In brief: Plum, Oakmont area events, week of June 24, 2024
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Plum hires teachers
Three teachers are among new hires the Plum School Board approved at its June 18 meeting.
Gretchen Weber was hired as a business, computer and information technology teacher at the high school with an annual salary of $56,000. Megan Walters will be paid $54,300 to teach social studies at the middle school. Hannah Zapata will be a special education teacher at the high school with an annual salary of $52,500.
All three will start Aug. 13.
Kayla Moio and Katherine Kuhn were hired as long-term substitute special education teachers at the high school effective Aug. 13. Moio’s salary is $55,000; Kuhn will be paid $52,500.
Plum special education director resigns
The Plum School Board accepted the resignation of the district’s special education director, Amy Baumgart-Eiben, at its June 18 meeting.
To replace her, the board approved an agreement with KeySolution Education Staffing to provide an assistant director of special education. The district will pay $79 per hour.
The agreement runs until June 30, 2026.
Plum School Board approves a la carte price increases
While school lunch prices in the Plum School District will not increase for the 2024-25 school year, the school board approved increases for a la carte items.
Breakfast items such as muffins and PopTarts will increase from $1 to $1.25.
Other increases are Pepsi products, from $1.50 to $1.75; bagged chips and fries, from 75 cents to $1; gum, from $1 to $1.25; fruit snacks, from 50 cents to 60 cents; Grandma cookies and Rice Krispie Treats, from 80-cents to $1; Goldfish and Cheez-Its, from 50 cents to 60 cents; and slush, from 75 cents to $1.
Plum approves school physician, dentist
The Plum School Board has retained the district’s physician while bringing on a new dentist for the district.
The board approved an agreement with Dr. Robert Crossey of Premier Medical Associates of Irwin for general medical and physician services. The agreement begins July 1 and runs through June 30, 2029, and includes a $1,250 monthly retainer fee.
The board approved a separate agreement with Terry Stepnick of Golden Mile Dental Center for dental services. That agreement also runs from July 1 of this year through June 30, 2029, with a fee of $3.65 for each dental exam performed with a maximum yearly fee of $499.
Stepnick’s wife, Michelle Stepnick, is a member of the school board and abstained from the dental agreement vote.
FAME 5K raises $27,283
The third annual FAME Fun 5K Run/Walk on June 9 at Boyce Park raised $27,283.
The money raised benefits the Fund for Advancement of Minorities through Education, which provides FAME Scholars and FAME Academy students with educational resources and merit scholarships.
This year’s event was made possible by the generous support of community donors and sponsors: PNC Financial Services, TriState Capital Bank, UPMC Health Plan, The Wilson Group, The Alloy Group, Pittsburgh Hardball Academy, Pittsburgh Pirates and Giant Eagle.
FAME aims to educate, empower and embolden its scholars and students with the support of its FAME Partner Schools. Its comprehensive approach includes academic excellence, enrichment opportunities and community service, and preparing scholars for college and careers.
For details about the organization, visit famefund.org.
Applicants sought for state House fellowship program
The Pennsylvania House Fellowship Program is accepting applications from undergraduate students for the fall 2024 semester.
The program is based in the state Capitol Building in Harrisburg, and fellows are assigned to work in House standing committees or House leadership offices.
Participants are compensated for their work, which also might include college credit. They also are provided with opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greet events with various public officials and staff, tour some of the commonwealth’s historic public spaces and more.
The deadline to apply is July 1. For details about the program or to download an application, visit tinyurl.com/5szf8wfx.
The required documents — a completed application, resume, writing sample, two letters of recommendation and a current transcript — should be emailed to pahousefellowship@pabmc.net.
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 it 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
Verona’s seasonal farmers market has kicked into full swing. Hosted every Thursday until Nov. 21, each market features a list of local vendors.
In addition, Verona and Oakmont Kennywood day tickets will be available for sale on June 27 until 6 p.m. Tickets are $38 each, for purchase with cash only. For more information, visit the Verona Farmers Market Facebook page.
Association of University People seeks members
The Association of University People (AUP) invites singles 50 and older, who are four-year college graduates, to join them for activities and to meet new people.
Activities include monthly dinners, social gatherings, concerts, meeting up at local wineries, and day trips. Those interested can attend three activities as guests before joining.
For details or to become an AUP member, call 412-353-9088 or email aupsingles@gmail.com.
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.