North Hills DUI Task Force makes 2 arrests, issues 19 citations
A roving DUI patrol was operated along various roads on March 15 in Indiana Township, Shaler, Hampton, O’Hara, Blawnox, Etna, Millvale and Aspinwall.
Police reportedly stopped 100 vehicles for traffic violations. Eight people took field sobriety tests, and two people were arrested for DUI.
Officers issued 19 citations.
The task force includes police from the communities of Bradford Woods, Etna, Hampton, Indiana Township, Marshall, O’Hara, Pine, Richland, Ross, Shaler, West Deer, McCandless, West View, Millvale, Franklin Park and Aspinwall.
In the 28 years the task force has existed, 262 checkpoints or roving patrols have been conducted, 2,270 people have been tested for DUI and 1,071 of them were arrested, police said.
Lecture to explore flora of W.Pa.
Local author Sue Morris will present a lecture titled “Pgh: American Garden Spot” from 7 to 9 p.m. April 17 at the Heritage and Cultural Center, 830 Aufman Lane.
Morris will discuss the flora of Western Pennsylvania from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The event, part of the HCC’s Third Thursday Lecture series, is open to all ages.
This event is free, but you must have an account to register. For registration and how to make an account, visit secure.rec1.com/PA/mccandless-pa/catalog.
Donations are appreciated to help support HCC’s programming.
Seating is limited to the first 40 registrants.
McCandless parks, pickleball courts to open April 1
Parks in McCandless will open for the season April 1, including its pickleball courts in Devlin Park.
Three of the four courts there can be rented only by residents. Courts are $10 per hour with a daily rental limit of two hours.
If there are no rentals, courts are open play and signs are posted with rules at the park.
Courts can be rented three days in advance, and rentals for the 2025 season will start April 1.
All residents must create an online account to rent a court, and it takes five to seven days business days for resident status to be verified and approved. Once that status is approved, players will be able to reserve courts.
To make an account, visit secure.rec1.com/PA/mccandless-pa/catalog.
If your status hasn’t updated in that time frame or if you need immediate assistance, contact Abby Lucostic at 412-364-0616, ext. 124, or alucostic@townofmccandless.org.
Nonresidents can view the pickleball courts calendar at tinyurl.com/bded2amr.
Community help sought to tidy up rain gardens
McCandless’ Environmental Advisory Committee needs volunteers from 9 a.m. to noon March 29 to help tidy up the town’s rain gardens at 830 Aufman Lane.
The gardens, originally installed in 2010, reduce the amount of rainwater runoff into Pine Creek, preventing flooding and providing a natural space for native flora and fauna.
Over the years, invasive plants have taken up residence, and help is needed to remove them as well as provide other routine maintenance.
The EAC will provide water, snacks, gloves and simple garden tools for the project.
Participants are encouraged to bring a water bottle, insect repellant, sunscreen, labeled personal tools and their cellphone, particularly for the Plant Net app. Everyone should wear closed-toe footwear, hats and sunglasses.
To register, visit townofmccandless.org or email eac@townofmccandless.org.
McCandless, Marshall offering free programs on animal first aid
You may know first aid for the humans in your life, but what if your furry friend needs help?
The community is invited to learn some techniques how to help dogs and cats in an emergency at 6:30 p.m. March 27 at McCandless Town Hall, 9955 Grubbs Road.
Kim Riester, a former special prosecutor for animal cruelty cases and an experienced animal trainer, will teach the course.
While the cost is free, it is recommended that attendees purchase the book “Emergency First Aid for Your Dog Handbook,” written by Dr. Tamara S. Shearer, from Amazon for $9.95.
Note: Live animals and pets should not be brought to this class. Demo animals will be used instead.
Registration is required. To register, visit tinyurl.com/4xdvx3k5.
Marshall also is hosting Riester from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 21 at its township municipal building, 525 Pleasant Hill Road. Space is limited. To register for those programs, visit https://secure.rec1.com/PA/marshall-township-pa?catalog.
