In brief: Happenings from the North Allegheny area

Shaffer organizing license plate replacement event

State Rep. Jeremy Shaffer, R-Pine, is sponsoring a hard-to-read license plate replacement event from 3 to 5 p.m. April 29 at his district office, 5500 Brooktree Road, Pine.

If your license plate is blistered, peeling or discolored, you can fill out the required PennDOT MV-46 form — Application for Replacement of Illegible Registration Plate available on the agency’s Driver and Vehicle Services website — before you attend the event or at Shaffer’s office.

There is no fee for this service. The fine for operating a vehicle with an illegible license plate is $100.

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

Members of the Northern Regional Police Department will be on hand to help complete the application.

Residents are asked to sign up in advance at repshafferpa.com/Form/HardtoReadLicensePlateEvent2025.

Household chemical collection coming up in North Park

The Pennsylvania Resources Council is hosting a household chemical collection from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 3 in North Park.

Accepted materials include automotive fluids, batteries, small propane bottles, chemistry sets, e-cigarettes, household cleaners, paint products, pesticides, pool chemicals and smoke detectors. A complete list of accepted items is available online when you click on the register link.

Participants must register in advance at prc.org/workshops-collection-events or by calling 412-488-7490.

All items must be in leak-proof containers and placed in a car trunk or truck bed. Participants will remain in their vehicle at all times while contractors unload the materials.

A fee of $20 for every 10 gallons/50 pounds of material per vehicle will be charged, and all forms of payment will be accepted.

Additional fees include $12 per fire extinguisher and $15 per pound of liquid mercury. For oversized loads, fees will be determined at the discretion of on-site staff.

Since 2003, the PRC has hosted household chemical collection events in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The collections have directly resulted in the safe management of 6 million pounds of household chemicals.

Scratch-off worth $1 million sold in McCandless

The Pennsylvania Lottery announced April 7 that a $1 million-winning 200X the Cash scratch-off ticket was sold by Sunoco Mini Market, 9100 Perry Highway, McCandless.

The store will receive a $5,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

200X the Cash is a $20 game that offers top prizes of $1 million.

Scratch-off prizes expire one year from the game’s end-sale date posted at palottery.com.

Scratch-offs are distributed at random, meaning the Pennsylvania Lottery and its retailers do not know where winning tickets will be sold. The Lottery learns where winning tickets are sold only after a prize has been claimed.

All prizes more than $5,000 are subject to applicable withholding.

Deadline looms to complete parks survey

McCandless is encouraging residents to chime in on the town’s Parks Master Plan before it’s too late.

Your thoughts are needed as the town works to create a master site development plan for future park development, connectivity and community programming.

The deadline to respond to the questionnaire is April 30.

To fill out the survey, visit surveymonkey.com/r/NK5W5HL. Paper copies are available at the Town Hall, 9955 Grubbs Road.

For details, contact Heather Cuyler at hcuyler@pashekmtr.com or 724-272-9144.

McCandless Democratic Committee offering $1,000 scholarships

The McCandless Democratic Committee is seeking applicants for its annual Peggy and Vince Amatangelo Scholarship awards.

Several $1,000 scholarships will be awarded this year. The awards will take place during the committee’s June meeting.

Applicants must be a senior at North Allegheny High School and be a registered Democrat, or, if younger than 18, the child of a registered Democrat. They also must be eligible to graduate in 2025 and have a minimum quality grade point average of 3.0.

Financial disclosures and SAT scores are not required, but there is an application process.

Details and applications are available online at mccandlessdems.org/scholarship.

Applications must be completed in full and submitted online or by mail by the end of day April 27.

Finalists will be notified of the interview place and date via email.

Community invited to free-will spaghetti dinner

The Elfinwild Lions Club is sponsoring a free-will offering spaghetti dinner on from 4 to 7 p.m. May 3 at Elfinwild Presbyterian Church, 3200 Mt. Royal Blvd., Shaler.

Homemade sauces — vegetarian, beef and sausage — will be available. The dinner also includes a salad, breadstick, dessert and beverage. Takeouts available.

Civil War talk to explore Lee’s invasions of the North

Brad Gottfried of the Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Roundtable will present a talk on “A Comparison of Lee’s Two Invasions of the North” at 7 p.m. April 21 at the Hampton Township Community Center, 3101 McCully Road.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

Rotarians collecting medical equipment

The Rich-Mar Rotary is seeking donations of no-longer-needed medical equipment during Richland’s annual Trunk Sale from 8 a.m. to noon May 17 at the Richland Township Municipal Building, 4019 Dickey Road.

Items being collected include canes, crutches, walkers, pulmonary walkers, wheelchairs, transport chairs, knee scooters, sock aides and shoe horns, bedside commodes and bedpans, toilet and tub rails, bed canes and bed rails, shower chairs, toilet risers, bedside tables and bed trays, nebulizer machines and accessories, blood pressure monitors (home use and nonmercury), feeding bags and tubing, reachers/grabbers, dressing sticks and humidifiers.

The Rotary distributes the items to those who are less fortunate.

Free smoke alarms available for county residents

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, Pennsylvania has suffered more home fire deaths this year than any other state in the nation.

In an effort to help save lives, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross is launching a communitywide initiative.

The chapter is hosting a Sound the Alarm event on April 24 where volunteers will install hundreds of free smoke alarms in homes throughout Allegheny County. Residents in need of smoke alarms are encouraged to schedule an appointment for installation by calling 412-263-5278 or submitting a request online at SoundTheAlarm.org/GreaterPA.

Working smoke alarms can reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 50%, and the American Red Cross is aiming to reach as many vulnerable households as possible.

McCandless seeks help to clean up roadsides

McCandless’ Environmental Advisory Committee is seeking the community’s help with its spring roadside cleanup from 8:30 a.m. to noon April 12. The rain date will be 8:30 a.m. April 26.

Anyone who would like to participate as a “litter getter” should meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Department of Public Works garage.

The day will kick off with a welcome, instructions and assignments. Trash bags, safety vests, gloves and snacks will be supplied.

To sign up online, visit townofmccandless.org or email eac@townofmccandless.org.

Earth Day workshop in Marshall to cover healthy homes

Marshall’s Environmental Advisory Council is hosting an Earth Day workshop for healthy homes from 7 to 9 p.m. April 22 at the municipal building, 525 Pleasant Hill Road.

Attendees will be able to meet the EAC members and visit three informational tables.

Table 1 will feature do-it-yourself recipes for healthier home cleaning and personal care products. Information will be available on how to avoid toxins in commercial products and save money.

Table 2 will offer DIY guides for healthier lawns, gardens and community care.

Table 3 will be set up as a community seed swap. Bring your own seeds to give away; be sure they are labeled with the plant name, variety and other helpful information such as sowing dates.

Registered participants will be entered into drawings to win a bucket of green cleaning supplies.

To register, email jhershberger@twp.marshall.pa.us.

Community invited to BBQ to benefit NHCO

The second annual community barbecue to benefit North Hills Community Outreach will be held from noon to 3 p.m. April 27 at Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Road, McCandless.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children 4 to 10 and free for those 3 and younger.

The community also can purchase and donate tickets that can be offered to families who use NHCO’s services.

Activities will include an all-you-can-eat barbecue, bounce house, raffles, musc and more.

To purchase tickets, visit nhco.org/bbq.

Franklin Park looking for junior council member

Each April, Franklin Park seeks resumes from borough high school students to participate in its Junior Councilperson Program.

The program, adopted in 2002, is designed to encourage juniors and seniors to participate in local government and to provide their perspective and input.

The program will run for the duration of the 2025-26 school year.

To learn more, visit franklinparkborough.us/281/Junior-Councilperson-Program.

Any Franklin Park high school junior or senior interested in the position should submit a letter of interest and/or resume to Franklin Park Borough, 2344 W. Ingomar Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 or by email to dplatt@franklinparkborough.us.

The deadline for submissions is May 9.

For questions, call Donna Platt at 412-364-4115, ext. 302.

Bradford Woods gearing up for Founder’s Day blowout

Bradford Woods, which was incorporated in 1915, is marking its 110th anniversary with a Founder’s Day celebration from noon to 3 p.m. May 3 at the fire station, 4908 Wexford Run Road.

There will be a free picnic lunch, a bounce house, live music, raffles and more.

Public welcome to learn about native plants

The Longvue Acres Garden Club will explore “Natives in Suburbia” during its next meeting at 7:45 p.m. April 22 at Northmont United Presbyterian Church, 8169 Perry Highway, McCandless.

Kate Allen, a Butler County Penn State Master Gardener, will explain the key benefits of native plants and why they should be included in one’s gardens.

Native plants are those that naturally occur in a particular region and are well adapted to the local climate, soil and wildlife. These types of plants enhance the environment and suburban gardens.

All programs, held on the fourth Tuesday of each month, are free and open to the public.

For details, contact longvueacresgardenclub1950@gmail.com.

Swing dance, complete with lessons, open to all ages

The HPC Big Band is back in the swing of things.

