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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December 27, 2022 |
By Elizabeth Laughlin | Posted in: White Oak News
The White Oak Borough 75th Anniversary Committee will hold a planning meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 24 at the municipal building, 2280 Lincoln Way, Councilwoman Julie Opferman announced.
Anyone interested in helping plan the borough’s anniversary celebration is welcome to attend.
At council’s Dec. 19 meeting, Opferman also awarded the winners of the Holiday Home Decorating Contest.
“Best Traditional” display was awarded to Josh Shega, the “Clark Griswold” award was presented to Russell Morgan, the “Buddy the Elf” award for the “most festive” decorations was presented to Dawn Riggs, and the “Kids Choice” award was presented to Diana Ray.
December 27, 2022 |
By Elizabeth Laughlin | Posted in: White Oak News
Correction: A quote from Councilman George Pambacas was corrected after publication. We regret the error.
White Oak council will hold a special meeting at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday to finalize the borough’s 2023 budget and to award a contract for trash collection.
At a meeting last week, council members expressed their frustration over the increasing cost of waste hauling. The borough’s current hauler is Big’s Sanitation.
Councilman George Pambacas, who chairs the public works committee, said the deadline for residents to pay a reduced “early bird” rate has been moved to April 30. “Isn’t there something else we can do to help the average citizen with this bill?” Pambacas said.*
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December 27, 2022 |
By Elizabeth Laughlin | Posted in: White Oak News
Santa visited White Oak neighborhoods on the night before Christmas, courtesy of the borough’s two volunteer fire departments. Although many Mon-Yough communities give Santa a lift during December, White Oak officials think the community is one of only a few that holds the event on the night of Dec. 24. (Submitted photo)
On Christmas Eve, two local volunteer fire departments — Rainbow Volunteer Fire Company and White Oak Volunteer Fire Company #1 — celebrated the holidays by visiting neighborhoods in White Oak. Riding the back of fire trucks, Santa Claus waved and handed out candy canes.
Brandon Schmidt is the fire chief of Rainbow Volunteer Fire Co., located on Jacks Run Road, and has been an official member for 20 years. Most of his family, including his parents and brother, have also been affiliated with the organization. Currently, there are 42 active members of the company.
Schmidt expressed his excitement over the Christmas Eve tradition. Although many fire departments in Western Pennsylvania give Santa a ride through the community each holiday season, Schmidt said the White Oak departments are one of the few that do it on the night before Christmas, “to the best of my knowledge.”
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December 05, 2022 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, White Oak News
Angora Gardens will host a holiday open house from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 16 featuring photos with Santa, vendors, a miniature village, entertainment and crafts for children, a spokeswoman said.
Donations of gift cards and new holiday-themed items also are being accepted through Dec. 9 for the Mistletoe Magic Mega Auction Basket raffle, said Julie Pecora, program supervisor.
“Come make a memory at Angora Gardens!” she said. “We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to our Holiday Open House! Our community events are open to everyone and feature unique activities and entertainment for all ages.”
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