Greater Portland

Benefits

Markathon, week-long, around the clock radio-a-thon Dec. 5-9, when listeners call WCYY (792-9299) or go online (cgcmaine.org/events/wcyy/) to request their favorite songs in return for a donation to the Center for Grieving Children.

Saturday 12/17

“Nutcracker” and holiday show by Fusion Dance at Freeport Performing Arts Center, proceeds will benefit Freeport High School if 500 tickets are sold. Call Andrea Sharron at 450-1989 for details.

Saturday 12/31

Polar Bear Dip, 5K race to help fight climate change. Be bold in the cold with a plunge and/or a walk or run in Portland’s East End. FMI and pre-register online at https://friendraising2.donorpro.com/campaigns/217.

Books/Authors

Saturday 12/10

Phyllis Chinlund, author of “Looking Back From the Gate: A Story of Love, Art and Dementia,” 2 p.m., South Portland Public Library Author Talk, 482 Broadway. 

Monday 12/12

“My Resurrected Spirit: An Evening With Matthew Francis,” 7 p.m., Footlights Theatre. Book reading, signing and Q&A with Christian transgender cancer survivor, thefootlightsinfalmout.com, free.

Ongoing

Third Tuesday Book Group, 2 p.m., Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road. Details at library.

First Tuesday Book Club, Maine Charitable Mechanic Association, noon, Mechanics’ Hall, 519 Congress St., Portland. Dec. 6: New York Times BestSeller “Me Before You,” by Jojo Moyes.

LGBTQ Teen Book Group, 2:30-3:30 p.m., third Saturdays Portland Public Library. 

Teen Writing Crew, 1:30-2:30 p.m., second Saturday and 4:30-5:30 p.m., additional Tuesday, Portland Public Library, through June, teens@portlandpubliclibrary.org, 871-1700, ext. 773 . 

Adult Story Time, 12:05-12:50 p.m., South Portland Public Library, lunch hour read-aloud group for adults every Wednesday, 767-7660.

Fall Readers Circle, 7 p.m., Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth, one Thursday a month through Jan. 26, (except November), open to the public; registration not required, 846-4673.

Bulletin Board

Ongoing

Cumberland County Retired Educators Association, meets second Thursday at 11 a.m. for lunch at Fireside Inn, Riverside Street, Portland. Open to all retired teachers.

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

Tri-Town Penguins Snowmobile Club (Durham, Freeport, Pownal), 7 p.m., last Tuesday through April, Durham Fire Station, 615 Hallowell Road. New members always welcome, contact Duncan Daly, 865-6188, or Mike Yates, 865-3555.

Call for Volunteers

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 needs volunteer drivers and companions to help local seniors. Interview, vetting, and training required; to drive, contact Lisa Crowley at 829-3367 or cumberlandrides@gmail.com.

Drivers needed for The Road To Recovery program 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.

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

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.

Meals on Wheels, Portland, needs volunteer drivers to deliver meals to home-bound elderly, once a week, once a month or more on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mileage reimbursed. Contact Jennie at 878-3285.

MedHelp Maine is seeking volunteers to help expand prescription assistance programs throughout the state and create a specialized pharmacy to collect unused prescription drugs for needy patients. Call 793-4462.

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.

Dances

Ongoing

Contradance, first Saturday, Falmouth Congregational Church, 267 Falmouth Road, Falmouth. Instruction/review 7:15 p.m., main dance, 8 p.m., various fees, bajmagda@gmail.com, 358-9354.

Argentine Tango, Wednesdays, beginner lesson 7 p.m., $10; Ballroom Dance Party, 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays, beginner lesson 7 p.m., $7; Maine Ballroom Dance, 614 Congress St., Portland.

Line Dancing, Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. beginners; 8-9 p.m. intermediate; 9-9:30 p.m. advanced, Club 188, 188 Warren Ave., Portland.

Maplewood Dance Center, night classes followed by dance socials Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 383 Warren Ave., Portland, 878-0584, maplewooddancecenter.com.