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Marshall to offer 2 egg hunts
Marshall is planning two egg hunts, one for older children and one for younger kids.
A flashlight egg hunt for children 8-12 will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. April 11 at the Elias Fry Barn in Knob Hill Community Park. Children are invited to brave the darkness and see who can collect the most eggs. Participants should bring their own flashlight and a bag to hold the eggs. Parents must remain on-site.
An egg hunt for children 7 and younger will be at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 12 at the Elias Fry Barn. Each child will be allowed to collect 15 eggs. Registration for both events will close April 4.
Both events are free for residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration for both events closes April 4.
To register, visit the township’s website at twp.marshall.pa.us, select Parks & Recreation in the main menu, then click on Programs. The egg hunts are listed under Special Events.
Snacks and drinks are being provided by Covenant Community Church.
Egg hunt planned for children 10 and younger
The McCandless Parks and Recreation Department is organizing a free Easter Egg Hunt for children 10 and younger from 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 19 at the Lorrain G. Rogers Memorial Soccer Fields.
There will be three age categories, and a half-hour will be allotted for each hunt.
The age categories are 0-3, starting at 10 a.m.; 4-6, starting at 10:30 a.m.; and 7-10, starting at 11 a.m.
Each child will be able to collect 10 to 12 eggs, which will be filled with small prizes, candy and surprises.
Children should bring a basket.
The event is free, but registration, which closes on April 9, is required through the township’s Civic Rec account.
For details, visit the township’s website at townofmccandless.org. For immediate assistance, call Abby Lucostic, director of parks and recreation, at 412-364-0616, ext. 124.
The township also welcomes businesses to sponsor the event. If your business would like to help cover the contents of the eggs, email Lucostic at alucostic@townofmccandless.org.
Free tax help available through AARP Foundation
Through April 14, the AARP Foundation will provide free tax assistance and preparation in Allegheny County via its Tax-Aide program.
Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest nationwide volunteer-based free tax preparation service. In 2024, the nearly 2 million taxpayers who used its services received more than $1 billion in income tax refunds.
Volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS each year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. and Pennsylvania Tax Code. The program e-files individual Federal, Pennsylvania and local EIT income tax returns and makes sure its clients claim the tax refund, credits and deductions earned.
Income tax returns will be prepared during one visit by appointment only, generally lasting an hour to 75 minutes. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
Here is list of nearby sites, schedules and contact information to make an appointment:
• Shaler Undercliff Volunteer Fire Department, 700 Mt. Royal Blvd.: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through April 14; contact state Sen. Lindsey Williams’ office at 412-364-0469 (there is no Tax-Aide contact number at the fire station).
• Ross Municipal Building, 1000 Ross Municipal Drive: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 10; contact state Sen. Lindsey Williams’ office at 412-364-0469 (there is no Tax-Aide contact number at the center).
• State Rep. Jeremy Shaffer’s office, 5500 Brooktree Road, Suite 100, Pine: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through April 14; contact Shaffer’s office at 412-369-2230.
• State Rep. Jeremy Shaffer’s office, 4375 Gibsonia Road, West Deer: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 10; contact Shaffer’s office at 412-369-2230.
More information, including an update on tax code changes affecting 2024 tax returns and documents needed for return preparation, can be found online at taxaide-pittsburgh.com.
For questions about the Allegheny County AARP Tax-Aide program, contact Stephen Cohen, Tax-Aide district coordinator, at taxaide.pittsburgh@gmail.com or 412-421-3999.
For details about the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).
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August Wilson center seeks artwork for upcoming exhibit
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is inviting artists of African descent living in the Greater Pittsburgh area to submit work for Being/Seen, a group exhibition opening in May.
Selected artwork will be displayed at the center’s first-floor galleries, including the Victoria Gallery and Yvonne Cook Family Regional Gallery. The group exhibition will run concurrently with “Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden,” the first major retrospective of prolific 20th century African American sculptor John W. Rhoden (1916-2001).
Artists may submit new or existing work that reflects their personal experience or perspective on Being/Seen.
