2023.11.24--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 25
Table of Contents |
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- News & Issues
- Ongoing Initiatives
- Events
- Take Note
- Falmouth Public Schools
- Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
- Stay Informed
Please note, currently the Table of Contents links feature is not supported by all email clients or browsers. Scroll down to read the newsletter.
News & Issues |
Holiday Closures & Hours
With the exception of essential public safety operations, Town offices and facilities are closed today, Friday, November 24 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Find online services here.
The Transfer Station is also closed today, Friday, November 24. It will reopen on Saturday, November 25 for regular hours, 9am-5pm.
Trash and recycling collection on Thursday, November 23 (Thanksgiving Day ) was postponed until Saturday, November 25. If your collection regularly occurs on Thursdays, place your trash and recycling curbside by 7am on Saturday, November 25 to ensure collection.
Greater Portland Metro Offers New Ten Ride Pass
The Ten Ride pass is now available from Greater Portland Metro, Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit (BSOOB Transit), and South Portland Bus Service. The DiriGo Ten Ride Pass is the perfect option for riding the bus with family, friends, or small groups travelling together and an easy choice for individuals who only ride occasionally, or those who wish to use their DiriGo Pass in group settings. The Ten-Ride Pass is another way for transit riders in Greater Portland to pay their fare at a discounted rate. Rides are applied to your account and deducted every time you take a trip. DiriGo Ten Ride Passes are available only on DiriGo accounts applied to a DiriGo Card or Umo app. After they’re purchased, the Ten-Ride Pass works automatically until it is depleted. Unlike the traditional stored-value system, the Ten-Ride Pass allows for “pass-backs”, or payment for multiple passengers using the same account. Because of this, Ten-Ride Pass trips are not subject to fare capping. Learn more here.
Volunteers Needed for Ugly Sweater 5K & Merry Mile
Volunteers are needed on Saturday, December 3 from 8:00-10:00am for the Ugly Sweater 5K & Merry Mile to benefit Falmouth Memorial Library, part of Very Merry Falmouth.
We need your help to keep our runners safe! It takes 38 race volunteers stationed along the race route to direct runners and maintain a safe course. Can you lend a hand for a couple of hours and help support a great community event? Community service hours available for high school students.
Ongoing Initiatives |
Cart Distribution Begins Next Week!
Delivery of trash and recycling carts will begin on Monday, November 27 and continue into the following week. A packet will be attached to your carts with information regarding cart placement, route changes, and other frequently asked questions regarding the transition to automatic collection. Learn more here.
When do I start using my cart?
Automated collection and the new collection route schedule will begin on Monday, December 4. Residents should begin using the new carts immediately upon receipt for their next scheduled trash collection. Note, some routes have changed. Find the new collection schedule here and in the brochure included in the information packet attached to your new carts upon delivery. Carts will be distributed by the new collection routes. For example, Monday collection routes will begin receiving their carts Monday afternoon, November 27. Tuesday collection routes will receive their carts once all Monday carts are distributed, and so on. All carts should be distributed prior to your next collection date the week of December 4. If for some reason you have not received your cart by your scheduled collection date during the week of December 4, continue to use your old trash and recycling bins and contact Public Works at: 207-781-3919.
As always, carts should be placed curbside by 7am to ensure collection. All trash and recycling must be contained in the new carts for pick-up. Yellow Town trash bags are still required for trash collection. Place recycling directly into the recycling cart and not in a plastic bag. Additional bags, boxes, or bins will not be collected but can be taken to the Transfer Station during opening hours or held until the following week.
What do I do with my old bins?
Old trash bins may be dropped off at the Transfer Station for recycling. Bins in good repair will be re-purposed for use elsewhere. Alternatively, you can use your old bins for additional storage (firewood/kindling, CLYNK, wrapping paper/holiday decor, toys, sports equipment, brush). Click here to learn about converting your old trash can into a compost bin.
The Town of Falmouth worked with our partners at Casella and The Recycling Project to find a sustainable way to secure informational packets to the carts. Unfortunately, as many communities before us have discovered, the best way to keep the information from falling unseen into the cart, getting wet, or blowing away is to include it in a plastic bag. These bags can be recycled at facilities who offer this service. You can bring your bag to Town Hall and we will recycle it at the correct facility for you. Alternatively you can return these plastic bags to these merchants who will recycle them for you. Learn more about recycling plastic bags here.
Has my route changed?
As part of this transition, Casella will add an additional collection day (Monday) to Falmouth’s collection schedule. As a result, collection days may change for some residents. Find the new collection schedule here. The new schedule and routes will also be listed in the information packet attached to the carts upon delivery. Be sure to check and see if your collection day has changed. The new collection schedule will be implemented beginning Monday, December 4.
