Bulletin Board: A weekly roundup of things to do in North communities -- March 16, 2006

BLOOD DRIVES

Valencia -- The deacons of Glade Run United Presbyterian Church, 1091 Pittsburgh Road, will hold a Central Blood Bank blood drive from 2 to 6:30 p.m. next Thursday. Call 724-898-3503 to register.

BUSINESS

McCandless -- More than 70 local vendors will be exhibiting in the business trade show, Expo 2006, from 2 to 6 p.m. today at The Chadwick on Route 19. Learn about products and services provided by area businesses. Free blood pressure screenings and body mass index assessments will be offered. The Northern Allegheny County Chamber of Commerce will sponsor free networking from 4 to 6 p.m. Admission to the trade show is free. For more information, call 724-934-9700 or visit www.naccc.com.

Pine -- Cranberry Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a member-guest luncheon March 30 at the Treesdale Golf & Country Club. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m.; lunch will be served at noon. Cost is $20 for chamber members, free for guests. Registration is required; call 724-776-4949.

DINNERS

Franklin Park -- St. Brendan's Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Road, will hold a St. Patrick's Day dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. tomorrow. Menu will include corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots, Irish soda bread, beverage and desserts. Tickets are $10 for adults; $4 for children, 11 and younger. Maximum cost is $25 per family. Call 412-364-5974.

Indiana Township -- Trinity United Church of Christ, 3712 Saxonburg Blvd., will hold a ham loaf dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 11 and younger. For reservations, call 412-767-4794.

Richland -- Bakerstown United Methodist Church, 5760 William Flynn Highway, will hold a chili cook-off and talent show from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the church. Tickets are $5 and includes a chili buffet. Children 5 and younger participate at no charge. Proceeds will benefit a church mission trip and disaster relief efforts. Limited seating. Call 724-443-3184 for reservations.

EDUCATION

Marshall -- Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School, a statewide public charter school for students K-9, will be host to a parent information session from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Four Points Sheraton, 910 Sheraton Drive. Families will learn more about the school, view the curriculum, books and materials, and see a demonstration of the academic program. Free. Call 610-275-8500 or visit www.pavcs.org.

ENTERTAINMENT

Ben Avon -- Community Theatre Players will perform "You Have the Right to Remain Dead" at 8 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday and March 23-25 at the Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon, 7501 Church St. Tickets cost $7. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. before Friday performances and cost is an additional $15 per person. To order tickets and make dinner reservations, call 412-734-3929.

McCandless -- North Allegheny Senior High School will present "Guys and Dolls" at 7 p.m. Wednesday through March 25 and at 2 p.m. March 26 in the high school auditorium, 10375 Perry Highway. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. Call 724-934-7288.

Butler -- The Butler County Symphony Orchestra will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday in Butler Intermediate High School auditorium, 551 Fairground Hill Road. World War II veterans will be recognized during the concert and receive free admission to the concert; tickets must be picked up in advance at the symphony office. Regular tickets are $8-$18. Call 724-283-1402 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. weekdays.

McCandless -- Grand View College Choir from Des Moines, Iowa, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. John's Lutheran Church of Hiland, 311 Cumberland Road. Music will be choral works from the 13th century. For more information, call 412-364-1606.

Pine -- Pittsburgh International Children's Theater will present "Very Hungry Caterpillar" at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. next Thursday in Pine-Richland High School, 700 Warrendale Road. Tickets are $8.50 in advance, $10 at the door. Call 412-321-5520.

FUND-RAISERS

Ross -- HEARTH, or Homelessness Ends with Advocacy, Resources, Training and Housing, will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a community birthday party from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Benedictine Place, 4540 Perrysville Ave. Free. Enjoy refreshments and entertainment, tour the facility, meet families and learn more about volunteer and donation opportunities. Bring an item to donate to the food pantry. For more information, call 412-939-2302 or visit www.hearth-bp.org.

Ross -- Noah's Ark Traveling Stuffed Animal Workshop will hold a stuffed bunny workshop from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Holiday Inn, 4859 McKnight Road. Children will create a bunny by stuffing it, naming it, dressing it in a decorated T-shirt and completing a birth certificate. Photos can be taken with the Easter Bunny. Tickets are $25 per child. Proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Reservations requested. Call 724-799-0903.

Pine -- Pine-Richland High School Parent Support Group will hold a prom fashion show March 25 in the high school auditorium, 700 Warrendale Road. Doors open at noon; program begins at 1 p.m. Refreshments and dessert buffet will be served. Tickets are $5 at the door. During the show, Pine-Richland Key Club will accept donations of used prom gowns, shoes, accessories and new hosiery for disadvantaged youth of Allegheny County. For more information, call Judy at 724-625-9988.

