Monthly Archives: February 2017
Things to Do, Places to Go & People to See – March 2017
Smoke-Free for Life
Tuesday, March 7 at 6 PM – 7 PM
Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center, 240 Wellness Way, Washington
This class is FREE and open to the public! Learn to overcome barriers that have kept you from quitting in the past. Develop a customized “quit-plan” that will lead to success. Learn the art of positive self-talk and watch it work for you. Understand how to control your weight during and after the program. Practice sound techniques to manage stress. Develop strategies that will prevent relapse. Give and receive support in a positive and comfortable environment. 3 Ways to Register: Online at wrcameronwellness.org, In-person at the Wellness Center, or Contact Eric Schmalzried at 724.250.5249 or eschmalzried@whs.org
Free Produce to People Food Distribution – Fayette County
Thursday, March 9 at 10 AM
Fayette County Fair Fairgrounds, 132 Pechin Rd, Connellsville
The program provides supplemental food items to families each month that typically families receive about 60 pounds of food each month and includes items such as meat, when available, fresh vegetables and fruit, canned items, dairy,when available, and much more. Residents of Fayette County who receive the food are asked to bring a large box, wheeled cart or laundry basket to put their food in.
Beauty and the Beast After Dark
Friday, March 10 at 6 PM
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
At the heart of Beauty and the Beast is the powerful story of metamorphosis. Be our guest as we explore transformative natural phenomenons and real beasts in the natural world at a special 21+ event. Dress for a grand ball and sip on themed cocktails as you explore our castle-like museum by night.
$15 in advance; $20 at the door; $13.50 for members
FMI: www.afterdark.carnegiemnh.org
GIRLS ROCK – Benefit and Art Exhibition
Friday, March 10 at 6 PM – 8:30 PM
Percolate : Art Space, Gallery, Creative Laboratory, 317 S Trenton Ave, Wilkinsburg
63 women from Pittsburgh and the surrounding area will be exhibiting their work to support Girls Rock Pittsburgh, an empowerment program for female youths of all definitions, abilities, & backgrounds.
FMI: www.girlsrockpittsburgh.org
Mommy & Me Cake Decorating
Saturday, March 11 at 10 AM
Dairy Queen (North Charleroi, PA)
Mommy & Me is a great way to spend a Saturday morning with your child. Limited space available. Cost is $25 per couple this includes your lesson, kids meal & cake. Call 724-489-9222 to reserve your space.
Community Division Class Sampler
Saturday, March 11 at 2 PM
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, 2900 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh
Ready to try a new avenue of fitness? Have the urge to start dancing but are not sure where to start? Here is your chance! Join us at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Studios on Saturday, March 11th for an afternoon of introductory dance and fitness classes from the PBT School Faculty. Warm up with a beginner level PBT Barre Fitness workout based on classical ballet and Pilates exercises, learn the traditional dance steps in Character, and finish with learning basic technique and combination work in Contemporary. No dance experience necessary as classes are geared towards beginner dancers. Ages 14 & up are welcome. $30 per participant; pre-registration is recommended. Register online or at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.
FMI: www.pbt.org
Wedding Resale- Pittsburgh
Sunday, March 12 at 1:30 PM
Pittsburgh Airport Marriott
A one day FANCYFLIP Wedding Resale event where any newlyweds can rent a booth to sell their used wedding items to future brides. It is like a flea market for wedding stuff!
FMI: www.fancyflipevents.com/events
MoonFlow Yoga with Lacey
Sunday, March 12 at 6:30 PM
Chaney’s Natural, 138 W Main St, Monongahela
MoonFlow yoga class releases negative energy and pent up stress with moon salutations. Moon salutations are designed to calm the mind and body and channel inner feminine energy. Bring your mat, some friends and $10
Hobbyist Mosaics at The Phoenix Arts Center
March 14-May 2 from 6-8 pm
Ages: High School/Adult
Uniontown High School Art Room
Cost is $75. Beginner Mosaics for Hobbyists is a class for those who are interested in learning how to create art by mortaring or gluing pieces of tesserae (material) onto another object, or substrate. Students will be introduced to the classic mosaic hammer and hardie in order to cut local materials. The class will cover how to mix mortar and epoxy, how to build a substate, and how to apply tesserae in flowing lines of andamento (movement).
