Items submitted to Check it Out must be events that benefit nonprofit organizations, and be open to the public. Submissions should be received at least seven days in advance of the event.

Farmington area

Farmington, Wednesday, Dec. 15: Cascade Brook School’s Music Department concert, 7 p.m., Mt. Blue High School. Free. Open to the public.

New Vineyard, Thursday, Dec. 16: A holiday concert “Christmas With the Campbells,” 6:30 p.m., Mountain View Bible Church. Freewill offering. A blend of traditional Christmas carols and songs, Christmas gospel songs and Southern gospel music. FMI: 652-2088.

Wilton, Thursday, Dec. 16: Academy Hill School’s Music Department concert, 7 p.m., Academy Hill School.

New Vineyard, Friday, Dec. 17: Open Bible Baptist Church presents “…of His Kingdom There Shall Be No End,” 7 p.m., Barker Road.

Wilton, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 17 and 18: Southern gospel holiday concert, 6:30 p.m., First Apostolic Church, Routes 2 and 4. Free. FMI: 645-4901 or 645-3949.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 18: Northfield presents an a cappella rendition of vocal traditions of medieval and Renaissance Europe and early America, 7:30 p.m., Nordica Auditorium, UMF. Adults, $5; seniors, $4; children under 16, free.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 18: Christmas community luncheon, noon to 1 p.m., Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, Academy Street. Free. Includes baked ham, potatoes, squash, string beans and dessert. FMI: 778-2163 or Dot Bryant, 778-4608.

Livermore, Saturday, Dec. 18: Gourmet extravaganza theme dinner, 5 p.m., Norlands Living History Center. $50. Includes duck with mushroom and chive risotto, lamb medallions and more. Entertainment by Steve Levine’s Jazz Duo. Reservations required. FMI or reservations: 897-4366.

Farmington, Sunday, Dec. 19: Holiday open house at the Pierce House, 2 to 4 p.m., Main Street. Donations of toys for needy children welcome. The public is invited for fellowship and light refreshments.

Farmington, Sunday, Dec. 19: “Christ Is Born” Christmas cantata presented by Strong and area singers, 4 p.m., Fairbanks Union Church. Blend of music, narration, solos and duets. Public welcome.

Jay, Sunday, Dec. 19: Bean’s Corner Baptist Church choir presents the Christmas musical “Celebrate the Gift,” 10:30 a.m. Public welcome. FMI: 645-2925.

New Vineyard, Sunday, Dec. 19: Open Bible Baptist Church presents “…of His Kingdom There Shall Be No End,” 7 p.m., Barker Road.

Salem, Saturday, Dec. 19: A and E Hill’s Country Music presents a bluegrass/country music concert, 1 p.m., Salem Community Building. Sponsored by Salem Pine Tree Club.

Strong, Sunday, Dec. 19: “Christ Is Born” Christmas cantata presented by Strong and area singers, 7 p.m., Strong United Methodist Church. Blend of music, narration, solos and duets. Public welcome.

Wilton, Sunday, Dec. 19: Churches of Wilton Ecumenical Ministry present a concert of Christmas carols and readings, 2:30 p.m., Wilton United Methodist Church. Free. Open to the public. Combined choir from First Congregational Church, St. Luke’s Episcopal and United Methodist Church. Community members who would like to sing may call 645-2639.

Wilton, Sunday, Dec. 19: The East Wilton Union Church presents “The Gift” Christmas cantata with music and narration, during 10:45 a.m. worship service, at the church. Public welcome.

Wilton, Sunday, Dec. 19: East Wilton Union Church Sunday School pageant, 6 p.m., at the church. Includes traditional manger scene. Public welcome.

Turner, Thursday, Dec. 23: Joan Ricker’s annual sing-a-long, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Old Turner Town House, Turner Center. Hot chocolate, mulled cider, cookies and a visit from Santa.

Farmington, Friday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve candlelight service, 7 p.m., Henderson Memorial Baptist Church. Includes lessons and carols, a special story for Christmas, choir music and lighting of candles. All welcome. FMI: 778-2163.

Jay, Friday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve service, 6 p.m., Bean’s Corner Baptist Church. Includes nativity scene with music and readings. Public welcome. FMI: 645-2925.

Turner, Friday, Dec. 24: Christmas eve candlelight service, 6 p.m., Universalist Church, Turner Center.

Wilton, Friday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Service, 5:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, Main Street. Special music, children’s program, traditional candlelighting and song.

Farmington, Thursday, Dec. 30: American Red Cross blood drive, 2 to 7 p.m., Franklin Memorial Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive. FMI: 1-800-482-0743.

