Greater Portland

Benefits

“Flaws for a Cause,” sale of usable/less than perfect pots to benefit Cultivating Community, through May 5, Maine Potters Market, 376 Fore St., Portland, 774-1633.

Thursday 4/22

Black & White Party, celebration/fundraising party for Maine Museum of Photographic Arts inaugural exhibiton, 7:30 p.m. $35, wear black/white attire, former WM Home, 190 U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, tickets, call Elizabeth Moss, 781-2620.

Saturday 4/24

“25 Cent Yard Sale,” to benefit Morrison Center programs, clothing, toys, books and more, 25 cents per item, 8-11:30 a.m.; donations accepted at center from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. through 4/23, multi-purpose room, Morrison Center, 60 Chamberlain Road, Scarborough, 883-6680, mdcmaine.org.

“An Evening with Mark Tipton & Friends,” jazz concert to benefit SPIRAL Arts, 7 p.m. refreshments, 7:30 p.m. concert, $20, Immanuel Baptist Church, 156 High St., Portland, tickets, spiralarts.wordpress.com, Liz Smith, 874-1000.

Fundraiser Cooking Show, to benefit Freeport Child Care Services Read to Succeed Program, hosted by The Pampered Chief, 1:30 p.m., Freeport Community Center, 53 Depot St., Freeport, Julie Fraser or Robin Harriman, 865-3985.

Peace Action Maine Annual Dinner, “Give Peas A Chance,” with keynote by Noam Chomsky, 5 p.m., $15 suggested donation, Woodfords Church, 202 Woodfords Ave., Portland, Wells Staley-Mays, 409-0778.

Sunday 4/25

Earth Day Celebration and Fundraiser, 1 p.m., talk by Matt Prindiville of the Natural Resources Council of Maine about “Got Your Bags?” program, bring reusable bag filled with items to donate to Food Pantry, Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church, 524 Allen Ave., Portland, a2u2.org, FMI, Sally Breen, 892-8391.

Spring Yard Clean-Up Fundraiser, to benefit South Portland High School Boys Lacrosse Teams, for raking/disposing of leaves, $75 /average-size yard, for reservation, call Kathleen, 615-8465.

Monday 4/26

7th Annual  Hospitality for Habitat, to benefit Habitat for Humanity, 50% off participating Maine hotels from April 26-May 28 for $35 donation made to Habitat, sponsored by Maine Innkeepers Association, FMI, maineinns.com.

Tuesday 4/27
 
Cambodian Arts and Scholarship Foundation, annual night out, portion of pizza sales benefit CASF, 5-9 p.m., Flatbread Company, 72 Commercial St., Portland, cambodianscholarship.org.

Wednesday 4/28

Johnny Cash Night, Portland bands to play Johnny Cash tribute songs to benefit Prison Literacy Programs, 8:30 p.m., $5-$15 donation, SPACE, 538 Congress St., Portland, tickets at Bull Moose Music or space538.org.

Thursday 4/29

Spring Bridge Party, to benefit The Falmouth Heritage Museum, 12-3:30 p.m., door prizes, snacks, $40/table, Holy Martyrs Church, 266 Foreside Road, Falmouth, must register by April 26, call Mary Honan 781-2705 or Carol Kauffman 781-4140.

Friday 4/30

First Annual 3 Rs Sweet Celebration, to benefit Ruth’s Reusable Resources, with cheese/dessert tables, silent auction, door prizes and more, 39 Blueberry Road, Portland, 6:45 p.m. doors open, $10 per person, for tickets, call 3 Rs, 699-5565, mary3rs@yahoo.com.

Happy Trails Big Bash & Silent Auction, to benefit Portland Trails, with music by Big Chief, catered appetizers and desserts, 5:30 p.m., $25 nonmember/ $20 Portland Trails member, The Portland Club, 156 State St., Portland, tickets at trails.org, Rachael Weyand, 775-2411.
 
Sweetser’s 18th Annual Sold on Kids Auction and Dinner, 6-10 p.m., $50 person/$400 table for 10, South Portland Marriott, tickets at sweetser.org or from the Sweetser Development Office, 294-4485.

Saturday 5/1

4th Annual Bark in the Park, Portland Sea Dogs game to benefit Planet Dog Foundation, for dogs and their families, 12:15 pre-game parade for dogs, 1 p.m. game starts, $7 adult/ $7 dog, tickets for dogs required, Hadlock Field, Portland, tickets at Planet Dog Company Store, 211 Marginal Way, Portland, 346-8606, or 800-381-1516.

“Come Sail Away,” North Yarmouth Academy 26th annual charity auction, to benefit the NYA Financial Aid Fund and Enrichment Programs, with dinner, cash bar, entertainment, live auction, raffles, 5 p.m., $30 advance/$35  door, Travis Roy Arena, 497 U.S. Route 1, Yarmouth, online bidding, tickets at nya.org.

Designing Women’s 2nd Annual Spring Show & Sale, to benefit Partners for Rural Health in the Dominican Republic, jewelry, artwork, home goods and more, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $2 admission, Woodfords Congressional Church, 202 Woodford St., Portland, designingwomen.org.

Haiti Fundraising Dinner, to benefit Outreach International for Haiti relief, 5–7 p.m. $5 per person / $20 per family, Community of Christ Church, 49 Park St., Freeport, FMI, 721-0649 or 865-6651.
 
The Mad Hatter Affair, auction, reception, dinner, live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby, music by Jim Ciampi Band, to benefit Maine Historical Society, 5:30-11 p.m., The Woodlands, off Woods Rd, Falmouth, information or tickets, mainehistory.org, Elizabeth Nash, 774-1822.

Maine Country Auction, to benefit the Tate House Museum, 8-9:30 a.m. viewing, 9:30 a.m. auction starts, Stroudwater Baptist Church, 1729 Congress St., Portland, tatehouse.org, 774-6177.

