North Hills Children’s Choir performing at The Block Northway
The Block Northway in Ross will host a special performance by the North Hills Children’s Choir at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 21 in the north corridor near Nordstrom Rack.
The group will present a 20 minute choral program for shoppers and the community to enjoy.
The performance is free and open to the public.
Ross plans Community Day celebration
The Ross Community Day parade and fireworks celebration will be held June 28.
The Independence Day parade will start at 3 p.m., with road closures beginning at 2 p.m. The parade will be proceed north on Perry Highway past the Perrysville Volunteer Fire Department and end at Brandt’s Funeral Home.
Community Day festivities will begin immediately following the parade, running from 5 p.m. until the fireworks at the Ross Community Center. There will be food vendors, live music, petting zoo, local business vendors, inflatables and a rock wall.
The township is seeking vendors, local performers, organizations, youth athletic programs, and business sponsors. Those interested in participating and partnering should contact Morgan Hurley in parks and recreation at 412-931-7041 for more information.
Students build custom cart for North Hills Unified Bocce team
The North Hills Unified Bocce team has a new way to store and transport equipment, thanks to a student project.
Students in an advanced home maintenance class designed and built a custom storage cart for the team’s bocce courts. The white cart, featuring “NH Bocce” across the front, was unveiled on Feb. 24 before the team’s student-parent game.
Students in a graphic design class created the custom decals, with phrases including “Just roll with it” and “It’s bocce o’clock.”
The Unified Bocce athletes signed the inside of the cart, and future players are expected to add their names.
Funding for the cart came from a donation to the team from a private donor and the donor’s employer, which helped cover the materials for construction.
Sponsorships available at North Hills
North Hills Athletics is offering local businesses and organizations sponsorship opportunities beginning with the 2026 spring sports season, including banner advertisements, digital advertising sponsorships and bundles.
Banner advertisements are available at the district’s athletics facilities. Digital advertising sponsorships includes sponsor graphics or videos that appear on digital displays in gym entrances, concession stands, lobbies and the pool.
Physical and digital signage options can be bundled at a discount.
All sponsorship proceeds benefit the North Hills athletics capital improvement fund, which supports upgrades to athletic facilities including field renovations, lighting improvements, scoreboard replacements and equipment enhancements.
For information, visit athletics.nhds.net/advertise.
16 students join National Technical Honor Society
Sixteen North Hills High School students have been inducted into A.W. Beattie’s chapter of the National Technical Honor Society.
To be considered, students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, have a grade of at least 95% in their career training program, and miss no more than five days of school. Candidates also must have a clear disciplinary record and belong to a service organization or participate in an extracurricular activity.
The students are Faith Adamiak, Cosmetology; Gianna Colaizzi, Cosmetology; Tessa Dineen, HVAC; Johnell Edison, Network Engineering/Cyber Security; Chelsea Fajt, Health and Nursing Sciences; Mason Giesey, Network Engineering/Cyber Security; Lydia Horak, Surgical Sciences; Lillyona Hermann, Emergency Response Technology; Matthew Izzi, Carpentry Building Construction; Olivia Metzger, Emergency Response Technology; Domenic Monroe, Carpentry Building Construction; Adelaide Pike, Sports Medicine; Mike Sekely, HVAC; Kameron Springel, Carpentry Building Construction; Ava Woznak, Advertising Design; and Benjamin Zotter, Carpentry Building Construction.
NH Spanish Honor Society inducts 26
North Hills High School inducted 26 students into the Spanish Honor Society on Feb. 25.
The Spanish Honor Society honors students who have demonstrated consistent excellence in their Spanish studies while also maintaining strong overall academic performance and character.
To qualify, students must earn at least an A- average in all Spanish classes, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, remain in good disciplinary standing, and actively participate in community service.
The chapter is sponsored by Spanish teachers Laura Otte and Megan Werner.
