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 and Friday, Oct. 23-24: Curtain Raisers Improv Comedy’s “It Shall Be Unlawful,” 7:30 p.m., Mt. Blue High School’s auditorium. Doors 7 p.m., showtime 7:30 p.m. $3. FMI: Artistic Director Dan Ryder at [email protected].

Strong, Thursday, Oct. 23: American Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mount Abram High School, 1513 Salem Road.

Farmington, Saturday, Oct. 25: World Marketplace Benefit fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Franklin Memorial Hospital, Bass Room. Crafted items, benefits Nicaraguan Women’s Clinic.

Leeds, Saturday, Oct. 25: Jerry Ellis concert, 7 p.m., Community Church, 128 Church Hill Road. $10. Raffles. refreshments.

Strong, Saturday, Oct. 25: Rummage sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., luncheon at 11:30 a.m., United Methodist Parish Hall, Main Street.

Turner, Saturday, Oct. 25: Harvest and turkey supper, 3-6 p.m., GAR Hall, Route 219. Donation. Takeouts. Sponsored by North Turner Presbyterian Church. FMI: 225-3370 or 224-7913.

Farmington, Sunday, Oct. 26: World Marketplace Benefit fair, 12-3 p.m., Franklin Memorial Hospital, Bass Room. Crafted items, benefits Nicaraguan Women’s Clinic.

Farmington, Sunday, Oct. 26: Film “Man of Flowers,” 7 p.m., Lincoln Auditorium, UMF. Free. FMI: Sarah Maline 778-7321.

Turner, Sunday, Oct. 26: Community hymn sing, 6:30 p.m., North Turner Presbyterian Church, Route 219. Refreshments.

New Sharon, Thursday, Oct. 30: Story hour with crafts, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Jim Ditzler Memorial Library, 37 Library Road. FMI: 779-1128.

Turner, Thursday, Oct. 30: Book reading and signing by Julie Bigg Veazey, author of “Reckless Indifference,” 7 p.m., Public Library, 98 Matthew’s Way.

Oxford Hills area

Hebron, Tuesday, Oct. 21: American Red Cross blood drive, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Hebron Academy, Old Woodman Hill Road.

Norway, Tuesday, Oct. 21: Family playtime for ages 1-4, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Memorial Library, 258 Main St. Space limited. To register or FMI: 743-5308.

Paris, Wednesday, Oct. 22: Andrew Turner, local author of “Surfacing,” 7 p.m., Public Library, 37 Market Square. FMI: 743-6994.

Fryeburg, Thursday, Oct. 23: Winter Survival Fair for Seniors, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fryeburg American Legion Hall. Free. Light refreshments. To RSVP call SeniorsPlus at 1-800-427-1241. FMI: www.seniorsplus.org or call 795-4010 or 1-800-427-1241.

Naples, Thursday, Oct. 23: American Red Cross blood drive, 12-6 p.m., Lake Region High School, 1877 Roosevelt Trail.

Paris, Thursday, Oct. 23: Preschool story time, 10 a.m., Public Library, 37 Market Square. FMI: 743-6994 or [email protected].

Buckfield, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25: Haunted Hayride, 7-10 p.m., Bessey’s Field, Paris Hill Road. $5. Refreshments available. Benefits class of 2009’s activities and graduation. FMI: [email protected].

Paris, Friday, Oct. 24: Halloween bash for school children, 6-8 p.m., Public Library, 37 Market Square. Games, stories, snacks. Prizes for costumes. FMI: 743-6994 or [email protected].

Hartford, Saturday, Oct. 25: Craft fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Town Hall, Route 140. Sponsored by Community Church. Benefits local charities.

Norway, Saturday, Oct. 25: Karaoke with D.J.s “The Old Crows,” 7-11 p.m., American Legion Post 82. Food available. BYOB.

Oxford, Saturday, Oct. 25: Craft fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Public Safety Building, 701 Main St. Sponsored by Fire Relief Organization. FMI: Fran 539-4891.

Paris, Saturday, Oct. 25: Harvest banquet and auction, 5 p.m., Four Seasons Banquet Center. $25. Tickets at Oxford Hills Christian Academy, 10 East Main St. To donate to auction or FMI: Jeanna Packard to 743-5970.

Paris, Saturday, Oct. 25: American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oxford Hills High School, 256 Main St.

