Greater Portland

Benefits

Online Auctions:

The Hour Exchange Portland’s 5th Annual Online Auction, fundraiser ongoing through Dec. 14, auction bidding at http://hep.cmarket.com; FMI, Hour Exchange Portland, 470 Forest Ave., Suite 300 Portland, 874-9868. 

“Pick up the SLAC,” online auction to benefit St. Lawrence Arts Center, ongoing through Dec. 20, bid online at myworld.ebay.com/st.lawrencearts or at St. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress St., Portland, FMI, www.stlawrencearts.org.  

Toy Drive Drop Off Locations:

To Benefit Youth Alternatives, Ingraham of Maine, drop off new, unwrapped toys to Cape Elizabeth Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office, 295 Ocean House Rd., Cape Elizabeth now through Dec. 8, Roni Barbera, 799-5000.

To Benefit Toys for Tots, drop off new, wrapped or unwrapped toys to Weichert, Realtors – Waterglen Group, 100 Commercial St., Portland, Diane Churchill, 773-2425; or to Jim O’Clair, Edward Jones financial advisor, 94 Auburn St. Suite 209, Portland, Jim, 797-4104; Sullivan Tire, 333 U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, drop off new, unwrapped toys through Dec. 16, www.sullivantire.com.

The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program, pick up angel tag for child, buy requested toy, bring back by Friday, Dec. 11 to Bardwell Chiropractic, 40 Forest Falls Dr., Yarmouth, 846-1665.

Sweetser Holiday Toy Drive, to benefit children ages 6-18 served by Sweetser, drop off toys through Dec. 11 at any 13 Downeast Energy offices in central and southern Maine; or Cole Haan, Franklin Printing, Great Works Internet, IDEXX, One & Two Portland Square, St. Joseph’s Church Religious Education, Systems Engineering and The Holden Agency, FMI, Troy Pattison at 1-800-665-2727.  

Wednesday 12/9

Holiday Boast N Toast, hosted by Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce, to benefit YarmouthCAN and the Chamber’s Scholarship Fund, with silent auction, food, drinks, live music, awards, 5 p.m., $25, Muddy Rudder, U.S. Route 1, Yarmouth, tickets, The Chamber, 846-3984 or www.yarmouthmaine.org.

The Rainbow Business & Professional Association 13th Annual Holiday Auction, to benefit RBPA Scholarship Fund, 5:30 p.m. silent auction begins, followed by buffet dinner, raffle, live auction, tickets, $30 advance/ $40 door, $220 for table of 8, Holiday Inn by the Bay, 88 Spring St., Portland, 775-0077 or e-mailing rsvp@rbpa.org.  

Thursday 12/10

PortSports 2nd Annual Wassailing Party, proceeds benefit local nonprofits, 6:30-10 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Wassail Toast, $10 + canned good donation, Binga’s Stadium, 77 Free St., Portland, 347-6072. 

The 3rd Annual Lesbian All-Star Revue, with music, comedy, poetry, proceeds benefit MaineEquality and WMPG Power-Up Campaign, $20; 7:30, St. Lawrence Arts Center, Congress St., Portland.

Friday 12/11

4th Annual Christmas Concert with Schooner Fare, to benefit the Maine Irish Heritage Center, 7:30 p.m., $18. MIHC members/ $20 nonmembers, Maine Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray St., Portland, tickets, www.maineirish.com, Bull Moose Music locations, 780-0118.

Saturday 12/12

46th Annual Rotary Christmas Tree Sale, to benefit community charitable causes, Dec. 12-13; Mill Creek Park, South Portland, hosted by The South Portland- Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club, Adrienne Murphy, 243-3292.

Benefit Concert for Friends of Nuestras Raices, with Andean musician Sergio Espinoza, 7 p.m., Hope Gateway Church, 185 High St., Portland, Maria Sanchez Cron, 727-2071, 878-6653.

Designing Women Annual Holiday Show & Sale, with clothing, pottery, jewelry, to benefit Women Unlimited, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., $2 admission, Woodford Church, 202 Woodfords St., Portland, 281-5259, 623-7576. 

Monday 12/14

The Downeasters Babershop Chorus Holiday Concert, to benefit the Cancer Community Center, 7 p.m., $10, Immanuel Baptist Church, 156 High St., Portland, tickets at www.CancerCommunityCenter.org or 774-2200.

Friday 12/18

“RISE to the Occasion,” art show and sale to benefit Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Southern Maine, 5-9 p.m. opening reception with live music, food; show runs Dec. 17-23, RISE Gallery, 864 Broadway, South Portland, risegallery@yahoo.com, Chaya Caron, 221-6552, Mike Libby, 408-9461.

Bulletin Board

Wednesday 12/9

USM Holiday Extravaganza, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. craft fair; festive holiday meal, 11 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., $6.30 per person; Celebration of Light, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; all events open to public, USM Portland, Woodbury Campus Center, Portland, 780-4200. 

Friday 12/11

Holiday Art and Craft Fair, with 70+ artists, 5-8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, Freeport High School, 30 Holbrook St., Freeport.

Woodfords Club Pearl Harbor Day Observation, 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. World War II program, open to the public; $10 advance/ $15 door; free for World War II veterans, 179 Woodford St., advance tickets, 772-4893.  

Saturday 12/12

Holiday Art and Craft Fair, with 70+ artists, 5-8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, Freeport High School, 30 Holbrook St., Freeport.  

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

St. Lawrence Arts Center Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; St. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress St., Portland, 775-5568.

Sunday 12/13

Saint Lucia Festival, Swedish carols, international crafts, refreshments, St. Ansgar Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4 p.m., free and open to the public, 515 Woodford St., Rosemont Corner, Portland, Julie Davidson, 772-2048 or the church, 774-8740.

St. Lawrence Arts Center Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; St. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress St., Portland, 775-5568.

Saturday 12/19

Celtic Christmas Fair, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., with items from Irish and local artists, live music, food, The Maine Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray St., Portland, Vinny O’Malley, 232-2001.

Ongoing

Bridges for Peace Vigil, Sundays 12-1 p.m., South Portland end of Casco Bay Bridge.

Calico Quilters, first and third Mondays, 7-9 p.m., Masonic Hall, Mill Street, Yarmouth, 846-0783.

The Food Share, held by First Baptist Church Food Ministry, perishable food items available every Sunday from 5-6 p.m., First Baptist Church, 346 Main St., Yarmouth, enter at side door on Center St., Meagan, 846-3087. 

The Kiwanis Club of Portland, second and fourth Tuesdays, 5:30-7:15 p.m., $10, The Woodfords Club, 179 Woodford St., Portland, register, Peter Brown, 797-7383 or Michele Giroux, 854-6232.

Yarmouth Central Men’s Club, second Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m., dinner and speaker, 846-3376 or 846-1561.

Call for Volunteers

The Salvation Army of Greater Portland is in need of volunteers for the holiday season. Positions include: ringing bells at a kettle (great for groups or families), packing food baskets, toys, drivers to take volunteers and equipment to and from kettle locations, call 774-4172 ext. 265 or email danielle.gudroe@use.salvationarmy.org. 

Wednesday 12/9

Cape Elizabeth Community Blood Drive, 1-6 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 29 Ocean House Rd, Cape Elizabeth, for appointments, call American Red Cross, 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or www.givelife.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-two hours a day, 800-400-6325.

Fiddlehead Center for the Arts is looking for volunteers for ongoing projects and special events, earn credits in exchange for classes, ages 16+, Fiddlehead Center for the Arts, 383 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, 883-5720, fcascarborough.org.

Freeport Community Services and Center needs people to help make a difference, 865-3985.

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

Freeport Historical Society needs Pettengill Farm stewards; volunteers for Greeter/Docent program, training, able to commit 3-4 hours at least every other week; and Jack or Jill of all trades to help with odd jobs and light maintenance, own tools and transportation necessary, Rita, 632-3011.

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

HART, Homeless Animal Rescue Team, a no-kill cat shelter in Cumberland, is looking for volunteers who love cats to help in the shelter, 3-4 hours in the morning, one or two days a week, call 829-4116 or 846-3038. 

Hearts and Horses Therapeutic Riding Center volunteers needed, to help people with disabilities experience riding, call Vickie 929-4700, or 807-7757.

