Jumpstart Fresno hopes the power of the beard will advance its quest to provide tutorial services to area preschool children with a Battle of the Beards competition at noon Wednesday, Dec. 18, in the Free Speech Area at Fresno State. Sign-ups are being accepted now through Dec. 17 in the Thomas Administration Building, room 107. Early registration fee is $2. On the day of the event, the fee is $3. The first-place winners from two categories — most creative and biggest change — will receive a prize and go head-to-head for the grand prize. All proceeds benefit the Jumpstart program, which is part of the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning at Fresno State. INFO/REGISTER: 559.278.8846 or fresnojumpstart@gmail.com. See: Jumpstart.