It's growing season, and the Eagle is wondering how readers ward off insects, rabbits, raccoons and other pests that invade local gardens.

To share your strategies, call the Focus department at 724-282-8000, Ext. 252.

Is July 4 a special time for your family and friends? Do your gatherings and reunions include fun traditions?If so, the Focus department would like to hear more about it. Call us at 724-282-8000, Ext. 252.

As part of it's Outdoor Discovery Program, the Butler County Parks and Recreation Department will host a visit from the Canine S.O.S. team at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Carousel Shelter at Alameda Park.The team will demonstrate how canines are used in rescue operations.

A community day and auction to benefit the Special Olympics in Butler County will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Butler Memorial Park.The auction will include a 1985 Cadillac Seville, tickets to shows and sporting events and other donated prizes and services.The community day will also include food, games, prizes, a raffle and a Chinese auction.Participants should take their own lawn chairs. For information, call 724-352-9506.

Tickets are now available for the Blazing Star Chorus performance to be held at 8 p.m. June 22 at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College.Tickets are $10 presale or $12 at the door. Advance tickets are available at May's Music Shoppe, Fudoli's Music, The Butler County Symphony Office and Shearer's Music.

WORTH TWP - The Penn Camp 2005 rally for members of the Family Campers and RVers will be held Friday through Sunday at Cooper's Lake Campground.

CABOT - Orders are now being accepted for a cookbook featuring recipes from residents and families of Concordia Lutheran Ministries.Cost is $10. To order, call 724-352-1571.

SAXONBURG - A seminar on estate preservation and transfer of assets will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Saxonburg Library, 240 W. Main St.For information, call Nicholas Bucci at 800-494-7750.

MARS - The Mars Public Library, 107 Grand Ave., will host a used book sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and June 23 through 25 and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 22.For information, call 724-625-9048.

CRANBERRRY TWP - A community health fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the Regional Learning Alliance at Cranberry Woods, behind the Marriott on Route 228.Admission is free and health screenings will be offered. For information, call 724-625-3700.

HARMONY - Historic Harmony will host a German dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Harmony Museum's Stewart Hall, Mercer Street, to benefit museum operations.The menu will include traditional German dishes. Participants can take their own beer or wine.Cost is $12 per person. For reservations, call the museum office at 724-452-7341.

CRANBERRY TWP-The Cranberry Township Community Day Committee will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. June 22 at the municipal center, 2525 Rochester Road, to plan the July 4 celebration.The meeting is open to vendors, exhibitors and community members, and information and parking passes for vendors will be available.For information, call the Cranberry Township Parks and Recreation desk at 724-776-4806, Ext. 1129.

MT. LEBANON - The Pittsburgh Rose Society will host its Spring Rose Show Saturday at the Galleria Mall, Route 19.Judging will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the show will be open to the public from 1 to 9 p.m.Those joining the Rose Society during the event will receive a miniature rose bush.For information, call 412-486-0649 or 412-881-6795.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 telephone number of the person providing the information and be sent to Focus, Butler Eagle, P.O. Box 271, Butler, PA 16003.