WASHINGTON – Congressman Rothfus (PA-12) congratulates Pittsburgh-based Innovation Works as one of four recipients of the Department of Energy’sAmerican Inventions Made (AIM) Onshore Prize competition. Innovation Works will receive a $150,000 grant to support collaboration between U.S. innovators who develop new energy technologies and the domestic manufacturers who produce them.
“Pittsburgh area entrepreneurs are a driving force in economic development, technological innovation, and job creation,” said Congressman Rothfus. “Innovation Works’ mission to provide direct investment and strategic business services to southwestern Pennsylvania’s technology-based entrepreneurs, researchers, and small manufacturers makes them an ideal beneficiary of this award. I was proud to support Innovation Works and look forward to following their use of these resources to continue helping Western Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry flourish.”
“Innovation Works is extremely grateful for the support that Congressman Rothfus has provided both on this prize competition and to support entrepreneurs in general,”said Bob Starzynski, Director of Business Development for Innovation Works. “We are proud of our work in helping entrepreneurs connect with local manufacturing supply chains and we appreciate the Department of Energy interests in expanding this work in the energy sector.”
The AIM Offshore grant award is meant to coach U.S. scientists and engineers about basic manufacturing processes and product design. Congressman Rothfus wrote a letter in support of the Innovation Works application.
Chris Shovlin stopped by Teleforum with Frank Sparks this morning to talk about the 2018 Class of the Midland Hall of Fame presented by Joe Spanik. The event gets underway on Sunday July 1,2018 in Alumni Hall at 10th Street and Beaver Avenue on the Lincoln Park campus. Doors open at Noon with the program beginning at 1:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now through June 27th at the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center Box Office and by phone at 724-576-4644 Option 2 during regular business hours and on-line http://www.lincolnparkarts.org/events at any time. Cash, major credit cards, and checks are being accepted. Make checks payable to Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center – memo MSHOF. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR.
Congratulations to the 2018 Midland Sports Hall of Fame scholarship recipients, Sydney Barney and Nicholas Gengarella. Each has been selected to receive a $1,000 college scholarship.
This years class is:
HARRY ALSTON ‘41 – A three-year member of the football team, he became a starter as a junior playing a pivotal role on the undefeated 1940 Leopards team that went 7-0-1 (Midland and Ellwood City played to a scoreless tie). A standout blocker and runner, Harry was named to play in the East-West Beaver County All-Star Game. It is nearly impossible to mention Harry without including his younger brother Dave, who together, became the first African-American football players in Penn State history. A year older than Harry, Dave refused to go to Kindergarten until Harry was old enough to attend the following year. Harry did not want to go to State College, but when Dave chose to become a Nittany Lion, their father insisted that Harry go with him. Harry found racism rampant at Penn State and the surrounding region in the 1940’s and described his time there as a horrible experience. Following their freshman season, Dave died during what was supposed to be a routine tonsillectomy. Harry left school, enlisted in the Navy, and served as a Petty Officer in the Pacific during World War II. Later, Alston attended the University of Pittsburgh on the G.I. Bill and became an officer with the United Steelworkers Union at Crucible Steel.
COACH IVAN DYE – He is one of only two football coaches in the history of Midland High School to lead a team through an entire season undefeated and untied (fellow 2018 inductee “Rusty” Lomond is the other). That season was 1970 when the Leopards went a perfect 10-0. Despite that, Midland was not eligible to play for a WPIAL Football Championship because of the antiquated Gardner Points System. One newspaper’s headline proclaimed the Leopards “10-0 – Nowhere To Go”. Coach Dye’s 1970 club registered the most single-season wins in MHS history, just ahead of the 9-0 squad of 1931. A graduate of Muskingum College, he was on the basketball staff at Roseville High School and the football staff that guided Dillonvale High School to a conference title in Ohio. He started as an assistant coach at Midland with a team that went 9-1 and was elevated to Head Coach when Joe Hamilton left for New Brighton. In all, Coach Dye rolled up a record of 32-14 with two trips to the WPIAL Final. He left Midland to become Head Coach at St. Mary’s High School.
MAL EVANS ‘55 – He was an expert ball-handler and scorer with exceptional defensive abilities; a three-year varsity star and one of the best all-around basketball players of his era. Maldwyn “Mal” Evans helped lead Midland to back-to-back Section 8 basketball titles and into the WPIAL semifinals where the Leopards fell to defending champion and powerhouse Farrell. A true leader, Mal was President of the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes at MHS and co-captain of the basketball team as a senior. Evans was a unanimous All-Section selection and was named to play in the East-West All-Star Game. He was also named to the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph All-WPIAL Class A All-Star and UPI Class A All-State teams. Mal was the Most Valuable Player in the 1955 American Legion Tournament; his teams were crowned champions in consecutive years. Evans enlisted in the US Air Force right out of high school and enjoyed a distinguished career in business.
