September Events: Citizens Fire Academy [1], The Era of Cool [2], Pittsburgh Irish Festival [3], Serve2Cure [4], St. Clair Cemetery Tour [5], Monopoly Tournament [6], Van Gogh in Bloom [7], South Hills Chorale Auditions [8], Genealogical Advice [9], Artists’ Market pARTy [10], 25th Annual Festival of Bands [11], Hall of Champions Ceremony [12], Treasure Sale [13] and Greek Food Festival [14].
Editors Pick: CITIZENS FIRE ACADEMY
Wednesdays (and occasional Saturdays), September 11 to November 8
Don firefighting gear, try your hand at vehicle extrication and operate a fire hose in this two-month course at the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department. Geared toward developing citizen awareness and understanding, the popular Citizens Fire Academy allows residents to explore all functions of the fire department, from technical rescue to hazardous materials to engine operations. www.mtlfd.org [15].
ERA OF COOL
Through October 20
Remember the poster for the 1966 film Endless Summer? How about the covers to The Grateful Dead’s Skeletons From the Closet or the Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour albums? Each of those legendary pieces of pop art were created by John Van Hamersveld, who is the focus of a new exhibit at the Westmoreland Museum of Art. Admission to the museum is free. www.thewestmoreland.org [16].
PITTSBURGH IRISH FESTIVAL
Friday to Sunday, September 6 to 8
After a severe flood damaged the grounds during last year’s event, the Pittsburgh Irish Festival is moving to the Lots at Sandcastle. The new venue will eliminate the threat of inclement weather, as it will provide additional space for tents, activities and parking. Past festival activities have included a robust entertainment schedule, Irish food and vendors, axe throwing, beer tasting, Irish art and more. Discounted tickets are available online through September 4. www.pghirishfest.org [17].
SERVE2CURE
Saturday, September 14
Support the Cancer Caring Center at this year’s Serve2Cure fundraiser tournament, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mt. Lebanon Tennis Center. In addition to the triples and mixed doubles tournaments, activities include a free beginners’ tennis clinic, prizes and a silent auction. www.serve2cure.org [18].
ST. CLAIR CEMETERY TOUR
Sunday, September 15
Located across Scott Road from Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, St. Clair Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in the area. The cemetery was dedicated in 1805. People buried there include Revolutionary War veterans and the town’s first doctor. This program starts at 2 p.m., featuring a presentation of photos, history and notable people, plus a map so that you can take a look for yourself. www.lebohistory.org [19].
MONOPOLY TOURNAMENT
Thursday, September 19
Face off against friends, colleagues or strangers in the National Kidney Foundation’s annual Monopoly tournament at Rivers Casino. The event starts at 5:30 p.m., with a program hosted by Abby from 105.9 the X, followed by 90 minutes of Monopoly play and an award ceremony. Ticket prices are available for groups of four, individuals or spectators. www.kidney.org [20].
VAN GOGH IN BLOOM
Through October 6
Interact with some of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings rendered in breathtaking floral displays at Phipps Conservatory. See Self-Portrait with Straw Hat, recreated on a vertical floral mural, walk through Wheat Field with Cypresses on a winding path that leads to Starry Night, and visit his Sunflowers in all their glory. www.phipps.conservatory.org [21].
Extra, Extra!
CALL FOR SINGERS
Mondays, August 26 & September 9
Audition for the South Hills Chorale at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Entering its 60th year, the Chorale is a 90-voice ensemble that performs two major concerts and several smaller concerts each season. Contact Luanne Shock at lsshock@icloud.com [22] to arrange your audition.
ARCHIVISTS’ ADVICE
Monday, September 16
Heinz History Center Archivist Sierra Green will recommend approaches to genealogical research at the Mt. Lebanon Genealogical Society meeting. The society meets on the third Monday of the month at 1 p.m. in a conference room on the lower level of the Mt. Lebanon Public Library. All meetings are free and open to the public. www.MtLebanonLibrary.org [23].
ARTISTS’ MARKET PartY
Saturday, September 21
Can’t get enough of the Mt. Lebanon Artists’ Market? Come to the pARTy after the first day of the market from 6 to 9 p.m. in Clearview Common. Meet the artists, taste local beer, food and spirits, and enjoy music from local folk singer Christopher Mark Jones. www.MtLeboPartnership.org [24].
FESTIVAL OF BANDS
Saturday, September 21
Rain or shine, the Mt. Lebanon High School Blue Devil Marching Band will take to the high school field to present its 25th annual Festival of Bands [25] at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 22. Marching bands from other local high schools will perform their new routines, with Mt. Lebanon presenting their show “X” Marks the Spot—A Tale of Shipwrecked Pirates, featuring original music and visuals.
HALL OF CHAMPIONS CEREMONY
Saturday, September 28
Each fall the Mt. Lebanon High School Athletic Department honors the excellence of players, teams, coaches and other contributors, in the Hall of Champions. This year’s award recipients and inductees include longtime soccer coach Ron Wilcher, the 2019 Girls Lacrosse and Boys Basketball teams and dozens of champion athletes. The ceremony is at 7 p.m. at Cefalo’s in Carnegie. Tickets are $90. www.mtlsd.org [26].
TREASURE SALE
Saturday & Sunday, September 28 & 29
Find something unique at the Family Hospice and Palliative Care Treasure Sale. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday at 50 Moffett Street. www.familyhospicepa.org [27].
GREEK FOOD FAIR
Wednesday to Friday, October 2 to 4
Spanakopita, tiropita, moussaka, pastitsio! Get all of your favorite Greek goodies at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 123 Gilkeson Road, from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Other festival activities include a bake sale, vendor sale and church architecture tours. www.holycrosspgh.org [28].