Irish Set Dancing, 7-9 p.m. Thursdays, Yarmouth Community Services, 200 Main St., Yarmouth, setdncr02@yahoo.com.

Dining Out

Saturday 12/10

Lasagna Dinner, 5 p.m., Parish of the Holy Eucharist, 266 Foreside Road, Falmouth.

Wednesday 12/14

Variety Dinner, 5-6:30 p.m. every Wednesday, VFW Post 832, 50 Peary Terrace, South Portland, $7.

Health

Medicare Advantage Plans in Cumberland County, informational meetings, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, 1 Market St., Portland: 9 a.m. Dec. 13, 20, 27. Call 855-243-1136 for more.

Ongoing

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

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

Health Insurance Assistance, 10 a.m.-noon, Fridays through Jan. 27 Portland Public Library Meeting Room #3, 5 Monument Square. 

“Making Music Praying Twice,” nationwide program for parents, grandparents and children to integrate music, prayer and Catholic culture, 10 a.m. Wednesdays & Thursdays to Dec. 8, Holy Martyrs Church, 266 Foreside Road, Falmouth.

Mammograms and 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, gentle approach recommended for stress reduction and healing, drop-in class 9-10:15 a.m. every Thursday, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, 774-2200. Free.

Spiritual Meditation, 4-4:45 p.m. Wednesdays, 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

4-H Maker Monday Program, UMaine Extension, 75 Clearwater Dr., Falmouth, 3:30-5 p.m. Dec. 12: Winter crafts. Ages 9-18 can register at http://bit.ly/2cVdix7.

Farmer for the Morning, 9-10 a.m., Thursdays during the school year, Wolfe’s Neck Farm, 184 Burnett Road, Freeport, $5/child, wolfesneckfarm.org/farmer-for-the-morning.

Ongoing

Baby Singalong, 4 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. Fridays & Saturdays; Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m. Mondays; Pre-School Storytime, 10:30 a.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. Thursdays, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road.

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.

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.

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 Saturdays, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square.

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

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 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

Grief Support Group, 10:30-noon, Fridays, Dec. 2-Jan. 13. (No meeting Dec. 23.)  VNA Home Health Hospice, 50 Foden Road, South Portland. Must register with Linda at 400-8714 or hopkinsl@emhs.org.

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

Wednesday 12/7

“Caregiver Grieving,” with Together With Alzheimer’s Support group guest speaker from Southern Maine Agency on Aging, 7-8 p.m., Sacred Heart Parish Center, 326 Main St., Yarmouth. Free and open to all, Catherine Gentile, ezine@catherinegentile.com.

Tuesday 12/13

Center for Autism and Related Disorders Portland is hosting a new support group for caregivers of those with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, 6 p.m., Easter Seals Maine, 25 Presumpscot St., Portland. First program: “Tips and Tricks to Survive the Holidays.” Meetings will be held the second Tuesday of the month. For more, contact Lindsay Payeur at 573-7424.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Memory Café, 11 a.m., third Tuesday, Louie’s Grille, 319 Main St., Cumberland Center, 489-9087; 1 p.m, second Wednesday, OceanView, Blueberry Commons, Falmouth, 781-4621; noon, first Wednesday, Port Resources, 280 B Gannett Drive, South Portland with pizza lunch; 828-0048; 11 a.m., fourth Tuesday, Bay Square of Yarmouth, 27 Forest Falls Dr., Yarmouth, 797-7891.

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.

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.

National Alliance on Mental Illness, family support groups, Dana Center, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, 6:30-8 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday; Spring Harbor Hospital 7-8:30 p.m., third Monday, namiportland@gmail.org.

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.

Tea and Talk, 9:30-11 a.m., Cumberland Town Hall, 290 Tuttle Road, second Thursday of the month for residents, 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 with the people who need them, https://ycan.info/. 

Workshops/Walks/Talks

Financial and Legal Workshop Series for Farmers, 1-5 p.m., Dec. 7 & 14, Jan. 7. Sponsored by University of Maine Cooperative Extension at various locations, $10/session, $30/series, umaine.edu/cumberland.

