In brief: Happenings across the North Allegheny area

Marshall gearing up for Community Day

Marshall is readying for the township’s 2025 Community Day on Aug. 23.

The event will start at 4 p.m. and end after fireworks in Knob Hill Community Park.

Sponsorships and raffle baskets also are welcome.

Donations to help offset the cost are tax-deductible and can be made by check or online at twp.marshall.pa.us.

Among the activities that donations will help sponsor are inflatables, rides, fireworks, live entertainent, a rock climbing wall, face painting, airbrush tattoos, caricature drawings and more.

Checks can be made out to Marshall Township and mailed to Marshall Township Parks & Recreation, 525 Pleasant Hill Road, Wexford, PA 15090. 

For details and to arrange the pick up of raffle items, contact Jessica Drozd, recreation director, at jdrozd@twp.marshall.pa.us or call 724-935-3090, ext. 214.

McCandless residents invited to Community Day

McCandless is preparing for its Community Day blowout from 1 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 13 on the grounds of Town Hall, 9955 Grubbs Road.

There will be lots of entertainment, activities, food trucks, 25-plus vendor booths and fireworks.

Entertainment will include the North Allegheny Tiger Marching Band, Hosack and Ingomar fifth grade choirs, Michele’s Dance Center, The 729ers, Allegheny Brass Band, Totally 80s and This, That and the Other Thing.

Activities include face painting, a balloon artist, Moonshot Museum, Union Project’s mobile clay studio, inflatables, a mechanical bull, rides and a junior firefighter challenge.

The Frank Farina Jr. Memorial Car Cruise will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. at Ashton Commons, 551 Cooper St. McCandless.

Parking will be available at the PRT Park and Ride lot on Blazier Drive and the Heritage and Cultural Center lot on Aufman Lane. Shuttles to and from the Blazier Drive lot will be available. Handicapped parking will be available in the spaces in front of Town Hall.

For a complete list of what’s in store, visit townofmccandless.org and click on the Community Day link under News & Calendar.

Garden club plans free tour of Beechwood Farms

The community is invited to join members of the Longvue Acres Garden Club for a free stroll at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 26 through the meadow at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Road, Fox Chapel.

We’ll take note of the plants and animals living there, then tour the Audubon Center’s Native Plants Nursery. Plants will be available for sale.

The approximately one-hour tour will start promptly at 6:30 p.m.

Participants should meet in the parking lot of the nature reserve.

For details, email longvueacresgardenclub1950@gmail.com.

Green thumbs to discuss, sample tomatoes

The Ingomar Garden Club will learn about tomatoes during its meeting at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 3 at St. Thomas Anglican Church, 4106 St. Thomas Drive, Richland.

The business meeting will start at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a presentation titled “Tomato, Tomato, Tomato.”

The program will include the tasting and rating of tomato varieties sourced from farmers markets and members’ gardens, as well as tips for storing and canning methods and tomato recipes and stories.

Prospective members are welcome to attend.

For details, visit ingomargardenclub.com.

Shaffer plans license plate replacement event

Rep. Jeremy Shaffer, R-Pine, is hosting a free license plate replacement event from 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 27 at West Deer Fire Company No. 3, 4418 Gibsonia Road, West Deer.

The event is for any motorist whose license plate is unreadable.

In Pennsylvania, drivers can be pulled over and fined up to $100 for an illegible license plate, defined as a plate where one or more characters cannot be recognized from 50 feet away, or if the plate shows any blistering, peeling, discoloration or loss of reflectivity.

Participants are encouraged to fill out the required PennDOT MV-46 form before attending the event or at Shaffer’s offices at 5500 Brooktree Road, Suite 100, in Pine or 4411 Gibsonia Road, Suite 2, in West Deer.

There is no fee for this service.

Bring your vehicle and vehicle information, including title number, VIN number, license plate number and make and year of the vehicle.

The West Deer police will be on hand to help complete the application.

Blood donors sought

The so-called “Trauma Season,” spanning Memorial Day to Labor Day, coincides with summer activities that often lead to fewer blood donations.

The need for blood donors persists, and the American Red Cross and Vitalant are encouraging people to help.

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.

Everyone who donates blood, platelets or plasma through Aug. 28 to the American Red Cross will receive a $15 e-gift card to their choice of merchant.

