Greater Portland

Benefits

“Operation Bookbag,” school supplies benefit drive, Aug.16-20, bring book bag donation or supplies, receive one free office visit, Upper Cervical Health Centers of America, 298 Main St., Yarmouth, 846-5100, uppercervicalcare.com.

Thursday 8/19

MS Harborfest Benefit Auction, 5-9 p.m., $20, Ocean Gateway, Commercial St., Portland, Sue Tidd, 781-7960, sue.tidd@nmss.org .

Friday 8/20

19th Annual Casco Bay Catch & Release Striper Tournament, to benefit Coastal Conservation Association of Maine and Maine Department of Marine Resources, for striped bass research and preservation, 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, Captain’s Reception, Royal River Grille House, Yarmouth; Saturday and Sunday tournament, $50 registration, $10 children’s tournament, register at royalriverstriper.com, Steve Arnold, 846-9050, steve@ybyboats.com.

MS Harborfest Benefit Events, Friday-Sunday; 10:30 a.m. Saturday MS Regatta, Portland Harbor; 8-10 a.m. Sunday Lobster Boat Race registration, $20; 10 a.m. race, Portland Yacht Services; 10 a.m. Shoreside Exhibition and Tug Boat display, Maine State Pier, Commercial Street, Portland; 1:30 p.m. Tug Boat Parade, Sue Tidd, 781-7960, sue.tidd@nmss.org, .

Saturday 8/21

Lobster Bake and Softball Game, to benefit Impact/ Pownal Elementary students, 3 p.m., $25, kids meals free, Pownal Elementary School, Elmwood Road, Pownal, tickets, call 688-4488 or 688-4212.

MS Harborfest Benefit Events, Friday-Sunday; 10:30 a.m. Saturday MS Regatta, Portland Harbor, and MS Powerboat Poker Run, DiMillo’s Marina; 8-10 a.m. Sunday Lobster Boat Race registration, $20; 10 a.m. race, Portland Yacht Services; 10 a.m. Shoreside Exhibition and Tug Boat display, Maine State Pier, Commercial Street, Portland; 1:30 p.m. Tug Boat Parade, Sue Tidd, 781-7960, sue.tidd@nmss.org.

Sunday 8/22

MS Harborfest Benefit Events, Friday-Sunday; 8-10 a.m. Sunday Lobster Boat Race registration, $20; 10 a.m. race, Portland Yacht Services; 10 a.m. Shoreside Exhibition and Tug Boat display, Maine State Pier, Commercial Street, Portland; 1:30 p.m. Tug Boat Parade, Sue Tidd, 781-7960, sue.tidd@nmss.org .

 Tuesday 8/24

“Scoops & Supplies,” bring donation of new school supplies for YI families, 4-6 p.m., ice cream social, raffles, Youth Alternatives Ingraham, 50 Lydia Lane, South Portland, Katie Howard, 523-5031.

Saturday 8/28

First Annual Kwenu Fundraising Party, 5-8 p.m., Museum of African Culture, Kimball Court Building, 13-15 Brown St., Portland, space limited, reservations required, museumafricanculture.org.

Benefit Concert/Celebration for the Phil James Family Emergency Fund, with Phil Nyokai James, Carl Dimow, Nathan Kolosko, Danielle Langord, Nicole Rabata, Mark Tipton and Marita Kennedy-Castro, 8 p.m., by donation, Trinity Episcopal Church, 580 Forest Ave., Portland, Carl Dimow, 615-1550.

“The Pigskin Panic,” fundraiser hosted by Yarmouth Football, 5-9 p.m., Winslow Field, free admission for games and bonfire; Pig Roast and Tailgate Dinner, $10 adults/ $5 students, advance tickets at Yarmouth Community Services and Bruce’s Burrito’s, or at the door; raindate Sunday Aug. 29, yarmouthfootball.com.

Sunday 8/29

Southern Maine Regional Chili Cook-Off, to benefit Meals on Wheels, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., admission $5 and 2 canned goods for donation to Good Shepherd Food Bank or $7, Scarborough Downs, 90 Payne Road, Scarborough, with family entertainment, raffles and more, advance tickets at 396-6534.

Bulletin Board

Thursday 8/19

Tri-Town Democratic Picnic, 5:30 p.m., 39 Victory Ave., South Portland, rain date Thursday, Aug. 26, hosted by The South Portland Democratic City Committee, with the Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth Democratic City Committees, Matt Beck, 232-1976 or sopodems@hotmail.com.

