UPCOMING EVENTS
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Winter Solstice Illumination Remembrance – at Penn Forest Natural Burial Park (121 Colorado St. Verona, PA 15147) on December 21st from 5:00-8:00pm
Honor the legacy and memories of loved ones who are no longer in your life at a touching winter solstice ceremony sponsored by VITAS, a Greater Pittsburgh hospice care provider, Spiritworks, and Penn Forest Natural Burial Park.
Light a candle in memory of a loved one who died. Join fellow mourners at sunset to walk along the path of 100 luminaries and enjoy music and an outdoor fire circle to honor those who have gone on before us with the burning of a Yule log. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or wassail and live music by the acoustic guitars of The Hawthorns.
During these difficult times, lighting the way to the future acknowledges your loss. Even through the toughest times, the support of friends and neighbors can offer comfort when it’s needed most.
This free event is open to the public. CDC Guidelines will be followed.
RSVP to Tricia at patricia.brown@vitas.com or 412-799-2123 or by clicking here.
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Green Burial Talk – with Sunday Assembly Pittsburgh at Community Forge in Wilkinsburg (1256 Franklin Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15221)
UPDATE – This talk was originally scheduled for October 17th at 6pm but was canceled due to poor weather. The talk will be rescheduled for a different date. Once we know the new date and time, we’ll update it here.
We will meet in the lot west of the building, and you can park in the lot east of the building. Please be sure to wear a mask.
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2021 Green Burial Council Conference: Green Life, Death, and Future – October 25th at 7:30pm via Zoom
Laura, Maria, and Mary Ann (from The Forest Conservation Burial Ground in Oregon who apprenticed with us last year) will be presenting at the Green Burial Council’s annual conference this year.
Our presentation is titled Green Future: The Next Generation of Deathcare Workers. We will explore the changing face of after-deathcare with an influx of young professionals who have diverse identities and backgrounds. We will share our personal experiences and national demographics that will lead to discussions on strategies for inclusion, the importance of mentoring, and managing for change. If you’d like to watch our presentation, you can register on the Green Burial Council’s website by clicking here.
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Oakmont Fall Festival – October 30th 10am – 3pm
Oakmont is having their Fall Festival on October 30th from 10am – 3pm. There will be fun activities, delicious food, and several vendors set up. We will have a booth set up where you can get your picture taken in our coffin and with our skeleton mascot, Jasper!
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Green Burial Talk – Mt. Lebanon Public Library on December 1st from 7:00-8:30pm
This will likely be a virtual Zoom presentation. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Laura at laura@pennforestcemetery.com or by phone at 724-612-2492.
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Summer Solstice Festival – June 20, 2021, 4-7 pm
About this Event
It’s the beginning of summer and the longest day of the year. A time for revelry steeped in local culture and history. Come enjoy the sun that shines within each being on planet Earth and join with people of centuries past in this midsummer celebration for the young and young at heart, families and children. Join Spiritworks and Penn Forest in celebrating the solstice at Penn Forest on Sunday, June 20th from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. for this free community event.
- Strum along with Steel City Ukuleles, join the beat with Aspinwall Drum Circle with special guests, learn new movements from Tuesday Night International Folk Dance of Pittsburgh, enjoy Eucalyptus‘ eclectic music and delight in the acoustic guitars of the Hawthornes
- Revival Chili food truck, Millie’s Ice Cream food truck
- Paint a Kindness Rock, bead creations with Diane Wilson Jewelry and the Wonderful Wilson Women, weave a dream catcher
- Write and fly your Summer Wishes and Intentions into the wind
- Kindness Rock Scavenger Hunt with door prizes by dayowl.com
- Walk the 40 ft. Labyrinth
- Meditation and yoga with Colleen McGonigle and Myrna Patterson
- 4:00pm “Time of Remembrance”, sponsored by VITAS Healthcare. “White Flag” unity and remembrance in honor of your loved ones and those we’ve lost due to COVID-19.
For more information: www.spiritworks.org, or to register (which will help with our planning) go to: https://spiritworks.eventbrite.com
(This is an outdoor event and will take place rain or shine. All attendees are required to follow present COVID state and county guidelines at the time of the event such as wearing masks and keeping proper social distancing from other unrelated parties).
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Winter Solstice Illumination Remembrance Gathering – December 21, 2020, 5:00 pm
Amid music and drums at the outdoor yule log circle, we will raise our candles for love, hope and healing.
