Category: Events || By

Organizers are firming up plans for Saturday's second-annual "Rally in the Valley" to end violence.

Events start at 12 noon at Stephen Barry Field in Renziehausen Park and run until 6 p.m.

The rally will combine entertainment, inspirational speakers, crafts and food "in a Christian atmosphere," says Alease Paige, one of the leaders of Mon Valley Concerned Citizens.

Scheduled speakers include Doug McCracken, pastor of McKeesport Alliance Church; Rev. Hazel Garland of Zion Apostolic Assembly; Dr. Rani Kumar, emergency medical physician at UPMC McKeesport; and youth organizers from across the Mon-Yough area.

The speakers will be trying to encourage teens and young adults to stay away from drugs and crime, and focus on educational opportunities and jobs.

In addition to Paige, other organizers of the rally include the Rev. Earlene Coleman, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church; Luethel Nesbit of the OIC; Gerald "Puddin" Grayson, teacher and basketball coach at McKeesport Area High School; Pete Giacalone, pastor of Rainbow Temple Assembly of God; and Bobby Walker.

Mayor Jim Brewster, Allegheny County Councilman Bob Macey, and Bob Hammond of The Daily News have also pledged their support, Paige says. The mayor's office has been "a staunch supporter," she says.

For younger children, clowns and costumed characters will be working the crowd; for their parents or older siblings, UPMC will present information about HIV testing and anti-smoking help, volunteers will be registering new voters, and homemade craft items will be on sale.

McKeesport Weed and Seed also will be on hand with a child ID program, Paige says.

Food vendors on hand will be selling barbecue, fish, hot dogs, hot sausage, funnel cakes, lemonade, French fries and desserts, and other items, she says.