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 and Thursday, Sept. 27 and 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, Sunday, Oct. 1: UMF Sunday Film Series “Pulse (Kairo),” 7 p.m. at Lincoln Auditorium (Roberts C131) at UMF

Wilton, Wednesday, Oct. 4: Wilton Community Early Bird Breakfast from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. at the First Congregational Church on Main Street. Speaker is Paul Tait from the Magic Touch Store and Gallery in downtown Wilton. Hot breakfast buffet. All are welcome. Free admission, donations accepted.

New Sharon, Thursday, Oct. 5: The New Sharon-Jim Ditzler Memorial Library story hour from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Carrabassett Valley, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7 and 8: Upcountry Artists’ annual art and craft show, at Sugarloaf Mountain Base Lodge. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission.

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 P.O. Box 821, Wilton, ME 04294.

New Sharon, Saturday, Oct. 7: The New Sharon-Jim Ditzler Memorial Library will hold a book sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds to benefit the library programs.

Phillips, Oct. 7 to 15: Scarecrow Reunion, Main Street, viewing all daylight hours.

Farmington, Sunday, Oct. 8: UMF Sunday Film Series “You Can’t Cheat an Honest Man,” 7 p.m. at Lincoln Auditorium (Roberts C131) at UMF

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 Street, 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].

Farmington, Sunday, Oct. 15: UMF Sunday Film Series “The Decameron,” 7 p.m. at Lincoln Auditorium (Roberts C131) at UMF

New Sharon, Thursday, Oct. 19: The New Sharon-Jim Ditzler Memorial Library story hour from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Farmington, Sunday, Oct. 22: UMF Sunday Film Series “American History X,” 7 p.m. at Lincoln Auditorium (Roberts C131) at UMF

Farmington, Sunday, Oct. 29: UMF Sunday Film Series “Pather Panchali,” 7 p.m. at Lincoln Auditorium (Roberts C131) at UMF

New Sharon, Thursday, Nov. 2: The New Sharon-Jim Ditzler Memorial Library story hour from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Farmington, Sunday, Nov. 5: UMF Sunday Film Series “Beauty and the Beast,” 7 p.m. at Lincoln Auditorium (Roberts C131) at UMF

Farmington, Sunday, Nov. 12: UMF Sunday Film Series “Tokyo Drifter,” 7 p.m. at Lincoln Auditorium (Roberts C131) at UMF

New Sharon, Thursday, Nov. 16: The New Sharon-Jim Ditzler Memorial Library story hour from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Farmington, Sunday, Nov. 19: UMF Sunday Film Series “Fahrenheit 451,” 7 p.m. at Lincoln Auditorium (Roberts C131) at UMF.

Farmington, Sunday, Nov. 26: UMF Sunday Film Series “Woman in the Dunes,” 7 p.m. at Lincoln Auditorium (Roberts C131) at UMF.

New Sharon, Thursday, Nov. 30: The New Sharon-Jim Ditzler Memorial Library story hour from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Oxford Hills area

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.

South Paris, Wednesday, Sept. 27: Square Dancing for everyone. No experience needed. Free admission to first time dancers. 7:30 p.m. at the Oxford Hills Middle School. Sponsored by the Swingin’ Bears Square Dance Club. John Thompson, caller.

Norway, Thursday, Sept. 28: Let’s Talk About It book discussion series “Defining Wilderness: Defining Maine,” 7 p.m., Public Library. “The Wilderness from Chamberlain Farm” by Dean Bennett. Discussion leader will be Candace Kanes, Ph.D. FMI: 743-5309.

Paris, Thursday, Sept. 28: Story time for preschoolers, 10 a.m., Public Library. FMI: 743-6994 or e-mail [email protected].

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 hosting 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 284-7379 or 935-3268

Paris, Wednesday, Oct. 4: Wednesday’s Kids, after-school group for children ages 5 to 8, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Public Library. Stories, crafts, snacks and more. FMI: 743-6994 or e-mail [email protected].

Oxford, Saturday, Oct. 7: Chinese auction fundraiser, doors open at 11 a.m., ticket drawing begins at 12:30, at Hosanna Church building, Schoolhouse Road. There will be a dollar table, grab bags, 50/50 and food will be available on sale. Sponsored by the Resistance Ministries. Proceeds to benefit their Christmas charity “A Christmas to Remember.” FMI: 743-6982

Paris, Saturday, Oct. 7: Harvest supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Deering Memorial Methodist Church, Maine and Church streets. Menu: ham, beans, casseroles and gingerbread with whipped cream. Adults $7; children under 12 $3.

Norway, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 12, 13 and 14: Stephens volunteer services thrift shop annual coat sale, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Danforth Street.

Norway, Thursday, Oct. 12: Let’s Talk About It book discussion series “Defining Wilderness: Defining Maine”, 7 p.m., Public Library. “Fly Rod Crosby” by Julia Hunter. Discussion leader will be Candace Kanes, Ph.D. FMI: 743-5309.

