Greater Portland

Benefits

Friday 5/5

Cinco de Mayo with BBQ and Bingo, 6 p.m., South Freeport Church benefit, 98 South Freeport Road, $25, free meal and childcare for 12 and younger, reserve by calling 865-4012. 

Saturday 5/6

Falmouth Foreside 5K Walk or Run sponsored by Habitat for Humanity, 9 a.m., St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth. Cash prizes, cash raffle and prizes, register at https://g2racereg.webconnex.com/falmouth5K17.

Monday  5/8 

Spring for Teachers fundraiser, 5:30-7:30 p.m., hosted by Portland Education Foundation at the Bunker Brewing Taproom. Tickets $20 at http://bit.ly/2q8HcUe.

Thursday 5/11

Toast on the Coast, Portland’s Ocean Gateway, 6 p.m., night of gourmet fare and fine wine, proceeds benefit Veterans Count Maine and Easter Seals Maine. Limited tickets, toastonthecoast.com.

Friday 5/12

“Bloom,” Kids First Center benefit, 6-11 p.m., Thompson’s Point, Portland. Live bluegrass, DJ dance, auction, local beer. Tickets $60 at kidsfirstcenter.org/Bloom, 761-2709.

Saturday 5/13

Maine Walks with Haiti 5k Walk/Run, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., live music, art, and food, Back Cove Park, Portland (across from Hannaford), family-friendly, register at mainewalks.org or day of event. No one turned away for lack of funds.

Saturday 5/20

West End 5K Run/Walk, check-in 7:30 a.m.; 1K Fun Run for age 11 and younger 9:30 a.m. Supports West End Mentoring Project and Project Story Boost, waynflete.org/5K.

Sunday 5/21

Southern Maine Heart Walk, 8 a.m., 1-mile or 5K walk, 5K run, kids’ obstacle course, AAA of Northern New England’s parking lot, health screenings, breakfast and lunch, children’s activities, American Heart Association Maine fundraiser, SouthernMaineHeartWalk.org.

Books/Authors

Freeport Community Library Annual Book Sale, 10 Library Dr., Freeport, May 6-11 during library hours, freeportlibrary.com, 865-3307.

“I Know It In My Heart: Walking Through Grief with a Child,” by Marybeth Plouffe, book launch, 7 p.m., Longfellow Books, Portland.

Saturday 5/6

Book Sale, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., Wishcamper Center at USM, Bedford Street, Portland. Books, CDs, puzzles, games. Benefits scholarships at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

“The Queen of Heartbreak Trail: The Life and Times of Harriet Smith Pullen, Pioneering Woman,” by Eleanor Phillips Brackbill, 12:30 p.m., hosted by Greater Portland Chapter of the Maine Genealogical Society, First Congregational Church, 301 Cottage Road, South Portland. Free, guests welcome. 

Thursday 5/11

“Modified: GMOs and the Threat to Our Food, Our Land, Our Future,” by Caitlin Shetterly, 6:30 p.m., Prince Memorial Library, 266 Main St., Cumberland, reading and discussion. 

Ongoing

Third Tuesday Book Group, 2 p.m., Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road. Details at library.

First Tuesday Book Club, Maine Charitable Mechanic Association, noon, Mechanics’ Hall, 519 Congress St., Portland. 

LGBTQ Teen Book Group, 2:30-3:30 p.m., third Saturdays, Portland Public Library. 

Literary Lunch, Portland Public Library, noon, last Wednesday of the month. 

Teen Writing Crew, 1:30-2:30 p.m. second Saturday and 4:30-5:30 p.m. additional Tuesday each month, Portland Public Library, through June, teens@portlandpubliclibrary.org, 871-1700, ext. 773. 

Adult Story Time, 12:05-12:50 p.m., South Portland Public Library, lunch hour read-aloud group for adults every Wednesday, 767-7660.

Reader’s Circle, 7 p.m., Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, last Thursday of the month. Free and open to the public.

Bulletin Board

Free Ride Service by Living Well in North Yarmouth Committee, call Ginny Vandyke at 829-3848.

Saturday 5/6 

Scarborough Land Trust Cleanup, 9 a.m.-noon, bring gloves and water, volunteers will be assigned to one of six properties. To sign up, see scarboroughlandtrust.org.

Sunday 5/7

Connected Catholics of Maine, general meeting, Holy Martyrs, Route 88, Falmouth, 1 p.m., social/potluck; 1:30 p.m. program, “Genetic Genealogy-How, When, Where, Why,” followed by business meeting at 2 p.m.

