerts in Memorial Park and Fourth of July celebrations, then gear up for some free fitness classes thanks to Scarborough Community Services. Meanwhile, new member Nick McGee joins the Town Council, Public Works seeks public input on the Spurwink Road project, and a parks & recreation facilities master plan is underway. Read on for the latest, then unplug for the holiday weekend. |
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Later this summer... Our annual Summerfest is on the calendar! It will be held on Friday, August 19 and includes a Public Safety Open House. Be sure to save the date. |
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Holiday Fireworks Reminder
With 4th of July celebrations happening this weekend, please be aware of the Town's Consumer Fireworks Ordinance and the 2021 amendments made to acceptable use areas:
- Fireworks can only be set off on July 3rd & 4th and December 31st & January 1st beginning at 9:00am until 10:00pm
- Use of fireworks is prohibited in the Higgins Beach area (ocean side Spurwink Road beginning at the intersection of Black Point Road and Spurwink Road to the Cape Elizabeth line)
- A Notification of Intent must be submitted to the Scarborough Fire Department prior to use. This online form can also be found on the town website under the Residents menu.
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Pine Point Parade with Scarborough Fire Department
The Fire Department will be joining in the annual 4th of July neighborhood parade at Pine Point. Come see our antique muster truck in the lineup! The parade begins at Hurd Park at 9:00am on Monday, July 4th and and ends at the Fire Station.
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Closed on Monday
Town offices will be closed on Monday, July 4 in observance of the holiday. Trash pick-up will remain on schedule for the full week.
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Last Chance! Take Our Parks & Rec Facilities Survey |
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Take our Parks & Recreation Facilities online survey to help inform the direction of the future of our parks! The survey closes on Sunday, July 3.
The Town of Scarborough is conducting a comprehensive parks and recreation facilities master plan to allow for meaningful park and recreation facility improvements within Scarborough Community Services. Community input is an important part of this process. The survey should take 10-15 minutes to complete. |
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The last day to take the survey is Sunday, July 3. |
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July 13: Community Conversation on Homelessness |
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Wednesday, July 13, 5:00pm
Public Safety Conference Room
275 U.S. Route 1
Community Policing Sergeant Steve Thibodeau and Social Services Navigator Lauren Dembski-Martin will be facilitating a Community Conversation at the Scarborough Public Safety Building. Come to collaboratively discuss the challenges our community and individuals experiencing homelessness are facing. For more information, contact (207) 730-4397.
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Conservation Corner: Plovers on Beaches
By Jami Fitch, Sustainability Coordinator
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Beach season is here and so are endangered piping plovers! We’re excited to share that our first nests on Higgins and Western beaches have hatched. Be on the lookout for fluffy little plover chicks if you visit the beach.
Piping plover chicks seek food on their own soon after they hatch. They will run from the dune to the water line and everywhere in between. Chicks are very vulnerable for the first three to four weeks after they hatch because they can’t fly. If they feel threatened, chicks will often freeze on the spot, and they camouflage so well it’s often difficult to see them. Please walk carefully on our beaches and be on the lookout for plovers.
