To have your news or event listed in our briefs section, email editor Marje Horvath at mhorvath@triblive.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 concert series starts soon at Hartwood Acres
Allegheny County’s 2026 summer concert series starts soon at Hartwood Acres Amphitheater in Hampton.
The free concerts are open to all ages.
Offerings from local food trucks will be available starting at 6 p.m. The bands take the stage at 7:30 p.m.
A special patriotic-themed aerial drone show July 5 to mark America’s 250th anniversary at Hartwood Acres. More than 200 drones will light up the sky, synchronized to music by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
For that show in particular, county officials are asking a suggested donation of $30 per vehicle, which will benefit the Allegheny County Department of Human Services’ programs for youth and children.
For details, visit alleghenycounty.us/Parks-and-Events/Special-Events/Summer-Concerts-Series.
Here are the concerts scheduled at Hartwood Acres:
June 7: Pittsburgh Opera
June 14: Melinda & the Night Sky (rock); opener: Grace Campbell & Rocket Loves Blue
June 21: Yacht Rocket (dad rock)
June 28: Kings of Latin Jazz featuring Tito Puente Jr. and Nestor Torres (Latin jazz); opener: Hugo Cruz and Caminos
July 5: (8:15 p.m. start) America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration featuring Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and concluding with a patriotic drone show; suggested donation: $30 per vehicle to benefit children and youth services in Allegheny County
July 12: The Fixx (British pop/rock)
July 19: Cyril Neville (New Orleans jazz/funk); opener: Norside
July 26: Arrested Development (Atlanta-based early ’90s hip-hop); opener: Cam Chambers
Aug. 2: The Wood Brothers (Americana/folk/acoustic); presented by 91.3 WYEP-FM with opener Ric Robertson
Aug. 9: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (big band/swing)
Aug. 16: The Lemon Twigs (alternative/power pop/glam rock)
Aug. 23: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Aug. 30: Blasey Does the Beatles (British invasion)
Sept. 6: Buzz Poets (’90s Pittsburgh rock); opener: New Invisible Joy
Fox Chapel seeks full-time police officer
The Fox Chapel Police Department is looking to hire a full-time patrol officer.
Applications are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Fox Chapel Borough Building, 401 Fox Chapel Road, or online at fox-chapel.pa.us.
Completed applications must be returned by 4 p.m. June 12. A $25 nonrefundable fee is required upon submission of the application. Checks should be made payable to Fox Chapel Borough.
The physical agility test will be held at 9 a.m. June 18 at the Allegheny County Police Academy, 700 W. Ridge Road, McCandless; all candidates must bring a valid photo ID. Immediately after successfully passing the physical agility test, candidates will be offered the written exam.
Candidates wishing to discuss the police department contract, working conditions or general questions should contact Chief C. Ellis Watson at cwatson@fox-chapel.pa.us or 412-850-5024.
Violators of hands-free law face fines soon
The Aspinwall Police Department is reminding motorists about Pennsylvania’s hands-free law that will be enforced with fines starting June 6.
As the department noted in a Facebook post, Paul Miller’s Law prohibits drivers from holding or using a hand-held mobile device to talk, text, email, search the internet or watch videos while driving or stopped in traffic.
After a year of warnings, violators now will face a $50 fine, plus court costs and fees, totaling roughly $198.50, according to the post.
Because it is a primary law, police can pull over a person solely for holding a phone, the post said.
Drivers must use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth, a speakerphone or mounts.
The law does not apply if the vehicle is safely parked on the side of or off the roadway. Phones also can be used to call 911 or report an emergency.
Alternate member needed for planning commission
Aspinwall has a vacancy for an alternate member on the borough’s Planning Commission.
Anyone interested in volunteering should email borough Manager Melissa Lang-O’Malley at melissa@boroughofaspinwall.com with a copy of your resume and a letter of interest.
The Planning Commission meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month in council chambers at the borough building, 217 Commercial Ave. All meetings are open to the public. Meeting minutes can be found on the borough website at aspinwallpa.gov.
The commission is working on revisions to the Borough Zoning Ordinance. Its core responsibilities involve reviewing applications for subdivision and land developments, business signs and residential curb cuts; reviewing plans for construction projects; and reviewing zoning ordinances and the comprehensive plan.