About this Event
Join with VITAS Healthcare, Spiritworks, and Penn Forest for a Winter Solstice Time of Remembrance and Light
Winter Solstice has been celebrated in cultures the world over for thousands of years. This start of the solar year is a time to remember what has passed and celebrate the light to come. In old Europe, it was known as Yule, from the Norse, Jul, meaning wheel. Begin the observance at 5:00 p.m., by following the path of 100 luminaries. Amid music and drums we will enjoy the outdoor fire circle, bringing to mind those who have moved on to the unseen realm, and burning a Yule log to mark the day. Then, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or wassail.
**To contribute to good works in the new solar year participants are asked to bring canned food that will be contributed to the local food pantry.
(This is an outdoor event and will take place rain or shine. All attendees are required to follow present COVID state and county guidelines at the time of the event such as wearing masks and keeping proper social distancing from other unrelated parties. The number of attendees is limited, so pre-registration on eventbrite is required. Please check back the week of the event in case of cancelation).
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Funeral, Burial, Memorial Officiant Certification Program. March 27, 28, & 29
Fewer and fewer people have a religious affiliation nor a pastor, rabbi, imam or other
faith-based professional to help them in their grief and officiate at end-of-life events.
This is why those who feel called to the work are now being invited to step forward to fill
this needed compassionate service.
The curriculum covers:
- Articulating the Value of the Funeral
- YOU as the Facilitator
- Listening Skills
- Family Meetings
- Making it Personal
- Service Planning
- Creating Sacred Space
- Writing the Service
- Being Mindful of Many Traditions
- Music and Readings Resources
- Composing the Service in Printed Form
- Closing Ceremonies
- Creating and Facilitating Rituals and Ceremonies
- Encouraging Participation
- Presentation Skills
- Reflections on the Occasion or Meditation
- Biography, Life Story, Slide Show, or Video
- Remembrances from Family and Friends
- Closing Words, Prayer, Blessing, Benediction
CLASS LOCATIONS:
Friday and Saturday: Beacon Hill Community Room, Beacon Hill Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15221
Sunday: Penn Forest Natural Burial Park, Verona, PA
CLASS SCHEDULE:
Friday: 5:30PM – 8:30PM
Saturday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Sunday: 9:00AM – 1:00PM
To complete the certification process:
- Co-facilitate as an officiant from start to completion.
- Demonstrate proficiency by officiating at two services as primary facilitator while under observation.
- Meet for a final one-on-one to discern readiness.
- Compose and submit photo and article for Spiritworks Officiant Listing
REGISTRATION:
To register submit:
- Resume containing your complete contact information.
- Written statement as to why you wish to be certified as an Officiant.
- Registration commitment fee of $50.00.
The event URL is https://www.eventbrite.com/e/funeral-burial-memorial-officiant-certification-program-with-spiritworks-inc-tickets-90721013995
or send check directly to Spiritworks, INC.
- The remaining $200 is due 2 weeks before class.
- Total for the Class: $250
Submit Materials to:
Patricia D. Brown, Director of Spiritworks, Inc.
pdbrown@spiritworks.org
412-999-1912
7282 Beacon Hill Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15221
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Winter Solstice Celebration. Come join us at sunset on Winter Solstice on Saturday, December 21, at 4:55 p.m.
Winter Solstice has been celebrated in cultures the world over for thousands of years. This start of the solar year is a celebration of Light. In old Europe, it was known as Yule, from the Norse, Jul, meaning wheel.
We’ll begin the observance at 4:55 p.m. by following the path of lights to our circle of light. Amid music and drums, enjoy the outdoor fire circle, burning a Yule log to mark the day and to remember those who have gone on before us. It will be a time of both remembrance and celebration.
To begin the new solar year with a good work, participants are asked to bring canned food that will be contributed to the local food panty.
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Forest Bathing and QiGong. Saturday November 2, 2019, 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm.
We will be hosting a forest bathing and qigong worksop on November 2, 2019, with Moshe Sherman. Forest bathing is a meditative practice that was developed in Japan as a way to balance the stress of modern urban life by immersing ourselves in the forest environment.
In Japanese, the name for this practice us Shin-rin Yoku, which translates as “bringing in the forest energy.” To help assist the process of “bringing in the energy,” we will practice simple movement and breathing exercises known as Qigong (Chee-Gong).
Moshe will also provide individual Qigong sessions to those interested at a cost of $10-$20 on a sliding scale.