Paris, Saturday, Oct. 25: Chinese auction, doors open 3:30 p.m.; auction begins 5, Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. 50/50 raffle, $1 table, food available. Benefits Oxford Fair.

Paris, Saturday, Oct. 25: Church jumble sale, 8 a.m. to noon, First Baptist Church. Sponsored by Senior Social Center, benefits heating fund.

Paris, Saturday, Oct. 25: Supper and dance, supper 5-6 p.m., dance 7-10 p.m. with Jones Dance Band, Legion Hall, Church Street. Supper: $7, 12 and under $3; dance: $5 adults.

Norway, Sunday, Oct. 26: Longaberger basket bingo, door open at 11 a.m., bingo starts at 12:30 p.m., Legion Hall, Main Street. $10. Raffles. Refreshments. Advance tickets or FMI: 743-8679.

Norway, Monday, Oct. 27: Art Adventure for grades 2-6, 3:30-4:45 p.m., Memorial Library Children’s Room, 258 Main St. FMI: 743-5308 or www.norway.lib.me.us.

Waterford, Monday, Oct. 27: Bridge group, 6:30 p.m., Waterford Library. FMI: 583-2729.

Norway, Tuesday, Oct. 28: Family playtime for ages 1-4, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Memorial Library, 258 Main St. Space limited. To register or FMI: 743-5308.

Norway, Tuesday, Oct. 28: Book club mixer with speaker William D. Bushnell, 7 p.m., Memorial Library, 258 Main St. FMI: 743-5309 or www.norway.lib.me.us.

Norway, Thursday, Oct. 30: After school bowling, 3-4:30 p.m., Hobbs Lucky Lanes. Registration required; forms at Town Office or at www.norwaymaine.com.

Paris, Thursday, Oct. 30: Preschool Halloween party, 10 a.m., Public Library, 37 Market Square. Free. Rewards for costumes. FMI: 743-6994 or [email protected].

Norway, Friday, Oct. 31: Halloween Fest, 2-5 p.m., Norway Memorial Library and down Main Street. FMI: Norway Recreation Director Deb Partridge, 743-6651 or [email protected].

Norway, Friday, Oct. 31: Trick-or-Treat, haunted graveyard and house, 6-7 p.m., Norway Rehab and Living Center, 29 Marion Ave. Ages 11 and under. FMI: Georgia 743-7075.

Norway, Friday, Oct. 31: UNICEF Halloween Party, 5-7 p.m., Second Congregational Church of Norway, 205 Main St. Tickets 3 for $1; benefits United Nation’s Children’s Fund. FMI: church office between 9 a.m. and noon, Monday-Thursday, 743-2290.

Paris, Friday, Oct. 31: Story time Halloween fun, 10 a.m., Paris Public Library, 37 Market Square. Free. FMI: Paris Public Library at 743-6994 or e-mail [email protected].

Waterford, Friday, Oct. 31: Waterford Library Halloween activities, Halloween story time for children 4:30 p.m., welcoming trick-or-treat visitors from 5:30-7 p.m., Waterford Library.

River Valley area

Rumford, Wednesday, Oct. 22: Preschool Storytime, 10 a.m., Public Library. Ages 2-5.

Andover, Saturday, Oct. 25: Ellis River Fall Festival, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Art show and sale at Andover Town Hall, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Silent auction, bake sale at First Congregational Church, and 5 p.m. bean supper at Town Hall.

Rumford, Saturday, Oct. 25: Chicken pie supper, 5 p.m. and 5:45 p.m., United Methodist Church, Linnell St. $7, under 10 $3.

Rumford, Saturday, Oct. 25: Craft fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m, Elementary School, Lincoln Avenue.

Rumford, Saturday, Oct. 25: Halloween dance, 7 to 11 p.m., Snowshoe Club. Tickets at bar. Band: One Step Ahead.

Rumford, Wednesday, Oct. 29: Preschool Storytime, 10 a.m., Public Library, 56 Rumford Ave. Ages 2-5.

Dixfield, Monday, Oct. 27: Preschool story time, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Library, 42 Main St. FMI: 562-8838

Rumford, Friday, Oct. 31: Trick-or-treat with Grange #15, 5:30-7 p.m., Rumford Grange #15, Rumford Center.

