In brief: Herald area events for the week of May 6, 2024

Author to discuss ‘Yinzer’ book at free event

The community is invited to hear Dick Roberts of Fox Chapel, author of “Growing Up Yinzer,” sharing his memories behind the book during a free event from 2 to 4 p.m. May 19 at the Lauri Ann West Community Center, 1220 Powers Run Road.

His presentation will showcase profiles, interviews and memories from some of the most famous and adored Pittsburghers, including Jim Krenn, a comedian and former WDVE radio personality; Larry Richert from KDKA’s “Morning Show”; and Rob Rogers, an award-winning editorial cartoonist and the book’s cover artist.

The presentation is made possible by the Sue Golier Speaker Series Endowment. Light bites will be provided by Aspinwall Everyday Gourmet.

Tickets must be reserved in advance, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

To register, visit https://lauriannwestcc.org.

Lucky Ducky Derby set for May 21

The Pittsburgh North Optimist Foundation will have its annual Lucky Ducky Derby at 6:15 p.m. May 21 at the creek in O’Hara Community Park.

The first heat will start at 6:15 p.m., and subsequent heats will be about 5 minutes apart. The top two finishers in each race will win a prize valued between $25 and $100.

The cosst is $10 per duck or six ducks for $50. The support of sponsors also is welcome at three levels: diamond, $500; platinum, $250; and gold, $100. Sponsors will be listed on PNOF’s website. There also is a gift level with no amount specified.

Ducks and can be purchased and sponsorship awarded online at pittsburghoptimist.com/duck-race or by mail by sending a check payable to PNOF to Thomas Leech at 5641 Bryant St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Name, phone numbers and email addresses must accompany all checks.

PNOF supports area children through donations and by sponsoring numerous organizations, programs and youth sports teams. Last year’s derby collected more than $7,700 in profits.

Some groups it has helped include Aspinwall Baseball, Backpacks for Hunger, Fox Families Care, North Hills Community Outreach and Second Harvest’s Food Pantry.

For details about the organization, visit pittsburghoptimist.com.

Story Supper caters to youngest readers

The area’s youngest readers, infants through age 5 accompanied by an adult, are invited to a monthly Story Supper at Sharpsburg Community Library, 1212 Main St. Siblings are welcome.

The program is a partnership with Fox Families Care, the family literacy program includes storytime, a nutritious meal, creative play and a free welcome book.

Remaining dates for the family literacy program, which runs from 5:45 to 7 p.m., are May 29, June 26, July 24, Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 30 and Nov. 20.

While there is a waitlist for the May 29 event, families are encouraged to apply early when registration opens for each event because space is limited.

To register, visit coopersiegel.librarycalendar.com.

Free monthly musical performances open to community

The Lauri Ann West Community Center, 1220 Powers Run Road, is hosting free Thursdays on the Patio.

This month, Xavier Allen and Justin Capozzoli will perform from 6 to 8:30 p.m. May 23. Allen and Capozzoli each will sing for an hour.

The gathering previously was known as Wine Wednesdays.

Attendees are invited to bring wine or other beverages and spend a warm evening listening to live music on the center’s patio. Bring your own chair. In case of inclement weather or extreme heat, the event will move indoors.

Each month will feature a different musician in partnership with Band Together Pittsburgh.

Snacks will be available for purchase at the center’s Aspinwall Everyday Gourmet.

The event is free, but registration is required.

To register, visit https://lauriannwestcc.org.

Blawnox food pantry availability extended

Blawnox officials have added extra days and hours to the borough’s food pantry to serve more residents this summer.

The pantry at the borough building is usually open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the last Friday of the month.

It also will be open from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 28, June 25 and July 23.

Borough Manager Kathy Ulanowicz said the goal is to reach people who are working and cannot stop by in the morning.

The pantry serves at least 20 people each month. No proof of income or residency is required.

Donations can be dropped off at 376 Freeport Road during regular business hours. Paper products, laundry detergent and dish soap are in high demand.

For details, call 412-828-4141.

Crafting program for seniors planned

The Sharpsburg Community Library is offering a free Senior Craft & Chat program from 2 to 3 p.m. May 15 at 1212 Main St.

The program is designed for adults to work on or start a new project in a relaxed social environment. The program is biweekly on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.

Registration is recommended. For details, email Alison Babusci at babuscia2@einetwork.net or call 412-781-0783.

Registration open for Indiana Township’s summer camp

Registration for Indiana Township’s summer camp at Emmerling Community Park is open.

Early-bird registration is open through May 24, and the deadline for all other registrations is June 3.

