2023.04.21--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 10
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General Information
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 |
Falmouth Police Department Receives Grants
The Falmouth Police Department was recently awarded two grant packages to continue supporting their community policing efforts for FY24. The Maine Department of Public Safety has awarded the Falmouth PD Recovery Coach Program, led by Police Officer & Recovery Coach Kathleen Oelschlegel, with a $16,000 award through the State’s Substance Use Disorder Assistance Program. The grant will support Officer Oelschlegel’s recovery coach efforts in the Falmouth community. To date, Officer Oelschlegel has assisted 134 persons working towards recovery, including 57 new clients added in 2022. Officer Oelschlegel recently attended the 2023 National Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, where she received the most contemporary training available and expanded her network of support resources for the betterment of the Falmouth community.
Additionally, the Falmouth Police Department was awarded $11,682 through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant to purchase two police-specific electric bicycles. The Department plans on using these e-bikes, which feature a top-speed of 30mph and a battery range of approximately 50 miles on a single charge, to provide emergency public safety services on Falmouth’s trails and open space, and also better connect with business owners and patrons by removing the barrier of the police cruiser in the Town’s commercial areas. The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant is a highly competitive grant process with the charity providing lifesaving equipment, prevention education, scholarships, continued education, and disaster relief for first responders and public safety organizations, as well as support for military veterans. Since its inception, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has awarded more than $75 million to hometown heroes in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Congratulations to Falmouth PD!
Applications Sought for 2023 Falmouth Fire-EMS Scholarship
The Falmouth Fire-EMS Scholarship recognizes graduating high school seniors living in our community who plan to continue their post secondary education in the field of firefighting, emergency medical services, nursing, or a related field. Falmouth Fire-EMS recognizes the value of having emergency service providers living in our community. We also believe in education being the foundation for a successful future as a provider of emergency services whether it is as a career firefighter or paramedic, a volunteer or call firefighter or EMT, or a nurse, doctor, etc.
Who may apply: Graduating high school seniors residing in the Town of Falmouth who have been accepted or expect to be enrolling in a college or university to study firefighting, emergency medical services, nursing, or a related field.
To apply: Complete and return the Falmouth Fire-EMS Scholarship application by Friday May 19, 2023. Applications can also be obtained by calling (207) 781-2610, or e-mailing jcosta@falmouthme.org. Be sure to include the required one-page summary as well as two letters of reference (by non-family members) in your application. Completed applications can be delivered or mailed to Falmouth Fire-EMS, 8 Bucknam Road, Falmouth, ME 04105. Applications delivered to the station by 4 pm on May 19, 2023 or post-marked by May 19, 2023 will be considered.
Eligibility Requirements: You must be a resident of the Town of Falmouth and graduating from high school this calendar year.
Award Amount: The award shall be $1,500.
Award Selection: Applications will be reviewed by a panel made up of members of Falmouth Fire-EMS. Applications must be filled out completely. The Award will be announced in early July 2023.
Donations: Donations to support the scholarship can be made to the Falmouth Fire-EMS Scholarship Fund and sent to Central Station, 8 Bucknam Road, Falmouth, ME 04105.
Falmouth Trails Reopen
After a strange Spring of warm weather and not much snow, the Falmouth trails, recently closed for the usual thaw, are relatively dry and have been reopened to all users. Please tread lightly as not all trail sections have fully recovered. Walk or ride straight through puddles and muddy sections rather than widening the trail. There will also likely be downed branches on the trails and a few downed trees. Should you find significant hazards along the trails, please contact us at: openspace@falmouthme.org and/or info@falmouthlandtrust.org. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during the closures. Though disrupting for a few weeks, these closures allow us to maintain the integrity of the trails and benefit everyone in the long run.
Ongoing Initiatives |
Comprehensive Planning Update
Get Involved! Take Survey #1: People & Community
There are more opportunities to get involved and provide input on the future of your community! The next Comprehensive Planning event is Workshop 1: People and Community, featuring activities and discussion on supporting a welcoming and connected community. The workshop takes place on Wednesday, May 3 at 7pm in the Falmouth Elementary School cafeteria. We look forward to seeing you there!
In advance of the workshop, please take our first survey on People & Community. Find the survey at: https://berrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/falmouth-comprehensive-plan/falmouth-comprehensive-plan-participate
In addition, a special project website is now online which provides:
- a weekly discussion question
- a project timeline
- links to the 2013 Comp Plan and the Vision & Values final report
- interactive maps, including housing and growth in Falmouth, conservation lands, recreational facilities, land use, and more.
- opportunities to get involved in the process online by leaving a comment on the Vision Board or Interactive Map
- additional information on upcoming events and activities
Kick-Off Event Recap!
About 50 members of the community joined Town Council and staff at the Comprehensive Plan Kickoff Event on Tuesday, April 11 at Falmouth Elementary School. The event signaled the start of the planning process to gather feedback from residents, business owners, and community organizations on Falmouth’s future. Attendees heard perspectives of Falmouth’s past from neighbors and members of Town Council, reviewed historical data and trends, and shared their thoughts on the state of Falmouth today. Thanks to all who attended!
