Greater Portland

Books/Authors

Come! Sit! Read!, reading dog program, 3:30-5 p.m. first and third Tuesdays starting Jan. 15 at Portland Public Library; 3-4 p.m. first and third Mondays starting Jan. 7 at Riverton Branch Library, registration required, portlandlibrary.com/highlight/come-sit-read.

Friday 1/4

First Friday Authors at Mechanics’ Hall, 5-8 p.m., 519 Congress St., Portland, with Margaret Milardo, Maine author of “Brandi” and “No Turning Back,” all welcome.

Saturday 1/5

Debra Ann Gorneault, author of work about 12th Volunteer Regiment of Maine during the Civil War, 12:30 p.m., hosted by Greater Portland Chapter of the Maine Genealogical Society, First Congregational Church, 301 Cottage Road, South Portland, free and open to the public.

Tuesday 1/8

First Tuesday Book Club, noon-1 p.m., 519 Congress St., Portland, “Spoken from the Heart” by former first lady Laura Bush. For more, email mcma1857@gmail.com.

Saturday 1/12

Writing Contest Celebration, 2-4 p.m., Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Dr. Readings of youth and adult essays inspired by the Freeport Historical Society exhibit “Blacksmiths and Storekeepers,” all welcome.

Ongoing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Riverton Book Group, 1600 Forest Ave., Portland, 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, 767-7660, bit.ly/2EUGguO.

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

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

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

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

Bulletin Board

Wednesday 1/9

Greater Portland Career Center Monthly Job Fair, 2-5 p.m., 151 Jetport Blvd. Portland, over two dozen recruiters.

Thursday 1/10

Veterans Coffee and Donuts, 8-10:30 a.m., Phippsburg Sportsmen’s Association Outdoor Education Center, Route 209, Phippsburg. Meet fellow vets and learn about available resources. Sponsored by Bath VFW, Phippsburg American Legion Post 216 and Phippsburg Sportsmen’s Association.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Call for Volunteers

Through These Doors, helpline volunteers needed to respond to abusive relationships and life-threatening situations, trainings 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays, Jan. 22-March 12, 999 Forest Ave., Portland. Contact Hannah at hannahj@throughthesedoors.org, 650-4806.

Thursday 1/8

Red Cross Blood Drives, noon-5 p.m., Rising Tide Brewing Company, 103 Fox St.; 1-6 p.m., Saint Maximilian Church, 150 Black Point Rd., Scarborough, RedCrossBlood.org., 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Ongoing

Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, ongoing volunteer opportunities for caring people who can offer three to four hours per week, 383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, 772-0115.

American Red Cross needs volunteers in the disaster services, health and safety and administration departments, 874-1192, ext. 115.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine is looking for people who can positively impact a child a few hours each month, 773-5437, somebigs.org.

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

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

Hospice volunteers wanted to be part of the VNA Home Health Hospice team, bringing comfort to those facing a terminal illness. Contact Beth Simmons at 400-8852 or simmonsb@emhs.org.

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

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

Saturday 1/12

Fish Chowder Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., South Freeport Congregational Church, 98 South Freeport Rd., $10 includes slaw, muffin, pickles, dessert; $7 for a pint to go.

Baked Bean Supper, 5-6:30 p.m., Casco Masonic Lodge, 20 Mill St., Yarmouth, includes three kinds of beans, hot dogs, mac & cheese, slaw, homemade pies, adults/$10, kids 5-12/$4.

Ongoing

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

Health

Tuesday 1/8

Mindfulness Practice, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays to Feb. 12, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Rd., see how mindfulness can help ease modern tensions, contact Pam Drivas McTigue, pdmctigue@aol.com or 831-4097, https://bit.ly/2QkDwb4.

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.

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

Mammograms/pap 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 1/4 

Pinback Button Craft, drop-in 3-4:30 p.m., Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Dr., materials supplied, but personal touches encouraged, free and open to the public, www.freeportlibrary.com.

Monday 1/5

The Kids Are Alright Children’s Concert, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Maine Academy of Modern Music at Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, live performance, musician talk and instrument petting zoo.

Monday 1/7

Lego Derby, 3:45-4:45 p.m., Freeport Community Library, kids 5-11 build a car to race, sign up required, 865-3307, www.freeportlibrary.com.

