Author: Beaver County Radio

PA group offers free, comprehensive resources to veterans

Union voters are split between Harris at 50% and Trump at 43%, with 6% supporting third-party candidates, according to a poll by the Pew Research Center. (Platoo Studio/Adobe Stock)
Danielle Smith – Keystone State News Connection

A Pennsylvania nonprofit is working to provide essential services to veterans and active-duty military personnel.

Pennsylvania is home to more than 700,000 military veterans.

Logan Spiewak, executive director of the Boots to Health Foundation in Mechanicsburg, said the group’s mission is to support local veterans with a holistic approach to help them enhance their physical, mental and spiritual health. The intake process starts with a comprehensive health assessment.

“Our program is three months long, consists of personal training, one-on-one personal training, small group training for veterans, and we give veterans custom meal plans as well,” Spiewak outlined. “Then we offer a weekly Bible study for veterans that are interested in that component as well. And the program is completely cost-free.”

He explained evaluating each person’s health, range of motion, flexibility and mobility helps them customize a program to address any physical limitations and nutritional needs. The goal is to build a strong relationship and provide ongoing support, even after the program ends.

Spiewak emphasized the importance of connecting veterans to resources, as many returning from service often face challenges. He noted some encounter mental and physical health issues, difficulty finding employment, and housing instability.

“We catch them when they come out of the military, to help these veterans,” Spiewak stressed. “We do serve some veterans that are going through drugs and alcohol addiction, and recovery and stuff like that. So we really meet these veterans where they’re at, personally.”

Pennsylvania also provides free resources to Veterans via the PA VETConnect program, which aims to help identify veterans’ needs and connect them to relevant resources.

Freeman and Buehler lead Dodgers past slumping Yankees 4-2 for 3-0 advantage in World Series

