CLASSES AT HEARTWOOD. Nationally recognized printmaker Don Gorvett, whose reduction woodcut "Vincent Cove Twilight" is seen here, will teach a one-week, one-credit course with his assistant Sean Hurley on "The Reduction Woodblock Print" at Heartwood College of Art in Kennebunk from Feb. 25-28. Gorvett, a master of the reduction woodcut print, recently spoke about his work at the Louis Graves Library in Kennebunkport. Gorvett and Hurley will teach participants in the Heartwood course how to create their own reduction woodcut prints, a fascinating technique that involves cutting an image into a block of wood in layers so that each layer prints a color and, after that color is printed, the layer is carved away. As the layers are printed and cut away, the original woodblock print is destroyed. Gorvett's work is in the collections of the Currier Museum of Art and the National Geographic Library in Washington, D.C., the Portland Museum of Art, the Ogunquit Museum of American Art and the Cape Ann Historical Association. Hurley, a talented printmaker, has exhibited his work in New Hampshire galleries, as well as at the Boston Printmakers Student Biennial. His work is currently being shown at Gorvett's new gallery, Piscataqua Fine Arts in Portsmouth, N.H. Award-winning children's book illustrator Wade Zahares will also teach a new course in Story/Book Illustration on Tuesday afternoons from Jan. 7 to May 2, and Heartwood will offer a variety of community classes this winter, beginning Jan. 14. Advanced registration is required for all classes, and enrollment is limited. For all the details, call 985-0985 or visit http://www.heartwoodcollegeofart.org/.
Courtesy photo
The Annual Meditate for Peace Day will again be held on Jan. 1 at the Aryaloka Buddhist Retreat Center. This event is intended to generate a positive force of loving-kindness and peace for all beings through the collective practice of meditation. Meditations begin at 6 a.m. and conclude at 6 p.m. Any and all are welcome to attend for one session or for any time span during the entire day. Each meditation session will begin on the hour, with guided meditations taking place at 8 a.m., 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. During the unguided sessions, participants are welcome to do a meditation of their choice. Refreshments, beverages and snacks will be served throughout the day, and lunch will be provided during the break from noon to 1 p.m. The Aryaloka Buddhist Retreat Center is located at 14 Heartwood Circle in Newmarket, N.H. FMI: (603) 659-5456, info@aryaloka.org or http://www.aryaloka.org/.
The Caring Unlimited Seventh Annual Atlantic Plunge will be held Jan. 1 at 10:30 a.m. at Gooch's Beach in Kennebunk. Anyone willing to jump into the Atlantic Ocean on New Year's Day can make a difference in the lives of hundreds of women and children in York County who are experiencing domestic violence. Last year, Caring Unlimited assisted 3,566 individuals affected by domestic abuse through a variety of programs and services, including our 24-hour confidential hotline, emergency shelter, transition housing, legal assistance, support groups, school-based prevention education and community response programs. Participants in this year's plunge will help Caring Unlimited continue to meet the needs of York County community members experiencing domestic violence. For each $100 in pledges raised and turned in by 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, plungers will be eligible for a chance to win a Dell Inspiron Laptop or an Apple iPod Nano. Pledge forms are available on the Caring Unlimited website at http://www.caring-unlimited.org/ or by calling 490-3227, Ext. 100.
Maine Backseat Driver Poster Contest is sponsored by the Maine DOT to encourage fourth-graders across the state to spread the word about work zone safety. Students are asked to design a poster with an accompanying slogan that encourages safe driving in work zones. In addition to the contest, teachers can download curriculum related to driving safety to help teach students about mapping, road signs and highway safety. During the past ten years, more than 7,000 work zone related crashes in the state of Maine have caused more than 3,400 injuries. The Backseat Driver contest is designed to teach students the dos and don'ts of driving safely in work zones - and to encourage them to be "backseat drivers" by reminding their parents to drive safely, too. Contest winners will share $2,400 in prize money for classroom activities, and the top 12 entries will be showcased in a new, full-color calendar to be distributed around the state. FMI or to download contest rules and the registration form, visit http://www.mainebackseatdriver.com/. All entries must be postmarked by Jan. 31.
Manatees Make Splashy Holiday Gifts and make it easy to "green up" your holiday gift-giving. Eco-friendly shopping is more popular than ever, and a unique gift that also says you care in a huge way about the world around you, is a manatee adoption from Save the Manatee Club. To adopt a manatee for a loved one this holiday season, contact Save the Manatee Club at 500 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland, FL 32751; call (800) 432-JOIN (5646) or visit http://www.savethemanatee.org/.
Un-Schooling Club offers a chance to meet, socialize, have fun and take field trips. On Dec. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. enjoy the Flea Market of Fun and Pot Luck of Fun. Take some time to kick back, relax and catch your breath amidst the Holiday hustle, or you can drop your kids off and finish up your last-minute Christmas preparations. The choice is yours! Anyone interested in some "old fashioned" Christmas Caroling later that evening? Let us know! Simply register your children for any of our events and activities! Register with Janalee at 361-2116 or janaleemoquin8@yahoo.com. There will be no programming on Dec. 27 and 28.
YCSA Thrift Shop Dollar Sale continues through Dec. 22. Find bargains on collectibles and vintage clothing, all for just $1 each. New merchandise will be offered each day and proceeds benefit the York Community Service Association. FMI: 363-2510.
EXHIBITS, MUSIC, THEATRE AND MORE
Inn on the Blues offers a New Year's Party with The Bruce Marshall Group to ring in 2008 on Dec. 31. Want to know more? Check out http://www.innontheblues.com/.
