Jacksonville Journal

Quote, unquote

"This would even test wise King Solomon."

-- State Rep. Carole Green about legislative differences on improving resident care at nursing homes and limiting lawsuits against them.

Baha'i New Year

At sundown Tuesday, members of the Baha'i Faith begin the celebration of Naw-Ruz, or New Year.

Jacksonville area Baha'is, who will have spent the previous 19 days fasting from all food and drink during daylight hours, are planning to gather at the Cuban-American Club, 5110 Lourcey Road, for a dinner and celebration at 6:30 p.m.

Guests are welcome to attend free. For more information, call (904) 646-9813.

Naw-Ruz is also celebrated as a New Year holiday in many Middle Eastern countries, and it is also one of nine Holy Days in the Baha'i Faith.

The Baha'i Faith of Jacksonville is also accepting nominations through March 23 for the 10th annual Unity in Diversity awards. The awards are presented to people and organizations in the Jacksonville area who work to reduce prejudice and discrimination.

The awards will be presented June 8. For more information, call (904)646-9813.

Grade-school poets

Tots 'N' Teens Theatre invites grade-school poets and playwrights to enter the 10th annual James Weldon Johnson Poetry and Dramatic Arts Contest. Entries should deal with the life and contributions of a significant African-American person or the African-American experience.

Entries, which can be poems or monologues, must be received by April 6.

For more information and contest rules, call Tots 'N' Teens Theatre at (904) 353-7350. The theater is at 101 W. 27th St. in Jacksonville.

Shriners ham sale

An Easter holiday ham sale will benefit the Shriners Hospital for Children, which provides free care to children who have burns or orthopedic problems. The sale will take place from noon to 5 p.m., April 7-8, at Morocco Shrine Auditorium, 3800 St. Johns Bluff Road S.

Each boneless ham is 9 pounds, honey glazed and fully cooked. The cost per ham is $24.95. Checks and some credit cards are accepted. To reserve a ham, call (904) 642-5200.

Story time for kids

Join Times-Union children's book reviewer Brandy Hilboldt for story time at 7 tonight at Borders Books, Music and Cafe, 8801 Southside Blvd. The book, Forest Hotel, is a classic title from the Golden Books series and will appeal to children ages 4 to 6. After story time, participants can make a craft related to the book. The event is free.