FMI: www.thephoenixartscenter.org
Detoxing Your Home
Tuesday, March 14 at 7 PM
Wohar Chiropractic Health Center, 1295 Grand Blvd, Ste 100, Monessen
Learn how to replace chemicals in your home with easy to use natural cleaning products.
FMI: www.drjwohar.com
MF at 40: A Walk Through the Archives
Thursday, March 16 at 6 PM
Mattress Factory – Museum of Contemporary Art, 505 Jacksonia St. [parking lot], Pittsburgh
Muddy shorts. Bird nests. Artists’ sketches. Curator’s notes. Fragments of hard candy. Installation models. The Mattress Factory is a museum unlike any other, and our archives are one-of-a-kind as well. During this inaugural MF@40 event, visitors will have an opportunity to get a rare look at the Mattress Factory’s archives, which capture the museum’s evolution since its founding in 1977. Chronicling artwork, documentation and objects throughout its history, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
$15 tickets include two drinks, light appetizers, after-hours access to the museum’s galleries and guided tours of archival materials. MF Members enjoy FREE admission for this event! For the special discount code, please contact stella@mattress.org.
FMI: www.mattress.org
Sound Series: Kid Koala: Nufonia Must Fall Live
Thursday, March 16 at 8 PM
Carnegie Museum of Art, 4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh
Part film, part puppetry, part live music, and 100% award-winning storytelling, Nufonia Must Fall is a multidisciplinary performance piece created by internationally renowned Canadian DJ and musician Kid Koala and directed by KK Barrett (Being John Malkovich and Her). Koala and the dynamic Afiara Quartet provide live scoring on piano, strings and turntables. Critics have tagged it as “modern primitive multimedia” because it mixes live puppet theater, video, a live string quartet, and a nest of electric instruments to tell the story of a tone-deaf and completely unemployable robot who falls in love with its human creator, a brilliant but unwitting scientist. Get ready for romancing the Anthropocene.
FMI: www.warhol.org
The Wiseguy Kitchen Comedy Show & Dinner
Friday, March 17 at 6:30 PM
Bella Sera, 414 Morganza Rd, Canonsburg
Join former mob boss turned reality star Big Vinny, aka The Wiseguy Chef and his crew, as they try to go legit. The Wiseguy Chef tries to teach his patrons how to prepare delicious Italian American cuisine. Our own Chef Giuseppe will prepare a delicious buffet for you to enjoy prior to the laughs beginning. Cost is $65.
FMI: www.bellaserapgh.com
Still, Birth. A Staged Reading of a New Play
Friday, March 17 at 8 PM
Carnegie Stage -off the WALL, 25 W Main St, Carnegie
You are invited to participate in a developmental reading and talk-back for a new play by Campany and Parrish. Pregnancy and infant loss often occurs in silence, causing a moratorium on grief that can have tremendous impact upon the health of the mother, as well as the rest of the family. This grief can transform into various physical and mental health issues. Still, Birth seeks to speak of this loss aloud in the hopes of supporting those who suffer in silence.
Seating is limted. Please use CODE: still101 – to make your FREE reservation. You may also choose to pay the $10 donation to support Off The Wall Theatre/Carnegie Stage for allowing us to use the space.
Beyond Bodyslams! – Pittsburgh, PA
Saturday, March 18 at 7:05 PM
Steel City Improv Theater, 5950 Ellsworth Ave, Pittsburgh
Gary Michael Cappetta revives his acclaimed stage show, BEYOND BODYSLAMS! giving you an inside and personal look at his most controversial and outragious experiences from his acclaimed book, BODYSLAMS!. Through his no nonsense, artful story telling ability and never before seen video, GMC will relive his days with the WWF, NWA, AWA, WCW and ROH. $20 – General Admission. $40 – Meet & Greet – Includes Early Entry Gen Adm / Free Book / Free 8×10 Tour Photo / Post Show Photos & Autographs
Day of show tickets are $27 & $45.
