Library offers ‘flash’ writing

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 6:30 p.m., the Thomas Memorial Library in Cape Elizabeth will offer a flash non-fiction writing session with writer Mira Ptacin.

This program is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. See www.thomasmemoriallibrary.org/events/ or call 799-1720 to sign up.

During this workshop, participants will be provided with prompts and exercises that liberate their creativity, enable them to get the distance and perspective needed and open their eyes to possibilities that may not seem obvious.

The goal is to make the writing process fulfilling, thoughtful and fun.

Annual mum fundraiser set

The Cape Elizabeth Middle School Parents Association is holding its annual mum fundraiser through Sept. 18 featuring yellow, white and burgundy mums.

Mums in 8.5-inch pots cost $8, or $7.50 apiece for purchases of at least six. Free deliveries will be made upon request for locals with orders of six or more mums. Proceeds benefit the CEMS teacher-grant program.

Order forms can be picked up at the middle school front office, mspa.org or the school’s Facebook page. Checks must be made out to “MSPA” and put in envelopes marked “MSPA mums,” and returned to the office or sent to the school at 14 Scott Dyer Road. Cash is also accepted.

Mums can be picked up at the community center on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 2-6 p.m. For more information contact Tammy LaBonty at twlabonty@gmail.com.

Artsy Afternoons back at library

The South Portland Public Library is offering a new season of its popular adult crafting program, Artsy Afternoon, starting on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 1 p.m. The program is free, but pre-registration is required. Call 767-7660 to sign up or for more information.

For this workshop learn to create hand-painted designs on stones that can be used as herb markers, paperweights, doorstops and more. Bring your own smooth rocks, or use some provided by the library. Due to the popularity of the program, space is limited to 20 participants and library cardholders are given first priority.

Bellamy Jazz kicks off library concert series

The Bellamy Jazz Band will be kicking off the fourth season of the South Portland Public Library’s After Hours Concert Series on Saturday, Sept.19, at 7 p.m. at the library’s main location at 482 Broadway.

The Bellamy Jazz Band has been together since 1981 playing traditional New Orleans and Chicago jazz and swing. The award-winning eight-piece band plays a loose, jamming Chicago-style jazz ranging from Preservation Hall to early swing standards, street parades and blues.

All concerts are free. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited, so arrive early. For more information, visit the library’s website at www.SouthPortlandLibrary.com or call 767-7660.

Lions offer lobster dinner

The Cape Elizabeth Lions Club will hold a lobster dinner from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the clubhouse, which is located at the corner of Two Lights and Wheeler roads.

The meal, which is $14 for one lobster or $19 for two, also includes corn, baked potato and blueberry cake. Eat at the clubhouse or take out your meals. Call Sonja, at 767-2079, by Sept. 23 to reserve your lobster.

Crafts show at Camp Ketcha

The sixth annual Maine Crafts Guild show will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, at Camp Ketcha, 336 Black Point Road. Show hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday.

Join 40 of Maine’s finest artisans as they exhibit some of the finest heirloom quality crafts in the state. Admission is $5 for adults. Children under 18 are free. See www.mainecraftsguild.com for more.

Bean supper at Methodist church

On Saturday, Sept. 19, the West Scarborough United Methodist Church in Dunstan will host a bean supper, 4:30-6 p.m. On the menu are pea, kidney and vegetarian beans, red and brown hot dogs, American chop suey, coleslaw, salads, rolls, brown bread and pie. The cost is $8 for adults and $3 for children. Call 883-2814 for more information.

Upcoming events at the library

Next week, the Scarborough Public Library will host two special events. Both are free. See www.scarboroughlibrary.org or call 883-4723 for more information.

• Wednesday, Sept. 23, 11 a.m. – Your Government, Your Neighborhood

Staff from the office of U.S. Sen. Angus King will hold an informal drop-in session for constituents to share concerns and learn more about the senator’s efforts to help Maine residents.

• Wednesday, Sept. 23, 6:30 p.m. – Authors @ the Library

Join mountain climber and author Freddie Wilkinson as he talks about his book, “One Mountain, Thousand Summits: The Untold Story of Tragedy and True Heroism on K2.”

Wilkinson is an adventure writer known for his original and substantive style, and the book provides in-depth reporting on the 2008 season that changed public perception of the tragedy that took the lives of 11 climbers on Mount Everest by telling the story through the eyes of the Sherpas.

Meet the Breeds Showcase on tap

The 10th annual Meet the Breeds Showcase takes place Sunday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Tractor Supply Co. on Route 1 in Scarborough.

The relaxing and informative event is to encourage responsible dog ownership in conjunction with the American Kennel Club’s Responsible Dog Ownership Days.

The public will have an opportunity to learn about the various dog breeds and speak with people who know them best. Breeders, handlers, trainers and breed and rescue organizations will all be at the event so visitors can easily find the dogs they want to learn more about.

??Returning this year will be a Canine Good Citizen test conducted by Vacationland Dog Club’s Claire Marx. Bring your well-behaved dog on a buckle or slip collar and with a grooming brush and for $15 see if Rover has what it takes to be a respectable member of society. The test is a 10-step process designed to reward good-mannered dogs. For more information and requirements to pass the CGC visit http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/index.cfm.??

Climbing gym grand opening

The new Salt Pump Climbing Co., an indoor climbing gym and fitness facility on Haigis Parkway in Scarborough, will host a grand opening event that will be free and open to the public on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Activities include climbing sessions, demonstrations, educational games, prizes, refreshments and more. In addition, climbing equipment will be available for rent.

Salt Pump will also hold a special Bounty Hunt climbing competition, during which visiting climbers and gym members will tackle the gym’s most difficult, unclimbed routes to compete for a variety of prizes including a $1,000 cash purse.

From 4-7 p.m. Salt Pump will also hold a celebration featuring DJ’s spinning music, food and refreshments. Premier sponsors for the event are La Sportiva, Sterling Rope Co. and Metolius, with dozens of other generous businesses providing prizes and support.

More details are available at www.saltpumpclimbing.com, on Facebook or by calling 219-8145.

Household hazardous waste day

Residents of Scarborough are welcome to dispose of their household hazardous waste at the Biddeford Public Works facility, located at 371 Hill St., on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 8 a.m.-noon.

Proof of residency is required, but disposal is free. Acceptable waste includes fluorescent light bulbs, pool chemicals, drain cleaners, furniture polish, rechargeable batteries, wood stain, oil-based paint, insect sprays, antifreeze and kerosene, among others.

Unacceptable items include all pathological or radioactive waste, tires, computers, explosives, smoke detectors, propane cylinders and latex paint.

See the Scarborough Public Works Facebook page or call 730-4400 for more information.

Primary schools open houses set

This month the three primary schools in Scarborough will host open house sessions for students and their families as follows:

• Thursday, Sept. 17, 5-6:30 p.m. – Eight Corners

• Thursday, Sept. 17, 6-6:45 p.m. – Pleasant Hill

• Thursday, Sept. 24, 6-6:45 p.m. – Blue Hill