Pop-up event at library seeks input on transit redesign project
Pittsburgh Regional Transit is planning a pop-up public engagement session from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at Penn Hills Library, 1037 Stotler Road, to collect feeback on its Bus Line Redesign project.
On Sept. 30, PRT released an official draft of Network 1.0, its redesign project that aims to better align bus service with current and projected needs of the region.
Public engagement will continue through Jan. 31. Pop-ups at other locations around Pittsburgh are planned throughout October.
An online public meeting is scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24; to register for the online meeting, visit https://engage.rideprt.org/buslineredesign/BLR-draftnetwork-onlinemeeting.
To view the draft, offer input and get pop-up details, visit https://BusLineRedesign.com.
Leaf and yard waste collections set
The Penn Hills Department of Public Works released a schedule for its fall leaf and yard waste composting program.
Crews will collect paper leaf bags on Oct. 28 and Nov. 4, 12, 18 and 25. All of the dates are Mondays except the Nov. 12 collection, which is being held on a Tuesday because of the Veterans Day holiday.
Bag requirements: All paper leaf bags should be placed curbside Sunday evening. Any leaf or yard waste not in an approved bag will not be picked up. Bags must weigh less than 30 pounds. Do not use staples or tape to close the bags, but fold over the tops to prevent leaves from spilling.
Also, do not rake leaves to the curb, in keeping with ordinance No. 2012-2548.
Acceptable material includes leaves, garden residue such as flowers and plants with no roots attached, and trimmings from shrubs and trees with a half-inch or smaller diameter.
The following material will not be accepted: bags over 30 pounds, ground-up leaves, grass, dirt, stones, roots, tape or plastic bags and other types of paper bags, boxes or containers.
Residents also can drop off their bags at the municipal compost site by appointment through the Public Works department. A minimum 24-hour notice is required. To make an appointment, call 412-798-2151.
For additional details about the annual fall collection, visit penhillspa.gov.
Meetings slated for October
SCHOOL BOARD
• Penn Hills School Board, regular public voting meeting: 6 p.m. Oct. 30, media center at Linton Middle School, 260 Aster St. To view voting meeting agendas and livestreams of meetings, visit Penn Hills School District online at phsd.org and click on the School Board tab.
MUNICIPALITY
• Penn Hills Council: 7 p.m. Oct. 21
• Penn Hills Zoning Hearing Board: 7 p.m. Oct. 23
• Penn Hills Planning Commission: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24
• Penn Hills Library Board: 7 p.m. Oct. 30
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.
Fall/winter activities planned for children
Penn Hills Parks & Recreation recently posted its fall and winter schedule.
Space is limited for the following events, and registration is required.
All events take place at Rolling Hills Church, 120 Gernert Drive.
• Kids Painting and Craft: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11
• Kids in the Kitchen: 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 19, Nov. 16 and Dec. 14
• Family Trivia Day: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 9. Trivia buffs are welcome to gather for an afternoon of family-themed trivia. There will be prizes for first-, second- and third-place teams. A pizza lunch will be provided.
To register, call the recreation department at 412-798-2147.
Holiday cheer already in works
Penn Hills Parks & Recreation is planning a variety of holiday events for the community:
• Holiday Lights Cruise: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Penn Hills Government Center, 102 Duff Road. There will be a drive-thru lights display and a visit from Santa. Treat bags will be provided, but registration is required. To register, call 412-798-2147. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unopened and unwrapped toy donation for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
• Letters to Santa: Drop off your letters Dec. 1-19 at Penn Hills Library. You also can mail them to 102 Duff Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 or email them to santa@pennhillspa.gov. Please include a return address.
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• Lunch With Santa, two sessions: 11 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at Rolling Hills Church, 120 Gernert Drive. Join us for a visit from Santa, arts and crafts and a pizza lunch. Space is limited. To register, call 412-798-2147.
• Christmas Lights Display Contest: To enter your home, call 412-798-2147 or email jscaglione@pennhillspa.gov. Judging will take place Dec. 17-19. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated home.
Free Health & Senior Fair set for older residents
The community’s older residents are invited to a free Health & Senior Fair from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 10 sponsored by Sen. Jay Costa, D-Forest Hills, and state Rep. Joe McAndrew, D-Penn Hills.
The event will be held at the Greek Orthodox Social Hall, 12 Washington Ave. in Oakmont.
No registration is required to attend.
More than 35 organizations will be on hand to provide information.
Services and resources that will be available include:
• Free flu and pneumonia shots (bring your Medicare or insurance card)
• Free blood pressure screenings
• An opportunity to apply for or renew one’s Senior ConnectCard with Pittsburgh Regional Transit
• Responsible disposal of unused medication through Project DUMP by the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office
• Door prizes
For details, call McAndrew’s office at 412-793-2448.
Verona Historical Society programs slated
• The Verona Historical Society will host an Oct. 17 program for National Italian Heritage Month. Melissa Marinaro of the Heinz History Center will lead the presentation.
• A program dubbed “The Encampment at Valley Forge, 1777-1778” will be offered on Nov. 21. The presentation from Ken Cherry will discuss a pivotal time in U.S. history.
For details about the historical society’s programs or membership, visit veronahistory.org.
Music nonprofit organizing festival in Verona
The Western Pennsylvania Center for the Arts Academy is hosting Beats & Eats, a music and food festival, from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 12 at Railroad Park in Verona.
