The Butler Eagle is planning its annual Stork Derby contest for the first baby born in 2006.

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

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

To submit information, call 724-282-8000, Ext. 252, by noon Jan. 5.

FRANKLIN TWP — The Jennings Environmental Center will offer an introduction to cross-country skiing at 2 p.m. Jan. 29 at the center, 2951 Prospect Road.The session will be led by Jeffery Smith, a cross-country skiing instructor for Slippery Rock University.Smith will present a brief history of the sport, tips for choosing gear and clothing, gear maintenance and skiing techniques.If weather permits, a hands-on skiing instruction will be held. A limited number of skis will be available for rental.Pre-registration is required by Jan. 20. For information or to register, call 724-794-2682.

The Butler Arts Council is now selling admission buttons for the second annual Ring in the Arts New Year's Eve celebration in Downtown Butler.Ring in the Arts will offer a range of local and regional talent in performances lasting 30 to 45 minutes so patrons can attend many different activities. The hours will be from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.Events will take place in downtown Butler from Wayne Street to Pearl Street, inside restaurants, businesses, and Butler Arts Council facilities."Ring in the Arts!" buttons are available at Friedman's and BiLo Grocery Stores, Miller's Shoes, the Butler County Symphony Association office and the Cranberry Township Municipal Center.Individual buttons cost $10; family admission is $25.

GROVE CITY — The Midwestern Local Task Force-Right to Education group will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 12 at the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV, Conference Room A, 453 Maple St.The meeting is open to parents of children with disabilities.For information, call 724-458-6700.

WEXFORD — The Woodlands will host an open swim from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at its warm-water pool facility, 134 Shenot Road.Admission is $5 per person and all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Participants must sign a waiver form.For information, call Emily Syruws, aquatics coordinator at 724-935-5470.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.