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, 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.

Farmington, Saturday, Feb. 9: Roast pork luncheon, 12 to 1 p.m., Old South First Congregational Church. Free. Delivery available. FMI and delivery: 778-0424 in advance, 778-4438 morning of.

Livermore, Saturday, Feb. 9: Spaghetti supper, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Baptist Church. $5. Benefits Youth Group trip to Colorado. FMI: 897-5377.

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.

Farmington, Wednesday, Feb. 13: Fish chowder lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Trinity Methodist Church, Route 2.

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

Chesterville, Wednesday, Feb. 14: Valentine senior citizen luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Town Office, Dutch Gap Road. Entertainment, bingo. Sponsored by North Chesterville Extension. FMI: 778-3156.

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

Farmington, Thursday, Feb. 14: Common Ground: Malaga Island, 11:45 a.m., Lincoln Auditorium, UMF Roberts Learning Center. Free. FMI: [email protected] or 778-7258.

Wilton, Friday, Feb. 15: Infant/toddler story time, 10:30 a.m., Free Public Library. FMI: Sandra, 645-4831.

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

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.

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.

Paris, Saturday, Feb. 9: Spaghetti supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Fire Hall. $6, children 6 to 12, $3; 5 and under, free. Benefits Project Graduation. FMI: Laurie, 381-0232.

Paris, Saturday, Feb. 9: Supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., VFW Hall, East Main Street. $7, under 12, $3. Hosted by Waterford Fair Association. FMI: Lillian, 743-2641.

West Paris, Saturday, Feb. 9: maple syrup talk and slide show, 1:30 p.m., West Paris Baptist Church, Church Street. Hosted by West Paris Grange 298. FMI: Claire, 743-9044.

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.

Lovell, Monday, Feb. 11: $1 bag sale, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thrift Shop, United Christ Church, Route 5. Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays through Feb. 23.

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.

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.

Casco, Saturday, Feb. 16: Valentine’s supper, 5 to 6 p.m., Casco Village Church United Church of Christ, Route 121. $7, $4 under 12.

Paris, Saturday, Feb. 16: Ham supper and dance, dinner 5 p.m., dance 6:30 to 9 p.m., Legion Hall, South Street. $10 both; supper $7, dance $5.

Norway, Sunday, Feb. 17: Lent luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 35 Paris St. FMI: 743-6782.

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

Norway, Sunday, Feb. 24: Lent luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 35 Paris St. FMI: 743-6782.

Norway, Sunday, March 2: Lent luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 35 Paris St. FMI: 743-6782.

Norway, Sunday, March 9: Lent luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 35 Paris St. FMI: 743-6782.

River Valley area

Mexico, Friday, Feb. 8: Bake sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wal-mart, River Road. Benefits Apostolic Youth Mission trip. FMI: 392-1841.

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: Salmon pie luncheon, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. $7.

Dixfield, Saturday, Feb. 9: Bottle drive, 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Benefits Apostolic Youth Missions trip. FMI: 392-1520.

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, Saturday, Feb. 9: Bake sale, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Davis Florist Congress Street. Benefits Michael’s Angels. Special orders and FMI: 364-7851 or 364-8358.

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

Mexico, Thursday, Feb. 14: Turkey supper, 5 p.m., “Green Church,” Main Street. $7, under 12, $3.

Rumford, Friday, Feb. 15: Salmon lenten lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Barbanas Church hall, Rumford Avenue. $7.

Rumford, Friday, Feb. 22: Salmon lenten lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Barbanas Church hall, Rumford Avenue. $7.

Lewiston area

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.

Lisbon, Friday, Feb. 8: Roast Pork dinner, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. American Legion Auxiliary Post 158, Webster Street. $6 adults, $3 children.

Winthrop, Friday, Feb. 8: Fish chowder luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Congregational Church. $6. Take-outs. Benefits church.

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].

Lewiston, Saturday, Feb. 9: Bean supper, 4 to 6 p.m., Holy Family church hall, back downstairs of church, Sabattus Street.

Lisbon, Saturday, Feb. 9: Gen Y Christian praise concert, 7 p.m., St. Matthew’s Church, 496 Lisbon St. Free. FMI: 353-8453 or [email protected].

New Gloucester, Saturday, Feb. 16: Bean supper, 5 to 6 p.m., AmVets Post 6, Route 100. $6, under 12, $2, under 6 free.

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.

Sabattus, Saturday, Feb. 9: Baked bean, casserole supper and Valentine Dance, Jaques Cartier Club, Wales Road. Supper is from 5 p.m., $6, the Valentine dance will follow till 9:30 p.m., $4, cost of both the supper and dance is $10. FMI please call 375-4850.

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, Webster Street. Funds benefit families in need of home heating oil. Storm date Feb. 17. $6 adults, $3 children.

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].

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

Lewiston, Friday, Feb. 15: Valentine’s dance, 8 p.m. to midnight, Lewiston Lodge of Elks, 1675 Lisbon St. Dirty McCurdy Band; $8. Benefits Maine Children’s Cancer Program. FMI: 784-4801.

Sabattus, Friday, 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.

Lisbon, Friday, Feb. 15: VFW Ladies Auxiliary 9459, baked chicken supper, Post home, Rt. 196, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. $6 adults, $3 children under 10. FMI: 353-2152.

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.

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].

Lewiston, Saturday Feb. 16: Valentine dinner dance, 6 to 11 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, East Avenue. $30 per couple. Hosted by Knights of Columbus Council 106. Music by Vintage. FMI and tickets: 783-7560 or 784-0389.

Minot, Saturday, Feb. 16: Turkey supper, 5 to 6 p.m., United Methodist Church. $6, children $3. FMI: Allen, 998-6005.

Turner, Thursday, Feb. 21: Game time, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Public Library. School ages. FMI: 225-2030.

Lisbon, Friday, Feb. 22: Meatball and Sausage Subs, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. American Legion Auxiliary Post 158, Webster Street. $6 adults, $3 children.

Lisbon, Friday, Feb. 22: VFW Post 9459, roast pork supper, Post home, Rt. 196, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. $6 adults, $3 children under 10. FMI: 353-5219 Thursday or Friday after 4 p.m.

Lisbon, Friday, Feb. 29: VFW Ladies Auxiliary 9459, bean, hotdog and casserole supper, Post home, Rt. 196, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. $6 adults, $3 children under 10. FMI: 353-2152.