In brief: Happenings in the Hampton area

1 arrested, 13 cited in task force’s DUI detail

The North Hills DUI Task Force recently conducted a stationary DUI detail May 9 in conjunction with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Checkpoint Strike Force.

The sobriety checkpoint was held May 9 in McCandless.

A total of 837 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, and a field sobriety test was administered to two people, one of whom was arrested. Thirteen citations and three warnings were issued for various vehicle code violations.

This is the 29th year for the North Hills DUI Task Force. To date, 264 checkpoints and roving patrols have been conducted. There have been 2,272 individuals tested for DUI; of those tested, 1,072 were arrested.

The task force is comprised of officers from Aspinwall, Blawnox, Etna, Hampton, Indiana Township, McCandless, Millvale, Northern Regional, O’Hara, Reserve, Ross, Shaler, West Deer and West View.

Festival at St. Ursula set May 26-31

Our Lady of Pepetual Help is holding its 2025 Festival at St. Ursula, 3945 Kirk Ave. in Hampton, starting at 6:30 p.m. nightly from May 26-31.

There will be games, rides, raffles, food and entertainment.

The rides include a Ferris wheel, spinners, merry-go-round and helicopters. There also will be face painting and children’s fingerprinting by the Sheriff’s Reserve unit.

Live music will start at 7 p.m.: Stealing Time, May 26; Kardaz, May 27; Brass Staff, May 28; Greg Iskat, May 29; Lindsay Liebro, May 30; and Marty G., May 31.

Special activities include a visit by Jalapeno Hannah, a Pirates pierogie, on May 28, and BJ’s Brewhouse cookies on May 29.

Food includes hot dogs, hamburgers, kielbasa, Italian sausage, meatball hoagies, pulled pork, haluski, french fries and pizza, as well as a variety of hot and cold snacks from pretzels to funnel cakes and ice balls to lemonade.

Many organizations and businesses have donated prizes to the big basket raffle or are serving as sponsors for the six-day event.

For details, visit olphpgh.org/parish-festival.

Community invited to Strawberry Festival

Parkwood Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd. in Hampton, is hosting a Strawberry Festival from noon to 5 p.m. May 31.

The community is invited to stop by for five hours of fun, fellowship, great prizes and raffle baskets.

In addition to strawberry desserts, three food trucks will be on-site: Tango Food Truck with Argentinian food, Papa Woods BBQ and Pasquale’s Pizza.

There also will be a bounce house, hayrides and games.

Canned goods needed for food drive

Hampton Social Services is organizing a canned food drive collection through May 30 to benefit North Hills Community Outreach.

The items will be distributed to people in need across northern Allegheny County.

Items sought include canned chicken and tuna, pasta sauce, peanut butter, fruit, vegetables and soup.

Donation boxes are set up at the Hampton Community Center, Hampton Police Department and Hampton Municipal Building.

Vendors sought for farmers market

Hampton’s farmers market returns from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, starting June 4 and running through Oct. 8, in the community park.

There will be no market on July 2.

The township currently is accepting vendor applications for the 2025 Farmers Market. Please click here to view the application.

The markets will feature fresh produce, homemade goods and food trucks.

Mail completed applications to Hampton Township, Attn: Bill Ryder Farmers Market, 3200 Lochner Way, Hampton, PA 15101 or email them to bill.ryder@hampton-pa.org.

Applications also can be filled out online at tinyurl.com/5adxnz8w.

Community invited to free car cruise

Hampton Presbyterian Church is hosting its 10th car cruise from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 17 at the church, 2942 E. Hardies Road, Hampton.

The event is free and will feature family-friendly fun, vintage vehicles, a concession stand and music by DJ Denny Dutko.

All makes and models of vehicles are welcome.

There will be a section roped off for children’s crafts and games, including a coloring table, can bean bag toss, a water table pool and painting with cars.

Grilled hot dogs and burgers, as well as cold soda and water, will be available.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own tables, chairs and pop-up canopies.

For details or questions, email hamptonpresoutreach@gmail.com or call the church office at 724-443-3201.

Additional information is available on the church’s website at hamptonpresbyterian.net.

Engines already revving for car show at Hartwood Acres

Allegheny County Parks is hosting a free Father’s Day Car Cruise from 2 to 7 p.m. June 8 in the amphitheater parking lot at Hartwood Acres Park.

Bring dad out to get an early jump on celebrating his special day.

