Draft budget calls for 2-mill tax hike
Penn Hills residents could see a 2-mill real estate tax increase under the proposed budget for next year.
The tax hike would bring the millage rate from 6.444 mills to 8.444 mills — a 31% increase.
The owner of a home assessed at $100,000 would pay $844 a year in property taxes.
In a message attached to the draft budget, Manager Scott Andrejchak said inflation and a pricier trash collection contract necessitates a tax increase; otherwise, services would need to be cut.
Penn Hills had a $13 million fund balance at the end of 2023, down $1.1 million from 2022.
Andrejchak noted American Rescue Plan stimulus money allowed the municipality to rebuild its fund balance after years of deficits, but those have since been allocated or spent.
A first budget hearing was held Nov. 18, which included a budget presentation from Andrejchak. That can be viewed on the Penn Hills YouTube page.
A second hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 25 at the government center, 102 Duff Road.
The draft budget is available for review at pennhillspa.gov or at the government center.
Charter school among top 10 in state’s Breakfast Challenge
The state Department of Education announced Nov. 14 that the second annual Governor’s School Breakfast Challenge will begin in January.
This past year, 37 schools successfully completed the challenge by increasing the number of students who eat breakfast at school and adding healthier breakfast options. Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship was among the 10 top-performing schools.
“The key to healthy development is eating a nutritious breakfast each morning, and Pennsylvania’s schools are helping their students start their day on the right foot with free breakfast in the classroom,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “Last year’s Governor’s School Breakfast Challenge helped increase breakfast participation by 10 million meals, and we encourage even more schools to take the challenge this year.”
The Shapiro administration delivered free breakfast for Pennsylvania’s 1.7 million students last year. The 2024-25 budget includes a $16.7 million increase to continue the universal free breakfast program, making sure students have access to healthy meals to start their day and making sure no kid goes hungry during the summer by supporting the summer food service program.
Over the past school year, 91.4 million breakfasts were served in schools, an increase of nearly 10 million meals since the 2022-23 school year. More than 7 million of those breakfasts were served to students at risk for hunger or from low-income families.
The Governor’s School Breakfast Challenge is a three-month program to encourage increased participation in the Universal Free Breakfast Program and recognize schools for increasing breakfast participation while implementing sustainable changes that incorporate more nutritious and local foods in their meal offerings.
Eagles to host benefit bar bingo in Verona
The Verona Eagles will host bar bingo from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 22 at the aerie, 315 James St., with proceeds to be donated to the Speed Family Blessing Box & Pantry in Arnold.
The kitchen will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. There will be an auction basket, handbag raffle and 50-50 raffle.
The public is welcome.
Rosedale to host Breakfast With Santa on Dec. 7
The Rosedale Volunteer Fire Department and Rosedale Civic Association are sponsoring a Breakfast With Santa from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 7 at the station, 5806 Verona Road.
The cost is $5 per person and free for kids 12 and younger.
Firefighters selling 2025 lottery calendars
The Rosedale and North Bessemer volunteer fire departments are selling 2025 lottery calendars.
The calendars are $30 each and have winners every night.
They make excellent holiday gifts.
For details on how to purchase, call the Rosedale station’s nonemergency number at 412-793-1224 or North Bessemer’s at 412-793-1840.
Gently used, new toys available for families in need
Play It Forward Pittsburgh is a gently used children’s toy drive that helps families struggling to provide toys for their children during the holiday season.
Now in its 14th year, it collects gently used or new toys, games, electronics, sports equipment, bicycles and movies (DVDs only) and offers them for free to families in need.
Recipients must sign up to get on the list to receive items. They can choose from a prepackaged holiday box filled by volunteers based on the family’s wishlist or choose to shop in person with a designated time slot. Sign ups, which are on a first-come, first-served based, began Nov. 18 and can be done online by clicking the link at http://www.playitforwardpittsburgh.com/receive-toys.html.
The organization strives to provide a maximum of three items per child. The total toy limit per family is 15 items, one big ticket item if available and one new toy if available. Recipients must wear a face mask when picking up items. Recipients also must be able to transport the items without volunteer assistance from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222; recipients can bring other people with them to help carry items.
