In brief: Herald area events for the week of Oct. 14, 2024
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Dog park in Aspinwall to open earlier
Aspinwall’s dog park will open an hour earlier this season.
Gates at the Aspinwall Recreation Site will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily from Nov. 1 through March 31.
Borough officials said the earlier start is to help pet owners get an earlier start to their day and not be delayed for work or other activities because of their dogs.
Registration rates remain the same.
Resident fees are $15 for the season for the first pet and $10 for each additional dog.
Nonresident fees are $30 for the first pet and $15 for each additional dog.
Dog registration begins Oct. 15.
There will be forms at the borough office and available through the borough website, aspinwallpa.com.
Helpers sought to plant trees in Sharpsburg
Volunteers are needed to plant trees from 9 a.m. to noon. Nov. 2 in Sharpsburg.
The borough is partnering with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to help make the borough greener.
Participants will meet up at Roots of Faith at 800 Main St.
Come out to help plant trees and learn about different types of native trees, proper tree planting practices and tree care. The event will be held rain or shine.
To register as a volunteer for this event, contact Alicia Wehrle, WPC’s community forestry project coordinator, at awehrle@paconserve.org or 412-586-2386.
Domestic violence resources available
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Sharpsburg is hosting an event to raise awareness of domestic violence from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at the borough building, 1611 Main St.
Love should not hurt.
Attendees will learn about available resources, hear stories from survivors and participate in a panel discussion surrounding domestic violence, survivor resources and more.
The event is sponsored by Mayor Kayla Portis, council President Adrianne Laing, District Judge Matthew Rudzki, the Sharpsburg Police Department and police social worker Mary Bauer.
O’Hara police investigating vehicle break-ins
The O’Hara Township Police Department is investigating numerous vehicle break-ins in the areas of Dorseyville and Sharpshill roads.
Anyone with possible surveillance footage of suspicious activity or footage of suspicious people captured on video to contact the department at 325 Fox Chapel Road.
Residents are advised to always lock their vehicles and remove all valuables. Keys and key fobs should never be left in a vehicle at any time of day.
To report suspicious activity or a suspicious person, call 911.
Vigilance is key to preventing crime.
Lots of activities planned for Punkin Chunkin event
A day of free Punkin Chunkin family fun is planned from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19 on the field of Hartwood Acres Park’s amphitheater.
Join Allegheny County Parks and SHARP Robotics from the Sarah Heinz House as they launch pumpkins across the field with a full-size trebuchet.
There will be crafts, games, face painting, balloon art, cookie decorating, a farmers market and medieval sword fighting.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase from local food trucks.
For details about the event, visit https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Events-directory/Parks/Punkin-Chunkin.
‘Ghostbusters’ movie to be shown in park Friday
Aspinwall Mayor Joe Noro and the borough police invite the community to a movie in the park from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Aspinwall Recreational Area along Field Avenue.
The movie will be “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” a supernatural comedy horror fantasy rated PG-13.
Bring chairs and blankets for a family-friendly night of fun.
Free popcorn will be served.
Creatures of the Night outings set at nature reserve
The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is hosting Creatures of the Night outings on October weekends at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Road.
The next sessions are at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26.
Visitors are encouraged to come in costume to walk the trails and meet nonscary costumed creatures who will tell the story of their life.
Treats will be handed out.
The outings will be held rain or shine.
The cost is $15 for nonmembers, $10 for members and free for those 2 and younger.
For details, visit aswp.org/pages/creatures-of-the-night-2024. To register, visit aswp.org or call 412-963-6100.
Fox Chapel officers plan free pumpkin painting event
The Fox Chapel Police Department invites the community to a free pumpkin painting event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 19 behind the police station, 401 Fox Chapel Road.
Officers will be collecting monetary donations and nonperishable food items for the Blawnox Community Food Pantry.
There also will be treats, crafts and a costume contest.
Join O’Hara police for cookies, cider, treats before movie
The community is invited to join O’Hara police officers for a Cookies and Cider With the Cops event at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 19 before the showing of “Haunted Mansion” in O’Hara Township Community Park.