Moshe Sherman has lived in Pittsburgh for over 20 years. Since 2016, he has been a practicing Medical Qigong Therapist at Cloud Gate Pittsburgh in Edgewood. He has been teaching Qigong and forest bathing in Frick Park for over three years and looks forward to the event in November.
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Fall Memorial Tree and Shrub Planting 2019. Saturday October 19, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Our annual tree and shrub planting is fast approaching. If you would like to plant a tree or shrub in someone’s memory or just because, this is a great time to do it! This is a wonderful way to help us reforest the land here at Penn Forest. We have a great selection of trees and shrubs from our local nursery. Email or call Laura to get the order form: laura@pennforestcemetery.com and 724 612 2492. Orders due by 10/11/2019.
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Birds and Bees Walk and Talk. Saturday October 5, 9:00 am.
We will be hosting a Bird and Bees Walk and Talk on Saturday October 5, beginning at 9:00 am. A master birder from the Audubon Society will conduct the birds portion and a local beekeeper will talk about bees! Please RSVP to Laura at laura@pennforestcemetery.com or at 724-612 -2492 if you would like to attend.
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Death Café at Penn Forest. Sunday July 21, 2:00 pm.
A Death Café is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives
or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling
session.
Please bring a chair and a hand-held dessert or snack to share if you wish. We
will start gathering at 1:30 and start the event promptly at 2:00 pm.
Afterwards, from about 3:30 to 4:30 for those interested in staying, there will be
a meditation labyrinth walk using Penn Forest’s 40’ x 40’ outdoor labyrinth.
Rain date is the following Sunday, July 28, same times.
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Yoga with Goats 2019!
If you’ve ever said “I’m not flexible enough to practice yoga,” or “I’m way too laid back for yoga,” or “I am not laid back enough for yoga,” those are three great reasons for practicing yoga with goats.
Get all of the dates and details on the instructors, etc at the Returning Home Farms website.
Dress in loose or stretchy clothing that you don’t mind getting hay all over (also, the goats aren’t house trained), and bring a mat and an open attitude. We do have a few mats to share.
All classes are $15, or $10 for plot owners at Penn Forest Natural Burial Park.
Classes are one hour with the goats wandering among us, plus 30 minutes afterwards to commune with the farm animals.
Please park on Return Road opposite the barnyard, or in the Penn Forest parking lot.
If the weather isn’t good for outdoor yoga, we’ll retreat to the barn, which can hold about 16 people. Send us a message to hold your spot.
Living While Dying Movie – May 24th, 2018 at 6:30 pm
Join us at the Oakmont Public Library. In a world that sees death as something to vanquish, the 45-minute documentary Living While Dying presents an alternative: people living with terminal illness who greet the inevitable with courage, humor, creativity and acceptance. Though the subject is difficult, the film is surprisingly uplifting. In Living While Dying, filmmaker Cathy Zheutlin sets out on a brave quest to face mortality. The new film will be screened in multiple cities this spring. Every screening is followed by Q & A with facilitators, and light refreshments.
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Penn Forest Annual Picnic – Saturday June 9, 2018
Join us at the beautiful Penn Forest Natural Burial Park for a day of food, fun, music and learning about the cemetery. There will be a potluck lunch, live bluegrass music by the Hucksters, cemetery tours, yoga with goats, and goat races. Please bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets, a covered dish to share, and good hiking shoes. Penn Forest will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, water and herbal tea. Please RSVP via our Facebook event or email laura (at) pennforestcemetery.org. Yoga With Goats 2018 Returns May 5, 2018 through October 2018
If you enjoy exercise or yoga practice in a playful and meaningful way, then Yoga with Goats classes at Returning Home Farm are for you! And for everyone else – all ages, all bodies, all skill levels (including no skill).If you’ve ever said “I’m not flexible enough to practice yoga,” or “I’m way too laid back for yoga,” or “I am not laid back enough for yoga,” those are three great reasons for practicing yoga with goats.
Get all of the dates and details on the instructors, etc at the Returning Home Farms website.
Dress in loose or stretchy clothing that you don’t mind getting hay all over (also, the goats aren’t house trained), and bring a mat and an open attitude. We do have a few mats to share.
All classes are $15, or $10 for plot owners at Penn Forest Natural Burial Park.
Classes are one hour with the goats wandering among us, plus 30 minutes afterwards to commune with the farm animals.
Please park on Return Road opposite the barnyard, or in the Penn Forest parking lot.