“Under the Big Top,” 24th Annual Cheverus Scholarship Auction, with silent auction, cash bar, dinner, more, 6 p.m. side show starts, 9 p.m. live auction, $50, Holiday Inn by the Bay, 88 Spring St., Portland, tickets, Maryellen, 774-6238 or fitzpatrick@cheverus.org. 

Yard and Rummage Sale, with bake sale, lunch, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., rain or shine, West Scarborough United Methodist Church, U.S. Route 1, Dunstan Corner, Scarborough.

Sunday 5/2

“Cast Off,” original production performed by Cast Off Players, theater troupe of current or former homeless persons, to benefit Freeport Community Services, 4 p.m., free/by donation, Freeport Performing Arts Center, 30 Holbrook St., freeportpac.org.

Splash for Cash, to benefit The Center for Therapeutic Recreation therapeutic swim programs and recreational opportunities for special needs children and adults, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., South Portland Municipal Pool, 21 Nelson Road, South Portland, to sponsor a swimmer/participate, or donate, Center for Therapeutic Recreation, an Easter Seals Maine partner, 125 Presumpscot St., No. 9, Portland, 772-0504, maine.easterseals.org.

Bulletin Board

Friday 4/23

29th Annual Take Back the Night March and Rally, 6 p.m., with keynote by Megan Williams of Hardy Girls Healthy Women, slam poetry reading, public awareness exhibit at Monument Square, rally and march begins/ends at First Parish Church, 425 Congress St., Portland, hosted by Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine, SARSSM, Tara Kierstead, 828-1035.

Sunday 4/25

Great Portland Bike Swap, hosted by Bicycle Coalition of Maine, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $3 admission, free for USM students, ages 12 and younger, Sullivan Gym, USM Portland campus, FMI, BikeMaine.org or 623-4511.

Maine Roller Derby Season Opener, 5 p.m. doors, 6 p.m. game, $10 advance/$13 door, $5 ages 6-12, Portland Expo, tickets at Bull Moose.

Wednesday 4/28

“Reconciliation Portland,” community discussion on building a diverse city, 7-9 p.m., free and open to the public, Hannaford Hall, USM Portland, co-sponsored by Mercy Hospital and the USM Muskie School of Public Service, Maureen Clancy, 879-3144 or Jennifer Hutchins, 780-4150.

Thursday 4/29

“ReEmergence 2010” Kaleidoscopic Community: Celebrating Portland’s Creative Economy, 7-9 p.m. gallery hours, 9-12:30 p.m. dance party, $10-$15, Space Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland, hosted by The League of Young Voters, Hilary Frenkel, 772-3207.

Ongoing

Bridges for Peace Vigil, Sundays 12-1 p.m., South Portland end of Casco Bay Bridge.

Calico Quilters, first and third Mondays, 7-9 p.m., Masonic Hall, Mill Street, Yarmouth, 846-0783.

The Food Share, held by First Baptist Church Food Ministry, perishable food items available every Sunday from 5-6 p.m., First Baptist Church, 346 Main St., Yarmouth, enter at side door on Center St., Meagan, 846-3087. 

The Kiwanis Club of Portland, second and fourth Tuesdays, 5:30-7:15 p.m., $10, The Woodfords Club, 179 Woodford St., Portland, register, Peter Brown, 797-7383 or Michele Giroux, 854-6232.

Yarmouth Central Men’s Club, second Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m., dinner and speaker, 846-3376 or 846-1561.

Call for Volunteers

Gardeners Wanted, for the 2010 season at Yarmouth Community Garden, $25 for 10′ by 10′ plot/ $35 non-Yarmouth residents, organic garden on East Main Street, sign up at Yarmouth Community Services, 846-2406.

The Salvation Army of Greater Portland Volunteer Opportunities; child care volunteer during adult life skills classes; Camp Rally Volunteer on April 23; National Association of Letter Carriers Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on May 8; 774-4172 or dgudroe@use.salvationarmy.org.

Saturday 4/24

Fort Preble Work Day, grounds maintenance, preservation, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., wear work clothes, bring safety, hand tools if possible, hosted by the Fort Preble Preservation Committee; rain date May 1, SMCC, 2 Fort Rd., South Portland, Leslie Barteaux, 741-5975.

Portland Trails Volunteer Orientation, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., East End Community School, 95 North St., child care, family-friendly projects, bring work clothes and gloves, Rachael Weyand, 775-2411.

Scarborough Annual Spring Clean Up, clean up beaches and Scarborough Marsh, 9 a.m.-noon, bring gloves, multiple sites listed at scarboroughmaine.com/marsh/cleanup.shtml, hosted by Friends of Scarborough Marsh, Steffi Cox, 799-4012

South Portland Earth Day City-Wide Clean-up, 8:30-11:30 a.m.; 8:30 a.m. registration at Mill Creek Park for refreshments, instructions, bags and gloves, hosted by South Portland Land Trust, SPlandtrust.com, Carla Yount 210-8366.

Ongoing

ActionBasedCare.org needs volunteers to expand organization, ABC believes in empowerment through sailing, and action-based activities to relieve depression, check Web site or 831-4151.

Allegiance Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit patients under hospice care in nursing homes in York and Cumberland Counties, volunteers receive formal training, Katharyn LeDoux, 877-255-4623 or kledoux@allegiancehospice.com.  

Alzheimer’s Association has ongoing volunteer opportunities for caring people who can offer 3-4 hours per week, 170 U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, 772-0115.

American Red Cross needs volunteers in the disaster services, health and safety and administration departments, 874-1192 ext. 105.

The Cedars welcomes volunteers to help with activities and special events, including young child/parent and pet visits, 630 Ocean Ave., Portland, 772-5456.

Compass Project needs volunteers with tools, carpentry or boat skills for the boat building festival and youth boat building classes, 774-0682 or compassinfo@maine.rr.com.

Coastal Studies for Girls, volunteers needed to help launch a residential science and leadership semester school for high school girls, based at Wolfe’s Neck Farm, Freeport, many opportuntities for a detail-oriented, efficient volunteer with excellent computer and communication skills, call Margaret Martin, 865-9700 or margaret@coastalstudies.org.  

