Holiday
“Taste of Heaven” cookie sale: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 8, St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church, 2005 Mohawk Road, Upper St. Clair. Variety of homemade cookies available. Containers provided. Cost: $6 (small), $10 (large). 412-310-0521. stgregoryusc.org.
Cookie Walk: 9-11 a.m. Dec. 8, Waverly Presbyterian Church, 590 S. Braddock Ave., Pittsburgh. Homemade cookies and soup will be sold. Cost: $12 (small box of cookies), $20 (large box of cookies), $6 (soup). 412-242-0643. waverlychurch.org.
Beulah Church cookie walk: 9 a.m.- noon Dec. 8, and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 9, Beulah Presbyterian Church, 2500 McCrady Road, Churchill. Purchase containers to fill with cookies. Cost: $5, small; $15, medium; $25, large. Proceeds benefit the youth 2013 mission trip. 412-242-4570.
Cookie Walk: 9 a.m.-noon, Dec. 8, Holy Trinity Cathedral, 450 Maxwell Drive, Whitehall. Nut, apricot and poppyseed rolls, lady locks, nut horn cookies and more. 412-882-03900.
Cranberry Township Municipal Center, 2525 Rochester Road, Cranberry, 724-776-4806. cranberrytownship.org/programs:
• Visits with Santa: Dec. 8 and 9. Register in advance with the parks and recreation department. Cost: $12 per child, $9 for Cranberry residents.
Steelers toy drive: 5-7 p.m. Dec. 10, the Mall at Robinson, 100 Robinson Centre Drive, Robinson, featuring autographs from Steelers LaMarr Woodley, Ziggy Hood and Stevenson Sylvester with a toy donation of at least $10 for patients in Children's Hospital. www.shoprobinsonmall.com.
Grand Hanukkah Seniors Luncheon: 12:30 p.m. Dec. 12, South Hills Jewish Community Center, 345 Kane Blvd., Pittsburgh. Lunch with hot latkes and music. Sponsored by the Chabad of the South Hills and the community center. Cost: $5 donation. 412-278-2658. barb@chabadsh.com.
“Mad” About Christmas: 7 p.m. Dec. 8, Broughton Fire Hall, 1030 Cochran Mill Road, Pittsburgh. Retro 1960s dinner club Christmas party. Tickets: $35 (each) Deadline to purchase: Dec. 3. Benefits South Park Township Library. 412-833-5585.
Heavenly Cookie Shoppe: 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 8, Christ United Methodist Church, 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park. Homemade Christmas cookies and craft items Prices: $8 per pound (cookies) and crafts priced separately. Benefits mission projects of United Methodist Women. 412-835-6621.
Holiday Cookie Sale: 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Dec. 8, Baldwin Community United Methodist Church, 5001 Baptist Road, Baldwin. Cookies sold for $8 per pound. Benefits missions for women and children.
Coats for Kids Drive: Mancan Inc. Staffing Agency and United Way collecting gently used coats for families in need. Coats and cash donations may be dropped off at any Mancan location through Dec. 14. 330-456-7284. 724-941-3895. mancan.com.
International Women: 9:30 a.m. Dec. 7, Cross Roads Presbyterian Church, 2310 Haymaker Road, Monroeville. Festive Holiday Celebration program for foreign and American-born women. Babysitting available. Reservations required 48 hours in advance. 412-373-1181.
Light Up the Diamond Christmas parade: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7. Line up begins 6 p.m. at Wilmington High School, 350 Wood St., New Wilmington. Entries should follow the “Country Christmas” theme. Monetary prizes awarded to first-, second- and third-place winners. 724-946-5074.
Equitable Gas Festival of Lights: 3 p.m. Dec. 7, LaRoche College, 9000 Babcock Blvd., McCandless. Presented by La Roche College and the Sisters of Divine Providence, it will include tree-lighting ceremony, the arrival of Santa Claus, performances, children's activities and fireworks.
“Rat Pack Christmas” concert: 8 p.m. Dec. 8, Kean Theater, 5847 Meridian Road, Gibsonia. Trio performs Vegas-style Christmas concert. Tickets: $30. 724-444-5326. keantheater.com.
