After closing up their shops for the night on Thursday, Jan. 16, dozens of local business owners convened at King George II Inn for three hours of good food and fun. This was the Bristol Borough Business Association’s annual January dinner meeting, which recognized standout individuals in the community.
The evening began with the Hon. Frank Peranteau, Bucks County District Court Judge, swearing in the board members for 2020: Cynthia Adams, Trainpops Attic; Jimmy Bason, Bird of Paradise Flowers; Megan Hems, Hems Truck & Auto; Karla Sloan, Bristol Antiques Market; Susan Rachlin, Canal’s End Antiques; Rich Vallejo, Another Time Antiques; and Steve Mooney, Farmers Insurance and BBBA president.
Board members currently serving the 2019-2020 term include: Bobby Angelaccio, Annabella’s Restaurant; Andrew Dittman, Calm Waters Coffee Roasters; and Jayne McPherson-Young, Got Wine?.
After the induction ceremony, Mooney touched on several BBBA initiatives, including a new billboard at the intersection of Routes 13 and 413 to drive tourists to visit the borough, and the upcoming First Fridays series, which he praised as one of Bristol’s “best” events.
Next, a number of monetary awards were distributed. For the first time, the BBBA presented a $500 Student of the Year scholarship. The recipient was Jacob Frey, a current senior at Bristol High School.
“We wanted to be more than a business association,” said Mooney. “We do collect dues, and some of those dues go back to the community.”
Amy McIllvaine, a board member of the Academic Oversight Committee – a group that was formed 10 years ago to fill educational gaps in the school district not covered by “No Child Left Behind Grants” – explained why Frey was selected. A very bright student, Frey is the founder and director of the school’s Tutor Crew and an active member of the debate team. In an effort to break out of his shell, Frey also got involved with the Drama Club, and landed a lead role in its production of A Christmas Carol.
“As the first Student of the Year, it’s an honor,” Frey humbly told the crowd.
McIllvaine added that the AOC and Bristol School District are collaborating on a career fair, slated to take place at Snyder-Girotti Elementary School in March.
“It’s not just for the students, but for the entire community,” she said.
John Mundy, event coordinator of the annual Mill Street Run, then presented the Mill Street Run Community Give-Back Award to Chief Marty Liczbinski, of the Bucks County Rescue Squad.
“The purpose of the Mill Street Run is simple – we want to bring people to Bristol and enable them to have a great time here,” Mundy said. “That’s our No. 1 goal.”
Liczbinski said the funds received will go toward the purchase of upgraded medical equipment.
The Nonprofit Partnership Award for 2019 was given by Mooney to Bristol Borough Raising the Bar. Accepting on behalf of the organization was its president Bill Pezza, who thanked the BBBA for helping Raising the Bar with its various initiatives, including the additional Christmas lights along Mill Street. Pezza said these lights will remain up all year round.
“It’s supposed to be dreary. It’s supposed to be January. But the place looks great,” he praised.
Last but certainly not least, Personal Training Transformations owner Patrick Mulhern was named Business Person of the Year. Mulhern was selected by BBBA membership votes with criteria specified as: showing commitment to the BBBA; dedication to the promotion and advancement of Bristol Borough; and participation in other community activities/groups.
Shea Cialella, administrative coordinator of the BBBA, read through Mulhern’s vast resume of volunteerism, which includes serving as board member of the Mill Street Run; helping to organize a Wellness Fair that welcomed 900 attendees; and working to increase local tourism with Friends of the Burlington Island.
“Pat is one of those under the radar guys. He shares his vast knowledge and experience freely and doesn’t worry about getting credit,” she said. “His love and devotion for Bristol Borough shows clearly in everything he does for the town, both publicly and privately.”
The lifelong Bristolian was thrilled to be chosen for the award.
“This really does mean a lot to me,” he said. “I look around this room, and I see a lot of these small businesses coming up, and what you’ve accomplished in just the last five years is amazing. I’m thrilled that I’m now surrounded by all these people that see what I’ve seen in this town for my entire life.”
The meeting concluded with a guest appearance by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, who distributed commendations to all award recipients. A standing ovation was given when he told everyone how much Bristol Borough meant to his late brother Mike, who lost his battle with melanoma earlier this month.
“I can’t begin to describe how much each and every one of you meant to him, meant to his family,” Fitzpatrick said. “He’s done so much for Bristol Borough, but you’ve done more for him.” ••
For more on the Bristol Borough Business Association, find them on social media or visit bristolboro.org.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
