The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers. Various positions are available. To volunteer, call Tom Viscount at 310.394.3773 x112 from 1-5 pm, Monday through Thursday.
Ananda LA offers free Thursday Night Lectures, every other Thursday at 7:30pm, anandala.org.
The Assistance League of Santa Monica is celebrating their 70th anniversary, Assistance League Bargain Bazaar, 1453 14th St., 310.395.2338.
Back on the Beach Café at 445 PCH is closed for renovations as part of the 415 PCH construction project. The adjacent Beach Parking Lot 10 North will be closed through May 20. Until the lot reopens, beach patrons are advised to carpool, ride a bike, or use Beach Lot 9 North. For more information, go to 415pch.smgov.net.
Baha’i Center in Santa Monica is located at 3102 Colorado Avenue, 310.394.7971 or go to santamonicabahai.org.
The 2008 Broad Humor Film Festival is looking for submissions of comedic films and screenplays written and directed by women. Feature entries must be over 60 minutes running time or 60 script pages. Medium length entries cover 20-60 minutes/pages. Short entries must be under 20 minutes or pages. Early bird deadline is February 29, standard deadline is April 11, and late deadline is May 2. Download submission form from broadhumor.com.
Carepages.com and the USO are sponsoring Yellow Ribbons For Our Wounded Troops, a web page where wounded soldiers and their families can post their stories, share information about medical advice, and give and receive support from others, carepages.com/yellow-ribbons.
Competitive landscape grants of up to $20,000 are being offered by the City of Santa Monica. To qualify for a grant, the landscaping plan must include water-efficient irrigation, plus one or more of the following: California native plants, water-efficient plants, storm-water management systems, graywater systems, and/or other innovative water-saving features. Applications will accepted through March 27, and are available by calling 866.728.3229 or at smepd.org org.
The deadline for applying for a Cal Grant for college aid is March 2. Cal Grants are guaranteed for all qualified students who meet eligibility requirements and apply by the application deadline. Because this year’s deadline falls on a Sunday, forms postmarked by Monday, March 3 will be accepted. Call 888.224.7268 or go to calgrants.org.
The Diamonds in the Rough Baseball Contest is looking for essays, videos, and photos by kids, ages 7-14, on the theme of how baseball helped to bring out The Power Within. The grand prizewinner will win $10,000 to help maintain their home baseball field and a trip for four to New York to attend a Yankees game. Contestants may enter at briggsdiamondsintherough.com.
Food Addicts Anonymous has free meetings every Saturday from 11:30am at the Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, 6700 W. 83rd St., Westchester, foodaddictsanonymous.org.
The “Gift of Love” Mass will be held at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church on March 2, in honor of Kathryn Skatula, a soprano singer struggling with ALS. Experienced singers who wish to join the choir for the mass can register by sending an e-mail to Gordon Goodman at: imaginingstime-benefit@yahoo.com. Donations of $100 are also accepted. Contact Pastor Stephanie Jaeger, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 1343 Ocean Park Blvd., 310.968.7038.
Inside Out Community Arts After School Theatre Arts program is enrolling middle school students for its spring program, Wednesdays 3:30-5:30pm, beginning February 27, at the Venice Center for Peace and Justice with the Arts, 310.397.8820 x104.
Kentwood Players is auditioning for its upcoming production of Agatha Christie’s “A Murder is Announced” at the Westchester Playhouse. Auditions will be held Saturday, March 15 from 11am-5:30pm and Sunday, March 16 from 7-10pm. Callbacks will be held on Monday, March 17 from 7-10pm. Those interested may apply at kentwoodplayers.org.
The Marshall McLuhan-Finnegan’s Wake Reading Club meets first Mondays from 6-8pm at the Venice Library, 501 S. Venice Blvd., free, 310.306.7330 or venicewake.org.
Meals on Wheels West needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound people in Santa Monica. Deliveries are from 11am-1pm, Mondays-Fridays. To volunteer call 310.394.7558.
Mt. Olive Film Night, entertaining and thought-provoking films shown on the second Saturdays of each month, supper at 6pm, films start at 7pm, free, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 1343 Ocean Park Blvd., 310.452.1116.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is looking for volunteers for its summer camps. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and able to lift and care for a young person between the ages of 6 and 21, 310.450.9032.
Musicians invited to meet weekly and perform in concert with the Brentwood-Westwood Symphony Orchestra, Tuesdays, 6:30pm, bandroom, Paul Revere Middle School, 1450 Allenford Ave., Brentwood, 310.829.3149.
Nominations are now being taken for the 2008 Green Prizes in Sustainable Literature. Books from publishers and authors, or titles suggested by the public, must be submitted by March 31. The winners will be announced at a presentation in October.
Religious Poetry Contest features a $1,000 grand prize. Deadline is March 10. To enter, send one poem only of 21 lines or less (no fee) to Free Poetry Contest, 2935 Clay St., Sacramento, CA 95815 or go to rainbowpoets.com.
Santa Monica Oceanaires barbershop harmony chorus invites men of all ages and voice parts to sing each Tuesday, 7-10pm, Church of Christ, 9733 Venice Blvd., WLA, oceanaires.org, 310.202.1380.
The Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation is accepting submissions for the 24th Annual Twilight Dance Series annual poster contest. The artist who creates the winning design will receive $750 and a VIP package for the summer including a backstage pass to the Series. All entries are due by March 7. Contest rules, design specifications, and entry forms are available at santamonicapier.org under “What’s Happening.” For more information, call 310.458.8901.
Santa Monica’s Solid Waste Division’s website answers many residential and business customer queries. To learn how to set up recycling programs at apartment buildings, what to do with unwanted electronics devices, where to drop off bulky items like refrigerators, and answers to many more questions go to smgov.net/swm.
SMC’s Continuing Education Program is offering free ESL and Citizenship classes, 1-4pm Wednesdays, at SMC’s Bundy campus, 3171 S. Bundy Dr., WLA, and at the Madison campus, 1310 11th St., 310.434.3400.
Sunset Magazine’s Dream Gardening Awards competition is open to both home and professional gardeners (categories judged separately). Enter in one of four categories: Regional Style, Incredible Makeover, Outdoor Living, or Small Space. Apply by March 12, 650.324.5632, or go to sunset.com/gardencontest.
UCLA Extension offers spring classes in Personal Financial Planning, Fitness Instruction, Journalism, Public Relations and Fundraising, International Trade and Commerce, Gardening and Horticulture, and Engineering, Computers, and Information Systems. Information will be available at an open house session. Go to uclaextension.edu /conferencesand events.
The United States Veterans Initiative (USVETS) is collecting used and unwanted cell phones to raise money for formerly homeless veterans and returning troops. Donations can be dropped off at 733 S. Hindry Ave., Inglewood, Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm, at the front desk, or 24 hours a day in room 206.
