Town of Falmouth, ME

19/07/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 19/07/2024 21:44

2024.07.19 Falmouth Focus, Volume 6, Issue 15

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Falmouth Presents Legacy Award to Nancy Lightbody

On Wednesday, July 12, at a surprise reception at Town Hall, the Falmouth Town Council presented Nancy Lightbody Falmouth's Legacy Award. About 40 people attended the event.

The Legacy Award recognizes residents whose volunteer efforts have contributed to the improvement of our community's civic, educational, recreational, and/or charitable organizations over a period of many years and whose contributions have left a lasting legacy for future residents of Falmouth. The award is given in exceptional cases of service to the Falmouth community.

Nancy has been a very active volunteer in the Falmouth community for many years. As a manager of the Food Pantry, she has worked tirelessly to collect, sort, and distribute food to the families who rely on the Pantry's services. She works behind the scenes, often with businesses and other community groups, to organize food drives and unique fundraising opportunities. One such fundraiser is the annual Community Supper held each fall. Nancy not only works at the event but is a key organizer, recruiting and training volunteers, securing food donations, publicizing the event, putting up no-parking signs, and even providing paper goods.

In addition, Nancy has been a long-time steward of Falmouth's open space and trails, and the environment in general. She has served many years on Falmouth's Conservation Commission, working to conserve land in Falmouth and to improve the environmental health of the town's land and water. For years Nancy has led the commission's efforts to minimize pesticide use, convening public meetings with stakeholders ranging from applicators to scientists. More recently, she has turned her attention to PFAS and the harm plastics can do to our environment, helping to organize a public forum on the topic this fall.

"Nancy is a tireless advocate for those who don't have a voice," noted Council Chair Trickett, "for the families in need who benefit from the Food Pantry to future Falmouth residents who will benefit from all her efforts to preserve our environment. Her work in Falmouth and her commitment to the community will have a lasting impact for generations to come."

Bucknam Road Overnight Closure

As part of the Bucknam Road Bridge Replacement Project, MaineDOT will close Bucknam Road overnight next Wednesday, July 24, from 10pm-5am for striping. Motorists will be directed to utilize a signed detour route via various message boards and signage. Additional information on MaineDOT's Bucknam and Johnson Road Bridge replacement projects can be found on our project page at: https://www.falmouthme.org/bucknam-road-bridge-replacement-project and at MaineDOT's project pageat: https://www.maine.gov/mdot/projects/falmouth/johnsonrd/

Legislative Sentiments Presented to Falmouth Staff

At the July 8 Town Council meeting Representative Amy Kuhn presented legislative sentiments to two Town of Falmouth employees in recognition of significant state-wide professional awards they each received in their respective fields. The sentiments are officials expressions of the Maine State Legislature and are signed by the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate. Representative Kuhn presented the first legislative sentiment to Fire-EMS Chief Howard Rice. Chief Rice received the Maine Fire Service Institute (MFSI) Deputy Chief Marc Bellefeuille Instructor of the Year Award from the Maine Fire Chief's Association for his hard work and dedication as an MFSI instructor to bring higher level fire service training programs to fruition in the State of Maine. Read more about Chief Rice's recognition here. Representative Kuhn presented a second sentiment to Falmouth Police Officer Amanda Hogg. The Maine Chiefs of Police Association (MCOPA) recognized Officer Hogg with the association's Humanitarian Award for her outstanding work in establishing and promoting the agency's annual "Giving Tree," a project to benefit non-profit organizations in the community. Learn more about Officer Hogg's award here. Senator Theresa Pierce was unable to attend the meeting but sent her regards and best wishes to Chief Rice and Officer Hogg for their outstanding work.

Falmouth Fire-EMS Awards Annual Scholarship

Congratulations to Jenna Nunley, the 2024 recipient of the Falmouth Fire-EMS scholarship which recognizes a Falmouth graduate each year who is studying firefighting, EMS, nursing, or a related field. Jenna is a 2024 graduate of Falmouth High School and will be studying nursing at the University of Michigan this fall. The on-duty crew presented Jenna with the $2,500 scholarship check on Wednesday, July 17 (see image above). The scholarship fund is made up of donations from the community as well as proceeds from sorting bottles at the bottle bin at Central Station. Congrats and good luck this fall Jenna!

