Beaver Falls Buzz Community Newsletter Spring 2024

Beaver Falls Buzz

MayorUpdate

Mayor Johns Meets Vice President Kamala Harris in Pittsburgh

By Director of Community Development, Rochelle Burks

In her short tenure as Mayor of Beaver Falls, Dr. Kenya Johns has met many influential leaders in our region. Most locally, she maintains a strong connection with our County Commisisoners, a key relationship for progressing the City. She has also met numerous times with our Congressmen, State Representatives, and Senators, bringing the needs and successes of our community to their attention. Most recently, Mayor Johns had the opportunity to discuss these topics with the second in command of the free world- Vice President Kamala Harris.

“It was an honor to be in that room. So many people don’t get the opportunity to meet the Vice President or share issues and concerns that they have and be connected to resources…We had a direct and personal conversation with the Vice President. We talked about what our needs are, what our challenges are, what are some ways that [the Federal government] can be more intentional to understand the needs of our community.” , reflected Mayor Johns. When asked about who made up the “ we ” that

she mentioned, Mayor Johns shared that there were approximately 20-25 local leaders in the room during the group discussion time with Mayor Dwan Walker of Aliquippa being the only other represen-

Mayor Johns with Vice President Kamala Harris and other regional leaders in Pittsburgh tative from Beaver County ”I really appreciated all of the stakeholders sharing their experiences It was also

"It was an honor to be in that room. So many people don’t get the opportunity to meet the Vice President."

helpful to learn from all the things that they’ re trying to do in their communities and what their hopes are for the future” , said

Mayor Johns The meeting occurred at the Kingsley Association Community Center on the east end of Pittsburgh Vice President Harris promoted the Biden administration's infrastructure plan, emphasizing its potential to create jobs

and revitalize communities She engaged with local leaders and residents to discuss the plan's benefits for Pittsburgh and the broader region, highlighting the importance of investing in infrastructure for economic growth and sustainability Harris also underscored the administration's commitment to addressing issues such as transportation, broadband access, and clean energy in Pittsburgh and across the nation Only a select group of people were invited to talk with the Vice President in a one-onone setting with Mayor Johns being included in this number Mayor Johns shared with Vice President Harris certain initiatives happening in Beaver Falls as well as ways she and the Federal government at large may be able to better support our City

PhotobyNathanaelMusselman

Beaver Falls, PA MAYOR

Dr. Kenya Johns kjohns@beaverfallspa org CITY COUNCIL

Peggy Evans pevans@beaverfallspa.org

John "Chuckie" Kirkland jkirkland@beaverfallspa org

Vanessa Ford-Taylor vtaylor@beaverfallspa org

Dean Dinell ddinell@beaverfallspa org

CITY MANAGER

Charles Jones cjones@beaverfallspa org 724-847-2808 x215

724-847-2808

According to the Mayor, the large group time was the most fruitful in terms of engaging more direct topics with Vice President Harris “We talked a lot about the infrastructure in Southwestern PA Our communities are 200 years old The cost to invest in them can't be covered just at the municipal level or even the State level There needs to be Federal partnerships with large corporations making contributions as well ” , said the Mayor.

One of these Federal partnerships could be through the Federal government’ s Justice 40 Initiative which the Mayor learned more about during her time in Pittsburgh. In short, the Justice 40 Initiative promises forty percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal programs related to clean energy to go back to the marginalized communities that bear the burden of pollution. The Mayor shared that this portion of the meeting was particularly

the Mayor

In addition to the Vice President, Mayor Johns also enjoyed meeting other members of White House staff who can also help bring new opportunities to Beaver Falls

Overall, Mayor Johns was grateful for another opportunity to meet a prominent leader in our nation She specifically noted her appreciation of the Vice President’ s intentionality saying, “I’ ve been in rooms with a lot of people who just say stuff because it sounds good But with [Vice President Harris] you could tell she was saying

relevant to Beaver Falls as many of the issues the City is overcoming are related to infrastructure matters

Regardless of whether the connection is a new initiative or a new relationship, Mayor Johns is committed to forging the bonds needed to continue progress in the City of Beaver Falls “There should never be a person I’ m not willing to work with If it’ s for the best for our community, I should be willing to do what we need to do to foster those relationships for us to have a better community, economy and opportunities ” , said the Mayor

While this meeting between the Mayor and the Vice President was a significant one, it was not the first The Mayor attended an event at Vice President Harris’ home in April of 2023 where she was able to meet her and share a few words. The Mayor enjoyed their first meeting but admits there were some nerves present at that time that were diminished during their most recent encounter. “Meeting the Vice President is super cool. The second time is even cooler because that ‘oh-my-gosh-it’s-the-VicePresident-anxiety’ that you might experience the first time is significantly less.” , described

what she truly believed, what she truly feels, and what her goals are She seemed intent on breaking down this divide that we have [in our nation] in order to get things done ”

Mayor Johns left her time with the Vice President energized and inspired by the potential for stronger federal/local partnerships to further positive change in Beaver Falls and beyond

Mayor Johns with Vice President Kamala Harris in April 2023

Interview with Councilman John “Chuckie” Kirkland

What’ s something you enjoy about being a Councilperson?

