Mar 10, 2019 19 min read

CHILDCARE

Preschool

St. Valentine Preschool in Bethel Park now offers Tiny Hearts for Two, a preschool class for 2-year-olds and their adult buddy, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursdays, featuring playtime, crafts, finger plays, songs, stories, field trips, a snack and more. For more information, call 412-835-5539.

Alumni sought

Westminster Nursery School at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Upper St. Clair, has been in operation for 60 years. What started out as a school with two staff members, two classrooms and 60 children has evolved to 22 staff members, 11 classrooms and more than 300 children. Alumni of the nursery school are asked to share stories and join in the celebration at WNSK.org.

CLUBS

AUP

The Association of University People (AUP) is looking for single, four-year college graduates over age 50 to attend monthly dinners and social gatherings. Events include: March 10 – Lunch at 2 p.m., P.F. Chang’s at the Waterfront, with RSVP to Liv at 412-580-3957 (call or text); March 20 – Bridge from 2 to 5 p.m., Galleria of Mt. Lebanon (outside of Panera Bread), with RSVP to Bill at 412-657-7485; March 21 – Dinner at 6 p.m., Café Notte in Emsworth, with RSVP to Liv at 412-580-3957 (call/text). For more information, call 412-734-8445.

Bethel Woman’s Club

The Bethel Woman’s Club will meet on March 20 at the South Hills Elks Lodge, 2789 South Park Road, Bethel Park. There will be a social gathering at 11:30 a.m. with lunch following at noon. Christine McIntosh, executive director of the Bethel Park Public Library, will discuss the evolution and diversity of shoes. For information on reservations, call Pat at 412-831-1861. Checks for the luncheon must be received no later than March 11. Sarris candy bars will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the SHIM Pantry.

WBN

The Women’s Business Network-South Chapter announces upcoming meetings. Mt. Lebanon Chapter will meet at 8 a.m. March 12 at Panera Bread on Washington Road. Call Marlene Will-Knapp at 412-833-9279. Washington Chapter meets at 8:30 a.m. March 13 at Panera Bread in Trinity Point, Washington. Call Vicki Pinkney at 412-997-1603. For more information, visit www.wbninc.com.

Decorative painters

The Golden Triangle Decorative Painters will meet on Sunday, March 17 at the Finleyville I.O.O.F. Hall, 3684 Finleyville-Elrama Road. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. The business meeting will begin at noon with a lunch to follow. Members will be painting walker bags to be donated to a local nursing home. For more information, call Cindie at 724-222-7449.

SP Women’s Club

The South Park Women’s Club will meet at 7 p.m. March 18, in the South Park Township Community Center located on municipal grounds (past the library). Warren King, president of the Better Business Bureau, will present “How to Recognize Scams.”

RN club

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Registered Nurses Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. March 19, at Hamilton Presbyterian Church, 4500 Hamilton Road, Bethel Park. Donna Simpson, CRNP, MPH, will present “Update on Alzheimer’s Disease.” All registered nurses are welcome. For more information, call Carol at 412-287-1195.

Nursing scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are provided to local by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Registered Nurses Club to nursing students entering their final year of studies in a diploma, associate degree or Bachelor of Science degree. Nurses actively pursuing advanced education in nursing may also apply. Scholarships are awarded each April. Apply through the Pittsburgh Foundation at http://www.pittsburghfoundation.org or by mail to: The Pittsburgh Foundation, Five PPG Place, Suite 250, Pittsburgh PA 15222-5414. The Pittsburgh Foundation also sends scholarship information to nursing schools and colleges in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. For more information, contact Jennifer Marino, scholarship coordinator, at Marinoj@pghfnd.org or 412-394-2649. Deadline to apply is March 31.

Scholarship available

The Bethel Woman’s Club will award a $3,000 scholarship to a deserving Bethel Park High School senior in May. Applications are available in the counselor’s office at the high school.

Women’s golf

Women’s Golf Association of Mt. Lebanon meets every Tuesday, April through September. Membership is open to all women, all skill levels, residents and non-residents. For more information, call Sharon Ackerman at 412-480-3319.