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, Cape Elizabeth, drop-in for age 4 and older.

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

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

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

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

Board Game Café, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., second Saturday, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Drive, varying selection, free and open to the public.

Therapy Dog Story Hour, Freeport Community Library, 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, 3:45-4:45 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, 10:30-11 a.m. first Tuesday, Freeport Community Library.

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, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Support

FreshStart, 5:30-7 p.m., Thursdays, Jan 10.-Feb. 7, Dempsey Center – South Portland, 778 Main St., tobacco cessation classes, open to all, register at bit.ly/2zYA294.

Grief After Cancer Loss, 2:30-4 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 10-Feb. 28, Dempsey Center, South Portland, telephone consult required, email Theresa Beaudette, tbeaudette@dempseycenter.org.

Ongoing

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

Amistad Peer Support and Recovery Center, 66 State St., Portland, ongoing weekly support groups and programs, free daily lunch, to help address suicide prevention, depression/bipolar, addictions, 773-1956, briant@amistadinc.com.

Alzheimer’s Support Group, 5:30-6:30 p.m., second Thursday, Sedgewood Commons 22 Northbrook Drive, Falmouth, Patricia.Burke@genesishcc.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 and classes for cancer patients and their families, www.dempseycenter.org, 774-2200.

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

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, 12 Step Program addresses food obsession, overeating, undereating and bulimia. No dues, fees or weigh-ins, find a local meeting at https://bit.ly/2RXqdPF, 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, 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, lllofmenh.org/portland.html.

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

Look Good … Feel Better with the American Cancer Society, Dempsey 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, dempseycenter.org, 774-2200.

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

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, 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, 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

Beginner Beekeeping, 6-8 p.m. consecutive Tuesdays Jan. 8-Feb. 5, UMaine Regional Learning Center, 75 Clearwater Dr., Falmouth. Register at bit.ly/2PTVbq7.

Sunday 1/6

Scarborough Historical Society, 2 p.m., Scarborough Public Library, 48 Gorham Rd. Mike Davis of Bridgton Historical Society will talk about “Conflict at Black Point: 1722-1725.” Visitors welcome, bit.ly/2PUwSIq.

Wednesday 1/9 

“Educating the Energy Citizen – GMIT Sustainable Energy Community,” Dr. Gabriel J. Costello on sustainability and energy efficiency in Ireland, 1:30-2:30 p.m., USM’s Glickman Public Library, 314 Forest Ave, Portland. Free and open to all.

“The Eagle and the Dragon: the U.S. and China in the 21st Century,” 6:30-7:30 p.m., Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Dr. Camden Conference crash course on U.S. and Chinese relations by retired Foreign Service Officer. Free and open to all.

Saturday 1/12

Growing Microgreens Workshop, 1-2:30 p.m., presented by University of Maine Cooperative Extension at the UMaine Regional Learning Center, 75 Clearwater Drive, Falmouth, $10, register at bit.ly/2Ly3Tti.

Ongoing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 and 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays, registration required through 871-1700, ext. 708.

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

Mid-Coast

Benefits

Saturday 1/5

Spaghetti Supper, 5-7 p.m., Elijah Kellogg Church, 917 Harpswell Neck Road, by donation to help a local family with medical expenses for their newborn. FMI call Carrie at 729-6267.

Books/Authors

Sunday 1/13

“Midcoast Maine in World War II,” talk by Topsham author Peggy Shiels Konitzky, 2 p.m., hosted by Pejepscot Genealogical Society at Curtis Memorial Library, 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.

Writing Group, 2 p.m. second Thursday, Cundy’s Harbor Library, 935 Cundy’s Harbor Rd., Harpswell. For writers of all genres, cundysharbor.me.

Great Books, 10 a.m.-noon, second Saturday, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, always looking for new members, email emma@topshamlibrary.com for more.

Men’s Book Club, 4 p.m. third Thursday, Topsham Public Library, 725-1727, emma@topshamlibrary.org.

Rare Reads, 6 p.m., third Thursday, Topsham Public Library, 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.

Family Crisis Services, local domestic violence resource center serving Cumberland County with legal help, shelter and support. For information about support groups held in Bridgton, Brunswick, or Portland call 721-0199; 24-hour hotline 800-537-6066, throughthesedoors.com.

