Greater Portland

Benefits

Free Federal and Maine Income Tax Preparation, available for all ages and incomes, through April 14, for times/locations, visit aarp.org/money, tax-aide locator, or call 1-888-227-7669, ext. 211.

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.

Third Annual Ballyhoo Fundraiser, auction and gala to benefit Youth Alternatives Ingraham, 5:30-9 p.m. cocktails, dining, silent/live auction, Holiday Inn by the Bay, 88 Spring St., Portland, tickets, yimaine.org/ballyhoo, 523-5014.

Friday 3/19

Casco Bay Sunrise Rotary Food Drive, to benefit Good Shepherd Food Bank, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m., Shaw’s, Westgate Shopping Center, Congress St. and Stevens Ave., Portland, gsfb.org, 782-3554.

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.

Thursday 3/25

Annual Adaptive Services Auction, silent/live auction, food, live music, to benefit the YMCA Adaptive Services program, 6–9 p.m., advance tickets, $30 adult/$55 couple; door, $40 adult, Hilton Garden Inn, Freeport, tickets, cumberlandcountyymca.org, 865-9600.

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

Friday 3/26

“CeleSoirée: Celebrating Immigration through the Arts,” international food festival, world music concert and silent art auction, to benefit the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, 5-9 p.m., $30 advance tickets/ $35 door, ages 14 and under free, The Portland Company, 58 Fore St., Portland, ilapmaine.org, Beth, 780-1593.

“Make Dreams Come True: Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine Auction 2010,” silent and live auctions, appetizers, 6:30-10 p.m., $35 advance/ $40 door, Holiday Inn by the Bay, 88 Spring St., Portland, tickets, kitetails.org/support/fundraising-events/auction/.

Saturday 3/27

24th Annual Variety Show, fundraiser hosted by the Freeport Lioness/Lions Clubs, 7 p.m., $10 adult/ $3 child, Freeport Performing Arts Center at the high school, Holbrooke St., Freeport, tickets, Martha, 865-6188 or Jill, 353-2642.

“A Taste of the World” International Food Festival and Silent Auction, fundraiser for international and multicultural student scholarships, 10:30 a.m. silent auction begins; 11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. festival, $20, SMCC Dining Hall, 2 Fort Rd, South Portland, hosted by SMCC and the Rotary Clubs of South Portland – Cape Elizabeth and Breakwater Daybreak, tickets, Adrienne Murphy, 853-3292, Adrienne.murphy@nemoves.com, FMI, smccme.edu/foodfest.

The First Annual Project Linus Cumberland County Chapter Quilt & Blanket Show, with vendors, quilting supplies for sale, lunch and more, entries welcome, to benefit Project Linus, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, Scarborough, Melodie Provost, 284-5606, mprovost@maine.rr.com, projectlinuscumberlandmecountychapter.blogspot.com.

Sunday 3/28

Second Annual “Sitting Pretty: A Chairity Auction to benefit The PORT Teen Center,” 45 hand-painted chairs in live auction, with silent auction, music, appetizers, 4-6:30 p.m., $10 adult/ $25 family, Freeport Community Center, Depot St., Freeport, chair previews at theportteencenter.org, tickets at RCE 17 West St.

Bulletin Board

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.

Monday 3/22

“100 Years of American Quilts,” presentation by Bonnie Dwyer, 7 p.m., free and open to public, hosted by the North Yarmouth Historical Society, 6:30 p.m. NYHS annual meeting, Community Meeting Room, North Yarmouth Town Office, 10 Village Square Rd., off U.S. Route 9, North Yarmouth, 846-4379. 

Thursday 3/25

Gorham East-West Corridor Study Public Meeting, 6-8 p.m., Maine Turnpike Authority Headquarters, Skyway Drive, Portland, gorhamcorridor.org, Carol Morris, 329-6502.

Friday 3/26

2010 Maine Home and Garden Show, 12-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; $8 adult, ages 12 and under free, The Maine Mall, formerly Linens N’ Things, Maine Mall Road, South Portland, 882-9777, mainehomeandgardenshow.com.

Saturday 3/27

Passport Fair, U.S. Postal Office, celebration of Passport Day in the USA 2010, passport acceptance and outreach event, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Portland Post Office, 125 Forest Ave., Portland.

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.

The Salvation Army of Greater Portland Volunteer Opportunities; child care volunteer during adult life skills classes; Camp Rally Volunteer on April 23; National Association of Letter Carriers Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on May 8, FMI, call 774-4172 or email dgudroe@use.salvationarmy.org.

Tuesday 3/23

American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk Committee Meeting, volunteers needed, 5:45 p.m., Dana Center,Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St.,  Portland, Tess Hakkila, TPHakkila@aol.com, 807-7122.

Thursday 3/25

Red Cross Blood Drive, sponsored by the Cape Elizabeth High School Interact Club, 8 a.m.- 1 p.m., McGouldrick Room, Cape Elizabeth Fire Station, U.S. Route 77, ages 16 with parental permission and older, appointments, 1-800-RED-CROSS or christine_newell@cape.k12.me.us.

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 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.

Saturday 3/20

Baked Bean Supper, 4:30-6 p.m., $7 adult/ $3 child, West Scarborough United Methodist Church, U.S. Route 1, Scarborough.

Bean Supper, 5-6 p.m., $7 adult/ $16 family, Peoples United Methodist Church, 310 Broadway, South Portland.

Sunday 3/21

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

Saturday 3/27

Roast Beef Supper, hosted by Portland High School Baseball Boosters, seatings at 5, 6 and 7 p.m., $8 adult/ $4 child, St.Peter’s Episcopal Church, 678 Washington Ave., Portland, takeout available, 775-1179.

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, 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.

Hort Shorts & More 2010, education series, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, class listings and to register, 780-4205.

Friday 3/19

L.L.Bean Annual Spring Fishing Weekend, March 19-21, event schedule at llbean.com/events or call 800-559-0747, ext. 37222.

Saturday 3/20

“Early Migrants at Scarborough Marsh with Ed Hess,” meet at parking area, U.S. Route 9, south of the Scarborough Marsh Nature Center, near the trail head and walking bridge, register, Marian Zimmerman, 284-5487.

“Pruning for a Purpose,“ 10 a.m. or 2 p.m., free, Skillins, Gray Rd, Cumberland, 829-5619.

Spring Welcome Walk with Freeport Conservation Trust, 2 p.m., Calderwood Preserve, meet at the Calderwood trailheads on Flying Point Road; rain date Sunday, March 21, 2 p.m., freeportconservationtrust.org, 869-1012.

Sunday 3/21    

“Nature Legends,” 2 p.m., free with $1.50 park admission, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park Nature Programs, 426 Wolf Neck Rd., Freeport, 865-4465.

Wednesday 3/24

“Challenges in Bird Photography,” workshop, 7 p.m., $5 member/ $10 nonmember, cosponsored by the Maine-based Center for Ecological Research, Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, off U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, 781-2330.

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. 

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

Wednesday 3/17

Coastal Studies for Girls Guest Lecture Series, Brian Skerry, National Geographic photojournalist, 7 p.m.; 6 p.m. reception, free and open to public, Franklin Theater, Waynflete School 360 Spring St., Portland, Ginger Jones, 865-9700, coastalstudiesforgirls.org.

“Your Turn!” Spring 2010 “Creative Conversation” Series,  open-forum discussion, hosted by the Portland Arts and Cultural Alliance, 6:30 p.m., Space Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland, Catherine Valenza, 772-6828.

Tuesday 3/23

“Writing a Business Plan: Why you need one & when to revise it,” 2-5 p.m., SCORE Offices, 100 Middle St., Second Floor, East Tower, Portland, register, scoremaine.com, 772-1147.

