In brief: Herald area events for the week of Feb. 26, 2024

Students to stage ‘The Little Mermaid’

Fox Chapel Area students will present “The Little Mermaid” at 7 p.m. Feb. 29, March 1 and 2 and 2 p.m. March 3 in the high school auditorium, 611 Field Club Road, in O’Hara.

Tickets are $13, and all seats are reserved.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.showtix4u.com/events/fcahsmusical; a convenience fee will be applied. They also will be sold at the door pending availability. Tickets are nonrefundable and can not be exchanged for other performances.

About 140 students are involved in this year’s production, including the cast, crew and live pit orchestra.

Business district plans St. Patty’s-themed First Friday

The Sharpsburg Business Group is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day-themed First Friday event from 6 to 9 p.m. March 1 in the business district.

The event will include local market vendors, food trucks, free s’mores, St. Patrick’s Day photos, live art and music performances. Vendors also will be selling handmade items indoors at Atithi Studios and Roots of Faith United Presbyterian Church.

There will be two scavenger hunts: a family-friendly version and one for those 21 and older.

Senior citizens invited to luncheon at high school

Senior citizens in the Fox Chapel Area School District are invited to a free luncheon in their honor March 16 at the high school, 611 Field Club Road, O’Hara.

The luncheon will begin at 11 a.m. in the cafeteria. Entertainment will be provided by students in the chamber ensemble.

The event is sponsored by the high school’s Fox Leadership Council Community Outreach Committee.

Space is limited and reservations are required. For details or to make a reservation, call Maria at 412-967-2410.

Guests should enter in the back of the building at the athletics entrance near the fox statue.

Appointments to boards made in Indiana Township

Indiana Township supervisors appointed the following people to their boards and commissions on Feb. 14:

• Peter Blume was appointed to the planning commission to fill the unexpired term of Pat Miller. The term ends at the end of this year.

• Tom Ceponis was appointed to the zoning hearing board to fill the unexpired term of Blume. The term ends at the end of this year.

• Preston Moore was appointed to the planning commission to fill the unexpired term of Dave Geahry. The term expires at the end of 2027.

Rental applications available in Aspinwall

Aspinwall has applications available for short-term rental properties.

The borough adopted an ordinance in December regulating what often is called Airbnbs, businesses catering to people staying in town fewer than 30 days.

Rules state the proprietor must obtain a permit and live at, or within 5 miles, of the rental unit.

Rental property owners must carry all applicable insurances and will be subject to the borough’s $500 annual business privilege tax. Properties also must be inspected by the borough’s code officer.

Applications are available at the borough office, 217 Commercial Ave.

For details, call 412-781-021.

Revised ordinance requires permit to open pavement

Aspinwall officials recently updated their street opening and pavement cut ordinance.

A permit is required for either action.

The update includes stronger language for the borough to deny a permit to any applicant or public utility company where they failed to complete or completes satisfactory work permitted under a prior permit.

Applicants in default have five days to make corrections after they receive notice, according to the ordinance amendments.

The ordinance is available for review at the borough office and online through the borough website at aspinwallpa.com.

Aspinwall Council to update various fees

Aspinwall Council plans to adopt a resolution updating its various fees including building permit applications, delinquent charges for outstanding borough bills, short-term rentals, dumpster and pod fees and street opening permit fees.

The voting session is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 13 at the borough building, 217 Commercial Ave.

Recycling can thefts reported in Sharpsburg

Sharpsburg officials said recycling cans have been stolen at least four times this year.

Residents are encouraged to secure their cans and report any thefts to Waste Management by calling 800-866-4460.

Library’s pantry in need of supplies

Sharpsburg Community Library’s Little Free Pantry at 1212 Main St. needs some supplies.

A wish list was posted online at coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org/sharpsburg.

Items requested include small bags of cookies and snacks, pudding cups, applesauce and fruit cups, instant oatmeal, Campbell’s chunky soups, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

The pantry is stocked three times weekly and is completely supported through donations.

For details, call the library at 412-781-0783.

UPMC St. Margaret recognized for nursing excellence

UPMC St. Margaret has earned the Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for the fourth time — an accomplishment reached by fewer than 5% of hospitals across the country.

The honor distinguishes organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence.

Only 9% of hospitals nationally and internationally have achieved Magnet, according to UPMC spokeswoman Karen Beardsley.

UPMC St. Margaret first achieved Magnet status in 2009 and again in 2014 and 2019.

