Greater Portland

Call for Donations

L.L. Bean Annual Coat Drive for Seniors, drop off gently used coats during regular business hours at Beach Glass Transitions, 277 Congress St., Portland until Nov. 19, Janet Wyper, 552-2000.

Maine Toys for Tots, drop off new, unwrapped toys during regular business hours at Edward Jones Forest Ave., Portland branch office until Dec. 16, Dan Dougherty, 772-9576.

Benefits

South Portland Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club Holiday Tree Sale, to benefit local charities, Friday, Nov. 26- Sunday, Dec. 19, Mill Creek Park, 50 Market St., South Portland.

Yarmouth Lions Club Annual Christmas Tree Sale, to benefit Lions Club Annual Scholarships, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, Dec. 4-5, Dec. 11-12, Yarmouth Town Hall, Main St., Yarmouth, Patti Bicknell, 712-9911.

Wednesday 11/24

Maine Songwriters Association Concert Showcase, to benefit St. Lawrence Arts Center, 7 p.m., $5, St. Lawrence Church, 76 Congress St., Portland.

Saturday 11/27

Alumni and Friends Sports Fundraiser Dance, to benefit DHS, PHS Athletics, 8 p.m., music by Color Blind, $15, Italian Heritage Club, 40 Western Ave., Portland, Lisa Sprague, 797-6803.

Sunday 11/28

Lucid Stage Flea Market Fundraiser, with live music, food, raffles and more, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Lucid Stage, 29 Baxter Blvd., Portland, 899-3993.

Monday 11/29

“Bowl a Strike for the HOME Team,” fundraiser for the Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement Team, 4-10 p.m., Bayside Bowl, 58 Alder St., Portland, reservations at baysidebowl.com or 791-2695.

Thursday 12/2

“108 Angels,” art installation of 108 angels by artist Eva Goetz, all angels sold will benefit The Center for Grieving Children, 5:30-8 p.m. reception, Elizabeth Moss Galleries, Falmouth Shopping Center, 251 U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, 781-2620.

Holiday Wreath Display and Silent Auction, 40+ wreaths on display/ for sale, to benefit Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 5-7 p.m., Bay Square at Yarmouth, 27 Forest Falls Dr., Yarmouth, 846-0044.

Victoria Mansion Holiday Gala Fundraiser, with mansion tour, festive food and drink, 6-8 p.m., $50, must register, Victoria Mansion, 109 Danforth St., victoriamansion.org, 772-4841.

Friday 12/3

“Goodwill’s Art for Everyone: A Collection of Donated Art,” bi-annual art sale to benefit Goodwill, 5-8 p.m., free admission, 353 Cumberland Ave., Portland, 774-6323, goodwillnne.org.

Holiday Home Tour, to benefit The Magical Moon Foundation, children with cancer, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, $25 advance/ $30 door, free for children 12 and under, tickets at finelivingevents.com or during Tour hours at Sparkles Fair, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth, Marjorie Ferris, 617-620-8980.

USM School of Music’s Scholarship Gala, 5:30-10 p.m., $90 per person, Abromson Center, USM Portland, tickets at 780-5003 or brackett@usm.maine.edu.

Saturday 12/4

Holiday Home Tour, to benefit The Magical Moon Foundation, children with cancer, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, $25 advance/ $30 door, free for children 12 and under, tickets at finelivingevents.com or during Tour hours at Sparkles Fair, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth, Marjorie Ferris, 617-620-8980.

“Viva Lebowski,” bowling, movie, prizes to benefit Nicholas Stevens for Multiple Sclerosis treatment, 9 p.m., $20 advance/ $25 door, Bayside Bowl, 58 Alder St., Portland, 21+, 523-5148, vivalebowski.com.

Sunday 12/5

2010 Jingle Bell Benefit Run/Walk for Arthritis, 9 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. race/walk, Freeport High School, Holbrook St., Freeport, preregister at freeportjbr.kintera.org, FMI, 1-800-639-2113.

Bulletin Board

Friday 11/26

Blueberry Ridge Farm Winter Holiday Sale, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday, 167 Loring Lane, Pownal, Kathy, 688-4153.