Cumberland County Extension Association seeks people to serve on its executive committee, meets third Wednesday every month from 7-9 p.m. at Barron Center, Portland, 800-287-1471 or aherr@umext.maine.edu.

Deliver Meals on Wheels, mileage reimbursement, flexible days and weeks, one-two hours a day, 800-400-6325.

Fiddlehead Center for the Arts is looking for volunteers for ongoing projects and special events, earn credits in exchange for classes, ages 16+, Fiddlehead Center for the Arts, 383 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, 883-5720, fcascarborough.org.

Freeport Community Services and Center needs people to help make a difference, 865-3985.

Friends of Feral Felines needs hardy volunteers to feed hungry cats on the Portland waterfront, 1-2 hours per month, training provided, 797-3014.

Freeport Historical Society needs Pettengill Farm stewards; volunteers for Greeter/Docent program, training, able to commit 3-4 hours at least every other week; and Jack or Jill of all trades to help with odd jobs and light maintenance, own tools and transportation necessary, Rita, 632-3011.

Greater Portland Mentoring Partnership needs adult mentors for school-age children, 888-387-8758.

HART, Homeless Animal Rescue Team, a no-kill cat shelter in Cumberland, is looking for volunteers who love cats to help in the shelter, 3-4 hours in the morning, one or two days a week, call 829-4116 or 846-3038. 

Hearts and Horses Therapeutic Riding Center volunteers needed to help people with disabilities experience riding, call Vickie 929-4700, or 807-7757.

Homeless Animal Rescue Team seeks direct care volunteers, facilities maintenance, fundraisers, cleaning supplies, canned cat food, 302 Range Road, Cumberland, 829-4116 or 846-3038.

Hospice Volunteers Needed for Allegiance Hospice, to visit patients in nursing homes in York and Cumberland counties, Nicole Garrity, 877-255-4623 or ngarrity@allegiancehospice.com.

ITNPortland seeks volunteer drivers to provide rides for seniors and adults with visual impairments, call 854-0505 or visit itnportland.org to learn more.  

The Jason Program needs ambassadors of hope for Maine families of seriously ill and dying children, 65 Washington Ave., Portland, 773-2947, jasonprogram.org.

Literacy Volunteers of Greater Portland needs volunteers for student-centered tutoring, education for nonliterate adults and English as a Second Language instruction, 780-1352 for training information.

Melanoma Education Foundation seeking used car donations, call Cars Helping America, 1-866-949-3668, skincheck.org.

Road to Recovery, American Cancer Society needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to their doctors’ appointments, 1-800-227-2345.

TogetherGreen Volunteers needed for conservation projects at Scarborough Marsh, call Audubon Center at 883-5100, or smac@maineaudubon.org.  

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension seeks volunteers to serve on its executive committee; aherr@umext.maine.edu, 780-4205 or 1-800-287-1471 to request information packet.

VolunteerMaine AmeriCorps VISTA Projects seeks members; living allowance, health care, education award; apply online AmeriCorps.gov; Meredith Eaton 941-2800 ext. 207, meredithe@unitedwayem.org.

Volunteers needed at Mercy Hospital Yarmouth location, Monday through Fridays, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., contact Melissa Skahan, Manager of Mission Services, 879-3286 or skahanm@mercyme.com.

Dining Out

Saturday 4/24

Bean Supper, 5-6 p.m., $7 adults/ $3 ages 5-12, West Falmouth Baptist Church, 18 Mountain Rd. Falmouth, 797-4066.

Public Baked Bean Supper, 5-6:30 p.m., $7 adult/ $3 child, First Parish Congregational Church, 116 Main St., Yarmouth, 846-3773.

Roast Beef Dinner, All-you-can-eat, 4:30-6 p.m., $8 adult/$6 student/ $4 ages 12 and under, Stevens Avenue Congregational Church, 790 Stevens Ave., Portland, 797-4573.

Sunday 4/25

Jazz Dinner Buffet, The Bellamy Jazz Band, 6-9 p.m.; buffet 6-8 p.m., $15 adult/ $12.50 senior or student, Events on Broadway, 729 Broadway, South Portland; $6.50 advance discount senior tickets at Southern Maine Agency on Aging, Scarborough, ptcmaine.com.

Ongoing

Free Community Soup Dinner, 5-7 p.m., Parish House, The Church of St. Mary the Virgin, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth, second and fourth Fridays, 781-3366, admin@smary.org. 

South Freeport Church Haddock Chowder Lunch, second and fourth Fridays, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m., $8, South Freeport Church Community Hall, 98 South Freeport Road, South Freeport, 865-4012.

Jazz Dinner Buffet, Sundays, 6-9 p.m.; buffet 6-8 p.m., $15 adult/ $12.50 senior or student, Events on Broadway, 729 Broadway, South Portland; $6.50 advance discount senior tickets at Southern Maine Agency on Aging, Scarborough, ptcmaine.com.

Gardens & Outdoors

Thursdays 4/22

Weekly Birdwalk, with expert birder Eric Hynes, 7 a.m. Thursdays through April 29, $5 member/ $8 nonmember, Gilsland Farm, Gilsland Farm Rd., Falmouth, meet in visitor center parking lot, bring binoculars and field guide, all skill levels welcome.

Saturday 4/24

Skillin’s Free Gardening Classes, Container Gardening, 10 a.m.; Container Edibles, 2 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, free, Skillins Greenhouses – Cumberland, 201 Gray Road, Cumberland, 829-5619; and Skillins Greenhouses – Falmouth, 89 Foreside Road, Falmouth, 781-3860; space limited, call to register.

Sunday 4/25

Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park Birding Festival, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., activities all day, $1.50 ages 12-64/ all others free, bring binoculars, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport, registration required for some activities, call 865-4465, parksandlands.com.

Wednesday 4/28

Yarmouth Community Garden Spring Orientation, 7 p.m., Yarmouth Town Hall Community Room, Main St., Yarmouth, FMI, yarmouthcommunitygarden.org.

