Maine News Thursday July 30

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.

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 produce.

AUG 6

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

JULY 31


AUG 1 
South Freeport Congregational Church – Wild Blueberry Festival  Arts and crafts, kids' activities, and food, all set on the grounds of a 19th-century New England church in the seaside village of South Freeport, Info

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
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