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, Jan. 30: Fish chowder lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Trinity Methodist Church, Route 2.

Rangeley, Thursday, Jan. 31: A crusader knight searches for meaning, 1956, 7 p.m. Lakeside Theater. Donations benefit Episcopal Diocese of Maine’s Haiti mission. Sponsored by Church of the Good Shepherd. FMI: Joan, 864-9949.

Wilton, Friday, Feb. 1: Infant/toddler story time, 10:30 a.m., Wilton Free Library. FMI: Sandra, 645-4831.

New Sharon, Saturday, Feb. 2: Bean take out, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., New Sharon Congregational United Church of Christ, Cape Cod Hill Road. Family meal, $14. To reserve: Mary, 778-2366.

Farmington, Sunday, Feb. 3: A Cappella concert, 2 p.m., Nordica Auditorium, UMF,.by Mt. Blue Voices. Donations. FMI: 778-3513.

Salem, Sunday, Feb. 3: A+E Hill Country Music, 1 p.m., Community Building. Donations. Sponsored by Salem Pine Tree Club.

Wilton, Tuesday, Feb. 5: Preschool story time, 10:30 a.m., Wilton Free Library. FMI: Sandra, 645-4831.

Farmington, Wednesday, Feb. 6: Fish chowder, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Trinity Methodist Church, Route 2.

New Sharon, Thursday, Feb. 7: Story hour, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Jim Ditzler Memorial Library.

Rangeley, Thursday, Feb. 7: Movie, 7 p.m., Lakeside Theater. Fundraiser for Episcopal Diocese of Maine Haiti Mission. Sponsored by Church of the Good Shepherd. FMI: Joan, 864-9949.

Wilton, Friday, Feb. 8: Infant/toddler story time, 10:30 a.m., Free Public Library. FMI: Sandra, 645-4831.

Farmington, Saturday, Feb. 9: Valentine’s dinner and dance, dinner at 6, dancing 7 to 11 p.m., Elks Lodge. $25/couple. Tickets, FMI: Shannon, 778-4726.

Wilton, Tuesday, Feb. 12: Preschool story time, 10:30 a.m., Free Public Library. FMI: Sandra, 645-4831.

Farmington, Wednesday, Feb. 13: American Red Cross blood drive, 12 to 5 p.m., UMF, 246 Main St.

Farmington, Thursday, Feb. 14: American Red Cross blood drive, 12 to 5 p.m., UMF, 246 Main St.

Farmington, Saturday, Feb. 16: Children’s Festival, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., UMF Student Center. Sponsored by Franklin County Children’s Task Force.

Kingfield, Sunday, Feb. 17: Chinese auction, doors 12 p.m., drawing 1 p.m., Webster Hall, School Street. Tickets: $1 for 10, $5 for 60. Sponsored by Friends and Family Ties Relay for Life Team. FMI: 265-5897 or 265-2541.

Oxford Hills area

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

Paris, Thursday, Jan. 31: Story time for preschoolers, 10 a.m., Paris Public Library. FMI: 743-6994.

Norway, Friday, Feb. 1: Baby Boosters rhymes, finger plays, stories, other activities, 10:30 a.m., Norway Memorial Library. FMI: 743-5308.

Buckfield, Saturday, Feb. 2: Spaghetti feed ride-in, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Buckfield High School Cafeteria, Morril Street. $6, children, $3. Hosted by Streaked Mountaineers Snowmobile Club. Proceeds benefit Pine Tree Camp.

Naples, Saturday, Feb. 2: Scrapbooking Day, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lake Region High School, 1877 Roosevelt Trail. $30 includes lunch. Fundraiser for Class of ’09. FMI: [email protected] or 693-6221.

Paris, Saturday, Feb. 2: Patricia Probert Gott, author, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Paris Public Library, 37 Market Square. FMI: 743-6994.

Paris, Saturday, Feb. 2: Supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Legion Hall, Church Street. $7, under 12, $3. Hosted by Paris Veterans Monument Committee. Music.

Bethel, Wednesday, Feb. 6: “Labrador Canoe Crossing: Ice, Rock and Tides,” by David Brown and Ann Ingerson, 7 p.m., Trustees Auditorium, McLaughlin Science Center, Gould Academy, Church Street. Free. Hosted by Mahoosuc Land Trust. FMI: 824-3806.

