MAINE NEWS & NOTES

Maine News Monday August 3

News Center Maine - As of 9:20 a.m. Monday, Central Maine Power reported about 5,600 customers without power. Most of those customers were in Androscoggin and Kennebec counties. Soaking rain and thunderstorms will continue through Monday, but it will be a bit more scattered for the afternoon. Final totals for many will be in the 1-2"+ range with showers and storms coming to an end this evening. Rain and storms keeps temps in the mid 70s for the afternoon.

JOBS

Dunkin' posted a job opening for Team Member in Freeport. Apply here.
McDonald's posted a job opening for Certified Shift Manager Weekends required in Freeport. Apply here.
You can search for other jobs near Freeport here.

UPCOMING

Wolfe’s Neck Center calendar

Saturdays now through October: Through October 8:30am – 12:30pm at the BTLT Saturday Farmers Market at Crystal Spring Farm. 277 Pleasant Hill Road, Brunswick. The Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust Farmers Market was established in 1999 to advance the Land Trust’s mission of supporting local agriculture. With over forty vendors, many of whom have been with the Market since its inception, the Saturday morning market offers a variety of local, fresh produce.

AUG 2
Music in the Parks – Memorial Park, 19 Bow Street, 2 pm
Poetry on the Porch Sun, Aug 2, 3PM - 5PM, 3 Cranberry Drive, Brunswick We meet monthly as a group to enjoy the beauty and authenticity of the written word. We invite you to read original work (completed or in progress), share your favorite poem, or just relax and listen. When weather permits, we love our covered porch with a roaring fire and lap blankets, but, if you hate the cold, never fear!

AUG 3
Coffee with Town Council → 30 Main Street, Freeport 8:00 am

AUG 4
Appointments Committee Meeting →Freeport, ME 7:45 am
Town Council Meeting → Freeport, ME Calendar Freeport, ME 6:00 pm
A private piano concert to benefit Friends of Casco Bay in collaboration with Concerts for Climate. Friends of Casco Bay will share a special update about our work. A reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres will conclude the event. First concert: 3-4 p.m. Second concert: 5-6 p.m. Location: Sydney and Bill Patten are welcoming us into their Falmouth home for this performance. Details will be shared after registration. A donation is suggested for this event. Suggested levels are $100-$1,000 per attendee. To register, please contact Sarah Lyman: (207) 370-7553

AUG 5
Peak Island Music Ass’n Concert →Fifth Maine Museum, 45 Seashore Ave, Peaks Island 8:00 pm
Northeast Archaeology Research Inc. will be onsite at the Saltbox House to conduct a Phase I survey with 15 shovel test pits around the perimeter of the house. We are offering a special opportunity for our friends and neighbors to visit the dig on August 5 from 2:00-3:00PM with the archaeologists and WNC Public Historian Tilly Laskey. The Saltbox will also be open for brief tours. Click here to RSVP

Planning Board → 30 Main Street, Freeport 6:00 pm
Wolfe’s Neck Center – Kids Hour: Nature Explorers Wed, Aug 5, 10AM - 11AM 184 Burnett Road, Freeport, ME www.visitfreeport.com Learn about Maine's habitats right here at the farm! We'll tromp through the trees, look for tracks, turn over rocks, and more on this exploratory adventure. All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Town Mall Green, 207 Maine St., Brunswick: Bonnie Edwards & The Practical Cats, 6-7:30

AUG 8
Memorial Park, 5 Park St., Freeport: Choro Louco, 2-4

Maine News Sunday August 2

Grand Opening for New Topsham, Maine, Spot With Award-Winning New York-Style Bagels Is Finally Here

Freeport’s Polo Ralph Lauren Outlet slated for closure

JOBS

Walgreen Company posted a job opening for Inventory Specialist in Yarmouth. Apply here.
Premium Retail Services, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Merchandiser in Brunswick. Apply here.
You can search for other jobs near Freeport here.

