On Wednesday evening, some past and present members of the Community Relations Board met at Luma restaurant for a social “farewell” to two members—Wilma McNeese, a two term member and recent past president, and Scott Deaton, who has just completed four years of service.
During McNeese’s tenure, the board has launched a number of important projects, including a Boards and Authorities Fair at the library designed to attract more diverse applicants, a Senior Fair at The Galleria, forums on Inclusivity and Civility, and Coffee with the Manager. Deaton was involved in many of those initiatives as well. In addition, McNeese, a certified mediator, conducted several successful neighborhood mediations.
[1]The Community Relations Board is more than 30 years old and originally was convened to work quietly behind the scenes, investigating violations of Mt. Lebanon residents’ civil rights. As times changed, the board became more transparent and its role more proactive. Today, it works to promote good relations among neighbors, to make Mt. Lebanon an appealing community to people of various ages, races, religions and interests, and to address service gaps that might impede quality of life.
Much of the board’s work involves using good communication skills—which is perhaps why they communicate so well with one another and stay in touch even after their terms are over.
Two new members—Karen Durham and Jennifer May—will be attending their first Community Relations Board meeting next month. The board meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the municipal building. Public comment is welcome at the start of each meeting.
The next scheduled Community Relations Board Event is Coffee with the Manager on Tuesday, May 15. You are invited to Uptown Coffee from 10-11:30 a.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. to talk with Municipal Manager Steve Feller about anything that is on your mind.
If you are interested in applying for the Community Realtions Board, follow the link to the common application form.
http://www.mtlebanon.org/index.aspx?nid=29 [2]