PORTLAND

Help with health challenges

Frustrated with living a “Used to Do” lifestyle?

A six-week series of Living Well Workshops will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, Oct. 23 through Nov. 27 at the Woods at Canco for individuals dealing with chronic illness or physical health challenges.

The workshops teach how to better handle pain and fatigue, tips for eating well, fun ways to get and stay active and effective communication skills. The courses were developed at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Pre-registration required by calling Emily Weston at 396-6583 or email eweston@smaaa.org.

Playgroup for families of toddlers

The Portland Public Library will host a Family Place Workshop/Playgroup for children, ages 9 months to 3 years, and their parents or caregivers and siblings ages 5 and younger at the library at 5 Monument Square.

Each workshop stresses the importance of play to a child’s development.

Parent and child engage in meaningful and fun play with age appropriate toys which helps stimulate motor skills as well as brain development. At each workshop will be introduced some of the many local resources available to help them in the rewarding but challenging task of parenting a toddler.

The sessions will be held from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5 and 12.

There is no charge, but sign-up and participation for all sessions are required.

Registration information is available at the Children’s Room desk at the Main Library.

Only registered families will be able to attend.

Contact is Valerie Richards, in Youth Services at richards@portland.lib.me.us or (207) 871-1700 Ext. 707.

Beekeepers to hear speakers

The Maine State Beekeepers annual meeting will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Italian Heritage Center, 40 Westland Ave.

This year’s meeting will feature three speakers, who will focus on honeybee sustainability in the Northeast.

Dr. Deborah Delaney, from the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, studies unmanaged honeybee populations.

Her talks will include an overview of the work being done in that field and how it can guide our practice.

Kirk Webster, owner and operator of Champlain Valley Bees & Queens in Middlebury, Vt., will discuss strategies for hive survivability.

Tony Jadczak, Maine state apiarist, will present an overview of hive health in Maine during 2013.

For more information and registration details, go to mainebeekeepers.org/

Registration deadline is Tuesday.

For more details, call Louise Sullivan at 799-4419.

FREEPORT

Talk on fall flower arranging

The Freeport Women’s Club will meet at 1 p.m. Friday at the meeting room of the Freeport Community Library.

Guest speaker Geri Rose will present a fall dried flower arrangement demonstration, featuring “contrived focal flowers.”

Refreshments will be served after the meeting.

All are welcome.

For more details, call Sheri Bunting at 865-3996 or email sherbunting@yahoo.com.

Halloween show at ‘Awesome’

AudioBody will offer presentations of their “Halloween Family Show” at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday at the Freeport Theater of Awesome at 5 Depot St., with additional shows at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 and at 2 and 7 p.m. Oct. 26.

The show will feature non-stop family-friendly comedy, pumpkin juggling, crazy lighting effects, a bed of nails and live music. The show also will include the physical comedy of Steve Corning.

Advance tickets are $12 for matinee performances and $12 to $17 for evening performances. An additional $3 fee will be added for tickets purchased at the door.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.AwesomeTheater.com

For more details, email tickets@awesometheater.com or call 518-8839.

Topic: Raising resilient children

Author and educator Jack Petrash will head a talk and workshop this weekend at Merriconeag Waldorf School’s Community Hall at 57 Desert Road.

The talk, detailing how to develop children’s essential capacities to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world, will be held at 7 p.m. Friday for a $10 fee.

The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, and is entitled “The Art of Raising Strong, Resilient Children.” The cost is $30 per family of adults.

To register or for more details, call 865-3900 or go to visit www.merriconeag.org.

Church to hold clothing sale

The South Freeport Congregational Church will host a warm clothing and linens sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 98 South Freeport Road.

A soup, sandwich, dessert and beverage lunch for $5 will also be available from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more details, call 865-4012.

YORK

The wisdom of Eleanor Roosevelt

York Public Library will present a talk by author and editor Michele Wehrwein Albion on her book “The Quotable Eleanor Roosevelt” at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the library at 15 Long Sands Road.

