In brief: Happenings across the North Allegheny Journal area

Community invited to annual International Day of Peace event

The annual North Hills International Day of Peace Celebration is planned for 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 21 at Point Grove in North Park.

This year’s theme is “Act Now for a Peaceful World” and remembers Sister Elizabeth “Betty” Sundry, who died June 1 at age 88. Sundry, a member of the Sisters of Divine Providence, was involved in many social justice efforts.

The event aims to promote peace and cultural diversity through entertainment, personal stories, information tables, food samplings, activities and a flag ceremony.

The gathering is hosted by AAUW North Hills Pittsburgh, Sisters of Divine Providence, La Roche University, North Hills Ebony Women Inc., Muslim Association of Pittsburgh, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh and members of the North Hills communities.

For details, email diversity@laroche.edu.

Fall seed collection subject of Bradford Woods presentation

The Bradford Woods Conservancy’s Speaker Series will feature Alliy Gundlach, heritage nursery seed technician for the nonprofit Tree Pittsburgh, giving a presentation on “Seed Collection 101” beginning at 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Bradford Woods Community Church, 4836 Wexford Run Road.

The program will give insight into collecting seeds from native trees, shrubs and wildflowers and maximizing chances of successful growing.

Gundlach collects all of the tree and shrub seeds for Tree Pittsburgh’s nursery program. She manages the seed bank, scouts new collection locations, collects seeds responsibly, and catalogs them. She also cleans and prepares seeds for planting in the spring, leads volunteer groups and manages the greenhouse.

Garden club to explore Beatrix Potter

The Ingomar Garden Club will gather for its monthly meeting at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 1 at Northmont Church, 8169 Perry Highway, McCandless.

The 10:30 a.m. business meeting will be followed by an 11:30 lunch and a program, “Introducing Beatrix Potter,” presented by Ann Troxler of the Beatrix Potter Society. Society members have been delivering Beatrix Potter talks since 2005 to adult groups worldwide, teaching about her works and how her legacy continues to impact us today.

Prospective members are welcome to attend.

For details, visit ingomargardenclub.com.

Nature expert to lead hike in Wall Park

Katie Stanley, supervisor ranger at the Latodami Nature Center, will lead an interactive and educational hike on the Brandt Trail at Wall Park in McCandless.

She will discuss animals one might see, point out native and invasive species and lead an in-and-out hike that is 2 miles over varying terrain.

This hike is open to all ages and is easy to moderate to navigate.

Parking is available at Wall Park, 8741 Sloop Road. Everyone should meet in the parking lot.

Participants should bring water and wear sturdy hiking boots or tennis shoes. Wearing light layers and long pants is recommended.

The program is free, but registration is required.

Register online under “Nature Hikes” through McCandless’ CivicRec website at secure.rec1.com/PA/mccandless-pa/catalog.

Autumn hike planned in North Park

An instructor from the Latodami Nature Center in North Park will lead a 3.5-mile hike from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 18 around the Irwin Run/Red Trail area.

During the Latodami Day Hike: Autumn Changes, plenty of stops will be made along the way to learn about the surrounding natural and historical features with an emphasis on fall foliage, hawk migration and spooky stories fit for the season.

This hike is rated moderate-difficult and will include some long and steep hill climbs and descents.

Participants should pack a lunch, bring plenty of water, wear hiking shoes, dress for the weather and bring a pack containing the essentials.

All ages are welcome, but the hike is recommended for 9 and older. Children must be attended by an adult.

Registration opens Sept. 18 for this activity. Space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/4khz2ys7. For details, call 724-935-2170.

The Latodami Nature Center offers a variety of free activities during the year, and fall is as busy as ever. Activities coming up include a meadow hike on Sept. 28, a farm tour Sept. 28 with apple tasting from the 100-year-old-plus orchard, a Bat Week Celebration on Oct. 25, as well as birding hikes, volunteer days for habitat restoration and litter cleanups.

For details and to register, visit the center’s listing on the Allegheny County Parks website at tinyurl.com/2pkx6fvx.

Annual Dragon Boat Festival planned at North Park Lake

The Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Team invites the community to a day of thrilling races, vibrant entertainment, delicious food and family fun at its annual Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival.

