The 11th Annual Dave Thomas Celebrity Cookoff to benefit Three Rivers Adoption Council (TRAC) was smoking.

On Sept. 21 Benihana Japanese Steak House was closed to the public for the annual cookoff featuring celebrity chefs from the worlds of sports, media, business, government, arts and entertainment.

THE COOKS WERE CUTE—Tene Croom (AURN) and Kimberly Easton.

Many of the cooks were old pros at chopping and flipping shrimp, steak and veggies. Others were novices to welding the sharp knives and forks but the guests knew they were there for a good cause and didn’t mind the delay in their meals.

CLERGY GATHER— The Church of the Holy Cross in Homewood celebrated its 135th anniversary with a banquet Sept. 10 at Churchill Country Club and a dinner after the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service, Sept. 12. Guest speakers and former clergy of Holy Cross stand together prior to the dinner. From left: Rev. Jerome Burns, Rev. Linda Wilson, Priest Moni McIntyre, Bishop Kenneth Rice, Rev. Ellis Clifton Jr. and Rev. Rick Britton. (Photos by Erin Perry).

For 24 years, which they are celebrating this month, OASIS has been catering to the adult community with their organization located in more than 20 cities, including Pittsburgh, which is the only location in Pennsylvania. OASIS, like their mission states, is a national non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals aged 50 and older through lifelong learning and service.

“We are a well-rounded organization. There are a number of organizations that focus on one piece of the pie, and we focus on so much more. And the volunteers we have here are the stars of OASIS,” said Gail Weisberg, executive director of the Pittsburgh chapter of OASIS. “We are a product of the community and my goal is to enhance and grow the organization. We offer educational and volunteer opportunities, along with cultural experiences.”

WITH THE PROGRAM—Gail Weisberg discusses OASIS and its plans for the future. (photo by J.L. Martello)

Evangelistic program

OCT. 15—Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 90 Port Perry Rd., N. Versailles, will host a Preaching Experience at 6:30 p.m. This is part of a three-part preaching experience designed to focus on preaching to win lost souls. There will be a word from Rev. Charles E. Mock of the National Baptist Convention. Following the word there will be a 20-minute dialogue between the pulpit and the pews. There will also be a service Oct. 22 with Rev. Victor J. Grigsby of Central Baptist Church and on Oct. 29 with Presiding Elder Rev. Brenda J. Gregg. For more information, call 412-823-4049.