Do I live on a back down road?
Residents who live on back down roads should have received a letter via mail. If you live on a back down street (click here for routes, streets with asterisks are back down streets), Casella is unable to turn around on your road because it is too narrow or a dead end. Therefore, the truck must back down the road. As a result, all carts must be located on the same side of the road for collection. The automatic arm of the truck is located on the passenger side of the vehicle, so carts must be placed on the right side of the road--that is the driver's right/passenger side as they back down the road or your right as you exit your street.
My cart lid doesn't fit or my can looks misshapen. What should I do?
Some carts may become compressed or distorted during shipment and the lid will not appear to fit. Usually, after sitting outside in the sun for a few days, the carts will return to their correct shape and the lid will fit. Please allow for this adjustment period before calling Public Works. If your cart appears cracked or broken, call 207-781-3919.
Still Have Questions?
Find more information on this transition at: https://www.falmouthme.org/public-works-department/pages/automated-trash-recycling-collection
If you still have questions, call Public Works at: 207-781-3919. Residents are strongly encouraged to subscribe to News & Announcements E-Alerts to receive the most up-to-date information regarding this transition. Subscribe at: www.falmouthme.org/subscribe. We will continue to provide updates via our website, E-Alerts, social media pages, and in The Forecaster.
Short-Term Rental Registration
The online form for 2024 Short-Term Rental registrations and renewals is now open. Falmouth's ordinance requires that owners renew their short-term rental registrations annually on or before January 1. The annual registration fee is $300.
Please Note: All new registrations after November 1, 2023 will be considered 2024 registrations. Please email str@falmouthme.org or call Julie Baxter at (207) 699-5335 if you intend to advertise, operate, or rent your short-term rental before the end of the year and have not already registered with the Town.
Pursuant to Falmouth's Short-term Rental Ordinance, no person shall advertise, operate, or rent a short-term rental in the Town of Falmouth without first registering the short-term rental with the Town. Short-term rental is defined as the advertising, offering for rent, use, control, management, or operation of a dwelling unit in whole or in part, for dwelling, sleeping, or lodging purposes for a period of less than thirty consecutive days, for compensation, directly or indirectly.
Town staff are happy to assist you with the registration process. Please email str@falmouthme.org or call Julie Baxter at (207) 699-5335 if you have questions or need additional information.
Click here to view the list of registered short-term rental units as of November 3, 2023.
From the Wellness Committee
Please enjoy this article from Falmouth's Community Wellness Committee
It’s the holiday season again. You may hear yourself saying, “I’m not going to get stressed out about the holidays this year.” You probably heard yourself say the same thing last year. If so, you’re not alone. There are a variety of reasons why your holiday season may not be all merry and bright.
Stress is the physical, mental, or emotional tension created by perceived challenge, demand, or threat.[i] It’s triggered when we perceive that demands exceed the resources we’re able to mobilize.[ii] Of course, it’s not all bad. The stress response is automatic and designed to help us focus, alert us to danger, and keep us safe. It’s a natural response in the body, often called the “fight, flight, or freeze response.” However, it’s not designed to be “on” all the time. Long term, too much stress may lead to disruptions in our well-being.
Some sources of holiday stress include a jam-packed social calendar, shopping, deadlines at work, loss of a loved one, sunless winter days, family dynamics, loneliness, a sense that you’re doing too much or not enough, feeling left out when your spiritual traditions aren’t the dominant ones, information communicated by the media, worry about a situation you have no control over, and on, and on... There’s no avoiding stress! Events that trigger a stress response are different for each of us and the symptoms and duration of stress vary for everyone. It’s important to identify and understand what causes your stress so you can proactively deal with your triggers. What might stress you out may be no big deal for somebody else.
Relieving stress is also different for everybody. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. What might work for one person may cause stress for another. Know what works for you. Some general guidelines are:
- Know your triggers, create a plan to address them, and share your plan.
- Attend to self-care basics which often get forgotten during the holidays– healthy eating, plenty of sleep, moderate exercise, taking a pause in your day to breathe!
- Have more fun! Is there joy, ease, and lightness in what you’re doing? If not, change your perspective or change what you’re doing. And practice smiling!
- Focus on what you can control. Let go of what you can’t.
- Schedule outdoor activities for the middle of the day when the sun is brightest.
- Socialize, connect with others – call, phone, text, email, stop by a neighbor, send cards, hang out with a friend, etc.
- Solve “the” problem that’s causing your stress.
- Try calming activities, such as reading, meditating, and gratitude journaling.
