Calendar

IN THE WEEKS AHEAD...

EVENTS

Bid Against Child Abuse Auction will be held at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport on March 31 with registration at 6:30 p.m. There are over 200 items that have been donated to the Child Abuse Prevention Council of York County's 12th annual auction. The event includes hors d'oeuvres, desserts, a cash bar and jazz by two jazz groups, Coastal Brass and Top Hats. Tickets are $25 per person. FMI: call 985-5975, e-mail events@kidsfreetogrow.org or visit www.kidsfreetogrow.org.

Cemetery Stories and Symbolism will be the subject of an illustrated program on March 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Berwick Academy's Fogg Memorial in South Berwick. Portsmouth cemetery expert Roxie Zwicker of New England Curiosities will present "Stories, Stones and Superstitions - Exploring Northern New England Gravestone History." The presentation will take participants on a visual journey through many local burial grounds dating from colonial times through the 1800s. Zwicker will explore and explain gravestone symbolism and provide handouts with site suggestions for further exploration. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served by volunteers. Local history booklets will be available for sale. FMI: email info@obhs.net, or call 384-0000.

First Parish Mission Trip Auction will be held March 24 beginning with the chowder dinner at 5 p.m. followed by auctioneer Howard Koeppel wielding the gavel at 6 p.m. The auction will be held in Fellowship Hall, adjacent to the church in York. The public is cordially invited, and will find more than 120 items to bid on, including a variety of vacation packages; boating trips; catered dinners; gift certificates; golf, tennis, surfing, baseball, fishing and soccer packages; artwork; jewelry, and a wide range of services including babysitting, yard work and home repair. The auction is held annually to raise funds to send the First Parish Youth Group on its work group mission trip. Supper tickets are $5, and bidding cards are $1. All are welcome. FMI: 363-3758.

Free Handwork Class at the Portsmouth Public Library on March 27 from 9 to 11 a.m. will be offered by the parent association of the Tidewater School in Eliot. This week, learn how to make pompom chicks that are perfect for your spring decorations. All materials will be supplied and children are welcome. FMI: 439-7911 or kwiese@tidewaterschool.org.

Girl Scout Cookies will be for sale by Troop 257 at the Long Sands Plaza, in front of Stop 'n Go Video, on March 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All varieties will be available for $3.50 per box. Dieting? No problem. Donate your cookies to the York Food Pantry. Stop by to support the troop.

Global Warming: A Concern for All comes to the York Public Library on March 30 at 7 p.m. Speaker Dr. Kristina Dahl will share her perspective on global warming from having spent about 10 years studying and researching climate change. Global warming is one of the most controversial issues facing society today. However, it is also one of the most pressing. This presentation will explore climate change from a scientist's perspective. FMI: 363-2818.

Kitchen, Food and Wine Auction will be held at the Unitarian Church, 292 State St., Portsmouth, N.H., on March 24. A silent auction and reception with hors d'oeuvres provided by some of Portsmouth's finest restaurants begins at 5 p.m. The auction starts at 6 p.m. Restaurant gift certificates, a canoe lunch on the Piscataqua and a week's stay on Martha's Vineyard are among the varied auction items. Cost is $20 per person and includes beer and wine at the reception. A trip to Italy or $5,000 is the first prize in a special related raffle. Tickets are $100 each, which includes admission for two to the auction. FMI: (603) 436-4762.

The Music Hall 16th Annual Kitchen Tour will feature nine homes in Kittery and Kittery Point on April 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. These homes feature the kitchens we all dream of - from the sleek and contemporary, to the cozy and traditional, and packed with innovation and imagination. Proceeds from the tour are used immediately toward operating costs to support The Music Hall's effort to provide the very best in the performing arts for the Seacoast community. Tickets are $20 for members, $23 nonmembers and $25 for everyone on the day of the tour. They can be purchased in advance at the Music Hall Box Office 28 Chestnut St. Portsmouth, by calling (603) 436-2400, online at www.themusichall.org, or at Artichokes, Attrezzi, Beach Pea Baking Company, City & Country, The Cranberry Bog, the Greater York Chamber of Commerce and The Lollipop Tree.

Portsmouth Christian Academy Upper School Informational Meeting will be held March 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the campus in Dover, N.H. The 12th Annual PCA Benefit Auction scheduled for last weekend has been postponed until March 24. FMI: www.pcaschool.org or call (603) 742-3617, ext. 142.

Smucker's Stars on Ice Tour featuring Olympic Silver Medalist Sasha Cohen and Olympic Gold Medalist Ilia Kulik will be coming to the Cumberland County Civic Center on March 24 for a 7:30 p.m. performance. Tickets start at $25 and may be purchased at the Cumberland County Civic Center Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 775-3458 or 775-3331. FMI: www.starsonice.com.

