Mwelcome to Cape Elizabeth N a SPECIAL ISSUE on the INS & OUTS of WHAT MAKES OUR TOWN UNIQUE
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PRSRT STD Postal Customer U.S. Postage PAID Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107 Permit No. 62 Portland, ME ECRWSS The Cape CourAn Independent Not-for-Profi er t Newspaper Volume 30 Number 7 May 24 - June 6, 2017 Serving Cape Elizabeth Since 1988 capecourier.com mwelcome to cape elizabeth n A SPECIAL ISSUE ON THE INS & OUTS OF WHAT MAKES OUR TOWN UNIQUE By Kevin St. Jarre and Marta Girouard It is that time of year when Cape Eliza- are including tips and practical for the younger ones in your through advertising, inviting you to experi- beth opens its collective arms to welcome information for Cape’s newest family to explore. Since its ence the many goods and services right here back our seasonal friends, to give a warm residents. In this issue, you will inception in 1985, the Cape in town. Be sure to check out the “Why I reception to those visiting our many sites fi nd details on town hall, our Elizabeth Land Trust has per- love Cape” quotes sprinkled throughout the and local establishments, and especially to newly renovated library, how manently protected over 650 issue from Cape residents who also own welcome our newest residents. to take advantage of the many acres of land for public ben- businesses in Cape. We keep our commu- Since the 17th century, people have activities off ered by commu- efi t. Whether you like to hike, nity strong by buying locally. known what a special community this is, nity services and where you can dispose of bike or snowshoe, the town off ers many Above all, Capers are friendly, and we and they’ve worked hard to keep it that way. your boxes after you have unpacked. miles of trails winding through wonderfully want you to know how happy we are that Descendants of many of the founding fami- Once you are settled in, we advise you and conscientiously preserved green spaces. you’re here. Maine’s slogan is “the way life lies are still here, centuries later, and some to get out and explore the town because And with summer almost upon us, this time should be,” and most can agree that is what of them still working the same fi elds their Cape Elizabeth has something for everyone. of year is all about the beaches. Cape Elizabeth is all about. We at the Cou- ancestors did. Fort Williams Park is home to the world fa- Cape Elizabeth is a vital economic rier extend a warm welcome to our newest Anyone who has moved can recall the mous Portland Head light. It also has many community as well, and we ask that Capers - we hope you love it here as much amount of work and adjustment involved. picnicking areas with wonderful views of readers slow down and really take stock as we do. That is why along with our regular news, we the ocean, and a new Children’s Garden of the many local businesses reaching out Annual Memorial Day parade set Why go to Portland? Shop Local! for Monday, May 29 By Tara Simopoulos While Portland off ers many wonderful Looking to get your hair done? Visit Pol- By Jim Huebener Cove Elementary School. This is an op- restaurants and shops, you don’t need to ly’s Haircare Center where they have been portunity for the community to come go over the bridge to fi nd what you need. making Cape beautiful since 1981. Memorial Day in Cape Elizabeth will together in remembrance of those who Cape Elizabeth off ers an abundance of Cape off ers several realtors, landscapers, be observed with a parade, followed by have died serving our nation. services and shopping experiences. Sip dentists, carpenters, electricians….what- a ceremony at the War Veteran’s Memo- The parade begins at 9 a.m. Parade a blueberry martini on the back lawn of ever you need, Cape has it. And you will rial on Scott Dyer Road in front of Pond -see PARADE pag11 Travel & Leisure’s 2016 World’s Best Ho- probably fi nd their ad here in the Cape tels winner, The Inn by the Sea. Or grab Courier. Remember, buying local ensures a lobster roll at CSalt Gourmet market that you are keeping Cape’s economy where you can also grab a cool gift for thriving. Support your local businesses. that someone special. Recommended $24.9 million school budget goes to referendum The Town Council on May 15 sented at a public hearing May 5. approved a $38.7 million combined A $48,000 administrative assistant budget for 2017-18, including a $24.9 position for the facilities department was million school budget that is $1 less than removed from the budget following the what the School Board recommended. A resignation of director Greg Marles and validation referendum on the school bud- pending restructuring of the department. get