Also in August, the Red Cross will perform free A1C testing on successful donations (do not fast before you donate; one test result per donor permitted in a 12-month period). The hemoglobin A1C test is commonly used to screen for prediabetes or diabetes, both serious but treatable conditions. According to the Red Cross, of the 38 million people in the U.S. living with diabetes, about 8.7 million are undiagnosed.

Here are a few nearby Red Cross blood drives:

• 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at Keystone Summit Park, 3000 Ericsson Drive, Marshall;

• 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Edgeworth Club, 511 East Drive, Edgeworth;

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 20 at CHROME Federal Credit Union, 2601 Wexford Bayne Road, Franklin Park;

• 12:30 to 6 p.m. Aug. 25 at LifePointe Alliance Church, 997 Route 228, Mars.

To find other Red Cross locations 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).

Vitalant is thanking everyone who donates through Aug. 28 with a $10 Donor Rewards gift card and an entry for a chance to win one of three $10,000 gift cards in the Summer Gas Giveaway. For official rules, visit vitalant.org.

Vitalant operates about 115 donation centers nationwide and is hosting drives at several locations in the North Hills area this month, including:

• 7 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 12 at UPMC Passavant Hospital, Assembly Hall, 9100 Babcock Blvd., McCandless;

• 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 17 at St. Bonaventure Roman Catholic Church, Newmeyer Social Hall, 2001 Mt. Royal Blvd., Shaler;

• 1:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at Franklin Park Municipal Building, public meeting room, 2344 W. Ingomar Road, Franklin Park;

• Noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 29 at Pittsburgh Pirates blood drives, The Block Northway atrium area, 8013 McKnight Road, Ross.

Vitalant also regularly schedules collection dates at its Pittsburgh Fox Chapel Donation Center at One Alexander Center, Suite 207, 2585 Freeport Road, and its Pittsburgh North Hills Donation Center at McKnight North Professional Center, Suite 600, 9365 McKnight Road, McCandless.

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).

Register round-up at Macy’s benefits children

Through Sept. 14, Macy’s shoppers can round up at the register to support National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Reading Is Fundamental, two organizations focused on supporting young people.

The round-up campaign is running a month longer than previous years in an effort to help more children prepare for their best school year ever.

• NAMI, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, has a Keystone PA branch at 105 Braunlich Drive, Suite 200, in Ross.

To reach the branch, call 412-366-3788 or email info@namikeystonepa.org. For questions about mental health resources, call its HelpLine at 1-888-264-7972. If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or thinking about hurting themselves, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

• Reading Is Fundamental, the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit children’s literacy organization, aims to close equity gaps by reaching children in historically underserved communities.

Since its start in 1966, it has distributed more than 430 million books and reading resources in person and online.

According to the organization, 61% of children living at or below the poverty line in America have no books at home. And in some of the lowest-income neighborhoods, there is just one book for every 833 children.

For details about its programs, visit rif.org/our-solutions/our-programs.

Lecture to explore Pittsburgh’s City Steps

The McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage and Cultural Center’s next Third Thursday lecture series, scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 21, will explore the steep, unique City Steps of Pittsburgh.

In Pittsburgh, the elevation varies wildly (fluctuating 660 feet from its highest to lowest points throughout the area), making it one of the hilliest cities in the U.S.

Throughout this physically challenging landscape, the city’s first mass transportation system was built — a steadily expanding network of public stairways. Locally referred to as “city steps,” these flights of stairs are a throwback to a very different time and a very different Pittsburgh.

Join authors Laura Zurowski, Charles Succop and Matthew Jacob for a presentation on the history of the Steel City’s steps and a walking guide to their scenic locations today.

The lecture is free, but registration is required through CivicRec at secure.rec1.com/PA/mccandless-pa/catalog. You will need to create an account to register.

Donations to further support the center’s programming and mission are always appreciated.

Mark your calendars: The Sept. 18 lecture will discuss the history of McCandless as a kickoff to the town’s 175th anniversary.

Junior member sought for environmental committee

McCandless is seeking applicants for a junior member of the Environmental Advisory Committee for the 2026-27 school year, from September/October through June.

The position is open to high school juniors or seniors who live in the town.

The junior member will be involved with local environmental efforts, learn how local government works by participating in meetings, actively share their perspectives and ideas, and write for the Town Crier and McMail newsletter.

