The start of a new school year has arrived and Fall is approaching! Road work, Council decision-making, and community events all continue into the coming season. Read on for more insight on these topics, as well as for information on our new tax rate and getting signed up for some fun fall programs! We hope you find our newsletters to be a helpful source of Town news, and a launching point to our website to dive deeper into your areas of interest, meeting minutes, and more.

Town Offices will be closed on Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day. Trash pickup remains on schedule.

Labor Day Week Trash Collection (No Changes)

Trash collection will remain on schedule for Labor Day week, September 2-6, 2024. Questions? Contact our Public Works department at pwinfo@scarboroughmaine.org or 207.730.4400.

2024-25 Tax Rate Set

Tax Bills to be mailed this week

The 2024-2025 property tax rate has been set by the Town Assessor, committed on August 21, 2024. The Town of Scarborough’s new tax rate is now $10.93 per $1,000 of property value for the 2025 fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. The new rate applies to the taxes due on October 15, 2024 and March 17, 2025. Fall tax bills will be sent out by the first week of September.  

About the FY2025 Process

The new tax rate is down $5.04 from the prior rate of $15.97. This 31.56% decrease from last year is primarily the result of the Town-wide Revaluation of all properties performed to bring assessments in alignment with current market value. The total Town-wide assessed value of all taxable real and personal property is $7,821,453,300, an increase of $2,678,870,124 over the prior year.

How Do We Calculate the Tax Rate?

The tax rate is determined by taking the total Tax Levy (combined municipal, school, and county budgets minus all revenues) and dividing it by the total Taxable Valuation. In short, Tax Levy/Taxable Valuation = Tax Rate.

Part of finalizing the total taxable valuation entails the Assessing department reviewing properties each year as of April 1st, the state-mandated assessment date, for any changes prior to finalizing assessments. 2024 assessments and property details are available on our online database. Please note that because assessments are as of April 1, any changes to a property since then (including changes in ownership) will not be reflected online. 

What is My Annual Tax Bill?

The annual tax bill for each property is calculated by multiplying the taxable value (assessed value, less exemptions) by the tax rate. For example, a home assessed at $600,000, with a 25,000 homestead exemption, would owe $6,285 in property taxes for fiscal year 2024-2025 (575,000 x 0.01093 = $6,285).  

Although assessments have been finalized, property owners are always welcome to review their property information and reach out to our Assessing department with any questions. Contact us at (207) 730-4060, email reval@scarboroughmaine.org, or visit our office on the lower level of Town Hall. Additional information, including the 2024-2025 Assessor’s Report to Town Council, is available on the Assessing page of the Town’s website.

Pay your property taxes online, by mail, or by coming into our Revenue Office (main floor to the right of the entrance) during business hours.

Vote for the Winners: Summer Photo Contest

'Like' your top picks on Facebook!

This was a very well documented summer for Scarborough! We received over 150 submissions to our "Summer Outdoors" photo contest in categories ranging from beaches to wildlife. 

Now it's time to VOTE! 'Like' your favorites in the Facebook photo album from now through September 12. No limit to how many likes you give out—spread the compliments! The photo with the most Likes in each category will be announced in our September 15th newsletter and win a local prize. Thanks to Highland Farm, Oak Hill Ace Hardware, The Dairy Corner, Bite Into Maine, Nonesuch River Brewing, and Dunstan Tap & Table for the prizes!

Check Out Some of the Beach-Themed Entries...

"Love on Higgins" by Julie Savage

"Ferry Fridays With Friends" by Sheena Gorsun

"Sunrise Surfers" by Annika Hughes

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. Does it make a difference? Councilor Jon Anderson describes a perfect example of how it does in his Council Corner article below.

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. 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 definitely read.

Attend a Council Corner Live: This event format started a couple of 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.

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 below 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 the Scarborough Leader, and periodically check the What's Happening page on the website.

Last Chance: Nomination Papers to Run Due By Sept 4

Do you have an interest in serving on a Board or Council to support your community? Now's your chance— nomination papers are available for the following races:

• Town Council - 2 seats for a 3-Year term to expire 2027

• Town Council - 1 seat to fill a vacancy created by Jean-Marie Caterina, with a term to expire in 2026

• School Board - 1 seat to fill a vacancy created by Carolyn Gammon, with a term to expire in June of 2026

• Sanitary District Trustees - 2 seats for a 3-Year term to expire 2027

Nomination papers can be picked up and submitted in the Town Clerk's office on the main level of Town Hall and must be returned by September 4.

