Greater Portland

Call for Donations

Coats for Kids Collection, drop off children and young adult coats Gorham Savings Bank Falmouth branches, 202A U.S. Route 1 and 65 Gray Road, through December 29, to be distributed through Salvation Army.

“Giving Tree of Hats and Mittens,” sponsored by Yarmouth Fire-Rescue, bring new, unwrapped hats, mittens of all sizes at Yarmouth Town Hall, Merrill Memorial Library, or Yarmouth Community Services through Dec. 17, Margaret Downing, 846-9295. 

Maine Toys for Tots, drop off new, unwrapped toys during regular business hours at Edward Jones Forest Ave., Portland branch office until Dec. 16, Dan Dougherty, 772-9576.

4-H Club at Reiche Community Center Food Drive, to benefit Wayside Food Rescue Programs and Community Meals, drop off non-perishable food donations at West End Community Policing Center, Reiche School and Community Center, 166 Brackett St., Portland, 8:30-5 p.m. through Dec. 16, FMI, 879-6024, wenamaine.org.

Thursday 12/9

“METRO Stuff-A-Bus,” 9:45 a.m., collecting unwrapped, new presents at Town Landing Market, Johnson and Foreside Road, Falmouth, FMI, 774-0351.

Charity Christmas Tree Sales

Scarborough Rotary Club Annual Christmas Tree Sale Scholarship Fundraiser, 3-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, until Christmas,  Mobil Gas Station, corner of U.S. Route 1 and Black Point Road, Scarborough, sponsored by Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution.

Sons of AMVETS Christmas Tree Sale Fundraiser, to benefit veterans,  12-7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, $35 per tree, until Christmas, AMVETS Post 2, North Road, Yarmouth.

South Portland Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club Holiday Tree Sale, to benefit local charities, through Sunday, Dec. 19, Mill Creek Park, 50 Market St., South Portland.

Yarmouth Lions Club Annual Christmas Tree Sale, to benefit Lions Club Annual Scholarships, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, Dec. 11-12, Yarmouth Town Hall, Main St., Yarmouth, Patti Bicknell, 712-9911.

Benefits

Sunday 12/12

Silent Auction Fundraiser, to benefit the Kara O’Reilly Memorial Fund, 3-6 p.m., with jewelry, framed prints, gift baskets and more, Island Girl Designs, 2 Profenno Way, Freeport, Kelly O’Reilly Profenno, 221-3223.

Monday 12/13

Choral Art Society Messiah Sing-Along and Handel on Hunger Food Drive, to benefit Project FEED, 7:30 p.m., $5, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1342 Congress St., Portland, choralart.org.

Downeasters Barbershop Chorus Holiday Concert, to benefit Cancer Community Center, 7 p.m., $10, Mahoney Middle School, 240 Ocean St., South Portland, tickets at CancerCommunityCenter.org, 774-2200.

Wednesday 12/15

Emilia Dahlin Benefit Concert, proceeds support The Telling Room, 7:30 p.m., $10- $12, Yarmouth Performing Arts Center, Elm St., Yarmouth, advance tickets at Bull Moose Music, or The Telling Room, 774-6064, tellingroom.org.

Bulletin Board

Wednesday 12/8

Edward Jones Holiday Open House, with financial advisor Troy A. Malbon, 11 a.m-4 p.m., 305 U.S. Route 1, Suite 4, Yarmouth, 846-5854.

Friday 12/10

Third Annual Global Block Party, hosted by USM Multicultural Student Association, international music, food, raffles and more, 5- 10 p.m., free and open to the public, Woodbury Campus Center, USM-Portland, Ben, benjamin.skillings@maine.edu.

Alternative Gift Market and Fair-Trade Craft Fair, Southern Maine Community College, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday, SMCC Campus Center, 2 Fort Road, South Portland.

Saturday 12/11

Flag Disposal Ceremony, bring old U.S. flags for disposal, 5 p.m., Post 76 American Legion, Scarborough, public welcome.

Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, with 50+ vendors, live music, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Lucid Stage, 29 Baxter Blvd., Portland, lucidstage.com.

Alternative Gift Market and Fair-Trade Craft Fair, Southern Maine Community College, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday, SMCC Campus Center, 2 Fort Road, South Portland.

Sunday 12/12

Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, with 50+ vendors, live music, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Lucid Stage, 29 Baxter Blvd., Portland, lucidstage.com.

Friday 12/17

Holiday Revels Open House, 4-6 p.m., storytelling, music, refreshments, free and open to the community, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road, Falmouth, falmouth.lib.me.us. 781-2351.

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 St., 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.