Oxford Hills area (Norway, Paris)

Buckfield, through Wednesday, Dec. 15: ATV and snowmobile safety training for children ages 10 to 12 and accompanied by a parent or guardian, 6 to 9 p.m., Buckfield Junior/Senior High School. Free. FMI: 336-2151, ext. 107; for special accommodations: 743-6290.

Norway, Wednesday, Dec. 15: Mollyockett Chapter of Trout Unlimited meeting and presentation focusing on studies of mercury levels in eagles, loons and fish of Androscoggin River Watershed, 6 p.m. dinner follows at 7 p.m., Trolley House Food and Spirits, 237 Main St. FMI: contact Dick Walthers, 743-7461.

Norway, Saturday, Dec.18: Breakfast with Santa, Pizza Hut. $6. Includes breakfast pizza, cinna-stix and beverages. Music by Lynn Deeves. Proceeds for Christmas for Kids and Teens program. Seating limited.

Oxford, Saturday, Dec. 18: Live nativity, 4 p.m., Oxford Advent Church, Route 26. Free. Meal of fish and corn chowders, biscuits and cupcakes will be served following performance. Donations accepted.

Waterford, Saturday, Dec. 18: Christmas caroling party, 7 p.m., Public Library. Santa and refreshments will follow.

Welchville, Saturday, Dec. 18: Dance, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., Emugene Staples Hall. Music by Country Ladds. Sponsored by the Oxford Fire Dept. and Auxiliary Corp.

East Sumner, Sunday, Dec. 19: Christmas cantata choir performance, 6 p.m., East Sumner Congregational Church, Route 219.

Locke Mills, Sunday, Dec. 19: Christmas cantata sung by a choir from area churches, 4 p.m., Locke Mills Union Church. Refreshments follow. FMI: contact Joyce Hathaway, 674-2259.

Naples, Monday, Dec. 20: American Red Cross blood drive, 2 to 7 p.m., United Methodist Church, Route 302. FMI: 1-800-482-0743.

Waterford, Friday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve service community celebration, 6:30 p.m., Waterford Congregational Church, Plummer Hill Road. Christmas story presentation, choir performance, carol singing.

Bridgton, Tuesday, Dec. 28: American Red Cross blood drive, 2 to 7 p.m., Masonic Lodge, Route 117. FMI: 1-800-482-0743.

Locke Mills, Friday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve dance, 8:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m., Town Hall. $8.50 per person, includes buffet lunch at 9:45 p.m. Music by Richard Felt Orchestra. Benefit for Greenwood Historical Society.

Welchville, Friday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve dance and buffet, Emugene Staples Hall. Music by Country Ladds. By reservation only. FMI: 743-8289 or 539-4813.

South Paris, Thursday, Jan. 6: Swingin’ Bears Square Dance Club dance, 7 to 10 p.m., Oxford Hills Middle School. Pine Street. FMI: contact Sue Corning, 743-7176 or Eleanor Herrick, 782-4050.

River Valley area (Rumford)

River Valley, through Friday, Dec. 17: Christmas in the Valley home and business decorating contest. FMI: 364-3241.

Dixfield, Wednesday, Dec. 15: Dixfield Elementary School Christmas concert, 1 to 2 p.m., Dirigo High School. Snow date will be Friday, Dec. 17.

Norway, Wednesday, Dec. 15: Mollyockett Chapter of Trout Unlimited meeting and presentation focusing on studies of mercury levels in eagles, loons and fish of Androscoggin River Watershed, 6 p.m. dinner follows at 7 p.m., Trolley House Food and Spirits, 237 Main St. FMI: contact Dick Walthers, 743-7461.

Mexico, Wednesday, Dec. 15: Greater Rumford Area Ministers’ Pantry Service will serve a free lunch, noon, Town Office.

Rumford, Wednesday, Dec. 15: Holiday concert, 7 p.m., Muskie Auditorium, Mountain Valley High School. Featuring the band, chorus, jazz ensemble and select vocal group. Donations accepted at the door to defray expenses.

Rumford, Wednesday, Dec. 15: Preschool story time for children ages 2 to 5, 10 a.m., Public Library. FMI: 364-3661.

Canton, Friday, Dec. 17: Christmas cookie bag sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Victorian Villa. Proceeds for Adult Day Service special activity fund.

Rumford, Friday, Dec. 17: Wing night and karaoke, wings and fries, 5 to 7 p.m. or until sold out; karaoke, 7 to 10 p.m., Rumford Elks 862. $5. FMI: 364-4022 after 3 p.m.

