E-Newsletter
Friday, August 8, 2025
Cliff walk at Fort Williams Park
As we savor the final weeks of summer, it's worth pausing to recognize the people whose behind-the-scenes efforts help make Cape Elizabeth a destination unlike any other.
From volunteer greeters welcoming visitors at Fort Williams Park, to public works crews maintaining our most beloved spaces, to department staff providing exceptional service with quiet consistency—our town’s beauty and functionality are no accident. It’s the result of daily dedication, thoughtful care, and a shared commitment to excellence that shines brightest during the busiest season of the year.
Cape Elizabeth draws visitors from around the world—but it’s the people who serve it year-round who make it truly magical. In this spirit, we’re introducing a new feature in the E-Newsletter: Everyday Cape. Each month, it will shine a light on the people, departments, and day-to-day efforts—large and small—that keep our town running with care and consistency.
This new feature debuts alongside the Annual Employee Training & Recognition Day, which honors milestone anniversaries and celebrates the dedication of those who serve our community year after year. Together, both reflect a shared commitment to acknowledging the people behind the scenes who make Cape Elizabeth exceptional.
We hope you enjoy this E-newsletter!
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NEWS
Employee Recognition Day
On August 7, 2025, Town staff gathered under the picnic shelter at Fort Williams Park to celebrate and honor employees who have reached milestone years of service for the Town of Cape Elizabeth. This year, every 5-year marker had employees to recognize, going all the way to 40 years with Captain Brent A. Sinclair of the Cape Elizabeth Police Department at the top!
To our staff at every point along the timeline, we thank you for your commitment and honorable service!
Town Council Agenda Items
August 11, 2025
- Amendments to Chapter 4, Boards & Committees (RE: DEI Committee change)
- Petition regarding Safety Concerns on Shore Road near Cliff House Beach
- Council Goals Update
- Cellular Tower Discussion on Shore Road
- Landfill Solar Project land lease with Encore Energy
- Center Court Drainage Easement
- Privacy Committee Update and Annual Report
- Municipal Election Warrant for November 4, 2025
 Spurwink Marsh Restoration Updates
After a year-long delay, a contract between Maine Natural Resources Program and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services was signed in April. This has enabled the joint project between the town of Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth to take next steps towards the Spurwink Marsh Restoration.
A Request for Qualifications for Salt Marsh Enhancement Design and Implementation was issued on August 1, 2025; proposals are due September 11. This and other updates are posted on Cape Elizabeth's website under Spurwink Marsh Restoration page. This website includes documents and next steps: A Cape Elizabeth stakeholder meeting has been scheduled for Monday, September 22 at 7 PM. Details to follow.
Nomination Papers
Nomination papers for the November 4, 2025 Election of open Town Council, School Board, and Portland Water District Board of Trustees are available in the office of the Town Clerk.
The deadline to submit nomination papers is Monday, September 8, 2025, at 4:30 PM.
Seats Available:
2 (Two) Town Council Seats for one, three-year term to expire 12/2028
2 (Two) School Board Seats for one, three-year term to expire 12/2028
1 (One) Portland Water District Board of Trustees Seat for one, 5-year term to expire 11/2030
To be considered qualified, you must be a registered voter of Cape Elizabeth, and residency is required during term of office.
For more information, please visit the Elections & Voting page of our website.
Greenbelt Gazette: News from the Conservation Committee
EVERYDAY CAPE
Where Commitment Meets Community
Park Greeter, Tony Nappi, making sure a park visitor sees the light house up close!
Unbeknownst to many, Fort Williams Park offers more than breathtaking views and photo opportunities—it also comes with its own storytellers. Each day, the Fort Williams Park Rangers provide free guided tours to anyone curious about the history, hidden corners, and defining moments of our beloved park.
Beginning at 11:00 a.m. from the Greeters Station, visitors set off on a 40-minute journey through time and place, learning about the fort’s military past, its transformation into a public treasure, and the memorable events that have taken place here. Group sizes vary—sometimes an intimate conversation with just two guests, other times a lively group of twenty—but each tour is infused with the Rangers’ enthusiasm and deep knowledge.