Saturday 5/1

First Annual Maine Greenhouse and Nursery Day, giveaways, door prizes, raffles, plants and balloons for kids, container planting demonstrations, and more, for participating businesses, plants4maine.com or getrealmaine.com.

Ongoing

Early Morning Birding, 7-8:30 a.m. Wednesdays, $3 member, $5 nonmember, volunteers free, Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, Pine Point Road, Scarborough, 883-5100. 

Wolfe’s Neck Farm, open daily for self-guided tours, visits to barn and pastures, community gardens, trail walks, 184 Burnett Road, Freeport, 865-4469.

Getting Smarter

Thursday 4/22

Architalx Lecture Series, talk by Susanne Tick, 5:30 p.m. doors open; 6 p.m. lecture starts, $8 advance/ $10 door, Portland Museum of Art auditorium, Seven Congress Square, Portland, advance tickets at architalx.org.
 
“Perspectives on Transition: Values to Action,” presentation and community discussion with Noah Wentworth of Evergreen Building Collaborative and Amory Weld of Transition Greater Brunswick, 6:30 p.m., free, Freeport Community Center, Depot St., Freeport, hosted by Wolfe’s Neck Farm, Liz Brownlee, 865-4363.

Monday 4/26

“Learn More” Seminar with Dewitt Kimball, topic: Efficiency Maine projects and how to qualify for and access federal tax credits of up to $3,000, 7 p.m., free, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Dr., Freeport, 865-3307, freeportlibrary.com.

Tuesday 4/27

Coastal Studies for Girls Lecture Series, talk on loons by Patrick Keenan of BioDiversity Research Institute, 7 p.m., free and open to public, Freeport Public Library, 10 Library Dr., Freeport, FMI, Coastal Studies for Girls, 865-9700, coastalstudiesforgirls.org.

Governance and Ethics Symposium, 3 p.m. University of Maine School of Law, 246 Deering Ave., Portland, FMI, Alexandra Moras, amoras@usm.maine.edu, 780-4344, mainelaw.maine.edu

Friday 4/30

“Thinking Matters,” USM’s annual showcase of original student research, 8:30 a.m. opening, free and open to public, Sullivan Gym, USM Portland, 228-8040.

Saturday 5/1

Beltane Fires Celestial Poetry Evening, with emcee Jane Raeburn, author of the “Celtic Wicca,” local poets and writers, 7 p.m., by donation, The Southworth Planetarium, USM Portland, 780-4249.

Solar & Energy Savings for Homeowners, 9-11 a.m., free, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Rd, Falmouth, space limited, pre-register, call 797-0979, SolarisThermal.com.

Ongoing

Acculturation Training for Immigrants, by Living with Peace, 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays, 92 Congress St., Munjoy Hill, Portland, 766-8719.

Business Workshops, Women’s Business Center and Maine Small Business Development Center hold small business workshops online; for information and registration, 882-7552 ext. 167 or e-mail sll@ceimaine.org.

Downeast Dames, study and invest in the stock market in a social atmosphere, meets once a month, Freeport High School, 30 Holbrook St., Freeport, 865-1220 or 729-7673.

“Judaism for the Curious,” every other Sunday 9:30-11 a.m., Temple Beth El, 400 Deering Ave., Portland, 774-2649.

French Conversation, 5-8 p.m. Fridays, The Language Exchange, Suite 24-26, 80 Exchange St., Portland, 772-0405 or immersionprograms.com.

Portland SCORE, ongoing business workshops led by volunteers, small fee, 100 Middle St., Second Floor, East Tower, Portland, scoremaine.com, 772-1147. 

SAGE at USM, Tuesday lectures, 9:30-1:30 a.m., $5, Wishcamper Center, USM Portland campus, register and list of lectures, 780-4406.

The Telling Room, drop-in tutoring Tuesday and Thursday 2:30-4:30 p.m., various workshops available, 225 Commercial St., Suite 201, Portland, 321-2780 or tellingroom.org.

USM Southworth Planetarium, shows, classes and astronomical events, Science Building, 96 Falmouth St., Portland campus, 780-4249 or usm.maine.edu/planet.

Health & Support

Wednesday 4/21

“Arthritis: Holistic Care for Joint Health“ Natural Health Lecture Series with Dr. Sarah Kotzur, 5:30-6 p.m. Wednesdays through May 19, free and open to public, Primary Care Alternative Medicine, 142 High St., Suite 305, Portland, 699-4199 or primarycarealternativemedicine.com.

Monday 4/26

Career Success Seminar, with facilitator Mindy Ruth Novick, 6:30-8:30 p.m., $23, 30 Forest Falls Drive, Suite 1, Yarmouth, register, YCS, 846-2406.

Thursday 4/29

“Welcomed and Valued: Supporting People with Mental Illness in Parish Life,” 7-8:15 p.m., St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, Scarborough, co-sponsored by Cluster 22 and Catholic Charities Maine Parish Social Ministry, 1-800-CARE-002, ext. 2672.

Friday 4/30

Healing Through the Dark Emotions: The Wisdom of Grief, Fear & Despair in an age of Global Threats, 7 p.m. talk, $20; 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Saturday Workshop, The Light Inside the Dark: The Spiritual Alchemy of Grief, Fear and Despair, $75, presented by ChIME and the Center for Grieving Children, cgcmaine.org.

Ongoing

“Better Breathing Buddies,” support group for lung disease patients and caregivers, 2-3:30 p.m. first Tuesdays, Bayview Heights, 158 North St., Portland, dbaillargeon@maine.rr.com, 879-4373.

Cancer Community Center, daily classes, support groups, 778 Main St., South Portland, 774-2200 or cancercommunitycenter.org.

Christian Meditation Gathering, hosted by United Methodist communities of Hope.Gate.Way, 6 p.m. Wednesdays, 185 High St., Portland, newlightportland.org, 899-2435. 

