special contests for its June 3 Hurricane supplement.

The first event is an art contest for children aged 5 to 10. A winner will be chosen for each age category with honourable mentions. The winners will receive $25 gift certificates from Artcetera and have their work featured in the supplement.

This event was held last year and 232 paintings were received and judged by Marlee Robinson and Peggy Kett. Last year's theme was "Animals and Plants.'' Judges usually look for vibrant colours and originality.

"Hurricanes and the Sea'' will be the art theme this year. Do you wonder what happens to our sea creatures, beaches and boats during a hurricane? Have you ever seen beach erosion as a result of pounding waves? What if you were a brain coral attached to a reef or a tiny suckrock holding on for dear life? Or maybe you are a mama dolphin about to have a baby dolphin? The rules are: Draw us a colourful painting by hand on a standard sheet of plain white art paper, usually the thick textured paper works best. We will accept one drawing per child.

Mediums may include: watercolours, pastels, crayons, and markers used in any combination; Each drawing should have the artist's name, age, and title on the front of the drawing and the home phone number and school listed on the back of the drawing.

Drawings may be sent to the Royal Gazette Ltd. 2 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton marked: "Hurricane Art Contest,'' Supplement.

Additionally, we are inviting children and adults to write us a real life hurricane short story based on your personal experience during any hurricane.

Do you remember where you were during Emily? Did your family keep a hurricane journal? Did something unusual happen? What did you learn? The winner and runner-up will receive $25 gift certificates and have their stories published in the supplement.

All entries should be typed, double spaced and no longer than 300 words.

All stories must have the writer's name and phone number. We will accept one story per writer.

Stories may be sent to the Royal Gazette Ltd., 2 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton marked: "Real Life Hurricane Short Story,'' Supplement.

Deadlines for both the drawings and the stories will be May 21 at 5 p.m.

If you have any questions regarding these contests please call Beverley Causey-Smith on 295-5881, extension 246.

HURRICANES HUR NEWSPAPER NJ