In brief: Happenings throughout the North Allegheny Journal area

Public hearing set on McCandless budget

McCandless will hold a public hearing on its 2026 proposed budget at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24 during the council meeting in Town Hall, 9955 Grubbs Road.

A budget presentation was held Nov. 10 by finance director Brittany Yavorka and town Manager John Schwend.

The town does not anticipate raising taxes for 2026. To view details of the draft budget, visit tinyurl.com/mrvbmcpu.

The budget will be adopted Dec. 8.

Other communities are gearing up to vote on their budgets as well:

• Bradford Woods: The first draft of the 2026 budget was presented at the Oct. 13 council meeting. Council voted at its Nov. 10 meeting to advertise the proposed budget for adoption at its Dec. 8 meeting. Details: bradfordwoodspa.org/2153/Yearly-Budget

• Franklin Park: The borough held hearings on its 2026 proposed budget on Oct. 4 and Nov. 5, with an introduction of the budget taking place Nov. 19. The budget will be adopted Dec. 3. Details: franklinparkborough.us.

• Marshall: The preliminary budget was presented to supervisors Nov. 3 and will be available for public inspection until Dec. 1. The board will vote on whether to adopt the budget at its Dec. 1 regular meeting. Details: Search 2026 budget at twp.marshall.pa.us/276/Budget.

Conservancy to host annual Light-Up Night

The Bradford Woods Conservancy invites the community to attend its annual Light-Up Night from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Bradford Woods Reserve, 156 Bradford Road.

The evening of holiday cheer, led by Vicki Weigand, will include treats, festive activities and a visit from Santa.

Everyone is welcome to kick off their holiday season and enjoy the twinkling lights.

Mark your calendars: The Audubon Christmas Bird Count at the Bradford Woods Reserve is set for 10 a.m. Dec. 28.

La Roche invites public to annual Festival of Lights

La Roche University will present its annual Festival of Lights, a free, family-friendly celebration from 3 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5 at campus in McCandless.

The annual event is made possible with the support of UPMC Health Plan, UPMC Passavant, Fairfield by Marriott and the Sisters of Divine Providence.

Event highlights include:

• Craft show: 3 to 9 p.m. in the Zappala Campus Center; vendors will offer a variety of handmade gifts and seasonal decor.

• Children’s activities: 5 to 8 p.m. in the Kerr Fitness and Sports Center; there will be arts and crafts, games, a moon bounce, glitter tattoos, a balloon artist, a visit from Anna and Elsa, and s’mores by an outdoor fire.

• Visit from Santa: 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Kerr Fitness and Sports Center; Santa will be on hand for photo opportunities and to listen to children’s holiday wishes.

• Cans for cocoa: 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Kerr Fitness and Sports Center; visitors are welcome to bring a canned good or donate $1 to receive a cup of hot cocoa. All donations benefit the Providence Food Pantry.

• Carriage rides: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; pick up takes place at Wright Library and the horse-drawn ride passes through the university’s decorated campus.

• A musical celebration of Baby Jesus: 7 to 7:30 p.m. in the Magdalen Chapel; members of the La Roche community will perform music honoring the birth of Jesus.

• Alumni reception: 7 to 8 p.m. in Cantellops Dining Hall; alumni are invited to reconnect with former classmates and faculty at a special reception with light refreshments. Preregistration is required.

• Fireworks: 8:15 p.m.

For details and to RSVP for the alumni reception, visit laroche.edu/lights.

Free course to cover canine first aid

Kim Riester of Pittsburgh Animal Rescue will lead a free Canine First Aid Training session at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8 in the Marshall Township Municipal Building, 525 Pleasant Hill Road.

The session will cover topics dog owners should know in an emergency to save one’s pet from pain, suffering and death.

Participants will learn practical techniques on how to stabilize, treat and quickly seek the advice and care of a veterinarian.

Techniques will cover choking, unconsciousness, strangulation, bloating, wounds, fractures, cardiac arrest and avoiding injury to one’s self.

For details and to register, call 724-935-3090, ext. 214, or email recreation director Jessica Drozd at jdrozd@twp.marshall.pa.us.

