THE SQUIRREL HILL EXTRACURRICULAR GUIDE

the squirrel hill extra curricular guide

ONE OF MY FAVORITE MEMORIES FROM SCHOOL was that time of the year when we planned our schedule and extracurricular activities for the following school year. It was always a time of inspiration to learn and do more. Once we’re out of school, extracurriculars might become lifelong hobbies, or they might get lost in the hustle and bustle of being an adult.

But there’s so much benefit to making time for extracurricular activities. They’re an opportunity to socialize, which can improve your mental health. They can be creative outlets. They keep your brain sharp, not to mention they break up the work-homesleep routine that is life as an adult.

It’s our luck that Squirrel Hill is full of extracurricular activities for people of all ages, not just for those still in school. Here’s a guide to some activities and programs in the neighborhood. Consider it the grown-up version of a course catalog for the new school year. I hope that one of these exciting options will inspire you to pick up an old interest again or try something new.By Sophie Bean

PITTSBURGH’S SWING CITY

5604 Solway Street facebook.com/SwingCityPgh

Want to attend a dance? Pittsburgh’s Swing City is the place to be on Saturday nights. Created by Bobby Dunlap, a.k.a. Bobby D., Swing City is a weekly community dance program that takes place in the Wightman School Community Building. Attendees learn popular dances like the Jitterbug, the Lindy Hop, the Charleston, and more. Despite what the name suggests, Swing City features a different style of dance every Saturday, rotating between Swing, Salsa, Tango, and an open ballroom dance. On most nights a lesson precedes an open dance with local bands and DJs. On occasion, Monday nights are Motown or Disco nights.

Swing City is open to newcomers and dancers of all experience levels. Cost of admission varies, but usually ranges between $10 and $20. For lessons or more information, call Bobby D. at 412-759-1569 or visit the group’s Facebook page. Whatever dancing mood you’re in, Swing City will transport you back to your school dance days.

PITTSBURGH CHESS CLUB

5869 Forbes Ave pittsburghchessclub.org

Join the chess team by becoming a member of the Pittsburgh Chess Club, which has been around since the mid-1800s.

The club supports the game of chess in Pittsburgh through classes, lectures, exhibitions, and tournaments. The Club also coordinates the Chess in Allegheny County Schools (CIACS) scholastic program, where club members provide in-person instruction and equipment to schools in the Pittsburgh region.

The Club offers membership tiers based on age: Junior (ages 17 and under; $5.50/month), Regular (ages 18-64; $8.50/month), and

Senior (ages 65 and over; $7.25/month). Members have access to classes plus benefits including an online team, discounts for club special activities, and a digital subscription to En Passant, the Club’s award-winning newsletter publication.

SQUIRREL HILL HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Church of the Redeemer 5700 Forbes Ave squirrelhillhistory.org

Pretend you’re back in history class by attending one of the Squirrel Hill Historical Society’s programs or activities. The Squirrel Hill Historical Society (SHHS), established in 2000 by two preservation activists, is committed to “gathering, preserving, and celebrating” the neighborhood’s history and memories. SHHS hosts events like lectures, program videos, and walking tours, and shares historical resources with the community by way of books, a museum board at the Squirrel Hill branch of the Carnegie Library, and a monthly newsletter.

You can attend one of their monthly programs about historical topics like “The Characters of Allderdice,” “Perseverance: One Holocaust Survivor’s Journey,” and “The Chinese Laundrymen of Homestead and Squirrel Hill.” There won’t be a test at the end, but you can be sure you’ll learn something you didn’t know about the neighborhood. (Bonus points to those who become SHHS members!)

SUNBURST SCHOOL OF MUSIC

5843 Forbes Ave, Suite 201 sunburstmusic.com

Pick up an instrument at Sunburst School of Music, which opened in 2011 as a oneroom teaching studio and has since grown into a school with over 30 teachers and 500+ students. Sunburst students can take lessons in piano and keyboard, guitar, voice, drum, bass, ukulele, and music production. There are also ways to get involved outside of lessons, like the 18+ Band Program where adults can practice their instruments and perform live with a group. Gabriel Lavelle, the

Program Manager at Sunburst, says the group nature of the program is a good place for students to meet people, receive hands-on feedback and support, and apply the skills they’ve learned, including in the recording studio. It also gives adults an opportunity to be in a band, something they might have thought was lost when they “grew up.”