Interfaith Celebration of Freedom, 4 p.m., Wishcamper Center, USM Portland campus, includes vegetarian potluck. All faiths, nationalities and genders welcome and encouraged to attend. RSVP by May 4 to jchasan@comcast.net.

Yellow Tulip Hope Walk, 10 a.m., Monument Square to ceremony in Lincoln Park in Portland to raise awareness for mental illness and suicide prevention, particularly for teens.

Cumberland County Retired Educators Association, second Thursday at 11 a.m. for lunch at Fireside Inn, Riverside Street, Portland. Open to all retired teachers.

Maine Genealogical Society, Greater Portland Chapter, 12:30 p.m. first Saturday, First Congregational Church, 301 Cottage Road, South Portland. Free, guests welcome, 409-6205.

Planet Dog Adoption Day, noon-2 p.m., every Saturday, Planet Dog Company Store, 211 Marginal Way, Portland.

Portland Winter Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, Swallowtail Farm’s Milk & Honey Café, 84 Cove St., East Bayside, through April 22. For more, contact Mary Ellen Chadd at maryellenchadd@gmail.com or 799-4784.

Tri-Town Penguins Snowmobile Club (Durham, Freeport, Pownal), 7 p.m., last Tuesday through April, Durham Fire Station, 615 Hallowell Road. New members always welcome, contact Duncan Daly, 865-6188, or Mike Yates, 865-3555.

Scarborough Kiwanis Club, noon-1 p.m. Fridays at The Egg & I, Route One, Scarborough, guest speakers, public welcome.

Call for Volunteers

Saturday 5/13

Food Drive by National Association of Letter Carriers, leave non-perishable donations by mailbox to donate to local food bank.

Monday 5/22

Introduction to Volunteer Roles after an Oil Spill, 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Maine DEP, 312 Canco Road, Portland. Register through southernmainecoad@gmail.com. Space is limited.

Ongoing

Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, ongoing volunteer opportunities for caring people who can offer three to four hours per week, 383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, 772-0115.

American Red Cross needs volunteers in the disaster services, health and safety and administration departments, 874-1192, ext. 115.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine is looking for people who can positively impact children for a few hours each month, 773-5437, somebigs.org.

Cumberland Area Rides and Cumberland Aging in Place needs volunteer drivers and companions to help local seniors. Interview, vetting and training required, contact Lisa Crowley at 829-3367,  cumberlandrides@gmail.com.

Drivers needed for The Road To Recovery program to transport cancer patients to treatment in Cumberland County. Must be 18 or older, with valid license, reliable vehicle, clean driving record and proof of insurance. Free training, American Cancer Society, 800-227-2345, or cancer.org.

Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions, adults 55 and older wanted to make a difference while earning extra money. Foster Grandparents help in schools, Senior Companions visit adult day programs or homes, 773-0202,  FGP@opportunityalliance.org.

HART Cat Shelter, 302 Range Road, Cumberland. Apply at hartofme.com or 829-4116. 

Hospice volunteers wanted to be part of the VNA Home Health Hospice team, bringing comfort to those facing a terminal illness. Contact Beth Simmons at 400-8852 or simmonsb@emhs.org.

MedHelp Maine is seeking volunteers to help expand prescription assistance programs throughout the state and create a specialized pharmacy to collect unused prescription drugs for needy patients. Call 793-4462.

Refugee and Immigration Services, a program of Catholic Charities Maine, has ongoing need for volunteers to assist refugees transitioning to the U.S., 881-8550.

Dances

Ongoing

Irish Set Dancing, 7-9 p.m. Thursdays, Yarmouth Community Services, 200 Main St., Yarmouth, setdncr02@yahoo.com.

Dining Out

Saturday 5/6

Casserole & Bean Supper, 4:30-6 p.m., Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church, 280 Ocean House Road. Includes meat loaf, salads, breads and pies, adults $8, children $5, families $20, take-out available. Last supper ’til fall. 

Roast Pork dinner, 4:30 to 6 p.m., Blue Point Congregational Church, 236 Pine Point Road, Scarborough. Features homemade desserts, silent auction. Adults $10, children $4.

Bean Supper, 4-6 p.m., Scarborough Free Baptist Church,  55 Mussey Road, Scarborough. Adults $8, children $4.

Turkey Dinner, 4:30-6:30 p.m., American Legion, 413 Broadway, South Portland. Includes mashed & gravy with all the trimmings. Adults $8, children 5-12, $3. 

