SIGNS OF SPRING AT SCIENCE CENTER. The Seacoast Science Center's nature program for preschoolers is gearing up to present its Spring I session. Pictured here, tots learn the "ropes" of exploring nature at the Seacoast Science Center's "Big Fish Little Fish" program in Rye, N.H., as Senior Naturalist Marilyn Gilmour explains how a lobster trap works. Registration is now open for the spring session that begins March 11. In the Spring I session, walk the woodlands to the pond and watch for the male red-winged blackbird, who has returned to establish his nesting territory. Learn all about bumblebees and see what is about to hatch in the pond mud, and walk to the Drowned Forest and see what the winter waves have washed up on the rocky beach. Offered on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday mornings, for ages 18 months to 3.5 years, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., or Friday afternoons, for ages 4 to 5, from 12:30 to 2 p.m., BFLF meets once a week for six weeks. The cost per child is $91 for Seacoast Science Center members; $114 for nonmembers, and financial assistance is available. To learn more, call (603) 436-8043, Ext. 20, or visit www.seacoastsciencecenter.org.
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FACULTY RECITAL. Hear Robert Gans at the piano on March 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Woodfords Congregational Church Sanctuary, 202 Woodford St., in Portland as part of the Portland Conservatory of Music Faculty Recital Series. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors/students and free to conservatory members. Gans, who teaches piano, music theory and composition and jazz and rock studies, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the State University of New York at Oswego. His principle piano teacher there was Anthony Crain, DMA. After one semester of post-graduate study to round off his education, he returned home to New York City to pursue his music interests as a teacher, performer, arranger, composer, copyist and music student of composer Roland Trogan, concert pianist John Contiguglia and others. He has performed his own works and the works of others in a variety of styles and settings and recently completed original compositions include "Rhapsodic Variations" and "Collage" for piano; "Trio for Piano, Violin and Cello" in three movements, and "Awakening and Escape from the Abyss" for string orchestra, which is the first movement of a projected three-movement ballet suite in progress based on John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost." He is currently working on the second and third movements of "Paradise Lost" and the revision of his musical fantasy drama, "The Skyladder." Gans joined the faculty of the Portland Conservatory of Music in 2005. He is a member of the American Composer's Forum and the Maine Music Teacher's Association and a performing member of the Portland Rossini Club.
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SWAN DAY! On March 29, nine Maine playwrights - all women - will present their works at the first "Swan Day" at the University of New England Art Gallery, 716 Stevens Ave., Portland, from 4 to 6 p.m. The program is free to the public, with donations accepted to benefit the gallery and earmarked to support the work of female artists. Light refreshments will be provided by the Maine Women Writers Collection, the endowed sponsor. This event is hosted by Laura Emack of Prospect, one of the playwrights featured with the play; "An Army of One." She is joined by Kennebunk author/playwright Danie Connolly presenting "The Widow's Snowman;" playwright Carolyn Gage, "Calamity Jane Sends a Message to Her Daughter;" Joye Cook-Levy, "Boys Counting Down;" Robin Byrd with "Me My Fiddle and Momma," and Karmo Sanders, Wendy Schweikert; teen writers Kimberly Grindle and Julia Clapp, with works to be announced. All of the plays will be staged readings with a maximum 15-minute length each. For more information about this performance, contact Laura Emack at lkecpa@prexar.com.
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EVENTS
Children's Museum of Maine: Auction 2008 will be held April 11 at 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn By The Bay, Portland. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door. All proceeds from AUCTION 2008 support the Museum's educational programs and exhibits. FMI: lucy@kitetails.com or 828-1234 x222.
