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, Feb. 4: Mardi Gras mask crafts, 7 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: 778-7346 or [email protected].

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.

Farmington, Thursday, Feb. 7: Common Ground: 1816, 11:45 a.m., Lincoln Auditorium, UMF Roberts Learning Center. Free. FMI: [email protected] or 778-7258.

Farmington, Thursday, Feb. 7: Common Ground: US Refugee Strategy, 11:45 a.m., Thomas Auditorium, UMF Preble/Ricker Hall. Free. FMI: [email protected] or 778-7258.

Farmington, Thursday, Feb. 7: African Americans in Maine, 3 to 5 p.m., North Dining Hall, UMF Olsen Student center. Free. FMI: [email protected] or 778-7258.

Farmington, Thursday, Feb. 7: Author Rigoberto Gonzalez, 7:30 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: [email protected] or 778-7454.

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.

Farmington, Friday, Feb. 8: Improv Comedy Troupe, 7:30 p.m., G.H. Bass Room, Franklin Memorial Hospital. Presented by Mt. Blue Curtain Raisers. FMI: Dan, [email protected] or 778-3561.

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.

Farmington, Saturday, Feb. 9: Bean and casserole supper, 4:30 to 6 p.m., Trinity UMC.

Farmington, Saturday, Feb. 9: Make valentines, 3 to 5 p.m., Everyone’s Resource Depot, Education center, UMF. $1. FMI: 778-7150.

New Vineyard, Saturday, Feb. 9: Chili and chowder supper, 5 to 7 p.m., Smith Hall. $5, $3.50 children, $15 family. Takeouts. Benefits Public Library. Music. FMI: Lisa, 652-2283.

Farmington, Sunday, Feb. 10: Basket bingo, doors 11:30 a.m., game 1 p.m., Farmington Elks Lodge 2430. Tickets: $20 at Harris Real Estate. Benefits Rotary. FMI: 779-9000.

Wilton, Sunday, Feb. 10: Country, gospel concert, 1 to 4 p.m., Fire Station. Fundraiser for Food Pantry. FMI: 645-2683.

Farmington, Monday, Feb. 11: Wooden jewelry boxes, 12 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: [email protected] or 778-7346.

Carthage, Tuesday, Feb. 12: Old Blind Dogs Scottish Traditional Band, 7 p.m., Skye Theatre, Route 2.

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

Oxford Hills area

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.

Mechanic Falls, Saturday, Feb. 9: Valentine’s dance, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., Silver Spur Banquet Hall. Fundraiser for Rock-O-Dundee Riders Snowmobile Club scholarships. FMI or reserve tickets: Suzanne, 539-2616.

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

Norway, Saturday, Feb. 9: X-C Ski event and human bowling, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Van Nest Farm, 265 Old Stage Road. $10 benefits Western Foothills Land Trust. FMI: Lee, 739-2124.

Otisfield, Saturday, Feb. 9: Bean supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Free Baptist Church, Rayville Road. Free. Delivery reservations: 539-2990 after 4 p.m.

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. Nondancers, no charge. FMI: Sue, 743-7176 or Eleanor, 782-4050.

Bryant Pond, Thursday, Feb. 14: Herbie Dunham talks about his book, “A Pebble on a Faraway Beach,” 2:30 p.m., Whitman Memorial Library. FMI: 674-2143.

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, 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, Friday, Feb. 8: Lenten salmon lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Barnabas Church, Penobscot Street. $7.

Mexico, Saturday, Feb. 9: Blessing of sleds, gathering 10 a.m., blessing noon, Middle School, Harlow Hill.

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

Rumford, Sunday, Feb. 10: Hope Association Snowmobile Ride-in, 12:30 to 3 p.m., Horizons, Swain Road. FMI: Catherine, 364-4561.

Lewiston area

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 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, Wednesday, Feb. 6: Fiction writer Michael Hyde, 7:30 p.m., Bates College Skelton Lounge.

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].

Lewiston, Thursday, Feb. 7: “Indignes” (Days of Glory), 7 p.m., Franco-American Heritage Center, Center Street. Free. Bilingual intros, discussion, Crepe at end. Hosted with Bates College. First of four films. FMI: 783-1583 or www.francoamericanheritage.org.

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

Auburn, Friday, Feb. 8: Turkey Supper sponsored by VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 1603, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., 588 Minot Ave. $6 adults, children under 10 $3. Benefits the veterans’ programs.

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.

Lisbon, Friday, Feb. 8: Shepherd pie supper, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., VFW Post 9459, Route 196. $6, under 10, $3. FMI: 353-2152.

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 preregistration 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.

Auburn, Sunday, Feb. 10: Pancake breakfast, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., St. Phillip’s Church, Route 4. $4, under 12, $2. Sponsored by parish family groups.

Lewiston, Sunday, Feb. 10: Pancake breakfast, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., Holy Family Parish Hall, Sabattus Street. $5, $2.50 under 10. Hosted by Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary.

Lisbon, Sunday, Feb. 10: Breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m., American Legion Auxiliary Post 158. Funds benefit families in need of home heating oil.

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.