The inductees are Katie Adamietz, Lily Adamski, Eleanor Alexander, Lexi Baker, Gwendolyn Barkovich, Adelynn Conners, Noelle Copanzzi, Olivia Ferezan, Kayla Flanigan, Gavin Golis, Niamh Greer, Reagan Iwanowski, Brianna Kelly, Elinor Kim, Molly Knorr, Melanie Lam, Anwita Maneish Nithya, Lexi McCloe, Juliet McQuillan, Natalie Mellinger, Ellie Reffert, Sofia Rodriguez, Dominic Smith, Stella Stango, Zoe White, and Zoe Wyman.
North Hills tech ed students qualify for state conference
Several North Hills tech ed students qualified to compete at the 2026 Technology Student Association State Conference April 15-18 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort.
The students qualified by finishing in the top 10 at the state Technology Student Association regional conference Jan. 24 at Blackhawk High School.
North Hills students earning honors were Joseph Saad, Video Game Design, First Place; Wesley (Ari) Humphreys, Music Production, First Place; Jayshri Shah, PA-Logo Design, Second Place; Giavonna Barie, PA-Logo Design, Third Place; Emma Cook, Extemporaneous Speech, Second Place; Elena Williams, Board Game Design, Fourth Place; Elena Williams, Technology Bowl (Written), Eighth Place; Maximus Lindner, Technology Bowl (Written), 10th Place; Wesley (Ari) Humphreys, Coding (Written), Ninth Place; and Daniel Hunt, Computer-Aided Design Engineering, Ninth Place.
The Technology Student Association is a national organization for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. North Hills’ TSA chapter is sponsored by Technology Education teacher Reuben Clark
North Hills Chorale plans patriotic concert
The North Hills Chorale will present its spring concert — “American in Harmony: 250 Years of Song” — at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at St. Vincent Hall, 8250 Babcock Blvd., McCandless.
They will sing of “the optimism of a new country, the hardships of a nation divided, the hopefulness of opportunity and the dream of a united future.” Free-will offerings are welcome to support the chorale.
The group began as a CCAC noncredit class in 1993 and presented its first concert in December 2003. To learn more about the group, visit nhchorale.com.
Church plans flea market, bake sale
The community is invited to help support three groups at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Perrysville as they combine efforts to boost local and national charities and community service projects.
A flea market, clothing sale and bake sale will be held on Saturday, April 11 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lower level at the rear entrance of the church, 920 Perry Highway in Ross.
The semiannual flea market, organized by the men of the congregation, will feature more than 25 vendors selling their own goods.
The Christian Closet is run by the women of the church. For a minimum donation of $5, visitors can fill a provided bag with their selections of gently worn clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children.
Everyone can also visit the front counter, where the youth of the church will be selling breakfast sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, soda and homemade baked goods.
Free paper-shredding event set April 11
The AARP Fraud Watch Network is partnering with McCandless to help protect against identity theft.
A free paper-shredding event, sponsored by AARP, is 9 to 11 a.m. April 11 at the Devlin Park/Town Hall parking lot at 9955 Grubbs Road.
Space is limited, and reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants can bring up to three bags or boxes of documents to shred on-site; the empty bags and boxes will be returned. Documents can include old financial documents, shipping labels, photos and more; there is no need to remove paperclips or staples.
The shredding event is open to everyone, not just AARP members.
To register, visit tinyurl.com/25erhjdr.
How to be pain-free outdoors
“Gardening Thyme: Avoid Aches and Pains while Gardening” is the topic of Longvue Acres Garden Club’s program on March 24.
Taylor Docherty, a physical therapist at the UPMC Rehab Institute, will discuss how to enjoy a lifetime of gardening with less stress and pain to joints and muscles. Attendees will learn the correct techniques and best tools to use for garden and outdoor chores.
The program begins at 7:45 p.m. in Northmont United Presbyterian Church, 8169 Perry Highway, McCandless.
Programs take place on the fourth Tuesday of each month and are free and open to the public.
For details, email longvueacresgardenclub1950@gmail.com.
Books sale underway at CCAC campus libraries
The four campus libraries of Community College of Allegheny County are hosting book sales from March 16-20.
All books, DVDs and CDs will be priced at $1 each. Proceeds will benefit the student textbook fund through the CCAC Educational Foundation.
The public sale will run from noon to 4:30 p.m. March 16-19 and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 20.