Norway, Wednesday, Feb. 6: Story time for ages 2 to 5, 10:30 a.m., Norway Memorial Library. FMI: 743-5308

Bethel, Thursday, Feb. 7: Chris Sweet, Maine Public Broadcasting Network producer, 4:30 to 6 p.m., Gehring House, 77 Broad St. Free. Hosted by Western Mountains Senior College. FMI: P. Gartner, 665-2181.

Bridgton, Thursday, Feb. 7: American Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bridgton Hospital, South High Street.

Paris, Thursday, Feb. 7: Story time for preschoolers, 10 a.m., Paris Public Library. FMI: 743-6994.

Norway, Friday, Feb. 8: Baby Boosters rhymes, finger plays, songs, stories, more, 10:30 a.m., Norway Memorial Library. FMI: 743-5308.

Norway, Saturday, Feb. 9: Film “Arranged,” 7 p.m., Norway Public Library. Free. FMI: 743-5309.

Paris, Saturday, Feb. 9: Swinging Bears Square Dance Club sweetheart dance, 7 to 10 p.m., Oxford Hills Middle School, Pine Street. $10 couple, $5 single. Non-dancers, no charge. FMI: Sue, 743-7176 or Eleanor, 782-4050.

Paris, Saturday, Feb. 9: Jones dance band, 7 to 10 p.m., Legion Hall, Church Street, $5.

Paris, Saturday, Feb. 9: Inside yard sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., American Legion Hall. Lunch. FMI: Marilyn, 743-5723.

Bethel, Sunday, Feb. 10: Susan Poulin, writer and performer, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., West Parish Congregational Church, Church Street. Free. Hosted by Western Mountains Senior College. FMI: R. Tiff, 824-2053.

Bridgton, Thursday, Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day concert, 5 to 7 p.m., Public Library. Wine and cheese reception. $10 single, $18 couple. Reservations: 647-2389. Sponsored by Friends of Bridgton Library.

Oxford, Monday, Feb. 18: American Red Cross blood drive, 2 to 7 p.m., Hosanna Church of God, 109 Schoolhouse Road.

River Valley area

Rumford, Friday, Feb. 1: Dance, 6 to 8 p.m., Armory, Lincoln Avenue. $1. Hosted by Hope Association.

Rumford, Saturday, Feb. 2: Bean supper, 4:45 p.m., St. John’s Church, Main Street. $6, $3 under 12. Take-outs. Hosted by Knights of Columbus.

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

Rumford, Friday, Feb. 8: Dance, 7 to 11 p.m., Snowshoe Club, Waldo Street. Tickets at the club. Members and guests welcome.

Rumford, Saturday, Feb. 9: Valentine Dance, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., Eagles Hall. $5, benefits Rumford Community Home, Alzheimer’s Unit.

Lewiston area

Lewiston, Thursday, Jan. 30: American Red Cross blood drive, 12 to 7 p.m., CMMC, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Friday, Jan. 31: American Red Cross blood drive, 12 to 7 p.m., CMMC, 300 Main St.

Auburn, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 1 and 2: “Vagina Monologues,” 7 p.m., First Universalist Church, 169 Pleasant St. $10 or $15 for two. FMI: 783-0461.

Auburn, Saturday, Feb. 2: Abused Women’s Advocacy Project 15th annual Winter Walk Against Violence, 8 to 10 a.m., inside the Auburn Mall, Center Street. FMI: Kelly Glidden, 795-6744.

Auburn, Saturday, Feb. 2: Bean and casserole supper, 5 p.m., Danville Grange. $6, children $3. Game party follows.

Auburn, Saturday, Feb. 2: Sprouts, formerly Baby’s Night Out, 10:30 to 10:50 a.m., Children’s Room, Public Library, 49 Spring St. FMI: 333-6640 or www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Gray, Saturday, Feb. 2: Supper, 5 to 6 p.m., American Legion 15, Lewiston Road. $6, under 12, $2.50, under 5 free. FMI: 657-4884.

Lewiston, Saturday, Feb. 2: American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lewiston-Auburn Harley-Davidson, 839 Main St.

Lewiston, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 2 and 3: Snow Fest 2008, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., No Name Pond. Free.

