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

Newry, Tuesday, Oct. 23: Andrew McKnight concert, 7 p.m., Phoenix House and Well, 9 Timberline Drive. $8. Hosted by Mahoosuc Arts Council. FMI: Amy, 824-3575 or www.MahoosucArts.org.

Wilton, Tuesday, Oct. 23: Preschool story time, 10:30 a.m., Free Public Library. FMI: Sandra, 645-4831.

Bethel, Thursday, Oct. 25: Denny Breau Trio, 7 p.m., Bingham Auditorium, Gould Academy. $6, $4 students. Hosted by Mahoosuc Arts Council. FMI: Amy, 824-3575 or www.MahoosucArts.org.

Farmington, Thursday and Friday, Oct. 25, 26: Mt. Blue Curtain Raisers Improv Comedy Troupe, 7:30 p.m., Farmington Grange Hall. Donation, $3. Benefits Curtain Raisers and Farmington Grange. FMI: Dan Ryder, [email protected]; 578-0357.

Farmington, Friday, Oct. 26: Fall rummage sale, 3 to 6 p.m., St. Joseph’s, corner Middle and Quebec streets. Sponsored by Altar Guild.

Farmington, Friday, Oct. 26: Fish chowder, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fairbanks Union Church. $6, eat in or take out, 778-4705 for delivery.

Wilton, Friday, Oct. 26: Infant/toddler story time, 10:30 a.m., Free Public Library. FMI: Sandra, 645-4831.

Farmington, Saturday, Oct. 27: Hunter’s breakfast, 5 to 8 a.m., Elks Lodge. $6. FMI: 778-6761 or Willie, 897-4165.

Farmington, Saturday, Oct. 27: Spookhetti and Eyeballs dinner, 4 to 7 p.m., Mt. Blue High School cafeteria. $5; students, $3. Costume contest: $1 entry fee. Proceeds for trip to Portland convention. FMI: Crystal, 779-1124.

Farmington, Saturday, Oct. 27: Community harvest/thanksgiving luncheon, noon to 1 p.m., Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, Academy Street. Free. Public welcome. FMI: 778-2163.

Farmington, Saturday, Oct. 27: Doug Smith tribute concert to Lillian Nordica, 7:30 p.m., Nordica Auditorium at UMF.

Farmington, Saturday, Oct. 27: Rummage sale, 9 a.m. to noon, St. Joseph’s, corner of Middle and Quebec streets. Sponsored by Altar Guild.

Farmington, Saturday, Oct. 27: Craft fair featuring Guatemalan and Peruvian crafts, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Franklin Memorial Hospital. Benefits medical and human rights team visits to remote villages.

Bethel, Saturday, Oct. 27: Jazz, 7 p.m., Sudbury Inn dining room. $6. Call 824-2174 to reserve. Hosted by Mahoosuc Arts Council. FMI: Amy, 824-3575 or www.MahoosucArts.org.

Livermore, Saturday, Oct. 27: Dance, 7 to 10:30 p.m., Norland Grange, Route 133. Lolalee and The Country Bandits. Refreshments. $6. FMI: 897-4895; 743-1829.

New Sharon, Saturday, Oct. 27: Bean and casserole supper, 4:30 to 6 p.m., New Sharon Methodist Church Annex. $7. Sponsored by Square and Compass Club. FMI: 587-2414.

Oxford Hills area

Norway, Tuesday, Oct. 23: Discussion: “The Importance of Stories,” 7 p.m., Norway Memorial Library. “No Name Woman” by Maxine Hong Kingston and “How to Tell a True War Story” by Tim O’Brien. FMI: 743-5309.

Paris, Wednesday, Oct. 24: Swingin’ Bears Square Dance Club lessons, 7:30 p.m., Oxford Hills Middle School. First lesson for beginners, free. Part of Oxford Hills Adult Education and Recreation Program. FMI: Sue Corning, 743-7176; Eleanor Herrick, 782-4050.

Paris, Wednesday, Oct. 24: Travelogue Lecture Series, 6 p.m., McLaughlin Garden. “Visions of India. Free; donations welcome. FMI: 743-8820.

Bethel, Friday, Oct. 26: Speaking Peace in a World of Conflict conference, 7 to 9 p.m., Gehring House, Broad Street. Free introduction. FMI, register: SAD 44, 824-2780.

