Greater Portland

Benefits

Friday 12/15

Scandinavian Northern Lights Christmas Charity Event, 6-8 p.m., Portland Ocean Gateway, 14 Ocean Gateway Pier, walk-through art, live music, tickets $125, all proceeds benefit Cancer Community Center, www.eventbrite.com.

Sunday 12/31

Polar Bear Plunge and 5K, East End Beach, Portland, benefits Natural Resources Council of Maine, https://nrcm.salsalabs.org/dipdash/.

Books & Authors

Monday 12/18

“American Seafood: Heritage, Culture & Cookery from Sea to Shining Sea,” author talk with Barton Seaver, 6:30 p.m., Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Dr.

Sugar Plum Fairy Story Time and Dance Demonstration, 6:30 p.m., Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Dr., 865-3307, freeportlibrary.com. Free, families welcome.

Ongoing

Many Voices Teen Book Group, 2:30-3:30 p.m., third Saturday, Portland Public Library. Drop-in, see selection at portlandlibrary.com/highlight/love-bookgroups/.

Literary Lunch, Portland Public Library, noon, last Wednesday of the month.

Peaks Island Book Group, 129 Island Ave., 7-8 p.m. first Tuesday, 766-5540, portlandlibrary.com/highlight/love-bookgroups/.

Portland Public Library Book Group, 5 Monument Square, 5:30-6:30 p.m., third Tuesday,  871-1700 ext. 705, portlandlibrary.com/highlight/love-bookgroups/.

Reading Dog Program, 3-4 p.m., 1st & 3rd Mondays, Riverton Branch Library, 1600 Forest Ave. Portland; 3:30-5 p.m., first four Tuesdays, Portland Library, 5 Monument Square. For Riverton call 797-2915 or riverton@portlandpubliclibrary.org to register. For main branch call 871-1700, ext. 707 or childrens@portlandpubliclibrary.org.

Riverton Book Group, 1600 Forest Ave., Portland, second Thursday, 6:30-7:30 p.m., 797-2915, portlandlibrary.com/highlight/love-bookgroups/.

Writer’s Group, 2 p.m., 1st & 3rd Saturdays, South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway.

Reader’s Circle, 7 p.m., Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth, last Thursday; free and open to the public, registration not required.

Bulletin Board

Food for Fines, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Dr., fines forgiven in December with a donation to Community Services.

Portland Winter Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through April, Maine Girls Academy, 631 Stevens Ave.

Merrill Memorial Library Holiday Schedule, 215 Main St., Yarmouth: Saturday, Dec. 23, open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Monday, Dec. 25, closed; Saturday, Dec. 30, open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday, Jan. 1, closed.

Friday 12/15

Freeport Woman’s Club, 1 p.m., Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Dr., featuring Freeport High School Chorus. Silver bowl donations to benefit FCS Holiday Helpline, new members from greater Freeport welcome. 

Ongoing

Tri-Town Penguins Snowmobile Club (Durham, Freeport, Pownal) 7 p.m. last Tuesday through April, Durham Fire Station, 615 Hallowell Road, Durham. New members welcome, Duncan Daly, 865-6188, or Mike Yates, 233-6952.

Scarborough Garden Club, 12:30 p.m. third Thursday, Hillcrest Retirement Center, 108 Hillcrest Ave. New members welcome, www.scarboroughgardenclub.org.

Call for Volunteers

AARP Foundation Tax-Aid needs volunteers for the upcoming tax season to offer free tax filing help,  www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or Betsy Burpee at wand@tds.net.

Food Drive, Century 21 NS Group in Falmouth will pick up donations 1-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15. Call Chrysa at 653-6220 to sign up. Canned meat, veggies, and rice especially needed.

Project Grace in Scarborough needs volunteers to help over the holidays, 883-5111, http://conta.cc/2iioYe7.

