To have your news or event listed in our briefs section, email editor Marje Horvath at mhorvath@triblive.com.
Swing for a Cause to benefit local pancreatic cancer foundation
The Wayne Fusaro Pancreatic Cancer Foundation will present its Swing for a Cause fundraiser from 1 to 5 p.m. May 9 at Swing 412, 3394 Saxonburg Blvd. in Hartwood Plaza, Indiana Township.
There will be one-hour timeslots per foursome — Par 3, 9 holes. The cost is $140 per foursome, and there is a limited number of foursomes.
The winning foursome will receive $400. Other prizes, which are $10 for three chances, include $100 for the longest drive and $100 for the closest pin.
The Sip Taproom will be open; drink specials and food will be available.
There also will be raffle baskets and a 50-50.
To register, send an email to jillfusaro@verizon.net or call or text Lisa at 412-736-5868.
Payments can be made via Square or Venmo@WFPCRF.
Senior citizens invited to free wellness fest
The Senior Justice & Wellness FEST will be from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 13 at the Pittsburgh Shrine Center, 1877 Shriners Way, Cheswick. Registration will begin at 9, followed by the day’s program at 9:30.
The free event, presented by Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr., is an opportunity for senior citizens to connect with valuable resources.
A free lunch will be served. There will be experts speaking on a variety of topics, health screenings, prizes and giveaways, live music and an opportunity to responsibly dispose of unwanted or expired medication.
Attendees will be able to engage with service providers, discover way to improve well-being and learn how to protect themselves from fraud and abuse.
To register, call 412-430-3416.
Annual Seedling Giveaway coming up at library
Sharpsburg Community Garden will host its annual Seedling Giveaway from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 17 in the parking lot of Sharpsburg Community Library, 1212 Main St.
Everyone is welcome to stop by for a free vegetable or herb seedling.
The library will not be open during this event.
Keep in mind that parking is limited at the library. If the library lot is full, visitors should consider parking at the 13th Street municipal lot.
District again recognized for music education
The Fox Chapel Area School District has been named among the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education for the 15th year.
Fox Chapel Area is one of 141 school districts in Pennsylvania and one of about 1,000 in the nation selected for the honor. The distinction recognizes districts that demonstrate an exemplary dedication to music education and their ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to music learning as part of a well-rounded education.
The districts were selected through a program sponsored by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation, which honors districts for outstanding achievement in providing access to high-quality music education.
Recipients of the Best Communities for Music Education Awards were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support.
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit that works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. The group strives to build inclusive and thriving musical communities and invests in the future of music.
High school’s strength, conditioning program recognized
Fox Chapel Area High School has been named a School of Distinction by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, which recognizes excellence in strength and conditioning programs nationwide.
The NSCA School of Distinction program honors K-12 schools that demonstrate the highest standards in strength and conditioning. This recognition awards strength and conditioning programs that meet rigorous criteria in the following categories: program supervision, strength and conditioning program administration, strength and conditioning education, and facility management. Fox Chapel Area High School is among 13 schools nationwide to receive the recognition and the first in Pennsylvania.
The district’s strength and conditioning program is led by Brandon Peifer, a social studies teacher at the high school.
“Being recognized as an NSCA School of Distinction reflects the dedication and expertise of our staff, as well as the commitment of our students,” says Michael O’Brien, the district’s director of athletics. “Coach Peifer’s passion and proven workout implementation grounded in science is why his program is so successful.”
“The NSCA School of Distinction award is a huge milestone because it proves we’re committed to developing the ‘whole student’ by using the highest professional standards in athlete training and safety,” Peifer said. “This honor puts Fox Chapel on the national map, showing that our students have access to a top-tier, college-level environment right here in our high school. It’s a proud moment that highlights the incredible teamwork between our strength staff, the administration, and our dedicated student-athletes.”
Motorists reminded to stop for school buses
Officers with the O’Hara Police Department are reminding motorists that it is Pennsylvania law to stop for school buses with flashing lights and an extended stop arm.
Violators face a $250 fine, plus costs; a 60-day suspension; and five points on their driver’s license.
Motorists are advised to always be alert, be patient and be responsible.
Blawnox Food Pantry to be open May 29
The Blawnox Food Pantry will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 29 at 376 Freeport Road.
Pantry operations have shifted this year to a ticket system similar to a supermarket deli to help alleviate wait times and people lining up around the block to get food.
Participants may arrive at 10:45 a.m. to start picking their tickets.
No proof of residency or income is required.
For details, call 412-828-4141.
Registration open for district’s STEAM camps
Registration is now open for Fox Chapel Area School District’s annual STEAM Summer Camps, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 22-26 at Fairview Elementary School, 738 Dorseyville Road.
The full-day camps are for students who will be in grades 1-8 for the 2026-27 school year.
The cost is $325 per camper, and no refunds will be given.
Early registration is advised because camps tend to fill up quickly.
A variety of camps are available to choose from:
• Chemistry in the Kitchen & Enchanted Ecosystems (grades 1 and 2)
• Messy Maker Artists & Mission: Storybook Rescue (grades 1 and 2)
• Wild Weather Warriors (grades 2-4)
• Secret Agent Academy (grades 2-4)
• Light, Sound, Action! (grades 3-5)
• Coding n’at (grades 3-5)
• Chaos by Design (grades 3-5)
• Sky High & Hands-On: The Ultimate Drone & Robotics Challenge! (grades 3-5)
• Blueprint: Mythos & Mapmakers (grades 4-6)
• Expedition: Earth (grades 4-6)
• The Scrub Squad (grades 6-8)
• Slab Lab (grades 6-8)
For details and to register, visit https://bit.ly/FCASDSTEAMCamp2026.
Votes sought for tote bag design
Allegheny RiverTrail Park invites everyone to vote for their favorite Picture the Park 2026 submission.
The winner’s artwork will be displayed on purchasable tote bags this spring. There are 15 drawings to choose from by children ages 2 to 11.
To vote, visit tinyurl.com/4fyatrsj.
Voting ends April 30.
Community invited to free skate night in park
Friends of the Front Yard is marking its second year with a free Community Party and Skate Night from 5 to 8 p.m. May 8 in Allegheny RiverTrail Park, 285 River Ave.
Everyone is invited.
There will be music, free food and free skate rentals. Beer will be available for visitors 21 and older.
Participants include DJ Chocolate Milk Mountain, Trace Brewing, Treat Down the Street and Wickets Skatewear.
The event coincides with Membership May and aims to provide a taste of what Friends of the Front Yard’s membership program has to offer.
O’Hara PTO plans mural art camp
The O’Hara Elementary PTO is hosting another mural art camp this summer at the school.
Parents can sign up their rising third, fourth and fifth graders to help.
The students will paint a mural in the lower entryway with instructor and artist Alison Zapata.
The camp is made possible by a grant from the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and Media and the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts.
Registration is now open.
• Session 1, planning week: 9 a.m. to noon June 8-10; the cost is $65.
• Session 2, painting week: 9 a.m. to noon June 29-July 2; the cost is $105.
• Session 3, parents attend with students to finish the mural: noon to 3 p.m. July 6-10; the cost is $85.
For details, visit O’Hara PTO online at oharapto.org or follow it on social media.
Course available to drivers 55 and older
Seniors for Safe Driving is offering an upcoming course for motorists 55 and older from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 12 at the Sharpsburg Senior Center, 209 13th St., Sharpsburg.
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.
Bingo to raise money for ministry’s outreach
Addiction Recovery Ministry is hosting a bingo fundraiser at 2 p.m. May 17 at the John Paul I Center, 201 Ninth St., Sharpsburg.
The fun-filled afternoon will include 10 regular games, five special games and a jackpot.
The cost is $25 for six cards for each game.
Free soft drinks and snacks will be provided.
For details or to reserve a seat, contact Rosemarie Haas at 412-378-9290 or email her at rhaasarm@gmail.com.
Spiritual retreat open to families
Addiction Recovery Ministry is hosting a half-day spiritual retreat for families from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 16 at the John Paul I Center, 201 Ninth St., Sharpsburg.
The retreat, titled “Living in Hope: In the Eye of the Storm,” will offer a day of renewal and connection filled with encouragement, inspiration and opportunities for reflection and spiritual rekindling.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Registration is limited. Reservations are required by May 10.
To reserve your spot, call Rosemarie Haas at 412-378-9290 or email rhaasarm@gmail.com.
Volunteers needed for removal of invasive garlic mustard plants
The Fox Chapel Park Commission is hosting a Garlic Mustard Pull event at 9 a.m. May 2.
Garlic mustard, a highly invasive biennial herb from Europe, produces chemicals that can weaken native plants’ ability to grow, which makes room for its seeds to take root. Each plant produces thousands of seeds.
