In brief: Plum, Oakmont area news, events for the week of Nov. 10, 2025

New leaf truck to aid Oakmont collection process

Oakmont officials announced the delivery of the borough’s new leaf collection truck Oct. 27.

The borough’s Facebook page called the truck “innovative,” saying it is engineered to maneuver through narrow streets and alleys to reach more leaves. Borough Manager Scot Fodi said the truck will replace a 25-year-old leaf vacuum used by the borough.

Fodi said the vacuum needs three people to operate safely and the truck only requires one worker to operate it. He said it will effectively free up 50% of the roadwork staff during leaf collection times.

“This advancement in leaf collection technology ensures that no leaves go uncollected,” the post said.

The truck was leased from Stephenson Equipment for $36,748. Fodi said payment for the truck is already budgeted but officials will continue to look for alternate payment options including applying to the DEP for a Municipal Recycling Program grant to complete the purchase.

Plum Class of 1985 to hold reunion

Plum’s Class of 1985 will host its 40th class reunion on Nov. 28 at Veltre’s Wedding Venue on Coxcomb Hill Road.

Organizers are seeking contact information for class members. Details about the reunion are available at the “Plum HS 1985 — 40 Year Reunion” Facebook page or via email at plum1985reunion@gmail.com.

The event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m.

Oakmont pop-up pantry accepting donations

The Oakmont Carnegie Library, 700 Allegheny River Blvd., is accepting donations of shelf-stable, unopened and unexpired food items for a pop-up food pantry to help those affected by the loss of SNAP benefits.

Items needed include canned goods, boxed pasta, rice, cereal, oatmeal, plastic jars of peanut butter and jelly, snack items, baby food and formula. No produce, homemade items or items that require refrigeration.

The pantry will be open during regular library hours, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Mind your leaf piles

While the autumn leaf colors may be a beautiful sight, raked leaf piles can cause more harm than good if left in certain areas in a neighborhood.

Oakmont officials reminded residents of different spots to avoid when raking. They asked folks to keep their piles away from fire hydrants so they can remain accessible in emergencies. Officials also asked for piles to be kept above curbs as much as possible. Lastly, residents were asked to keep leaves away from storm drains to prevent rainwater blockages and flooding.

The borough’s leaf collection program began last month. Run by Shank Waste Service, it will continue intermittenly until Dec. 30.

Church offers free Thanksgiving dinner

Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish in Monroeville is hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner for anyone who might not have a place to go, or people to spend the day with, for the holiday.

The dinner is Nov. 27 at the church’s Lourdes Center at 245 Azalea Drive from 12:30 to 3 p.m. or until the food runs out.

Rotary scholarships available

The Bob Williams Rotary Memorial Scholarship Program has scholarships available for the 2025-26 academic year.

In recent years, the program has awarded at least eight need-based scholarships of $5,000 each.

High school seniors in Allegheny and Beaver counties are eligible to apply.

Those attending New Kensington-Arnold, Kiski Area and Burrell Area high schools and The Kiski School in Westmoreland County also are eligible. 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, including application deadline, are available on the Rotary District 7305 website at rotarydistrict7305.org by clicking on Scholarship Opportunities. Applications also are available through area high school counselors.

For details, contact Dr. Robert Arbuckle, committee chairperson, 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-mailjmjkwj@gmail.com.

Food pantry offers help

The Plum Food Pantry, 81 Sandune Drive, distributes free food from 4:30 to 6 p.m. the first three Tuesdays of each month for Plum residents. Residents in need must stop in at the pantry to be certified/verified.

For more information, call 724-327-0367.

Association of University People

The Association of University People invites singles 50 and older who are four-year college graduates to join them for activities and to meet new people. Activities include spring/summer picnics, monthly dinners, a book group, Scrabble, meeting up at local outside concerts and wineries.

Those interested can attend three activities as guests before joining. To obtain more information about AUP or become an AUP member, call and leave a message at 412-353-9088 or email Aupsingles@gmail.com.