Library Friends to meet Monday

Friends of the Freeport Community Library will hold its monthly meeting Monday, Jan. 20, at 6:30 p.m., in the conference room at the library. All are welcome to attend and join the volunteer group that supports and promotes the library.

The board elected officers for the coming year at the annual administrative meeting held last month. They are Heather Sylvester, president; Lynne Edmonds, vice president; Katie Spaulding, treasurer; and Mary Snyder, secretary.

Most recently, the group began sponsoring a “Meet the Author” series of book talks. Since forming in 2011, the group has provided free/discounted museum and park passes for patrons, advocated for the addition of a technology librarian, raised funds for a specialized book scanner for the library and participated in a variety of library programs and events. For more information, visit www.FCLfriends.org.

College Transitions program offered

Regional School Unit 5 Recreation and Community Education is offering a free College Transitions program, designed for people thinking about taking college classes, but looking for a way to start.

College Transitions is a statewide program offering free services to individuals of all ages who are interested in pursuing their education. Advisers are available to help participants through the application process, career planning, and assist with finding financial aid. College Transitions also offers free college preparatory classes in math and English. Participants must have a high school diploma or GED. For more information, call 865-6171 or email parkk@rsu5.org.

Armchair travel series continues

Several community members have agreed to share photos and travelogues of their adventures abroad at the Freeport Community Library’s 2014 Winter Armchair Travel series. The remaining destinations in the series, starting at 6:30 p.m., include:

Wednesday, Jan. 22, visit ancient and vibrant Croatia with Sally Walsh.

Wednesday, Feb. 5, visit the Great Wall, old Beijing & the Forbidden City with Andrew Finnegan.

Wednesday, Feb. 19, visit Yellowstone National Park, with professional photographer Jonathan Strout.

For more information, see www.freeportlibrary.com or call 865-3307.

Matt Morrison is promoted by

Linda Bean

Linda Bean has promoted Matt Morrison to chief officer of

operations of her seven-year-old Maine enterprise, Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine. The companies within the umbrella have been consolidated to two divisions: Maine Lobster and Maine Hospitality, each with its own president to be served by the new COO.

Entertainment destination

New owners Deb Doherty and Tom Scannell say that the Freeport Theater of Awesome, Depot Street, will carry on the vision of the founders, Matthew and Jason Tardy, to present high-quality, family-friend shows. On the schedule are the Yo-Yo People, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1; and magician George Saterial on Feb. 21 and 22. The theater’s website is www.theaterofawesome.com.

Tickets on sale for Flavors of Freeport

The 2014 Flavors of Freeport will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport Friday, Feb. 21, from 5-8 p.m. Featured are two events, the Chef’s Signature Series, showcasing chefs and food producers in the Freeport area, and the Flavors Ice Bar, featuring an elaborate ice sculpture, ice luge, fire pit, barbecue and music.

Participants include The Garden Grille & Bar, Linda Bean’s Maine Kitchen & Topside Tavern, Azure Cafe, Fiore Olive Oils, Gritty McDuff’s, Buck’s Naked BBQ and more.

Tickets are $35 and offer access to both the Flavors Ice Bar and Chef’s Signature Series, plus one beverage (21 years and older).

For more information, visit www.freeportusa.com.

Manager reports on trains, rink

In his town manager’s report, Peter Joseph said that several residents had inquired why they have seen Amtrak passenger trains stopping at crossings, sounding their horn, and being directed through the crossings by train conductors with flags. Joseph wrote: “Upon contacting Pan Am Railways, we were told that these additional safety measures are standard procedure whenever there is a malfunction in the crossing signal systems. Apparently the recent wet and freezing weather caused malfunctions of the train crossing signals at several locations in town.”

He also said the ice skating rink at the Community Center should be completed. “This year the installation has been delayed, as the Public Works crew has been occupied with clearing snow and ice since before Christmas. Many residents may not be aware that this service is provided at little cost to the taxpayers, as the use of the parking lot is generously donated by Linda Bean. The only cost to taxpayers is the labor for setup and takedown provided by the Public Works and Fire Departments,” he wrote.

