In brief: Plum, Oakmont area news, events for the week of Oct. 14, 2024
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Fall leaf collection runs through Dec. 6
Plum’s fall leaf collection is underway and runs until Dec. 6.
Leaves will be collected on the weekday after residents normal trash pickup. There will be no collection on Nov. 11, Nov. 28 and Nov. 29.
Unforeseen circumstances could cause a change in the schedule. Residents are asked to not contact public works about missed pick-ups or to ask for a special pick-up.
Guidelines include raking leaves to the back of curbs and not behind shrubs or bushes; keeping leaves away from storm drains; not raking leaves into flower beds or landscaped areas; and not bagging leaves.
Leaves are recycled into compost. Participation in the program is voluntary.
‘Hocus Pocus 2’ to be featured at Plum Fall Movie Night
“Hocus Pocus 2” will be shown Oct. 26 at the Plum Borough Amphitheater on Mike Thomas Way. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. with the movie starting at 7:30 p.m.
Those attending are advised to bring blankets to sit on. Free popcorn and pre-show activities will be available, and children are welcome to come in costume.
The movie will be moved into the borough gymnasium if it rains.
Plum School Board hires assistant superintendent
The Plum School Board approved hiring Matthew P. Thomas as an assistant superintendent during a special voting meeting Oct. 8.
His starting salary was set at $145,000 with a contract running from Dec. 9 to June 30, 2028. He replaces Denise Sedlacek, who is retiring.
Thomas has more than 27 years experience in education. He earned a doctorate in school leadership from the University of Pittsburgh and degrees from Saint Vincent College and the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.
Thomas will focus on curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning, special education and human resources.
Board approves hiring of 4 employees
The Plum School Board approved hiring a transportation manager and three other employees during a special voting meeting Oct. 8.
Joseph Giconi was hired as a 10-month transportation manager effective Oct. 9 at a salary of $48,925.
Lillia Floyd was hired as a food service worker retroactive to Sept. 25 at an hourly rate of $15.25.
James Hanna and Danielle Worthy were hired as van drivers effective Oct. 9 at $18.58 per hour.
District’s credit rating receives upgrade
Moody’s Investors Services has upgraded Plum School District’s credit rating.
The upgrade “is a reflection of the district’s improved financial position, growing local economy, and steady student enrollments,” the district said in a statement.
According to the district, the rating is an important factor for banks and bond holders to assess the overall creditworthiness of the district. Positive movement in the district’s credit rating will reduce the overall costs of borrowing when issuing new debt or refinancing existing debt.
“The school district is extremely proud of the work that the Plum community has put into improving the district’s financial position,” business manager Ryan Manzer said. “This upgrade ensures the district’s credit rating properly reflects the outstanding performance of our school district. An improved credit rating will lower our cost of borrowing in the immediate future while furthering the district’s goal to be fiscally responsible.”
Fire hydrant flushing underway in Plum
The Plum Borough Municipal Authority will be flushing fire hydrants through Dec. 13, the authority announced.
No work will be done on weekends.
Flushing is required to check the operation of hydrants and to clean distribution lines, the authority said.
Water may become discolored while hydrants are being flushed. Residents are advised to test water before doing laundry or drawing large amounts of water.
If discolored water does not clear after two hours, contact the authority at 412-793-7331 for help.
Verona Historical Society program slated
A program dubbed “The Encampment at Valley Forge, 1777-1778” will be offered on Nov. 21 by the Valley Historical Society. The presentation from Ken Cherry will discuss a pivotal time in U.S. history.
For more information on the historical society’s programs or membership, visit veronahistory.org.
Oakmont Halloween parade
A fall festival and parade for the whole family will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 26 along Allegheny River Boulevard in Oakmont. For more information, visit oakmont-pa.com/event-details.
Craft show, bake sale
The craft show and bake sale sponsored annually by Clover Commons will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 2 at the Clover Commons Clubhouse, 600 Cloverview Circle, in Plum.
Crafts, baked goods, lunch items and a Chinese auction will be available.
Blood donors sought for fall drive
The American Red Cross is encouraging donors of all blood types and platelets, especially those who have never donated before, to consider doing so for the month of October.
According to the Red Cross, only three out of 100 Americans donate blood. Donations are critical to keep the blood supply stable during the fall months.
Donations of all blood types — particularly those with type O, the most transfused type — are needed.
Anyone who donates through Oct. 31 will receive a $10 Amazon gift card by email and will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Treat.
To make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).
Prospective donors also can enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or to seek more information.
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 and older in most states, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
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.
Entries sought for gingerbread house contest
Registration for the 22nd annual City of Pittsburgh Gingerbread House Competition is now open at pittsburghpa.gov/gingerbread through 11:59 p.m. Nov. 10.
The CitiParks Office of Special Events welcomes entries from individuals, schools, communities, nonprofits and professionals from Allegheny County and beyond.
The competition started in 2002 with Downtown Pittsburgh hotels to benefit the Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund. It since has attracted thousands of entries and visitors to PPG Place before moving to the City-County Building in 2019.
The Office of Special Events also recently announced a new partnership with Clearview Federal Credit Union to present the city’s official holiday events, including the gingerbread contest and the 109th Tree Lighting Ceremony to illuminate the only live holiday tree in Downtown Pittsburgh.
This year’s gingerbread display at the City County Building will open with a ceremony Nov. 22, with the entries remaining on view for Light Up Night on Nov. 23 through early January. In addition to 19 categories, participants will be eligible for overall awards such as “Clearview Choice,” as voted on by Clearview representatives, and “Curator’s Choice,” which will be selected by Carnegie Museum of Art staff.
For details about the gingerbread contest, visit pittsburghpa.gov/gingerbread, email specialevents@pittsburghpa.gov or follow @pgheventsoffice on social media.
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.
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.
Costume & Candy Crawl
Businesses in the River Town Shopping Center, 200 Allegheny River Blvd. in Verona, are hosting a free Costume & Candy Crawl from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22.
Children 12 and younger are invited to trick-or-treat throughout the shopping center. They must be accompanied by an adult.
The festivities will start at Giant Eagle, where trick-or-treat bags will be distributed. There will be face painters and balloon artists along the way.
Bingo Fridays to benefit Rosedale firefighters
The Rosedale Civic Association is organizing bingo from 7 to 9 p.m. every Friday in October at the Verona Eagles Aerie 1634, 315 James St.
Regular cards are 25 cents each and specials are 50 cents each. There also will be a 50-50 and basket raffles.
Proceeds will be used to purchase personal protective equipment for the firefighters at the Rosedale Volunteer Fire Department.
GO! members gathering items for Christmas shoeboxes
Members of the GO! Group from Riverside Community Church in Oakmont are collecting items through Oct. 25 for Operation Christmas Child.
Operation Christmas Child is a project by Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization that collects and delivers shoeboxes filled with gifts to children in need.
GO! members plan to assemble 60 boxes for boys and girls ages 5 to 9 who are living in impoverished or war-torn regions around the world.
To help, visit the Amazon link https://a.co/dmdrcxe and purchase the preselected items. At checkout, have the items shipped to Riverside parishioner Cherie River at 3209 Waterford Court, Pittsburgh, PA 15238.
The preselected items on the list are requested to make the packing process seamless.
On Oct. 26, GO! members will take 30 empty boxes to Seneca Manor in Penn Hills so the senior citizens who reside there can fill them.
The remaining boxes will be packed by GO! members in November, and all of them will be delivered to an Operation Christmas Child donation center.