The aggressive invaders have overrun the Trillium Trail and Salamander Park.
Volunteers should meet in the parking lot of McCahill Park, 625 Hemlock Hollow Road.. Groups will be dispersed to various parks.
Trash bags will be provided. Garden gloves are recommended but not required.
The plants are easily pulled by grasping them at the base, but a small hand trowel might be useful to loosen the surrounding earth for easier removal.
Virtual cooking class to focus on Mediterranean eating
Penn State Extension is offering a tasty trip to the Mediterranean as part of its “Let’s Cook at Home” virtual cooking class series.
“Let’s Cook at Home: Mediterranean” will take place online from 5 to 6 p.m. April 30. The Mediterranean way of eating is considered one of the healthiest diets worldwide and focuses on plant-rich cuisine, with less focus on meats and sweets.
Penn State Extension educators will prepare an authentic Mediterranean meal that is healthy and delicious.
The cost for the live-virtual webinar is $10. To register, visit extension.psu.edu/lets-cook-at-home-mediterranean or call 877-345-0691 by April 29.
“Let’s Cook at Home” classes address nutrition, healthy shopping, time-saving tips and more so cooks of all skill levels can navigate the kitchen with confidence. Classes are offered on a range of subjects, including special diets, weight management and cooking for one or two. All have been developed using science-based best practices.
To view the lineup of cooking classes, visit extension.psu.edu/lets-cook.
Helpers sought to tend to Sharpsburg’s vegetable garden
The Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization is in need of volunteers to help with the Sharpsburg Market Garden at 124 13th St.
The goal is to raise more than 800 pounds of produce again this year to help feed our community.
Seasoned gardeners, beginners and anyone curious and willing to get their hands dirty are welcome.
Benefits include learning new skills, meeting new people, sharing food and community, enjoying nature, eating your vegetables and helping us exceed our goal.
To sign up, visit bit.ly/4shWL73.
Summer programs, family exercise, game night set at center
The Lauri Ann West Community Center at 1220 Powers Run Road in O’Hara is celebrating its 10th anniversary. It is an independent, nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer-based board of directors. Open seven days a week, 360 days per year, the center is a welcoming gathering place for all. The Lauri Ann West Community Center builds connections, expands horizons and impacts lives by providing a safe place for all to learn, play and grow.
Here are some upcoming events:
• A&E (Arts and Enrichment) After-School Program: Registration for the 2026-27 program is now open. A&E is a unique, state-certified after-school program for K-5 students in the Fox Chapel Area School District. The two-hour program supports busy families while giving children a fun, enriching place to learn, play and connect with peers from across schools. As the only after-school program in the school district that brings together all four elementary schools, A&E helps build friendships that ease the transition to Dorseyville Middle School. Led by professional educators, A&E blends creative, hands-on activities with play, physical activity and outdoor time. With dedicated classrooms, daily gym access, a playground and an outdoor classroom, it offers a well-rounded experience. For details, visit lauriannwestcc.org/afterschool. Scholarships are available by visiting lauriannwestcc.org/membership/scholarships.
• Summer Camps: Nine weeks of exciting themed camps will be offered June 15 through Aug. 14 for campers ages 5 to 12. Campers will love making their own toys in Toy Maker’s Lab, a scavenger hunt through the Center during Myths and Legends, and cracking codes in Secret Agent Spy Camp. New Friday specials and more. Scholarships are available. Registration is open. To learn more about the weekly themes, visit lauriannwestcc.org/summer-camps-2026.
• Tot Time: 1:30 to 3 p.m. May 1. Guests 5 and younger, and their adults, are invited to run around the Alexander Family Community Room and burn off energy. This is unstructured and unsupervised play time, so guardians must stay and supervise children. Register at lauriannwestcc.org/programs/speakerseries-events so we can plan for your arrival.
• Adult Game Night: 6 to 8 p.m. May 1. Bring your friends or find some here while playing classics such as backgammon or Yahtzee. This is an 18-and-over event. More than 20 board games will be available to choose from, or you can bring your favorite from home. This event is free and open to all. Registration is required. To register, visit lauriannwestcc.org/programs/speakerseries-events.
• Take a tour at Beechwood Farms with us: 9 to 10:30 a.m. May 3. Community members interested in meeting at the beautiful nature reserve for a naturalist-led walk are welcome to join us as we learn more about migratory birds. To register, visit lauriannwestcc.org/event/naturalist-let-nature-walk-at-beechwood-farms.