Homeless Animal Rescue Team seeks direct care volunteers, facilities maintenance, fundraisers, cleaning supplies, canned cat food, 302 Range Road, Cumberland, 829-4116 or 846-3038.

Hospice Volunteers Needed for Allegiance Hospice, to visit patients in nursing homes in York and Cumberland counties, Nicole Garrity, 877-255-4623 or ngarrity@allegiancehospice.com.

ITNPortland seeks volunteer drivers to provide rides for seniors and adults with visual impairments, call 854-0505 or visit www.itnportland.org to learn more.  

The Jason Program needs ambassadors of hope for Maine families of seriously ill and dying children, 65 Washington Ave., Portland, 773-2947, jasonprogram.org.

Literacy Volunteers of Greater Portland needs volunteers for student-centered tutoring, education for nonliterate adults and English as a Second Language instruction, 780-1352 for training information.

Melanoma Education Foundation seeking used car donations, call Cars Helping America, 1-866-949-3668, skincheck.org.

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

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

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

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

Dining Out

Friday 12/11

Free Community Soup Dinner, 5-7 p.m., Parish House, The Church of St. Mary the Virgin, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth, second and fourth Fridays, 781-3366, admin@smary.org.

Saturday 12/12

Chowder Meal, 4:30-6 p.m., $7.50 eat in or take out, First United Methodist Church, 179 Ridgeland Ave., South Portland.

Sunday 12/13

Monthly Breakfast, 8-10 a.m., $6, VFW Post 832; 50 Peary Terrace, South Portland, second Sundays of the month.

Saturday 12/19

Bean Supper, 5-6 p.m., $7 adult/ $16 family, Peoples United Methodist Church, 310 Broadway, South Portland.

Gardens & Outdoors

Cumberland Farmers Market, Falmouth Farmers Market, Wednesdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Allen, Sterling & Lothrup Garden Center, 191 U.S. Route 1, Falmouth; Cumberland Farmers Market, Fridays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Skillins Greenhouse, Route 100, West Cumberland; Leslie Fitzgerald, market.gal09@gmail.com.

Wednesday 12/9

“McLain’s Favorites: A National Geographic photographer’s favorite photos of the coast of Maine by sea kayak,” 6 p.m. doors open, 6:30 p.m. presentation by David McLain, Lincoln Canoe & Kayak, 8 Varney Rd., Freeport, 865-0455.

Ongoing 

Early Morning Birding, 7-8:30 a.m. Wednesdays, $3 member, $5 nonmember, volunteers free, Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, Pine Point Road, Scarborough, 883-5100. 

Hort Shorts & More education series, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, class listings and to register, 780-4205.

Wolfe’s Neck Farm, open daily for self-guided tours, visits to barn and pastures, community gardens, trail walks, 184 Burnett Road, Freeport, 865-4469.

Getting Smarter

Wednesday 12/9

Holiday Wreath Workshop, 6:30-8:30 p.m., $35, includes materials, bring glue gun, South Portland Parks and Recreation Department, register at the South Portland Community Center, 21 Nelson Road, South Portland, 767-7650.

Saturday 12/12

“Creating Local Harvest Holiday Gifts,” 10 a.m.- 12 p.m., $20, Wolfe’s Neck Farm, 184 Burnett Rd., Freeport, reservations required, call 780-4205.

Sunday 12/13

“How and Why To Keep Bees in Top Bar Beehives,” free presentation by Gold Star Honeybees, 12-2 p.m., The Portland Public Market House, 28 Monument Square, Portland, registration required, call 449-1121 or email christy@goldstarhoneybees.com.

Tuesday 12/15

“Writing A Business Plan: Why you need one & when to revise it,” 2-5 p.m., small fee, Portland SCORE Offices, 100 Middle St., Second Floor, East Tower, Portland, www.scoremaine.com, 772-1147.

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.

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

“Savvy Caregiver Training,” for family caregivers of elderly with dementia, six 2-hour class sessions, on Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26 and Feb. 2 and 9; sessions at MaineHealth Learning Resource Center, Falmouth; must preregister by Dec. 23, free, presented by Southern Maine Agency on Aging, FMI, Ann O’Sullivan at SMAA, 1-800-427-7411 x541.