New member drive

Bethel Park Lions, a community organization dedicated to service to the people of Bethel Park and the blind and deaf throughout the world, is welcoming new members. One of the organizations top fundraisers is its golf outing held each September. Funds generated from this event support a $5,000 scholarship awarded to a deserving Bethel Park High School senior in the spring. The Lions motto is “We Serve.” For more information, contact Danielle, BP Lions president, at 724-288-5746 or danielle.gosnell@gardnerdenver.com.

CRAFT FAIR

Vendor Show

Passion Twirl and Poms will host its first vendor show from 1 to 5 p.m. March 23 at John McMillian Presbyterian Church, 875 Clifton Road, Bethel Park. The show will feature crafters from around the area, a basket raffle and bake sale.

FUNDRAISERS

Fashion show

The Saint Elizabeth Elementary School will hold a fashion show on March 17 at St. John’s Cathedral in Munhall. Award-winning journalist Sally Wiggin will emcee the event. Doors open at 11 a.m. with the lunch and show at 1 p.m. There will be a $1,000 cash grand raffle, $4,000 Good Orthodontics silent auction (starting bid $1,500), Chinese auction, designer purse auction, mystery grab bag and 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $35. For a reservation form, visit www.st-elizabeth.org and scroll down to Events & Fundraisers under the Our School tab.

FUNDRAISERS

Scholarship lunch

The Black Association of South Hills for Women (BASH) will hold its scholarship fundraiser luncheon on March 23, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Meadowlands located at 340 Racetrack Road in Washington. This year’s theme is “Everything Old is New Again. Tickets are $40 per person, available from a member or online at www.bashforwomen.com. Scholarships are awarded to black high school seniors who want to pursue a post-secondary education.

HAPPENINGS

Historical tour

Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation will offer free tours at the Old Allegheny County Jail Museum from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, March 11, 18 and 25. Tours take 30 minutes, with the last tour leaving at 12:30. Reservations are not required, but appreciated. For more information, call 412-471-5808 ext. 527 or email marylu@phlf.org.

Open house

Spencer Family YMCA, Bethel Park, will hold an all-day open house on March 11. Sample the recipe of the month (healthy green smoothie) and take advantage of a special bonus: $0 join fee all day. Sign up any Monday in March and pay $0 to join. For more information, visit https://www.pittsburghymca.org or call 412-347-6565.

Dinner for a Dollar

Community of Christ Church, Bethel Park, will hold Dinner for a Dollar from 5 to 7 p.m. March 14, at the church located at 3472 South Park Road. The menu will include spaghetti, bread and rolls, garden salad and desserts. Donations of $1 per person or $3 per family are accepted, but not required. No takeout (including desserts) will be available. To volunteer to help set up on Wednesday or serve on Thursday, call Debbie at 412-833-6357. Used eye glasses will be collected for the Lions Club for distribution to those in need.

Coffee and Conversation

The Residence of Logan located at 5851 Keystone Drive in Bethel Park will hold a bi-monthly Coffee and Conversation to educate seniors about the benefits of retirement community living including helping seniors live affordable, productive and vibrant lives. The program will be held at 10 a.m. March 14 and 28 and April 11. Refreshments will be served and tours of the community and model apartments will be given. For more information, call 412-835-9500 or email rsvp@residenceatlogan.com.

Block party

Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival’s 15-Year Anniversary Celebration will take place March 15-17, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree. In addition to the daytime classes, demos, exhibitions and marketplace, there will be a series of evening activities featuring a variety of demos and pop-ups with local artisans from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. There is a $10 admission fee for evening activities, but admission is free if a day pass is purchased for the festival at $15. Some activities offered throughout the weekend may have a nominal fee. For more information, visit pghknitandcrochet.com.

Candlelight concert

Woodville Plantation’s 3rd Annual Candlelight Concert with Pittsburgh Historical Music Society will take place at 7 p.m. March 16. The 18th century-style event will include hors d’oeuvres, sweets and libations in the parlor. Period attire is welcome, but not required. Advance registration for this family-friendly event is required as seating is limited. Tickets are $25 per person at http://woodvilleplantation.org/event-ticket-purchase. For more information, email nevillehouseassociates@gmail.com or call 412-221-0348. Woodville Plantation is located at 1375 Washington Pike, Bridgeville.

Live theater

off the WALL Productions, the professional resident acting company at Carnegie Stage, announces its 2018-19 season, featuring one U.S. premiere and one Pittsburgh premiere in the remainder of the acting company’s program. Performances include: “Mumburger,” through March 16, 2019; “World Builders,” May 3-18. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.insideoffthewall.com or call the box office at 724-873-3576 ext. 1.

