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

Strong, Friday, Sept. 12: American Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., Forster Building, 11 Main St.

Starks, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 12-13: Rummage sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Memorial Hall, Locke Hill Road. Benefits Progressive Club of United in Christ Presbyterian Church.

Canton, Saturday, Sept. 13: Bottle drive, 9 a.m. to noon, Canton Historical Society, Route 108, near Big Apple. Benefits the Society.

Farmington, Saturday, Sept. 13: Community luncheon, noon-1 p.m., Old South Congregational Church. Free. For delivery call 778-0424 or 773-4438.

Farmington, Saturday, Sept. 13: Contradance to live music, 7:30 p.m., Farmington Grange, Bridge Street. $6, family $15. No partner needed. FMI: 491-9928 or www.starleft.org.

New Sharon, Saturday, Sept. 13: Chicken barbecue, 11:30 a.m., Masonic Lodge. $8. Sponsored by Franklin Lodge 123 to benefit building fund.

Farmington, Sunday, Sept. 14: Film “Maurice,” 7 p.m., UMF’s Lincoln Auditorium. Free. FMI: Sarah Maline at 778-7321.

Livermore Falls, Monday, Sept. 15: Terry Moore concert, 6-8 p.m., Livermore Falls gazebo.

Livermore Falls, Thursday, Sept. 18: Nickles & Dimes concert, 6-8 p.m., Livermore Falls gazebo.

Wilton, Thursday, Sept. 18: A panel discussion, The Plight of Haiti, 7 p.m., St. Luke’s Church. All panelists have visited or ministered in Haiti recently. All are welcome.

Farmington, Friday, Sept. 19: Auditions for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” 4 p.m., Nordica Auditorium, UMF. FMI: 778-2823, Jayne at [email protected].

Farmington, Saturday, Sept. 20: Maine Mountain Chamber Music, 7:30 p.m., Nordica Auditorium, UMF. $9, seniors $7, 15 and younger free. FMI: 645-2157.

Farmington, Saturday, Sept. 20: Auditions for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” 10 a.m., UMF’s Alumni Theater. FMI: 778-2823, Jayne at [email protected].

Farmington, Sunday, Sept. 21: Film “Stealing Beauty,” 7 p.m., UMF’s Lincoln Auditorium. Free. FMI: Sarah Maline at 778-7321.

Livermore Falls, Sunday, Sept. 21: Grant Norsworthy performance, 6 p.m., Emmanuel Assembly of God. Offering to benefit Compassion International. FMI: 897-5400.

Farmington, Tuesday, Sept. 23: “The Doctrine of Discovery” lecture by Professor Philip Arnold, 11:30 a.m., UMF’s North Dining Hall.

Livermore, Wednesday, Sept. 24: Supper, 5-6:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, Church St. $6, under 12 $3.

Oxford Hills area

Bethel, Friday, Sept. 12: “The Legend of Lefty,” a two-act comedy under the direction of Lynn Arizzi, full dinner theatre show, 7 p.m., the Bethel Inn and Conference Center, Broad Street. Presented by the Community Players. Fee: $25. Reservation only, limited seating. Sponsored by the new Bethel Performing Arts Project and presented in cooperation with the Bethel Inn. For reservations and information: The Bethel Inn at 824-2175, Ross Timberlake at 824-6545.

Norway, Friday, Sept. 12: Baby Boosters, 10:30 a.m., Norway Memorial Library. FMI: 743-5308.

West Paris, Friday, Sept. 12: Potluck supper, 6 p.m., First Universalist Church. No charge; just bring a dish to share. Tineke Ouwinga of Bethel will speak on her life in Holland during World War II.

East Bethel, Saturday, Sept. 13: Public supper, 5 p.m., Alder River Grange. Adults $7, children under 13 $3.

East Bethel, Saturday, Sept. 13: Cathy Johnson will speak on “Maine Woods at the Crossroads,” 6:15 p.m., Alder River Grange Hall.

Harrison, Saturday, Sept. 13: Public supper, 5:30-6:30 p.m., VFW Hall, Route 35. $6, under 12 $3. Sponsored by Ronald G. St. John VFW Post Ladies Auxiliary 9328. FMI: 583-4713.

