In brief: Happenings across the Shaler Journal area

Homecoming scheduled for Sept. 27

Shaler Area School District invites the community to celebrate Homecoming 2025 on Sept. 27.

The festivities will begin with the annual Homecoming Parade at 10:30 a.m. The parade, showcasing the students’ creativity, will process down Mt. Royal Boulevard, starting at St. Matthew Parish, St. Bonaventure Campus, and concluding at the district’s central office, 1800 Mt. Royal Blvd.

Immediately following the parade, there will be a community picnic at noon on the front lawn of the central office and Shaler Area Middle School.

Titans, past and present, are welcome to partake of a variety of fun activities, including food booths operated by district booster organizations, inflatables, pony rides, Shaler Area clothing sales and more.

The day will culminate with a football game against Penn Hills at 1:30 p.m. at Titan Stadium. Come cheer on the Titans as they display their hard work and dedication on the field.

Reserve awards bids for storm sewer, paving work

Storm sewers are expected to be expanded in Reserve’s Electric Hill neighborhood in 2026.

Commissioners at their Sept. 3 meeting accepted a $215,170 bid from Pampena Landscaping for the storm sewer project and a $72,893 bid from A. Folino for paving.

Grant funding will cover $110,630 of the storm sewer cost, while $28,540 of the paving cost is covered.

The work will see catch basins expanded and added and stormwater pipes enlarged on Edison and Ohm streets. The roads will be paved when the work is done, township Manager Jan Kowalski said.

The work is expected to start in the spring, she said.

Shaler schedules hearings on retaining walls, buying house

Shaler commissioners have scheduled two public hearings on proposed ordinances for their October meeting.

One would amend the township’s ordinance on retaining walls, which would prohibit walls of jumbo block in residential areas without a variance from the township’s zoning hearing board.

The others involves the township offering to buy the only house on Prospect Avenue, which would then allow the township to close the road, Manager Judy Kording said.

The vacant house is impacted by a landslide, and the road is not safe, including being dangerous for township crews to salt in the winter, Kording said.

The hearings will be held during the commissioners meeting beginning at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at the township building, 300 Wetzel Road.

Middle school to host 18th annual craft fair

Shaler Area Middle School is planning its 18th annual Vendor & Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at the school, 1810 Mt. Royal Blvd.

Admission is free.

There will be 60-plus crafters and vendors, as well as raffles and refreshments.

EMS now sharing month-in-review data

The Shaler Hampton EMS is now posting monthly data about its 24/7 service to the community.

The updates offer a behind-the-scenes look at the calls it responds to and the impact the agency makes every day in the three main communities it serves: Etna, Hampton and Shaler.

Paramedic Mo Pittser is the talent behind the graphic design.

The graphics offer a variety of information, including reasons for dispatch and number of calls for each, the number of patients received by area hospitals, calls by station, calls by community and calls by service.

Shaler Hampton EMS shared its August numbers in a Facebook post Sept. 4.

According to the August data, crews responded to 50 calls in Etna, 132 in Hampton and 218 in Shaler; it also responded to 40 mutual aid and 115 nonemergent calls.

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.

Be My Neighbor Day to include lots of activities, care fair

The Etna Community Organization welcomes everyone to meet up from 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 20 to celebrate WQED’s Be My Neighbor Day.

There will be live music, performances, activities from local organizations, artists and businesses, bouncy houses, a baseball field, face painting, balloon artists, magicians and more throughout the downtown area.

First responders and organizations are joining forces during the event to stage the third annual Community Care Fair from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Etna Volunteer Fire Department, 437 Butler St. Visitors can learn about community resources and meet the people who respond to emergencies in Etna.

Etna firefighters will be on hand throughout the event, providing a 30-minute vehicle rescue simulation at 1 p.m., a 30-minute drone presentation at 1:45 p.m., a 20-minute fire extinguisher and blanket demonstration at 2:30 p.m. and a raffle drawing at 2:50 p.m.

There also will be free stroke screenings by UPMC, free CPR instruction with the Hampton Shaler EMS, state resources from Sen. Lindsey Williams’ office, bingo for Mr. Yuk stickers, a free ticket to win a fire blanket or household fire extinguisher, expired fire extinguisher takeback and more.

