Author: Beaver County Radio

Casey Introduces Bill to Boost Discrimination Protections for Students

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the Showing Up for Students Act, which provides $280 million in additional funding for the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Education. The OCR is the office responsible for protecting the civil rights of students in American schools, including from incidents related to antisemitism, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab discrimination or harassment. Amidst a notable increase in reported incidents of antisemitism, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab actions in schools across the Nation, the bill would give OCR the capacity to meet the moment and ensure students are free from harassment and discrimination.

“Every student—regardless of their race, gender, disability, or religion—deserves to go to school without facing discrimination,” said Senator Casey. “As incidents of antisemitism, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab harassment increase in schools rise across the Nation, Congress has an obligation to act. We must provide the Office for Civil Rights the resources it needs to keep our students safe from discrimination and hate.”

The Showing Up for Students Act would provide the Office for Civil Rights with the funds it needs to protect students from harassment and discrimination. This effort follows a disturbing rise in incidents involving antisemitic, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab harassment, vandalism, and assault on school campuses. According to data from the U.S. Department of Education, between October 1, 2023 and February 15, 2024, OCR received 219 complaints involving Title VI shared ancestry investigations, the category under which complaints relating to antisemitism, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab discrimination are classified. This is a staggering increase of a 1,360 percent in the number of complaints compared to the same time period the year before. The surge in complaints must be met by an increase in resources for OCR.

For years, funding for OCR has not kept up with the trending increase in need for their services. Through OCR, students can file a complaint against their school for failure of the administration to prevent or respond to a violation or incident. OCR will then investigate the student’s complaint, make a determination of wrongdoing against the school, and potentially levy consequences against the school administration. Senator Casey’s Showing Up for Students Act will ensure OCR finally has the funding to respond appropriately to these cases, hire additional staff, resolve cases in a timelier manner, and increase capacity to help schools proactively prevent the discrimination and harassment of students.

The Showing Up for Students Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Fetterman (D-PA), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), and Tim Kaine (D-VA).

Deluzio Announces Darlington Supervisor Mike Carreon as Constituent Guest for 2024 State of the Union

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that his constituent guest to join him at President Joe Biden’s 2024 State of the Union is Mike Carreon, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for Darlington Township, Beaver County, PA. Darlington Township is just over the state line from East Palestine, Ohio, and was one of the communities impacted by the Norfolk Southern train derailment in February 2023. With the toxic fireball in plain sight, dozens of Darlington households were told to evacuate, and the community was left with fear and uncertainty around their health, livelihoods, and well-being after the derailment.

Supervisor Mike Carreon lives with his wife Kelly and their two children on their 400-acre family farm. Their children are the fifth generation to live on the farm, where they currently raise beef cattle and crop. Supervisor Carreon is also a truck driver and hauls steel out of Pittsburgh as his day job. He ran for Township Supervisor in 2022 and was elected to serve as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors after his first year. A photo of Supervisor Carreon is available here.

“It is an honor to host Supervisor Mike Carreon down here in Washington for this year’s State of the Union Address,” said Rep. Chris Deluzio. “I hope his visit to the United States Capitol will bring back needed attention to the Norfolk Southern derailment’s impact on Western Pennsylvanians and the urgent need for rail safety reform. Congress must take action and pass my bill, the Railway Safety Act.”

“The people of Darlington Township were hit hard by the Norfolk Southern train derailment last year, and a lot of our residents were and remain concerned for their health and safety,” said Supervisor Mike Carreon. “Many small towns across America share their space with the railroads, and safety should always be a top priority. More than a year after the derailment, industry lobbyists are hard at work trying to block efforts to make rail safer. We can’t let that happen. I am grateful for the chance to attend the State of the Union with Congressman Deluzio to share the story of my community of Darlington Township and to continue to try and pass the Railway Safety Act.”

Willa “Billie” Landsbach (1933-2024)

Willa “Billie” (Snyder) Landsbach passed away on February 28, 2024, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa, where she had been a resident for several years.

