In brief: Penn Hills and Verona area happenings, week of Oct. 28, 2024
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Penn Hills EMS paramedic who died on duty honored by state
Paramedic Nicholas A. Theofilis was named among the 12 recipients of the inaugural 2024 Keystone First Responder Award on Oct. 21.
The inaugural award, announced by Gov. Josh Shapiro, was open to members of law enforcement, fire, corrections and EMS organizations. The 2024 award recognizes 11 Pennsylvanians who lost their lives and one who suffered a career-ending injury, all while in the line of duty.
Theofilis, 23, of Penn Hills was honored posthumously for his service. The Penn Hills EMS member died Nov. 27, 2022, when the ambulance he was driving crashed. He also was a volunteer with the Rosedale Volunteer Fire Department.
Other local first responders were honored, including Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire, 46, and McKeesport police Officer Sean L. Sluganski, 32. They were among eight law enforcement officers recognized, all of whom died while serving their communities. McIntire died in an ambush Jan. 2, 2023, during a foot pursuit near his childhood home. Sluganski was killed while responding to a domestic situation Feb. 6, 2023.
Holiday bingo boasts $1,000 jackpot
Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Company No. 7 is teaming up with Life Changing Service Dogs for Veterans for a Christmas Bingo with a $1,000 jackpot Dec. 7 at the station, 125 Universal Road.
Doors will open at 4 p.m. and bingo starts at 5:30.
Tickts are $20 and include six cards per game, with 20 regular games. Special bingo games will be sold separately.
Anyone who brings an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots will receive a bingo card for an exclusive game.
There will be a 50-50 and other raffles. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and alcohol will be available to guests 21 and older with a photo ID.
Tickets must be purchased for entry.
To purchase tickets, call 412-247-1892 or visit the station’s website at phvfd227.store and click on the bingo link.
Food pantry open second Saturdays
The Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens: De’Avry A. Thomas Community Center offers a free food pantry from 10 a.m. to noon every second Saturday of the month at the center, 7300 Ridgeview Ave.
The next distribution will be Nov. 9.
The pantry, in remembrance of Cynthia Stotts, serves anyone in need of assistance, such as families facing food insecurity, individuals experiencing financial hardship, seniors on fixed incomes and students in need.
In addition to free food distribution, the center offers confidential services, volunteer opportunities and referrals to additional community resources.
To help the center’s mission, people are encouraged to volunteer their time or skills, spread the word about the pantry and support the center through monetary contributions.
For details, contact Keonna Rawlings, food pantry manager, at keonna@ybmkq.org.
For more information about the community-based organization, visit ybmkq.org.
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.
Veterans Day dinner planned
The Oakmont Elks are hosting a Veterans Day dinner at 5 p.m. Nov. 11 at the lodge, 106 Washington Ave.
Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. There will be a parade of service flags, and Plum High School ROTC will perform the Vacant Table ceremony before dinner.
The menu includes roast pork loin, sides, salad, dessert, rolls and butter, and coffee or tea. Veterans attend for free. The cost for their guests to attend is $10 each.
Reservations are required. For reservations, call 412-828-1668.
Entries sought for gingerbread house contest
Registration for the 22nd annual City of Pittsburgh Gingerbread House Competition is now open at pittsburghpa.gov/gingerbread through 11:59 p.m. Nov. 10.
The CitiParks Office of Special Events welcomes entries from individuals, schools, communities, nonprofits and professionals from Allegheny County and beyond.
The competition started in 2002 with Downtown Pittsburgh hotels to benefit the Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund. It since has attracted thousands of entries and visitors to PPG Place before moving to the City-County Building in 2019.
The Office of Special Events also recently announced a new partnership with Clearview Federal Credit Union to present the city’s official holiday events, including the gingerbread contest and the 109th Tree Lighting Ceremony to illuminate the only live holiday tree in Downtown Pittsburgh.
