Aldi is deciding whether or not to open a new grocery store at the former Bottom Dollar location (5200 Penn Avenue). We are organizing a show of support for this initiative, a demonstration of Garfield’s neighborhood buying power. Come join us this Wednesday (3/18) at 6pm.

Neighbors will congregate at the former Bottom Dollar location and proceed, en masse, walking down to the Aldi on Baum Blvd. Together, we can show Aldi just what kind of loyal customers they are missing out on if they refuse to build a store at 5200 Penn Ave. We are planning for a leisurely walk, but will also be offering transportation services as needed.

The more neighbors who walk together next week (to keep a grocery store in the community), the less distance we’ll have to walk in the future (to meet our grocery needs). Please help our neighborhood ‘turn out the tote’ bags on Wednesday. Let’s get to walking! #Walk2Aldi

For more event information, and to sign up, call 412-206-9849

Check out community events and notices for the month of March!

March 2

East Liberty

Dr. Seuss Read-Aloud

Come to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – East Liberty, 130 S. Whitfield St., to listen to one of Dr. Seuss’ famous books. Read-alouds will take place at 11 a.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. Open to all ages.

March 3

Stanton Heights

City Hall Update

Join the Stanton Heights Neighborhood Association at 7 p.m. at the Three Rivers Village School, 4721 Stanton Ave., for an update on city services from City Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess and City Councilwoman Deb Gross. A question-and-answer session will follow.

March 4

Bloomfield

Dogs & Toddlers

Created by a certified dog behavior consultant and mother of four, Dogs & Toddlers™ is for families with children between 3 months and 3 years and exploring their independence for the first time. It is offered as both a group training class and private in-home consultation which parents and other caretakers can attend with their dogs to learn. The class takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. in West Penn Hospital’s Burstin Room, 4800 Penn Ave. $25 per family. For more information, visit ahn.org/westpenn or call 412-578-7030.

Garfield

Green Zone Meeting

Join the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to discuss plans for a potential “Garfield Green Zone” at 6 p.m. at the Bloomfield-Garfield Community Activity Center, 113 N. Pacific Ave. Residents will have the opportunity to vote on their preferences, and refreshments will be provided.

March 5

Lawrenceville

Work Nights

Come to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Lawrenceville, 279 Fisk St., between 6 p.m. and midnight to stay up late, network, and connect with other innovators. Enjoy late-night snacks and coffee while receiving guidance from library professionals well-versed in technology, entrepreneurism, and more. For more information, visit http://www.carnegielibrary.org/worknights/, or call 412-682-3668.

Strip District

Pancakes in the PM

Support a great cause and enjoy your favorite breakfast for dinner at Pamela’s in the Strip District, 60 21st St. Pamela’s will offer their famous, crepe-style pancakes with your other breakfast favorites – plus a bloody mary and mimosa bar. Tickets are $40 or $25, and all proceeds benefit East End Cooperative Ministry’s hunger programs.

March 6

Garfield

Grand Opening

LOCAL 412, a new retail business located at 4901 Penn Ave., will host its grand opening event on the evening of March 6 as part of the “Unblurred” gallery crawl on Penn. LOCAL 412, which stands for “Love Our City A Lot,” will hold auditions for Rhyme Calisthenics, a Pittsburgh-based game show where contestants spin a wheel and then demonstrate their lyrical ability based on the category selected.

Closing Reception

The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination, 5006 Penn Ave., will host a closing reception from 7 to 10 p.m. for “The First Cut is the Deepest: The Woodcuts of John Carruthers” and Rachna Rajen’s “Aligning the Exterior.”

March 7

Bloomfield

Pet Therapy

Learn what pet therapy is all about and how it can help with your healing journey. Free information session with two professional dog trainers and their therapy dogs. Meet Elissa Weimer, a professional dog trainer, and Shane Gentry, a professional dog trainer, behavioral consultant, and owner of “Sally Said So Professional Dog Training.” The session takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. at West Penn Hospital – Wintergarden, 4800 Friendship Ave. RSVP to Mykie Bianchi at 412-578-4316 or mbianchi@wpahs.org.