UPCOMING

Wolfe’s Neck Center calendar

AUG 3
Coffee with Town Council → 30 Main Street, Freeport 8:00 am

AUG 5
Northeast Archaeology Research Inc. will be onsite at the Saltbox House to conduct a Phase I survey with 15 shovel test pits around the perimeter of the house. We are offering a special opportunity for our friends and neighbors to visit the dig on August 5 from 2:00-3:00PM with the archaeologists and WNC Public Historian Tilly Laskey. The Saltbox will also be open for brief tours. Click here to RSVP
Planning Board → 30 Main Street, Freeport 6:00 pm
Wolfe’s Neck Center – Kids Hour: Nature Explorers Wed, Aug 5, 10AM - 11AM 184 Burnett Road, Freeport, ME www.visitfreeport.com Learn about Maine's habitats right here at the farm! We'll tromp through the trees, look for tracks, turn over rocks, and more on this exploratory adventure. All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Town Mall Green, 207 Maine St., Brunswick: Bonnie Edwards & The Practical Cats, 6-7:30

AUG 8
Memorial Park, 5 Park St., Freeport: Choro Louco, 2-4

Maine News Saturday August 1

Millions of lost lobster traps litter Maine's seafloor. These divers are bringing them home.

FREEPORT

Wolfe’s Neck Center - Discover the story behind our new Seven Sisters garden, where Indigenous agricultural knowledge and regenerative farming come together. Learn how this meaningful partnership with Jennifer Neptune, Director of the Penobscot Nation Museum, and the Maine Humanities Council is helping restore Wabanaki-cultivated crops to the Homelands of Freeport while honoring generations of stewardship and resilience.

Wolfe’s Neck Center - Climate change is already reshaping farming in the Northeast, bringing new challenges for farmers while highlighting the need for resilient food systems. Explore how regenerative agriculture can help farms adapt, reduce emissions and strengthen the future of agriculture in our region. Read the latest blog to learn why this work matters now more than ever.

Broad Arrow Tavern has reopened at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, after closing in 2024.

Maine News Friday July 31

Press Heald - Maine immigrants who have been subjected to arrest and detention this year have notified the federal government of their intent to sue immigration enforcement agencies for more than $5 million. The American Civil Liberties Union of Maine sent the federal government five notices on behalf of these clients, including one family and two individuals. The claims were addressed to the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, according to a statement from the organization. This is the first step in pursuing legal action under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which generally gives the government six months to respond before a lawsuit can be filed in federal court.

Maine News Thursday July 30

Maine Biz - Portland’s coastal flood resilience overlay zone was developed in response to a future of increased coastal flooding. The city worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to model coastal flooding under a scenario of 3.9 feet of sea level rise by 2100.

Maine Morning Star - The American Civil Liberties Union of Maine is seeking a total of more than $5 million from the federal government on behalf of three Maine residents it says were wrongfully detained. The five administrative claims filed by the local affiliate Wednesday are among 54 others filed in 17 states and Washington, D.C., under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which allows people to seek financial compensation for harm caused by federal employees. The claims were filed with the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Maine claims stem from the large-scale immigration enforcement operation in January known as Operation Catch of the Day, during which roughly 200 people — the vast majority of whom were lawfully present in the U.S. — were detained.

FREEPORT

Maine Craft Weekend 2026 (mainepublic.org) — Freeport will be one of two featured hubs for Maine Craft Weekend on October 3–4, 2026, with a concentrated mix of studios, galleries, and special events. Residents can plan self-guided tours, meet makers, watch demonstrations, and shop handmade work as part of this statewide celebration of Maine's craft community.

Heather Seasonwein - My son found this beautiful pup at Sandy Beach in Freeport last night running around. He definitely has an owner!

POWNAL

The Town of Pownal is currently hiring for two full-time Equipment Operator / Laborer positions to join our Public Works crew. This is a great opportunity to be part of a dedicated team that helps keep our community running smoothly year-round. View Job Openings

Pownal continues to offer a Senior Property Tax Assistance Program to help eligible residents offset the cost of property taxes. The program is available to qualifying seniors who receive Maine's Property Tax Fairness-related tax relief benefits and meet the Town's eligibility requirements. Eligible applicants may receive a supplemental refund or credit from the Town to help reduce their property tax burden.

