In Scarborough since: Birth
Have you lived anywhere else? I left for college (Florida then Orono) and I bought my first house in Biddeford. I lived there for six years before moving back.
Why did you return? Being away made me realize how much Scarborough offers, with easy access to the coast and to Portland. Growing up here, I couldn’t wait to leave. Then later you realize all the amenities we have. It’s just so convenient.
Do you have a memory that to you represents the best of Scarborough? Growing up, one of my friends’ grandmothers lived at Ferry Beach. We would bike there and spend the day, I remember multiple attempts at waterskiing. I also remember my Senior League softball team going to the softball World Series in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1996.* There were write-ups in the local newspaper, a parade when we returned and a lot of town support. That’s a great memory.
What do you remember fondly about “old” Scarborough? I grew up on Roundabout Drive (off Black Point Road) and I remember always being outside playing. There were always kids in the street playing kick the can or pickle, riding bikes. I remember walking to the old library to pick out books and see Rick Charette. (“Mud, mud, I love mud…”)
What do you like about “new” Scarborough? The convenience. We have so many options. Now people ask which pizza place is my favorite. When I was growing up there was just one – Pat’s. (Which is still my favorite – I know their number by heart.) I also like all the conservation Scarborough is doing and the protected areas.
What’s an ideal fall day in Scarborough? Walking at Pleasant Hill Preserve when the leaves are changing. Then carving pumpkins and of course anything pumpkin spice.
What is your greatest hope for Scarborough? I hope there can be more compromise and discussion. Right now, it feels very “my way or the highway”. I hope people can set their political views to the side and focus on ideas and solving things.
What have you learned about Scarborough through your work? Scarborough people show up when they’re passionate about something. I saw it during the public hearings about changing the ordinance for walking dogs on the beaches, and about short-term rentals. I’ve also gotten to know Higgins Beach through my work. I really didn’t know it before I started with Scott and Sunny. When I was growing up there wasn’t any public parking so we never went there.
What’s something no one in town knows about you? I’m an analytical person (I love spreadsheets) but during the pandemic I got into creative stuff. I started with cakes and then got into design work. Now I have a laser I use to customize things like cutting boards and cribbage boards. I just started an Etsy shop called The Smiling Shiba Co. where I sell T-shirts and mugs. It’s something new.
What’s it like working with Scott and Sunny Townsend?
After nearly 13 years together, Scott and Sunny feel more like family to me than anything else. Sunny is a natural teacher and my go-to for advice and motivation – her passion and energy are contagious. Scott is like the big brother I never had. We work really well together, and I admire his integrity & sincerity. He makes work fun and never fails to make me laugh.
* Correction: In the print edition, we accidentally mixed up the names of the players in this photo. We’d like to say it was a tricky curveball but really we just plain whiffed. Sorry, team.
