It’s the first full weekend of 2022, what are you planning to do?

At Spectrum News Maine, we want to be your community connection. Whether you are a local or just visiting Maine, there’s sure to be something to do near you — it’s ‘Vacationland’ after all. 

Here are 10 community events happening this weekend: 

Friday

EXO: Are We Alone?
7-8 p.m. at the Versant Power Astronomy Center in Orono
Have you ever wanted to understand the mysteries of the universe or speculated about the possibility of extraterrestrial life? Yes, we’re talking aliens. Learn more about space and the fascinating discoveries being made during this lecture presented by the Versant Power Astronomy Center. Tickets are $7 for adults and can be purchased online, by phone at (207) 581-1341 or at the Versant Power Astronomy Center box office before the show.

 

Writing a “Legacy Letter” Workshop
10:30 a.m.-Noon hosted by the Camden Public Library
A legacy letter, otherwise known as an “ethical will” is a written document that allows you to share life lessons, values and blessings with future generations. In this workshop, instructor Jay Sherwin will offer writing exercises and advice on how to complete your letter, share it with your loved ones and preserve it for future generations. For more information or to register for this event, click here.

Coffee With a Cop
9:30-10 a.m. at the Scarborough Community Services Hub at 418 Payne Rd.
Chat with a local police officer over a cup of coffee during this free community event. Whether you want to discuss hot-button topic issues, ask questions or just learn more about those who help keep our communities safe, this event is open to all. For directions, click here.  

Saturday

Nature Photography Workshop with Jerry Monkman
10 a.m.-Noon at the Smelt Brook Preserve in York
Want to expand your nature photography skills? Join Jerry Monkman for a crash course in capturing Maine’s beautiful outdoors through photography. During this workshop, you’ll walk along the trails at Smelt Brook Preserve. All levels of experience are welcome, but the lesson is designed for those with little to moderate photography experience. Advanced registration is required. Click here to secure your spot. 

​​Youth Cross-Country Ski Clinic
9:30-11 a.m. at the Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson
Have a kid that wants to explore the outdoors? If so, sign them up for this six-session winter cross-country ski clinic for kids ages 5-14 hosted by the Midcoast Conservancy. Running through February 12 at the Hidden Valley Nature Center, skiers of all levels will gain skills and confidence in a non-competitive setting. The cost is $70 for members of the conservancy and $80 for non-members. Registration and a skills assessment are required to attend. 

 

Beginners Bird Walk
10 a.m. at the East End Boat Launch in Portland
Looking to pick up a new hobby in the new year? How about birding? This beginner's bird walk will teach you how to identify the common species in southern Maine. The Eastern Promenade in Portland is home to overwintering songbirds and a variety of ducks. Don’t have binoculars? No problem. Group organizers have extras and will teach you how to properly use them. Advanced registration for this free event is required. Click here to secure your spot for Saturday’s walk.

Natural Wax Candle Making Workshop
1-4 p.m. at The Sweet Sea Stoodio in Portland
Create a candle in a glass container during this hands-on workshop taught by a master chandler. Students will blend scents and colors customized to their liking while covering topics such as choosing wax, wicks, labeling, pricing and testing. Tickets are available online on Eventbrite. 

Sunday

Corn Hole Tournament
Noon-4 p.m. at the Canton Historical Society in Canton
By far my favorite event this weekend. Toss some sacks for a chance to win a cash prize. It’s $20 to enter and all proceeds benefit Canton’s historical society. It’s BYOB, with refreshments and snacks available for purchase. Registration begins at noon and games start at 1 p.m. For more information and directions, click here. 

L.L. Bean Tubing
1-3 at Bradbury Mountain in Pownal
Who doesn’t love an afternoon of tubing? Head to Pownal for this free event hosted by L.L. Bean. Free inner-tube sleds and helmets will be available and sanitized before each session. Round up the family at the base of the mountain, in front of the upper parking lot, and get ready for an adrenaline rush. To ensure the health and safety of all attendees, event organizers ask that you wear a mask regardless of vaccination status and use the hand-sanitizing stations on-site in between rides. Reservations can be made on Eventbrite.

Cinema Explorations: Those Who Remained
10 a.m. at Railroad Square Cinema in Waterville
Sponsored by Colby College’s Center for the Arts and Humanities, this free showing of the 2019 film “Those Who Remained” tells a lyrical story of survivors healing in post-war Hungary. The film’s director describes it as “a hymn, an ode to a man who is totally wrecked but pulls himself together one last time to save another half-destroyed soul.” For information or to watch the trailer, click here.

Have an event that you’d like mentioned in our weekly events list? Email me at maddison.raynor@charter.com, and we’ll include it in our weekly list.