Greater Portland

Benefits

Beauty and the Books, silent auction fundraiser for Falmouth Memorial Library, March 1-25,  finale reception 3/25, 5-7 p.m., view items, falmouth.lib.me.us, or stop in, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road, Falmouth, 781-2351.

Wednesday 3/10

7th Annual Online Auction, Cancer Community Center, 9 a.m., ccc.cmarket.com, 774-2200, cancercommunitycenter.org.

“MOOSE Herd for Haiti: A Storybowl Benefit for Konbit Sante,”  7-9 p.m.,  $10 donation, hosted by Maine Organization of Storytelling Enthusiasts, North Star Cafe, 225 Congress St., Portland, 699-2994, northstarmusiccafe.com.

Friday 3/12

“Adopt-A-Dog Night” at Portland Pirates hockey game, $12, tickets purchased through Caitlin Malloy at Camp Bow Wow Portland will benefit Almost Home Rescue, dogs available for adoption, Caitlin Malloy, 828-4665 ext. 328, cmalloy@portlandpirates.com

Saturday 3/13

Benefit for Orphans of the World International and The Wings of Hope Alliance for Cambodia, with food, music and dance from Romania, Cambodia and Sudan, 2-4 p.m., $2 student/ $5 adult/ $10 family, Maine Film Studio, 235 Presumpscot St., Portland, FMI, Katie Cole, kcole612@gmail.com, 408-3988.

Haiti Benefit Dinner, 100% of proceeds to benefit Haiti mission work, 5-7 p.m., $5 children (12 and under), $8 adults, $20/family, Tuttle Road U. M. Church, 52 Tuttle Rd., Cumberland, handicapped accessible, 829-5238.

Thursday 3/18

“Decide to Win – Exploring Decision Making as a Professional Tool,” professional development seminar to benefit Dress for Success Southern Maine, 7:30 a.m.-noon, hosted by Dress for Success Southern Maine and the Maine Women’s Network, Hannaford Hall, Abromson Community Center, USM Portland, register, dressforsuccess.org/southernmaine, 780-1686.

Saturday 3/20

3rd Annual Cape Elizabeth Fire Department vs. Cape Elizabeth Varsity Hockey, to benefit Engine 2 Company, 8:30 p.m., $5 adult/ $3 student, Portland Ice Arena, 225 Park Ave., Portland.

Book, Bake & Soup Sale, to benefit the Falmouth Food Pantry, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., hosted by The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth, 871-3366.

Children’s Book Sale, to benefit Falmouth Memorial Library, 1-4 p.m., FML, 5 Lunt Road, Falmouth, 781-2351.

“March Madness,” fundraiser silent/live auction, to benefit Scarborough High School Project Graduation, 5-9 p.m., Scarborough High School cafeteria, 20 Gorham Road, Scarborough, shsprojectgraduation.org.

Scrapbooking Event, to Benefit Habitat for Humanity, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., $50, includes gift, door prizes, lunch, dinner and snacks, silent auction, with supplies and assistance from Mainely Memories and Creative Memories; Val Halla, Cumberland, Beckie Kelly, 846-4927, rebeccaKelly@maine.rr.com, sponsored  by Tuttle Rd. U. M. Church, Cumberland

Bulletin Board

Thursday 3/11

2010 Winter Networking Social, Maine Real Estate & Development Association, 4:30-7 p.m., members/$40, non-members/$55; after March 4: members/$50, non-members/$65, Ri Ra Irish Pub & Restaurant, 72 Commercial St., Portland, to register, or for information, call 874-0801, or mereda.org.

Sunday 3/14

St. Patrick’s Day Parade, by The Irish American Club of Portland, 12 p.m., begins at Portland Fish Pier on Commercial Street, proceeds down the ocean side half of the street to Maine State Pier.

Tuesday 3/16

Citizen’s United v. Federal Elections Commission Group Discussion, led by attorney David Rooker, 6 p.m., South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway, South Portland.

Wednesday 3/17

“The Color of Choice: Race & Reproductive Rights,” lecture by Loretta Ross, 4:30–6:30 p.m., free and open to public, University Events Room, Glickman Library, USM Portland, presented by USM Women & Gender Studies Program, lwebster@usm.maine.edu, 780-4289.

Thursday 3/18

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse Presentation, by Brian Durham, 7 p.m., open to public, Betsy Ross House Community Room, 99 Preble St., South Portland, hosted by The Willard Neighborhood Association.

