In brief: Plum, Oakmont area news, events for the week of July 29, 2024
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Plum movie night features ‘Kung Fu Panda’
Plum’s Summer Movie Night will feature “Kung Fu Panda” Aug. 3 at the borough amphitheater, 2000 Mike Thomas Way.
The movie will start at dusk. Those attending are advised to bring blankets.
There will be free popcorn and pre-show activities including a martial arts demonstration.
Citizen’s group plans session on clean air
Protect PT will hold an educational session beginning at 7 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Plum Community Center, 499 New Texas Road.
The session is part of the local nonprofit’s EPA-funded study, “Clean Air For All: Knowledge is Power,” which focuses on local sources of air pollution in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.
According to the organization, the study will educate residents on the impacts to public health from air pollution and how residents can advocate for clean air in their community. Light refreshments will be served.
To RSVP for the event, visit protectpt.info/plumcafaedu. Those interested in participating in the study but unable to attend can visit protectpt.info/cafainterest or contact enviroscience@protectpt.org.
Plum School District awarded $19K grant
The Plum School District received part of more than $1.4 million the state Department of Education awarded to 77 schools to help recruit future special education teachers.
The district received about $19,000 of the grant funding, which education Secretary Khalid N. Mumin said “will bolster our efforts to generate a robust educator workforce in the Commonwealth.
“By inspiring today’s students to become tomorrow’s teachers — and by investing in hands-on learning and career exploration opportunities — we are laying the foundation to support Pennsylvania’s students for decades to come,” Mumin said.
Plum Superintendent Rick Walsh said his district will use the grant to support its Best Buddies program, the Future Educators of America Club and the expansion of its unified sports program to include a track & field team.
“We are committed to providing our students with the best possible educational experiences, and this grant will help us provide such opportunities,” he said.
Penn-Plum VFW out $12,000 following burglary
Penn Hills police are investigating a break-in at a Veterans of Foreign Wars post that caused an estimated $12,000 in losses and damages.
Detective Teresa Gongaware said police learned July 15 that multiple poker machines were smashed and two safes were taken from Penn-Plum VFW Post 6836. The post is in Penn Hills, near the Plum border.
According to Chief Ronald Como, the break-in happened overnight July 14 into July 15, with one or more thieves likely forcing entry through the front door. There are no suspects at this time.
Como advised all bars — not just VFWs — to take cash home at the end of the night.
John Anthony’s basket raffle benefits Costa Maya dog rescue
A basket raffle benefitting the Beach Dog Rescue of Costa Maya will run from Aug. 7 through Aug. 16 at John Anthony’s restaurant in Plum.
Tickets are $10 for 25 tickets and can be bought from servers and staff during regular business hours.
Winners will be drawn at 8 p.m. Aug. 16, with the owner of the rescue and one of her dogs expected to attend.
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.
Plum rolls out new system for facility rentals
Plum has a new website for residents to reserve borough facilities.
It is located on the borough’s site, plumboro.com, under “facility rental tab.”
The borough says the new software provides increased functionality and is easier to navigate than its previous system. Before finalizing a rental, it is necessary to login with an email address and create an account, which recognizes an individual as a resident or nonresident and applies appropriate discounts.
An account allows viewing rentals for all facilities including the borough building and pavilions at Larry Mills Park, Plum Creek Park and Renton Park. It will also allow sign up for borough sponsored events such as Fallfest and spring cleanup.
The system allows users to view each facility and the rental space and provides information about the rental and a calendar to make reservations and payments. Confirmation emails are sent after payment and checkout are finalized.
Plum church hosting ‘Bagpipes, Bands & BBQ’
Living Word Church of Plum will host its fourth annual “Bagpipes, Bands and BBQ” event Aug. 4.
The event will run from 1 to 6 p.m. at the church, 200 Elicker Road. It will include a variety of bands, a Highland dancer, activities for children, a petting zoo and a touch-a-truck. All activities are free.
Those attending can bring their own picnic food or buy from food truck vendors.
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.
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.
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.