Murrysville area: Bonfire fundraiser, cardio drumming, ‘Christmas in July’ and more

Patrick Varine
Friday, June 28, 2024 2:40 p.m. | Friday, June 28, 2024 2:40 p.m.

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A memorial bonfire for former Franklin Regional student Joe Purdue, who died in 2023, will raise money for research into the pediatric cancer that took Purdue’s life.

Memorial bonfire to benefit cancer research

A memorial bonfire for former Franklin Regional football player Joe Purdue will help raise money for research into the aggressive pediatric brain cancer that took his life in 2023.

Mother of Sorrows Church will host a Sept. 1 “Birthday Bonfire Fundraiser” with a Mass at 6 p.m. and the bonfire to follow at 7 p.m. Last year the event raised more than $63,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation for research into diffused intrinsic pontine glioma, a deadly, inoperable form of brain tumor located at the end of the brain stem. This year’s goal is $100,000, to be donated to childhood cancer research charity the Tough2Gether Foundation.

There are also sponsorships available ranging from $100 to $5,000 and up. For more on sponsorships, see TinyURL.com/JoeStrong71.

Checks can be made payable to the Tough2Gether Foundation, 1600 Poyentz Ave., Manhattan, Kan., 66502. Place “JoeStrong71” in the memo line of the check.

The event will also include gift baskets, a silent auction and more. Contact Lisa Purdue at 412-445-3685 to donate a basket or auction item by Aug. 1.

The event will take place at Mother of Sorrows, 4202 Old William Penn Highway in Murrysville.

Cardio drumming

Mother of Sorrows Church’s “Boomers & Beyond” speaker series will feature cardio drumming on July 9.

Cardio drumming is a whole-body exercise using large physio balls. The moderate-to-high-intensity workout can be adapted and performed in several postures.

It will be presented by Eric Horton of Allstar Therapies. It will be at noon at 4202 Old William Penn Highway in Murrysville.

Participants can bring a bag lunch and a friend. There is no cost to attend. Beverages are provided.

Library programs

Here are some upcoming programs at the Murrysville Community Library:

• July 6: How to Be a Dungeon Master. Learn the basics of how to run a “Dungeons & Dragons” game including tips on character creation, game mechanics and collaborative storytelling. It will be from noon to 2 p.m.

• July 8: Storytelling in Song with acoustic singer-songwriter Tom Beckman. Will take place at 6 p.m. for all ages.

• July 10: Pop-up ceramic art with the Westmoreland Museum of American Art. Ceramics artist Amy Roadman will lead a class on ceramics for adults. Participants will craft a hand-built textural floral sculpture or bowl. Items will be glazed and fired off-site, to be picked up later at the library. It will be at 2 p.m.

• July 16: “The Darkest Depths of Mordor: J.R.R. Tolkien & the Music of Led Zeppelin,” part of the “Rock Talks!” series. Examine references to Tolkien’s fantasy masterwork peppered throughout the 1970s rock band’s lyrics.

All programs are free, but require registration by calling 724-327-1102 or going to MurrysvilleLibrary.org.

Vacation Bible school

Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church will host its annual vacation Bible school July 15-18 at the church’s fellowship hall. The theme for this year is “Scuba: Diving into Friendship with God!”

It will take place from 5:30-8 p.m. each night at the church, 4600 Old William Penn Highway in Murrysville.

Registration is open until July 8.

For more information, or to register, email DirectorCE@newlonsburg.org or visit NewlonsburgChurch.org.

Christmas in July fundraiser

The Delmont Pilgrimage committee will host a “Christmas in July” fundraiser from 5-7 p.m. July 27 at the Red Barn Winery.

The evening will include Christmas- themed activities, with opportunities to donate to help support the annual pilgrimage at Shields Farm in Delmont.

Tickets are $20, and are available at TinyURL.com/pilgrimagefund.

Association of University People meetings

The Association of University People invites singles 50 and over, who are four-year college graduates, to join them for activities and to meet new people. Activities include monthly dinners, social gatherings, concerts, meeting up at local wineries, and day trips. Those interested can attend three activities as guests before joining.

For more information or to become an AUP member, call 412-353-9088 or email Aupsingles@gmail.com.

Upcoming public meetings

• Murrysville council, 7 p.m. July 3 and 16 at the municipal building, 4100 Sardis Road. Meetings are broadcast live on Comcast local access Channel 21 and streamed at Murrysville.com.

• Delmont council, 7 p.m. July 9 at the borough building, 77 Greensburg Street. For more, including an agenda, see DelmontBoro.com.

• Franklin Regional school board, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12 (no July meeting) at the Murrysville municipal building, 4100 Sardis Road. Meetings are broadcast live on Comcast local access Channel 21 and streamed at Murrysville.com.

• Franklin Township Municipal Sanitary Authority board, 6 p.m. July 17 at the authority offices, 3001 Meadowbrook Road in Murrysville. For more, see FTMSA.org.