AREA CELEBRATIONS & FESTIVALS

• Cranberry Community Collects Cards
  Cranberry Township's popular July 4 Community Day celebration will salute America's armed forces by collecting prepaid phone cards as well as cash donations to purchase phone cards for service men and women stationed in the Middle East, to be used at their convenience. Volunteers will accept your donations throughout the day.
   
• Marshall Township Celebrates
  Community Day is Saturday, July 15 at Knob Hill Park, 3pm until dark. Activities will include a climbing wall, inflatables, pony rides, petting zoo, and more.
   
• Pine Residents Gather
  Pine Community Day is Saturday, July 22, 2pm to dusk at the Community Park. Fun, food, games and fireworks for the whole family.
   
• Zelie Hosts Annual Festival
  Horse Trading Days Arts & Music Festival in Zelienople is July 20-22 along Main Street. Visit www.horsetradingdays.info for a complete listing of events and activities.
   
• Parish Festival in West View
  St. Athanasius Parish’s annual festival is Thursday–Saturday, August 3-5, 6-11pm, (5-11 pm Saturday). $7,000 raffle, bingo, basket raffle, bake shop, kids korner and slot machines. Dinners served nightly from 5-7 pm.

BENEFITS & FUNDRAISERS

• 5K Run Supports Rotary Programs
  Hampton Township Rotary Firecracker 5K is Tuesday, July 4, 9am. Part of Hampton Township’s July 4th celebration, funds raised by the run will support the rotary’s various educational and charitable activities. Registration required. Visit www.hamptonrotary.com.
   
• Race Benefits Cancer Research
  The fifth annual Race for Virginia & Friends 5K run/walk is Tuesday, July 4, Cranberry Community Park. Start time is 7:30am. For more information, call 724-772-7429.
   
• NHCO’S Back to School Project
  Beginning July 5, NHCO will accept donations of new backpacks and other school supplies. Contact Judy Murchak, 412-487-6316.
   
• Walk for Easter Seals
  Easter Seals Western Pennsylvania’s fourth annual Walk With Me event and fundraiser is Sunday, July 16, 8am registration, 9am walk at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. The walk raises funds to support Easter Seal services. A community picnic will follow the walk. Registration required at www.walkwithme.org or at the event.
   
• Relay for Life
  The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a non-competitive community event where teams take turns walking or running around a track for 24 hours. Money is raised by the team members prior to the event and will support research, education and patient services. The 2006 Relay for Life is in Cranberry Twp.’s North Boundary Park from 10am, July 22 through 10am, July 23. Contact Tonya Newberry at 412-919-1072 or tonya.newberry@cancer.org. Team registration is $10/person.
   
• Flea Market at St. Alexis
  A giant flea market at St. Alexis Church in McCandless is Saturday, July 22, 8am-2pm. Big Bag sale is from 1-2pm.
   
• Golf Outing Benefits Care Center
  Concordia Lutheran Ministries is holding its golf outing at Deer Run Golf Club in Gibsonia on Monday, July 24 to benefit the Lund Care Center expansion. Cost is $110/golfer. For more information, call 1-888-352-1571, ext. 298.
   
• 5K Benefits Free Care
  Make plans to participate in the St. Barnabas Medical Center annual 5K run/walk on Saturday, Aug. 5, 9am. For more information, call 724-444-5512 or visit www.stbarnabas5k.com.
   
• Steelers Tickets Raffle Benefits Blind
  Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services (BVRS), a nonprofit agency serving people with vision loss, is raffling off a complete set of Steelers home game tickets to benefit its programs. The winner will receive two adjacent-seat tickets for each of the eight upcoming regular home games. Raffle tickets cost $100, only 1,000 tickets will be sold. The drawing will be held at BVRS’ annual Steelers Alumni Charity Golf Classic, scheduled for Monday, Aug. 7, at Diamond Run Golf Club. Raffle tickets may be purchased through the agency’s web site at www.blindVR.org, or call 412-368-4400 ext. 2292.
   
• Used Vehicles Wanted
  Community Auto, a nonprofit organization partnering with North Hills Community Outreach to provide low-cost donated vehicles to low-income workers, is accepting used cars in any condition. Call 724-443-8300.
   
• Outing Supports Seniors
  A golf outing to support North Hills Senior Services, Inc. is on Aug. 7 at Deer Run Golf Club. Call St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Allison Park for more information and to register.
   
• Triathlon for Kids
  Kids, ages 7-12, who like to swim, bike and run can register for the Inaugural Kids Triathlon at North Park on Saturday, Aug. 12. Race times 8 -11am. Sign up at www.pittsburghhabitat.org. Your $20 registration fee benefits Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity.
   
