In brief: Happenings from the North Allegheny area

McCandless Dems award 3 scholarships

The McCandless Democratic Committee recently announced the winners of its Vincent and Peggy Amatanagelo annual scholarships.

Three newly graduated North Allegheny students — Sophia Brunger, Abigail Peigh and Mikhaela Titus — are this year’s recipients.

According to the committee, the students stood out because of their dedication to the community through volunteering and school activities.

Peigh, who attended Beattie Technical School for advertising, will attend Kent State University in the fall as part of its career and community studies program. Brunger will major in environmental science at Slippery Rock University, and Titus will pursue nursing at Indiana University of PA.

Members of the committee would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of the generous donors who make the scholarships possible and to all of the exceptional applicants who took the time to submit an application.

Bradford Woods firefighters plan Touch-a-Truck

The Bradford Woods Volunteer Fire Company is sponsoring a Touch-a-Truck event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 26 at the station, 4908 Wexford Run Road.

The event will feature fire trucks, ambulance, police and other fun vehicles for families to visit.

Free hot dogs, drinks and snacks will be served.

Volunteer sought 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/.

Special evening set for dogs at North Park

Bring your four-legged friend for a free evening of fun and games from 6 to 8 p.m. July 8 during the Dog Days of Summer at North Park.

The event will be held, weather permitting, at the off-leash dog park No. 2, off Pearce Mill Road next to Miller Shelter and across from the North Park ice rink.

Giveaway bags will be available with goodies for the pet owners and their furry companions.

In case of inclement weather, check for updates on the Facebook page of Allegheny County Parks.

For rules and more information about the county’s off-leash dog areas, visit alleghenycounty.us/Parks-and-Events/Activities/Dog-Parks.

Safety event geared toward children

The Block Northway invites the community to its seventh annual free Kids’ Safety Event from 3 to 7 p.m. June 19 between DSW and Lands’ End. The event coincides with the weekly Farmers Market.

Children will be able to “explore and touch” fire trucks, EMS vehicles and Ross police vehicles, as well as safety equipment.

A variety of organizations will be on hand to provide information.

Activties include face painting, balloon art, Paint Monkey, rides on the Kiddie Kaboose train and a chance to win prizes. There also will be a demonstration with Pluto at 5 p.m. by the Allegheny County fire marshal.

Visitors to the event are encouraged to donated cold or hot cereal items to help restock the North Hills Cares Food Bank. Collection bins will be set up inside the south corridor between Lands’ End and DSW.

For each box of donated cereal or $5 donation, people can choose a coupon worth $5 or more from a local restaurant as a thank you.

Participating organizations include the Ross Township Police Department, Allegheny County fire marshal, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Be Smart, Berkeley Hills Volunteer Fire Company, Every Child Inc., Perrysville Volunteer Fire Company, Ross-West View/EMS, Passavant Hospital Foundation, Crisis Center North, AHN Pediatric, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania, Holy Cross Academy, Key Bank and AHN West Penn Burn Center.

Farmers Market runs through Sept. 25

The annual Farmers Market at The Block Northway kicks off June 5 and 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.

There will be special themed events each month:

• June 19: Kids’ Safety Event

• July 24: Christmas in July

• Aug. 14: Back to School

• 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.

Local musician to perform in North Park

A free concert by local songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tucker Muetzel will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at North Park’s Lone Pine Shelter, South Ridge Drive.

The concert is part of the annual Acoustics series presented by Allegheny County Parks.

Bring a chair or blanket. Events are weather permitting. In case of inclement weather, check the Allegheny County Parks Facebook page for updates.

County pools, spray park now open for season

The Allegheny County Parks Department is letting residents know the Boyce Park Wave Pool in Monroeville, North Park Swimming Pool in McCandless, Settlers Cabin Park Wave Pool in Robinson and South Park Wave Pool in Bethel Park are now open for the season, weather permitting.

Daily hours of operation are 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Concessions also will be open daily.

To increase safety and create a more enjoyable experience for all, all four county pools implemented a chaperone policy in July 2024. Visitors 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older with a valid photo ID. Proof of age will be required for anyone 18 and older whose age is not easily determined.

The three wave pools feature a water entry ramp at a 1-inch depth that increases gradually to deeper water. The historic 2 million-gallon pool at North Park provides guests the option to enter the shallow end of the pool via a mechanical lift and includes access to the zero-depth baby pool and splash pad area, perfect for children and guests of all ages and abilities.

Daily pool admission rates are:

• $3 for senior citizens 60 and older, $4 for nonresidents

• $6 for adults 18 to 59, $8 for nonresidents

• $5 for youths 6 to 17, $6 for nonresidents

• $1 for all children 5 and younger

Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more youths through senior citizens by calling the destination pool at least 24 hours in advance:

• $2.25 for senior citizens 60 and older, $3 for nonresidents

• $5 for adults 18 to 59, $6 for nonresidents

• $4 for youths 6 to 17, $5 for nonresidents

Season passes are on sale and can be purchased online or in person. For details, visit the Swimming and Wave Pools webpage at alleghenycounty.us/Parks-and-Events/Activities/Swimming-and-Wave-Pools.

For additional information and to arrange group discounts, call the Boyce Park Wave Pool at 724-325-4667, North Park Swimming Pool at 724-935-3410, Settlers Cabin Park Wave Pool at 412-787-2668 or South Park Wave Pool at 412-831-0810.

In addition, Round Hill Spray Park in Elizabeth is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., weather permitting. The Deer Lakes Spray Park in Tarentum will have a delayed opening because of construction. Both sites are free to the public and ADA accessible. Details are available on the Spray Parks webpage at alleghenycounty.us/Parks-and-Events/Activities/Spray-Parks.

McCandless looking to boost police force

The McCandless Police Department is seeking applicants for full-time police officers.

With recent and upcoming retirements, town officials are looking to ensure residents and businesses in the growing community are protected.

The town is patrolled 24/7 and is divided into several patrol districts, served by 12 marked patrol units. These units provide preventive patrols, respond to residents’ complaints and respond to requests for aid and traffic law enforcement. The police department also provides a number of community-oriented programs throughout the year.

Officers have 12-hour shifts, paid time off, a competitive insurance package, $1,300 uniform allowance, three-year DROP plan, and full retirement at age 50 with 25 years of service. Officers also have opportunities for career advancement in firearms instruction, K-9, detective division, defense tactics, accident reconstruction, traffic division, SRT team and community relations.

For a complete list of requirements and an application, visit townofmccandless.org.

The deadline to apply is at 4 p.m. June 23.

Applications can be returned from 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the police department in Town Hall, 9955 Grubbs Road. Applications also can be emailed to policeapplicant@townofmccandless.org.

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.

Children’s books sought to replenish library boxes

Marshall officials are collecting children’s books to stock the free library boxes in the township’s parks.

If you have extra books or ones your children have outgrown, drop them off at the municipal building, 525 Pleasant Hill Road.

Yoga sessions lined up for Devlin Park

Certified instructor Carolyn Spear will teach yoga asana from 9 to 10 a.m. June 28 near the pavilion in Devlin Park. This style of yoga is perfect for beginners.

The cost is $10 for McCandless residents and $15 for nonresidents.

Registration is required.

To register, visit the township’s website at townofmccandless.org, click on the Departments tab in the menu and select Parks & Recreation. Registration for Yoga in the Park takes place through the CivicRec site at https://secure.rec1.com/PA/mccandless-pa/catalog. You must have a CivicRec account to register.

For details and to create an account, select the McCandless Parks and Recreation tab on CivicRec. For immediate assistance, call 412-364-0616, ext. 124.

Arts center plans summer solstice bash

The North Hills Arts Center invites the community to celebrate the longest day of the year with a Summer Solstice Raku Party from 6 to 10 p.m. June 20.

The rain date will be June 21.

Participants can purchase a bisque pottery piece made by one of the center’s potters, glaze it and then watch it reach 2,000 degrees in the outdoor kiln.

While you wait for your piece to be fired, you can enjoy live music and refreshments, receive a free tarot card reading and view the Art for Animals gallery show, which runs through July 3 and benefits the Great Pyrenees Club of Western Pennsylvania.

