Date: 1/4/08
Press Release: For Immediate Release
Re: Irwin Elm Street Planning
Ctc: Donn Henderson, Main Street Manager 724.296.8074
e-mail/irwinpa@comcast.net
Irwin Elm Street Program Moving Forward
The Irwin Project and Irwin Main Street Program began monthly meetings in January to develop an “Elm Street Program” in the Borough. “Elm Street” is a state funded program similar to the “Main Street Program” already in place in the Borough. The “Elm Street Program” will focus on residential revitalization and connecting the two efforts.
Nearly 20 residents and Council members met for the first planning meeting on January 3rd at the Norwin Chamber of Commerce offices to discuss the issues facing residents and how to deal with them. Concerns about pedestrian safety, code enforcement, crime prevention and home ownership levels were among the items discussed.
The committee will meet monthly to develop a plan to submit to the Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development for funding by this summer. The plan will request money for home improvements and other projects identified by the committee.
Interested residents should call the Main Street office to be notified of the upcoming monthly meetings by e-mail or phone. The office is located within the Norwin Chamber of Commerce and can be reached by e-mail at irwinpa@comcast.net or by calling 724.296.8074.
Date: 1/4/08
Press Release: For Immediate Release
Re: New Irwin Business
Ctc: Donn Henderson-Irwin Main Street 724-296-8074 or Sharon Bone,
Owner- Pampering Center 724-861-4747
New Downtown Irwin Business Ready to Pamper Customers
The Historic John Irwin House was already a community treasure but now it’s a place to get pampered as well. The “Pampering Center” recently opened in this historic site making the building home to four specialty shops. Sharon Bone is well known to many area customers and has worked the area with a home-based business for years. She recently contacted the Irwin Main Street offices looking for a space to help give her business more exposure and offer a site away from her home for customers to get facials, makeovers and sample the quality products she offers. After a brief search the John Irwin House was chosen as the new home of the “Pampering Center”. The building is located at the corner of Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.
“It is convenient and my customers can visit the unique shops before or after the visit to the Pampering Center” said owner Sharon Bone. “I am happy to be a part of the revitalization efforts in Downtown Irwin and hopes customers will come see me and what downtown Irwin has to offer” she added.
The new business marks the end of the year with a plus three new businesses overall for Downtown Irwin according to Main Street Manager, Donn Henderson. “We have had some 4 close and 7 open with an additional two expansions within downtown” said Henderson. Downtown will see another new business in January according to Henderson and with two newly remodeled office/retail spaces available soon he expects to start the year with three new businesses in just the first quarter. “People are supporting our efforts by shopping, dining, attending events and investing in Downtown” Henderson stated. The Irwin Main Street program received state funding in 2006 and opened an office in February of 2007.
The business hours, services, web site and contact information for the “Pampering Center” have been listed at IrwinPa.org or Sharon Bone can be reached by calling 724-861-4747.
Date: 12/18/07
Press Release-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Re: Irwin Comcast Video
Ctc: Donn Henderson, Irwin Main Street Mgr. 724.296.8074
Comcast Newsmakers to Feature Downtown Irwin
The Downtown Irwin revitalization efforts recently were boosted thanks to Comcast Newsmakers. Irwin Main Street Manager, Donn Henderson, was interviewed recently about the efforts taking place in Downtown Irwin by Tonia Caruso, host of the informational segment. The Comcast program is a five-minute interview and runs twice per hour on CNN Headline News for Comcast subscribers.
The segment will air throughout the entire month of January and will alternate with others during the month. Henderson believes it will help with the ongoing efforts. “The kind of exposure this gives us we could never afford on our own” said Henderson.
“Comcast is now a partner in our efforts and we are glad to have their support,” Henderson added. Comcast values the air-time at nearly $15,000 based on the number of air dates and time of the segment.
Natalie Ricchuito, Comcast Government and Community Affairs Coordinator, understands the importance of assisting groups like Irwin Main Street. “We are proud to be a strong community partner with the Irwin Main Street Program and are happy to assist with their community-focused and worthwhile programs,” said Ms. Ricchuito.
The interview can also be viewed at the Irwin Main Street web site, IrwinPa.Org, starting December 28th.
