Radio show proves big hit

Hundreds attended the Freeport Players’ “The WFCP Home Time Radio Hour” earlier this month. The funny and fast-paced show, with well-loved musical numbers and sketches from the past years, has become an annual December tradition.

Comments heard as patrons left the Freeport Performing Arts Center after the show included:

“So professional.”

“I laughed and laughed from one act to the next.”

“Who was that woman who sang Etta James’ ‘At Last’? She sounded just like the original!”

Plans for a new and different December show for next year are shaping up and will be announced in January. The organization will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2014 with many new events planned throughout the year.

Concert rescheduled

“The Many Moods of Christmas” concert by the Greater Freeport Community Chorus winter, postponed due to the weekend snowstorm, has been rescheduled to Saturday, Dec. 21, at 2 p.m., at the First Parish UCC Church, 40 Main St., Freeport.

The program by the 70-member chorus, led by Director Virgil Bozeman and accompanist Dorothy Cuprak, will feature 18 traditional Christmas carols arranged into four suites by Robert Shaw and Robert Russell Bennett.

Admission is $10 for adults, with anyone 18 or under admitted free and a per-family maximum of $25. For more information, visit the chorus Web site at www.gfccweb.org.

Farm seeks end-of-year support

Wolfe’s Neck Farm reports that it is ending its year on a high note, with several new farm programs added and attendance at all events at an all-time high. The nonprofit farm is now asking for financial support as it moves forward, and offers these 11 reasons for giving an end-of-the-year gift:

The farm is giving children meaningful experiences. More than 3,500 children participated in educational programming at the farm this year.

Inspiring the next generation of young farmers. The Teen Ag program now has eight “graduates” from its first two years.

Feeding neighbors. This year, the farm donated some 7,000 pounds of food to Freeport Community Services and Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program.

Demonstrating sustainable agriculture.

Preserving historic landscapes, buildings and farmland.

Preserving four miles of shoreline.

Strengthening local food systems.

Creating a source for high-quality local foods.

Providing families a place to experience natural beauty, and create lifelong memories. Camping, hiking, paddling, biking, Nordic skiing, gardening and eating are core to the Wolfe’s Neck Farm experience.

The farm has been here a long time. Wolfe’s Neck Farm was established in 1959 as a pioneer in organic agriculture.

Building community. Hosting events, community gatherings, supporting other local organizations and more.

For more information, see www.wolfesneckfarm.org.

Kids, families on board

On Dec. 7, Freeport USA, in conjunction with the Downeaster train, sponsored the Sparkle Express, offering two special round-trip passages for families and children from Freeport to Brunswick. On board were hundreds of kids and their families. Each trip featured a reading of “The Polar Express” by the train conductor, Christmas music by Freeport Community Chorus members and a visit from Santa, who dashed up and down the train stopping to talk with each child aboard. Santa handed out some magic messages, such as “Always tell the truth,” “Be kind to animals” and “Help your parents with jobs around the house.” In addition, there was a lively debate about whether Santa should have been allowed to bring Rudolph on the train. Most kids voted to include Rudolph next year. Santa said he was in favor, but wasn’t sure if Rudolph, who prefers flying, would agree to come on board.

Holiday stories at library

On Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m., the Freeport Community Library will celebrate the holiday season with stories read by Joanne, songs sung with Miss Lisa, and cookies made by the elves.

The library will close at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24, and will be closed all day on Dec. 25.

Breer exhibit continues

A new collection of paintings by well-known local artist Catherine Breer will be exhibited throughout December at the Freeport Community Library main reading room. Her work is exhibited in galleries and private collections around the world. For more information, see www.freeportlibrary.com or call 865-3307.

Travel series kicks off Jan. 8

Freeport Community Library will offer its winter travel series beginning Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 6:30 p.m. The first itinerary destination, presented by Jamie Pearson, will be James Herriot’s Yorkshire Dales, Pearson’s childhood home. This program is the first in a series of four presented by community members sharing photos and travelogues of their adventures abroad. Additional travel are Jan. 22, Feb. 5 and 19.

Bessie’s hosting workshop

Bessie’s Farm Goods will hold a Christmas workshop on Dec. 21, from 10 a.m.-noon, sharing and cooking family recipes. Those interested can call 865-9840 or email [email protected]. Bessie’s will be closed for the season after Saturday, Dec. 21, but will open briefly Monday, Dec. 23, from 4-6 p.m., for pick up of orders.

Holiday recycling at transfer station

The Freeport Transfer Station will be open regular hours on all days other than Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Recyclables include gift wrap (not foil), gift bags, tissue paper, greeting cards, corrugated cardboard, strings of lights, 1-7 plastic, glass.

Materials not for recycling include foil gift wrap, ribbon, bow, tinsel, packing peanuts, ceramic dishes, Styrofoam.

Old computers or can be brought to the transfer station. These items are not permissible in the Swap Shop, however, even if they still function. Fees are: TV (any size) and computer monitors, $6; computer tower, laptop, $5; keyboard, $1. After the holidays, unwanted items can be donated to a charity such as Freeport Community Services, Salvation Army, Goodwill or they can be dropped off at the Transfer Station Swap Shop.

Parking ban reminder

Parking is prohibited on all town streets from 11 p.m.-7 a.m. through April 15.

Upcoming meetings

Conservation Commission, Dec. 18, 6 p.m., Freeport Community Center.

Recycling/Solid Waste Committee, Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m., Freeport Community Center.

Voters named Azure Café the winner of the FreeportUSA Holiday Decorating Contest. The playful winter scene on the patio of the restaurant captured the imagination of voters. Second place in the contest was Jill McGowan for its sophisticated window design. The Wishful Moon garnered third place in the contest with a festive array of lights and decorations. The sound-effects ladies for “The WFCP Home Time Radio Hour” included, from left, Sam Hunneman, Deborah McLean and Maryellen Carew.