BEAVER, Pennsylvania – Today, the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce announced Lance Grable to be its next President.  Lance’s career experience in the private and public sectors as well as his deep knowledge of Beaver County will bring significant benefit to Chamber members and the community at large.  

For the last 19 years, Lance has worked in Beaver County government, and for the last eight years as the Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority and the Director of the Office of Planning and Redevelopment.  Through this work, Mr. Grable has partnered with many of the same stakeholders that are essential to the Chamber’s success.  His knowledge of local, state and federal programs and processes were particularly germane to the Chamber’s hiring goals.

Board President Kathryn Klaber said “A board’s top responsibility is to hire the organization’s leadership.  The Chamber’s board took the challenge of identifying the next President extremely seriously and is gratified to select Lance Grable for this important role.  We are very bullish on the prospects for additional value to the Chamber’s members and organizational growth that Lance will bring.”

“I am grateful for the years I was able to serve the people of Beaver County from my position in County government.  It will be an honor to lead the Chamber for the next major chapter of my career.  To me, it’s all about helping to make Beaver County the most attractive place to live and work.  Working in tandem with the Chamber board and staff, we will set and realize truly remarkable goals for the County in the months and years ahead“ said Lance Grable.

The search was led by Chamber Vice Chair Paul Hoback, who added “The search committee appreciates the interest in the President role by many qualified candidates.  Beaver County is fortunate to have the depth of talent for leadership.  Lance Grable demonstrated both the skill set and the passion for Beaver County that will serve our organization for years to come.“

Danielle Smith – Keystone State News Service

The shortage of educators and school staffers has reached a crisis level in some Pennsylvania public schools, prompting a new “Educators Rising” program, which aims to recruit future educators from local high schools.

Ten schools are already participating, with students attending the Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center to develop teaching skills.

Donna Rain-O’Dell, workforce education coordinator at the center, said in the “Grow Your Own” program at Mount Pleasant High School, the students gain hands-on experience by observing and assisting teachers in classrooms a couple of days a week.

“We actually have some of our students going into classrooms that are teaching small group or mini-lessons,” Rain-O’Dell explained. “Like, one student is teaching Spanish I, when she’s a Spanish III student; and then we have a student, that’s in AP Bio that’s helping with the biology class. So it’s kind of cool, and it’s definitely a unique situation.”

She pointed out next year, they will start their first “college in high school” course at the University of Pittsburgh Greensburg campus. Keystone State schools are struggling to fill more than 5,500 vacant teaching positions.

Rena Enterline, vocational rehabilitation counselor for the center, said they partner with The Learning Lamp and Shippensburg University and students can earn nine credits toward higher education.

“That is more of a dual-enrollment type class,” Enterline noted. “They will take classes through Shippensburg University, and they’ll actually get a transcript through them. And then, they can take those credits and use them at any university that will accept them when they decide to go to college.”

Enterline added current seniors will not have been in the program for two years but can still use the credits they earn this year through the dual enrollment opportunity.

Amanda Funk, CTE instructor at McCaskey High School in Lancaster, said hers is the only Lancaster County high school to have an in-house career and technology program. It attracts a diverse group of students who help out in elementary schools as juniors and seniors, eventually extending to middle schools.

“The goal is to bring them back and they get a guaranteed interview after college in our district and then they’ll have that added support,” Funk stressed. “Part of our job description is to actually mentor them through their college years. And then once they come back and get a job in our district, to mentor them there as well.”

Funk added one lesson in the Educators Rising curriculum focuses on anti-bias instruction. She observed students have personally thanked her for classroom discussions on the topic.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Republican lawmakers are advancing a $3 billion tax cut, their newly unveiled counterproposal to a budget proposal from Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro as each side offers a competing vision for how to use a massive cash surplus. The legislation cutting taxes on income and electric service passed the Republican-controlled Senate on a 36-14 vote Tuesday. Republicans said it would be the largest tax cut in the state’s history. In the coming weeks, budget negotiations could revolve around Shapiro’s bid to boost spending by $3 billion, versus the Republican counterproposal to cut taxes by $3 billion. Democrats warn that the Senate GOP’s tax bill won’t pass in the Democratic-controlled House.

Panera Bread said it’s discontinuing its Charged Sips drinks that were tied to at least two wrongful death lawsuits due to their high caffeine content. Panera didn’t say Tuesday whether the drinks were being discontinued because of the lawsuits or health concerns. It also wouldn’t comment on the timeline for removing them from stores. The St. Louis-based company introduced Charged Sips in the spring of 2022. In the fall of 2023, Panera was sued by the families of two people with heart conditions who died after drinking Charged Lemonades at Panera. The families say Panera didn’t properly warn customers that the drinks contained so much caffeine.

