- Last Updated on Friday, 10 September 2021 20:14
After a successful dedication ceremony with MLB and Pirates Officials last month, commemorating Josh Gibson's 1938 record-breaking home run, the City of Monessen is working to commemorate the achievements of other notable Monessenites.
In an ongoing beautification effort, Monessen Mayor Matt Shorraw says he is hoping to raise enough donations to cover three more historic markers to be placed in the City's Downtown. These markers would include, commemorating award-winning actress and producer, Frances McDormand, who graduated from Monessen High School in 1975; Rapper and Record Producer Coolio, who spent his childhood growing up in Monessen; and the 14 professional football players that hailed from Monessen, including Steve Belichick, Tony Benjamin, Doug Crusan, Eric Crabtree, Julius Dawkins, Leonard Frketich, Eugene Gladys, Sam Havrilak, Jo Jo Heath, Bill Malinchak, John Maskas, Armand Niccolai, George Nicksich, and John Popovich.
In addition to collecting funds to honor these Monessenites, the City is also continuing to solicit funds to install benches, garbage cans, and bicycle racks throughout its parks and Downtown District. So far, the City has been able to install over 20 benches this year, because of generous donations. Anyone interested in donating may do so by contacting City Hall.