びびなび : World : () World

Plus, adopt a storm drain and track your impact with our new program from the Water Resource Protection Department.

https://www.facebook.com/cityofsouthportland
http://instagram.com/cityofsouthportland
http://www.southportland.org
mailto:news@southportland.org


** Community Newsletter
------------------------------------------------------------


** Issue #370
------------------------------------------------------------
Visit the City of South Portland website. (https://www.southportland.gov)
autumn trees with water and apples int he foreground
Featured in this issue: Upcoming Council Meetings • November 5, 2024 Election • Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief • Sand Buckets for Seniors • Adopt a Storm Drain • Nominate a Business • Comprehensive Plan Update • Bus Merger News • Register Now for Youth Basketball • October Events • Coming Up at the Library • Work With Us • South Portland Schools News • Waste Reduction Tip: Halloween Costumes • Conservation Corner
PLEASE NOTE: City Offices (except public safety) will have a delayed opening at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, October 22. Staff will be attending the City's annual employee recognition event.


** Upcoming Council Meetings
------------------------------------------------------------
Please join us for an upcoming City Council meeting. The next meetings are:
Tuesday, October 15 at 6:30 PM - City Council Workshop
Tuesday, October 22 at 6:30 PM - City Council Meeting
View the City Calendar (https://southportland.gov/calendar.aspx) for all scheduled City Council meetings and Board and Committee meetings. Visit the City Council page (https://southportland.gov/411/City-Council) for information about how to participate.

City Council & Meeting Info (https://southportland.gov/411/City-Council)


** November 5, 2024 Election
------------------------------------------------------------

"Vote Here" box with flowers

Vote now! Absentee ballots for the November 5, 2024 election are available at the City Clerk's Office. Drop by City Hall during regular business hours or the Clerk's extended election services hours to vote.

Visit our Nov. 5 Election web page (https://www.southportland.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=29) where you can:
* Register to vote
* Request an absentee ballot be mailed to you
* Find your polling location
* See the City Clerk's extended election services hours
* See a list of local candidates
* View sample ballots
* See videos of local candidate forums hosted by LWV

And more! If you have a voting or election question, contact the City Clerk at (207) 767-3201 or drop by their office at City Hall (25 Cottage Rd.)

November 5, 2024 Election Information (https://southportland.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=29)


** Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief
------------------------------------------------------------

Back of a senior man fishing in a pond with fall leaves and ducks

If you're 65 or older and qualify for the State of Maine Property Tax Fairness Credit Program, you may be eligible for the City's Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief program. You can receive up to $500 off of your property tax bill. You must apply on or after January 1 and return your application on or before April 30, 2025. You must include Form 1040ME and Schedule PTFC/STFC from your 2024 tax filing. The Finance department will automatically send you an application if you were part of the program last year, or you can download the application online (https://www.southportland.gov/182/Tax-Relief-Programs) or pick one up from the Treasury office at City Hall.

To learn more about this program, plus State programs and exemptions that may reduce your property tax bill, visit www.southportland.gov/taxrelief

Learn More (https://www.southportland.gov/182/Tax-Relief-Programs)


** Sand Buckets for Seniors
------------------------------------------------------------
Orange "Sand Buckets for Seniors" buckets with City of South Portland and Age Friendly logos
Get ready for winter and order your sand bucket! If you are 65+ or have mobility issues, learn how to order your free sand bucket to use on slippery walkways, thanks to a partnership between Age Friendly South Portland and South Portland Public Works. Please order your sand bucket by November 1. Call Public Works at 207-767-7635 or email publicworks@southportland.org (mailto:publicworks@southportland.org) .
Learn More (https://www.southportland.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=174)


** Adopt a Storm Drain
------------------------------------------------------------
Woman and child and dog with storm drain
Help protect our shared water resources and reduce local flooding. Volunteer to adopt a storm drain near you! Maintaining a clean storm drain reduces the likelihood of flooding in your neighborhood, reduces litter, and helps prevent pollutants from entering our waterways. Learn more and sign up on the Adopt a Storm Drain page (https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/4944c0e7e0c94b129554954913c5c0e1) .
Learn More & Sign Up (https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/4944c0e7e0c94b129554954913c5c0e1)


** Nominate a Business!
------------------------------------------------------------

South Portland Business Awards Nomination graphic (10th Anniversary event)

Submit your nominations for the 10th annual South Portland Business Awards! Nominate businesses (https://form.jotform.com/232263930433148) and entrepreneurs that make a difference in our community in the categories of: New Business of the Year, Maker Business Award, Business Leader of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Business of the Year, Santo "Sam" DiPietro Community Impact Award, and the SoPo Sustainability Award.

Winners will be announced at the Business Awards Ceremony tentatively scheduled for February 26, 2025.

Nominate a Business (https://form.jotform.com/232263930433148)


** Comprehensive Plan Update
------------------------------------------------------------

SoPo 2040 logo - lighthouse with rainbow light

Join the Comprehensive Plan Committee for a meeting on Wednesday, October 16 at 5:30 PM (please note the earlier time) in City Hall Council Chambers. The Committee will discuss draft city-wide strategies related to climate and ecological readiness and draft neighborhood-specific strategies for waterfront areas. Join in person or watch the meeting live online (https://videoplayer.telvue.com/player/NzN-Z2CpIDNbXMWB16nIzGKjRlHJozGq/playlists/4008/stream/400?autostart=false&showtabssearch=true&fullscreen=false) or on SPC-TV Spectrum Channel 2. For more information about the Comprehensive Plan update, visit www.southportland2040.com.

See Meeting Info (https://southportland.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=173)


** Bus Merger News
------------------------------------------------------------
On October 8, 2024 South Portland City Council voted unanimously to merge South Portland's city-run bus system into Greater Portland Metro (https://southportland.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=172) , effective at the end of the year. The service will remain the same, although Metro will likely offer suggested route improvements in the next few years. Metro will also carry forward a project to improve access and accessibility for a number of bus stops in South Portland, for which the City has secured grant funding. South Portland is expected to save $1 million over the next five years from this merger.
Read the Press Release (https://southportland.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=172)


** Youth Basketball
------------------------------------------------------------

2024-2025 Basketball Leagues for youth with South Portland logo

Registration is open (https://southportlandme.myrec.com/info/default.aspx) for South Portland Parks & Rec basketball leagues for grades 1 - high school! The registration deadline for grades 1-4 and grades 5-6 is October 26, 2024. High school league registration closes December 5, 2024.

Learn More & Register (https://southportlandme.myrec.com/info/default.aspx)


** Events
------------------------------------------------------------

Fire Trucks in front of Cash Corner fire station with text: Join the SPFD for our annual fire prevention week open houes

Join the South Portland Fire Department for the annual Fire Prevention Week Open House on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Cash Corner Fire Station (360 Main St.). There will be fire truck displays, a children's obstacle course, pumpkin decorating, bounce house and lots of information to help prevent fires in your home or business.

Learn More (https://southportland.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=1466&month=10&year=2024&day=12&calType=0)

Picture of old paint can

The City is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off event on Saturday, October 12 from 8 AM - 12 PM. Bring your old paint, accepted chemicals, fluorescent light bulbs and more to the Transfer Facility. See what's accepted on the Household Hazardous Waste event page (https://southportland.gov/591/Household-Hazardous-Waste) .

Learn More (https://southportland.gov/591/Household-Hazardous-Waste)
Zombie dash flyer. Graphic of zombies against a yellow moon with program text (available at link)
Join Parks, Recreation & Waterfront at Hinckley Park on October 18, 2024 for two evening dashes (5:30 PM and 6:30 PM). Escape with all your "lives" and you can enter to win awesome raffle prizes! Registration required to participate to run, or volunteer as a zombie!
Learn More & Register (https://southportlandme.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=31296)
Mongrel Mash graphic of two dogs in ghost costumes with program text (available at link)
Join Parks, Recreation and Waterfront for a howl-o-ween party of epic proportions on Sunday, October 19, 2024 from 10 AM to 12 PM at Mill Creek Park. The event will include a dog Halloween costume contest, a pup parade, local dog-themed vendors, and adoption information. This event is free to attend. Pre-registration is required for those wishing to compete in the judged portion. Note: all dogs must be on a leash for the entire the event.

For more information and to register, visit the My Rec event page (https://southportlandme.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=31469) . For updates, including postponements or cancelations due to weather, see the Facebook event (https://www.facebook.com/events/1483563318944521/) .
Learn More (https://southportlandme.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=31469)

Halloween Trunk or Treat graphic with photos of kids in costume and program text (available at link)

Join us for trick-or-treating, touch-a-truck, games, and fun on Saturday, October 26 from 11 AM - 3PM! The South Portland Police and Parks & Rec are partnering with many other community service providers to bring a fun, free day of Halloween activities and treats to the South Portland Community!

You can also "cop a coat" from the South Portland Police Department! Free coats are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies and sizes last. Get more info and updates on the Facebook event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/2041382199611461/?ref=newsfeed) .

Learn More (https://www.facebook.com/events/2041382199611461/?ref=newsfeed)

Drop of blood in front of trees holding sign that says "welcome" - Text: Join us at Camp Do Good. Give Blood.

