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, Dec. 12: Red Cross blood drive, noon to 6 p.m., Tri Town Area, Route 4.

Farmington, Wednesday, Dec. 13: Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., UMF North Dining Hall.

Farmington, Wednesday, Dec. 13: UMF’s Star or Dud Search, 7:15 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: melvin.adams@maine.edu; 778-7346.

Farmington, Wednesday Dec. 13: Cascade Brook School concert, 7 p.m., Mount Blue High School gym.

Farmington, Wednesday, Dec. 13: UMF’s Star or Dud Search, 7:15 p.m. The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center, Free. Open to the public. Sponsored by The Landing. FMI: melvin.adams@maine.edu, 778-7346.

Farmington, Thursday, Dec. 14: Lost songs of the 1990s performed by Tom O’Donnell. The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. Open to the public. Sponsored by The Landing. FMI: melvin.adams@maine.edu, 778-7346.

Farmington, Thursday, Dec. 14: UMF features December graduates who will read excerpts from their poetry, nonfiction prose and fiction, 7 p.m., Lincoln Auditorium UMF Roberts Learning Center. Free. Open to the public.FMI: switham@maine.edu or gretchen.legler@maine.edu, 778-7425 or 778-7182.

Farmington, Thursday, Dec. 14: Comedy: Chris Coccia, 7:15 p.m. The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. Open to the public. Sponsored by The Landing. FMI: melvin.adams@maine.edu, 778-7346.

Farmington, Thursday, Dec. 14: Music: UMF’s Tom O’Donnell, noon, The Landing UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: melvin.adams@maine.edu, 778-7346.

Farmington, Thursday, Dec. 14: American Red Cross blood drive at University of Maine, North Dining Hall, from noon to 5 p.m.

Farmington, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 14 and 15: Mt. Blue Curtain Raisers Comedy Troupe show, “Late Fee,” 7:30 p.m., at Mt. Blue High School auditorium. Doors open at 7 p.m., tickets at door, $2 students, $3 adults.

New Sharon, Thursday, Dec. 14: Story hour, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., New Sharon-Jim Ditzler Memorial Library.

Canton, Friday, Dec. 15: Red Cross blood drive, noon to 6 p.m., Canton Town Hall, 36 School Street.

Chesterville, Friday, Dec. 15: Christmas concert/ham dinner at 6 p.m., North Chesterville Grange Hall. Concert after dinner. Benefit fuel funds. Cost $5 for concert or dinner, $10 for both. FMI: call 778-2342.

Farmington, Friday, Dec. 15: Theater for Peace program and discussion, 7:30 p.m., Old South Congregational Church, Main Street. Students will perform “Crazy for Oil;” discussion follows. Donation, $6. FMI: Anne Geller, 778-0448; info@foothillsarts.org.

Fayette, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Dec. 15, 16, 17: “The Living Nativity,” 7 p.m. Friday and Sunday, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Music, drama. Free, but tickets required due to limited seating. Reservations, 685-9492.

East Dixfield, Saturday, Dec. 16: Baked bean and casserole super, 5 to 7 p.m., fire station. Donations accepted to benefit Harland “Chipper” Osgood. FMI: 645-3254.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 16: Community Christmas meal from noon to 1 p.m. at Henderson Memorial Baptist Church on Academy St. No charge. All are welcome. FMI: 778-2163 or 778-4608.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 16: Northfield- a cappella vocal traditions of Medieval and Renaissance Europe and early America perform at 7:30 p.m. in Nordica Auditorium at UMF. Adults, $6; seniors, $5; free for 16 and under. FMI: 778-4572.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 16: Free horse drawn sleigh rides, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., downtown. Sponsored by the Downtown Business and Professional Association.

Farmington, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16 and 17: Farmington Baptist Church, Christmas music, skits, live nativity, 6:30 p.m.

Livermore Falls, Saturday, Dec. 16: A new puppet ministry performs, A puppet Christmas, at 6:30 p.m. at Eaton Memorial Methodist Church. All are welcome to the program.

Canton, Sunday, Dec. 17: Casco Village Church, United Church of Christ Choir and friends concert of sacred, contemporary music, 4 p.m. Reception follows. Free will offering.

Jay, Sunday, Dec. 17: Commander and Ladies Auxiliary annual children’s Christmas party at post home on Jewell Street, 1 to 4 p.m. Santa Claus will visit.

New Sharon, Sunday, Dec. 17: Christmas cantata, The Splendor of Christmas, presented at 6:30 p.m. at the New Sharon United Methodist Church.

North Livermore, Sunday Dec. 17: North Livermore Baptist Church Sunday School Christmas pageant, 6 p.m. , multigenerational telling of the Christmas story. Refreshments.

Rangeley, Sunday, Dec. 17: Northfield-a cappella vocal traditions of Medieval and Renaissance Europe and early America perform at 4 p.m. at Rangeley Congregational Church. Donations at the door. FMI: 778-4572.

Rangeley, Sunday, Dec. 17: Christmas bird count. FMI: Jennifer Perry, 603-463-3085; jperry@exeternh.org.

