Calendar
IN THE WEEKS AHEAD...
ART, EXHIBITS, MUSIC, THEATREChauncey Creek Lobster Pottery will be unveiled on Saturday, Dec. 9, at Just Us Chickens Artist Co-op in Kittery. This new line of pottery has been painted by Kittery Point artist Pat DeGrandpre. Choose from an array of functional, colorful tableware to enhance your memories of summer while serving the Seacoast's tasty lobster fare in your own home for the holidays. Just Us Chickens is located at 29 Government St. in downtown Kittery and is open 11a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
Getting Started on Your Mystery Novel will be held Dec. 8 from noon to 1:30 p.m. as part of the Brown Bag Lunch series at the York Public Library. Susan Froetschel, author of "Interruptions" and "Alaska Gray," has taught writing at Yale and journalism at Southern Connecticut State University. Any writer can get started on a mystery novel. Practical writing exercises will show how one tiny idea, expressed in a single paragraph, can lead to a novel; how setting and themes influence plot and characters, and how writers can create intriguing characters from the everyday world. FMI: 363-2818.
Grammy Award-Winning Guitarist Ed Gerhard will present his popular 24th Annual Christmas Guitar Concert with special guest Bill Mize on Dec. 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church in downtown Portsmouth, N.H. Tickets are $22 in advance; $25 at the door or $18 for seniors and kids under 12. FMI: (603) 664-7200 or visit www.edgerhard.com.
Holiday Events at the York Senior Center include a Holiday Tea on Dec. 8 from 1 to 4 p.m., York High School Chamber Singers on Dec. 14 at 10:30 a.m., a visit from local Canine Companions for Independence volunteers, and their pups, on Dec. 15 at 10:45 a.m., a children's program on Dec. 19 and New Year's entertainment at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 29.
Improv Night with Shtick Happens Players at the York High School Auditorium on Dec. 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. to benefit Jack Hoyt. FMI: 363-3621.
Mail Art: Declare Your Independence will be on view at Heartwood College of Art on Route 1 in Kennebunk through Dec. 20. This unique invitational show features "Mail Art" created by high school students from across the state. The title "Declare Your Independence" is the theme - dealing with that fleeting moment students experience while living between two worlds, childhood and adulthood. The show is unusual in that each piece of art on display is a postcard created by a high school student and mailed to Heartwood. Over 75 postcards are on display. The public is invited to a free opening reception on Dec. 13 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. FMI: 985-0985.
Nubble Lighthouse Keepers Square Dance Club, a tax-free organization serving the Kennebunk to Portsmouth area, announces its winter schedule. Singles, couples and families are welcome. Classes continue Dec. 10; Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 15, 22, 29, and May 13, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. All dances held at the Wells Activity Center, Sanford Road/Route 109 off Route 1 in Wells. The center has wooden floors and is air conditioned. Wear soft-soled shoes, please. FMI: call 985-8521, 641-9954 or 363-2774.
Pianist Sergei Novikov will perform a holiday concert at the York Public Library Community Room on Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. FMI: 363-2818.
Writers on a New England Stage: Anita Diamant will be presented by The Music Hall and N.H. Public Radio on Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Diamant is the bestselling author of "The Red Tent" and "The Last Days of Dogtown." Plan to come with your book club and enter a drawing to meet the author backstage after the show. Tickets are moving quickly as the event has gained popularity among book clubs throughout the Seacoast. The evening program begins with a presentation by the author followed by an interview with National Public Radio reporter Laura Knoy. Live music throughout will be performed by the award-winning band Dreadnaught. The live show will be rebroadcast on New Hampshire Public Radio. Tickets are $12 ($10 for members of The Music Hall and NHPR). To enter the drawing for backstage passes, book clubs should first purchase their tickets through the box office and then have a representative email mtalcott@themusichall.org. The drawing for backstage passes is Jan. 11 and the winning book club will be contacted via email that day. FMI: (603) 436-2400.
York High School Winter Concert will be held on Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, N.H. FMI: 363-3621.
EVENTS
Blue Christmas at St. George's Episcopal Church will be held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 21 as a chance to share and hear prayers, Scripture and music that acknowledge God's presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle - and that God's Word is meant to shine light into our darkness. Please accept this invitation to be with us for this time to move from feeling blue to experiencing the wonder and hope of Christmas. Our doors will be open to all who come, so please feel free to invite others to come with you, as your support, or if you know that they too, are finding that Christmas hurts. FMI: 363-7376.
The Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce December Icebreaker will be at Cap'n Simeon's Galley in Kittery on Dec. 13. The party will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Please bring canned goods to help support our local food pantries as your admission to this icebreaker. As an added treat we will be auctioning off mini Christmas trees decorated by local businesses. FMI: 363-4422.