American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive at the South Portland Community Center on Wednesday, October 23 from 9 AM - 1:30 PM. Red Cross asks you to please consider donating blood. For more information, visit: www.RedCross.org

Learn More (https://www.redcross.org/)


** Coming Up at the Library
------------------------------------------------------------
South Portland Public Library sign with flowers
The South Portland Library regularly holds fun and engaging events for all ages. Check out the events below, books...and all the library has to offer!

Select upcoming events:
* Thurs. 10/17 at 6:30 PM - Ecology Lecture: Myths and Legends of Maine (https://southportlandlibrary.com/events/?event_id=14683〈=en)
* Fri. 10/18 at 10:30 AM - Lindsay and Her Puppet Pals (https://southportlandlibrary.com/events/?event_id=14684〈=en)
* Thurs. 10/24 at 6 PM - Author Talk: Richard Cass (https://southportlandlibrary.com/events/?event_id=14685〈=en)

South Portland Public Library (https://southportlandlibrary.com/)


** Work with Us!
------------------------------------------------------------
Staff smile in front of City Hall
Work to make an impact in your community! Learn about the many benefits (https://southportland.gov/217/Human-Resources) the City of South Portland offers our employees and browse open positions (https://southportland.gov/Jobs.aspx) today.

Thinking about becoming part of our team? Subscribe (https://southportland.gov/list.aspx) to get an email notification when a new job is posted.

Photo: City Hall staff celebrating #CityHallSelfie Day

Browse Jobs (https://southportland.gov/Jobs.aspx)


** South Portland Schools News
------------------------------------------------------------
South Portland Schools logo Visit South Portland Schools Online!
See SPSD news, School Board meetings, job opportunities, sporting events and more at: https://www.spsdme.org

South Portland School families and community members are invited to take a tour of the High School stadium facilities on Wednesday, October 16 at 4 PM. Please meet at the ticket booth. During the tour, you’ll learn about the current status of the SPHS stadium and athletic facilities and hear about the proposed improvements. Read more about the school referendums on the November 5th ballot here: spsdme.org/referendums (https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/pEbWCxklWmF1qQDQUYi4Fy2TWb?domain=spsdme.org)

Stay connected: Follow South Portland Schools on Instagram (https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/efaACW68ARi5x3nWcnsjuokwOJ?domain=instagram.com/) and Facebook (https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/5kS2CXDMBRHXGALzFmtguWyl7W?domain=facebook.com/) . Download the South Portland Schools App (https://www.spsdme.org/page/app) .
South Portland Schools (https://www.spsdme.org/)


** Waste Reduction Tip: Halloween Costumes
------------------------------------------------------------
Submitted by the Waste Reduction Committee
Wondering how to go green this Halloween? Check out this tip of the month (https://southportland.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=164) from the City's Waste Reduction Committee.

You can also view past tips in the Boards & Committees News section of the News Flash (https://southportland.gov/610/News-Hub) and sign up for email alerts (https://southportland.gov/list.aspx) when a new tip is posted.


** Conservation Corner
------------------------------------------------------------
Submitted by Barbara Dee, Chair of the Conservation Commission
Cartoon of fall plans with text: Leave the stems, the flower heads, and the leaves. They are habitats and food sources for your local wildlife over the cold months.
Hello, my name is Shara Dee and I'm very happy to serve as the City of South Portland's Communications Officer!

I'd love to hear your feedback on our newsletter and other City communications, so feel free to send me a note any time at news@southportland.org (mailto:news@southportland.org) .
The City of South Portland Community E-Newsletter includes information about City sponsored events, projects, and special announcements from South Portland's non-profit community. It is a compilation of the best available information at the time of publication. Events are subject to change without notice in the time between publication of this e-newsletter and the actual event. To send information to be considered for inclusion into this newsletter, send to news@southportland.org.

============================================================
Copyright © 2024 City of South Portland, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this e-mail because you subscribed to the community newsletter at our website.

Our mailing address is:
City of South Portland
25 Cottage Road
South Portland, ME 04106
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can
** update your preferences (https://southportland.us12.list-manage.com/profile?u=0dd04aa2b489e3c68f35323ad&id=6557b185c2&e=3b7a376d78&c=edaf591ec1)
or ** unsubscribe from this list (https://southportland.us12.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=0dd04aa2b489e3c68f35323ad&id=6557b185c2&t=b&e=3b7a376d78&c=edaf591ec1)
.
Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp
https://login.mailchimp.com/signup/email-referral/?aid=0dd04aa2b489e3c68f35323ad