Outright L/A starts support group

LEWISTON — Outright L/A is starting a support group for transgender, gender creative and gender non-conforming youth ages 18 younger and their parents.

At “It’s OK to Be Me,” youth can participate in planned activities and play in a safe space surrounded by peers, while parents will meet together and share experiences and resources as well as a weekly focus group.

All families must be screened prior to joining.

Meetings will be held on the Second Monday of every month, beginning Dec. 7. The location will be announced following email contact.

FMI: [email protected], www.outrightla.org.

Lakeside Chapter to meet

WALES – Lakeside Chapter No. 60, Order of the Eastern Star, will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at the Grange-Masonic Hall, 322 Centre Road for a Christmas potluck supper.

Members are reminded to bring food to share.

At the 7 p.m. meeting, the Past Worthy Matrons and Past Worthy Patrons will be honored.

Entertainment will be provided by the members Sharing Stories and Jokes.

In lieu of a gift exchange, there will be a collection for the benefit of Veterans at Togus.

Dress for the evening will be dark suits or tuxedos for the gentlemen and street length dresses or longer for the ladies.

This is Lakeside’s last meeting until March 8, 2016, the annual meeting. Dues for 2016 are due on Jan. 1, 2016, and members should have a current dues card to visit any Chapter after that date.

FMI: 207-375-2698.

Free bacteria presentation for health care providers

BRUNSWICK — The Integrative Wellness Council of Maine is offering a free presentation for providers at its quarterly meeting.

The program, titled “Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection and the Role of Bacteria in Overall Health,” will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, in the boardroom of Mid Coast Hospital, 123 Medical Drive.

The discussion will explore the human microbiome and the fundamental role of bacteria in inflammation and immune health, as well as take an in-depth look into stool testing and its valuable role in the analysis of health. We will discuss the Enteric Brain: how our emotions affect digestive health, how to talk to your patients about this, and most importantly, some concrete treatments that naturally support the gastro-intestinal and nervous systems.

FMI: www.integrativewellnessme.com.

MS Christmas party Dec. 9

LEWISTON — The MS Christmas party and potluck supper will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, at the Lepage Conference Center, 99 Campus Ave.

A Chinese auction gift exchange (gift price range is $5 to $10) will take place for those who want to participate.

FMI: 207-784-7927.