Homecoming this weekend

Freeport High School Homecoming Weekend starts Friday, Sept. 11, with two games starting at 3:30 p.m. and a cross-country meet at 4:30. A student and community cookout starts at 6 p.m. at the Freeport Performing Arts Center patio area, sponsored by the Fall Sports Booster Groups and PTSO. Parents are encouraged to attend. Students are invited to a bonfire at 7:15, and parents can pick up students at about 8:15.

There are several games on Saturday, highlighted by varsity football versus Wells at 2:30 p.m. Soccer and football boosters will be operating concession stands throughout the day.

The homecoming dance at the school runs from 8-10:30 p.m.

Rec programs starting up

Many RSU 5 Recreation and Community Education programs start within the week. They include youth programs such as tae kwon do, Sept. 10; field hockey clinics, Sept. 12; driver education, Sept. 14; kickball, Sept. 17; chess for girls, Sept. 21; and Mad Science, Sept. 22.

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Adult programs include gentle and moderate yoga, Sept.9, volleyball, Sept. 9; yoga and breakfast at Winslow Park, Sept. 12; natural dyes of the Maine coast, Sept. 13; early morning circuit training, Sept. 14; Couch to 5K, Sept. 14.

For more information or to register by phone, call 865-6171. The office is located at 17 West St. in Freeport.

Cemetery clean-up project under way

The Freeport American Legion Post has scheduled a two-hour session Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m-noon, to begin restoring the Porters Landing Cemetery, located on South Street. Volunteers are welcome to help out. No previous experience is needed. Those interested should bring a bucket and soft cleaning brush.

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.

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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 elizhard32@aol.com.

Beans, pasta on church menu

A bean and pasta supper will be served Saturday, Sept. 12, from 5-6 p.m., at the First Parish Church Congregational, 40 Main St., Freeport. On the menu are three kinds homemade beans, macaroni and cheese, American chop suey, hot dogs, cole slaw, pickles, rolls, beverages, desserts and more. The supper costs $8, or $4 for children. Profits benefit church outreach.

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

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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 two weeks of free camping for Freeport residents, from Sept. 12-27. 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.

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College honor

Elizabeth Gwilym of Freeport, has been named to the spring dean’s list at Colgate University, Hamilton, N.Y. She is a member of the Colgate class of 2016. The recognition is awarded to students with a 3.30 or higher term average.

Book talk focuses on genocide rescue

Lou Ureneck, author of “The Great Fire: One American’s Mission to Rescue Victims of the 20th Century’s First Genocide,” will speak about his book Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m., at the Freeport Community Library

In September 1922, the richest city of the Mediterranean was burned and countless numbers of Christian refugees killed. The city was Smyrna, and the event was the final episode of the 20th century’s first genocide the slaughter of 3 million Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians of the Ottoman Empire. But a YMCA worker from upstate New York named Asa Jennings staged a bold rescue with the help of Halsey Powell, a principled American naval officer and Kentucky gentleman. The forgotten story of one of the great humanitarian acts of history is the subject of Ureneck’s book.

Ureneck, former executive editor of the Portland Press Herald and Maine Sunday Telegram, is a journalism professor at Boston University.

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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).

Nomination papers for those interested in seeking seats up for election are due back to the Town Clerk’s Office no later than 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Seats up for election include one town councilor at large and one District 4 councilor, both three years; two three-year seats on the Regional School Unit 5 Board of Directors and one one-year seat; three three-year seats on the Sewer District; and one three year seat on the Water District.

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

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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 sara.gideon@legislature.maine.gov. For information about the Freeport election, call 865-4743, Ext. 123 or email cwolfe@freeportmaine.com.

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.

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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 msachs@fcsmaine.org, 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

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2003 Marie Forbus and Sally Amory

2004 Johanna Hanselman

2006 Peter Warren

2007 Jan Newlin

2008 Judy Miskell

2009 Fran Stevens

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2010 Daric Ebert

2011 Kate and Jonas Werner

2012 Carol Southall

2013 Stephen Cogswell

2014 Marjorie Perkins and Joan Plourde

Books chosen for discussion group

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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.

Energy audits available

The Freeport Home Energy Efficiency Program still has free energy audits available for income eligible Freeport homeowners. Eligible participants will receive energy assessments and cost-effective measures (air sealing) to reduce their heating costs. Some 30 households have already benefited from this program. For information, contact Johanna Hanselman at the Town Hall, 865-4743, ext.120.

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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

Coastal Waters Committee, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 6 p.m., Freeport Community Center.

Shellfish Conservation Commission, Thursday, Sept 10, 6:30 p.m., Town Hall.

Freeport Town Council District 3 Workshop, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 6:30 p.m., South Freeport Church, followed by regular council meeting at town hall.