East Meets West Shop Hop will be held March 13 through 16. Enthusiastic quilters will pile into their cars and vans to join the fourth annual event. Area participating shops include Cottage Herbs Craft and Quilt Shop, Berwick, 698-5507; The Fabric Garden, Barrington, N.H., (603) 868-2002; Knight's Quilt Shop, Cape Neddick, 361-2500, and Little Lamb Quilt Shop, Barrington, N.H., (603) 664-6711. Passports may be purchased at any of the participating shops for $7.50, which includes a complimentary tote bag and an information booklet. Participants who visit all nine shops in Maine and New Hampshire will be entered in the grand prize drawing for a sewing machine or a $100 gift coupon for use at one of the shops. For all the details, visit one of the local shops.
First Annual Whisker Walk, a multi-organizational walk for homeless pets, organized by the Animal Shelter Inc., Sterling, Mass., will be held June 8 at the Lancaster Fairgrounds, Lancaster, Mass., just 30 miles from Boston. It promises to be the biggest dog walk for homeless pets ever staged and will draw participants from throughout New England. The purpose of the walk is to raise money and awareness for homeless pets and the organizations that participate. Sponsorships are available at many levels. FMI: leigh13@ix.netcom.com or (978) 422-8585.
Portsmouth Christian Academy 13th Annual Benefit Auction will be held March 15. A silent auction will run from 7 to 8:30 a.m. The live auction will run from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Items will be on display at the school for preview on March 14 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This auction offers an amazing array from furniture, antiques, autographed memorabilia, vacation trips and one-of-a-kind items to themed treasure chests by each classroom. All proceeds from the auction go into PCA's financial aid program for families who desire a Christian education but cannot afford the full tuition. Portsmouth Christian Academy is located at 20 Seaborne Drive, Dover, NH. FMI: visit www.pcaschool.org or call (603) 742-3617, Ext. 142.
The Rally Against Cancer is held in conjunction with the return of the World Series Champion Red Sox to Fenway Park for the season home opener on April 8 to help the Jimmy Fund strike out cancer. Schools and businesses are asked to start a team as soon as possible to try and raise the most contributions. The winning team in each category will win a visit from second baseman Dustin Pedroia. Every team must designate a coach to help build the roster and the team's fundraising total, which will be calculated at 11 p.m. on April 8. Credit card payment is preferred. Teams must be within a two-hour drive of Boston to win the Pedroia visit. FMI or to sign up, visit www.rallyagainstcancer.org or contact Charles Savicki at (617) 632-5420.
St. Patrick's Day Dinner, hosted by Union Congregational Church on Church Street in York Beach, has become a popular annual event. This year, this celebration of the Wearin' o' the Green will be held on March 15 and will be served continuously from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Revelers will feast on traditional corned beef and cabbage with all the fixings. Admission is $9 for adults and $4.50 for ages 10 years and younger. Reservations are not required.
Union Congregational Church Easter Observances. The church continues its all-year ministry with an invitation to all townspeople and visitors to join them at the following local Holy Week observances: March 16, 10 a.m., Triumphant Palm Sunday Worship Service at the church; March 20, 7 p.m., Sepulchral Maundy Thursday Service at the church; March 21, noon, Contemplative Ecumenical Good Friday Service at St. George's Episcopal Church, York Harbor; March 23, 6:30 a.m., brief but inspirational Easter Sunrise Service at the Nubble Lighthouse, followed immediately by a complimentary breakfast at the church, to which all are invited and, also on March 23 at 10 a.m., Joyous Celebration of Easter Worship Service in the church sanctuary.
The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve offers special events in March. On March 20 from noon to 1 p.m., Bridget Coullon talks about the amazing, adaptable hummingbird in this free presentation. Come see photos and hear about these remarkable little birds, including our own ruby-throated hummingbird, the tiny bee hummingbird of Cuba, and the many species of Costa Rica and Ecuador. This is a free, informal presentation open to the public. Bring a brown-bag lunch. Coullon is an avid worldwide birder and is active with York County Audubon Society. She has traveled extensively throughout Central and South America and recently returned from a birding expedition to Ecuador. On March 29 from 10 a.m. to noon, naturalist and Wells Reserve docent Eileen Willard makes sure you are familiar with the characteristics of the various tree species that grow at the Wells Reserve, even before their leaves come out. The program fee is $2 for members of Laudholm Trust and $4 for nonmembers. Reservations are required. FMI: 646-1555 or www.wellsreserve.org.
