Search Observer-Reporter

Search Archive

2/8/2010 3:31 AM

Email this article • Print this article  

By Scott Beveridge, Staff writer, sbeveridge@observer-reporter.com

This article has been read 849 times.

MONONGAHELA - The seniors living in a Monongahela high-rise were thankful to find two plugs hooked to a generator Friday night at the start of the snowstorm that pummeled Pennsylvania.

The nearly 40 residents assembled themselves and their food and slow cookers in the lobby after the lights went out, using the plugs to prepare soups and hot dogs with sauerkraut.

"A lot of us got closer together than we were. It was great," said Mary McMahon, 77, a resident of Monongahela Manor.

But, by Saturday night, they were ordered out of the building by emergency officials because frigid temperatures and a dead furnace had made it too cold to remain there, said Charlene Antol, a site monitor at the apartments.

Rate This Story:
1 the lowest - 5 the highest

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Current rating:

"They told us we had to evacuated," Antol said.

The residents were taken by school bus to Ringgold High School, where they spent the night, attempting to sleep in the auditorium seating.

"I haven't slept yet," Antol said. "Eleven people refused to leave the manor."

"We're waiting to go home," added Gary Roule, 75, who relies on a walker for balance.

A dozen other local residents without power also sought shelter at the high school.

"I haven't seen such a disaster in years," said Mary Balogh, 80, who left her Monongahela home for the school.

Barb Olson-Douglas of Carroll Township said she flagged Monongahela police to find out where to "find a cup of coffee, get warmed up."

"There was no way for me to find out where to go, where the shelter was," Olson-Douglas said. "I hate to inconvenience someone."

The school cafeteria provided lunches, serving salads, Tater Tots, tuna fish salad or grilled chicken sandwiches and pizza.

"It was great, McMahon said.

At 1:10 p.m. Saturday, firemen walked into the room to announce that the power was back on at Monongahela Manor. The news drew a round of applause before the seniors boarded the bus to return home.

Cafeteria manager Debbie Kendra said she would stay at the school throughout the day if anyone needed something warm to eat.

Related articles:

Utilities, roads focus in Greene

'Resources stretched' in Washington

Canonsburg man found dead

Pennsylvanians dig out after monster storm

About 110,000 remain without power in Western Pa.


Home

1 comments

NICE PEOPLE HERE : 2/8/2010
SUCH GREAT FOLKS LIVE IN THE MON VALLEY. HATS OFF TO ALL THE SERVICE WORKERS WHO HELPED OUT, ESPECIALLY AT THE HIGH SCHOOL!

kelly mcgee

---

All comments will be reviewed by administrators and posted to their respective articles within 24 hours. Comments deemed inappropriate (personal attacks, name calling, vulgarity & etc.) will not be posted. When creating a comment, it is best to phrase it as your opinion. (e.g.: In my opinion ..., I think ..., I believe ...)

Subject:
Body:
Poster:

Enter text seen above: