Gerry Boyle talks

on newest novel

Freeport Community Library will host Maine author Gerry Boyle on Friday, June 10, at 7 p.m. Boyle is a popular crime novelist and creator of the Jack McMorrow series. The newest title in the series, “Straw Man,” is just being released by Islandport Press. His experiences as a reporter for the Morning Sentinel in Waterville inspired his first McMurrow novel, “Deadline,” published in 1993. “Straw Man” is his 11th McMorrow novel.

Program to explore

solar energy’s future

While recent votes in Augusta may have held the solar industry from taking a leap forward in Maine, they didn’t eliminate the incentives that are in place for solar buyers. Solar supporters say that’s one of the messages they will share at a meeting Thursday, June 2, at 6 p.m., at Freeport High School. “The Future of Solar Energy in Maine” will bring several presenters talking about the issue. They include Tim Schneider, the public advocate for the state of Maine; Vaughan Woodruff, owner of Insource Renewables and the chairman of the Committee on Renewable Energy, Maine’s solar industry trade group; and Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. The evening will be facilitated by Alan Caron of Envision Maine. State Rep. Sara Gideon of Freeport, a key facilitator of the legislative discussions surrounding solar policy in Maine, will introduce the event.

The series is sponsored by Solarize Freeport and Solarize Mid Maine, two community solar projects that offer the opportunity for local residents and businesses to reduce the costs of installing solar by organizing the bulk purchase of these systems. A number of other organizations in the state are partnering on the event, including Maine Conservation Voters, Natural Resources Council of Maine, Sierra Club, GrowSmart Maine, Sierra Club, Envision Maine, and Sustain Mid Maine Coalition.

Parkside Prelude

kicks off summer

FreeportUSA’s Parkside Prelude is Friday, June 10, from 5-8 p.m., at Memorial Park. The free evening includes live music by Dave Pahanish and Hugh Mitchell, both Nashville-based singer songwriters. Lawn games like bocce, giant Jenga, lawn bowling, cornhole and, of course, Bean boot tossing, will be available. Treats will be offered from SPüN Bakery, Bridgham & Cook, Casco Bay Cutlery & Kitchenware, Wilbur’s of Maine, Café Crepe and Linda Bean’s

Food producers or chefs who would like to get involved should email Sue@freeportusa.com for more information.

Outdoor adventures

topic of Bean talks

Polly Mahoney of Mahoosuc Guide Service will talk about her experiences in northern Quebec traveling by canoe with the Cree around the remote villages of Ouje-Bougoumou and Misstassini, on Friday, June 3, at 7 p.m., in the L.L. Bean camping department atrium.

On Friday, June 10, also at 7 p.m., in the camping department atrium, Macauley Lord will present a program about what it’s like to float the great trout rivers of Argentina in a kickboat powered solely by scuba fins. Lord, from the seat of his 16-pound inflatable boat, floats under willow trees that shelter big rainbow and brown trout, runs rivers that flow off the crest of the Andes Mountains out into the Patagonian desert, and hooks big trout in remote mountain lakes.

Library staffers

exhibit art

During June, the Freeport Community Library will feature the work of four of its current or retired library staff members. On exhibit will the photography of Arlene Arris and Robin Lowell, acrylic paintings by Beth Edmonds and the altered book creations of Elaine Schmidt.

Women’s ride

The Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s Women’s Ride, Sunday, June 12, will be based at the L.L. Bean Flagship Store’s Discovery Park, 95 Main St. The routes (10, 25, 50 or 62 miles) follow quiet roads, offering beautiful views of the Maine coast and countryside. There are rest stops, healthy snacks and support vehicles along the way. See www.mainewomensride.com to register.

Tea tasting

Customers can sample five varieties of tea while browsing the gift shop at Jacqueline’s Tea Room, 201 Main St. in Freeport, on Wednesday, June 1, from 6-7 p.m. For more information, see www.Jacquelinestearoom.com.

College honors

Jennifer R. Breau of Freeport was one of 504 seniors who graduated from Colby College in Waterville on May 22, receiving a bachelor of arts degree. Breau, who majored in American studies and educational studies with a human development concentration, attended Freeport High School and is the daughter of David and Amy Breau of Freeport.

Emily Martin of Freeport graduated cum laude from Hobart & William Smith Colleges in Geneva, N.Y., on May 15, with a major in Media and Society and a minor in Studio Arts, and was inducted into the National Communications Honor Society, Lambda Pi Eta. Lambda Pi Eta recognizes outstanding scholastic achievement in the communication discipline. For her leadership on the William Smith Soccer team the past four years, Martin was awarded the Alice Ann Wilbur Coaches Award.

Callum Gould of Freeport, a sophomore majoring in accounting, was among approximately 1,940 students who made the spring dean’s list at at Coastal Carolina University, Conway, S.C.