Lewiston area

Hebron, Tuesday, Oct. 21: American Red Cross blood drive, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Hebron Academy, Old Woodman Hill Road.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Oct. 21: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Oct. 21: Farmers’ Market, 2-6 p.m., Kennedy Park.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Oct. 21: Making sensory bottles, 10 a.m., Toy Library at New Life Community Center, 134 College St. Bring empty plastic bottle. FMI: 782-1112.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Oct. 21: Preschool story time for ages 2-5, 10 a.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 513-3133, [email protected] or www.lplonline.org/kids.

Auburn, Wednesday, Oct. 22: Preschool stories, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., Auburn Public Library’s Children’s Program Room, 49 Spring St.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Oct. 22: Bird walk, Stanton Bird Club, 8 a.m., Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary. FMI: stantonbirdclub.org or call 933-2266.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Oct. 22: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Oct. 22: Reading Dog, 5:30 p.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. To read to a dog call 513-3133. FMI: [email protected], 513-3133, www.lplonline.org/kids.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Oct. 22: Winter Survival Fair for Seniors, 1-4 p.m., SeniorsPlus Lewiston Office. Free. Light refreshments. To RSVP call SeniorsPlus at 1-800-427-1241. FMI: www.seniorsplus.org or call 795-4010 or 1-800-427-1241.

Greene, Thursday, Oct. 23: Filmmakers Fran and Brooke Reidelberger narrate their film “Bavaria,” 7 p.m., Araxine Wilkins Sawyer Memorial, 371 Sawyer Road. Free. FMI: 946-5311.

Lewiston, Thursday, Oct. 23: Art Van program for ages 6-13, 4 p.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 513-3133, [email protected] or www.lplonline.org/kids.

Lewiston, Thursday, Oct. 23: American Red Cross blood drive, 12-7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

New Gloucester, Thursday, Oct. 23: Botany in Shaker art talk by Betsey-Ann Golon, 7 p.m., Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village Library, Route 26. The 1816 Spinhouse exhibit will open at 6 p.m. with no admission.

Turner, Thursday, Oct. 23: Antique appraisal night with Jim Talbot, 6:30 p.m., History Museum, 4th floor, Old Leavitt Institute Building. One item per person. $5.

Turner, Thursday, Oct. 23: Autumn supper, 5:30 p.m., Turner Center Universalist Church. Donation appreciated. Cookbooks, $18. Sponsored by Turner Public Library.

Auburn, Friday, Oct. 24: Parent-Child workshops, 10-11:15 a.m., Auburn Public Library’s Community Room, 49 Spring St. For parents, children ages 1-3. Space limited; registration required. FMI: 333-6640, www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Auburn, Friday, Oct. 24: SMART Baby/Home Visiting Week Celebration, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Library Children’s Room, 49 Spring St. Provided by Advocates for Children and Healthy Families Androscoggin. Discuss children’s developmental needs. FMI: 333-6640, www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Auburn, Friday, Oct. 24: Auburn VFW Post 1603 Halloween party, 6 p.m., 588 Minot Ave. Potluck dinner, music, dance and karaoke. $25 for best costume.

Buckfield, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24-25: Haunted Hayride, 7-10 p.m., Bessey’s Field, Paris Hill Road. $5. Refreshments available. Benefits class of 2009’s activities and graduation. FMI: [email protected].

Freeport, Friday, Oct. 24: Ghosts of Freeport’s Past, lantern lit tour of Main Street, 7 p.m., tours begin at Harrington House on Main Street. $10, under 12 $5. Call 865-3170 for reservations.

Gray, Friday, Oct. 24: Halloween night hike, 6-9 p.m., Maine Wildlife Park, Route 26. Regular admission fees. Rain date: Oct. 25. Wear costumes. Nature Store and Snack Shack open. FMI: 657-4977, www.mainewildlifepark.com, www.mefishwildlife.com.

Greene, Friday, Oct. 24: Filmmakers Fran and Brooke Reidelberger narrate their film “Bavaria,” 2 and 7 p.m., Araxine Wilkins Sawyer Memorial, 371 Sawyer Road. Free. FMI: 946-5311.

Lewiston, Friday, Oct. 24: Babytime Storytime, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Ages 0-2, siblings welcome, also. FMI: [email protected], 513-3133, www.lplonline.org/kids.