Holiday boxes will be available for pick-up from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 13; shopping in person will take place Dec. 14 in a designated time slot. Pick-up and shopping both take place at the convention center.
Holiday market and mingle event set Dec. 14
The Hebron Community Center, 10460 Frankstown Road, is organizing a Very Merry Market & Mingle from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 14.
The community is invited to puruse a variety of vendors offering handmade crafts, gifts and festive items for the holiday season.
There also will be food trucks and live entertainment.
Vendors, food trucks and entertainers who would like to partner with the Hebron Community Center are encouraged to register at online at https://tinyurl.com/ybu5s6hc.
Garden club fundraiser to feature bluegrass band
The Penn Hebron Garden Club, 237 Jefferson Road, is hosting a fundraiser evening of bluegrass featuring the Sweaty Already String Band from 8 to 10 p.m. Dec. 6.
Snacks will be available for purchase. Patrons 21 and older are invited bring their own alcohol.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, if available. To purchase a ticket, stop by any Wednesday night Penn Hills Coffeehouse event at the club or contact Lisa Martinez at jkittyroo@gmail.com or Howard Davidson at bachblue@aol.com.
The site has limited parking; once that lot is full, additional parking is available at the nearby Penn Hills Senior Center.
Municipal, school district meetings viewable online
Want to stay informed about the municipality and school district you live in and the decisions made by people you elect to office?
Both entities livestream their meetings online.
• Penn Hills Council livestreams its monthly meetings on YouTube @PennHills TVONLINE. Past livestreams of meetings also are available to view. Check them out at youtube.com/@PennHillsTVONLINE/featured.
• The Penn Hills School District livestreams monthly meetings on its website at www.phsd.org/school-board/live-stream-and-video-archive. Past meetings also are available. Among the videos are the school board’s regular public voting meetings, HR/Policy and Finance Committee meetings, and Athletic Advisory, Safety/Buildings & Grounds and Curriculum Committee meetings.
Heating assistance available to low-income households
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.
Students sought for charity’s leadership program
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is seeking participants for its “Student Visionaries of the Year” program, where local student teams undergo a seven-week leadership program to raise awareness and funding for blood cancer patients and their families and build professional skills.
Teams are tasked with organizing fundraisers and other events for the benefit of the society.
For details, visit LLSstudentvisionaries.org or email erica.gribbin@lls.org.
Free webinar to explore Alzheimer’s, dementia
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.
Free books available monthly for kids through age 5
Children who reside in the 15235 ZIP code are eligible to receive free books every month until their 5th birthday through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program in conjunction with Reading Ready Pittsburgh.
The program, which aims to inspire a love of reading, is open to all children within the city of Pittsburgh and 18 ZIP codes in the Mon Valley area.
Each month, a new, carefully selected book will be mailed in your child’s name directly to your home. The first book is always the classic “The Little Engine That Could.”
For details about the program and to enroll your child, visit readingreadypittsburgh.org/DPIL.
Community invited to grief awareness event
Soxman Funeral Homes, 7450 Saltsburg Road, is organizing an event to mark Children’s Grief Awareness Day from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 23.
Children, teens and adults of all ages are invited to attend. Visitors are encouraged to wear blue.
There will be crafts, snacks, a butterfly scavenger hunt and story time with the funeral home’s bereavement care dog, Lilo.
To register, visit soxmanfuneralhomes.com and click on “events” in the menu.
Children’s Grief Awareness Day, which is Nov. 21, aims to help make people aware of the needs of grieving children and the benefits they obtain through the support of others. For details about the movement and to find resources, visit childrensgriefawarenessday.org.
Cub Scout Pack 817 seeks members
Cub Scout Pack 817 is looking for new members.
Boys and girls in grades K-5 are welcome to see what the fun is all about. Pack 817 meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday, September through May, at the Rosedale Volunteer Fire Department, 5806 Verona Road.
Cub Scouts offers members many opportunities to try new things, provide service to others, build confidence, develop leadership skills and make new friends.
Members of Pack 817 participate in pinewood derby races, crafts and cooking, Cubmobile challenges, rocket launches, camping and more. There also are summer activities.
