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, Monday, Oct. 29: Cookie decorating, 7 p.m., The Landing, Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: 778-7346 or [email protected].

Farmington, Monday, Oct. 29: Night at the Opera-South African Style, 7 p.m., Lincoln Auditorium, UMF Roberts Learning Center. Free. FMI: [email protected] or 778-7258.

Farmington, Monday, Oct. 29: Halloween mask-making, 3 to 5 p.m., Everyone’s Resource Depot, UMF campus Education Center Room 9. All ages. $1. FMI: 778-7150.

Farmington, Tuesday, Oct. 30: Halloween mask-making, 3 to 5 p.m., Everyone’s Resource Depot, UMF campus Education Center Room. 9. All ages. $1. FMI: 778-7150.

Farmington, Tuesday, Oct. 30: A cappella concert by “Teenager,” 16 to 24 years old from France, 7:30 p.m., Nordica Auditorium, UMF. Free; donations accepted.

Chesterville, Wednesday, Oct. 31: Halloween party, 6 p.m., town office. FMI: Nancy Griffin, 897-2582.

Chesterville, Wednesday, Oct. 31: Grange Halloween party, 6 to 8 p.m., at the hall. Free.

Stratton, Wednesday, Oct. 31: Haunted house, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Henderson House, 180 Main St. Benefits Dead River Area Historical Society. Donations accepted. FMI: 246-2271 nights 864-3443 days.

New Sharon, Thursday, Nov. 1: Story hour, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Jim Ditzler Memorial Library.

Wilton, Friday, Nov. 2: Infant/toddler story time, 10:30 a.m., Free Public Library. FMI: Sandra, 645-4831.

Farmington, Saturday, Nov. 3: UMF Arts and Crafts show, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Olsen Student Center. Over 40 artists and crafters. FMI or to reserve table: 778-7344.

Farmington, Saturday, Nov. 3: Harvest supper, 5 to 6 p.m., Old South Church, Main Street. $7; under 12, $4. FMI: 778-0424.

Jay, Saturday, Nov. 3: North Jay Grange 10 food and craft sale, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bean and casserole supper, 4 to 6 p.m. $6; children 10 and under, $3. FMI call 645-4628; 645-2910; 645-4211.

Vienna, Saturday, Nov. 3: Craft fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Vienna Community Room. Hosted by VFD Auxiliary. Crafters needed. FMI: Becky, 293-3163.

Farmington, Sunday, Nov. 4: Basket bingo to benefit Ending Hunger, 1 p.m., Farmington Lodge of Elks. $20, from Otis Federal Credit Union employees.

Rangeley, Monday, Nov. 5: American Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 6 p.m., Rangeley Town Hall, 15 School St.

Wilton, Tuesday, Nov. 6: Preschool story time, 10:30 a.m., Free Public Library. FMI: Sandra, 645-4831.

Wilton, Friday, Nov. 9: Infant/toddler story time, 10:30 a.m., Free Public Library. FMI: Sandra, 645-4831.

Farmington, Saturday, Nov. 10: Contradance, potluck 6, warm up 7:30, dancing 8 to 11 p.m., Farmington Grange, Bridge Street. $6, $15 family. No partner necessary. FMI: 397-2241 or [email protected].

Strong, Saturday, Nov. 10: Craft fair, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Strong Elementary School. FMI: 684-3521.

Temple, Saturday, Nov. 10: Craft fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Temple town hall. FMI: 778-5567.

Vienna, Saturday, Nov. 10: Hunters supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Vienna community Room. Hosted by Vienna Fire Department.

Readfield, Friday, Nov. 16: American Red Cross blood drive, 12:30 to 6 p.m., Marranacook Middle School, 2100 Millard Harrison Drive.

Industry, Saturday, Nov. 17: United in Christ Presbyterian Church (Starks and West Mills) Christmas bazaar, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Industry Town Hall.

Turner, Monday, Nov. 19: American Red Cross blood drive, 7:34 a.m. to 1: 45 p.m., Leavitt High School, Lower Street.

Oxford Hills area

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

Paris, Tuesday, Oct. 30: Halloween party, 4 to 5 p.m., Hamlin Memorial Library. Children 12 and under invited. Snacks, activities. Costumes not required but welcome. FMI: 743-2980 or [email protected].

Norway, Wednesday, Oct. 31: Friends of People with Dementia, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Town office. Free, open to public. Light refreshments. FMI: Peg Gagnon, 1-800-660-2871.

Norway, Wednesday, Oct. 31: Haunted house for ages 11 and under, 6 to 7 p.m., Norway Rehab and Living Center, 29 Marion Ave. FMI: 743-7075.

Norway, Wednesday, Oct. 31: Story time for ages 2 to 5, 10:30 a.m., Norway Memorial Library. FMI: 743-5308.

Paris, Wednesday, Oct. 31: 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.

