In brief: Herald area events for the week of Aug. 5, 2024
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Duquesne Light schedules power outage in parts of Aspinwall
Residents should already have been notified by Duquesne Light about a scheduled power outage from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5 — rain date will be Tuesday, Aug. 6.
The area of the outage will be Western Avenue and First, Second and parts of Third streets (0 through 100 blocks).
For questions, call Duquesne Light at 412-393-7100.
Tree-planting effort involving second graders earns state award
The Fox Chapel Area School District, in conjunction with three local organizations, received a 2024 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence its students’ role in the restoration of habitat at Salamander Park in Fox Chapel.
More than 300 second-graders from the district’s four elementary schools — Fairview, Hartwood, Kerr and O’Hara — worked on the project alongside members of the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, the Allegheny County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, and Fox Chapel’s Parks Commission and Public Works Department.
The children helped to plant more than 300 trees in the riparian habitat of Sycamore Run, a stream that borders the park. The partnership engaged students, teachers, nonprofit organizations and community volunteers to plant more than 1,500 native trees.
The awards, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, honored 22 projects statewide.
Aspinwall to inventory water lines
Per a requirement by the state Department of Environmental Protection, Aspinwall must complete a boroughwide water line inventory by Sept. 30.
Personnel from the water department must be able to access property owners’ water meters to investigate the pipe material entering the property from the outside.
To schedule an appointment, property owners should contact the borough office at 412-781-0213.
Pantry items wanted
Sharpsburg Community Library needs items for its Little Free Pantry at 1212 Main St.
Items needed include tomato sauce, pasta, tuna, cereal, mac and cheese, fruit snacks, peanut butter, snack packs and shelf-stable milk.
Items not needed include applesauce, pretzels, fruit cups, pudding, canned soup, canned beans and toiletry products.
Donations can be made during library hours from 1 to 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 to 5 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
The pantry is stocked three times weekly and is completely supported through donations.
For details, call the library at 412-781-0783.
Calling all gear heads
The Lauri Ann West Community Center, 1220 Powers Run Road, is hosting its third annual Cruisin’ at the Center event for auto aficionados from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 11.
Chip Ganassi Racing, which sponsors the event, will showcase its PNC Bank IndyCar on-site.
Food will be available at Aspinwall Everyday Gourmet in the center and through the Mr. Bulgogi Korean Grill and Kona Ice food trucks.
For details, call the center at 412-828-8566.
‘Wonka’ to be shown in O’Hara park
O’Hara is hosting a Movie in the Park at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 in O’Hara Township Community Park.
The PG-13 movie “Wonka” will be screened. Admission is free.
Comments sought on draft of long-range plan
O’Hara and Fox Chapel officials recently released the draft of a long-range plan to benefit both communities.
It is available for review and public comment.
The overarching vision of the 140-page plan is to sustain and build upon the high quality of life the communities are known for and set the stage for the coming decade.
People are urged to offer their thoughts for consideration by planning commissions and councils by Aug. 14.
Links to the plan and comment form can be found at planforourfuture.com.
Teacher honored
Fox Chapel Area High School world language teacher Kelly Barone was named a Pennsylvaia State Modern Language Association global educator.
The honor reflects the culture, environment and priorities that the Fox Chapel Area School District has established to encourage and recognize insight and forward-thinking in preparing students for success in today’s world, according to PSMLA officials.
This is the second time Barone, a Spanish teacher, has been named a global educator by PSMLA. Her certification as a global educator is valid for two years.
Craft night planned in Blawnox
Best of Blawnox hosts a craft night every Monday throughout the summer from 6 to 8 p.m. at the pavilion in Blawnox Community Park.
People are encouraged to bring supplies for knitting, scrapbooking, embroidery and more. No registration is necessary.
Kids invited to read to therapy dog
Read with Mishka is set for 4 to 5 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Sharpsburg Community Library.
The free literacy program features Mishka, an elkhound mix and certified therapy dog, with Alejandra Bernal from Animal Friends.
It is geared for children in kindergarten through sixth grade.
Registration is encouraged.
For details, call 412-781-0783 or email mariachers2@einetwork.net.
Knitters to meet
Midweek Knitters, an arts and crafts program for adults, is set for 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 14 at Cooper-Siegel Community Library, 403 Fox Chapel Road in Fox Chapel.
Join a group of knitters and crocheters for two hours of crafting and chatting. Newbies are welcome.
For details, call 412-828-9520.
Free monthly musical performance open to community
The free Thursdays on the Patio event this month will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at Lauri Ann West Community Center, 1220 Powers Run Road.
The concert, in partnership with Band Together Pittsburgh, will feature Angelina Angelcyk & Kiara Smith Acoustic.
Attendees are invited to bring wine or other beverages and spend a warm evening listening to live music on the center’s patio. Bring your own chair. In case of inclement weather or extreme heat, the event will move indoors.
Snacks will be available for purchase at the center’s Aspinwall Everyday Gourmet.
The event is free, but registration is required.
To register, visit lauriannwestcc.org.
Summer Reading Party planned at Allegheny RiverTrail Park
The Cooper-Siegel and Sharpsburg community libraries will be closed Aug. 17 to take the fun off-site at Allegheny RiverTrail Park in Aspinwall.
Families are invited to attend the joint 2024 Summer Reading Party from 3 to 5 p.m. at the park, 285 River Ave.
There will be free food, activities, performances and more for children of all ages.
Registration is required.
To register, call Cooper-Siegel at 412-828-9520 or Sharpsburg Community Library at 412-781-0783. Attendees also can register online coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org by clicking on the event under the events calendar.