Special pricing will take place the last two days of the sale, March 19-20, with books available at $5 per bag.
Here are the book sale locations:
• Allegheny Campus, 808 Ridge Ave, Pittsburgh: Foerster Student Services Center, first floor
• Boyce Campus, 595 Beatty Road, Monroeville: Fourth-floor auditorium lobby
• North Campus, 8701 Perry Highway, McCandless: Bookstore area and main atrium
• South Campus, 1750 Clairton Road, West Mifflin: B Building, main entrance
Easter Egg Hunt planned in McCandless
Registration is underway for the 2026 Easter Egg Hunt on March 28 at the Lorraine Rogers Fields in McCandless.
The cost is $5 for nonresidents and $3 for residents.
There will be sessions for three age groups: 10 to 10:30 a.m. for children 3 and younger; 10:30 to 11 a.m. for ages 4-6; and 11 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 7-10.
To register, visit secure.rec1.com/PA/mccandless-pa/catalog.
McCandless organizing first Bday 5K on July 4
McCandless is hosting its first-ever Bday 5K on July 4 at the North Park Boathouse, 10301 Pearce Mill Road.
Walkers, joggers and runners of all fitness levels are welcome to participate in this family-friendly race celebrating two birthdays — America’s 250th and McCandless’ 175th.
Don’t think you’re ready or have the experience? No problem. The town also is launching a “couch to 5K” program with Appalachian Running Co. the first week of May to get ready; visit townofmccandless.org for details as the date approaches.
Can’t participate but want to enjoy the festivities? All are welcome to cheer on the participants, make funny signs and ring cowbells.
Early bird registration runs through March 24. The cost is $35 for the 5K/Walk, $25 for the 1-mile Fun Run/Walk and $10 for the Kids Dash.
Regular price registration starts March 25.
To register, visit runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/McCandlessBday5K.
Free presentation to highlight life of Myron Cope
Seniors Helping Seniors Pittsburgh Northeast is hosting a presentation and book signing by “Behind the Yoi” co-author Dan Joseph at 2 p.m. April 17 in the Legacy Theater at Cumberland Woods Village, 700 Cumberland Drive, McCandless.
The event, held in conjunction with the Presbyterian Senior Care Network, is taking place just before Pittsburgh’s 2026 NFL Draft celebration, April 23-25.
Joseph, a Pittsburgh native, will discuss the 2024 biography of Myron Cope written with Cope’s daughter, Elizabeth. The book details the life and career of Cope, undoubtedly the most colorful voice in Pittsburgh broadcast history, as he built his legacy — first as a writer with magazines such as Sports Illustrated, then as a broadcaster with WTAE and the Steelers.
Joseph will share excerpts of Cope’s tapes, letters and photographs, which became the basis of the biography. Recorded highlights of Cope’s draft-day interviews and insights into the history of Cope’s creation, the Terrible Towel, will be shared.
Tickets to the event are free and open to the public, but reservations are required. To reserve a spot, call 412-742-8747.
Author to discuss America’s first highway
Local author and historian Brady Crytzer will present a talk on the National Road from 7 to 9 p.m. April 16 at the McCandless/northern Allegheny Heritage and Cultural Center, 830 Aufman Lane.
America’s first highway connected the Alleghenies to the Western frontier, and Crytzer will share its triumphs and tragedies.
Copies of his new book, “The National Road: George Washington and America’s First Highway West,” will be available for purchase.
The talk is open to all ages, but seating is limited. To register, visit secure.rec1.com/PA/mccandless-pa/catalog.
The May 21 lecture will about the Roberto Clemente Museum and its collection of artifacts, art, literature, photos and memorabilia related to Pirates great Roberto Clemente and his teammates.
Church offering free spaghetti dinner on Tax Day
Ascension Lutheran Church is hosting a free spaghetti dinner drive-through from 4 to 7 p.m. April 15 — Tax Day — at the church, 8225 Peebles Road, McCandless.
The meal will include spaghetti and meatballs, tossed salad, rolls with butter and dessert.
Everyone is welcome. Please drive to rear of church.
