Ice reminder
Allegheny County police issued a warning this week for people not to use iced-over North Park Lake for recreations other than ice fishing.
“Hiking, ice skating or playing hockey on the ice is strictly prohibited and violations to the county ordinance are punishable by a fine of up to $300,” said Lt. Scott Scherer, the county’s District 3 commander.
Scherer said the ice covering the lake isn’t safe for sporting activities such as skating and hockey.
“Our officers do not enjoy being the ‘fun police’ but they have been talking to the youth and explaining to them why we cannot allow it,” Scherer said.
The lieutenant said people caught on the ice have heeded the warnings from officers and that no citations have been issued.
Personal care
items needed
North Hills Community Outreach is hosting a collection drive until April 19 to collect personal care items for needy people.
The most needed items include disposable razors and shave cream; shampoo, conditioner, body wash, unscented hand soap and lotion; toothpaste, brushes and floss; deodorant; washcloths; and lip balm.
Donations can be dropped off on weekdays from 9 am. to 4 p.m. at the charity’s three locations and from 9 a.m. to noon at the Allison Park location on the first Saturday of the month.
NHCO’s main office is located at 1975 Ferguson Road in Allison Park. There also are offices in the Millvale Community Center at 416 Lincoln Ave., 2nd floor in Millvale; and at Greenstone Methodist Church, 939 California Ave. in Avalon.
Girl Scout cookies remain available
Still haven’t satisfied your fix for Girl Scout cookies?
Scouts will be selling boxes of Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs and the other varieties at The Block Northway along McKnight Road starting Feb. 27.
Cookies will be sold on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 21.
The Scout will be set up between the Land’s End and DSW shoe stores.
Land use webinar
Marshall Township is hosting a webinar at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 for people interested in learning more about land development issues.
Township officials said a number of the people who responded to a questionnaire about the municipality’s Implementable Comprehensive Plan being developed “expressed a desire to preserve the natural character and resources of the township’s western side in light of development pressure.”
The webinar will be conducted via Zoom and will address the question of how to balance property development rights with the public’s interest in conservation.
More information about the event and how to attend is available on the township website.
Summer camp
Registration is open for Camp Cranberry, which runs June 7 to Aug. 20 for children 5 through 15 years old from any community.
The camp focuses on developing physical, social and decision-making skills; promoting self-confidence and having fun. Camps are split into four age groups: Mini Movers, Little Achievers, Youth Camp and Future Leaders.
There will be weekly themes for younger campers such as outer space, dinosaurs, animals, science and storybook classics.
Older campers will learn about their natural surroundings, how to express themselves creatively and inventing games and activities.
Some of the camp activities will be held at the township’s water park.
Full-day camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There also are half-day camps for younger children. Lunch and extended care also will be available.
Cranberry also is offering swimming lessons for all age groups.
There are group lessons, Saturday classes, sessions for preschool kids and parent and child aquatics. Private lessons also are available.
For more information, visit cranberrytownship.org.
McCandless activities committee
The Town of McCandless is seeking applicants to fill an unexpired term on the Activities Advisory Committee that runs through September.
The committee was created to develop opportunities for community engagement through recreation, games, activities, the arts, music, educational and social gatherings.
The committee also studies parks and recreation opportunities and strategies and makes recommendations to council on matters of policy, practices and capital improvement priorities.
To apply, fill out the online application and email it to administration@
townofmccandless.org.
Applications also can be mailed or hand-delivered to Town of McCandless, 9955 Grubbs Road, Wexford, PA 15090.
The deadline to apply is March 12 at 5 p.m.
Fees waived for
late sewer bills
Ross Township officials said they have received complaints from residents who got late invoices for sewer bills mailed from Jordan Tax Service.
The township was informed by the tax collection agency that the bills were tied up with the U.S. Postal Service following a covid-19 outbreak among employees.
Jordan told township officials that any late fees or interest charged because of the late bills will be waived.
Summer work in Marshall parks
Marshall’s parks and recreation department is accepting applications for full-time seasonal staff to maintain park grounds May through August at a starting rate of $10/hour. Responsibilities include trimming weeds, maintaining trails and cleaning restrooms, playgrounds and rental facilities.
Applicants typically work 40 hours per week but flexible scheduling is available if requested. Some weekend work required.
Applicants must be 18 years old and have a driver’s license.
Call the municipal building for more information or to request an application at 724-935-3090 Ext. 214.
Grants available for West View Water customers
West View Waste Water is offering assistance for customers who are delinquent and make at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Eligible customers can receive grants for $200 every six months. Contact the Dollar Energy Fund at 1-888-282-6816 or see dollarenergy.com to determine your eligibility. North Hills communities served by the water authority are Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, Marshall, McCandless, Pine, Ross and West View.
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.
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