Greater Portland

Benefits

Thursday 2/11

“Freeze Out Hunger,” food, drinks, auctions, entertainment and more, to benefit local charities that address hunger and food insecurity in Maine, hosted by Junior League of Portland and Portland Pirates, 6:30-9:30 p.m., $35 advance/ $45 door, Mariner’s Church Banquet Center, tickets at jlpmaine.org.

Mercy’s Fifth Annual Dine Around the World: Food & Wine Tasting Event, to benefit Gary’s House, from 20+ Portland area restaurants, auction items, live music, hosted by Shannon Moss, 6 p.m., $40, Holiday Inn by the Bay, 88 Spring St., Portland, FMI, 400-7169, wescottl@mercyme.com, www.garyshouse.org.

Norman Magic Experience, magic show to benefit the fifth grade at Lyseth School, 6:30 p.m., $8, Portland High School, Cumberland Ave., Portland, Kimberly Wike, 874-8250 or wikek@portlandschools.org.

Planet Dog’s 6th Annual Valentine’s Day Canine Cocktail Party and Dog Kissing Contest, fundraiser for Planet Dog Foundation, 6-7:30 p.m., $5 fee to enter dog kissing contest, Planet Dog Company Store, 211 Marginal Way, Portland, Ken Hahn, 347-8606, planetdog.com.

“Share Our Strength for Haiti,” 5-course dinner with wine pairings, net proceeds to benefit Share our Strength, $90, Sea Glass, Inn by the Sea, 40 Bowery Beach Road, Cape Elizabeth, reservations at 799-3134, innbythesea.com.

Friday 2/12

Stand With Haiti Benefit for Partners in Health, music by Darien Brahms, Phantom Buffalo, 8 p.m., $10-$20 suggested donation, 7:30 p.m. doors open, SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland, space538.org.

Saturday 2/13

Pancake Breakfast, to benefit Riverton School enrichment programs, 8:30-11 a.m., $4 adult/ $2 child, Riverton School cafeteria, 1600 Forest Ave., Portland.

Sunday 2/14

16th Annual Great Chili and Chowder Challenge, chili and chowder tasting, fundraiser for Altrusa International Inc., 12:30-3 p.m., $17.50 advance/ $20 door/ $10 ages 10 and under, special tasting preview from 11:30-12:30 p.m., $50, Holiday Inn By The Bay, 88 Spring St., Portland, Theresa Mancini, 772-0379.

Monday 2/15

Malika: An Acholi Traditional Dance Group, performance to benefit Haiti Project of Sacred Heart/St. Dominic’s Church, 7 p.m., sponsored by the Center for African Heritage and Sacred Heart/St. Dominic’s Church, corner of Mellen and Sherman St., Portland, Dawud Ummah, 518-0053.

Thursday 2/18

“A Sweethearts Serenade,” with John McVeigh and Lisa Saffer, accompanied by Kathleen Scott, to benefit PORTopera, with food and drinks, 5:30-7:30 p.m., $65, Maine Bank & Trust, 467 Congress St., Portland, tickets, 879-7678, portopera.org.

Bulletin Board

Thursday 2/11

“The Beloved Community– Nurturing the Dream for Portland’s Communities,” live radio broadcast with Portland community members, 4 p.m. reception,  5-7 p.m. program, Hannaford Hall, USM Portland. 

Hello Stiletto Meeting, social shoe club party for those who love shoes, free and open to public, Gritty McDuff’s, 187 Lower Main St., 865-4321, wear winter shoes/boots, shoeclub.us, contact Liz, Portland Shoe Club Organizer, Liz0509@shoeclub.us.

Community Forum I: Public input sought on MLK Tribute at Bayside Trail, 7-9 p.m., Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress St., Portland, mlkportlandmaine.org.

Saturday 2/13

Portland WinteRush, outdoor festival for all ages, 11 a.m., with snow fort building, snow painting, races, “Sledder Shredder,” food, and more, free, Deering Oaks Park, Park Ave., Portland, bring sled, event schedule at portlandwinterush.com.