McKeesport Century's Club Home for the Holidays House Tour: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 8, Youghiogheny Country Club, 1901 Greenock-Buena Vista Road, McKeesport. The tour will feature six homes and two historic sites in Elizabeth Township showcasing holiday collections, decorations, interior designs and architecture. Cost: $20 for the tour, or $35 for tour and luncheon. Proceeds benefit the Center for Victims, Long Run Children's Learning Center and Greenock Log House. Reservations required. 412-953-0718.
Christmas at the Village: 2-9 p.m. Dec. 8, and 2-7 p.m. Dec. 9, Old Economy Village, 270 16th St., Ambridge, featuring candlelit lanterns throughout the village, horse-drawn wagon rides, vendors, choirs, children's activities and a visit from the Pennsylvania Dutch Santa Claus, Belsnickel. Cost: $12 for adults and children 12 and older, $6 for ages 3 to 11, and free for those younger than 3, active military members and Friends of Old Economy Village. 724-266-4500.
The Boar's Head Festival: 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and 5 p.m. Dec. 9, Park United Presbyterian Church, 115 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople, featuring ancient and traditional service of Christmas music. The event is free, but tickets are required to attend. 724-452-8004.
Christmas organ program: 7-8 p.m. Dec. 9, Faith Presbyterian Church, 150 E. Brady Road, Kittanning, featuring sacred music on the organ, piano, keyboard, choir and soloists Greg Rupp and Bobbi Ruth Blinn.
Salvation Army, Western Pennsylvania Division, Allegheny County. salvationarmy-wpa.org:
• Christmas Red Kettle Season: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. through Dec. 24. Additional sites and volunteers needed. 412-446-1637.
• Adopt-A-Family holiday program: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Dec. 14, gifts collection at 6017 Broad St., East Liberty. 412-362-0891, ext. 104.
“Sweet Holiday Wishes” cookie donation campaign: Through Dec. 14, LifeSpan, 314 E. Eighth Ave., Homestead. LifeSpan is collecting approximately 150 dozen cookies for home-delivered meals during the holiday season. 412-464-1300
North Hills Senior High School planetarium: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10, 14, 17 and 19, North Hills Senior High School, 53 Rochester Road, Ross. “George and Oatmeal Save Santa” and “Winter Wonders” shown on 24-foot planetarium dome. No charge.
Hampton Christmas Tree Light-Up: 7 p.m. Dec. 6, Community Center, 3101 McCully Road, Allison Park. Photos with Santa, cookies, and refreshments. 412-487-7870.
Braddock Community Male Chorus Christmas Concert: 5 p.m. Dec. 9, Watts Community Center, 736 Washington St., Braddock. 412-818-4116.
Fairview Elementary School Holiday Extravaganza: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 8, Fairview Elementary School, 738 Dorseyville Road, Indiana. Shopping fair with more than 50 artisan crafters and vendors. Fifteen themed gift baskets will be raffled off. Benefits Habitat for Humanity.
Canine Companions for Independence: The national nonprofit provider of trained assistance dogs for children, adults and veterans with physical disabilities is selling a “Carols for Christmas” compact disc. Cost: $15. Benefits the organization. 412-720-8200.
Activities
Women's book club: 7 p.m. second Tuesday of each month, St. Kilian Parish, 7067 Franklin Road, Cranberry. Anyone who enjoys books and conversation is invited. 724-625-1665.
CUMC Community Life Center, 118 McMillen Ave., Beaver Falls. 724-843-4032 ext 202:
• Indoor soccer: 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 18. Cost: $60. For students in first through fourth grades.
Meditation and Whole Life Transformation: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 Winchester Thurston School, 455 Morewood Ave. “Pittsburgh Supreme Meditation and the Science of Transformation” with Acharya Kedar. No charge. 724-420-5826. meditateinpittsburgh.org.