HEALTH

Richland -- Bakerstown United Methodist Church Women in Christ group will hold a women's day of health and fitness from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 25 at 5760 William Flynn Highway. Free. Talk to personal trainers, personal organizers, receive free screenings, minifacials and hand massages. Light lunch will be served. All donations benefit the church's college and military outreach program. Call 724-443-3184.

Richland -- Dr. Tony Kovatch, of Pediatric Alliance, and Richard Glosser, of the National Institutes of Health Center of Excellence in Autism at the University of Pittsburgh, will speak on autism at 7 p.m. next Thursday at Cranberry Public Library, 2525 Rochester Road. Free. Reservations required; call 724-776-9100.

LIBRARIES

Bellevue -- Andrew Bayne Memorial Library, 34 N. Balph Ave., will hold an American Girl tea from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. Girls age 4 and older can bring their dolls for crafts, games and high tea. Bring cups and saucers. For reservations, call 412-766-7447.

Shaler -- Pysanky, the Ukrainian craft of egg decorating, will be taught at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Shaler North Hills Library, 1822 Mount Royal Blvd. Cost is $5 for materials. Seating is limited. Register by calling 412-486-0211.

MEETINGS

McCandless -- Dr. Tom Hannon will talk about mistakes in stone tombstones during the next North Hills Genealogists meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Northland Public Library, 300 Cumberland Road. Call Elissa at 724-935-6961.

McCandless -- North Pittsburgh Chapter of Mothers & More, a support group for at-home mothers, will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in St. John's Lutheran Church of Hiland, 311 Cumberland Road. For more information, call 724-772-0019.

Shaler -- Mount Royal AARP No. 2510 meets at noon Wednesday in Glenshaw Presbyterian Church, 300 Glenn Ave. Call Jane at 724-898-2609.

OPEN HOUSES

Areawide -- Eden Christian Academy will hold open houses beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday at its three campuses: 206 Siebert Road, Ross; 12121 Perry Highway, Pine, for pupils in preschool through sixth grade; and 318 Nicholson Road, Ohio Township, for middle and high school students. For more information, call 412-364-8055 or visit www.edenchristianacademy.org.

Muddy Creek -- Portersville Christian School, 343 E. Portersville Road, will hold an open house at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The school offers a Bible-based curriculum for prekindergarten through 12th grade. Call 724-368-8787 or visit www.portersvillechristianschool.org.

RECREATION

Marshall -- The township will sponsor adult co-ed softball beginning in May at Knob Hill and Warrendale parks. Fee is $15 per person and includes a T-shirt. For more information, call 724-935-3090.

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

Sewickley -- Antioch Baptist Church, 332 Elizabeth St., will hold its Usher/Missionary Friends and Family Day at 10:45 a.m. Sunday. Lunch will be served after the service. Call 412-741-7688.

Cranberry -- Daughters & Sons of Abraham of Carlow College will present a seminar on Easter, Passover and Ramadan, the great holy days of the major religions, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Ferdinand Church. 2535 Rochester Road. A question-and-answer session will follow. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 724-776-9177.

Richland -- The Gibsonia Study Center of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North Hills, 3914 Bakerstown Road, will offer a four-week class on biblical prophecy, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. The class is free and taught by Dr. Wayne Spear, seminary professor emeritus. For information, call 724-443-3591.

Shaler -- The Very Rev. Dr. Paul Zahl, Dean of Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, will speak Wednesday at the Church of Our Saviour, 2405 Clearview Drive. Lasagna dinner starts at 6:30, talk at 7:15 p.m. Registration is required. Call 412-486-5171 or e-mail at office@churchworthfinding.org.

Millvale -- Tabor House of Prayer, a ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale, will offer a Lenten retreat beginning at 7 p.m. March 24 through 7 p.m. March 25. Cost is $50. To register, call 412-821-1149.

SALES

Butler -- General Federation of Women's Club Intermediate League of Butler will hold an antique show and sale tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday at Tanglewood Senior Center of Lyndora, 10 Austin Ave. Admission to a gala preview from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. tomorrow is $8. Sale hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; sale admission is $6. Call 724-287-7881 or 724-283-3033.

Millvale -- Mount Alvernia Day Care and Learning Center will hold a flea market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday at 146 Hawthorne Road. Refreshments will be sold. Free parking. Call 412-821-4302.

