Greater Portland

Benefits

Sunday 1/24

Yarmouth Pond Party, fundraiser for fuel assistance, hosted by Yarmouth High School Interact Club, with bonfire, food/drinks, pick-up hockey, 1-4 p.m., behind Key Bank on Main Street, Yarmouth, Linda Verrell, lindav@broadreachpr.com.

Saturday 1/30

“Becoming the Change You Wish to See in the World,” Personal and Professional Development Symposium, to benefit the Cancer Community Center, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., $25; $35 with lunch, hosted by Unum, 2211 Congress St., Portland, space limited, register, www.cancercommunitycenter.org, 774-2200.

“Have A Seat Auction,” to benefit Casco Bay High School Project Graduation, auction of 50 chairs painted by parents, students and local artists, 6 p.m., The Maine Studios, 225 Presumpscot St., Portland, 874-8160.

Friends of  Prince Memorial Library Children’s Book Sale, to benefit the children’s section of the library, 9 a.m.-noon sale; gently used children’s books donation welcome prior to sale in PML lobby, Kelsey O’Neil, koneil523@gmail.com, 240-6877.

Sunday 1/31

16th Annual Dr. Noel Paradise Memorial Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge, 3-on-3 coed basketball tournament for ages 19 and up, to benefit the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, $100 entry fee, USM Gorham, space limited to 36 teams, call Jon Paradise, Maine Credit Union League, 773-5671, ext. 273 or jparadise@mainecul.org or download entry form at www.mainecul.org.

Pizza Benefit, fundraiser to build/name softball field at Bridgeton’s Brag Complex in honor of the late Laurie A. Carter Bergen, 4 p.m., Heroes Cafe, 1124 Roosevelt Trail, Naples, 693-4145.

Portland Rotary Club’s Second Annual Pizza Bowl, to benefit The Salvation Army and other Rotary charities, 12 participating pizzerias, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., $10 adult/ $5 student or senior, also bring non-perishable food item donation, Italian Heritage Center, 40 Westland Ave., Portland, behind Shaw’s Westgate, tickets, Loretta 883-5432, lrowe@maine.rr.com.

Bulletin Board

Thursday 1/21

E2Tech Membership Appreciation and Networking Evening, with cash bar, 6-8 p.m., $10, register, www.e2tech.org.

New Gloucester Historical Society Annual Meeting, 7 p.m., New Gloucester Meetinghouse, U.S. Route 231, next to Town Hall, Leonard L. Brooks, 926-3188.

Thursday 1/28

“The Future of American Education: An Economic Perspective,” talk by Richard Sims, Ph.D., chief economist at the National Education Association, 6 p.m., free and open to the public, WCHP Lecture Hall, UNE Portland Campus, 283-0171, www.une.edu.

Sunday 1/31

Yarmouth Democrat Caucus, 3 p.m., Log Cabin, 196 Main St., Yarmouth, Robert F. Bishop, 846-5689.

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

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.

Thursday 1/28

Red Cross Blood Drive, 1-6 p.m., Dunkin’ Donuts incentive, Bardwell Chiropractic, 40 Forest Falls Dr., Yarmouth, for appointment, call Bardwell Chiropractic, 846-1665 or givelife.org.

Ongoing

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

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

Thursday 1/21

Wine Dinner with Stephen Greenwood, 6:30 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. seating, $58 per person, Inn by the Sea, 40 Bowery Beach Road, Cape Elizabeth, reservations, 799-3134.

Friday 1/22

St. Mary’s Free Community Dinner, 5-7 p.m., The Church of St. Mary the Virgin, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth, 781-3366 or 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 1/23

Lions Club Spaghetti Dinner, 5-7:30 p.m., $10 adult/ $5 child, Bowery Beach Schoolhouse, Two Lights Road, Cape Elizabeth, sponsored by Cape Elizabeth Lions Club.

Roast Beef Dinner, $8 adult/ $6 students/ $4 ages 12 and under, 4:30-6 p.m., Stevens Avenue Congregational Church, UCC, 790 Stevens Ave., Portland, 797-4573.

