Thursday, August 18th
Special Notices
Community Survey Results Are Available
The results of the Community Survey are live! This survey was completed earlier this year and was aimed at understanding the sentiment of our citizens as it relates to the current state, as well as the possibilities for the future. You will remember, the Community Survey also utilized questions from the 2007 comprehensive plan survey to allow an apples to apples comparison of the responses today to those from 2007. This is a unique opportunity for our evolving community, that we wanted to take advantage of. Learn more here. 

If you have questions on the survey, please contact [email protected] for more information.
What 3 words mean Cumberland to you?

The Word Bubble above comes directly from Question 1 of the Community Survey. These are the words that you, the residents, used to describe Cumberland. The largest words were the words used most frequently. While we know there is always opportunity for improvement, the Town of Cumberland takes great pride in community being the most used word.

Thank you for all you do to enhance this community and thank you for taking the time to fill out the survey!
LCC Members Needed

The Lands and Conservation Commission (LCC) is looking for new members! The LCC, and its subcommittees, work to promote the conservation of natural resources and encourage the conservation of water, land, and open space and vistas within the town. The LCC oversees the Town's forests and recreational trails as well as researches and recommends better methods to address environmental issues. The LCC has the following openings:

  • 1 member for the Commission
  • 1 member for the Trails subcommittee
  • 2 members for the Sustainability subcommittee.

Applications can be found on the here or by contacting Brenda Moore @ 829-2205.
Fall Brochure is LIVE
The Community Recreation 2022 Fall Brochure is now available for viewing. In addition to the electronic copy, a paper version of brochure will be available at Cumberland Town, Prince Memorial Library and the North Yarmouth Community Center. Registrations begin for Fall/Early Winter Programs both online and in person beginning Tuesday, August 23rd at 8am.
Notice: Work in Town Forest

The Public Works staff, working with the Lands and Conservation Commission, have begun to cut down the buckthorn, bittersweet and other invasive species in the Town Forest - starting approximately at the Storybook cut-across, moving toward Town Hall. This is part of the ongoing invasive mitigation process we began several years ago and will need to continue.

Please avoid getting too close to the equipment as the work progresses.
Council, Board and Committee News
This Monday, August 22nd, the Town Council will consider a proposed amendment to the Town Charter, regarding the swearing in of newly elected Council members. Currently, Councilors elect are sworn in the first Monday following the June election. With this amendment, Councilors elect would be sworn in on the second Monday of July. This additional period would allow incoming Councilors time to prepare for this new role, as well as, give outgoing Councilors the opportunity to bring projects to a close – adding up to an increasingly smooth transition for the Town Council as a whole. This small window would also bring the Council in line with the transition time for MSAD #51 school board members, after the same June elections.

If you would like to join us and learn more, the meeting begins at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers or you can watch live here.
Town Council Meeting
Monday, August 22, 2022
6:00 P.M. Workshop with the Lands & Conservation Commission
re: Forest Management Plan
7:00 P.M. Call to Order
Meetings can be watched live on Channel 2 or YouTube 
Back Row (L to R): Ronald Copp, Michael Edes, Tig Filson, Robert Vail
Front Row (L to R): Mark Segrist (Vice Chair), Allison Foster (Chair), Shirley Storey-King

To view the Town Council Agenda for August 22 - Click here.
Employment Opportunity News

Patrol Officer
 
The Town of Cumberland is accepting applications for one full-time patrol officer. We seek candidates who possess impeccable credentials, are of the highest moral character, and have the personal and philosophical desire and drive to serve our community. We believe that our most important organizational asset is our personnel, and we have high expectations of our patrol officers and police department.
 

Paramedic/Firefighter

The Town of Cumberland Fire Department is accepting applications for ONE full-time Paramedic/Firefighter. We are looking for a positive and motivated individual to join our family. The desired candidate should be a Maine licensed Paramedic or Advanced EMT (must become a paramedic within 24 months) and be Firefighter I & II Certified.

Town Clerk News
Notice: Electoral Districts
Electoral Districts Based on the 2020 Census (covering 2022- 2031)

The 130th Legislature, in the Second Special Session, passed 4 public laws establishing the apportionment of the U.S. Congressional Districts, Maine Senate Districts, Maine House of Representative Districts and County Commissioner Districts. Apportionment, sometimes called redistricting, is the process of creating voting districts for the purpose of organizing elections. Because a state's population can grow, shrink or shift, voting districts are adjusted or redrawn every 10 years in Maine. In general, the purpose is to make sure all districts have about the same number of people in them so that all citizens have equal representation in government.

These public laws were signed by the Governor on September 29, 2021, and will be in effect for candidates and voters participating in the June 14, 2022 Primary Election and the November 8, 2022 General Election. 

NEW
Senate District 25 
House of Representative District 110
 
For additional information- click here.
Property Tax Stabilization for Senior Citizens, also known as the Property Tax Stabilization Program (the “Program”), is a State program that allows certain senior-citizen residents to stabilize, or freeze, the property taxes on their homestead. Applications are now available and the filing deadline is December 1, 2022.

For an explanation of the State and Town programs that could lesson your annual property tax expense, watch this recent Town Council meeting here.
Jump ahead to minute 25:30.

