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, Wednesday, Sept. 20: Beef stew supper from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Livermore Methodist Church. Adults, $6; children $3.

Farmington, Wednesday, Sept. 20: John Neff will present a program with slides on the Katahdin Lake area, 7 p.m., Room C23, Roberts Learning Center, UMF. Free and open to the public, sponsored by the Western Maine Audubon Society.

Farmington, Thursday, Sept. 21: Lyn Mikel Brown, author of “Packaging Girlhood, Rescuing Our Daughters from Marketers’ Schemes,” will present a reading and book signing, 7 p.m., Devaney, Doak and Garrett Booksellers.

Temple, Friday, Sept. 22: Bread and Puppet Theater, 7:30 p.m., Temple Stream Theater. Donation suggestion, $10, or pay what you can. FMI: 778-2513.

Turner, Saturday, Sept. 23: Monica Quimby Dream Walk and raffle, 10 a.m., Leavitt Area High School track. FMI: 224-7653.

Turner, Saturday, Sept. 23: Baked bean and potluck supper, 5 to 7 p.m., Turner Center Universalist Church, Route. 117, Adults, $7; children under 12, $3.

Wilton, Saturday, Sept. 23: Gail Saviello Memorial Tennis Scrambles, 9 a.m., Academy Hill School courts. To register or for FMI: Mary Ryan, 645-4878.

Farmington, Sunday, Sept. 24: Farmington Elks Lodge 10th annual charity golf scramble, 7:30 a.m., Wilson Lake Golf Club, Route 156. Breakfast available at the club. Four-man best-ball scramble, fee $200 a team. Banquet and presentations at the Elks Lodge, School Street, Farmington. Proceeds to benefit Maine Children’s Cancer Program. FMI: Elks Lodge, 778-6761; Phil O’Brion, 897-2039; Willie Deshaies, 897-4165.

Farmington, Wednesday, Sept. 27: Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., UMaine Farmington No., North Dining Hall.

Farmington, Thursday, Sept. 28: Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., UMaine Farmington No., North Dining Hall.

Farmington, Saturday, Sept. 30: Maine Mountain Chamber Music will perform at 7:30 p.m., Nordica Auditorium, UMF. The concert will showcase the development of Slavic music over the first hundred-plus years. Admission at the door: $9 for adults, $7 for seniors, children under 16, free. No advance ticket sales. Sponsored by the Arts Institute and Franklin Savings Bank. FMI: 645-2157.

Farmington, Saturday, Oct. 7: The vocal group, Improvox, will present a workshop at 1 p.m., Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, Academy Street. Singing simple tones or intricate musical patterns in large or small ensembles. Limited to 30 ages 18 and up. $15 fee collected that day. To reserve a space: e-mail [email protected] or write the Arts Institute of Western Maine at PO Box 821, Wilton, ME 04294.

West Farmington, Saturday, Oct. 14: Contradance with the West Farmington House Band, Francois Neville and Cynthia Phinney, calling, 8 to 11 p.m., Farmington Grange, Bridge St., Route 43. Admission, $6; sit-in musicians $3; $15 family max. Free basic workshop, free, 7:30 p.m. FMI: 397-2241 or [email protected].

Oxford Hills area

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.

Paris, Thursday, Sept. 21: Suicide awareness program, 6 p.m., Paris Fire Department, Western Avenue. Free and open to the public. FMI: Jeff Clark or Tamara Corson, 743-9554, ext. 1.

Paris, Friday, Sept. 22: Public bean supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., First Congregational Church. Menu: beans, casseroles, hot dogs, beverage, homemade pies. Adults, $6; children under 12, $3. Proceeds will benefit the church fuel fund.

Locke Mills, Saturday, Sept. 23: Old-Time dance, 8 to 11 p.m., Locke Mills Town Hall, music by Richard Felt Orchestra. FMI: 674-2259.

Norway, Sunday, Sept. 24: Come to an afternoon of organ music at Christ Episcopal church, 35 Paris St., from 4 to 5 p.m. Forest Perkins, guest organist. Refreshments afterwards. FMI: call 743-6782.

