In brief: Happenings across the North Allegheny area

Underwater theme set for Children’s Gala

Tickets are on sale for the Children’s Gala 2025: Under the Sea library fundraiser.

The event, presented by the Northland Public Library Foundation, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 20 at the library.

The special evening will provide fun and wonder for families with young children. Activities will include strolling book characters, games, live entertainment, raffles, face painting, a balloon artist, food, photo-op areas and more.

Tickets cost $25 per person. Last year’s gala themed “Under Construction” welcomed a sold-out crowd of more than 350 guests. So patrons are advised to purchase tickets early for this year’s event.

Sponsorship opportunies are still available and can be viewed online at northlandlibrary.org/childrens-gala. To help, contact foundation director Alexis McKinley at 412-366-8100, ext. 104, or mckinleya@northlandlibrary.org.

Tickets available for murder-mystery fundraiser

Northland Public Library is hosting two sessions of a 21-and-older murder-mystery fundraiser, “Murder Sets Sail,” from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 5 and Sept. 6 as part of the month’s Love Your Library campaign.

Join staff and other guests of the H.M.S. Enigma for a pirate-themed treasure hunt. But with local eccentric “sail-ebrity” Roger Aurum lending real gold coins for the hunt, will you be able to figure out who might want to see him thrown overboard?

The interactive, original mystery was written by Northland’s Adult Services librarians.

Tickets are $35 per person.

There will be sips, light appetizers, coffee and desserts are included in the ticket price. Wine by the glass and beer will be available for $5 each.

A supporting sponsor ticket option also is available for $50, which includes general admission, one alcoholic drink ticket and name recognition in the event program.

Each session can only accommodate 100 participants, and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are not refundable, but they can be transferred to someone else if your plans change.

To purchase tickets, visit northlandlibrary.org/murder-mystery.

Marshall seeks vendors for fall craft show

Vendors of handcrafted items are needed for Marshall’s fall craft show set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 18 at Altmyer Park and Barn, 607 Wexford Bayne Road.

The cost is $10 for a table outside and $30 for one indoors.

For details and to request a vendor form, email Jessica Drozd, director of parks and recreation, at jdrozd@twp.marshall.pa.us.

Marshall’s Community Day set for Aug. 23

Marshall’s 2025 Community Day will start at 4 p.m. Aug. 23 in Knob Hill Community Park.

The event will end with a fireworks display.

Among the activities planned are inflatables, rides, fireworks, live entertainent, a rock climbing wall, face painting, airbrush tattoos, caricature drawings and more.

Franklin Park seeks future police officers

The Franklin Park Police Department is looking to hire future police officers.

Applications are due in person by 4:30 p.m. Oct. 6. The written test will be at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 15.

Applications can be found online at franklinparkborough.us/165/Police-Department.

The department offers competitive pay with a 2026 starting salary of $90,958. Benefits include having every other three-day weekend off; paid vacation, personal and sick leave; overtime opportunities; health care plus dental and vision; up to 50% tuition reimbursement, $1,000 clothing allowance; beards and visible tattoos welcome; residency requirement of 25 miles.

Public invited to learn about area’s Native Americans

The Richland History Group invites the public to a free program, “Homelands: Native Americans of Allegheny,” at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10 in First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown (FPCB), 5825 Heckert Road, Richland.

Michael I. Burke, curator and assistant director of the Fort Pitt Museum, will discuss the history of Western Pennsylvania’s Native Americans, specifically those who inhabitied Pittsburgh’s North Hills area along Route 8.

Serving the Heinz History Center since 2012, Burke has designed numerous award-winning exhibits, specializes in colonial Western Pennsylvania history and is an expert on the region’s original habitants.

Following the presentation, Nelson Crooks, an elder and historian with the 1867 FPCB, will provide a brief church history and tour of its sanctuary.

The church has easy access off Route 8, a large parking lot and is wheelchair accessible.

There will be a display and free copies of 21 of the Richland History Group’s published articles about area history.

Advanced registration is not required, but the Richland History Group would appreciate it for planning purposes.

To register, call 724-443-1112 and provide your name and the number attending.

Wildlife expert to talk about white-tailed deer

McCandless is hosting a presentation on white-tailed deer from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 30 at Town Hall, 9955 Grubbs Road.

Jeannine Fleegle, a wildlife biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will discuss the role the animals play in the environment and what actions residents can take to address the challenges they pose in communities.

The presentation is open to all ages.

Registration is required and can be done online through CivicRec at secure.rec1.com/PA/mccandless-pa/catalog. Click on the EAC Programs.

Taco Tuesday fundraiser to benefit Blessing Board

The Blessing Board North is hosting a Taco Tuesday fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 23 at Shaler Plaza, 880 Butler St.

The cost is $50 per person and $35 per person for groups of eight or more.

Admission includes a meal from the Los Gallitos food truck, tickets for two margaritas or beers from Dancing Gnome, soft drinks and water, and dessert from Oakmont Bakery.

All proceeds benefit the Blessing Board, a nonprofit celebrating its 15th anniversay of providing free furniture, household items and home medical equipment to people in need.

Participants must be 21 or older.

Registration is required by Sept. 18. To register, visit tinyurl.com/bdzn77wp.

For questions, call 412-423-6074 or email finance@theblessingboard.org.

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.

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.

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.

Outreach collecting coats, accessories for kids

North Hills Community Outreach is collecting new coats for children ages infant to 18 from Sept. 1 through Oct. 16.

New hats, scarves and gloves also are being accepted.

Gift cards to purchase coats are welcome as well.

The outerwear will be distributed in the fall to area children in need.

Donations can be dropped off 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.

Coats and accessories also can be ordered through the NHCO Winter Coat Shop wishlist on Amazon at tinyurl.com/ypc74ws9 and shipped directly to the nonprofit.

Green thumbs to discuss, sample tomato varieties

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 drive coming up in Franklin Park

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:

• 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 a Red Cross location 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:

• 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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Safety course aims to help older drivers

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.

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/.

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 final workshop will be held from 7 to 8:15 p.m. 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.

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