Saturday 12/12

“Tools for Hard Times,” Common Security Club meeting, 9-11 a.m., free, breakfast included, hosted by State Street Church UCC, 159 State St., Portland, FMI, 774-6396, register for breakfast, 774-1995.

Sunday 12/13

“The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting Ceremony:” In memory of children who have died, hosted by The Center for Grieving Children, 6:30 p.m., The Parish Hall, Trinity Episcopal Church, 580 Forest Ave., Portland, open to all, bring photos or remembrance if willing, candles provided, Triss Critchfield, 799-4183.

Tuesday 12/15

“Emotional Roller Coaster of Caregiving,” free, must pre-register, call 730-5040, Scarborough Adult Learning Center, Scarborough High School, Room A100, 11 Municipal Drive, Scarborough.

Wednesday 12/16

Holiday Grief Support Meetings, hosted by VNA Home Health & Hospice, 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 16, 30, Jan. 13; 50 Foden Rd., South Portland, Linda Hopkins, 400-8714.

Ongoing

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, www.newlightportland.org, 899-2435. 

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, www.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, www.HopeHealing.org. 

Nar-Anon Family Support Group, for families of drug addicts, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Dana Education Center, Maine Medical Center, Bramhall Street, 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.

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., www.oamaine.org.

Prostate Cancer Support Group, 6:30-8:30 second Tuesday, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main Street, South Portland, 774-2200 or cancercommunitycenter.org.

“Sunday Morning Recharge: Meditate!” 10-11:15 a.m. Sundays, $10, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road.

Women Ages 40-64, mammograms and pap tests available at no cost through Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program, 874-8942 or 800-350-5180.

Widow-Widowers Support Group, second and fourth Wednesday, 6 p.m., Woodfords Congregational Church, 202 Woodford St., Portland, 767-0920.

Yoga for Parkinson’s, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, free, Family Ice Center, 20 Hat Trick Drive, Falmouth, sponsored by American Parkinson Disease Association, RSVP, 653-3319.

Just for Seniors

Senior Snow-Shoveling Project, call if interested in receiving free snow shoveling services during the winter, for City of Portland residents ages 65 and older, call Joan Sheedy, 774-7616.  

Ongoing

Bingo at Hillcrest, Friday 11:30 a.m., $2 unlimited, bring your own lunch, 108 Hillcrest Ave., Scarborough, 730-4150.

Cards & Coffee, every Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m., play bridge, cribbage or just socialize, open to the community, Casco Bay YMCA, 14 Old South Freeport Road, Freeport, 865-9600.

Enhance Fitness, group exercise program for 50 and older to improve strength, balance, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness, MWF 9-10 a.m. or 10:15-11:15 a.m., Sullivan Complex, USM Portland campus, 780-4170.

Freeport Elders Association, walk at Freeport YMCA 12-2 p.m. Friday, crafts at the center 9-11:30 a.m. Thursday, daily programs, call for newsletter, 865-6462.

PROP Senior Volunteer Program seeks men and women 60+ to join foster grandparent or senior companion program, 773-0202 or propeople.org.

Senior drop-in center, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday-Friday, Salvation Army Senior Center, 297 Cumberland Ave., Portland, 774-6304.

Yarmouth Seniors, second Wednesday, home-cooked meal and fellowship, 12 p.m. lunch, guest speaker follows, Community House, East Main Street, Yarmouth.

Kids and Family Stuff

Thursday 12/10

The Polar Express, Thursdays-Sundays, through Dec. 21; trains leave at 4, 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m., $24 child, $26 adult, $40 first class coach car, Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Ocean Gateway Depot, 58 Fore St., Portland, extra dates/times at www.mngrr.org/polar_express.html, tickets at www.porttix.com.

Sesame Street Live: “Elmo’s Green Thumb,” Dec. 10-13, Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, tickets, ticketmaster.com.

Saturday 12/12

“Eyes on Owls,” live owl demonstration; 11-11:45 a.m. for families with very young children; all ages, 1:30-2:45 p.m., and 4-5:15 p.m., Audubon members, $10 adult/ $5 child; nonmembers, $15 adult/ $10 child, Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, off U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, registration required, 781-2330, ext. 209.