• Pressed Flower Art Workshop with Fairway Farms: 6 to 8 p.m. May 15. Still searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift — or just craving a fun night out? Join Fairway Farms for a hands-on workshop where you’ll create a timeless botanical keepsake using real pressed flowers and foliage on beautiful natural matte cardstock. You’ll learn simple design techniques, including how to balance color, shape and negative space, along with tips for arranging and securing delicate petals so your piece stays vibrant and intact. Everyone will leave with a finished creation they can mail as a heartfelt card, display on a shelf or frame as a one-of-a-kind piece of art. BYOB. This class is $70. Register at lauriannwestcc.org/programs/adult-programs.
• Young at Heart Social Hour: 1:30 to 3 p.m. May 8. Community members 65 and older are welcome to visit for social time. Tables and chairs will be set up, and light snacks will be provided.
• Wine Wednesdays — Summer Music on the Scott Patio Series: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. These events are sponsored by Mary Margaret and Lloyd Stamy and in partnership with Band Together Pittsburgh, who will provide opening acts for the May, July and August shows. Here’s the lineup: May 20, Norman Nardini; June 24, Acoustic Union with opening act Michelle Hall; July 29, Michael Berkey; and Aug. 26, Devin Russian.
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.
Registration underway for Demchak Challenge
Registration is now open for St. Margaret Foundation’s 39th annual Brian Demchak Hope Challenge & Pets for Patients fundraiser, which will take place from May 10-16.
There also will be a Lunchtime Wellness Walk from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 12 in RIDC O’Hara.
Participants will receive a race shirt and a finisher’s medal.
Designate your participation in honor or memory of someone special with a free wind spinner personalized by the foundation and displayed in the hospital courtyard. Wind spinners may be picked from the garden until June 21.
Brian Demchak loved participating in a 5K, and he loved doing it with someone he loved — his mom, Tina. They made it a family tradition to participate in the Hope Challenge until Brian passed away in 2016 at 57.
The Brian Demchak Hope Challenge, presented by PNC, is a fundraiser that one can participate at their convenience with the people or pets they enjoy while filling in the gaps with hope for patients and employees at St. Margaret. Proceeds provide medication, transportation to chemotherapy and other treatments, insulin, walkers and more for under-resourced patients of UPMC St. Margaret.
For details or to register, visit stmargaretfoundation.org/challenge or call 412-784-4205.
Registration also is available at runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=105779.
Camp for teens to teach animal welfare, advocacy
Animal Friends is hosting a free Community Voices for Animals apprenticeship for teens from noon to 3 p.m. June 15, 22 and 29 and July 6 at Roots of Faith, 800 Main St., Sharpsburg.
Teens entering grades 7 through 12 are encouraged to apply. Spots are limited and will be filled on a rolling basis.
During the Community Voices for Animals camp, teens will dive into animal welfare, advocacy and animal shelter care in ways that are creative, relevant and hands-on.
Through art projects, group activities and interactive discussions, participants will explore topics affecting animals and how they can help. The camp is about using one’s voice, creativity and compassion to make a difference for animals in need alongside other teens who care, too.
Acceptance notifications will be sent by June 5.
Audubon Society to sell native plants in May
The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is gearing up for its annual Native Plant Nursery Spring Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 9 at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Road, Fox Chapel.
There will be plenty of native plants to choose from that will attract birds, butterflies and beneficial insects to one’s garden.
Audubon Society offering summer camps
The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is hosting Audubon Nature Camps this summer at its Butler, Fox Chapel and Sarver locations.
Full-day and half-day camps are available. Each week has a different theme.
Outdoor Discovery camps for grades K-6, Wilderness Skills for Survival for grades 5-8, Birdz 101 and Birdz 201 camps for grades 6-9. A four-hour training course, Audubon-Naturalists-in-Training (ANTS), for teens 13-18 is free, but participants must commit to 30 hours of service with the Outdoor Discovery campers.
Scholarships are available.
The cost for full-day camps range from $365 to $395 per member and $410 to $440 per nonmember; for half-day camps, the cost is $185 per member, $205 per nonmember.
For details, visit aswp.org.
Indiana Township plans Touch-A-Truck, open house
Indiana Township will host its fourth Touch-A-Truck event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 16 alongside an open house at Town Hall, 3710 Saxonburg Blvd.
Children of all ages will have the opportunity to sit and climb when they explore their favorite emergency vehicles, buses, construction equipment and other big vehicles.
