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

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

Farmington, Tuesday, Nov. 20: Jam night, 8 p.m., Nordica Auditorium, UMF Merrill Hall. Free. FMI: [email protected]; 778-7336.

Wilton, Tuesday, Nov. 20: Preschool story time, 10:30 a.m., Wilton Free Public Library.

Strong, Wednesday, Nov. 21: Thanksgiving pie and roll sale, 12 to 3 p.m., United Methodist Parish House. Orders: 684-5621 or 684-4758 before Nov. 19. Sponsored by Methodist Women.

Farmington, Thursday, Nov. 22: Free Thanksgiving Day dinner, noon to 1:30 p.m., Mt. Blue High School cafeteria. Home delivery, greater county area, 779-0641. Sponsored by Scottish Rite Masons.

Canton, Thursday, Nov. 22: 11th annual Memorial Holiday Tree, sponsored by Ponemah Rebekah Lodge 28. Light bulb in memory of loved one, $2. FMI: Jolene, 597-2168.

Farmington, Thursday, Nov. 22: Thanksgiving pie sale, 9 a.m. to noon, Twice Sold Tales, Main Street. Pre-orders, call 645-2312 before Nov. 19th. Hosted by St. Luke’s.

Wilton, Thursday, Nov. 22: Thanksgiving pie sale, 9 a.m. to noon, St. Luke’s, High St. Pre-orders, call 645-2312 before Nov. 19th.

Wilton, Friday, Nov. 23: Infant/toddler story time, 10:30 a.m., Wilton Free Public Library.

Jay, Saturday, Nov. 24: Bluegrass gospel music and singalong, 7 p.m., Seventh Day Adventist Church, corner of Route 4 and Oak Street. FMI: 645-2969.

Livermore Falls, Saturday, Nov. 24: Supper, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., American Legion George Bunten Post 10, 17 Reynolds Ave. Delivery within five miles.

Mt. Vernon, Saturday, Nov. 24: Christmas in the Village craft fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Community Center and Masonic Hall.

Wilton, Tuesday, Nov. 27: Preschool story time, 10:30 a.m., Wilton Free Public Library.

New Sharon, Thursday, Nov. 29: Story hour, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., New Sharon-Jim Ditzler Memorial Library.

Wilton, Friday, Nov. 30: Infant/toddler story time, 10:30 a.m., Wilton Free Public Library.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 1: Chester Greenwood Day. Parade, 11 a.m.; chili contest, birthday cake, Meetinghouse Park; festival of trees, dip in Clearwater Lake, 3 p.m. FMI: www.franklincountymaine.org; 778-4215.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 1: Christmas crafts show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., University of Maine Student Center. Sponsored by Franklin County Arts and Crafts Association. Free.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 1: Gift market and fair trade handcraft sale, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Old South Church, Main St.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 1: UMF Community Chorus and Chamber Choir Winter Concert, 3 p.m., Old South Congregational Church, 227 Main St. $6, $5 seniors, free UMF students with I.D. Tickets at Mickey’s Hallmark or the door. FMI: Robin, 778-7072 or [email protected].

Kents Hill, Saturday, Dec. 1: Christmas Fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Readfield (Torsey) United Methodist Church.

Farmington, Sunday, Dec. 2: UMF Community Chorus and Chamber Choir Winter Concert, 7:30 p.m., Old South Congregational Church, 227 Main St. $6, $5 seniors, free UMF students with I.D. Tickets at Mickey’s Hallmark or the door. FMI: Robin, 778-7072 or [email protected].

Wilton, Tuesday, Dec. 4: Preschool story time, 10:30 a.m., Wilton Free Public Library.

Wilton, Friday, Dec. 7: Infant/toddler story time, 10:30 a.m., Wilton Free Public Library.

Avon, Saturday, Dec. 8: Christmas In Avon craft sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Avon Community Hall.

Wilton, Saturday, Dec. 8: Contradance, 8 to 11 p.m., Wilson Grange, Main Street. Beat Greens; Richard and Pam Green calling. Beginner/brush-up workshop, 7:30, free; dance, $6; family, $15. FMI: 397-2241; [email protected]; www.starleft.org.