Jane Morrison Memorial Film Fund Fellowships are now available. Filmmakers in the early stages of their careers are encouraged to apply for a Morrison film fellowship through the Maine Community Foundation. The deadline for applying for the fellowship is Jan. 15, and recipients will be notified in late February. For complete guidelines and a list of 2007 winners, visit http://www.mainecf.org/. FMI: (877) 700-6800.
The Met @ The Music Hall will feature three opera broadcasts in keeping with the motto, "World class opera, close-to-home, reasonable price." On Jan. 1 at 1 p.m. it's "Hansel and Gretel" with conductor Vladimir Jurowski as the perfect affordable family outing for New Year's Day as you introduce the kids to opera with one of their favorite fairy tales! On Jan. 5 at 1 p.m. there will be a rebroadcast of conductor Plácido Domingo presenting "Roméo et Juliette" featuring international superstar Anna Netrebko. On Jan. 12 at 1:30 p.m., conductor James Levine leads Verdi's "Macbeth" in this dark, World War II take on the classic by former head of the Royal Shakespeare Company Adrian Noble. FMI: visit http://www.themusichall.org/.
Musicians Needed. Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kennebunk is in the process of formulating a contemporary Christian worship service to be held on Saturdays from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., beginning in February. The format of this service will be informal and welcoming, with 20th- and 21st-century music, video and other non-traditional elements. 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 actively seeking musicians for a worship band to lead the service, particularly drums, guitar, bass, or any other instruments that lend themselves to contemporary music, as well as vocalists to lead singing. Rehearsals will be once a week. FMI: call Music Director Warren King at 985-8759, e-mail kennebunkking@verizon.net or visit http://www.kennebunklutheran.org/.
The York Singers will present the second concert in their 35th Annual Christmas Program on Friday, Dec. 21, at the Immaculate Conception Church on Summer Street in Portsmouth, N.H. The concert is at 8 p.m. and is free to the public, though contributions are welcome. Since 1973, The York Singers have specialized in a cappella choral music from the 16th century to the present. Any and all interested listeners of any age are cordially invited to come, hear and be inspired. Singers interested in joining The York Singers are encouraged to contact Dr. Bill Wieting at 363-5258 or billwieting@usa.net for further information.
HEALTH AND FITNESS
Cancer Community Center, a gathering place for activities, wellness and support, offers Rejuvenation and Movement on Dec. 27. Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St. South Portland. FMI: 774-2200 or http://www.cancercommunitycenter.org/.
ChildLight Yoga offers new classes in the weeks ahead. Itsy Bitsy Yoga Classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers begin in Dover, Portsmouth, Stratham and South Berwick starting Jan. 10 through 15. ChildLight Kids Yoga Classes begin in Dover, Portsmouth and South Berwick starting Jan. 12 through 15. Circus Yoga for Families with children 6 years old and up will be held Feb. 3 and April 8 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Classes fill quickly! Register at http://www.childlightyoga.com/ or (603) 781-3323.
Look Good Feel Better Program is being offered in York by the American Cancer Society. Sessions will be held in York every month, at alternating locations. FMI: (800) 227-2345.
Seacoast Family YMCA on Peverly Hill Road in Porstmouth, N.H., offers winter classes. Beginner belly-dance class runs Jan. 5 through Feb. 23 from 11 a.m. to noon and the cost is $25 for members and $50 for nonmembers. Pi/Yo Fusion Class, a great blend of Pilates and Yoga, runs Jan. 7 through Feb. 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the cost is $15 for members, $30 for non-members. TaiChi Class runs Jan. 8 through Feb. 19 from 6:30 to 7:25 p.m. and the cost is $21 for Y members and $42 for nonmembers. Gift certificates for YMCA classes make a great stocking stuffers! FMI or to register, call (603) 431-2334.
WORKSHOPS AND INFORMATION
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 Southern Maine Agency on Aging has produced a DVD to help people eligible for Medicare choose and enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan. The do-it-yourself DVD is for those who have a DVD player and a computer, so the DVD can be paused while steps are taken on the Medicare.gov website. "Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage" is available free by request. FMI: (800) 427-7411 or http://www.smaaa.org/.
ONGOING
ART, DANCE, EXHIBITS, MUSIC, THEATRE
Barefoot Boogie Portsmouth 2007 at the Portsmouth Ballroom Dance Studio on 948 Route 1 Bypass in Portsmouth, N.H. 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 http://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: http://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: http://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.
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
Child Light Yoga offers Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Little Families, Family Yoga and Kids Yoga. FMI: www.childlightyoga.com or call Lisa at (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 http://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 http://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.
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.
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 10th Annual Mary's Walk and Kerrymen Pub Road Race is now underway with early-bird registration. FMI: visit www.maryswalk.org or call (866) 627-2411.
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 http://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: http://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 http://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.
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 http://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.
Un-Schooling Club Seeks Support. Do you own a business in town, have a special talent, have an interesting job or have a wealth of information that you're interested in sharing about any subject? Could you spare a few hours and enlighten some really great kids who'd love to take a tour of your business, learn a new talent, learn about your job, listen to your insight and experience what you have to offer? Our Un-Schooling Club-A LA CARTE would love to talk with you! FMI: call Janalee at 361-2116 or e-mail janaleemoquin8@yahoo.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 http://www.cape-neddick-baptist.org/.
First Parish Congregational Church's worship services are at 9 a.m. FMI: 363-3758 or http://www.firstparishyork.org/.
Ogunquit Baptist Church's Sunday service is at 9:30 a.m. FMI: 646-2160.
St. Christopher's Catholic Church holds Masses on Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 7:30 and 11 a.m. FMI: 363-4177 or visit http://www.stchristopheryork.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 http://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.