Sunday 11/28

The Annual New Gloucester “Tiny Timber” Tree Lighting, 4:30 p.m., with musical program, New Gloucester Public Library and History Barn Open Houses, Town Hall, U.S. Route 231, New Gloucester, Leonard L. Brooks, 926-3188.

Tuesday 11/30

Cumberland and Lincoln County 250th Anniversary Celebration, 12 p.m., with presentations, live music, lunch and more, free and open to public, Cumberland County Courthouse Rotunda, 142 Federal St., Portland.

Friday 12/3

Holly Jolly Fair, “Cake Party” 6-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday fair, with silent auction, crafts, First Parish Church UCC, 40 Main St., Freeport, Andrea Conner, 865-3573.

Saturday 12/4

Annual Christmas Fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., silent auction, handmade items, Sacred Heart Church, 326 Main St., Yarmouth, Cathy 846-1039.

Christmas Fair, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., crafts, wreaths, children’s room, silent auction, Foreside Community Church, 340 Foreside Road, Falmouth.

Christmas Fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., First Parish Congregational Church, Main St., Yarmouth.

Coastal Christmas Fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Maine-made items, jewelry, luncheon, more, Peoples United Methodist Church, 310 Broadway, South Portland.

First Universalist Church Holiday Fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., baked goods, evergreens, handmade items and more, First Universalist Church, 97 Main St., Yarmouth, 846-4148.

Holiday Fair: “A Winter Wonderland,” 9 a.m.-2 p.m., crafts, eco-friendly gifts, children’s activities, Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church, 524 Allen Ave., Portland, Ann Hitzrot, 272-4939.

Holiday Fair and Poinsettia/Wreath Sale, sponsored by the Morrison Center, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. crafts, plant sale, kids activities; 10 a.m-noon Santa; Morrison Center, 60 Chamberlain Road, Scarborough, 883-6680.

Holly Jolly Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with silent auction, crafts, First Parish Church UCC, 40 Main St., Freeport, Andrea Conner, 865-3573.

2010 Shaker Christmas Fair, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, U.S. Route 26, New Gloucester.

“Sparkles Fair,” with antiques, household treasures, jewelry, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Mary’s Church, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth.

St. Bart’s Christmas Fair, wreaths, resale shop, crafts, 9 a.m-2 p.m., 396 Gilman Road, Yarmouth, stbartsyarmouth.org.

“A Walnut Hill Christmas,” Holiday Gift Show, 9 a.m – 4 p.m., Wescustogo Hall, U.S. Route 115, North Yarmouth, food served by the Cumberland/North Yarmouth Lions’ Club.

Sunday 12/5

North Yarmouth Holiday Events: No. Yarmouth Historical Society Annual Holiday Party, 1-3 p.m., NYHS’s Old Town House, U.S. Route 9, North Yarmouth; North Yarmouth Community Potluck, 5 p.m., bring dish to share; Christmas Tree Lighting 6:15 p.m., Wescustogo Hall, U.S. Route 115, North Yarmouth, 846-4379, nyhs@maine.rr.com.

Monday 12/6

Cumberland/North Yarmouth Lions Club Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, 6:30 p.m., with carols, Santa, refreshments, Main Street and Tuttle Road, Cumberland Center, Mike Towle, 650-4307.

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 St., 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.

Scarborough Lions Club Cribbage Night, 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays, free, open to public, Lions’ den, 273 Gorham Road, across from Sam’s Club, Scarborough, 650-3644.

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

Wednesday 11/24

Thanksgiving Blood Drive, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., South Portland Community Center, 21 Nelson Road, South Portland, appointments, call 1-800-RED Cross or redcrossblood.org.

Ongoing

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

Allegiance Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit patients under hospice care in nursing homes in York and Cumberland Counties, volunteers receive formal training, Katharyn LeDoux, 877-255-4623 or kledoux@allegiancehospice.com.  

Alzheimer’s Association has ongoing volunteer opportunities for caring people who can offer 3-4 hours per week, 170 U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, 772-0115.

American Red Cross needs volunteers in the disaster services, health and safety and administration departments, 874-1192 ext. 105.

The Cedars welcomes volunteers to help with activities and special events, including young child/parent and pet visits, 630 Ocean Ave., Portland, 772-5456.

