Greater Portland
Benefits
Monday 12/31
Polar Bear Plunge and 5K, East End Beach, Portland, benefits Natural Resources Council of Maine, info and register at nrcm.salsalabs.org/dipdash/.
Books/Authors
Wednesday 12/12
Derek Volk, co-author of the memoir, “Chasing the Rabbit: A Dad’s Life Raising a Son on the Spectrum,” 6:30 p.m., OceanView at Falmouth, 74 Lunt Road.
Saturday 12/15
“A Senator’s Eye: Celebrating Maine, Washington, and the Joys of Scraping the Windshield,” book-signing by U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, 1-3 p.m., L.L. Bean Flagship Store, Freeport.
Ongoing
Morning Book Group, 9:30-11 a.m. second Wednesday, Thomas Memorial Library, 6 Scott Dyer Road, Cape Elizabeth, www.thomasmemoriallibrary.org.
Writers’ Accountability Group, 10 a.m.-noon, third Wednesday, Thomas Memorial Library, 6 Scott Dyer Road, Cape Elizabeth, all levels of expertise and genres welcome.
Evening Book Group, 7-8:30 p.m., third Thursday, Thomas Memorial Library, 6 Scott Dyer Road, Cape Elizabeth.
The Bucket List Book Club, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road, 7 p.m. first Tuesday to discuss librarian-curated books, register at https://bit.ly/2xmS6Z0.
Literary Lunch, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, noon, last Wednesday, New England authors interviewed by literary friends, colleagues or critics, portlandlibrary.com/series/literary-lunch.
Many Voices Teen Book Group, 2:30-3:30 p.m., third Saturday, Portland Public Library. Drop-in, see the selection at portlandlibrary.com/highlight/love-bookgroups/.
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 Monument Square, 5:30-6:30 p.m., third Tuesday, 871-1700, ext. 705, portlandlibrary.com/highlight/love-bookgroups/.
Riverton Book Group, 1600 Forest Ave., Portland, second Thursday, 6:30-7:30 p.m., 797-2915, portlandlibrary.com/highlight/love-bookgroups/.
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, call 767-7660.
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, https://bit.ly/2KyESg4.
Writer’s Group, 2 p.m., first and third Saturdays, South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway.
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
Food for Fines, overdue fines at Freeport Community Library will be forgiven during December for donations of nonperishable items and hygiene products, 865-3307, freeportlibrary.com.
Portland Winter Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, 631 Stevens Ave. in the former Maine Girls’ Academy gym, to April 20.
Friday 12/7
First Friday Night of Games & A Movie, 5-8 p.m., Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church, 280 Ocean House Rd. Giant versions of popular games, “Elf” at 6:30 and refreshments. Free and open to the public.
Saturday 12/8
Corporations Meet Communities, noon-3 p.m., free backpacks with winter essentials for those in need, The Root Cellar, 94 Washington Ave., Portland, includes free lunch.
Ongoing
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.
Cribbage, 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Scarborough Lions Den, 273 Gorham Road, free, all welcome, 883-9780.
Scarborough Garden Club, 12:30 p.m. third Thursday, Hillcrest Retirement Center, 108 Hillcrest Ave. New members welcome, www.scarboroughgardenclub.org.
Scarborough Kiwanis, noon-1 p.m. every Friday, The Egg & I, 183 US Route One, Scarborough, breakfast and featured speaker, public welcome, FMI call Joyce Leary Clark at 329-8488 or jlclark@maine.rr.com.
Call for Volunteers
Red Cross Blood Drives: Dec. 11, noon-5 p.m., Eastpoint Christian Church, 345 Clarks Pond Pkwy., S. Portland; Dec. 14, noon-5 p.m., Lunt Auditorium, 74 Lunt Road, Falmouth; Dec. 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Yarmouth Fire and Rescue, 178 North Rd.
Riverton School in Portland needs volunteers to read with first-grade students noon-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 874-8210.
