Author: Beaver County Radio

Provident Charter School Celebrates Historic Achievement: First Black Belt Recipients

(Pittsburgh, PA) Provident Charter School (PCS) proudly announces a groundbreaking milestone in its innovative approach to education. PCS, a free public charter school designed for children with dyslexia, is thrilled to celebrate the achievement of its first black belt recipients in Tae Kwon Do. This honor marks a significant moment not only for the students but also for the school, as it underscores the effectiveness of its unique curriculum.

Since its inception in 2016, Provident Charter School has distinguished itself by offering a comprehensive educational experience tailored to the needs of students with dyslexia. Central to its approach is the integration of Tae Kwon Do, a martial art renowned for its focus on discipline, perseverance, and self-control. Under the guidance of Grandmaster Zang, students at PCS have embraced this holistic approach to learning, demonstrating remarkable progress and personal growth.

The journey of these exceptional students began humbly as white belts, but through dedication, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, they have risen to the esteemed rank of black belt. By embodying values such as perseverance, compassion, and self-control, these students have not only mastered the physical techniques of Tae Kwon Do but have also cultivated essential life skills that will serve them well beyond the confines of the dojo.

On June 3, 2024, Provident Charter School will proudly bestow black belts upon its inaugural group of recipients. This ceremony represents more than just a symbolic achievement; it is a testament to the transformative power of education when combined with innovative approaches tailored to the individual needs of students.

“We are immensely proud of our students’ accomplishments and the dedication they have shown throughout their journey,” said Maria Paluselli, CEO. “This milestone not only reflects their personal growth but also reaffirms our commitment to providing a holistic and empowering educational experience for children with dyslexia.”

As Provident Charter School continues to pioneer new approaches to education, the achievement of its first black belt recipients serves as a beacon of inspiration for students, educators, and communities alike. Through a steadfast dedication to innovation, inclusion, and excellence, PCS is shaping the future of education one black belt at a time.

Aliquippa man arrested for vehicle violation and drug possession

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published May 6, 2024 12:34 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) PA State Police were on patrol  Saturday night and attempted to stop a vehicle operated by 37 year old Zachary Constantine at Tyler and Division Streets.  The report stated the officer pursued the vehicle for 1 1/2 miles  and Constantine was found to be impaired and in possession of  suspected marijuana and heroin. He was taken into custody and refused to take a blood test at Heritage Valley Hospital. Charges are pending against Constantine and will be filed at the district justice’s office.

Public hearing scheduled on Baden Academy’s status

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published May 6, 2024 12:30 P.M.

(Baden, Pa) Over 500 signatures have been received on a petition to keep Baden Academy open. The Ambridge School Board will hold a special meeting at the high school at 6 pm Wednesday. Baden Academy has classes for grades K-6 and parents want to keep it open. Ambridge School district has been in talks to not renew the school’s charter.

Westbound I-376 Beaver Valley Expressway Lane Restriction This Week in Brighton Township

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing a single-lane restriction on westbound I-376 (Beaver Valley Expressway) in Brighton Township, Beaver County, will occur Tuesday through Friday, May 7-10 weather permitting.

Inspection activities on the bridge that carries I-376 over Brady’s Run Park between the Chippewa/Route 51 (Exit 31) and Brighton (Exit 36) interchanges will require a single-lane restriction in the westbound direction daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, May 10. Flaggers will assist large vehicles through the work zone as needed.

Please use caution in the area.

Hopewell Area School District weighing options on school consolidation

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published May 6, 2024 12:27 P.M.

(Hopewell Township, Pa) On Tuesday May 14, 2024 at 7 pm, PNC Bank and Dan Engen representing DRAW COLLECTIVE, an architectural firm hired by the district last year, will be on hand to further discuss the district’s options on whether to consolidate the district’s 5 buildings to 2 or 3 due to enrollment trends and budgetary resources. On Saturday, May 18, 2024 beginning at noon, a community meeting will be held. On Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 7 pm, DRAW COLLECTIVE will make its final presentation of durable school options. All meetings will be held in the high school auditorium and a link to view the meetings virtually will be made available prior to each meeting, according to the School Board Secretary Nancy Barber.

Michael Guy Schmidt (1951-2024)

Michael Guy Schmidt, 72, of Baden, passed away on May 4, 2024, at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center.

Born on November 21, 1951 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Howard and Dorothy (McChesney) Schmidt. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen (Butt) Schmidt, children, Kristen (Jeff) Ninehouser, Bryan Mazzetti, Timothy Mazzetti, and Daniel (Christine) Mazzetti, grandchildren, Dominic, Brooklynn, Bentley, Christopher, Emily, Shawn, Logan, Olivia, Allison, Luca and Lena, sister, Dorsey Faix, and brothers, Peter and Mark Schmidt, along with several nieces and nephews. Michael was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corp, having served in Vietnam.  He was retired from the former Penn Pavilion and was a member of the American Legion Post 641.  He loved trains and living life to the fullest.  More than anything else, he loved his family, especially his beloved grandchildren.

Friends will be welcomed Wednesday May 8, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, and Thursday May 9, 2024 from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Disabled American Veterans at https://help.dav.org/donate.

John Arthur Karas (1929-2024)

John Arthur Karas, 95, of Brighton Township passed away on May 3, 2024.

Born on March 29, 1929 in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, John was the son of Anna (Novak) Karas and John F. Karas and brother of Delores A. Karas (Mulvaney) and Francis S. Karas.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife Norma, and by his brother Frank.

