Shaffer organizing license plate replacement event
State Rep. Jeremy Shaffer, R-Pine, is sponsoring a hard-to-read license plate replacement event from 3 to 5 p.m. April 29 at his district office, 5500 Brooktree Road, Pine.
If your license plate is blistered, peeling or discolored, you can fill out the required PennDOT MV-46 form — Application for Replacement of Illegible Registration Plate available on the agency’s Driver and Vehicle Services website — before you attend the event or at Shaffer’s office.
There is no fee for this service. The fine for operating a vehicle with an illegible license plate is $100.
To participate, bring your vehicle and vehicle information, including title number, VIN number, license plate number and the make and year of the vehicle.
Members of the Northern Regional Police Department will be on hand to help complete the application.
Residents are asked to sign up in advance at repshafferpa.com/Form/HardtoReadLicensePlateEvent2025.
Lawmakers hosting free shredding event
State Rep. Emily Kinkead and state Sen. Lindsey Williams are hosting a free document shredding event from 10 a.m. to noon April 26 at the Ross Township Department of Public Works, 225 Cemetery Lane.
To avoid traffic issues, participants should arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before the start of the event.
For questions, contact Kinkead’s office in Bellevue at 412-321-5523.
Overnight lane restrictions in effect on I-279
Joint habilitation activities are underway through late October on Interstate 279 in Ross and Franklin Park.
Lane restrictions is taking place weeknights from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., as needed, in both directions of I-279 between the Camp Horne Road (Exit 8) interchange and I-79 as crews conduct joint sealing, bridge deck improvements and line painting operations. Weekend work will occur as needed.
Crews from the Swank Construction Co. started the work April 2.
Participants sought for Community Connections Fair
The North Hills School District is looking for businesses, organizations and professionals to participate in its second annual Community Connections Fair on Saturday, April 25.
The fair, open only to students, aims to educate students about career options in the community while fostering meaningful connections between students and potential career mentors.
In 2024, more than 35 businesses and organizations participated, including first responders, military groups, trade unions, health care providers, financial firms and media outlets.
To sign up, visit nhsd.info/commconnections25.
For details, contact Evan King at kinge@nhsd.net.
Free smoke alarms available to county residents
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, Pennsylvania has suffered more home fire deaths this year than any other state in the nation.
In an effort to help save lives, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross is launching a communitywide initiative.
The chapter is hosting a Sound the Alarm event on April 24 where volunteers will install hundreds of free smoke alarms in homes throughout Allegheny County. Residents in need of smoke alarms are encouraged to schedule an appointment for installation by calling 412-263-5278 or submitting a request online at SoundTheAlarm.org/GreaterPA.
Working smoke alarms can reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 50%, and the American Red Cross is aiming to reach as many vulnerable households as possible.
Moms, memories, movie highlighted at HUB
The West View HUB, 435 Perry Highway, offers a variety of free programs for the community. Here are some upcoming programs:
• New Moms Group: 10:30 a.m. to noon. every Thursday. Moms with newborns through 12 months are invited to build connections and community with other new moms through this partnership with Connected Nest and its Empowering Moms Program.
• Food Pantry: Noon to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays. The West View HUB’s Food Pantry provides a variety of healthy choices for more than 500 families. Thanks to generous partners and donors, the food selections is always chaning. Offerings typically include fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh bread and bakery items, refrigerated meats, canned goods, nonperishable packaged items and gluten-free and allergy-conscious products.
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• Curiosity Club: 4:30 to 6 p.m. every Monday. This club for inquisitive minds is designed to help you embrace curiosity, explore the world with fresh eyes and uncover the extraordinary in the ordinary to inspire a more connected way of living.
• Family Tree Workshop 2025: 1 to 3 p.m. April 26. Join our free, hands-on Genealogy Workshop to explore your family history and build a comprehensive family tree. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced researcher, this workshop offers practical tips, guided research and the tools you need to uncover personal and shared histories. For details and to register, visit https://forms.gle/ibWjMEPnptg9dcNr7.
• Pittsburgh Film Series: 5 to 7 p.m. May 11 (“Striking Distance,” 1993, rated R). Celebrate Pittsburgh’s rich film history with a free monthly movie night featuring films shot or set in the Steel City. The film will be followed by a lively discussion, led by a historian, exploring the unique Pittsburgh themes, film locations, behind-the-scenes stories and more. Enjoy free popcorn, drinks and pizza at every screening.
Swing dance, complete with lessons, open to all ages
The HPC Big Band is back in the swing of things.
The community is invited to attend the “All That Jazz” Swing Dance from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. May 16 at Hampton Presbyterian Church, 2942 E. Hardies Road, Hampton.
All ages are welcome dust off their dancing shoes and join us. Invite your friends and get a table. Dance or just sit back, relax and enjoy the music from across the decades.
Free swing dance lessons will be given by professional instructor, Jared Clemens, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by live music.
Refreshments, including hot and cold snacks and hors d’oeuvres, will be available and is included in the ticket price.