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

Gardeners Wanted, for the 2010 season at Yarmouth Community Garden, $25 for 10′ by 10′ plot/ $35 non-Yarmouth residents, organic garden on East Main Street, sign up at Yarmouth Community Services, 846-2406.

Thursday 3/11

The Portland Flower Show is seeking volunteers for show, Thursday March 11 – Sunday March 14, numerous positions, free admission for 4 hours volunteer time or earn Master Gardener volunteer hours, portlandcompany.com/flower, Kerry Ratigan, 615-6271.

Tuesday 3/16

Greely High School Blood Drive, to benefit the American Red Cross, 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., appointements can be made by emailing greelyblooddrive@yahoo.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.

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.

Dining Out

Greek Easter Bread Bake Sale, March 22- 25, $8 per loaf, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 133 Pleasant St., Portland,  to order call 771-5067.

Friday 3/12

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.

Saturday 3/13

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

Public Church Supper, 5 p.m., $7 adult/ $3 child, First Parish Church, 40 Main St., Freeport, 865-6022.

Sunday 3/14

Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, 7:30-11 a.m., $5 adult/$4 age 12 and under, sponsored by Cape Lions Club, Bowery Beach School House, Ocean House Road, Cape Elizabeth, proceeds benefit Cape Elizabeth Lions Club charities.

Jazz Dinner Buffet, Dominic Sbrega Quintet, 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.

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.

Wednesday 3/10

Topsham Garden Club, noon luncheon, business meeting, 1 p.m., Donna Truesdell-Linkel of Cosmic Stone and Garden Supply, presents “Stonework in the Garden,” guests and new members welcome, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Rd., Topsham, information, Carol, 729-7225 or Marie, 729-1295.

Saturday 3/13

Maine Rose Society, round-table discussion on “Best Practices and Favorite Home Remedies for Growing Roses,” 1 p.m., free, open to public, Barron Center, Portland.

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 3/11

“How to Use Google Analytics to Improve Your Website,” Carole Mahoney, 12-12:20 p.m. registration, 12:30-2:30 p.m. workshop, $10, USM students with ID/free, Room 213 Abromson Center, University of Southern Maine, reservations recommended, RSVP workshops@mced.biz, information, mced.biz/news.html#events, 228-8524.

Green Careers Series Part 3, highlighting local businesses that promote environmental responsibility, 5:30-7 p.m., Slainte, 24 Preble St., Portland, 828-0900.

Hellenic Society of Maine Spring Lecture Series, “The Antikythera Mechanism: The 2,000 Year Old Greek Computer,” 7 p.m., free and open to the public, 41 Payson Smith Hall, basement level, USM Portland campus, Irwin Novak at 780-5025.

Saturday 3/13

Solar Energy for the Homeowner, 9:30-10:30 a.m., ReVision Energy, 142 Presumpscot St., Portland, jen@revisionenergy.com, 221-6342.

Tuesday 3/16

“Fish Passage Impediments and Atlantic Salmon Restoration,” Dr. Curtis Bohlen and Maine DMR’s Paul Christman, 7 p.m., free, open to public, Governor’s Restaurant, 700 Main St., South Portland, hosted by Sebago Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Steve Heinz, 781-4762.

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

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

Wednesday 3/10

National MS Society’s Women on the Move Luncheon, keynote by Joyce Nelson, president/CEO, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Holiday Inn by the Bay, 88 Spring St., Portland, MSmaine.org.

Separation and Divorce Support Groups for Children and Adolescents, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 4:30-6 p.m., $60/$45, call for age group information and to register, 761-2709, kidsfirstcenter.org, Kids First Center, 222 St. John St., Suite 101, Portland.

Saturday 3/13

Create the Life You Love for adults affected by cancer, Deb Bergeron, personal and professional life coach, interactive, based on The Law of Attraction, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., free, call to register, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, CancerCommunityCenter.org, 774-2200.

“The Four Noble Truths,” 1-4 p.m., with Khen Rinpoche Lobsang Tsetan, founder, Siddhartha School, and author, “Peaceful Mind, Compassionat Heart,” 429 Elmwood Rd, Pownal, 319-8925, presented by The Siddhartha School Project, siddharthaschool.org.

