In brief: Keep off the ice, personal care donations, Girl Scout cookies, summer camp and more in Hampton

Allegheny County police issued a warning this week for people to not use iced-over North Park Lake for recreations other than ice fishing.

“Hiking, ice skating or playing hockey on the ice is strictly prohibited and violations to the county ordinance are punishable by a fine of up to $300,” said Lt. Scott Scherer, the county’s District 3 commander.

Scherer said the ice covering the lake isn’t safe for sporting activities such as skating and hockey.

“Our officers do not enjoy being the ‘fun police’ but they have been talking to the youth and explaining to them why we cannot allow it,” Scherer said.

The lieutenant said people caught on the ice have heeded the warnings from officers and that no citations have been issued.

“Although not happy, most were polite and understanding” when asked to leave the ice, he said.

Personal care items needed

North Hills Community Outreach is hosting a collection drive until April 19 to collect personal care items for needy people.

The most needed items include disposable razors and shave cream; shampoo, conditioner, body wash, unscented hand soap and lotion; toothpaste, brushes and floss; deodorant; wash cloths; and lip balm.

Donations can be dropped off weekdays from 9 am. to 4 p.m. at the charity’s three locations and from 9 a.m. to noon at the Allison Park location on the first Saturday of the month.

NHCO’s main office is located at 1975 Ferguson Road in Allison Park. There also are offices in the Millvale Community Center at 416 Lincoln Ave., 2nd floor in Millvale; and at Greenstone Methodist Church, 939 California Ave. in Pittsburgh.

Girl Scout cookies available

Still haven’t satisfied your fix for Girl Scout cookies?

Scouts will be selling boxes of Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs and the other varieties at The Block Northway along McKnight Road starting Feb. 27.

Cookies will be sold Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 21.

The Scout will be set up between the Land’s End and DSW shoe stores.

Proceeds benefit local Scouting troops.

Sign up for summer camp

Registration is open for Camp Cranberry, which runs June 7 to Aug. 20 for children ages 5 to 15 from any community.

The camp focuses on developing physical, social and decision-making skills; promoting self-confidence and having fun.

Camps are split into four age groups: Mini Movers, Little Achievers, Youth Camp and Future Leaders.

There will be weekly themes for younger campers, such as outer space, dinosaurs, animals, science and storybook classics.

Older campers will learn about their natural surroundings, how to express themselves creatively and inventing games and activities.

Some of the camp activities will be held at the township’s water park.

Full-day camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There also are half-day camps for younger children. Lunch and extended care also will be available.

Cranberry also is offering swimming lessons for all age groups.

There are group lessons, Saturday classes, sessions for preschool kids and parent and child aquatics. Private lessons also are available.

College academic honors

The following students from the North Hills area were recognized for their academic achievement during the fall 2020 semester by being named to the dean’s, president’s or provost’s list at the college or university they attend:

• Baldwin Wallace University: Samantha Dzielski, Quinten Harkness, Emily Newcamp, Ethan Pursley, Zach Riggins, Emma Skundrich and Kate Wells.

• Palmer College of Chiropractic: Abigail Peters and Jonathan Scott.

• Hofstra University: Andrew Fernie and Colin Kulmoski.

• University of Delaware: Lauren DuPlessis, Lucas Carter, Emma Phelps, Kailey Chomyn, Leah Colaizzi, Hannah Lindgren, Jenna Mlecko, Rory Kooker and Christine Belden.

• University of Alabama: Brandon Quinn, master of business administration; Phillip Riggins, bachelor of science in computer science.

• Wheaton College: Benjamsin Waldee.

• Westminster College: Jackson Alexander, Ryan Felter, Olivia Lyle, Garrett Martindale and Heather Zeitler.

• St. Francis University: Vittoria Larosa, Luke Minsky and Madison Curran.

• Youngstown State University: Victoria Crankovic, Christina Lewis, Jesse Crownover, Timothy McClelland and Andriy Lassowsky.

• Susquehanna University: Kylie Scullion.

• Georgia Tech: Sarthak Navjivan.

• Ohio University: Bradon Hassinger, Alex Schwemmer, Kylie Wolff, Hannah Lelis, Robby Yoho, Zoe Schneider, Andy Wolff, Jake Curran and Maddie Kantz.

• Miami University: David Limauro, Gracie Limauro, Melanie Brkovich and Mika Burmester.

• University of Tampa: Hannah Kirkpatrick and Jillian Williams.

• James Madison University: Brooke Anderson and Logan Falk.

• Edinboro University: Madison Spencer Cordial, Rachel Gordon and Kristen Ann Lauer.

• University of Findlay: Donald Professori.

• Rochester Institute of Technology: Matthew Hofmeister, Eric Ford, Dom Melchiorre, Louie D’Angelo, Kira Welker, Gabby Karanikos, Lee Owens and Elizabeth Heller.

Hampton summer jobs

Hampton is accepting applications for seasonal help for various positions including outdoor lifeguards, concession and maintenance staff, summer play camp counselors, youth tennis instructor and community center service desk staff.

Applications for any of the positions can be picked up at the Community Center service desk or downloaded from the township’s website.

More information about the requirements of the positions is available in an online copy of the township’s newsletter.

Pool memberships

Memberships to use Hampton’s community swimming pool are now available.

Membership applications for the pool and other facilities including the community and fitness center are available on the township’s website.

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

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.