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman celebrates his two-run home run against the New York Yankees during the first inning in Game 3 of the baseball World Series, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
By MIKE FITZPATRICK AP Baseball Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — After all that buildup, it’s been all Dodgers so far.
Freddie Freeman homered for the third straight game and Walker Buehler pitched another World Series gem as Los Angeles beat the slumping New York Yankees 4-2 on Monday night for a 3-0 lead in the Fall Classic.
With superstar Shohei Ohtani playing despite a partially dislocated left shoulder, the Dodgers moved within one victory of a surprising sweep in this much-hyped matchup between traditional powers.
“One more win. That’s all I care about right now,” Freeman said.
Teoscar Hernández threw out a runner at home plate with a pinpoint peg from left field. Mookie Betts and Kiké Hernández each delivered an RBI single, and the Dodgers chased Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt in the third inning.
Buehler and six relievers combined on a five-hitter for Los Angeles, on the cusp of its second championship in five years and the eighth in franchise history.
“Walker Buehler, he’s been doing this his whole career in big games, big moments,” Freeman said. “Steps up when you need him.”
Freeman’s two-run shot three batters in gave him a home run in five consecutive World Series games dating to 2021 with Atlanta, matching a major league record set by George Springer with Houston.
Looking much healthier after a sprained right ankle slowed him earlier this postseason, Freeman connected for the first game-ending grand slam in World Series history to win a dramatic opener in Los Angeles.
Since then, it’s been a one-sided fight.
Game 4 is Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. Down to three healthy starters, the Dodgers plan their fourth bullpen game of this postseason. Rookie right-hander Luis Gil goes for New York.
The only team in big league history to overcome a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven postseason series was the Boston Red Sox against the Yankees in the 2004 American League Championship Series.
“Hopefully we can go be this amazing story and shock the world,” New York manager Aaron Boone said. “But right now it’s about trying to get a lead, trying to grab a game, and force another one, and then on from there. But we’ve got to grab one first.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts helped spark that stunning Red Sox comeback with a pivotal stolen base.
“Don’t talk about that. Wrong guy. Way too early,” he said. “I don’t want to divulge any secrets, but from the other side, I just think that we have got to stay focused, stay urgent.”
In the 11 previous World Series meetings between these old October rivals, the lone sweep was by the Dodgers in 1963 behind Hall of Fame pitchers Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale.
That was the only other time the Dodgers had a 3-0 lead in a World Series.
New York hasn’t been swept in a Fall Classic since 1976 by the Cincinnati Reds. But on all five occasions they fell behind 3-0 in a best-of-seven postseason series, the Yankees lost Game 4.
Los Angeles has won seven World Series games in a row against the Yankees dating to its 1981 crown.
This one marked the first Series game at Yankee Stadium since New York clinched its 27th title in 2009 against Philadelphia. But a return home didn’t help skidding Aaron Judge and the punchless Bronx Bombers, held to four runs and nine hits in the past two games.
New York didn’t score until Alex Verdugo’s two-run homer off Michael Kopech with two outs in the ninth inning. Kopech then retired Gleyber Torres on a grounder to end it.
Buehler allowed two hits in five innings. His only previous win this year during an injury-interrupted season was May 18 against Cincinnati.
The two-time All-Star improved to 4-4 in 18 career postseason starts, including a 2-0 record with a 0.50 ERA in three World Series outings. He has yielded one run and seven hits with 22 strikeouts over 18 innings in those assignments — Game 3s against Boston (2018), Tampa Bay (2020) and the Yankees.
“It’s weird. For me, I think the playoffs, big games, that’s always been the only thing I really cared about,” Buehler said. “I was kind of awful all year. I think once you get to the playoffs, the adrenaline, I think whatever fear I had about my elbow or trying to throw a certain pitch or whatever goes away, because it’s all now, it’s all go. It’s helped me I think.”
After the Yankees struggled at the plate during two losses in Los Angeles, Boone decided against any major changes to the lineup.
New York players held a short meeting in the afternoon, and a recording from late Yankees public-address announcer Bob Sheppard introduced five-time World Series champion Derek Jeter when he threw out a ceremonial first pitch. Bronx-born rapper Fat Joe revved up the sold-out crowd of 49,368 with a pregame performance on the infield.
But it was the Dodgers who started fast.
Schmidt walked Ohtani on four pitches to begin the game. One out later, Freeman sent a 1-2 cutter 355 feet into the lower deck in right field for his 13th career postseason homer.
He joined Yankees outfielder Hank Bauer (1958) and Giants slugger Barry Bonds (2002) as the only players to go deep in the first three games of a World Series.
“When you come into a road park, you want to try to strike early and quiet the crowd, and we were able to do that in the first inning,” Freeman said.
Ohtani finished 0 for 3 with that walk and was grazed on the foot by a pitch. He grimaced after several swings and clutched his collar with his left hand even when taking a lead off first base to protect his ailing shoulder.
But he got through the game just fine.
“The pain has subsided, so I felt pretty good about it,” Ohtani said through a translator. “I was told to wear a device that keeps my shoulder warm. So during the (pregame) ceremony and throughout the game, I was wearing that per recommended by the trainers. The reason why I was holding onto myself when I was running is to make sure that I wouldn’t use that same shoulder arm if I were to slide.”
No. 9 batter Tommy Edman drew another four-pitch walk from Schmidt leading off the third and scored on Betts’ bloop single. Kiké Hernández added an RBI single in the sixth.
Schmidt walked four over 2 2/3 innings in his third postseason start. He lost his fifth consecutive decision dating to a May 16 win at Minnesota.
New York nailed a runner at home plate when Edman attempted a safety squeeze in the fourth, but the Dodgers flashed some sensational defense to stomp out any Yankees momentum.
Betts made a diving grab in right field after Giancarlo Stanton doubled with one out in the fourth. Teoscar Hernández then fired up all his teammates with a perfect 94 mph throw to the plate on Anthony Volpe’s single, cutting down Stanton to preserve a 3-0 cushion.
UP NEXT
Gil (15-7, 3.50 ERA) has made one postseason start, permitting two runs over four innings for a no-decision in Game 4 of the ALCS at Cleveland.
He won seven straight starts before a no-decision against the Dodgers at Yankee Stadium on June 9, when he gave up three runs in 5 2/3 innings of a 6-4 win by New York.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

No. 18 Pitt taking a ‘wait and see’ approach with QB Eli Holstein ahead of visit to No. 20 SMU

Pittsburgh quarterback Eli Holstein (10) carries as he’s defended by Syracuse defensive back Devin Grant (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

BC-FBC–T25-Pittsburgh-Holstein

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi is keeping his cards close to the vest regarding quarterback Eli Holstein. A redshirt freshman transfer from Alabama, Holstein exited in the fourth quarter of a 41-13 win over Syracuse with an undisclosed injury. Holstein was injured while finishing a quarterback option run with the unbeaten Panthers comfortably ahead. Pitt travels to No. 20 SMU on Saturday. Narduzzi said immediately after the victory over the Orange that Holstein was fine and likened it to having dirt in his eye. Narduzzi, who avoids discussing injuries to any player, was vague when asked about Holstein’s status five days ahead of Pitt’s trip to Dallas.

Marc-Andre Fleury bracing for a final bow against old friends Crosby and Malkin as Wild visit Pens

Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury makes a high glove save during the third period of the team’s 6-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks in an NHL hockey game Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

BC-HKN–Penguins-Fleury’s Goodbye

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Marc-Andre Fleury is ready for one last skate around the place he helped build. The veteran goalie will make the final start of his career at PPG Paints Arena when the Minnesota Wild face the reeling Pittsburgh Penguins. Fleury spent the first 13 seasons of his career with the Penguins, helping the franchise win the Stanley Cup in 2009, 2016 and 2017 before departing for Vegas in the expansion draft. Fleury says he expects to be emotional before the puck drop and hopes to put on one last show in a place that remains close to his heart.

Calvin Austin III scores twice as the Steelers hold off the Giants 26-18

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) celebrates his touchdown catch with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Calvin Austin III returned a punt for a touchdown and hauled in a lob by Russell Wilson for another score as the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the New York Giants 26-18. Austin raced across the field before sprinting down the sideline for a 73-yard touchdown in the third quarter that gave the Steelers the lead for good. He added a 29-yard over-the-shoulder grab from Wilson early in the fourth as Pittsburgh won its 22nd straight home game under the Monday night lights. Rookie Tyrone Tracy ran for a season-high 145 yards and a touchdown for New York. The Giants have lost three straight.

Eugene Scott Ackerman (1938-2024)

Eugene Scott Ackerman, 86, passed away on October 26th, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on August 3, 1938, in Leetsdale, the son of the late Frederick and Emma Ackerman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixteen years, Irene, his siblings and their spouses: George A. Ackerman, Francis (Harold) Jones, Eleanor (Emil) Cook and Frederick A. (Mercedes) Ackerman Jr; and nephews David Jones and Brian Cook. He is survived by his son, Lee (Teri) Ackerman of Slippery Rock, daughter, Leslie VanDyke of Baden, son-in-law, Kenneth VanDyke of Baden, step-daughter, Denise (Joe) Baldwin of Jerome, six grandchildren, who were the light of his life: Christian VanDyke, George Ackerman, Emma Van Dyke, Maryann Ackerman, Keith Baldwin and Kasia Baldwin; and one step-grandson, Travis (Lexy) Miller along with several nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Leetsdale High School, Eugene joined the U.S. Air Force and served for six years being stationed in Wyoming, Illinois, Korea and finally at the Pentagon.

Following his service in the Air Force, Eugene had a lengthy career in the Transportation industry as a Rate Clerk, Shipping Manager and Logistics Specialist. Following his retirement, he enjoyed driving an airport shuttle and meeting many interesting passengers.

His hobbies and interests included bowling and breakfast with friends, golfing with his granddaughter Maryann, having lunch with his grandson Christian, fishing and hunting with his son Lee and grandson George, and special visits with Emma.  He also enjoyed traveling having made several trips to Alaska and numerous trips to the American West. Constantly on the go, he found a reason to be out every day.

Visitation will take place on Friday, November 1st from 4-8 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where a funeral service will be held Saturday, November 2nd at 10 A.M. with Pastor Thomas Moog officiating. Interment will take place at a later date in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies with full military honors.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the amazing staff at Heritage Valley Beaver CCU for their kind and compassionate care.

