Greater Portland

Benefits

Bottle Drive, to benefit Kenny Sweet bowling tournament, drop off at Papa’s Place, 1706 Forest Ave., Portland.  

911 Cell Phone Drive for Seniors, sponsored by Comfort Keepers, to support seniors in need of access to emergency 911 services, drop off used cell phones at Comfort Keepers office from July 1-31, 152 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, donations are tax deductible, 885-9600. 

Saturday 8/8

The Backyard Locavore Tour, educational garden tour, demonstrations, talks and more, to raise funds for future location of U-Maine Cooperative Extension, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., $10 adult / $8 senior, children free, tours in Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Falmouth and Yarmouth, for tickets, map, 780-4213, umext.maine.edu/tidewater/gardentour.htm. Rain date Aug. 9.

Maine Roller Derby tournament to benefit The Vera Foundation for suicide prevention and awareness; $10 entry fee for at least 2 games, structure will be double elimination; bring food/refreshments, grills provided, SoNu water for participants donated, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Payson Park, Portland, www.theverafoundation.org, register at http://pscharitytourney09.eventbrite.com/ 

Sunday 8/9

Tri for a cure! Maine Women’s Triathlon – in support of the Maine Cancer Foundation, 10 a.m., Southern Maine Community College, South Portland, volunteer or support an athlete, mainetriforacure.org.

Tuesday 8/11

Fundraiser to benefit HART, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Romeo’s Pizza, Yarmouth Marketplace, Route 1, Yarmouth; 20% of all sales donated to The Homeless Animal Rescue Team, eat-in or take-out. 

Wednesday 8/12

Kotzschmar Kause Silent and Live Auction of unique experiences and items; beverages, hors d’oeuvres; admission $10/person, 5:30-8 p.m. Journey’s End Farm, Cape Elizabeth, www.foko.org.

Thursday 8/13

A Night of Laughs hosted by Chuck Igo to benefit Mad Horse Theater Company and their revitalization of the Hutchins School, 7:30 p.m., $10, Events on Broadway, South Portland, 699-5855 or Lease-a-Laugh 317-7884, madhorse.com

28th Annual MS Harborfest Weekend to benefit local Multiple Sclerosis chapter, 1-800-344-4867 or msmaine.org

Friday 8/14

28th Annual MS Harborfest Weekend to benefit local Multiple Sclerosis chapter, 1-800-344-4867 or msmaine.org

Saturday 8/15

28th Annual MS Harborfest Weekend to benefit local Multiple Sclerosis chapter, 1-800-344-4867 or msmaine.org

Sunday 8/16

28th Annual MS Harborfest Weekend to benefit local Multiple Sclerosis chapter, 1-800-344-4867 or msmaine.org

Bulletin Board

Wednesday 8/5

The Great Tax Shift and Creating Shared Prosperity, speaker Chuck Collins, author and senior scholar at the Instittue for Policy Studies, 7-8:30 p.m., Wishcamper Center, USM, free, open to the public, but please RSVP to dfelder@mecep.org, Deborah Felder 622-7381. 

Saturday 8/8

BattlefieldCon 2009 Gaming Convention, videogame tournaments, prizes, doors open 10 a.m. / tournaments begin at noon, fee $25/participant, $5 off in advance: battlefieldcon.com; Wyndham Hotel, 363 Maine Mall Road, South Portland, p_robishaw@battlefieldcon.com. 

The Hambletonian at Scarborough Downs – harness racing’s biggest event, live via simulcast from The Meadowlands, raffle to win a Hambo poster, live racing Post time: 4:30 p.m., free admission. 

Thursday 8/13

40th Annual Cumberland Arts & Crafts Show, Maine artisans, demonstrations, entertainment, free parking, food, rain or shine 8/13, 8/14, 8/15, 10 a.m. – 5p.m.; 8/16 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; $4 / children under 12 free, Sunday $2, Cumberland Fairgrounds, 197 Blanchard Rd., 621-2818, unitedmainecraftsmen.com.

