(Beaver Falls, PA)  The staff of WBVP-WMBA celebrated the Scandinavian holiday of St. Lucia Day with a special Swedish Food Luncheon.  Three varieties of  Korv.  Rice Pudding (made by station Vice President Cyndi Peterson), Lingon Berries, Sill (pickled Herring), Swedish  Chocolate Trojan Horses, Ginger Snaps (Pepparkakor), Swedish Spritz Cookies, Bondost Cheese, Glogg (a hot spiced drink), Cinnamon Cardamon Rolls (Kardemummabullar), Swedish Fish, Swedish Meatballs and Limpa Rye Bread.

According to Wikipedia, Saint Lucia Day is celebrated most commonly in Scandinavia, with their long dark winters, where it is a major feast day, and in Italy, with each emphasising a different aspect of the story. In Scandinavia, where Saint Lucy is called Santa Lucia in Norwegian and Sankta Lucia in Swedish, she is represented as a lady in a white dress and red sash with a crown or wreath of candles on her head. In Norway, Sweden and Swedish-speaking regions of Finland, girls dressed as Lucy carry rolls and cookies in procession as songs are sung.

Here are some pictures from our Celebration earlier today.

Teachers in the Ambridge School District displayed signs in front of the high school and in front of the Polish Falcons  across the street this  morning. This is day 1 of the teacher’s  teacher’s strike.  The 190 teachers who are members of the  Ambridge Area Education Association haven’t had a new contract since the last one ended 6/30/2015. Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano reports that negotiations, according to Chris Conkus, a math teacher and communications director for the teachers, said we want a contract, the board left the meeting last night , and we want to settle. they left the last 2 sessions with the teachers he said.  Conkus said the sticking point is our health care contributions.  Conkus said through plan design changes  we found a way to save 10%. The teachers are ready to sit down with the board, and settle  Conkus said.. AAEA’s last strike strike was 10 years ago, several teachers are still working in the district that experienced the last strike. Media were  referred to Conkus for comments and he said the website is being  set up by the union for public view. No new information as of 1:30 p.m.

State troopers say they’ve shot a suspect following a chase on Interstate 376 in Lawrence County. The incident began when Shenango Township police near New Castle tried to pull over what’s being called a suspicious vehicle about 3:30 this morning. Police didn’t immediately explain what aroused their suspicion. That vehicle drove off, with several local departments and the state police joining in before the suspect was stopped and shot.

Tune in to Beaver County’s only live on the air radio auction this and every Tuesday  from 1:45 to 2:00 P.M.   Call 724-843-1888 or 724-774-1888 to join the show and bid on merchandise and certificates from local Beaver County, PA and surrounding area businesses.

For  December 13, 2016, the following items will be sold live on WBVP and WMBA:

• A $20 Gift Certificate to Ambridge Italian Villa, Duss Avenue, Ambridge.  Valued at $20.  Opening bid: $10.
• A 8 inch Cake from Beaver Dairy Queen, 3rd Street, Beaver.  Valued at $23.  Opening bid: $12.
• A $20 Gift Certificate to Philly Originals, 3rd Street, Beaver.   Value: $20.  Opening bid: $10
• Dinner for Two at the Texas Roadhouse, Wagner Road, Moanca.   Value: $30. Opening Bid: $15

Winning bidders will be announced on the air and then are instructed to call WBVP and WMBA offices at 724-846-4100 following the program to confirm their bids.  Items can be paid for and picked up at WBVP-WMBA, 1316 7th Avenue in Beaver Falls, PA 15010 between 8:30 A.M. and 5 P.M. weekdays.

Santa came to breakfast at Broadcast Street Cafe in Aliquippa bearing gifts for children up to age.  12 on Saturday.   Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano reports that the event was hosted by Franklin Center of Beaver County, and Mayor Dwan B Walker, police from Center, Aliquippa, Hopewell, and Brighton Township, sheriff”s deputies and Sheriff Tony Guy were serving guests. Backpacks were distributed to the kids donated from Walmart, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Auto Zone.  The children also received wrapped gifts . AS people entered that children knew they displayed their gifts.  Sandy Curry, Franklin Center’s education director said approximately 260 children came ror breakfast and to see Santa. Valerie Mckelvy, director of Franklin Center said several meetings were held to  plan the annual event.  Robin Mungo, Troop B of the PA State Police Police and Community Coalition  spearheaded the event.

Aliquippa  Police Chief  issued a Holiday Safety Tips Guide to residents at last night’s meeting .  The guide gives you tips when you’re driving,  be careful at the ATM, what to do and when to shop.  Tips on child safety  during the holidays, lock doors and windows even when you are home. Leave  lights on a timer inside or out, if away, have a family member or neighbor pick up  newspapers or mail.  Gifts shouldn’t be visible from doors or windows. In setting up your tree make sure it is mounted,   so children , the elderly or pets can’t pull it down.leave hallways and passageways open. Check for frayed or damaged tree light wires to prevent fires.   Place your live tree in wet sand or water to keep it green. Don’t throw wrapping paper in the fireplace…Use operation identification  to deter property-related crime  and to assist Aliquippa police in their efforts to find stolen or lost property to the rightful owner. Mark your gifts with your drivers license or ID card, don’t use your social security card. For those items  that can’t be marked with an engraver, photograph or videotape the items. Strangers at your door, beware, sometimes  criminals pose as couriers delivering gifts.Criminals take advantage of tne holiday soliciting  for donations door to door  for charity when no charity exists Ask for an ID, if not satisfied, don’t donate. For parties serve non-alcoholic beverages, find transportation for intoxicated guests,a non drinker makes an ideal driver.  Eat before consuming alcohol, especially high protein foods, they stay in the stomach longer, and slow the absorption of alcohol into your system. Remember that time eliminates alcohol from your system.  KNOW YOUR LIMIT, DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!!! NEVER TEXT AND DRIVE. HAVE A SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON !!!Share this info with  family, friends, and neighbors. Mayor Dwan B. Walker, City Council, the Administration and the Aliquippa Police Department wishes you a safe, happy and peaceful holiday season.

Probationary Aliquippa Police officer Josh Gonzalez  was terminated by Aliquippa Council at the work session meeting on Wednesday, November 30.  Gonzalez was involved in an altercation with a Allegheny County jail Guard early Thanksgiving morning in Pittsburgh and shot the man .He is awaiting a hearing in Allegheny County. Mayor Dwan Walker said Gonzalez was only with the city 5 months. Aliquippa police Chief Don Couch said at Wednesday’s meeting he  is shortl 4 officers.  Paul Cillo is on  a 6 month leave of absence, and Veteran Officer Tom Lemon retires January 20.