Oxford, Saturday, Sept. 13: Lolalee and the Country Bandits, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oxford Country Fair.

Oxford, Saturday, Sept. 13: Supper, 5-6 p.m., Oxford Grange, Route 26. Takeouts. $7, under 12 $3.50.

Paris, Saturday, Sept. 13: Jones dance band, 7-10 p.m, Legion Hall, Church Street. $5.

Paris, Saturday, Sept. 13: Swingin’ Bears Square Dance Club, 7-10 p.m., Oxford Hills Middle School. $6. Spectators free. FMI: Sue 743-7176 or Eleanor 782-4050.

Norway, Monday, Sept. 15: American Red Cross blood drive, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Stephens Memorial Hospital, 18 Main St.

Bethel, Wednesday, Sept. 17: “What You Need to Know About Meningitis” by Jeri Greenwell, 5:30-6:30 p.m., West Parish Congregational Church hall, Church Street. Free. FMI: R. Tifft, 824-2053.

Bethel, Friday-Sunday, Sept. 19-21: Harvest Fest & Chowdah Cook-off. FMI: Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce 824-2282, www.bethelmaine.com.

Center Lovell, Friday, Sept. 19: Harvest supper, 5-6 p.m., Lovell UCC, Route 5. $8, under 12 $4.

Paris, Friday, Sept. 19: Chinese Auction, tickets on sale 4-5:30 p.m., drawings beginning at 6, American Legion Hall. Raffles. Food on sale. Benefits 11-year-old to attend the National Young Presidential Inauguration in January 2009. FMI: Priscilla Hebert 212-4974.

Bethel, Saturday, Sept. 20: Aging Well Living Well expo, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Grand Summit Hotel and Conference Center, Sunday River. $40, couple $70. FMI: SeniorsPlus 795-4010 or www.seniorsplus.org to register.

Hebron, Saturday, Sept. 20: Book sale, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Moody Library, Buckfield Road, top of Brighton Hill.

Norway, Saturday, Sept. 20: Pet vaccination clinic for rabies and distemper, 9-11 a.m., Norway Fire Station. Micro-chipping available. FMI: 743-8679.

Paris, Saturday, Sept. 20: Jones old fashion dance band, 7-10 p.m., Legion Hall, Church Street.

Paris, Saturday, Sept. 20: Book signing by Patricia Probert Gott and Deborah DeShon, 10 a.m.-noon, Paris Public Library. FMI: 743-6994 or [email protected].

Waterford, Saturday, Sept. 20: Dance, 8-midnight, Waterford Fair Grounds, by Waterford Grange 479, with “The Suspects.” $8/$15 couple. Benefits Grange restoration fund. FMI: Barbara Sanborn 583-4015.

Waterford, Saturday, Sept. 20: Indoor yard sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wilkins Community House basement, Plummer Hill Road. FMI: Karen at 583-2320.

South Paris, Wednesday, Sept. 24: “Savoring the Harvest” meal, 6 p.m., First Congregational Church. $30, 12 and under free. Sponsored by Oxford County Ag Group. Reservations required, call 1-800-287-1482 or 743-6329.

River Valley area

Bethel, Friday, Sept. 12: “The Legend of Lefty, a two-act comedy under the direction of Lynn Arizzi, full dinner theatre show, 7 p.m., the Bethel Inn and Conference Center, Broad Street. Presented by the Community Players. Fee: $25. Reservation only, limited seating. Sponsored by the new Bethel Performing Arts Project and presented in cooperation with the Bethel Inn. For reservations and information: The Bethel Inn at 824-2175, Ross Timberlake at 824-6545.

Rumford, Friday, Sept. 12: Armory Dance, 6-8 p.m., 85 Lincoln Ave. Admission: $1. Music provided by Joe the “Music Man.”

Canton, Saturday, Sept. 13: Bottle drive, 9 a.m. to noon, Canton Historical Society, Route 108, near Big Apple. Benefits the Society.

East Bethel, Saturday, Sept. 13: Public supper, 5 p.m., Alder River Grange. Adults $7, children under 13 $3.

East Bethel, Saturday, Sept. 13: Cathy Johnson will speak on “Maine Woods at the Crossroads,” 6:15 p.m., Alder River Grange Hall.