East Liberty

Peter Pan Selections

Come to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – East Liberty, 130 S. Whitfield St., to hear performers from Pittsburgh Musical Theater sing songs from “Peter Pan,” the musical. This 2 p.m. performance is open to all ages.

Garfield

Homebuyer Education

Join NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania as they facilitate a free, full-day homebuyer education workshop sponsored by PNC. The workshop will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Saint Maria Goretti Activity Center, 140 N. Atlantic Ave. Lunch is provided. Anyone interested in becoming a homeowner is encouraged to attend to learn about money management and savings, credit, mortgage loans, and the right steps to shop for, purchase, and maintain your home. Experts from financial institutions, real estate agencies, insurance companies, and home inspectors will be present to speak and answer questions. Pre-registration is required by calling 412-281-9773.

March 8

Lawrenceville

Floating Transitions

Join Laura Gorham-Huon, yoga instructor, from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Shala of Pittsburgh Ashtanga Yoga. 4319 Butler St. for a workshop about the importance of transitions in the Ashtanga method. Cost is $30 for pre-registration and $35 for walk-in participants. Class will be limited to 20 students.

March 11

East Liberty

Trades Career Fair

East Liberty Development, Inc. and commercial development partners are hosting a trades career and apprenticeship fair at Kingsley Association, 6435 Frankstown Ave., from 3 to 6 p.m. This forum offers several apprenticeship application events and will feature local building trades employers such as P.J. Dick and Mistick Construction.

Garfield

Police Recruitment

Learn more about becoming a Pittsburgh police officer and navigating the application process at 6 p.m. at the Bloomfield-Garfield Community Activity Center, 113 N. Pacific Ave.

West Penn Recruitment

Come to the Bloomfield-Garfield Community Activity Center, 113 N. Pacific Ave., from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to learn about job opportunities at West Penn Hospital and Allegheny Health Network, the application process, and how to make your resume stand out to recruiters. Register by calling 412-465-0425.

March 12

Lawrenceville

Social Media Class

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Lawrenceville and Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania have teamed up to offer free computer workshops to residents who want to brush up on their computer skills. The workshop topic on March 12 is social media. Classes are held in Goodwill’s computer lab at 118 52nd St. and run from 6 to 8 p.m. Participants must register in advance by calling 412-632-1842.

March 14

East Liberty

Storytime Sing-Along

Come to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – East Liberty, 130 S. Whitfield St., at 11 a.m. to sing songs, make music, and more. For children between 3 and 5 years of age, and their caregivers.

March 15

Lawrenceville

Free Lecture

Our Lady of the Angels Holy Name Society has invited local historian and author James Wudarczyk to speak on Pittsburgh events during the first two years of the Civil War. Wudarczyk, the author of the book “Until the Morning Cometh: Civil War Era Pittsburgh,” will discuss heroes and scoundrels, the first training camp in Pittsburgh, and lost facts regarding the 1862 Allegheny Arsenal explosion. The free event will take place at 11 a.m. in the new social hall under the parish’s Saint Augustine Church at the corner of 37th and Bandera Streets.

Encounter Anniversary

Join Encounter Church for the celebration service of its first full year at 10 a.m. at Arsenal Middle School, 220 40th St. Then stick around for a food truck roundup in Arsenal Park. At Encounter, experience a friendly atmosphere, inspiring and heartfelt worship, and a teaching that’s both spiritual and relevant to your life. Plus, kids’ programs are available for children from age 2 through fifth grade. Visit www.encounterpgh.com for more details.

March 16

Bloomfield

Weight Loss Info Session

You are invited to a free information session to enhance your understanding of weight loss surgeries and services offered by Allegheny Health Network’s Bariatric and Metabolic Institute. The presentations include an informational talk given by bariatric surgical staff and a question-and-answer period. All sessions are free; registration is appreciated, but not required. There are two daytime classes – 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m. at the Cercone Building, 4727 Friendship Ave, Suite 140 – and an evening class from 6 to 7 p.m. at West Penn Hospital – Wintergarden, 4800 Friendship Ave. For questions or to register, call 412-235-5900.

