Aug 18, 2019 12 min read

BP school open houses

Parents of Bethel Park School District students are invited to attend their children’s open houses at each of the schools, as scheduled:

Bethel Park High School, 309 Church Road – 6:30 p.m. Aug. 28;

Neil Armstrong Middle School 5800 Murray Ave. – 6 p.m. (fifth grade) and 7:45 p.m. (sixth grade) Aug. 29;

Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, 1524 Hamilton Road – 6:30 p.m. Sept. 3;

Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, 5400 Florida Ave. – 6:30 p.m. Sept. 4;

Independence Middle School, 2807 Bethel Church Road – 7 p.m. Sept. 5;

William Penn Elementary School, 110 Woodlet Lane – 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11;

George Washington Elementary School, 515 Clifton Road – 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12.

Peters Creek Historical Society

The Peters Creek Historical Society welcomes guest speakers Dick Gaetano and Rob Throckmorton to its meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26 in the social room of Wrights United Methodist Church, 788 Venetia Road, Peters Township.

Both speakers are fellow coin club members and will present a program on the commemorative coin celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark expedition into the Louisiana Purchase. The talk will encompass local re-enactment history and a discussion of the coin.

Their program was presented to the National Coin Show held in Pittsburgh this past spring.

Concordia open house

Concordia of the South Hills is hosting an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 26 at 1300 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon.

Refreshments will be served in the Harmony Room on the ground floor of the retirement community.

For more information, visit the Coming Events section at www.ConcordiaLM.org. To register or schedule a private tour by phone, call director of marketing Christie Wahlen at 412-294-1351.

Cooking classes

Kids in the Kitchen Cooking, for junior chefs ages 4 to 7 and master chefs ages 8-11, will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays beginning in September at Chabad of the South Hills, 1701 McFarland Road, Mt. Lebanon

Each class includes a cooking segment in which youngsters will learn kitchen techniques and taste new foods, plus hands-on learning about Jewish topics and one-on-one Hebrew Alef-Bet and reading. The schedule:

Session 1 – Cooking by Color, Sept. 19 through Oct. 3, $40;

Session 2 – International Flavors, Nov. 7 through 21, $30;

Session 3 – Brachos ‘Bites, Jan. 9 through 23, $30;

Session 4 – Jewish Holiday Favorites, April 23 through May 14, $40.

Sign up in advance for all four sessions and save $100 before Sept. 2 and $120 after that date.

For more information, visit www.chabadsh.com/cooking or email mussie@chabadsh.com.

Golf outing

Bethel Park Lions’ 12th annual George Meyer Scholarship Golf Outing is scheduled for Sept. 7 at Cedarbrook Golf Course, Rostraver Township.

Registration begins at noon and tee-off at 1 p.m. The event is a scramble format. Single golfers will be assigned to create foursomes.

Cost for 18 holes of golf with cart, snack at the turn, dinner, hole-in-one contest, skill contests and prizes is $100 per golfer. Dinner only is $30.

To register or for more information, contact Bill Raymer at 412-831-7450 or braymer58@verizon.net Proceeds benefit a scholarship for a deserving Bethel Park High School senior.

Doggie Dip

The Bower Hill Swim Club is holding its annual Labor Day Doggie Dip at 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at the pool, 1600 Bower Hill Road, Scott Township.

Cost is $10 per dog, and adults swim free with their pets. For more information, call 412-276-3131.

Adult Interest Center

The Adult Interest Center at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 799 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, will begin its 45th year of operation in September.

The center, which is open to people ages 55 and older, meets at 11 a.m. Fridays in the church’s fellowship hall. Entertainment is featured, with an optional catered lunch for $7.

The schedule includes:

Sept. 6 – Henry Edwardo on accordion;

Sept. 13 – Steelers tailgate with singer Craig Zinger;

Sept. 20 – violinist Gil Bigenho;

Sept. 27 – lifestyle choices with Mark Selekman.

For more information, contact AIC director Fred Barnes at 412-343-8900, ext. 310, or fred@spchurch.org.

Fitness for 55-plus

Fitness classes for adults 55 and older are scheduled at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Upper St. Clair:

Strong Bodies – Strong Bones, 9 to 9:50 a.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 11 through Dec. 18. Cost is $65;

Gentle yoga, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Mondays and 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 26 through Oct. 30. Cost is $63;

Arthritis Foundation exercise, 9:30 to 10:20 a.m. Mondays and 10 to 10:50 a.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 28 through Dec. 18. Cost is $40 for Mondays and $35 for Wednedsays;

Tai chi, 11:15 to noon Wednesdays, Sept. 11 through Dec. 18. Cost is $65.