will be held June 13. Councilors on May 15 also rejected a Councilors voted 4 to 2 to approve School Board request to have half of any the budget after four deadlocked votes additional state subsidy the schools may on proposals to trim both school and realize after budget approval to replen- town spending. Councilors Penny Jor- ish the department’s unassigned fund dan, Caitlin Jordan, Patty Grennon and balance. chair Jamie Garvin ultimately voted to Instead, councilors voted to direct any Photo by Martha Agan approve the budget, and to send the unanticipated state subsidy solely to tax School Board’s recommended budget - relief, and if subsidy comes to less than Memorial Day, unlike Veterans Day, is not a minus $1 - to referendum. the $1.9 million budgeted, the schools day to remember all those who served. It is, Councilors Kathy Ray and Jessica may curtail spending to off set the instead, a day set aside to honor those who Sullivan voted against. shortfall. Throughout this issue fell while serving their country, intended as The combined budget will mean a tax Also at the special meeting, the coun- a day of refl ection and remembrance. look for “Welcome to Cape” rate of $18.19 per $1,000 of assessed val- cil voted to appoint Shore Road resident uation, up 3.7 percent, or 65 cents over Jim Kerney to an unexpired term on the pieces designated by a this year’s rate. Fort Williams Park Committee, ending lighthouse icon. The approved town budget of in December 2018. $12,137,599 is $48,000 less than was pre- Page 2 • The Cape Courier May 24 - June 6, 2017 The Cape Courier CELT conserves land, helps others enjoy it Overview of Cape’s P.O. Box 6242 Cape Elizabeth Maine 04107 How lucky we are to live in a place like them stay engaged for the years to come.” town government 207-838-2180 Cape Elizabeth. I often fi nd myself some- CELT also sponsors many community pro- www.capecourier.com where exclaiming, “It’s so beautiful! Can grams for adults. In 1967, Cape Elizabeth converted from you believe this is home?” What can you and your family experi- a town meeting form of government to a We are especially fortunate that since ence out and about today in Cape Elizabeth? Town Council-Town Manager form of gov- OUR MISSION STATEMENT 1986, the Cape Elizabeth community has Education Coordinator Linden Rayton loves ernment. Th e mission of Th e Cape Courier is to foster helped the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust the fi eld of False Solomon’s Seal and Lily of The seven member Town Council is a sense of community by presenting news (CELT) permanently conserve over 650 the Valley that grow between Belfi eld Rd specifi c and unique to Cape Elizabeth elected at large on a non-partisan basis for and its residents, and, whenever possible, acres for walkers, runners, bikers, nature and the Pond Trail in Robinson Woods. She staggered three-year terms. Municipal elec- to promote volunteerism within our lovers, fi shermen and bow hunters to enjoy advises to breathe it all in! tions are held on the Tuesday following the community. year round. CELT protects signifi cant sce- Suzanne McGinn anticipates the ar- fi rst Monday in November. BOARD OF DIRECTORS nic lands, shores and forests, wildlife habi- rival of lady slippers blooming in Robinson The Town Council appoints the town Trish Brigham, Debbie Butterworth, tats, and farms that feed us, and serves as a Woods and at Great Pond. The wild vibur- manager, town assessor, town attorney and Bob Dodd, Jerry Harkavy, resource for landowners wishing to explore num blooming along Cantor Way easement members of numerous citizen boards and Bill Springer the many options available when they want “looks like a fairy’s paradise.” committees. The council enacts ordinances Publisher: Kim Case to sell their land. Longtime outdoor educator Lisa Gent after public hearings and determines over- [email protected] In addition to conserving land and pro- watches for turtles sunning themselves on all policy. The council also adopts an annual Editor: Kevin St. Jarre viding recreation options for Cape, CELT the big log in the pond at Robinson Woods, budget each May. [email protected] programming helps to inspire young and and delights in fi nding salamander and frog The town manager administers day-to- Community Reporter: Marta Girouard old alike with the wonders of the natural eggs in vernal pools. I can’t wait to dust off day operations and appoints department [email protected] world around us. Collaborating with Pond my paddleboard and head down the Fenway heads subject to the approval of the Town Advertising Manager: Tara Simopoulos Cove School, CELT develops and leads tra- Rd access trail for some “paddle-birding’; Council.