• Tickets Available for 84 Lumber Classic
  Two area organizations are selling discounted tickets for this golf event at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Sept. 11-17. Tickets: $15 each or $50 for four (regular price: $25 each). Each group receives 100% of the ticket price to benefit their programs.
   
• North Hills Community Outreach, helping local families in need: contact Kerry Mink, 412-487-6316.
   
• St. Anthony School Programs, offering services to special needs children: contact Karen Babeji, 724-940-9020 ext. 104.
   
• Walk for Cancer Care
  The “5K Have It Your Way Walk” is Sunday, Sept. 17, in North Park at the swimming pool. Registration at 9am; walk at 10am. All proceeds benefit the Cancer Caring Center. Call 412-622-1212 for more info.
   

SPECIAL INTERESTS

• Garden Club Gathers
  Ingomar Garden Club’s annual picnic is July 5 in McCandless. Their club’s annual auction of members’ valuable perennials will follow the lunch and program. For directions, call 724-452-2944.
   
• NHCO Volunteer Orientation
  Current and prospective volunteers ages 14 and up are invited to a one-hour volunteer orientation on Tuesday, July 18, 10am, at NHCO Allison Park. RSVP Ginny Giles 412-487-6316.

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

• Support Local Growers
  A Farmers’ Market, featuring local growers, is on Thursdays, 3:30-6:30pm, in the Pine Community Park through Sept. 14.
   
• Day Camps for Kids
  • North Way Christian Community: KiDZ G.I.G. “Fiesta” Summer Bible Camp, 9am-noon, July 10-13. Age 3 – grade 5. Call 724-935-6803 to register.
  • Bakerstown First Presbyterian Church: Summer Blast Camp – Fiesta!, July 10-14, 9am-noon. Age 4 – grade 5. $17/child. For children who have completed grade 2-grade 5 and attend the morning camp, an extended day program is available from 12-5pm, July 10-13. $60/child. Registration required, 724-443-1555.
  • Salem United Methodist Church: Vacation Bible School, July 31–Aug. 4, 5-8pm. Age 3 – fifth grade. Donation request is $20. For more information, call 724.935.1627.
    
    
• Reading Program offered by Owl Cleaners
  Owl Cleaners’ inaugural READ TO RIDE program is giving children another reason to read books this summer. Children, ages 5-12, earn one chance to win a bicycle and helmet for every book they complete. Enroll in a summer reading program at: Cranberry Library, Northland Library, Kumon Learning Center or Munchkin’s Bookshelf. Entry forms will be accepted through Aug. 20. Drawings will be held July 24, Cranberry Library; Aug. 7, Northland Library; and Aug. 21, Munchkin’s Bookshelf. For more info, go to www.OwlCleaners.com.
   
• Outdoor Learning for Kids
  The Pennsylvania Resources Council is sponsoring Eco-Camp for kids 7-12 years old, July 12-14, 9am-3pm in North Park’s Latadomi Nature Center to teach kids about recycling, watersheds and resource conservation. Cost is $50. For registration, call 412-431-4449, ext. 246 or visit www.prc.org.
   
• Movies in Pine Park
  Movies are shown in Pine Community Park on Wednesdays starting at dusk. This month’s movies are “Radio”, July 5; “Curious George”, July 19.
   
• Kids Dig Marshall
  Kids are welcome to a Dinosaur Dig, Tuesday, July 25, Knob Hill Park-Elias Fry Barn, 1-2pm. This 45-minute interactive session will have the kids uncovering what is lurking within their rocks. Bring a small hammer and protective eyewear from home. Register at 724-935-3090. Fee: $3/Marshall resident; $5/non-resident.
   
• Family Fun for Special Needs
  Marshall Township’s Special Needs Family Fun Day, Saturday, July 29, Blueberry Hill Park Football Stadium. Free Lunch at Noon; activities 1-4pm. This is a recreational day for all special needs participants to have fun regardless of their abilities. Contact Jim Watenpool, 412-364-4115 x 318.
   
• Babysitting Certification Offered
  American Red Cross Babysitting Class, Sunday, July 30, Marshall Township Municipal Building-Lower Level, 10am-6pm. Anyone over the age of 11 will receive a certificate. Registration required by July 21. Call 724-935-3090 to register. Fee: $55/residents; $60/non-residents.
   
• Ask the Attorney
  Volunteer attorneys provide free 1/2-hour legal consultations on non-criminal matters to qualified individuals. Appointments are required for Wednesday, July 12, 7-9pm, NHCO’s Millvale Satellite. Contact Nancy Jones, 412-487-6316.

AREA SUPPORT GROUPS

• Young Widows/Widowers, July 6, 7pm, King’s Restaurant in Wexford. Harriet, 412-487-6316.
   