Students collecting hygiene items for those in need

Fox Chapel Area High School’s Leadership Council Community Outreach Committee and the Foxes Boxes club are collecting hygiene items for those without housing through Feb. 29.

Items needed include disposable razors with plastic handles, feminine hygiene items, new men’s socks, toothbrushes and adhesive bandages, and travel size soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant and shaving cream. The students will assemble kits that will be delivered to local organizations that support Pittsburgh’s homeless population.

Donations can be dropped off from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays in the atrium at the main entrance of the high school, 611 Field Club Road, O’Hara.

Free programs set at Cooper-Siegel

Cooper-Siegel Community Library in Fox Chapel will host the following free programs at 403 Fox Chapel Road. For details about the programs, call 412-828-9520.

• Crochet n’ Things, a program for teens and adults involving crochet, knitting and other yarn crafts, is set for 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 29. The library will have some supplies available. This month’s project is chocolate-covered strawberries. Drop-ins are welcome as space permits.

• The Chess Club will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. March 2. The program is designed for children 6 to 11 and is open to all experience levels. Join local teen volunteers and learn how to play chess. Registration is recommended.

Sharpsburg libary plans activities for adults, tweens

Sharpsburg Community Library will host the following free programs at 1212 Main St. For details about the programs, call 412-781-0783.

• Tweentastic, a program for students in fourth through sixth grades, is set for 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 29. Hang out, make friends and express yourself with program coordinator James Graham. There are different activities each week. Registration is recommended.

• First Friday, an all-ages after-hours program the first Friday of the month, is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. March 1. The library will be open for browsing, borrowing and hanging out. Patron computers will not be available during First Fridays, but printing is available via email. The program occurs after the library closes.

Fox Chapel seeks volunteers to fill boards

Fox Chapel officials seek residents to fill spots on the environmental advisory council, civil service commission, planning commission, park commission, zoning hearing board, finance, pension and salary committee, construction board of appeals and the Fox Chapel Authority.

Forms are available on the borough website at fox-chapel.pa.us or at the borough office, 401 Fox Chapel Road.

People also can send forms and resumes to Shawn W. Peterson at speterson@fox-chapel.pa.us.

Blawnox seeks applications for military banner program

Blawnox is accepting applications for its Hometown Hero Banner Program.

It is designed to recognize and honor residents who served or are serving in the nation’s armed forces.

Each banner will honor a specific service person and will include their name, branch of service, medals of valor and a photo if provided.

The hometown hero must be a current or previous resident of the borough.

An immediate family member of a current or previous serviceman or woman of Blawnox also will suffice. Banners will be displayed on Freeport Road from Memorial Day to Veterans Day to honor and celebrate their dedication to our country.

There is no official deadline to submit an application.

However, it must be submitted by the end of March at the latest if the family wants the banner up for Memorial Day.

There is a $110 application fee.

Forms and details are available on the borough website at blawnox.com.

FBLA collecting shoes in wearable condition

Members of Fox Chapel Area High School’s Future Business Leaders of America are conducting a shoe drive through March 22.

Gently used or new shoes are being accepted and will be donated to people worldwide who do not have access to shoes.

Acceptable donations include new and gently used cleats, boots, sneakers, baby shoes, sandals and Crocs. Do not inlcude any shoes that are torn, missing heels or dirty.

Shoes can be dropped off in a bin labeled “FBLA Shoe Fundraiser” outside the main office of the high school during regular hours Mondays through Fridays.

Blawnox firefighters partner with coffee shop for fundraiser

The Blawnox Volunteer Fire Company is partnering with The Black Canary, a coffee and ice cream shop, for its February fundraiser.

The Black Canary created a special drink, the Freeport Flyer Mocha, in honor of the fire company’s new rescue vehicle that went into service in 2023. For every drink sold during the month of February at its Blawnox location, $1 will be donated to the fire company.

The specialty drink features smoked mocha infused with cinnamon and topped with torched marshmallows and cinnamon.

The Black Canary is located at 276 Freeport Road. Hours are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. The shop is closed on Sundays.

Orders can be made in person, online at pittsburgh.theblackcanaryorder.com or by calling 724-614-9823.

In-person story times set for prospective kindergartners

All four elementary schools in the Fox Chapel Area School District are hosting in-person story times for incoming 2024-25 kindergarten students and their parents and guardians.