Mexico, Saturday, Sept. 13: Supper, 5-6 p.m., Mexico U.C.C. $7, under 12 $3.

Otisfield, Saturday, Sept. 13: Bean and casserole supper, 5-6:30 p.m., East Otisfield Free Baptist Church, Rayville Road. Free, donations accepted.

Rumford, Saturday, Sept. 13: Virgin Memorial Chapel of the Rumford United Methodist Church 100 year church history slide show and program, 2 p.m., Rumford United Methodist Church sanctuary. Ongoing photo display and exhibit in the fellowship hall. All welcome.

Rumford, Saturday, Sept. 13: Public supper and gift-a-rama, 5 p.m., Blazing Star Lodge, Route 232. Supper: $6, under 5 $3. Gift-a-rama tickets $1 or 6 for $5. Sponsored by Mt. Zircon Chapter 142 Star Club.

Rumford, Saturday, Sept. 13: Dance to music by Small Town Defenders, 8 p.m. to midnight, American Legion. $5. Doors open at 7 p.m. Benefits building fund.

Rumford, Saturday, Sept. 13: Letter exhibit and photo display, all afternoon, fellowship hall, Virgin Memorial Chapel, Rumford United Methodist Church. Program in sanctuary at 1:15 p.m. with church history slide show and dialogue skits, celebrating 100 Years of Spirit.

Dixfield, Sunday, Sept. 14: Special cribbage, The American Legion Swasey-Torrey Post 100. Cost: $8 per person. Prizes will be paid out by the number of tables and a 50/50 will be sold. Pork roast dinner will be served at 11 a.m. for $5. All are welcome.

Rumford, Sunday, Sept. 14: Dunnemans concert, 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, Washington Street. FMI: Pastor Tyner 674-2968.

Rumford, Sunday, Sept. 14: Hymn sing at 2 p.m. at Rumford United Methodist Church. Hymn sing, 2 p.m.

Dixfield, Monday, Sept. 15: Preschool, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Ludden Library. Will be held every Monday. If school is canceled, so is story time.

Bethel, Wednesday, Sept. 17: “What You Need to Know About Meningitis” by Jeri Greenwell, 5:30-6:30 p.m., West Parish Congregational Church hall, Church Street. Free. FMI: R. Tifft, 824-2053.

Rumford, Wednesday, Sept. 17: Business Lunch and Learn opportunity: “Do You Own Your Business or Does Your Business Own You?” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., River Valley Technology Center, 60 Lowell St. Cost: $10, includes lunch. Preregistration is required by calling Lorraine at 369-0396 or e-mailing [email protected] by Sept. 15. Presented by The River Valley Technology Center, The River Valley Growth Council, and the River Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Bethel, Friday through Sunday, Sept. 19-21: Harvest Fest & Chowdah Cook-off. FMI: Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce 824-2282, www.bethelmaine.com.

Bethel, Saturday, Sept. 20: Aging Well Living Well expo, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Grand Summit Hotel and Conference Center, Sunday River. $40, couple $70. FMI: SeniorsPlus 795-4010 or www.seniorsplus.org to register.

Rumford, Saturday, Sept. 20: Book sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rumford Library, downstairs.

Dixfield, Monday, Sept. 22: Pre-School Storytime, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Ludden Library.

Mexico, Wednesday, Sept. 24: “Apple-Palooza” games and activities for ages 2-10, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Public Library. FMI: 364-3281 or [email protected].

Lewiston area

Greene, Friday, Sept. 12: Music By Magic, doors open at 1 and 6 p.m., Araxine Wilkins Sawyer Memorial, 371 Sawyer Road. Free. FMI: 946-5311.

Lewiston, Friday, Sept. 12: Artist talk by Michael Ranucci, 6:30-7:30 p.m., L/A Arts Gallery 5, 49 Lisbon St. Free. FMI: 782-7228 or www.laarts.org.

Lewiston, Friday, Sept. 12: Food for Thought luncheon, noon, Senior College, USM L/A, presentation by fall semester course instructors. Advance, $7; at door, $8. Reservation by Sept. 11. FMI: 753-6510, usm.maine.edu/lac/seniorcollege.

