Five Activities to Enjoy in Plum-Oakmont This Spring

Here is a list of fun ways to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Celebrating the arrival of spring with your family and friends can be really fun and refreshing after a long winter. Now that the weather is finally improving, it's time to break free from cabin fever, get some fresh air and enjoy fun outdoor activities. Here are five fun ideas to try in Plum-Oakmont: 1)    Take to the trails. Explore a trail near you at a local park, including the Boyce Park, or plan a day trip and a longer hike at the Montour Trail. 2)    Zip to the zoo or your local wildlife or bird sanctuary. Beat the summer crowds and enjoy a visit to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium or the National Aviary. You may find the animals are outside and more active as they emerge to enjoy the warmer weather too. You'll enjoy the visit …

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Ask Dr. Paula

When Parents Push Too Much, Youngsters Might Pull Away

Dr. Paula cautions parents to temper their instinct to push their kids’ involvement in activities with their desire to encourage their participation in a variety of intellectual, social and physical experiences.

After raising two sons, I have the blessing of sharing my life with a man who was widowed when his daughter was only 4 years old. I have been her mom for about five years now.  She's 13. She started taking karate classes almost two years ago and for the past six months it has been a struggle to get her to go to class. She's quite athletic and does very well with it. We bought her a special wall hanging to display her belts to try to encourage her to stick with it. We'd love her to go three times a week, but we've compromised. If she goes twice, she can miss Saturday morning and sleep in. Her dad really wants her to continue because of his family history of having back problems. I would like to see her continue because it’s great exercise …

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Paula A. Calabrese

8:11 pm on Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Scott, that's a great way of looking at it. Your system builds on youngsters' natural motivation to do the things that they consider more enjoyable especially when they're paired with tasks or activities that they perceive to be less enjoyable. It does seem that the passive pleasures of TV and video games often take precedence over active involvement. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Heidi…   more ›

New Program Coordinator Has Big Plans for Senior Center

The Plum Senior Community Center’s new program coordinator is looking to the community for ideas and creating an environment for everyone to enjoy.

The Plum Senior Community Center’s program coordinator is the linchpin of the center, according to Nina Segelson, executive director. This person is responsible for creating and running organized, well-received events and classes, promoting those activities, and fostering connections among and the entire Plum community, she said. New program coordinator Melanie Pfeiffer-Parente’s connections to the community, enthusiasm and background were impressive, Segelson said, winning her the coordinator job at the center in January over a dozen other people. “It takes a lot or coordination and organization to bring everything together around here,” Segelson said. “There’s a lot to do, and Melanie hasn’t disappointed.” Pfeiffer-Parente’s approach has…

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