Thursday 3/25

“Investment by the Numbers: Valuation, Terms, and Exits” presented by John Burns 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.

“The Maine Local Twenty: Can Maine Feed Itself?” presentation and discussion with MOFGA chef Cheryl Wixson,  6:30 p.m., $5 suggested donation, Freeport Community Center, Depot St., Freeport.

Ongoing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health & Support

Thursday 3/18

Labyrinth Walk, 4-8 p.m., all welcome, Trinity Episcopal Church, 580 Forest Ave., Portland, 772-7421.

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.

Sunday 3/21

Praise & Healing Night, 6 p.m., The Eastland Park Hotel, Portland, sponsored by the Holy Ghost Society, Portland.

Tuesday 3/23

Introductory Yoga Class, free, 4:30-6 p.m.; or 9:30-11 a.m. Friday, 3/26; The Yoga Center, 449 Forest Ave. Plaza, Portland, 774-YOGA.

“Spring Ahead Life and Career Coaching Group,” free introductory session, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 30 Forest Falls Drive, Suite 1, Yarmouth,  Mindy Ruth Novick, 210-6999.

“Taking Charge of Money Matters,” American Cancer Society class for cancer patients, family members, and caregivers, 5-7 p.m., free, Mercy Hospital’s Oncology/ Hematology Center, 195 Fore River Parkway, Suite 360, Portland, Colleen O’Connor, 553-6869, oconnorco@mercyme.com.

Wednesday 3/24

“Job Club,” free introductory session, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 30 Forest Falls Drive, Suite 1, Yarmouth,  Mindy Ruth Novick, 210-6999.

Friday 3/26

“Ladies Night of Indulgence,” hosted by Dr. Michael Hurley and The Specific Chiropractic Center, vendors, complimentary screenings, food and more, free if pre-registered by 3/25; $5 at door, 5-9 p.m., Portland Harbor Hotel, 468 Fore St., Portland, ladiesnightofindulgence.com.

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, newlightportland.org, 899-2435. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 nutritionworks.us.

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

Prostate Cancer Support Group, 6:30-8:30 second Tuesday, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main 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.

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.

Saturday 3/27

Second Annual Easter Egg Hunt, 12:30 p.m., free and open to the public, children of all ages welcome, reservations, 799-9355, hosted by Coastal Wellness Family Chiropractic, 300 Ocean House Road, Cape Elizabeth, coastalwellnesschiro.com.

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, 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 3/19

Hypnotist/Comedian Bill Picard Performance, to benefit Project Graduation, 7 p.m., $10, Mt. Ararat High School, 73 Eagles Way, Topsham, ages 18 and under need signed permission slip.

Saturday 3/20

“More Stories with Al Miller,” for young people and families, 11 a.m., food or monetary donations encouraged, all proceeds benefit The Midcoast Hunger Prevention Program, The Theater Project, 14 School St., Brunswick, information, 729-8584.

Thursday 3/25

Spring Used Book Sale, proceeds benefit Mid Coast Hospital Auxiliary scholarship program, Thursday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.- 3 p.m., Hospital Café Conference Rooms, 123 Medical Center Dr., for information or to donate books, call Mid Coast Volunteer Services, 373-6015.

Friday 3/26

Spring Used Book Sale, proceeds benefit Mid Coast Hospital Auxiliary scholarship program, 8 a.m.- 3 p.m., Hospital Café Conference Rooms, 123 Medical Center Dr., for information or to donate books, call Mid Coast Volunteer Services, 373-6015.

“So You Think You Know Bath IV?” live Bath trivia game show and silent auction to benefit Main Street Bath, 6 p.m. social, 6:30-9 p.m. game, $30, Winter Street Center, 880 Washington St., Bath, tickets, Main Street Bath members or office at 15 Commercial St., 442-7291, visitbath.com.

Saturday 3/27

Theater Project Benefit Auction, 6 p.m., with open bar, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, tickets $10, call to purchase, 729-8584, The Theater Project, 14 School St., Brunswick, www.theaterproject.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

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

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.

