‘Meet Millie’ at Harrington House

The Freeport Historical Society, at 45 Main St., will be the setting for the play, “Meet Millie,” on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 6:30 p.m. Tricia Scott of Falmouth stars in the short play, written by Elizabeth Guffey, about Mildred Pettengill, the last resident to live at Pettengill Farm, a homestead on the Harraseeket River that never had running water, electricity or central heat. The farm is the property of the Freeport Historical Society.

The event will feature a dramatic portrayal of Millie, who lived alone at the farm into her late 80s. She will talk about her interests, her family, life on the farm, and the homestead’s early history, with the aid of historic images and artifacts.

“Meet Millie” will occur in the exhibit space of Freeport Historical Society’s current exhibit “Logging in Maine, 1915-1928.” Admission is $5 for the general public and $3 for FHS members and children 12 and under.

Skating clinics

for kids offered

RSU5 Community Programs will hold skating clinics for kids ages 5-12 at North Yarmouth Academy Ice Arena in Yarmouth. Beginner Figure Skating and Beginner Hockey Skating clinics will run simultaneously and split the ice. Both programs will be led by experienced instructors who focus on learning and having fun. Figure skating lessons will teach marching, gliding, dipping, forward/backward skating and stopping. Hockey skating lessons will work on skating skills only (no puck or stick work), and work to improve upon edgework, deep cuts and quick stop-and-go movements. Both clinics will incorporate games and activities on the ice.

Parents are encouraged to join their children during the second half of each clinic for the “free skate.” The program will meet on Tuesdays, March 1-29, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., and the cost is $105 per person. To register or for more information, see www.rsu5cp.org.

Educator-author

to talk on bullying

The Maine Coast Waldorf School will offer a public talk by author and educator Kim John Payne, called “Social Inclusion: Breaking the Patterns of Bullying & Exclusion,” on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m., at the school, 57 Desert Road, Freeport. Payne’s so-called Social Inclusion Approach offers a method to overcome the anti-social behavior causing the exclusion and isolation that is a growing part of the experience of many children today. Implemented in communities worldwide on both child and adult levels, this approach gives practical playground, classroom and home-based tools as a way of combating the problem.

Payne is the founder and director of the Center for Social Sustainability and is the author of “Simplicity Parenting.” He has been featured in national magazines and in television and radio programs. He lives with his wife and two daughters in Northampton, Mass.

Donations will be accepted at the door. The snow date is March 3.

Annual Freeze Out is Saturday

Freeport Community Services will host its 12th annual Freeze Out event on Saturday, Feb. 20, from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Community Services’ staff, board members and volunteers will be outside in downtown Freeport for 12 hours, collecting non-perishable food and personal care items, as well as money. Gifts will support programs for Freeport and Pownal residents, such as the food pantry, fuel assistance and emergency services.

The event will be kicked off with a performance by the Maine Public Safety Pipe and Drum Band on the lawn of the First Parish Church at 40 Main St.

Donations of non-perishable food and financial gifts can be made at in front of the church, in locations throughout downtown Freeport and at the “Stuff the Bus” event at Shaw’s Supermarket from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Support is provided by Norway Savings Bank and Midcoast Hospital, as well as Freeport Woman’s Club, Dead River Oil, Charlie Burnham Heating, Albert Blackstone, Jr. Excavating, June LaCombe Sculpture, New Beginnings Consignment Shop, Mainely Hair, Fielding’s Oil and Freeport Salon.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Sarah Lundin, 865-3985, ext. 205, or [email protected].

Dead Poets Society

founder at library

Walter Skold of Freeport will share photos of his travels across the United States in his “Poe Mobile” at Freeport Community Library, Friday, Feb. 26, at 6:30 p.m.

Since 2009, Skold, a poet, documentary filmmaker, and founder of the Dead Poets Society of America, has traveled the United States documenting the graves of America’s poets. Skold’s 2015 summer tour took him to 90 poets’ graves in 16 states, bringing the total now to more than 500 grave sites. In his talk, Skold will share stories and photos from his odyssey. In addition, he will give readings from one of America’s best-known authors and poets, Boston born Edgar Allen Poe.

Masons cooking roast pork

The Freeport Masons will host a roast pork supper on Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Masonic Lodge on Mallet Drive in Freeport from 5-6:30 p.m. The menu will feature roast pork, mashed potatoes, assorted vegetables, homemade biscuits, dessert and beverage. The cost is $9, and $4.50 for children under 12.

Woman’s Club hosts

humane society director

The Freeport Woman’s Club will host Joe Montisano, executive director of the Coastal Humane Society of Brunswick, on Friday, Feb. 19, at 1 p.m., at the Freeport Community Library meeting room. He will describe Coastal Humane Society’s mission and vision, animal adoptions, volunteer opportunities, and how animal sheltering in Maine differs from other places in the country. Some adoptable dogs will accompany Montisano.

