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, Wednesday, Dec. 12: Cascade Brook School concert, 7 p.m., MBHS Gym. Free. FMI: 778-3561.

Farmington, Wednesday, Dec. 12: Music: Michelle Cummings, 8 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: [email protected], 778-7346, www.michellecummingsmusic.com.

Wilton, Wednesday, Dec. 12: “Early Bird” Community Forum breakfast with Paul Montague, doors, 6:30 a.m., buffet 6:45, speaker at 7, Congregational Church, 386 Main St. Free, donations accepted.

Farmington, Thursday, Dec. 13: Academy Hill School concert, 7 p.m., AHS Gym. Free. FMI: 778-3561.

Farmington, Thursday, Dec. 13: Fitness: yoga, 6:30 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center, Free. FMI: [email protected], 778-7346.

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

Farmington, Friday, Dec. 14: Game show: Deal or No Deal, 7 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center, Free.

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

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 15: David Sedaris’ “The Santaland Diaries,” 7:30 p.m., Alumni Theater, UMF. FMI: [email protected]; 207-578-0357.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 15: Christmas community luncheon, noon to 1 p.m., Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, Academy Street. Free. FMI: 778-2163; 778-4608.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 15: Music: Northfield a cappella group, 7:30 p.m., Nordica Auditorium, UMF Merrill Hall. $6; senior citizens, $5; under 16, free. FMI: [email protected]; www.artsinstitute.org.

Farmington, Saturday, and Sunday, Dec. 15, 16: Music of Christmas, 7 p.m., Farmington Baptist Church, 194 Whittier Road. Free. FMI: 779-0731.

Livermore Falls, Saturday, Dec. 15: Christmas concert and carol sing, 7 p.m., First Baptist Church, 25 Church Street. Free. Refreshments. Offering benefits music equipment. FMI: 897-4858, 897-5573

Farmington, Sunday, Dec. 16: David Sedaris’ “The Santaland Diaries,” 2 p.m., Alumni Theater, UMF. FMI: [email protected]; 207-578-0357.

Rangeley, Sunday, Dec. 16: Bird count. Birders welcome to participate. $5, additional fees for boat trips. FMI: Jennifer, 603-463-3085 or [email protected] or www.maineaudubon.org.

Salem, Sunday, Dec. 16: A+E Hill Country Music, 1 p.m., Salem Community Building. Donations at door. Sponsored by Salem Pine Tree Club.

Wilton, Sunday, Dec. 16: Paulie Heath Christmas concert, 10:45 a.m., East Wilton Union Church. FMI: Pastor Park, 645-4297.

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.

Farmington, Monday, Dec. 31: American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Franklin Memorial Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive.

Oxford Hills area

Norway, Wednesday, Dec. 12: Story time for ages 2 to 5, 10:30 a.m., Memorial Library. FMI: 743-5308.

Bryant Pond, Thursday, Dec. 13: Rodney Abbott speaks on New England poets, 2 p.m., Whitman Memorial Library. Free, refreshments. FMI: 674-2143.

Norway, Thursday, Dec. 13: Holiday craft/bake sale, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Norway Rehab & Living Center, 29 Marion Ave. Lunch, crafts, more. Proceeds benefit activities department. FMI: Georgia, 743-7075.

Paris, Thursday, Dec. 13: Story time for preschoolers, 10 a.m., Public Library. FMI: 743-6994.

Norway, Friday, Dec. 14: Baby Boosters rhymes, finger plays, songs, stories, more, 10:30 a.m., Memorial Library. FMI: 743-5308.

Bridgton, Saturday, Dec. 15: Christmas sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Community Center. Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Santa will visit. Benefits local organizations.

Oxford, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15, 16: Breakfast with Santa and caroling, 9 a.m., Pizza Hut. $7; under 12, $5; under 2 free. Benefits Christmas for Kids & Teens. Reservations required. FMI: Kathy Tice, 890-3605.

Waterford, Saturday, Dec. 15: Community gathering with candlelit caroling, 7 p.m., Waterford Common. Refreshments follow. Visit Santa. Children get a book gift from library.

Locke Mills, Sunday, Dec. 16: Christmas cantata, 4 p.m., Locke Mills Union Church. Refreshments. FMI: Joyce, 674-2259.

Norway, Wednesday, Dec. 19: Story time for ages 2 to 5, 10:30 a.m., Norway Memorial Library. FMI: 743-5308.

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

Paris, Thursday, Dec. 20: Story time for preschoolers, 10 a.m., Public Library. FMI: 743-6994.

Norway, Friday, Dec. 21: Baby Boosters for under 2 and parents or caregivers, rhymes, plays, songs, more, 10:30 a.m., Norway Memorial Library. FMI: 743-5308.

Oxford, Saturday, Dec. 22: Breakfast with Santa and caroling, beginning 9 a.m., Pizza Hut. $7; under 12, $5; under 2 free. Benefits Christmas for Kids & Teens. Reservations required, call Kathy Tice, 890-3605.

Bridgton, Monday, Dec. 24: American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Masonic Hall, Harrison Road.

Paris, Tuesday, Dec. 25: Community Christmas dinner, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, 17 East Main St. Free. Takeouts available. Hosted by Friends and Neighbors. FMI: 674-5185.

Oxford, Friday, Dec. 28: American Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 6 p.m., American Legion Post 112, 112 King St.

Paris, Monday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve celebration, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., American Legion, Church Street. Music by Country Ladds. Chemical-free, door prizes, food. $15; couples, $25. FMI: 743-7965.

River Valley area

Rumford, Wednesday, Dec.12: American Red Cross blood drive, 12 to 6 p.m., American Legion, 184 Congress St.

