Information session planned on EcoVillage
The Rachel Carson EcoVillage is hosting a free in-person information session from 3 to 4 p.m. May 4 at the Kearns Spirituality Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd., McCandless.
Construction currently is underway on the Rachel Carson EcoVillage at Providence Heights.
The program will open with live music, refreshments and activities for children. There will be a construction update, information about how to get involved and a question-and-answer session.
Some of the founders will be present and will share why the EcoVillage is going to be a terrific place to raise a family, connect with nature and build community.
To register for the information session, visit rachelcarsonecovillage.org, send an email to RCEIntro@gmail.com or text 412-573-1927.
McCandless GOP Committee offering scholarships
The McCandless Republican Committee is announcing scholarship opportunities for 2025 graduating seniors from North Allegheny High School, including those who attended A.W. Beattie Career Center.
The committee will award two $1,000 scholarships, one for students pursuing higher education and the other to a student entering a skilled trade or technical training program.
Students are encouraged to complete an application with supporting documentation. Applications can be found at https://mccandless.gop. The deadline to apply is May 10.
The awards will be announced June 3, and students will be recognized during the June 17 meeting of the McCandless Republican Committee.
To contribute to the McCandless Republican Committee Scholarship Fund, mail checks to McCandless GOP Committee, P.O. Box 155, Ingomar, PA 15127.
Free 2-day event to mark planetarium’s centennial
The Introcaso Center for Lifelong Learning at La Roche University is inviting the public to celebrate 100 years of stargazing and discovery at 100 Years Under the Stars, a free two-day planetarium centennial event at the McCandless campus.
A planetarium centennial lecture is planned from 6 to 9 p.m. May 5 in the Ryan Room of the Zappala Campus Center.
The lecture will kick off with opening remarks from Susan Button, former president of the International Planetarium Society, followed by a keynote presentation titled “Dark Skies for Astronomy and Birds” by Diane Turnshek, a lecturer at Carnegie Mellon University and adjunct faculty at the University of Pittsburgh. This talk will highlight the vital connection between light pollution, astronomy and avian life.
Families are invited to an evening of hands-on discovery and excitement during Family Night from 6 to 8 p.m. May 6.
Activities will include mobile planetarium shows at 6:15 and 7:15 p.m.; STEM activity stations with fun and educational experiments for all ages; and opportunities to explore the science of space, robotics and more.
Both events are free and open to all members of the community.
For details, email lifelonglearning@laroche.edu or call 412-536-1026.
Student leaders sought for environmental program
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Seeking Student Leaders for Young Ambassadors Program
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, in partnership with PennDOT, is seeking civic and environmental leaders in 10th through 12th grades to keep Pennsylvania clean and beautiful through the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program.
The Young Ambassadors program empowers young community stewards and civic leaders to become ambassadors in their community for a shared vision of a clean and beautiful Pennsylvania.
Ambassadors will have the oppurtunity to train and network with industry leaders, state agencies, local media and the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful network. They will recieve a taste of life in the public service sector.
“I’ve been in public service a long time, and I can say that community leaders are the key difference makers between getting things done and just talking about it,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “Every new generation has more to lose with enviornmental damage, so I invite every young Pennsylvanian to be part of the solution.”
Applications are being accepted through June 10.
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Students will be chosen through a competitive application process. To apply, visit keeppabeautiful.org or contact Kylie McCutcheon at 724-836-4121, ext. 114, or kmccutcheon@keeppabeautiful.org.
Adults invited to learn how to play tennis
McCandless is offering an Intro to Tennis Clinic from 10 a.m. to noon May 10 at Devlin Park for adults who would like to learn how to play the sport.
This class for beginners (18 and older) will teach them the proper grips andprovide an introduction to basic topspin forehand and backhand, volley, overhead and serve. Equipment will be provided for the class by the U.S. Tennis Association. The fee for the program is $15.
To register, visit the township’s website at townofmccandless.org, click on the Departments tab in the menu and select Parks & Recreation. Registration for the Tennis Clinic takes place through the CivicRec site at https://secure.rec1.com/PA/mccandless-pa/catalog. You must have a CivicRec account to register.
For details and to create an account, select the McCandless Parks and Recreation tab on CivicRec. For immediate assistance, call 412-364-0616, ext. 124.
New pickleball programs planned
McCandless is offering new pickleball programs starting in May.
The programs are taught by Dana Kantz, an ambassador for the U.S. Amateur Pickleball Association, and cover multiple skill levels.
• May 1: Pickleball 101 (new players); cost is $25;
• May 4: Round Robin (beginners who know how to play): $15;
• May 8: Pickleball 102 (new players): $30;
• May 10: Round Robin (beginners who know how to play): $15;
• May 19: Round Robin (beginners who know how to play): $15;
• May 22: Coached Play — Strategic Fundamentals (intermediate players); $35;
• May 31: Round Robin (beginners who know how to play): $15.