I’ m 77 years old now, thanking God that I was able to be here to help the city I worked here for 20 years and retired, and it’ s a pleasure just to know that people recognize who I am in Beaver Falls I enjoy serving the people as best I can, with the best knowledge I can to better Beaver Falls I’ m all about Beaver Falls: once a Tiger, always a Tiger!

What image do you have for Beaver Falls 20 years down the road?

The image I have is no different than most my age. I foresee things that would be better for our area. We want to see things continue for the young people, so they can have a good life while learning and developing. I want to see something safe for their futures.

What is a project or effort happening in Beaver Falls that you are particularly excited about?

I just came from a meeting with the B-Hive group. I think that’ s a good direction as a county-wide program! I think the support we have from all the colleges around us, helping people grow, and their desires to be entrepreneurs, is a beautiful thing. That you can go down to the B-Hive and get good help is a beautiful thing.

What does it mean to be a good neighbor?

From the perspective of the City, it means helping one another. We do a lot of helping, whether it’ s fire trouble, criminal trouble, or traffic trouble, we go out at a call. As for my neighbors next door to me, sometimes we have little feuds, but we kind of help each other out with the simple stuff for one another every now and then. We have to help each other a lot. We need to have that help.

What is a favorite memory you have in Beaver Falls?

I have a lot of memories, I don’t know if I have a favorite Of course, graduating from school, moving on with CCBC for auto and diesel mechanics, you have to love that I got a job here in Beaver Falls with the Department of Public Works, and I was able to hold onto that for 20 years

What are your hopes for Beaver Falls?

I just hope we have a better place to bring up our children and our grandchildren, a safe environment School was always an outlet for everything We played the sports available The friendships that I had with different classmates and the teachers was always a plus It’ s a good thing to have that kind of support, even if I wasn ’t a scholar I want us to be a safe, thriving, rebuilt community with more things for our young people to do aside from their phones I want them to get out and play ball I want them to support their children or grandchildren at the ball field

Street Sweeping starts April 1

The City of Beaver Falls will begin street sweeping April 1, 2024.

Residents should follow the schedule posted on their street.

The posted day will remain the same.

The time is now 5:00am-1:00pm.

Thank you!

City of Beaver Falls Department of public works

Councilman Kirkland, Mayor Johns, Councilwoman Taylor, Councilwoman Evans and Rep. Marshall at the Beaver Falls Memorial Day Paradein2023.

Save a Life: Install a Smoke Detector

By Fire Chief, Mark Stowe

I hate to bring you some very somber news, however in 2022 168 people died in fires in Pennsylvania causing our state to lead the nation. In fact, since 2019 fire deaths have risen by 47% in Pennsylvania. This is sad news since fire prevention technology has been improved greatly over the years. The fact is, there should be no home in our Country that doesn’t have smoke alarms. Statistics show that this is not the case, and in fact most fire deaths occurring in the home happen in homes that are not equipped with smoke detectors.

What most people don’t understand is fires today burn very fast and very hot, allowing less than two minutes to safely escape a home fire. The reason for this is today our homes have so much contents that are made of plastics, including our furniture. Plastics are a derivative of petroleum which we know burns fast and furiously. The average room today will completely flashover with fire in 3.5 to 4 minutes.

Thick dark and deadly smoke will spread through the home in a couple minutes preventing you from escaping One breath of this smoke will be fatal

So, what can you do? The most important thing is having working smoke alarms on every floor of your home and in every bedroom This is the single most important thing that can be done to prevent injury or death Early recognition is the only way to survive! Having an escape plan is also very important. Knowing a second way out of every area of your home will save your life. Sleeping with your bedroom door closed is also very important. If you become trapped by smoke and fire, get into a room and close the door, go to a window and wait for the fire department to rescue you if you are on any floor above the first.

nearly 1,000 smoke alarms. If you need smoke alarms, call the BFFD at 724-843-1135. We don’t ever want to have another fire death again! Please let us help you!

