Calling the police can add to the intensity of a situation. But when in a crisis, who else do you call?
Over the past few weeks, I've been learning about the work of the community police liaison in the towns of Cumberland, Yarmouth and Falmouth. In addition to providing opportunities to get connected with extended wellness and recovery resources, the liaison offers an alternative to direct police contact.
“When someone’s experiencing a crisis, and a law enforcement officer rolls up, that in and of itself can be stressful and add to the emotion,” said Amanda Jean Miller, an officer in the Falmouth Police Department.
“It gives us more credibility and trust within the community,” she said.
Ultimately, the liaison provides local residents another opportunity to connect with help. Read more about her work and resources available to you down below.
In this week's newsletter: A chance to buy local art, an evening of poetry, and field hockey updates.
Thanks for reading, - Sophie Burchell |
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| Tri-community liaison Haylen Meader is embedded in the Cumberland, Yarmouth and Falmouth police departments. (Courtesy of Cumberland Police Department)
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Marcia Sharp, Alice Ingraham and Harriet Davis, all of Yarmouth, hang artwork for the Yarmouth Art Festival, which opens Wednesday. (Courtesy of Joe Michaud)
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GET READY FOR THE YARMOUTH ART FESTIVAL |
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Artwork by artists from all over Maine will be on display this week at the 17th annual Yarmouth Art Festival, opening Wednesday at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 396 Gilman Road in Yarmouth.
This year’s show and sale will be in-person Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Oct. 15, 16, 17 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. After the in-person show closes, it will move online Oct. 18 to Nov. 1.
Entry fees and sales commissions for 2025 will support three local community nonprofits: Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine, Equality Maine, and New Mainers Assistance Program. |
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| THINGS TO DO |
A evening for young poets: Listen to poetry and perhaps share your own at an Open Mic Night co-sponsored by Merrill Memorial Library and Yarmouth High School’s YAWP (Yarmouth Arts and Writing Publication) under the guidance of English teacher and poet, Marita O’Neill, and art teacher, Holly Houston. Students will emcee the event, and all are welcome to perform, sixth grade and up. Sign-ups for 20 available 5-minute slots will be available first-come, first-serve at the door beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event will begin promptly at 6 p.m. at the library's Lewis Hall with doors closing at 6:15.
What does Cumberland's future look like to you? Cumberland Town Hall is hosting a public engagement session to gather your feedback for the Comprehensive Plan and share your vision of the community. This is an open house-style event in the Town Hall Council Chambers, so you can drop in anytime between 5 and 6 p.m. on Oct. 20. Town staff will have have snacks and activities for kids, so feel free to bring the whole family In-person absentee voting will also be available for your convenience.
A local singer-songwriter performs: Singer-songwriter, Maine native, and former 317 Main student Sigrid Sibley will perform at 317 Main Community Music Center's Founders Hall on Oct. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. Sibley announced the release of her debut album, "Old Faithful Dreams" last May and the album features 12 original songs and will be available to stream on all major platforms.
Candy in the caboose: Join North Yarmouth Community Center and Prince Memorial Library for an annual favorite: "Trunk or Treat!" Dress up in your Halloween costume and trick-or-treat from car trunks parked at the North Yarmouth Community Center on Oct. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. |
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Sophie Burchell is a community news reporter for Cumberland, Yarmouth, North Yarmouth and Falmouth. Her memories of briefly living on Mount Desert Island as a child drew her back to Maine to attend Bowdoin College, and back again to Portland after a year in Alaska. Send feedback and suggestions to Sophie. You can support this newsletter by encouraging friends and family to sign up. Explore our other newsletters.
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