Mingling and a Movie: 6 p.m. Dec. 7, Southside Works Cinema, 425 Cinema Drive, Pittsburgh. Must be 21 or older. Happy hour with food, drinks, music and prizes. Movies start between 7 and 8 p.m. Cost: $30 (includes three drink tickets, light hors d'oeuvres, and admission to a movie). Additional cash bar available. Reservation line open Monday to Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 412-481-8800.
Boar's Head Festival: 7 p.m. Dec. 8; 5 p.m. Dec. 9, Park United Presbyterian Church, 115 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople. Traditional service of Christian music. No charge but tickets required. 724-452-8004.
Scottish seasonal celebration: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Oliver Miller Homestead, Stone Manse Drive, South Park. Observation of Scottish festival of Hogmanay, featuring haggis cooked at the fire pit and traditional puddings, Scottish games, including Caber Toss, Putting the Stone and Sheaf Toss, craft demonstrations, tours of the Stone House, Log House, springhouse, forge and barn, and demonstrations of other Scottish traditions. Cost: $2. 412-835-1554 or www.olivermiller.org
Father Ryan Arts Center, 420 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks. 412-771-3052. FatherRyanArtsCenter.org:
• Jingle Bell Blitz Toy Collection: 6 p.m. Dec. 7. Benefits children and families served by Focus on Renewal. Donation boxes for new, unwrapped gifts available at Cioppino Restaurant in the Strip District and the Father Ryan Arts Center.
• Fall Arts Education Showcase: 3 p.m. Dec. 9. Student end-of-semester showcase for families and friends. Tickets: $5. Benefits arts education programs.
• Reader's Theater Presentations: 12:45 p.m. Dec. 11, 12, 13. Third-grade students from Sto-Rox Elementary School and St. Malachy Catholic School bring words and characters to life.
Cumberland Woods Village Theater, 700 Cumberland Woods Drive, Allison Park. www.thelegacylineup.com or 800-324-5523.
• “The Ultimate Survivor on the Titanic:” 11 a.m. Dec. 11, featuring stories of the Titanic in the 100th anniversary year of its sinking.
• World War II presentation: 11 a.m. Dec. 27, featuring historian Tim Neff and artifacts in an army footlocker.
Art, music, theater
Free movies at Kean Theater: 2 p.m. Tuesdays in December, 1 p.m. Wednesdays in December, Kean Theater, 5847 Meridian Road, Gibsonia. Sponsored by UPMC Health Plan. keantheater.com.
North Hills Chorale: 7 p.m. Dec. 8, 3 p.m. Dec. 9, Kearns Spirituality Center, La Roche College 9000 Babcock Blvd. Allison Park. “A Bouquet of Carols” holiday concert. Freewill offering accepted. Attendees asked to bring nonperishable food item for North Hills Community Outreach Food Pantry. nnhchorale.com.
A Circle of Friends Choirs: acofchoirs@gmail.com.
•4 p.m. Dec. 8, Mars United Presbyterian Church, 232 Crowe Ave., Mars. Benefits MHY Family. 724-625-3141 ext. 228.
•1:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Succop Theater, Butler County Community College, 107 College Drive, Butler. Benefits VNA Hospice. 724-431-3213.
•7 p.m. Dec. 14, Hope Lutheran Church, 8070 Rowan Road, Cranberry. Benefits Glade Run Services. 724-776-3141.
•4 p.m. Dec. 15, Valley High School, 703 Stevenson Blvd., New Kensington. Benefits 3-year-old Camden Lookabough. 724-594-3245.
•7 p.m. Dec. 16, Trinity Lutheran Church, 323 Fifth St., Freeport. Benefits Freeport Food Bank. 724-295-9557.
Mt. Lebanon High School Percussion Ensemble: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and Dec. 7, and 2 p.m. Dec. 8., Mt. Lebanon High School, 155 Cochran Road, Mt. Lebanon, featuring holiday bells, mallets and drums. Cost: $10 for adults, $6 for students. www.MtLPercussion.com, FMLP99@gmail.com, or 412-563-4201.
Quaker Valley School District
• Edgeworth Elementary Fifth grade Winter Concert: 7 p.m. Dec. 6, Edgeworth Elementary School, 200 Meadow Lane, Sewickley.