Students can sign up for lessons at any time throughout the year, and all plans are monthly, so there’s no long-term commitment or minimum number of months. The 18+ Band Program costs $120/month for weekly two-hour classes (price may change), and Sunburst offers a deal on group programs to students enrolled in private lessons.

JCC BASKETBALL

5738 Forbes Ave jccpgh.org/sports/basketball

No varsity letter? No problem. The Jewish Community Center is known across Pittsburgh for its recreation and sports facilities, including dance studios, squash/racquetball courts, an indoor racetrack, and, of course, basketball courts. Basketball at the JCC is one of the center’s most popular adult activities. According to the JCC website, “the JCC IS basketball. Our reputation, facilities and staff have the JCC quickly becoming one of the Pittsburgh area’s premiere basketball destinations . . . .”

Group sports like basketball are an excellent way to stay fit, socialize, learn new athletic abilities, and practice the art of being on a team. At the JCC, there are ample opportunities to learn, practice, and play basketball. There are open gym hours every day of the week. Other days there are private basketball lessons available and opportunities to join pick-up games.

PITTSBURGH CENTER FOR ARTS AND MEDIA

Scaife Building, 1047 Shady Ave pghartsmedia.org

Express yourself in the art studio. There are so many courses to choose from at the Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media—40 to 45 each quarter, according to Kyle Houser, the school’s Executive Director. There are courses across all artistic mediums: ceramics, painting, drawing, metalsmithing, photography, film, jewelry, digital design, music, and more. In addition to group classes, PCA&M offers membership options for artists to work independently and use the studio spaces and facilities.

Houser said that enrollment at the school is at an all-time high because “people are looking for human interaction, and people redirected their priorities during the pandemic to focus on interests other than work. People are here for their mental wellbeing, through socialization and art.” While the center offers summer camps for children, PCA&M primarily serves 18+ adults year-round. The center operates on a quarterly schedule, with courses running in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. Prices vary depending on the course type and duration, but rates are lower for members, and tuition assistance is available.

LITERACY PITTSBURGH

249 N. Craig Street (Squirrel Hill office) literacypittsburgh.org

Learn more with Literacy Pittsburgh, an all-volunteer organization that helps some 5,000 individuals create better lives through learning each year. Adults and families can learn English, earn their high school diploma, gain computer skills, and work on career development through Literacy Pittsburgh’s free programs. Most classes are conducted online, although Literacy Pittsburgh works with partner organizations to provide in-person learning. There is a new student orientation every month where students can explore learning opportunities and share their goals with prospective tutors and teachers.

Literacy Pittsburgh relies on volunteers who are committed to its mission. If you are interested in becoming an adult literacy tutor, you can find details on their website. Although no teaching experience is expected, there are a few requirements, among them a desire to make a difference!

PHIPPS GARDEN CENTER

1059 Shady Avenue in Mellon Park phipps.conservatory.org

Calling all nature-lovers! The Phipps Garden Center was, according to its website, “established to cultivate botanical knowledge, inspire creative minds and spread the joy of gardening throughout the community.” One way Phipps cultivates and inspires is through adult education courses at its Mellon Park location or at the main Phipps Conservatory site in Schenley Park.

Courses in floral design, botanical illustration, and landscaping and gardening are available as standalone classes or as part of certificate programs.

Credit: Paul G. Wiegman

There are also less-intensive classes and workshops focused on arts and crafts and healthy living and sustainability, like the culinary arts classes that take place in the newly renovated Botany Hall Kitchen. Higher-level courses and certificate programs might require prerequisites, but beginner options are open to students with any amount of experience. Students at Phipps also have access to the center’s extensive library of botanical literature and gardening manuals.

RENAISSANCE CITY CHOIR

East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S Highland Ave rccpittsburgh.com

Take a field trip to East Liberty to sing with Pittsburgh’s Renaissance City Choir (RCC). RCC is an LGBTQIA+ and allies choral group open to as many people as want to participate, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or musical experience. Morgan Hawkins, President of the Board of Directors of RCC, said the choir uses the “message of music that we’re singing to bring the idea of inclusion and welcoming and acceptance and celebration to folks in our community and outside of our community.” Choir members audition with the artistic director.

Auditioners generally don’t get turned away if they can match pitch, and there’s no requirement for perfect pitch or a music education. The next vocal placements will be in August/early September for the holiday concert. Rehearsals take place on Tuesdays from 6:45 to 8:45 pm.