CODA: Co-Dependents Anonymous meeting, 6-7 p.m. every Tuesday, Brighton Medical Center, Brighton Ave., Portland, see receptionist for room location, Diana at 749-7443 or Pauline 926- 5718.

Drop-In Bereavement Support Group, facilitated by Carol Schoneberg of Hospice of Southern Maine, 5:30-7 p.m., free, first Wednesday of the month, St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, 350 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, Carol Schoneberg, 289-3651, or cschoneberg@hospiceofsouthernmaine.org.

Divorce Perspectives, a support group for people in all stages of divorce, meets Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., North Deering Congregational Church, 1364 Washington Ave., Portland, call 232-1667 or info@divorceperspectives.org. 

Divorce Support Group, Mondays 6:30-8:30 p.m., $25, open to public, sponsored by Catholic Charities Maine Family Life Institute, St. Pius Church, Ocean Avenue, Portland, to register, 1-800-CARE-002 ext. 2670 or familylifeinstitute@ccmaine.org.

Food Addicts In Recovery, daily meetings: Monday, Bath, Brunswick; Tuesday, Scarborough; Wednesday, Bath, Scarborough, Topsham; Thursday, Freeport; Saturday, Brunswick; for locations and times, 775-2132 or foodaddicts.org.

Greater Portland Mothers of Multiples Club, support group for mothers and expectant mothers of multiples, meets first Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., Barron Center, Brighton Ave., Portland, gpmomc.org. 

Gynecological and Breast Cancer Group, 6-7:30 p.m., second and fourth Tuesday, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, 774-2200, or cancercommunitycenter.org.

HOPE Groups, wellness support group with Elizabeth Holder, LADC Guide, Fridays, 5:30-7 p.m., Serenity House, 30 Mellen St., Portland, Liz, 899-2733, HopeHealing.org. 

Nar-Anon Family Support Group, for families of drug addicts, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Dana Education Center, Maine Medical Center, Bramhall Street, Portland, 594-2801.

National Alliance on Mental Health, for friends and family of people with mental illness, 7-8:30 p.m., second and fourth Monday, except holidays, Maine Medical Center, Classroom 3, Portland, 893-1516.

Nutrition Works, LLC, healthy cooking classes, 805 Stevens Ave., Portland, register at 772-6279 or nutritionworks.us.

Overeaters Anonymous, Portland meetings: Sunday, 7-8:30 p.m., Maine Medical Center, 335 Brighton Ave.; Tuesday, 6 p.m., Woodfords Congregational Church, Route 1; Saturday, first time at OA, 9:30-10 a.m., Maine Medical Center, Dana Center, 22 Bramhall St.; Saturdays, 10 a.m., Maine Medical Center, Dana Center, 22 Bramhall St., oamaine.org.

Prostate Cancer Support Group, 6:30-8:30 second Tuesday, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main Street, South Portland, 774-2200 or cancercommunitycenter.org.

Sadhana Meditation Center, The Castle, Lower Level, 100 Brickhill Ave., South Portland, center open to people of all faiths, Ashok, analamalapu@hotmail.com, 772-6898.

“Sunday Morning Recharge: Meditate!” 10-11:15 a.m. Sundays, $10, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road.

Women Ages 40-64, mammograms and pap tests available at no cost through Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program, 874-8942 or 800-350-5180.

Widow-Widowers Support Group, second and fourth Wednesday, 6 p.m., Woodfords Congregational Church, 202 Woodford St., Portland, 767-0920.

Yoga for Parkinson’s, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, free, Family Ice Center, 20 Hat Trick Drive, Falmouth, sponsored by American Parkinson Disease Association, RSVP, 653-3319.

Young Widows and Widowers Group open to people age 50 or younger meets twice a month on Friday evenings at The Center for Grieving Children, Portland, Valerie Jones, 775-5216 for information or to schedule an initial meeting.

Just for Seniors

Friday 4/23

Living Well for Better Health, 1-3 p.m., six Fridays, April 23–May 28, Southern Maine Agency on Aging, U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, register, Anne Murray, 1-800-427-7411, ext. 529.

Wednesday 4/28

“Is Assisted Living in Your Future?” panel presentation, 6:30–7:30 p.m., free and open to the public, Scarborough Public Library, 48 Gorham Road, Scarborough, pre-register at 883-4723 ext. 240.

Ongoing

Bingo at Hillcrest, Friday 11:30 a.m., $2 unlimited, bring your own lunch, 108 Hillcrest Ave., Scarborough, 730-4150.

Cards & Coffee, every Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m., play bridge, cribbage or just socialize, open to the community, Casco Bay YMCA, 14 Old South Freeport Road, Freeport, 865-9600.

Enhance Fitness, group exercise program for 50 and older to improve strength, balance, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness, MWF 9-10 a.m. or 10:15-11:15 a.m., Sullivan Complex, USM Portland campus, 780-4170.

Freeport Elders Association, walk at Freeport YMCA 12-2 p.m. Friday, crafts at the center 9-11:30 a.m. Thursday, daily programs, call for newsletter, 865-6462.

PROP Senior Volunteer Program seeks men and women 60+ to join foster grandparent or senior companion program, 773-0202 or propeople.org.

Senior drop-in center, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Monday-Friday, Salvation Army Senior Center, 297 Cumberland Ave., Portland, 774-6304.

Yarmouth Seniors, second Wednesday, home-cooked meal and fellowship, 12 p.m. lunch, guest speaker follows, Community House, East Main St., Yarmouth.

Kids and Family Stuff

Thursday 4/22

Earth Day Activities for Kids, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m., games, music, activities, more, for ages 3- grade 5, Hope.Gate.Way., 185 High St., Portland, 899-2435.

Earth Day Workshop for Kids: Square Foot Gardening, 1-3 p.m., for ages 8-12, free, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Rd, Falmouth, pre-registration required, Lisa Waters, 780-4205, lwaters@umext.maine.edu, also hosted by UMaine Extension and Tidewater Conservation Foundation. 

