Health Update: Fox Chapel Area School District, community partners prepare for 5th annual health and wellness event – What Experts Say

A community event launched by Fox Chapel Area School District is about to hit a milestone.

The fifth annual free Community Safety, Health & Wellness Event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18 in the Aspinwall municipal parking lot.

The event will feature vendor booths, a touch-a-truck area, wellness screenings, bike helmets for children and other giveaways, a bike rodeo with police, car seat checks, food and more.

It’s being presented by the district and its school resource officers in conjunction with the district’s municipalities — Aspinwall, Blawnox, Fox Chapel, Sharpsburg, O’Hara and Indiana Township — and their police departments.

Local fire and EMS departments also are expected to participate.

Admission is free. The event will take place rain or shine.

Fox Chapel Area Superintendent Mary Catherine Reljac said she and others in the district are excited to celebrate five years of helping families and making memories with many community partners.

“The event is always fun, and it builds connections that strengthen our community,” Reljac said March 23. “I love seeing the children’s smiles and enjoying time with our neighbors.”

The event is co-coordinated by district community engagement specialist Jill Leonard and district police Chief Joseph Kozarian.

“It’s an event that I look forward to every year to highlight the importance of our local first responders,” Leonard said. “We’re so grateful for the spirit of collaboration with municipalities and police officers. That spirit of collaboration defines the event and makes it possible every year.”

There are a few new vendors and mascots that signed up, including Mr. Yuk from the Pittsburgh Poison Center and Chase from Paw Patrol.

Pro Bike+ Run will do free bike repairs and inspections.

Other community partners include Fox Families Care, UPMC St. Margaret hospital, UPMC Children’s Hospital, Foxwall EMS, Project Lifesaver, Fox Chapel Hockey Club, Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream, the state police and Aspinwall Tee Ball.

Leonard said they are still finalizing the list, and there is a huge demand to be involved with the event.

She referenced Mister Rogers’ famous quote to “Look for the helpers” when thanking Aspinwall for hosting the event.

“It’s such an integral event that it doesn’t feel like five years,” Leonard said. “Aspinwall’s a very walkable community and we appreciate that about Aspinwall. We appreciate all the cooperation Aspinwall has shown us.”

Event planning started in January.

Between 300 to 500 people are expected to participate.

Aspinwall police Chief Dave Nemec said his department is eager to participate again. He said all of the Fox Chapel-area first responders are like family.

“There’s different events that come up,” Nemec said March 26. This is one that we look forward to. I think it’s a good fit because we’re a nice knitted community.

“The thing is, it’s not just our officers. We have surrounding community officers come down and help out.”

Nemec said his officers will be roaming and mingling with families instead of manning booths like they did in previous years.

One of the more popular activities the chief recalled was having the various emergency vehicles for families to explore.

This will be the first wellness event for Aspinwall Mayor Scott Zimmermann. The hosting mayor has traditionally prepared and served popcorn near the borough building’s entrance.

Zimmermann on March 25 said he will continue that tradition and looks forward to chatting with families.