In brief: Happenings from the North Allegheny area

Master Naturalist to discuss native gardens

The Bradford Woods Conservancy is kicking off its 2025 Speaker Series at 7 p.m. March 19 at Bradford Woods Community Church, 4836 Wexford Run Road.

The featured speaker will be Rhea Homa, project manager for the Native Urban Garden Stewardship Program, a Master Naturalist and a board member of Wild Ones of Western Pennsylvania.

She will discuss “Planning and Planting Native Gardens.”

Homa channels her love for the earth and native plants into impactful environmental and social projects.

Her unique journey has led her into the realm of environmental advocacy, where she sees gardens as not only spaces of growth but as sanctuaries for both the planet and her soul, proving that nurturing nature and nurturing oneself go hand in hand.

Real ID days set for spring

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. April 14 and 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 on May 7, anyone 18 or older will need a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification to fly domestically or visit certain federal and military facilities, as well as enter nuclear power plants.

A valid passport or military ID will be able used in lieu of the Real ID for domestic commercial flights.

The Real ID is denoted as a star icon on one’s driver’s license.

Though the Real ID is optional for Pennsylvanians, according to the commonwealth’s website, the state Department of Transportation is hosting Real ID Days across the state to help residents get their documents verified and imaged.

PennDOT will need to verify your identity, Social Security number and 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.

Handmade market to benefit McCandless ball teams

A Bases Loaded Spring Handmade Market will be held April 5 at The Block at Northway Mall to benefit the McCandless Athletic Association.

The indoor artisan market will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the shopping center, 8000 Mcknight Road, Ross. There also will be raffle baskets.

All proceeds from the event directly support MCAA fundraising efforts, including funds to maintain MCAA facilities and ball fields for youth baseball and softball players age 3 and older.

The MCAA opening day is April 19 at the MCAA fields at the Vincentian Recreation Complex off of Peebles Road in McCandless. The day will begin at 9 a.m. with a parade led by the Washington Wild Things mascot and the MCAA softball and baseball teams.

For details, visit mcaa.net.

Public invited to learn about invasive insects

“Backyard Invasive Species: Don’t let them Bug Ya!” will be the topic of Longvue Acres Garden Club’s March program.

Dawn Shaffer, a Penn State Master Gardener, will teach members and guests about the invasive insects that we unwittingly invite into our gardens and how to identify them to keep native plants and pollinators thriving.

In particular, she will review pest management for the spotted lantern fly and praying mantis.

The program will begin at 7:45 p.m. March 25 in Northmont United Presbyterian Church, 8169 Perry Highway, McCandless.

Programs are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month and are free and open to the public.

For details, contact longvueacresgardenclub1950@gmail.com.

Personal care items sought to help people in need

North Hills Community Outreach is collecting personal care items through April 13 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 disposable razors, chapstick, dental floss, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, wash cloths or loofa sponges, body lotion, bars of unscented soap and unscented shower gel.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits cannot be used for personal care 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 and sent directly to its office.

Women’s group offers $1,000 scholarship

The North Allegheny Women’s Association (NAWA) is taking applications through April 4 for a $1,000 academic scholarship in memory of Doris “Meemo” Knowlton.

Applicants must be a community service-minded female, reside in the North Allegheny School District and plan to pursue post-secondary education or other training.

To apply, visit nawomen.org.

NAWA is a social and charitable organization for women in the North Allegheny community. The group aims to unite, empower and strengthen women in McCandless, Franklin Park, Marshall and Bradford Woods by serving women in need and developing friendship and support networks.

For details about joining, email northalleghenywomen@gmail.com.

5K run/walk to raise money for nonprofit

The second annual ATP 5K Run & Walk — benefiting Adventures in Training with a Purpose and its military and first responder program, Aurelius — is planned from 8 a.m. to noon April 13 at the North House Boathouse, 10301 Pearce Mill Road, McCandless.

All ages and fitness levels are welcome, and a post-race party will be held at the boathouse.

The cost to register is $35 for adults, $30 for veterans and first responders, and $15 for children 12 and younger.

To register in advance, visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/Hbn/. The registration link also includes sponsorship opportunities.

Day-of registration will begin at 7:30 and end at 8:30 a.m. The race will start at 9 a.m.

