Art at the library

Each month brings a new exhibit of a local artist’s artwork to the Freeport Community Library. These days, a stroll through the air-conditioned facility is a perfect way to beat the heat and feed your soul at the same time. There is still time to see the beautiful en plein air paintings by the featured artist, Alexandra Perry-Weiss. There are 16 works on display, including a mix of oils and acrylics and ranging in price from $150 to $900. This is Perry-Weiss’ first time exhibiting at the library, and she considers it a great forum for art.

“I like showing at the library because my work is being seen by people I know are interested in the world around them,” she said.

Although born out of state, Alexandra was raised in mid-coast Maine and has lived here ever since. As she puts it, “I consider myself a true Maniac.”

Her paintings reflect what she sees around her and include water scenes, chickens, roosters, and a cow here and there. When she’s not traveling somewhere exotic – last year it was Italy– she enjoys the rural life, with gardening taking up a lot of her free time. Her work will be on view through the end of July. Starting Aug. 1, an exhibit by returning watercolorist Sharon Renk-Greenlaw will grace the library’s walls.

Child care 1: ‘Laugh and Learn’

Growing up in Maine is full of adventure, and some of it happens within the several local “Laugh and Learn” programs available to busy working parents. For before and after school care, check out the Morse Street School (21 Morse St.) for grades K-2 and the Mast Landing School (20 Mollymauk Lane) for grades 3-5.

The staff is dedicated to fostering fun, both mentally and physically. Creativity flourishes in a variety of guided craft projects at art stations set up around the classroom. There’s plenty of time to unwind, either outdoors on the playground equipment or the school trails, or indoors in the gymnasium. Students in the after-school program are encouraged to do their homework in a study setting and can receive assistance if needed. A healthy snack is provided during the afternoon. The day begins at 7 a.m. and last pick-up is 5:30 p.m.

“For younger children, the preschool program lets them interact in an inclusive, child-directed environment,” said Nicole Gagnon, childcare coordinator for Regional School Unit 5 Recreation & Community Education, in an email. “The focus is on learning through the developmental areas of cognitive, social-emotional, language and physical development, utilizing play as the main teaching tool.” Their day is designed with time for individual and group activities during both free and structured playtime. Located at the Morse Street School, the program is open to all potty-trained children ages 3-5. Options include either full day (7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.), three-quarters (9-3) or half-day (9-noon) schedules, with enrollment options of three to five days. To learn more, call 865-6171, or download enrollment forms www.rsu5-rce.org. The fee schedule is also on the website.

Child care 2: Ribbon cutting welcomes Beansprouts

Owner Angela Garrison officiated at the July 16th ribbon-cutting ceremony of her new Beansprouts Early Learning Childcare Center. Guests were able to meet the staff, including Director Tina Gaigle and Assistant Director Angela Heron-Tavares, and tour the facility. As people arrived, they were asked to leave their shoes at the door since Beansprouts, on Lower Main Street, is a spanking clean and chemical-free environment, and they aim to keep it that way. Of course, once the infants – there are eight signed up already – and toddlers and kindergartners arrive, things may change. It’s hard to stay 100 percent sterile when up to 60 children are running in and out from the fenced-in playground out back. The well-attended event, organized by Chamber of Commerce Director Sande Updegraph, reflected a growing community of working parents looking for child care options. Guests were welcomed in a short speech by Updegraph and then heard from Freeport Economic Development Corp.’s director, Keith McBride.

I felt sorry my own son is too old to attend. (He’s 25.) The center will open for business on July 29.

It’s story time

Each week and all year on Tuesday mornings, toddlers, preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to a read-aloud story-time session at the Freeport Community Library. Beginning at 9:30 and again at 9:45am, there are two 15-minute story-time sessions, just long enough to keep the attention of the young and energetic audience members. At 10 a.m. there is a 30-minute story-time for preschoolers who can listen for a little longer. Besides the stories, there are songs and a healthful snack. Start early to foster a love of reading in your child at the library. Tuesday, July 30, 9:30 and 9:45 a.m. for Toddlers, 10 a.m. for Preschoolers. Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Drive, 865-3307.

Kudos to local businessmen

One of Freeport’s newest businesses, featured in the June 4th Tri-Town Weekly, has good news to share: TaylorMadeSmoke, purveyors of specialty barbecue and seafood, won the “Best Beef” Award for their smoked beef brisket at the annual Harvest Hill Farms Barbecue Showdown & Battle of the Bands, held in Mechanic Falls on June 29. This is their first competition and first win.

TaylorMadeSmoke is the creation of partners Taylor Williams and Orion Poulin. The company is unique in the world of barbecue: it’s mostly smoked, but grilled, too. Based in Freeport, their pulled pork, chicken, seafood and pizza are appropriate for a wedding, neighborhood block party or any large function. For information call 865-0302 or go to www.TaylorMadeSmoke.com.

Credit Unions campaign benefits food pantry

Freeport Community Services was among 33 organizations operating food pantries in Maine to receive a donation from the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger.

To bring awareness to the issue of hunger in Maine in the summer, and the acute need for food for Maine’s

Owner Angela Garrison is assisted by her husband Bryan and two daughters at the ribbon-cutting ceremony last week for her new day care center.