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Beach Rules for Plover Protection
In the busy summer season, beach activity can be harmful to plovers and other shorebirds birds. Please follow these general rules when enjoying the beach:
• No kite flying, kite surfing, parasailing, or drone flying within 650 feet of nesting plovers
• Fireworks are not allowed on any beach in Scarborough
• Take all trash off the beach with you
• Fill in all holes dug on the beach
• Play beach games, run, and bike on areas of the beach away from nests and chicks
Dogs on the beach (May 15 – Labor Day):
• Dawn – 9:00 am: Allowed off-leash (under voice control) in non-restricted areas
• 9:00 am – 5:00 pm: No dogs allowed on Scarborough’s beaches
• 5:00 pm – Dusk: Dogs allowed on-leash in non-restricted areas (exception is on Pine Point, where dogs are allowed on-leash in the restricted area)
• Dusk – Dawn: No dogs allowed on Scarborough’s beaches
• Keep dogs at least 200-feet away from stake and twine areas or nests enclosed in fencing
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Thank you to our diligent volunteer monitors who visit our beaches to educate residents and visitors about the plovers and our local ordinances. Also, thank you to residents and visitors for following the beach rules that are in place to protect these endangered birds. |
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Free Programs for Parks & Rec Month |
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July is National Parks and Recreation Month! Scarborough Community Services will celebrate by offering FREE fitness and wellness activities almost every day of the month, made possible with the help of Martin's Point Healthcare. Check out the schedule and class descriptions on our website. |
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Youth Recreation Programs
In addition to these special programs, Scarborough Community Services has ongoing programs for all ages weekdays throughout the summer. They are also currently registering for fall programs like Youth Soccer (registration closes July 8!). See the scope of opportunities in their Summer Brochure. |
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Save the Date: Public Safety Building Open House |
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We are only in the beginning of summer, but those weekends fill up quickly! Be sure to save the date for our annual Summerfest on Friday, August 19. Held at the High School Sports Complex, there will be music, food trucks, and family fun. Special this year: our Public Safety team is opening up their building for tours every half hour. See our dispatch center, which handles 24-hour emergency calls for Police, Fire, and Rescue. Meet our police officers and see our fire trucks, too. The Public Safety Building Open House will be held from 5:00-7:00pm as part of Summerfest. |
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Police Welcomes New Officer Corey Rogers |
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Scarborough Police Department welcomes new Patrol Officer Corey Rogers. Corey started with the Scarborough Police as a Reserve Officer in February 2022 and was hired as a full time Police Officer in May. Corey graduated from Husson University with cum laude honors, with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. He is eager to build his career in law enforcement and has a great desire to serve the community. Corey enjoys and is proud of volunteering as it allows him to give back and connect with his community and be a positive role model. |
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Beat the Heat: Use Cooling Center this Summer |
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On the days with extreme heat and humidity in the summer, Scarborough Public Library serves as a Cooling Center for the Town. The Public Library is located at 48 Gorham Road. The Library and its staff are critical partners to our Emergency Management team and we appreciate their willingness to assist in protecting our community. |
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Scarborough Community Services and Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) are offering a Meals to Go program for seniors. Residents age 60 or older can get 3 pre-cooked freezer meals for a suggested donation of $10. If you are not registered with SMAA, we will need you to fill out a form over the phone.
Upcoming Dates:
• Thurs. July 21 (Register by 4pm, July 13)
• Thurs. August 25 (Register by 4pm, Aug 17)
• Thurs. August 25 (Register by 4pm, August 17)
Pickup will be at the Hub on 418 Payne Rd from 12:30-1:30pm. To register, please call (207) 730-4173.
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We offer Senior Programs, too! There are programs happening nearly every weekday for ages 55+. Take a look at the May-July Brochure for a schedule and registration details. |
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Concerts in the Park are Underway |
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The Time Pilots kicked off the season last night and are followed by more weekly musical performances! Our free and family-friendly concerts, co-sponsored by Scarborough Chamber of Commerce and Scarborough Community Services, are held on Thursdays evenings at 6:30pm for six weeks in the summer. Be sure to pack a picnic dinner, bring your chairs or blankets, and visit the park for one (or all) of the concerts:
July 7: Sixties Invasion
July 14: Don Campbell Band
July 21: Motor Booty Affair
July 28: Something Stupid
August 4: Running Down a Dream
Additional parking is available at the High School. In the event of rain, concerts are moved to the high school auditorium.
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Avian Influenza in Coastal Communities |
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"The Northeast is currently experiencing an outbreak of Highly Pathogen Avian Influenza (HPAI). Recently we have received a number of reports of dead or dying birds on coastal beaches believed to be a result of the virus. Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a respiratory disease caused by infection with a type of influenza virus.