The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at North Park Lake in McCandless.

This year’s family-friendly festival will feature spirited races with community teams, sport teams, youth teams, para-paddlers and teams of cancer survivors battling it out for glory.

There also will be cultural performances such as the lion dance, family-friendly activities, vendor booths and food trucks.

Proceeds from the festival will benefit Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel, an all-breast cancer survivor dragon boat team founded in 2017. With members ranging from ages 24 to 80, Hearts of Steel brings together survivors from diverse backgrounds to promote full and active lives through the empowering sport of dragon boating.

To learn more about the team, visit heartsofsteelpittsburgh.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.

Seminar aims to teach financial independence

Bob Gordon of McCandless, founder of My Dream Life, is hosting a 10-session seminar to help people looking to live their “dream life,” one that is free of financial and time constraints.

“Living Life on Your Terms: Being Financially Independent” will be held in the event room at Ruckus Cafe, 1707 Babcock Blvd., Shaler.

The sessions will meet from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 1, 8, 15 and 22; Nov. 5, 19 and 26; and Dec. 3, 10 and 17.

Tuition is $150 and is due at the time of registration.

Participants must register before attending the first session and must be on time for each session, which means seated and ready to begin at least five minutes before the start time.

Gordon has been making a difference in the disability community for many years and empowering people through leadership programs and other businesses. Now 75, he is looking to share how everyone can live a “fully expressed life,” which he has been doing since he was 33.

“I firmly believe that what people really want is to make a difference. And when they have their basic survival income handled, they are free to make that difference,” Gordon said.

To register and to learn more about the program, visit my-dreamlife.com.

Glass collection bin heads to North Park

Allegheny County’s traveling glass collection bin will be set up from Oct. 4-16 in the pool parking lot of North Park, 9901 South Ridge Drive, McCandless.

Residents can access the bin from 7 a.m. to dusk each day.

The self-serve drop-off site travels to various locations throughout the county to make it easier for people to recycle glass bottles, jars and jugs.

Color sorting is not required, and lids and labels can be left on the containers.

Glass bottles and jars are 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without any loss in purity or quality.

The traveling glass recycling program is a joint effort of the county’s Department of Sustainability and the Pennsylvania Resource Council.

To learn more, visit prc.org/workshops-collection-events/collection-events/glass-recycling.

CCAC plans open house at North Campus

Community College of Allegheny County will host an open house from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at the college’s North Campus, 8701 Perry Highway, McCandless.

The event is open to prospective students, their family members and friends. Open house attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about the college’s programs, resources and campus activities, as well as financial aid. Campus tours and refreshments are also planned. Participants will be able to interact with college administrators, faculty, advisers and staff — and learn how to enroll in one of CCAC’s more than 130 degree, certificate and diploma programs to meet their educational and career goals.

For a full schedule of open houses, informative events and campus tours or to register, visit ccac.link/OpenHouseEvents.

Heyl Family Practice to open 3rd location

Heyl Family Practice, an independent primary care provider in the North Pittsburgh region, is opening a third location in in January in Richland.

The new office at 5830 Meridian Road, located within the St. Barnabas Medical Center building, will undergo updates beginning in October in preparation for the opening.

As a division of Genesis Medical Associates Inc., the largest independent primary care network in the North Hills, Heyl Family Practice currently operates offices in West View and McCandless.

“We’re excited to bring the Heyl Family Practice experience to Gibsonia and to offer care to anyone seeking trusted, reliable, independent primary care,” said Scott Heyl, third-generation family physician at Heyl Family Practice.

The Richland office will provide comprehensive primary care for adults of all ages, including preventive services, chronic condition management and ongoing health support.

The team anticipates beginning to accept new patients in the coming months.

In addition to outpatient services, Heyl Family Practice also will provide care for personal care and skilled nursing facility residents on the St. Barnabas campus. This integration enhances continuity of care as patients’ needs evolve and includes on-site provider support, coordination with hospital systems such as UPMC Passavant, and long-term care management with outpatient follow-up through the new office.

For details about Heyl Family Practice, visit genesismedical.org.

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.

