In Brief: Block Party to go, deer management discussion and more in the North Hills

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.

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.

McCandless deer management discussion

McCandless has invited three experts to present information and answer questions about efforts to develop a program to address the town’s growing deer population. The virtual meeting is scheduled for Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. The speakers will be state Game Warden Madison Kyle, Jeannine Fleegle, a deer biologist for the game commission, and Ken Allshouse, a forest scientist and member of the McCandless Environmental Advisory Committee.

Space is limited and advance registration for this Zoom event is required. Sign up online to participate.

Women’s Business Network meetings scheduled

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.

Mercuri appointed commerce committee chair

Freshman state Rep. Rob Mercuri, R-Pine, has been appointed to serve as chairman of the state House Commerce Committee for the 2021-22 legislative session.

The Commerce Committee works with the departments of Community and Economic Development and Banking and Securities. It covers topics like state economic development, eligibility for mortgage assistance and consumer complaints regarding loans and credit cards.

The 28th District includes Marshall, McCandless, Pine, Bradford Woods and Franklin Park.