ART OF THE PLAY, producers of the Norman Rockwell plays being performed in August of 2008 in the Kennebunks, has announced that Tina Ambrose of Artists Promotions has been selected to coordinate the art exhibit for "Saluting Norman Rockwell's Small Town America. "Maine artists have been asked to create a painting using Norman Rockwell's Saturday Evening Post illustrations as the inspiration for the artwork. It must be original, have the same nostalgic affection of small-town America and a clear connection to Norman Rockwell's art. Ambrose said she is delighted to be part of this prestigious weekend that will not only celebrate America's favorite illustrator but showcase the incredible talents of area artists. To find out more, call 985-3331 or e-mail tina@artistspromotion.biz.
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URBAN SEEN: IMAGES OF CITY LIFE AT PMA. The dense visual experience provided by urban life has long been an inspiration for painters, printmakers and photographers, and this spring, the Portland Museum of Art presents an exhibition that explores artistic responses to the serendipities of city life in Portland and other metropolitan environments from the mid-19th century to the present day. Drawn predominantly from the museum's permanent collection, "Urban Seen" features more than 25 paintings, prints, pastels and photographs that document, interpret and idealize monuments, buildings, streetscapes and neighborhoods - visions that capture the scale of life in the American city. Artists represented Seen include Phil Barter, Roger Deering, John Dowell, Stephen Etnier, William Wallace Gilchrist, Julee Holcombe, Yvonne Jacquette, Susan Leites, Scott Peterman, Italo Scanga, Robert Solotaire and Lois Leonard Stock. Seen here is Solotaire's "View from the 11th Floor, Night," from October 1978, oil on masonite, Portland Museum of Art, gift of the artist, 1980.160. The Portland Museum of Art is Maine's largest art museum and showcases fine and decorative arts from the 18th century to the present. The museum is located at Seven Congress Square in downtown Portland. For more, call 775-6148 or visit www.portlandmuseum.org.
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EVENTS
The 22nd Annual Chocolate Lover's Fling will be held April 6 at 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland to benefit Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM). Proceeds directly support SARSSM services that include support and advocacy to victims of sexual assault, educational and awareness-raising programs and community outreach. General admission tickets are $20 each. VIP tickets - for those who prefer their chocolate served and their taste buds pampered - are $50.
All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast will be held March 29 from 8 to 10 a.m. at Applebee's in Newington, N.H. Purchase your tickets in advance at the Seacoast Family YMCA for $5 or for $7 at the door. Proceeds to benefit the YMCA's fitness, aerobic and primetime departments. FMI: (603) 431-2334.
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.
Chili and Dessert Cook Off will be held March 28 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Christopher Church, 4 Barrell Lane, York. You are invited to enter a chili or dessert and try to win a prize and ribbon, and admission is just $5 per person. FMI: 363-4177.
Earth HourTM is set from 8 to 9 p.m. on March 29 as communities across the world turn off their lights for just one hour to show it's possible to take action on global warming. Sign up to Earth Hour by visiting the Sierra Club Maine Chapter website at www.sierraclub.org and you receive all the information you need to make Earth Hour happen at home and at work as part of this free event.
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.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church Easter Celebrations include March 22 at 5:30 p.m., with a service of joy and thanksgiving at Christ's resurrection. Two services will also be offered on Easter Sunday morning, a contemporary service with worship book and hymnal, as well as special music, at 8:30 a.m., half an hour later than usual for this service, and a traditional service with choir and brass ensemble at 10:45 a.m. Traditional Easter refreshments, such as hot cross buns, will be offered between the two Sunday services. Holy Cross, the only Lutheran Church in York County, welcomes all who care to strengthen their faith, whatever their background, including those with no church background. The church is located at the corner of Storer and Lord Streets in downtown Kennebunk, about midway between the roundabout and Main Street, with two parking lots. FMI: 985-4803 or www.kennebunklutheran.org.
Holy Week at First Parish Church continues with the Good Friday Tenebrae Service on March 21 at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. A Tenebrae Service is a service of Light and Darkness based on the Seven Last Words of Christ upon the Cross. Spirituals will be sung by various members of the church and are interspersed with the readings. Easter Sunday Worship will be at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. The Portsmouth Brass Works will be adding special music along with Gina Connelly, soloist. The Senior Choir will perform under the direction of Wendell S. Purrington. Rev. Linda Hirst will share a message for children of all ages and Rev. Rich Knight will be giving the sermon. First Parish Church is located at 180 York St. in York Village. FMI: 363-3758 or www.firstparishyork.org. Submitted by Rev. Rich Knight, senior pastor.