Valentine’s Day Bazaar, with art, live music and performance, vendors, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; The Maine Studios, 235 Presumpscot St., Portland, 807-7320.

Valentine’s Day Jewelry and Chocolate Show, with local jewelers, chocolatiers, and specialty retailers, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, free admission, Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, Gilsland Farm Rd, Falmouth.

Tuesday 2/16

“A Call to Action and Commitment to Non-Violence,” keynote by Kevin Powell, a program of UNE’s 23rd annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, 12 p.m., free and open to public, Ludcke Auditorium, UNE Portland campus, Stevens Ave., Portland, une.edu.

Saturday 2/20

Portland Golf Expo, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; advance tickets $8/$7.50 for two; door $9, Holiday Inn by the Bay, 88 Spring St., Portland, portlandgolfexpo.com.

Ongoing

Bridges for Peace Vigil, Sundays 12-1 p.m., South Portland end of Casco Bay Bridge.

Calico Quilters, first and third Mondays, 7-9 p.m., Masonic Hall, Mill Street, Yarmouth, 846-0783.

The Food Share, held by First Baptist Church Food Ministry, perishable food items available every Sunday from 5-6 p.m., First Baptist Church, 346 Main St., Yarmouth, enter at side door on Center St., Meagan, 846-3087. 

The Kiwanis Club of Portland, second and fourth Tuesdays, 5:30-7:15 p.m., $10, The Woodfords Club, 179 Woodford St., Portland, register, Peter Brown, 797-7383 or Michele Giroux, 854-6232.

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

Call for Volunteers

“Free Lunch Monitors” needed: Investor/Retirement Planning Protection Training, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Feb. 24, free and open to public, AARP Portland, 1684 Congress St., register, 1-877-624-8551, sponsored by Maine’s Office of Securities, Attorney General’s office, and AARP Maine, investors.maine.gov.

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

Volunteers needed at Mercy Hospital Yarmouth location, Monday through Fridays from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., contact Melissa Skahan, Manager of Mission Services, 879-3286 or skahanm@mercyme.com.

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-two hours a day, 800-400-6325.

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

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

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

Freeport Historical Society needs Pettengill Farm stewards; volunteers for Greeter/Docent program, training, able to commit 3-4 hours at least every other week; and Jack or Jill of all trades to help with odd jobs and light maintenance, own tools and transportation necessary, Rita, 632-3011.

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

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 www.itnportland.org to learn more.  

The Jason Program needs ambassadors of hope for Maine families of seriously ill and dying children, 65 Washington Ave., Portland, 773-2947, jasonprogram.org.

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

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

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

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

Friday 2/12

Free Community Soup Dinner, 5-7 p.m., Parish House, The Church of St. Mary the Virgin, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth, 781-3366, admin@smary.org.

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

Saturday 2/13

Chowder Meal: Corn, Fish, or Clam, 4:30-6 p.m., $7.50, First United Methodist Church, 179 Ridgeland Ave., South Portland.

Sunday 2/14

Jazz Dinner Buffet, Dan Doane and Port City Four, 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, www.ptcmaine.com.

Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, 7:30-11 a.m., $5 adult/ $4 child, Bowery Beach Schoolhouse, Two Light Road, Cape Elizabeth.

Ongoing

Free Community Soup Dinner, 5-7 p.m., Parish House, The Church of St. Mary the Virgin, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth, second and fourth Fridays, 781-3366, admin@smary.org. 

South Freeport Church 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, www.ptcmaine.com.

Gardens & Outdoors

Cumberland Farmers Market, Falmouth Farmers Market, Wednesdays  through March 31, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Allen, Sterling & Lothrup Garden Center, 191 U.S. Route 1, Falmouth; Cumberland Farmers Market, Saturdays through April 3, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Skillins Greenhouse, Route 100, West Cumberland; Leslie Fitzgerald, market.gal09@gmail.com.