Waterford, Monday, Sept. 25: “Lets’ Talk About It,” free reading and discussion group, 7 p.m., Waterford Library. FMI: 583-2050.

Naples: Monday, Sept. 25: Red Cross blood drive, 2 to 7 p.m., American legion hall, Routes 11 and 302.

Casco, Saturday, Sept. 30: Annual soup supper, 5:30 p.m., Casco Village Church. Menu: soups, stew, chowders, chili, bread, make-your-own sundae. Cost $6 a person, all you can eat. Sponsored by Casco Village Ladies Guild and trustees. FMI: 627-4282 or Pat Heintz, 627-4381.

Hebron, Saturday, Sept. 30: “Ristorante Italiano” public supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Hebron Community Baptist Church. Adults, $6. Includes lasagna, spaghetti, pasta dishes, garlic bread, salad, spumoni and homemade cookies. Hosted by the church Outreach. FMI: 966-2694.

Norway, Saturday, Sept. 30: Fare Share Market is hoting a tour of local farms, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Farmers and gardeners will be on hand to answer questions. Tickets and maps may be purchased at the Fare Share Market, 443 Main St. Cost is $15 for the public; $10, Fare Share members; free, age 15 and younger. Proceeds will benefit the Fare Share Co-op.

Paris, Saturday, Sept. 30: Chinese auction, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. Bidding 5 to 6:30 p.m.; drawing of winners, 6:30 p.m. Tickets 10/$2.50, also bonus tickets. To benefit Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills. Food and refreshments available.

Fryeburg, Sunday, Oct. 1 to Sunday, Oct. 8: Art opening, “Weavings” by Michael Patterson will hand at The Fiber Center at Fryeburg Fair. Hours are Sunday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the last Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. FMI: contact Gale at 207-284-7379 or 207-935-3268

River Valley area

Rumford, Wednesday, Sept. 20: Rumford Library’s preschool storytime for ages 2 to 5 begins again at 10 a.m. at the library. Stories, songs, fingerplays, crafts.

Rumford, Thursday, Sept. 21: Public harvest supper, 4:30 to 6 p.m., VFW. Menu: ham, potatoes, turnip, carrots, cabbage, biscuits and beverage. Adults, $6; ages under 12, $2.50.

Rumford, Thursday, Sept. 21: Rumford-Mexico Acadian Society monthly potluck supper and meeting, 6 p.m., St. Athanasius and St. John Parish Center, Franklin Street.

Dixfield, Sunday, Sept. 24: Pancake breakfast and flea market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dixfield American Legion Hall. Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary in support of veterans.

Rumford, Thursday, Sept. 28: Billie Gammon, founder of Norlands Living History Center, will present a program at the Widows or Widowers Sharing meeting, 2 p.m., Rumford United Methodist Church, Linnell Street. All area widows and widowers are welcome. FMI: 364-8335 or 364-8624.

Rumford, Saturday, Sept. 30: Open horseshoe tournament begins at 10 a.m. at Hosmer Field. Sponsored by Rumford Eagles. Tw classes, $10 entry fee. Prize money awarded. 50/50 and food available. Rain date, Sunday, Oct. 1. FMI: Mark at 369-9180.

Rumford, Saturday, Sept. 30: Black Mountain of Maine/River Valley Chamber of Commerce Fitness and Fun Fair. Spaghetti feed from 3 to 7 p.m. tops off a day of fun and fitness at Black Mountain. Meal, $6. Proceeds benefit the Chisholm Ski Club and the mountain. Rumford Area Rotary Club serves a pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. at the lodge. During the day: trail races, fitness fair, Nordic ski dry land training clinic and more. FMI: Scott, 364-3241.

Rumford, Saturday, Oct. 14: Rumford Area Rotary’s 13th annual Oktoberfest, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Adult Activity Center (formerly the armory). Crafters and businesses display their wares with special activities for children. Lunch available. Spaces still available. To reserve a space, call Joe Sirois at 364-4561.

Lewiston area

Auburn, Wednesday, Sept. 20: Preschool story time, 9 and 10:30 a.m., public library. Songs, stories, rhymes and finger plays.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Sept. 20: Red Cross blood drive, 12:30 to 8:30 p.m., CMMC Whole Bloods and Pheresis, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Sept. 20: Harvest supper celebration at the Knox Street garden, 5:30 to 7 p.m., 61 Knox St. Bring a favorite dish to share. FMI: Bridgette Bartlett, Lots to Gardens, 754-3192 or [email protected].

