Sensitive Santa provides calm holiday experience for kids
Latest News
December 1, 2022

Sensitive Santa provides calm holiday experience for kids

By Stacy Wolford

By JOHN RECTENWALD
jrectenwald@yourmvi.com
Not every child appreciates Santa’s klutzy entrance on Christmas Eve or the chaotic mall settings where he listens to the naughty and nice.
Children who are confronted with sensory triggers will get that chance to meet Santa in a less abrasive environment this Christmas season thanks to a forward-thinking event hosted next week by the Belle Vernon Area School District
For the second time the district is hosting Sensitive Santa, a compassionate event reserved for children with sensory integration needs and their families.
The event is open to all children (not just BVA students) to experience the magic of Christmas in a “sensory friendly” environment from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday Dec. 8 at Rostraver Elementary School.

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Thursday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.

Elizabeth Township VFD wraps up centennial celebration
Latest News, Main
Elizabeth Township VFD wraps up centennial celebration
By MICHAEL VINSICK mvinsick@yourmvi.com 
August 17, 2026
A firemen’s parade capped off the three-day festival. The Elizabeth Township Fire Department kicked off the final day of its centennial celebration Saturday with a firemen’s parade, as several fire de...
Monessen delays start of classes until Sept. 8
Latest News, Main
Monessen delays start of classes until Sept. 8
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
August 17, 2026
“Abnormalities” found at the middle/high school turned out to be mold. The start of the new school year in the Monessen City School District has been delayed until Sept. 8, the district announced Satu...
Storms move through region as flood watch continues
Latest News, Main
Storms move through region as flood watch continues
August 17, 2026
It remains in effect through Monday morning for six Western Pennsylvania counties. By TribLive After a day of thunderstorms and tornado warnings around the region, the National Weather Service in Pitt...
Grants will help schools with security, mental health projects
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
Grants will help schools with security, mental health projects
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
August 17, 2026
More than $1.4 million is headed to seven Washington County school districts to help pay for security improvements and mental health initiatives during the 2026-27 school year. State Rep. Tim O’Neal, ...
Workforce development programs train next-generation tradespeople in Pennsylvania
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
Workforce development programs train next-generation tradespeople in Pennsylvania
August 17, 2026
Educational institutions and regional programs are seeing a surge in interest as more people trade four-year degrees for hands-on careers. By KAITLYN HUGHES TribLive Klauss Garibaldi sat in the Carrie...
Rostraver Township firefighters respond to crashes on Route 51, I-70
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
Rostraver Township firefighters respond to crashes on Route 51, I-70
August 17, 2026
A multiple-vehicle collision took place Sunday on Interstate 70 East near Exit 46. Rostraver Township Fire Department cleared debris and controlled fluid leaks from all the vehicles involved. Occupant...