Real ID informational session set at library
State Rep. Joe McAndrew, D-Penn Hills, wants to talk about Real IDs.
In collaboration with PennDOT, McAndrew will be hosting an informational session at 5:30 p.m. April 3 at the Penn Hills Library, 1037 Stotler Road.
Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or photo ID card — or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) — to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires identification.
PennDOT representatives will be at the event to review documents and answer questions attendees may have. Real IDs will not be issued during the informational session.
The deadline only applies to the start of the enforcement date. Those who want Real IDs still will be able to get one after enforcement begins.
More Real ID days scheduled in Penn Hills
The Penn Hills PennDOT Driver License Center, 11620 Keleket Drive, will host a Real ID Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 14 and May 5.
Applications for Real IDs will be the only services available during the event. No other driver’s license business will be conducted.
Starting on May 7, anyone 18 or older will need a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification to fly domestically or visit certain federal and military facilities, as well as enter nuclear power plants.
A valid passport or military ID will be able used in lieu of the Real ID for domestic commercial flights.
The Real ID is denoted as a star icon on one’s driver’s license.
Though the Real ID is optional for Pennsylvanians, according to the commonwealth’s website, the state Department of Transportation is hosting Real ID Days across the state to help residents get their documents verified and imaged.
PennDOT will need to verify your identity, Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency, even if you already have a Pennsylvania driver’s license or photo ID card.
For a list of documents required to apply, visit tinyurl.com/5e3d59t8.
April meeting slated for Plum AARP
Plum AARP will hold its next meeting at noon April 8 in Unity Community Church.
Bring your favorite game, as the program will be playing games. Members may purchase tickets for $25 for the May luncheon, which will be May 13 at Jaden’s II.
As a fundraiser, three slices of pizza will be sold for $5.
Each AARP meeting features either a speaker or entertainment and free cake and coffee/tea. Twice a year, the club offers hot dogs with condiments, chips and cake and coffee for $3.
In addition to the annual May luncheon, the organization hosts a Christmas party and an August social. Members have the opportunity to book one-day or longer trips through Thomas Tours or Louise Grassi Tours. Dues are $15 per year.
Newcomers are welcome to attend a regular meeting at noon the second Tuesday of each month, except June, at Unity Community Church.
For details, call Mary Lou Spohn-Meyers at 724-327-8265.
Tree Adoption Event planned for April 12
The Penn Hills Shade Tree Commission once again is partnering with Tree Pittsburgh for its second Tree Adoption Event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 12 at the Sycamore Pavilion in Penn Hills Community Park, 120 Colorado St.
Residents are invited to add some beauty to their yard with up to two free trees from the Penn Hills group and Tree Pittsburgh.
Additional information about Tree Pittsburgh’s Tree Adoptions is available on its website at treepittsburgh.org/programs/tree-adoption/.
Closer to the event, a registration link to Tree Pittsburgh will be provided on PHSTC’s website at pennhillsstc.org. Once the link is available, residents will be able to select the type of tree or trees they want to reserve for pickup during the adoption event April 12.
Community invited to Arbor Day celebration
The Penn Hills Shade Tree Commission is planning its seventh annual Arbor Day celebration from 2 to 4 p.m. April 26 at Duff Community Park in Penn Hills.
The community is invited to help plant new trees in the park, which is located near the Penn Hills Municipal Center along Duff Road.
The rain date will be April 27.
The event will include giveaways of tree seedlings, free refreshments and face painting and nature crafts for children.
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As part of the celebration, the community is invited to help plant new trees in the park.
Workshop to explore backyard composting
Churchill is hosting a backyard composting workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 23 at the Churchill Municipal Building, 2300 William Penn Highway.
The workshop is being presented by the Pennsylvania Resources Council in collaboration with CONNECT.
The workshop itself is free and open to residents from the surrounding area. If registrants choose to purchase a compost bin, the cost is $50. The bin has an 82-gallon capacity and is ideal for urban and suburban areas.
It will cover the importance and benefits of composting and reducing food waste, the process, how to set up a compost pile, proper maintenance and ways of using finished compost.
To register, visit prc.org/churchillBYC.
Since 2000, the PRC has taught conservation workshops to more than 30,000 participants. It also organizes several collection events each year for glass recycling, electronic waste, household chemicals and hard to recycle items such as tires. As part of its efforts for a waste-free Pennsylvania, it also organizes ReuseFest, a one-day drop-off event that diverts a variety of materials for reuse by local nonprofits.
To learn more about the organization, visit prc.org.
Egg hunt features 2 time slots this year
An Easter Egg Hunt for children will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. April 19 in Penn Hills Park.
This year, the Penn Hills Parks and Recreation Department is offering two time slots: 11 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 1:30 p.m.
Each registered child will receive a treat bag featuring crafts and snacks.
Space is limited, and registration is required by April 11.
For details or to register, call the department at 412-798-2147.
Church invites community to egg hunt
Oakmont Presbyterian Church is organizing a Community Easter Egg Hunt from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 12.
Children and their families from the surrounding communities are welcome to attend.
There will be activities, face painting and snacks.
The church is located at 415 Pennsylvania Ave. in Oakmont.
Spring events set for children
The Penn Hills Parks and Recreation Department recently announced its lineup of spring events for children and families.
• Kids Painting and Craft: Session 1 will be from 10 to 11 a.m. April 12; Session 2 will be from 10 to 11 a.m. May 10.
• Kids in the Kitchen: Session 1 will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 16 and feature a take-and-bake entree; Session 2 will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 21 and feature a take-and-bake dessert.
• Family Trivia Challenge: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 3. Join us for an afternoon of family-themed trivia. Prizes for first-, second- and third-place teams will be awarded. A pizza lunch will be provided.
All classes are held at Rolling Hills Church, 120 Gernert Drive.
Registration is required for all of the above events. To sign up, call the department at 412-798-2147.
Youths encouraged to apply for summer job program
Applications are being accepted through June 6 for Allegheny County’s 2025 Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program. The program is open to youths ages 14 to 24.
Since its inception in 2014, the program has served over 13,500 young people, investing more than $14.3 million in wages. The initiative helps participants gain real-world experience and build essential skills in fields such as health care, business, public service and the trades.
This summer, 1,000 spots are available in three age categories:
• Discovery, for ages 14 and 15, focuses on career exploration, job shadowing, and work readiness training to help younger participants build a strong foundation. The starting wage is $10 per hour.
• Experience, for those 16 to 18, provides real-world work experience and college preparation activities to help youth develop valuable skills. Participants will earn $12 per hour.
• Advancement, for those 18 to 24, connects young adults to apprenticeships, preapprenticeships and industry-led training programs, giving them a direct path to high-demand careers. This group will earn $15 per hour.
For eligibility requirements and to access an online application, visit jobs4summer.org. Interested youths also can visit any of the in-person application support center locations throughout Allegheny County and the city of Pittsburgh.
Last year, 250 businesses participated in Learn & Earn. Those interested in hosting a Learn & Earn participant this summer can contact Markese Long, director of Career Pathways, at mlong@partner4work.org.
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Applications being accepted for seasonal work in parks
Penn Hills currently is looking for seasonal maintenance workers for the upcoming parks season.
These workers carry out park maintenance duties to keep the grounds safe and clean. They are assigned to various parks for janitorial, pavilion/ball field upkeep and grounds services.
Work takes place outdoors and is assigned as needed. Hours will vary but primarily take place on weekend afternoons and evenings.
The position requires extensive walking and standing on possible uneven terrain, the operation of a motor vehicle and heavy lifting and carrying of supplies such as equipment and picnic tables.
Applications are available online at pennhillspa.gov/employment and can be emailed once completed to John Scaglione, assistant superintendent of the public works and parks and recreation departments, at jscaglione@pennhillspa.gov.
Completed applications also can be delivered by mail or in person to the Penn Hills Government Center, 102 Duff Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.
All applicants must have the necessary state and federal clearances/background checks to obtain employment.
For details, call 412-798-2147.