EXHIBITS, MUSIC, THEATRE AND MORE
Connected by Color, an exhibition of paintings by three women artists, is on view at River Tree Center for the Arts in Kennebunk through March 24. The show features Leslie Doherty, Barbara Heintz and Kathy Morrissey. An opening reception will be held March 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. FMI: 967-9120.
Heartwood College of Art "Goes Fishing" Again. The college has put a whole new school of unique, artist-designed wooden fish up for bid to raise funds for Heartwood programs. Artists throughout the state of Maine and beyond have designed and created fish in the following categories: Fanciful Fish, Flowery Fish, Factual Fish, Food Fish, Functional Fish, Funny Fish, and Feng Shui Fish. The fish, which include trout, salmon, bass and the occasional "shiner," will be auctioned online by cMarket, Inc., a Cambridge, Mass., organization focused on supporting nonprofit organizations. A portion of the proceeds returns to the artists, and the balance goes to support Heartwood College of Art - the undergraduate art program, "Boomer U," community workshops and summer art camps, and the Heartwood Gallery. The online auction runs through March 16. To bid at the online fish auction, simply log onto the Heartwood Fish Art Auction at www.heartwoodcollege.cmarket.com or go straight to Heartwood's website at www.heartwoodcollegeofart.org and hit the "Fish Art Auction" button. FMI: 985-0985 or hca@heartwoodcollegeofart.org.
John C. Merrill, Seacoast Artist will have his artwork, including his most recent stained glass works, on display at the TD Banknorth on Long Sands Road in York Village through the month of March. You are invited to stop by the bank and check out his work. FMI or if are interested in a specific piece, please call John at 351-1017.
Portland Conservatory of Music Noonday Concerts continue with Nordica Trio with viola, clarinet and piano, on March 6; Harold Stover organ recital on March 13, and prize winner Will Bristol at the piano on March 20. All concerts begin 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.
Size Doesn't Matter is a presentation by Heartwood College of Art in Kennebunk of high quality artwork on a small scale by over 35 artists. The exhibition will take place at the Heartwood College of Art Gallery through March 23. Admission is free. The works of art on display in "Size Doesn't Matter" vary in size, but all images must measure no larger than 25 square inches. As the title of the show suggests, visitors to this exhibition will be impressed by the magnitude of the artistic talent displayed, despite the small size of the exhibited pieces. The Heartwood exhibition is a juried show featuring work in acrylic, watercolor, pastel, hand-colored etching, textile and assemblage. All artwork is for sale, offering the opportunity for buyers to purchase a high quality, original piece of art at an affordable price. FMI: 985-0985 or visit www.heartwoodcollegeofart.org.
HEALTH AND FITNESS
American Cancer Society's Free Summer Camps offer a place where kids who have cancer can join in dozens of fun activities, meet other kids and families and feel more confident about living with cancer. All camps are free. American Cancer Society camps combine the traditional softball, swimming and s'mores with a medical staff prepared to meet the special needs of campers who are being treated for cancer. Caring counselors lead activities tailored to different age groups and medical professionals are available 24 hours a day. In Maine, Camp Rainbow is held the week of June 15 to 21 at Bangor YMCA Camp Jordan in Ellsworth. Camp Rainbow has been in operation since 1987 and is a special place where kids with cancer can simply smile, laugh and play. FMI or to request an application for this year's camp, call (800) 227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
The Cancer Community Center is a non-profit community center located in South Portland that provides support, information and activities at no charge for adults living with cancer, their families and friends. There is no referral needed and no official intake process to take part in the activities and programs we offer. The Center is open to all Mainers. Every Wednesday in March from 6 to 7:30 p.m. is Open Group. This group is a networking and support group for adults who have or have had any type of cancer. This group will allow participants to explore experiences common to all types of cancer. Friends and family are welcome, too! Come share resources, exchange ideas and make connections with others whose lives have been affected by cancer. On March 22 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. its Live2Thrive Coffee Talk, a casual gathering with coffee and treats for young adult cancer patients and survivors ages 21-45-ish. This group wants to get up off the couch, get stronger, live life and thrive! Meet, share resources and make connections. Plan off-site gatherings and activities like indoor rock climbing, biking and more. FMI: www.cancercommunitycenter.org or call 774-2200.
