Community joins Mon Valley Independent in celebrating 10th birthday
Nearly 240 people gathered to look back at its origins and discuss the importance of having a community newspaper.
From elected officials and business leaders to loyal readers and the people behind the Mon Valley Independent, the community gathered Saturday night to celebrate 10 years of local journalism, marking a milestone built on persistence, support and a shared commitment to telling the Valley’s stories.
MVI founders Moe Galis, Naz Victoria, Brian Sokol, chief of staff for state Rep. Eric Davanzo, MVI Managing Editor and MVI founders Joe Dalfonso and Keith Bassi are shown with a certificate for special recognition to the MVI on its 10th anniversary from Davanzo. Heather Hart / For the MVI
What started as a gamble to save local news in 2015 turned into a decade-long success story, as nearly 240 people gathered to honor the people, partnerships and purpose behind the newspaper.
The banquet space at St. Spyridon Hellenic Center in Monessen was filled with support.
Nearly everyone in the room shared personal ties to the paper — from growing up reading the Valley Independent to delivering newspapers as kids and seeing their own families featured in its pages.
From the opening welcome to the final raffle drawing, the evening underscored what
MVI founders Moe Galis, Naz Victoria, McKeesport Mayor Thomas Maglicco, MVI Managing Editor and MVI founders Joe Dalfonso and Keith Bassi are shown with a special proclamation to the MVI on its 10th anniversary from Maglicco. Heather Hart / For the MVI
speakers described as a rare success story in an industry that continues to decline nationwide.
Managing Editor Stacy Wolford, who has spent 30 years in journalism, reflected on both the evolution of the industry and the steady mission that has guided the Mon Valley Independent since its founding.
“In an era when anyone can post anything online, being a trusted source as your local newspaper is what we strive for every day,” Wolford said. “Accuracy, ethics and accountability still guide our work.”
Wolford traced the newspaper’s roots back to
Trib Total Media and 535 Media President and CEO Jennifer Bertetto was one of the guest speakers.
the closure of the Valley Independent in 2015 and the decision by local leaders to launch a new publication rather than accept the loss of coverage.
Mid Mon Valley Publishing was formed that year, bringing together former staff and new ownership determined to keep local journalism alive. Ten years later, the paper has published more than 3,000 editions and continues to expand its digital presence.
“Our physical location, staff, how we produce and distribute the newspaper and the world around us also have changed greatly, but our mission of covering the Mon Valley has not,” Wolford said.
That mission — often summed up by the phrase “what happens here matters here” — echoed throughout the evening.
Jerry Zahand of Highway Appliance was a guest speaker.
Guest speakers included Trib Total Media President and CEO Jennifer Bertetto, former state Sen. Jim Brewster and Mon Valley Alliance CEO Jamie Colecchi. Jerry Zahand, a longtime businessman and former owner of Highway Appliance, and resident Sue Ann Edwards also offered remarks.
“Ten years ago, someone made a bet — a bet that this community deserved its own voice,” Colecchi said. “That bet became the Mon Valley Independent, and tonight we celebrate a decade of that bet paying off.”
Colecchi emphasized the distinction between social media and journalism, noting the role local reporting plays in accountability and civic life.
“Local journalism isn’t small journalism,” he said. “It’s how
Mon Valley Alliance and Mon Valley Alliance Foundation CEO Jamie Colecchi was a guest speaker.
residents learn what’s happening in their schools, how tax dollars are spent, and who is making decisions on their behalf. It’s where democracy lives closest to home.”
Throughout the program, speakers returned to the idea that the Mon Valley Independent has helped preserve a shared identity across communities tied together by geography, history and resilience.
That connection was captured in a testimonial from Edwards, who described the newspaper as a daily fixture in her life.
She wrote a letter to the editor in February to share thoughts she had held closely for a decade.
“As Valentine’s Day approaches it seems fitting that I finally send to the owners and staff a love letter,” Edwards said. “To those naysayers, I say we are so grateful to have a daily
Retired senator and former McKeesport mayor James Brewster was a guest speaker.
newspaper, while every day one is closing their doors.”
Edwards said she reads “every word” from obituaries to community listings, and relies on the paper to stay connected.
“When I sing the praises of our paper to others who do not subscribe, they ask me, ‘What do you read?’Actually every word, truly,” she said.
She credited the newspaper with highlighting both everyday life and moments of pride across the Valley.
