Five Things for the Week Ahead: BOE Candidate Forums; Comedy Shows and Maria from Sesame Street

1. The League of Women Voters of New Rochelle invites community residents to meet this year’s candidates for the New Rochelle Board of Education and the Library Board of Trustees  Each candidate will briefly discuss their goals, interests and objectives for the upcoming year. There will be a question and answer session following the presentations. For more information, or questions call Joan Alexander 914-715-3916.

2. Pelham residents will get two chances this week to meet the candidates for the Pelham Board of Education. Tonight, the Pelham Civics Association and the Junior League of Pelham are hosting a candidates forum at ’s Alumni Hall. The forum begins at 7:30 p.m. On Wednesday, the Siwanoy Elementary School PTA is hosting a forum at Rockwells Restaurant. That forum begins at 7 p.m. Click here for a roundup of Patch’s ongoing coverage of the school board race.

3. Sonia Manzano, known for her role as “Maria” in the groundbreaking children’s TV series Sesame Street, luncheon benefit on Friday, May 11, 2012.  The benefit, which draws nearly 600 people and is open to the public, is hosted by the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester and will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilton Rye Town. Tickets cost $150.

4. On Friday, May 11,  the Presbyterian Women of Huguenot Memorial Church are hosting at 7 p.m. in the church's Soper Chapel. Donna East, NYC's "Queen of Clean", will perform original material, straight from the experiences of her wacky life, crazy family, and life's funky stuff. East has performed on the "Late Show with David Letterman," the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno," at "Carolines on Broadway," and the Gotham Comedy Club. Tickets cost $40 and include the one-hour comedy show, along with light refreshments. Reserve a spot with a check payable to "Presbyterian Women of Huguenot" and mail to Julia Coss, Treasurer, at 39 Emerson Ave. New Rochelle, NY 10801. Proceeds from the show will the support the Presbyterian Women's Mission.

5. The Westchester Children’s Museum is holding its annual benefit , inside the Ritz-Carlton Westchester in White Plains.  The event honoree is Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore.  The evening will feature a silent auction, as well as cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets start at $200. Parties of 10 or more will receive a special discounted ticket price. To learn about sponsorships, tickets, and volunteer opportunities, please contact rsvp@discoverwcm.org or 914-421-5050.