Friday 8/20  

Republican Candidates in the Park Event, 6:30-8 p.m., meet Republican candidates, open to all voters, Royal River Park, Yarmouth. 

Scarborough Summerfest, games, entertainment, food, fireworks, 4-9:15 p.m., free, grass fields behind Scarborough High School, Gorham Road, Scarborough, hosted by Scarborough Community Services, scarborough.me.us, 730-4150.

Saturday 8/21

Community Fun Day, Craft and Yard Sale, hosted by Mad Horse Theatre Company, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., The Hutchins School, 24 Mosher St., South Portland, rain date Sunday, Aug. 22.

Thursday 8/26

Skyline Farm Horseback Riders’ Reunion, 5 p.m., bring sandwich, memorabilia, Skyline Farm, 95 The Lane, North Yarmouth, Sheila Libby Alexander, 799-7614.

Veterans for Peace 25th Anniversary Convention, “Lifting the Fog of War: 25 Years of Working for Peace:” A Public Meeting, 7 p.m., $10 suggested donation, First Parish Meeting House UU Church, 425 Congress St., Portland, hosted by Maine Veterans for Peace, vfpmaine.org.

Saturday 8/28

Third Annual Picnic Music + Arts Festival, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., free and open to the public, Lincoln Park at Congress Street/ Franklin Arterial, Portland, picnicportland.com.

Maine Native American Summer Market & Demonstration, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., free admission/ parking, rain or shine, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Museum, U.S. Route 26, New Gloucester, 926-4597 or shaker.lib.me.us.

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.

Scarborough Lions Club Cribbage Night, 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays, free, open to public, Lions’ den, 273 Gorham Road, across from Sam’s Club, Scarborough, 650-3644.

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

AFS seeks host families in Falmouth for high school exchange students for the 2010-2011 school year, contact Betsy Nortrup at bnortrup@me.com,  1-800-876-2377 ext 131, or go to afsusa.org/hostfamily.

The Cumberland County Extension Association, supporting U-Maine Cooperative Extension educational programs in Cumberland County, seeks executive committee members, meet 7-9 p.m., third Wednesday of every month, information, Andrea Herr at 780-4205 or aherr@umext.maine.edu.

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 to 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.

Guiding Eyes Puppy Raisers Wanted, Guiding Eyes for the Blind needs volunteer puppy raisers in Yarmouth, Freeport, and Bath/Brunswick areas, keep puppy from age 8 weeks – 16 months, free training, support, Pat Webber, pwewbber@wildblue.net, 338-5520.

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.  

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.

Mercy Hospital in Yarmouth needs volunteers, contact Melissa Skahan, Manager of Mission Services, 879-3286 or skahanm@mercyme.com.

Recovery International, self-help group for nervous people, 10 a.m. Saturdays, Maine Medical Center Conference Center, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, free, all welcome, Diane, 892-9529.

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.

Dining Out

Saturday 8/21

Baked Bean Supper, 4:30-6 p.m., $7 adult/ $3 child, West Scarborough United Methodist Church, 2 Church St., and U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, 883-2814, wsumc.us.

Smorgasbord Supper, 5:30-6:30 p.m.,$7.50 adult/ $3 children under 10, Sabbathday Lake Grange, 370 Sabbathday Road, New Gloucester.

Saturday 8/28

Bean Supper, 5-6 p.m., adults $7, children 5-12 $3, under 5 free, West Falmouth Baptist Church, 18 Mountain Road, Falmouth, 797-4066.

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. 

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

Thursday 8/19

Flowering Trees, O’Donal’s Nursery Tree & Shrub class, 5-6 p.m., $12 per class, O’Donal’s Nursery, Yarmouth, odonalsnurseries.com, 839-4262.

Portland Observatory Museum Sunset Tours, 5-8 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 26; regular hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Columbus Day, portlandlandmarks.org.

Friday 8/20

“Capture the Flag in Deering Oaks Park” Discovery Trek Series, 5:30-6:30 p.m., meet at Castle at Deering Oaks Park, Portland, hosted by Portland Trails, 775-2411, trails.org.

Friday 8/27

L.L.Bean Hunting Expo, Aug. 27-29, hands-on activities, demos, clinics and more, free, llbean.com/stores or call 877-755-2326.

