Greater Portland

Call for Donations

Donations of Yarn Needed, to benefit the International Womens’ Craft Collective, drop off donations at Refugee and Immigration Services, 250 Anderson St., Portland, or call Aimee Bullard, 523-2737.

Benefits

Saturday 1/29

BeadforLife Jewelry Party, hosted by the Social Action Committee of Thornton Heights United Methodist Church, to benefit African women in poverty, 3 p.m., 100 Westbrook St., South Portland, Judy Kimball, 761-9512, beadforlife.org.

Community Buffet Breakfast, hosted by/to benefit North Yarmouth Cub Scouts Pack 60, 7 a.m. – noon, $6 adult/ $3 age 16 and under, Wescustogo Hall, corner of U.S. Route 115 and Route 9, North Yarmouth, 829-2829.

Live Taping of “Watch Your Language!” Game Show, hosted by WMPG, to benefit WMPG Power Up! signal improvement campaign, 2-4 p.m., $5 suggested donation, open to public, Portland Public Library Rines Auditorium, 5 Monument Square, Portland, Lisa Bunker, 780-4598.

Nonviolent Communication Workshop, hosted by Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association, to benefit MOFGA’s El Salvador Sistering Committee, led by certified NVC trainer Peggy Smith, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., participation by donation, Mayo Street Arts, 10 Mayo St., Portland,   opencommunication.org/schedule.html.

Thursday 2/3

Rippleffect Gala, “Share the Adventure 2011,” to support scholarships for Maine youth; dining, dancing, music by Motor Booty Affair, live and silent auctions, 6-10 p.m., $50, Ocean Gateway Terminal, Portland, tickets, 791-7870, rippleffect.net.

Bulletin Board

Wednesday 1/26

Roe at 38: Celebrating 38 Years of Roe v Wade, film and discussion, 7-8:30 p.m., USM Portland, Glickman Family Library, 7th floor, University Events Room, 314 Forest Ave., Portland, mainefamilyplanning.org.

Thursday 1/27

Portland Police Department Forum with GLBT Community, to discuss safety concerns, 6 p.m., USM Portland, Abromson Community Education Center, Room 213, 88 Bedford St., Portland, 874-8601, lindaw@portlandmaine.gov.

Saturday 1/29

Fabric Fair, 9 a.m-4 p.m., First Congregational Church, 301 Cottage Road, South Portland, hosted by The Pine Point Quilters Guild.

Thursday 2/3

International Breakfast Series: “Engaging North Korea,” Speaker Bradley Babson, hosted by The World Affairs Council of Maine, 7 a.m., $15 members / $20 non-members, must preregister, Ludcke Auditorium, UNE Portland Campus, 716 Stevens Ave., Portland, wacmaine.org.

Call for Volunteers

Portland’s Volunteer History Docents needed, requires 10 weeks education on local history, architecture, and art, free, Thursday mornings, February 17-April 21, course held at Maine Historical Society, Portland, Greater Portland Landmarks, 774-5561, ext. 120

American Red Cross Blood Drives, 12-5 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 1, Maine College of Art, Congress St., Portland; 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, Borders Books & Music, Gorham Road, South Portland; Carol Dembeck, 802-658-6400, ext. 3228.

Dining Out

Thursday 1/27

Ice Bar Charity Fundraiser, Portland Harbor Hotel, 5-9:30 p.m., Jan. 27-29, advance tickets only, available online through Brown Paper Tickets, $15-$21, portlandharborhotel.com, 775-9090.

Saturday 1/29

Lions Club Spaghetti Dinner, 5-7:30 p.m., $10 adults/$5 children 12 and under, sponsored by Cape Elizabeth Lions Club, Bowery Beach School House, Ocean House Road, Cape Elizabeth, proceeds benefit maintenance of Bowery Beach Schoolhouse.

Public Bean Supper, 5-6 p.m., $7 adult, $3 child, West Falmouth Baptist Church, 18 Mountain Road, 797-4066.

Roast Pork Supper, 4:30-6 p.m., $9 adult/ $3 child, Durham Congregational Church UCC, Southwest Bend, U.S. Route 136/9, Durham, Larry, 837- 3735.

