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

Strong, Friday, Feb. 16: Community contra dance, 7 to 9:30 p.m., Forster Memorial Building. Beginner workshop, 6:30 p.m. Live music, $5 per person, $15 family. Sponsored by Strong Area Business and Civic Alliance.

Farmington, Saturday, Feb. 17: Children’s festival, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., UMF. Admission is free.

Turner, Friday, Feb. 16: Spaghetti supper, 5 to 7 p.m., Leavitt Area High School cafeteria. Adults, $5; kids, $3. After dinner, Family Movie Night, LAHS Auditorium. $3, includes popcorn, drink, and a ticket to “Open Season.” Benefits Turner Community Playground Project. FMI or advance tickets: Laurie Marshall, stampbug@megalink.net.

Livermore Falls, Saturday, Feb. 17: Bean and casserole supper, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., American Legion Hall, 17 Reynolds Ave. Delivery within five-mile radius. FMI: 897-5676.

Livermore, Saturday, Feb. 17: Living History demonstrations, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, 290 Norlands Road. Hot cocoa, fresh doughnuts, home-made beef stew. Free, meals $5 per person. FMI: 207-897-4366 or e-mail: norlands@norlands.org.; web site: www.norlands.org.

Farmington, Sunday, Feb. 18: West End String Quartet in concert, 3 p.m., Nordica Auditorium at UMF. Adults, $7; Seniors, $6; and free for children under 16. FMI: 645-2157.

Salem, Sunday, Feb. 18: A and E Hill Country Music old time country/bluegrass concert, 1 p.m., weather permitting, Salem Community Building. Sponsored by the Salem Pine Tree Club.

Jay, Saturday, Feb. 24: Benefit spaghetti supper for Bonnie Roy of Livermore, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., K.C. Hall, Main Street.

Industry, Sunday, Feb. 25: Pig roast, 12 p.m., Town Hall. Adults $8, Children 10 and under $4.

Farmington, Saturday, March 10: Cabin Fever Reliever dance, West Farmington Elks Lodge, 8 p.m. to midnight. Sponsored by Shiretown Riders Snowmobile Club. FMI: Jill Boulette at 778-3482.

Kingsfield, Saturday, March 10 (Sunday, March 11 storm day): Chinese auction, 12 to 2 p.m., drawing at 2 p.m. Webster Hall, School St. Kingfield. Refreshments provided, benefits American Cancer Society. Sponsored by Friends & Family Ties Relay for Life Team. FMI 265-5897.

Oxford Hills area

Paris, Thursday, Feb. 15: Story time for preschoolers, 10 a.m., public library. FMI: 743-6994.

Waterford, Thursday, Feb. 15: Pot luck supper, 6 p.m., Wilkins Community House,Plummer Hill Road. Bring friend and dish to share. Beverages, breads provided. FMI: Frederic Engdahl 583-6677.

Otisfield, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 16, 17 and 18: Otisfield Winter Carnival. Friday, 6 p.m., variety show, breakfast, fishing derby, ice skating and snow sculptures, pony rides at Seeds of Peace, spaghetti and meatball dinner, and more.

Bethel, Saturday, Feb. 17: 33rd annual Bethel Historical Society Heritage Day, 1 to 4 p.m., Dr. Moses Mason House. Museum tours, historical videos, craft demonstrations, more.

Hebron, Saturday, Feb. 17: Italian supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Hebron Community Baptist Church. Benefits furnace fund. Adults, $6; children, reduced rate. FMI: 966-2694.

Norway, Saturday, Feb. 17: Roast pork supper, 5 to 6 p.m., Fire Station, by the Norway Fireman’s Relief Association. Adults, $7; children under 12, $3; under 6, free.

Norway, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17 and 18: Oxford Hills Snowfest, Lake Pennesseewassee, Norway Lake near Little Red School House, Route 118. Hosted by Norway Tracker’s snowmobile club. FMI or schedule of events: Richard, 527-2175 or Stan, 743-6483.

Paris, Saturday, Feb. 17: Chinese New Year celebration, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Public Library, children pre-school through elementary age and their families, crafts and activities, sample Chinese food. (weather permitting) FMI: 743-6994 or paris.public.library@MSLN.net.

Paris, Saturday, Feb. 17: Cartoons & Comics, read, watch, make your own. 1 to 2:30 p.m., Public Library, children pre-school through elementary age and their families, (weather permitting) FMI: 743-6994 or paris.public.library@MSLN.net. Oxford, Monday, Feb. 19: American Red Cross blood drive, 2 to 7 p.m., Hosanna Church of God, 109 Schoolhouse Road.

Paris, Wednesday, Feb. 28: Cabin Fever Concert Series, “Delta Knights,” 6 to 8 p.m., Paris Fire Hall, Western Avenue. Sponsored by Paris Parks and Recreation. Free. FMI: 743-2501.

Waterford, Wednesday, Feb. 28: Book discussion, “Moon Tiger,” 10:30 a.m., public library.

