Mon Valley Alliance may expand Charleroi project

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

As the owners of Bill’s Feed in Charleroi prepare for retirement, the Mon Valley Alliance has big plans for the site of the supply store. 

Rick and Debbie McGavitt have sold their property and two adjoining homes to the MVA and will retire later this summer after subleasing their store for the next two months to sell off inventory and get other items of business in order as they prepare to close a 25-year business. 

On Friday, the family was celebrated by friends, family, customers and neighbors during a retirement parade and party at the store. It was sponsored by the MVA and Fourth Street Foods, who provided decorations, a cake, cookies and refreshments. 

The McGavitts were celebrated for their decades of dedication to Mon Valley residents and customers who they helped care for their pets and gardens. 

Mayor Ed Bryner proclaimed May 28 Bill’s Feed and Garden Center Day in the borough and letters of support and well wishes were presented by other officials, including Washington County Commissioner Diana Irey Vaughan, Charleroi councilwomen Nancy Ellis and Jody Cheplic and Charleroi Borough Administrator Roberta Doerfler. Other Mon Valley leaders, including Ray Mosco of cfsbank, Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Leanna Hopkins Spada and dozens of family and friends attended the celebration and learned of upcoming plans for the property. 

Ben Brown, president and CEO of the Alliance, said the nonprofit has had a good working relationship with the McGavitts for the past few years when the demolition of the former Atlas building, which sits adjacent to the business, was underway four years ago.

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