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

Bethel Park Lions

The Bethel Park Lions Club will kick off its new season with a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 3 at Lions Park on Irishtown Road.

The new president, Bob Pflueger, will lead the the meeting which will feature guest speaker Tom Dougherty from Allegheny Land Trust discussing the Bethel Park Greenway project.

Dance classes at Spencer Y

Spencer Family YMCA in Bethel Park is offering a classical ballet and dance. Classes begin Sept. 3 under the direction of Virginia Nicoll, who has specialized in classical ballet training for adults and children for more than 25 years. Her students learn confidence, discipline, musicality and respect for the arts.

Classes include First Steps Ballet, Pre-Ballet, Ballet I, II, III, and Ballet III through IV with Pointe and Kids’ Luigi Jazz. Adult ballet offers both morning and evening classes. Students have performance opportunities plus receive classical training.

Nicoll was artistic director of Southwest Ballet Company and has worked for the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and Civic Light Opera Academy, and she specializes in movement for special populations.

For more information, call the YMCA at 412-347-6565 or email vhernandez@ymcapgh.org.

South Hills Coin Club

The South Hills Coin Club will meet at 8 p.m. Sept. 10 at Bethel Presbyterian Church at 2999 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park. The public is invited.

This month’s program will be commemorative coins and tokens. A 50/50 will be offered and children’s prizes awarded.

Applications are being accepted for membership. For more information call 724-984-6611.

Fish fry

The Bethel Park Lions Club will hold a fish fry from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 13 at Lions Park.

The menu includes a fried fish sandwich, baked fish or deep-fried butterfly shrimp with french fries or macaroni and cheese, coleslaw and a drink for $11. Children’s dinners of hot dog, french fries and drink are $5.

Lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes fried fish sandwich, french fries, coleslaw and drink for $11. Take out also is available.

Bethel Park Lioness will offer desserts for sale. Plastic garbage bags and brooms will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit Lions charities.

Soccer skills competition

South Hills Elks Lodge 2213 in Bethel Park will hold a soccer shooting skills contest for boys and girls under age 14 from noon to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Bethel Park High School.

The competition is open to youngsters in all communities. They do not have to be a member of a soccer organization or Elks family member to participate.

The highest scores of the boy and girl shooter in each age group will advance to the Elks West District shoot. Winners then will advance to the Pennsylvania Elks State shoot in State College, and winners there will represent Pennsylvania in the regional, multi-state competition.

Advance registration is requested. Onsite registration will be accepted as time and positions are available. Proof of age is required at registration.

For more information, contact the Elks lodge at 412-831-0616. To receive a registration form, send an email to southhillselks@comcast.net.

Square dancing

Friendly Squares will present a free introduction to Western square dancing from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at Peace Lutheran Church, 107 Carol Drive, Peters Township.

Lessons start Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at same location, with Brad Deibert teaching. For more information, call 724-267-4655.

Grief support

The GriefShare support group meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 12 through Dec. 19, at the Bible Chapel, 300 Gallery Drive, Peters Township.

Rummage sale

St. Pius X Byzantine Catholic Church, 2336 Brownsville Road, Carrick, will hold its annual rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 7. For more information, call the church at 412-881-8344.

Preschool class

John McMillan Preschool in Bethel Park has one space available in its Monday-Wednesday-Friday 4-year-old class. Classrooms and lessons are designed to foster the development of specific skills essential for success in kindergarten.

Registration forms and more information are available at johnmcmillanpc.org. To arrange a tour, contact Lori Feldmann at 412-833-4704 or lori@johnmcmillanpc.org.

Memory Café

St. David’s Neighborhood Memory Café will continue an educational series on dementia. The next meeting is from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 7 at 905 E. McMurray Road, Peters Township, with the topic “Understanding Dementia” presented by Patricia Tylka, hospice specialist with Kindred Hospice.

The Neighborhood Memory Café is a monthly support group for caregivers and their loved ones. The NMC provides an opportunity to meet and socialize with others experiencing the same journey while providing support and education. The meeting is open to the public.

For more information, contact sue.schmidty@gmail.com.