PITTSBURGH – In partnership with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District will host their “Water Safety Night” at PNC Park, May 11.

The event intends to promote safe practices on our waterways as the summer recreation season begins.

Before the game, members from the Pittsburgh District and other waterway partners will set up interactive displays and games on Federal Street to promote life jackets, water safety, and safe boating practices to the public.

Pittsburgh District will participate in the first pitch and provide a color guard team to present the colors during the national anthem. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ official mascot, Bobber the Water Safety Dog, will participate in the Great Pierogi Race during in-game entertainment. The first 20,000 fans to enter the stadium will receive a free T-shirt promoting the “Wear It” Safe Boating Campaign.

Prior to the Pirates versus the Chicago Cubs baseball game, USACE and its partners will line Federal Street from 1 to 4 p.m., with displays including a USACE patrol boat, the district’s diving program display, and a fully functional lock and dam model. Bobber will be available to take pictures and greet fans. Activities will be available for children and adults.

Water Safety Night helps to promote National Safe Boating Week, May 18 – 24, 2024.

Other groups participating in the event include the U.S. Coast Guard, Friends of the River Front, Pennsylvania Game Commination, Point State Park, Penn State, Lower Kiski River Rescue, Port of Pittsburgh Commission, Pittsburgh Safe Boating Council, Waterways Association of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Three Rivers Rowing, and the Carnegie Science Center. USACE will have more than 25 partnering agencies supporting the event.

Accidents can happen quickly while on the waterways. The water safety night and the upcoming safe boating week target males aged 18 and older, who are the most at-risk group for water-related fatalities. Despite that demographic’s risk perception, they make up a significant majority of recreation incidents, often because they are not wearing life jackets. The water safety night presents a crucial opportunity to educate and raise awareness, potentially saving lives. Statistics show that 90 percent of people who drowned may have been saved if they had worn a life jacket.

For everyone out on the waterways, the Corps of Engineers wants to remind you to KNOW. TAKE. WEAR. Know the waterways. Take a water-safety course. Wear your life jacket.

In honor of Teachers Appreciation Day today, Sandcastle Waterpark announces it will offer FREE ADMISSION to ALL Educators beginning opening weekend, Saturday, May 25 through June 30, on all operating days. Educators simply need to present a valid work ID at Guest Relations to redeem their free ticket. They can also purchase up to four discounted tickets for family members for only $29.99 each at the gate. 

With Sandcastle’s expanded operating calendar, this season there will be more days to play. There is no better way to kick off the unofficial start to summer and the beginning of the Sandcastle season than by celebrating these individuals in our community and showing our appreciation for their hard work this school year. 

Sandcastle is Better, Brighter, Fresher than Ever, with its multi-year park transformation complete, featuring the new Bomb’s Away water slide and upgraded Mon Tsunami, Mushroom Pool and Dragon’s Denattractions. The Boardwalk and Sandcastle Bridge Bar and Grill have also received complete makeovers.

Danielle Smith – Keystone State News Service

As Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week kicks off in Pennsylvania, an expert said parents can help their children have a healthy brain to thrive.

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study showed 57% of teenage girls reported being persistently sad and depressed, and 24% had reported having made plans for suicide.

Charles Fay, child psychologist and president of the Love and Logic Institute, said a healthy brain is the foundation of good parenting, and Keystone State parents could foster children’s ability to become mentally strong, responsible and successful.

“Parents creating a home where kids are really expected to take good care of themselves and show them how to do it, with eating, the diet, with sleep,” Fay outlined. “We’re seeing more young people getting hardly any sleep and one of the biggest reasons is they have their phones or other devices in their bedrooms.”

For children and teenagers struggling with depression, anxiety or adjusting to challenging situations, the state offers mental health resources online.

Fay pointed out recent statistics show a significant number of young people experiencing difficulties do not receive services. For individuals receiving help, the percentage is low. He emphasized the importance of parents making their best efforts to tackle this concerning issue.

“The national average of young people ages 12-17 getting services for severe depression is right
around 41% to 42%. Pennsylvania is right in that range,” Fay emphasized. “What’s scary about that is, those are kids who are actually getting help.”

Fay noted the importance of guiding children to translate their natural talents into fulfilling careers. He believes the path leads to greater happiness. His book, “Raising Mentally Strong Kids,” outlined a strategy combining brain science with practical tools to cultivate resilient minds in children.

