News briefs: Verona Garden Club to host botany and booze event, student news and more in Penn Hills

The Verona Garden Club will be holding a botany and booze spring fundraiser May 22 and 23 from noon to 4 p.m. at Railroad Park, 737 E. Railroad Ave.

There will be live music, food trucks, craft vendors, raffles and a plant sale.

Early-bird pricing is $15 for a single day or $25 for a weekend pass. Tickets are $20 for a single day and $35 for a weekend pass the day of the event.

Tickets are not required, but tickets are required for the brew fest.

For more information, visit veronacommunity.org.

Student news

The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines:

• Elizabeth Henning at Duquesne University

• Ashley Newman at Duquesne University

They are among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year.

Verona to kick off 150th celebration

Verona will kick off its sesquicentennial celebrations marking 150 years since its May 10, 1871, incorporation.

The event on May 8 marks the kickoff of summer festivities celebrating the borough. There will be a musical performance from the Western PA Center for the Arts, and local historians will share stories from Verona’s past.

Participants can choose to attend in person at Railroad Park, or watch the Facebook Live stream from home.

All in-person attendees will be asked to adhere to covid-19 guidelines. Bring your own chair or blanket for seating.

Birthday cupcakes will be served at the conclusion of the event.

Class reunion

The Penn Hills High School Class of 1976 will hold its 45th reunion June 25-27.

There will be a buffet dinner at 7 p.m. June 25 at the Comfort Inn Grand Ballroom, 180 Gamma Drive. Tickets are $45 each until May 21. Rooms are $80 each at the group rate.

On June 26, the class is gathering from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Rosedale Beach Club, 5407 Third St., to swim and socialize.

Non-members can enter as guests for $5. No advanced ticket or reservations are needed.

On June 27, there will be a live band and cash bar at the Fox Chapel Baja Club from 1 to 6 p.m.

The Nieds Hotel Band, a Penn Hills-rooted band, will be holding a fundraiser. A voluntary donation is suggested at the door.