Thursday 2/11

Weekly Birdwalk, led by staff naturalist and expert birder Eric Hynes, 8 a.m. Thursdays, through Feb. 25; $5 members/ $8 nonmembers, Gilsland Farm, Maine Audubon, off Route 1, Falmouth, meet in visitor center parking lot, bring binoculars and field guide, all skill levels welcome, maineaudubon.org/activities.

Friday 2/12

13th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count, through Feb. 15; free and open to all, FMI, Freeport Wild Bird Supply, 541 Route 1, Freeport, freeportwildbirdsupply.com or  birdcount.org.

Saturday 2/13

Free Family Fishing Days, Saturday and Sunday, free fishing on Maine’s waterways, FMI, mefishwildlife.com, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Sunday 2/14

“Mammals of Maine,” 2 p.m., free with park admission, meet at benches by second parking lot, weather permitting, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolf Neck Road, Freeport, 865-4465.

Saturday 2/20

“Windowsill Gardening,” 10 a.m., free, Skillins Greenhouses, 89 Foreside Road, Falmouth; 201 Gray Rd, Cumberland, 781-3860, skillins@maine.rr.com.

Ongoing

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

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

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

Getting Smarter

Thursday 2/11

“Effective PR: Dealing With News Media in the Age of Twitter,” 12 p.m. registration; 12:30-2:30 p.m. workshop, $10/ free for students, MCED companies, Room 213, Abromson Center, USM-Portland, Bedford St., Portland, hosted by Maine Center for Enterprise Development, register, workshops@mced.biz, mced.biz, 228-8524.

Friday 2/12

“Public Education in Crisis,” keynote by David T. Flanagan, panel discussion with James Morse and Mark Gray, 7 a.m. networking and breakfast, 7:35 a.m. program, Portland Marriott, Sable Oaks, South Portland, Policy Soundings event hosted by Portland Regional Chamber, register at portlandregion.com, 772-2811.

Tuesday 2/16

“Basic Bread Baking,” 6:30-8 p.m., $13, work trade option available, Wolfe’s Neck Farm Do It Yourself Series, Little River Farmhouse at Wolfe’s Neck Farm, Freeport, register, 865-4363.

Marketing & Sales: Attract new customers and retain them, Portland SCORE, 2-5 p.m., small fee, 100 Middle St., Second Floor, East Tower, Portland, scoremaine.com, 772-1147.

Wednesday 2/17

“Indonesia: Political Islam and the Transition to Democracy,” World Affairs Council of Maine Breakfast Program, 7-9 a.m., Portland Country Club, 11 Foreside Road, Falmouth, register, wacmaine.org.

Thursday 2/18

“Americans Who Tell the Truth,” presentation and discussion with artist Rob Shetterly, 6:30 p.m., $5 suggested donation, Freeport Community Center, 53 Depot St., Freeport, Wolfe’s Neck Farm Winter Forum, wolfesneckfarm.org.

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, www.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

Cancer Community Center is looking for cancer survivors and co-survivors to volunteer for the “Maine Buddy Program,” training session 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Feb. 27, lunch provided, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, Jani Darak-Druck, 774-2200, CancerCommunityCenter.org.

Thursday 2/11

Flavorista Cooks Quick & Easy, 6-7:30 p.m., $30, Nutrition Works, LLC, 805 Stevens Ave., Portland, register at 772-6279 or www.nutritionworks.us.

Greek Dance Classes, drop in, free, 7-8:30 p.m., Room 102, The Wishcamper Center, University of Southern Maine, Portland, 780-5256.

Sunday 2/14

Connected Catholics General Meeting, 4 p.m., Muddy Rudder Restaurant, U.S. Route 1, Yarmouth, Mary Jane, 318-6032.

Wednesday 2/17

Living Well for Better Health: 6-week program for adults with chronic health conditions, 2 sessions, 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 17- March 24, or 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 18 – March 25, Nova Health, 84 Marginal Way, Portland, 1-800-427-7411, ext. 529.

