To have your news or event listed in our briefs section, email editor Marje Horvath at mhorvath@triblive.com.

Seeking neighbor nods

The Fox Chapel Herald welcomes reader nominations for its weekly Neighbor Spotlight profile, which features residents of communities within the Fox Chapel Area School District.

To nominate a neighbor, email reporter Joyce Hanz at jhanz@triblive.com. Neighbors can be any age but not an elected official.

Please include your name and contact number, as well as the name of the person you are nominating.

Community day set

The sixth annual Fox Chapel Community Day is set for noon to 4 p.m. June 13 at McCahill Park, 625 Hemlock Hollow Road.

Admission is free, and the event will be held rain or shine.

The opening ceremony will kick off the festivities at noon, followed by an oath of office at 12:15 by a K-9 Officer for a Day from Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley.

Activities will include a barnyard petting zoo from noon to 2:30 p.m., balloon artist Weird Eric from 1 to 3 p.m., pony rides from 2 to 4 p.m., a rock wall, trackless train sponsored by the District Association of the Fox Chapel Area, face painting, music by DJ Joe, inflatables, games and a wood carving demonstration by Rannels Rustics.

Local community organizations will be set up. Food vendors include Rollin’ Around Gourmet, Cool Beans Taco Truck, Ash & Kris Kitchen and Beedle’s Ice Cream.

More information is available at fox-chapel.pa.us/407/Fox-Chapel-Day.

Aspinwall police issue alert about scammers

The Aspinwall Police Department is alerting the public to be vigilant about scammers who target residents through phone calls, text messages, emails and social media.

The department recently shared some tips on Facebook, noting these scams often pressure people into sending money or sharing personal information.

Among the red flags are:

• Demands for immediate payment;

• Requests for gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency,

• Threats involving utilities, police or government agencies;

• Suspicious links or text messages asking you to “verify” information;

• Calls claiming your account has been compromised.

To stay safe, here are some tips:

• Never give out personal or banking information over the phone;

• Do not click suspicious links;

• Hang up and contact the company directly using a verified number;

• Talk to a trusted family member or friend before sending money;

• Check in on elderly neighbors and relatives, who are often targeted;

• If something feels suspicious, trust your instincts;

• Report scams to your local police department immediately.

Concert planned outside mansion at Hartwood Acres

The Friends of Hartwood will present Hemlock Groove, its first summer concert of the season, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 11 at the pavilion behind the mansion in Hartwood Acres Park.

Entertainment will be provided by Tullycavy, a local Hampton band that plays a variety of music including Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, The Lone Bellow and some originals.

Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, food and libations.

The concert is dog friendly.

A suggested donation of $5 per adult is appreciated to benefit the nonprofit Friends of Hartwood. Children can attend free of charge. All proceeds go toward the preservation and restoration of Hartwood Acres.

Save the dates for “Grooves” events on July 9 with West Park Road and Aug. 6 with Ron Zankey.

The Friends of Hartwood was founded in 2003 to preserve and protect the natural environment and cultural heritage of Hartwood Acres.

T-ball founder named UPMC hero for efforts

Aspinwall resident Gemma Pollice recently was named a UPMC Community Hero for reviving the borough’s T-ball program.

A segment aired on Pittsburgh Live Today on May 26.

Pollice, an employee of Trib Total Media, is president of Aspinwall Tee Ball.

According to aspinwallteeball.com, its mission is to “bring families together through youth baseball, providing children aged 3 to 8 in Aspinwall and surrounding areas with a safe, encouraging space to learn, grow and love the game.”

The nonprofit organization focuses on fun, fundamentals and community.

In the video, former Aspinwall Mayor Joe Noro relayed how the borough used to be a big baseball town. When the youth program dried up a few years ago, there was a proposal to remove one of the diamonds.

Pollice, a lifelong resident, stepped up to the plate to turn things around. In its first year, 120 youngsters signed up. This year, the program has a record 247 participants.

“She’s a hero because she has the pride of the community,” Noro said in the video.

Aspinwall Patrolman Scott Bailey, safety coordinator for the nonprofit, lauded the dedication of Pollice and her team, saying their long hours do not go unnoticed.

