Jan 25, 2017 15 min read

Childcare

Preschool preview

St. Elizabeth Preschool will hold “Planting the Seeds of Learning,” a preschool preview for parents and children who want to experience the fun of the school’s hands-on approach to learning. The event will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 1 in the Preschool Classroom. Staff will be on hand to answer questions. To reserve a spot, RSVP to 412-881-2958 or slydon@st-elizabeth.org.

Preschool registration

Mushroom Family Learning Center, an independent, secular, nonprofit preschool at 1900 Cochran Road on the Scott Twp./Mt. Lebanon border, announces that registration for the 2017-18 school year begins Jan. 30. Parents and caregivers can receive registration information and schedule tours of the school by calling director Joan Harrison at 412-531-1225. Mushroom Family Learning Center offers half-day preschool classes for children ages 2 through 6 including a supplementary class for kindergarteners and other enrichment programs, plus a month-long summer camp. There is also a “Little Sprouts” parent/caregiver-and-child class for children 18 months and older. For more information, visit http://mushroomfamily.org.

CLUBS

AUP

Association of University People (AUP) will hold an “Our and About” dinner Jan. 26 at Cafe Sam, located on Baum Boulevard in Shadyside. Meet at 6 p.m. Dinner will follow at 6:30. For reservations, call Mark at 412-939-0656 or visit http://www.pittsburghsinglesaup.org.

Bethel Art Guild

The Bethel Art Guild will meet at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at Bethel Park Community Center, located on Park Avenue. Guest speaker will be artist Linda Barniccott, who is famous for her works depicting Pittsburgh and its landmarks. Guests are welcome.

Card party

St. Valentine’s Women’s Guild/Christian Mothers will hold its Queen of Hearts card party at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 4 in Frawley Hall. Tickets are $20 and include lunch, 80 baskets to bid on, raffles and other surprises. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 412-831-0556.

Women’s Business Network

The McMurray Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets at 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 1 and 15 at the Bowling Alley at the Meadows, Racetrack Road, Washington. Meeting agenda includes: self-marketing, a business presentation by an individual member or table topic discussion, and networking. For more information, call Tommi Calabria at 724-825-7818. Visit http://www.wbninc.com to learn more.

FUNDRAISER

Scrapbooking fundraiser

SHOP@USC will host an All-Day Cabin Fever Crop for scrapbook enthusiasts on Jan. 28. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the Upper St. Clair High School Nutrition Center. Cost of $40 per person includes lunch, dinner, cropping space, a goody bag and access to die cutting tools. Attendees will be able to purchase door prize and raffle tickets, die cuts and scrapbook pages made by SHOP@USC students. Additional refreshments will also be available for purchase. All proceeds support SHOP@USC (Showing How Opportunity Pays @ Upper St. Clair), a fully-inclusive student-run business housed within USCHS’s Innovation Hub. Send registration and payment (made payable to Upper St. Clair High School) to: Upper St. Clair High School, Attn: SHOP@USC, 1825 McLaughlin Run Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241. For more information, contact Michelle Zirngibl at SHOP@uscsd.k12.pa.us.

HAPPENINGS

One-man play

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces “I Am Not Sam” at 8 p.m. Jan. 27 and 28 at the August Wilson Center. The timely and critically acclaimed one-man play is written and performed by Michael Phillip Edwards. This hard-hitting multi-character solo performance highlights the current climate of race relations in America, eloquently depicting the psychological and spiritual damage sustained by men of color. Tickets at $28.25 are on sale now, and may be purchased at the Theatre Square Box Office on Penn Avenue, by calling 412-456-6666 or online at TrustArts.org.

Meatballs & Music

Peters Township Music Boosters will sponsor Meatballs & Music 2017 from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28, at Peters Township High School, located on East McMurray Road. Enjoy a spaghetti dinner with meatballs, salad, roll, drink and dessert. Student groups will perform in the gym from 3 to 8 p.m. so that guests may enjoy a drink and dessert while watching the performances. Prize baskets will be raffled off and there will be a 50/50 as well. Cost is $8 for those 12 and older and $5 for children 11 and under. Take-out will be available.