Buckfield, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26, 27: Haunted Hayride, 7 to 10 p.m., Bessey Field, Paris Hill Road. $5. Sponsored by Buckfield High School, Class of 2008.

Norway, Friday, October 26: New England boiled dinner, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Second Congregation Church, Main Street. $7.50; under 10, $3.50. Benefits church’s general fund. FMI: 743-2290, 9 a.m. to noon.

Norway, Friday, Oct. 26: Open mic night Halloween Bash, 6:30 p.m. sign-up, 7 p.m. open mic, First Universalist Church, 479 Main St. $3. Refreshments. Dress in costume. FMI: Heather, 935-4505; [email protected].

Bethel, Saturday, Oct. 27: Speaking Peace in a World of Conflict conference, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Gehring House, Broad Street. $100. FMI, register: SAD 44, 824-2780.

Bolsters Mills, Saturday, Oct. 27: Bayberry craft fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bolsters Mills United Methodist Church. Benefits Bolsters Mills Ladies Guild.

Buckfield, Saturday, Oct. 27: Hunters breakfast, 5 to 8 a.m., John D. Long Post 58, American Legion Post Home. $5; 12 and under, $3.

Casco, Saturday, Oct. 27: Supper, 5 to 6 p.m., United Church of Christ. $6, $3 under 12.

Locke Mills, Saturday, Oct. 27: Dance, 7 to 10 p.m., Town Hall. Music by the Richard Felt. Benefits Greenwood Historical Society. FMI: Joyce, 674-2259.

Otisfield, Saturday, Oct. 27: Fall fright night, 6 to 8 p.m., Otisfield Community Hall, Route 121. Costume contest, pumpkin carving competition, entertainment, games, prizes, snacks. FMI: 743-2539, 461-3372.

Oxford, Saturday, Oct. 27: Hunters breakfast, 4:30 to 7 a.m., Lake Thompson Fish & Game Clubhouse, Paine Road. $6; under 12, $3. FMI: Don Record 539-4407.

Oxford, Saturday, Oct. 27: Hunters breakfast, 5 to 7 a.m., Oxford American Legion Post 112, 169 King St. $5. Sponsored by Oxford American Legion Riders.

Oxford, Saturday, Oct. 27: Craft fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oxford Public Safety Building, Route 26. FMI: 671-4460. Hosted by the Oxford Fire Relief Organization.

Paris, Saturday, Oct. 27: American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oxford Hills High School, 256 Main St.

Paris, Saturday, Oct. 27: Witches’ Brew Tea Tasting, 2 to 4 p.m., McLaughlin Garden. Sweets and teas. Preregistration required, $12 members, $15 nonmembers, $8 for children nonmembers under 12. FMI: Jennifer, 743-8820, www.mclaughlingarden.org.

Paris, Saturday, Oct. 27: Hunters breakfast, 4 a.m., Paris Fire Hall. Benefits Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School Project Graduation. Donations accepted.

Paris, Saturday, Oct. 27: Oxford Hills Business Showcase, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. Free.

Paris, Saturday, Oct. 27: Harvest supper, 5 to 6 p.m., American Legion Hall, Church Street. $7, children under 12, $3. Sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 72.

Bethel, Sunday, Oct. 28: Speaking Peace in a World of Conflict conference, 12 to 5 p.m., Gehring House, Broad Street. $100. FMI, register: SAD 44, 824-2780.

Norway, Sunday, Oct. 28: Longaberger basket bingo, doors open 11 a.m., starts 12:30 p.m., Norway Legion Hall, Main Street. Benefits Responsible Pet Care shelter. $10. FMI or advance tickets: 743-8679.

River Valley area

Rumford, Saturday, Oct. 27: Craft fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Rumford Elementary School, Lincoln Avenue. Sponsored by the Parent/Teacher Organization.

Lewiston area

Lewiston, Monday, Oct. 22: Preschool Storytime, 6:30 p.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4, www.lplonline.org/child.

Lewiston, Monday, Oct. 22: Cooking Club, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Presented by Lots to Gardens for ages 7-14. Attendance limited. Sign up: 755-3110. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4, www.lplonline.org/child.

Auburn, Tuesday, Oct. 23: History of candy, 7 p.m., Androscoggin Historical Society, 3rd floor of County Building, 2 Court St. FMI: 784-0586 or [email protected].