Malcolm X meets Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Portsmouth Branch of the NAACP will host a theatrical production of the Jeff Stetson play, "The Meeting" on April 7 from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. This event will be held in the third-floor meeting room of New Hampshire Suites and Company, 1 New Hampshire Avenue, at the Pease International Tradeport. Performed by UNH students and members of the UNH Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, this play is a dramatization of a fictional meeting between Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It embodies the two leaders' visions on race, racism, power and democracy in America, and explores the very human people they also were, beyond their iconic status. The evening will also include a post-performance question-and-answer period with the actors and director. This free program is part of the University of New Hampshire's Discovery program dialogue and critical analysis of democracy. FMI: contact NAACP Portsmouth Branch President Fred Ross at (603) 749-6362 or naacpnhseacoast@aol.com, or visit www.seacoastnaacp.com.
Optima Bank & Trust Grand Opening is set for March 27. The Seacoast's only locally-owned commercial bank will be having a celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. at its newly-opened headquarters at Two Harbour Place on Portsmouth's waterfront. Hors d'oeuvres, desserts and beverages will be served. FMI: (603) 433-9600, visit www.optimabankandtrust.com or stop by the bank during its business hours or attend the grand opening celebration.
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.
Tune Town Fab Four-th Anniversary. The owners and staff of TuneTown Music Gear & Studios in Wells are thanking the community for a fourth successful year of making music with an All-Day Open House on March 22 kicking off a month of special events in both the store and recording studio. From 10 a.m. to noon, guitar and bass enthusiasts are invited to "Donuts with the Luthier," a free seminar hosted by master luthier Max Kay. Attendees may bring their own instruments in for a free eight-point evaluation. Then from noon to 5:30 p.m., the workshop will be transformed into a performance space for an all-ages open mic. Solo and duo artists are invited to sign up right away to secure a spot under the lights. There will be plenty of refreshments and door prizes throughout the day. Meanwhile, next door in the TuneTown Recording Studio, master engineer Giorgi Baino will be running demonstrations on the full range of available audio and video services. Watch as she conducts a live studio recording, from set-up and microphone placement, to editing and mastering. Bring your unfinished projects in for an evaluation. Beginning on April 2, Baino will be conducting a series of weekly free workshops on all aspects of recorded music from copywriting, to digital formatting to marketing. A signup sheet with all the details will be available at the March 22 Open House. TuneTown is located at 932 Sanford Road in Wells. For more, call 641-8863 or visit www.tunetownmusicgear.com.
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 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 presents naturalist and Wells Reserve docent Eileen Willard March 29 from 10 a.m. to noon. 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.
York Paddle Tennis Club Open House will be held March 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you've driven by the corner of Mill Lane and Route 91 and wondered what the recently built, chicken-wire raised cage is, the answer is the York Paddle Tennis Club. Paddle Tennis, also known as Platform Tennis, was developed in the 1950s here in New England by tennis fanatics who wanted to play in the winter. The sport is a hybrid of tennis, squash and racquetball; shots can be hit after the bounce and off the wires. Because of this, cunning and patience can outfox strength, so beginners have an easy time becoming adequate players. The game flourished and is now played in nearly every northern and middle tier state. The York Paddle Tennis Club, which is seeking new members, invites the public to come by and take a look at this very popular sport that has just made its debut in York County. FMI: e-mail: cfox@binswanger.com or visit www.yorkcommunitymaine.org/yptc.
EXHIBITS, MUSIC, THEATRE AND MORE
The American Boychoir will perform April 2 at 7 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, 101 Chapel St., Portsmouth, N.H. Come and hear one of the premier American children's choirs right in downtown Portsmouth. An incredible opportunity that is usually only available in bigger cities! Tickets are a suggested donation of $15 and $10 for seniors and students. Children under 12 are free. This is a must-see for families. FMI: (603) 436-8283.
Call for Entries for "Earthday: Junkture." Heartwood College of Art announces a call for entries for the upcoming exhibition "Earthday: Junkture - An Assemblage From Found Objects" to open April 22 and run through May 2. All work will be for sale, with 70 percent of the proceeds given to the artist and 30 percent to support Heartwood College of Art. Artists are invited to submit work dealing with the subject "Environmental Concerns" in any medium except computer-generated images. All work must be professionally presented and entries, in the form of photos or digital files, are due by April 4. Artists will be notified by April 11. There is an entry fee of $8 per image or $20 for up to a maximum of five images. Accepted work must be framed (3-D work must be wall mounted) and ready for hanging by April 18 and should be accompanied by a one-sentence artist's statement. FMI: 985-0985 or www.heartwoodcollegeofart.org.
