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

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.

Kingfield, Saturday, Nov. 24: Craft fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kingfield School.

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.

Farmington, Friday, Nov. 30: Craft fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Edgewood manor.

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: Craft fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., American Legion.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 1: Craft fair and luncheon, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., American Legion Hall. Sponsored by Auxiliary Unit 28.

Farmington, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1, 2: UMF Community Chorus and Chamber Choir performance, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, 3 p.m., Old South Congregational Church, 227 Main St. $6; seniors, $5; UMF students with ID, free. FMI: Robin Palmer Mosher, 778-7072; [email protected].

Jay, Saturday, Dec. 1: Spaghetti supper, 4 to 6:30 p.m., Jay High School cafeteria. $5. Benefits Bruce Goding, living with cancer. 50/50 raffle. FMI: Cheryl, 897-3380.

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.

Mt. Vernon, Saturday, Dec. 8: Craft fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., elementary school.

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

Norway, Friday, Nov. 23: Baby Boosters for under 2 years, their parents or caregivers, rhymes, finger plays, songs, stories, more, 10:30 a.m., Norway Memorial Library. FMI: 743-5308.

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.

Norway, Saturday, Nov. 24: Coffee, cocoa, cookies and wreaths during Merchants Parade, 11 a.m., wreaths and kissing balls, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Second Congregational Church parking lot corner of Main and Paris streets. Benefits mission programs.

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.

Waterford, Saturday, Nov. 24: Supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., North Waterford Congregational Church. Benefits Zackery Morin’s People to People trip to China. $7; under 12, $3.50. FMI: Jennifer Morin, 583-4403.

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

Norway, Wednesday, Nov. 28: Story time for ages 2 to 5, 10:30 a.m., Norway Memorial Library. FMI: 743-5308.

Paris, Thursday, Nov. 29: Story time for preschoolers, 10 a.m., Paris Public Library. FMI: 743-6994.

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

Oxford, Friday, Nov. 30: Tree lighting, 6:30 p.m., Anderson Staples 112 Legion, King St.

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.

Paris, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1: Paris Hill Christmas house tour, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., beginning at the Academy Building (Community Club). $20, includes lunch. Benefits the old Academy Building. Sponsor: Paris Hill Community Club. FMI: 743-8270.

Paris, Friday, Nov. 30: Deck the Halls, 9 a.m. to noon, McLaughlin Garden, 97 Main St. Pre-registration required. Free. FMI: Jennifer, 743-8820 or www.mclaughlingarden.org.

Bethel, Saturday, Dec. 1: Christmas fair and tea, 1 to 4 p.m., West Parish Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Church Street.

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.

Oxford, Saturday, Dec. 1: Toy Chinese auction, doors 1:30 p.m., drawing 3 p.m., Hosanna Church building. Held by Resistance Ministries. FMI: 743-6982.

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.

Waterford, Saturday, Dec. 1: Supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., North Waterford Congregational Church. Buffet all-you-can-eat; $7; under 12, $3.50. Benefits Robert Springer III and family after loss of home to fire. FMI: Jennifer Morin, 583-4403.

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.

Locke Mills, Thursday, Dec. 6: Pot luck supper, 6 p.m., Jackson Silver Post and Unit 68, American Legion. FMI: Helvi, 665-2915.

Paris, Thursday, Dec. 6, to Sunday, Dec. 9: Trees & Trains, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., McLaughlin Garden, 97 Main St. Maine Garden Railway Society model train dioramas and trees. $3 members, $5 non-members, $3 under 12, under 5 free. FMI: Jennifer, 743-8820 or www.mclaughlingarden.org.

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.

Otisfield, Saturday, Dec. 8: Holiday dinner, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Otisfield Community School gym. $5; senior citizens, $4; children 3 to 10, $3; under 2, free. School chorus and instrumentalists will perform.

Otisfield, Saturday, Dec. 8: Tree lighting, 7 p.m., Town Office.

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, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 24 and 25: Christmas wreath sale, 1 to 6 p.m., Rumford Grange. To order, Vicki at 364-2129.

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

Rumford, Saturday, Dec. 1: Christmas in the Valley Craft Fair with Frosty & Mrs. Frosty, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mountain Valley High School. Benefits scholarships. Kitchen proceeds to Relay For Life. Bring non-perishable item for food pantries.

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

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 5, Harris Hill Road. Crafts, food, wreaths, more. Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. FMI: Charmaine Andrews, 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.

Sabattus, Friday, and Saturday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1: Holiday craft fair 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Our Lady of the Rosary, Maxwell-Gill Hall, High Street. Lunch. FMI: Connie, 375-6951.

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.

Poland, Saturday, Dec. 1: Christmas fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Poland Community Church, 1212 Maine St., Route 26. Luncheon, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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, Saturday Dec. 8, Breakfast with Santa, 8 to 11 a.m., High Street Congregational Church, 106 Pleasant St. Free picture with Santa. FMI: 784-1306.

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.

Lewiston, Thursday, Dec. 13: Peek-A-Boo Puppet Show, 9:30 a.m., New Life Community Center, 134 College St. FMI: 782-1112.

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.