Some time ago, I joined Freecycle (http://www.freecycle.org), an online community that's sort of an organized form of curb-picking. Its members share their castoffs to keep them out of landfills.

You're allowed to post items you want to give away or items you'd like to have, but you're not allowed to charge for them. It's a great way to clean out the basement, meet some nice people and, if you're lucky, find some real gems. >/p>

But I think my favorite part of Freecycle has become reading the postings.

They include oddball items (''offer: hedgehog food'') and odd combinations (''Taken: Transmission Fluid and Quesadilla Maker''). They represent high aspirations (''Wanted: 2 Dave Matthews Band Tickets'') and basic needs (''Wanted manure''). And as someone who makes a living with words, I can't help snickering at some of the language abuse (''I am need of a Refridgerater'').

But my all-time favorite was this recent posting on behalf of a car restorer:

''Wanted: 55 inch rear end.''

If only getting rid of mine were that easy.

The next great wrapper

3M is once again searching for the country's top wrap artist.

Its America's Most Gifted Wrapper competition is now open. You can enter by mail at Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper Contest, c/o Hunter Public Relations, 41 Madison Ave., Fifth Floor, New York, NY 10010; by fax at 212-679-6607; or by e-mail at giftedwrapper@hunterpr.com.

You must submit an essay of 100 words or fewer explaining why you or your nominee has what it takes to win. Include your name, home address and daytime phone number, along with your fax number and e-mail address, if available. If you're nominating someone else, provide the same information for that person. Be sure to note whether you or your nominee is entering as a professional or amateur.

Deadline is Oct. 1. Eight finalists will compete for a $10,000 grand prize Nov. 30 at New York's Rockefeller Center.

Rules are at http://www.ScotchBrand.com.

More contests

Monarch Composite Deck & Railing Systems is looking for the world's worst deck. Winner gets a 12-by-12-foot composite deck worth $5,000. Enter a photo of your dilapidated deck at http://www.worldsworstdeck.com.

Critter-control company Sweeney's is sponsoring a Best Mole Woe Stories Contest. For the chance to win a $500 Lowe's gift card, relate your tale, including what you did about the problem, at http://www. wrsweeney.com. Deadline is Sept. 1.

American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning's My Comfy Home Coloring Contest gets the whole family involved. Parents or caregivers are asked to submit a 100-word essay about why they want to make their home more comfortable for their family, and their child is asked to draw a picture of their home. More details are at http://www.americanstandardair.com/comfy. Deadline is Sept. 20.

Events, programs

Ikebana Society Show, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd. Free with admission ($7.50; children ages 3 to 12, $3; members and younger children, free). Information: 216-721-1600 or http://www.cbgarden.org.

Warm Up Portage Lakes meeting, 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Coventry Senior Center, 335 E. Willowview Drive. Members knit and crochet afghans for needy people in the Akron area and will teach others the skill. Information: 330-645-9089.

Men's Garden Club of Akron meeting, Monday evening, The Memorial Dining Room, 440 Grant St., Akron. Social hour starts at 5:30; dinner at 6:30. Program: mini horticulture show. Cost: $12. Reservations: 330-825-5315 or 330-673-3553. Information: http://www.acorn.net/ mgcakron.

Clutter Club meeting, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, North Canton Public Library, 185 N. Main St. Club provides participants with organizing ideas. Free. Information: 330-309-5280 or http://www.realsolutionsforliving.com/clutterclub.html.

Treemendous Treehouses, through Oct. 31, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. Display of 11 walk-through treehouses designed by architects, builders, artists and others. Exhibit is included in Stan Hywet admission (grounds only, $8; grounds and self-guided Manor House tour, $12; discounts for children; members free). Information: 330-836-5533 or http://www.stanhywet.org.

Mail notices of classes, programs and events two weeks in advance to: Home and Garden News, Features Department, Akron Beacon Journal, P.O. Box 640, Akron OH 44309-0640. Please include your name and telephone number. All events must be open to the public.

Mary Beth Breckenridge can be reached at 330-996-3756 or mbrecken@thebeaconjournal.com.