Writers Wanted
Words Take Flight Books, a publishing venture that seeks to open up new avenues for both readers and writers, has announced the launch of a contest to encourage authors to seek publication for their work. The “Write That Famous Book” contest is giving writers the chance to win $500 and publication with the company including the waiving of all standard fees normally charged for editing, design, and setup. The winner will also earn royalties on the published book.
“As a writer, too,” said Jeffrey Stundel, publisher and editor in chief, “I am all too familiar with having a book or story collecting dusty electrons on a computer and needing a solid push in the creative back to finally release it for review.”
Novel writers are asked to submit their work’s one-to-two page synopsis and first three chapters. Writers of short story collections are required to submit an overview of the theme, and one story. The entry fee is $25 per submission (non-refundable) and writers may enter as often as they have works. Full details are available on the company’s website, www.wtfbooks.net. Deadline for entry is Friday, November 1.
Food Pantry
Crisis Ministry of Mercer County recently added evening hours to the Tuesday food pantry at 61 Nassau Street, in the lower level of Nassau Presbyterian Church, in Princeton. The organization expanded to evening hours to accommodate individuals and families who work during regular business hours. The expanded Tuesday hours are from 1:30 to 7 p.m. The pantry is also open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Homelessness prevention services are provided Monday through Thursday from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
The organization’s Princeton pantry served 234 low-income households in July 2013. Several elderly low-income Princeton residents receive food that is delivered to their homes. Visit thecrisisministry.org or call 609-396-5327.
For Performers
Paper Mill Playhouse has open auditions for its Broadway Show Choir on Sunday, August 25, and Thursday, August 29, at 6 p.m. at the theater. This tuition-free performance show choir includes an array of performance opportunities throughout the community and beyond. The choir consists of 30 to 40 singer/dancers between the ages of 16 and 22. Contact Kelly Stevens at KStevens@PaperMill.org or 973-315-1640 to schedule an audition.
Volunteer Please
American Heart Association is seeking volunteers to help with the upcoming Greater Mercer Heart Walk scheduled for Sunday, September 8, at Mercer County Park in West Windsor. Volunteer opportunities including helping with registration, passing out water, serving as a performer, or sharing information. Visit www.mercerheartwalk.org or call 609-208-0020.
Audition for Kids
Paper Mill Playhouse has an open call audition for children for the theater’s production of “Oliver!” on Saturday, September 7, at 9 a.m. Seeking boys (or girls who can play boys) who look ages 10 to 14 to play orphans in the production’s opening number and for the title role. Audition sign-up is in the theater’s lobby. Children and their guardian should join the line in front of the theater at 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, and enter through the front doors of the theater only. Every child should bring a picture and resume stapled together.
Children will be taught a short piece of music from the show and should wear appropriate footwear for dancing. Callbacks will be held on the same day. There is no guarantee everyone will be seen. Rehearsals begin Monday, October 28, in New York City.
For Seniors
Engaged Retirement is accepting applications for internships in event, program, and volunteer management. Next Step internship program is designed to help people 50 plus navigate a mid-life career change into an encore career in the nonprofit sector. Visit www.engagedretirement.org.
Faith
Congregation Beth Chaim offers “Introduction to Judaism,” for people interested in learning more about Judaism, people thinking of converting, or to help understand a friend or family member’s religion. The course will meet on Tuesdays from October 15 through March 11, at 7:30 p.m. The classes will be taught by rabbis, cantors and other Jewish professionals from the area. Congregation Beth Chaim, 329 Village Road, West Windsor. $100 per person or couple, plus $75 for books and materials. Contact Rabbi Cari Bricklin-Small at 609-799-9401, ext. 102, or E-mail rabbicari@bethchaim.org for information.
Back to School
Raritan Valley Community College offers the Sophie Sadowsky Chmil Memorial Scholarship, a new scholarship geared to older women enrolled at RVCC full-time who are pursuing a degree or certificate in accounting, business administration, financial services, CPA preparation, or international business. Two students will receive an annual scholarship of $5,000 to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and educational supplies; the remainder of funds may be used for car expenses, child care, and more. Recipients must be 45 years of age or older, demonstrate financial need and/or academic merit, and earn and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better as an RVCC student. To apply contact Erin Kislan, associate director of financial aid, at 908-526-1200, ext. 8378.
Financial Literacy
Junior Achievement of New Jersey is enrolling New Jersey schools in JA Finance Park and other financial literacy programs for the coming school year. Schools interested in taking advantage of JANJ’s free standards-based financial literacy curricula should call 609-419-0404.
Blood Needed
Community Blood Council of New Jersey shipped emergency blood products to Capital Health as a result of the recent violence in Trenton. Donations are needed to replenish inventory. Call 609-883-9750 or visit www.GiveBloodNJ.org. Walk-ins are always welcome.
