Voting open through Jan. 27 for Penn Hills student’s sticker design

Voting is open for the 2025 Allegheny County Elections’ “I Voted” sticker contest, and a Penn Hills 11th-grader’s design is one of the 10 finalists.

The Elections Division received submissions from high schools across county.

Mya Patterson’s design features a red-white-and-blue border and an animal trio — a rabbit, cat and dog — each looking very prepared to vote. The sticker also includes the phrase “Every Voice Matters.”

The public voting period will close at 11:59 p.m. Jan. 27.

Voting is limited to one vote per device. The design with the most votes will be printed and distributed to voters for the upcoming primary and general elections. The winning sticker will be announced the first week of February.

To vote, visit the county website at alleghenycounty.us/stickercontest.

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.

Anti-litter program open to K-6 students

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is accepting projects for the Litter Hawk Youth Award, a recognition program for students in kindergarten through sixth grade who complete a project specific to their grade level.

The deadline to participate is Jan. 31.

Children can participate individually or as part of a lesson initiated by schools, home schools, Scout troops, 4-H clubs, environmental clubs or other organized groups.

This year’s Litter Hawk Youth Award theme is: Join the Greatest American Cleanup!

Participants will show how they can keep their community litter-free for America’s 250th birthday in support of the Greatest American Cleanup, Keep America Beautiful’s national three-year campaign to motivate, educate and celebrate communities to clean up and green up ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.

Projects include:

• Grades K-4: poster

• Grade 5: essay

• Grade 6: video

First- and second-place winners in each grade level will be awarded certificates. All participants will receive a Litter Hawk sticker.

Winners will be announced in April in coordination with an awards ceremony at the State Capitol Building in Harrisburg, where all winning entries will be on display as part of the 2025 Litter Hawk Youth Award exhibit. All winners and their families, guardians and teachers are welcome to attend. Special guests will include representatives from the state Department of Environmental Protection and America250PA.

For details, downloadable promotional posters and an entry form, visit https://www.keeppabeautiful.org/grants-awards/awards/litter-hawk/. For questions, contact Stephanie Larson at slarson@keeppabeautiful.org or 724-836-4121, ext. 104.

Seed swap set for March

Area gardeners are invited to the 13th annual Seed Swap, which is held in collaboration with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Grow Pittsburgh and Phipps Conservatory.

The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8 at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh-Main Branch, 4400 Forbes Ave., in Oakland.

The event will feature seed stories, conversations with gardening experts, hands-on activities for children and teens, and a selection of free seeds for the public.

Free workshops will include Seed Saving Basics, Seed Starting and Organic Gardening Basics.

Gardeners are encouraged to bring their own untreated, non-GMO seeds to share. Attendees also can pick up seeds donated by local gardeners, farmers and seed companies. A new batch of seeds will be released every half-hour, and guests who bring seeds will be eligible to enter a raffle of fun items from Phipps Conservatory, Grow Pittsburgh and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

Registration is encouraged but not required.

To register, visit 2025 Celebration of Seeds on EventBrite at https://tinyurl.com/3hsyau7c.

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.

Hebron Community Center collecting shoes

The Hebron Community Center in Penn Hills is collecting new, used and gently worn shoes until Jan. 31.

The community center is asking local businesses to serve as additional drop-off spots. To participate, contact Hebron Community Center Executive Director Jennifer Balkey at jenb@hebroncc.org.

All donations will be distributed by Funds2Orgs to entrepreneurs in developing countries, who can then sell them. The community center will receive a check from Funds2Orgs for their efforts based on the weight of the shoes collected.

Free microchip clinic open to Penn Hills, Verona residents

Pawsitive Voice, a local coalition pushing for improved animal control practices in Penn Hills, will hold a free microchip clinic from noon to 5 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Steel Goat Marketplace, 200 Jefferson Road.

The clinic is only for dogs weighing 10 pounds or more. There will be 100 microchips available.

To secure a time slot, email pawsitivevoice@gmail.com.

Participants must bring a driver’s license or piece of mail showing Penn Hills or Verona residency.

Donations are welcome to benefit TinyCause Rescue.

Galentine’s Day Brunch to explore girls who rule in nature

Steel Goat Marketplace is hosting a Galentine’s Day Brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 16 at the business, 200 Jefferson Road.

Join us for a presentation by Maria Wheeler-Dubas, founder of Backyard Nature, about the girls who rule in the wild world. Attendees will learn about matriarchal animal societies, female cooperation, lesbian lizards, plants that transition to female as they mature and more.

The suggested donation is $20, but email Wheeler-Dubas at MariaWheelerDubas@gmail.com if there is a hardship. The organizers never want cost to be a barrier to learning.

The event is for 21 and older. Bagels, patries and mimosas will be served.

Space is limited. To reserve a spot, visit https://steelgoatmarket.com/project/galentines-day-brunch/.

For details about Backyard Nature, visit www.BackyardNaturePGH.org.

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.

Library highlights upcoming offerings

The Penn Hills Library, 1037 Stotler Road, offers a variety of programs for all ages.

For a complete list of offerings, visit pennhillslibrary.org.

Registration is required for the following programs unless otherwise indicated; however, the following teen programs do not require registration. To register for any of the programs, visit the website and click on the events tab to view an interactive calendar.

Here are some upcoming highlights:

CHILDREN

STEAM Lab (ages 6-11): 5 to 5:45 p.m. Jan. 23. Participants will experiment with STEAM projects. There are new science, engineering and tech topics at each session. Registration is required.