At this time we ask that you do not touch or remove any dead or dying birds that you encounter on beaches or other public property. Officials are aware of the issue and will work to remove them as quickly as possible.
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Birds that appear to be sick or injured should be left alone! The National Wildlife Disease Program recommends NOT handling deceased or injured wildlife. PLEASE DO NOT transport birds that appear to be sick or injured to any rehab facility as it may further spread the virus.
Birds found dead on private land and/or beaches can be removed by the homeowner at their discretion. If removed, we are encouraging the use of masks and gloves when doing so. The dead bird should be buried or can be bagged and placed into the trash. Sick acting birds should be left alone. If an eagle is found, please call Maine Police dispatch at 207-624-7076.
Avian flu viruses normally spread among wild water birds, like ducks and geese. These viruses can spread to domestic poultry, like chickens, ducks, geese, and guinea hens.
Avian flu viruses do not normally make humans sick but human infections with avian flu viruses have occurred. People who have regular contact with poultry or wild birds are most at risk.
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Expect Traffic Delays on July 10 |
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Please be aware of some traffic delays that will occur during the July 10 Tri for a Cure event. We recommend seeking alternate routes between 8:30-10:30am that day. |
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Summer Memos from Public Works |
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Dispose of Yard Waste for Free
Summer is often synonymous with yard work! Scarborough residents have access to free disposal of grass clippings, leaves, and small amounts of household brush at the Casella Transfer Station in Westbrook. The transfer station is located at 594 County Road, near Smiling Hill Farm, just over the line in Westbrook.
Please note: Recently, some residents have been incorrectly informed by Casella that there is now a fee for this service. Yard waste disposal continues to be free of charge for Scarborough residents (please be prepared to show proof of residency). If anyone has been accidentally charged for yard waste disposal, please contact the Casella Transfer Station at (207) 253-5751.
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Household Hazardous Waste
Safely dispose of your household hazardous waste on Saturday, July 9 from 8:00am-Noon at Saco Public Works, 15 Phillips Spring Road.
Scarborough Public Works has scheduled collaborative, multi-town opportunities to safely dispose of your household hazardous waste materials. This is a free service to residents of Scarborough, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, and Biddeford (proof of residency is required).
View a full flyer with acceptable materials. Contact pwinfo@scarboroughmaine.org or (207) 730-4400 with questions. |
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Spurwink Road Meeting Recap
Scarborough Public Works hosted a public meeting on Wednesday, June 29 to introduce residents to the Spurwink Road Traffic & Pedestrian Improvement Project. Public Works and project engineers presented the findings of the planning and design phase as well as the overall project goals and proposed timeline. There were around 55 residents who asked questions and provided feedback. If you missed it, watch the recording here. |
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Council Corner: Future Planning & My Start to Town Council
By Nick McGee, Town Councilor
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Nick McGee was elected to the Town Council in the June 14 election and sworn in during the June 29 council meeting. |
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One of my priorities during the recent special election campaign was to help with long-term planning for the many upcoming local projects and fiscal challenges a growing community like Scarborough will be facing over the next decade. I'm happy to report that the Town Council has started this work and WE, the people, have the opportunity to make this type of planning part of our Town Charter.
The Council finished its preliminary review of the Charter Committee recommendations. Among the handful of items that are moving forward in the process is a provision that will identify capital improvement items, current town assets and anticipated replacement and repair costs. This is a step in the right direction. Having this information available and updated on an annual basis will not only serve as a great planning tool for the Council, it will also provide greater insight, transparency and ease of access for all to better understand the needs and potential future costs of local projects.
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There are still many steps in the process before this type of long-term planning is memorialized in Scarborough's Town Charter. The Council needs to finalize the language, hold the public hearings, vote to send it to the ballot in November—then finally, the people of Scarborough would need to support the change in the Charter. It's not a done deal by any stretch - but we are certainly one step closer to looking at Scarborough as one community with a unified plan.
