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JANUARY 2026 Vol. 22 Issue 8 Read us online at
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‘Frosty Frolic’ Event Set for February 7 in Coal Center Page 6
Monessen Businesses and Organizations Hold Holiday Event for Children Page12
‘Angel Tree’ Project Provides Over 500 Gifts Page 16
Local Rotary Clubs Collaborate to Assemble Care Bags for Families Facing Emergencies AARP Free Tax Preparation Appointments Beginning January 12 Free in-person tax preparation services, sponsored by AARP TaxAide, will be available on Mondays and Thursdays from 12:00 noon to 4:00PM in the Jefferson Hills Municipal Center community room for low to moderate income taxpayers of all ages. Federal, State, and Local tax returns as well as Property Tax/Rent Rebates can be completed in approximately one hour. All Tax-Aide Volunteers are annually trained, tested, and certified by the IRS. Appointments will be taken starting January 12 after 9:30AM using a new private phone number. On January 12, the new phone number will be available from the library at 412-6557741 and posted on the library website (jeffersonhillslibrary.org) and social media accounts.
Charleroi Fire Captain Matt Prentice with Mon-Yough River Valley Rotary member Greg Bednar
Donora Fire Chief Patsy Vince
Monessen Fire Chief Delmar Hepple with Mon-Yough River Valley Rotary President Donna Vesely
Following a survey conducted last Rotary year among local police and fire departments, Rotary Clubs across the Mon Valley identified a critical need in moments when individuals or families are removed from their homes due to fire, domestic incidents, or other emergencies. First responders noted that those affected often leave with nothing, and that having essential items available could offer immediate comfort—especially for young children. In response, area Rotary Clubs assembled ‘Care Bags’ designed to support families during these traumatic moments. Each bag includes a blanket, washcloth and towel, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, bottled water, snacks, cereal, and a microwaveable food item. Recognizing the unique impact crises have on children, every bag also contains at least one stuffed animal to provide emotional comfort. Throughout the Mon Valley, local Rotary Clubs have been distributing these Care Bags to police, fire departments, and emergency responders. Most recently, the Mon-Yough River Valley Rotary Club, in collaboration with the McMurray Rotary Club, provided bags to Monessen Fire and Police, Donora Fire and Police, and Charleroi Fire and Police. “This initiative reflects Rotary’s longstanding commitment to serving our communities and supporting those who protect them. While a small gesture, Rotarians hope these bags offer comfort and reassurance to individuals and families during some of their most difficult moments, Mon-Yough River Valley Rotary President Donna Vesely said. For more information about Rotary service projects in the Mon Valley or to learn how to get involved, please contact the Mon-Yough River Valley Rotary Club via its Facebook page or at: ddvesely@gmail.com