In brief: Happenings from the North Allegheny area
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Sen. Robinson opens office in North Hills
State Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Bridgeville, recently opened a legislative office in the North Hills in an effort to best serve his more than 250,000 constituents of District 37.
Robinson’s office is located in the Heritage Center, 2559 Brandt School Road, Suite 101, Franklin Park.
The office can be reached at 412-643-3020.
He also has an office in the South Hills. That office is located at 1700 N. Highland Road, Suite 307, in Bethel Park.
Robinson’s offices offer a variety of services — including assistance with PennDOT forms, Property Tax and Rent Rebate applications, birth and death certificates and veterans’ services and benefits — and can provide status reports on legislation.
Workshops to offer driving tips for teens
Impact Teen Drivers, in partnership with the Northern Regional Police Department and Marshall leaders, will present free workshops for teens and their parents or guardians throughout the year.
The workshops will be held from 7 to 8:15 p.m. April 8, June 10, Aug. 12 and Oct. 14 at the lower level of the Marshall Municipal Building, 525 Pleasant Hills Road.
The workshops will provide evidence-based strategies to keep teens safer on the road. Attendees will learn about Graduated Driver Licensing, tips and tricks to avoid distractions, the importance of seat belts, the risks of speeding and more.
The workshops are free thanks to funding by the NJM Insurance Group.
Seating is limited. To reserve a spot, email Detective Tim Hohos at thohos@nrpolice.com.
Community invited to free GLOBE Fest
La Roche University, 9000 Babcock Blvd., invites the community to its annual GLOBE Fest on April 10.
The free event celebrates the vibrant cultures that shape our world and brings the community together through music, dance, food, fashion and the arts.
A preshow featuring food, crafts and activities will be held at 5 p.m. in Zappala Campus Center Square.
The main event will follow at 5:30 p.m. with performances representing global cultures through music, dance and fashion.
The evening will conclude with a Holi Color Celebration on the lawn of the Huber Academic Center.
GLOBE Fest is organized by GLOBE — Globalization for La Roche University, One Beat on Earth — a student-led organization focused on promoting cultural exchange and global awareness.
Seasonal workers sought for Marshall parks
Marshall’s Parks and Recreation Department is accepting applications for seasonal workers to help maintain the townships parks from April through October.
The starting rate is $15 an hour, and applicants typically work 40 hours a week. Flexible scheduling is available.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to mowing grass and maintaining restrooms, playgrounds and pavilions.
Applicants must be 18 or older and have a valid driver’s license.
Applications are available by request and online at twp.marshall.pa.us through the Employment Opportunites tab under Government. Completed forms and any questions should be emailed to Mark Smelscer at msmelscer@twp.marshall.pa.us.
Ambulance authority needs driver for wheelchair van
The McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority is looking to hire a full-time wheelchair van driver to ensure the safe transportation of passengers from hospitals to facilities or residences.
No medical experience is required. On-the-job training will be provided.
MFPAA offers competitive pay and generous benefits.
To apply, visit mfpaa.org and click on Apply Today under the Careers tab.
For details, call 412-367-5883.
Bradford Woods residents reminded to pick up after pets
Bradford Woods officials are reminding residents to clean up after their pets.
Pet owners are advised to carry waste bags during their walks and take the full bags home to dispose of in their garbage cans.
Section 89 of Bradford Woods’ code allows for a fine of up to $500 for anyone caught not cleaning up their pet’s waste.
Sealarks to learn about FBI at April meeting
The Sealarks Women’s Group will meet at 1 p.m. April 9 in Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Road, McCandless.
The program will be about the FBI by Brook Riordan.
The group provides Christian fellowship and social activity for women who are widowed, divorced or never married.
New members are welcome.
For details and to make a reservation, call Edie at 412-487-7194.
Franklin Park plans 2 leaf bag collections, 1 brush collection
Franklin Park is offering two leaf bag collections for the next two Mondays, while the spring brush collection will take place only on April 7.
