FORWARD TWP — The first of Butler County hazardous waste and electronics collections will be Feb. 8, weather permitting, at 129 Ash Stop Road.

For proper disposal of paint, paint products, chemicals, auto fluids, pesticides, batteries and electronics, call the collection contractor, ECS&R, at 866-815-0016 to register to attend.

Collections are open to all area residents for nominal fees.

For the complete list of 2014 collections, call the Butler County Department of Recycling and Waste Management at 724-284-5305 or visit www.recyclebutler.us.

MARS — The GriefShare program will be presented from 7 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Feb. 10 at Mars United Presbyterian Church, 232 Crowe Ave.The series is a 13-week video-based ministry to ease the pain of the bereaved.For more information, call McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Mars, at 724-625-2900.

The Red Cross will offer in-class and online training for community members to gain lifesaving skills and prepare for cold weather emergencies.Interested Butler County residents can register for these courses by visiting RedCross.org or calling 800-733-2767.The following courses will be offered at the Red Cross office, 312 Mercer St.:6 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 11, Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED (web-based and classroom)6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11, Adult CPR/AED (web-based and classroom)9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 16, CPR/AED for professional responders.

PENN TWP — Nixon Preschool, 334 Airport Road, will host an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 16.Teachers will lead classroom tours and answer questions during the event.Registration is under way for fall 2014 classes for 3-year-olds and 4- and 5-year-olds.

Lifesteps' Early Education Center, 383 New Castle Road, is enrolling 3- and 4-year-olds for the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program.Children who qualify will receive a free pre-kindergarten education. Enrollment space is limited.Lifesteps was chosen by the state, for the sixth year, as a local Pre-K Counts provider.For more information or a tour of the facility, contact Sarah Walaschek, supervisor of children services, at 724-283-1010. The application can be viewed and printed at www.lifesteps.net.Notices of local upcoming news should be received by the Focus Department one week in advance of the event. Entries should include the name and phone number of the person providing the information and be sent to: P.O. Box 271, Butler, PA 16003, or focus@butlereagle.com.