Waterford, Wednesday, Oct. 31: Halloween open house, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Waterford Library. Treats for children.

Norway, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1, 2, 3: Oxford Hills Music and Performing Arts Assn.’s “Don’t Dress for Dinner,” 8 p.m., Norway Grange. Tickets, Books ‘n Things. $10; children 12 and under and senior citizens, $8.

Paris, Thursday, Nov. 1: Story time for preschoolers, 10 a.m., Paris Public Library. FMI: 743-6994.

Norway, Friday, Nov. 2: Baby Boosters for under 2 and parents or caregivers, rhymes, finger plays, songs, stories, more, 10:30 a.m., Norway Memorial Library. FMI: 743-5308.

Casco, Saturday, Nov. 3: Supper, 5 to 6 p.m., Crescent Lake Community Hall, Route 11. $6, 12 and under, $3. Hosted by Sunshine Club.

Fryeburg, Saturday, Nov. 3: Supper and Raffle for Mary Libby Johnson, 5 to 7 p.m., St. Elizabeth Anne Seton Church, Route 5.

Mechanic Falls, Saturday, Nov. 3: Lamplighter smorgasbord, 5 to 6 p.m., First Congregational Church (UCC). $7; under 12, $3.

Newry, Saturday, Nov. 3: Concert and potluck dinner, 5 p.m., Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge, Route 26, North Newry. $10/$25. FMI: 824-2073; [email protected].

Otisfield, Saturday, Nov. 3: Craft fair, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Otisfield Community School. Space, $25. FMI: Linda Park, Lorette Ayotte or Barbara Maguire, 627-4208.

Paris, Saturday, Nov. 3: Preserved flower topiaries, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., McLaughlin Garden. Sponsored by Big Apple Food Store. Preregistration required. Contact the Garden to inquire about supplies. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. FMI: Jennifer, 743-8820, www.mclaughlingarden.org.

Paris, Saturday, Nov. 3: Holiday craft fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Maine Veteran’s Home, 477 High St. Lunch counter. Food sale.

Paris, Saturday, Nov. 3: Barbershop cabaret, 3 and 7 p.m., First Congregational Church, 17 Main St. $10. Seating limited. FMI: Deb, 539-4752.

Paris, Saturday, Nov. 3: Turkey dinner, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Deering Memorial Methodist Church. $7, children under 12, $3.

Norway, Sunday, Nov. 4: Oxford Hills Music and Performing Arts Assn.’s “Don’t Dress for Dinner,” 2 p.m., Norway Grange. Tickets, Books ‘n Things. $10; children 12 and under and senior citizens, $8.

Norway, Tuesday, Nov. 6: The Importance of Stories, 7 p.m., Norway Memorial Library. “Barn Burning” by William Faulkner and “Killings” by Andre Dubus. FMI: 743-5309.

Paris, Wednesday, Nov. 7: Travelogue Lecture Series, 6 p.m., McLaughlin Garden. “New Zealand.” Free; donations welcome. FMI: 743-8820.

Paris, Wednesday, Nov. 7: Square dance lessons, 7:30 p.m., Oxford Hills Middle School. FMI: Sue Corning, 743-7176.

Norway, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8, 9, 10: Oxford Hills Music and Performing Arts Assn.’s “Don’t Dress for Dinner,” 8 p.m., Norway Grange. Tickets, Books ‘n Things. $10; children 12 and under and senior citizens, $8.

Bethel, Friday, Nov. 9: American Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 6 p.m., Gould Academy, 39 Church St.

Paris, Saturday, Nov. 10: Cranberry wreaths, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., McLaughlin Garden. Sponsored by Big Apple Food Store. Preregistration required. $25 members, $30 nonmembers. FMI: Jennifer, 743-8820, www.mclaughlingarden.org.

Norway, Sunday, Nov. 11: Oxford Hills Music and Performing Arts Assn.’s “Don’t Dress for Dinner,” 2 p.m., Norway Grange. Tickets, Books ‘n Things. $10; children 12 and under and senior citizens, $8.

Naples, Friday, Nov. 16: American Red Cross blood drive, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lake Region High School, 1877 Roosevelt Trail.

Paris, Saturday, Nov. 17: DECA holiday craft fair, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. $1; 12 and under, 65 and older free. FMI: 743-7756 ext. 5100.

Fryeburg, Monday, Nov. 19: American Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fryeburg Academy, 745 Main St.

Norway, Tuesday, Nov. 20: Happily Ever After, 7 p.m., Norway Memorial Library. “Tell Me a Riddle” by Tillie Olsen and “The Bear Came Over the Mountain” by Alice Munro. FMI: 743-5309.

River Valley area

Bethel, Friday, Nov. 9: American Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 6 p.m., Gould Academy, 39 Church St.

