Millvale mourns death of longtime police officer
William Fishinger, a Millvale police officer for 28 years, died Saturday, April 4. He was 78.
“Anyone who lived, worked or visited Millvale in the 1970s, ’s and early ’s had the honor of knowing Officer William Fishinger. He always had a commanding presence and wore the Millvale Police uniform with great honor and dignity,” Millvale police Chief Tim Komoroski said.
Fishinger was a Vietnam veteran, serving as an 82nd Airborne Ranger. He earned three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, Silver Star and other military honors.
Fishinger enjoyed writing poetry, riding his Harley and found peace in hunting and fishing. He also had pursued a career in professional wrestling, where he was known by the ring name “The Patriot.”
Arrangements were handled by Hahn Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Millvale.
Block party scheduled for Vanka Murals in Millvale
The Vanka Block Party 2026 will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 24 Maryland Ave. in Millvale.
Maximilian “Maxo” Vanka, who immigrated to America from Croatia in 1934, first painted murals on the bare walls of the church depicting the history of its immigrant founders in 1937, and added more in 1941.
The free event will be held rain or shine, with an ABC Transit shuttle around Millvale to help people get up the hill. There will be free local food and drinks, music, artmaking activities and raffles.
The Rankin Junior Tamburitzans will perform in the sanctuary at 2:30 p.m.
Those planning to attend can register online at fareharbor.com/embeds/book/vankamurals. Preregistration gets a free raffle ticket and an option to reserve an accessible parking spot if needed.
For details, call 412-408-3180 or email info@vankamurals.org.
Library hosting Drug Take-Back Day, license plate replacement help
The Shaler North Hills Library is hosting a Drug Take-Back Day collection event and license plate replacement help from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25 in the rear parking lot, 1822 Mt. Royal Blvd., Shaler.
The event is held in partnership with the Shaler Township Police Department.
Anyone with unused, unwanted or expired medications and vaping materials can safely and responsibly dispose of them during this collection event. The drop-off will be conducted as a drive-through in the library’s rear parking lot.
Also, for anyone with an illegible license plate due to blistering, peeling or discoloration, Shaler police will be on hand to help you apply for a free replacement. Per Pennsylvania code, plates that cannot be recognized from 50 feet away can result in a fine of $100.
Cozy up to goats April 25 in Kiwanis Park
The goats are returning to Shaler, and they’re celebrating the final round of the NFL Draft.
The community is invited to hang out with — and even hold! — them from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25 in Kiwanis Park.
Blitz, Boom, wool.i.am and Zazie Bleatz are expected to be on-site.
Come for the huddle and stay for the cuddle!
The cost is $5 per person or $20 for a family of up to five people.
Cash and credit cards will be accepted.
Festival to feature more than 350 musical acts
The Millvale Music Festival will host more than 350 musical acts on 31 stages on May 15 and 16 throughout the borough.
There also will be 60 visual artists, spoken word performers and comedians, as well as food trucks and other entertainment.
Everything is walkable within 0.6 miles.
Volunteers are welcome to sign up to help.
For details, visit millvalemusic.org and follow Millvale Music Festival on Facebook.
18th annual Great Gardens Tour set for July 12
The Shaler Garden Club’s 18th annual Great Gardens Tour will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 12.
All proceeds benefit Shaler North Hills Library.
Treat yourself to a walk through five spectacular local gardens, which will delight your senses and inspire your creativity. Join us for this 18th annual Shaler Garden Club’s Great Gardens Tour on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the tour.
They can be purchased at the library, 1822 Mt. Royal Blvd. in Shaler, or via the library’s website at shalerlibrary.org. Each ticket includes hosted visits to the five gardens and a chance to win a gift basket.
The event will be held rain or shine.
For details, visit shalergardenclub.com or shalerlibrary.org or call 412-486-0211.
Shaler Garden Club is proud to be celebrating 104 years of serving the Shaler community.
Gardens contest underway
Is your lovely garden one in which neighbors compliment? Does a neighbor have a show-stopper garden? Why not celebrate these gardens and talent by entering the Shaler Great Local Gardens Contest?