The junior member will be required to attend EAC meetings, which are from 7:30 to 9 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month, either in person or via Zoom and provide a monthly status update to the committee.

Candidates must submit an “Application for Appointment” form along with an essay of up to 300 words on why they want to serve as a student EAC member. The EAC will review each candidate’s qualifications, conduct interviews, and make selections based on candidate qualifications.

The deadline to apply is Aug. 22.

To learn more and apply, visit townofmccandless.org/435/Junior-EAC-member.

Completed applications can be sent to John Bojarski, public information officer for McCandless, at jbojarski@townofmccandless.org.

First aid, CPR sessions open to community

The Bradford Woods Volunteer Fire Company is hosting first aid and CPR/AED training sessions at 6 p.m. Sept. 18 and 25 in the meeting room of the borough building, 4908 Wexford Run Road.

Both sessions will be led by instructors from the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority.

The first aid course will be held Sept. 18.

Participants will learn what to do in a medical emergency such as a heart attack, stroke and seizure. The course also will cover dealing with injuries such as bleeding, broken bones and concussions, as well as environmental emergencies such as bites and stings, heat and cold, and poison.

The CPR/AED session on Sept. 25 will cover cardio pulmonary resuscitation for adults, children and infants, including the use of an automated external defibrillator; choking relief for all ages; AED use for all ages; and Narcan administration in an overdose situation.

The cost is $50 per class, payable by cash or check at the door.

Registration is required for each session, and each session is limited to 14 participants. Participants must be 13 or older.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/c76ezjn8.

For questions, email Mandy Cousins at mandy.cousins@mfpaa.org.

Safety course available to drivers 55 and older

Seniors for Safe Driving is offering an upcoming course for motorists 55 and older from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 7 at Ashton Commons Senior Living, 551 Cooper St., McCandless.

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.

Tickets for kids to ride in town’s vehicles being sold

McCandless is selling tickets for a chance for residents’ children to win a ride to school in one of the town’s vehicles.

Options for McCandless Adventure include a truck from the Department of Public Works; a police cruiser; a fire truck from the Peebles, Ingomar or Highland departments; or an ambulance from the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority.

Tickets, which are $1 each or six for $5, cash only — will be sold at Town Hall, 9955 Grubbs Road, during regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

The last day to purchase tickets will be during McCandless Community Day, which is slated for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 13 in North Park.

Winners will be drawn Sept. 16, and the rides will be coordinated for some time in October.

All proceeds will benefit McCandless’ 175th anniversary celebrations in 2026.

Winners must be McCandless residents.

Animal Friends in need of wet cat food

Animal Friends’ Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank is facing a critical shortage of wet cat food.

For many families in crisis, the meals can mean the difference between keeping their beloved cats or having to rehome them.

Animal Friends’ goal is to keep these families together.

To help, wish lists are in place through Amazon at tinyurl.com/3nnvss7h and Chewy at tinyurl.com/ywsph223. Purchases made on those sites can be delivered directly to Animal Friends.

Donations of unopened wet cat food also can be dropped off in the grey donation bins in the lobby of Animal Friends, 562 Camp Horne Road, Ohio Township.

Every single can makes a difference. Every donation helps keep pets with the people who love them.

Shelter seeks public’s votes to win challenge

Animal Friends is participating in the Back to the Rescue Shelter Challenge through Aug. 27, with a grand prize of $5,000 going toward the nonprofit shelter with the most votes.

The challenge, sponsored by GreaterGood, also includes prizes for second place, $3,000; third, $1,500; five runners-up at $500 each; and three random winners of $1,000.

People can vote once per day to help Animal Friends win the grand prize at tinyurl.com/2j23vpe8.

Jazz on tap for Marshall’s last summer concert

Marshall Township’s last Summer Concerts in the Park for the season will be Big Fat Jazz on Sept. 12.

The concert starts at 7 p.m. at the Elias Fry Barn in Knob Hill Park. 

Bring a chair and friends, and join us for a night of good music.

Celebrate summer with a free concert

The season is winding down for Allegheny County’s 2025 summer concert series.

The free concerts, which run through Aug. 31, take place either at the Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater in Hampton or the South Park Amphitheater.