Carnegie, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker kicked off Youth Apprenticeship Week this week with visits to two Pittsburgh-area organizations committed to empowering the next generation of Pennsylvania workers to chart their own career pathways to rewarding jobs with family-sustaining wages. Youth Apprenticeship Week promotes the importance of registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs for young people ages 16 to 24 to earn competitive wages while receiving comprehensive industry training and earning college credits – ultimately leading to quality, high-paying jobs.

 

Since the start of his Administration, Governor Josh Shapiro has been focused on creating real opportunities for people to obtain good-paying jobs. That’s why the Governor’s 2024-25 budget proposal builds on the 2023-24 budget with bipartisan support for investments in workforce development, including $6 million for registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. Pre-apprenticeship programs expand career pathways for individuals through industry-based training and classroom instruction, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to complete the minimum requirements of a registered apprenticeship program.

 

“When we invest in our young people through apprenticeship programs, we offer them the freedom to earn a paycheck while they build the in-demand skills that employers need among their workforce. Those talent pipelines will sustain families, businesses and Pennsylvania communities for years to come across traditional and emerging industries,” Secretary Nancy A. Walker said. “I am excited about Youth Apprenticeship Week because it’s a chance to encourage Pennsylvania’s young people and their families to explore apprenticeship opportunities that will position them for great jobs in the workforce of today and tomorrow – and that benefits everyone in Pennsylvania.”

 

On Monday, Secretary Walker first visited with fifth-grade students from Fort Cherry Elementary Center in Washington County during their trip to Junior Achievement of Western PA’s (JA) experiential learning lab JA BizTown®. JA BizTown® is a fully interactive community simulation that brings to life the business and other elements of what makes day‐to‐day life successful in our cities and towns. Secretary Walker began her visit by officiating the swearing-in ceremony for the student mayor of JA BizTown®.

 

“Today’s visit from Secretary Walker highlights the importance of civic education and exemplifies our commitment to preparing the next generation to succeed in a community-driven economy,” said Patrice Matamoros, President of JA. “We believe that through initiatives like JA BizTown®, we are not just teaching children about business and economics but empowering them to become confident citizens who can shape a thriving future for us all.”

 

In the afternoon, Secretary Walker participated in a panel discussion at the Finishing Trades Institute in Western PA with apprentices and pre-apprentices to raise awareness of the benefits of the apprenticeship pathway. Hosted by L&I’s Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO), the event offered young people the opportunity to share their lived experience and learn from each other. The youth panelists are current pre-apprentices and apprentices in registered programs offered by the Finishing Trades Institute, the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, the Connellsville Career and Technical Center, EAS Regional Council of Carpenters and Steamfitters Local 449. The ATO will also be hosting the second part of this two-part series at the Finishing Trades Institute of the Mid-Atlantic Region on Friday, May 10.

 

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that, on average, apprentices earn a starting wage of $80,000 per year after graduation and are on track to earn $300,000 more over their careers compared to workers who do not graduate from an apprenticeship program. For every dollar spent on apprenticeships, employers get an average of $1.47 back in increased productivity.

 

Established in 2016, the ATO is responsible for guiding and promoting the expansion and compliance of all registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across the Commonwealth. The ATO currently supports 881 unduplicated registered apprenticeship program sponsors and 1,554 occupation-specific programs across the Commonwealth, with 15,645 registered apprentices currently active. Additionally, there 118 registered pre-apprenticeship programs and 1,364 pre-apprentices currently active.

 

Since the start of the Shapiro Administration, the ATO has supported the creation of 39 new apprenticeship programs in Pennsylvania.

 

[May 7, 2024] — When every second counts, blood products can provide lifesaving care. The American Red Cross asks the public to give blood or platelets during Trauma Awareness Month in May to keep hospitals prepared for all transfusion needs, including emergencies. Type O blood donors and donors giving platelets are especially needed right now:

 

• Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type in the most serious situations. 
• Type O positive blood is the most used blood type because it can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type. 
• Platelets are often needed to help with clotting in cases of massive bleeding. 

 

It’s the blood already on the shelves that can help save lives in an emergency. Book a time to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts, all who come to donate now through May 31 will get a coupon for a free haircut by email. Plus, those who come to give through May 19 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two and VIP racing experience to the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Races at Darlington Raceway Labor Day weekend, including entry to the Sport Clips racetrack hospitality tent and a $1,000 gift card. Additionally, those who come to give through May 19 will also get a bonus $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. For details on all offers, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RaceToGive.

 

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

 

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.