Free car seat checks set for Oct. 9

The Penn Hills EMS is providing free car seat checks from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 9.

The event will take place outside the Penn Hills Government Center, 102 Duff Road.

For appointments, email Kristen Urso at kurso@paaap.org or call 412-885-0266.

Tips for Cops fundraiser to benefit local food banks

Off-duty police officers from Penn Hills, Wilkins Township, Churchill and Monroeville are trading in their uniforms for aprons to serve as waitstaff during a Tips for Cops fundraiser from noon to 6 p.m Oct. 19 at Carl’s Tavern, 3386 William Penn Highway, Monroeville.

All of the tips go directly to support local food banks, helping families in need in our communities.

There also will be a silent auction and 50-50 raffle.

Thanks to the generosity of past patrons, Tips for Cops has raised more than $5,000 in previous years.

Mt. Hope plans Trunk-or-Treat on Oct. 26

Mt. Hope Community Church, 12106 Frankstown Road, is hosting a spooktacular Trunk-or-Treat from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 26.

Children are invited to dress up, collect candy, play some games, decorate pumpkins and have a wickedly good time.

The event will be held rain or shine.

Comments due soon on report for CDBG Program

In accordance with the federal regulations found in 24 CFR Part 570, Penn Hills has prepared its Fiscal Year 2024 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.

The report describes the level of housing assistance and other community development activities funded through grants from various federal funding programs during fiscal year 2024, which runs from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.

Comments will be accepted until 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26.

The municipality intends to submit the 2024 CAPER to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on or before Sept. 29.

To view the document, visit pennhillspa.gov/fy-2024-consolidated-annual-performance-and-evaluation-report-caper-draft.

Anti-litter group fills 31 bags of garbage

The Penn Hills Anti-Litter Group participated in the annual Pittsburgh Garbage Olympics from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 13.

Fourteen members collected 31 extra large bags of trash — and apparently a “ridiculous amount of car parts,” according to a post on Facebook.

The Pittsburgh Garbage Olympics, started in 2017, is an annual event where neighborhoods across the Pittsburgh region compete to see who can pick up the most trash.

This year, 50 neighborhoods participated.

A closing ceremony was held afterward at Velum Fermentation.

PALS to meet Oct. 1

The Plum Area Ladies Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 1 in the Plum Community Center, 499 Center New Texas Road.

The guest speaker will be Bernie Ogline of the Plum Food Pantry. He will talk about the pantry’s mission and needs.

The service project will be to donate paper products or money to the Plum Food Pantry.

Details about October’s Ladies Day Out will be presented at the meeting.

PALS is a service and social organization open to women from Plum, Penn Hills, Monroeville and the surrounding communities.

Newcomers are welcome at the monthly meetings, which are held at 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, September through April, in the Plum Community Center.

For details, call Mary Lou Spohn-Meyers at 724-327-8265.

Holiday Craft Show to feature 100-plus vendors

The Penn Hills Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its 27th annual Holiday Craft Show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 22 at Linton Middle School, 250 Aster St.

There will be more than 100 spaces of handmade arts and crafts.

Admission is free.

There also will be door prizes and gift card raffles.

Concessions will be available in the cafeteria.

For details, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 412-798-2147.

Session on trees, streams open to landowners

The Allegheny County Conservation District, in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is hosting a Free Trees, Clean Streams information session for all ages from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at Penn Hills Library, 1037 Stotler Road.

The session aims to connect landowners with financial and technical resources for streamside trees and habitat projects. Attendees can engage with funding representatives, ask questions and explore how these projects improve can improve their property.

Participants will learn how simple changes, such as planting trees near streams or turning lawns into meadows, can reduce erosion, improve water quality and support pollinators and wildlife.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and a small activity to engage children during the presentation will be provided.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/4654bjva.

Firefighters sought

Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Company No. 7, 125 Universal Road, is accepting applications for its live-in program, bunk-in program, junior firefighters program and home response team.

Eligible candidates will get free college tuition through Allegheny County’s FireVEST program. The program provides full scholarships for an associate degree or certificat program at CCAC, as well as training at the Allegheny County Fire Academy. Penn Hills residents who become firefighters also receive a tax credit.

The department, which averages as many as 1,000 calls each year, operates a 100-foot ladder truck, a heavy-duty rescue pumper and a Class A pumper.

To learn more, visit phvfd227.com.

Church adds 2nd service, plans Trunk-or-Treat

Penn Hills Baptist Church, 323 Hulton Road, is starting a 9 a.m. Sunday worship service, beginning Oct. 5.

