In brief: Herald area events for the week of Sept. 16, 2024

Craft Beer Crawl to showcase shops, breweries

The Aspinwall Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Craft Beer Crawl from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 21 in Aspinwall.

Individual breweries will be represented at local shops along Commercial Avenue, First Street and Brilliant Avenue.

Tickets are nonrefundable and limited to 550 attendees. The cost is $40 per person in advance or $50 per person at check-in the day of the event.

Advance ticket purchases will close at 11 a.m. Sept. 21 and can be made by visiting the chamber’s website at https://aspinwallchamber.com/craft-beer-crawl/.

Attendees must be 21.

Check-in will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Aspinwall Borough Building, 217 Commercial Ave. Participants will receive a commemorative beer crawl sampling glass, color wristband, and a map to use as a start guide and throughout the event. The map will show where all the stops are located and where brewers will be pouring samples of their craft beers.

Parking is available in the municipal lots across from the borough building. Attendees are encouraged to consider using Uber or Lyft.

Class of 1979 to gather for 45th reunion

The Fox Chapel Area High School Class of 1979 is planning its 45th reunion at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Regina Elena Social Club in Sharpsburg.

Tickets are $30.

To purchase tickets and to view a list of who is coming, visit https://myevent.com/fchs45th-reunion.

For additional details and to catch up with classmates, visit Fox Chapel High School Class 1979—-45th Reunion Site on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/417199485220.

Indiana Township police to host Fall Festival

The Indiana Township Police Department is organizing a Fall Festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 12 at Emmerling Community Park.

Free parking and a shuttle will be available at the Municipal Field Complex parking lot and the Department of Public Works garage along Route 910.

Three will be pumpkin decorating, photo opportunities, fall beverages, hayrides, facepainting and more.

Everyone is invited.

Fox Chapel officers plan free pumpkin painting event

The Fox Chapel Police Department invites the community to a free pumpkin painting event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 19 behind the police station, 401 Fox Chapel Road.

Officers will be collecting monetary donations and nonperishable food items for the Blawnox Community Food Pantry.

There also will be treats, crafts and a costume contest.

Aspinwall honors resident for T-ball efforts

Aspinwall Mayor Joseph Noro presented resident Gemma Pollice with a proclamation Sept. 11 before the start of the borough council meeting to acknowledge her as “first citizen and lifetime friend to the residents of Aspinwall Borough.”

Pollice, an employee of TribLive, was instrumental in reviving the Aspinwall T-Ball program, which recently wrapped up its second season.

The summer program drew 200 participants this year.

The proclamation commended Pollice for her “community spirit” and her “devotion to duty and genuine interest in the residents of the Borough of Aspinwall.”

The document was signed by Noro, borough Manager Melissa Lang O’Malley and council Vice President Heth Turnquist.

Adult education classes open for fall

The fall semester of Fox Chapel Area Adult Education is underway, and there are plenty of classes for prospective lifelong learners to choose from.

In its 62nd year, FCAAE is a nonprofit that offers more than 70 customized classes in swimming, art, cooking, history, recreational sports, fitness and more.

While registration is ongoing, some classes are filling up. The cost varies per class. Check the schedule and prices at fcaae.org.

There is no deadline to register as long as there is space.

Some of this season’s offerings include:

• Chair TriYoga: Seated yoga, offered as an online Zoom class so participants can do it from the comfort of their own home.

• Cooking Decorating Fall Designs: For fun and creativity. Students will learn the secrets of professional cookie decorating.

• Basketball for Adults: Weekly, no pressure, pick-up basketball games for all skill levels.

• Balance Exercises — Anywhere, Anytime: Work with a skilled physical therapist to improve balance.

• Strength and Conditioning for Golf and Racquet Sports: Work with an orthopedic physical therapist on knees, hips, core, shoulders and arms.

• Semi-private Swim Lessons for Stroke Development/Improvement: Shared instruction for two students.

• Aqua Exercise — Shallow and Deep: Increase joint mobility, muscle flexibility and range of motion. No experience necessary for this aqua exercise option.