The event will include a pet parade, a person/pet combination costume contest, a pumpkin carving contest, and food and beverage trucks. There also will be music by RMR Jazz, Carnegie Mellon Bag Pipes and more.
Sponsors include Veritas Instrument Rental.
For details or to sign up for the parade, visit wpcaacademy.org.
Blood donors sought for fall drive
The American Red Cross is encouraging donors of all blood types and platelets, especially those who have never donated before, to consider doing so for the month of October.
According to the Red Cross, only three out of 100 Americans donate blood. Donations are critical to keep the blood supply stable during the fall months.
Donations of all blood types — particularly those with type O, the most transfused type — are needed.
Anyone who donates through Oct. 31 will receive a $10 Amazon gift card by email and will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Treat.
To make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).
Prospective donors also can enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or to seek more information.
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 and older in most states, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
Calling all ghouls and boos: Sign up for costume parade
The Penn Hills Parks & Recreation is planning a Halloween Parade in the Park from 11 a.m. to noon Oct. 26 at Penn Hills Community Park.
Families are invited to come dressed in their favorite costume. The parade will start at 11:15 a.m.
Prizes will be awarded for the scariest, cutest and most creative costumes.
Space is limited, and registration is required by Oct. 21.
To register, call 412-798-2147.
Spooky Night at the Races to benefit Rosedale firefighters
The Rosedale Civic Association is organizing a Spooky Night at the Races fundraiser for the Rosedale Volunteer Fire Department from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Oakmont Elks, 101 Washington Ave.
Costumes are optional, but there will be a $50 prize for the best costume.
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The cost is $15 per person and includes a buffet dinner.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 5 and the start of races at 6. There will be a cash bar.
Proceeds will be used to purchase personal protective equipment for Rosedale firefighters.
To purchase a ticket, send an email to rosedalecivicassociation222@gmail.com.
Halloween Bingo boasts $1,000 jackpot
The Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Department No. 7, 125 Universal Road, is planning a Halloween Bingo on Oct. 19.
Doors will open at 4 p.m., and bingo will start at 5:30.
There will be a $1,000 jackpot, as well as a 50-50 and other raffles.
Tickets cost $20 and include one six-card sheet for each of the 20 regular games. The jackpot is $1,000.
Special bingo games will be sold separately.
Food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages for those 21 and older, also will be available for purchase.
To purchase tickets, call 412-247-1892 or visit www.phvfd227.store.
Meeting to offer update on VOPP trail
Friends of the Riverfront is organizing a public meeting to provide an update on the VOPP trail from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at Oakmont Carnegie Library, 700 Allegheny River Blvd.
The VOPP Trail Connector will stretch from the Allegheny riverfront in Verona and connect Oakmont, Penn Hills along Plum Creek to Boyce Park in Plum — hence the VOPP name.
In 2022, Friends of the Riverfront worked with Penn Hills to raise funding to complete the design and engineering work for the 14-mile trail project. That work is being conducted by TranSystems through December.
According to the Friends of the Riverfront website, the first phase of design and engineering was completed in early 2023 and focused on the section in Verona and Oakmont. Survey and drone work is being completed on the remaining trail corridor to identify logical segments of the trail.
Insurance fair planned at senior center
Penn Hills is hosting a health insurance fair for seniors from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Penn Hills Senior Service Center, 147 Jefferson Road.
Anyone 60 and older is invited.
Representatives from Humana, UPMC, Highmark, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna Healthcare and WellCare Health Plans will be in attendance to help seniors decide whether to change providers.
Phyllis Paciulli, director of the senior center, emphasized that this event will be strictly informational and insurance focused. Medicare open enrollment doesn’t start until Oct. 15, and it runs through Dec. 7.
“It is not going to be an in-home service, hospice, assisted living, nursing home type of thing,” Paciulli said. “And the vendors know they’re not allowed to sell during that time.”
Seniors also will be able to book a private room at the center to meet with insurance representatives between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays from Oct. 23 to Dec. 4.
For additional details, call 412-244-3400 or 412-244-3407.
26th Holiday Craft Show set for Nov. 23
Penn Hills Parks & Recreation will present its 26th annual Holiday Craft Show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 23 at Linton Middle School, 250 Aster St.
Admission is free.
The event will showcase more than 100 spaces of handmade arts and crafts.
There also will be door prizes, gift card raffles and concessions in the cafeteria.
For details, call the Parks & Recreation office at 412-798-2147.
Class of 1984 to gather in November
The Penn Hills High School Class of 1984 is celebrating its 40th reunion in November.
Members are invited to mark the occasion from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Comfort Inn & Suites RIDC, 180 Gamma Drive in O’Hara.
The cost is $58 per person and includes a buffet dinner and two drink tickets.
The itinerary includes cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7, dancing until 11 and a karaoke afterparty from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the hotel bar.
Tickets can be purchased via Venmo at https://venmo.com/u/Kristy-McGowan-1 through Kristy (McGill) McGowan.
For attendees who prefer to stay at the hotel, a block of rooms with king-size beds have been reserved for $87 a night. The hotel offers free breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, and has an indoor heated pool that’s open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. To reserve a room, call the hotel at 412-963-0600 and ask for the Penn Hills High School 40th reunion rate.
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For questions, email ph84reunion@gmail.com or visit the Penn Hills Class of 1984 Facebook page.
Assistance available for veterans, spouses
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.
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.
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.
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.