McKeesport Area School District custodian on leave after drugs were found in his car by police

(Story reported by Curtis Walsh, written by Noah Haswell, both of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 17, 2024 at 9:19 A.M.)

(McKeesport, PA) After being caught on school property with drugs in his car, a McKeesport Area School District custodian is on leave. The man accused, named Tom, according to court documents, admitted to police that he was a school janitor just finishing his shift at the end of August and was approached in the parking lot of the school. Police noticed he was acting nervous and then found 260 stamp bags full of heroin in his car. Tom admitted to police that he was an addict, but he did not have a reason for having the heroin on the school’s property. The board of the school says it is a personal matter and Tom will face his current charges in court next month.

Saundra L. Bogovich (1946-2024)

Saundra Lee (Keeley) Bogovich passed away on September 15, 2024 surrounded by her loving family after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.She was born on July 2, 1946, in Beaver Falls, the adored daughter of the late Leo and Betty Keeley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Jack Keeley. She is survived by her beloved daughters Renee (Matt) Tecza and Kellie Bogovich; brother, Patrick (Val) Keeley; grandchildren, Keeley, and Broc Tecza, along with many devoted nieces, nephews, and friends.

Saundra grew up on College Hill and she was an extraordinary mother, daughter, sister, and a most loving grandmother.

Saundra was a 1964 graduate of Beaver Falls High School. For more than 4 decades she was employed at Westinghouse/Eaton Cutler Hammer. Upon her retirement, she was the best babysitter to both Keeley and Broc and became affectionately known by their friends as “Grammy Sandy”. She loved watching and cheering for her two grandchildren as they participated in their various activities. Her love for basketball grew more as she watched Broc play, knowing that baskets were made for her. She practiced her dance and cheerleading skills alongside Keeley, as she loved watching her perform on stage and the sidelines. She lived her life for the two of them.

Sandy will remain unforgettable and her memory will dwell in the hearts of all that knew and loved her. She was the most loving and giving mother and will be missed tremendously by her two daughters.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 18 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 19, at 10 a.m. at Saint Peter & Paul Church of Beaver. Interment will follow at Beaver Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Saundra’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Beaver Valley Artists to host award winning artist at Merrick in New Brighton

Artist Cara Livorio poses for a portrait inside AIR on the north side on Sunday May 5, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Pittsburgh City Paper)

(New Brighton, Pa) On Oct 10, 2024, the Beaver Valley Artists will host award winning artist, Cara Livorio.  She is a resident of Pittsburgh , but has studied in Italy as well as Penn State University.  She is the owner of Artissima art school in Fox Chapel.

Cara Livorio is native to Pittsburgh, PA. She obtained her BFA in drawing and painting from the Pennsylvania State University and pursued graduate studies in visual art and curatorship at NABA in Milan, Italy.  A painter to the core, her craft centers on color, form, light, and the tactual physicality of the paint. Cara’s style is expressive and rich with vibrant color, and she uses a myriad of techniques to construct dynamic and palpable experiences. 

Cara’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally in Italy and resides in private collections throughout the United States and in Europe. Her painting, “Flourish” from her B(L)OOM! series resides in the permanent collection of the Westmoreland Museum of American Art. Her artwork can be seen in various locations throughout Pittsburgh and in Europe, including an installation of large-scale paintings in the lobby of the Jefferson Regional Hospital and an extensive mural/artwork commission in Ospedale dei Bambini Buzzi in Milan, Italy. Cara is the owner of Artissima art school in Fox Chapel. 

Her current series, “Return to Eden,” delves into the interplay between humanity’s enduring imprint and nature’s ceaseless cycles.

The evening will commence at 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the Merrick Art Gallery at 1100 5th Avenue, New Brighton, PA.  The public is invited to attend and refreshments will be served.

“World Homeless Day” gathering to take place at courthouse

BEAVER FALLS, PA (SEPTEMBER 12, 2024) – The Cornerstone of Beaver County (TCBC) – a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness in Beaver County – will host a World Homeless Day gathering in front of the Beaver County Courthouse on Thursday, October 10, from 12:00-1:00 p.m.

 

The community is invited to attend and observe this global awareness day that serves as a platform to advocate for improved policies and funding that can help prevent and end homelessness.

World Homeless Day also aims to raise awareness about the needs of people who currently experience homelessness and promote work in our local communities to alleviate suffering and prevent death.

 

During the October 10 gathering, updates, inspirational stories, and insights about homelessness and homeless solutions will be shared by TCBC, the Beaver County Commissioners, and Beaver County Continuum of Care, as well as other community leaders and partner agencies.