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

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

Call for Volunteers

Ongoing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Freeport Historical Society needs ongoing help cataloguing collections, greeter/receptionist at Harrington house, garden helper, poster delivery assistance, administrative help, handy-person, 865-3170 or info@freeporthistorialsociety.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dining Out

Thursday 12/9

Holiday Luncheon Potluck, 11:45 a.m., with music by Greely High Madrigal Singers at 12:30 p.m., Cumberland Congregational Church 286 Main St., Cumberland, bring salad or vegetable, call 829-3419.

Friday 12/10

St. Mary’s Community Soup Dinner, 5-7 p.m., free, public welcome, The Church of St. Mary the Virgin, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth 781-3366 or admin@smary.org.

Saturday 12/11

St. Pius X Parish Annual Pork Pie Supper, 5-6:30 p.m.,  $8 adults /$4 children,  St. Pius X Parish, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland.

Ongoing

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

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

Gardens & Outdoors

Wednesday 12/8

Cape Elizabeth Garden Club Meeting, 12 p.m., Cape Elizabeth Community Center, open to new members, call Betty Montpelier, 799-0229.

Monday 12/13

Scarborough Garden Club Meeting, 1 pm, open to new members, St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, 350 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, 510-1514.

Ongoing

Cumberland Farmers Markets: W. Cumberland 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. Saturdays, Skillins Greenhouses, 201 Gray Road; Falmouth 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays, Allen, Sterling and Lothrop, 191 U.S. Rte. 1.

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

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

Getting Smarter

Friday 12/10

“Season of Light,” annual holiday astronomy show, 7 p.m. Fridays, 3 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, through Dec. 19, $6 adult / $4 child, Southworth Planetarium, USM-Portland, 96 Falmouth St., Portland, 780-4249, usm.maine.edu/planet.

Saturday 12/11

“Season of Light,” annual holiday astronomy show, 7 p.m. Fridays, 3 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, through Dec. 19, $6 adult / $4 child, Southworth Planetarium, USM-Portland, 96 Falmouth St., Portland, 780-4249, usm.maine.edu/planet.

Sunday 12/12

“Season of Light,” annual holiday astronomy show, 7 p.m. Fridays, 3 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, through Dec. 19, $6 adult / $4 child, Southworth Planetarium, USM-Portland, 96 Falmouth St., Portland, 780-4249, usm.maine.edu/planet.

“Myth versus Reality:  What’s Going on in Immigration Today?” 1 p.m. talk by Beth Stickney,  Executive Director of the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, 12:30 p.m. potluck, free and open to public, Allen Ave. Unitarian Universalist Church, 524 Allen Ave., Portland, 504-7775.

Ongoing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health & Support

Thursday 12/9

Rally for Peace in Sudan, hosted by The Sudanese Community Association of Maine, in support of referendum for South Sudan Independence, 12-2 p.m., Monument Square, Congress St., Portland, Mariano, 239-6772.

Monday 12/13

Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, Conversation Series: Open Forum for Sharing, 7-8:30 pm, free to the public, First Congregational Church, Meeting House Hill, South Portland, Lori Axelson, 662-3978.

Tuesday 12/14

Laughter Yoga with Arline Saturdayborn, 5:30-6:30 p.m., by donation, Sadhana, the Meditation Center, 100 Brickhill Ave., South Portland, SadhanaMe.com.

Ongoing

All-Recovery Support Meetings, 12-1 p.m. Wednesdays, Hope.Gate.Way., 185 High St., Portland, Ronni, 756-8116.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moms in Recovery, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays, The Salvation Army, Cumberland Ave., Portland, free, with onsite childcare, Amanda, 756-8053.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just for Seniors

Ongoing

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

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

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

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

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

The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program of Southern Maine Agency on Aging is looking for people age 55 and over to volunteer; local opportunities include an arts center in Portland; school mentoring or tutoring; spend time with residents in long term care facilities; volunteer as a tax aide or at a nonprofit, Priscilla Greene, 396-6521 or 1-800-427-7411 Ext. 521.

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

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

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

Kids and Family Stuff

“The Polar Express”, hosted by the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Fridays-Sundays, Dec. 11-13; Dec. 18-20; and Monday-Wednesday, Dec.21-23, trains depart from the Ocean Gateway Ferry Terminal, tickets at PortTix,  842-0800, PortTix.com.

Thursday 12/9

Sesame Street Live: “1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo & Friends” Dec. 9-12, 7 p.m. Thursday; 10:30 a.m., 7 p.m. Friday; 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. Sunday, $10-$20, Portland Civic Center, One Civic Center Square,  Portland, 775-3458, tickets at Civic Center Box Office, Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.

Saturday 12/11

Third Annual Santa Day, free digital picture with Santa Claus, 12-2 p.m., Coastal Wellness Family Chiropractic, 1231 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth, 799-9355.

“Eyes On Owls,”  wildlife presentation with naturalists Marcia and Mark Wilson,  9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m., Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, Falmouth, registration necessary, 781-2330 ext. 209.

