In Town
New Jersey Audubon Society offers “Pollywogs,” a four-week preschool program, at the Plainsboro Preserve. “Celebrate Our Earth will be held on Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, and 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $40 plus supplies fee. Register at 609-897-9400 or visit www.njaudubon.org/centers/plainsboro.
Cringe Night: From Wince We Came seeks adult volunteers to read unedited excerpts from any diary or journal written during their pre-college years. The open-mic program will be held at Grover’s Mill Coffee House, 195 Princeton-Hightstown Road, West Windsor, on Thursday, April 23, from 7 to 9 p.m. Donations of $5 to $10 per person benefit Kidsbridge Tolerance Museum. “There’s a strong connection between the kinds of problems kids write about in their diaries and Kidbridge’s mission,” says Robin Levinson, a co-chair of the event. “We’re hoping that men and women across central Jersey will register to read from their diary, or just drop in and be part of the fun,” says John Brennan, co-chair. Register by E-mail at cringenight@gmail.com. Drop-in readers will also be welcome.
Opera New Jersey, based in West Windsor, seeks host homes in the Princeton area to house artists for the summer season. Time periods vary from two to seven weeks in June and July. Perks for hosting include tickets to rehearsals, open night party, and opera. Contact Jennifer Basten at 609-799-7700 or E-mail jbasten@operanj.org.
Audition
American Boychoir School will hold an audition for boys in grades 3 to 7 who love to sing. Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to noon. No preparation is necessary. Visit www.americanboychoir.org or call 609-924-5858.
Big House Needed
Junior League of Greater Princeton seeks designer home for its 16th Designer Showcase & Gardens to take place in the spring, 2010. The ideal house has 25 or more design spaces and generous grounds that can be transformed by interior and landscape designers. Call 609-771-0525 or E-mail jlgpshowhouse@gmail.com.
Humanitarian Awards
Kidsbridge seeks nominations for a child, a group of children, or a colleague who has demonstrated an extraordinary act of kindheartedness, service to the community, or peaceful resolution of conflict or compassion for the less fortunate. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 27. Visit www.kidsbridgemuseum.org or call 609-581-0239 for information.
For Artists
Gallery 125 seeks entries for “The Summer Show,” a juried show for all media, May 8 to July 2. Submit digital files of art on a CD with a $20 check payable to TDA/Gallery 125, and a brief biography or resume. The title of the piece must be medium and framed. Send to Gallery 125, 125 South Warren Street, Trenton 08608. Deadline is Tuesday, March 24. Visit www.gallery125.com or call 609-989-9119.
Dessert News
Rita’s offers free Italian ice on the first day of spring, Friday, March 20. Beginning also on March 20 is a contest to name the new “mystery” flavor Italian ice. The winner will be announced on April 27.
Essay Contest
Provident Bank offers an essay contest for New Jersey students to pick their favorite president or invention and write an essay about why. Entries will be sorted into grades 5 to 8, and 9 to 12. Prizes include 8GB iPods, donations to their school’s media center, and savings bonds. Visit www.providentnj.com/essaycontest for details. Deadline is Tuesday, April 28.
Health
Princeton HealthCare System offers pre-surgery joint replacement classes in Princeton. Presentations include what to expect before, during, and after surgery, including insurance, rehabilitation, and pain management. Call 609-597-4218 for information.
Antiques Roadshow
WHYYseeks volunteers to assist with “Antiques Roadshow” on Saturday, June 6, in Atlantic City. Volunteers receive a free shirt and have up to two items appraised. A mandatory training session will be held on Friday, June 5. Visit www.whyy.org for information. The lottery to attend the filming is at www.pbs.org/antiques.
Available Tools
Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey offers free educational toolkits to nonprofit organizations and downloadable campaign tools to encourage statewide participation in April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month. Call 800-children or visit www.preventchildabusenj.org for information.
Art Workshops
Grounds for Sculpture offer adult workshops beginning in April for spring photography, garden art, and stone carving. Spring Photography begins Thursday, April 2, $65. Garden Art begins Saturday, April 4, $215. Stone Carving begins Saturday, April 18, $260. Call 609-586-0616 to register.
Art Design
South Brunswick Public Library invites school age children to enter the Autism Awareness poster contest. Submissions may be made at the library between through Monday, April 13. Entries will be judged in four age groups. Posters should not exceed 14 by 18 inches. Call 732-329-4000, ext. 7285 for more information.
Grounds for Sculpture is running a contest to design a tee shirt to be used on adult shirts and other apparel. Entries must be original designs (no photographs), hand drawn or computer generated. Limited to two entries per person. Entries may be E-mailed (jpg or pdf only) to jmicikas@groundsforsculpture.org. Deadline is Friday, May 15. Applications are available at www.groundsforsculpture.org.