Saturday 5/13

Bean Supper, 5-6:30 p.m., Casco Masonic Lodge, 20 Mill St., Yarmouth. Includes mac & cheese, slaw, homemade biscuits and pies. Adults $10, kids 5-12, $4.

Ongoing

Free Dinner, 5:30-6:30 p.m. every Thursday, St. Peters Episcopal Church, 678 Washington St., Portland. FYI Annette, 878-1989.

Variety Dinner, 5-6:30 p.m. every Wednesday, VFW Post 832, 50 Peary Terrace, South Portland, menu varies, $7.

Health

Friday 5/5

Parkinson’s Workshop: Swallowing and Speech, noon-1 p.m., YMCA of Southern Maine, 14 Old Freeport Road, Freeport, free and open to all.

Saturday 5/13

Meditative chanting with Shiva Lila & Swan Kirtan,  6:45-9:30 p.m., 1 Halls Hills Road, Falmouth. Combination of drumming and devotional singing, tickets $20.

Ongoing

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

Fit to Dance, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, 774-2200. Free.

Mammograms/pap tests available at no cost for women 40-64 through Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program, 874-8942 or 800-350-5180.

Pilates, 11 a.m. – noon Monday, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, 774-2200.

Restorative yoga, gentle approach recommended for stress reduction and healing, drop-in class 9-10:15 a.m. every Thursday, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, 774-2200. Free.

Spiritual Meditation, 4-4:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, 774-2200. Free.

Tai Chi, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursdays, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, 774-2200. Free.

Just for Kids

Infant/Toddler Story Time at Freeport Community Library will be offered twice each Tuesday beginning May 9, at 10 and 10:15 a.m. 

Saturday 5/6 

Kids Fishing Derby, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., hosted by Scarborough Kiwanis Club at Bayleys Camping Resort, Scarborough (Ross Road entrance). Kids 4-14 free, adults $3. Prizes, refreshments. Rain date May 13.

Friday 5/12

Young Athletes Festival, 9-11 a.m., for ages 2 ½ to 10 who have intellectual disabilities or autism, hosted by Special Olympics Maine at Harrison Middle School, Yarmouth. Rain date May 15.

Tuesday 5/16 

Free Henna Tattoos, 2:30-4:30 p.m., grades 6-12, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Drive. 

Ongoing

Farmer for the Morning, 9-10 a.m., Thursdays during the school year, Wolfe’s Neck Farm, 184 Burnett Road, Freeport, $5/child, wolfesneckfarm.org/farmer-for-the-morning.

Baby Singalong, 4 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. Fridays & Saturdays; Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m. Mondays; Pre-School Storytime, 10:30 a.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. Thursdays, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road.

Fun & Games, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road. Pokemon & More, 3:30-4:15 p.m. Fridays; Magic Matches! 2:30-4:30 p.m. Saturdays; Lego Club, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Saturdays.

Baby and Parent Get Together, 11:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Drive. Parents, grandparents and caregivers are invited to come with babies up to 18 months listen to music, play and meet new people

Lego Club, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Drive, 3:30-4:30 p.m. first Wednesday through April. Open play, all Legos provided for children age 5-11, must be accompanied by an adult.

Yoga for Kids, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Drive, 10:30 a.m. first Tuesday.

Family Story Play Yoga, 11-11:45 a.m., third Saturdays, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square.

Teen Writing Crew, 1:30-2:30 p.m., second Saturday, plus 4:30-5:30 p.m. an additional Tuesday, S. Donald Sussman Teen Library at Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square

Baby Bounces and Books, 10:15-10:35 a.m., Fridays; Tales and Tunes, preschool story hour 10:15-11 a.m. and 2-2:45 p.m. Thursdays; Tales for Twos, 11-11:30 a.m. Fridays, Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth.

Tail Waggin’ Tales, reading program with therapy dogs every Tuesday at Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth. Email mbatson@yarmouthlibrary.org to sign up.

Support

Ongoing

Aging in Place Friendly Visitor program for those 60+ in Cumberland offers weekly visits by a trained volunteer who will provide companionship based on mutual interests. To apply or refer someone: AIP@cumberlandmaine.com, 245-8033.

Alzheimer’s Support Group, 6-7 p.m., second Wednesday, Sedgewood Commons 22 Northbrook Dr., Falmouth, Patricia.Burke@genesishcc.com.

Cancer Community Center, wellness classes, complementary therapies, nutritional counseling, CancerCommunityCenter.org,  774-2200.