“Sit With Santa” kids and dogs invited to get photos with Santa, fundraiser for Planet Dog Foundation, 10 am – 12 pm, 1-3 pm, $10, Planet Dog Company Store, 211 Marginal Way, Portland, planetdogfoundation.org.

Ongoing

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

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

Scarborough Public Library Story Times, call for times, Scarborough Public Library, 48 Gorham Road, 883-4723.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mid Coast

Benefits

Ornament’s “Bags with Benefits” community partnership to benefit Sagadahoc Preservation Inc. for November and December, local businesses will donate 50% of tote bag sales, Ornament, 11 Center St., Bath, 442-6636.

Holiday Sock Tree, hang a new pair of socks on our tree, socks will be delivered on Christmas Eve to the Tedford Shelter in Brunswick, Dr. Angela Perron, 81 Medical Center Drive, Suite 1150, Brunswick, socks accepted Nov. 29 – Dec. 23, information, 725-5877.

Saturday 12/11

Autometrics’ Auto Winter Checks/Repairs to benefit United Way of Mid Coast Maine and its Success By 6: Early Childhood initiative, call 729-0842 for appointments, Autometrics, 121 Bath Road, Brunswick.

Friday 12/17

The Mutineers, holiday benefit concert for Preble Resource Center in Portland, 7 p.m., $5 donation, $8 day of show, Frontier Cafe, Brunswick.

Ongoing

Fields of the Future bottle redemption, Bootleggers of Topsham, Maine, donate your returnables to “Turf McMann,” Bootleggers will donate an extra 10% of all donations, Fields4ourfuture.org.

Bulletin Board

Wednesday 12/8

16th Annual Festival of Trees Holiday Gala, 5:30-8 p.m., silent auction, Oratorio Chorale performance, appetizers, drinks, $25, 963 Washington St., Bath, tickets at Springer’s Jewelers, Now You’re Cooking, and YMCA, 443-4112, bathymca.org.

Mid-Coast Retired Educators’ Association meeting, breakfast buffet, 9 a.m., all retired school personnel welcome, members to bring bake sale item for fundraiser and Ugly Yankee Swap gift, at The Highlands, Topsham, Jane Gott, 721-0659.

Friday 12/10

ABW Joy of Christmas Fair, theme gift baskets, handmade gifts, jewelry, homemade candies, more, all proceeds go to missions, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Corliss St. Baptist Church Annex, 17 Weeks St., Bath, 208-7719.

Gift Wrapping for the gentlemen, snacks, movie, free wifi, donations welcome, Brunswick Visitors Center, 16 Station Ave., Brunswick.

Saturday 12/11

Harpswell Community Tree Lighting sponsored by the Harpswell Historic Park Committee, singing, hot chocolate, Santa, 5 p.m., Centennial Hall, Harpswell Neck Road, Rt. 123, Harpswell.

Journey to Bethlehem, 20-minute outdoor drama of the first Christmas, fellowship, hot soup, more, 6-8 p.m., Kellogg Congregational Church, 917 Harpswell Neck Road, Rt. 123, Harpswell, Susan, 666-3247.

Park Holiday Potluck and open house, The Bath Youth Meetinghouse & Skatepark Center, 5-9 p.m., free skating 6-9 p.m., for information, to provide a dish, or to volunteer, call 443-8900.

Sunday 12/12

PeaceWorks Community Holiday Party, music, dancing, food, friendship with Broadband Members of Different Drummers Drum Circle, Morgana Warner-Evans, bring finger food, an instrument, a friend, 4 p.m., all welcome, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, 725-7675.

Holiday Gathering, Pejepscot Genealogy Society, member-generated story-sharing, bring dessert and recipe, 2 p.m., second level Seminar Room, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, 833-7371.

Bath Antiques Show, 55 dealers, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., $4 admission, $3 w/ad, Bath Middle School, information, Polly Thibodeau, 443-8983, polly@bathantiquesshows.com.

Vesper Service, traditional service with carols, 2 p.m., public invited, East Harpswell Baptist Church, Cundys Habor Road, sponsored by the Sebascodegan Garden Club.

Thursday 12/16

Bath Lions Club, initial meeting, public invited, encouraged to join an organization working to prevent blindness and help diabetics, 6:30 p.m., Bath City Hall auditorium, Elliot Zimmerman, 386-1085 or info@ezdsi.com, for information on the Lions Club, mainelions.org.

Friday 12/17

Consumer Council of Maine, Brunswick Local Coucil, representing consumers of mental health services, monthly meeting, 1-3 p.m., Parkview Hospital Boardroom, 329 Maine St., Brunswick.

Gift Wrapping for the gentlemen, snacks, movie, free WiFi, donations welcome, Brunswick Visitors Center, 16 Station Ave., Brunswick.