All gardens in Shaler and the surrounding communities are welcome to enter this casual contest.
It’s easy to enter. Simply submit five photos of your garden along with a description of what makes your garden special. We love a good story.
All types of gardens — such as flower, vegetable, herb or container — will be considered. Drop off your entry at the Shaler North Hills Library, 1822 Mt. Royal Blvd. in Shaler, by the July 6 deadline. Photos will not be returned.
Winners of the contest will be announced at the Shaler Garden Club’s July 22 meeting at the library. Winners will have the opportunity to be a part of the 2027 Great Gardens Tour.
For details, stop by the library or visit shalergardenclub.com or shalerlibrary.org or call 412-486-0211.
Shaler residents sought to clean streets for Earth Day
In honor of Earth Day, Shaler residents can volunteer to clean up a street of their choice in the township during April.
Information and registration forms are available at the township’s website at shaler.org.
Gloves and bags will be provided.
Reserve seeks volunteers for spring clean up
Reserve is calling on volunteers to participate in the township’s annual spring clean up day on May 2.
Participants will meet at 9 a.m. at the municipal building paring lot, 33 Lonsdale St.
Gloves, vests and trash bags will be provided. Hot dogs will be available following.
To register, contact township Manager Jan Kowalski at manager@reservetwp.com or call 412-322-1551, ext. 100.
Mark your calendars for club’s 72nd plant sale
The Shaler Garden Club is hosting its 72nd annual plants from 9 a.m. to noon May 2 in Kiwanis Park, 300 Wetzel Road.
A large selection of native plants and hardy perennials will be available at bargain prices, along with herbs, vegetables, houseplants, bulbs, hanging baskets and pretty potted arrangements perfect for Mother’s Day gifts.
A basket raffle and bake sale will add to the festivities. Cash or credit cards will be accepted. The event will take place rain or shine.
All proceeds benefit the community projects and philanthropic donations of the Shaler Garden Club.
For details, visit shalergardenclub.com.
Junque Sale to offer something for everyone
Bakerstown United Methodist Church is hosting a Junque Sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 25 at the church, 5760 William Flynn Highway, Richland.
Bring your friends and neighbors. We have everything you need!
Grab-and-go breakfast also will be available to purchase.
All proceeds benefit the church’s mission projects
For details, call 724-443-3184.
Taco fundraiser to benefit Blessing Board
The Blessing Board is hosting a Taco Thursday fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m. May 7 at Shaler Plaza, 880 Butler St., Shaler.
There will be tacos, beer, margaritas — all to support a good cause.
The cost is $50 per person or $35 per person for groups of eight or more.
To purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/mvd7j6xc.
All proceeds will benefit the Blessing Board, which provides free furniture, household items and home medical equipment to people in need in the community. The organization operates two showrooms: 880 Butler St., Suite 1A, in Shaler and 1200 Lebanon Road in West Mifflin.
According to the nonprofit, as of 2025, it has served more than 16,000 families, impacting over 36,000 individuals, including 16,000 children younger than 18. The organization has distributed more than 230,000 household items and kept 8.6 million pounds of furniture out of local landfills.
To learn more about the Blessing Board, to volunteer or to donate gently used furniture, household items and medical equipment, visit theblessingboard.org.
Grant covers free spay, neuter surgeries for Millvale residents, veterans
Animal Friends provides free spay and neuter surgeries for owned dogs and cats within its partner communities of McKees Rocks, Millvale, Mt. Oliver and Sharpsburg.
The program is made possible by a grant from the McS Charitable Foundation. In addition, the program will be available to veterans regardless of their location.
Any dog or cat owner who resides in one of these communities or is a veteran and wishes to be considered for the service should complete an application at tinyurl.com/29z4vev so a member of the clinic team can reach out.
Spaying and neutering are among the most impactful choices one can make to protect their pet’s health and help reduce pet overpopulation. These safe, routine procedures prevent unwanted litters, reducing the number of animals entering shelters each year. In addition to easing overcrowding, spaying and neutering can lower the risk of certain cancers, decrease roaming and behavioral challenges, and often lead to longer, healthier lives.
