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, Monday, May 7: Spa Night Relief, 7:15 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: 778-7346.

Farmington, Monday, May 7: Documentary, “Blood Makes the Grass Grow: Conscientious Objectors and the Gulf War,” 7 p.m., UMF, Thomas Auditorium. Donations accepted.

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

Farmington, Wednesday, May 9: Mount Blue Middle School Show Choir and Mount Blue Voices, 12 to 1:30 p.m., Nordica Auditorium, UMF. Donations. FMI: 778-3513.

Farmington, Thursday, May 10 to Sunday, May 13, : Play “Table Settings,” 7:30 p.m., Alumni Theater, UMF. Advance tickets at Howard’s Rexall. Adults $10, $7.50 students/seniors, $5 UMF Students. FMI: [email protected].

Turner, Thursday, May 10: Public library recipe testing supper, 6 p.m., Turner Center Universalist Church, Turner Center. Donations at door. FMI: 225-3724.

Farmington, Friday, May 11: Rock n’ Roll dance, 7 to 10:30 p.m., Elks Lodge. Hosted by Mt. Blue High School Interact club and sponsored by Farmington Rotary. Music by Tired Starlings and D.J. Taylor. Adults, $5; students and seniors, $4; families $12.

Chesterville, Saturday, May 12: Rummage and bake sale, 9 a.m. to noon, Chesterville Town Office, Dutch Gap Road. Sponsored by North Chesterville Extension Homemakers. Benefits town functions. FMI: 778-3156.

Farmington, Saturday, May 12: Contradance, 8 to 11 p.m., waltz workshop, 7 p.m., Farmington Grange, Bridge Street. $6 or $15 per family. FMI: 397-2241 or [email protected].

Wilton, Saturday, May 12: Square dance, 7 to 10 p.m., Cushing School. Caller, Jim Belanger; cuer, Kitty Doar.

Oxford Hills area

Turner, Monday, May 7: American Red Cross blood drive, 7:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., Leavitt High School, Lower St.

Locke Mills, Tuesday, May 8: Supper/dance, 6 to 9:30 p.m., Legion Hall. $8. FMI: Honey 824-0564 or Olive 665-2909.

Oxford, Tuesday, May 8: Mollyockett Chorus guest night, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Skeetfield Road. Free evening of singing. Women welcome. Refreshments. FMI: Wanda Foss, 783-1823.

Norway, Wednesday, May 9: Story time for children ages 2 to 5, 10:30 a.m., Norway Memorial Library. FMI: 743-5308.

Bryant Pond, Thursday, May 10: Speaker Jim Mason of West Paris, 10 a.m., Whitman Memorial Library.

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

Norway, Friday, May 11: Rhymes, finger plays, songs, stories and other activities for children under 2, 10:30 a.m., Norway Memorial Library. FMI: 743-5308.

Harrison, Saturday, May 12: Supper, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., VFW Hall, Route 35. Adults, $6; children 12 and under, $3. Sponsored by Ronald G. St. John VFW Post Ladies Auxiliary 9328. FMI: 583-4713.

Paris, Saturday, May 12: Chinese auction, viewing 2 to 4 p.m., auction starts 4 p.m., Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. Benefits Harrison Elementary School playground project. FMI: 583-2357.

Paris, Saturday and Sunday, May 12, 13: Wildflower Festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., McLaughlin Garden. Season-opening plant sale. Gift shop, house open. Free. FMI: 743-8820; www.mclaughlingarden.org.

Paris, Saturday and Sunday, May 12, 13: Kid’s Art at the Wildflower Festival, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., McLaughlin Garden. Kids decorate a pot then fill it with a small plant available for sale. Free. FMI: 743-8820; www.mclaughlingarden.org.

Paris, Saturday, May 12: Mystery dinner production, “A Spirited Night in Swanson Manor,” 6 p.m., Deering Memorial United Methodist Church. Tickets: $30, at Books ‘n Things, Main Street, Norway or call 998-5343. Proceeds benefit Deering Memorial UMC Tower Restoration Fund and the ministries of Good Shepherd UMC.

Paris, Saturday, May 12: Swingin’ Bears Square Dance Club May Flower Dance, 7 to 10 p.m., Oxford Hills Middle School. Couples, $10; singles, $5. FMI: Sue Corning, 743-7176; Eleanor Herrick, 782-4050.

Fryeburg, Monday, May 14: American Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Route 5.

Norway, Thursday, May 17: Plant sale, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Progress Center, 35 Cottage St. Proceeds benefit the Consumer Activity Fund. FMI: 743-8049.