HOWARD “CAB” LEAK ‘69 – A relentless competitor, “Cab” was not just one of the fiercest fullbacks and middle linebackers in Beaver County in the late 1960’s, but one of the speediest as well. In 1968, as the Class B Midwestern Athletic Conference Backfield Player of the Year and Pittsburgh Press All-WPIAL Honorable Mention, he gained nearly 900 yards on the ground with Midland playing five Class A opponents. Leak scored touchdowns in clusters. He had four in one game versus Monaca; breaking tackles on runs up the middle and around end. He was also Pittsburgh Press Honorable Mention in basketball; an acrobatic guard averaging double figures in scoring. Leak was on the 1969 team that earned a berth in the WPIAL playoffs. He captained both the football and basketball teams and was a sprinter on the Track team at MHS. After two years at Slippery Rock State College, he became a tank operator in the US Army.
COACH W.P. “RUSTY” LOMOND – Born in Newfoundland, he graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s College in Maryland, then came to Midland as a coach and teacher. His 1931 football team won the Beaver County Championship with a perfect 9-0 record, scoring 205 points and allowing only 6 (to Aliquippa in what his players for the rest of their lives claimed was a broken play). Coach Lomond befriended and became a disciple of Knute Rockne, so his teams adopted a system identical to Notre Dame’s and ran it to near perfection which landed many of Midland’s players scholarship offers from the top college football programs of the day. While at MHS, the “Crucibles” or “Steelers” as they were nicknamed then, went 66-36-12 under Lomond. In his final season in 1937, Midland was 9-1 losing only to the eventual county champion New Brighton. “Rusty” accepted an offer to rebuild a Clairton High School club that had gone 1-8 the year prior to his arrival. In 1938, he led the “Cobras” to a 9-1 mark in his only season. Coach Lomond fell ill and died the following March.
MILAN “FATSO” LONA ’57 – Though he was heavily recruited to play football by some of the top programs in the nation, Milan displayed tremendous skills during a four-year high school career in Track and Field. In 1954, Lona set the record for the Mile Run at the Beaver County Championships with a time of 3:04. In 1955, he and teammates James Petties, Monte Williams, and Harry Blair set the record in the 880 Yard Relay at 1:34. Then in 1956, “Fatso” (as he was nicknamed) finished the 880 Yard Dash with at time of 2:05 to set yet another Beaver County record. He also took gold at the WPIAL Track and Field Championships. In all, he participated in both team and individual events in the 100, 220, 440, 880, Mile, and Broad Jump. A speedy and shifty halfback and returner, Lona was offered a full ride to play football from the Ohio State University. He also played at the University of Toledo. Lona died in an industrial accident while his crew was painting the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in 1972.
AL MONACO, JR. ‘65 – Named All-Conference in both football and baseball during his junior and senior seasons while playing for the Leopards, he was named to the Prep All-America Football Team by Coach & Athlete magazine in 1965. Al was one of only 100 high school players in the nation and one of just 6 in Pennsylvania to be so honored. Monaco was voted Midland’s top lineman and team co-captain, 1st Team All-Midwestern Athletic Conference, and All-WPIAL. In addition, he was President of the senior class, Vice President of the Tri-Hi Y Club, and an All-America scholastic choice. After considering offers from a number of schools, he joined teammate Tom Wuchina in signing to play football at Vanderbilt University. Monaco’s father, Al Sr., was inducted into the Midland Sports Hall of Fame as an individual in 2017 and as a member of the 1931 football team in 2016.
JAN SAMUELS ‘67 – A member of Midland’s 1965 PIAA State Championship Basketball team, he was a three-sport standout. On the court, Jan was a sharp-shooting guard selected to the Holiday Tournament All-Star Team. On the diamond, Samuels was a four-year starter who played several positions including pitcher, catcher, infielder, and outfielder. He also played American Legion baseball. As a sophomore at MHS, Jan batted .316. That year, he and senior Norm Van Lier were invited to participate in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ tryout camp. On the football field, Samuels was First Team All-MAC at quarterback and led the 1966 team to a 9-1 slate. Recruited heavily for both athletics and academics, Jan chose to play quarterback at the University of Findlay where he immediately became a starter and was named freshman of the Year. He was the MVP in the 1967 Shriners Bowl game versus Austin Peay. Despite a broken ankle during his sophomore season, Samuels was a three-year starter, running Findlay’s no-huddle offense to perfection. Today, Jan is retired after a distinguished 35 year career in education administration.