I'm excited to have begun working on behalf of the people of Scarborough. To the Scarborough community, I am truly honored to serve you and I promise to give you my best. I am eager to work alongside you to continue to make Scarborough one of the best communities in Maine to call home. To my family, my friends, my neighbors, and my supporters - thank you, thank you, thank you!
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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
John Cloutier, Chair • Ken Johnson, Vice Chair • Jonathan Anderson • Jean-Marie Caterina • Don Hamill • Nick McGee • April Sither
Town Council meets the first and third Wednesday of each month. Visit our online calendar for links to attend and view agendas.
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Add Native Plants to Your Home Landscape
By Marla Zando, Conservation Commission
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In home landscapes, consider landscaping not just for aesthetic purposes but for increasing habitat and food sources for wildlife. Homeowners are looking to augment the biodiversity of their properties with Maine native plants that attract birds, insects, and mammals that are also native.
The plants and animals that were in the area now known as Maine, prior to European settlement, are considered native. Why are native plants on our properties so important to our wildlife and the ecosystem that we live within? With habitat loss due to the construction of roads, bridges, and buildings, many wildlife species do not have the space they need to nest, breed, and raise their young. If wildlife cannot find what they need in a patch of habitat, they will move to find it, even to their own demise.
Fortunately, native Maine plants are adapted to the local climate and will thrive if they are planted in appropriate spaces based on their needs for sunlight and water. Also, fortunate, is that native plants don’t need fertilizers to grow well. They will erupt through leaf mulch in the spring without a problem, as they evolved to do. The best native plants are grown from seed collected in Maine in the wild. Learn more about local organizations selling native species. |
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This educational information was contributed by the Conservation Commission, a volunteer committee with the Town of Scarborough.
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Scarborough Public Library Upcoming Programs |
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Summer Reading Programs
There’s still time to sign up for summer reading programs, all ages welcome! Oceans of Possibilities-themed programming will be ongoing through July and into early August. Youth Services has reading logs for children ages birth through middle school. The week of July 5 is Puzzle Week and the week of July 11 is Message in a Bottle. Summer Reading Program participants are invited to an Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, August 9 at 4:00pm. Stop by Youth Services to sign up for summer reading and pick up a reading log. Adult Services offers Summer Reading BINGO. Visit the library to learn more and get a BINGO card.
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Outdoor Story Time
Wednesday, July 6, 10am
Police Chief Mark Holmquist will be the guest reader for Outdoor Story Time on Wednesday, July 6 at 10am. Children of all ages and families are welcome to join us for this free event. Bring something to sit on and join us outside Youth Services for stories followed by a chance to explore a Scarborough Police cruiser! This outdoor program is weather dependent; please watch for updates on the Library website.
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Art on the Lawn
Saturday, July 30, 9:00am-Noon
This outdoor celebration of the arts will feature fine arts, literary arts, and fiber arts. It will feature the Library Sketching Group, the Library Knitting Group, violinists Diane and Lisa Pettipaw, and Scarborough children’s author, Elisa Boxer. Join us for a fun and festive morning at the Library to close out July! Rain date of Sunday, July 31.
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Scarborough Farmers Market
Come see us at the Scarborough Farmers’ Market and at the Concerts in the Park in July! We’ll be at all the concerts and at the ScarboroughHelps.org tent at the Farmers’ Market on Sunday mornings, July 10 and 17 to answer all questions about the library and the proposed library expansion. The market runs from 9am to 1pm. Other Scarborough nonprofit organizations can sign up to display at the Farmers’ Market. To learn more, contact Marla Zando, mkzando@gmail.com. |
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Library Hours
Monday – 9am to 5pm • Tuesday – 9am to 7pm • Wednesday – 9am to 7pm • Thursday – 9am to 7pm • Friday – 9am to 5pm • Saturday – 9am to 5pm • Sunday – Closed
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Click on the calendar event to view Town Council meeting Zoom links |
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Please email us if you have ideas for stories. Note: Our website is the central repository for Town information.
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