Join neighbors and friends from near and far for a series of community events bound to help you beat the winter blues: it’s Live at Odd Fellows Hall!
All events are open to the public. Donations are greatly appreciated!
Made possible thanks to the generosity of The Nichols Fund & the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
Jan. 22: Join or Die Documentary Screening @ the VFW
WHEN: Wednesday, January 22, 2025 – 6:00pm - 8:00pm
WHERE: VFW Post 6859, 687 Forest Avenue (not Odd Fellows Hall for this one!)
Friends of Woodfords Corner and our local VFW are sponsoring a screening of the terrific documentary Join or Die: A Film About Why You Should Join a Club, followed by a community conversation.
This feature-length documentary follows the half-century story of the unraveling of America’s social fabric through the journey of legendary Harvard social scientist Robert (Bob) Putnam, whose groundbreaking “Bowling Alone” research has illuminated the powerful connection between ordinary community bonds and our health, happiness, economy, and politics. Inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, join Bob as he shows why more people becoming “joiners” could hold the solution to our personal and national problems. This film has won many awards and is sparking community conversations around the country. Come and enjoy an evening of community while learning about community!
JAN. 26, FEB. 23, & MAr. 30: Ripe for Repair
WHEN: Sundays, January 26/February 23/March 30, 2025 – 2:00pm - 5:00pm
WHERE: Odd Fellows Hall, 651 Forest Avenue, 2nd Floor
Repair Meetups are free community events where people come together to help each other fix everything from small home appliances to damaged textiles. They’re about celebrating under- appreciated skills and learning new ones, holding on to things that take a lot of resources to make but can quickly end up in landfills, and connecting with other humans. Experts, novices and curious spectators welcome!
BRING: Something that needs repair – small electrical appliances, housewares, speakers, bicycle wheel and a spare tire, mending and darning projects, toys, clothing, and more!
Feb. 2: Reprise Screening of Join or Die Documentary
WHEN: Sunday, February 2, 2025 – 2:00pm - 4:00pm
WHERE: Odd Fellows Hall, 651 Forest Avenue, 2nd Floor
A second opportunity to see the terrific documentary Join or Die: A Film About Why You Should Join a Club, followed by a community conversation.
This feature-length documentary follows the half-century story of the unraveling of America’s social fabric through the journey of legendary Harvard social scientist Robert (Bob) Putnam, whose groundbreaking “Bowling Alone” research has illuminated the powerful connection between ordinary community bonds and our health, happiness, economy, and politics. Inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, join Bob as he shows why more people becoming “joiners” could hold the solution to our personal and national problems. This film has won many awards and is sparking community conversations around the country. Come and enjoy an evening of community while learning about community!
Special thanks to Maine Downtown Center for their sponsorship of this screening!
Feb. 28: Louie Lou Louis & Kouchera
WHEN: Friday, February 28, 2025 – 7:00pm - 9:00pm
WHERE: Odd Fellows Hall, 651 Forest Avenue, 2nd Floor
TICKETS: No advanced tickets required, $10 suggested donation (strongly encouraged to support these artists!)
Prepare for a night of vibrant energy and unforgettable music as Louie Lou Louis and Kouchera take the stage! We will start the evening with the soulful sounds of Louie Lou Louis, a Brooklyn-based songster whose blend of folk, jazz, and global music celebrates human imperfection with uplifting positivity. His soothing yet energizing performance sets the stage for connection and joy. Then, Kouchera takes the spotlight, igniting the night with their electrifying fusion of Rhythm, Haitian Konpa, and Soul. Together, these dynamic acts promise an unforgettable journey through music, emotion, and energy that will leave you dancing and inspired.
March 16: Speed Puzzling Competition
WHEN: Sunday, March 16, – 2:00pm - 4:00pm
WHERE: Odd Fellows Hall, 651 Forest Avenue, 2nd Floor
REGISTRATION: Registration launching soon – only one person from each team will need to register.
Join us for a fun-filled speed puzzling contest! Bring a friend to race against other teams of two and see how fast you can put together a provided jigsaw puzzle. Top teams will win prizes!
Speed puzzling, also known as competitive puzzling, is a sport where participants race to complete a jigsaw puzzle as quickly as possible. Here are some tips for improving your speed puzzling:
Practice: Time yourself on puzzles at least once a week.
Try different puzzles: Try puzzles with different textures and color tones.
Sort and flip: Dump out the pieces and flip them over while sorting out the edges.
Start with the edges: Begin assembling the edge pieces or set them aside for later.
Start with the easiest section: Begin assembling the easiest section first.
Use a timer: Use a timer on your phone or another timer to track your time.
Compare your time: Compare your time with the results online.
In national and international competitions, participants typically solve a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle within 90 minutes. The best speed puzzlers can assemble 500 pieces in around 30 minutes. Speed puzzling originated in the 1970s in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where people were looking for things to do during the cold winters.
April 26: Onward
WHEN: Saturday, April 26, 2025 – 7:00pm - 9:00pm
WHERE: Odd Fellows Hall, 651 Forest Avenue, 2nd Floor
TICKETS: No advanced tickets required, $10 suggested donation (strongly encouraged to support these artists!)
Our second concert of the Live at Odd Fellows Hall series features Southern Maine’s own Onward! Onward is dedicated to making music that uplifts and inspires. With band members born in each decade from the 1940’s to 1990’s. Onward has a wealth of music genres and experience from which to draw: from Sam Cooke to the Wood brothers, Bonnie Raitt to Lucinda Williams, and an ever-expanding catalog of originals. Put a spring in your step and kick off springtime with Onward’s enlivening 3- and 4-part harmonies!