• Quaker Valley High School winter band and orchestra concert: 7 p.m. Dec. 10, Quaker Valley High School auditorium, 625 Beaver St., Sewickley.
• Sixth-grade chorus and Quaker Valley High School winter choir concert: 7 p.m. Dec. 12, Quaker Valley High School auditorium, 625 Beaver St., Sewickley.
• Osborne Elementary fifth-grade winter concert: 7 p.m. Dec. 13, Osborne Elementary School, 1414 Beaver Road, Sewickley
• Quaker Valley Middle School musical: 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15, Quaker Valley High School auditorium, 625 Beaver St., Sewickley. Featuring a performance of “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” Cost: $10 for adults, $6 for students and seniors.
• Grades 7 and 8 chorus concert: 7 p.m. Dec. 19, Quaker Valley High School auditorium, 625 Beaver St., Sewickley.
West Hills Symphonic Band Gala Christmas Concert: 3 p.m. Dec. 9, West Allegheny High School auditorium, 205 West Allegheny Road, Imperial, featuring composer Ken Bierschenk serving as guest conductor on his arrangement, “A Festive Christmas,” and other holiday favorites.
Hollywood Theater, 1449 Potomac Ave., Dormont. 412-563-0368 or www.thehollywooddormont.org.
• Independent film double feature: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, featuring premiere of “Depression: The Movie,” followed by a question-and-answer session with director Henrique Couto, and “Eddie Presley.” Cost: $10.
• Rocky Horror Picture Show: Midnight Dec. 8 and Dec. 22, featuring the Junior Chamber of Commerce Players.
• Holiday gift drive: Through Dec. 12, benefitting the Bradley Center. Seeking glue-bound journals, arts and crafts, stuffed animals, Webkinz, toy cars and trucks, board and card games, CD players and radios, and hooded sweatshirts in all sizes. Donations can be left in a box in the Hollywood Theater lobby.
• Breakfast and a movie: 11 a.m. Dec. 23, featuring “White Christmas” and a light breakfast from the Sugar Café. Cost: $7.
• “Zombo Presents… Urgh! A Music War:” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22. Music until 9:30, when the movie begins.
Jingle Bell Ball singles dance: 8 p.m.-midnight, Dec. 8, McKeesport Palisades, 501 Water St., McKeesport, includes prizes, snacks and music. Couples welcome. 412.751-5181 or www.djnickfunn.com.
Sweetwater Center for the Arts: 200 Broad St., Sewickley, 412-741-4405 or www.sweetwaterartcenter.org
• Girls' Night Out Fantastic Feline painting: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 10, class includes information about artist Laurel Burch, then create paintings in her style, for ages 21 and older. Cost: $30 for members, $45 for nonmembers.
• Asian creations: 6:30–8:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and Dec. 18. Includes an exploration of different Asian favorites and cuisines, for students 21 and older. Cost: $70 for members, $85 for non-members.
Steel Valley Middle School Drama Club: 2 p.m. Dec. 8, Steel Valley Senior High School auditorium, 3113 Main St., Munhall, featuring the holiday play “Can Mrs. Claus Save Christmas.” Cost: $2. 412-464-3603.
Benefits
Project Bundle-Up: Document shredding by Business Records Management in exchange for monetary donations and winter clothing to benefit Project Bundle-Up. Sponsored by Business Records Management.
• 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 8: Business Records Management, 1325 Eisenhower Blvd., Johnstown.
• 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 8: Walmart, 250 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh.
• 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 8: Business Records Management, 923 Bidwell St., Pittsburgh.
Animal Friends: 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh. 412-847-7000. thinkingoutsidethecage.org:
• Holiday Hops & Hoppers Beer Event with Rabbits: 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 7. Beer tasting with free-roaming shelter rabbits. For ages 21 and older.
“Light up the Night”: 6 p.m. Dec. 9, Pittsburgh Marriot City Center, 112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh. Violinist Andrews Cardenes, former concertmaster for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Benefits the Chabad of the South Hills Jewish Center for Living & Learning. 412-344-2424. chabadsh.com.