The Telling Room, 225 Commercial St., Portland, needs youth program volunteers, writing coaches, special event volunteers and others, 774-6064, www.tellingroom.org.
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 Cumberland need drivers, companions, and others to help local seniors. Interview, vetting and training may be required. Volunteer drivers contact Lisa Crowley at 829-3367, cumberlandrides@gmail.com. Other AIP volunteers contact AIP@cumberlandmaine.com, 245-8033, www.AIPCumberland.org.
HART Cat Shelter: Weekday morning volunteers wanted, 302 Range Road, Cumberland. Apply at hartofme.com or 829-4116.
Hospice volunteers wanted to be part of the VNA Home Health Hospice team, bringing comfort to those facing a terminal illness. Contact Beth Simmons at 400-8852 or simmonsb@emhs.org.
Painting for a Purpose, Wednesday mornings at Portland High School to paint decorative items to raise funds for student-led service learning grants, call Tina at 653-5960.
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 transitioning to the U.S., 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 12/7
Free Friday Lunch Buffet, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., North Yarmouth Congregational Church, 3 Gray Road. Includes haddock chowder, a monthly special, biscuits, beverages and desserts. There is no Friday Lunch in January.
Thursday 12/13
Holiday Pot Luck Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Congregational Church in Cumberland, 282 Main St., public welcome to bring a salad or side dish to share at this free event; beverage, baked ham and dessert provided with music by Greely High School Madrigal Singers, RSVP 829-3419 or office@cumberlanducc.org.
Free Dinner, 5:30-6:30 p.m. every Thursday, St. Peters Episcopal Church, 678 Washington St., Portland, handicapped accessible, 878-1989.
Health
Ongoing
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.
Mammograms/pap tests available at no cost for women 40-64 through Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program, 874-8942 or 800-350-5180.
Just for Kids
Friday 12/7
Joyful Children’s Day, The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, 12 Free St., Portland, free admission 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. to nonstop read-a-thon, art, creating, crafting.
Saturday 12/8
Families Discover Great Artists, 3-4 p.m., Thomas Memorial Library, 6 Scott Dyer Rd., Cape Elizabeth, drop-in for age 4 and older.
The Kids Are Alright Concert featuring Sara Hallie Richardson, 10:30 a.m., Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square.
Wednesday 12/12
Gingerbread House Construction, 3:45-4:45 p.m., Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Dr., for ages 5 and older, free and open to the public but registration required through 865-3307.
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, 6 Scott Dyer Rd., Cape Elizabeth, drop-in for age 4 and older.
Baby Singalong, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road, 4 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. Fridays & Saturdays; Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m. Mondays; Infant/Toddler Story Time Tuesday 10 and 10:15 a.m. Pre-School Storytime, 10:30 a.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. Thursdays, 781-2351.
Fun & Games, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road: Pokemon & More, 3:30-4:15 p.m. Fridays; Magic Matches! 2:30-4:30 p.m. Saturdays; Lego Club, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Saturdays.
Signing with Babies, 10:45 a.m. Mondays, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road, baby signing by Maine Behavioral Healthcare, 781-2351. Free.
Board Game Café, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., second Saturday, Freeport Community Library, varying selection of games, free and open to the public.
Therapy Dog Story Hour, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Drive, 4-5 p.m. Mondays through February for kids of all ages, adult supervision required, free and open to the public, call 865-3307 to reserve.
Baby and Me, 10-11 a.m. Mondays, Freeport Community Library, social time for infants and caregivers with toys and music. Free and open to the public, 865-3307, www.freeportlibrary.com.
Lego Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m. third Wednesday for ages 5-11, Freeport Community Library, free and open to the public, supervision required.
Preschool Story Time, 11-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Freeport Community Library.
Yoga for Toddlers & Preschoolers, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Drive, 10:30-11 a.m. first Tuesday.
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.
Songs & Stories en Français, 10:30-11 a.m. Mondays, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square. Weekly storytime in French.
Baby Builders, 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway. Duplos, free play and socializing for newborns to age 4.
