Greater Portland

Benefits

Saturday 4/13

Simple Gifts Concert Fundraiser, featuring Seagrass, Pretty Girls Sing Soprano, Oompahlele, and Northern Pitch, 7-9 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, Forest Avenue, Portland, $10/door, simplegiftsmaine.org.

Friday 4/19 

Good Friday Walk and Fun Run, benefits Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland, 3-, 5-, 10-, or 20-mile routes in Cumberland, Yarmouth and N. Yarmouth, bit.ly/2T5xNYb.

Saturday 4/20

Urban Runoff 5K, 9 a.m., Deering High School, Portland, race and walk raises awareness about water pollution and money to support clean water education, bit.ly/2K5xjSM.

Saturday 4/27

Walk MS: South Portland, 9 a.m., SPHS, 637 Highland Ave., benefits National Multiple Sclerosis Society, bit.ly/2TYq9Ei.

Books & Authors

Thursday 4/11

Poetry in the Library: Wesley McNair Remembers Donald Hall and Jane Kenyon, 7 p.m., Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth.

Sunday 4/14

Poet Ann P. Hammond, reading from “On Higgins Beach” in honor of National Poetry Month, 2 p.m., Scarborough Public Library, 48 Gorham Rd., paired with photos of Scarborough by Kristine Hoy.

Monday 4/15

Seanachie Nights, 7 p.m., Bull Feeney’s, 375 Fore St., Portland, spoken-word/musical performances from Celtic and British culture, presents Phyllis Blackstone with stories from “Treasury of Tales,” by donation.

Thursday 4/18

Poetry In the Library Presents: “Foul Papers and Bad Quatros: Shakespeare’s Changing Text,” 7 p.m., Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth, with Naked Shakespeare’s Artistic Director Michael Levine.

Ongoing

Morning Book Group, 9:30-11 a.m. second Wednesday, Thomas Memorial Library, 6 Scott Dyer Rd., Cape Elizabeth, thomasmemoriallibrary.org.

Writers’ Accountability Group, 10 a.m.-noon, third Wednesday, Thomas Memorial Library, Cape Elizabeth, all levels of expertise and genres welcome.

Evening Book Group, 7-8:30 p.m., third Thursday, Thomas Memorial Library, Cape Elizabeth.

Come! Sit! Read!, reading dog program, 3:30-5 p.m. first and third Tuesdays, Portland Public Library; 3-4 p.m. first and third Mondays, Riverton Branch Library, registration required, portlandlibrary.com/highlight/come-sit-read.

Journaling in the Library, 5:30-7 p.m., third Wednesday, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, for teens and adults.

Many Voices Teen Book Group, 1-2 p.m., last Saturday, Portland Public Library, open to ages 12-19 interested in exploring diversity through contemporary YA fiction, teens@portlib.org, 871-1700, ext. 773.

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

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

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

Betsy Ross House Book Group, 1:30 p.m. first Thursday, hosted by South Portland Library at Betsy Ross House in South Portland. Members choose books that are part of the mainstream cultural current, 767-7660, bit.ly/2EUGguO.

Life 101, South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway, 10:30 a.m. fourth Tuesday, books that improve quality of life, establish good habits, and live more creatively and happily, bit.ly/2KyESg4.

Morning Book Group, 10:30 a.m. third Tuesday, South Portland Public Library, informal group where newcomers always welcome, southportlandlibrary.com/book-groups.

The Branch Book Group, 6 p.m. first Monday, Memorial Branch Library, 155 Wescott Road, South Portland, new members always welcome, 775-1835.

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

Bulletin Board

Friday 4/13

Community Shredding Day, 9 a.m.-noon, South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway. Free with donation for South Portland Food Cupboard.

Saturday 4/14

Great Maine Bike Swap, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., USM’s Sullivan Gym, 66 Falmouth Rd., Portland. To register a bike or volunteer see bikemaine.org/swap.

Thursday 4/18

Scarborough Garden Club, 12:30 p.m., Hillcrest Rec Hall, 108 Hillcrest Ave. Presentation by Jane Taylor from Michigan State University about “Growing for the Future for Family, Friends, Food and Fun.” Guests invited, scarboroughgardenclub.weebly.com.

Ongoing

Chess Club, Thomas Memorial Library, 9-11 a.m. Saturdays, 6 Scott Dyer Rd., Cape Elizabeth, for enthusiasts of all ages.