Lewiston, Friday, Sept. 12: Babytime story time, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Ages up to 2. Siblings of different ages are also welcome. No preregistration necessary. FMI: [email protected], 513-3133, www.lplonline.org/kids.

Lewiston, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 12-13: Veterans Arts & Crafts Show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 29 Westminster St. Free. FMI: Bill at 783-0068, [email protected].

Winthrop, Friday, Sept. 12: Fish chowder lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Congregational Church. $6. Takeouts. Handicap-accessible. Benefits church and missions.

Durham, Saturday, Sept. 13: Bean supper, 4:30-6 p.m., Durham Masonic Hall, Route 136. $7, children $3. FMI: 415-2658.

Durham, Saturday, Sept. 13: Chicken dinner, 5:30 p.m., Durham Friends Meetinghouse, Route 125. Slide show of visit to Kenya’s orphanage and hospital follows. $12/$10 in advance, seniors and teens $10/$8 in advance, children $5, family of 5 $30/$25 in advance. FMI: 865-3768 or 729-7483.

Gray, Saturday, Sept. 13: Fisheries and Wildlife open house, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Maine Wildlife Park, Route 26. Donations. FMI: 657-4977.

Greene, Saturday, Sept. 13: Bean supper, 4-6 p.m., VFW Memorial Post 11032, near Greene Central School. $6, under 12 $2.50.

Lewiston, Saturday, Sept. 13: Bean supper, 4 p.m., Holy Family Church, 607 Sabattus St. $6, under 12 $3.

Lewiston, Saturday, Sept. 13: Clean water tour: Open houses at the Lewiston-Auburn Wastewater Treatment Plant, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 535 Lincoln St. Free. FMI: Mac Richardson 782-0917, [email protected], or NEBRA at 603-323-7654.

Lewiston, Saturday, Sept. 13: Bean and casserole supper, 4:45-6 p.m., Calvary United Methodist Church, 59 Sabattus St. $6, children $3.

Lewiston, Saturday, Sept. 13: Reading Dog, noon, Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. Call 513-3113 to reserve spot. FMI: jparis @ci.lewiston.me.us or www.lplonline.org/kids.

Lisbon Falls, Saturday, Sept. 13: Bean and casserole supper, 4:45-6 p.m., Holy Trinity Church Parish Hall, 67 Frost Hill Ave. $6, ages 4-11 $4, under 4 free, family with children under 12 $15. FMI: 353-5636.

Lisbon, Saturday, Sept. 13: Coffee house with The Chapel Chix and Chap, 7-8:30 p.m., St. Matthews Church, Route 196, near Big Dipper. Freewill offering. Donation of nonperishable foods. Refreshments. Benefits Christian outreach. FMI: Debbie 353-6925 or Michelle 353-6195.

Sabattus, Saturday, Sept. 13: Baked bean and casserole supper, 5 p.m., “The Jacquess” on the Wales Road. Cost: $6. Dancing will follow until 9:30 p.m. with Gerry and Adrien. Cost for dance is $4; cost for both dance and supper is $10. FMI: 375-4850.

Lewiston, Sunday, Sept. 14: Adult, child, infant CPR and first aid, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., American Red Cross, 1080 Lisbon St. FMI: 795-4404.

Lewiston, Sunday, Sept. 14: Bourque and Friends concert, 2 p.m, Franco-American Heritage Center, 46 Cedar St. $15, students and seniors $13. FMI: 689-2000.

Lewiston, Sunday, Sept. 14: Contra and square dance with live music, 6:30-9 p.m, Callahan Hall, Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. $5. FMI: 513-3050 or 782-0386.

Auburn, Sunday, Sept. 14: Public breakfast, 8-10:30 a.m., VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave. $3.75/$4.75. Benefits children’s Christmas party. FMI: 784-6883.

Lewiston, Monday, Sept. 15: Adult CPR/AED class, 5:30-10 p.m., American Red Cross, 1080 Lisbon St. FMI: 795-4404.

Lewiston, Monday, Sept. 15: Kids cooking club, 4 p.m, Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. Ages 7-14. Call 755-3110 to sign up. FMI: jparis @ci.lewiston.me.us or www.lplonline.org/kids.

