DSI Awarded State Grant For The Center For Education, Business & Arts Phase Two

Senator Argall and Representative Watro's Press Release

Above is a conceptual drawing of the future Center For Education, Business & Arts (CEBA). The project recently was awarded a $1.7 million state grant for Phase 2. Currently under construction, this long-awaited community hub will include a commercial kitchen, Penn State classroom, DSI office, event center, and health service

We're thrilled to share a press release announcing an exciting development! DSI was informed that we were awarded a state grant that is instrumental in helping us raise enough funding to complete Phase 2 of The Center For Education, Business & Arts (CEBA). We thank Senator Argall and Representative Watro, among so many others who have helped us get this project started. Thanks to them we are closer to our goal to move forward with Phase 2. Phase 1 is currently under construction. 

Watro, Argall Announce State Grant for CEBA Project in Shenandoah

HARRISBURG – On Thursday, October 10, Downtown Shenandoah Inc. (DSI) was awarded a state grant of over $1.76 million to fund the second phase of a major redevelopment project in the borough’s business district, announced Rep. Dane Watro (R-Luzerne/Schuylkill) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29). The two lawmakers worked together to secure the funding.

Specifically, the grant will go toward finishing the second floor of the Center for Education, Business and the Arts (CEBA) on North Main Street. Phase II of the project includes a health clinic, event center and co-working spaces. Construction of the community facility began this summer on a large vacant lot.

“The excitement is building in Shenandoah now that the project is underway,” said Watro. “I am a strong supporter of DSI and was happy to advocate for state funding to help complete Phase II of the work. CEBA is going to be much more than just bricks and mortar. It represents a collective commitment to creating a brighter future for the community.”

“The dedicated volunteers at DSI have worked for many years to breathe new life into their downtown and CEBA is the key to their plans,” said Argall. “This highly competitive funding will assist them with constructing a health center, event space, and additional business incubator space – just one piece of their plans for a property that was a vacant and blighted eyesore just a few years ago.”

The project has been in the works for several years and has received other state funding support with the help of Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill) and former Rep. Neal Goodman (D-Schuylkill).

“CEBA will be transformational,” said Karen Kenderdine, DSI president and treasurer. “It will give people the opportunity to create jobs, not just look for them, while giving them the tools they need to be the best they can be and move our community forward.”

“CEBA is already strengthening our community,” said Susan Williams, DSI executive director. “New businesses are opening, blighted buildings are being removed and an increasing positive energy is happening. We are looking forward to this momentum continuing and are very thankful for this grant.”

The funding was awarded through the Pennsylvania Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program administered by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. The program offers competitive grants to community anchor institutions and local governments for projects to construct, acquire, or improve public facilities, and will directly enable work, education, and health monitoring.

For more information about CEBA, visit downtownshenandoah.com or discoverceba.com.

CEBA construction continues as steel beams are lifted by a crane into the Shenandoah sky on a beautiful October day. Joe Matthews, Wagman Construction stands in the center of the future community center, scheduled to open October 2025.

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One Lucky Winner Drawn November 29

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Winner Gets $200

One lucky winner will take away a beautifully framed picture that includes $100 bill and $100 worth of Pennsylvania Lottery Scratch Off Tickets. Whether you keep this beauty for yourself or give it as a creative gift, it's a win, win! Three entries for $5. One lucky winner will be drawn on Black Friday during our Coal Cracker Christmas event.

Win some Cash in January!

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Feeling lucky? Three cheers for when your lucky number hits during the PA Pic 3 Evening Lottery. Win up to $100! Tickets are $5 each. Great holiday gift idea. Tuck in a card or stocking and watch their eyes light up! Contact DSI today.

Business Spotlight: Mike's Seafood Celebrating 40 Years Serving Our Community

Pictured above, A 1984 newspaper article covering Shenandoah's Mike's Seafood opening . Below, Mike Jr. continues the family legacy of serving the community with quality products and superior customer service.

It takes hard work, dedication, and a community spirit for a small business to celebrate 40 successful years. Mike's Seafood, located at 123 S. Main Street, Shenandoah is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and embodies each one of these qualities and more. We recently asked Joyce Breslosky, one of the founders and owners of this popular family-owned business, to share their story. It’s an endearing one that started when she and her husband, “Capt. Mike met while working at the same Florida seafood restaurant. They grew fond of each other and would eventually get married and settle down in Shenandoah, Mike’s hometown. Both were interested in seafood and opened a shop in 1984. “It was a partnership for us from the start, but he was always the driving force,” Joyce explained. She added that they always worked together as a team, and learned along the way, perfecting recipes that are still available today. 

