Maine News Tuesday


Town of Freeport - Construction will begin this month on the development of The Dash, a new 51-unit apartment building at the corner of Depot and Mill Streets.  This Town-approved project will transform an existing surface parking lot into much-needed housing, directly addressing the growing demand for residential options in downtown Freeport. 
 

Construction fencing is planned to go up on Monday, April 20th

Site work is planned to begin on or around Monday, April 27th

Building construction will start later in the summer

Starting this month, this project will impact traffic flow in the area and could lead to periods of congestion, along with short-term road closures.


WBLN - Il Leone—the hugely popular summer pizza joint on Peaks Island—will not be opening for the 2026 season.

Brunswick School Department adopts budget after $2 million in cuts (pressherald.com)

Jobs in Freeport -  McDonald's posted a job opening for Crew Members for Opening, Day, and Closing Shifts in Freeport. Apply here.

LL Bean posted a job opening for Security Officer - 3rd Shift in Freeport. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Freeport here.

Maine Public - When the decision was made to cut federal funding for public broadcasting, Mainers stepped up in a big way. Maine Public has welcomed more than 9,000 new members since the news of the cuts broke and more than 7,000 Evergreen Friends have increased their monthly support, many doubling their monthly giving.  That initial response allowed us to respond to an immediate funding crisis and kept Maine Public on track while we adjusted to this new reality.  Support Maine Public.

Maine Morning Star - Alabama, Maine and Virginia recently adopted policies that make it easier for physician assistants to practice and serve more patients. Alabama became the 24th state to adopt the PA Licensure Compact, an agreement between states that authorizes these clinicians to practice across state lines. The compact can help remove administrative barriers for physician assistants, making it easier for them to fill gaps in rural and underserved communities that don’t have enough primary care medical professionals, advocates say.

Hannah Pingree (running for Governor) - I learned the importance of public service from an early age. My dad, a boat builder, served on the school board and volunteered as an EMT. And the work of my mom, first in our community, then to the State Senate and now in Congress, gave me a front row seat to what it takes to truly serve.

I’ve spent my career delivering for Maine families — as Speaker of the House, as chair of my local school board, and as Director of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.

I believe in the Maine I grew up in and where I still live today — a place where everyone steps up and looks out for their neighbors. We are facing urgent challenges: a housing crisis, climate change, rising costs, and attacks from Trump on our rights and democracy.

Graham Platner (running for Senate) - Too many establishment Democrats have stopped representing us and instead have become part of the same corporate apparatus as the Republicans. They’d rather take money from AIPAC than condemn genocide in Palestine.

They’d rather take money from Big Pharma and insurance companies than support Medicare for All.  They’d rather cozy up to corporations and billionaires than support unions and organized labor.

And they’d rather put forward another cookie-cutter corporate Democrat than support someone ready to actually fight for our democracy.

Maine News Monday

Rep.Melanie Sachs - After many long days and nights at the State House, we’re getting close to wrapping up our work for the legislative session. I’m proud to report that last week we accomplished one of our biggest goals: passing a supplemental budget that truly delivers for Maine’s working families.  

It’s often said that budgets are a reflection of our values. In crafting this budget, Mainers across the state told us what that should look like – protecting access to health care, providing property tax relief, making child care more affordable, and strengthening our communities.   Democrats listened, and we fought for a budget that will do the most amount of good for the most people in our state. 

The budget protects core services by providing critical funding for MaineCare, K-12 public education and the state’s Highway Fund. It will help feed hungry kids by closing the gap in our universal meals program, and it will clear the Child Care Affordability Program waitlist so families can find the child care they need.

The budget also provides $11.4 million in direct property tax relief through the Property Tax Fairness Credit by increasing the maximum benefit for Mainers under 65. And it includes important funding to help us build more housing and continue addressing the shortage of units throughout our state. 

While Washington is stuck in gridlock and dysfunction, we’re doing everything we can in the Legislature to make sure hard-working, everyday Mainers can afford to live, work, and build a life here.

