Race for Grace set for March 28
The 18th annual Race for Grace, which raises money for pediatric brain cancer research, returns to the Norwin High School campus in North Huntingdon on March 28. The event includes a 5-kilometer run, a 5-kilometer walk and a fun walk.
Activities, registration and concessions begin at 7 a.m., with the race starting at 9 a.m. Families can enjoy indoor activities including games, dance performances, a basket raffle, a silent auction and charitable hair donations. The event concludes around 1 p.m.
The charity race has raised more than $2.1 million for research and families facing pediatric brain cancer. This year’s fundraising goal is $185,000. The race honors the life of Grace Ekis, who died at age 5 in 2008 of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a terminal form of childhood brain cancer.
The Reflections of Grace Foundation has provided $920,000 in direct financial assistance to 630 families nationwide. The foundation has also awarded $915,000 in research grants through the DIPG/DMG Collaborative.
Registration fees are $30 for adults and $25 for children 12 and younger. Beginning March 24 and on race day, fees increase to $35 for adults and $30 for children. To register, visit reflectionsofgrace.org. Options are also available for virtual participants and those who do not wish to walk or run.
Veterans’ luncheon
The Norwin Elks will recognize veterans at an April 8 luncheon in observance of the National Vietnam War Veterans Act, which designates March 29 as Vietnam War Veterans Memorial Day. The April 8 luncheon will be at the Norwin Elks, 135 Elks Lane in Manor. Doors open at 11 a.m. with the luncheon following an 11:45 a.m. ceremony.
Space is limited to the first 130 veterans, caregivers and family members who register by calling 724-590-1617. Reservations are requested by March 25. There is no cost for veterans or caregivers. A $5 donation is requested of family members and guests.
Cupcake decorating class planned
Sage’s Army, a substance abuse prevention and recovery organization, will host a free cupcake decorating class from 5:30 to 8 p.m. March 25 at its offices, 6044 Route 30, Hempfield.
Chef Julia Harhai of Frosting With a Twist will lead the session. Participants will be provided with all materials and can take home their creations. Participation is limited; preregister by calling Sage’s Army at 724-863-5433.
West Newton band to perform
The West Newton Community Band will perform a free “Goodbye Winter” concert at 5 p.m. March 22 at the West Newton Gymnasium on Vine Street.
The band is also scheduled to perform the national anthem at the Pittsburgh Pirates game on June 27 against the Cincinnati Reds. Tickets for the game are $36 and will be sold at the concert. The price includes a $10 credit for PNC Park concession stands. Tickets for a bus to the game are $15; the bus will depart from Yough High School in Herminie.
Norwin Senior Softball league sign-ups
The Norwin Senior Softball league is seeking players age 55 and older for its season, which runs Wednesday mornings from mid-April through September.
Registration will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. April 9 and 10 at the Norwin Police Athletic League fields off Bridge Street in North Huntingdon. The $25 registration fee includes team placement and a T-shirt.
Registrants are encouraged to make a voluntary cash donation to the Westmoreland County Food Bank during sign-ups. For more information, contact Mark Cacese at 412-678-2286, Jack Boylan at 724-219-9260 or Bob Popovich at 724-864-5095.
Church to host Bobby Jo Valentine
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 715 Lincoln Highway in North Versailles, will host a free concert featuring folk-pop artist Bobby Jo Valentine at 7 p.m. March 26.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and a reception will follow the concert. Free-will donations will be accepted.
Valentine is a spiritual queer artist whose music and poetry offer reflection for people from all walks of life. A TEDx speaker and award-winning songwriter, Valentine focuses on the power of everyday acts of love to help heal the world.
Valentine’s work reflects a journey from a strict Baptist upbringing to a more inclusive spirituality. His songs celebrate the “gentle, daily awakenings of an open-hearted life.”
The event will also honor International Transgender Day of Visibility, held annually on March 31. Founded in 2009 by activist Rachel Crandall, the day aims to uplift the resilience and accomplishments of transgender people.
Meals on Wheels open house set for March 24
Norwin Area Meals on Wheels will host a community open house from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 24 at its meal preparation site in the New Hope Presbyterian Church social hall, 12735 Lincoln Way, North Huntingdon.
The event, held in conjunction with National Meals on Wheels Community Champions Week, is open to residents, elected officials and volunteers. The organization serves between 70 and 90 meals each weekday, John Russo said.
Guests can sample the nutritious meals delivered to local seniors, tour the facility and meet board members.
The organization has served the Norwin community for more than 25 years. While an RSVP is encouraged, it is not required. Reservations can be made by emailing norwinareamow@gmail.com.
