In brief: Happenings throughout the North Allegheny Journal area

Roving DUI patrol yields 2 arrests, 44 citations, 77 warnings

The North Hills DUI Task Force organized a DUI detail on Nov. 21 in conjunction with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Checkpoint Strike Force.

The task force conducted a roving DUI patrol along various roads in Aspinwall, Blawnox, Etna, Hampton, Indiana Township, O’Hara, Richland, Shaler and West Deer.

Officers stopped 94 vehicles for various traffic violations, and two individuals were given a field sobriety test and subsequently arrested for DUI.

There were 44 citations and 77 warnings issued for various vehicle code violations.

This is the 29th year for the North Hills DUI Task Force. To date, 268 checkpoints/roving patrols have been conducted, and 2,294 individuals were tested for DUI, resulting in 1,082 arrests.

The task force consists of officers from Aspinwall, Blawnox, Etna, Franklin Park, Hampton, Indiana Township, McCandless, Millvale, Northern Regional, O’Hara, Reserve, Ross, Shaler, West Deer and West View.

Lots to do at Winterfest in McCandless

McCandless will hold its annual Winterfest from 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Town Hall, off Grubbs Road.

Santa is expected to arrive in a fire truck at 3:15 p.m.

The Pittsburgh Zoo will be on-site with some winter-loving animals from 3 to 5 p.m., and Anna and Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen” will greet guests from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Activities are planned both inside and outside the public works garage. There will be holiday music, snow games, a kid-sized train ride, John’s Funky Inflatables and a free Igloo Photo Booth.

A bonfire, s’mores and food trucks will be located outdoors.

Guests can stroll along a lit trail from Devlin Park to a seasonally decorated McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage Cultural Center for story time.

There also will be a collection of pantry items for the North Hills Community Outreach. A list of the most-needed items is available on the town’s website at townofmccandless.org.

Drive-in holiday laser show planned in North Park

Allegheny County Parks is hosting a one-of-a-kind drive-in Holiday Laser Show from Dec. 17-23 at the pool parking lot in North Park.

The 40-minute light show will be synchronized to holiday music.

Showtimes are offered at 6:30, 8 and 9:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $30 per vehicle, and all sales are final. Each ticket, which will be issued via QR code, is nonrefundable and cannot be exchanged for another date or time.

To purchase a ticket, visit alleghenycounty.us/Parks-and-Events/Special-Events/Holiday-Laser-Show.

In the event of cancellation due to inclement weather, participants will be notified via email. Updates also will be posted on the Allegheny County Parks Facebook page.

Recycle old, broken string lights to help Project Bundle-Up

Franklin Park once again is encouraging residents to recycle their old or broken string lights this holiday season for a good cause.

A collection bin has been set up in the upper level lobby of the municipal building, 2344 W. Ingomar Road, courtesy of Michael Brothers Hauling & Recycling.

Michael Brothers continues to partner with Project Bundle-Up for its annual Christmas Lights Recycling Drive. All holiday lights will be accepted, preferably not attached to garland or wreaths.

Lights can be dropped off Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, except for holiday closures, until Jan. 9.

All proceeds support Project Bundle-Up to provide winter outerwear to children and senior citizens in need.

McCandless seeks decorated homes for contest

McCandless is hosting a Holiday Light Contest for its residents.

People can submit photos of their home’s holiday lights and decorations for a chance to win bragging rights until next year.

To participate, email photos to administration@townofmccandless.org through Wednesday, Dec. 17.

The submitted photos will be posted on the town’s Facebook page on Dec. 19. The photo with the most likes wins a trophy neighbors will be jealous of, as noted on townofmccandless.org.

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.

Franklin Park also seeking angels

Franklin Park also is looking for Snow Angel volunteers to provide snow removal from sidewalks and driveways for older and disabled residents after a winter storm.

The program started Dec. 1 and will run through the last snowfall of the season. Snow Angels are paired with a nearby resident in need.

To volunteer, receive assistance or learn more about the program, visit the Snow Angel Program page on the borough’s website at franklinparkborough.us. Questions also can be directed to Donna Platt at 412-364-4115, ext. 302, or by email at dplatt@franklinparkborough.us.

If you know of a neighbor who could use the help, please volunteer to be their “angel.”

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.

Santa plans early visit to McCandless

Santa Claus is making a three-day pit stop at the McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage and Cultural Center.

Everyone is welcome to bring their little ones for a delightful visit filled with joy and wonder. The Heritage and Cultural Center is decorated like a holiday wonderland, a perfect backdrop for photos.

Children can share their holiday wishes with Santa from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 12 and 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14.

The Heritage and Cultural Center is located along Aufman Lane, off Grubbs Road between Town Hall and the Ambulance Authority building.

Ice rink open through Feb. 28

The Dick’s House of Sport outdoor ice rink at Ross Park Mall is open through Feb. 28.

Free skate trainers also are on-site to help everyone feel confident on the ice.

The cost is $10 per person; skate rental is $6 per person and can be purchased during check-in.

Open skate hours are from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 to 8 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. The rink is closed on Christmas Day and from Dec. 22 to Jan. 3 for winter break. During the week of Christmas, the rink will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Friday.

Journalism scholarship open to W.Pa. students

The Press Club of Western Pennsylvania is accepting applications for its 20th annual Bob Fryer Memorial Scholarship ($5,000) along with the club’s annual $2,500 for aspiring journalists.

The awards are designed to encourage outstanding undergraduate journalism students in print, broadcasting and multimedia. Candidates must be sophomores or juniors enrolled in an accredited college or university in one of Western Pennsylvania’s 29 counties, which include Allegheny, Westmoreland, Armstrong and Butler.

Applications are available at WesternPApressclub.org or by calling 412-281-7778.

Winners will be awarded at the club’s annual Golden Quills awards dinner.

AARP seeking tax-prep aides

The AARP Foundation is seeking volunteers to be trained for its tax aide program, the nation’s largest free volunteer-based tax preparation program.

Volunteers can be trained as tax return preparers or as client facilitators. Anyone interested in volunteering can call 724-374-3780.

For details, visit AARPfoundation.org/taxaide.

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.