Here is the remaining lineup:

Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater

• Aug. 17: Smash Mouth 

• Aug. 24: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

• Aug. 31: Monty Alexander

South Park Amphitheater

• Aug. 15: Robert Jon & the Wreck 

• Aug. 22: Pittsburgh Honky-Tonk

• Aug. 29: Tamburitzans

Free concerts lined up at Ross Park Mall

Ross Park Mall, 1000 Ross Park Mall Drive, is hosting a series of Wind Down Wednesday events featuring local acoustic musicians throughout the summer.

People are invited to unwind from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on select Wednesdays near entrance No. 1 by L.L. Bean or on the patios of Wigle Whiskey, Plaza Azteca or The Cheesecake Factory. The three eateries will offer happy-hour options, and L.L. Bean will provide yard games for attendees.

In the case of inclement weather, the performance will take place inside the mall, near Starbucks.

Here is the remaining lineup:

• Aug. 20: Samantha Sears 

• Aug. 27: Scott Blasey

Volunteer needed to serve on library board

Bradford Woods is looking for a representative to serve on the board of the Northland Public Library Authority for the remainder of a five-year term ending Dec. 31, 2027.

The selected volunteer will be asked to attend the Dec. 9 board meeting and begin their service on Jan. 1.

If interested, send a resume and cover letter to manager@bradfordwoods.gov no later than Oct. 9.

Borough council will select the representative during its Oct. 13 meeting.

Qualifications and responsibilities can be found online at northlandlibrary.org/board-member-qualifications-and-responsibilities/.

Wine fundraiser benefits outreach

Corks for the Community, presented by NaturaLawn of America, will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 28 at Greystone Fields, 4085 Sandy Hill Road in West Deer.

The outing is the signature fundraising event for North Hills Community Outreach, and all proceeds benefit its programs and services.

The cost is $99 per person and includes, wine, appetizers and food stations, a silent auction, a wine pull, music and door prizes.

For details and to purchase tickets, visit nhco.org/corks.

Farmers Market runs through Sept. 25

The annual Farmers Market at The Block Northway runs through Sept. 25.

The market, produced in partnership with the I Made It! Market, offers a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and homemade treats, handcrafted goods and rotating food trucks from 3 to 7 p.m. every Thursday throughout the season.

Vendors include Jodikinos Farms, Binko’s Pepper Sauce, Couldn’t BEE Better Honey, Nedalgyro, Sweet Florence Candy Co., Glencoe Gourmet, A Sweet Morsel Co., Boyd and Blair and many more.

The next special themed events are:

• Aug. 14: Back to School

• Sept. 18: Pep Rally

• Sept. 25: Coffee With a Cop

The market is sponsored by Jim Shorkey Mitsubishi, SSB Bank, Key Bank, Highmark and AHN.

Sellers are added throughout the season. Interested vendors are welcome to apply at https://bit.ly/4i3rsZb.

Workshops to provide driving tips for teens

Impact Teen Drivers, in partnership with the Northern Regional Police Department and Marshall leaders, is holding free workshops for teens and their parents or guardians throughout the year.

The next workshops will be held from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Aug. 12 and Oct. 14 at the lower level of the Marshall Municipal Building, 525 Pleasant Hills Road.

Evidence-based strategies will be shared to keep teens safer on the road. Attendees will learn about Graduated Driver Licensing, tips and tricks to avoid distractions, the importance of seat belts, the risks of speeding and more.

The session is free thanks to funding by the NJM Insurance Group.

Seating is limited. To reserve a spot, email Detective Tim Hohos at thohos@nrpolice.com.

Vendors sought for 11th annual fall market

Ascension Lutheran Church, 8225 Peebles Road in McCandless, is getting an early jump on its 11th annual Pumpkin Fest & Flea Market, which is planned from 8 a.m. 1 p.m. Oct. 11.

Community members are invited to spend a crisp fall morning on the church’s grounds.

Its “famous” homemade apple and pumpkin pies will be on sale, as well as hot dogs, homemade soups, beverages and other goodies.

Pumpkins also will be available for purchase.

The event includes a variety of craft and “treasures” vendors in the indoor and outdoor flea market. Vendors currently are being sought for the event. A space costs $20 and can be reserved by emailing vickig@zoominternet.net or calling 724-816-0413.

Singles welcome to join Association of University People

The Association of University People invites singles 50 and older 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 wineries and local outdoor concerts.

Those interested can attend three activities as guests before joining.

For details about AUP or to become a member, call and leave a message at 412-353-9088 or email aupsingles@gmail.com.

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