To have your news or event listed in our briefs section, email editor Marje Horvath at mhorvath@triblive.com.
Registration for kindergarten starting soon
Registration for children who will enter kindergarten in the fall is scheduled in the Fox Chapel Area School District for March. The district also offers various preregistration events, including parent/guardian orientations and 2026-27 kindergarten story times, that are held beginning in February.
Starting on Feb. 3, parents and guardians can visit register.fcasd.edu to begin the registration process. Once the online forms are complete, parents and guardians will attend the school’s registration day, at a specific time, with their supporting documents. Orientation meetings to acquaint parents/guardians with the kindergarten program and registration process are scheduled in February.
Children must be 5 on or before Sept. 1 to be admitted to kindergarten in the 2026-27 school year. A certificate of birth date, immunization records, two proofs of residency and a photo ID must be presented for registration. A child will not be officially registered in the school until all of these items are presented.
Here is the schedule for in-person parent orientation meetings and kindergarten registration. Parents and guardians will choose a specific registration time once they complete the online registration.
Fairview Elementary School — parent orientation: 5 to 6 p.m. Feb. 4; registration: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 4. The school is located at 738 Dorseyville Road in Indiana Township. Phone: 412-963-9315.
Hartwood Elementary School — parent orientation: 5 to 6 p.m. Feb. 5; registration: 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. March 4. The school is located at 3730 Saxonburg Blvd. in Indiana Township. Phone: 412-767-5396.
Kerr Elementary School — parent orientation: 5 to 6 p.m. Feb. 3; registration: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 3. The school is located at 341 Kittanning Pike in O’Hara Township. Phone: 412-781-4105.
O’Hara Elementary School — parent orientation: 5 to 6 p.m. Feb. 5; registration: 9:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 3 p.m. p.m. March 5. The school is located at 115 Cabin Lane in O’Hara Township. Phone: 412-963-0333.
Additionally, districtwide registration sessions for all elementary schools will be held in March for those unable to attend the individual school registration dates and times. Registration for all incoming kindergartners will be from 4 to 6 p.m. March 3 at Kerr Elementary School and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 5 at O’Hara Elementary School.
Incoming kindergarten families also are encouraged to sign up for the story times hosted by their elementary school. To sign up and to learn more about programs for incoming kindergartners, visit kdgfcasd.com.
Blawnox Food Pantry to be open Jan. 30
The Blawnox Food Pantry will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 30 at 376 Freeport Road.
Pantry operations have shifted this year to a ticket system similar to a supermarket deli to help eleviate 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.
Sharpsburg VFW hosts winter flea markets, benefit breakfasts
The Sharpsburg Winter Flea Market and Sharpsburg VFW Post 709 benefit breakfast take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on select Sundays — Jan. 25, Feb. 8, Feb. 22, March 8 and March 22 — at the social club, 1017 Main St.
Vendor setup starts at 7 a.m., and free vendor tables are offered while available. due to limited space, call 412-781-7771to reserve a table.
A variety of breakfasts will be available, ranging in price from $5 to $14. Additional sides range from $1 to $2.50. All breakfasts include a choice of coffee, hot tea, soda or bottle of water. Follow VFW 709 on Facebook for the full menu and updates.
Breakfast is cash only. No bills over $20, please.
Follow VFW 709 on Facebook for updates.
Family bingo, board night for adults set at center
The Lauri Ann West Community Center, 1220 Powers Run Road, is hosting a few free community events in February:
• Unity in the Community — Family Bingo: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8. Join us for a fun afternoon of community and connection. Bring your family, friends and your lucky charm. Some lucky winners will take home Lauri Ann West Community Center merch. Food will be available for purchase through Aspinwall Everyday Gourmet. This event is free and open to all. Registration is required. Sign up at lauriannwestcc.org/event/family-bingo. This program is sponsored by Realtor Jane Siddons Herrmann.
• Community Board Game Night for Adults: 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 20. Bring your friends or make some new ones at the center while playing classics board games such as Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit or Scrabble. This is an 18-and-over event, and attendees are welcome to bring their favorite adult beverages and snacks. More than 20 board games will be available to choose from, or you can bring your favorite from home. Food also will be available for purchase through Aspinwall Everyday Gourmet. This event is free and open to all. Registration is required. to register, visit lauriannwestcc.org/event/community-board-game-night-for-adults.
Registration open for Session 2 programs, summer camps
Registration for Lauri Ann West Community Center’s Winter/Spring Session 2 programming opens Jan. 26.
Offerings include a mix of tried-and-true favorites, such as Pickleball 101 and Deep Relaxation for Adults, sports for Pre-K participants, and a wide range of sports and art classes for school-age students.