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (http://www.comcast.com) is the nation's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services. With 24.2 million cable customers, 12.9 million high-speed Internet customers, and 4.1 million voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of broadband cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.
Comcast's Three Rivers Region serves 850,000 customers in four states, including Southwestern Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, Northern West Virginia and Northern Maryland. The region employs approximately 2,400 professionals and has been recognized by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as one of the best top 10 large companies to work and by the Pittsburgh Business Times for two consecutive years as one of the "50 Best Places to Work in Western Pennsylvania.
Date: 12/3/07
Press Release: For Immediate Release
Re: Store Opening in Irwin
Contact: Donn Henderson, Irwin Main Street 724-296-8074/John Carleo 724-864-6130
Well-Known Local Trainer opens center in Downtown Irwin
Just in time for your New Years resolution, long time area fitness trainer, John Carleo has opened a center in Downtown Irwin. “John Carleo’s Quick Fit Supervised Training Center” is located at 409 Main Street. John has been in the fitness business for more than 30 years and brings his unique fitness approach to Downtown.
“This is a common sense place to come if you want to look, feel and perform better in the coming year” said Carleo. “I’ve done it, I’m still doing it and I can show you how to do it in just three 20-minute sessions per week” he added. Through his personal supervised training methods clients of any age can learn how to get in shape and stay that way.
The new center will also offers The Total Gym Alkaline water ionizers, electromagnetic radiation neutralizers and whole food supplements. The Total Gym is featured at the center and training videos on its uses and benefits are available.
You can find out more at www.johncarleo.com or call the center today at 724.864.6130 to get your 2008 fitness plan started.
The Fitness Center is the 7th new business to open in Downtown Irwin in 2007. Irwin Main Street Manager Donn Henderson believes the efforts of the Borough, Irwin Project, Irwin Business and Professionals Association and their supporters are the reason. “They had put a lot of time and effort into planning how to make Downtown a prosperous place to do business and now others are seeing that as well” said Henderson of the volunteers.
Date: 11/5/07
Press Release: For Immediate Release
Re: Irwin Halloween Winners
Contact: Donn Henderson, Irwin Main Street 724-296-8074
Irwin Winners Announced
The Irwin Halloween Parade drew more than 700 participants and an estimated 1,000 visitors to the festivities in Downtown. Sponsors of the activities, The Irwin Project and Irwin Business and Professionals Association, announced the following winners from third place to first respectively; Cutest-Lola Modra, Abby and Becca Shedlock, Sedney and Carson Handra. Scariest; Zack Harmon, Chad Barker, and Justin Mcarlane. Funniest;
Kalista and Zack Rayne, Nieko and Gianna Disso, Kody and Gage Kunkle. Most Original; Zack and Abbey Cologie, Alexander Scott Thomas, Kristen and Addison Schade. The best group of 8 or more was the Fallecker family as the Wizard of Oz Cast.
A best business float trophy was awarded to Collins Family Motor Sports.
The Irwin Project also held and in-store and on-line registration contest for a Haunted Hayride and pizza party for 10. The winner was Edie Matthews of North Huntingdon.
Light-up Night is scheduled for Downtown Irwin and those interested in attending the November 15th activities can visit IrwinPa.ORG for details.
DRH
Date: 10/16/07
Press Release: For Immediate Release
Re: Irwin Art and Jazz Nights Grant
Ctc: Donn Henderson, Irwin Main Street 724.296.8074
Target to help sponsor Art and Jazz Nights in Downtown Irwin
Downtown Irwin Organizations and Target will team up next summer to present “Art and Jazz” nights once per month from May until September. The Irwin Main Street program was recently awarded a grant from Target to help with the start up costs for the event. The Main Street Program will co-ordinate the event along with the Irwin Business and Professionals Association and the The Irwin Project.
Although the planning is in its early stages Donn Henderson, Main Street Manager, thinks the event will showcase the towns cultural assets. “We have a very active Norwin Art League, music studios, dance studios and will soon add a second performance venue with the opening of the Lamp” said Henderson. “By featuring local musicians, artists, and performers we can help Downtown Irwin continue to grow as a cultural center for the Greater Norwin Area” he added. Target is located just on the edge of the Borough of Irwin and Henderson says they were anxious to help. “They understand the importance of strong communities and have made a financial commitment to see that Downtown Irwin remains active and viable” he stated.