Community services
Food protection certification courses: For food industry workers. Sponsored by the Allegheny County Health Department. Fee: $60 (Allegheny County residents), $75 (others). 412-687-2243.
• Dec. 7: Allegheny General Hospital, 320 E. North Ave., Pittsburgh.
Volunteers of America, 1650 Main St., Pittsburgh. 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org
• Brown bag lunch: Noon-1 p.m. Dec. 12, featuring speaker Elayne Masters of Word Masters, speaking on Tweets, blogs and posts that impress.
• Disability resource breakfast: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Dec. 20, featuring speaker Julie Ann Sullivan of Learning Never Ends, presenting “Laughter Helps During Challenging Times.”
Health care
Jefferson Regional health program: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 15, Jefferson Regional Medical Center, 565 Coal Valley Road, Jefferson Hills. “Daily Steps to Less Stress” in the cardiac rehabilitation department. No charge for those with Highmark insurance. Nominal fee for others. 412-469-7100.
Allegheny Valley Hospital's Destination Wellness, Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills, 590 Pittsburgh Mills Circle, Tarentum. 724-274-5202:
•Highmark Personal Nutrition Coaching: One-on-one counseling session by a registered dietitian to address nutritional changes to manage heart disease, diabetes, weight, and other health-related issues. Sessions by appointment only. No charge for Highmark members, and nominal fee for others.
•Pamper Your Peds foot clinic: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 8. Mary Stirland, certified foot care nurse, provides cleansing, nail care and skin assessment. Cost: $40 per session. Fee: $40 per session.
•Joslin Diabetes Center's Self-Management Education: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17. Learn how to manage diabetes, prevent complications, and control blood sugar levels. Participants must attend both classes. Register: 724-367-2400.
•Kidney Smart: 2-4 p.m. Dec. 11. Participants in various stages of chronic kidney disease learn from expert educators about how kidneys function and ways to manage diet and health. No charge. Register: kidneySmart.org/Class or 412-770-7210.
•Safe Sitter babysitting course: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 15, 1-5 p.m. Dec. 16. Two-day class provides children ages 11 to 13 with essential skills in safe sitting and handling emergencies. Cost: $50.
•Blood drive: 4-8 p.m. Dec. 19.
•Alzheimer's support group: 7-8 p.m. Dec. 19.
•Holiday Stress Busters: 6 p.m. Dec. 20. Megan Klucinec and Larry Heath discuss how to combat stress. No charge.
Libraries
Baldwin Borough Public Library: 41 Macek Drive. 412-885-2255 baldwinborolibrary.org:
• Children's story times: 11:30 a.m.-noon Thursdays, toddlers ages 2 to 3 and 10-10:45 a.m. Fridays for preschool ages 3 and older.
• Holiday party: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Stories, songs, and Santa Claus.
Brentwood Library: 3501 Brownsville Road. 412-882-5694 www.brentwoodpubliclibrary.org:
• Card Club: 10 a.m. Mondays.
• Crafters Circle: 6-8 p.m. Mondays.
• Gaming: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Snacks provided.
Bridgeville Public Library: 505 McMillen St. 412-221-3737 bridgevillelibrary.org:
• Scrappy Scrabblers: 1-3 p.m. Fridays. Enjoy an afternoon of Scrabble. New players welcome.
• Computer Basics: 10:30 a.m. Fridays.
• Babies and Books: 10 a.m. Fridays. Stories, songs and fingerplays for infants to 2-year-olds, followed by playtime.
Community Library of Castle Shannon: 3677 Myrtle Ave. 412-563-4552. castleshannonlibrary.org:
• Monthly Book Discussion Group: 7 p.m. second Mondays.
• Holiday Story Time: 6 p.m. Dec. 11. Carols and crafts.
• Holiday Card Making: 4:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Music and refreshments.
• Holiday Party: 6 p.m. Dec. 18. Music, movies, games, and snacks.
Coraopolis Memorial Library: 601 School St. 412-264-3502. coraopolislibrary.blogspot.com:
• “How Do Dinosaurs Get Ready for Christmas?”: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 13. Preschool story time.
