In Brief: Block Party to go, historical society revival and more in Pine, Richland

Block Party To Go charity fundraiser

Participants in North Hills Community Outreach’s annual block party fundraiser won’t be able to gather in person this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

But the North Hills charity and social service agency is still planning to party.

Have fun at home with a “Block Party To Go” party bag. The adult bags include a do-it-yourself pizza kit, wine, dessert, a game and more. The children’s bag includes a craft kit from Dots and Doodles, snacks and other items.

Some of the bags will include a “bonus” gift card to a local restaurant or business. The first 300 party-to-go kits will include a link to play BuzzWorthy Pub Trivia.

More information and an order form for party bags are available online at NHCO/Block-Party.

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Richland Historical Society revival

Residents interested in preserving Richland history are invited to join in an effort to revive the township’s historical society, which has been dormant for several years. The organization was formed by its former president, the late Bill Bardonner.

Efforts are underway to plan, organize and archive the records so that future generations will have access to what is documented.

Anyone interested in participating in the preservation effort should contact Cono Passione by telephone or text at 724-816-3157. Passione also can be contacted by email at cipsarop@gmail.com.

During the past year, Passione has been clearing the abandoned Baker Estates Cemetery off Route 8 and has been gathering records related to the site.

Women’s Business Network meetings

The Women’s Business Network’s three chapters in the North Hills have scheduled free networking sessions for February.

• The Cranberry Chapter will meet at 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 4 and 18. For more information, contact Cynthia at 724-316-3427.

• The Wexford Chapter meets 8:15 a.m. Feb. 9 and 23. For details, call Jocelin at 724-553-4452.

• The Criders Corners Chapter will meet at noon Feb. 11 and 25. Call Sherri for details at 412-760-9601.

• An All Virtual Chapter holds regular meetings via Zoom at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 3 and 17. For details, call Jennifer Pasquale at 412-908-1663.

Free tax prep

A free tax preparation service is being offered by the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania through April 10. The service is available virtually or through a combination of online and in-person meetings. Clients can upload their materials and tax experts will prepare and review the return. The hybrid tax preparation will require two brief appointments in a safe environment, following covid-19 guidelines, to provide information and review the return. The service is available to residents in Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

Assistance from a volunteer tax preparer is available for people and families with a total annual income of up to $57,000.

A free, do-it-yourself online tax assistance program is available at myfreetaxes.com.

Ash Wednesday service

Hampton Presbyterian Church will hold an Ash Wednesday worship service to mark the first day of Lent on Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Depending on the covid restrictions in place when the service occurs, ashes may be distributed, according to church officials. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the nursery will not be available, however, children are invited to attend the service with their families. The service also will be livestreamed to monitors in several locations in the building for people who want to participate but prefer to remain outside the sanctuary.

The church is located at 2942 East Hardies Road in Gibsonia.

Senior citizen tax rebate available

Pine-Richland has approved a rebate for senior citizens of up to $650 depending on their annual income.

To qualify, applicants must have lived in Pine or Richland and owned a home that was their primary residence there in all of 2020. Applicants also must have turned 65 on or before Dec. 31, 2019.

The rebates are based on annual income. People who made $8,000 or less are eligible for a maximum rebate of $650. The amount of the rebate drops for people who earn more money. The deadline to apply is June 30.

More information, as well as links to apply and the scale used to determine the size of the rebate, are available on the district website.

Baseball, softball registration open

The Pine Richland Baseball and Softball Association registration for the 2021 spring season is now open for youth ages 3-18 in the Townships of Pine and Richland. New for this year, t-ball now includes ages 3-5. For more information or to register, see prbsa.com.