Sunday 1/24

Jazz Dinner Buffet, Tony Boffa Band, 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.

Monday 1/25

Foreside Tavern 5th Anniversary, special offerings, The Foreside Tavern, U.S. Route 1, Falmouth.

Tuesday 1/26

“Dinner in Venice,” Azure Cafe Wine Dinners, 6 p.m., $49.50 per person, Azure Cafe, 123 Main St., Freeport, www.azurecafe.com.

Thursday 1/28

Portland Harbor Hotel Annual Ice Bar, 4:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; $10 admission benefits Center for Grieving Children, Share Our Strength, and Junior Achievement, complimentary appetizers, live music, Portland Harbor Hotel, 468 Fore St., Portland, www.portlandharborhotel.com, 775-9090.

Saturday 1/30

Baked Bean Supper, 4:30-6 p.m., $8 adult/ $4 child, United Methodist Church, 52 Tuttle Rd., Cumberland.

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. 

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.

Saturday 1/23

Fresh Flower Arranging, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., $15, Skillins Greenhouses, 89 Foreside Road, Falmouth; 201 Gray Rd, Cumberland, 781-3860, skillins@maine.rr.com.

Sunday 1/24

“Animals Wintering,” 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.

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 1/21

“Down-Mountain and Cross-Country: 140 Years of Skiing in Maine,” narrated digital slideshow by Ski Museum of Maine, free and open to public, Cumberland Historical Society, 6 Blanchard Road, Carolyn Small, 829-3757.

“Special Update on China,” presented by Fox Intercultural Consulting Services,” 5-6:30 p.m., $35, space limited, Bernstein Shur, 100 Middle St., Portland, register, Suzanne Fox, 781-3767.

Friday 1/22

Food Safety Training for Volunteer Quantity Cooks, workshop, Kathy Savoie, MS, RD University of Maine Cooperative Extension Educator, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., $10 materials fee, Freeport Community Services, register, 1-800-287-1471 or 780-4205.

Tuesday 1/26

“Battling the Creepy Crawlers: Genetic Variability in the Major Histocompatability Complex in Atlantic Salmon and its Response to Parasites,” talk by by Ellen E. Hostert,  5:30 p.m., free and open to the public, Jewett Auditorium, 77 Fort Road, SMCC Campus,741-5823.

“Writing A Business Plan: Why you need one and when to revise it,” 2-5 p.m., small fee, Portland SCORE, 100 Middle St., Second Floor, East Tower, Portland, www.scoremaine.com, 772-1147.

Wednesday 1/27

“Entrepreneurial Pointers for Career Success,” talk by Mindy Ruth Novick, Ph.D. and SMARTmaine.org, 6:30-8 p.m. free and open to public, Jewish Community Alliance, 57 Ashmont, Portland, register, 772-1959, jca@mainejewish.org.

Naturalists’ Forum: “Alaska’s Arctic with Debbie Miller,” 7 p.m. talk, with photos, free, Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, off U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, 781-2330.

Saturday 1/30

“An Evening of Ambient Guitar and Astronomy Along the Inka Trail,” music by Rob Byrd, Inkan archeo-astronomy, 8 p.m., $8 adult, $5 child, The Southworth Planetarium, USM Portland, www.usm.maine.edu/planet, tickets, 780-4249.

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

Thursday 1/21

Greek Dance Classes, drop in, free, Jan. 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11; 7-8:30 p.m., Room 102, The Wishcamper Center, University of Southern Maine, Portland, 780-5256.

After the Death of an Adult Child, daytime bereavement support group, each Thursday through March 11; 2-3:30 p.m., St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, 350 Rt. One, Scarborough, Hospice of Southern Maine, Carol Schoneberg, 289-3651, cschoneberg@hospiceofsouthernmaine.org.

“Labyrinth Walk: Create Space for Retreat,” 4-7 p.m. Thursday; 5-7 p.m. Friday, free, all welcome, Trinity Episcopal Church, 580 Forest Ave., Portland, 772-7421, www.trinitychurchportland.org.

Thursday 1/28

Fitness Success Open House and 5th year anniversary celebration, 4-8 p.m., free and open to public, Fitness Success, 94 Main St., Yarmouth, www.fitness-success.biz.

