Blessing of the animals ?in South Freeport

The South Freeport Congregational Church will be celebrating the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, Oct. 14 at 11 a.m. rain or shine outside the church after services. All feathered, finned, furry or photographed pets are welcome. For more information, contact the church office at 865-4012.

Recreational shellfish licenses available

The town of Freeport is accepting applications for recreational shellfish licenses, which are now open for non-residents. Licenses can be purchased at the town clerk’s office during regular business hours on a first come, first served basis. Residential recreational licenses are $16, non-residential recreational licenses are $27 and a three-day recreational license is $20.

Election notice/absentee ballots

The Freeport polls will be open on Tuesday, Nov. 6, from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. in the gymnasium at the Freeport High School at 30 Holbrook St. for the general and municipal election. Absentee ballots are available now through Thursday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. The five ways to request an absentee ballot are in person, electronically, by mail, immediate family member or by a third-person application.

For more information, visit the town website at www.freeportmaine.com or call the town clerk at 865-4743 ext. 123.

‘Chowdah challenge’ coming up

Taste the best clam and seafood chowders in Maine at the 2012 Freeport Community Services’ Chowdah Challenge to benefit Freeport Community Services programs. The challenge takes place on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. at L.L. Bean Discovery Park. Sample chowders donated by local restaurants along with homemade pies and ice cream for $10. For more information, go to www.fcsmaine.org.

Barbecue dinner and auction Oct. 20

The South Freeport Congregational Church is sponsoring a barbecue dinner and auction on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 6-10 p.m. at the Freeport Community Center. The night will start with live bluegrass music and beverages served by Conundrum of Freeport and a cash bar and continues with a barbecue dinner provided by Riverfront Barbeque and Grille of Augusta, followed by both a live and a silent auction. Auction items include vacation retreats, an afternoon yacht cruise on Casco Bay, a handmade quilt or a lunch on a Casco Bay island.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Call 865-4012 to reserve tickets.

Meet the new town manager

Incoming Freeport Town Manager Peter Joseph will be available to meet with members of the public on Tuesday, Oct. 16. Those who would like to make an appointment to meet with him, contact Johanna Hanselman at 865-4743, ext. 120. Those who would like to meet with him on a later date, call Joseph at 865-4743, ext. 121.

Library news and notes

The Freeport Community Library will show movies every Thursday afternoon beginning Oct. 18 with “Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” starring Judi Dench, Bill Nighy and Maggie Smith. The storyline follows six British retirees who travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. Less luxurious than advertised, the Marigold Hotel slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways. The film is 124 minutes long and is rated PG-13. The movie begins at 1 p.m. with hot buttered popcorn, and admission is free.

Maine mystery writer Paul Doiron will speak and read at the library on Monday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. The award-winning author of novels including “The Poacher’s Son and Trespasser” will be reading from his latest book, “Bad Little Falls” in the Community Meeting Room. Light refreshments will be served.

Upcoming meetings

Wednesday, Oct. 10, Coastal Waters, 6 p.m., Freeport Community Center

Thursday, Oct. 11, Shellfish Commission, 6:30 p.m. – Freeport Community Center

Tuesday, Oct. 16, Town Council, 6:30 p.m., Freeport Town Hall

Tuesday, Oct. 16, Conservation Commission, 7 p.m., Freeport Community Center.