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.

Oxford Hills area

Bryant Pond, Saturday, Dec. 17: Cantata, 6:45 p.m., Woodstock Seventh Day Adventist Church, 43 Perkins Valley Rd. Presented by Forestdale Christian School, grades K-8.

Mechanic Falls, Friday, Dec. 17: Texas hold’em tournament, 6 p.m., American Legion Post 150. $30. FMI: 345-9587.

Norway, Friday, Dec. 17: Baby Boosters for ages 0-2, 10:30 a.m., Memorial Library, 258 Main St. FMI: 743-5308.

Norway, Friday, Dec. 17: Open mic night, 7 p.m., First Universalist Church, 478 Main St. $3. Sign-ups begin at 6:30 p.m. Bring non-perishables for Oxford Hills Food Pantry.

Otisfield, Friday, Dec. 17: Fourth Friday food pantry, 1-5 p.m., East Otisfield Free Baptist Church, Rayville Road. FMI: 539-4619.

Oxford, Friday, Dec. 17: Visit with Santa, 7 p.m., Oxford Nightlife.

Paris, Friday, Dec. 17: Preschool play group for ages 1-3, 9:30 a.m., Public Library, 37 Market Square. FMI: 743-6994 or [email protected].

West Paris, Friday, Dec. 17: “One Woman’s Journey: the Art of Jane Porter Gibson”, 5-7 p.m., Public Library. FMI: 674-2004.

Bethel, Saturday, Dec. 18: “A Christmas Carol”, 2 and 7 p.m., Helen C. Berry Auditorium, Telstar Regional School, Route 26. Free. FMI: 824-2136.

Norway, Saturday, Dec. 18: Winter market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Grange Hall, 15 Whitman St. FMI: 388-2919.

Norway, Saturday, Dec. 18: “Barnstorming” by Uncle Tom Merriams, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Books-N-Things, 430 Main St.

Norway, Saturday and Sunder, Dec. 18-19: Christmas open house, 12-4 p.m., Responsible Pet Care and Pawsibilities Thrift Shoppe, 132 Waterford Road. Donations. Prizes, refreshments, cats and kittens.

Oxford, Saturday, Dec. 18: Visit with Santa, 10:30 a.m., Hannaford.

Paris, Saturday, Dec. 18: Jones Dance Band, 7-10 p.m., Legion Hall. $5.

Paris, Saturday, Dec. 18: Ticket auction, 5 p.m., Oxford Hills High School, 256 Main St. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. To benefit the Oxford Fair. Snow date Dec. 19.

Waterford, Saturday, Dec. 18: Caroling and open house, 7 p.m., Waterford common and Library. Refreshments, Santa, music by Backroom Brass.

Fryeburg, Sunday, Dec. 19: Performance by Shawn Nadeau and Heather Pierson, 4-7 p.m., Top of The Ninth.

Locke Mills, Sunday, Dec. 19: Christmas Cantata “Rise Up! A New Light A-Comin”, 4 p.m., Union Church. Refreshments follow by the Ladies Circle.

Mechanic Falls, Sunday, Dec. 19: Breakfast with Santa, 8-11 a.m., American Legion Unit 150. $5. Children 5 and under free.

Buckfield, Monday, Dec. 20: American Red Cross blood drive, 1-6 p.m., Masonic Lodge, 5 High St.

Paris, Monday, Dec. 20: Seasonal stories and make decorations, 4 p.m., Public Library, 37 Market Square. FMI: 743-6994.

Paris, Tuesday, Dec. 21: Family game night, 6-7:30 p.m., Paris Public Library, 37 Market Square. FMI: 743-6994 or e-mail [email protected].

Norway, Wednesday, Dec. 22: Story time for ages 2-6, 10:30 a.m., Memorial Library, 258 Main St. FMI: 743-5308.

Bridgton, Thursday, Dec. 23: American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Masonic Hall, Harrison Road.

Paris, Thursday, Dec. 23: Preschool story time, 10 a.m., Paris Public Library, 37 Market Square. Infants up to age 5. FMI: 743-6994 or e-mail [email protected].

Paris, Saturday, Dec. 25: Community Christmas dinner, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, East Main St. Free. Takeout available. Hosted by Friends of Oxford Hills. FMI: 674-5185.

Paris, Monday, Dec. 27: Funny stories and snow crafts, 4 p.m., Paris Public Library, 37 Market Square. All ages. FMI: 743-6994.

Paris, Tuesday, Dec. 28: Family game night, 6-7:30 p.m., Paris Public Library, 37 Market Square. FMI: 743-6994 or e-mail [email protected].

Norway, Wednesday, Dec. 29: Preschool story time, 10:30 a.m., Norway Memorial Library, 258 Main St. Ages 2-6. FMI: 743-5308 or www.norway.lib.me.us.

Oxford, Wednesday, Dec. 29: American Red Cross blood drive, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., American Legion Post 112, 169 King St.