 | For some time now I have been commenting on posts on Facebook that people need to take back the streets of Ambridge. I became a resident of Ambridge in 1947 at the age of 5. Although I have left for short periods of time, The boomerang effect always brought me back. |
I still own a home in the Ambridge Area School District and taught there for 34 years. The other day, I decided to "put my money where my mouth is."
I use a hair salon in Ambridge and decided that I would take a walk "down street" and photograph some of the thriving businesses with the owners highlighted. My trip took me from Fifth Street to Ninth.
I began with Unique Choices owned by Jim Sangermano. A well-kept secret is his thriving wholesale beauty business, as well as the salon. Then I headed to Stangl's Bakery and owner, Lorianne Stangl Burgess. While there I ordered her delicious cupcakes for a funeral luncheon. Back up the street to Heritage Floral on Lorianne's recommendation. The owner was not available, but I took a few photos of the beautiful interior and exterior. Then off again to Una Bella spa salon and longtime stylist/owner Kim Pazzanita Villella.
As I went to my car, I met Jack Dunn outside his agency of 45 years. He was an old-time family friend and it was good to see him. All this time, I was driving, parking and talking, talking, talking to Ambridge owners, I did not encounter one person out and about who was the least bit "scary!"
People smiled and said hello as I put money in the meters and posed people outside their businesses. I noticed a lot of older persons going about their own affairs at the banks and in the stores. Yes, there are many empty storefronts and yes, some need to be brought up to code, but there are also some new businesses.
The point is there are a lot of positive things happening in Ambridge. Change is coming. Be a part of it! Support the local businesses. Look for me on the street talking to people. You will recognize me easily. I am the elderly, chubby woman with a camera (and no tennis shoes). Come up and say hello.
Patricia Parra
Pittsburgh
I use a hair salon in Ambridge and decided that I would take a walk "down street" and photograph some of the thriving businesses with the owners highlighted. My trip took me from Fifth Street to Ninth.
I began with Unique Choices owned by Jim Sangermano. A well-kept secret is his thriving wholesale beauty business, as well as the salon. Then I headed to Stangl's Bakery and owner, Lorianne Stangl Burgess. While there I ordered her delicious cupcakes for a funeral luncheon. Back up the street to Heritage Floral on Lorianne's recommendation. The owner was not available, but I took a few photos of the beautiful interior and exterior. Then off again to Una Bella spa salon and longtime stylist/owner Kim Pazzanita Villella.
As I went to my car, I met Jack Dunn outside his agency of 45 years. He was an old-time family friend and it was good to see him. All this time, I was driving, parking and talking, talking, talking to Ambridge owners, I did not encounter one person out and about who was the least bit "scary!"
People smiled and said hello as I put money in the meters and posed people outside their businesses. I noticed a lot of older persons going about their own affairs at the banks and in the stores. Yes, there are many empty storefronts and yes, some need to be brought up to code, but there are also some new businesses.
The point is there are a lot of positive things happening in Ambridge. Change is coming. Be a part of it! Support the local businesses. Look for me on the street talking to people. You will recognize me easily. I am the elderly, chubby woman with a camera (and no tennis shoes). Come up and say hello.
Patricia Parra
Pittsburgh
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