Leaves: Only leaves in brown biodegradable bags will be accepted. The bags must be placed curbside before 6 a.m. April 7 and 14. The collections are for leaves only. Yard waste such as grass, sticks and rocks will not be accepted. Residents should keep enough room at the top of the bag to fold or roll it down to close; do not secure with tape or staples. Depending on the number of bags, it could take a few days each of those weeks for Waste Management to cover the entire borough.
A bundle of five biodegradable bags can be purchased for $2 at the municipal building; bags also can be purchased at any home improvement store.
Brush: All brush must be placed at the curb before 7 a.m. April 7 for chipping by the Public Works Department. Crews will spend no more than 15 minutes at each home. Only brush and tree trimmings half and inch to 4 inches in diameter will be accepted. Please cut and place the brush perpendicular to the curb with the butt end out. No thorn bushes will be accepted. Depending on the amount of brush, it could take crews a few days to collect the entire borough.
Free compost from the leaf bags and chips will be available to Franklin Park residents in the spring at the south end of Blaine’s Way in Blueberry Hill Park, near McDevitt Road.
Leaf mulch available to McCandless residents
Leaf mulch is now available for McCandless residents at the parking lot between the McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage and Cultural Center and the Lorrain G. Rogers Soccer Fields.
Residents should share this resource by only taking one pickup truck load.
Lecture to explore flora of W.Pa.
Local author Sue Morris will present a lecture titled “Pgh: American Garden Spot” from 7 to 9 p.m. April 17 at the McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage and Cultural Center, 830 Aufman Lane.
Morris will discuss the flora of Western Pennsylvania from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The event, part of the HCC’s Third Thursday Lecture series, is open to all ages.
This event is free, but you must have an account to register. For registration and how to make an account, visit secure.rec1.com/PA/mccandless-pa/catalog.
Donations are appreciated to help support HCC’s programming.
Seating is limited to the first 40 registrants.
Volunteers needed for library’s book sale; registration for preview night opens soon
Northland Public Library is looking for volunteers to help with its Spring Book Sale.
Volunteers are needed to help set up, sell items and tear down after the four-day event.
To sign up, visit the volunteer page at northlandlibrary.org. For questions, contact Kelley Moten at motenk2@northlandlibrary.org.
The public is invited to beat the crowds and register for the preview sale from 5 to 7:30 p.m. May 1.
Registration, which opens April 1 and runs until April 30, costs $10 — or patrons can pay $15 at the door. Space is limited to 60 attendees, and tickets are not refundable.
To register, visit https://northlandpubliclibraryfoundation.salsalabs.org/Spring2025BookSale.
The regular book sale will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 2 and 3. There will be a $5 bag sale from 1 to 4 p.m. May 4; bags will be provided by library staff.
ving patrols have been conducted, 2,270 people have been tested for DUI and 1,071 of them were arrested, police said.
Egg hunts set for children in Franklin Park
Franklin Park is hosting two Easter egg hunts for children at Blueberry Hill Park.
Children 8 to 11 are invited to join in from 8 to 8:30 p.m. April 11.
Younger children in three age groups — 2 and younger, ages 3-4 and 5-7 — will gather from 10 to 11 a.m. April 12.
Registration is required, and space is limited.
To register, visit secure.rec1.com/PA/franklin-park-borough-parks-recreation-department/catalog.
Deadline looms to register kids for Marshall’s egg hunts
Marshall is planning two egg hunts, one for older children and one for younger kids.
A flashlight egg hunt for children 8-12 will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. April 11 at the Elias Fry Barn in Knob Hill Community Park. Children are invited to brave the darkness and see who can collect the most eggs. Participants should bring their own flashlight and a bag to hold the eggs. Parents must remain on-site.
An egg hunt for children 7 and younger will be at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 12 at the Elias Fry Barn. Each child will be allowed to collect 15 eggs.
Both events are free for residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration for both events closes April 4.
To register, visit the township’s website at twp.marshall.pa.us, select Parks & Recreation in the main menu, then click on Programs. The egg hunts are listed under Special Events.
Snacks and drinks are being provided by Covenant Community Church.
Egg hunt planned for children 10 and younger
The McCandless Parks and Recreation Department is organizing a free Easter Egg Hunt for children 10 and younger from 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 19 at the Lorrain G. Rogers Memorial Soccer Fields.