Jay, Sunday, Dec. 9: Craft and bake sale, 9 a.m., Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Route 4 and Oak Street. FMI: 645-2969.

Farmington, Tuesday, Dec. 11: Jam night, 8 p.m., Nordica Auditorium, UMF Merrill Hall. Free. FMI: [email protected]; 778-7336.

Wilton, Tuesday, Dec. 11: Preschool story time, 10:30 a.m., Wilton Free Public Library.

New Sharon, Thursday, Dec. 13: Story hour, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., New Sharon-Jim Ditzler Memorial Library.

Wilton, Friday, Dec. 14: Infant/toddler story time, 10:30 a.m., Wilton Free Public Library.

Wilton, Tuesday, Dec. 18: Preschool story time, 10:30 a.m., Wilton Free Public Library.

Wilton, Thursday, Dec. 20: Elementary story time, 6 p.m., Wilton Free Public Library.

Wilton, Friday, Dec. 21: Infant/toddler story time, 10:30 a.m., Wilton Free Public Library.

New Sharon, Thursday, Dec. 27: Story hour, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., New Sharon-Jim Ditzler Memorial Library.

Wilton, Friday, Dec. 28: Infant/toddler story time, 10:30 a.m., Wilton Free Public Library.

Oxford Hills area

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.

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

Winthrop, Wednesday, Nov. 21: Square dance lessons, 7 to 9 p.m., Winthrop Grade School cafeteria, Highland Ave. Soft-soled shoes only. Sponsored by Squire Town Squares. FMI: 713-6669; 685-3648; 268-9241.

Canton, Thursday, Nov. 22: 11th annual Memorial Holiday Tree, sponsored by Ponemah Rebekah Lodge. Light bulb on tree in memory of loved one, $2. FMI: Jolene, 597-2168.

Waterford, Friday, Nov. 23: Thanksgiving story program for children, 10:30 a.m., Waterford Library.

Locke Mills, Saturday, Nov. 24: Dance, 7 to 10 p.m., Locke Mills Town Hall, Richard Felt Orchestra. Benefits Greenwood Historical Society.

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.

Bethel, Sunday, Nov. 25: Bethel Rotary country breakfast, 7:30 to 11 a.m., Gould Academy Ordway Dining Hall. Benefits scholarships, community projects.

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.

Bethel, Saturday, Dec. 1: Craft fair 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Telstar Regional High School, Route 26. Sponsored by Friends of Telstar supporting student activities, scholarships. FMI: Michelle, 824-4430 or [email protected] or 824-2136.

Buckfield, Saturday, Dec. 1: Nezinscot Valley Music Booster craft fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Buckfield Jr/Sr High School. Tables, $10, bring own.

Paris, Saturday, Dec. 1: Department of Parks and Recreation holiday tree lighting, 6:30 p.m., Moore Park. FMI: Stacey Tibbetts, 743-2501 x 107; 461-3372.

West Paris, Saturday, Dec. 1: Community showcase and craft fair, noon to 5 p.m., Agnes Gray gymnasium. Display space, $5 (own table) or $10 with table. FMI: Lisa, 674-2127.

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.

Harrison, Thursday to Sunday, Dec. 6, 7, 8, 9: Christmas in Harrison. Soup and a song, craft show, horse-drawn hay wagons, open houses, parade. FMI: 583-4510.

Bethel, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8, 9: Western Mountains Senior Players, Saturday, 7 p.m., Sunday, 2:30 p.m., Gould Academy’s McLaughlin Auditorium, Church Street. Free, donations accepted. FMI: Lynn Arizzi, 824-0080.

Oxford, Saturday, Dec. 8: Christmas open house, 1 to 4 p.m., Kay House Museum, Pleasant Street. Bring unwrapped toy for Santa For Kids Project. Hosted by Oxford Historical Society. FMI: Linda, 539-4572.

