Greater Portland

Benefits

The Telling Room Presents Show & Tell: A Literary Spectacular, tickets available for April 2 fundraiser at State Theatre, Portland, bit.ly/2XsJyew.

Books/Authors

Show & Tell: A Literary Spectacular, tickets on sale for April 2 event at State Theatre in Portland for multimedia showcase of stories from a variety of storytellers, bit.ly/2XsJyew.

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.

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

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,  6:30-7:30 p.m. second Thursday, 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

Thursday 3/14

MEREDA Spring Networking Social Registration Deadline for March 21 event at Ri Ra’s in Portland, http://bit.ly/2BVoGDx.

Saturday 3/16

Irish Flag Raising Ceremony, 1 p.m., Portland Observatory, hosted by The Maine Irish Heritage Center and Greater Portland Landmarks with bagpipers, speaker.

Saturday 3/23

Community Fun Run, 9 a.m. Payson Park parking lot, Portland. Free, all welcome, sponsored by YMCA of Southern Maine.

Spring Fair, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., W. Cumberland United Methodist Church, 5 Upper Methodist Rd., silent auction with Easter and May baskets, cookie walk, candy, craft tables, white elephant and lunch. Snow date March 30.

Ongoing

Chess Club, Thomas Memorial Library, 9-11 a.m. Saturdays, 6 Scott Dyer Rd., Cape Elizabeth, for enthusiasts of all ages.

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.

Sacred Harp Singing, 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, First Parish 
Church, 425 Congress St., Portland. Open community singing, free, all welcome.

Bingo, 5-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays, hosted by Scarborough Lions at 201 John Roberts Rd., S. 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, Joyce Leary Clark at 329-8488 or jlclark@maine.rr.com.

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

Call for Volunteers

The Maine Flower Show seeks volunteers to help run the show March 28-31 in exchange for free admission and a T-shirt, https://maineflowershow.com/volunteer.

Relay For Life/Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, American Cancer Society seeking volunteers statewide, see cancer.org/involved.html.

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. 

Fresh Air Families Wanted: host a child this summer by contacting Katrina Cash-Staley at 420-5795 or see freshair.org.

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, 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

Sunday 3/16

Spaghetti Dinner, 5-7:30 p.m., Cape Elizabeth Lions Clubhouse, 1 Wheeler Rd. Includes garlic bread, salad, BYOB, adults/$10, kids/$5.

St. Patrick’s Boiled Dinner, 5 p.m., Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church, 280 Ocean House Road. Includes corned beef and all the fixin’s, $10, reserve by leaving a message at 799-8396 with name and number in party.

St. Patrick’s Dinner and Entertainment, 6-9 p.m., South Freeport Congregational Church, 98 South Freeport Rd. Includes corned beef dinner, Celtic music, BYOB, $20/adult, $10/kids.

Bean Supper, 5-6 p.m., Peoples United Methodist Church, 310 Broadway, South Portland. Menu includes casseroles, pies, and other desserts.

Sunday 3/17

Durham Community Pot Luck, 1-4 p.m. Eureka Community Center, bring a dish or drinks to share (no alcohol, please), by donation, jouliaj@gmail.com.

Ongoing 

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

Health

The Good Morning Program, free safety check-in call 7 days/week for seniors/disabled in Brunswick, Harpswell and Freeport. Call Brunswick Police Department for details at 725-6621, ext. 4310. 

Southern Maine Agency on Aging on Aging specialist available 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays, Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth,  support & resources for older adults & caregivers, 835-9866 or mbrosnan@yarmouth.me.us.

Saturday 3/16

Southern Maine Autism Conference, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 363 Maine Mall Rd., South Portland, maineautismconference.org.

Thursday 3/21

Assistive Technology for Living and Working, 3:30-5 p.m., Portland City Hall, 389 Congress St. Free, RSVP by emailing Mandy Levine at alevine@portlandmaine.gov.

AARP/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

Preschool Story Time with Gunta, 10:30-11 a.m. Saturdays (note new time), Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Dr., through May 18.