Ministerial group serving Good Friday breakfasts
The Richland Ministerial Association is offering two Good Friday breakfasts.
• Trinity Lutheran Church will host a Good Friday Women’s Breakfast at 8 a.m. April 3 at the church, 3832 Gibsonia Road, Richland.
The cost is $10 at the door.
Guest speakers will address the topic of “Giving New Life.” Cherie Peters has been an advocate for organ donation for more than 25 years. Jackie Hutz and her husband, Bill, are the co-founders of the nonprofit Team Fishguy Transplant Foundation.
To RSVP, call the church at 724-443-8110.
• First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown will host a Good Friday Men’s Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. April 3 at the church, 5825 Heckert Road, Richland.
The cost, payable at the door, is $12 for adults and $6 for boys 10 and younger.
The speaker will be Chuck Ondo, a Marine veteran who served as an undercover detective with the Pennsylvania State Police for 10 years and is now the co-founder and president of Semper Fi Mission.
To RSVP, call the church at 724-443-1555.
A.W. Beattie hosting fish frys
The A.W. Beattie Career Center’s annual lunchtime fish fry is in full swing.
Meals, which started Feb. 20, are served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Fridays at the school, 9600 Babcock Blvd., McCandless. The remaining dates are March 20 and 27.
Dine-in and takeout options are available, but preorders are not accepted.
To view a full menu, visit beattietech.com/quick-links/beattie-restaurant.
All proceeds benefit the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, a vocational student organization.
The career center serves students from nine area school districts: Avonworth, Deer Lakes, Fox Chapel, Hampton, North Allegheny, North Hills, Northgate, Pine-Richland and Shaler Area.
For details, visit beattietech.com.
County seeks lifeguards for parks
Allegheny County Parks is hiring lifeguards.
The county has four pool facilities: North Park swimming pool in McCandless and the wave pools in Boyce Park in Monroeville, South Park in Bethel Park and Settlers Cabin Park in Robinson.
Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring safe swimming conditions in and around the pool areas, and creating a fun and positive atmosphere for all guests.
The pay is $16 to $18 per hour and successful candidates must satisfy the following criteria:
• Ages 15 and older;
• Complete all required lifeguard employment forms;
• Possess a current lifeguard certification and be able to pass an aquatics test;
• Work the entire swimming season, including flexible hours, weekends and holidays.
Successful candidates must successfully pass background checks as required for the position.
To apply and to access the required forms, visit alleghenycounty.us/Government/Employment/Job-Opportunities-by-Department/Park-Careers/Lifeguards.
For details, contact the Allegheny County Parks Department at 412-350-2455 or email lifeguards@alleghenycounty.us.
$160K secured for local first responders
State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-McCandless, recently announced more than $160,000 in grants have been approved to support first responders in the 30th Legislative District.
The funding comes from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant program, which is run by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.
The local recipients are:
• $31,136 to Ross West View EMS Authority, including $16,136 for fire company operations and $15,000 for EMS operations;
• $16,136 to Peebles District Volunteer Fire Company;
• $15,518 to North Hampton Township Volunteer Fire Department;
• $15,000 to McCandless Franklin Park Ambulance Authority;
• $15,000 to Shaler-Hampton EMS;
• $14,693 to Highland Fireman’s Association;
• $14,281 to Emsworth Volunteer Fire Company;
• $13,663 to Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Company of Allegheny County;
• $13,476 to Ingomar Volunteer Fire Company No. 2;
• $13,250 to Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Company No. 1;
AAUW organizing 6th author fundraiser
The North Hills affiliate of the American Association of University Women is hosting its sixth annual For the Love of Books fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 30 at La Roche University in McCandless.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m. The event features presentations by local authors followed by a panel discussion, book signings, vendors and raffle baskets.
Morning refreshments and a light, gluten-free and nut-free lunch will be served.
Seating is limited, and reservations are required by May 23.
The cost to attend is $45. To purchase tickets, make checks out to AAUW North Hills Pittsburgh and mail to June Maier, 959 Broad Meadow Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Include your email address to receive an email confirmation.
