In brief: North Allegheny area happenings, week of Jan. 13, 2025

Feedback sought on color, stone texture for Wexford Interchange

PennDOT is seeking the public’s feedback through Jan. 31 to select the color and concrete texture for the Wexford Interchange.

The project aims to improve safety and operations of the I-79/Route 910 Wexford Interchange. Construction is expected to start this year.

There are two color options:

• Nautilus Blue, a lighter blue that matches adjacent bridges on I-79;

• Hulton Green, a lighter green that previously was used for the Hulton Bridge.

There are three concrete texture options:

• Basalt, a texture that mimics natural basalt rock face;

• Roughcast Angular Stone, stacked weathered stone with rounded edges;

• Chiseled-cut Ashlar Stone, stacked stone with straight edges.

To complete the Wexford Interchange Aesthetic Survey, visit https://tinyurl.com/3jtafbzm. Participation is limited to one vote per person.

The online survey includes renderings of what each color and stone face would look like on the structure. Voters can select the one they prefer and submit it to PennDOT.

For questions, contact Zachary Kamnikar at zakamnikar@pa.gov.

For learn more about the project, visit https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/projects-near-you/district-11-projects/wexford-interchange-project.html.

Residents sought for several boards, committees

McCandless officials are seeking applicants for several boards and committees.

The town has the following positions available:

• A vacated position on the McCandless Industrial Development Authority, expiring Dec. 31, 2026;

• A full position and an alternate position on the Personnel Board, both expiring Dec. 31, 2027;

• An alternate position on the Zoning Hearing Board, expiring Dec. 31, 2027.

To apply, complete the fillable PDF application — available under the News & Calendar portion of the township’s website at www.townofmccandless.org — and email it to administration@townofmccandless.org. Completed forms also can be dropped of at or mailed to Town of McCandless, 9955 Grubbs Road, Wexford, PA 15090.

A majority vote by Town Council will lead to an appointment.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 30.

New hours at Town Hall

McCandless now has new business hours for its reception lobby at Town Hall.

The new hours, effective Jan. 6, are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Blood donors sought

January is National Blood Donor Month, and the American Red Cross and Vitalant are highlighting the urgent need for blood donations and their lifesaving impact.

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.

The American Red Cross is partnering with the NFL to address the need for blood during the critical post-holiday time. Anyone who donates blood or platelets through the Red Cross until Jan. 26 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. The winner will receive access to day-of in-stadium activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare to New Orleans, three-night hotel accommodations from Feb. 7-10 and a $1,000 gift card for expenses. For additional details about the promotion, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

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 operates about 115 donation centers nationwide. Through Jan. 31, Vitalant is offering a “Thrive in’ 25” 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 three $10,000 gift cards. For official rules, visit vitalant.org.

Vitalant is collecting at several nearby locations this month:

• Noon to 5 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Westview Ross Athletic Association, Ross Township Community Center, classrooms A, B and C, 1000 Ross Municipal Drive;

• Noon to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at Connected Health LLC, 12620 Perry Highway, Wexford;

• 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at Hampton High School gym, 2929 McCully Road.

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. Jan. 16, 21-23 and 27-30 and 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 17-20, 24-26 and 31.

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).

Pets also can donate blood

During National Blood Donor Month, BluePearl Pet Hospital is reminding people that it’s not just people who need blood donations.

Just as humans require blood transfusions for medical conditions or emergencies, the same is true for pets. Each donation made has the potential to save the lives of up to three other pets.

Pets in Pittsburgh can donate much-needed blood products at BluePearl Pittsburgh South and North, two of 15 BluePearl Pet Hospitals across the country that provide owners with the opportunity for their pets to donate.

The Pittsburgh North location is at 807 Camp Horne Road in Avonworth.

Several requirements must be met for cats or dogs to donate blood: Healthy and friendly pets must be between 1 and 8 years old and must meet certain weight requirements.

For pets that enroll in the program, BluePearl includes benefits such as complimentary physical exams, lab work, plenty of treats and TLC. Each blood donor is considered a hero at BluePearl, and pet owners will receive an email notification each time their hero’s blood is used to help another pet in need.

For details, email bloodbank.pittsburgh@bluepearlvet.com or call 412-366-3400.