For more information about Pack 817, contact Cubmaster Randy Ford at 412-852-5840 or pack817.verona@gmail.com.
Library highlights upcoming offerings
The Penn Hills Library, 1037 Stotler Road, offers a variety of programs for all ages. Note the library is closed on Thanksgiving Day. For a complete list of offerings, visit pennhillslibrary.org. To register for any of the following programs, visit the website and click on the events tab to view an interactive calendar. Here are some upcoming highlights:
CHILDREN
• STEAM Lab … Lego Challenges (ages 6-11): 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 27. Children will use Legos to engineer new concepts and builds. Registration is required.
• Bluey Bingo! (all ages; families welcome): 3:30 p.m. Nov. 27. Do you love Bluey and playing bingo? Participants will watch some favorite episodes while shouting out “Bingo!” to win fun prizes. Bluey games, coloring sheets and puzzles will be available. Registration is required.
• Explore Process Art … Ink Designs (all ages): 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 29. Children will be encouraged to explore, experiment, and create freely in this open-ended art session. The focus is on the fun of the process, not the final product.
TEENS
• Teen Advisory Board … Taylor Swift Crafts (grades 6-12): 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 21. Teens, the library wants to hear from you. Stop by on Thursdays this month to give your input. Each week will feature a different craft. To sign up for text reminders for all teen programs, text TEENSPH to 412-240-6540.
• Shrinky Dinks Bracelets (grades 6-12): 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 25. Teens will design their own bracelets using the popular toy/activity kit that was invented in 1973 by Betty Morris and Kate Bloomberg, two housewives in Brookfield, Wisc., as a Cub Scout project with their sons.
• Holiday Trivia (grades 6-12): 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 26. In this lead-up to Thanksgiving, participants will have the chance to win prizes and show off their knowledge.
• Faux Carmel Apple Decor (grades 6-12): 3:30 to 5 p.m. Nov. 27. Create fake caramel apples to decorate your home for fall.
ADULTS
• Painting Meetup: 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 26. Participants are invited to work on their paintings with their own supplies in the company and encouragement of others.
• Accessible Crafts … Snow Globe Ornaments: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 4. This craft program is open to patrons of all abilities. No registration is required. Mark your calendars: The Dec. 18 craft will be tiny pine cone trees.
ALL AGES
•Spooky & Grimm … Live Storytelling:6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 21. Spooky fairy tales from Germany will be told, including a few from the Brothers Grimm. Suitable for 9 and older; parental guidance is advised for anyone younger than 9. Registration is required.
•Native American Drum and Dance:1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 23. Witness the beauty and rhythm of the heartbeat of the Nation as traditional and modern Native Americans’ music and dance come to life. All ages welcome, including children. Registration is required.
•A Christmas Carol … Live Storytelling:6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 2. Gather the family for a live retelling of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” which was first published in 1843. Registration is required.
Holiday bingo boasts $1,000 jackpot
Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Company No. 7 is teaming up with Life Changing Service Dogs for Veterans for a Christmas Bingo with a $1,000 jackpot Dec. 7 at the station, 125 Universal Road.
Doors will open at 4 p.m. and bingo starts at 5:30.
Tickts are $20 and include six cards per game, with 20 regular games. Special bingo games will be sold separately.
Anyone who brings an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots will receive a bingo card for an exclusive game.
There will be a 50-50 and other raffles. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and alcohol will be available to guests 21 and older with a photo ID.
Tickets must be purchased for entry.
To purchase tickets, call 412-247-1892 or visit the station’s website at phvfd227.store and click on the bingo link.
Rotary offering need-based scholarships
The Bob Williams Rotary Memorial Scholarship Program is accepting applications from current high school seniors and GED students for 2024-25.
This year, eight need-based scholarships at $5,000 each will be awarded.
The scholarships are open to students in Allegheny and Beaver counties, as well as those attending New Kensington- Arnold, Kiski Area and Burrell Area high schools and The Kiski School in Westmoreland County. Vocational students, GED students and those attending parochial, charter and private schools also are eligible.