Canton, Saturday, Dec. 18: Christmas concert, 6:30 p.m., Canton Community Church.

Canton, Saturday, Dec. 18: Children’s Christmas party for children preschool to fourth grade, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., municipal building. Sponsored by Town of Canton. FMI: contact Town Office, 597-2920 or Kathy, 597-2139.

Dixfield, Sunday, Dec. 19: Christmas cantata choir performance, 2 p.m., Dixfield Congregational Church, High Street.

Dixfield, Monday, Dec. 20: Preschool story time for children ages 2 to 5, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Ludden Memorial Library. FMI: 562-8838.

Peru, Monday, Dec. 20: Families in Crisis Task Force Christmas ham dinner, noon to 1 p.m., Rockemeka Grange Hall, 92 Peru Center Road. Includes ham, potatoes, vegetables and desserts. Donations accepted.

Mexico, Tuesday, Dec. 21: Preschool story and craft hour for children ages 2 to 5, 10 a.m., Public Library. Craft will be reindeer ornaments. FMI: 364-3281.

Mexico, Wednesday, Dec. 22: Greater Rumford Area Ministers’ Pantry Service will serve a free lunch at noon, Town Office.

Lewiston area

Buckfield, through Wednesday, Dec. 15: ATV and snowmobile safety training for children ages 10 to 12 and accompanied by a parent or guardian, 6 to 9 p.m., Buckfield Junior/Senior High School. Free. FMI: 336-2151, ext. 107; for special accommodations: 743-6290.

Auburn, Wednesday, Dec. 15: Preschool story hour, 9:30 to 10 a.m., Public Library, Auburn Mall.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Dec. 15: Auburn Community Band holiday concert, 7 p.m., Olin Arts Center, Bates College. Free. FMI: 784-0191.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Dec. 15: Baby rhyme time, 9:30 a.m., Public Library.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Dec. 15: Countryside Dancers club night, free lessons, 6 to 7 p.m.; regular lessons, 7 to 8 p.m.; dancing, 8 to 9:30 p.m., C & J Hall, 711 Webster St.

Lisbon, Wednesday, Dec. 15: Open Mic and Showcase hosted by Final Edit performing blues and folk music, 7p.m., Lisbon Teen Center Coffee House, 32 Main St. All ages welcome. Free. FMI: 353-3010.

Lewiston, Thursday, Dec. 16: L/A Arts presents Acadian music with Vishten, 7:30 p.m., Ramada Inn, 490 Pleasant St. Adults, $18; children, seniors and students, $15; table to seat up to 10; $150. FMI: 1-800-639-2919, 782-7228 or at www.laarts.org.

Lewiston, Thursday, Dec. 16: Advent songfest featuring music by Cornerstone, 7 to 8 p.m., Holy Cross Church, 1080 Lisbon St. Freewill offering accepted. FMI: 783-7241.

Auburn, Friday, Dec. 17: Holiday Concert presented by Turkey Hollow and Phil House, 7 p.m., First Universalist Church, 169 Pleasant St. Adults, $12; students and seniors, $10. FMI: 866-655-7171 or at www.turkeyhollow.com.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 17: Advocates for Children “Cookies and Crafts,” 10 to 11 a.m., B Street Community Building, 57 Birch St., Suite 204. FMI: 783-3990.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 17: Bookin’ It with Babies, 10 a.m., Public Library.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 17: American Red Cross blood drive, 6:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St. FMI: 1-800-482-0743.

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 18: Bean and macaroni supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Saint Phillip’s Church Hall, 133 Western Ave. Adults, $5; children under 12, $3; under 5, free.

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 18: Holiday music concert presented by Mitch Thomas and Friends, 2:30 p.m., Auburn United Methodist Church, 439 Park Ave. Free.

Lewiston, Saturday, Dec. 18: Bake sale to benefit Turner Rescue, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Marden’s, Northwood Park Shopping Center, Main Street.

Lisbon, Saturday, Dec. 18: Auxiliary supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., VFW Post 9459, Route 196. Adults, $5; children under 10, $2.50. Includes beans, American chop suey, hot dogs, coleslaw, bread, dessert, coffee or tea. FMI: 353-2152.

Auburn, Sunday, Dec. 19: Dr. Gordon Talbot presents a Christmas violin concert, 6:30 p.m., Seventh Day Adventist Church, 310 Minot Ave. Sponsored by Emmanuel Reformed Presbyterian Church of Auburn. Freewill offering. Parking at the rear and side of church.

Auburn, Sunday, Dec. 19: Public breakfast, 8 to 1:30 a.m., VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave. $3/$4. Includes coffee and juice. Benefit for New Auburn Little League Baseball. FMI: 784-6883.