News Center Maine - Sunny skies and warm temperatures drew crowds to the beach Sunday, but local first responders are urging people to resist the urge to swim. Water temperatures along Maine's coast are still frigid, and lifeguards won't be on duty for several more months.

"The water is only 40 degrees right now. That's pretty cold," said Russ Osgood, Ogunquit's fire chief, who also oversees lifeguarding efforts along the beach.

Osgood also said rip currents pose a serious risk year-round. He estimated there are three or four rip currents running up and down the beach at any given time. The warning comes after a North Yarmouth man drowned earlier this month while saving his children from a rip current in Florida—a tragedy that has renewed attention to water safety in Maine.

News Center Maine - Maine Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate Graham Platner is calling for aggressive oversight of the Trump administration should Democrats regain control of the House and Senate in this November’s midterm elections.

Town of Freeport - The latest Village Corridor Initiative plans have been printed in large format and are now on display at Town Hall (30 Main St).  We have set up a couple of 'stop-in' times at Town Hall to allow the community to view the plans, discuss them with Town staff, and take our online survey.  The 'stop-in' times are Monday, April 13th, from 5:00-6:00pm and Wednesday, April 15th, 8:00-9:00am. Don't forget to take the survey. 

Forward Blue -   Susan Collins just announced she's running for a sixth term. She thinks Maine is safe. She thinks her "moderate" brand still works after years of voting with Mitch McConnell and Trump when it mattered most....Our data says she's wrong. We just completed the largest poll of the entire 2026 cycle in Maine, and Democrat Graham Platner crushes Susan Collins by 61 points.

Press Herald

The Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College in Waterville began a decade ago with a goal of supporting Jewish congregations that are far from big cities and it has grown to run programs for more than 60 communities in 22 states. “Rural Jewish life is important for the Jewish people and it’s important for rural America,” said Rabbi Rachel Isaacs, the spiritual leader of Beth Israel Congregation





Maine Morning Star -   While upholding recently passed gun safety laws, the Maine Legislature approved a new proposal to allow people charged with certain nonviolent felonies a path to restoring their ownership rights. Restoring gun ownership, a constitutional right, to people with a criminal record who have demonstrated rehabilitation is an issue of fairness, supporters of LD 1009 argued. The proposal received bipartisan support in initial votes in both the Maine Senate and House of Representatives, with most Republicans and more than a dozen Democrats voting in favor of it, including House Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford). It will return to both chambers for final votes and then will need to secure funding for its substantial price tag, as it is projected to cost more than $830,000 in the next two-year budget.


Toy Jackson - The Tribal Council of the Mi'kmaq Nation has endorsed my campaign for Governor of Maine. I don't take this lightly. For too long, the state's relationship with the Mi'kmaq Nation and Maine's three other federally recognized tribes has amounted to nothing more than symbolic gestures and empty promises — and that's at the best of times. For much longer, the state's relationship with the Wabanaki People has been far worse.

 

Tribal sovereignty isn't “complicated” and it isn't something we need to invent ourselves. At one time, the tribes had sovereignty on this land, but our government took it away. That's the truth, and it's past time Maine faced it honestly.

 

As Senate President, I worked to start changing that record....We passed laws to support economic development, improve access to clean drinking water, recognize the exclusive jurisdiction of tribal courts, and enshrine protections for Wabanaki children and families into state law. I voted to adopt tribal sovereignty — and voted to override the Governor's veto. 

 

Events


Thru April 30th in various venues around Freeport 


Stroll through downtown Freeport and encounter original poems by local writers displayed in storefronts and public spaces throughout April. Selected from the Freeport Community Poetry Competition, these works celebrate connection, place and shared belonging. Presented in partnership with the Freeport Community Library.


