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

Livermore Falls, Tuesday, Aug. 22: Barry Wood Band, 6 to 8 p.m., in the gazebo.

Farmington, Wednesday, Aug. 23: Concert by violinists Matthew Goodman and Jessica Parsons, accompanied by Patricia Hayden. All Bach program, 7:30 p.m., Nordica Auditorium at UMF. Donations at the door. FMI: Matthew Goodman at 617-233-9452 or 778-3717.

Livermore, Wednesday, Aug. 23: One-hour learning adventures into the past, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, 290 Livermore Road. Adults, $5; children, $3. Advance reservations requested. FMI: 897-4366 or e-mail [email protected].

Livermore, Wednesday, Aug. 23: Livermore United Methodist Church, lasagna supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Menu: lasagna, tossed salad, homemade dinner rolls and ice cream sundae. Adults, $6; children, $3.

Livermore Falls, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 24, 25 and 26: Frantasia, festival of out music and arts, 7 to 11 p.m., Treat Memorial Library auditorium, 56 Main St. Tickets, $9/$7. FMI: Fran Szostek, 897-6158 or www.FrantasiaFestival.com.

Livermore Falls, Thursday, Aug. 24: Richard Moreau Band, 6 to 8 p.m., in the gazebo.

Farmington, Saturday, Aug. 26: Peggy Lynn and Dan Duggan, folk music, 7:30 p.m., Nordica Auditorium, UMF Merrill Hall. Adults, $6; seniors, $5; children under 16 and UMF students with ID, free. Sponsored by Arts Institute of Western Maine. FMI: [email protected], 645-2157, artsinstitute.org.

Livermore Falls, Saturday, Aug. 26: The LaClaires in concert, 7 p.m., Church of the Nazarene, 6 Wheeler St. FMI: 897-2301.

Turner, Saturday, Sept. 2: Annual yard sale, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for North Turner Presbyterian Church at Goodwin Well and Water on Route 4. There will be snacks and drinks for sale.

Farmington, Saturday, Sept. 9: Contradance with the North Star Sisters, 8 to 11 p.m. and a free basics workshop at 7:30, Farmington Grange, Bridge Street, Route 43. $6 admission; $15 family max. FMI: 397-2241.

Farmington, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 9 and 10: Sandy River Players will hold auditions for two upcoming productions, “Fiddler on the Roof” and “A Return to Vaudeville,” at University of Maine at Farmington’s Merrill Hall and Alumni Theater, beginning at noon, for men, women and children. FMI: [email protected] or (207) 578-0357.

Farmington, Friday, Sept. 15: 10th annual Mt. Blue Football Tailgate Party, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. before the Cony game, at MBHS. Chicken dinner $5, hamburg or hot dog dinner $4. Tickets available from players or call 778-4006.

Oxford Hills area

North Waterford, Tuesday, Aug. 22: Public supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., North Waterford Congregational Church, Five Kezars Road. Baked beans, American chop suey, casseroles, salads, brown bread, rolls, beverages, homemade pies. Adults, $7; under 12, $3.50.

Paris, Wednesday, Aug. 23: Moore Park Summer Entertainment series presents Dave Rowe Trio, 6 to 8 p.m., Moore Park. In case of rain, Paris Fire Hall, Western Avenue. Free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. FMI: 743-2501.

Paris, Thursday, Aug. 24: Storytime for preschoolers, 10 a.m., public library.

Oxford, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 25-27: Firearms hunter safety course sponsored by the Lake Thompson Fish and Game Club at their clubhouse on Paine Road. 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Students must attend all sessions. FMI: Art 539-2322 or Don 539-4407.

Oxford, Saturday, Aug. 26: Oxford County 4-H Teen exchange annual bidding auction starts at 5:30 p.m. at the South Paris Fire Station. FMI: Jim or Gail Trundy at 966-2913 or Donna Brackett at 369-8084.

Oxford, Saturday, Aug. 26: Waterford Grange 479 bake and yard sale All homemade baked goods. Coffee and doughnuts available, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Hooker Farms, Pleasant Street. All proceeds to go to the Grange. FMI: 539-4572.

Locke Mills, Saturday, Aug. 26: Old Time Dance, 8 to 11 p.m., Locke Mills Town Hall. Music by the Richard Felt Orchestra. Benefit of the Greenwood Historical Society. FMI: Joyce Hathaway, 674-2259.