Albion will introduce attendees to the American icon that former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt has become through the words she uttered about the life and times of her era.

For more details, call 363-2818 or go to www.york.lib.me.us.

YORK HARBOR

Icon maker to host workshop

Russian icon maker, teacher and lecturer Marina Forbes, will offer a series of four “The Art of Icon Painting” workshops from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays, Oct. 17 through Nov. 7 at St. George’s Episcopal Church at 407 York St.

These three-hour sessions will offer a hands-on tutorial on how to create traditional Russian icons, one of the world’s oldest and most respected forms of religious art.

The program will include a detailed discussion and demonstration of traditional materials and methods of icon making.

Then, under the direction of the instructor, students will create their own icons using a combination of traditional and contemporary materials and methods. Students will learn about board and painting surface preparation, gessoing, image rendering, pigments, brush strokes techniques, detailing, highlighting, gilding, Old Slavonic lettering and varnishing.

No painting experience is required for the class.

For more details, call Forbes directly at (603) 332-2255 or e-mail at marina@anylanguage.org.

FALMOUTH

Cooking safely for crowds

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a food safety training series for individuals who are involved in organizing fundraiser suppers, luncheons or group events where food safety may be a concern.

“Cooking for Crowds” will teach up-to-date methods for safely preparing, handling and serving food for large groups such as churches, club affiliation fundraisers, etc.

This workshop meets the Good Shepherd Food-Bank Food Safety training requirements.

Sessions will be offered from 1 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 21, Nov. 5 and 20 at the UMaine Regional Learning Center, 75 Clearwater Dr., Ste. 104.

The cost is $15.

Scholarships may be available.

To register online, go to http://umaine.edu/food-health/food-safety/cooking-for-crowds/ or call 781-6099.

Historical Society to meet

The Falmouth Historical Society will hold its annual meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Russell Room at the library

Local historian Jerry Wiles will present the talk “The Year was 1963: The Kennedy Assassination.”

The public is invited and refreshments will be served.

For more information, call 781-4727.

SANFORD

Diet for cancer survivors

The Cancer Care Center of York County will offer a ‘Healthy Eating for Cancer Survivors and Caregivers” workshop from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the center, located off Eagle Drive on Route 109 across from Sanford Airport.

Registered dietitian and nutritionist Faith Thibodeau will instruct on nutrition and wellness choices.

Healthy refreshments will be served.

The class is free but pre-registration is required.

For more details, call Shannon at 459-1658.

Cancer and disability benefits

The Cancer Care Center of York County will host a talk with Henri Benoit and Anna Benoit from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, discussing Social Security Disability Benefits as it pertains to a cancer diagnosis.

The presentation will include information about the application process and appeals, the evaluation process, how medical disability is assessed by Social Security and the important role that health care providers play in the process.

The talk is free and light refreshments will be served.

Pre-registration is required.

To register, call 459-1658.

The Cancer Care Center is located off Eagle Drive, across from the Sanford Airport.

WATERBORO

Bluegrass benefit scheduled

Back to Basics,” the award-winning Maine bluegrass band, will perform a benefit concert from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Waterboro Grange Hall at 31 West Road.

The band specializes in traditional and original bluegrass music with an emphasis on vocal harmonies.

Tickets are $15 per person, BYOB, no one under 21 admitted.

Set-ups and snacks will be available.

Tickets will be limited.

Proceeds are to benefit the Waterborough Historical Society.

To obtain tickets, call Jim Carll at 247-5878 or Dianne Holden at 247-5926.

BRUNSWICK

Creative approaches to cancer

Breast cancer survivor, visual artist, retired clinical psychologist and author Sally Loughridge, of South Bristol, will talk about how imagination and creative power can help one weather a cancer diagnosis and follow-up treatment, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at The Brunswick Inn, at 165 Park Row.

In the illustrated talk, Loughridge will share from her book, “Rad Art: A Journey Through Radiation Treatment” as well as other creative routes survivors use to find solace and strength.

Signed copies of her book will be available for purchase, benefiting the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event.

