WHAT’S NEWS IN CHARTIERS VALLEY
CHAR VALLEY NATIVE
SERVING ABROAD IN
SASEBO, JAPAN
Petty Officer 3rd Class Alina Gropelli, a
2013 Chartiers Valley High School graduate,
is serving in the U.S. Navy as a personnel
specialist with the Personnel Support
Detachment at Commander Fleet Activities,
Sasebo, Japan.
A Navy personnel specialist is responsible
for the pay and entitlements of military
members.
“The best part of my job is managing
complex administrative issues,” said Gropelli.
“It gives me a sense of accomplishment
because I am able to help members make sure
everything is correct.”
With more than 50 percent of the world’s
shipping tonnage and a third of the world’s
crude oil passing through the region, this
part of the world has historic and enduring
interests for the United States. The Navy’s
presence in Sasebo is part of that longstanding commitment.
Formally established June of 1946, U.S.
Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo has
provided support for the U.S. Seventh Fleet
Area of Responsibility since the Korean
War. In July of 1980, CFAS became home
to forward-deployed Seventh Fleet ships.
Now, CFAS is currently home for eight ships,
including the amphibious assault ship USS
Bonhomme Richard.
10 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Chartiers Valley
Including the forward-deployed ships,
Fleet Activities Sasebo is home to more than
25 commands, and more than 5,900 military
members and their families as part of the
Forward Deployed Naval Forces.
“The forward-deployed sailors here in
Sasebo are special,” said Capt. Matthew Ovios,
Commander, U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo.
“They not only do great work ensuring the
U.S. Navy is ready for any mission, but they
are also outstanding ambassadors for the
nation and the Navy. I am extremely proud of
what they accomplish every day.”
According to Navy officials, Fleet Activities
Sasebo sailors define excellence in shore
installation management through their
proactive leadership and seamless command
integration.
“Being forward deployed gives you the
opportunity to represent your country
overseas and experience different cultures,”
said Gropelli. “I am proud to fight for my
country mainly because I really care about
other people.”
a graduate of Robert Morris University,
and brings a vast amount of hospitality
knowledge and experience with him to the
community, including time as director of food
and beverage operations at the Pittsburgh
International Airport, and most recently as
general manager of the Crowne Plaza Hotel
Pittsburgh South and the Sheraton Hotel
Pittsburgh Airport.
“Bryan’s impressive hotel and hospitality
background make him a perfect fit for
Friendship Village of South Hills,” said Sloan
Bentley, President and CEO of Lifespace
Communities. “Our commitment to our
residents includes providing them with
world-class hospitality, and Bryan brings a
passionate understanding of what that means.”
Welty says he’s looking forward to using
the experience he’s gained over the course
of his career to add to the already dynamic
environment that exists at Friendship Village
of South Hills.
“I’ve been working in hospitality since I was
17 years old,” he said. “Everything I’ve learned
fits perfectly into what Lifespace and senior
living, in general, is all about. I’m truly excited
about this opportunity.”
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
OFFERS FREE
SHINGLES VACCINE AT
IMMUNIZATION CLINIC
FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE
OF SOUTH HILLS NAMES
CV ALUM AS EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
Friendship Village of South Hills, a local
Life Care retirement community, has named
Bryan Welty as its new executive director.
Welty is a native of the Pittsburgh area,
growing up in Scott Township and graduating
from Chartiers Valley High School. He is
The Allegheny County
Health Department
(ACHD) is offering the
Shingles vaccine free
of charge, for a limited
time, to uninsured or
under-insured people
50 years of age
and older.
While supplies last, Shingles vaccines
are available at the health department’s
Immunization Clinic located at 3441 Forbes
Avenue in Oakland. No appointment is
necessary; however, individuals are asked to
call 412.578.8062 in advance to ensure that
supplies are still available.
Clinic hours are as follows:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday,
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 1 to 8 p.m.
Shingles is a painful skin rash, often with