The owners of a popular eatery, along with a longtime volunteer, are up for recognition by the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce.

Melanie and John Ross, owners of the Tamaqua Station Restaurant, have been chosen by the chamber as the 2017 Tamaqua Area Business People of the Year.The couple opened their restaurant in the historic Tamaqua Train Station in April 2016, and have since made their mark on the community, supporting a number of organizations in town and participating in local events.“It’s a surprising honor,” Melanie said. “We’re humbled.”Her husband, John, echoed that sentiment.“We very much appreciate the welcome we’ve gotten from the community.”In addition to providing a casual, fine dining establishment in the community, the couple is committed to bringing positive changes and new beginnings to Tamaqua.“We’re here to be part of the town,” Melanie said. “The success of our business, this is a team, and our employees support us and are the key to our success.”John agreed that it’s been a team effort.“I want to elevate this community through food,” he said. “We’re very grateful for our employees; we absolutely could not do it without the team.”A mainstay in the community, Paul Dodson has been selected by the chamber as the 54th recipient of the Joseph M. Plasko Citizenship Award.Dodson has since spent his time coordinating Tamaqua’s annual Hunger Walk, which raises awareness and money for food banks in Tamaqua, and providing transportation to those in need for doctor appointments and cancer treatments.“It’s really an honor,” Dodson said. “I’m really happy about the community being able to raise money and collect food for the community.”Dodson was a teacher in the Tamaqua Area School District for over 40 years, and was instrumental in establishing Tamaqua’s wrestling program.He has also taken on leadership positions at Bethany Evangelical Church, and served as program director of the Tamaqua YMCA in the 1960s.As written on one of his nomination forms, “Paul is an outstanding example of servant hood to Tamaqua.”“I’d like to thank the people who voted for me, the town,” Dodson said. “I really do appreciate it.”Dodson, along with John and Melanie Ross, will be honored for their achievements at the 65th Annual Community Dinner April 26 at Mountain Valley Golf Course in Barnesville. Reservations are required to attend the dinner. For more information, contact the Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce at 570-668-1880.