She was born in Beaver Falls on April 19, 1933, to Royal Snyder and Mabel (Cooper) Snyder.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Wayne Snyder; her sisters Sheryl Rimbey, Florence “Slim” Johnston and Juanita Kast; and her daughter, Amy Roberts.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Smith; her sister, Esta Weiss; six grandchildren, Jason, Nichole, Nate, Jennifer, Jaymie, and Tyler; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Billie attended Beaver Falls High School, where she played basketball, and graduated in 1951.  She was employed at many Beaver County businesses, including the Chuck Wagon restaurant, Westinghouse, and Giant Eagle.

Billie played in many bowling leagues in her younger days, had many lifelong friends and often told stories of the fun they had together.  Billie enjoyed family and was a passionate Pittsburgh sports fan.

Most importantly, she was a beautiful and ever-caring mother who always opened her arms, home, and heart to help others.  She adored children and they loved her in return.

To honor her remembrance, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

A private interment will be at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Rochester, as well as a Celebration of Life service.

The Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home of Chippewa Township provided care and guidance.

CCBC Receives Campus Prevention Network (CPN) Seal of Prevention

Monaca, PA – The Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) has been named a recipient of the 2023  Campus Prevention Network (CPN) Seal of Prevention. Presented by Vector Solutions, the CPN Seal of  Prevention is awarded to institutions of higher education that have demonstrated leadership in digital  prevention programming focused on student safety, well-being, and inclusion. 

“Each year, CCBC requires all faculty, staff, and administrators to complete prevention courses offered  by Vector Solutions,” said Sally Mercer, vice president of human resources. “Employees are assigned  Title IX, Sexual Harassment, HIPPA, and FERPA training to ensure they understand the concepts and can  act appropriately.” 

Students are also required to complete Title IX training to recognize, report, and react to potential  situations. This program empowers students by providing knowledge and resources to help them if they  find themselves in a difficult position. 

“The prevention programming we do with Vector Solutions benefits the campus as a whole,” said  Brittney Golden, dean of students. “They keep our faculty, staff, and administrators up to date on the  ever-changing dynamics of education and help us create a campus environment that is warm,  welcoming, and inclusive.” 

Each recipient of the CPN Seal of Prevention has taken action to create a safer, more inclusive campus  through comprehensive, evidence-based digital prevention education on issues such as sexual assault,  alcohol misuse, mental health, and discrimination. The CPN Seal of Prevention establishes guidelines for  discerning quality online prevention education and implementation practices and positions prevention  as central to institutional outcomes. 

Stephen J. Bednar (1932-2024)

Stephen J. Bednar, 91, of Daugherty Township, passed away Monday, March 4, 2024, at Celebration Villa, Chippewa.

Born August 7, 1932, in New Brighton he was a son of the late Louis and Anna (Procovich) Bednar.  Stephen was a member of New Brighton High School’s class of 1950.  He went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Geneva College.  He was a veteran of the United States Army.  He was a retired Science and Math teacher from Big Beaver Falls School District.  While teaching he took night school at the University of Pittsburgh to get a Master’s degree.  Catholic by faith, he was a former member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Holy Family.

Surviving Stephen are his nieces, Wilma (Frank) Farkas, Eileen Fritz, Goddaughter, Judy Lutz, friends, Deric and Chelsea Bolland, and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Amy Malichky, Sophie Kirchel, Mary Kuberski, and Anna Rossa, brothers, John, William, and Louis Bednar, and special friends, Theresa and John Matotek.

Friends are welcome Saturday from 930am until the time of prayers at 11:30am, in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Ave, New Brighton, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at, Our Lady of the Valley, Holy Family, at Noon.

Entombment will follow at Beaver Cemetery.

