In brief: Penn Hills and Verona area happenings, week of May 20, 2024
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Memorial Mile race planned before holiday parade
Penn Hills’ annual Memorial Day Parade will kick off at 11:30 a.m. May 27 at 111 Erhardt Drive, the former St. Bartholomew Church. The route will move along Frankstown Road and onto Duff Road.
A memorial ceremony will be held at 12 p.m. at the Penn Hills Government Center, 102 Duff Road.
The parade will include a variety local performers, organizations and businesses. Spectators also can expect to see first responders, including police, EMS and six volunteer fire companies.
Registration to participate in the parade closes May 24.
Before the parade, runners can participate in the Penn Hills Memorial Mile. The race starts at 10:30 a.m. and will take the same route as the parade.
Registration costs $20. Sign-ups will be accepted online until May 25 and in person from 9 to 9:45 a.m. before the race. Prizes will be awarded for first through sixth place for each age group in the men’s and women’s heats.
Soft opening set for farmers market
The Verona Farmers Market is gearing up for its 2024 season with a soft opening from 2 to 7 p.m. May 23. Among the vendors will be Musser’s Market with flower baskets, Tom’s Candy and Killer Krafts.
The market is located in Railroad Park, 737 E. Railroad Ave.
The market officially kicks off June 6 and runs through Nov. 21.
On June 6, there will be a free meet and greet from 4 to 6 p.m. with Ariel hosted by Enchanted Experiences. She will be available for photos and autographs.
For details, visit Verona Farmers Market on Facebook.
Reading program kicks off June 15
The Penn Hills Library, 1037 Stotler Road, will kick off its summer reading program from noon to 2 p.m. June 15. The registration event is for book lovers of all ages — children, teens and adults.
Those interested in participating are encouraged to stop by for a summer reading swag bag. There will be free food and lots of activities.
For details, call Addie 412-775-4700 or email her at phlibrary@pennhillslibrary.org.
Safe driving course open to 55 and older
Seniors for Safe Driving, a PennDOT-approved organization dedicated to highway safety, is conducting a Senior Citizen Driver Improvement Course from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. July 23 at the Penn Hills Senior Center, 147 Jefferson Road.
The course, which costs $17, is designed to refresh the driving skills and rules of the road for motorists 55 and older. Those who successfully complete the course can receive a three-year discount of no less than 5% on their auto insurance.
There will be no testing or behind-the-wheel driving.
To register, call 800-559-4880 or 724-283-0245 or go online at seniorsforsafedriving.com.
Members sought for boards, commissions
Some of Penn Hills’ boards, committees and commissions are in need of new members.
Opportunities may or soon could be available on the Planning Commission, Shade Tree Commission, Traffic Safety Committee, Zoning Hearing Board, Recreation Advisory Board, Wilkinsburg-Penn Joint Water Authority, Personnel Board and Library Board.
Residents interested in joining any of the above entities should send a letter of interest with a brief bio to the municipal office, 102 Duff Road, or email Mayor Pauline Calabrese at pcalabrese@pennhills.org.
The Library Board also is soliciting candidates through an online form for its four vacancies. Board members are expected to stay up to date on library trends, provide fiscal stewardship and craft policies, among other duties listed in the job description.
Applications for the Library Board are due May 31.
Ministry has seasonal clothing in stock
The Clothesline Ministry in Penn Hills is stocked with clothing for the warmer months. The free ministry is open from 10 a.m. to noon every Thursday at Mt. Hope Community Presbyterian Church, 12106 Frankstown Road.
Weight-loss group meets Tuesdays
The local chapter of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a support group to help those struggling with weight loss, meets Tuesday evenings at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1261 Pennsylvania Ave., in Oakmont. Meetings begin with a private weigh-in between 5:45 and 6:10 p.m. Anyone interested in joining can attend a meeting and decide if TOPS is right for them. For details, call 412-828-3854 or email jmjkwj@gmail.com.
Class of 1974 to gather
The Penn Hills High School Class of 1974 will have its 50th reunion at 6 p.m. June 8 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Downtown Pittsburgh.
The cost is $65. The gathering will include appetizers, food stations, dessert, nonalcoholic beverages, a photo booth and a DJ. There will be a cash bar.
To make a reservation, visit Penn Hills Class of 1974 on Facebook, email PHHS74Reunion@gmail.com or contact Deborah (Tedesco) Gathagan at dgathagan@verizon.net.
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.