WHAT’S NEWS IN PLUM
LEARNING WITH THE
PLUM CHAMBER
On Wednesday, Nov. 16, the Plum
Chamber of Commerce presented
“Lunch and Learn” at Dad’s Restaurant in
Monroeville. Ted Reynolds from Western &
Southern Life was the guest speaker and gave
a presentation on “Understanding
Life Insurance.”
Focused on presenting a relevant learning
experience, The Plum Chamber of Commerce
plans to have five of these types of events
throughout 2017.
On Feb. 25, 2017, the Chamber will host
“A Night at the Races.” For more information,
visit plumchamber.com.
ACCREDITATION
PROMOTES PUBLIC
TRUST, ENSURES
PERMANENCE
Allegheny Land Trust was awarded a
renewed accreditation on Aug. 17 by the Land
Trust Accreditation Commission, signifying
confidence in ALT’s ability to protect and
manage land in perpetuity.
6 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Plum
ALT was among 38 land trusts across the
United States to achieve accreditation or to
have accreditation renewed in August, and is
one of only 350 accredited land trusts in the
nation. There are approximately 1,700 land
trusts in total throughout the country. Almost
15 million acres of farms, forests and natural
areas vital to healthy communities – an area
about the size of the state of West Virginia –
are permanently conserved by an accredited
land trust.
“We are proud to have earned national
recognition for our conservation efforts. This
national confidence is important to our local
efforts as we build trust with communities by
showing them we can accomplish our shared
vision while meeting high, national standards
of excellence that improve the lives of
everyone in the Pittsburgh region,” says ALT
President & CEO Chris Beichner.
Accreditation is awarded to land trusts
that demonstrate their commitment to
professional excellence through accreditation.
Each accredited land trust must apply for
renewal every five years, and undergoes a
comprehensive review as part of its renewal
application. The process is rigorous and
strengthens land trusts so they can help
landowners and communities achieve
their goals.
“It is exciting to recognize Allegheny
Land Trust with this distinction,” says
Tammara Van Ryn, Executive Director of
the Commission. “Accredited land trusts
stand together, united behind strong ethical
standards ensuring the places people love will
be conserved forever. This network of land
trusts has demonstrated fiscal accountability,
strong organizational leadership and lasting
stewardship of conservation land.”
The Commission is an independent
program of the Land Trust Alliance, a
national land conservation organization.
The Commission recognizes conservation
excellence by awarding the accreditation
seal. More information about land
trust accreditation can be found at
landtrustaccreditation.org.
Amy Jonas
BIG BROTHERS BIG
SISTERS OF BEAVER
COUNTY WELCOMES NEW
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Beaver County
recently announced Amy Jonas of Plum
Borough as its new Executive Director. Jonas
has a bachelor’s degree in social work from
the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s
degree in social work from the University
of Maryland. She has devoted her career
to serving women, children and families
as a therapist, program specialist, agency
administrator and fundraiser.
As the new Executive Director of Big
Brothers Big Sisters of Beaver County (BC
Bigs), her duties include overseeing the
administration and programs, fundraising and
community outreach. For more information
on BC Bigs, visit bcbigs.org.
BREATHE PENNSYLVANIA
OFFERS FREE COLDWEATHER MASKS
In observance of National Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Awareness Month, Breathe Pennsylvania is
offering free cold-weather masks to residents
within its 10-county service area of Allegheny,
Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene,