OPEN FOR THE SEASON. On June 7, Historic New England celebrates the opening of its historic house museums by welcoming visitors free of charge. Come hear about the people and stories of coastal New Hampshire and Maine as you tour houses that range from the circa 1664 Jackson House in Portsmouth, N.H., which chronicles the evolution of rural life over three centuries, to the majestic Colonial Revival interiors of the Hamilton House of South Berwick, pictured here. In York, the circa 1718 Sayward-Wheeler House, located at 79 Barrell Lane Extension, overlooks the fishing boats and pleasure craft moored in the York River. The house's interior contains what is considered to be one of the best preserved 18th-century furnishing schemes in the country. All seven of Historic New England's Piscataqua Region museums will offer tours beginning at 11 a.m. with the last tour at 4 p.m. on June 7, including properties in Portsmouth and Exeter, N.H., and in South Berwick. FMI on all the Historic New England properties and events, visit www.historicnewengland.org or call (603) 436-3205.
Courtesy photo
EVENTS
Coming Events at the Wells Reserve include Bird Banding Demonstrations from 7 to 11 a.m. on June 4, 11, 18 and 25; Bird Walk with York County Audubon at 7:30 a.m. on June 7 and 21; Preschool Program: Flower Features, an introduction to flowering plants for ages 3 to 5, on June 19 at 10 a.m., with reservations required, and Marine Animal Rehabilitation in Maine, an evening lecture with a suggested donation of $5, on June 26 at 7 p.m. FMI: 646-1555 or www.wellsreserve.org.
Continuous Serve Roast Beef Dinner will be offered by Union Congregational Church in York Beach on June 7 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults and $4.50 for children ages 10 and under. Reservations are not required. The food will be deliciously prepared and if you invite your friends the good company will be unparalleled!
Lobster or Steak Dinner to Support the Troops. Join the VFW on June 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for your choice of lobster or steak, with hamburgers or hotdogs for the children, all to raise money for the VFW Troop Fund. Admission is $25 for adults and $4 for children. There is also a 50-50 raffle for the troops with only 155 tickets to be sold. Call Post 6977 VFW at 363-9827 for all the details.
The Garden Conservancy's Open Days Program features self-guided tours on June 28, July 26 and Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. of one of York's best private gardens. No reservations required; rain or shine. The garden features formal and informal borders, orchards, ocean views, and collections of various flowering trees and shrubs at Braveboat Harbor Farm, the garden of Calvin and Cynthia Hosmer, 110 Raynes Neck Road, York. The cost is $5 per person, payable on site by cash or check, and children under 12 are free. FMI: www.opendaysprogram.org or (888) 842-2442.
The Maine Fiber Frolic will be held at the Windsor Fairgrounds in Windsor on June 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Fiber Frolic is a family-oriented celebration of fiber animals and the fiber arts- - spinning, weaving, dyeing, felting and rug-hooking. Attractions include hundreds of animals, workshops, demonstrations, free lectures, and products for all ages to enjoy. Special events include herding dog demonstrations, kids' activities throughout the weekend, the Maine Llama Drill Team Parade, youth goat, llama and sheep shows, fleece show and the ME Sheep Breeders' Association Wool Pool. Produced by the Maine Alpaca Association. Admission is $4, with $2 for seniors and free admission for children under age 12 free. FMI: www.fiberfrolic.com or 688-4208.
EXHIBITS, MUSIC, THEATRE AND MORE
"The Anatomy of Trees" is a juried exhibition at Heartwood College of Art through June 6. It features work by local artists and those new to the Heartwood Gallery. All work is for sale. FMI: 985-0985 or www.heartwoodcollegeofart.org.
Botanical Art Class will be held June 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension York County Office in Springvale. The day will start with basic drawing, then move on to using pen and ink on your drawing and finish with adding a watercolor wash. The instructor, Judith Kinsman, has taught children and adults for years. Her website, www.judithkinsman.com, shows some of her watercolor paintings. The class minimum is 10 and maximum is 15. The cost is $60 with $30 as a deposit when you register and the balance due on the day of class. Registration is required by June 10. The pen for the pen and ink portion is included in the class cost, and any other supplies required will be listed for those who register. FMI on payment or registration, call 324-2814 or (800) 287-1535 or e-mail stkacik@umext.maine.edu.
First Exhibition of the 2008 Season at the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion Site features 15 master colorists who will exhibit the intense beauty of the rainbow in their paintings and jewelry at the Colorfest Exhibition at the Coolidge Center for the Arts through June 15 on the grounds of the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion at 375 Little Harbor Road in Portsmouth, N.H. Admission is free and the gallery is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. or by appointment.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch tells the story of fourth-wall smashing East German rock 'n' roll goddess, Hedwig Schmidt. A brutally honest musical theatre experience to startle your soul. Performances will be Thursday nights at MaineStreet in Ogunquit from June 5 through Aug. 28 at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, general admission, and are available at the door. The outrageous and unexpectedly hilarious story is dazzlingly performed by Hedwig in the form of a rock gig/stand-up comedy routine, backed by hard-rocking band "The Angry Inch," with text by John Cameron Mitchell and music and lyrics by Stephen Trask.