“Whenever I open the gates up, until after my shift is over, she’s still here with her friends, working in the canteen,” Bailey said.

“She literally dots every ‘i’, crosses every ‘t,’ to make sure that this is a fun experience every single weekend,” said Jennifer Justus, an advisory board member and canteen worker.

“It’s the place to be on Saturdays,” said Aspinwall Councilman Louis Curcio Jr., who serves as vice president of the group.

Added Curcio: “She brought Aspinwall baseball back to Aspinwall, and that’s a big deal for me. It’s a big deal for a lot of people in town, and that’s what makes her truly special.”

To view the video, visit cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/pittsburgh-today-live.

Opening Day set June 13 for Aspinwall Tee Ball

The community is invited to celebrate Opening Day of Aspinwall Tee Ball on June 13.

The first game will start at 8:45 a.m., and 20 teams of 3- to 8-year-olds will take over the fields throughout the day.

The canteen will be open and serving your favorites — as well as some items you didn’t know would become your favorite, including the June Hot Dog of the Month the “Borough Blast Off!”

There will be special guest appearances and fun throughout the day.

The season lasts for 10 weeks and everyone is welcome to join in the fun.

Come cheer on the next generation of legends.

Sharpsburg parks/rec committee to meet

Sharpsburg parks and rec committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. June 15 at the borough building, 1611 Main St.

Members are expected to discuss this summer’s slate of activities. Newcomers are welcome.

For details, visit sharpsburgborough.com.

Walking tour to highlight Aspinwall history

An Aspinwall History Walking Tour is planned from 2 to 3 p.m. June 7.

Participants will meet at Aspinwall Beans & Cream, 16 Brilliant Ave. They’ll learn about the historic architecture, founding families and history of how the borough developed.

The leisurely one-hour walk is open to all ages and accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

Light refreshments will conclude the tour.

Additional walking tour dates are June 28; July 5, 12 and 19; Aug. 9 and 13; and Sept. 13 and 20.

The cost is $25 for adults in advance or $30 the day of the tour, $10 for children 4 to 12 and free for 3 and younger.

For details and make a reservation, email terryntaylor@verizon.net.

For additional information, visit aspinwallpa.gov/event-details/aspinwall-history-walking-tour-2026-06-07-14-00.

Proceeds benefit Aspinwall community organizations.

2-day Junior Fire Camp open to teens

Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services is offering a Junior Fire Camp from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13-14 for teens ages 13 to 17.

Are you curious about what it’s like to be a firefighter?

Discover the world of volunteer fire service with this one-of-a-kind experience featuring fun, hands-on activities guided by real firefighters.

Participants will receive a T-shirt.

The cost of the camp is $35, and scholarships are available.

After applying, you will be notified if you qualify for a scholarship.

For details, visit station102.org/fire-camp.

Aspinwall residents welcome to join in yard sale

Aspinwall is having a boroughwide yard sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13-14.

Residents who wish to participate may sign up through the borough website at aspinwallpa.gov/yard-sale-page.

Meetings scheduled

The following voting sessions are scheduled for this month:

• Fox Chapel Council: 6 p.m. June 15 at the borough building, 401 Fox Chapel Road

• Blawnox Council: 6:30 p.m. June 10 at the borough building, 376 Freeport Road

• Aspinwall Council: 7 p.m. June 10 at the borough building, 217 Commercial Ave.

• O’Hara Council: 7 p.m. June 9 at the township office, 325 Fox Chapel Road

• Indiana Township supervisors: 7 p.m. June 10 at the Town Hall, 3710 Saxonburg Blvd.

• Sharpsburg Council: 6:30 p.m. June 18 at the borough building, 1611 Main St.

• Fox Chapel Area School Board: 7 p.m. June 8 at the high school, 611 Field Club Road

Free concerts lined up along river

Allegheny RiverTrail Park has announced the first two shows of its sixth annual Summer Concert Series, sponsored by the Short family:

• June 12: Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams. Campbell, a multi-instrumentalist from New York City, and Williams, a Tennessee-born vocalist, have been together since 1986. Their music blends roots, folk, country and blues.