Lewiston, Monday, Sept. 15: Story time for all ages, 6:30 p.m, Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 513-3133, jparis @ci.lewiston.me.us or www.lplonline.org/kids.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Sept. 16: American Red Cross blood drive, noon-7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Sept. 16: Preschool story time for 2 to 5 years, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 513-3133, [email protected] or www.lplonline.org/kids.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Sept. 16: Farmers’ Market, 2-6 p.m., Kennedy Park.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Sept. 17: Reading Dog, 5 p.m., Lewiston Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. If you would like to reserve at five to 10 minute spot (or longer), call the Lewiston Public Library at 513-3133. FMI: [email protected], 513-3133. www.lplonline.org/kids.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Sept. 17: American Red Cross Blood Drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Litchfield, Wednesday, Sept. 17: Litchfield Energy Savers Society forum on finding and plugging air leaks, 7 p.m., Carrie Ricker School, Route 197.

Auburn, Thursday, Sept. 18: “Mill Town” book discussion by P. D. LaFleur, 5:30 p.m., Auburn Public Library. Light supper served. FMI: Rosemary at 333-6640, ext. 2020.

Auburn, Thursday, Sept. 18: Writers workshop by P. D. LaFleur, 7 p.m., Auburn Public Library. FMI: Rosemary at 333-6640, ext. 2020.

Auburn, Thursday, Sept. 18: “One Night” interactive play, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m., Kirk Hall Auditorium, Central Maine Community College, 1250 Turner St. Free. FMI: www.cmcc.edu.

Lewiston, Thursday, Sept. 18 and 25: Adult, child, infant CPR and first aid, 5:30-10 p.m. both days, American Red Cross, 1080 Lisbon St. Preregistration required. FMI: 795-4004.

Lewiston, Thursday, Sept. 18: American Red Cross blood drive, noon-7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Auburn, Friday, Sept. 19: “Four Hearts Changing” interactive play, 7 p.m., Kirk Hall Auditorium, Central Maine Community College, 1250 Turner St. Free. FMI: Elaine Barry at 755-5355 or [email protected].

Lewiston, Friday, Sept. 19: Mitch and Friends concert, 7 p.m., Calvary United Methodist Church, 59 Sabattus St. Freewill offering.

Lewiston, Friday, Sept. 19: Babytime Storytime, 10 a.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Ages up to 2. FMI: [email protected], 513-3133, www.lplonline.org/kids.

Hebron, Saturday, Sept. 20: Book sale, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Moody Library, Buckfield Road, top of Brighton Hill.

Lewiston, Saturday, Sept. 20: Reading dog, noon, Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. Call 513-3133 to reserve a spot to read to a dog.

New Gloucester, Saturday, Sept. 20: Supper, bottle drive, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Sabbathday Lake Grange, Sabbathday Road. $7, 12 and under $3.

Wales, Saturday, Sept 20: Turkey supper, 5-6 p.m., Wales Youth Center, Pond Road, Route 132. $7. Benefits Wales Presbyterian Church. FMI: Alice at 375-8382 or Marilyn at 375-6604.

Auburn, Sunday, Sept. 21: Phil House, Kathy Haley concert, 2 p.m., vestry, First Universalist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Pleasant, Elm, and Spring streets. Benefits philanthropic work of Rebekah Oddfellowship. Handicap accessible. Free will donation. Food sale by Liberty Rebekah Lodge 94 of Auburn. Cookbooks available.

Lewiston, Monday, Sept. 22: Kid’s Cooking Club, 4 p.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Ages 7-14. Sign-up by calling children’s department, attendance limited. FMI: Denise at Lots to Gardens 755-3110, [email protected], 513-3133, www.lplonline.org/kids.

Lewiston, Monday, Sept. 22: All-ages Storytime, 6:30 p.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: [email protected], 513-3133, www.lplonline.org/kids.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Sept. 23: Farmers’ Market, 2-6 p.m., Kennedy Park.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Sept. 23: American Red Cross blood drive, 3-8 p.m., Bates College Chase Hall, Campus Avenue.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Sept. 23: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Sept. 23: Preschool story time for ages 2-5, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library. FMI: 513-3133, [email protected] or www.lplonline.org/kids.