Jan 24, 2018 11 min read

CHILDCARE

Open house/registration

St. Valentine Preschool’s open house/registration for the 2018-2019 school year will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 28. Tour the six spacious classrooms and fenced-in playground, and have an opportunity to meet the staff and parents of children currently enrolled in the program. Children will complete a craft. St. Valentine Preschool provides a faith-based curriculum to children ages 2-4. Half-day and full-day classes are offered and include Bible story time, visits from parish staff and clergy, field trips, music and movement, hands-on science, library, reading and math readiness, and more. For more information, call 412-835-5539.

Information night

Hillcrest Christian Academy, Bethel Park, will hold its annual Early Childhood & Kindergarten Information Night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 29. HCA offers classes for 3- and 4-year-olds, half day and full day kindergarten. For more information, call 412-854-4040.

Preschool preview

St. Elizabeth Preschool will hold its preschool preview “Planting the Seeds of Learning” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 1 in the preschool classroom. RSVP to 412-881-2958 or slydon@st-elizabeth.org to reserve a spot.

Preschool registration

John McMillan Preschool, Bethel Park, will begin registration for the 2018-2019 school year on Feb. 5. Classes for 3, 4 and 5 year olds are available in a Christian atmosphere guided by experienced and qualified teachers. To arrange a tour or for more information about the curriculum, contact Lori Feldmann at 412-833-4704 or lori@johnmcmillanpc.org. Registration forms and more information are also available at johnmcmillanpc.org.

Open house

Hillcrest Christian Academy, Bethel Park, will hold its annual open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 19. HCA offers classes for preschool through high school. For more information, call 412-854-4040.

CLUBS

AUP

The Association of University People (AUP) invites single, four-year college graduates over 50 to the following events:

• Sunday Soup, 1 p.m. Jan. 28. Enjoy soup, bread and conversation at Liv’s house. Members only. RSVP to 412-580-3957.

• Play Bridge or Scrabble at the Galleria of Mt. Lebanon. For Bridge, contact Nancy at 412-833-6412 or 412-862-7861, or nl.hokaj@gmail.com. For Scrabble, contact Judy at 412-885-7104 or jhola10499@aol.com.

Non-members are welcome to most events. Call 412-734-8445 for more information.

Alpha Omega Master

Members of PA Alpha Omega Master will enjoy a Valentine Tea presented by the Bethel Presbyterian Women, at 2 p.m. Jan. 28, at Bethel Presbyterian Church, Bethel Park.

HAPPENINGS

Live opera

Pittsburgh Opera brings a gripping, contemporary American opera to the CAPA School Theater in Jeremy Howard Beck’s “The Long Walk,” Jan. 26 and 28. Based on the book “The Long Walk: A Story of War and the Life that Follows” by Brian Castner, the opera is a deeply personal exploration of a soldier’s return from Iraq where he served as an officer in an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) unit and his battle with what he calls “the Crazy” as he tries to reintegrate into his family life. Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased online at https://opera.culturaldistrict.org/production/51808/the-long-walk, by calling 412-456-6666 or at the Theatre Square Box Office.

Live theater

Pittsburgh Public Theater continues Ted Pappas’ grand finale season with the musical comedy “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The cast includes two locals: Jeff Howell of Mt. Lebanon and Stephanie Maloney of Upper St. Clair. Performances run Jan. 25-Feb. 25, at the O’Reilly Theater, downtown. For tickets, call 412-316-1600 or visit ppt.org.

Auditions

Carnegie Performing Arts Center will hold auditions for the ballet “Mary Poppins” on Jan. 27 at the studios located at 150 East Main Street in Carnegie. Auditions for children ages 5-12 will be held at 1 p.m., and auditions for ages 13 and up will be held at 2 p.m. Performances will take place in March at the newly renovated Andrew Carnegie Music Hall. Director Monica Ryan choreographs the production and rehearsals will take place on Saturday afternoons. For more information, call the school at 412-279-8887.

Concert

Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, Carnegie, presents Red Beans and Rice at 8 p.m. Jan. 27, featuring a mix of New Orleans R&B, early rock & roll and barroom ballads. Tickets are $15 in advance through Jan. 25 or $20 at the door. Light refreshments and drinks by donation. For tickets and more information, visit www.carnegiecarnegie.org or call 412-276-3456.

