Brewster honors White Oak jeweler with proclamation for 75th anniversary
Latest News
December 19, 2023

Brewster honors White Oak jeweler with proclamation for 75th anniversary

By Stacy Wolford

By Michael Richter
mrichter@yourmvi.com
As a believer in the value of small businesses, state Sen. Jim Brewster honored two local businesses with proclamations Monday.
“Well, small businesses like this are important,” Brewster said. “And they’re important no matter what neighborhood they’re in.”
Brewster presented proclamations to Gala Jewelers in White Oak and R.C. Walter and Sons True Value Hardware in the Boston section of Elizabeth Township.
Brewster stopped in to Gala Jewelers Monday to catch up with and present an official proclamation to an old friend, Chuck Gala, owner and “chief sparkle officer” of the White Oak jewelry store.
“Mr. Gala has roots in McKeesport; he has a nice location here in White Oak,” Brewster said. “We have 37 communities and small businesses are what makes the economy work. And he’s been able to survive and get through a lot of different things – the pandemic, the recession and a number of things like that. And it’s a tribute to their hard work.”
Brewster added that Gala has made a commitment to the jewelry business and hopes he continues to experience success.
“He sells a great product, and he’s available,” he said. “And here it is the week of Christmas, so I hope he does great. We need a lot more like him.”
Gala appreciated the honor from Brewster.
“It means a lot,” Gala said.
Gala Jewelers recently celebrated its 75th anniversary in October.

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

West Mifflin Area celebrates opening of performing arts center
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
March 12, 2026
A grand opening celebration was held Wednesday for the high school’s new auditorium. After more than a year of being closed, West Mifflin Area High School’s auditorium is finally open. A grand opening...
BVA to bring the magic of ‘Wizard of Oz’ to life
Features, Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
March 12, 2026
The curtain goes up at 7 tonight at Belle Vernon Area High School for the annual spring musical. The Yellow Brick Road is leading straight to Belle Vernon Area High School as more than 100 students wi...
Will independents ever get to vote in Pa. primaries?
Latest News, Main
Advocates hope a lawsuit moves the needle
March 12, 2026
The suit argues Pennsylvania’s closed primaries violate the state constitution by giving Democrats and Republicans more voting power than independents. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and...
Potential buyer emerges for City Mission building
Latest News, Main
CITY OF MONONGAHELA
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
March 12, 2026
Monongahela Heritage Church is eyeing the downtown location for a thrift store for the community. The City Mission Thrift Store plans to close its Monongahela location on Saturday, but a potential buy...
2nd man charged in 2022 fatal shooting
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
March 12, 2026
The alleged murder took place in a Rostraver Township shopping plaza parking lot on Nov. 5, 2022. By RENATTA SIGNORINI TribLive A second person has been charged in connection with a Nov. 5, 2022, fata...