The grant covers the cost of the spay or neuter surgery, including pain medication, a complimentary nail trim and e-collar. All other services, such as vaccines, will be at the expense of the owner.
For assistance with scheduling a feral cat, call Animal Friends directly at 412-847-7004.
Shaler Area looking for summer student workers
The Shaler Area School District is accepting applications for summer workers.
Summer workers will work with district custodial and maintenance staff to prepare buildings for the next school year.
Applicants must reside in Shaler Area, be enrolled in high school or post-secondary education for the 2026-27 school year and be 15 years old by June 1, 2026.
Starting pay is $11.25 per hour.
Applications are available in guidance offices or on the school district webpage, bit.ly/SASDsummerjobs. Applications are accepted through June 3.
Candidates sought to fill zoning board vacancy
Shaler is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board.
Appointees make decisions related to zoning appeals, variances, and special exceptions. Members are appointed by township commissioners, and the board meets monthly as-needed.
Letters of interest and resumes are due to shaler@shaler.org by May 15.
Help with heating bills available through May 8
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP) provides cash grants to help Pennsylvania families pay their heating bills.
Through May 8, low-income residents who need assistance paying for their heating bill can apply for a one-time grant of $200 to $1,000 that will be applied directly to their utility provider.
Funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The link to apply is pa.gov/services/dhs/apply-for-the-low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap.
To qualify for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania, you must meet income requirements, which are set based on household size. Renters and homeowners are eligible for benefits. You do not need to be on another public assistance program or have unpaid heating bills to qualify.
If you are experiencing an emergency related to your household’s heat, such as broken equipment, or facing utility service termination, you might be eligible to receive additional funds through a crisis grant.
To check your eligibility for LIHEAP and crisis grants, visit peoples-gas.com/help or call 1-800-400-9276.
Free shredding event scheduled in Shaler
State Sen. Lindsey Williams is sponsoring a free shredding event in Shaler.
It will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. April 25 at Shaler Area High School, 381 Wible Run Road.
There is a limit of two boxes per car. Only paper will be accepted. Bags and boxes will be returned once empty.
For details, contact Williams’ office at 412-364-0469 or by email at senatorlindseywilliams@pasenate.com.
Shaler police alert residents to ‘senior assassins’ game
Shaler police issued an alert to the community after learning that some high school students are taking part in a game called “Senior Assassins.”
The game, not sanctioned by the school district, involves students using water guns to tag opposing teams, sometimes by hiding around neighborhoods, including at night.
“While many students see this as just a fun tradition or game, it can create safety concerns when realistic-looking items or suspicious behavior are involved,” police said. “Actions like hiding near homes, bushes or cars can easily be mistaken for something more serious and may cause alarm in the community, thus initiating a police response. This is especially concerning when it occurs at night.”
Police asked parents to talk with their children about being mindful of how their actions may look to others.
Residents who see anything raising safety concerns are advised to contact Shaler police by calling 911.
School board buys language materials
The Shaler Area School Board on March 18 approved buying instructional materials for Latin, Spanish, Japanese and English Language Arts.
The district bought the North American Cambridge Latin Course, Unit 3, 6th Edition from Cambridge University Press & Assessment for about $4,400. It will support the Latin III curriculum at the high school. The purchase is contingent on adoption of the district’s 2026-27 budget.
To support Spanish I, II and III at the high school and middle school, the district is buying Senderos 2023, Levels 1, 2 and 3 from Vista Higher Learning for about $36,050. It is also contingent on adoption of the 2026-27 budget.
For Japanese I and II at the high school and middle school, the district is buying Genki I and II, 3rd Edition from Kinokuniya Book Stores of America for about $7,100. It is funded through federal funds for the 2025-26 school year.
The district will use a phased procurement strategy to buy the Into Reading English Language Arts platform from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for kindergarten through fifth grade. There is an initial purchase of teacher materials for about $74,900 to be paid from the 2025-26 budget, followed by buying the remaining Year 1 student resources and digital licenses on July 1 for about $136,000, paid from the 2026-27 budget. There will be recurring annual costs for years two through six for consumable materials and digital licensing not to exceed $70,000 per year.
