2023.01.06--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 1
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 |
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- 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 |
Town Landing Update
The storm on December 23 caused significant damage to Falmouth's Town Landing requiring its temporary closure. The parking lot, building, boat ramp, and bathroom all sustained damage and there are substantial erosion issues that will need attention in the coming months. After an assessment by a civil engineer, the Town Landing parking lot and pier have been reopened. Falmouth Emergency Management is gathering data and working with county and state agencies in the event federal disaster funds become available to help offset the costs of repairs. Thank you for your patience as we work through these issues.
ecomaine's eco-Excellence Awards
To kick off Maine Recycles Week, ecomaine is asking for nominations for the 2023 eco-Excellence Awards. The Awards are designed to recognize and celebrate champions in Maine who are focused on recycling and waste diversion, and who are leading their communities toward greater models of sustainability. As Maine’s pioneer of single-sort recycling and provider of waste-to-energy solutions, ecomaine is pleased to announce that nominees may live or work in any of its member communities, and may be nominated through Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Nominees can be businesses, schools, nonprofits, municipalities/staff, or individuals and will be selected based on the effectiveness, increased awareness, community impact, and ease of replication of their sustainability programs or initiatives. Preference will be given to activities in the area of waste management, recycling, composting, etc. For more information and to make a nomination visit: https://www.ecomaine.org/tours-and-educational-outreach/eco-excellence-awards/
Holiday Closures and Services
Town offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, January 16 in observance of the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
New Fact Sheets Available: Useful Information for Residents
The Town of Falmouth has developed several fact sheets on topics of interest to residents. These one-page documents provide basic information in an easy-to-read format on a variety of topics and issues. Each fact sheet also includes resources for additional information. Most recently, the Public Works Department developed a fact sheet for residents regarding public right-of-way and how it might impact your plans for home improvement projects, especially when making landscaping and hardscaping choices or other improvements to the property in front of your home, adjacent to the street.
Fact sheets can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/your-town-newsletter/pages/fact-sheets. Below is a list of currently available topics. Is there a topic you'd like to know more about and feel a fact sheet would be helpful for residents? Contact Erin Cadigan at ecadigan@falmouthme.org with your ideas.
- Election Info
- Browntail Moth
- Chairing a Town Committee (A guide for volunteers)
- Composting Food Waste
- Development In Falmouth--How does new construction get approved?
- Falmouth Parks & Community Programs
- Falmouth Revaluation Project (updated July 2022)
- Falmouth Fire-EMS
- Focus on Fire-EMS
- Focus on Pine Grove Preserve
- Focus on Wastewater
- Homestead Exemption
- Respect & Responsibilities on Falmouth's Trails (Tips for Dog Owners)
- Right-of-Way and You: A Guide for Homeowners
- Sewer Connectivity Fact Sheet
- Tick Tips
- TIF 101: A Guide to Tax Increment Finance Districts
Ongoing Initiatives |
Bucknam Road Bridge Project Update
I-295 to close briefly on occasion for overnight work
MaineDOT has advised that utility work on the Bucknam Road Bridge over I-295 at exit 10 will require multiple full closures of I-295 (both northbound and southbound lanes), with assistance from the Maine State Police, to accommodate the removal and replacement of overhead wires. The closures will last no longer than 25 minutes. One such closure was scheduled for January 5 between 10:00pm and 2:00am. However, due to anticipated inclement weather, this closure was postponed to Sunday, January 8 between 10:00pm and 2:00am.
Another series of closures will occur on Monday, January 9 between 10:00pm and 2:00am. Advance warning will be posted on message boards to allow traffic to exit the interstate prior to the closure area. Additional short closures will be required in the coming weeks and additional notices will be sent upon confirmation of scheduling.
For more information on the Bucknam Road Bridge Replacement Project, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/bucknam-road-bridge-replacement-project
Chief John Kilbride and Officer Amanda Hogg with this year's donations.
Annual Giving Tree Thank You!
Chief Kilbride and Officer Hogg dropped your generous gifts from this year's Giving Tree at the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. Once again residents of Falmouth have shown tremendous generosity as the above photo demonstrates. The Falmouth Police Department and the furry beneficiaries of all your kindness would like to thank you for your support and wish you a Happy New Year.
Please enjoy the following monthly Community Wellness Committee article.
