McAndrew gets committee assignments
State Rep. Joe McAndrew, D-Penn Hills, was assigned to the House committees on Children and Youth, Energy, Gaming Oversight, Liquor Control and Transportation in the new legislative session.
McAndrew once again will serve as the chair of the Subcommittee on Public Transportation.
There were a few changes to his assignments, however. He was transferred from the Health Committee to the newly created Energy Committee and received a promotion to Secretary of the Liquor Committee.
Creatives of all ages invited to meeting about reforming Arts Council
Penn Hills is considering reforming its Arts Council and wants to gauge the community’s interest.
A general discussion hosted by Howard Davidson is planned from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 14 at Penn Hills Library, 1037 Stotler Road.
Artists, musicians, photographers, painters, sculptors and art lovers who live in the eastern suburbs are encouraged to attend.
New artists, younger people, performers, educators, administrators and arts supporters also are welcome.
Past presidents will be on hand to offer advice.
Comedy fundraiser on tap for Verona brewery
Riverside Women’s Association will sponsor a comedy night fundraiser at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at Acclamation Brewing at 314 Arch St. in Verona.
The doors open at 6 p.m., and tickets cost $30. There will be a cash bar, raffles, 50-50 and auctions. Snacks will be available for purchase.
Those attending must be 18 or older. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
For tickets and sponsorship information, visit funny4funds.com/events. For details, call Sue Portera at 412-956-7416.
PALS monthly meeting set
The Plum Area Ladies Society (PALS) will hold its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Plum Community Center. There will be no speaker.
For the service project, members will fashion valentines for residents of Concordia at Ridgewood. Members should bring to the meeting construction paper, Sharpies, scissors, glue sticks, heart stickers, ribbons, buttons and small doilies. Members also will host an ice cream social for Ridgewood residents on Feb. 8. Sign-ups will take place at the meeting.
As usual, PALS will be collecting paper products and cash for the Plum Food Pantry.
The Ladies Day Out will be celebrating Chinese New Year with lunch at Zen’s on Feb. 2. Contact Lynda English to sign up.
PALS is a service/social group open to residents of Plum, Penn Hills, Monroeville and the surrounding communities. Newcomers are welcome to attend a regular meeting, which are always held at 6:30 at Plum Community Center on the first Wednesday of the month from September through April.
For details, call Mary Lou at 724 327-8265.
Firefighters share safety tips during cold weather
As cold temperatures grip the region, Penn Hills’ fire departments are reminding residents about safe practices while staying warm. They also recommend installing and testing carbon monoxide and fire alarms at least once a month.
According to statistics, half of all home-heating fires occur from December through February. Heating equipment is involved in 1 of every 6 home fires and 1 in every 5 home fire deaths.
Here is a roundup of tips:
Space heaters
• Keep anything that can burn — clothing, blankets, furniture and curtains — at least 3 feet from any heat source, including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators or space heaters.
• Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet; do not plug the heater into an extension cord or surge protector.
• Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off so it shuts off if it tips over.
• Turn off heaters when you go to bed or leave the room.
• Only use portable heaters from a recognized testing laboratory.
Fireplaces and wood stoves
• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out.
• Do not burn paper.
• Extinguish the fire before you go to sleep or leave your home.
• Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container, and keep it outside at least 10 feet from your home and any nearby structures.
• Have a qualified professional clean and inspect your chimney and vents every year.
Portable generators
The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, and fire. Here are some safety tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency:
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• Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away from your home as possible to prevent carbon monoxide from building up.
• To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rainy or wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.
• Turn off the generator and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
• Plug appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads.
• Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. Known as “backfeeding,” this practice puts utility workers, neighbors and your household at risk of electrocution.
For more tips, visit the National Fire Protection Association at nfpa.org/winter. For details about generator safety, visit fema.gov/fact-sheet/use-generators-safely-home.
Council meeting canceled
Penn Hills Council did not meet Jan. 21 due to the extreme cold.
A cancellation notice went out about eight hours before the meeting.
The meeting will not be made up, and agenda items will roll over to the next council meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 17.
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.
Nominees sought for Community Champions initiative
WQED, in partnership with Giant Eagle, recently announced the third season of its Community Champions initiative — a collaboration that celebrates and supports local people and nonprofit organizations that are doing good in their communities.
This year, the initiative is taking a new approach by asking community members to nominate nonprofit organizations that are making a difference.
From these nominations, one organization will be selected as the 2025 Community Champion and will be featured in a video profile airing in June.
In past seasons, WQED and Giant Eagle selected a monthly champion that was then featured in an inspiring video profile. Community Champions has showcased 10 organizations in diverse areas of focus, including health care, food insecurity, sustainability, and accessibility and supportive services.
The 2024 Community Champion, Best Buddies, a local nonprofit that aims to end the isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, exemplifies the core tenets of the initiative.
