ELIZABETHTOWN — As the weather turns warmer, people tend to get busy washing baseboards, taking down blinds, and cleaning out closets in search of that perfect spring or summer ensemble. The staff and people supported at Bladen Opportunities Unlimited have been searching out something else.

Costumes.

Bladen Opportunities, a day program in Elizabethtown that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will present an Easter program, “The Passion,” on Friday, March 25, at 9:30 a.m. The supporting cast for the program, based on the resurrection of Jesus, will include staff members and people supported by Bladen Opportunities and Monarch’s sister site in Whiteville, Columbus Industries.

The program will be held at Columbus Industries, 207 W. Water St., Whiteville, and is open to the community. A $3 per person donation is encouraged to help offset the cost of production, as well as help to support the program’s summer prom so that the annual dance can be offered at no cost to the people supported.

“We would like for the Easter program to become an annual event,” said Michael Lee, program manager at Columbus Industries. “Community functions of this nature are a great way for us to continue our community integration process.”

Other area Easter events include:

March 22

— The Clarkton Public Library will conduct an Easter story time program from 6 to 7 p.m. for children ages 2 to 12. Call 910-647-3661 or go by the library to register.

March 24

— Bladen County Library’s main branch in Elizabethtown will host a Kid’s Easter Celebration from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration for children ages 2 to 12 is required, and interested persons may register by calling 910-862-6990. Guardians must accompany children.

March 26

— Living Springs Church will present a live dramatization of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ at 7 p.m. Numerous other area churches have joined with Living Springs to present the drama.

— Tar Heel Baptist Church will have an Easter Egg Hunt for children in the sixth grade and below. It will begin at 10:30 a.m and end at noon. Lunch will be served.

— Jones Lake State Park will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt and N.C. State Park Centennial Celebration for all ages from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will include games, concessions, crafts, a raffle, movie, prizes, hikes, and special events, all free of charge. Pre-registration is required and may be obtained by calling 910-588-4550 by March 23. The Easter egg hunt is scheduled to begin at 11, so participants are encouraged to arrive early to check in.

— Dublin First Baptist Church/Lake Church will have its annual Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Day from 10 a.m. until noon at Dublin School.

March 27

— Trinity Methodist Church will host its annual community-wide early rise celebration at Old Trinity Methodist Church on East Broad St. at 7 a.m. All members of the community are invited to attend.

— Tar Heel Baptist Church will have a sunrise service at 7 a.m. Breakfast will immediately follow the service, followed by Sunday School at 8 a.m. and worship at 8:30 a.m. All are invited to join the celebration.

— Dublin First Baptist Church and The Lake Church at White Lake will be presenting “He’s Alive!”, an Easter celebration service. The service will be conducted at 8:32 a.m. at the Lake Church and at 10:30 a.m. at Dublin First Baptist’s Family Life Center.

Staff report