What’s Happening Oct. 13
Tax Preparers Needed
Volunteer tax preparers who are IRS trained and supervised are needed to perform tax returns for people with modest incomes. Call Bernie Grimes at 412-841-1151 for more information.
USC Fall Play Tickets On Sale
Upper St. Clair High School’s Performing Arts Department will present the play, “Almost Maine,” written by John Cariani. Directed by Larry Cervi, the curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 26. afternoon matinees are offered at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27. All shows will be held in the Upper St. Clair High School theatre.
Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $6 for students. Online ticket sales began Oct. 12 at www.usctheater.org. Tickets for all shows can be picked up on any of the performance days.
Admission for Upper St. Clair’s senior citizens is free with a USC Gold Card. Gold Card holders must obtain their free theater tickets in person at the box office.
Adult Dance Classes
The School of Dance of Bethel Park is offering an adults class – Keep Movin’ and Let’s Dance for fun and fitness. Fall classes in Tap and Jazz will begin Oct. 14 with Joyce and Donna at Miss Beverly’s. For more information, call or text 724-344-7910 or e-mail iwanadance2@hotmail.com.
Square Dance Lessons
Square dance lessons will be offered from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Oct. 17, at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 799 Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon. No experience is necessary. The lessons cost $4 to attend. For more information, call 412-835-8391.
Seniors in the Sukkah luncheon
Seniors in the Sukkah luncheon is scheduled for noon Oct. 16 at Chabad of the South Hills, 1701 McFarland Road, Mt. Lebanon. The event will feature Jewish music and meditation, lunch and a chance to shake the Luluv and Etrog. A donation is $5 is suggested. The venue is wheelchair-accessible. Preregistration is strongly encouraged. For more information, call 412-278-2658.
Salads in Sukkah Ladies Night
Salads in the Sukkah Ladies Night is scheduled for 7:30 Oct. 16 at Chabad of the South Hills, 1701 McFarland Road. Local author Sudan Sofyav will give a presentation on “How Joy Breaks All Boundaries.” There is no charge. RSVP to Batya@chabadsh.com or 412-344-2424.
BP Lions scholarship
Bethel Park Lions will award the $5,000 George Meyer Scholarship to a deserving Bethel Park High School senior in the spring of 2020. Applications are available at the counselor’s office at the high school.
Little Lake’s ‘Blithe Spirit’
Little Lake Theatre Company will present “Blithe Spirit” by Noel Coward from Oct. 17-19 at 8 p.m., Oct. 24-26 at 8 p.m., Oct. 27 at 2 p.m., and Nov. 1-2 at 8 p.m. In the play, novelist Charles Condomine finds himself haunted (literally) by the ghost of his late first wife, the clever and insistent Elvira who is called up by a visiting “happy medium,” one Madame Arcati. As the personalities clash, Charles’ current wife, Ruth, is accidentally killed, “passes over,” joins Elvira, and the two “blithe spirits” haunt the hapless Charles into perpetuity in this hilarious ghost story from the playwright of Hay Fever. “Blithe Spirit” is directed by Rachel Pfennigwerth. Tickets are $21-$22.50, and $14 for children 15 and under. For tickets and information call 724-745-6300 or go online to www.littlelake.org.
Presentation at Church
Mark Rackley, a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church, will give impersonations of various comedians and share personal reflections on his Christian walk during a presentation Oct. 17 at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 740 Washington Ave., Bridgeville. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with pizza, salad and cookies with the program at 7 p.m. A free will offering will be taken. For more information, call 412-221-5132.
Federal Programs Family Night
The Bethel Park School District will offer a Federal Programs Family Night from 7-8 p.m. Oct. 17 in the Community Room of the Administration Building at 301 Church Road. The program is designed for parents/guardians of English Learners and parents/guardians who want more information about Federal Programs, including Title I.
Speaking that evening will be Bethel Park Director of Special Education Lori Sutton, Bethel Park Federal Programs Coordinator Elizabeth Wells and English as a Second Language Teachers Denise Brown and Jackie Barton. The evening is free and light refreshments will be served. Anyone who is interested in attending is asked to call 412-854-8735 to make sure there are enough handout materials available for everyone in attendance.