Locke Mills, Saturday, Aug. 26: Auction, 10 a.m., Locke Mills Union Church, Route 26, Greenwood. Preview, 9 a.m. David Murphy, auctioneer. Refreshments will be sold. Antiques, collectibles, furniture. FMI: Joyce Hathaway, 674-2259.

Norway, Saturday, Aug. 26: Tent-N-Treasures yard sale, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Second Congregational Church, UCC, Main Street. Sports gear, kitchen items, tools, Christmas ornaments, books, toys, furniture.

Oxford, Saturday, Aug. 26: Public supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Oxford Grange, Route 26. Menu: baked beans, hot dogs, coleslaw, biscuits, molasses cake with cream. Adults, $7; children under 12, $3.50. To benefit roof repair.

Poland, Saturday, Aug. 26: Thompson Lake Environmental Association pig roast, Agassiz Village Camp, Thompson Lake.

Waterford, Saturday, Aug. 26: Waterford Grange 479 bake sale and yard sale, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Hooker Farms, Pleasant Street, Oxford. FMI and to donate items: Linda Hooker, 539-4572.

Mechanic Falls, Sunday, Aug. 27: Down East Country Music Association’s 26th annual awards show, noon, Silver Spur, Route 121. Adults, $10; children under 12, $5. Adult competitors, $5; youth competitors, $2, children under 12. Refreshments available. Winners will represent the state in the Tennessee Nationals. FMI: Jackie, 793-8884; Gary, 377-8035; Dean, 743-2922.

West Paris, Sunday, Aug. 27: Open house, 2 to 4 p.m., Finnish-American Heritage Center.

Gorham, N.H.,Wednesday, Aug. 30: Wednesday Night with a Ranger speaker series, 8 p.m., Appalachian Mountain Club’s Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, Route 16. “Open Forum – A conversation with the Deputy Forest Supervisor.” FMI: 603-466-2713, TTY 603-466-2856 or 603-466-2721.

Bridgton, Thursday, Aug. 31: American Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bridgton Hospital, South High Street.

Oxford, Thursday through Tuesday, Aug. 31 to Sept. 5: His Place Teen Center yard sale, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Route 26, next to the fish market. Set-up, Aug. 30.

South Paris, Saturday, Sept. 9: Square Dancing and Round Dancing 7 to 10 p.m. at the Oxford Hills Middle School, Pine St., with Scott Williams calling Mainstream and Plus and Carol Stewart cueing the round dancing. Refreshments will be served at intermission. FMI: call Sue Corning, 207-743-7176 or Eleanor Herrick, 207-782-4050.

Bolster’s Mills, Saturday, Sept. 16: Chicken pie supper, United Methodist Church. Two seatings: 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Adults, $7; under 12, $3. Handicapped-accessible; air conditioned. Tickets available at 4 p.m. Reservations taken day of supper, 9 a.m. to noon, 583-9024.

Norway, Wednesday, Sept. 20: Fun Times in Unusual Places – Roy Earle. One person’s account of “Things Not Many People Get To Do.” 7 p.m., Society House, 71 Main St. FMI: 743-2305.

River Valley area

Gorham, N.H., Wednesday, Aug. 23: Ranger speaker series, “The History of Logging in the White Mountains,” 8 p.m., Appalachian Mountain Club’s Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, Route 16. Free and open to the public. FMI: 603-466-2713, TTY 603-466-2856 or 603-466-2721.

Oxford, Saturday, Aug. 26: Oxford County 4-H Teen exchange annual bidding auction starts at 5:30 p.m. at the South Paris Fire Station. FMI: Jim or Gail Trundy at 966-2913 or Donna Brackett at 369-8084.

Locke Mills, Monday, Aug. 28: American Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 6 p.m., American Legion Hall.

Andover, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 2 and 3: Ellis River Riders horse club game show, 9 a.m., Airport Road. Rain or shine. Free. Food concession, breakfast through late afternoon. Games include barrel racing, pole bending. FMI: 392-2381 or www.ellisriverriders.com.

Dixfield, Saturday, Sept. 2 to Monday, Sept. 4: Jungle Aviation and Radio Service (JAARS) the technical division of Wycliffe Bible Translators is returning to Swan’s Field from 9 a.m. to dusk on Saturday, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday. Swan’s Field is on the Canton Point Road. For $15 per person for the short takeoff and landing, $20 for the Robinson R-44 Raven II helicopter.