Those attending are asked to bring contributions to the annual pet food drive that will take place at this meeting. It is requested that pet foods contain protein rather than fillers as the first ingredient. Pet food and supplies will be split between the Coastal Humane Society and Freeport Community Services. The program will be followed by a business meeting and refreshments. All are welcome.

The Freeport Woman’s Club is a service organization that has been in existence for some 90 years. It meets once a month at the Freeport Community Library for a business meeting and program. The club’s fundraising projects include a Spring Bazaar and a bake sale on Election Day. Money raised provides 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 and are open to the public. New members are welcome. Contact Betty Duckworth, 847-0240, or [email protected].

Coffee house on Feb. 27

The next Open Stage Coffee House is set for Saturday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m., in the Freeport Community Library meeting room. The coffee house is a relaxed performance opportunity for budding artists and established entertainers, featuring music, poetry, skits and comedy. Just show up and sign up to perform or just plan to be in the audience. Admission is free and refreshments are served.

For more information, contact Andrea Bryant, [email protected], or call 939-5399.

Freeport GOP

to meet

The Freeport Republican Committee will meet at Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 6:45 p.m., at the Masonic Lodge, Mallett Drive, lower level. Guest speaker will be Ande Smith, candidate to represent Maine’s 1st Congressional District. Smith resides with his family in North Yarmouth. Those who attend are asked to bring non-perishable or personal items for the 12th annual Freeze Out “Warm Your Heart” being collected for Freeport Community Services.

For more information or to be added to the email list, email Jason Thyen, chairman, [email protected].

‘Birds On Tap – Roadtrip!’

takes off Feb. 28

Freeport Wild Bird Supply is teaming with the Maine Brew Bus for a series of road trips called “Birds On Tap – Roadtrip!”

Each tour combines two to three hours of birding at one of Maine’s bird hotspots with a visit to two local breweries. The idea for this series comes on the heels of several successful programs sponsored by Freeport Wild Bird Supply, working with some Maine breweries to combine birding and beer enjoyment. It began with the “Birds, Books, and Beers” author book signings at Maine Beer Co. in 2013. The new tradition continues with the “Birds On Tap!” lecture series at Rising Tide Brewing in Portland.

In 2016, six trips will be offered, from Kittery to Lewiston. Traveling in the Maine Brew Bus, the first half of each tour is spent in the field with Derek Lovitch, co-owner of Freeport Wild Bird Supply, learning about the birds and their habitats. This is followed by two brewery tours led by the Maine Brew Bus guides.The first trip, called Surf and Suds, is Feb. 28, in the York and Ogunquit area, finding winter waterfowl and alcids (sometimes referred to as the “penguins of the north”). The bus then stops at Hidden Cove and Fore River Brewing.

The full schedule, information on each tour, and how to register are posted at www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com/birdingtoursinMaine.asp.

Solarize Freeport Phase 2

The kickoff event of Phase 2 of Solarize Freeport is set for Saturday, Feb. 27, from 9 a.m.-noon, at the Town Hall in Freeport.

Participants will learn how to reduce energy costs in homes or businesses. Sessions will include information on solar, heat pumps, weatherization, pellet boilers, financing options and incentives from Efficiency Maine. For more information, contact Town Planner Donna Larson at 865-4743, ext.103, or dlarson@freeportmaine.

Winter reminders

The Public Works Department reminds residents that for the winter season, they are allowed two, 5-gallon buckets of sand per storm. Sand is located adjacent to the silver recycling bullet on Hunter Road in front of the Public Works facility.

Also, no parking is allowed on public streets nor in turnarounds during winter storm events. Residents should keep streets and turnarounds clear of vehicles (including trailers, campers, etc.) during a storm. The winter parking ban is now in effect, from 11 p.m.-7 a.m., and will continue until April 15.

Residents who have questions or concerns can call 865-4461.

Free tax prep assistance

AARP will conduct free tax preparation assistance Wednesday mornings through February at the Freeport Community Center. Assistance is for low- to moderate-income households, with special attention to those 60 years and older. For an appointment, call 865-4743, ext. 100 and leave a message. Calls will be returned by Freeport Community Center volunteers once a week on Thursday mornings.

Upcoming meetings

Town Council, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m., Town Council Chambers.

Active Living Committee, Thursday, Feb. 25, 7:30 a.m.,Town Council Chambers.

Ordinance Committee, Thursday, Feb. 25, 5:30 p.m., Town Council Chambers.

Town Council/RSU 5 joint workshop, Monday, Feb. 29, 6:30 p.m., Freeport Community Center.

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

Trisha Scott portrays Millie Pettingill in a short play to be performed Feb. 24.