Free movie in Mt. Lebanon
The Denis Theatre will present a free movie, “Hearts Beat Loud, on Oct. 18 in the Washington Elementary School auditorium, 735 Washington Road. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 7. The Denis is working to bring movies back to our community, and a brief update on recent progress will be presented before the show.
“Hearts Beat Loud” tells a father and daughter tale about growing up, about a love of music and following your dreams. The indie drama, starring Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemons, was an official selection at Sundance and the SXSW film festivals last year. It also features Ted Danson, Sasha Lane, Blythe Danner and Toni Collette.
Bowling fundraiser
Horses with Hope Inc. is holding its annual Bowling Fundraiser from 12 to 3 p.m. Oct. 27 at Meadows Lanes Bowling, 210 Racetrack Road, North Strabane. The cost to attend the fundraiser is $30 per person or $150 for a lane of six bowlers. Included in the entry fee are food, refreshments and bowling. A silent auction and 50/50 raffles will be available. The deadline to make a reservation is Oct. 18. For more information, contact Joanne Slappo at 412-576-4154, laslappo@verizon.net.
Harvest Festival
The annual Hamilton Harvest Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19 on the grounds of Hamilton Presbyterian Church, Baptist and Hamilton roads, Bethel Park. Featured will be vendors and crafters, food, children’s activities, a petting zoo, basket raffles, and three acts on the outdoor stage: magician Al Mazing at 11 a.m., Glen Shelton’s bluegrass-country-gospel show at noon, and Hot Metal Brass Band at 2:15.
Civic engagement classes
Allegheny County Library Association and PublicSource will host a series of “Citizen Toolkit” classes in libraries in October as part of a broader role libraries are playing within our communities. “Fake News and Information Literacy Workshops” and “Power of the Pen: Getting public attention on your issues”stem from ACLA’s recent $250,000 PA Department of Education grant focused on civic literacy and engagement throughout Allegheny County.
The courses will be held locally on the following dates and times:
3:30 p.m., Oct. 21 – Mt. Lebanon Public Library (teen);
7 p.m. Oct. 23 – Community Library of Castle Shannon.
Disabilities Awareness Mass
St. Louise De Marillac will be holding a Disabilities Awareness mass at 10 a.m. Oct. 20 with refreshments to follow at LeGras Hall. Individuals from the community are welcome to attend, especially those with disabilities, their families and friends. Volunteers with disabilities are encouraged to volunteer to act as greeters, lectors and gift bearers. To volunteer as a lector or gift bearer, contact Nancy Beaver at nsea2@comcast.net. To volunteer as a greeter, contact Haley Tutino at hst343@comcast.net.
Concordia open house
Concordia of the South Hills is hosting open houses from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 20 and 21 at 1300 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon. Refreshments will be served in the Harmony Room on the ground floor. The open house provides an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the lifestyle, amenities and continuing care to meet changing needs as professionals provide “Smart Financial Tips that You Should Know.” For more information, visit the Coming Events section of the website at www.ConcordiaLM.org. To register or to schedule a private tour by phone, call director of marketing Christie Wahlen at 412-294-1351.
Ghostly Evening
Woodville Plantation will host an evening around a bonfire on its grounds to share ghostly tales and early folklore told by storytellers of the late 18th century. Snacks, beverages, and a kids corner will be available in the Stillhouse. The event will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 26, “rain or moonlight.” Stories will be held outside as long as weather permits. Should weather be unfavorable, the event will move inside the Stillhouse.
This is a family friendly event. Admission is $10 per adult and $5 per child. Reservations are not required, but are appreciated. Questions may be directed to tiffanyatnevillehouse@gmail.com or call 412-221-0348.
AUP Club
The Association of University People/AUP if looking for single, four-year college graduates over 50 to join the group for monthly dinners, meet at various social spots and gatherings. Interested individuals are welcome to attend activities. For more information, call Mark 412-939-0656.
Oct. 16 – AUP Members Meeting 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join AUP friends for a special discussion and social get-together. Meet at Panera Bread in the Galleria.
Oct. 20 – Brunch at Teutonia Männerchor on the North Side — 11:30 a.m. Teutonia Männerchoir 857 Phineas St., Pittsburgh. Cost: $18. RSVP with Bill at 412-657-7485.