Home buyer event

A First Time Home Buyer Event will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 19, at the offices of The Musuneggi Financial Group, 1910 Cochran Road, Suite 520, Manor Oak Two in Green Tree. Featured speakers will be Jackie (Lucchino) von Thun, a realtor with Realty One Group, and Megan Legursky, a mortgage loan officer with Mars Bank. Preregistration is required by calling 412-341-2888 ext. 312 or emailing info@mfgplanners.com.

Easter Bake Sale

St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 601 Boone Avenue, Canonsburg, will hold its Easter bake sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 13. Advance orders are being taken for nut, poppy and apricot rolls. To place an order, call 724-743-0231 by March 24.

Auditions

Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra 2019 audition applications are now being accepted. Advance students up to and including college-age may apply. There is no minimum age requirement. Preliminary audition submissions are due March 25. Live auditions for new members will take place in May. To apply, visit https://pyso.org/audition.

Country line dancing

Country line dancing is held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at VFW Post 764, 460 Valley Brook Road, Peters Township. Beginners are welcome. For more information, call Bonnie at 724-746-1222.

PT Community Day

The 41st Annual Peters Township Community Day is scheduled for Saturday, June 29, at Peterswood Park. Vendor applications will be sent out in March. To be added to the mailing list, email ltaylor@peterstownship.com.

HEALTH

Essential oils

An Introduction to Essential & Oil Basics is held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, March 14, 21 and 28, at The Physical Therapy Center, 1699 Washington Road (ground floor), Bethel Park. To schedule an alternate time/day, contact Deb Bosco at 724-713-6217 or bosco.deb@gmail.com.

Reduce stress

At the Mind Body Center, Upper St. Clair, learn how to use essential oils to clear your mind and reset your body for minimal stress. Guests can make roller bottles from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays at a cost of $5 per bottle – oils and supplies provided. The center is located at 1720 Washington Road, Suite 207, on the second floor of the Norman Center. For more information, email drkunklemillerandassociates@gmail.com or call 412-854-4887. For tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reduce-stress-and-clear-your-mind-tickets-51090273383.

LIBRARIES

Andrew Carnegie

• Help with Your Tech, 10 a.m. to noon on March 23. Bring your smart phone, tablet or laptop and get help from the library.

• The Pittsburgh Savoyards Present – “The Gondoliers,” Gilbert and Sullivan’s Italian-themed operetta, March 15-24. Visit the library’s website for ticket information.

• S.T.E.A.M. on Saturdays, 2 to 3 p.m. March 16, for grades K-5. Parent/guardian presence required.

• Prime Time Books, 7 to 8 p.m. March 18, for adults and older teens in the Lincoln Gallery. Discuss “Cinder” by Marissa Meyer.

For more, visit www.carnegiecarnegie.org. Register at 412-276-3456.

Bethel Park

• The Power of Influence: Four Secrets to Influencing Anyone, Anywhere, 7 p.m. March 12. Register.

• How to Protect Myself While on the Internet, 7 p.m. March 14. Register.

• Manure Management Planning Workshop, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 16, with a representative from Allegheny County Conservation District. Note: A Manure Management Plan is required to keep chickens in Bethel Park. To register, email ewise@accdpa.org or call 412-241-7645 or the library.

• Raising Funds While Raising Spirits With Psychic Medium Debbie Pakler, PhD, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 16. Cost is $35 (cash only) for a 20-minute reading, with 20 percent going to the library. Call the library to set up an appointment.

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

Bridgeville

• After-school chess program, Tuesdays, for children in grades K-8. Beginners meet from 6 to 7 p.m., with experienced players meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. This half-hour of instruction led by chess master Eric Berthoud, will be followed by a half-hour of game play. Participants must attend at least six of the eight evening sessions to be eligible for the tournament. Register online.

• Jammin’ with My Planner, 6 p.m. March 14. Work on your journal while listening to tunes.

• Artist Trading Cards: Mixed Media Crafting, 1 to 4 p.m. March 16. Theme: Windows. Basic supplies provided, or bring your own.

For more, visit bridgevillelibrary.org.

