In brief: Penn Hills and Verona area happenings, week of Feb. 10, 2025
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Middle school thespians to stage ‘SpongeBob’
Linton Middle School is staging “The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition” at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 and 22 and 2 p.m. Feb. 23.
All shows will take place in the auditorium, 250 Aster St.
The one-hour show is suitable for all ages.
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door.
The community is invited to dive into this dynamic, all-singing, all-dancing musical adventure. When a volcano threatens Bikini Bottom, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save their undersea world. With hope fading, an unlikely hero emerges to prove the power of optimism can save the day.
Free covid tests available at library
Free covid test kits are available at the Penn Hills Library, 1037 Stotler Road.
The kits can be found on a shelf near the front desk on the library’s lower level.
Community members are welcome to help themselves. If you do not see any kits at the front desk, ask a staff member and the shelf will be restocked.
Lyme Art Contest open to youngsters
Pennsylvania is a leading state for Lyme disease, and children are at a higher risk of being bitten.
To promote learning about tickborne diseases, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is seeking submissions from students in grades 1-6 for its 2025 Lyme Art Contest.
Students can submit a poster or video showing how to avoid exposure to ticks, how to check for them or remove them and what signs of disease to look for using information posted under Tick Diseases on the pa.gov website.
Videos should be under 30 seconds, and posters should be no larger than 11 inches by 17 inches.
Entries will be judged in one of three groups: grades 1-2, grades 3-4 and grades 5-6. Only one entry is allowed per child.
The deadline for submissions is March 14.
Entries can be emailed to radhlymecontest@pa.gov or mailed to Department of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology, c/o Lyme Poster Contest, 625 Forster St. 9th floor, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0701.
Finalists will be notified by email by May.
For a complete list of rules, visit https://tinyurl.com/rc935ffc.
History Center, Fort Pitt Museum offering free admission for kids
Admission to the Senator John Heinz History Center and Fort Pitt Museum will be free for children 17 and younger during Black History Month and Women’s History Month, thanks to support from community partners UPMC and UPMC Health Plan.
Throughout February and March, youngsters will get free general admission to the Smithsonian-affiliated History Center, which includes the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, and the Fort Pitt Museum, located in historic Point State Park. Regular admission applies for all adult visitors and groups.
At the History Center, families can explore six floors of award-winning exhibitions and interactive learning spaces. Visitors can:
• Spiral down a 12-foot Liberty Tube slide in the Great Hall and design pop art, construct bridges and more in the interactive Discovery Place exhibition.
• Explore the Neighborhood of Make-Believe featuring the original set and puppets in the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood exhibition.
• Exercise their minds and bodies while climbing the UPMC SmartSteps, the world’s only history exhibition in a stairwell. Punch a stamp card on all six floors to win a free Heinz pickle pin.
• Land a space rover on the surface of the Moon inside the Apollo 11 section of “Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation.”
• Throw a touchdown pass to legendary Steelers and score the winning goal for the Penguins inside the two-floor Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum.
At the Fort Pitt Museum, families can explore the history and culture of American Indian tribes who once called Western Pennsylvania home through a new exhibit titled “Homelands: Native Nations of Allegheny.”
Created in collaboration with federally recognized Delaware, Seneca, Seneca-Cayuga and Shawnee tribes, the exhibit illuminates the past, present and future of the region’s Native tribes with rare artifacts and new scholarship.
The History Center and Fort Pitt Museum are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For details, visit heinzhistorycenter.org.
Valentine’s Bingo to benefit firefighters
Penn Hills No. 7 Volunteer Fire Department, 125 Universal Road, is hosting a Valentine’s Bingo fundraiser on Feb. 15 with a $1,000 jackpot.
Doors open at 4 p.m., and bingo starts at 5:30.
Tickets cost $20 and includes one sheet (six cards) per regular game, with 20 regular games. Special bingo games will be sold separately.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Alcoholic beverages will be available to purchase for guests 21 and older. There also will be a 50-50 and other raffles.
All proceeds benefit the fire company.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.phvfd227.store or by calling 412-247-1892.
St. Patrick’s Bingo to benefit Rotary
The Penn Hills Rotary is hosting a St. Patrick’s Bingo on March 8 at Universal Banquet Hall, 2240 Main St.
Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Early bird bingo will start at 6:15 p.m., followed by regular bingo at 7.