Flash Story Time, 2-4 p.m. Sunday, stories and songs, South Portland Memorial Branch, 155 Westcott Road.
Letter Zoo, stories and songs for ages 3-5, Fridays at 10:30 a.m., South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway.
Baby Bounces and Books, 10:15-10:35 a.m., Fridays; Tales and Tunes, preschool story hour 10:15-11 a.m. and 2-2:45 p.m. Thursdays; Tales for Twos, 11-11:30 a.m. Fridays, Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth.
LitWits, 4:15-4:45 p.m., third Thursday, Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth, for grade 6 and up. Registration required through joconnor@yarmouthlibrary.org.
Tail Waggin’ Tales, reading program with therapy dogs every Tuesday at Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth. Email mbatson@yarmouthlibrary.org to sign up.
Support
Thursday 12/6
Evening of Remembrance, 6-7:30 p.m., Dempsey Center-South Portland, gather with others who have lost a loved one to cancer, includes readings, songs and sharing, RSVP at 774-2200.
Ongoing
Aging in Place Friendly Visitor program for those 60+ in Cumberland offers weekly visits by a trained volunteer who will provide companionship based on mutual interests. To apply or refer someone: AIP@cumberlandmaine.com, 245-8033.
Amistad Peer Support and Recovery Center, 66 State St., Portland, ongoing weekly support groups to help address suicide prevention, depression/bipolar, addictions, call John at 615-3691.
Alzheimer’s Support Group, 5:30-6:30 p.m., second Thursday, Sedgewood Commons 22 Northbrook Drive, Falmouth, Patricia.Burke@genesishcc.com.
Bereaved Parents of USA, 6:30-8 p.m., second and fourth Wednesdays, Trinity Episcopal Church, 580 Forest Ave., Portland, open to anyone struggling with the death of a child. Contact Triss Critchfield, 799-4183 or triss.critchfield@gmail.com; SouthernmaineBPUSA@gmail.com.
Brain Aneurysm Support Group, 6-7:30 p.m., last Thursday, Room 9, Dana Health Education Center at Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St. Portland, http://kat-walk.org/support.html.
Dempsey Center – South Portland, free support groups 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 Brunswick, Bridgton or Portland call 721-0199; 24-hour hotline 800-537-6066, throughthesedoors.com.
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, 7 p.m. Wednesdays, The Point/Eastpoint Christian Church, 345 Clarks Pond Pkwy, Room 103, South Portland, 12 Step Program addresses food obsession, overeating, undereating and bulimia. No dues, fees or weigh-ins, 883-8052, www.foodaddicts.org.
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, 3 p.m. third Wednesday, Compassus, 23 Spring St., Suite C, Scarborough, 761-6967, compassushealthcare. com.
Kids First Center, educational support for parents and children experiencing separation, divorce and/or co-parenting, 761-2709, info@kidsfirstcenter.org, www.kidsfirstcenter.org.
LaLeche League, every Wednesday, 9:30-11 a.m., Woodfords Congregational Church, 202 Woodford St., Portland, 767-0920.
Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Multiple Myeloma Support Group, third Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m., 778 Maine St., South Portland, 774-2200.
Living Well in North Yarmouth free ride service, call Steven Palmer at 829-6230.
Look Good … Feel Better with the American Cancer Society, Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, help with wigs, makeup, self-esteem, cancercommunitycenter.org. Free.
Maine Buddy Program provides one-to-one, peer support from trained volunteers for adults dealing with cancer, CancerCommunityCenter.org, 774-2200.
Mended Hearts Cardiac Support Group, 6-8 p.m. first Thursday of most months, Maine Medical Center Learning Resource Center, 100 West Campus Drive, Scarborough. Support also available for support in person, by phone or email. Contact Robyn Shaw for more information at 523-0883, robynshaw13@icloud.com.
Mental Illness Family Support Group, 6:30-8 p.m., first, second and third Mondays of the month, Dana Center, 22 Bramhall St., classroom #2, Portland. NAMI Portland. FMI call Mike, 703-966-8875.