Emerging, early-career and established artists 18 and older from Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland counties are encouraged to submit work. All mediums will be considered.
The deadline to apply is April 6, and the submission fee is a $5 to $15 suggested donation.
For details about the exhibit’s theme and to access the online submission form, visit awaacc.org/news/being-seen-an-open-call-for-art.
Artists will be notified directly in early May. Selection includes a $190 honorarium and complimentary one-year membership to the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.
For questions, contact programming@awaacc.org.
Handmade market to benefit McCandless ball teams
A Bases Loaded Spring Handmade Market will be held April 5 at The Block at Northway Mall to benefit the McCandless Athletic Association.
The indoor artisan market will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the shopping center, 8000 Mcknight Road, Ross. There also will be raffle baskets.
All proceeds from the event directly support MCAA fundraising efforts, including funds to maintain MCAA facilities and ball fields for youth baseball and softball players age 3 and older.
The MCAA opening day is April 19 at the MCAA fields at the Vincentian Recreation Complex off of Peebles Road in McCandless. The day will begin at 9 a.m. with a parade led by the Washington Wild Things mascot and the MCAA softball and baseball teams.
For details, visit mcaa.net.
Personal care items sought to help people in need
North Hills Community Outreach is collecting personal care items through April 13 to stock its pantries.
Donations can be dropped off at any of its three offices from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to noon April 5 at its main office, 1975 Ferguson Road, Hampton.
Other locations are NHCO Millvale on the second floor of the Millvale Community Center, 416 Lincoln Ave., and at NHCO North Boroughs at Greenstone Methodist Church, 939 California Ave., Avalon.
Items needed include disposable razors, chapstick, dental floss, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, wash cloths or loofa sponges, body lotion, bars of unscented soap and unscented shower gel.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits cannot be used for personal care products. Such items are a necessity and often pose an expense that many low-income families are unable to afford.
Each family in need receives a bag containing the above products.
Donations also can be ordered from NHCO’s Amazon wishlist and sent directly to its office.
Women’s group offers $1,000 scholarship
The North Allegheny Women’s Association (NAWA) is taking applications through April 4 for a $1,000 academic scholarship in memory of Doris “Meemo” Knowlton.
Applicants must be a community service-minded female, reside in the North Allegheny School District and plan to pursue post-secondary education or other training.
To apply, visit nawomen.org.
NAWA is a social and charitable organization for women in the North Allegheny community. The group aims to unite, empower and strengthen women in McCandless, Franklin Park, Marshall and Bradford Woods by serving women in need and developing friendship and support networks.
For details about joining, email northalleghenywomen@gmail.com.
5K run/walk to raise money for nonprofit
The second annual ATP 5K Run & Walk — benefiting Adventures in Training with a Purpose and its military and first responder program, Aurelius — is planned from 8 a.m. to noon April 13 at the North House Boathouse, 10301 Pearce Mill Road, McCandless.
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All ages and fitness levels are welcome, and a post-race party will be held at the boathouse.
The cost to register is $35 for adults, $30 for veterans and first responders, and $15 for children 12 and younger.
To register in advance, visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/Hbn/. The registration link also includes sponsorship opportunities.
Day-of registration will begin at 7:30 and end at 8:30 a.m. The race will start at 9 a.m.
Advance packet pickup will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 11 and 10 a.m. to noon April 12 at ATP’s office, 7000 Stonewood Drive, Suite 115, Pine.
Proceeds benefit the Christian nonprofit organization and its mission to provide physcial and mental health services to civilians, veterans and first responders confidentially and free of charge.
Awards will be given in several categories: overall top three males and females, top three senior males and females 60 and older, and top three boys and girls 12 and younger.
For details about ATP and its programs, visit adventurestraining.org, email info@adventurestraining.org or call 724-967-1628.
Sellers sought for Treasures in the Trunk event
The Treasures in the Trunk event will return from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 3 at the Lorrain G. Rogers Soccer Fields.
The cost for a space is $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents. Admission is free for shoppers.
Space is limited to 40 participants.
Registration will end at 3 p.m. May 2.
