Executive Directors Message..
I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the winter. I cross country skied during our first snow fall - it was wonderful! The reasons to live in Maine are piling up-just the way I like it-I hope you do too.
 There are many things to share in this issue; let me start with the Holiday Shopping Season. First things first a special thanks to Santa and his helpers and to the magic of the talking Christmas tree. Sparkle Weekend was a big success! The Parade of Lights attracted more parade goers than over the past few years. The Tuba Concert and other events made the weekend a hit. Thank you all for participating. With more promotion and participation 2009 will be a bigger event, we want to establish a Sparkle Task Force and a Moonlight Madness task force to start working together on these events in February please call Alison to volunteer if you are interested. Thank you again for contributing to and sponsoring these events and activities. You make Freeport Sparkle! We received unprecedented coverage from the Portland Press Herald, Brunswick Times Record, Forecaster, Shopping Notes, Down East, Port City Life and others. We were also seen on the Harley Davidson website, a few shopping sites and Channel 13 news... We will look forward to more coverage in 2009.
Thank you for attending our Annual Meeting on December 10th  at the Harraseeket Inn. It was a pleasure to meet and share thoughts with you about 2008 and plans for 2009. It was a privilege to recognize three of our members with paraise and appreciation for their contribution and participation in Freeport and to FMA and to reward them with a Gift Certificate to Gritty's, a box of Chocolates from Wilbur's and a Certificate. All recognition was well deserved and it was my honor and privilege to share in the award ceremony.The Certificate of Special Appreciation was awarded Lori Yotides she was instrumental in keeping FMA on track during the year as our Treasurer. The Member of the year Certificate was awarded to David Marstaller in recognition of his outstanding dedication, contribution to FMA and with sincere appreciation for his commitment to Freeport and FMA.The Cornerstone Award was awarded to Chip Gray in appreciation of his steadfast support of Freeport Merchants Association, and in recognition of his commitment to the community and outstanding achievements, which have become a valued part of the fabric and character of Freeport, Maine. Thank you.
During a meeting Pat Eltman (the Director of the Maine Office of Tourism)shared a story about a customer’s experience in Freeport that I want to share with you. It all started with a call that was forwarded to Pat from the Governors office. A gentleman from Texas was on the line to speak with her about his experience in Freeport. He and his wife checked in to the Nicholson Inn and decided to walk around and enjoy the day –dressed for the sunny weather in shorts, capris and sandals-You all know the saying “don’t like the weather-wait a minute” well true to nature they found themselves a while later in a torrential down pour. They ducked under cover at the Jameson’s Tavern for lunch.  While enjoying their lunch they looked up to see their innkeeper Jane standing before them. She had tracked them down to offer transportation and an umbrella to keep them dry. The couple was so pleasantly surprised by Jane’s care and concern that they were compelled to share the story. When Pat heard the story she too was struck by the level of service Jane and Alden provided and has shared this on numerous occasions. When I called Jane to share this story and thank her I learned that she actually found all of her guests that day and offered them all umbrellas and transportation. During our conversation it was obvious to me that she does many things to enhance the Freeport experience for her guests as a practice and didn’t think her actions were so special. Jane, your actions and commitment to your guests experience is an example for all to follow.  Thank you Jane and Alden for your commitment and contribution to the Freeport experience you are leaders in our community. I would love to fill this letter with more stories about the wonderful service our customers receive in Freeport. 
I look forward to seeing you at our Freeport Merchants Association Strategic Planning Meeting for members on January 8th 2009. We will discuss opportunities to participate in events, marketing, website, Freeport First –familiarization – volunteer opportunities, taskforce opportunities and much more – see you there! Speaking of events make sure you get your tickets to the Destination  Freeport event- Flavors of Freeport in February tickets are on sale now and selling fast at the Hilton Garden Inn, Freeport and the Harraseeket Inn check out www.flavorsoffreeport.com for more information. Tickets are also available through Leapin Lizards online  at www.leapinlizards.biz  and in the store locations for the event with Dr. Christine Northrup at the Harraseeket Inn for that weekend-she will be speaking about the "Secret Pleasures of Midlife and Beyond". Plan today to join is in Freeport over that weekend!

Myra

Join us in Support of the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women Campaign.....

• Decorate your storefront with red items to draw attention to Go Red, and ask employees to wear red and/or a red dress pin on their collar (provided by AHA). 
• Ask customers if they’d like to make a donation ($2 or $5 or whatever they can give) to the American Heart Association’s Wear Red Day Campaign for Women.  They will receive a red dress pin and heart health information.

• For each donation received provide the customer with love your heart messaging and a tribute card. The cards are an opportunity for the donor to recognize someone in their life who has been affected by cardiovascular disease. Customers will place these cards on display somewhere within your business (walls, windows, etc.).
• Once the campaign is over, any donations to the American Heart Association will be collected in the envelope you will receive in your Wear Red Day kit (to be delivered by the AHA).
• Invite employees and customers to attend a free “Heart Hall” discussion panel at Freeport’s Old Town Hall moderated by WGME 13 Anchor Kim Block from 12:30 -1:30 p.m. Block will guide a question-and-answer forum with local health experts to help answer your questions about heart disease and stroke and what you can do to prevent these diseases through lifestyle changes.  

Freeport Police Advisory...

Recently there has been increased activity involving females being followed to their vehicles by a known local male. In one recent instance the male made a crude remark after a female confronted him. He followed two girls into a store then followed them down the street.
In another more recent instance he whistled at a female and then followed her to her car before reversing direction and walking away.
The male is describe as follows:
white male, 6'01", 180-190 lbs, gray/wavy/collar length hair, ruddy complexion, medium build w/ slim waist, blue jeans, work boots. Currently clean shaven, but has had a mustache.
To date, he has not engaged in any behavior other than following and harassing comments. He can be seen on Main St. during daytime hours, usually wearing dark sunglasses. This documented behavior after dark is relatively new.
Females are advised to be aware of your surroundings and pair-up when walking to your vehicles at night. If the person matching the above description is encountered and/or you believe you are being followed, please don't hesitate to contact Freeport Police immediately.
It might be a good idea to program the phone number for the police into a speed dial number for immediate connection. (865-4800)
Be a good witness and take note of physical description and any comments made. Try to monitor his movements and location so that you can advise the police when you call.