Farmington, Wednesday, Dec. 20: Farmington Community Gay/Straight Alliance, 7 p.m. Room 119B, UMF Psychology Bldg.. Free, donation suggested. Open to the public. Sponsored by UMF Psychology Department. FMI: farmingtonsa@aol.com or 778-7379

New Sharon, Thursday, Dec. 28: Story hour, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., New Sharon-Jim Ditzler Memorial Library.

Farmington, Friday, Dec. 29: American Red Cross blood drive, Franklin Memorial Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oxford Hills area

Bryant Pond, Thursday, Dec. 14: Tineka Ouwenga of Bethel speaks at Whitman Memorial Library, 10 a.m., about her growing up in the Netherlands living in Nazi-occupied Holland during World War II. Free. Light refreshments. FMI: 674-2143.

Canton, Friday, Dec. 15: Red Cross blood drive, noon to 6 p.m., Canton Town Hall, 36 School St.

Woodstock, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 15 and 16: Christmas cantata by Woodstock Forestdale School children. Friday at 6:45 p.m. or Saturday at 10:45 a.m.

Paris, Saturday, Dec. 16: Hanging of greens, 4 to 6 p.m.; potluck dinner, 6 to 7 p.m.; lighting of Christmas tree and caroling, 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Paris, top of Paris Hill.

Waterford, Saturday, Dec. 16: Waterford Library Christmas community gathering for families, 7 p.m., Waterford Common. Candle-lit caroling, refreshments, Santa.

Canton, Sunday, Dec. 17: Casco Village Church, United Church of Christ Choir and friends concert of sacred, contemporary music, 4 p.m. Reception follows. Free will offering.

Fryeburg, Sunday, Dec. 17: Fryeburg Academy candlelight concert, 7:30 p.m., Molly Ockett Middle School Gymnasium. Free.

Locke Mills, Sunday, Dec. 17: Christmas Cantata, 4 p.m., Union Church. FMI: Joyce Hathaway, 674-2259.

Norway, Sunday, Dec. 17: Christmas concert, 3 p.m., Second Congregational Church. Free. Carols, choral, hand bells, readings, treats. FMI: 743-2290.

West Paris, Sunday, Dec. 17: Christmas pageant, 9:15 a.m., West Paris Baptist Church.

West Paris, Sunday, Dec. 17: Christmas pageant, 11 a.m., Mission Congregational Church.

West Paris, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 20, and 22: Cookies for Santa at Public Library. Children, teens, others decorate Christmas sugar cookies, drink hot chocolate from 1:30 to 6 p.m. Dec. 18 and 22, 1:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 20. FMI: 674-2004.

Norway, Thursday, Dec. 21: Talk “Christmas Joy! Christ bring the closer view of God,” 7 to 8 p.m., First Church of Christ, Scientist, 5 Morrill Road. Kari Mashos, a Christian Science practitioner, speaks. Punch, cookies and Christmas music at 6:30 p.m. FMI: 890-9944.

Bridgton, Tuesday, Dec. 26: Red Cross blood drive, 2 to 7 p.m., Bridgton Masonic Hall, Route 117.

Locke Mills, Sunday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve dance at the Locke Mills Town Hall from 8:30 – 12:30 p.m.. Buffet at 9:45 p.m.. Music by Richard Felt Orchestra. Benefits Greenwood Historical Society. Tickets at door, $9.

River Valley area

Canton, Friday, Dec. 15: Red Cross blood drive, noon to 6 p.m., Canton Town Hall, 36 School Street.

Andover, Saturday, Dec. 16: Breakfast with Santa, children up to age 12, 9 to 11 a.m., Andover Town Hall. FMI and reservations, Pat, 392-2281.

East Dixfield, Saturday, Dec. 16: Baked bean and casserole super, 5 to 7 p.m., fire station. Donations accepted to benefit Harland “Chipper” Osgood. FMI: 645-3254.

Rumford, Sunday, Dec. 17: Hoop shoot contest, 9 a.m., Mountain Valley High School, ages 8 to 13. Registration, 8 to 9 a.m. Sponsored by Rumford Elks. FMI: Dick Welch, 364-2548; Ann White, 364-7081; Elks Lodge, 364-4022.

Rumford, Thursday, Dec. 21: Take-out holiday poutine sale, 4 p.m., St. Athanasius-St. John Parish Center. Sponsored by The Acadian Society; benefits Dr. Edward Martin Book Scholarship Fund. Order before Dec. 14, 364-4629, 5 to 9 p.m.

Rumford, Sunday, Dec. 31: New Years Eve at Black Mountain of Maine with happy hour at 7, dinner buffet at 8, dance with Scot and Cindy Grassett from 9 to 1, dessert buffet at 10:30, champagne toast at midnight. Price: $35 per person Tickets on sale at Hair Design, Adley Auto Sales and Davis Florist.

Lewiston area

Auburn, Tuesday, Dec. 12: Court Street Baptist Church invites the public to our Advent Tuesday noon services. Homestyle meal served at 12:30 p.m. A donation is requested to cover the cost of food. FMI: 784-6661.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Dec. 12: Book discussion group, 9 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Dec. 12: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Dec. 13: Holiday concert, 7 to 8:15 p.m., Olin Arts Center, Bates College, by Auburn Community Band. Free. Donations accepted on behalf of the Salvation Army. FMI: 784-0191 or www.auburncommunityband.org.

