Author: Beaver County Radio

Nationwide poll shows that three quarters of buyers keep items that they do not want instead of returning them

File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – A shopper carries bags down Fifth Avenue on Black Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, in New York. Holiday sales rose as shoppers showed some resilience during the most important shopping season despite surging prices on everything from food to rent. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson, File )

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pennsylvania) A survey that was conducted across the nation confirmed that policies to return items are causing buyers here in America to keep things that people do not want instead of returning them, according to Media Specialist Jen LeMair. The survey concludes that:

  • 75% of consumers have kept unwanted items due to complicated or expensive return processes, losing an average of $78 
  • 71% avoid shopping from online retailers that charge for mailed returns 
  • 89% believe retailers should extend their return windows during the holiday season 

LeMair finds that the survey listed close to half of people in America returning a single gift or either two or three as the holiday season continues and that a quarter of people that buy products look at the policies for returns before buying something.

 

Some restaurants in Beaver County providing gluten free options over Thanksgiving weekend and beyond

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Second-grade students select their meals during lunch break in the cafeteria at an elementary school in Scottsdale, Ariz., Dec. 12, 2022. On Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, U.S. agriculture officials proposed new nutrition standards for school meals, including the first-ever limits on added sugars, with a focus on sweetened foods such as cereals, yogurt, flavored milk and breakfast pastries. (AP Photo/Alberto Mariani, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) If you are looking to stay healthy this weekend after a hearty Thanksgiving meal, several restaurants in Beaver County offer meals that are gluten-free. From new local spots like “The Grumpy Beaver” in Bridgewater to literally writing the option in the name at “Seriously, It’s Gluten Free” at the Beaver Valley Mall, finding options to adjust for those with gluten allergies are becoming more prevalent in Beaver County.

Here are some places that you can try out gluten-free items locally:

Beaver Bagel Company in Bridgewater, Beaver Falls Coffee and Tea in Beaver Falls, Crumbs and Cones Bakery in Beaver Falls, Firehouse Subs in Center Township, Hank’s Frozen Custard in Rochester Township, Harrold’s Inn in Hopewell Township, Java Hut in Chippewa Township, Jersey Mike’s Subs in Center Township, Jimmy Johns in Center Township, Katy’s Homestyle Bakery in Ellwood City, Kopicko’s Pizza in New Brighton, Merchant Coffee in Ambridge, Pizza Joes, Pizza Masters in Hopewell Township, Punks Ice Cream in Baden, Seriously, It’s Gluten Free at the Beaver Valley Mall, ShuBrew in Zelienople, The Grumpy Beaver in Bridgewater, The Ultimate Pastry Shop in Sewickley and Vesuvio’s in Center Township.

 

Karen C. Galdony (Passed on November 26th, 2024)

Karen C. Galdony, 81, passed away in her Center Township home on November 26th, 2024. She was born in Sewickley, a daughter of the late Peter Michael Midzianowsky and Christine Midzianowsky Papinchak. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Phyllis Schroeder, her sister, Patricia McBride, and her brother, Pete Midzianowsky.

She is survived by her two daughters, Chris (Mike) Bernard and Candy Brooks, a son-in-law, Dave (Trish) Schroeder, and her sister, Nadine (Brian) Safran.

She will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and her great niece, Paisliegh.

Karen’s life was one of dedication and service, shown through her 39-year tenure as a clerk for the Center Township Water Authority. After retiring, she found joy in serving the youngest members of the community at her granddaughter’s day care center, Abbys Tiny Sprouts. There she became known as Mimi not only to her grandkids but to the little ones where she prepared lunches.

Karen’s zest for life was evident in her many interests. She was an avid bingo player and had a love for flower gardening. Karen also had a passion for puzzles and was known among friends for her enjoyment of a good beer.

Perhaps nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her grandchildren that she leaves behind many cherished memories. They are: Carley Schroeder, Lucas Bernard, Austin Schroeder (Katelyn), Abby Bernard, Sidney Brooks, and Brayden Brooks.

Karen’s culinary interests included making pierogis for her family during the holidays. This tradition was one of the many ways she expressed her love and brought her family together.

All services will be private, the family has requested flowers be omitted and any memorial contributions be directed to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or given to the family.

Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca is in care of arrangements.

Kimberly A. Hopkins (Passed on November 23rd, 2024)

Kimberly A. Hopkins, 62, of Monaca, passed away unexpectedly on November 23rd, 2024. She was born in Aliquippa, a daughter of the late Willis K. and Helen (Woody) Hopkins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her niece, Heather Quinn of Rochester, her sister, Jenny Kashella of Monaca, her friends and neighbors, including David and Marcia Lutz of Monaca, Paul Barker and Carol Davey, along with her pet, Buddy. 

 She is survived by her siblings: Cindy Hopkins (Jim Finnell) of Rochester, and Eric (Tricia) Hopkins of Rochester, and the nieces and nephews she treated as her own: Connie Mabin of Economy (Kamryn and Anaiah); Shawn and Katelin Quinn of Center Township (Shawn, Mason and Landry); Justin Quinn and Rebecca Fields of Raccoon Township (Connor, Dylan, Addison and Cora); Michael and Kristi Mabin of Beaver (Michael “Mo,” Braylon and Miles); Brandon and Jenna Hopkins of Center Township, and Shane Hopkins of Rochester. She also will be missed by a large and loving family from around Beaver County and in Morgantown, W.Va.  

 Kimmy, as she was known, was a loving sister, aunt, dog mama and friend. She had a passion for animals and the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, nothing was more important to her than her family, especially her nieces and nephews whom she called her “heart and soul.” Being Aunt Kimmy, she often said, was her greatest love. 

