IN McKeesport Summer 2018 | Page 32

McKeesport students ‘Walk the Beat’ with police, mayor M cKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko welcomed a select group of Founders Hall Middle School students to gain firsthand experience in how city police officers, firefighters, and other staff interact with the community on a daily basis. Cherepko, who was a McKeesport Area teacher for 12 years prior to serving as mayor, is committed to the youth of the McKeesport community. His administration is focused on youth programming in terms of both recreation and outreach. “I always talk about how I want to provide McKeesport’s children and teens with as many positive life-learning experiences as possible, and this is a day these young men and women will remember for the rest of their lives,” Cherepko said. “In meeting our city employees and local business owners, they get information about career opportunities. There’s also a flipside to that, because seeing the types of cases our police officers handle, they know where the wrong choices in life could place them. We want kids to understand that the right choice is not always the popular choice, but it’s what leadership and being a good citizen is all about.” On May 31, eighth-graders Paul Francis, Natasha Cooke, and Aniyah Allen, and seventh-grader James Filmore, toured the McKeesport Police Department, McKeesport Fire Department, City Hall and the downtown business district before being treated to lunch at the local Eat’n Park along Lysle Boulevard as a pilot “Walk the Beat” program through the McKeesport Healthier Communities PartnerSHIP’s Crime and Safety Logic Model. “It was an absolute pleasure to spend a few hours with these incredible young men and women,” Police Chief Bryan J. Washowich said. “Building relationships with the youth of our community is a springboard to our city’s message – Respect, Dignity, Hope, and Love.” Founders Hall Associate Principal Ashlee Boyle said the experience should prove to be beneficial for the entire student body as time goes on. “Not only was today’s experience great for the students who visited downtown McKeesport, but hopefully they will bring that positivity back to the school and share it with their friends,” Boyle said. “We want our students to know what’s happening in their hometown. We want them to see a positive side of local government and law enforcement, and we want them to make informed decisions when they are out in the community.” City of McKeesport – 2018 Events Calendar Mayor Michael Cherepko invites you to take part in summer activities in Renziehausen Park  ednesday, June 13 – Good Neighbor Day W on Fifth Avenue Sunday, June 17 – Greater Pittsburgh Soap Box Derby on Eden Park Boulevard Sunday, June 17 – The Vogues at the Lions Bandshell Wednesday, June 20 – Pop Up and Play Extravaganza in Highland Grove Sunday, June 24 – Tres Lads at the Lions Bandshell Wednesday, June 27 – Pop Up and Play Extravaganza in Christy Park Tuesday, July 4 – Zoot Island Party and Fireworks at the Lions Bandshell Sunday, July 8 – 8th Street Rox at the Lions Bandshell Friday, July 13 – Pop Up and Play Extravaganza in Crawford Village Sunday, July 15 – The Marcels at the Lions Bandshell Wednesday, July 18 – Pop Up and Play Extravaganza in Fawcett Plan Sunday, July 22 – Beatlemania Magic at the Lions Bandshell 30 MCKEESPORT AREA  riday, July 27 – Pop Up and Play F Extravaganza in Harrison Village Sunday, July 29 – Dancing Queen Wednesday, August 1 – Pop Up and Play Extravaganza in Lower Tenth Ward Sunday, August 5 – Igniters Wednesday, August 8 – Pop Up and Play Extravaganza in Renziehausen Park Thursday, August 9 through Sunday, August 12 – The Wall That Heals in Renziehausen Park Sunday, August 12 – Judi Figel’s Patriotism Tribute at the Lions Bandshell and Patriotism Parade through Renziehausen Park Monday, August 13 – Village for Kids at the Lions Bandshell Tuesday, August 14 – International Village and Fireworks in Renziehausen Park Wednesday, August 15 – International Village in Renziehausen Park  hursday, August 16 – International Village in T Renziehausen Park Sunday, August 19 – Totally 80s at the Lions Bandshell Sunday, August 26 – Scott, Rob and Greg of the Clarks at the Lions Bandshell Friday, August 31 – Renzie Rib Fest at the Lions Bandshell Saturday, September 1 – Renzie Rib Fest at the Lions Bandshell Sunday, September 2 – Renzie Rib Fest at the Lions Bandshell Monday, September 3 – Renzie Rib Fest and Fireworks at the Lions Bandshell  Summer 2018 dates are still available for select pavilions in Renziehausen Park. Call 412-675-5020, ext. 610, to book a pavilion.