Variety show Saturday

The Freeport Lioness-Lions Club will presents its 29th annual variety show, “One Hit Wonders: Fashions, Fads and Trends,” on Saturday, March 28, at 7 p.m., at the Freeport Performing Arts Center, 30 Holbrook St. Tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. For more information or for tickets, contact Martha Daly, 865-6188, or Tina Snow, 319-9472.

L.L. Bean schedules talks

L.L. Bean’s lecture series will present Tyler Fish with a multi-media presentation about his expedition to the North Pole, Saturday, March 28, at 7 p.m., in the Camping Department Atrium. Fish and John Huston were the first Americans to make a trip to the North Pole under their own power, without resupply, hauling sleds that contained everything they needed to survive. Fish says he provides “pictures and video from preparation all the way through to post-expedition, also facts, stories and life lessons. I’m not shy about sharing it all.” He will be signing copies of his book, “Forward,” which details the expedition, before and after the show.

A native Minnesotan and a Bates College graduate, Fish has worked for the Voyageur Outward Bound School since 1996, and is a cross-country ski coach in Ely, Minn.

The L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery School will present a talk, “The Geology of New Hampshire’s White Mountains,” Friday, April 3, at 7 p.m., also in the Camping Department Atrium. Six of the seven authors of a new book, also called “The Geology of New Hampshire’s White Mountains,” will each give 10-minute talks on their area of expertise and the talks will progress from the most recent archaeological and geologic history to the ancient plate tectonic story in the Whites. Their book will be available for sale at the talk.

Historical society annual meeting April 12

The Freeport Historical Society will bring to life the history of Maine’s shoemaking industry in its 46th annual meeting, Sunday April 12, at 2 p.m., at the Old Town Hall at the Hilton Garden Inn, on Park Street in Freeport. The event is open to members only, but members of the public are invited to join at the door. This year’s keynote speaker is Andrea L’Hommedieu, oral historian at the University of South Carolina. L’Hommedieu directed oral history projects for Bates and Bowdoin colleges, as well as Museum L/A in Lewiston, where she oversaw the interviewing of former workers in the area’s brickyards, textile mills and shoe shops.

Her presentation, “Voices From Maine’s Shoe Industry,” will draw from her interviews with Maine shoeworkers. She will give first-person accounts of a manufacturing industry that played an important role in the economy of 20th-century Freeport. The shoe industry in Freeport is the subject of the 2015 exhibit at Freeport Historical Society, which opens in May.

To renew a membership or sign up online and to register for the event, visit www.freeporthistoricalsociety.org. Membership inquiries and reservations can also be made by phone, 865-3170.

County tax going up

Freeport’s tax payable to Cumberland County will increase this year by 7.14 percent, to $941,811. The overall countywide tax burden for this year has increased 5.35 percent, from $25,413,304 to $26,773,596. Freeport’s apportionment was higher because its total state valuation increased by 3.7 percent this year, while the total county-wide state valuation increased by 1.97 percent.

According to Town Manager Peter Joseph’s report on the town website, in a worst-case scenario (assuming no increase to the local property tax base), this would increase the County portion of the local property tax rate from 66 cents per $1,000 of valuation to 71 centers per $1,000 of valuation. A taxpayer with an average residential property value of $220,000 would pay an additional $11 as a result.

Road postings in effect

Heavy load road postings are now in effect town-wide. All regular delivery route trucks are exempt (oil and propane gas trucks, trash haulers, municipal vehicles and other necessary vehicles). For a list of posted roads, information on permit to travel on a posted road or questions, contact the Public Works Department, 865-4461 or go to www.freeportmaine.com.

Library cooks up Edible Book Festival

Freeport Community Library will host its second Edible Books Festival on Wednesday, April 15. Children, adults or a team are welcome to participate. All entries must be edible and based on a book or a poem. Community members are encouraged to attend and cast their vote for their favorite edible book. Five categories include, funniest, most creative, most bookish and best in show. All entries must be edible and based on a book or a poem. There is no charge to participate.

