Land trust offers

bedtime story hour

The Cape Elizabeth Land Trust will host its next “Good Night, Cape Elizabeth” program, from 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27. Children 2 to 6, who must be accompanied by an adult, are invited to enjoy a Halloween-themed bedtime hour about the “Little Brown Bat.”

The event also includes a craft activity and a brief visit outdoors to learn more about brown bats, which are a threatened species. The cost is $6 for one parent and one child. Each additional child is $3. Pre-register at www.communityservices.org.

Project GRACE

hosts Trivia Bee

Who will be the smartest team in the town of Scarborough? Find out at the ninth annual Trivia Bee, sponsored by Project GRACE. The bee will be held on Thursday, Oct. 27, at Camp Ketcha. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the contest starts at 7:15 p.m.

Way of Life Tour

aids Operation HOPE

The Way of Life Tour is stopping in Portland on Friday, Oct. 28, at 6 p.m. The event will serve as a fundraiser for Operation HOPE, a Scarborough police program designed to help those seeking help with addiction. An exclusive meal prepared by executive chef Michael Arrastia will be served at O’Maine Studios, 54 Danforth St. The event includes craft cocktails, a stand-up comedy show with Paul Virzi and a musical performance by Sammy James. Tickets are $99 per person. See www.thewayoflifetour.com for more information.

Dog-themed exhibit

opens at CIA

CIA Café, 72 Ocean St. in South Portland, is hosting a whimsical dog-themed art show from Oct. 28 through Nov. 30. Man’s best friend will be represented in a variety of art media that includes artwork, ceramics, note cards and pet dishes. The exhibit also includes a raffle for a chance to win a pet portrait by Maine artist Elizabeth Fraser.

All proceeds from the raffle will benefit the YES Art Works, a Creative Work Systems program that has been enriching the lives of people with intellectual and physical disabilities in Maine for 50 years. See www.yesartworks.org for more information.

Cancer center

benefit Saturday

Marie’s Closet, an annual fundraiser for the Cancer Community Center in South Portland will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. This event is a big rummage sale that includes several rooms of gently used clothing, jewelry, and accessories, along with a gift basket raffle and bake sale.

Donations of gently-used clothing, jewelry, and accessories will be accepted at the cancer center from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28 Call 774-2200 for more information on the event or how you can help out.

Library hosting

Halloween events

The South Portland Public Library is holding two special events on Saturday, Oct. 29. The first is a Halloween-themed story time at 10:30 a.m., where children can listen to stories, make crafts and get some treats in celebration of Halloween. There will also be a costume parade starting at about 10:15 a.m.

From 1-3 p.m., the library is offering its Artsy Afternoons craft session for those 18 and up. This month’s craft is painted pumpkins. Choose from one of the provided designs or bring one of your own. Brushes and paints will be provided. See www.southportlandlibrary.com or call 767-7660 for more information about either program.

Church holding

harvest party

The Scarboro Free Baptist Church will hold a special harvest party on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2-4 p.m. This event, which is free and open to the public, includes games face painting, fried dough, door prizes and more. Call 247-8469 for more information.

Harvest Song musical event

Harvest Song, a musical afternoon hosted by the Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church, will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30, at the historic Spurwink Church on Route 77. This celebration of music will include singing and instrumental performances, as well as a traditional hymn sing by all present. The event is free and open to the public, but a goodwill offering will be taken to support Judy’s Pantry, which provides needy families in Cape with food.

Thanksgiving food basket drive

This year Project GRACE in Scarborough will hold its annual Thanksgiving food drive from Nov. 1-21. There are several ways to lend a hand, including building a Thanksgiving food basket or helping to stock the local food pantry shelves with essentials. See projectgracemaine.org, email [email protected] or call 883-5111 for more information about how you can make a difference for those in need this holiday season.

Minecraft info night

at library for parents

The Scarborough Public Library is holding a Minecraft Parents Night at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2. The session is designed for parents of children in grades 3-5. Tom Corbett, the systems librarian, will demonstrate the library’s Minecraft server, discuss the pros and cons of this popular online game and offer suggestions on how parents can manage a child’s access using a home router or home networking management device.

See www.scarboroughlibrary.org or call 883-4723 for more information.

Eat barbecue, help

Boys & Girls Club

Elsmere BBQ & Wood Grill on Cottage Road is hosting a benefit night for the Boys & Girls Club in South Portland on Wednesday, Nov. 2. A portion of proceeds from food sales, both eat in or takeout, will go toward club programs. See the menu at www.elsmerebbq.com.

Foster grandparents,

senior companions needed

The Opportunity Alliance has openings for both Foster Grandparents and senior companions in Cumberland, York and parts of Oxford county. Adults 55 and up can make a difference in the lives of others and earn extra money. Foster Grandparents mentor and support the academic achievement of children in schools. Senior companions provide companionship, transportation and respite to elders wishing to remain living at home.

Volunteers who commit to a minimum of 15 hours a week and meet certain income guidelines will receive a tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement and other benefits. Call 773-0202 or e-mail to [email protected] to sign up or for more information.

Learn all about the endangered brown bat with the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust, which will hold a special “Good Night Cape Elizabeth program on Thursday, Oct. 27.

Have fun, learn facts about Scarborough at the Project GRACE Trivia Bee on Thursday, Oct. 27.

Learn to paint pumpkins at the South Portland Public Library on Saturday, Oct. 29.

Project GRACE in Scarborough will kick off its Thanksgiving giving program on Nov. 1.