News from the Pittsburgh North Optimists, North Hills Genealogists and more

Pittsburgh North Optimist Foundation is holding its Holiday Toy and Gift Drive fundraising event from 7-11 p.m. Dec. 10 at the RIDC Comfort Inn, 180 Gamma Dr., O’Hara.

The event is prepaid reservations only and features Scott Rob and Greg of The Clarks - Acoustic. Cost is $50 per person. There will be music, raffles, appetizers, a buffet dinner and complimentary beer.

Reservations are available at pittsburghoptimist.com.

A limited number of prepaid VIP tables are available with seating for eight at $600 per table. Information about reserving a table is available at pittsburghoptimist.com.

Participants are asked to bring at least one unwrapped toy or gift per couple. Donations will be given to Sharpsburg Family Worship Center for its “Give a Gift” program. Children up to 18 participate in the program.

Editor’s note: A earlier version of this story contained incorrect information. The story and accompanying photo have been updated. The event will feature Scott Rob and Greg of The Clarks - Acoustic.

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The North Hills Genealogists will host a free, online program at 7 p.m. on Oct. 17 by Sam Williams entitled, “Back to the Basics: Using DNA for Family History.”

It is open to the public.

This presentation will show how to use true genetic genealogy techniques to get the most out of DNA test results.

Details and instructions to be part of the virtual Zoom meeting are available on the website: NorthHillsGenealogists.org.

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Pennsylvania Resources Council’s 11th annual “ReuseFest” in Allegheny County will take place on Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in North Park.

It is a drop-off event for gently used materials destined for reuse by numerous local nonprofit organizations. A wide variety of materials will be accepted, including: art/office supplies, bedding/bath, bikes, clothing, furniture, kitchen items, medical supplies, usable building materials and more.

Registration is required to streamline the process. Individuals wanting to drop off materials at the North Park collection must register in advance by visiting www.prc.org/reuse or by calling 412-488-7490 ext. 1.

ReuseFest is sponsored by UPMC with support from and Allegheny County Parks Department.

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The Pennsylvania Resources Council Traveling Glass Recycling Bin Program provides a free recycling service that rotates through a variety of locations in Western Pennsylvania.

It will be available from Oct. 22-27 at the North Park swimming pool parking lot and is hosted by Allegheny County

People can drop off glass bottles, jars and jugs of all colors, no color sorting required, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Containers should be empty and rinsed, with lids and labels still on. Bags and boxes used to deliver glass must be discarded off-site.

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The long-term closure of the ramp from the northbound Highland Park Bridge to southbound Route 28 in Sharpsburg will continue through mid-December, PennDOT has announced.

Crews will perform reconstruction work, bridge rehabilitation, and drainage improvements on the ramp. Ramp traffic to southbound Route 28 will be detoured.

The ramp work is part of the $47.31 million improvement project that will address the existing bottleneck and congested traffic flow on Route 28 at the Highland Park Bridge interchange.

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Aspinwall officials announced the use of the ParkMobile app for parking enforcement.

People can download the app at either through Google or the App Store and use a credit card instead of putting coins in the parking meters throughout the borough.

Officials said they have had about 300 transactions and collected a little more than $500 in parking revenue since Sept. 15.

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Aspinwall Shade Tree Commission will have a tree planting at 9 a.m. Oct. 29.

About 13 trees are expected to be planted that day throughout the borough.

Volunteers are needed. Call 412-586-2386 or email awehrle@paconserve.org for more information and to register.

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New security cameras are expected to be installed in the coming weeks at the Aspinwall public works facility and at the merchant lot by the riverfront.

It is part of a joint effort by the borough and Allegheny RiverTrail Park.

Cameras are expected to be up and running by the end of the year.