Butler -- Butler Area Public Library, 218 N. McKean St., will sell gardening and cooking books through Saturday. Call 724-287-1715.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Areawide -- The Northern Allegheny County Chamber Education Foundation is accepting applications for five $1,000 scholarships to be awarded to graduating seniors from northern Allegheny County high schools. Graduating seniors must have a minimum QPA of 3.0. Applications must be received at the chamber office by 5 p.m. March 24. An application consists of a completed application form, grade transcript, SAT or ACT scores, resume and a written essay. The top candidates will be interviewed April 21. Winners will be notified the week of April 24. Applications are available through the high school guidance offices of Avonworth, Deer Lakes, Fox Chapel Area, Hampton, Mount Alvernia, North Allegheny, North Catholic, North Hills, Northgate, Pine-Richland, Quaker Valley, Shaler Area and Vincentian schools, or at the chamber office. Applications also are available to children of chamber members. For more information, call 724-934-9700.

Areawide -- The Pittsburgh North People for Peace will hold an essay contest for ninth- and 10th-graders. The subject this year is "Responding to Disasters." Deadline for entries is March 31. Cash prizes will be awarded. For more information, call 412-367-1049 or 412-367-0383.

Areawide -- The Northern Area Multi-Service Center is accepting applications for its $5,000 Angelo A. Ali and Alice Ali Scholarship. The recipient also will be given a $500 book allowance from the Marie Franciscus Donatelli Book Fund. Applications are available in high school guidance offices. Deadline is March 31.

SEMINARS

McCandless -- UPMC Passavant, 9100 Babcock Blvd., will present a seminar on the Medicare prescription drug benefit program from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday in Assembly Hall. Free. Registration required. Call 412-367-6643.

Richland -- Greg Friday, owner of Friday's Perennials in Harmar, will talk about perennial gardening techniques at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Northern Tier Library, 4015 Dickey Road. Tickets are $10 and include desserts and beverages. Reservations are required. Call 724-449-2665.

SPECIAL INTEREST

Areawide -- North Area Environmental Council is taking orders for evergreens, shrubs and grasses in bulk. Three-year size white pines or Canadian hemlocks, or four-year eastern red cedars are $18 for bundles of 25. Two-year redosier dogwood, serviceberry, silky dogwood or winterberry holly, or three-year black chokeberry are $14 for bundles of 10. Two-year arrowwood viburnum are $16 for bundles of 10. Free native grass seed samples are available in switch, Indian and big bluestem grasses. Orders should be placed by Tuesday. Send orders, with phone number and a check to NAEC, to: Marian Crossman, 6 Tussey Circle, Pittsburgh, 15237. Pickup from 9 a.m. to noon April 15 at Latodami Nature Barn, 575 Brown Road, North Park. Call 412-366-3339.

Harrison/Tarentum -- State Rep. Frank Dermody, D-Oakmont, will host town meetings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to discuss state-related issues and concerns April 5 in the Harrison municipal building, Municipal Drive, Natrona Heights, and April 6, Tarentum borough building, 318 E. Second Ave. For more information, call 724-274-4770 or 800-582-8683.

SUPPORT

Cranberry -- In conjunction with Medi Home Hospice, a once-a-month program dealing with grief and loss will begin at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Dutilh United Methodist Church, 1270 Dutilh Road. The sessions will provide information, support and discussion of topics such as financial needs, reinventing self, identifying losses, faith and spirituality. The program will continue on the third Tuesday of each month. To register for the series, contact Claire at 724-776-1094.

Hampton -- The Bruised Reeds, a Christian 12-step support/recovery group for adults affected by an addictive or dysfunctional family system or individual, meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays in St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Road. Call JoAnn at 412-486-7977 or 412-486-7006.

Ross -- Recovery Inc., a self-help group for people who have difficulty with depression, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive behavior, anger or bipolar disorder, meets at 8 p.m. Mondays in Christ Episcopal Church on Babcock Boulevard. Call 724-625-9390.

McCandless -- UPMC Passavant offers A Bridge to Hope, a weekly substance abuse program for families affected by addiction, from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays in Donor Hall, 9100 Babcock Blvd. Call Jean Wagner at 412-367-6643 to register.

VOLUNTEERS

Areawide -- North Hills Youth Ministry Counseling Center Inc., 802 McKnight Park Drive, Ross, needs volunteer tutors one to two hours a week. No experience necessary. For details, call Sandy Niekum at 412-366-1300, ext. 23.