Black News

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

(CBM) – The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) was established in 1967 when African American members of the California Legislature, under the leadership of former State Sen. Mervyn Dymally, came together to address issues faced by Black Californians.

The origins of the CLBC date back to 1918 when Frederick M. Roberts was elected to the California State Assembly. Roberts was the first African American to serve in the California State Legislature. In those early years, legislative efforts focused on abolishing laws and policies that restricted African Americans from fully exercising their civil, social and political rights.

Among these initiatives was a bill authored by Roberts in 1921 that prohibited the publication of education materials that portrayed negative images of people of color. Roberts also authored landmark civil rights legislation in 1919 and 1923, guaranteeing African Americans access to public accommodations.

During the 1960s, members believed that a caucus representing concerns of the African American community would provide political influence and visibility far beyond their numbers.

Today, the CLBC consists of 12 members.

Throughout its history, the CLBC and African American members of the legislature have been instrumental in crafting and supporting legislation that fosters racial and gender equality as well as advancing an agenda that assures quality health care for all, focuses on employment and economic security, and advocates for justice for all Californians.

During the 2024 legislative session, the CLBC hopes to secure funding for critical programs and organizations working to improve the lives of Black Californians.

In addition, the CLBC will continue to support programs that encourage academic excellence. Two examples are the caucus’s Frederick M. Roberts college scholarship program, which provides scholarships to college-bound students, and the African American Leaders For Tomorrow program, a training institute for high school aged students.

California Black Media spoke with Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), chair of the CLBC, about the organization’s priorities, challenges and plans for the next legislative session.

What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

The 12 members of the California Legislative Black Caucus collaboratively develop and advocate for policies addressing economic justice, education, healthcare, criminal justice reform, and other issues impacting Black Californians. In 2024, the Caucus is prioritizing a reparations legislative package in response to the historic two-year Reparations study and report.

What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

In 2023, the Caucus achieved legislative success by securing significant investments for institutions and programs supporting Black lives and advancing justice totaling more than $320 million dollars. Additionally, we introduced 10 legislative priorities, with three chartered into law.

Our nonprofit arm raised close to $3 million, funding our signature events and programs, like our annual Frederick Roberts college scholarship program, which supported 150 students this year with

$3,500 awards, and our annual African American Leaders for Tomorrow program at California State Dominguez Hills.

In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Housing, education, public safety and equity across the board remain the most significant challenges.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

Despite our best efforts to pool resources and collaborate with strategic partners, the ongoing challenge is the insufficient funding to address the breadth of issues faced by Black communities.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

Absolutely. We are actively preparing for the 2024 legislative fight for reparations. Two of our caucus’s seasoned legislators, Sen. Bradford and Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer, served on the reparations task force. From the two-year study, we have created a framework to achieve legislative and budget wins as well as to work collaboratively with strategic partners up and down the state.

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?

We encourage all Californians to support Black legislators and join the movement to advocate for a better California for all, ensuring fair, just, and equitable representation. Participation is crucial for creating positive and transformational change in California.

Public school funding

Collier County Public School students scored impressively on the required 2023 state testing.

47 out of 50 CCPS schools earned an A or B rating. Great teaching! Florida public school teachers should be commended for their success amid adverse conditions. The defunding of Florida’s traditional public schools while promoting public tax funds to private schools and corporate for-profit charter schools has been clearly established. While Florida ranks #1 nationally (Ed Choice) in public tax dollars for private schools (many religious), it ranks near the bottom in funding public schools. A Bus.org state by state study of average teacher salaries compared to other occupations ranks Florida 48^th in the nation.

Governor DeSantis proposes increasing educational per pupil funding a mere 2% ($174).  The Naples Daily News reports that Florida has a significant shortage of teachers, bus drivers and other educational employees.  Enrollment of educational majors has declined dramatically. Is the educational employee shortage being exasperated by the governor and extreme political groups falsely declaring critical race theory is being taught and that teachers are indoctrinating students? Will book banning and the uncertainty of legal teaching guidelines hinder creative classroom lessons?

Will the 2024 Florida Legislature continue to explore ways to further defund traditional public school students’ education? Is it time to freeze funding for private schools until public school teacher salaries reach the national average? Is it time to require applications for new charter schools to demonstrate a clear population need and a unique curriculum? Parents of public-school students need answers.

Richard Woodruff, Naples

Climate crisis

The past year was annus horribilis (a terrible year) for our planet. The hottest year on record was 2023 and every year in this century is included in the top 25 hottest years. All sorts of man-made, not natural, disasters are caused by the increasing heat. Rather than talk of climate change, it is more appropriate now to call this a climate crisis.