A funeral mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 30th, at St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church, 632 Virginia Ave, Rochester, followed by a committal service at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park of Rochester. A reception will follow at her nephew Michael’s home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations made in Kimmy’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Rd., Center Township, or online at https://beavercountyhumanesociety.org/donations/ 

Robert W. “Bob” Allen (1961-2024)

Robert “Bob” W. Allen, 63, of Chippewa Township, passed away on November 25th, 2024.

He was born in Rochester on October 2nd, 1961, the son of the late Fred C. and Eve M. (Fowler) Allen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Hayden.

He is survived by his wife, Linda A. (Robison) Allen; his children: Krista (Josh) Borgardt, Ashley (Eric) Krepps, Julia Allen, Fred (Fiancée Charlotte) Allen, and Michael Allen; his sisters, Amy Laderer and Peggy Palmer, his grandchildren, Travis, Austin and Alana, as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Friends will be received on Saturday November 30th at 1 P.M. until the time of service at 4 p.m. at the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., 340 3rd Street, Beaver. Rev. Dr. Judy Angleberger will officiate.

Contributions can be made to the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, 1 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1730 Chicago, IL 60601.

Daniel David Sheldon (1960-2024)

Daniel David Sheldon, 64 of Center Township, a beloved brother and uncle, passed away unexpectedly on November 25th, 2024. 
He was born in Sewickley on July 27th, 1960, the son of the late Jack H. and Christina Marie (Marocco) Sheldon. He is survived by his siblings: John Sheldon and Pam Ronczka, Gregory and Karen Sheldon, Anna Sheldon and Jacqueline Griggs. In addition to his brothers and sisters, he is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, an aunt, Eleanor Cater, an uncle, Frank Marocco, many cousins, his beloved dog, Mable and a good friend, Joe Chunchick, who he enjoyed fishing and riding with. 
Daniel retired from the Labor’s Union Local 1058 working in construction. 
He enjoyed taking rides on his motorcycle and was an avid fisherman spending hours on the water patiently waiting for the perfect catch. 
According to Daniel’s request, there will not be any visitation. 
Arrangements were entrusted to Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Hopewell School Board approves an agreement for boys tennis with Ambridge

(File Photo of Hopewell Area School District Logo)

(Reported by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano, Published on November 28th, 2024 at 8: A.M.)

(Hopewell, PA) At Tuesday night’s school board meeting, it was announced that the PIAA approved the cooperative agreement with the schools.

Good News in the Schools was presented to the board by the district’s principals, and many activities that  the students participated in were reported.
A broken stage at Hopewell Elementary School will be removed, and senior high school risers will be recycled or disposed of.
The pay for all fall coaches was approved. The reorganization meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 7 p.m. in the boardroom.

Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center performs “The Gift of the Magi” this December

(Photo Provided with Release)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Midland, PA) According to a release from Rick Orienza, the Director of Marketing and Corporate Relations for Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, their 2024-2025 Clearview Federal Credit Union Subscription Series, Raise Your Voice! goes on with the show The Gift of the Magi, which brings an O. Henry classic story to life this holiday season. Orienza confirms that the Blackbox Theater will be the stage for this production with show dates of December 6-8, 12-15, and 19-22, as audience members will follow two poor lovers, Jim and Della, in their journey in which love is better than anything that people possess. Orienza also states that $20 is the price of tickets, which can be accessed by checking out LincolnParkArts.org or you can contact the Lincoln Park Box Office at 724-576-4644. 

Matzie: More than $1 million secured for Beaver County school safety resources

(File-Photo of Rep. Matzie speaking at the Pa. House)

 AMBRIDGE, Nov. 27 – New safety resources and mental health supports are coming to public schools in the 16th Legislative District thanks to new grants totaling nearly $1.1 million from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today.

“A safe place to learn is the foundation for every other educational resource we provide our students,” Matzie said. “But creating a secure learning environment isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition, and our school administrators are continually assessing safety needs and updating plans. The new funding, which comes from the FY 2024-25 budget, will ensure that the schools in our district are able to meet those evolving needs.”

Matzie said the following funding was awarded to District 16 public schools for safety resources and student mental health programs:

  • Aliquippa SD – $122,772
  • Ambridge Area SD – $147,195
  • Baden Academy CS – $70,000
  • Beaver County CTC – $70,000
  • Beaver Valley IU 27 – $70,000
  • Central Valley SD – $141,117
  • Freedom Area SD – $123,809
  • Hopewell Area SD – $139,024
  • Provident Charter School West – $70,000
  • Rochester Area SD – $114,790

In addition to the public school funding, Matzie said the following grants were awarded for Beaver County nonpublic school safety resources:

  • $75,000 to the New Sewickley Township Police Department for security resource services to Freedom Area SD.
  • $70,000 to McGuire Memorial, which operates a school.
  • $63,715 to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School.
  • $33,000 to Beaver County Christian School – Upper.

The awards are part of the $120 million FY 2024-25 budget package signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro supporting improved safety and security and mental health supports for students and staff in Pennsylvania’s public and private K-12 schools. A complete list of funding is available on PCCD’s website here: https://www.pccd.pa.gov/schoolsafety/Pages/default.aspx.

Thanksgiving Will Not Affect New Brighton Refuse Collection, Borough Offices Closed Until Monday

Photo of sign in front of New Brighton Borough Building taken by Frank Sparks, Beaver County Radio General Manager in 2018

The Thanksgiving holiday will not affect refuse and recycling collection in New Brighton Borough.  Aiken Refuse will continue to provide daily service this entire week, including Thursday.

The New Brighton Borough Municipal Building will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for the holiday. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, December 2.