To create your personal Holiday Stress Self-Care Plan, consider the following format:
- My intention for this holiday season is _____. [What do you want to move toward/create this year? Try to reframe your “don’t want” into positive statements; if you don’t want “X”, what do you want?]
- One thing that gives me clarity, perspective and replenishes me faster than anything is _____. [This would be something to include in your plan!]
- What really matters to me this holiday season is ______ , and that’s worth my effort to make some changes.
- The three things that trigger my stress response the most are _____.
- Actions I can take to control or minimize my triggers are _____.
May you nourish yourself and others with loving-kindness and conscious choices that preserve peace, well-being and joy this holiday season!
We at the Wellness Committee are interested in knowing what YOU do to reduce stress and find enjoyment during these troubled times. Perhaps it is spending time in nature. Enjoying family. Going to the movies. Exercising. Reading a good book. Eating ice cream… Whatever your preferred way to reduce stress might be, please send us your ideas and we will publish an article based on them! Send your thoughts to: Maggie Fleming (mfleming@falmouthme.org)
Falmouth's No Idling Initiative
Falmouth Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee's no idling initiative encourages motorists to turn off their engines while idling in parking lots or pick up lines to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate air pollution. Idling vehicles emit toxins, which are pollutants known or suspected to cause serious health effects. Signs like the one above are popping up at area businesses, organizations, and Town properties. If your business or community organization would like to participate by placing a sign in your parking area or storefront, please contact Sustainability Coordinator Theresa Galvin at tgalvin@falmouthme.org, to receive a FREE sign to install at your place of business. Signs are available while supplies last.
Events |
Mark Your Calendars for Very Merry Falmouth!
The Town of Falmouth, Falmouth Memorial Library, and the Falmouth-Cumberland Community Chamber of Commerce present Falmouth's annual community event, Very Merry Falmouth, Thursday, November 30 through Saturday, December 2. Volunteer Here!
Schedule of Events
Thursday, November 30
5:30pm - Annual Falmouth Community Tree Lighting at Village Park (off Hat Trick Drive)! Hosted by Falmouth Parks and Community Programs. FREE!
Friday, December 1
6:00-8:00pm - The Merry Mix & Mingle. Join us for this family-friendly, open air, community party. Enjoy music, cookies & other treats, gourmet hot chocolate, kids activities (including fun with CenterPoint martial Arts!), Touch-A-Truck, photo booth, good cheer with your neighbors, and more. Falmouth-Cumberland Community Chamber of Commerce will hold a Gift Basket Raffle to benefit their scholarship fund. FREE!
7:00pm - Fireworks! Launched from the Legion Fields on Depot Road and best viewed from the Merry Mix & Mingle in the American Legion parking lot or along Route 1. FREE!
Saturday, December 2
9:00am - Ugly Sweater 5K and Merry Mile Fun Run, Route 1. Throw on your gaudiest sweater and race down Route 1 in Falmouth's famously festive hustle! Proceeds will benefit the Falmouth Memorial Library! Race begins at the American Legion. Prizes will be awarded for best sweaters! Register here. Join us as a race volunteer!
8:30am-1:00pm - Saint Mary’s Sparkles Church Fair (9:00am-1:00pm) at the Episcopal Church of Saint Mary at Route 88/Foreside Road offers a range of items including home decor, jewelry, food and so much more! Then wander up Route 88 to Foreside Community Church, 340 Foreside Road, for another charming Christmas fair (8:30am-12:30pm), to finish off your holiday shopping list.
Note: The Portland Yacht Club will hold a holiday craft boutique on Tuesday, December 5 from 4-8pm. Open to the public, the event includes crafts, gifts, and decor created by local artists and crafters. Appetizers and refreshments also available.
10:00am-Noon--Free holiday movies at Flagship Cinima in Falmouth
10:00am-2:00pm - Free ice skating on Twombly Pond (weather permitting)
More info at www.verymerryfalmouth.com
Shop Local, Shop Falmouth!
The Town of Falmouth encourages all residents to take part in Very Merry Falmouth by shopping local. Falmouth is full of great businesses, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues that need our support now more than ever. Very Merry Falmouth encourages you to give back to your community while giving gifts to your loved ones and celebrating the holiday season.
Volunteer!
Join the fun and lend a hand as a Very Merry Volunteer! Community service hours available for high school students. Click here for volunteer sign-up!
Take Note |
Dog License Renewal
Dog licenses are now available for 2024. All current dog licenses expire December 31, 2023. According to Maine State Law, any dog over age 6 months must be licensed by January 1.
Cost: Neutered/Spayed Dog - $6.00; Unaltered Male or Female - $11.00 (note: an additional fee of $1.00 is charged for online registrations)
Two Ways To Register!