Tickets cost $25 and include six cards for each game and soft drinks. Early bird games, extra cards and tickets for special games and the 50-50 will be available for purchase during the event. Beer, wine and light snacks will be available for purchase.
Tickets can be in advance online at visit pennhillsrotary.org/purchase or at the door.
Proceeds will benefit Penn Hills Rotary charities.
Festival of Praise open to community
Holy Family Parish is sponsoring a Festival of Praise at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at St. John the Baptist Church, 444 Holy Family Way, Plum.
The festival will include worship and praise of the Lord in song, prayer and fellowship. The evening will be filled with Scripture readings, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, time for prayer and reflection, as well as inspiring music and jubilant singing led by Kids of His Kingdom. A social will be held afterward in the annex hall.
Everyone from the community and surrounding areas are welcome to attend.
Church events open to community
Monroeville Church of the Brethen, 481 Center Road in Monroeville, is pleased to introduce Pastor Oyango Burney as its interim pastor. Burney recently accepted the position, and he brings a wealth of experience and a passion for serving others.
The congregation also is inviting members of the community and surrounding areas, including Penn Hills, to join a variety of events:
• The church operates a prayer hotline and welcomes requests. If you need prayer and don’t know where to turn, the congregation wants to help and will pray for you. To submit a request, call the church at 412-372-4165.
• A weekly Bible study class meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday.
• Free coffee and doughnuts are served from 10 to 11 a.m. every Sunday.
• A blood drive conducted by the American Red Cross is planned from noon to 5 p.m. April 11 at the church. To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767).
For details about any of the events, visit monroevillecob.com, email monroeville.brethern@gmail.com or call 412-372-4165.
Plum AARP sets February meeting
Plum AARP’s monthly meeting is set for noon Feb. 11 at Unity Community Church. Plum EMT Brian Maloney will speak on safety for seniors.
Plum AARP is a social/service club open to residents of Plum, Penn Hills, Monroeville and surrounding communities. Cake, coffee and tea are served at each meeting.
In addition to a speaker or entertainment at most meetings, the club hosts two hot dog lunches, a Christmas party, a May luncheon and an August social. Members are able to book one-day or longer trips through representatives from Thomas Tours and Louise Grassi Tours.
The organization’s dues are $15 per year.
Newcomers are welcome at regular monthly meetings, which are held on the second Tuesday of each month, except for June, at Unity Community Church, 215 Unity Trestle Road.
For details, call Mary Lou at 724 327-8265.
2-day psychic fair set for March
The 3 Rivers Psychic Fair is planning its first two-day expo from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 8 and 9 at the Comfort Inn, 699 Rodi Road, in Penn Hills.
The fair, whose mission is to connect, heal and educate, takes place three times a year. The next fairs will be July 19 and Nov. 8.
On hand will be psychic, intuitive and medium readers, as well as Reiki, energy and holistic healers. A variety of products will be available for purchase. Workshops will cover manifesting, authenticity and telepathy.
Admission is $5 at the door by cash or credit card, or payment can be made in advance online.
There also will be a 50-50 raffle. Raffle tickets are three chances for $5, eight for $10 or 13 for $15. The winner does not need to be present.
Everyone who brings two nonperishable food items will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket.
For details and to purchase admission tickets, visit 3riverspf.com. To view a list of enrolled vendors, visit facebook.com/3RiversPsychicFair.
Creatives of all ages invited to meeting about reforming Arts Council
Penn Hills is considering reforming its Arts Council and wants to gauge the community’s interest.
A general discussion hosted by Howard Davidson is planned from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 14 at Penn Hills Library, 1037 Stotler Road.
Artists, musicians, photographers, painters, sculptors and art lovers who live in the eastern suburbs are encouraged to attend.
New artists, younger people, performers, educators, administrators and arts supporters also are welcome.
Past presidents will be on hand to offer advice.
Comedy fundraiser on tap for Verona brewery
Riverside Women’s Association will sponsor a comedy night fundraiser at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at Acclamation Brewing at 314 Arch St. in Verona.
The doors open at 6 p.m., and tickets cost $30. There will be a cash bar, raffles, 50-50 and auctions. Snacks will be available for purchase.
Those attending must be 18 or older. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
For tickets and sponsorship information, visit funny4funds.com/events. For details, call Sue Portera at 412-956-7416.
