Bulletin Board, March 9

* GOLD RUSH DAYS Re-live the thrills and perils of searching for gold in the California Gold Rush with Charles E. Herdendorf on Tuesday, March 16 at 7:15 p.m. at Kendal at Oberlin's Heiser Auditorium. "The Gold Rush of 1849: Adventures of Lorain County's Buckeye Company on the California Trail," is hosted by the Oberlin Heritage Center, and is free and open to the public.

* ECLECTIC READERS The next meeting of the Eclectic Readers book discussion group will take place at the Oberlin Public Library on Tuesday, April 6, at 3:30 p.m. The book to be discussed is, "Winesburg, Ohio" by Sherwood Anderson.

* PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY Lecture Series: On Thursday, Michael Brown, professor of Physics at Swarthmore College, will present a lecture entitled "Plasma Physics Applied to Astrophysics," at 4:35 p.m. in Room 201 of the Wright Physics Laboratory. A reception for the speaker will begin at 4:10 p.m. in the Anderson Lounge area, second floor, Wright Physics Laboratory.

* SOROSIS Oberlin Sorosis meets today, Tuesday, March 9 at 139 Sycamore St., hostess Betty Marshall. Dorri Sturges will review "On Architecture," by Ada Louise Huxtable. Sorosis meets next on Tuesday, March 23, at Kendal, hostess Peggy Stinson. Edie Binkley will review "How Lincoln Learned to Read," by Daniel Wolff.

* SPECTRUM Jonathon Field, director of opera theater at the Oberlin Conservatory, and several singers will give a preview performance of Leonard Bernstein's Candide. Those who are not a member can attend as someone's guest; call Naomi Barnett to let her know at 774-1204.

* MARCH PEACE POTLUCK Peace Community Church (44 E. Lorain St.) will be hosting a Peace Potluck on Friday, March 12, beginning with supper at 5:30 p.m. The program will be held from 6:45-7:45 p.m. and will feature Bryan Burgess, Oberlin city councilman, and Sandra Hodge, Oberlin College liaison to the community, speaking about the Clinton Climate Initiative. Oberlin is one of 18 cities worldwide participating in this partnership and is the only college/community collaboration among them. Everyone is welcome. Parking is located behind the church. For more information, contact Rev. Mary Hammond, 774-3031.

* PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP Historical Society will meet Thursday, March 11 at 7 p.m. at the Pittsfield Town Hall on the corner of Rts. 58 and 303. After the business meeting, Gary Gerrome from the Lorain County MetroParks, will perform on his guitar and sing some Civil War songs and give a history of the songs. He may invite the audience to participate in a song or two. All are welcome.

* MACULAR DEGENERATION SUPPORT GROUP will meet on Thursday, March 11, at 4 p.m. in the Green Room at Kendal for the webcast "Research and Treatment for Dry AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration)."

* EXPLORING RECENT TRENDS in Electroacoustic Music, Peter V. Swendsen, professor of computer music and digital arts, Oberlin College, with a general historical introduction to the field of music technology and important developments from the last 100 years. Two sessions, Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to noon, March 12 and 19 at Kendal auditorium. Sponsored by The Center for LifeLong Learning; the fee is $18. Register by calling 366-4067 or at the first class.

* GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 310 W. Lorain St., will have a Lake Erie perch fish fry on Friday, March 26, to raise funds for the congregation's 75th anniversary celebration in November, 2011. Serving times are 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The menu includes Lake Erie perch, french fries, cole slaw or apple sauce, bread and butter, and coffee or tea. Soft drinks and home-made desserts will be available. Donations are $9 for adults, $7 for children ages 3 to 10, under 3 eat free. For more information, call 775-4409 or 775-3120.

* PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT First Church Preschool on the corner of Main and Lorain streets, is accepting applications for the 2010-2011 school year. The class meets four mornings a week and is a combination of 3- and 4-year-olds. For more information on this non-sectarian, non-profit school, stop by the First Church office weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. or call 775-1711.

* JURIED ART EXHIBITION Artworks by gifted local high school students will be on display at Oberlin College for the Ninth Congressional District High School Juried Invitational Art Exhibition now through Friday, March 19. The pieces will be on display in the George R. and Ruth Schoeni Bent Corridor in the Science Center. This free, public event is sponsored by Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, Firelands Association of the Visual Arts, and Oberlin College.

