Run or walk at the Great Pumpkin Race. The registration fee is only $25 if you register before October 2022. Hurry, sign up now.
2700 Monroeville Blvd.
Monroeville, PA 15146
2700 Monroeville Blvd.
Monroeville, PA 15146
MONROEVILLE, Pa. — August 21, 2026 — The Monroeville Foundation has reason to believe that Judge Warren Watson, age 103, will make jazz history when he performs with his band, Court in Session, at the Monroeville Jazz Festival on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
Based on research conducted to date, Judge Watson is believed to become the oldest active jazz musician in the United States to perform live, surpassing legendary Marshall Allen, who continues to perform at age 102. If independently verified, Watson’s performance would represent an extraordinary milestone in American jazz history.
Watson’s performance may also represent a significant milestone in Pennsylvania and Allegheny County jazz history. Legendary pianist and Duquesne native Earl Kenneth “Fatha” Hines, one of Allegheny County’s most celebrated African American jazz musicians, performed throughout a remarkable career before his death in 1983 at age 79. More than four decades later, the Foundation’s research indicates Watson’s performance at age 103 could establish an extraordinary new longevity distinction in the region and Commonwealth.
“At 103 years old, Judge Warren Watson’s continued commitment to jazz is extraordinary. His performance represents more than an impressive milestone—it is an opportunity to honor the generations of musicians who have shaped this uniquely American art form.”
— Calvin Stemley
“This year’s Monroeville Jazz Festival stage will represent every generation in America—from the legends who paved the way, to the artists carrying jazz forward today, to the young musicians who will inherit it tomorrow,” said Felicia Thomas, President of the Monroeville Foundation. “For me, this festival is about honoring those who came before us, including the late Dr. Johnson, celebrating living history through Judge Warren Watson, and passing the torch to the generations to come—all at one time, on one stage. As a musician myself and a member of the legal community, it is especially meaningful to see Judge Watson represent so much of what makes our country extraordinary. At 103 years old, he is not simply part of our history; he is still making it.”
The festival will also feature Pittsburgh jazz great Dwayne Dolphin, the Afro American Music Institute, Latin Jazz Experience and Jazzmania Live, bringing together established artists and emerging musicians for a celebration of jazz, legacy and the next generation in the Greater Pittsburgh Region.
“Jazz is a living history, passed from one generation to the next through the musicians who preserve it, expand it and teach it,” said Dr. Nelson Harrison, prominent Pittsburgh-based jazz trombonist, composer, jazz historian and clinical psychologist. “To witness Judge Warren Watson take the stage at 103 years old is extraordinary. His longevity connects us to generations of jazz history, while the young musicians performing alongside established artists remind us that this music continues to evolve. Bringing those generations together on one stage is a meaningful way to honor where jazz has been while celebrating where it is going.”
— Dr. Nelson Harrison
Because no single comprehensive registry documents the age and performance history of every jazz musician, the Monroeville Foundation is continuing to seek independent historical review and verification of Judge Watson’s potential distinction. Jazz historians, researchers, archives and cultural institutions with information relevant to this research are encouraged to contact the Foundation.
The Monroeville Foundation proudly recognizes UPMC East and Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) for their support of the Monroeville Jazz Festival and invites the Greater Pittsburgh Region and beyond to be part of this historic celebration. Community leaders, businesses and organizations are encouraged to help amplify this moment, while vendors and additional sponsors still have an opportunity to participate.
Most importantly, the Foundation invites the public to join us on September 5, 2026 and fill the park as generations of jazz history come together on one stage.
The Monroeville Jazz Festival will be held Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
About the Monroeville Foundation
The Monroeville Foundation supports programs, partnerships and community initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Monroeville through charitable giving, cultural programming and community engagement.
Media, Research & Festival Inquiries:
info@monroevillefoundation.org
www.monroevillefoundation.org
MONROEVILLE, Pa. (August 14, 2026) - On August 3, 2026, the Monroeville Foundation Board of Directors donated new clothing to the Emergency Clothing Closet at AHN Forbes Hospital, helping ensure trauma patients have appropriate clothing when they are discharged after emergency treatment.
Forbes Hospital currently cares for approximately 3,500 trauma patients each year. The Emergency Clothing Closet provides essential clothing to individuals whose garments are damaged or removed during emergency medical care.
“Often our trauma patients are severely injured, and they require their clothing to be removed and frequently cut off their body. Once they’re treated, upon discharge they have nothing to wear, and these donations give them back their self-respect and their dignity and let them know they’re in a place with people that care about them,” said Mark A. Rubino, MD, MMM, President of AHN Forbes Hospital and AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital.
The Monroeville Foundation’s donation included new clothing items intended to help restore dignity, comfort, and confidence to patients as they begin their recovery.