“Forgiveness & Letting Go of the Past,” for adults touched by divorce or looking for relationship tools, 7-9 p.m., free, space limited, call 761-2709, Kids First Center, 222 St. John St., Suite 101, Portland, www.kidsfirstcenter.org.

Hearty Winter Soups, learn to prepare home-made soups by Amy Rolnick, 6-7:30 p.m., $30, Nutrition Works, LLC, 805 Stevens Ave., Portland, register at 772-6279 or www.nutritionworks.us.

Friday 1/29

“Living Well for Better Health,” 6 session course, 1-3:30 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 29 – March 5, space limited, must register at 781-1735, Parkinson’s Information & Referral Center, 5 Bucknam Rd, Suite 1A, Falmouth, www.mainehealth.org/LRC.

Louise Hay’s “You can Heal your Life,” film, 7-9 p.m., free, Sanctuary Holistic Health and Yoga Center, 50 Forest Falls, Yarmouth, www.sanctuaryhhyc.com, register, Christine Vanacore, 1-866-627-1771 or cderugeris@aol.com.

Saturday 1/30

Wilderness First Aid Course, includes CPR certification, sponsored by Preparedness Experts, $240, for ages 16 or older, register, 829-4020, stuart@preparednessexperts.com.

Sunday 1/31

“Creating the Life You Want,” interactive workshop led by Deb Bergeron and Lisa Clement, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., $89, Meadow Wind, Gray Rd, Falmouth, register, 797-9007 or debcoaches@aol.com.

Ongoing

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. 

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

Senior Snow-Shoveling Project, call if interested in receiving free snow shoveling services during the winter, for City of Portland residents ages 65 and older, call Joan Sheedy, 774-7616.  

Monday 1/25

“Stages of A Progressive Dementia: What to Expect,” 7–8:30 p.m., free and open to public, Alzheimer’s Yarmouth Conversation Group, St. Bartholomew’s Church, 396 Gilman Road, Yarmouth, Darlene Field, 632-2605 or Lois Knight, 829-6164.

Thursday 1/28

“Behavior is Communication,” workshop for family or professional caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s or related dementia, 10 a.m.- noon, free, limited seating, register at 772-0115, Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 170 U.S Route 1, Suite 140, Falmouth.

Ongoing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kids and Family Stuff

Wednesday 1/20

Preschool Fair, 6-8 p.m., free and open to public, sponsored by the Cumberland Family Network, snow date Wednesday 1/27, Westcustogo Hall, Route 115, North Yarmouth, hanleyb_@hotmail.com, 829-4568.

Saturday 1/23

Baseball Pitching Clinic at Falmouth Middle School gym, with Ryne Lawson and Ryan Reid; ages 8-12, 4-5:30 p.m.; ages 13-18, 5:30-7 p.m., $20 Falmouth residents, $25 non-residents, proceeds benefit Falmouth Little League, space is limited, register, MattG@town.falmouth.me.us or 781-5253.

Michael Trautman’s Big Time Vaudeville Show, 7 p.m., $10 adult/ $5 student or senior/ $25 family, Merriconeag Waldorf School, 57 Desert Rd., Freeport, 450-5342.

Tuesday 1/26

Cape Anime Club, 3:15-4:30 p.m., Thomas Memorial Library, 6 Scott Dyer Rd, Cape Elizabeth, 799-1720.

Sunday 1/31

“Kids, Kartoons and Kotzschmar,” family concert, 2 p.m., $20 adult, scholarships available; age 12 and under free with adult, tickets required, Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland, tickets at PortTix, www.porttix.com, sponsored by Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ, www.foko.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.

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 1/22

Comedian Bill Picard in a benefit performance for Mt. Ararat High School Project Graduation, 7 p.m., $10/door, rated “R,” Orion Performing Arts Center, Topsham.

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 1/20

International Association of Administrative Professionals, Mid Coast chapter meeting 5:30-8 p.m., speaker Mona Corro of Sweet Water Day Spa, at Midcoast Pizza and More, Bath, information, Lorraine Burke, laburke@gwi.net or 729-1981.

