In brief: Happenings across the Hampton Journal area

5K to boost efforts of nonprofit for troops

The 20th annual Operation Troop Appreciation Veterans Day 5K Race will be held Nov. 9 in Hampton Community Park, 3101 McCully Road.

The race helps Operation Troop Appreciation provide holiday care packages to deployed troops.

It supplies comfort and support to those currently deployed and complete welcome home packages to those who have returned. Since its inception in 2004, the organization has served more than 210,000 troops and veterans — all with a 100% volunteer staff attaining all funds through fundraising activities.

The 5K race is known among local runners as the Apple Pie Race. In keeping with the All-American theme, runners are feted with a series of traditionally inspired amenities, including the signature freshly baked apple pies which are given to all age group winners.

The race attracts a competitive field of runners as well as a lively contingent of walkers. Trophies and prizes are awarded to top finishers in the overall and masters categories as well as top three age group finishers. Organizers also provide an assortment of creative and unique door prizes, gift cards from local stores, complimentary T-shirts and a stuff-your-own-goody-bag.

Additional amenities include a patriotic start to the race provided by active-duty service members; patriotic course displays including the American flag suspended from the extended ladders of two local fire company ladder trucks; on-course entertainment including a performance by the Hampton High School Marching Band Pep Squad; mid-race encouragement and water provided by the young men of Boy Scout Troop 17; an All-American post-race buffet, complete with hot dogs, homemade baked beans and fresh fruit; patriotic entertainment provided by D.J. Rick Wirth from Life of the Party Productions; and professional timing services.

In addition to the individual competition, runners also can compete in the Team Challenge in which five member teams compete for tickets to a Pittsburgh Penguins game.

Interested runners/walkers are invited to register on line at runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/OPERATIONTROOPAPPRECIATION5K.

Registration is $20 per runner or $75 for the team challenge by Nov. 7; the prices increase after that date. There also is a virtual 5K, which costs $20.

Additional race details are available at operationtroopappreciation.org.

Chorale to present music composed by women

The North Hills Chorale will present its Winter Concert, “Winter’s Alleluia,” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Vincentian’s St. Vincent Hall, 8150 McKnight Road, McCandless.

Celebrate the season with a moving selection of spiritual music composed by women, including works by our member Leslie Ward. We hope this inspiring music brings our community closer together during the holidays.

Free-will offerings are welcome to support the continued success of NHC. Please consider bringing a nonperishable food donation for the North Hills Community Outreach Food Pantry.

For details, visit nhchorale.com.

North Hills Chorale began as a CCAC noncredit class in 1993. The first concert presented by the group was in December 2003. It gained nonprofit status in 2011.

Outreach looking to restock cereal, safety items

North Hills Community Outreach is seeking help to restock items for its Safety for Seniors program and its supply of cereal.

The Safety for Seniors program helps people 60 and older remain safe in the home of their choosing. Items needed include nonslip mats for bathtubs, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, night lights, flashlights, aerosol fire-extinguishing sprays and emergency fire blankets. To donate items via NHCO’s Amazon Wish List, visit tinyurl.com/ua6hy5nt.

Cereal can be dropped out at any of the organization’s offices during business hours or purchased via its Amazon Wish List at tinyurl.com/5yw7mu6h.

Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at any of NHCO’s three offices — its main office at 1975 Ferguson Road, Hampton; the second floor of the Millvale Community Center, 416 Lincoln Ave.; and Greenstone Methodist Church, 939 California Ave., Avalon.

NHCO collecting toys for children in need

North Hills Community Outreach once again is collecting toys to ensure children in need have a memorable holiday.

The collection runs from Nov. 9 through Dec. 8.

Last year, 821 children received new toys, games and other gifts.

Here are a few toy and gift ideas: gift cards for clothing stores such as Amazon, Target, Walmart, etc. (teens love these); board games; puzzles and books; plush blankets; bath and body items; craft kits and art supplies; sports equipment; ear buds, phone chargers and other phone accessories; popular toys; and makeup kits.

Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at any of NHCO’s three offices — its main office at 1975 Ferguson Road, Hampton; the second floor of the Millvale Community Center, 416 Lincoln Ave.; and Greenstone Methodist Church, 939 California Ave., Avalon.

Donors also can order from NHCO’s Amazon Wish List and have the gifts delivered directly to its offices.

Hampton crews to begin leaf collection

Waste Management collects yard waste, including leaves in paper biodegradable bags, the third full week of each month, April through November, according to Hampton Township.

Because the township recognizes that storing leaf bags for once a month collection can be difficult, township community services and road crews will be collecting leaf bags only (in paper biodegradable bags) beginning Monday, Oct. 27, through Friday, Dec. 5.

This collection will take place on the off weeks that Waste Management does not collect yard waste.

Residents are advised to place leaf bags at the curb by 6 a.m. the morning of their normal garbage/recycling day. Crews will be by to collect them as soon as possible.

OES announces 8th annual holiday craft show

The Norwood Herrington Chapter No. 356 Order of the Eastern Star will hold its eighth annual Holiday Craft & Vendor Show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center, 3579 Masonic Way (off Cemetery Lane), Ross.

Admission is free.

Everyone is welcome to start their holiday shopping with offerings from local vendors, including handcrafted items, unique gifts, sweets, jewelry, decor and apparel.

There also will be a large basket auction of items from the vendors at the show.

Outreach collecting items for Thanksgiving dinner

North Hills Community Outreach is collecting items to provide a complete Thanksgiving dinner to families in need through Nov. 9.

Everyone can help by donating any or all of the following goods:

• Large box of stuffing mix

• Large box of instant mashed potatoes

• 15-ounce can of cranberry sauce or yams

• 16-ounce cans of vegetables

• Any dessert mix

• Box of corn muffin or biscuit mix

• Package of turkey gravy mix

• Package of napkins

• Grocery certificate for $25 or more (to purchase a turkey)

• Canvas shopping bag

Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at any of NHCO’s three offices — its main office at 1975 Ferguson Road, Hampton; the second floor of the Millvale Community Center, 416 Lincoln Ave.; and Greenstone Methodist Church, 939 California Ave., Avalon. Items also can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 1 at the Hampton location.

Next up will be the Holiday Toy Collection, which takes place from Nov. 9-Dec. 8. Last year, 821 children received new toys, games and other gifts for the holidays. For a list of suggested items to donate and a link to NHCO’s Amazon wish list, visit nhco.org/sharing-project-donations.

Driving course open to 55 and older

Seniors for Safe Driving is offering a course for motorists 55 and older from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Hampton Community Center, 3101 McCully Road.

The PennDOT-approved course is an opportunity for older motorists to refresh their driving skills and their knowledge of the rules of the road.

There is no testing or behind-the-wheel driving. Participants who complete the course can receive a three-year discount of no less that 5% on their auto insurance.

Course highlights include one’s health and driving performance; effects of medication and alcohol on driving; yielding and intersections; strategies for safe passing and managing one’s speed; keeping up with vehicle technology; preventive ways to reduce driver distractions; proper use of safety belts, air bags and anti-lock brakes; defensive driving tactics and sharing the road; dealing with aggressive drivers and road rage situations; and the latest information on traffic laws and regulations.

The cost is $17.

To register for a class, call 800-559-4880 or 724-283-0245 or go online at SeniorsForSafeDriving.com.

To have your news or event listed, email editor Marje Horvath at mhorvath@triblive.com.