A familiar format again prevails today in response to inquiries from numerous readers about newsmakers of Yesteryear.
70 years ago
Monday, Jan. 22, 1945
More than 600 employees of the Corning Glass Works in Charleroi were honored at the annual service awards banquet. Leading those receiving recognition were Fred Ohliger, 65 years; Michael Duttine, 60, and Katie Kroll, 50. The honorees, each with at least 10 years of continuous service at Corning, showed a combined 10,000 years of employment with the company.
City Bakery, 528 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi, announced it will now be open daily, Mondays through Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Burgess James A. Miller of North Belle Vernon has ordered a quarantine on all dogs and cats in the borough in the wake of several people being bitten by a rabid cat. Miller said all cats and dogs running loose in the borough will be shot and charges for removal of carcasses will be assessed against the owners.
The promotion of Theodore J. Gladys of 808 First St., Monessen, from second to first lieutenant was announced by the Panama Coast Artillery Command. Gladys is a battery officer on duty with Col. William H. Sweet's harbor defense unit.
60 years ago
Saturday, Jan. 22, 1955
Roger Hotz scorched the nets for 33 points as California throttled Monongahela 84-64 in WPIAL Section 5-A basketball action last night. Tom Saxe added 17 points and Sergei Tuday 11 for the Trojans. Lee Matuga led the Wildcats with 21 and teammates Sam Malena (16) and Pete McCauley (14) also hit double digits.
Elsewhere, Bentleyville gained sole possession of first place in Section 18-B with a 59-54 win over Bethlehem Joint before a standing room only crowd at the winner's gym. Ron Salvitti led the way with 27 points for coach Steve Telleck's Bentleyville passers. Bob Corrigan hit 22 for the losers.
Festivities at Charleroi-Monessen Hospital's Open House were highlighted when Mrs. Francis Slezak of Charleroi, president of the Ladies Auxiliary, pinned an orchid on 82-year-old Mrs. Herman Heupel of Donora, who helped organize the Auxiliary in 1909. The three-day event was held to celebrate the opening of the hospital's $1 million annex. Among those taking part were Ken Jamison, superintendent of merchant trade products, and Charles Williams, wire mill superintendent for Pittsburgh Steel Company. One out of every $5 of the $301,000 donated to help pay for the annex came from Pittsburgh Steel and its employees at the Monessen and Allenport plants.
50 years ago
Friday, Jan. 22, 1965
An unusual twist prevailed in the election of officers for 1965 at the North Belle Vernon and Belle Vernon volunteer fire companies. Roy Hott, a resident of North Belle Vernon, was chosen as president of Belle Vernon Company No. 2, while Armand Sichi, a resident of Belle Vernon Borough, was named president of the NBV group.
Clara's Hair Fashion Salon, 727 Broad Ave., North Belle Vernon, is offering a permanent, style cut and set for only $10.
Mary Jo Wood, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Wood of North Charleroi, has been installed as worthy advisor of Charleroi Assembly, Order of Rainbow for Girls.
Fallowfield Junior High rallied for a 23-22 win over Perryopolis at the Perry gym to remain undefeated in Section 5 play. John Barkey had nine points for the winners, who are now 9-2 overall.
The Continental Trio of Dom Petaccia, Frank Mascara and Eddie Capozza will perform Saturday night at the Executive Motor Lodge near Greensburg. Meanwhile, Tiny Fries and his Quartet will be on stage at Paddy's Lounge in Rostraver, and DJ Terry Lee will spin the music at a teen record hop at Strickler's Barn.
40 years ago
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 1975
Mid Monongahela Valley pharmacists are sharply opposed to a new welfare prescription program scheduled to begin Feb. 1. According to a random survey by The Valley Independent, area druggists contend the proposed program will “increase paperwork and cut profit margins to an unmanageable level.”
Although the 1975 primary election is four months away, Peter Vargo announced his candidacy for a seat on the Rostraver Township Board of Commissioners. Incumbents Henry Holesapple, Thomas Patterson and Harold (Jack) Hazelbaker are expected to seek re-election.