* AARP #395 will meet today, Tuesday, March 9 at the New Russia Township Hall located at 46268 Butternut Ridge Rd. Social hour begins at 11 a.m. followed by a potluck luncheon at noon. There will not be a catered lunch as scheduled for this month due to the cancellation of last month's meeting. There will be a St. Patrick's Day theme. Lorain County Health District speaker Marilyn Hills will speak on senior health. If there are any questions on attending the meeting or joining call 967-3466.

* HIGH IMPACT The third League of Women Voters Oberlin Area imPACT Town Hall meeting will be held Tuesday, March 16, and will give residents a chance to learn about legislative proposals for congressional redistricting and the role of the 2010 U.S. Census in defining those districts. The event, sponsored by the League of Women Voters Ohio Education Fund, will be held at First Church in Oberlin U.C.C. and begin at 7 p.m.

* CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE DINNER will be served at East Oberlin Community Church, 43709 Oberlin-Elyria Road, on Wednesday, March 17, starting at 11 a.m. until they are sold out. Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for children five to 12 years old, and free for kids under five. There is free delivery to shut-ins. Call 774-3443. Carryout is available. The dinner also includes potatoes, carrots, dinner roll and dessert.

* AARP TAX AIDE program is available through the Oberlin Senior Center on Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 15. It is free to local seniors. Call 775-1504 to make an appointment.

* FOOD BULLETIN Oberlin Community Services foodbank, 285 S. Professor St., is in need of baby food, toilet paper, cereal, canned fruit and canned peas. Items can be dropped off during business hours. Call 774-6579 for assistance.

* OBERLIN COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL, housed in the education building at Sacred Heart Church, is accepting applications for the 2010-11 school year. Preschool children ages three to five learn social and kindergarten readiness skills. For more information, call 775-2211 or visit the center Tuesday through Friday from 9-11:30 a.m.

* FOOD DISTRIBUTION Monthly food distribution through Oberlin Community Services, 285 S. Professor St., will be Saturday, March 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for residents of Oberlin, Wellington and Kipton, and New Russia, Carlisle, Kipton, Brighton, LaGrange, Penfield, Camden, Huntington, Rochester, Pittsfield and Wellington townships. Recipients must provide identification, address verification and proof of income.

* DINNER AUCTION The Oberlin Athletic Boosters is planning the second annual dinner/auction fundraiser for Saturday, March 13. This year there will be a dinner buffet, beer, wine, music and silent auction. Cost for tickets is $45 per person or $80 per couple. Call 774-7056 for tickets.

* LEGAL ADVICE for senior citizens is available through Oberlin Seniors and attorney Marc Stolarsky, on the third Thursday of the month. Call 775-1504 to make an appointment.

* RED HAT LADIES A new red hat and purple outfit club, call the Red Hat Society is forming in Oberlin. The Red Hot Good Timers is meeting for organization and brainstorming. All women are welcome at the next meeting at noon on March 16 at the Oberlin Senior Center.

* FIRST CHURCH OF OBERLIN UCC Sunday, March 7: Worship, 10 a.m., Rev. David T. Hill; Sunday School, 10:15 a.m., Preschool - 5th grade, Upstairs; Youth Classes, 11:15 a.m., Jr. High classroom, Sr. High Undercroft; Adult Education, 11:15 a.m., JFO Room. Wednesday, March 10: Community Jazz Worship Service, 5 p.m., JFO Room; Wednesday Night Supper, 5:45 p.m., Fellowship Hall; Rock on Christian Kids, 6:30 p.m., Classrooms; Adult Education-Lenten Webcast, 6:45 p.m., JFO Room.

* AAA MEETINGS AT FIRST CHURCH Men's Group - Sunday, 4 p.m. JFO Room; Women's Group - Monday, 6:30 p.m., Undercroft; Conscious Contact - Saturday, 8:30 a.m., JFO Room; and Women's AA (12 step) - Saturday, 10 a.m., JFO Room.

* OHS CLASS OF 1970 meets for its 40th class reunion on Aug. 7 at the Oberlin Depot, 240 S. Main St. Contact George Clark by e-mailing George.Clark@oberlin.edu, or at 775-4725 for information. There will be a reunion committee meeting at the Oberlin Depot on April 11. All welcome.

* PEACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 44 E. Lorain St. Rev. Steve Hammond leads this Sunday's worship service which begins at 10 a.m. Children and youth meet for Children's Church during worship. Study Group is Tuesday night at the church at 7 p.m. Weekly lunch is Friday at noon in Wilder Hall. The Peace Vigil is Saturday at noon on Tappan Square.