Friday 1/22

Peace Studies Scholarship Award program, 7 p.m., University College, Midcoast Center for Higher Education, 9 Park St., Bath, www.peaceworksbrunswickme.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

Volunteers needed for the Bath-Brunswick area AARP Tax-Aide, provide free income tax assistance to seniors and low and moderate-income neighbors, sign up now for training held in January, computer familiarity a must, more info, www.aarp.org/taxaide, local coordinator Nancy Lord, 729-8730.

Midcoast Maine CA$H Coalition needs tax preparation volunteers for the 2010 tax season to help with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, call Sharon Ross or Glenn Michaels, 373-1140. 

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. 

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.

Ongoing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spectrum Generations, formerly Senior Spectrum, needs volunteers for Meals on Wheels delivery and AARPs

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

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

Gardens and Outdoors

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

Dining Out

Saturday 1/23

Community Breakfast sponsored by Cundy’s Harbor Library, public welcome, 7:30-10 a.m., $6/person, Cundy’s Harbor Community Hall, 725-1461.

Bean supper to benefit Topsham Trailriders ATV and Snowmobile Club and the Topsham Fair Association, 4-6 p.m., $7/adults, $3.50/children 12 and under, Topsham Fairgrounds exhibition hall, Dale Giles, 725-6015.

Saturday 1/30

Community Breakfast sponsored by Cundy’s Harbor Library, public welcome, 7:30-10 a.m., $6/person, Cundy’s Harbor Community Hall, 725-1461.

Gardens/Outdoors

Saturday 1/23

Fresh Flower Arranging, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., $15, Skillins Greenhouse, 422 Bath Road, Brunswick, 442-8111, skillins@maine.rr.com.

Getting Smarter

Saturday 1/23

“Lighting the Kennebec,” Town History Series, with Mike Kreindler and Fred Kahrl, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Community Room, Patten Free Library, 33 Summer St., Bath, 443-5141.

Sunday 1/24

“Back from Copenhagen,” panel discussion by Jonathan Banks and Alex Cornell, attendees at the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference, 6:30-8 p.m., public welcome, sponsored by St. Paul’s Earth Care Commission, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Pleasant St., Brunswick, 725-6492.

Monday 1/25

E-Commerce With Matt Zito of Maine Creates, presented by Five Rivers Arts Alliance and Women, Work & Community, 6 p.m., free for members, $5 general public, Frontier Café, Cinema + Galley, 14 Maine St., Brunswick, reservations recommended: info@fiveriversartsalliance.org, 798-6964.

Tuesday 1/26

“Birds of Ecuador” slide show with Luke Seitz; potluck dinner, bring dish to share and own utensils/plates, friends welcome, 6–9 p.m., Mid-Coast Red Cross, 16 Community Way, Topsham, Carol Jack, 729-0220.

Thursday 1/28

“I Hate My Computer” with Sam Schwartz, librarian, basic computer and internet practice, 6:30 p.m., free, open to public, Cundy’s Harbor Library, 935 Cundy’s Harbor Rd., Harpswell, 725-1461.

Sunday 1/31

Wire Jewelry and Metal Class, design wire-wrapped and formed metal jewelry, 2-4 p.m., $25 including supplies, register online, Patricia Boissevain, pboiss@gmail.com; artmindandsoulstudio.com.

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.

Health & Support

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

Friday 1/22

“Facing Up To Facebook” 3:30-4:30 p.m., $10, follow-up on Feb. 12, Spectrum Generations Southern Midcoast Community Center, 12 Main St., Topsham, register, 729-0475.

Friday 1/29

“The National Park Service: An American Legacy” discussion by National Park Service personnel with footage from PBS’s Ken Burns series, open to public, 9:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m., registration required, 1-800-454-5768 or www.Exploritas.org, Thornton Oaks retirement community, 25 Thornton Way, Brunswick.

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 1/27

Science Sleuths: Flight, for ages 7-12 and parent, 6:30–7:30 p.m., free, courtesy of Cornerstones of Science, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, this is a make-up class from December, pre-registration required: 725-5242, x225, www.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.