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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Birthday Wishes For Mickey

Lynn Gibson Correspondent

To grown-ups, he is the famous icon who has made lots of money for The Walt Disney Co. But to children he is an endearing cartoon companion with big, black ears, a high-pitched voice and a bright smile who has burrowed his way into hearts and imaginations everywhere.

Since 1928, Mickey Mouse has celebrated his birthday each year on Nov. 18. This year, children ages 2 to 10 have the opportunity to send him their best wishes in the Second Annual Birthday Card Contest, sponsored by Mickey’s Stuff for Kids.

Not only will the birthday greetings be hand delivered to Mickey, but some impressive prizes will be awarded to the winning entries, divided into two age categories - 2 to 5 years old and 6 to 10 years old.

A grand prize winner will be chosen from each category for an all-expenses paid trip to Disneyland for four, and $500 worth of Mickey’s Stuff for Kids merchandise. In addition, 50 First Prize winners (25 from each group) will receive $100 worth of toys, games and accessories.

Children enter the contest by creating an original birthday card for Mickey Mouse on paper no larger than 8-1/2 by 11 inches. Any art medium is acceptable (but no food, please).

On the back of the card, contestants should include their name, address, phone number and birthdate. Only one entry per person will be accepted.

The cards will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on originality, creativity, appropriateness of message and overall visual appeal.

Mail your entry by Oct. 15 to: Mickey’s Stuff for Kids Contest, P.O. Box 969, East Brunswick, NJ 08816. Winners will be notified by Nov. 18.

For contest rules, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the address above or visit Disney’s Web site at: http://www.disney.com.

Calling all grandparents

Here is an opportunity to share your life experiences in a book while passing along valuable lessons to your grandchildren.

Wayne Hilbig, president of ALTI Publishing, is seeking essays from grandparents for two books, “From Grandma with Love: a Legacy of Values” and “From Grandpa with Love: A Legacy of Values.”

“America’s children need shining examples of lives lived with decency, integrity and morality,” says Hilbig. “For that, they need you grandparents and details of the powerful, real life experiences that helped you define your values.”

Hilbig is accepting essays from grandparents, not to exceed two pages, which recount a real life incident that helped shape the guiding values of their lives.

Each submission should be simply and clearly written; the thoughts and ideas are more important than the style of writing.

Each writer whose entry is selected will receive a copy of the book, and ALTI Publishing will contribute $50 toward the writer’s favorite children’s charity.

Send your essay by Oct. 31 to: ALTI Publishing, P.O. Box 28025, San Diego, CA 92198.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: The Family Track offers notes and information for families. Write to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.

The Family Track offers notes and information for families. Write to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.