Friday 1/28

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

Haddock Chowder Lunch, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m., $8, South Freeport Church Community Hall, 98 South Freeport Road, South Freeport, 865-4012.

Saturday 1/29

Baked Bean Supper, 4:30-6 p.m., $8 adult/ $5 ages under 12, Tuttle Road United Methodist Church, 52 Tuttle Road, Cumberland, 829-3766.

Spaghetti Dinner sponsored by Cape Elizabeth Lions Club, 5-7:30 p.m., $10 adults/ $5 ages 12 and under, Bowery Beach School House, Ocean House Road, Cape Elizabeth.

Gardens & Outdoors

Portland Winter Farmers’ Market, 15+ farmers, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays until April 23, Maine Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray St., Portland, PortlandMaineWinterMarket.com.

Saturday 1/29

Portland Trails 2011 Winter Walk Series, Evergreen Cemetery, 8:45-10 a.m., free, meet at Good Eats Boutique, 463 Stevens Ave., Portland, register at info@trails.org or 775-2411, check weather cancellations at trails.org.

Sunday 1/30

“Winter Birds at Wolfe’s Neck,” Guided Winter Nature Program, 2 p.m., Sundays through Feb. 27, free with park admission, meet at the benches by second parking lot, weather permitting, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolfes Neck Road, Freeport, 865-4465.

“Winterfest” sponsored by Cumberland County Tea Party, 2-4 p.m., Yarmouth skating rink, next to the American Legion Cabin, 196 Main St., Yarmouth.

Getting Smarter

Saturday 1/29

The Forest City Regiment: Death, Mourning and Loss, talk by Kim MacIsaac, Winter Lecture Series, 10-11 a.m., free/by donation, Maine Historical Society, Portland.

“Transit of Venus” Time Capsule Project, organizational meeting, 1 p.m., free and open to public, Southworth Planetarium, USM Portland, 780-4249 or egleason@usm.maine.edu.

Sunday 1/30

“College Goal Sunday,” workshops to help complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, 2 p.m., free, SMCC, Ross Technology Building, sponsored by the Finance Authority of Maine, FMI, collegegoalsundaymaine.com or call FAME at 1-800-228-3734. 

Warm Home Forum, 2 p.m., hosted by Maine Green Energy Alliance, Scarborough Public Library, Gorham Road, Scarborough, Debbie Atwood, 592-6433, debbiea@mainegreenenergyalliance.org, mgea.me.

Monday 1/31

Balance: The Narrative of Health and Disease in Ancient Greece, 5 p.m. reception, follwed by lecture, free and open to public, presentation by Bowdoin College Associate Professor and Classics Chairwoman Jennifer Clarke Kosak, hosted by UNE’s Center for Global Humanities.

Saturday 2/5

Genealogical Society of The Greater Portland Chapter of Maine, 12:30 p.m. social time, 1 p.m. program, free and open to the public, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 29 Ocean House Road, Cape Elizabeth, FMI, Deb, 209-329-6438.

Health & Support

NAMI Portland, support group for individuals and families affected by mental illness, 7-8:30 p.m., second and fourth Mondays, Maine Medical Center Dana Center, Congress St., Portland; and 7-8:30 p.m. third Mondays, Spring Harbor Hospital, Westbrook, 899-0465.

“Winter Walkin,’” 6-7:30 a.m. Monday-Friday, free, Reiche Community Center Gym, 166 Brackett St., Portland, hosted by West End Neighborhood Association.

Thursday 1/27

Family Caregiving Employees: Employer Strategies, 8:30-11:30 a.m. wellness training workshop, at the USM Portland, Abromson Center, hosted by MMC Southern Maine Wellness Council, $50 for council members/ $75  nonmembers, Jan. 24 registration deadline, Tom Downing, 781-1545 or downit@mmc.org.

Saturday 1/29

Awakening the Dreamer: Changing the Dream Symposium, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $10 suggested donation, lunch provided, symposium created by the Pachamama Alliance, AwakeningtheDreamer.org, hosted by Allen Avenue U.U. Church, 524 Allen Ave., Portland, must preregister, A2U2.org, John Burdick, 978-771-6535.

