"Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can't, and the other half who have nothing to say and keep on saying it."
-- Robert Frost
EAR TO THE GROUND
STUDIOPENDOUS, a fundraising silent auction and children's art show benefiting Highland Plaza United Methodist Preschool, will be March 16 at 5:30 p.m.
According to event spokeswoman Katie McKenna, the event highlights the students' research and work. The live auction features creations by the children and always includes an Eric Carle-inspired piece, she said.
"We also have about 200 vendors that donate to our silent auction. This year, our family-friendly dinner will be catered by Carrabbas, and we are adding a children's market and raffle to the festivities."
Though there is no monetary goal for the fundraising event, there are goals of what to do with the money raised, McKenna said, noting they hope to start a gardening plot and butterfly sanctuary project, support the Playscape expansion and support continuing education for faculty members.
Tickets to StudioPendous are $15. For information, call 877-1544.
TOASTS
CONGRATULATIONS to members of the Penguin Special Olympics swim team who won many awards, including seven gold medals, during the Middle Tennessee Regional Swim Meet in Lebanon, Tenn.
"We are trying to build the team," said swim coach Lindy Blazek. "With only six swimmers, we finished third overall with 306 points. The girls finished third with 218, and the guys finished seventh with 88 points. The two teams that finished ahead of us had over 30 swimmers, each."
The swimmers are Sarah Field, Emily Brown, Jack Molnar, Joey Pursley, Jolene Tallent and Frances Ann Smith.
The swim team practices Mondays and Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. at the Brainerd Recreational Center. For information, contact Blazek at special teachr@hotmail.com or call 413-9198.
Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6396. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/karennazor hill.