Linda K. Roland (1948-2025)

Linda K. Roland, 76, of Beaver, passed away peacefully at home on April 19th, 2025.

She was born in New Brighton on May 19th, 1948,  a daughter of the late William and Betty Roland. Linda is survived by her twin sister, Bonnie (Robert) Roland of Beaver, along with her nieces and nephews: Bobbi Jo (Eric) Trehar of Brighton Township, Ryan (Bernie) Roland of North Carolina, and Rick, Emily and Gunner Ace Roland of Beaver Falls.

Linda was a resident of Tamaqua Village in Vanport Township for most of her life. She worked as a custodian at Holy Lutheran Church in Beaver. She was a faithful member of Holy Lutheran Church and was active with Life Beaver County.

Friends will received on Wednesday, April 23rd from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 4 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Interment will take place at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Rochester. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

The family would like to send a special thanks to Gloria and Anna Marie from Life Beaver County Hospice for the compassionate care given to Linda.

Beaver County Chamber Monday Memo: 04/21/25

Reforest Our Future Ribbon Cutting

Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Location: Forest Exploration Center & Native Tree Nursery

526 Brady’s Run Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010

Description: FREE & NO RSVP NEEDED

Come down to the nursery on Earth Day to celebrate our Grand Opening! Enjoy refreshments while you mingle with a crowd full of environmental enthusiasts. Listen as Audrey Bodenlos, Nursery Manager and Educator, and Jeff Karwoski, Executive Director of Reforest Our Future tell you about exciting things the Forest Exploration Center and Native Tree Nursery has in store.

REGISTER HERE: CCBC After Hours
You are invited to bring your colleagues, friends, and/or family for a family-friendly After Hours at CCBC.

Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025

Time: 5:00PM – 7:00PM

Location: CCBC

1 Campus Drive, Monaca, PA 15061

Fees:

BCCC Member: $10 | Non-Member: $20

Enjoy escape rooms, refreshments, and networking at this FAMILY-FRIENDLY event!

Below are 3 escape rooms to choose from. Read through each description and find what interests your group the most! When you register, please choose 1 escape room and add to your cart.

No group? No problem! You can go ahead and attend this After Hours solo, and we will pair you with a group in the escape room of your choice. Not interested in an escape room at all? That’s fine, too. Network and enjoy refreshments!

Beginner Escape Room: The Hidden Tale

A mischievous book is hiding in the children’s library, and the librarian needs your help to find it. Can you solve the clues and track it down before it vanishes for good?

Ages 5+, Must be accompanied by an adult

 

Intermediate Escape Room: Secrets in the Shadows

Your partner’s gone missing after a breakthrough in a top-secret case. The crime scene is clean, and he’s not answering his phone. Was he hiding something, or did someone make sure this case stays unsolved?

13+, Must be accompanied by an adult. Caution: dark room, use of fixed laser pointer

 

Advanced Escape Room: The Path of Destruction

A massive storm is brewing, and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen. As a meteorologist, you must figure out where the tornado will strike before it’s too late. Can you save the people in its path?

10+, Must be accompanied by an adult. Caution: darker room, mild fear

View Full Event Calendar
Thank you to Heritage Valley Health System & Shell Polymers Monaca for being our Presenting Sponsors for our annual event on April 17, 2025. View all event photos here.

The Honorable Congressman Chris Deluzio provided updates and answered questions to a room full of business owners, non-profit agencies, and community leaders. View the press release on our website by clicking here.

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We have launched new ways to partner in 2025!

 

The BCCC is excited to announce our Yearlong Partnership initiative. These unique yearlong partnership opportunities are an investment into the Chamber’s ability to lead and advocate for impactful change. Please consider a Yearlong Partnership as a Bridges ($5,000), Rivers ($10,000), or Legacy ($15,000+) level.

 

Interested in learning more?

Contact Lance Grable, Chamber President, here.

 

As always, you can sponsor any of our events throughout the year. Check out our 2025 Event Sponsorship Guide here.

Submit your member news to msuehr@bcchamber.com

Any opinion and other statement contained in Member News below in no way reflects the views and beliefs of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, its staff or Board of Directors.

