Mother Nature gets creative with her Dec. 8 sunset as seen over the ball field in Aspinwall.
National Art Honor Society wins 3rd in city's gingerbread contest
Members of the National Art Honor Society at Fox Chapel Area High School won third place in the high school category of the City of Pittsburgh's 22nd annual Gingerbread Display and Competition with their creation titled "Coraline House."
The confection depicting the Pink Palace Apartments was inspired by the 2009 stop-motion animated film "Coraline," which was directed by Henry Selick and based on the story by Neil Gaiman.
More than 300 entries were received from schools, families, professionals and neighbors in at least 18 categories.
This year's entries will remain on display through Jan. 3 in the grand lobby of the historic City-County Building, 414 Grant St., in Downtown Pittsburgh.
The lobby is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends (via the Ross Street entry). The lobby will be closed on Christmas and New Year's Day.
To view the gallery online, where voting currently is taking place through Dec. 31 for the 2024 People's Choice Award, visit https://getinvolved.pittsburghpa.gov/gingerbread-house-competition.
The People's Choice Award will be announced shortly after the new year.
Residents invited to Foxwall EMS meeting
The Board of Directors of Foxwall EMS invites residents of Fox Chapel and Aspinwall to their annual public meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 21.
The meeting will be held at the station at 749 Hemlock Hollow Road in Fox Chapel.
For questions, contact Chief Ben Shopland at [email protected] or 412-963-6611.
Residents invited to help homeless vets; wrapping party set Dec. 21
Aspinwall Mayor Joe Noro is encouraging the community to participate in the borough's eighth year of providing holiday gifts to local veterans at Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard.
The public also is invited to a wrapping party for the veterans' gifts at 9 a.m. Dec. 21 at the Aspinwall Borough Building, 217 Commercial Ave. To participate, just show up -- and bring a friend, a pair of scissors and some wrapping paper.
Veterans Place serves to break the cycle of homelessness among veterans by offering transition services and resources to get them back into the community.
Last year, each of the veterans received a coat, hat, neck gaiter, gloves, wool socks, a sweatshirt and thermal undergarments.
This year, 45 veterans are on the roster.
In addition this year, Presents from Police will provide gifts for the veterans' children who are serviced by Veterans Place.
Anyone interested in donating can make a check payable to Veterans Place, noting Aspinwall Christmas Gifts in the memo line, and drop them off at the Aspinwall Borough Building, 217 Commercial Ave.
Donations also can be made online at veteransplaceusa.org by clicking the Donate button in the top menu. After completing the online form, type "Aspinwall Holiday Gifts" in the Additional Comment box.
Noro has noted on Facebook that 100% of the donations benefit the veterans.
Frontporch restaurant to close
Luke & Mike's Frontporch in Aspinwall announced Dec. 13 on Facebook that this will be its last season after 14 years in business.
The post invited patrons to stop by the restaurant at 235 Commercial Ave. to enjoy dinner and drinks one last time.
A goodbye bash is planned for Dec. 27 and 28.
The restaurant, housed in a former train station, is named for the sons of owners Billy and Sherri Rice.
For details, visit Luke & Mike's Frontporch on Facebook.
Blawnox selling ornament to mark 100 years
Celebrate 100 years of Blawnox, which was incorporated on April 13, 1925, with a commemorative ornament.
The ornaments, commissioned to recognize the borough's 100th anniversary, were produced by Wendell August Forge. They make great gifts for Christmas, birthdays or as a special memento.
The solid metal ornaments come in a cardboard Wendell Forge box with a plastic front, and includes a picture of the borough's logo on the ornament and a card with Blawnox history on the back.
The price is $26.75.
The ornaments are available for shipping for an additional fee of $8, or they can be picked up in person at the borough building, 376 Freeport Road.
To purchase, visit blawnox100.square.site.
Enrich your winter with adult education offerings
Fox Chapel Area Adult Education is keeping you on the move during this cold winter with at-home and in-person opportunities.
Availability is limited, but there still are plenty of options to enrich your winter, socialize with others and stay healthy throughout the season.
