Fox Chapel Area School District is gearing up for a special milestone—the fifth annual Community Safety, Health & Wellness Event. Mark your calendars for April 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year, the event will take place in the Aspinwall municipal parking lot.
Expect a fun-filled day with vendor booths, wellness screenings, a bike rodeo with local police, and even bike helmets for kids. There will also be food and free giveaways. Families can look forward to a touch-a-truck area, where kids can explore various emergency vehicles. Admission is totally free, and the event goes on rain or shine.
Local leaders are excited about celebrating five years of community engagement. Superintendent Mary Catherine Reljac expressed her joy about the event’s success. “It builds connections that strengthen our community,” she said. “I love seeing the children’s smiles.”
Coordinated by community engagement specialist Jill Leonard and Police Chief Joseph Kozarian, this event couldn’t happen without the support of local municipalities—Aspinwall, Blawnox, Fox Chapel, Sharpsburg, O’Hara, and Indiana Township—as well as various fire and EMS departments.
New this year are exciting vendors and mascots like Mr. Yuk from the Pittsburgh Poison Center and Chase from Paw Patrol. Pro Bike+Run will offer free bike repairs and inspections. Other participating organizations include UPMC St. Margaret hospital, Project Lifesaver, and the Fox Chapel Hockey Club. Leonard noted the demand for participation is high as they finalize the list of vendors.
Aspinwall Police Chief Dave Nemec emphasized the family-like bond among local first responders. He highlighted the community’s spirit, stating, “This is an event we look forward to every year. It shows how knitted together our community is.” Instead of manning booths, officers will mingle with families, making connections more personal.
Interestingly, this year marks Aspinwall Mayor Scott Zimmermann’s first wellness event. He will continue the tradition of serving popcorn at the entrance, excited to chat with families and take part in the festivities.
Recent surveys show that community events like this can significantly improve local relationships and enhance public trust in first responders. According to the National League of Cities, nearly 70% of people feel more connected to their community after attending local events. It’s clear that gatherings like this one foster neighborhood ties and a sense of belonging.
If you’re in the area, consider stopping by for a day of fun and community connection.