200th Birthday Party, Bible Society of Maine, 6 pm, $35 dinner/entertainment, Keeley’s, 178 Warren Ave, Portland; send checks to Bible Society of Maine, 519 Congress St., Portland ME 04101, 772-8566. 

Friday 8/14

40th Annual Cumberland Arts & Crafts Show, Maine artisans, demonstrations, entertainment, free parking, food, rain or shine 8/13, 8/14, 8/15, 10 a.m. – 5p.m.; 8/16 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; $4 / children under 12 free, Sunday $2, Cumberland Fairgrounds, 197 Blanchard Rd., 621-2818, unitedmainecraftsmen.com  

Saturday 8/15

40th Annual Cumberland Arts & Crafts Show, Maine artisans, demonstrations, entertainment, free parking, food, rain or shine 8/13, 8/14, 8/15, 10 a.m. – 5p.m.; 8/16 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; $4 / children under 12 free, Sunday $2, Cumberland Fairgrounds, 197 Blanchard Rd., 621-2818, unitedmainecraftsmen.com  

KWENU Festival, 11th Anniversary Celebration Street Festival, live music, good food, crafts, kids’ activities, raffle prizes, 12-5 p.m. Brown Street; Museum of African Culture, 13 Brown St., 871-7188, africart@museumafricanculture.org, www.museumafricanculture.org 

Field of Flags Memorial with a Service of Memory and Prayers for Peace, 5 p.m., Chebeague Island United Methodist Church; Pastor Linda Brewster, 807-2210, ljbre@maine.rr.com  

Sunday 8/16

40th Annual Cumberland Arts & Crafts Show, Maine artisans, demonstrations, entertainment, free parking, food, rain or shine, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; $2 / children under 12 free, Cumberland Fairgrounds, 197 Blanchard Rd., 621-2818, unitedmainecraftsmen.com  

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

North Yarmouth Fun Day Volunteers Needed, for Sept. 12 event, help with games, parade, logistics, setup or cleanup crew, contact Darla Hamlin, darla@softtrac.com, 221-0340, www.NYMEevents.com or sign up at North Yarmouth Town Office. 

“Putting the Puzzle Together,” 4-part education series for people assisting older adult family and friends, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesdays 8/18, 8/25, 9/1, 9/8, hosted by Southern Maine Agency on Aging, 136 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, free, pre-registration required by Aug. 10, contact AnneMarie Catanzano, 396-6545. 

Volunteers needed to help launch Coastal Studies for Girls, 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. 

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; benefits can include living allowance, health care, training, career skills, Segal AmeriCorps Education Award; apply online AmeriCorps.gov; for information, Meredith Eaton 941-2800 ext. 207, meredithe@unitedwayem.org  

Tuesday 8/11

VolunteerMaine of United Way of Greater Portland will be hosting an administrative training for registered agencies on volunteermaine.org covering site navigation and utilization, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. United Way of Greater Portland, 400 Congress St. across from City Hall; to register: mpetrarca@unitedwaygp.org.  

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.

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.

The Center for Grieving Children needs volunteers to facilitate peer support groups for children and families dealing with a serious illness or grieving the death of a family member or friend, comprehensive 30-hour volunteer training provided, groups meet once a week throughout the school year; volunteer orientations held at 5:30 p.m. July 23; 12 p.m. Aug. 12; 5:30 p.m. Aug. 27, The Center for Grieving Children, 555 Forest Ave., Portland, call Valerie Jones, 775-5216, www.cgcmaine.org.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dining Out

Saturday 8/8

“Taking Root: Celebrating 2 years of Local Sprouts and the launching of our Community Supported Cafe,” local organic dinner 6:30 p.m., show 8p.m.; $10/dinner, $15/dinner & show, $8/show, advance tickets space538.org; SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland; Jonah Fertig 615-9970, food@localsproutscooperative.com; localsproutscooperative.com

Sunday 8/9

Sunday Sails Jazz Brunch, brunch and live jazz on historic windjammer, $55; 10 a.m. departure, 12:30 p.m. return; Laura Zimmerman, Portland Schooner Co., 766-2500, portlandschooner.com 

