In brief: Plum, Oakmont area news, events for the week of July 22, 2024

Plum School Board approves 2 contracts

The Plum School Board approved new contracts with two unions representing district employees at a special voting meeting July 16.

The contract with Teamsters Local Union No. 205 runs from July 1 through June 30, 2029. The union, representing district custodial, maintenance and supply employees, has accepted the agreement, district officials said.

The contract with the Amalgamated Transit Union, Division No. 1595, runs from July 1 through June 30, 2028. District officials said the union, representing bus operators, aides and mechanics, had not voted on the agreement as of the board’s vote July 16.

It was not known when the union would vote. A representative could not be reached for comment by the print deadline for this edition.

Plum School Board approves buying 2 buses

The Plum School Board approved buying two 48-passenger buses during a special voting meeting July 16.

The buses, both gasoline powered, cost $226,300. One, a 2024 Blue Bird, cost $111,900 while the other, a 2025 Blue Bird, cost $114,400.

The price includes delivery to the district but does not include tax or tag fees.

Plum School Board approves resignations, hires

The Plum School Board accepted the resignation of Hannah Zapata, a special education teacher at the district’s high school, at a special voting meeting July 16.

Zapata’s resignation was effective June 27.

The board approved hiring Katherine Kuhn as a special education teacher at the high school effective Aug. 13. Her salary was set at $52,500.

The board also accepted the resignations of Megan Hugo, Special Olympics unified sports coach, effective June 20; Michael Schollaert, technology department administrative assistant, effective July 18; Maria Lamanna, paraprofessional at O’Block Elementary, effective July 26; and Lina Fazzini, high school custodian, effective July 26.

The board approved hiring Susan Corrado, a district food service worker, as a temporary part-time summer van driver retroactive to June 17 at $18 per hour; Elizabeth Bojalad as a long-term substitute English teacher at the high school effective Aug. 1 at a salary of $52,500; Robert Simpson and Daniel Garrity as van drivers retroactive to July 15 at $18 per hour; and Caitlyn Davis and Lori Ummer as paraprofessionals effective Aug. 13 at $16.35 per hour.

Oakmont Summer Street Sale

Oakmont Chamber of Commerce is preparing for the borough’s annual Summer Street Sale.

The event includes more than 60 product vendors, food vendors, sweets, a car cruise, basket auction, live music and kids games. There will be a 50-50 raffle and basket auction available for attendees.

Festivities begin at 10 a.m. July 27 on Allegheny River Boulevard.

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.

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.

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.

Toys for Christmas drive welcome at spaghetti dinner

The Verona Volunteer Fire Company is planning its annual spaghetti dinner and open house from 4 to 7 p.m. July 27 at its station, 465 Parker St.

The event closes out the department’s Christmas in July campaign and marks the final week of collecting toys for the Allegheny Valley Toys for Tots. Donations can be dropped off at the station, 465 Parker St., during that time.

There also will be raffles and a silent auction.

Meals cost $12 for adults and $6 for kids, with a $1 discount for those who bring a toy donation. The dinner will include one plate of spaghetti, side salad, bread and dessert.

Station seeks firefighters, junior members

The Verona Volunteer Fire Company is accepting applictions for active firefighters as well as junior members 16 and 17 years of age.

Interested individuals can stop by the fire station, 465 Parker St., from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays.

Training is provided through the Allegheny County Fire Academy.

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.