Monday 1/31

Alzheimer’s Yarmouth Conversation Group, 7-9 p.m., St. Bartholomew’s Church, 396 Gilman Road, Yarmouth, facilitated by Darlene Field, 632-2605 or Lois Knight, 829-6164.

Tender Living Care Program, a program of hope and healing for families affected by a serious illness, grouped by age, free 8-week program, Patricia Ellen, 775-5216 or patricia@cgcmaine.org, cgcmaine.org.

Wednesday 2/2

CLIMB Meeting, “Navigating the S-Turns of Leadership,” talk by Phil Stout, Pastor Pathway Vineyard Church, 7:15-9 a.m., Keeley the Katerer, 178 Warren Ave., Portland.

Thursday 2/3

Wisdom At Work Series, “What Are You Called To Do in Your Second Half of Life?” presented by Barbara Babkirk of Heart At Work, 12-1 p.m., free, open to public, hosted by Portland Public Library, Rines Auditorium, 5 Monument Square, Portland, portlandlibrary.com.

Just for Seniors

Wednesday 1/26

Seasoned Worker Forum, for older workers, 9 a.m.-noon, free, Portland CareerCenter, 185 Lancaster St., Portland, space limited, register at 542-3557, seasonedworkforce.com.

Kids and Family Stuff

Wednesday 1/26

“Wednesdays in the Park,” winter sports activities, hosted by Portland Recreation and Ski Maine, 1-3:30 p.m., through Feb. 16, free, Payson Hill Terrain Park, Payson Park, Portland.

Saturday 1/29

“Winter Wonderland,” interactive theater workshop, 10:30 a.m., $15, Theater for Kids at Portland Stage, register at theaterforkids@portlandstage.org or 774-1043 ext. 117.

Monday 1/31

“Kids and Social Media,” free seminar led by Janet P. Judge, 7 p.m., Cumberland Congregational Church, Main St., Cumberland, Karen Gallati, karengallati@gwi.net.

Thursday 2/3

KinderKonzerts: The Nature of Woodwinds, presented by Portland Symphony Orchestra, Portland concerts: 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., East End Community School, North St., Portland; 1 p.m., Reiche Community School, Bracket St., Portland, $4 per person, tickets at 773-6128, portlandsymphony.org.

Mid Coast

Benefits

Teddy Bear Drive, Boy Scout Troop 202, to benefit the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, new/gently stuffed toys collected through Feb. 25, Topsham collection boxes: Savings Bank of Maine, Norway Savings, Romeo’s Pizza, Verizon, U.S. Cellular, Bootlegger’s, Down East C.U., Topsham Fair Hannaford, Five County C.U., Village Candle, Beverly’s Card; Brunswick locations: Savings Bank of ME, Maine St. and Cook’s Corner, Wal-Mart, Shaw’s, Northeast Bank; information, Garey, 504-1744.

Saturday 1/29

“Fill the Tank,” fundraising party for ArtVan, mobile art therapy program, entertainment, crafts, silent auction, more, 5-8 p.m., free, open to public, The Lewiston Public Library, Callahan Hall, 200 Lisbon St., Lewiston, artvanprogram.org.

Bulletin Board

Longfellow Days, Feb. 6-27, month-long cultural programs brought to you by Bowdoin College and Brunswick Downtown Association, 85 Maine St., Brunswick, 729-4439, brunswickdowntown.com.

Monday 1/31

Peace Works’ Peace Studies scholarship award presentation, 5 p.m., University College at Bath/Brunswick, Midcoast Center for Higher Education, 9 Park St., Bath, snow date, Feb. 2. 

Friday 2/4

Red Cross Blood Drive, 2:30-7:30 p.m., Midcoast Hospital, Brunswick, Carol Dembeck, dembeckc@usa.redcross.org.

Saturday 2/5

50/50 Bingo, 1-3 p.m., doors open at noon, must be 16 to play, Bath Senior Center, 45 Floral St., Bath, 443-4937.

Call for Volunteers

Friday 1/21

Three x Three Tax Lunch, by the Midcoast CA$H Coalition, information for managers, community organizers, etc., 12-1 p.m., reservations, Midcoast Maine Community Action, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, information, Sharon Ross, 373-1140, ext. 206.

