Seven Recognized for Impact on the Community

By LaKeshia Knarr

LOCK HAVEN – Area business and community leaders were recognized for their impact on the region this evening during the planned “Time Out” held in the Lock Haven VFW’s John J. Russo Hall of Honor.

To present the annual Downtown Appreciation Awards, Downtown Lock Haven Inc. partnered with the Bland J. Rossman Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and the Clinton County Economic Partnership (CCEP).

Seven awards were given out during the event, which also highlighted the 2017 Hometown Heroes Banner Program and Downtown Lock Haven Inc.’s “Most Patriotic Town in America” campaign.

Before handing out the awards, Mike Flanagan, CCEP president and CEO, thanked the roomful of guests for attending, the VFW for hosting, and Stella A’s Bar and Grill for catering.

“We have 165 people registered tonight, which we think is some kind of record,” he shared.

Flanagan also briefly reminded everyone of the VFW’s recent history that brought them to their current location at the former Greystone Café, 1110 E. Water St., Lock Haven. Previously located on Grove Street in downtown Lock Haven, the veterans’ organization was forced to find a new home after a fire ravaged the building it formerly used in June 2014.

Presenting the awards to the business owners and representatives was Downtown Lock Haven Inc. Manager Natasha Gorham, who said each of these businesses has done a lot throughout the last year.

Award categories and recipients include:

Community Partnership – The Clinton County Arts Council, for spearheading the inaugural Lock Haven Jazz and Art on Main Street (LH JAMS) Festival and all of the groups they brought together to accomplish it, including Downtown Lock Haven Inc., the CCEP, and Lock Haven University, among others. Accepting the award were CCAC President Carol Ann Simon Cillo and former CCAC President Steven L. Getz, who served as director of LH JAMS.

Volunteer of the Year – Leonora Hannagan, Lock Haven City Planner, for her work with Downtown Lock Haven Inc. and years of service to the community.

Interior Design – Embellish Hair and Nail Studio, for renovating and remodeling their salon downtown. Accepting the award were salon owner Ashley Kramer and John Kramer.

Window Display – Kraft and Karry, for the way the staff showcases the crafts and work, consistently changing the displays and keeping up-to-date with seasons. Accepting the award were Kevin and Kristy Eichenlaub.

Promotions – Broken Axe Brew House, for effectively promoting the business on social media and newsletters. Accepting the award was owner Nick Hawrylchak.

Economic Restructuring – Chris Darwin, for his investment in downtown Lock Haven by way of ownership of the new Main Street Bar & Grill and co-ownership of the Riverside Saloon. Darwin was unable to attend the event.

Cornerstone Award – Davis Insurance, for being a valued community business who is moving into downtown Lock Haven. The award was accepted by Allison Klugh, property manager for HTD Real Estate Rentals, on behalf of Davis Insurance.

“I always look forward to the Downtown Appreciation Awards,” Gorham told therecord-online after the awards were handed out. “It’s a way for Downtown Lock Haven to show our gratitude for the outstanding work that the business owners and leaders put forth. It’s always great to partner with the Economic Partnership for their Time Out events in order to give them the recognition they deserve. This year, it was a perfect time to partner with the VFW since it is a (Hometown Heroes) banner year for Downtown Lock Haven.”

Gorham said Downtown Lock Haven Inc. is looking forward to partnering with both organizations throughout the year as “we try to make downtown Lock Haven one of the most patriotic towns in America.”

Gorham said Downtown Lock Haven Inc. applied for grants to purchase flags this year in order to decorate the town and make their “Most Patriotic Town in America” campaign a reality.

“We also want to build around the Hometown Heroes Celebration this year,” she said, noting that signature event is planned for Aug. 12.

Hometown Hero banners are hung downtown for two-year periods. The cycle going up this year will be up through August 2019.

To learn more about Downtown Lock Haven Inc. or the Hometown Heroes Banner Program, visit www.lockhaven.org.