Friday 8/14

Community Soup Supper, family-style, free, 5-7 p.m., music, board games; tomato, spinach and basil soup, tossed salad, breads, desserts, beverages, 781-3366 or admin@smary.org 

Sunday 8/23

Sunday Sails Jazz Brunch, brunch and live jazz on historic windjammer, $55; 10 a.m. departure, 12:30 p.m. return; Laura Zimmerman, Portland Schooner Co., 766-2500, portlandschooner.com

Gardens & Outdoors

Cumberland Farmers Market, Falmouth Farmers Market, Wednesdays
12-4 p.m., Walmart parking lot, U.S. Route 1, Falmouth; Freeport
Farmers Market, Fridays, Town Office lot, Main Street, Freeport 2-6
p.m., 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Cumberland Farmers Market, 290 Tuttle Road,
Cumberland; Leslie Fitzgerald, market.gal09@gmail.com.

Guided Nature Programs, 2 p.m. daily through Labor Day, free with park admission, $3 Maine resident / $4.50 nonresident, $1 child, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolfes Neck Road, Freeport, 865-4465. 

Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, daily activities include self-guided and naturalist-guided canoe and kayak tours, nature walks, special programs for adults, children, and families, canoe and kayak daily rentals, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., daily through Labor Day, Pine Point Road, Scarborough, 883-5100, daily listings at www.maineaudubon.org. 

Friday 8/7

Nature Photography Opening/Exhibit by Douglas Hitchcox, 5:30-8:30 p.m., 6 p.m. photography “tips and tricks” talk, Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, 883-5100 or smac@maineaudubon.org, exhibit through 8/16. 

Saturday 8/8

Cruise Casco Bay with the Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust aboard the Marie L, 9:15 a.m. departure / 2:30 p.m. return, $30/person; Susan Burgess 846-4851; Portland North Land Trust Collaborative 699-2989; ccltmaine.org.

“Hidden Jewels of South Portland,” vehicle tour , 9-11 a.m., free and open to public, meet at Bug Light Park, sponsored by The South Portland Land Trust, 767-1269.

Snowy Egret Day, a day of fun activities for the whole family, 7 AM – 2 PM, for schedule contact the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center 883-5100 or smac@maineaudubon.org 

Saturday 8/15

The Peaks Island Military Trail, guided walking tour, Kim MacIsaac, 10 a.m., $20/person, limited to 30, by reservation only; two hour walking tour through the former Coastal Artillery base concludes with light refreshments at Battery Steele; 766-3330, Fifth Maine Regiment Museum, fifthmaine@juno.com. 

Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, two guided nature hikes, learn about the extensive natural environments that are part of this National Historic Landmark, fees, FMI 926-4597, www.shaker.lib.me.us, Leonard L. Brooks, 926-4597. 

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.  

Guided Nature Programs, 2 p.m. daily through Labor Day, free with park admission, $3 Maine resident / $4.50 nonresident, $1 child, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolfes Neck Road, Freeport, 865-4465. 

Hort Shorts & More education series, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, class listings and to register, 780-4205.

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.

True Tales Tours of Portland, historic downtown walking tour with Harlan Baker, 3:45 p.m. tours leave from Monument Square, Thursdays-Saturdays, rain or shine, 2 hours, $22; 712-0228 or www.harlanbaker.com.  

Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, daily activities include self-guided and naturalist-guided canoe and kayak tours, nature walks, special programs for adults, children, and families, canoe and kayak daily rentals, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., daily through Labor Day, Pine Point Road, Scarborough, 883-5100, daily listings at www.maineaudubon.org.  

Getting Smarter

Wednesday 8/5

Colonial Herbs: Old Fashioned Plants for Meate and Medicine,
10-noon, $8, tours extra ; Special Events at

Preserving the Harvest: Jams and Jellies and Herbal Vinegars,
demonstration,
1-3 p.m., $8, bring potholder, $10 supplies, tours extra, Tate House Museum, 1270 Westbrook St.,
Portland, 774 6177, www.tatehouse.org. 

