Pleased to meet you

I am Andrea Rounda and this is my inaugural Freeport news column for the Tri-Town Weekly. As a resident of Freeport for the last four years, I am hardly a native, but I have gotten to know the town fairly well and plan on staying as long as they’ll have me. My husband and I moved here from Washington, D.C., where, besides being a fine artist and graphic designer, I wrote feature articles and did illustrations for The Washington Post. Things are certainly quieter here, but since I’m never stuck in traffic anymore, I find I can be a lot more productive.

I love hearing from readers and am open to all suggestions. To that end, I hope you’ll send me send me your news, ideas or just plain warm greetings, at andreajrouda@aol.com.

Tour new day care center

Just hours after the July 17 Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony, the owners of Beansprouts Early Learning Childcare Center are excited to show off their brand new facility opening later this month. Schedule a tour by logging onto www.beansproutsearlylearningchildcarecenter.com. A year-round, full-day education-based day care center serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, it boasts an organic, chemical-free, eco-friendly atmosphere where children will thrive mentally and physically. The director is Tina Daigle, who holds a doctorate in educational leadership. Angela Heron-Tavares is assistant director. The day care is located at 192 Lower Main St. For more information, call 577-6949.

Music and a water view

Since 1996, the Delta Knights has specialized in the best of R&B, blues, classic rock and swing. The Portland-based band will perform Thursday, July 18, from 6:30-8 p.m. (rain date Aug. 29), at Winslow Park & Campground, Staples Point Road, Freeport. It’s free with park entrance fee: $2 for residents, $3 for non-residents.

Based in Portland, the four musicians liven things up at weddings, corporate functions, private events, fairs, festivals and clubs. Rob Babson is the founder/bandleader/frontman of the Delta Knights. He is also the lead vocalist, lead guitarist and chief songwriter/arranger. A native of Standish, he specializes in diversity, playing blues harp, bass and ukulele. Although swing, rhythm and blues, blues and classic rock are his preferences, Babson never rules out anything if it’s good. The band’s first album is in pre-production.

Lobster, clambakes, hayrides and more

Wolfe’s Neck Farm is offering traditional Maine lobster and clam bakes every Saturday through Aug. 31 at 6 p.m., followed by a scenic hayride. Held under a large tent at the Little River House, a short walk from the campground office, these events are a great way to enjoy traditional New England foods cooked the old-fashioned way. Fresh and local, all the lobsters, clams, and ears of corn are steamed on a bed of seaweed over an open fire. If seafood is not your thing, you can opt for a chicken, steak or veggie burger dinner. Also available are kid-sized portions of hamburgers and hot dogs. Reservations are required by noon on the day of the lobster bake, either online or on the phone.

Those who love camping but hate doing all the work would enjoy the camping cottages at Wolfe’s Neck Farm. Perched at the shoreline with views of the Casco Bay, the cabins are rustic, yet lovely. Lit by gas lamp, as there is no electricity, each cabin has a semi-private outhouse, picnic table, charcoal grill and a stone campfire ring. A galley kitchen with propane stove/oven, cooking utensils, place settings and sleeping accommodations for six. Mobile devices can be charged at the nearby camp store. Bring linens, blankets, pillows, a cooler for cold food storage, specialty cooking instruments and charcoal for the grill. Ice and firewood can be purchased at the camp store.

For more information on these and other events, see www.wolfesneckfarm.org.

Car wash with benefits

A car wash to benefit Boy Scout Troop 45 will be held at the Freeport Fire Department on Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., weather permitting. All donations go directly to the Scouts.

New in town:

The Wishful Moon

As of July 4, Freeport shoppers have a new source for Maine-made arts and crafts. The Wishful Moon is a combination art gallery/gift shop, with a dash of beauty products on the side. Offering unique items for the collector, home decorator or souvenir hunter, owner Stephanie Petkers invites all to stop in and say hello. After many years spent traveling the country in the elevator industry, the Freeport native has decided to settle down and follow her dream.

“I’ve always wanted to add a different dimension to Freeport by offering products made by the talented artists who live around here,” said Petkers.

Her inventory includes original paintings, jewelry, tote bags, handcrafted furniture, decorative throw pillows, baskets, pottery and a line of all-natural bath products, like the aromatic Lavender Eucalyptus Sugar Scrub she makes on the premises. Assisted by her husband and their 18-year-old son during his “gap year” before starting college, Petkers will be welcoming customers seven days a week from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. The gallery is located at 12 School St. For more information, call 504-4685 or see www.thewishfulmoon.com.

Farmers market on the Bean green

Start off a healthy weekend with a fun stop at the Freeport Farmers Market, held every Friday from 1-5 p.m. In features an array of just-picked fruits and veggies, fresh-baked breads and muffins, locally raised meats, artisanal cheeses and fresh eggs. Also find fresh-cut flowers, Alpaca yarns, soap, flavored butters, hand-knit and sewn items and quality crafts.

‘The 39 Steps’ opens this week

The Freeport Players will present “The 39 Steps,” with Chris Holt, Chelsea Cook, Bill McDonough and Eric Worthley, and directed by Dan Burson. The production will run from July 18-Aug. 4 at the Freeport Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are available online at www.fcponline.org and cash sales are available at the Freeport Community Center Thrift Store. Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Group discounts are available. For more information, contact Elizabeth at info@fcponline.org.

Library news and notes

Story time for toddlers and preschoolers takes place every Tuesday morning. There are two 15-minute story times at 9:30 and 9:45 a.m. for younger kids with shorter attention spans. At 10, there is a 30-minute story time for preschoolers. The morning features songs and a small snack.

Art in the Library for July features the en plein air oils of Alexandra Perry-Weiss.

The Library Book Group’s August selection is “My Family and Other Animals,” by Gerald Durrell. The group will meet on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 6 p.m.

The Thursday Midday Movie for Aug. 8 at 1 p.m. will be “Quartet,” starring Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins, Tom Courtney and Michael Gambon. It’s the first film directed by Dustin Hoffman, the running time is 1 hour, 38 minutes and is rated PG-13.