Bethel Park hosts 20th annual 90-Plus Club Luncheon

In advance of Bethel Park’s 20th annual 90-Plus Club Luncheon, Mayor Jack Allen visited one of the municipality’s assisted-living facilities to let the folks there know about the program for local nonagenarians.

The Sheridan at Bethel Park informed him about Joseph Falce, a 97-year-old resident who served in World War II and has an especially interesting story.

“Joe was the person at Iwo Jima who handed the flag to the Marines to go up and raise it,” Allen said as he introduced Falce during this year’s luncheon, held Oct. 18 at the Bethel Park Community Center.

For a history reminder, American troops invaded the 11.53-square-mile Iwo Jima on Feb. 19, 1945, as part of the Allied island-hopping strategy to defeat Japan. Four days later, the U.S. flag was placed atop 546-foot-tall Mount Suribachi, representative of the first Japanese homeland soil to be captured by the Americans.

Joseph and Mary Louise Falce were married for 75 years before she passed away in 2023. Their son Rob is mayor of Munhall.

Among the 90-Plus Club guests, two were acknowledged for reaching centenarian status. Annette Bloskos turned 100 this year, and Jean Benson, 106, has attended quite a few of the events.

The luncheon was launched two decades ago by the late Cliff Morton, during his 16 years as mayor of Bethel Park. His wife of 67 years, Joan Mitchell Morton, attended the 2024 event for the first time as an official member of the 90-Plus Club.

Another former mayor was in attendance, 94-year-old Reno Virgili.

The current mayor was impressed with the luncheon’s turnout.

“This is certainly the largest crowd that I’ve seen,” Allen said. “That’s good that the people are coming. We’re getting out message out, and next year maybe we’ll have to do two rooms.”

He acknowledged those who made the event possible, including:

• Steve and Erica Diethorn, owners of Ma and Pop’s Country Kitchen on South Park Road, who catered the luncheon.

• Eat’n Park and Giant Eagle on Library Road for providing cookies and ice cream, respectively.

• Shrubs-N-Stuf Garden Center, provider of flower centerpieces that were presented to guests through a raffle.

• Janet Davin, the municipal employee who organized the event along with other staff members.

• Volunteers Mary Kay Allen, Nancy Connor, Barb Dorsey, Denise Horvath and Donna Vogel.

Prior to the afternoon meal, District Judge Ron Arnoni gave the blessing.

The 90-Plus Club Luncheon is sponsored by Allen and the municipality of Bethel Park.