Community briefs 8/6

BLOOD DONORS, Free ice cream
Friendly's has teamed up with the American Red Cross to give presenting blood donors in New England during August a coupon for one free carton of Friendly's ice cream. Blood is used to treat trauma victims, surgical patients, people undergoing cancer treatment and premature babies, among others. It is the only medicine that cannot be manufactured but must come from caring volunteer donors.
To find a Red Cross blood drive, or for more information, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit online at bloodct.org.

HORIZONS FOR HOMELESS, Play with children
Horizons for Homeless Children is seeking volunteers to interact and play with children living in family, teen parent, and domestic violence shelters in Greater Boston. Daytime and evening shifts available. A commitment of two hours a week for six months is required. The next training session is Monday, Aug. 11, and Tuesday, Aug. 12.
Call 617-445-1480 for more information, or visit www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org.

VESCONE, Prepare for retirement
Gain a better understanding of the steps you need to consider for a more secure future with, It's Not Your Parents Retirement: How Does Your Future Look?, at VESCONE, 180 Bear Hill Road, on Tuesday Aug. 12, 7 p.m. What can you do today to better prepare for your retirement? Will you have enough saved for your retirement years? What are the risks that could change your retirement income? How will Social Security fit in?
RSVP to Kelly Parkinson at kparkinson@vescone.com, 781-684-8387, or www.vescone.com.

WALTHAM DAY, Vendors, volunteers sought
Waltham Day on the Common will be held rain or shine Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Waltham Common. This is a free fun filled day for all ages and volunteers are needed. Organizations - civic, school or religious - looking to fulfill a community service are welcome. The deadline for the application for vendors or non-profits interested in setting up a table for the event is Aug. 15.
Contact Julie Monaghan at Mayor McCarthy's office 781-314-3102.

REAGLE PLAYERS, `No No Nanette'
As part of its 40th anniversary season, Reagle Players, at Robinson Theater, 617 Lexington St., presents its first Waltham Night on Friday, Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m. - the official press opening of its third summer musical, the popular 20s song and dance extravaganza, ``No, No, Nanette.'' All tickets for legitimate Waltham residents may be purchased for $30. The youth rate remains at $25. An additional $10 fee admits guests to the opening night lobby reception to meet the cast and enjoy varied light refreshments.
``Nanette,'' running Aug. 7-16, stars Broadway superstar Donna McKechnie and Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy.
Call 781-891-5600 for tickets and information or visit the box office daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., or 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

EPOCH, Ethan Stone
EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Chestnut Hill, 615 Heath St., will host talented musician Ethan Stone on Friday, Aug. 15, 2:30 p.m. Stone attended Berklee College of Music, where he earned his bachelor's degree in jazz composition. He has performed throughout the United States, Europe and Latin America. Stones performances include a combination of popular songs and jazz from the '20s, '30s and '40s.
The performance is free and open to the public. A reservation is requested. Call Mary Rivera at 617-243-9990.

TIME FOR PARTNERS, Registration ongoing
Register now for Time for Partners, Arts in the Parks Children's Enrichment Classes in art and music for children 18 months to 4 with an adult. Experienced caring and dedicated art and music teachers have structured this program so children and adult together can explore the visual and musical arts - building bonds that last a lifetime. Adult partner may be grandparent, nanny or other adult of choice.
Programs are held at The Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada St., 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. The 15-week Fall session runs Sept. 22-Jan. 22. Cost is $225, $250 for non-residents. For further information and registration form, call 617-796-1540 or visit www.ci.newton.ma.us, Click on Departments and Cultural Affairs.

DORSHEI TZEDEK, Openings for religious school
Congregation Dorshei Tzedek's Religious School is a Reconstructionist educational program in West Newton that values creativity and experiential learning. Children in grades K-7 study Jewish history and Torah, celebrate Shabbat and the full cycle of Jewish holidays, and carry out acts of gemilut hasadim (loving kindness) and tikkun olam (social justice). They learn both modern Hebrew and prayer Hebrew through song, drama, and stories as well as text study in a lively and engaging environment. The curriculum is committed to making Judaism relevant and meaningful for parents as well as for children, with equal emphasis on men's and women's roles in Jewish texts, worship, and history.
For more information, call 617-965-5443 or go to www.dorsheitzedek.org/school.htm.