The Butler Eagle is planning its annual Stork Derby contest for the first baby of New Year for 2005.

The first baby born at Butler Memorial Hospital, or to a Butler Eagle subscriber in the New Year will win prizes from participating businesses and will be featured in an upcoming edition.

Submissions will be accepted from parents, area hospitals or attending physicians. All submissions will be verified.

To submit information, call 724-282-8000, Ext. 252, by noon Jan. 4.

Singers of all voice parts are now being sought for the annual Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival chorus, which will perform at 2 and 4:30 p.m. Jan. 9.Those interested should attend chorus rehearsal from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 N. McKean St.Rehearsal will also be held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 4.A mandatory dress rehearsal will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Jan. 7.For information, contact Donald Rasely at 724-283-4829 or e-mail Blazingstar91@aol.com.

Butler Rehabilitation Centers, 200 Renaissance Drive, will offer a free smoking cessation course from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays from Jan. 17 through Feb. 21.Respiratory therapists will lead the course, which has a 90 percent success rate, and follow up with participants following course completion to monitor progress.For information or to register, call the rehabilitation center at 724-282-0755.

HERMAN - The Herman Fire Hall has cancelled its weekly card parties until further notice.

PITTSBURGH - The St. Margaret Foundation will host a discussion regarding how to pay and plan for nursing home care from 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 7 at The Holiday Inn, RIDC Park, Route 28.The session will include information from the Elder Law and Estate Planning Law Firm.Cost is $5 and checks should be made payable to the St. Margaret Foundation. Reservations are required. For more information, call Adriane Hamer-Deithorn at 412-784-4144.

PITTSBURGH - The Three Rivers Adoption Council will host three information sessions about adopting older children, including school-age children, sibling groups and children with disabilities.The first meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at the council office, 307 Fourth Ave., third floor.Meetings will also be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 18 at Grace Lutheran Church in South Park and Jan. 20 at the Monroeville Library in Monroeville.For adoption information, or to register for a meeting, call Sue Zola at 412-471-8722.Notices, in writing, of festivals, fund-raising events, newly elected officers and other news from clubs and non-profit groups should be sent to the Focus department one week in advance of the event. Items should include the name and phone number of the person providing the information and be sent to Focus, Butler Eagle, P.O. Box 271, Butler, PA 16003.