VIDEO: Beaver County YMCA To Start Summer Playgrounds & Summer Camps In June

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

“It’s almost like an introduction to networking, and to build those life skills.”

Such were the words of Lauren Zemcik, who is the Vice President of Operations for the Beaver County YMCA headquartered on Junction Stretch in New Brighton. The “Y” is gearing up for a summer that includes the Summer Playgrounds program, the Summer Camps program, operating the Ellwood City Veterans’ Pool, and the Summer Food Programs…among many more.

The Summer Playgrounds program in particular incorporates multiple boroughs throughout Beaver County, allowing kids to participate in many different available activities. “They’ll do structured activities,” Zemcik said, “[such as] kickball, crafts, or STEM stuff…our counselors come with a gigantic bin full of stuff, including a first aid kit.” The Summer Playgrounds program runs from June 13 to August 5 with hours from 10 AM to 2 PM, and further details about activities and participation can be found by calling the Beaver County YMCA at (724) 891-8439.

The YMCA is also hosting Summer Camps running from June 13  until August 19 (full details can be seen here), and they’re also bringing back Camp Rise (formerly Camp Achieva) for school-aged children with disabilities. They will also be holding lifeguard training in three day-long sessions from June 13 to June 15, and the Summer Food Program will once again be available for kids up through Age 18.

To watch the full interview with Lauren Zemcik, click the Facebook feed below!

Birthday Fun on Teleforum Wednesday

Wednesday marks the 74th birthday of Beaver County Radio, and Eddy will host the party-a flashback to the before time and a celebration of longevity all day on Teleforum on Beaver County Radio!

Biden: Leaders navigating ‘dark hour’ after Ukraine invasion

TOKYO (AP) — President Joe Biden has warned fellow leaders of the informal Indo-Pacific security coalition known as the Quad that they are “navigating through a dark hour in our shared history.” His warning comes as Russia continues a brutal war on Ukraine. Biden called for greater Indo-Pacific leadership in the effort to stop Russian aggression at the start of a summit Tuesday with the leaders of Australia, India and Japan. Biden did not directly call out any countries. But his message appeared to be a nudge of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with whom differences persist over how to respond to the Russia.

Great Since ’48! A Special Segment On Wednesday’s Teleforum.

What Beaver County Football legend was born in 1948?

What Popular Drive in-movie theaters started in 1948?

Who won the collegiate National Football Championship in 1948?

Tune in for the answers to these questions and much more on Wednesday from 11 A.M. to Noon as Special Guests Ray Rotuna and Mark Peterson join Eddy Crow on Teleforum to talk about what Beaver County was like in 1948.

Is a special program aired in conjunction with the 74th anniversary of WBVP, which started broadcasting on May 25, 1948.

Talk a walk back through time and click here to enjoy more photos of the glorious history of WBVP.

 

Ex-White House press secretary Jen Psaki hired by MSNBC

NEW YORK (AP) — Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki has officially landed at MSNBC, where she is expected to make appearances on the network’s cable and streaming programs as well as host a new original show. Psaki will also appear on NBC and during MSNBC’s primetime special election programming throughout the midterms and 2024 presidential election. Psaki most recently served as White House spokesperson for the first 16 months of the Biden administration. She previously served as White House communications director under former President Barack Obama and as the spokeswoman for the Department of State.

Rock and roll up your sleeve: Give blood or platelets with the Red Cross

Elvis Presley is known for being the first global rock and roll icon. He was also a blood donor himself! While times have changed, the need for blood has not − donors can leave a lasting legacy themselves by making a lifesaving blood or platelet donation with the American Red Cross. 

In honor of the new Baz Luhrmann film, Elvis, all who come to give in the month of June will be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP trip to Graceland for two, including round-trip airfare to Memphis, plus a three-night stay at The Guest House and Elvis Entourage VIP tour, courtesy of Graceland, a custom-wrapped Gibson Epiphone guitar and more. Additionally, those who come to donate June 1-30 will also receive a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.*

It’s critically important the Red Cross maintain a stable blood supply for patients this summer. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

Final days of COVID-19 antibody testing

All Red Cross blood, platelet and plasma donations are being tested for COVID-19 antibodies through June 3. Donors can learn if their donation has the antibody levels needed to potentially help COVID-19 patients with a weakened immune system. 

