Becky Betz, along with Harry's assistance, has put together an extremely informative June newsletter. The publication features July's award-winning AHA! Friday, Newtown Book & Record Exchange's 25th Anniversary, Father's Day Gift Shopping Guide, along with State and Sycamore Street Stuff.

Congratulations Becky on another great job!

Special thanks to Liz Battaglia the graphic designer who created the Pride of Newtown poster. The AHA! Friday marketing produced 3 e-mail campaigns, 13 media exposures and 100 posters. State Street transformed into an acoustical extravaganza with 4 live music performances.

The Court Inn was the setting for the Pride of Newtown awards ceremony. State representative John Bry, from PA Downtown Center, presented Patty Lovi, Chair of AHA! Friday, with a "Townie" award for outstanding achievement in a special event. John commented that the Townie is the downtown revitalization equivalent to an Oscar. Several AHA! Friday poster artists were also recognized for their contributions in making this award possible.

Promotions convened on June 7 and welcomed Paula Reynolds from Inter County News who presented two co-op advertising options for the committee's considerations.

The Newtown Brewfest committee received a very positive response from several breweries and will recommend to the JDNC Board to support the October 21 event. Once approved, the committee will launch public announcements. Tentatively, this event will be coordinated with a blues festival. Newtown Brewfest and Blues into the Night (hosted by local restaurants).

Next meetings - Promotions, July 5, 9AM Borough Hall and Brewfest, June 27, 9AM, Main Streets office.

JDNC Board of Directors is pleased to appoint Joseph Barbagallo to chair the Organization Committee. Joe has been a supporter of JDNC since its inception and has served on the committee since 2002. We look forward to his leadership in this position. With this appointment, all the committees are now fully staffed.

The Finance Committee met on May 23, at Borough Hall which marked the final meeting with fund raising consultant Sam Friedman. The committee has since been busy making contacts with prospective donors to the Main Streets effort.

In other organization news, the Think Tank met on June 1. Gudrun Frank of Weblink Studios attended to advise the group as it moves forward with the newtownpa.us website.

Now available: www.newtownpa.us window clings, order one today by e-mailing chrisortwein@newtownpa.org

The Design Committee Meeting was held at Freestyle Salon on June 5. Historic pictures of the Newtown Creek were reviewed as part of a PR effort to create interest and appreciation for both the history of the Newtown Commons and the Newtown Creek.

A walking tour along the Newtown Creek from Silo Drive to Washington Ave. followed, which stimulated ideas for possible short-range enhancements to encourage pedestrian traffic between State and Sycamore St. Unfortunately, the test run of the rubber duck race from one bridge to another is impractical.

Another possible project has immerged - a self guided walking tour map and narrative to communicate the rich history of Newtown, its historic sights and points of interest.

The Facade Grant program continues to draw interest. Two packets have been sent to interested applicants.

Another Main Street Milestone was recognized during the Pride of Newtown festivities. Newtown Book and Record Exchange celebrates its 25th anniversary of doing business on Newtown's Main Streets. JDNC presented Bobbie & Charlie Lewis with a special award. Kathleens' Gallery and Framing donated the custom framing for this special occasion.

The traveling scissors ceremony departed for Primitive Creations to welcome Michelle Morris and her mother Marian Hemphill to Centre Avenue. This space has been vacant for a couple of years and we are pleased to have new occupants.

The committee is set to met on June 15 to continue work on their action plan.