There will be trucks and machinery from the Public Works Department, a tow truck, police vehicles and more. Food trucks will be on-site.
There also will be airbrush tattoos, bounce houses, yard games, police department tours and more.
Plant sale, Gardenfest coming up in O’Hara
Get ready for spring planting with two events scheduled in May for O’Hara Township Community Park.
The Trillium Garden Club will have its annual plant sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 2. There will be a variety of annuals, perennials, potted plants, hanging baskets, raffles and more. Credit cards, checks and cash will be accepted.
The Fox Chapel Garden Club is planning its annual Gardenfest from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 9. A variety of groups will be on-site:
• Fox Chapel Garden Club: Perennials, deer-resistant and native plants;
• Fox Chapel Girl Scouts: Garden art;
• The Green Foxes Girl Scouts: O’Hara Elementary School’s kids garden club and bake sale;
• Guyasuta Garden Club: Hanging baskets, floral baskets and houseplants;
• Lambs Ear Farm: Succulents, perennials and houseplants;
• Men’s Garden Club: Tool and knife sharpening;
• North American Rock Garden Society: Mini conifers, dwarf hardy ferns and alpine plants;
• Pa. Wild Ones: Wild Ones shirts and native seed packets;
• Penn State Master Gardeners: Perennials and tomato plants;
• PittMoss: Soil scientist and high-quality soils from recycled materials;
• Rustic Residence: Bird, bee and butterfly dwellings;
• Local artisans: Wood art, photography, paintings and glass creations.
For details, visit www.foxchapelgardenclub.org.
Household Chemical Collection set for May 2
The Pennsylvania Resources Council is hosting a Household Chemical Collection event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 2 at the North Park Pool, South Ridge Drive, McCandless.
Advance registration is required by calling 412-488-7490, emailing info@prc.org or online at prc.org/HHW.
The cost is $20 for every 10 gallons or 50 pounds of the following materials:
• All paint products
• Household cleaners
• Aerosol cans
• Batteries
• Automotive fluids and fuels
• Pesticides and herbicides
• CFL bulbs
• Photo and pool chemicals
• Smoke detectors
Oversized loads will be subject to additional fees at the discretion of on-site staff. Other fees include $12 per fire extinguishers and $15 per pound of liquid mercury.
For a complete list and more information, visit prc.org.
Hard-to-Recycle Collection set May 9
The Pennsylvania Resources Council is hosting a Hard-to-Recycle Collection event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 9 at the Pittsburgh Shrine Center, 1877 Shriners Way, Cheswick.
Advance registration is required by calling 412-488-7490, emailing info@prc.org or online at prc.org/HTR.
The $5 participation fee covers an unlimited amount of computer equipment, batteries, bulbs, VCR/DVD players, cable boxes, cords, cables, toasters, blenders, stereos, routers, modems, phones, shredders, copiers and scanners, Styrofoam blocks, video game consoles and more.
Visit the website above for a complete list of items that can be collected.
Per-item fees include $2 per 4-foot light tube and $4 for an 8-foot size; $5 per printer, microwave or electric lawn care tool; $6 per car tire with no rim and $14 with a rim (oversize tires are subject to an additional fee); $10 per small freon appliance; $20 per computer monitor; $35 per flat-screen or CRT television; and $45 per projection or console television.
Summer camp signups open in Indiana Township
Registration is now open for Indiana Township’s summer camp, which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 15 to July 17, except July 3, at Emmerling Community Park, 151 Cove Run Road.
The camp is open to children who have completed kindergarten through age 12.
Early bird registration by May 29 for residential families is $110 per child, $110 for second child and $260 for three or more children; for nonresidents, the early bird cost is $220 for one child, $220 for a second child and $520 for three or more children.
The regular registration cost on May 30 and later for residential families is $150 per child, $150 for second child and $320 for three or more children; for nonresidents, the regular registration cost is $300 for one child, $300 for a second child and $640 for three or more children.
The deadline to register is June 5. Late registrations will not be accepted.
There is no early drop-off, and late pick up will be subjected to additional fees.
For details and to register, visit indianatownship.com/summer-camp-information-registration.
Counselors 16 and older needed for summer camp
Indiana Township is looking to hire counselors for its 2026 summer camp.
Applications are available at the Town Hall’s administrative office and online at indianatownship.com.