Bernard “Bernie” Catalucci (1929-2024)

Bernard “Bernie” A. Catalucci passed peacefully into the waiting arms of Jesus surrounded by his loving family at the home of his daughter Lisa and her husband, Wendell on 03/05/2024.
Bernie was born March 2, 1929, at his boyhood home in Conway, PA and had just celebrated his 95th birthday on Saturday 03/02/24.
He was preceded in death by his wife Hilda (Montini), and his parents, Domenick and Rosanna (Cuda) Catalucci, and his ten siblings including an infant brother, Anthony, as well as Louis (Catalina), Mike, Gilbert, Teresa (DeStefano), Florence (Celio), Pearl (Guy), Christine (Campbell), Mary (Parretta), and Adeline “Cookie” (Lange).
Bernie and his wife Hilda were blessed with five children who survive him: Brian (Lise) Catalucci (Denver, CO), Norman (Laura) Catalucci (Aliquippa, PA), Jeffery (Becky) Catalucci (Aurora, OH), Elisea (Wendell) Hill (New Galilee, PA), and Jeannine (Mark) Lefebvre (Denver, CO).
Bernie and Hilda also had eight grandchildren: Melissa, Jessica, Michael, Amadeus, Travis, Desiree, Ciera, and Trinity, and seven great-grandchildren: Dakota, Tallon, Ayla, Wyatt, Walker, Daniele, and Katalina, with another one on the way, due in April.
Bernie was an industrious, resourceful, and hard-working man who started at an early age. He held many different jobs through the years, including being an Usher at the Ambridge Movie Theater, and babysitting for a neighbor’s family, (which was where he met his future wife Hilda while she was visiting her aunt and uncle.) He also worked at Conway Airport where he serviced and tended airplanes. When working at the airport Bernie would often go “joy-riding” with older friends who could fly. Amazingly, Bernie walked away from two separate airplane crashes.
Bernie graduated from Ambridge High school in 1948. During high school and after graduation, he often worked for his brothers, Mike and Gilbert, at their local beer distributor, the ‘Catalucci Brothers’ in Conway. Bernie made deliveries to local bars, taverns, and restaurants, driving the beer delivery truck despite not possessing a driver’s license at the time.
It was during this period, Bernie began courting his future wife, Hilda (Montini) and they were married in 1950. Bernie and Hilda spent the next 68 years together until she passed away in 2018. Bernie also joined the Army Air Corp (Air Force) in 1951 where he served as a Staff Seargent and a senior cook, preparing delicious food for the troops who were serving in Okinawa during the Korean Conflict. In 1954, Bernie was discharged and returned home to continue his diverse career path. He worked at American Bridge as a
laborer, and also at the U.S. Post Office as a letter carrier.
During this time, while continuing to support his wife and young family, Bernie attended and successfully completed night classes at Geneva College for eight years to obtain his teaching degree. Bernie eventually fulfilled his true ambition and dream to become a grade school teacher. Bernie taught 4th, 5th and 6th grades for the Monaca School District where he taught his favorite subject, history, in addition to science
and math. His many students affectionately referred to Bernie as “Mr. C”.
Bernie held many other jobs and volunteer positions including being a Boy Scout Cub Master, a Eureka Vacuum salesman, a Security Guard for a small airline company, and Driver for Avis Car Rental. Bernie’s love of history had him working at many local historical sights and Indian dig sites as an amateur archeologist. Bernie was an enthusiastic member of the local Amokowi Chapter of the
Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology and was particularly involved with the Beaver County and Western Pennsylvania Historic Society, and he has served on the Board of Directors for the Vicary House Mansion for more than two decades. He was also intricately involved with the Beaver County Historic Research & Landmarks Foundation where Bernie was responsible for the creation and installation of many of the prominent blue cast Landmark plaques on so many local historic sites in and around Beaver
County. Bernie was also intimately involved with the excavating of Ft. MacIntosh archaeological site in Beaver, PA.
Bernie was a devout Catholic who loved everyone, who always turned the other cheek, and who always forgave everyone. He faithfully attended the local Catholic church in whatever area he was living, including Our Lady of Peace in Conway, and St. Titus in Aliquippa. Bernie was one of the original founding members of St. Francis Cabrini Church in Center Township.
Visitation will be Thursday from 3 to 7 pm in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, 2026 McMinn St., Aliquippa, PA 15001 (724) 375-0496.
Departing prayers will begin Friday at 9:30 AM in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Mary Queen of Saints Parish, Saint Francis Cabrini Church at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Saint James cemetery in Sewickley.
The Beaver County Special Unit will conduct full military honors at the cemetery.
Bernie will be sadly missed by his many friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the Beaver County Historical Research & Landmarks Foundation, c/o The William Vicary Mansion 1235 Third Ave, Freedom, PA 15042. (724) 775-1848.
Bernie will be sadly missed by his many friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the Beaver
County Historical Research & Landmarks Foundation, c/o The William Vicary Mansion 1235 Third Ave Freedom, PA 15042. (724) 775-
1848.

