Seeks emerging & established artists for Fall/Winter 2001 issue, visit www.borderlands.org for submission & guideline info; deadline is July 1.
CHRISTOPHER BRIAN WOLK PLAYWRITING AWARD
The Abingdon Theatre Co. will award $1000 to an emerging playwright. Submit three copies of your work w/SASE to 432 W. 42nd St., 4th fl. NYC 10036 by June 1 or call 212-736-6604 for more info.
EMPIRE STATE POSTCARD COMPETITION
Do you have what it takes to design a postcard? Upstate, non-profit art group seeks submissions for cash prizes, try to avoid the women-bent-over-a-boardwalk motif. $20 entry fee & work should be sent to All Arts Matter, P.O. Box 513, Greenville, NY 12083 by Aug. 1; or call 518-966-4038 for more info.
FUNNIEST GAY OR LESBIAN CONTEST
Annual competition seeks gay jokes at Stand-Up NY Comedy Club; call Bob at 212-877-4766 for more info [through 5/31].
MENTOR PROGRAM
Convenant House's Rights of Passage seeks volunteers to share experiences w/formerly homeless kids; 212-727-4198 for more info [through 5/31].
NASHVILLE NEW MUSIC CONFERENCE
Now accepting submissions for four-day festival in Oct., 615-269-5454 or www.2nmc.com for more info. All entries must be received by June 30.
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
The International Library of Photography will award $60,000 in prizes. Contest is free, deadline is May 31; Send one photo in the category of people, travel, pets, children, sports, nature, action, humor, portraiture or other to: The International Library of Photography, #101-2611, 3600 Crondall Lane, Owings Mills, MD, 21117 or www.picture.com for info.
SCHOOL GRANTS
McDonalds will award $50,000 to help NYC teachers fund family activities, deadline is May 25th, call 516-872-1480, ext.773 for more info.
THE USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION
Fifteen categories, $50,000 awarded. Songs must be five minutes or less & lyrics need to be written down, $30 application fee; visit www.songwriting.net for more info. Contests runs through May 31.
Wednesday 5/16
LIGHTHOUSE INTERNATIONAL'S ANNUAL POSH SALE
Benefit preview for designer sample sale feat. Calvin Klein, Versace, Kenneth Cole, Armani & Donna Karan; 110 E. 60th St. (betw. Lexington & Park Aves.), 212-821-9300; 6-9 p.m., $100, incl. reception & free adm. [through Sat.].
SHOWROOM SEVEN SAMPLE SALE
Stock & samples, sizes 6-10, cash & credit cards?Ghost, Erickson Beamon, Kitty Boots, Whistles & Petro Zillia; 498 7th Ave., 24th fl. (betw. 37th & 38th Sts.), 212-643-4810; 10-7, free to look [continues Thurs.-Sat. & Mon., through 5/25].
THIRTEEN/WNET
Tri-state Community Advisory Board meeting; 450 W. 33rd St., 6th fl. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-560-3021; 4-5, free.
Thursday 5/17
IRIS BALL
Annual black-tie event held by the NYC chapter of Helen Keller Services for the Blind; St. Regis Roof, 2 E. 55th St. (betw. 5th & Madison Aves.), 212-285-7029; 7, $350.
SOCIAL DISCUSSION
Dinner & socializing for bisexuals & their supporters; NY Spaces, 131 W. 72nd St. (betw. B'way & Columbus Ave.), 212-714-7714; 6-8, $3-$5.
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY
TOPS, a non-profit weight loss support group, holds free open houses today & Sundays at noon; Gracie Sq. Hospital, 420 1st Ave., 1st fl. (25th St.), 212-758-6389 or www.tops.org; 5:45, call for price [repeats Sun. at 12].
Friday 5/18
STROKE ALERT ASSESSMENT
Free screenings at 430 E. 80th St. (betw. York & 1st Aves.), 212-717-8888, ext.204, res. req.; 12-5:30.
SINGLES UPBEAT SOIREE
Introductions, buffet, conversation & drinks in 10021, Manhattan's richest ZIP code; Penthouse at Sutton Pl. Suites, 300 E. 58th St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 718-875-3878, res. req.; 9:30, $38 [repeats Sat.].
Saturday 5/19
BLESSING OF THE BICYCLES
Kick off a safe cycling season by getting your cruiser blessed at St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave. (112th St.), 212-316-7449; 2, free.
CONTRA & SQUARE DANCE
Beginners welcome, no partner needed, live music, wear soft-soled nonstreet shoes; Metropolitan Duane Church, 201 W. 13th St. (7th Ave.), 212-459-4080; 7:45, $11.
RECORD & CD EXPO
Thousands of LPs, 45s, 78s, v-discs, books, posters & photos; Embassy Ballrooms, Inn on W. 57th, 440 W. 57th St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 973-773-6067; 10-4, $6.
T.A.G. TEAM EXHIBIT
Exhibition & showing of designer Karim Rashid's Bombay Sapphire glass; Pier 59, W. 18th St. (West Side Hwy.), 718-488-0650; 10 a.m.-7 p.m., free.
Sunday 5/20
ISRAELI FOLK DANCING
In the classic tradition, w/new dances as well; Bridge for Dance, 2726 B'way (104th St.), 212-620-0535; 8, $5.
NY INTERNATIONAL TRIBAL ANTIQUES SHOW
For that room that could use a fertility stick; Park Ave. Armory, Park Ave. (67th St.), 212-472-1180 or www.cloudband.com; 12-8:30, $15 [repeats Mon. & Tues. 12-8:30, through 5/23].
NYC CAMERA SHOW & SALE
New & used cameras, darkroom equipment & accessories; Embassy Ballrooms, Holiday Inn, 440 W. 57th St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 973-472-5460; 10-3, $6.
POTLUCK DINNER
Bring a dish & "the farmer" will offer tips on buying local produce; Arrow Community, 35-38 35th St. (36th Ave.), Astoria, 718-937-1264; 5-8.
SPRINGFEST!
From today until Father's Day, Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers weekly programs incl. "Secrets of the Garden," feat. tours & facts about the Garden; 1000 Washington Ave. (Empire Blvd.), 718-622-4433; 1-5, free w/grounds adm. [through 6/17].
Monday 5/21
FRIENDLY FRENCH CONVERSATION GROUP
Weekly readings catering towards 18th-century French literature; 54 Carmine St. (betw. Bleecker & Bedford Sts.), 914-803-0654; 7:30, free.
Tuesday 5/22
ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCE
Beginners welcome, no partner needed, live music, wear soft-soled nonstreet shoes; Metropolitan Duane Church, 201 W. 13th St. (7th Ave.), 212-459-4080; 7, $10.