Light Up the Wall to include fireworks

Light Up the Wall, a holiday extravaganza presented by the Aspinwall Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at the municipal lot along Commercial Avenue.

Activities include horse and buggy rides, pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, ice sculptures, carolers, face painting, a magic show, balloon artists, live music and food trucks.

Fireworks are planned for 7 p.m.

Admission and parking are free.

For details, visit aspinwallchamber.com.

Best of Blawnox plans back-to-back celebrations

Best of Blawnox’s holiday cookie tour and the borough’s Night of Lights are scheduled for Dec. 7.

The tour is set for 1 to 4 p.m. along the business district.

Participants are encouraged to start at the Veterans Monument at the corner of Freeport and North avenues, and then visit various businesses to sample baked goods and do some shopping.

Night of Lights will run from 4 to 6 p.m. with activities at the monument and at Hoboken Presbyterian Church.

A visit from Santa and the lighting of the tree will take place at 5:30 p.m.

For details, visit the borough’s Facebook page at facebook.com/BlawnoxBorough.

Blawnox residents encouraged to share holiday spirit

Blawnox officials are inviting residents to “Deck Their Yard” for the holidays and share the magic by posting their photos by 4 p.m. Dec. 1 for the start of the borough’s holiday season.

Homeowners should tag #BestofBlawnoxHolidayLights.

Berryhill Road closed for winter

O’Hara officials are reminding the public that Berryhill Road is closed for the winter.

It closed Nov. 20 and will reopen in March.

The road, which becomes slick during the winter, typically closes around Thanksgiving.

Residents who live along the road still will be able to access their homes.

SAVES organizing Santa brunch Dec. 8

The Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services is sponsoring a Brunch With Santa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Regina Elena Social Club, 615 Main St., in Sharpsburg.

The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 5 to 10 and free for 4 and younger.

Santa will be on hand for photos. There also will be a bake sale.

Tickets are available at the Aspinwall Borough Building, 217 Commercial Ave.

Anti-litter award program offered for kids

Environmental nonprofit Keep America Beautiful is seeking entries from children in kindergarten through sixth grade for its Litter Hawk Youth Award Program.

Children are asked to complete a project sharing their hope, optimism and concerns about litter and inspire others through art, words or video.

The theme for the contest is “Join the Greatest American Cleanup! Show us how you can keep your community litter-free for America’s 250th birthday.”

Children in kindergarten through grade 4 can create a poster; those in grade 5 are asked to write an essay; and those in grade 6 can create a video.

The deadline to participate is Jan. 31. Winners will be announced in April as part of an awards ceremony at the state Capitol building in Harrisburg.

For an entry form, go to KeepPABeautiful.org/grants-awards/awards/litter-hawk, email slarson@keeppabeautiful.org or call 724-836-4121, ext. 104.

Residents invited to help homeless veterans

Aspinwall Mayor Joe Noro is encouraging the community to participate in the borough’s eighth year of providing holiday gifts to local veterans at Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard.

Veterans Place serves to break the cycle of homelessness among veterans by offering transition services and resources to get them back into the community.

Last year, each of the veterans received a coat, hat, neck gaiter, gloves, wool socks, a sweatshirt and thermal undergarments.

Anyone interested in donating can make a check payable to Veterans Place, noting Aspinwall Christmas Gifts in the memo line, and drop them off at the Aspinwall Borough Building, 217 Commercial Ave.

Donations also can be made online at veteransplaceusa.org by clicking the Donate button in the top menu. After completing the online form, type “Aspinwall Holiday Gifts” in the Additional Comment box.

Noro noted in a borough Facebook post that 100% of the donations benefit the veterans.

Blawnox pantry changes distribution date ahead of holiday

To better serve the needs of the community ahead of the Christmas holiday, the Blawnox Community Food Pantry will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 16 intead of its regular last Friday of the month.

The pantry is located in the borough building, 376 Freeport Road. Donations to the pantry, including cash and gift cards, are welcome and can be dropped off at the office during normal operating hours.

The pantry also is available for emergencies during regular borough hours by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call the office at 412-828-4141.

Snow angels sought for annual winter program

The Best of Blawnox’s Snow Angels program pairs older residents and residents with disabilities with nearby neighbors who volunteer to assist with snow and ice removal on their sidewalks and walkways.

To volunteer or apply for assistance, call 412-295-1638 or email TheBestOfBlawnox@gmail.com.