School supplies sought to help children in need

North Hills Community Outreach is seeking donations of school supplies through Aug. 10 for its Back to School project.

Last year, supplies were distributed to nearly 790 students, an increase compared to previous years.

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 on the first Saturday of each month at its main office at 1975 Ferguson Road, Hampton.

The other offices are on the second floor of the Millvale Community Center, 416 Lincoln Ave., and at Greenstone Methodist Church, 939 California Ave., Avalon.

Items being collected include new backpacks, colored pencils, 24-pack crayons, erasers, glue sticks, highlighters and markers, loose-leaf paper, notebooks, binders, pens and pencils including mechanical ones, pencil boxes and sharpeners, pocket folders, rulers, scissors and Texas Instruments graphing calculators in working order for advanced high school science and math.

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

Sponsors, vendors welcome for big bash

McCandless leaders are preparing for the town’s Community Day 2025 celebration, which will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Sept. 13 in Devlin Park, behind Town Hall.

The town welcomes vendors and sponsors for the event.

Applications for vendor booths are now open and can be found by scrolling to the bottom of the township’s Community Day webpage. Booths are limited and will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.

For details, visit townofmccandless.org/437/Community-Day.

Sponsors so far include Pine Creek Plumbing, Gateway Engineers, AdVenture Development LLC, McIntyre Square and Pine Creek Shopping Center, Babst Calland, First National Bank, Cushman & Wakefield, Chuck’s Auto Body, Shults Ford and Campbell Durrant P.C.

To learn more about the town’s programs or sponsorship opportunities, contact Abby Lucostic at alucostic@townofmccandless.org.

Community Day 2025 sponsorships must be received by July 31. Your tax-deductible donation can be made on the township website or made via check payable to Town of McCandless, with Community Day noted on the memo line, and mailed to Town of McCandless, 9955 Grubbs Road, McCandless, PA 15090.

Free lecture to explore Pittsburgh’s economy

The McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage and Cultural Center, 830 Aufman Lane, hosts a free lecture every third Thursday on various topics.

The next lecture, slated from 7 to 9 p.m. June 19, will explore Pittsburgh’s Evolving Economy.

Chris Briem, regional economist with the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Social and Urban Research, will discuss current day statistics, trends and a forecast for Pittsburgh’s economic future. He also will explain how economists gather and interpret data for a region and share how the economics of the past have shaped Pittsburgh’s future.

The lecture is open to all ages.

Mark your calendars: The July 17 lecture will explore the Park View Riding Academy. The academy has been a fixture along Grubbs Road in McCandless for more than a century. Wanda Haney and an equestrian student will talk about Park View’s special-needs riding programs and their place in McCandless history.

Registration for the HCC Lecture Series takes place through the CivicRec site at https://secure.rec1.com/PA/mccandless-pa/catalog. You must have a CivicRec account to register.

Golf outing to benefit scholarship fund

The 22nd annual Franklin Park Community Scholarship Golf Outing is planned for July 28 at the Cranberry Highlands Golf Course.

All proceeds from the outing will benefit the Franklin Park Borough Community Scholarship Fund.

Foursomes as well as singles, who will be paired into teams, are welcome to participate.

The format will be a four-person scramble. Team prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. The golf package includes 18 holes of golf with a cart, a snack at the turn, a beverage cart and lunch buffet. There also will be skill prizes, prize drawings, a 50-50 raffle and a putting contest.

A foursome with a tee sign costs $810; a regular foursome is $660; individual golfer is $165; lunch and the awards ceremony are $75. The deadline to register is July 11.

The borough also is offering several advertising and golf packages, all three of which include one foursome: event sponsorship at $2,500, lunch sponsorship at $1,500 and the diamond package at $1,500. Event, lunch and tee sign sponsors also are being sought, as well as donations of prizes and gift baskets.

For details, view the Golf Outing Brochure Information Packet at franklinparkborough .us/DocumentCenter/View/ 2000/Golf-Outing-Brochure- Information-Packet.