On the rare days when a Park Ranger is unavailable, Fort Williams Park Greeter Tony Nappi steps in, offering what he calls “virtual tours” to anyone, anytime. Whether it’s pointing out historical landmarks, sharing personal stories, or even offering a steady arm to visitors making their way around the Portland Head Light, Tony ensures no one leaves without feeling welcomed and enriched.
Between Tony, Dom, Dirk, Rick, Dean, Silas, Bruce, and Paul, there is a shared joy and pride in presenting the park’s beauty and history. Their work turns a simple visit into a deeper connection—reminding us that Cape Elizabeth’s most remarkable features are not just its landscapes, but the people who bring them to life.
TML Committee Adopts Strategic Plan
The Thomas Memorial Library Committee has adopted a new Strategic Plan after months of review. Consultant Will Plumley worked with the Thomas Memorial Library Committee, Thomas Memorial Library staff, and Thomas Memorial Library Foundation to develop a plan for the next five years that clarifies the library's mission, vision, and values, and provides five strategic objectives. Objectives include: welcoming people who may not currently use or feel comfortable in the library; providing opportunities for creative and playful activities for all ages; and a commitment to sustainable solutions in library operations.
GOOD TO KNOW
Get Ready to Register!
Cape Explorer is now online! Registration opens August 24th 8pm for residents. Get organized with your 'wish list' starting this Sunday 8pm.
National Emergency Management Awareness Month
August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month, an effort led nationally by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) and in the State by the Maine Association of Local Emergency Managers (MALEM). Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency (CCEMA) is joining this effort to share important information to help our community.
What if we could prevent a disaster from being so destructive in the first place? That's the big idea behind mitigation. It’s all about taking action now, before a disaster happens, to reduce the damage and disruption it might cause later. Think of it as making smart, long-term investments in our community's safety. Mitigation can be building seawalls or culverts to protect against flooding, or good rules for new buildings. By thinking ahead, we can make our towns and cities stronger and more resilient for everyone who lives here.
Thomas Memorial Library
An idea whose time has come!: We are pleased to announce that, in addition to our existing cooperative arrangement with South Portland Public Library, you may now use your TML card at three other libraries close by: Scarborough Public Library, Walker Memorial Library in Westbrook, and Baxter Memorial Library in Gorham!
EVENTS
Maine Pops Concert Band
Returns to Village Green on August 13th!
The Maine Pops Concert Band will return for a third year to the Village Green for a concert on Wednesday, August 13, beginning at 7 PM. Maine Pops is a 90-piece wind ensemble playing popular, family-friendly music. Bring your chairs, food, family, friends, and enjoy the concert as the sun sets!
50 Ways to Love Your Plover
Learning About Maine's Coastal Birds
Thursday, August 14
6:30 - 8:00 pm
TML invites you to meet Dr. Katie Burns, the Outreach Coordinator for Maine Audubon’s Coastal Birds Project!
First Day of School!
September 2, 2025
MORE COMMUNITY EVENTS!
Looking for more things to do? Visit our Community Events page located under "Residents" for an ongoing list of events in Cape Elizabeth and neighboring communities! Don't want to miss anything? Sign up for our weekly email subscription!
COMMUNITY LINKS
Cape Elizabeth Community Services • Cape Elizabeth School Department • CETV On Demand •. Thomas Memorial Library •. Meetings Calendar • Community Events
STAY INFORMED!
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To watch a live meeting from home, visit CETV LIVE on your computer, select the white "play" arrow, or access CETV through Apple TV or Roku (see below for instructions).
Remote participation is available for Town Council, Planning Board, and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings. To participate remotely, please use the link embedded within each meeting's agenda. Please be advised that per the Remote Participation Policy, remote participation is offered as a convenience. In the event there is a disruption in service and the communication cannot be restored the expectation is the meeting will continue.
Not able to attend a live meeting? Visit CETV On Demand (cetv.capeelizabeth.org) to watch video recordings of meetings that take place in the Council Chambers.
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CETV LIVE
CETV On Demand
Apple & Roku Instructions
Did you know? Closed Captioning is available for both live stream and recorded meetings that occur in the council chambers. |
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