911 Chili Showdown victory goes to: Fire! They brought the heat with volunteer firefighter Patrick McRee’s signature recipe, which featured grilled teriyaki skirt steak and roasted peppers, as part of the Uptown Winter Market & Holiday Celebration. MLFD received 50 percent of the votes, followed by MRTSA and MLPD.

“I’m honored to have been part of bringing people together, in the spirit of good fun over great food, in this special community to benefit charities like Toys for Tots,” said McRee.

To commemorate the win, the fire department received a homemade trophy (a chili pot), engraved with their winning year. The trophy will stay with them until next year’s competition, where it will be bestowed upon the next chili connoisseur.   

Unhoused Kits Initiative MRTSA is collecting donations to stock their ambulances with care packages for unhoused people. The kits include nonperishable food, winter clothing and personal hygiene items. Visit their website, mrtsa.com.

Tax season MLPD recommends direct deposit for tax returns, since mailed checks can be easily identified and stolen. For more info on a recent uptick in mailbox thefts, and how to protect your information, visit
mtlebanon.org/scams.

AAA East Central awarded the Mt. Lebanon Police Department with the Platinum Award — the highest recognition from the Community Traffic Safety Awards, which honors police departments for outstanding and innovative traffic safety programs. Theresa Podguski, director of legislative affairs for AAA East Central, said the selected police departments have “gone above and beyond their call of duty to make their community a safer place for motorists and residents.”

Mt. Lebanon launched its latest pedestrian and traffic safety campaign in 2024: PACE Yourselves, Lebo. PACE stands for Pedestrian, Automobile, Cyclist, Everyone. It underscores the responsibility of everyone on the road to keep each other safe.

Spring safety As the sun makes its way back into Pittsburgh, many will begin spring cleaning, spending more time outdoors and prepping lawns and gardens. Here are a few tips to keep in mind this season:

• Ventilate indoor spaces when cleaning with chemicals. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air circulation.
• Insects become more active in the spring. Watch for nests. Wear long sleeves and use insect repellent outdoors to prevent tick bites.
• It’s slippy aht there! Wear shoes with good traction, especially when walking in muddy or uneven areas.
• Remember that massive storm we had last spring that knocked out the power for up to a week? Be prepared if bad weather strikes again. Keep a go-bag in your home with essentials, including bottled water, nonperishable food, flashlights, battery operated AM/FM radio, extra batteries, portable cell phone charger, first aid kit, paper street maps, back-up medical supplies and equipment and pet supplies.

Safe walking tip Remain alert for vehicles, including bicycles, that may be passing a stopped vehicle.