Book talk at cancer center

Will Pye, author of “Blessed with a Brain Tumor: Realizing It’s all Gift and Learning to Receive,” will speak at the Cancer Community Center in South Portland on Monday, Sept. 22, at 5 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is suggested. Call 774-2200 to reserve a spot or for more information.

In his book, Pye shares his story of an unusual response to a brain tumor diagnosis one of curiosity, radical gratitude and acceptance. In addition, he outlines science-based secrets for allowing love, healing and achieving your heart’s desires.

By age 26, Pye had created a successful business career in charity fundraising culminating in the founding of his own company. At the same time, he experienced emotional and psychological suffering that prompted a quest to explore some of life’s biggest questions.

Whether it is a brain tumor diagnosis, looming divorce, loss of a loved one or job, Pye’s book points to a universal truth about each of our daily opportunities to do more than react – to respond thoughtfully to each event that arises in our lives.

Library offers workshop on aging issues

Home Instead Senior Care and the Scarborough Public Library are collaborating to present a workshop, “The 40-70 Rule: An Action Plan for Successful Aging,” on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m.

This workshop, which is free and open to the public, is specifically designed to help adult children or their aging parents get the conversation started on topics such as living arrangements, finances, dating, end-of-life decisions and driving.

Attendees will come away from the workshop with a personalized plan to start critical conversations and to put their thoughts and wishes into action.

The panel presentation will feature Nova Ewers with Beach Glass Transitions, Barbara Schlichtman with the Maine Center for Elder Law and Bill Jenks with Home Instead Senior Care.

To make a reservation or for more information, call 839-0441.

Children’s Cancer Program sets fundraising walk

On Saturday, Sept. 20, the 28th annual Maine Children’s Cancer Program walk will be held at the Maine Medical Center’s Scarborough Campus. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk starts at 9 a.m. All proceeds from the event will go toward the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, psychosocial services and research to help find a cure for childhood cancer.

See http://fundraising.mmc.org/mccp_home for more information.

SMCC, UNE form partnership

Southern Maine Community College, based in South Portland, and the University of New England, based in Biddeford, have signed an agreement that allows students to transfer seamlessly from SMCC programs to programs at UNE.

In addition, the new partnership lays the groundwork for future agreements and expanded research opportunities for faculty and students at both institutions.

Hanscombe named Deputy Clerk of the Year

The Maine Town and City Clerks Association named Jessica Hanscombe as Deputy Clerk of the Year during its annual meeting last week. She is the licensing administrator for the South Portland City Clerk’s Office.

Hanscombe came to City Hall in 2011 and since then has streamlined business licensing and introduced a process for administering community events so that all department heads know what is going on and when.

In addition, she has attended the New England Municipal Clerks Institute, teaches classes for the Maine Town and City Clerks Association, is the editor and publisher of the Annual Report for the city of South Portland and completed a special leadership program this past spring.

Fall prevention awareness event

The Southern Maine Agency on Aging in Scarborough will host a free fall-risk screening event, Monday, Sept. 22, from 1-3 p.m. It will also include information and resources to help people understand the risk factors for falls and learn more about fall prevention strategies.

Maine is part of the national Falls Free Initiative, which includes more than 40 states and 70 organizations, professional associations and federal agencies across the country dedicated to reducing fall-related injuries and deaths among older adults.

In recognition of Fall Prevention Awareness Day, the Southern Maine Agency on Aging has collaborated with the University of New England, MaineHealth and others to offer the upcoming fall-risk screening.

Call 396-6583 for more information.

Historical society seeks Civil War memorabilia

The Scarborough Historical Society is asking for donations of Civil War photos, letters and artifacts – anything that would help tell the story of Scarborough’s contribution to the war.

Items can be scanned or photographed and then returned. Anyone wishing to make a donation should contact Bruce at 883-5445, stop by the museum or email [email protected].

Guide dog pups need foster homes

The Maine chapter of the Guiding Eyes for the Blind is looking for people in the Scarborough, South Portland and Cape Elizabeth region to foster puppies for a 14- to 16-month period. Those volunteering to raise the puppies will be expected to teach them basic skills and offer socialization opportunities.

Puppy raisers receive ongoing support and free veterinary care. An open house session will be held at the Iris Network in Portland on Friday, Sept. 26, from 6-7 p.m. For more information, email [email protected].