Girl Scouts selling luminaria kits

Fox Chapel Girl Scout Troop 36333 is selling luminaria kits for neighborhoods to light up their yards, walkways and driveways on Dec. 24.

Each kit is $6 and includes five paper bags, five flameless battery-operated candles and enough sand to assemble the luminaria.

The deadline to order is Dec. 20, and all proceeds benefit the troop’s camping trips, activities and a weekend at ACE Adventure Resort in West Virginia.

The Girl Scouts will prepare the kits and deliver them to your home by Dec. 23. All you have to do is set them out at dusk on Dec. 24 to transform the community into a festive wonderland.

Here are some details to keep in mind:

• Homes must be within the Fox Chapel Area School District.

• Once an order is paid for, no refunds will be given because the troop members will need to purchase supplies and start assembling the kits.

• If you are ordering the service for a house that is not yours, please have the homeowner’s permission.

To place an order, visit https://tinyurl.com/mryc8knb.

Young adults encouraged to apply for garden bed scholarship

The Sharpsburg Community Garden Committee is accepting scholarship applications through Jan. 5 for residents between the ages of 18 and 25 who are interested in a free garden bed for the 2025 growing season.

The beds are located in the community garden behind Sharpsburg Community Library.

Any young adults who would like to learn how to start a garden or doesn’t have a space to grown their own vegetables and herbs are invited to apply.

This is an opportunity to learn a skill with a lifetime of benefits.

Experienced gardeners will advise participants on planting, caring and harvesting what is grown. They also will share their knowledge on how to start plants from seed, seed saving, basic compost techniques and pest control.

The scholarship covers the $25 fee to join. Note it is for one year only, and continued membership is determined by the garden committee.

Applications are available at the Sharpsburg library, 1212 Main St.

Applicants should include a brief introduction of themselves and why they are applying. Potential candidates will be notified by email and are required to attend an informal meeting before final selection.

For details, email Rosemary Wheeler at rwheeler25@yahoo.com.

Support group open to anyone who has lost loved one to overdose

Addiction Recovery Ministry hosts a grief support group at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays through the month of January at the John Paul I Center, 201 Ninth St., in Sharpsburg.

The group is open to anyone who has lost a loved one to an overdose. Attendees are welcome to share their experience, grief and healing.

Family fun planned at Christmas in Guyasuta

Camp Guyasuta, 300 23rd St. in Sharpsburg, invites the community to kick off the holiday season with its annual Christmas in Guyasuta from 4 to 9 p.m. Nov. 30.

Activities include a ride through the lights display, crafts, games, writing letters to Santa and pictures with him as well, a bonfire and tackling the climbing wall under the lights.

The Camp Trading Post will be open, and vendors will be selling crafts and other items. Food will be available to purchase.

Advance tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased online through Nov. 23. Prepurchased wristbands can be picked up at the event. Tickets will be $20 Nov. 24-30 and at the door. Wristbands are required to enter.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

To register online, visit https://scoutingevent.com/527-79515.

For details about the event, call 412-782-2669 or email Mike Daniher at mike.daniher@scouting.org.

The event will take place rain or shine, and no refunds will be given.

Optimists plan annual toy drive; sponsors welcome

The Pittsburgh North Optimist Foundation is hosting its annual Toy Drive and Fundraising Party from 7 to 11 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Fox Chapel Yacht Club’s Baja Bar & Grill, 1366 Old Freeport Road.

Cocktails will be served at 7 p.m., with a buffet to follow from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Aces will provide music from 8 to 11 p.m.

The event also will include raffles.

Guests are asked to bring at least one unwrapped toy or age-appropriate gift for children up to age 18. All donations will be given to the Sharpsburg Family Worship Center for its “Give a Gift” Program held in December. One free raffle ticket will be given per donation.

The cost is $70 per person. Prepaid reservations are required by Nov. 29 and can be made online at pittsburghoptimist.com by clicking Toy Drive Party in the menu. Reservations also can be made by check payable to PNOF and mailed to Pittsburgh North Optimist Foundation, 5641 Bryant St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206.

The foundation also is seeking sponsors for the event. All sponsors will be recognized at the party as well as on the group’s website. To contribute, visit pittsburghoptimist.com.