Road To Recovery urgently needs drivers to transport cancer patients to treatment in Cumberland County. Must be 18 or older, with valid license, reliable vehicle, clean driving record and proof of insurance. Free training, American Cancer Society, 800-227-2345, or cancer.org.

Saturday 12/16

Red Cross Blood Drives, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Cabelas, 100 Cabelas Bvd., Scarborough; 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Yarmouth Fire and Rescue, 178 North Rd., redcrossblood.org, 1-800-RED CROSS. 

Wednesday 12/20

Red Cross Blood Drives, South Portland: 1-6 p.m., Congregation Bet Ha’am, 81 Westbrook St.; noon-6 p.m., Marriott Sable Oaks, 200 Sable Oaks Dr., redcrossblood.org, 1-800-RED CROSS.

Ongoing

Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, ongoing volunteer opportunities for caring people who can offer three to four hours per week, 383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, 772-0115.

American Red Cross needs volunteers in the disaster services, health and safety and administration departments, 874-1192, ext. 115.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine is looking for people who can positively impact children for a few hours each month, 773-5437, somebigs.org.

Cumberland Area Rides and Cumberland Aging in Place need volunteer drivers and companions to help local seniors. Interview, vetting and training required, contact Lisa Crowley at 829-3367, cumberlandrides@gmail.com.

Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions, adults 55 and older wanted to make a difference while earning extra money. Foster Grandparents help in schools, Senior Companions visit adult day programs or homes, 773-0202,  FGP@opportunityalliance.org.

HART Cat Shelter, 302 Range Road, Cumberland. Apply at hartofme.com or 829-4116. 

Hospice volunteers wanted to be part of the VNA Home Health Hospice team, bringing comfort to those facing a terminal illness. Contact Beth Simmons at 400-8852 or simmonsb@emhs.org.

Refugee and Immigration Services, a program of Catholic Charities Maine, has ongoing need for volunteers to assist refugees transitioning to the U.S., 881-8550.

The Opportunity Alliance has openings for foster grandparents and senior companions in Cumberland County. Stipend, mileage reimbursement, 773-0202, fgp@opportunityalliance.org.

Dining Out

Thursday 12/14

Holiday Luncheon featuring Greely High School Madrigals, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Congregational Church in Cumberland, 282 Main St. Bring a salad or side dish to share, public welcome. 

Saturday 12/16

Baked Ham Supper, 5-6:30 p.m., Masonic Lodge, Mallet Drive, Freeport. Includes mashed potatoes, assorted vegetables, homemade biscuits, $9/adults, $4.50/under 12.

Bean Supper, 5-6 p.m., Peoples United Methodist Church, 310 Broadway, South Portland. Baked beans, casseroles, pies.

Ongoing

Free Dinner, 5:30-6:30 p.m. every Thursday, St. Peters Episcopal Church, 678 Washington St., Portland, handicapped accessible, 878-1989.

Health

OmBody Meditation & Mindfulness for Busy People, 12:10-12:45 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 19, and Jan. 2-March 27, Think Tank Co-working, 533 Congress St., Portland, ombodyhealth.com/community-events. Free.

Ongoing

Heart Meditation, hosted by United Methodist communities of HopeGateWay, 6 p.m. Wednesdays, 509 Forest Ave., Portland, 899-2435, newlightportland.org. Free.

Fit to Dance, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, 774-2200. Free.

Mammograms/pap tests available at no cost for women 40-64 through Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program, 874-8942 or 800-350-5180.

Restorative yoga, drop-in class 9-10:15 a.m. every Thursday, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, 774-2200. Free.

Tai Chi, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursdays, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, 774-2200. Free.

Just for Kids

Ongoing

Baby Singalong, 4 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. Fridays & Saturdays; Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m. Mondays; Infant/Toddler Story Time Tuesday 10 and 10:15 a.m. Pre-School Storytime, 10:30 a.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. Thursdays, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road, 781-2351.

