To have your news or event listed in our briefs section, email editor Marje Horvath at mhorvath@triblive.com.
Agenda items on police matters to be revisited
Fox Chapel Council plans to vote May 18 on a few items related to replacing retiring police Sgt. Jeffrey Clark.
The items would be to authorize the Civil Service Commission to proceed with the hiring process for a new patrol officer, advertisement of the same and the hiring of a consultant to administer the written examination.
Council voted on all three items April 20.
However, the motions were not listed on the public agenda at the meeting nor on the online agenda posted on the borough website.
Voting on items not listed on an agenda is a potential Sunshine Act violation. There are certain circumstances in which local governments may amend their agendas at a meeting, add items and then take action.
No amendments were made last month, and those three activities had to be stopped.
Borough Manager Julie Bastianini said the agenda omissions were an inadvertent mistake in using the borough’s new agenda management system and will be corrected when the motions are placed on this month’s agenda.
Parks Commission chairman to set down
Changes are coming to the Fox Chapel Parks Commission.
Wesley Posvar announced he will be stepping down as chairman after seven years.
He plans to remain on the board after new leadership is chosen. Posvar has been on the commission for the past 10 years.
Posvar was appointed to council in early January.
He said the chairperson should be able to speak freely about projects and give opinions, while council needs to remain as neutral as possible.
Intern appointed
Fox Chapel Council appointed Persy Porter Bacon as a summer intern at a rate of $15 per hour and a start date of May 15.
Bacon is expected to help with programs at the parks.
3rd annual RiverTrail RecDay coming up
The third annual RiverTrail RecDay is planned for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 31 at Allegheny RiverTrail Park in Aspinwall.
The free event aims to get everyone psyched for summertime recreation with a family-friendly day of fitness, fun, education and adventure along the Allegheny River.
The event is held in partnership with state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Fox Chapel.
Stop by for kayaking, bicycle tune-ups and trail info, exercise and yoga classes, fishing, nature crafts, educational opportunities, obstacle courses, gear giveaways, food and drinks, live music and more.
For details and class sign-up links, visit alleghenyrivertrailpark.org/event/rivertrail-recday-2026.
Free concerts lined up along river
Allegheny RiverTrail Park has announced the first two shows of its sixth annual Summer Concert Series, sponsored by the Short family:
• June 12: Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams. Campbell, a multi-instrumentalist from New York City, and Williams, a Tennessee-born vocalist, have been together since 1986. Their music blends roots, folk, country and blues.
• July 10: Norside City Council featuring the BGVs and Steeltown Horns. Norside, an organ trio formed in 2021, offers original works of soul-jazz-inspired grooves it dubs “Rust Belt Funk.”
The free series features nationally rising artists, some of Pittsburgh’s favorite bands, a waterfront stage, expanded food and drink options and unbeatable views.
Concerts take place on the second Friday of each month from June until September.
Attendees are welcome to arrive as early as 5 p.m. to grab a spot on the lawn, a beer from Trace Brewing and food from various alternating food truck options. All shows atart at 7 p.m.
Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket. Boaters are welcome to float on the Allegheny River and enjoy the music from the water.
This year’s media partner is 91.3 WYEP-FM.
For details, visit alleghenyrivertrailpark.org/summer-concert-series.
Street trees available for Sharpsburg residents
Sharpsburg residents can apply for a free street tree at their property.
Tree request forms can be found at sharpsburgborough.com/forms-permits. They should be returned to the borough as soon as possible so requests can be considered in the upcoming application for a fall planting.
All applications will be reviewed as part of the street tree planting process with Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and the TreeVitalize program. If the site is suitable — that is, has a wide enough sidewalk, no underground utilities, etc. — then the borough will list it as a place for a street tree to be planted.
Street trees provide many benefits to the community, such as improving air quality, increasing property values, mitigating flooding and calming traffic.
Clean Eatz Cafe closes in Blawnox
In a Facebook post, Clean Eatz Cafe announced it is closing its Blawnox location after nearly five years.
The healthy food restaurant at 175 Freeport Road — which featured meal plans, grab-and-go meals, dine-in options and catering — expressed gratitude for its patrons.
“We are proud to have served this community and made so many friends,” the post said. “We are also proud of the many customers who used Clean Eatz in their journey to improve their health and fitness. Keep it up!”
The Clean Eatz Cafe in Cranberry remains open. Customers from Fox Chapel will receive a 10% discount at that location, 20436 Route 19, Suite 610.
Clean Eatz has about 120 locations across the U.S. For details, visit cleaneatz.com.
Seeking neighbor nods
The Fox Chapel Herald welcomes reader nominations for its weekly Neighbor Spotlight profile, which features residents of communities within the Fox Chapel Area School District.
To nominate a neighbor, email reporter Joyce Hanz at jhanz@triblive.com. Neighbors can be any age but not an elected official.
Please include your name and contact number, as well as the name of the person you are nominating.