•Open house: 1-3 p.m. Dec. 15. Bring a decorated gingerbread house for inaugural contest.
•Snowman story time and crafts: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19.
•“Polar Express” story time: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 20.
•“American Girl: “McKenna Shoots for the Stars” movie: 4:30 p.m. Dec. 26.
•Knitting class: 10-11:30 a.m. Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Dec. 22. Supplies provided.
South Park Library: 2575 Brownsville Road. 412-833-5585. southparklibrary.org
• Friends of the Library Christmas party: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17. A visit from Mrs. Claus, stories, live music, crafts, prizes and more.
Cooper-Siegel Community Library: 403 Fox Chapel Road, Fox Chapel. 412-828-9520, ext 215. coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org:
• Story times: 10:30 a.m. Fridays, infants up to 24 months; 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays, toddlers, ages 24 to 36 months; 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, ages 3 to 5.
Green Tree Public Library: 10 W. Manilla Ave. 412-921-9292. greentreelibrary.org:
• Preschool story time: 10:30-11 a.m. or 1:30-2:30 p.m. Nov. 29. Children ages 3 to 5.
Jefferson Hills Public Library: 925 Old Clairton Road. 412-655-7741. jeffersonhillslibrary.org:
• Scrabble Club: Noon-4 p.m. Tuesdays.
• Learn to Play Bridge: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Bridge expert Thomas Morris. 412-384-4378.
• Storytime: 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 6, 13 and 20. Children ages 3 and older.
Northern Tier Library: 4015 Dickey Road, Gibsonia. 724-449-2665. northerntierlibrary.org:
• ??Are You Ready for Kindergarten?”: 4-4:45 p.m. Thursdays through Dec. 13. Activities and games.
• Baby Playtime: Stories and Rhymes: 10:30-11 a.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 11. For children up to 18 months.
• Toddlers Just Want to Have Fun!: 10:30-11:15 a.m. Wednesdays through Dec. 12. For ages 18 months to 3 years.
Penn Hills Library: 1037 Stotler Road. 412-795-3507 pennhillslibrary.org:
• Advanced Knitting Club: 7 p.m. Tuesdays.
• Wednesday Afternoon Book Club: Third Wednesdays.
Pleasant Hills Public Library: 302 Old Clairton Road. 412-655-2424. pleasanthillslibrary.org:
• Lifestory writing group: 6:30 p.m. second Tuesdays. Help and encouragement to anyone writing or planning to write memoirs or family history.
• Preschool story time: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 18. For children 3 1⁄2 to 5 years.
• Baby Book Nook: 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays through Dec. 19. For infants through 2 years and caregiver.
• Tot Time: 10:30 a.m. Thursdays Dec. 6 to 20. For children 2 to 3 1⁄2 years.
• PJ Family Story Time: 7 p.m. Dec. 17.
• Gingerbread House Workshops: 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. Dec. 8. Ages 3 to 12. $3 donation requested.
• Teen Talk: 12:30 p.m. Dec. 29. For students in grades 6 to 12. Pizza, conversation, and games.
• Crafty Christmas: 7 p.m. Dec. 10. For students in grades 6 to 12. Learn how to make simple ornaments.
Scott Township Public Library: 301 Lindsay Road. 412-429.5380 scottlibrary.org:
• “Scottie's Preschool Story Time”: 10 a.m. Tuesdays, 1 p.m. Wednesdays. Children ages 3 to 6.
• Cookie exchange: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 8.
• One-on-one computer training: 8-9 p.m. Mondays. Cost: $5.
•Jewelry sale: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 8. Fifteen percent of sales donated to library.
•Gingerbread house workshop: 2-3 p.m. Dec. 9. Build your own gingerbread house. Milk carton base, graham crackers and candy will be supplied.
•Book Bingo: 7-8 p.m. Dec. 13. Grades K-8. Younger children with an adult.
•Conversation Salon: 1-3 p.m. Dec. 10. This month's topic: the electoral college.
Sewickley Public Library: 500 Thorn St. 412-741-6920 sewickleylibrary.org:
• Wise Walks: 9:30 a.m. Thursdays. Participants walk one to two miles and return to library for healthy snack.