- In person: Registration is available at the Clerk’s Office at Falmouth Town Hall. You must present the following at the time of registration: a current Maine rabies certificate and a neutering certificate if the dog has been altered
- Online: Register online here. Online registrations require a credit card, a rabies certificate, your veterinarian’s information, a license/tag number (if a renewal), and a spay or neuter certificate (if your dog has been altered).
2024 Annual Shellfish License
Annual 2024 Shellfish Licenses will be available beginning on December 1, 2023. The cost is $10 for Falmouth residents and $20 for non-residents. Children under 12 are free. Inquire with the Town Clerk's office beginning December 1 at 207-781-5253.
Falmouth Public Schools |
Highlight: FHS Students Organize Blood Drive
When FHS seniors Colby and Peaches heard that the Red Cross provided 175 life-saving blood units during the tragedy in Lewiston, they were inspired to organize a blood drive at the high school to replenish the blood supply. The drive was a huge success, and we were thrilled to see staff, students and community members donating blood.
Reminder: Join Our Team at Falmouth Public Schools
We have exciting roles available at Falmouth Public Schools!
- Pre-K Ed Tech III
- Head Varsity Nordic Ski Coach
- Building-Based Substitute (full-time with benefits)
- Lunch Aide Substitutes
- Join the Educator Apprentice Program! This is a full-time, paid position where you earn your Ed Tech II certification for free.
Jumpstart Your Career as an Educational Apprentice - Earn While You Learn!
Are you or someone you know eager to kickstart a career and earn money while learning? Look no further! Falmouth Public Schools is seeking eager individuals to join the exciting and absolutely free Educator Apprentice Program. Gain valuable hands-on experience as an ed tech while earning a steady income working at Falmouth Public Schools and earn your ed tech II certification taking classes through USM/SMCC.
The program provides the perfect blend of classroom knowledge and practical application, setting you on a path to success from day one. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to invest in your future.
If interested, contact Susan Prince Mark Campbell (markcampbell@falmouthschools.org) or learn more about the program.
Upcoming: Events & Meetings
Special School Board Workshop with Lawrence Alexander , Wednesday, November 29 from 6:30-8:30pm
A special School Board Workshop with Equity and Inclusion consultant, Lawrence Alexander, will be held Wednesday, November 29th at 6:30 pm in the Falmouth High School Theater. During this live-streamed event, members of the Board will have a discussion about equity and inclusion in Falmouth Schools, and community members attending will have the opportunity to ask questions. If you wish to submit a question, please complete this form up until 11:59 pm on Monday, November 27th.
School Board Information and Meetings:
- Policy Committee Meeting - Wednesday, November 29 from 7:30-9:00am
- Special School Board Workshop with Lawrence Alexander - Wednesday, November 29 from 6:30-8:30pm
- Wellness Committee Meeting - Friday, December 1 from 7:30am-9:00am
- School Board Workshop - Monday, December 4 at 7:00pm
- Facilities Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 6 from 7:30-9:00am
School Board Business, Workshop, and Committee Meeting schedules and agendas can be found here. Also, archived board reports, minutes, and agendas can be accessed online. Past business meetings can be viewed on Falmouth Community Television (FCT).
Winter Concerts
Our band and chorus students have been working hard and are ready to perform for the community! Join us on December 5th and 6th for these performances:
December 5, 6:00-7:00pm - 4th & 5th grade Band & Chorus, 7:30-8:30pm - 6th grade Band & Chorus
December 6, 6:30 - 8:00pm - 7th & 8th grade Band & Chorus
Winter Sports:
The FPS winter sports season is here! See the full list of games and cheer on your Navigators.
Learn more about Falmouth Public Schools at their website, and stay connected through social media, calendars, and Principal Notes here. Follow Falmouth Public Schools on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for the latest school news.
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Meeting, Monday, November 27, 2023
The next meeting of the Falmouth Town Council will take place on Monday, November 27 at 7:00pm. An agenda can be found here. The meeting will be held in person at Town Hall in the Town Council Chambers. Members of the public may participate in the meeting by either attending the meeting in person or via Zoom. The Zoom application will allow attendees to connect remotely via computer or phone. The public may also watch (no participation option) the meeting on Channel 2 or on the Town website streaming channel. Check out our Guide to Participating in Virtual Public Meetings. Information on making public comment during Council meetings can be found HERE. If you have questions, please call (207) 699-5335.
At the Most Recent Town Council Meetings…
The Town Council held a meeting November 13. Find an agenda and video here.
- The Harbor/Waterfront Committee provided an update.
- There was a Public Hearing on an Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-2, Art. II-2-3, DIV II-2-3-13 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Boards, Committees, and Commissions to Change the Name of the Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee. The ordinance is scheduled for November 27.
- The Council approved an Order to certify the November 7, 2024 Election Results.
- The Council approved an Ordinance to amend the General Assistance Ordinance, Appendices A-H to amend the maximum levels of income and expenses for the General Assistance program, Chapter 6, Article 6, Section 6.68, Appendices A-H of the Falmouth Town Ordinance.
- The Council approved a Supplemental Appropriation of up to $600,000 from Undesignated Fund Balance to Cover the Purchase of Trash Carts Needed for the Conversion to Automated Trash Collection.
- There was an update on the Comprehensive Plan process and progress to-date.
- There was discussion about the Greater Portland Transit District (Metro Bus) proposed FY 2024 budget.
- The Council recommended a working group to review the proposed Town Council Rules, Section 22, Procedure for Addressing Council.
- The Council went into Executive Session to discuss the Town Manager's Contract, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (A).
Planning Board
At the December 5 Planning Board Meeting, the board will consider the following items. An agenda can be found here.
110 Gray Road – DeVivo Bus Sales – Request for Sign Permit Approval for a new sign. Map/lot U43-007; Zoned VMU, RT100CO.
Please note: Planning Board agendas for upcoming meetings may not always be complete at the time of this newsletter's publication. Within the agendas, when possible, links will be provided to direct users to any additional information available on projects at the time of publication, including building elevations, plans, and images when available. Information on Planning Board projects and activities, including agendas and minutes, can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/planning-board. For additional information or questions, contact Lisa Sangillo at 207-699-5303 or lsangillo@falmouthme.org
Board of Zoning Appeals
At the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on November 28, the board will consider the following items. An agenda can be found here.
- 5 Ellrose Lane – Kathryn Ellis – Request for Variance under Section 19-120 to correct a setback encroachment. Map/lot R09-039-C; Zoned F, RCZO, HLOD. Previously tabled.
- 10 Phillips Road - John Clemons - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to construct a garage with in-law suite. Map/lot U01-005; Zoned RA, RCZO, WVOD. Previously tabled.
- 20 Phillips Road - Erik & Carrie Hayward - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for the addition of a roof over the back door. Map/lot U01-009; Zoned RA, RCZO, WVOD.
- 23 Edgewater Road - James Baldino - Request for Set-Back Variance under Section 19-121. Map/lot U09-048, Zoned RA, RCZO, WVOD.
- 21 Winslow Road - Virginia Armstrong - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for a garage and shed teardown and rebuild. Map/lot U02-037; Zoned RA, RCZO, WVOD.
- 91 Waites Landing Road - Dan & Jennifer Kelley - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-86 to construct a new home within existing footprint. Map/lot U05-010; Zoned RC, SZ-LR, RCZO, WVOD.
- 20 Gilsland Farm Road - Acorn Engineering representing Maine Audubon Society - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 for renovations and minor expansion to the Maine Audubon Society Headquarters. Map/lot R02-007-A; Zoned RA, SZ-RP/LR, RCZO.
For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-zoning-appeals
Board of Assessment Review
At the Board of Assessment Review meeting on December 7, 2023, the board will consider the following agenda items. Find an agenda here in advance of the meeting.
- U70-004 - 9 Lakeside Drive – Dianne & Stephen Wilkins
For more information visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-assessment-review
Stay Informed with the Town of Falmouth Website and E-Alerts
There are many Town committees and boards that meet on a regular basis. The events calendar on the Town of Falmouth website homepage lists upcoming board, committee, and Town Council meetings. We send E-Alerts when Town Council, Planning Board, and Board of Zoning Appeals meeting agendas and minutes are posted to the website. Subscribe via E-Alerts to those that most interest you. Agendas and Minutes for these meetings are also posted online and can be accessed from the home page. Town Council, Planning Board, and School Board meetings are live-streamed on Falmouth Community TV Channel 1301 (Former Channel 2). Recordings of these meetings are also available for viewing online. Board of Zoning Appeals Meetings are not broadcast live but can be viewed online within 24 hours after the meeting. E-Alerts allows you to subscribe to specific e-mail lists about Town-related issues that interest you. The Falmouth Focus, this bi-weekly newsletter, is another way to stay in the loop. Subscribe via E-Alerts. Please let us know what kind of information you would like to see included in your town newsletter.
Please note: This newsletter will be sent to subscribers of both The Falmouth Focus newsletter an Town News & Announcements. Please excuse cross postings. To change your subscription settings, visit E-Aerts.
Town of Falmouth, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105207-781-5253
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