Besides unique and antique vehicles of all kinds, there will be music, local food trucks and Mike Frazer from 3WS Radio.

Dashboard plaques will be given to the first 100 cruise cars.

In case of inclement weather, check for updates on the Facebook page of Allegheny County Parks.

Special evening set for dogs at Hartwood Acres Park

Bring your four-legged friend for a free evening of fun and games from 6 to 8 p.m. June 17 during the Dog Days of Summer at Hartwood Acres Park.

The event will be held, weather permitting, at the off-leash dog area located off Red Loop Drive.

Giveaway bags will be available with goodies for the pet owners and their furry companions.

In case of inclement weather, check for updates on the Facebook page of Allegheny County Parks.

For rules and more information about the county’s off-leash dog areas, visit alleghenycounty.us/Parks-and-Events/Activities/Dog-Parks.

Seasonal lifeguard positions available

Hampton is seeking applicants for part-time lifeguard positions at the Community Park Pool.

The position offers flexible work schedules to include weekends and holidays.

Competitive wages begin at $14 an hour. Applicants must be at least 15 years old and have a current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification.

The season runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Applicants must obtain background clearances and pass preemployment drug and alcohol screening.

Applications can be completed online, picked up at the Community Center Service Desk or downloaded from the township website.

For details, call 412-487-7870.

Pool to host spooky Summerween fun

Hampton is planning its first Summerween Evening Swim from 7:30 to 10 p.m. June 21 at the community pool, 3200 Lochner Way, weather permitting.

The evening will feature ghoulish waters, spooky vibes and Halloween-themed fun as the outdoor pool is tranformed into a ghostly oasis under the moonlight.

There will be eerie decorations, glowing jack-o-melons, a themed treasure hunt, live ghost stories told by Starla the Storyteller, music by DJ Rick Wirth and more.

Visitors are encouraged to wear their favorite water-friendly costume or other appropriate Halloween-themed attire. Costumes are not required for entry.

Admission without a pool membership is $6 for residents and $10 for nonresidents.

Visit the Hampton Community Pool page on the township’s website at hampton-pa.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram for the most up-to-date information, including about cancellations due to weather.

The township welcomes businesses and organization as sponsors for any of its annual events.

To become a sponsor, contact event coordinator Matthew Hahn at 412-487-7870, ext. 1315, or by email at matthew.hahn@hampton-pa.org.

The pool officially opens for the season on May 24. Note the outdoor pool will be closed to the public on May 31 and June 1 for a swim meet.

Park rangers welcome help with trail cleanup, habitat restoration

The community is invited to celebrate National Trails Day by joining the park rangers at Hartwood Acres from 9 a.m. to noon June 7 to help improve the trails.

There will be a variety of work options available.

Everyone should meet at the Middle Road parking lot.

On June 28, there will be another opportunity to help the park rangers. Assistance is needed with habitat restoration in an important ecological area of the park.

Helpers should meet at the mansion parking lot. From 9 a.m. to noon, volunteers will use hand tools to remove invasive species. There also might be plantings of native species. Expect to engage in physical activity.

All tools, gloves and eye protection will be provided for both events, and all ages are welcome. No experience is required, but space is limited. Participants should bring water and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

Both events are free, but participants should register on the Allegheny County Parks website at tinyurl.com/ycx5enpy.

Girls volleyball team offers summer camp

The Hampton girls varsity volleyball team is hosting a camp for children in grades 3-8 from July 15-17 at high school’s main gymnasium.

Third through fifth graders will meet from 8 to 10 a.m.; sixth through eighth graders will meet from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The cost is $75 per camper and $60 for multiple campers.

Youngsters will learn the fundamentals of volleyball from members of the girls varsity team and coaches. There will be drills and competitive play.

The camp also includes a T-shirt.

Registration is required by July 4. To register, visit tinyurl.com/3rzd3muv.

All proceeds will benefit the team.

For questions, email dainen.holler@ht-sd.org.

Basketball camps available for K-8 boys

The Hampton boys varsity basketball team is offering camps for two age groups this summer.

• The Introduction to Basketball Camp for boys entering grades K-2 will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. July 8-11 at the high school’s auxiliary and main gyms.

The cost is $110 per camper, and the total sibling cost is $200.

Youngsters will learn the fundamentals of the game, and there will be games and competitions. A T-shirt is included.