South Fayette Township Library: 515 Millers Run Road. 412-257-8660 southfayettelibrary.org:
• Chess Club: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays. Children in kindergarten through eighth grades. Registration required.
• Mother Goose Story Time: 10:30-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Children up to 3 years old. Songs, finger plays, flannel board stories.
• E-reader drop-in help sessions: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Learn to use library resources on e-readers or smart phones.
• Tales'n Tunes Story Time: 10:30-11 a.m. Fridays. For ages 3 to 5 years with caregivers. Children sing songs with movements, listen to stories, and participate in art activities.
• Preschool Science: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Dec. 6 and Dec. 13, featuring science experiments for ages 2 to 6. Cost: $5.
• Tales'n Tunes Storytime: 10:30-11 a.m. Fridays through Dec. 21, featuring songs, stories and art activities for ages 3 to 5.
• Holiday music: 2-3 p.m. Dec. 8: Featuring the South Fayette Elementary Choir and refreshments.
• Holiday crafts and cookies: 1-3 p.m. Dec. 15, includes crafts and cookie decorating for ages 3 to 10. Registration required.
• Adult book club: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 17. This month's selection is “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger. Registration requested.
• PALS Book Club: Noon-1 p.m. Dec. 18. “The Senator's Wife” by Sue Miller.
• Holiday Cookie Swap: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 18, for adults. Participants should bring two-dozen cookies and a recipe card. Organizers ask all participants to avoid nut products. Registration is required.
• Meet the Grinch: 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, featuring a reading of Dr. Seuss' “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Registration is required.
Religion
Essential Coffee Hour Bible Study: 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays, Wexford Presbyterian Church, 10645 Perry Highway, Wexford. 724-935-5650.
Women's Bible study: 7:30-9 p.m. Thursdays, Fountain Park Church, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry. An 11-week study: “Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit.” 724-779-2003.
Bible study: 9 a.m. Wednesdays, St. Ferdinand Parish, 2535 Rochester Road, Cranberry. Priests discuss upcoming readings. Bring the study edition of the New American Bible. 724-776-9177.
Mommy Matters: 9-11:30 a.m. on first and third Tuesdays of each month, Penn Hills Free Methodist Church, 715 Universal Road, Penn Hills. Bible-based support group for mothers. Child care provided. 412-793-7263.
Revolution service: 5:45 p.m. Sundays, Beulah Presbyterian Church, 2500 McCrady Road, Pittsburgh. Coffeehouse-style, contemporary worship service featuring the Revolution Praise Band. 412-242-4570.
Christ's Church Ministries: 10 a.m. Saturdays, St. James Episcopal Church, 11524 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills. A Christian and Hebraic fellowship. Not affiliated with the Episcopal Church. 412-377-2940.
Celebrate Recovery: 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Three Rivers Assembly of God, 1030 Jefferson Road, Penn Hills. A Christ-centered drug and alcohol recovery group. 412-372-3453.
Women's Catholic Scripture Study: 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Scholastica Parish, 309 Brilliant Ave., Aspinwall. Registration fee: $55, includes materials for the 30-week course. 412-963-1931.
The Kabbalah of You: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 10:15 a.m. Sundays, Chabad of the South Hills, 1701 McFarland Road, Mt. Lebanon. Six-week course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute. 412-344-2424. chabadsh.com.
Day of Worship with Jason Upton: 2 or 8 p.m. Dec. 8, Bakerstown United Methodist Church, 5760 William Flynn Highway, Gibsonia. Cost: $17. eventbrite.com/event/4587717988.
Chabad of the South Hills Jewish Center for Living & Learning's “Light Up the Night” benefit gala and celebration: 6 p.m. Dec. 9, Pittsburgh Marriott City Center, 112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, featuring violinist Andres Cardenes and pianist Luz Manriquez. Cost: $125. 412-344-2424 or www.chabadsh.com.
