×

A thoughtful takeaway

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Downtown Lock Haven Inc. Manager Kasey Blesh holds an example of the mini banners that are being sold throughout the summer to those who have already purchased Hometown Hero banners.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS
Downtown Lock Haven Inc. Manager Kasey Blesh holds an example of the mini banners that are being sold throughout the summer to those who have already purchased Hometown Hero banners.

LOCK HAVEN — You see them proudly displayed when you walk down Main Street and on the Riverwalk here.

Hometown Hero Banners have become an honored tradition in Lock Haven 10 years ago, and the program’s success has inspired communities across the state and nation to start their own.

The banners showcase the brave men and women who served in the military to defend our country, and those who serve to protect and help us as first responders.

Now, families of those people who grace our streets and levee have the chance to take home smaller versions of their loved one’s color banners, thanks to Downtown Lock Haven, Inc.

Mini-banners are being sold by Downtown Lock Haven for $25 each.

Mini-banner applications are available at the agency’s office at 205 E. Main St., on its website at www.lockhaven.org, and at the Clinton County Veterans Affairs Office at 230 East Water Street.

The 11-by-17-inch banners are made of the same durable material as the original banners, according to Downtown Lock Haven Manager Kasey Blesh.

“We just wanted to offer families a takeaway,” she explained.

Only existing banners will be available for purchase in the mini variety and they take about two to three weeks to process.

Meanwhile, a new banner program — the Celebrate Athletes Banner Program — is being introduced.

Lock Haven City Council approved the new program Monday night, allowing 30 or more light poles on the Riverwalk to be used. Sales for the sports banners began Tuesday.

The sports banners will be placed on the levee closest to the entrance at Lock Haven University. They’ll be made of the same material as the Hometown Hero Banners and be changed every other year, Blesh said.

A committee that includes Ron Bowes and Tom Elling will pick six people considered to be local sports legends whose banners will be displayed permanently. Their banners will be more like a panel rather than a vinyl material, she said.

In addition, a permanent panel will be displayed at the beginning of the levee walk, and a three-sided informational kiosk of embedded fiberglass is planned. It would give the historic timeline of sports and athletics in Clinton County and would be located near the city parking lot at Water and Sixth streets, next to the railroad tracks. The city’s flood authority must approve the exact location.

The program will honor athletes and other sports figures with a Local Legends Walk, which will start at the very tip of the levee and move down the walk. These local legends will be selected bi-annually by the committee, then inducted into a Celebrate Athletes Hall of Fame with a banquet and ceremony. Their banners will be unveiled after the ceremony.

“Our area has been very fortunate to have produced so many outstanding athletes. It is only fitting that Downtown Lock Haven Inc. recognizes our sports heroes,” Tom Elling said. “I am honored to be a part of the selection committee. The task has been difficult, but there is no better time to start than now. In the very near future the initial selections will be released with some biographical information. There will also be details as to how the public can have input into the next selections.”

The Celebrate Athletes banners will cost $200 with applications available at the Downtown Lock Haven Inc. office.

Anyone wishing to purchase a banner should bring a photo of the athlete to the office at 205 East Main Street and fill out the application. More information is available from Kasey and her staff at 570-748-1576.

Money from all banner sales helps to fund the nonprofit Downtown Lock Haven Inc. and a Main Street manager position as the agency promotes community and economic development. DLH maintains a strong partnership with merchants, the city, Lock Haven University, Clinton County and other entities to help businesses and improve quality of life here.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $3.69/week.

Subscribe Today