What's Going On

Pamuk's 'Snow' set as book club selection

The Center for Inquiry's Friends of the Center Book Club has selected "Snow," the Nobel prize-winning novel by Orhan Pamuk, for discussion at the next meeting. The group will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at the Center, 1310 Sweet Home Road. The book club meets quarterly to discuss books from a humanist perspective. Attendance and parking are free. E-mail dhkwriter@ roadrunner. com.

Ash Wednesday fish fry set at church

SS. Peter and Paul Parish and Boy Scout Troop 22 will hold their annual Ash Wednesday Fish Fry from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6 at the church school's cafeteria, 5480 Main St. Dinner includes fish, potato salad, coleslaw, bread, dessert and beverage. Cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children. A cheese pizza dinner will also be available for $3. Take out will be available. For more information, call 633-3977.

Stroke screening set at Ascension Lutheran

Life Line Screening Radiology will provide four screenings for stroke, heart disease and osteoporosis beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4 at Ascension Lutheran Church, 4640 Main St. Four screenings take under an hour and cost $149. Pre-registration is required. Call 1-877-237-1344.

Open houses set at CCA

Christian Central Academy, 39 Academy Street, one block north of Main Street, will hold open houses from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5 and 8:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 at the school. The evening event is for parents and students of all grades. Parents will be able to schedule shadow visits for their students. The morning event event is designed for parents only of prospective kindergarten through eighth graders, featuring in-action classroom observation. Call 634-4821 ext. 107.

Ken-Ton theater group announce auditions

Auditions for the Towne Players of Ken-Ton's production of Neil Simon's "Biloxi Blues" will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 5 and 6 at the Sheridan-Parkside Community Center, 169 Sheridan-Parkside Drive, Tonawanda. Needed for the play are six men, ages 17 to 35, and two women, one 17 to 30 and one 30 to 55. Auditions will consist of cold readings of the script. Performances are the last weekend in March and the first weekend in April. Call 912-5284.

Pancake breakfast set at Masonic lodge

The Amherst Masonic Lodge and the Friends of Williamsville Parks Inc. will hold a pancake breakfast, including sausage, eggs, juice and coffee, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17 at the lodge, 5808 Main St. Tickets are $7. For more information, call 632-1312.

Music therapy demonstration set

A music therapy program, by Hospice Buffalo Assisted Living and Nursing Home Services, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 at Bassett Manor, 245 Bassett Road. The program will demonstrate Hospice's music therapy program, Life Rhythms. To celebrate Valentine's Day, Bassett Manor will also host "Love Rhythms" for families and friends. Call 686-4011 by Monday, Feb. 4 for reservations.

UB Women's Club plans wine tasting

The UB Women's Club's annual wine tasting party, featuring the food and wine of France, will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 at the Buffalo Launch Club, 503 E. River Road, Grand Island. Cost is $60 per person and reservations are required by Tuesday, Feb. 5. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Grace Capen Academic Awards. Call 626-9332.

Seedlings available at Rath's office

Erie County Legislator Edward A. Rath, R-15th District, will have order forms for the Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District Tree and Shrub Seedling Programs. Available for purchase will be over 40 types of trees, shrubs and wildflower seed mixes. Order forms will be at Rath's district office at 5500 Main St., Suite 1, Williamsville. Enter from the parking lot. Call before coming into the office. For more information, call 633-0617 or e-mail rathe@ erie. gov.

Singing valentine service offered

The Buffalo Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society will offer quartets for singing valentines from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14. Cost is $40 and includes two love songs, a rose for the recipient and a keepsake photograph. The quartets will sing anywhere including, homes, offices, nursing homes, hospitals and businesses. Cash, money order, checks and credit cards will be accepted. For more information or to schedule, call 825-3910.

Friends of Harmony offer valentines

On Feb. 13 and 14, the Friends of Harmony will send out quartets to personally deliver singing valentines to people all over WNY. The quartets will drive to homes and places of business to sing love songs, and to present a rose and a personalized Valentine along with a photo with the quartet commemorating the event at a cost of $45. Proceeds will go to costs for the non-profit organization's activities. For more information or to schedule, call 984-2923.