Spring Fling Family Dance will be held on March 30 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at York Village Elementary School. Music will be provided by SideTraxx DJ Service. The cost is $7 per person or $20 per family. Children ages pre-K thru grade 4 are invited to come with their parents for dancing, door prizes and light refreshments. Attire is casual, though kids wearing a touch of spring receive additional door prize coupons. All proceeds to benefit Benjamin Park, a Bog Road Community Playground Project scheduled to open in June. The Playground Committee is well within sight of its fundraising goal and hopes the community will help get this project over the top! Great fun, great cause … please come! FMI: 363-1040 or http://parksandrec.yorkmaine.org.

Tricky Trays, sponsored by the York High School Music Boosters, will deck the halls at the YHS commons on March 23. The boosters will be holding their Tricky Trays fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. Typically, more than 80 trays are displayed and people have the chance to purchase tickets and place them in a can in front of the tray. At the end of the evening, a winning ticket is selected for each. There are also special prizes, including an iPod shuffle, a Bailey Works book bag, a chair in the shape of a hand and several Coach items. FMI: 363-3621.

EXHIBITS, MUSIC, THEATRE AND MORE

Amare Cantare performs songs of Shakespeare and his time on March 24 at 8 p.m. at Phillips Church at Phillips Exeter Academy, 61 Front St., Exeter, N.H.; March 25 at 3 p.m. at Community Church of Durham, 17 Main St., Durham, N.H., and March 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 1035 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, N.H. Since its creation in the late 1970s, Amare Cantare, which means "to love to sing" in Italian, has been performing masterworks and intimate choral music from five centuries. Its 24 members come from all over the Seacoast. FMI: www.amarecantare.com or call (603) 664-5974.

Captain Louie will appear at The Music Hall on March 24 at 2 p.m. as part of the KidsRULE series. Created by the team that brought you the Broadway sensation, "Wicked," "Captain Louie" is based on the picture book, "The Trip," by the Caldecott Award-winning author Ezra Jack Keats with music by Academy Award-winning songwriter Stephen Schwartz of "Godspell," "Pippin," "Wicked" and "Prince of Egypt." It's a marvelous tale of a lonely boy trying to adjust to a new neighborhood. On Halloween night, he escapes into his own imagination where an encounter with a magical plane leads him to old friends, tap-dancing shadows, Halloween antics and, finally, new companions. FMI: (603) 436-2400 or www.themusichall.org.

Family Album Series by Susan Joy Sager is on view at SoBo Book and Bean in South Berwick. Artist, author, teacher and owner of ArtBiz, Susan Joy Sager will be having an exhibit of her own art work called the "Family Album Series" during the month of March. The Family Album Series are mixed media wall pieces using photo transfers, antique linens and family artifacts designed to tell a story about a specific relative such as a grandparent. A closing reception will be held on March 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. where Susan will be available to discuss her work and sign copies of her books "Selling Your Crafts" and "Creative Careers in Crafts," published by Allworth Press. Located at 241 Main St., SoBo is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. FMI: call SoBo at 384-8300 or Sager at 384-2759.

Monhegan Residency applications are now being accepted for the Carina House residency for Maine artists. The residency provides two visual artists with the opportunity to live and work on Monhegan every summer. The deadline for application is March 3. Materials must arrive at the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland by 5 p.m. on March 31. Send application materials to Carina Residency, The Farnsworth Art Museum, P.O. Box 466, Rockland, ME 04841. Applicants will be notified by mail on or before April 30. FMI: visit www.monheganartistsresidency.org.

Mud and Metal: Transformation by Fire, a new exhibit by Scott Tubby and Alice Carroll, will be presented by Heartwood College of Art at its gallery from March 28 to April 29. "Mud and Metal" showcases the work of these two talented Heartwood faculty members in ceramics, jewelry and metal designs. Most of the work on display will be for sale. The opening reception for the exhibition is March 28 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Heartwood is located at 123 York Street, Route 1 South in Kennebunk. FMI: 985-0985 or www.heartwoodcollegeofart.org.