 

Speaker Lineup:

  • Marie Timpano, The Cornerstone of Beaver County
  • Dina Ciabatoni, Beaver County Continuum of Care
  • Beaver County Commissioner Chairman Daniel C. Camp III
  • Beaver County Commissioner Tony Amadio
  • Beaver County Commissioner Jack Manning
  • Francie Booterbaugh, The Cornerstone of Beaver County
  • Marie Timpano (closing remarks)

Additional speakers and participants to be announced.

 

TCBC’s hosting of this event aligns with its work as a nonprofit organization to provide and coordinate emergency shelter, permanent housing, basic needs, and resources.

 

In June of 2023, with the support of County and State leaders, regional funders, and community supporters, TCBC significantly expanded its services by opening Beaver County’s long-awaited 24-hour men’s emergency shelter.

 

“In addition to TCBC’s programs and services, our commitment to ending homelessness includes raising awareness of the complexities of homelessness, the issues faced by those who are unhoused, and the challenges of our current homeless system. So we’re very grateful for this opportunity to gather with community members, partners, and County leadership to observe World Homeless Day and share valuable information and resources with all who attend,” said TCBC Executive Director Marie Timpano.

To continue raising awareness of the need for ongoing work and strategies around homeless solutions, TCBC will follow the World Homeless Day event with a campaign entitled “Bringing Hope Home,” featuring a video podcast series starting on October 15. Those interested can learn more by signing up for email updates at CornerstoneBeaver.org and following TCBC on Facebook and Instagram @cornerstonebeaver.

 

Anyone wanting to learn more about TCBC’s programs and services or in need of help with homelessness or housing-related crisis can visit CornerstoneBeaver.org or call 724-846-6400.

Westbound I-376 Beaver Valley Expressway Lane Restriction Begins Monday 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 begin Monday, September 16 weather permitting.

A single-lane restriction will occur on westbound bridge that carries I-376 over Bradys Run Park between the Chippewa/Route 51 (Exit 31) and Brighton (Exit 36) interchanges weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday, September 27.

Crews from Allison Park Contractors will conduct bridge repair work. Please use caution in the area.

Man struck by vehicle on Brodhead Road

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published September 16, 2024 12:28 P.M.

(Center Township, Pa) A Man was struck by a vehicle on old Brodhead Road Friday morning. Center Township Police Chief Aldo Legge said a male was walking close to the road. He was dressed in all black at the lower entrance to the road when he was struck. Chief Legge said the man was flown to a Pittsburgh hospital and the incident is still under investigation.

Softball tournament held to support eleven-year-old Aubrey Bogacki and her family after Lawrence County car crash

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 16, 2024 at 11:21 A.M.)

(Beaver Falls, PA) After a July crash in Lawrence County that killed her father and her two siblings, eleven-year-old survivor Aubrey Bogacki continues to be celebrated in Beaver County as a softball tournament called Balling for Bogacki was held on Saturday and Sunday. The event organizer believes that more than $10,000 was raised as sixty softball teams from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia played ball to benefit the Bogacki family. Aubrey and her family have also been supported by the community with both a GoFundMe and a parade since she was released from the hospital in August. 

Festival that celebrates Black and indigenous music returns to Sewickley

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 16, 2024 at 11:15 A.M.) 

(Sewickley, PA) A festival called the Manuvo Festival, which celebrates both Black and indigenous artists in music, led by Beaver Falls native Elizabeth Asche Douglas, returns to Sewickley from September 20th to September 21st. According to a press release, the Manuvo Festival features a variety of exhibitions and live performances, “focused on amplifying the voices of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) artists in our region.” Manuvo, which means “first fruit” in Swahili, will feature vendors and breweries that were curated by Beaver resident and founder of the acclaimed Barrel & Flow beer festival in Pittsburgh, Day Bracey. Admission is free for the art, vendors, and live music, and attendees that are twenty-one years old and over can buy a $20 ticket for unlimited samples from five beer companies at the festival’s beer garden. 

Beaver County Chamber’s Monday Memo: 09/16/24

SportClips Ribbon Cutting

September 20, 2024 at 2:00 PM

You are invited to celebrate the grand opening of SportClips Chippewa the week of 9/15-9/21.

Come enjoy food and appearances from the local Chippewa police and fire department. Raffle ticket sales and $2 of every haircut will benefit the local Bogacki family. You can read more on their story here.

SportClips Chippewa

2580 Constitution Blvd

Beaver Falls, PA 15010

Are you ready for sweater weather and all things pumpkin?