Plan Ahead: Request an Absentee Ballot

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. If you plan to vote prior to election day or want to avoid the lines, it's time to request an absentee ballot.

Request an absentee ballot by completing an Application for an Absentee Ballot. Please print and complete the form, then mail it to the Scarborough Town Clerk's Office at P.O. Box 360, Scarborough, ME 04070-0360 or fill out the e‑form request. Absentee ballots will be mailed when they are available in early October.

For further information on Absentee Voting and Voter Registration, please contact the Scarborough Town Clerk's Office at 730-4020.

Community Center Feasibility Study Presented Last Week

A community center feasibility study was presented to the Town Council last week by architectural consultant UTILE and the Ad Hoc Community Center committee. Interest in a community center has been a years-long discussion and expressed by residents in multiple surveys, as recently as last year and as far back as 1978 and 2003. This study was pursued in order to respond to the ongoing interest that the community has brought forward.

The purpose of the feasibility study was 1) research, analysis and programming; 2) community input on programming and site; 3) conceptual layouts and design studies; and 4) cost estimating and forecasting.

After doing research and analysis to set the stage for the feasibility study, the project team moved to a community input phase to identify program needs and the function of the building. They learned that the most requested spaces were a lap pool for the high school swim program, a recreation pool for swim lessons and aquatherapy, gym space, an indoor walking track, and multi-use community meeting rooms. They also heard of a need for another place for students to go after school.

Phase 3 was "Conceptual Layout and Design Studies". They selected the ice rink site on municipal campus, which is centrally located to schools and neighborhoods, and has nearby parking and land availability. They also formulated a model that would operate at 96% cost recovery. The total project cost estimate of the building, equipment, furniture and

design services is $82 million (in 2024 dollars).

After hearing the presentation and weighing in, the Town Council chose to hold on moving the project forward until there is a plan in place for a school solution. They plan to have it go to the Finance committee, which is working toward developing a multi-year Capital Facilities prioritization list representing $5M+ investments over the next 20 years. Having a feasibility study for the community center project ensures that the work is ready to move forward when and if the time comes.

Watch the workshop

Design rendering of a potential community center site

Town Approves Public Safety Collective Bargaining Agreements

The Town Council ratified three public safety collective bargaining agreements at their August 21, 2024 meeting. The agreements cover the over 90 police officers, firefighters and emergency dispatchers who make up nearly half of all full-time municipal employees.

The agreements were struck in the midst of one of the most competitive labor markets in recent memory, with near record low unemployment and still high inflation creating upward pressure on wages. Within the governmental sector, specifically local government, public safety positions have been exceedingly difficult to fill, and vacancies place greater strain on existing employees, increasing employee burnout and creating greater overtime expense to the Town.

In order to remain competitive and fill their vacancies, public safety agencies across Maine have been increasing wages at unprecedented rates. At the start of the last agreements (2021), Scarborough was likely one of the highest paying municipalities in Southern Maine. As of June, 2024, all three groups (Police, Fire, Dispatch) were between 3% and 8% below the regional average, and far below the highest paid agencies. The approved contracts address these market disparities to improve our labor market competitiveness. The agreement also adds new incentives to recruit and retain staff.

The contracts include significant investments in mental health and physical wellness for our first responders. Our public safety employees are tasked with listening and responding to some of the most horrific scenes imaginable. Studies show that this line of work often comes with a cost to the individual’s mental health, physical health, and personal relationships. The Mental Health program will require all employees to have an annual appointment with a licensed clinician specializing in public safety and other high stress occupations. The appointment removes any stigma with seeking help and will allow issues or concerns to be referred for additional intervention before it could potentially become more problematic and apparent. Also included is a strongly incentivized physical fitness program.

In the latest community survey, our public safety services earned a satisfaction rating of 93%, nearly 27% higher than both the regional and national averages. The agreements ensure that our dedicated first responders will continue to serve the Scarborough community for years to come.

Council Votes Next Week on Ballot Referendum Questions

Next week on September 4, the Town Council will have a second reading and vote on the three items being considered for the November ballot: a new fire engine, police cameras, and funds for the land bond. The Town Council first held a workshop and regular meeting to discuss these on July 17 (View here).

