George Guido’s Best-Selling Book Series
features the History, Culture and stunning Sports Accomplishments of the Communities and People of the Alle-Kiski Valley. Buy his books here.
As the region was developing, what most of the residents of the AK Valley had in common was that the vast majority of them shared a fairly recent immigrant heritage.  Many arrived during the Great Northward Migration of African Americans who fled segregation and lack of opportunity in the rural south.  Others were the children and grandchildren of earlier arrivals from Eastern Europe, Germany, Italy, Greece and the Middle East.  The AK Valley was dotted with coal mines, mills and factories where the work was hard and luxuries were few.  But the communities in the valley were thriving. Athletic competition was hugely popular and sports excellence was encouraged and celebrated. And it is well known that the AK Valley had a great deal to celebrate.
To Purchase The Books:
Contact George At geoguido@earthlink.net.
To Receive A Signed Copy:
Send a check (add $4 for shipping/handling) to:
George Guido, 124 Illinois Drive, Lower Burrell, PA 15068
Alle-Kiski Sports History
This book recounts the unequaled accomplishments of the teams and individuals who shattered records, drawing national and international attention to this predominantly blue-collar region. There are photos and stories dating back to the beginnings of organized sports in the region, moving to the glory days—Ken-Hi’s legendary football coach Don Fletcher—the 90s and Highlands High School’s coach Rich Falter whose team shocked the WPIAL basketball world with a victory over Blackhawk High School at Duquesne University and many more accounts of breath-taking victories, heartbreaking losses and achievements that gain national attention.
New Kensington: The Photographic History
This book opens with a journey that takes place in 1669-1670 when a French explorer and his party came gliding down the Allegheny River and likely passed the flat flood plain that would one day be downtown New Kensington.  Fast forward a couple of centuries and readers are treated to one of the first photographs of New Kensington not long after a wildly successful land sale bringing in a total of $135,000.00 for the purchase of lots on what was once the flood plain.
Neighborhoods of the Alle-Kiski Valley
The neighborhoods outlined in this book have a rich and unique history, some dating back to the time when the rivers were the main mode of transportation. Many are towns and villages that grew around the coal industry or other industries. Some, like Johnetta and Charlesville, have disappeared, some are still thriving, and others have been repurposed. All have a flavor and a history that sets them apart.
Blog
George Guido has always had a love of local history—sports and otherwise. He developed his skills as a broadcast journalist in high school while working for local media. He covered the first televised high school football games for Westmoreland Cable TV-3 and WKPA Radio. George retired from the Valley News Dispatch and Trib Total Media on Dec. 31, 2022, although he continues to do some nostalgic and historical pieces. Besides writing books, George is well-known as a public speaker. George and his wife make their home in Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania.
Speaking Engagements/Events
HIRE AUTHOR GEORGE GUIDO TO SPEAK TO YOUR CLUB OR ORGANIZATION
Some of his most popular topics are:
1) Stories, legends and historical details about the neighborhoods of the AK Valley.
2) New Kensington, A Photographic History with stories and facts about it’s history and culture.
3) The amazing sports history of the communities of the AK Valley over the decades.
4). A combination of the AK Valley’s legendary sports history and stories of the region’s colorful neighborhoods.