Advance packet pickup will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 11 and 10 a.m. to noon April 12 at ATP’s office, 7000 Stonewood Drive, Suite 115, Pine.

Proceeds benefit the Christian nonprofit organization and its mission to provide physcial and mental health services to civilians, veterans and first responders confidentially and free of charge.

Awards will be given in several categories: overall top three males and females, top three senior males and females 60 and older, and top three boys and girls 12 and younger.

For details about ATP and its programs, visit adventurestraining.org, email info@adventurestraining.org or call 724-967-1628.

Egg hunt planned for children 10 and younger

The McCandless Parks and Recreation Department is organizing a free Easter Egg Hunt for children 10 and younger from 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 19 at the Lorrain G. Rogers Memorial Soccer Fields.

There will be three age categories, and a half-hour will be allotted for each hunt.

The age categories are 0-3, starting at 10 a.m.; 4-6, starting at 10:30 a.m.; and 7-10, satring at 11 a.m.

Each child will be able to collect 10 to 12 eggs, which will be filled with small prizes, candy and surprises.

Children should bring a basket.

The event is free, but registration, which closes on April 9, is required through the township’s Civic Rec account.

For details, visit the township’s website at townofmccandless.org. For immediate assistance, call Abby Lucostic, director of parks and recreation, at 412-364-0616, ext. 124.

The township also welcomes businesses to sponsor the event. If your business would like to help cover the contents of the eggs, email Lucostic at alucostic@townofmccandless.org.

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.

Marshall to offer 2 egg hunts

Marshall is planning two egg hunts, one for older children and one for younger kids.

A flashlight egg hunt for children 8-12 will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. April 11 at the Elias Fry Barn in Knob Hill Community Park. Children are invited to brave the darkness and see who can collect the most eggs. Participants should bring their own flashlight and a bag to hold the eggs. Parents must remain on-site.

An egg hunt for children 7 and younger will be at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 12 at the Elias Fry Barn. Each child will be allowed to collect 15 eggs. Registration for both events will close April 4.

Both events are free for residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration for both events closes April 4.

To register, visit the township’s website at twp.marshall.pa.us, select Parks & Recreation in the main menu, then click on Programs. The egg hunts are listed under Special Events.

Snacks and drinks are being provided by Covenant Community Church.

Marshall seeks resident to fill spot on environmental council

Marshall is looking for a resident to fill a spot on the township’s Environmental Advisory Council. Environmental knowledge and experience are not required but is preferable.

The EAC is comprised of five residents appointed by the supervisors for a three-year term.

The duties and responsibilities of members include:

• Identifying environmental problems and recommending plans and programs for the promotion and the conservation of natural resources and for the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment within the township;

• Promoting environmental programs;

• Reviewing township ordinances related to environmental protection and offering suggested edits;

• Identifying environmental issues for the supervisors to review.

The deadline to apply is March 14.

Interested applicants should send an email to nhanson@twp.marshall.pa.us. Include some information about yourself, why you are interested and any environmental experience.

The supervisors will schedule interviews after reviewing the submitted letters of interest.

For questions, contact Nicole Hanson at the above email or call 724-935-3090, ext. 209.

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.

53rd seedling sale under way for spring

The North Area Environmental Council is planning its 53rd annual seedling sale.

The sale offers a variety of noninvasive plants and trees to add to the beauty and natural habitat of one’s backyard and the ecological health of the region.

The following seedlings, sold in sets of two, are available: American common persimmon, black walnut, Eastern white pine, Northern bayberry, Northern catalpa, shagbark hickory and yellow buckeye. Blue rug juniper, a creeping evergreen, also is available.

The NAEC is partnering with North Park’s Latodami Nature Center to offer Lawn to Nature kits, which include wildflower seeds.

To learn more about the sale, the organization and to place an order, visit naecwpa.org.

The deadline to place seedling orders is April 7; the deadline for Lawn to Nature kits is April 1. Pickup for both items will be from 9 a.m. to noon April 26 at the Latodami Nature Center Barn, 575 Brown Road, in North Park.

Sign installation work to cause restrictions on McKnight Road

PennDOT is conducting sign installation work through early April in both directions of McKnight Road in Pittsburgh, Ross and McCandless. The work was scheduled to start March 8, weather permitting.