“Global Awareness and Responsibility Conference,” with keynote speaker Dr. Felix Mukwiza Ndahinda, 6:30 p.m., Dec. 9-10, Camden Conference lecture at USM Luther Bonney Hall, 96 Falmouth St., Portland, camdenconference.org/calendar/category/community-events.

Thursday 12/8

“Reading Water,”6:30 p.m., hosted by Sebago Chapter of Trout Unlimited at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth, with certified casting instructor, Maine Guide and Beans Discovery School instructor Kate Farnham. Free and open to the public, evelynhking@gmail.com.

Ongoing

Maine Genealogical Society Greater Portland Chapter, 1 p.m. first Saturday, Latter Day Saints, 29 Ocean House Road, Cape Elizabeth.

Technology Assistance, 3-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road.

Guided nature programs, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolf Neck Road, Freeport. Programs 2-3 p.m. every weekend day, weather permitting. Free with park admission, parksandlands.com.

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

Portland’s Sustainability Series: Leading Conversations on Maine’s Changing Climate, 5:30 p.m., fourth Wednesday of the month through December, Portland Public Library, 10 Monument Square.

Stitch Hive, 6:30-8:30 p.m., second and fourth Wednesdays, Mayo Street Arts, 10 Mayo St., Portland, meetup.com/Stitch-HIVE-Portland-Maine/.

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. 

Unemployed Professional Group, Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Greater Portland CareerCenter, 151 Jetport Blvd.

Mid-Coast

Books/Authors

Children’s author/illustrator Hazel Mitchell, book signing and illustrating demo, music by harpist Anna Fenton, 5-8 p.m., The Mustard Seed Bookstore, 74 Front St., Bath.

Saturday 12/10

“Jane’s Birthday Meeting” hosted by The Jane Austen Society of North America-Maine Region at St. Mary’s Church Parish House, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth. Registration, 10:30 a.m., program, 11 a.m., lunch at noon, $12, $5/ students, plus $5 fee for non-JASNA national members, janeite2@gmail.com, 878-3459.

Tuesday 12/27

Read Between the Panels, new book group meets at 6 p.m. every fourth Tuesday at Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road. Those who love art and literature will discuss all things graphic novel from classic comic book collections to the latest fiction. Meets monthly until May.

Ongoing

Tea With Harriet, monthly tea and conversation about Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1-2:30 p.m., third Thursday, 63 Federal St., Brunswick, in the home where Stowe lived and wrote “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”

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.

Rare Reads, 2 p.m. or 6 p.m., third Tuesday, discuss unusual and interesting literature, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, new members welcome, topshamlibrary.org/rare-reads.

The Writers’ Meetup, 6 p.m., first Tuesday, network over coffee and snacks, free and open to all, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Young Critics, 5 p.m., third Tuesday, for fourth- and fifth-graders. Free, but registration required at Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Teen Talk Book Club, second Thursday, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Tween Reads, 5-6 p.m. monthly for sixth-and seventh-graders. Registration required, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Men’s Book Group, 6:30-7:30 p.m. third Thursday, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Bath Area Christmas Bird Count, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Join one of several Merrymeeting Audubon teams in Bath, Arrowsic, Phippsburg, Georgetown, Southport and Newagen. Contact Don Hudson, 443-9795 or wdonhudson@gmail.com by Dec. 10.

Brunswick Toastmasters, first and third Tuesdays, 6:15-8 p.m., 8 Venture Ave., Brunswick, in former Naval base, guests welcome, 241-2294,  2156.toastmastersclubs.org.

Merriconeag Grange, first and third Thursdays, 7 p.m., 529 Harpswell Neck Road, Harpswell, trothwell62@comcast.net.

Senior’s Bingo, 6:30 p.m., second and fourth Wednesday, Bath Area Senior Center, 45 Floral St., must be at least 16.

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 needs volunteers to transport cancer patients to treatment, ACS, New England Division, Topsham, 462-6307, elisa.madore@cancer.org.

Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice needs hospice volunteers in the Brunswick area; training provided. 777-7740, AHCH.org.