“Understanding Timber Management: Evaluating the Fuller Farm Harvest,” 5:30 p.m., free and open to public, Fuller Farm property, Broadturn Road, Scarborough reservations, Marla Zando, 885-9677 or mkzando@maine.rr.com, hosted by The Scarborough Land Conservation Trust, www.scarboroughmaine.com/slct.

Sunday 8/9

Fabulous Fabric Sculptures, Artist Maggie Carle, workshop includes prep/drying time, 12-4 p.m., bring lunch/snacks, $40 fee includes all materials, Maine Fiber Arts Weekend, Long Island Community Center, pre-register www.maggiecarle.com 

Tuesday 8/11

Starting Your Own Business: Everything you need to know, workshop by Mel Stone, 6-9 p.m., nominal fee, SCORE Offices, 100 Middle St., Second Floor, East Tower, Portland; FMI/reservations, www.scoremaine.com, 772-1147. 

Wednesday 8/12

Scenes From Our Recent Past, illustrated talk by Kim MacIsaac, post-WWII changes through the photography of late resident Paul Whitney, 7:30 p.m., $5, children under 10 free, Fifth Maine Regiment Museum, 45 Seashore Ave, Peaks Island, 766-3330, fifthmaine@juno.com. 

The Role of Solar Energy in Maine’s Future, discussion by Matt Crawford, head of Solaris LLC, 9 a.m., SCORE Offices, 100 Middle St., Second Floor, East Tower, Portland; 772-1147 or chair@scoremaine.com. 

Saturday 8/15

Chair Caning Workshop, learn the 7-step method of caning a hand-woven chair, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Route 26, New Gloucester, $35, pre-registration required, Leonard Brooks, 926-4597, usshakers@aol.com.

Dovetailed Drawer Construction Workshop, Chris Becksvoort, master woodworker, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Route 26, New Gloucester, $35, pre-registration required, Leonard Brooks, 926-4597, usshakers@aol.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.

Preserving the Harvest, canning workshops hosted by University
of Maine Cooperative Extension, July through August, complete listings
at www.umext.maine.edu/foodpreservation/workshops.htm.   

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 8/5

Cancer Support & Networking Group for patients, survivors, family members and friends; come with or without the person diagnosed, 6-7:30 p.m., Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, 774-2200.

Thursday 8/6

Free Functional Fitness class for cancer patients, survivors, family members and friends; light cardio, strength training, stretching for all levels; come with or without the person diagnosed, 11 a.m.-12 noon, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St. South Portland, 774-2200.

Saturday 8/8

The Kids First Program for Stepparents, workshop designed to help stepparents and biological parents understand the difficulties experienced by each person in the new family, attend with or without your partner, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., $60/person, $100/two parents, Kids First Center, 222 St. John Street, Suite 101, Portland, register: 761-2709, www.kidsfirstcenter.org

Monday 8/10

Live2Thrive Dinner Club, dine at a local restaurant with other young adult cancer patients and survivors ages 21-45-ish, 7 p.m., no charge / pre-registration required, the Cancer Community Center, 774-2200. 

Free Tai Chi class for cancer patients, survivors, family members, friends; come with or without the person diagnosed, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, 774-2200.  

Nutrition classes, Naturopath Dr. Beth Stockwell; learn about food for weight loss, improving energy, healthy living; food preparation demos, food tasting, recipes; free / $10 donation to cover food cost, 5:30.p.m., Coastal Wellness Family Chiropractic, 300 Ocean House Road, Cape Elizabeth, 799-9355. 

Tuesday 8/11

Free Functional Fitness class for cancer patients, survivors, family members and friends; light cardio, strength training, stretching for all levels; come with or without the person diagnosed, 11 a.m.-12 noon, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St. South Portland, 774-2200.

Wednesday 8/12

Cancer Support & Networking Group for patients, survivors, family members and friends; come with or without the person diagnosed, 6-7:30 p.m., Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, 774-2200.