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 7 Rivers Maine, ongoing need for volunteers, learn more about current opportunities by calling 504-9341 or emailing mark@habitat7rivers.org.

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.

Red Cross Blood Drives: Visit redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive, 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.

Dance

Monday 1/7

Round Dancing, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Woodside Elementary School, 42 Barrows Dr., Topsham, beginners welcome for ballroom dance, casual dress, sage.squaredanceme.

Tuesday 1/8

Sage Square Dance Open House, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Woodside Elementary School, 42 Barrows Dr., Topsham. Modern square dancing, experience not needed, casual dress, sage.squaredanceme.us.

Dining Out

Saturday 1/5

Spaghetti Supper, 5-7 p.m., Elijah Kellogg Church, 917 Harpswell Neck Road, by donation to support a local family with medical expenses for their newborn. FMI call Carrie at 729-6267.

Saturday 1/12

Good Food and Good Friends, 5-6:30 p.m., Brunswick United Methodist Church, corner of 320 Church and Raymond Rds. Menu includes beans, salads, casseroles, homemade pies, adults/$9, kids/$4, reservations accepted but not required through 725-2185.

Health

Get Fit for Free in January, People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick, members of the public can try nearly a dozen classes on select dates; 729-0757 or programming@peopleplusmaine.org for details.

American Red Cross provides free, basic classes in CPR, first aid, babysitting, water safety, AED and more at 16 Community Way, Topsham, 729-6779, 563-3299, www.redcross.org/take-a-class.

Blood pressure clinic, 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays, Mid Coast Center for Community Health & Wellness, 329 Maine St., Brunswick, midcoasthealth.com/wellness/classes.

Group meditation, 9 a.m.-noon Sundays, Shambhala Center, 19 Mason St., Brunswick, brunswickmaine.shambhala.org, 729-7402.

TOPS (Take Off the Pounds Sensibly), weight loss support group, find a local meeting at www.tops.org.

Weight Watchers, American Legion Hall, Columbus Drive, Brunswick, 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 12:30 p.m. Thursdays; 9 a.m. Saturdays, weightwatchersmaine.com/meetings/brunswick.

Yoga for Cancer, 5-5:45 p.m. Thursdays, Maine Pines Racquet & Fitness, 120 Harpswell Road, Brunswick, mainepines.com/yoga/workshops-and-sessions, 729-8433.

Just for Kids

Ongoing

Story Time, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Cundy’s Harbor Library, 935 Cundy’s Harbor Road, 725-1461, cundysharbor.me.

Baby & Me, 10 a.m. Thursdays for 15-20 minutes with songs, action rhymes, and board books for birth to 2 years, 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, 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, 725-1727, topshamlibrary.org.

Young Critics, 5 p.m. third Tuesday, Topsham Public Library, always looking for new members, registration required, email emma@topshamlibrary.org for details.

Support

Ongoing 

Amistad Peer Support and Recovery Center, 851 Washington St., Bath, classes and support groups to address suicide prevention, depression/bipolar, addictions, contact Patrick Metro, peer coordinator, at metropatrick@gmail.com, 389-4936.

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, 10-11 a.m., first Tuesday, 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

Tuesday  1/8

“History of Shipbuilding in Topsham,” 6:30-7:45 p.m., hosted by Topsham Historical Society at Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Rd.

Wednesday 1/9

“Johannes Brahms, ‘The Young Eagle,’” excerpts by Brahms and discussion of his conflicted relationship with Robert Schumann, 12:45 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church, 1 Middle St., Brunswick. Free and open to the public, midcoastseniorcollege.org/winter-wisdom.

Thursday  1/10

Brunswick Area Storytelling Society, 6:30-8 p.m., Curtis Memorial Library, Pleasant Street, Brunswick. All interested in storytelling welcome; telling is optional, for more contact Phyllis Blackstone at phyllis.blakstone@gmail.com.

“Where Should I Live?,” Your Aging Parent/Aging Self Series, noon -1:30 p.m., People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick. Bring lunch, dessert provided. Free and open to the public, register through 729-0757.

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.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby – Bath-Brunswick Chapter, 6-7:30 p.m., second Wednesday at Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick. Help enact effective, revenue-neutral, bipartisan national climate policy.

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, 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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