Holiday event to showcase youth chorus, vendor marketplace

Allegheny RiverTrail Park in Aspinwall is hosting a Carols, Crafts and Cocoa gathering and vendor marketplace from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 1.

There will be crafts, cookies and cocoa from 1 to 2:30 p.m., a visit from Santa from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., a performance by the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus at 2:30 p.m. and a raffle drawing at 4:45 p.m.

The crafts will be presented by members of the chorus and August Wilson African American Cultural Center.

There also will be a story time and games with Cooper-Siegel Community Library and Sharpsburg Community Library.

Vendors will be set up for the entire event.

Donations are requested to help support the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus and Allegheny RiverTrail Park. The suggested amount is $10 per child or $20 per family.

Attendees can pay in advance online via PayPal or Venmo or pay with cash or a check at the event.

To register and make a donation, visit http://form.jotform.com/PYChorus/carolscraftsandcocoa2024.

Physical tickets will not be provided; attendees should check in upon arrival.

Aspinwall Neighbors seeks gently used, new toys for holidays

Aspinwall Neighbors is partnering with Aspinwall Presbyterian Church, 299 Center Ave., to serve as a drop-off location for Play It Forward Pittsburgh, an organization in its 14th year of helping local families in need during the holidays.

Donations of gently used or new toys and gifts for children 12 and younger are being sought. Please note that books, stuffed animals and clothing cannot be accepted. Items can be dropped off at the church at these remaining times: 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 25, 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 30, 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3, 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 and 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 7.

Play It Forward Pittsburgh is a gently used children’s toy drive that helps families struggling to provide toys for their children during the holiday season. It collects gently used or new toys, games, electronics, sports equipment, bicycles and movies (DVDs only) and offers them for free to families in need.

Recipients must sign up to get on the list to receive items. They can choose from a prepackaged holiday box filled by volunteers based on the family’s wishlist or choose to shop in person with a designated time slot. Sign ups, which are on a first-come, first-served based, began Nov. 18 and can be done online by clicking the link at http://www.playitforwardpittsburgh.com/receive-toys.html.

The organization strives to provide a maximum of three items per child. The total toy limit per family is 15 items, one big ticket item if available and one new toy if available. Recipients must wear a face mask when picking up items. Recipients also must be able to transport the items without volunteer assistance from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222; recipients can bring other people with them to help carry items.

Holiday boxes will be available for pickup from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 13; shopping in person will take place Dec. 14 in a designated time slot. Pickup and shopping both take place at the convention center.

Families invited to annual Christmas party

The community is invited to a Family Christmas Party from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at Faith United Methodist Church’s Fellowship Hall, 261 West Chapel Ridge Road in Fox Chapel.

The annual party is open to friends of Fox Hill Preschool, Faith UMC and Roots of Faith. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

There will be crafts, games, snacks, a special child-friendly service project and a visit by Santa.

Reservations are appreciated by Nov. 25 on Evite. To make a reservation, visit https://faithfoxchapel.org/family-christmas-party and click on the respective link.

The service project will involve assembling small goody bags to attach to the approximately 250 Angel Tree gifts being given to area children and teens through the Deborah Jones/Roots of Faith Angel Tree and the participants in The Neighborhood Table’s holiday celebration. The community is invited to help fill the bags during the party by stopping by the service project tables to fill one bag or a bunch of them.

Roots of Faith also welcomes donations — such as mini candy canes, individually wrapped candy, hot cocoa packets and snacks — to fill the goody bags.

To view a list of needed items and to sign up to donate, click on the link at https://faithfoxchapel.org/family-christmas-party. Items should be dropped off at Faith UMC by Dec. 1.

Community center hosting Breakfast With Santa

The Lauri Ann West Community Center, 1220 Powers Run Road, is hosting a Breakfast With Santa from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 14.

A light breakfast of pancakes, sausage and fruit will be catered by Aspinwall Everyday Gourmet. The breakfast is sponsored by Jane Siddons Herrmann, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway.

Photos with Santa will be available.

Tickets are $15 each for children and adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Registration is underway, and space is limited.

To register and purchase tickets, visit https://lauriannwestcc.org/event/breakfast-with-santa/.

Blood donors sought

The American Red Cross and Vitalant are encouraging prospective blood donors to step up as colder weather sets in.

Donations of all blood types are crucial year-round, especially type O, the most frequently transfused blood type. O-negative blood can be given to patients of any blood type, while O-positive can help most patients.