Norway, Friday, May 18: Plant sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Progress Center, 35 Cottage St. Proceeds benefit the Consumer Activity Fund. FMI: 743-8049.

Paris, Friday and Saturday, May 18, 19: The CAD Fashion Class fashion show “A Night at the Runway,” 7 p.m., Oxford Hills Community High School auditorium.

Bolster’s Mills, Saturday, May 19: Chicken pie supper, doors at 4 p.m., seating at 5 and 6 p.m., United Methodist Church. Adults $7, Children under 12 $3. Reservations taken Saturday 9 a.m. to 12. Call 583-9024.

River Valley area

Rumford, Monday, May 7: American Red Cross blood drive, 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Mountain Valley High School, Hancock Street.

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

Rumford, Tuesday, May 15: Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community workshop, 10 a.m. to noon, University College. FMI: Elaine, 743-9322 ext. 301 or 1-800-442-2092.

Mexico, Saturday, May 19: Flea markets, Green Church, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 163 Main St. FMI: Gail True, 562-4367.

Bethel, Saturday, May 26: 8th annual Faye Taylor Memorial Art Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dr. Moses Mason House. Sponsored by the Bethel Historical Society.

Mexico, Saturday, May 26: Mexico Gazebo, Family Fun Day, 9 a.m., chicken barbecue, 4 p.m., street dance follows. FMI: Deb Grant, 514-7639 or [email protected].

Rumford, Wednesday, May 30: Two Old Friends in concert, old time musicians, 6:30 p.m., Public Library. Free. FMI: Claudia Reynolds, 364-3661 or www.rumford.lib.me.us.

Bethel, Saturday, June 2: Exhibit, “Great Water Road: The Androscoggin and its Valley,” first floor of the Robinson House. Hosted by the Bethel Historical Society.

Canton, Saturday, June 9: Summer Fest, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Canton Municipal Building and ball field. Hosted by Volunteer Fire Department. FMI: Wayne or Mary Dube, 597-3043.

Lewiston area

Turner, Monday, May 7: American Red Cross blood drive, 7:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., Leavitt High School, Lower Street.

Lewiston, Tuesday, May 8: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Tuesday, May 8: Book Group 10 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Tuesday, May 8: Book buddies, 3:30 p.m., public library.

Auburn, Wednesday, May 9: Preschool program, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., Public Library children’s room.

Lewiston, Tuesday, May 9: Book buddies, 3:30 p.m., public library.

Auburn, Thursday, May 10: Tick talk about Lyme disease, 6 to 8 p.m., public library, 49 Spring St. FMI: Sharon Hawkes, 344-0026; [email protected].

Greene, Thursday, May 10: The Sky Blue Boys, 6 p.m, Araxine Wilkins Sawyer Memorial, 371 Sawyer Road. Free; FMI call 946-5311 or www.ourworld.cs.com/sawyerfoundation.

Lewiston, Thursday, May 10: Soiree de Chansons, 6:30, public library Callahan Hall, 200 Lisbon St. Hosted by Benoit Bourque, traditional French songs; sing-along. Free. Co-sponsored by Association Canado-Americaine. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 200.

Lewiston, Thursday, May 10: Art van, 3:30 p.m., public library.

Turner, Thursday, May 10: Antique appraisal night, 6:30 p.m., Turner Historical Museum, 4th floor, Old Leavitt Institute Building. $5. Limit one item per person. Light refreshments. FMI: 225-2629 or 224-8316.

Turner, Thursday, May 10: Turner Public Library recipe testing supper, 6 p.m., Turner Center Universalist Church, Turner Center. Donations at the door. FMI: 225-3724.

Auburn, Friday, May 11: Open mic/poetry slam with Danny Pelletier and Bill Giasson, Sign-up 7:15 p.m.; show starts 7:30, First Universalist Church, 169 Pleasant St. Free; FMI: 783-0461 or go to www.uuauburn.org.

Gray, Friday, May 11: Dinner-theater, 6:30 p.m., Spring Meadows Golf and Country Club. “A Spirited Night in Swanson Manor” by Good Shepherd Players. $30 includes dinner, play. FMI: 657-3880; www.goodshepumc.org.

Greene, Friday, May 11: The Sky Blue Boys, 2 and 7 p.m., Araxine Wilkins Sawyer Memorial, 371 Sawyer Road, free; FMI call 946-5311 or www.ourworld.cs.com/sawyerfoundation.