Cancer Support Group, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, 774-2200. For adults affected by cancer, their families and friends.

Center for Autism and Related Disorders Portland, support group for caregivers of those with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, 6 p.m., second Tuesday of the month, Easter Seals Maine, 25 Presumpscot St., Portland.  For more, contact Lindsay Payeur at 573-7424.

CODA: Co-Dependents Anonymous meets every Friday 12:30-1:30 p.m., St. Dominic’s Church, Mellen St., Portland, call Elizabeth at 799-4599.

Compassus Hospice Grief Support Group, third Wednesday, 3 p.m., Compassus, 23 Spring St., Suite C, Scarborough, 761-6967, compassushealthcare. com.

Families of people with dementia support group 4-5 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, St. Joseph’s Rehab and Residence, 1133 Washington Ave., Portland.

Family Crisis Services, local domestic violence resource center serving Cumberland County with legal help, shelter and support. For information about support groups held in Brunswick, Bridgton or Portland call 721-0199; 24-hour hotline 800-537-6066. 

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, free 12-step program. Tuesday, 9 a.m., St. Maximilian Church 167 Black Point Road, Scarborough, Kimberly, 899-6588; Wednesday, 7 p.m., First Congregational Church, 167 Black Point Road, Scarborough, Roberta, 839-6452; Thursday, 9 a.m., First Parish Congregational UCC, 40 Main St., Freeport, Sandi, 838-8991. Visit foodaddicts.org or call contact to confirm meeting.

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 Group/Attitudinal Healing, 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Maine Medical Center, Dana Center classroom #1; Portland Recovery Community Center, 468 Forest Ave. Portland, Thursdays 5:30-7:30 p.m., Contact Liz, 727-420-2964 

Kids First, workshops and support groups for families going through divorce, Kids First Center, 222 St. John. St., Suite 101, Portland, 761-2709, info@kidsfirstcenter.org, kidsfirstcenter.org.

LaLeche League, every Wednesday, 9 a.m., Woodfords Congregational Church, 202 Woodford St., Portland, 767-0920.

Leukemia Society Family Support group, third Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m., 778 Maine St., South Portland, 774-2200.

Living with Cancer, 10-11:30 a.m., fourth Thursday, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, for patients and families coping with any kind of cancer at any point in their journey.

Look Good … Feel Better with the American Cancer Society, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, help with wigs, makeup, self-esteem, cancercommunitycenter.org. Free.

Maine Buddy Program provides one-to-one, peer support from trained volunteers for adults dealing with cancer, CancerCommunityCenter.org,  774-2200.

Memory Café, 1 p.m, second Wednesday, OceanView, Blueberry Commons, Falmouth, 781-4621; noon, first Wednesday, Port Resources, 280B Gannett Drive, South Portland with pizza lunch, 828-0048; 11:30 a.m., fourth Tuesday, Bay Square at Yarmouth, 27 Forest Falls Dr., Yarmouth, 797-7891.

Mended Hearts Cardiac Support Group, Maine Medical Center Learning Resource Center, 100 WEST Campus Drive, Scarborough. Survivors available from diagnosis, during and after hospital stays; visits can be in person, by phone or email, 523-0883 or robynshaw13@icloud.com.

Mornings with Friends, for senior socialization and entertainment, 10-11:30 a.m., third Wednesday. Location alternates between Congregational Church of Cumberland at 282 Main St. and the United Methodist Church at 52 Tuttle Road, 829-3318 or sgold@cumberlandmaine.com.

National Alliance on Mental Illness, family support groups, Dana Center, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, 6:30-8 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday; Spring Harbor Hospital 7-8:30 p.m., third Monday, namiportland@gmail.org.

Overeaters Anonymous/Portland, Sunday, 7 p.m., Brighton Medical Center, 335 Brighton Ave.; Tuesday and Friday, 6 p.m., Woodfords Congregational Church, 202 Woodford St.; Saturdays, 9:30 and 10 a.m., Wishcamper Center at USM, 44 Bedford St., oamaine.org.

PFLAG Support Group, 7-8:30 p.m., second Tuesday, Equality Community Center, 511 Congress St., Portland, (new location), 831-3015, pflagportlandmaine.org.

South Portland Food Cupboard, 130 Thadeus St., Thursday 8:30-11:30 a.m., for residents of South Portland, Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, and surrounding communities, 874-0379, southportlandfoodcupboard.org.

