Greater Portland

Benefits

Wednesday 11/15

Learning Works 50th Anniversary Bash, 6:30-9 p.m., U.S. Custom House, 312 Fore St., Portland. Guest speaker Sen. Angus King, exhibit, tours, benefits free, community-based education programs. Tickets $50+, www.picatic.com/learningworks50th.

Books/Authors

Thursday 10/26

“The Banned Book Film Series,” 6:30 p.m., Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square.

Wednesday 11/1 

Bruce Robert Coffin, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Dr., Maine crime writer, www.freeportlibrary.com.

“Appalachian Odyssey: A 28-Year Hike on America’s Trail,” by Maine-based author and photographer Jeffrey Ryan, 6:30 p.m., Scarborough Public Library, 48 Gorham Road.

Ongoing

Many Voices Teen Book Group, 2:30-3:30 p.m., third Saturday, Portland Public Library. Drop-in, see selection at portlandlibrary.com/highlight/love-bookgroups/.

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

Peaks Island Book Group, 129 Island Ave., first Tuesday 7-8 p.m., 766-5540, portlandlibrary.com/highlight/love-bookgroups/.

Portland Public Library Book Group, 5 Monument Square, third Tuesday, 5:30-6:30 p.m., 871-1700 ext. 705, portlandlibrary.com/highlight/love-bookgroups/.

Riverton Book Group, 1600 Forest Ave., Portland, second Thursday, 6:30-7:30 p.m., 797-2915, portlandlibrary.com/highlight/love-bookgroups/.

Writer’s Group, 2 p.m., first and third Saturdays, South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway.

Reader’s Circle, 7 p.m., Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth, last Thursday; free and open to the public, registration not required.

Bulletin Board

Pumpkin Hayrides, Wolfe’s Neck Farm, Freeport, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 29, $5/person.

Toys for Tots Drive, bring a new, unwrapped toy to Freeport Edward Jones Office, 5 Depot St., during regular business hours through Dec. 11.

Friday 10/27 

Halloween Party, 6-8 p.m., Casco Bay YMCA, 14 Old South Freeport Road, Freeport, games, crafts, treats, moon bounce, dance party, fortunes, haunted trail.

Fall Harvest Festival, 6-8 p.m., Greater Portland YMCA, 70 Forest Ave., dance party, games, photo booth, mummy wrap, gourd painting.

Saturday 10/28

Halloween Fire Prevention Festival, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Longfellow Park, 10 Longfellow St., Portland. Costume parade, 12:30 p.m., pie eating contest, games, arts & craft activities, Portland fire & police, free raffle and refreshments.

Craft Fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Maine Medical Center Scarborough Campus, 100 Campus Drive, quilts, candles, jewelry and accessories, knits, holiday specialties, benefits Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital.

Yarmouth Amvets-Post 50th anniversary, North Road, Yarmouth. Members’ meeting, 11 a.m.; open house, noon; celebration with refreshments and entertainment, 2-4 p.m. Public and vets considering membership welcome.

Sunday 10/29

The Great Pumpkin, 1-4 p.m., Skyline Farm, 95 The Lane, North Yarmouth. Kids invited to wear their Halloween costumes to a new family event, with original Story Land Pumpkin Coach, a pumpkin-hurling catapult and retired racehorses.

Sunday 11/5

Maine Women’s Expo, Thompson’s Point, Portland, shopping, tasting, live interactive demos noon-5 p.m. Happy Hour 5-7 p.m. with live music, activities and signature cocktails. Tickets $8 at mainewomenexpo.com/purchase-tickets/, $15 at the door.

Ongoing

Tri-Town Penguins Snowmobile Club (Durham, Freeport, Pownal) 7 p.m. last Tuesday through April, Durham Fire Station, 615 Hallowell Road, Durham. New members welcome, Duncan Daly, 865-6188, or Mike Yates, 233-6952.

Casco Bay Newcomers, second Tuesday through June, for residents from South Portland to Yarmouth, various locations, call Sybil at 263-5546 for more.

Farm Stand, 1-5 p.m. Fridays, outside WIC office, 190 Lancaster St., Portland. Hosted by Cultivating Community; credit, WIC and/or SNAP accepted.

Scarborough Garden Club, 12:30 p.m. third Thursday, Hillcrest Retirement Center, 108 Hillcrest Ave. New members welcome, www.scarboroughgardenclub.org.