“Whenever I tell people that I work for Best Buddies, they automatically go, ‘Thank you so much for doing this,’ ” said Samantha Mildner, Western Pennsylvania Area director for Best Buddies. “Everybody should be including people with disabilities. And I just happen to love what I do. I’m so lucky that I get to create friendships for a living.”
To ecnourage everyone’s participation in nominating, WQED is showcasing a different past Champion each week on its social channels.
Nominations for the 2025 Community Champion will be accepted until March 16.
To nominate an organization, visit wqed.org/champions.
A playlist of past Champions is available at wqed.tv/gechampions.
Driving course open to 55 and older
Seniors for Safe Driving is offering an upcoming course for motorists 55 and older from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. March 11 at the Penn Hills Senior Center, 147 Jefferson Road.
The PennDOT-approved course is an opportunity for older motorists to refresh their driving skills and their knowledge of the rules of the road.
There is no testing or behind-the-wheel driving. Participants who complete the course can receive a three-year discount of no less that 5% on their auto insurance.
Course highlights include one’s health and driving performance; effects of medication and alcohol on driving; yielding and intersections; strategies for safe passing and managing one’s speed; keeping up with vehicle technology; preventive ways to reduce driver distractions;, proper use of safety belts, air bags and anti-lock brakes; defensive driving tactics and sharing the road; dealing with aggressive drivers and road rage situations; and the latest information on traffic laws and regulations.
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The cost is $17.
To register for a class, call 800-559-4880 or 724-283-0245 or go online at SeniorsForSafeDriving.com.
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
• Wiggles and Giggles … Toddler Time (ages 2-3): 10:30 to 11 a.m. Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28. Designed for toddlers and their caregivers, this program meets every Friday. Developmentally appropriate interactive stories, songs, movement activities and fingerplays will be shared. No registration is required.
• Music and Movement (ages 1-4): Meets every Wednesday with three time slots available — 10:30 to 11 a.m., 11:30 to noon and 5:30 to 6 p.m. Come to the library to sing, move, dance and make music together. No registration is required.
• Maker Lab … Screenprinting (ages 6-11): 5 to 5:45 p.m. Feb. 4. Join us to learn the art of screenprinting and create designs on various materials. Registration is required.
• Take and Make … Valentines and Slime Kit (ages 6-11): all day Feb. 12. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special kit from the library involving slime and art. Kits can be picked up starting Feb. 12. Please register to reserve a kit as they are available while supplies last. Call the library the day of to see whether kits are still available for pickup.
• STEAM Lab … Black Innovators (ages 6-11): 1 to 1:45 p.m. Feb. 15. The labs this month will explore the important work of Black innovators and their impact on society with hands-on experimentation.
TEENS (grades 6-12)
The library offers a variety of books in its Teen Space about college preparation, essay writing, SAT and ACT preparation, and school subjects that can be checked out at any time. Teens also have free access to tutoring help at tutor.com using their library card; instructors are available on a wide variety of school subjects. Teens also have access to language learning resources such as Duolingo and Mango with ther library card. For details, stop by the Teen Space.
ADULTS
• Movies Out Loud: 10:30 to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 10. Stand up, sit down, sing along — it’s all allowed — during this showing of “Enchanted.” Popcorn will be provided. No registration is required.
• Becoming Frederick Douglass: 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 17. Gemma Stemley will perform some of the abolitionist and statesman’s favorite musical pieces on her flute and will read poems from her upcoming book of poetry. She also will share history about his life and interests. Registration is required.
• Accessible Crafts … Button-Making: 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 24. No registration is required for this craft program held twice a month for patrons of all abilities. This week’s craft is button-making.
ALL AGES
•Diapers and Books Giveaway:4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 19. Free diapers and menstrual products will be given away during the library’s Community Fridge restock. Stop by the cafe to learn more and get some products to take home.
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.
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Blood donors sought
January is National Blood Donor Month, and the American Red Cross is 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.
Anyone who donates from Jan. 27 through Feb. 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Flurry.
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).
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.
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.
Anti-litter award program offered for kids
Environmental nonprofit Keep America Beautiful is seeking entries from children in kindergarten through sixth grade for its Litter Hawk Youth Award Program.
Children are asked to complete a project sharing their hope, optimism and concerns about litter and inspire others through art, words or video.
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The theme for the contest is “Join the Greatest American Cleanup! Show us how you can keep your community litter-free for America’s 250th birthday.”
Children in kindergarten through grade 4 can create a poster; those in grade 5 are asked to write an essay; and those in grade 6 can create a video.
The deadline to participate is Jan. 31. Winners will be announced in April as part of an awards ceremony at the state Capitol building in Harrisburg.
For an entry form, go to KeepPABeautiful.org/grants-awards/awards/litter-hawk, email slarson@keeppabeautiful.org or call 724-836-4121, ext. 104.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.