Oct. 25 – Scrabble at the Galleria Mall in Mt. Lebanon – 1 p.m. in the area near Anthropologie. Be on time and bring your board. RSVP with Rina Provost at 412-341-8009 or rina.ferrarelli@verizon.net.
Oct. 30 – Dinner at Mia Madre Trattoria in Avalon – 6 p.m. 649 California Ave. in Avalon. Cash only. No alcohol served. BYOB for an $8 corkage fee per bottle. RSVP with Mark at 412-939-0656.
USC Women’s Lecture Series
Upper St. Clair School District will host its first “Sharing Her Story” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29 in the Boyce Middle School library. The event, part of the uscGAL initiative, is free and open to the public. The goal of the event is to provide a forum for attendees to hear the life story of successful women, to reflect on their own experiences and to offer an opportunity for girls and women to network and form authentic connections.
The inaugural event will feature Dr. Mary Parks-Lamb, owner of Lamb Medical Concierge & Aesthetic Medicine. Light refreshments will be available and all attendees will have an opportunity to win door prizes. For more information, email Giulia Gouker, uscGAL coordinator and Upper St. Clair High School English teacher, at ggouker@uscsd.k12.pa.us.
Kosher Cooking for a Cause
Love and Knaidels Kosher Cooking for a Cause continues with “Sweet Beginnings Ruglelach Bake” at 6 p.m. Oct. 29 at Chabad of the South Hills, 1701 McFarland Road. Bake two pans, one to take home one to share. Enjoy a buffet of appetizers while you bake. Register online at Chabadsh.com or batya@chabadsh.com.
Spaghetti dinner, bake sale
Trinity United Methodist Church, 530 Center Church Road, Peters Township, will hold its annual spaghetti dinner and bake sale from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Dinner cost is $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for children under 4. Take-out dinners will be available.
Proceeds benefit Trinity’s outreach ministries, including the Appalachia Service Project, a Christian ministry in which volunteer adults and youth repair homes for those in need in rural Central Appalachia. The public is welcome.
Craft show
There will be a craft and vendor show with 35 vendors benefiting the Family Promise group from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 9 at St. Benedict the Abbot Church in Peters Township in the Pope Benedict Activity Center. The funds raised by the event will help pay for gas for their van that transports the families, purchase items for their breakfast food pantry and diapers for the children.
There will be hot food including pierogies for purchase or to take home for $8 a dozen. They can also be pre-ordered by Oct. 18.
Bower Hill VFD Craft Show
The Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department will hold a craft and vendor fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 10 at its fire hall located at 161 Vanadium Road in Scott Township.
‘Raising Caring, Successful Kids’ program
The Upper St. Clair Parent Teacher Council Wellness Committee will host author Michele Borba on Nov. 11 for in-service teacher training and a community presentation.
The free program, “Unselfie: Raising Caring, Successful Kids In a Plugged-in, Trophy-driven World,” is scheduled for 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Upper St. Clair High School Theater.
The event is in collaboration with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Nursery School in Mt. Lebanon, the Upper St. Clair Youth Steering Committee and Upper St. Clair School Board and superintendent’s office, with a grant from the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair.
Borba is an internationally recognized expert and author on children, teens, parenting, bullying and moral development. Her work aims to help strengthen children’s character and resilience, build strong families, create compassionate and just school cultures, and reduce peer cruelty. Her practical, research-based advice is culled from a career of working with over one million parents and educators worldwide.
Veterans Day service
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Registered Nurses Club will hold its annual Veterans Day Memorial Service at 12 p.m. Nov. 11. The service is held at the South Park nursing war memorials on Corrigan Drive. All military nurses will be remembered with a wreath placed at the nurses monuments. Assisting in the program will be South Park VFW 6664. Local dignitaries include the Rev. Jon Brzek, St. Joan of Arc and retired U.S. Navy command chaplain; Clarence Hopson, deputy director of recreation for county parks and Sue Means, Allegheny County Council. The public is welcome to attend.
selling ornaments
The Bethel Park Historical Society will honor veterans on the Schoolhouse Arts and History Center Christmas tree this holiday season. Area residents are invited to honor their veteran on a custom 3-inch porcelain ornament featuring the veteran’s photo and branch of military service. Orders are now being accepted for the ornaments, which are $25 each or two for $40. Organizers are asking people to submit their orders by Nov. 1. Ornaments will be available for pick-up at the Schoolhouse Arts and History Center, 2600 South Park Road, from 3 to 6 p.m. Dec. 21. Proceeds from the sale will be used to fund on-going restoration efforts at the Schoolhouse. For more information or to obtain an order form, please call Chris at 412-310-4373 or e-mail bphsfundraiser@gmail.com.