Setup can take place at 7 a.m., and the event will open to shoppers at 8 a.m.
For details on how to register, call 412-364-0616.
New program aims to replace invasive trees, shrubs
The Pennsylvania Invasive Plant Replace-ive Program is a new initiative to give homeowners and others the option of removing invasive trees and shrubs from their property and replacing them with native trees.
The goal is to reduce the likelihood of invasive species becoming unwanted “escapees” into neighboring properties, parks and forests. Native trees help to diversify the urban landscape.
The initiative is a joint effort of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, state Department of Agriculture, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Steward Program. It is funded by the U.S. Forest Service.
Property owners who remove one or more invasive species can receive up to five free, healthy, native, young replacement trees.
Program events begin in May.
To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/PA-InvasiveReplace-ive.
53rd seedling sale under way for spring
The North Area Environmental Council is planning its 53rd annual seedling sale.
The sale offers a variety of noninvasive plants and trees to add to the beauty and natural habitat of one’s backyard and the ecological health of the region.
The following seedlings, sold in sets of two, are available: American common persimmon, black walnut, Eastern white pine, Northern bayberry, Northern catalpa, shagbark hickory and yellow buckeye. Blue rug juniper, a creeping evergreen, also is available.
The NAEC is partnering with North Park’s Latodami Nature Center to offer Lawn to Nature kits, which include wildflower seeds.
To learn more about the sale, the organization and to place an order, visit naecwpa.org.
The deadline to place seedling orders is April 7; the deadline for Lawn to Nature kits is April 1. Pickup for both items will be from 9 a.m. to noon April 26 at the Latodami Nature Center Barn, 575 Brown Road, in North Park.
La Roche plans open house April 12
La Roche University is planning an open house from 9 a.m. to noon April 12 for prospective students and their families to explore campus.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore more than 50 career-focused majors and connect with faculty members who will share insights into their programs and disciplines.
Prospective students are encouraged to bring their transcripts and SAT/ACT scores to receive an instant admissions decision, discover available scholarship opportunities and receive a special gift. For those without SAT/ACT scores, La Roche offers a test-optional admissions process, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to apply. Transfer students can bring their transcripts for an instant credit evaluation, an admissions decision and information about transfer scholarships.
First-time visitors will receive a $1,000 visit grant to apply toward their first-year tuition at La Roche.
Light refreshments and a complimentary brunch will be provided.
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For details and to register for the event, visit laroche.edu/openhouse.
McCandless extends parks survey deadline
McCandless officials have extended the deadline for residents to complete the Parks Master Plan Questionnaire, which aims to help shape the future of the town’s parks and recreational programming.
The deadline to complete the survey is now March 31. The survey is available online at townofmccandless.org. Paper copies are available by request at Town Hall, 9955 Grubbs Road.
The master plan aims to help guide future decisions on park development, connectivity and community programming.
Tickets available for Founder’s Day event
St. Barnabas Charities will host comedian Jimmy Failla at its annual Founder’s Day Celebration on April 16 at the Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry.
Tickets, ranging from $300 to $500, are available for purchase. Proceeds support residents and patients in need who rely on the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund.
Failla will receive the 2025 St. Barnabas Hance Award. The Hance Award is named in honor of St. Barnabas founder Gouverneur Hance, who was inspired to provide medical care for poverty-stricken and chronically ill and injured men and boys in 1900.
The Hance Award is presented to a person of national acclaim who exemplifies Hance’s ideals of benevolence, patriotism and service to others. Previous Hance awardees include Elsie Hillman, Fred Rogers, President Gerald Ford, Rocky Bleier and Debbie Reynolds.
Failla, a New York City cab driver turned professional stand-up comedian, has appeared more than 500 times on various FOX television shows. His first comedy special, “State of the Union,” currently is streaming on Amazon Prime. His nationally syndicated talk radio show, “FOX Across America With Jimmy Failla,” launched in March 2020 on 27 radio stations and now can be heard on more than 150 stations across the country.