John is survived by his son, Jay W. Brandenberger and his wife, Mary Fran (Heberlein) of South Bend, Indiana, two granddaughters, Ellen C. Brandenberger of Brooklyn, New York and Rachel E. Brandenberger (John Garry), also of Brooklyn, along with many nephews and nieces, including Debbie (Gilkey) Jones who was a rock of support for him in his later years.

After graduating from Stowe High School in 1947, John served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. Afterward discharge in 1953, he wasted no time, earning a degree in business from the University of Pittsburgh in three years while working full time.

A position at Westinghouse Electric in Vanport drew him to Beaver Valley, where he met the love of his life Norma Gilkey Karas of Beaver Falls. There were married for 48 years, living in Brighton Township where John, an avid gardener, brought life to their acre of land. Norma and John were a great team, complementing each other’s strengths and passions.

John served over 25 years in various supervisory capacities at Westinghouse before retiring in 1987. He was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, Beaver, served on the Brighton Township planning commission, and lent a hand to many. He loved the outdoors, shared vegetables and fruit he grew with countless neighbors, and kept his house of 55 years in great order. He was a good—though not always patient—Pittsburgh sports fan, played cards shrewdly, and enjoyed golf, fishing, and hunting. Perhaps more than anything, he was known for his keen, sharp mind which was active until his final days. He smiled most around his granddaughters Ellen and Rachel who he liked to spoil (early) and learn from (later).

Friends will be received on Wednesday, May 8th from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. at Noll Funeral Home, 333 Third St., Beaver. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on May 8th 2024 at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver. A private Interment will take place at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park of Rochester. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John’s name may be made to Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009, to Saint Barnabas Hospice Care (https://stbarnabashealthsystem.com/charities/donate-now/), or to a charity of your choice.

 

Shirley Stewart McMillan (1925-2024)

Shirley Stewart McMillan, 99, formerly of Beaver Falls, passed away on May 2, 2024.

She was born in Providence, Rhode Island on December 1, 1925 to T. Gordon and Ada (West) Stewart. She was preceded in death by her husband Willard McMillan and granddaughter Anna Wright. She is survived by daughters Katharine Dennis (Doug) and Marty Wright (Jonathan), and sons Scott McMillan (Jennifer) and Stewart McMillan as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Shirley was only 4 years old when her mother was confined for many years to a tuberculosis sanatorium in New Brunswick, Canada. Shirley then lived with her paternal grandparents on their farm not far away.

Later on, Shirley’s stepmother, Katharine Stewart, suggested that Shirley consider attending Geneva College in Beaver Falls, which she did, graduating with a BA in Economics in 1947. She appreciated her college years very much, making lifelong friends, including one named Willard McMillan. They married in 1948, beginning a 55 year life of love and friendship together.

In their early marriage, they lived briefly in Edinburgh, Scotland where Katharine was born, then they moved to western Pennsylvania where Martha, Scott and Stewart were born. Shirley devoted herself to caring for her family, but was also active in the life of Geneva College and the Geneva RP church. She served in other settings including the board of the RP Home in Pittsburgh and several charities in the area. Shirley’s mother Ada, came to live with their family in the last years of her life.

Their home on College Hill was a lively place and countless Geneva alumni and others, young and old, will remember her home cooked meals, great conversation and advice. She helped many in need with her generosity and love. Despite many significant challenges, Shirley enjoyed life, and she was quick to laugh and could see the humor in just about everything. Her faith in Jesus and her prayer life were central to her strength throughout. When asked one time about how she handled all the difficulties, she said God had told her he would be with her around every corner.

Funeral service will be at Hill and Kunselman Funeral Home of Beaver Falls on Thursday May 9th, 2024 and visitation will be at 10 a.m. with the service starting at 11 a.m.

Burial will follow at the Reformed Presbyterian Church Cemetery of New Galilee, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Willard and Shirley Stewart McMillan Scholarship Fund at Geneva College or the Reformed Presbyterian Home in Pittsburgh.

Karen Rainey (1954-2024)

Karen Rainey, 69, of Daugherty Township and McGuire Memorial, passed away on May 2, 2024 at Heritage Valley, Beaver.

Karen was born on May 31, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio. She is survived by her guardians, Doris and Drew Grivna and her McGuire Memorial family.

Friends will be received Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.  A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 a.m. in McGuire Memorial, 2119 Mercer Road, New Brighton.

She will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia Cemetery.

Bradley J. Focer (1956-2024)

Bradley J. Focer, 67, of Harmony Township, passed away on May 1, 2024 at Wexford Health Care Center. He was born on June 24, 1956 in Pittsburgh to the late Albert and Dorothy (Taylor) Focer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gina (DeMailo) Focer, in-laws, Samuel and Anita (Mazzetti) DeMailo, sister-in-law, Cheryl Focer, brother-in-laws, Willard Schauer and Norvel Bollingmo. He is survived by two children, Jessica (Greg) Holloway of New Sewickey, Sam Focer of Las Vegas, Nevada, two grandchildren, Salvatore and Anna Maria Holloway, brother, Robert C. Focer of Cookeville, Tennessee, sister, Pamela Schauer of Whitehall, sister-in-law, Judith (DeMailo) Bollingmo of Freedom, nephew, Dennis Schauer, three nieces, Tracy (Jason) LaGamba, Melissa (Nate) Mainord, Rebecca (Josh) Brown and several great nieces and great nephews. Bradley was a Level Three Weld Inspector having worked at various nuclear sites retiring from United Research Services. He had a passion for baseball and softball playing well into his fifties and enjoyed playing poker. Brad was an avid Pittsburgh sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching old westerns and ghost stories. Friends are being received on Wednesday from 1-7 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where a blessing service will be held on Thursday at 11 A.M. Interment will follow in Economy Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.