Lewiston, Tuesday, Oct. 23: Reading Dog, 4 p.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Practice reading to Scott the dachshund. Reservations, FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4, www.lplonline.org/child.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Oct. 23: Preschool Storytime, 10 a.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4, www.lplonline.org/child.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Oct. 23: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Poland, Tuesday, Oct. 23: National Friends of Library Week celebration, 6 to 8 p.m., Ricker Memorial Library. Refreshments, activities, prizes.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Oct. 24: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Oct. 24: Lewiston Senior Citizens card party, 1 to 4 p.m., Multi-Purpose Center, 145 Birch St. Tickets, senior’s office, $3. FMI: 784-2926, ext. 207.

Lisbon, Wednesday, Oct. 24: Buffalo wing appetizers with various sauces, 6 to 7:30 p.m., VFW Post 9459, Route 196. $6. FMI: 353-5291 after 4 p.m. Wed. to Fri.

Winthrop, Wednesday, Oct. 24: Square dance lessons, 7 to 9 p.m., Winthrop Grade School cafeteria, Highland Ave. Square dance sign in front of school. Soft-soled shoes only. Sponsored by Squire Town Squares. FMI: 713-6669, 685-3648, 268-9241.

Greene, Thursday, Oct. 25: Fran Reidelberger narrates film, “Britain’s Gentle Highway – a canal adventure in England, Scotland & Wales,” 7 p.m., Araxine Wilkins Sawyer Memorial, 371 Sawyer Road. Free. FMI: 946-5311 or http://ourworld.cs.com/sawyerfoundation.

Lewiston, Thursday, Oct. 25: Peek-A-Boo Puppet Show, 9:30 a.m., New Life Community Center, 134 College St. FMI: 782-1112.

Lewiston, Thursday, Oct. 25: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Litchfield, Thursday, Oct. 25: Haunted trail, 6 to 9 p.m., Carrie Ricker Middle School. $6, under 10, $3. Indoor games, $2.

Buckfield, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26, 27: Haunted Hayride, 7 to 10 p.m., Bessey Field, Paris Hill Road. $5. Sponsored by Buckfield High School Class of 2008.

Gray, Friday, Oct. 26: Halloween night hike, 6 to 9 p.m., Maine Wildlife Park, Route 26. Rain date, Saturday, Oct. 27. Age 3 and under, free; 5 to 12, $4; adults, $6; seniors, $4.50; groups of 15 or more, $3 per person. FMI: 657-4977; www.mainewildlifepark.com.

Greene, Friday, Oct. 26: Fran Reidelberger narrates film, “Britain’s Gentle Highway – a canal adventure in England, Scotland & Wales,” 2 and 7 p.m., Araxine Wilkins Sawyer Memorial, 371 Sawyer Road. Free. FMI: 946-5311 or http://ourworld.cs.com/sawyerfoundation.

Lewiston, Friday, Oct. 26: Babytime, 10 a.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4, www.lplonline.org/child.

Lewiston, Friday, Oct. 26: “Cats, Masks & Shadows” Halloween family program, 7 p.m., Callahan Hall, Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. $2, $1 for students. For ages 8 and up. FMI: 784-0135, ext. 210.

Lisbon, Friday, Oct. 26: Stuffed peppers or chicken supper, 5:30 to 7 p.m., VFW Post 9459, Route 196. $6, $3 children under 10. Dance follows. Benefits Togus VA Hospital Recreation Department. FMI: 353-5291.

Lisbon, Friday, Oct. 26: Turkey supper, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Odd Fellows Hall, 27 Village St. $6.50; children 12 and under, $3; pre-school, free. Sponsored by Nina Rebekah Lodge 86 and Sabattus River Lodge 21 IOOF.

Auburn, Saturday, Oct. 27: American Red Cross blood drive, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Auburn Mall, 550 Center St.

Auburn, Saturday, Oct. 27: Bean supper, 4:30 to 6 p.m., Sixth Street Congregational Church, 109 Sixth St. $5; children 5 to 12, $3; under 5, free. Take-outs, call 782-7517.

Auburn, Saturday, Oct. 27: Open house, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Central Maine Community College. Sample foods made by the Culinary Arts Department. FMI: www.cmcc.edu or 755-5273.

Auburn, Saturday, Oct. 27: Harvest supper, 4:30 to 6 p.m., New Auburn American Legion Post 153, 71 South Main St. Sponsored by post auxiliary. Benefits veterans programs. $6; seniors, $5; children under 10, $3. FMI: 784-0656; 754-1849.