• July 10: Norside City Council featuring the BGVs and Steeltown Horns. Norside, an organ trio formed in 2021, offers original works of soul-jazz-inspired grooves it dubs “Rust Belt Funk.”

The free series features nationally rising artists, some of Pittsburgh’s favorite bands, a waterfront stage, expanded food and drink options and unbeatable views.

Concerts take place on the second Friday of each month from June until September.

Attendees are welcome to arrive as early as 5 p.m. to grab a spot on the lawn, a beer from Trace Brewing and food from various alternating food truck options. All shows start at 7 p.m.

Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket. Boaters are welcome to float on the Allegheny River and enjoy the music from the water.

This year’s media partner is 91.3 WYEP-FM.

For details, visit alleghenyrivertrailpark.org/summer-concert-series.

Summer programs, family exercise, game night set at center

The Lauri Ann West Community Center at 1220 Powers Run Road in O’Hara is celebrating its 10th anniversary. It is an independent, nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer-based board of directors. Open seven days a week, 360 days per year, the center is a welcoming gathering place for all. The Lauri Ann West Community Center builds connections, expands horizons and impacts lives by providing a safe place for all to learn, play and grow.

Here are some upcoming events:

• Family Group Exercise: 11:15 a.m. to noon June 21. Join us for a family-friendly group yoga class in the Alexander Family Conference Room. The class, led by Tabitha Brown, will focus on getting families moving together by stretching and practicing mindfulness. Guardians are responsible for their children during class. Anyone younger than 13 must be accompanied by a guardian. Free and open to the public. Registration is required. To register, visit lauriannwestcc.org.

• Wine Wednesdays — Summer Music on the Scott Family Patio Series: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 24. Acoustic Union crafts fresh yet familiar renditions of their own creations and songs you know and love. Michelle Hall will start the night at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own chairs, beverages (wine not mandatory) and snacks. Food also will be available for purchase through Aspinwall Everyday Gourmet. This event is sponsored by Mary Margaret and Lloyd Stamy. Here’s the rest of the lineup: July 29, Michael Berkey; and Aug. 26, Devin Russian.

• Adult Game Night: 6 to 8 p.m. June 26. Bring your friends or find some here while playing classics such as Backgammon or Yahtzee or new games like Settlers of Catan. This is an 18-and-over adult event. Over 20 board games will be available to choose from, or you can bring your favorite from home. This event is free and open to all. Registration is required. To register, visit lauriannwestcc.org/programs/speakerseries-events.

• Summer Programming: Get ready for a summer full of fun with our exciting one-day and weekly programs.

PreK — lauriannwestcc.org/programs/toddlers-pre-k: JumpStart Summer Pre-K Tennis, 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. June 15-July 20; Soccer Shots Summer Mini, 2- to 3-year-olds, 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. June 16-July 21; Soccer Shots Summer Classic, 3- to 5-year-olds, 3:30 to 4:10 p.m. June 16-July 21.

School-age — lauriannwestcc.org/programs/school-aged-children: JumpStart Summer Tennis, 5- to 8-year-olds, 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. June 15-July 20.

Adults — lauriannwestcc.org/programs/adult-programs: Deep Rest: A Reiki Experience, two sessions, join one or both, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. June 13 and July 11.

• Full-day Summer Camps: A limited number of spots are still available for nine weeks of exciting themed camps June 15 through Aug. 14 for campers ages 5 to 12. To learn more about the weekly themes, visit lauriannwestcc.org/summer-camps-2026.

• Specialty Summer Camps: There are a variety of specialty camps for ages 3 to 8. Don’t miss Mrs. Cubbage’s fan-favorite “Big Foot School-Age Summer Camp” the week of June 29. For sports lovers, check out the one-hour afternoon camps: Soccer (week of July 27); Basketball (week of Aug. 3); and Tennis (week of Aug. 10). To register, visit lauriannwestcc.org/summer-camps-2026.

