In brief: Herald area events for the week of Dec. 2, 2024
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O’Hara organizing a ‘Spread Cheer’ food collection
O’Hara Township is sponsoring a Spread Cheer Food Drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 14 in the municipal parking lot to support St. Vincent de Paul in Sharpsburg.
Nonperishable items that can be used as side dishes for the holidays and paper products are needed.
Toys, games and sports items also are needed for its annual distribution.
In addition to the Dec. 14 drive, items can be dropped off in the lobby of the township building, 325 Fox Chapel Road, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Dec. 13.
Aspinwall police collecting new toys for kids
The Aspinwall Police Department once again is collecting new and unwrapped toys through Dec. 15 for its Presents From Police program.
Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at several spots in Aspinwall, including the Aspinwall Borough Building, 217 Commercial Ave.; Beans ‘N’ Cream, 16 Brilliant Ave.; esSpa, 17 Brilliant Ave.; Farmers National Bank, 319 Freeport Road; and Newman Chiropractic Center, 50 Freeport Road, Suite 200.
Officers will pick up the presents and bring them to the police department. Then, they will deliver them to children on Dec. 16 at the Sunrise School in Monroeville, Dec. 18 at the Children’s Institute in Shadyside and Dec. 20 at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Dates set for 125th Christmas Bird Count
The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania announces dates for its 125th annual Christmas Bird Count.
The four regional count dates and the contact person to reach out to for details are:
• Dec. 14: Buffalo Creek Valley, includes Todd Nature Reserve and Buffalo Creek Nature Park; contact George Reese at g.reese@gaiconsultants.com
• Dec. 15: Mon Valley
• Dec. 28: Pittsburgh, includes Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Road, Fox Chapel; Brian Shema at bshema@aswp.org or 412-963-6100
• Dec. 29: South Butler, includes Succop Nature Park; contact Chris Kubiak at ckubiak@aswp.org or 412-963-6100
The Christmas Bird Count is the world’s longest-running citizen science project.
People of all ages and birding experience levels count birds that they see on the count date(s), then the data is compiled and used to measure changes in the environment and in bird populations. This wealth of information paints a clear picture of bird distribution and abundance while aiding in the understanding of the urgency of bird conservation.
Participation is free and prior experience is not necessary. New birdwatchers can be teamed up with experienced ones.
Interested participants can find a Christmas Bird Count training class on the Audubon Society’s website at aswp.org. To find your closest bird count circle, visit https://gis.audubon.org/christmasbirdcount.
The Audubon Society encourages families to get their children involved with corresponding Kids’ Christmas Bird Count programs.
At Beechwood Farms Nature Preserve, the family-friendly version of the count will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 28. A naturalist will serve as a guide. The outing is appropriate for school-age children, but they must be accompanied by an adult. To register, visit aswp.org and click on Calendar and the respective date in the menu.
Household goods sought for Blessing Board
Cooper-Siegel Community Library, 403 Fox Chapel Road, serves as a drop-off point for several local charities, including the Blessing Board.
The nonprofit Blessing Board, located in Shaler and West Mifflin, distributes gently used furniture and household goods to people who are in need of them.
Items currently being accepted at the library’s drop-off bins include towels, sheets, pillows, dishes, pots, pans and silverware.
To learn more about the “Expanding the Blessing” campaign, visit theblessingboard.org.
Sharpsburg plans holiday carnival with Santa
Sharpsburg Holidays on Main Street is organizing a carnival and holiday celebration from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Linden Gym, 205 N. Canal St.
There will be games and prizes from 3 to 4 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded for the Ugly Holiday Sweater contest, as well as the holiday karaoke contest from 3:15 to 4 p.m.
Singer Cat Tedder will perform from 4 to 4:45 p.m. An even more special guest, Santa, will cap the evening by distributing toys to children 8 and younger.
Anyone interested in participating in the karaoke contest must preregister because spots might not be available on the day of the event. To sign up, visit https://tinyurl.com/mwjn9m4p.
Seniors sponsoring 2nd Jingle Bell Bash
Fox Chapel Area’s senior class is sponsoring the second annual Jingle Bell Bash for children in pre-K through fifth grade from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 in the high school cafeteria, 611 Field Club Road.
The seniors and members of high school clubs will provide activities such as holiday craft stations, games, story time with elves, pictures with Santa and a hot chocolate bar. The event is held to raise money for food donations and for Backpack for Hunger, the district’s 2024 telethon charity.