Bowdoin, Saturday, Oct. 27: Halloween Extravaganza, 6 to 10 p.m., FHC, 1201 Main St., old Bowdoin Central School. Benefits United Way Midcoast Chapter. $5. Rain date, Sunday, Oct. 28, 6 to 9 p.m. FMI: 666-5651.

Buckfield, Saturday, Oct. 27: Hunters breakfast, 5 to 8 a.m., John D. Long Post 58, American Legion Post Home. $5; 12 and under, $3.

Gray, Saturday, Oct. 27: Bean supper, 5 p.m., First Congregational Church, Route 115. $7; under 12, $3. FMI: 657-4279.

Lewiston, Saturday, Oct. 27: Teddy Bear Fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lewiston High cafeteria. Hosted by Delta Kappa Gamma.

Lewiston, Friday, Oct. 27: Halloween dance for special needs people, 5 to 8 p.m., Holy Family Church Hall, Sabattus St. $4. FMI: 783-9635.

Lewiston, Saturday, Oct. 27: Halloween dinner/dance, 6 p.m., Holy Cross church hall. FMI, tickets: Larry, 783-6860 or Ray, 784-9000. Hosted by The Holy Cross Knights of Columbus Council 12652.

Lewiston, Saturday, Oct. 27: Christmas silent auction, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 150 East Ave. Lunch. Benefits Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Lisbon, Saturday, Oct. 27: Bean supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Methodist Church, School Street. $6; children, $2.

Litchfield, Saturday, Oct. 27: Haunted trail, 6 to 9 p.m., Carrie Ricker Middle School. $6, under 10, $3. Indoor games, $2.

Minot, Saturday, Oct. 27: Hunters breakfast, 5 to 9 a.m., Minot Center Grange hall, Minot Center Hill. $5; children 6 to 12, $3; 5 and under, free. FMI: 782-4319.

Monmouth, Saturday, Oct. 27: Hunter’s breakfast, 4:30 to 9:30 a.m., Cottrell Elementary School. $5. FMI and tickets: Archie, 933-2589.

Sabattus, Saturday, Oct. 27: Jacques Cartier Club Halloween baked bean and casserole supper, 5 p.m. on Wales Road, $6. Dancing follows until 9:30 p.m., $4. Dinner and dance $10. Halloween customers welcomed at discretion. FMI please call 375-4850.

Wales, Saturday, Oct. 27: East Wind Gospel Trio, 6 p.m., Presbyterian Church, Route 132, Pond Road. FMI: Marilyn, 375-6604.

Wayne, Saturday, Oct. 27: Craft fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wayne Elementary School, Pond Road. Benefits enrichment programs.

Winthrop, Saturday, Oct. 27: CODA Chorus Choral Festival, 7 p.m., Winthrop Performing Arts Center.

Auburn, Sunday, Oct. 28: Breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m., VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave. $3.50/$4.50. Benefits children’s Christmas party. FMI: 784-6883.

Hebron, Monday, Oct. 29: American Red Cross blood drive, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Hebron Academy, Old Woodman Hill Road.

Lewiston, Monday, Oct. 29: Preschool Storytime, 6:30 p.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4, www.lplonline.org/child.

Lewiston, Monday, Oct. 29: Cooking Club, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Presented by Lots to Gardens for ages 7 to 14. Attendance limited. Sign up: 755-3110. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4, www.lplonline.org/child.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Oct. 30: Reading Dog, 4 p.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Practice reading to Scott the dachshund. Reservations, FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4, www.lplonline.org/child.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Oct. 30: Preschool Storytime, 10 a.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4, www.lplonline.org/child.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Oct. 30: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Auburn, Wednesday, Oct. 31: American Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Central Maine Community College, 1250 Turner St.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Oct. 31: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lisbon, Wednesday, Oct. 31: Buffalo wing appetizers with various sauces, 6 to 7:30 p.m., VFW Post 9459, Route 196. $6. FMI: 353-5291 after 4 p.m. Wed. to Fri.

Winthrop, Wednesday, Oct. 31: Square dance lessons, 7 to 9 p.m., Winthrop Grade School cafeteria, Highland Avenue. Sign in front of school. Soft-soled shoes required. Sponsored by Squire Town Squares. FMI: 713-6669, 685-3648, 268-9241.

