A Christmas recital will be at 12:15 p.m., Friday at First English Lutheran Church, 241 N. Main St.

Traditional carols, a musical recitation of “A Night Before Christmas” and an organ arrangement of “Romance” from Mozart's “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” will be featured with George Armstrong and Signe Mitchell on both organ and piano.

BRADY TWP — Slippery Rock University's Old Stone House at the intersection of Routes 8, 528 and 173, will offer a series of cooking classes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays from Jan. 10 to Feb. 14.Classes will include hands-on instruction, demonstration, tasting and a recipe book. The class is limited to eight students.Registration is required. To register, call the Old Stone House at 724-738-4964 or e-mail oldstonehouse@sru.edu.

EMLENTON — Lionel, American Flyer and HO scale trains are on track for the Emlenton Railroad Display from 12:30 to 5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays through Feb. 1 at Donaldson Motors, 714 River Ave.This is the 21st year for the display. There is no admission fee. For more information call 724-867-2293.Preschool taking new applicationsChrist Community United Methodist Church Super Sprouts Preschool, 205 N. Duffy Road, is accepting applications for the winter two-day sessions for 3-year-old children Tuesdays and Thursdays from January to May.Children must be potty trained and 3 years old on Jan. 1, 2015. Visit the preschool for an application or call 724-287-4462.

SLIPPERY ROCK — Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, will provide an indoor observation station for the annual Butler County Christmas Bird Count from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 20.This is a free, informal birding session. Jennings staff and representatives of the Bartramian Audubon Society will explain observing and recording procedures and help identify birds at the outdoor feeders.Hikers can start the New Year with a brisk walk at 1 p.m. Jan. 1. Meet the group in the prairie trails area parking lot.The group will cover about two miles on Jennings' longest trail, Oakwoods. The trail has varied terrain with several habitats, including the prairie, the forest and a beaver meadow wetland.For more information, call 724-794-6011 or e-mail jenningssp@pa.gov.

The Butler Public Library, 218 N. McKean St., will feature “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17. No registration is required.There will be a special “Grinchy” storytelling, Grinch-inspired activities and crafts and a “Whoville”-type treat for children.For more information, call 724-287-1715.