In brief: St. Margaret gets an 'A,' US Open Amateur volunteers needed and more in Fox Chapel

St. Margaret gets an ‘A’

UPMC St. Margaret is one of 14 UPMC hospitals to receive an “A” grade in the Spring 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades.

About 24% of hospitals across the country received a grade A, the nation’s most prestigious honor for patient safety.

The site also earned a new/additional recognition from the group after being named to the “Straight A” list of Leapfrog, having four periods in a row with an “A” safety grade.

Also, the hospital is one of 455 nationwide to receive a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Hospital Compare 5-star rating in their Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings. The purpose of the rating is to summarize quality measure information reported on the Hospital Compare website in a way that is accessible and easy to understand for patients and consumers.

Each hospital has a single star rating that ranges from one to five stars, with five stars signifying highest quality. Stars are assigned based on 48 measures in the following five categories: mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care.

“This national recognition solidifies the dedication of the staff and clinicians at UPMC St. Margaret to quality and safety and their importance for the best possible patient experience,” Dave Patton, president of UPMC St. Margaret, said.

US Open Amateur volunteers needed

Online volunteer registration is open for the 2021 U.S. Amateur Championship at Oakmont Country Club.

The competition is Aug. 9-15.

About 400 volunteers are needed to fill positions on more than 15 committees, including marshals, transportation, admissions and disabled services.

Early application allows volunteers to specify their committee preference.

Interested volunteers should visit oakmont-countryclub.org.

All volunteers are required to purchase the volunteer package for $100, which includes two golf shirts, a ball cap or visor, one volunteer credential valid for the championship and complimentary food, snacks and beverages on the days they volunteer.

Each volunteer will work 16 to 20 hours, or four to five shifts throughout the championship.

Oakmont has previously hosted 16 USGA championships, which is tied for second overall.

For more information, contact Laura Seguin at lseguin@oakmont-countryclub.org.

50-year reunion scheduled

Members of the Fox Chapel Area Class of 1971 are invited to the 50th reunion on Sept. 24.

The celebration will be at the Syria Mosque in Cheswick from 5 to 11 p.m. in the outdoor pavilion.

A buffet dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy a night with DJ Grover and dance to music that includes oldies, ‘60s and ‘70s, soul, line dancing and requests.

The cost is $65 per person and is due by Sept. 1. Reservations after Sept. 1 will cost $75.

For more information, call Nonnie Santelli at 412-523-9322 or Kathy Killian Wagner at 412-913-8611.

Basketball summer camp on tap 

After a year off, the Fox Chapel boys basketball program will be holding its annual boys basketball summer camp again this year. It will take place in two sessions. The first session will run from June 28 to July 1. The second session will take place from July 12 to 15.

There will be two age groups. The Little Foxes (pre-K to third grade) will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and the Running Foxes (fourth to ninth graders) will play from 9:30 a.m. until noon.

The camp will take place at the Fox Chapel high school gymnasium. For questions or more information, contact Fox Chapel boys basketball coach Zach Skrinjar by phone or email at 412-519-5957 or zachskrinjar@yahoo.com.

Bloom ‘Where You Are Planted’ project

The Triboro Ecodistrict Bloom “Where You Are Planted” project is back for 2021, and this year the Garden of Etna is taking the lead. Gardening is a good stress reliever and a great way to have more affordable access to fresh produce.

If you’re a Sharpsburg, Etna or Millvale resident interested in trying your hand at some backyard (or front stoop) gardening this summer, fill out the form at facebook.com/sharpsburgneighborhood and let us know what seedlings and planter sizes you’re interested in.

Adopt-a-block program

The Best of Blawnox Organization introduces a new volunteer opportunity for community members.

Adopt-a-block is a volunteer program aimed at keeping the streets of Blawnox free from litter and debris. Volunteers will be assigned one or more designated neighborhood blocks to clean up regularly.

The recommended commitment is a few times a month when it is convenient. For more information, email adoptablockblawnox@ gmail.com.