Nominations Sought for Citizen of the Year
The Town of Falmouth is accepting nominations for the 2022 Citizen of the Year Award, honoring an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the municipality and sets a positive example of citizenship. Nominations of 500 words or less may be submitted in writing by May 4 via email to Julie Baxter at jbaxter@falmouthme.org, or by mail to Town Manager’s Office, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105. The Town Council will judge nominations on the following criteria:
- Contributions to community welfare
- Civic achievement
- Volunteerism
- Conscientious service to Falmouth Town government
For more information, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-council-town-manager/pages/citizen-of-the-year-2
Please enjoy the following monthly Community Wellness Committee article.
From the Wellness Committee: The Enduring Wisdom of Lao Tzu
This month the Falmouth Community Wellness Committee would like to share with you the wisdom of the legendary ancient Chinese Taoist philosopher Lao Tzu. These teachings may be 2500 years old but their simplicity and eternal truthfulness still have relevance and applicability in our modern world. We hope you find them as instructive and inspirational as we have:
“Watch your thoughts, they become your words;
Watch your words, they become your actions;
Watch your actions, they become your habits;
Watch your habits, they become your character;
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
“Knowing others is intelligence;
Knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength;
Mastering yourself is true power.”
“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step”
“Because one believes in oneself, one doesn't try to convince others.
Because one is content with oneself, one doesn't need others' approval.
Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.”
“If you are depressed you are living in the past.
If you are anxious you are living in the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present.”
“New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings”
“Be content with what you have;
Rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize there is nothing lacking,
The whole world belongs to you.”
“Kindness in words creates confidence.
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.
Kindness in giving creates love”
Events |
Drug Take Back Event This Saturday, April 22
On Saturday, April 22, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, the Falmouth Police Department will hold a Drug Take-Back event at the police station on Marshall Drive. This national initiative provides an opportunity for the public to dispose of pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications to law enforcement officers for destruction. Expired, unused, or unwanted controlled substances in our homes are a potential source of supply for the increasing abuse of pharmaceutical drugs in the United States and pose a risk to public health and safety every day. Falmouth PD encourages residents to take stock of their medicine cabinets and drop off any unused, unwanted, or outdated medications to the police station for safe disposal. If you cannot make the event, there is a drug drop box in the lobby for your convenience. For questions, call 207-781-2300.
Urban Run Off 5K, April 22
Our community's health, economy, and way of life depends on clean water. Unfortunately, polluted runoff threatens Maine's lakes, rivers, streams, and bays. You can be the hero we need to protect our water. The Urban Runoff 5k, hosted by Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, supports clean water education in the greater Portland and Saco areas. The 2023 event will allow participants to explore a course anytime during the month of April on their own or join us for our timed event on April 22 in South Portland. Learn more and register at: https://www.cumberlandswcd.org/urban-runoff
Child Passenger Safety Seat Event, Saturday, April 29
Falmouth Fire-EMS will be hosting a FREE child passenger safety seat event on Saturday, April 29, from 10am-1pm. The event will be held at Central Fire Station (8 Bucknam Rd.) in Falmouth. Get your child's passenger safety seat checked by trained staff. Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be available to install and educate you on your new car seats or they can inspect your currently installed car seats for safety requirements. Appointments are not required but are recommended. Space is limited. For more information and sign-up, visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0d48adaf2caafd0-carseat#/. Scroll to the bottom of the page to reserve your appointment.
Coffee With Councilors
The Town Council would like to invite all residents to join two Councilors at a time for an informal Zoom gathering. These meetings will be scheduled for one hour each with no set agenda. It is a chance for an informal dialogue on whatever is on residents' minds. We will vary the days and times to try to be accessible to all. We hope to see you there!
The next Coffee with Councilors will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 6-7pm (NOTE THIS DATE IS TENTATIVE)
Attendees: TBD
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87870629467
Or One tap mobile :
US: +16469313860,,87870629467# or +13017158592,,87870629467#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
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Webinar ID: 878 7062 9467
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcsiXgpGDp
Take Note |
Spring Leaf Collection
Spring curbside collection for leaf bags will be Friday, April 28 and Friday, May 5. Leaf bags are available at the Public Works Office (101 Woods Road) in quantities of 12 per Falmouth resident address. (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!)
All leaf bags MUST be at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on collection days. REMINDER – Brush is NOT collected curbside but can be brought to the Transfer Station. Do not put brush or trash in the leaf bags.Transfers station hours are:
- Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:00 – 4:00
- Fridays, 7:00 – 5:00
- Saturdays, 9:00 – 5:00
For more information, please contact the Public Works Office at 207-781-3919
Float Installation at Town Landing
Commercial floats have been installed at Town Landing. Recreational float installation is scheduled for May 4, weather permitting. Residents can anticipate the closing of the parking lot and limited access to the pier and beach during this time frame.
