Lent is a time for self reflection
Latest News
March 21, 2024

Lent is a time for self reflection

By Stacy Wolford

By RALPH STONE
MVI columnist

Today marks the 37th day of the 2024 Lenten season. During these past 90 years, I’ve discovered that there are two periods within each year when many of us attempt to make some changes in our lifestyles. One of those occasions I discussed in this column when we turned our calendar page from 2023 to 2024.
Yes, each new year brings with it a list of resolutions, which are aimed to make us mightier warriors or more compassionate humans. The second, life altering, segment of our calendar year is often during the Lenten season.
It is during these 40 days from Ash Wednesday through Good Friday that many Christians of several denominations attempt to thank our God for the tremendous sacrifice he allowed our Lord and Savior to endure more than 2,000 years ago.
In doing so, some give up their bad habits or eliminate the consumption of such goodies as chocolate or ice cream.
Others may use these days and weeks as a time to grow closer and more intimate with that same savior. They may spend more time in prayer, reading the Bible and in daily devotions.

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

Charleroi glassmaking memories buried in time capsule
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 2, 2025
Former Corelle workers were joined by public officials for an emotional ceremony in Charleroi. Charleroi stood in the cold Monday in Meadow Avenue Park to say goodbye to the plant that shaped its peop...
Kennel contract renewed despite public objections
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
December 2, 2025
The new agreement with Hoffman Kennels will run for one year. Elizabeth Township commissioners renewed a contract with Hoffman Kennels for one year for deer removal and dog control services despite so...
Season’s first big snowfall hits Mon Valley, western Pa.
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
December 2, 2025
The worst part of the storm is forecast for today’s morning commute. The first big snowfall of the season hit Western Pennsylvania on Tuesday morning, coating the ground and roadways. Speed limits hav...
Elizabeth Twp. hydrant replaced after failing during fire
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
December 2, 2025
Pennsylvania American Water installed the new hydrant Monday and submitted the broken one to the manufacturer. Pennsylvania American Water has replaced a fire hydrant on Dillon Road in Elizabeth Towns...
Annual McKeesport Festival of Trees opens Thursday
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 2, 2025
The long-running holiday celebration will feature dozens of decorated trees. By the MVI Renziehausen Park’s Jacob Woll Pavilion will be converted into a village of Christmas trees this week, which is ...
Two-vehicle crash in Charleroi
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 2, 2025
Charleroi Fire Department responded Monday night to a collision involving two cars at Fifth and Washington Avenue in Charleroi. Charleroi FIre Department