Cruiser & Body Worn Cameras (Police Department) $1M

The equipment will be used by sworn officers to record certain interactions while on duty and would bring the Scarborough Police department up to industry standards. Scarborough is one of only a few departments in Southern Maine who do not possess either camera.

Informational Meetings

Scarborough Police is hosting three informational meetings to allow the community to learn more directly from the department. Their first was held last Thursday, August 29 and there are two more scheduled:

Thursday, September 26, 6:00-7:30pm

Public Safety Building; Zoom

Thursday, October 24, 6:00-7:30pm

Public Safety Building; Zoom

Replacement Pumper Truck (Fire Department) $1M

Commonly referred to as a fire engine. It would replace a 20-year old truck and is scheduled as part of the department's Apparatus Replacement Plan. As the current vehicle ages, it becomes more expensive to maintain and to purchase a new one.

Did you know? The Scarborough Fire Department has utilized its apparatus replacement plan for more than eighty years. It considers vehicle use, age, and the associated amount and costs of maintenance.  

Land Bond Replenishment $6M

The Parks and Conservation Land Bond is now nearly depleted after supporting the purchases of several conservation projects. This approval would replenish the bond that is used to support land purchases for conservation, public access, recreation, and wildlife protection.

Land bond funds have supported 20 projects benefiting Scarborough and its residents, including: 

• Three working farms: Broadturn, Comstock and Frith

• Three historical structures: Beech Ridge Schoolhouse, Alger Hall, and the Danish Village Archway

• Key parcels protecting rivers, streams and Scarborough Marsh: Beaver Brook, Silver Brook I and II, Blue Point I and II, Warren Woods I, II and III, preserve expansions

• Publicly accessible preserves with Scarborough Land Trust funding and land management: Pleasant Hill, Warren Woods, Fuller Farm, Broadturn, Blue Point, and Silver Brook in the future

Broadturn Farm

Sustainability Matters: Open Space Plan

Our Sustainability Manager Jami Fitch supports all sustainability-related projects underway within the Town's scope of work. Right now she is busy coordinating the Open Space Plan and Vulnerability Assessment—two projects that were approved in the FY2024 budget—plus gearing up for Sustainable Scarborough Day on October 6. To get a closer look at what this entails, we're diving into a mini series for the next few newsletters to learn more from Jami herself. Let's hear about the Open Space Plan first...

How did the idea for this project come about? Do other communities have an Open Space Plan?

Many other towns in our region and in the State have open space plans, including South Portland, Windham, Yarmouth, and Falmouth.

The Conservation Commission and Councilor Shupe advocated for funding for an Open Space Plan for Scarborough as part of the FY24 budget. The Plan directly ties to the Town’s 30x30 goal, which aims to conserve 30% of Scarborough by 2030. The Plan will establish a baseline for how much of Scarborough is currently conserved or is publicly-accessible open space and set priorities and recommend strategies for increasing conserved land in Scarborough. 

Who makes up the Open Space Plan team?

The Open Space Plan is guided by the Ad-Hoc Open Space Committee. The Committee members represent other Town committees, like the Conservation Commission, Community Services Advisory Board, Parks and Conservation Land Board, and others. Staff from the Planning, Engineering & Technical Services, and Community Services Departments are also on the team. The Town hired a local planning firm, Viewshed, to develop the Plan.  

What's a challenge of this project? 

We’re fortunate that this project has gone smoothly so far. The biggest challenge is collecting community feedback. Summer in Maine is a difficult time for community engagement because people tend to spend their time soaking up the good weather. We hope more people will complete the online feedback activity in the fall once lives return to a more normal daily routine. 

Open Space Plan: Share Your Feedback Online

Share your thoughts through two activities on our project website: 1. Drop a pin on the map and share thoughts on locations we should consider in the open space plan. 2. Share which Resource Categories you would like the community to prioritize in future open space conservation efforts.

The Town is working with consultants to develop a Conservation Open Space Plan. The Plan will identify priority areas and their potential for conservation, but it needs your input. Visit the interactive project website to explore maps and share your ideas. This collection period is limited, so add your feedback soon.