The Historical Society of Wells and Ogunquit Annual Holiday Open House will be Dec. 9 with entertainment by Melodies and Memories, a barbershop quartet, singing traditional and popular holiday songs and other contemporary selections at 4 p.m. at the historic Meetinghouse, 938 Post Road (Route 1) in Wells. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. The Meetinghouse is wheelchair accessible. FMI: 646-4775.
Lights to Remember is being offered by Hospice of York as an opportunity to participate in the visible symbol of remembrance of loved ones during the holiday season. The gift of $5 will place a light on the Lights to Remember tree in honor of a living person or to memorialize a loved one no longer with you. There are trees located in Wells, Ogunquit, York, Kittery, Eliot and South Berwick, and they will be lit from Dec. 1 through 31. Upon request an acknowledgment will be sent to those honored or the families of those memorialized. Requests will be accepted throughout the month of December. Simply send $5 per light with your name and address, the name of the individual(s) you wish to purchase a light for and, if wanted, the name and address to receive an acknowledgment to Hospice of York, 15 Hospital Drive, York, ME 03909.
The Not-So-Normal Auction is going on now through the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce. From signed cookbooks from the Barefoot Contessa, sailing trips around York Harbor, Mount Desert Island and Portsmouth Harbor, brand new and classic cars, restaurant gift certificates and hotel stays to cooking classes, one-of-a-kind unique gift baskets and items, trips to exotic locations and more, go to www.gatewaytomaineauction.com from now until Dec. 15, register as a bidder and place your bid for that special gift with no lines, no pushy shoppers and no trekking out in the cold.
Stay in Town, Shop at Village, a holiday fair, sponsored by the parent groups from Coastal Ridge and Village Elementary Schools, will be held Dec. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring products and services offered by local parents, teachers and school staff. Some of the goods and services featured at the fair will include jewelry, photography, baskets, scrapbook materials, aromatherapy and skincare items, yarn and felted bags, hand-painted glass and decorations, cooking classes, sign language DVDs, custom framing, children's decorative theme boxes, interior design and WEBKINZ stuffed toys. The café will sell home-baked desserts to enjoy at the fair or to take home.
Union Congregational Church Pre-Christmas Service. Christmas time can be a very lonely, depressing, "blue" time for those grieving the loss of loved ones or other losses or for those who are all alone when others are partying and gathering with family members. It's at such times that we need to make the space and take the time to acknowledge our sadness and concern. We need to know that we are not alone. For these reasons, Union Congregational Church, invites you at 7 p.m. on Dec. 14 to come and join in sharing and hearing prayers, Scripture and music that acknowledge God's presence for those who mourn and those who struggle, and that God's Word comes to shine light into our darkness. The brief service will be followed by a time for light refreshments and fellowship. No need to RSVP. Doors will be open to all who come so please feel free to invite others to come with you, as your support, or if you know that they too, are finding that Christmas hurts.
ONGOING...
ART, DANCE, EXHIBITS, MUSIC, THEATREPontine Theatre in Portsmouth, N.H., offers an array of public events. FMI: (603) 436-6660 or e-mail info@pontine.org.
The Portland Museum of Art offers exhibits and special events. FMI: 775-6148.
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Catapult is the Seacoast's first networking group specifically dedicated to young professionals. Catapult is a nonprofit organization, and membership is free. FMI: www.catapultseacoast.org.
Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men and Women, a nationally known non-profit organization, is looking for volunteers to assist victims of intimate partner violence. Volunteers are needed to cover the organization's toll-free crisis line and ull training is offered. You may answer calls right from your home on weekdays, nights, weekends and/or holidays. The training is 40 hours and will consist of online and teleconferencing sessions. Volunteers must have access to a computer with an Internet connection. FMI: call (866) 786-0758 or e-mail communityresourcecoord@dahmw.org.
Home Schooling Club offers a chance to meet, socialize, have fun and take field trips with others from the community who home school just like you! Attend all of the activities or simply pick and choose from the calendar of events and activities. No commitment is required and all home schooled children are welcome to attend with their families. December events include Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. at the USS Albacore in Portsmouth, N.H., where we'll spend the afternoon exploring this wonderful submarine. FMI visit www.ussalbacore.org. A special group rate is offered if 10 or more attend. On Dec. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. visit the York Public Library Children's Room with Autumn Hampshire, a local jeweler and future gemologist, to learn all about rocks and gems, how they formed and where they came from, and even make your own creations with wire and beads. On Dec. 22, it's back to the York Public Library at 1 p.m. for game time galore. Bring your favorite game from home or use the library's computers for gaming fun. On Dec. 29, join the club at the top of Mount Agamenticus at 1 p.m. for loads of outside fresh-air fun. Enjoy some great sledding and tubing, build a snow fort or have a snowball fight - if we have snow, or go for a nature hike, track for wildlife, enjoy some bird watching, soak in the breathtaking scenery of the White Mountains and the ocean and enjoy all the natural beauty of this precious resource. Bring your own sleds, tubes and outdoor games, and hot cocoa will be provided. FMI and to register your children for these events, call Janalee at 361-2116 or e-mail janaleemoquin8@yahoo.com.
