Meetings

The Pownal Recreation Committee will meet Wednesday, Aug. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Mallett Hall.

Agenda items include: Final approval of event forms; surveyr; Haskell Mill Project; to begin process of creating a brochure/list of existing recreational opportunities in Pownal. For more information, contact Kathy Hogue, chairwoman, at 688-4153, [email protected].

The Pownal Planning Board meets Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m., at Mallett Hall. The Planning Board will hold an ongoing review of ordinances, subdivision ordinance, Tuesday, Aug. 27, from at 8-9:30 a.m., at Mallett Hall, Old Selectmen’s Office. All Planning Board meetings, on site inspections and workshops are open to the public.

The Conservation Committee will meet Monday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m., in Mallett Hall.

Pownal selectmen will meet Monday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m., at Mallett Hall.

Event celebrates Giddinge’s service to town

On Thursday, Aug.15, from 7-9 a.m., the North Pownal Think Tank invites the Pownal community to a light breakfast celebrating Timothy Giddinge’s dedicated service to the town of Pownal. Giddinge recently served two terms as selectman and was re-elected to a third term in June, and he has given many volunteer hours on numerous town committees as well. The Think Tank invites community members to stop for breakfast and say thanks.

This is an outdoor event, so call or email to verify if the weather is bad. You may just drop in, but an RSVP would be appreciated so they can plan for food and seating. The event is free. The location is Fickett Road, across from the North Pownal General Store. For more information, contact Alan Bradstreet, 688-4728, or [email protected].

Beans and spaghetti on menu

On Saturday, Aug.17, the First Parish Congregational Church 422 Hallowell Road, Pownal, will be hosting a baked bean and spaghetti supper. There are settings at 5 and 6 p.m. Tickets are adults $8, children 5-12 $4, children under 5 eat free. To reserve tickets, call Lois at 688-4433.

Pig roast event Aug. 24

The North Pownal United Methodist Church, 851 Lawrence Road, is hosting a pig roast on Saturday Aug. 24, from 5-6:30 p.m. On the menu are pork, assorted sides, rolls, blueberry desserts and beverages; alternate (instead of pork), hamburgers. Advance tickets are available. Adults are $10 (13 and up), $5 for ages 5 to 12, and free for those under 4. Tickets at the door are $12 and $7. For more information, call Deb, 240-1637; Nancy, 688-4481; or Mavis, 926-5641.

Church sets first revival meeting

The first camp-style revival meeting, Coming out of a Broken Society, will be held at the North Pownal United Methodist Church, 851 Lawrence Road, Pownal, Saturday Aug. 24, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 25, at 9 a.m.

The music, the praise and worship part of both services will be led by Heaven’s Blend, a gospel quartet made up of pastors from area churches providing a combination of southern-style contemporary gospel music. On Saturday evening the message will be delivered by Pastor Greg Ferrill of the T&T Ministries in Topsham, and on Sunday morning the message will be delivered by Pastor Ray St. Pierre. Everyone is welcomed to this old-fashioned Methodist camp meeting- style of worship. For more information, call St. Pierre at 837-0682 or Deb Larrabee, lay leader, at 240-1637.

Recycling easy

Summer is a great time to start composting – if you aren’t doing so already – says the Pownal Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee. Composting reduces the amount of waste that needs to be put into curbside blue bags, saving you money. It also provides a no-cost soil enhancement for your gardens. Here are some FAQs on composting.

What can be used in a compost pile? Most yard and kitchen wastes can be composted. Grass clippings, leaves and garden plant residue are particularly good composting materials, as are vegetable, fruits and starch wastes from the kitchen. Meat, bones, fish, fats, and dairy products should generally be avoided as they can smell and attract animals.

Do you need some kind of structure for the compost pile? Some people prefer a structure for aesthetic reasons, and a bin system can also help to keep the heat in, decomposing materials faster. But composting can be accomplished with just a pile in an unobtrusive part of the yard. If pets or other animals are a getting into the pile, you can fashion a simple enclosure out of wire fencing or recycled pallets.

Is it always necessary to turn a compost pile? No. Composting is done in nature with no interference whatsoever. However, turning the pile at regular intervals promotes more rapid decomposition. A pile that is never turned can take over a year to produce finished compost; a pile that is turned frequently can produce the finished product in a matter of weeks.

New before- and after-school programs

Regional School Unit 5’s Recreation and Community Education is offering a new aftercare and kinder care program starting in the fall at the Pownal Elementary School. Kinder care hours in Pownal are projected as 11:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m., or 11:45 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays Thursdays and Fridays. Programming will be designed to enhance the kindergarten curriculum. Aftercare will be 3:30-5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (pre-K to Grade 5). Openings are available.

The Laugh and Learn child care before- and after-school programs in the fall, located at the Morse Street School (K-2) and Mast Landing School (3-5) in Freeport, the Durham Community School (K-5) and the Pownal Elementary School (pre-K to 5).

Morning hours begin at 7 in Freeport and Durham. During the morning, children are provided a variety of craft projects and creative centers within the classroom. After school, there is time for play on the playground equipment, on the school trails or in the gymnasium. Also, the program provides an environment for children to do their homework and/or receive assistance with their studies. A healthy snack is provided during the aftercare portion of the day. The aftercare day ends at 5:30.

Call 865-6171 to enroll or visit www.rsu5-rce.org for enrollment forms.

Free lunch for kids

There are free meals available this summer to all kids and teens age 18 and under at four sites in Freeport: Freeport Community Center, Mast Landing School, Morse Street School and Village View Apartments Community Room. All lunches are served from 11:30 a.m.-noon. For more information, contat Alicia Rost, 775-0026, ext. 2085.

Returnables sought to support fire-rescue

The Pownal Fire Co. works to support the Pownal Fire & Rescue Department. In addition to providing food during fires and trainings, the organization purchases work uniforms and equipment for the town’s emergency personnel. The money the fire company is able to donate toward these items helps to keep the fire department’s expenses down. The organization seeks donations of returnable bottles and cans to help fund its work. The Pownal Fire Co. is independent from the town of Pownal and the Pownal Fire and Rescue Department.

12-step meetings

The First Parish Congregational Church 422 Hallowell Road, Pownal, hosts a 12-step meeting Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call Linda G., 650-4536.

Men’s breakfast

The Men’s Breakfast at the First Parish Congregational Church of Pownal, 422 Hallowell Road, is held the first Saturday of each month at 7:30 a.m. at the church. It is open to any men who want to come. They do not have to be affiliated with the church. The Rev. John Wentworth leads the discussions.

Church services

North Pownal United Methodist Church worship service is Sunday at 9 a.m., Sunday School at 10:30. Pastor’s hours are Tuesdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (by appointment). Church phone is 688-4938. For more information on church programs, contact the Rev. Raymond St. Pierre, 837-0682, [email protected].

First Parish Congregational Church, Route 9, worship service is Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages 11-noon. Bible Study meets at the church on Tuesday at 7 a.m. For more information on church programs, contact the Rev. John Wentworth, 688-4846, [email protected].