Safe driving course available to people 55 and older
Seniors for Safe Driving is offering three upcoming courses for motorists 55 and older in the North Huntingdon, Murrysville and Penn Township areas.
The first session will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 28 at the Circleville Church of North Huntingdon, 11600 Parkway Drive. A second course is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 30 at the Murrysville Senior Center, 3091 Carson Ave. Finally, a session will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 26 at the Penn Township Municipal Building, 2001 Municipal Court, Harrison City.
The PennDOT-approved course is an opportunity for older motorists to refresh their driving skills and their knowledge of the rules of the road.
There is no testing or behind-the-wheel driving. Participants who complete the course can receive a three-year discount of no less that 5% on their auto insurance.
Course highlights include one’s health and driving performance; effects of medication and alcohol on driving; yielding and intersections; strategies for safe passing and managing one’s speed; keeping up with vehicle technology; preventive ways to reduce driver distractions; proper use of safety belts, air bags and anti-lock brakes; defensive driving tactics and sharing the road; dealing with aggressive drivers and road rage situations; and the latest information on traffic laws and regulations.
The cost is $17.
To register for a class, call 800-559-4880 or 724-283-0245 or go online at Seniors ForSafeDriving.com.
Norwin softball fundraiser
The Norwin Lady Knights softball team is hosting an “Egg My Yard” fundraiser. Players will decorate the yards of Norwin School District residents on Easter morning by hiding treat-filled plastic eggs.
Pricing is as follows:
• 25 eggs: $25
• 50 eggs: $45
• 75 eggs: $60
• 100 eggs: $75
The deadline to order is April 3. The team is also accepting donations of plastic eggs, non-chocolate candy and cash.
To order, text 412-996-0880. For more information, email boosters@norwinsoftball.com with your name, address, phone number and the number of eggs requested.
Norwin Art League scholarship available
The Norwin Art League is accepting applications for its annual $1,000 scholarship, which is being presented this year in honor of Albert Froeschl to recognize his longtime support of the organization.
The scholarship is open to local high school students who plan to attend college and major in either a visual arts field or in art education with a focus on the visual arts.
Prospective applicants can obtain the necessary forms and a full list of requirements by visiting the Norwin Art League studio, 306 Main St., Irwin.
Information and application materials also are available by contacting Mary Lou Hall via email at ml.mace@yahoo.com. The deadline for all scholarship entries is April 20.
St. Stephen church annual fish fry
St. Stephen Byzantine Catholic Church, 90 Bethel Road, North Huntingdon, will hold its annual Lenten fish fry every Friday throughout the Lenten season, with the exception of Good Friday. The fish fry will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A gluten-friendly option is available.
Red Cross seeks blood donors, volunteers
During Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross urges donors to help the national blood supply recover following a severe shortage and empower their health by making an appointment to give blood or platelets.
Donors of all blood types remain critical to keeping momentum up and the blood supply steady headed into spring.
The Red Cross will perform free A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations made through March 31, one result per calendar year. Donors also will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. Details can be found at redcrossblood.org/March.
The American Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood.
To donate blood or platelets, visit redcrossblood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank donors at blood drives to ensure they have a positive donation experience. Volunteers also are needed as transportation specialists, ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For details and to apply for either position, contact Volunteer Services at 1-800-422-7677 or visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
State police academy applications open
The Pennsylvania State Police is now accepting applications for its 2026 Law and Leadership Academy – Southwest Location. The application period runs through May 1.
The free program is designed for residents or students in Southwest Pennsylvania, ages 18 and older, who have a high school diploma or GED and are seeking a career in law enforcement. Modeled after professional police academies, the curriculum includes instruction on criminal investigations, traffic laws and police resources, alongside paramilitary training in physical fitness, swimming and marching.
The academy runs from May 11 through Aug. 5. Classes are held:
• Mondays: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Saturdays: Two dates (tentative)
The program aims to foster self-discipline and teamwork while giving participants a firsthand look at the cadet experience.
Interested applicants can obtain an application by contacting the Southwest Program Coordinator, Trooper Tristan T. Fay, at tfay@pa.gov, or by visiting www.PATROOPER.com. More information is available on the PSP website.
Association of University People accepting members
The Association of University People invites potential new members to join them at an event.
The association welcomes singles 50 and older, who are four-year college graduates, to join them for activities and to meet new people. Activities include picnics, monthly dinners, a book group and meetups at local concerts and wineries.
For more, call 412-353-9088 or email AUPsingles@gmail.com.