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, May 1 through May 4: “The Importance of Being Earnest,” 7:30 p.m., Alumni Theatre, UMF. $10, students, seniors $8.50, UMF students with valid ID $6. Showing on May 4 at 2 p.m. Tickets at Howard’s Rexall. FMI: 779-7084, [email protected].

Farmington, Thursday, May 1: Classified Employees Scholarship Committee Used Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. Book donations are welcome. Sponsored by UMF Classified Employee Scholarship Committee. FMI: [email protected], 778-7225.

New Sharon, Thursday, May 1: Read and Grow Story Hour, 10:30 to 11:30 p.m., Jim Ditzler Memorial Library.

North Jay, Friday, May 2: Opening of North Jay Methodist Paris House Thrift Shop, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., North Jay Methodist Paris House Thrift Shop, Route 17. Open every Friday and Saturday through Nov. 8. FMI: 645-4628.

Farmington, Saturday, May 3: Seventh Annual Kid’s Stuff sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Old South Church. Silent auction, bake sale. Benefits Western Mountain Summer Camp Scholarship, Hippach Field Playground. Donation questions: Barb Marshall: 578-0286.

Jay, Saturday, May 3: Spring Yard Sale, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Rose Parish Hall. Sponsored by the Daughters of Isabella.

New Sharon, Saturday, May 3: Family baked bean takeout, 10 a.m. to noon, New Sharon Congregational United Church of Christ, Cape Cod Hill Road. Meal for $14. To reserve meals: Mary, 778-2366.

North Jay, Saturday, May 3: Public supper, 4 to 6 p.m., North Jay Grange No. 10. $6, children 10 and under $3. Tickets for raffles for our restoration fundraiser. FMI: 645-4628, 645-2910.

West Farmington, Saturday, May 3: Used Book Sale Literacy Volunteers, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Elk’s Lodge, School Street. FMI: 778-3460.

Wilton, Saturday, May 3: Public WECO supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Wilton United Methodist Church. Free. Meals served upstairs in Vestry for handicaps. Donations accepted to support outreach for churches in Wilton area. FMI: 645-2190.

Wilton, Saturday, May 3: Free supper, 5-6:30 p.m., Wilton United Methodist Church. Donations benefit church outreach projects. FMI: 645-2190.

West Farmington, Sunday, May 4: Used Book Sale Literacy Volunteers, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Elk’s Lodge, School Street. Only $2/Bag. FMI: 778-3460.

Farmington, Sunday, May 4: Greater Purpose in Concert, 6 p.m., Farmington Baptist Church.

Farmington, Monday, May 5: Cleaning Out the Closet, 7 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. Sponsored by UMF Campus Residence Council and The Landing. FMI: [email protected], 778-7346.

Rangeley, Wednesday, May 7: Ladies community breakfast, 7 a.m., Farm House inn, Route 4. FMI: 864-5805.

Wilton, Wednesday, May 7: Early Bird Breakfast, 6:30 to 7:30 a.m., Wilton Congregational Church, 386 Main St.. Free. Lisa Laflin will speak on Homelessness in Franklin County. Donations accepted.

Farmington, Thursday, May 8: Service learning and civic engagement celebration, 11:45 a.m., Nordica Auditorium, UMF Merrill Hall. Free. FMI: [email protected] or 778-7037.

Rangeley, Friday and Saturday, May 9 and 10: Spring Rummage Sale, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, The Episcopal Church Women of Good Shepherd, Main Street. Proceeds benefit church and community outreach.

Farmington, Saturday, May 10: Luncheon, 12-1 p.m., Old South First Congregational Church. Free. Delivery available. Call 778-0424 during week or church kitchen 778-4438 on the morning for delivery.

Farmington, Saturday, May 10: Music: UMF Community Chorus spring concerts, 7:30 p.m., Old South Church, Main Street. $6, seniors and under 12, $5, UMF students free. Sponsored by UMF Dept. of Visual & Performing Arts. FMI: [email protected], 778-7027.

Jay, Saturday, May 10: Food, rummage sale, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., North Jay Grange. Light luncheon, takeouts.

Jay, Saturday, May 10: Country music show, 1-4 p.m., North Jay Grange. $5, 10 and under, $3. FMI: 645-4628, 645-2910.

