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.

Farmington, Saturday, Feb. 17: Baked bean supper, 4 to 6 p.m., Chesterville Grange Hall, Knowlton Corner Road. Adults, $6; children, $3.

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 donuts, home-made beef stew. Free, meals $5 per person. FMI: 207-897-4366 or e-mail: norlands@norlands.org.; web site: www.norlands.org.

Rangeley, Saturday, Feb. 17: XC ski and bonfire, 6-8 p.m., Rangeley Lakes Cross-Country Ski Club, Saddleback Mountain Road. $3 per person or $5 for a family. FMI: 864-4309.

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.

Wilton, Wednesday, Feb. 21: Ash Wednesday worship service, 7 p.m., Wilton Congregational Church, Main Street.

Farmington, Friday, Feb. 23: Fish chowder, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fairbanks Union Church, Route 4. $6, eat in or take out. FMI: 778-4705.

Farmington, Friday, Feb. 23: Spaghetti supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Titcomb Mountain Ski Lodge.

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

New Sharon, Saturday, Feb. 24: Baked bean and casserole supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., New Sharon United Methodist Church, $7 for adults and $2 for children under 12. Hosted by Woman’s Society of the church.

Farmington, Sunday, Feb. 25: Ham dinner, noon to 2 p.m., Chesterville Grange, Knowlton Corner Road. Benefits Jocelyn Adams. Donations accepted.

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

Farmington, Monday, Feb. 26: Crafts, dart boards, 7:15 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: 778-7346.

Farmington, Tuesday, Feb. 27: Talk, The Similarities Between a Job Search and Dating, 11:45 a.m., North Dining Hall, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: 778-7034, ronald@maine.edu, http://chd.umf.maine.edu.

Farmington, Tuesday, Feb. 27: Comedy, Louis Ramey, 9 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: 778-7346.

Farmington, Wednesday, Feb. 28: Movie, For Your Consideration, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: 778-7346.

Farmington, Wednesday, Feb. 28: Mardi Gras celebration, 7 p.m., North Dining Hall, UMF Olsen Student Center. Live blues music, dancing, Creole and Cajun snacks. Beads for sale to support a local heating fund. Free. FMI: huebner@maine.edu; 778-7258.

Farmington, Friday and Saturday, March 2 and 3: 7:30 p.m., musical show tune revue, Nordica Auditorium, University of Maine at Farmington campus. Performers of all ages; different programs Friday and Saturday. Donation: $6. Benefits Franklin County Fiddlers and Sandy River Players. FMI: Cyndy, 778-3513; Karen, 778-0435.

New Sharon, Saturday, March 3: Baked bean take-out, 10 a.m. to noon, New Sharon Congregational United Church of Christ, Cape Cod Hill Road, $14. Reserve meals: Mary, 778-2366.

Farmington, Tuesday, March 6: Talk: Democratization in a Restored Democracy: The Case of Estonia, 11:30 a.m., North Dining Hall, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: jreid@maine.edu, 778-7409.

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.

Wilton, Saturday, March 10: Contradance with The Old Grey Goose, 8 to 11 p.m., Wilson Grange, Main Street, East Wilton. $6; $15 family. Free learn-to workshop, 7 p.m. FMI: 397-2241; dance@starleft.org; www.starleft.org.

Oxford Hills area

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.

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, Saturday, Feb. 17: Sweetheart supper and dance, Legion Hall, Church Street. Ham supper, 5 to 6 p.m.; dance 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Music by the Country Lads. Both, $10; supper only, $7; dance only, $5. Benefits area veterans.

Paris, Thursday, Feb. 22: Story time for preschoolers, 10 a.m., Public Library. FMI: 743-6994.

Bethel, Friday, Feb. 23: Rick Charette in concert, 7 p.m., Telstar High School, Route 26. Advance, ages 3 to 12, $6; ages 13 and up, $8; under 3, free. At door, $8 and $10. Tickets may be purchased at any SAD 44 elementary school, Sunday River Ski Resort, Bethel Inn, Riverview Resort, Norseman Inn, Mt. Abram Ski Area, and Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by Mahoosuc Kids Association. FMI: Julie Hart, 824-7007.

Hebron, Saturday, Feb. 24: Italian supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Hebron Community Baptist Church. Benefits furnace fund. Adults, $6; children, reduced rate. FMI: 966-2694.

Oxford, Saturday, Feb. 24: Chinese auction, doors open 11 a.m., drawing begins 12:30 p.m., Hosanna Church. Held by Resistance ministries. Food, beverages. FMI: 743-6982.

Paris, Saturday, Feb. 24: Spaghetti supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., First Congregational Church. Cost: $5. Donations accepted. FMI: 743-8019, 890-1865 or e-mail laviem2355@yahoo.com.

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.

Greenwood, Sunday, March 18: Basket bingo, doors open 11 a.m., begins 1 p.m., Locke Mills Legion Hall, Gore Road. Sponsored by Friends of Telstar; benefits Telstar students/senior scholarships. $10 a sheet with 16 games, $5 for 2 blackout games. Consolation prizes, 50/50, basket raffles, food and drinks. FMI: Susan 824-3336, Brenda 824-2288 or e-mail wightb@sad44.org.