Tools for caregivers classes set

Classes for those helping older relatives will be held for six weeks from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays starting March 4 at St. Gregory the Great School, 100 St. Gregory Court, room 802. The class is intended to help caregivers learn to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate and locate helpful resources. The cost for the six-weeks is $25 and includes a copy of "The Caregiver Helpbook" and is covered in full for members of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of WNY and Independent Health. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call 858-2177 or e-mail caregiver@ erie. gov.

College planning seminars set

Moldenhauer & Associates will partner with 123 College.com Inc to provide a workshop seminar for understanding and preparing for the financial aid system and developing methods and strategies to receive benefits to help cover today's college expenses Tuesday, Feb. 13 at Amherst High School, 4301 Main St., Amherst. Other seminars will be scheduled throughout WNY. For more information, call 662-4361.

Kiddie Character Carnival set at mall

The Amherst Youth Board with the Amherst Youth Foundation will present the "Kiddie Character Carnival" from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Boulevard Mall Food Court. The event will feature children's characters including Elmo, The Princesses and Spiderman. Tickets are $6 per child and can be purchased at the Amherst Youth Board Office in the Harlem Road Community Center, 4255 Harlem Road. Tickets will also be available at the door. For more information, call 631-7215.

Vendors sought for flea market

St. Stephens Bethlehem is seeking vendors for a flea market to be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at the church, 750 Wehrle Drive. Tables are available for rent for $15. Proceeds will benefit the church school. For more information, call 632-4226.

Mixed media art class set at JCC

A class on acrylic, pencil, watercolor, pastels, pen and ink on a variety of surfaces with an emphasis on original subject matter, taught by Russell Ram, will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, April 6, 13 and 20 at the Jewish Community Center's Benderson Family Building, 2640 N. Forest Road, Getzville. Cost is $125, $100 for JCC members. To register or for more information, contact Amy Stromberg at 688-4114 ext 366 or astromberg@jccbuffalo.org.

Chiavetta's dinner set at Zion Lutheran

Zion Lutheran Church will hold a take-out only Chiavetta's Dinner from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 at the church, 9535 Clarence Center Road, east of Goodrich Road. All proceeds from the dinner will be used to help defray the costs of a Mission Trip to Slidell, Louisiana in February for 14 high school students from all three Williamsville High Schools who will be spending their February break from school on a Hurricane Katrina rebuilding mission. Advanced tickets are recommended. Tickets are $8. For more information, call 741-2656.

Free course in Barbershop Harmony set

The Buffalo Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society will offer a free, four evening course in singing in a barbershop quartet at 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 4, 11 and 25 at the Maryvale Community Center, 777 Maryvale Drive, Cheektowaga. Participants will be provided with music and learning tapes and CDs. For more information or to reserve a space in the classes, call Dick Nowicki at 684-6623.

Christian Women's Connection luncheon set

Northtown Christian Women's Connection will hold a luncheon fro 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 at Fanny's Restaurant, 3500 Sheridan Drive, Amherst. The featured guest will be Susan Gawronski from Calico Corners Designer Fabrics and the speaker will be Mary Jane Battista whose topic will speak on "Ready or Not" and her life as a rebellious teen. For more information, call 626-0815.

Presidential election roundtable set at CFI

The Center for Inquiry will hold a presidential election issues and platforms roundtable discussion at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 at the CFI, 1310 Sweet Home Road, Amherst. Panelists include CFIresearch fellow David Koepsell, political science chair at Buffalo State College Laurie Buonanno, University at Buffalo political science chair Jim Campbell and associate political science professor at Buff State Anthony Neal. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Corey Neil at 636-4869 ext. 409.

Cat Venom sets improv comedy show

The Cat Venom comedy group will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at the Center for Inquiry, 1310 Sweet Home Road, Amherst. The troupe, led by improv instructor Marc Condon, presents a uniquely witty collection of improvised skits focusing on a wide range of social and political issues. Past themes have included a "Creationist" show and a "Church and State" show. This month's theme will be "Commercialism." The shows are alcohol free, and general admission is $7.15 - minimum wage.