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. FMI: 967-9120.
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.
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. FMI: www.cancercommunitycenter.org or call 774-2200.
"Curve Appeal" at York Plastic Surgery. If you've considered making some changes in how you look but are unsure what approach is right for you, be sure to join us for the next "Girls Night In the Office" at York Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Center on April 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 12 Hospital Drive. This free event will address some common cosmetic surgery procedures and options to enhance your curves or minimize them. Videos of these procedures will be shown and board-certified plastic surgeon Sarah W. Holland, M.D., will answer questions. Refreshments, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. Registration is required as space is limited. FMI: 351-3001 or www.yorkps.com.
Heart Health Institute Weight Management Program concentrates on permanent lifestyle changes instead of dieting. "Don't Weight to be Healthy" begins March 27 and meets for 10 weeks from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The cost is $129. Weekly classes include a supervised exercise session at our state of the art fitness center. The program's focus is on your individual nutrition, stress management, and fitness requirements. Heather Romao, MS RD LD and Sundie Gentry, certified yoga and fitness instructor facilitate. The program will fill up fast so sign up early. This is our last session this season. Full access to the fitness center for 10-weeks during hours of operation plus orientation to the equipment can be included for only $30 more. FMI: 351-3700.
Jacki's Dance Aerobic Program is now accepting registration for classes beginning the week of March 31. Fitness leader Jacki Sorensen created her nationally recognized program of "serious fitness fun" over 30 years ago. This class appeals to those who want the benefits of regular exercise but also want to be motivated to stick with a program. The program combines the fun of dancing with the health benefits of a balanced workout. Each hour consists of stretching, strengthening and easy-to-follow aerobic dance moves. Everyone participates at his or her own level. Classes will be offered Monday and Wednesday mornings from 8 to 9 a.m. or Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5 to 6 p.m. at the York Beach Fire Department. The session begins the week of March 31 and ends the week of June 2 and the cost is $80 for residents, $90 for non-residents or $110 full program fee. here is a $10 discount for seniors. If you have any question as to whether this class is right for you, try a one class for free. FMI: 363-1040.
Lacrosse Registration for Grades 3 through 8. York Recreation Department will be offering a third- and fourth-grade in-house program on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. at the Bog Road Fields. There may be weekday practice. All players will need goggles, mouth guards, gloves and sticks. Practice time will focus on rules, techniques and skill development such as throwing, catching, cradling and shooting along with the rules of the game. This league will be mostly instructional with time set aside for noncompetitive play. Lacrosse for grades 5 and 6 and for grades 7 and 8 is a limited program for up to 25 players. Our lacrosse league will begin around mid-April and will run through to mid-June at Bog Road fields. Boys and girls at this level will have their own teams. The league will once again focus on skill development, throwing, catching cradling and shooting. Weeknight and weekend games will be scheduled with surrounding area towns, so be prepared to travel. This program requires a major commitment of time. A typical week will include at least two practices and a season of 10 to 12 games. Registration is ongoing through April 9 and the cost is $60 for residents and $70 non-residents. FMI: 363-1040.
Register now for York Recreation Department T-Ball and National League Baseball. T-Ball is a six-week program designed for boys and girls ages 5 to 7 years of age to teach the basic rules and skills of the sport as well as promote team play and sportsmanship. At this level the majority of players hit from a tee. Seven-year-old boys and girls are eligible to participate in the next level up if parents feel they are ready. National League Baseball is a developmental baseball program for boys ages 7 and 8. All hitters are pitched to from the mound or a pitching machine is used and particular emphasis is placed on skill development. Pre-season scrimmages are held at the end of April. Coaches should report to the Parks and Recreation Office on April 23 at 5 p.m. and opening day for both levels will be April 28. Registration is $50 for residents, $60 for non-residents. FMI: 363-1040.
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.
Yoga on York offers a variety of styles and levels of mind-body fitness classes including yoga classes ranging from Gentle Yoga up to Power Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, NIA - a fabulous dance fitness class, and Pilates-Yoga Fusion. FMI: www.yogaonyork.com or call 363-YOGA.
York Hospital Yoga Center, located at the Heart Health Institute, offers yoga classes for persons of all abilities. Seated yoga for those with limited mobility is offered as well. The Yoga Center has recently added instructors and increased the number of classes offered. 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
The 15th Annual Maine Garden Day will be held April 12 at the Central Maine Community College in Auburn. This annual extravaganza features over 35 gardening workshops from local gardening experts; a tradeshow with educational displays as well as plants, seeds and tools for purchase. FMI or to register, contact the University of Maine Cooperative Extension at (800) 287-1482 or 743-6329 or find the brochure online at www.umext.maine.edu. The cost of this daylong gardening extravaganza is $40 and includes breakfast, lunch and all workshops.
