IN McKeesport Spring 2020 | Page 26

MAYOR’S stabilization of the former Penn McKee Hotel. I must say I am extremely grateful that the McKees Point Development Group and the City of McKeesport will receive this funding over the next six years. I truly appreciate all of our funders for taking part in this NPP and allowing for another phase of the McKeesport Rising Project, which already has made significant improvements in infrastructure, economic development, and public safety. This program will continue our efforts to improve downtown McKeesport, attract businesses, preserve our neighborhoods, and encourage home ownership. This continued partnership is evidence that, as a community, we truly are “Working Together for a Better McKeesport.” In the pages of this spring edition of the “In McKeesport Area” magazine, you will get a glimpse of the good news that’s taken place as we transitioned from 2019 into 2020, including community events, fundraisers for local organizations, and our much-appreciated “Living the Message” awardees. This quarter, you will meet retired City Treasurer Laura Green, Meals on Wheels cook Irene Scott, McKeesport Area junior Brison Kisan, and Twin Rivers fifth-graders Landon Robinson and Javier Everett. In McKeesport, we have folks of all ages and backgrounds doing their part to make our City and school district a better place for everyone – something I sincerely appreciate and take great pride in recognizing. In this edition, there’s also a full lineup of seasonal activities planned for the rest of the year. You’ll see children’s events, solemn ceremonies, full-scale celebrations, and a summer concert series whose performers will be announced in coming weeks. Keep in mind, the next few months are unpredictable in how we will be asked to respond to COVID-19 with restrictions on how and where we may gather. Please be patient as our events schedule is subject to change, and know that we cant wait to get together for each of our seasonal gatherings once regional restrictions are lifted. As always, I am thankful for those who make the City of McKeesport the community we know and love, and because of that, there is no place in the world where I’d rather be when facing a challenge such as this. I invite all of you to join me in “Working Together for a Better McKeesport,” but today that means doing our part to guarantee a safer McKeesport. Practice social distancing and take care of your loved ones, because the more stringently we adhere to the recommendations from state and national officials, the sooner we will get to enjoy our community for all it has to offer.