Castle Shannon

• New Sign Language Program, 7 p.m. March 18, for digital beginners between the ages of 13 and 99. Learn basic vocabulary including the alphabet, colors, animals and more. The program will continue the third Monday of each month, through December.

• Junior Librarians, 6:30 p.m. March 12. Children can help check out books, put books away and learn things about the library.

• Spring Used Book Sale, March 14-16. Hours are: 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday (bag day).

For more, visit www.castleshannonlibrary.org.

Frank Sarris

• Family Night, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 12. Stories, crafts and games. Theme: Kid Heroes.

• Fiction Book Club, 1 p.m. March 13. Discuss “Memoirs of a Geisha” by John Golden. New members welcome.

• Super Science, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. March 14, for kids ages 3-7 and 8-13. Theme: Magnets. Registration required.

• Teen Writers’ Club, 6 to 7 p.m. March 18, for students in grades 7-12. Email questions to Beth Kairush, Teen Advisory Board coordinator, at bkairush@franksarrislibrary.org.

Register at 724-745-1308. www.franksarrislibrary.org.

Mt. Lebanon

• Berlin on the Eve of World War, 7 p.m. March 13. What was life like for those who saw their rights eroded while others felt elation in the rise of patriotism? Conversations will follow this program, which is presented by the Historical Society of Mount Lebanon.

• St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, 6:30 p.m. March 14, for children ages 3-8. Irish stories, games and songs in Gaelic. Wear green.

• Korczak’s “Ten Matchboxes,” 7 p.m. March 14, for adults and children middle school age and up. This adaptation of the short story tells of a teacher who sparks his poor students’ imaginations by giving them a simple gift: an empty matchbox. An informal discussion will follow.

• Beats, Bops & the Blues Music Series, 6:30 p.m. March 16, for all ages. Food, fun and an opportunity to talk with pianist Martin Spitznagel.

For more, visit www.mtlebanonlibrary.org.

Peters

• Evening Book Club for Adults, 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 13. Discuss “My Name is Lucy Barton: A Novel” by Elizabeth Strout.

• Acrylic Painting for Adults, 12:30 to 3 p.m. March 14. Cost is $25 plus supplies. Register.

• A Night with WQED, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 14, for all ages featuring Curious George.

• Community Blood Drive, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 15. To make an appointment, visit vitalant.org and search for group code C594, or call 877-258-4825.

For more, visit www.ptlibrary.org.

Scott

• Literacy Pittsburgh Volunteer Tutor Information Session for Adults, 1 to 2 p.m. March 12. Tutors will receive training and be matched with a student or group of students.

• Battle of the Books Practice Session, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 13. Enjoy snacks while practicing questions. Register.

• Navy Commander Jason Deichler Visit, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 14, for adults. This is an informal presentation by Commander Deichler, who grew up in Scott Township and graduated from Chartiers Valley High School in 1995.

• Cooking Club: Mashed Potato Pancakes, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 18, for adults. Swap recipes, talk foods, and taste and make a dish together. All skill levels welcome. Register.

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

South Fayette

• Storytime Chess, 10 a.m. Mondays, 1 p.m. Thursdays or 10:30 a.m. Fridays, for ages 3.5-7 years. Learn the game of chess, its characters and movements through storytelling. New lesson each week. Register for only one session per week; must register for each week separately. Registration required.

• After-school chess program, Mondays, for children in grades K-8. Beginners meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., with experienced players meeting from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. This half-hour of instruction led by chess master Eric Berthoud will be followed by a half-hour of game play. Register online.

• Children’s Choice Awards Pizza Party, 6:30 p.m. March 13, for children in grades 3-6 only. Registration required.

• County Chess Tournament, noon to 4 p.m. March 16, at the South Fayette Senior Center. Division 1 is K- grade 4 ; Division 2 is grades 5-8. Players may only participate in one county tournament per year. Register online with official form.

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

Upper St. Clair

• Vintage Radio Players, 2 p.m. March 12 and 26. Read classic scripts and perform at local personal care homes. New attendees are asked to email Walker Evans at evansw@einetwork.net.

• Yarn Works, 7 p.m. March 12 and 26. The group meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month to make much-needed hats, mittens, blankets and more for the underprivileged in the Pittsburgh region. Register.

• Express Yourself, 10 a.m. March 13 and 27. Share writings and serve as a resource and writing inspiration for others. Stop in anytime. New attendees are asked to email Robert Celaschi at celaschi@mac.com.