Scavenger hunt

The Western Allegheny Community Historical Society will hold an event at 10 a.m. Jan. 28 at the Western Allegheny Community Library, located on Bateman Road in Oakdale. Join Gary Adams, Rob Hilt and Rob Best, also known as “The History Hounds,” as they lead a scavenger hunt at the library. Families are welcome. For more information, visit http://westernalleghenylibrary.org.

Chinese New Year

The Pittsburgh Chinese Academy will hold its Chinese New Year Celebration on Jan. 29 beginning at 2 p.m. with classroom performances. PCA students will also showcase their talents and perform a Kung Fu and piano solo. The event will be held at Center Presbyterian Church, located on Center Church Road in McMurray, and will include dinner, artwork display, raffles, games and prizes. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and children under 3 are free. For reservations, email Principal@PittsburghChineseAcademy.org.

Torah & Tea

Chabad of the South Hills, Mt. Lebanon, presents “The Power of Growth: Tu B’shvat Lessons in Life Learned from a Tree” at Torah & Tea at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1. Enjoy French pastries along with pastry baking tips by Beryl Fellous. No charge. RSVP to batya@chabadsh.com.

Live music

Pittsburgh’s own Anne Feeney will kick off the February Live Music at Wallace’s TapRoom from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 2, in Hotel Indigo, located on North Highland Avenue. No cover charge. Feeney’s bottomless song bag draws on Irish, bluegrass, traditional, labor, pop, folk and contemporary material. Live music continues throughout February, from 7 to 9 p.m., with the following: Bartlett Street Quartet (contemporary jazz), Feb. 9; Wallace’s All Star Musicians, Feb. 14; Jocie Ghaznavi, Feb. 16; The Flow Band Reggae, Feb. 17; Mardi Gras Celebration, with pianists Tom Roberts and Matt Jordan, Feb. 23.

Coin show

South Hills Coin Club 57th Anniversary Coin Show will be held Feb. 4 and 5 at Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South, Bethel Park (across from South Hills Village Mall). Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Free admission and hourly door prizes.

Training choir program

Pittsburgh Youth Chorus [PYC] is now accepting registrations for the spring session of its Neighborhood Training Choir program. The spring session is open to any child in first, second and third grades who enjoys singing and music. As a beginning choral experience, the Neighborhood Training Choir program offers an introduction to ensemble singing and music literacy and is designed to introduce parents and children to the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus organization. The 12-week spring session runs Feb. 7-April 25. Neighborhood Training Choirs (NTC) are available in three Pittsburgh neighborhoods. In the South Hills, NTC meets from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Upper St. Clair, with instructor Megan Froehlich. Tuition and registration is $175 per session and financial assistance is available. For more information, call the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus office at 412-281-4790. Online registrations are accepted at http://www.pittsburghyouthchorus.org.

SF events

South Fayette Township Parks & Recreation will offer the following events:

• Rocky Gap Casino Bus Trip, Feb. 8, for both residents and non-residents age 21 and over. Depart at 8 a.m. from the Senior Center on Millers Run Road. Cost is $45 per person (includes transportation and $30 free play).

• Mother-Daughter Paint Party, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10, at the Municipal Building on Millers Run Road. All ages welcome (adults and children).

To register for either event, call 412-221-8700 ext. 17 or visit http://www.southfayettepa.com/recreation.

HEALTH

AgeWell program

AgeWell at the Jewish Community Center-South Hills will offer Caregivers Aging Mastery to participants age 55 and older. Participants will learn the art of staying healthy and happy on their caregiving journey in this 12-week course. The program will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 5-May 7, at the JCC-South Hills, located on Kane Boulevard in Scott. The program is open to the community and there is no fee. To register, contact Marsha Mullen at 412-339-5415 or mmullen@jccpgh.org.

Weight loss

Westminster Recreation and Outreach Center (WROC) at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Upper St. Clair, First Place 4 Health – A Christ centered-centered Health and Weight-loss Program will be offered. Learn how putting God first can lead to successful weight loss.

• Free orientation meeting (required for new members), 10:30 a.m. Feb. 6.

• 12-week session, 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Mondays, Feb. 13-May 1.

Registration is required for both. To register, visit http://wroc.westminster-church.org or call Kathy Long at 412-835-6630.