Auburn, Thursday, Sept. 21: 5th annual Carnegie Cub Challenge Golf Tournament, Martindale Country Club. FMI: contact Kellie in public library development office.

Auburn, Thursday, Sept. 21: Marvel databases for parents and teens, at 6 p.m., public library.

Auburn, Thursday, Sept. 21: Baby’s night out, 6 to 6:20 p.m., public library. For babies birth to 24 months.

Lewiston, Thursday, Sept. 21: Red Cross blood drive, 12:30 to 8:30 p.m., CMMC Whole Bloods and Pheresis, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Thursday, Sept. 21: 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.

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

Lewiston, Friday, Sept. 22: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library. For parents and children ages 2 1/2 to 5.

Lisbon, Friday, Sept. 22: VFW Post 9459 Ladies Auxiliary will have a supper at the post home, Route 196, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Menu: beans, hot dogs, coleslaw, casserole, biscuits, dessert, coffee and tea. $6 for adults and $3 for children under 10. FMI: 353-2152.

Lisbon Falls, Saturday, Sept. 23: Baked bean and ham supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Lisbon Methodist Church, School Street. Sponsored by the Methodist Women. Adults, $6; children, $2.

Pownal, Saturday, Sept. 23: Benefit dinner for Tammy Hewison, 5 p.m., Pownal Congregational Church, Route 9. Menu: lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, tossed salad, garlic bread, brownie and ice cream. FMI for reservations: Jackie Gerrish, 926-3660. Donations will be accepted. To make donations, make checks payable to Gerrish, 469 Pownal Auburn Road, Durham, ME 04222.

Turner, Saturday, Sept. 23: Baked bean and potluck supper, 5 to 7 p.m., at Turner Center Universalist Church, Route 117. Adults, $7; children under 12, $3.

Turner, Saturday, Sept. 23: Monica Quimby Dream Walk and raffle, 10 a.m., Leavitt Area High School track. FMI: 224-7653.

Wales, Saturday, Sept. 23: Public chicken barbecue supper, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Wales Grange and Masonic Hall, 322 Centre Road; rain or shine. Reservations requested by Sept. 20 for head count. Benefits building fund. Adults, $8; children, $4. Menu: barbecue chicken, corn on the cob, side dishes, beverages. FMI: Tom 375-8375, Ron, 375-8728, Marcel, 786-2213 or Al,375-8889; or write: Webster Lodge, P.O. Box 471, Sabattus, ME 04280.

Cumberland, Sunday to Friday, Sept. 24 to 30: Barn sale to benefit the North Pownal United Methodist Church, 53 Blanchard Road, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Furniture, antiques, collectibles, toys, dishes, crafts, books. Saturday, “Pay What You Want Day.”

Lewiston, Sunday, Sept. 24: Red Cross blood drive, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Holy Cross Church, 1080 Lisbon St. Sponsored by Holy Cross Knights of Columbus Council 12652 and Social Peace and Justice Commission.

Lewiston, Sunday, Sept. 24: The Holy Cross Knights of Columbus Council 12652, and the Social Peace and Justice Committe, will be having a Blood Drive at the Holy Cross Church Hall Located at 1080 Lisbon St. Lewiston from 8am to 1pm.

Auburn, Monday, Sept. 25: “Last days of Dogtown” a novel-book discussion: the Annie Prescott Discussion Series, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Public Library.

Lewiston, Monday, Sept. 25: Bookin’ It with Babies, 10 a.m. public library.

Lewiston, Monday Sept. 25: Sheena Bellows, will be speaking to a Senior Seminar class at the University of Southern Maine, Lewiston-Auburn campus, on Democracy and Civil Rights,from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in Room 216. This event is free and open to the public. FMI please contact Christy Hammer at 753-6518.