James David Kennedy (1929-2024)

James David Kennedy, 94, of South Beaver Township, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Providence Care Center, Beaver Falls.

Born on December 2, 1929, in Morgantown, WV, he was the son of the late Nora (Henderson) Kennedy.

James enlisted into the US Army at the age of 14 with a heart to serve. Upon completion of bootcamp, the US Army discovered his true age, and elected to have James repeat the basic training over from day one, until the paperwork required for release could be processed. On his third completion of basic training, he was honorably discharged from the United States Army.  He then enlisted in the US Marine Corps the moment he was of age and served 2 tours. Beyond the uniform, James was a devoted family man and strong believer in Jesus Christ. Semper Fidelis is the Marine Corps motto, meaning “Always Faithful” and that was clearly written into his heart from birth as he displayed the character of a man who would always persevere, always stand on what’s right, and always choose to follow the steps of his Faithful God. A member of Chippewa Alliance Church, he served as an Elder and Sunday School teacher for many years. James was a humble servant who also had a heart to minister to the elderly and hospitalized.

His unwavering commitment to both his faith in Jesus and his sacrificial love for others will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. As we bid an earthly farewell to this truly remarkable man, may the memories of his love, faith, and sacrifice continue to bring comfort to those who mourn his passing from this life. Let us rejoice, however, as his soul now rests eternally in the presence of the Most High God whose love endures forever.

In addition to his mother, James was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Treva (Hart) Kennedy; a daughter, Judtih Kennedy; and two brothers, Frederick and Richard Kennedy.

He is survived by his children, James (Bonnie) Kennedy and Alice “Sue” (Richard) Riley; five grandchildren, David (Denise), James (Brigette), Matthew, Kyle, and Cullen; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 9th at 11AM at Chippewa Alliance Church, 3629 37th Street Ext., Beaver Falls, PA.  The Beaver County Special Unit will accord military honors prior to the service.

Private interment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in James’ name to Chippewa Alliance Church.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Twp., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, is honored to be caring for Jim and his family.

Timothy C. Smith (1948-2024)

Timothy C. Smith, 75, of Sewickley, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospice House, Marshall Twp. Tim was born on September 10, 1948, in Sewickley, to the late Charles H. and Eleanor (Jones) Smith. He was a member of Baden Methodist Church for many years and retired from FedEx in 2010 after 21 years of service. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were brothers-in-law, George Bell, Nick Woodham, Paul Sandrock, George Woodham, sister-in-law, Ann Kuharsky and nephew, Stephen Woodham. He is survived by his wife Alice (Woodham) Smith and son, Brandon T. Smith, both of Sewickley, PA, a sister, Patricia Bell of Beaver Falls, PA, numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Friends will be received on Sunday, from 1-5 PM in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge. Family and friends will meet on Monday, at Little Hill United Methodist Church, Magee Road Extension, Sewickley, where a funeral service will be held at 11 AM. Interment will full military honors provided by the Beaver County Special Unit and the United States Navy will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Good Samaritan Hospice, 146 Neely School Road, Wexford, PA 15090.