In brief: Happenings across the North Allegheny area

5 arrested during sobriety checkpoint

The North Hills DUI Task Force conducted a stationary DUI checkpoint Aug. 15 in Shaler.

According to the task force, 1,308 vehicles passed through the checkpoint.

Seven people were administered a field sobriety test. Of those tested, five were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In addition, 32 citations and 11 warnings were issued for various vehicle code violations.

The task force is comprised of police officers from Aspinwall, Blawnox, Etna, Hampton, Indiana Township, McCandless, Millvale, Northern Regional, O’Hara, Reserve, Ross, Shaler, West Deer and West View.

This is the 29th year for the North Hills DUI Task Force. To date, 267 checkpoints or roving patrols have been conducted.

The checkpoint was held in conjunction with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Checkpoint Strike Force.

Franklin Park plans another open house on home rule charter

Franklin Park is hosting another open house to discuss home rule charter at 7 p.m. Aug. 27 in the meeting room of the borough building, 2344 W. Ingomar Road.

Council members Laura Czekaj and Tom Schwartzmier will provide an overview of the home rule charter and its potential impact on the community. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns and offer input.

All residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the conversation about the potential future of local governance.

To learn more about home rule charter, visit franklinparkborough.us/1452/Home-Rule.

CCAC North opens new nursing lab

Community College of Allegheny County has expanded its nursing lab at the college’s North Campus.

The new lab encompasses four instructional areas dedicated to critical care, OB-GYN, foundations for incoming students and an expansive computer lab.

The lab includes state-of-the-art programmable manikins to simulate real-life clinical scenarios.

Altmyer Park play area closed for upgrades

Marshall is alerting residents that the playground in Altmyer Park is closed for construction.

The township is adding some new play features to the site. The playground is expected to reopen in a few weeks.

Walking group aims to help grieving adults

Good Samaritan Hospice, a mission of Concordia Lutheran Ministries, will host a free adult grief support walking group this fall.

The Walk Together in Grief group will be meet from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 4 through Oct. 9, at Richland Township Community Park, 1157 Van Velsor Drive.

Led by Christina Reuschlein, a bereavement coordinator, this easy-paced walking group offers a peaceful space for adults who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

Each outing provides time to share, learn practical self-care strategies and boost your energy and mood through the beauty of nature.

Registration is requested by Sept. 1. For details or to sign up, call Reuschlein at 1-800-720-2557. To learn more about Good Samaritan Hospice, visit Good-SamaritanHospice.org.

Free shredding event open to community

First Choice Advisors is offering a free paper-shredding event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 13 behind the building complex at 11269 Perry Highway, Pine.

Community members are invited to bring their personal, financial and confidential documents to be safely shredded and recycled.

The event is for individuals and their personal documents; it is not intended for businesses.

Ballet school plans open house with free classes

The Three Rivers School of Classical Ballet invites families in the Greater Pittsburgh area to an open house from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 30 at its new studio at 420 Perry Highway, West View.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet instructors, register for fall classes and have photos taken with a ballerina.

Several free classes will be offered during the event: Creative Movement at 9 a.m. for ages 2 to 5; Placement Class I at 10 a.m. for ages 5 to 7; and Placement Class II at 11 a.m. for those 8 and older.

Three Rivers School of Classical Ballet, the official school of the Conservatory of Dance Arts, offers classes in four divisions: Children’s Division (ages 2 to 7), Student Division (Levels I to IV), Conservatory Program (pre-professional students) and the Open Division (adults and recreational students 12 and older).

The school is under the guidance of artistic director/ballet master Christopher Fellows and provides professionally taught classes, live performances, educational outreach and artistic excellence through the medium of dance.

Junior Achievement seeks nominations of teens for program

Junior Achievement of Western PA is once again seeking nominations for 18 young leaders who are using their voices to create change.

The 18 Under Eighteen program, now in its fifth year, was launched to recognize young people who are making a difference, not just in sports or academics, but also within their communities.

So far, the program, presented by the EQT Foundation, has honored 72 teens across 10 counties in Western Pennsylvania and West Virginio. Their contributions include medical research, founding nonprofits, advocating for marginalized communities, developing innovative solutions to real-world problems and more.

Honorees are selected by a diverse panel of judges from the corporate, nonprofit, community and educational sectors. Those chosen will receive:

• Professional leadership training taught by White House-recognized community leader and brand expert BeNeca Griffin;

• Personal media assets and recognition, including a personal billboard courtesy of Lamar Advertising;

• Networking, mentoring, and scholarship opportunities;

• Gifts from JA partners.

Nominations are open through Sept. 30, and honorees will be announced Jan. 6. The awards celebration will take place Feb. 3 at Acrisure Stadium.

JA invites parents, teachers, mentors and peers to nominate individuals 18 or younger who are making an impact and reside in JA’s 56-county footprint.

For details about the program and to submit a nomination, visit jawesternpa.org.

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.

Vendors wanted 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.

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 inhabited 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 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.

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.

Here are a few nearby Red Cross blood drives:

• Noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Allegheny County Public Safety Training Campus, 700 W. Ridge Road, McCandless;

• 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 30 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3832 Gibsonia Road, Richland.

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 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).

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.

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.

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/.

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:

• 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 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.

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.