Human Interest

Damato Named A Finalist For Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence

Slippery Rock University this week recognized students and faculty with Celebration of Achievement. Among those is Nikol Damato, a senior dual history and interdisciplinary programs major from Ellwood City. Highlighting the awards is the selection of SRU’s finalist for the Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence, which is given to a graduating senior in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education who exemplifies academic excellence and involvement. Damato was selected as the University’s nominee by SRU President William Behre. The winner will be selected by the board of governors later this year. Damato has already won a variety of scholarships…


2020 Mayor’s Beautification Awards To Commence

It’s that beautiful time of the year again! Mayor Anthony J. Court will be starting his “Beautification Award Program” in Ellwood City. This has been a trying year and now it’s time to bring life back to our neighborhoods. Mayor Court started this program 10 years ago and it has been a huge success. Nominations will be accepted beginning May 1st by email at tcourt230@zoominternet.net, Mayor’s Facebook page, phone 724-824-7635, or by mail. Six winners will be chosen from the nominations. Presentations will begin on June 1st and go through mid-August. All winners will receive a yard sign stating “Mayor…


ECASD Food Service Staff Going Above and Beyond to Feed Area Students

Keeping kids fed during a pandemic is a challenge, but it’s one that the Ellwood City Area School District’s Food Service staff and volunteers continues to conquer. John Dzurina, Food Service Director for the district, said the successful operation would not be possible without the daily determination of his staff and volunteers. Dzurina said on average 920 kids are fed per day. With a healthy and filling breakfast and lunch both being served, that adds up to about 1,840 meals per day. Currently those meals include cereals, juice, milk, sandwiches, fruit, and vegetables. Hot meals have not been on the…


BodyShop Group Fitness Gains International Attention

#morethanagym. A simple phrase and way of life for the owners, instructors, and members of BodyShop Group Fitness, an Ellwood City Gym that has been serving members since 1997. #morethanagym means many things for BSGF including a strong connection with members even in a pandemic. Although BSGF was forced to close its doors on March 16 with a lot of other businesses in town, the owners and instructors have worked to maintain that connection. “We are keeping in touch virtually via a social media group,” said Valecia Davis one of the gyms three owners. “We check in daily to hold…


Ellwood City Area School District Administrators, Staff Provide Updates

The administrators and staff of the Ellwood City Area School district gave updates of continuing education during the April 20 board of directors special meeting. School Superintendent Joseph Mancini said he is pleased with the overall transition to online learning and attributes the success of the challenging transition to the district’s staff. “I’d like to thank the teachers, administrators, staff, parents, and students,” he said. Mancini said efforts to keep the district’s students fed during this pandemic has been an impressive endeavor. He thanked Food Service Director, John Dzurina, as well as the numerous volunteers, drivers, and other staff involved…


EC School Board, Administrators Clash Regarding Grading Policy

The Ellwood City Area School Board’s Board of Directors voted Monday night to recommend the school district move forward with a modified system of grading for the last nine-week period of the 2020 school year despite administrative push to continue with the grading system that was in place before the pandemic. According to Kathy McCommons, a representative of the board’s education committee, administrators believe that using the regular grading system was the best way to proceed in the district’s continuity of education plan because that procedure keeps students motivated in continuing school work. Superintendent Joseph Mancini said that in most…


Ellwood City Borough Council Addresses Councilwoman’s Facebook Comment

Ellwood City Borough Council could vote on Monday to officially “disapprove” of a Facebook comment that was posted by Councilwoman Lisa Guerrera more than a month ago. During Monday’s Council Agenda meeting Guerrera said it was a completely inappropriate comment that she regrets making. The post appeared mid-April on a personal Facebook page of a former Ellwood City resident and was shared hundreds of times throughout the county. The comment said, “Best thing that could happen would be both of them getting it and dying, along with the rest of the elected officials of the Democratic party.” The comment was…


Riverside Superintendent Discusses Continuity of Education During Coronavirus Crisis

Riverside School District Superintendent Bret Trotta said the district is successfully continuing education for the nearly 1,400 students served by his staff. The Riverside team of administrators and teachers are taking the review and enrichment approach to education during the Coronavirus crisis. He said they are working to meet the needs of all the students of the district. According to Trotta, getting everyone up and running with at home learning was a challenge. He said because a portion of the district is settled in more rural areas, some students lacked access to Internet. Others, he said, simply did not have…


Superintendent Provides Update on School’s Progress During Coronavirus Pandemic

The superintendent of Ellwood City Area School District said the last few weeks have been a challenge, but that district staff have come through in a big way. During Monday night’s online meeting of the Ellwood City Area School District Board of Director’s meeting, Joseph Mancini gave a personal thank you to the administrators, teachers, and cafeteria workers for a “continuity of education” and dedication to district students. “They have all gone above and beyond in this 180-degree pivot,” he said. Mancini said at least 978 students were fed today and 1,000 on Friday, numbers he found pride in. He…


Ellwood Native Serves Up Sourdough Pizza, Breads at Lawrenceville Wood-Fired Oven Restaurant

Sustainable sourdough pizza topped with organic produce and meats is the specialty at Driftwood Oven in Lawrenceville. And although Neil Blazin fills his intimate ten-table dining room in Pittsburgh on a regular basis, Blazin has roots in Ellwood City. The 38-year-old enterpreneur grew up in Ellwood City and attended Lincoln High School. He then went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh as Political Science and History Major, but politics just weren’t as appealing as pizza and his dreams of owning a restaurant. These days Blazin spends most of his time crafting delicious pizza pies but enjoys spending his free…