Author luncheon features Susan Conley

Maine native Susan Conley will speak about her recent novel and memoir at the South Freeport Congregational Church’s next Author Luncheon, Friday, Sept. 25, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Her novel, “Paris Was the Place,” has been chosen by many reviewers as a prized “pick” and has been called by People magazine as “a cassoulet of questions about home, comfort and love, served with a fresh perspective on a dazzling city.” Her memoir, “The Foremost Good Fortune,” chronicles her family’s 2007 move to Beijing, a cross-cultural odyssey through modern China. Oprah Magazine listed it as a Top Ten Pick, Slate Magazine chose it as “Book of the Week,” and The Washington Post called it “a beautiful book about China and cancer and how to be an authentic, courageous human being.”

After teaching poetry and literature at Emerson College in Boston, Conley returned to Portland, where she cofounded and served as executive director of The Telling Room, a nonprofit creative writing center for students ages 6-18. Freeport Congregational Church is located at 98 South Freeport Road.

Tickets are $15 and must be reserved by Sept. 23 at 2 p.m. Call 865-4012 or email [email protected].

Old Freeport families topic of Sept. 23 talk

“Old Families and Old Houses of Flying Point and Wolf’s Neck: 350 Years of Living on the Edge,” a presentation by John Mann, is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m., at Freeport Community Library.

Mann will share old photographs and historic information regarding several families that settled the eastern corner of Freeport. Flying Point and Wolf’s Neck are unlike other parts of ancient North Yarmouth in regards to settlement patterns, ethnic origins and historic timeline. Using information passed down through private and public records, Mann will talk about some of the older families, their homes and the heritage that helps make this community unique.

Mann is a professional land surveyor with 40 years of experience working in western Maine. He is the historian for the St. Andrews Society of Maine, which preservers and promotes Scottish heritage and traditions through education, scholarships, outreach and performance. He also is director of the Maine Ulster Scots Project, which gathers, preserves and shares information on the Scots-Irish families that arrived in Maine prior to the American Revolutionary War.

Memoirist to talk at library

Author E. J. Bouinatchova will read from her debut memoir, “Fresh Cut,”

Monday, Sept. 28, at 6:30 p.m., at the Freeport Community Library.

“Fresh Cut” is the memoir of a wild young woman with a dark past who finds refuge in the colorful world of the floral industry. Bouinatchova was born in New England, but has lived the past 15 years in Los Angeles. She attended Emerson College in Boston, where she worked as an actress performing everything from a comic book adaptation to Shakespeare. Copies of “Fresh Cut” will be available for purchase and signing.

Pie contest, games, music at Apple Fest

All are welcome to join in the fun at the family Apple Fest celebration at Freeport Community Library Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

The apple-centric festivities will feature an apple pie baking contest, apple cider samples made fresh with an apple press, a guest appearance by Johnny Appleseed sharing biographical stories, as well as food, games, music and raffles, all sponsored by Friends of the Freeport Community Library.

Contributions for the apple pie contest are being sought. Pies will be judged by a panel of tasters and cash prizes will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place winners. There are openings for 10 to 12 entries. Interested pie makers should call 607-3188 by Sept. 20.

Join the challenge to hike local trails

A Freeport Trail Challenge has begun in which participants hike four local trails during September and October and win prizes.

They can collect stamps from each trail on the Trail Challenge Passport or post a selfie from their walk to Freeport Conservation Trust’s Facebook page or on Instagram #freeporttrailchallenge.

There will be prizes for kids who get all four stamps in their Passports and adults completing the challenge will be entered into a raffle for prizes.

The four trails in the challenge are Cousins River Trail, Powell Point Trail, Frost Gully Woods Trail and Hedgehog Mountain Trail. Directions to each trailhead are on the Passport cards or online at www.freeportconservationturst.org. Pick up a Freeport Trail Challenge Passport around town and through the co-sponsors: Town of Freeport, Casco Bay YMCA and Freeport Conservation Trust. To get a Passport mailed or for more information, contact Freeport Conservation Trust at the Community Center, 865-3985, ext. 212, or email [email protected].

All walks must be completed by the end of October, and passports turned in or photos posted by Nov. 2.

College admissions process explained

Students and parents can get an inside look at the college admissions process when Wendy Thompson, former Bowdoin College assistant dean of admissions, presents a talk, “How do Colleges Really Choose Students?” Monday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m., at Freeport Community Library. Thompson will discuss how many factors college admissions officers consider when they review applications for admission. Her presentation is geared toward families of high school students in every grade.

