Ambridge

Recognition

Fourth Quarter 2011

The Ambridge Downtown Development Council has chosen William and Katherine Barlamas, owners of Alexander's Restaurant as its 4th Quarter Downtown Recognition recipients for 2011. The Barlamas' are being recognized for their dedication to and longevity in the Ambridge community.

Alexander's is at 720 Merchant Street in downtown Ambridge. The Barlamas family has been in Ambridge since 1921 and they have always lived and operated their business here. The restaurant began as Barlamas Luncheonette in the 1950's and became a restaurant in the 1960s. In 1981, the Barlamas family decided to honor their father and name the restaurant Alexander's. When it came time for Bill and Katherine to start their own business, they always knew they would stay in Ambridge because this is where their roots are.

The Barlamas Family has long supported Ambridge events within the local community and the schools. While the Barlamas' could have transplanted their restaurant to strip malls, the family chooses to support Ambridge by keeping their business in town. The restaurant is host to many major life events including bridal showers, baptisms and funeral luncheons. They also cater to the local business community by providing the appropriate space and food for business meetings and seminars. Through these events the Barlamas' get to know almost every family in the Ambridge community. They are proud to be a family-owned and operated business all these years. In fact their sons, Tom and Alexander, also work with their parents to keep the restaurant the staple it is today.

Successful and community-oriented businesses like Alexander's Restaurant contribute to the vibrancy and quality of life in our downtown.

Third Quarter 2011

The Ambridge Business District Authority has chosen business owner and photographer, Cliff Roehn, as its 3rd Quarter Downtown Recognition recipient for 2011. Cliff is being recognized for the wonderful spirit of entrepreneurship and as a leader of our community.

Cliff is the owner of Roehn Photography at 568 Merchant Street in downtown Ambridge. Cliff was born and raised in Ambridge and has always lived and operated his business here. He began his career working as a photographer and lab technician for other photography studios. When it came time to start his own business, he always knew he would stay in Ambridge.

Cliff has long supported Ambridge events by displaying his fine art photographs at sidewalk sales during Ambridge community events and has previously served on the Chamber of Commerce board. While Cliff could have transplanted his business to strip malls, he chooses to support Ambridge by keeping his business in town. Cliff photographs many of Ambridge's local landmarks but also "shoots" our communities high school seniors and athletes which allows him to get to know most every family in Ambridge.

Successful and community-oriented businesses like Cliff's photography studio contribute to the vibrancy and quality of life in our downtown.

Second Quarter 2011

The Ambridge Downtown Development Council has chosen the Ambridge Area Chamber of Commerce as its 2^nd Quarter Downtown Recognition recipient for 2011. The AACC is being recognized for its contributions in developing the 2011 Visitors Guide. This attractive colorful publication “is one of your destination keys to living, shopping, working, or visiting the Ambridge Area. There are many informative features including: Where to Dine, Where to Shop, Local Services, Local Events, Local Nightlife, Where to Lear and Where to Stay.

If you haven’t seen a copy yet, please stop by the Ambridge Area Chamber of Commerce office at 562 Merchant Street. The Board thanks Jeremy Angus, Executive Director of the AACC, for his role in the completion of this exciting promotional piece.

First Quarter 2011

The Ambridge Downtown Development Council has chosen the Friends of Old Economy Village as its 1^st Quarter Downtown Recognition recipient for 2011. This group of hard-working, dedicated volunteers is being recognized for the outstanding efforts put forth to keep Old Economy Village open. Because of state budget cuts, this historic facility was scheduled to close. But thanks to the efforts of Kevin Flannery, president of the Friends of Old Economy, organization members, House Representative Robert Matzie and Senator Elder Vogel, Old Economy Village remains open to the public. The ADDC expresses sincere appreciation to everyone who worked so tirelessly to keep our historic treasure functioning and allowing its visitors a fascinating glimpse of a unique society.

The Friends of Old Economy Village was also honored as an Outstanding Community Organization at this year’s Celebration of Efforts event held on January 20^th at Franzee’s Banquet Hall.

Fourth Quarter 2010

The Ambridge Downtown Development Council has chosen Jim and Debbie Thorton as its 4^th Quarter Downtown Recognition recipients for 2010. Jim and Debbie are being recognized for the opening of their two new businesses: Old Economy Café at 1198 Merchant Street and Old Economy Inn at 1515 Church Street. This fun, lively couple is dedicated to the historic district and their new properties bring a fresh dimension to the area.

Managed by Samantha Dodge, hours of operation at the café are: Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 3 PM and Saturday from 7 to 11 AM. Stop in for breakfast or lunch and sample some specialties such as Russian Chicken-Potato Salad, Greek Mini Burgers or the Frittata of the Day. Visit www.oldeeconomyinn.com for a full menu or call 724-318-8118.

Third Quarter 2010

The Ambridge Downtown Development Council has chosen the Committee to Clean and Beautify Ambridge as its 3^rd Quarter Downtown Recognition recipient for 2010. This hard-working and dedicated group is being recognized for the Trash Can Art Project.

This innovative project started at the 2010 Nationality Days. Students decorated the cans with charming designs and they were displayed at the festival. Votes were cast for the winner and the first prize was awarded $100.

Participants included Ambridge Cub Scouts Pack 498, Ms. Green’s Ecology class, Mrs. Walls Art Class, Mrs. Yesenosky’s Drawing class, Senior student project and Tanya’s Team Melrose Avenue. The winner was Mrs. Wall’s Art Class. Congratulations and a big THANK YOU to all who participated.

After the festival, merchants were asked to “adopt” one of the cans. This project was chaired by Karen Garvey and the cans were donated by Centria!

Second Quarter 2010

The Ambridge Area Chamber of Commerce is being recognized by the Ambridge Downtown Development Council as its 2nd Quarter Downtown Recognition Recipient for 2010. This organization is being honored for its 45 years of sponsoring the Nationality Days celebration. This ethnic festival of fun, food and music attracts so many visitors to our downtown and enhances a positive image of our community. Jeremy Angus currently serves as the Director of the Ambridge Area Chamber of Commerce, along with Erica Wachtel, an officer at the Chamber.

First Quarter 2010

The Ambridge Downtown Development Council has chosen the Ambridge Family Theater as its Downtown Recognition Recipient. The theater is the only original, continuously running Beaver County downtown theater that is open and running. Owners Richard and Glenda Cockrum have future plans that include roof repair, lease of the upstairs apartments and a major renovation of the entire building, including restoration of the marquee. The theater recently hosted a Midnight Premier and is now open on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Fourth Quarter 2009 Downtown Recognition: Main Street Awards

On Wednesday, October 28^th each of the ten Riverfront towns honored individuals and businesses that made outstanding contributions to their downtowns. Recognition was made in three categories: Business Development, Architecture & Design and Community Life.

Beaver County Commissioners Joe Spanik and Charles Camp offered words of support and encouragement to the 100+ audience gathered at Tinitique Restaurant in Bridgewater.

Chairpersons from the various Business District Authorities and Development Corporations described the accomplishments of their honorees with the help of a PowerPoint presentation. Each winner received a Main Street Award plaque in the appropriate category and a group photo was taken.

The event was hosted by the Community Development Program of Beaver County, which provides a wide array of programs and services which support and encourage downtown revitalization for its ten downtown community members, and Town Center Associates, a planning and management firm specializing in downtown revitalization.

The Ambridge Downtown Development Council presented Main Street Award plaques to:

Kathleen Sabol, Owner Caffe 501
Business Development

Tom Patrician, President of Ambridge Area Chamber of Commerce
Architecture & Design

Roberta Schuilli-Carlson
Community Life