Sunday 12/13

Children’s Hannukah Party, with activities for ages 3-5, food, 1-3 p.m., free and open to public, Levey Day School, 400 Deering Ave., Portland, FMI, 774-7676.

Ongoing

Bayside Neighborhood Programs, Monday girls group 3:30-5 p.m.; Wednesday art group with Cindy, 3:30-5 p.m.; Unity Village, 24 Stone St., Portland, snacks provided, 415-0769.

Children’s Museum of Maine, ongoing cultural, educational, fun and active workshops for kids and parents, 142 Free St., Portland, 828-1234 or kitetails.com.

Children’s Programs, “Baby Bounces” birth to 18 months Thursdays 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., “Preschool Story Time” ages 3 and up Tuesday 10:30 a.m., “Toddler Tales and Tunes” ages 18-36 months Thursday at 10:30 a.m., “Kindertales” ages 3-7 Saturday 10:30 a.m., Scarborough Public Library, 48 Gorham Road, 883-4723.

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

Holiday Book Drive, through Dec. 24, to benefit children in need in the Mid Coast area, conducted by Borders, Merrymeeting Plaza, Brunswick, in partnership with the Tedford Shelter.

Saturday 12/12

Dog Wash hosted by Happy Paws to benefit the Coastal Humane Society, 1-4:30 p.m., $15-$20; 49 Topsham Fair Mall Road, Topsham, more information, 373-1010 or 725-5051, www.coastalhumanesociety.org. 

Sunday 12/20

The Sinskie Jazz Trio performing at Music and Moore, Topsham Fair Mall, 3-5 p.m., new CD release, “Christmas Time with the Sinskie Jazz Trio” on sale, all proceeds from CD sales go to Dana Farber Cancer Institute. 

Ongoing

Bottle Drive, to benefit the BHS Class of ’79 Get Involved Scholarship Fund; bring returnables to Don’s Redemption Center, 51 Harpswell Road, Brunswick, call 798-9201.

Bulletin Board

Wednesday 12/9

Mid-Coast Retired Educators Association breakfast meeting, 9 a.m., bring gift for Ugly Yankee swap, the Highlands, Topsham, information, Peg Newberg, 833-6336.

Thursday 12/10

Human Rights Day letter-writing marathon, 4-7 p.m., any level of participation welcome, Frontier Café, Brunswick, sponsored by Amnesty International, information 380-3258.

Friday 12/11

Sunsplash: Annual Craft Fair, 10 a.m., free, Morrell Lounge, David Saul Smith Union, Bowdoin College, 725-3375. 

Saturday 12/12

Annual Christmas Fair, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., The Bath Senior Center, 45 Floral St., to rent a table call Phyllis, 443-3773. 

Rabies Plus! Clinic, ear cleaning, nail trimming $5-$10, microchipping $25, rabies vaccinations $10, bring previous certificate, all proceeds benefit the humane society, 10 a.m. – noon, Coastal Humane Society, 30 Range Road, Brunswick, 725-5051, www.coastalhumanesociety.org. 

“The Nativity Story,” movie night, 6:30 p.m., free, Compass Point Community Church, 119 Old Bath Rd., Brunswick, information, Jenny, 443-8798 or jennybog@aol.com. 

Sunday 12/13

Bath Antiques Show, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., $4 admission, $3 with ad, Bath Middle School, for information, PT Promotions, Polly Thibodeau, 443-8983, or ptpromo@suscomme.net. 

Community Christmas Service and Carol Sing, refreshments, open to all, 7 p.m., Old West Bath Meeting House, information, 443-1253. 

Pejepscot Genealogy Society monthly meeting, program on family treasures you bring, holiday dessert potluck, 2 p.m., Morrell Meeting Room (use rear entrance on Middle St.), Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick. 

Monday 12/14

Doctors Without Borders Event, Living in Emergency, live with Elizabeth Vargas of ABC News’ 20/20; 7:30 p.m., $12.50, Regal-Brunswick 10; 19 Gurnet Rd., Brunswick, tickets, www.FathomEvents.com/doctorswithoutborders.  