Americans who are very self-centered care little about people in poor countries suffering from droughts, floods, excessive heat, wildfires, etc. They show a bit of sympathy when climate disasters occur in the U.S., but only for a short time. 

What is astonishing is seeing my fellow Americans who are parents and grandparents unconcerned about the future environment. They support Republican politicians who care little about the climate crisis in our country, in our world. Imagine the world your descendants will be living in around 2050. Are you doing anything today to make that a better future world?

Jim Douglas, Naples

Access to Sanibel

The bridge to Sanibel was not built until the early 1960s. Before then boats and ferries were used. Someone could make money ferrying people, workers, tourists to the island. There’s a nice ferry from Pine Island to Cayo Costa as a current example. There could also be a tram to take people to work, school, beaches. Employers could make that a benefit for employees. A park and ride could be built on the mainland as well.

Sharon Provinzano, North Fort Myers

MAGA Republicans

Nikki Haley was recently quoted saying “normal people aren’t obsessed with Trump.” So MAGA Republicans, her and Trump’s voter base, are not normal? Who knew (besides everyone else)? I won’t vote for her but absolutely agree with her on this point. 

Wilburn P. Reed, Fort Myers

Why are immigrants needed?

A recent contributor posted a lot of numbers about where immigrants are coming from but she never explained just why America needs more immigrants (America needs immigrants – 12/13).

She said America has a population of 334 million so is there a particular number of immigrants that she thinks we need? Does she realize that the number of immigrants entering our country illegally are overwhelming social services in the border states and in sanctuary cities?

She’s going to have to be a little more specific when she says “Bottom line: America needs immigrants a lot more than immigrants need America.”

Rick Manuel, Dade City

Congress must act on debt

Washington is broken.  Politicians spend 40 percent more than revenue.  Debt is expected to reach $50T shortly.  Each taxpayer will owe $200,000 of that debt. This crisis needs addressing.

Politicians (both parties) ignore reining in spending.  A devalued dollar and prolonged inflation is at risk.  Debt interest payment today is $1T, more than our defense budget.  CATO Institute’s Romina Boccia research identified a way to reduce spending and stabilize debt.    

The Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) was created to advise presidents and Congress what defense bases should be closed without Congress actively voting to close them.  BRAC gave recommendations to the president who passed them to Congress for review.  If within 45 days there was no House and Senate disapproval it became law.

The bipartisan Problem Solver House Caucus proposed a BRAC type commission to review and recommend how to reduce both spending and debt.  This fiscal commission, made up of economic, public finance, health care and retirement security experts, would review all spending, including entitlements, and tax expenditures.  Recommendations would be verified by the GAO and CBO before being sent for presidential approval then forwarded for congressional scrutiny.  Recommendations become law in 45 days unless both House and Senate disapprove.

Prior failed fiscal commissions relied on congressional members to reduce spending.  A BRAC type fiscal commission is a failsafe approach to put pressure on Congress to act.  Contact Congress to support this fiscal commission and include it in the budget being voted on in January. 

Frank Mazur, Fort Myers

Religious hypocrisy

Just when we thought things couldn’t get worse in Congress, they have. Republicans choose Mike Johnson to be speaker of the House, a man who is a religious hypocrite, having just compared himself to Moses in the Bible. He and other Republicans call Trump the “Orange Jesus.”

Nothing could be more insulting to a real Christian.  Obviously Johnson has forgotten the teachings of Jesus.  They should take his Bible, put it in a basket and float it down the Mississippi for a true Christian to find. 

Speaker Johnson is a liar himself, and supports the biggest liar, con-man and crook in America − Donald J. Trump.   Trump doesn’t have a religious bone in his body, and has conned millions of Christians, mostly evangelicals.  He wouldn’t know where a church was located, unless it was on the way to a golf course.

I’m an Air Force veteran during the Korean War, and, in my opinion, any veteran who would vote for Trump in 2024 has a serious head problem.

Trump is a coward who received at least three deferments during Vietnam, because of bone spurs in his feet.  I believe the spurs are located in his small brain. Trump called U.S. soldiers killed and buried in Europe during World War II suckers.

He called America hero John McCain a loser, because he was shot down and captured in Vietnam, spending six years in prison.  Trump also wanted four-star Gen. Milley’s execution for protecting America.

Speaker Johnson was one of the architects of the Jan. 6 insurrection in 2021, and he voted NO on the certification of President Biden’s election; that is treason to me.  Now he wants to blur faces on a video of the insurrection, so as to protect the criminals from prosecution by the FBI and DOJ.