Lewiston area

Lewiston, Tuesday, Aug. 22: Farmers’ Market, 2 to 6 p.m., Kennedy Park, corner Bates and Pine. FMI: William Burke, market manager, 777-5134; Lots to Gardens at 753-6944.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Aug. 22: American Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., CMMC Whole Bloods and Pheresis, 300 Main St. Open to the public.

Auburn, Wednesday, Aug. 23: Auburn Community Band, “Greatest Hits” from past 25 summer seasons, 7 to 8:15 p.m., Festival Plaza, Main Street, weather permitting. FMI: www.auburncommunityband.org.

Gardiner, Wednesday, Aug. 23: Bruce Mackenzie Johnson, magician, juggler, character comedian, Johnson Hall Mini-Park, 280 Water St., noon to 1 p.m.; free. Rain location, inside Johnson Hall. FMI: www.johnsonhall.org.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Aug. 23: American Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 6:30 p.m. , CMMC Whole Bloods and Pheresis, 300 Main St. Open to the public.

Auburn, Thursday, Aug. 24: L/A Arts presents Bellamy Jazz Band, noon, Festival Plaza. Free. Rain date: Friday, Aug. 25, noon, HiltonGarden Inn. Jazz musicians play traditional New Orleans and Chicago jazz and swing. FMI: 782-7228; www.laarts.org.

Auburn, Thursday, Aug. 24: Teenior Knitting Club, 10 a.m., public library. FMI: 333-6640 ext. 2008 or [email protected].

Greene, Thursday and Friday, Aug. 24 and 25: Filmmaker Frank Klicar will narrate his film, “Slovenia and Croatia,” Sawyer Memorial, 371 Sawyer Road. Thursday, 7 p.m. and Friday, 2 and 7 p.m.; free admission; doors open one hour before shows; air-conditioned. FMI: 946-5311 or http://ourworld.cs.com/sawyerfoundation.

Lewiston, Thursday, Aug. 24: Lewiston Public Library (200 Lisbon St./Rte.196, at the corner of Pine Street in downtown Lewiston), members of the Chinese Folk Art ensemble will conduct workshops for youth age six and older in diabolo (Chinese yo yo) at 3:30 p.m., and in Chinese folk dance at 4:15 p.m. Fee: $3 each session or $5 for both. Advance registration recommended: 784-0135, ext. 200. Website: www.lplonline.org.

Lewiston, Thursday, Aug. 24: American Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 6:30 p.m., CMMC Whole Bloods and Pheresis, 300 Main St. Open to the public.

Lewiston, Thursday, Aug. 24: The Franco-American Heritage Center (88 Oxford Street, downtown Lewiston at the corner of Cedar Street), the Chinese Folk Art ensemble, a troupe of 30 Chinese-American youth age 10-17, present “Flying Dragon and Dancing Phoenix,” an hour of authentic Chinese dance, diabolo tricks and other traditional Asian arts forms. Admission: $5. Advance reservations: 689-2000. For more information: 783-1585 or www.francoamericanheritage.org.

Lewiston, Thursday, Aug. 24: Partner and line dancing with the Countryside Dancers, 7 p.m., Central Hall, 191 Lisbon St. Entrance 4th level of Centreville Garage on Canal Street.

Auburn, Friday, Aug. 25: L/A Arts presents Kate Wegner/Chuck Donnelly and Evergreen (Celtic and Bluegrass), noon, Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch. Rain location, indoors.

Lewiston, Friday, Aug. 25: Preschool story time, 10 a.m., Public Library.

Lisbon, Friday, Aug. 25: Smothered beef supper, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Odd Fellows Hall, 27 Village St. Adults, $6; children 12 and under, $3; pre-school, free.

Auburn, Saturday, Aug. 26: Festival Plaza, at the movies beginning at dusk, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Purchase popcorn and drinks from the concession stand. FMI: 784-0191.

Gray, Saturday, Aug. 26: Hooked on Fishing Program and participation, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Maine Wildlife Park, Route 26. FMI: 657-4977 ext. 1, or www.mainewildlifepark.com.