Call for Volunteers

Cumberland Woodbank, 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., every Tuesday and Thursday until last week in October. Contact Dave at 747-2868, ext. 505 or dcarlson@maine.rr.com.

Red Cross Blood Drives: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Oct. 30 & 31, Southern Maine Community College, 2 Fort Road, South Portland.

Friday 11/3

Red Cross Blood Drives: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Pine Tree Academy, 67 Pownal Rd., Freeport; 1 -6 p.m., U.S. Army Recruiting Center, 200 Expedition Drive, Suite F, Scarborough, redcrossblood.org, 1-800-RED CROSS.

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 need 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.

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.

Scarborough Land Trust, volunteers needed to build trails at Pleasant Hill Preserve. Sunday 10 a.m.-noon; Monday 4 p.m.-dark; Thursday 9-11 a.m. until Nov. 1. No experience necessary; all ages welcome. Contact Toby Jacobs at tjacobs@scarboroughlandtrust.org or 844-0114.

The Opportunity Alliance has openings for foster grandparents and senior companions in Cumberland County. Stipend, mileage reimbursement, 773-0202, fgp@opportunityalliance.org.

Dining Out

Friday 10/27

Souper Supper, 5-7 p.m., St. Mary’s Church, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth. Free soup supper for the community, 781-3366.

Chicken Pie Supper, 4:30-6:30 p.m., North Yarmouth Congregational Church, 3 Gray Rd. Menu includes mashed & gravy, squash, and slaw, adults/$13, children 4-10/$6, takeout available.

Saturday 10/28

Baked Bean Supper, 4:30-6 p.m., No. Scarborough Grange, 74 County Road. Includes red hot dogs, Barbara’s brown bread, slaw, chop suey, adults/$9, under 12/$4.

Bean Hole Bean Supper, 4:30-6 p.m., Blue Point Congregational, 236 Pine Point Rd., Scarborough, includes mac & cheese, homemade desserts, adults/$8, kids/$3. Last supper of the season.

Saturday 11/4

Baked Bean and Mac & Cheese Supper, 5-6:30 p.m., First Parish Congregational Church, 116 Main St., Yarmouth. Includes hot dogs, homemade pies and biscuits, adults/$8, kids/$4.

Roast Beef Supper, 4:30-6 p.m., Scarborough Lion’s Den, 273 Gorham Rd., Scarborough, adults/$10, kids/$5, take-out available, all-you-can-eat, benefits Boy Scouts Troop 39.

Ongoing

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

Health

OmBody Meditation & Mindfulness for Busy People, 12:10-12:45 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 19, Think Tank Co-working, 533 Congress St., Portland, ombodyhealth.com/community-events, free.

Thursday 11/9

Now Is The Time, free film & panel discussion, 6:30-8:30 p.m., South Portland Community Center, Nelson Street, sponsored by Maine AllCare in support of universal healthcare.

Ongoing

Heart Meditation, hosted by United Methodist communities of HopeGateWay, 6 p.m. Wednesdays, 509 Forest Ave., Portland, 899-2435, newlightportland.org. Free.

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.

Restorative yoga, drop-in class 9-10:15 a.m. every Thursday, 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

Discover Girl Scouts: 4 p.m. Oct. 25, The Root Cellar, Portland; 6 p.m. Oct. 26, William H. Rowe School, Yarmouth, for potential members and volunteers, girlscoutsofmaine.org, 888-922-4763.

Tuesday 10/31

All Hallow’s Read, 1 p.m. on, children of all ages can select from a collection of donated scary stories and books, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road.

Saturday 10/28

STEAM Halloween, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Portland, activities with common recyclables that reinforce science, technology, engineering, art & math.

Ongoing

4-H Maker Monday Program, 4-5:30 p.m. one Monday a month through December, various locations throughout Cumberland County, for youth ages 5-18. Free, see http://bit.ly/2y1kv62.

Baby Singalong, 4 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. Fridays & Saturdays; Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m. Mondays; Infant/Toddler Story Time Tuesday 10 and 10:15 a.m. Pre-School Storytime, 10:30 a.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. Thursdays, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road, 781-2351.

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. For babies up to 18 months to 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 Saturday, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square.

Homeschoolers Book Club, ages 9-12, 10:30-11:30 a.m., third Thursday October-June, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square.

Smart Girls Read, ages 9-12, 2:30-3:30 p.m. first Saturday through June, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square.