Joseph also said the Freeport Sewer District will host the Town Council for a tour and workshop on Jan. 27 at the Sewer District Plant in South Freeport.

Sand for driveways

Winter sand is available for residents’ personal use. Each residence is eligible for up to 10 gallons of sand per storm, and stockpiling is not allowed. The use of municipal sand for t private roads is prohibited. For more information, call Public Works office at 865-4461.

Artists getting around

On Saturday, Jan. 18, at 8 p.m., the play “Alien Autopsy,” will be performed by the Improvised Puppet Project at Portland Stage in Portland. It was created by Elizabeth Guffey, managing artistic director or the Freeport Players.

Tom Acousti, a musician and Freeport resident, announced that he will perform “A Gallery of Songs” on Friday, Jan. 17, at 7:30 p.m., at the Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath. For more information, call 442-8455.

Freeport Players annual meeting Jan. 16

Freeport Players is now launching its 25th year. All are invited to its annual meeting Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Freeport Community Center, Depot Street, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a potluck meal (BYOB and bring a main or side dish to share; dessert will be provided). Entertainment for the evening will feature a sneak preview of the upcoming season, including two numbers from “The Wizard of Oz,” that will be staged in July. There will also be bits from “Talking With,” the February production; “Almost Maine,” the September show; and “WFCP Telethon,” the December production.

No charge, but reservations are required. Wear something silver to eligible for a door prize. RSVP to info@fcponline.org or call the info line at 865-2220.

Conflict resolution focus of seminar

A conflict resolution seminar will be presented on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Freeport Seventh-day Adventist Church, 63 Pownal Road. Charles Brown, president of Adventist Reconciliation Ministries and nationally recognized professional conflict mediator and seminar facilitator, will present. The topics would be applicable to anyone experiencing relational conflict in their family, workplace or social network. Lunch will be provided. Pre-registration is required by calling Collette Pekar at 729-2607. A free-will offering will be taken to cover materials.

Guide dog program at Woman’s Club

The Freeport Woman’s Club will meet at 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 17, in the meeting room of the Freeport Community Library. Guest speaker Kathleen Hayward will present a program about training puppies to become guide dogs for the blind. She will be accompanied by a puppy or two. Those attending should bring a donation of dog food for this event. Refreshments will be served following the meeting.

New members are always welcome at the Freeport Woman’s Club. For information, call Anne Treadwell at 647-8313.

Planetarium at library

Northern Planetarium’s inflatable dome is coming to the Freeport Community Library on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 6 p.m. Stargazers will get the chance to see constellations and learn the stories behind them during this program, for ages 6 and up. Space is limited. Those interested should call or stop by the Children’s Room to sign up.

Active Living forum

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 6:30 p.m., at the Freeport Community Center, residents will have an opportunity to learn about and preview the Freeport Active Living Plan developed with feedback from Freeport residents, in partnership with Mike Lydon of Street Plans Collaborative.

The mission of the Active Living Task Force is to create an environment that supports active living where Freeport residents live, work and play. Those interested in attending can email activeliving@freeportmaine.com or contact Freeport Active Living Task Force on Facebook.

Upcoming meetings

Active Living Public Forum 2, Jan.15, 6:30 p.m., Freeport Community Center

Conservation Commission, Jan. 15, 6 p.m., Freeport Community Center

Recycling/Solid Waste, Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m., Freeport Community Center

Town Council, Jan. 21, 6:30 p.m., Town Council Chambers

Traffic & Parking, Jan. 21, 7:30 a.m., Town Council Chambers

Leon Gorman, chairman emeritus of the board of trustees at L.L. Bean, and his wife Lisa have gifted the 28-acre Lanes Island, near the mouth of the Royal River in Yarmouth, to Maine Coast Heritage Trust, a statewide land conservation organization. According to a press release this week, Gorman began acquiring fractional interests in the island in 1968 and came into complete ownership in 2010. The release said the donation is the latest chapter in the group’s ongoing island protection efforts in Casco Bay. Courtesy photo.