For questions, email etnacommunitycarefair@gmail.com.

Survey to help shape offerings at future Etna center

Residents are encouraged to submit their ideas to help shape the programs and resources at the future Etna Center for Community.

There is a two-minute program survey to fill out online.

Among the things the survey asks about is interest in the food environment, children’s education, culture, adult education, senior programming, employment, community well-being and resources, public health and health care, library hours and special collections.

To access the survey, visit tinyurl.com/5c2unwyk.

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.

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.

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.

Trunk-or-Treat planned for Oct. 25

Calling all superheroes, princesses and ghosts!

Glenshaw Presybterian Church is planning a Trunk-or-Treat from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 25.

This annual family-friendly event promises to be all treats and no tricks. It will be held in the parking lot of the church, 300 Glenn Ave.

For details, visit glenshawchurch.org.

Church to serve free Oktoberfest meal

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1719 Mt. Royal Blvd., is hosting a free Oktoberfest community meal from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 6.

Traditional pork and sauerkraut will be on the menu, along with celebratory side dishes and desserts.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

The free meals are served at Bethlehem on the first Monday of each month. November’s meal will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 3.

For details or questions, visit belc.org or call the church office at 412-486-0550.

Lions organizing oldies dance Oct. 11

The Elfinwild Lions Club is sponsoring an oldies dance from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at St. Ursula’s Hall, Duncan Avenue, Hampton.

Tickets are $25 per person and include beer, pop, water and a light buffet. Jan Smith will be the disc jockey.

For tickets, visit the Shaler North Hills Library, 1822 Mt. Royal Blvd., or call 412-487-1888.

Registration closes Oct. 20 for Reserve’s Halloween parade

The deadline for Reserve residents to register for the annual Halloween parade is Oct. 20.

The parade, sponsored by Dollar Bank, will start at noon Oct. 26. Check-in is 11:30 a.m. at Dollar Bank, 2000 Mt. Troy Road. Participants must park at the township office, 33 Lonsdale St., or the primary school, 2107 Lonsdale St., and walk to the township office, where a shuttle will provide transportation to Dollar Bank.

The parade will form in front of Dollar Bank and will end at the township office.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/3v7wxf8s.

Talk to explore Shaler’s history

As part of Shaler’s 125th anniversary festivities, local historian Jim Giel will present a talk about the township’s history from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 16 at Elfinwild Presbyterian Church, 3200 Mt. Royal Blvd.

The session is geared toward adults, and attendees are encouraged to bring questions.

Food and drinks will be served.

The event is free, but seating is limited.

To register, visit the event listing at shaler.librarycalendar.com or call Shaler North Hills Library at 412-486-0211.

Outdoor programs winding down

As the growing season winds down so will two outdoor programs in Etna.

The last Welcome Wednesday of the season is set from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Garden of Etna, 25 Locust St.

Residents are invited to stop by and weed, water and explore the garden.

Children can play in the mud kitchen and help with various garden tasks.

Bring your gardening tips and questions.

For details, email gardenofetna@gmail.com.

Nature Nights will have its last outing from 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 1 in the Etna EcoPark, at the corner of Wilson and Grant streets.

There will be youth-focused activities. Free food and drinks will be provided.

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.

Safe2Say program important tool for schools

As a new school year kicks off, state lawmakers are reminding students, parents and community members about Safe2Say Something, a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

Safe2Say Something teaches youths and adults how to recognize the warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” before it is too late, according to safe2saypa.org.

People can report an anonymous tip by phone at 1-844-SAF2SAY (1-844-723-2729), online at safe2saypa.org or through the Safe2Say app. A crisis center reviews, assesses and processes all submissions. In case of an emergency, call 911.

Among the statistics noted on the organization’s website:

• 1 million students reported being harassed, threatened or subjected to other forms of cyberbullying.

• 80% of school shooters told someone of their violent plans; 59% told more than one person.

• 70% of people who died by suicide told someone of their plans and gave some other warning sign.

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.

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).