Save the Date! Plastics Reduction Initiatve Forum, September 26

The Falmouth Conservation Commission has launched a Plastics Reduction Initiative (PRI) to highlight the impact of plastics on our health and environment and to provide educational opportunities for the public. Save the Date! Join the Conservation Commission at 6:30pm on September 26 at the Falmouth High School Theater to learn more about the real dangers of plastics, particularly single use plastics, and become part of the solution! More details to come!

Let's Talk Waste Diversion

Are You Composting?

The Town of Falmouth provides residents with three compost drop-off locations to help the community reduce our solid waste stream and thus reduce our town wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Did you know that food waste makes up 24% of municipal solid waste disposed in landfills? This means that the more we divert food waste, the more we reduce the town's carbon footprint. Here is where you can compost your food scraps:

  1. The Transfer Station during business hours
  2. Community Park, 19 Winn Rd
  3. Village Park, Hat Trick Dr

Another way to support the reduction of the town's carbon footprint is through proper recycling of things like e-waste and hazardous household waste. The Transfer Station accepts various e-waste items, and hazardous household waste. Find out more here.

Does Falmouth Recycle?

Have you ever noticed when Casella collects your trash and recycling it looks like they are tossing both yellow trash bags and your carefully sorted recycling into the same bin on their truck? Are they mixing it all up? Is Falmouth really recycling?

The answer is a resounding YES! ecomaine processes over 1300 tons of recycled material for Falmouth--that's a 37% recycling rate which is the highest of all the communities ecomaine serves. While it might look like your trash and recycling are being mixed together, in reality, Casella uses what is called a split-bodied truck. The truck is split into two separate compartments--one for trash, the other for recycling. From inside the cab, the driver can control where the materials in your carts go by activating a lever. Casella has developed a short video to demonstrate how this works. Find the video here: https://youtu.be/ykan1eVjwOM?si=B8TuLoYxe1szJL9X. For more information on ecomaine and Falmouth's recycling data, visit ecomaine at: https://www.ecomaine.org/about-us/reports/

Pesticide & Fertilizers Ordinance Update

SAVE THE DATE: Community Workshop to Learn More about Proposed Pesticide and Fertilizer Regulation

Join us on Tuesday, August 20 from 6:30 to 8:30pm at Lunt Auditorium for a panel presentation with four subject matter experts addressing additional regulations for pesticide and fertilizer use in Falmouth. The panel will discuss issues and concerns identified during Council consideration of the proposed ordinance last spring and answer questions to help clarify potential policy changes. Refreshments will be provided. More details to follow.

Please enjoy this monthly article from Falmouth's Communtiy Wellness Committee.

From the Wellness Committee: Falmouth's Fabulous Parks

by Scott Simmonds, Chairperson, Falmouth Parks and Community Program Advisory Committee (PACPAC)

At the July 8 Town Council meeting, in recognition of the many benefits of parks and recreation resources in our community, the Council passed a resolution < /a>recognizing July as Park and Recreation Month in the Town of Falmouth. Falmouth proudly offers an abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Over fifty-five miles of picturesque hiking trails, 1,800 acres of open space, four sprawling community forests, and thirteen alluring parks await your exploration! Here are some highlights:

Community Park, 19 Winn Road

Spanning 160 acres, Community Park features an active farm, open meadows, woodlands, multipurpose and ball fields, along with trails that are part of the Cross Falmouth trail network, connecting to Town Forest and River Point. Notable is a historic family cemetery, dating back to 1856.

Graves School Park, Pleasant Hill Road

This quaint 0.7-acre area boasts lush grass and a children's playground, once home to the Graves School, a charming two-room schoolhouse established in 1947 and operational until 1975.

