What’s Happenings – Week of Oct. 12
DRACULA
Upper St. Clair High School will present “Dracula,” directed by Dr. Steve Torquato. All shows will be held in the high school theater. Times and dates are: 6 p.m. Oct. 23; 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Oct. 25 and 2 p.m. Oct. 26.
Pre-sale tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students and can be purchased online at www.usctheater.org. Starting Oct. 23, adult ticket prices increase to $15. Tickets may also be purchased in person one hour before each performance at the box office. Admission is free for Upper St. Clair’s senior citizens with a USC Gold Card, which can be used to reserve tickets online or at the box office.
To engage younger audiences, a Trunk or Treat event will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 26 in the high school parking lot, adjacent to the Arts Entrance. More than 20 school clubs, teams and community groups will participate.
CRAFT SHOWS
The Upper St. Clair League of the Arts will host its Sugarplum Artisan Marketplace from Nov. 6-11 at the McLaughlin Run Road Activity Center, located at 1770 McLaughlin Run Road. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday. Gifts for all seasons, home accents and paintings will be among the items available for purchase.
The 51st Holiday-A-Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at Bethel Presbyterian Church, located at 2999 Bethel Church Road. Vendors offer a variety of items and a salad buffet, including the church’s signature chicken salad, a choice of two other salads, rolls, homemade cookies and drink will be available. There will be gift-basket raffles and baked goods for purchase. Proceeds benefit the church’s women’s association, which provides funds for many local and international ministries such as SHIM, Brothers Brother, Meals on Wheels, Samaritan’s Purse, Agape International and the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank.
A craft and vendor show will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at Peters Township High School, 121 Rolling Hills Drive. The sixth annual event is a fundraiser for the senior class. In addition to over 100 crafters and vendors, offering art work, vintage clothing, skin care products, home goods, jewelry, candles, decor and holiday items, there will be food trucks on site.
The John McMillan Presbyterian Church’s annual Christmas craft show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at 875 Clifton Road in Bethel Park. More than 45 vendors will offer handmade gifts and treasures. There will also be a gingerbread house, a chance auction, and the Kris Kringle Kafé. Admission is free.
The St. Raphael the Archangel holiday craft show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 15 in the SS. Simon & Jude School gymnasium located at 1625 Green Tree Road in Scott Township. There will be 75 tables of crafts, a Chinese auction of items made by the participants, a bake sale and lunch available for purchase. Parking and admission are free.
The Independence Middle School PTSO craft show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 22 at the school, located at 2807 Bethel Church Rd. in Bethel Park. Over 40 crafters/vendors will be selling artwork, jewelry, crochet items, baked goods, 3D printed items, tumblers, nail polish strips, wreaths, pottery, pet gear, purses, sewing items, soaps, essential oils, jams, laser engraved items and crystals. There will also be gift baskets. The Nedals Gyro and Tom’s Coffee food trucks will be on site as well as a concession stand to purchase food and drinks.
MARKETS
The final Bethel Park farmers market of the season will be held from 3 to 6:30 p.m. in the South Park Corrigan Drive parking lot. Visit www.bethelparkpa.gov/vendors for a list of participants.
No Cook Tuesdays return Oct. 21 in Bethel Park. Food trucks will be on hand from 4 to 7 p.m. and located in the parking lot at the community center.
The indoor market returns with many of the outdoor vendors on Nov. 18. Hours are 4 to 7 p.m. at the community center.
HALLOWEEN
Bethel Park is sponsoring a home-decorating Halloween contest. To nominate a house, email jdavin@bethelpark.gov or call 412-831-6800, ext. 211, by Oct. 22. Judging will take place Oct. 23-31 and one winner per ward will be announced at the Nov. 10 council meeting.
TURKEY TROT
The Bethel Park Turkey Trot will be held from 7 to 10 a.m. Nov. 27 at the high school, located at 309 Church Road. The fee is $45. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers.
Visit bethelparkpa.gov/community/community-events for more information.
PANCAKES
The Scouts BSA Troop 2 pancake breakfast fundraiser will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 16 at Bethany Presbyterian Church, located at 740 Washington Ave. in Bridgeville. Tickets are $5 for seniors, ages 65 and older, as well as children under 5. All others are charged $10. Meal includes unlimited pancakes, sausage with vegan options, coffee, orange juice or milk and apple sauce. In addition to a hearty breakfast, attendees can chat with Scouts and learn about the organization.