Fun & Games, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road: Pokemon & More, 3:30-4:15 p.m. Fridays; Magic Matches! 2:30-4:30 p.m. Saturdays; Lego Club, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Saturdays.

Board Game Café, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. first Saturday, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Drive, try new and upcoming games. 

Crafting Stories with Ali, 10-11 a.m. Thursdays, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Drive, books share a theme, followed by an art project geared to ages 3-5.

Lisa’s Songs and Stories, 10:30-11 a.m. first Saturday, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Drive, designed for infants and preschoolers. Free to the public; adult supervision required.

Lego Club, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Drive, 3:30-4:30 p.m. first Wednesday through April. Open play, all Legos provided for children age 5-11, must be accompanied by an adult.

Preschool Story Time with Gunta, 11-11:30 a.m. weekly except first Tuesday, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Drive. 

Yoga for Kids, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Drive, 10:30 a.m. first Tuesday.

Family Story Play Yoga, 11-11:45 a.m., third Saturday, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square.

Homeschoolers Book Club, ages 9-12, 10:30-11:30 a.m., third Thursday October-June, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square. 

Smart Girls Read, ages 9-12, 2:30-3:30 p.m. first Saturday through June, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square. 

Songs & Stories en Français, 10:30-11 a.m. Mondays, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square. Weekly storytime in French.  

Teen Writing Crew, 1:30-2:30 p.m., second Saturday, plus 4:30-5:30 p.m. an additional Tuesday, S. Donald Sussman Teen Library at Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square.

Baby Builders, 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway. Duplos, free play and socializing for newborns to age 4.

Flash Story Time, 2-4 p.m. Sunday, stories and songs, South Portland Memorial Branch, 155 Westcott Road. 

Letter Zoo, stories and songs for ages 3-5, Fridays at 10:30 a.m., South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway.

Baby Bounces and Books, 10:15-10:35 a.m., Fridays; Tales and Tunes, preschool story hour 10:15-11 a.m. and 2-2:45 p.m. Thursdays; Tales for Twos, 11-11:30 a.m. Fridays, Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth.

Tail Waggin’ Tales, reading program with therapy dogs every Tuesday at Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth. Email mbatson@yarmouthlibrary.org to sign up.

Support

Wednesday 12/20

Mornings with Friends, 10 a.m., Tuttle Road United Methodist Church, 52 Tuttle Road, Cumberland, senior social group meeting with holiday music, cookies and a craft. Free and open to the public.

Thursday 12/21

Ecumenical Blue Christmas Service, 6:30 p.m., hosted by Bath area churches for those seeking healing and hope during the holidays. Hosted by the Bath United Methodist Church, 340 Oak Grove Ave., www.bathumc.org, 443-4707.

Ongoing

Aging in Place Friendly Visitor program for those 60+ in Cumberland offers weekly visits by a trained volunteer who will provide companionship based on mutual interests. To apply or refer someone: AIP@cumberlandmaine.com, 245-8033.

Alzheimer’s Support Group, 6-7 p.m., second Wednesday, Sedgewood Commons 22 Northbrook Dr., Falmouth, Patricia.Burke@genesishcc.com.

Brain Aneurysm Support Group, 6-7:30 p.m., last Thursday, Room 9, Dana Health Education Center at Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St. Portland, http://kat-walk.org/support.html.

Cancer Community Center, wellness classes, complementary therapies, nutritional counseling, CancerCommunityCenter.org,  774-2200.

Cancer Support Group, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, 774-2200. For adults affected by cancer, their families and friends.

Center for Autism and Related Disorders Portland, support group for caregivers of those with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, 6 p.m., second Tuesday of the month, Easter Seals Maine, 25 Presumpscot St., Portland. For more, contact Lindsay Payeur at 573-7424.

CODA: Co-Dependents Anonymous meets every Friday 12:30-1:30 p.m., St. Dominic’s Church, Mellen St., Portland, call Elizabeth at 799-4599.