Farmington, Sunday, May 11: UMF Community Chorus spring concert, 3 p.m., Old South Church, Main Street. $6, seniors and under, 12 $5, UMF students free. Sponsored by UMF Dept. of Visual & Performing Arts. FMI: [email protected], 778-7027.

Oxford Hills area

Paris, Thursday, May 1: Preschool story time, 10 a.m., Paris Public Library. FMI: 743-6994.

Norway, Friday, May 2: Baby Boosters, 10:30 a.m., Norway Memorial Library. FMI: 743-5308.

Norway, Friday, May 2: First Friday opening, 5-7 p.m., Norway Memorial Library. Western Maine Art Group exhibit of “Food in Art.” FMI: 743-5309.

Bridgton, Saturday, May 3: Children’s Hands-on Art Festival, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Steven’s Brook Elementary School. Sponsored by the Bridgton Community Center, Landmark Human Resources.

Bridgton, Saturday, May 3: Resist Aggression Defensively KIDS Inc., Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot St. 5-week program (every Saturday in May). Jay Partridge is trainer. $75. Class limited to 10. Preregister by calling Lorraine at 647-3116. FMI: www.radkids.org.

East Conway, N.H., Saturday, May 3: Benefit supper, 4 to 7 p.m., East Conway Community Hall, Main Street. Adults $7, children under 12, $4. Benefit Marcy Gilman, accepted to People to People Student Ambassador program. FMI: Patricia, 603-939-2262.

Oxford, Saturday, May 3: Barbecue supper, 5:30 p.m., Grace Fellowship Church, Poplar Avenue. $7, children ages 6-12 $3, under 6 free. FMI: 539-9064, 674-2733.

Paris, Saturday, May 3: Spaghetti dinner, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Deering Memorial Methodist Church. $7, children under 12 $3.

Paris, Saturday, May 3: Bike show, noon to 4 p.m., Maine Veterans’ Home, 477 High St. Sponsored by Vietnam Vets Northeast Motorcycle Club. Free admission, free registration. Refreshments. Donations benefit vets in home. FMI: Denny, 712-7957; Sailor, 595-1038.

Paris, Saturday, May 3: Bug Masks art project, 10:30 a.m., Hamlin Library. Free. FMI: 743-2980 or [email protected].

Sumner, Saturday, May 3: Potluck supper, 6 p.m., Congregational Church. Bring a dish to share or a $5 donation. FMI: Cynthia, 388-2667.

Hiram, Wednesday, May 7: American Red Cross blood drive, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sacopee Valley High School, 115 South Hiram Rd.

Norway, Wednesday, May 7: Story time for ages 2 to 5, 10:30 a.m., Norway Memorial Library. FMI: 743-5308.

Bryant Pond, Thursday, May 8: Speaker Jim Sysko, 2 p.m., Whitman Memorial Library. Free. Light refreshments. FMI: 674-2143.

Paris, Thursday, May 8: Story time for preschoolers, 10 a.m., Paris Public Library. FMI: 743-6994.

Bethel, Friday, May 9: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., Telstar High School, 284 Walkers Mills Road.

Norway, Friday, May 9: Baby Boosters, 10:30 a.m., Norway Memorial Library. FMI: 743-5308.

Bridgton, Saturday, May 10: r.a.d. KIDS, Inc. Program, Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot St. Teaching kids to “Resist Aggression Defensively” (every Saturday in May) $75. Call Lorraine at 647-3116, www.radkids.org.

Paris, Saturday, May 10: Ticket auction, doors 1, auction at 3 p.m., Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. 25 tickets $5. FMI: Lorie O’Neil 674-2503 or 890-0996.

Fryeburg, Monday, May 12: American Red Cross blood drive, 2:30-5 p.m., Gibson Recreation Center, 745 Main St.

River Valley area

Dixfield, Thursday, May 1: American Red Cross blood drive, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dirigo High School, 99 Wells St.

Canton, Saturday, May 3: Chicken pie supper, 5 p.m., Ponemah Rebekah Lodge Hall. Adults $7, under 12, $5. Take-out available.

Roxbury, Saturday, May 3: Polar Plunge, 1 p.m., Roxbury Pond 3rd Beach. $25 registration. Spectators welcome. All proceeds to Abbie’s Avenger’s relay for life team. FMI: 369-0221.

