Greater Portland

Benefits

“Flaws for a Cause,” sale of usable/less than perfect pots to benefit Cultivating Community, through May 5, Maine Potters Market, 376 Fore St., Portland, 774-1633.

Thursday 5/6

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Fundraiser, 5-8 p.m. portion of restaurant sales support CFF, Friendly’s, 155 Riverside St., Portland. 

Falmouth Cumberland Community Chamber First Annual Silent Auction, 5:30-7:30 p.m., to fund scholarships for Falmouth and Greely High School students, free admission, Val Halla, 60 Val Halla Road, Cumberland, donations welcome for auction, contact Pat Stebbins Woodhouse at patricia.stebbins@bankofamerica.com or Alyssa Daniels at adaniels@cumberlandmaine.com; please register by April 30, FMI, 772-2811 or portlandregion.com.

Friday 5/7

Fabric Fair, hosted by Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Portland Elks Club, 1945 Congress St., Portland, to donate, call 773-6910 or 883-9780.

Saturday 5/8

“The Best of Broadway,” 15 musical performances to benefit Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, hosted by Kim Block and Doug Rafferty, 7:30 p.m., $25-$35, Merrill Auditorium, tickets at porttix.com, 842-0800.  

Falmouth Elementary PTO Spring Fair, to benefit Falmouth Elementary Schools, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. games, activities, prizes, food and more; 9 a.m. K-Grade 5 kids fun run, register 7:45-8:45 a.m.; free admission, tickets 2 for $1 at door, between Plummer-Motz and Lunt School playgrounds, Lunt Road, Falmouth, rain location in P-M and Lunt school gyms, FMI or to volunteer, debbritton@maine.rr.com or harringtons@birchile.com.

“Glowing Purple: Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” walk to benefit domestic violence services of Family Crisis Services, 10 a.m., meet at the SMCC Campus Center, corner of  Fort Road and Benjamin W. Pickett St., walk to Bug Light and back, pre-register, 767-4952 ext. 100 or Barbara_f@familycrisis.org.

The Greater Portland Habitat for Humanity Annual Walk, pets welcome; walk, ride or run 4-mile route on Foreside Road, Falmouth, hosted by St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Falmouth, 7:30- 10:30 a.m. registration at the church, 7-9 a.m. pancake breakfast for walkers, rain or shine, to donate or register, firstgiving.com/habitatme.org.

Rummage Sale, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Clark Memorial United Methodist Church, corner of Forest and Pleasant Ave., Portland, FMI 773-5423.

Stamp Out Hunger across America, food drive, place bag(s) of non-perishable food items next to your mailbox, letter carriers will pick-up on May 8, sponsored by National Association of Letter Carriers and Campbell Soup Company, FMI, helpstampouthunger.com.

Monday 5/10

WMPG’s 8th Annual Bluegrass Spectacular, with The Jerks of Grass, The Stowaways, and The Grassholes, to benefit WMPG, 6:30 p.m., $12, St. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress St., Portland, 775-1248, tickets, stlawrencearts.org or Bull Moose Music stores.

Tuesday 5/11

Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine Benefit Night, 5-9 p.m., for every flatbroad sold, restaurant donates $3, Flatbread Company, 72 Commercial St., Portland.

Wednesday 5/12

Bake Sale and Book Fair, fundraiser for Holy Cross School’s Odyssey of the Mind team, percentage of sales will be donated to the team, 6-8 p.m., Nonesuch Books, Mill Creek, South Portland, FMI, Sue Hasson, 799-6661

Thursday 5/13

“MECAmorphosis,” celebration of completed Porteous Building, with open studios, exhibitions, cash bar, food, live music and more, to benefit MECA programs, 6:30–9:30 p.m., advance tickets $50 general admission/ $35 alumni/ $60 door, Maine College of Art, 522 Congress St., Portland, tickets at meca.edu/mecamorphosis or 775-5098; creative attire encouraged.

Saturday 5/15

4th Annual 5k Run for Hope, to benefit the Jim and Maxine Pouravelis Scholarship at Catherine McAuley High School, 10 a.m. 5K run starts; 10:15 a.m. 2.5 mile walk; 11:30 a.m. post-race gathering with music, raffle tickets, $15 preregister by May 13; $20 race day registration at 8 a.m.; Catherine McAuley High School, Stevens Ave., Portland, FMI, mcauleyhs.org.

Appraisal Fair, antique appraisals to benefit Trinity Church projects, 10 a.m.-2 p.m, up to 3 items, $10 for 1 item/ $18 for 2/ $25 for 3, no large furniture, Trinity Episcopal Church, 350 Forest Ave., Portland, 772-7421.