Compass Project needs volunteers with tools, carpentry or boat skills for the boat building festival and youth boat building classes, 774-0682 or compassinfo@maine.rr.com.

Coastal Studies for Girls, volunteers needed to help launch a residential science and leadership semester school for high school girls, based at Wolfe’s Neck Farm, Freeport, many opportuntities for a detail-oriented, efficient volunteer with excellent computer and communication skills, call Margaret Martin, 865-9700 or margaret@coastalstudies.org.  

Cumberland County Extension Association seeks people to serve on its executive committee, meets third Wednesday every month from 7-9 p.m. at Barron Center, Portland, 800-287-1471 or aherr@umext.maine.edu.

Deliver Meals on Wheels, mileage reimbursement, flexible days and weeks, one 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.

Freeport Historical Society needs ongoing help cataloguing collections, greeter/receptionist at Harrington house, garden helper, poster delivery assistance, administrative help, handy-person, 865-3170 or info@freeporthistorialsociety.org.

Friends of Feral Felines needs hardy volunteers to feed hungry cats on the Portland waterfront, 1-2 hours per month, training provided, 797-3014.

Greater Portland Mentoring Partnership needs adult mentors for school-age children, 888-387-8758.

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, Pat Webber, pwewbber@wildblue.net, 338-5520.

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.  

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.

Mercy Hospital in Yarmouth needs volunteers, contact Melissa Skahan, Manager of Mission Services, 879-3286 or skahanm@mercyme.com.

Recovery International, self-help group for nervous people, 10 a.m. Saturdays, Maine Medical Center Conference Center, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, free, all welcome, Diane, 892-9529.

Road to Recovery, American Cancer Society needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to their doctors’ appointments, 1-800-227-2345.

TogetherGreen Volunteers needed for conservation projects at Scarborough Marsh, call Audubon Center at 883-5100, or smac@maineaudubon.org.  

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension seeks volunteers to serve on its executive committee; aherr@umext.maine.edu, 780-4205 or 1-800-287-1471 to request information packet.

VolunteerMaine AmeriCorps VISTA Projects seeks members; living allowance, health care, education award; apply online AmeriCorps.gov; Meredith Eaton 941-2800 ext. 207, meredithe@unitedwayem.org.

Dining Out

Thursday 11/25

7th Annual Thanksgiving Meal, hosted by Azure Cafe and Freeport Community Services, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., free, Freeport Community Center, 53 Depot St., Freeport, please reserve seat, call Sue Mack 869-1005.

15th Annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner, 12-3 p.m., free, V.F.W. Hall Post 832, Peary Terrace, South Portland, for reservations or transportation, call 767-2525.

Friday 11/26

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

Saturday 12/4

Baked Bean Supper, 5-6:30 p.m., $8 adult / $5 ages 5-12, Triangle Club of Casco Lodge 36 A.F. & A.M., 20 Mill St., Yarmouth, Raymond McLellan, 846-4724, Dale Howe, 846-9506.

Ongoing

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

Ongoing

Cumberland Farmers Markets: W. Cumberland 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. Saturdays, Skillins Greenhouses, 201 Gray Road; Falmouth 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays, Allen, Sterling and Lothrop, 191 U.S. Rte. 1.

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

Monday 11/29

“Boston and New England: Culture and Economy,” lecture by visiting professor Robert J. Allison, 5 p.m. reception at UNE’s Art Gallery; 6 p.m. lecture at WCHP Lecture Hall, UNE Portland Campus, Stevens Ave., Portland, une.edu/cgh/lectures.

Thursday 12/2

Community Energy Meeting, hosted by Scarborough Energy Committee and Maine Green Energy Alliance, free and open to public, 7-8 p.m., Blue Point Primary School, 174 Pine Point Road, Scarborough, Debbie Atwood, 592-6433.

“The Truth and Consequences of Israel’s Attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla” slide show/lecture by Fiachra O Luain, 7 p.m., free and open to public, Maine Irish Heritage Center, corner of Gray and State Streets, Portland, Bob Schaible, 239-8060.