BILL SHOVLIN ‘49 – He served four terms as the Mayor of Midland and prior to that, Bill Shovlin was a member of Borough Council who chaired the community’s playground and swimming pool committees; a staunch supporter of sports and activities for kids. In the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s, he served as a coach and the Commissioner of Little League Baseball. When Midland’s Little League had to move to a new field in the 1970’s, Bill took the lead in its construction and dedication to longtime youth baseball advocate, Lawrence “Lunch” Andres. A 1949 graduate of Midland High School and President of the Tri-Hi Y, Shovlin played basketball for the legendary Ed McCluskey and softball for some of the top Midland CIO teams under Tony Verzilli in the 1950’s and 60’s. He, along with Don Migliore an Pete Benedict, founded the Midland Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. Today, the picnic shelter, park, and complex at 13th Street are named William F. Shovlin Park in his honor.
JOE TIRRENO ‘72 – Midland’s football and basketball teams of the early 1970’s had the most combined successes in school history and he was one of several common denominators. Joe earned 10 letters and was a starter in eight of those seasons. Tirreno was a hard-charging running back and defensive standout on the undefeated 1970 MHS Football team and played a key role as a guard on the 1971 WPIAL and PIAA State Championship Basketball squad along with playing shortstop for some of the most successful baseball teams Midland has seen. In the 1971 WPIAL Football Championship game, Joe scored Midland’s only touchdown. He notched 60 points on the season and was named a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette WPIAL Class B All-Star. So good an athlete was Tirreno, that he played both football and basketball at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania where he helped springboard the Red Raiders into a contender in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. A four-year football starter, he played linebacker as a freshman then moved to wingback for the remainder of his career. Tirreno caught 40 passes for 5 TD’s and rushed for 4 others as a senior when he was named All-PSAC. Joe played one season of basketball at Shippensburg, trying out on a dare, and subsequently starting on a team that finished second in the conference to perennial national power Cheney State which was coached by the legendary John Chaney.
FRED VUICH ‘73 – If you are a sports fan; particularly if you favor professional golf, you have undoubtedly seen his work. Fred is one of the top sports photographers in the world. One of his most memorable photos in particular was his Sports Illustrated cover shot of Tiger Woods at the top of his backswing on the 18th hole with a large gallery ringing the tee area at The Masters in 2001. What was remarkable is that Vuich got the shot using a camera with a silent electromagnetic shutter so as not to distract the players since almost all golf photography is done after impact. That picture garnered Fred the 2002 World Press Photo Gold Medal. So trusted is Fred that Augusta National actually shipped him Arnold Palmer’s green jacket to use in a photo shoot with the legend. Fred hand carried the jacket to a course in Hawaii where the two western Pennsylvanians met for the session. Fred’s world-renowned work also includes Major League Baseball, the NFL, NHL, NCAA and more.
THE ALIQUIPPA SCHOOL BOARD LAST NIGHT PRESENTED ITS PRELIMINARY BUDGET FOR THE FALL…AND RECEIVED AN UPDATE ON SUMMER SCHOOL FOR JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. BEAVER COUNTY RADIO NEWS CORRESPONDENT SANDY GIORDANO WAS THERE. Click on ‘play’ to hear Sandy’s report…
The Knights of Columbus Beaver Valley Council #604, in cooperation with the McGuire Memorial Foundation, will be presenting their 14th Annual Golf Outing at Blackhawk Golf Course on July 14th. Shotgun start is at 8:00 A.M. for golfers participating in the scramble.
Council #604 Grand Knight Dennis Garrett and McGuire Memorial Foundation Director of Development Joyce Lewis-Andrews joined Matt Drzik to talk about this year’s Golf Outing, including golfer protocol (what to expect, what to bring) as well as what these two organizations have planned for future events.
If you missed this interview on A.M. Beaver County or want to listen again, click on the players below!
BEAVER COUNTY RESIDENTS WITH ELECTRICITY SUPPLIED BY DUQUESNE LIGHT…WHO WANT TO DISCUSS THE COMPANY’S PROPOSED INCRASE ON RATES…WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO DO SO AT A HEARING IN BIG BEAVER TONIGHT. BEAVER COUNTY RADIO NEWS INTERN KAISHA JANTSCH HAS MORE. Click on ‘play’ to hear Kaisha’s report…
…AND BEAVER COUNTY RADIO’S MATT DRZIK WILL BE THERE TONIGHT TO COVER THAT HEARING AND WILL HAVE A DETAILED REPORT FOR US ON AM BEAVER COUNTY TOMORROW MORNING BEGINNING AT 6:30.