Lasell College in Newton, Mass., recently named Jade Bermudez of Freeport to the dean’s list for the spring 2016. Bermudez, whose major is psychology, received a BS degree from the school May 15.

Health connections

goal of Wellness Expo

The Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce and Freeport Fire and Rescue will host a Wellness Expo on Thursday, June 2, from 3-6 p.m., at the Freeport Fire Station, 4 Main St.

The event aims to support the health of the community by connecting local health and wellness businesses to those looking to enhance and improve their health. It is open to the public at no cost, with a suggested healthy food donation to Freeport Community Services.

More than 30 businesses, including health professionals, fitness experts, safety personnel and food vendors, are expected to take part. Scheduled demonstrations include CPR instruction, blood pressure screenings, massage, fitness, seat belt safety and healthy cooking on a budget. There will be several local restaurants and nutrition experts featured in a designated food sampling area.

The event sponsors are Brett Davis Real Estate and Beansprouts Early Learning Childcare Center. To register as a vendor or get more information about the event, contact the Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce at 847-5240 or see www.freeportmainechamber.com.

Music jam at library

Freeport Community Library invites the public to dust off their acoustic stringed instruments, warm up their voices and come make music with friends and neighbors, on Sunday, June 12, from 2-4 p.m. There will be folk and bluegrass lyrics with chords projected for all to see. Those who have songs they wish to lead should bring a one-page document with chords and lyrics. Listeners, singers, and all musician levels are welcome.

Portland Metro

service to begin

Portland Metro will launch passenger bus service to Freeport and Yarmouth on Thursday, June 16. The first trip for the public to leave Freeport will be at 11:30 a.m.

The three Freeport stops will be in front of L.L. Bean headquarters at the intersection of Lower Main Street and Casco Street, in front of the Town Hall, then the bus will make its final stop at L.L. Bean Flagship store prior to turning around and heading south.

There will be nine weekday trips, from 6 a.m.-7 p.m., and five Saturday trips, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. The regular one-way fare is $3, and a reduced one-way fare is $1.50. Persons 65 and older and disabled persons with a Medicaid card are eligible for the reduced fares.

Flock a friend

with pink flamingos

Freeport High School class of 2017 is Flamingo Flocking as a fundraiser to help support Project Graduation. Flocking is fun and simple: Fill out a flocking form, pick a “victim,” and a flock of plastic pink flamingos will migrate to that person’s lawn, where they will stay for at least 24 hours. The flock will then be picked up and moved to the next migration point.

Flamingo Flocking costs $25 donation. The flocking form can be picked up at the high school front office. For more information, contact Aly Fullagar of the Flocking Team, jane_nomore@yahoo.com or Tracy Watts wattst@mmc.org.

Wolfe’s Neck Farm

hosts weekend programs

Wolfe’s Neck Farm, 184 Burnett Road, Freeport, will begin hosting a 15-minute haywagon ride, Saturdays and Sundays, May 28-Sept. 25, every 30 minutes from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The family-friendly rides goes from the barn past pastures and vegetable fields to the edge of the ocean. The cost is $3 per person.

A 45-minute farm fields and livestock tour is Saturday and Sunday through Sept. 25, starting at 2 p.m. The cost is $5 per person. Participants can see the organic dairy, chickens, diversified vegetable fields via the haywagon, and learn how the arm is training new farmers, teaching youth about food and farming, and connecting visitors to sustainable agriculture. It is recommended for young adults and adults (parent/guardian participation required).

The two-hour Wagon Ride to the Past is scheduled for Saturdays, June 11, July 9, Aug. 13 and Sept. 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Hear stories of the ship captains, fishermen, farmers, teachers, and homemakers who have lived on Wolfe’s Neck over the past 250 years. The farm and its surrounding countryside are explored in the history tour, where the work of the farm today weaves through the story, connecting past and present. The program is recommended for those ages 12 and above. Cost is $10, $5 for ages 12-18.

For more information, see www.wolfesneckfarm.org.

Community Services has camp scholarships

Freeport Community Services summer camp scholarships are awarded based on need and availabilty for local and residential camp programs. For a complete listing of camp options for children and to receive an application, call 865-3985, ext. 205.

Spring Festival

is Saturday

The annual Spring Festival at Wolfe’s Neck Farm, 184 Burnett Road, is Saturday, June 4, from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. The day features music, games, demonstrations and learning activities. There will be opportunities to explore the trails and gardens, interact with the animals, learn about seeds and plants and try fiber arts. For younger children, there will be craft activities, face painting, a hay pile and tractors to climb, as well as hayrides and live music. Food is available for purchase.

Admission is $6, free for those ages 3 and under free. For more information, call 865-4469, ext.102 or see www.wolfesneckfarm.org/spring-festival.