Tri-Town Penguins Snowmobile Club (Durham, Freeport, Pownal), 7 p.m., last Tuesday through April, Durham Fire Station, 615 Hallowell Road, new members always welcome, Duncan Daly, 865-6188/713-3116.

Portland Winter Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, 631 Stevens Ave. in the former Maine Girls’ Academy gym, to April 20, portlandmainefarmersmarket.org.

Sacred Harp Singing, 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, First Parish
Church, 425 Congress St., Portland. Open community singing, free, all welcome.

Bingo, 5-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays, hosted by Scarborough Lions at 201 John Roberts Rd., S. Portland, bit.ly/2Spel9b.

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

Scarborough Kiwanis, noon-1 p.m. every Friday, The Egg & I, 183 US Route One, Scarborough, breakfast and featured speaker, public welcome, Joyce Leary Clark at 329-8488 or jlclark@maine.rr.com.

Maine Genealogical Society, 12:30 p.m., first Saturday of every month, First Congregational Church, 301 Cottage Road, South Portland. Free, guests welcome.

Call for Volunteers

Maine Academy of Modern Music in Portland needs volunteers in development, finance, and marketing. Call 899-3433 or see maineacademyofmodernmusic.org.

Red Cross Blood Drives, April 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., One City Center, Portland; April 17, 1-6 p.m., Congregation Bet Ha’am, 81 Westbrook St., S. Portland; April 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Yarmouth Town Hall, 200 Main St. Donate by April 30 for a chance to win a full-size Iron Throne from “Game of Thrones.”

Saturday 4/13

Citizen Science Day “Stall Catchers Megathon,” 1-3:30 p.m., Scarborough Public Library, 48 Gorham Rd. Participants will play a game to help Alzheimer’s research. Appropriate for adults and middle/high school students. Registration encouraged at scarboroughlibrary.org/events/megathon.

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 a child a few hours each month, 773-5437, somebigs.org.

Cumberland Area Rides and Aging in Place need drivers, companions, and others to help older residents in Cumberland/N. Yarmouth. Drivers contact 829-3367, cumberlandrides@gmail.com. Other volunteers contact AIP@cumberlandmaine.com, 245-8033, www.AIPCumberland.org.

HART Cat Shelter: Ongoing need for morning volunteers, 302 Range Road, Cumberland. Apply at hartofme.com or 829-4116.

Fresh Air Families Wanted: host a child this summer by contacting Katrina Cash-Staley at 420-5795 or see freshair.org.

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.

Portland Area Villages seeks volunteers to help seniors age in place, including transportation, errands, calls/visits, light housework and gardening, 370-1896, info@portlandareavillages.org to learn more.

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

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

Dining Out

Friday 4/12

Souper Supper at St. Mary’s, 5-7 p.m., 43 Foreside Rd., Falmouth. Free meal of soup, breads, salad, desserts and beverages.

Saturday 4/13

“Dinner on the Titanic,” 6 p.m., hosted by Portland Supper Club at the Cumberland Club, 116 High St., Portland, $99, details and reservations at portlandsupperclub.com.

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

Sunday 4/14

Pancake Breakfast, 7:30-11 a.m., Cape Elizabeth Lions Clubhouse, 1 Wheeler Rd. Includes French toast, eggs, sausage, adults/$7, kids/$5.

Ongoing

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

Health

A Matter of Balance, 10 a.m.-noon Mondays April 15-June 10, Southern Maine Agency on Aging and Maine Medical Center’s Trauma Program at Freeport Community Services, by donation, registration required through 396-6529.

Yarmouth Reassurance Program: seniors, the infirm, disabled or adults living alone can call the Yarmouth Police Department daily to confirm well-being, call 846-3333 for an application.

Ongoing

AARP/Alzheimer’s Association Resource Finder, programs, events, services, housing options, www.communityresourcefinder.org.

Dempsey Center, free wellness classes, complementary therapies, nutritional counseling for cancer patients and their families, 778 Main St., South Portland, www.dempseycenter.org, 774-2200.

Introduction to the Dempsey Center – South Portland: Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.; Thursdays, 3 p.m. Comprehensive overview of free services available, register online or call 774-2200.

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

The Good Morning Program, free safety check-in call 7 days/week for seniors/disabled in Brunswick, Harpswell and Freeport. Call Brunswick Police Department for details at 725-6621, ext. 4310.