Murder at the Manor, an interactive murder mystery, will be presented on April 1 at 6 p.m. at Three Chimneys Inn, 17 Newmarket Road, Durham, N.H. All proceeds from the evening will benefit York Parks and Recreation Department and Mill Pond Center for the Arts. The setting is pre-war London at the estate of Cedric Clysdale, who is about to celebrate his birthday. All of the interactive actors are attending the party and have their own personal agendas, mainly to borrow money from the oil tycoon. During the party, a tragic discovery is made: the body of Cedric's father. All in attendance at the party are suspects and it will be up to the audience to solve this whodunit. The performance features six theater professionals including George Hosker, Jr., Marian Marangelli, Dennis Purdie, Norm Smith, Deb Stokel and Kathy Horrigan, as well as 10 York students from Hosker's acting classes. Limited seating is available for the performance and advance reservations are strongly recommended. The cost is $39.95, which includes a three-course meal, performance, tax and gratuity. A child's entrée and pricing are available upon request. For reservations, call Three Chimneys Inn at (603) 868-7800. FMI: 363-1040 or http://parksandrec.yorkmaine.org.

The Music Hall presents Grammy winner Keb' Mo' on March 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Mary Chapin Carpenter, superstar singer-songwriter, on March 25 at 7 p.m.; David Crosby and Graham Nash on April 9 at 7:30 p.m.; Ziggy Marley and his band will be moving the music forward April 29 at 7:30 p.m., with tickets on sale to the public beginning March 31, and Brandi Carlile on May 4, will be back by popular demand. Award-winning crime fiction writer Elmore Leonard will take the stage at The Music Hall as part of the popular series Writers on a New England Stage on May 11. Celebrate New Orleans on May 20 will feature a taste of New Orleans jazz, funk, rhythm and blues when the stage is graced with some of the city's greatest musical artists including Dr. John The Night Tripper, the Rebirth Brass Band and the legendary pianist Henry Butler. A portion of the proceeds - one dollar from each ticket - will go to the New Orleans Musicians Clinic, an organization created to keep the music of New Orleans alive by providing access to healthcare for the musicians as well as creating a program where musicians serve as mentors in public schools. Tickets may be purchased at The Music Hall box office, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, N.H., by phone at (603) 436-2400, or online at www.themusichall.org.

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 March 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.

The Portland Conservatory Noonday Concert Series will feature soprano Christina Astrachan and pianist Frank Glazer on March 22 at 12:15 p.m. Astrachan is known for her expressive interpretations of a repertoire that ranges from medieval to contemporary and is a frequent guest artist with many area choral groups. She is on the faculty of Bates College and the Portland Conservatory of Music. Glazer is one of the most compelling musical personalities of our day. He is a much sought-after performer at major chamber music festivals and concerts here and abroad, a highly respected recording artist and composer of numerous published songs. He is artist-in-residence at Bates College. Concerts are free and open to the public and take place at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 425 Congress St., Portland. FMI: 775-3356.

Russian Easter Bazaar will be held on March 31 from noon to 3 p.m. at the New England Language Center, 16 Hillside Drive, Rochester, N.H. The event is free and open to the public and will include storytelling, Russian cartoons and traditional Russian art. Proceeds will go to support Russian artists and artisans and New England Language Center cultural programs. FMI: (603) 332-2255 or marina@anylanguage.org.

The Third Annual Visiting Artists Series at York County Community focuses concludes March 26 with Joan Hager, a jazz vocalist who has performed her classic music all over the state, at 4:30 p.m. The performance is free and open to the public. FMI: call 646.9282 or e-mail snathanielstevens@yccc.edu.

WORKSHOPS

Boating Safety Course will teach basic boating safety, safety equipment and the rules you must follow on the water. This five-session course is presented by The Saco Bay Flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and approved in all states for certification. Classes are held at the University of New England's Biddeford Campus, Marcil Hall, Room 202, beginning April 11 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The fee is $45 in advance. FMI: call 571-8414, email aux24sayer@gmail.com or visit the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Saco Bay Flotilla website at http://a0130204.uscgaux.info/.

Essentials of College Planning Workshops, presented by Maine Educational Opportunity Center, will be held in Springvale on March 23. MEOC is a federally funded program that helps qualified adults make the transition toward a college education. The starting point for all MEOC participants is The Essentials of College Planning, a free interactive workshop that outlines the four steps in the college process: admissions, financial aid, career planning and study skills. Pre-registration is required. FMI: (800) 281-3703.

March Money Mini Series from Women, Work and Community at University College at Saco will be offered on Wednesdays through March 28 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Topics include "Protecting Your Wishes" on March 28. Pre-registration for these workshops is required. Workshops may be taken individually, or as an entire series, and are free of charge. FMI: 286-1722 or (800) 442-2092.

