By ERIC SEIVERLING
For years, the Monongahela Main Street Program has worked to energize and build the city’s business district in hopes of attracting jobs, shoppers and visitors.
That work paid off when former Main Street Program member Ethan Gamble was recognized with a Townie award, which is given every year by the Harrisburg-based Pennsylvania Downtown Center to highlight communities and individuals that create and implement projects, programs and events that exemplify the goals of PDC’s community revitalization mission.
Currently enrolled at the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School in Rhode Island, Gamble was bestowed the Youth Involvement award for his role in the Monongahela Youth Main Street Program’s summertime street fair, which brought vendors, musicians, artists and hundreds of visitors to Monongahela.
“I’m very thankful of the consideration,” Gamble said. “A lot of thought and planning goes into running the MYMSP annual street fair.
“My initial idea two years ago was to incorporate all of Monongahela’s small businesses into one all-encompassing event. To those who couldn’t necessarily pick up shop, I organized a basket auction so they wouldn’t be forgotten. Without the support from the city and namely Terry Necciai, I couldn’t have imagined taking on something like this alone.
“It has been my goal from the beginning of the youth Main Street program to involve youth ages 13-30 in the history and future of our small city. Since I’m currently attending the U.S. Naval Academy, I’ve made it my goal to emulate what the Academy grad Brig. Gen. (Ret.) (Dave) Papak has done. He worked to organize the 250th celebration last summer, and I hope to give back to Monongahela after a career with the Navy or Marine Corps.”
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