Health insights for donors 

At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.    

 Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.  

 Blood drive safety 

The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control. The Red Cross will continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers and facilities. While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance, or at the request of blood drive sponsors. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a drive.  

 How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Monaca native promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer serving aboard USS Makin Island

By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A Monaca, Pennsylvania, native was recently promoted in rank to senior chief petty officer serving aboard USS Makin Island.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Patricia Frye joined the Navy 18 years ago to travel the world and for college tuition assistance.

“What I’ve learned from serving in the Navy is that there is more than one way to lead,” said Frye. “Every sailor is different, and the real challenge of leadership is finding a unique way to get through to each sailor since we all come from different walks of life. While doing that, you also learn a lot about yourself.  Sometimes you cannot get through to every person but if you can exhaust every effort to try doing so, you can say you did your best and hopefully learn something in that process while helping them further their careers.  If I can make a positive impact on one sailor’s life, then I consider that success.”

Frye attended graduated Western Beaver County Jr.-Sr. High School in 2001. Today, Frye serves as a Navy aviation boatswain’s mate (fuels) responsible for preparing and fueling Navy planes prior to launch and after landing, as well as pumping fuel to all areas of the ship.

Homeported in San Diego, California, Makin Island is one of the Navy’s most advanced amphibious ships designed to deliver Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts.

 “What I like best about being on USS Makin Island is that it is a large, seagoing command,” said Frye. “We are out here doing the Navy’s biggest missions and we get to do that with thousands of sailors and Marines on board. It gives me a lot of pride being on sea duty knowing we are underway making differences.”

 Serving in the Navy means Frye is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

 There are many opportunities for sailors, such as Frye, to earn recognition in their command, community and careers while serving in the Navy.

 “My favorite accomplishment is becoming a part of the Chief Petty Officer’s Mess in 2016,” said Frye. “Becoming part of this brotherhood/sisterhood taught me so much about leadership and even more about my character.”

 As a member of the U.S. Navy, Frye, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“Serving in the Navy means that I get to lead sailors from all over our country and even all over the world,” added Frye. “I get the honor of learning from them and helping them further their careers.  If I can make a positive impact on one sailor’s life, then I consider that success.”

Frye is currently attending Geneva College and majoring in communications.

AAA: Memorial Day Travelers Facing Higher Gas Prices This Year

Gas prices are 18 cents higher in Western Pennsylvania this week at $4.700 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

This week’s average prices: Western Pennsylvania Average                $4.700
Average price during the week of May 16, 2022                                      $4.520
Average price during the week of May 24, 2021                                      $3.178

The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:      

$4.755      Altoona
$4.688      Beaver
$4.699      Bradford
$4.688      Brookville
$4.712      Butler
$4.729      Clarion
$4.699      DuBois
$4.683      Erie
$4.690      Greensburg
$4.698      Indiana
$4.695      Jeannette
$4.712      Kittanning
$4.711      Latrobe
$4.690      Meadville
$4.711      Mercer
$4.681      New Castle
$4.700      New Kensington
$4.699      Oil City
$4.696      Pittsburgh

$4.670      Sharon
$4.687      Uniontown
$4.699      Warren
$4.699      Washington

Trend Analysis:

The national average for a gallon of gas has either remained flat or risen every day since April 24 and has set a new record daily since May 10. That was the day gas eclipsed the previous record high of $4.33, set earlier this year on March 11. The national average for a gallon of gasoline is now $4.59 and all 50 states are above $4 per gallon.

