In brief: Fall Freedom Fest, business networking, food pantry and more in Monroeville

Fall Freedom Fest

Fall Freedom Fest, a coming together of churches uniting the Monroeville community, is scheduled for 3 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 9 at Tall Trees Amphitheater in Monroeville Community Park, 2447 Tilbrook Road.

There will be live music, food trucks and prayer for the community and nation. The event is for all ages.

Markosek meet and greet

A meet-and-greet session with Representative Brandon Markosek serving the 25th Legislative District is set for 1 p.m. on Oct. 20 at Holy Family Parish - Our Lady of Joy Church Hall, 2000 O’Block Road in Plum.

Markosek will provide some background on his job responsibilities, committees he is serving on, what issues are pressing to him, and some information about the 25th district, which includes Monroeville and parts of Plum. After his talk he will be available to answer questions. An additional speaker from the Department of Aging is also invited to attend.

Refreshments will be served, and masks are strongly encouraged.

Reservations are required, please call the Serving our Seniors office number at 412-793-4511, ext. 107 or email sos@holyfamilypgh.org before Oct. 18.

Free open skate

The Gateway Developmental Ice Hockey Program is hosting a free open skate at Palmer Imaging Arena on Oct. 8 from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. for kids grades K-6 that are interested in trying ice hockey.

Ice skates and a helmet of any kind are required. Email gatewaydevohockey@gmail.com for more information or to sign up for Gateway Developmental Ice Hockey. Practices start Oct. 17 at 5:45 p.m.

Business networking

The Women’s Business Network is an award-winning business association that supports the success and growth of women in business. WBN provides members with the tools to be successful.

All professional women are welcome to attend as a guest at a meeting for no cost. Some meetings are being held virtually. Please check with the local chapter representative for more information. To learn more, visit wbninc.com.

The Monroeville Chapter holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 8 to 9:15 a.m. at Monroeville Community Park West Pavilion 2, 2399 Tilbrook Road, Monroeville. For more information, contact Jo Luncher at 412-372-3411.

The Allegheny Valley Chapter meets at 8 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at Panera Bread at the Waterworks Mall, 942 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh. To RSVP or for details, call Susan Kinger at 412-782-4848.

The All Virtual Chapter holds regular meetings via Zoom at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Guests are welcome to attend at no cost. For details, call Jennifer Pasquale at 412-908-1663.

Garden City Food Pantry

The Garden City UMC food pantry, 500 Laurel Drive, holds distributions from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Call 412-373-0391 for an appointment. Masks are required. Upcoming distribution dates are Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9.

Farmers market

The Monroeville Lions farmers market is open from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday at Monroeville Community Park, 2399 Tilbrook Road.

For more information, visit monroevillefarmers market.com.

ESL group

Monroeville Public Library’s English as a Second Language Conversation Group is held at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month. The group can be accessed at us02web.zoom.us/j/85758335673.

Participants can meet other English language learners for informal and guided conversation practice, including reviewing pronunciation, learning new vocabulary and possibly discussing short ESL readings suited to the interests and abilities of attendees.

Sessions are open to all English language learners with at least some communication skills.

For details, contact Cory Little at little c2@einetwork.net or 412-372-0500, ext. 122.