To register, visit the township’s website at townofmccandless.org, click on the Departments tab in the menu and select Parks & Recreation. Registration for the Pickleball Programs takes place through the CivicRec site at https://secure.rec1.com/PA/mccandless-pa/catalog. You must have a CivicRec account to register.
For details and to create an account, select the McCandless Parks and Recreation tab on CivicRec. For immediate assistance, call 412-364-0616, ext. 124.
Free lecture, tour to explore Allegheny Observatory
The McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage & Cultural Center is offering a free lecture and tour of the Allegheny Observatory.
The lecture will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. May 15 at the Heritage & Cultural Center, 830 Aufman Lane, McCandless.
Kerry Handron, the observatory’s outreach coordinator, will discuss the people, science and historic significance of the structure, which was built between 1900-1912.
The field trip to the observatory for a building tour will take place at 8 p.m. May 29. If the weather is clear, attendees will be able to use the Fitz/Clark telescope to view the moon and Mars.
Registration is required for both events.
To register, visit the township’s website at townofmccandless.org, click on the Departments tab in the menu and select Parks & Recreation. Registration for the HCC Lecture Series takes place through the CivicRec site at https://secure.rec1.com/PA/mccandless-pa/catalog. You must have a CivicRec account to register.
For details and to create an account, select the McCandless Parks and Recreation tab on CivicRec. For immediate assistance, call 412-364-0616, ext. 124.
Summer festival set for Blueberry Hill Park
The community is encouraged to mark their calendars for Franklin Park’s annual Festival in the Park.
The festivities will kick off at 4 p.m. June 28 on the lower fields at Blueberry Hill Park.
The event will include inflatable fun for all ages, food trucks, activities, entertainment, a petting zoo, axe throwing and live music. A fireworks display will be held around 9:30 p.m.
Cleaning products sought to help people in need
North Hills Community Outreach currently is collecting cleaning products through June 8 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.
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Items needed include laundry detergent (under 100 ounces), disinfecting wipes, all-purpose cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, dish detergent, packs of sponges, rolls of paper towels and canvas shopping bags.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits cannot be used for cleaning 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 or Walmart wishlist and sent directly to its office.
Household chemical collection coming up in North Park
The Pennsylvania Resources Council is hosting a household chemical collection from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 3 in North Park.
Accepted materials include automotive fluids, batteries, small propane bottles, chemistry sets, e-cigarettes, household cleaners, paint products, pesticides, pool chemicals and smoke detectors. A complete list of accepted items is available online when you click on the register link.
Participants must register in advance at prc.org/CollectionEvents or by calling 412-488-7490.
All items must be in leak-proof containers and placed in a car trunk or truck bed. Participants will remain in their vehicle at all times while contractors unload the materials.
A fee of $20 for every 10 gallons/50 pounds of material per vehicle will be charged, and all forms of payment will be accepted.
Additional fees include $12 per fire extinguisher and $15 per pound of liquid mercury. For oversized loads, fees will be determined at the discretion of on-site staff.
Since 2003, the PRC has hosted household chemical collection events in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The collections have directly resulted in the safe management of 6 million pounds of household chemicals.
Hard-to-recycle event planned May 17
The Pennsylvania Resources Council is kicking off its 2025 hard-to-recycle collections in Allegheny County with an event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 17 in North Park.
The presenting sponsor of this event is the Allegheny County Health Department. Other sponsors of the 2025 campaign are the Allegheny County Parks Department, Colcom Foundation, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 11 Cares, Pennsylvania American Water, Quaker Valley Council of Governments, Styropek, 90.5 WESA and 91.3 WYEP.
Participants must register in advance at prc.org/CollectionEvents or by calling 412-488-7490.
There is a $5 participation fee to drop off unlimited cellphones, home phones, computer towers and peripheral equipment such as keyboards, laptops, mice, etc. Also accepted will be expanded polystyrene packaging material, microwave ovens, video game consoles and DVD players.
For an additional fee, people can recycle televisions, computer monitors, printers, fluorescent tubes, small Freon appliances and tires (with and without rims). Visit PRC’s website at prc.org for a complete price list.
Remembrance Run to benefit veterans set at boathouse
The Veterans Leadership Program is organizing its second annual Memorial Day Remembrance Run on May 24 at the North Park Boathouse, 10301 Pearce Mill Road, McCandless.
The event, held in partnership with GCXC Racing Pittsburgh, aims to raise awareness and support for Western Pennsylvania vetreans, service members and their families.
Race start times are at 9 a.m. for the 5K and 10K and 9:05 a.m. for the 1-mile walk.