Rumford, Saturday, May 3: Public supper, 4:45 p.m., St. St. John’s Church Parish Hall. $6 adults, $3 children under 12. Takeout available.

Rumford, Saturday, May 3: Public Supper, 5 to 6 p.m., Rumford Methodist Church, Linnell Street. $6, children under 12 $3. FMI: Jean Hersey 364-8660.

Rumford, Friday, May 9: Dance, 7-11 p.m., Snowshoe Club. Members and guests.

Dixfield, Sunday, May 11: Mother’s Day Tea open house, 1-4 p.m., The Bare-ly Inn, Weld Street. $15. Tickets at Hannaford in Rumford. Sponsored by Hannaford Team. Benefits Relay For Life.

Lewiston area

Lewiston, Thursday, May 1: American Red Cross Blood Drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St. FMI: 775-2367 or 1-800-482-0743.

Lewiston, Thursday, May 1: Hot Tamales, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. Space limited. To register: Ari, Lots to Gardens, 755-3110. FMI: [email protected] or 513-3133.

Sabattus, Thursday-Saturday, May 1-3: Bake sale, Sabattus Credit Union. Benefits Loaves & Fishes. FMI call Sister Lucille at 375-8399.

Auburn, Friday, May 2: Pork supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Auxiliary Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave. $6 adults, $3 children under 10. Benefits the Veterans programs. Sponsored by Ladies Auxiliary. FMI: 785-2856.

Auburn, Friday, May 2: Teen Open Mic Night, 5:30 p.m., Auburn Public Library, Community Room, 49 Spring St. Ages: 13-18. Sponsored by APL’s Teen Library Advisors. Refreshments served. FMI: 333-6640, www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Lewiston, Friday, May 2: Babytime, 10 a.m., Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: [email protected] or 513-3133.

Lewiston, Friday, May 2: Open mic, 4-6 p.m., Cafe Bon Bon, 205 Main St. Recognition of Children’s Mental Health Week May 4-9.

Auburn, Saturday, May 3: Rummage sale, Barker Arms, 143 Mill St., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., benefits Barker Arms Association. FMI: 784-5041.

Auburn, Saturday, May 3: Bean and casserole supper, 5 p.m., Danville Grange. Adults $6, children $3. Games at 7 p.m.

Auburn, Saturday, May 3: “Recycled Life” documentary on poverty in Guatemala, 3 to 7 p.m., First Universalist Church, 169 Pleasant St.. Free. Q&A to follow. Accessible. FMI: 783-0461, www.auburnuu.org.

Auburn, Saturday, May 3: SPROUTS, a family lap-sit program, 10:30 to 10:50 a.m., Auburn Public Library, Children’s Room, 49 Spring St. Babies from birth to 36 months and care giver. Siblings welcome. FMI: 333-6640, www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Brunswick, Saturday, May 3: Luau Family Benefit Dinner/Dance, 5 to 10 p.m., Brunswick Knights of Columbus Hall, Columbus Drive. $10, kids (12-6) $5, kids 5 and under free. Proceeds to Deb Bailey Schadler with brain cancer. Silent auction/raffles, and 50/50 drawings. For tickets and FMI: Patti Bailey 353-8014, Jen Larochelle 353-9549, or Andrea Goodenow 865-9440.

Casco, Saturday, May 3: Public Supper, 5 to 6 p.m., Crescent Lake Community Hall, Route 11, Webbs Mills. $6, 12 and under $3, under 5 free. FMI: www.webbsmills.com/sunshineclub.htm.

Gray, Saturday, May 3: Maine Primitive Skills School, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Maine Wildlife Park, Route 26. FMI: 657-4977.

Gray, Saturday, May 3: Public Supper, 5 to 6 p.m., American Legion, 15 Lewiston Road. $6, children 12 and under $2.50, under 5 free.

Lewiston, Saturday, May 3: Reading dog, 5 to 6 p.m., Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. Reserve a 5 to 10 minute spot. FMI: [email protected] or 513-3133.

New Gloucester, Saturday, May 3: Two Old Friends: Mac McHale and Emery Hutchins, Songs from Ireland, 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church of New Gloucester corner of Route 231 and Gloucester Hill Road. $10, seniors and children $5. Tickets available at door. Sponsored by Village Coffee House of New Gloucester. FMI: Julie or Michael Fralich 926-3161 or the church office 926-3260.