Auburn, Tuesday, Sept. 26: Androscoggin Historical Society lecture series, “Livermore’s Dr. Frederic W. Goding and the Conquest of Yellow Fever in Ecuador, 1920,” speaker, W. Dennis Stires, 7 p.m., Androscoggin County Building. Free and wheelchair-accessible.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Sept. 26: Preschool story time, 10 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Sept. 26: Red Cross blood drive, 12:30 to 8:30 p.m., CMMC Whole Bloods and Pheresis, 300 Main St.

Auburn, Wednesday, Sept. 27: Preschool story time, 9 and 10:30 a.m., public library. Songs, stories, rhymes and finger plays.

Augusta, Wednesday, Sept. 27: Bug Maine-ia, a celebration of bugs hosted by the Maine State Museum, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission. FMI: 287-2301 or visit www.mainestatemuseum.com.

Gardiner, Thursday, Sept. 28: Jet Sam, an alternative rock band from Israel, 7 p.m., Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center. Show is supervised and free of alcohol and chemicals. Admission, $8 at the door. No reservations needed. More information, www.jet-sam.com or www.myspace.com/jetsamband. Johnson Hall: 582-7144.

Lewiston, Thursday, Sept. 28: Red Cross blood drive, 12:30 to 8:30 p.m., CMMC Whole Bloods and Pheresis, 300 Main St.

Auburn, Thursday, Sept. 28: Teenior knitting, 6 p.m., public library.

Lewiston,Thursday, Sept, 28: 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.

Lewiston, Friday, Sept. 29: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library. For parents and children ages 2 1/2 to 5.

Lisbon, Friday, Sept. 29: VFW Post 9459, supper at the post home, Route 106, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Menu: fish with all the fixings, biscuits, dessert, coffee or tea. $6 for adults and $3 for children under 10. FMI: 353-5291 Wednesday to Friday after 4 p.m.

Portland, Friday, Sept. 29: Jim Ciampi and the Manhattan 9, 8 p.m. to midnight, old gym in the Cheverus High School Main Building, 267 Ocean Ave. Tickets, $25 a couple; $15 a person, at the door or by contacting Brian Hallisey, special events coordinator, Cheverus High School, 774-6238, ext. 20. In support of Cheverus High School and in honor of its Homecoming Celebration.

Durham, Saturday, Sept. 30: The Durham Historical Society will hold a book sale – bake sale to benefit the Restoration Fund for Union Church. The sale will be held rain or shine from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Union Church, 744 Royalsborough Rd., Route 136. A flea market will be held if weather permits. Tables are available for $5 each. Please contact Rita Merrill at 353-2223 (week nights after 3:30 p.m.) if interested in a table for the event.

Hebron, Saturday, Sept. 30: “Ristorante Italiano” public supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Hebron Community Baptist Church. Adults, $6. Includes lasagna, spaghetti, pasta dishes, garlic bread, salad, spumoni and homemade cookies. Hosted by the church Outreach. FMI: 966-2694.

Lewiston, Saturday, Sept. 30: Maine Music Society concert “A Birthday Salute to Mozart,” 8 p.m., Olin Arts Center, Bates College. Tickets available at L/A Arts, Hannaford, Mr. Paperback, Shaw’s and Victor News, or by calling Maine Music Society at 782-1403. FMI: www.MaineMusicSociety.org.

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

Freeport, Sunday, Oct. 1: A concert of Scottish ballads, old and new, will be presented by acclaimed singers Alison McMorland and Geordie MacIntyre at 7 p.m. at the First Parish Church on Main Street. Admission is $10/$8 kids, elders and unwaged. FMI: contact Ceilidh House 207-688-4515 e-mail [email protected] or view www.castlebay.net

Auburn, Tuesday, Oct. 3: The First Universalist Church of Auburn will host a free screening of “An Inconvenient Truth” at 7 p.m. Admission is free, although freewill donations will be accepted. The event is open to the public at 169 Pleasant St., across from Dairy Joy. FMI: 783-0461 or e-mail [email protected].

Brunswick, Thursday and Friday, Oct. 5 and 6: Jewelry sale where everything is $5 at Mid Coast Hospital café conference rooms, 123 Medical Center Drive. Sale hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. FMI: MCH volunteer services, 373-6015, or e-mail [email protected].