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

Volunteers needed for the Bath-Brunswick area AARP Tax-Aide, provide free income tax assistance to seniors and low and moderate-income neighbors, sign up now for training held in January, computer familiarity a must, more info, www.aarp.org/taxaide, local coordinator Nancy Lord, 729-8730.

Midcoast Maine CA$H Coalition needs tax preparation volunteers for the 2010 tax season to help with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, call Sharon Ross or Glenn Michaels, 373-1140. 

Ongoing

ArtVan Program seeks volunteers to help with art therapy programming with children and teens, promotional support and fundraising efforts, contact 371-4125 or visit artvanprogram.org.

Bath Youth Meetinghouse & Skatepark seeks volunteers to help in the cafe, at concerts, supporting youth programs and fundraising efforts, experience with teenagers helpful, 443-8900 or visit 26 Summer St., Bath.

Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks volunteer mentors (must be 18+) willing to commit one year and spend eight hours a month with a child 6-14 who lives in a single parent home, contact Brunswick office at 729-7736 or bigbbigs@bbbsbathbrun.org.

Cell Phones for Soldiers, donate used cell phones at Southern New Hampshire University, 10 Tibbetts Drive, Cooks Corner, Brunswick or 1000 Burbank Ave., BNAS Building 20, Brunswick.

Chocolate Church Arts Center seeks volunteers for the art gallery and more, 798 Washington St., Bath, 442-8455.

Flying Changes Center for Therapeutic Riding needs volunteers who love horses, caring for them and learning to ride, 729-0168, located on Route 201 in Topsham.

The Greater Bath Elder Outreach Network, a program of Catholic Charities Maine, is looking for volunteers a few hours a week to assist seniors by providing companionship, transportation, assistance with errands and telephone reassurance for elderly and disabled people who live in Sagadahoc County and the Brunswick area, Martha Cushing, 837-8810; meetings 6-7:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month, Patten Free Library, Bath, 837-8810.

Habitat for Humanity / 7 Rivers Maine needs volunteers at ReStore in Bath, minimum four-hour shift commitment, 386-5081 or michele@habitat7rivers.org.

Home to Home needs volunteers to help eliminate domestic violence when parents exchange their children for visitations, evenings at Mid Coast Hospital, 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, 837-4894.

Mid Coast Hospital, dozens of positions at the café, gift shop or greeting patients, 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, 373-6015.

Mid Coast Senior Health Center needs volunteers for various activities with seniors Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, welcome desk openings, 373-3691.

Money Management Program, help low-income seniors with routine financial matters, Spectrum Generations, 6 Noble St., Brunswick, 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, formerly Senior Spectrum, needs volunteers for Meals on Wheels delivery and AARPs

Money Management Program, 6 Noble St., Brunswick, 729-0475.

Sexual Assault Support Services of Mid Coast Maine needs volunteers to provide support and information to callers on 24-hour hotline, 725-2181.

Dining Out

Saturday 12/12

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

Public Spaghetti Supper, 4:30-6:30 p.m., suggested donation, $7/adults, $3/children under 12, Knights of Columbus Hall, 807 Middle St., Bath. 

Sunday 12/20

Public Breakfast Buffet with Santa, breakfast 7:30-10 a.m., Santa 8 a.m., suggested donation, $6/adults, $3/children under 12, $15 max. for families with children under 12, Knights of Columbus Hall, 807 Middle St., Bath.  

Gardens and Outdoors

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

Getting Smarter

Thursday 12/10

“Abraham Lincoln’s High Wire Act: Politics and Parties before the Civil War” lecture by Patrick Rael, associate professor of history at Bowdoin College, 12:30 p.m., free, Main Lounge, Moulton Union, Bowdoin College, 725-3253. 

Ongoing

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

Merrymeeting Regional Adult Education, various courses available, 35 Republic Ave., Topsham, 729-7323.

Sagadahoc History & Genealogy Room, focusing on communities in Sagadahoc County, Patten Free Library, 33 Summer St., Bath, 443-5141.

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.