For additional information, call Donna Platt at 412-364-4115, ext. 302, or email her at dplatt@franklinparkborough.us.

Fundraiser to benefit pet-owning veterans extended to July 4

Animal Friends is encouraging the community to help it reach its goal of raising $45,000 to support its Animal Friends for Veterans program.

Benefactors Robert Fragasso and Bill and Susan Follansbee have extended their Memorial Day matching gift challenge to help pet-owning veterans through July 4.

For every dollar donated, an additional 50 cents will be added, up to $15,000.

Animal Friends for Veterans, funded by the Major Ben Follansbee Memorial Fund, helps rescue pets become loyal companions to veterans facing PTSD, isolation and the transition to civilian life.

The program offers pet matchmaking services, pet food assistance, veterinary care, emergency boarding support and more for veterans in need.

For details about the program and to donate, visit ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/programs-services/animal-friends-for-veterans.

Summer concerts set at Elias Fry Barn

Marshall Township recently announced its Summer Concerts in the Park lineup:

• July 25: No Excuse

• Aug. 8: The Eldorado Band

• Sept. 12: Big Fat Jazz

All concerts start 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.

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.

McCandless looking to boost police force

The McCandless Police Department is seeking applicants for full-time police officers.

With recent and upcoming retirements, town officials are looking to ensure residents and businesses in the growing community are protected.

The town is patrolled 24/7 and is divided into several patrol districts, served by 12 marked patrol units. These units provide preventive patrols, respond to residents’ complaints and respond to requests for aid and traffic law enforcement. The police department also provides a number of community-oriented programs throughout the year.

Officers have 12-hour shifts, paid time off, a competitive insurance package, $1,300 uniform allowance, three-year DROP plan, and full retirement at age 50 with 25 years of service. Officers also have opportunities for career advancement in firearms instruction, K-9, detective division, defense tactics, accident reconstruction, traffic division, SRT team and community relations.

For a complete list of requirements and an application, visit townofmccandless.org.

The deadline to apply is at 4 p.m. June 23.

Applications can be returned from 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the police department in Town Hall, 9955 Grubbs Road. Applications also can be emailed to policeapplicant@townofmccandless.org.

Discounted tickets for area parks available

Summer park discount tickets are available at the Franklin Park Municipal Building, 2344 W. Ingomar Road.

The tickets can be purchased by cash, check or credit card. Good-any-day tickets are available for Idlewild, $40; Kennywood, $43; Sandcastle, $35; and Waldameer Park in Erie, $42.

For questions, call the office at 412-364-4115.

Members needed for 175th anniversary committee

McCandless is looking for residents and business owners to join its 175th anniversary committee.

The town, which was chartered in 1851, is gearing up to mark the milestone in 2026.

This year, officials want to put together a committee of 10 residents to help with fundraising, advertising and implementing community events and programs leading up to the big day.

Interested residents can apply online at tinyurl.com/yc6m9u4z.

Applications will be accepted until June 15. Council will review the applications and make the selections.

Blood donors sought

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 during June to the American Red Cross will receive a $15 Amazon.com gift card and will be entered for a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards.

To find a Red Cross location near you 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 June 28 with a $10 Rewards gift card and an entry for a chance to win one of two $10,000 Gear Up Giveaways. 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:

• 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 17 at UPMC Passavant Hospital, 9100 Babcock Blvd., McCandless.

• 2:30 to 7 p.m. June 29 at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, 384 Fox Chapel Road, Fox Chapel.

Vitalant also regularly schedules collection dates at its Pittsburgh Fox Chapel Donation Center, One Alexander Center, Suite 207, 2585 Freeport Road, Fox Chapel 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).

Summer festival set for Blueberry Hill Park

The community is encouraged to mark their calendars for Franklin Park’s annual Festival in the Park.

The festivities will kick off at 4 p.m. June 28 on the lower fields at Blueberry Hill Park.

The event will include inflatable fun for all ages, food trucks, activities, entertainment, a petting zoo, axe throwing and live music. A fireworks display will be held around 9:30 p.m.

Workshops to provide 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.

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