In brief: Block party to go, free tax prep help, women's business network, library programs and more in Hampton

Block Party To Go charity fundraiser

Participants in North Hills Community Outreach’s annual block party fundraiser won’t be able to gather in person this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

But the North Hills charity and social service agency is still planning to party.

Have fun at home with a “Block Party To Go” party bag. The adult bags include a do-it-yourself pizza kit, wine, dessert, a game and more. The children’s bag includes a craft kit from Dots and Doodles, snacks and other items.

Some of the bags will include a “bonus” gift card to a local restaurant or business. The first 300 party-to-go kits will include a link to play BuzzWorthy Pub Trivia.

More information and an order form for party bags are available online at: NHCO/Block-Party.

Free tax prep help

A free tax preparation service is being offered by the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania through April 10.

The service is available virtually or through a combination of online and in-person meetings.

Clients can upload their materials and tax experts will prepare and review the return.

The hybrid tax preparation will require two brief appointments in a safe environment, following covid-19 guidelines, to provide information and review the return.

The service is available to residents in Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

Assistance from a volunteer tax preparer is available for people and families with a total annual income of up to $57,000.

A free, do-it-yourself online tax assistance program is available at myfreetaxes.com.

Women’s Business Network meetings

The Women’s Business Network’s three chapters in the North Hills have scheduled free networking sessions for February.

• The Cranberry Chapter meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:30 am. The chapter will meet on Feb. 4 and 18. For more information, contact Cynthia at 724-316-3427.

• The Wexford Chapter has it’s meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 8:15 a.m. This month’s meetings will take place Feb. 9 and 23. For details call Jocelin at 724-553-4452.

• The Criders Corners Chapter holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at noon. February’s meetings are on the 11th and 25th. Call Sherri for details at412-760-9601.

• An All Virtual Chapter holds regular meetings via Zoom at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month. For details call Jennifer Pasquale at 412-908-1663.

Ash Wednesday service

Hampton Presbyterian Church will hold an Ash Wednesday worship service to mark the first day of Lent on Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Depending on the covid restrictions in place when the service occurs, ashes might be distributed, according to church officials.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the nursery will not be available. However, children are invited to attend the service with their families.

The service also will be livestreamed to monitors in several locations in the building for people who want to participate but prefer to remain outside the sanctuary.

The church is located at 2942 East Hardies Road in Gibsonia.

Hampton Junior Football registration

Registration is open for the Hampton Junior Football Association’s 26th season.

The organization has football teams and cheerleading squads for three age groups: Spikes, 5-8 years old; K9, 9-10 years old; and Dawgs, 11-12 years old.

This year, Hampton will play host to the United Youth Football League championship game.

Association officials say the top priority for its program is player safety.

Registration costs $140 through Feb. 28. The cost to to sign up during March and April is $190. After May 1, the registration fee will be $240.

For more information, see the Association’s Facebook page or send an email to: doughjfa@gmail.com.

Block Northway hosting students art exhibit

Art created by students in the North Hills is on display through Feb. 18 at The Block Northway in Ross.

The artwork was made by elementary, middle school and high school students in the Hampton and North Hills school districts and Holy Cross & Blessed Trinity Academy.

The display also features a giant quilt made up of 310 ceramic tiles created by students at Hampton’s Wyland Elementary school.

The art is being displayed in the South Corridor, Upper Level between Land’s End and DSW. The pieces also will be featured on The Block Northway’s website throughout the year.

Northern Tier Library activities

Here are some of the upcoming activities and programs at the Northern Tier Regional Library in Hampton. Some programs require registration, which can be done online or by calling the library at 724-449-2665. Additional information and updates about programs also are available on the library’s Facebook page.

• Meditating with Plants, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m.: Grace Astraea of TimeSpaceOne Healing Arts will lead a program on connective and calming meditation experiences with your favorite plant via Zoom.

Simple instructions for preparing and implementing a plant meditation will be given. The group also will spend a short period practicing the strengthening relationship to the living world via our plants.

No previous experience is needed, just an open mind and willingness to learn more about your relationship to the plant kingdom. Registration is required to receive the Zoom meeting invitation link.

• North Park Bald Eagles, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.: Bald Eagles are one of the biggest and most recognizable birds in the United States.

Master Naturalist Ken Knapp will present a program via Zoom to share information about this species and provide an update on what’s going on with the local eagles.

This program is intended for adults, but all ages are welcome to attend. Registration is required to receive the Zoom meeting invitation link.

• Winter Valentine’s Day at Hogwarts: Request a take-home kit to discover some magical Valentine’s Day crafts inspired by our favorite Wizarding school.

This craft bundle will be available for pickup on Feb. 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. People who cannot pick up their bundles during those times can retrieve them from the library’s lobby.

This bundle is for all ages and registration is required by Feb. 7 at midnight to ensure enough supplies are available.

• Toddler Story Time: Uploads at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 9 and 23.

• Preschool Story Time: Uploads at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 10 and 24.

• Rhymes, Songs, & Yoga Poses: Uploads at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 4, 11, and 25.

• Take-Home Crafts: Kids and adults of all ages are invited to create and enjoy a simple weekly take-home craft. Runs through Feb. 8.

• The Weekly Project: This six-week program features a variety of activities that children can do with their families at home, including cooking, crafting, art and STEM. Register online or by telephone to get take-home materials for the program that runs through Feb. 8.

• Take-Home Maker Mondays: Participants can pick up a supply kit and follow a weekly tutorial video that will be posted on the library’s various social media pages. Feb, 8: Mini Valentine’s Day pillow, Feb. 22: Marble Maze.

• Winter Reading Challenge 2021: Join readers from across Allegheny County in the Winter Reading Challenge 2021, which runs through Feb. 28.

• Family Movie Nights: Enjoy some movies, a cup of hot chocolate and a bag of popcorn on a cold winter night by picking up a Family Movie Night Kit.

• Crafts at Heart: Beginning Feb. 10, adults and teens can pick up kits to create handmade Valentine’s Day heart-themed crafts.