Greene, Thursday and Friday, Oct. 5 and 6: Filmmakers, Fran and Brooke Reidelberger will present “The Other Side of Mexico” at the Sawyer Memorial, 371 Sawyer Road. Thursday at 7 p.m. and Friday at 2 and 7 p.m.; free. FMI: 946-5311 or http://ourworld.cs.com/sawyerfoundation.

Lewiston, Thursday, Oct. 5: L/A Arts kicks off 34th season with veteran folk bard, John Gorka, at the Franco-American Heritage Center, 7:30 p.m.; doors open, 7 p.m. Tickets, $23 ($19 for students and seniors 60+); group rates available. Edward Little and Lewiston High School students, free with ARTSPASS (available through their mentors or by contacting L/A Arts). Tickets may be purchased over the phone or on line at www.laarts.org.

Lewiston, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6 and 7: Meadowview yearly fair, 23 Spofford Street, next to Friendly’s. Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon.

Sabattus, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6 and 7: A fall bazaar, to benefit the local food pantry and Loaves and Fishes, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dominican Convent, 61 Lisbon Road. Christmas items, baked goods, crafts, books, a 50/50 raffle and a raffle for hot air balloon rides. FMI: Sister Lucille Fournier, 375-8399.

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

Lewiston, Saturday, Oct. 7: The Holy Cross Knights of Columbus Council 12652 will have a Bean supper at the Holy Cross Church Hall located at 1080 Lisbon St. Lewiston, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. $6 per person / $3 12 yrs. and under. Take Out Available FMI contact Dan Leclair at 240-3537

Lewiston, Saturday, Oct. 7: Harvest dance, 7 to 11 p.m., Knights of Columbus hall, East Avenue. Sponsored by Twin City Ballroom Dancers. $10 per person. FMI: 784-0002.

New Gloucester, Saturday, Oct. 7: Book sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., public library. Baked goods available.

Auburn, Saturday, Oct. 14: Roast Pork dinner, 5 to 6 p.m., St. Louis Church Hall, Third Street. Adults, $6.50; under 12, $3.50. Menu: roast port, potato, green beans, salad, dessert and beverage.

Winthrop, Friday, Oct. 13: Fish chowder luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Congregational Church. Menu: fish chowder, hot biscuits, crackers, pickles, beverage and homemade pies. $6 per person; takeouts available; wheelchair accessible. Benefits the church and its missions. FMI: 377-5923, or 377-8639.

Sabattus, Saturday, Oct. 21: A pizza fundraiser will be held at the Dominican Convent, 61 Lisbon Rd. Fresh, ready to cook, 14 pizza with cheese or pepperoni, will be available for only $6 each. To order call Pauline Pierre at 777-7169 or 713-5685. Payment is due when orders are placed. Order deadline is October 5 and pickup is on October 21 between noon and 3 p.m. at the convent.

Lewiston, Saturday, Oct. 28: The Holy Cross Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly Council 2870 will be having a Halloween Dinner/Dance (costume otional) from 6:30 to 11 p.m., Paul Gagne D.J. BYOB 21 years and over. Prize given to the best Halloween Costume. FMI: contact Dan Leclair at 240-3537.

Winthrop, Friday, Nov. 10: Fish chowder luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Congregational Church. Menu: fish chowder, hot biscuits, crackers, pickles, beverage and homemade pies. $6 per person; takeouts available; wheelchair accessible. Benefits the church and its missions. FMI: 377-5923 OR 377-8639.

Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 11: Bean and casserole dinner, 5 to 6 p.m., St. Louis Church Hall, Third St. Adults, $6.50; under 12, $3.50. Menu: baked beans, hot dogs, coleslaw or chop suey, dessert and beverage.

Skowhegan, Saturday, Nov. 18: Pet Expo, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Skowhegan Armory, North School Street. Sponsored by Tri-County Obedience Club. Vendors selling pet products and/or services; demonstrations: carting with Bernese Mountain dogs, Tellington Touch and more!

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 9: Ham dinner, 5 to 6 p.m., St. Louis Church Hall, Third St., Adults $6.50, under 12 $3.50. Menu: ham, potato, vegetable, salad, dessert and beverage.