IN McKeesport Winter 2019 | Page 18

MAYOR’S who may choose to build modern homes in our community. When we eliminate blight, the people of McKeesport can envision something – anything – in its place. As I’ve said before, the possibilities are endless. We are seeing those possibilities that come to life at RIDC with River Material, and downtown with developments at Tube City Center, the Peoples’ Building, and shovel-ready parcels that will be developed soon. In 2020, we will learn more about unique opportunities to improve the downtown area and City neighborhoods with funding facilitated by the state Department of Community and Economic Development. 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.” This quarter, you will read about aspiring athlete Jordon Payne and his goals on and off the basketball court; the first African- American nurse at McKeesport Area schools, JoAnne Rodgers; longtime volunteer Brian Dinkfelt who has performed Taps at veterans events in our community since he first picked up a trumpet in middle school; and City Councilwoman Jamie Brewster Filotei and School Director Mindy Lundberg Sturgess, who have organized an annual gathering to sponsor Christmas for local families in need. From our message awardees to our volunteers who make community events possible, I’m extremely proud of all of our dedicated community members who have embraced my administration’s motto of “Working Together for a Better McKeesport.” Each of these individuals plays a role in making our town the very best it can be.