Aliquippa

Recognition

First Quarter 2012

The Aliquippa Franklin Avenue Development Committee is pleased to recognize the Aliquippa Council of Men and Fathers as its featured Downtown Recognition Recipient.

The council was founded in 2009 and organized by Shon Owens. The council hopes to grow in 2012 by adding more men and fathers to mentor kids, mediate disagreements, and foster a sense of community. This group of volunteers has set out to change the city and the negative perceptions associated with it.

The council has made strategic decisions to spend time in areas like the Plan 12 neighborhood, at sporting events, and at a tutoring program in the schools. The efforts have brought people out of their homes in neighborhoods and provided a sense of community. In many ways, the council has provided a neighborhood watch resulting in less crime in the community.

The efforts of the Aliquippa Council of Men and Fathers are chaning the way the people of Aliquippa view themselves and helping them to become more vested in the community, while at the same time helping to change the perceptions of people outside of the community.

The Aliquippa Franklin Avenue Development Committee applauds the efforts of the Council and acknowledges their outstanding contributions to our community!

Fourth Quarter 2011

The Franklin Avenue Development Committee has chosen to recognize Reverend Mike Anastas and Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church for their leadership in our community. Mt. Carmel and the Reverends' ongoing service and commitment to our community are appreciated and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. We also take this opportunity to recognize Uncommon Grounds Cafe, their staff, patrons and friends for their constant dedication in the many community projects initiated over the years.

In particular, the committee wishes to recognize the assistance given by both Mt. Carmel and Uncommon Grounds Cafe in flood relief efforts this past summer. The committee is proud to recognize the service both groups provided to the community of Aliquippa during this troubling time. Thank you.

Third Quarter 2011

The Franklin Avenue Development Committee has chosen Sandy Edwards as its 3rd Quarter Downtown Recognition recipient for 2011. Sandy is being recognized for educational programming at the Franklin Center and as a leader in our community. Sandy's service and commitment to our community is appreciated and her efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Through her leadership, Aliquippa youth have enjoyed many academic enrichment programs such as the Green Tea, Biz camps and E-Club among others. These programs foster a sense of teamwork and responsibility. It also provides a safe place for kids in the summer and allows them to use their summer constructively, and teaches them the importance of making a difference through helping others. Sandys efforts have provided an educational and communtiy work experience for local youths while also enhancing Aliquippa community beautification, volunteerism, community involvement and culture.

Local businesses can support Sandy's efforts and the Franklin Center by donating to the Franklin Center's Educational Programs while receiving a tax credit. The EITC Program allows your company to reallocate our tax dollars to youth education programs in your own communities.

Second Quarter 2011

The Aliquippa Franklin Avenue Development Committee (AFADC) has chosen The Community of Celebration as its 2^nd Quarter Downtown Recognition Recipient for 2011. This religious order was originally established in the Anglican Church in England and Scotland. In the mid-1960’s, its roots began in Houston’s inner city Church of the Redeemer and today the Community’s home is in Aliquippa. Its public ministry focuses on programs that are anti-drug, anti-crime and anti-domestic violence. The organization also works to provide affordable quality housing to low-income families. The community is located at 809 Franklin Avenue and includes: All Saints House, a chapel, dining hall, conference room and accommodations for visiting mission teams and people on retreat. It also owns 14 row houses on Franklin Avenue and a beautiful English garden, which is actually tended by Maggie who visits from England three times a year!

Bill Farra is its Primary Guardian and a dedicated downtown volunteer. He serves on the boards of the Uncommon Grounds Café, The Franklin Center and the AFADC as chair of the Architecture and Design committee.

For more information on this remarkable and inspirational organization, please visit the website at www.communityofcelebration.com. Congratulations and many thanks for your outstanding contributions to Aliquippa and its community life!

First Quarter 2011

The Franklin Avenue Development Committee has chosen Dean Baldwin as its 1^st Quarter Downtown Recognition Recipient for 2011. Dean is the Art Director at R.O.O.T.S. and has channeled the artistic skills of young local artists in many ways. One example is the painted boards that decorate vacant buildings on Franklin Avenue. In October, 2009, Dean was the recipient of a Main Street Award for Architecture & Design for the painted board project.

Dean is also involved in Aliquippa Impact Summer Day Camp and the Drama Camp where he served as a volunteer in media help from 2006-2008.

Dean is a very accomplished artist himself and has held art exhibits of his work at the Uncommon Grounds Café, Three Rivers Art Festival, the Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center in Auburn, NY and the European University in Cypress. He uses oils and acrylics to paint his favorite subjects: social criticism, personal expression and humanity.

Very importantly, Dean also works as a community activist, encouraging at-risk Aliquippa youth who attend R.O.O.T.S. Academy to “embrace creativity, expression and positive outlet through the arts”. He is currently involved with coordinating public works in Aliquippa, raising awareness for Beaver County Fair Housing and facilitating the creation of a mural depicting Aliquippa’s history as a thriving steel town, what it is today and finally, what it will be in the future.

Aliquippa is extremely fortunate to have such a talented, caring and involved young man like Dean. The AFADC congratulates him on this very special honor.

Fourth Quarter 2010

The Aliquippa Franklin Avenue Development Committee would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Shon Owens as our 4th Quarter Downtown Recognition Recipient for 2010. He is being recognized for his work with The Aliquippa Council of Men and Fathers. His goal to help fathers establish deeper connections with their children and become more actively involved in their community is the first step in reducing crime, poverty and other social ills. The Board commends Shon for his dedication to our families and community life.

Third Quarter 2010

The Aliquippa Franklin Avenue Development Committee has chosen Mary K Wawro as its 3rd Quarter Downtown Recognition Recipient for 2010. Mary K is a valued member of the AFADC and is being recognized for her dedication and support of the downtown. She recently completed a facade renovation on the first floor of her building, Wawro's Bar, at 395 Franklin Avenue. Future plans include renovations of the 2nd and 3rd floors, as well as an apartment for Mary K.

Second Quarter 2010

The Aliquippa Franklin Avenue Development Committee has chosen the Aliquippa Police Department as its 2^nd Quarter Downtown Recognition Recipient for 2010. The Department is being honored for its dedicated efforts to make Aliquippa’s main street safe. Chief Ralph Pallante is introducing a new program that will place officers on Franklin Avenue walking and riding bikes or motorcycles.

Additionally, the department is working with the Aliquippa Men’s Council regarding curfews. Shon Owens and other members of the Men’s Council will work weekends in group areas to reduce loitering.

The Aliquippa Franklin Avenue Development Committee thanks Chief Pallante, Sgt. Steve Roberts and the other members of the Police Department for taking the initiative to reduce crime and violence on our streets.

First Quarter 2010

Emanual "Manny" Panos has been recognized by the Aliquippa Franklin Avenue Development Committee for his 22 years of dedicated service to Aliquippa. He always puts the patient first, providing many services with one friendly stop.

Fourth Quarter 2009 Downtown Recognition: Main Street Awards