Ongoing

Cumberland Farmers Markets: Cumberland 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Mabel I Wilson School, Tuttle Road; Falmouth 12-4 p.m. Wednesdays, Walmart Shopping Center, U.S. Route 1; Yarmouth 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Town Hall Green, Main St.; Gray 2-6 p.m. Thursdays, Town Hall, Shaker Road, Gray; Freeport 3-7 p.m. Fridays, L.L.Bean Campus, Freeport.

New Gloucester Community Market, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Sundays, Amvet parking lot, across from Hodgman’s Frozen Custard, U.S. Route 100, New Gloucester, 926-5919, newgloucestergardens.com.

Scarborough Farmers Market, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 31, rain or shine, Lower Parking Lot behind Scarborough Town Hall and Scarborough High School.

Historic Walking Tours of Portland, “Old Port Walking Tours,” “Homes of Portland’s Golden Age,” $10 adult / $5 for Greater Portland Landmarks’ members, ages 16 and under free with an adult, for tour times, tickets, visit portlandlandmarks.org.

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. 

True Tales Tours, historical walking tours of Portland with Harlan Baker, meet at Tommy’s Park, corner of Exchange/Middle St., daily through Oct. 31, 10-11 a.m. Gorham’s Corner walking tour; 2-3 p.m. East End walking tour, $10, by reservation only, 712-0228 or hbaker2@maine.rr.com.

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

Wednesday 8/18

“The Land and Sea of Three Maine Women Photographers: The Real Photo Post Cards of Thurza Foss, Minnie Libby, and Josephine Townsend,” illustrated lecture by Earle G. Shettleworth Jr., noon, free to the public, Rines Auditorium, Portland Public Library.

Thursday 8/19

USM’s Prior Learning Assessment Session, public meeting to assess previous work and related experiences for academic credit, 5-7 p.m., free, Room 113, Wishcamper Center, 32 Bedford St., USM Portland campus, register at usm.maine.edu/non-degree/form/form.html.

Tuesday 8/24

Writing a Business Plan: Why you need one and when to revise it,” 6-9 p.m., small fee, SCORE Offices, 100 Middle St., East Tower, Portland, scoremaine.com, 772-1147.

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

Breath, Chi Gong, Tong Ren Therapy, 5:30-7 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 26, $16/class, Western Promenade Area, Portland, preregister, 775-7888.

Pi Gu Weight Loss Class, led by Nancy Grace Rosen, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 31, $10/class, Western Promenade Area, Portland, preregister at 775-7888.

Thursday 8/19

“Stress Management: An Educational Event,” alternative medicine presentations, demos and more, 6-7 p.m., $5 suggested donation, open to public, CTN conference room, 516 Congress St., Portland, sponsored by Turn the Tide Health Collaborative, Cynthia Bastarache, 874-9868 x208, turnthetidemaine.org.

Saturday 8/28

First Annual Home Healthcare Expo of Greater Portland, 10 a.m.-noon, free to the public, 20 local home healthcare providers, The Woods At Canco, 257 Canco Road, Portland, 772-4777.

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 St., 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 St., 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.

Support Group for Moms in Recovery from Alcohol/Drug Addiction, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays, ongoing, with free onsite childcare, The Salvation Army, Cumberland Ave, Portland, information, Amanda, City of Portland Public Health Division, Substance Abuse Prevention Program, 756-8053.

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.

Workaholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, ongoing, Dana Learning Center, Classroom 2, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St., WAPortlandME@gmail.com.

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

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 Breakfast Community Meals, hosted by Wayside Food Programs and the West End Neighborhood Association, 7-8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, free for seniors, must sign in, Reiche Community Center, 166 Brackett St., Portland, wenamaine.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

Wednesday 8/18

National Got Milk? Tour, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, children’s activities, free, Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, 142 Free St., Portland, whymilk.com.

South Portland Youth Cheering Registration/Informational Meeting, 6 p.m., for youth in grades K-8, Registrations: $60 K-3rd Grade; $110 4th-8th Grade, contact Lauren Tigerman at ltigerman3@gmail.com or 712-6652.

Thursday 8/19

National Got Milk? Tour, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, children’s activities, free,  Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, 142 Free St., Portland, whymilk.com.

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.