Maine Art Gallery's 50th Juried Exhibition will open June 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the historic Old Academy Building on Warren Street in Wiscasset. Member artists from all over the state have submitted artwork to this competitive exhibit. The Maine Art Gallery exhibits the works of over 150 artists living and working in Maine and hosts public lectures and art instruction. This exhibit runs thru July 6. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. FMI: www.maineartgallery.org or 882-7511.
StoneCrop Gallery Opening Reception for Yoav Horesh will be held June 14 from 2 to 6 p.m. Stonecrop Gallery is located at 805 Shore Road in York. FMI: 361-4215 or www.stonecropgallery.com.
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. FMI or to request an application for this year's camp, call (800) 227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
Cancer Community Center offers a variety of programs. On June 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. is the workshop Support for Caregivers, which will review possible physical side effects from cancer and treatment as well as the emotional impact on the patient, family members and friends. The class will also offer caregivers a chance to learn information about caregiving in addition to suggestions for maintaining their own mental and physical health. Lunch is provided and the class is free but participants must call to register. On June 11 "Crazy Sexy Cancer" author and documentary director Kris Carr will talk about her journey as a 35-year-old cancer survivor. Call to reserve tickets to this free event that promises to be inspiring, uplifting, funny and full of hope. The talk will be held in Hannaford Hall on the Portland USM Campus. Rejuvenation & Movement is offered every Monday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon as a drop-in class, free of charge. This class incorporates light aerobic exercise, strength training and flexibility, is geared to individual needs and is a great way to get back on your feet after cancer surgery and/or treatment. On June 24 the Melanoma Support Group will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This free drop-in group is led by trained facilitators and combines education and support about melanoma. The Cancer Community Center is located at 778 Main St. in South Portland. FMI: www.cancercommunitycenter.org or 774-2200.
Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Baby. Help your baby sleep better, digest easier, be happier and stay healthier with Itsy Bitsy Yoga, starting June 5. Classes meet for six weeks from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the price is $68. FMI or to register, visit www.childlightyoga.com or call (603) 781-3323.
SMMC Visiting Nurses Pre-Diabetes Class will be held June 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at SMMC Visiting Nurses, 72 Main St., in Kennebunk. 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, space is limited and the fee is $10. FMI: 985-1000.
The Wilderness Heals Annual Pledge Hike is one of New England's most challenging all-female fundraising hikes. Register by June 20 and join other women from July 18 to 20 for a hike through New Hampshire's White Mountains to help raise $125,000 for The Elizabeth Stone House in Boston, Mass. The Stone House serves women and their children who have experienced mental illness, domestic violence and substance abuse. Choose from four trail options, including a backcountry option. Three out of the four routes offer hikers overnight accommodations in AMC huts. Each team of four to six women will include an experienced team leader. The fundraising minimum is $1,200. Hiker registration fee is $50. There is one remaining information session June 4 at 6 p.m. at The Elizabeth Stone House, 8 Notre Dame St., Roxbury, Mass. FMI and to register, visit www.elizabethstone.org or call (617) 427-9801, Ext. 415.
WORKSHOPS AND ENRICHMENT
Workforce Development Series. Are you unemployed, underemployed, semi-retired or recently laid off from work and want to re-enter the workforce? This series includes 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.
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! FMI about our current activities 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 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
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
Aerobics, Yogalates and Weight Training classes are available at York Fitness Center, Route 1, in York. FMI: 363-4090.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Calendar Raffle to Benefit Melanoma Education Foundation supports skin cancer teacher-training and student materials in New England schools. Each ticket enters 31 drawings, starting July 1. Prizes include overnights at Sheraton Boston and Hotel Lenox, gift cards up to $150 each at gourmet restaurants, as well as many others. Tickets are $5 each, 3 for $10 or 7 for $20 and are tax-deductible. To order tickets by mail, send check or money order to MEF Calendar Raffle, PO Box 2023, Peabody, MA 01960. FMI: info@skincheck.org or (800) 259-1633.
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.
Center for Cultural Interchange offers area residents an opportunity to participate in cultural exchange. Both American students and potential host families are provided this chance through the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI), a nonprofit organization. North East Regional Director Skye Luce is currently looking for families who are interested in hosting a high school age exchange student from Brazil, China, Korea, Japan, Spain, Germany, Hungry and other European countries during the upcoming school year and is also eager to introduce local students to the possibilities of studying abroad through CCI's short-term and academic year programs for American students. CCI is dedicated to promoting cultural understanding, academic development and world peace. CCI is designated by the United States Department of State as an exchange program sponsor. On the basis of materials submitted and reviewed, the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel grants full listing to CCI in the Advisory List. The CSIET mark certifies that this organization complies with the standards set forth in the CSIET's standards for international educational travel programs. FMI: (866) 495-0342 or sluce@cci-exchange.com.
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 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 Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. FMI: 363-2177.