Rotary Club installs new president

The Sharpsburg-Aspinwall Rotary Club recently installed John G. Arch, a Sharpsburg attorney, as its new president.

Arch, who lives in O’Hara, previously served as president.

The local Rotarians are known for their famous funnel cakes on Funnel Cake Fridays during the summer months.

As part of the club’s “Dictionary Project,” members provide dictionaries to all private and public school third graders within the Fox Chapel Area School District.

The Rotarians also sponsor the 16th Street playground in Sharpsburg and the reception desk area of the Sharpsburg branch of Cooper-Siegel Community Library. They also provide drivers for the local Meals on Wheels, which operates out of St. Edward Church in Blawnox.

“I look forward to working with my fellow Rotarians to help make things a little bit better for the Sharpsburg area,” Arch said. “It is an exciting time.”

CMU professor to discuss AI, its impact on elections

Artificial intelligence and the information environment will be the topic of a free presentation by the Fox Chapel Area affiliate of the American Association of University Women.

The program will be held Oct. 8 at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church on the corner of Fox Chapel and Field Club roads.

Kathleen Carley, professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon University, will be the guest speaker.

The presentation will focus on ways that AI is being used in the information environment, how it’s detected and its potential impact on important events such as elections.

Carley holds degrees in economics and political science from MIT and a doctorate in sociology from Harvard University.

In addition to her post as professor of computation, organization and society at CMU, she directs the school’s Center for Informed Democracy and Social Cybersecurity. Her extensive research deals with a host of intersecting disciplines as they pertain to complex social issues and AI. She also is the CEO of her own cybersecurity firm, Netanomics.

The program is open to all.

Matching Love Your Library fundraiser underway

The team members behind the Cooper-Siegel and Sharpsburg community libraries are reminding everyone that September is Love Your Library Month.

Their corresponding fundraising campaign is in full swing.

Through Sept. 30, every donation up to $500 is eligible for a pro-rated match from the Jack Buncher Foundation.

Library officials recently shared a plea on Facebook: “We’re not going to beat around the bush — Yes, our libraries are free, but there is a cost to what we do, a cost that we can’t meet alone. We need your help and support more than ever.”

Visit https://app.theauxilia.com/pay/LoveYourLibrary2024 to donate online.

The libraries also are marking the month with a number of basket raffles. Tickets can be purchased by stopping in at Cooper-Siegel Community Library, 403 Fox Chapel Road. Tickets are $2 for one chance, $5 for three chances and $10 for eicht chances.

For details, call the Cooper-Siegel location at 412-781-0783 or the Sharpsburg branch at 412-828-9520.

Blood donors sought

September is National Preparedness Month, and the American Red Cross and Vitalant are urging prospective blood donors to take action.

To help boost awareness about the importance of maintaining a strong blood supply, Gov. Josh Shapiro designated Sept. 4 as National Blood Donation Day.

“Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, from medical emergencies to critical treatments for conditions such as cancer or sickle cell disease,” said Jorge Martinez, CEO of the Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region. “Giving blood is a meaningful way to help your community, and now is the perfect time to roll up a sleeve to make a potentially lifesaving difference.”

Blood donations are crucial year-round, especially type O, the most frequently transfused blood type.

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, which operates about 115 donation centers nationwide, is thanking donors who give through Oct. 5 with a chance to win one of five $5,000 prepaid gift cards of their choice through its Pumpkin Spice Giveaway. In addition, all donors will receive an “instant costume” T-shirt in time for Halloween through the Donor Rewards program, while supplies last.

To find a Vitalant location near you and make an appointment, visit vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app, or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).

Hard-to-recycle events set for fall

The Pennsylvania Resources Council is sponsoring its final hard-to-recycle collections for the year in partnership with the Allegheny County Health Department:

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 28: Settlers Cabin Park, Wave Pool parking lot, 600 Ridge Road, Robinson, PA 15205

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 5: Next Tier Connect @ Pittsburgh East, 4350 Northern Pike, Monroeville, PA 15146

A participant fee of $5 per vehicle covers the unlimited disposal of cellphone and home phones, computer towers and peripheral equipment (keyboards, laptops, mice, etc.), copiers and scanners, expanded polystyrene packaging material, microwave ovens, video game consoles, DVD players, VCRs and stereos.