Scarborough Public Library Summer Story Times, Toddler Tuesdays 10:15-10:45 a.m. for ages 18 months – 3 years with an adult; Baby Tuesdays 11:15-11:45 a.m. up to 18 months old with an adult; Family Story Time 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays, for ages 3-7 with an adult, 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 8/21

“Ride for Strides,” proceeds benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, registration 9-10 a.m., start 10:15 a.m., $20/bike, $10/passenger, includes breakfast, lunch, raffles, more, Team Woody’s Performance Center, 70 Topsham Fair Mall Road, Topsham, information, 751-2941, email, rideforstrides@hotmail.com.

Fishing Families Shore Dinner, scholarship fundraiser, $25 lobster dinner, $8 additional lobster, $7 children’s plate with hotdog or hamburger, 4-8 p.m., rain or shine, Mitchell Field, Route 123, Harpswell, information or tickets, 833-6451.

Monday 8/23

“Fore Paws” Coastal Humane Society’s Golf Classic Fundraiser, Registration 7-8:15 a.m., $150 per player, Brunswick Golf Club, 165 River Road, Brunswick, register with Lisa Smith at 725-5051 x12, coastalhumanesociety.org.

Bulletin Board

Saturday 8/21

Brunswick Outdoor Arts Festival, rain or shine, over 70 artists, performers, more, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Town Green and Maine St., Brunswick.

Sunday 8/22

16th Annual Midcoast Auto Show sponsored by Bath Knights of Columbus and Bath Parks and Recreation Dept., registration 8-10 a.m., $10 car/ driver/ 1 passenger, show 10 a.m., judging 12 p.m., general admission, $3, Tainter/Kelley Field Congress Ave., Bath, 443-8360.

Monday 8/23

“Move to Amend: Don’t let Wall Street decide our elections,” talk by David Cobb, 7 p.m., free and open to public, Frontier Cafe, Brunswick, sponsored by PeaceWorks, WILPF and the Merrymeeting Greens, 371-2077.

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

Non-Profit Harbor Works Photography Gallery needs volunteers, open through October 3, flexible times available, Guy Saldanha, images@harborworksgallery.org, 729-9525, Harbor Works Gallery, 977C Cundy’s Harbor Road, Harpswell, harborworksgallery.org.

Step One Weatherization Program, Habitat for Humanity / 7 Rivers Maine, currently recruiting volunteers, for information or to volunteer, Ryan Collins, 386-5081, ryan@habitat7rivers.org.

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.

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, 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.

Gardens/Outdoors

Ongoing

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

Cathance River Educational Alliance, series for adults, “CREA Adult Class” 2nd Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. – noon, the Ecology Center, Cathance River Nature Preserve, Topsham; “Ecology Lecture Series,” last Tuesday each month, 6:30-8 p.m., Topsham Public Library; 12 participants, cost per class, $15 members / $20 non-members, register, creamaine.org, click on “Programs,” 798-1913 or e-mail cathanced@gwi.net.

Topsham Garden Club, 12 p.m. lunch, 1 p.m. speaker and business meeting; call Marie 729-1295 or Jane 721-8675 for location and membership info; new members/guests always welcome; mainegardenclubs.org (select GCFM Districts and Clubs, Medomak District, Topsham Garden Club), meets second Wednesday from March to December.

Getting Smarter

Wednesday 8/25

Brunswick Women’s History Walking Trail guided tour, 5-6 p.m., free to public, meet at Pejepscot Historical Society, 159 Park Row, Brunswick, 729-6606.

Ongoing

ArtWorks, Creative Arts Night, 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Bath Recreation Center, 4 Sheridan Road, 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.

“The Second Time Around” reading club for adults, Patten Free Library, meet alternate Wednesdays, 3-4:30 p.m., through Aug. 18, Leslie Mortimer, 443-5141 ext. 12.

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

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 Road.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Friday 8/27

The Children’s Hour at Frontier Cafe, “Water Fun,” for ages up to 6 with caregiver, 10-11 a.m., free, Frontier Cafe, Fort Andross, Mill 3, Maine Street, Brunswick, sponsored by Cornerstones of Science, cornerstonesofscience.org.

Ongoing

Story Hour at Farmers’ Market, songs, storybooks, games, more, Tuesdays, June 1 – August 31; 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., drop in, all ages welcome, Brunswick Farmers’ Market at the gazebo, Cornerstones of Science program, www.cornerstonesofscience.org

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.