AARP warns seniors about romance scams
As Valentine’s Day approaches — a time when many people are seeking companionship or exploring new romantic relationships online — AARP Pennsylvania is urging older adults to stay alert for romance scams, including catfishing schemes that exploit feelings of loneliness, trust and affection.
Catfishing is when a scammer uses fraudulent information and images to create fake identities, then attempts to attract people through dating apps, messaging apps and social media to build emotional connections and exploit victims.
Report scams to local law enforcement.
If you suspect a scam, call AARP’s toll-free helpline at 877-908-3360 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays or visit the AARP Pennsylvania Fraud Resource Page at aarp.org/money/scams-fraud.
Monroeville church organizing purse bash
St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church is sponsoring its seventh annual Purse Bash fundraiser from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 21 — doors will open at 11:30 — in the church’s social hall, 2110 Haymaker Road, Monroeville.
Tickets cost $50 each and include 20 chances to bid on designer purses.
Lunch is provided along with soft drinks, coffee and tea. A cash bar will be available; no outside alcohol is permitted.
Winners must be present to claim all prizes.
Optional lotteries for additional purses and raffles also will be available.
To purchase tickets, visit stnicholasmonroeville.org/events or call Amanda Formato at 412-980-8944.
Plum Class of ‘76 reunion in works
The Plum Class of 1976 will hold its 50-year class reunion on Sept. 12 at VFW Post 92, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road in Lower Burrell. A time has not yet been determined.
For more information, contact Margie via text at 724-882-7775 or on the Plum Class of 1976 Facebook page.
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-mailjmjkwj@gmail.com.
Food pantry offers help
The Plum Food Pantry, 81 Sandune Drive, distributes free food from 4:30 to 6 p.m. the first three Tuesdays of each month for Plum residents. Residents in need must stop in at the pantry to be certified/verified.
For more information, call 724-327-0367.
Association of University People
The Association of University People invites singles 50 and older who are four-year college graduates to join them for activities and to meet new people. Activities include spring/summer picnics, monthly dinners, a book group, Scrabble, meeting up at local outside concerts and wineries.
Those interested can attend three activities as guests before joining. To obtain more information about AUP or become an AUP member, call and leave a message at 412-353-9088 or email Aupsingles@gmail.com.
3 Rivers Psychic Fair on tap
The 3 Rivers Psychic Fair, featuring more than 55 vendors, returns from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 14 and 15 at Comfort Inn, 699 Rodi Road, Penn Hills.
Workshops will be available on a variety of topics, including manifesting, authenticity, feminine rising, group psychic medium readings and telepathy.
The 3 Rivers Psychic Fair takes place three times a year in and around the city of Pittsburgh. The next events are scheduled for July 25 and Oct. 17-18. The fair offers psychic, intuitive and medium readings, as well as Reiki and energy healers and holistic products.
The mission of the fair is to connect, heal and educate. It aims to help people expand their minds, learn about their bodies and kindle their inner flames.
Admission price is $5, payable by cash or credit card. There also will be a 50-50.
To learn more, visit 3riverspf.com. To view a list of readers and vendors enrolled, visit facebook.com/3RiversPsychicFair.