Nominees sought for Community Champions initiative
WQED, in partnership with Giant Eagle, recently announced the third season of its Community Champions initiative — a collaboration that celebrates and supports local people and nonprofit organizations that are doing good in their communities.
This year, the initiative is taking a new approach by asking community members to nominate nonprofit organizations that are making a difference.
From these nominations, one organization will be selected as the 2025 Community Champion and will be featured in a video profile airing in June.
In past seasons, WQED and Giant Eagle selected a monthly champion that was then featured in an inspiring video profile. Community Champions has showcased 10 organizations in diverse areas of focus, including health care, food insecurity, sustainability, and accessibility and supportive services.
The 2024 Community Champion, Best Buddies, a local nonprofit that aims to end the isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, exemplifies the core tenets of the initiative.
“Whenever I tell people that I work for Best Buddies, they automatically go, ‘Thank you so much for doing this,’ ” said Samantha Mildner, Western Pennsylvania Area director for Best Buddies. “Everybody should be including people with disabilities. And I just happen to love what I do. I’m so lucky that I get to create friendships for a living.”
To ecnourage everyone’s participation in nominating, WQED is showcasing a different past Champion each week on its social channels.
Nominations for the 2025 Community Champion will be accepted until March 16.
To nominate an organization, visit wqed.org/champions.
A playlist of past Champions is available at wqed.tv/gechampions.
Driving course open to 55 and older
Seniors for Safe Driving is offering an upcoming course for motorists 55 and older from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. March 11 at the Penn Hills Senior Center, 147 Jefferson Road.
The PennDOT-approved course is an opportunity for older motorists to refresh their driving skills and their knowledge of the rules of the road.
There is no testing or behind-the-wheel driving. Participants who complete the course can receive a three-year discount of no less that 5% on their auto insurance.
Course highlights include one’s health and driving performance; effects of medication and alcohol on driving; yielding and intersections; strategies for safe passing and managing one’s speed; keeping up with vehicle technology; preventive ways to reduce driver distractions;, proper use of safety belts, air bags and anti-lock brakes; defensive driving tactics and sharing the road; dealing with aggressive drivers and road rage situations; and the latest information on traffic laws and regulations.
The cost is $17.
To register for a class, call 800-559-4880 or 724-283-0245 or go online at SeniorsForSafeDriving.com.
Heating assistance available to low-income households
Thousands of eligible customers miss out on bill assistance by not applying for federal grants. With the winter season approaching, many income-eligible customers remain unaware of programs that can significantly reduce their energy bill.
Peoples Natural Gas, an essential utilities company, encourages its customers to take advantage of available resources to help offset winter heating costs.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), is now open for the 2024-25 heating season. LIHEAP is a federally funded assistance program that provides grants to eligible low-income households to help pay for heating costs. Grants start at $200 and may be higher based on income and the number of people living in the home.
To qualify for a LIHEAP grant, customers must have a total gross household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Customers do not have to be on public assistance or have an unpaid heating bill. LIHEAP is open to renters and homeowners. To learn more about the income limits and to apply, visit https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dhs.html, click on Services in the menu and search for LIHEAP.
In addition to LIHEAP, Peoples offers programs to help make energy-saving home improvements that reduce long-term costs. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call 1-800-400-WARM (9276) or visit peoples-gas.com/help to learn more.
Blood donors sought
January is National Blood Donor Month, and the American Red Cross is highlighting the urgent need for blood donations and their lifesaving impact.
Donations of all blood types are crucial year-round, especially type O, the most frequently transfused blood type. O-negative blood can be given to patients of any blood type, while O-positive can help most patients.
Anyone who donates from Jan. 27 through Feb. 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Flurry.
To find a Red Cross location near you and to learn more about blood donation, including eligibility information, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Seed swap set for March
Area gardeners are invited to the 13th annual Seed Swap, which is held in collaboration with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Grow Pittsburgh and Phipps Conservatory.
The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8 at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh-Main Branch, 4400 Forbes Ave., in Oakland.
The event will feature seed stories, conversations with gardening experts, hands-on activities for children and teens, and a selection of free seeds for the public.
Free workshops will include Seed Saving Basics, Seed Starting and Organic Gardening Basics.
Gardeners are encouraged to bring their own untreated, non-GMO seeds to share. Attendees also can pick up seeds donated by local gardeners, farmers and seed companies. A new batch of seeds will be released every half-hour, and guests who bring seeds will be eligible to enter a raffle of fun items from Phipps Conservatory, Grow Pittsburgh and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
Registration is encouraged but not required.