Dinner for a Dollar

Community of Christ Church, 3472 South Park Road, Bethel Park, will hold Dinner for a Dollar from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 8. The menu includes spaghetti, bread and rolls, garden salad and desserts. Donations of $1 per person or $3 per family are accepted, but not required. No reservations are needed. No take out will be available. To volunteer to help set up on Feb. 7 or to help serve on Feb. 8, call Janet at 412-805-7194.

Dinner dance

ELKS LODGE 2213, located in Bethel Park, will hold a Sweet Hearts Dinner Dance on Feb. 9. Appetizers will be served at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 and dancing to the music of Nite Star. Tickets, sold in advance, are $30 per person and include a prime rib dinner. For reservations (credit card required), call 412-831-0616.

LIBRARIES

Bethel Park

• Practice SAT Test, 10 a.m. Jan. 27. Omega Learning Center will offer this free SAT Evaluation Test, review the results and recommend a custom SAT Prep program. Limited space. Register.

• Appy Hour for Older Adults, 10 a.m. Jan. 29. Adults age 50+ can learn what’s new, what’s trending and what you need in the world of apps. Register.

• Your Digital Library Class: Databases and Downloadables, 10 a.m. Jan. 30. Register.

For more, visit www.bethelparklibrary.org. Register at 412-835-2207.

Bridgeville

• Wills, Living Wills, and Power of Attorney, 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 25. Make an appointment with an attorney by calling 412-859-5990 weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• Movie Matinee, 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 25

• 21+BYOB Game Night, 6 to 10 p.m. Jan. 27, for adults age 21 and up. Games supplied or bring your own. Bring a valid photo ID. Registration appreciated.

• In Stitches, 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 30, for those who enjoy knitting and crocheting. New members welcome.

• American Girl Book Club, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 1, for children in grades 2-5. This month’s book: “Good Luck, Ivy.” Dolls are welcome. Registration required.

For more, visit bridgevillelibrary.org.

Castle Shannon

• Cooking Fun, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30, for children, tweens and teens. Registration is required to ensure there are adequate supplies.

• Music & Dancing, 3:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, through May 30, for children of all ages.

For more, visit castleshannonlibrary.org.

Frank Sarris

• Vegas Day, 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 29, for senior citizens. Win a prize playing casino-like games. Light refreshments provided.

• Family Night, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30. An evening story hour with games and activities.

• Lego Club, 5 to 6 p.m. Jan. 31, for children in grades K-8.

For more, visit www.franksarrislibrary.org. Register at 724-745-1308.

Mt. Lebanon

• Author visit, 7 p.m. Jan. 24. Journalist and Mt. Lebanon resident Niki Kapsambelis will discuss her first book, “The Inheritance,” which was published by Simon & Schuster in March. This non-fiction book follows a multigenerational family from North Dakota stricken with an extremely rare genetic mutation that guarantees them early-onset Alzheimer’s, typically in their 40s. Their contributions to research are inching science closer to a cure. Kapsambelis will discuss the book — and the broader issue of Alzheimer’s — with the audience, and copies will be available for purchase.

• The New Federal Income Tax Law Explained, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 25, presented by the accounting firm of McKeever Varga & Senko.

• Matt’s Maker Space Kick-off Festival, 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 26, for children in grades K-8 and preschoolers with their parent or guardian. There is no school in Mt. Lebanon on this day, so join The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh for STEAM activities like fizzing watercolors, straw rockets and more.

• Tu b’Shevat Celebration, 2 p.m. Jan. 28.A family-friendly program that teaches about the 15th day of Shevat, “The New Year of Trees.”

For more, visit www.mtlebanonlibrary.org. Register at 412-531-1912.

Scott

• Adult Color Time, 2 to 3 p.m. Jan. 26. Supplies provided.

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

South Fayette

• Movie Matinee, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 26

• Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m. Jan. 30, for children ages birth through age 3.

• Kids in Motion, 10:30 a.m. Jan. 31, for ages 2-6. The program will end with bubbles. Wear shoes and clothing appropriate for running, jumping and stretching.