Pre-Diabetes Class is being offered by SMMC Visiting Nurses on March 18 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at their 72 Main St. location in Kennebunk. The fee is $10, and you'll learn what is normal and abnormal blood sugar, how pre-diabetes is diagnosed, ways to reduce your risk of getting diabetes, what foods affect your blood sugar, how to read fool labels and much more. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. FMI: 985-1000.
Seacoast Family YMCA on Peverly Hill Road in Porstmouth, N.H., offers a variety of classes. Physioball Class every Thursday morning at 8 a.m. Come join us for a great class focusing on strength and stability. TurboKick is every Monday and Thursday evening from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. A fun class that combines punches and kicks of traditional kickboxing with some dance and traditional aerobic moves. Ballroom Dance Class is offered on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 p.m. starting March 25 and running for five weeks at a fee of $25 per couple for members, $50 per couple for nonmembers. Belly Dancing is offered Saturdays at 11 a.m. with a new session beginning March 8 for eight weeks at a price of $24 for members, $48 for nonmembers. FMI or to register, call (603) 431-2334.
SMMC Visiting Nurses Diabetic Support Groups will resume on March 10 at 6:30 p.m. in Biddeford and on March 24 at 7 p.m. in Kennebunk and continue monthly through June 2008.
York Hospital Offers Yoga Classes at its Yoga Center located at the Heart Health Institute, for persons of 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 (IYNAUS). The Yoga Center at the Heart Health Institute is located at 127 Longs Sands Road, York. FMI or to register, call 351-3700. For new participants, your first yoga class is free.
WORKSHOPS, SUPPORT AND ENRICHMENT
Caring Unlimited invites interested community members to join efforts to help victims of domestic violence and their children. Training for individuals interested in answering Caring Unlimited's 24-hour confidential hotline begins on March 20 and runs twice weekly until May 1. FMI: contact Monique Libby at 490-3227 ext. 111.
Cooking for Crowds: A Volunteer's Food Safety Training is a five-hour workshop offered by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension to teach up-to-date methods for safely handling and preparing food for large groups. The workshop is appropriate for nonprofit food providers such as churches, fraternal organizations and civic groups. The workshop cost is $10 per person and participants will receive a Cooking for Crowds Food Safety Manual, instant-read thermometer, posters and a certificate of attendance. The workshop will be offered March 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Union Congregational Church, York Beach, with a registration deadline of March 17. Register with Visa or Master card by calling Lois at 780-4205 or (800) 287-1471 or mail in your registration with a check payable to CCEA (Cumberland County Extension Association) putting "Cooking for Crowds" and the class date in the memo section to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Cumberland County, Attn: Lois Elwell, P.O. Box 9300 Portland, ME 04104-9300.
Divorce Support Group. Catholic Charities Maine Family Life Institute will be offering an eight-week support group for those who are divorced or in the process of divorcing at Our Lady of Peace Church in Berwick starting Wednesday night , March 26, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This program, which is used throughout the country, is called "Divorce & Beyond." Participants use a workbook to discuss the difficulties and emotions that occur during and after a divorce. The group is open to the general public and all faiths, but it is necessary to register for the program. To help create and maintain a safe atmosphere for sharing, no new participants are allowed after the second session. The cost for the program is $20. FMI and to register, contact Catholic Charities Maine Family Life Institute at (800) CARE-002 Ext. 2670 or e-mail: familylifeinstitute@ccmaine.org.