Falmouth Public Schools |
Highlight: Public Pre-K Lottery Open Until April 25th
We are pleased to announce that Falmouth Elementary School will provide full-day public Pre-K programming for up to 48 students during the 2023-24 school year. In order to be eligible, children must be four-years-old on or before October 15, 2023. Students turning five before October 15, 2023 would not be eligible for our Pre-K program, but would be eligible for Kindergarten. Parents/caregivers must commit to sending their children full-time (5 days a week/full days). Students will be selected through a lottery process.
Our Pre-K lottery is open for three weeks, from April 4-25, 2023. It does not matter when you apply within the window, as long as you apply before the deadline. Names will be pulled at random. For more information and to register, please visit the Pre-K page: www.falmouthschools.org/about/pre-k
Reminder: Kindergarten Registration for 2023-2024 School Year Open
Online kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school year is open. In order to be eligible for kindergarten in the fall of 2023, a child must be 5-years-old on or before October 15, 2023. There are no exceptions, as this is state law as well as a school board policy. To register, please visit our New Student Registration web page and select 2023-24 Kindergarten Registration, to complete a brief pre-registration form.
Upcoming: Events & Meetings
The Theatre Company at Falmouth High School Presents: Clue: On Stage! The classic board game is brought to life! Only three performances, so don’t wait:
- May 12, 7:00 pm
- May 13, 2:00 pm
- May 13, 7:00 pm
★ Tickets ON SALE now: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/72789 $15 General Admission, $10 Seniors, $10 Students
Multicultural Calendar: Eager to learn more about the holidays and cultural events celebrated by our students and community members? We welcome you to visit the Multicultural Calendar on our website.
School Board Meetings: A schedule of upcoming 2023 Falmouth 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).
Athletic Events: Keep up to date with Falmouth Athletics online Go Navs! If you’re interested in Falmouth Navigators fan gear, visit our online store. Adult and youth gear available.
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, April 24, 2023, 7:00pm
The Town Council will meet on Monday, April 24 at 7:00pm. 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 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 Meetings…
The Town Council held a meeting on April 10. Find an agenda and video here.
- There was a presentation and discussion of the Fiscal Year 2024 Proposed Budget.
- There was a public hearing to seek public input and inquiries relative to the Fiscal Year 2024 Proposed Budget. The Council agreed to schedule the order for April 24.
- There was a public hearing on amendments to CH. II-19 of the Code of Ordinances to add Veterinary Clinics as a permitted use in the BP District. The Council agreed to schedule the ordinance for April 24.
- The Council approved an ordinance to Amend the Coastal Waters Ordinance, Ch. 11-9, Art. 11-9-4. Of the Code of Ordinances.
- The Council approved an order to Amend the Harbor Fee Schedule.
- The Council approved the “Tree City USA” Community Resolution.
- The Council approved an order to accept Paddock Way, Kilarney Way, and Cavendish Road as public streets.
- The Council denied an order to accept the proposed Warranty Deed from Paddock Way, LLC for “Open Space 1”, being approximately .81 acres as shown on the Paddock Way subdivision plan.
- There was an introduction of an Ordinance to Amend the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance, Ch. 11-19, Art. 11-19-1, Sec. 19-72 of the Code of Ordinances. The Council agreed to schedule the public hearing for May 8.
- There was an introduction of an Ordinance to Amend the Traffic and Motor Vehicles Ordinance, Ch. II-17, Art. II-17-1 and Art. II-17-2 of the Code of Ordinances. The Council agreed to schedule the public hearing for May 8.
Planning Board
At the May 2 Planning Board meeting, the board will consider the following items. An agenda can be found here.
US Route One – Verdad Real Estate & Construction Services – Request for Site Plan Approval for three (3) 30,000sf 1 story self-storage unit buildings. Map/lot U53-001; Zoned BP. Previously Tabled
117 Gray Road – Anthony W. Hayes – Request for Final Subdivision Approval for 7 new condominium units. Map/lot U43-004.
US Route 1 – The Shops at Falmouth Square LLC – Request for Site Plan Amendment for architectural building plan modifications. Map/lot U12-007-A.
108 Winn Road – Justin M. Fletcher Inc – Request for Preliminary Approval for a 4-Lot major conservation subdivision. Map/lot R06-006-A; Zoned F, RCZO. Previously Tabled
Clearwater Drive – Empire Development LLC – Request for Pre-Application Sketch Plan Review for a Conceptual Development of the TV3 parcel in Tidewater Village. Map/lot U52-006.
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 April 25 meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals was canceled due to a lack of quorum.
For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-zoning-appeals
Board of Assessment Review
At the May 4, 2023 Board of Assessment Review meeting, the board will consider the following. An agenda can be found here in advance of the meeting.
- Elizabeth Oakleaf, 12 Old Powerhouse Road; Map/lot U16-080-D
- John & Karen Winslow, 253 Gray Road; Map/lot R06-033-A
- Kellie Smith, 202 Foreside Road; Map/lot U14-012-A
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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