For elementary students who love chess, there is a Level 2 version of the Knight Chess School. As always, the programs are designed to enrich students’ after-school experience while also supporting families’ child care needs. To that end, busing is provided from Fox Chapel Area School District’s elementary schools for all classes that begin at 4:15 p.m. Scholarships are available.
For details and to view a list of classes, visit lauriannwestcc.org/programs. Questions can be directed to questions@lauriannwestcc.org.
Registration opens Feb. 1 for the center’s themed summer camps, which will run for nine weeks from June 15 through Aug. 14. The camps are for children ages 3 to 13.
Fan-favorite weeks such as Our Town, Carnival and Myths and Legends are back, along with new Friday surprises and a brand-new theme — Crafting the World Games — where art and sports come together for an action-packed week.
Scholarships are available. To learn more about the weekly themes, visit lauriannwestcc.org/summer-camps-2026.
Sign-ups underway in Sharpsburg for baseball, softball teams
Sign-ups are now open for the spring season of the Sharpsburg Baseball and Softball Association.
If you’re looking for a fun, positive way to get your children active this season, we’re here to help.
Available programs are:
• T-ball: Ages 4-6
• Instructional baseball: Ages 7–8
• Boys baseball: Up to age 12
• Girls softball: Up to age 13
Participants will learn the game, build confidence, make friends and have fun on the field.
For details or to sign up, call or text Denise Hoffman at 412-352-5158 or reach out by email at sbsa.playball@gmail.com.
Junior council member collecting nonperishable items for pantry
Anna Grace, a junior council member for Fox Chapel, is organizing a food drive through Jan. 31 to benefit the Sharpsburg Food Pantry.
The pantry, located in the basement of St. Mary Church at 210 Garnier St. in Sharpsburg, assists residents of the Sharpsburg, Harmar and Fox Chapel area.
The pantry is in need of nonperishable items, including soup, pasta, juice, boxed cereal, peanut butter, toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, shampoo, body wash, dish soap and household cleaning liquid.
Items can be dropped off at Cooper-Siegel Community Library, 403 Fox Chapel Road, and the Fox Chapel Borough Building, 401 Fox Chapel Road.
Church hosting 19th annual chili cook-off
The 19th annual B.J. Ferguson Chili Cook-off will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 25 at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, 384 Fox Chapel Road, immediately following the 10 a.m. combined service and congregational meeting.
There are four categories: traditional, nontraditional, vegetarian/heart healthy and youth.
Winners will receive a coveted Chili Pot trophy.
New this year, everyone is encouraged to send their favorite jokes to Chet Karas at karas756@comcast.net for possible inclusion in the awards ceremony.
To participate in the cook-off, email Karas or sign up in person before or after the next 10 a.m. Sunday service, which is Jan. 18.
Registration will close on Jan. 21.
Ministry plans Super Bowl party
Addiction Recovery Ministry is hosting a Super Bowl party, starting at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 8, at its John Paul I Center, 201 Ninth St., Sharpsburg.
All are invited to attend. Soft drinks, coffee and snacks will be provided, but everyone is asked to bring an appetizer or dessert. The game room and library also will be open during the party.
To reserve a spot, contact Rosemarie Haas at 412-378-9290 or rhaasarm@gmail.com.
CDTCA hosting open house Jan. 24
Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy is hosting an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 24 at the school, 205 Brilliant Ave., Aspinwall.
Prospective families and students will be able to tour the PreK-8 school, which marked its 100th year in 2025.
Teachers and staff members will be on hand to share what makes their school community special.
For details about the school, visit cdtca.org.
Commemorative bricks available to honor Blawnox veterans
Memorial bricks are still available for purchase to honor current or former Blawnox residents who have served our country.
Many bricks already have been installed at the Veterans Memorial, along with new lamps and new pavers, along Freeport Road.
The memorial aims to serve as both a remembrance and a living memorial.
To purchase a brick in honor of a veteran, visit BricksRUs.com/DonorSite/BlawnoxCentennial.
Each brick measures 4 inches by 8 inches and costs $100.
Select commemorative products also can be purchased as keepsakes, including a donor brick for $60, an exact duplicate of the brick purchased with the addition of felt backing; a souvenir brick for $25, a smaller option that fits in one’s hand bearing your custom inscription; and a donor certificate for $10, a laser-printed certificate on heavy ivory paper showing your inscription on a red-colored brick background.
Blawnox looking to start a Shade Tree Commission
Blawnox is seeking volunteers to form a Shade Tree Commission, as well serve as as Tree Tenderers.
A Shade Tree Commission consists of residents who plan, plant, maintain and protect the community’s public trees. They work to ensure healthy tree canopy, species diversity and proper stewardship.