Students must have a 2.5 or higher grade-point average and must complete an essay highlighting their community/school service.
Complete application and criteria materials are available on the website of Rotary District 7305 at rotarydistrict7305.org/scholarships.php or from area high school counselors.
The deadline to apply is Feb. 28. Applications postmarked after that date will not be accepted.
For details, email Dr. Robert Arbuckle, chairperson of the scholarship committee, at rarbuckl@yahoo.com.
Donors sought for raffle benefiting district’s arts programming
The Steel Goat Marketplace, 200 Jefferson Road, is hosting a fundraiser in November to directly benefit the music, art and theater programs of the Penn Hills School District.
A portion of weekend sales throughout the month will be donated. There also will a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses and vendors.
Businesses and vendors are welcome to participate by donating a product or service. All donors will be acknowledged.
To donate or learn more about how you can contribute, visit steelgoatmarket.com or call 412-241-0411.
Final leaf and yard waste collection set
The last collection date for fall leaf and yard waste composting in Penn Hills will be Nov. 25.
Bag requirements: All paper leaf bags should be placed curbside Sunday evening. Any leaf or yard waste not in an approved bag will not be picked up. Bags must weigh less than 30 pounds. Do not use staples or tape to close the bags, but fold over the tops to prevent leaves from spilling.
Also, do not rake leaves to the curb, in keeping with ordinance No. 2012-2548.
Acceptable material includes leaves, garden residue such as flowers and plants with no roots attached, and trimmings from shrubs and trees with a half-inch or smaller diameter.
The following material will not be accepted: bags over 30 pounds, ground-up leaves, grass, dirt, stones, roots, tape or plastic bags and other types of paper bags, boxes or containers.
Residents also can drop off their bags at the municipal compost site by appointment through the Public Works department. A minimum 24-hour notice is required. To make an appointment, call 412-798-2151.
For additional details about the annual fall collection, visit penhillspa.gov.
Meetings slated for November
Here are the tentatively scheduled Penn Hills School Board and Penn Hills municipal meetings for November:
SCHOOL BOARD
• Penn Hills School Board, regular public voting meeting: 6 p.m. Nov. 26, media center at Linton Middle School, 260 Aster St. To view voting meeting agendas and livestreams of meetings, visit Penn Hills School District online at phsd.org and click on the School Board tab.
MUNICIPALITY
• Penn Hills Council, voting meeting and first budget hearing: 7 p.m. Nov. 18
• Penn Hills Council, second budget hearing: 7 p.m. Nov. 25
• Penn Hills Zoning Hearing Board: 7 p.m. Nov. 20
• Penn Hills Planning Commission: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21
• Penn Hills Library Board: 7 p.m. Nov. 27
To check for cancellations, agendas or other changes to the municipal meeting schedule, scroll down to the bulletin board section of Penn Hills’ homepage at pennhillspa.gov or sign up for Savvy Citizen alerts.
To sign up for Savvy Citizen alerts, visit savvycitizenapp.com/signup or download the app on your mobile phone.
Fall/winter activities planned for children
Penn Hills Parks & Recreation has a few more events for kids on its fall and winter schedule.
Space is limited for the following events, and registration is required.
All events take place at Rolling Hills Church, 120 Gernert Drive.
• Kids Painting and Craft: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11
• Kids in the Kitchen: 10 to 11 a.m. Nov. 16 and Dec. 14
To register, call the recreation department at 412-798-2147.
Holiday cheer already in works
Penn Hills Parks & Recreation is planning a variety of holiday events for the community:
• Holiday Lights Cruise: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Penn Hills Government Center, 102 Duff Road. There will be a drive-thru lights display and a visit from Santa. Treat bags will be provided, but registration is required. To register, call 412-798-2147. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unopened and unwrapped toy donation for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
• Letters to Santa: Drop off your letters Dec. 1-19 at Penn Hills Library. You also can mail them to 102 Duff Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 or email them to santa@pennhillspa.gov. Please include a return address.
• Lunch With Santa, two sessions: 11 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at Rolling Hills Church, 120 Gernert Drive. Join us for a visit from Santa, arts and crafts and a pizza lunch. Space is limited. To register, call 412-798-2147.