For a per-item fee, individuals can recycle televisions ($35) and computer monitors ($20), printers ($5), fluorescent tubes ($2 per 4-foot tube), small Freon appliances such as window AC units and dehumidifiers ($10 each) and car tires ($12 with rims and $5 without rims).

For a complete list of accepted items, visit prc.org/workshops-collection-events/collection-events/hard-to-recycle-items or call 412-488-7490.

Participants must register in advance at prc.org/CollectionEvents; space is limited.

Library comedy night to feature Brittany Alexis

Cooper-Siegel Community Library invites the community to Season Two of its popular comedy series “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Library” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 22.

The show for patrons 18 and older will feature headliner Brittany Alexis.

Alexis is an up-and-coming comic on the Pittsburgh comedy scene. She has performed on stages across the city, including at the Improv, Arcade Comedy Theater and Byham Theater, and has opened for the likes of Maria Bamford, Joe Pera and Zainab Johnson. She began her journey in comedy to become a better public speaker but fell in love with the craft.

Emcees for the evening will be Mike DiGuglielmo and special guest Stacey Fleurime.

Dancing Gnome Beer returns as a sponsor. Doors will open at 6.30 p.m.

The cost is $20, and there are a limited number of seats available.

To register, call the library at 412-828-9520 or visit online at coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org and click on the respective event under Events and Classes.

Caper Part 2 fundraiser set Sept. 21

Roots of Faith is presenting its Great Heinz Caper Part 2: Murder on Main at staggered 15-minute intervals from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 21 in Sharpsburg.

The live game of “Clue” will begin and end at Roots of Faith, 800 Main St. The clues are spread throughout borough businesses.

The story: At last year’s caper, Gino from Gino Brothers Pizza Bar was arrested for stealing the renowned Andy Warhol painting of ketchup bottles from the Heinz factory. Gino says he was framed, and Katie from Love, Katie Distilling and Nanci from Ketchup City Creative were seen exchanging money when Gino was arrested. Now a murder on Main Street and a clue at the murder site has the whole town abuzz. Who really stole the painting? Who committed the murder? Who is the mastermind behind this dark scheme?

Participants can sign up as an individual or team to try to solve the mystery in the shortest amount of time to win $500. Participants have three hours to solve the mystery.

The winner will be announced and the “murderer” will be arrested at 5 p.m. at Roots of Faith. There also will be prizes awarded for best costume for a team and best costume for an individual.

Tickets are free for Sharpsburg residents and $10 each for nonresidents. Roots of Faith, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, is asking everyone to bring a birthday card for its birthday wall and, if you can, to donate $10. (Participants should bring their birthday card and donation with them.)

Residents can register at https://tinyurl.com/yps99nt9, and nonresidents can purchase tickets through Eventbrite at https://tinyurl.com/ytaukuve.

All proceeds benefit Roots of Faith.

Touch-A-Truck event to benefit Blawnox pantry

The Fox Chapel Police Department invites the community to “see, touch, explore, honk” during its second annual Touch-A-Truck event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 21 behind the borough building, 401 Fox Chapel Road.

The event is for all ages and will include emergency vehicles, construction vehicles, tow trucks and more.

Admission is free with a monetary or nonperishable food item for the Blawnox Community Food Pantry, which serves the Fox Chapel Area School District.

There also will be activities for children.

Garden club’s fundraiser slated for Oct. 16-18

The Garden Club of Allegheny County is celebrating its 110th anniversary and the 28th year of Pizzazz, a boutique shopping benefit set for Oct. 16-18 at the Fox Chapel Golf Club, 426 Fox Chapel Road.

The event has raised more than $2 million to fund environmental and conservation projects throughout the Pittsburgh region.

This year’s event will feature more than 30 boutiques from across the country and Scotland. Merchandise will include men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories, jewelry, leather goods, gifts, home décor, linens, personalized stationery and specialty food items.

There will be a preview party from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 16. Tickets are $150.

Shopping hours will be from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 17 and 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 18. Admission each day is $10 or $45 for admission and lunch at the club’s Tavern Room from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 17-18. Advance ticket purchase for lunch is advised.