“Cookies for Nancy,” cookie sale to benefit Nancy King Memorial Scholarship Fund for Falmouth senior, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Shaws Supermarket, U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, to volunteer, call Gail Mason at 781-3354.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Great Strides Walk, Back Cove walk to benefit CF Foundation, 9 a.m. registration at St. Pius Church, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland, sponsored by the Northern New England chapter of CF Foundation, FMI, 800-757-0203 or greatstrides.cff.org.

Perennial Sale, to benefit Yarmouth Desination Imagination Team, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Yarmouth Town Green, Main St., Yarmouth, to donate perennials and gardening accessories, e-mail PairADiceDI@gmail.com.

Randy Judkins Performance, comedy and juggling family-friendly show to benefit Casco Bay High School student programs, 7:30 p.m., advance tickets, $12 adult/ $7 student or senior; at the door, $15 adult/ $10 student or senior, Portland High School auditorium, Cumberland Ave., Portland, for tickets call 619-2767.

Sunday 5/16

“Kick Up Your Healin'” art, photography show and sale, with local music, to benefit National Foundation for Cancer Research, in honor of the Pierce family, 2-6 p.m., $8 suggested admission, Royal Bean, 18 Yarmouth Crossing Dr., Yarmouth, KickUpYourHealin.com

Southern Maine Heart Walk, Back Cove walk to benefit American Heart Association, 8:30 a.m. kick-off program with guest speakers, healthy food, Payson Park, Portland, FMI, SouthernMaineHeartWalk.org or Katie Rooks, 879-5700.

Bulletin Board

Wednesday 5/5

Environmental Literacy Public Forum, hosted by Maine Department of Education, the Maine Department of Conservation, the Maine Environmental Education Association and Maine Audubon, 5:30-7 p.m., Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, off U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, maineaudubon.org.

Thursday 5/6

“Live/Work Portland” Website Launch Event, hosted by Creative Portland Corporation, 6-8 p.m., cash bar, refreshments, Portland Museum of Art, Congress Square, Portland,  register, rsvp@liveworkportland.org.

Saturday 5/8

Monthly Coffee Hour with Rep. Jane Eberle, D-South Portland, open to South Portland and Cape Elizabeth residents, 10:30-11:30 a.m., J.P. Thornton’s, 740 Broadway, South Portland, 776-3783.

Sunday 5/ 9

Cumberland County Tea Party Patriots Meeting, talk by Waterville mayor/ candidate for governor Paul LePage, 2 p.m., all welcome, Log Cabin, Main Street, Yarmouth, Jack Wibby, 657-7737.

Wednesday 5/12

Maine Business Technology Expo and Conference, presented by the Portland Regional Chamber, registration $29.95 full conference access; free to visit Expo floor, Wyndham Portland Airport Hotel, register, portlandregion.com or 772-2811, ext. 235.

Thursday 5/13

Friends of the Eastern Promenade Meeting, presentation of top entries in East End Beach Designs competition, 7-8 p.m., East End School cafeteria, Portland, friendsofeasternpromenade.org.

Saturday 5/15

“Sowing Hope Amidst War and Rape,” talk by Zawadi Nikuze, 10 a.m.-noon, free/by donation, Yarmouth First Baptist Church, 346 Main St., Yarmouth, 846-5814.   

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.

“Guiding Eyes Puppy Raisers Wanted” Guiding Eyes for the Blind needs volunteer puppy raisers in Yarmouth, Freeport, and Bath/Brunswick areas, keep puppy from age 8 weeks-16 months, free training, support, FMI, Pat Webber, pwewbber@wildblue.net, 338-5520.

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

Saturday 5/8

Falmouth Memorial Library Spring Clean-Up Day and Pancake Breakfast, 8:30 a.m.-noon, bring tools, gloves if possible, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road, Falmouth, falmouth.lib.me.us, 781-2351.

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 to 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, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., contact Melissa Skahan, Manager of Mission Services, 879-3286 or skahanm@mercyme.com.

Dining Out

Saturday 5/8

Lobster Roll Meal, 4:30-6 p.m., $10, eat in or take out, First United Methodist Church, 179 Ridgeland Ave., South Portland.

Sunday 5/9

Jazz Dinner Buffet, Mother’s Day Deluxe Dinner, 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.

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

Sunday 5/9

New Gloucester Community Market Grand-Opening, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Amvet parking lot, across from Hodgman’s Frozen Custard, U.S. Route 100, New Gloucester, free local beef burgers and lemonade, kids’ activities, live music, newgloucestergardens.com.

Monday 5/10

Longfellow Garden Club Spring Plant and Pie Sale, 8 a.m.-noon, North Deering Congregational Church, 1364 Washington Ave., Portland.
 
St. Mary’s Garden Club Meeting, demo on container gardening by Skillins staff, 11 a.m., public welcome, $5 donation, St. Mary’s Church Parish House, Foreside Road, Falmouth, Wendy 846-0628.

