Many Fox Chapel area families are a little safer and more prepared for emergencies thanks to the efforts of the school district and local first responders.
The fifth annual free Community Safety, Health & Wellness event took place April 18 in Aspinwall.
It’s presented by the district and its school resource officers in conjunction with the district’s municipalities — Aspinwall, Blawnox, Fox Chapel, Sharpsburg, O’Hara and Indiana Township — and their police departments.
Local fire and EMS departments, as well as state police and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, also participated.
There were a variety of emergency vehicles for families to explore. Police and firefighters also shared safety tips with families.
Scott Bailey, an Aspinwall patrolman and district officer, led youths on a bike ride throughout the borough.
Leo Tuminella, 11, of Aspinwall showed off his bike-riding skills along Commercial Avenue as they returned to the lot.
He said he had fun and the officers made everybody feel safe.
Bailey also distributed at least 80 bike helmets that were donated by UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
He has been involved in the safety day since its inception.
“It’s great being a part of the community,” Bailey said. “Being involved — whether working on the streets here in Aspinwall or as a school resource officer with the Fox Chapel (Area) School District — you really grow roots. It’s nice because you get to see the families, the kids and have a positive interaction with them.
“It’s very special. … We have many hats as law enforcement officers. Being a school resource officer, you have many more hats as well.”
Resource officers also served food, including grilled chicken kabobs, watermelon, burgers and hot dogs.
Several nonprofits and clubs set up informational booths and games. There also was a bike raffle.
Community partners included Fox Families Care, UPMC St. Margaret hospital, Foxwall EMS, Fox Chapel Hockey Club, Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream and Aspinwall Tee Ball.
“I am so excited to spend the day as a community together with so many community partners,” district Superintendent Mary Catherine Reljac said.
“I think it’s a testament to the collaboration we have in the district and its communities that we can have such a wonderful event for families and children and spend time together working together. It feels bigger than before.”
Free chair massages were offered by Aspinwall-based Rekindled Spirits massage therapist Joan Gennarini and Fox Chapel-based WAY Wellness Center massage therapist Helena Scharf as part of the event’s wellness portion.
“We’re giving back to the community today,” Gennarini said. “Everybody needs a little wellness, a little stress relief.”
Jamie Anderson of Indiana Township watched as her children, Victoria Ryan, 8, and Tristan Ryan, 10, learned about household safety from Pittsburgh Poison Center community educator Sylvia Brown.
Brown talked about the importance of separating food from cleaning products among other topics.
“We love this event,” Anderson said. “We’ve come a couple of years, and we just really love being anywhere when they do community events like this. It’s really great messaging with all the safety messages, and I learn a lot, too.”
She said the kids really liked the Mr. Yuk stickers.
Victoria said her favorite part of the event was going to every stand and getting candy.
Pittsburgh Penguins mascot Iceberg was there along with a cop from the animated show “Paw Patrol.”
The event is held rain or shine. Organizers lucked out this year with sunshine and temperatures rising from the mid-70s into the low 80s by the event’s end.