To find a Red Cross location near you and to learn more about blood donation, including eligibility information, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As an incentive through Dec. 8, the Red Cross is offering two pairs of custom “Friends” socks for those who donate, while supplies last, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products. It’s been 30 years since the iconic show first aired, and the Red Cross is asking donors to gather their friends and make a blood or platelet donation. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Friends.

Vitalant, which operates about 115 donation centers nationwide, is thanking donors who give blood, platelets or plasma through Dec. 1 with a chance to win one of three $10,000 giveaways. In addition, everyone who gives during Thanksgiving week from Nov. 25 to Dec. 1 will receive a $20 gift card of their choice through Vitalant’s donor rewards program.

Vitalant’s Pittsburgh Fox Chapel Donation Center at One Alexander Center, Suite 207, 2585 Freeport Road, has several upcoming collection dates: noon to 7 p.m. Nov. 26, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 1.

To make an appointment and find other locations, visit vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).

Sharpsburg prepping for holiday cheer

The community is invited to Sharpsburg’s Tree-Lighting Ceremony from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 29 during the borough’s Holidays on Main Street event.

The holiday tree and main thoroughfare will be lit — and not just becasue of the lights.

Activities include a holiday sing-along with Kate Snow, letters to Santa, holiday-themed games and crafts, pet photos with Santa taken, as well as free s’mores and hot chocolate.

For details, visit eventcreate.com/e/sharpsburg.

Heating assistance available to low-income households

Thousands of eligible customers miss out on bill assistance by not applying for federal grants. With the winter season approaching, many income-eligible customers remain unaware of programs that can significantly reduce their energy bill.

Peoples Natural Gas, an essential utilities company, encourages its customers to take advantage of available resources to help offset winter heating costs.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), is now open for the 2024-25 heating season. LIHEAP is a federally funded assistance program that provides grants to eligible low-income households to help pay for heating costs. Grants start at $200 and may be higher based on income and the number of people living in the home.

To qualify for a LIHEAP grant, customers must have a total gross household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Customers do not have to be on public assistance or have an unpaid heating bill. LIHEAP is open to renters and homeowners. To learn more about the income limits and to apply, visit https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dhs.html, click on Services in the menu and search for LIHEAP.

In addition to LIHEAP, Peoples offers programs to help make energy-saving home improvements that reduce long-term costs. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call 1-800-400-WARM (9276) or visit peoples-gas.com/help to learn more.

Free webinar to explore Alzheimer’s, dementia

More than 6 million individuals are living with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S., and there are about 11 million unpaid caregivers supporting them. Around the world, the disease impacts about 50 million people.

Penn State Extension is joining forces with the Alzheimer’s Association to present a free webinar, “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia,” to provide an overview of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

This webinar will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 29.

The program is designed for people who are facing an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, for caregivers looking after someone with these conditions, and for anyone who wants to learn more about Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Participants will learn:

• How Alzheimer’s disease affects people.

• The difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia.

• The stages of Alzheimer’s and what makes some people more likely to get it.

• What scientists are discovering and the treatments available to help with some of the symptoms.

This webinar is free, but attendees must register by Nov. 29 to get access to the link. Those who register also will receive a link to watch the recording of the program.

For details and to sign up, visit the Penn State Extension website at extension.psu.edu/understanding-alzheimers-and-dementia or call 1-877-345-0691.

Food, hygiene products sought for community fridge

Second Harvest is always in need of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, milk and cheese, canned goods, cereals and personal hygiene products for its Community Free Fridge in Sharpsburg.

The Community Free Fridge is an outdoor, full-size refrigerator, freezer and pantry area, stocked with perishable and nonperishable donated food items available to anyone who needs them. It is open 24/7 every day and is located in the parking lot area of Second Harvest, at 624 Clay St.

Lauri Ann West Community Center, as a proud sponsor of the initiative, serves as a drop-off location for goods. People can bring their donations to the center at 1220 Powers Run Road in O’Hara during normal operating hours, and staff members will deliver the items to Second Harvest.

AAUW meets monthly on second Tuesday

The Fox Chapel area branch of American Association of University Women meets at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month from September through May at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, 384 Fox Chapel Road.

The group advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, philanthropy, education and research.

Meetings are free and open to anyone interested in joining.

In addition to the monthly meetings, the branch offers members a variety of interest groups as well as numerous opportunities for community service involvement.