The team from Viewshed will use the community feedback to create a map of conservation priorities that will appear in the final Open Space Plan. A draft plan will be available for review in late 2024, and the final plan will be presented to the Town Council in early 2025. Through the development and implementation of this plan, the Town aims to maintain its character and ensure the future of Scarborough’s landscapes and natural resources.

If you have questions on the Open Space Plan or the planning process, please contact Jami Fitch, Sustainability Manager, at jfitch@scarboroughmaine.org. 

Vulnerability Assessment Neighborhood Meetings

The Town of Scarborough is hosting neighborhood meetings with its consultants (GEI) to inform more about the Flood Vulnerability Assessment that is currently underway. The neighborhood meetings are scheduled as follows:

Higgins Beach

Thursday, September 5, 6:00-7:00pm

Higgins Beach Clubhouse, 49 Greenwood Ave

Zoom

Pine Point

Tuesday, September 24, 6:00-7:00pm

Pine Point Fire Station, 12 King Street

Zoom

Preliminary findings for these areas will be shared at these meetings.  

Storm damage at Pine Point, January 2024.

The Vulnerability Assessment is the first step to improve Scarborough’s flood resiliency. It will provide the Town with a prioritized list of vulnerable areas and infrastructure, suggest adaptations to improve resiliency to floods, and recommend other actions the Town should consider. GEI will also develop initial concept plans for some of the sites identified in the Assessment. Additional engineering and construction work will be needed when the Town begins to address the vulnerable areas and infrastructure.  

Results of the Vulnerability Assessment will be compiled into an interactive StoryMap. The draft StoryMap will be available in early 2025, and the project is scheduled to wrap up in the summer of 2025. 

If you have questions about the Vulnerability Assessment, please contact Jami Fitch, Sustainability Manager, at jfitch@scarboroughmaine.org.

One Month Away: Sustainable Scarborough Day

The Town of Scarborough is hosting its second annual Sustainable Scarborough Day on Sunday, October 6, bringing together everyone from the environmentally conscious to the eco-curious for a day of learning and fun. The event will be held from 10:00am-2:00pm at Wentworth School, 20 Quentin Drive on the municipal/school campus. This is a family friendly event with activities for all ages!

What to Expect

• Meet with experts, local businesses, nonprofits, and enthusiasts on topics ranging from sustainable living, efficient homes, transportation, landscapes, recreation, waste management, land conservation, and climate action.

• Attend a workshop, learn about saving money with state and federal efficiency rebates and tax credits, and test drive an electric vehicle or e-bike. Sustainable Scarborough Day will be Southern Maine’s largest National Drive Electric Week event!

• Enjoy live music from the Maine Marimba Ensemble and a tasty treat from the local food trucks that will be at the event.

How It Started

The idea for Sustainable Scarborough Day came about in 2022. It was sparked by the Sustainability Committee and Conservation Commission as a way to educate community members about the efficiency incentives available as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. “We hope residents find this day informative and return home with useful low-cost next steps that will reduce household expenses and lead the way to a more sustainable community,” says Rick Meinking, Sustainability Committee chair.

Who Will Be There?

Several vendors are participating on-site for Sustainable Scarborough Day, ranging from farms, to nonprofits, advocacy groups, heat pump companies and more.

• Building Decarbonization Coalition will team up with the Scarborough Sustainability Committee to offer demonstrations of induction cooking. Come hungry - they’re serving up samples! 

• The US Fish and Wildlife Service will offer fun and engaging activities about pollinators, including Pollinator Plinko trivia game and pollinator dress-up. 

• Scarborough’s own MePowered Pastries will offer recipes and activities to reduce food waste.

• Scarborough volunteer nonprofit Project GRACE will be doing demos of simple DIYs to snug up drafty homes.

• Efficiency Maine will provide information about rebates and incentives to reduce home energy costs. Several Efficiency Maine-approved vendors will also be at the event talking about heat pumps, solar energy, home insulation, and more!

Join Us

Interested in participating as a local vendor with sustainability-related information? It’s not too late! Please contact Sustainability Coordinator Jami Fitch at jfitch@scarboroughmaine.org.

September 14: Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Safely dispose of your household hazardous waste on Saturday, September 14 from 8:00am-Noon at Biddeford Public Works, 371 Hill Street. This is the last of the three events for the summer.

Scarborough Public Works has coordinated these 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.