Songs & Stories en Français, 10:30-11 a.m. Mondays, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square. Weekly storytime in French.

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 Builders, 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway. Duplos, free play and socializing for newborns to age 4.

Flash Story Time, 2-4 p.m. Sunday, stories and songs, South Portland Memorial Branch, 155 Westcott Road.

Letter Zoo, stories and songs for ages 3-5, Fridays at 10:30 a.m., South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway.

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.

The Pavillion at Railroad Square, off Main Street, Yarmouth, noon-4 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, interactive trucks, and farm and construction equipment, 846-3120. Free.

Support

New Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 10 a.m. third Wednesday, Handy’s, 367 Main St., Yarmouth, drop-in, zenhead@gmail.com.

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.

Brain Aneurysm Support Group, 6-7:30 p.m., last Thursday, Room 9, Dana Health Education Center at Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St. Portland, http://kat-walk.org/support.html.

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.

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

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.

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.

Mental Illness Family Support Group, 6:30-8 p.m., second, third and fourth Mondays of the month, Dana Center, 22 Bramhall St., classroom #2, Portland. NAMI Portland. FMI call Mike, 703-966-8875.

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.

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 to people in need, https://ycan.info/.

Workshops/Walks/Talks

“Ghosts of Freeport’s Past,” 45-minute cemetery walks, Oct. 26-28, hosted by Freeport Historical Society and Freeport Community Players, www.freeporthistoricalsociety.org, 865-3170 for times, locations, tickets.

“Walk Among the Shadows,” Eastern Cemetery, 224 Congress St., Portland, ghostly storytellers from Spirits Alive tell “Uncanny Tales from the Hill,” 6:30 p.m., Oct. 26-28; 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29; by donation.

The World in Your Library, foreign policy lecture series, Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth: Nov. 14, 6 p.m., “Understanding Russia.”

The Royal River: Explore Yarmouth, North Yarmouth, New Gloucester and Durham, pick up a map through October at the Yarmouth History Center, 118 East Elm St., at trail kiosks and at www.RRCT.org.

Wednesday 10/25 

Durham Paint Night, 6:30 p.m. monthly, Amvets Ladies Auxiliary, 1049 Royalsborough Road. Details/register through Facebook Page or contact Erica Burke, 353-3272.

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.

Computer Tutoring sessions, Portland Public Library, Tuesdays and Fridays, 5 Monument Square, call 871-1700, ext. 708 to register for a half-hour session.

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

Scarborough Kiwanis, noon-1 p.m., every Friday, The Egg & I, 183 US Route One, Scarborough, public welcome.

Artsy Afternoon, free crafting program for adults, 1-3 p.m. last Saturday, South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway, preregistration required.

Socrates Cafe, 6:30 p.m. fourth Thursdays, South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway. Ordinary people discuss “big questions.”

Spanish Group, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway, all levels welcome.

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.

Mid-Coast

Benefits

Saturday 10/28

Black Cat Ball, 7 p.m., Fort Andross, Brunswick, with light fare, cash bar, costumes encouraged, tickets $60, $50 for two or more, coastalhumanesociety.org, benefits Coastal Humane Society and Lincoln County Animal Shelter

Books/Authors

Ongoing

Book Look, 11 a.m. first Tuesday through May, The Highlands, 30 Governor’s Way, Topsham. Fiction and nonfiction chosen by participants. All welcome, contact Susan at Topsham Library, email director@topshamlibrary.org.

Men’s Book Group, 4 p.m., third Thursday, September-May, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road. For details email emma@topshamlibrary.org.

Mystery Readers Roundtable,  3 p.m., second Tuesday, September-May, fans of the mystery genre gather over hot drinks and share their favorite crime novels at Topsham Public Library. For more, contact Linda at 725-1727, tplinfo@topshamlibrary.org.

Rare Reads, 6 p.m., third Tuesday, September-May, discuss unusual and interesting literature, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road. Can’t make it? Join the discussion on topshamlibrary.org/rare-reads/. Registration not required.

Reading Between the Panels, 6 p.m., fourth Tuesday October-May, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, graphic novel discussion, call Dale at 725-1727.

Ongoing

Tea With Harriet, monthly tea and conversation about Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1-2:30 p.m., third Thursday, 63 Federal St., Brunswick.

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.

Bulletin Board

Saturday 11/4 

St. Charles Christmas Fair, 132 McKeen St., Brunswick, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., raffle, vendors, baked goods, gifts & treasures, children’s activities. 