The new service is in addition to its 10:30 a.m. service.

Everyone is welcome to attend the services, which offer vibrant, traditional worship.

The church has served the community since 1957.

For details, visit pennhillsbaptistchurch.com.

The church also will be hosting a Trunk-or-Treat for children from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25. It is open to the community.

River City Brass to perform at Linton

The River City Brass will perform a tribute to Herb Alpert and his Tijuana Brass at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at Linton Middle School, 250 Aster St.

The band will showcase hits such as “Tijuana Taxi,” “A Taste of Honey,” “Zorba the Greek,” as well as other favorites from Alpert’s fourth album, released in 1965, titled “Whipped Cream & Other Delights.”

The band again will be joined by steel pan virtuoso Liam Teague, who will show how versatile and far-reaching the repertoire of the steel pan can be. The band also will premiere the work “Rhapsody in Steel” written for steel pan and brass band.

Tickets are general admission and cost $29.40. They can be purchased online at rivercitybrass.org.

Halloween Bingo boasts $1,000 jackpot

The annual Halloween Bingo is set for 4 to 9 p.m. Oct. 11 at Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Company No. 7, 125 Universal Road.

Doors open at 4 p.m. and bingo starts at 5:30.

Tickets are $20 and include one six-card sheet for each of the 20 regular bingo games. The jackpot is $1,000.

There also will be special bingo games, as well as a 50-50 and other raffles, that can be purchased separately.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Attendees must purchase a ticket to enter. Tickets only are available online at www.phvfd227.store or by stopping in at the station.

Safe2Say program important tool for school safety

As a new school year kicks off, state lawmakers are reminding students, parents and community members about Safe2Say Something, a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

Safe2Say Something teaches youths and adults how to recognize the warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” before it is too late, according to safe2saypa.org.

People can report an anonymous tip by phone at 1-844-SAF2SAY (1-844-723-2729), online at safe2saypa.org or through the Safe2Say app. A crisis center reviews, assesses and processes all submissions. In case of an emergency, call 911.

Among the statistics noted on the organization’s website:

• 1 million students reported being harassed, threatened or subjected to other forms of cyberbullying.

• 80% of school shooters told someone of their violent plans; 59% told more than one person.

• 70% of people who died by suicide told someone of their plans and gave some other warning sign.

Animal Hut to mark national day with activities, sales

Animal Hut, a pet supply and grooming business at 7193 Saltsburg Road in Penn Hills, is celebrating Neighborhood Pet Store Day on Sept. 27.

The national event, sponsored by the Independent Pet Retailers Association, aims to raise awareness for independent sellers versus big-box stores.

Animal Hut is planning a day of sales and activities.

“We’re going to offer discounts on almost all our products,” said Animal Hut owner Renee Lauer.

She said the business has been in Penn Hills for 36 years.

Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley will be on-site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to speak with people about animal adoption.

Shoppers will be able to pop ballons with coupons inside, and mystery bags packed with various products from the store will be available for purchase.

For the animals groomed that day, free pumpkin spice shampoo and perfume will be offered with each session.

For details, call the store at 412-795-6556.

First aid class open to community

The Riverview Community Action Corporation is hosting a First Aid Training Class from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Riverview Community Center, corner of Second Street and Delaware Avenue in Oakmont.

The cost is $50 per person. There is no residency requirement to participate.

The class will be taught by members of the Lower Valley Ambulance Service.

Registration is required by Oct. 3. To register, visit the events page of rcacorp.org or call 412-828-1062.

The American Heart Association’s First Aid Program is designed for anyone with little or no medical training who wants to be prepared for an emergency in any setting or for those who need a course completion card for their job, regulatory need such as OSHA or other requirement.

Junior Achievement seeks nominations of teens for program

Junior Achievement of Western PA is once again seeking nominations for 18 young leaders who are using their voices to create change.

The 18 Under Eighteen program, now in its fifth year, was launched to recognize young people who are making a difference, not just in sports or academics, but also within their communities.

The program, presented by the EQT Foundation, so far has honored 72 teens across 10 counties in Western Pennsylvania and West Virginio. Their contributions include medical research, founding nonprofits, advocating for marginalized communities, developing innovative solutions to real-world problems and more.

Honorees are selected by a diverse panel of judges from the corporate, nonprofit, community and educational sectors.