Mornings with Friends, for senior socialization and entertainment, 10-11:30 a.m. third Wednesday. Location alternates between Congregational Church of Cumberland at 282 Main St. and the United Methodist Church at 52 Tuttle Road, 829-3318 or sgold@cumberlandmaine.com.
Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 10 a.m. first Tuesday, Handy’s, 367 Main St., Yarmouth, drop-in, zenhead@gmail.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 diagnosis, 775-5216, cgc@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 www.tops.org/tops/TOPS/FindAMeeting.aspx.
Women’s Cancer Support Group, 6-7:30 p.m., 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, Dempsey Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, for women with any type of cancer, at any point in their cancer experience, from diagnosis through survivorship, 774-2200.
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, https://ycan.info/.
Workshops/Walks/Talks
Thursday 12/6
“Opportunity Zones: What You Need to Know to Take Advantage of this Opportunity in Real Estate and Beyond,” MEREDA’s Morning Menu Breakfast Event, 7:30-9 a.m., Portland Regency Hotel, 20 Milk St., register at www.mereda.org.
“Many Gifts: Adult Ragdoll Workshop,” 6:30-7:30 p.m., Thomas Memorial Library, 6 Scott Dyer Rd., Cape Elizabeth, call 799-1720 for details.
Friday 12/7
“How to Launch a Website for Your Small Business, Without Stumbling,” 7:30 a.m., Boost Your Business Breakfast hosted by Maine Women’s Network at Portland Country Club, 11 Foreside Rd., Falmouth, details at mainewomensnetwork.memberlodge.org.
Monday 12/10
Organizational Zen, 6-7:30 p.m., organizational habits expert Janie Downey Maxwell, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Dr. Free and open to the public.
Tuesday 12/11
Democracy Café, 6:30-8 p.m., Thomas Memorial Library, 6 Scott Dyer Rd., Cape Elizabeth, Mark Hews from Maine Revives Civility will discuss how to restore civility when communicating.
Wednesday 12/12
“Confronting the Growing Fascist Movement,” 7-8:30 p.m., Local Sprouts Cooperative, 649 Congress St., panel discussion with Portland branch of the International Socialist Organization, the Maine Democratic Socialists of America, Southern Maine Socialist Party, International Workers of the World, and local journalists about how to confront the growing threat to our society.
Thursday 12/13
Maine Wildlife Series: Explore the Fascinating World of Lichens, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Thomas Memorial Library, 6 Scott Dyer Rd., Cape Elizabeth.
Ongoing
Knitting Group, 1 p.m. Mondays, Thomas Memorial Library, 6 Scott Dyer Road, Cape Elizabeth.
Democracy Cafe, 6:30-8 p.m., second Tuesday, Thomas Memorial Library, 6 Scott Dyer Road, Cape Elizabeth.
Senior Tech, 10:30 a.m.-noon, fourth Wednesday, Thomas Memorial Library, 6 Scott Dyer Road, Cape Elizabeth, bring questions and devices.
Maine Genealogical Society, Greater Portland Chapter, 12:30 p.m. first Saturday, First Congregational Church, 301 Cottage Road, South Portland. Free, guests welcome, 409-6205.
Computer Tutoring sessions, Portland Public Library, Tuesdays and Fridays, 5 Monument Square, call 871-1700, ext. 708 to register for a half-hour session.
Maine Job Seekers: free classes about employment, services and programs, Maine Department of Labor, 151 Jetport Blvd., Portland, mainecareercenter.com, 822-3300.
Spanish Group, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway, all levels welcome.
Technology Tutoring, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, one-on-one computer help in reserved half hour sessions 2-4 p.m. Tuesdays; 4:30-6 p.m. Wednesdays; 12:30-2 p.m. Fridays.
Unemployed Professional Group, 8:30 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, Greater Portland Career Center, 151 Jetport Blvd., Portland, registration not required.