Enjoy Your Garden with Containers and Raised Beds, a day-long program on small-scale gardening is being held throughout the state of Maine at 11 locations by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Each workshop begins with check-in at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. Gardeners should bring a lunch; beverages will be provided. The fee of $5 covers printed handouts and workshop materials. A limited number of scholarships are available. Pre-registration is required. FMI or to register: 743-6329 or (800) 287-1482 or e-mail bmurphy@umext.maine.edu. Southern Maine dates and locations include March 11, Woodford's Congregational Church, Portland, and March 17, UMaine Extension's York County office, Springvale.
Essentials of College Planning Workshops are offered with MEOC Advisor Tina McDonald. This free, interactive workshop outlines the four steps in the college process: admissions, financial aid, career planning and study skills. FMI or to register: (800) 281-3703.
The Family Resource Center in Kittery offers an array of programs. An Introduction to Autism and Asperger's will be held Apr. 15 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for $20 per participant. What is autism and Asperger's? How are they different? What should parents and teachers look for and how can you work to identify each one? Also learn what you can do for the child in the home setting and at school to increase the successes of the individual, and then also a look at the resources in the area available to families. This workshop is a must for any person who lives with or works with young children. Presented by Jill Larson of Our School Nursery School will be An Introduction to the S.T.E.P. Program (Systematic Training to Effective Parenting) on March 19 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for $15 per participant. Have you had times when you just did not know how to handle a situation with a child? We all have had times like these. Join us in discovering the four goals of misbehavior and how to respond to each one of them. FMI or to view a complete listing of all the programs available at the Family Resource Center, visit www.connectingfamiliestogether.org.
The Inner Circle of Northern New England, a peer advisory group for owners, entrepreneurs and corporate officers of small- to medium-sized businesses on the Seacoast, will hold its first meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn in Portsmouth on Wednesday, April 2, at 8 a.m. For information about joining the group or the qualification process, contact Dr. Donald Sweet at donsweet@InnerCircleNH.com or call (603) 501-9922.
MEMIC Horizon Scholarship Program offers a $5,000 scholarship to a deserving student or students whose parent or spouse was seriously hurt as a result of a workplace injury. Students must complete the application and all its requirements by April 11 to be considered for the scholarship. The Horizon Scholarship was developed in 2000 by the MEMIC Board of Directors as a way of acknowledging the difficulty that a workplace injury can place upon the hopes and dreams of family. MEMIC has presented scholarships each year since 2001 to the spouse or child of workers who have been seriously hurt as a result of a workplace injury. This year's scholarship for $5,000 will bring the total since 2001 to $50,000. Applicants will be judged on their past academic transcripts, citizenship and future promise. Students must be attending (or planning to attend) an accredited college or university and MEMIC will pay the school directly upon receiving bill. Employer of injured worker must have carried MEMIC as its workers' compensation insurer at the time of injury. FMI: (800) 660-1306 www.memic.com.
Monhegan Artists' Residency for emerging Maine artists is accepting applications. Formerly called the Carina House Residency, this summer the program will provide one visual artist with the opportunity to live and work on Monhegan for five weeks. The deadline for application is March 31. Send application materials to Monhegan Artists' Residency Corporation (MARC), P.O. Box 187, Thomaston, ME 04861. Applicants will be notified on or before April 30. The program consists of a five-week residency during the summer of 2008. Entry is open only to Maine residents and is aimed at emerging visual artists working in a wide range of media, including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture and the digital arts. The Monhegan Artists' Residency Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by individual donors, art galleries, corporate sponsors and foundation grants. FMI: www.monheganartistsresidency.org.
