5 Things to Know This Week: School's Back in Session, Open Ceramics Studio

1. Quaker Valley Middle School Reopens

As students and staff return from holiday break today, Jan. 7 middle school students in grades 6 to 8 will walk the halls under one roof for the first time since construction began. The freshly renovated Quaker Valley Middle School opens today for classes. Watch out for kids crossing the street!

2. QV Cares! Hurricane Sandy Relief

The Quaker Valley School District community is extending a helping hand to families on the East Coast devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Today, Jan. 7 is the final day to accept donations, payable to "Quaker Valley Cares." Money will be donated to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Contact Donna Adipietro at 412-749-6021 or 412-292-0224 with questions.

3. Learn to Knit

From 7 to 8:30 p.m. today, Jan. 7, Knitaholics will meet at the Sewickley Public Library for the first time this year. The group of knitting enthusiasts meet on the first open Monday of each month and welcomes all ages and skill levels. You can also learn to knit at the Sewickley Valley YMCA from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Bring yarn and needles. This program costs $30 and meets every other Wednesday in the Oasis conference room.

4. Open Ceramics Studio

On Saturday, Sweetwater Center for the Arts is sponsoring two open studio sessions from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. in support of an "Empty Bowls" fundraising event, hosted by Just Harvest, a local organization working toward the elimination of hunger and poverty. Anyone can attend a session at $3 for members and $5 for non-members to make and donate a bowl. Clay is provided and a Sweetwater instructor will assist those without experience. All bowls created will be left at the center to be glazed and donated to Just Harvest's "Empty Bowls" dinner fundraiser, which takes place at Rodef Shalom on Sunday, March 10. Call 412-741-4405 to register. Walk-ins are also welcome.

5. Sewickley Series: "The Power of Two"

The Sewickley Series kicks off with The Power of Two, an intimate portrayal of the bond between half-Japanese twin sisters Anabel Stenzel and Isabel Stenzel Byrnes. Parental discretion is advised. The film begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 in Gregg Theater. Register at www.sewickley.org/sewickleyseries

"Like" us on Facebook | Follow us Twitter | Get "Patched" in with our newsletter | Start a blog