Len Libby Nominated for Heartbeat of our Community Award

“Our business was founded in 1926 by Len Libby, a candy-maker from Portland, and my wife Jisele and I are now co-owners. My wife's grandfather, Dr. Fernand Hemond, actually bought the business in 1949. We were originally located near Higgins Beach on US Route 77, but after he purchased it, we moved to our current location, a much larger building in a much busier location on US Route 1. 

Fernand ran the business with wife Maureen Hemond for 40 years. After Fernand passed away, Jisele helped to run the business with her mother, who still works with us today. At the time, I was an attorney in Portland, but I was winding down my practice as I began to work here more often. When Jisele took over entirely, she asked me to be here with her, and that’s where my story begins.

I’ve been here about 2 years now, and I like having direct contact with the community on a regular basis. Being able to talk to others, create meaningful relationships and help others how we can is valuable to me. I was basically raised in Scarborough, so I've always felt that a day spent in Scarborough is a day well spent.

When pandemic restrictions were put in place early last year, we had actually already been shut down for two weeks prior. Our staff had concerns about their health and wellness, as did we. Uncertain about how COVID would develop or affect our lives, we chose to close early because we didn’t want to risk the health of our staff or patrons.

After our decision to close, we still offered internet orders so our customers didn’t have to go without. When the governor's order came down, we continued to modify our strategy. We have managed to weather this storm, but we owe a lot of that to our locals. We love working with tourists here in the summer, but it’s our neighbors and friends that keep our business successful and open.

The pandemic taught us that it’s important to be noble in your work and to make large decisions quickly. We’ve had to roll with the punches and learn how to effectively manage what life throws our way. We are always in control of the circumstances around us, and that stands true for the pandemic and other aspects of life. All we can control, really, is our reaction to those situations. 

Being a part of the community is important to us and being recognized for this award is so humbling. We are honored to serve others and so grateful to have been selected as one of the winners of the Heartbeat of the Community.” - John Paul DeGrinney, co-owner of Len Libby.

Congratulations to Len Libby on being selected as one of the winners of the Heartbeat of Our Community Award!