Compassus Hospice Grief Support Group, third Wednesday, 3 p.m., Compassus, 23 Spring St., Suite C, Scarborough, 761-6967, compassushealthcare. com.

Families of people with dementia support group 4-5 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, St. Joseph’s Rehab and Residence, 1133 Washington Ave., Portland.

Family Crisis Services, local domestic violence resource center serving Cumberland County with legal help, shelter and support. For information about support groups held in Brunswick, Bridgton or Portland call 721-0199; 24-hour hotline 800-537-6066. 

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, free 12-step program. Tuesday, 9 a.m., St. Maximilian Church 167 Black Point Road, Scarborough, Kimberly, 899-6588; Wednesday, 7 p.m., First Congregational Church, 167 Black Point Road, Scarborough, Roberta, 839-6452; Thursday, 9 a.m., First Parish Congregational UCC, 40 Main St., Freeport, Sandi, 838-8991. Visit foodaddicts.org or call contact to confirm meeting.

Free Ride Service by Living Well in North Yarmouth Committee, call Ginny Vandyke at 829-3848.

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 Group/Attitudinal Healing, 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Maine Medical Center, Dana Center classroom #1; Portland Recovery Community Center, 468 Forest Ave. Portland, Thursdays 5:30-7:30 p.m., Contact Liz, 727-420-2964. 

Kids First, workshops and support groups for families going through divorce, Kids First Center, 222 St. John. St., Suite 101, Portland, 761-2709, info@kidsfirstcenter.org, kidsfirstcenter.org.

LaLeche League, every Wednesday, 9 a.m., Woodfords Congregational Church, 202 Woodford St., Portland, 767-0920.

Leukemia Society Family Support group, third Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m., 778 Maine St., South Portland, 774-2200.

Living with Cancer, 10-11:30 a.m., fourth Thursday, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, for patients and families coping with any kind of cancer at any point in their journey.

Look Good … Feel Better with the American Cancer Society, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, help with wigs, makeup, self-esteem, cancercommunitycenter.org. Free.

Maine Buddy Program provides one-to-one, peer support from trained volunteers for adults dealing with cancer, CancerCommunityCenter.org,  774-2200.

Mended Hearts Cardiac Support Group, Maine Medical Center Learning Resource Center, 100 WEST Campus Drive, Scarborough. Survivors available from diagnosis, during and after hospital stays; visits can be in person, by phone or email, 523-0883 or robynshaw13@icloud.com.

Mental Illness Family Support Group, 6:30-8 p.m., second, third and fourth Mondays of the month, Dana Center, 22 Bramhall St., classroom #2, Portland. NAMI Portland. FMI call Mike, 703-966-8875.

Mornings with Friends, for senior socialization and entertainment, 10-11:30 a.m., third Wednesday. Location alternates between Congregational Church of Cumberland at 282 Main St. and the United Methodist Church at 52 Tuttle Road, 829-3318 or sgold@cumberlandmaine.com.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 10 a.m. third Wednesday, Handy’s, 367 Main St., Yarmouth, drop-in, zenhead@gmail.com.

Overeaters Anonymous/Portland, Sunday, 7 p.m., Brighton Medical Center, 335 Brighton Ave.; Tuesday and Friday, 6 p.m., Woodfords Congregational Church, 202 Woodford St.; Saturdays, 9:30 and 10 a.m., Wishcamper Center at USM, 44 Bedford St., oamaine.org.

PFLAG Support Group, 7-8:30 p.m., second Tuesday, Equality Community Center, 511 Congress St., Portland, (new location), 831-3015, pflagportlandmaine.org.

South Portland Food Cupboard, 130 Thadeus St., Thursday 8:30-11:30 a.m., for residents of South Portland, Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, and surrounding communities, 874-0379, southportlandfoodcupboard.org.

Speaking Up for Us of Maine, Portland chapter of statewide, self-advocacy organization for those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, 10:30 a.m.-noon, second & fourth Tuesday, Port Credit Union, 285 Forest Ave., Portland, sufumaine.org.

