Thursday, October 8, 2009
Students take part in Pinwheel for Peace effort
September 22, 2009
PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
A child's toy and a simple message were the two ingredients of a worldwide effort.
"There shouldn't be fighting or wars," said K'von Tutson-Huddleston, a fifth-grader at George Washington Intermediate Elementary School.
Yesterday, students from George Washington and Harry W. Lockley Kindergarten Center participated in the fifth annual international Pinwheels for Peace."Pinwheels are one of the first symbols of childhood," said art teacher Ryan Miller, who organized the project at George Washington.
More than 700 fourth- through sixth-graders wrote poems about peace. Then, using markers, crayons and colored pencils, they created pinwheels. The school's fifth- and sixth-grade students placed their creations in the form of two peace signs in the school's front yard yesterday, while the fourth-graders lined the edge of the yard with their artwork.
"They understand the concept of peace," said Miller, who started the program in the district four years ago. "If they don't at the beginning, then at the end -- through the poems and talking about the project as a group -- they become more aware of what peace actually is."
Pinwheels for Peace is an offshoot of the United Nations' International Day of Peace, which is annually observed Sept. 21.
Sixth-graders Rosa Davies and Alexis Holmes each decorated their pinwheels with peace signs. "We can all come together," Rosa said. K'von highlighted one side of his pinwheel in New Castle's school colors -- black and red -- and the other side with a Christmas theme.
Following George Washington's lead, Lockley kindergarten teachers Chris Ferry, Sue DeRosa and Victoria Bober had their 62 students become involved.
"In our room, we talked about peace and getting along," DeRosa said. "We learned how to use your voice and not your fists to get along peacefully."
In addition to making pinwheels, the students crafted "peace sign" necklaces and engaged in role-playing exercises. Among the lessons taught were being nice, being kind and being helpful.
"All we asked them is, to draw something (on their pinwheels) that would make the world beautiful," Bober said.
Friends holding hands and rainbows were among the themes the children presented.
"They really do understand more than sometimes what you give them credit for," Bober said. "They do know there are wars going on in the world."
Fireman, paramedic deliver baby
Oct. 7, 2009
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
An air of excitement surrounds the birth of a newborn child.
Frank John Donnelly turned the thrill switch up a notch Friday night.
When Johnna Donnelly’s water broke around 10 p.m., she readied for the trip to the hospital. The Highland Avenue resident called her mother to come over and look after her oldest son. She then waited for her husband, John, to return from walking the dog.
Johnna Donnelly didn’t expect an at-home birth.
“It just happened that fast,” she said yesterday.
An hour passed, the baby started to crown. Donnelly said her mother panicked and called 911.
Good move.
A New Castle Fire Department crew — assistant fire chief Jim Donston, firefighter/paramedic Mike Kobbe and firefighter/paramedic Larry Coyne — was alerted at 11:04 p.m. and arrived four minutes later. A Noga Ambulance crew of Capt. Dan Yoder and Bobbi Motter was close behind.
“Childbirth was imminent,” Donston said. “I got on scene, and she was on the living room floor in labor.
“Before Dan got there, the head delivered.”
Yoder entered the room and Donston called him over.
“I walk around the corner (and) Jim says, ‘Dan, I got a problem here,’ ” Yoder said. “I run 1,000 calls a year — half of them in the city of New Castle, and probably 200 of them with Jim. And if Jim says, ‘There’s a problem’ — there’s a problem.”
The umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck, and the head had turned blue.
“I told her, ‘We’re in trouble here. With this next push, you’ve got to give it everything you have,” Donston said. “And she did.”
The initial push allowed Yoder to release the pressure created by the umbilical cord. Two more pushes: the baby’s out and the cord untangled.
Kobbe cut the cord. Yoder suctioned the baby’s mouth and nose. Within a minute, the blue disappeared, replaced by a pink color.
Meet Frank John Donnelly — 8 pounds, 2 ounces and 20 inches long. Time and date of birth: 11:12 p.m. Oct. 2, 2009.
“Sometimes women will be in labor for 20 hours after their water (breaks),” Kobbe said. “It was one of those cases where it happened really quick.
“It was a very healthy delivery. The baby was perfect. There were no complications other than the cord.”
Yoder stimulated the baby, dried him, warmed the child and handed off the crying newborn to Motter. The baby, placed in a foil blanket and towel, and mother then headed to Jameson Hospital.
“It was perfectly timed,” Johnna Donnelly joked. “I’m tired, sore.”
Mother and son remained in the hospital for two days as Frank John was kept on oxygen and monitored.
“The fire department here is phenomenal,” Donnelly said. “They are great first responders.”
In addition to the fire department and Noga, she thanked the maternity ward nurses and Dr. Pek Teh for their care.
“It’s nice to bring somebody into the world,” Yoder said, “instead of ... trying to keep them from leaving.”
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
An air of excitement surrounds the birth of a newborn child.
Frank John Donnelly turned the thrill switch up a notch Friday night.
When Johnna Donnelly’s water broke around 10 p.m., she readied for the trip to the hospital. The Highland Avenue resident called her mother to come over and look after her oldest son. She then waited for her husband, John, to return from walking the dog.
Johnna Donnelly didn’t expect an at-home birth.
“It just happened that fast,” she said yesterday.
An hour passed, the baby started to crown. Donnelly said her mother panicked and called 911.
Good move.
A New Castle Fire Department crew — assistant fire chief Jim Donston, firefighter/paramedic Mike Kobbe and firefighter/paramedic Larry Coyne — was alerted at 11:04 p.m. and arrived four minutes later. A Noga Ambulance crew of Capt. Dan Yoder and Bobbi Motter was close behind.
“Childbirth was imminent,” Donston said. “I got on scene, and she was on the living room floor in labor.
“Before Dan got there, the head delivered.”
Yoder entered the room and Donston called him over.
“I walk around the corner (and) Jim says, ‘Dan, I got a problem here,’ ” Yoder said. “I run 1,000 calls a year — half of them in the city of New Castle, and probably 200 of them with Jim. And if Jim says, ‘There’s a problem’ — there’s a problem.”
The umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck, and the head had turned blue.
“I told her, ‘We’re in trouble here. With this next push, you’ve got to give it everything you have,” Donston said. “And she did.”
The initial push allowed Yoder to release the pressure created by the umbilical cord. Two more pushes: the baby’s out and the cord untangled.
Kobbe cut the cord. Yoder suctioned the baby’s mouth and nose. Within a minute, the blue disappeared, replaced by a pink color.
Meet Frank John Donnelly — 8 pounds, 2 ounces and 20 inches long. Time and date of birth: 11:12 p.m. Oct. 2, 2009.
“Sometimes women will be in labor for 20 hours after their water (breaks),” Kobbe said. “It was one of those cases where it happened really quick.
“It was a very healthy delivery. The baby was perfect. There were no complications other than the cord.”
Yoder stimulated the baby, dried him, warmed the child and handed off the crying newborn to Motter. The baby, placed in a foil blanket and towel, and mother then headed to Jameson Hospital.
“It was perfectly timed,” Johnna Donnelly joked. “I’m tired, sore.”
Mother and son remained in the hospital for two days as Frank John was kept on oxygen and monitored.
“The fire department here is phenomenal,” Donnelly said. “They are great first responders.”
In addition to the fire department and Noga, she thanked the maternity ward nurses and Dr. Pek Teh for their care.
“It’s nice to bring somebody into the world,” Yoder said, “instead of ... trying to keep them from leaving.”
District feels state budget fallout
Oct. 8, 2009
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
The $5.3 million check is not in the mail.
Hiring a bill collector sounds tempting, but Joseph Ambrosini knows the effort would be futile. So the New Castle Area business manager — and his 499 counterparts — must wait for a resolution to the state budget impasse.
The city school board passed a $38 million budget for the 2009-2010 year. Ambrosini said that since July, the district paid $6 million for salaries, debt service and other expenditures.
“Most school districts have been able to weather the storm,” he said. “The biggest portion of state subsidy that we receive is basic education subsidy. We missed an approximately $3 million payment in August.”
The state also provides block grants and special education funding. Overall, New Castle has been shorted $5.3 million.
A $6.7 million budget reserve in addition to $2.5 million received from property and payroll taxes have kept the district operating. The school system also receives federal dollars.
Ambrosini does not foresee revamping the district’s spending plan. One casualty, though, is a study focusing on the future of the city’s primary and kindergarten centers. Those plans remain uncertain until budget details are finalized.
“School districts are required to have their budgets in on time,” board member Karen Humphrey said. “I would hope the people in Harrisburg recognize the importance of having their budget in place.”
Ambrosini said the next state subsidy payment of $3.5 million is scheduled for December.
“To go beyond that point, then districts would have to come up with financial mechanisms, such as a line of credit,” he said.
Ambrosini said securing credit would be the worst-case scenario. If a budget is not approved by December, he is prepared to propose to the school board that the district obtain a $4 million to $5 million credit line.
“There are financial institutions that are currently writing them for school districts,” he said.
Ambrosini said he is in preliminary discussions with Pittsburgh-based PNC Bank.
Humphrey said the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV, which serves 27 school districts in Beaver, Lawrence and Mercer counties, discussed the loss of funding at the board’s September meeting.
“Business manager Bob Barber said he wasn’t ready to come and ask for it at that time,” said Humphrey, who sits on the 13-member board. “By the end of October, they would ask for approval.
“He said it would be the proper course of action he would need to take in order to meet payroll and other expenses.”
Ambrosini said the impasse has forced districts to keep cash readily available and out of investment funds.
“However, certificates of deposit are not getting the best return on investment.”
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
The $5.3 million check is not in the mail.
Hiring a bill collector sounds tempting, but Joseph Ambrosini knows the effort would be futile. So the New Castle Area business manager — and his 499 counterparts — must wait for a resolution to the state budget impasse.
The city school board passed a $38 million budget for the 2009-2010 year. Ambrosini said that since July, the district paid $6 million for salaries, debt service and other expenditures.
“Most school districts have been able to weather the storm,” he said. “The biggest portion of state subsidy that we receive is basic education subsidy. We missed an approximately $3 million payment in August.”
The state also provides block grants and special education funding. Overall, New Castle has been shorted $5.3 million.
A $6.7 million budget reserve in addition to $2.5 million received from property and payroll taxes have kept the district operating. The school system also receives federal dollars.
Ambrosini does not foresee revamping the district’s spending plan. One casualty, though, is a study focusing on the future of the city’s primary and kindergarten centers. Those plans remain uncertain until budget details are finalized.
“School districts are required to have their budgets in on time,” board member Karen Humphrey said. “I would hope the people in Harrisburg recognize the importance of having their budget in place.”
Ambrosini said the next state subsidy payment of $3.5 million is scheduled for December.
“To go beyond that point, then districts would have to come up with financial mechanisms, such as a line of credit,” he said.
Ambrosini said securing credit would be the worst-case scenario. If a budget is not approved by December, he is prepared to propose to the school board that the district obtain a $4 million to $5 million credit line.
“There are financial institutions that are currently writing them for school districts,” he said.
Ambrosini said he is in preliminary discussions with Pittsburgh-based PNC Bank.
Humphrey said the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV, which serves 27 school districts in Beaver, Lawrence and Mercer counties, discussed the loss of funding at the board’s September meeting.
“Business manager Bob Barber said he wasn’t ready to come and ask for it at that time,” said Humphrey, who sits on the 13-member board. “By the end of October, they would ask for approval.
“He said it would be the proper course of action he would need to take in order to meet payroll and other expenses.”
Ambrosini said the impasse has forced districts to keep cash readily available and out of investment funds.
“However, certificates of deposit are not getting the best return on investment.”
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Board awaits facilities report
Aug. 27, 2009
Board awaits facilities report
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
A report offering guidance to the New Castle Area School Board will be released soon.
Donna Donati hopes it doesn’t sit on a shelf.
“I would like them to take it seriously,” she said.
While board president, Donati established a community-based committee a year ago to determine the district’s facility needs. The group centered on the kindergarten and primary centers.
A part of the equation involved the buildings. Declining district enrollment and project funding were two other pieces. While the needs were obvious, financial and political pressures are expected to steer the board’s decision.
“This isn’t a great time to propose anything,” said David A. Esposito of Eckles Architecture and Engineering, which is overseeing the study. “There’s so much uncertainty with the governor’s budget.”
Superintendent George Gabriel said he anticipates the committee’s final meeting to take place next month.
Eckles presented eight options to the group in June. The architectural firm then narrowed its focus to two proposals. Once would update the Harry W. Lockley kindergarten center in addition to the John F. Kennedy, Thaddeus Stevens and West Side primary centers. The other plan involves the construction of a primary center and renovation of the kindergarten center.
Committee member Kimberly Koller-Jones said consolidation of district facilities makes sense.
“It’s all about making choices,” she said. “(The board) would almost have to go on a campaign and explain why (to the residents).”
The committee asked Esposito to investigate additional funding sources. He will present the information at the group’s next gathering.
The state budget crisis also has influenced the process.
“Part of the report involves incorporating some of the district’s programs,” Donati said. “If those programs are not funded, it impacts how consolidation is done.”
Once the report is finalized, the board has two years to act. After that, the Pennsylvania Department of Education requires an updated study.
“It’s not like it’s milk and the report spoils,” Esposito said. “(However,) the longer it drags out there’s inflation and costs dragging out.”
Whatever the committee’s recommendations, Donati doesn’t expect board support. She questioned whether her peers are concerned with declining enrollment and the associated issues of salaries and transportation costs.
“They are mainly interested in just the moment,” she said. “They don’t think about the ramifications of policies.”
Gabriel said he expects the board to review current finances and fiscal projections before committing to the project.
“We have been and continue to look at staffing,” he added.
Board awaits facilities report
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
A report offering guidance to the New Castle Area School Board will be released soon.
Donna Donati hopes it doesn’t sit on a shelf.
“I would like them to take it seriously,” she said.
While board president, Donati established a community-based committee a year ago to determine the district’s facility needs. The group centered on the kindergarten and primary centers.
A part of the equation involved the buildings. Declining district enrollment and project funding were two other pieces. While the needs were obvious, financial and political pressures are expected to steer the board’s decision.
“This isn’t a great time to propose anything,” said David A. Esposito of Eckles Architecture and Engineering, which is overseeing the study. “There’s so much uncertainty with the governor’s budget.”
Superintendent George Gabriel said he anticipates the committee’s final meeting to take place next month.
Eckles presented eight options to the group in June. The architectural firm then narrowed its focus to two proposals. Once would update the Harry W. Lockley kindergarten center in addition to the John F. Kennedy, Thaddeus Stevens and West Side primary centers. The other plan involves the construction of a primary center and renovation of the kindergarten center.
Committee member Kimberly Koller-Jones said consolidation of district facilities makes sense.
“It’s all about making choices,” she said. “(The board) would almost have to go on a campaign and explain why (to the residents).”
The committee asked Esposito to investigate additional funding sources. He will present the information at the group’s next gathering.
The state budget crisis also has influenced the process.
“Part of the report involves incorporating some of the district’s programs,” Donati said. “If those programs are not funded, it impacts how consolidation is done.”
Once the report is finalized, the board has two years to act. After that, the Pennsylvania Department of Education requires an updated study.
“It’s not like it’s milk and the report spoils,” Esposito said. “(However,) the longer it drags out there’s inflation and costs dragging out.”
Whatever the committee’s recommendations, Donati doesn’t expect board support. She questioned whether her peers are concerned with declining enrollment and the associated issues of salaries and transportation costs.
“They are mainly interested in just the moment,” she said. “They don’t think about the ramifications of policies.”
Gabriel said he expects the board to review current finances and fiscal projections before committing to the project.
“We have been and continue to look at staffing,” he added.
Felasco receives 3 years probation
Sept. 9, 2009
Felasco receives 3 years probation
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
PITTSBURGH — Judge Gustave Diamond refused to excuse Gary F. Felasco’s criminal conduct during yesterday’s sentencing hearing.
However, the U.S. senior district justice could not ignore what the former Lawrence County treasurer has told federal authorities since August 2006.
Facing four to 10 months in prison, Felasco received three years probation for failing to file a 2005 federal tax return. The first six months will be spent under home detention.
“(Felasco) has brought to light some mind-boggling (allegations of) corruption in Lawrence County,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan T. Conway said.
“We have been able to corroborate everything Mr. Felasco has said. We believe he will continue to cooperate.”
Felasco’s attorney, James J. Ross, and Conway each said Felasco has acted “exemplary.” Investigations have been initiated as a result.
“The cooperation has been truthful and complete,” Ross said.
One such effort involves a mortgage fraud probe centered on Affordable Housing of Lawrence County and First Commonwealth Bank.
Robert Ratkovich of 512 Norwood Ave. pleaded guilty to one count of bank and mail fraud conspiracy and one count of money laundering conspiracy. He is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 28.
Neshannock Township resident Anthony J. Staph Jr. entered a “not guilty” plea on July 21 in response to one count of bank fraud. Pretrial motions in his case will take place Oct. 30.
Nicholas DeRosa of 221 N. Cascade St. is scheduled to be arraigned at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 1 on one count of bank fraud, two counts of mail fraud and one count of money laundering conspiracy.
To keep details of his assistance confidential, Diamond approved the government’s motion to have its sentencing report sealed.
“The public revelation of the extent of (Felasco’s) cooperation would unfairly reveal information related in individuals that have not been charged with criminal offense and may detrimentally effect ongoing investigations,” the government wrote.
Diamond agreed that Felasco’s cooperation has been substantial. He said he expects future indictments as a result.
Despite the nature of Felasco’s crime, the judge said his cooperation should be rewarded.
“I’m just sorry for the harm I caused so many people,” Felasco said to the judge.
As a condition of the probation, Diamond ordered the Warren, Pa., resident to make arrangements with the Internal Revenue Service for the payment of back taxes, penalties and interest.
Felasco’s presentence report, issued in late July, noted the IRS did not collect $10,000 for the 2005 tax year. Felasco earned $44,568 as county treasurer in 2005. He collected an additional $35,000, which the government said he received as the result of alleged illegal activity relating to Affordable Housing.
Diamond did not levy a fine against Felasco, who does not work as the result of a undisclosed disability.
Another federal agency, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, has maintained an interest in the cases involving Felasco and Affordable Housing. HUD funds were used in the creation of the nonprofit housing agency.
“At this time, HUD will await the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings and then determine the appropriate steps to protect the taxpayer’s interest,” said Maria Bynum, HUD’s regional public affairs director in Philadelphia.
Felasco receives 3 years probation
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
PITTSBURGH — Judge Gustave Diamond refused to excuse Gary F. Felasco’s criminal conduct during yesterday’s sentencing hearing.
However, the U.S. senior district justice could not ignore what the former Lawrence County treasurer has told federal authorities since August 2006.
Facing four to 10 months in prison, Felasco received three years probation for failing to file a 2005 federal tax return. The first six months will be spent under home detention.
“(Felasco) has brought to light some mind-boggling (allegations of) corruption in Lawrence County,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan T. Conway said.
“We have been able to corroborate everything Mr. Felasco has said. We believe he will continue to cooperate.”
Felasco’s attorney, James J. Ross, and Conway each said Felasco has acted “exemplary.” Investigations have been initiated as a result.
“The cooperation has been truthful and complete,” Ross said.
One such effort involves a mortgage fraud probe centered on Affordable Housing of Lawrence County and First Commonwealth Bank.
Robert Ratkovich of 512 Norwood Ave. pleaded guilty to one count of bank and mail fraud conspiracy and one count of money laundering conspiracy. He is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 28.
Neshannock Township resident Anthony J. Staph Jr. entered a “not guilty” plea on July 21 in response to one count of bank fraud. Pretrial motions in his case will take place Oct. 30.
Nicholas DeRosa of 221 N. Cascade St. is scheduled to be arraigned at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 1 on one count of bank fraud, two counts of mail fraud and one count of money laundering conspiracy.
To keep details of his assistance confidential, Diamond approved the government’s motion to have its sentencing report sealed.
“The public revelation of the extent of (Felasco’s) cooperation would unfairly reveal information related in individuals that have not been charged with criminal offense and may detrimentally effect ongoing investigations,” the government wrote.
Diamond agreed that Felasco’s cooperation has been substantial. He said he expects future indictments as a result.
Despite the nature of Felasco’s crime, the judge said his cooperation should be rewarded.
“I’m just sorry for the harm I caused so many people,” Felasco said to the judge.
As a condition of the probation, Diamond ordered the Warren, Pa., resident to make arrangements with the Internal Revenue Service for the payment of back taxes, penalties and interest.
Felasco’s presentence report, issued in late July, noted the IRS did not collect $10,000 for the 2005 tax year. Felasco earned $44,568 as county treasurer in 2005. He collected an additional $35,000, which the government said he received as the result of alleged illegal activity relating to Affordable Housing.
Diamond did not levy a fine against Felasco, who does not work as the result of a undisclosed disability.
Another federal agency, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, has maintained an interest in the cases involving Felasco and Affordable Housing. HUD funds were used in the creation of the nonprofit housing agency.
“At this time, HUD will await the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings and then determine the appropriate steps to protect the taxpayer’s interest,” said Maria Bynum, HUD’s regional public affairs director in Philadelphia.
DeRosa arraignment moved again
September 2, 2009
Nicholas DeRosa’s arraignment in a mortgage fraud case has been moved a second time.
A federal grand jury indicted the retired New Castle school administrator on one count of bank fraud, two counts of mail fraud and one count of money laundering conspiracy. The charges, announced July 14, are the result of an investigation involving Affordable Housing of Lawrence County and First Commonwealth Bank.
DeRosa was scheduled to appear in court this morning in downtown Pittsburgh. His new arraignment is set for 9:30 a.m. Oct. 1 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert C. Mitchell.
A potential conflict of interest arose between DeRosa and his attorney, Efrem M. Grail of Reed Smith LLP in Pittsburgh. Grail is being considered for the appointment of U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
A replacement for current U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan has not been named.
In paperwork filed Aug. 27, Grail said DeRosa wishes to retain him as counsel.
Despite the government’s objection to Grail’s motion, U.S. Magistrate Amy Reynolds Hay approved the request.
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