The movie from 2023 is rated PG-13.
Everyone is encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costume.
The officers will be handing out loads of treats.
National Honor Society students plan annual Boo Bash
National Honor Society students at Fox Chapel Area High School are sponsoring their annual Boo Bash from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 for children pre-kindergarten through fourth grade.
The youngsters are encouraged to wear their costumes to trick-or-treat through the halls of the high school and engage in fun games and activities.
The event is free, but nonperishable food and monetary donations will be accepted at the door for the Foxes Burrow and Backpack for Hunger charities.
Items needed for the Foxes Burrow include toiletries such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant, soap and body wash, shampoo and conditioner, nail clippers, tweezers, hair brushes and combs, first aid items, lip balm, mini hand sanitizers, and boxes and pocket packs of tissues.
Items needed for Backpack for Hunger include boxed or single macaroni and cheese, canned food items, protein bars and cereal bars, snack packs, single-serve applesauce packets, single-serve dried fruit and peanut butter singles or jars.
The high school is located at 611 Field Club Road in O’Hara.
Parents and guardians should enter through the main entrance of the high school and accompany their children throughout the event. Children should bring a bag for their treats.
Free fire prevention event to include pumpkin patch
The community is invited to a free fire prevention event and pumpkin patch from 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 27 in O’Hara Township Community Park, 330 Fox Chapel Road.
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms will be distributed at no charge.
There also will be fire prevention games and information, as well as free hot dogs and drinks.
The event is sponsored by the Parkview VFD/EMS, Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Company and Blawnox Volunteer Fire Company.
Hoagie sale benefits next year’s Blawnox centennial
Blawnox is selling 12-inch hoagies to support the Blawnox Centennial Committee.
The deadline to order is Oct. 17. Hoagies — choose from Italian or turkey — cost $10 each and are from B&Z Deli.
They will be available for pickup Oct. 24.
All proceeds benefit the committee’s celebration planning to mark the borough’s 100 years in 2025.
To place an order, reach out to any council or committee member or call 412-828-4141.
Help sought with rain garden maintenance
West Penn Conservancy and Sharpsburg Councilmember Dave Breingan are looking for volunteers from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 19 to tend to the rain garden in Heinz Memorial Park.
Tools will be provided. Participants should wear comfortable clothes.
Rain gardens reduce runoff and flooding risks, improve water quality and beautify the community.
To help, sign up at bit.ly/rain15215 or email dbreingan@sharpsburgborough.com.
SAVES seeks assistance with Halloween tradition
Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services is hoping to make Halloween extra memorable this year for children in the community.
The department is seeking donations from businesses and individuals to fill 800 treat bags, with 400 bags at the Aspinwall station and 400 the Sharpsburg station.
In previous years, there were enough donations to make treat bags that included two full-size candy bars.
Monetary donations are being accepted. To pay by check, mark Halloween in the memo line and drop the checks off or mail them to Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services, c/o Halloween Treats, 1611 Main St., Sharpsburg, PA 15215.
Anyone donating something that needs to be picked up or dropped off should contact social member Kim Daniher at 412-680-4349 or kimberlydaniher@gmail.com.
Indiana Township to collect bagged leaves
Indiana Township is planning five weeks of leaf collection this fall, beginning Oct. 28 and ending the week of Nov. 25.
This program is for leaves only — no debris such as grass clippings or brush will be accepted. Leaves must be contained in biodegradable bags and placed curbside. Leaves in plastic bags will not be picked up.
To participate, residents can purchase brown biodegradable bags from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at Town Hall, 3710 Saxonburg Blvd.
A bundle of five bags costs $5, and quantities are limited. Each bag holds about one-third of a cubic yard.
Biodegradable bags also can be purchased elsewhere, including home improvement stores.
Once collected, the bags will be taken to a composting site in the North Hills.
In the spring, the Public Works Department will pick up the topsoil generated from the compost site for use throughout the township.