Contact info@troop2-pa.org for tickets or more details. Tickets are available at the door.
BLOOD DRIVE
Our Lady of Hope Parish will hold a blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 22 in Frawley Hall at St. Valentine’s Catholic Church, located at 2700 Ohio St. in Bethel Park
Visit vitalant.org to schedule an appointment or call 412-726-6942 or 412-884-1283 for more details. Donations in November are eligible for entry into a contest to win one of two $10,000 gift cards.
FITNESS
The Westminster Presbyterian Church fitness classes begin the week of Oct. 27.
Among the classes are: Barre Sculpt, Cardio Drumming, Cardio Drumming for Parkinson’s Disease, Cardio Strength Fusion, Yoga, Parkinson’s Fitness Classes, Stronger Bones/Better Balance and Zumba.
A Parkinson’s fitness class as well as Keep Moving with Boxing, Level 1 and 2, will be held at 9:10 and 10:10 a.m. as well as 12:15 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays beginning Nov. 3 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Upper St. Clair.
Parkinson’s for Pickleball is held from 1 to 2:45 p.m. Thursdays while Cardio Drumming for those with Parkinson’s is held from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. Fridays beginning Nov. 7.
Visit: wroc.westminster-church.org or call 412-835-6630 to register.
SENIOR LIVING
Provincial Bethel Park will host an Oktoberfest celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at its location at 2960 Bethel Church Road. The event features authentic German cuisine, music and community connections. The event is open to residents, families, professional partners and the general public. There will be raffle items and themed gift baskets. Members of the senior living facility will be available to provide tours, explain services and lifestyle options as well as answer questions. While RSVPs are not required, those interested in attending are encouraged to call 412-802-9273.
GENEALOGY
The Mt. Lebanon Genealogy Society will meet at 1 p.m. Oct. 20 in the audio-visual room of the Mt. Lebanon Public Library. Because October is Italian Heritage Month, Melissa Marinaro from the Heinz History Center will speak about the Italian American experience in the region from the 1880s through the 1960s. There will be an emphasis on immigration policy and its impact.
Contact malcolm.andrews1949@gmail.com for more details on the program or information regarding the organization.
PRAYER EVENT
The Magnificat Prayer Breakfast for Women will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 15 at the Diocese of Pittsburgh Pastoral Center-O’Connor Hall, 2900 Noblestown Road. In addition to breakfast, praise, worship and fellowship, the Rev. Daniel J. Roberts, a recently ordained priest who previously had a long career as an actor in Los Angeles, will speak. Registration is $35.
Visit www.magnificatpittsburgh.org to register online.
COIN CLUB
The South Hills Coin Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Bethel Park Municipal building, located at 5100 West Library Ave. Members and the general public can attend. The demonization of currency in India will be the program’s topic. There will be a 50/50 raffle and children’s prizes awarded. Applications for new members are being accepted. Call 724-984-6611 for more information.
PT REC
The Peters Township Recreation Center is accepting registration for fall classes. Visit peterstownship.com or call 724-942-5000.
The following will be offered:
Minute To Win It Night will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15. Families compete with other families at the recreation center. Participants should wear comfortable clothes. Fee is $1 per person, $3 per nonmember. Ages 5 and older can compete.
Senior luncheon will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 12 at the recreation center. Luncheons include entertainment, a speaker or interactive activity. While the event is free, guests are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert to share. Registration is required. Call 724-942-5000.
Artful Screams will be held from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Oct 23. Ages 7 to 11 can attend this creative painting class. Materials are included. Participants may want to wear a smock or old clothing. Fee is $8 ($12 nonmembers).
Halloween Decorating Contest. Pre-register to show off your home Halloween decorations and win one of two prizes. There will be a People’s Choice Award from a public vote and the other award from the judges. Registered homes will be featured online so families can drive by and see the displays. Voting closes Oct. 23 and winners will be announced Oct. 27.
Mad Science Halloween Spooktacular from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 24 for ages 6 to 12. Fee is $42 ($63 nonmembers.)
