ALIQUIPPA SENIOR WINS SECOND PLACE AT STATE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published March 25, 2024 2:48 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) Diamonique Coleman is an Aliquippa High School senior that attends the PM class in Culinary Arts at BCCTC. Last Wednesday, she attended the Students Taking Action with Recognition State Leadership Conference in Lancaster, PA.

She received the Silver Award, the second highest award in PA for menu planning. Diamonique said the objective of menu planning was to make a menu consisting of a salad entree, 2 side dishes, dessert, and a beverage. The menu had to stay within 800-900 calories. Her menu consisted of  fruit salad, chicken and waffle potatoes, eggs, cheesecake, and peach Bellini.
Diamonique plans on attending CCAC to study Culinary Art for 1 year, and then attending the Culinary Institute of America to study Culinary Arts.
Her instructors at BCCTC are Ben Piper, Evie Narry, and Jon Kazer.

Ohio Felon Convicted of Carrying Out Series of Armed Pharmacy Robberies including Beaver County

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – After deliberating for approximately two and a half hours, on March 21, 2024,  a federal jury found Abdulrahman Abdelaziz Jamea guilty of seven crimes: one count each of  conspiracy to commit armed pharmacy robbery and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute  controlled substances, three counts of armed pharmacy robbery, and two counts of pharmacy  robbery, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.  

Jamea, 26, formerly of Columbus, Ohio, was tried before United States Senior District Judge  Arthur J. Schwab in Pittsburgh.  

Evidence introduced during the four-day trial, through 19 witnesses, established that the  defendant participated in a conspiracy to rob pharmacies of Schedule II controlled substances—that  is, highly addictive opioids and stimulants—between September 2018 and July 2019. This  conspiracy included the robberies of pharmacies in Beaver, Bridgeville, Edinboro, Erie, and the  Oakland area of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During three of the robberies, Jamea and his co 

conspirators brandished a firearm to threaten the lives of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and  to intimidate them into opening the locked safes where the controlled substances were kept.  Evidence also established that the defendant went on to distribute these stolen narcotics in the  Columbus, Ohio, area.  

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for July 31, 2024. The maximum penalty for the most  serious offense of conviction is 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the  federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the  offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.  

Jamea is currently serving a prison sentence of more than 40 years following his earlier  conviction in Ohio state court for multiple counts of felonious assault with a firearm. He remains in  custody pending his sentencing in the Western District of Pennsylvania.  

Assistant United States Attorneys Barbara K. Doolittle and Michael R. Ball prosecuted this  case on behalf of the United States.  

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania State Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of  Police, Erie Police Department, Edinboro Police Department, Beaver Police Department, Bridgeville  Police Department, and Ohio Highway Patrol all participated in the investigation leading to the  conviction of Jamea.  

Federal judge and alum Ranjan to speak at Grove City Commencement

GROVE CITY, Pa. (March 22, 2024) – J. Nicholas Ranjan, federal district court judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania and 2000 Grove City College alumnus, will deliver the commencement address at his alma mater when the Class of 2024 graduates on May 18.

 

A summa cum laude graduate of the College, Ranjan was appointed to the federal bench in 2019. He earned his degree in History and served as the orchestra’s concertmaster during his student days.

 

College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said this year’s graduates would benefit from hearing from Ranjan, who exemplifies the College’s vision, mission, and values.

 

“Judge Ranjan is an extraordinarily talented lawyer who is employing his wisdom, temperament, and commitment to the rule of law to serve the public of this region. He is a credit to the legal profession and Grove City College, and we are proud and honored to have him speak to our graduates,” McNulty said.

 

Ranjan, of Allison Park, Pa., was one of Pittsburgh’s legal stars when he was nominated for the federal bench by President Donald J. Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on July 10, 2019.

 

He is a cum laude graduate of University of Michigan Law School, where he served as a note editor of the Michigan Law Review. He began his legal career serving as the Simon Karas fellow with the Ohio Solicitor General and then served as a judicial clerk to Judge Deborah L. Cook of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. For the next 14 years, Ranjan practiced at the international law firm of K&L Gates LLP in its Pittsburgh headquarters, first as an associate and then as an equity partner. His practice focused on complex commercial litigation, appellate litigation, and domestic arbitration.