Volunteers needed for Snow Angels Program

McCandless is gearing up for its annual Snow Angels Program.

The program matches volunteers with residents who are 60 and older or who have a physical disability and are unable to remove snow after winter storms.

The snow removal program follows on the heels of the town’s new Leaf Angels Program, which ends Nov. 26. Volunteers were required to sign up by Nov. 17 for that program, in which volunteers raked leaves to the curb for curbside pickup.

Individuals are welcome to apply to volunteer, and groups of volunteers are encouraged to work together — friends, family clubs, church or employee groups. The cleanups will take place following major snow events at the match’s request. Helpers should bring their own equipement, such as shovel, gloves, etc. Salting is optional, but volunteers should communicate with their match about their preference. Helpers must be 15 and older or accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Anyone who needs assistance with snow removal must complete an application form, which includes a liability waiver statement. Once a connection is made, it is the responsibility of the participants to schedule the snow removal. Keep in mind the program relies on the availability of volunteers.

To volunteer or to sign up for assistance, visit townofmccandless.org/466/Leaf-and-Snow-Angels-Program. Signups for the Snow Angels Program will start after the leaf-gathering program ends.

Gingerbread houses sought for contest

McCandless residents are invited to enter the town’s Gingerbread House Competition for a chance to win passes to Fun Fore All.

The houses will be displayed during the town’s Winterfest celebration from 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Town Hall, 9955 Grubbs Road. Attendees will vote for their favorite house.

Registration is required because of the limited display space.

Drop-off will take place from Nov. 24 through 3:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Town Hall.

Entries must be from family household teams and winter-holiday themed. The base dimensions should be no larger than 16-by-16 inches; the gingerbread house should be within these measurements: 12 inches long, 12 inches wide and 15 inches tall. No battery or electric components are permitted.

To register and for a complete list of rules, visit townofmccandless.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=194.

All gingerbread houses can be picked up after Dec. 17; those that are not picked up by Dec. 19 will be discarded.

Bradford Woods looking to fill 3 board posts

Bradford Woods is looking for volunteers to fill several vacancies on community boards.

Each of the following boards is in need of one volunteer, starting Jan. 1:

• Vacancy Board: Leads members of Bradford Woods Council in appointing a qualified resident to fill a vacancy on council that council members have been unable to fill within 30 days of the vacancy. Meets as needed. One-year term ending 12/31/26.

• Environmental and Parks Advisory Council (EPAC): Advises council on the promotion and conservation of natural resources within the borough. Meets the third Tuesday of each month. Three-year term ending Dec. 31, 2028.

• Zoning Hearing Board: Conducts hearings as requested by zoning permit applicants who wish to appeal the zoning officer’s determination, request a variance from the zoning ordinance or request a special exception to the zoning ordinance. Meets as needed. Three-year term ending Dec. 31, 2028. One volunteer needed as an alternate member.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to borough Manager Rusti Null at manager@bradfordwoods.gov no later than Nov. 28. For details, email Null or call 724-935-2990.

McCandless Crossing to kick off holidays

McCandless Crossing is ringing in the holiday season Nov. 15 with a new event.

During Home for the Holidays, more than 20 McCandless Crossing businesses will showcase hand-painted themed wreaths on their front doors. The wreaths, painted and personalized for each business by local graphic designer and mural artist Carin Silvester, will be on display through the end of the year.

From 2 to 4 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet children at the pocket park on Providence Boulevard, between Style Encore and European Wax Center. Shoppers also are welcome to take their best selfies at the holiday photo background on display there throughout the day.

To put everyone in the holiday spirit, old-fashioned Christmas carolers will stroll the sidewalks from 4 to 6 p.m. as the Christmas tree lights begin to shine on the Town Green.

Dozens of businesses will offer Home for the Holidays hospitality during the day in their stores — from festive treats to special discounts and giveaways.

Later in the season, a Menorah lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. Dec. 19 on the McCandless Crossing Town Green, near the fountain and flags, between Bonefish Grill and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. Members of the Temple Ohav Shalom congregation will lead the event to celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.