The event is free, but donations of nonperishable food items will be accepted. Suggested items include cans of soup, ravioli and spaghetti; applesauce pouches; peanut butter singles or jars; boxed or single-serve macaroni and cheese; protein bars; and single-serve cereals and snacks. Monetary donations — a suggested $5 per family — also will be accepted.
Reservations are required by Dec. 9 and can be made at https://bit.ly/FCASDJingleBellBash.
Parents and guardians should park at the back of the school near the tennis courts and use the entrance near athletics and the fox statue. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Backpack for Hunger is a local volunteer organization that provides weekend food for students in the Fox Chapel Area School District. The group also provides food to district children during the summer months. Since its inception in 2015, the group has distributed more than 85,000 bags of food.
Second Harvest wishlist available online
Second Harvest Community Thrift Store, 624 Clay St. in Sharpsburg, regulary curates and updates an Amazon Wishlist for items that are most often needed at its Community Free Fridge, which is open 24 hours a day, year round.
To access the list, visit secondharvestthrift.com/community-fridge and scroll down to the wishlist mention in the lower right corner. Items can be shipped directly to the store.
Items currently needed include Campbell’s Chunky Soup, peanut butter and jelly, Jergens moisturizer, toothbrushes and toothpaste, feminine products, diapers and toilet paper.
Pickleball courts open in O’Hara
O’Hara wrapped up work on its new pickleball courts in November at Meadow Park.
The fenced-in area is now open to aficionados of the sport.
Light Up the Wall to include fireworks
Light Up the Wall, a holiday extravaganza presented by the Aspinwall Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at the municipal lot along Commercial Avenue.
Activities include horse and buggy rides, pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, ice sculptures, carolers, face painting, a magic show, balloon artists, live music and food trucks.
Fireworks are planned for 7 p.m.
Admission and parking are free.
For details, visit aspinwallchamber.com.
Best of Blawnox plans back-to-back celebrations
Best of Blawnox’s holiday cookie tour and the borough’s Night of Lights are scheduled for Dec. 7.
The tour is set for 1 to 4 p.m. along the business district.
Participants are encouraged to start at the Veterans Monument at the corner of Freeport and North avenues, and then visit various businesses to sample baked goods and do some shopping.
Night of Lights will run from 4 to 6 p.m. with activities at the monument and at Hoboken Presbyterian Church.
A visit from Santa and the lighting of the tree will take place at 5:30 p.m.
For details, visit the borough’s Facebook page at facebook.com/BlawnoxBorough.
SAVES organizing Santa brunch Dec. 8
The Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services is sponsoring a Brunch With Santa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Regina Elena Social Club, 615 Main St., in Sharpsburg.
The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 5 to 10 and free for 4 and younger.
Santa will be on hand for photos. There also will be a bake sale.
Tickets are available at the Aspinwall Borough Building, 217 Commercial Ave.
Blawnox pantry changes distribution date ahead of holiday
To better serve the needs of the community ahead of the Christmas holiday, the Blawnox Community Food Pantry will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 16 intead of its regular last Friday of the month.
The pantry is located in the borough building, 376 Freeport Road. Donations to the pantry, including cash and gift cards, are welcome and can be dropped off at the office during normal operating hours.
The pantry also is available for emergencies during regular borough hours by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call the office at 412-828-4141.
Snow angels sought for annual winter program
The Best of Blawnox’s Snow Angels program pairs older residents and residents with disabilities with nearby neighbors who volunteer to assist with snow and ice removal on their sidewalks and walkways.
To volunteer or apply for assistance, call 412-295-1638 or email TheBestOfBlawnox@gmail.com.
Girl Scouts selling luminaria kits
Fox Chapel Girl Scout Troop 36333 is selling luminaria kits for neighborhoods to light up their yards, walkways and driveways on Dec. 24.
Each kit is $6 and includes five paper bags, five flameless battery-operated candles and enough sand to assemble the luminaria.
The deadline to order is Dec. 20, and all proceeds benefit the troop’s camping trips, activities and a weekend at ACE Adventure Resort in West Virginia.
The Girl Scouts will prepare the kits and deliver them to your home by Dec. 23. All you have to do is set them out at dusk on Dec. 24 to transform the community into a festive wonderland.
Here are some details to keep in mind:
• Homes must be within the Fox Chapel Area School District.