Early bird and active-duty/veteran discounts are available. The early bird price before May 23 for the 5K is $35 for civilians and $30 for active-duty personnel or veterans; for the 10K, it’s $50 for civilians and $40 for military members and veterans. For the 1-mile run/walk, the cost is $25.
Prices will increase by $5 for civilians after May 23.
To register to run or walk, visit runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/MemorialDayRemembranceRun.
Race sponsors, from $100 to $1,000, also are being sought. If your company or organization would like to be a sponsor, contact Toshua Jarrett, chief development officer at VLP, at jarrettt@vlpwpa.org or 724-787-8809.
The Veterans Leadership Program provides housing, employment, wellness and supportive services to veterans and their families residing in the Pittsburgh, Altoona, Butler and Erie Veterans Administration Medical Center catchment areas. In 2024, the program assisted 7,287 veterans and their family members across 30 counties in Western and Central Pennsylvania.
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AAUW fundraiser to showcase local authors
The North Hills Pittsburgh branch of the American Association of University Women is hosting its annual For the Love of Books fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 31 at La Roche University, 9000 Babcock Blvd., McCandless.
Featured speakers include Liz Milliron, the Shamus award-nominated author of “The Laurel Highlands Mysteries Series”; JoAnne Klimovich Harrop, features writer for TribLive and author of “A Daughter’s Promise”; and Jocelyn Kraemer, author of “The Metamorphosis of Becca.”
The event will kick off with light refreshments and the opportunity to meet the authors, who will be signing their books.
There also will be vendors on-site as well as a basket raffle.
A gluten- and nut-free light lunch with dessert will be served.
The cost is $45 per person, payable by check to AAUW North Hills Pittsburgh. Mail to June Maier, 959 Broad Meadow Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Include your email address to receive an email confirmation of receipt. Registration is your check, and checks must be received by May 23.
The event helps the AAUW branch raise money for scholarships and supports the organization’s mission to advance gender equality for women and girls.
Community invited to free-will spaghetti dinner
The Elfinwild Lions Club is sponsoring a free-will offering spaghetti dinner on from 4 to 7 p.m. May 3 at Elfinwild Presbyterian Church, 3200 Mt. Royal Blvd., Shaler.
Homemade sauces — vegetarian, beef and sausage — will be available. The dinner also includes a salad, breadstick, dessert and beverage. Takeouts available.
Rotarians collecting medical equipment
The Rich-Mar Rotary is seeking donations of no-longer-needed medical equipment during Richland’s annual Trunk Sale from 8 a.m. to noon May 17 at the Richland Township Municipal Building, 4019 Dickey Road.
Items being collected include canes, crutches, walkers, pulmonary walkers, wheelchairs, transport chairs, knee scooters, sock aides and shoe horns, bedside commodes and bedpans, toilet and tub rails, bed canes and bed rails, shower chairs, toilet risers, bedside tables and bed trays, nebulizer machines and accessories, blood pressure monitors (home use and nonmercury), feeding bags and tubing, reachers/grabbers, dressing sticks and humidifiers.
The Rotary distributes the items to those who are less fortunate.
Franklin Park looking for junior council member
Each April, Franklin Park seeks resumes from borough high school students to participate in its Junior Councilperson Program.
The program, adopted in 2002, is designed to encourage juniors and seniors to participate in local government and to provide their perspective and input.
The program will run for the duration of the 2025-26 school year.
To learn more, visit franklinparkborough.us/281/Junior-Councilperson-Program.
Any Franklin Park high school junior or senior interested in the position should submit a letter of interest and/or resume to Franklin Park Borough, 2344 W. Ingomar Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 or by email to dplatt@franklinparkborough.us.
The deadline for submissions is May 9.
For questions, call Donna Platt at 412-364-4115, ext. 302.
Bradford Woods gearing up for Founder’s Day blowout
Bradford Woods, which was incorporated in 1915, is marking its 110th anniversary with a Founder’s Day celebration from noon to 3 p.m. May 3 at the fire station, 4908 Wexford Run Road.
There will be a free picnic lunch, a bounce house, live music, raffles and more.
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.
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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.
Garden club ready for 75th plant sale
Mark your calendars for Longvue Acres Garden Club’s 75th perennial plant sale from 9 a.m. to noon May 17 in the lower parking lot of Northmont United Presbyterian Church, 8169 Perry Highway, McCandless.
The event will be held rain or shine.
The cash-only sale will feature more than 600 perennial plants, including highly valued Pennsylvania natives and pollinators.
Because the plants are grown in members’ gardens and donated for the sale, it is always a surprise to see the variety of plants available from year to year. Avid gardeners typically arrive early to snag the most sought-after plants.
