September 06, 2023 |
By Vickie Babyak | Posted in: Announcements, White Oak News
White Oak Borough will celebrate its 75th anniversary during an Oktoberfest on Sept. 29 at the White Oak Athletic Association, 1798 Lower Heckman Road, a spokeswoman said.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. Adult tickets are $30 and tickets for children 12 years old and under, are $15. Tickets must be purchased by Sept. 22.
Oktoberfest is a German folk festival that originated from the southeastern state of Germany called Bavaria and is celebrated annually. A number of U.S. cities celebrate with beer and German food.
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August 30, 2023 |
By Vickie Babyak | Posted in: White Oak News
Zach Werner of McKeesport proudly stands next to one of three The Little Free Growers Exchange stands he built for community residents to share plants and seeds. (Vickie Babyak photos for Tube City Almanac)
Zach Werner of McKeesport was ready for a challenge when White Oak Councilwoman Julie Opferman contacted leaders of Boy Scout Troop 1640 and made a request for the troop to be more involved with the community.
Troop 1640 is attached to Saint Angela Merici Church in White Oak. Werner was getting ready to try to reach Eagle Scout — something only 6 percent of all Boy Scouts achieve — and he began to brainstorm ideas to help the borough.
“Zach joined the Cub Scouts when he was 5 years old and transitioned into Boy Scouts when he was 11,” his mother Danielle Werner said. “He’s been a member ever since.”
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August 16, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, White Oak News
The West Newton Public Library will hold its final book sale for the year in the parking lot at 124 North Water St. on Aug. 26, a spokesperson said. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors may “fill two bags” with used books or other items for $5.
The library recently received a large donation from a book collector who was downsizing, and those items include non-fiction books on sports, history, and rock collecting. All are in good condition.
Other items on sale will include adult fiction, biographies, paperbacks, children’s books and puzzle books. For more information, call (724) 633-0798.
August 08, 2023 |
By Vickie Babyak | Posted in: White Oak News
Plenty of family fun was provided and information booths were set up by local organizations during the celebration on Friday and Saturday of White Oak Community Days at Heritage Hill Park.
The event was sponsored by White Oak Borough, the 75th Anniversary Committee and White Oak Recreation Board, with additional funding from 75th Anniversary sponsors.
On Friday evening, food and drinks were available and “The New Pure Gold” performed from 6 to 9 p.m.
Saturday’s festivities began at 11 a.m. with food, drinks, games, train rides and a bounce-house. The “Wild World of Animals,” featuring exotic critters, put on an act at the pavilion, while “Beatlemania Magic” took the main stage at 6 p.m.
Kaitlyn Majewski sang the National Anthem and a fireworks display by Pyrotechnico concluded the evening.
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July 05, 2023 |
By Elizabeth Laughlin | Posted in: White Oak News
White Oak is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and there are several events commemorating the milestone.
“We’re hosting a 75th anniversary Hero Run on Saturday, July 29 at Heritage Park,” Councilwoman Julie Opferman, who chairs the Parks and Recreation Committee. Proceeds will benefit the family of McKeesport police Officer Sean Sluganski, who was slain Feb. 6, and Officer Chuck Thomas Jr., who was wounded.
Participants should register online by July 14 in order to receive a T-shirt. The walk costs $25 for adults and $15 for those under 18 years old.
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June 17, 2023 |
By Elizabeth Laughlin | Posted in: White Oak News
More than a month after an announcement that Angora Gardens in White Oak will close on July 31, the future of the facility and its programs remains unclear.
In an email to supporters of the facility, UPMC announced in May that Angora Gardens — which provides community health and wellness programming, including for people with disabilities and mental health challenges — will be closing due to “steadily declining” funding and will be turned over to the Allegheny County Parks Department.
White Oak Mayor Ina Jean Marton expressed her disappointment in the closure.
“Angora Gardens is an asset to White Oak,” she said. “They do everything they can.”
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May 30, 2023 |
By Elizabeth Laughlin | Posted in: White Oak News
White Oak has honored one of the borough’s longest-tenured businesses on its 50th anniversary.
At the May borough council meeting, Mayor Ina Jean Marton presented Mark and Lois Novakovich, owners of Twin Oaks Lounge in Rainbow Village shopping center, with a proclamation recognizing its golden jubilee.
“Over the years, Twin Oaks Lounge has been a huge part of our community,” Marton said. “It has provided entertainment, dining, and dancing for our residents.” She also mentioned the ethnic events, political events, local organizations meetings, weddings, and funerals held by Twin Oaks Lounge.
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May 10, 2023 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: White Oak News
(Submitted photo courtesy of Angora Gardens)
Angora Gardens, a facility in White Oak that provides health and wellness programs — including occupational therapy for people with disabilities and mental health challenges — will close July 31.
The closure was announced Tuesday by Julie Pecora, program manager, in an email to supporters. The facility is located on Muse Lane, inside White Oak Park.
“As Angora Gardens operates solely on grant funding and donations that have been steadily declining, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain the center,” Pecora said. “As such, Angora Gardens will be closing effective July 31.”
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May 03, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: White Oak News
(Submitted photo courtesy Angora Gardens)
The Spring Plant Sale at Angora Gardens will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (May 6), a spokeswoman announced. Plants will be available while supplies last.
The fundraiser is made possible through the diligent work of Robert Stone, Angora Gardens program and property manager, and volunteer Steve Lesko. Additional assistance is provided by volunteer Natalie Wynn and the ACLD Tillotson School SHYFT Program.
All proceeds benefit the programs of Angora Gardens, located at 3 Muse Lane, inside White Oak Park.
Annuals will be sold in a six-pack or a 4-inch pot for $4 each. Varieties include ageratum, bachelor button, balsam, boneset, calendula, cleome, coleus, cosmos, helen’s flower, impatiens, lobelia, marigold, money plant, nasturtium, petunia, salvia, snap dragon, statice, strawflower, toothache plant and zinnia.
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January 31, 2023 |
By Vickie Babyak | Posted in: White Oak News
Zachary Schmude amazes his family with his positive attitude and continuing recuperation from the severe accident that could have taken his life. Zach is seen here in late December with his mother, Rachel Schmude, father, Brian Schmude and siblings, all from White Oak. (Submitted photo)
One man’s tragedy can be another person’s survival guide.
On Nov. 3, 23-year-old Zachary Schmude of White Oak went to work as usual, never foreseeing an accident that would alter the rest of his life.
Now, he wants to share his story and help people in similar situations.
“I want people to know they can persevere through something horrible and if I inspire one person, then I will be happy,” Schmude said. “I will do the same stuff I did before, but in a wheelchair.”
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