2022.12.09--Falmouth Focus, Volume 4, Issue 28
Pleas note: This newsletter will be sent to subscribers of both The Falmouth Focus newsletter and Town News & Announcements. Please excuse cross postings. To change your General Information
Table of Contents |
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
- Ongoing Initiatives
- Events
- Take Note
- Falmouth Public Schools
- Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
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 |
Middle Road Closed Monday, December 12
Weather permitting, Middle Road between Bucknam Road and Lunt Road will be closed on Monday, December 12, to allow contractors to make the final tie-in to the sewer line in the street. The closure is anticipated to last only one day.
Final clean up will continue on Middle Road where the sewer line runs off-road near Lunt Road. In the spring, the Contractor will replace sewer pipe that is suspended from the bridge over the Falmouth Spur. Gravity sewer pipe installation will continue on Woods Road through the end of the year. This will entail one-way traffic between the Public Works garage and the landfill for a few weeks. Pipe installation is also continuing in the Woodlands development through the winter.
Thank you again for your patience with this important project and please remember to travel safely through all construction work zones. For more information on the West Falmouth Sewer Project and to sign up for regular updates, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/west-falmouth-sewer-project
Bucknam Road Bridge Project December Road Closures
MaineDOT has set the December schedule for overnight closures related to the Bucknam Road Bridge Project. Work on the bridge will require nightly closures of Bucknam Road between the two I-295 northbound and southbound ramps. The ramps will remain open, but Bucknam Road will be closed between these ramps from 10:00pm to 5:00am, Sunday through Friday, beginning on Sunday, December 4 and ending on Friday, December 24. A detour via Lunt Road will be clearly marked to guide motorists.
In addition, there will be a “lane shift” on the Bucknam Road over I-295 between the I-295 northbound and southbound ramps. The lane shift will result in a single 11’ lane in each direction with no shoulder. This shift is scheduled to be in effect starting at 5:00am, Tuesday, December 13. Traffic flow will remain in this configuration through summer 2023.
Falmouth Public Schools to host Campus Master Planning Community Input Session
Thursday, January 12, 6:30-8 PM at Falmouth Middle School: CAMPUS MASTER PLAN - Visioning our Campus for the Future
Join Falmouth Public Schools and Master Planning consultants Oak Point Associates for a conversation to guide planning of our 125-acre campus for the next decade and beyond.
Our goal?
Create a plan that supports our district and community needs, and promotes what is best for our students.
Why is campus master planning important?
Several factors demand a careful review and reconsideration of our campus learning environment:
- Age and wear of facilities and infrastructure
- Program expansion and staff to serve evolving student needs
- Proactive planning avoids costly, reactive decisions
What does the planning process look like?
- Gather data, input, and feedback from all stakeholders (students, staff, families, community, etc.)
- Optimize campus design for security, accessibility, functionality, sustainability, efficiency, aesthetics, and mental well-being, while considering benefits to the broader community
- Establish realistic priorities that account for the importance of both long-term vision and fiscal responsibility
If you are unable to attend, stay informed at: www.falmouthschools.org/about/campus-master-planning
Holiday Closures and Services
Town offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, December 26 and Monday, January 2 in observance of Christmas Day and New Year's Day respectively.
The Transfer Station will offer reduced hours on Saturday, December 24 and Saturday, December 31, from 9:00am-1:00pm.
Curbside trash and recycling will not be impacted by the Christmas or New Year's holidays. Place bins curbside by 7:00am to ensure collection.
Textile Recycling Coming to Falmouth
In the coming weeks, Falmouth will begin offering textile recycling. A collection bin will be placed alongside the Goodwill bin at the Transfer Station, likely the week of December 19. There will be a sign on the bin indicating what items are accepted. The Town is partnering with Apparel Impact, a for-profit textile recycling company that works to reduce landfill waste by recycling used clothing. The company's goal is to provide towns and municipalities with the opportunity to reduce their landfills of textiles and recover them; creating more local jobs, reducing landfill waste, and reducing towns' overall budgets spent on the disposal of textiles. The company currently works with and has collection bins placed in Kennebunk, Yarmouth, Cape Elizabeth, and many others communities in Maine and New Hampshire. The company also has an entire division focused on helping local communities and families in need through what are called "shopping experiences" where over 10,000 items are offered free to the community through partnerships with Easter Seals, community centers, churches, and other area non-profits. Apparel Impact has expanded throughout New England and works with over 750 partners and customers ranging from businesses, NGOs, and government partners. Please direct questions to Theresa Galvin, Sustainability Coordinator at tgalvin@falmouthme.org or 207-699-5337.
In the photo is Officer Amanda Hogg with “Donuts,” who was abandoned near a Dunkin' and is suffering from hair loss and malnutrition. Chief Kilbride is holding “Grace,” a calm little cat looking for a home.
Falmouth Police Department Annual Giving Tree
They are our best friends, family members, and therapists. We take the job of protecting them very seriously, as they have no voice to summons our help. This year the Falmouth Police Department’s fourth annual Giving Tree is to support our animals and provide food, comfort, and love to the little ones that give us so much. All donations will support the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. Drop off items at the Falmouth Police Station, 2 Marshall Drive. As always, we thank you in advance for your incredible support! Find more information here.
Needed items include:
Ongoing Initiatives |
Solar Project Update
Construction continues on the solar array installation at the Transfer Station. As of this week 95% of the modules have been wired. Work is continuing on the construction of the electrical equipment by the Transfer Station exit. This involves running the electrical lines from the inverters to the panels and installing the fence on the cap. Barring any unforeseen issues, the system should be up and running by the New Year.
2023 Short-Term Rental Registrations and Renewals
The online registration form for 2023 short-term rental registrations and renewals opened on November 2, 2022. The registration/renewal deadline is January 1, 2023.
Click HERE to register or renew your short-term rental(s).
As a reminder, pursuant to Falmouth's Short-term Rental Ordinance, effective January 1, 2022, 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. The annual registration fee is $300. The ordinance requires that owners renew their short-term rental registrations annually on or before January 1.
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.
Please Note: All new registrations after November 2 will be considered 2023 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.
Please enjoy the following monthly Community Wellness Committee article.
Yoga for Every Body
By Ashley Flowers, Yoga Instructor
What comes to mind when you hear the word “yoga”? Do you think, “I wouldn’t touch it with a 10-foot pole," “I’m a total devotee,” or “I’m somewhere in the middle?" Wherever you are on the subject, yoga, with its deep well of practices – from the physical to the mental, the tangible to the ephemeral – is worth a closer look.
It is easy to see yoga in the media and think it is all about standing on your head or being super flexible, but it’s really about getting to know yourself. Yoga helps you explore your ability to focus, connect, and be present. You could also choose a practice that concentrates on breath. If strength, balance, and flexibility are benefits you desire, they can be found through a physical practice. Whichever path you choose, yoga will help you get to know the beautiful and wonderful YOU at a deeper level.
So what do some of these various approaches look like?
Yoga nidra, sometimes referred to as yogic sleep, is practiced laying down and is a good starting place for those who want a non-physical option. Through guided meditation, you find a conscious state between waking and sleeping that allows the body to seek maximum relaxation as the mind journeys inward.
If you’re ready for a bit more physicality, restorative yoga provides lots of cushions, blocks, and blankets to customize and adjust comfort. This allows the body to soften in the exploration of each shape and creates mental space in which to notice the patterns of the mind.
Are you worried that if you get on the ground, you won’t easily get back up again? Chair yoga can meet a range of needs. You may want a session just for your upper body. Maybe you’re recovering from an illness or surgery. If you have limited use of your limbs or struggle with standing, using a chair allows you access to all of yoga’s benefits.
For those who quiet their minds by burning energy in intense, dynamic workouts, hot yoga and ashtanga yoga deliver.
Styles with a little bit of everything include vinyasa, hatha, iyengar, and sivananda yoga.
Many fit but “tight” yogis–those with shorter, less flexible muscles–love yin yoga. Its slow and meditative style challenges the mind with three-to-five-minute holds in each position that help release tension in the body’s connective tissue. Even the most flexible people can feel this tightness and benefit from yin.
Yoga embraces connection, so if you have questions about taking a first step, don’t hesitate to visit a local studio or contact an instructor for guidance. A private class is often best for handling specific goals or persnickety pains. It can prepare you for public classes or develop a routine that you love and can practice at home. The right public class can create excitement and dedication to keep you going back week after week. If you’re adventurous, you may enjoy a trial-and-error approach by visiting studios and sampling classes and styles until you find what works best. Wherever your yoga journey might take you, I wish you much joy in the adventure of getting to know yourself!