Darn It! Mending Drop-In

Every Last Saturday of the Month  •  10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
@ Freeport Community Library, Sun Porch


Come be a part of the change sweeping the nation. Darn It! is the place to chat with neighbors and get mending advice to save money and keep junk out of the landfill – and look cool while doing it. Free and open to the public; some materials will be available for you to mend with but we recommend bringing some notions (patch, thread) if you have them.


APRIL 14

Town Council Workshop - 30 Main Street, 6 pm
FHS Advanced Theatre - Freeport High School, Durham 6 pm
Conservation Commission - 5 Deport Street, 630 pm
Student Showcase Rock n' Blues Night - 317 Main Street Yarmouth 6 pm

APRIL 15
Family Math & Literacy Night - Mast Landing School, Durham. 6 pm 
Advanced Theater, Freeport High School, Durham 6pm
Project Review Board - 30 Main Street, 6 pm

POWNAL MEETINGS & EVENTS
April
15th 6:00 PM Planning Board meeting
27th 6:00 PM Public Hearings
27th 6:30 PM Select Board meeting
28th 6:30 PM Conservation Commission Meeting
29th 6:30 PM Capital Asset Plan Funding Committee Meeting
May
16th 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Pownal Community Day

The Freeport Project Review Board will hold public hearings on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 6:00pm in the Freeport Town Hall Council Chambers at 30 Main Street, Freeport, Maine, to discuss the following: items:

1) An application for Subdivision Review, submitted by Lumbo Ledge LLC (Mark Dorsey), for a 12-unit Village Open Space Subdivision off of Elm Street. The subdivision proposes 6 duplexes with an associated access drive, stormwater management, landscaping, and utilities on a 62,617 square foot parcel. The site, previously occupied by a residence, is now vacant. Zoning District: Village 1 (V-1) District, Freeport Village Overlay District (FVOD). The subject premises is located at Tax Assessor Map 11, Lot 88 (39 Elm Street).

2) An application for a Subdivision Amendment Review, submitted by Alex and Nubia Calabi, for an amendment to the previously approved Todd Brook Farm Subdivision to revise the language of Note 5 on the recorded subdivision plan to allow Lot 10 of the subdivision to have a driveway entrance from Old County Road. Zoning District: Rural Residential 1 (RR-1) District. The subject premises is located at Tax Assessor Map 26, Lot 12-10.

The public is welcome to attend and may choose to attend in person, or on Zoom. The meeting agenda (including information on how to join on Zoom) can be viewed at the Freeport Town Office or on the Town’s website at www.freeportmaine.com. Supporting materials are on file for viewing at the Freeport Town Hall.

 The Wabanaki in Casco Bay

event graphic

Join Seth Goldstein of the South Portland Historical Society for an illustrated presentation on the Wabanaki people of Casco Bay. Explore their history, culture, and habitation in the region, from life before European contact to the arrival of settlers. 

Wednesday, April 15
6:30 p.m.
Main Library, South Portland

Free and open to all. More info

APRIL 16
Advanced Theater, Freeport High School, Durham 6pm

APRIL 17



APR 18

APR 22 


APR 24

ERICA BROWN & THE BLUEGRASS CONNECTION: Friday, energetic five-piece band featuring some of the finest musicians in New England.April 24 at 7:30 PM 

Art Van

Friday, April  24 • 10:30 AM
@ Bradley Room at Freeport Community Center

Age-Friendly Freeport & Pownal is hosting the Art Van every second and fourth Friday. Join us in the Bradley Room to make art and see what the Art Van has in store. Free and open to all!


APRIL 25

Visit Freeport & Meetinghouse Arts present

OPEN STUDIO SATURDAY

Saturday, April 25 •  10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
@ Various Venues in Freeport!


Visit Freeport & Meetinghouse Arts invite you to join us on a journey through Freeport, Pownal, Durham & New Gloucester to explore the artist & maker studios often hidden on side streets and
country roads. You’ll be invited into their working studios to view their newest projects up close. Learn about their inspirations and process in intimate conversations that are sometimes not possible at art show openings.