Sunday 3/14

Bodhisattva Vows and Puja Ceremony, with Khen Rinpoche, 10 a.m.-noon, vegetarian potluck to follow, 429 Elmwood Rd, Pownal; anyone wanting to take refuge or vows, call Joli Greene, 865-0744, siddharthaschool.org.

Friday 3/19  

Balancing Your Life After Divorce: Educational and spiritual devotion, 6-week session,  6:30 p.m., $25/ session, library at Cumberland Congregational Church, 282 Main St., register, Judy, 751-4339 or Diane, 829-3419.                                                      

“Food Matters,”  7-9 p.m., free, open to public, Sanctuary Health and Yoga Center, 50 Forest Falls Dr. Yarmouth, Chris Vanacore, 1-866-627-1771, sanctuaryhhyc.com.

Saturday 3/20

“Connecting Point 2010,” Maine’s Christian Expo & Family Conference,  9 a.m.-4 p.m., free admission/ donations accepted, First Baptist Church of Portland, 360 Canco Rd., Portland, Jim Duran, 797-4915.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

2010 Falmouth Little League Player & Coach Registration, $60 ages 5-12/ $85 ages 13-16; $25 late fee after 2/28, register at falmouthlittleleague.net, FMI, Bill Engelberger, 797-7633 or rileyjack2351@msn.com.

Thursday 3/11

“Kindergarten Readiness: To send or not to send?” discussion with Lunt School, Kindergarten teachers, staff, and parents, 7 p.m., free and open to public, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road, Falmouth, presented by the Falmouth Elementary PTO, FMI, e.cadigan@yahoo.com.

“Cinderella” 4 p.m., $4, Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, 142 Free St., Portland, tickets, 828-1234 x231, kitetails.org, or at the front desk.

Friday 3/12

“Cinderella” 4 p.m. Friday; 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, $8, Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, 142 Free St., Portland, tickets, 828-1234 x231, kitetails.org, or at the front desk.

Saturday 3/13        

“Celebrate India” family event, with arts, food, music and more, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., free and open to public, Scarborough Public Library, 48 Gorham Road, 883-4723, library.scarborough.me.us.   

“Cinderella” 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, $8, Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, 142 Free St., Portland, tickets, 828-1234 x231, kitetails.org, or at the front desk.
   
Ethiopian Culture & Art-making Family Festival, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., $10/ family, The Museum of African Culture, 13 Brown St., Portland, 871-7188, museumafricanculture.org.

Sunday 3/14

Camp Ketcha Open House, 2-4 p.m., 336 Black Point Road, Scarborough, 883-8977.

“Cinderella” 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, $8, Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, 142 Free St., Portland, tickets, 828-1234 x231, kitetails.org, or at the front desk.

Tuesday 3/16

“Strings at Sea,” PSO Kinderkonzert, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., $4, for ages 3-7, Reiche Community School, Brackett St., Portland, tickets at, portlandsymphony.com, 773-6128.

Saturday 3/20

“Create Your Nature Journal,” Wolfe’s Neck Farm Family Nature Walks 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. guided 1-2 mile walk, all ages welcome, $5 person/ $15 family, registration required, lbrownlee@wolfesneckfarm.org or call 865-4363, Wolfe’s Neck Farm, 10 Burnett Road, Freeport.

“Goodnight Moon” and “The Runaway Bunny,” Puppet-Theatre Productions presented by Portland Ovations, 11 a.m., $10, South Portland Auditorium, South Portland High School, Highland Ave., South Portland, for ages 2-7, tickets at PortTix, 842-0800, portlandovations.org.

Sunday 3/21

Summer Children’s Camp Fair, 1–4 p.m., free admission, East End School gymnasium, 195 North St., Portland, mainecamps.org, 518-9557.

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

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

Bath Blarney Days, March 11-17, The City of Ships will become the City of the Irish, complete list of activities at www.visitbath.com.

Free tax preparation for household incomes below $50,000; Midcoast CASH Coalition, call 319-1390 for more information or appointment.

Friday 3/12

“Waves of Green: The Irish in Bath,” speaker Robin A. S. Haynes, sponsored by Sagadahoc Preservation Inc., 7 p.m.; Irish music, 6:30 p.m., Winter Street Center, 880 Washington St., Bath, winterstreetcenter.org.

Saturday 3/13

Irish Soda Bread Baking Contest, 2 p.m., drop off breads by 1 p.m., Now You’re Cooking, 49 Front St., Mary Milam, 443-1402, marym@acooksemporium.com, acooksemporium.com.