Saturday 2/20

Kids First Program: Co-parenting workshop for parents in divorce or separation, 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., $60 per person, financial assistance available, Kids First Center, 222 St. John St., Suite 101, Portland, register, 761-2709, kidsfirstcenter.org.

Monday 2/22

“Birth Issues,” free childbirth talk, 7-8 p.m., Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Rd, Falmouth, Pam Tozier, 838-7939.

Ongoing

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

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

Christian Meditation Gathering, hosted by United Methodist communities of Hope.Gate.Way, 6 p.m. Wednesdays, 185 High St., Portland, www.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, www.gpmomc.org. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday 2/10

“Memory and Aging: Normal aging and concerns with memory loss, 5:30-7 p.m., free, must register, 781-1735, Parkinson’s Information & Referral Center, 5 Bucknam Road, Falmouth.

Saturday 2/13

“Understanding Memory Loss,” 10 a.m.-12 p.m., $15, Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 170 US Route 1, Falmouth, space limited, register, 772-0115.
 
Friday 2/19

“Visiting the Person with Advanced Dementia,” 10 a.m.-12 p.m., free and open to public, Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 170 US Route 1, Falmouth, space limited, register, 772-0115.

Monday 2/22

“A Matter of Balance:” 8-week fear of falling program, 1-3 p.m Mondays, Feb. 22- April 12, Southern Maine Agency on Aging, 136 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, Anne Murray, 1-800-427-7411, ext. 529.

Ongoing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kids and Family Stuff

Saturday 2/13

DIY Valentine’s Day Card-Making Event, 2-6 p.m. $5 for 3 cards/ $10 for 8 cards, for all ages, Artascope Studios, 352 Cottage Rd, South Portland, 799-5154, artascope.com.

“Easy Adventure Volksmarch,” Family-friendly map-guided winter walk, choice of 1K, 5K or 10K route, free and open to all, Saturday and Sunday, register between 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Environmental Center at Maine Audubon, Gisland Farm Road, off U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, smva.8m.com.

Sunday 2/14

“Easy Adventure Volksmarch,” Family-friendly map-guided winter walk, choice of 1K, 5K or 10K route, free and open to all, Saturday and Sunday, register between 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Environmental Center at Maine Audubon, Gisland Farm Road, off U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, smva.8m.com.

Monday 2/15

Theatre Performance Camp for Kids, for ages 10-16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Friday, Feb. 15-19, Old Port Playhouse, 19 Temple St., Portland, register, 773-0333, oldportplayhouse.com.

Winter Camp for Kids, for grades 4-7, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m, Monday-Friday, Feb. 15-19, Lincoln Outdoor Center, 8 Varney Road, Freeport, register, 865-0455.

Tuesday 2/16

“Make Your Still-Life Masterpiece,” February Vacation Week Art Class, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 16-18, free with museum admission, children must be accompanied by an adult, Portland Museum of Art, Seven Congress Square, Portland, 775-6148, portlandmuseum.org.

Friday 2/19

“Nocturnal Animals—Live!,” 10 a.m. presentation, members $5 child/ $10 adult; nonmembers, $10 child/ $15 adult, Gilsland Farm, Maine Audubon, off Route 1, Falmouth, register, 781-2330.

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.

Children’s Programs, “Baby Bounces” birth to 18 months Thursdays 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., “Preschool Story Time” ages 3 and up Tuesday 10:30 a.m., “Toddler Tales and Tunes” ages 18-36 months Thursday at 10:30 a.m., “Kindertales” ages 3-7 Saturday 10:30 a.m., Scarborough Public Library, 48 Gorham Road, 883-4723.

Greenlight Studio, eco-friendly play space for kids 0-6 and their grownups, 49 Dartmouth St., Portland, www.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

Friday 2/12

Frank Ferrel and Ladies of the Lake, fiddle and Celtic, benefit performance for early learning and literacy programs in Midcoast, co-sponsored by Family Focus, Topsham Rotary and Success by Six, 6 p.m. wine, and short auction; $10 tickets, 7:30 p.m. performance, Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington St., Bath, tickets, $25 door or reservation, 386-1662.