Bring the entry to the library that day from 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m. The festivities begin with voting at 6 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony, and concluding with everyone getting to eat the entries.

Registrations should be sent to [email protected]. For more information, see www.freeportlibrary.com.

Chamber to host LePage

The Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce and the Southern Midcoast Chamber are hosting Gov. Paul LePage, April 2, from 8:30-10 a.m., at the Brunswick Hotel and Tavern, for a presentation on his budget proposal. For more information and registration, visit www.FreeportMaineChamber.com. The public is invited. Cost is $10 per person.

Easter Sunrise service April 5

An Easter Sunrise Service will be held Sunday, April 5, at 6 a.m., on the peak of Bradbury Mountain in Pownal with Sandy Williams, pastor, officiating. There will also be a service under the shelter at the foot of the mountain with the Rev. John Wentworth for those unable to climb. In case of severely inclement weather, the service will be held in the First Parish Congregational Church in Pownal. Coffee and doughnuts will be served at the Pownal Church following the service. The event is ponsored by the First Parish Congregational Church in Pownal and the First Baptist Church of Freeport, and all are welcome to attend.

Workshop focuses on falling

A workshop entitled, “A Matter of Balance” will be held at Falmouth Learning Resource Center, 5 Bucknam Road, Falmouth, on Wednesdays, April 8-May 27, from 10 a.m.- noon. “A Matter of Balance” is a nationally recognized workshop designed to help people manage falls and increase activity levels. Learn how to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, learn exercises to increase strength and balance, and make changes to reduce the risk of falling at home. To register or for more information, CALL 396-6583 or email [email protected].

Annual book sale starts soon

The Freeport Community Library is collecting gently used books for the annual library book sale, coming up during the first full week of April. Hardcover and paperbacks are accepted, but textbooks, computer books or books in poor or musty condition are not accepted. Books can be dropped off from Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 3 during normal business hours. For more information, call Elaine, 865-3307.

Choral concert set for March 31

Wescustago Youth Chorale and the University of Southern Maine Chamber Singers will hold their third annual joint concert on Tuesday, March 31, at 7 p.m., at Sacred Heart Church, 326 Main St. in Yarmouth. Both groups will perform special selections, and then join together for a few combined pieces. The Wescustago Youth Chorale is made up of 80 voices from 12 area towns and is conducted by Amanda Mahaffey and Jennifer Hand Runge. The USM Chamber Singers is conducted by Dr. Robert Russell. A suggested donation $10 will benefit both groups. For more information contact Leigh at 846-0705 or see www.wescustago.wordpress.com.

FMS spring fundraiser launch

Freeport Middle School has startws its spring fundraiser with spring bulbs for sale. Bulbs for all zones can be purchased by visiting the following FlowerPower website, www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/i/t/454208/0qQoS9UEWwB1. Bulbs are shipped directly to the buyer. The fundraiser is open now through April 30.

Tea tasting

Five varieties of tea can be sampled Wednesday, April 1,from 6-7 p.m., at Jacqueline’s Tea Room, 201 Main St. For more information, see www.Jacquelinestearoom.com or call 865-2123.

Pirates game to support FCS

The Portland Pirates are partnering with Freeport Community Services to offer a Freeport Area Community Night on Saturday, March 28, starting at 7 p.m. at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. Three dollars of every ticket will be donated to the FCS Food Pantry. Buy tickets through Ticketmaster at http://bit.ly/1GJiHMp (enter the code FREEPORT to see the special price), or call 207-PIRATES.

Class of 2015 bottle drive

As part of Project Graduation fundraising, Freeport High School class of 2015 is holding a fundraising bottle and beverage can drive at Bow Street Market during March. Bottles and cans can be brought directly to the store or a pickup can be arranged. Dunkin’ Donuts Community Mugs are also available. Buy a mug for $20 and bring it into any neighborhood Dunkin’ Donuts in Maine or Coos and Carroll counties in New Hampshire and receive free hot or iced coffee every Sunday in 2015. For more information, contact Aly at [email protected] or Liz at [email protected].