Thursday 8/13

Free Functional Fitness class for cancer patients, survivors, family members and friends; light cardio, strength training, stretching for all levels; come with or without the person diagnosed, 11 a.m.-12 noon, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St. South Portland, 774-2200.

Monday 8/17

Nutrition classes, Naturopath Dr. Beth Stockwell; learn about food for weight loss, improving energy, healthy living; food preparation demos, food tasting, recipes; free / $10 donation to cover food cost, 5:30.p.m., Coastal Wellness Family Chiropractic, 300 Ocean House Road, Cape Elizabeth, 799-9355.  

Ongoing

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

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, www.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, www.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.

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., www.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.

“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.

Just for Seniors

Sunday 8/9

3rd Annual Music Fest, David Stone on piano, Karen Mason Trio, the Old Time Jazz Band, free, open to the public, light refreshments served, 2 – 4 p.m., Bay Square at Yarmouth, 27 Forest Falls Drive, Mary Willson, 846-0044.

Tuesday 8/11

Memory, Aging and Alzheimer’s, Brown Bag Lunch and Learn for family members, professionals and persons living with mild cognitive impairment or the early stages of dementia, 12 – 1:30 p.m., bring a bag lunch, Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter, 170 Route One, Falmouth, 1-800-272-3900. 

Wednesday 8/12

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Discussion Group, 7-8:30 p.m., Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter, 170 US Route One, Falmouth, Kathryn Pears 772-0115.

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 Street, Yarmouth.

Kids and Family Stuff

Wednesday 8/5

Magic of the Steelgraves, children’s performance, 12 p.m., free, Royal River Park, Yarmouth, rain location, Harrison Middle School, Yarmouth, sponsored by Yarmouth Community Services, 846-2406.

Thursday 8/6

“Sir George and the Dragon,” The Saturday Show with Romper Rhythm Puppets, 11 a.m.-noon, $8 adult / $5 kids, St. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress St., Portland, 775-5568.

International Festival Family Fun Day, international foods, crafts, music, games, free, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Baxter Blvd, Portland, Greg Bodlovick 450-4613, Channary Prak 590-1147, whacinc@yahoo.com, www.whacinc.com. 

Friday 8/14

Family Movie Night at the YMCA, “Movie in the Pool,” a unique opportunity to float on inner tubes in the pool and watch “Finding Nemo,” $5/family, members free, 7 p.m., pre-registration required to reserve an inner-tube, 865-9600.  

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.

The Children’s Hour, family tour of the Longfellow House, 11 a.m.-noon, Mondays and Wednesdays July 6-Aug. 26, for children ages 5-12 with adult, $8 adult / $3 child, Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress St., Portland, 774-1822, www.mainehistory.org. 

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.

Family Nature Walk: Mummichogs and Marsh Muck, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Wednesdays, $5 member / $7 nonmember, Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, Pine Point Road, Scarborough, 883-5100.  

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. and Museum, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., seven days a week, children 3-12, $1; 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.

Mid Coast

Benefits

Friday 8/7

Perennial Sale, to benefit The Art Van Program, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., United Baptist Church, Elm St., Topsham, Miranda, 798-5540, www.artvanprogram.org.

Saturday 8/8

Crystal Spring Farm BBQ and Summer Celebration, with food, music, games, demonstrations and more, to benefit the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust, 1-4 p.m., $25 adult ticket includes food, ages 16 and under free, Crystal Spring Farm, 277 Pleasant Hill Road, Brunswick, tickets, Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust booth at the Saturday Farmers’ Market or 729-7694.

Country Fair and Lobster Roll Luncheon, Bailey Island Library Hall fundraiser, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., hosted by The Mingo Club Annual, Bailey Island Library Hall, Harpswell Islands Road, Zella Dewey, 833-2310.

Sunday 8/9

Art Gala, to benefit nonprofit Maine Art Gallery, 3 p.m., $75/ticket, ticketholders get artwork of their choice in lottery, Maine Art Gallery, 15 Warren St., Wiscasset, www.maineartgallery.org, 882-7511.