Essential Wellness

Learn how the world of essential oils and natural solutions can help improve your life. Free classes, frequently taught by a certified mental health professional, are held at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at Norman Center, 1720 Washington Road, Suite, 207, Upper St. Clair. Topics include: Health goals, yoga and more. RSVP is required to Katie at drkunklemillerandassociates@gmail.com or call 412-854-4887.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Learn about doTERRA’s CPTG Essential Oils at free workshops/classes held at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at The Physical Therapy Center, Bethel Park. Upcoming workshops/classes include: Heart Health & Essential Oils;

Make & Take with Essential Oils. Registration/RSVP requested by contacting Deb Bosco at 724-713-6217 or bosco.deb@gmail.com.

Fitness

Westminster Recreation and Outreach Center (WROC) at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Upper St. Clair, will offer Barre-Pilates Fusion classes from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, through March 2. Strengthen and tone your lower body and core with classical ballet and Pilates moves. No experience necessary. For more information, call Kathy Long at 412-835-6630 ext. 200 or visit http://wroc.westminster-church.org.

LIBRARIES

Andrew carnegie

Cello Fury Concert, 7:30 to 10 p.m. Jan. 28. Tickets are available on the library’s website.

For more, visit http://www.carnegiecarnegie.org or call 412-276-3456.

BETHEL PARK

• How to Pay for College, 7 p.m. Jan. 26. Kim McCurdy, a Higher Education Access Partner for PHEAA, will present information on the financial aid application process, what types of aid might be available for students, and strategies to start thinking about affordability before your students get ready to apply for post-secondary school admission. All parents, with any grade level high school student, are encouraged to attend. Register.

• Chinese New Year, 10 a.m. Jan. 28, grades K-4. Celebrate with games, stories and crafts. Learn about the traditions surrounding this holiday. Register.

• Motion Analysis: Sports Performance and Physical Therapy Benefits, 7 p.m. Feb. 2, presented by Dan Norkiewicz PT, DPT, CSCS. This free presentation will cover how video motion capture can be used as an objective tool to help identify movement deficits. Register.

• Charlie the Ranch Dog Book Club, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 1-22, for grades K-2. Stories, crafts, activities and more. Register.

• Art About You, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 2-23, grades 3 and 4. Create sculptures as well as work with paint and sharpies to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Register.

For more information, visit http://www.bethelparklibrary.org. Register at 412-835-2207.

CASTLE SHANNON

Cooking Fun for Children, Tweens and Teens, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 31, Feb. 28, March 28, April 25, May 30. Registration required for supply purchase.

For more information, visit http://www.castleshannonlibrary.org.

FRANK SARRIS

• Book Chat, noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 26. This is an adult book club with no strings attached. Read whatever you like and attend when you can to discuss your current read.

• Ping Pong Night, 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 30, for adults of all ages. Appropriate for beginners as well as advanced players.

• Zentangle, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 1. Create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. This is the third in a series of four sessions. In the event of inclement weather, a make-up class will be held one week later, on Wednesday, at the same time.

• Ultimate Gamer’s Night, 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 3, for all ages (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult). This after-hours game night will include PlayStation, Xbox 360, Wii, retro consoles and more. Fee is $2 at the door. Participants are welcome to bring their own games or hand-held devices.

For more information, visit http://franksarrislibrary.org. Register at 724-745-1308.

Mt. Lebanon

• Zentanglers, noon on Jan. 26. Pattern drawing that is relaxing, meditative, intriguing and fun. Free.

• Art Explorations: Illuminated Manuscripts, 2 p.m. Jan. 29. Before the invention of the printing press, books were written, bound and illustrated by hand. At this event, for families with children age 5 and older, hear stories about medieval book making, mix up historical inks and paints, and bind a book of your own to take home (eggs will be used in the creation of paints – come dressed for mess). Free.

• Laugh for the Health of It, 7 p.m. Jan. 30. Julie Ann Sullivan, certified laughter leader, will lead the audience in interactive activities that will instill a sense of connection and teach participants how to create true mirthful laughter from within. Free.

For more information, visit http://www.mtlebanonlibrary.org.

PETERS TOWNSHIP

• FIRST LEGO League Jr., 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 1 and 15, for ages Kindergarten to 10.