• Christmas Lights Display Contest: To enter your home, call 412-798-2147 or email jscaglione@pennhillspa.gov. Judging will take place Dec. 17-19. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated home.
Blood donors sought for fall drive
The American Red Cross is encouraging donors of all blood types and platelets, especially those who have never donated before, to consider doing so this fall.
According to the Red Cross, only three out of 100 Americans donate blood. Donations are critical to keep the blood supply stable during the fall months.
Donations of all blood types — particularly those with type O, the most transfused type — are needed.
Those who donate from Nov. 1-17 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice and will be entered into a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Thanks.
To make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).
Prospective donors also can enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or to seek more information.
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 and older in most states, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
26th Holiday Craft Show set for Nov. 23
Penn Hills Parks & Recreation will present its 26th annual Holiday Craft Show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 23 at Linton Middle School, 250 Aster St.
Admission is free.
The event will showcase more than 100 spaces of handmade arts and crafts.
There also will be door prizes, gift card raffles and concessions in the cafeteria.
For details, call the Parks & Recreation office at 412-798-2147.
Class of 1984 to gather in November
The Penn Hills High School Class of 1984 is celebrating its 40th reunion in November.
Members are invited to mark the occasion from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Comfort Inn & Suites RIDC, 180 Gamma Drive in O’Hara.
The cost is $58 per person and includes a buffet dinner and two drink tickets.
The itinerary includes cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7, dancing until 11 and a karaoke afterparty from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the hotel bar.
Tickets can be purchased via Venmo at https://venmo.com/u/Kristy-McGowan-1 through Kristy (McGill) McGowan.
For attendees who prefer to stay at the hotel, a block of rooms with king-size beds have been reserved for $87 a night. The hotel offers free breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, and has an indoor heated pool that’s open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. To reserve a room, call the hotel at 412-963-0600 and ask for the Penn Hills High School 40th reunion rate.
For questions, email ph84reunion@gmail.com or visit the Penn Hills Class of 1984 Facebook page.
Assistance available for veterans, spouses
State Rep. Joe McAndrew’s office, 77 Universal Road, Suite 1, in Penn Hills provides free assistance to veterans and their spouses from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the last Wednesday of every month.
A veteran service officer from the American Legion will be on hand to help with a variety of needs, including compensation and pension claims, education benefits, enrollment in the VA health care system, burial and survivor benefits, state benefits, and obtaining military personnel and medical records.
There are limited appointments available for August. To make an appointment, call 412-793-2448.
McAndrew’s 32nd District covers Oakmont, Penn Hills, Plum and Verona.
Free clothing available
Mt. Hope Community Church, 12106 Frankstown Road, operates a free Clothesline to people in need from 10 a.m. to noon every Thursday.
Parking is available behind the church, and there is a bus stop nearby at Frankstown Road and Parkridge Drive.
Clothing for women, men and children of all ages is available, as well as some shoes and accessories.
Bags are provided, but visitors also are encouraged to bring their own.
The church also is accepting and loaning gently used children’s books.
For details, call 412-793-0227 or visit mthopepcusa.org/youth-ministries.
Station seeks firefighters, junior members
The Verona Volunteer Fire Company is accepting applictions for active firefighters as well as junior members 16 and 17 years of age.
Interested individuals can stop by the fire station, 465 Parker St., from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays.
Training is provided through the Allegheny County Fire Academy.
Verona Farmers Market sets up Thursdays
Verona’s seasonal farmers market has kicked off into full swing. Hosted every Thursday until Nov. 21, each market features a list of local vendors.
For special announcements about the market, visit the Verona, Pa Farmers Market Facebook page.
Group offers support for weight loss
All are welcome to join the men and women at Oakmont TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) who are learning how to lose weight.
With in-person meetings, rewards, support and encouragement, we gain knowledge of healthy eating and exercise.
You may visit with no obligation Tuesdays at 5:45 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1261 Pennsylvania Ave. in Oakmont. Weigh-in is private followed by a brief business meeting, sharing time, and educational program all ending by 7:15.