Mid-Coast
Benefits
Wednesday 12/12
Winter Warmer and Silent Auction, 5-8 p.m., Flight Deck Brewing, 11 Atlantic Ave., Brunswick Landing, live music, cash bar, free admission, proceeds support Harpswell Coastal Academy. Snow date Dec. 19.
Books/Authors
Tuesday 12/11
Bowdoin Book Lecture Series, 4-5:30 p.m., Bowdoin College’s Moulton Union, “Jane Eyre,” discussed by Prof. Aviva Briefel. Free and open to the community.
Thursday 12/13
Frank Connors, author of “Stones and Stories” essays and letters, 1:30 p.m., People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick.
Sunday 12/16
“A Senator’s Eye: Celebrating Maine, Washington, and the Joys of Scraping the Windshield,” book-signing by U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, 1-2:30 p.m., Gulf of Maine Books, 134 Maine St., Brunswick.
Ongoing
The Library Bookstore, 194 Front St., Bath, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, books, audio books, CDs, DVDs and puzzles for all ages.
Men’s Book Club, 4 p.m. third Thursday, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, 725-1727, emma@topshamlibrary.org.
Rare Reads, 6 p.m., third Thursday, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, discussions of unusual and interesting new fiction, always looking for new members; registration not required, emma@topshamlibrary.org.
Bulletin Board
Ongoing
Senior Bingo, 6:30 p.m., second and fourth Wednesday, Bath Area Senior Center, 45 Floral St., age 16+.
Community Spay-Neuter Clinic of Topsham, free neuter and rabies shots for feral, stray and barn cats. Free transportation and trapping available in parts of Androscoggin, Kennebec, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln & Oxford counties, 721-8395.
Sip & Stitch, knitting and crocheting, 10 a.m.-noon first and third Saturdays, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, Topsham, 725-1727.
American Cancer Society, volunteers needed in the Topsham office, Road To Recovery program, Look Good Feel Better program, Relay For Life events and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks, see cancer.org/involved/volunteer.html, or contact Danielle Blais at Danielle.blais@cancer.org or 373-3700, ext. 3720.
Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, Brunswick area, training provided, 777-7740, AHCH.org.
Big Brothers Big Sisters, mentors (must be 18+) willing to commit one year and spend eight hours a month with a child 6-14 who lives in a single parent home. Contact Brunswick office at 729-7736 or bigbbigs@bbbsbathbrun.org.
Friends of Merrymeeting Bay seeks volunteers interested in preserving the bay to assist with speaker series, assemble mailings and more, 666-1118, fomb.org.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore, donations of appliances, complete kitchen cabinet sets, and furniture in good condition needed, call 504-9341, drop off at 126 Main St., Topsham, Tuesday- Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Mid Coast Hospital, looking for people to work in the cafe, gift shop, or greeting patients, 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, 373-6015.
Red Cross Blood Drives: Walk in, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment.
Refugee and Immigration Services, a program of Catholic Charities Maine, has ongoing needs for committed residents who will help new Mainers find employment. FMI, Paul Mullaney, pmullaney@ccmaine.org.
Sexual Assault Support Services of Mid Coast Maine will train volunteers to provide support and information to callers on 24-hour hotline, 725-2181, 594-8580 or 338-4622, clientservices@sassmm.org.
SEARCH Program of Greater Bath, assist seniors by providing companionship, transportation, assistance with errands, 837-8810, cszalay@ccmaine.org.
Dances
Dining Out
Saturday 12/8
Good Food and Good Friends, 5-6:30 p.m., Brunswick United Methodist Church, 320 Church Rd. Includes beans, salads, casseroles, pie. Adults/$9, kids/$4, reservations accepted at 725-2185.
Thursday 12/13
Lunch with Friends, noon, hosted by Harpswell Aging at Home at Merriconeag Grange Hall, 529 Harpswell Neck Road. Free and open to all, to volunteer call Anne Taft at 725-5716 or dtaft48@comcast.net.
American Red Cross Disaster Action Team provides free, basic classes in delivering assistance in emergency situations, weekday evenings, 16 Community Way, Topsham, 729-6779, 563-3299, MidCoastRedCross.net.