To register for the intro camp, visit tinyurl.com/46fxrvbu.

• The Summer Skills Camp for boys entering grades 3-8 will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 11-14 at the high school’s auxiliary and main gyms.

The cost is $150 per camper, and the total sibling cost is $275. A T-shirt is included.

Participants will receive personal instruction from varsity players and coaches, with a focus on learning the fundamentals of the game. There will be team competitions and awards. There also will be an opportunity to learn drills and tips to improve your game.

To register for the skills camp, visit tinyurl.com/fbua9b3u.

For details about either camp, contact coach Joe Cangilla at talbotsboysbasketball@gmail.com.

Arts center seeks instructors

The North Hills Art Center, 3432 Babcock Blvd. in Ross, is looking for instructors for its adult and children programming.

Instructors can set their own schedules and write their own curriculums.

If you have knowledge in the arts to share, click on the application link at northhillsartcenter.org and complete the form. You will need to upload a resume and cover letter, as well as examples of your artwork.

The deadline to apply is May 30.

For questions, contact the center at 412-364-2622 or email info@northhillsartcenter.org.

Driving course open to 55 and older

Seniors for Safe Driving is offering an upcoming course for motorists 55 and older from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 4 at the Hampton Community Center, 3101 McCully Road.

The PennDOT-approved course is an opportunity for older motorists to refresh their driving skills and their knowledge of the rules of the road.

There is no testing or behind-the-wheel driving. Participants who complete the course can receive a three-year discount of no less that 5% on their auto insurance.

Course highlights include one’s health and driving performance; effects of medication and alcohol on driving; yielding and intersections; strategies for safe passing and managing one’s speed; keeping up with vehicle technology; preventive ways to reduce driver distractions; proper use of safety belts, air bags and anti-lock brakes; defensive driving tactics and sharing the road; dealing with aggressive drivers and road rage situations; and the latest information on traffic laws and regulations.

The cost is $17.

To register for a class, call 800-559-4880 or 724-283-0245 or go online at SeniorsForSafeDriving.com.

Cleaning products sought to help people in need

North Hills Community Outreach currently is collecting cleaning products through June 8 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 laundry detergent (under 100 ounces), disinfecting wipes, all-purpose cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, dish detergent, packs of sponges, rolls of paper towels and canvas shopping bags.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits cannot be used for cleaning 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 or Walmart wishlist and sent directly to its office.

Hampton grads needed for survey

The Hampton Township School District is looking to hear from alumni in a new initiative to help strengthen the Talbot community.

The district is encouraging alumni to reflect on their high school experiences and how those experiences have shaped their journeys beyond graduation.

The district currently is collecting email addresses of anyone who would like to participate in a Hampton Alumni Connections Survey, which will be sent out later this year. To participate, visit https://bit.ly/3YKyJGu.

There will be a chance to win prizes.

The greatest prize, however, is your support, which will help the district gather feedback to enhance the Hampton experience and strengthen its alumni network for mentorships, internships and more.

YASU expands Distribution Days to cancer center

Starting in May and continuing on a monthly basis, Young Adult Survivors United is bringing its Distribution Days to UPMC’s Hillman Cancer Center in collaboration with social workers at the Shadyside facility.

The care packages — containing toiletries and household items — provide essential and community support for an often underserved population.

Any young adult (18 to 45) in the United States who has been diagnosed with cancer can register for free membership to access YASU’s virtual services. Survivors in Southwestern Pennsylvania have access to virtual and in-person support groups and social activities, financial literacy workshops in conjunction with financial assistance, free “Rae of Hope” respite trips and an annual Women’s Wellness Retreat.

The main Distribution Days take place at YASU’s office in Wexford. The Distribution Days program is made possible through a partnership with the Christian Cochran Legacy Fund, which honors the memory of Christian Cochran, who died from cholangiocarcinoma in 2021 at the age of 23.

Community members can contribute to YASU’s Distribution Days in several ways:

• Join the Be Their Hero campaign by signing up once, and your gift will keep on giving.

• Purchase items on YASU’s Amazon Wish List, and they will be delivered directly to the organization’s office.

• Drop off items at YASU’s office at 1000 Brooktree Road, Suite 105, Pine, PA 15090; call 724-719-2273 to coordinate a drop-off time.

• Host a drive at your work, school or church.

For details, visit yasurvivors.org or call 724-719-2273.