Construction to close library for one week

Upcoming construction to the Scarborough Public Library parking lot and pedestrian pathways will require the library to close Sept. 20 through Sept. 26. 

There will be no access to the building during that time, therefore no borrowed materials will be due or accepted during that week and no fines will be accrued. Inter-library loans through the online Minerva catalog will also be suspended for that week.

The construction project is scheduled to begin Sept. 7 and is expected to last through October. Nancy Crowell, library director, is hopeful the library will not have to suspend services beyond the scheduled closure.

“We hope our visitors will understand that the inconveniences will be temporary. We also want to assure everyone that we are working closely with Risbara Brothers Construction to provide safe access into the library during the project,” Crowell said in a press release. 

The expanded parking lot will offer additional spaces for general and handicapped use. Improved safety features will include crosswalks, a drop-off zone, additional sidewalks and unobstructed sight lines. 

Library visitors are encouraged to check the Scarborough Public Library website at www.library.scarborough.me.us for updates on the project. The public also can call the library at 883-4723, ext. 433 for recorded messages on any disruptions to library services. 

‘Jolly John’ sells Route 1 Saco dealership

 John Pulsifer, known to many across the state simply as “Jolly John,” has sold the Route 1 dealership in Saco that made him a familiar face for generations.

The Jolly John Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership, owned and operated by Pulsifer for nearly 19 years, will change hands Sept. 1 when Bill Waldron takes over. Waldron is owner of Portland Volvo and Portland Saab. 

Pulsifer said the decision to sell the dealership, “just came at the right time.”

Waldron couldn’t be reached for comment, but said in a press release that he was motivated to expand his operations because of new products planned by Chrysler.

Pulsifer, who has been involved in the car business since 1958, said he, “always knew he would be a good car dealer,” but never expected his trademark slogans and sayings to catch on the way they did. From “If you want to pay more, that’s your business, if you want to pay less, that’s our business,” to “I’m not Jolly unless you’re happy,” the salesman’s pitches became instantly recognizable to viewers and listeners across the state.

 “In the’80s, it really blew up  and just kind of mushroomed out at that point,” he said.

As for his signature nickname, Pulsifer said he was working a desk job he could “do in his sleep” when he received a transfer call from another dealer, and out of the blue uttered, “Hi-ho this is Jolly John!” The rest is history.

Whether Pulsifer decides to pursue other business ventures is uncertain, however he remains optimistic about the future.

“Who knows what the next chapter will be? When one door closes, sometimes another one opens.”

Use of credit cards at town hall discontinued 

The town of Scarborough will no longer accept credit cards for payment at the front counter. 

However, debit cards will continue to be accepted.

Credit cards can no longer be used because of reduced state funding and decreased revenues. Community Services will continue to accept online credit card payments only.