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, Wednesday, Dec. 24: Christmas concert, 7 p.m., New Hope Baptist Church, 268 Perham St. Free. For ride or FMI: 778-9696.

New Sharon, Wednesday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve service, 4 p.m., New Sharon Congregational Church, Cape Cod Hill Road. FMI: Rev. Marcia Charles 474-7383.

Turner, Wednesday, Dec. 24: North Turner Union Presbyterian Church’s Christmas Eve service, 7 p.m., North Turner Union Presbyterian Church, Route 219. Service followed by Cookie Fellowship. FMI: 225-3370 or 779-6658.

Livermore Falls, Thursday, Dec. 25: Free community Christmas dinner, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Legion Hall, Reynolds Avenue. To help on Christmas day or make a donation, call Betty 897-6109 or Karen 897-3593. Call either number for reservations by Dec. 22. Local deliveries available.

Jay, Sunday, Dec. 28: Hyssongs gospel concert, 6 p.m., Bean’s Corner Baptist Church, routes 133 and 156. FMI: 645-2925.

Farmington, Monday, Dec. 29: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 6 p.m., Franklin Memorial Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive.

Livermore Falls, Tuesday, Dec. 30: American Red Cross blood drive, Murray Hall, 69 Main St.

Jay, Wednesday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve dinner, dance party, 6 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. dancing, VFW Post 3335, Route 133. $35. Advance tickets only. FMI: 897-5112.

New Sharon, Saturday, Jan. 3: Bean take out, 10 a.m. to noon, Congregational United Church of Christ, Cape Cod Hill Road. $15. To reserve, call Mary, 778-2366.

Wilton, Saturday, Jan. 3: Interpreted story time, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Public Library. Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing children and families welcome. Sponsored by Hands On PAH program.

Oxford Hills area

Bridgton, Wednesday, Dec. 24: American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Masonic Hall, Harrison Road.

Norway, Wednesday, Dec. 24: Candlelight Christmas Eve service, 6 and 10 p.m., Second Congregational Church, U.C.C., 205 Main St. Early service for families with young children, late service traditional with lessons and carols. English hand bells at 6 p.m. FMI: church office 743-2290.

Paris, Thursday, Dec. 25: Community Christmas dinner, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, East Main Street. Free. Takeouts available. FMI: 674-5185.

Paris, Thursday, Dec. 25: Community dinner, 2 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 34 Buckfield Road. Free. Transportation available. Reserve at 743-6909 with name, number attending.

Otisfield, Friday, Dec 26: Food pantry, 1-5 p.m., Free Baptist Church, Rayville Road. FMI: 539-4619.

Oxford, Friday, Dec. 26: American Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 6 p.m., American Legion Post 112, 112 King St.

Norway, Saturday, Dec. 27: Karaoke with “The Old Crows,” 7 to 11 p.m., American Legion Post 82.

Paris, Saturday, Dec. 27: Jones Dance Band, 7-10 p.m., Legion Hall.

Paris, Monday, Dec. 29: Library After-School Mondays, 3:30-4:45 p.m., Paris Public Library, 37 Market Square. Crafts, games, snacks. FMI: 743-6994 or e-mail [email protected].

Norway, Tuesday, Dec. 30: Mystery Academy: The Case of the Secret Map, 1-4 p.m., Memorial Library. Register by Dec. 22 at library or call 743-5308. FMI: Mike Murphy 674-5185 or e-mail [email protected].

Paris, Wednesday, Dec. 31: New Year’s celebration with Jones Dance Band, 8-12:30 a.m., South Paris Legion Hall. $25/couple, $12.50/ single. Buffet, 9:45 p.m. To reserve call Betty Decoteau 743-7965.

Norway, Saturday, Jan. 3: Mystery Academy: The Case of the Secret Map, 1-3 p.m., Memorial Library. Ages 7-12. Free. Register by Dec. 22 at the library or 743-5308. FMI: Mike Murphy 674-5185 or [email protected].

Paris, Saturday, Jan. 3: Roast pork supper, 5-6:30 p.m., Deering Memorial Methodist Church, 39 Main St. $7, under 12 $3. Parking behind library, town office.

