In Town
Plainsboro Fire Company is accepting non-perishable food and clothing to benefit first responders and civilians in the metropolitan area who have lost their homes and possessions in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Clothing must be in the original packaging or new. The shelters are currently not accepting any used clothing. Visit www.plainsborofire.com.
Playful Theater Productions is holding auditions for “Legally Blonde” at Mercer County Community College’s Kelsey Theater, April 19 through 28. Auditions dates are Sunday, December 2, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., and Thursday, December 6, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Callbacks are Saturday, December 8, starting at 10 a.m. All roles are open. For further information, audition preparation and appointment, E-mail suzanne_mclean@hotmail.com or call 215-579-5677.
For Kids
The Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra will schedule auditions for certain open seats throughout the year. GPYO’s Symphonic Division is open to musicians from eighth grade through college age. For more information or to apply go to www.gpyo.org or call 609-683-0150.
Holiday Donations
The Whole Earth Center in Princeton and Princeton Chiropractic Wellness Center are collecting non-perishable food through Saturday, December 8. Whole Earth Center patrons who donates five dollars or more worth of food will receive a gift package for free wellness services from area wellness providers worth $500. For more information go to Princetonchiropractic.com.
Crisis Ministry of Mercer County invites area congregations, schools, businesses, and clubs to join its annual pre-Thanksgiving “CAN-U-Copia” food and volunteer drive. The annual effort helps stock the nonprofit organization’s three food pantries and raises awareness and funds to support hunger prevention initiatives. The drive continues until Thanksgiving. Contact Sarah Unger by E-mail to sarahu@thecrisisministry.org for information.
Call for Art
Small World Coffee in Princeton is accepting artists’ submissions to its fourth annual Love Show. Submit up to three pieces of artwork for exhibition at Small World Coffee’s Witherspoon Street cafe during the month of February. The show will center around the word ‘love’, and artists are encouraged to respond to that word — in broad or specific terms — and to create a piece of art that they feel somehow expresses the word or any of its myriad of connotations. This year the proceeds from The Love Show will go to support Hi Tops, Princeton’s youth health center. All art can be submitted through www.smallworldcoffee.com.
Call for Film and Music
Garden State Film Festival has extended its submission deadline to Saturday, December 1. Register now and send DVD later. The worldwide call for entries has been issued to independent filmmakers. Visit www.gsff.org for guidelines. The festival features film competition for independent filmmakers, open talent casting call, panel discussions, school field trip opportunities, and opening and closing ceremonies. A panel of professional judges will select winning entries in a number of categories including best feature length, short, documentary (short and feature length), animation (short and feature length), music video, PSA, commercial, and trailers.
The Robert Pastorelli Rising Star Award is open to all present or former New Jersey actors, regardless of age or union affiliation. Eligible candidates must have been born or now reside in New Jersey and have an undeniable passion for the art form and have made inroads to the industry through hard work and determination. The deciding committee will be looking for a progression of work in theater, commercials, television, and film. Submissions should be sent to GSFF C/O Pastorelli Award, 1310 Winding Brook Road, Spring Lake 07762 by December 1, or E-mailed to pastorelli13@aol.com. Include a headshot, resume, references, and DVD, and website address if available. Submitted materials will not be returned to applicants. Interviews will take place in January at a location to be determined.
Donate Please
Lawrence Library seeks donations of handmade scarves, hats, or mittens for HomeFront. The items may be in sizes from children to adults. Donated items may be dropped off at the library’s reference desk at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Call 609-989-6920 or visit mcl.org for more information.
Hurricane Relief
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers homeowners financial assistance for damage caused by hurricane Sandy. Visit www.disasterassistance.gov for information.
Small Business Administration offers small business loans to assist in recovering from Hurricane Sandy. Visit www.sba.gov.
Mercer County Library System has a food drive throughout November to help replenish local food banks depleted in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The collected nonperishable food items will be distributed to the Crisis Ministry, Mercer Street Friends Food Bank of Trenton, Homefront of Lawrence, the Robbinsville Food Pantry, and “Rise – A Community Service Partnership” in Hightstown. Donations may be made at any of the nine branches.
Needed items include canned fish and chicken, shelf-stable milk, peanut butter, canned vegetables and potatoes, cans of fruit, non-sugary hot or cold cereals, pasta, boxed macaroni and cheese, dried beans, and rice. Household goods are not being accepted. Additional information regarding collection and a list of items that are most needed may be found at www.mcl.org
Blood Donations Needed
New Jersey Blood Services, a division of New York Blood Center, is seeking individuals or groups to donate blood or organize blood drives to help replenish supplies distributed by Hurricane Sandy. For information call 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org.
Scholarship
The Institute of Wonderful Women Working for Empowerment is accepting applications to Friday, November 23, for its Just in Time Scholarship awards. The award helps recipients to remain in school and to complete their training. Scholarships are awarded based on need and in consultation with their school of enrollment to verify good academic standing.
Recipients must demonstrate a commitment to improving themselves and the lives of their families and must be currently enrolled in an accredited program of health care training. Past awards have supported baby clothing, car repairs, tuition assistance, books and audio books, to name a few examples. Applications may be downloaded from www.wonderfulworkingwomen.org or call Rochelle Richardson, at 609-388-1867 to receive an application or for additional information.
