Summer fun planned at Turner-Friendship Park
Rosedale and North Bessemer volunteer fire departments are partnering with the Municipality of Penn Hills to put on a summer carnival.
The Community Carnival and SummerFest will be from 6 to 10 p.m. June 19-21 and 4 to 9 p.m. June 22 at Turner-Friendship Park.
Attendees can enjoy carnival rides and games throughout the week, with live music, a petting zoo and a drone show planned for the final night.
Farmers market vouchers for seniors to be distributed
Vouchers for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program will be distributed June 25 at various locations in Allegheny County, including:
• Penn Hills Senior Center, 147 Jefferson Road: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; contact Jan Austin at 412-244-3400
• William McKinley Center, 1110 Center Ave.: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; contact Mary Anne Scuillo at 412-828-5888.
Eligible seniors 60 and older who live in Allegheny County can receive five $10 vouchers redeemable through Nov. 30 at participating local farmers markets.
Among the eligibility requirements:
• Income for a one-person household should be at or below $27,861.
• Income for a two-person household should be at or below $37,814; married couples may receive one set of checks for each individual.
• Older adults living in a residential facility that provides meals are not eligible to receive vouchers.
People must spend the entire $10 check; change will not be given. Lost or stolen checks will not be replaced.
For details about the program and a complete list of distribution sites, visit tinyurl.com/mvb8sshw.
Penn Hills residents who are unable to attend any of the distribution sites on that date are welcome to stop by state Rep. Joe McAndrew’s office, 77 Universal Road, by June 24. An office employee will provide assistance in obtaining the vouchers.
Verona renews trash collection contract
Verona will stick with County Hauling for trash collection at an increased cost.
Council approved a three-year, $1.2 million contract with the hauler May 28. The deal also provides for fourth- and fifth-year options at an additional cost.
Trash bills have jumped 23%, from about $17 a month to $22. Costs will go up 7% each year of the deal.
Collection day will take place on Friday instead of Thursday.
Unlike some neighboring communities, such as Penn Hills, Verona has not moved to automated collection. The borough’s tight alleys make the use of a mechanical arm impossible, according to Manager Stefanie Woolford.
Residents can view the full garbage and recycling rules at veronaborough.org/garbage- recycling.
Deluzio named to Transportation and Infrastructure committee
U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Aspinwall, announced his appointment Tuesday to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Deluzio will hold the post until at least January 2025. He fills a vacancy left by New Jersey Rep. Donald Payne Jr., who died in April.
The committee plays a key role in policymaking for America’s roads, skies, railroads and more. Since a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, early last year, Deluzio has made rail safety one of his signature issues.
Deluzio also serves on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee as a vice ranking member and House Armed Services Committee.
Blood drive planned at Masonic Center
Vitalant is planning a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 22 at the Penn Hills Masonic Center, 5793 Saltsburg Road.
The collection is known as the Nicholas Theofilis Replenishment, named in honor of a 23-year-old Penn Hills paramedic and Rosedale volunteer firefighter who died in a crash while driving an ambulance in November 2022.
Everyone who donates blood, platelets or plasma in June will receive a $10 gift card through Vitalant’s Donor Rewards and will be entered for a chance to win one of five $5,000 gift cards in the Summer Adventure Gas Giveaway.
Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with type O — the most transfused blood type. O-positive is the most common blood type in the U.S., and O-negative can be used to help any patient in an emergency when their blood type isn’t known.
To review updated blood donor eligibility requirements and make an appointment, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
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Jobs available in school district
The Penn Hills School District is hosting a job expo from noon to 2 p.m. June 17 and 3 to 5 p.m. June 18 in the high school cafeteria, 309 Collins Drive.
A variety of jobs are available. The district is seeking special education teachers, school security personnel, paraprofessionals, classroom aides, custodians and nurses.
Attendees will be able to meet school administrators, participate in on-the-spot interviews and learn more about the open positions.
To register, visit bit.ly/Join-the-PHamily.
Allegheny River Boulevard association holding open house
Community members are invited to a public engagement session on maintaining and restoring Allegheny River Boulevard’s scenic features.
The Allegheny River Boulevard Preservation Association is holding the meeting in conjunction with consultant Landmarks SGA from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 13 at Steel City Rowing Club, 101 Arch St., Verona.
Input from residents, business owners and other stakeholders will help guide the Preservation and Management Plan for the 6-mile road, which stretches from Hulton Road in Oakmont to Washington Boulevard in Pittsburgh.
A second meeting will take place later this year, according to Rick Duncan, president of the Allegheny River Boulevard Preservation Association, with a focus on presenting tentative plans to the public.
Verona Farmers Market continues to seek vendors
The Verona Farmers Market in Railroad Park, 737 E. Railroad Ave., runs from 2 to 7 p.m. every Thursday through Nov. 21.
For updates, visit Verona Farmers Market on Facebook.
Organizers are looking to expand the farmers market. Local crafters and small-business owners are encouraged to participate. The cost is $25 per month or $75 for the entire season.
Vendors are not required to be there every week. For details about joining, visit verona pafarmersmarket.com/join-our-market.
Reading program kicks off June 15
The Penn Hills Library, 1037 Stotler Road, will kick off its summer reading program from noon to 2 p.m. June 15. The registration event is for book lovers of all ages — children, teens and adults.
Those interested in participating are encouraged to stop by for a summer reading swag bag. There will be free food and lots of activities.
For details, call Addie 412-775-4700 or email her at phlibrary@pennhillslibrary.org.
Activities for all ages set at library
• Juneteenth Jazz Celebration: From 1 to 3 p.m. June 22, the library is hosting a jazz program featuring Pittsburgh musician Calvin Stemley & the Stemtecs Band. The program is open to all ages and will be held outside, weather permitting. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Please register.
• Indoor Drive-In Movie Night: All ages are invited to a showing of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023) from 6 to 8 p.m. June 27 in the library’s community room. Popcorn will be provided. No registration is required.
To register, visit pennhillslibrary.org or call 412-775-4700.
Driving course open to 55 and older
Seniors for Safe Driving, a PennDOT-approved organization dedicated to highway safety, is conducting a Senior Citizen Driver Improvement Course from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. July 23 at the Penn Hills Senior Center, 147 Jefferson Road.
The course, which costs $17, is designed to refresh the driving skills and rules of the road for motorists 55 and older. Those who successfully complete the course can receive a three-year discount of no less than 5% on their auto insurance.
There will be no testing or behind-the-wheel driving. To register, call 800-559-4880 or 724-283-0245 or seniorsforsafedriving.com.
Weight-loss group meets Tuesdays
The local chapter of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a support group to help those struggling with weight loss, meets Tuesday evenings at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1261 Pennsylvania Ave., in Oakmont.
Meetings begin with a private weigh-in between 5:45 and 6:10 p.m. Anyone interested in joining can attend a meeting and decide if TOPS is right for them.
For details, call 412-828-3854 or email jmjkwj@gmail.com.
Household chemical collection scheduled
The Pennsylvania Resource Council will hold a household chemical collection from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 17 at Boyce Park in Plum.
Individuals can drop off automotive fluids, household cleaners, pesticides, paints and other household chemicals. A $20 fee covers disposal of up to 10 gallons or 50 pounds of material per vehicle. Loads exceeding 10 gallons and 50 pounds will be subject to additional fees.
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Participants must register at prc.org/collectionevents or by calling 412-488-7490.