Saturday 5/15

Freeport Conservation Trust Guided Walk, 2 p.m., Tidebrook Preserve, Bartol Island Road, Freeport, 869-1012, freeportconservationtrust.org.

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 5/5

Portland SCORE Double Workshop, “Five Steps to a High Performing Website,” 2-3:30 p.m.; “Social Media as a Marketing Tool,” 4-5:30 p.m., SCORE Offices, 100 Middle St., Second Floor, East Tower, Portland, register, scoremaine.com, 772-1147.

Thursday 5/6

2010 MCLU Justice Louis Scolnik Award Presentation, talk by activist Mary Beth Tinker, 7 p.m., Harraseeket Inn, 162 Main St., Freeport, limited seating, FMI, mclu.org, 774-5444.

“Climate Change, Development and Human Security,” talk by Nobel Peace Prize recipient Adil Najam, 5-7 p.m., free and open to the public, donations accepted, Ludke Auditorium, UNE-Portland campus, 716 Stevens Ave., Portland, presented by World Affairs Council of Maine, register, 221-4384 or info@wacmaine.org.

“Is the War in Afghanistan Justified by 9/11?” talk by Dr. David Ray Griffin, author of “The New Pearl Harbor Revisited: 9/11, The Cover-Up and the Expose,” 7 p.m., free and open to public, Talbot Auditorium, Luther Bonney Hall, USM Portland campus, 85 Bedford St., Portland.

Friday 5/7

“Students’ Rights and the First Amendment,” talk by free speech advocate Mary Beth Tinker, 12:15 p.m., Middle Classroom, University of Maine School of Law, Portland, sponsored by the Maine Civil Liberties Union and the National Lawyers Guild, FMI, mclu.org, 774-5444.

Tuesday 5/11

“The Ecology of Hope – Reflections on Parenting, Activism and the Environment,” talk by Dr. Sandra Steingraber, 7 p.m., free and open to the public, Abromson Center, USM Portland campus, friendsschoolofportland.org.

Greater Portland Chapter of the Maine Women’s Network Meeting, talk by Merritt Carey of Graffam Solutions, 5:15-7:30 p.m. networking, dinner and program, Peter A. McKernan Hospitality Center, SMCC South Portland, register, mainewomensnetwork.com.

“(Practical) Sustainability in Action,” workshop hosted by Maine Businesses for Sustainability, 7:45-11:30 a.m., $15 members/ $25 nonmembers, Harraseeket Inn, Main St., Freeport, register, 338-8908, mainebusinessesforsustainability.org.

Ongoing

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

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

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

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

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

Portland SCORE, ongoing business workshops led by volunteers, small fee, 100 Middle St., Second Floor, East Tower, Portland, 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 5/6                                                    

“What Touches Your Heart? What Makes It Sing?” Mended Hearts meeting for heart survivors and their loved ones, 7 p.m., Learning Resource Center, 100 Campus Drive, MMC Scarborough Campus, mendedhearts.org, Robyn Shaw 662-2543, RobynShaw13@aol.com.

Saturday 5/8

“Celebrating Bellies and Babies:” Birth Roots open house, chair massage, breast pump check, family photos taken, meet practitioners, and more, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Birth Roots, 101 State St., Portland, ourbirthroots.org.

Retreat & Renewal Breathwork Event, led by certified Breathwork Practitioners, Tania Neuschafer & Tara Nieves, 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., $125, registration due May 2, vegetarian lunch and snacks included, Meadow Winds Healing Arts Center, 100 Gray Road, Falmouth, space limited, to register, call Tania Neuschafer, 272-2847 or breathwork2@yahoo.com.

Tuesday 5/11

“Nutrition and Children: The importance of eating healthy,” with Dr. Janel Voelker, 5:30 p.m., free and open to public, Coastal Wellness Family Chiropractic, 300 Ocean House Road, Cape Elizabeth, space limited, register at 799-9355, coastalwellnesschiro.com.

Workaholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, ongoing, Dana Learning Center, Classroom 2, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St., WAPortlandME@gmail.com.

Wednesday 5/12

“Anxiety and Depression Treatments“ Natural Health Lecture Series with Dr. Sarah Kotzur, 5:30-6 p.m. Wednesdays through May 19, free and open to public, Primary Care Alternative Medicine, 142 High St., Suite 305, Portland, 699-4199 or primarycarealternativemedicine.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 St., 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 St., 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 St., Yarmouth.

Kids and Family Stuff

Friday 5/7

“Birds of Prey: Legends and Lore,” live bird presentation by Chewonki, ages 5+, 10 a.m.–noon, Jeff P. Nixon Development Center, 225 Douglass St., Portland, free, reservations required at sebagolake@pwd.org or 774-5961 ext. 3324, hosted by Portland Water District for National Drinking Water Week, May 2–8, free events and activities, open to public, FMI, pwd.org.