Health & Support

Ongoing

12 Step Recovery Program, Wednesdays 6 p.m., food, group meetings, contact Jeff Rogers, jeff4bath@yahoo.com, Compass Point Community Church, 119 Old Bath Rd. 

Adoption Support Group for adult adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents and those whose lives are touched by adoption, monthly meetings, Mae’s Cafe, 160 Centre St., Bath, 443-9876.

Care Support Group, Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine and Mid Coast Hospital provide an education-based support group for survivors of sexual violence who are pregnant; participants may bring a support person, 373-6500 or 725-2181.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, Monday 7 p.m., Beth Israel Congregation, 906 Washington St., Bath, 865-4076; Wednesday 7 a.m., UCC Church, 150 Congress St., Bath, 837-8164; Wednesday 7 p.m., Midcoast Presbyterian Church, 84 Main St., Topsham, 729-3861; Saturday 9 a.m., Midcoast Hospital, Brunswick, 865-1916.

Group Sitting Meditation, 9 a.m.-noon Sundays, Shambhala Center, 19 Mason St., Brunswick, 729-7402.

Mid Coast Chronic Pain Support Group, open to people with chronic pain, their families and friends, first and third Monday, 6-7:30 p.m. Mid Coast Hospital, Brunswick, 725-7854.

Mid Coast Maine Center for Grief and Loss, hospice volunteers offer grief support programs for children, families and individuals, 45 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, 729-3602.

Overeaters Anonymous, Brunswick meetings: Monday 7:30 p.m., First Parish Church, 9 Cleaveland St.; and Thursday 7 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 27 Pleasant St.; Sunday 9 a.m., MidCoast Hospital, 123 Medical Center Drive.

Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine, support groups for survivors of sexual violence, includes sexual assault, sexual abuse as a child and sexual harassment, open to nonoffending parents and partners, 725-2181 to schedule a pre-group meeting.

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, offered by Spectrum Generations, Brunswick Resource Center, 6 Noble St., Brunswick, 729-0475.

Money Management Program, monthly budgeting help for low-income seniors, offered by Spectrum Generations, Brunswick Resource Center, 6 Noble St., Brunswick, 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.

Topsham Merry Meeters Senior Citizens, all ages 50 and over welcome, bring a dish to share for potluck meal, noon, Westrum House, Union Park Road, Topsham; 729-7686 or 725-2425; meets third Tuesday except July and August.

Kids and Family Stuff

Wednesday 12/9

Science Sleuths: Flight, for 7-12 year-olds and parent or caregiver, 6:30-7:30 p.m., limited to 15, pre-register, 725-5242 x225 or at the library Youth Services desk, free, Morrell Meeting Room, Curtis Memorial Library, courtesy of Cornerstones of Science, www.cornerstonesofscience.org.

Thursday 12/10

Women & Science: Australian Adventures – Coastal Management & Coral Reefs with Molly Eames, for girls ages 10-19; 6:30-7:30 p.m., pre-register, 725-5242 x225, Morrell Meeting Room, Curtis Memorial Library, free, courtesy of Cornerstones of Science, www.cornerstonesofscience.org.

Saturday 12/12

4th Annual Candy Cane Train at the Bath Train Station; Santa, storytelling, more, 90-minute trips, 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., $16/person, purchase tickets at www.candycanetrain.org or call 800-838-3006. 

Sunday 12/13

4th Annual Candy Cane Train at the Bath Train Station; Santa, storytelling, more, 90-minute trips, 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., $16/person, purchase tickets at www.candycanetrain.org or call 800-838-3006.  

Ongoing

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bath/Brunswick is accepting applications for “Littles,” girls ages 6-14 that live in single parent homes to participate in “The Big and Little” program, a mentoring program that matches a child with an adult community mentor (Big Sister) in a one-on-one friendship. There are Big Sisters currently waiting to be matched with Littles. Please Contact Aurora Joseph, Match Support Specialist, 729-7736 or community@bbbsbathbrun.org to enroll your daughter. 

Morning Storytelling, songs, stories from around the world with Janice O’Rourke, for ages 6 and under, Frontier Cafe, Cinema & Gallery, Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick, 725-5222 or explorefrontier.com.