“The Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings,” children’s play, 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays 4/22-23, 4/29-30; 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 4/24-25, 5/1-2; $7 members/ $8 nonmembers, presented by Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, 142 Free St., Portland, advance tickets, 828-1234 ext. 231 or kitetails.org.

Friday 4/23

“Flick and Float,” watch The Princess and the Frog, and float in Riverton Pool, 6-8 p.m., $1 child/ $3 adult/ $5 family, bring float, Riverton Pool, 1600 Forest Ave., Portland, FMI, Portland Recreation Aquatic Office, 874-8456.

“Reptiles and Amphibians—Live!” Family Program, ages 6 and older, 10 a.m., members: $5/child, $10/adult, nonmembers: $10/child, $15/adult, Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, off U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, 781-2330, maineaudubon.org.

Saturday 4/24

“Spring into Reading,” Children’s Literacy Program with activity stations, 1-4 p.m. for grades K-6, free and open to public, SMCC HUB Athletic Center, 119 Fort Rd., South Portland, sponsored by the SMCC Center for Student Involvement & Leadership, FMI, 741-5663 or Kerensa Palmer, kd_palmer28@yahoo.com.

Saturday 5/1

“YOUth Can Build Awareness Project,” with LEGO-building competition for teams of 1-3 kids ages 5-16; other kids activities, 12-5 p.m., space limited for competition, preregistration encouraged, $10 advance/$15 day, Center Court, Maine Mall, proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland, register for competition at habitatportlandme.org/youth or 772-2151.

Ongoing

Bayside Neighborhood Programs, Monday girls group 3:30-5 p.m.; Wednesday art group with Cindy, 3:30-5 p.m.; Unity Village, 24 Stone St., Portland, snacks provided, 415-0769.

Children’s Museum of Maine, ongoing cultural, educational, fun and active workshops for kids and parents, 142 Free St., Portland, 828-1234 or kitetails.com.

Children’s Programs, “Baby Bounces” birth to 18 months Thursdays 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., “Preschool Story Time” ages 3 and up Tuesday 10:30 a.m., “Toddler Tales and Tunes” ages 18-36 months Thursday at 10:30 a.m., “Kindertales” ages 3-7 Saturday 10:30 a.m., Scarborough Public Library, 48 Gorham Road, 883-4723.

Greenlight Studio, eco-friendly play space for kids 0-6 and their grownups, 49 Dartmouth St., Portland, greenlight-studio.com, info@greenlight-studio.com.

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. and Museum, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., seven days a week, $1 children 3-12, adults $2; 58 Fore St., Portland, 828-0814.

Portland Girls Center, accepting enrollments for after-school program for girls ages 6-14, fees based on sliding scale, transportation from schools provided, open daily until 6 p.m., 347-8015.

Signing for Babies, Monday 9:30-10:30 a.m., Community Counseling Center, 43 Baxter Blvd., Portland, $3; 874-1030.

Story Time! for preschoolers 3-5, Tuesday 10:30 a.m.; for toddlers 1-2, Wednesday 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; for babies up to 18 months, Thursday 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.; free for children and caregivers, South Portland Branch Library, 155 Wescott Road, South Portland, 775-1835.

Storytime at South Portland Main Library, Fridays, 10:30 a.m. ages 1- 2; 11 a.m. ages 3-5; 482 Broadway, South Portland, 767-7660. 

Mid Coast

Benefits

Call to local artists, carpenters, craftspeople and birders: Habitat for Humanity seeking bird houses for September auction, entry form and guidelines, James, 386-5081, james@habitat7rivers.org; for information about Habitat programs or to volunteer, call 386-5081.

Saturday 4/24

Bake Sale,  to benefit Bath UCC Good Samaritan ministry, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Roger’s Hardware, Bath, 666-5864.

Monday 4/26

18th Annual Patten Free Library Benefit Dinner, 6 p.m., $37.50, choice of entree, cash bar, J. R. Maxwell’s Restaurant, 122 Front St., Bath, reservations, 443-5141 ext. 19.

Sunday 5/2

17th Annual Habitat 5 Mile Spring Walk, registration, 12:30-1:30 p.m.; Opening Ceremony, 1 p.m., Habitat ReStore and Administrative Offices, 108 Centre St., Bath, to register/volunteer,  Michele, 386-5081 or michele@habitat7rivers.org, habitat7rivers.org.

Ongoing

Bottle Drive, to benefit the BHS Class of ’79 Get Involved Scholarship Fund; bring returnables to Don’s Redemption Center, 51 Harpswell Road, Brunswick, call 798-9201.

Bulletin Board

Wednesday 4/21

Sagadahoc County Democratic Committee meeting, guest speaker Libby Mitchell, candidate for governor, 7-9 p.m., Bath Police Department conference room, 250 Water St., Bath, 837-0648.

Saturday 4/24

Model Train Show by The Great Falls Model Railroad Club, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., $4/adult, $2/under 15, Mount Ararat High School, Topsham, Paul Lodge, 966-3641.

Tuesday 4/27

Public Forum with Democratic Primary Candidates for Governor: Pat McGowan, Libby Mitchell, John Richardson, Steve Rowe, and Rosa Scarcelli, moderated by State Senator Seth Goodall, 6:30 p.m., Bath UCC Church, 150 Congress Ave., Bath, sponsored by Sagadahoc County Democrats, free and open to public, submit questions to lmorse@gwi.net, FMI, 837-0648.

Saturday 5/1

50/50 Style BINGO, 1-3 p.m., must be 16 or older to play,  Bath Senior Center, 45 Floral St., Bath.

Ongoing

Bridge Groups, 7-9 p.m. Fridays for beginners; 2-4 p.m. Sundays for experienced players, 45 Green St., Bath, register, 443-3901.

Kinship Families Support Group, raising a family member’s child with love, first and third Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Midcoast Maine Community Action, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, preregister 442-7963 ext. 213.

Kaleidoscope Quilters, second (7 p.m.) and fourth (6:30 p.m.) Thursday of the month, Elks Lodge, Park Row, Brunswick, 725-5242.