Failla also is the author of “Cancel Culture Dictionary: An A to Z Guide to Winning the War of Fun.”
The Founder’s Day Celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception, auction and raffles, followed by dinner at 7:30. A VIP photo pass and book signing also is available to guests. Following the Hance Award presentation, Failla will deliver a speech.
For tickets, call 724-625-3770 or visit stbarnabashealthsystem.com/founders-day/.
Special-needs dances planned
Registration is open for upcoming special-needs dances hosted by the Recreation Alliance of North Pittsburgh.
Ages 8 and older and all abilities are welcome. Music will be at a lower volume for the first hour of each dance for those who might be more sensitive to louder volumes.
The cost is $5 per dance. Light refreshments will be provided.
• The Spring Fling will be from 6 to 8 p.m. April 26 at the Cranberry Township Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Drive.
• The Summer Kick-Off dance will be from 6 to 8 p.m. May 23 at the Elias Fry Barn in Knob Hill Community Park, 415 Knob Road in Marshall.
To register, visit ranp.recdesk.com/community/program.
Late Nite Catechism event to benefit Vincentian care fund
Vincentian is hosting a night of laughs with Late Nite Catechism from 6 to 9 p.m. April 11 in the auditorium of St. Vincent Hall, the former St. Louise Convent, 8200 McKnight Road, McCandless.
The interactive show is part catechism class, part stand-up routine. “Sister” will take you back to the days of Latin Mass, meatless Fridays and the crack of a ruler across your knuckles.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show will start at 6:30. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tickets for just the show are $7o each or $87 with the fish fry add-on.
The fish fry will be served from 4:30 to 6 p.m. downstairs in the Unconventional Kitchen Banquet Hall. The meal includes baked or breaded fish, with or without a bun; a choice of two sides: cole slaw, mac and cheese or hush puppies; a drink; and dessert.
Proceeds benefit Vincentian’s uncompensated care fund for older adults.
To purchase tickets, visit vincentian.us.
Registration under way for Senior Softball League
Registration is open for the Northern Allegheny County Senior Softball League (NACSSL).
This competitive, slow pitch league has two divisions: 50 and older for the silver division and 62 and older for the gold division.
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Tryout evaluations are held March through April.
Games are played May through August primarily at the North Park Senior Ballfield Complex at the Lodge in North Park.
To sign up or for more details, visit NACSSL.com or email nacssl@yahoo.com.
Spring Fabric Fair to benefit Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is presenting its annual Spring Fabric Fair on April 12.
The one-day sale, made possible by the Salvation Army Greater Pittsburgh Women’s Auxiliary, will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army Pittsburgh Temple Worship and Service Center, 1060 McNeilly Road, Mt. Lebanon.
For more than three decades, this fundraiser has offered bargains on rare fabrics, unique patterns and a variety of materials and equipment needed for crocheting, knitting, quilting and “sew” much more.
After exploring inside, shoppers can enjoy a $10 bag sale outdoors, which will be stocked with a variety of materials.
Since its inception, the fabric fairs have raised more than $800,000, with all proceeds providing critical assistance to individuals and families throughout Allegheny County.
Admission to the fair is free. Complimentary parking will be available on-site, with free shuttles running from two satellite parking locations at Keystone Oaks High School and Keystone Oaks Middle School. Snacks and lunch items also will be available for purchase.
Carts and strollers are prohibited, and reusable shopping bags are encouraged.
The Spring Fabric Fair is a community-driven event made possible by donations of all the items for sale. There always is a need for donated items, as well as additional volunteers to measure and sort fabric in preparation for the fair.
Donations are accepted from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, February through October, at the Salvation Army warehouse, 820 Parish St., Green Tree. Please note that fabric donations will not be accepted during the actual Fabric Fair event.
For details, call 412-446-1500 or visit salvationarmywpa.org/fabricfair. Follow The Salvation Army Greater Pittsburgh Women’s Auxiliary on Facebook and @salarmypgh on Instagram to preview items for sale.
Mark your calenders: The Fall Fabric Fair will be Oct. 4.