Tickets are $15 each, and children 12 and younger are free. Live 21-piece band, food, and dance instruction all included.
For tickets, call Karen Schmidt at 412-867-6416 or the church office at 724-443-3201.
For details or questions, call the church or visit its website at hamptonpresbyterian.net.
Senior group hosting stand-up comedian
The Young@Heart senior social group at Hampton Presbyterian Church is hosting stand-up comedian and comedy writer Shaun Eli for an afternoon of laughter May 8 at the church, 2942 E. Hardies Road, Hampton.
Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., and the show will start at 12:30 p.m.
Eli is a former comedy writer for Jay Leno when Leno was the host of “The Tonight Show.”
According to Leno, “Shaun writes the kind of smart comedy I like to use in my opening monologue.”
Tickets are $15 each and includes lunch and the show. Invite your friends and get a table.
For tickets and other information, call contact Karen Schmidt at 412-867-6416.
For details or questions, call the church office at 724-443-3201or visit its website at hamptonpresbyterian.net.
Blood donors needed
April is National Volunteer Month, a reminder that the blood supply in the U.S. relies primarily on volunteers, and the American Red Cross and Vitalant are encouraging people to help.
Donations of all blood types are crucial year-round, especially type O, the most frequently transfused blood type. O-negative blood can be given to patients of any blood type, while O-positive can help most patients.
Everyone who donates blood, platelets or plasma during April to the American Red Cross will be entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. Those who donated from April 14-30 will receive an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. For details about the offers, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Hope.
To find a Red Cross location near you and to learn more about blood donation, including eligibility information, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Vitalant is thanking everyone who donates through April 30 with a chance to win a $10,000 Grocery Giveaway; two donors will receive $10,000 prepaid gift cards.
Vitalant operates about 115 donation centers nationwide. Through April 30, Vitalant is offering a $10,000 Grocery Giveaway for everyone who donates blood, platelets or plasma at any Vitalant blood drive or donation center; all donors will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of two $10,000 gift cards. For official rules, visit vitalant.org.
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Vitalant is collecting at nearby locations this month, including:
• 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 24 at Pine-Richland High School’s gym, 700 Warrendale Road, Pine.
• 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 28 at North Catholic High School’s gym, 1617 Route 228, Cranberry.
Vitalant’s Pittsburgh North Hills Donation Center at McKnight North Professional Center, Suite 600, 9365 McKnight Road, McCandless, regularly schedules collection dates, including these upcoming ones: noon to 7 p.m. April 17, 21-24 and 28-30 and 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 18-20 and 25-27.
To make an appointment and find other locations, visit vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
Volunteers sought for spring cleanup in Ross
Ross is hosting a Cleanup Day on April 26, and residents are encouraged to organize a cleanup in their neighborhood or local park.
The effort is part of the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful initiative, an affiliate of the nation’s largest community improvement program. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, which is marking its 35 years in 2025, engages participants to create a positive and lasting impact in their communities.
To register your cleanup, call Jackie at 412-931-7055. By registering with the township, you will qualify for free cleanup supplies.
Residents of all ages also are encouraged to volunteer with the township’s Parks and Recreation Department to plant trees, remove invasive species and clean up from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 26 in Bruno Sammartino Park, 261 Sangree Road. Light refreshments will be served in the morning. To help, register online by April 21 at secure.rec1.com/PA/ross-township/catalog.
Ingomar Garden Club organizing annual plant sale
The Ingomar Garden Club is planning its annual Fundraising Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10 at the Town Green at McCandless Crossing.
A variety of perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, herbs and vegetables will be available for purchase.
There also will be a large flea market.
Proceeds will benefit the club’s philanthropic and beautifcation efforts.
For details, visit ingomar-garden-club.com.
Special-needs dances planned in area
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.
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.
Tickets available for NHSD Day at Kennywood
North Hills School District Day at Kennywood will be held May 24.
Tickets cost $31.99 if purchased by May 10; after that date, the price increases to $35.99.
To purchase tickts, visit kennywood.com/schools, enter your ticket quantity and use northhills as the promo code in lower case letters.
To purchase tickets for another day, for use before July 13, visit the same website, enter your quantity and use the promo code northhillsflex. These flex tickets are $37.99 each and must be purchased before June 30.
No refunds are given for online purchases. If rainy weather forces the park to close, Kennywood offers a free ticket for visitors to return another day.
Sen. Robinson opens office in North Hills
State Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Bridgeville, recently opened a legislative office in the North Hills in an effort to best serve his more than 250,000 constituents of District 37.
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Robinson’s office is located in the Heritage Center, 2559 Brandt School Road, Suite 101, Franklin Park.
The office can be reached at 412-643-3020.
He also has an office in the South Hills. That office is located at 1700 N. Highland Road, Suite 307, in Bethel Park.
Robinson’s offices offer a variety of services — including assistance with PennDOT forms, Property Tax and Rent Rebate applications, birth and death certificates and veterans’ services and benefits — and can provide status reports on legislation.