Anthem auditions
The Bowie Baysox will hold auditions Saturday, March 21, for those who would like to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at home games during the coming season. Prince George's Stadium gates open at 9 a.m. for registration, and auditions begin at 9:30 a.m.
Every participant must register, and auditions are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. Auditions will be held rain or shine, reservations for audition times will not be accepted, and word sheets are not allowed during the audition. All auditions must be done in person. Auditions are open to any individual or small group, and instrumentalists are permitted. Interested large church or school groups should call 410-301-464-4880. For directions and more information, go to baysox.com.
Basketball academy
Free clinics for boys and girls ages 7-15 are held from 1 p.m to 3 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays through March 29 at Seven Oaks Elementary School, 1905 Town Center Drive in Odenton. Individual instructions available on shooting, ball handling, rebounding, and speed and agility. Information, contact Boone at 410-903-4927 or email gjboone@verizon.net.
Fruit sale
The Severn River Lions Club is selling Florida citrus fruit as part of fundraising efforts to benefit several community groups. Orders may be placed by Saturday, Feb. 28, for delivery between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. March 7 at Severna Park High School, 60 Robinson Road. Fruit remaining that day after 1 p.m. will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
To order: 410-518-9863, 410-647-7135, 410-544-1156, 410-647-73382756 or severnriverlions.org/fruit.htm.
Operation Paperback
This nonprofit collects used books nationwide and sends them to U.S. troops deployed overseas. Since 1999, more than 1 million books have been shipped to military personnel around the world. Organizing the effort in this area is Sandy Marron of Annapolis. She can be contacted at slmmuscles1@aol.com. Put "books" in the subject line. Information: operationpaperback.org.
'Critter Hour'
Visitors can join educators from the museum from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Annapolis Maritime Museum, 723 Second St. Be prepared to get wet and muddy as participants explore oyster habitats, catch crabs and wade in the water to catch Chesapeake Bay critters. Activities vary each month and are appropriate for family members of all ages. "Critter Hour" is free and open to the public. Information: 410-295-0104 or amaritime.org.
Calling all triathletes
The ninth annual Emily Schindler Memorial Triathlon will be held April 18 at theCommunity Center in Severna Park. The 800-yard swim, 9.5-mile bike and 3-mile run will be held at the SPY Aquatics Center, 623 Baltimore/Annapolis Blvd. and the Baltimore/Annapolis Trail. Interested persons can also sign up for the Flamingo Feat distance of a1600 yard swim, 18-mile bike and six-mile run. Athletes can compete as individuals or by teams of two or three. Early registration ends March 30. To register and more information, go to spcc-aquatics.org.
Register your bike
The Annapolis Police Department is sponsoring a bicycle registration program. The owner's name, address and phone number and the bike's serial number, manufacturer and color are recorded in the department's database. Registration is available to any Annapolis resident. To schedule an appointment, contact Cpl. Craig Medley at 410-268-9000, ext. 7225, or cemedley@annapolis.gov. Owners must bring their bikes when registering. Neighborhood associations should contact Medley if they want to hold a community registration.
Child care grants
If you are a grandparent or relative, 55 or older, and the primary caregiver for a child 18 or younger, you may be eligible for a grant program offered by the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Grants are available to assist with care, clothing, school supplies and activities. Information: 410-222-4464, ext. 3043.