E. L.  “Bud”  Ruff, Naples

Happy holidays for who?

Who are the happy holidays for?  Those  citizens whose funds and well-being are squeezed by inflation?  Those families and loved ones who lost those thousands to drugs brought across our border, that Biden swore an oath on his inauguration to protect?

Those true citizens forced from their homes.

Those thousands of women who now have mental problems or second thoughts after aborting their fetuses.

Instead it is the radical Democrat leadership that is happy with the progress dividing our citizens, destroying the constitutional values that protect Americans. Happy with the deceit and repeated untruths, hoping they are believed, if said enough. Even the “progressives,” big tech; really as socialists, are gleeful. The big sanctuary cities, satisfied with the increase in homelessness, crime, filth as supported by their mayors and councils.

Burke Cueny, Naples

Investigate shell companies

Sunday’s paper on page 38A had an article that is truly investigative journalism. It described in detail a shell company owned by Rep. James Comer, who is one of the high profile role players in the Biden impeachment investigation. We know the name of the shell company, the ownership, what is in it (land), where the land came from, when it was formed, the initial and current value, who it was purchased from and for how much and where it was located. Now, could we also have a report on the shell companies in the Biden family with similar details? You would think that since it involves the family of the president of the United States that this would be something an investigative journalist would investigate and report. The absence of such a report seems to indicate that there is something improper involved in these shell companies.

Ron Wobbeking, Naples

Keep Trump out of office

One of the many reasons why former President Trump should not be permitted by the voters to return to the White House is the way he and his minions mishandled the COVID pandemic.

For those with short  memories or whose recall has been blurred by the lingering effects of the affliction, along with their senses of taste and smell, while in office, the ex-president bungled the disease through his customary coterie of denial, degradation, distractions, and other dilemmas.

That behavior ought to give voters pause when considering his return to haunt his old haunts if other crises emerge, such as a catastrophic climate event, a nuclear conflict, another rampaging disease, or other existential  threat.

The deadly way his administration dealt with the last crisis provides a picture of how it would handle the next, and it’s not a pretty one.

The way that ex-president botched the COVID crisis is far from the only reason to keep him away from the White House, even for the unveiling of his portrait, if there were one. He would probably insult the artist and try to monetize the painting.

But, the reasons are replete for his not being re-elected. To paraphrase a line in Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s famous 43rd Sonnet, “let me count the whys.”

Marshall H. Tanick, Naples

A political construct

On May 31, 1956 Ahmed Shukairy, the head of the PLO, announced to the UN Security Council: “It is common knowledge that Palestine is nothing but Southern Syria.”In 1977 PLO spokesman Zahir Muhsein made a statement that should be heeded today. In an interview with the Dutch newspaper Trouw he declared, “The Palestinian people does not exist. The creation of a Palestinian state is only a means for continuing our struggle against the state of Israel for our Arab unity. … There is no difference between Jordanians, Palestinians, Syrians, and Lebanese. Only for political and tactical reasons do we speak today about the existence of a Palestinian people.”So “Palestinian people” is no more than a political construct. As well as “Palestinian state.”

Jude Richvale, Bonita Springs

Let’s rally together

I have to admit, I don’t know what we are fighting for anymore. I do know we are fighting amongst ourselves more viciously than at any time in my life.  Can anyone tell me what we are fighting for? 

The patriots fought for freedom; the North fought for freeing the slaves. Indiscriminate wars were fought against England, Mexico, Spain, and France over expansion on our soil. Those fights shaped the 19th Century. 

The 20th Century was a boom. From energy, cars, steel, and trains, to the internet and beyond, an expanding world was at our fingertips. We cheered when we landed on the Moon. We cried at the horrible assassinations of MLK and the Kennedys. We tore our country apart over civil rights, we rioted in the streets of Watts, and we demonstrated for the war to end in Vietnam. Looking back, all those things became the glue that held us together. Was the pain, the mortar and we are the bricks?

I guess the enemy has always thought to be outside of our country. We had the World Wars and Korea to rally around, not so much Vietnam. We lined up against The Kremlin and the cold war, we now kowtow to China and Iran. Inside our country, we allow millions of undocumented people with little culture tied to ours. And the internet allows every corner of the world inside including porn, warped social media, and podcasts meant to shock rather than to inform. All of these elements have been turned inward as part of a strategy to rally the masses. It has created division and segregation, it has placed a wedge between friends and family, and it has turned religion into a hoax and replaced it with climate change. 

We need something or someone to rally around. In times like these, I suggest you start with your family and friends. Let’s rally together and make this Christmas season the best ever and roll into 2024 believing in each other. That’s a start.