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

Friday 11/26

“Tibetan Buddhist Dharma Talk,” Workshop with Vivek, 7-8:30 p.m., Sadhana, the Meditation Center, 100 Brickhill Ave., South Portland, SadhanaMe.com.

Monday 11/29

“Conscious Birth Choices for GLBTQI parents,” with Leah Brandi Dragon, 6-8 p.m., free, 9 Deering Street Studio, Portland, sagehayes.com.

“Have You Become Your Teen’s Drug Dealer: What’s in Your Medicine Cabinet?” town hall meeting, 6:30-8 p.m., free and open to public, King Middle School Cafeteria, 92 Deering Ave., Portland, Ronni Katz, Portland Public Health’s Substance Abuse Prevention Program, 756-8116.

Ongoing

All-Recovery Support Meetings, 12-1 p.m. Wednesdays, Hope.Gate.Way., 185 High St., Portland, Ronni, 756-8116.

“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. 

Moms in Recovery, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays, The Salvation Army, Cumberland Ave., Portland, free, with onsite childcare, Amanda, 756-8053.

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.

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

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.

The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program of Southern Maine Agency on Aging is looking for people age 55 and over to volunteer; local opportunities include an arts center in Portland; school mentoring or tutoring; spend time with residents in long term care facilities; volunteer as a tax aide or at a nonprofit, Priscilla Greene, 396-6521 or 1-800-427-7411 Ext. 521.

Senior Breakfast Community Meals, hosted by Wayside Food Programs and the West End Neighborhood Association, 7-8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, free for seniors, must sign in, Reiche Community Center, 166 Brackett St., Portland, wenamaine.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

Saturday 11/27

Len Libby Candies Annual Candy Cane Event, make your own candy canes, horse-drawn wagon rides and caroling and more, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., free, Len Libby Candies, 419 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, 883-4897, lenlibby.com.

Sunday 12/5

Levey Day School Hanukkah Party, 2-4 p.m., $3 suggested donation, open to public, with food, games, entertainment, Levey Day School, 400 Deering Ave., Portland, 774-7676 or leveyday@maine.rr.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.

Scarborough Public Library Story Times, call for times, 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

Ornament’s “Bags with Benefits” community partnership to benefit Sagadahoc Preservation Inc. for November and December, local businesses will donate 50% of tote bag sales, Ornament, 11 Center St., Bath, 442-6636.

Holiday Sock Tree, hang a new pair of socks on our tree, socks will be delivered on Christmas Eve to the Tedford Shelter in Brunswick, Dr. Angela Perron, 81 Medical Center Drive, Suite 1150, Brunswick, socks accepted Nov. 29 – Dec. 23, information, 725-5877.

Thursday 11/25

Turkey Trot, hosted by InspireME Personal Fitness Training, 3-mile walk/run to benefit Bath Soup Kitchen, 8:30 a.m., fee $20 and/or non-perishable food donation, online registration at inspiremept.com, or sign up day-of at 30 Front St., 7-8:15 a.m., information, 443-2509, perian@inspiremept.com.

Thursday 12/2

Silent Auction Fundraiser, Brunswick Downtown Association, auction of local goods and services, with refreshments, 5-7 p.m., free admission, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, 729-4439, brunswickdowntown.org.

Saturday 12/4

Annual Tree and Wreath Sale, to benefit the Brunswick Junior High School Music Program, 8 a.m.-noon, Brunswick Junior High, 65 Columbia Ave., Lisa, 725-9436.

Ongoing

Fields of the Future bottle redemption, Bootleggers of Topsham, Maine, donate your returnables to “Turf McMann,” Bootleggers will donate an extra 10% of all donations, Fields4ourfuture.org.

Bulletin Board

Friday 11/26

Holiday Tree Lighting, Brunswick Downtown Association, 5 p.m., with community sing-a-long, Santa and Frosty, horse and buggy rides, free and open to public, Gazebo on the Mall, Maine Street, Brunswick, 729-4439, brunswickdowntown.org.

Friday 12/3

Bowdoinham Guild of Artisans 7th Annual Show and Sale, 6-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Bowdoinham Town Hall.

