In brief: Herald area events for the week of Sept. 30, 2024

Cornhole players sought for fundraiser to benefit local youths

The Pittsburgh North Optimist Foundation is organizing a cornhole tournament fundraiser from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 13 at Aspinwall Riverfront Park, 285 River Ave.

There will be up to 32 teams competing for prizes and helping to raise money for various local youth programs and causes.

The registration fee is $50 per person and $100 per team of two. There will be adult and nonalcoholic beverages and a food truck on-site.

To sign up your team or to donate, visit pittsburghoptimist.com/2024-cornhole-tournament.

Fox Chapel Authority to replace water meters

The Fox Chapel Authority is working to replace customer water meters.

The new Sensus iPERL water meters will be installed at no cost to the customer. The new meters have no moving parts, therefore maintaining the accuracy of the meter for its 20-year lifespan. With new technology, FCA personnel will be able to read the meters more efficiently.

FCA will be reaching out to customers to schedule appointments. The meter change-out takes about 30 minutes to complete, but the meter must be accessible for the crew to perform the work.

It is important for customers to have updated contact information, not only to schedule appointments for the meter replacement program, but also to notify customers in the event of an emergency.

To verify or update your information and to schedule an appointment, call the authority’s office at 412-963-0212 or send an email to info@foxchapelwater.com.

Temporary worker sought for meter change-out project

The Fox Chapel Authority is looking to hire a temporary employee to assist with its meter change-out program.

Applicants must be at least 18 and have a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.

The position is available for the duration of the meter change-out program, which is subject to change.

The job requires 24 hours per week, with a schedule to be determined.

Compensation is $22 per hour, and health care benefits are not included.

Applicants must have a high school education (diploma or GED) and demonstrate an aptitude for and interest in mechanical/technical tasks. Applicants also must comply with safety standards and practices and be able to communicate with others, specifically customers, in a friendly and supportive manner.

Applications are available on the Fox Chapel Authority website at foxchapelwater.com. Inquiries by email and job applications can be submitted to hr@foxchapelwater.com.

Other inquiries can be made by calling the office at 412-963-0212.

Open house set at Aspinwall, Sharpsburg fire stations

Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services is hosting its annual open house Oct. 12 at its Aspinwall and Sharpsburg fire stations.

The goal is to provide an opportunity for everyone in the community to see the fire departments and be comfortable asking questions about fire safety.

The open house will include activities, including a scavenger hunt, a tour of the fire hall, an obstacle course and more fun surprises.

Hours are:

Station 1, 1611 Main St., Sharpsburg: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Station 2, 217 Commercial Ave., Aspinwall: 4 to 6 p.m.

The activities will be the same at both stations.

Indiana Township residents encouraged to sign up for crime alerts

The Indiana Township Police Department’s Neighborhood Crime Watch uses emails to help stop crime in the township.

All residents with a working email address that is regularly checked are encouraged to sign up.

To participate, send an email to itpdcrimewatch@gmail.com or to Sgt. Marc Myers at mmyers@indianatownship.com.

Be sure to provide your email address, name and home address so you can be grouped in the correct Neighborhood Crime Watch area.

Please note that this system is only used to send out crime watch alerts. Officers will not respond to any emails sent to this address.

When there are incidents taking place in the township, residents will be alerted by email. This system is only used when there is a need to get information out to residents.

For questions about the program, contact Myers at mmyers@indianatownship.com or 412-767-5333, ext. 350.

Sharpsburg VFW costume party set

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 709, 1017 Main St. in Sharpsburg, is planning a Halloween Costume Party on Oct. 12.

Attendees have a chance to win $500 in prizes. First place will receive $300, second place will get $150 and third place will receive $50.

Tickets are $20 per person.

Doors open at 6 p.m. There will be a cash bar and food, as well as live music by Dancing Queen.

To purchase a ticket or for details, stop by the post or call 412-781-7771.

Dorseyville named National Blue Ribbon school for second time

Dorseyville Middle School has been named one of the 356 National Blue Ribbon schools for 2024 by the U.S. Department of Education.

A total of 13 schools in Pennsylvania received the honor for 2024, and only two are middle schools.

The recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance and/or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.

Dorseyville was recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School. Such schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. The department recognizes all schools based on student performance data, including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates.

This is the second time Dorseyville was named a National Blue Ribbon School.

Over the years, all of the Fox Chapel Area School District schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools (beginning in 1991-92), with Fox Chapel Area High School and Fairview Elementary School achieving the recognition twice.

Fall decor sale benefits Haitian outreach

Get your pumpkins this fall and support a meaningful cause! Join us at the Haiti H2O Pumpkin Sale, where every purchase helps support the people of rural Haiti.

Haiti H2O: Hope to Opportunity is hosting its annual pumpkin sale from Oct. 10-13 at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, 384 Fox Chapel Road.

New this year is the opportunity to preorder. In addition to pumpkins, bales of hay and fall mums will be available for purchase. The sale will continue until all items are sold. Inventory moves quickly so everyone is encouraged to stop by early.

The sale will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 10; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 11; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 12; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 13.

Prices include pie pumpkins for $5, small pumpkins for $10, medium pumpkins for $15 and large pumpkins for $20. Bales of hay are $10 each, and mums are $15.