Saturday 12/18

Rabies Plus! Clinic, various services, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., all proceeds benefit the Coastal Humane Society, 30 Range Road, Brunswick, 725-5051, coastalhumanesociety.org.

Ongoing

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

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

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

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

Call for Volunteers

Ongoing

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

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

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

CA$H Coalition, Midcoast Maine, seeks volunteers to help Maine families access federal tax credits; free training includes IRS certification, training will be held in November/early January, information, Sharon Ross, 373-1140, Sharon.ross@voanne.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mid Coast Senior Health Center needs volunteers for various activities with seniors Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, welcome desk openings, 373-369

Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority seeks volunteers for the Great State of Maine Air Show & Business Aviation Expo, August 26-28, 2011, for information and non-profit grant opportunities, visit greatstateofmaineairshow.us or call 725-9701.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dining Out

Saturday 12/11

Public Baked Bean and Casserole Supper, 5-6:30 p.m., $8 adults, $4 children (6-12), under 6 free, Brunswick United Methodist Church, corner of Church and Raymond Roads, Brunswick, reservations accepted, 725-2185.

Public Supper, baked ham with raisin sauce, 4:30-6:30 p.m., suggested donation, $7 adults, $3 children under 12, Knights of Columbus Hall, 807 Middle St., Bath.

Gardens & Outdoors

Ongoing

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

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

Getting Smarter

Wednesday 12/8

TEDWomen explores how Women and Girls are Reshaping the Future, live video stream of two-day event from Washington D.C., 9-10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 2:30-4 p.m., 5-6:30 p.m., free, Frontier Cafe, Cinema, and Gallery, 14 Maine St., Fort Andross Mill, Brunswick.

Thursday 12/9

“Sustainable Season’s Greetings,” discussion with Shari Burke, 7-8 p.m., free and open to public, part of F.W. Horch series on sustainable living, 56 Maine St., Brunswick, reservations, 729-4050, information at FWHorch.com.

Thursday 12/16

Joshua L. Chamberlain Civil War Round Table monthly meeting, lecture by Bob Green, “The Color of War,” free, open to public, 7 p.m., Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, information, Dan Cunningham 729-9520, or Jay Stencil 721-0235.

Ongoing

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

Joshua L. Chamberlain Civil War Round Table monthly meeting and speaker, every third Thursday, free, open to public, 7 p.m., Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, information, Dan Cunningham 729-9520, or Jay Stencil 721-0235.

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

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

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

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

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

Health & Support

Support Through The Holidays, sexual assault support group for women, begins mid November, to schedule pre-group appointment or additional services, call 725-2181 or e-mail clientservices@sassmm.org; 24-hour support line, 1-800-822-5999, sassmm.org.

Saturday 12/11

Senior Care Advisors: How They Can Benefit You, 9:30-10:30 a.m., free, open to public, The Stevens Home, 52 Harpswell Road, Brunswick, contact Nova Ewers, 756-2901, or nova@beachglasstransitions.com to confirm your attendance.

Thursday 12/16

Memory Loss: When is Forgetfulness a Problem? 12-1 p.m., free, open to public, The Stevens Home, 52 Harpswell Road, Brunswick, contact Nova Ewers, 756-2901, or nova@beachglasstransitions.com to confirm your attendance.

Ongoing

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

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

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

Communicate after Stroke Support Group, 1st and 3rd Tuesday, September to May, 1-2 p.m., free, friends/family welcome, Mid Coast Hospital, 1st floor conference room, 81 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, for information or sign up, call Dimitra Toothaker, 373-6175; Robert Lundstrom, 371-2936; or Doris Armstrong, 725-2618.

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

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

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

Hooptydoo Hula-Hoop Class, all ages welcome, all hula-hooping levels, Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 p.m., $10/person, Bath Dance Works, 72 Front St., third floor; information, Helen, 808-281-6451 or hooptydoo@gmail.com.

Laughter Yoga Club, reduce stress with playful exercises and yogic breathing, dress as you are, no mats, all ages, every third Monday, 10 a.m., free, Bath Dance Works, 100 Front St., third floor, for information, Amanda, 443-3721 or amanda@meadowdance.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just for Seniors

Ongoing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kids and Family Stuff

Saturday 12/11

Candy Cane Train, meet Santa and his elves, storytelling, songs, hot chocolate, 90-minute trips, departures, 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m, 3 p.m., $17/person, Bath Train Station, tickets at candycanetrain.org or call 800-838-3006.

Photos with Santa, $5 donation, Brunswick Visitors Center, 16 Station Ave., Brunswick.

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.

Kids’ Classics at Dreamland Theater, film series for children and young teens, second Sunday of the month, October through May, 2 p.m., free, donations suggested, Sagadahoc Preservation Winter Street Center, 880 Washington St., Bath, for schedule, visit sagadahocpreservation.org.

Morning Storytelling, monthly, 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, information, 725-5222 or explorefrontier.com.