Holiday Bazaar at Mid Coast Hospital, with 100+ evergreen arrangements $12-$40, baked goods, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Mid Coast Hospital, 123 Medical Center Dr., Brunswick, 373-6015 mstewart@midcoasthealth.com.

Saturday 12/4

36th Annual Christmas Craft Show, 50+ juried craftsmen and artists, with Christmas Cafe, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., St John’s Parish Hall, 37 Pleasant St., Brunswick, 725-5507.

Bowdoinham Guild of Artisans 7th Annual Show and Sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Bowdoinham Town Hall.

Annual Christmas Fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., with silent auction, luncheon, Bath United Church of Christ Congregational, 150 Congress Ave., Bath, Priscilla, 371-2727

Christmas Fair, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., crafts, jewelry, food, Woollawn Towers, 30 Water St., Brunswick.

Christmas Fair, handmade gifts, food, gently used items, to benefit the 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Winship Green Nursing Center, Bath.

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

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.

CA$H Coalition, Midcoast Maine, seeks volunteers to help Maine families access federal tax credits; free training includes IRS certification, training will be held in November/early January, information, Sharon Ross, 373-1140, Sharon.ross@voanne.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.

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, 373-369

Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority seeks volunteers for the Great State of Maine Air Show & Business Aviation Expo, August 26-28, 2011, for information and non-profit grant opportunities, visit greatstateofmaineairshow.us or call 725-9701.

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, 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.

Gardens & Outdoors

Ongoing

Cathance River Educational Alliance, series for adults, “CREA Adult Class” 2nd Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. – noon, the Ecology Center, Cathance River Nature Preserve, Topsham; “Ecology Lecture Series,” last Tuesday each month, 6:30-8 p.m., Topsham Public Library; 12 participants, cost per class, $15 members/ $20 non-members, register, creamaine.org, click on “Programs,” 798-1913 or e-mail cathanced@gwi.net.

Topsham Garden Club, 12 p.m. lunch, 1 p.m. speaker and business meeting; call Marie 729-1295 or Jane 721-8675 for location and membership info; new members/guests always welcome; mainegardenclubs.org (select GCFM Districts and Clubs, Medomak District, Topsham Garden Club), meets second Wednesday from March to December.

Getting Smarter

Ongoing

ArtWorks, Creative Arts Night, 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Bath Recreation Center, 4 Sheridan Road, Bath, $8; 443-8360.

Joshua L. Chamberlain Civil War Round Table monthly meeting and speaker, every third Thursday, free, open to public, 7 p.m., Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, information, Dan Cunningham 729-9520, or Jay Stencil 721-0235.

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

Support Through The Holidays, sexual assault support group for women, begins mid November, to schedule pre-group appointment or additional services, call 725-2181 or e-mail clientservices@sassmm.org; 24-hour support line, 1-800-822-5999, sassmm.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 Road.

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.

Communicate after Stroke Support Group, 1st and 3rd Tuesday, September to May, 1-2 p.m., free, friends/family welcome, Mid Coast Hospital, 1st floor conference room, 81 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, for information or sign up, call Dimitra Toothaker, 373-6175; Robert Lundstrom, 371-2936; or Doris Armstrong, 725-2618.

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.

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.

Hooptydoo Hula-Hoop Class, all ages welcome, all hula-hooping levels, Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 p.m., $10/person, Bath Dance Works, 72 Front St., third floor; information, Helen, 808-281-6451 or hooptydoo@gmail.com.

Laughter Yoga Club, reduce stress with playful exercises and yogic breathing, dress as you are, no mats, all ages, every third Monday, 10 a.m., free, Bath Dance Works, 100 Front St., third floor, for information, Amanda, 443-3721 or amanda@meadowdance.org.

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.

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.

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 disabled 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, 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

Saturday 12/4

Santa Claus at Skolfield-Whittier House, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m., free and open to public, bring own camera, 161 Park Row, Brunswick, 729-6606.

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.

Kids’ Classics at Dreamland Theater, film series for children and young teens, second Sunday of the month, October through May, 2 p.m., free, donations suggested, Sagadahoc Preservation Winter Street Center, 880 Washington St., Bath, for schedule, visit sagadahocpreservation.org.

Morning Storytelling, monthly, 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, information, 725-5222 or explorefrontier.com.

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