Calendar

IN THE WEEKS AHEAD...

EVENTS

The ABC's of Garden Design will be held Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. at the First Parish Church Fellowship Hall. Members of the public are invited to join the Old York Garden club for this free event featuring landscape designer Rebecca (Becky) Linney. This program is ideal for those who would like to learn the basics for landscaping specific areas of their yard to maximize impact and for those who need a refresher course.

Antique Appraisal Fair at the Kittery Trading Post on Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bring in antique firearms, classic fishing rods and lures and vintage camping gear. Mike Kater from the Northeast Big Buck Club will also be measuring and scoring deer racks from this and previous seasons. All of the antique appraisers will be exhibiting items from their own collections as well. FMI: www.ktp.com, e-mail seminars@ktp.com or call (888) 587-6246.

Barefoot Boogie Portsmouth 2007 leaps into the New Year on Jan. 27 at the Portsmouth Ballroom Dance Studio on 948 Route 1 Bypass in Portsmouth, N.H., as a community-oriented, non-profit, freeform dance experience for all ages. Admission for adults is $7 and children and seniors are free. The dances are held on the fourth Saturday of the month from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Free onsite parking is available. FMI: (603) 659-5009.

Birds: Their Pleasures and Problems, a free program offered by the Old York Garden Club, will be held March 14 at 1 p.m. at First Parish Church Fellowship Hall. Come to this free program to hear Karen McElmurry from the Center for Wildlife update us on the state of the bird populations in our area. The program is free; however, everyone who attends is asked to please bring a donation of Science Diet or Iams brand canned cat or dog food, mixed wild birdseed, Wheatena cereal or Beech Nut chicken baby food. The Old York Garden Club will be donating $500 to the center with money raised by the club through dues, the annual plant sale and other fundraising efforts.

Celebrate Valentine's Day at the York Public Library on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. The library once again invites people to gather 'round the fireplace and share "words of love," either written or discovered: love poems, songs, fiction, essays … or just come cuddle by the fire and listen. Guests are invited to bring Valentine's sweets to share as well. FMI: 363-2818.

Comfort in Your Own Home will be the topic of a discussion held at the York Senior Center on Jan. 25 at 10:30 a.m. Jennifer Theberge, the director of home care at Living Innovations, a Seacoast-based company that serves the needs of the elderly and developmentally disabled, will be present to discuss home care assistance and options for the elderly. This talk is free of charge. The York Senior Center is located in York Beach, behind the police station. In the event of snow, please call 363-1036 to learn about delays or closings. FMI: www.livinginnovations.org.

The Fifth Annual Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce Wedding and Party Expo returns on Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. With over 50 spectacular wedding and specialty suppliers participating, this event is a must for the bride-to-be or anyone planning a special seacoast event. The expo will be held simultaneously at the York Harbor Inn and the Stage Neck Inn in York Harbor. Admission to the Wedding and Party Expo is $5, but those who pre-register at www.gatewaytomaine.org receive a coupon for $2 off. FMI: 363-4422.

Hospice of York Daytime Volunteer Training Class will be held from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Mondays at the J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home in Kittery beginning Feb. 26. The class will run for 13 weeks. Taking this class does not obligate you to become a volunteer, nor does it commit Hospice to accept you as a volunteer. FMI or to register: 363-7000.

Internationally Known Educational Consultant Eugene Schwartz on Jan. 25 at the Eliot United Methodist Church from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. As a child, were you good in art but bad in math? Did you spend more time exploring the outdoors then you did reading books? In 1983 Harvard educational professor, Dr. Howard Gardner, published "Frames of Mind," where he introduced the theory of multiple intelligences. This revolutionary study proposed that there are eight clear forms of intelligence - all of which cannot be measured by a standard IQ test. Schwartz will lecture on how multiple intelligences, along with the Waldorf approach to education, have the ability to teach students through eight potential pathways - reaching those considered to be underachievers or having ADD. The cost is $12 in advance and $15 at the door. FMI or to make a reservation, call 439-7911.

Life and Death in the Piscataqua sponsored by Portsmouth Historic House Associates, Inc., on Feb. 10 is a day of lectures on research and preservation projects to be presented by local scholars and state figures. Topics will include what to do with the remnants of the original New Hampshire Statehouse, images and epitaphs on tombstones of the Revolutionary era, 18th- and 19th-century tea ware and early high-end kitchen technology. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the symposium will be held at the Masonic Temple at 351 Middle St., Portsmouth, N.H., with lunch and refreshments being provided throughout the day. The cost of the symposium is $10 prior to the event and $15 the day of the event, including lunch. FMI or to register: (603) 436-3205.

Second Annual Preschool Age Fair at the York Public Library will be held on Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon with enrichment programs designed with your preschooler in mind! The fair will feature exhibits, hands-on activities, raffle prizes and more. FMI: 363-2818 or smorosoff@maine.rr.com.