The program is for prospective students who will turn 5 on or by Sept. 1, 2024. The story times will help the youngsters become acquainted with their respective elementary schools and kindergarten teachers. Parents and guardians will gain valuable information about school readiness and registration. Everyone is encouraged attend all three sessions. The remaining sessions include:

• Fairview Elementary School: 2 to 3 p.m. March 13 and April 17;

• Hartwood Elementary School: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. March 13 and April 17;

• Kerr Elementary School: 2 to 3 p.m. March 13 and April 16;

• O’Hara Elementary School (last names A-L): 2 to 3 p.m. March 19 and April 18;

• O’Hara Elementary School (last names M-Z): 2 to 3 p.m. March 20 and April 19.

Pre-registration is requested. For details and to register for the story times, visit https://www.kdgfcasd.com/.

Gowns, accessories sought for Project Prom

Each year, Project Prom provides eligible high school students with the opportunity to choose free formal attire from a selection of currently styled formal gowns, shoes and accessories.

O’Hara Township is an official drop-off location for Project Prom.

Items can be dropped off through March 15 during business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the township building, 325 Fox Chapel Road.

A clothing rack and bins are located in the lobby.

Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services started Project Prom in 2003, recognizing that prom night is an expensive evening and that many young men and women might be denied the experience as a result. Since then, thousands of teens have benefited from the program.

The gown giveaway is held over several days in the early spring; the dates for 2024 have yet to be announced.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets Tuesday evenings

The local chapter of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a support group to help those struggling with weight loss, meets Tuesday evenings at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1261 Pennsylvania Ave., in Oakmont. Meetings begin with a private weigh-in between 5:45 and 6:10 p.m.

Anyone interested in joining can attend a meeting and decide if TOPS is right for them. For details, call 412-828-3854 or email jmjkwj@gmail.com.

Pre-kindergarten program in 6th year

Applications for the Fox Chapel Area School District’s pre-kindergarten program for the 2024-25 school year are being accepted through April 5.

This will be the sixth year for the program, which is housed at Kerr Elementary School in O’Hara. It is open to youngsters across the district who turn 4 on or before Sept. 1, 2024.

The pre-kindergarten program will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and will consist of a 4-year-old classroom with 20 students. Eligibility requirements, application forms and details about the program are available on the district’s website at prek.fcasd.edu.

All students must be fully toilet-trained and able to use the bathroom without adult assistance. Parents and guardians must be able to provide transportation to and from school.

The program requires a five-day-a-week commitment, and a child could be withdrawn from the program after 10 absences.

Students are eligible for the program based on their family’s income, which must be below the 300% poverty level for the size of the family.

Enrollment forms — including the pre-kindergarten program application, income verification form and the commitment form — are available at prek.fcasd.edu.

All three forms and proof of income (a copy of one’s most recent W-2 or three current pay stubs) should be sent to Fox Chapel Area School District Pre-Kindergarten Program, c/o Dr. Ashley Constantine, 611 Field Club Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238.

For questions, contact Constantine, executive director of elementary education and instruction, at 412-967-2455 or ashley_constantine@fcasd.edu.

Pre-registration for kindergarten underway

The Fox Chapel Area School District will hold kindergarten registration for the fall semester in March.

The district offers various pre-registration events, including parent/guardian orientations and 2024-25 kindergarten story times, beginning in February. Details about all of events are available at https://www.kdgfcasd.com/.

All registration forms must be filled out online. Parents and guardians can go to http://register.fcasd.edu to begin the registration process.

Once the online forms are complete, parents/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, 2024, to be admitted to kindergarten for the 2024-25 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 the items are presented.

Here is the schedule for in-person new kindergarten parent orientation meetings and kindergarten registration; parents and guardians will choose a specific registration time once they complete the online registration for their respective school:

Fairview Elementary School

• Registration: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 6

• The school is at 738 Dorseyville Road in Indiana Township. The phone number is 412-963-9315.

Hartwood Elementary School

• Registration: 8 to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. March 7

• The school is at 3730 Saxonburg Blvd. in Indiana Township. The phone number is 412-767-5396.

Kerr Elementary School

• Registration: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 5

• The school is at 341 Kittanning Pike in O’Hara. The phone number is 412-781-4105.

O’Hara Elementary School

• Registration: 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. March 8

• The school is at 115 Cabin Lane in O’Hara. The phone number is 412-963-0333.

In addition, districtwide registration sessions for all elementary schools will be held in March for those unable to attend the individual school registration dates/times.

Registration for all incoming kindergartners will be 4 to 6 p.m. March 5 at Kerr Elementary School and 4 to 6 p.m. March 7 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 https://www.kdgfcasd.com/.