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JESSICA FINCH Associate Editor

• ON ALERT - Last week my sister had a bit of a scare at home. Shortly after putting her 3-year-old and 5-month-old daughters down for a nap, the carbon monoxide detector sounded. She called the fire department and bundled up the girls, who were now startled awake by the confusion. She got them into the car and waited for the responders. Luckily, there was no poisonous gas in the house. The detector, they guessed, was three to five years old, had reached its life span and was misreading.

Every year, residents are reminded to change their fire detector batteries, but please add carbon monoxide detectors to that list, and check them as well.

When I moved into my new apartment, I went out and bought a detector because I didn't know how old or efficient the furnace is. It gave me peace of mind, and I recommend everyone do the same.

• ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY - The Amherst Gaelic League will host the 36th annual Irish-American Cocktail Party at 5:15 p.m. Friday, March 14 at the Hearthstone Manor, 333 Dick Road, Depew.

The party will honor the AGL's 2008 Irishman of the Year, Michael G. McGuire. A co-founder of the AGL, McGuire is a former Amherst Town Council member and deputy supervisor. He is also an active member of Christ the King Parish in Snyder.

The event will benefit the Belfast Summer Relief Program, which has hosted more than 1,200 children from Northern Ireland, placing them with host families for a six-week vacation in the Western New York area.

Through various fundraising efforts, the BSRP provides airfare, ground transportation and insurance to the children. The AGL has contributed to the BSRP for more than 10 years and is currently its largest financial supporter.

Tickets are $25 presale or $35 at the door and include open bar, hors d'oeuvres and live entertainment by Celtic band Penny Whiskey, the Rince na Tiarna Irish Dancers and traditional bagpipers. For information or to purchase tickets, call Mike Dolan at 834-9510 or Dennis Lennon at 835-7638.

• AND THE NEXT PERSON UP IS ... - The New York Lottery has launched a virtual talent search to find a few new faces to join the Lottery's popular draw team. The cyber search is intended to help the Lottery attract a statewide pool of available talent. The successful candidate( s) will join the Lottery's existing draw team consisting of Yolanda Vega, Marissa Rodriguez and Sarah Pingel.

The role of the lottery drawings personality is to bring excitement and energy to the Lottery's daily televised drawings. Those interested in the position must send a photo and resume indicating any previous experience in stage, television or radio (if any) to drawteam@lottery. state.ny.us. All submissions must be received on or before 5 p.m. Friday, March 28.

Selected candidates must be 18 years of age or older and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Those invited to audition will be required to undergo an extensive background check. This is a Civil Service position. Benefits, including reimbursable travel expenses to and from scheduled appearances, are available. For more information, contact the New York Lottery Communications office at 518-388-3415 or e-mail questions@ lottery. state. ny. us.