The York Diversity Forum International Mixer will be held Jan. 29 as an opportunity for people to meet residents and temporary workers who come from other countries and have different customs and speak other languages. Light refreshments will be served and childcare is available. The event will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at York Middle School and is being sponsored by the York Diversity Forum and York Adult and Community Education.

EXHIBITS, MUSIC, THEATRE AND MORE

"African Ancestors: Ancient Masks and Artifacts" will be on display at Heartwood College of Art's Kennebunk Savings Gallery through Feb. 13. The exhibition will include African masks, baskets, instruments and textiles from the collection of John and Indrani Dennen of Harpswell, many of which will be for sale. FMI: 985-0985 or www.heartwoodcollegeofart.org.

Ballet New England and the Center for Dance Education will perform the next presentation of their 2007 Children's Series, "Snow White," on Feb. 11 at 2 pm. at the York High School Auditorium. BNE will offer a one-hour workshop prior to the performance for children ages 6 and up on basic choreography and creative expression through movement and imagery. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to be part of the opening portion of the Snow White performance. Space for this workshop is limited and advance registration is required. This 40-minute family ballet tells the tale of Snow White and the spell that is placed upon her when she takes a bite from an apple given to her by the evil Queen. Choreographed by Angela V. Carter, the performance features members from Ballet New England's professional company as well as students from BNE's Center for Dance Education. A brief question-and-answer period will follow the performance. FMI: (603) 430-9309.

Chiara Civello, who was called "the best jazz singer of her generation" by Tony Bennett, will perform at Portsmouth Music Hall Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. for a special Valentine's Day concert. The Italian jazz singer, songwriter and pianist will be singing songs of love in English, Italian and Portuguese, proving that tales of the heart are understood in any language. Leading up to the concert, The Music Hall is soliciting love stories about people who have met their loved ones at The Music Hall. Submit your 150-word story by logging onto www.themusichall.org and clicking the Love Stories button. Everyone posting a story will receive two free film passes, and stories will be featured on the website through Valentine's Day and saved in The Music Hall archives forever. Tickets range from $30 to $17 and can be purchased at The Music Hall box office, by calling (603) 436-2400 or online at www.themusichall.org.

Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy will appear at The Music Hall in downtown, Portsmouth, N.H., on Feb. 8 at 7 p.m., Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $48 to $20 and can be purchased at The Music Hall box office, by photo at (603) 436-2400 or online at www.themusichall.org.

Grammy Winner Keb' Mo' will appear at The Music Hall on March 22 at 7:30 p.m. Keb' Mo' draws heavily on the old-fashioned country blues style of Robert Johnson while keeping his sound contemporary with touches of soul and folksy storytelling. Tickets are $42.50 and $36 and go on sale to the public Jan. 19 at noon at The Music Hall box office, by phone at (603) 436-2400 or online at www.themusichall.org.

Heartwood College of Art is now accepting registrations for "One Week One Credit" intensive classes in "Naked Raku," an introduction to the 400-year-old Japanese technique of Raku firing, with Scott Tubby or "Monoprint/Collagraph" with Kat Buchanan. "One Week One Credit" classes take place March 19-23. These special four-day classes allow participants to immerse themselves in an exciting medium with an expert craftsperson and earn college credit if they wish. FMI or to enroll: 985-0985 or www.heartwoodcollegeofart.org.

The Music Hall Presents Golden Globe Winners, including "Babel" through Jan. 27; "The Queen" from Jan. 28 to Feb. 1, and "The Last King of Scotland" from Feb. 2 through 13. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased 30 minutes before each screening at The Music Hall Box Office, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, N.H., by phone at (603) 436-2400 or online at www.themusichall.org.

Music's Quill will perform for the Portland Conservatory's noonday concert on Jan. 25 at 12:15 p.m. at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 425 Congress St., Portland. Music's Quill was formed in 2000 and from its inception the duo has devoted itself to bringing English and French airs to a wider audience in New England and beyond. The noonday concerts are free and open to the public. FMI: 775-3356.

Mystery Theater Class allows children to discover the things that go bump in the night as we explore the world of mystery and suspense. This interactive theater class provides basic acting techniques, improvisational skills, character development and team building while exploring the skills needed to keep an audience at the edge of their seats. A final performance for parents and family will allow all to figure out whodunit! The class culminates with a mystery dinner, with cost and location to be announced. The class is for children ages 8 to 14. Classes will begin Feb. 5 at Blueberry Hill from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and run through March 20. Registrations are being accepted for this seven-week class at York Parks and Recreation Office. The fee is $70 per child. FMI: 363-1040.

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 Jan. 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 Carol Eaton Elowe, a founder and the first director of the Portland Conservatory of Music, will perform for the conservatory's noonday concert on Jan. 18 at 12:15 p.m. at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 425 Congress St., Portland. Concerts are free and open to the public. FMI: 775-3356.