The community is invited to attend the “All That Jazz” Swing Dance from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. May 16 at Hampton Presbyterian Church, 2942 E. Hardies Road, Hampton.

All ages are welcome dust off their dancing shoes and join us. Invite your friends and get a table. Dance or just sit back, relax and enjoy the music from across the decades.

Free swing dance lessons will be given by professional instructor, Jared Clemens, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by live music.

Refreshments, including hot and cold snacks and hors d’oeuvres, will be available and is included in the ticket price.

Tickets are $15 each, and children 12 and younger are free. Live 21-piece band, food, and dance instruction all included.

For tickets, call Karen Schmidt at 412-867-6416 or the church office at 724-443-3201.

For details or questions, call the church or visit its website at hamptonpresbyterian.net.

Senior group hosting stand-up comedian

The Young@Heart senior social group at Hampton Presbyterian Church is hosting stand-up comedian and comedy writer Shaun Eli for an afternoon of laughter May 8 at the church, 2942 E. Hardies Road, Hampton.

Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., and the show will start at 12:30 p.m.

Eli is a former comedy writer for Jay Leno when Leno was the host of “The Tonight Show.”

According to Leno, “Shaun writes the kind of smart comedy I like to use in my opening monologue.”

Tickets are $15 each and includes lunch and the show. Invite your friends and get a table.

For tickets and other information, call contact Karen Schmidt at 412-867-6416.

For details or questions, call the church office at 724-443-3201or visit its website at hamptonpresbyterian.net.

Garden club ready for 75th plant sale

Mark your calendars for Longvue Acres Garden Club’s 75th perennial plant sale from 9 a.m. to noon May 17 in the lower parking lot of Northmont United Presbyterian Church, 8169 Perry Highway, McCandless.

The event will be held rain or shine.

The cash-only sale will feature more than 600 perennial plants, including highly valued Pennsylvania natives and pollinators.

Because the plants are grown in members’ gardens and donated for the sale, it is always a surprise to see the variety of plants available from year to year. Avid gardeners typically arrive early to snag the most sought-after plants.

Heirloom seed packets and annuals will be given away as part of the 75th anniversary celebration and in recognition of loyal customer support.

Patrons are invited to peruse the free table for gently used gardening items or chat with one of the knowledgeable Penn State Master Gardeners who will be on hand. They and other club members are always available to answer gardening questions and help with plant selections.

Proceeds from the sale fund monthly educational programs for the public and support the maintenance of the UPMC Passavant chapel garden.

Additionally, funds raised during the plant sale support not only the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Botanic Gardens of Western Pennsylvania and North Area Environmental Council, but also local community gardens in McCandless and Ross.

The Longvue Acres Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at Northmont United Presbyterian Church.

For details about the plant sale or club, contact longvueacresgardenclub1950@gmail.com.

Ingomar Garden Club organizing annual plant sale

The Ingomar Garden Club is planning its annual Fundraising Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10 at the Town Green at McCandless Crossing.

A variety of perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, herbs and vegetables will be available for purchase.

There also will be a large flea market.

Proceeds will benefit the club’s philanthropic and beautifcation efforts.

For details, visit ingomar-garden-club.com.

Real ID Day coming up in area

The Allison Park Driver and Photo License Center, located in the Duncan Manor Shopping Center at 1701 Duncan Ave., McCandless, will host a Real ID Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 5.

Applications for Real IDs will be the only services available during the event. No other driver’s license business will be conducted. Starting May 7, residents will need a Real ID-compliant license or identification card, passport or military ID to board a domestic commercial flight, enter a military base or enter certain federal facilities.

PennDOT will need to verify your identity, your Social Security number and your Pennsylvania residency, even if you already have a Pennsylvania driver’s license or photo ID card.

For a list of documents required to apply, visit tinyurl.com/5e3d59t8.

Free lecture to discuss community forestry

The Environmental Advisory Committee in McCandless is hosting a free lecture at 7 p.m. May 22 at the Devlin Park pavilion, 9955 Grubbs Road.

Joe Stavish of Tree Pittsburgh will discuss the meaning and importance of community foretsry and how residents can participate. Stavish, a McCandless native, will share information about Tree Pittsburgh’s Heritage Nursery and local native trees.

Attendees will learn about the environmental services provided by trees, common stress issues, pests, diseases and what steps they to take to help rebuild the town’s tree canopy.

Bring a lawn chair.

For details and to register, visit secure.rec1.com/PA/mccandless-pa/catalog and click on EAC Programs.

Sealarks meeting to explore 1845 fire

The Sealarks Women’s Group will meet at 1 p.m. May 14 at Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Road, McCandless.

