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.

The Maridon Museum, North McKean Street, will host an Introduction to Bonsai workshop from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.The workshop will include hands-on tree sculpture instruction led by members of the Phipps Conservatory and the Pittsburgh Bonsai Society.Cost is $35 for Maridon members and $40 for non-members. Participants will receive a bonsai plant, pot, soil and a box lunch. Tools will also be provided.For information, contact the museum at 724-282-0123.

BUTLER TWP - A free family craft day will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Michael's, 196 Bon Aire Plaza.In addition to craft activities, a free GuardianKids ID Program will be held.The program will take children's fingerprints and photographs and parents will receive a Bio-Doc containing vital information about their child.

The following rabies clinics are planned Saturday:2 to 4 p.m., Slippery Rock Park, Slippery Rock. Cost is $6. Participants should use Route 258 entrance.1 to 3 p.m., Farmer's Market, Cunningham Street. Cost is $7. For information, call the Butler County Humane Society at 724-789-1150.All pets should be on a leash or in a carrier.

PENN TWP - The Nixon Preschool, located in the education building at Nixon United Methodist Church, 334 Airport Road, is accepting registration for fall classes, open to children ages 3 to 5.For class times and availability, call 724-586-2015.

CHICORA - The River's Bend Quilt Club will host a quilt demonstration by Pat Knoechel at 7 p.m. Monday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2217 Chicora Road.Donations will be accepted at the door. For more information, call 724-753-2080.

CRANBERRY TWP - Crafters are being sought for a Medieval Craft Fair to be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 15 at the Cranberry Public Library, 2525 Rochester Road.Artisans will display work and offer advice to those in attendance.For more information or to register, visit the circulation desk at the library.

FRAZER TWP - The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh will host a Dark Sky/Moonrise Star Party at 8:55 p.m. Saturday at the Wagman Observatory, Deer Lakes Regional Park.For more information, call 724-224-2510.Notices, in writing, of festivals, fundraising events, newly elected officers and other news from clubs and nonprofit 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.