Jack Holt, Cape Coral

Compelled to endorse Haley

First the Mouse, and now college football? It’s like another wild conspiracy investigation is underway. Now please pay heed my fellow Americans; using government agencies as a weapon is alive and well here in Florida! Now can you imagine if DeSantis, gains the presidency? Harkening back to the radical ’60s; would we become the United States of “Amerika”? I fear so! I do not endorse candidates for president in a primary very often; yet now I’m compelled to do so. GO NIKKI!

Robert Jenkins, Naples

Antisemitism on campus

So the president of Harvard University, Dr. Claudine Gay, gets to keep her job after exhibiting hypocrisy and failure at the recent congressional hearing on antisemitism on college campuses. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik asked Dr. Gay “Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Harvard’s rules of bullying and harassment? Yes or no?” Dr. Gay answered that it depended on context.

When considering how to address the Harvard president’s disturbing response, the Harvard Corporation stated “we today reaffirm our support for President Gay’s continued leadership of Harvard University.” In addition, about 700 members of Harvard’s faculty came to her defense. It is a certainty that if there was a call on campus for genocide of another group, (e.g., African Americans, Muslims, LGBTQ+, etc.) there would be a great outcry (probably dismissal from the university) against those calling for the genocide. Some questions need to be asked. Does the Harvard Corporation believe it is alright to call for the genocide of Jews? Do 700 Harvard faculty members believe calling for the genocide of Jews is acceptable? Did Dr. Gay manage to keep her job because she is a Black woman? It sure looks like antisemitism in its worst form is acceptable on the campuses of some of our most elite universities.

Allan Pilver, Naples

Legal mess

To me it seems this country has an almost total legal mess on its hands. It takes years to bring someone to trial, and if convicted, appeal their sentence and even if convicted again it takes many months before they are jailed. Everyone is suing governments, individuals, businesses and organizations. All these cases tie up the courts for years. Then we have the problem of severely unequal justice depending on which court is selected. In Florida the state courts are nothing but yes men appointed by the governor so the state uses them as an excuse for justice. Right-wing southern courts (the 5th Circuit) are referred all controversial cases and bring down many controversial opinions reversed by a conservative Supreme Court. Something needs to be done to fix this mess. A nonfunctioning Congress needs to act.

Benjamin Glick, Naples

Books/Authors

Ongoing

Blurb Club in Mechanics’ Hall: Noon, every other Thursday, Congress Square Park, or Mechanics’ Hall, 519 Congress St., Portland, in bad weather. Informal book discussions for adults and seniors. Hosted by Portland Public Library. portlandlibrary.com

Books a la Carte: 2 p.m., third Tuesday, book and author discussions, no assigned reading. People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick. peopleplusmaine.org

Books and Brews: 6 p.m., first Wednesday, Flight Deck Brewing, Brunswick Landing, 11 Atlantic Ave., Brunswick. curtislibrary.com/book-groups

Books on Tap: 4:30 p.m., third Monday, Sea Dog Brewing Company, 3 Cabela Boulevard, Scarborough. Hosted by Scarborough Public Library. tcorbett@scarboroughlibrary.org, scarboroughlibrary.org

Casco Bay Writers’ Project at the Hall: 10 a.m. to noon, Thursdays. Mechanic’s Hall, 519 Congress St., Portland. mechanicshallmaine.org

Civil War Book Club: 7 p.m., Monday, monthly, People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick. peopleplusmaine.org

Free e-Books: Free military history, African-American history and Latino history downloads at ebooksforstudents.org.

Great Books Discussion: 10 a.m. to noon, second Saturday, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, Topsham. emma@topshamlibrary.org, topshamlibrary.org

Guerilla Poetry Whoop: 6:30 p.m., second Thursday, virtual via Zoom. Registration required. Hosted by Thomas Memorial Library in Cape Elizabeth. thomasmemoriallibrary.org

Just Desserts Mystery Group: 6:30-7:30 p.m., second Tuesday, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick. curtislibrary.com/book-groups

LGBTQ+ Book Group for adults: 6 p.m., second Monday, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick. Registration required. curtislibrary.com/book-groups

Monday Afternoon Book Group: 1 p.m., first Monday, hybrid via Zoom and at Curtis Memorial Library, 200 Maine St., Brunswick. curtislibrary.com/book-groups

Preservation Pages: 6 p.m., monthly, various locations in Greater Portland. portlandlandmarks.org

Social Topics in Literature Book Group: 6:30-8 p.m., second Wednesday, virtual via Zoom. Registration required. Hosted by Prince Memorial Library. princememorial.org

