Living the Message...
Honoring those who show Respect, Dignity,
Cit
C it y of
o f Mc Ke
Kee
e spo rt Ne
N e ws
cKeespor t
Respect
The McKeesport Lions Club is best known for its Summer Concert Series in Renziehausen
Park, and for the last three years, that series has closed with a patriotic display.
McKeesport’s Patriotism Parade celebrates the spirit of America while solemnly
remembering the events of 9/11. It opens with a procession of public safety and military
personnel, allows for public officials to speak about our great nation, features a patriotic
concert, and ends with fireworks.
“All of our Lions feel it’s important to pay respect to local military personnel, because
without them, Americans simply would not be free,” concert chairman Dann Carr said. “We
hope that this event continues to grow in years to come.”
This year, the parade had an impressive showing of children from the McKeesport Area
School District who walked in the parade carrying American flags and wearing patriotic
T-shirts.
The Summer Concert Series isn’t just about entertainment. It’s about community service.
Because LIONS stands for “Liberty, Intelligence and Our Nation’s Safety,” the event is a fitting
display of enthusiasm and pride in a nation that continues to be built each day by military
and public safety personnel.
“This celebration ties into our year-long support for military personnel,” McKeesport Lions
secretary Annette James said.
Last year, the McKeesport Lions Club partnered with American Legion Post 361 Cmdr.
Bobbie Billsborrow and the City of McKeesport to promote a veterans banner program
in the city.
“Many military members are also Lions Club members,” James said. “Banners hang along
Eden Park Boulevard, which the McKeesport Lions Club has adopted in partnership with
Allegheny County. The Lions show their pride by displaying banners there and by keeping
that stretch of roadway clear of litter.”
The McKeesport Lions Club distributes American flags during its Patriotism Concert, and
members collect old flags to be recycled throughout the year. Flags can be dropped off at
City Hall throughout the year and on Sundays in Renzie Park during the concerts.
Althea “Ciss” Warman has a special place in her heart for the homeless.
Whether she’s cooking meals, giving away clothing, or finding toys for disadvantaged
families, Warman is always doing something to make sure others have a better life.
“I’ve never been homeless, but I understand what these people are going through,” she
said. “I’m not here to judge anyone. Any one of us could be in their position, and my faith has
taught me to love everyone the same.”
In her youth, Warman was one of 11 siblings. Her parents pulled her out of school at just
11 years old to help care for her family. She helped around the house and handled all of the
family meals.
As an adult, she went back to school to earn a GED and a certificate in restaurant
management. Until her retirement eight years ago, Warman worked in the restaurant and
catering business. Today, she uses her kitchen skills as a volunteer.
Every Friday, Warman can be found in the kitchen at Judah Ministries at the corner of Sixth
Avenue and Market Street in McKeesport. She cooks hot meals for homeless people in the
McKeesport community. For years, she did the same with Kiesell Kitchen on Fifth Avenue.
She also volunteers with Judah’s annual community Christmas dinner and Cheyenne’s
Project Christmas.
When Warman’s children were young, she recalled, she would have a dozen kids sleeping
on her living room floor. Her children would invite friends and acquaintances to spend time
at their house because times were tough at their own homes. She would give them food,
clothing and a warm place to sleep.
“We all deserve a chance,” Warman said. “It’s not about gender, race or where you come
from. Whether you’re rich or poor, clean or dirty, you should be given a chance.”
Warman said food insecurity is a major issue, not only in the McKeesport community, but
across the United States.
“Nobody should wonder where their next meal is coming from,” she said. “Those of us who
can donate our money, food, or time need to come together to help the less fortunate.”
Even when we have nothing to give, Warman added, we can choose to treat people
equally when society does not.
24 McKeesport Area
Dignity