 

Ranjan has been recognized by Chambers USA, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, Litigation Counsel of America, Pittsburgh Leadership Conference and Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. But his most prized honor was twice accepting the Fred Rogers Good Neighbor Award for the recruitment of middle school mentors. In his spare time, he is a mentor to middle school students, a rec league basketball player and an accomplished violinist and composer.

 

Grove City College’s 144th Commencement is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 18.

 

The College will hold its Baccalaureate service at 7 p.m. Friday, May 17, with Dr. Kurt Bjorklund, senior pastor of Orchard Hill Church in Wexford, Pa., speaking to the Class of 2024.

 

A graduate of Wheaton College, Trinity Divinity School, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Bjorklund is a gifted speaker and author. He has led the Orchard Park congregation since 2005 and under his leadership, the church has grown substantially. His teachings can be heard on Pittsburgh area Christian radio and television.

Southbound I-79 Lane Restriction Begins Monday in Robinson Township

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing a lane restriction on southbound I-79 in Robinson Township, Allegheny County will begin Monday, March 25 weather permitting.

A single-lane restriction will be in place on southbound I-79 between the South 60 Crafton (Exit 60A) and West 376 Pittsburgh International Airport/Beaver (Exit 59B) interchanges daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, March 25-28, to allow crews to conduct litter cleanup in the median.

Please use caution while driving through the area.  Work zone safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Mary Augustin (1924-2024)

Mary Augustin, 99, of Sewickley, passed away peacefully at home just shy of her 100th birthday. She is survived by her son, Calvin Augustin, and her grandson, John Augustin. She will be dearly missed for all that knew and loved her. Services are private. Arrangements entrusted to the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC.

Jane B. Grimm (1934-2024)

Jane B. Grimm, 89, formerly of Brighton Township, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024 at Villa St. Joseph.
Born July 22, 1934, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Elizabeth and Wilbert Brown. In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Grimm in 2020.
Jane will be greatly missed by her daughter, Cornelia Bailey; son, J.R. (Susan) Grimm; grandchildren, Matthew Shaulis, Jacob Grimm, Tyler (Becca) Grimm, Kyle Grimm; great grandchildren, Machaela, Amelia, and Danika.
Jane had been a resident of Brighton Township for the past 60 years and was a member of New Brighton United Methodist Church and worked for many years at the Brighton Township Municipal Authority. She loved her job, her customers, and was always willing to help with a smile. She loved her family and came to every sporting event that her grandchildren played in. Jane was a seamstress and made most of her work clothes and loved to travel with family and her close friends Mary and Terri.
Friends will be received Wednesday March 27 from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver, where a service will be conducted Thursday March 28, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. by her pastor, Reverend Gary Hilton.
Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jane’s name to the New Brighton United Methodist Church, 1033 6th Ave, New Brighton, PA 15066.

Sharon “Sissy” Hamilton (1954-2024)

Sharon “Sissy” Hamilton, 69, of Edgeworth, passed away on March 22, 2024 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Oakland surrounded by her loving family. Sharon was born on April 23, 1954, to Josephine (Budimir) Roppa and the late Joseph Roppa. She was preceded in death by her father Joseph Roppa, her grandparents Carmelo and Anna Roppa, grandparents John and Mary Budimir, and numerous aunts and uncles. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her devoted husband of 43 years William C. Hamilton of Edgeworth, daughters Courtney (David Dadejko) of Edinburg and Connor Hamilton of Pittsburgh, siblings Ron Roppa (Patty) of Cincinatti, Kathleen Roppa of McCandless, Cheryl (Steven Schwarzwaelder) of Sarasota, and Kimberly Roppa of Leet Township, her beloved grandchildren Olivia and CJ, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was a homemaker and devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and an amazing friend. Sissy was well-known for her welcoming personality. She enjoyed dancing, entertaining friends, and helping others. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She always had a way with people and made connections no matter where she went. Sissy was a member of St. James Catholic Church of Divine Redeemer Parish, a member of the Edgeworth Garden Club, and Sewickley Music Club. She graduated from Quaker Valley High School in 1972. Friends will be received on Monday April 1 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where prayers will be offered Tuesday April 2 at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 AM in St. James Church, 200 Walnut Street, Sewickley with interment following at St. James Cemetery, of Sewickley.

