MAYOR ’ S
Corner
MICHAEL CHEREPKO
PHOTO BY GARY YON cKeesport CITY OF MCKEESPORT NEWS
What a wonderful season we had in McKeesport with traditional summer activities filling our calendar after a yearlong hiatus due to coronavirus restrictions and cancellations . Here in the City of McKeesport , we ’ ve done our best to bring back the events and programs our community loves , and you ’ ll see in the pages that follow that we are back in full swing . We ’ ve also pushed forward with the McKeesport Rising Project , which includes residential and community development improvements through demolition , infrastructure , and economic projects that have given us something to look forward to in these trying times .
In this quarter ’ s edition of In McKeesport Area , you will see highlights of our summer , as we brought back International Village , the Renzie Rib Fest , and a performance from the United States Army Field Band .
As we look ahead to the fall and winter seasons , stay tuned to the City of McKeesport Mayor ’ s Office Facebook page and our community calendar for updates on events including our Halloween Parade on October 30 , trick-or-treating on October 31 , the Salute to Santa Parade on November 20 , and the Festival of Trees on December 2 through 6 .
On the very next page , you ’ ll read about a project that has been near and dear to my heart since last year . As many of you are aware , the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western PA closed its the LaRosa Boys & Girls Club in 2020 . The local club ’ s board and management spent
16 MCKEESPORT AREA
many months establishing of a 501 ( c ) 3 nonprofit organization and worked alongside Senator Brewster , Representative Davis , and myself to get the club into the City ’ s hands so that it could reopen . That day has come , and we celebrated a grand opening on September 8 . The club officially opened its doors to local youth on September 13 . The LaRosa Youth Development Foundation is comprised of individuals who know that club and are aware of our community ’ s needs . I wish them the best of luck and will continue to offer advice and assistance as they serve McKeesport ’ s youth .
I invite you to read about this quarter ’ s Living the Message Awardees , nominated by the community to the Mayor ’ s Select Committee on Crime and Violence for embracing the city ’ s message of “ Respect , Dignity , Hope , and Love ” in their daily lives . This quarter , we will recognize recent McKeesport Area High School graduate Aundre Robinson , Fawcett Plan Task Force chairwoman Monica Hancharik , Penn State Greater Allegheny Chancellor Dr . Jacqueline Edmondson , and McKeesport Baseball Association Colt and Pony League managers Ed and Jen Moslander .
As always , I will end this message with an invitation to join your friends and neighbors in carrying out my administration ’ s motto of “ Working Together for a Better McKeesport .” This isn ’ t just slogan . It is an invitation for every member of the McKeesport community to make a impact and help to shape this community . Together we can continue to make positive strides .