In brief: Happenings in the Shaler Journal area

Lovato resigns as Shaler manager

Shaler is looking for a new township manager following the resignation of Christopher Lovato.

A reason for Lovato’s departure was not publicly stated. Lovato declined to comment.

Lovato began as deputy township manager in September 2022 and replaced Tim Rogers as manager in January 2023. Rogers, who had been Shaler’s manager for 30 years, retired in December 2022.

At their April 8 meeting, township commissioners accepted Lovato’s resignation and approved hiring Rogers as a temporary manager consultant, effective April 1. Rogers said he is working part time, under 30 hours per week, and is being paid $100 per hour without benefits to manage township operations and help find a new manager.

Rogers, who still does some work as an attorney, said coming back felt like he never left, although he has noticed some new employees. He recently returned to the area after spending the winter in Florida.

“I’m always willing to help where I can,” Rogers said. “Having worked here for 30 years, I owed it to them to help in time of need.”

Hiring a new manager is expected to take one to two months, Rogers said.

Free music fest to include 300-plus acts

The 2025 Millvale Music Festival, set for May 16 and 17, will feature more than 300 musical acts on 30 stages throughout the community.

There also will be 60 visual artists, spoken word performers, comedians, food trucks and more entertainment.

The best part? All of the entertainment is free and walkable within 0.6 miles.

For details about the festival, follow Millvale Music Festival on Facebook and Instagram.

Volunteers and staff are needed to help with the event. Among the positions are RAMP certified bartenders, sound engineers, stage hosts, event guides, parking guides, photographers, sustainability team members (Green Team) and merchandise sales.

All volunteers will receive a free Millvale Music Festival 2025 staff T-shirt and a free meal during their shifts. Some positions are paid.

For details and to sign up, visit millvalemusic.org.

Polar Plunge to benefit anniversary celebration

Shaler is sponsoring a Polar Plunge fundraiser from 1 to 3 p.m. April 26 at the Crawford Pool in Kiwanis Park, 399 Wetzel Road.

Residents are invited to start their pool season early for a good cause.

A $5 entry fee will go toward Shaler’s 125th anniversary celebration, including hosting The Wall That Heals from May 23-26 at Shaler Area High School’s Anderson Field.

Dogs are not permitted at the pool.

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.

Music will be provided by Lou Gamber.

Shaler Area hiring student summer workers

The Shaler Area School District currently is hiring students to work during the summer.

The successful candidates will work with the district’s custodial and maintenance staff to prepare the buildings for 2025-26 school year.

Students can apply online at bit.ly/SASDsummerjobs or stop by the high school guidance office.

Applicants must live in the school district, be enrolled in high school or post-secondary education for the fall 2025 semester and be at least 15 by June 2.

Work runs from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and the pay is $11.25 to $11.75 an hour.

For questions, contact Kathy Coyle at coylek@shalerarea.org or 412-492-1200, ext. 2900.

Pedestrian bridge closed for rehab project

Pine Street pedestrian bridge in Etna is closed through May 29 for a deck rehabilitation and painting project.

The work involves demolition of the existing concrete deck on the extension bridge, installation of new timber deck and railing, and concrete abutment repair.

The bridge is expected to reopen shortly before the pool season starts, according to a Facebook post shared by the Etna Police Department.

The Etna Borough Pool is scheduled to open at 3 p.m. June 4.

Registration underway for summer basketball camps

The Shaler Area Girls Basketball Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon June 16-20 at the high school gymnasium, 381 Wible Run Road.

The camp, which costs $100, is for girls entering fourth through ninth grades and includes a T-shirt.

Players on the girls varsity team help with the camp under the direction of coach Tony Grenek.

To register, email tgrenek@yahoo.com. For details, call or text 724-877-4961.

For an application, visit the Shaler Area Basketball Booster Association on Facebook.

These camps are hosted by the Shaler Area boys basketball coaching staff and players:

• Little Dribblers for kindergartners and first graders will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. July 28-31; the cost is $50.

• Boys 3v3 Camp for second and third graders will be held Wednesday evenings in June and July; the cost is $80.