Tea and Talk, 9:30-11 a.m., residents meet second Thursday of the month at Cumberland Town Hall, 290 Tuttle Road, 829-2208 or cstennett@cumberlandmaine.com.

Tender Living Care, for families facing serious illness, every Monday at The Center for Grieving Children, 555 Forest Ave., Portland, 775-5216 or cgc@cgcmaine.org.

The Center for Grieving Children, free bereavement peer support groups for children ages 3-18, their parents and caregivers, young adults, bereaved parents and widow/widowers/partners, 555 Forest Ave., Portland, 775-5216, cgc@cgcmaine.org.

Together With Alzheimer’s, drop-in support group for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s/dementia, 7 p.m. every Wednesday, Sacred Heart Parish Center, Conference Room, 232 Main St. Yarmouth, ezine@catherinegentile.com.

TOPS Club, weight-loss support group chapter, Thursday, 5:15 p.m. weigh-in and meeting, Maine Medical Center, Dana Center, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, 662-2776.

Unemployed Professional Group, 8:30 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, Greater Portland Career Center, 151 Jetport Blvd. Open to the public, registration not required.

Young Widows and Widowers Group open to people age 50 or younger meets twice a month Friday evenings at The Center for Grieving Children, Portland. Call Sara Asch at 775-5216 to register.

Yarmouth Cares About Neighbors, connects resources such as clothing, heating assistance, food and rides to people in need, https://ycan.info/.

Workshops/Walks/Talks

Maine Master Naturalist Program, accepting applications until Jan. 2 for year-long course at Maine Audubon in Falmouth starting in April. Volunteers teach natural history at parks, conservation organizations, land trusts, and schools, www.mainemasternaturalist.org.

Master Gardener Training, Feb. 2 in Falmouth over 16 consecutive Friday afternoons. Cumberland County residents only apply at 781-6099, umaine.edu/cumberland/programs/mg_app_cumb/ by Dec. 29. 

Thursday 12/14

Lantern Tours at the Portland Observatory, 5:30-7:30 p.m. every half hour, Portland Observatory, 138 Congress St., Portland, $5, first come, first served.

Thursday 12/21

“Lunch Bytes: Business Data mini-workshop,” noon-1 p.m., Portland Public Library Meeting Room No. 3, 5 Monument Square. Free, registration required at http://bit.ly/2nzQdpo.

Ongoing

Durham Paint Night, 6:30 p.m. monthly, Amvets Ladies Auxiliary, 1049 Royalsborough Road. Details/register through Facebook Page or contact Erica Burke, 353-3272.

Maine Genealogical Society, Greater Portland Chapter, 12:30 p.m. first Saturday, First Congregational Church, 301 Cottage Road, South Portland. Free, guests welcome, 409-6205.

Computer Tutoring sessions, Portland Public Library, Tuesdays and Fridays, 5 Monument Square, call 871-1700, ext. 708 to register for a half-hour session.

Essentials of College Planning for Adults, 10 a.m. Tuesdays by appointment, Greater Portland Career Center, 151 Jetport Blvd., Portland. Register with Randi Paine at 800-281-3703.

Maine Job Seekers: free classes about employment, services and programs, Maine Department of Labor, 151 Jetport Blvd., Portland, mainecareercenter.com, 822-3300.

Scarborough Kiwanis, noon-1 p.m., every Friday, The Egg & I, 183 US Route One, Scarborough, public welcome. 

Artsy Afternoon, free crafting program for adults, 1-3 p.m. last Saturday, South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway, preregistration required. 

Socrates Cafe, 6:30 p.m. fourth Thursdays, South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway. Ordinary people discuss “big questions.”

Spanish Group, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway, all levels welcome. 

Technology Tutoring, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, one-on-one computer help in reserved half hour sessions 2-4 p.m. Tuesdays; 4:30-6 p.m. Wednesdays; 12:30-2 p.m. Fridays. 