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.

Peru, Monday, Feb. 19: Community meal, noon, Peru Grange Hall. Sponsored by Families in Crisis Task Force. No charge, donations appreciated.

Rumford, Wednesday, Feb. 21: Ash Wednesday service, 7 p.m., Rumford United Methodist Church, with members of Green Church in Mexico. All welcome.

Rumford, Wednesday, Feb. 21: Dr. Robert Iles will speak on Whitecap – the Past, Present and Future, 7 p.m., Municipal Building, Congress Street. Hosted by Rumford Historical Society.

Bethel, Friday, Feb. 23: Rick Charette in concert, 7 p.m., Telstar High School, Route 26. Advance, ages 3 to 12, $6; ages 13 and up, $8; under 3, free. At door, $8 and $10. Tickets may be purchased at any SAD 44 elementary school or, Sunday River Ski Resort, Bethel Inn, Riverview Resort, Norseman Inn, Mt. Abram Ski Area, and Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by Mahoosuc Kids Association. FMI: Julie Hart, 824-7007.

Rumford, Friday, Feb. 23: Salmon pie lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Barnabas Church. Price: $6.50; takeouts, 364-2193 Friday morning.

Rumford, Friday, Feb. 23: Second annual Greg Waite memorial race at Black Mountain of Maine, 6 p.m., with teams of four. Call to reserve a spot, 364-8977. Also features Ski Depot Demo Night and blues music with Paul Lowell, 7 p.m. to closing. FMI: 364-8977.

Byron, Saturday, Feb. 24: Roxbury Slippery Sliders Snowmobile Club poker run. Start at school house. Cards available, 10 a.m. to noon. Lunch.

Rumford, Friday, Mar. 2: Salmon pie lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Barnabas Church. Price: $6.50; takeouts, 364-2193 Friday morning.

Mexico, Saturday, March 3: Spaghetti supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Calvin Lyons Hall, Mexico Town Office building. Adults, $6; children, $4. FMI: 364-3281.

Rumford, Friday, Mar. 9: Salmon pie lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Barnabas Church. Price: $6.50; takeouts, 364-2193 Friday morning.

Lewiston area

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.

Lisbon, Friday, Feb. 16: Community skating party, 6:30 p.m., Lisbon Public Skating Rink, behind Lisbon High School. Food, drinks, fun. Free. Sponsored by Lisbon Rec and LCS PTO.

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.

Auburn, Sunday, Feb. 18: Pancake breakfast, 8 a.m. to noon, St. Philip’s Church, Route 4. Adults $4; children 12 and under, $2. Sponsored by the family groups of the parish. FMI: 783-1661.

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, Monday, Feb. 19: The Toy Library, 134 College St., featuring Ed Gleason of South Worth Planetarium, 9:30 a.m. Registration is required. Call 782-1112 or e-mail Toylibrary@adelphia.net

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.

Lewiston, Thursday, Feb. 22: Peek-A-Boo Puppet Show, 9:30 a.m., New Life Community Center, 134 College St. FMI: 782-3939.

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.

Auburn, Friday, Feb. 23: Teen open mic, 2 to 4 p.m., Androscoggin community room, public library. For ages 18 and under. Refreshments. FMI: Sally, 333-6640 ext. 4; sholt@auburnpublic library.org.

Hebron, Saturday, Feb. 23: Italian supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Hebron Community Baptist Church. Benefits furnace fund. Adults, $6; children, reduced rate. FMI: 966-2694.

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

Lewiston, Friday, Feb. 23: A Moment’s Notice Jazz Quartet, 7:30 p.m., King’s Bridge Theatre, 387 Lisbon St. Be-bop, blues and swing. $8 in advance, Lewiston Pawn Shop, 383 Lisbon St. Venue is on the second floor with no elevator access. FMI: 577-6157; www.kingsbridgetheatre.org.

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.

Gray, Saturday, Feb. 24: Baked bean and casserole supper, 5 p.m., First Congregational Church, Route 115. Adults, $6; under 12, $2. Handicap accessible. FMI: 657-4279; day of supper, 657-3279.

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

Wales, Saturday, Feb. 24: Baked beans and spaghetti supper, 5 to 6 p.m., Wales Youth Center, Route 132. Benefits Wales Presbyterian Church budget. FMI: Alice, 375-8382; Marilyn, 375-6604.

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.

Gray, Saturday, March 3: Bean supper, 5 to 6 p.m., American Legion, 15 Lewiston Road. Adults, $6; children under 12, $2.50; under 5, free. Benefits senior welfare.

Lewiston, Saturday, March 3: Bean supper, 4 to 6:30 p.m., Holy Cross Church hall, 1080 Lisbon St. Adults, $6; 12 years and under, $3. Takeouts. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 12652. FMI: Dan Leclair, 240-3537.

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.

Wales, Saturday, March 17: Baked beans and lasagna supper, 5 to 6 p.m., Wales Youth Center, Route 132. Benefits Wales Presbyterian Church budget. FMI: Alice, 375-8382; Marilyn, 375-6604.

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.

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