In brief: Penn Hills and Verona area happenings, week of July 22, 2024

Host families sought for upcoming school year

Expand your horizons and learn about a new culture by bringing an exchange student into your family this fall.

AFSUSA, one of the oldest exchange programs in the country, is looking for host families for the coming school year.

Students can stay for a half-year or full year, or you can be a “welcome” family for six weeks.

Students from Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Brazil, Thailand and Ghana are hoping to find homes in Western Pennsylvania.

More than 130 countries participate in the program and AFS matches students to families according to their interests and lifestyle.

Students participating in the program come from 140 countries and can be placed with families with children, empty-nesters or single adults.

For details, call Carol Huff at 412-848-8095.

Toys for Christmas drive welcome at spaghetti dinner

The Verona Volunteer Fire Company is planning its annual spaghetti dinner and open house from 4 to 7 p.m. July 27 at its station, 465 Parker St.

The event closes out the department’s Christmas in July campaign and marks the final week of collecting toys for the Allegheny Valley Toys for Tots. Donations can be dropped off at the station, 465 Parker St., during that time.

There also will be raffles and a silent auction.

Meals cost $12 for adults and $6 for kids, with a $1 discount for those who bring a toy donation. The dinner will include one plate of spaghetti, side salad, bread and dessert.

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.

Oakmont Summer Street Sale to feature 60 vendors

Oakmont Chamber of Commerce is preparing for the borough’s annual Summer Street Sale.

The event includes more than 60 product vendors, food vendors, sweets, a car cruise, basket auction, live music and kids games. There will be a 50-50 raffle and basket auction available for attendees.

Festivities begin at 10 a.m. July 27 on Allegheny River Boulevard.

Library activities cater to animal lovers

Penn Hills Library, 1037 Stotler Road, is marking the dog days of summer with several programs for animal lovers:

• Make No-Bake Dog Treats: For adults. Two sessions are available — 1 to 2:30 p.m. July 23 and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 27. Registration is required.

• Visit With Prada the Therapy Dog: Children of all ages are invited to meet Prada, an American Staffordshire terrier who loves snuggles and listening to stories, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 27 and Aug. 3 in the children’s activity room. Prada is an American Kennel Club-licensed therapy dog. No registration is required.

To register for any of the above programs, visit pennhillslibrary.org or call 412-775-4700. To sign up for text reminders for all teen programs happening at the library, text TEENSPH to 412-240-6540.

Single-lane restriction set on Route 2048 through July

According to PennDOT, a single-lane restriction will be in place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through late July, weather permitting, on Route 2048 (Old William Penn Highway) between Lougeay and Jefferson Heights roads.

Crews are conducting concrete repairs and epoxy crack sealing. Oversized trucks will be accommodated.

The work, which began June 26, is part of the $70.1 million I-376 Parkway East Betterment Project. Work will include a superstructure replacement over Old William Penn Highway, two bridge rehabilitations over Old William Penn Highway/Lougeay Road/Sunset Drive and Thompson Run Road/Thompson Run/Union Railroad, and six bridge preservations along Interstate 376.

During the project, motorists can expect long-term single-lane restrictions, several weekends with traffic down to a single lane and a long-term crossover in 2025.

The improvements on the 4.5 miles of the Parkway East between the Churchill/Route 130 (Exit 79B) and Monroeville/Route 48 (Exit 84A) exit are anticipated to conclude in the fall of 2026.

Swank Construction Co. is the prime contractor.

Volunteers sought for townwide cleanup

The Penn Hills Rotary Club and Penn Hills Community Development Corporation are sponsoring a cleanup day and picnic starting at 8:30 a.m. July 27.

Volunteers are invited to tackle litter from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on roads and in neighborhoods of their choosing or can join an existing group.

The Rotary and PHCDC will provide everyone with the necessary cleanup supplies, including trash bags, gloves and safety vests. All of the bags and large debris collected by volunteers will be picked up by the appropriate agency.

After the cleanup, participants are invited to a free picnic at 11 a.m. at Rosedale Volunteer Fire Department’s Memorial Park, 5806 Verona Road. Food and drinks will be provided by the Rotary and PHCDC.

Registration is required. To register, visit pennhillsrotary.org/register.

Rotary seeks groups for National Night Out

The Rotary Club of Penn Hills is looking for community groups and businesses that would like to set up a table during its annual National Night Out event from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 6 at Penn Hills Elementary School, 1079 Jefferson Road.

The Rotary provides free food, drinks and Italian ice during the event.

Please note this community event is free for everyone, so groups may not sell items at their tables. The event aims to build relationships between the community, youths and first responders in Penn Hills. There will be equipment on display, a touch-a-truck and demonstrations.

To participate, reach out to the Rotary Club of Penn Hills via Facebook.

Sponsored by Turner Dairy Farms, Miss Pennsylvania Page Mackenzie Weinstein is scheduled to attend the event and will be available for photos.

Stadium closed to public during upgrades

The Penn Hills School District recently announced Yuhas-McGinley Stadium is closed to team and public use, including the track, while new lights and turf are being installed. Construction is expected to last through July 31.

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 Farmers Market Facebook page.

Association of University People seeks members

The Association of University People (AUP) invites singles 50 and older, who are four-year college graduates, to join them for activities and to meet new people.

Activities include monthly dinners, social gatherings, concerts, meeting up at local wineries and day trips. Those interested can attend three activities as guests before joining.

For details or to become an AUP member, call 412-353-9088 or email aupsingles@gmail.com.

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.

There is well-lit parking, wheelchair accessibility and security. For details, call 412-828-3854 or e-mail 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.

Participants must register at prc.org/collectionevents or by calling 412-488-7490.