Mid-Coast

Benefits

Monday 1/1

“Freezin’ For A Reason,” 30th annual Special Olympics Maine Lobster Dip, donations can be made at Bath resident Sawyer Bouelette’s Lobster Dip Fundraising Page at www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/MelissaBoulette/lobster-dip-2018.

Books/Authors

Wed. 12/20

Chef Barton Seaver, 6 p.m., Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, author of “American Seafood: Heritage, Culture & Cookery from Sea to Shining Sea,” hosted by Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association and the Merrymeeting Food Council.

Ongoing

Book Look, 11 a.m. first Tuesday through May, The Highlands, 30 Governor’s Way, Topsham. Fiction and nonfiction chosen by participants. All welcome, contact Susan at Topsham Library, email director@topshamlibrary.org.

Men’s Book Group, 4 p.m., third Thursday through May, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road. For details email emma@topshamlibrary.org.

Mystery Readers Roundtable,  3 p.m., second Tuesday through May, fans of the mystery genre gather over hot drinks and share their favorite crime novels at Topsham Public Library. For more, contact Linda at 725-1727, tplinfo@topshamlibrary.org.

Rare Reads, 6 p.m., third Tuesday through May, discuss unusual and interesting literature, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road. Can’t make it? Join the discussion on topshamlibrary.org/rare-reads/. Registration not required.

Reading Between the Panels, 6 p.m., fourth Tuesday through May, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, graphic novel discussion, call Dale at 725-1727.

Tea With Harriet, monthly tea and conversation about Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1-2:30 p.m., third Thursday, 63 Federal St., Brunswick.

Great Books, 10 a.m.-noon, fourth Saturday, The Great Books Foundation Short Story Omnibus purchased from Great Books Foundation. Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, Topsham, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Bulletin Board

Ongoing

Senior Bingo, 6:30 p.m., second and fourth Wednesday, Bath Area Senior Center, 45 Floral St., age 16+.

Community Spay-Neuter Clinic of Topsham, free neuter and rabies shots for feral, stray and barn cats. Free transportation and trapping available in parts of Androscoggin, Kennebec, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Oxford counties, 721-8395.

Sip & Stitch, knitting and crocheting, 10 a.m.-noon first and third Saturdays, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, Topsham, 725-1727.

American Cancer Society, volunteers needed in the Topsham office, Road To Recovery program, Look Good Feel Better program, Relay For Life events and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks, see cancer.org/involved/volunteer.html, or contact Danielle Blais at Danielle.blais@cancer.org or 373-3700, ext. 3720.

Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, Brunswick area, training provided, 777-7740, AHCH.org.

ArtVan Program to help with art therapy programming with children and teens, promotional support and fundraising efforts. Contact 650-1608 or visit artvanprogram.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters, 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.

Chocolate Church Arts Center, volunteers for the art gallery and more, 804 Washington St., Bath, 442-8455.

Friends of Merrymeeting Bay seeks volunteers interested in preserving the bay to assist with speaker series, assemble mailings and more, 666-1118, fomb.org.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore, needed donations include appliances, complete kitchen cabinet sets, and furniture in good condition, call 504-9341, drop off at 126 Main St., Topsham, Tuesday- Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Mid Coast Hospital, looking for people to work in the cafe, gift shop, or greeting patients, 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, 373-6015.

People Plus Center, ongoing opportunities, 35 Union St., Brunswick, 729-0757.

Red Cross Blood Drives, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment.

Refugee and Immigration Services, a program of Catholic Charities Maine, has ongoing needs for committed residents who will help new Mainers find employment. FMI, Paul Mullaney, pmullaney@ccmaine.org.

Sexual Assault Support Services of Mid Coast Maine will train volunteers to provide support and information to callers on 24-hour hotline, 725-2181, 594-8580 or 338-4622, clientservices@sassmm.org.