Residents do not need to call the township to participate. Crews will visit each public road sometime during each week, beginning on Mondays, to pick up the bagged leaves; Monday pickups are not guaranteed.
Leaf vacuuming underway in Fox Chapel
Fox Chapel residents with wooded property are encouraged to compost, mulch and place leaves there, if possible.
Any help in removing leaves from the borough’s collection program is a sustainable solution, borough officials note.
Otherwise, leaf collection via vacuuming is under way, having started the week of Oct. 15. The final collection will start Nov. 25.
The collection is for leaves only — brush and decorative grasses are not included.
All leaves should be deposited on the lawn behind the curb or road edge, not on the pavement or in the gutter.
Leaves placed on the roadway will not be collected because they can become wet from street runoff, which makes it difficult to vacuum and creates a safety hazard. Article III of the Borough Code lodges a penalty of $1,000 for anyone placing such materials on the roadway.
Once a complete pass has been made through the borough, crews will start over on the first street and continue throughout the borough. The Public Works Department maintains a daily log of streets collected. To track where crews already have vacuumed up leaves, residents can access the information on the borough’s website every Friday afternoon during the collection period.
Once crews have collected on a roadway on or after Nov. 25, they will not return. Residents should notify landscapers of the cutoff date and the need to keep leaves off the street.
Apparel, patches available to support SAVES
Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services now has merchandise available for purchase.
Supporter T-shirts and hoodies, both in navy, feature the SAVES emblem on the left chest and a large smoking skull decked out in firefighting gear on the back.
Short-sleeved tees are $12 for sizes x-small through x-large and $15 for 2xl-4xl; long-sleeved tees are $15 for xs-xl and $18 for 2xl-4xl; and hoodies are $22 for xs-xl and $25 for 2xl-4xl.
Patches also are available for $10 each; choose from two designs: Truck Co. 102 Sharpsburg Fire Dist. — Ketchup City Trucking Company, featuring a ketchup bottle decked out in firefighting gear and the phrase “Bringing Flavor to the Box”; or Aspinwall Fire Dist. Engine 102-2 — First and Center streets, featuring the road sign and a fire truck.
The deadline to place an order is noon Nov. 15. Arrangements for pickup will begin after Thanksgiving, An email from 102fundraising@gmail.com will be sent out to everyone who purchased with details to arrange pick up. Apparel will be picked up at the Aspinwall or Sharpsburg stations.
To place an order, visit the e-store at station102.org.
Class of 2027 collecting books for children
Fox Chapel Area High School students are hosting a book drive through Oct. 31 to support Reading Ready Pittsburgh.
The drive, sponsored by the members of the Class of 2027, Community Outreach and the book club, aims to collect new and gently used children’s books as well as teen graphic novels.
The books will be donated to Reading Ready Pittsburgh to support its goal of helping families to foster a love of reading.
Everyone in the community is encouraged to donate books. Books can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays in a donation bin at the main/front entrance of the high school, 611 Field Club Road.
Reading Ready Pittsburgh is a nonprofit organization supporting the healthy development of young children by increasing access to books and encouraging family engagement through reading.
Volunteers, candy sought for Trunk or Treat
The Lauri Ann West Community Center is planning a Trunk or Treat from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 27 in its parking lot, 1220 Powers Run Road in O’Hara.
All children in the community are invited, and no registration is required to attend.
The center is looking for volunteers to bring their vehicle — decorated wheels welcome — and pass out candy. It also is accepting donations of treats.
To volunteer, email Michelle Drum at mdrum@lauriannwest.org. Volunteers also can sign up online at https://lauriannwestcc.org/event/trunk-or-treat/.
Candy donations can be dropped off at the center’s welcome desk.
High school receives honor from College Board
Fox Chapel Area High School recently was honored by the College Board with a silver distinction on the Advanced Placement School Honor Roll.
Schools can earn the honor roll recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit and maximizing college readiness.
