O'Hara to have special meeting to interview candidates for council vacancy; holiday food drive on tap
O’Hara council will have a special meeting Monday to interview candidates for the 3rd Ward vacancy.
The township needs to appoint someone to serve the balance of Scott Frankowski’s term through 2021.
Frankowski resigned from council in November after taking a job that prohibits him from serving in local politics.
Two people have submitted applications, Manager Julie Jakubec said.
The meeting will be at 6 p.m. via Zoom, and residents are invited to listen.
Council could appoint a new member during its regular meeting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8.
In other news, the township is hosting a holiday food drive called “Spread Cheer.”
The touchless event will be from noon to 3 p.m. on Dec. 12 and follow all recommended covid-19 safety guidelines.
The municipal parking lot at 325 Fox Chapel Road will transform into a collection site for nonperishable items such as boxed stuffing and canned veggies.
Donations will be delivered to the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, housed in St. Mary’s Church in Sharpsburg.
“We thought it would be a good way to help our neighbors,” Jakubec said.
The event follows the township’s “BooTastic” food drive in October which officials said received an overwhelming response.
“People really came out but there is still so much need,” Jakubec said.
Food bank leaders made a special request for items that can be used as a holiday side dish, Jakubec said. That might include boxed potatoes, jars of gravy or cans of cranberry sauce.
They also have requested canned soup, canned ham and cereal to help supplement the shelves through January.
Township trucks will be parked in the municipal lot, and donations should be placed in the truck beds.
Staff will be on hand to offer help.
Anyone donating is asked to wear a mask and keep 6 feet from other people.
Councilman Chuck Vogel encouraged everyone to donate if they are able.
“It’s a great idea,” he said. “There are people that are hurting so give what you can.”
Tawnya Panizzi is a TribLive reporter. She joined the Trib in 1997. She can be reached at tpanizzi@triblive.com.
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