Lewiston, Friday, Oct. 24: Hands Day, exploring what hands can do/Rhymes, 10 a.m., Toy Library, New Life Community Center, 134 College St. FMI: 782-1112.

Lisbon, Friday, Oct. 24: Turkey dinner, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Odd Fellows Hall, 27 Village St. $6.50, 12 and under $3, pre-school age free. FMI: 353-2567.

Lisbon, Friday, Oct. 24: Post 9459 Fish supper, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Lisbon VFW & Auxiliary, Post 9459, Route 196. $6, under 10 $3. FMI: 353-5291 or post commander & president, 353-2152.

Auburn, Saturday, Oct. 25: Bean supper, 4:30-6 p.m., Sixth Street Congregational Church, 109 Sixth St. $5, 6-12 $3, 5 and under free. For takeout call 782-7517.

Auburn, Saturday, Oct. 25: Turkey dinner, 5-6:30 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 757 Summer St. $7, 5 and under $3. Benefits Trinity Jubilee Center.

Auburn, Saturday, Oct. 25: SPROUTS family program for ages up to 36 months, 10:30-10:50 a.m., Library Children’s Room, 49 Spring St. Siblings welcome. FMI: 333-6640 or www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Auburn, Saturday, Oct. 25: American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Auburn Mall, 550 Center St.

Auburn, Saturday, Oct. 25: Holistic fair, Unitarian Universalist Church, 169 Pleasant St. $2. FMI: 353-7532.

Auburn, Saturday, Oct. 25: Workshop “Pet Communication in the Afterlife,” 1-3 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church, 169 Pleasant St. $20. Space limited. Pre-register at 353-7532.

Durham, Saturday, Oct. 25: Harvest dinner, 6-8:30 p.m., Community Hall, Merriconeag Waldorf School, Desert Road. $40, couple $75. Benefits Royal River Conservation Trust. FMI: 846-4458 or [email protected].

Greene, Saturday, Oct. 25: Bean supper, 4-6 p.m., VFW Memorial Post 11032, next to Central School. $6, under 12 $2.50.

Greene, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25-26: Androscoggin Grange 8’s variety show, Saturday 7 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m., Androscoggin Grange 8, 99 Main St.

Leeds, Saturday, Oct. 25: Jerry Ellis concert, 7 p.m., Community Church, 128 Church Hill Road. $10. Raffles. refreshments.

Lewiston, Saturday, Oct. 25: Reading Dog, 12 noon, Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Call 513-3133 to read to a dog. FMI: [email protected] or www.lplonline.org/kids.

Lewiston, Saturday, Oct. 25: Halloween costume dinner and dance, social at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., dance 8-11 p.m., Knights of Columbus Council 106, 150 East Ave. Music by Vintage. $15. Tickets must be purchased by Monday, Oct. 20. FMI: Leo Baillargeon 784-0389 or Bernard Carrier 782-6712.

Lisbon, Saturday, Oct. 25: Bean and ham supper, 5-6:30 p.m., Methodist Church, School Street. $6, children $2.50. FMI: 353-8951.

Poland, Saturday, Oct. 25: Fall festival, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Poland Community Church, Route 26. Magic show, games, silent auction, crafts, food.

Sabattus, Saturday, Oct. 25: Halloween dance, 7-11 p.m., American Legion Post 135, Island Road. Free. Karaoke. Prizes for best costumes. FMI: 375-4058.

Sabattus, Saturday, Oct. 25: Halloween party bean and casserole supper, 5 p.m., “The Jacques” on Wales Road. Dancing until 9:30 p.m. Supper $6, dance $5, both $10. Costume judging for prizes. FMI: 375-4850.

Turner, Saturday, Oct. 25: Harvest and turkey supper, 3-6 p.m., GAR Hall, Route 219. Donation. Takeouts. Sponsored by North Turner Presbyterian Church. FMI: 225-3370 or 224-7913.

Wayne, Saturday, Oct. 25: Craft fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wayne Elementary School, Pond Road. Breakfast, lunch. Sponsored by Wayne School & Home Association to benefit enrichment programs.

Auburn, Sunday, Oct. 26: Phil House and Dave Rowe concert, 2 p.m., First Universalist Church, 169 Pleasant St. $12, seniors/students $10. Benefits organ repair. FMI: 783-0461 or www.auburnuu.org.