• Once an order is paid for, no refunds will be given because the troop members will need to purchase supplies and start assembling the kits.
• If you are ordering the service for a house that is not yours, please have the homeowner’s permission.
To place an order, visit https://tinyurl.com/mryc8knb.
Young adults encouraged to apply for garden bed scholarship
The Sharpsburg Community Garden Committee is accepting scholarship applications through Jan. 5 for residents between the ages of 18 and 25 who are interested in a free garden bed for the 2025 growing season.
The beds are located in the community garden behind Sharpsburg Community Library.
Any young adults who would like to learn how to start a garden or doesn’t have a space to grown their own vegetables and herbs are invited to apply.
This is an opportunity to learn a skill with a lifetime of benefits.
Experienced gardeners will advise participants on planting, caring and harvesting what is grown. They also will share their knowledge on how to start plants from seed, seed saving, basic compost techniques and pest control.
The scholarship covers the $25 fee to join. Note it is for one year only, and continued membership is determined by the garden committee.
Applications are available at the Sharpsburg library, 1212 Main St.
Applicants should include a brief introduction of themselves and why they are applying. Potential candidates will be notified by email and are required to attend an informal meeting before final selection.
For details, email Rosemary Wheeler at rwheeler25@yahoo.com.
Support group open to anyone who has lost loved one to overdose
Addiction Recovery Ministry hosts a grief support group at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays through the month of January at the John Paul I Center, 201 Ninth St., in Sharpsburg.
The group is open to anyone who has lost a loved one to an overdose. Attendees are welcome to share their experience, grief and healing.
Aspinwall Neighbors seeks gently used, new toys for holidays
Aspinwall Neighbors is partnering with Aspinwall Presbyterian Church, 299 Center Ave., to serve as a drop-off location for Play It Forward Pittsburgh, an organization in its 14th year of helping local families in need during the holidays.
Donations of gently used or new toys and gifts for children 12 and younger are being sought. Please note that books, stuffed animals and clothing cannot be accepted. Items can be dropped off at the church at these remaining times: 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3, 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 and 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 7.
Play It Forward Pittsburgh is a gently used children’s toy drive that helps families struggling to provide toys for their children during the holiday season. It collects gently used or new toys, games, electronics, sports equipment, bicycles and movies (DVDs only) and offers them for free to families in need.
Recipients must sign up to get on the list to receive items. They can choose from a prepackaged holiday box filled by volunteers based on the family’s wishlist or choose to shop in person with a designated time slot. Sign ups, which are on a first-come, first-served based, began Nov. 18 and can be done online by clicking the link at http://www.playitforwardpittsburgh.com/receive-toys.html.
The organization strives to provide a maximum of three items per child. The total toy limit per family is 15 items, one big ticket item if available and one new toy if available. Recipients must wear a face mask when picking up items. Recipients also must be able to transport the items without volunteer assistance from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222; recipients can bring other people with them to help carry items.
Holiday boxes will be available for pickup from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 13; shopping in person will take place Dec. 14 in a designated time slot. Pickup and shopping both take place at the convention center.
Blood donors sought
The American Red Cross and Vitalant are encouraging prospective blood donors to step up as colder weather sets in.
Donations of all blood types are crucial year-round, especially type O, the most frequently transfused blood type. O-negative blood can be given to patients of any blood type, while O-positive can help most patients.
To find a Red Cross location near you and to learn more about blood donation, including eligibility information, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As an incentive through Dec. 8, the Red Cross is offering two pairs of custom “Friends” socks for those who donate, while supplies last, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products. It’s been 30 years since the iconic show first aired, and the Red Cross is asking donors to gather their friends and make a blood or platelet donation. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Friends.
Vitalant, which operates about 115 donation centers nationwide, is thanking donors who give blood, platelets or plasma through Dec. 20 with a $10 gift card as part of its Donor Rewards Program. Donors also will be entered for a chance to win one of five $5,000 gift cards.
Vitalant is planning several local blood drives:
• 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 11 in the conference room at Jennmar, 258 Kappa Drive, O’Hara;
• 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 18 in the cafe dining rooms A and B at UPMC St. Margaret, 815 Freeport Road, near Aspinwall.
Vitalant’s Pittsburgh Fox Chapel Donation Center at One Alexander Center, Suite 207, 2585 Freeport Road, also has several collection dates: 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 17 and 20 and noon to 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17.