Saturday 3/20

Tales out of Court: The History of the Sagadahoc County Courthouse by John W. Voorhees, talk and tour, 10:30 a.m., free, sponsored by Bath Historical Society, 752 High St., Bath (enter through rear door),  443-5141 ext. 18.

Tuesday 3/23

Sagadahoc County Democratic Committee Meeting, with gubernatorial candidates Pat McGowan, John Richardson and Rosa Scarcelli, 7 p.m., Bath Police Department conference room, 250 Water St., Bath, 837-0648.

Thursday 3/25

Brunswick Area Women’s Social Club gathering, 7 p.m., Seattle’s Cafe, Borders Book Store, 147 Bath Rd., Brunswick, Marsha Dutton, Organizer, meetup.com/TheBrunswickAreaWomensSocialCub.

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

Monday 3/22

Red Cross Blood Drive, 1-6 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 807 Middle St., Bath, reservations, call 1-800-GIVELIFE, FMI, 443-5389.

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, 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, through 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 3/20

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.

Sunday 3/21

Public Breakfast Buffet, 7:30-10 a.m., suggested donation, $6/adults, $3/children under 12/$12 family, Knights of Columbus Hall, 807 Middle St., Bath, 443-6015.

Sunday 3/28

Public bean supper to benefit Topsham Trailriders ATV and Snowmobile Club, 4-6 p.m., adults $7, kids under 12 $3.50, Topsham Fair Exhibition Hall, Topsham Fairgrounds, Dale Giles, 725-6015.

Gardens/Outdoors

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

Saturday 3/20

Spring Pruning Techniques, workshop by Tom Hoerth, Bath City Arborist & Tree Warden, 9-11:30 a.m., rain date March 27, free, open to public, basement conference room, Bath City Hall, 55 Front St., Bath, information, Ms. Letha Bennett, Cemeteries & Parks Department, 443-8345.

Getting Smarter

Sunday 3/21

Maine Community Conference on Jewish Medical Ethics, hosted by Beth Israel Congregation and Cantor Daniel Leeman, 10-11:30 a.m., free, open to public, Minnie Brown Educational Center, 906 Washington St., Bath.

Tuesday 3/23

Birds of Monhegan with photographer and commercial fisherman Geoff Dennis, 7 p.m., free, open to public, Curtis Memorial Library, Morrell Room, Brunswick.

Wednesday 3/24

Five Years on the Farm: Seth Kroeck and Crystal Spring Farm, part of Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust’s 25th anniversary celebration, 7 p.m., free, Curtis Memorial Library, Morrell Meeting Room, Alicia Heyburn, aheyburn@gmail.com, 725-8865.

Sunday 3/28

Ornaments of Adornment class, bring beads, stones, glass, etc., 2-4:30 p.m., $25/ $20 members, register online, pboiss@gmail.com, Art, Mind and Soul Studio, Fort Andross Mill, 14 Maine St., Brunswick, 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.

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

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

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

Health & Support

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.

Saturday 3/27

Shambhala Arts Festival, evening of contemplative arts, 6-9 p.m., $5 suggested donation, open to public, Brunswick Shambhala Meditation Center, 19 Mason St., Rebekah Younger, rebekah@suscom-maine.net, 443-8649.

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, 12 Main St., Topsham, 729-0475.

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

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

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

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

Spectrum Generations Southern Midcoast Community Center now open for classes, activities, trips, health & wellness, 12 Main St., Topsham, 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

Friday 3/19

Healthy Family Night at the Bath YMCA, “Old-fashioned Games,” 6-8 p.m., all ages, free, open to public, schedule of events, bathymca.org or 443-4112.

Saturday 3/20

“Crossing the Line Ceremony,” nautical performance, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with music, tours, crafts and more, free admission, Maine Martine Museum, Bath, MaineMaritimeMuseum.org, 443-1316.

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.