Auburn, Sunday, Oct. 26: Breakfast, 8-10:30 a.m., VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave. $3.75, $4.75. Benefits children’s Christmas Party. FMI: 784-6883.

Auburn, Sunday, Oct. 26: Crepe breakfast, 8:30-10:30 a.m., St. Louis Church, Third Street. $5, 5-11 $2.50, under 5 free.

Auburn, Sunday, Oct. 26: “Gaither Style Home Coming Gospel Concert,” 6 p.m., East Auburn Baptist Church, 560 Park Ave. Offering. Presented by East Wind Gospel Quartet and EABC. FMI: 225-2475.

Turner, Sunday, Oct. 26: Community hymn sing, 6:30 p.m., North Turner Presbyterian Church, Route 219. Refreshments.

Auburn, Monday, Oct. 27: Mom’s Morning Out, 10-11 a.m., Library Children’s Program Room, 49 Spring St. Bring child and gather with other families. FMI: 333-6640 or www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Auburn, Monday, Oct. 27: Drum circle, 6:30-8:30 p.m., First Universalist Church, 169 Pleasant St. Free. Adults only. FMI: 783-0461 or auburnuu.org.

Lewiston, Monday, Oct. 27: Senior employment information, 10-11:30 a.m., CareerCenter, 5 Mollison Way. FMI: 1-800-655-6073.

Lewiston, Monday, Oct. 27: Cooking Club for ages 7-14, 4 p.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Space limited. Sign up at 513-3133. FMI: Denise at Lots to Gardens 755-3110.

Lewiston, Monday, Oct. 27: All-ages story time, 6:30 p.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 513-3133, [email protected] or www.lplonline.org/kids.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Oct. 28: Farmers’ Market, 2-6 p.m., Kennedy Park.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Oct. 28: Preschool story time for ages 2-5, 10 a.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 513-3133, [email protected] or www.lplonline.org/kids.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Oct. 28: American Red Cross blood drive, 12-7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Auburn, Wednesday, Oct. 29: Preschool stories, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Public Library Children’s Program Room, 49 Spring St. Ages 2-5 and families. FMI: 333-6640, www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Oct. 29: American Red Cross blood drive, 12-7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Oct. 29: Reading Dog, 5:30 p.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Call 513-3133 to read to dog. FMI: [email protected], 513-3133, www.lplonline.org/kids.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Oct. 29: Card party, 1-4 p.m., LSC Activity Room of the Multi-Purpose Center, 145 Birch St. $3. Door prizes, raffles, refreshments. Benefits Lewiston Senior Citizens. FMI: 784-2926 ext. 207.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Oct. 29: Toy Library mask making, 2-4 p.m., New Life Community Center, 134 College St. FMI: 782-1112.

Auburn, Thursday, Oct. 30: American Red Cross blooddrive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Central Maine Community College, 1250 Turner St.

Freeport, Thursday, Oct. 30: Haunted walking tour of Main Street, 7 p.m., starts at Harrington House, Main Street. $10, under 12 $5. Call 865-3170 to reserve spot.

Lewiston, Thursday, Oct. 30: American Red Cross blood drive, 12-7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Thursday, Oct. 30: Art for ages 6-13 with Art Van, 4 p.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. FMI: 513-3133, [email protected] or www.lplonline.org/kids.

New Gloucester, Thursday, Oct. 30: Talk on Shaker music by Mary Ann Haagen, 7 p.m., Sabbathday Lake Shaker Library, Route 26. Free. The 1816 Spinhouse exhibit opens at 6 p.m. FMI: Leonard Brooks 926-4597.

Turner, Thursday, Oct. 30: Book reading and signing by Julie Bigg Veazey, author of “Reckless Indifference,” 7 p.m., Public Library, 98 Matthew’s Way.

Lewiston, Friday, Oct. 31: Toy Library’s orange theme. Bring favorite orange colored snack and wear Halloween costume, New Life Community Center, 134 College St. Prizes, games. FMI: 782-1112.

Lisbon, Friday, Oct. 31: Auxiliary supper, boiled dinner with corned beef, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Lisbon VFW & Auxiliary, Post 9459, Route 196. FMI: Post home 353-5291 or Post commander & president 353-2152.