Heroic Tales
Saturday, March 18 at 7:30 PM
Katz Performing Arts Center, 5738 Darlington Rd, Pittsburgh
Beethoven’s monumental Symphony No. 3 celebrates the hero within each of us while Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man honors the unsung heroes of World War II. Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings is one of the most evocative pieces of American music, long associated with moments of intense emotional grief. We conclude our journey through the country’s heritage of heroism and remembrance with Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait featuring narration by the magnificent Demareus Cooper.
Exhibit Tour: #Pixburgh: A Photographic Experience
Sunday, March 19 at 1 PM
Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman St, Pittsburgh
Transport yourself back in time during an in-depth tour of #Pixburgh: A Photographic Experience with History Center docents. See what makes Pittsburgh unique through the History Center’s extensive collection of photographs. Experience life through the lens of Pittsburghers with the upcoming exhibition, #Pixburgh: A Photographic Experience. From the darkroom to the digital era, #Pixburgh provides visitors with a compelling glimpse into how Pittsburghers chronicle their city and their own lives in a format that’s more popular than ever.
This exhibit tour is included with regular museum admission and is free for History Center members.
FMI: www.heinzhistorycenter.org
Empty Bowls Dinner 2017
Sunday, March 19 at 1:30 PM – 6 PM
Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 5th Ave, Pittsburgh
The annual Empty Bowls dinner serves up a meaningful meal of soup and bread as a reminder that too many people throughout our region are facing hunger. This year’s event benefiting Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Just Harvest will feature artisan pottery for guests to take home, soups from restaurants across the City of Pittsburgh, children’s activities, an auction featuring local artwork and a host of celebrity soup servers.
This year’s seating sessions are: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. & 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Tickets are $20 when purchased in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets for children are $10.
FMI: www.justharvest.org
Ladies Night
Sunday, March 19 at 4 PM
Brownsville Do It Best Hardware, 6027 National Pike, Grindstone
A fun filled event with everything for the Ladies: Crafts, Craft Ideas, Bag Sale, Scavenger Hunt, Prize Drawings, Product Demonstrations & more
FMI: www.brownsvillehardware.com
FUSE: Tchaikovsky + Drake
Wednesday, March 22 at 6:30 PM
Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, 600 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh
This concert features Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 with a dozen Drake songs weaved throughout the work, including “We’re Going Home” and “Hotline Bling.”
** Please note that this concert features the music of Drake; he will not be performing at this event.**
Each FUSE@PSO experience begins at 5 p.m. with a happy hour, featuring a variety of happy hour-priced drinks, activities and sponsors. The concert follows at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Series season packages are available as well. Tickets are general admission and there is no intermission. Drinks are allowed in the concert hall at these performances.
FMI: www.pittsburghsymphony.org
Anna Karenina – Vakhtangov Theatre
Thursday, March 23 at 7 PM
SouthSide Works Cinema, 425 Cinema Dr, Pittsburgh
This Vakhtangov Theatre production of Anna Karenina is a modern dance interpretation of Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel, originally published in serial installments from 1875 to 1877 in the periodical The Russian Messenger. Telling the life story of the titular Anna, a St. Petersburg aristocrat, against the back of late 19th century Russian society, Tolstoy’s novel is widely considered a pinnacle in realist fiction.Cholina strives to find the equivalent of Tolstoy’s words in harmony and movement, as every gesture holds as much meaning as a word.
Tickets are $15 for adults. $12.50 for children and seniors. Save $2 off admission w a ticket stub from New Hazlett Theater or PICT Classic Theatre
Material Worlds Fashion Show
Friday, March 24 at 7 PM
Ace Hotel Pittsburgh, 120 S Whitfield St, Pittsburgh
High fashion meets high tech at Material Worlds, a one-night-only event presented by Carnegie Museum of Art at Pittsburgh’s Ace Hotel.
Inspired by the CMOA exhibition “Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion” (February 4–May 1, 2017), local artists will showcase wearable works of art featuring innovative technology, unique processes, and unconventional materials. Mingle with other Pittsburgh professionals and creatives during a thrilling runway show. General: $40 ($35 Carnegie Museums members), includes drink ticket. VIP: $100 ($90 Carnegie Museums members), includes guaranteed runway seating and access to VIP open bar lounge
Attire: Creative Formal
FMI: www.cmoa.org or www.acehotel.com
Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet & Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival
March 24 – March 26
David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh
Marketplace, Classes, Special Events and more.
