In brief: Plum, Oakmont area news, events for the week of Jan. 6, 2025
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Plum School Board approves pay increase for security, crossing guards
The Plum School Board in December approved a 20% pay increase for security and crossing guards.
The hourly pay rate increased from $15 to $18 on Jan. 1.
Guards will receive a 3% annual raise, contingent upon receiving a satisfactory rating.
Candle, wreath cause fire at St. Januarius
One person was taken to a hospital with smoke inhalation from a fire recently at a church in Plum, a spokeswoman for the Allegheny County Department of Emergency Services said.
The fire at St. Januarius on Renton Road was reported around 9:15 p.m. on Dec. 15.
The fire was related to an unattended candle on a wreath following a meeting in the church’s basement recreation area, emergency services spokeswoman Kasey Reigner said. It was ruled accidental.
There was no damage to the building other than smoke, Renton fire Chief Cary Cole said.
The Diocese of Pittsburgh announced in August that St. Januarius would close on Sept. 23. Representatives of the diocese and Holy Family Parish could not be reached for comment.
Plum School Board sets 2025 meetings
The Plum School Board will continue its meetings unchanged for 2025.
The board’s discussion meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month, while its voting meetings will be held on the fourth Tuesday.
Both meetings are scheduled to start at 7 p.m. in the library at Plum High School.
Plum to start kindergarten registration
The Plum School District’s 2025-26 kindergarten online registration will begin on Jan. 17.
Children can be registered at pbsd.info/PBSDregister or by selecting “Kdg Registration” on the school district app.
In-person appointments and questions should be directed to central registration at BauerR@pbsd.net.
Registrations are due by May 16. Registrations started before Jan. 17 will be removed.
Anti-litter award program offered for kids
Environmental nonprofit Keep America Beautiful is seeking entries from children in kindergarten through sixth grade for its Litter Hawk Youth Award Program.
Children are asked to complete a project sharing their hope, optimism and concerns about litter and inspire others through art, words or video.
The theme for the contest is “Join the Greatest American Cleanup! Show us how you can keep your community litter-free for America’s 250th birthday.”
Children in kindergarten through grade 4 can create a poster; those in grade 5 are asked to write an essay; and those in grade 6 can create a video.
The deadline to participate is Jan. 31. Winners will be announced in April as part of an awards ceremony at the state Capitol building in Harrisburg.
For an entry form, go to KeepPABeautiful.org/grants-awards/awards/litter-hawk, email slarson@keeppabeautiful.org or call 724-836-4121, ext. 104.
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.
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.