"No Short Cuts! Done Right Every Time!"

One thing you notice the moment you walk into Mike's Seafood is the clean, bright, and friendly atmosphere. This is one of the hallmarks of this family business, that, and delicious options including fresh seafood and homemade salads. Joyce shared that Mike’s Seafood was the first in the area to make seafood salad, originally, Mike’s Famous Crab Salad. “Our number one seller, is coleslaw, a must-have for customer’s holiday meals and a Friday staple to go with fish.” Another top seller is seasonal Maryland Blue Crabs available from June through November. “We have a true following of crab lovers,” said Joyce. “By the crab or by the bushel, we compete with “down the shore,” even though we are in this little coal town”. Joyce added that quality ingredients, consistency, and freshness are all important for our success. Mike’s motto has always been, "no short cuts, done right every time!”

The Business and Family Grows Together

Mike’s Seafood was originally located at 2 West Washington Street right across from the Shenandoah Borough Hall. Within a short time, they grew and moved to the former Supremes’ Long Bar at 123 S. Main Street. “It gave us more retail space, a larger kitchen, parking, and family space in the upper floors,” said Joyce. “He didn’t stop there though. Mike had always dreamed of running his own restaurant. Our fish market and a 50-seat dining room worked perfectly together for 20 years until the dining room closed when Capt. Mike retired."

Throughout the years, Mike’s Seafood has grown a customer base throughout Schuylkill, Luzerne, Columbia and Berks Counties. “We wouldn’t be here after 40 years without them,” said Joyce. She added that they are more than just a retailer, there is always an owner available to offer knowledge and service. “it’s easy to grab something at the supermarket so we truly appreciate customers going out of their way to shop with us."

Secret to 40 Successful Years

When asked what the secret to their 40 years of success, Joyce replied that Mike was a Marine and Vietnam Veteran. That combined with growing up in a hardworking coal town was, “character building, for sure.” Now their oldest son, Mike Jr., continues the family tradition and is major player in their business success. Blaise, their youngest son, has a separate career but Joyce said that he always lends a hand during the holidays and busy times. “Working as a family business from a young age helped to develop a good work ethic and excellent people skills. We are proud of the positivity they both bring to the shop."

Learn more about Mike's Seafood on their website.. Congratulations to our friends at Mike's Seafood for 40 amazing years serving Shenandaoh and the surrounding communities!

National Pierogy Day Celebrated In Shenandoah, The Hometown Of Mrs. T's

Mrs. T's team, led by Chris Dende, pictured above, led a celebration honoring National Pierogie Day in Shenandoah. Community members attended the annual flag-raising event on October 8. Thanks to Skook News for sharing the great photo.

Get Ready For Holiday Gifting With Bayberry Taper Candles

Support a Local Business & DSI!

"A bayberry candle burnt to the socket brings food to the larder and gold to the pocket."

DSI is selling bayberry taper candles as a holiday fundraiser. Made locally in Schuylkill County by Loki & Layla Candle Company, each pair is beautifully boxed with a festive label explaining the popular and timeless tradition. It goes like this:

A friendship gift given to bring luck and prosperity in the new year. A candle is lit at the sight of the first star and burned until fully gone on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Great gift for friends, teachers, colleagues, and anyone on your gift-giving list. They look great peeking out of a stocking, too. Stop by DSI or call us today! $16 per box.

Navigating the Digital Landscape:

The Impact of Social Media and The Importance of Community Relevance

Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Presenter: Olivia L. Zawatski Marketing Communications Manager Mrs. T's Pierogies

Location: Francesco's Restaurant, Shenandoah

Presentation is complimentary but registration is required.

In the day and age where social media shapes perceptions and drives conversations, understanding its impact is crucial for individuals, businesses, and organizations alike.

We will discuss how social media influences community engagement, brand visibility, and personal connections and understand strategies for staying relevant, fostering meaningful interactions, and leveraging digital platforms to build a vibrant community presence both locally and globally.

Join us to discover the keys to thriving in the ever-evolving social media landscape!

Paper Quilling With Marky

Create a 5"x5" Angel Shadow Box

Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024

Time: 4:00 PM

Presenter: Marky Barto, Owner, Art by Marky

Registration Fee: $20 at the door

Location: DSI Office, 116 N. Main Street, Shenandoah. PA

Sponsored by Schuylkill Area Community Foundation

Learn about paper quilling, a timeless folk art, and create your very own angel shadow box. All supplies and directions provided by Marky. Registration required. Class is limited to 10 students.