Register for holiday light contest
Judging for Monroeville’s 36th annual holiday light contest will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 11.
All Monroeville properties must be registered by Dec. 8 and must have their lights turned on during the time of the judging to participate. Register your own lights or enjoy a ride around our town to nominate your favorite house.
New categories this year are Through a Child’s Eyes Award, Traditionally Elegant Award, Clark Griswold Award, Most Festive Theme Award and Most Original Masterpiece Award.
The event is presented by the Monroeville Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, and is intended to bring good cheer in celebration of the holiday season. Register at forms.gle/PANrgdRd9MwgNNFL6.
‘Making Meaning’ presentation
Diana Charlton, a counselor with a practice in Monroeville, will give a free presentation on “Making Meaning During the Holidays” at noon Dec. 2 at Monroeville Public Library.
Many people feel like the holidays have lost their significance and magic. They experience too much stress and not enough joy. The presentation will provide tips and ideas to create worthwhile holiday activities and celebrations.
For more information, contact Charlton at dcharlton@charltoncounseling.com.
School board reorganizes
Gateway School Board’s reorganization and regular school board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 5 in the district administration building, 9000 Gateway Campus Boulevard, Monroeville.
Two new members, Cheryl Boise and Donna Burns, were elected to the board on Nov. 7. Not seeking reelection were Scott Williams, who served on the board for 22 years, and Mary Beth Cirucci, serving for eight.
Church hosts Christmas party
A “Pizza, Popcorn and PJs” Christmas party for kids will be hosted from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 15 at Hillcrest Church, 1622 James St., Monroeville.
The event is geared toward children ages 4 to 12, and under 4 with a parent. Everyone is encouraged to wear Christmas-themed or any warm winter pajamas. After pizza, craft time and Christmas bingo with prizes, “The Star,” an animated holiday film approved for all ages, will be shown, with popcorn served.
RSVP by calling the church, 412 824-5600. Include children’s names, how many adults will be staying to hang out with them, and a phone number.
Letters to Santa collected
Drop-off boxes for Letters to Santa are located at the Monroeville Recreation Department and Monroeville Public Library.
Children will be sent responses to letters received by Dec. 11. Please make sure that children’s names and return mailing addresses are legible.
Divine Mercy Academy craft show
Divine Mercy Academy will host a craft show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at 245 Azalea Drive, Monroeville.
More than 100 vendors will be on two floors. For more information, email dmamonroevilleptg@gmail.com.
East End Kids concert
The Monroeville Arts Council Concert Series continues with a performance by Larry Cervi’s East End Kids on Dec. 3.
The concert is from 4 to 6 p.m. in the CCAC Boyce Campus auditorium, 595 Beatty Road, and is presented by the arts council and UPMC East.
International Women meet
International Women of Monroeville will meet on Dec. 8 at Cross Roads Presbyterian Church, 2310 Haymaker Road, Monroeville.
A holiday celebration starts at 9:30 a.m., when members will bring refreshments that could be served during the holiday season in their homelands and join together for a sing-along.
The group welcomes all women in the community, whether foreign- or American-born, who are interested in spending an enjoyable morning over coffee and the program of the month.
No meetings will be held during January and February. They resume March 1.
Church hosts cookie sale
Cross Roads Presbyterian Church, 2310 Haymaker Road, Monroeville, will host its annual holiday cookie sale from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 9.
A wide variety of homemade cookies will be available from which to choose.
Drive-through Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland, a family-friendly holiday drive-through event provided by the Monroeville Recreation Department and Monroeville Public Library, is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 9 at Community Park West.
Featured will be Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Elsa and Anna from “Frozen,” elves and other seasonal favorites. Please remain in your vehicles. No registration is necessary.
Christmas concert at Cross Roads
Judi Figel will present a Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at Cross Roads Presbyterian Church, 2310 Haymaker Road Monroeville.
She is a dynamite singer with a fun-loving personality who performs a wide variety of music styles. Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door or online at jazzjudi.com. Everyone is invited to a complimentary cookie social after the concert.
‘Holiday Survival Guide’ scheduled
Monroeville United Methodist Church is hosting two events during the holiday season for people who are not feeling particularly merry amid all the festiveness.
A “Holiday Survival Guide” event is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 6, hosted by the church’s health and wellness team for those who are stressed by the holidays and for those facing because of loss of health, job, relationships or a loved one.
The program will be in person in the church Fellowship Hall and will be live-streamed on www.facebook.com/monroevilleumc.
A “Liturgy for the Weary” worship service will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 13.
The church is at 219 Center Road, Monroeville. For more information, visit monroevilleumc.org or call the church office at 412-372-7474.
New Year’s Eve ball drop
Can’t stay up until midnight on New Year’s Eve? Monroeville Public Library will present a ball drop at noon inside the Monroeville Mall on Dec. 31.
The free event for all ages will be held inside the lower mall level, in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods, beginning at 11:30 a.m. At noon, a giant disco ball will be lowered. There will be a raffle, party hats and horn blowers.
Food pantry distribution
The Garden City Food Pantry distributes food on the second Thursday of each month, with morning distribution from 9 to 11 and evening distribution from 6 to 7.
The year’s final distribution is on Dec. 14 at 500 Laurel Drive, Monroeville.
To have your event or information included in Briefs, email hfunk@triblive.com.