* RUST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Sundays: Free community breakfast at 9 a.m., church school for all ages 9:30 a.m., Sunday worship at 11 a.m. Sparrow Bible Study: Wednesday at 7 p.m., 133 Smith St. Saturday: Gospel Choir practice 12:30 p.m.

* CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 162 S. Main Street. Holy Eucharist is celebrated on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and on Wednesdays at 8 a.m. Morning prayer is at 8 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. Each Monday through Friday during Lent, evening prayer will be said in the church at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday Evening Lenten Simple Suppers and Book Study begins at 6:30 p.m. Spiritual formation for children and adults on Sundays at 9:15 a.m. A Bible study for adults and spiritual formation for teens Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. A Bible study for adults Mondays at 2 p.m. at Kendal at Oberlin. Hot Meals: Monday through Friday. Doors open at 4 p.m. Meals are served from 5-5:30 p.m. Free to all.

* AMISH BROWN BAG TRIP Oberlin Seniors is planning an Amish brown bag trip on June 21. Cost is $41. Call 775-1504 for more information.

* OBERLIN UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP meets at the Oberlin Early Childhood Center, 317 E. College St. Service and Sunday School at 10 a.m. All are welcome.

* FIRST UNITED Methodist Church of Oberlin, 45 S. Professor St. Tuesday, March 9: Bible Study at 1:30 p.m. Friday: UMW Executive Board meeting at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, March 14: Adult Sunday School and choir rehearsal at 9:30 a.m.; worship at 10:30 a.m. with Children's Time and child care provided during the worship hour. Monday, March 15: UMW meeting at B. Close's at 1:30 p.m.

* CROSSROADS BAPTIST CHURCH 12404 Rt. 58. Bible Study Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. followed by worship and service at 11 p.m. Wednesday night services are 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

* SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH 410 W. Lorain St. Saturday Vigil Mass: 5 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. Confessions: Saturdays 4:15-4:45 p.m. or by appointment.

Tuesday, March 9: Mass 8:30 a.m.; Lenten talk 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 10: Mass 7 a.m. Thursday, March 11: No Mass. Friday, March 12: Mass 8:30 a.m.; stations 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 13: Prayer shawl ministry meeting canceled. No coffee hours. Sunday, March 14: No PSR. Rosary 40 minutes before weekend Masses during Lent. Monday, March 15: Mass 8:30 a.m.; RCIA 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 16: Mass 8:30 a.m.

* LIFE BUILDERS FOURSQUARE CHURCH meets at the Seventh-day Adventist Church at 99 S. Park St. Sunday morning praise and worship starts at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday night at 7 p.m. is the men's Bible study. Call 440-343-9739 for more information.

* SPRING BREAK HISTORY Boys and girls ages 8-13 can learn about preserving and sharing local history in many forms during the Heritage Center's Spring Break History Explorers Camp, March 29-April 2 (Monday through Friday) from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oberlin Depot (240 S. Main St.). Fee is $95 per child ($85 for children and grandchildren of Oberlin Heritage Center members) and there is a $5 discount for all who register by March 17. For more information, visit www.oberlinheritage.org or contact 774-1700 or

tourinfo@oberlinheritage.org.

* QUAKE SALE Kindergarten students at Eastwood will host a bake sale on Thursday, March 11 at the school from 3:30-7:30 p.m. There will be a silent auction for a Charlie Harper painting donated by Francine Toss. Monies raised from the event go to efforts by kindergartners to raise $2,500 to build a home in Haiti.

* MINGLE AFTER HOURS Lorain County Joint Vocational School (JVS), 15181 State Route 58, will host an Oberlin Main Street-Chamber Mingle After Hours event on Tuesday, March 9, from 5- 7 p.m. During the event, participants can learn about Lorain County JVS as well as mingle with local business people, city, school, college, and nonprofit leaders, and the public. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Oberlin Main Street-Chamber at 774-6262.

* PARK STREET SEVENTH-DAY Adventist Church, 99 S. Park St. Prayer Service is Wednesday at 7 p.m. Join parishioners on Saturday for Sabbath School at 9:30 a.m. followed by divine worship at 11 a.m. Kids For Christ meets on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. and the Women's Study Group meets on Sunday also from 2-4 p.m. Free transportation is available for all services; call the church at 774-1266.

* CONCERT FOR HOMELESS A special concert to benefit Family Promise and the Interfaith Hospitality Network, which provides housing for homeless families in Lorain County will be held Saturday, March 13, at 3 p.m. at First Church in Oberlin, 106 N. Main St. The concert is free; donations will be accepted for Family Promise.