Geraldine “Gerri” Hartman (1933-2024)

Geraldine “Gerri” Hartman, 91, of Beaver, passed away on October 24th, 2024 at her home with her daughter by her side.
She was born in Pittsburgh on February 3, 1933, the daughter of the late Frank and Ruth Hollein. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Matthew Hartman and her brothers Frank Hollein and Fred Hollein. She is survived by her sons, Matthew “Jim” (Anne) Hartman of Beaver, Dave (Cyndy) Hartman of Economy Borough, and John Hartman of Youngwood, her daughters, Melissa Hartman of Beaver, and Laura (Max) Hartman of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; grandchildren: Cory (Renee) Hartman, Troy (Leah) Hartman, Rachael Hartman, Rebecca Hartman, and Jack Hartman and great-grandchildren, Eli, Ty, Morgan, Claire, and Cooper. Geraldine had a great love for her animals, enjoyed traveling with the Baden Circle of Friends, but most importantly, loved traveling with her husband, and spending time with her family.
Friends will be received on Wednesday, October 30 from 10 a.m. until the time of Blessing Service at 12 noon in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Interment for Geraldine and her husband will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Geraldine’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Marian “Mitzi” Harasin (1932-2024)

Marian “Mitzi” Harasin, 92, of Ambridge, passed away at home on October 27, 2024. She was born on September 4th, 1932, the daughter of the late Dan and Amelia Azich.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Harasin, her stepmother, Martha Azich, her siblings, Catherine, Janet, and Chuck Azich, her sister and brother-in-law, Amelia “Babe” and Donald Knezevich and her special aunts, Mildred (Nick) Arbutina and Mary (Roddy) Tepsic.

She is survived by her brother, Danny (Karen) Azich, her nieces and nephews: Melissa (Dave) Deiter, Greg (Mimi) Azich, Christine Knezevich, and Jim (Susie) Knezevich; great-nieces and nephews: Adam (Brittany) Deiter, Rachel (Drew) Logan, Nicole (John) Celich, and Bradley Azich; her special nephew, Glen Shumsky, dear friends Tina and John Sherrock and family, as well as numerous great-great-nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marian actively volunteered at various church events, including making pierogis. She was a lifelong member of Good Samaritan Catholic Church of Ambridge. She was also a passionate Steelers fan who cheered loudly at the television during games.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing starting at 9:30 A.M. on Thursday, October 31 at Good Samaritan Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 A.M., with interment at Economy Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Rita L. Napoli (1924-2024)

Rita L. Napoli, 100, passed away on October 20, 2024. She was born in Monaca on August 23, 1924. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph. She is survived by her children, Maria (Mike) Altrudo of Saint Louis, Missouri, Joe (Sandy) Napoli of Phoenix, Arizona and Jim (Karen) Napoli of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania along with her seven grandchildren; Michael, Christina, Laura, Jonathan, Rachel, Tim and Becca. She had fourteen great grandchildren.

Rita attended high school at nearby Mount Gallitzin Academy and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Duquesne University in 1946. She married her wartime pen-pal on June 6, 1947 and they lived in Western Pennsylvania for most of their married life. A life-long educator, Rita taught early elementary grades and kindergarten for many years in several schools and retired from the Brooks Elementary School of the Moon Area School District as a second-grade teacher in 1996. Her favorite grade was kindergarten.

This lovely lady had a beautiful life and touched many people along the way. She embraced the role of hostess, serving countless fabulous home cooked meals to all. Her faith has been a constant; we have all benefited from a novena or two. A century filled with cherished memories and love that spans generations.

The Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, November 2nd at 10 a.m. at St. Ambrose Church, 5130 Wilson Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 9:45 a.m. Right of Committal will be at 11 a.m. on November 7th at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery of Aliquippa.

Memorial donations may be made to Pastoral Care to the Elderly at Saint Ambrose Church, 5130 Wilson Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63110.

Robert “Terry” May (1947-2024)

Robert “Terry” May, 77, of Chippewa Township, passed away on October 23, 2024.

He was born on May 21, 1947, in Beaver Falls, the son of the late Orin and Paula (Dennes) May. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis May. He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca (Ken Hemer) May, son, Chris (Angie) Smith, grandchildren, Brittany Ziegler and Damian Smith, brothers, Kevin (Barbara) May, Patrick (Donna) May, and Leroy May, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Robert had worked for Conrail for the majority of his professional career and was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps.  He was a long-standing board member and volunteer for the Beaver County Genealogy & History Center. He was also a member of the Pennsylvania Civil War Roundtable, Civil War Trust, New Brighton American Legion Post 19, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, October 30th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 31st at 11 A.M. in the funeral home chapel.

Interment with military honors will follow in Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Toys for Tots or the beaver County Humane Society.