Heirloom seed packets and annuals will be given away as part of the 75th anniversary celebration and in recognition of loyal customer support.
Patrons are invited to peruse the free table for gently used gardening items or chat with one of the knowledgeable Penn State Master Gardeners who will be on hand. They and other club members are always available to answer gardening questions and help with plant selections.
Proceeds from the sale fund monthly educational programs for the public and support the maintenance of the UPMC Passavant chapel garden.
Additionally, funds raised during the plant sale support not only the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Botanic Gardens of Western Pennsylvania and North Area Environmental Council, but also local community gardens in McCandless and Ross.
The Longvue Acres Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at Northmont United Presbyterian Church.
For details about the plant sale or club, contact longvueacresgardenclub1950@gmail.com.
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.
Real ID Day coming up in area
The Allison Park Driver and Photo License Center, located in the Duncan Manor Shopping Center at 1701 Duncan Ave., McCandless, will host a Real ID Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 5.
Applications for Real IDs will be the only services available during the event. No other driver’s license business will be conducted. Starting May 7, residents will need a Real ID-compliant license or identification card, passport or military ID to board a domestic commercial flight, enter a military base or enter certain federal facilities.
PennDOT will need to verify your identity, your Social Security number and your Pennsylvania residency, even if you already have a Pennsylvania driver’s license or photo ID card.
For a list of documents required to apply, visit tinyurl.com/5e3d59t8.
Free lecture to discuss community forestry
The Environmental Advisory Committee in McCandless is hosting a free lecture at 7 p.m. May 22 at the Devlin Park pavilion, 9955 Grubbs Road.
Joe Stavish of Tree Pittsburgh will discuss the meaning and importance of community foretsry and how residents can participate. Stavish, a McCandless native, will share information about Tree Pittsburgh’s Heritage Nursery and local native trees.
Attendees will learn about the environmental services provided by trees, common stress issues, pests, diseases and what steps they to take to help rebuild the town’s tree canopy.
Bring a lawn chair.
For details and to register, visit secure.rec1.com/PA/mccandless-pa/catalog and click on EAC Programs.
Sealarks meeting to explore 1845 fire
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The Sealarks Women’s Group will meet at 1 p.m. May 14 at Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Road, McCandless.
Carol Kunz will present a program about “The Great Pittsburgh Fire of 1845.”
Sealarks provides Christian fellowship and social activity for women who are alone — widowed, divorced or never married. These women are welcome to attend and consider joining the group.
For details, call Edie at 412-487-7194.
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.
Special-needs dances planned in area
Registration is open for a special-needs dance to start the summer 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. Light refreshments will be provided.
• 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.
Workshops to offer driving tips for teens
Impact Teen Drivers, in partnership with the Northern Regional Police Department and Marshall leaders, will present free workshops for teens and their parents or guardians throughout the year.
The workshops will be held from 7 to 8:15 p.m. June 10, Aug. 12 and Oct. 14 at the lower level of the Marshall Municipal Building, 525 Pleasant Hills Road.
The workshops will provide evidence-based strategies to keep teens safer on the road. Attendees will learn about Graduated Driver Licensing, tips and tricks to avoid distractions, the importance of seat belts, the risks of speeding and more.
The workshops are free thanks to funding by the NJM Insurance Group.
Seating is limited. To reserve a spot, email Detective Tim Hohos at thohos@nrpolice.com.
Red Cross seeks volunteers in rural areas of Pa.
The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is in need of volunteers in rural communities.
Volunteers are needed to:
• Respond to disasters. Help families after a home fire or other disaster by providing emotional support, emergency financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover.
• Help donors at blood drives. Engage with blood donors by greeting them at blood drives, helping them to register, answering questions, providing information and assisting them at the refreshments table.
• Support community education and outreach. Attend events and activities to raise awareness around home fire safety and emergency preparedness.
In 2024, more than 3,400 volunteers supported the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. These volunteers provided care and comfort to families after more than 1,500 local disasters such as home fires and floods. In addition, volunteers supported more than 5,000 local blood drives to help ensure patients had access to lifesaving blood.
To learn more and to volunteer, visit redcross.org/GPAvolunteer.
Animal Friends in need of pet food
Animal Friends’ Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank has put out an urgent call for wet dog and cat food.
To help, browse its wish lists on Amazon or Chewy, and your donation will be delivered to Animal Friends.
Unopened wet pet food also can be dropped off in the grey donation bins in the front entranceway and lobby of the shelter at 526 Camp Horne Road.
The Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank supports struggling pet owners throughout Allegheny County. According to its website, it distributed more than 17,000 pounds of free pet food to over 3,000 families last month.
For details, visit thinkingoutsidethecage.org/programs-services/chow-wagon.