Mineola Main Street Board members awarded ceremonial checks to business people in the Main Street District who received grants from the program to improve the exterior of their businesses. Clockwise from top left, Joe Smith (standing in the back), owner of Lake Country Locksmith at 128 W. Broad, accepts $810 for the new awning he installed. From left are Main Street Board members Steve Brooke, Allison Utley, Wanda Dubbs, Misty Hooks, Pat Hamlett and Vice Chairman Sharon Chamblee. At Iron Horse Nutrition at 118 W. Broad, owner Heather Friddle is in the center behind the check which helped pay for the new business’s sign. At Sugarbakers of Mineola, owner Elizabeth Citko, behind check in the middle, accepted the check which helped pay for new awnings for her buildings, 119 and 121 W. Broad. And at Gene’s Photography at 123 W. Broad, owners Lisa and Gary Bright accepted their local incentive check which helped with the removal of the old cedar awning, repair and painting of bricks, repair of one of the old transom window panes and a new awning. In October, Gene’s Photography, the oldest family-owned business in downtown, also was one of only three businesses in the state and 67 in the country awarded the Hartbeat of Main Street Grant from The Hartford. It helped finance extensive remodeling in the interior of the business. The Mineola Main Street Program is selling mural throws to continue to help businesses and provide downtown Christmas decorations and festivities. The throws can be purchased at the Mineola Historical Museum and City Hall or call 903-569-6183 to purchase and have shipped.