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

Homecomingthis weekendFreeport High School Homecoming Weekend starts Friday, Sept. 11, with two games starting at 3:30 p.m. and a cross-country meet at 4:30. A student and community cookout starts at 6 p.m. at the Freeport Performing Arts Center patio area, sponsored by the Fall Sports Booster Groups and PTSO. Parents are encouraged to attend. Students are invited to a bonfire at 7:15, and parents can pick up students at about 8:15. There are several games on Saturday, highlighted by varsity football versus Wells at 2:30 p.m. Soccer and football boosters will be operating concession stands throughout the day.The homecoming dance at the school runs from 8-10:30 p.m.Rec programs starting upMany RSU 5 Recreation and Community Education programs start within the week. They include youth programs such as tae kwon do, Sept. 10; field hockey clinics, Sept. 12; driver education, Sept. 14; kickball, Sept. 17; chess for girls, Sept. 21; and Mad Science, Sept. 22.Adult programs include gentle and moderate yoga, Sept.9, volleyball, Sept. 9; yoga and breakfast at Winslow Park, Sept. 12; natural dyes of the Maine coast, Sept. 13; early morning circuit training, Sept. 14; Couch to 5K, Sept. 14. For more information or to register by phone, call 865-6171. The office is located at 17 West St. in Freeport.Cemetery clean-upproject under wayThe Freeport American Legion Post has scheduled a two-hour session Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m-noon, to begin restoring the Porters Landing Cemetery, located on South Street. Volunteers are welcome to help out. No previous experience is needed. Those interested should bring a bucket and soft cleaning brush.Freeport Woman’s Clubhosts Maine geologistMaine 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 elizhard32@aol.com.Beans, pastaon church menuA bean and pasta supper will be served Saturday, Sept. 12, from 5-6 p.m., at the First Parish Church Congregational, 40 Main St., Freeport. On the menu are three kinds homemade beans, macaroni and cheese, American chop suey, hot dogs, cole slaw, pickles, rolls, beverages, desserts and more. The supper costs $8, or $4 for children. Profits benefit church outreach.Barbecue honorsboard membersThe 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 inappreciation of their commitment and contributions to the town. Those who plan to attend should RSVP by Sept. 10 to 865-4743, ext. 120.Free campingfor residentsWinslow Park is offering two weeks of free camping for Freeport residents, from Sept. 12-27. 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. 26Wolfe’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.College honorElizabeth Gwilym of Freeport, has been named to the spring dean’s list at Colgate University, Hamilton, N.Y. She is a member of the Colgate class of 2016. The recognition is awarded to students with a 3.30 or higher term average.Book talk focuses on genocide rescue Lou Ureneck, author of “The Great Fire: One American’s Mission to Rescue Victims of the 20th Century’s First Genocide,” will speak about his book Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m., at the Freeport Community LibraryIn September 1922, the richest city of the Mediterranean was burned and countless numbers of Christian refugees killed. The city was Smyrna, and the event was the final episode of the 20th century’s first genocide the slaughter of 3 million Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians of the Ottoman Empire. But a YMCA worker from upstate New York named Asa Jennings staged a bold rescue with the help of Halsey Powell, a principled American naval officer and Kentucky gentleman. The forgotten story of one of the great humanitarian acts of history is the subject of Ureneck’s book.Ureneck, former executive editor of the Portland Press Herald and Maine Sunday Telegram, is a journalism professor at Boston University.Art, music, foodfeatured at festivalFreeportUSA’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 ballotsFreeport 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). Nomination papers for those interested in seeking seats up for election are due back to the Town Clerk’s Office no later than 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Seats up for election include one town councilor at large and one District 4 councilor, both three years; two three-year seats on the Regional School Unit 5 Board of Directors and one one-year seat; three three-year seats on the Sewer District; and one three year seat on the Water District.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 sara.gideon@legislature.maine.gov. For information about the Freeport election, call 865-4743, Ext. 123 or email cwolfe@freeportmaine.com.Community Service Award nominationsFreeport 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 msachs@fcsmaine.org, 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 Curtis2000 Brenda White2001 Edgar Leighton2002 Bob Melargno2003 Marie Forbus and Sally Amory2004 Johanna Hanselman2006 Peter Warren2007 Jan Newlin2008 Judy Miskell2009 Fran Stevens2010 Daric Ebert2011 Kate and Jonas Werner2012 Carol Southall2013 Stephen Cogswell2014 Marjorie Perkins and Joan PlourdeBooks chosen for discussion groupThe 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.Energy audits availableThe Freeport Home Energy Efficiency Program still has free energy audits available for income eligible Freeport homeowners. Eligible participants will receive energy assessments and cost-effective measures (air sealing) to reduce their heating costs. Some 30 households have already benefited from this program. For information, contact Johanna Hanselman at the Town Hall, 865-4743, ext.120. Chamber golf tourney Sept. 16The 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 Coastal Waters Committee, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 6 p.m., Freeport Community Center.Shellfish Conservation Commission, Thursday, Sept 10, 6:30 p.m., Town Hall.Freeport Town Council District 3 Workshop, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 6:30 p.m., South Freeport Church, followed by regular council meeting at town hall. A full listing of upcoming town meetings and agendas is available at www.freeportmaine.com.