ArtVan Program seeks volunteers 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 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.

Chocolate Church Arts Center seeks 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/7 Rivers Maine seeks volunteers to cashier at the ReStore in Topsham; typically four-hour shifts Tuesday through Saturday; 504-9335; michele@habitat7rivers.org. 

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

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

People Plus Center, ongoing opportunities, 35 Union St., Brunswick, ask for Joe or Frank at 729-0757.

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

ReStore at Habitat for Humanity/7 Rivers Maine seeks volunteers to cashier in Topsham; typically four-hour shifts Tuesday through Saturday, 504-9335; michele@habitat7rivers.org.

Sexual Assault Support Services of Mid Coast Maine needs 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 is looking for volunteers a few hours a week to assist seniors by providing companionship, transportation, assistance with errands, 837-8810, cszalay@ccmaine.org.

Tri-County Literacy seeks volunteer tutors to work with adults in the community, 443-6384, literacyvolunteers@tricountyliteracy.org.

Dances

Ongoing

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.

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, 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.

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.

Pilates, 11 a.m. – noon Monday, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, 774-2200.

Qi Gong classes, 6:30 p.m. Mondays, hs-acupunture.com, 54 Cumberland St., Brunswick. Free.

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

Thursday 12/15 

“Classic Shortbread and Royal Icing Cookie Decorating,” 3:30 p.m., Patten Free Library, Bath. Free, open to teens in seventh grade and older. Pre-registration required, 443-5141, ext. 12. 

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-years-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.

Support

Thursday 12/15 

“Spirituality: Comfort In a Strange New World,” 4-5 p.m., Mid Coast Senior Health Center, 58 Baribeau Dr., Brunswick. Part of the Center’s support group for dementia caregivers. Free and open to all.

Ongoing 

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

Family and friends of individuals living with mental illness support group, sponsored by National Alliance on Mental Illness. For more call Mike at 703-966-8875.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, Mondays, 9 a.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 27 Pleasant St., Brunswick, 729-3861; Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Bath Police Dept. 250 Water St., Bath, 512-5797; Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Topsham Medical Building, 4 Horton Place, 441-1550; Fridays, 6 p.m., Bath Police Dept., 250 Water St., Bath 442-7557; Saturdays, 9 a.m., Mid Coast Hospital (Medical Offices Building) 123 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.

Memory Café, 11 a.m., fourth Wednesday, Mae’s Cafe and Bakery, 160 Centre St., Bath, 797-7891; 2 p.m., third Thursday, Westrum House, 22 Union Park Road, Topsham, 797-7891.

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.

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, Mondays, 5:30 p.m., Seventh Day Adventist Church, 333 Maine St., Brunswick 837-5642; Tuesdays, noon, United Congregational Church, 150 Congress Ave., Bath, 729-3057; Thursdays, 7 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 27 Pleasant St., Brunswick, 443-4630; Sundays, 9 a.m., 123 Medical Drive, Mid Coast Hospital, Brunswick, 729-3149.

Pet Loss Grief Support Group, Coastal Humane Society, 190 Pleasant St., Brunswick. Monthly sessions are free and open to the public, but RSVP required at coastalhumanesociety.org.

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 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. Meeting follows,  729-6400.

Together With Alzheimer’s, support group for caregivers, 7-8 p.m. every Wednesday, Sacred Heart Parish Center, 326 Main St., Yarmouth, ezine@catherinegentile.com or 233-0709.

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

Sunday 12/11

“Finding Family History at the Pejepscot Historical Society,” 2 p.m., hosted by Pejepscot Genealogical Society at Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick. Holiday dessert potluck, social, brief business meeting. Free and open to all.

Wednesday 12/14

“Twisted Genes, Distorted Narrative,” 7 p.m., hosted by Friends of Merrymeeting Bay at Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick. Third in 20th annual Winter Speaker Series, features Fedco Seed founder CR Lawn. Free and open to the public.

Ongoing

Cathance River Education Alliance Ecology Center, Topsham. Open house, 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.

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.

Related Stories