Paris, Wednesday, March 28: Cabin Fever Concert Series, “Audiologic,” 6 to 8 p.m., Paris Fire Hall, Western Avenue. Sponsored by Paris Parks and Recreation. Free. FMI: 743-2501.

River Valley area

Bethel, Saturday, Feb. 17: 33rd annual Bethel Historical Society Heritage Day, 1 to 4 p.m., Dr. Moses Mason House. Museum tours, historical videos, craft demonstrations, more.

Lewiston area

Auburn, Wednesday, Feb. 14: Preschool story program, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Feb 14: Book buddies, 3:30 p.m., public library. For grades 1 to 6.

Lisbon, Wednesday, Feb. 14: Philip W. Sugg Middle School seventh grade spaghetti dinner, PWS cafeteria, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit students’ Camp Kieve fund. Adults $5, seniors and children under 10, $3. Tickets at door. FMI: 353-3055 or www.union30.org.

Auburn, Thursday, Feb. 15: Baby’s Night Out, 6 to 6:20 p.m., public library.

Auburn, Thursday, Feb. 15: Heritage Quest Online, 6 p.m., public library. Online database of genealogy material. FMI: 333-6640 or www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Auburn, Thursday, Feb. 15: Forum, “Rejecting a National ID Card: Keeping Real ID Out of Maine,” 6:30 p.m., public library.

Lewiston, Thursday, Feb. 15: Line and partner dancing with the Countryside Dancers, 7 p.m., Central Hall, 191 Lisbon St. Entrance, 4th level of Centreville Garage.

Lewiston, Friday, Feb. 16: New Life Community Center Teens showing movie “Pay It Forward” free, 7 p.m., New Life Community Center, 134 College St. FMI: 782-3939.

Lewiston, Friday, Feb. 16: Babytime, 10 a.m., public library. Ages birth to 2.

Lisbon, Friday, Feb. 16: Fish or chicken supper, 5:30 to 7 p.m., VFW Post 9459, Route 196. Adults, $6; children under 10, $3. FMI: 353-2152.

Lisbon, Friday, Feb. 16: Fish and chowder dinner, American Legion Post 158, Webster Street, sponsored by S.A.L. FMI: 353-9570.

Mechanic Falls, Friday, Feb. 16: Timber harvest walk, 2 to 3:30 p.m., True Farm Living Forest. FMI, map, directions: Lisa Spalding, (978) 952-6856 ext. 110 or lspalding@newenglandforestry.org.

Sabattus, Friday, Feb. 16: Pasta supper, 4:30 to 6 p.m., Jillson’s, Jordan Bridge Road. Tickets: $5 in advance at Dominican Sisters convent, 61 Lisbon Road or $6 at door. Benefits Loaves and Fishes and the local food pantry. FMI: Ellie Brown, 375-4747.

Turner, Friday, Feb. 16: Spaghetti supper, 5 to 7 p.m., Leavitt Area High School cafeteria. Adults, $5; kids, $3. After dinner, Family Movie Night, LAHS Auditorium. $3, includes popcorn, drink, and a ticket to “Open Season.” Benefits Turner Community Playground Project. FMI or advance tickets: Laurie Marshall, stampbug@megalink.net.

Auburn, Saturday, Feb. 17: Knights of Columbus bean supper, 5 to 6 p.m. at St. Phillips Church, Route 4.

Auburn, Saturday, Feb. 17: Bean and casserole supper, 5 p.m., United Methodist Church, 439 Park Ave. Adults $6, children 6 to 10 $3, 5 and under free.

Freeport, Saturday, Feb. 17: Appalachian Mountain Club author John W. Neff, book signing, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., LL Bean’s flagship store.

Lewiston, Saturday, Feb. 17: Valentine dinner dance, 6 to 11 p.m., KC hall, 150 East Ave. Sponsored by Rev. Louis J. Fortier Council 106, Knights of Columbus. Social, 6 to 7 p.m.; dinner, 7 to 8 p.m.; dancing to Vintage, 8 to 11 p.m. Purchase tickets by Tuesday, Feb. 13, by calling Rick Mercier, 783-7560 or Leo Baillargeon, 784-0389.

Lewiston, Saturday, Feb. 17: Bean supper, 4 to 5:30 p.m., First United Pentecostal Church, 715 College St. $6 adults, $3 children under 10. FMI: 784-9711.

New Gloucester, Saturday, Feb. 17: Bean supper, 5 to 6 p.m., AMVETS Post 6. Adults $6, Children 6 to 11 $2, under 6 free.

Sabattus, Saturday, Feb. 17: Bean and casserole supper, 4:30 to 6 p.m., American Legion Post 135, Island Road. Adults, $6; under 10, $3.

Lewiston, Friday, Feb. 18: Babytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Monday, Feb. 19: After school art, 3:30 p.m., public library. Ages 7 to 14.

