FCS Freeze Out

The 11th annual Freeport Community Services Freeze Out begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, and continues through the night until 10 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15. Freeport Community Services staff and volunteers stay outdoors in front of the First Parish Church at 40 Main St. for 24 hours straight to raise awareness of the poverty and hunger here in Maine, and the need for fuel and food assistance this time of year.

Residents can help support the Freeze Out by bringing a donation of funds or food to the volunteers on Feb. 14 and 15, from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Freeport Community Services saw a 14 percent increase last year in the number of families utilizing the food pantry each month, and a 22 percent rise in the number of heating assistance applications.

Community partners are also supporting the FCS Freeze Out. The Freeport Rotary is holding a “Stuff the Truck” event at Shaw’s supermarket in Freeport on Feb. 14 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Many Freeport and Pownal-area businesses and organizations have boxes available to collect food for the pantry, as well.

Lead sponsors are the Wind Point Foundation, Mid-Coast Hospital, the Freeport Woman’s Club and Revision Energy. Additional support is provided by Charlie Burnham Energy and Heating Service, Blackstone Excavating, June LaCombe’s Sculpture, New Beginnings Consignment Boutique, Mainely Hair and Key Bank.

Businesses and neighborhoods are encouraged to host their own food drives and bring items to the volunteers during the weekend, as well. For more information, or to find out other ways to help, call Melanie Sachs at 865-3985, ext. 204.

Bean supper Saturday

A Valentine special baked bean and pasta supper will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 5-6 p.m., at First Parish Church, 40 Main St. On the menu will be homemade beans and pasta, hot dogs, rolls, pickles, cole slaw, pies, beverages and more. The cost for adults is $8, children $4. Profits support outreach programs.

Book talk about Franco-Americans

Freeport Historical Society Director James Myall and Mary Rice-Defosse of Bates College will present a discussion of their new publication, “The Franco-Americans of Lewiston-Auburn,” Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 6:30 p.m., at Freeport Community Library. The snow date is Feb. 25.

The book is a comprehensive history of the most significant example of a population that had a big impact on the state’s history, and in cities like Lewiston and Auburn, formed a distinct community with its own story. While the book focuses on Lewiston and Auburn, the lessons within are relevant to Franco-Americans across the state, and will be of interest to people of French-Canadian descent and anyone with an interest in Maine history.

Myall, who was previously coordinator of the Franco-American Collection, and Rice-Defosse, who is professor of French and Francophone Studies at Bates College, embarked on the project to write a comprehensive history of Lewiston-Auburn’s Franco-Americans because they were surprised to realize no one had done so before.

“Despite an increase in awareness in recent years, a lot of Franco-American history goes unrecorded in Maine” said Myall in a press release about the event. “We wanted to make that story more widely known.”

“The Franco-Americans of Lewiston-Auburn” explores the history of French-Canadian immigrants to the twin cities, from the first arrivals in the mid-19th century through the Maine gubernatorial election of 2014. Personal and family stories are interwoven with the history of social clubs and institutions like the Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul and St. Mary’s Hospital. The authors also explore a number of social and cultural themes, from the arts and literature to language, discrimination and assimilation.

The discussion will be accompanied by some of the dozens of historic images included in the book. For more information, contact Freeport Historical Society at 865-3170 or www.freeporthistoricalsociety.org.

Bird carver artist to speak at club

The Freeport Woman’s Club will present Freeport artist Ginny Purcell, who will demonstrate her bird-carving skills, at a meeting Friday, Feb. 20, at 1 p.m., at the Freeport Community Library. Purcell exhibits her works at Yarmouth Frame and Gallery. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

The Freeport Woman’s Club is a service organization that has been in existence for 90 years. It meets once a month at the Freeport Community Library. The club’s fundraising projects include a Spring Bazaar and a bake sale on Election Day. Monies raised provide local scholarships, community improvements, donations to Freeport Community Services and support for women seeking career education. New members are welcome. Contact Betty Duckworth, 847-0240.

‘Growing Local’ is screening topic

Wolfe’s Neck Farm and Freeport Conservation Trust will co-host a free screening of “Growing Local,” Thursday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m., at the Freeport Community Center. Three short films from Seedlight Pictures and Maine Farmland Trust highlight Maine farms and producers and the role they play in the local food movement.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring several local experts. Panelists include Ben Slayton of Farmers’ Gate Market, Katrina Van Dusen of Freeport Conservation Trust, Sarah Wiederkehr of Winter Hill Farm and Dave Herring, executive director of Wolfe’s Neck Farm. Moderating the discussion will be Amanda Beal, a sustainable food systems research and policy consultant.

Historical society invites locals to lunch

Freeport Historical Society is reviving its series, “Lunch with Locals,” to invite residents to help shape its next exhibit.

The group will host two noon events, each with a different focus, in February and March. Lunch will be provided, in exchange for stories, knowledge and information about Freeport’s shoemaking industry from participants. Those who are interested in learning more about the topic are also invited.

The first, Saturday, Feb. 21 (snow date Feb. 28) is “Shoe and Tell.” Attendees are encouraged to bring and discuss items (or photographs of items) they own that relate to shoes and shoemaking in Freeport. An example is the cobbler’s anvil that was used to hold a shoe upside down while a sole was added or repaired. Mystery objects are encouraged.

