What's under a tree? So that kids around town and our neighbors have a merrier holiday, we're asking for help collecting traditional holiday gifts like: new hats and mittens, cozy socks for kids and adults, new toys for kids of all ages, craft kits and games for families, pajamas and read-aloud books, hoodies for kids and teens, shampoo and hygiene items, and spices for the food pantry.

Grocery and retail cards as well as gifts to the Keep Our Neighbors Warm fuel fund or our Neighbors Helping Neighbors fund are also very much appreciated.

What's under a tree? So that kids around town and our neighbors have a merrier holiday, we're asking for help collecting traditional holiday gifts like new hats and mittens, cozy socks for kids and adults, new toys for kids of all ages, craft kits and games for families, pajamas and read-aloud books, hoodies for kids and teens, shampoo and hygiene items, and spices for the food pantry. Grocery and retail cards as well as gifts to the Keep Our Neighbors Warm fuel fund or our Neighbors Helping Neighbors fund are also very much appreciated. Would you like to host a tree or collection? Let us know!

Chief Mark Holmquist will speak at the Scarborough Public Library on Tuesday, November 12th (Noon) about his personal experience as a Sentinel of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery. RSVPs are encouraged, as space is limited. The program is free and co-hosted by the Scarborough Public Library and Project GRACE in observance of Veterans Day.

Prior to joining the Scarborough Police Department, Mark was a 24-year veteran of the Maine State Police where he retired in November 2021 at the rank of Lieutenant. During his 24-year career, He served for 12 years with Troop A in Alfred conducting rural patrol in York County and 12 years in the Major Crimes Unit in Gray where he was promoted to Lieutenant in 2017 and finished the final year of his career as the Troop Commander at Troop A.
 
Chief Holmquist's distinguished career includes his service as First Sergeant from the US Army Reserves in December 2021. He served for 25 years in the US Army, Maine Army National Guard and US Army Reserves. The highlight of his military career was his service as a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery from 1992-1993. The majority of Chief Holmquist's Army Reserve service was in the role of Senior Drill Sergeant, assigned to a training unit specifically tasked to turn citizens into Soldiers during basic combat training.

Modest honorarium gifts to Scarborough's American Legion Libby Mitchell Post #76, The Travis Mills Foundation, and Society of the Honor Guard Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were made by Project GRACE to recognize Chief Holmquist for his service and for sharing his experience with us. We are also grateful to the library for co-hosting this very personal and inspiring program.

The holidays are fast approaching, and we're hosting our annual "Fixings" Food Drive to benefit the Scarborough Food Pantry on Saturday, November 9th 12:30-2:30 (38 Hannaford Drive).

As a complement to the Scarborough Kiwanis Club's generous donation of turkeys for the food pantry, we're collecting the ingredients for a delicious holiday meal: gravy and stuffing, instant potatoes, green bean casserole ingredients, canned pumpkin and corn and fruit. Extras like aluminum foil and roasting pans or festive napkins are needed, too. Shelf staples like pasta and sauce, soups and chowders, brownie and sweet treats ready mixes, salad dressing and condiments, pb&j plus also grocery gift cards in any amount would also be appreciated.

Project GRACE supports Yes on 3 for Scarborough because of the core conservation benefits for our town and the region, and because public access to nature is both social and environmental justice. Plenty of scholarly studies affirm the values of connecting with nature for good health, overall well-being, and happiness, and everyone in our community should have the opportunity to enjoy those benefits. Scarborough's land bond will contribute to sustain a just and equitable community for everyone. We hope Scarborough voters will give their enthusiastic support to Question 3.

Worried about the cost of heating your home this winter? You're not alone. Stop in at the Scarborough Public Library on Friday, November 15th (Noon-1:30) for a free workshop offering tips, ideas, and freebies to help you save fuel and funds to keep you warm at home this winter. This program is made possible by grants and the generosity of supporters who include: Scarborough ACE Hardware, Prouts Neck Association, Higgins Beach Association, AARP, Scarborough Public Library, and the Town of Scarborough.

Volunteers and supporters from around town have generously contributed to our annual back to school drive and our neighbors helping neighbors mission. We're grateful to one and all, including Rotary Club of Scarborough, Ace Hardware of Scarborough, Town & Country Federal Credit Union, Piper Shores, Bessey Commons, Katahdin Trust, IDEXX, Mend Health, Nonesuch River Brewing, Enclave of Scarborough, Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, Patriot Subaru, Jack Chevrolet, Michelle Raber State Farm Insurance, Scarborough Chamber of Commerce, and so many more! Thank you so much!

Opportunity Alliance takes applications for HEAP from eligible Cumberland County residents.

The return to school is just around the corner, and we are gearing up to give families a helping hand. We'll need the usual items: new sturdy backpacks, pencils and pens, erasers, markers, glue and tape - check our SignUpGenius for what's most needed. (printable list by grade level). Please bring your donations to the Scarborough Public Library on Monday August 26th (10am-2pm). If you'd rather not shop, please consider making a gift today to Project GRACE to sponsor a child's backpack. Thank you!