A vaccination clinic from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 14.
BINGO
The Catnip Bingo, a fundraising event for FosterCat Inc., will be held Oct. 19 at Salvatore’s, 5001 Curry Road. Doors open at noon. All proceeds from this event go directly to support cat rescue, cat care, foster and adoption. Tickets are $50 each and include 10 bingo games (six cards to a game), a full-course hot buffet luncheon that includes dessert and beverage. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, pull tab tickets and a basket auction.
All tickets must be purchased in advance. Visit Fostercat.org to buy tickets online. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 412-481-9144. Email info@fostercat.org to request tickets and provide name, address, phone number and number of tickets.
TEEN NEWS
Teens can explore careers and leadership skills through a free workshop series at the Bethel Park Community Center. The Teen Networking Nights program, hosted by Period Zero, will feature local industry partners leading interactive sessions on career readiness, entrepreneurship and leadership.
Upcoming workshops include:
Oct. 23: Stand Out in an Interview with Tina Fowler of Target Freight Management.
Nov. 6: So You Wanna Start Something? with Max Polec and local tech leaders.
Dec. 4: Flip the Script: Turning Volunteer Work Into Job Offers with Amanda Piacquadio of Fountain Products.
Workshops run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and are open to all high school students. Email info@periodzero.ai for more details.
NURSES CLUB
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Registered Nurses Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 21 at Salvatore’s located at 5001 Curry Road. Lynn Ireland-Knight will speak on the topic “End of Life Doula.” All registered nurses can attend. Visit swparnclub.weebly.com for more details.
BOOT DRIVE
Tri-Community South EMS will be collecting boots and blankets for the homeless and vulnerable population this winter. Collections through Dec. 4. Drop off locations include: Bethel Park, South Park and Upper St. Clair public libraries, Brentwood Bank, located in the South Park Shops and Tri-Community South EMS, located at 5490 Progress Boulevard in Bethel Park.
LEBO REC
Mt. Lebanon is offering the following fall activities:
Babysitting Class: Ages 9-15 can attend this parent helper training. Class runs from 9:15 a.m. to noon Oct. 18.
Pumpkin Patch Parade will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 25 along Washington Road from Shady Drive to Lebanon Avenue. Businesses and groups can march in the parade but registration is required. The deadline is Oct. 13.
Visit https://mtlrec.activityreg.com/ to register for classes.
Call 412-343-3409 for more information.
ARTS
South Arts Pittsburgh is hosting the following art shows at the Schoolhouse Art & History Center, located at 2600 South Park Road:
Oct. 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. is the Halloween Bash & Art Market. This adult event includes a costume contest and art market.
Nov. 8 and 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This two-day artist market includes local vendors displaying/selling their works throughout the first and second floors and in one of the classrooms of the historic schoolhouse.
Artwork and photos are framed and ready to hang. Jewelry, cards, and matted prints are also available. Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted. Your support of local artists is greatly appreciated.
Reginald’s Coffee will be open during all three events to purchase drinks and pastries.
Visit www.southartspittsburgh.org for more information. Email: southartspitt@gmail.com with questions.
FOOD FESTIVAL
The St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Bridgeville will host a Mediterranean food festival Oct. 17-19 at 3230 Washington Pike. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday as well as noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. All food items, including grape leaves and kibbee, are home made by church members. Free parking and handicap accessible spaces available as well as indoor and outdoor seating.
Phone and online orders are offered.
Visit stgeorgebridgeville.org or 412-221-2277.
PET MINISTRY
The Creatures of The Creator (COTC) Pet Ministry of Unity Presbyterian Church will hold a remembrance service at 11 a.m. Nov. 1 in the sanctuary of the church, located at 1146 Greentree Road.
Led by Unity’s Pastor Karen Claassen, the service will include prayer, music, poetry, a candlelit tribute, a video, and a slideshow of pet photos. Artist Bernadette Kazmarski will also attend for those who wish to order a customized votive, suncatcher or memorial photo.
Email: pet name, photo, name and contact information to ckozlowski@unitypresbyterianchurch.org no later than Oct. 27. Photos received later will not be included in the video presentation.
Call 412-561-2431, ext. 3, for more details.