Preference is given to applicants 16 and older who reside in Indiana Township. All staff will be responsible for obtaining and submitting Childline and criminal history clearances and FBI fingerprinting before the first day of camp.
Summer camp is held in Emmerling Community Park. The position requires staff to be outdoors every day, except on inclement weather days.
Applicants must be available for all five weeks of camp from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, from June 15-July 17. Anyone not available for those specific dates and times will not be considered for employment.
Applications, which are due by May 1, can be dropped off or mailed to Indiana Township Town Hall, Attention: Counselor Applications, 3710 Saxonburg Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15238.
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 13-14 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.
Trailside Tasting to benefit camp’s special-needs programs
Camp Guyasuta is hosting its second annual Trailside Tasting fundraiser from 1 to 5 p.m. May 17 at the campsite, 300 23rd St., Sharpsburg.
The event raises money to support special-needs programs the camp provides to youths with disabilities.
It will feature an afternoon of sampling wine, spirits, beer, rum, vodka, whiskey from local vendors.
Attendees must be 21 and older.
The cost is $25 and can be paid in advance online at campguyasuta.org/trailside-tastings or at the door.
Participating vendors so far include Laurel Highlands Meadery, Ponfeigh Distillery, Low Rider Jewelry, Lucky Sign Spirits, Elfinwild Farms, Deadhead Winery, La Vigneta Winery, Wigle Whiskey, Threadbare Cider and Mead, S&S Chocolates and Hazel Grove Brewing.
For details, call 412-782-2669 or visit Camp Guyasuta’s website.
Registration open for summer camps at Camp Guyasuta
Camp Guyasuta is offering a weeklong co-ed STEM Adventure Day Camp throughout June and July for children ages 6 to 14.
The camp is held in a “drop-off” format, with early arrival and late pickup available. This arrangement allows youth of working parents the ability to attend an adventure of a lifetime while not disrupting work schedules.
Registration currently is underway and will close once 180 campers have signed up for each age group, 6-10 and 11-14, per week. The first week starts June 1 and the last week begins July 27.
The cost is $300 per camper for the 6-10 group and $350 for those 11-14.
Activities include archery, target and range sports, ropes courses, gaga ball, human foosball, creek hikes and swimming.
For details about the camp and to register, visit campguyasuta.org/day-camp.
For questions about participation or exclusion from an activity, call 412-782-2669.
To request to be with a friend, email Kim Daniher at kim.daniher@scouting.org as soon as both campers are registered. The camp tries to accommodate friend requests, but it is not guaranteed. Once groups are filled, however, friend requests will not be accepted.
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.
Backpack for Hunger welcomes donations, volunteers
Childhood hunger is an issue, even in the Fox Chapel area.
The Fox Chapel Area School District is the most socioeconomically diverse in Pennsylvania. More than 25% of the approximately 4,000 students in the district meet the low-income requirements to qualify for the free and/or reduced-price lunch program.
The Backpack for Hunger program helps to fill the gap. Twice a month, a group of volunteers gathers to pack food bags, which are then delivered to schools to be distributed to students on a weekly or more frequent basis, as needed. In addition to being volunteer-driven, Backpack for Hunger also is dependent on public donations to purchase food. The current high food prices mean more children than ever before need Backpack for Hunger’s food bags. These high food prices also make the Backpack for Hunger program more expensive to fund. Donations are especially needed at this time.
To donate to Backpack for Hunger or to help with packing food bags, visit the program’s website at backpackforhunger.org or call 412-418-6254. Donations may be mailed to Backpack for Hunger, P.O. Box 11266, Pittsburgh, PA 15238.
Grant covers free spay, neuter surgeries for Sharpsburg 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.
Commemorative bricks available to honor Blawnox veterans
Memorial bricks are still available for purchase to honor current or former Blawnox residents who have served our country.
Many bricks already have been installed at the Veterans Memorial, along with new lamps and new pavers, along Freeport Road.
The memorial aims to serve as both a remembrance and a living memorial.
To purchase a brick in honor of a veteran, visit BricksRUs.com/DonorSite/BlawnoxCentennial.
Each brick measures 4 inches by 8 inches and costs $100.
Select commemorative products also can be purchased as keepsakes, including a donor brick for $60, an exact duplicate of the brick purchased with the addition of felt backing; a souvenir brick for $25, a smaller option that fits in one’s hand bearing your custom inscription; and a donor certificate for $10, a laser-printed certificate on heavy ivory paper showing your inscription on a red-colored brick background.