This local assistance program reflects the Town's commitment to helping seniors remain in their homes while managing rising property tax costs. Interested in applying? Applications and eligibility information are available on the Town website or by contacting the Town Office. Town Office: 207-688-4611 x2

JOBS

Vineyard Vines, LLC posted a job opening for Crew Lead (Part Time Manager) - 58 Main St, Freeport, ME in Freeport. Apply here.
Benchmark Senior Living Nashua Crossings posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Yarmouth. Apply here.
You can search for other jobs near Freeport here.

Maine News Wednesday July 29

Maine Morning Star - As President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement tactics face renewed scrutiny after the fatal shooting of a man in Biddeford, new Maine laws take effect Wednesday that prevent local resources and agencies from being used to support mass deportation efforts.

Local police and jails are restricted in how they can work with federal immigration agents, while those agents are now banned from entering non-public places within public schools, state libraries and certain hospitals without a judicial warrant. Tenants also have new protections against the disclosure of their personal information.

Maine legislators passed these measures last session in order to counter the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda. Some plans had to be walked back from more ambitious proposals, given that state law cannot dictate the actions of federal authorities when they are performing their lawful duties under the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause.

How Maine farmers are weathering climate change (pressherald.com)

JOBS

Old Navy, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Retail Sales Associate - Freeport Vlg Station in Freeport. Apply here.
Banana Republic, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate - Main St - Freeport in Freeport. Apply here.
You can search for other jobs near Freeport here.

Maine News Tuesday July 28

How Maine farmers are weathering climate change (pressherald.com)

Brunswick named No. 4 on list of nation's charming Main Streets The Travel + Leisure Magazine article praised Brunswick's small-town vibe and great local businesses.

Maine News Monday July 27

WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 44 key measures of healthcare cost, accessibility and outcomes. The data set ranges from the average monthly insurance premium to physicians per capita to the share of the population with health insurance.

Healthcare in Maine (1=Best; 25=Avg.):

Overall Rank: 7^th
9^th – Physicians per Capita
19^th – % of Insured Adults
20^th – % of Insured Children
3^rd – % of At-Risk Adults with No Routine Doctor Visit in Past Two Years
27^th – % of Adults with No Dental Visit in Past Year
13^th – % of Medical Residents Retained

For the full report

Maine News Sunday July 26

JOBS

Under Armour, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Stock Associate in Freeport. Apply here.
Circle K Stores, Inc. posted a job opening for Customer Service Representative in Freeport. Apply here.
You can search for other jobs near Freeport here.

UPCOMING

Wolfe’s Neck Center calendar

Saturdays now 'til October

Through October 8:30am – 12:30pm at the BTLT Saturday Farmers Market at Crystal Spring Farm. 277 Pleasant Hill Road, Brunswick. The Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust Farmers Market was established in 1999 to advance the Land Trust’s mission of supporting local agriculture. With over forty vendors, many of whom have been with the Market since its inception, the Saturday morning market offers a variety of local, fresh products including vegetables, fruits, seedlings, dairy, meat, seafood, cut flowers, mushrooms, baked goods, and artisanal and prepared foods.

JULY 26

Memorial Park, 5 Park St., Freeport: Jacob R. Miller & The Bandoliers, 2-4
Auditions for “SÉANCE”: 6 pm at FHS Music Room, 30 Holbrook St, Freeport. Use back door.
The 34th annual Harpswell Lobster Boat Races, a Maine summer tradition featuring lobster boat races, food trucks, raffles, and more, all supporting the Harpswell Santa Fund. Check the event website for the most up-to-date info.
Tonic, 7 Dunlap St., Brunswick: Open mic with Rexy Dinosaur, 6-8

JULY 27
Town Manager Office Drop In 30 Main Street 4 pm

JULY 28
Auditions for “SÉANCE”: -- 6 pm at FHS Music Room, 30 Holbrook St, Freeport. Use back door.
Town Manager's Office Drop-In → Freeport, ME 30 Main Street, Freeport 4:00 pm

JULY 30
Winslow Park, 50 Winslow Park Way, Freeport: The Delta Knights, 6-7:30, park has $3 entry fee
Bandstand By The Sea, 1410 Harpswell Neck Rd., Harpswell: The Resonauts, 6-7:30