Rotary Summer Food Drive at the Chamber Concerts in the Park. >>MORE

Project GRACE Food Drive for School Snacks August 26th. >>MORE

Hunger doesn't take a vacation.
We all love a Maine summer!  But the living isn't easy for everyone.  One in eight Mainers – including 1 in 5 children – don't get enough to eat. Kids are especially vulnerable during the summer months when they aren't getting school meals. You may have seen the recent article in the Press Herald  More than half of Mainers struggling to put food on their tables are not eligible for assistance from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a.k.a. food stamps) and food pantries help families with lean budgets put food on the table.. 

Close And Cover Windows
If you’re trying to escape the heat, the strategy is the same as in winter when we want to keep the cold our, heat in. Close your windows tightly, close your curtains, drapes, or blinds to prevent the sun from shining in and heating up your space. Likewise, as temperature cools down and the sun sets, let the cooler air breeze through your home, and be sure to shut everything back up in the morning.

Close Gaps
In the winter, we seal up our doors and windows, using easy DIY tapes and caulking any gaps to prevent outside air from getting in. This works winter or summer to keep your home comfortable.

Remember Heat Rises
If the temperature in your home is stifling, stay low to the ground. Keep to lower levels of the house and if you need to, kip on the couch or move your mattress to the lower floor for the night.

Keep The Stove Off
Heat-producing appliances like ovens, stoves, toaster ovens can make your home hotter than it needs to be. Switch to outdoor grilling or preparing cool salads.

Unplug Where You Can
Plugged-in appliances generate heat, especially bigger machines like the washer, dryer, and dishwasher. Unplug them if you aren't using them regularly. Switch from using the dryer to a clothesline. Smaller appliances like phone chargers or lamps should also be kept unplugged while not in use.

Make The Most Of Fans
Fans are a summertime savior whether they’re in addition to, or instead of, a central A/C unit. Ceiling fans, stand-alone fans, and even hand-helds can make a big difference in fighting sweltering temperatures and still air. First, check the direction your ceiling fan is rotating; in the summer, set fans to rotate counterclockwise to make a room’s temperature feel up to 4 degrees cooler.  At night while you have the windows open, run the exhaust fans in your bathroom or put an fan in an upstairs window (se to exhaust) to move cold air through the house and move hot air out of the house. Portable fans can also be used strategically to welcome in cool air and usher out the heat. When your windows are open at night, place a fan nearby to help disperse that air inwards. Do this at opposite ends of the house to enhance the cooling efficiency even more. Likewise, if you’re using a window box fan, set it to blow inwards from the window when it's cool out, but it should blow outwards to ward off the heat during those sunny hours. Dehumidifiers replace warm damp air with dryer air that feels more comfortable.

Stick To The Shadows
We naturally seek shady spots outside during summer, and the same applies for the whole home. If you can, create cooling shadows over your home by blocking paths for direct sunlight with awnings and shade tents to reduce the solar gain.

Remember Lights Out
Switching to LED lights will save you energy and electricity, but also they emit much less heat. Also take care to turn off any lights, including overhead lights and lamps, when you’re not using them.

Change to Cooler Bedding
The heavy bedding that keeps you cozy during the winter should be swapped for lighter, more breathable fabrics like cotton or linen in the summer. 

Keep Yourself Cool
In addition to keeping your house cool, take steps to regulate your own body temperature to beat the heat. Wear loose clothing made with breathable fabrics; hold ice packs or cold compresses to your neck, wrists, or other pulse points for quick relief; and drink lots of water. Foods like melon, lettuce, and tomatoes are refreshing; spicy foods can also cause you to sweat and ultimately cool you down. 

Seek Comfort Away from Home
Scarborough Public Library has lots of resources, and welcomes visitors during their regular hours. They always have cooling water on hand, too. And it's a fun place to meet up with friends! If you're looking for a walking spot away from the heat, try the mall or along a shady land trust trail.

Find more energy saving tips in the booklet from Efficiency Maine (PDF)

MEND Health & Wellness of Maine and NRB (Nonesuch River Brewing) have nominated Project GRACE, Holy Cross School, and Travis Mills Foundation as beneficiaries of the Autumn & Ales 5K, 10K, 1/2  Marathon to be held in Scarborough on Saturday, September 14th 2024. To run, donate, or sponsor, follow this link.  This race is perfect for runners of all levels, whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out. The course starts at the Libby Mitchell American Legion Post #76 and takes runners along the Eastern Trail and through the gorgeous Scarborough Marsh.  Project GRACE is grateful to be among this year's chosen beneficiaries.

Winter and those colder temperatures are here. Have you tried any of these easy and inexpensive ways to warm up and stay cozy? Got any other ideas for us? We'd love to hear'em!