MAYOR’S
Corner
MICHAEL CHEREPKO
I
’d like to start by wishing the people of McKeesport a
safe and happy summer. In this issue of In McKeesport
Area Magazine, readers will learn about some of the great
things happening in McKeesport as well as some of the fun
summer activities they can enjoy with family and friends. We
have a full calendar of summer events, including the Summer
Concert Series, Renzie Rib Fest, International Village, and more.
This issue also shares information about state and
federal funds being applied to beautification projects and
infrastructure improvements in our community. The U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development is funding
improvements to two community ballfields in Christy Park
and the Fawcett Plan and an amphitheater near the Marina at
McKees Point. Bowman Avenue will be reconstructed using city
and funds and multiple grants.
As always, In McKeesport Area highlights our Living
the Message awardees – those who have committed to
McKeesport’s Message of “Respect, Dignity, Hope, and Love.”
As I always say, there are no age limits to living McKeesport’s
message. This quarter, elementary student Aleena Halaszynski
proves that as she works to raise funds for St. Jude’s Children’s
Research Hospital through lemonade sales. You will also
see how McKeesport native Hasaan Allen is using dance
to reach out to children and teens at the LaRosa Boys and
Girls Club; how Tricia Hoover volunteers her time to provide
quality programs and opportunities to students at Twin Rivers
Elementary School; and how Walter Yager is raising funds to
bring The Wall That Heals to McKeesport in honor of fallen
Vietnam veterans.
In addition to the items noted in the pages that follow,
I’d like to take this opportunity to educate the public on
improvements being made with “The McKeesport Rising
24
MCKEESPORT AREA
Project.” I’m extremely proud to say my administration is
moving forward with major infrastructure improvements and
the removal of blight. Our current budget includes a $2.5
million line item to target blight, preserve our neighborhoods,
and improve o