South Portland Public Library Writers’ Group: 2-4 p.m., first and third Saturdays via Zoom. No experience necessary. Registration required. southportlandlibrary.com/writers-group

Thursday Afternoon Book Group: 3-4:30 p.m., last Thursday. To register, email emanning@cumberlandmaine.com. Prince Memorial Library, 266 Main St., Cumberland. princememorial.org

Write On Writers: 1 p.m., Wednesdays, People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick. peopleplusmaine.org

Bulletin Board

Through 12/31

Two Sisters in Maine Artisan Fairs:  11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 124 Main St., Freeport. visitfreeport.com

Friday 12/29

Scarborough blood drive: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Public Safety Building, 275 Route 1, Scarborough. redcrossblood.org

Thursday 1/4

New Year’s Time Capsule Letters: 3:30 p.m., Scarborough Public Library, 48 Gorham Road, Scarborough. Registration required. Ages 10-19. scarboroughlibrary.org

Ongoing

Adult chess drop-in: 3 p.m., Saturdays. Bring your own chess board if you have one. Prince Memorial Library, 266 Main St., Cumberland. princememorial.org

Bath ReStore: 1 Chandler Drive. 504-9340. habitat7rivers.org

Bellows Supportive Screaming Group: 7 p.m., second Friday, East End Beach, Portland; fourth Friday, Kettle Cove, Cape Elizabeth. renewcounselingme@gmail.com

Bingo: 7 p.m., Mondays, Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6859, 687 Forest Ave., Portland. facebook.com/vfwportlandmaine

Bridge: 1 p.m., Mondays, People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick. peopleplusmaine.org

Cafe en Français French Conversation Club: 2:30 p.m., fourth Tuesday, People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick. peopleplusmaine.org

CareerCenter Services: 1:30-3:30 p.m., every other Tuesday. Book an appointment at 883-4723, option 4, or email askSPL@scarboroughlibrary.org. scarboroughlibrary.org

Chess Club: 6 p.m., first Wednesday, Curtis Library Chess Club. All ages; children under age 8 must be accompanied by adult. Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick. curtislibrary.libcal.com

Citizens Climate Lobby Portland Chapter: 9-10:30 a.m., first Saturday, Coffee by Design, 1 Diamond St., Portland. Email portlandme@citizensclimatelobby.org or visit citizensclimatelobbymaine.weebly.com.

Connected: 7 p.m., first Monday, nondenominational social group for widowers, widows, divorced and singles 55 and over. St. Charles Borromeo Church Hall, 132 McKeen St., Brunswick. Guest speaker, light refreshments. 725-1266 or 725-8386, allsaintsmaine.com

Conversational Spanish Group: 1 p.m., Fridays via Zoom, hosted by South Portland Public Library. Open to all skill levels. Register at southportlandlibrary.com.

Critical Home Repair program: For low-income homeowners in Cumberland County. habitatportlandme.org and habitat7rivers.org

Down East Ship Model Guild: 1 p.m., second Thursday, American Legion Post 21, 200 Congress St., Bath. 751-2453, groups.io/g/DESMG

Figure drawing: 7 p.m., last Sunday, Hustle and Flow, 155 Brackett St., Portland. 18-plus. hustleflowstudio.com

Freeport American Legion: 5:30 p.m., second Thursday, Freeport Masonic Lodge, 33 Mallett Drive. mainepost83@gmail.com

Hair Cuts with Margarita: 9 a.m., Fridays, People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick. $10, proceeds go to the center. Appointments required. peopleplusmaine.org

Live Tech Help: 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, Topsham. topshamlibrary.org

Loosen Up exercise classes: 9 a.m., Mondays and Fridays, People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick. peopleplusmaine.org

Mah-Jongg: 9 a.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick. peopleplusmaine.org

Maine Irish Heritage Trail: Self-guided historical Portland and South Portland tours, map at maineirishheritagetrail.org.