There will be three age categories, and a half-hour will be allotted for each hunt.
The age categories are 0-3, starting at 10 a.m.; 4-6, starting at 10:30 a.m.; and 7-10, starting at 11 a.m.
Each child will be able to collect 10 to 12 eggs, which will be filled with small prizes, candy and surprises.
Children should bring a basket.
The event is free, but registration, which closes on April 9, is required through the township’s Civic Rec account.
For details, visit the township’s website at townofmccandless.org. For immediate assistance, call Abby Lucostic, director of parks and recreation, at 412-364-0616, ext. 124.
The township also welcomes businesses to sponsor the event. If your business would like to help cover the contents of the eggs, email Lucostic at alucostic@townofmccandless.org.
Free tax help available through AARP Foundation
Through April 14, the AARP Foundation will provide free tax assistance and preparation in Allegheny County via its Tax-Aide program.
Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest nationwide volunteer-based free tax preparation service. In 2024, the nearly 2 million taxpayers who used its services received more than $1 billion in income tax refunds.
Volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS each year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. and Pennsylvania Tax Code. The program e-files individual Federal, Pennsylvania and local EIT income tax returns and makes sure its clients claim the tax refund, credits and deductions earned.
Income tax returns will be prepared during one visit by appointment only, generally lasting an hour to 75 minutes. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
Here is list of nearby sites, schedules and contact information to make an appointment:
• Shaler Undercliff Volunteer Fire Department, 700 Mt. Royal Blvd.: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through April 14; contact state Sen. Lindsey Williams’ office at 412-364-0469 (there is no Tax-Aide contact number at the fire station).
• Ross Municipal Building, 1000 Ross Municipal Drive: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 10; contact state Sen. Lindsey Williams’ office at 412-364-0469 (there is no Tax-Aide contact number at the center).
• State Rep. Jeremy Shaffer’s office, 5500 Brooktree Road, Suite 100, Pine: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through April 14; contact Shaffer’s office at 412-369-2230.
• State Rep. Jeremy Shaffer’s office, 4375 Gibsonia Road, West Deer: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 10; contact Shaffer’s office at 412-369-2230.
More information, including an update on tax code changes affecting 2024 tax returns and documents needed for return preparation, can be found online at taxaide-pittsburgh.com.
For questions about the Allegheny County AARP Tax-Aide program, contact Stephen Cohen, Tax-Aide district coordinator, at taxaide.pittsburgh@gmail.com or 412-421-3999.
For details about the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).
Personal care items sought to help people in need
North Hills Community Outreach is collecting personal care items through April 13 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 disposable razors, chapstick, dental floss, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, wash cloths or loofa sponges, body lotion, bars of unscented soap and unscented shower gel.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits cannot be used for personal care 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 and sent directly to its office.
5K run/walk to raise money for nonprofit
The second annual ATP 5K Run & Walk — benefiting Adventures in Training with a Purpose and its military and first responder program, Aurelius — is planned from 8 a.m. to noon April 13 at the North House Boathouse, 10301 Pearce Mill Road, McCandless.
All ages and fitness levels are welcome, and a post-race party will be held at the boathouse.
The cost to register is $35 for adults, $30 for veterans and first responders, and $15 for children 12 and younger.
To register in advance, visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/Hbn/. The registration link also includes sponsorship opportunities.
Day-of registration will begin at 7:30 and end at 8:30 a.m. The race will start at 9 a.m.
Advance packet pickup will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 11 and 10 a.m. to noon April 12 at ATP’s office, 7000 Stonewood Drive, Suite 115, Pine.
Proceeds benefit the Christian nonprofit organization and its mission to provide physcial and mental health services to civilians, veterans and first responders confidentially and free of charge.
Awards will be given in several categories: overall top three males and females, top three senior males and females 60 and older, and top three boys and girls 12 and younger.
For details about ATP and its programs, visit adventurestraining.org, email info@adventurestraining.org or call 724-967-1628.
Sellers sought for Treasures in the Trunk event
The Treasures in the Trunk event will return from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 3 at the Lorrain G. Rogers Soccer Fields.