Pride in the Park set for June 29
The sixth annual Pride in the Park is slated for 4 to 8 p.m. June 29 at Allegheny RiverTrail Park in Aspinwall.
The youth-centered, family-focused gathering aims to connect and celebrate LGBTQIA students and families in the Pittsburgh area.
Everyone is welcome.
Three will be arts and crafts, games and activities, drag bingo, drag story hour, craft vendors, a resource fair and food and beverages.
A banned book swap and clothing swap also will be set up.
Attendees are welcome to bring a blanket or camp chair and find a spot for a picnic. A water filling station will be set up for those who bring a reusable water bottle to help reduce waste.
Advance registration is not required but is appreciated to help plan for the event.
To register for the free tickets and for details about the lineup, including a list of vendors, visit fcprideinthepark.com.
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., through state Rep. Mandy Steele.
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.
Cleaning products sought to help people in need
North Hills Community Outreach is collecting cleaning products through June 6 to stock its pantries.
Donations can be dropped off at any of its three offices from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to noon April 5 at its main office, 1975 Ferguson Road, Hampton.
Other locations are NHCO Millvale on the second floor of the Millvale Community Center, 416 Lincoln Ave., and at NHCO North Boroughs at Greenstone Methodist Church, 939 California Ave., Avalon.
Items needed include laundry detergent (under 100 ounces), disinfecting wipes, all-purpose cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, dish detergent, packs of sponges, rolls of paper towels and canvas shopping bags.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits cannot be used for cleaning products. Such items are a necessity and often pose an expense that many low-income families are unable to afford.
Each family in need receives a bag containing the above products.
Donations also can be ordered from NHCO’s Amazon wishlist or Walmart wishlist and sent directly to its office.
The organization’s next drive is themed Back to School. School supplies will be collected from June 8-Aug. 10. Last year, nearly 890 students received supplies. For a list of what is needed, visit nhco.org/sharing-project-donations.
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.
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.
A fundraiser also will be set up to benefit the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which aims to find a cure for childhood cancer. To help stop by the stand, in honor of Hudson Austin, or donate online at alexslemonade.org/2026/hudsons-lemonade-stand.
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 start 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.
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:
• 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.
• 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 Aug. 3) and Tennis (week of Aug. 10). Spots fill quickly — come join the fun. To register, visit lauriannwestcc.org/summer-camps-2026.
• Summer Programming: Get ready for a summer full of fun with our exciting one-day and weekly programs.
PreK — lauriannwestcc.org/programs/toddlers-pre-k: JumpStart Summer Pre-K Tennis, 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. June 15-July 20; Soccer Shots Summer Mini, 2- to 3-year-olds, 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. June 16-July 21; Soccer Shots Summer Classic, 3- to 5-year-olds, 3:30 to 4:10 p.m. June 16-July 21.
School-age — lauriannwestcc.org/programs/school-aged-children: JumpStart Summer Tennis, 5- to 8-year-olds, 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. June 15-July 20.
Adults — lauriannwestcc.org/programs/adult-programs: Deep Rest, A Reiki Experience, two sessions, join one or both, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. June 13 and July 11.
• Full-day Summer Camps: A limited number of spots are still available for nine weeks of exciting themed camps June 15 through Aug. 14 for campers ages 5 to 12. You also can join a waitlist. To learn more about the weekly themes, visit lauriannwestcc.org/summer-camps-2026.
• Wine Wednesdays — Summer Music on the Scott Family Patio Series: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 24. Acoustic Union crafts fresh yet familiar renditions of their own creations and songs you know and love. Michelle Hall will start the night at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own chairs, beverages (wine not mandatory) and snacks. Food also will be available for purchase through Aspinwall Everyday Gourmet. This event is sponsored by Mary Margaret and Lloyd Stamy. Here’s the rest of the lineup: July 29, Michael Berkey; and Aug. 26, Devin Russian.
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.
Blawnox Food Pantry to be open June 26
The Blawnox Food Pantry will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 26 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.
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.
To apply, visit tinyurl.com/53ahc8sz.
Acceptance notifications will be sent by June 12.
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.
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.