Walt Yager ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador What would you like others to know about your neighborhood? "Its gloried past as a foundation and stepping stone to return its image of pride, moral values, hard work and accomplishments." ABOUT ME. My hometown is McKeesport and I have lived there my whole life. I am married and have three grandchildren. Currently I do consulting and volunteer work for nonprofits in the area. I believe the biggest challenge that McKeesport faces is the blight, erosion, and loss…Read More
Rhonda Moorer ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador "[I hope] to rebuild and [for McKeesport to] become a positive force in the Mon Valley." ABOUT ME. I am originally from McKeesport and have lived in the 4th Ward for five years. I have been married for 30 years and have one son. I am very involved in my church, Bethlehem Baptist Church. I hope to see McKeesport return to its glory days and hope to be a part of the rejuvenation of that glory. I believe…Read More
Kim Brownfield ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador "[Community means] to live together as one." ABOUT ME. My hometown is McKeesport, PA and I have lived here for the past 52 years. Currently I work at the University of Pittsburgh and am heavily involved in my church, Bethlehem Baptist Church. I want to see the city become more beautiful with my involvement. I am hoping that eventually new business will come to McKeesport to help it grow. For my project, I would like to implement playgrounds in my neighborhood.…Read More
Hank Gostkowski ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador "There are still respectful neighbors who help each other when the need arises. From cutting several neighbors' grass, shoveling the walk ways without expecting anything, to hunting for a lost child or keeping watch out for others' homes when something does not look right." ABOUT ME. My hometown is Verona, PA but I have been living in McKeesport for the past 40 years. I am currently retired but work as a security guard at Renzie Park. For…Read More
Sharon Soles ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador "We have hope. We can overcome our situation if more people would get involved." ABOUT ME My hometown is McKeesport, PA and I have lived there for 25 years. I worked for GNC in retail management for 14 years until I retired. I am married and have four grandchildren. I decided to get involved so that I can help reclaim the city that I love and assist community members working with vacant lots and properties. I am looking…Read More
Julie Fleckenstein Reclaim McKeesport Ambassador "I hope that we have a renaissance like the other neighborhoods in the Pittsburgh area. This is such a great place to raise a family." ABOUT ME. My hometown is McKeesport, PA. Currently I work for the City of McKeesport as a program assistant for the Youth CAST Leadership Network and also as adjunct faculty for the CCAC, teaching Professional and Academic Development and English Composition. WHAT IDEAS DO YOU HAVE FOR A VACANT LOT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?…Read More
Rochelle Williams ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador I am hoping to make a positive change in our city and to restore it to what I have heard it was like in the past. ABOUT ME. My hometown is Pittsburgh, PA, but for the past 12 years I have lived in the Myers Park (11th Ward) neighborhood of McKeesport. I married my husband, Phil, 20 years ago and have two awesome and bright children, Nayelle (16) and Nason (13). I currently work as an Administrative Assistant…Read More
Dana Jackson ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador “Our future is in their (younger generation) hands and we need to teach them ownership in their neighborhood and to help out with the elderly that need assistance with taking care of their property.” ABOUT ME. My hometown is McKeesport, PA. I am a mother of four children who keep me busy and make me proud everyday. I became an ambassador to make a difference in the community and influence others to do the same. I hope…Read More
Shari Holland ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador “Community means connection and bridge-building! It means having relationships with and knowing others. It means not always agreeing but respecting each other and reaching out to one another and working together” About Me. I am originally from Saginaw, MI but have been happy to call Pittsburgh home for 29 years. Currently I live in the Library District of McKeesport. I have been working as the Behavioral Science faculty member teaching in a family medicine residency program. I…Read More
Alandra Kahl ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador "McKeesport is full of individuals working for their community." About Me. My hometown is Derry, PA. Currently I teach Engineering Design and Energy and the Environment at Penn State Greater Allegheny, where I am learning to program and build robots with my team. I'm so excited to give my students the opportunity to be involved in their community through the ReClaim project. What idea do you have a vacant land project in your neighborhood? A community gathering space. My…Read More