Gray, Saturday, Aug. 26: American Legion Auxiliary, indoor yard sale, 7:30 a.m. to noon. All proceeds go to charities, veterans or needy families. FMI: Nancy True, 657-2661.

Gray, Saturday, Aug. 26: 15th annual chicken barbecue, 5 and 5:45 p.m., Gray Congregational Church Parish House, Brown Street. Adults, $8.50; children 12 and under, $4.25. Menu: half chicken, baked potato, corn on the cob, homemade biscuits, cakes and pies, punch and coffee. FMI: 657-4338; day of supper, 657-4279.

Greene, Saturday, Aug. 26: Public bean supper, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the VFW Memorial Post 11032 located next to the Greene Central School. Menu includes two kinds of beans, franks, American Chop Suey, coleslaw, Italian bread, dessert, coffee and punch. Cost $5 for adults, $2.50 for children under 12.

Lisbon, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26 and 27: Co-ed softball tournament, Pinewoods Sports Complex. Benefits Poland Spring team. Double-elimination event. Trophies awarded. Entry fee, $125 a team. FMI: Mike Brochu, 783-9758; Steve Curtis, 740-6432.

Lisbon Falls, Saturday, Aug. 26: Home baked bean and ham supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Lisbon Methodist Church, School Street, Adults, $6; children, $2. FMI: 353-8957.

New Gloucester, Saturday, Aug. 26: Gazebo fundraiser, 9 a.m. to noon, Upper Village Fire Station, Route 100. Car wash, bottle drive, food sale. Benefits the Bob Leighton Memorial Gazebo.

New Gloucester, Saturday, Aug. 26: Make a Shaker style dovetail tray, Chris Becksvoort will lead workshop, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Route 26. Preregistration required, $40. FMI: 926-4597.

New Gloucester, Saturday, Aug. 26: Chair-caning, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Route 26. Preregistration required, $30. FMI: 926-4597.

Sabattus, Saturday, Aug. 26: Turkey dinner, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Pathway Community Church, 181 Sabattus Road, across from Stevens Hardware. Adults, $6.50; children 4 to 12, $4; under 4, free.

Sabattus, Saturday, Aug. 26: Beans and casserole supper and dance, 5 p.m., Jacques Cartier Club, Wakes Road. Adults, $6; children, $2.50. Dance to country western music and oldies following the supper. FMI: 375-9008.

Winthrop, Saturday, Aug. 26: Public breakfast will be served at the Winthrop Grange on Old Lewiston Road from 7 to 9 a.m. Menu: bacon, eggs, pancakes, homefries, baked beans, muffins and beverages. Cost is $5 and $2.50 for those under 12. Proceeds will benefit community and grange projects.

Lewiston, Sunday, Aug. 27: Dr. Stephen Sokol will discuss his work with the refugees in Darfur, Africa, 7 p.m. Calvary United Methodist Church, 59 Sabattus St.

Mechanic Falls, Sunday, Aug. 27: Down East Country Music Association’s 26th annual awards show, noon, Silver Spur, Route 121. Adults, $10; children under 12, $5. Adult competitors, $5; youth competitors, $2 for children under 12. Refreshments available. Winners will represent Maine in the Tennessee Nationals. FMI: Jackie, 793-8884; Gary, 377-8035; Dean, 743-2922.

Lewiston, Monday, Aug. 28: Bookin’ It with Babies, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Aug. 29: Preschool story time, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Aug. 29: Farmers’ market, 2 to 6 p.m., Kennedy Park, corner Bates and Pine. FMI: William Burke, market manager, 777-5134; Lots to Gardens at 753-6944.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Aug. 29: American Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bus Drive, Advantage Payroll, 126 Merrow Rd. Open to the public.

Auburn, Wednesday, Aug. 30: American Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., CMMC Whole Bloods and Pheresis, 300 Main St. Open to the public.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Aug. 30: American Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 6:30 p.m., CMMC Whole Bloods and Pheresis, 300 Main St. Open to the public.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Aug. 30: American Red Cross blood drive, 7 a.m. to noon, Sisters of Charity, Campus Ave., Lepage Center. Open to the public.

Auburn, Thursday, Aug. 31: Teenior Knitting Club, 10 a.m., public library. FMI: 333-6640 ext. 2008 or [email protected].

