In brief: Plum, Oakmont area news, events for the week of Aug. 12, 2024
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Plum plans ‘Meet the Teacher’ events at schools
Ahead of the start of the 2024-25 school year, the Plum School District will hold new “Meet the Teacher” events at its schools on Aug. 14 and 15.
The event replaces the self-guided tours and open house. Teachers and staff will be available for a meet and greet to share information and answer questions. It will allow parents and students to become familiar with the school, walk students’ schedules, visit classrooms and meet educators.
They will be held from noon to 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 14 at the high school and middle school and noon to 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 15 at Holiday Park Intermediate and Pivik and O’Block elementary schools.
Volunteers sought to install smoke alarms; devices still available
As part of its Sound the Alarm effort, the American Red Cross is seeking volunteers to help install smoke alarms from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 24 in Plum, Oakmont, Verona and Penn Hills.
Volunteers are invited to start the day at 10 a.m. with state Rep. Joe McAndrew and firefighters at Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Department No. 7, 125 Universal Road, for a free cookout. Participants then will be given the smoke alarms and a small list of pre-registered homes.
No experience is necessary. The American Red Cross will provide training. Participants are advised to wear closed-toe shoes. Tools will be provided or you can bring your own.
To sign up for the event, visit tinyurl.com/n2xeepjp.
Anyone still in need of a smoke alarm is encouraged to call the American Red Cross at 412-263-5278.
Plum library announces upcoming events
Upcoming events at the Plum Borough Community Library include a musical performance featuring singer-songwriter Elliana Koulouris starting at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15.
“Crazy for Cats” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 will see a cat-themed craft constructed followed by local author Beth DiCola discussing her book, “Homeseekers,” a fictional story about a common house cat’s journey.
Participants must register online at plumlibrary.org.
Republican attorney general candidate to speak
Dave Sunday, the Republican nominee for state attorney general, will be the featured speaker at the Plum Borough Republican Committee’s meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Plum Senior Community Center, 4999 Center-New Texas Road.
The meeting is open to all registered Republicans.
For information, call 724-787-8673 or email Steve Schlauch at sdschlauch@gmail.com.
‘Transformers’ to be shown in Verona park
The free Movies in the Park series returns to Railroad Park in Verona on Friday.
The movie, “Transformers,” will be shown at sundown. Be sure to bring a blanket or chair. Bringing food and coolers is permitted.
In the event of bad weather, the movie will be shown in council chambers inside the borough building.
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.
School supply drive returns
Penn Hills native Jessica Gentile is bringing back her annual school supplies drive after a two-year hiatus.
The collection will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 23 at Firestone Complete Auto Care, 397 Mall Circle Drive, Monroeville.
Gentile, now of Baldwin, is seeking pencils, crayons, book bags, glue sticks, scissors, markers and notebooks to distribute to students in the Gateway and surrounding school districts, including Plum. Volunteers also are needed.
Donations can be dropped off at the Firestone where the event is being held or the location at 3775 William Penn Highway. Monetary donations can be sent via PayPal to jess_layla@yahoo.com.
Each child gets one book bag stuffed with supplies on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to supply giveaways, the event will include face painting, food and raffles.
For details, contact Gentile at jess_layla@yahoo.com.
Plum High School reunions in works
Three Plum High School groups are planning reunions this year:
• The Plum High School Class of 1974 will celebrate its 50th reunion Sept. 13 at Veltre’s Wedding & Event Center, 324 Coxcomb Hill Road, Plum. Details: 412-366-6689 or email plumalum74@gmail.com.
• The Plum High School Class of 1979 will have its 45th reunion from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Edgewood Country Club, 100 Churchill Road, Wilkins. Cost: $68 per person. There will be a cash bar, dinner stations and beverages, as well as a DJ, photographer and raffle. Tickets: Mail checks made payable to Susan DePalma, Plum High 1979, to 3271 Hawk Drive, North Huntingdon, PA 15642; or send payment via Zelle to Susan DePalma. Details: plumhigh1979@gmail.com.
• The Plum High School Class of 1984 is planning its 40th reunion for 5 to 10 p.m. Oct. 5 at Hill Crest Country Club, 3411 Leechburg Road, Lower Burrell. Cost: $70 per person, includes a taco and fajita station, pasta station, appetizers, Pittsburgh cookie table and cake. There will be a cash bar. Checks made out to PHS 84 Reunion should be sent c/o Diane Fellers, 3240 Dorothy St., Lower Burrell, PA 15068. Deadline: July 31. Details: plumreunion1984@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.
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.
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 Plum, Oakmont, Verona and Penn Hills.