Southern Maine Agency on Aging on Aging specialist available 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays, Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth.  Support & resources for older adults & caregivers, 835-9866 or mbrosnan@yarmouth.me.us.

Just for Kids

Ongoing

Anime Club, 2:30-4 p.m. Mondays, Thomas Memorial Library, 6 Scott Dyer Rd., Cape Elizabeth. Age 13 and up can watch, craft, and generally geek out over all things Anime and Manga, no registration required.

Chess Club, 9-11 a.m., Thomas Memorial Library, all ages welcome to drop in.

Crafternoons, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Thursdays, Thomas Memorial Library, drop-in for age 10 and older.

Dungeons & Dragons Club, 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Thomas Memorial Library. Open to age 11 and older, Registration required, thomasmemoriallibrary.org.

Families Discover Great Artists, 3-4 p.m. first Saturday, Thomas Memorial Library, drop-in for ages 4 and older.

First Friday Games & Film Night, 5:30-8 p.m. first Friday of each month, Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church, 280 Ocean House Road. Giant games for both young kids and teens; film at 6:30 p.m., refreshments available, free and open to the public.

Art Time for Kids, 11-11:45 a.m. Saturdays, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road, freestyle with stories and music.

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

Friday Fun, Falmouth Memorial Library, different activities weekly 3:45-4:45 p.m.

Board Game Café, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., second Saturday, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Drive, varying selection.

Baby and Me, 10-11 a.m. Mondays, Freeport Community Library, social time for infants and caregivers with toys and music, 865-3307, www.freeportlibrary.com.

Lego Club, 3:45-4:45 p.m. third Wednesday for ages 5-11, Freeport Community Library, supervision required.

Preschool Story Time with Gunta, 10:30-11 a.m. Saturdays, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Dr., through May 18.

Yoga for Toddlers & Preschoolers, 10:30-11 a.m. first Tuesday, Freeport Community Library.

Burbank Chess Club for Kids, 10:30-noon last Saturday, Burbank Branch Library, 377 Stevens Ave., Portland, all abilities welcome, free and open to the public, 774-4229, charette@portlandpubliclibrary.org.

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

Many Voices Teen Book Group,  2:30-3:30 p.m., second Wednesday, Portland Public Library, open to ages 12-19 who are interested in exploring diversity through contemporary YA fiction, 871-1700, ext. 773.

Spanish Language Story Time, 10:30-11 a.m. first Thursday, Portland Public Library, stories, songs and dances for newborns through age 5.

Teen After Hours, 6-8 p.m., first Friday, Portland Public Library, includes pizza along with video, board and card games and movies. Space is limited, must register at the teen desk.

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

LEGOs in the Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Wednesday during the school year, South Portland Public Library, for ages 5 and up.

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

Toddle Town, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, South Portland Public Library, songs, rhymes and bounces for ages 1-3.

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

LitWits, 4:15-4:45 p.m., third Thursday, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, for grade 6 and up. Registration required through joconnor@yarmouthlibrary.org.

Tail Waggin’ Tales, reading program with therapy dogs, 15-minute increments 3:45-4:45 p.m. every Friday, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, mbatson@yarmouthlibrary.org to sign up.

Support

Ongoing

Aging in Place Cumberland: free rides for older Cumberland/N. Yarmouth residents, Handy Helpers for minor repairs; medical equipment loans; Friendly Visitor program. To apply or refer, 245-8033, AIP@cumberlandmaine.com, AIPCumberland.org. For rides, 829-3367, cumberlandrides@gmail.com.

Dempsey Center – South Portland, free support groups and classes for cancer patients and their families, www.dempseycenter.org, 774-2200.

Family Crisis Services, local domestic violence resource center serving Cumberland County with legal help, shelter and support. For information about support groups held in Bridgton, Brunswick, or Portland call 874-1973; 24-hour hotline 800-537-6066, throughthesedoors.org.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, 12 Step Program addresses food obsession, overeating, undereating and bulimia. Find a local meeting at www.foodaddicts.org, 775-2132.

Grief Support for individuals and groups, Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, contact Carol Schoneberg-Robinson for schedule, 289-3651, cschoneberg@hospiceofsouthernmaine.org.

Hospice Grief Support Group, Compassus, 23 Spring St., Suite C, Scarborough, 761-6967, compassushealthcare.com.