To make an appointment and find other locations, visit vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
To prepare before donating blood, experts recommend getting a good night’s sleep; eating iron-rich foods such as eggs, meat and spinach; and hydrating by drinking an extra 16 ounces of water.
Heating assistance available to low-income households
Thousands of eligible customers miss out on bill assistance by not applying for federal grants. With the winter season approaching, many income-eligible customers remain unaware of programs that can significantly reduce their energy bill.
Peoples Natural Gas, an essential utilities company, encourages its customers to take advantage of available resources to help offset winter heating costs.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), is now open for the 2024-25 heating season. LIHEAP is a federally funded assistance program that provides grants to eligible low-income households to help pay for heating costs. Grants start at $200 and may be higher based on income and the number of people living in the home.
To qualify for a LIHEAP grant, customers must have a total gross household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Customers do not have to be on public assistance or have an unpaid heating bill. LIHEAP is open to renters and homeowners. To learn more about the income limits and to apply, visit https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dhs.html, click on Services in the menu and search for LIHEAP.
In addition to LIHEAP, Peoples offers programs to help make energy-saving home improvements that reduce long-term costs. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call 1-800-400-WARM (9276) or visit peoples-gas.com/help to learn more.
Food, hygiene products sought for community fridge
Second Harvest is always in need of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, milk and cheese, canned goods, cereals and personal hygiene products for its Community Free Fridge in Sharpsburg.
The Community Free Fridge is an outdoor, full-size refrigerator, freezer and pantry area, stocked with perishable and nonperishable donated food items available to anyone who needs them. It is open 24/7 every day and is located in the parking lot area of Second Harvest, at 624 Clay St.
Lauri Ann West Community Center, as a proud sponsor of the initiative, serves as a drop-off location for goods. People can bring their donations to the center at 1220 Powers Run Road in O’Hara during normal operating hours, and staff members will deliver the items to Second Harvest.
Anti-litter award program offered for kids
Environmental nonprofit Keep America Beautiful is seeking entries from children in kindergarten through sixth grade for its Litter Hawk Youth Award Program.
Children are asked to complete a project sharing their hope, optimism and concerns about litter and inspire others through art, words or video.
The theme for the contest is “Join the Greatest American Cleanup! Show us how you can keep your community litter-free for America’s 250th birthday.”
Children in kindergarten through grade 4 can create a poster; those in grade 5 are asked to write an essay; and those in grade 6 can create a video.
The deadline to participate is Jan. 31. Winners will be announced in April as part of an awards ceremony at the state Capitol building in Harrisburg.
For an entry form, go to KeepPABeautiful.org/grants-awards/awards/litter-hawk, email slarson@keeppabeautiful.org or call 724-836-4121, ext. 104.
AAUW meets monthly on second Tuesday
The Fox Chapel area branch of American Association of University Women meets at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month from September through May at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, 384 Fox Chapel Road.
The group advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, philanthropy, education and research.
Meetings are free and open to anyone interested in joining.
In addition to the monthly meetings, the branch offers members a variety of interest groups as well as numerous opportunities for community service involvement.
AAUW, founded in 1881, is open to all graduates who hold an associate or equivalent, baccalaureate or higher degree from a qualified college or university. Those enrolled in an associate or a bachelor’s degree program can join AAUW as Student Affiliate Members.
For details about the organization, including annual dues and grants, visit aauwfoxchapelareapa.wordpress.com.
O’Hara collecting old holiday lights to help Project Bundle-Up
O’Hara Township once again is partnering with Michael Brothers to be an official drop-off location to recycle holiday lights — all for a good cause.
Michael Brothers donates the funds generated by recycling the lights to WTAE-TV’s project Bundle-Up.
Project Bundle-Up, a joint program implemented by the Salvation Army Western PA Division and WTAE, provides new winter outerwear — including coats, hats, gloves and boots — for children and senior citizens from low-income households throughout Western Pennsylvania.
Since 1986, Project Bundle-Up has raised more than $17 million and provided winter gear for nearly 305,000 individuals.
Lights can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays in the lobby of the township building, 325 Fox Chapel Road.
Any type of holidays lights is eligible.
For details, call the township at 412-782-1400.
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.
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.
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.
To have your event or information listed in the Herald’s briefs section, email Marje Horvath at mhorvath@triblive.com.