SEARCH Program of Greater Bath, assist seniors by providing companionship, transportation, assistance with errands, 837-8810, cszalay@ccmaine.org.

Contradance, second Saturdays, Topsham Grange, 47 Pleasant St. Family dance 6-7 p.m., $3, $12/family. Finger food potluck, 7 p.m.; lesson for main dance, 7:30 p.m.; main dance, 8 p.m. $10 adults/$7 seniors & students. http://contradancetopsham.wordpress.com.

Dining Out

Sunday 12/17

Breakfast Buffet, 7:30-9:30 a.m., Columbian Club Hall, 807 Middle St., Bath. Eggs to order, breakfast meats, pancakes & French toast, home fries, biscuits & gravy, adults/$7, under 12/$3.

Health

Ongoing

American Red Cross Disaster Action Team provides free, basic classes in delivering assistance in emergency situations, weekday evenings, 16 Community Way, Topsham, 729-6779, 563-3299, MidCoastRedCross.net.

Blood pressure clinic, Wednesdays 10 a.m.-noon, free, walk-ins welcome, Mid Coast Hospital Community Resource Room, 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, Jessica Loney R.N., 373-6592, jloney@midcoasthealth.com.

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

Diabetic foot clinic, first Thursday of the month, Jeanne Otis R.N., $30/visit, package deals available. Call for appointment, 729-0475, Southern Midcoast Community Center.

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

Maine Laughter Yoga Club, reduce stress with playful exercises and yogic breathing, 5:30-6:30 p.m. first Fridays, Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Suite 314, Brunswick, 443-3721.

Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy and Meditation, 5:30 p.m. every Monday, First Parish Church, 9 Cleaveland St., Brunswick. Explore meditation in the Buddhist tradition, suitable for both beginners and advanced students. Suggested donation $10, but all welcome.

TOPS (Take Off the Pounds Sensibly), weight loss support group, 6:10 p.m. weigh-in and meeting, Thursdays, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 330 Maine St., Brunswick, 729-6400.

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

Just for Kids

Saturday 12/16 

Teen Drop-In Gift Making, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Rd., 10 a.m.-2 p.m., ages 11-18 only.

Saturday 12/23

Kids Drop-In Gift Making, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Rd., easy, simple project materials will be set out for children ages 6 and up.

Ongoing

Baby & Me, 10 a.m. Thursdays for 15-20 minutes with songs, action rhymes, and board books for birth to 23 months, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, Topsham, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Music & Rhyme Time for Twos, 10:30 a.m. Thursdays for 20-30 minutes with music, dance and action rhymes, for 2-year-olds and their grown-ups, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, Topsham, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Preschool Storytime, 10 a.m. Wednesdays for 30-45 minutes, with songs, dance, instruments, action rhymes for ages 3-5, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, Topsham, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Tween Reads, 5 p.m. first Wednesday through May, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, grades 6-8, registration required, 725,1727.

Young Critics, 5 p.m. third Thursdays, October-May, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, grades 4 & 5, register at 725-1727.

Support

Ongoing 

Adult Grief Support Groups: 6:30-8 p.m., 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 
CHANS Home Health & Hospice, 45 Baribeau Dr., Brunswick; 2-3 p.m. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, The Highlands, Cadigan Lodge, 54 Governors Way, Topsham. To register, call Andy Sokoloff at 721-1357. 

All Addictions Anonymous Big Book Step Study group, 5:30-7 p.m., Mondays, Brunswick Adventist Church, 333 Maine St. Members of any 12-step group welcome, 400-6320.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, Mondays, 9 a.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 27 Pleasant St., Brunswick, 837-3581; Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Topsham Medical Building, 4 Horton Place, 528-5550; Fridays, 6 p.m., Bath Police Dept., 250 Water St., Bath 442-7557; Saturdays, 9 a.m., Mid Coast Hospital (Medical Offices Building) 121 Medical Center Drive, 865-9160.