Augusta, Sunday, Dec. 19: CODA chorus performs Hebrew and Polish melodies and Kirke Mecham’s “Seven Joys of Christmas,” 4 p.m., St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Western Ave. $10. Sponsored by UMA Senior College. FMI: 377-3967 or at www.codachorus.org.

Lewiston, Sunday, Dec. 19: Lewiston Singles Club dance, 7 to 11 p.m., C & J Hall, 711 Webster St. $8/$7. Music by Bill Trowell Trio.

Lisbon Falls, Sunday, Dec. 19: Christmas play “The Valley Haven Christmas Show,” 6 p.m., Lisbon Falls, Church of the Nazarene. FMI: contact Laurie, 375-7275.

New Gloucester, Sunday, Dec. 19: Christmas pageant and concert, pageant at 9:30 a.m.; concert at 2 p.m. First Congregational Church, 19 Gloucester Hill Road, off Route 213. Pageant includes singing, dancing, rejoicing. Concert includes appearance by The Back Bay Four barbershop quartet. Refreshments follow both events. FMI: 926-3260.

Lewiston, Monday, Dec. 20: Bookin’ It with Babies, 10 a.m., Public Library.

Lewiston, Monday, Dec. 20: Advocates for children play group, 10 to 11 a.m., B Street Community Building, 57 Birch St., Suite 204. FMI: 783-3990.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Dec. 21: Preschool stories, 10 a.m., Public Library.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Dec. 21: Holiday sing-along, 6:30 p.m., Public library.

Auburn, Wednesday, Dec. 22: Preschool story hour, 9:30 to 10 a.m., Public Library, Auburn Mall.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Dec. 22: Baby rhyme time, 9:30 a.m., Public Library.

Lisbon Falls, Wednesday, Dec. 22: Open Mic and Showcase presents blues and folk music with Final Edit, 7p.m., Lisbon Teen Center Coffee House, 32 Main St. All ages welcome. Free. FMI: 353-3010.

Lewiston, Thursday, Dec. 23: Advent songfest featuring music by Cornerstone, 7 to 8 p.m., Holy Cross Church, 1080 Lisbon St. Freewill offering accepted. FMI: 783-7241.

Turner, Thursday, Dec. 23: Joan Ricker’s annual sing-a-long, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Old Turner Town House, Turner Center. Hot chocolate, mulled cider, cookies and a visit from Santa.

Turner, Friday, Dec. 24: Christmas eve candlelight service, 6 p.m., Universalist Church, Turner Center.

Lewiston, Sunday, Dec. 26: Lewiston Singles Club dance, 7 to 11 p.m., C & J Hall, 711 Webster St. $8/$7. Music by Bushwack.

Lewiston, Monday, Dec. 27: Bookin’ It with Babies, 10 a.m., Public Library.

Lewiston, Monday, Dec. 27: Advocates for children play group, 10 to 11 a.m., B Street Community Building, 57 Birch St., Suite 204. FMI: 783-3990.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Dec. 28: Preschool stories, 10 a.m., Public Library.

Auburn, Wednesday, Dec. 29: Preschool story hour, 9:30 to 10 a.m., Public Library, Auburn Mall.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Dec. 29: Baby rhyme time, 9:30 a.m., Public Library.

Lewiston, Saturday, Dec. 31: Countryside Dancers New Years Eve dance, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., C & J Hall, 711 Webster St.

Auburn, Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 5 and 6: L/A Arts presents the Foreign film “The Triplets of Belleville,” 7 p.m., Central Maine Community College, 1250 Turner St. Film club members, $5; non-members, $7. FMI: 1-800-639-2919 or at www.laarts.org.

Lewiston, Thursday, Jan. 20: L/A Arts presents acoustic fun with Cheryl Wheeler, 7:30 p.m., Ramada Inn, 490 Pleasant St. Adults, $18; children, students and seniors, $15; table seating 10, $150. FMI: 1-800-639-2919 or www.laarts.org.

Casco, Saturday, Feb. 5: Baked bean supper, 5 to 6 p.m., Crescent Lake Community Hall, Route 11, Webbs Mills. Adults, $6; children under 12, $3; under 5, free. Includes hot dogs, American chop suey, salads, breads, beverage and homemade pies.

Augusta, through March 11: Arbor Day National poster contest. All fifth grade classes are invited to create posters reflecting the theme “Trees are Terrific…and Energy Wise. FMI: Jan Ames Santerre, State contest coordinator, 623-2371 or e-mail canopyinfo@adelphia.net.

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