Valentine Bake Sale, Mid Coast Hospital Auxiliary, to benefit emergency room waiting area and career scholarships, various baked goods wrapped and ribboned for gift-giving, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. or while supplies last, Café corridor, Mid Coast Hospital main entrance, 123 Medical Center Dr., Brunswick, for more information, MCH volunteer office, 373-6015, or mstewart@midcoasthealth.com.

Ongoing

Bottle Drive, to benefit the BHS Class of ’79 Get Involved Scholarship Fund; bring returnables to Don’s Redemption Center, 51 Harpswell Road, Brunswick, call 798-9201.

Bulletin Board

Wednesday 2/10

Appalachian Mountain Club Strategy for 66,000 Acres in Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness Region, presentation by Bryan Wentzell, 7 p.m., free, bring item for potluck dinner, 6 p.m., Morrell Room, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, John Mullens, education@amcmaine.org.

Thursday 2/11

Senator Collins’ staff will hold office hours in Bath, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., State Office Representative Jennifer Duddy will assist with federal issues and agencies, no appointment necessary, Bath City Hall, 55 Front St., Bath, 780-3575.

Saturday 2/13

Draw-a-thon, Poetry Reading, Potluck supper, in support of the Maine Campaign to Bring Our War $$ Home, 5-8 p.m., snow date Feb. 13, UCC Church, 150 Congress Ave, Bath, information, Natasha Mayers, 549-7516 mayersnatasha@gmail.com or Bruce Gagnon, 443-9502, globalnet@mindspring.com.

Sunday 2/14

Pejepscot Genealogy Society meeting, 2 p.m., Morrell Meeting Room, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, 833-7371.

Bath Antiques Show, 55 dealers, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., $4/$3.50 with ad, Bath Middle School, exit onto Congress Ave from Rt. 1, Bath, information, PT Promotions, Polly Thibodeau, 443-8983, ptpromo@suscomme.net.

Friday 2/19

10th Anniversary of the labyrinth, First Parish Church’s indoor walking meditation path, Feb. 19-21; open walking Fri. noon-8 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sun. 11:15 a.m.- 4 p.m.; children’s programs, adult workshops, free/donations accepted, Pilgrim House, 9 Cleaveland St., Brunswick, workshop registration at sfitzgerald@firstparish.net or 729-7331, firstparish.net.

Ongoing

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

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

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

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

Call for Volunteers

Success By 6 of United Way of Midcoast Maine seeks volunteers for Community Read Aloud on March 2, Peter Lindsay, 442-7440, plindsay@uwmcm.org.

Ongoing

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

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

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

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

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

Flying Changes Center for Therapeutic Riding needs volunteers who love horses, caring for them and learning to ride, 729-0168, located on Route 201 in Topsham.

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

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

Home to Home, 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, www.mainehometohome.org.

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

Mid Coast Senior Health Center needs volunteers for various activities with seniors Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, welcome desk openings, 373-3691.

Money Management Program, help low-income seniors with routine financial matters, Spectrum Generations, 6 Noble St., Brunswick, 729-0475.

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

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

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

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

Money Management Program, 6 Noble St., Brunswick, 729-0475.

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

Dining Out

Friday 2/12

Spaghetti Supper hosted by Boy Scout Troop 648; 5-7 p.m., $7/adult, $5/child, $20/family, St. Charles Borromeo Church, McKeen St., Brunswick.

Saturday 2/13

Public lasagna dinner, 4:30-6:30 p.m., suggested donation $7/adults, $3/children under 12, Knights of Columbus Hall, 807 Middle St., Bath.

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

Valentine’s Day Celebration, bring your Sweetie to a roast beef dinner, 5-7 p.m., $8/adults, $4/children, $20/family, Kellogg Church, Rt. 123, Harpswell, 833-6026 or 833-5567.

