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Investment in downtown recognized with award

Chamber, DLH event draws record ‘Time Out’ crowd

LANA MUTHLER/THE EXPRESS Downtown Lock Haven Inc. award winners were announced Thursday night. From left are, in front: Downtown Manager Natasha Gorham, Nicholas Hawrylchak, Ashley and John Kramer, and DLH President Jeff Miller; in the second row: Allison Klugh, Leonora Hannagan, Kristy Eichenlaub, Carol Cillo and Steve Getz; and in back: VFW commander Wayne Litz, Kevin Eichenlaub and Mike Flanagan.

LOCK HAVEN — Before a record “Time Out” crowd Thursday night, Downtown Lock Haven Inc. handed out its annual Downtown Appreciation Awards to community members, businesses and organizations who have made an impact in the past year and plan continued investment here.

The Clinton County Economic Partnership event, in partnership with Downtown Lock Haven, was hosted by the Bland J. Rossman Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1630, providing an opportunity for 161 people to see the new facility on Water Street and mingle with its members and members of the community.

Downtown Lock Haven Manager Natasha Gorham handed out the awards with help from Partnership President and CEO Mike Flanagan.

Gorham said the awards are a way for Downtown Lock Haven to show its gratitude for the outstanding work that the business owners and leaders put forth each year.

Award winners are:

PHOTO PROVIDED Bland J. Rossman Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1630 members who were among those who helped host Thursday night’s Time Out include, from left, Judy and Ray Messner, Wayne Litz, Floyd Baldwin, Dave Harger, and Tammy and John Hoy.

r Community Partnership Award — Clinton County Arts Council former president Steve Getz and Carol Cillo, president, accepted the award for the group’s work in bringing together many organizations for LHJAMS, a premier downtown jazz festival in the city last summer. Getz was chairman of the event that attracted a large crowd of locals and visitors.

r Volunteer of the Year — Lock Haven City Planner Leonora Hannagan received the award for her “exemplary skills, volunteerism and dedication” to Downtown Lock Haven.

r Interior Design — Embellish Hair and Nail Studio owners Ashley and John Kramer received the award for visual merchandising in remodeling a downtown location to create their own beauty salon. Embellish “created a beautiful salon in the downtown and really did a nice job remodeling the space,” Gorham said.

r Window Display — Kristy and Kevin Eichenlaub won the award for creativity of window displays, keeping up with changing seasons and showcasing her crafts and work in their business, Kraft and Karry.

r Promotions — Nicholas Hawrylchak of Broken Axe received the award for successfully promoting his business through social media and membership newsletters, and his craft beer establishment is attracting many locals and visitors to Lock Haven.

r Economic Restructuring — Chris Darwin, owner of The Main Street Grill, was not in attendance to receive this award for his time, effort and investment in opening his second business in downtown Lock Haven. He is co-owner of  Riverside Saloon.

r Cornerstone Award — Davis Insurance was recipient of this award, accepted by Allison Klugh, property manager for HTD Real Estate Rentals, on behalf of Davis for the company’s continued, long-term investment in the community, including the planned construction of a new, state-of-the-art office building along Church Street in downtown.

Those with the VFW Post 1630 were grateful to host Thursday night’s event for both the Partnership and Downtown Lock Haven.

In fact, the post donated the use of its venue at 1110 E. Water St. and plans to be involved in future civic events, said Dave Harger, Post 1630 quartermaster.

“For us to host this function is giving back to the community,” Harger said.

He credited VFW bar manager Dusty Russell for working hard behind the scenes to host the event.

Other officers involved included Wayne Litz, Post commander; Tom Motel, adjutant, and Floyd Baldwin and John Hoy, all of whom were present.

“We donate to other veterans’ groups, to veterans in need, to Little Leagues, Camp Cadet … you name it,” Harger said.

Thursday night’s event was catered by Stella A’s of Lock Haven.

In fact, the post is having a spaghetti dinner May 17 at the Sons of Italy lodge for a fundraiser, and will host a breakfast for the community on Aug. 12, after Downtown Lock Haven Inc.’s Hometown Hero Banner Ceremony in downtown.

“We’re excited. The club’s on the rise. We have the most new membership activity in the district, and membership is up,” Harger said.

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