For more, visit southfayettelibrary.org. Register online or call 412-257-8660.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Caregiver support

Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group meets from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 25 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Upper St. Clair. This support group is for caregivers for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. For more information, visit www.westminster-church.org or call 412-835-6630.

WORKSHOPS/CLASSES

Jewish program

Pause & Affect: A Shabbat Outlook, a new monthly course for women by Rosh Codesh Society, will be held the third Thursday of each month at Chabad of the South Hills, Mt. Lebanon. Classes will take place Feb. 15. For more information, visit chabadsh.com or call 412-344-2424.

Cooking classes

Blueberry’s Kitchen, McDonald, offers Tater-Tots Cooking Classes for preschool-age children and homeschool students. Classes are held from noon to 3 p.m. at 2016 Sterling Drive. Upcoming classes include: Cracking eggs, stirring batter and shredding cheese – bacon, egg and cheese quiche with blueberry pancakes, Jan. 26; cornbread muffins and mini chicken pot pies, Jan. 31 or Feb. 2. Cost is $37 per class. Register.

• Baking, Caking, Rolling and Kneading classes are held from 4:45 to 7 p.m. on the following dates: Jan. 27 – homemade chicken fingers, mac and cheese, and roasted broccoli trees. Cost is $45 per class. Register.

To register, email blueberrys.kitchen.us@gmail.com or call 724-809-6687.

Babyccino

Babyccino, a chic meet for mod moms and their tots, will be held from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, at Chabad of the South Hills, Mt. Lebanon. Explore the elements of snow, frost and fire through music, sensory activities, creative arts and interactive play. Cost is $7 per class or $30 for the full session. For more information, contact Mussie Rosenblum at mussie@chabadsh.com or 412-344-2424.

Jewish learning

Rohr Jewish Learning Institute will offer a new six-week course from 7:30 to 9 p.m. through Feb. 27 at the South Hills JCC, 345 Kane Blvd. Scott, or from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 28-March 4 at Chabad of the South Hills, Mt. Lebanon. In “Communications: Its Art and Soul,” Jewish thought will be contrasted with scientific discovery to unearth the essence of communication and how to utilize its powers to better ourselves, our relationships, and all of society. For more information, call 412-344-2424 or email rabbi@chabadsh.com 412-344-2424 or www.chabadsh.com.

Photo organizing

A photo organizing class is being offered at Peters Township Recreation Center. Organizing Your Photos, Print and Digital will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 27. The class is open to adults ages 18 to 70. Fee is $25 for members and $38 for non-members. To register, visit www.peterstownship.com.

Art classes

Homeschool and After School Winter Fun Art Classes, taught by instructor Carolyn Lacek, will be held from 2 to 3:15 p.m. and from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 30-Feb. 27, in the Art Room at In His Presence Church, 251 Brookwood Road, Venetia. Children ages 6 and up will complete original art projects using different mediums and learning concepts of design and color. This session will feature a Valentine party. Classes are $65 per student and include all supplies. Lacek, who has been teaching art classes for kids for the past six years, is the illustrator of three children’s books. To register your child, email Lacek at artencountersstudio@gmail.com by Jan. 26. Include your student’s name, age and grade. Class sizes are limited to allow for individual attention. Preschool art classes are now forming for children ages 4-6. For more information, send your name and email address to the above email.

New classes

Peters Township Recreation Center announces a new session of classes, including Fitness Boot Camp, Hip Hop, Turbokick Cardio Kickboxing and JumpBunch. To learn more, stop by the Rec Center or visit www.peterstownship.com.

Fitness classes

Westminster Recreation & Outreach Center at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Upper St. Clair, offers the following fitness classes:

• Aerobics and Strength Training, Barre – Pilates Fusion, Cardio Strength Fusion, Flow Yoga, Total Body Sculpt and Zumba classes are underway.

• Quick Cardio from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. Tuesdays and 7:30 to 8 a.m. Saturdays, through April 24.

• Piloxing, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, through Feb. 28.

For more information, visit wroc.westminster-church.org or call 412-835-6630 ext. 200.