A Tree Tenderer, a trained volunteer within the Shade Tree Commission, who is involved in the hands-on care\, such as watering, mulching and inspecting and reporting on the health of trees.
Anyone interested in serving should contact the borough at 412-828-4141 or stop in the office at 376 Freeport Road.
Community blood drive set for Feb. 11
Fox Chapel Area High School is hosting a community blood drive with Vitalant from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 11.
The drive will be held in the large group instruction room at Fox Chapel Area High School, 611 Field Club Road, O’Hara.
Everyone 16 and older is encouraged to donate blood.
As a special incentive, anyone who donates blood will receive a $15 gift card.
Vitalant also continues to offer scholarships to area high school students. To qualify for these scholarships, Fox Chapel Area High School will host several blood drives throughout the 2025-26 school year. The scholarships will be awarded for the highest percent participation and the largest number of registered donations for the year. Additionally, anyone who donates blood at a local donor center can request for the donation to count toward the school’s total. Just specify for the donation to count toward Fox Chapel Area High School using code UHS010025.
To schedule an appointment, visit vitalant.org, call 1-877-25VITAL or use Vitalant’s mobile app and apply the above code.
Students who would like to donate can stop by gifted education facilitator Lisa Gibson to arrange to make a donation.
While donors are encouraged to make an appointment, walk-ins will be welcome. Walk-in donors should enter at the athletics entrance at the back of the school by the fox statue.
The blood drive is being coordinated by the community outreach committee of the Fox Chapel Area High School Fox Leadership Council.
Cash Bash to benefit SAVES firefighters
Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services is hosting its annual Cash Bash from 5 to 10 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Cherry City Volunteer Fire Hall, 309 Davis Ave., Millvale.
Food and refreshments will be served.
Tickets are $50 and include two numbers to win; $25 will get you entry to everything except the 15-minute timed ticket number drawings. Nearly $12,000 in prizes will be given away.
Doors open at 5 p.m., and the first drawing will take place at 5:55.
To purchase tickets, visit station102.org/events-1 online, see a SAVES member or stop by the Aspinwall Borough Building, 217 Commercial Ave.
Temporary closure in effect to O’Hara park’s north lot, portion of trail
O’Hara recently announced a temporary closure of the north lot in O’Hara Township Community Park and a portion of the trail to accommodate upcoming construction on the retaining wall in Sycamore Run that supports the upper portion of the O’Hara Community Park Trail.
The closure is expected to remain in effect through March 7, weather permitting. During this time, public access to the parking lot and trail will be unavailable to ensure the safety of visitors and construction crews.
The project is part of a trail improvement project to enhance the long-term usability and safety of the area.
Alternative parking and trail options are available in the southern parking lot. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and follow the posted signage.
Updates regarding construction progress or changes to the schedule will be shared on the township’s Facebook page as they become available.
For details, contact township engineer Charles W. Steinert Jr. at 412-782-1400.
Registration underway for summer camps at Camp Guyasuta
Camp Guyasuta is offering a weeklong co-ed STEM Adventure Day Camp throughout June and July for children ages 6 to 14.
The camp is held in a “drop-off” format, with early arrival and late pickup available. This arrangement allows youth of working parents the ability to attend an adventure of a lifetime while not disrupting work schedules.
Registration currently is underway and will close once 180 campers have signed up for each age group, 6-10 and 11-14, per week. The first week starts June 1 and the last week begins July 27.
The cost is $300 per camper for the 6-10 group and $350 for those 11-14.
Activities include archery, target and range sports, ropes courses, gaga ball, human foosball, creek hikes and swimming.
For details about the camp and to register, visit campguyasuta.org/day-camp.
For questions about participation or exclusion from an activity, call 412-782-2669.
To request to be with a friend, email Kim Daniher at kim.daniher@scouting.org as soon as both campers are registered. The camp tries to accommodate friend requests, but it is not guaranteed. Once groups are filled, however, friend requests will not be accepted.
Pavilion rentals open Feb. 2 for Indiana Township residents
Pavilion reservations for Indiana Township residents 21 and older will open at 9 a.m. Feb. 2. Reservations for nonresidents will start Feb. 16.
Rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pavilions in three of the township’s five parks — and a gazebo — are available to rent:
• Rural Ridge pavilion (no electricity) at the Rural Ridge Parklet next to the Kevin M. Brozek Community Center, 400 Crawford Run Road;
• Old Mill Dam School, Dogwood and Laurel Oak pavilions, as well as the gazebo, in Emmerling Park along Cove Run Road;
• Pleasant View pavilion at Middle Road Community Park along Red Maple Lane.