Lewiston, Thursday, Nov. 1: Red Cross blood drive, 12 to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St. FMI: 1-800-482-0743.

Lewiston, Friday, Nov. 2: Red Cross blood drive, 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lewiston High School, 156 East Ave. FMI: 1-800-482-0743.

Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 3: Cajun Family Event, 6 p.m., First Universalist Church of Auburn, 169 Pleasant St. Cajun-style potluck, dance and music. $10; students/senior citizens, $7. FMI: 783-0461; Katarina Arvedson, 998-5180.

Brunswick, Saturday, Nov. 3: Holiday craft fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Brunswick High School. Hosted by All Officers’ Spouses’ Club at Brunswick NVAB to benefit local charities.

Gray, Saturday, Nov. 3: Bean supper, 5 to 6 p.m., American Legion 15, Lewiston Road. $6, children under 12, $2.50; under 5 free. FMI: Nancy, 657-2661.

Minot, Saturday, Nov. 3: Church fair “Susanna’s Treasures,” 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., United Methodist vestry, Free coffee. Luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. FMI: Phyllis, 345-5801.

Monmouth, Saturday, Nov. 3: Christina Goff benefit dinner, 4 to 6 p.m., Monmouth Fish and Game, Route 202. Mail donations to: Donna Yates, c/o Bangor Savings Bank, Main St., Monmouth, 04259. FMI: Trina Burgess, 441-2926.

Wales, Saturday, Nov. 3: Holiday Craft Fair, Oak Hill High School, benefiting Oak Hill High School classes of 2008 and 2009, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. Refreshments, 50-50 and more. Tables to rent for $25 for a 10-foot space with 6-foot table $25. FMI 375-4950, Ext. 130.

Gray, Sunday, Nov. 4: Spaghetti supper, 4 to 6 p.m., First Congregational Church, Route 115. Donations benefit the Mills family. FMI: 657-4338.

Sabattus, Sunday, Nov. 4: Monthly breakfast, 7:30 to 10 a.m., American Legion Post 135. $6, children under 10, $3.

Winthrop, Wednesday, Nov. 7: Square dance lessons, 7 to 9 p.m., grade school cafeteria, Highland Avenue. Sponsored by Squire Town Squares. FMI: 713-6669.

Auburn, Thursday, Nov. 8: Book talk: “The World is Flat” by Thomas Friedman, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., Central Maine Community College, 1250 Turner St. Free. Light refreshments.

Lewiston, Thursday, Nov. 8: Peek-a-boo puppet show, 9:30 a.m., New Life Community Center, 134 College St. FMI: 782-1112.

Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 10: Hunters breakfast, 5 to 8 a.m., Masonic Hall, 1021 Turner St. $5. Hosted by Knights of the Sun Chapter of the Order of DeMolay for Boys. FMI: Jim Greenwood at 782-3967.

Bowdoin, Saturday, Nov. 10: Craft fair: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., West Bowdoin Baptist Church, West Road.

Auburn, Sunday, Nov. 11: Breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m., VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave. Benefits children’s Christmas party. FMI: 784-6883.

Lisbon, Saturday, Nov. 17: Make your own Christmas wreath, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m., Beaver Park Lone Pine Lodge. $8 per wreath. Registration required. FMI and register: Verla Brooks, 353-9075.

Lisbon, Sunday, Nov. 18: Make your own Christmas wreath, 1 to 4 p.m., Beaver Park Lone Pine Lodge. $8 per wreath. Registration required. FMI and register: Verla Brooks, 353-9075.

Lisbon, Saturday, Nov. 24: Make your own Christmas wreath, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m., Beaver Park Lone Pine Lodge. $8 per wreath. Registration required. FMI and register: Verla Brooks, 353-9075.

Lisbon, Sunday, Nov. 25: Make your own Christmas wreath, 1 to 4 p.m., Beaver Park Lone Pine Lodge. $8 per wreath. Registration required. FMI and register: Verla Brooks, 353-9075.

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 1: Holiday Festival for Children, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Dom’s Regional High School, 121 Gracelawn Road. Sponsored by Advocates for Children. Visit with Santa. Advance, adults, $5; children, $3; at door, $7 and $4. FMI: 783-3990.

Raymond, Saturday, Dec. 1: Christmas fair, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Raymond Village Community Church, Main Street. Wreaths, baked goods, gently-used merchandise, more. Breakfast, lunch.