In brief: Recycling available in Blawnox, volunteers need and more

Free Blawnox recycling

Blawnox junior councilman Simon Passerrello-Carnevali has launched a new recycling service for residents.

The family recently installed a shed along Maple Way next to the Christ the King Parish St. Edward Church.

They also partnered with Shady Side Academy student Kabeer Chopra of Fox Chapel, who launched his own recycling nonprofit nearly two years ago.

Plastic bags, batteries and glass are being collected for Chopra’s GreenBridge 412. Other plastics like bottles and jugs, along with cardboard are being collected for delivery to Springdale Borough-based TSM Recycling. Electronics and hazardous materials will not be accepted.

Distributions are usually on every other Sunday starting Aug. 10. One is scheduled for July 29 due to vacations.

The service formally launched this month and more than 30 Blawnox households have already signed up.

It is expected to add paper collection in August.

Participants are given a code to a lock on the shed and can drop off materials at any time.

Residents can sign up by emailing bnoxrecycles@gmail.com.

Volunteers needed

Aspinwall Neighbors is looking for volunteers for its Big Night Out, set for Aug. 7. Volunteers are needed to help spread the word, set up, help out and tear down for the event. The organization will certify hours for student volunteers, too. For more information, visit aspinwallneighbors.org.

Twilight Picnic for the Parks

The Great Lawn at the Hartwood Acres Mansion is the setting for the Allegheny County Parks Foundation’s Twilight Picnic for the Parks from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Aug. 16. Guests will be treated to music by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s String Quartet and a seated dinner and dessert buffet by big Burrito. Attire is summer chic, but guests should keep in mind that the event site is a tented, grass surface. Tickets can be purchased online at twilightpicnic.com.

Flea market

Sharpsburg’s community flea market is set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday June through October along North Canal Street at Guyasuta Square.

Discover vintage treasures, handmade crafts and great deals from local vendors.

Call Chas Smith at 412-927-9221 for more information.

TOPS meetings

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets each Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. for an interactive program focused on weight loss, healthy eating and wellness at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1261 Pennsylvania Ave., Oakmont. Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting for free. 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, handicap accessibility and security. Call 412-828-3854 for more information or e-mail jmjkwj@gmail.com.

Association of University People

The Association of University People invites singles 50 and over who are four-year college graduates to join them for activities and to meet new people. Activities include spring/summer picnics, monthly dinners, a book group, Scrabble, meeting up at local outdoor concerts and wineries.

Those interested can attend three activities as guests before joining. To obtain more information about AUP or become an AUP member, call and leave a message at 412-353-9088 or email Aupsingles@gmail.com.

To have your news or event listed in our briefs section, email editor Katie Green at kgreen@triblive.com.