Summer concert series in full swing at Hartwood Acres

Allegheny County’s 2026 summer concert series starts soon at Hartwood Acres Amphitheater in Hampton.

The free concerts are open to all ages.

Offerings from local food trucks will be available starting at 6 p.m. The bands take the stage at 7:30 p.m.

A special patriotic-themed aerial drone show July 5 to mark America’s 250th anniversary at Hartwood Acres. More than 200 drones will light up the sky, synchronized to music by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

For that show in particular, county officials are asking a suggested donation of $30 per vehicle, which will benefit the Allegheny County Department of Human Services’ programs for youth and children.

For details, visit alleghenycounty.us/Parks-and-Events/Special-Events/Summer-Concerts-Series.

Here are the concerts scheduled at Hartwood Acres:

June 7: Pittsburgh Opera

June 14: Melinda & the Night Sky (rock); opener: Grace Campbell & Rocket Loves Blue

June 21: Yacht Rocket (dad rock)

June 28: Kings of Latin Jazz featuring Tito Puente Jr. and Nestor Torres (Latin jazz); opener: Hugo Cruz and Caminos

July 5: (8:15 p.m. start) America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration featuring Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and concluding with a patriotic drone show; suggested donation: $30 per vehicle to benefit children and youth services in Allegheny County

July 12: The Fixx (British pop/rock)

July 19: Cyril Neville (New Orleans jazz/funk); opener: Norside

July 26: Arrested Development (Atlanta-based early ’90s hip-hop); opener: Cam Chambers

Aug. 2: The Wood Brothers (Americana/folk/acoustic); presented by 91.3 WYEP-FM with opener Ric Robertson

Aug. 9: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (big band/swing)

Aug. 16: The Lemon Twigs (alternative/power pop/glam rock)

Aug. 23: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

Aug. 30: Blasey Does the Beatles (British invasion)

Sept. 6: Buzz Poets (’90s Pittsburgh rock); opener: New Invisible Joy

Fox Chapel seeks full-time police officer

The Fox Chapel Police Department is looking to hire a full-time patrol officer.

Applications are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Fox Chapel Borough Building, 401 Fox Chapel Road, or online at fox-chapel.pa.us.

Completed applications must be returned by 4 p.m. June 12. A $25 nonrefundable fee is required upon submission of the application. Checks should be made payable to Fox Chapel Borough.

The physical agility test will be held at 9 a.m. June 18 at the Allegheny County Police Academy, 700 W. Ridge Road, McCandless; all candidates must bring a valid photo ID. Immediately after successfully passing the physical agility test, candidates will be offered the written exam.

Candidates wishing to discuss the police department contract, working conditions or general questions should contact Chief C. Ellis Watson at cwatson@fox-chapel.pa.us or 412-850-5024.

Violators of hands-free law face fines soon

The Aspinwall Police Department is reminding motorists about Pennsylvania’s hands-free law that will be enforced with fines starting June 6.

As the department noted in a Facebook post, Paul Miller’s Law prohibits drivers from holding or using a hand-held mobile device to talk, text, email, search the internet or watch videos while driving or stopped in traffic.

After a year of warnings, violators now will face a $50 fine, plus court costs and fees, totaling roughly $198.50, according to the post.

Because it is a primary law, police can pull over a person solely for holding a phone, the post said.

Drivers must use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth, a speakerphone or mounts.

The law does not apply if the vehicle is safely parked on the side of or off the roadway. Phones also can be used to call 911 or report an emergency.

Alternate member needed for planning commission

Aspinwall has a vacancy for an alternate member on the borough’s Planning Commission.

Anyone interested in volunteering should email borough Manager Melissa Lang-O’Malley at melissa@boroughofaspinwall.com with a copy of your resume and a letter of interest.

The Planning Commission meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month in council chambers at the borough building, 217 Commercial Ave. All meetings are open to the public. Meeting minutes can be found on the borough website at aspinwallpa.gov.

The commission is working on revisions to the Borough Zoning Ordinance. Its core responsibilities involve reviewing applications for subdivision and land developments, business signs and residential curb cuts; reviewing plans for construction projects; and reviewing zoning ordinances and the comprehensive plan.