DONATION DRIVE March 31- April 29

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Beaver County Chamber of Commerce

724.775.3944

1000 3rd Street, Suite 2A

Beaver, PA 15009

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Beaver County Chamber of Commerce | 1000 3rd Street Suite 2A | Beaver, PA 15009 US

Almost $800,000 in secured funding will provide training for people trying to find jobs in Beaver County and the region

(File Photo of State Representative Rob Matzie)

Beaver County Radio News

(Ambridge, PA) According to a release from State Representative Rob Matzie’s office, almost $800,000 in new grant funding will provide new apprenticeship opportunities to job seekers in Beaver County and the region. Matzie confirmed that agriculture and data analysis training programs will be provided after two separate grants got secured by the Department of Labor and Industry in Pennsylvania. The Apprenticeships in Data Analytics initiative in Western Pennsylvania got $400,000 and $399,400 went to the AgriTech Program of the Phase 4 Learning Center Inc. 

Bonnie S. (Pixler) Zelenak (1953-2025)

Bonnie S. (Pixler) Zelenak, 71, passed away on April 5th, 2025. She was surrounded by her family, who loved her so deeply.

Bonnie was born in Rochester on October 22nd, 1953, a daughter of the late Wayne and Adrienne (Caler) Pixler. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Eugene and Dorothy Caler, her paternal grandparents, Boyd and Irene Pixler, and a brother-in-law, Greg Puhalla. She is survived by her loving son, Cory Zelenak, his wife, Lenka, her older sister, Linda Puhalla, her younger sister, Cheryl (Timothy) McCauley and her former husband, Bob. She was also a special aunt to her niece and nephews: Timmy McCauley, Rachael McCauley, Brad Puhalla, and Geof (Kim) Puhalla.

From an early age, Bonnie was known for her quiet strength, generous heart, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Bonnie worked for Mellon Bank for 28 years, starting as a bank teller and working her way up to an assistant manager until her retirement in 2010. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and warm, approachable nature left a lasting impression on both colleagues and customers alike.

Her greatest accomplishment was the role of “mom” to her beloved son, Cory, who Bonnie was extremely proud of during her life. Bonnie was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Her love for family was the cornerstone of her life. She was always there to lend a listening ear or offer some comforting advice. Her kindness and loving spirit touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A private service was held on April 11th, 2025. A private interment took place at the Sylvania Hills Memorial Park next to her parents.

Memorial donations may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Center Township, PA 15001. Through tough times, Bonnie was always comforted by her two special dogs, Kodiak and Kayla.

Though Bonnie has left this world, the impact of her love and her gentle presence will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Mark A. Garcia (1960-2025)

Mark A. Garcia, 64, of Beaver, passed away unexpectedly on April 16th, 2025.

He was born in Rochester on August 26th, 1960, the son of the late Manuel A. and Nancy A. (Koontz) Garcia. He is survived by his children, Emily Garcia and Manuel A. Garcia, his loving wife, Janell Lyon, his sister, Robin (Rod) Applequist and his nephews and niece, Chad, Brett, and Janelle Applequist.

Mark was a 1979 graduate of Rochester High School who continued his education at Dean Technical College. He was known for his kind heart, warm spirit, and deep devotion to his family.

Mark found his greatest joy in spending time with his children, whether it was fishing, bowling, golfing, or singing karaoke together. He was also an avid Pittsburgh sports fan who loved listening to his teams and watching his teams play. He will be remembered most for his unwavering love for his family, his compassion, and his genuine care for others.

In honoring Mark’s wishes, all services will be private.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Mark’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

James Fronko (1963-2025)

James Fronko, 61, of Monaca passed away on April 17th, 2025 following an extended illness. He was born in Sewickley on August 18th, 1963, a son of the late Paul and Angeline (Melchiorre) Fronko. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Paul. James is survived by his brother John of Monaca, along with many cousins and friends. He is also survived by a very special cousin, Stephanie Hall Wright of Chippewa, who was his living liver donor. Her gift of life made it possible for James to be around these past several years. Stephanie truly was his angel here on earth.

James grew up in Monaca and graduated from Monaca High School. He spent his entire professional career in the restaurant industry. His love of the business gave him the opportunity to oversee businesses in western and central Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Texas, and finally Georgia before his retirement.

James was a member of Saint John the Baptist Church of Monaca, part of Mary Queen of Saints Parish. He was a volunteer with the American Cancer Society for over 20 years. He also chaired their first Relay for Life in Kingwood, Texas.