Purse Bash to benefit fire department
The Richland Volunteer Fire Department is hosting its annual Purse Bash fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. April 25 in the social hall, 5857 Meridian Road, Richland. Doors will open at 5 p.m.
The $50 donation to attend includes admission, 17 chances to win a designer purse on the main ticket, food and drinks.
The event is BYOB.
There also will be a 50-50, auction baskets and various raffles throughout the evening.
All proceeds will benefit the fire department’s general and building funds.
For tickets, message the department via its Facebook page under Richland Township VFD or call 724-841-1031.
Acrospire to host Super Bowl champion Mike Logan
Acrospire Brewing Co., 1702 Mt. Royal Blvd. in Shaler, is hosting a family-friendly Flights and Bites with Mike Logan from 5 to 10 p.m. April 22 to celebrate NFL Draft week.
Guests will be able to get their picture taken with the Steelers champion and listen to him talk about everything from his childhood in McKeesport, college ball at West Virginia University, then on to a successful NFL career and Super Bowl victory.
Logan will be joined by local food personality Shayla Penn of Burgh Eats and Treats and Monica Johnson, the owner and executive chef of Foxy Frans Catering.
Penn and Johnson will serve dishes to pair with Acrospire Brewing beers while Logan speaks. A number of prizes also will be auctioned off throughout the evening.
There are four ticket packages:
• Draft Pick: $5, for guests younger than 21, includes access to Logan’s presentation and kids’ activities;
• Head Coach: $10, includes free soda, one raffle ticket and access to the presentation;
• All Pro: $45, includes one free drink, two raffle tickets and access to the presentation;
• MVP: $85, includes one free drink, a meet-and-greet and photo with Logan, three raffle tickets, a three-course food and beer pairing during Logan’s presentation and submittal of a question for the Q&A session with Logan.
IDs must be shown for alcoholic drinks.
Tickets can be purchased by stopping by Acrospire Brewing or visiting its website at acrospirebrewingco.com and clicking on the Event Tickets link.
For details, call 412-453-6266.
Etna extends garbage contract with Waste Management
Etna residents will not see any increase in their garbage bills in 2027.
Council in March approved extending the borough’s contract with Waste Management through 2027.
The monthly rate will remain $37.01 and includes weekly recycling pickup, borough Manager Mary Ellen Ramage said. It is billed by Hampton Shaler Water Authority with water and sewer charges.
Etna participated in a bid put out by the North Hills Council of Governments. The contract began in January 2023 and lasts through Dec. 31, 2026, with 2027 an option year.
Passes to Shaler’s Crawford Pool on sale
Passes for Crawford Pool at Kiwanis Park in Shaler are on sale.
For Shaler residents, season pass costs are $220 for a family, $185 for a couple, $120 for an adult 18-24; $95 for juniors 6-17; $30 for children 2-5; and free for children younger than 2. Seniors older than 65 who have resided in Shaler for at least 15 years qualify for a free pass; otherwise, the senior rate is $25.
Nonresident season pass rates are $375 for a family; $325 for a couple; $195 for adults 18-64; $145 for juniors 6-17; $125 for children 2-5; and free for children younger than 2. The nonresident senior rate is $105.
A 5% early bird discount is offered for full season passes bought by April 30.
Passes will be available for pickup beginning May 1. Allow at least one business day to pick up passes purchased after May 1.
Those who bought a 2025 season pass and whose account information has not changed can renew online and use the same pass from last summer.
There is a $5 fee to replace any lost card. If a pass needs an updated photo or the barcode no longer scans, a replacement pass can be obtained for free after turning in the old pass at the township office.
For details, including daily rates and multi day use passes, visit the township’s site for Crawford Pool at shaler.org/241/Crawford-Swimming-Pool.
School board approves personnel moves
The Shaler Area School Board approved a number of resignations, hirings, leaves of absence and sabbaticals at its March 18 meeting.
