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FR students dominate Young Artists Competition
Franklin Regional music students again dominated the winners’ list in the annual Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artists Competition.
FR students swept the Level I (through ninth grade) instrumental category, with eighth grader Ava Zannikos (flute) taking first place, followed by eighth grader Alex Schmidt (flute) and freshman Sarah Daniels (flute). All three are students of flute instructor Dan Parasky.
Franklin Regional sixth grader Wayne Lee took first place in the Level I piano category, with FR fourth grader Barani Oo receiving an honorable mention.
In the Level II (grades 10-12) instrumental category, Rhys Vander Kelen, who is home-schooled, took first place (flute), followed by FR sophomore Nick Hanington (flute) in second place. FR senior Lacey Pribanic (flute) and sophomore Elsa Bandli (flute) received honorable mentions. All four are students of Parasky.
Finally, in the Level II piano category, sophomore Roger Huang earned a second-place finish.
All winners performed at a Feb. 9 recital in Greensburg.
Hearing aid donations
The White Valley AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary is accepting donations of used and unwanted hearing aids for the John Tracy Clinic.
The clinic is named for the son of actor Spencer Tracy, who was diagnosed with profound hearing loss in 1925. The clinic established programs to educate and offer emotional support to families with preschool age deaf children.
Donations are accepted year-round and can be dropped off at the AMVETS, 2100 Carolina Street in Murrysville’s White Valley neighborhood. Or to arrange a pick-up, call 724-448-5511 or 724-454-0978.
Community center to host blood drive
The Murrysville Recreation Department will host a Feb. 19 blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross. It will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Murrysville Community Center, 3091 Carson Avenue. Donors between now and Feb. 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.
To schedule a donor appointment, see RedCrossBlood.org.
Woman’s club meeting
The Murrysville Woman’s Club will hold its monthly meeting at 11:15 a.m. Feb. 20. It will be at Atria’s, 4869 William Penn Highway in Murrysville. The guest speaker with be consumer advocate Mary Bach. If you are interested in attending or joining the club, call 412-720-8372.
Seed swap
The Delmont Public Library will host its annual seed swap from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Feb. 15 at the library, 75 School Street in Delmont.
Join the Master Gardeners of Westmoreland County, bring your seeds, meet fellow gardeners and leave with something new to grow.
No registration is required. For more, call 724-468-5329.
Free tax preparation
AARP is currently taking appointments to help area residents prepare and file their 2024 taxes.
Appointments are required in advance for sessions that will take place Feb. 21 and 28, March 14 and 28, and April 11 at the Murrysville Community Center, 3091 Carson Avenue in Murrysville.
No walk-up services will be offered. To make an appointment and for more information about who qualifies, call 724-374-8176.
GOP hosts candidate meet, petition event
The Murrysville Export Republican Committee will host an evening to meet candidates running for local office on Feb. 20.
The meet, where candidates will also circulate petitions to appear on the May 20 primary election ballot, will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Italian American Club, 5930 Kennedy Avenue in Export.
All registered Republicans are invited to attend.
Applications accepted for community grants
The Community Foundation of Murrysville, Export and Delmont is taking applications for its 2025 community grant program.
The foundation encourages creativity and initiative by funding local residents’ ideas for enriching community life through sustainable activities.
Grants in the range of several hundred dollars will be awarded to organizations demonstrating a need for small sums to make a significant, long-term positive impact.
The deadline for applications is March 15. To receive an application, email rcook109@gmail.com.
AUP inviting new members
Featured Local Businesses
The Association of University People (AUP) invites singles 50-plus, who are four-year college graduates, to join them for activities and to meet new people. Activities include monthly dinners, social gatherings, concerts, meeting up at local wineries, day trips and Scrabble.
Those interested can attend three activities as guests before joining.
To obtain more information about AUP or become an AUP member, call and leave a message at 412-353-9088 or email AUPsingles@gmail.com.