Single-lane restrictions will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each weekday in both directions of McKnight Road between Venture Street and Perrymont Road.

The sign installation work is part of the nearly $27 million McKnight Road improvement project. It will include bridge and culvert preservation; milling and paving; base repairs; drainage upgrades and repairs; pipe cleaning; guide rail, signal and ADA ramp upgrades; waterline replacement; concrete mountable curb replacement; and new signage and pavement markings between Venture Street and Perrymont Road, including the Babcock Boulevard/Evergreen Road ramps.

Before work ends, restrictions also will include a 12-day closure of the Nelson Run Road interchange, two weekend closures at the Venture Street intersection and several overnight ramp closures for paving operations and structure repairs. The prime contractor is Lindy Paving Inc.

To keep motorists informed as the work progresses, PennDOT has created an email distribution list for McKnight Road traffic advisories and construction updates. To enroll, send your email address to nhaney@pa.gov and include “Subscribe — McKnight Road” in the subject line.

McCandless extends parks survey deadline

McCandless officials have extended the deadline for residents to complete the Parks Master Plan Questionnaire, which aims to help shape the future of the town’s parks and recreational programming.

The deadline to complete the survey is now March 31. The survey is available online at townofmccandless.org. Paper copies are available by request at Town Hall, 9955 Grubbs Road.

The master plan aims to help guide future decisions on park development, connectivity and community programming.

Tickets available for Founder’s Day event

St. Barnabas Charities will host comedian Jimmy Failla at its annual Founder’s Day Celebration on April 16 at the Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry.

Tickets, ranging from $300 to $500, are available for purchase. Proceeds support residents and patients in need who rely on the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund.

Failla will receive the 2025 St. Barnabas Hance Award. The Hance Award is named in honor of St. Barnabas founder Gouverneur Hance, who was inspired to provide medical care for poverty-stricken and chronically ill and injured men and boys in 1900.

The Hance Award is presented to a person of national acclaim who exemplifies Hance’s ideals of benevolence, patriotism and service to others. Previous Hance awardees include Elsie Hillman, Fred Rogers, President Gerald Ford, Rocky Bleier and Debbie Reynolds.

Failla, a New York City cab driver turned professional stand-up comedian, has appeared more than 500 times on various FOX television shows. His first comedy special, “State of the Union,” currently is streaming on Amazon Prime. His nationally syndicated talk radio show, “FOX Across America With Jimmy Failla,” launched in March 2020 on 27 radio stations and now can be heard on more than 150 stations across the country.

Failla also is the author of “Cancel Culture Dictionary: An A to Z Guide to Winning the War of Fun.”

The Founder’s Day Celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception, auction and raffles, followed by dinner at 7:30. A VIP photo pass and book signing also is available to guests. Following the Hance Award presentation, Failla will deliver a speech.

For tickets, call 724-625-3770 or visit stbarnabashealthsystem.com/founders-day/.

Community help sought to tidy up rain gardens, roadsides

McCandless’ Environmental Advisory Committee is seeking the community’s help with two spring projects.

The committee needs volunteers from 9 a.m. to noon March 29 to tidy up the town’s rain gardens at 830 Aufman Lane.

The gardens, originally installed in 2010, reduce the amount of rainwater runoff into Pine Creek, preventing flooding and providing a natural space for native flora and fauna.

Over the years, invasive plants have taken up residence, and help is needed to remove them as well as provide other routine maintenance.

The EAC will provide water, snacks, gloves and simple garden tools for the project.

Participants are encouraged to bring a water bottle, insect repellant, sunscreen, labeled personal tools and their cellphone, particularly for the Plant Net app. Everyone should wear closed-toe footwear, hats and sunglasses.

The committee also seeks volunteers for 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 register online for either event, visit townofmccandless.org or email eac@townofmccandless.org.

Special-needs dances planned

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 St. Patrick’s Day dance is planned from 6 to 8 p.m. March 14 at the Pine Community Center, 100 Pine Park Drive, Pine. To volunteer, email Pete Geis at pgeis@twp.pine.pa.us.

• 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.

Northern Regional seeks police officers

The Northern Regional Police Department is hiring.

Officers serve Bradford Woods, Marshall, Pine and Richland in Allegheny County and Seven Fields in Butler County.