The board accepted the resignations of Lily Letterle, elementary special education teacher, effective Feb. 16 and Diana Sukitsch, nurse’s aide at Marzolf and Reserve, effective Feb. 26.
Drey Riffle was hired as a full-time paraprofessional at the middle school effective March 20.
The board approved extending an unpaid leave of absence for Kimberly Campuzano until on or about April 6.
Sabbaticals were approved for Allan Tinkey, special education teacher at the high school, beginning March 1 and returning at the start of the 2026-27 school year, and for Benjamin Famoso, special education teacher at the middle school, for the 2026-27 school year and returning for the 2027-28 school year.
Interim principal named at Marzolf Primary School
The Shaler Area School Board on March 18 named Heather Berney as interim principal of Marzolf Primary School, effective March 19.
Berney, assistant principal of Shaler Area Elementary School, will receive a $1,000 per month stipend above her existing salary.
Berney will serve as principal of Marzolf until the return of Principal Marty Martynuska. The reason for Martynuska’s absence, and when he is anticipated to return, were not made public.
Pork tenderloin on menu for May’s free Community Meal
Marvelous May means a marvelous meal!
Everyone is welcome to partake of fresh food, fun and fellowship at the free Community Meal from 5 to 7 p.m. May 4 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1719 Mt. Royal Blvd., in Shaler.
The menu will include pork tenderloin, roasted potatoes, green bean casserole, coleslaw, rolls and dessert.
Free meals are served on the first Monday of each month at the church.
The next one after May will be from 5 to 7 p.m. June 1.
For details, visit www.belc.org or call the church office at 412-486-0550.
Catholic Charities providing free dental care
Catholic Charities is hosting free dental care to adults 18 and older at its free health care center from 9 to 11 a.m. Mondays through Fridays through April 18.
The center is located at 111 Boulevard of the Allies in Downtown Pittsburgh.
No appointments are necessary. The free services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dental exams provided include oral cancer screenings, abscess checks and dental disease evaluations.
Care planning will be offered to connect participants to follow-up care and treatment, if needed.
Participants can expect friendly staff and student providers, a respectful and no-judgment environment, and a chance to improve one’s health and smile.
For details, call the health care center 412-456-6911 or visit ccpgh.org/services/free-health-care-center.
2-day Junior Fire Camp open to teens
Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services is offering a Junior Fire Camp from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13 and 14 for teens ages 13-17.
Are you curious about what it’s like to be a firefighter?
Discover the world of volunteer fire service with this one-of-a-kind experience featuring fun, hands-on activities guided by real firefighters.
Participants will receive a T-shirt.
The cost of the camp is $35, and scholarships are available.
After applying, you will be notified if you qualify for a scholarship.
For details, visit station102.org/fire-camp.
Presentation set for Shaler’s parks plan
A presentation on Shaler’s parks and recreation master plan is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. April 18 at the party deck at Crawford Pool.
A final report on the plan from OHM Advisors is available at the township’s website at shaler.org.
The township is accepting comments or questions on the final report through a form on its website.
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, 9000 Babcock Blvd., McCandless.
Doors will open at 9:30 a.m.
The event will feature 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.
North Hills Chorale plans patriotic spring 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.
Join us as we 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 continued success of North Hills Chorale.
The group began as a CCAC noncredit class in 1993 and presented its first concert in December 2003. It gained nonprofit status in 2011.
To learn more about the group, visit nhchorale.com.
Join Reserve manager for coffee
Reserve’s coffee and doughnuts meet-up with Manager Jan Kowalski is back for 2026.
An announcement about each session will be posted online the week the meeting. All sessions begin at 9 a.m. in the Reserve Fire Department’s Mt. Troy Ballroom, 33 Lonsdale St.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
The May 1 date will feature state Sen. Wayne D. Fontana, D-Brookline.
Additional meetings throughout the year will take place on May 29, June 26, July 31, Aug. 28, Oct. 2 and Oct. 30. Check the township’s website and social media closer to these dates for the special topics and guests.
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.
To have your news or event listed in our briefs section, email editor Marje Horvath at mhorvath@triblive.com.