Sisters sponsor sampler weekend
The Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh will offer a Benedictine Sampler Weekend Nov. 16 to 18 at St. Benedict Monastery, 4530 Perrysville Ave.
The weekend is for single Catholic women ages 18 and older.
A sampler weekend gives women the opportunity to meet the sisters; hear more about call and discernment; participate in the Monastic prayers; explore 'lectio,' which is sacred reading; and participate in the work and leisure rhythm of the Rule of St. Benedict.
There is no cost for the weekend. Reservations can be made by contacting Sister Judith Nero at (412) 931-2844, Ext. 118, or by e-mail at sjnero@osbpgh.org .
North Hills
Two Catholic elementary schools and one Catholic high school in the North Hills won awards in the annual 'Marc of Excellence' Awards for marketing and communications sponsored by Marc USA, a communications agency headquartered in Pittsburgh.
St. Gregory Elementary School in Zelienople won second place for best public relations coverage.
St. Sebastian Elementary School in Ross Township won second place in the newsletter competition.
North Catholic High School in Troy Hill won second place for best Web site and third place in the special event competition.
The competition was initiated three years ago as a partnership between Marc USA and the Department for Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh to teach students the importance and value of good communications and marketing skills.
Raccoon Township, Beaver County
The American Kennel Club will honor Jake, recipient in the second annual Awards for Canine Excellence in the category of therapy dog, at 1:45 p.m. today at the New Castle Kennel Club dog show, Fireman Grounds, 4061 Patterson Road, Raccoon Township.
Jake, a golden retriever, worked in the critical care unit at the Duke Children's Hospital in Durham, N.C., and participates in a variety of community activities with young children. He now lives in New Castle with his owner, Danielle Wilson.
Five dogs were named for the award in categories, including exemplary companion, law enforcement, search and rescue and service and therapy. The American Kennel Club received entries from across the country. Each winner will receive a $1,000 award and an engraved sterling silver collar medallion, and the winner's name will be engraved on a permanent plaque in the American Kennel Club library.
For more information about the American Kennel Club, visit www.akc.org on the Web.
Mars
State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe will offer a Veterans Appreciation Forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Mars Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7505, Mars Valencia Road, Mars.
Metcalfe, a Cranberry Republican, said the event gives veterans an opportunity to be honored and informed of government services available to them.
Representatives from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the Pittsburgh Regional Office of Veterans Affairs and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will be available to give brief presentations and answer questions. Refreshments will be served.
Registration will begin at 6:30 p.m. Those interested in attending should call (724) 772-3110, Metcalfe's Cranberry Township district office, by Monday.