For details, visit https://www.gcacpgh.org/pizzazz or call 412-967-9081.

Sharpsburg flea market runs Sundays through October

Sharpsburg Community Flea Market is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays through the end of October along North Canal and Tenth streets.

The cost is $5 per spot for vendors.

For details, call Chas Smith at 412-927-9221.

Help available for people grieving loved ones

Are you grieving the loss of a loved one or know someone who is?

Consider joining GriefShare for hope, healing and guidance.

GriefShare is a 13-week Christian faith-based support group that will be offered weekly from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, starting Sept. 12 through Dec. 12, at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, 384 Fox Chapel Road.

People can join at any time.

For details or questions, contact Kim Power at 412-965-8794 or kimfpower@gmail.com.

Visit griefshare.org/findagroup to register directly.

Fall Fabric Fair set for Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is hosting its Fall Fabric Fair from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Salvation Army Pittsburgh Temple Worship and Service Center, 1060 McNeilly Road, Mt. Lebanon.

The popular one-day sale is made possible by the Salvation Army’s Greater Pittsburgh Women’s Auxiliary

For more than three decades, the twice-a-year fundraiser — held in the spring and fall — has offered bargains on rare fabrics, unique patterns and a variety of materials and equipment needed for crocheting, knitting, quilting and “sew” much more. The fabric fairs have raised nearly $750,000 over the years, with all proceeds providing critical assistance to individuals and families throughout Allegheny County.

Shoppers are advised to come early for the best selection. After exploring indoors, visitors can enjoy a $10 bag sale outside, which will be stocked with a variety of materials.

Admission is free and complimentary parking will be available on-site, with free shuttles running from two satellite parking locations at Keystone Oaks High School and Keystone Oaks Middle School. Snacks and lunch items also will be available for purchase.

Carts and strollers are prohibited, and reusable shopping bags are highly encouraged.

The Fall Fabric Fair is a community-driven event made possible thanks to donations of all the items for sale. There is always a need for donated items, as well as additional volunteers to measure and sort fabric in preparation for the fair.

Donations are being accepted from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays (February through October) at the Salvation Army’s warehouse in Green Tree, rear of 820 Parish St.

Fabric donations will not be accepted during the actual Fabric Fair event.

For details, call 412-446-1500 or visit salvationarmywpa.org/fabricfair. For a peek at items for sale, follow the Salvation Army Greater Pittsburgh Women’s Auxiliary on Facebook and @salarmypgh on Instagram.

The Spring Fabric Fair is set for Saturday, April 12.

Pantry items wanted

Sharpsburg Community Library needs items for its Little Free Pantry at 1212 Main St.

Items needed include tomato sauce, pasta, tuna, cereal, mac and cheese, fruit snacks, peanut butter, snack packs and shelf-stable milk.

Items not needed include applesauce, pretzels, fruit cups, pudding, canned soup, canned beans and toiletry products.

Donations can be made during library hours from 1 to 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 to 5 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

The pantry is stocked three times weekly and is completely supported through donations.

For details, call the library at 412-781-0783.

Sharpsburg seeks volunteers for bicentennial events

Sharpsburg will celebrate its 200th birthday in 2026.

Residents interested in planning or volunteering to help with any events are invited to sign up for the borough’s Bicentennial Committee.

To access the signup form, visit sharpsburgborough.com and scanning the QR code under the header “Want to help plan the bicentennial events?”

The borough anticipates having multiple events throughout the anniversary year and will need lots of help.

Group offers support for weight loss

All are welcome to join the men and women at Oakmont TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) who are learning how to lose weight.

With in-person meetings, rewards, support and encouragement, we gain knowledge of healthy eating and exercise.

You may visit with no obligation Tuesdays at 5:45 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1261 Pennsylvania Ave. in Oakmont. Weigh-in is private followed by a brief business meeting, sharing time, and educational program all ending by 7:15.

There is well-lit parking, wheelchair accessibility and security. For details, call 412-828-3854 or e-mail jmjkwj@gmail.com.

Categories: Fox Chapel Herald | Local