THE ALIQUIPPA SCHOOL BOARD HONORED SOME RETIREES AT THE BOARD MEETING LAST NIGHT. BEAVER COUNTY RADIO NEWS CORRESPONDENT SANDY GIORDANO WAS THERE. Click on ‘play’ to hear Sandy’s report…
SATURDAY – INTERVALS OF CLOUDS AND SUNSHINE IN THE
MORNING…WITH MORE CLOUDS FOR LATER IN
THE DAY. A STRAY SHOWER OR
THUNDERSTORM IS POSSIBLE. HIGH – 82.
SUNDAY – MOSTLY CLOUDY SKIES. SCATTERED
THUNDERSTORMS DURING THE MORNING.
HIGH – 91.
This year commemorates the 70th anniversary of when Beaver County’s first radio station, WBVP, was heard over the airwaves for the the first time on May 25, 1948. To mark the historical event, each week, another “70th Anniversary Moment” will be showcased on the airwaves and published on the station’s online feeds.
One of the most influential people in the radio industry to come through the hallways of WBVP during the first 70 years of operation is Bill Kelly. After growing up in the Cleveland Area, Kelly got his first taste of western Pennsylvania when he enrolled at Robert Morris College in Moon Township. He must have liked the area, because he stayed close to his alma mater right about the same time as commencement when he was hired on at WBVP in 1971. At the time, WBVP was located in the basement of a bank building located at the corner of 7th Avenue and 14th Street in Beaver Falls. Walt Broadhurst was the General Manager of the radio station at the time. Initially, Kelly was hired by Broadhurst to help set up remote broadcasts, do some technical work and help out in the news department. Kelly eventually found his way behind the microphone and began to host the popular “Teleforum” talk show, a duty that he would continue throughout the remainder of his time at WBVP, up until 1977.
John Nuzzo interviews Bill Kelly during the 50th anniversary celebration of WBVP in May of 1998.
“Carleen McKee these days owns Co-Hill Fashions, but in 1975, was fresh out of college school teacher with the Western Beaver School District who lived in her native Beaver Falls. Like many many people, listening to WBVP was part of the daily routine. In March of 2018, McKee recalled being a winner in a weekly contest aired on WBVP. “It was a contest that WBVP ran where you would call in and answer a question. and be the tenth caller. . . . and I called in. I kept calling, and I kept getting the the busy signal and finally I got through and Bill Kelly answered. He said you’re the tenth caller, and I won a hundred dollars . . . I just know that particular Day I was listening and I liked Bill Kelly.”. According to McKee, Kelly also did another on air gimmick that was funny and got listeners involved with the program. Kelly reportedly would ask listeners to call in and give a list of things. Kelly then inserted the words that the listener provided into a pre prepared short two or three sentence story, that was, of course, unbeknownst to the caller beforehand, at the appropriate times and read back the passage complete with list of people and things that the listener gave to Kelly on the air. “He would ask you to name different things. Name a sport. . . . Name a relative . . . Name an animal at the zoo . . . and then he would read the story and he would use your answers. Like ‘I saw the Zebra at church. My uncle Jerry was riding it’. It was always comical.”
By the end of his tenure in Beaver Falls, Bill Kelly was an on air show host and serving as Operations Director. Kelly moved on to WKBN radio in Youngstown in 1977 and further developed the broadcasting skills that had been imparted to him by the Team at WBVP. In 1981, Kelly was promoted to Vice President at WKBN. In 1996, things changed radically in the radio industry when then President Bill Clinton signed the Telecommunications act of 1996, which deregulated many parts of the broadcast industry, including removing the restrictions on how many radio stations a company could own and operate. That meant new bosses for Kelly in Youngstown when big corporations came to town and bought the Youngstown radio radio station off of the Williams famil . First Jacor, and then Clear Channel, which is now known as iHeart media. It wasn’t long before the executives in the home office noticed Kelly’s talents, as he was named Market Manager for Clear Channel in Youngstown in 1997. Entually Kelly would work his way up to Vice President at Clear Channel/iHeart Media, until leaving to take on a similar position with cross town rival, Cumulus Broadcasting in Youngstown, OH, where he continues to work in the radio industry today. In his nearly five decade career, Kelly has gone on to manage and develop hundreds of employees, running clusters of radio stations in big markets.
“70th Anniversary Moments” is presented by Abbey Carpet and Floor, Albert’s Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, Aliquippa Giant Eagle, The Beaver Falls Municipal Authority, Beaver Valley Auto Mall, Beaver Valley Sheet Metal, Castlebrook Development, The Community College Of Beaver County, Farmers Building and Savings Bank, Freedom United Federal Credit Union, Hank’s Frozen Custard and Mexican food, The Health Huts, Kitchen City, Laughlin Insurance Agency, Rochester Manor and Villa and Young’s Jewelry and Coins.
