Edwardsville Connecting the Dots
     Looking for Edwardsville? You may have difficulty distinguishing its parameters, because this borough covers a lot of ground. Stretching all the way from the foot of Larksville Mountain to the edge of the Susquehanna, from Courtdale Ave. to Kirby Park, Edwardsville has the challenge of connecting all of its dots to form a solid profile.
     At midpoint, the borough shares a major intersection with Kingston, creating a hub that keeps business humming. The heart of it is Ollie’s, where restaurant owner Dave Tevet has experienced 25 years of success serving American fare.
     “The food business is usually a tradeoff between price, quality and selection. Here, there’s no tradeoff. We offer a big menu of high quality, homemade food at reasonable prices,” Tevet said, when asked how he’s stayed around so long.
     For example, Ollie’s serves pancakes made from scratch, fresh fish that’s hand cut on the premises, and pies baked in his own kitchen. Tevet is proud that Ollie’s meatloaf contains only four ingredients—a mark of simple quality.
     “The idea is that we cover all the bases,” he said.
     Tevet offers a Frequent Diner Program that keeps customers coming back. He places high value on service and cleanliness and remodels the restaurant’s interior every few years. Since 2001, the theme has been “local,” with large murals in the dining area portraying history, sports, and current events in the Valley. Enlarged postcards and maps hang on the walls.
     A few steps away from Ollie’s, Policare’s Hair Salon has been in business for almost as long. Owner Karen Pentka said she has clients who span three generations.
     “Some of them started out on the kids’ side and now they’re bringing their own kids for haircuts,” she said.
     The kids’ side has been a specialty of the salon for 16 years. Parents who feel tearful over those first tender curls are given genuine "first hair cut certificates” and a lock of hair suitable for framing. But no tears from the kiddies during the haircut there are toys, videos, and their choice of a turtle, horse, or caterpillar seat.
     Catering to the younger crowd is only one element of Pentka’s success. She requires her staff to stay updated and be able to do “everything that concerns hair.” Location is another key factor.
     “We’re in a good spot," said Pentka. “People know we’re here, we’re not going anywhere. I feel that long after I’m gone, someone will buy the place, like I did from Michael Policare.”
     She said many people don’t realize Policare’s is registered as a barber shop and she is a trained barber.
     Across the intersection, in the Gateway Shopping Center, a newer business is also enjoying success. At SignWerks, proprietors Todd and Yvonne Williams create banners, posters, graphics and design wraps on vehicles and