• Well Spouse Support Group, July 6, 7-8:30pm, Unity Church, 215 Unity Trestle Rd. Edie, 724-733-0034. This group is the only one of its kind in the area.
   
• Bereavement Support Group, July 10, 2pm, NHCO Allison Park. Sponsored by Trinity Hospice. Sister Elizabeth, 412-351-4494 to register.
   
• Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support, July 11, 7pm, NHCO Allison Park. Sponsored by Orion Assisted Living. 412-492-7200 to register.
   
• Alzheimer's Support Group, July 17, 7-8:30pm, UPMC St. Margaret Conference Center, 815 Freeport Road. 412-784-5313.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

• Art Exhibit Opens
  North Hills Art Center hosts the Spirit of America Gala Art Exhibit, July 8 through the end of summer. Gala opening is Saturday, July 8, 6-9pm. Musical entertainment, admission and parking are free. Call 412-364-3622.
   
• Concert in the Park
  Township of Pine is holding a free concert on Wednesday, July 12, 7:30-9pm featuring “8th Street Rox” in the Community Park.
   
• Summer Concert Series at Hartwood Acres
  All performances, unless noted, are free at the Hartwood Amphitheatre.
  • July 2, 8pm, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (Classical)
  • July 21-July 23, 12th Annual Pittsburgh Blues Festival. Proceeds benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Friday: Free admission with bag of donated non-perishable groceries; Saturday & Sunday: $18 in advance; $20 at gate; $30 for 2-day weekend pass; $75 for Family Fun pass. For tickets, visit www.pghblues.com or call 412-460-BLUES.
  • July 30, 7:30pm, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals and Billy Price Band (Blues)
     
• Music at the Kean
  Pure Gold, an oldies band, will perform on Saturday, July 22, 8pm at the Kean Theatre. Tickets: $29/general admission; $35/Director’s Circle. 724-444-5326. Proceeds benefit St. Barnabas Free Care Fund.
   
• Paintball Festival Returns
  The Three Rivers Paintball Festival is July 27-30 at the Three Rivers Paintball Park, 282 Rochester Rd. In addition to the amateur teams slated to compete, recreational players can play for fun or to improve their skills. A two-day role-playing adventure titled "Team America" will run July 29-30, and a paintball skills clinic will be offered by pro-players on July 26. Open to the public. Visit www.PaintballFestival.com or call 724-775-8299.
   
• Summer Music in Cranberry
  Cranberry Township's free, Thursdays in the Park summer music series, 7pm, Rotary Amphitheatre lawn in Community Park.
  • Tuesday, July 11, Joe Negri and the Neighborhood Friends, music for young children from the cast of 'Mister Rogers Neighborhood'
  • Thursday, July 13, Dwayne Dolphin - Jazz
  • Thursday, July 20, Burgh Big Band - Big Band
  • Thursday, July 27, The Eldorado Band - Country
     
• WDVE Hosts “Battle of the Bands”
  The battle is Friday, July 7, 7-10pm at Knob Hill Park-Elias Fry Barn. Six bands will compete. Live music, refreshments and more! Sponsored by Marshall Township.

FOR SENIORS ONLY

• AARP Picnics
   
• Glenshaw AARP #3744 covered dish picnic, Tuesday, July 11, 2pm, North Park Ranch House. $3/person. Reservation required, 412-486-3158.
   
• Mt. Royal AARP #2510 annual picnic, Wednesday, July 26, 1pm, North Park Ranch House. Contact Jane, 724-898-2609.
   
• AARP Driver Safety Program
   
• Monday/Tuesday, July 10/11, Hampton Community Center, 9am-1pm. $10 fee. Pre-registration required, call 412-784-5313. Sponsored by AARP and the St. Margaret Foundation.
   
• Wednesday/Thursday, July 19/21, 9am-1pm, William S. Hansen Conference Center at Allegheny General Hospital Suburban Campus. Hosted by the hospital, $10 fee. Register, 1-877-284-2000, by July 11.

BUSINESS EVENTS

• Networking for Women
  The Women’s Business Network meets twice monthly. North Chapter, Atria's Restaurant, Rte. 19, Wexford 8am, Tuesdays, July 11 and 25. Melissa Venneri, 412-262-2234. Points North Chapter, Northland Public Library, 6pm, Wednesdays, July 12 and 26. Sydney Schwartz-Hardiman, 412-734-1364.
   
• Commonwealth Business Exchange North
  CBX North is a group of business professionals focused on the exchange of information, presentations by members and business referrals. Meetings are held every other Tuesday at 6pm at Fresco’s Restaraunt in Wexford. The next scheduled meeting is July 18. For more information, call Charles Rossier, 412-367-8744 or visit www.cbxnorth.com.