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Household Hazardous Waste Day, Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief Program + much more

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** Community Newsletter
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** Issue #369
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Visit the City of South Portland website. (https://www.southportland.gov)
Woman rides bike on street near Thomas St in South Portland
Featured in this issue: Upcoming Council Meetings • New Videos from SPC-TV • November 5, 2024 Election • Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief • Adopt a Storm Drain • Emerald Ash Borer Intervention • National Preparedness Month • Short-Term Rentals Reminder • Events • Coming Up at the Library • Work With Us • South Portland Schools News • Waste Reduction Tip: Appliances • Conservation Corner


** Upcoming Council Meetings
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Please join us for an upcoming City Council meeting. The next meetings are:
Tuesday, October 8 at 6:30 PM - City Council Meeting
Tuesday, October 15 at 6:30 PM - City Council Workshop
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)


** New Videos from SPC-TV
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https://vimeo.com/channels/southportlandforward/1011079883

Check out the latest episode (https://vimeo.com/channels/southportlandforward/1011079883) of South Portland Forward! This episode features a chat with South Portland/Cape Elizabeth Animal Control Officer Maggie Maxwell, bird watching with the South Portland Land Trust, and getting to know the Locker Project.

You can also watch past episodes of South Portland Forward (https://vimeo.com/channels/southportlandforward) and these new releases from SPC-TV:

* League of Women Voters South Portland City Council Candidate Forum (https://vimeo.com/1010398184)
* Russ Lunt Municipal Services Facility Renaming Ceremony (https://videoplayer.telvue.com/player/NzN-Z2CpIDNbXMWB16nIzGKjRlHJozGq/media/901012?autostart=true&showtabssearch=true&key=NzN-Z2CpIDNbXMWB16nIzGKjRlHJozGq&fullscreen=false)
* Age Friendly Resource Fair (https://vimeo.com/1011360690)

Watch SPC-TV on Vimeo (https://vimeo.com/spctv)


** November 5, 2024 Election
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You can now request your ballot for the November 5, 2024 election! Here are some more reminders from the City Clerk:
* Register to vote now online (https://registertovote.sos.maine.gov/) or at the City Clerk’s office, or register at your polling location on Election Day.
* Polls will be open for voting 7 AM to 8 PM on Election Day.
* Request your absentee ballot today online (https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/AbsenteeBallot/index.pl) or by calling the City Clerk's office. You do not need a reason to vote absentee.
* Wondering if you’re registered to vote or have an election question? Contact the City Clerk at (207) 767-3201.

View more election information, including voter registration info and local candidates running for office, at: southportland.gov/elections (https://southportland.gov/elections?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0O-rHQ5KzeP0Jx7qLhiaPIyp3GgLqCtw3AnJyCV3h7gBDan6FxReUaQhE_aem_53qC3eZBYGE4Bj6tUwdrqw)
Learn More (https://southportland.gov/195/Elections-Voter-Registration)


** Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief
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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)


** Adopt a Storm Drain
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Storm drain close up

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)


** Emerald Ash Borer Intervention
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Signs of emerald ash borer - woodpecker flecking, crown dieback and D shaped exit hole in tree bark

The City of South Portland Parks, Recreation & Waterfront department is taking action to address the invasive emerald ash borer (https://www.southportland.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=167) affecting ash trees in the City and across the state and country. Parks is implementing a plan that will treat or remove affected ash trees on City property. As part of the plan, Parks will replace every tree it must remove with another native species of tree that is likely to thrive, consistent with the requirements of the City’s tree ordinance.

Read the Press Release (https://www.southportland.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=167)


** National Preparedness Month
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September is National Preparedness Month (https://www.ready.gov/september) . Make sure you are ready for a disaster or emergency. Check out the City's Emergency Manage web page (https://southportland.gov/361/Emergency-Management) for survival kit suggestions, evacuation information and more resources.

Learn more (https://southportland.gov/361/Emergency-Management)


** Short-Term Rentals Reminder
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Picture of a home with bushes in front
A short-term rental unit is a temporary residential rental of less than 30 consecutive days, such as those rented through websites like Airbnb. Unhosted short-term rentals can only be in a commercial or mixed-use zone, and all hosted and unhosted short-term rentals must be registered with the City. Learn more about registering and submit a complaint or potential violation on our Short-Term Rental page (https://www.southportland.gov/186/Short-Term-Residential-Rentals-Registrat) .
Learn More (https://www.southportland.gov/186/Short-Term-Residential-Rentals-Registrat)


** Events
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League of Women Voters graphic with forum info (included in story)

The League of Women Voters is holding candidate forums this month. Join in person at City Hall Council Chambers, watch live online (https://bit.ly/SPCTV_Live) , or watch videos of past forums.

* VIDEO: City Council Candidate Forum (https://vimeo.com/1010398184) (Sept. 16, 2024)
* UPCOMING: Board of Education Candidate Forum (Sept. 30, 2024 at 6 PM)

You may submit questions for the candidates at the Main Library ahead of the forums.

The City shares candidate forum information so that the public is informed of these opportunities. The City of South Portland does not endorse any candidate for office, nor sponsor candidate forums.

Photo of roll of I Voted stickers
Need to check if you're registered to vote, register to vote, or change or update your voter registration? Stop by the Main Library during the voter registration drive Tuesday, October 1, 2024 between 12 - 3 PM. You can also register to vote online (https://registertovote.sos.maine.gov/) , at the City Clerk's office, or at your voting place on election day. Learn more. (https://southportland.gov/195/Elections-Voter-Registration)
Learn More (https://www.southportland.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=145)
Picture of old paint can
The City is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste event on Saturday, October 12 from 8 AM - 12 PM. Drop of your old paint, chemicals, fluorescent light bulbs and more at 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 entirety of 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 serve 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)


** Coming Up at the Library
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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:
* Tues. 10/8 at 5:30 PM - Spooky Special Effects Makeup for Teens (https://southportlandlibrary.com/events/?event_id=14679〈=en) : Learn the basics of special effects makeup to help make your costume be as spooky as it possibly can be.
* Weds. 10/9 at 3:30 PM - Fresh Food Event (https://southportlandlibrary.com/events/?event_id=14678〈=en) : The Locker Project will be in the parking lot of the Main Library to share fresh local produce and other nourishing food with all who stop by.
* Thurs. 10/10 at 2 PM - Intro to Nature Journaling (https://southportlandlibrary.com/events/?event_id=14668〈=en) : New monthly class hosted by the Library and Park Rangers.
* Sat. 10/12 at 10:30 AM - Earth Rocks (https://southportlandlibrary.com/events/?event_id=14681〈=en) : The Children’s Museum & Theater of Maine presents this program all about rocks, minerals, and fossils.

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


** Work with Us!
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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
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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

Announcing the South Portland Schools App (https://www.spsdme.org/page/app) ! It’s everything South Portland Schools, in your pocket. Stay up-to-date with school announcements, learn about upcoming events, and access contact information quickly and easily on the mobile app. Enable notifications so that you get the latest updates from South Portland Schools. You can download the app for free on Google Play or the Apple App Store. Download for iPhone or Android! (https://www.spsdme.org/page/app)

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/) .
South Portland Schools (https://www.spsdme.org/)


** Waste Reduction Tip: Appliances
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Submitted by the Waste Reduction Committee
Wondering what to do with appliances you no longer need or want? Check out this tip of the month (https://southportland.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=166) 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
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Submitted by Barbara Dee, Chair of the Conservation Commission

cartoon of a deer crossing the road with words "The deer isn't crossing the road, the road is crossing the forest."

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.

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