Community Ink
Cristina Rouvalis and Lydia Wayman, local authors of the middle-grade book “Snoopers and Sneakers,” will be at Cooper-Siegel Community Library at 10 a.m. April 12 to talk about their book and collaboration. Wayman will also share personal experiences of what it was like growing up undiagnosed as autistic and how she never saw herself represented in books. “Snoopers and Sneakers” is about two Pittsburgh sixth graders. The authors will read excerpts from the book that will introduce you to the book’s main characters: Jane, a cat-obsessed autistic girl, and Ashley, a dethroned social butterfly.
There will be time for questions and discussions and attendees can buy the book and have it signed.
Register online at coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org or call 412-828-9520.
Brian Demchak Hope Challenge
Registration is open for the St. Margaret Foundation Brian Demchak Hope Challenge & Paws for Patients. New this year is the invitation to have your pets participate for a bandanna and a chance at prizes. The event runs May 11-17. Complete the event at your convenience, your way. Do so with people or pets you enjoy while filling in the gaps with hope for patients and employees at St. Margaret Hospital. Choose your own route outside, or on a treadmill, on the dance floor, or in a pool to complete a virtual 5K at 3.1 miles or a distance you prefer. Run, bike, walk, swim or play racket sports for those who can’t.
There will again be a Lunchtime Wellness Walk in RIDC O’Hara on May 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. New in 2025 is an invitation for registrants to include their pets in their challenge and be entered to win the Paws for Patients Cutest Pet Contest, judged by a team of nurses at UPMC St. Margaret.
The first 200 participants will receive a race shirt and a finisher’s medal. Register by April 18 to ensure your preferred T-shirt size. Those fundraising online to help fill in the gaps with hope for patients and employees receive free registration if they raise $50.
Designate your participation in honor or memory of someone special with a free wind spinner personalized by the Foundation and displayed in the hospital courtyard.
For more information or to register, visit stmargaretfoundation.org/challenge or call 412-784-4205.
Spaghetti dinner
A spaghetti dinner fundraiser to benefit Addiction Recovery Ministry will be from 2 to 7 p.m. April 6 at the John Paul I Center, 201 Ninth St. in Sharpsburg. Menu includes spaghetti and meatballs, salad, bread, dessert and drink. Cost is $15. There will be a Steeler memorabilia silent auction, basket raffle and 50/50. For Tickets, contact Rosemarie at 412-378-9290 or rhaasarm@gmail.com.
SAVES Fish Fry
The Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services will be having its annual fish fry on Good Friday, April 18 from 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. at a new location this year — Camp Guyausta, 300 23rd St. in Sharpsburg.
Eat-in, take-out or delivery is available. Menu items include fish sandwiches, shrimp baskets, pierogies and more.
Orders can be placed online or over the phone (online ordering is available until 8 p.m. Thursday and phone ordering is available until 3 p.m. Friday).
To place an order, call 412-680-4349.
Blawnox egg hunt
Best of Blawnox will hosts its annual Easter egg hunt from 1-3 p.m. April 14 at Blawnox Community Park. Participants should bring their own baskets or bags for the hunt. No registration is required.
Cleanup Day planned
Blawnox Earth Day cleanup is planned from 9 a.m. to noon on April 26. Volunteers are encouraged to gather at the borough building in the morning to grab gloves and bags before heading out. No registration is required.
Volunteer openings available
Sharpsburg is looking for volunteers for holiday events, grant research, parks and recreation, tree plantings and more.
There is a QR code on the borough website that sends people to a form so they can specify their interests and highlight their skills. More information is available at sharpsburgborough.com.
Summer camp
registration
This summer, Lauri Ann West Community Center will offer 10 exciting weeks of camp, each featuring a different theme, from June 9 to Aug. 15.
Every Friday, in addition to Kona Ice, there will be special programs. Two new programs this summer will be Dominic the Magician and a “Fire and Ice” show by Mad Science. Campers signed up for the Mad Science specialty camp that week will join our full-day camp for the “Fire and Ice” Show.
For more information or to register, visit lauriannwestcc.org/summer-camps-2025.
Fox Families Care Gala
Fox Families Care, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families in need, is holding its Swing Into Spring Annual Gala on April 11 at Fox Chapel Golf Club. The evening aims to raise vital funds for programs that provide essential resources, financial assistance and educational opportunities to families facing hardship in the community.
The specially themed Casino Night promises an unforgettable night of philanthropy while testing luck at a variety of classic casino table games, including blackjack, poker, roulette and craps. Attendees will receive chips to try their hand at the games while enjoying delicious food and drinks, music and entertainment and raffle prizes. Throughout the evening, guests will hear inspiring stories from families who have benefited from Fox Families Care’s initiatives.
“We are thrilled to host this event once again and bring together our community to support a cause that truly makes a difference,” said Paulette O’Donnell, President of Fox Families Care. “Every dollar raised goes directly toward providing critical support for children and families who need it most. Helping our community isn’t just about providing resources; its about giving them hope and opportunities to thrive.”
Tickets for the event are available now, with sponsorship opportunities also open for businesses and individuals looking to make a meaningful impact.
For more information, tickets, or sponsorship opportunities, visit foxfamiliescare.org.
Tee ball registration
Aspinwall Tee Ball is announcing its third season for children aged 3-8. Games will start on June 14 and run for 10 Saturdays with an optional Under the Lights game at the end of the season. New this year is a more experienced group for ages 6-8, which will start the season on a tee, but will graduate to coach pitch within a few weeks. Ages 3-6 with little to no experience will continue to use the tee.
Registrations will began April 1. Fee is $30 per child. Aspinwall residency is not required.
There will be an open house on April 14 from 6-8 p.m. at the Aspinwall Borough Building for in-person questions and registrations. The registration form can be found on the Aspinwall Tee Ball Facebook page or you can register in-person at the Borough Building during business hours. Deadline to register is May 5.
Fox Chapel Day
The fifth annual Fox Chapel Day is planned for noon-4 p.m. June 14 at McCahill Park.
Activities include a petting zoo, ice sculpture demonstrations, food vendors, pony rides, a trackless train and bounce houses.
Local community organizations will have informational and activity booths.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Call Sgt. Craig Sorg at 412-850-5025 or email csorg@fox-chapel.us for more information.
Fill a bag sale
Dress for Success Pittsburgh is hosting its 2025 FAB (Fill-a-Bag) fundraiser sale at its warehouse in Sharpsburg (126 23rd St.) April 10-12. The event is the perfect opportunity to shop amazing bargains while supporting local women who are entering and returning to the workforce.
Purchase an empty shopping bag and fill it with as many fabulous items as possible from a wide selection of overstock inventory. From professional attire and business casual clothing to vintage finds and holiday party dresses, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, proceeds from the sale support Dress for Success Pittsburgh in purchasing needed items not commonly donated, such as steel-toed boots and medical scrubs.
Cost of the bag ranges from $33-$75 depending on the day.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit dfspgh.org.
Caregiver Coffee Hour
Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, 384 Fox Chapel Road, hosts a Caregiver Coffee Hour the last Friday of every month from 10-11 a.m. It is an opportunity to give and receive support from other caregivers through conversation, sharing of ideas and prayer. For more information, call Nikki Rosswog at 412-963-8466.
Women’s Board of Pittsburgh event
All You Need is Love, hosted by the Women’s Board of Pittsburgh, is set for May 1 at the Pittsburgh Field Club. The event will feature cocktails, dinner, a fashion show and auction. Beneficiaries are the Children’s Club of Pittsburgh and the Homeless Children’s Education Fund. Tickets are $200 and can be purchased at love2025.givesmart.com.
To have your news or event listed in our briefs section, email editor Katie Green at kgreen@triblive.com.