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

River Valley area

Rumford, Wednesday, Nov. 21: Thanksgiving Eve worship service, 7 p.m., Sanctuary of the United Methodist Church, Linnell Street.

Canton, Thursday, Nov. 22: 11th annual Memorial Holiday Tree, sponsored by Ponemah Rebekah Lodge. Light bulb in memory of loved one, $2. FMI: Jolene, 597-2168.

Bethel, Sunday, Nov. 25: Rotary country breakfast, 7:30 to 11 a.m., Gould Academy Ordway Dining Hall. Benefits scholarships, community projects.

Bethel, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8, 9: Western Mountains Senior Players, Saturday, 7 p.m., Sunday, 2:30 p.m., Gould Academy’s McLaughlin Auditorium, Church Street. Free, donations accepted. FMI: Lynn Arizzi, 824-0080.

Lewiston area

Lewiston, Monday, Nov. 19: Cooking Club, 4 p.m., Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4.

Lewiston, Monday, Nov. 19: Preschool storytime, 6:30 p.m., Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4.

Monmouth, Monday, Nov. 19: Auditions for “On Golden Pond,” 7 p.m., Cumston Hall, Main St. FMI: 441-1998.

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: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Nov. 20: Read with Dog, 4 p.m., Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4.

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

Lisbon, Tuesday, Nov. 20: Raymond J. Lavigne VFW Post 9459 and Ladies Auxiliary, 7 p.m. Post Home, Route 196. Members need to attend to keep this post going. New members are welcome. Discussion will be on the future of the post’s home and other items. FMI: 353-5291, Wed – Fri after 4 p.m.

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, Saturday, Nov. 24: Bean supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Lisbon Methodist Church, School Street. $6, children $2. Sponsored by Methodist Women.

Monmouth, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 24, 25: Monmouth Community Players “All Is Bright…Songs of Christmastime,” Saturday, 7 p.m., Sunday, 2 p.m., Cumston Hall. $12; students/seniors, $10. Tickets, 933-2229. FMI: Michelle Handley, 933-3703.

Poland, Saturday, Nov. 24: Christmas fair, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Excelsior Grange, Harris Hill. FMI: Charmaine, 782-1077.

Auburn, Sunday, Nov 25: Breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m., VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave. $3.50/$4.50. Benefits New Auburn Little League Baseball. FMI: 784-6883.

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.

New Gloucester, Sunday, Nov. 25: Lighting of America’s smallest municipal Christmas tree “Tiny Timber,” 4:30 p.m., Town Hall, Route 231. Gray-New Gloucester High School Chorus, sing-along, refreshments. FMI: 926-4597.

Lewiston, Monday, Nov. 26: “Nutcracker Show-&-Tell” family program, 4 p.m., Callahan Hall, Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. Free. FMI: 513-3050.

Lewiston, Monday, Nov. 26: Cooking Club, 4 p.m., Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4.

Lewiston, Monday, Nov. 26: Preschool storytime, 6:30 p.m., Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Nov. 27: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Nov. 27: Read with Dog, 4 p.m., Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4.

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.

Auburn, Wednesday, Nov. 28: Origami workshop for kids, 2 to 3 p.m., Auburn Public Library children’s room. FMI and to register: 333-6640.

Auburn, Wednesday, Nov. 28: Teen Anime Club, 3:30 p.m., Auburn Public Library, 49 Spring St. FMI: 333-6640.

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

Winthrop, Wednesday, Nov. 28: Square dance lessons, 7 to 9 p.m., Winthrop Grade School cafeteria, Highland Ave. Soft-soled shoes only. Sponsored by Squire Town Squares. FMI: 713-6669; 685-3648; 268-9241.

Auburn, Thursday, Nov. 29: Book discussion, 6:30 p.m., Auburn Public Library, 49 Spring St. “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time” by Mark Haddon. FMI: 333-6640.

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

Lewiston, Friday, Nov. 30: Soup-&-Music Night, 6:30 p.m., Callahan Hall, Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. Lots to Gardens fall harvest supper with musical performances. $7. FMI: 513-3050.