Browntail moth

infestation expected

The Maine Forest Service has warned of increased browntail moth caterpillar infestation in Freeport this year. Residents should look at trees for the webs at the tips of branches on oak and apple trees. For more information, contact Charlene Donahue, 287-2431, or see www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/invasive_threats/browntail_moth_info.htm.

Psychic fair

Leapin’ Lizards of Freeport will sponsor a Psychic and Crystal Fair, Saturday, June 11, from 11 a.m. -4 p.m., at 123 Main St. Psychics, mediums, aura scans jewelry and crystal vendors will be featured. Admission is free. For more information, call 865-0900.

Yard sale tables for rent

First Parish Church Congregational, 40 Main St., will hold a community yard sale on Saturday, June 25, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., in the church hall. Tables can be rented for $15. Call ahead and leave a message for Candy, 865-9288, or Brenda, 865-3700.

Spring Cleanup

For the month of June, Wednesdays-Fridays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Freeport residents will be allowed to bring one free load of waste to the Recycling Center using the cleanup coupon contained in the town mailer that they received in their mailboxes. Residents will be required to have a 2016 facility sticker. It costs $6, and can be purchased at the Recycling Center the day of disposal or can be purchased ahead of time at the Recycling Facility and the Town Hall. As in years past, some material will have fees associated with them, review the flyer for the list of acceptable items and fees or find it at www.freeportmaine.com.

In the past, the Swap Shop has been closed during the cleanup Saturdays as there wasn’t sufficient help to supervise the donations. Last year, volunteers helped keep the Swap Shop open by managing donations and keeping the room organized. Volunteers are again needed this year. If interested, call Suzanne Duplissis at 865-3740.

Family art program set

A free family art project, Saturday, June 4, from 10-11:30 a.m., is being hosted by the Center for the Awareness of Pattern, 143 Flying Point Road, Freeport. Participants will take a walk outside, gather natural findings and come together to make them into works of art. Workshop leader is Katherine Harman Harding, artist and teacher of painting, printmaking, collage and fiber arts. For more information and to register, call 865-3396.

First Parish Market

calling for vendors

Vendors are now being sought for First Parish Market, where artist, crafters and other vendors can sell their wares in front of First Parish Church Congregational, 40 Main St. in Freeport. The dates are July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 10 and Oct. 8, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, contact Patty at FirstParishMarket@gmail.com or call First Parish Church 865-6022 and leave a message.

Paddleboard donated for raffle

L.L. Bean has donated a paddleboard package (paddle and personal flotation device included) to The PORT Teen Center this spring. It will be raffled off during the Sunday to Sundae 5K race on Sunday June 5, at the Freeport Community Center. All proceeds will benefit the Teen Center. Tickets are $10 for one or $25 for three. They can be purchased the RSU 5 central office at 17 West St., Freeport, or by calling 865-6171. A limited number of tickets will be sold.

Prescription drug take-back program

The Freeport Police Department has installed a secured, permanent drug drop-off box in the lobby of the Public Safety Building. Residents can drop off expired, unwanted or outdated drugs during their normal business hours, Sunday through Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The department will continue to take part in the semi-annual drug take back program.

Vegetable farm shares

Community Supported Agriculture CSAs have become a popular way for farms to market their wares directly to local customers. Typically, members buy a “share” of the farm’s production for a season. Shareholders receive a portion of the harvest as the season progresses. We also offer CSA shares for SNAP recipients. These shares are available for a significantly reduced price and can be paid for at each weekly pick-up CSA can be a great way to connect with local farms and farmers.

The Teen Ag program at Wolfe’s Neck Farm will be providing Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares, including 15 weeks of freshly harvested vegetables. Each week will bring something new and reflect the changes in the field and weather. Beginning in July residents can enjoy crops like peas, kale, beets and spinach. Summer squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli and salad mix will abound as the season progresses. The autumnal harvest will include winter squash, potatoes, onions and more kale. Wolfe’s Neck Farm meat and eggs will also be available in the farm stand.

Teen Ag is a sustainable agriculture immersion program that cultivates all of Wolfe’s Neck Farm’s vegetables and fruit, manages the farm stand and contributes thousands of pounds of produce to area food pantries each year. For more information, visit www.wolfesneckfarm.org.

Upcoming meetings

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

Town Council District 1 and 3 workshop, Tuesday, June 7, 6:30 p.m., Freeport Community Center.

Appointments Committee, Wednesday, June 8, 7 a.m., Town Hall.

Project Review Board, Wednesday, June 8, 6 p.m. Town Council Chambers.

Coastal Waters Commission, Wednesday, June 8, 6 p.m., Freeport Community Center.

Shellfish Conservation Commission, Thursday, June 9, 6:30 p.m., Freeport Community Center.

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

Crime novelist Gerry Boyle will talk about his newest book in the Jack McMorrow series, “Straw Man,” on Friday, June 10, at 7 p.m., at the  Freeport Community Library.

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