Lewiston, Saturday, Feb. 2: Scholastic book fair, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Vineyard Christian School Cafe. FMI: www.vineyardschool.net.

Lewiston, Saturday, Feb. 2: Reading Dog, 12 to 1 p.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Practice reading to a dog. Reserve a 5 or 10 minute spot or FMI: 513-3133 or [email protected].

Monmouth, Saturday, Feb. 2: Potluck supper, 6 p.m., South Monmouth Baptist Church, 163 South Monmouth Road. Music: Hallelujah Hillbilly Band.

New Gloucester, Saturday, Feb. 2: Jim Gallant, 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church Village Coffeehouse. $10, $5 seniors and children. FMI: 926-3161 or 926-3260.

Sabattus, Saturday, Feb. 2: Bean and casserole supper, 4:30 to 6 p.m., Our Lady of the Rosary Parish. $6, under 12, $3. Hosted by Knights of Columbus to benefit parish programs. FMI: Robert, 375-4057.

Auburn, Sunday, Feb. 3: “Until the Violence Stops” documentary, 1 p.m., First Universalist Church, 169 Pleasant St. $2. Anti-hate panel discussion to follow. FMI: 783-0461.

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

Auburn, Monday, Feb. 4: American Red Cross blood drive, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Edward Little High School, 77 Harris St.

Auburn, Monday, February 4: Mom’s Morning Out, 10 to 11 a.m., Children’s Program Room, Public Library, 49 Spring St. FMI: 333-6640 or www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Feb. 5: American Red Cross blood drive, 12 to 7 p.m., CMMC, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Feb. 5: Book Buddies, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Bring children grades 1 to 6 together with books. FMI: 513-3133 or [email protected].

Lewiston, Monday, Feb. 5: “Pack a Healthy Lunch” Kid’s Cooking Club, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Presented by Lots to Gardens for ages 7 to 14. Limited space. Sign up in by calling Lots to Gardens, 755-3110. FMI: 513-3133 or [email protected].

Auburn, Wednesday, Feb. 6: Preschool Story Program, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., Children’s Program Room, Public Library, 49 Spring St. FMI: 333-6640 or www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Feb. 6: Book Buddies, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Bring children grades 1 to 6 together with books. FMI: 513-3133 or [email protected].

Lewiston, Wednesday, Feb. 6: American Red Cross blood drive, 12 to 7 p.m., CMMC, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Feb. 6: Reading Dog, 5 to 6 p.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Practice reading to a dog. Reserve 5 or 10 minute spot or FMI: 513-3133 or [email protected].

Lewiston, Thursday, Feb. 7: American Red Cross blood drive, 3 to 8 p.m., Bates College Chase Hall, Campus Avenue.

Lewiston, Thursday, Feb. 7: American Red Cross blood drive, 12 to 7 p.m., CMMC, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Friday, Feb. 7: Art Van, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Art therapy program for ages 7 to 12. FMI: 513-3133 or [email protected].

Lewiston, Thursday, Feb. 7: Hot Tamales interactive activities, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Ages 5 to 12. Hosted by Lots to Gardens. Register: Ari, 755-3110. FMI: 513-3133 or [email protected].

Auburn, Friday, Feb 8: Open mic, 7:30 p.m., First Universalist Church of Auburn, 169 Pleasant St. Free.

Lewiston, Friday, Feb. 8: “Food for Thought,” 12 p.m., L-A Senior College, USM Auburn-Lewiston campus. Speaker: Andrew Harris, executive director of L/A Arts. $6.50 advance, $8 at door. Reservations, FMI: 753-6510 or usm.maine.edu/lac/seniorcollege.

Auburn, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 9 and 10: A Memory, A Rant, and a Prayer, 7 p.m., First Universalist Church, 169 Pleasant St. $10. FMI: 783-0461.

Auburn, Saturday, Feb. 9: Sprouts, formerly Baby’s Night Out, 10:30 to 10:50 a.m., Children’s Room, Public Library, 49 Spring St. FMI: 333-6640 or www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Lewiston, Saturday, Feb. 9: Reading Dog, 12 to 1 p.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Practice reading to a dog. Reserve 5 or 10 minute spot or FMI: 513-3133 or [email protected].