Make sure you register for our Annual Fall Brunch before it sells out! Join us for a Brunch, Gift Basket Raffle, Complimentary Mimosas, Networking with members and vendor tables, & more!

Date: ???? September 26, 2024

Time: ???? 10AM – 1PM

Location:???? The Willows

Members: $35

Non-Members: $50

Interested in a Vendor Table for $25? Contact Molly Suehr at msuehr@bcchamber.com to reserve yours today.

Interested in being a sponsor of this popular event? Click Here.

REGISTER HERE for Fall Brunch ????

Mark your calendars for our 2024 Business of the Year Awards & Annual Meeting, where you will enjoy food stations, cocktails, networking, and music, on November 6th at 5 PM at The Club At Shadow Lakes.

View Full Event Calendar
View all event photos
Submit your member news to msuehr@bcchamber.com

Entrepreneurs Forever Virtual Summit

Sept. 17, 2024 9:00AM – 11:30AM

Get ready for the Entrepreneurs Forever Virtual Summit on Tuesday, September 17, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.! This jam-packed 2.5-hour event is designed to empower small business owners with the tools, insights, and connections they need to thrive. Join us for inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, and the chance to network with fellow entrepreneurs. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot today and take the next step in your business journey!

Click here for details.

Trunk or Treat: A Free Family Event

Oct. 29th 5PM – 7PM

Provident Charter School West

Enjoy a free family event on October 29, 2024! Trunk or Treat at Provident Charter School West, located at 200 Quigley Drive, Baden, PA 15005

Interested vendors click here.

New England Style Clambake

Oct. 5th 4PM – 9PM

Benefiting Monaca Community Development

Plan your fall and register today for this unique event! Brought to you by Trish’s Truffles, Monaca Brewing Co. & Monaca Borough.

Dinner, Live Music by The Hoot Owls, 50/50 & more!

For pricing, more details on what to expect, and to register click here.

YMCA Trunk or Treat

October 16th, 2024 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

This fall we are hosting a Trunk or Treat event in our back parking lot! We are looking for some vendors interested in participating by decorating your trunks and handing out candy or other goodies.

If interested, please download and complete the photo to the right and return to Janna by September 27.

DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY SBDC

First Steps in Beaver: November 13, 2024

Are you considering starting a business but do not know where to start? Are you wondering which business structure is right for your business?

Taking the initial step can be scary, but the Duquesne SBDC will help you create a strong business plan so you know the exact steps needed to create a strong business start-up!

All people will receive a Certificate of Completion with attendance to the workshop and checking off the sign-in sheet.

Date: November 13th 2024

Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Beaver County Chamber of Commerce

Cost: Attend – $35.00/attendee

Register Here.

JOIN A COMMITTEE TODAY:

Events Committee: This committee is responsible for working directly with Chamber staff to determine and plan programming and events for the year as well as reviewing the effectiveness of current events and programming. Committee members should help to further the Chamber’s strategies

by providing business community insights and ideas to staff to collaborate on strategies and events. In addition to this committee, subcommittees are established for each signature event – such as the

Annual Gala and Golf Outing to assist the staff directly in executing these larger events and include more members in the process.

Ambassador Committee: The goal of the Ambassador Committee is to create a welcoming experience for our new Chamber members and continue building relationships with our current members. If you enjoy meeting new people at events like ribbon cuttings, afterhours, and events throughout the year, please join us!

 

Interested in connecting and learning more? Contact Molly Suehr.

Now Hiring! Want to see a list of job postings from members? Don’t forget to add your own posting to the job postings portal on our website.
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Beaver County Chamber of Commerce
724.775.3944
525 3rd Street, 2nd Floor
Beaver, PA 15009

Pennsylvania man enters no contest pleas against charges for murders that happened almost five years ago

(Story reported by Curtis Walsh and posted by Noah Haswell, both of Beaver County Radio, Published on Septemebr 16, 2024 at 10:05 A.M.)

(York, PA) After facing charges that he killed his father and stepmother with a sword in their Pennsylvania home almost five years ago, a Pennsylvania man has entered no contest pleas against them. 43-year-old Levar Fountain, who is scheduled for sentencing on November 8, killed both John Fountain, 74, and Mary Fountain, 65, in December of 2019, and at that time, authorities said Fountain told them he was off his schizophrenia medication. Court documents indicate that Fountain entered the pleas to third-degree murder charges in the York County Court earlier this month, avoiding a trial that was to have begun this week. First-degree murder counts that would have carried a mandatory life without parole term were dismissed. Attorneys agreed during the legal proceedings that Fountain doesn’t remember the deaths due to his mental condition at the time.