Speaking Up for Us of Maine, Portland chapter of statewide, self-advocacy organization for those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, 10:30 a.m.-noon, second & fourth Tuesday, Port Credit Union, 285 Forest Ave., Portland, sufumaine.org.

Tea and Talk, 9:30-11 a.m., residents meet second Thursday of the month at Cumberland Town Hall, 290 Tuttle Road, 829-2208 or cstennett@cumberlandmaine.com.

Tender Living Care, for families facing serious illness, every Monday at The Center for Grieving Children, 555 Forest Ave., Portland, 775-5216 or cgc@cgcmaine.org.

The Center for Grieving Children, free bereavement peer support groups for children ages 3-18, their parents and caregivers, young adults, bereaved parents and widow/widowers/partners, 555 Forest Ave., Portland, 775-5216, cgc@cgcmaine.org.

Together With Alzheimer’s, drop-in support group for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s/dementia, 7 p.m. every Wednesday, Sacred Heart Parish Center, Conference Room, 232 Main St. Yarmouth, ezine@catherinegentile.com.

TOPS Club, weight-loss support group chapter, Thursday, 5:15 p.m. weigh-in and meeting, Maine Medical Center, Dana Center, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, 662-2776.

Unemployed Professional Group, 8:30 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, Greater Portland Career Center, 151 Jetport Blvd. Open to the public, registration not required.

Young Widows and Widowers Group open to people age 50 or younger meets twice a month Friday evenings at The Center for Grieving Children, Portland. Call Sara Asch at 775-5216 to register.

Yarmouth Cares About Neighbors, connects resources such as clothing, heating assistance, food and rides with the people who need them, https://ycan.info/.

Workshops/Walks/Talks

Thursday 5/4

Supporting Your Child’s College Admissions Process, 6-8 p.m., Mbrace Orthodontics, 74 Gray Road, Falmouth. By donation; all proceeds support scholarship fund. Reserve at mpowerspeaker.bpt.me. 

Thursday 5/11

“History of the Oddfellows Hall at Woodfords Corner in Portland,” by Greater Portland Landmarks, 6:30-8:30 p.m., 651 Forest Ave. Free and open to all but reservations required at 774-5561 or portlandlandmarks.org.

“Raising Media Smart Elementary Children,” 6-7 p.m., Wentworth School Learning Commons, hosted by Scarborough Public Library and Scarborough Public School.

Ongoing

Technology Assistance, 3-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road.

Guided nature programs, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolf Neck Road, Freeport. Programs 2-3 p.m. every weekend day, weather permitting. Free with park admission, parksandlands.com.

Essentials of College Planning for Adults, 10 a.m. Tuesdays by appointment, Greater Portland Career Center, 151 Jetport Blvd., Portland. Register with Randi Paine at 800-281-3703.

Maine Job Seekers: variety of free employment classes, services and programs, Maine Department of Labor, 151 Jetport Blvd., Portland, mainecareercenter.com, 822-3300.

Greater Portland Chapter of the Maine Genealogical Society, 1 p.m., first Saturday, First Congregational Church, 301 Cottage Road, South Portland. Guests welcome, www.storiestotell.net, 409-6205.

Stitch Hive, 6:30-8:30 p.m., second and fourth Wednesdays, Mayo Street Arts, 10 Mayo St., Portland, meetup.com/Stitch-HIVE-Portland-Maine/.

Technology Tutoring, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, one-on-one computer help in reserved half hour sessions 2-4 p.m. Tuesdays; 4:30-6 p.m. Wednesdays; 12:30-2 p.m. Fridays. 

Maine Genealogical Society Greater Portland Chapter, 1 p.m., first Saturday, South Portland Congregational Church, 301 Cottage Road, 3rd floor, South Portland.

Mid-Coast

Benefits

Saturday 5/6

Spaghetti Supper & Silent Auction, 4:30-9 p.m., Masonic Hall, 65 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, $10 or $25/family. Proceeds support 5-year-old Adelynn Moody, who was diagnosed with leukemia.

Sunday 5/7

Walk to Build, 2 p.m., 4-mile route starts and finishes at St. Charles Church, 132 McKeen St., Brunswick. Benefits Habitat for Humanity 7 Rivers Maine, www.habitat7rivers.org.

Books/Authors

The Mustard Seed, 74 Front St., Bath, official Children’s Book Week events May 1-7, themustardseedbookstore.com.

Tuesday 5/9

The Shipyards of Bath, 6:30-7:30 p.m., hosted by Topsham Historical Society at Topsham Public Library.

Saturday 5/13

Richard Ford, 3 p.m., Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick. Reading from new memoir “Between Them – remembering my parents.”

Ongoing

Tea With Harriet, monthly tea and conversation about Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1-2:30 p.m., third Thursday, 63 Federal St., Brunswick, in the home where Stowe lived and wrote “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”

Great Books, 10 a.m.-noon, fourth Saturday, The Great Books Foundation Short Story Omnibus purchased from Great Books Foundation. Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, Topsham, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Rare Reads, 2 p.m. or 6 p.m., third Tuesday, discuss unusual and interesting literature, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, topshamlibrary.org/rare-reads.

Read Between the Panels, 6 p.m. fourth Tuesday until May, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road. Those who love art and literature discuss all things graphic novel, from classic comic book collections to the latest fiction.

The Writers’ Meetup, 6 p.m. first Tuesday, network over coffee and snacks,  Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Young Critics, 5 p.m., third Tuesday, for fourth- and fifth-graders. Free, but registration required at Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Teen Talk Book Club, second Thursday, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Tween Reads, 5-6 p.m. monthly for sixth-and seventh-graders. Registration required, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Men’s Book Group, 6:30-7:30 p.m. third Thursday, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Merriconeag Grange, first and third Thursdays, 7 p.m., 529 Harpswell Neck Road, Harpswell, trothwell62@comcast.net.

People Plus community center, 35 Union St., Brunswick. Offers fitness, classes, socials, meals, sports, travel and more, peopleplusmaine.org.

Senior Bingo, 6:30 p.m., second and fourth Wednesday, Bath Area Senior Center, 45 Floral St., age 16+.

Sip & Stitch, knitting and crocheting, 10 a.m.-noon first and third Saturdays, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, Topsham, 725-1727.

American Cancer Society volunteer drivers wanted to transport cancer patients to treatment, ACS, New England Division, Topsham, 462-6307, elisa.madore@cancer.org.

Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, Brunswick area, training provided, 777-7740, AHCH.org.

ArtVan Program to help with art therapy programming with children and teens, promotional support and fundraising efforts. Contact 650-1608 or visit artvanprogram.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters, 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.

Chocolate Church Arts Center, volunteers for the art gallery and more, 804 Washington St., Bath, 442-8455.

Friends of Merrymeeting Bay seeks volunteers interested in preserving the bay to assist with speaker series, assemble mailings and more, 666-1118, fomb.org.

Home To Home, an organization providing a safe place for parents to exchange children for visitations, needs a commitment of one to two hours per exchange period; police check and training required. Mid Coast Hospital, Brunswick, 837-4894, mainehometohome.org.

Mid Coast Hospital, looking for people to work in the cafe, gift shop, or greeting patients, 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, 373-6015.

People Plus Center, ongoing opportunities, 35 Union St., Brunswick, ask for Joe or Frank at 729-0757.

Red Cross Blood Drives, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment.

Refugee and Immigration Services, a program of Catholic Charities Maine, has ongoing needs for committed residents who will help new Mainers find employment. FMI, Paul Mullaney, pmullaney@ccmaine.org.

Sexual Assault Support Services of Mid Coast Maine will train volunteers to provide support and information to callers on 24-hour hotline, 725-2181, 594-8580 or 338-4622, clientservices@sassmm.org.

SEARCH Program of Greater Bath, assist seniors by providing companionship, transportation, assistance with errands, 837-8810, cszalay@ccmaine.org.

Dances

Ongoing

Contradance, second Saturdays, Topsham Grange, 47 Pleasant St. Family dance 6-7 p.m., $3, $12/family. Finger food potluck, 7 p.m.; lesson for main dance, 7:30 p.m.; main dance, 8 p.m. $10 adults/$7 seniors & students. http://contradancetopsham.wordpress.com.

Dining Out

Friday 5/5

Friday Lunch, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., North Yarmouth Congregational Church, 3 Gray Road. Featuring haddock chowder, a monthly special, biscuits, donations accepted.

Saturday 5/6

Lunch Cafe and Yard Sale, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Bath K of C, 807 Middle St. Fish chowder, burgers, hot dogs, etc. Over a dozen tables of treasures to shop.

Spaghetti & Chili Dinner, 4-7 p.m., Elks Lodge, 179 Park Ave., Brunswick. Various prices; event includes silent auction and 50/50 raffle, proceeds benefit Mobile Disaster Kitchen Association. 