The Monongahela Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution announced its area high school representatives in the state Good Citizen competition at follows: Kathleen Jones, Belle Vernon Area; Irene Yanchak, Bentworth; Kathryn Anderson, California Area; Karen Barnosky Charleroi Area; Daria Pishko, Monessen; Margaret Anne Ducato, Monongahela Valley Catholic; Iris F. Law (Donora Division) and Kimberly Popp (Monongahela Division), Ringgold.
Belle Vernon Area's undefeated girls wrapped up their third consecutive WPIAL section gymnastics title with an 84-20 win over visiting Hampton. Comprising coach Jim Weir's team are Leslie Davis, Regina Carson, Lori Kunka, Beth Pasterick, Laurie Wells, Cindy Manown and Lisa Sefchok.
30 years ago
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 1985
Miller's in Charleroi is featuring an entire five-store stock sale of fabulous furs, with savings of 30 up to 50 percent off regular prices.
Ringgold rolled over Belle Vernon Area 61-33 in WPIAL Section 2 girls basketball action. Pacing the Lady Rams were Lisa Boyle, 16; Lisa Lorenzo, 14; Cheryl Tirpak, 11, and Missy Stainaker 10. Kim Kubin scored 12 for BVA.
Philip L. DeRienzo, who owns and operates funeral homes in Donora and Monongahela, has been elected president of the Southwestern Funeral Directors Association.
In a move to assure “continued quality service” and “correct imbalances in pricing,” Bell of Pennsylvania asked the Public Utility Commission for permission to revise rates for residential and business telephone customers. Bell said the new rates would increase revenues by $325 million.
20 years ago
Saturday, Jan. 21, 1995
(Jan. 22 was a Sunday.)
Duritza's supermarket at 735 Henry St., Belle Vernon, is offering double coupon savings and such bargains as these: Ground beef, 77 cents a pound; Ragu spaghetti sauce, 30-ounce jar, 99 cents; Borden ice cream, half-gallon, buy one, get one free.
A Happy Ad in The Valley Independent offered congratulations to Kim Taylor and Melissa Stimak for being selected to the District Band of Charleroi Area Middle School.
Four-year starter Jeff Gagatko needs only three points tonight against Farrell to hit the 1,000-points career mark for Monessen High's basketball team. Gagatko moved closer to the exclusive standard last night when he tallied 12 points in a 92-35 win over West Greene. Teammate Patric Green went over the 1,000 mark earlier this season.
California Area School Board authorized the district to review architectural proposals from a Butler firm for a child care center on the entire first floor of the former Phillipsburg School.
10 years ago
Saturday, Jan. 22, 2005
Monessen Police reminded residents that it is a violation of a city ordinance to shovel snow onto city streets and that fines can be imposed.
Mary Popovich of West Newton, who was in India when the tsunami hit there December 26, has been asked to develop an emergency management system in that country. She returned January 9 from India, where she taught advanced life support courses to physicians and medical students. An EMS instructor at California University of Pennsylvania, Popovich has been involved with emergency services for over 30 years.
Yough nipped Laurel Highlands 57-53 in a Section 3-A game last night. Ben McCauley led the Cougars (12-6) with 32 points.
Woody Stewart and Chuck McVicker each scored 18 points as California Area bounce West Greene 79-50 in Section 2-A action.
Playing under the Pittsburgh United Football Club banner, area booters finished fourth in the national Got Milk? 3-v-3 Soccer Tournament in Orlando, Fla. The PUFC unit included Ronnie Lupori, Tim Jaki, Allen Duda, Luke Paglia and Tim Cressman.
Brian Lee of WLSW will spin the Oldies at a Blast from the Blast dance tonight at the PNA Hall on Knox Avenue in Monessen.
Ron Paglia is a freelance writer for Trib Total Media.
(If you have memories to share or story ideas, contact Ron Paglia at ronpaglia@verizon.net or c/o The Valley Independent, Eastgate 19, Monessen, PA 15062).
