In brief: Penn Hills and Verona area happenings, week of July 29, 2024

Incoming kindergartners invited to playground event

The Penn Hills School District welcomes incoming kindergartners to a Popsicles on the Playground event from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 6 at Penn Hills Elementary School, 1079 Jefferson Road.

The event, which is part of the district’s Summer Kickoff to Kindergarten, is an opportunity for the youngsters to meet their future classmates, as well as the kindergarten staff and principal, before the school year starts.

Free school supplies, games, crafts planned at church’s Summer JAM

Mt. Hope Community Church is organizing a Summer JAM (Jesus and Me) event from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at the church, 12106 Frankstown Road.

Children 4 to 12 are welcome to attend and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There will be free school supplies, games, crafts and worship. Lunch will be served.

Registration is required by calling the church’s office at 412-793-0227.

Jobs available at Penn Hills senior center, police station

Penn Hills is looking for a full-time site supervisor and part-time data clerk for the senior center on Jefferson Road, as well as a full-time administrative assistant who will work primarily in the police department’s records division.

Applicants for the data clerk and administrative assistant roles must demonstrate an ability to type at least 50 words per minute.

Further information and applications can be found online at pennhillspa.gov/employment.

Collection event set for hard-to-recycle items

The Pennsylvania Resources Council is hosting a collection event for hard-to-recycle items from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 10 at Elizabeth Forward Middle School, an approximately 40-minute drive from Penn Hills.

There is a $5 participation fee that covers unlimited disposal of phones, microwaves, computer towers and many other electronics. Some items, such as televisions and computer monitors, are subject to per-item fees.

Participants are asked to arrive five to 10 minutes before their allotted collection time.

For the full fee schedule and registration, visit prc.org/collectionevents.

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.

Help available for job seekers

In addition to its resources for job seekers, Penn Hills Library, 1037 Stotler Road, is offering a few helpful workshops in August:

• Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR): 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 2. The agency provides vocational rehabilitation services to help people with disabilities prepare for, obtain or maintain employment. It conducts drop-in appointments the first Friday of each month on the lower level of Penn Hills Library. You also can contact the library to be connected to an OVR representative. No registration is required.

• Senior Employment Workshop: For unemployed adults 55 and older. Two sessions are available — both from 1 to 2 p.m. — Aug. 5 and 6. Participants will learn how the library can help them get training. Refreshments will be served. Registration is required and can be made online at pennhillslibrary.org or by calling 412-775-5700.

• Resume: Types and Tips: 1 to 2 p.m. Aug. 6. Participants will learn tips on making a winning resume. For those who bring a resume, there will be time to discuss it one on one after the program. No registration is required.

Turf project at stadium done ahead of schedule

The turf football field at Yuhas-McGinley Stadium was completed more than a week ahead of schedule.

FieldTurf originally expected to finish the work by July 31. The project also included new LED lighting by Musco Lighting.

The Penn Hills Indians’ home opener is set for 7 p.m. Sept. 6. The team plays North Allegheny.

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.

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.

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.

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.