Pride in the Park set for June 29

The sixth annual Pride in the Park is slated for 4 to 8 p.m. June 29 at Allegheny RiverTrail Park in Aspinwall.

The youth-centered, family-focused gathering aims to connect and celebrate LGBTQIA+ students and families in the Pittsburgh area.

Everyone is welcome.

Three will be arts and crafts, games and activities, drag bingo, drag story hour, craft vendors, a resource fair and food and beverages.

A banned book swap and clothing swap also will be set up.

Attendees are welcome to bring a blanket or camp chair and find a spot for a picnic. A water filling station will be set up for those who bring a reusable water bottle to help reduce waste.

Advance registration is not required but is appreciated to help plan for the event.

To register for the free tickets and for details about the lineup, including a list of vendors, visit fcprideinthepark.com.

Course available to drivers 55 and older

Seniors for Safe Driving is offering an upcoming course for motorists 55 and older from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 12 at the Sharpsburg Senior Center, 209 13th St., through state Rep. Mandy Steele.

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 is collecting cleaning products through June 6 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.

The organization’s next drive is themed Back to School. School supplies will be collected from June 8-Aug. 10. Last year, nearly 890 students received supplies. For a list of what is needed, visit nhco.org/sharing-project-donations.

Suicide prevention training aims to save lives

Penn State Extension is offering free webinars on evidence-based training aimed at saving lives and reducing suicidal behaviors.

Participants can choose from one of the following two-hour training sessions, each held from 1 to 3 p.m., on June 16, July 21 and Aug. 25.

Penn State Extension educators will lead the QPR Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention training. “Question, Persuade and Refer,” which was developed by the QPR Institute, teaches participants how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, how to offer hope to someone in need and how to get help.

Designed for all people, regardless of profession, who are concerned about helping others, QPR is an emergency mental health intervention intended to interrupt a crisis and direct someone to proper care. Attendees will discuss potential scenarios and engage in active listening and persuasion techniques.

Penn State Extension offers the seminar free of charge, but participants must register by 11:59 p.m. the day before the event to receive the link to access the webinar. The recording link will not be available after the webinar.

Continuing education credits are available.

For details and to register, visit the Penn State Extension website at extension.psu.edu/qpr-gatekeeper-suicide-prevention-training-webinar or call 1-877-345-0691.

Veterans Place seeks volunteer mentors

Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard is seeking mentors for its Mentorship Program, which connects veterans with supportive volunteers who can provide guidance, encouragement and practical support as they work toward personal and professional goals.

The program helps veterans strengthen their support systems, stay connected to available resources and work toward self-sufficiency.

Veterans Place, serving veterans since 1996, offers a wide range of support in the Pittsburgh area, including housing assistance, employment programs and access to community-based resources.

Veteran status is not required to be a mentor. Veterans Place said shared military experience can help mentors connect with participants, but the most important qualities are dependability, strong communication, patience, consistency and a supportive, nonjudgmental approach.

Mentors provide regular check-ins, help with goal-setting and connect mentees with resources. The program is open to people who are willing to listen, share knowledge and commit to helping veterans grow.

Community members interested in becoming mentors or learning more should contact James Smith, Mentorship Program liaison, at 412-844-0716 or jsmith@veteransplaceusa.org to schedule a meeting and review next steps.

Cornhole golf outing to raise money for myasthenia gravis group

The Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western Pennsylvania is hosting a Cornhole Golf Tournament to benefit the nonprofit’s free patient support services.

The event will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 23 at Cornhole Golf Course, 540 State Route 228 in Adams Township.

Registration and check-in will start at 5:30 p.m., followed by a shotgun start at 6. In addition to 18 holes of cornhole golf, attendees will be treated to a post-event tailgate party. There also will be a hole-in-one contest, a 50-50 drawing, a basket raffle and a silent auction.

Cornhole golf is a twist on two classic games: cornhole and mini golf. The 18-hole skill toss obstacle course features fun and challenging obstacles for all ages.

Individual registration is $35 per golfer, and a foursome is $120. Tickets also are available for a “tailgate only” option at $20 per person.

The Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western Pennsylvania is marking its 71st year of service to people affected by myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder of extreme muscle weakness with no known cause or cure.

For details about the organization, visit mgawpa.org.

To register for the event, email mgaoffice@mgawpa.org or call 412-566-1545.

Blawnox Food Pantry to be open June 26

The Blawnox Food Pantry will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 26 at 376 Freeport Road.

Pantry operations have shifted this year to a ticket system similar to a supermarket deli to help alleviate wait times and people lining up around the block to get food.

Participants may arrive at 10:45 a.m. to start picking their tickets.

No proof of residency or income is required.

For details, call 412-828-4141.

Helpers sought to tend to Sharpsburg’s vegetable garden

The Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization is in need of volunteers to help with the Sharpsburg Market Garden at 124 13th St.

The goal is to raise more than 800 pounds of produce again this year to help feed our community.

Seasoned gardeners, beginners and anyone curious and willing to get their hands dirty are welcome.

Benefits include learning new skills, meeting new people, sharing food and community, enjoying nature, eating your vegetables and helping us exceed our goal.

To sign up, visit bit.ly/4shWL73.

Camp for teens to teach animal welfare, advocacy

Animal Friends is hosting a free Community Voices for Animals apprenticeship for teens from noon to 3 p.m. June 15, 22 and 29 and July 6 at Roots of Faith, 800 Main St., Sharpsburg.

Teens entering grades 7 through 12 are encouraged to apply. Spots are limited and will be filled on a rolling basis.

During the Community Voices for Animals camp, teens will dive into animal welfare, advocacy and animal shelter care in ways that are creative, relevant and hands-on.

Through art projects, group activities and interactive discussions, participants will explore topics affecting animals and how they can help. The camp is about using one’s voice, creativity and compassion to make a difference for animals in need alongside other teens who care, too.

To apply, visit tinyurl.com/53ahc8sz.

Acceptance notifications will be sent by June 12.

Backpack for Hunger welcomes donations, volunteers

Childhood hunger is an issue, even in the Fox Chapel area.

The Fox Chapel Area School District is the most socioeconomically diverse in Pennsylvania. More than 25% of the approximately 4,000 students in the district meet the low-income requirements to qualify for the free and/or reduced-price lunch program.

The Backpack for Hunger program helps to fill the gap. Twice a month, a group of volunteers gathers to pack food bags, which are then delivered to schools to be distributed to students on a weekly or more frequent basis, as needed. In addition to being volunteer-driven, Backpack for Hunger also is dependent on public donations to purchase food. The current high food prices mean more children than ever before need Backpack for Hunger’s food bags. These high food prices also make the Backpack for Hunger program more expensive to fund. Donations are especially needed at this time.

To donate to Backpack for Hunger or to help with packing food bags, visit the program’s website at backpackforhunger.org or call 412-418-6254. Donations may be mailed to Backpack for Hunger, P.O. Box 11266, Pittsburgh, PA 15238.

Grant covers free spay, neuter surgeries for Sharpsburg residents, veterans

Animal Friends provides free spay and neuter surgeries for owned dogs and cats within its partner communities of McKees Rocks, Millvale, Mt. Oliver and Sharpsburg.

The program is made possible by a grant from the McS Charitable Foundation. In addition, the program will be available to veterans regardless of their location.

Any dog or cat owner who resides in one of these communities or is a veteran and wishes to be considered for the service should complete an application at tinyurl.com/29z4vev so a member of the clinic team can reach out.

Spaying and neutering are among the most impactful choices one can make to protect their pet’s health and help reduce pet overpopulation. These safe, routine procedures prevent unwanted litters, reducing the number of animals entering shelters each year. In addition to easing overcrowding, spaying and neutering can lower the risk of certain cancers, decrease roaming and behavioral challenges, and often lead to longer, healthier lives.

The grant covers the cost of the spay or neuter surgery, including pain medication, a complimentary nail trim and e-collar. All other services, such as vaccines, will be at the expense of the owner.

For assistance with scheduling a feral cat, call Animal Friends directly at 412-847-7004.

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