Unwanted Pesticide Collection Coming in October

The Maine Board of Pesticides Control is offering free collection of unwanted pesticides this fall. Those who wish to participate must pre-register by September 25, 2024. The chemical name, amount, and condition of the products to be disposed will be needed during the registration process. 

Collections will take place in October, and participants will be notified of the specific location, date, and time of the event in an informational packet, which will be sent two weeks prior to the event. 

Please contact the Maine Board of Pesticides Control with questions. They can be reached at (207) 287-2731 or pesticides@maine.gov.

Find Fall Programs in the New Brochure

Fall is just around the corner🍂 Check out our Fall 2024 Brochure for upcoming Active Adult, Teen, and Youth programs! Featuring:

• Hawaiian-themed luau and catered pig roast at Fort Williams Park (55+)

• Maine Yarn "Cruise" (21+)

• Tennis in the Parks (18+)

• Corn Maze (Grades 6-8)

• Beginner Bollywood Dance (Youth ages 6+)

• Pumpkin Carving Night (Families, all ages)

Take a look at all offerings in the Fall Programs Brochure.

New K9 Team: Officer Robyn Stankevitz and K9 Jax

Officer Robyn Stankevitz was recently selected to be the Scarborough Police Department’s newest K9 handler. Last week, Officer Stankevitz met her new K9 partner, an extremely social 10-month old Belgian Malinois. They have spent time training and bonding and are doing fantastic together. Congratulations Robyn and Jax! We are excited to see what the two of you can do for our community!

School Building Advisory Committee Moves to Phase 2

The School Building Advisory Committee formed in February and was comprised of community members and representation from Scarborough Town Council and School Board. They were charged to provide guidance and recommendations regarding a solution to current and future facilities deficiencies in our K-8 schools. Their work concluded in June with a final presentation on four exploratory new school solution concepts, ranging from adding a new school, consolidating existing schools, and putting additions on schools. All four concepts were recommended to move forward to Phase 2 of the process, where they will be thoroughly vetted by professional design and engineering teams. 

The School Board and the Town Council are currently in the process of reviewing the SBAC Phase 2 charge. The second reading for the charge is set for the next Town Council on Wednesday, September 4th and the next School Board meeting on Thursday, September 5th. 

The SBAC Phase 2 application period is scheduled to open on Friday, September 13th with an anticipated close date of September 27th. The application will be open for the following positions: 

• Three (3) Residents At-Large 

• Three (3) Alternate Members- Residents 

Town Council Corner: Addressing Traffic & Transportation Challenges, One Step at a Time

By Jon Anderson, 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.

Traffic continues to be one of the biggest stated concerns in our community. It’s not one that is easily, quickly, or inexpensively resolved. However, the Town has a commitment to promote safe and efficient movement of all modes of transportation throughout our community. This year, the Town instituted a Traffic Calming Policy in collaboration with residents so you can request an analysis to assess your concerns and receive an appropriate data-driven solution by Town experts. The first project that went through the policy has been evaluated, resulting in safety improvements.

“After witnessing dangerous speeding on Maple Avenue for many years and almost getting hit in a crosswalk last October, I thought speed tables would be a great solution,” says Averyl Hill, a Maple Ave resident. “Problem was, I was told that the town had a ‘no speed tables’ policy yet there was no clear policy addressing the issue. In collaboration with dedicated neighbors on my street and neighborhood, I and another point-of-contact worked with the Town Engineer, Public Safety and Public Works to help draft Scarborough’s first ever Traffic Calming Policy. Part of that policy includes speed tables, and we now have our first permanent speed table after meeting the new criteria!”  

I want to thank staff in the Public Safety, Engineering Department and Public Works and the residents on Maple Ave and Payne Road for working collaboratively with residents to put this policy in place. I encourage anyone who has a concern about traffic safety to submit an application on the Scarborough Police Department webpage so that it can be reviewed by the Town for potential action. Please note that not all roads in Scarborough are owned by the Town. Many of our major roads like Rt. 1 are State-owned, and any action requires partnership with Maine DOT that may require separate action outside of this policy.

