CEBA Groundbreaking Celebrated In April

"What a Wonderful Day In Shenandoah"

The shovels are in the ground! Pictured from left to right, Susan Williams, Ted Twardzik, Mary Luscacage, Tom Twardzik, Tim Twardzik, Dane Watro, Karen Kenderdine, Dave Argall, and Joe Boris

Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. celebrated an exciting milestone on Thursday, April 18, 2024, with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Center for Education, Business, & the Arts (CEBA). The event was held at the rear of the future site of the center, an empty lot at 113 -125 N Main St., the former sites of Davison’s Furniture Store and the Thunder Road Nightclub. More than 100 community members, DSI Board of Directors, Shenanaodh Borough, and state, and county dignitaries gathered together for the event. Veterans representing Shenandoah's A.P. Damato Post opened the celebration by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

DSi Grateful For All Donations

Karen Kenderdine, President and Treasurer of the Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. Board, led the ceremony, expressing gratitude to all contributors. Kenderdine stated that 40 percent of funding was through private donations. “That’s unheard of and we are very grateful to every person and company that has given money to us." She added that everyone who donated any amount helped make this center possible. The remainder is funded by state and federal economic development grants.

"What a Wonderful Day In Shenandoah"

Representative Twardzik commented on the historic nature of the day. "What a wonderful day it is in Shenandoah. It's just an enormous project that's taken so long and so many people work so hard. It just shows you that we may not win the game but we never lose the fight in Shenandoah", he added. Twardzik, formerly Shenandaoh's state representative said that Shenandoah is in good hands with the current representative, Dane Watro, who also commended DSI for their efforts. "Dane supported us even before he was elected," said Kenderdine. Your unending support is greatly appreciated," she added.

"CEBA Is The Biggest Economic Boost Since The Pierogie"

State Senator David G. Argall (R-29) said that CEBA is the biggest economic boost to Shenandoah since the pierogie. “No one is going to say that this is an easy project,” Argall said, “but certainly no one is going to say that it wasn’t desperately needed. We’re looking forward to coming back again, and again, and again to see this beautiful structure breathe new life into this proud little town,” Argall added. Wagman Construction was awarded the project and construction will begin this Spring.

Special Message From DSI Founder, Eric Mika

Atty. Eric Mika, one of the founders of DSI, was not able to make it to the ceremony but provided a statement that Karen read to the crowd which tied everything together. He wrote:

“It is unprecedented in my lifetime for the borough of Shenandoah, a game-changer and profound catalyst for returning Shenandoah to prominence. Not like the prominence of yesteryear but a new innovative and economic prominence,” Mika wrote. While we currently live in a "blame and complain society, DSI’s endless devotion and selfless efforts and leadership have proven the naysayers wrong. Shenandoah- yesterday and today- can accomplish anything.” A forever prideful bunch, like any community it just needs some direction, care, and leadership. If you demonstrate these genuinely and sincerely, you earn the respect of the people of Shenandoah forever. They can be tough, feisty, certainly fiercely opinionated, and quick to shoot from the hip, but if you show them you genuinely care, they are very proud, loyal, and God-fearing individuals who’ll give you the shirt off their back when one of their own or their community is in need. It is just Shenandoah’s culture. Always has been. I submit, there is no better example of the melting pot theory in the country than Shenandoah; it's long, unique, and illustrious history where citizens of many countries, ethnic backgrounds, and opposing cultures and religions arriving together and assimmilating over a century ago in less than one square mile of land! 