Felicia Thomas, President of the Monroeville Foundation, said, “On behalf of our Board of Directors, we are proud to support this important initiative. We believe every person deserves dignity, especially during life’s most difficult moments. We hope these donations remind patients that the Monroeville community cares and that they are not alone.”
In the past, donations to the Emergency Clothing Closet helped provide clothing to patients who were severely injured in a bus accident, demonstrating the critical role these resources play during large-scale emergencies as well as individual trauma cases.
“One of the things that makes Monroeville special is how our organizations, businesses, and healthcare partners work together to care for our community. These donations go beyond clothing - they provide compassion, hope, and hospitality to those receiving medical treatment in Monroeville,” said Monroeville City Council Member Allison Ramsey.
Because the Emergency Clothing Closet serves thousands of trauma patients each year, the need for new clothing is ongoing. The Monroeville Foundation welcomes partnerships with clothing retailers, manufacturers, and other businesses interested in helping ensure this essential resource remains available for patients leaving the hospital. Organizations interested in supporting future clothing drives are encouraged to contact the Monroeville Foundation to learn how they can make a lasting impact.
The Monroeville Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Monroeville through charitable giving, community partnerships, and programs that serve residents of all ages. The Foundation supports initiatives that strengthen the community, promote civic engagement, and improve the lives of those in need.
Media / Community Contact
info@monroevillefoundation.org
MONROEVILLE, PA — The Monroeville Foundation is proud to partner with the Rotary Club of Monroeville to participate in the 31st Annual Jack Sedlack Memorial Cleanup Day, an annual community initiative dedicated to keeping Monroeville clean, beautiful, and welcoming for residents and visitors.
Community members are invited to volunteer on Saturday, April 25, 2026, to help remove litter and beautify areas throughout the municipality. Volunteer shifts will take place from 7:00–9:00 AM and 9:00–11:00 AM.
The annual cleanup honors the legacy of Jack Sedlack, whose commitment to civic pride and community service continues to inspire residents to take an active role in maintaining the community.
“Monroeville is a beautiful community because initiatives like this exist, bringing neighbors together to take pride in the place we call home,” said Felicia Thomas, President of the Monroeville Foundation. “We are proud to partner with the Rotary Club of Monroeville and encourage residents, families, and organizations to join us in this important day of service.”
The Municipality of Monroeville will also host a volunteer appreciation event at Community Park West following the cleanup. The festivities will include free food for volunteers, as well as entertainment, a raffle and other activities.
Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to participate. Individuals, families, civic groups, and businesses are welcome to join the Monroeville Foundation’s volunteer team.
Participants should register before April 20, 2026, using the registration form below and type “The Monroeville Foundation” as their group name when registering.
Volunteer Registration:
Click here to download the registration form.
By working together, the Monroeville Foundation and the Rotary Club of Monroeville aim to continue the tradition of community stewardship and help ensure that Monroeville remains a place residents are proud to call home.
Media Contact:
Felicia Thomas
President, Monroeville Foundation
412-223-7666
fthomas@monroevillefoundation.org
MONROEVILLE, PA — The Monroeville Foundation’s success over the last decade is a testament to the heart and hard work of Ernie Groover. Alongside our Board of Directors, he has cultivated a culture of unity, ensuring our events and projects promote health and harmony for every resident. While 2026 brings a change in leadership as Groover steps down and Felicia Thomas (President) takes the helm, our commitment to service remains stronger than ever.
Our current board members are more than just leaders; they are public servants who live and work in our community. From the municipal expertise of Paul Estok (Vice-President), Timothy Little (Treasurer), and John Float, to the non-profit and historical advocacy of Cheryl Richards (Secretary) and Bruce Walker, our team is uniquely equipped to lead. Supported by the continued dedication of Don Philips, Steven Sheffler, and Mike Wargo, the Foundation is ready to make this legacy year our most impactful yet.
"I am excited and honored to lead the Foundation at such a pivotal moment," said Thomas. “Our focus is on initiatives that foster unity and support the long-term vitality of Monroeville."
The Monroeville Foundation exists to unify our community through projects that promote health, wellness, and harmony. As we navigate a "legacy year" transition in leadership, our focus remains steadfast: ensuring that Monroeville is not just a place to live, but a vibrant community where residents feel a deep sense of connection and pride.
We believe the power of community is best realized through purposeful investment. We are now seeking partners to join us in funding five critical pillars of Monroeville’s future: Grants for Small Businesses, Economic Growth, Leadership Development, Programming (Arts, Humanities, Wellness), and Operations and Sustainability. Your trusted investment makes Monroeville a place to live, work, and play; fostering a high-quality of life and safety for our community through connection because together we can…!