Women, Work and Community is offering a free series of workshops this spring from April through June. The workshops may be taken separately or in combination. Pre-registration and attendance at the orientation is required. The workshops will be held at University College at Saco, 110 Main St. The series includes Orientation on April 2; Workplace Communications from April 4 to 9; Creating Your Future from April 11 to May 9; Marketing Yourself for New Employment from May 14 to 2, and Enhancing Workplace Communications from June 4 to 13. FMI: 286-1722 or www.womenworkandcommunity.org.

ONGOING...

ART, DANCE, EXHIBITS, MUSIC, THEATRE

Barefoot Boogie Portsmouth 2007 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.

The Iconoclastic Work of Charlie Hewitt will be presented at Whitney Art Works, 492 Congress St., Portland, through March 31, featuring drawings, sculptures and a new series of prints. Hewitt's lush works speak in a narrative language that pulls its inspiration from the artist's life and experiences from his childhood as the son of Franco-American laborers in Lewiston/Auburn to his early adulthood in the turbulent upheaval of 1960s New York City, to his current life as an established artist and family man holding residence in his home state. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. or by appointment.

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.

Kripalu DansKinetics is held on the first and third Friday of each month in at Spinnaker Point Recreation Center, Spinnaker Way, Portsmouth, N.H. DansKinetics is a unique blend of yoga and dance. Move to a wide variety of music from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. The drop-in fee is $10. No experience or shoes are necessary. FMI: (603) 436-2313.

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.

The Young Organist Collaborative subsidizes pipe organ lessons for music students between the ages of 11 and 16 in the Seacoast area. Applications for 2007-2008 are due May 1 and auditions are on May 12. FMI: visit www.stjohnsnh.org or call (603) 436-8283.

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. March events include, on March 23 from 1 to 3 p.m., Mount A Day, where you can join us atop Mount Agamenticus 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. On March 29 at 7 p.m., join us at Barnes & Noble in Newington, N.H., and meet Jim Sconyers from the Seacoast Sierra Club for a discussion about global warming, energy conservation and the cool cities program. On March 30 from 1 to 4 p.m., join our Intergenerational Celebration at Yorkshire Commons where age is just a number and the fun is for everyone. Make your own ice cream sundaes at our Sundae Social. Bring-your-own favorite ice cream toppings and a fun activity to share and we'll provide the ice cream, great company and lots of laughs for everyone when we all scream for ice cream! Register with Janalee @ 361-2116 or 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.

The Sanford/Springvale Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) Council meets every third Tuesday of the month from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Trafton Center, 19 Elm St, Sanford. SALT, a branch of York County TRIAD, is a group of seniors, law enforcement, fire/rescue, service providers and others from the community who work together to identify and address the safety needs of seniors. All are welcome to attend. FMI: call SALT President Michelle Matt at 490-7606.

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 County Retired Educators Trips. Travel to Casco Bay for a cruise past Admiral Peary's house on Eagle Island and lunch on Bailey Island on June 27. The registration deadline is April 5 and the cost is $37. The group leaves Coastal Fitness in Kittery at 8:15 a.m. with stops at York Meadowbrook at 8:30 a.m., Wells Park and Ride at 8:50 a.m. and Biddeford Park and Ride at 9:15 a.m. and returning around 5:30 p.m. To register, send a check to Freda Weaver, P.O. Box 91, York, ME 03909. FMI: call Freda at 363-4763, Ella Wiechert at 439-046 or Rita Drew at 324-3543.

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

Free Melanoma Program Available for Maine Schools. Already implemented in over 450 New England schools, the program is sponsored by the Melanoma Education Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Peabody, Mass., that is having a major impact on skin cancer education in New England. In the 25 to 29 age group, melanoma is the most prevalent cancer and, among women of ages 30 to 35, it is the leading cancer killer. Vulnerability begins at age 12. Schools interested in adopting the program and offering the class will receive a free lesson plan, student video, early detection bookmarks for their students, and a teacher resource CD, all at no cost. To date, 14 Maine schools have been trained in the program. Health teachers, school nurses or administrators interested in bringing the program to their school may call the Melanoma Education Foundation at 800-259-1633, email MEF@skincheck.org or visit http://www.skincheck.org.

Know Your Numbers is a cholesterol screening offered by SMMC Visiting Nurses on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. An appointment is necessary and there is a $15 fee for this service. FMI: 985-1000.

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.

Hospice of York's Living with Loss weekly bereavement support group will begin its spring session on March 29 for 10 weeks. Living with Loss 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. FMI: call 363-7000.

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.

Curves of York is accepting donations for the Ninth Annual Curves Food Drive to benefit local food banks. Residents wishing to donate may drop off nonperishable food items at York's Curves, Monday through Saturday, during business hours through the month of March. FMI: 363-9637

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