Knitting Circle, Tuesday 3:30-5 p.m., for experienced and learners, Patten Free Library, 33 Summer St., Bath.

Call for Volunteers

Ongoing

ArtVan Program seeks volunteers to help with art therapy programming with children and teens, promotional support and fundraising efforts, contact 371-4125 or visit artvanprogram.org.

Bath Youth Meetinghouse & Skatepark seeks volunteers to help in the cafe, at concerts, supporting youth programs and fundraising efforts, experience with teenagers helpful, 443-8900 or visit 26 Summer St., Bath.

Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks volunteer mentors (must be 18+) willing to commit one year and spend eight hours a month with a child 6-14 who lives in a single parent home, contact Brunswick office at 729-7736 or bigbbigs@bbbsbathbrun.org.

Cell Phones for Soldiers, donate used cell phones at Southern New Hampshire University, 10 Tibbetts Drive, Cooks Corner, Brunswick or 1000 Burbank Ave., BNAS Building 20, Brunswick.

Chocolate Church Arts Center seeks volunteers for the art gallery and more, 798 Washington St., Bath, 442-8455.

Flying Changes Center for Therapeutic Riding needs volunteers who love horses, caring for them and learning to ride, 729-0168, located on Route 201 in Topsham.

The Greater Bath Elder Outreach Network, a program of Catholic Charities Maine, is looking for volunteers a few hours a week to assist seniors by providing companionship, transportation, assistance with errands and telephone reassurance for elderly and disabled people who live in Sagadahoc County and the Brunswick area, Martha Cushing, 837-8810; meetings 6-7:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month, Patten Free Library, Bath, 837-8810.

Habitat for Humanity / 7 Rivers Maine needs volunteers at ReStore in Bath, minimum four-hour shift commitment, 386-5081 or michele@habitat7rivers.org.

Home to Home, an organization providing a safe place for parents to exchange children for visitations, needs volunteers, commitment of 1-2 hours per exchange period, police check and training required, Mid-Coast Hospital, Brunswick, Rich Siegel, 837-4894, mainehometohome.org.

Mid Coast Hospital, dozens of positions at the café, gift shop or greeting patients, 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, 373-6015.

Mid Coast Senior Health Center needs volunteers for various activities with seniors Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, welcome desk openings, 373-3691.

Money Management Program, help low-income seniors with routine financial matters, Spectrum Generations, 12 Main St., Topsham, 729-0475.

Parkview Adventist Medical Center, gift shop needs volunteers, four-hour shifts mornings, afternoons and early evenings Monday through Friday, every other Sunday 1-4 p.m., will train, 373-4518 or visit the gift shop at 329 Maine St., Brunswick.

Pejepscot Historical Society needs volunteer tour guides for Skolfield-Whittier House and Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum and volunteer staff for Chamberlain Museum gift shop, 729-6606.

People Plus Center, ongoing opportunities, 6 Noble St., Brunswick, 729-0757.

Spectrum Generations has volunteer opportunities in program development, outreach, and reception at its new Community Center at 12 Main St., Topsham, FMI, Debbie, 729-0475.

Sexual Assault Support Services of Mid Coast Maine needs volunteers to provide support and information to callers on 24-hour hotline, 725-2181.

Dining Out

Saturday 4/24

Baked Bean & Casserole Supper, 4:30-6:30 p.m., $7 adults, $3.50 children, Bath Senior Center, 45 Floral St., Bath, information, 443-4937, between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Community Breakfast, 7:30­10 a.m., $6, Cundys Harbor Community Hall, sponsored by Cundys Harbor Library, 725-1461.

Gardens/Outdoors

Brunswick Winter Market, Maine farms and merchants, Saturdays 9 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., Fort Andross Mill, Maine St., Brunswick.

Saturday 4/24

Skillin’s Free Gardening Classes, “Container Gardening” 10 a.m.; and “Container Edibles” 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Skillin’s Greenhouse, 422 Bath Road, Brunswick, 442-8111.

Getting Smarter

Thursday 4/22

“Fishes and Loaves: A study of the covenent between land and sea,” program on sustainable local fisheries, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays, April 8-29, Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church, 84 Main St., Topsham, 729-3193.

Saturday 4/24

Pinhole camera workshop/demonstration to celebrate Worldwide Pinhole Day, by Portland Pinhole and Plastic Camera Group, 10 a.m., free, open to public, Morrell Meeting Room, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, curtislibrary.com, Johanna Moore, fairflyers@yahoo.com.

Monday 4/26
 
Parishioner Panel and Small Group Discussion, of Wayne Muller’s “Sabbath,” 7 p.m., free and open to all, St. Charles Borromeo Church, 132 McKeen St., Brunswick, All Saints Parish Read, 729-3522.

Thursday 4/29

“I Hate My Computer Night” computer assistance with librariam Samuel Schwartz, 6:30 p.m., Cundys Harbor Library, laptops welcome, FMI 725-1461.

Ongoing

ArtWorks, Creative Arts Night, 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Bath Recreation Center, 4 Sheridan Rd., Bath, $8; 443-8360.

Merrymeeting Regional Adult Education, various courses available, 35 Republic Ave., Topsham, 729-7323.

Sagadahoc History & Genealogy Room, focusing on communities in Sagadahoc County, Patten Free Library, 33 Summer St., Bath, 443-5141.

Spectrum Generations, Southern Midcoast Community Center, 12 Maine St., Topsham, call or visit for list of classes and events, southernmidcoast@spectrumgenerations.org, 729-0475.

University College at Bath/Brunswick hosts career and academic program information sessions, free, Mid-Coast Center for Higher Education, 9 Park St., Bath, schedule at 442-7736.

Wife of Bath hosts monthly day-long creative writing retreats, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., $25, Linden Tree Meeting House, Phippsburg Congregational Church UCC, 10 Church Lane, Phippsburg, month-by-month or pre-register, 751-2414, editor@wifeofbath.net, visit wifeofbath.net.