To learn more, visit aauwnorthhillspgh.org/6th-annual-for-the-love-of-books-fundraiser.
Proceeds help support AAUW’s mission to advance gender equity through advocacy and education.
Safety course open to drivers 55 and older
Seniors for Safe Driving is offering an upcoming course for motorists 55 and older from 1 to 5 p.m. May 7 at the Baierl Family YMCA, 2565 Nicholson Road, Franklin Park.
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 SeniorsForSafeDriving.com.
Registration open for Senior Softball
Senior Softball registration is underway for the Northern Allegheny County Senior Softball League for 2026.
This competitive, slow-pitch Senior Softball league comprises 20 teams, 280 members and three age divisions — 50-plus, 62-plus and 71-plus.
Tryout evaluations are held from March to April. Games are played from May to August, primarily at the North Park Senior Softball Complex at the lodge in North Park.
For details and to sign up, visit nacssl.com or email danharri811@yahoo.com.
Literary Society sponsors free talk with author
The La Roche University Literary Society invites the community to a free presentation at 7 p.m. March 27 in the Ryan Room of the Zappala Campus Center on La Roche’s campus, 9000 Babcock Blvd., McCandless.
Writer and poet Bethany Jarmul will present “A Literary Life: Cultivating Curiosity Amid the Chaos,” a reflective exploration of why literature and curiosity matter in a world full of noise and distraction.
Drawing on her experiences as an Appalachian author whose writing has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net, Jarmul’s talk will invite audiences to consider how reading, writing and creative inquiry can sustain meaning and insight amid life’s uncertainties. In her work — including the poetry collection “Lightning Is a Mother” — she blends lyrical observation with thoughtful engagement on identity, place and the transformative power of literary imagination.
The Literary Society, initiated at La Roche in the early 1980s, serves as a forum for scholarship and discussion on literature and related issues. For details, contact Sister Rita Yeasted at 412-536-1216 or rita.yeasted@laroche.edu.
La Roche University plans open house
La Roche University is hosting a spring open house for high school students, transfer students and their families from 9 a.m. to noon April 11 at the Zappala Campus Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd., McCandless.
From 9 to 11:30 a.m., visitors can talk with faculty and explore more than 50 career-focused majors. The event includes information sessions covering financial aid, the admissions process, merit scholarships and special academic programs.
Students are encouraged to bring their high school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores to receive an instant admissions decision, scholarship information and a gift before leaving campus. Students without SAT/ACT scores may bring their transcript and will be considered for test-optional admission.
Transfer students who bring a copy of their college transcript will receive a credit evaluation, an admissions decision and information about transfer scholarships.
During the event, guests can meet current students, tour La Roche’s campus and get an inside look at the university’s residence halls. Light morning refreshments and a complimentary brunch in Cantellops Dining Hall will be provided.
To attend, register online at admissions.laroche.edu/register/openhouse.
New entertainment venue kicks off March 27
North Park Lounge Richland is introducing Stage 8, a brand-new live entertainment venue inside The Hilltop Event Center, which is attached to the restaurant at 5301 Ranalli Drive, Richland.
Live music will kick off March 27 with Pittsburgh’s own Yachtness Monster. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m., and the show will run from 8 to 11 p.m. Stage 8 has standing room with scattered high-top tables; a full bar is available.
The event is for 21 and older. A valid ID is required for admittance.
Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased online at sevn.ly/xzCJjfxx. Capacity is limited, and tickets are nonrefundable.
For a list of upcoming shows, visit TheHilltopRichland.com.
Networking group for women to gather April 16
Networking with Purpose: Inspired Women Paying it Forward North meets quarterly at the Doubletree by Hilton, 910 Sheraton Drive, Marshall.
The next business meeting and vendors will be from 6 to 7 p.m. April 16, with registration taking place at 5:30 p.m.
In just one hour each quarter, the group of nine chapters collectively raises more than $40,000 for women’s nonprofits locally and globally, with just a $100 quarterly commitment to vote and nominate.
The group aims to create space for women who have more in their lives to take action on behalf of women who have less.
For details, call Debra Dion Krischke at 724-935-6100 or visit InspiredWomen.com.
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.