Plum Council makes board, commission appointments
Plum Council made a number of appointments to borough boards and commissions at its Jan. 13 meeting.
Brian Tomasits was the only new appointment, joining the municipal authority board for a five-year term ending on Dec. 31, 2029. Stu Rulnick was reappointed to the municipal authority board, also for five years.
Michelle Chapkis was reappointed to the Zoning Hearing Board for five years, ending Dec. 31, 2029.
Greg Magnus and Dave Odom were reappointed to the planning commission for four-year terms ending Dec. 31, 2028.
Amy McShane and Leigh Anne Rethage were reappointed to the library board for three-year terms ending Dec. 31, 2027.
Larry Malek was reappointed to the vacancy board for one year.
Oakmont art competition
Borough officials in Oakmont have opened applications for a community art contest to decide the aesthetic of monthly pages in the community calendar.
Coming soon, borough officials are making a calendar to become the one-stop shop for dates and times of community events. From February to August, officials have opened a competition to elementary school students to submit artwork to be used as the design for the banner of the month.
Entry fliers were sent home with elementary school students the week of Jan. 12. Competition opportunities are sorted by month and grade. February art entries are open to sixth graders, March to fifth graders and so on. Entries for August are available for kindergarteners. Entries should be turned in by students to their homeroom teachers. The competition ends on Jan. 24.
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.