From left to right: Paul Johnston, Chris Markuciz and Debbie Dietrick. Debbie, representing the Lutheran Brotherhood, presents a check to the fire department.

Kiski Valley Branch # 8713 of Lutheran Brotherhood recently enjoyed a dinner at the Lenape Heights Country Club. The significance of this dinner being that it was the last event the local branch will ever hold. The merger of Lutheran Brotherhood and Aid Association for Lutherans dissolved all branches of Lutheran Brotherhood. The new corporation will be known as Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and will do much of the same work as the branches did but under a different format.

The local branch dispersed several hundred thousand dollars throughout the Alle-Kiski Valley over the years. Recipients of the branch's help have been: individuals suffering from some medical or other disaster, area community organizations such as fire companies, and many local churches. In October the Bell Township Fire Department was the recipient of a check for the amount of $1,958.

Some of the past presidents responsible for the great success of the local branch have been Mr. Ivan Kunkle of Apollo, Mrs. Isabel Kepple of Vandergrift, the late Mr. John Bauman of Lower Burrell, and Mr. Wallace Daugherty of Dime. These people along with many other hard working officers and countless community volunteers are the reason for the success of Kiski Valley Branch #8713.

As our final project Current President Mr. Wally Daugherty, Treasurer Mr. Robert Shellhammer and Publicity Officer Mr. John Lanning presented the family of little Jasmine Henry, a lukemia patient from Vandergrift, with a check from the Branch for over $800 dollars along with a gift certificate from Mr. Daugherty, his wife Sally and their Grandchildren.

Kiski Valley Branch #8713 would like to express it's deep gratitude to all the many volunteers who helped out over the years.

While it may be sad to think of the local branch no longer existing it is also exciting to embark on a new journey into Thrivents future of assisting people, congregations and communities with their needs.