In brief: Happenings in the Pine Creek Journal area
1 arrested, 13 cited in task force’s DUI detail
The North Hills DUI Task Force recently conducted a stationary DUI detail May 9 in conjunction with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Checkpoint Strike Force.
The sobriety checkpoint was held May 9 in McCandless.
A total of 837 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, and a field sobriety test was administered to two people, one of whom was arrested. Thirteen citations and three warnings were issued for various vehicle code violations.
This is the 29th year for the North Hills DUI Task Force. To date, 264 checkpoints and roving patrols have been conducted. There have been 2,272 individuals tested for DUI; of those tested, 1,072 were arrested.
The task force is comprised of officers from Aspinwall, Blawnox, Etna, Hampton, Indiana Township, McCandless, Millvale, Northern Regional, O’Hara, Reserve, Ross, Shaler, West Deer and West View.
Parish plans flea market in July
SS. Martha & Mary Parish are hosting a flea market from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 11 and 12 at St. Richard Church’s social hall, 3841 Dickey Road, Richland.
A half-price sale will run from noon to 3 p.m. July 12.
There will be a huge selection of kitchen and dining items, jewelry, purses, books, toys, holiday and home decor, and much more.
The flea market is one of the parish’s largest fundraisers.
Pine Community Day set for June 21
Pine will celebrate Community Day starting at 2 p.m. June 21.
There will be bounce houses, a EuroBungy, rock climbing wall, multiple stage performances with No Bad Juju as the headliner, a Wild World of Animals show, a petting zoo, train rides, children’s games, craft vendors, food vendors and craft beer vendors for adults.
The event will conclude with fireworks.
The township also is looking for businesses and organizations to help sponsor the event. Sponsorship opportunities range from $200 to $10,000. To sign up as a sponsor, visit twp.pine.pa.us/DocumentCenter/View/4484/Pine-Community-Day-Sponsor-Form-2025.
Checks should be made payable and mailed to Township of Pine, 100 Pine Park Drive, Pine, PA 15090.
Northern Regional police photos sought for website
The Northern Regional Police Department is looking for the community’s assistance as it delves into its history.
The department is on the hunt for any photos that capture its journey — from past police chiefs and department vehicles to memorable moments in the four communities it serves: Bradford Woods, Marshall, Pine and Richland.
The images will be included on the department’s website.
To help, send your snapshots to Chief Bryan DeWick at bdewick@nrpolice.com.
YASU expands Distribution Days to cancer center
Starting in May and continuing on a monthly basis, Young Adult Survivors United is bringing its Distribution Days to UPMC’s Hillman Cancer Center in collaboration with social workers at the Shadyside facility.
The care packages — containing toiletries and household items — provide essential and community support for an often underserved population.
Any young adult (ages 18 to 45) in the United States who has been diagnosed with cancer can register for free membership to access YASU’s virtual services. Survivors in Southwestern Pennsylvania have access to virtual and in-person support groups and social activities, financial literacy workshops in conjunction with financial assistance, free “Rae of Hope” respite trips and an annual Women’s Wellness Retreat.
The main Distribution Days take place at YASU’s office in Wexford. The Distribution Days program is made possible through a partnership with the Christian Cochran Legacy Fund, which honors the memory of Christian Cochran, who died from cholangiocarcinoma in 2021 at the age of 23.
Community members can contribute to YASU’s Distribution Days in several ways:
• Join the Be Their Hero campaign by signing up once, and your gift will keep on giving.
• Purchase items on YASU’s Amazon Wish List, and they will be delivered directly to the organization’s office.
• Drop off items at YASU’s office at 1000 Brooktree Road, Suite 105, Pine, PA 15090; call 724-719-2273 to coordinate a drop-off time.
• Host a drive at your work, school or church.
For details, visit yasurvivors.org or call 724-719-2273.
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 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.
Richland marks National Police Week
Richland officials lauded law enforcement officers in the township and beyond by celebrating National Police Week from May 11-17.
The board of supervisors passed a resolution recognizing National Police Week at their April 16 meeting. The week also included Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15, a day that honors officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Richland’s resolution concluded with a statement saying the township “expresses appreciation to the officers of the Northern Regional Police Department and to all law enforcement personnel who serve with professionalism and integrity.”
“I like to highlight the good men and women of the Northern Regional Police Department that support us every day, along with our county police and sheriffs and everybody else. I think it’s just a nice thing to do to show our appreciation for our law enforcement,” township Manager Brian O’Malley said.
Engines already revving for car show at Hartwood Acres
Allegheny County Parks is hosting a free Father’s Day Car Cruise from 2 to 7 p.m. June 8 in the amphitheater parking lot at Hartwood Acres Park.
Bring dad out to get an early jump on celebrating his special day.
Besides unique and antique vehicles of all kinds, there will be music, local food trucks and Mike Frazer from 3WS Radio.
Dashboard plaques will be given to the first 100 cruise cars.
In case of inclement weather, check for updates on the Facebook page of Allegheny County Parks.
Special evening set for dogs at Hartwood Acres Park
Bring your four-legged friend for a free evening of fun and games from 6 to 8 p.m. June 17 during the Dog Days of Summer at Hartwood Acres Park.
The event will be held, weather permitting, at the off-leash dog area located off Red Loop Drive.
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.
Arts center seeks instructors
The North Hills Art Center, 3432 Babcock Blvd. in Ross, is looking for instructors for its adult and children programming.
Instructors can set their own schedules and write their own curriculums.
If you have knowledge in the arts to share, click on the application link at northhillsartcenter.org and complete the form. You will need to upload a resume and cover letter, as well as examples of your artwork.
The deadline to apply is May 30.
For questions, contact the center at 412-364-2622 or email info@northhillsartcenter.org.
Park rangers welcome help with trail cleanup, habitat restoration
The community is invited to celebrate National Trails Day by joining the park rangers at Hartwood Acres from 9 a.m. to noon June 7 to help improve the trails.
There will be a variety of work options available.
Everyone should meet at the Middle Road parking lot.
On June 28, there will be another opportunity to help the park rangers. Assistance is needed with habitat restoration in an important ecological area of the park.
Helpers should meet at the mansion parking lot. From 9 a.m. to noon, volunteers will use hand tools to remove invasive species. There also might be plantings of native species. Expect to engage in physical activity.
All tools, gloves and eye protection will be provided for both events, and all ages are welcome. No experience is required, but space is limited. Participants should bring water and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.
Both events are free, but participants should register on the Allegheny County Parks website at tinyurl.com/ycx5enpy.
Brian C. Rittmeyer, a Pittsburgh native and graduate of Penn State University's Schreyer Honors College, has been with the Trib since December 2000. He can be reached at brittmeyer@triblive.com.
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