She will also lead a walkthrough of her art hanging in the Inn’s Carriage House.

Paintings purchased during October will be discounted 10 percent, with a portion of proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society.

The event is free and open to the public.

Refreshments will be served.

To reserve a spot for the talk, call 729-4914 or email to info@TheBrunswickInn.com.

HOLLIS

Quarters for scholarships

A 25 Cent Fall Clothing Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Hollis Elementary School, at 554 River Road on Route 35.

Sponsored by Limington Extension, all items are 25 cents.

Proceeds are to benefit the Bonny Eagle High School Scholarship Fund.

For more details, call 692-2989.

WINDHAM

Look Good Feel Better session

Female cancer patients in the Sebago Lakes Region are invited to attend a free, one-time American Cancer Society Look Good Feel Better group session offered on the third Monday of each month at the North Windham Union Church, 723 Roosevelt Trail.

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the Personal Care Products Council and the Professional Beauty Association/National Cosmetology Association, this program offers free, one-time beauty consultations with a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician to women who are currently undergoing cancer treatment.

The sessions, held from 2 to 4 p.m., are directed by local volunteers Debra McLaine and Christine Reardon, who provide tips and practical techniques for coping with hair loss and changes in the skin that often result from chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Each participant will receive a complimentary cosmetic kit donated by the cosmetic industry, instructions on how to use the cosmetics, and ways to use wigs, scarves, and other accessories to conceal hair loss.

To register, call Dan Del Rossi at 373-3737.

SCARBOROUGH

Biking, walking for AIDS

Scarborough Middle School will hold its 27th annual bike-a-thon Monday to raise money for Frannie Peabody Center, Maine’s largest HIV/AIDS service organization.

The event, known as the Ed Wimert Memorial Bike/Walk-a-thon for AIDS, aims to increase awareness throughout the community about HIV/AIDS.

The event is a collaborative effort by the Scarborough Middle School staff, Scarborough Police Department, Scarborough High School Student Council, Scarborough High School Key Club, Scarborough Explorers, and parents of students.

It will start at 9:30 a.m., departing from the Clam Bake Restaurant parking lot at Pine Point Road, and will travel to Ocean Park in Old Orchard Beach. The ride is mapped out as a 20-mile bike route and 6-mile walk route. In the event of inclement weather, the event will turn into a walk-a-thon only.

For more details, call Katie Rutherford at 774-6877, Ext. 8013 or email krutherford@peabodycenter.org.

CAMDEN

Full lineup of events at library

The Camden Public Library, at 55 Main St., will host the following events this week:

Historian and author George Daughan will give a talk at 7 p.m. Tuesday entitled “The Shining Sea: David Porter and the Epic Voyage of the U.S.S. Essex During the War of 1812.”

On Thursday, the library will host the memorial display “An Empty Place at the Table” for the entire day and the Midcoast Audubon Society will host “Moths & Butterflies” with Fred Gralenski, of the Fundy Audubon Chapter, at 7 p.m.

On Sunday, a free workshop, entitled “Tools for Creative Writers” will be offered from 2 to 4 p.m. headed by writing coach Teresa Piccari.

For more details, call the library at 236-3440.

DAYTON

Riding center sets events

A Halloween Spooktacular Trail Ride will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at LaDawn Theraputic Riding Center, at 995 Goodwins Mills Road.

The center will offer trail rides along a Halloween-inspired trail for $10 per person. Staffers will also have face painting, pictures, wreaths, shirts and key chains for sale.

Participants are encouraged to throw on their craziest costumes or favorite jeans for the event

The riding center also will host a silent auction the following week at the Run of the Mill in Saco.

It will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 23. Tickets are on sale at the barn or at the door and cost $12 each or 2 for $20.

Admission includes live music by Jeffrey Cusack, a beverage and an appetizer. There will also be a cash bar and dinner available.

LIVERMORE

Diplomat’s story to be featured

The Washburn-Norlands Living History Center in Livermore will host a presentation by historical researcher and author Michael Hill at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Washburn Memorial Library at 290 Norlands Road.

