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.