Age-Old Practice with Timeless Benefits
By Doug Zlatin, Community Wellness Committee member
Would you be interested in a technique that improves spiritual, physical and mental health that can be done at no cost in the comfort of home with no special equipment in 20 minutes or less a day? Meditation is such a practice. An estimated 200-500 million people meditate globally, and, in 2018 just over fourteen percent of the U.S. population tried it, with that number tripling in just five years.1
Meditation is a centuries-old tradition rooted in Eastern spiritual practices that has become increasingly popular in Western culture over the past fifty years. Modern life can be chaotic and fast-paced, contributing to high levels of stress and tension. We can be so busy planning for the future or worrying about the past that we fail to live in the present. Meditation cultivates the ability to focus on the here and now and let go of what is troubling or painful. A regular meditation practice can help you become calmer, more centered and more accepting of self and others. Studies show that meditation helps: manage stress, lower blood pressure, mitigate anxiety and depression, lessen pain, improve self-awareness, increase attention and concentration, manage addictions, treat eating disorders, and improve sleep, among other benefits.2
The “how to” of meditation is quite simple. Start by creating a relaxed, undisturbed space, sitting in an erect but comfortable posture, and choosing a place to focus your attention. Many beginners use their breath, counting (perhaps to ten) each inhale and exhale, then starting again. Eyes may be closed or slightly open but unfocused. You may also use a word, mantra, prayer, mental image or the mind itself (mindfulness-based meditation) to focus on.
What can make meditation challenging is that undisciplined minds tend to wander from the point of focus to a myriad of distracting thoughts, body sensations, emotions, fantasies or memories. This is normal. When it happens, simply note it and return attention to your focal point. You may have to do this countless times during a meditation session but rest assured that this repeating process of gently letting go and re-focusing is the essential element of a meditation practice. By sticking with it, you can develop a powerful tool to defeat the devastating effects of stress and live life more fully with greater awareness. The benefits of feeling centered and in control of thoughts and emotions can not only improve your own health and quality of life, but also lead to more positive and rewarding relationships with others. In the author’s experience, meditation is one of the best investments in health and well-being that one can make.
There are many guided meditations online and groups to join. Next week, you’re invited to a free workshop for first-timers, as well as the more experienced: “Meditation for the Ever-Beginner,” guided by Susan Lebel Young, Saturday, January 14, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Russell Room, Falmouth Memorial Library. Find more information from Susan here: https://www.falmouthme.org/community-wellness-committee
128 Meditation Statistics: How Many People Meditate? 2 Meditation and Mindfulness: What You Need to Know
Events |
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.
Falmouth Public Schools 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
Meditation for the Ever-Beginner, Saturday, January 14
Presented by the Falmouth Community Wellness Committee and Guided by Susan Lebel Young
Have you tried meditation once, but it didn't work? Maybe you want to start practicing again or take a refresher class? Perhaps you meditate regularly, and would welcome an opportunity to join with others. Whatever your motivation, you're invited to this workshop on January 14 from 10:30am to noon at the Falmouth Memorial Library Russell Room. The workshop will be led by Susan Lebel Young, MSED, MSC, who has practiced and taught meditation for 40 years. Susan will talk a little, lead practice a little and leave plenty of time to answer questions. "Lots of us think meditation is about clearing the mind, which seems impossible, so we don't want to try, even though we've heard it can help alleviate stress. No worries. There is nothing wrong with you. Meditation is not what you think. I love sharing these teachings. Come however you show up, agitated mind and all."--Susan
Falmouth Climate Talk Series
Finding Hope in the Face of Climate Change with author and advocate Susan B. Inches.
Please join the Town of Falmouth and Falmouth Memorial Library on Wednesday, February 1 at 6:00pm at the Library to hear Susan B. Inches, author and advocate, talk about how to find your power and take action for the environment. By working together, we can create a healthy future where all life is respected, revered and nurtured. This talk will show you how.
Questions? Please contact Theresa Galvin, Sustainability Coordinator, tgalvin@falmouthme.org
Take Note |
Christmas Tree Disposal
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 |
Highlights
Poem by retired Falmouth High School teacher, Mark Melnicove, published in ‘Deep Water’
In 2016, in collaboration with the MWPA, then Portland Poet Laureate Gibson Fay-LeBlanc launched Deep Water, a weekly poetry column for the Maine Sunday Telegram. In the fall of 2019, Portland poet and editor Megan Grumbling took over the selection and editing of each week’s poem. Each edition of Deep Water includes a brief introduction by Grumbling contextualizing the week’s poem. “Last week’s poem, Mark Melnicove’s ‘Metaphorical Leaps,’ plunges us into a salmon’s-eye view of what it means to be alive. I love how this poem’s rhythms and line breaks move forward with a river-like shape and rush, and how its imagery conjures a state of being drenched in pure, visceral awareness. Melnicove taught English for many years at Falmouth High School. Now retired, he is working on a book about creative writing and education. He has also started a writing coach and tutoring business.” (Megan Grumbling, Portland Press Herald, 12/24/2022)
Metaphorical Leaps
By Mark Melnicove
Like salmon we jumped over
the falls, surging
upstream, outmaneuvering
stones, keeping the watershed
intact, not needing
to measure
the flow or dam
passageways or dynamite
our ancient
birthplace to survive, becoming
fluid-borne, pushing
up through rapids, counterpoint
to the river urgently roiling
toward the sea, history,
not a line, time,
not a projection
of the present onto a wished
for past, flesh
like water, wholly
soused in consciousness.