Joining Thompson will be Sam Prouty, Middlebury College’s senior assistant dean of admissions.

Scientist to talk on comets, asteroids

Freeport Community Library will host “Comets, Meteorites, and Asteroids – Messengers from Space,” a family-friendly presentation with scientist and science teacher Jon Wallace, Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 6:30 p.m.

Those on hand can examine different types of meteorites, look at samples from asteroids, planets and the moon, and learn what they tell us about our solar system. Wallace will also explain what can happen to Earth should one of these objects hit our planet. He will also talk about how to start a meteorite collection, and provide attendees with their first specimen (while supplies last).

Wallace was an award-winning high school science teacher in Meriden, Conn., for more than 32 years. He is past president of the Connecticut Association of Physics Teachers and was an instructor in Wesleyan University’s Project ASTRO program. He managed the Naugatuck Valley Community College observatory and ran many astronomy classes and training sessions throughout Connecticut. He has built or purchased various receivers, as well as built some 30 demonstration devices for class use and public displays. He is the education coordinator for the Board of the Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers.

Cross-country bicyclist making Habitat stop

Alan Thompson, a 65-year-old retired Ohio teacher cycling around the perimeter of the 48 contiguous states of the United States, was scheduled to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland’s Freeport build site on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Thompson began his journey in Toledo on Aug. 17 to fundraise and raise awareness for Habitat for Humanity and Save the Children. He plans to finish the trip in early summer 2016.

Tea tasting Oct. 1

Jacqueline’s Tea Room, 201 Main St., Freeport, is hosting tea tasting Thursday, Oct. 1, from 6-7 p.m. Five varieties of teas will be available to sample while browsing the gift shop. For more information, see www.jacquelinestearoom.com.

Barnyard, garden tours continue

Weekend barnyard and organic garden tours continue through Sept. 27 at Wolfe’s Neck Farm, 184 Burnett Road. Visitors see the barn and pastures, meet and learn about the animals and the care they need to be healthy and productive, and also see the farm’s educational gardens. The program culminates in a tractor ride up into West Bay. Tours are held Saturdays and Sundays? at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Cost is $5, free for ages 3 and under. Advance registration is not necessary.

Wolfe’s Neck Farm has also resumed its Farmer for the Morning program, which runs on Thursdays, from 8:30-9:30 a.m., through May 19. Families with toddlers or preschoolers can come find the farmer in the barn and help them feed and give water to the animals, put out hay, collect eggs, sweep the barn and make sure the animals are happy and healthy for the day. Cost is $5, and registration is not necessary. The program will not run on holidays or if there is inclement weather.

For more information on these and other programs, see www.wolfesneckfarm.org.

Back to school

Champlain College has welcomed one of its largest classes to its Burlington, Vt., campus. Among those attending are Freeport residents Brian and Sarah Fischman.

Rec programs starting up

Many RSU 5 Recreation and Community Education programs are starting up, including youth programs such as kickball, Sept. 17; chess for girls, Sept. 21; and Mad Science, Sept. 22. For more information or to register by phone, call 865-6171. The office is located at 17 West St. in Freeport.

Freeport Woman’s Club hosts Maine geologist

Maine geologist Walter Anderson will be the featured speaker at the Freeport Woman’s Club meeting on Friday, Sept. 18, at 1 p.m., at Freeport Community Library. The public is invited.

With a doctorate from the University of Maine, Anderson spent 27 years with the Maine Geological Survey as director and state geologist, exploring oil, gas, environmental and economic programs and hazards affecting Maine’s physical environment. Today, he serves as chief geologist and board member of the Maine Chapter of the International Appalachian Trail.

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. The monthly meetings include presentations on a variety of topics. New members are welcome. Contact Betty Duckworth, 847-0240 or [email protected].

Barbecue honors board members

The Freeport Town Council will host town board and committee members and their families at barbecue in their honor, Sunday, Sept. 20, from 2-4:30 p.m., at Harb Cottage in Winslow Memorial Park. The event is being held in appreciation of their commitment and contributions to the town. Those who plan to attend should RSVP by Sept. 10 to 865-4743, ext. 120.

Free camping for residents

Winslow Park is offering free camping for Freeport residents, through Sept. 27. Winslow Park and Campground offers100 campsites and wooded trails with views of the harbor and Casco Bay; picnic tables, grills and a tidal beach; and a boat launch for anything from trailered boats to canoes and kayaks; For more information, call 865-4198.