Oxford, through Friday, Jan. 9: Fruit orders, for delivery on Jan. 26, SDA Church. Order by Jan. 9 at 345-3814, 743-6673 or 743-6403. No Friday evening, Saturday calls.

River Valley area

Rumford, Wednesday, Dec. 24: Pre-Mass choir concert, 6:40 p.m., Holy Savior Parish.

Rumford, Thursday, Dec. 25: Pre-Mass choir concert, 9:40 a.m., Holy Savior Parish.

Rumford, Sunday, Dec. 28: Pre-Mass choir concert, 9:10 a.m., Holy Savior Parish.

Andover, Wednesday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve dance for ages 21 and over, 8 p.m., Town Hall. Ice, refreshments provided. $6 advance at Mill’s Market, $9 at door. Benefits Food Pantry. FMI: Chad 392-2393 or LeighAnna at 392-1263.

Rumford, Wednesday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve celebration, Rumford Lodge of Elks. $30/couple, $15/single, dance only $10. Social hour 6-7 p.m., supper 7-8 p.m., dance 8:30-12:30 a.m. Sign up by Dec. 27 at lodge or call 364-2548.

Lewiston area

Lewiston, Tuesday, Dec. 23: Preschool Storytime, 10 a.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Ages 2-5. FMI: [email protected], 513-3133, www.lplonline.org/kids.

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

Freeport, Tuesday, Dec. 23: American Red Cross blood drive, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Freeport High School, Holbrook Street.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Dec. 24: American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Dec. 24: Reading Dog, 5:30 p.m., Lewiston Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Call library, 513-3133 to read to dog.

Turner, Wednesday, Dec. 24: North Turner Union Presbyterian Church’s Christmas Eve service, 7 p.m., North Turner Union Presbyterian Church, Route 219. Service followed by Cookie Fellowship. FMI: 225-3370 or 779-6658.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 26: Babytime story time for ages 0-2, 10 a.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Siblings welcome. FMI: 513-3133, [email protected] or www.lplonline.org/kids.

Lisbon, Friday, Dec. 26: Fish chowder supper, 5-6 p.m., American Legion Auxiliary Post 158, 10 Webster St.

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 27: American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Auburn Mall, 550 Center St.

Lewiston, Saturday, Dec. 27: Reading Dog, 12 p.m., Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Call library at 513-3133 to read to dog. FMI: [email protected], 513-3133, www.lplonline.org/kids.

Sabattus, Saturday, Dec. 27: Bean and casserole supper, 5 p.m., followed by dancing until 9:30 p.m. with “The Trio”, The Jacques, Wales Road. Supper $6, dance $5, both $10. FMI: 375-4850.

Auburn, Sunday, Dec. 28: Breakfast, 8-10 a.m., VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave. $3.75/$4.75. Benefits New Auburn Little League baseball. FMI: 784-6883.

Lewiston, Monday, Dec. 29: Kid’s Cooking Club, 4 p.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Ages 7-14. Call Children’s Department to register; attendance limited. FMI: Denise at Lots to Gardens 755-3110, [email protected], 513-3133, www.lplonline.org/kids.

Freeport, Tuesday, Dec. 30: American Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 6 p.m., Community Center, 53 Depot St.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Dec. 30: American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 7 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Dec. 31: Reading Dog, 5:30 p.m., Public Library Children’s Room, 200 Lisbon St. Call library to read to a dog. FMI: [email protected], 513-3133, www.lplonline.org/kids.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Dec. 31: American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St.

Sabattus, Wednesday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve party, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., American Legion Post 135, Iscaud Road. $10. Advance tickets only, call legion to reserve. FMI: 375-4058.

Sabattus, Wednesday, Dec 31: New Year’s Eve dance, 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., The Jacques, Wales Road. $10. Buffet, favors. FMI: 375-4850.

Lewiston, Saturday, Jan. 3: Bean supper, 4-6 p.m., Holy Cross Church Hall, 1080 Lisbon St. $7, 12 and under $3. Takeouts. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 12,652. FMI: Dan Leclair at 240-3537.