Those chosen will receive:

• Professional leadership training taught by White House-recognized community leader and brand expert BeNeca Griffin;

• Personal media assets and recognition, including a personal billboard courtesy of Lamar Advertising;

• Networking, mentoring, and scholarship opportunities;

• Gifts from JA partners.

Nominations are open through Sept. 30, and honorees will be announced Jan. 6. The awards celebration will take place Feb. 3 at Acrisure Stadium.

Parents, teachers, mentors and peers are welcome to nominate individuals 18 or younger who are making an impact and reside in JA’s 56-county footprint.

For details about the program and to submit a nomination, visit jawesternpa.org.

Deluzio accepting applications for U.S. service academy nominations

Congressman Chris Deluzio, D-Fox Chapel, recently announced that his office is accepting nomination applications from eligible young Western Pennsylvanians to attend a U.S. service academy.

A graduate of the United States Naval Academy himself, Deluzio now has the honor as a congressman to nominate students within District 17 to attend the nation’s prestigious service academies.

“I was in my senior year of high school on 9/11, and it was a motivating factor for me deciding to serve the country. I applied to and ended up attending the U.S. Naval Academy — it was one of the best decisions I ever made,” Deluzio said. “Now, I’m honored to nominate the next class of future military leaders. I encourage any patriotic young person interested in military service to apply to a service academy.”

Applicants can access the nomination application on Deluzio’s website at deluzio.house.gov/services/service-academy-nominations. Additional details, including eligibility criteria, also can be found on the website.

The deadline to apply is at 5 p.m. Sept. 30.

The U.S. service academies are the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.; U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado; U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.; and U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination.

Upcoming meetings

Upcoming municipal and school district meetings include:

• Council: 7 p.m. Oct. 13 (special voting meeting will consider items originally slated for the canceled Sept. 22 meeting) and Oct. 20 (regular meeting) in Council Chambers at the government center, 102 Duff Road;

• Library Board: 7 p.m. Sept. 24 and Oct. 29 at Penn Hills Library, 1037 Stotler Road;

• Zoning Hearing Board: 7 p.m. Sept. 24 and Oct. 22 in Council Chambers;

• Planning Commission: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 and Oct. 23 in Council Chambers;

• Penn Hills School Board: 6 p.m. Sept. 24 and Oct. 29 (regular public voting meeting) in the Sen. Jay Costa Media Center at Linton Middle School, 260 Aster St.

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.

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 its monthly school board meetings on its website at https://www.phsd.org/our-district/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.

Annual Dragon Boat Festival planned at North Park Lake

The Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Team invites the community to a day of thrilling races, vibrant entertainment, delicious food and family fun at its annual Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival.

The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at North Park Lake in McCandless.

This year’s family-friendly festival will feature spirited races with community teams, sport teams, youth teams, para-paddlers and teams of cancer survivors battling it out for glory.

There also will be cultural performances such as the lion dance, family-friendly activities, vendor booths and food trucks.

Proceeds from the festival will benefit Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel, an all-breast cancer survivor dragon boat team founded in 2017. With members ranging from ages 24 to 80, Hearts of Steel brings together survivors from diverse backgrounds to promote full and active lives through the empowering sport of dragon boating.

To learn more about the team, visit heartsofsteelpittsburgh.org.

Course available to drivers 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. Dec. 2 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.

Blood donors sought

The need for blood donors persists, and the American Red Cross and Vitalant are encouraging people to help.

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.

Here are a few nearby Red Cross blood drives:

• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 16 at Reclamation Community Center, 2456 Tilbrook Road, Monroeville

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 11 at Murrysville Community Center, 3091 Carson Ave., Murrysville

To find a Red Cross location 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).

Vitalant operates about 115 donation centers nationwide and is hosting upcoming drives at several nearby locations, including:

• 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish, Lourdes Center, 245 Azalea Drive, Monroeville.

• 2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 7 at Redeemer Lutheran School, lower-level lunch room, 121 Dawn Drive, Penn Hills.

• 8 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. Oct. 12 at Our Lady of Joy Roman Catholic Church, social hall, 2000 O’Block Drive, Plum.

• 7 a.m. to noon Oct. 21 at AHN-Forbes Hospital, learning center, 2570 Haymaker Road, Monroeville.

Vitalant also regularly schedules collection dates at its Monroeville Donation Center at Corporate One Office Park, Building II, 4075 Monroeville Blvd.; and Pittsburgh Fox Chapel Donation Center at One Alexander Center, Suite 207, 2585 Freeport Road.

To make an appointment and find other locations, visit vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).

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 email jmjkwj@gmail.com.

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.

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