Nonviolent Communication Retreat at Aryaloka Buddhist Center in Newmarket, N.H., will be held March 20 to 22. This is a basic training retreat for nonviolent communication. The cost for this retreat is $375 and includes lodging and vegetarian meals. To register please call (603) 659-5456 or e-mail info@aryaloka.org. FMI: www.aryaloka.org.
State Parks Reservations are now being accepted by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL). In 2008, the Bureau is celebrating its 20th anniversary of offering camping reservations to state park visitors. During those 20 years, more than 4.5 million campers have enjoyed the hospitality of Maine's state parks. FMI or to make reservations, visit www.campwithme.com; call (800) 332-1501 or mail reservations to: Bureau of Parks and Lands, ATTN.: Reservations, 22 SHS, Augusta, ME 04333.
The Seacoast Transition Symposium is a free seminar being offered by agencies serving residents with developmental disabilities to address the transition from the school-age years to adulthood. The symposium will be held April 7 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Elk's Lodge, 500 Jones Ave., Portsmouth, N.H. The event will address issues such as wills and trusts, vocational rehabilitation and life planning. Attendees are asked to RSVP before March 31 by contacting Bob McCaffrey at bobzacmac@aol.com or (603) 427-0791.
SMMC Visiting Nurses Monthly Diabetes Support Groups are held at two locations and are open to all those who live with diabetes as well as family, friends and caregivers. These free sessions are to offer you support as well as to keep you updated on the latest treatment available in the management of diabetes. Groups are offered at the Richard Martin Community Center in Biddeford on the second Monday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 or 8 p.m. and at SMMC Visiting Nurses in Kennebunk on the fourth Monday of each month from 7 to 8 or 8:30 p.m. FMI: 985-1000, 283-7680 or (800) 794-3546.
Supporting Military Youth and Families Workshop. Operation: Military Kids is a nationwide initiative that supports children of deployed soldiers in the National Guard and Reserves. Operation: Military Kids in collaboration with Department of Education, Maine National Guard Child and Youth Services, Air and Army Reserves, Maine Afterschool Network, and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension will present a one-day workshop on March 20 at the Portland Armory with the goal of educating school personnel, after school care providers and other community groups who work with youth about the stressors and issues facing military youth. FMI, to register for either workshop or to become involved in Operation: Military Kids, contact Karen Hatch Gagne, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development at (800) 287-1481 or karenhg@umext.maine.edu.
Tibetan Buddhist Study Group is held on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at the West End Studio Theatre, 959 Islington Street, Portsmouth N.H. Presented by Kagyu Dak Shang Choling, a study group in the Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, affiliated with Kagyu Thubten Choling Monastery in Wappinger's Falls, N.Y., under the guidance of Lama Norlha Rinpoche. All are welcome and no experience is necessary. There is no charge, but donations are welcome. FMI: (207) 439-9338 or www.nhkagyu.org.
Workforce Development Series. Are you unemployed, underemployed, semi-retired or recently laid off from work and want to re-enter the workforce? This series consists of four modules that address workplace communication skills, career exploration, educational opportunities, personal finances and marketing tools for employment: Assertiveness/Workplace Communications, March 31 and April 2; Creating Your Future, Mondays and Wednesdays, April 7 to 30; Marketing Yourself For New Employment, May 5, 7 and 12, and Assertiveness/Enhancing Workplace Communications, June 2, 4, 9 and 11. Modules may be taken individually, in combination with other modules or as an entire series. All modules are free and will be held at University College at Saco from 9 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m. Registration is required. FMI and to register, contact Women, Work and Community at 286-1722.
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. FMI: (603) 659-5009.
Bel-Tek, an annual free music festival held in Belmont, includes visual and performing arts, fire-breathers, dancers, painters, sculptors, a graffiti art competition and video installations. Organizers are seeking visual and performance artists to display their work or perform at the 2008 festival, Aug. 2 and 3 FMI: 664-8993.