• Boys Youth Camp for fourth through eighth graders will be from noon to 3 p.m. June 23-26; the cost is $100.

For details on the above three camps, email coach Brandon Sensor at CoachSensor@gmail.com. For QR codes to link to their respective applications, visit the Shaler Area Basketball Booster Association on Facebook.

The camps are sponsored by the booster association and are not affiliated with the school district.

Traffic restrictions set on Route 8 until late October

PennDOT is alerting motorists of road work that will restrict traffic through late October on Route 8 in Etna and Shaler.

Single-lane restrictions started March 31 between Saxonburg Boulevard and Route 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. weeknights, the agency said. Work on weekends will take place as needed.

At least one lane of traffic will be maintained throughout the majority of the project, according to PennDOT.

The work is part of a $9.14 million project in Pittsburgh, Etna and Shaler that started in August with inlet improvements on Route 8.

The southern area of the project is located between Baker Street and the 62nd Street Bridge and includes milling and resurfacing, retaining wall repairs and installation of a barrier to separate travel lanes from a future shared-use path.

The northern area is between the 62nd Street Bridge and Saxonburg Boulevard and includes concrete pavement restoration and preservation work on two structures carrying Route 8 over Pine Creek.

Additional work includes sign and signal upgrades, guardrail updates, drainage work, curb ramp updates, and pavement markings and delineation installation.

Three separate one-way detours of the 62nd Street Bridge are expected this year along with a weekend detour of Saxonburg Boulevard at Route 8 and a detour for the reconstruction of the ramp carrying Route 28 southbound traffic onto northbound Route 8.

The project is expected to end late this year.

Work to impact Mt. Royal Boulevard traffic

Traffic will be restricted on Mt. Royal Boulevard in Hampton and Shaler through mid-November, PennDOT announced.

There will be single-lane alternating traffic between Route 8 and Grant Avenue from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays while crews are working on base repairs, milling and paving, concrete curb and gutter installation, and drainage improvements.

Work may continue past 3 p.m. when paving begins.

A. Liberoni is the prime contractor on the $11.89 million paving project.

Free smoke alarms available to 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.

Community invited to free meal, fellowship

Bethlehem Lutheran Church is hosting a free Community Meal from 5 to 7 p.m. May 5 at the church, 1719 Mt. Royal Blvd., Shaler.

Enjoy an evening with friends, old and new, and a hearty home-cooked meal.

The meal will consist of pork tenderloin, side dishes and desserts. Free meals and fun fellowship are served the first Monday of each month.

Mark your calendars: The next meal will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. June 2.

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

Helpers needed for cleanups at library, park

Millvale is celebrating Earth Week with an Earth Day Cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon April 26 at the Millvale Community Library, 213 Grant Ave., and all around town followed by the grand opening at noon of Rainbow Raccoon Park, 112 Meade St.

Volunteers are needed to help spruce up the library’s backyard garden area and deck. The Tool Library also will be hosting a workshop on garden beds so we can plan community produce this summer.

To get an accurate count on the number of gloves, vests and trash bags that will be needed, volunteers are asked to register through the library’s events calendar at millvalelibrary.org.

After the cleanup at the library, we will head over to Rainbow Raccoon Park at noon for a communitywide celebration to mark the park’s grand opening. There will be food, music and the opportunity to test out the new bike track, play basketball or four square on the court or just hang out.

In conjunction with the Millvale Community Development Corporation, volunteers will be doing an Earth Day cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon April 26 at the park. To help, stop by the park starting at 8 a.m. for coffee and breakfast pastries and an assignment. The rain barrel installation workshop will start at 10 a.m.

At noon, all Earth Day cleanup volunteers are welcome to stop by the park for a free lunch in appreciation for their hard work.

The raccoon sculpture will be installed in May, and the MCDC still is raising money and working on plans for the swingset, sensory installations, landscaping and playground equipment but want to open the park so children of all ages can start to enjoy it.

Residents asked to help clean up Shaler streets

In honor of Earth Day, which falls on April 22, Shaler officials are encouraging residents to volunteer during the month to clean up a street of their choice in the township.