While this policy is a reactive policy to address concerns brought forward by residents, the Town with the Transportation Committee have been working on a proactive town-wide Transportation Study. The purpose of the study is to provide direction and focus for the Town's future capital spending related to traffic and transportation needs. This includes prioritizing key roadways and intersections for improvements, enabling a biking system across Scarborough, and ensuring better pedestrian safety. Further studies will be required on prioritized areas of work. An early input to the study has informed changes in our impact fees for new development that will help to build reserves needed to make improvements along Payne Road. This will be a long-term project which requires coordination with DOT and is not likely to happen near term. The Transportation Committee is wrapping up its feedback on the study; it will be shared with the Council this fall to guide future capital priorities for traffic and transportation improvements.  

You can’t talk about traffic today without addressing the Gorham Connector. In February, the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) proposed a four-lane toll road solution to address traffic issues in the region that predominantly impact North Scarborough. I have talked with many residents who do not support the solution and have read the many emails sharing valid concerns. On September 18th at 5:30pm, the Council will have a workshop with Maine DOT and the MTA and then possibly vote on a resolution to take a position on their proposal. Whatever the position may be, there is a traffic issue in the region that needs to be addressed. It will require regional collaboration with our neighboring towns and state/regional agencies who specialize in transportation to address it. But most importantly, it needs to be a solution that our community accepts and is best aligned with our commitment to not only address traffic, but supporting the environment including protecting farmlands, providing alternative modes of transportation, managing growth and other areas that our community values.  

The Town is listening and taking action. Sometimes we may be slow, like being stuck in 5 o’clock traffic, but everyone is working diligently to be responsive and make our community better each and every day.  

Front, left to right: Tody Justice (Town Clerk), Nick McGee (Chair), Tom Hall (Town Manager)

Back, left to right: Karin Shupe, Jon Anderson, Don Cushing, Jean-Marie Caterina, April Sither, Don Hamill

Scarborough Town Council

Nick McGee, Chair • April Sither, Vice Chair • Jonathan Anderson • Jean-Marie Caterina • Don Cushing • Don Hamill • Karin Shupe

Town Council meets the first and third Wednesday of each month. Visit our Town Calendar for links to attend and view agendas.

Events & Programs at Scarborough Public Library

Clothing Swap

Sunday, September 8, 12:00-3:00pm

Email Elsa at ERowe@scarboroughlibrary.org to volunteer*

A new school year, even if you're not in school, feels like a fresh start. Clean out your closets and join us for a Clothing Swap. Donate your clean, gently worn clothing and accessories ahead of time for an early-shopping ticket (starts at noon). Same-day donations or no donation participants are welcome to join at 1:00pm. *Volunteer to help set-up, run, or take-down the event for extra early “shopping” privileges!

Donations will only be accepted on Saturday, September 7 from 9am-4:30pm. Please donate washed, gently used clothing and other apparel items, for babies & kids through adults. We're also accepting new or like-new board books for our We Grow Book Babies project with the Book Fairy Pantry Project. Please bring bagged donations to the lobby. 

Armchair Traveler: Inn Mates

Tuesday, September 10, 12:00-1:00pm

Register

Join Teri Anderholm, author of Inn Mates, for a Lunch & Learn about her memoir. We'll have snacks and drinks, and feel free to bring a lunch. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Inn Mates is a lively chronicle of two Boston corporate escapees who dreamt of owning a luxury inn in Bar Harbor, Maine. The inn was a passion, sometimes a prison, while serving five-star hospitality to a parade of guests who taught them lessons of gratitude, humility, love, and laughter in the midst of life’s hurricanes.

“Hugely entertaining! Brightly written and full of eye-popping tales of human frailty and hubris, this memoir reads like a suspense novel. I couldn’t put it down.” —Monica Wood, author of The One-in-a-Million Boy, When We Were the Kennedys, and Any Bitter Thing

Our Story is One

Thursday, September 19, 12:00-1:00pm

Register

#OurStoryIsOne is a global art movement that commemorates Baha’i women who were killed for their religious identity. This is also a personal story for Maine resident, local activist, and artist Parivash Rohani. This exhibition, lecture, and Q&A seeks to highlight how local women’s stories can become global symbols of standing up for justice and equality.

"Screened Out" Film & Discussion

Thursday, September 19, 6:30-8:30pm

Register

Hot off the heels of our "Anxious Generation" discussions, join us for a showing and discussion of "Screened Out." Filmmaker John Hyatt talks to kids, parents and experts about the impact and chilling consequences of constant smartphone screen time in today's world. From 2020, but still relevant, this film runs 1hr 10min. Note: This is a new date