Hope and Love
Hope
After eight years as president of the NAACP McKeesport Unit , Ocie Paige has retired at 78 .
The local unit meant something special to Paige , as it was founded by his aunt , Mary Lee Truss , in 1960 . While the national organization began in 1909 , she was inspired decades later to move for activism within the City of McKeesport when she heard a speech by the NAACP ’ s regional director Calvin Brooks at Bethlehem Baptist Church . As an adult , Paige noticed that the unit had withered from Truss ’ original assembly . “ I ’ d seen the condition that the NAACP was in here ,” Paige recalled . “ It didn ’ t have a great name or reputation . My idea was to join the group and bring it up to what it could be , to what my aunt ’ s vision was .
“ I didn ’ t have any ambition to be president , but I was talked into it . When I won , I set out to build a great reputation , and I made a promise to the unit ’ s members .”
Through a great deal of hard work , most of which Paige attributes to his wife Alease , the NAACP McKeesport Unit grew exponentially . The group now hosts two popular events , the annual Black History Month Pancake Breakfast in February and the Human Rights Dinner in the fall ; issues annual scholarships in the amount of $ 500 to graduating seniors who are pursuing higher education ; welcomes voters to Meet the Candidates debates for local elections ; and takes part in community-wide events such as the Festival of Trees , McKeesport Rib Fest and many more .
Paige never hesitates get involved in the McKeesport community . He was the first black president of the McKeesport Area School District ’ s board of directors , and he has worked hard to keep local politicians involved in their neighborhoods .
Paige moved to McKeesport as a child , when his family relocated from Birmingham , Ala ., for work . He attended school here before enlisting in the U . S . Army for a 20-year career .
As a Sgt . 1st class , Paige was stationed for two tours in Vietnam and in Korea , Italy and various bases throughout the United States . In retirement , he returned to McKeesport with his family .
City of McKeesport News
cKeesport
Love
Lifelong McKeesporter Sandi George , a Grandview native who now lives in the Haler Heights neighborhood , is all about helping others .
Friends and family describe George as someone who always puts others before herself , and she never hesitates to reach out to those in need .
As a local volunteer for Allegheny County ’ s Snow Angels program , she cleared driveways and sidewalks of ice and snow for elderly and disabled residents in the McKeesport area . And now with the Snow Angels program taken over by an organization that only works within Pittsburgh city limits , George took it upon herself to maintain this service for the people of McKeesport .
Over the summer , George began the Love Thy Neighbor initiative by banding together local volunteers who could cut grass , trim hedges and perform other light yard maintenance for homeowners who can ’ t do these jobs on their own .
While other organizations offer similar one-time service projects , George wanted to start something that would ease residents ’ minds as they struggle to keep their properties looking nice while also making ends meet .
“ I thought it would be a great way to help those in need and help spruce up the neighborhoods here in McKeesport ,” she said .
“ There are a lot of folks who can ’ t afford to put a lot of money into yard maintenance . So many people are on fixed incomes , and they typically have to spend what little funds they do have on other things . Their lawns and yards are often overlooked , because paying a landscaper to do it can be costly .”
With very few volunteers , George was able to help a handful of homeowners this summer and fall , and she ’ s looking to do more as winter comes . She also participated in city-organized events , including a downtown cleanup around the former Penn-McKee Hotel in partnership with Pitt Make a Difference Day .
Anyone looking to volunteer their time with Love Thy Neighbor can email George at sandi . george @ gmail . com . McKeesport homeowners who may need assistance through Love Thy Neighbor can email jen . vertullo @ mckeesport-pa . gov or call 412-675-5020 , ext . 605 .
Living the Message ...
The McKeesport Message Committee , a subgroup of McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko ’ s Select Committee on Crime and Violence , invites the public to nominate community members who exemplify the words , “ Respect , Dignity , Hope and Love .”
McKeesporters of all ages – from youth volunteers to senior citizens – display characteristics of Respect , Dignity , Hope and Love on a daily basis in our community . Whether through organizing community activities or offering a helping hand to those in need , everyday people are doing their part to make our city a better place . If we look within our schools , our neighborhoods , our churches and our service organizations , we will find acts of kindness for which we all can be proud . Living the Message awards are intended to showcase these individuals and give the community an opportunity to share its good news . Awards are given quarterly . Using 250 words or fewer , describe how the individual of your choice embodies one of the four words . For more information , contact the mayor ’ s office at 412-675-5020 , ext . 605 . Nominations can be mailed to the mayor ’ s assistant Jennifer Vertullo , 500 Fifth Avenue ,
McKeesport , PA 15132 , or emailed to jen . vertullo @ mckeesport-pa . gov . The deadline for the next round of nominations is February 15 , 2017 .
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