The township will provide gloves and trash bags.

To register, visit the township website at shaler.org.

By registering, residents can list their preferred streets to clean up, provide the number of people participating and include a date to pick up supplies at the township office, 300 Wetzel Road.

Volunteers sought for Reserve’s spring cleanup

Reserve officials are seeking volunteers to help with its Spring Cleanup Day from 9 a.m. to noon April 26.

Residents, Scouting groups and environmental groups are encouraged to participate.

Gloves, trash bags and safety equipment will be provided.

Refreshments will be served afterward.

To help, meet in the parking lot of the township office, 33 Lonsdale St.

For details, call 412-322-1551 or email manager@reservetwp.com.

Troop 138 to serve pancake breakfast

Scouts BSA Troop 138 welcomes the community to its semi-annual All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon May 10 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1719 Mt. Royal Blvd., Shaler.

The cost is $9 for adults, $7 for those 55 and older and $6 for children 12 and younger.

In celebration of Mother’s Day and in appreciation for veterans and first responders, the cost will be $6 for all mothers, veterans (retired, active duty and members of the National Guard and reserves) and emergency personnel such as EMS, fire and police.

The price includes your choice of plain, chocolate chip or blueberry pancakes, sausage and a drink, such as coffee, tea, milk and orange juice.

For groups of six or more and to ensure seating together, please make reservations by noon May 9 at bit.ly/Troop138. Orders also can be prepaid for online at that web address.

All proceeds benefit the Scouts, enabling them to attend camps, develop leadership skills, serve the community, earn merit badges and learn other important life skills.

Spring market set for April 26 in Millvale

The Millvale Community Development Corporation will host its Spring Market Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 26.

More than 40 local artists, makers and bakers will be set up throughout Millvale’s parks and businesses.

Local businesses also will be offering special deals and promotions.

Mark your calendars: The Summer Market Day is planned for July 26.

For details, visit millvalecdc.org.

Shaler Garden Club gearing up for annual plant sale

Members of the Shaler Garden Club want to help you jump-start your garden this spring with its 71st annual Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to noon May 3 at Kiwanis Park, 300 Wetzel Road.

A large selection of native plants and hardy perennials from members’ gardens will be offered at bargain prices, along with herbs, vegetables, houseplants, bulbs, hanging baskets and potted arrangements perfect for Mother’s Day gifts.

A basket raffle and bake sale will add to the festivities.

Are your garden tools dull? Bring them to be sharpened for a voluntary donation. Cash or credit cards will be accepted.

The event will be held rain or shine.

Proceeds will benefit community projects and philanthropic donations of the Shaler Garden Club.

For details, visit shalergardenclub.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.

Vendors needed for 5th Pride Millvale

Pride Millvale is seeking sponsors and vendors for its fifth annual event, which is scheduled from noon to 6 p.m. June 14.

Applications to participate are available at pridemillvale.org. Business of all sizes, nonprofit organizations and social clubs are welcome to apply.

Information about volunteering for the planning committee and helping on the day of the event also is available on the website.

Pride Millvale 2025 is a free event organized entirely by volunteers, who work to create a safe, supportive, loving, fun and inclusive event for members of the queer community and the allies who stand with them in the borough.

This year’s event will focus on mutual aid.

The Millvale Food + Energy Hub will serve as a headquarters for community resources for the LGBTQIA+ community, with multiple organizations set up withing the shared space.

The event will include family-friendly activities such as crafts, shopping opportunities and live performances from musicians and drag artists.

Great Gardens Tour scheduled for July

Mark your calendars: The 17th annual Shaler Garden Club’s Great Gardens Tour will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 13.

Proceeds from the tour will benefit the Shaler North Hills Library.

The tour offers an opportunity to walk through five spectacular gardens bursting with dazzling blooms, ponds, pathways and design ideas. It will be held rain or shine.

The cost is $20 in advance or $25 the day of the tour.

Tickets can be purchased at the library, 1822 Mt. Royal Blvd., Shaler, or online on the library’s website at shalerlibrary.org.

Each ticket includes hosted visits to the five beautiful gardens and a chance to win a gift basket.