Rosh Hashanah farmers’ market

An interactive Rosh Hashanah farmers’ market, organized by Chabad of South Hills in Mt. Lebanon, is scheduled for Sept. 22 at the South Hills JCC, 345 Kane Blvd., Scott Township.

As youngsters go from booth to booth, they will explore the holiday’s culinary themes with unique recipes: round artisan challah, apple mocktails, carrot cake pops, and a holiday fruit salad. At each booth, kids use personalized tote bags to collect recipe cards that they can turn into a special holiday keepsake.

Designed for children ages 3-11, the event is from 2:30 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.chabadsh.com/farmersmarket or call 412.344.2424.

Oldies Dance

The White Oak American Legion Post No. 701, 2813 Capital St., will sponsor an oldies dances Sept. 14 and 28 from 7 to 11 p.m. Admission is $5 per person. All proceeds benefit veterans programs. Music from the ’50s and early ’60s by Candy and Mike. For more information, call 724-984-6611.

Support group meeting

The first of three monthly Washington County Autism and Special Education Support Group meetings is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 25 at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 905 E. McMurray Road, Peters Township.

“Understanding the Evaluation and IEP Process” is the September topic, featuring a presentation by the Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership Center to educate parents and families with children who have disabilities and special health care needs.

Registration is required. Visit www.eventbrite.com and search for “Autism Special Ed Parent Group Fall 2019.” Further meetings are scheduled for October and November.

For more information, contact sue.schmidty@gmail.com.

Support series

The St. Bernard/Our Lady of Grace Parish partners in Mt. Lebanon/Scott/Dormont will conduct a bereavement support series for those who have experienced he loss of a loved one in recent months or years.

The sessions are free, open to the public and provide a safe space to talk with others who are grieving. The group will be facilitated by Paula Elliott and held at St. Bernard Church, Fontenay Center, 311 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon.

The group will meet on six Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 11 and 25, Oct. 9 and 23, and Nov. 6 and 20. For more information and to preregister, call Tisha Bridges at St. Bernard Church at 412-440-2681 or Paul Elliott at 412-279-6560.

Seniors lunch

A Pre-High Holiday seniors lunch will be held at noon Sept. 24 at Tuesday Chabad of the South Hills, 1701 McFarland Road, Mt. Lebanon.

The event will include a presentation by the Jewish Association on Aging. Suggested donation is $5.

For more information and to register, call 412-278-2658.

South Park Women’s Club

South Park Women’s Club will hold its first meeting for 2019-20 on Sept. 16. Sandi Mialki, President will welcome both former and new members at this meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. Meetings are held in the South Park Township Community Room, 2675 Brownsville Road.

Libraries

Bethel Park

Bethel Park Public Library will hold the following programs:

• Almost Kindergarten program will be held at 1 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Sept. 3-26. This one-hour class will teach kindergarten-based concepts and social skills and is intended for those children entering kindergarten in the fall of 2020. This class will be taught by a certified teacher and optional assessment is available throughout the year. Registration is limited. Select only one of the sessions, whichever is more convenient for you and your child. Register beginning Aug. 15 by calling 412-835-2207.

• Toddler Tuesdays will be held Tuesdays, Sept. 3 to Oct. 22 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. This engaging class uses stories, songs, and various activities to foster early literacy skills in young children. For 2- and- 3-year-olds with a caregiver. No registration necessary.

• How to Pay for College program will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 29. 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. To register, call 412-835-2207.

Mt. Lebanon

• “Noh Before You Go”: The English-language noh play “Gettysburg” – 4 p.m. Sept. 4.

Join Elizabeth Oyler of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures for a crash course in noh theater, a form of classical Japanese musical drama that has been performed since the 14th century, and some background about the creation of the play “Gettysburg” as a noh performance. The play is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Charity Randall Theater inside the Stephen Foster Memorial, 4301 Forbes Ave., Oakland.

• Fake News and Information Literacy Workshop – 7 p.m. Sept. 4.

From Soviet propaganda to message boards like 4chan, this class will take you inside the world of fake news, present and past, and give you the tools you need to fight it. Please register at 412-531-1912.

• Flu shot clinic – 9:30 to 11 a.m. Sept. 6 and 3 to 6 p.m. Sept. 19.

The library will partner with RiteAid for the clinic. Shots are available for anyone 9 or older. Bring your insurance card. No registration is required. The regular (Quadrivalent) shot is $39.99 and the 65-and-over (Fluad) shot is $76.99. For more information, call Linda at 412-388-1601.