Wednesday 8/12

Bath Area Family YMCA 48th annual Summer Antiques Show, to benefit the Annual Scholarship Fund of the Bath Area Family YMCA; shop the great collection of antiques from 40 New England dealers, enjoy lunch, bid at the silent auction and learn more about the YMCA and its programs; $5; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Bath YMCA, 303 Centre Street; Polly Thibodeau 443-8983. 

Saturday 8/15

Chamberlain Barbeque 2009, in honor of the 146th anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg, to benefit restoration of the Joshua L. Chamberlain House Museum; baby back ribs, Texas beef brisket, chicken leg quarters, fire roasted beans, cole slaw, desserts, refreshments; 4-8 p.m.; 6 p.m. lecture “A Tale of Two Flags”; $50 individual / $75 couple, Joshua L. Chamberlain House, 226 Maine St, Brunswick; for information/tickets contact Pejepscot Historical Society 729-6606, briancollins@suscom-maine.net, www.community.curtislibrary.com/pejepscot.htm

Saturday 8/22

Shore Dinner Fundraiser to support the Fishing Families for Harpswell Community Scholarship; lobster, 1 lb. mussels, corn, potato, dessert $25; add a lobster $5; childrens’ menu: hot dog or hamburger, corn, chips or potato, dessert, $7; prepurchase tickets til 8/15 for $22; 4-8 p.m., Mitchell Field, Rte 123, Harpswell; Paul 833-7804 for more information; rain or shine under tent. 

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 8/5

Public Health Care Forum, Dike-Newell School, Bath, 7-9 p.m., Polly Shaw, Bath Democratic Committee, 443-6391.

Saturday 8/8

The Fifth Annual Peace Fair, music and art for children and adults, nonprofit exhibitions, conversation cafes and more, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Brunswick Mall, presented by PeaceWorks, Christine DeTroy, 729-0023 or Rosalie Paul, 371-2077.

Rabies Plus! Clinic, ear cleaning / nail trimming $5-$10 each, microchipping $25/pet, rabies vaccinations dogs/cats $10 each, bring previous rabies certificate; 9-11 a.m., all proceeds benefit animals at the Coastal Humane Society, 30 Range Rd, Brunswick 725-5051, www.coastalhumanesociety.org 

Sunday 8/9

Environmentalist Sally Bingham, priest and Canon for the Environment in the Diocese of California, will preach at 9 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Pleasant St., Brunswick; everyone welcome; St. Paul’s 725-5342.

Tuesday 8/11

Meet Dave Markovchick, Brunswick Community & Economic Development Director, brief introduction and open mic for the public, 7 p.m. Frontier Café Cinema & Gallery, 14 Maine St., Deb Atwood, 504-1918. 

Saturday 8/15

Third Annual Brunswick Outdoor Arts Festival, rain or shine, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., free, ample parking, Maine Street, downtown Brunswick. 

Saturday 8/22

Open House to meet the Jaynes; Steve Jaynes, teacher and author of “How to Read the Bible for Understanding and Power” invites the public to their new home, 12-9 p.m., refreshments, music, cookout 5 p.m., side dishes welcome, 1176 West Rd, Bowdoin; Steve 595-1577, Rosa 595-1584, directions on the fellowship page at www.howtoreadthebible.net 

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

Wednesday 8/5

Open Gardening Volunteer Opportunity, 5-7 p.m., Wednesdays throughout summer, L.O.C.A.L. Garden, corner of Lemont and High streets, Bath, Emily Dittmann, edittmann@rsu1.org.

Thursday 8/6

Thorne Head to Bath YMCA Trail, beginning work on the Thorne Head to Bath trail system, Sarah Gaffney 624-6092, sarah.gaffney@maine.gov. 

Friday 8/7

Thorne Head to Bath YMCA Trail, beginning work on the Thorne Head to Bath trail system, Sarah Gaffney 624-6092, sarah.gaffney@maine.gov. 