• Teen Afternoon Movie, 3:15 to 5 p.m. Feb. 3, for grades 6 and up.

For more, visit http://www.ptlibrary.org. To register, email programs@ptlibrary.org or call 724-941-9430 ext. 1.

SCOTT

• Lego Night, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 1, for teens. Register.

• Middle Grade Mystery Book Club, 4 to 5 p.m. Feb. 2, for fourth-, fifth- or sixth-graders. The club will be reading Lemony Snicket’s “All the Wrong Questions” series. Sign up at the circulation desk and request a copy of the current book club book.

For more information, visit www.scottlibrary.org. Register online or call 412-429-5380.

UPPER ST. CLAIR

Intro to Astronomy, presented by Kathleen DeSantis, Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Jan. 26 in the library multipurpose room. DeSantis will share her love of astronomy and provide tips on how to use your first telescope. Register.

For more, visit http://www.twpusc.org. Register online or call 412-835-5540.

Support group

Stroke support

Monongahela Valley Hospital will offer a Stroke Support Group for patients and caregivers from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 26 in the Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center (ECC). The group meets the last Thursday of each month. For more information, call 724-258-1455.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

A support group for those who have lost a loved one to the disease of addiction is available at St. Louise De Marillac Parish, Upper St. Clair. The group meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Monday of each month in the conference room in Le Gras Hall. The group is facilitated by a certified counselor, Adrian Miller, MSCP, NCC. This support group, sponsored by the Substance Addiction Ministry (SAM) of the Pittsburgh Diocese, provides those who have lost a loved one a safe place to share and listen to others who are experiencing the same thing. For more information, call Adrian at 412-609-4437.

WORKSHOPS/CLASSES

Babyccino

Babyccino, a chic meet for mod moms and their tots, will be offered from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13 and 27, and March 6, 20 and 27, at Chabad of the South Hills, Mt. Lebanon. Learn and explore the many wondrous elements of the six days of creation. Cost is $7 per class or $50 for a the full session. For more information, contact Mussie Rosenblum at mussie@chabadsh.com or 412-344-2424.

Jewish Kids Club

The Jewish Kids Club at Chabad of the South Hills, Mt. Lebanon, will offer Kids in the Kitchen – Cooking Shabbat A to Z from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13, 27 and March 6, 13, for kids ages 4-11. Cost is $10 per class or $60 for the full session. To register, call 412-344-2424 or visit http://www.chabadsh.com.

CPR/AED class

Monongahela Valley Hospital will offer an American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR/AED class at 8 a.m. Jan. 31 in the Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center (ECC). The fee of $35 covers the class and required materials. To register, call 724-258-1333.

Art classes

McMurray Art League announces its fall and winter line up of classes. Upcoming classes include Watercolor with Jeannie McGuire, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Cost is $55 per day for members, $60 per day for nonmembers. For more information and a list of future classes, visit http://www.mcmurrayartleague.com.

Jewish learning

A new six-week course by the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute will be held at two locations in the South Hills. “The Dilemma: Modern Conundrums and Talmudic Debates. Your Solutions.” will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 31 at South Hills JCC, located on Kane Boulevard in Scott Township. It will also be held from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Sundays, beginning Feb. 5 at Chabad of the South Hills, Mt. Lebanon. The class will apply mind-bending reasoning to solve real-life modern dilemmas. Continuing Legal Education credits (CLE) are available. For more information, call Chabad at 412-344-2424 or email rabbi@chabadsh.com.

Art classes

Winter Fun Art Encounters classes will be offered from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. or 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. on consecutive Tuesdays, through Feb. 28 at In His Presence Church, Venetia, for area homeschool, cyber school and after-school students. The six-week winter session will include a Valentine art class party on Feb. 14. The party will be held for both classes at the regular times and will include a craft, games, Valentine exchange, cookies and a drink. Cost of the six-week class, including all materials and party, is $80. Classes are geared for students ages 6 and up. The church is located on Brookwood Road, across from Peters Creek United Presbyterian Church. To register, contact Carolyn Lacek at artencountersstudio@gmail.com by Jan. 20. Visit the Facebook page at ArtEncountersStudio to view past projects.