Lewiston, Friday, May 11: Babytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Lisbon, Friday, May 11: Mother’s Day roast pork supper, 5:30 to 7 p.m., VFW Post 9459, Route 196. Hosted by Auxiliary. FMI: 353-2152.

Minot, Friday and Saturday, May 11, 12: Poland Spring Academy yard sale; Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; former Stone & Irish parking lot across from Minot Post Office, Route 121, Minot Ave. FMI or to make a donation: 998-4566.

Auburn, Saturday, May 12: American Red Cross blood drive, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Auburn Mall, 550 Center St.

Auburn, Saturday, May 12: Variety show, “Mother’s Day Tribute: How Firm a Foundation,” 7 p.m., Danville Junction Grange. Mitchell Thomas, MC. Free admission; donations accepted to benefit grange hall repairs. Refreshments available during intermission.

Gray, Saturday, May 12: The Maine Kanteles, 6:30 p.m., First Congregational Church. Refreshments; free corsage for mothers. Donation $5 at door. FMI: 926-3171.

Gray, Saturday, May 12: ReMaine Wild, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Maine Wildlife Park, Route 26. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators and professionals will answer questions about injured or orphaned wildlife. Free for ages 3 and under; $4, ages 5-12; $6, adults; $4.50, seniors; groups of 15 or more, $3 per person. FMI: 207-657-4977; www.mainewildlifepark.com.

Lewiston, Saturday, May 12: Run for Relief, registration 8 a.m., run 9 a.m., Races starts at American Red Cross of United Valley, 1180 Lisbon St. Pre-registration $15, race day registration, $18. Sanctioned race. FMI: 766-1410 or www.maineredcross.org.

Lewiston, Saturday, May 12: End of season bean supper, 4 to 6 p.m., Holy Cross Church hall, 1080 Lisbon St. Take outs until 6:30 p.m. $6 adults, $3 12 years, under. FMI: Dan Leclair at 240-3537

Lewiston, Saturday, May 12, Skateboarder and filmmaker Mathilde Pigeon demonstration, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Kennedy Park skatepark. Will be joined by members of her Montreal-based, all-girl team, the Skirtboarders. Free. Followed by showings of her video at public library.

Lewiston, Saturday, May 12: “Skirtboarders le film,” 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., public library Callahan Hall, 200 Lisbon St. U.S. premiere of a video about young female skateboarders in Canada. Mathilde Pigeon of Montreal will answer questions about her film. Free. After the 7 p.m. program, old-time French Canadian folk music and dancing. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 200.

Lisbon Falls, Saturday, May 12: Cornerstone in concert, 7 to 9 p.m., St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Route 196. Donations. FMI: 576-5433.

Lisbon Falls, Saturday, May 12: Bean and casserole supper, 4:45 to 6 p.m., Holy Trinity Church parish hall, 67 Frost Hill Ave. Adults, $6; children under 12, $4; children under 4, free; family with children under 12, $15. FMI: 353-5636.

Wales, Saturday, May 12: American Red Cross blood drive, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wales Central School, 175 Centre Road.

Poland, Sunday, May 13: Mother’s Day dinner, noon to 1 p.m., Excelsior Grange, 446 Harris Hill Road. Adults, $7; children under 12, $2.50. Hall is handicap-accessible at rear door. FMI: 782-1077.

Auburn, Monday, May 14: The Story of Katahdin, 6:30 p.m., Public Library community room.

Auburn, Monday, May 14: MYSPACE Mystery Solved, 6 p.m., Public Library computer lab. Teens must be accompanied by an adult. Call Sally to reserve spot. Space limited.

Auburn, Monday, May 14: A talk about the history of Katahdin, John Neff, 6:30 p.m., Auburn Public Library. FMI: Rosemary Waltos, 333-6640 ext 2020.

Lewiston, Monday, May 14: American Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 150 East Ave.

Lewiston, Monday, May 14: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Monday, May 14: Kid’s cooking club, 4 p.m., public library.

New Gloucester, Monday, May 14: American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pineland Farms, 59 Pineland Drive.

Lewiston, Tuesday, May 15: American Red Cross blood drive, 3 to 8 p.m., Bates College, Campus Avenue.

Lewiston, Tuesday, May 15: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Tuesday, May 15: Book buddies party, 3:30 p.m., public library.

Auburn, Wednesday, May 16: Preschool program, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., Public Library children’s room.

Auburn, Wednesday, May 16: Read Across L/A., 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Public Library children’s room.

Auburn, Wednesday, May 16: Teen Anime Drawing Club, 3:30 p.m. Public Library TeenSpace.

Lewiston, Tuesday, May 16: Book buddies party, 3:30 p.m., public library.