The deadline to register for the upcoming police entrance exam is March 21. The written exam and physical agility test will take place March 24 at Pine-Richland High School Stadium, 700 Warrendale Road, Pine.

The department offers 12-hour shifts with every other weekend off. Starting pay for 2025 is $73,ooo, and lateral transfer pay is $84,000 for those with three-plus years of experience.

For details and to apply, visit nrpolice.com/employment.

For questions, email Capt. Matthew Blough at mblough@nrpolice.com.

Late Nite Catechism event to benefit Vincentian care fund

Vincentian is hosting a night of laughs with Late Nite Catechism from 6 to 9 p.m. April 11 in the auditorium of St. Vincent Hall, the former St. Louise Convent, 8200 McKnight Road, McCandless.

The interactive show is part catechism class, part stand-up routine. “Sister” will take you back to the days of Latin Mass, meatless Fridays and the crack of a ruler across your knuckles.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show will start at 6:30. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tickets for just the show are $7o each or $87 with the fish fry add-on.

The fish fry will be served from 4:30 to 6 p.m. downstairs in the Unconventional Kitchen Banquet Hall. The meal includes baked or breaded fish, with or without a bun; a choice of two sides: cole slaw, mac and cheese or hush puppies; a drink; and dessert.

Proceeds benefit Vincentian’s uncompensated care fund for older adults.

To purchase tickets, visit vincentian.us.

Registration under way for Senior Softball League

Registration is open for the Northern Allegheny County Senior Softball League (NACSSL).

This competitive, slow pitch league has two divisions: 50 and older for the silver division and 62 and older for the gold division.

Tryout evaluations are held March through April.

Games are played May through August primarily at the North Park Senior Ballfield Complex at the Lodge in North Park.

To sign up or for more details, visit NACSSL.com or email nacssl@yahoo.com.

Lecture to discuss role of Pittsburgh robots in moon exploration

Registration currently is open for the Heritage and Cultural Center’s first lecture of the year from 7 to 9 p.m. March 20 at the center, 830 Aufman Lane in Wexford.

“Pittsburgh to the Moon,” presented by the Moonshot Museum, will explore how Pittsburgh robots are leading the way back to the moon.

The event, part of the HCC’s Third Thursday Lecture series, is open to all ages.

This event is free, but you must have an account to register. For registration and how to make an account, visit secure.rec1.com/PA/mccandless-pa/catalog.

Donations are appreciated to help support HCC’s programming.

Seating is limited to the first 40 registrants.

Free tax help available through AARP Foundation

Through April 14, the AARP Foundation will provide free tax assistance and preparation in Allegheny County via its Tax-Aide program.

Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest nationwide volunteer-based free tax preparation service. In 2024, the nearly 2 million taxpayers who used its services received more than $1 billion in income tax refunds.

Volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS each year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. and Pennsylvania Tax Code. The program e-files individual Federal, Pennsylvania and local EIT income tax returns and makes sure its clients claim the tax refund, credits and deductions earned.

Income tax returns will be prepared during one visit by appointment only, generally lasting an hour to 75 minutes. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.

Here is list of nearby sites, schedules and contact information to make an appointment:

• Shaler Undercliff Volunteer Fire Department, 700 Mt. Royal Blvd.: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through April 14; contact state Sen. Lindsey Williams’ office at 412-364-0469 (there is no Tax-Aide contact number at the fire station).

• Ross Municipal Building, 1000 Ross Municipal Drive: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 10; contact state Sen. Lindsey Williams’ office at 412-364-0469 (there is no Tax-Aide contact number at the center).

• State Rep. Jeremy Shaffer’s office, 5500 Brooktree Road, Suite 100, Pine: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through April 14; contact Shaffer’s office at 412-369-2230.

• State Rep. Jeremy Shaffer’s office, 4375 Gibsonia Road, West Deer: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 10; contact Shaffer’s office at 412-369-2230.

More information, including an update on tax code changes affecting 2024 tax returns and documents needed for return preparation, can be found online at taxaide-pittsburgh.com.

For questions about the Allegheny County AARP Tax-Aide program, contact Stephen Cohen, Tax-Aide district coordinator, at taxaide.pittsburgh@gmail.com or 412-421-3999.

For details about the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).