Members of the community who are interested in providing input into the search for a new superintendent for the Northgate School District are invited and encouraged to attend a focus group meeting.

Joseph Werlinich of the University of Pittsburgh is conducting the search and will meet at 7 p.m. with interested community members on Monday, Jan. 30, in the Avalon Elementary auditorium, and at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6, in the Bellevue Elementary auditorium.

Also, a survey is available on the district’s web site, www.northgate.k12.pa.us, until Feb. 17.

Denise Plaskon took the long way around to reach Bellevue once again.

While studying at the University of Pittsburgh -- where she received a master’s degree in library and information science -- she did sales work that included Bellevue as part of her territory.

Since then, she has traveled a bit, working as the branch manager of the Lawler Branch Library in New Bedford, MA, for three and a half years, and then as director of the Everett Free Library in Everett, PA for two years.

A.W. Beattie Career Center will host an open house on Oct. 25, 6 - 9 p.m.

Beattie provides training for high school students in 16 technical fields: advanced computer programming, agile robotics, advertising design, auto body repair, automotive technology, computer systems technology, cosmetology, culinary arts, early childhood education, dental careers, emergency response technology, health science technology, heating-ventilation-air conditioning, network engineering technology and pastry arts.

Rita Collins Rita S. Collins, wife of the late Michael J. Collins, died Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011. Mrs. Collins was a member of Catholic War Veterans Ladies Auxiliary Post #1365.

Dominic Angeloini Dominic A. Angeloini, 80, of the North Side, husband of the late Catherine M. Angeloini, died Tuesday, July 12, 2011. He is survived by three daughters, Angie and her husband Todd, Patty and her husband Brian and Toni and her husband Jack; his sister, Philomena; six grandchildren, Christina, Brandon, Nicole, Ashley, Zackery and Miranda; two great-grandchildren, Anthony and J.T.; nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and his dog, Ginger. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Angeloini; and two siblings, Art Angeloini and Betty McBurney.

Joann Johnson Joann A. Kaib Johnson, 65, of Glenfield and Ohio Township, died Tuesday, May 17, 2011. Mrs. Johnson enjoyed coloring, Bingo and trips to the casino.

In the Avonworth School Board race, voters will need to choose five candidates on each ticket from among those who are cross-filed, not cross-filed and a couple write-in candidates to boot.

There are five four-year seats and one two-year seat that will be filled in the Northgate School Board elections this year. Primary votes for cross-filed candidates could wrap this up next week, or the vrace could wait until November for a final decision.

The candidates are:

Tim Makatura Dr. Makatura, from Bellevue, was appointed to the board last August to fill a vacancy. A psychologist who works as a clinician and a college instructor, he holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology, a master's degree in guidance and counseling, and a Ph.D in psychology.

Sharon Woods Sharon E. Woods, 60, of Avalon, died Thursday, March 31, 2011. She is survived by two daughters, Melissa Slepski and her husband Thomas Streiff and Shannon Slepski; two brothers, Charles D. Woods and his wife Marylyn and Ronald J. Woods; her granddaughter, Jaedyn Slepski; her former husband, Glenn Slepski; and nieces and nephews. Friend were received at McDonald-Linn Funeral Home, Avalon, where services were held on Sunday. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

Edward Pritchard

William Chapman William H. Chapman, 83, of Franklin Park, formerly of Ross Township and Bellevue, died Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010. Mr. Chapman served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS LST 1059 as Seaman 1st Class in the Pacific Theatre and then in the U.S. Naval Reserves. He was a graduate of Robert Morris College with a degree in business. He completed his graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh. He was a member of McKinley-Stuckrath Masonic Lodge #318 for 56 years and a member of West View VFW. He was a sports enthusiast, an avid supporter of animal conservation and an outdoorsman.

Helen Rooney Helen V. "Vonnie" Rooney, 95, of Elmira, NY, formerly of Pittsburgh and wife of the late Paul Rooney, died Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010. Mrs. Rooney had been a longtime member of Annunciation Church and past president of its Christian Mothers Association. She enjoyed bowling and her card clubs. She was an accomplished seamstress and cook.

Judith California Judith Ann Papania California, 44, of Ross Township,. died Monday, Aug. 23, 2010. Mrs. California was a graduate of North Hills High School and Carnegie Mellon University. She worked as a chemical engineer for several years.