Blood pressure clinic, 10-11 a.m. third Wednesdays, free, walk-ins welcome, Mid Coast Hospital Community Resource Room, 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, Jessica Loney R.N., 373-6592, jloney@midcoasthealth.com.
Group meditation, 9 a.m.-noon Sundays, Shambhala Center, 19 Mason St., Brunswick, 729-7402.
TOPS (Take Off the Pounds Sensibly), weight loss support group, find a local meeting at www.tops.org.
Weight Watchers, noon Mondays, McLellan Building, Multipurpose Room, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, 725-3265.
Yoga for Cancer, 5-5:45 p.m. Thursdays, Maine Pines Racquet & Fitness, 120 Harpswell Road, Brunswick, 729-8433.
Just for Kids
Friday 12/14
Maine Families, 10 a.m., Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Rd. Books and activities for infants, toddlers, young preschoolers and their families.
Ongoing
Story Time, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Cundy’s Harbor Library, 935 Cundy’s Harbor Road, 725-1461.
Baby & Me, 10 a.m. Thursdays for 15-20 minutes with songs, action rhymes, and board books for birth to 23 months, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, Topsham, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.
Music & Rhyme Time for Twos, 10:30 a.m. Thursdays for 20-30 minutes with music, dance and action rhymes, for 2-year-olds and their grown-ups, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, Topsham, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.
Preschool Storytime, 10 a.m. Wednesdays for 30-45 minutes, with songs, dance, instruments, action rhymes for ages 3-5, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, Topsham, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.
Young Critics, 5 p.m. third Tuesday, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, always looking for new members; no registration needed, email emma@topshamlibrary.org for details.
Support
Friday 12/14
Candle Light Vigil To Remember Victims of Gun Violence, 5 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick, corner of Pleasant and Middle streets, hosted by Maine Moms Demand Action on the anniversary of the Sandy Hook massacre.
Ongoing
Chronic Pain Support Group, open to people with chronic pain, their families and friends, first Tuesday, 6-7 p.m. Mid Coast Hospital, Brunswick, 725-7854.
Dementia Caregivers Education Series, 4-5 p.m., third Thursday, Mid Coast Senior Health Center, 58 Baribeau Dr.
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, Mondays, 9 a.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 27 Pleasant St., Brunswick, 837-3581; Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Topsham Medical Building, 4 Horton Place, 528-5550; Fridays, 6:30 p.m., Bath Police Dept., 250 Water St., Bath 442-7557; Saturdays, 9 a.m., Mid Coast Hospital (Medical Offices Building) 121 Medical Center Drive, 865-9160.
Grief Support Groups, for survivors of those who have died from substance abuse or suicide, grieving child or parent, holiday-related and more, CHANS Home Health Care and Hospice, 45 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, call 721-1357 for specifics.
Lyme Disease Support Group, 5:30-8 p.m. first Wednesday, Mid Coast Hospital, 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick in cafe conference rooms, 841-8757.
Moving On discussion group, 10 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, for surviving spouses of retirement age on how to build a new life, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.
Multiple Sclerosis Society, coffee and conversation group, first Tuesday 10-11 a.m., Handy’s Market, 367 Main St., Yarmouth, cafandconyar@gmail.com.
Overeaters Anonymous, Tuesdays, noon, St. Mary’s Church, 144 Lincoln Street, Bath, 729 3149; Thursdays, 7 p.m., St.Paul’s Episcopal Church, 27 Pleasant St., Brunswick, 386 1740.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, 7 p.m. fourth Wednesday, Mid Coast Medical Group, 81 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, 319-7956.
Pet Loss Grief Support Group, Center for Grief and Loss, 45 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, for both anticipatory grief and death of a pet. For schedule see https://bit.ly/2OU7JhV, call 721-1357.
Prostate Cancer Network Group, 6:30-8:30 p.m., third Tuesday, Mid Coast Hospital, 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick in cafe conference room.
Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine and Mid Coast Hospital, support groups for adult and adolescent survivors of child sexual abuse, www.sassmm.org; 24-hour helpline 1-800-871-7741.
Survivors of Suicide Loss, CHANS Hospice and Volunteers, 45 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, contact Andy Sokoloff at 721-1357, asokoloff@midcoasthealth.com for meeting times.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) weigh-in 6-6:40 p.m. every Thursday, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 330 Maine St., Brunswick, www.tops.org/tops/TOPS/FindAMeeting.aspx.
Women with Cancer Support Group, open to women diagnosed with any type of cancer at any age, meets third Tuesdays, 3-4:30 p.m., board room of MidCoast Hospital, 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, 373-6546.
Women’s Circle, for women in a controlling or abusive relationship, free and confidential, Mid Coast Outreach Office of Family Crisis Services, 24-helpline 800-537-6066; office, 721-0199.
Workshops/Walks/Talks
Saturday 12/8
Lantern Making Workshop, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Orr’s Island Library, 1699 Harpswell Islands Road, Orr’s Island. Materials and instructions available Dec. 8-21 at the Orr’s Island Library and the Cundy’s Harbor Library for self-directed projects.
“The Joy of Old Maps: Mapping Bath, the Kennebec, and Maine,” 10:30 a.m., Patten Free Library, by Professor Matthew Edney of the Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education at the University of Southern Maine.
Wednesday 12/12
Citizens’ Climate Lobby, 6- 7:30 p.m., monthly meeting at Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick. For details call Jill at 729-4735.
Thursday 12/13
“Celebrating the Senses and the Seasons,” festive holiday floral designs, 1 p.m., hosted by Harpswell Garden Club at Kellogg Church, 917 Harpswell Neck Road. Free and open to the public.
Saturday 12/15
“Be SMART Gun Safety Community Forum,” 10 a.m., hosted by Midcoast Moms Demand Action at the UU Church of Brunswick, 1 Middle St. Non-political presentation and panel discussion.
“Then And Now: Work By Six Fiber Artists,” 11 a.m., Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Rd., discussion by artists features paper and painted fabric collages, felted constructions, hooked rug works, wall quilts, and needlepoint tapestries, on display to Jan. 3.
Ongoing
Brunswick Toastmasters Club, 6:30-8 p.m. first & third Tuesdays, 8 Venture Ave., visitors welcome, 241-2294, https://2156.toastmastersclubs.org.
Cathance River Education Alliance Ecology Center Open House, Evergreen Circle, Topsham, noon to 2 p.m. each Sunday. For directions see creamaine.org or email crea@creamaine.org.
Computer Boot Camp, by appointment daily 8:30-9:30 a.m., 3:30-4:30 p.m., Southern Midcoast CareerCenter, 275 Bath Road, Brunswick, mainecareercenter.com, 621-5009.
First Light Camera Club, meets monthly 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Topsham Medical Building, 4 Horton Place, fee charged, www.firstlightcc.com, info@firstlightcc.com, 729-6607.
Friends of Merrymeeting Bay Speaker Series, 7 p.m., 2nd Wednesday until May, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, free and open to the public, www.fomb.org.
New Ventures Maine, programs for career, business and financial education. Classes and workshops at no charge, in-person and online options. 386-1664, newventuresmaine.org.
Rain or Shine Club, free weekly family-friendly walks Thursdays at 10 a.m., guided by Royal River Conservation Trust, 215-8315.
Sip ‘n’ Stitch, 10 a.m.-noon first and third Saturdays of the month, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road. Learn to knit or crochet, work on a project, share patterns, check out the library’s resources, and relax with a cup of coffee or tea.
Smart investing@your library workshops, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick; list at curtismoney.com.
Southern Midcoast CareerCenter, 275 Bath Road, Brunswick, career counseling, classes, support, mainecareercenter.com, 373-4000.
Tech Help, 1-3 p.m. Thursdays, Cundy’s Harbor Library, 935 Cundy’s Harbor Road, 725-1461.
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