Oxford, Wednesday, Nov. 21: Oxford Writers and Storytellers, 6:30 p.m., Oxford Community Center. Readings related to autumn, harvest and Thanksgiving.

Paris, Saturday, Nov. 24: Dinner, 3 to 6 p.m.; dance, 6 to 10 p.m., South Paris Legion Hall. Fundraiser for Elise Thurlow to help reopen the Colonial Coffee Shoppe. Raffles, door prizes, 50/50. $8; $15 per couple. FMI: Lisa Martin, 739-2393.

Paris, Friday, Nov. 30: Take-A-Chance auction, doors open 5 p.m.; drawing begins 7 p.m., Oxford Hills Middle School, Pine Street. Fundraiser for Oxford County 4-H Program. FMI or to donate: 743-6329; 1-800-287-1482.

Norway, Tuesday, Dec. 4: Exploring the Darkness, 7 p.m., Norway Memorial Library. “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor and “Ollie, Oh” by Carolyn Chute. FMI: 743-5309.

Oxford, Wednesday, Dec. 19: Oxford Writers and Storytellers, 6:30 p.m., Oxford Community Center. Readings about Christmas, winter and the solstice.

Lewiston area

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: Department of Recreation Halloween Party for pre-schoolers through Grade 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Androscoggin Bank Colisee, 190 Birch St. Free skating, but no masks or loose-fitting costumes will be allowed on the ice; free.

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.

Turner, Wednesday, Oct. 31: Fright Walk, 5 to 8 p.m., GAR Hall, Route 219. Sponsored by North Turner Presbyterian Church. Donations. Games, refreshments for children. FMI: 225-2372.

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.

Lisbon, Friday, Nov. 2: American Legion Auxiliary ham supper, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. 10 Webster St. $6.

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.

Mechanic Falls, Saturday, Nov. 3: Lamplighter smorgasbord, 5 to 6 p.m., First Congregational Church (UCC). $7; under 12, $3.

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.

New Gloucester, Saturday, Nov. 3: Dear Claudia blues/jazz/rock band, 7 p.m., New Gloucester Village Coffee House, corner Route 231 and Gloucester Hill Road. $10; seniors and under 12, $5. Benefits New Gloucester Congregational Church. FMI: Julie or Michael Fralich, 926-3161; church office, 926-3260.

Pownal, Saturday, Nov. 3: Bean supper, 4:30 to 6 p.m., North Pownal United Methodist Church, 851 Lawrence Road. $6; children, $3. FMI: Caron, 688-4101; Karen, 829-5470.

Sabattus, Saturday, Nov. 3: The Knights of Columbus, of the Lady of the Rosary parish, baked bean and casserole supper, Our Lady of the Rosary parish hall, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit parish programs. Adults $6, children under 12 $3. FMI Robert, 375-4057.

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.

Brunswick, Sunday to Saturday, Nov. 4 to 10: Japan-America Society of Maine “Journey into Japan,” Frontier Café, Cinema & Gallery and The Maine Soundstage, Fort Andross Mill complex. Films, concerts, a fashion show.

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.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Nov. 6: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

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

Lewiston, Wednesday, Nov. 7: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 6 p.m., St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Lepage Center, Campus Avenue.

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.

Lewiston, Thursday, Nov. 8: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

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.

Lisbon Falls, Saturday, Nov. 10: Baked bean and casserole supper, 4:45 to 6 p.m., Holy Trinity Church parish hall, 67 Frost Hill Ave. $6; children under 12, $4; children under 4, free; family with children under 12, $15. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus. FMI: 353-5636.

New Gloucester, Saturday, Nov. 10: Harvest supper, 5 to 6 p.m., Amvets hall, Route 100. $7, $3 under 12.

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

Lewiston, Monday, Nov. 12: American Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 150 East Ave.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Nov. 13: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Nov. 14: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Thursday, Nov. 15: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lisbon, Friday, Nov. 16: American Legion Auxiliary taco dinner, followed by turkey raffle, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Post 158 at 10 Webster St. $6. FMI: 353-8192.

Readfield, Friday, Nov. 16: American Red Cross blood drive, 12:30 to 6 p.m., Marranacook Middle School, 2100 Millard Harrison Drive.

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 Falls, Saturday, Nov. 17: Winter Wonderland Christmas Fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., United Methodist Church, School Street. Beef stew lunch, 11 a.m.; $5; children, $2.

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.

Turner, Monday, Nov. 19: American Red Cross blood drive, 7:34 a.m. to 1: 45 p.m., Leavitt High School, Lower Street.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Nov. 20: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Nov. 21: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Auburn, Friday, Nov. 23: American Red Cross blood drive, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mason Ashlar 105, 1021 Turner St.

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.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Nov. 27: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Nov. 27: American Red Cross blood drive, 3 to 8 p.m., Bates College Chase Hall, Campus Avenue.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Nov. 28: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Thursday, Nov. 29: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

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.