Spaghetti Supper & Silent Auction, 4:30-9 p.m., Masonic Hall, 65 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, $10 or $25 a family. Proceeds benefit 5-year-old, Adelynn Moody, who was diagnosed with leukemia.

Tuesday 5/16

Lunch with Friends, noon, hosted by Harpswell Aging at Home at Merriconeag Grange Hall, 529 Harpswell Neck Road, Harpswell. Includes truffle demo. Free for Harpswell seniors, RSVP to Anne Taft at dtaft48@comcast.net or 725-5716.

Health

The Savvy Caregiver, six-week training by Spectrum Generations’ Family Caregiver Support Program, 10 a.m.-noon Fridays May 5-June 9, Mid Coast Senior Health Center, 58 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick. Free, but pre-registration required by calling Mary Nicholas at 660-9268.

Friday 5/5

Adult Mental Health First Aid course, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sweetser Training Institute, 329 Bath Road, Brunswick, $25 fee includes official Mental Health First Aid book published by the National Council on Behavioral Health. Register at https://www.sweetsertraining.org/mhfa.php.

Wednesday 5/10

Buddhist monk Khenpo Jigme Kelzang, 7:15 p.m., introduction to the ancient art of turning fear, frustration and disappointment into calm, Universalist Unitarian Church, 1 Middle St., Brunswick, free to all. 

Ongoing

American Red Cross Disaster Action Team provides free, basic classes in delivering assistance in emergency situations, weekday evenings, 16 Community Way, Topsham, 729-6779, 563-3299, MidCoastRedCross.net.

Blood pressure clinic, Wednesdays 10 a.m.-noon, free, walk-ins welcome, Mid Coast Hospital Community Resource Room, 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, Jessica Loney R.N., 373-6592, jloney@midcoasthealth.com.

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

Diabetic foot clinic, first Thursday of the month, Jeanne Otis R.N., $30/visit, package deals available. Call for appointment, 729-0475, Southern Midcoast Community Center.

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

Maine Laughter Yoga Club, reduce stress with playful exercises and yogic breathing, 5:30-6:30 p.m. first Fridays, Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Suite 314, Brunswick, 443-3721.

Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy and Meditation, 5:30 p.m. every Monday, First Parish Church, 9 Cleaveland St., Brunswick. Explore meditation in the Buddhist tradition, suitable for both beginners and advanced students. Suggested donation $10, but all welcome.

TOPS (Take Off the Pounds Sensibly), weight loss support group, 6:10 p.m. weigh-in and meeting, Thursdays, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 330 Maine St., Brunswick, 729-6400.

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

Just for Kids

Ongoing

Baby & Me, 10 a.m. Thursdays for 15-20 minutes with songs, action rhymes, and board books for birth to 23 months, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, Topsham, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Music & Rhyme Time for Twos, 10:30 a.m. Thursdays for 20-30 minutes with music, dance and action rhymes, for 2-years-olds and their grown-ups, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, Topsham, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Preschool Storytime, 10 a.m. Wednesdays for 30-45 minutes, with songs, dance, instruments, action rhymes for ages 3-5, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, Topsham, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Support

Ongoing 

All Addictions Anonymous Big Book Step Study group, 5:30-7 p.m., Mondays, Brunswick Adventist Church, 333 Maine St. Members of any 12-step group welcome, 400-6320.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, Mondays, 9 a.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 27 Pleasant St., Brunswick, 837-3581; Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Topsham Medical Building, 4 Horton Place, 528-5550; Fridays, 6 p.m., Bath Police Dept., 250 Water St., Bath 442-7557; Saturdays, 9 a.m., Mid Coast Hospital (Medical Offices Building) 121 Medical Center Drive, 865-9160.

Grief Support Group, for survivors of those who have died from substance abuse, first and third Thursdays, 3:30-5 p.m., CHANS Home Health Care and Hospice, 45 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, 721-1357.

H.O.P.E. (Healing of Persons Exceptional) wellness support group, 6:30-8:30 p.m., St. Matthew Episcopal Church, 20 Union St., Hallowell, second and fourth Wednesdays,  890-3673.

Memory Café, 11 a.m., fourth Wednesday, Mae’s Cafe and Bakery, 160 Centre St., Bath, 797-7891; 2 p.m., third Thursday, Westrum House, 22 Union Park Road, Topsham, 797-7891.

Mid Coast Senior Health Center, for caregivers of those with memory loss, 4-5 p.m., third Thursday, 58 Baribeau Dr., Brunswick.