At-home live Zoom courses include exercise and strength training, French or Spanish language, creating "mocktails" for the holidays and oil painting with a virtual group.
Swimming classes take place the Fox Chapel Area High School pool. Whether it's lap swimming that you prefer, aqua exercise, swim lessons to learn or improve, we've got it for you. If it's family fun time you're looking for, we've got that, too. Bring the family, pay one flat rate, and enjoy some heated swim time with them at the pool. We've even got noodles and kickboards for you.
Other in-person courses include pottery and crochet. Beginning in January, hand building and wheel throwing will be taught by an experienced potter. A basic skills crochet class also is being taught this winter.
Class schedules and their respective fees can be viewed on Fox Chapel Area Adult Education's website at www.fcaae.org. In most cases, as long as there is space, it's not too late to sign up.
Water authority scheduling appointments to replace meters
The Fox Chapel Authority is working to replace customers' water meters.
The new Sensus iPERL water meters will be installed at no cost to the customer. The new meters no moving parts, therefore maintaining the accuracy of each meter for its 20-year lifespan. The new technology will enable FCA personnel to read the meters more efficiently.
The authority will be reaching out to customers to schedule appointments. The meter change-out generally takes about 30 minutes to complete, and the meter must be accessible for personnel to perform the task in a timely manner.
It is important for customers to have updated contact information, not only to schedule appointments for the meter replacement program, but also so the authority can notify customers in the event of an emergency.
To verify or update your information and to schedule an appointment if your meter has not been replaced, call the authority at 412-963-0212 or email [email protected].
Part-time temporary work available at water authority
The Fox Chapel Authority is looking to hire a part-time 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.
Here are additional requirements about the position:
* The job is 24 hours per week, with a schedule to be determined.
* Pay is $22 per hour, and health care benefits are not included.
* A high school education, a diploma or GED, is required.
The successful candidate also must show an aptitude for and interest in mechanical/technical task, must be able to comply with safety standards and practices, and must be able to communicate with others, specifically customers, in a friendly and supportive manner.
To apply, visit the Fox Chapel Authority's website at foxchapelwater.com, click on Jobs in the menu and scroll down to the Application for Employment link.
For inquiries by phone, call the office at 412-963-0212. Inquiries by email and completed job applications can be sent to [email protected].
District's students gearing up for 35th telethon Dec. 20
Students throughout the Fox Chapel Area School District are preparing for their 35th annual telethon at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 20.
The telethon raises money for Backpack for Hunger, which provides weekend food for students in need.
All six of the district's schools are participating -- Fairview, Hartwood, Kerr and O'Hara elementaries; Dorseyville Middle School; and Fox Chapel Area High School.
Student, teacher, parent and community representatives will make donations during the event. The public is invited to contribute online at https://backpackforhunger.org/donate/.
The telethon will be broadcast on the Swift Fox Media YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/@SwiftFoxMedia. Anyone can watch the telethon any time after it airs live. A telethon kickoff video now is available on the Swift Fox Media YouTube site.
The annual telethon is coordinated by the Fox Chapel Area High School Fox Leadership Council and the video production students of the high school who plan and produce the event.
SAVES selling Cash Bash tickets
Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services is planning its annual Cash Bash on Jan. 25 to give away $11,200 in prize money.
The event will be held at a new location: Cherry City Volunteer Fire Company's hall, 309 Davis Ave., in Shaler.
Only 500 tickets are available, but each ticket includes two numbers. Tickets are $50 each.
Food and refreshments will be served; no other refreshments are allowed.
Doors will open at 5 p.m., and tickets must be presented for admission. You do not have to be present to win.
To purchase a ticket, ask a SAVES member or go online at https://southern-allegheny-valley-emergency-services.square.site.
When you purchase online, you can choose to pick up your ticket or have it mailed to you for an additional $1. If you choose to pick up your ticket, you will receive an email notification when it is ready.
In the lead-up to the annual bash, SAVES is conducting a variety of smaller raffles to benefit the big event.
The first raffle, posted on Dec. 3, was for a $500 Amazon gift card; only 75 tickets were sold at $10 per ticket. Once a raffle's chances are sold, SAVES will do a Facebook Live to reveal the winner. Tickets for the smaller raffles also can be purchased online at the above square.site link. To follow these raffles, visit Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services on Facebook.
Snow angels sought for annual winter programs
Blawnox and Aspinwall are looking for volunteers to help their neighbors during the winter months.
The Best of Blawnox's Snow Angels program pairs older residents and residents with disabilities with nearby neighbors who volunteer to assist with snow and ice removal on their sidewalks and walkways.
To volunteer or apply for assistance, call 412-295-1638 or email [email protected].
The Aspinwall Neighbors Snow Angel program also connects volunteers with residents. The volunteer opportunity is open to residents 13 and older. High school students are encouraged to participate, and a certification of volunteer hours will be available.
To request a snow angel, Aspinwall residents must be 60 or older or have a physical disability. Anyone who is temporarily unable to handle snow removal because of illness or injury also may request a snow angel. To volunteer or request help, visit https://aspinwallneighbors.org/snow and click on the respective tab.
Dates set for 125th Christmas Bird Count
The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is holding its 125th annual Christmas Bird Count this year.
The remaining regional count dates and the contact person to reach out to for details are:
* Dec. 28: Pittsburgh, includes Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Road, Fox Chapel; Brian Shema at [email protected] or 412-963-6100
* Dec. 29: South Butler, includes Succop Nature Park; contact Chris Kubiak at [email protected] or 412-963-6100
The Christmas Bird Count is the world's longest-running citizen science project.
People of all ages and birding experience levels count birds that they see on the count date(s), then the data is compiled and used to measure changes in the environment and in bird populations. This wealth of information paints a clear picture of bird distribution and abundance while aiding in the understanding of the urgency of bird conservation.
Participation is free and prior experience is not necessary. New birdwatchers can be teamed up with experienced ones.
Interested participants can find a Christmas Bird Count training class on the Audubon Society's website at aswp.org. To find your closest bird count circle, visit https://gis.audubon.org/christmasbirdcount.
The Audubon Society encourages families to get their children involved with corresponding Kids' Christmas Bird Count programs.
At Beechwood Farms Nature Preserve, the family-friendly version of the count will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 28. A naturalist will serve as a guide. The outing is appropriate for school-age children, but they must be accompanied by an adult. To register, visit aswp.org and click on Calendar and the respective date in the menu.
Second Harvest wishlist available online
Second Harvest Community Thrift Store, 624 Clay St. in Sharpsburg, regulary curates and updates an Amazon Wishlist for items that are most often needed at its Community Free Fridge, which is open 24 hours a day, year round.
To access the list, visit secondharvestthrift.com/community-fridge and scroll down to the wishlist mention in the lower right corner. Items can be shipped directly to the store.
Items currently needed include Campbell's Chunky Soup, peanut butter and jelly, Jergens moisturizer, toothbrushes and toothpaste, feminine products, diapers and toilet paper.
Girl Scouts selling luminaria kits
Fox Chapel Girl Scout Troop 36333 is selling luminaria kits for neighborhoods to light up their yards, walkways and driveways on Dec. 24.
Each kit is $6 and includes five paper bags, five flameless battery-operated candles and enough sand to assemble the luminaria.
The deadline to order is Dec. 20, and all proceeds benefit the troop's camping trips, activities and a weekend at ACE Adventure Resort in West Virginia.
The Girl Scouts will prepare the kits and deliver them to your home by Dec. 23. All you have to do is set them out at dusk on Dec. 24 to transform the community into a festive wonderland.
Here are some details to keep in mind:
* Homes must be within the Fox Chapel Area School District.
* Once an order is paid for, no refunds will be given because the troop members will need to purchase supplies and start assembling the kits.
* If you are ordering the service for a house that is not yours, please have the homeowner's permission.
To place an order, visit https://tinyurl.com/mryc8knb.
Support group open to anyone who has lost loved one to overdose
Addiction Recovery Ministry hosts a grief support group at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays through the month of January at the John Paul I Center, 201 Ninth St., in Sharpsburg.
The group is open to anyone who has lost a loved one to an overdose. Attendees are welcome to share their experience, grief and healing.
Heating assistance available to low-income households
Thousands of eligible customers miss out on bill assistance by not applying for federal grants. With the winter season approaching, many income-eligible customers remain unaware of programs that can significantly reduce their energy bill.
Peoples Natural Gas, an essential utilities company, encourages its customers to take advantage of available resources to help offset winter heating costs.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), is now open for the 2024-25 heating season. LIHEAP is a federally funded assistance program that provides grants to eligible low-income households to help pay for heating costs. Grants start at $200 and may be higher based on income and the number of people living in the home.
To qualify for a LIHEAP grant, customers must have a total gross household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Customers do not have to be on public assistance or have an unpaid heating bill. LIHEAP is open to renters and homeowners. To learn more about the income limits and to apply, visit https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dhs.html, click on Services in the menu and search for LIHEAP.
In addition to LIHEAP, Peoples offers programs to help make energy-saving home improvements that reduce long-term costs. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call 1-800-400-WARM (9276) or visit peoples-gas.com/help to learn more.
American Legion scholarships open to students in grades 6-12
The Pennsylvania American Legion is taking entries for its annual essay contest. Winners will receive $3,500, $3,000 or $2,500 scholarships.
The contest is open to students in multiple categories: grades 6-12. Students can be from public, private, parochial, cyber/charter or homeschooled.
Students must submit their essay by mail or hand delivery to their local American Legion post by Jan. 8 for those in grades 9-12, and by Feb. 5 for those in grades 6-8. Complete rules and regulations are available at PA-legion.com/programs/student-and-youth/essay-program or by emailing [email protected].
The Legion also hosts an oratorical contest with scholarships offering $7,500, $5,000 and $4,000. That contest is open to those in grades 9-12. More information is available at legion.org/oratorical or by emailing [email protected].
Anti-litter award program offered for kids
Environmental nonprofit Keep America Beautiful is seeking entries from children in kindergarten through sixth grade for its Litter Hawk Youth Award Program.
Children are asked to complete a project sharing their hope, optimism and concerns about litter and inspire others through art, words or video.
The theme for the contest is "Join the Greatest American Cleanup! Show us how you can keep your community litter-free for America's 250th birthday."
Children in kindergarten through grade 4 can create a poster; those in grade 5 are asked to write an essay; and those in grade 6 can create a video.
The deadline to participate is Jan. 31. Winners will be announced in April as part of an awards ceremony at the state Capitol building in Harrisburg.
For an entry form, go to KeepPABeautiful.org/grants-awards/awards/litter-hawk, email [email protected] or call 724-836-4121, ext. 104.
Food, hygiene products sought for community fridge
Second Harvest is always in need of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, milk and cheese, canned goods, cereals and personal hygiene products for its Community Free Fridge in Sharpsburg.
The Community Free Fridge is an outdoor, full-size refrigerator, freezer and pantry area, stocked with perishable and nonperishable donated food items available to anyone who needs them. It is open 24/7 every day and is located in the parking lot area of Second Harvest, at 624 Clay St.
Lauri Ann West Community Center, as a proud sponsor of the initiative, serves as a drop-off location for goods. People can bring their donations to the center at 1220 Powers Run Road in O'Hara during normal operating hours, and staff members will deliver the items to Second Harvest.
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 [email protected].
Share your news, old photos in the Herald
The Herald welcomes submissions of community news and events for its briefs pages.
Please submit items for consideration at least two weeks before the event -- the earlier, the better.
Email events to Marje Horvath at [email protected] or mail them to Marje Horvath, Herald editor, 210 Wood St., Tarentum, PA 15084.
We also are looking to stir memories for the Then & Now feature, which showcases an old photo and shares the history behind it and what stands in its place today.
To submit a photo for the Then & Now feature, email reporter Tawnya Panizzi at [email protected].