Hill will share the story of Elihu Washburne, who grew up at the Norlands, became a confidante of Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War, and an American diplomat.

Books will be available for sale.

Visitors are asked to park in the lot near the church on the Norlands’ campus. The library is a short walk from the parking area.

Admission is a suggested donation of $15.

For more details, call 897-4366 or visit www.norlands.org.

SOUTH BERWICK

Jazz inspired by New Orleans

The band Soggy Po’ Boys will perform a concert of New Orleans-inspired jazz at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the First Parish Federated Church, 150 Main St. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door .

For advance reservations, call 450-8746 or call the church office at 384-4091.

Harvest Day at Seacoast Christian

Seacoast Christian School will host its annual Harvest Day event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 224 Main St. The event will include horses, carnival games, relays, a bounce house and other activities.

Traditional carnival foods, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, fried dough, apple cider, pie and a bake sale will be available for purchase.

GORHAM

Annual library book sale

The annual Friends of Baxter Memorial Library book sale will be held from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the Gorham Recreation Department Activities Room, at 75 South St.

There will also be a preview night from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday for Friends of Baxter Memorial Library members.

New members are invited to join at the door or buy a $5 guest pass.

For more details, call the library at 222-1190.

USM invites prospective students

The University of Southern Maine Office of Undergraduate Admission will host an open house and other activities from noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday for prospective students and their families.

The event features an Academic and Student Resource Information Fair; Gorham and Portland campus tours; and tours of the Gorham residence halls.

Participants will be able to meet with faculty, staff, and students to learn more about the USM experience and the opportunities available at USM.

The open house begins in the Costello Sports Complex on the Gorham campus.

Register on-line at http://www.usm.maine.edu/admit/campus-tours-and-events or call (800) 800-4USM Ext. 5670.

WELLS

Programs set for Laudholm Farm

The Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm will host the following programs this week:

A Preschool Story Hour for ages 3 to 5, meeting from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday for an introduction to animals through the story “Leaf Man,” a short trail walk, and a related craft project.

A “Climate Games” workshop from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a simulation by assuming the role of a town planner or other community leader to negotiate real world challenges brought on by climate change, including the risk of flooding due to coastal storms. Dinner will be provided.

Space is limited. Registration is required through Julie Curti at jcurti@mit.edu. The event is part of the New England Climate Adaptation Project.

The presentation “Bats: Friends of the Evening Sky” will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Participants will build a bat house and take a field walk to learn about the shy creatures.

Cost is $24 per family and includes a bat house. Registration is required by calling 646-1555.

NEW GLOUCESTER

Author to discuss explorer

Maine author Mary Morton Cowan will narrate a slide presentation based on her award-winning biography, “Captain Mac: The Life of Donald Baxter MacMillan, Arctic Explorer” at 7 p.m. Thursday at the New Gloucester Meetinghouse, at 389 Intervale Road, Route 231.

MacMillan, a well-known Maine resident, spent time with Robert Peary as well as his own expeditions to the Arctic.

The talk is sponsored by the New Gloucester Historical Society.

It is free and open to the public.

Contact is Leonard L. Brooks at 926-3188.

WATERVILLE

Business & Career Center benefit

The Waterville Public Library will host a murder mystery evening, “Murder in Crooke’s Crossing,” at 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $35 each.

Gourmet refreshments and wine will be served.

Proceeds will benefit the Waterville Public Library Business & Career Center, which provides a variety of services for job seekers, career changers, entrepreneurs, businesses and creative people.

For more details, call Dan Beaulieu at 649-0879 or go to www.watervillelibrary.org.

BATH

Rally for afterschool programs

Bath Area Family YMCA will hold an open gym and swim for the community from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday as part of “Lights On Afterschool,” a nationwide rally for afterschool programs.

In all, one million Americans are expected to join in events across the country to draw attention to the need for more afterschool programs.

The Bath Area Family YMCA is located at 303 Centre St.

Families are invited to participate in community swim or gym activities from 6 to 7 p.m.