Pet walk to benefit rescues set for Boyce Park
The Wildflower Pet Walk, formerly the Friends of Jupiter Pet Walk, will be held April 27 at the Tanglewood Shelter on Pierson Run Road at Boyce Park.
The event starts at 9 a.m., with the walk beginning at 10, and will take place rain or shine. It includes a 1-mile walk, basket raffle, pet vendors, pet photos, food truck and local rescues. New dog and cat items will be collected for rescues.
Walk participants must register and sign a release. People may walk with or without a pet. All dogs must be leashed, licensed and vaccinated, and be people and dog friendly.
Proceeds benefit local rescues including Wildflowers Sanctuary, East Coast Bulldog Rescue, Homeless Cat Management Team and Bridges from Kuwait.
For details and how to get involved, visit amongthewildflowerssanctuary.com or email amongthewildflowerssanctuary@gmail.com.
Flea market, bake sale to benefit community center
The Riverview Community Action Center, 501 Second St. in Oakmont, is planning a flea market and bake sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12.
The event will be held indoors; visitors should use the Delaware Avenue entrance.
There will be something for everyone.
All proceeds will benefit the Riverview Community Action Center, which serves the surrounding communities.
Credit cards will be accepted.
Church to serve free Easter dinner
A free Easter dinner will be served April 20 at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish, 245 Azalea Drive, Monroeville. The holiday dinner will be from 12:30 to 3 p.m. or until food runs out in the Lourdes Center.
2 collections set for yard waste
Penn Hills is offering two collection dates for its spring leaf and yard waste composting program.
The collection dates will be April 7 and 14; both are Mondays.
All waste must be in approved paper leaf bags, with the tops folded closed (no staples or tape). They should be placed curbside Sunday evening. Any leaf or yard wasted not in approved bags will not be picked up. Bags must be under 30 pounds; heavier bags and those filled with inappropriate material will not be picked up.
Acceptable material includes loose leaves; garden residue such as flowers and plants, with no roots attached; shrubbery; and tree trimmings smaller than a half-inch in diameter.
Unacceptable material includes ground-up leaves, grass, dirt, stones, roots, taped or plastic bags, boxes and unapproved bags.
Residents are reminded there is an ordinance against raking leaves to the curb.
Acceptable yard waste also can be dropped off at the municipal compost site throughout the year by making an appointment with the public works department at 412-798-2151, weather permitting. A minimum of 24 hours notice is needed to schedule an appointment.
For details about the program, visit pennhillspa.gov.
Tickets available for spring musical
Penn Hills High School’s thespians are gearing up for their spring musical, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” which will run April 3-6 at the school’s auditorium, 309 Collins Drive.
Show times are from 7 to 10 p.m. April 3, 4 and 5 and 2 to 5 p.m. April 6.
“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” brings the art of the con to the stage with charm, wit and a good dose of humor.
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Tickets, which are $8 for students and $12 for adults, can be ordered online at phhsmusical.com. A 20-cent service fee will be charged for student tickets, and a 30-cent fee will apply to adult tickets.
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.
Dollar Bank Foundation offering $10,000 scholarship
The Dollar Bank Foundation is offering a $10,000 college scholarship to one student in each of the financial institution’s three markets — Greater Pittsburgh, Greater Cleveland and Greater Hampton Roads.
The scholarship will be doled out as $2,500 per year over four years.
Students from the class of 2025 must submit an essay answering the following: What would you like to see change in your community? How can financial institutions work with community partners to achieve this?
The essay must be typed in English and follow MLA format (Times New Roman font, 12-point font size and double-spaced), contain no fewer than 1,000 words and be the original work of the submitting student. Submissions using artificial intelligence will be disqualified. To be eligible, all parts of the question must be answered.
Essays are due by 5 p.m. May 16 via email to PublicAffairs@dollarbank.com and must be sent as an attachment — as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) or as a PDF file. Any essay sent in the body of the email will not be considered.
To register and apply for the scholarship, visit Dollar.Bank/ScholarshipContest.
For questions, email PublicAffairs@dollarbank.com.