• An Evening of Irish Music with Cathasaigh, 7 p.m. March 18. Register.

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

REUNIONS

BPHS Class of ’79

Bethel Park High School Class of 1979 will hold its 40th reunion on Saturday, Sept. 28. This is also homecoming weekend for BPHS. The reunion will begin at 5 p.m. at the Bethel Park Historical Society, with a meet-and-greet time at Danny’s Hoagie with appetizers. Dinner, from Pasta Too will be from 6 to 7:30 at the Bethel Park Community Center (just across the parking lot from the historical society). After dinner, cake from Bethel Bakery will be served back at the historical society, with socializing to follow. Cost is $30 per person, with beer, pop and water included, or BYOB. A PayPal “money pool” has been created on the BPHSClassOf79@gmail.com PayPal account. There is no fee to purchase tickets using a PayPal balance or linked bank account. You do not need to have an account to purchase tickets through PayPal, but there is a 3.9 percent fee for using a credit or debit card. Sign in as a “guest.” To link o the PayPal “money pool,” visit https://www.paypal.com/pools/campaign/111032137327518640. When the page opens click “chip in.” Include your email address in the comments box so the committee can keep you up to date with information as the reunion approaches. Or, visit the class Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/137385723589/events and click on the “events” tab. Questions can also be directed to the class email listed above.

SUPPORT GROUP

GriefShare

The Bible Chapel, McMurray, will offer GriefShare from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, through May 23. For more information, visit biblechapel.org.

WORKSHOPS/CLASSES

Artist workshops

City Theatre announces a new series of workshops and intensives to help nurture the careers of Pittsburgh-based artists. The new educational initiative will offer career development in various theatrical disciplines, including acting, playwriting and arts administration. Workshops include: Getting the Part, Teaching Artist Bootcamp, Active Analysis Immersive, and Getting Your Script Out There. A limited number of scholarships are available. For more information, email workshops@citytheatrecompany.org.

Fitness

Westminster Recreation & Outreach Center (WROC) at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Upper St. Clair, offers fitness classes. Register at wroc.westminster-church.org.

Kids in the Kitchen

Kids in the Kitchen: Cooking for Shabbat from A-Z will be offered from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, March 14 and 28, at Chabad of the South Hills, Mt. Lebanon. Kids ages 3-11 (3-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult) will prepare traditional Shabbat delicacies while learning about various Jewish topics, one-on-one Hebrew Alef-Bet and reading. Cost is $10 per child, per class. For more information, visit www.chabadsh.com/jkc, email mussie@chabadsh.com or call 412-344-2424.

DIY clay facial mask

A DIY Facial Clay Mask class will be offered from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. March 16, at The Physical Therapy Center, 1699 Washington Road (ground floor), Bethel Park. All supplies and doTERRA CPTG Essential Oils will be provided. Participants will make a mask, apply it and have a cup of tea while it dries. Bring a facial cloth and hand towel to remove the mask. doTERRA skin care products will be available for use. Cost is $5, paid at the event. To register, contact Deb Bosco at 724-713-6217 or bosco.deb@gmail.com.

Irish genealogy

The fifth annual Irish Genealogy Workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 18, at Heinz History Center in the Strip District, with Irish genealogy experts Fintan Mullan and Gillian Hunt from the Ulster Historical Foundation in Belfast. New presentations this year include: Archives and Libraries in Ireland and Their Websites: An Introduction; Newspapers as a Source for Irish Research; The Penal Laws in Ireland: Records for Genealogy from the Penal Era; Using Wills and Testamentary Records: An Underused Source for Researching Irish Families. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Admission is $30 for History Center members and $40 for non-members. Box lunches are available for an additional $10.95. Register online at https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/events/irish-genealogy-workshop-2019. For more information, contact Sierra Green, Heinz History Center archivist, at 412-454-6361 or sgreen@heinzhistorycenter.org.

Tech for girls

Techgirlz, a free workshop for middle school girls, will be offered from noon to 3 p.m. March 30, at Mt. Lebanon Public Library, 16 Castle Shannon Boulevard. This free workshop will teach girls the elements of HTML and CSS and set a world record for the number of girls coding at the same time. To register, visit www.techgirlz.org/code-breakers.