Email news briefs and event listings to pvarine@triblive.com or bpoole@triblive.com.
Toy drive
AY Beauty in Monroeville is collecting toys for its first community toy drive in partnership with Lean On Me, which organizes support groups for single mothers.
Donations are due by Nov. 30 and can be dropped off at the store, 100 Boyce Park Drive in Monroeville.
For more, call 412-557-8813 or email leanonme412@gmail.com.
Women’s self-defense course
Sunnie Vibes Studio Yoga & Wellness in White Oak will partner with PDS Personal Defense Systems to host a monthlong course on women’s self-defense.
It will take place at 5:30 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 17 to Dec. 8 at 1206 Ohio Avenue in White Oak. Classes will cover topics including self-defense myths, boundaries, intuition, types of attackers, fear responses, red flags, deescalation and more.
The cost is $100.
For more, call 412-430-1054 or email sunnievibesstudio@gmail.com.
Artist repurposes used panels, canvases
The public is invited to a free opening reception of “Leonid Shower,” an exhibit by Monroeville resident Jay Winter, from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 9 in the Monroeville Public Library Gallery Space.
A retired geologist, Winter’s artwork is inspired by the Earth and sky and features large-format paintings of woods, bogs and the night skies. Winter repurposes salvaged wooden panels and old canvases to create new works through a process of layering chromatic and tonal colors. This technique is a reflection of the natural layering of sediments found on Earth and in cosmic particles.
Winter’s work is influenced by his love of music; several pieces in the showcase are named after the songs he listens to while creating.His paintings will be on display through Nov. 23 at the library, 4000 Gateway Campus Blvd.
Events at Divine Mercy
Divine Mercy Academy, 245 Azalea Drive, Monroeville, will host the following events:
• Bingo, 7 p.m. Nov. 21 at Lourdes Center Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include six regular cards, five special games and one jackpot game. Daubers and snacks will be available to purchase.
• Holiday craft and vendor show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7.
For more, email dmamonroevilleptg@gmail.com.
Plum AARP meeting
Plum AARP will hold its monthly meeting at noon Nov. 12 at Unity Community Church, 215 Trestle Road, Plum.
The program will be Randy Riggle, comedian and celebrity impersonator. Tickets will be on sale for $30 for the Christmas party, to be held Dec. 10 at Palmieri’s.
Monetary donations are being accepted for Christmas gifts for patients at the veterans hospital in O’Hara.
Plum AARP is a social/service organization open to residents of Plum, Penn Hills, Monroeville and surrounding communities.
Newcomers are welcome at regular monthly meetings. For more information, call Mary Lou at 724 327-8265
Cross Roads to host concert
Cross Roads Presbyterian Church, 2610 Haymaker Road, Monroeville, will present Judi Figel and Dave Crisci in concert at 2 p.m. Nov. 16.
Tickets are $15. For tickets or information, call 412-607-0676 or the church office at 412-372-2226. Tickets can be purchased at the door the day of the event.
Complimentary light refreshments will be served following the performance.
Events at Gallery Space
The Monroeville Public Library’s Gallery Space will host the following programs:
• Life and Times of Samuel Adams – 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 18. Presenter Henry Bowden will discuss Founding Father Samuel Adams - a relative to U.S. presidents who was seen by some as a statesman, but by others as a propagandist and an inciter of mob violence.
• Author Talk: Susy Robison — 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 21. Robison will discuss her young adult novel, “Halley and the Mystery of the Lost Girls.”
The library is at 4000 Gateway Campus Blvd.
Free Thanksgiving dinners
• Garden City United Methodist Church, 500 Laurel Drive, Monroeville, is providing a free Thanksgiving dinner (delivery only) this year.
Those in need of a dinner must register by calling 412-373-0391 from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or by filling out an online form. Registration closes at 5 p.m. Nov. 15.
Deliveries will be made from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 27 and from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 28.
• Christ the Divine Shepherd parish will host a free Nov. 28 Thanksgiving dinner open to those would otherwise be eating alone.
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It will be from 12:30 to 3 p.m. (or until food runs out) at the church, 245 Azalea Drive in Monroeville.
Heating assistance available
Thousands of eligible customers miss out on bill assistance by not applying for federal grants. With the winter season approaching, many income-eligible customers remain unaware of programs that can significantly reduce their energy bill.
Peoples Natural Gas, an essential utilities company, encourages its customers to take advantage of available resources to help offset winter heating costs.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), is now open for the 2024-25 heating season. LIHEAP is a federally funded assistance program that provides grants to eligible low-income households to help pay for heating costs. Grants start at $200 and may be higher based on income and the number of people living in the home.
To qualify for a LIHEAP grant, customers must have a total gross household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Customers do not have to be on public assistance or have an unpaid heating bill. LIHEAP is open to renters and homeowners. To learn more about the income limits and to apply, visit https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dhs.html, click on Services in the menu and search for LIHEAP.
In addition to LIHEAP, Peoples offers programs to help make energy-saving home improvements that reduce long-term costs. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call 1-800-400-WARM (9276) or visit peoples-gas.com/help to learn more.
Alzheimer’s, dementia webinar
More than 6 million individuals are living with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S., and there are about 11 million unpaid caregivers supporting them. Around the world, the disease impacts about 50 million people.
Penn State Extension is joining forces with the Alzheimer’s Association to present a free webinar, “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia,” to provide an overview of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
This webinar will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 29.
The program is designed for people who are facing an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, for caregivers looking after someone with these conditions, and for anyone who wants to learn more about Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Participants will learn:
• How Alzheimer’s disease affects people.
• The difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia.
• The stages of Alzheimer’s and what makes some people more likely to get it.
• What scientists are discovering and the treatments available to help with some of the symptoms.
This webinar is free, but attendees must register by Nov. 29 to get access to the link. Those who register also will receive a link to watch the recording of the program.
For details and to sign up, visit the Penn State Extension website at extension.psu.edu/understanding-alzheimers-and-dementia or call 1-877-345-0691.