Bells of St. Mary’s Christmas Craft Fair & Café, 8 a.m.- 2 p.m., 144 Lincoln Street, Bath, silent auction, cookie walk, grandma’s attic,  visit from Santa, local crafters.

Ongoing

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

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

Community Spay-Neuter Clinic of Topsham, free neuter and rabies shots for feral, stray and barn cats. Free transportation and trapping available in parts of Androscoggin, Kennebec, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Oxford counties, 721-8395.

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, volunteers needed in the Topsham office, Road To Recovery program, Look Good Feel Better program, Relay For Life events and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks, see cancer.org/involved/volunteer.html, or contact Danielle Blais at Danielle.blais@cancer.org or 373-3700, ext. 3720.

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.

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

Saturday 10/28

Baked Bean and Casserole Supper, 4:30-6 p.m., Bath Area Senior Activity Center 45 Floral St., Bath. Menu includes clam casserole, mac & cheese, potato salad, adults/$8, kids/$4. Last supper til February.

Saturday 11/4

Roast Pork Supper, 4:30-6 p.m., Bath Area Senior Center, 45 Floral St., benefits local cancer patient.

West Bath Grange Supper, 4:30-6:30 p.m., West Bath Seaside Grange Hall, New Meadows Road, includes beans, soup, casseroles, slaw, $8.

Health

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.

Tween Reads, 5 p.m. first Wednesday through May, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, grades 6-8, registration required, 725,1727.

Young Critics, 5 p.m. third Thursdays, October-May, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, grades 4 & 5, register at 725-1727.

Support

Active Parenting for parents with children 5-12, free program, childcare and dinner, 5:30-8 p.m., Wednesdays Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 8 & 15, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, sign up through Dawn at 442-7963, ext. 230.

Active Parenting for Stepfamilies, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 11 & 18, Families CAN! at Midcoast Maine Community Action, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath. Free program, childcare and dinner. Call Dawn to register, 442-7963, ext. 230.

Adult Grief Support Groups: 6:30-8 p.m., 2nd and 4th Tuesdays,
CHANS Home Health & Hospice, 45 Baribeau Dr., Brunswick; 2-3 p.m. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, The Highlands, Cadigan Lodge, 54 Governors Way, Topsham. To register, call Andy Sokoloff at 721-1357.

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.

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.

Moving On discussion group, 10 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, for surviving spouses of retirement age on how to build a new life, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

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, Tuesdays, noon, St. Mary’s Church, 144 Lincoln Street, Bath, 729 3149; Thursdays, 7 p.m., St.Paul’s Episcopal Church, 27 Pleasant St., Brunswick, 386 1740.

Pet Loss Support Group, third Thursday, 3:30-5 p.m., CHANS Home Health & Hospice, 45 Baribeau Dr., Brunswick. Open to anyone grieving the terminal illness or death of a companion animal. To register, call Andy Sokoloff at 721-1357.

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, 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

Saturday 10/28

“A Lighthearted Look at CREA’s Lovely Local Lichens,” 10-11:30 a.m., Cathance River Education Alliance (CREA) Ecology Center, directions at https://creamaine.org/directions/.

“Explore Tech: Engineers Make a World of Difference,” 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., traveling exhibit opens, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick. Shows how engineering provides solutions and develops sustainable innovations, includes with hands-on and multimedia, through Dec. 29.

Sunday 10/29

“Explore the Data Behind Sea Level Rise,” 1-2:30 p.m., Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, 153 Harpswell Neck Road, Harpswell. Free, registration requested at www.hhltmaine.org, 837-9613.

Thursday 11/2

Coastal Humane Society, talk about 65-year history, 7 p.m., Orr’s Island Library, 1699 Harpswell Islands Rd., Orr’s Island.

Ongoing

AARP Coffee & Conversation, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. third Wednesday, New Beet Market, 25 Burbank Ave., Brunswick, all welcome.

Brunswick Toastmasters Club, 6:30-8 p.m. first & third Tuesdays, 8 Venture Ave., visitors welcome, 241-2294, https://2156.toastmastersclubs.org.

Cathance River Education Alliance Ecology Center Open House, Topsham, 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.

First Light Camera Club, meets monthly 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Topsham Medical Building, 4 Horton Place, fee charged, www.firstlightcc.com, info@firstlightcc.com, 729-6607.

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.