Monday, October 2, 1978, was a rather nice fall day, with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-50s.
It also was another big day for news in the Mid-Monongahela Valley, as is chronicled in a copy of The Valley Independent sent to us by a woman in Victory Hill.
The top story of the day recounted the transfer of patients from Charleroi-Monessen Hospital in North Charleroi to the new $25 million Monongahela Valley Hospital in Carroll Township.
Reporter Fred Hevia said the move went off "without a hitch" under the direction of Anthony M. Lombardi, executive director and administrator of MVH.
"Like a field general directing maneuvers," Lombardi "kept a close watch and made numerous decisions to see that the move-in went well - and it did," Hevia wrote of the activities of two days earlier.
In a sidebar to his lead story, Hevia also noted that Jeremiah Haines made history by being the first baby born at the new Monongahela Valley Hospital when he was delivered at 11:45 p.m. Saturday.
Tipping the scales a six-pounds, 12-ounces, Jeremiah was the son of Gary R. and Marlene Haines, of Pricedale.
The second baby born at the new hospital arrived about a half-hour later. She was Debby Lee Karol, daughter of Thomas E. and Debra Karol, of New Stanton.
Dr. C.E. Culbertson delivered both babies.
Meanwhile, the last baby born at the old hospital in North Charleroi also took up residence in the new MVH maternity unit as part of the transfer.
He was the son of Bill and Rebecca Mattey, of Rostraver Township, and weighed in at seven-pounds, 13-ounces when he was delivered by Dr. David Brougher.
Four days prior to the move from the North Charleroi facility, patients at the Monongahela Division (the former Memorial Hospital of Monongahela) were transferred to the new hospital.
Monongahela Valley Hospital was formed on July 1, 1972, as the result of a full asset consolidation of the former facilities.
In other area news on October 2, 1978, according to the newspaper:
- The Monessen Civic Center Authority Board approved a new agreement between the facility and the Monessen Midget Basketball League for the 1978-79 season. Bob Schrag chaired the meeting in the absence of Dave Koltash. Others in attendance were board members Ed Masci, John Koval, Tillie Kudlik, Major Corley and center director Susan Badzik.
- Mrs. William Brewer, of Washington Township, a member of the International Dollmakers Association of the World, presented the program for the Belle Vernon Tuesday Evening Club at its meeting in The American Legion home. Mrs. Brewer, who operated a doll and specialty shop from her home, displayed a number of her dolls.
- Jim Peel, manager of Pizza Hut in Belle Vernon, presented a check for $1,045 to United Way of Mon Valley Ambassador Doreen Sharpnack and Jerry Dill, executive director of UWMV. The monetary gift represented part of the proceeds from the restaurant's coupon calendar sale.
- Linda Solarchik was crowned as 1973 Football Fantasy Queen at Frazier High School during halftime ceremonies of the Commodores' game with Chartiers Houston. Miss Solarchik's court was comprised of Jancie Ritsko, Lisa Maszko, Terri Vargo, Karen Rusnock, Teresa Novak, Laura King, Lory Bartolomucci, Lisa Pellick, Lynne Bartolomucci, Bernadette Bianchi and Gianna Mucci.
On the sports front:
- Belle Vernon Area tuned up for its Big 10 Conference showdown with unbeaten Elizabeth Forward by throttling Steel Valley 21-2. The Leopards, coached by Jeff Petrucci, ran their record to 5-0-0 as Dan Wassilchalk, Dave Fields and Ron Martinelli scored touchdowns.
- Andre Smith set a new career rushing record as Mon Valley Catholic shut out Bishop Boyle of Homestead. Smith gained 59 yards on 10 carries to run his career total to 1,987 yards.
- The Dunlevy Redbirds bowed 3-1 to Pittsburgh Soccer Club in a Keystone League game. Bob Urwin scored the Redbirds' only goal on a play that involved passes by Dennis Laskey and Lou DeBernardi. Urwin's tally was the first of the season scored against the Falcons' goalie, Frank Bucci. Goalie Tom Villella, fullback Don Urwin and forward Randy Powell also turned in strong games for Dunlevy.
If you have memories of one your favorite days in history, please send them to me at ronpaglia@verizon.net or in care of The Valley Independent, Eastgate 19, Monessen, PA 15062.