Judith A. (Amos) Gorsich (1941-2024)

Judith A. (Amos) Gorsich, 82, a lifelong resident of Patterson Township, passed away Friday March 22, 2024.
Born May 16, 1941, in Beaver Falls she was the daughter of the late Everett & Evelyn (Gorrell) Amos. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Carl S. Gorsich, in 2020. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Carl J. and Kate Gorsich of White Township; two daughters and a son-in-law, Heidi Gorsich of Patterson Township and Leslie and David Kalcevic of Chippewa Township; three grandchildren, David C. Kalcevic and his wife Mallory, Jillian Braudis and her husband Daren, Marcus Kalcevic and his wife Shelby; and two great-grandsons, Oliver and Rowan.
She was a member of Riverview Methodist Church of Patterson Township and a member of the Outlook Club for many years. Most of all, Judy loved spending time with her grandchildren.
As per Judith’s request no services will be held.
Arrangements by Hill & Kunselman Funeral Home, www.hillandkunselman.com, 3801-4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Grace Martha Nola (1936-2024)

God decided to call home his beloved daughter, Grace Martha Nola, on March 21, 2024. She was born on January 2, 1936 in Bessemer, PA to the late Giovanni and Franca Tomasello. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon R. Nola, Sr., her parents, and her brothers Leonard and Nicholas.
She is survived by her six children, Jeanne (Larry), Joanne, Vernon Jr (Stephanie), Douglas (Dannielle), Gregory (Rachel), and Danielle (Christopher), fourteen grandchildren, Michael, Brittany, Angelo, Matthew, Joshua, Alexander, Olivia, Benjamin, Aria, Isaac, Jacob, Gabrielle, Jocelyn, Elysse, and three great-grandchildren, London, Maverick, and Ava.
A graduate of Bessemer High School, she sang alto in the Chorus, and performed in the All-State Chorus in 1954. She continued her love of singing and music as a member of church choirs and women’s groups for many years.
As a young girl, she committed her life to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and followed his teachings as best she could the rest of her life. She was a member of many churches, including the Christian Assembly in Midland, Wildwood Chapel in Aliquippa, Calvary Assembly in Bessemer, and most recently New Castle First Assembly of God.
She was proud of her time as a “Klondike Girl” at Isaly’s and developed a life-long love of ice cream.
She met the love of her life, Vernon R. Nola, Sr., at church camp and they married in June 1965. They were married 49 years and made a nurturing home for raising their kids.
Friends will be received Thursday March 28, 2024 from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm in the Noll Funeral Home, 333 Third St, Beaver. A Funeral Service will be conducted at the funeral home on Friday March 29, 2024 at 11am. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Interment will take place at Beaver Cemetery.

Beaver County Chambers Monday Memo: 03/25/24

Join us for our Congressional Breakfast featuring the Honorable Chris Deluzio.
BCCC Members: $35
Non-Members: $50
DATE: Tuesday, April 9, 2024
TIME: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
LOCATION: Geneva College
AGENDA:
7:30 AM Registration & Breakfast
Interested in a sponsorship? Contact Molly at msuehr@bcchamber.com
Join us for our Annual Gala & Silent Auction at Shakespeare’s Restaurant & Pub. Celebrate the Chamber’s largest fundraiser of the year in a formal setting with a delicious meal, silent auction, LIVE MUSIC, cash bar, and more!
TICKET PRICES: $90 Per Member | $120 Per Non-Member
Interested in a sponsorship? Contact Molly at msuehr@bcchamber.com.
Platinum Sponsor – $2,000
– 6 tickets to the event
– Company logo included in all event marketing
– Company logo featured at the dessert table
– 1 full-page ad inside the program
Gold Sponsor – $1,000
– 4 tickets to the event
– Company logo included in all event marketing
– Company logo featured at the bar
– Half-page ad inside the program
Silver Sponsor – $500
– 1 ticket to the event
– Company logo included in all event marketing
– Quarter-page ad inside the program
Bronze Sponsor – $250
– Company name listed on Chamber website
Submit your member news to msuehr@bcchamber.com
Schedule A Ribbon Cutting
Ribbon Cuttings are a great way to support new businesses in
Beaver County and network for free! To schedule a Ribbon Cutting, contact
Molly Suehr at msuehr@bcchamber.com.
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.
In need of a product or service?
Head to our full membership directory available on
our website, where you will find a trusted partner to
do business with today.
Beaver County Chamber of Commerce
724.775.3944
525 3rd Street, 2nd Floor
Beaver, PA 15009
Beaver County Chamber of Commerce | 525 Third Street2nd FloorBeaver, PA 15009-2132