River Valley area

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.

Carthage, Thursday, Sept. 28: Concert of Scottish ballads presented by singers Alison McMorland and Geordie McIntyre at 7:30 p.m. at Skye Theater off Winter Hill Road. Tickets, $10 at the door. Call 562-4445 for reservations.

Rumford, Saturday, Sept. 29: Autumn dance from 6 to 8 p.m. at Oxford County Arc, 85 Lincoln Ave. Music by Joe the Music Man. Public is welcome, admission $1.

Rumford, Saturday, Sept. 30: Bike rodeo provides bike riding education for young bikers at the 3rd annual Rumford Hospital Fitness and Fun Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Black Mountain of Maine.

Rumford, Saturday, Sept. 30: 3rd annual Rumford Hospital Fitness and Fun Fair at Black Mountain of Maine. Variety of activities including Rotary pancake breakfast 7 to 10 a.m., Interactive Health Fair 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nordic Ski Dry Land Clinic 9 to noon, Healthy Pasta Dinner from 3 to 7 p.m., 1K and 5K races, face painting, ski and kayak equipment preview and more.

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, 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 and Thursday, Sept. 26 and 28: 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.

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.

Auburn, Saturday, Sept. 30: Yard sale, Grace Lutheran Church, 757 Summer St., 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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

Sabattus, Sunday, Oct. 1: Monthly breakfast, from 7:30 to 10 a.m., American Legion Post 135, Island Road. Cost $6; under 10, $3.

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 St., 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.

Gray, Saturday, Oct. 7: Public supper to benefit child welfare, from 5 to 6 p.m., American Legion, 15 Lewiston Road. Menu: beans, chop suey, coleslaw, hot dogs, breads and desserts. Adults $6; children under 12 $2.50; under five, free.

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. Takeout 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.

Pownal, Saturday, Oct. 7: Baked bean supper 4:30 to 6 p.m., North Pownal United Methodist Church, 851 Lawrence Road, featuring three kinds of beans, spaghetti, potato salad, coleslaw, pickled beets, biscuits and brownbread, pickles and homemade pies. Price: adults $6; children $3. Handicapped-accessible. FMI: Caron @688-4101 or Karen @ 829-5470

Sabattus, Saturday, Oct. 7: Baked bean and casserole supper from 4:30 to 6 p.m. sponsored by Knights of Columbus, of the Our Lady of the Rosary Parish. proceeds to benefit parish programs. $6 for adults; children under 12, $3. FMI: contact Roland St.Amand.

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.

Auburn, Saturday, Oct. 14: Roast pork dinner, 5 to 6 p.m., St. Louis Church hall, Third Street, adults $6.50; under 12, $3.25; menu: roast pork, potato, green beans, salad, dessert and beverage.

Sabattus, Wednesday, Oct. 18: Annual auxiliary card part, door prizes, raffle table, 50/50. Doors open at 6 p.m., American Legion, Post 135, Island Road. Donation $2. Will bring a picture for this function.

Durham, Saturday, Oct. 21: Church Fair, 10 to 2 p.m., First Congregational Church, Route 136. Food, candy, crafts, harvest, Christmas, white elephant and children’s corner. Luncheon starting at 11 a.m., corn chowder, chili, hot dogs, chili dogs, dessert and beverage. FMI: Rhonda 751-3517 or Anne 353-9422.

Poland, Saturday, Oct. 21: Poland Fire Rescue fundraiser, 7 to 9 p.m., Range Pond Campground, Plains Road. Snack Shack will be open with Halloween treats. Hot cocoa, coffee, cider, cookies, candies and more. All ages welcome. $3 per person.

Sabattus, Saturday, Oct. 21: Bean and casserole supper, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Adults $6; 10 and under $3, American Legion, Post 135, Island Road.

Sabattus, Saturday, Oct. 21: A pizza fundraiser will be held at the Dominican Convent, 61 Lisbon Road. 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 Oc. 5 and pickup is on Oct. 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. Prizes given to the best Halloween costume. FMI: contact Dan Leclair at 240-3537.

Sabattus, Sunday, Nov. 5: Monthly breakfast, 7:30 to 10 a.m. American Legion, Post 135, Island Road. Cost $6, under 10 $3.

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 Street. Adults, $6.50; under 12, $3.25. Menu: baked beans, hot dogs, coleslaw or chop suey, dessert and beverage.

Sabattus, Saturday, Nov. 11: Bean and casserole supper, 4:30 to 6 p.m. American Legion, Post 135, Island Road, cost adults $6; 10 and under $3.

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!

Sabattus, Sunday, Dec. 3: Monthly breakfast, 7:30 to 10 a.m., American Legion, Post 135, Island Road. Cost $6, under 10 $3.

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 9: Ham dinner, 5 to 6 p.m., St. Louis Church Hall, Third Street, Adults $6.50; under 12 $3.25. Menu: ham, potato, vegetable, salad, dessert and beverage.