- The Monroeville Foundation
By Jason Mignanelli, TribLive
Murmurations are groups of starlings that twist and turn while flying together in a giant flock. People watch in amazement, wondering how they don’t ever run into each other.
That is what local musician Kenny Blake likens to jazz music.
“They’re not thinking. They’re not acting. They’re just doing it all together,” he said.
Blake is one of the headliners for this year’s 20th-anniversary celebration of the Monroeville Jazz Festival.
The event will be held Sept. 2 at the Tall Trees Amphitheatre in Monroeville Community Park West. The entertainment will begin at 1 p.m. and run until 8. There is no fee to attend, and guests are reminded to bring blankets and chairs.
The jazz festival is completely funded by sponsors and for the past few years it has been coordinated by the Monroeville Foundation, taking over from previous organizer Chuck Summerville.
READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN THE TRIB
Register now for the 2023 Monroeville Foundation 5K run/3K walk. Early registration is only $25! Following the Race and Walk, the fun will continue with activities for all ages at Monroeville CommUNITY Day and Car Cruise! Prizes and awards in all categories. Fun for the entire family. Sign up now.
Ernie Groover, President, and Tim Little, Treasurer, of the Monroeville Foundation presented a check to Nicole Henline, Director of the Monroeville Public Library, and Doug Webster, Treasure of the Friends of the Monroeville Public Library. The donation from the Monroeville Foundation was designated for the library’s Light Up the Library campaign.
The Light Up the Library campaign was launched by the Friends of the Monroeville Public Library to raise funds to update the 58-year-old lighting in the library. The donation from the Monroeville Foundation helped the library meet the campaign goal. The library can now take advantage of a program from Duquesne Light offering an energy efficiency discount for bulbs and equipment. Updating to the new bulbs will help the library save on annual energy costs and maintenance. The Monroeville Foundation was pleased to help reach this goal for our library!
The 2022 Monroeville Jazz Festival was a huge success at bringing the Monroeville community together through music. Read about it in the Times:
The Monroeville Jazz Festival is coming up on September 3. You won’t want to miss this lineup: Lisa Ferraro with Houston Person, Hugo Cruz and Caminos, Jevon Rushton with Grace Elliot and Dr. Alton Merrell with Impact.
The jazz festival is a tradition in Monroeville and it’s FREE! A great day in the park with friends and family.
Last weekend The Monroeville Foundation held the 2022 Run/Walk for Your Life event. Thank you to all who participated in the event!
Congratulations Nathan Reish and Colton Ginsberg who took 1st and 2nd place in the race!
The Monroeville Jazz Festival has been nominated in the Tribune Review's Top 5 for the Best Festival category in the East region!
Why does it matter? First, it's a great honor to be nominated by our community in the Comunity Choice Award category. Second, it helps raise awareness of The Monroeville Foundation and the charities including the Animal Shelter, Local Food Banks, and more.
Hurry! Voting ends October 10!
Registration is now open for the 6th Annual Monroeville Foundation Golf Outing. 18 holes of golf (including cart), lunch, dinner and more...
Proceeds to benefit the Monroeville community. Register as a single player or a 4 player team. This is also a great opportunity to Sponsor the Golf Outing and get your business name out there while supporting your community.
The Monroeville Foundation donated to stock the emergency clothing closet at Forbes Hospital. The clothes are distributed to patients who are brought in during an emergency and are in need of clothing. Pictured are Forbes employees stocking and filling bags with clothing for patients.
The Monroeville Foundation is sponsoring a blood drive on November 16. At this special blood drive, you can help the Garden City Food Pantry. Vitalant, our local blood bank, will donate $5 to Garden City Food Pantry for all who donate blood at our 11/16/20 blood drive. Garden City Food Pantry provides meals to families in need in the Monroeville area. Please sign up to donate blood and you will also help a local food pantry.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020
2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Monroeville Municipal Building
2700 Monroeville Blvd.
Monroeville, PA
APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED.
Please call 412-209-7000 if you need assistance setting-up your appointment.
Vitalant is now testing blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Appointments strongly recommended. Learn more at Vitalant.org/antibodytest
The Monroeville Foundation is pleased to be partnering with Chabad Jewish Center of Monroeville, Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Monroeville in this special community FREE Mask giveaway event on Sunday, September 13th.
*Limited Availability. First-Come, First-Serve.
Where:
Monroeville Municipal Building
2700 Monroeville Blvd.
Monroeville, PA
Drive-thru parking lot
Limit: 5 masks per person
Due to the Coronavirus and Pennsylvania’s guidelines of self-quarantining, wearing face masks, social distancing, etc. the Monroeville Foundation has decided to make the following changes to our planned schedule of events.