Dance Street Studio, York and Kittery's local dance and theater studio, offers an array of classes. FMI: 363-1222 or wdancest@yahoo.com.
Just Us Chickens Artist Co-op is located at 29 Government St. in downtown Kittery and is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. FMI: 439-4209.
Kripalu DansKinetics at Spinnaker Point Recreation Center, Spinnaker Way, Portsmouth, N.H. DansKinetics is a unique blend of yoga and dance. 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 Red Door Gallery Shop is now open at 44 Government St. in Kittery, featuring pottery, handmade jewelry, weaving, used books, sports memorabilia and more on display Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. until the end of December. FMI: 439-5671.
RiverCurrent Studio/Art Gallery on the corner of Lindsay Road and Mill Dam in York Village features assemblage, collage and mixed-media sculpture and is open daily and by appointment. FMI contact Rosalind Fedeli at 351-3262 or visit www.rosalindfedeli.com.
Seacoast Undercurrent, a gallery devoted to contemporary art in downtown Portsmouth, N.H., showcases emerging artists working with all kinds of contemporary media and practices. FMI: www.ellogallery.com.
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.
The Diverse Business Advantage Chapter of BNI meets every Thursday at Sentry Hill at 2 Victoria Court, York Harbor. Meetings are held from 8 until 9:30 a.m. and all visitors are welcome. FMI or reservations: call Catherine Bosbach at 363-2418.
The International Women's Club of New England (IWCNE) meets for lunch on the fourth Saturday of every month with an international speaker. IWCNE is non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian, and its mission is to foster goodwill, friendship, and understanding amongst members from different countries and to support charities which assist women and children. FMI: 985-7433.
The Sanford/Springvale Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) Council meets every third Tuesday of the month from 2 to 3 p.m. All are welcome to attend. FMI: call SALT President Michelle Matt at 490-7606.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization chartered by Congress in 1939 to assist the United States Coast Guard with all of its missions, excluding law enforcement. Members teach boating safety classes, provide free vessel safety checks, provide safety literature at boat shows, perform on the water safety patrols, and harbor watch patrols. The Saco Bay Flotilla meets the second Thursday of every month at the Saco Yacht Club at 7:30 p.m.
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
ChildLight Yoga Classes for Baby, Toddler, Preschool, Kids and Families begin in early March at the following locations: Dover, Portsmouth, North Hampton, Stratham, Wells and South Berwick. Classes are six weeks and pre-registration is required. FMI: visit www.childlightyoga.com or (603) 781-3323.
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.
Kindergym is offered by York Parks and Recreation Department and no pre-registration is required. FMI: 363-1040.
The Southern Maine Agency on Aging facilitates a monthly support group for people assisting older adult loved ones. Unpaid family and friends who are helping spouses, parents, siblings and friends are invited to come and talk about the challenges and rewards of care-giving with other people in similar situations. The group meets on the third Wednesday of the month from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Rice Public Library in Kittery. FMI: 439-6989 or (800) 427-7411.
York Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of sports and activities. FMI: 363-1040 or parksandrec.yorkmaine.org.
HEALTH
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.
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 Cancer Community Center is a non-profit community center located in South Portland that provides support, information and activities at no charge for adults living with cancer, their families and friends. There is no referral needed and no official intake process to take part in the activities and programs we offer. The center is open to all Mainers. FMI: www.cancercommunitycenter.org.
Hospice of York's Living with Loss is a bereavement support group offered 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. Sessions are held seasonally 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.
Melanoma Support Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland. FMI: 774-2200 or www.cancercommunitycenter.org.
The Special Needs Parent Network (SNPN), a group of parents from the KEYS region dedicated to providing support, resources and information to families who are raising a child with Special Needs, meets the last Friday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Family Resource Center at Landmark Hill in Kittery. FMI: contact Marcia Flinkstrom at 384-5041 or mflinkstrom@comcast.net or Lisa Richard at 324-5501 or bugsnlola@msn.com.
