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LOCAL NEWS
Donora Hosts Veterans Day Parade With Pride By Jill Brown Despite the cold weather, the crowds turned out on November 12, 2016 for the Veterans Day Parade, which was hosted this year by the borough of Donora. The Washington and Westmoreland County parade rotates annually among Donora, Monessen, Charleroi, Monongahela, and Washington, according to Ron Janney, Treasurer of Veterans Council. The American Legion Post 212 Ladies Auxillary organized a veterans walk along Col. John Gonzales was the McKean Ave. Volunteers painted stars with Grand Marshal at the event. veterans’ names on them on the streets in Donora from Third to Seventh St. for $5. There were many festivities and fundraising events leading up to the parade. All proceeds benefitted the parade and events. Veterans Day observances were held at 11 a.m. on November 12 with services at the A. P. Delsandro Memorial. The parade kicked off at 3 p.m. sharp with lineup at 2 p.m. at the intersection of Third St. and Meldon Ave. before the parade began on McKean. Col. John Gonzales from Carroll Township, residing This Ringgold High School Band showed now in Washington DC, was the parade their support for our vets. marshal. He works at the Pentagon. He said it was “quite an honor and wonderful to serve as grand marshal in the parade.” Many marched to show tribute to the heroes who served in our country. Six high school bands participated in the parade - Ringgold, Monessen, Belle Vernon, California area, Washington and Charleroi area. Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops attended, along with various military organizations. Dignitaries from the state and county attended, including all county commissioners and State Senator Camera Bartolotta. Parade organizer DeAnne Pavelko, Mayor Pavelko’s wife, said, “They [the borough] worked hard to prepare to welcome the parade participants. They’re ready, and it’s an honor to be on the committee. I always look forward to working with the veterans, although I’m not a vet.” Veterans showed their pride as they came out in full force. Thanks go out to those who held the parade and all who attended!
Central Volunteer Fire Company Train Show Planned for January 7th and 8th The Central Volunteer Fire Company 2nd annual train show will be held January 7 and 8, 2017. It will be held at the Court Time Sports Complex, 95 Enterprise Drive, in Elizabeth Township from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Cost is $5 at the door for everyone over 12 years old; the event is free for those under 12. Group rates are available for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, police, firefighters, and EMS. Any questions, call 412-751-9712.
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NEWS FROM THE DONORA HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND SMOG MUSEUM Cement City Walking Tours A slightly overcast October 2 Sunday afternoon greeted 22 guests on our most recent Cement City Home and Walking Tour. This closes out our sixth year of hosting architectural and historical enthusiasts from all over Southwestern PA and beyond. This also completes our third year of hosting tours in both the spring and fall. We anticipate hosting two tours again next year on Sunday, April 23 and then again in September/October in celebration of the centennial anniversary of our beloved Historic District, completed 100 years ago in 1917. The tours started at the museum with a photo presentation on Thomas Edison’s Cement City, as well as the showing of artifacts and original blueprints during the construction from 1916 and 1917. A walking tour followed in the Historic District to point out various architectural details. The walk concluded by touring the interior of three homes that have a couple of rooms restored to period. If you have any questions about Cement City or one of our Home and Walking Tours, consult our website and click the “Cement City” tab, or call or email the historical society.
Game Films Make a Great Christmas Gift! If you’re looking for a very unique Christmas gift this year, keep in mind that amongst the many items that the Donora Historical Society has in its collection are over 80 reels of football and basketball game film of high school teams from all over the Mon Valley and Western Pennsylvania from 1963 to 1979. They are original 16mm films that are still in the process of being converted to DVD. Some games even show significant footage of the band, majorettes and color guards. Please give enough lead time to fill orders in time for Christmas. If you have any interest or have questions on exactly which games we have, please consult the Historical Society by voice mail or email listed below, or see the full list of games on the website under the “Game Films” tab.
Winter Reading …Or Another Christmas Gift Idea The Donora Historical Society is selling a limited number of copies of the new Stan “The Man” Musial book titled: “Stan Musial: Baseball Hero.” This is part of the “Notable Missourians” book series and is ideal for the collector or youth reader as a Christmas present. These books are geared for young adults. The society is able to sell these books at a 40% discount from the cover price or $20. Other Stan Musial books are also available for purchase as authored by New York Times writer George Vecsey and Donora native Wayne Stewart, as well as Monessen native and author Ralph E. Stone’s book, “Diary of a First Street Rambler,” that recounts his experiences of growing up in Monessen as a youth as well as stories about Donora and Stan Musial.
Additional Info If you have additional questions about the subjects above, the society, museum, meetings or are interested in volunteering, stop by on Saturdays or by appointment, email us at DonoraHistoricalSociety@gmail.com, call us at 724-823-0364 and leave a message, visit us at www.DonoraHistoricalSociety.org, or follow us and like us on Facebook at “Donora Historical Society and Smog Museum.”
New Year’s Eve Party Planned by Valley Inn Ladies Auxiliary The Valley Inn Ladies Auxiliary is hosting a New Year’s Eve party, December 31, 2016 from 9 p.m. -1 a.m. at the Valley Inn Social Hall, Snyder Ave., Monongahela. Buffet at midnight, beer, pop, BYOB, 50/50, Chinese auction, DJ-“5 Minutes of Fame.” Tickets are $25 per person or $35 per couple in advance. $30 per person at the door. You must be 21 years old. Call 724-747-0921 for information and tickets. All proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the Valley Inn Volunteer Fire Dept.