Earth Day Festival -Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary, Brunswick

Freeport Folio presents

Pressure Makes Diamonds | Poetry Workshop with Joseph Coleman

Saturday, April 25 •  10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
@ Freeport Community Library


In this workshop, “Pressure Makes Diamonds,” students will use the pressure of workshopping an original poem and then reading that poem at an open mike that same evening. The instructor will provide prompts and each student will get a typewriter if they would like to experience what it was like pre computers. As a Barnum and Bailey Ring Master would yell out when a rogue elephant dashed for the exits: “The Show Must Go On!” or in this case: “Poems Must Be Read!”


APR 26


Shuck Yeah! Oyster Shucking and Cooking Class

Sunday, April 26 •  3:00 PM
@ Wolfe’s Neck Center


Join Chef Malcolm Kelly to learn about how to safely shuck an oyster along with some tasty recipes. Using oysters from Quahog Bay Conservancy, you will learn raw, grilled and baked oyster preparation and enjoy these yummy bivalves.


APRIL 30
Freeport Folio presents:

A Celebration of The Maine Poets Laureate

Thursday, April 30  •  6:30 PM
@ Meetinghouse Arts

Join us for this State of Maine National Poetry Grand Finale Event: a special reading by ALL of the Maine Poets Laureate to be held in Freeport. A partnership of  Maine Arts Commission, the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance and Freeport Folio.


MAY 1
Maine Democrats Biennial Convention. 1 Thompson Point, Portland. 9 am 

MAY 6


MAY 8-9 

First Parish Hall, 40 Main St, Freeport (lower side door) 

5:30 pm doors, 6 pm show.

TICKETS : https://our.show/crabcakes/fp 

MAY 9
Wolfe’s Neck Center is proud to present the Climate Solutions Dance Party on Saturday, May 9 in collaboration with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and SPACE Gallery. This special series is making stops at iconic institutions across the country, including the American Museum of Natural History and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We are proud to be a part of this vision, bringing people together to celebrate climate solutions through community and creativity. 

The evening celebrates the paperback release of Dr. Johnson’s New York Times bestseller What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures, an inspiring collection of possibilities for building a better climate future.  The first 200 people to arrive will receive a copy of the new book. Tickets


MAY 13
Freeport Conservation Trust

FCT Annual Meeting & Membership Celebration

Wednesday, May 13th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
📍Bradley Room, 53 Depot St, Freeport


MAY 16
The Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce invites you to be part of the Boots & Brews 5K on May 16, 2026—bringing hundreds of participants and visitors into downtown Freeport. Consider offering an exclusive day-of discount or special to runners and attendees, identified by their race bibs. This initiative is designed to drive people into your business, encouraging participants to explore, shop, and dine throughout town.

To be included in our promotions, please send your discount details to info@freeportmainechamber.com by May 1st.

MAY 20 

Are You Cyber-Savvy? Understanding thet Geopolitics and Personal Threats of Cyber Attacks, which will be held on Wednesday, May 20, at 7:00 pm at the Freeport Performing Arts Center.  You will hear from Nathaniel Fick, a Maine resident, former American diplomat, technology executive and author of the memoir One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer.  Ambassador Fick was selected to lead the U.S. State Department's Bureau for Cyberspace and Digital Policy in 2022. Ambassador Fick will be joined by Rachel Wilson, Head of Cybersecurity for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Ms. Wilson transitioned from a career leading counter-terrorism and cyber-exploitation missions at the National Security Agency to protecting the financial sector.  Tickets go on sale a month before the event.

MAY 22 
Winslow Park - Campground reservations are now open.  The camping season runs from Friday May 22nd through Monday September 28th. 

Thanks to Patch for some of the above

Thanks also to Bob Green for his music contributions to this list, He notes, "It is strongly recommended that you call ahead to confirm any performances and the conditions for entry. "
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)