AAUW, founded in 1881, is open to all graduates who hold an associate or equivalent, baccalaureate or higher degree from a qualified college or university. Those enrolled in an associate or a bachelor’s degree program can join AAUW as Student Affiliate Members.

For details about the organization, including annual dues and grants, visit aauwfoxchapelareapa.wordpress.com.

O’Hara collecting old holiday lights to help Project Bundle-Up

O’Hara Township once again is partnering with Michael Brothers to be an official drop-off location to recycle holiday lights — all for a good cause.

Michael Brothers donates the funds generated by recycling the lights to WTAE-TV’s project Bundle-Up.

Project Bundle-Up, a joint program implemented by the Salvation Army Western PA Division and WTAE, provides new winter outerwear — including coats, hats, gloves and boots — for children and senior citizens from low-income households throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Since 1986, Project Bundle-Up has raised more than $17 million and provided winter gear for nearly 305,000 individuals.

Lights can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays in the lobby of the township building, 325 Fox Chapel Road.

Any type of holidays lights is eligible.

For details, call the township at 412-782-1400.

Fox Chapel planning for annual light-up celebration Dec. 4

Planning is underway for the annual Light Up Fox Chapel celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 4.

The festivities will begin with the Holiday Tree and Menorah lighting at 5:15 p.m. with Grand Marshall Alex Scott, followed by Santa being escorted in by Sergeant Pepper, the 1970 Volzwagon Beetle. The evening will include crafts for children, letters to Santa, the Pittsburgh Crepe Food Truck and hot chocolate provided by the Fox Chapel Parks Conservancy.

The event is free, but please consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy for a child in need.

Sgt. Craig Sorg and the Fox Chapel Police Department have teamed up with the Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League’s Stuff-a-Store to collect new, unwrapped toys for children the holiday season.

Toys will be accepted beginning Nov. 22 through Dec. 5. Drop-off boxes that look like giant wrapped presents will be set up at Beechwood Farms Nature Preserve, Fox Chapel Borough Building’s main lobby, B&Z Deli and Cooper-Siegel Community Library.

Children are invited to write letters to Santa; parents and guardians can scan the QR code in the fall 2024 newsletter on the borough’s website at fox-chapel.pa.us to download their Letter to Santa before the event. Youngsters can bring their letters to light-up night, or they can fill one out at the event. Please include a return address because Santa and his elves will send a reply letter.

Help available for people grieving loved ones

Are you grieving the loss of a loved one or know someone who is?

Consider joining GriefShare for hope, healing and guidance.

GriefShare is a 13-week Christian faith-based support group that will be offered weekly from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays through Dec. 12, at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, 384 Fox Chapel Road.

People can join at any time.

For details or questions, contact Kim Power at 412-965-8794 or kimfpower@gmail.com.

Visit griefshare.org/findagroup to register directly.

Pantry items wanted

Sharpsburg Community Library needs items for its Little Free Pantry at 1212 Main St.

Items needed include tomato sauce, pasta, tuna, cereal, mac and cheese, fruit snacks, peanut butter, snack packs and shelf-stable milk.

Items not needed include applesauce, pretzels, fruit cups, pudding, canned soup, canned beans and toiletry products.

Donations can be made during library hours from 1 to 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 to 5 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

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

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

Sharpsburg seeks volunteers for bicentennial events

Sharpsburg will celebrate its 200th birthday in 2026.

Residents interested in planning or volunteering to help with any events are invited to sign up for the borough’s Bicentennial Committee.

To access the signup form, visit sharpsburgborough.com and scanning the QR code under the header “Want to help plan the bicentennial events?”

The borough anticipates having multiple events throughout the anniversary year and will need lots of help.

Group offers support for weight loss

All are welcome to join the men and women at Oakmont TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) who are learning how to lose weight.

With in-person meetings, rewards, support and encouragement, we gain knowledge of healthy eating and exercise.

You may visit with no obligation Tuesdays at 5:45 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1261 Pennsylvania Ave. in Oakmont. Weigh-in is private followed by a brief business meeting, sharing time, and educational program all ending by 7:15.

There is well-lit parking, wheelchair accessibility and security. For details, call 412-828-3854 or e-mail jmjkwj@gmail.com.

To have your event or information listed in the Herald’s briefs section, email Marje Horvath at mhorvath@triblive.com.

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