To register, visit 2025 Celebration of Seeds on EventBrite at https://tinyurl.com/3hsyau7c.
Rotary offering need-based scholarships
The Bob Williams Rotary Memorial Scholarship Program is accepting applications from current high school seniors and GED students for 2024-25.
This year, eight need-based scholarships at $5,000 each will be awarded.
The scholarships are open to students in Allegheny and Beaver counties, as well as those attending New Kensington-Arnold, Kiski Area and Burrell Area high schools and The Kiski School in Westmoreland County. Vocational students, GED students and those attending parochial, charter and private schools also are eligible.
Students must have a 2.5 or higher grade-point average and must complete an essay highlighting their community/school service.
Complete application and criteria materials are available on the website of Rotary District 7305 at rotarydistrict7305.org/scholarships.php or from area high school counselors.
The deadline to apply is Feb. 28. Applications postmarked after that date will not be accepted.
For details, email Dr. Robert Arbuckle, chairperson of the scholarship committee, at rarbuckl@yahoo.com.
Galentine’s Day Brunch to explore girls who rule in nature
Steel Goat Marketplace is hosting a Galentine’s Day Brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 16 at the business, 200 Jefferson Road.
Join us for a presentation by Maria Wheeler-Dubas, founder of Backyard Nature, about the girls who rule in the wild world. Attendees will learn about matriarchal animal societies, female cooperation, lesbian lizards, plants that transition to female as they mature and more.
The suggested donation is $20, but email Wheeler-Dubas at MariaWheelerDubas@gmail.com if there is a hardship. The organizers never want cost to be a barrier to learning.
The event is for 21 and older. Bagels, patries and mimosas will be served.
Space is limited. To reserve a spot, visit https://steelgoatmarket.com/project/galentines-day-brunch/.
For details about Backyard Nature, visit www.BackyardNaturePGH.org.
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.
Municipal, school district meetings viewable online
Want to stay informed about the municipality and school district you live in and the decisions made by people you elect to office?
Both entities livestream their meetings online.
• Penn Hills Council livestreams its monthly meetings on YouTube @PennHills TVONLINE. Past livestreams of meetings also are available to view. Check them out at youtube.com/@PennHillsTVONLINE/featured.
• The Penn Hills School District livestreams monthly meetings on its website at www.phsd.org/school-board/live-stream-and-video-archive. Past meetings also are available. Among the videos are the school board’s regular public voting meetings, HR/Policy and Finance Committee meetings, and Athletic Advisory, Safety/Buildings & Grounds and Curriculum Committee meetings.
Station 225 seeks junior firefighters
Station 225 of the Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Department is accepting applications for its new Junior Firefighter Program.
The program is open to 16- and 17-year-olds.
For details or to apply, call the station at 412-731-2222, email pennhillsvfd225@gmail.com or stop by the station from 7 to 9 p.m. any Tuesday.
In 2024, Station 225, located at 2997 Robinson Blvd., responded to 600 calls. The department encourages members of the community to join in its lifesaving efforts.
Verona 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.
Free books available monthly for kids through age 5
Children who reside in the 15235 ZIP code are eligible to receive free books every month until their 5th birthday through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program in conjunction with Reading Ready Pittsburgh.
The program, which aims to inspire a love of reading, is open to all children within the city of Pittsburgh and 18 ZIP codes in the Mon Valley area.
Each month, a new, carefully selected book will be mailed in your child’s name directly to your home. The first book is always the classic “The Little Engine That Could.”
For details about the program and to enroll your child, visit readingreadypittsburgh.org/DPIL.
Cub Scout Pack 817 seeks members
Cub Scout Pack 817 is looking for new members.
Boys and girls in grades K-5 are welcome to see what the fun is all about. Pack 817 meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday, September through May, at the Rosedale Volunteer Fire Department, 5806 Verona Road.
Cub Scouts offers members many opportunities to try new things, provide service to others, build confidence, develop leadership skills and make new friends.
Members of Pack 817 participate in pinewood derby races, crafts and cooking, Cubmobile challenges, rocket launches, camping and more. There also are summer activities.
For more information about Pack 817, contact Cubmaster Randy Ford at 412-852-5840 or pack817.verona@gmail.com.
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.