Published Sunday, November 24, 2002
Herald Staff Writer
Two Adelphia maintenance technicians volunteered to spend 24-hours on top a utility pole -- all for a good cause.
Curtis Beckman of Hermitage and Randy Graham of Clark braved cold weather Saturday to help raise awareness and donations for Clark's tornado victims.
Exactly two weeks ago today an F-2 tornado displaced many local residents when winds topping 155 mph whipped through areas of Clark and South Pymatuning Township.
Beckman and Graham, whose home escaped damage, situated themselves on top of a power pole at the entrance of the Shenango Valley Mall while Salvation Army volunteers garnered cash and food donations nearby. The event was planned in conjunction with the Salvation Army.
Family members and other Adelphia employees also faced the cold to support the fellows.
"I think that it's a very honorable thing that they're doing," said Beckman's wife, Kim.
"They're very loyal to (Adelphia)," Valerie Graham, Graham's wife, added.
The women were joined by their children who held signs to attract passersby. The response the children received was overwhelming, Mrs. Graham said.
"More people responded when the children stood out there," she said.
Passing cars honked in support while some drivers stopped to toss money into the donation pot.
Todd Williams, technical operations manager, said he came up with the idea for the benefit. Graham and Beckman readily agreed to do it, he said, referring to them as "good guys."
"They have a lot of guts and stamina," Williams said. "I don't know too many people who could do that. They're not getting paid for it and they weren't threatened. They just volunteered."
The technicians wore heavy jackets, pants and gloves and donned red and white striped hard hats over hoods to stay warm. They clenched to the pole using hand straps and gaffs which are metal boot spikes that anchor into the pole.
Graham's parents, Francis and Carol Graham of Clark showed up with coffee and a camera.
"This is the kind of guy Randy is," his father said. "If he can do something for somebody, he will."
Carol Graham said the two men were in each other's wedding before they began working for Adelphia.
"I think it's good because he's helping the people of Clark," said 9-year-old Kristen Beckman. "And I hope he stays warm," she added.
The men, who are good friends, were originally going to split the 24-hour shift, but decided to go up together to keep each other company.
Mrs. Beckman said she planned to stay there all night.
Wendy's restaurant donated lunch for the two Saturday, which they ate on the pole. The Salvation Army also provided constant supplies of soup. The men were allowed off the pole to use the bathroom, though one had to remain on the pole at all times.
Both men have worked for Adelphia for about 13 years. Adelphia Communications Corporation is the sixth largest television company in the country serving 3,500 communities in 32 states and Puerto Rico.