5 Things to Know This Week: Gala Concert, Sweet Jazz and Catholic Schools Week

Patch gives you a rundown of what's going on around the community.

St. James School will celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2013 beginning Monday, Jan. 28 and concluding with a Mass on Sunday, Feb. 3. This year marks the 100th anniversary for St. James School, and many special activities are planned for the week, which promotes the faith-based education private Catholic schools provide to students. All are invited to the Catholic Schools Week Mass at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 3, followed by the annual Donut Social in honor of St. James School's 100th anniversary this year. On Monday, Jan. 28 more than 200 Quaker Valley Middle School students in sixth through eighth grades will formally debut the school's new 500-seat auditorium.  The Grand Opening Gala concert begins at 6 p.m. in the auditorium. Celebrating …

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Veterans Day: What's Open, What's Closed

Some borough offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Monday. Here is a list of local openings and closings.

Veterans Day is a day the federal government sets aside—Nov. 11 of every year—to honor the service of all U.S. military veterans. This year, Nov. 11 falls on a Sunday. Many offices and organizations will close Monday in observance of Veterans Day, while some will not. CLOSED: OPEN: A ceremony honoring local U.S. military veterans is planned for today at Sewickley Academy starting at noon. Local veterans are invited to attend. (See the calendar listing for more information.)

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Get Out: Sewickley Unleashed, a Flea Market or Nationality Days

Patch gives you a few ideas for your weekend.

Sewickley Unleashed When/Where: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The Green Street parking lot.  Why Go: Pets donning their finest costumes will march through the streets of Sewickley in this annual pet parade (cue the awwws). Peruse vendor booths for pet-related items after the parade. Be sure to stop by our Patch tent to say hello to Sewickley Local Editor Larissa Dudkiewicz.  Admission: Free.   Sewickley Public Library Flea Market When/Where: 9 a.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday at the library. Why Go: The Friends of the Sewickley Public Library present their first ever Flea Market in the community room. They have been collecting odds and ends all year and have so much for you to see. All proceeds benefit the Sewickley Public Library. …

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Sewickley Library Announces Chess Tournament Winners

The 39th annual chess tournament was held Saturday for children in kindergarten through eighth grade.

The Sewickley Public Library hosted the 39th annual Allegheny County Chess Tournament Saturday, March 3, for children in kindergarten through eighth grades. Tournaments are broken into two divisions: the junior division for children in kindergarten through fourth grade, and the senior division for children in fifth through eighth grades. The following children were declared winners:  1st Place Junior Blaise Burns 2nd Place Junior Venkat Daita 1st Place Senior Sterling Myers 2nd Place Senior Colin Hill For a list of winners at all the libraries, click here.  The countywide tournament is from 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on March 31 at Brentwood Library. 

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Get Out: Handmade Gifts, Hairpeace & Hawkeye

Check out our picks to explore this weekend.

Here are five things to do this weekend. Be sure to also let us know about your plans! HAWKEYE'S MIXED MEDIA OPENING RECEPTION When/Where: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. today, Nov. 11, at International Images, Sewickley. Why Go: Enter the world of award-winning Tattoo artist and mixed media mad scientist, Hawkeye. Mixed Media Madness boasts numerous works all stemmed from the onrush of scenery hidden in Hawkeye's own mind Price: Free. A CHRISTMAS CAROL When/Where: 2 p.m. Sunday, Moon Area High School. Why Go: Moon Area High School students present A Christmas Carol. The Christmas production will run throughout the weekend. Admission: $8 for students; $10 for adults. CLASSIC WAR-ERA MOVIES When/Where: 2 p.m. today, Nov. 11, The Sewickley Public Library…

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Thanksgiving Food Program Benefits Needy Families

Turkey Trees are located at the YMCA, Sewickley Library and Safran’s Market and will be in place through today, Nov. 7

Today is the last day to join the Union Aid Society's annual Thanksgiving food program to benefit a family in need. To take part, simply pluck a “turkey” from a gift tree and purchase a grocery store gift card to benefit a family or individual in need.  Union Aid Society is counting on the continued generosity of the community to help neighbors this holiday season. This year the “Turkey Trees” are located at the YMCA, Sewickley Library and Safran’s Market and will be in place through today, Nov. 7.   Donations should be sent by Nov. 10 to the Union Aid Society office, 601 Thorn St., Sewickley 15143 or donate online at by clicking here. The Union Aid Society is a local nonprofit that provides emergency financial assistance for families and …

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Whiz Kid: Ian Cavanaugh

The Sewickley eighth-grader co-hosts a book signing with co-author Caleb Markovitz 4 p.m. Sunday at the Sewickley Library.

Whiz Kid:Ian Cavanaugh Year: Eighth grade School: Commonwealth Connections Academy Key to Awesomeness: Ian Cavanaugh of Sewickley, an eighth-grader, is already a published author. Ian and co-author Caleb Markovitz, a 10th-grader at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, will host a book signing 4 p.m. Sunday at the Sewickley Library to celebrate the release of their book on leadership. The teens co-wrote the newly published "What Do You Mean I'm in Charge?" to help kids gain leadership skills through activities that help them define individual leadership roles and goals. The workbook helps young people discover what it takes to be a 21st century leader. Teens learn how to establish a mission and how to motivate a team toward achieving that …

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Locals to Perform at Gilda's Comedy Night

The third annual Great Comic Search begins at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Improv at the Waterfront.

Ingrid Kalchthaler wasn’t planning to do standup comedy, but after attending a talent show in Etna two years ago, where about half the performers were adults, she couldn’t shake the idea. “I thought maybe I could try standup here,” said Kalchthaler, 39, a part-time children’s librarian at the Sewickley Public Library who works full-time at the Shaler Library as head of youth services. She took a shot in the talent show this year, and while she didn’t win, the experience helped build her courage. After a little urging from her friend Linda Duty, a comedian and cancer survivor, she decided to try out for a spot in Gilda's Club of Western Pennsylvania’s third annual "Great Comic Search." Tom Musial of Sewickley Hills also tried out for a spot…

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Get Out: Open Mic Night, Steelers Pep Rally or an Oscar-Winning Movie

Check our picks to explore this weekend.

It's Thursday and you’ve got no idea what to do this weekend. There's no need to scramble for ideas. Sewickley Patch has got you covered. We’ve got the best bets for maximizing your fun while giving back a little and educating yourself. Here are five things you can do in the area to make it a weekend to remember.   1. 1941 OSCAR WINNING MOVIES When/Where: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sewickley Public Library Why Go: Spend the afternoon watching "Sergeant York," a film about a boy whose life and beliefs change after he is drafted into the military. Admission: Free.   2. STUFFED ANIMAL SLEEPOVER When/Where: Drop-off from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and pickup from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at Moon Public Library. Why Go: The children are …

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Get Out: Outdoor Classroom, Italian Dinner or Pirates

Check our picks to explore this weekend and let us know about your plans.

It’s Thursday, and you’ve got no idea what you’ll do for the weekend. Sewickley Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for your done-work-outta-here time. Check out our ideas to explore, and tell us about yours. 1. NATURAL OUTDOOR CLASSROOM PLAY-DAY When/Where: 2 to 4 p.m. today, Fern Hollow Nature Center, Sewickley Heights. Why Go:Take the children for one last summer play-date at the first certified “nature play” area in Pennsylvania. The classroom gives youngsters a chance to explore nature.  The classroom is geared for children 4-8 years old, but all are welcome. Price: Free. 2. SHIVER ME TIMBERS When/Where: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sewickley Public Library. Why Go: Take the whole family to the library for a fun-filled…

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