In brief: Happenings in the Shaler Journal area

Community invited to free kindness event

The Shaler Area School District will present the fourth annual 143 Day of Kindness event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. May 22 at Shaler Area Elementary School, 700 Scott Ave.

Doors will open at 5:15 p.m. for the free community event. Free shuttle transportation will be provided with stops in Millvale, Etna and Reserve (check the district’s website for details).

All students must be accompanied by a guardian during the event and on the shuttle.

There will be a variety of hands-on kindness-themed activities, including:

• Shrinky dinks made from recycled plastic;

• Seed balls to plant flowers and spread joy;

• Kindness rock painting;

• Button-making and custom yard signs;

• A collaborative community mural;

• Yoga and tae kwon do for wellness and mindfulness;

• A positive affirmation station.

Guests are encouraged to visit the Community Expo, where families can explore summer and year-round programs and resources available to students.

Refreshments will be available, including pizza generously provided by Pasquale’s Pizzeria in Hampton, snacks from the District Parent Council and Smiley Cookies donated by Jennifer Rausch of Compass Realty. Cafe 118 from Shaler Area High School also will serve a variety of beverages.

There also will be live performances by Shaler Area music ensembles.

The evening will conclude with a presentation by Shaler Area Middle School students followed by a concert at 7:30 p.m. by the award-winning musical comedy duo, Josh and Gab, known for their fun-filled performances about kindness and anti-bullying.

The event, which is part of the Remake Learning Days Festival, is sponsored by the Shaler Area Education Foundation.

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.

Food resources available in Millvale

Here are some free food resources in Millvale for residents in need:

• North Hills Community Outreach, 416 Lincoln Ave.: Distribution is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month. If you need emergency food assistance, call 412-487-6316.

• Millvale Library Free Fridge and Pantry: Located behind the community library, 213 Grant Ave. Help yourself to fresh, frozen and nonperishable items.

• Free Little Food Pantries: Located at Gardens of Millvale, 22 Butler St., and on the North Avenue side of Christ Lutheran Church, 917 Evergreen Ave. A variety of nonperishable items are available.

• Christ Lutheran Church Food Pantry, 917 Evergreen Ave.: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays and Fridays and 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

Free lunches for kids available during summer months

Free lunches will return June 2 and will be served throughout the summer at the Etna Playground, 2 Pine St.

The meals will be distributed from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays to children 18 and younger.

For more information or to volunteer, email megan@etnacommunity.org.

Applications open May 30 for home repairs program

Allegheny County’s Whole-Home Repairs Program will open for applications starting at 8:30 a.m. May 30.

This is a competitive program. While not everyone will receive funding, residents are strongly encouraged to apply in case there are additional rounds of funding in the future.

Each applicant may be awarded up to $50,000 to address habitability and sustainability concerns in their home. The funding aims to help keep people in their homes to stabilize communities throughout the county.

Homeowners can apply online at https://actionhousing.org/our-services/allegheny-county-whole-home-repairs-program/ or apply over the phone by calling 412-248-0021. No applications will be accepted before 8:30 a.m. May 30.

Applications will close June 30.

For questions, call the Allegheny Housing Stabilization Collaborative, led by Action Housing, at 412-248-0021.

Free meal June 2 open to community

Bethlehem Lutheran Church invites the community to kick off summer with friendly fellowship and a feast.

A free Community Meal of chicken, buttered noodles, a vegetable and desserts will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. June 2 at the church, 1719 Mt. Royal Blvd., Shaler.

The church serves free meals, fun and fellowship on the first Monday of each month.

The next meal will be from 5 to 7 p.m. July 7.

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

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.

Strawberry Festival open to all

Everyone is welcome to enjoy a taste of summer during Bethlehem Lutheran Church’s annual Strawberry Festival.

The event will be from 4 to 8 p.m. June 14 at the church, 1719 Mt. Royal Blvd., Shaler.

Admission is $6 and includes a strawberry dessert, ice cream and a drink. Children 5 and younger are free.

There will be a bake sale, homemade jam sale, basket raffles and children’s activities.

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

Ice Cream Social set for sweet occasion

As part of the celebration for Shaler Township’s 125th anniversary, Glenshaw Presbyterian Church is hosting an Ice Cream Social from 3 to 5 p.m. June 8 on the church’s lawn at 300 Glenn Ave., Shaler.

Everyone is invited to enjoy some ice cream and toppings. There also will be balloon artists and face painting.

Registration is required by May 30 at glenshawchurch.org.

Barbershop Jubilee to mark Shaler’s 125th

The community is invited to some free “olde tyme” family fun to celebrate Shaler Township’s 125th anniversary.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church will present the Bethlehem Barbershop Jubilee: Shaler Community in Harmony from 2 to 4 p.m. June 22 at the church and Huddleston Pavilion, 1719 Mt. Royal Blvd., Shaler.

The event will be held rain or shine. There will be games, refreshments and music provided by the North Hills Harmony Line Chorus.

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

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.

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.

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.

Summer market set for July 26 in Millvale

The Millvale Community Development Corporation will host its Summer Market Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 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.

For details, visit millvalecdc.org.

5th Pride Millvale set for June 14

Pride Millvale is gearing up for its fifth annual event from noon to 6 p.m. June 14.

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.

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 Park 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.

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.

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 (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.

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