Huston School Park, Corner of Falmouth and Winn Road

Occupying 3.8 acres, this park offers lit tennis/pickleball courts, playground, a baseball field, and a seasonal ice skating pond. It stands on historical grounds of school buildings present from the 1780s until 1980, when the fire station was built. The park is also home to the Ryan Rogers Memorial Basketball Courts, named in honor of Ryan Rogers, a life-long Falmouth resident, Falmouth High School graduate, and basketball state champion, who died in 2021 at age 28 from glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Legion Field, 67 Depot Road

A 14-acre hub for sports and relaxation, Legion Field includes a playground, baseball fields, walkways, and tennis courts, making it one of our most used parks.

Mason/Motz Activity Center, 190 Middle Road

This center is the heart of our recreation department housing our administrative offices, after school programs, classrooms, a gymnasium, and meeting rooms. Outside we have a playground, swings, and a scenic, accessible nature walkway with benches through our Tercentennial Native Species Legacy Garden.

Underwood Park, 254 Foreside Road

Here, children can enjoy a playground and open play area. The park was the site of Underwood School, which was located where the playground is today. The wooded area to the rear of the property was once mined for gravel. The Town Council recently approved significant enhancements for this park to be completed in stages starting this year and running to 2026.

Village Park, Behind Walmart on Route 1

A serene 12-acre retreat with a concert gazebo and spacious field area and trails leading to Tidewater Conservation Area. Adjacent to this tranquil spot are skating rinks. The park is also home to Falmouth Parks and Community Programs Concerts in the Park series each summer. See below for more details on this summer's concert line-up.

So, whether you or looking for a nice walk, a picnic, a chance to play some sports, a playground to take the kids, or just a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, Falmouth offers a wonderful system of parks and open spaces. Please enjoy!

For more information, please visit the Town website: https://www.falmouthme.org/parks-and-community-programs

Sustainability Department at the Farmer's Market, July 31

Interested in learning more about the Falmouth Climate Action Plan and other sustainable initiatives in Falmouth? Find the Sustainability Department at the Farmer's Market at 22 Hat Trick Dr on July 31 from 10:00am-1:00pm. The resident volunteer led Conservation Commission and Sustainability Committee spearhead various efforts to create a more sustainable Falmouth. You can learn more about their initiatives and projects online or in person at the Farmer's Market. The Sustainability Department will be present at the Farmer's Market during some weeks in August as well! Hope to see you there!

Concerts in the Park

Enjoy evenings of musical enlightenment in Falmouth's Village Park, off Hat Trick Drive. Concerts begin at 6:30pm. Bring your own picnics and don't forget your blankets or lawn chairs. Events are FREE, family friendly, and open to all.

  • Monday, July 22, Misspent Youth--A 5-piece classic cover band playing songs of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Doobie Brothers and more.
  • Monday, August 5, Jeezum Crow, A Portland based band with guitars, bass, drums, and fiddle. We play a mix of covers and originals in the Americana, Rock, and Alt Country genres.

In the case of inclement weather, concerts may be held inside at the Mason-Motz Activity Center. For updates, please contact the FCP office at 699-5302. RAIN DECISION WILL BE MADE BY 2pm.

Falmouth Community Programs would like to thank our sponsors:

  • Big Band Level ($500+): Back Cove Financial
  • Ensemble Level ($100-$499): Falmouth Lions Club, Bangor Savings Bank
  • Refreshment sponsors: Poland Spring & Hannaford

Winter Kids

Help Falmouth Parks & Community Programs win a grant for outdoor equipment! Winter Kids is offering grants to support getting more kids active and outdoors this winter. FCP would like to purchase equipment such as snow shoes and ice skates, gaiters, compasses, and walking poles to incorporate into our youth programming. We work closely with the Falmouth Land Trust and would share the equipment with them to get more families outside in all seasons. Additional funds would be used to help children that need financial assistance attend programs and to expand our programming for children and families. Simply go to winterkids.org/D24Fund and vote for us! You can vote as many times as you'd like. Help us get more kids outdoors and active in the community

Portland Water District Road Construction

The Portland Water District continues work begun in May to replace a water main in and around the intersection of Winn Road and Falmouth Road. Flaggers will be on site to maintain traffic flow. Lane closures are not anticipated though traffic may be delayed in this area. Construction is weather permitting. The project is anticipated to take 4-6 weeks to complete.

