Plum School District settles litigation with firm
The Plum School District will pay $10,000 to settle a construction consultant’s lawsuit claiming the district breached a contract and did not pay it for services.
The school board approved the settlement with Dennis Russo and Rucon in December, but did not release it until Jan. 23. TribLive gained access to the terms of the settlement through a Right to Know request.
Rucon provided consultant and on-site owner representative services to the district from 2009 until 2016. It sued the district in September 2017, claiming it was owed $238,000 for its work on the Regency Park Elementary School project from March 31, 2015 to Dec. 31, 2016, when the district ended all agreements with Rucon.
The school board closed Regency Park Elementary as part of a redistricting plan, and the district sold the property. The building was demolished and the land is now owned by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.
The $10,000 payment includes $3,858 paid to Russo and $6,142 paid to his attorney, Steele Schneider. Rucon agreed to withdraw its lawsuit.
The district has denied lability for the claims raised or for any damages to Rucon.
Festival of Praise open to community
Holy Family Parish is sponsoring a Festival of Praise at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at St. John the Baptist Church, 444 Holy Family Way, Plum.
The festival will include worship and praise of the Lord in song, prayer and fellowship. The evening will be filled with Scripture readings, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, time for prayer and reflection, as well as inspiring music and jubilant singing led by Kids of His Kingdom. A social will be held afterward in the annex hall.
Everyone from the Plum community and surrounding areas is welcome to attend.
Comedy fundraiser on tap for Verona brewery
Riverside Women’s Association will sponsor a comedy night fundraiser at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at Acclamation Brewing at 314 Arch St. in Verona.
The doors open at 6 p.m., and tickets cost $30. There will be a cash bar, raffles, 50-50 and auctions. Snacks will be available for purchase.
Those attending must be 18 or older. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
For tickets and sponsorship information, visit funny4funds.com/events. For details, call Sue Portera at 412-956-7416.
Plum Republican petition signing set
A Republican petition signing for Plum residents is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 20 at Shooti’s Bar and Grille.
Petitions available to sign will include those for school director, borough council, county council, mayor, tax collector, statewide judicial seats and others.
Free pizza and soft drinks will be served. Shooti’s Bar and Grille is at 100 Boyce Park Drive in Plum.
For more information, call 724 787 8673 or email sdschlauch@gmail.com.
Church events open to eastern communities
Monroeville Church of the Brethen, 481 Center Road in Monroeville, under the leadership of new Pastor Oyango Burney is inviting members of the community and surrounding areas to join a variety of events:
• The church operates a prayer hotline and welcomes requests. If you need prayer and don’t know where to turn, the congregation wants to help and will pray for you. To submit a request, call the church at 412-372-4165.
• A weekly Bible study class meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday.
• Free coffee and doughnuts are served from 10 to 11 a.m. every Sunday.
• A blood drive conducted by the American Red Cross is planned from noon to 5 p.m. April 11 at the church. To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-Red-Cross (800-733-2767).
For details about any of the events, visit monroevillecob.com, email monroeville.brethern@gmail.com or call 412-372-4165.
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.
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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.