Lisbon Falls, Saturday, Feb. 9: Bean and casserole supper, 4:45 to 6 p.m., Holy Trinity Parish Hall, 67 Frost Hill Ave. $6, under 12, $4, under 4 free, family $15. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus. FMI: 353-5636.

Monmouth, Saturday, Feb. 9: Father/Daughter dance, 6:30 to 9 p.m., MMS Gymnasium. $15 couple, $5 per additional daughter at HLC, MMS, door. Monmouth K-6 students. Semi formal. Proceeds to Monmouth Middle School Playground.

Poland, Saturday, Feb. 9: Ice fishing tournament, half hour before sunrise to 3:30 p.m., Middle and Upper Range Ponds. Register at Flying Lobster boat ramp at Upper Range Pond. Registration $10, $5, 12 and under, $20 family. Proceeds to GNG Patriots Football, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Hooked on Fishing Not Drugs. FMI and pre-registration locations: Barney, 415-8450.

Auburn, Sunday, Feb. 10: Breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m., VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave. Children, $3.50; adults, $4.50. Benefits Operation Uplink for U.S. Troops. FMI: 784-6883.

Auburn, Sunday, Feb.10: Sweethearts’ sing-along with Phil House, 2 p.m., First Universalist Church, 169 Pleasant St. $5, $3 seniors. FMI: 783-0461.

Lisbon, Sunday, Feb. 10: Wine tasting, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Graziano’s Casa Mia Restaurant. $15. Fundraiser for Maine Music Society. FMI, tickets: 782-1403.

Auburn, Monday, Feb. 11: American Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 6 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 14 Great Falls Plaza.

Auburn, Monday, February 11: Mom’s Morning Out, 10 to 11 a.m., Children’s Program Room, Public Library, 49 Spring St. FMI: 333-6640 or www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Feb. 12: American Red Cross blood drive, 12 to 7 p.m., CMMC, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Feb. 12: Book Buddies, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Bring children grades 1 to 6 together with books. FMI: 513-3133 or [email protected].

Lewiston, Monday, Feb. 12: “Pack a Healthy Lunch” Kid’s Cooking Club, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Presented by Lots to Gardens for ages 7 to 14. Limited space. Sign up in advance by calling Lots to Gardens, 755-3110. FMI: 513-3133 or [email protected].

Lewiston, Wednesday, Feb. 13: Book Buddies, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Bring children grades 1 to 6 together with books. FMI: 513-3133 or [email protected].

Lewiston, Wednesday, Feb. 13: American Red Cross blood drive, 12 to 7 p.m., CMMC, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Feb. 13: Reading Dog, 5 to 6 p.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Practice reading to a dog. Reserve 5 or 10 minute spot or FMI: 513-3133 or [email protected].

Auburn, Wednesday, Feb. 13: Preschool Story Program, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., Children’s Program Room, Public Library, 49 Spring St. FMI: 333-6640 or www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Lewiston, Thursday, Feb. 14: American Red Cross blood drive, 12 to 7 p.m., CMMC, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Thursday, Feb. 14: Peek-A-Boo Puppet Show, 9:30 a.m., New Life Community Center, 134 College St. FMI: 782-1112.

Lewiston, Thursday, Feb. 14: Art van, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Art therapy program for ages 7 to 12. FMI: 513-3133 or [email protected].

Lewiston, Thursday, Feb. 14: Hot Tamales interactive activities, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Ages 5 to 12. Hosted by Lots to Gardens. Register: Ari, 755-3110. FMI: 513-3133 or [email protected].

Sabattus, Saturday, Feb. 15: Supper, 4:30 to 6 p.m., Jillson’s Farm, Jordan Bridge Road. $6. Cookbooks $10. Both benefit Loaves & Fishes food pantry. FMI: cookbook, 375-4747 or 212-7674.

Lewiston, Friday, Feb. 15: American Red Cross blood drive, 12 to 6 p.m., St. Mary’s Hospital Lepage Center, Campus Avenue.

Lewiston, Saturday, Feb. 16: Reading Dog, 12 to 1 p.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Practice reading to a dog. Reserve 5 or 10 minute spot or FMI: 513-3133 or [email protected].

Auburn, Saturday, Feb. 16: Sprouts, formerly Baby’s Night Out, 10:30 to 10:50 a.m., Children’s Room, Public Library, 49 Spring St. FMI: 333-6640 or www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.