Dining Out

Saturday 1/29

Spaghetti Dinner, New England Regional Theater Co. fundraiser, raffles, entertainment, 5-7 p.m., $8 adults, $5 children, St. Charles Catholic Church, McKeen St., Tyler Beck, 798-6966, neyt@comcast.net.

Sunday 2/6

Project Graduation Breakfast, Morse High School’s senior trip fundraiser, raffles, 7-10 a.m., by donation, Phippsburg Sportsman’s Club, Maine Road, Phippsburg, FMI, Melissa York, 442-9426.

Getting Smarter

Saturday 1/29

Town History Series, “The History of Route 1, Woolwich,” Allison Hepler, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Patten Free Library Community Room, 33 Summer St., Bath, 443-5141, ext. 18, history@patten.lib.me.us.

Thursday 2/3

“What is Public Health?” by Shelley Hearne, Pew Health Group, 7 p.m., free, Bowdoin College, Kresge Auditorium, Visual Arts Center, 798-4156.

Friday 2/4

“What does Islam Teach?” talk/workshop facilitated by Reza Jalali, 6:30-8:30 p.m., free, all welcome, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Pleasant St., Brunswick, 737-2369.

Saturday 2/5

“Instant Runoff Voting,” presentation to the League of Women Voters of Brunswick by Terry Bouricius of Fairvote, 9:30 a.m., open to public, Curtis Memorial Library, 2nd floor, Seminar Room.

Super Refund Saturday, Midcoast CA$H Coalition’s tax prep, budgeting and credit workshops, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., free, call 319-1390 to make tax prep appointment (combined income of less than $50k), Midcoast Maine Community Action, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, Sharon Ross, 373-1140 ext. 206.

Wednesday 2/9

Geoengineering as a Response to Climate Change: A Bad Concept Meets an Urgent Problem, by Dale Jamieson, New York University, 7:30 p.m., free, Bowdoin College, Kresge Auditorium, Visual Arts Center, 725-3928.

Health & Support

Thursday 1/27

“Challenges for the Aging Population,” public community forum by Spectrum Generations, 6:30 p.m., free, open to public, all ages, Cundy’s Harbor Library, 935 Cundy’s Harbor Road, Harpswell, 725-1461.

Friday 1/28

“The Art of Being Human,” free public talk 7:30 p.m., followed by weekend program on meditation, Jan. 29-30, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., preregistration for weekend required, $110, register online, shambhalabp.org, FMI, James Prentice, lowlandbear@gmail.com, 837-8431.

Saturday 1/29

Ayurveda: Living a Life of Balance, 3-part course, 2-5 p.m., Jan. 29, Feb. 26, March 26, $35/first class only, $85 series, Jai Yoga, Studio 314 Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick, 725-7874, info@jaiyogahome.com.

Tuesday 2/1

“Meditation in Everyday Life,” 5-week class, Tuesdays 7-9 p.m., $30, register online, shambhalabp.org, FMI, Christopher St. John, estj@gwi.net, 441-2694.

Ongoing

Free Blood Pressure Clinic, Wednesdays 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., walk-in, Mid Coast Hospital Community Resource Room, 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, Jessica Loney RN, 373-6592, jloney@midcoasthealth.com.

Just for Seniors

Bath Area Senior Citizens, bridge club, cribbage, crafts, line dancing, bocce, bingo and more, 45 Floral St., Bath, 443-4937.

Meals on Wheels, delivery available for homebound seniors and disabled adults, offered by Spectrum Generations, 12 Main St., Topsham, 729-0475.

Money Management Program, help low-income seniors with routine financial matters, Spectrum Generations, 12 Main St., Topsham, 729-0475.

People Plus Community Center, multipurpose facility provides recreational, social, informational, educational and personal services to persons 55+, 6 Noble St., Brunswick, 729-0757.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program seeks volunteers age 55 and over for various opportunities, 396-6521.

Spectrum Generations Coastal Community Center, support groups, lectures, socials, activities, 521 Main St., Damariscotta, for daily schedule, 563-1363 or spectrumgenerations.org.

Spectrum Generations Southern Midcoast Community Center now open for classes, activities, trips, health & wellness, 12 Main St., Topsham, 729-0475, or datwood@spectrumgenerations.org.

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