Lewiston, Friday, Nov. 30: Babytime, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4.

Lisbon, Friday, Nov. 30: Lasagna supper, 5 to 6 p.m., American Legion Post 158, Webster Road. $6. FMI: 353-8192.

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.

Buckfield, Saturday, Dec. 1: Nezinscot Valley Music Booster craft fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Buckfield Jr/Sr High School. Tables, $10, bring own.

Lewiston, Saturday, Dec. 1: Bean supper, 4 to 6 p.m., Holy Cross Church hall, 1080 Lisbon St. Sponsored by Holy Cross Knights of Columbus. Take-outs until 6:30 p.m. $6; 12 and under, $3. FMI: Dan Leclair, 240-3537.

Lisbon Falls, Saturday, Dec. 1: Christmas craft fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lisbon High School. Sponsored by the Boosters Club. FMI and table rental: Kathi Yergin, 577-3288; [email protected].

New Gloucester, Saturday, Dec. 1: Shaker Christmas fair, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Route 26. Fruitcakes, herb biscuits, breads, more. FMI: Leonard L. Brooks, (207) 926-4597.

New Gloucester, Saturday, Dec. 1: Christmas fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sabbathday Lake Grange. Deadline for tables, Nov. 28. FMI: Pam Dyer, 657-4612.

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.

Winthrop, Saturday, Dec. 1: Christmas fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Winthrop Congregational Church UCC. Raffles, silent auction, items made by Mayan women, lunch. Benefits church.

Sabattus, Sunday, Dec. 2: Monthly breakfast, 7:30 to 10 a.m., Sabattus American Legion Post 135. $6; 10 and under $3.

Winthrop, Wednesday, Dec. 5: Square dance lessons, 7 to 9 p.m., Winthrop Grade School cafeteria, Highland Ave. Soft-soled shoes only. Sponsored by Squire Town Squares. FMI: 713-6669; 685-3648; 268-9241.

Lewiston, Thursday, Dec. 6: Peek-A-Boo Puppet Show, 9:30 a.m., New Life Community Center, 134 College St. FMI: 782-1112.

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 8: Roast pork dinner, 5 to 6 p.m., St. Louis Church Hall, Third Street. $7; under 12, $3.50.

Auburn, Sunday, Dec. 9: Breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m., VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave. $3.50/$4.50. Benefits New Auburn Little League Baseball. FMI: 784-6883.

Winthrop, Sunday, Dec. 9: CODA Chorus concert, 4 and 7 p.m., St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Children’s choir at 4 p.m. concert; handbell ringers at 7 p.m. concert. Free-will offering. FMI: 377-2549.

Poland, Monday, Dec. 10: Pre-diabetes brown bag lunch talk, noon to 1 p.m., Ricker Memorial Library, 1211 Maine Street, Route 26. Speakers: Doreen Taylor and Pat Watson of Stephen’s Memorial Hospital. FMI: 207-998-4390; rickerfriends.org.

Winthrop, Wednesday, Dec. 12: Square dance lessons, 7 to 9 p.m., Winthrop Grade School cafeteria, Highland Ave. Soft-soled shoes only. Sponsored by Squire Town Squares. FMI: 713-6669; 685-3648; 268-9241.

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 15: Christmas/bake/craft/raffle sale, 10 a.m. to midnight, K-Mart. Benefits Tommys Feral Feline Friends.

Auburn, Sunday, Dec. 16: Crepe breakfast, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., St. Louis Church Hall, Third Street. $4; under 12, $2.

Winthrop, Wednesday, Dec. 19: Square dance lessons, 7 to 9 p.m., Winthrop Grade School cafeteria, Highland Ave. Soft-soled shoes only. Sponsored by Squire Town Squares. FMI: 713-6669; 685-3648; 268-9241.

Lewiston, Thursday, Dec. 20: Peek-A-Boo Puppet Show, 9:30 a.m., New Life Community Center, 134 College St. FMI: 782-1112.

Sabattus, Sunday, Feb. 3: Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Sabattus American Legion Post 135. $6; 10 and under $3.