Advent and Lessons Carol Service: 4 p.m. Dec. 9, Presbyterian Church Sewickley, 414 Grant St., Sewickley. Carols from several countries will be performed in response to scripture readings. Adult and high school singing choirs and handbell choirs. No charge. 412-741-4550 ext. 205.
The Bible Chapel, 300 Gallery Drive, Peters. 724-941-8990. biblechapel.org:
• “Countdown to Christmas” sermon series: Weekends through Dec. 30.
• Christmas concert: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9, “The Gift of Joy, He is Coming: Christmas Cantata.” No charge. Childcare provided. Offering taken to benefit the City Mission.
• Sageworks Christmas Carols and Reflections: 6 p.m. Dec. 10, an evening of Christmas carols and readings of the Christmas story. Participants are asked to bring an hors d'oeuvre or Christmas dessert to share.
Christ United Methodist Church 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park. 412-835-6621. christumc.net:
• Single Adult Ministry: 7 p.m. (fellowship), 7:30 p.m. (classes) Mondays. Contact Denise Siwik ext. 120.
• Drum Circle: 6:45-7:30 p.m. Dec. 12. Multigenerational drum circle. No experience necessary.
• The Open Door All New Weekly Worship Opportunity: 7 p.m. Wednesdays.
• Youth Christmas Coffee House: 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 8. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, treats, and karaoke.
• Festival of Lessons and Carols: 7 p.m. Dec. 9. The Chancel Choir, Carillon Choir, Wesley Singers, and Believe men's ensemble.
• Hope for the Holidays: 7 p.m. Dec. 12. Candle lit service for those suffering from loss, health issues or depression. Contact: Debra Bates ext. 127.
• Christmas Eve Worship: 3 p.m. Dec. 24, Children's Christmas Hour; 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m. Dec. 24, Contemporary Worship; 7 p.m., 9 p.m., 11 p.m. Dec. 24, Cathedral Worship.
Villa Maria Education & Spirituality Center, 2105 Evergreen Road, Villa Maria. 724-964-8886. villaprograms.org:
• Nativity display: Noon-5 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9. Hundreds of nativity sets from around the world. Light refreshments served. Free will offering. Live performances on Sundays by Wade Raridon Singers, Seraphim, St. Camillus Choir, St. James Choir, New Bedford Presbyterian Choir. Celtic harpist plays on Saturdays. Full course dinners on Sundays. Tickets sold in advance. 724-964-8920 ext. 3348 or kperry@humilityofmary.org.
• Spaghetti dinner: Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 9. Sauce made from garden vegetables and meatballs made from organically raised cattle. Tickets sold in advance. Takeout available.
• Coffee and Contemplation: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Dec. 11. Cost: $7 (program), $12 (program and lunch). Monthly program focuses on a variety of spiritual and holistic topics.
• Coffee and Contemplation series: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Dec. 11, featuring Ardath Blake. Cost: $7 for program, $12 for program and lunch. Registration required.
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2040 Washington Road, Pittsburgh. 412-835-6630. westminster-church.org:
• Breakfast at the Manger: 9 a.m. Dec. 8. The Christmas story with live nativity, photos with Santa, shopping at Santa's Shop. Cost: $8 (adults), $5 (children ages 2-12), no charge (children under 2).
• Christmas concert: 7 p.m. Dec. 9. Annual concert with Upper St. Clair Chanticleers and church choirs.
• Pet Remembrance Service: 2 p.m. Dec. 16. Family members and pets encouraged to attend.
• Christmas Remembrance Service: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17.
• Seasons: A Celtic Christmas: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Harp and hammered dulcimer trio.
• Christmas Eve Worship: 5 p.m. Dec. 24 (family service); 7 p.m. Dec. 24 (contemporary service); 9 p.m., 11 p.m. Dec. 24 (lessons and carols).
• Communion and Prayers: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 31.
Music in a Great Space concert series: 4 p.m. Dec. 9, Shadyside Presbyterian Church, 5121 Westminster Place, Shadyside, featuring a performance of Handel's “Messiah,” sung by the Shadyside Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir, accompanied by period instruments. Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors 60 and older. 412-682-4300 or www.shadysidepres.org.