Sunday 3/14

Bath Antiques Show, 55 dealers, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., $4 admission, $3 w/ad, Bath Middle School, Polly Thibodeau, 443-8983, ptpromo@suscomme.net.

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

Thursday 3/18

Midcoast Community Read, “Iron Ships and Iron Men,” with author James Nelson, 6 p.m., Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, Pamela Bobker, 725-5242, schedule of activities at midcoastreads.com.

Wind Power Forum: Developing the Resource with a Concern for Habitat and Community, presented by PeaceWorks, 7 p.m., Frontier Cafe, Fort Andross, Brunswick.

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

Free Wine Appreciation Series with The Black Sheep Wine Shop, Fridays through March 26; 5-7 p.m., Cook’s Lobster House, Bailey Island, 725-9284, blacksheepwine.com.

Mid-week Lenten Soup Suppers, Wednesdays Feb. 24 – March 24; 5:30-7 p.m., supper followed by program, fellowship and discussion, public invited, The Bath United Methodist Church, 340 Oak Grove Ave., Bath, 443-4707.

Saturday 3/13

Public Supper, 4:30-6:30 p.m., suggested donation, $7/adults, $3/children under 12, Knights of Columbus Hall, 807 Middle St., Bath, 443-6015.

Thursday 3/18

Lunch & Connections, People Plus and Spectrum Generations, benefits specialist 11 a.m., Irish music 11:30 a.m., corned beef and cabbage or vegetarian 12 p.m., public welcome, $3.50 suggested for those over 60, $5 suggested under 60, reservations and information, 729-0757, Brunswick, peopleplusmaine.org.

Saturday 3/20

Chicken Pie Supper, 4:30-6:30 p.m., no reservations required, take out available, adults $7.50, children 12 and under $3.50, proceeds benefit church general expense fund, 443-4707.

Gardens/Outdoors

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

Getting Smarter

Friday 3/12

So you have a new digital camera. Now what?! 12:30-1:30 p.m.; $15,  Spectrum Generations, Southern Midcoast Community Center, 12 Maine St., Topsham, 729-0475, southernmidcoast@spectrumgenerations.org.

Facing Up To Facebook, 3:30-4:30 p.m.; $10 per session, Spectrum Generations, Southern Midcoast Community Center, 12 Maine St., Topsham, 729-0475, southernmidcoast@spectrumgenerations.org.

Pathways to Business Careers, interactive videoconference program overview with UMA faculty, 10-11 a.m., seating limited, register in advance, 800-696-2329, 442-7736, University College at Bath/Brunswick, Midcoast Center for Higher Education, 9 Park Street, Bath.

Sunday 3/14

Pejepscot Genealogical Society meeting, Merry Chapin and Jessie Sutfin present slides and a commentary on Phippsburg Cemetery Restoration, 2 p.m., Morrell Meeting Room, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, 833-7371.

Monday 3/15

“The People with No Name: Scotch-Irish Settlers of the Brunswick-Topsham Area,” talk and book signing by John Mann, sponsored by the Pejepscot Historical Society, 6:30 p.m., free, open to public, Thornton Oaks Retirement Community, 25 Thornton Way, Brunswick, information, 729-6606.

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.

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 www.wifeofbath.net.

Health & Support

Parkview’s “Living with Loss” support group for people experiencing loss of a loved one, March 2 – April 6; 1-3 p.m., Family Life Room, Parkview Adventist Medical Center, 329 Maine St., Brunswick, to register, call 373-2251.

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.

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.

Tuesday 3/16

“Navigating through Dementia,” David Currier, Educator, Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 4:30-6 p.m., free, Mid Coast Senior Health Center, Community Room, 58 Baribeau Dr., Brunswick, 729-8033.

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.

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

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.

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 3/10

Science Sleuths: Food Science with special guest Julia Knowles, for 7-12 year-olds and caregiver, 6:30-7:30 p.m., free, courtesy of Cornerstones of Science, pre-register, 725-5242 ext.225, suggested reading, “What the World Eats” by Peter Menzel, Conference Room, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, www.cornerstonesofscience.org.

Thursday 3/11

Women & Science: Robotics with Lauren Mack, for girls ages 10-19; 6:30-7:30 p.m., free, courtesy of Cornerstones of Science, pre-register, 725-5242 ext. 225, Morrell Meeting Room, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, 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.