York Lions Club meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Grant House, Route 1, York, at 7 p.m. and all are welcome. FMI: 363-7382.
ENRICHMENT
1, 2, 3 Play at the Family Resource Center on Route 1 at the York-Kittery town line is a program for children three and under from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays. This is a hands-on, active age and so is this group. FMI: 451-9291 or www.connectingfamiliestogether.org
Daddy and Meis a dynamic, monthly program is held exclusively for fathers with young children ages birth to eight years the Family Resource Center on Route 1 at the York-Kittery town line Please call the center by the first of each month to register for this unique program. FMI: 451-9291 or www.connectingfamiliestogether.org
The Family Resource Center on Route 1 offers many special programs, classes and activities throughout the year. FMI: 451-9291 or www.connectingfamiliestogether.org.
Heartwood College of Art offers an array of classes. FMI call Heartwood College of Art at 985-0985 or visit www.heartwoodcollegeofart.org.
Holiday Art lets you create your own ornaments and gifts for someone special at the Family Resource Center on Route 1 at the York-Kittery town line. FMI: 451-9291 or www.connectingfamiliestogether.org.
Kindergym is offered by York Parks and Recreation Department and no pre-registration is required. The cost is $4 per child/$6 per family per visit. Kindergym is held at Blueberry Hill on Route 1 on Friday mornings from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. This program is ongoing. FMI: 363-1040.
Music and Movement, a monthly program for children ages 2 to 6, meets on the first Wednesday of each month in the Children's Room at the York Public Library. This free parent-child class, held from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., and taught by Michelle Franey of South Berwick, will focus on developing both musical and social skills, with emphasis on moving to the beat and learning traditional songs. FMI: 363-2818.
Play and Grow, a free multi-age playgroup, meets on Tuesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Family Resource Center on Route 1 at the York-Kittery town line. FMI: 451-9291.
Talk-A Bye Baby at the Family Resource Center on Route 1 at the York-Kittery town line meets Wednesdays for parents with babies up to one year old that meets from 11:30a.m to 1 p.m. FMI: 451-9291 or www.connectingfamiliestogether.org
Winter Session Community Art Classes begin Jan. 15 at Heartwood College of Art and enrollment is now underway. Classes include watercolor, photography, jewelry and metalsmithing, ceramics, pastel, glass beads, drawing into painting and Raku. FMI: 985-0985 or www.heartwoodcollegeofart.org.
HEALTH
NIA at Yoga on York is offered every Tuesday morning from 9 to 10 a.m. NIA is a fitness fusion exercise class that blends dance arts and martial arts together with fabulous music for a great workout. No dance experience necessary is necessary. NIA is easy to follow and appropriate for all ages and levels of fitness. Come give NIA a try. Your first class is FREE. It is pure joy and health in motion. "Through Movement We Find Health." FMI: call 363-YOGA or visit www.yogaonyork.com.
York Hospital's Yoga Center at the Heart Health Institute offers yoga classes for all abilities. Seated yoga for those with limited mobility is offered as well. Instructor Sundie Gentry is one of only eight yoga instructors in the state to be credentialed and certified by the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States. For new participants, the first class is free. For class times and registration, call 351-3700.
PUBLIC MEALS
Coffee Shop at the Wells-Ogunquit Senior Center is open Monday through Friday, 9 to 11 a.m., serving regular or decaf coffee, pastries, Congdon's and Dunkin' Donuts, and their own blueberry muffins for $1.50. Thursday's Coffee Club occasionally has a guest speaker.
SUPPORT
Hospice of York's Living with Loss weekly bereavement support group is free of charge, and you need not have had a loved one serviced by Hospice. Hospice of York encourages pre-registration; however, you may attend any or all of the classes as you see fit. The holiday session continues Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 and 14; t he winter session is set for Jan. 4 through 25, Feb. 1 through 22, and March 1 and 8, and the spring session will be held on March 29, April 5 through 26, and May 3 through 31. All sessions are held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the basement conference room of Medical Office Building 16 on the grounds of York Hospital. FMI: call 363-7000.