Lewiston, Thursday, Dec. 14: Line and partner dancing at 7 p.m. with the Countryside Dancers at Central Hall, 191 Lisbon St. entrance 4th. level of Centreville Garage.

Lewiston, Thursday, Dec. 14: Peek-A-Boo puppet show, 9:30 a.m., New Life Community Center, 134 College St. FMI: 782-1112.

Lewiston, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Dec. 14, 15, 16: Vineyard Church of Lewiston will present the 10th annual Living Nativity at The Vineyard , 9 Foss Road. Free and open to the community. FMI: Vineyard, 784-9500.

Winthrop, Thursday, Dec. 14: Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 6 p.m., St. Francis Church, Lake Street.

Auburn, Friday, Dec. 15: Teen open mic, 6 p.m., public library, 49 Spring St. Music, spoken word, comedy, 18 and under. Performer sign-up, 5:30 p.m. Free. FMI: sholt@auburnpubliclibrary.org or 333-6640 ext. 4.

Auburn, Friday, Dec. 15: VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave., turkey raffle, 7 p.m., to benefit annual children’s Christmas party. Ladies Auxiliary baked bean and American chop suey supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., adults $6; and children $2.50. FMI: Call Arthur Roy at 784-6883 or e-mail: ajrvfw@verizon.net.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 15: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 15: Bath Municipal Band, Christmas concert at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 7:30 p.m. Admission Free, donations welcome.

Lisbon, Friday, Dec. 15: Supper, 5:30 to 7 p.m., VFW Post 9459, Route 196. Adults, $6; children under 10, $3. FMI: 353-5291, Wednesday to Friday after 4 p.m.

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 16: Christmas bake/craft sale, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Kmart. Sponsored by Tommys Feral Feline Friends.

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 16: Bean and casserole supper, 5 p.m., United Methodist Church, 439 Park Ave. Adults, $6; children 6 to 10, $3; 5 and under, free.

Lewiston, Saturday, Dec. 16: Jazz for the holidays concert, 7 to 9 p.m., Calvary United Methodist Church, 59 Sabattus St., by Mellow Magic Ensemble. $10, credit cards accepted. FMI and advance tickets, 782-0198. Benefits the church.

Lewiston, Saturday, Dec. 16: “The Victorian Nutcracker,” 7:30 p.m., Bates College Schaeffer Theatre. Tickets at Bull Moose Music.

New Gloucester, Saturday Dec. 16: Bean supper, 5 to 6 p.m., Amvets Post 6. Adults $6, under 12, $2, under six, free.

Poland, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16, 17: Poland Regional High School/Whittier Middle School Boosters Christmas tree sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., student parking lot, Maine Street. FMI: 345-9835.

Auburn, Sunday, Dec. 17: Holiday Pageant at the First Universalist Church, 169 Pleasant St. Join the service at 10 a.m. Accessible. FMI 783-0461 or www.uuauburn.org.

Auburn, Sunday, Dec. 17: MidCoast Symphony Brass Quintet, 10 a.m., Sixth Street Congregational Church.

Lewiston, Monday, Dec. 18: Babytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Poland, Monday, Dec. 18: Red Cross blood drive, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Whittier Middle School, 1457 Maine St. Route 26.

Auburn, Tuesday, Dec. 19: Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Auburn Motor Sales, 699 Center St.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Dec. 19: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Dec. 20: Holiday sing-along, 6 p.m., public library. Free, but must get ticket to attend. Tickets available Dec. 6 from children’s desk. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4.

Winthrop, Thursday, Dec. 21: Red Cross blood drive, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Winthrop High School gym, 221 Rambler Road.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 22: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 22: Christmas concert, 8 p.m., middle school auditorium, Central Avenue. Presented by All Student Theatre Project. Donations accepted. Benefits Child Health Center Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Programs.

Lisbon, Friday, Dec. 22: Christmas get-together, 6 p.m., VFW Post 9459 and Ladies Auxiliary with guests and friends, post home, Route 196. Bring dish to share. FMI: 353-5291, Wednesday to Friday after 4 p.m.

Auburn, Sunday, Dec. 24: Breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m., VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave. $3.50/$4.50. Benefits Auburn Little League Baseball. FMI: 784-6883.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Dec. 26: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Auburn, Wednesday, Dec. 27: Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Auburn Mall, 550 Center St.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 29: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Lisbon, Friday, Dec. 29: Supper, 5:30 to 7 p.m., VFW Post 9459, Route 196. Adults, $6; children under 10, $3. FMI: 353-5291, Wednesday to Friday after 4 p.m.

Lisbon, Friday, Jan. 12: Lisbon Library children’s Services presents “Rock ‘N Roll Over Dead,” a mystery dinner for children in grades 5-8, 5 to 7 p.m. Sign up and get tickets in Children’s Room. FMI: 353-6564.