- Last Updated on Friday, 31 May 2013 21:58
The May meeting of the Mid-Mon Valley Shipmates was called to order by Commander Bill Hess and after the playing of the Navy Hymn, Rev Fred Pfeil gave the opening prayer and Pat Maloy led the group with the pledge to the flag.
The meeting was put on hold as Barry Anders introduced Scott Frederick, who gave a very interesting talk about the Cincinnati Mine Explosion that occurred in 1913. The Cincinnati Mine was one of 13 mines that was located between Donora and Monongahela. The explosion was felt valley wide and is numbered as the 6th worst mine disaster in America. Of the approximately 250 miners that particular day, 97 miners were killed and 3 are still unaccounted for. The miners were in mine shafts a mile and a half deep at the time of the explosion. Mr. Frederick displayed a map of the area at that time and gave the locations of these sites as of today. This was indeed a very interesting presentation and Mr. Frederick entertained a Q&A upon conclusion of this disaster.
After Cdm Bill Hess welcomed back to the meeting of Elmer Truskey, Noel Sawyer and Joe Acton, Shipmate Elmer Truskey thanked the shipmates for their donation to his family during the time of their need and Shipmate Acton expressed his sincere thank you for all the cards, phone calls and visitations during his time of illness.
Fred Owens reported for the Washington County Veterans committee. If any veteran hasn't had a physical taken in the last 2 years, they will lose their eligibility for benefits and he recommended that they go to the VA Hospital for same. The VA will also help you look for job placement.
Flag day services will be held on June 14 at the Chess Memorial Park Gazebo at 7:00 pm. Shipmates are requested to be there by 6:30 pm, Summer uniforms with bib.
Marshall Lignian reported that the Flag Committee has three more schools scheduled for this year and that will conclude the program for the 2012-13 school year. George Hutchko reported that Flag Burning will be conducted on Friday the 11 at 1:00 pm in the parking lot at the American Legion Home. Yeoman Caldwell reported that 9 members have not paid their dues for this year.
George Essey reported for Joe Gallo on the picnic situation for this year. The indoor picnic in the hall at St Anthony is not available this year due to the fact that church service has resumed at St Anthony. The picnic grounds is available on Saturday and/or the hall is available on Sunday. After a discussion, it was moved and approved to hold the indoor picnic in the hall on Sunday, July 28, from 2 to 5 pm.
A letter was received from Jonathan Baker, a Boy Scout from Belle Vernon, who has made his community project to refurbish the Army Tank, including the immediate area around the tank, located in the Monessen City Park, and is asking for monetary assistance. This is one requirement that he has to complete to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. A motion was made and approved to donate $200.00 to this young Boy Scout for his project.
