BRIEFLY.

Christian Center to host fundraiser

LANCASTER -- Antelope Valley Christian Center will host a fundraising concert starring Grammy-winning gospel duo Mary Mary and featuring contemporary gospel/hip-hop singer Kierra ``KiKi'' Sheard.

The ``Celebration of Praise'' will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Poppy Pavilion at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds. Tickets will be $60, $65, $75 and $100, and are available at the church, 304 W. Lancaster Blvd., or by calling [phone]. Tickets must be purchased before Sept. 29.

The concert will benefit the church's capital stewardship campaign, aimed at raising money to build new facilities on 80 acres near Avenue L and 30th Street East.

Skaters, bladers compete Sept. 9

PALMDALE -- Skaters and bladers of all ages and skill levels can compete Sept. 9 in the Marie Kerr Park Skate and Blade Competition.

The competition will be 3:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9 in the skate park on 30th Street West at Rancho Vista Boulevard.

There is no entry fee. Awards will be given by age group and gender.

Competitors must have a skate park facility pass and must wear a helmet and knee and elbow pads.

For more information, call Lonnie Shipman at [phone].

Medical assistant classes still open

LANCASTER -- Students can still register for Antelope Valley Adult School's medical assistant classes, which begin later this month.

Classes open to students include medical terminology, medical assistant administrative skills (front office) and clinical skills (back office), medical billing and coding and pharmacy technician.

Individuals can register by going to the Antelope Valley Adult School office, 45110 Third St. E. For more information, call [phone].

Shabbes is focus of temple lecture

LANCASTER -- The Adult Education Committee of Beth Knesset Bamidbar, the Reform Jewish congregation of the Antelope Valley, will present an overview of Shabbat Mysticism and Holiness Thursday at 7 p.m. at the temple.

The lecture is titled ``Shabbes: A Case of Eternity.'' It will focus on the fundamental eternal Mystisim of the Shabbes Seder.

This program is free, and refreshments will be served after the discussion. For more information, call Beth Knesset Bamidbar at [phone].

Schmitt is new dance director

PALMDALE -- Danielle Schmitt is the new Palmdale Playhouse tap and jazz dance director for the Palmdale Youth and Community Dance Company.

Schmitt graduated from the University of California, San Diego, with a minor in dance. She has instructed intermediate and advanced tap, ballet and jazz students. Schmitt also trained students in technique and choreography. She has also worked with various musical theater productions and has performed with a number of Antelope Valley theater groups.

Community members can join the Palmdale Youth and Community Dance Company by attending Registration Fun Faire on Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information, contact the Palmdale Playhouse at [phone].

Registration set for Playhouse

PALMDALE -- The Palmdale Playhouse will hold its annual registration event for the Palmdale Playhouse visual and performing arts program Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the theater, 38334 10th St. E.

The city-run programs are designed to provide the community with a practical and enjoyable education in the visual and performing arts. Opportunities are available in music, dance, art, literature, drama and voice. A volunteer program is also offered. Most of these programs require a registration fee based on each session (four to five months of classes) or season (nine to 12 months of classes).

The programs offered include the Palmdale Community Choir and Youth Choir, Palmdale Beginning Strings, Youth Orchestra, Community Orchestra, the Palmdale Youth and Community Dance Company, Palmdale Writers' Roundtable, Palmdale Youth Writers' Roundtable, Palmdale Visual Arts Group and the Palmdale City Players.

For more information, call (661) 267-ARTS for 24-hour recorded information, or the Playhouse's main line at [phone].

Community `cops' are being picked

LANCASTER -- The Palmdale and Lancaster sheriff's stations are in the process of selecting 40 residents from the station areas to participate in the Antelope Valley's 19th Community Academy.

The program will explain Sheriff's Department operational procedures and will include sessions ranging from criminal law to undercover operations. Participants will ride with deputies, tour a custody facility and participate in role-playing scenarios.

The academy lasts 12 weeks and is free. Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Palmdale sheriff's station, 750 E. Ave. Q.

For information, contact Deputy Dave Jennings of the Palmdale station at [phone] or Deputy Kelly Simon of the Lancaster station at [phone].

CAVA will host welcome event

PALMDALE -- The California Virtual Academies will host a Back to School event Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 38630 5th St. W.

CAVA is a network of public ``virtual'' charter schools that provide online services to more than 3,500 students across the state in kindergarten through 10th grade. The back to school event will provide more information about Internet education to parents, teachers and kids.

Students who enroll in CAVA receive a computer, monitor, printer, access to the K-12 Online School, lessons, assessments, books, materials, and planning and progress tools. Since CAVA is a public school, the program is tuition-free for qualifying California residents.

For information, call [phone].

Bereavement groups available

LANCASTER -- Kaiser Permanente is offering bereavement support groups for adults from 10 to 11:30 a.m. every Friday at Lancaster Presbyterian Church, 1661 W. Lancaster Blvd.

The groups are open to the community as well as to members of Kaiser Permanente. The sessions are free. The groups are facilitated by trained bereavement volunteers provided by the Kaiser Permanente hospice department.

For information, call the Bereavement Line at [phone]. Registration is not required.

Resource district meetings change

LANCASTER -- The Antelope Valley Resource Conservation District's board of directors has announced a schedule change to its regular public session meetings.

Effective Sept. 27, the district's board of directors will meet at 6 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Meetings are held at 44811 Date Ave., Suite G, Lancaster.

Mall Walkers will focus on nutrition

PALMDALE -- Diet and nutrition will be the topic Wednesday for the Antelope Valley Mall Walkers' monthly meeting.

High Desert Medical Group licensed vocational nurse Cheryl Mashore will discuss ways to stay fit and healthy through proper nutrition. The Mall Walkers will meet at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Antelope Valley Mall courtyard.

The Antelope Valley Mall Walkers meet the fourth Wednesday of each month and all programs are free to the public.

Additionally, Sun Plus Home Care will check blood pressure free of charge every Wednesday from 7:30 to 9 a.m. in the food court.

For more information on the Mall Walkers program, visit or call Antelope Valley Mall's guest services at [phone].

-- Daily News