Saturday 5/8

May Celebration & Medieval Faire, family festival with Maypole dancing, games, food  and more, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., free admission, Merriconeag Waldorf School, 57 Desert Rd, Freeport, 865-3900, merriconeag.org.

Wolfe’s Neck Farm Spring Celebration, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., family festival, $5 person/ $20 family, education@wolfesneckfarm.org, 865-4363.

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

Call to local artists, carpenters, craftspeople and birders: Habitat for Humanity seeking bird houses for September auction, entry form and guidelines, James, 386-5081, james@habitat7rivers.org; for information about Habitat programs or to volunteer, call 386-5081.

Friday 5/14

Preview Party of “The Grand, Glorious and Green” Yard Sale, vintage fashion boutique, fashion show, more, 5:30-8 p.m., $15 advance, $20 at door, former Bookland, Cook’s Corner Mall, for reservations visit the volunteer office, 373-6015, or email mstewart@midcoasthealth.com.

Saturday 5/15

Community Yard Sale to raise funds for student school activities, sponsored by Friends of Williams-Cone Parent/Teacher Group, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Williams-Cone School, Perkins St., Topsham.

“The Grand, Glorious and Green” Yard Sale, May 15-16, proceeds benefit the work of the Mid Coast Hospital Auxiliary, at the former Bookland, Cook’s Corner Mall, information, 373-6015.

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

Tuesday 5/11

Mid-Coast Retired Educators Association meeting, 11:30 a.m., Thornton Oaks, 25 Thornton Way, Brunswick, information, Peg Newberg, 833-6336.

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

Relay for Life of Brunswick, register your team for May 21-22 Relay at Brunswick High School, information about how to form a team, to help plan the event, or to volunteer, available at cancer.org/MErelays, or Donna Muto, 373-3703.

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, 12 Main St., Topsham, 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.

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

Saturday 5/8

Community Breakfast, 7:30-10 a.m., $6, Cundys Harbor Community Hall, sponsored by Cundys Harbor Library, 725-1461.

Baked Bean and Casserole Supper, 5-6:30 p.m., $8 adults, $4 children (6-12), children under 6 free, Reservations accepted, 725-2185, Brunswick United Methodist Church, Church and Raymond Roads, Brunswick.

Saturday 5/15

Baked Bean Supper to benefit Bowdoin Fire Dept. Auxiliary, 4-6 p.m., Bowdoin Fire Department, Cornish Drive, off Main Street, Bowdoin, 666-5787.

Gardens/Outdoors

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

Thursday 5/6

Paddling the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, with Kate Williams, NFCT Executive Director and special guests, 6 p.m. potluck, 7 p.m. program, free, open to public, sponsored by Appalachian Mountain Club, Morrell Room, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant Street, Brunswick.

Saturday 5/15

10th Annual Bath Garden Club Sale, perennials, herbs, tools, more, to raise funds for Bath Garden Club’s area landscaping, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., rain or shine, Library Park, across from Patten Free Library, Washington St.

Getting Smarter

Saturday 5/8

Solarfest, daylong educational event for clean energy and environmental responsibility, music, children’s activities, more, 12 p.m., free, Bowdoin College Campus Quadrangle, 725-3375.

Wooden Window Workshop, with Nate Jung of Jung Restoration, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., $10 fee will be donated to Sagadahoc Preservation Inc.’s Winter Street Center restoration, space limited, held at the former Sedgewick Carriage House, 773 High St., Bath, to register, info@sagadahocpreservation.org, 443-6605.

Monday 5/10

The Other Side of ADD/ADHD, a talk about the struggles and strengths of ADD/ADHD, James Basile, LCPC, 6:30-8 p.m., free, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, information, 725-0400 ext. 2.

“How to Succeed at Outdoor Art Shows,” Five Rivers Arts Alliance member meeting, with Peyton Higgison and Kennebec Art Club, 6 p.m., $5 public / members free, reservations recommended, info@fiveriversartsalliance.org., Frontier Cafe, 14 Maine St., Brunswick, Harriet Mosher, 798-6964.

Ongoing

ArtWorks, Creative Arts Night, 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Bath Recreation Center, 4 Sheridan Road, 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.

Wednesday 5/12

Grief Support Group Meetings for Pet Loss, all welcome, free, 6:30-8 p.m., 5/12, 5/26, 6/9, 6/23, Hospice Volunteers Center, 45 Baribeau Dr., Brunswick, sponsored by Coastal Humane Society and  Hospice Volunteers, pre-enrollment is required, call Lynn Ellis, 729-3602, coastalhumanesociety.org.

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

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 and disable adults, 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

Wednesday 5/5

Men & Science: The Business of Birding with Derek Lovitch, for teen boys ages 10-19, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Morrell Meeting Room, Curtis Memorial Library, pre-register, 725-5242 ext. 225, Cornerstones of Science, 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.