Monroeville area: Long rifle presentation, Pitcairn Night Market, blood drives, more

Email news briefs to pvarine@triblive.com or bpoole@triblive.com.

Speaker will discuss Pa. long rifle’s history

The Monroeville Public Library and Historical Society will co-host a presentation on the Pennsylvania long rifle from 7 to 8:30 p.m. April 22 at the Elaine Biondi Gallery Space. Presenter Doug Plance will discuss the importance of the long rifle and demonstrate some of the materials used in its construction.

According to Plance, the presentation will explain “how the charcoal iron industry influenced the development of the Pennsylvania long rifle.”

Introduced in the early 1700s, this revolutionary firearm is linked to many technological and social developments. It also permitted early settlers to hunt more effectively and later, to fight the English during the Revolutionary War.

“We’re very grateful to have Doug Plance come to introduce us to a part of Pennsylvania history,” said Cory Little, the library’s head of adult programming. This was a piece of technology that was pivotal for our region, as well as for the development of the U.S.”

The presentation is open to the public. Register online at monroevillelibrary.org or call 412-372-0500. For more, email littlec2@monroevillelibrary.org.

The library is at 4000 Gateway Campus Blvd.

Pitcairn Night Market open to all ages

Pitcairn will host Night Market from 6 to 9 p.m. April 26 on Broadway Street from Dan’s Floral to Dick’s Sports Bar. The all-ages event is open to the public.

This is the sixth year for the borough’s Night Market, held in April and September. The goal is to promote and encourage shopping locally in a welcoming, family-­friendly environment.

Vendor items for purchase include craft and handmade pieces, jewelry, baked goods, carved and engraved items and dog treats. There also will be a cat rescue with animals for adoption.

In addition to the vendors, there will be food trucks and live music from the band Warehouse 11, set up on the Park Building’s side porch.

Several Vitalant blood drives planned in April

April is National Donate Life Month, and Vitalant is hosting a series of blood drives in Pittsburgh’s east suburbs. Drives will take place in the following locations:

• April 18: Redeemer Lutheran School, 121 Dawn Drive, Verona, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• April 21: Our Lady of Joy Roman Catholic Church, 2000 O’Block Drive, Plum, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• April 22: Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, 1855 One Wild Place, Pittsburgh, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All donors who opt in to the donor rewards program will be entered into a drawing for 20 winners of $420 gift cards as part of the “Blaze a Trail” giveaway. To schedule an appointment, visit Vitalant.com or call 877-258-4825.

Local author talk at Murrysville library

Local author and freelance writer Leslie Savisky of Penn Township will host a discussion about self-publishing at 6 p.m. April 23 at the Murrysville Community Library.

Savisky is the author of two novels, “Other People’s Words” and “Almost Too Late,” and is at work on her third novel. Discussion topics will include:

• How Savisky took traumatic events from her childhood and used creativity to turn them into her first novel.

• Her personal writing and self-­publishing journey.

• An overview of Amazon Kindle’s Direct Publishing system.

• How to market a self-published book and gain exposure as an independent author.

• The pros and cons of self-publishing.

Savisky will have copies of her books for sale. Register for the free event at MurrysvilleLibrary.org or call 724-327-1102.

PennDOT plans hiring event next week

PennDOT will host a hiring event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 23 at its Allegheny County office, 51 Fox Chapel Road, O’Hara.

On-the-spot interviews and conditional job offers may be offered, so applicants should bring two valid forms of identification. Driving skills tests also will take place throughout the day. CDL operators must have a valid state CDL Class A or B license with no restrictions and a current medical examiner certificate.

There are full-time opportunities as well as seasonal opportunities for highway maintenance, summer students, transportation equipment operation and an engineering internship.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, as well as sick and annual leave.

For those who are unable to attend the event, PennDOT lists available positions at tinyurl.com/4epyk6js. For a list of all state jobs, visit careers.employment.pa.gov.

Manor plant swap open to all gardeners

The first-ever Manor Borough Plant Swap will take place from 9 a.m. to noon May 18 at the Manor Borough Community Room, library and parking lot, 44 Main St.

The event is free and open to gardeners of all experience levels. The morning will include children’s activities, information booths and a garden-themed raffle. It will be held rain or shine.

Registration forms for participants are due May 11.

For more, email manorboroughplantswap@gmail.com.

Free mountain biking session

The PA Interscholastic Cycling League will host an April 17 “Mountain Bike Try-It” event open to all Gateway students entering grades 6-12 who are interested in learning more about the Gateway Mountain Biking Team.

It will be at 6 p.m. at Moss Side Middle School, 9000 Gateway Campus Blvd. in Monroeville. Discover mountain biking through games and activities. No experience needed. Participants should bring a bike and helmet.

For more, email jpottinger@gatewayk12.org.