The cost for a space is $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents. Admission is free for shoppers.
Space is limited to 40 participants.
Registration will end at 3 p.m. May 2.
Setup can take place at 7 a.m., and the event will open to shoppers at 8 a.m.
For details on how to register, call 412-364-0616.
New program aims to replace invasive trees, shrubs
The Pennsylvania Invasive Plant Replace-ive Program is a new initiative to give homeowners and others the option of removing invasive trees and shrubs from their property and replacing them with native trees.
The goal is to reduce the likelihood of invasive species becoming unwanted “escapees” into neighboring properties, parks and forests. Native trees help to diversify the urban landscape.
The initiative is a joint effort of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, state Department of Agriculture, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Steward Program. It is funded by the U.S. Forest Service.
Property owners who remove one or more invasive species can receive up to five free, healthy, native, young replacement trees.
Program events begin in May.
To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/PA-InvasiveReplace-ive.
La Roche to hold open house April 12
La Roche University is planning an open house from 9 a.m. to noon April 12 for prospective students and their families to explore campus.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore more than 50 career-focused majors and connect with faculty members who will share insights into their programs and disciplines.
Prospective students are encouraged to bring their transcripts and SAT/ACT scores to receive an instant admissions decision, discover available scholarship opportunities and receive a special gift. For those without SAT/ACT scores, La Roche offers a test-optional admissions process, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to apply. Transfer students can bring their transcripts for an instant credit evaluation, an admissions decision and information about transfer scholarships.
First-time visitors will receive a $1,000 visit grant to apply toward their first-year tuition at La Roche.
Light refreshments and a complimentary brunch will be provided.
For details and to register for the event, visit laroche.edu/openhouse.
Special-needs dances planned in area
Registration is open for upcoming special-needs dances hosted by the Recreation Alliance of North Pittsburgh.
Ages 8 and older and all abilities are welcome. Music will be at a lower volume for the first hour of each dance for those who might be more sensitive to louder volumes.
The cost is $5 per dance. Light refreshments will be provided.
• The Spring Fling will be from 6 to 8 p.m. April 26 at the Cranberry Township Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Drive.
• The Summer Kick-Off dance will be from 6 to 8 p.m. May 23 at the Elias Fry Barn in Knob Hill Community Park, 415 Knob Road in Marshall.
To register, visit ranp.recdesk.com/community/program.
Registration under way for Senior Softball League
Registration is open for the Northern Allegheny County Senior Softball League (NACSSL).
This competitive, slow pitch league has two divisions: 50 and older for the silver division and 62 and older for the gold division.
Tryout evaluations are held March through April.
Games are played May through August primarily at the North Park Senior Ballfield Complex at the Lodge in North Park.
To sign up or for more details, visit NACSSL.com or email nacssl@yahoo.com.
Red Cross seeks volunteers in rural areas of Pa.
The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is in need of volunteers in rural communities.
Volunteers are needed to:
• Respond to disasters. Help families after a home fire or other disaster by providing emotional support, emergency financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover.
• Help donors at blood drives. Engage with blood donors by greeting them at blood drives, helping them to register, answering questions, providing information and assisting them at the refreshments table.
• Support community education and outreach. Attend events and activities to raise awareness around home fire safety and emergency preparedness.
In 2024, more than 3,400 volunteers supported the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. These volunteers provided care and comfort to families after more than 1,500 local disasters such as home fires and floods. In addition, volunteers supported more than 5,000 local blood drives to help ensure patients had access to lifesaving blood.
To learn more and to volunteer, visit redcross.org/GPAvolunteer.
Animal Friends in need of pet food
Animal Friends’ Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank has put out an urgent call for wet dog and cat food.
To help, browse its wish lists on Amazon or Chewy, and your donation will be delivered to Animal Friends.
Unopened wet pet food also can be dropped off in the grey donation bins in the front entranceway and lobby of the shelter at 526 Camp Horne Road.
The Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank supports struggling pet owners throughout Allegheny County. According to its website, it distributed more than 17,000 pounds of free pet food to over 3,000 families last month.
For details, visit thinkingoutsidethecage.org/programs-services/chow-wagon.