WHAT’ S NEWS IN UPPER ST. CLAIR
SOUTHWESTERN PA SCREENWRITER RELEASES GRIPPING SECOND NOVEL
Award-winning screenwriter Don Ammon has released his second novel,“ A Boy, An Afterthought.” This emotionally charged coming-of-age story explores the struggles of teens on the edge— dealing with isolation, trauma and identity.
Set in rural Western Pennsylvania, the novel centers on a 14-year-old as he grapples with being unwanted and misunderstood, both at home and at school.
Ammon, a former English and communications professor, draws on his teaching and filmmaking background to craft deep, character-driven narratives. His debut novel,“ Toxic High,” tackled similar themes, and both books reflect Ammon’ s interest in how teens navigate a world that often fails to understand them.
The characters in Ammon’ s stories are often isolated and searching, dealing with challenges like PTSD, addiction and abuse.
“ A Boy, An Afterthought” is available wherever books are sold.
I MADE IT! MARKET EXPANDS HOLIDAY LINEUP WITH POP-UP SHOPS AND LOCAL MAKERS
I Made It! Market is kicking off its expanded 2025 holiday season with two major“ I Made It! For the Holidays” events and a new pop-up retail location.
Shoppers browsed handmade goods from more than 120 makers at The Block Northway on Nov. 15 and there will be around 90 artists at Galleria of Mt. Lebanon on Nov. 22.
The market will also launch a seasonal retail shop at The Mall at Robinson and a pop-up space at the Galleria, open every weekend through December.
The popular“ Last Minute Market” returns Dec. 13 at The SouthSide Works.
All events are free, family-friendly, and feature curated handmade items including art, jewelry, toys, bath products, home decor and more. Makers include local favorites like Funky Fleece, Belmonili, PopCraft and Steel City Soda Jerks.
For more information, visit imadeitmarket. com.
UPCOMING EVENTS WITH CHABAD OF THE SOUTH HILLS
Chabad of the South Hills invites children in grades K – 6 to the CKIDS Jewish Discovery Club, held Sundays from 10:30 a. m. to 12:30 p. m. The program instills Jewish values through Aleph Champ Hebrew reading, holiday celebrations and hands-on learning. It is open to all, no membership required.
A special monthly Jewish Story Hour is available for ages 0 – 4.
Learn more at chabadsh. com / jdc or contact Hindy at hindy @ chabadsh. com.
JOIN THE PCC FOR ITS UPCOMING SEASON
The Pittsburgh Concert Chorale( PCC) has announced its 2025 – 2026 season, offering an exciting lineup of performances that celebrate the richness and diversity of choral music.
In December, PCC’ s beloved holiday tradition, Sounds of the Season, returns with performances from Dec. 5 – 7. Audiences of all ages will enjoy timeless carols, seasonal classics and popular holiday favorites, plus a chance to sing along with the choir for a truly festive experience.
The season continues in March with the Classics concert, featuring Rachmaninoff’ s“ All-Night Vigil,” on March 7 and 8. This acclaimed a cappella masterwork draws on centuries-old chants and the spiritual depth of the Russian Orthodox Church, offering audiences a powerful journey through lush harmonies and sacred tradition.
Shifting tones, PCC closes the season with a high-energy tribute to an unforgettable decade in Music of the’ 90s, scheduled for May 2 and 3. Expect a playlist packed with hits from Britney, Whitney, boy bands, hip-hop icons, and grunge legends. Fans are encouraged to
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