Rumford, Thursday, Dec. 13: Shepard’s pie supper, 5 p.m., American Legion Post 24. Take out. FMI: 369-9053.

Rumford, Friday, Dec. 14: Black Mountain of Maine Ski Lodge lasagna dinner, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Entertainment with Blue Roots, 7 to 10 p.m. both, $10; entertainment only: $5. FMI or to reserve call 364-8977.

Rumford, Saturday, Dec. 15: Black Mountain of Maine dance, 7 to 11 p.m., with Alibi, $5. FMI or to reserve call 364-8977.

Rumford, Monday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve dinner and dancing, 5:30 to 12:30 a.m. $25 couple, $15 single. Rumford Elks Lodge 862. FMI call 364-4022.

Lewiston area

Auburn, Wednesday, Dec. 12: Holiday concert, 7 p.m., Olin Arts Center, Bates College. Free. FMI: 333-6601, or www.auburncommunityband.org.

Auburn, Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 12 through 14: Lewiston Engine No. 1 photo gallery, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 to 5 p.m., County Building, Court Street entrance.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Dec. 12: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Dec. 12: Auburn Community Band holiday concert, 7 to 8:15 p.m., Olin Arts Center, Bates College. Free. FMI: Auburn Recreation, 333-6601.

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

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

Lewiston, Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 13-15: Live Nativity, doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., Vineyard Church, 12 Foss Road. Free, refreshments. FMI: 784-9500.

Lewiston, Thursday, Dec. 13: “Rain in a Dry Land,” 7 p.m., Callahan Hall, Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. Documentary about a Somalian family followed by Q & A with Sheikh Mohamed, other members of Lewiston’s Somali Bantu community. Free. FMI: 513-3135.

Winthrop, Thursday, Dec. 13: Blood drive, 1 to 6 p.m., St. Francis Xavier parish hall, Lake Street. Identification required. FMI: 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

Auburn, Friday, Dec. 14: Open mic/poetry slam, sign-up 7:15 p.m., show starts 7:30 p.m., First Universalist Church, 169 Pleasant St. Free. FMI: 783-0461 or www.uuauburn.org.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 14: L-A Senior College “Food for Thought” noon luncheon. Program: Christmas presentations from writings of Dylan Thomas and Robert Tristram Coffin by Readers’ Theater group of Senior College members. $6.50 with reservations, $8 at door. For reservations call before noon on Thursday, Dec. 13, at 753-6510 or online at usm.maine.edu/lac/seniorcollege.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 14: Messiah sing-along, 7:30 p.m., Olin Arts Center, Bates College. Music by Androscoggin Valley Community Orchestra and Androscoggin Chorale. $5. FMI: Maine Music Society, 782-1403.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 14, Contra dance, 8 to 11 p.m., Callahan Hall, Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. Beginners welcome; all dances taught. $5, $2 for students. FMI: 513-3135.

Lisbon, Friday, Dec. 14: Meatloaf or chicken supper with potatoes and more, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 9459, Route 196. $6, $3 under 10. FMI: 353-4879.

Lisbon, Friday, Dec. 14: Roast pork dinner, 5 to 6 p.m., American Legion Post 158, Webster Road. $6; child, $3.50. FMI: 353-8192.

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

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 15: Solstice celebration concert and ceremony, 7 p.m., First Universalist Church, 169 Pleasant St. Leah Wolfsong, Circle Voice and guests. $10; students/seniors, $8; under 12, free. Tickets at door, Grateful Earth, College Street, Lewiston; Corn Shop Trading Co., Main Street, Bridgton; 1-877-833-1372.

Lewiston, Saturday, Dec. 15: Christmas Miracle Musical, 7 p.m., First United Pentecostal Church, 715 College St. Free. FMI: 784-9711.

New Gloucester, Saturday, Dec. 15: Bean supper, 5 to 6 p.m., Amvets Post 6, $6; under 12, $2; under 6, free.

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

Lewiston, Sunday, Dec. 16: Christmas Miracle Musical, 6 p.m., First United Pentecostal Church, 715 College St. Free. FMI: 784-9711.

Poland, Monday, Dec. 17: American Red Cross blood drive, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Whittier Middle School, 1457 Main St., Route 26.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Dec. 18: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Dec. 19: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lisbon, Wednesday, Dec. 19: “The Gift Goes On” Christmas musical, 7 p.m., Open Door Bible Church. Free. FMI: 353-2268.

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

Lewiston, Thursday, Dec. 20: Holiday sing-along, 6 p.m., Callahan Hall, Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. Hot cocoa provided, bring cookies to share. Free. FMI: 513-3113.

New Gloucester, Thursday, Dec. 20: American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pineland Farms, 59 Pineland Drive.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 21: Christmas concert, 7:30 p.m., Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Bath Municipal Concert Band will perform Christmas carols and music. Donation, $8.

Lisbon, Friday, Dec. 21: Barbecue chicken dinner, 5 to 6 p.m., American Legion Post 158, Webster Road. $6; child, $3.50. FMI: 353-8192.

Lisbon, Friday, Dec. 21: Ham supper with potatoes, veggies and more, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. VFW Post 9459, Route 196. $6 adults, $3 children under 10. FMI: 353-4879.

Auburn, Sunday, Dec. 23: 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, Dec. 23: “The Gift Goes On” Christmas musical, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., Open Door Bible Church. Free. FMI: 353-2268.

Auburn, Wednesday, Dec. 26: American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Auburn Mall, 550 Center St.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Dec. 26: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

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

Lisbon, Friday, Dec. 28: Chicken or shrimp Alfredo dinner, 5 to 6 p.m., American Legion Post 158, Webster Road. $6; child, $3.50. FMI: 353-8192.

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