Harvest dance on Sept. 26

Wolfe’s Neck Farm’s 19th annual Harvest Dance, featuring the band North of Nashville, is Saturday, Sept. 26, from 6-10 p.m., at the farm’s historic Mallet Barn. The evening will feature?local music, local food and local brews. There will be a cash bar and an assortment of food trucks and vendors. Contra dancing is scheduled from 7-8 p.m., followed by North of Nashville.

Advance tickets are $20, or $25 at the door (unless sold out). For more information, see www.wolfesneckfarm.org.

Art, music, food featured at festival

FreeportUSA’s 17th annual Freeport Fall Festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 100 artists will exhibit works ranging from photography oil, watercolor, mixed media, fine craft and jewelry, and live bands will be performing throughout the weekend. A selection of Maine food producers will also be on hand. Freeport Community Services will be on site hosting its annual Chowdah Challenge to raise funds for camp scholarships. Hosted on the L.L. Bean campus, the two-day event is free and includes children’s art activities and music for the whole family.

Voters can request absentee ballots

Freeport voters can request an absentee ballot by completing the secretary of state’s online request form at www.maine.gov or by filling out a request form to mail or deliver in person to Freeport Town Clerk Christine Wolfe at the town office. Any registered voter can choose to vote absentee by mail or in person prior to Election Day, Nov. 3. Ballots will be available roughly 30 days before the election (and at least 45 days before the election for uniformed service and overseas voters).

The ballot also will include three statewide questions, including one citizen’s initiative and two bond issues:

Question 1 is a citizen’s initiative, “An Act To Strengthen the Maine Clean Election Act, Improve Disclosure and Make Other Changes to the Campaign Finance Laws.” Public comment is still being accepted on the exact wording of this question. Visit the Secretary of State’s website to read the proposed wording and submit thoughts by Aug. 28.

Question 2 is a bond issue, “An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Support the Independence of Maine’s Seniors.” If approved by voters, this would authorize a $15 million housing bond to build affordable housing across the state.

Question 3 is also a bond issue, “An Act To Authorize Two General Fund Bond Issues To Improve Highways, Bridges and Multimodal Facilities.” If approved by voters, it would authorize an $85 million investment in roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure.

For more information, see www.Maine.gov. Questions about the election can be directed to Rep. Sara Gideon, 865-9593, or [email protected]. For information about the Freeport election, call 865-4743, Ext. 123 or email [email protected].

Community Service Award nominations

Freeport Community Services is now accepting nominations for the Carol Kaplan Memorial Community Service Award. The award is named after the longtime general services director for the town of Freeport. It is given annually by Freeport Community Services to an individual who embodies the mission of FCS, and who has had a positive impact on client services and/or the organization.

The deadline for nominations is Sept. 17. Nomination forms are available at the Freeport Community Center at 53 Depot St., or online at www.fcsmaine.org. Nominations can be submitted by email to Melanie Sachs, executive director, at [email protected], mailed to FCS at P.O. Box 119, Freeport, ME 04032, or submitted in person at the offices of Freeport Community Services. For more information, contact Sachs at 865-3985, ext. 204.

Past recipients include:

1999 Vaughndella Curtis

2000 Brenda White

2001 Edgar Leighton

2002 Bob Melargno

2003 Marie Forbus and Sally Amory

2004 Johanna Hanselman

2006 Peter Warren

2007 Jan Newlin

2008 Judy Miskell

2009 Fran Stevens

2010 Daric Ebert

2011 Kate and Jonas Werner

2012 Carol Southall

2013 Stephen Cogswell

2014 Marjorie Perkins & Joan Plourde.

Books chosen for discussion group

The Freeport Community Library hosts a book group that meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 6-7:45 p.m. to discuss a book of the group’s choosing. The group’s upcoming schedule and book selections for October and November are:

Oct. 7, “Middlemarch,” by George Eliot.

Nov. 4, “Some Girls, Some Hats and Hitler: A True Love Story.”

For more information, call Belinda Stewart, 865-3307.

Chamber golf tourney Sept. 16

The Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce will hold a Challenge Golf Tournament, a major fundraiser for 2015. This year the tournament will be held in conjunction with the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce. It’s scheduled for the Val Halla Golf Course in Cumberland on Sept. 16. There will be a shotgun start at 8 a.m. and the day will include a lunch and awards ceremony. Non-players are welcome. For more information, call 847-5240.

Upcoming meetings

Recycling/Solid Waste Committee, Monday, Sept. 21, 5:30 p.m., Town Council Chambers.

Project Review Board, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 6:30 p.m., Town Council Chambers.

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