The author owns Ashley Flowers Yoga and offers private and public classes in Falmouth and other local communities. She is happy to answer yoga questions at relax@ashleyflowersyoga.com. The Falmouth Community Wellness Resource Guide includes a list of additional providers.
Events |
Very Merry Thank You
Thank you to all who turned out for the Very Merry Falmouth festivities this past weekend. We saw record attendance this year. We owe a special thank you to all the volunteers who helped to make it a success. From the tree lighting on Thursday, to the Mix & Mingle Fireworks show on Friday, and the Ugly Sweater 5K on Saturday, we could not have done it without the support of our volunteers. The Town of Falmouth, Falmouth Memorial Library, and the Falmouth-Cumberland Community Chamber would also like to thank Flagship Cinemas for offering free holiday movies and Family Ice (though the weather did not cooperate) for offering free outdoor skating. Thanks also to Hannaford and Bernies for their food donations. The Falmouth Memorial Library is also grateful to this year's race sponsors: Back Cove Financial, Bangor Savings Bank, Bath Savings Institution, Centerpoint Martial Arts, Dirigo Fitness, Kevin Browne Architecture, Rainbow Toys, Trimmings, and TripQuipment. We encourage all residents to continue their support of Falmouth businesses this holiday season by shopping local. Falmouth is full of great businesses, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues that need our support now more than ever.
Find more event photos on our Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Underwood Park Improvements Public Forum
Join us on Tuesday, January 10, 6-7:30pm at Holy Martyrs Church Hall (266 Foreside Road) to share your ideas for enhancements to Underwood Park and the adjacent "Marion Brown" property at 260 Foreside Road. Town staff and representatives from Aceto Landscape Architects will present preparatory work including existing conditions and site analysis. Attendees will be asked to provide feedback and suggestions for potential amenities and improvements. Please contact Maggie Fleming at 207-699-5329 or mfleming@falmouthme.org for more information.
Take Note |
2023 Transfer Station & Parking Stickers Available
It's time to purchase your 2023 Transfer Station & Parking sticker to access the Transfer Station and to park at Town Landing in the coming year. Stickers are $5.00 annually and can be purchased at either Town Hall or the Public Works Office on Woods Road. The color of the sticker changes each year. Stickers are valid for the calendar year from January 1 through December 31, 2023.
Remember, disposal of certain materials and large items at the Transfer Station require disposal tickets, which are also $5.00 each. These tickets are available at Town Hall, Public Works, Shaw's, Hannaford, Town Landing Market, and Waldo's. Tickets are NOT available for sale at the Transfer Station. Most materials will cost 1 or 2 tickets ($5.00 or $10.00). You can find a listing of accepted items and rates at: https://www.falmouthme.org/transfer-station/pages/transfer-station-procedures-and-rates
Dog Licenses
All current dog licenses expire December 31, 2022. 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).
Falmouth Public Schools |
Highlight: Falmouth HS student named PATHS Student of the Quarter
Congratulations to Thomas Braley of Falmouth High School for being named a Portland Arts & Technology High School (PATHS) Student of the Quarter! Tom performs like a professional in the Carpentry shop. He has also served on the carpentry advisory board during his time here at PATHS. Tom demonstrates excellent problem solving and leadership skills. He has taken on the lead role for many projects in the shop. His work is of the highest standards, he has completed his first-year certification and is on track to complete the second-year certification. Not only is Tom a leader, he is a role model and mentor for his classmates.
Highlight: Falmouth HS Coach named Maine Golf Coach of the Year
We’re excited to announce that AJ Simokaitis was named the MPA/NFHS Maine Golf Coach of the Year for the 2021-2022 season. The recipients of the Maine State Coaches of the Year are selected for this prestigious honor based upon the positive work that they have done with the athletes in their program. Coach Simokaitis will now be eligible for the regional and national coach of the year award through the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). AJ played golf for Falmouth High School before going on to be a successful member of the USM Huskies golf team.
Upcoming: Events & Meetings
SAVE THE DATE: Community Information and Discussion Sessions
- Thursday, January 19, 6:30-8 PM at Falmouth High School: DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION IN OUR SCHOOLS
Keep up to date with Falmouth Athletics online. Go Navs!