South Hills Women’s Club
The South Hills Women’s Club will meet at 8 p.m. Nov. 11 at 50 Vanadium Road, Bridgeville. Tammy Hepps will share her usable history regarding genealogy to help others research and apply genealogy to their personal histories and their communities. Those interested in attending should call Sue at 412-257-1057.
Nurses club to meet
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Registered Nurses Club will meet at 9:30 am Nov. 19 at Hamilton Presbyterian Church, 4500 Hamilton Road in Bethel Park. David von Hofen is scheduled to speak at the event and will present the topic, “Update on Parkinson’s Disease.” All registered nurses are welcome to attend. For more information, call Linda at 412-882-6114.
Christmas drop-off
Crossroads Ministries again will serve as a local drop-off site for this year’s Operation Christmas Child shoebox distribution project. Now in its 26th year, Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, has collected shoeboxes filled with gifts for children ranging in age from 2 to 14. The shoeboxes are delivered to children in need in the United States and around the world.
Crossroads Ministries is located at 81 Walter Long Drive, Finleyville.
National Collection Week this year is Monday, Nov. 18, through Monday, Nov. 25. Collection hours at Crossroads are Monday, Nov. 18 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 19 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 20 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 21 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 22 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 23 – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 24 – noon to 4 p.m.; and Monday, Nov. 25, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Last year churches and community organizations in Southwestern Pennsylvania gathered 19,690 shoeboxes. For more information on Crossroads Ministries’ collection program, please call the church office at 724-348-1620.
‘Worrier to Warrior’ course offered
A six-week series, “Worrier to Warrior: Jewish Secrets to Feeling Good, However You Feel,” starts Nov. 12, presented by Chabad of the South Hills.
Mined from the teachings of the Torah and contemporary psychology, the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute course takes a fresh approach to the battle against bad feelings, providing realistic spiritual mechanisms for remaining upbeat no matter what life brings.
The course sill be offered from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at the South Hills Jewish Community Center, 345 Kane Blvd., Scott Township, and also from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Sundays, starting Nov. 17, at Chabad of the South Hills, 1701 McFarland Road, Mt. Lebanon.
For more information, call 412-344-2424 or email rabbi@chabadsh.com.
Retired Men Meet
The Retired Men’s Luncheon Group invites retirees to its lunch at noon Nov. 21 at Pleasant Hills Presbyterian Church, 199 Old Clairton Road in Pleasant Hills. Following lunch, the Thomas Jefferson High School acappella choir will perform seasonal songs under the direction of Julia Lucia. The cost for lunch is $8 and payable at the door. Please reserve your lunch by calling the church office at 412-655-2000, option 0.
Adult Interest Center
The Adult Interest Center at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 799 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, began 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:
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 through Dec. 18. Cost is $65;
Gentle yoga, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Mondays and 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, 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 Wednesdays;
Tai chi, 11:15 to noon Wednesdays through Dec. 18. Cost is $65.
For more information, visit wroc.westminster-church.org or call 412-835-6630, extension 200.
Safe driving class
South Fayette Township Parks and Recreation Department is offering a Seniors for Safe Driving class at 5 p.m. Dec. 3 at the South Fayette Senior Center at 515 Millers Run Road. It is approved by PennDOT and designed for drivers ages 55 and older. There’s no exam, and there is only classroom instruction. No on-the-road driving is required. Participants can receive a 5 percent discount on their auto insurance premiums for three years, as mandated by Pennsylvania state law
Registration is available by calling 800-559-4880, by going online to www.seniorsforsafedriving.com or by signing up at the South Fayette Township Building, also located at 515 Millers Run Road.
Grief support
The GriefShare support group meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays through Dec. 19, at the Bible Chapel, 300 Gallery Drive, Peters Township.