Saturday Nov. 2: From 4:30-6:30 p.m., the Lion’s Club of Scarborough will host a roast beef dinner with proceeds going to Troop 39 of Scarborough. Dinner includes a generous helping of roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots and a slice of homemade pie. Takeout is also available.

Nov. 2: The Italian Heritage Center Christmas Craft Fair takes place 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 40 Westland Avenue, Portland. Free admission, lots of parking, homemade Italian pastries, 50-plus vendors and lunch served 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 6: Join Maine mystery writer Julia Spencer-Flemming at 7 p.m. for a reading, discussion and book signing for her new mystery, “Through the Evil Days,” at Nonesuch Books in Mill Creek, South Portland.

Thursday, Nov. 14: Maine Autism Alliance Sibshop takes place 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Maine Autism Alliance Community Center, 15 Pleasant Hill Road, Suite 104, in Scarborough. Sibshop is designed to support brothers and sisters who have siblings with autism. The group meets the second Thursday of every month and is for children ages 8-13 years old. For more information, call 219-8143.

Saturday, Nov. 16: St. Bartholomew’s Christmas Prelude Craft Fair featuring local artisans and craftsman, a bake sale and luncheon, snack bar and raffle items runs from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Bartholomew Church, 8 Two Lights Road, Cape Elizabeth.

Sunday, Nov. 17: The Friends of the Scarborough Library resumes its annual Friends Literature Series with a theme that celebrates all things “Maine.” Their guest, author John Ford, will appear at the library at 2 pm. A retired Maine Game Warden, Ford has been shot at by desperate prison escapees and outwitted by wily trappers. Despite these perils, he always had a good quip ready when he slipped the handcuffs on a violator. John’s adventures have been captured in his first book, “Suddenly the Cider Didn’t Taste So Good.” He brings his engaging storytelling style to his second book, “This Cider Still Tastes Funny.” Join the Friends for an entertaining conversation and reading, sure to bring John’s adventures to life. All Literature Series events are free, and light refreshments will be served.

Tuesday, Nov. 19: The Scarborough Senior Advisory Board invites the general public to attend the next monthly meeting at 8:15 a.m. at the Scarborough Town Hall to better understand the workings of the board. The board is also interested in acquiring new board members.

Saturday, Nov. 23: Harvest Fest takes place from 10-3 p.m. at Coastal Community Church 260 U.S. Route 1 in Scarborough (across from town hall.) Activities include a vendor and craft fair, fair games and kids crafts, chili and chowder luncheon and a photo booth for Christmas cards. Still accepting vendors and crafters, tables are $35. Contact Lisa at 632-0871 or harvestfestccc@gmail.com.

Nov. 23: Maine author, Elizabeth Lydia Bodner, will sign her new book, “Seven Women in Maine” at Nonesuch Books in the Mill Creek South Portland from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The event is free to the public.

ONGOING EVENTS

• Square dancing lessons take place at Eight Corners School, 22 Mussey Road, Scarborough, from 6:30-7:45 p.m. each Thursday through April. For more information, email mixnmingle@maine.rr.com or call 839-5512.