Pownal, Saturday, May 3: Baked Bean Supper, 4:30 to 6 p.m., North Pownal United Methodist Church, 871 Lawrence Road. $6, children $3, under 3 free. FMI: Caron 688-4101, Nancy 688-4481.

Sabattus, Saturday, May 3: Honoring Mother of Year with light buffet, dancing, 6-10 p.m., Jacques Cartier Club. $10. FMI: 375-4850.

Sabattus, Saturday, May 3: Baked beans and casserole supper, The Knights of Columbus of the Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Proceeds to benefit parish programs. Adults $6, children under 12 $3.

Topsham, Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4: Book Sale, Hamburger/Hotdog Sale, Car Wash, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Topsham Hannaford Store. Proceeds to American Cancer Society. POC is Anna Riendeau 729-5124.

Turner, Saturday, May 3: Turner Athletic Association Bottle Drive, all day, Schrepp’s Bottle Redemption. All proceeds to TAA fund. Drop off bottles at Schrepp’s ahead of time (let them know it’s for TAA).

Auburn, Sunday, May 4: St. Philip’s crepes and eggs breakfast, 7:30 a.m. to noon, St. Philip’s Church, Center Street. $5, under 12 $3, and families of 6 or more $20. Benefits Androscoggin Habitat for Humanity.

Lewiston, Sunday, May 4: New Life Drama Presentation, 5 p.m., First Assembly of God Church, 70 Hogan Road. FMI: First Assembly 786-2636.

Lisbon, Sunday, May 4: The 22nd Annual Beaver Park Fishing Derby, 9 to 11:30 a.m., Middle Pond, Beaver Park. Free. All participants must be 15 years old or younger and parents must accompany the children. Parents helping small children need valid fishing license. Registration morning of May 4. FMI: 353-9075.

Sabattus, Sunday, May 4: Monthly Breakfast, 7:30 to 10 a.m., American Legion Post No. 135. $6, 10 and under $3.

Sabattus, Sunday, May 4: Spaghetti luncheon, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Sabattus Town Hall. Advance $6, $7 at door. Benefits Loaves & Fishes. FMI: Sister Lucille at 375-8399.

Auburn, Monday, May 5: American Red Cross Blood Drive, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Edward Little High School, 77 Harris St.

Auburn, Monday, May 5: The Camping Life, 6 p.m., Auburn Public Library, Children’s Program Room, 49 Spring St. Presenter: Rick Abare, executive director of the Maine Campground Owner’s Association. Free. FMI: 333-6640, www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Auburn, Monday, May 5: Mom’s Morning Out, 11 a.m., Auburn Public Library, Children’s Program Room, 49 Spring St. FMI: 333-6640, www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Lewiston, Monday, May 5: All-ages storytime, 6:30 p.m., Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: [email protected] or 513-3133.

Lewiston, Monday, May 6: Kid’s Cooking Club, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. Space limited. To register: Denise, Lots to Gardens, 755-3110. FMI: [email protected] or 513-3133.

Lewiston, Tuesday, May 6: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: [email protected] or 513-3133.

Lewiston, Tuesday, May 6: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., CMMC, 300 Main St.

Sabattus, Tuesday, May 6: American Red Cross blood drive, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oak Hill High School, 56 School Road.

Auburn, Wednesday, May 7: Preschool stories, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Public Library, 49 Spring St. FMI: www.auburnpubliclibrary.org or 333-6640.

Auburn, Wednesday, May 7: Teen Anime Club, 3:30 p.m., Community Room, Public Library, 49 Spring St. FMI: www.auburnpubliclibrary.org or 333-6640.

Lewiston, Wednesday, May 7: American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Androscoggin Bank, 70 Lincoln St.

Lewiston, Wednesday, May 7: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., CMMC, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Wednesday, May 7: Reading dog, 5 to 6 p.m., Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. Reserve a 5 to 10 minute spot. FMI: [email protected] or 513-3133.

Greene, Thursday, May 8: Denny Breau, accompanied by Frank Coffin, 7 p.m., Araxine Wilkins Sawyer Memorial, 371 Sawyer Road. Free. Doors, 6 p.m. FMI call 946-5311.