If the weather isn’t good for outdoor yoga, we’ll retreat to the barn, which can hold about 16 people. Send us a message to hold your spot.
Memorial Tree Planting. Hold the date: October 20, 2018
details coming soon
PAST EVENTS (2013-2017)
Saturday, August 20th. Death Café at 
Penn Forest.
Death Café is an international open community where people, often strangers, come together to talk about death, drink tea, and eat delicious cake! The next meeting of the Pittsburgh Death Café will be held August 20th at 6pm in the meadow at Penn Forest. In case of rain, the Death Café will take place the following day, Sunday, August 21st. You can RSVP for this event on Facebook or email deathcafepittsburgh@gmail.com. To get regular Death Café email updates visit Death Café Pittsburgh or to learn more: www.deathcafe.com.
Saturday, September 17th. Tree ID Walk.
Have you ever wanted to learn how to identify various tree species just by their leaves and bark? Here’s your chance. Join us at Penn Forest on Saturday morning, September 17th, at 10:00 am when Jerad Manzo, Urban Forestry Manager for the Nine Mile Run Watershed Association, leads us on an hour long tree ID hike at Penn Forest. Wear hiking shoes. Light refreshments will be provided.
The first series of blacksmithing classes was completely subscribed, so Ben will be offering more classes. If you missed the first time, here is your chance to take the classes. Blacksmithing is the art of shaping and forming iron-based metals. Iron and steel are wonderful media because they are so prevalent in society, and so adaptable. The modern day smith is able to reclaim discarded pieces of metal and turn them into functional and beautiful items.
In this two-class intro course, students learn the fundamental skills of blacksmithing as well as some of the history and science behind this age-old craft. Students complete several small pieces of their own and learn the skills necessary to attend open forge times. Class size will be kept to two students per course for maximum attention and personalization
All classes will be held at The Blacksmith Shop at Penn Forest’s Returning Home Farm off of Return Road in Penn Hills.
The same two-class course will be offered 4 times:
Wednesday, Aug. 10 (6:00pm – 9:00pm) and Wednesday, Aug. 17 (6:00pm – 9:30pm)
Saturday, August 20 (10:00am – 1:30pm) and Sunday, August 21 (10:00am – 2:00pm)
Saturday, Sept. 17 (10:00am – 1:30pm) and Sunday, Sept. 18 (10:00am – 2:00pm)
The course is taught by local blacksmith Benjamin Barron of Darkbird Ironworks. Ben has been blacksmithing for almost three years and working with non-ferrous metals for over four years. He has studied with multiple instructors and is passionate about local production and sustainability.
To ask questions or sign up, contact Ben at darkbirdironworks@gmail.com or 412-607-7656.
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“Approaching the Unapproachable: Finding Peace in Preparedness”. FREE EDUCATIONAL SERIES open to the public. Family Hospice and Palliative Care and Home Instead Senior Care are partnering to offer this free educational program on important end-of-life issues. There will be four different workshops—attend any or all of them. All sessions will be held at Family Hospice Auditorium in Mt. Lebanon, 50 Moffett Street Pittsburgh, PA 15243.
RSVP is appreciated but not required: contact Pat Ruma 412-595-7554 pruma@homeinsteadpgh.com.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016 | 1 – 2 p.m. “Organ Donation: The Gift of Life,” Presented by Katelynn Metz, CORE, Community Outreach Coordinator
Monday, October 3, 2016 | 10 – 11 a.m. “Cremation, Conversation, and Celebration,” Presented by Chris Crompton, John F. Slater Funeral Home, Community Outreach Coordinator
Thursday, October 20, 2016 | 4 – 5 p.m. “Funeral Trends: Past, Present, and Future,” Presented by Pete McQuillin, Funeral Consumers Alliance Speakers Bureau, Manager of Penn Forest Natural Burial Park
Friday, November 4, 2016 | 2 – 3 p.m. “Honoring Those Who Served: Veterans Care and Assistance,” Presented by Scott Beinhauer, Beinhauer Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Director of Operations, and Ron Hestdalen, Director of National Cemetery of the Alleghenies
Saturday, October 1st. Annual Memorial Tree Planting.
This year’s tree planting will be held on October 1st at 10:00 am. If you would like to plant a tree in honor of someone, please send Pete an email (pete@pennforestcemetery.com) and he will send you a tree order form. If you can’t make it on October 1st, you can still buy a tree, and we will plant your tree for you. In September, we’ll send you a reminder.