FMI: www.pghknitandcrochet.com
Farm to Table Local Food Conference
March 24 – March 25
David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh
We’re getting back to our roots! We’re excited to be able to bring a cultural perspective to our conference this year. The theme is: Growing Roots for Healthy Communities and it’s all about celebrating the diversity of farming and traditional cooking methods that make eating local fun, educational and enriching.
The conference provides consumers with two days of networking and educational opportunities. Seasonal cooking demonstrations, gardening, and information about the nutritional value of local food are presented by local experts.
Meet with other Locavores to discuss ideas about where their food comes from and where to find businesses and organizations who can provide them with healthy food and healthy lifestyle choices. Event held 10 a.m.-5p.m. both days; additional events before and after each day.
FMI: www.facebook.com/pittsburghcc
Pittsburgh Humanities Festival
Mar 24 at 8 PM to Mar 26 at 9 PM
Cultural District, Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Humanities Festival, a production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and the Humanities Center of Carnegie Mellon University, is a three-day gathering of internationally-renowned academics, artists, and intellectual innovators in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. The Festival will offer intimate conversations, interviews, and performances focused on art, literature, music, science, policy, politics, and more—all helping us to explore what it means to be human. It’s smart talk about stuff that matters.
The Writers of the Onion – Friday, March 24
Bassem Youssef – Saturday, March 25
A Conversation with Kathleen Neal Cleaver and Denise Oliver-Velez – Sunday, March 26
+ 24 Concurrent Sessions (Interviews & Conversations)
FMI: Explore the full lineup and get tickets at www.TrustArts.org/SmartTalk
Spring 2017 Mindfulness Fair
Saturday, March 25 at 10 AM
123 University Place, Pittsburgh
The Fair will showcase resources and activities available to both the campus community and the Pittsburgh region, and will feature a variety of talks, yoga, and Tai Chi demonstrations, information tables, and family activities. Lunch/refreshments provided and admission is free.
Pittsburgh Fairytale Ball
Sunday, March 26 at 10 AM
David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh
Our princesses can’t wait to sing, dance, and play with your little ones! There will be a Royal Entrance, Stories, Songs, Free Portrait Station, Candy Buffet, Tiara Decorating Station, Group Games, Dancing and More. Pose with The Snow Sisters. Create a Crown with Rapunzel. Enjoy candy with The Little Mermaid. Read Stories with Belle. Have an enchanted evening with all your favorite fairytale friends.
FMI: www.prettyprincesspartiesmn.com
Family Day
Saturday, March 25 at 11 AM
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 221 N Main St, Greensburg
Surprises and fun for the whole family! Enjoy free admission, art projects, scavenger hunts, special discounts and more.
FMI: www.westmoreland.org
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Saturday, March 25 at 11:45 PM
The Hollywood Theater in Dormont, 1449 Potomac Ave, Pittsburgh
Hosted by The Junior Chamber of Commerce Players. Come do the time warp with them!
FMI: www.thehollywooddormont.org
Steel City Slam
Tuesday, March 28 at 7:45 PM
6001 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh
Cash prize slam! $25 for 1st, $10 Gift Certificate to Capri Pizzeria for 2nd, Hearty applause for 3rd. All you need to compete are three, 3-min poems. Not interested in competing? You can also come read on the open mic, judge the slam, or just watch the poetry.
Signup at 7:45, show starts at 8:15. $5, All Ages Venue, All Ages (including Adult) Content. Slam list caps at 8 poets, open mic at 6. Are you a youth poet? Come before the show. Our sister group Young Steel has a youth focused workshop from 6-7:30 before the slam every week.
FMI: www.pghpoetry.org
Half-Pint Prints
Saturday, April 1 at 10 AM – 12 PM
The Andy Warhol Museum, 117 Sandusky St, Pittsburgh
Families work with The Warhol’s artist educators to create silkscreen prints during this drop-in silkscreen printing activity for children ages 1 to 4 years old. Free with museum admission
FMI: www.warhol.org
Mad Hatter Tea Party
Saturday, April 1 at 2 PM
The Somerset Historical Center, 10649 Somerset Pike, Somerset
This program is open to the public and current LHOAF members. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is an introduction to a series of literature-inspired foods and cooking techniques. Attendees will learn about traditional Victorian afternoon teas. There will be tea, cakes and sandwiches for the enjoyment of participants as well as a demonstration on how to make a Battenburg/Domino Cake using a recipe from the 1800s. All those attending will leave with copies of the original Victorian recipes used to make the sweets and savories present at the program. The fee is $10 per adult for LHOAF and museum members, $15 for non-members and $5 for all children between 11-18 years of age. Advance registration required by calling the Somerset Historical Center. Please RSVP by Saturday, March 25.