Carol Kunz will present a program about “The Great Pittsburgh Fire of 1845.”

Sealarks provides Christian fellowship and social activity for women who are alone — widowed, divorced or never married. These women are welcome to attend and consider joining the group.

For details, call Edie at 412-487-7194.

Cleaning products sought to help people in need

North Hills Community Outreach currently is collecting cleaning products through June 8 to stock its pantries.

Donations can be dropped off at any of its three offices from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to noon April 5 at its main office, 1975 Ferguson Road, Hampton.

Other locations are NHCO Millvale on the second floor of the Millvale Community Center, 416 Lincoln Ave., and at NHCO North Boroughs at Greenstone Methodist Church, 939 California Ave., Avalon.

Items needed include laundry detergent (under 100 ounces), disinfecting wipes, all-purpose cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, dish detergent, packs of sponges, rolls of paper towels and canvas shopping bags.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits cannot be used for cleaning products. Such items are a necessity and often pose an expense that many low-income families are unable to afford.

Each family in need receives a bag containing the above products.

Donations also can be ordered from NHCO’s Amazon wishlist or Walmart wishlist and sent directly to its office.

Sellers sought for Treasures in the Trunk event

The Treasures in the Trunk event will return from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 3 at the Lorrain G. Rogers Soccer Fields.

The cost for a space is $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents. Admission is free for shoppers.

Space is limited to 40 participants.

Registration will end at 3 p.m. May 2.

Setup can take place at 7 a.m., and the event will open to shoppers at 8 a.m.

For details on how to register, call 412-364-0616.

New program aims to replace invasive trees, shrubs

The Pennsylvania Invasive Plant Replace-ive Program is a new initiative to give homeowners and others the option of removing invasive trees and shrubs from their property and replacing them with native trees.

The goal is to reduce the likelihood of invasive species becoming unwanted “escapees” into neighboring properties, parks and forests. Native trees help to diversify the urban landscape.

The initiative is a joint effort of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, state Department of Agriculture, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Steward Program. It is funded by the U.S. Forest Service.

Property owners who remove one or more invasive species can receive up to five free, healthy, native, young replacement trees.

Program events begin in May.

To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/PA-InvasiveReplace-ive.

Special-needs dances planned in area

Registration is open for upcoming special-needs dances hosted by the Recreation Alliance of North Pittsburgh.

Ages 8 and older and all abilities are welcome. Music will be at a lower volume for the first hour of each dance for those who might be more sensitive to louder volumes.

The cost is $5 per dance. Light refreshments will be provided.

• The Spring Fling will be from 6 to 8 p.m. April 26 at the Cranberry Township Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Drive.

• The Summer Kick-Off dance will be from 6 to 8 p.m. May 23 at the Elias Fry Barn in Knob Hill Community Park, 415 Knob Road in Marshall.

To register, visit ranp.recdesk.com/community/program.

Workshops to offer driving tips for teens

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

The workshops will be held from 7 to 8:15 p.m. June 10, Aug. 12 and Oct. 14 at the lower level of the Marshall Municipal Building, 525 Pleasant Hills Road.

The workshops will provide evidence-based strategies 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 workshops are free thanks to funding by the NJM Insurance Group.

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

Red Cross seeks volunteers in rural areas of Pa.

The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is in need of volunteers in rural communities.

Volunteers are needed to:

• Respond to disasters. Help families after a home fire or other disaster by providing emotional support, emergency financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover.

• Help donors at blood drives. Engage with blood donors by greeting them at blood drives, helping them to register, answering questions, providing information and assisting them at the refreshments table.

• Support community education and outreach. Attend events and activities to raise awareness around home fire safety and emergency preparedness.

In 2024, more than 3,400 volunteers supported the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. These volunteers provided care and comfort to families after more than 1,500 local disasters such as home fires and floods. In addition, volunteers supported more than 5,000 local blood drives to help ensure patients had access to lifesaving blood.

To learn more and to volunteer, visit redcross.org/GPAvolunteer.

Animal Friends in need of pet food

Animal Friends’ Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank has put out an urgent call for wet dog and cat food.

To help, browse its wish lists on Amazon or Chewy, and your donation will be delivered to Animal Friends.

Unopened wet pet food also can be dropped off in the grey donation bins in the front entranceway and lobby of the shelter at 526 Camp Horne Road.

The Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank supports struggling pet owners throughout Allegheny County. According to its website, it distributed more than 17,000 pounds of free pet food to over 3,000 families last month.

For details, visit thinkingoutsidethecage.org/programs-services/chow-wagon.