March 18

Stanton Heights

Neighborhood Meeting

The Stanton Heights Neighborhood Association will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Three Rivers Village School, 4721 Stanton Ave. Ron Porter of RDP Consultants will continue working with the association to develop plans for improving the organization’s effectiveness and seeking outside resources. Director Mike Gable of the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works will also attend to discuss neighborhood green space projects and issues with snow removal during this past season.

March 19

Lawrenceville

Free Lecture

As part of the Lawrenceville Historical Society’s public lecture series, Ken Kobus will address the development of the Allegheny Valley Railroad and some of the industries served by the railroad. The Kobus lecture will present a photographic train ride soaring past many of the area’s long-gone and forgotten train stations on an imaginary commuter trip from Braeburn to Pittsburgh. The event takes place at 7 p.m. at Canterbury Place, 310 Fisk St. It is free and open to the public. No reservations required.

Art and Aesthetics

The Aesthetic Skin & Laser Center will host its quarterly open house from 6 to 8 p.m. at 4424 Penn Ave., Suite 102. Come to view the art of Sarah Zeffiro, meet and learn about the latest in aesthetics from Dr. Roxana Barad and her staff, and enjoy nutritious food from Marty’s Market while sipping a glass of wine or our fresh spa water, all created especially for your enjoyment. RSVP to Jamie@aestheticpittsburgh.com.

March 21

Lawrenceville

Inversion Workshop

Come to The Shala of Pittsburgh Ashtanga Yoga, 4319 Butler St., from 1 to 3 p.m. for an interactive workshop discussing proper alignment and techniques for a safe headstand, forearm stand, handstand, and shoulder stand. Participants should be able to hold plank and downward-facing dog for several minutes without any pain. Cost is $25 if you pre-register online, or $30 for walk-in participants.

March 25

East Liberty

Beatrix Potter Program

Come to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – East Liberty, 130 S. Whitfield St., at 4 p.m. for an “Artful Stories” program, including a read-aloud, discussion, and hands-on activity featuring Beatrix Potter’s work. For children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

March 26

Lawrenceville

Internet Basics Class

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Lawrenceville and Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania have teamed up to offer free computer workshops. The workshop topic on March 26 is internet basics and safety. Classes are held in Goodwill’s computer lab at 118 52nd St. and run from 6 to 8 p.m. Participants must register in advance by calling 412-632-1842.

March 27

Bloomfield

Spring Craft Fair

Come to West Penn Hospital – Wintergarden, 4800 Friendship Ave., from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be an array of gift items for your shopping pleasure and a basket raffle. Call April at 412-578-5482 for more details, or if you are interested in participating in the fair.

Ross Township

Job Fair

Representative Dom Costa will hold his annual job fair at the Ross Township Community Center, 1000 Ross Municipal Dr., behind the Big Lots on McKnight Road, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come meet with more than 50 employers hiring in and around the Pittsburgh area. Those attending are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes. For more information, call 412-361-2040.

April 10

Highland Park

PULSEations 2015

Join PULSE, Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience, for its annual party and fundraiser at the Union Project, 801 N. Negley Ave. “PULSEations 2015: Vision” is an opportunity to celebrate and support the work of PULSE in Pittsburgh. Join us for a fun evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction. There will be a special VIP reception from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by the main event from 7 to 10 p.m. Call 412-361-0124 or visit www.pulsepittsburgh.org/pulseations/ for more details.

Ongoing

Bloomfield

Wellness Programs

The Cancer Caring Center in Bloomfield, 4117 Liberty Ave., hosts free wellness programs for cancer patients and their families. Classes are offered in Zumba, hands-on therapy, yoga, art therapy, and reiki. Call 412-622-1212 for an appointment.

East Liberty

Comics Workshop

The Labs at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – East Liberty, 130 S. Whitfield St., will be running comics workshops every Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. Activities include writing and drawing exercises, hands-on tutorials with formally trained comic artists, developing your own projects from start to finish, and showcasing your finished work at the end. This workshop is free for teens in sixth through twelfth grades. Call 412-363-8232 or email eastliberty@carnegielibrary.org for more details.