Gardens/Outdoors

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

Thursday 2/11

“Seed Starting,” Fred Horch and Brett Thompson, secrets for starting a bountiful garden from seed; supplies and seeds available for purchase, 7 p.m., free, reservations recommended, F.W. Horch Sustainable Goods, 56 Maine St., Brunswick, 729-4050.

Getting Smarter

Saturday 2/13

Town History Series 2010: “Memories of Woolwich,” oral history presentation, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Community Room, Patten Free Library, 33 Summer St., Bath, Peter Goodwin, 443-5141 ext. 18, pgoodwin@patten.lib.me.us.

Ongoing

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

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

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

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

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 www.wifeofbath.net.

Health & Support

Wednesday 2/10

Fresh Start, American Cancer Society’s smoking cessation program to help stop smoking in 2-4 weeks, 3:30-4:30 p.m., free, Wednesdays through March 4, call for information and to register, 260-6681, Martin’s Point Health Education Department.

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 Rd.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just for Seniors

AARP Tax-Aide, free income tax help for low/middle income taxpayers, sponsored by the IRS and the AARP Foundation, Feb. 1 – April 15, call for times and information, Bath Area Senior Center, 45 Floral St., call for information, 443-4937; Patten Free Library, 33 Summer St., 443-5141; Brunswick Curtis Memorial Library; People Plus, 6 Noble St., Brunswick, 729-0757; Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Rd., 725-1727; Wiscasset Community Center, 242 Gardiner Rd., 633-6748; for more information, Nancy Lord, Tax-Aide District Coordinator, 729-8730.

Wednesday 2/10

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

Ongoing

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

Meals on Wheels, delivery available for homebound seniors, offered by Spectrum Generations, Brunswick Resource Center, 6 Noble St., Brunswick, 729-0475.

Money Management Program, monthly budgeting help for low-income seniors, offered by Spectrum Generations, Brunswick Resource Center, 6 Noble St., Brunswick, 729-0475.

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

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

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

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

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

Kids and Family Stuff

Wednesday 2/10

“Strings At Sea:” Kinderkonzert by Portland Symphony Orchestra, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.,  
$4 per person, Crooker Theater at Brunswick High School, Brunswick, tickets, portlandsymphony.com, 773-6128.

Science Sleuths: Know Your Brain; for 7-12 year-olds and caregiver, 6:30-7:30 p.m., free, courtesy of Cornerstones of Science, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, pre-registration required, 725-5242, ext. 225, cornerstonesofscience.org

Thursday 2/11

Women & Science: Meteorology, for girls ages 10-19; 6:30–7:30 p.m., free, courtesy of Cornerstones of Science, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, pre-registration encouraged, 725-5242, ext. 225, cornerstonesofscience.org

Tuesday 2/16

Vacation Science: Art through Math, all ages, under 7 with adult, 10:30-11:30 a.m., free, courtesy Cornerstones of Science, pre-registration required, 725-5242, ext. 225, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, cornerstonesofscience.org

The Fofer Show, story-songs with projected animations and furry Fofers, 10:30 a.m., free, Patten Free Library, 33 Summer St., Bath, Fofers.com.

Wednesday 2/17

Shipwrecks, Sanctuaries, and Science with Author Mary Cerullo, all ages, under 9 with adult, 6-7 p.m., free, courtesy Cornerstones of Science, drop in, no registration, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, cornerstonesofscience.org

Ongoing

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bath/Brunswick is accepting applications for “Littles,” girls ages 6-14 that live in single parent homes to participate in “The Big and Little” program, a mentoring program that matches a child with an adult community mentor (Big Sister) in a one-on-one friendship. There are Big Sisters currently waiting to be matched with Littles. Please Contact Aurora Joseph, Match Support Specialist, 729-7736 or community@bbbsbathbrun.org to enroll your daughter.

Morning Storytelling, songs, stories from around the world with Janice O’Rourke, for ages 6 and under, Frontier Cafe, Cinema & Gallery, Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick, 725-5222 or explorefrontier.com.