Health & Support

Self-Healing Empowerment Group, Wednesdays, 9-10:30 a.m., $15, come once or weekly, Spectrum Generations, Southern Midcoast Community Center, 12 Main St., Topsham, 729-0475.

De-Stress Your Body, Wednesdays, 9-10:30 a.m., $15 per session; come once or weekly, Spectrum Generations, Southern Midcoast Community Center, 12 Main St., Topsham, 729-0475.

Saturday 4/24

World T’ai Chi & Qigong Day, watch or join in global meditative movement, 10 a.m., free, open to public, Cleaveland Hall Quad, Bowdoin College, rain site, Buck Center #301,  Ken Ryan, 712-6264.

Wednesday 4/28

Grief Support Group Meetings for Pet Loss, all welcome, free, 6:30-8 p.m., 4/28, 5/12, 5/26, 6/9, 6/23, Hospice Volunteers Center, 45 Baribeau Dr., Brunswick, sponsored by Coastal Humane Society and  Hospice Volunteers, Pre-enrollment is required, call Lynn Ellis, 729-3602, coastalhumanesociety.org.

Thursday 4/29

“Cat’itude – Unraveling the Mysteries of Cat Behavior,” talk by Debra Givin, DVM, Jo Jacques, & Karen Campbell, 6-7:45 p.m., free, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, to reserve a seat call 725-5051 ext. 12, hosted by Coastal Humane Society.

Ongoing

12 Step Recovery Program, Wednesdays 6 p.m., food, group meetings, contact Jeff Rogers, jeff4bath@yahoo.com, Compass Point Community Church, 119 Old Bath Rd.

Adoption Support Group for adult adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents and those whose lives are touched by adoption, monthly meetings, Mae’s Cafe, 160 Centre St., Bath, 443-9876.

Care Support Group, Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine and Mid Coast Hospital provide an education-based support group for survivors of sexual violence who are pregnant; participants may bring a support person, 373-6500 or 725-2181.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, Monday 7 p.m., Beth Israel Congregation, 906 Washington St., Bath, 865-4076; Wednesday 7 a.m., UCC Church, 150 Congress St., Bath, 837-8164; Wednesday 7 p.m., Midcoast Presbyterian Church, 84 Main St., Topsham, 729-3861; Saturday 9 a.m., Midcoast Hospital, Brunswick, 865-1916.

Group Sitting Meditation, 9 a.m.-noon Sundays, Shambhala Center, 19 Mason St., Brunswick, 729-7402.

Mid Coast Chronic Pain Support Group, open to people with chronic pain, their families and friends, first and third Monday, 6-7:30 p.m. Mid Coast Hospital, Brunswick, 725-7854.

Mid Coast Maine Center for Grief and Loss, hospice volunteers offer grief support programs for children, families and individuals, 45 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, 729-3602.

Overeaters Anonymous, Brunswick meetings: Monday 7:30 p.m., First Parish Church, 9 Cleaveland St.; and Thursday 7 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 27 Pleasant St.; Sunday 9 a.m., MidCoast Hospital, 123 Medical Center Drive.

Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine, support groups for survivors of sexual violence, includes sexual assault, sexual abuse as a child and sexual harassment, open to nonoffending parents and partners, 725-2181 to schedule a pre-group meeting.

Spectrum Generations, Southern Midcoast Community Center, 12 Maine St., Topsham, call or visit for list of classes and events, southernmidcoast@spectrumgenerations.org, 729-0475.

Survivors of Suicide, support group, first Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Elijah Kellogg Congregational Church, 917 Harpswell Neck Road, Harpswell, 833-6386.

TOPS (Take Off the Pounds Sensibly) Thursday weigh-in 6:10-6:40 p.m., meeting follows, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Maine Street, Brunswick, 375-4749.

Weight Watchers, every Monday, noon, McLellan Building, Multipurpose Room, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, 725-3265.

Women’s Circle, for women who want support for a controlling or abusive relationship, free and confidential, hosted by Mid Coast Outreach Office of Family Crisis Services, 721-0199.

Just for Seniors

Ongoing

Bath Area Senior Citizens, bridge club, cribbage, crafts, line dancing, bocce, bingo and more, 45 Floral St., Bath, 443-4937.

Meals on Wheels, delivery available for homebound seniors and disable adults, offered by Spectrum Generations, 12 Main St., Topsham, 729-0475.

Money Management Program, help low-income seniors with routine financial matters, Spectrum Generations, 12 Main St., Topsham, 729-0475.

People Plus Community Center, multipurpose facility provides recreational, social, informational, educational and personal services to persons 55+, 6 Noble St., Brunswick, 729-0757.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program seeks volunteers age 55 and over for various opportunities, 396-6521.

Spectrum Generations Coastal Community Center, support groups, lectures, socials, activities, 521 Main St., Damariscotta, for daily schedule, 563-1363 or spectrumgenerations.org.

Spectrum Generations Southern Midcoast Community Center now open for classes, activities, trips, health & wellness, 12 Main St., Topsham, FMI, 729-0475, or datwood@spectrumgenerations.org.

Topsham Merry Meeters Senior Citizens, all ages 50 and over welcome, bring a dish to share for potluck meal, noon, Westrum House, Union Park Road, Topsham; 729-7686 or 725-2425; meets third Tuesday except July and August.

Kids and Family Stuff

Ongoing

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bath/Brunswick is accepting applications for “Littles,” girls ages 6-14 that live in single parent homes to participate in “The Big and Little” program, a mentoring program that matches a child with an adult community mentor (Big Sister) in a one-on-one friendship. There are Big Sisters currently waiting to be matched with Littles. Please Contact Aurora Joseph, Match Support Specialist, 729-7736 or community@bbbsbathbrun.org to enroll your daughter.

Morning Storytelling, songs, stories from around the world with Janice O’Rourke, for ages 6 and under, Frontier Cafe, Cinema & Gallery, Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick, 725-5222 or explorefrontier.com.