School Board Meetings
A schedule of upcoming 2022-23 School Board meetings, and agendas and minutes from prior meetings, are available. All Board Reports, as well as documents associated with the next School Board meeting can be accessed through the agenda. Past meetings can be viewed on Falmouth Community Television (FCT).
- The next School Board meeting is on Monday, December 7, 2022 at 7:00 PM. All meetings are held in the Falmouth Elementary School Cafeteria, unless otherwise noted.
- There is a School Board workshop on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Falmouth High School Library.
Learn more about Falmouth Public Schools at their website, and stay connected through social media, calendars, and Principal’s Notes here.
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Meeting, Monday, December 12, 2022, 7:00pm
The Town Council will meet on Monday, December 12 at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held in person at Town Hall in the Town Council Chambers as authorized by Section 28, Policy Eight of the Town Council Rules and 1 MRSA §403-B. Members of the public may participate in the meeting by either attending the meeting in person or via Zoom. The agenda and Zoom link can be found here. 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. If you have questions, please call (207) 699-5335.
At the Most Recent Town Council Meeting…
The Town Council held a meeting on November 28. An agenda and video can be found here.
- The Council approved the minutes of the October 12 Council Meeting and October 24 Council Meeting.
- The Council approved an order to authorize the Town Manager to execute a quit claim deed for Map U32-040, upon receipt of full payment of all taxes and fees.
- There was an update from staff regarding solid waste management services.
- The Council approved an order to amend the harbor fee schedule.
Planning Board
At the December 6 Planning Board meeting, the board considered the following items: An agenda can be found here.
196 US Route 1 – Bailey Sign Co – Request for Sign Permit Approval for 4 new signs. Map/lot U52-001-B; Zoned VC1, VC2. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
240 US Route 1 – Portland Pie Company – Request for Sign Permit Approval for 3 new signs. Map/lot U24-005; Zoned VC1. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
366 US Route 1, Suite 1 – Align Home Care Services – Request for Sign Permit Approval for 1 new sign. Map/lot U54-002; Zoned BP.APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
1 Underwood Road – Atlantic Environmental LLC – Request for Shoreland Zone Permit Approval on behalf of Underwood Road LLC for a proposed dock. Map/lot U18-025; Zoned RA, RCZO, SZ-LR, WVOD. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
0 Veronica Lane – Atlantic Environmental LLC – Request for Shoreland Zone Permit Approval on behalf of Rivers Edge Homeowners Association for a proposed dock. Map/lot U30-007-002-XXX; Zoned RB, RCZO, SZ-LR APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
US Route 1 – The Shops at Falmouth Center LLC – Request for Site Plan Approval for a proposed mixed-use commercial/ residential development. Previously Tabled. Map/lot U12-007-A; Zoned VC1, SZ-LC. TABLED
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 its meeting on Tuesday, November 22, the Board of Zoning Appeals considered the following items. An agenda can be found here.
- 4 Providence Avenue – Benjamin & Tamara Clay – Request for Conditional Use approval under Section 19-77 to construct an addition. Map/lot U04-005; Zoned RA, RCZO. APPROVED
- 10 Payson Road – Nancy Boulanger - Request for Conditional Use approval under Section 19-77 to construct a shed dormer. Map/lot U02-047; Zoned RA, RCZO, WVOD. APPROVED
- 234 Falmouth Road – Gregory Michaud – Request for Conditional Use approval under Section 19-54 for a home occupation. Map/lot R04-003; Zoned F, RCZO. APPROVED
- 83 Johnson Road – Andrew Lebel – Request for Conditional Use approval under Section 19-84 for the tear-down and rebuild of a garage. Map/lot U60-015; Zoned RA, SZ-SP; RCZO. APPROVED
At its meeting on Tuesday, December 20, the Board of Zoning Appeals will consider the following items. An agenda can be found here.
- 26 Phillips Road – Custom Property Solutions representing Barbara Jean Harper – Request for Disability Variance under Section 19-122 for wheelchair access and fire egress. Map/lot U01-011.
- 279 Foreside Road – Arcadia Kitchen & Bath representing Whitney & Simon Wignall - Request for Conditional Use approval under Section 19-77 to construct a breezeway and 2-car garage. Map/lot U17-053.
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.
Town of Falmouth, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105207-781-5253
|