CHABAD
The Kabbalah of Meaning: Jewish Wisdom for finding the purpose that connects parts of life will be discussed from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays from Nov. 5 to Dec. 10 at Chabad of the South Hills. The course is offered online or in person. No previous Jewish learning is necessary. The course will satisfy the continuing education requirements of physicians, health care professionals, psychologists, social workers, LMFTs, and LMHC/LPCs in most states.
Visit chabadsh.com or contact rabbi@chabadsh.com for more information.
BOTANICS
Tickets for the fourth annual Dazzling Nights Pittsburgh, a holiday spectacular at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, are on sale. The show runs from Nov. 28 through Jan. 3 with entry times beginning at 5 p.m. All tickets are advanced sales and patrons pick times and dates. Prices range from $28 to $34.75 for adults and $25 to $33.75 for children. Ages 3 and under enter free. Visit pittsburghbotanicgarden.org for more details.
KEYNOTES
Keynotes of South Hills has reserved a private dining room at the Le Mont Restaurant on Grandview Avenue for a special evening during Pittsburgh’s 2025 Light Up Night to be held Nov. 22. Events begin with cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by a sit-down dinner at 7. There will be entertainment, raffle baskets and a lottery tree until the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Cost is $100 per person.
Visit keynotesmusicscholarship.com under “Events” for reservations. The deadline is Nov. 14. Email Lynn Hagan at lhagan61@gmail.com with Hills’ mission of awarding annual music scholarships to Allegheny County students of exceptional talent. Each year $16,000 is awarded with over $452,000 awarded since 1970.
Contact Lori Walter at houdini5@hotmail.com or visit keynotesmusicscholarship.com for more details on the organization.
AARP
AARP No. 3016 meets at noon on the second Tuesday of the month at Unity Presbyterian Church, 1146 Greentree Road. New members can attend. Call 412-563-3961 for more information.
TOPS
Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) No. 475 meets every Thursday at Carnegie Life Span, 300 Lincoln Ave. Weigh-in is at 1:30 p.m., followed by class from 2 to 3. Call 412-818-7489.
DORMONT AARP
Dormont AARP meets the second Thursday of every month at noon at the Wallace Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1146 Greentree Road (at intersection with Potomac Avenue). New members are always welcome. For information, call 412-563-3961.
WOMAN’S CLUB
The Ruthfred Acres Woman’s Club meets at 11:30 a.m. on the fourth Monday of the month at the Arby’s Restaurant at 3205 Library Road in Bethel Park.
In addition to its philanthropic endeavors, the club socializes and participates in activities, most notably Game Day. Longtime member Joan Morton hosts Game Day and for a $2 charitable contribution, members and guests can enjoy food, cards and games. Email lois.illar@verizon.net for more details or membership information.
AUP
The Association of University People (AUP) is seeking members. Singles 50-plus with a four-year college degree are eligible for enrollment and to participate in club activities, including picnics, monthly dinners, book group, Scrabble, games and outside concerts and trips such as to local wineries.
Email Aupsingles@gmail.com or call 412-353-9088 to become a member or obtain more information.
SH CHORUS
The South Hills Keystone Chorus is seeking new members. The men’s a cappella group sings at various events throughout the year. The chorus meets Tuesdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Presbyterian Church, located at 4500 Hamilton Road. Ability to read music is not necessary as the group has audio tracts and other learning aids.
Visit pghkeystonechorus.com, call 412-254-3148 or email keystonechorus@gmail.com for more information.
KEYNOTES
Keynotes is accepting applications for its 2026 Music Scholarship competition, which will be held May 9, 2026 at The Fine Arts Theater of Mt. Lebanon High School. Cash awards totaling more than $16,000 will be awarded.
Requirements are: instrumentalists must be under 26 years of age by June 1, 2025, and vocalists must be under the age of 30. The student must be a full-time music major at a college, university or music school or a graduating high school senior accepted for admission as a full-time music major. Contestants must be current legal residents of Pennsylvania for one year, or if out-of-state, attending a school in state, can provide proof of Pennsylvania address.
Call 412-260-6972 or email houdini5@hotmail.com for application. Visit keynotesmusicscholarship.com for online forms.