Portland ReStore: 659 Warren Ave. 221-0047. restoreportlandmaine.org

Scarborough 55-plus Games and Gather: Coffee, snacks and games, 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays and Fridays, Scarborough Community Center Hub, 418 Payne Road, Scarborough. Free, no registration necessary. scarboroughmaine.org

Senior Bingo: Noon, Mondays, Scarborough Community Center Hub, 418 Payne Road, Scarborough. 55-plus, $2 at door, no registration necessary. scarboroughmaine.org

Sketcher Group: 10 a.m. to noon, second Friday; sometimes fourth Friday. Scarborough Public Library, 48 Gorham Road, Scarborough. scarboroughlibrary.org

Stump Trivia: 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Sea Dog Brewing Company, 3 Cabela Boulevard, Scarborough. 6 p.m., Wednesdays, 125 Western Ave., Portland. sporcle.com/events

Trivia Night: 6:30-8 p.m., Thursdays, Byrnes’ Irish Pub, 38 Centre St., Bath. 7 p.m., Wednesdays at 16 Station Ave., Brunswick. byrnesirishpub.com

Vigils for Peace and Justice: 5-5:30 p.m., Fridays, Brunswick Town Mall, Maine Street at Park Row. peaceworksbrunswickme.org

Crafting

Ongoing

A Common Yarn: Textile craftsmanship group, 1-3 p.m., Thursdays, 5 Lunt Road, Falmouth Memorial Library. Email lnorman@falmouthmemoriallibrary.org to join. falmouthmemoriallibrary.org

Calico Quilters: 7 p.m., first and third Mondays, North Yarmouth Congregational Church, 3 Gray Road, North Yarmouth. Contact lclark@bates.edu.

Craft Meetup: 4:30-6 p.m., Mondays, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick. curtislibrary.com

Fiber Arts Club: 10 a.m., Mondays, People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick. peopleplusmaine.org

Library Knitting Group: 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, hybrid on Zoom and in-person at Scarborough Public Library. Email ljnorvell@scarboroughlibrary.org or call 883-4723, option 5. scarboroughlibrary.org

Health

Ongoing

Free Age-Friendly Yoga Class: 11 a.m., Mondays, Freeport Community Services, 53 Depot St., Freeport. fcsmaine.org

Gentle Chair Yoga for Seniors: 9 p.m., Tuesdays, People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick. peopleplusmaine.org

Living Well with Chronic Pain: Group workshop by Healthy Living for Me. Registration required. Contact 800-620-6036, info@healthylivingforme.org or healthylivingforme.org.

Medicare 101 with Spectrum Generations: 12:30-2 p.m., second Tuesday, People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick. peopleplusmaine.org

YMCA: Free online workout videos at ymcaofsouthernmaine.org/videos and ymca360.org.

Kids

Friday 12/29

New Year’s Disney Dance Party: 4 p.m., Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth. Costumes encouraged. yarmouthlibrary.org

Ongoing

Children’s story time: 10:30 a.m., Saturdays, during the school year, Chebeague Island Library, 247 South Road. cheblib.wixsite.com/chebeaguelibrary

Music Fun with Miss Teresa: 11 a.m., Fridays, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick. curtislibrary.libcal.com

OUT Maine free youth programs: Free youth LGBTQ+ programs, registration required at outmaine.org/programs/youth.

Paws and Read with Therapy Dogs: 3:30-4:30 p.m., Mondays, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Drive. All ages. Call 865-3307 to sign up for a 15-minute session or go to freeportlibrary.com.

Play Me a Story: Theater performances and workshops for ages 4-10, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, Portland Stage, 25A Forest Ave., Portland. $15 for a month, or specific date options. portlandstage.org

Storytime for Children: Ages 2-5, 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, downtown Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Portland. portlandlibrary.com

Storytime with Miss Robyn: Ages 2-5, 10:30 a.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick. curtislibrary.libcal.com

Storytime with Taylor: 10:15 a.m., Mondays and Thursdays, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Drive, Freeport. freeportmaine.libcal.com

Teen Video Games: 2-6 p.m. Thursdays, 2-5 p.m. Fridays, downtown Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Portland. portlandlibrary.com

Storytime at Merrill Memorial Library: 10:15 a.m., Thursdays for toddlers, Fridays for kids all ages, Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth. yarmouthlibrary.org

Libraries

Ongoing

Chebeague Island Library: 4-8 p.m. Mondays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays. 247 South Road, No. 3, Chebeague Island. cheblib.wixsite.com/chebeaguelibrary

Cundy’s Harbor Library, Harpswell: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, to 7 p.m. Thursdays, to 3 p.m. Saturdays. 935 Cundy’s Harbor Road, Harpswell. cundysharbor.me

Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, to 6 p.m. Fridays, to 5 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick. Curbside pickup available Monday through Friday. curtislibrary.com

Falmouth Memorial Library: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, to 7 p.m. Wednesdays. 5 Lunt Road, Falmouth. falmouthmemoriallibrary.org

Freeport Community Library: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, to 2 p.m. Saturdays. 10 Library Drive, Freeport. freeportlibrary.com

Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, to 3 p.m. Saturdays. 215 Main St., Yarmouth. yarmouthlibrary.org

Patten Free Library, Bath: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, to 1 p.m. Saturdays. 33 Summer St., Bath. Homebound Delivery Service to cardholders in Arrowsic, Bath, Georgetown, West Bath and Woolwich. 443-5141, ext. 23. patten.lib.me.us/new-homebound-delivery-service

Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 266 Main St., Cumberland. princememorial.org

Scarborough Public Library: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, to 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays. 48 Gorham Road, Scarborough. scarboroughlibrary.org

South Portland Public Library: Main library (482 Broadway) open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, to 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays. Branch library (155 Wescott Road) open noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and Sundays. southportlandlibrary.com.