Words Are Deeds, a provocative new show of works by Cliff Baldwin and Patrick O'Rorke investigating pop culture through the fabrication of two-dimensional and three dimensional contemporary works, is being presented at Whitney Art Works Projects, 45 York St., Portland, through Feb. 10, with an artists' reception on Feb. 2. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. FMI: 780-0700 or www.whitneyartworks.com.

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. All sessions are held on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the basement conference room of Medical Office Building 16 on the grounds of York Hospital. Sessions run nearly continuously through the spring. FMI: call 363-7000.

Maine Support Network's 20th Annual Winter Retreat will be at Samoset Resort in Rockport from Jan. 27 to 29. The retreat offers opportunities to learn about the latest strategies and approaches to invigorate, motivate, educate and engage all students. This year's retreat will provide participants with multiple opportunities to connect with their peers as they engage in learning opportunities on such varied topics as literacy, technology, transition, autism and mentoring. Dr. Crystal Kuykendall will open the Sunday session. FMI: www.mainesupportnetwork.org.

ONGOING...

ART, DANCE, EXHIBITS, MUSIC, THEATRE

Just Us Chickens Artist Co-op is located at 29 Government St. in downtown Kittery and is open 11a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

Pontine 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 A La Carte 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. January will conclude on Jan. 26 from 1 to 3 p.m., it's Mount A Day for loads of outside fresh air fun with sledding and tubing, building snow forts and more. Enjoy a nature hike, track wildlife, bird watch and enjoy all the natural beauty of this precious resource. Bring your own sleds, tubes and any outside games, and hot cocoa will be provided. February events include, on Feb. 2 from 1 to 2:30 p.m., find out how to help those in the community who are in need during a tour of the York Community Service Association's Thrift Shop at 1320 Route 1 in Cape Neddick where you'll learn about all of the wonderful ways YCSA helps community members all year long! Make a difference: get involved and volunteer. On Feb. 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. join us at York Hospital for our very first "Parade of Balloons" where we'll spread some cheer by giving out balloons, visiting with patients and experiencing humanity in its finest form! This is the first event in our new monthly community service program entitled House Class. On Feb. 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. join us at the York Public Library to meet 15-month-old Adair II and five-month-old Bridget IV, two young service-dogs-in-training who are being raised by Jennifer Saunders, associate editor of The Independent here in York, and her family. Learn about their work as volunteer puppy-raisers for the non-profit organization Canine Companions for Independence and find out more about CCI at www.cci.org. On Feb. 22 at 7 p.m., join us at Barnes and Noble in Newington, N.H., where Gerry Parker from the Maritime Academy in Portsmouth, N.H., will discuss local maritime history and lead a demonstration on tying nautical knots. On Feb. 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. join us for another Mount A Day for outside fresh air fun-with sledding and tubing, building snow forts, snowball fights, nature hikes, tracking wildlife, bird watching and enjoying all the natural beauty of this precious resource. Bring-your-own sleds, tubes and any outside games and the hot cocoa will be provided. Register early as space is limited. FMI: 361-2116 or e-mail janaleemoquin8@yahoo.com.

Old York Garden Club's Open Garden Days, new for 2007, is a unique garden tour. For 16 weeks, a different garden club member will open their private garden for viewing on Sunday afternoons from noon to 4 p.m. beginning May 27. Most gardens are in constant flux depending on nature, the challenges of the site and the whim of the gardener. This garden tour is intended to show real gardeners' works in progress, not necessarily pristine finished projects. The homeowners will be on site to answer questions, discuss plant material and give tours of their personal creations. The fee is $3 per garden payable at the door of the individual garden on the day of the tour. Stay tuned for more information.

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

The Family Resource Center on Route 1 offers many special programs, weekly and monthly events, 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.

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.

York Public Library Weekly Children's Programs include Miss Kate's Infant Lap, Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; Preschool Story Time, Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., and Toddler Story Time, Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Monthly programs for children and parents include Making Music Monthly, the first Wednesday of each month from 10:15 to10:45 a.m.; Tactile Toddler Time, the second Tuesday of each month from 10:15 to10:45 a.m.; Babies, Boppies and Books, the second Thursday of each month from 10:15 to 11 a.m., and Art by the Pond, the third Tuesday of each month, from 10:15 to 11 a.m. FMI: 363-2818.

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.

The Heart Health Institute offers classes including weight management. FMI: 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

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.

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 our toll-free crisis line. Full 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. A new training session will begin soon. Training topics include the dynamics of intimate partner violence against women and men, as well as the effects of family violence on children, relevant legal and social issues and much more. Volunteers must have access to a computer with an internet connection. Applications for the upcoming trainings are now being accepted. www.dahmw.org. FMI: (866) 786-0758 or e-mail communityresourcecoord@dahmw.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: call 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 6 p.m. and Sunday at 7:30 and 11 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. for 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. FMI: e-mail office@stgeorgesyorkharbor.org or visit www.stgeorgesyorkharbor.org.

Union Congregational Church offers weekly worship services. 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