This year’s gingerbread display at the City County Building will open with a ceremony Nov. 22, with the entries remaining on view for Light Up Night on Nov. 23 through early January. In addition to 19 categories, participants will be eligible for overall awards such as “Clearview Choice,” as voted on by Clearview representatives, and “Curator’s Choice,” which will be selected by Carnegie Museum of Art staff.
For details about the gingerbread contest, visit pittsburghpa.gov/gingerbread, email specialevents@pittsburghpa.gov or follow @pgheventsoffice on social media.
Donors sought for raffle benefiting district’s arts programming
The Steel Goat Marketplace, 200 Jefferson Road, is hosting a fundraiser in November to directly benefit the music, art and theater programs of the Penn Hills School District.
A portion of weekend sales throughout the month will be donated. There also will a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses and vendors.
Businesses and vendors are welcome to participate by donating a product or service. All donors will be acknowledged.
To donate or learn more about how you can contribute, visit steelgoatmarket.com or call 412-241-0411.
Tickets available for garden club’s Bluegrass Brunch
The Penn Hebron Garden Club is hosting a Bluegrass Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 3.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door, if available.
Doors will open at 10:30 a.m.
Tickets includes a brunch and music by three bluegrass bands.
There also will be a 50-50 raffle.
For details and to purchas tickets, contact Howard Davidson at bachblue@aol.com or Lisa Martinez at jkittyroo@gmail.com.
Allegheny River Boulevard preservation meeting planned
For the second time this year, the public is invited to learn about the Allegheny River Boulevard Preservation Association and consultant Landmarks SGA’s work to restore the historic corridor between Oakmont and Pittsburgh.
The event will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Steel City Rowing Club, 101 Arch St., Verona.
Participants will hear about the progress and early findings of a preservation management plan. They also will have the opportunity to ask questions about the future of this 6-mile road, which was constructed nearly 100 years ago.
Fall psychic fair to feature 55-plus vendors
Fair that offers readers, healers, holistic products, and workshops.
The fall 3 Rivers Psychic Fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Comfort Inn, 699 Rodi Road.
The event will feature more than 55 vendors and a variety of workshops, including ones on manifesting, authenticity and telepathy.
Offerings include psychic, tarot, intuitive and medium readings; Reiki and energy healers; and holistic products.
The fair aims to connect, heal and educate. It offers an opportunity for attendees to expand their minds, learn about their bodies and kindle their inner flames.
Admission is $5, cash or credit card, and can be paid at the door. To purchase tickets in advance, visit https://sowl.co/HxcGj. Online tickets include a 30-cent processing fee.
There also will be a 50-50. Tickets for that raffle are three for $5, eight for $10 and 13 for $15.
Attendees who bring two nonperishable food items will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket.
For details, visit www.3riverspf.com or contact organizer Kitsy Higgins at 412-422-8447 or via email at kitsyc@hotmail.com.
To view a list of readers and vendors, visit 3 Rivers Psychic Fair on Facebook.
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.
The next collection dates are 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 November
Here are the tentatively scheduled Penn Hills School Board and Penn Hills municipal meetings for November:
SCHOOL BOARD
• Penn Hills School Board, regular public voting meeting: 6 p.m. Nov. 26, 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, voting meeting and first budget hearing: 7 p.m. Nov. 18
• Penn Hills Council, second budget hearing: 7 p.m. Nov. 25
• Penn Hills Zoning Hearing Board: 7 p.m. Nov. 20
• Penn Hills Planning Commission: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21
• Penn Hills Library Board: 7 p.m. Nov. 27
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. Nov. 13 and Dec. 11
• Kids in the Kitchen: 10 to 11 a.m. 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.
• 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.
Verona Historical Society program slated
The Verona Historical Society will host a program dubbed “The Encampment at Valley Forge, 1777-1778” 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.
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 this fall.
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.
Those who donate from Nov. 1-17 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice and will be entered into a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Thanks.
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.
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.
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.