Highlight: Student Art Featured at Falmouth Memorial Library

If you visit the Falmouth Memorial Library this summer, make sure to enjoy the artwork from students at FES, FMS, and FHS. The Library is proud to showcase student art that highlights the creativity of our students. The exhibit will run the first week of June through the first week of September.

In the News: Forecaster Chooses Falmouth Spring Athletes of the Year

Congratulations to recent Falmouth High School graduates Peaches Stucker and Brennan Rumpf, who were named the Forecaster's spring Athletes of the Year for Falmouth. https://www.pressherald.com/2024/07/14/falmouth-navigators-spring-athletes-of-the-year-3/

Reminder: Join Our Team at Falmouth Public Schools

We're looking for more great staff members to join our team! Our current open positions include:

Learn more about FalmouthPublic Schools at their website, and stay connected through social media, calendars, and Principal Notes here. Follow FalmouthPublic Schools on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTubefor the latest school news.

Town Council Meeting, Monday, July 22, 2024

The next meeting of the Falmouth Town Council will be held on Monday, July 22, at Falmouth Town Hall. Find the agenda 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 Meeting…

The Town Council held a meeting on July 8. Find agenda here.

  • The Council approved an Order to approve a Budget Amendment to the FY2024-2025 Wastewater Capital Budget.
  • The Council approved an Order to change the date of the October 16, 2024 Council meeting to October 15, 2024.
  • There was recognition of Town of Falmouth staff awards from Senator Teresa Pierce and Representative Amy Kuhn.
  • The Council approved a Resolution Designating July as Park and Recreation Month in the Town of Falmouth.
  • The Council approved an Order to Vote for MMA Legislative Policy Committee.
  • There was an update and Council Guidance on Schedule for Continued Work on a Pesticide and Fertilizer Ordinance

At the August 2 Planning Board Meeting, the board will consider the following items. Please note, the Planning Board agenda and supporting documents were not complete at the time of this newsletter's publication. The agenda will be posted here in advance of the meeting.

  • Whispers Way - Jediah Scott/Sebago Technics - Request for Private Way Amendment to add Filled-In Wetland Information on the Plan. Map/lot R03-064-A/C/D; Zoned F, RCZO.
  • 18 Menikoe Point Road - Joseph Boulos - Request for Shoreland Zone Permit Approval for Shoreline Stabilization. Map/lot U06-004; Zoned RC, RCZO, SZ-LR, WVOD.
  • Longwoods Road - Michael Cloutier - Request for Fill Permit Approval for a proposed dwelling. Map/lot R03-054-004; Zoned Fm, RCZO.
  • Mackworth Island - State of Maine - Request for Shoreland Zone/Site Plan Approval for Renovations to the Gateway. Map/lot R02-012; Zoned F, SZ-RP, RCZO.
  • 121 Woodville Road - Steve Searles - Request for Private Way Approval for one new lot. Map/lot R03-062-C; Zoned F, RCZO.
  • Chandler Drive - Erin Finley - Request for Subdivision Amendment to Reclassify Lot 5 as a Buildable Lot. Map/lot U20-001-013; Zoned RBm, RCZO.
  • 117 Gray Road - Anthony W. Hayes - Request for Subdivision Amendment Preliminary Approval of Phase II of Constellation Estates for the addition of three (3) additional units. Map/lot U43-004; Zoned VMU, SZ-LC, SZ-RP, RT100CO.
  • 17 & 20 Mill Road - Town of Falmouth - Request for Shoreland Zone Permit Approval for Mill Road Drainage Improvements. Map/lot U40-013/016; Zoned RD, RCZO, SZ-LC, RT100CO.
  • Falmouth Road - Blackstone Development Group - Request for Subdivision Amendment for Hidden Hills Estates to address Zoning Board of Appeals Conditional Use Approval for Ledge Processing. Map/lot R04-022; Zoned FF, RCZO.

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 [email protected]

At the July 23 Board of Zoning Appeals meeting, the board will consider the following items. Find agenda here.

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.