Therapy Dog Story Hour, 4-5 p.m., Mondays in March through May, Freeport Community Library, open to kids of all ages, reserve through 865-3307.

Sign Language Story Time, 10:30-11 a.m. first Tuesday from March through May, Freeport Community Library, open to newborns to age 6.

Wednesday 3/20 

Painting with Poscas, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Thomas Memorial Library, 2 Scott Dyer Rd., Cape Elizabeth, for ages 11 and up. 

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, drop-in for ages 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 a.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; Toddler Yoga, 10:30 a.m. first Tuesday of the month; 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.

Baby and Me, 10-11 a.m. Mondays, Freeport Community Library, social time for infants and caregivers with toys and music, 865-3307, www.freeportlibrary.com.

Lego Club, 3:45-4:45 p.m. third Wednesday for ages 5-11, Freeport Community Library, supervision required. 

Yoga for Toddlers & Preschoolers, 10:30-11 a.m. first Tuesday, Freeport Community Library.

Burbank Chess Club for Kids, 10:30-noon last Saturday, Burbank Branch Library, 377 Stevens Ave., Portland, all abilities welcome, free and open to the public, 774-4229, charette@portlandpubliclibrary.org.

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.

Spanish Language Story Time, 10:30-11 a.m. first Thursday, Portland Public Library, stories, songs and dances for newborns through age 5. 

Teen After Hours, 6-8 p.m., first Friday, Portland Public Library, includes pizza along with video, board and card games and movies. Space is limited, must register at the teen desk.

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.

Children’s Story Hours: Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth: 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.

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

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.

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. 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, Nonesuch River Plaza, 51 US Route 1, Suite S, Scarborough, educational support for parents and children experiencing separation, divorce and/or co-parenting, 761-2709, info@kidsfirstcenter.org, 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.

Maine Buddy Program provides one-to-one, peer support from trained volunteers for adults dealing with cancer, dempseycenter.org, 774-2200.

Maine Cancer Mentors, Dempsey Centers match cancer patients statewide with a trained peer; mentors also needed, see dempseycenter.org/cancer-mentors for more.

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.

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, 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 tops.org/tops/TOPS/FindAMeeting.aspx.

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, ycan.info.

Workshops/Walks/Talks

Essentials of College Planning: March 25, 1 p.m., Goodwill Workforce Solutions, 190 Lancaster St., Portland; March 26, 10 a.m., Greater Portland Career Center, 151 Jetport Blvd.; March 27, 10 a.m., Portland Adult Education, 14 Locust St., register at 800-281-3703, meoc.maine.edu.

Winter in the Woods, 2 p.m., Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. Guided walk to learn how plants and animals survive the winter, meet at the second parking lot, weather permitting. Free with admission.

Textile Day, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m, Scarborough Public Library, 48 Gorham Road, free demos, hands-on activities, crafts for kids.

Sunday 3/17

Casco Bay Walk, 2 p.m., Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport, 1-mile scenic trek, meet at the second parking lot. Free with admission. 

Tuesday 3/19 

“Young Winston Churchill and the British Empire,” by historian Nancy W. Ellenberger, 7 p.m., Yarmouth History Center, 118 East Elm St., $5 for nonmembers.  

Foreside Garden Club: The Ergonomics of Gardening, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Mason Motz Activity Center, Falmouth.

Wednesday 3/20

Maine Skeins Crafters, noon, Mechanics’ Hall, 519 Congress St., Portland. All welcome to work on a project; coloring books, pattern books, yarn and knitting needles available, 773-8396, mcma1857@gmail.com.

Thursday 3/21

“Maine Calling” host Jennifer Rooks, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Thomas Memorial Library, 6 Scott Dyer Rd., Cape Elizabeth. 

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.

Death Cafes, 5-7 p.m. second Wednesday, Portland Public Library, meeting room 3, increases awareness of making the most of life while pondering death, 871-1700, ext. 728.

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 meoc.maine.edu.

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.

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.

Spanish Group, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway, all levels welcome.