To learn more about all exemptions and tax relief programs, click here.
Our Annual Senior Tax Assistance Rebate program is happening. Letters and applications were mailed to previous applicants. They can be printed from the link below or found at Town Hall. To be eligible for the program, you must meet all of the following qualifications:
 
  • 70 years of age or older
  • Homestead in the Town of Cumberland
  • Resident of the Town of Cumberland for at least 10 years
  • Combined household income does not exceed $91,000
 
How to Apply:
Stop by Cumberland Town Hall during business hours. A staff member will review your application in 5 minutes or less. No appointment necessary!
 
What to Bring:
When you come to Cumberland Town Hall, please bring the following with you:

  •  Application
  • A copy of your 2021 tax filing (If you do not file taxes, please bring 1099’s or other forms to document income.)
  • Renters: a copy of your lease.
 
If you have any questions about the Senior Tax Assistance program, please contact Whitney Miller at 558-9124 or [email protected]
November 8th General Election

The online portal is now open for the November 8th General Election. Request your ballot here.

Please note the ballots won't be available until 30 days before Election Day. All requested ballots will be mailed as soon as possible, the week of October 11th.
Recreation Department News
Fall Brochure is LIVE
In case you missed it above - The Community Recreation 2022 Fall Brochure is now available for viewing. In addition to the electronic copy, a paper version of brochure will be available at Cumberland Town, Prince Memorial Library and the North Yarmouth Community Center. Registrations begin for Fall/Early Winter Programs both online and in person beginning Tuesday, August 23rd at 8am.

Registrations for Pre K & K soccer are currently being accepted until programs fill.

Registration for the Lost Valley and Shawnee Peak Programs will open on Wednesday, October 12th.

We look forward to offering you a wide variety of new and popular programs, activities & events for all ages this upcoming Fall & early Winter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 829-2208.

Beginning Tuesday, August 23rd you may register in person OR Online Here!
13th Annual Greely Alumni Golf Tournament
This Annual Tournament benefits the Greely Boys Basketball and Greely Golf Program.

Friday, August 26 at 9:00am.
$100 per person. Lunch provided at the turn.

Sponsorships are available. For Sponsorship information and questions, please contact Travis Seaver at [email protected].

To register, click here.
MSAD #51 News
MSAD #51 Board of Directors meeting scheduled for Monday, August 22, 2022 at 6:00 pm in the Gyger Room at Greely High School.

Effective immediately, unless otherwise noted, all meetings will take place at 6:00 pm in the Gyger Room at Greely High School. For those of you unfamiliar with that room, the Gyger Room is where the Board met pre-COVID and can be accessed from the GHS parking lot (the side without the electronic sign).

Click HERE for the agenda. View a live stream of our School Board Meetings on YouTube LIVE.
Prince Memorial Library News
Outdoor Movies and Thursday Striders - be sure to check out the PML weekly newsletter. There is lots happening at the Library this summer!
Outdoor movies are here!
Despicable Me: Thursday, Aug. 18 (Tonight!!)
The Wizard of Oz: Friday, Sept. 2
At 7:45 p.m. (Movie begins at 8 p.m.)
On the library back lawn
No registration required
Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on. We'll have free popcorn to share. All showings are weather permitting. Keep an eye on our Youth Services Facebook page and on our website.
Click each movie link (above) to add it to your digital calendar.
Our annual Star Party Returns!
Thursday, August 25
Gather/ice cream: 7:15 p.m.
Guided star tour: 7:45 p.m.
At Twin Brook Recreation Area

Astronomer Edward Gleason, manager of Southworth Planetarium, takes us on a tour of the night sky. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxed evening under the stars. Did we mention that there will be ice cream? (Pssst! This year, the ice cream is from Toots).

This event is dependent upon fair weather and clear skies. Stay tuned to our Facebook page or website for weather cancellations. Cloud/raindates: August 26 or August 27.
Community News
August Story Walk
 
There is a new book up in the Town Forest Story Walk - The Sea Chest by Toni Buzzeo.
 
The Town Forest Story Walk is located behind Town Hall at 290 Tuttle Road.
Happy walking and reading!
Joshua Chamberlain: How the Man Became the Legend
Presented by Cumberland Historical Society
August 24, 2022 at 6:30 pm
Cumberland Fire Station Community Room (Lower Outside Entrance)
Open to Non-Members for a suggested donation of $5

Join Bill Green as he talks about Joshua Chamberlain, one of Maine’s most famous sons. Chamberlain is also known and respected throughout the nation. How did this happen? What were the key moments in Chamberlain’s life? How were these moments instrumental in bringing fame to Chamberlain role in history? How were these moments reported at the time of their happening and how are they recorded now? Mark your calendar and join us for this interesting lecture.
Maine Micro-Artisan Fair that's at West Cumberland Hall this Saturday - learn more here!
Farmers Market
Saturdays from 10am-1pm at
Cumberland Town Hall
 
Stop by Cumberland Town Hall on Saturdays from 10am-1pm to support local and purchase fresh produce, meats, prepared foods, baked goods, flowers, and more!
 
Pine Ridge Acres Fall Fest Coming Soon - Learn more here!