Friendship

Festival Vendors

Spring is just around the corner, and the annual Friendship Folk and Flower Festival (f4) is soon to follow on Saturday, May 9. Vendors of crafts, jewelry, or anything hand-made are needed. No garage sale items, please. The fee to participate is $15. Vendors will receive a place for one table and five raffle ticket vouchers, vouchers for a sandwich and drink, a plant (excluding hanging baskets), and an item from the membership table (excluding T-shirts). Please respond by April 15 to Kathy Farrington at farringtonk@me.com to reserve a space at this popular neighborhood festival.

Garfield

S&B Sewing Circle

This community gathering takes place on the third Monday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. at Assemble, 5125 Penn Ave. Participants – adults only, please – can bring a knitting, sewing, or crafting project to work on, and a dish to share. This event is BYOB.

Assemble Afterschool

Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. join us at Assemble, 5125 Penn Ave., for free, hands-on making for kids in fourth through eighth grades. Tuesdays are for engineering, Wednesdays are for art, and Thursdays are for digital skills. Come once a week or all three days.

Garden in Garfield

Are you a Garfield resident looking to grow your own food this year? At Kincaid Street Community Garden you can adopt a plot, volunteer, or participate in events. Leave a message at 412-450-0371 to learn more or visit gcatpgh.com/kincaid-gardens.

Night Market Vendors

This year’s Garfield Night Market was a success, and the planning process has already begun for next season. If you are a vendor, or are interested in becoming a vendor, send an email to garfieldnightmarket@gmail.com. Also, stay tuned to http://garfieldnightmarket.org for updates.

Lawrenceville

Sunday Market

The Night Gallery hosts a market every Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Come to 4936 Harrison St. for artisan bread, fresh coffee, and amazing jewelry.

Adult Game Night

Join your neighbors at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Lawrenceville, 279 Fisk St., every Tuesday at 6 p.m. for board games, card games, or even video games. Participants must be 18 and up. Call 412-682-3668 for more information.

Teen Time

Come to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Lawrenceville, 279 Fisk St., every Monday at 4:30 p.m. for Teen Time. Play Xbox 360 or Xbox One, make movies, and play music. Or you can just come and hang out.

Little Learners

Come to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Lawrenceville, 279 Fisk St., every Wednesday at 6 p.m. for family playtime. Using a wide array of age-appropriate toys, little learners will experience something exciting with their caregivers at their sides. Recommended for newborns to 3-year-olds and their families.

Youth Tennis Clinics

Beginner and intermediate tennis clinics for ages 6 to 10 are offered every Thursday night from 7 to 8 p.m. at Arsenal Middle School’s gym, 220 40th St. No experience necessary. Rackets are provided or you can bring your own. $10 per session, or $45 for five sessions of your choosing. Non-marking shoes only, please. For questions or to pre-register, please contact Dave at Lawrenceville United, 412-802-7220 or Dave@LUnited.org.

Art Exhibit

The next Gallery on 43rd Street exhibit is “Plein Air Landscapes” by Liza Brenner. Brenner is an associate professor of art at Glenville State College in West Virginia. She recently traveled to Spello, Italy for a plein air workshop, and her show focuses on work from that trip. The exhibit runs at 187 43rd St. from March 6 to April 18, with an opening reception on March 6 from 7 to 10 p.m. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call 412-683-6488, or visit www.facebook.com/gallery.43rdstreet.

Volunteers Needed

The Estelle S. Campbell Boys & Girls Club is looking for adult volunteers for arts and crafts, computers, sports, and/or fitness. Volunteers must have current child abuse and criminal clearances. For details, call 412-682-4013.

Afterschool Programs

The Estelle S. Campbell Boys & Girls Club is accepting applications for membership in afterschool and evening programs. Children ages 5 to 18 are welcome. The monthly fee for individuals is $12, or $10 per child for a family of two or more children. Call 412-682-4013 for more information. Don’t miss out on the fun.

Morningside

Tax Return Assistance

Representative Dom Costa’s office will help seniors with simple income tax returns at 6808 Greenwood St. You must be 65 or older with an income under $35,000 to be eligible. Participants must schedule an appointment by calling 412-361-2040.

Shadyside

Curious About Quakerism?

The Religious Society of Friends holds a “Meeting for Worship” each Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. at 4836 Ellsworth Ave. Earlier arrival is encouraged, and all are welcome. Light refreshments and fellowship follow the service. For more information, call 412-683-2669 or visit www.quaker.org/pghpamm.