A Safe Place, a non-profit agency, has been providing support services and emergency shelter to victims of domestic abuse for over 28 years. A Safe Place has offices in Portsmouth, Rochester and Salem, N.H. FMI or to reach an advocate call 1-(800) 854-3552.
The York Hospital Breast Cancer Survivor Group, which meets the third Monday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Ellis Conference Room at York Hospital, welcomes new members. Those who attend survivor groups cope better, heal more quickly and live longer. New members, whether or not their treatment was at York Hospital, are invited to come to the meetings and be with women who share their story. Friends are welcome too. During these meetings the members share information, coping tips and strategies, explore complimentary therapies, hear guest speakers, support each other, experience sisterhood, plan the Annual Walk for Hope and celebrate living.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery Program is seeking volunteer drives to offer cancer patients safe and friendly transportation to treatment appointments. More than 7,000 Maine residents are living with cancer every day. Because of advances in medical research, there will be cures for many. Lack of transportation, though, may leave some of these cancer patients with few options for completing their treatment schedules. The American Cancer Society is now recruiting volunteers in York County to ensure that all cancer patients have transportation when they need it. FMI: (800) ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.
Home Schooling Club Seeks Community Support. Do you own a business in town, a special talent, an interesting job or a wealth of information that you're interested in sharing about any subject? Could you spare a few hours and enlighten some really great kids who'd love to take a tour of your business, learn a new talent, learn about your job, listen to your insight and experience what you have to offer? The Home Schooling Club of York would love to hear from you so we can schedule a time and place to make it all happen! FMI: 361-2116.
Support Victims of Domestic Violence by collecting old cell phones and ink jet cartridges and mailing them to the Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men and Women free of charge. The Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men and Women provides crisis intervention and support services to all victims of domestic violence and their families. Proceeds from this program will help the organization continue to provide services as well as support the 24-hour hotline. Contact Regional Coordinator Jan Brown at (866) 786-0758 or dahmwdirector@gmail.com for program details.
Volunteer Reiki Practitioners are being sought by York Hospital to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients. York Hospital is looking for Level II Reiki practitioners to provide Reiki services to oncology patients. FMI: please contact Roberta Sullivan in the Volunteer Office at 351-2224 or rsullivan@yorkhospital.com.
WORSHIP SERVICES
Baha'i Faith holds Sunday morning devotional meetings and fellowship. FMI: 363-4591 or 361-1722.
Cape Neddick Baptist Church's Sunday school is at 9 a.m. for all ages; 10:15 a.m. for worship service and junior church, nursery for toddlers. Tuesday is Women's Home Bible Study from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Evening Prayer Service is at 7 p.m. FMI: 363-3566 or www.cape-neddick-baptist.org.
First Parish Congregational Church's worship services are at 9 and 10:45 a.m. FMI: 363-3758 or www.firstparishyork.org.
Ogunquit Baptist Church's Sunday service is at 9:30 a.m. FMI: 646-2160.
St. Christopher's Catholic Church holds Masses on Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. FMI: Rose Cronin at 363-4177 and leave name and number for a return call.
St. George's Episcopal Church's schedule is Sunday at 7:45 a.m. for Holy Eucharist, Rite II, spoken; 9 a.m. for Family Eucharist service; 9:45 a.m. for church school; 10 a.m. fir spiritual formation for adults, and 11 a.m. for Holy Eucharist, Rite II, with music. Tuesday at 9 a.m. is silent prayer; 9:15 a.m. is Morning Prayer. Thursday at 10 a.m. is Holy Eucharist, with healing optional. Christmas season schedule of special services includes the Children's Christmas Pageant on Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. with Lessons and Carols at 7 p.m.; Blue Christmas Ecumenical Service on Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.; Family Eucharist at 5 p.m., Evening Eucharist at 7:30 p.m. and "Midnight" Eucharist at 11 p.m. on Dec. 24; Spoken Eucharist at 10 a.m. on Dec. 25 and Epiphany on Jan. 6 at 7 p.m.
Union Congregational Church offers weekly worship services. Opportunities to acknowledge God's gift to the world during this Christmas season include the 10 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship service, Dec. 24, followed that evening, at 7 p.m. by a Christmas Eve Candlelight service. All are welcome. FMI: 363-4821.
United Methodist of York/Ogunquit worship and Sunday school are at 10:30 a.m. Fellowship and coffee hour follow the service, with nursery provided during the service. FMI: 363-2749.
York Street Baptist Church's Sunday Worship Service is at 9 a.m. with fellowship time in the gym at 10:30 a.m. Sunday school for all ages is at 10:45 a.m. Evening service is at 6 p.m. AWANA Youth Program is at 5 p.m., October through April. FMI: 363-2177.
Visit www.maine.info for more on upcoming festivals and events