"Where there is a will there is a way. That's the American way. This is the Shenandoah way"

Truly amazing if you think about and you know the Borough's unique history. Shenandoah not only survived but is in a position to thrive due to DSI and its projects like CEBA. DSI and this project epitomize what any community can do if each and every one of us sets aside differences, whose politics are whose, prejudices, and works together for the common good of all its neighbors, in the community. Why not? After all, from a birds-eye view looking down, we are simply people and businesses with relationships to each other. If every person can see that and just give some positive effort to make their neighbors' lives and community better and not expect someone else or the Borough to do it for them, there is nothing unachievable. Where there is a will there is a way. That's the American way. This is the Shenandoah way. I thank the good Lord that I was born and raised in Shenandoah. and I am so proud and so thankful to you and DSI for your profound and tireless efforts and tutelage in making this project happen I would do anything I can to improve it and sustain this project for those generations that succeed us which is the duty of every citizen. Duty, Honor, Country," he wrote.

View a video of the CEBA groundbreaking and learn more about how to get involved.

Photo Gallery

A special thank you to Skook News and Shenandoah Sentinel for sharing their photos.

Veterans representing Shenandoah's A.P. Damato Post led the Pledge of Allegiance Pictured from left to right are Gino Monahan, John Catizone, Ed Bickowski, Richie Stevens

More than 100 community members and visitors gathered at the future CEBA site during the April 18 groundbreaking

Representative Dane Watro congratulates DSI's President, Karen Kenderdine with a special recognition certificate

Pictured from left to right are Commissioner Gary Hess, Mayor Andrew Szczyglak , Rep. Dane Watro, Rep. Tim Twardzik, Rep. Neil Goodman (retired), Senator Dave Argall, Shenandoah Councilman Joe Boris, and Commissioner Barron “Boots” Hetherington

DSI Board of Directors pictured from left to right: Joe Palubinsky, Mary Ellen Matunis, Joe Anczarski Jr., Glenn Souchuck, Joe Anczarksi Sr., Karen Kenderdine, Susan Williams, Renee Buchanan, Brad Oravitz, Mary Luscavage, Allen Palubinsky, Annie Taylor. Not in attendance, Dr. Sasha Sherry.

Parade Of Nations Opens Kielbasi Festival & Heritage Day With Color, Community & Celebration

2024 Grand Marshall Announced

The annual Parade of Nations, sponsored by Explore Schuylkill, kicks off the Kielbasi Festival & Heritage Day at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 18. This unique parade celebrates and showcases all the different ethnicities that now call Shenandoah and Schuylkill County, home. Parade participants wear their home country’s colors, decorate floats, and carry flags. First responders including our amazing firemen and policemen, The Color Guard, government officials, area musicians, and 2024 Grand Marshal will parade through town. “The Parade of Nations is a colorful, energetic sight to see and will dazzle and delight the young and young at heart,” said Mary Luscavage, DSI Board Secretary. “It’s the perfect way to start the day,” she added.

Parade of Nations Grand Marshal Selected

Dave, “Lucky” Lukashunas, the owner of Lucky’s Corner Deli and Kielbasi Shop is the 2024 Parade of Nations Grand Marshal. Lucky, a Shenandoah Heights native and local business owner, always loved to cook and had a dream to own his own business one day. Back in 1998 he and his wife Janet took the leap of faith and opened a small corner deli in Shenandoah. It was an instant hit, the business flourished, and in 2007 they relocated to 720 West Centre Street where they remain today.

Lucky’s Deli & Kielbasi Shop has grown into a popular deli, drive-thru, and restaurant where loyal customers enjoy their unique product line. In addition to owning a business and working at Shenandoah Valley High School, Lucky gives back to his community and throughout the years has volunteered for a variety of clubs and nonprofit organizations including:

• Frackville Masonic Lodge #737
• The Caldwell Consistory (32nd Degree Mason)
• Rajah Shrine of Reading
• Roaring Creek Forest Preserve
• Shenandoah Fish and Game Club
• East End Fish and Game Club
• PA Association of Meat Processors (PAMP)

“Lucky is always there to lend a helping hand,” said Anne Taylor, DSI board of directors. “His behind-the-scenes volunteer activity and contributions to the Shenandoah community have truly made a lasting impact on many,” she added. Lucky explained that he is interested in many things, but likes to get involved with organizations that help kids the most, especially those that support children in need.

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