Reservations are accepted in person at the administration office during office hours at Town Hall, 3710 Saxonburg Blvd.
For rates, visit indianatownship.com or call the office at 412-767-5333, option 7.
Availability can be checked by emailing admin@indianatownship.com or by calling the office.
Bulk pickup days held once a month
Indiana Township’s next bulk pickup day by Waste Management is Feb. 4.
Waste Management provides one bulk pickup day each month in the township.
Residents can place one item per month curbside when bulk pickup is scheduled. Dates can be viewed on the township’s calendar at indianatownship.com/calendar.
Bulk items can include:
• Furniture such as chairs, tables, armoires, cabinets, chests, headboards, sofas, mattresses, dressers and interior doors;
• Gasoline-powered snow blowers, nonriding lawn mowers and hedge trimmers; the equipment must be drained of all fluids;
• Household appliances such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, stoves, toilets, refrigerators (freon must be removed), microwaves and hot water tanks;
• Carpeting (must be cut into 4-foot bundles);
• Picnic tables or benches (unattached), basketball boards, pools (6 feet or less in height) and swing sets (disassembled).
Free webinar to provide training in suicide prevention
Penn State Extension is offering a free webinar aimed at saving lives and reducing suicidal behaviors.
Participants can select one of four dates: 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 20, Feb. 17, March 17 or April 21.
Penn State Extension educators will lead the webinar, “QPR Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training,” developed by the QPR Institute. QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer. Participants will learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide in friends, co-workers, family members or neighbors in need.
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 webinar free of charge, but participants must register by 11:59 p.m. the day before the event to receive the link to access it. The recording link will not be available after the webinar.
Continuing education credits are available. For details, visit Penn State Extension’s website at tinyurl.com/2suk85t2 or call 1-877-345-0691.
Series to explore management of garden pests
Penn State Extension is offering a webinar series on integrated pest management for home gardeners, Master Gardeners, commercial growers and anyone interested in sustainable pest control.
The series, titled “IPM Essentials: Tools, Tactics and Techniques,” will run from noon to 1:15 p.m. March 10, 17, 24 and 31.
It will teach sustainable and practical strategies for managing pest control across diverse settings, including:
• The basic principles of integrated pest management;
• How to scout and monitor pest populations;
• How to recognize signs and symptoms of common pests and locate reliable identification resources;
• How to apply integrated pest management strategies in real-world settings;
Pesticide applicator recertification credits are available for participants pending approval.
Space is limited, and registration is required by March 9. The cost for the series is $20.
Registration is required to receive the link to access the webinars. A link to the recorded webinars will be emailed to registrants within 10 business days after the live events.
For details, visit Penn State Extension’s website at tinyurl.com/ysddyd5x.
America250PA offering 25 $10,000 scholarships
To mark America’s 250th anniversary and to honor the legacy of Pennsylvania’s strong commitment to education, America250PA will award $250,000 in scholarships — 25 scholarships worth $10,000 each — to deserving Pennsylvania high school seniors who plan to attend an accredited Pennsylvania college or university in the 2026-27 school year.
The Semiquincentennial Scholarship Program will distribute the scholarships across America250PA’s six regions.
There will be up to 12 awards for community college students and up to 13 awards for students attending four-year institutions.
Applications are due Jan. 31.
To apply, visit america250pa.org/PPE:_Semiquin_Scholarships.
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BluePearl seeks pet donors for blood banks
January is National Blood Donor Month, and this year BluePearl Pet Hospital is encouraging pet owners in the Pittsburgh area to enroll their pets as donors to help ease the shortage of veterinary blood products.
Just as humans require blood transfusions for medical conditions or emergencies, the same is true for pets. BluePearl operates a community-based blood banking program at more than 20 locations across the United States.
In 2025, BluePearl performed 7,000 blood transfusions, with almost 50% of blood products used being sourced from the BluePearl Pet Blood Bank.
Throughout January, all donors will receive a free KONG dog or cat toy for enrolling in the BluePearl Blood Bank program.
Healthy cats and dogs between 1 and 8 years old who meet additional eligibility criteria can donate through a short and painless process. Donations are recommended at eight- to 12-week intervals, and each donation could save the lives of at least three other pets. Pets can be unenrolled at any time.
BluePearl provides a complimentary physical exam before each donation and annual lab work for enrolled pets.
BluePearl has two blood bank locations in the region: Pittsburgh North at 807 Camp Horne Road in Ohio Township and Pittsburgh South at 1535 Washington Road in Washington, Pa.
To learn more about the BluePearl Pet Blood Bank, visit bluepearlvet.com/blood-bank.
