Award delivered to postmaster

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BEECH BOTTOM - A local postmaster known for his friendly and courteous manner received a special delivery Tuesday, as Frank Purpura was presented Beech Bottom Council's Citizen of the Year award.

"We're fortunate and privileged to have Frank for our postmaster," said Mayor George Lewis, as he presented a plaque commemorating the honor to the veteran postal worker.

Village Recorder Linda Dowell said Purpura is known for his pleasant demeanor at all times.

"He's always got a smile on his face. He's always cheerful," she said, noting he's known for treating all customers in a courteous and friendly manner and giving lollipops to children who visit.

In his 36th year with the Postal Service, Purpura said he's served the communities of several area post offices and enjoyed all of them, but Beech Bottom is his favorite.

"I love coming to work every morning," he said, adding the award "was a total surprise. I didn't expect anything like this."

An Army Vietnam War veteran, Purpura said he entered the Postal Service following his discharge and after learning his military service would be applied to his years of employment.

He said he had enjoyed delivering newspapers as a boy, and the thought of working as a mail carrier wasn't unpleasant to him.

An avid runner for many years, he's been known to take walks during his lunch breaks.

Over the years, Purpura worked his way up from a clerk in the Wheeling office to his present position.

The father and stepfather of three and grandfather of two, Purpura lives in Wheeling with his wife of 18 years, Sharlet.

The Beech Bottom Citizen of the Year award was established in 2007 to recognize someone who lives or works in Beech Bottom and has worked to make it a better place. It is presented on the Beech Bottom Council meeting closest to Nov. 17, the village's anniversary.

Purpura's name will be added to those of previous recipients Ethel Haddon and Judy Lewis on a plaque displayed at the Beech Bottom Municipal Building.

In other business, Mayor George Lewis said crews would soon be laying concrete around the park's new swing set today. He said renovations to the playground were delayed by the discovery of additional concrete buried beneath the park.

Lewis expressed thanks to Keith Yost Excavating of Wellsburg for removing the material and to volunteers Bob Sadler, a village councilman; Bill Sadler and Annie Lewis, his daughter; for the free labor they provided during the project.

He also applauded the efforts of Harry W. Trushel Construction of Weirton, the contractor for the project, which involved the replacement of aging equipment at the park with a fort-themed playset, expansion of the basketball court to regulation size and new fencing.

In addition to $60,000 in village funds, the renovations were funded by a $60,000 federal Land and Water Conservation grant, $3,000 grant from the Northern Panhandle Resource Conservation District and $1,000 contribution from Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino and Racetrack, which operates dog kennels in Beech Bottom.

Local children also are raised money for the improvements through the collection of recyclable aluminum cans in an effort spearheaded by Judy Lewis, the mayor's wife.

Councilman Greg Sheperd said the village will apply for an additional $3,000 to extend fencing around the playground.

Councilman Ted Westfall said he's obtaining bids for security cameras for the park. Resident Linda Poland asked them to consider posting cameras at the Hill Street Park also.

Sheperd said improvements to the playground and the children's collection of recyclables were among factors that led to the village being one of six municipalities to receive the West Virginia Make It Shine Clean Community Award.

The award is given annually by the office of Gov. Manchin and the West Virginia Make It Shine Program to municipalities for extraordinary efforts to beautify and clean up their communities, according to state officials.

Early next year the village will receive two signs designating its receipt of the award.

Council members also commented that the recent paving of several streets and alleys has led to some motorists driving at excessive speeds.

Lewis suggested speed limit signs be posted in problem areas as a reminder.

In related business, council allocated up to $3,000 for the replacement of speed limit, stop and other traffic signs.

Sadler said the new signs will contain reflective material required by the state to increase their visibility.

Lewis announced the village's Christmas party will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Beech Bottom fire hall in cooperation with the village's fire department. Coordinated by Judy Lewis with support from many businesses, the event was attended by about 120 children and 50 adults.

Adults and youth attending the party also accompanied Santa Claus for a visit to Valley Haven Geriatric Center and local shut-ins, who received poinsettias.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)