JULY 30 — THE DELTA KNIGHTS BAND: Led by frontman Rob Babson, The Delta Knights Band has spent 30 years as a Southern Maine staple, delivering a tight, expert blend of blues, R&B, and classic rock.
AUGUST 6 — VINYL FOSSILS…Don't miss this six-piece band performing classic rock and roll music.
AUGUST 13 — CAROLE WISE | MARK ABRAHAM | DENNY BREAU | APRIL REED-COX: Four gifted Maine musicians unite to perform a harmonious, authentic blend of original songs celebrating friendship and collaboration.
AUGUST 20 — CORMAC MCCARTHY: Don't miss Cormac McCarthy's enthralling Americana set, showcasing his expertise as a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and storyteller.
AUGUST 27 — BESS JACQUES & THE STRAYS: Bess Jacques & The Strays deliver a vibrant, nostalgic blend of jazz and pop, featuring lush vocal ballads and hard-swinging originals from their debut album.
Winslow Park Concerts are a community collaboration between Meetinghouse Arts and the Town of Freeport View it on website

AUG 2
Music in the Parks – Memorial Park, 19 Bow Street, 2 pm

AUG 4
A private piano concert to benefit Friends of Casco Bay in collaboration with Concerts for Climate. Friends of Casco Bay will share a special update about our work. A reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres will conclude the event. First concert: 3-4 p.m. Second concert: 5-6 p.m. Location: Sydney and Bill Patten are welcoming us into their Falmouth home for this performance. Details will be shared after registration. A donation is suggested for this event. Suggested levels are $100-$1,000 per attendee. To register, please contact Sarah Lyman: (207) 370-7553

AUG 9
Music in the Parks – Memorial Park, 19 Bow Street, 2 pm

AUG 20

As global tensions escalate in the Middle East, you have a rare opportunity to hear direct analysis and ask questions of three world-renowned experts in our intimate Freeport Speech venue. Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (music starts at 6:30 PM) Freeport Performing Arts Center, 30 Holbrook St. Get Ticket

Maine News Saturday July 25

Press Herald - Families considering homeschooling in Maine must first choose one of two legal options. Both allow parents to educate their children at home while offering broad flexibility in curriculum, teaching methods and daily schedules. The primary difference is who assumes responsibility for legal filings, annual requirements and student records.

Press Herald - In the late 1940s, the population of Maine's native oyster had all but disappeared. Known as the American oyster, and also as the eastern or Virginia oyster, its scientific name is Crassostrea virginica. Then, as now, the soft-shell clam population was in decline, probably because of predation by green crabs. Federal and state biologists decided to introduce European oysters to Maine.

Federal biologists figured the species "must have had to fend off green crabs" in its native habitat, said Brian Beal, professor of marine ecology at the University of Maine at Machias. In Maine, they thought, it would either become an alternate food source for the crabs or, if the crabs "wiped out" soft-shell clams, an alternate for harvesters to make money.

The scientific name for the European oyster is Ostrea edulis, which means "edible oyster." In Europe, it has been a prized food for centuries. European oysters are also known as Belon oysters, after the Belon River in Brittany, France, where they have long been cultivated. In France, only oysters that come from that river may be called Belons.

The Hill - Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson formally clinched the Democratic nod to take on Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) in November, giving the party just 100 days to quickly turn the tides in the must-win race. Jackson handily won on Saturday with 566 votes during the Democratic nomination convention in Bangor, Maine. His only challenger, biopharmaceutical executive Saundra Pelletier, nabbed the remaining five votes.

….Democrats in the state largely consolidated around the former state senator ahead of the convention to replace scandal-ridden Graham Platner, who exited the race earlier this month. The contest, which Decision Desk HQ and Cook Political Report rate as a toss-up, could prove decisive in the party’s chances of clinching the upper chamber this fall

North Yarmouth officials vote to take down pride flag from community center (fox23maine.com)

JOBS

Circle K Stores, Inc. posted a job opening for Customer Service Representative in Freeport. Apply here.
You can search for other jobs near Freeport here.