Valentine cards collected for troops

Brian Pokorski of Chiropractic Lifestyle and WNY Disc Decompression Center, is trying to collect 1,000 cards from the community to send to soldiers serving overseas on Valentine's Day as part of the Have a Heart campaign. Cards can be dropped off at Pokorski's office, 4796 Main St., Snyder. For more information, call 635-9742.

Homeowners Association to meet Jan. 31

The Hartford Estates-North Bailey Homeowners Association will hold a general meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 at the North Bailey Fire Hall, at Sweet Home Road at Homecrest Drive.

Park School to hold open house

The Park School of Buffalo will hold an open house at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 at the school, 4625 Harlem Road, between Main Street and Sheridan Drive, Snyder. The open house will include information sessions and campus tours. Interested parents should call Karen Marsch at 839-1242 ext. 107 to register or for more information.

Williamsville SEPTSA to hold workshop

The Williamsville Special Education Parent Teacher Student Association will hold a workshop on guardianship, wills and special needs trusts for parents of minors with disabilities at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 at Transit Middle School, 8730 Transit Road, East Amherst. The workshop will provide information on how to apply for different types of guardianships, what provisions both parents need in their wills, how an estate passes without a will, differences between probate and non-probate assets, the uses and benefits of special needs trusts, funding of trusts and asset management. For more information, call 565-9338.

Spine lecture set at senior center

"Your Spine, Health & Disease" will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 at the Amherst Center for Senior Services, 370 John James Audubon Parkway. The lecture will include practical tips for good spinal hygiene by Dr. Tom Lyons, chiropractor. Admission is free. For more information or reservations, call 636-3059.

Friends of ASO to hold preview event

The Friends of the Amherst Symphony Orchestra will hold a preview event featuring director Steve Thomas and guest artists Stephen Mannes at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4 at Denton, Cottier and Daniels, 460 Dodge Road, Getzville. The event will feature a coffee brunch and performances by Mannes. Call 689-6755 by Friday, Feb. 1.

UB to host Beethoven Marathon Weekend

Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall on the University at Buffalo's North Campus will hold a Beethoven Marathon Weekend, featuring the Tokyo String Quartet playing the Beethoven String Quartet Cycle, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 1 and 2. Concert one will be at 8 p.m, Friday, Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. Concert two will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 and Concert three will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2. All concerts will be held in Lippes Concert Hall. Call 645-2921 or visit www.slee.buffalo.edu.

Former bishop to address WARM

The Rev. Paull Spring, Chair of Lutheran COalition for REform and former Bishop of the Northwest Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will address the winter meeting of the WordAlone Regional Mission from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 2, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 4007 Main St., east of Eggert Road, Eggertsville. The topic will be "Lutheran to the CORE." The program is free. For more information, call 835-0407.

Boy Scout pancake breakfast set

Boy Scout Troop 457 will hold a pancake breakfast to benefit St. John's Lutheran Church from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3 at the church, 6540 Main St., Williamsville. For more information, call 570-3434.

Play and Learn School to hold open house

The Play And Learn School of Temple Beth Zion will hold an open house for prospective students and their parents at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3. Parents and students will be able to meet the director of education, head teachers and take a tour of the school. Registration for the 2008-09 school year will be accepted for 2,

and 4 year olds. For more information, call Susan Pardo at 836-6565.

Open house set at St. Benedict

St. Benedict School, at Main Street and Eggert Road, will hold an open house beginning with a Mass at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 3 and followed by tours of the school. The school houses kindergarten through eighth-grades. Sports activities are offered. For more information, call 835-2518.

Blood drive set at Millard Filmore

Upstate New York Transplant Services will hold a community blood drive from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4 at Millard Filmore Suburban Hospital, 1540 Maple Road, Williamsville. To schedule an appointment or for more information on any other area blood drives, call 853-6667 ext. 7940 or send an e-mail to donate blood@unyts.org.

Chocolate class set at Transit Road spa

"Naked Chocolate Class" or "Chocolate in the Raw" will be held at 7 p.m. Monday. Feb. 4 at R Salon, 7158 Transit Road, south of Main Street. Learn more about cacao - raw chocolate - and learn how to make healthy chocolate treats without refined sugar. Cost is $5. For more information or to reserve a space, call 633-3401.