Tree pruning at Pettengill Farm

The Freeport Historical Society will hold a hands-on workshop Sunday, March 29, from 2-4 p.m., at Pettengill Farm, with Maine Cooperative Extension Educator Dr. Richard J. Brzozowski, on the pruning of fruiting and flowering trees. Participants can learn when and how to prune, with an eye to maintaining healthy and productive trees. Brzozowski obtained his doctorate at the University of Missouri in Columbia in agricultural education. In his work as Extension educator, he travels throughout Cumberland County and Maine educating farmers and gardeners on a broad range of agricultural topics. Tools and eye protection will be provided. Work gloves and appropriate footwear are advised, as the group will be working outside.

Tickets are $5 for FHS members, $10 for non-members. Registration and payment are required in advance. To do so and to get directions to Pettengill Farm, call 865-3170 or visit www.freeporthistoricalsociety.org. In case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.

Art of cooking explored in classes

RSU 5 Recreation and Community Education is offering a diverse selection of enrichment courses and workshops. Master the art of promoting your business online in Intro to Website Design, starting Monday, March 23, at 5:30 pm. This course runs for four weeks and costs $64.

Culinary classes include Cooking with Rosemont Market, a new workshop series featuring Brad Messier, executive chef of Rosemont Market Productions. He will explore the Art of Cooking Braised Short Ribs on Tuesday, March 24, at 6 p.m.,, and Quiche with Local Flavors on Tuesday, April 7, at 6 p.m. Each workshop costs $30 and includes the food fee.

Master the art of gluten-free baking with Emily Marcus, the kitchen manager at Bam Bam Bakery in Portland, who will teach Gluten-Free Desserts on Monday, March 30, at 6 p.m. The $30 fee includes She will also teach Gluten-Free Brunch (featuring a savory bruschetta) on Tuesday, April 14, at 6 ($29, includes food fee).

Learn from University of Maine Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners and explore the art of gardening in How to Grow Seedlings on Thursday, March 26 at 6 p.m. ($12), and Fruit Trees on Tuesday, April 7, and Thursday, April 9, at 6 ($15).

For more information and to register, visit www.rsu5-rce.org, call 865-6171, or stop in at 17 West St. in Freeport.

‘The Giver’ author to speak March 27

Award-winning Maine writer Lois Lowry will speak at a luncheon at South Freeport Congregational Church, 98 South Freeport Road, on Friday March 27. The event is scheduled from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Lowry has written more than 30 children’s books, including “The Giver” and “Number the Stars,” each winners of Newbery Medals, as well as an autobiography.

The luncheon is a sit-down catered event, with the author speaking for about half an hour prior to eating. A book signing will follow. Tickets are $15 by reservation only. Call 865-4012 to reserve tickets before March 25.

Rotary offering scholarships

The Freeport Rotary Club is offering three scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are residents of Freeport, Pownal or Durham and plan to go on to an academic college, university program or technical college. There are two Academic Scholarships for $2,000 each and one Technical Scholarship for $1,000.

Eligibility guidelines include outstanding community service, scholastic performance and financial need. The application deadline is May 1. A scholarship application can be obtained from the guidance offices at Freeport High School, Pine Tree Academy, North Yarmouth Academy, Vocational Region 10 in Brunswick, Waynflete School, Cheverus High School, Merriconeag Waldolf School, Greely High School, McAuley High School, Baxter Academy or online at www.freeport-rotary.org. Applications are also available by writing to the Freeport Rotary Club, Scholarship Committee, Attn: Ranjit Gill/Karen O’Rourke, P.O. Box 552, Freeport, ME. 04032.

Upcoming meetings

Planning Board, Wednesday, April 1, 6 p.m., Town Council Chambers.

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

Caitlin Keliher, a Freeport Middle School student, submitted the winning photo for the cover of the RSU 5 Recreation & Education Community Education spring/summer brochure, which has been mailed to Freeport homes. Twice a year residents are invited to showcase their artistic ability by submitting entries of photo or other artwork. Courtesy photo