• Prada the Therapy Dog (all ages): 11:30 to 12:30 a.m. Jan. 25. Prada, an American Staffordshire terrier, is an American Kennel Club-licensed therapy dog who loves snuggles and listening to stories. Registration is not required.

• Toddler Dance Party (ages 2-3): 10:30 to 11 a.m. Jan. 25. Designed for toddlers and their caregivers, this activity uses props to groove to the beat and encourages whole-body movement, which helps to develop body and spatial awareness that supports early literacy. Registration is not required.

Cryptid Trivia and Hunt (ages 6-11): 1 to 1:45 p.m. Jan. 25. Join us for some cryptid trivia and a fun hunt for cryptids through the library. A cryptid is an animal or creature that people claim exists — such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and the Abominable Snowman — but there is no definitive proof. Registration is required.

• KidzStix Cardio Drumming (ages 6-11): 4:30 to 5 p.m. Jan. 27. Join this upbeat drumming program that combines exercise, dancing and fun with drums led by certified instructor Coleen Bortz.

TEENS (grades 6-12)

• Tech Time: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 24. Join us once a month to play around with our button maker, Cricut machine and more

• Learn to Cross Stitch: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 30. Join us throughout the month to learn and practice the basics of cross stitch.

• Bats and Hexes … Mysticism and Magick Group: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Jan. 28. Join our teen facilitators monthly as they explore Wicca, magick and more.

• Life-size Hungry, Hungry Hippos: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Jan. 29. Get on a scooter and battle your friends in this epic life-sized version of the children’s game.

ADULTS

Great Decisions: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 24. Read the “Great Decisions Briefing Book,” and then join us to watch the DVD and to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today. Limited space is available. Registration is required. Please call the library if you are interested in joining.

Accessible Crafts … Screen Printing: 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 27. No registration is required for this craft program held twice a month for patrons of all abilities. This week’s craft is screen printing. Mark your calendars: The Jan. 27 craft is screen printing.

ALL AGES

Origami for All:1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 23. Simple origami will be demonstrated with three or four examples of origami models using a single square sheet of paper.

• Community Fridge Restock: 5 to 6 p.m. Jan. 22 and 29 and 11 a.m. to noon Jan. 17, 24 and 31. The Penn Hills Library Community Fridge is an ongoing, free resource available to all patrons. You are not required to provide any information in order to take food or other items you need. Reusable bags are recommended. There will be a limited number of milk crates available that can be used to transport food if you do not have a bag..

Station 225 seeks junior firefighters

Station 225 of the Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Department is accepting applications for its new Junior Firefighter Program.

The program is open to 16- and 17-year-olds.

For details or to apply, call the station at 412-731-2222, email pennhillsvfd225@gmail.com or stop by the station from 7 to 9 p.m. any Tuesday.

In 2024, Station 225, located at 2997 Robinson Blvd., responded to 600 calls. The department encourages members of the community to join in its lifesaving efforts.

Verona 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.

Blood donors sought

January is National Blood Donor Month, and the American Red Cross and Vitalant are highlighting the urgent need for blood donations and their lifesaving impact.

Donations of all blood types are crucial year-round, especially type O, the most frequently transfused blood type. O-negative blood can be given to patients of any blood type, while O-positive can help most patients.

The American Red Cross is partnering with the NFL to address the need for blood during the critical post-holiday time. Anyone who donates blood or platelets through the Red Cross until Jan. 26 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. The winner will receive access to day-of in-stadium activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare to New Orleans, three-night hotel accommodations from Feb. 7-10 and a $1,000 gift card for expenses. For additional details about the promotion, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

To find a Red Cross location near you and to learn more about blood donation, including eligibility information, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Vitalant operates about 115 donation centers nationwide.

Vitalant’s Pittsburgh Fox Chapel Donation Center at One Alexander Center, Suite 207, 2585 Freeport Road, regularly schedules collection dates, including these upcoming ones: 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 24-26 and 31, and noon to 7 p.m. Jan. 21 and 28.

To make an appointment and find other locations, visit vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).

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.

American Legion scholarships open to students in grades 6-12

The Pennsylvania American Legion is taking entries for its annual essay contest. Winners will receive $3,500, $3,000 or $2,500 scholarships.

The contest is open to students in multiple categories: grades 6-12. Students can be from public, private, parochial, cyber/charter or homeschooled.

Students must submit their essay by mail or hand delivery to their local American Legion post by Jan. 8 for those in grades 9-12, and by Feb. 5 for those in grades 6-8. Complete rules and regulations are available at PA-legion.com/programs/student-and-youth/essay-program or by emailing wareagles79@hotmail.com.

The Legion also hosts an oratorical contest with scholarships offering $7,500, $5,000 and $4,000. That contest is open to those in grades 9-12. More information is available at legion.org/oratorical or by emailing jgdrnjevich@aol.com.

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.

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.

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.

Rep. Deluzio’s office available to help with federal agencies

U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio has a Penn Hills District Office at 11 Duff Road, Suite A3, that can assist residents who need help with federal agencies. The office is open by appointment only.

His office can assist with items including Social Security and Medicaid benefits; passports, visas and immigration; Veterans Affairs benefits; Small Business Administration’s loan process; and securing missing refunds from the IRS.

To make an appointment at the Penn Hills office, call 412-344-5583.

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.