Lewiston, Thursday, Aug. 31: American Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 6:30 p.m., CMMC Whole Bloods and Pheresis, 300 Main St. Open to the public.

Lewiston, Thursday, Aug. 31: Partner and line dancing with the Countryside Dancers, 7 p.m., Central Hall, 191 Lisbon St. Entrance 4th level of Centreville Garage on Canal Street.

Buckfield, Saturday to Monday, Sept. 2 to 4: Book sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Zadoc Long Free Library, 5 Turner St. Raffle tickets for a pine jelly cabinet; bake sale on the 4th. Books: $1, hardcovers; 50 cents, paperbacks. Raffle tickets: $1 for 1; $5 for 6; on sale now at the library and Tilton’s Market. The jelly cabinet can be seen at the library. Benefits the library.

Gray, Saturday, Sept. 2: Public supper, 5 to 6 p.m., American Legion, 15 Lewiston Road., beans, chop suey, coleslaw, hot dogs, breads and desserts. Adults, $6; children under 12, $2.50; under 5, free.

Lewiston, Saturday, Sept. 2: Bean supper, 4 to 6:30 p.m., Holy Cross Knights of Columbus Council 12652, Church Hall, 1080 Lisbon St. Adults, $6; age 12 and under, $3. Take out available. FMI: Dan Leclair, 240-3537.

Turner, Saturday, Sept. 2: Annual yard sale, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., to benefit North Turner Presbyterian Church, at Goodwin Well and Water, Route 4. Snacks and drinks for sale.

Greene, Thursday and Friday, Sept. 7, 8: The Dave Rowe Trio will entertain at the Sawyer Memorial, 371 Sawyer Road with Celtic and Canadian Maritime music and song. Thursday at 7 p.m. and Friday at 2 and 7 p.m.; Free admission; Doors open one hour before shows; FMI: 946-5311 or http://ourworld.cs.com/sawyerfoundation.

Portland, Friday, Sept. 8: Coastal Studies for Girls presents fisherman, author and advocate for the aspirations of young woman, Linda Greenlaw sharing “Lessons from the Sea,” 7 p.m., USM Abromson Center. Students, $10; general public, $15. Tickets available at the door or by calling 780-5951. FMI: 865-9700.

Winthrop, Friday, Sept. 8: Fish chowder luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Congregational Church. Adults, $6. Menu: fish chowder, hot biscuits, crackers, pickles, beverage and homemade pies. Benefits the church.

Auburn, Saturday, Sept. 9: Fall Festival of Music/Country and Gospel, 7 p.m., CMCC, Kirk Hall. Advance tickets, $8/$10 at the door Tickets available at the Dominican Sisters Convent in Sabattus, Victor News, Park Street, Lewiston. FMI: Rose, 784-8388.

Lewiston, Sunday, Sept. 10: Catholic Bible study, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Holy Cross Parish Hall, Lisbon St. The program will run for 10 weeks at Holy Cross, St. Joseph’s and Sacred Heart parish halls. Registration forms at all local Catholic churches or online at www.holycrosslewiston.com/lrock.html; $12 per person; forms and checks accepted until Friday, Sept. 8. FMI: Denise Mailhot, 786-3380; [email protected].

Poland, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 15 and 16: Second annual quilt retreat, Poland Spring Resort, hosted by the Poland Spring Preservation Society. Froncie Quinn is coming from Vermont to share her talent and knowledge at a workshop. Workshops, vendors, yard sale. FMI or reservations: 998-4142.

Greene, Thursday and Friday, Sept. 21, 22: Martin Swinger will entertain at the Sawyer Memorial, 371 Sawyer Road with swing & jazz standards, folk, contemporary and original songs. Thursday 7 p.m. and Friday. at 2 & 7 p.m.; free admission; doors open one hour before shows; FMI: 946-5311 or http://ourworld.cs.com/sawyerfoundation.

Lisbon Falls, Saturday, Sept. 30: Scrapbooking day, Lisbon United Methodist Church, 14 School St. There will be make-and-take kits, demonstrations, door prizes and goodie bags. Cost $20 before Sept. 15; after, $25. Lunch included. FMI: Carol Day, 353-8019.

Leeds, Saturday, Oct. 7: Leeds Community Church fundraiser, “A Celebration of Gifts and Talents,” 123 Church Hill Road, 7 a.m. to noon.