American's Boating Course will be offered beginning April 10. This course is approved in all states that require boater education. You will learn everything you need to know to be a safe boater on inland and coastal waters. Topics include boat selection, navigation rules, legal requirements, equipment, emergency procedures, and trailering. The course starts April 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and includes nine sessions at the Old Orchard Beach High School. The course fee is $75 and includes a color booklet and interactive CD-Rom. Presented by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Saco Flotilla 24 through the Old Orchard Beach/Saco Adult Education program. FMI or to register: 934-7922 or www.oobsacoadulted.com.
American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days continue as local Hannaford stores will be selling bouquets of 10 fresh daffodils from March 25 to March 29, or while supplies last, for a $10 donation. All proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society. FMI: (800) ACS-2345.
Container Gardening for your patio, deck or other outdoor living space using flowers or vegetables is offered by UMaine Extension Master Gardener Volunteers and Kelly Tarbox of Springvale Nurseries on April 5 from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at Springvale Nursery. The workshop will cover the basics of container gardening including which plants to use, how to arrange them, the best soil mediums for containers, and water and fertility needs. There will be a hands-on portion of the workshop and each participant will be able to go home with a small potted container. There is a $5 fee, payable day of workshop, and pre-registration is required by calling 324-2814 or (800) 287-1535 or by e-mailing sheilad@umext.maine.edu. The workshop is limited to 20 participants.
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.
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. 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.
The Kids Can Grow Youth Gardening Program, organized by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, combines hands-on gardening classes with the children building and maintaining their own raised bed vegetable, flower and herb garden at home. Master gardener volunteers work with the children at home as volunteer mentors, guiding them through the garden season. The five-part series of classes are held on Saturdays from April to August at the Crossroads Methodist Church in Sanford, and this year a special class will be held at the Culinary Center of York County Community College, where the children will learn food preparation techniques as part of the final Harvest Celebration. The cost of the Kids Can Grow program is $20 and applications due by April 9. FMI: (800) 287-1535 or dflint@umext.maine.edu.
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.
Pruning Fruit Trees and Woody Ornamentals with UMaine Extension Master Gardener Volunteers will be held on April 5 from 11 a.m. to noon at Springvale Nursery to learn the essentials of pruning the home orchard and small flowering trees and shrubs. There is a $5 fee, payable the day of the workshop and pre-registration is required by calling 324-2814 or (800) 287-1535 or by e-mailing sheilad@umext.maine.edu. The workshop is limited to 35 participants and may include a site walk in mud or snow, so dress accordingly.
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.
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 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.
Club A La Carte is the place where home-schooling and un-schooling families can meet, socialize, have fun and take field trips together! The club is meeting twice a month for field trips and pot-luck luncheons. Simply register your family for any of the club's events or activities. On March 28 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. join us for our very first pot-luck luncheon at St. Aspinquid Masonic Lodge on Long Sands Road in York. Bring a healthy food item such as fruits, veggies, cheeses or snacks to share and a simple activity such as games, cards or books for an afternoon of food, friends and fun. FMI or to register, contact Janalee at 361-2116 or janaleemoquin8@yahoo.com.
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.
The York Democratic Town Committee promotes the principles of the Democratic Party in the town of York, the state of Maine and the nation through voter education and election of duly nominated candidates. All registered Democrats who reside in York are eligible for membership and are invited to attend the next meeting, which will be held on April 13 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Seacoast Democrats headquarters in the Meadowbrook Plaza, 647 Route 1, York.
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.
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.
The Seasonal Workers Program of York is dedicated to helping the many seasonal workers who come here to live and work during the summer. If you have an adult-sized bike - new or old - in reasonable working order that could be donated to the program, we will be happy to take it off your hands. Please help make the experiences of our international students both positive and memorable. They will be very appreciative of your response to this appeal. The SWP will be happy to pick up your donated bike. FMI: igive@maine.rr.com or 363-4214, Ext. 2113.
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 in York has Sunday services at 9 and 10:45 a.m. FMI: 363-3758 or http://www.firstparishyork.org/.
Holy Cross, the only Lutheran Church in York County, welcomes all who care to strengthen their faith, whatever their background, including those with no church background. The church is located at the corner of Storer and Lord Streets in downtown Kennebunk, about midway between the roundabout and Main Street, with two parking lots. Regular Sunday services at Holy Cross are at 8:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., and the Saturday service continues at 5:30 p.m. FMI: 985-4803 or www.kennebunklutheran.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.