Grief Support Group, for survivors of those who have died from substance abuse, first and third Thursdays, 3:30-5 p.m., CHANS Home Health Care and Hospice, 45 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, 721-1357.

H.O.P.E. (Healing of Persons Exceptional) wellness support group, 6:30-8:30 p.m., St. Matthew Episcopal Church, 20 Union St., Hallowell, second and fourth Wednesdays,  890-3673.

Mid Coast Senior Health Center, for caregivers of those with memory loss, 4-5 p.m., third Thursday, 58 Baribeau Dr., Brunswick.

MidCoast Chronic Pain Support Group, open to people with chronic pain, their families and friends, first and third Mondays, 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.

Moving On discussion group, 10 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, for surviving spouses of retirement age on how to build a new life, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Multiple Sclerosis Society, coffee and conversation group, first Tuesday 10:30 a.m.-noon, Handy’s Market, 367 Main St., Yarmouth, cafandconyar@gmail.com.

Overeaters Anonymous, Tuesdays, noon, St. Mary’s Church, 144 Lincoln Street, Bath, 729 3149; Thursdays, 7 p.m., St.Paul’s Episcopal Church, 27 Pleasant St., Brunswick, 386 1740.

Pet Loss Support Group, third Thursday, 3:30-5 p.m., CHANS Home Health & Hospice, 45 Baribeau Dr., Brunswick. Open to anyone grieving the terminal illness or death of a companion animal. To register, call Andy Sokoloff at 721-1357.

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.

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

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) weigh-in 6-6:40 p.m. every Thursday, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 330 Maine St., Brunswick, 729-6400.

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.

Veteran to Veteran support group with Operation Resilient Hope, 6-8 p.m., Thursdays, 2 Main St., Topsham, 319-5996, OperationResilientHope.org.

WIC Program, free nutritional service for income-eligible families. Provides food, formula, breastfeeding support, nutrition education and referrals for pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum women and children up to age 5. Mid-Coast residents can call Maine Community Action at 800-221-2221 and ask for WIC.

Women with Cancer Support Group is open to women diagnosed with any type of cancer at any age, meets third Tuesdays, 3 p.m., board room of MidCoast Hospital, 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, 373-6540.

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

Workshops/Walks/Talks

“Explore Tech: Engineers Make a World of Difference,” hands-on multimedia traveling exhibit, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick. Shows how engineering provides solutions and develops sustainable innovations, through Dec. 29.

Ongoing

AARP Coffee & Conversation, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. third Wednesday, New Beet Market, 25 Burbank Ave., Brunswick, all welcome. 

Brunswick Toastmasters Club, 6:30-8 p.m. first & third Tuesdays, 8 Venture Ave., visitors welcome, 241-2294, https://2156.toastmastersclubs.org.

Cathance River Education Alliance Ecology Center Open House, Topsham, noon to 2 p.m. each Sunday. For directions see creamaine.org or email crea@creamaine.org.

Computer Boot Camp, by appointment daily 8:30-9:30 a.m., 3:30-4:30 p.m., Southern Midcoast CareerCenter, 275 Bath Road, Brunswick, mainecareercenter.com, 621-5009.

First Light Camera Club, meets monthly 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Topsham Medical Building, 4 Horton Place, fee charged, www.firstlightcc.com, info@firstlightcc.com, 729-6607.

Midcoast Senior College, current events forum, noon, Thursdays, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, 725-4900.

New Ventures Maine, programs for career, business and financial education. Classes and workshops at no charge, in-person and online options. 386-1664, newventuresmaine.org.

Rain or Shine Club, free weekly family-friendly walks Thursdays at 10 a.m., guided by Royal River Conservation Trust, 215-8315.

Smart investing@your library workshops, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick; list at curtismoney.com.

Southern Midcoast CareerCenter, 275 Bath Road, Brunswick, career counseling, classes, support, mainecareercenter.com, 373-4000.