Lewiston, Monday, Feb. 19: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library. Ages 2 to 5.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Feb. 20: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library. Ages 2 to 5.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Feb. 20: Book buddies, 3:30 p.m., public library. For grades 1 to 6.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Feb. 20: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Auburn, Wednesday, Feb. 21: Preschool story program, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., public library.

Auburn, Wednesday, Feb. 21: Teen Anime Drawing Club, 3 p.m., public library.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Feb 21: Book buddies, 3:30 p.m., public library. For grades 1 to 6.

Auburn, Thursday, Feb. 22: Book discussion, 6:30 p.m., public library. “Tell Me a Riddle” by Tillie Olsen. FMI: 333-6640 or www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Lewiston, Thursday, Feb. 22: Hope Haven Gospel Mission open house fundraiser, 1 to 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit mission’s capital campaign, at the first floor, Lincoln Street side. FMI: contact Hope Haven at 783-6086.

Lewiston, Thursday, Feb. 22: Line and partner dancing with the Countryside Dancers, 7 p.m., Central Hall, 191 Lisbon St. Entrance, 4th level of Centreville Garage.

Lewiston, Thursday, Feb. 22: L/A Arts presents Le Vent du Nord, 7:30 p.m. Franco-American Heritage Center, Advanced Tickets: $23/$19 students and seniors 60 and over. FMI (207)782-7228 of www.laarts.org.

Auburn, Friday, Feb. 23: Open mic, 2 to 4 p.m., Auburn Public Library, free. FMI: Sally 333-6640.

Auburn, Friday, Feb. 23: Central Maine Community College Lakeside Players present “Taller Than Truth: Tales of Paul Bunyan & Other Big Folks” 7 p.m., Kirk Hall Auditorium, CMCC campus, free.

Lewiston, Friday, Feb. 23: Babytime, 10 a.m., public library. Ages birth to 2.

Lisbon, Friday, Feb. 23: Chicken alfredo supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., American Legion. Sponsored by Auxiliary. Adults, $6; children, $3. FMI: 784-0447.

Auburn, Saturday, Feb 24: Poker run, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. registration, 12 p.m. run, 4 p.m. prizes awarded. Starts, ends at Lost Valley. Stops can be reached by car or via snowmobile. $5 per hand, proceeds benefit Central Maine Adaptive Sports and Andy Valley Sno Gypsies. FMI: 783-8037.

Auburn, Saturday, Feb. 24: Central Maine Community College Lakeside Players present “Taller Than Truth: Tales of Paul Bunyan & Other Big Folks” 1 p.m., Kirk Hall Auditorium, CMCC campus, free.

Augusta, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24 and 25: Outdoor sports, gun show, Augusta Armory, Western Avenue. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Adults $5; kids and military, free. Sponsored by The Ancient Ones living history club. FMI: 582-7178 or acacanoepoler@aol.com.

Lisbon Falls, Saturday, Feb. 24: Bean and ham supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Lisbon Methodist Church, School Street. Adults $6; children $2.

Auburn, Sunday, Feb. 25: Breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m., VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave. $3.50/$4.50. Benefits Operation Uplink for troops in Iraq. FMI: 784-6883.

Lewiston, Monday, Feb. 26: After school art, 3:30 p.m., public library. Ages 7 to 14.

Lewiston, Monday, Feb. 26: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library. Ages 2 to 5.

Lewiston, Monday, Feb. 26: After school art, 3:30 p.m., public library.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Feb. 27: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library. Ages 2 to 5.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Feb. 27: Book buddies, 3:30 p.m., public library. For grades 1 to 6.

Auburn, Wednesday, Feb. 28: Preschool story program, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Feb 28: Book buddies, 3:30 p.m., public library. For grades 1 to 6.

Auburn, Saturday, March 3: American Cancer Society pancake breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m., at Applebee’s at 599 Center St., to support Relay For Life. $5. Seatings at 8, 8:40 and 9:20 a.m. FMI or for tickets call Applebees at 784-3986, for AMC at 373-3729 or Janet Miles at 784-3824.

Sabattus, Sunday, March 4: Buffet breakfast, 7 to 10 a.m., American Legion Post 135, Island Road. Adults, $6; under 10, $3.

Sabattus, Friday, March 16: Buffet supper, 4:30 to 6 p.m., Jillson’s, Jordan Bridge Road. Tickets: $5 in advance at Dominican Sisters convent, 61 Lisbon Road or $6 at door. Benefits Loaves and Fishes and the local food pantry. FMI: Ellie Brown, 375-4747.

Sabattus, Saturday, March 17: Bean and casserole supper, 4:30 to 6 p.m., American Legion Post 135, Island Road. Adults, $6; under 10, $3.

Sabattus, Sunday, April 1: Buffet breakfast, 7 to 10 a.m., American Legion Post 135, Island Road. Adults, $6; under 10, $3.

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

Auburn, Friday and Saturday, June 15, 16: Relay For Life of Androscoggin County, Edward Little High School track FMI: American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or online at www.cancer.org.