For details and event updates, visit mccandlesscrossing.com or follow McCandless Crossing on Facebook.

River City Brass to present Christmas concert

River City Brass will perform its Christmas Brasstacular concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13 at Carson Middle School, 200 Hillvue Lane, McCandless.

This year, the holiday tradition will feature new arrangements from “Home Alone,” “A Christmas Carol” and Duke Ellington’s “Nutcracker.”

There might even be a visit from Santa and some of his trusty elves.

The cost of tickets, including fees, range from $31.40 to $34.40 for adults and $8.40 for children and students up to age 18.

To purchase tickets, visit rivercitybrass.org.

Tickets are general admission, and reserved seating is not available.

Chorale to share music composed by women

The North Hills Chorale will present its Winter Concert, “Winter’s Alleluia,” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Vincentian’s St. Vincent Hall, 8150 McKnight Road, McCandless.

Celebrate the season with a moving selection of spiritual music composed by women, including works by our member Leslie Ward. We hope this inspiring music brings our community closer together during the holidays.

Free-will offerings are welcome to support the continued success of NHC. Please consider bringing a nonperishable food donation for the North Hills Community Outreach Food Pantry.

For details, visit nhchorale.com.

North Hills Chorale began as a CCAC noncredit class in 1993. The first concert presented by the group was in December 2003. It gained nonprofit status in 2011.

Franklin Park police collecting toys

The Franklin Park Police Department is collecting new and unwrapped toys through Dec. 14 to give to children and young adults for the holidays as part of the Presents from Police program.

The toys will be donated to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Sunrise School and the Children’s Institute.

Please note that toy guns, bicycles and used toys will not be accepted.

Monetary donations also are welcome in cash or by check, made payable to Presents from Police, and brought to the Franklin Park Borough Building, 2344 W. Ingomar Road.

Toys can be dropped off in the lobby of the Franklin Park Police Department or the upper lobby of the borough building, both at 2344 W. Ingomar Road; and Baierl Family YMCA, 2565 Nicholson Road.

Marshall gathering toys for annual drive

The Marshall Township Municipal Building once again is serving as a drop-off location through Dec. 4 for the annual Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots drive.

Donations must be new and unwrapped.

Items can be dropped off in the lobby, 525 Pleasant Hill Road, during business hours Mondays through Fridays.

Speaker to share strategies for parents of disabled children

Northland Public Library, 300 Cumberland Road, McCandless, is hosting a session on “Parenting for Different Needs: Supporting Children With Physical or Intellectual Disabilities” from 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 4.

Raising a family member with special medical needs can require extra work and care, especially if they will never be independent and need housing, medical and transportation assistance.

Michael Wholihan will discuss his family’s experience and address strategies and preparations that primary caregivers can provide for their loved ones as they transition into adulthood.

Staff from the children’s and teen departments will be available to provide care and activities for those who have a loved one who can’t stay home alone.

Registration is required.

To register, visit northlandlibrary.org, stop by the Ask a Librarian desk or call 412-366-8100, ext. 113.

Knight at the Races to benefit charities

The Knights of Columbus Council No. 3907 is organizing a Knight at the Races fundraiser on Nov. 22 at the Pine Community Center, 100 Pine Park.

Attendees can cheer on their favorite horses as pre-recorded races play on the big screen — with chances to win cash prizes and enjoy great company.

All proceeds will benefit the fraternal service order’s charities.

Doors will open a 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 5:30 and post-time at 6:30.

General admission is $20 per person and includes dessert and all evening events. A dinner reservations is $35 per person and includes a dinner buffet.

Extras include free soft drinks, coffee, wine and beer — BYOB is welcome.

There also will be raffles, games, blackjack, a wine pull, Super Bowl squares and more — all to support a great cause.

Sponsorship opportunities are welcome and due by Nov. 8.

Horses are $15 each with winner payout $30; jockeys are $10 each (buy three, get one free) with winner payout $20; race sponsorships are $100 each, and only 11 are available.

For details and to purchase tickets, email knightatraces@gmail.com or send regular mail to Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 131, Wexford, PA 15090-0131.

