‘It’s truly a blessing today:’ LaRosa Youth Club reopens in McKeesport

Jeff Stitt / Mon Valley Independent Don Michel, grandson of the late Samuel R. LaRosa and chairman of the board for the LaRosa Youth Development Foundation, talks about the passion his “pap-pap” had for providing a safe, structured after-school environment for the young people of McKeesport. Seated are state Rep. Austin Davis and state Sen. Jim Brewster. Standing are LaRosa Foundation board members Tom Maglicco (right) and John Michel, also LaRosa’s grandson. Not visible in the photo is Mayor Michael Cherepko.

By JEFF STITT
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The sound of children’s laughter and music echoing from the gymnasium and activity rooms of the LaRosa Youth Club in McKeesport brought joyful tears to the eyes of many club stakeholders Wednesday night. The Ravine Street clubhouse is reopening for youngsters Monday thanks to generous donors and the hard work of the recently formed LaRosa Youth Development Foundation nonprofit organization, which collaborated with Mayor Michael Cherepko, state Sen. Jim Brewster and state Rep. Austin Davis, three Democrats who grew up playing ball, making friends and getting mentored at LaRosa Club.

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