Megan Grumbling is a poet and writer who lives in Portland. Deep Water: Maine Poems is produced in collaboration with the Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance. “Metaphorical Leaps,” copyright 2022 by Mark Melnicove, appears by permission of the author.
Falmouth sophomore Jillian James chasing state diving record set 25 years ago by another Falmouth athlete
In case you missed it, there was a wonderful Dec 14 article in the Portland Press Herald featuring Jillian James. Jillian, a 15-year-old Falmouth High School sophomore, is the reigning Class A state diving champion. This season she hopes to improve her score and possibly surpass the girls state (11-dive score) record set in 1998 by Katie Mailman, also of Falmouth. Read the full story.
Falmouth Sophomore Jillian James competing during a meet at Cape Elizabeth High School on Decmeber 9, 2022. Photos by Shawn Patrick Oulette/Staff Photographer (Press Herald).
Upcoming: Events & Meetings
Falmouth High School Art Show Reception, Jan 11
The Falmouth High School Visual Art Dept invites you to the First Semester Student Art Show Reception on January 11, 2023 from 5:45 – 7:00 PM. Invitation below.
Keep up to date with Falmouth Athletics online Go Navs!
School Board Meetings
A schedule of upcoming 2023 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 regular business meeting is on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Falmouth Elementary School Cafeteria
- Combined regular business meeting and budget workshop on Monday, February 6, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the FES Cafeteria
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, January 9, 2023, 7:00pm
The Town Council will meet on Monday, January 9 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 in advance of the meeting. 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 December 12. An agenda and video can be found here.
- The Council approved the minutes of the November 14 Council Meeting and November 28 Council Meeting.
- The Council approved the following re-appointments:
- Lois Lengyel and Bill Lunt to the Board of Assessment Review
- Bill Lunt to the Board of Sewer Appeals
- Joseph Lloyd to the Board of Zoning Appeals
- Andrea Ferrante and Lisa Joy to the Community Wellness Committee
- John Connolly to the Conservation Commission Committee
- Manny Kourinos to the Harbor/Waterfront Committee
- Fred Farber to the Land Management and Acquisitions Committee
- Robert Carver and Karen Jones to the Parks and Community Programs Advisory Committee
- Dave Sinnett and Jason Denby to the Planning Board
- Richard Bicknell to the Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee
- Richard Craven and Richie Garrett to the Shellfish Conservation Commission Committee
- The Council approved an order to abate taxes for the parcel identified as U01-074-00A for the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 tax years per the request of the property owner.
- There was an update from the Community Wellness Committee.
- There was a Public Hearing on an Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-9, Art. II-9-4., Coastal Waters Ordinance, Section 9-94, of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Marina and Yacht Club Mooring Assignment Numbers. The ordinance was scheduled for January 9.
- There was a Public Hearing on an Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-2, Art. II-2-3, DIV. II-2-3-1 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Boards, Committees, and Commissions. The ordinance was scheduled for January 9.
- The Council approved an order to authorize the Town Manager to execute the contract for waste and recycling collection with Casella.
- There was a one year update on the short-term rental ordinance and registration program.
- There was a comprehensive plan update.
- The Council approved a Resolution on two requests to accept private streets as public streets.
Planning Board
At the January 3 Planning Board meeting, the board considered the following items. An agenda can be found here.
241 US Route 1 – Bailey Sign representing Chase Bank – Request for Sign Permit Approval for 2 new wall signs. Map/lot U12-002. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
60 Gray Road - Evan Amell – Request for Sign Permit Approval for 1 new wall sign for EA Fitness & Performance. Map/lot R05-045-B. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
7 Shaw Road – Julie Seavey – Request for Private Way Amendment to convey a portion of the property to an abutter. Map/lot R06-052. 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. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
117 Gray Road – Anthony W. Hayes – Request for Preliminary Major Subdivision Approval for 7 condominium units. Map/lot U43-004. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
330 US Route One – Verdad Real Estate & Construction Services – Request for Pre-application Sketch Plan Review for three (3) 30,000sf 1-story self-storage unit buildings. Map/lot U53-001. DISCUSSED
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
The next meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals will be held on January 24. An agenda will be posted here in advance of the meeting. For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-zoning-appeals
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
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