Lewiston, Thursday, May 8: American Red Cross Blood Drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main Street.

Lewiston, Thursday, May 8: Hot Tamales, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. Space limited. To register: Ari, Lots to Gardens, 755-3110. FMI: [email protected] or 513-3133.

Turner, Friday, May 9: American Red Cross Blood Drive, 7:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., Leavitt High School, Lower Street.

Bethel, Friday, May 9: American Red Cross Blood Drive, noon to 5 p.m., Telstar High School, RFD 1 Box 1220.

Lewiston, Friday, May 9: Baby Storytime, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St.. Ages 0 to 2. FMI: [email protected], 513-3133, www.lplonline.org/kids.

Auburn, Friday, May 9: Open Mic/Poetry Slam, 7:15 sign-up, 7:30 show, First Universalist Church of Auburn, 169 Pleasant St. Free. FMI: 783-0461, www.uuauburn.org.

Greene, Friday, May 9: Denny Breau, accompanied by Frank Coffin, 2 and 7 p.m., Araxine Wilkins Sawyer Memorial, 371 Sawyer Road. Free. Doors one hour before shows. FMI call 946-5311.

Auburn, Saturday, May 10: American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Auburn Mall, 550 Center St.

Auburn, Saturday, May 10: Holistic fair, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., UU Vestry Hall, 169 Pleasant St. $2, free with cat food, litter for no kill shelter. Workshop, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon: “Awaken the Healer Within: An Introduction to Reiki and other Energetic Healing.”

Auburn, Saturday, May 10: Roast pork dinner, 5-6 p.m., St. Louis Church. $7, under 12, $3.50.

Auburn, Saturday, May 10: Sprouts, family lap-sit program, 10:30-10:50 a.m., Library Children’s Room, 49 Spring St. For birth through 36 months and a caregiver. FMI: 333-6640, www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Auburn, Saturday, May 10: May fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Park Avenue Elementary School. Food, crafts, games.

Freeport, Saturday, May 10: May Celebration and Medieval Faire, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Merriconeag Waldorf School, 57 Desert Road. Free. FMI: 865-3900, www.merriconeag.org.

Gray, Saturday, May 10: Learn about lobsters, Maine Wildlife Park, Route 26. FMI: 657-4977.

Lewiston, Saturday, May 10: Reading Dog, 12 to 1 p.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Reserve 5 or 10 minute spot, call library at 513-3133. FMI: [email protected], 513-3133, www.lplonline.org/kids.

Lewiston, Saturday, May 10: Bean supper, 4-6 p.m., Holy Cross Church Hall, 1080 Lisbon St. $6, 12 and under, $3. Takeouts until 6:30 p.m. Sponsor: Holy Cross Knights of Columbus Council 12652.

Lisbon Falls, Saturday, May 10: Bean and casserole supper, 4:45-6 p.m., Parish Hall of Holy Trinity Church, 67 Frost Hill Ave. $6, under 12, $4, under 4 free. Family with children under 12, $15. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus. FMI: 353-5636.

Livermore, Saturday, May 10: Spaghetti supper/dance, dinner 5-7 p.m., dance 8-midnight, K.C. Hall. Dinner, $5, dance $20 couple, $10 single. Benefits the Livermore Fire Dept. FMI: Renda, 897-3207, Don 897-4989, or Ann 897-2503.

Auburn, Sunday, May 11: Breakfast, 8-10 a.m., VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave. $3.50/$4.50. Benefits “National Home for Children.” FMI: 784-6883.

New Gloucester, Monday, May 12: Community forum on underage drinking, 6:30-8 p.m., Gray-New Gloucester High School Library. Free child care, food, and resources.

Auburn, Monday, May 12: Mom’s Morning Out, 10-11 a.m., Library Children’s Program Room, 49 Spring St. FMI: 333-6640, www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Auburn, Monday, May 12: Family story program, 3:30 p.m., Library’s Children’s Room, 49 Spring St. FMI: 333-6640, www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Lewiston, Monday, May 12: American Red Cross blood drive, 1-6 p.m., KOC Lewiston, 150 East Ave.

Lewiston, Monday, May 12: All-ages storytime, 6:30 p.m., Library’s Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: [email protected], 513-3133, www.lplonline.org/kids.