Gasoline is $1.05 more than it was on February 24, when Russia invaded Ukraine. The invasion caused uncertainty throughout the oil market that has kept oil costs elevated. Domestically, meanwhile, seasonal gas demand is rising as more drivers hit the road, despite the pain they may face paying at the pump. According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 4.8 million barrels to 220.2 million barrels last week. Tighter supply and increased demand have pushed pump prices higher. Today’s national average is 47 cents more than a month ago and $1.56 more than a year ago

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate increased by $1.02 to settle at $113.23—nearly $3 per barrel higher than the closing price at the end of the previous week. Crude prices rose after EIA reported that domestic crude supply decreased by 3.4 million barrels to 420.8 million barrels. The current level is approximately 13.4 percent lower than during the second week of May 2021.

Motorists can find current gas prices nationwide, statewide, and countywide at GasPrices.AAA.com.

PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Memorial Day Holiday

Harrisburg, PA The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, May 28, through Monday, May 30, in observance of Memorial Day.

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.

Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.

A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2022 is available online.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

AG Shapiro Releases Special Report On Fentanyl Becoming Dominant Opioid in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG – Attorney General Josh Shapiro today released a special report warning policymakers and the public of the shift from heroin to fentanyl, a synthetic drug that is significantly more potent than heroin, which is now the dominant opioid in Pennsylvania.

 

“Fentanyl has rapidly replaced heroin as the dominant opioid in Pennsylvania. Last year, our Bureau of Narcotics Investigation seized more fentanyl than they had in the last four years combined. The rise in fentanyl has also contributed to a rise in overdose deaths. Last year, we lost 15 Pennsylvanians each and every day to a drug overdose. Law enforcement and policymakers alike must continue to do more to combat this crisis and devote additional resources to stopping fentanyl at the Southern border,” said AG Shapiro.

 

The report highlights the stark uptick in seizures of fentanyl compared to heroin in recent years. According to the report, in 2021, Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigation (BNI) regions seized more than double the amount of fentanyl than heroin. In the first three months of 2022, BNI seized approximately 40 times the amount of fentanyl compared to heroin – and more fentanyl than was seized in all of the previous year.

 

The report also notes the increase in fentanyl seizures in pill/tablet form that also contribute to the overall overdose rates in Pennsylvania. Fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills resemble legitimate prescription pills and allow dealers continued access to users addicted to prescription opioids with a cheaper, more potent option.

 

In 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division reported more than 20 percent of its analyzed fentanyl seizures to date were pills or tablets. The total weight of analyzed fentanyl seizures by DEA in Pennsylvania in pill/tablet form was five times higher in 2020 than in 2019. These are strong markers of the transition to counterfeit pills, due to their ease of concealment and production, versus powder fentanyl.

 

In Pennsylvania, overdose deaths rose by 16.4 percent in 2020, and continued rising to 5,438 reported overdose deaths in 2021, another 6 percent increase from the prior year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that synthetic opioids (including fentanyl), increasingly found in counterfeit pills, were some of the primary drivers of the increase in overdose deaths in the last several years. DEA states two milligrams can be a lethal dose of fentanyl and their analysis found that counterfeit pills can range from .02 to 5.1 milligrams.

“Fentanyl is deadly, and it is cheap to manufacture. Fentanyl is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, with doses selling for the price of a six-pack of beer. Just one fentanyl-laced counterfeit pill is enough to cause an overdose. My office is working every day to shut down drug traffickers and remove these poisons from our communities,” said AG Shapiro.

 

Since taking office in 2017, the Office of Attorney General under AG Shapiro’s leadership has arrested more than 8,100 dealers and traffickers, taken approximately 3.2 million doses of heroin and 5.65 million doses of fentanyl off our streets, and increased arrests for diversion, cases where medical professionals are selling prescription drugs, 135 previous over 2016. In July 2021, AG Shapiro announced $1.07 billion had been secured from the national opioid settlement with distributors and Johnson & Johnson.

 

The report calls on policymakers to focus on making substance use disorder treatment available to those suffering from addiction, and to look at the relative costs and benefits of legalizing fentanyl test strips and other methods of testing drugs to know what is actually in these complex compounds and reduce inadvertent overdose deaths.