Aspinwall gears up for Big Night Out
Aspinwall Neighbors is hosting Aspinwall’s Big Night Out, the town’s largest annual celebration of community, from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 8 at the borough’s recreational fields on Field Avenue.
Big Night Out is a free event designed to bring together friends, families and neighbors for an evening of entertainment, education and fun for all ages.
Event highlights include:
● Live music by local band Paging Doctor Moon.
● Family-friendly activities, including a bounce houses, photobooth and foam party.
● Community engagement with fellow residents, local leaders and community organizations.
● A Neighborhood Lounge where residents 21 and older can enjoy local beer and spirit samples in a dedicated area; proof of ID will be required. The lounge also will offer kombucha samples provided by Vibrant Sunshine.
For the first time, food will be available to purchase on-site. There will be offerings from the Aspinwall Tee Ball Canteen, including pizza from Casa Del Sole. Proceeds from the canteen sale will go directly to Aspinwall Tee Ball. Other participants are include Aspinwall’s Cornerstone Restaurant, Spice Affair and Treat Down the Street.
Free food — cotton candy, popcorn and cookies — also will be provided by Aspinwall Neighbors while supplies last. Guests also are welcome to pack a picnic dinner.
Flea market set Sundays through October in Sharpsburg
The Sharpsburg Community Flea Market is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays through the end of October along North Canal Street from the Guyasuta statue to Bonaventura Way.
The cost is $5 per spot for vendors.
For details, call 412-927-9221.
Don’t miss upcoming free entertainment at Hartwood Acres
The Allegheny County Summer Concert Series is in full swing at the Hartwood Acres Amphitheater, 4070 Middle Road.
The concerts are free and take place rain or shine. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. Sundays, with local food trucks set up on-site at 6 p.m.
Here is the remaining lineup at Hartwood Acres:
Aug. 11: Matthew Whitaker
Aug. 18: MAGIC!
Aug. 25: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Sept. 1: 24th annual Allegheny County Music Festival
The music festival, starting at 7:30 p.m., will feature two-time Tony Award-winner Michael Cerveris singing the songs of David Bowie backed by a Pittsburgh All-Star band with special guests Scott Blasey and Rob James of The Clarks.
For the festival, a $20-per-vehicle requested donation supports requests made through the Department of Human Services and the Juvenile Section of the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas. Since 2000, the music festival has raised nearly $550,000 for the Allegheny County Music Festival Fund.
Donations, volunteers needed for Harvest Fair
Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church is seeking donations and volunteers for its Harvest Fair, scheduled Sept. 5-6.
Most home furnishings and clothes are accepted. Exceptions are mattresses, bed pillows, text books and encyclopedias.
Clothing and shoes should be in good condition and clean. Furniture pickup is available.
Drop-offs can be made from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
People should come to the Springhouse Lane side of the church.
The committee also is looking for volunteers to help sort donations and prepare them.
The huge affair requires lots of hands.
Proceeds benefit local charities such as the Youth Empowerment Project of Sharpsburg, women’s and children’s health organizations and shelters and food banks.
For details, call 412-576-8898.
Sharpsburg seeks volunteers for bicentennial events
Sharpsburg will celebrate its 200th birthday in 2026.
Residents interested in planning or volunteering to help with any events are invited to sign up for the borough’s Bicentennial Committee.
To access the signup form, visit sharpsburgborough.com and scanning the QR code under the header “Want to help plan the bicentennial events?”
The borough anticipates having multiple events throughout the anniversary year and will need lots of help.
Tree organization seeks volunteers
The Aspinwall Shade Tree Commission is in need of volunteers.
The environmental group meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at the borough building, 217 Commercial Ave.
Those interested in joining should contact the borough office at 412-781-0213 or email Councilwoman Mary Hancock at mhancock.aspinwall@gmail.com.
Group offers support for weight loss
All are welcome to join the men and women at Oakmont TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) who are learning how to lose weight.
With in-person meetings, rewards, support and encouragement, we gain knowledge of healthy eating and exercise.
You may visit with no obligation Tuesdays at 5:45 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1261 Pennsylvania Ave. in Oakmont. Weigh-in is private followed by a brief business meeting, sharing time, and educational program all ending by 7:15.
There is well-lit parking, wheelchair accessibility and security. For details, call 412-828-3854 or e-mail jmjkwj@gmail.com.
Host families sought for upcoming school year
Expand your horizons and learn about a new culture by bringing an exchange student into your family this fall.
AFSUSA, one of the oldest exchange programs in the country, is looking for host families for the coming school year.
Students can stay for a half-year or full year, or you can be a “welcome” family for six weeks.
Students from Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Brazil, Thailand and Ghana are hoping to find homes in Western Pennsylvania.
More than 130 countries participate in the program and AFS matches students to families according to their interests and lifestyle.
Students participating in the program come from 140 countries and can be placed with families with children, empty-nesters or single adults.
For details, call Carol Huff at 412-848-8095.
Nominations open for sports hall of fame
Nominations for the Sharpsburg Sports Hall of Fame are being accepted.
Nominations can be for any player, team or team builder such as a coach, equipment manager, broadcaster or someone who made a significant impact on a team. It is open to all sports.
Nominees must have lived in the borough at some point in time.
The Sharpsburg Historical Commission is expecting to induct three individuals and one team to the hall of fame. Nominations will be accepted until Aug. 31, and the induction ceremony will take place in the fall.
For details and nomination forms, visit the borough website at sharpsburgborough.com.