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:
• Family Group Exercise: 11:15 a.m. to noon May 17. Join us for a family-friendly group exercise class in the Dunlap Gymnasium. The class, led by Cassie Nice, focuses on getting families moving together. Guardians are responsible for their children during the class. Anyone younger than 13 must be accompanied by an adult. The class is free and open to all; no fitness membership is necessary. Registration is required at lauriannwestcc.org/event/family-group-ex-may.
• Specialty Summer Camps: Get ready for a summer full of fun, movement and imagination. There are a variety of specialty camps for kids ages 3 to 8. Don’t miss Mrs. Cubbage’s fan-favorite “Big Foot School-Age Summer Camp” the week of June 29. Got a sports lover? Check out these one-hour afternoon camps: Soccer (week of July 27, Basketball (week of August 3 and Tennis (week of August 10). Spots fill quickly — come join the fun. To register, visit lauriannwestcc.org/summer-camps-2026.
• Full-day Summer Camps: Nine weeks of exciting themed camps are offered June 15-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. There are new Friday specials and more. Scholarships are available. Registration is open. To learn more about the weekly themes, visit lauriannwestcc.org/summer-camps-2026.
• Child First Aid for Parents: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 4. When one’s child is sick or injured, the experience can be frightening. Parents are invited to this free first aid seminar. Dr. Jen Swab, deputy chief of Foxwall EMS, will cover common infant and child first aid situations, choking and CPR. This presentation is not a certification but will prepare parents to help manage these scary situations. Registration required at lauriannwestcc.org/programs/adult-programs. Child care is available during the class.
• 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.
Aspinwall residents welcome to join in yard sale
Aspinwall is having a boroughwide yard sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13-14.
Residents who wish to participate may sign up through the borough website at aspinwallpa.gov/yard-sale-page.
Indiana Township plans open house, Touch-A-Truck
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.
Other activities include airbrush tattoos, giant yard games, facility tours, music, bounce house, ice cream and more.
Parking will be available at Dorseyville Alliance and Trinity United churches. Police will be on-site to help with street crossings.
More information is available on the township website or by calling 412-767-5333.
Suicide prevention training aims to save lives
Penn State Extension is offering free webinars on evidence-based training aimed at saving lives and reducing suicidal behaviors.
Participants can choose from one of the following two-hour training sessions, each held from 1 to 3 p.m., on May 19, June 16, July 21 and Aug. 25.
Penn State Extension educators will lead the QPR Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention training. “Question, Persuade and Refer,” which was developed by the QPR Institute, teaches participants how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, how to offer hope to someone in need and how to get help.
Designed for all people, regardless of profession, who are concerned about helping others, QPR is an emergency mental health intervention intended to interrupt a crisis and direct someone to proper care. Attendees will discuss potential scenarios and engage in active listening and persuasion techniques.
Penn State Extension offers the seminar free of charge, but participants must register by 11:59 p.m. the day before the event to receive the link to access the webinar. The recording link will not be available after the webinar.
Continuing education credits are available.
For details and to register, visit the Penn State Extension website at extension.psu.edu/qpr-gatekeeper-suicide-prevention-training-webinar or call 1-877-345-0691.
Veterans Place seeks volunteer mentors
Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard is seeking mentors for its Mentorship Program, which connects veterans with supportive volunteers who can provide guidance, encouragement and practical support as they work toward personal and professional goals.
The program helps veterans strengthen their support systems, stay connected to available resources and work toward self-sufficiency.
Veterans Place, serving veterans since 1996, offers a wide range of support in the Pittsburgh area, including housing assistance, employment programs and access to community-based resources.
Veteran status is not required to be a mentor. Veterans Place said shared military experience can help mentors connect with participants, but the most important qualities are dependability, strong communication, patience, consistency and a supportive, nonjudgmental approach.
Mentors provide regular check-ins, help with goal-setting and connect mentees with resources. The program is open to people who are willing to listen, share knowledge and commit to helping veterans grow.
Community members interested in becoming mentors or learning more should contact James Smith, Mentorship Program liaison, at 412-844-0716 or jsmith@veteransplaceusa.org to schedule a meeting and review next steps.
Cornhole golf outing to raise money for myasthenia gravis group
The Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western Pennsylvania is hosting a Cornhole Golf Tournament to benefit the nonprofit’s free patient support services.
The event will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 23 at Cornhole Golf Course, 540 State Route 228 in Adams Township.
Registration and check-in will start at 5:30 p.m., followed by a shotgun start at 6. In addition to 18 holes of cornhole golf, attendees will be treated to a post-event tailgate party. There also will be a hole-in-one contest, a 50-50 drawing, a basket raffle and a silent auction.
Cornhole golf is a twist on two classic games: cornhole and mini golf. The 18-hole skill toss obstacle course features fun and challenging obstacles for all ages.
Individual registration is $35 per golfer, and a foursome is $120. Tickets also are available for a “tailgate only” option at $20 per person.
The Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western Pennsylvania is marking its 71st year of service to people affected by myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder of extreme muscle weakness with no known cause or cure.
For details about the organization, visit mgawpa.org.
To register for the event, email mgaoffice@mgawpa.org or call 412-566-1545.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 to 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.
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.