Home Care In Fox Chapel, PA

“Springtime in Paris,” the 2023 fundraiser of the Women’s Board of Pittsburgh, will benefit four children’s charities this year — the most ever in one year for the Fox Chapel-based group.

The April event brought in more than $83,000, according to the nonprofit.

Grant recipients include Earthen Vessels Outreach, Foster Love Project, Joy Riders and the Will Allen Foundation.

“The mission of the Women’s Board is to support the welfare and development of children in the Greater Pittsburgh area,” said Lisa Bowden, publicity chair.

“The mission was carried out again this year when we awarded grants to four wonderful nonprofits.”

Earthen Vessels Outreach is a Bloomfield group that provides before- and after-school care and summer camps for economically disadvantaged children.

It will receive $12,000 for art supplies and STEM-related projects.

Director John McCombs said his group stretches the dollars to make the most impact on kid campers.

“We’ve bought some music supplies, percussion-type things and whistles — not expensive things, but items that give the kids hands-on experiences,” he said.

He also has purchased arts and crafts supplies and put some of the money toward “soft spaces” with bean bags and stress toys where children can relax and decompress.

“We’re putting the funds to good use,” McCombs said. “It’s a huge blessing to have this money to plan for purchases. We’ve always just gotten by with what we could.”

The Foster Love Project, based in Wilkinsburg, provides a free shopping experience for children in the foster care system.

“This important program allows children to choose new and gently used clothing, shoes, toys and toiletries since many of them often enter foster care with nothing but the clothes that they are wearing,” Bowden said.

The Women’s Board awarded the group $25,000.

Joy Riders of Pittsburgh received $10,000 toward its mission of giving bike rides to physically and mentally disabled people who are unable to operate a bike themselves.

Joy Riders travel along the river trails on the North Side of Pittsburgh, using special bikes that allow unobstructed views of the river and surrounding area.

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Volunteers ride along with the special bike as spotters to alert other bikers, walkers and runners to clear a path, Bowden said.

“Currently, Joy Riders has only one bike to be used to give both children and adults rides. The money will be used to purchase a second bike to be used just for children,” she said.

“This wonderful project truly gives a fun and joyful experience.”

The Will Allen Foundation is a nonprofit started by former Pittsburgh Steeler Will Allen. The foundation raises money for three programs to help economically challenged children: a holiday giving project, a backpack supply program and Quest for Success.

“Allen asked the Women’s Board for funding for Quest for Success, an intensive program that partners with high schools to help underserved students with robotics training, health and wellness, life skills and civic engagement/community service,” Bowden said.

The group awarded the Will Allen Foundation $35,000.

To finance these awards, the Women’s Board hosted a French-inspired fundraiser with fashion, fresh flowers and food at the Fox Chapel Golf Club.

“Our event is made possible by the hard work and dedication of our amazing members,” co-chair Michelle Gleason said.

“We are so grateful for the support of our sponsors, retailers and attendees.”

The Women’s Board boasts about 70 members. Founded in 1992, it has raised more than $1.3 million for underserved children, with previous grants paying for science programs, weekend food packages, fitness sessions and birthday presents for homeless children.

In 2022, the fundraiser brought in $73,000 shared among 412 Boxing, Project Theia and Propel Schools Homestead.

Tawnya Panizzi is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tawnya by email at [email protected] or via Twitter .

In Maya folklore, it is believed that hummingbirds connect the earthly and heavenly realms.

When the new Tepache Mexican Kitchen & Bar in O’Hara opens this fall on Freeport Road, hummingbirds will be featured prominently throughout the space.

“We are building a bridge between Mexico and Pittsburgh,” said Kayla Welch, one of four co-partners at Tepache. “Bridges are important in Pittsburgh. We want to make connections between cultures and people.”

They will also be trying to bridge the gap left when after 20 years, Atria’s restaurant at that location closed.

This will be the second Tepache location. The first, in Marshall, opened in October 2021. The owners had been looking to expand and found out through their realtor David Glickman with Keystone Real Estate Advisors that the space was available.

Tepache is authentic elevated Mexican cuisine, said Welch, who is co-partners with husband Jovanny Segoviano from La Isla, Jalisco, Mexico; Chuy Segoviano, her brother-in-law from La Isla, Jalisco, Mexico; and her father Joe Welch, from Utica, N.Y.

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The term Tepache means a fermented pineapple drink native to southern Mexico made with ginger, honey and cinnamon.

Head chef Pato Pérez is from the Tzotzil Maya community of San Juan Chamula, Chiapas, Mexico. Some of his dishes are family recipes.

Popular dishes include Tinga Tostadas, a customer favorite, Welch said — three crispy tostadas topped with slow-cooked pulled chipotle chicken, crema, lettuce, queso fresco, cilantro and avocado.

The Sikil Pa’ak is from the cuisine of southern Mexico. It is a creamy dip made of roasted pepitas (pumpkin seed), fresh orange juice, lime, cloves and garlic and served with house-made tortilla chips.

Elotes to share is the ultimate Mexican street food. It has tender ears of corn covered in mayo, queso cotija, and lime-infused Tajín, split and speared for easy sharing.

Elotes to share is the ultimate Mexican street food, Welch said. Tender ears of corn are covered in mayo, queso cotija, and lime-infused Tajín, split and speared for easy sharing.

They plan to be open seven days a week and are working on events such as live music and tequila tastings.

A young buck in the Fox Chapel area got itself in a jam a few weeks ago when it somehow got its neck stuck in a plastic animal feeder.

It has been spotted by area residents with the container still around its neck.

O’Hara resident Melissa Marlo said she has encountered the deer over the past month during her morning walks between Field Club Road and Driftwood Drive.

Courtesy of Melissa Marlo

“He’s always been friendly and doesn’t appear to be bothered by the situation,” Marlo said. “I’m happy to see that he’s usually with other deer.”

Marlo contacted the Pennsylvania Game Commission to report her sightings.

Seth Mesoras, a game commission spokesman, confirmed game wardens are trying to help the deer but have been unsuccessful in getting close enough to tranquilize it so they can safely remove the plastic bucket.

“Although it may be uncomfortable to see, the deer is eating and drinking, and mobile and socializing,” he said. “Although unfortunate, it’s not prohibiting the deer now.”

Mesoras said the deer is healthy and in no immediate danger, but he said that could change.

The bucket could slide farther up the deer’s neck and prevent it from eating.

Mesoras is unsure of the exact circumstances that befell the deer, but said it appears the deer was trying to go after food inside an outdoor chicken feeder and got its head stuck.

Mesoras said the unlucky deer is a young buck with some antler growth. It appears to be younger than 2 years old.

“What happened to this deer is pretty common,” he said. “Our officers in the 10-county region see wildlife get into awkward situations, and Allegheny and Westmoreland counties are the most populated. We get the most reports from there.”

State Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Fox Chapel, has joined efforts to help free the buck from its predicament.

Steele, a member of the Pennsylvania Game and Fish Committee, also contacted the state game commission when she was alerted to the deer’s situation.

“They will work to track and tranquilize the deer and safely remove the contraption,” Steele said Wednesday.

Residents have posted photos of the deer on several private Facebook groups in an effort to pinpoint its location.

Mesoras urged the public not to interact with the deer, or any wild animal.

“Don’t take matters into your own hands,” Mesoras said. “Don’t put your hands on a wild animal.”

To report a sighting of the deer, call the game commission at 833-742-9453.

Joyce Hanz is a TribLive reporter covering the Alle-Kiski Valley. A native of Charleston, S.C., she graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at [email protected]

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Categories: Editor's Picks | Fox Chapel Herald | Local | Valley News Dispatch

FOX CHAPEL, Pa. (KDKA) -- Students at Kerr Elementary School in Fox Chapel are making a difference during their second annual volunteer fair.

The nonprofit Backpack for Hunger is the featured charity organization at the Kerr Elementary Volunteer Fair. The idea for the fair actually came from Fox Chapel high schooler Zach Ferguson last year.

Before they packed up the food to distribute, they gathered donations, adding all of them up on a board in the hall.

It is important work. Lisa Bowden, the president of Backpack for Hunger, knows. She's volunteered in many ways since she was a teen.

"It doesn't take anything but being yourself to get out and volunteer. Just some hands. You can say, 'can I help you?' to your parents, siblings, to a friend. That's all it takes, but it can make a big difference," Bowden said.

Young leaders like Emily, Madelyn and Katherine are already getting the message, thanks to Backpack for Hunger and the other nonprofits that shared how they serve others too. Several were on hand to show the students all kinds of ways they can contribute their time, energy and helping hands.

"Not a bunch of people have as much as I do and then it makes me feel grateful I have enough," said fourth grader Katherine O'Hara.

"It makes me feel good because I feel important, like I'm helping others that need help," said fifth grader Madelyn Burgess.

Kym Gable

Kym came to KDKA in 2006 from FOX 53. You can see her behind the anchor desk with Stacy Smith during the 4 and 6-o'clock newscasts.

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(TNS) — A tech-savvy team of teens are on a mission to help close the digital divide — one person at a time.

Technology Trained by Teens is a nonprofit created last year by Fox Chapel Area High School junior David Feder of Indiana Township.

Students from Fox Chapel Area High School volunteer their time and talents outside school hours to anyone who needs a helping hand navigating the cyber/tech/digital world.

Feder was inspired to do so when his grandmother required his assistance to learn how to set up her new television.

The nonprofit is not affiliated with the school district.

"I wondered, 'How many other people need help learning how to use their television?'" Feder said. "From that day, I knew it was imperative to help offer support to those who need it."

David's sister, Mikayla, a freshman, handles social media for the nonprofit.

"Just take your time, and we're here for a reason: to help," Mikayla said. "There's a need. There's a lot of people that don't feel comfortable reaching out to their family members, and they don't want to bother them."

To date, the volunteers have assisted nearly 100 people with their technology needs.

There is no fee for the service and tipping is not allowed.

Most requests come from senior citizens, but anyone can seek help.

Adam Ferris, a junior from Fox Chapel, decided to volunteer after jokingly running an IT desk to help out family members.

"We just figured there was a better way to solve this," said Ferris, who is particularly interested in computer programming.

"We don't have to always be in person helping," Ferris said.

In addition to the Feders and Ferris, the volunteer roster includes Ben Werner, Andrew Wagner, Aiden Dorneich and Murugan Ayyanar.

Services provided include hourlong personalized seminars to fit the needs of a group or individual, one-on-one technology training sessions (in person or via Zoom) and a technology help hotline.

Summer seminars have been held at several retirement communities: Lighthouse Point Village in Fox Chapel, Hampton Fields Village in Hampton and Harmony at Harts Run in Glenshaw.

Topics covered include smartphone tips, iPhone settings, WhatsApp, Uber and Uber Eats, Amazon, scams and Internet safety, social media such as Facebook, email, texting, basic technology questions, FaceTime and using Apps.

"I won't pretend like we know everything. We use trial and error and Google searches."

Volunteers travel to senior homes and private residences to help people. Sessions at the Cooper-Siegel Community Library and on Zoom also are offered.

Murugan Ayyanar of Aspinwall recalled one session where he helped a senior citizen download a solitaire app.

"We helped her, and she was so happy. It was a great feeling," Ayyanar said. "To see someone so joyful over such a small thing, it's a great feeling in general."

Mikayla Feder said the benefits from volunteering are many, including having nonprofit/volunteering experience on their college application portfolios.

"I want to major in business, specifically marketing, so handling the social media is good experience for me," she said.

"Our end goal for this organization is a bit lofty but we want to close the digital divide. We'd love to have other people join in and volunteer," Ferris said.

Fox Chapel resident Ron Schmeiser, 92, is a retired accountant who needed assistance with his television and cellphone.

"I follow the stock market closely, and he helped me with that on my phone. It was marvelous. They're so smart," Schmeiser said. "Next, I want to order Apple movies, and they will help me. I wanted to pay him them but he wouldn't take it. I have only positive things to say about them."

To volunteer, email [email protected].

To schedule a tech appointment, call 412-204-7490.

©2023 The Valley News-Dispatch (Tarentum, Pa.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.