The Beaver Falls Fire Department has for years provided free smoke alarms to our residents and will install them. We have partnered with the American Red Cross twice and held smoke alarm blitzes called “Sound the Alarm” in our City, installing

Beaver Falls CDC Continues Good Work With New Projects

By Executive Director, Wendy Whelpley

The Beaver Falls CDC is so proud to be a part of all that is happening in our community. For the past 10 years, we have been committed to the revitalization of Beaver Falls and working to improve neighborhoods, rehab homes and buildings, beautify the city, increase homeownership, build partnerships, and collaborate with residents and project directors to maximize transformation What a privilege to work alongside so many who have been hard at work, for years and decades, towards our bright future There’ s much to show for it

The CDC used 2023 to focus on fundraising, strategizing, and embracing opportunities that will drive our community development work more intensely First, we re-strategized our use of Pennsylvania Neighborhood Assistance Program funds and were approved for $160,000 in tax-credit funding We are so grateful to TriState Capital Bank, First National Bank, McDanel’ s Advanced Ceramics

Technology, and Beaver Agway for their contributions. We also received $10,000 from our donors during our summer online campaign, and $25,000 from Norfolk Southern in their attempt to reinvest in impacted communities after

the train derailment last year.

Our relationship to the Allegheny Conference has continued to provide connections and resources, including an opportunity for me (Wendy) to participate in Leadership Pittsburgh, through which I am learning more about the various sectors of the Pittsburgh region and am building relationships with professionals from many different fields of work including banking, health care, politics, non-profits, schools, and construction Further, Leadership Pittsburgh’ s LDI (Leadership Development Initiative) has selected Beaver Falls to study, learn, and direct cohort members as they work on community

revitalization projects. This will certainly prove to be a valuable resourcetous.

Finally, the CDC has recentlybecome a member of PCRG (Pittsburgh

Community Reinvestment Group), another resource to help us develop opportunities and connections for our own community here in Beaver Falls.

In addition to our ongoing projects, such as Jubilee Housing, the Trib rehab, and investing in demolition, along with building our membership and hosting community conversations, the CDC is preparing to launch three new projects in 2024:

Partnering with the City in improvements at Lt. Calvin Smith Park

A weekly market at The Falls Park to empower local entrepreneurs

Exploring the possibility of connecting the two sections of our bike trail

While the journey often feels long and slow, progress has been certain. We are grateful to live and work among so many who love the

city and invest in its well-being everyday. GK Chesterton wrote, “Men did not love Rome because she was great. She was great because they had loved her.” This is true for us too…and may it always be true.

Please watch for more information on the projects and opportunities listed above We will send details and invitations as they are finalized Stay tuned!

Wendy on a tour of the new airport terminalduringaLeadershipPgh.class.

Before and after photos of a blighted house on 2nd AvenuethatwasdemolishedwithNAPfunds.

LDIstudentsvisitedTheFallsPark.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Beaver Falls Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday,

March 23

10:30AM - 37th Street Park

CDC Lecture Series

March 20, April 3, April 17 - 7:00 pm

Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls

This annual event is an opportunity to be reminded of our rich history, the stories that make this city unique, and the projects and initiatives that point to our bright future. Enjoy this year’s Lecture Series with the theme, “Our Best is Yet to Come”.

For More Information: www.beaverfallscdc.org

Learning in the Neighborhood

Join us Tuesday, April 2nd for dinner and a talk with a local author! Learn more about the joys of writing in this fun night out from 6:00-8:00pm!

Neighborhood North Museum of Play

716 14th Street, Beaver Falls

Youth ages 12 and under are welcome to come and join this FREE event. Bring your camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny. A fun Easter craft will be provided by Neighborhood North. For more information and/or to register, scan the QR Code, call 724-843-3620 and leave a voice message, or visit tinyurl.com/bfegghunt.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Saturday, May 4, 2024 - 12:00pm-8:00pm The Falls Park

Join us for a Cinco de Mayo celebration (a day early)! With food trucks, vendors, a mariachi band, and Folklorico dancers, it’s sure to be a great time for everyone!

Beaver Valley Concert Series

Enjoy a great evening hosted by the Beaver Valley Community Concert Association.

Location: Beaver Falls Middle School Tickets can be purchased at the door for $25 ($5 students).

Tuesday, April 2, April 16 7:30 pm bvcommunityconcert.org

Scan the QR Code

Beaver Falls Beaver Falls

Car Cruise Car Cruise

Beaver Falls Car Cruise

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Come down to 7th Avenue for the 33rd annual Beaver Falls Car Cruise! Join us for food vendors, music, and, of course, hundreds of classic and antique cars!

The Dinner Theatre Rejects Improv Comedy

Youngstown’s Premier Improv Comedy Group is coming to the Baby Bello! Enjoy mixing games, music, and long-form styles of improvisation, for 2-hours of nonstop laughs! Pre-registration required: https://loom.ly/b6mM7TY

Friday, April 12

Baby Bello - 2200 9th Ave. 7:00-9:00pm; $15

Juneteenth Community Celebration

Celebrate Juneteenth with us at our third annual Community Celebration. Enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors, activities and games for all ages.

Saturday, June 15 2nd Ave. Playground

June

September

December