Tuesday 8/11

Thorne Head to Bath YMCA Trail, beginning work on the Thorne Head to Bath trail system, Sarah Gaffney 624-6092, sarah.gaffney@maine.gov. 

Wednesday 8/12

Thorne Head to Bath YMCA Trail, beginning work on the Thorne Head to Bath trail system, Sarah Gaffney 624-6092, sarah.gaffney@maine.gov. 

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 needs volunteers to help eliminate domestic violence when parents exchange their children for visitations, evenings at Mid Coast Hospital, 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, 837-4894.

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, 6 Noble St., Brunswick, 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, formerly Senior Spectrum, needs volunteers for Meals on Wheels delivery and AARPs

Money Management Program, 6 Noble St., Brunswick, 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

Wednesday 8/12

Topsham Garden Club, 12 noon lunch, 1 p.m. business meeting and speaker, new members/guests welcome, mainegardenclubs.org (select Medomak, then select Topsham), Carol 729-7225, Marie 729-1295.  

Saturday 8/15

The 1, 2, 3 of Bees, Christy Hemenway of Goldstar Honeybees, 9:30 a.m., L.O.C.A.L. Garden table at the Bath Farmers Market; L.O.C.A.L. Garden is an RSU 1 program to grow food with youth and community for schools and food banks, come by and see what all of the buzz is about! 380-9979.

Ongoing

The L.O.C.A.L. Garden Open Gardening each Wednesday 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., entire community invited to visit, help out, see what’s growing, docent-led tours 3-5 p.m. Monday-Friday weather permitting; The L.O.C.A.L. Garden is an RSU 1 program to grow food with youth and community for schools and food banks, corner of High and Lemont, Bath, 380-9979. 

Getting Smarter

Wednesday 8/5

Mammal Tracking: A Brown Bag Lunch Presentation; for adults, teens, 12:15-1:15 p.m., free, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, no registration, Cornerstones of Science, 725-5242, ext. 216, www.cornerstonesofscience.org.

Thursday 8/6

Forest Pests and Pathogens workshop on how to identify non-native pests, free, 5:30-6:45 p.m., Bath City Hall Auditorium, Alicia Heyburn, 442-8400, www.kennebecestuary.org 

Thursday 8/13

“Permaculture Design: Tools for Local Food Self Sufficiency,” discussion led by local permaculture practitioners Noah Wentworth, Lisa Fernandes and Ted Markow, 7 pm – 8:30 pm, free, open to the public, F.W. Horch Sustainable Goods & Supplies, 56 Maine St., Brunswick, 729-4050, www.FWHorch.com. 

Saturday 8/15

“Freelance Writing for Money” workshop by Sherry Hanson, freelance writer and poet, learn how to market short nonfiction writing, bring ideas/outlines/drafts; discuss research, how to write a query, more; 9 a.m. – noon, $50/person, limited to 20; 1 full scholarship sponsored by Just Write Books; Nancy’s Maine Choice, conference room, 14 Maine St., Brunswick, 729-3600, www.jstwrite.com/workshops.htm. 

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.

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.

Health & Support

Wednesday 8/5

Nurturing Parenting Workshop and Potluck, 5-7 p.m., free / child care provided, MMCA Bath, 34 Wing Farm Pkwy, Bath, Marie Arnold, register at 442-7963 ext. 213

Ongoing

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.

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, offered by Spectrum Generations, Brunswick Resource Center, 6 Noble St., Brunswick, 729-0475.

Merrymeeting Senior Citizens Club, potluck lunch and program, not affiliated with the church, meets third Tuesday of the month, United Baptist Church, 1 Elm St., Topsham, 725-7389.

Money Management Program, monthly budgeting help for low-income seniors, offered by Spectrum Generations, Brunswick Resource Center, 6 Noble St., Brunswick, 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.

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.

Story Hour at the Farmers’ Market, 11 a.m.-noon, Tuesdays through Aug. 25, Maine Street Gazebo, Brunswick, presented by Cornerstones of Science, Curtis Memorial Library, 725-5242, ext. 216.