Christofel new fire chief 

The Mt. Lebanon Fire Department has a new leader. Kurt Christofel, a 13-year veteran of the department, moves into the fire chief position after serving four years as deputy chief, most recently with the operations and safety platoon.

He was named Fire Officer of the Year in 2012.

Christofel was selected for the position following a nationwide search by Municipal Resources, Inc.

“I believe that Kurt knows the community and the department and he understands the challenges facing the department now and in the future,” said Municipal Manager Keith McGill.  “He has earned the trust and respect of the firefighters in the department, his professional colleagues, and members of the community. I am confident that Kurt will lead with a commitment to public safety, and his vision will guide the department forward as a model of fire service excellence and as a regional leader.”

“I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to lead such a highly trained and dedicated team of professionals,” Christofel said. “It’s my responsibility to ensure our organization is equipped and prepared to meet the present and future public safety needs of our community.”

ARTISTS’ MARKET The Mt. Lebanon Partnership’s Artists’ Market is slated for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., September 27 and 28, in the Academy Avenue parking lot, behind David Alan Clothiers. The juried show features up to 70 artists in a variety of media, with cash awards. The deadline for applying to participate is April 30. Find more information and an application in the events section of the Mt. Lebanon Partnership website.

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS Keynotes is accepting applications for its 2025 Music Scholarship Competition, which will be held May 10. The scholarship fund has more than $16,000 for full-time music majors who are Pennsylvania residents or attending school in Pennsylvania. Instrumentalists must be under 26 years of age as of June 1, 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. Application deadline is April 30. For an application, call Lori Walter at 412-260-6972 or email her at houdini5@hotmail.com, or apply online.

SENIOR GOLF The Mt. Lebanon Senior Men’s Golf Club, open to men 55 or older, meets Wednesday mornings for nine-hole games at the Mt. Lebanon Golf Course. Optional 18-hole away games are held once a month on Mondays. Annual dues are $25. Visit mensgolfmtlebo.site123.me to download a membership application and for more information.

DISABILITY & MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT RETURNS The 12th annual Disability & Mental Health Summit, a free event organized by state Rep. Dan Miller, will take place on May 8 and 9 at the CCAC Allegheny Campus, 808 Ridge Avenue. The event brings together hundreds of individuals and organizations in an easy-to-access environment where people meet face-to-face to solve problems better.

This year’s summit features 20 informational sessions on issues such as mental health system challenges, smart home technology for people with disabilities and how to use the 988 suicide and crisis hotline. A resource fair will host more than 125 organizations dedicated to meeting the needs of the disability and mental health community, and an assistive technology fair will showcase tools designed to improve accessibility and independence.

Over the years, the summit has touched thousands of lives, educating legislators from both sides of the aisle, helping to inform families, providing continuing education credits for professionals and increasing opportunities for self-advocates across the board. For more information or to register: disabilitysummit.com.

LOOKING FOR GREAT GRADS Mt. Lebanon High School is seeking to honor exceptional graduates with the Great Alumni Award. Established by the Mt. Lebanon High School Student Council in 2004, the award recognizes outstanding alumni who have made a significant impact in their communities and professions. Honorees are selected based on their exceptional contributions in at least one of the following areas: improving the lives of others, community service, volunteer work, or professional achievement. The award committee is accepting nominations for the  2025 award through April 15. Winners will be recognized at a special luncheon and honored during the Homecoming football game this fall. For more information and a nomination form, visit mtlsd.org/community/alumni/great-alumni.