“I can’t believe that our small Valley paper can print features like Yesteryear, Living, Recipes, Around the Valley, Hits and Misses,” Edwards said. “So I say thank you … and I encourage others to spread the word so that one day we don’t say, ‘Why don’t we have a newspaper anymore?’” The
Longtime MVI subscriber Sue Ann Edwards, who taught piano for 60 years was an honorary speaker.
evening included formal recognitions from local, state and federal officials, underscoring the newspaper’s impact over the past decade.
A certificate of special congressional recognition was presented on behalf of U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler by District Chief of Staff Nate Nevala, honoring the paper’s focus on issues that matter to Mon Valley residents and its role in “giving residents a voice once again.”
A Pennsylvania House of Representatives citation, sponsored by state Rep. Eric Davanzo, was presented by Chief of Staff Brian Sokol, recognizing the newspaper’s commitment to providing “timely, reliable information that strengthens civic engagement.”
McKeesport Mayor Thomas Maglicco issued a proclamation commending the Mon Valley Independent for maintaining a
Tanya Chaney of Monongahela served as the evening’s emcee.
strong local news presence and helping ensure the region would not become a news desert after the closure of The McKeesport Daily News.
Its closure came at the same time as the Valley Independent. The loss of both papers left much of the Mon Valley without dedicated local coverage — a gap that directly led to the creation of the MVI in 2016.
Together, the recognitions reflected the newspaper’s role as both a business and a public service.
The celebration included a cocktail hour, dinner catered by By George, and musical performances by the Wade Singers, who sang “America the Beautiful” and other selections. Brielle Galis, 11, delivered the national anthem ahead of the guest speaker program, followed by raffles and closing remarks.
Jennie and Moe Galis are shown.
For many in attendance, the milestone was as much about looking back as it was about looking ahead.
Jeff Oliver, former general manager and current columnist, greeted the room via Zoom.
He spoke candidly about his role in getting a new publication off the ground, echoing sentiments from a recent column about the MVI’s beginnings and the uncertainty surrounding the Valley Independent’s closure.
“I refused to take ‘no’ for an answer,” Oliver said. “That was the start of what is now known as the Mon Valley Independent.
… aside from the birth of my children, starting this newspaper was one of the proudest accomplishments of my life.”
Moe Galis and Mon Valley Independent Circulation/Advertising Director Lori Byron are shown.
That persistence — shared by the founders, staff and community — was credited as the foundation of the paper’s success.
As the night concluded, speakers and attendees alike emphasized the same message: the Mon Valley Independent exists because the community continues to support it.
“Someone paid to report that story. Someone drove to that meeting,” Colecchi said. “That someone is the Mon Valley Independent — and they deserve our support.”
Joseph and Donna Dalfonso are shown.
Tanya Chaney, who owns Chaney’s Natural in Monongahela and formerly wrote a health column for the MVI, served as emcee for the event.
“I am honored to have emceed the 10-year anniversary dinner for the Mon Valley Independent,” she said. “There’s something really special about being trusted to carry the energy of an evening — to hold the room, guide the flow, and create connection between
The Wade Singers sing “America the Beautiful.”
each moment and speaker. Last night was exactly that. From celebrating a decade of storytelling and community impact to recognizing the people and voices that shape the Mon Valley, it was a night filled with pride, purpose and so much heart.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of it — and to stand in a role that allows me to connect, lead and serve in such a meaningful way. Here’s to the next chapter of growth, community and continued impact.”
Brielle Galis, 11, of California sings the National Anthem.
The event was supported by Alumicore, Monessen Lions, Elite Physical Therapy and Wellness, Fayette Legacy, Highway Appliance, SPHS, Armory Locksmiths, Eric Davanzo, RTI Insurance, Community Bank, Trib Total Media, state Rep. Dan Goughnour, Sen. Nick Pisciottano, state Rep. John Inglis, Noble Environmental, Mon Valley Alliance, the City of McKeesport, Appliance Warehouse, Dodaro, Dalfonso, Matta and Cambest Law Group, Southwest Medical, the Center for Coalfield Justice, Beacon Supply and former state Sen. Jim Brewster.
Melissa Ernst, Helen Stratigos and MVI sales representative Alex Ernst of McKeesport are shown.
Jill and MVI Sports Editor Jeremy Sellew of Belle Vernon are shown with MVI photographer Jeff Helsel
MVI news obituary assistant Dawn McKechnie of Monessen, news assistant Terri Sichi of Victory Hill, senior reporter Taylor Brown of Monongahela and Taylor’s mother-in-law, Tricia Herman of Uniontown, are shown.