FMI: www.somersethistoricalcenter.org
Super Science Saturday: Egg-cellent Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 15 at 12 PM – 4 PM
Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh
Join us for our annual Egg-cellent Egg Hunt! Follow clues that lead to treats, and meet live springtime animals! This event is designed for children 3–10 years old. Scavenger hunt maps and prizes are available to the first 500 children. Free with museum admission!
Super Science Saturdays is a free program at Carnegie Museum of Natural History that allows visitors of all ages to explore a special theme through hands-on activities, experiments, demonstrations, discussions with museum experts, and more.
FMI: www.carnegiemnh.org
Animaniacs Live!
Thursday, April 20 at 8 PM – 11 PM
Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead, 510 E 10th Ave, Munhall
Animaniacs Live features songs from the original WB show performed live!
Starring composer Randy Rogel, and voice actor of the original Animaniacs cast Rob Paulsen – Voice Actor
February 2017 Edition: Moments & Milestones
The February 2017 edition of Pennsylvania Bridges is now available online & in print.
Moments & Milestones
This month, I am set to reach one of life’s major milestones. On February 23, I will turn 40 years old.
I find this fact astonishing only because I can recall with crystal clarity the day I turned ten, when I thought an eternity would have to pass before I reached the great sum of 15.
Still, I reached that milestone and many others, and 30 years later, here I sit thinking of past accomplishments and future feats yet to be achieved.
Forty seems like an appropriate age to take stock of your existence by counting the milestones along your life’s path. From learning to walk to learning to fly, so many occasions have had a profound impact on me. Giving birth to my favorite person, graduating from college and graduate school, publishing my first novel, and marrying my soulmate a few years back have all been events that shaped me in dramatic ways.
Having said that, what I remember most vividly about the last 20 years or so has not been so much the milestones but rather the moments I’ve shared with friends and loved ones. This is hardly an original concept and I must credit the source, the late Rose Kennedy, who raised a U.S. President and two senators along with six other children. She was also a leading philanthropist who lived to the ripe old age of 104.
“Life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of moments,” she wrote in her autobiography, Times to Remember.
The moments I cherish best have been the most unexpected, and at times have not fit neatly into the narrative I once believed my life would follow.
For everyone official milestone I’ve met, there are hundreds of moments that have eclipsed their standing. This is not to diminish their importance, rather it is emphasize how incredibly rich my life has been to date.
Like anyone, there are instances I’d rather not repeat, difficult lessons learned the hard way. Still, I can’t discount any of them for – without them – my life might have taken an alternate course than the current one.
Speaking of alternate courses, this issue is dedicated to those who go out of their way to help those whose lives have been touched by hardship and/
or tragedy.
In this edition, we honor the first responders on the scene, as well as those who raise their voices on behalf of the silenced. We pay tribute to those who support the downtrodden and the disadvantaged.
In an effort to be a positive force for change, we also are spotlighting organizations and causes to which you can contribute your resources. Even if you don’t have a lot of money, you can still make a difference by volunteering your time to help others in need. Have a spare hour or day? Want to help – among others – hungry children, people with life limiting illnesses or victims of domestic violence? Details about several worthy causes are listed within this month’s pages. Remember, volunteering can be a rewarding solo activity or a great way for families to bond and instill good values in their children’s hearts and minds. No memory is as precious as one that’s made while lifting others up.
Finally, this issue contains over 50 notices of places to go and things to do in the month of February, from celebrating Valentine’s Day at a local restaurant with your special someone to discovering the diversity of artists and performers in your own backyard.
Whether you elect to mark your life by milestones or moments, take time to appreciate the unique beauty of each.
Until next month,
Carla E. Anderton