The high school offers AP courses in 26 subjects: English (language and literature), American history, modern European history, economics, government and politics (U.S.), world history, psychology, human geography, computer science, principles of computer science, chemistry, Physics C Electricity and Magnetism, Physics C Mechanics, Calculus AB and BC, statistics, music theory, biology, environmental science, French, Spanish, German, Latin, studio art and art history.
The AP program enables students to pursue college-level studies — with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement or both — while still in high school. Through the courses, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments and see many sides of an issue, giving them skills that prepare them for college and beyond.
Special Olympics star, others to share their stories
Loretta Claiborne, chief inspiration office for the Special Olympics,
Lauri Ann West Community Center will host a session of its Sue Golier Memorial Speaker Series from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 26.
The featured speaker will be Loretta Claiborne, a former Special Olympics athlete who now serves as its chief inspiration officer.
Born with physical and intellectual challenges, Claiborne went on to run 26 marathons and twice placed in the top 100 women finishers. In 1996, she received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage.
Dan McCoy, a 2014 Paralympic gold medalist in sled hockey, also will speak, followed by a panel discussion with students and parents who are involved in the Fox Chapel Unified Sports Program.
The event will end with a game of Unified Flag Football in the center’s gymnasium.
To register, visit lauriannwestcc.org and click on the Speaker Series/Events tab.
Fox Chapel Authority to replace water meters
The Fox Chapel Authority is working to replace customer water meters.
The new Sensus iPERL water meters will be installed at no cost to the customer. The new meters have no moving parts, therefore maintaining the accuracy of the meter for its 20-year lifespan. With new technology, FCA personnel will be able to read the meters more efficiently.
FCA will be reaching out to customers to schedule appointments. The meter change-out takes about 30 minutes to complete, but the meter must be accessible for the crew to perform the work.
It is important for customers to have updated contact information, not only to schedule appointments for the meter replacement program, but also to notify customers in the event of an emergency.
To verify or update your information and to schedule an appointment, call the authority’s office at 412-963-0212 or send an email to info@foxchapelwater.com.
Free workshop to explore habits for brain health
The Lauri Ann West Community Center, 1220 Powers Run Road, is hosting a free workshop from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 21 with Penn State Extension on “Alzheimer’s Disease: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body.”
Attendees will learn about lifestyle habits that can be adopted at any age to help maintain and potentially improve one’s health. These habits aim to help keep the brain healthy as one ages to possibly delay the onset of cognitive decline.
While the workshop is free, registration is required. The deadline to register is at 10 a.m. Oct. 17.
To register, visit tinyurl.com/bdcmjfvm.
Garden club’s fundraiser slated for Oct. 16-18
The Garden Club of Allegheny County is celebrating its 110th anniversary and the 28th year of Pizzazz, a boutique shopping benefit set for Oct. 16-18 at the Fox Chapel Golf Club, 426 Fox Chapel Road.
The event has raised more than $2 million to fund environmental and conservation projects throughout the Pittsburgh region.
This year’s event will feature more than 30 boutiques from across the country and Scotland. Merchandise will include men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories, jewelry, leather goods, gifts, home décor, linens, personalized stationery and specialty food items.
There will be a preview party from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 16. Tickets are $150.
Shopping hours will be from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 17 and 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 18. Admission each day is $10 or $45 for admission and lunch at the club’s Tavern Room from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 17-18. Advance ticket purchase for lunch is advised.
For details, visit https://www.gcacpgh.org/pizzazz or call 412-967-9081.
Sharpsburg flea market runs Sundays through October
Sharpsburg Community Flea Market is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays through the end of October along North Canal and Tenth streets.
The cost is $5 per spot for vendors.
For details, call Chas Smith at 412-927-9221.
Help available for people grieving loved ones
Are you grieving the loss of a loved one or know someone who is?
Consider joining GriefShare for hope, healing and guidance.
GriefShare is a 13-week Christian faith-based support group that will be offered weekly from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays through Dec. 12, at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, 384 Fox Chapel Road.
People can join at any time.
For details or questions, contact Kim Power at 412-965-8794 or kimfpower@gmail.com.
Visit griefshare.org/findagroup to register directly.
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.