Street performances, art crawls, specialty craft vendors and more are all under consideration. A special committee will launch meetings in November to begin the planning. Additional sponsorships will be made available in January and final plans will be available in February. Persons interested in helping with planning, performing or participating can call 724-296-8074 or e-mail the Main Street Office at irwinpa@comcast.net.
DRH
Date:
9/28/07
Date:
6/19/07
Press Release: For Immediate Release
Re: Bell Park Revitalization workdays with
Keep PA Beautiful
Ctc: Jacki Slagle, Keep PA Beautiful Intern
(814) 440-5526
Caroline Suh, Keep PA Beautiful Intern (412) 609-1119
Bell Park revitalization will be open to the
public through work days.
Irwin residents will be able to play their
part in revitalizing Bell Park with the help
of Keep PA Beautiful interns, Jacki Slagle
and Caroline Suh. Bell Park is located in front
of the Irwin Volunteer Fire Department on Main
Street and is owned by the Borough of Irwin.
Work days will be held every week in July for
residents, visitors and volunteers to help
plant trees, shrubs, and plants, lay paths,
install benches and tables, and restore a historic
Irwin school bell. Gardening work days also
will be held every weekend for the community
garden that is included in the plan.
Volunteer work days will be held every Tuesday
and Thursday in July at 7 PM. The first work
day will be on July 3, 2007. Volunteers will
receive useful information on planting, pruning
of trees, and park maintenance. Free refreshments
will be provided at each work day. Garden work
days will be held every Saturday in July at
10 AM. Interested and committed participants
will receive a small plot within the community
garden to build their gardening skills. Experienced
gardeners will be available to guide gardeners
at each work day with free refreshments at
each work day.
The first garden work day will be on Saturday,
June 30, 2007 and will be held as a kickoff
party from 10 AM to noon. It will begin with
an introduction and short tutorial on gardening
and community gardening as well as distribution
of community plots. Lunch will also be provided.
The Keep Pa. Beautiful interns are working
under the supervision of The Irwin Project
and Irwin Main Street Program in conjunction
with the Pa. Downtown Center. For more information
on how you or your company can help please
contact the Irwin Main Street office at 724-296-8074
or e-mail the office at irwinpa@comcast.net.
Manufacturing assistance is being sought for
a new bell cradle and corporate volunteer teams
are also needed.
The final Bell Park will be unveiled on Saturday,
August 4, 2007 with a final closing party.
Date:
6/4/07
Press Release
For: Immediate Release
Ctc: Donn Henderson-Irwin Main Street Mgr. 724-296-8074 e-mail Irwinpa@comcast.net
Re: Keep PA Green Interns
The Irwin Main
Street Project, under the supervision of
Donn Henderson, has obtained two interns
to help with the environmental development
of Irwin for eleven weeks in the summer.
The interns have been placed in Irwin via
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, in conjunction
with Philly Green and the Pennsylvania Downtown
Center. The project offers college students
an opportunity to work with urban communities
on the planning and implementation of community
enhancement projects to be decided upon by
the community.
Jacki Slagle,
of Erie, is a senior at Penn State University
Park. She is pursuing a major in Geography
and a minor in Environmental Inquiry (Sustainable
Development option) and in Science, Technology,
and Society. At Penn State, she is the Treasurer
and Director of Communications and Outreach
for the Sustainability Coalition. She is
interested in the principles of sustainability
and how to communicate the importance of
living sustainably to the general public.
Regarding the environment, Slagle is also
interested in Smart Growth and urban planning.
She is a youth swimming coach for Big Cat
Aquatics at Penn State and also teaches swim
lessons at the State College High School.
Caroline Suh,
of Pittsburgh (15213), is a senior at the
University of Pittsburgh. She is pursuing
a dual major in Architectural Studies and
Studio Arts. At the University of Pittsburgh,
she is the President of the Korean Culture
Association. She is interested in landscape
design and creating aesthetically pleasing
yet practical solutions for city parks. She
plans to pursue a career in art after graduation.
