TOPSoccer program for kids with disabilities

BANGOR – Blackbear United FC will conduct its TOPSoccer Program beginning Saturday, Nov. 8.

Organizers said the goal of the six-week program was to provide a youth soccer program for children age 4 to 18 with physical and mental disabilities.

The program will be held 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 8, 15 and 22; and Dec. 6, 13 and 20, at the University College of Bangor Fitness Center.

Blackbear United coaching staff and players will teach participants in a fun and inviting atmosphere, according to organizers. To register or to obtain more information, visit www.blackbearunited.com/topsoccer.htm.

Each player will receive an Adidas jersey donated by US Youth Soccer and Adidas through a TOPSoccer grant.

Sports psychology

BANGOR – Dr. Christine Selby of Bangor recently earned the distinction of being named a certified consultant by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, the professional organization of sport and exercise psychology.

Selby is an assistant professor of psychology at Husson University and plans to join her husband in part-time practice at Selby Psychological Services, also located in Bangor. Her clinical interests include eating disorders and body image, sport psychology and performance enhancement.

Selby received a master’s degree in athletic counseling from Springfield College and a doctorate in counseling psychology from the University of North Texas. Additional information is available at www.doctorselby.com.

A growing number of applied sport and exercise psychology professionals are certified by the association. The professionals who earn the designation of certified consultant have met a high standard of education and training in the sport sciences and in psychology. They also have undergone an extensive review process.

Orrington basketball and cheering

ORRINGTON – The Orrington Recreation Department will hold registration for basketball for children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Cheering classes for elementary school children will be offered.

Registration will take place 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4; 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6; and 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Center Drive School.

Registrations must be submitted by Tuesday, Nov. 18, in order to participate in either program. The cost is $15 per child or $30 per family. Call Tim Hodgins at 825-3608 or Erica Libby at 989-5150 for more information.

Expeditions and a workshop

These programs are scheduled by Fields Pond Audubon Center:

. Ginger A. Graves will entertain with the adventures of her first Earthwatch expedition at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at Fields Pond Audubon Center, 216 Fields Pond Road, Holden. Based at Mankwe Wildlife Reserve, a classic bushveldt landscape just east of the Pilanesberg massif, a part of the Earth’s crust marked by faults, the expedition was tasked with aiding scientists in their study of the brown hyena. Her presentation highlights the beauty and wonder that is the South African bush. Admission is $5 for Audubon members, $6 others.

. Eagles, Damselflies, and Sturgeon, Oh My!, a writing workshop, 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, with leaders Holly Twining and Cheryl Daigle. Meet at Veazie Salmon Club. Enjoy a walk and ramble along the Penobscot River and explore what river restoration will mean to fish, wildlife and human communities through writing exercises and field observations. $15 Audubon members; $18 others. Children of aspiring writers may attend for free. Register for the workshop by calling 989-2591.

. Downeast Island Boat Trip, Sunday, Nov. 2. Meet at the boat at 8:30 a.m. at Schoppee Point Boat Launch near Roque Bluff State Park (see map 26 in the Maine Atlas and Gazetteer). Cruise the archipelago islands and help trip leaders Norm Famous and Bruce Barker count newly arrived wintering ducks, grebes, gulls, loons and perhaps razorbills. Attendees will land on the largest island for lunch. To carpool, meet at 6:15 a.m. at Fields Pond Audubon Center. $30 Audubon members, $35 others. Advance registration and payment required by calling 989-2591.

Rain date is 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 9.