Kids First Center, Nonesuch River Plaza, 51 US Route 1, Suite S, Scarborough, educational support for parents and children experiencing separation, divorce and/or co-parenting, 761-2709, info@kidsfirstcenter.org, kidsfirstcenter.org.

LaLeche League, every Wednesday, 9:30-11 a.m., Woodfords Congregational Church, 202 Woodford St., Portland, lllofmenh.org/portland.html.

Living Well in North Yarmouth free ride service, call Steven Palmer at 829-6230.

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

Maine Cancer Mentors, Dempsey Centers match cancer patients statewide with a trained peer; mentors also needed, see dempseycenter.org/cancer-mentors for more.

Mended Hearts Cardiac Support Group, 6-8 p.m. first Thursday most months, Maine Medical Center Learning Resource Center, 100 West Campus Drive, Scarborough. Support also available in person, by phone or email. Contact Robyn Shaw for more information at 523-0883, robynshaw13@icloud.com.

Overeaters Anonymous, find local meetings at oamaine.org.

Parkinson’s Disease weekly support group, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Casco Bay YMCA, 14 Old South Freeport Road, Freeport, for patients, family, caregivers, 865-3417.

S.M.A.R.T. Recovery, 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays & Fridays, Amistad Peer Support and Recovery Center, 66 State St., Portland, alternative or supplement to traditional 12-step groups, contact Jim at 787-1212.

South Portland Food Cupboard, 130 Thadeus St., 8:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday and 5-7 p.m. first Wednesday of the month for residents of South Portland, Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, and surrounding communities, 874-0379, southportlandfoodcupboard.org.

The Center for Grieving Children, free bereavement peer support groups for ages 3-18, their parents and caregivers, young adults, bereaved parents and widow/widowers/partners. The Tender Living Care Program offers peer support to everyone in the family facing a life-impacting illness, 775-5216, cgcmaine.org 555 Forest Ave., Portland.

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, find a local meeting at tops.org/tops/TOPS/FindAMeeting.aspx.

Wellness Through Art, 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays, Amistad Peer Support and Recovery Center, 66 State St., Portland, peer-led, recovery focused art group. Contact Patrick at 618-0318.

Yarmouth Cares About Neighbors, connects resources such as clothing, heating assistance, food and rides to people in need, ycan.info.

Workshops/Walks/Talks

Sail Maine Adult Programs, Portland-based for women, families, refresher, basic and more, see bit.ly/2CX5IND for details.

Thursday 4/11

Maine Historic Preservation Archaeologist, discussion about Zachariah Stevens’ tavern at Tate House Museum, 6:30 p.m., Means House, 1267 Westbrook St., Portland, $15/$12, 774-6177 to reserve.

Friday 4/12

“The Roots of Creativity: Where Our Senses Overlap,” Freeport Woman’s Club hosts architect Elizabeth Chapman, 1:30 p.m., Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Dr., open to the public.

Sunday 4/14

“Organic Orcharding 101,” 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Portersfield Cider, Pownal. MOFGA workshop on orchard health strategies, $50, register through mofga.org.

Monday 4/15

“Hiring Minors in the Workforce,” 9-11 a.m., Greater Portland Career Center, 151 Jetport Blvd., Portland, register at safetyworksmaine.gov, 877-723-3345.

Ongoing

Democracy Cafe, 6:30-8 p.m., second Tuesday, Thomas Memorial Library,  Cape Elizabeth.

Knitting Group, 1 p.m. Mondays, Thomas Memorial Library, 6 Scott Dyer Road, Cape Elizabeth.

Senior Tech, 10:30 a.m.-noon, fourth Wednesday, Thomas Memorial Library, Cape Elizabeth, bring questions and devices.

A Common Yarn Needlework Group, 1-3 p.m. Thursdays, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Rd., 781-2351.

Tech Help Tuesday, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Falmouth Memorial Library, drop-in help from the high school tech team.

Adult Coloring Group, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Dr., materials provided. Free and open to the public.

Death Cafes, 5-7 p.m. second Wednesday, Portland Public Library, meeting room 3, increases awareness of making the most of life while pondering death, 871-1700, ext. 728.

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

Essentials of College Planning, Portland, free for adults 19 and older, to register or more information, call 1-800-281-3703, or see meoc.maine.edu.

Technology Tutoring, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, one-on-one computer help in reserved half hour sessions 2 and 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays, registration required through 871-1700, ext. 708.

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

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.

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