Suh also attended Franklin Regional High
School in Murrysville.
Slagle and Suh
will be involved in three projects while
working in Irwin. The Bell Park Design Improvements
is a project in which the interns will try
develop a consensus and develop a plan to
improve the park, involving as many community
members and organizations as possible in
the planning.
The Downtown
Greening Analysis is a project in which the
design of a major streetscape improvement
project will be established. Slagle and Suh
will be contributing suggestions for simple
and cost effective “greening” that
the community can work on in the future.
Finally, the
interns will be working with the Pennsylvania
Avenue “Adopt a Block” Program.
In addition to the work that has been done
with the new sidewalks, Slagle and Suh will
be starting a planting program with local
organizations to make tentative improvements.
For more information
on the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful program,
refer to the website: http://www.keeppabeautiful.org/focusareas/college-internship-program.asp.
Date:
6/4/07
Press Release
For: Immediate Release
Ctc: Donn Henderson-Irwin Main Street Mgr.724-296-8074 e-mail Irwinpa@comcast.net
Re: Irwin Project Interns
The Irwin Main
Street Project, under the supervision of
Donn Henderson, has hired two interns to
help with the development of the website
and the development of the Elm Street Grant
for the summer.
Kristen Fuhrman,
of Irwin, is a junior at Saint Vincent College.
She is pursuing a major in English with a
concentration in Professional Writing and
a minor
in Secondary Education. At Saint Vincent College, Fuhrman is a Student Government
Association Senator, Secretary of Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society and
member of Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor
Society. She also works for Saint Vincent College’s Public Relations
Department. She graduated from Penn-Trafford High School in 2005.
Fuhrman
will be developing the content for the Irwin Main Street Project website.
She will be collecting information about all the businesses in downtown
Irwin
in order to develop content to put on the website. The website is tentatively
slated for opening on July 16.
Leah McLaughlin,
of Irwin, is a senior at Grove City College.
She is pursuing a major in Business Economics
and a minor in Sociology. At Grove City College,
she is Vice President of Delta Mu Delta Business
Honor Society and a member of OTM Business
Honorary. McLaughlin has studied abroad in
China and attended mission-oriented spring
break trips to Pittsburgh and Mexico. She
volunteers at George Junior Republic and
tutors at Pittsburgh Project and Urban Impact.
After graduation, she plans to attend law
school.
McLaughlin will
be assisting with the Elm Street Grant Program.
This program has been set up to revitalize
neighborhoods in proximity to the downtown
Irwin
area and to formalize a connection between the residential and business areas
of Irwin. McLaughlin will be gathering information and writing the grants
for the Elm Street Grant Program.
Date:
4/20/07
Press Release
For: Immediate Release
Ctc: Hallie Chatfield-Design Committee Chairman/
Phone
Re: Irwin Meeting
Irwin Project to Unveil Guidelines
The Irwin Project and Irwin Main Street Design
Committee will hold two public meetings the first
week in May. The meetings are to introduce property
and businesses owners to the guidelines for the
Design Challenge Grants. The grants are part
of the Irwin Main Street Program and funding
is provided by the Pa. Department of Community
and Economic Development.
Grants will be given to qualified applicants
on a matching amount basis. The Irwin Main Street
program will match up to $5,000 spent on approved
façade and signage improvements.
Attendees will be shown some examples of improvements
that can be made as well as an overview of the
guidelines. A question and answer period will
take place after the presentations.
Copies of the guidelines will be available at
the meeting for a $5.00 fee or they can be e-mailed
to applicants at no charge.
Meetings will be held on two separate dates
and attendance is highly recommended for those
wishing to apply for grants. The first meeting
is Wed. May, 2-5:30 p.m. at the Café Supreme
in Irwin. The next meeting is on Thurs. May,
3-8:00 a.m. at the Norwin Chamber of Commerce
offices.
Inquiries regarding the meetings can be directed
to the Irwin Main Street office via e-mail at
irwinpa@comcast.net or by phone calling 724-296-8074.
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