Thomas Memorial Library, Cape Elizabeth: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. 6 Scott Dyer Road, Cape Elizabeth. thomasmemoriallibrary.org

Topsham Public Library: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, to 4 p.m. Saturdays. 25 Foreside Road, Topsham. topshamlibrary.org

Meals

Ongoing

Brunswick Meals on Wheels: 10 a.m. Wednesdays, People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick. For more services, call 729-0757. peopleplusmaine.org

Free community dinner: 5:30 p.m., Thursdays, Deering Center Community Church, 4 Brentwood St., Portland. To volunteer, call 773-2423. deeringcentercommunitychurch.org

Freeport Community Services Food Pantry: In-person shopping 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. 55 Depot St., Freeport. fcsmaine.org

Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program: 12 Tenney Way, Brunswick, 725-2716. mchpp.org

Scarborough Weekly Senior Lunches: 11:30 a.m., Wednesdays, SCS Hub, 418 Payne Road, Scarborough. $8 suggested donation. scarboroughmaine.org

Souper Supper at St. Mary’s: 5-7 p.m., second and fourth Fridays, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth. Free. smary.org/souper-supper

The Sharing Table: Free food provided by MCHPP, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick. curtislibrary.libcal.com

Parks & Nature

Ongoing

Explore Scarborough Trails: Explore local trails in Scarborough. scarboroughmaine.org

Falmouth Land Trust: Guided hikes throughout the year, free. falmouthlandtrust.org/events

Guided Walks with Freeport Conservation Trust: Freeport Community Services, 53 Depot St., Freeport. freeportconservationtrust.org

Maine Audubon sanctuaries in Falmouth, Freeport, Scarborough and West Bath: Free and open from dawn to dusk. No pets. maineaudubon.org/news

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife: Information about recreational opportunities, including fishing, riding, hunting, trapping and hiking at mefishwildlife.com.

Natural Resources Council of Maine: Maps to explore the state. nrcm.org

Wolfe’s Neck Center in Freeport: Hiking, gardening, workshops and more, free and open from dawn to dusk. wolfesneck.org

Recreation

Sunday 12/31

Polar Bear Dip and Dash: 9 a.m. 5K at Southern Maine Community College, 2 Ford Road, South Portland. 10:30 a.m. Polar Bear Dip at Willard Beach. $45 virtual participation, $65 in-person. nrcm.salsalabs.org/dipdash

Ongoing

American Legion Junior Archery Program: 6 p.m. every other Thursday, American Legion George T. Files Post 20, 1 Columbus Drive, Brunswick. See Facebook page or contact 721-1172 or algtfpost20@gmail.com.

Bicycle safety classes, riding clinics: Bicycle Coalition of Maine, 38 Diamond St., Portland. Free. bikemaine.org

Maine By Foot: Maps of walking trails throughout Maine, including wheelchair-accessible trails. Can be filtered by town. mainebyfoot.com

Support

Ongoing

Al Anon: Alcohol addiction recovery resources. 1-888-4AL-ANON. findrecovery.com/alanon_meetings/me

All-Recovery Meetings: Faith-based support for any recovery, noon Fridays, Portland Recovery Community Center, 102 Bishop St., Portland. youngpeopleinrecovery.org

Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter: Helpline at 800-272-3900 available 24/7. alz.org/maine

Dempsey Center: Classes, workshops and groups for cancer patients and others impacted. Free, registration required. Email registration@dempseycenter.org or call 877-336-7287. dempseycenter.org

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: 8 a.m., Saturdays, 30 Liza Harmon Drive, Westbrook. Additional dates and meetings on Zoom. foodaddicts.org

Grief Walks: 6 p.m., first Monday, various locations in Greater Portland. $18. yogaforyourgrievingheart.com

Health Care and Frontline Workers: Free confidential coaching, wellness workshops and connection groups. 1-800-769-9819, workforceeap.com/strengthenme or email strengthenme@northernlight.org.