The camp runs weekdays from June 17 through July 19, except July 4.

The times are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

More information about the summer camp, including fees and registration forms, is available on the township’s websit at indianatownship.com.

Volunteer positions available

Fox Chapel has spots available on its planning commission, park commission, zoning hearing board, construction board of appeals and more.

Interested residents should submit an application and resume to Shawn M. Peterson at speterson@fox-chapel.pa.us.

Applications and more information about the vacancies can be found on the borough website at fox-chapel.pa.us.

Nominations open for sports hall of fame

Nominations for the Sharpsburg Sports Hall of Fame are being accepted.

Nominations can be for any player, team or team builder such as a coach, equipment manager, broadcaster or someone who made a significant impact on a team. It is open to all sports.

Nominees must have lived in the borough at some point in time.

The Sharpsburg Historical Commission is expecting to induct three individuals and one team to the hall of fame. Nominations will be accepted until Aug. 31, and the induction ceremony will take place in the fall.

For details and nomination forms, visit the borough website at sharpsburgborough.com.

Bingo to benefit Addiction Recovery Ministry

Addiction Recovery Ministry is planning a fundraiser bingo at 2 p.m. May 19 at the John Paul 1 Center, 201 Ninth St., Sharpsburg.

The cost is $25 to reserve a seat.

To participate, contact Rosemarie Haas at 412-378-9290 or rhaasarm@gmail.com.

Memorial Day raffle tickets available

Aspinwall is selling raffle tickets to support Memorial Day activities.

Tickets are $5 each or $20 for five and are available at the borough office, 217 Commercial Ave.

The grand prize is $1,000. Winning numbers will be based on the evening Pennsylvania Pick 3 lottery on May 27.

Registration open for summer camp in Indiana Township

Registration now is open for Indiana Township’s summer camp at Emmerling Community Park.

Early bird registration is open through May 24. The deadline for all other registrations is June 3.

Camp runs weekdays from June 17 through July 19, except July 4.

Times are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

For details about the camp, including fees and registration forms, visit the township’s website at indianatownship.com.

‘All That Jazz’ swing dance open to all

The Hampton Presbyterian Church Big Band, led by Pastor Ted Martin, is planning an “All That Jazz” swing dance from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. May 10 at the church, 2942 E. Hardies Road, Hampton.

Everyone is welcome to dust off their dancing shoes or to just sit back, relax and enjoy the sweet tunes of the 21-piece band.

Free swing dance lessons will be taught from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. by professional instructor Jared Clemens.

Tickets are $10 each, and children 12 and younger are free.

For tickets, call the church at 724-443-3201 or Karen Schmidt at 412-867-6416.

For details, call the church or visit its website at hamptonpresbyterian.net.

Tee ball registration opens soon in Aspinwall

Registration for the second season of Aspinwall Tee Ball is underway.

The season starts June 15 and runs every Saturday through Aug. 17.

The cost is $30 per child.

Registration forms are available at the borough office, 217 Commercial Ave., during business hours and on the Aspinwall Tee Ball Facebook page.

Library’s pantry in need of supplies

Sharpsburg Community Library’s Little Free Pantry at 1212 Main St. needs some supplies.

A wish list was posted online at coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org/sharpsburg.

Items requested include small bags of cookies and snacks, pudding cups, applesauce and fruit cups, instant oatmeal, Campbell’s chunky soups, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

The pantry is stocked three times weekly and is completely supported through donations.

For details, call the library at 412-781-0783.

Applications available for military banners in Blawnox

Blawnox is accepting applications for its Hometown Hero Banner Program.

It is designed to recognize and honor residents who served or are serving in the nation’s armed forces.

Each banner will honor a specific service person and will include their name, branch of service, medals of valor and a photo if provided.

The hometown hero must be a current or previous resident of the borough.

An immediate family member of a current or previous serviceman or woman of Blawnox also will suffice. Banners will be displayed on Freeport Road from Memorial Day to Veterans Day to honor and celebrate their dedication to our country.

There is no official deadline to submit an application.

There is a $110 application fee.

Forms and details are available on the borough website at blawnox.com.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets Tuesday evenings

The local chapter of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a support group to help those struggling with weight loss, meets Tuesday evenings at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1261 Pennsylvania Ave., in Oakmont. Meetings begin with a private weigh-in between 5:45 and 6:10 p.m.

Anyone interested in joining can attend a meeting and decide if TOPS is right for them. For details, call 412-828-3854 or email jmjkwj@gmail.com.