Library cafe? Fridays

The Scarborough Public Library will host a Library Blend Cafe?, from 10 a.m.-noon on Friday, Sept. 19 and 26. The cafe? will feature the new Library Blend coffee created by Scarborough Grounds. One-pound bags of the Library Blend will also be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit library programs.

Cancer society seeks transportation volunteer

The Cumberland County unit of the American Cancer Society is in need of a coordinator to oversee its free transportation program – the Road to Recovery.

Responsibilities include receiving requests from local cancer patients needing transportation, contacting and assigning volunteer drivers to fulfill those requests and maintaining accurate records for volunteer drivers. Society staff will serve as a resource to the Road to Recovery coordinator.

The schedule is flexible and the coordinator works from home. Contact Elisa Madore at 462-6307 or [email protected] to apply or for more information.

Flu clinic Sept. 30

Scarborough will hold its annual flu vaccine clinic, Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 1-2 p.m., in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. All attendees should bring their insurance cards. Those without have insurance will be charged $30. Call HomeHealth Visiting Nurses at 284-4566 for more information.

Library group to meet on bylaws

The Friends of the Scarborough Library will meet Sunday, Sept. 28, at 2 p.m to vote on proposed changes to its bylaws. All attendees are also invited to stay for a meet and greet when those who lead various committees will share plans for the upcoming year. Call 883-4723 for more information.

Tricky Britches in concert

The Scarborough Public Library will host a free community concert featuring the popular bluegrass band Tricky Britches, Friday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m. The event is a way for the library to thank the community for its decades of support. Weather permitting, the band will perform on the library lawn.

Camp Ketcha offers fall skills workshops

Camp Ketcha in Scarborough will host a variety of outdoor skills workshops for adults on Tuesday evenings this fall. The workshops are offered 6-8:30 p.m. and are $25 each or $70 for the whole series. The schedule includes:

• Sept. 30 – Survival Skills for Backpackers and Hunters. Learn how to read the landscape and be able to find your way out with some basic lost-proofing techniques. This class will be spent outside, so attendees should be prepared for inclement weather.

• Oct. 7 – Fire from the Landscape. Learn to work with the landscape to increase your chances of finding the proper building materials for a fire. Learn different ways to light a fire, such as bow drill, ferro rod, lighters and matches. Participants should bring a headlamp or flashlight and be prepared for inclement weather.

• Oct. 14 – No Power, No Plumbing, No Problem. Be prepared to take care of your family’s needs when the unexpected happens, be it an ice storm, hurricane or a tornado. The topic most people avoid or ignore is dealing with hygiene, such as needing to go to the bathroom. During this workshop make a plan that fits your family’s needs. Even includes do-it-yourself projects and other resources.

• Oct. 21 – Acorn Processing. Learn about the different steps to processing acorn flour. Participants will gather acorns, process them and get a taste, along with a recipe to try.

• Oct 28 – Fire by Friction. This workshop will cover the basics of how to use a bow drill and a hand drill set. Learn the materials needed to make a bow drill set and practice on pre-made sets.

Register online at www.eventbrite.com/o/camp-ketcha-3095229998?s=22552595 or contact Brooke Burkett at [email protected] or 883-8977, ext 104.

Pre-registration is required for all sessions.

Nature walk includes scavenger hunt

The Scarborough Land Trust will celebrate the Great Maine Outdoors Weekend with a fall nature walk and scavenger hunt on Saturday, Sept. 27.

The event, which takes place from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Libby River Farm off Black Point Road, is free. Kelly Boland, a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will be on hand to point out the special features of this property. The farm hosts upland forests, open meadows and saltwater marshes and provides habitat for the New England Cottontail rabbit, a state-endangered species. The event also includes post-walk refreshments and prizes.

Call 289-1199 or email i[email protected] for more information.

On Saturday the field hockey team at South Portland High School held a car wash fundraiser at the NAPA Auto Parts store in Mill Creek. Charged with getting people to pull in were Olivia Kiersted, left, and Erica Glidden, both freshmen and members of the JV team.  Will PyeThe Scarborough Public Library will host a free community concert featuring the popular bluegrass band Tricky Britches, Friday, Sept. 26.