Maine Coalition to Fight Prostate Cancer One2One Confidential line: Leave a message at 441-5374 or 1-855-552-7200 ext. 801; a volunteer will call back. mcfpc.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness Teen Text Support Line: For ages 13-24, text 207-515-8398, noon to 10 p.m. daily. namimaine.org/teentextline

OUT Maine: Nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ youths, connects at-risk youth with staff via phone and social media. More information at outmaine.org.

Overeaters Anonymous: Virtual meetings and in-person locations around the Midcoast. oamaine.org

Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine: Free and private virtual support groups at sassmm.org, or call ​1-800-871-7741.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly: Weight loss support group, various locations and online. 729-6400, tops.org

The Yellow Tulip Project: Support and community for those with mental illnesses, online resources at theyellowtulipproject.org.

Volunteer

Ongoing

Dempsey Center: Help make life better for people affected by cancer in Scarborough and Portland. Clayton’s House host in Portland, orientation ambassador, wig and headwear consultant, Reiki, community gardeners needed. dempseycenter.org/volunteer

Northern New England Region of the American Red Cross: Review the most urgently needed positions at redcross.org/volunteertoday or contact Volunteer Services at volunteerNNE@redcross.org or 800-464-6692.

Puppy raisers and sitters: Maine Region of Guiding Eyes for the Blind has ongoing need for people to teach basic skills and socialize puppies and for puppy sitters. maineregion@guidingeyes.net or visit guidingeyes.org/puppy-raising

Women Build: Habitat for Humanity program to construct affordable housing. habitatportlandme.org/womenbuild

Workshops/Talks

Tuesday 1/2

“Business Development Essentials”: Noon, virtual via Zoom, hosted by SCORE. Free. score.org

“The Importance of Legacy Work”: Die Well Death Education series, 6:30 p.m., Thomas Memorial Library, 6 Scott Dyer Road, Cape Elizabeth. thomasmemoriallibrary.org

Wednesday 1/3

“Benefits & Resources for Older Adults”: 10 a.m., Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Portland. portlandlibrary.com

Thursday 1/4

“MaineCare and CoverME Help with NEAAO”: 2 p.m., Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Portland. portlandlibrary.com

Thursdays 1/4-1/25

“GO Month, Declutter Together”: Organization workshops, 6:30 p.m., Thursdays, virtual via Zoom, hosted by National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals. Free. calendly.com/finelysorted

Friday 1/5-Sunday 1/7

“Songs of Milarepa”: Free Buddhist teachings, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Vajra Vidya Portland, 159 State St., no registration required. 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, in-person or online, registration required. portlandmainebuddhism.org

Ongoing

Career building, entrepreneurship and money management: Online classes by New Ventures Maine. Free, monthly schedule at newventuresmaine.org/class-schedules.

Free college courses: For adult education students through Maine DOE and community college system. bit.ly/3qL5RwC

“From Farm to Table Fare”: Seven-video series about preparing locally sourced cuts from a whole chicken, selecting and grinding cuts of beef, and using prepared beef and chicken in recipes, free at extension.umaine.edu/livestock.

Healthy Living for ME: Classes on a variety of health topics, many are free. Visit healthylivingforme.org for schedule and registration.

Interviews with the Irish in Maine: Hosted by Maine Irish Heritage Center on youtube.com.

Maine Audubon: Nature and environment classes and workshops, many free. maineaudubon.org/events

Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Organization: Free newsletter at bit.ly/3ef1j9s. Resources and classes at mofga.org.

Songwriting Workshop: 6:30-8 p.m., first Tuesday, Thomas Memorial Library Community Room, 6 Scott Dyer Road, Cape Elizabeth. Registration closes at noon the day of the workshop. thomasmemoriallibrary.org

Southern Maine Agency on Aging: Resources, services and education for healthy aging, in-person and remote. Call 396-6500 or email SMAAResource@yarmouth.me.us. smaaa.org

Support Maine Wildlife with Native Maine Plants: Maine Audubon online plant finder at mainenativeplants.org for plants best suited for specific sites, provide best ecological function and benefit, and complement the landscape.

Techspresso: Help with technology, 2-3:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth. Schedule a 15-min appointment. Sign up at circulation desk or by phone. yarmouthlibrary.org

Wolfe’s Neck Farm: Educational environmental activities at wolfesneck.org/educational-activities.

World Affairs Conversation Group: 11 a.m., every other Friday, People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick. peopleplusmaine.org

To contribute an item to The Forecaster’s Community Calendar, go to theforecaster.net and click on Add Your Event under the Things to Do heading.

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Arts Calendar: Dec. 29-Jan. 5