MidCoast Chronic Pain Support Group, open to people with chronic pain, their families and friends, first and third Mondays, 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.

Multiple Sclerosis Society, coffee and conversation group, first Tuesday 10:30 a.m.-noon, Handy’s Market, 367 Main St., Yarmouth, cafandconyar@gmail.com.

Overeaters Anonymous, Mondays, 5:30 p.m., Seventh Day Adventist Church, 333 Maine St., Brunswick 837-5642; Tuesdays, noon, United Congregational Church, 150 Congress Ave., Bath, 729-3057; Thursdays, 7 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 27 Pleasant St., Brunswick, 443-4630; Sundays, 9 a.m., 123 Medical Drive, Mid Coast Hospital, Brunswick, 729-3149.

Pet Loss Grief Support Group, Coastal Humane Society, 190 Pleasant St., Brunswick. Monthly sessions are free and open to the public, but RSVP required at coastalhumanesociety.org.

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.

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

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) weigh-in 6-6:40 p.m. every Thursday, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 330 Maine St., Brunswick. Meeting follows,  729-6400.

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

Veteran to Veteran support group with Operation Resilient Hope, 6-8 p.m., Thursdays, 2 Main St., Topsham, 319-5996, OperationResilientHope.org.

WIC Program, free nutritional service for income-eligible families. Provides food, formula, breastfeeding support, nutrition education and referrals for pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum women and children up to age 5. Mid-Coast residents can call Maine Community Action at 800-221-2221 and ask for WIC.

Women with Cancer Support Group is open to women diagnosed with any type of cancer at any age, meets third Tuesdays, 3 p.m., board room of MidCoast Hospital, 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, 373-6540.

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

Workshops/Walks/Talks

Dr. Diana Butler Bass, nationally known author, religion and culture scholar-lecturer, Pilgrim House, 9 Cleaveland St., Brunswick, May 6 & 7. Part of  300 Years On The Way celebration by First Parish Church, public invited, 729-7331, or firstparish.net/dianabutlerbass for schedule.

Saturday 5/6

St. John the Baptist Church guided tour, 10 a.m., 37 Pleasant St., Brunswick, part of the local Lutheran/Catholic observance of Reformation 500, all welcome.

Sunday 5/7

“Tale of a Topsham Tombstone,” Pejepscot Genealogical Society meeting, 2 p.m., Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick.

Thursday 5/11 

“Entering the Maelstrom: the Bowdoin Class of 1861 and the Civil War,”Joshua L. Chamberlain Civil War Round Table Lecture, 7 p.m., Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick. Free and open to the public.

“Community Farm: The Conservation of Crystal Spring,” Pejepscot Historical Society History Happy Hour,  5-7 p.m., Brunswick Inn, 165 Park Row. Guest speaker Angela Twitchell, executive director of Brunswick Topsham Land Trust, $5 cover, cash bar.

Friday 5/12

Brunswick Topsham Land Trust’s Crystal Spring Farm in Brunswick, 7:30 a.m. with expert birder Jan Pierson. Bring binoculars and meet at Crystal Spring Farm’s Farmers’ Market Green on Pleasant Hill Road in Brunswick. FMI Ted Allen, 729-8661.

Saturday 5/20

Hidden History Tour by Pejepscot Historical Society, 159 Park Row, Brunswick, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., 12 sites in Brunswick, Topsham and Harpswell. Tickets $10-$17, see pejepscothistorical.org/events.

Ongoing

Cathance River Education Alliance Ecology Center, Topsham. Open house, noon to 2 p.m. each Sunday. For directions see creamaine.org or email crea@creamaine.org.

Computer Boot Camp, by appointment daily 8:30-9:30 a.m., 3:30-4:30 p.m., Southern Midcoast CareerCenter, 275 Bath Road, Brunswick, mainecareercenter.com, 621-5009.

Midcoast Senior College, current events forum, noon, Thursdays, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, 725-4900.

New Ventures Maine, programs for career, business and financial education. Classes and workshops at no charge, in-person and online options. 386-1664, newventuresmaine.org.

Rain or Shine Club, free weekly family friendly walks Thursdays at 10 a.m., guided by Royal River Conservation Trust, 215-8315.

Smart investing@your library workshops, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick; list at curtismoney.com.

Southern Midcoast CareerCenter, 275 Bath Road, Brunswick, career counseling, classes, support, mainecareercenter.com, 373-4000.

Friends of Merrymeeting Bay Winter Speaker Series, 7 p.m. second Wednesday through May, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick.