FARRELL, WHEATLAND

When Ted Pedas announced he was retiring as planetarium director at Farrell Area School District, he overheard some unflattering chit-chat.

"We won't see him again," Pedas said people commented about him.

But even though he no longer is being paid by the district, he still is making his annual donation for a host of programs.

"He's not done yet," said Superintendent Richard R. Rubano Jr.

Monday, Pedas, presented the school board a check for $30,980.

It was Pedas' 33rd annual donation, lifting his total to $396,992.

"I plan to be here again next year," said Pedas, who acknowledged only being "kind of retired."

But Pedas, 63, of 262 Fruit Ave., Farrell, also will be donating more than money to the district: He has agreed to contribute some of his time.

Pedas will return to the district as a planetarium volunteer.

The 1956 Farrell High graduate proposed working about 30 days a year, and he would choose different grades to work with each year. For this year, he wants to focus on grades nine through 12.

Pedas noted that the number of school planetariums has fallen statewide from 300 when he started in 1969 -- the year Farrell's was built -- to fewer than 30. He blamed the decline on budget cuts and districts losing interest in planetariums when key staff people leave.

Of the 14 programs Pedas is funding, the largest is for supplies, equipment and maintenance of the planetarium, which bears his name.

"I don't expect the district to provide any monies for the upkeep of the planetarium," he said.

Pedas, who organizes science- and history-themed sea cruises, said he also would be available to conduct astronomy, space and science workshops for teachers and staff.

"I do this because I love the school and the community, and I will do this as long as I can," he said of his philanthropy. "I make this oath to you."

School board members took turns praising Pedas' generosity.

"Thanks to people like you, Farrell is still a good place to raise your kids," said board member Lester Robinson Jr.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Joe Pinchot at jpinchot@sharonherald.com