FREE! APRIL 2025 Vol. 21 Issue 11
Read us online at Local Easter Egg Hunts Page 14
messengerpaper.com Long Branch Community Grange to Host Cahal Dunne Page 9
English as a Second Language Program Finds Success at West Mifflin Area School District Page 29
Southpointe Chamber of Commerce to Merge with Washington County Chamber of Commerce The Southpointe Chamber of Commerce and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce have announced plans to merge-creating a unified collaboration of two significant chambers in the Greater Pittsburgh region. As part of the transaction, the Southpointe Chamber will merge its organization as well as assets such as Southpointe Magazine publication rights, member lists, email newsletter data, logos, website URLs, and events into the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. This merger combines the strengths of both organizations to enhance networking, resources, and opportunities for members in both organizations. “This is a concept that has been developing since the inception of the chamber in 1994,” said Don Hodor, Executive Director of the Southpointe Chamber of Commerce. “This merger of both organizations will provide access to a wider range of resources for all chamber members. This unified effort will make the Washington County Chamber of Commerce the most effective networking organization in the region. We are 100 percent supportive of the transaction and can only see a positive ‘win-win’ for all involved, especially our members.” Jeff Kotula, President of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce thanked Mr. Hodor for his leadership in utilizing the Southpointe Chamber to fully focus on the developPictured, Jeff Kotula (at left) President of the Washington ment of Southpointe Business Park. “For over 30 years, the Southpointe Chamber of County Chamber of Commerce and Don Hodor, Executive Commerce under Don Hodor’s leadership has fostered an environment for expansion in one Director of the Southpointe Chamber. of Pennsylvania’s leading multi-use parks-Southpointe. The merger of the Southpointe Chamber into ours will be the cornerstone of a renewed focus on the park and its business community. We hope to continue Don’s vision and achieve new opportunities for Washington County,” commented Kotula.
Monessen Community Cleanup Day – April 26 It is that time of year when we want to prepare our community for spring by cleaning our streets and parks of garbage and weeds. If you have a few hours to spare and the willingness to volunteer, we would love to see you on Saturday, April 26, at Madison Park. The park is located at the corner of 9th Street and Knox AVE in Monessen. The event is scheduled for 9:00AM – 1:00PM, but any amount of time is appreciated. Volunteers will be provided with vests, gloves, garbage bags, and lunch. The electronics drop off (for Monessen residents) is at the Monessen City Garage, 605 Parente BLVD, between 9:00AM – 1:00PM. The rain date has been scheduled for Saturday, May 3. Anyone having questions or wanting to volunteer should contact Karen Cosner at 724.396.9592 or email kcosner@cityofmonessen.com.