Human Interest

February 4, 2015

The Ellwood Library: A Gem to the Community

Thirteen years ago, Veronica Pacella, the new director of the Ellwood City Area Public Library, was at a crossroads. The 1990’s was a bad time for libraries, and the new century would only be worse. When Pacella was a child, libraries were a regular part of her social life . Now, it seemed the library would be obsolete by the next decade. Pacella, her staff and the Board of Trustees decided to take a stand. There would be no going back and no decreasing of the library’s functions.. Instead, the library would be reinvented. Who it served, what it did,…

January 28, 2015

2015 Rumble Party a Smashing Success

Hometown hero Shane Douglas defended Ellwood City in an epic battle inside and outside the ring. The main event of the 2015 Royal Rumble Party saw world champions Douglas, of New Brighton, and Detroit’s Rhino battle through the Sons of Italy Hall to prove who was the real champion. In the end, hometown favorite Douglas triumphed. An enthusiastic crowd packed into the Sons of Italy on Sunday, January 25, to watch five matches between locally and nationally famous wrestlers. The event saw the hall filled to a sold-out crowd. In the opening match, Chris LeRusso defeated Ganon Jones Jr. to…

January 23, 2015

Inside the Making of Bigfoot the Movie with Creator Jared Show

When Jared Show traveled to Ellwood City to film Bigfoot the Movie, he had no idea that his hometown would be so accommodating. “I was amazed at how supportive and helpful everyone was,” Show said. Show grew up in the Ellwood City Area and attended Riverside School District. His grandfather used to tell Bigfoot stories. That, combined with his love for campy horror movies such as Tremors, were the inspiration for Bigfoot the Movie. Filming occurred in the fall of 2013 and spring of 2014. Show, who now lives in California, was surprised at how accommodating people were. “In California,…

January 21, 2015

A Farewell to Carmike Plaza 6

For the past several years, Carmike Plaza 6 in Big Beaver has been drawing smaller crowds than its competitors, largely due to the emptiness of Plaza 6. As a result, the theater announced January will be its final month of operation. Although the theater was not in Ellwood City, it was part of the community and social life. Its proximity and cheaper prices were of special appeal to younger moviegoers. For many in the Ellwood area, Carmike Plaza 6 was part of their childhood experiences, creating many cherished memories, and it will be missed by its regular customers. Stephani Damato,…

January 20, 2015

Ellwood City Vapors Offers Alternative to Smoking

Ellwood City now has its own electronic cigarettes store. Ellwood City Vapors, located on 505 Lawrence Ave., had its grand opening last Saturday. The grand opening, sponsored by the Ellwood City Chamber of Commerce, featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, cookies, and coffee. Owners David Spielvogel and Robert Infantozzi launched their store by cutting the ribbon at 10 a.m. Present at the opening was the store’s mascot, Peggy, the owners’ Boston Terrier. Throughout the morning and afternoon, dozens of customers enjoyed refreshments and the well-furnished atmosphere while having the opportunity to learn about e-cigarettes. Spielvogel, of Ellwood City, and Infantozzi, of Monaca,…

January 2, 2015

Romans’ Rescue

What started as a one dog rescue in 2008 for Tawnya and Daniel Roman has now turned into a non-profit organization. Romans’ Rescue takes in dogs to train them or nurse them back to health in order to help them find a new permanent home. The Roman’s first dog was a four-year-old Saint Bernard named Riley. The couple found the dog in an Internet advertisement after she had been dropped off at the groomer and never picked back up. Riley quickly fit right in at the Roman household and became part of the family. Unfortunately, the lovable dog was diagnosed…

November 26, 2014

Small Business Saturday Helps Build Local Economy

Thriving towns all need solid support from dedicated community members. On Saturday, Nov. 29, the community has a chance to come together and provide a positive impact on the local economy as businesses celebrate Small Business Saturday. Bob Rivers, owner of National Grind coffee shop on Lawrence Avenue and board of directors member of the Ellwood City Chamber of Commerce, discussed the importance in shopping local this time of year. “It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season,” Rivers said of Small Business Saturday. “This is the best time, with Black Friday coming up, Small Business Saturday, and…

November 25, 2014

Ellwood City to Honor Fallen Firefighters 25 Years Later

by Ryan Shaffer On Saturday, Dec. 6, at 11 a.m., the Ellwood City Volunteer Fire Department will hold a memorial service to pay tribute to two firefighters who lost their lives fighting a structure fire on Lawrence Avenue. Nearly 25 years ago, on Dec. 4, 1989, David “Ernie” Martino and Paul Frederick entered the Elton Hotel, formerly located in the vacant lot between PNC Bank and Nido’s Beauty Salon, and never came back out. Fire chief Rick Myers explained the significance of their actions on that cold winter morning. “They paid the ultimate sacrifice for this community,” Myers said. “Every…

November 13, 2014

Young Girl WIth Hirschprung’s Disease Inspires with Smiles

by Ryan Shaffer Imagine a crisp, sunny spring day with colorful flowering erupting from the Earth during first bloom. The sun beams softly onto them as they awaken from their lengthy winter hibernation, and the effervescent dew gleans on the bright petals. Ellwood City’s Nan Beachem gets to enjoy that same warm feeling everyday when she sees her daughter Kyree’s captivating smile. Twenty-four years ago, Beachem began her commitment to altruism when she and her then-husband started fostering newborn children until adoption became available. It took little time for the two to move on to older children who needed transitioned…

October 24, 2014

One Tomato, Two Tomato, Three Tomato, More

Nearly six months ago, Nino Riccio took a leap of faith and invested in the combination of his two New Castle restaurants. On Nov. 1, the chef and business owner plans to hold a soft opening for the II Tomato doors at its newer, larger location at 2409 Wilmington Road. The restaurant will then be open to the public Monday, Nov. 3. Riccio, who lives in Ellwood City, wanted to free himself up from the constant ten-minute drive between II Tomato, a fine dining establishment on East Long Avenue, and III Tomato, a sandwich shop and pizzeria on Wilmington Road….

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