Veterans invited to 3rd annual breakfast salute

Franklin Park is planning its third Salute to Veterans Breakfast on Nov. 15 at the Blueberry Hill Park Activity Center.

All veterans are welcome, no matter when, where or how long they served.

The breakfast is to honor the service of the men and women who have served or currently are serving in our nation’s armed forces.

If you are a veteran or know a veteran who you think would like to attend, contact Donna Platt at 412-364-4115, ext. 302, or email her at dplatt@franklinparkborough.us.

2026 collection dates posted for electronic, hazardous waste

Marshall recently posted its 2026 collection dates for household hazardous waste and electronic e-waste recycling.

The township has four pickups scheduled throughout the year.

Residents should notify Vogel Disposal Service at 724-625-1511 by March 5, 2026, for the March 26 pickup, by May 28 for the June 18 pickup, by Sept. 3 for the Sept. 24 pickup and by Nov. 19 for the Dec. 10 pickup.

For a list of what can be collected by Vogel, visit tinyurl.com/y3v637vp.

The township also is reminding residents that the last pickup day in 2025 for e-waste and household hazards is Dec. 16. Residents must contact Vogel by Nov. 25 to be included on the pickup list.

American Legion scholarships open to high-schoolers

The Pennsylvania American Legion is taking entries for its annual essay contest. Winners will receive $3,500, $3,000 or $2,500 scholarships.

The contest is open to students in grades 9-12. Students can be from public, private, parochial, cyber/charter or home-schooled.

Students must submit their essay by mail or hand delivery to their local American Legion post by Jan. 7 for those in grades 9-12. Complete rules and regulations are available at PA-legion.com/programs/student-and-youth/essay-program, by calling 412-389-2626 or by emailing wareagles79@hotmail.com.

The Legion also hosts an oratorical contest with scholarships offering $7,500, $5,000 and $4,000. That contest also is open to those in grades 9-12. The deadline to enter is Nov. 30. More information is available at Legion.org/oratorical, by calling 724-681-4995 or emailing jgdrnjevich@aol.com.

Outreach collecting toys for children

North Hills Community Outreach is collecting toys through Dec. 8 for children in need this holiday season.

Last year, 821 children received new toys, games and other gifts for the holidays. For a list of suggested items to donate and a link to NHCO’s Amazon wish list, visit nhco.org/sharing-project-donations.

Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at any of NHCO’s three offices — its main office at 1975 Ferguson Road, Hampton; the second floor of the Millvale Community Center, 416 Lincoln Ave.; and Greenstone Methodist Church, 939 California Ave., Avalon. Items also can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 1 at the Hampton location.

Franklin Park’s last leaf collection is Dec. 1

Franklin Park will have its final leaf bag collection for 2025 on Monday, Dec. 1.

Residents must place all bags curbside by 6 a.m..

Only leaves in biodegradable paper bags will be collected. Bags should not be taped or stapled; leave enough room at the opening so the top can be folded or rolled closed.

Yard waste and leaf bag drop-off sites for Franklin Park residents are located at the south end of Blaine’s Way in Blueberry Hill Park and are open from March 1 to Dec. 1. An application must be completed annually. The sites are for residential disposal only; commercial use is prohibited. Landscapers using residential permits are prohibited. The disposal of entire trees also is prohibited.

These areas are under video surveillance, and all violators will be prosecuted.

Animal Friends in need of wet cat food

Animal Friends’ Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank is facing a critical shortage of wet cat food.

For many families in crisis, the meals can mean the difference between keeping their beloved cats or having to rehome them.

Animal Friends’ goal is to keep these families together.

To help, wish lists are in place through Amazon at tinyurl.com/3nnvss7h and Chewy at tinyurl.com/ywsph223. Purchases made on those sites can be delivered directly to Animal Friends.

Donations of unopened wet cat food also can be dropped off in the grey donation bins in the lobby of Animal Friends, 562 Camp Horne Road, Ohio Township.

Every single can makes a difference. Every donation helps keep pets with the people who love them.

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.

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