Veterans invited to 3rd annual breakfast salute

Franklin Park is planning its third Salute to Veterans Breakfast on Nov. 15 at the Blueberry Hill Park Activity Center.

All veterans are welcome, no matter when, where or how long they served.

The breakfast is to honor the service of the men and women who have served or currently are serving in our nation’s armed forces.

If you are a veteran or know a veteran who you think would like to attend, contact Donna Platt at 412-364-4115, ext. 302, or email her at dplatt@franklinparkborough.us.

Sisters selling Lucky Number tickets

The Sisters of Divine Providence are selling 2026 Lucky Number tickets.

The fundraiser is based on the Pick 3 evening Pennsylvania Lottery game. Each $25 number is valid for the entire year — from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026.

Daily winners receive a minimum of $25 up to $150 on select days throughout the year when their three-digit number is chosen. Gift orders are available.

To participate in the 2026 Lucky Number fundraiser, visit cdpsisters.org/LuckyNumber or call 412.635.5401.

The fundraiser supports the ministries and mission of the Sisters of Divine Providence, 9000 Babcock Blvd., McCandless.

Lecture to explore McCandless history

As McCandless prepares to celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2026, the McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage and Cultural Center will get a head start by spotlighting the town’s history in its lecture series from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 18.

The lecture will cover the beginnings of McCandless, which was chartered in 1851 — from an almost exclusively farming community in the 1800s to how the Harmony Short Line and suburban development after World War II shaped the town in the early to mid-1900s.

Attendees also will learn about the special events and programs being planned to mark the anniversary and how to be a part of history.

To register, visit the CivicRec catalog at secure.rec1.com/PA/mccandless-pa/catalog and click on the HCC Lecture Series. You must set up a CivicRec account to register.

Homeowners can learn about their dwelling’s history

The McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage and Cultural Center, 830 Aufman Lane, is hosting a free open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 4 for anyone interested in researching the history of their home.

Curious about what your neighborhood looked like the year your house was built? Curious what your house looked like before the previous owner put added a deck?

Then stop by to learn about free and paid resources that will help you research the history of your home.

Bring a laptop or tablet computer and follow along with HCC volunteers who will help you get started.

While the event is free, registration is required for preparation purposes.

To register, visit the CivicRec catalog at secure.rec1.com/PA/mccandless-pa/catalog and click on the HCC Lecture Series. You must set up a CivicRec account to register.

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 Virginia. 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.

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.

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.

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 winds down in September

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.

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.

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.

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.

Blood donors sought

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

• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 30 at Northgate High School, 589 Union Ave., Bellevue

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

• 1 to 6 p.m. Oct. 23 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel – St. Athanasius Church, 7 Chalfonte Ave., West View

• 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 29 at Keystone Summit Park, 3000 Ericsson Drive, Marshall

• Noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 31 at Christ Lutheran Church, 917 Evergreen Ave., Millvale

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:

• 3 to 7 p.m. Sept. 17 at Bloodmobile at Bruster’s Ice Cream of Ingomar, 9600 Perry Highway, McCandless.

• Noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 3 at Richland Township’s activity room, 4019 Dickey Road, Richland.

• 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 5 at St. John Neumann Roman Catholic Church, 2230 Rochester Road, Franklin Park.

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 5 at Triumph Church, 1293 Mt. Nebo Road, Ohio Township.

• 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 10 at Deer Lakes High School’s gym, 163 E. Union Road, West Deer.

• Noon to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at West Deer Township’s meeting room, 133 E. Union Road, West Deer.

• Noon to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at UPMC Passavant Hospital’s Passavant Annex, 9100 Babcock Blvd., McCandless.

• 7:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Oct. 15 at Fox Chapel High School’s LGI Room, 611 Field Club Road, Fox Chapel.

• 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 19 at St. Matthew’s lyceum, 106 North Ave., Millvale.

• 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 22 at AHN-Wexford Hospital, 12351 Perry Highway, Pine.

Vitalant also regularly schedules collection dates at its Cranberry Donation Center, Butler Centre, Second Floor, 20421 Route 19; Pittsburgh Fox Chapel Donation Center at One Alexander Center, Suite 207, 2585 Freeport Road; and 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).

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.

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.