Haiti H2O is a local nonprofit that has invested in Haitian-led solutions for rural villages since 2006, focusing on projects in construction, agriculture, health care and micro-business development.

Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church has partnered with Haiti H2O for more than a decade, building a close relationship with the rural community of Plain Matin. Through their support, regular medical clinics have been established, and a new bread oven micro-business has been developed to help sustain the village.

Your pumpkin purchase makes a direct impact on the lives of those in need, empowering Haitians to transform their communities.

To preorder, visit www.haitih2o.org/pumpkin-sale-1.

Volunteers, candy sought for Trunk or Treat

The Lauri Ann West Community Center is planning a Trunk or Treat from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 27 in its parking lot, 1220 Powers Run Road in O’Hara.

All children in the community are invited, and no registration is required to attend.

The center is looking for volunteers to bring their vehicle — decorated wheels welcome — and pass out candy. It also is accepting donations of treats.

To volunteer, email Michelle Drum at mdrum@lauriannwest.org. Volunteers also can sign up online at https://lauriannwestcc.org/event/trunk-or-treat/.

Candy donations can be dropped off at the center’s welcome desk.

Special Olympics star, others to share their stories

Loretta Claiborne, chief inspiration office for the Special Olympics,

Lauri Ann West Community Center will host a session of its Sue Golier Memorial Speaker Series from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 26.

The featured speaker will be Loretta Claiborne, a former Special Olympics athlete who now serves as its chief inspiration officer.

Born with physical and intellectual challenges, Claiborne went on to run 26 marathons and twice placed in the top 100 women finishers. In 1996, she received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage.

Dan McCoy, a 2014 Paralympic gold medalist in sled hockey, also will speak, followed by a panel discussion with students and parents who are involved in the Fox Chapel Unified Sports Program.

The event will end with a game of Unified Flag Football in the center’s gymnasium.

To register, visit lauriannwestcc.org and click on the Speaker Series/Events tab.

Art exhibit to showcase paintings by Leah Kass

Sharpsburg Community Library, 1212 Main St., is hosting “A Reintroduction to Oneself: Paintings by Leah Kass” through Oct. 4.

Kass’ paintings are an exploration of new techniques discovered through her journey coping with chronic health problems, a way to challenge the need to avoid something overwhelming and about challenging internalized messages about perfection.

A closing reception is planned for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 4.

For details, call 412-781-0783.

‘Monsters, Inc.’ to be shown in O’Hara park

O’Hara is hosting a Movie in the Park night at 6 p.m. Oct. 5 at O’Hara Township Community Park.

The G-rated Disney animated film “Monsters, Inc.” will be shown. Admission and popcorn are free.

For details, visit the township’s website at ohara.pa.us.

Families welcome to fall fest in Oakmont

Oakmont Presbyterian Church invites members of the surrounding communities to its free Family Fall Festival from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 5 at the church, 415 Pennsylvania Ave. in Oakmont.

The event will include games, giveaways and treats for everyone.

Community invited to Halloween-themed First Friday in Sharpsburg

The community is invited to Sharpsburg Business Group’s Halloween-themed First Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 4 in downtown Sharpsburg.

There will be a costume parade as well as activities for children and adults.

Lineup for the parade will start at 6:30 p.m. at James Sharp Landing, with the parade starting at 7 and traveling through the Main Street business district and Sharpsburg Community Library.

Family-friendly activities include trick-or-treat locations throughout the business district; hair tinsel and temporary tattoos at Eclectic Remedies; pumpkin painting at Prototype PGH; open gallery at Ketchup City Creative; Halloween activities for kids at Roots of Faith; Halloween crafts at Art in Motion; photo opportunity at Atithi Studio; and a free Haunted Courtyard (complete with treats while supplies last) and wooden witch painting at Sharpsburg Community Library.

Adult-only activities include live music at Love, Katie; an anniversary release at Dancing Gnome; and flash tattoos at Joy in Sorrow Tattoos.

In addition, various vendors will be set up at Guyasuta Square and North Canal Street.

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.

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.

Children invited to enchanting outing

The Lauri Ann West Community Center is planning an afternoon with Mrs. Cubbage, its expert in fairies and enchanted creatures, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 13 in O’Hara Township Community Park, 330 Fox Chapel Road.

Children from pre-K through third grade are invited to make and take home a “fairy door” to welcome all kinds of mythical friends. Mrs. Cubbage also will read a story about fairies and will take the group on a walk around the park looking for special places on trees to place a group fairy door.

The event will be held rain or shine at Shelter 2, which is closest to the restrooms.

Admission is free, but registration is required by Oct. 9.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/y9knb58u.

Free workshop to explore habits for brain health

The Lauri Ann West Community Center, 1220 Powers Run Road, is hosting a free workshop from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 21 with Penn State Extension on “Alzheimer’s Disease: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body.”

Attendees will learn about lifestyle habits that can be adopted at any age to help maintain and potentially improve one’s health. These habits aim to help keep the brain healthy as one ages to possibly delay the onset of cognitive decline.

While the workshop is free, registration is required. The deadline to register is at 10 a.m. Oct. 17.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/bdcmjfvm.

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 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