The family would like to thank Dr. James Tatum, Dr. William Ferri, Dr. Abhinav Humar, and Dr. Moon Fenton for their compassionate care given over the years.

In accordance with James’ wishes, there will be no public service. A private graveside service will be held and he will be laid to rest with his parents.

Memorial donations, if desired, can be made to The Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Glenn E. Wilson, Jr. (1931-2025)

Glenn E. Wilson Jr., 93, of Patterson Township, passed away peacefully on April 16th, 2025, in the comfort of his own home with his son Mark by his side.

He was born in New Brighton on July 31st, 1931, a son of the late Glenn E. and Iva (Folk) Wilson Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Louise (Field) Wilson, his brothers, Bernard and Dale Wilson, his sisters, Martha Wilson and Joann Jerome and his in-laws, Ray (Donna) Field and Dorothy (John) Dzan. He is survived by his sons, Mark (Debbie) Wilson and Brian (Marybeth) Wilson, his grandchildren, Brisa Wilson and Luken Wilson and several relatives and friends.

As the youngest in the family, they all called him “Bug”. At ten years old, he received his first guitar from his parents, and he started to learn how to play. He had been playing guitar and singing ever since. When he was in high schoo,l he was at an assembly and when he was done playing, the students would not go back to class. The principal had to come and plead with them, asking if he played one more and would you go back to class. From there and a few years later, he joined the United States Navy in 1952. As his career kept going, he used to play music at the officers’ functions. While in the service he was stationed in Boston, Massachusetts, and he met up with Wheeling Jamboree Star, Toby Stroud. He continued to gig with him during his stay in Boston. He then was stationed down in Norfolk, Virginia where he was a lifeguard and continued playing at night. During this time, in 1955, he married Mary Louise. On his tour, they both decided to go to California where he hung out at the Palomino club in Bakersfield, there he met up with Wynn Stewart and Buck Owens, who were nobody at the time and sat waiting get called up to sing a song with the band. He later left California to go back to Beaver County to be with family and start one himself. He played for multiple country bands in the Beaver Valley. Throughout his years after the service, he worked as a steel worker at B&W. Most recently, we got together with Wes Hommer and recorded some old songs that he has been playing for years, lovingly known as the “Kitchen Tapes”.

In accordance with Glenn’s request, all services were private.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Glenn and his family.

Line repainting work will occur in various Allegheny County and Beaver County locations this week

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: PennDOT, PSP, PTC, Construction Industry Highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that line painting operations on various roadways in Allegheny and Beaver counties will occur weather permitting on Monday through Saturday, April 21st-26th. The work occurs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturday from 6 a.m. to noon. According to a release from PennDOT District 11, the locations for the line painting are as follows:

Allegheny County Locations:

  • Route 3003 (Washington Pike) in South Fayette Township
  • Route 3028 (Boyds Run Road/Walkers Mill Road) in Collier Township
  • Route 3048 (Noblestown Road/West Main Street) between I-79 and Baldwin Road in Collier Township
  • Route 3050 (Steen Hollow Road) in Collier and North Fayette townships
  • Route 4068 (Wallace Road) at the intersection with Route 19 in Pine Township

Beaver County Locations:

  • Route 18 in various locations
  • Route 3002 (Old Brodhead Road) in Center Township
  • Route 3012 (Center Grange Road) in Center Township
  • Route 3016 (Kennedy Boulevard) between I-376 and Franklin Avenue in Hopewell Township and the City of Aliquippa
  • Route 3017 (Pleasant Drive) in Center Township

Slide repair work occurring in North Sewickley Township weather permitting

(File Photo of Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(North Sewickley Township, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that beginning Monday, April 21st weather permitting, slide repair work will go through late May on Cherryhill Road in North Sewickley Township. On weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., single-lane alternating traffic will occur on Cherryhill Road between Brighton Road and Route 351. Drainage improvements through late May will also be conducted by crews at the same location.

House catches fire in Cranberry Township

(File Photo of Fire Background)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cranberry Township, PA) A house in Cranberry Township caught fire early Monday morning. Dispatchers told KDKA that the fire occurred along Garvin Road around 1 a.m. According to Cranberry Township Fire and Emergency Services Chief Scott Garing, all three residents were able to escape safely. Garing also commented that the grill that the family used to cook with on Sunday was where the fire started before the fire rose to both the roof and the second floor. There were no reported injuries.