For details, visit shalergardenclub.com or shalerlibrary.org or call 412-486-0211.

The Shaler Garden Club is celebrating 104 years of serving the Shaler community.

Local gardens sought for contest

Do your neighbors compliment you on your beautiful garden? Does your neighbor have a beautiful garden? Why not celebrate these gardens and hard work by entering them in the Shaler Great Local Gardens Contest?

Everyone in Shaler and the surrounding areas are welcome to join this fun, casual contest.

To enter, submit five photos of your garden along with a description of what makes your garden special. We love a good story!

All types of gardens, such as flower, vegetable, herb or container, will be considered.

July 1 is the deadline to drop off entries at the Shaler North Hills Library, 1822 Mt. Royal Blvd., Shaler. Photos will not be returned.

Winners of the contest will be announced at the Shaler Garden Club’s 6:30 p.m. July 22 meeting at the library. The public is welcome to attend meeting, which will feature a program by Patricia Milliken, a certified Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, titled “Plants Warn, ‘Stay Away!’ “

Winners of the contest also have the opportunity to be a part of a future Great Gardens Tour.

For details, stop by the library or visit shalerlibrary.org or shalergardenclub.com.

Shaler Area renaming field in honor of late softball coach

The Shaler Area School Board recently voted to rename the district’s softball field — from Hilltop Field to Skip Palmer Field at Hilltop.

The change honors the late softball coach Andy “Skip” Palmer for his contributions to Shaler Area and his investments to its students on and off the field.

Palmer was a math teacher and activities director in the Shaler Area Shool District for 34 years.

During his tenure as softball coach from 2006 to 2017, Palmer led the team to nine section championships, three WPIAL championship appearances and two PIAA state finals appearances.

Palmer died Aug. 12, 2017, at 66.

A dedication ceremony is planned for later this spring. For details, stay tuned to social media.

Community invited to active shooter education event

The Shaler Area School District is hosting an Active Shooter Community Educational Night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 29 at the high school auditorium.

The event is open to community members and leaders, as well as businesses, schools and religious groups.

The gathering will provide valuable information on active shooter awareness, safety resources and an opportunity to meet with local law enforcement agencies.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. To register for the event, visit tinyurl.com/23dpmw4u.

Cash bash to aid Millvale, Reserve firefighters

The Millvale and Reserve volunteer fire departments are hosting their Annual Cash Bash from 6 to 10 p.m. May 3 at the Mt. Troy Ballroom, 33 Lonsdale St.

Tickets are $25 each for one number and includes free food and refreshments.

Tickets must be presented for entry, and only 1,000 of them will be sold.

Winners do not need to be present to win, and all winners will be notified of their prizes.

Doors will open at 5 p.m., and there will be additional raffles throughout the evening.

To purchase tickets, reach out to any fire department member, stop by Millvale’s borough office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays or go online at https://square.link/u/RfJygoT3.

Blood donors sought

April is National Volunteer Month, a reminder that the blood supply in the U.S. relies primarily on volunteers, 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 April to the American Red Cross will be entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. Those who donated from April 14-30 will receive an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. For details about the offers, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Hope.

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 April 30 with a chance to win a $10,000 Grocery Giveaway; two donors will receive $10,000 prepaid gift cards.

Vitalant operates about 115 donation centers nationwide. Through April 30, Vitalant is offering a $10,000 Grocery Giveaway for everyone who donates blood, platelets or plasma at any Vitalant blood drive or donation center; all donors will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of two $10,000 gift cards. For official rules, visit vitalant.org.

Vitalant is collecting at nearby locations this month, including:

• 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 24 at Pine-Richland High School’s gym, 700 Warrendale Road, Pine.

• 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 28 at North Catholic High School’s gym, 1617 Route 228, Cranberry.

Vitalant’s Pittsburgh North Hills Donation Center at McKnight North Professional Center, Suite 600, 9365 McKnight Road, regularly schedules collection dates, including these upcoming ones: noon to 7 p.m. April 17, 21-24 and 28-30 and 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 18-20 and 25-27.

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).