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 drivers to offer cancer patients safe and friendly transportation to treatment appointments. FMI: (800) ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.
Caring Unlimited, York County's domestic violence program, is looking for the help of supportive volunteers, specifically in the Biddeford and Kittery areas. FMI: 490-3227, Ext. 126, or e-mail jarena@caring-unlimited.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. FMI: www.dahmw.org, call (866) 786-0758 or e-mail communityresourcecoord@dahmw.org.
The Melanoma Education Foundation is seeking volunteers to help raise melanoma awareness. FMI: (800) 259-1633, e-mail MEF@skincheck.org or visit www.skincheck.org.
Operation Homefront-Maine is providing Easter baskets to children of our military service members. The nonprofit organization needs your help and is requesting donations from the local community to make the holiday special. "We need everything from baskets, grass, candy, stuffed animals, basket wraps, and other items to be able to put together these baskets for the children," said Donna Chapman, chapter president. "Even if you can only donate one small item, we are very grateful. These families are stretched thin with all the sacrifices they have made and they deserve our help in return." Operation Homefront helps in a wide variety of emergency situations experienced by military families, especially when the service member is deployed. Most recently, Operation Homefront-Maine assisted several military families with food assistance, rent assistance, utilities, heating oil, and disaster assistance as well as Christmas. If you would like to donate for an Easter dinner, Operation Homefront has many convenient drop-off locations. FMI: 321-1321 or www.operationhomefront.net/maine.
Seacoast Democrats C.F.L. Program is raising awareness of clean, alternative energy in Southern Maine. You can help continue this successful project by donating $5 and receiving your own CFL. The money raised from these donations allows us to continue to provide affordable housing units with free bulbs. CFLs are available at the Seacoast Democrats Headquarters located in the Meadowbrook Plaza on Route 1 in York. FMI: 363-9235 or info@seacoastdems.com.
Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine's Crisis/Support Hotline is in urgent need of volunteers to train as advocates for the 24-hour crisis and support hotline. FMI or an application, call (800) 313-9900, e-mail infosars@sarsonline.org or visit www.sarsonline.org.
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. FMI: (866) 786-0758 or dahmwdirector@gmail.com.
York Hospital's Bridges Program is currently seeking volunteers to help assist patients with the transition from the hospital to home. Volunteers have various duties and a flexible schedule, and help make a difference in a person's life. FMI: Call Greg Perchik in York Hospital's Volunteer Office at 351-2221.
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 a.m. FMI: 363-3758 or www.firstparishyork.org.
Ogunquit Baptist Church's Sunday Worship is at 9:30 a.m. with nursery care. Children's Sunday School is during worship time. Adult Sunday School is 10 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: 363-4177 or visit www.stchristopheryork.com.
St. Francis Of Assisi American Catholic Church of New England Sunday Mass is at 9 a.m. with the Most Rev. Rosemary Ananis at 952 Post Road (Route 1) Wells Plaza West. This diverse and growing small faith community has an active community outreach program, a growing children's ministry and a monthly Bible study. Come and experience the Spirit alive and well! FMI: 332-7761 or rananis@maine.rr.com.
St. George's Episcopal Church's schedule is Sunday at 7:45 a.m. for Holy Eucharist, Rite II, spoken; 8:45 a.m. for Spiritual Formation; 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 and 9:15 a.m. is Morning Prayer. Thursday at 10 a.m. is Holy Eucharist, with healing optional. FMI: call 363-7376, e-mail office@stgeorgesyorkharbor.org or visit www.stgeorgesyorkharbor.org.
Union Congregational Church in York Beach offers year-round Sunday services at 10 a.m., followed by a time for fellowship with refreshments. Sunday School, nursery care and parking are provided. Also offered are opportunities to join adult studies and discussion groups. This small, friendly church welcomes new people, new ideas and any who choose to be involved with a God-loving community of faith. 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. FMI: 363-2177.