On Tuesday, March 10 (snow date March 11), the topic will be “Bare Your Sole.” This luncheon will focus on hearing and recording experiences and knowledge of the shoemaking industry in Freeport.

“Freeport is a rich community of people whose families have lived in town for generations, or for decades, and those who have been here for a relatively short time,” says Collections Manager Holly Hurd. “All of these different cross-sections of people are important contributors to the collective history we share. Some have artifacts and photographs that have been saved over many years, others have stories and experiences of years gone by, and newcomers often bring to the table an enthusiastic interest in their town’s history.”

The events will take place at Harrington House, Freeport Historical Society’s headquarters at 45 Main St. Lunch will be provided, thanks to a donation by Derosier’s.

All are welcome to attend. An RSVP is requested. For more information, visit www.freeporthistoricalsociety.org, or contact Freeport Historical Society at 865-3170 or [email protected].

Brochure cover contest under way

RSU 5 Recreation & Community Education is now accepting cover photo entries for the 2015 Spring/Summer Brochure. The photo should be eye-catching and professional in its look and have a spring-summer theme. It can be created using any graphics program, but final delivery should be in PNG or JPEG format with dimensions of 73?4-by-101?2 inches. It will be used as the front cover for the 2015 Spring/Summer Brochure, mailed to over 6,000 households in the RSU 5 district. The deadline to submit a photo is Friday, Feb. 27. Photos can be sent to Anthony Johnson at [email protected]. A winner will be chosen shortly after and the person’s name will be recognized on the inside cover of the brochure as the contest winner. Those with questions should call 865-6171

Saddleback trip

RSU 5 Recreation & Community Education is hosting a trip to Saddleback, via luxury coach transportation by VIP Tours, on Sunday, March 8. Trip is open to all, but those 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $79 per person and includes lift ticket, transportation, driver’s tip and a snack bag. Deadline to register is Friday, Feb. 20. To register, call 865-6171.

Chamber hosting lunch and learn

The Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce will present a workshop Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Freeport Community Center. The speaker, Elizabeth Ring, will discuss “Compelling Headlines.”

Ring is a leadership consultant who believes good electronic communications is key to success in the 21st century. This event is free but advance registration is requested. See www.FreeportMaineChamber.com, call 847-5240, ext. 1 or send email to [email protected].

Head coach needed

The Girls on the Run program needs one more coach, a female to work with girls in grades 3-5 at Mast Landing School in Freeport.Girls on the Run inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. Coaches need to be positive role models committed to empowering girls to realize their full potential. Running and coaching experience are not required. Lessons are scripted. Training and all materials are provided. Coaches must be available twice a week for 90 minutes for the 10-week season beginning the week of March 23.

For more information visit www.girlsontherunmaine.org or contact Program Director Staci Olson at [email protected] or call 747-5677.

February camp on the farm

Wolfe’s Neck Farm announces its February school vacation camp, Feb. 16-20. With a heated indoor space as home base, participants will spend time with the animals in the barn and learn about the wilder winter residents of the farm. Activities will include feeding animals, seeding winter greens in the greenhouse, tracking animals in the woods and more. Limited space is available.

February campers are expected to bring a hearty lunch, snacks and a water bottle. Campers should also be prepared with many layers of winter clothing and a change of clothes, good winter boots, gloves or mittens, a warm winter hat, and sunglasses (for snow glare). For additional information, visit www.wolfesneckfarm.org or call 865-4469, ext.106.

$1,000 grant offered by Woman’s Club

The Freeport Woman’s Club is still looking for a candidate for its 2015 Step Up Grant, a $1,000 gift for a woman over the age of 21 from Freeport or Pownal. This is an opportunity for someone who is seeking occupational training but is experiencing financial need. Criteria for selection of the applicant are based upon financial need, clarity of goals, educational program and references. For questions and further information, call Virginia Boyles at 865-3973.

AARP offers tax help

AARP will once again be providing free tax-preparation assistance for low- to moderate- income households, with special attention to those 60 years and older, Wednesday mornings from Feb. 4-April 8 at the Freeport Community Center. Assistance is available by appointment only. To schedule, call 865-4743, ext. 120.

Upcoming meetings

Coastal Waters Committee, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 6 p.m., Freeport Community Center.

Project Review Board, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 6 p.m., Town Council Chambers.

Shellfish Conservation Commission, Thursday, Feb.12, 6:30 p.m., Freeport Community Center.

Traffic & Parking Commission, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 7:30 a.m., Town Council Chambers.

Conservation Commission, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6 p.m., Freeport Community Center.

A full listing of upcoming town meetings and agendas is available on www.freeportmaine.com.

WorldQuest, the quiz bowl administered by the World Affairs Council of Maine, was held on Feb. 4 at Deering High School in Portland. The Freeport High School team, Motley Crew, came in second, just one point out of a sudden-death playoff with Team Unum and Lake Region’s “A” team. Shown from left are Karen Massey, faculty emeritus, and sudents Lily Kolle, Nico Lizasoain, Josef Biberstein, Ethan Pierce, Chris Nolan and Caleb Abbott. Courtesy photo