Auburn, Thursday, May 17: Baby’s Night Out, 6 to 6:20 p.m., Public Library.

Auburn, Thursday, May 17: Auburn Teen Library Advisors meeting, 4 p.m. Public Library TeenSpace. Pizza will be served.

Lewiston, Thursday, May 17: Art van, 3:30 p.m., public library.

Lewiston, Friday, May 18: Babytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Lisbon, Friday, May 18: Potluck supper, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., VFW Post 9459, Route 196. Adults, $6; children under 10, $3. FMI: 353-5291 Wednesday through Friday after 4 p.m.

Auburn, Saturday, May 19: Pancake breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m., Applebee’s Restaurant, 599 Center St. $5. Fundraiser for American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Androscoggin County. FMI: Janet Miles, 786-0311 or 784-3824 or [email protected].

Lewiston, Friday, May 18: St. Jude’s Trike-A-Thon, 10 a.m., New Life Center gym, 134 College St. Effort of Pick-A-Time Day Care, Toy Library and New Life Christian Fellowship. FMI: Paulette, 783-4339; Cindy, 782-1112.

Auburn, Saturday, May 19: Stories with Judy D’Amour, 10 a.m., Public Library children’s room.

Gray, Saturday, May 19: Scholarship fundraiser, 9 a.m to 5 p.m., American Legion Post 86, Route 100. Flea market tables, $15. FMI: 689-5137 or 797-7970.

Lewiston, Saturday, May 19: Spring birding festival, 7 a.m., Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary, Montello Street. Sponsored by Stanton Bird Club. Guided birding walks, children’s activities, games, prizes. Free. FMI: 946-3581.

Pownal, Saturday, May 19: Bean supper, sittings at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., First Parish Church, Pownal Center. Adults, $7; children under 12, $3.50. Tickets at the door or reservations, 688-5533.

Wales, Saturday, May 19: Turkey supper, 5 to 6 p.m., Wales Youth Center, Route 132, Pond Road. Benefits Wales Presbyterian Church. FMI: Alice, 375-8382.

Mechanic Falls, Sunday, May 20: 8th annual Pine Tree State Country Music Association Award Show, 1 p.m., The Silver Spur, Route 121. $10, under 12, $3. Adult competitors, $6. FMI: Joan, 490-1232 or Russ, 542-3093.

Auburn, Monday, May 21: Book discussion of “Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight” by Alexandra Fuller, 6:30 p.m., Public Library conference room.

Lewiston, Monday, May 21: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Monday, May 21: Kid’s cooking club, 4 p.m., public library.

Lewiston, Tuesday, May 22: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Auburn, Wednesday, May 23: Preschool program, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., Public Library children’s room.

Lewiston, Wednesday, May 23: American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Androscoggin Bank, 70 Lincoln St.

Monmouth, Thursday, May 24: Plant sale and art show, 6 p.m., Henry L. Cottrell School, 169 Academy Road.

Buckfield, Friday, May 25: American Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 6 p.m., Masonic Lodge, 5 High St.

Lewiston, Friday, May 25: Babytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Saturday, May 26: Memorial Day parade, 9:30 a.m. Ceremony follows at Veterans Park. FMI: Bert Dutil, 786-2305; William Bradbury, 786-3732.

Lisbon, Friday, May 26: Memorial Day barbecue, noon to 1:30 p.m., VFW Post 9459, Route 196. $10; cut off date for tickets, May 18. FMI, 353-4879.

Lewiston, Tuesday, May 29: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Auburn, Wednesday, May 30: Preschool program, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., Public Library children’s room.

Auburn, Thursday, May 31: English tea and Antique Style Show, 1:30 p.m., Androscoggin Community room, public library. Hosted by Auburn Public Library’s English Tea Committee. Tickets at library circulation desk. Adults, $10; children under 12, $5. FMI: Kellie DeMers, 333-6640 ext. 2024.

Lewiston, Friday, June 1: Ice cream social, 2 to 3:30 p.m., The Toy Library,” A Place For Kids,” 134 College St. FMI: 782-1112.

Bowdoin, Saturday, June 2: Plant sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., West Bowdoin Baptist Church. Benefits Women’s Mission Circle and building fund.

Wales, Saturday, June 16: Yard sale, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wales Youth Center, Pond Road, Route 132. Sponsored by The Wales Presbyterian Women.

Auburn, Friday and Saturday, June 15, 16: Relay For Life of Androscoggin County, Edward Little High School track FMI: American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or online at www.cancer.org.