Join Us for This Free Event To Kick Off The Holidays

Friday, November 24

Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. is hosting our annual Coal Cracker Christmas on Black Friday, November 24, 2023.

The celebration begins outside in the Veterans Memorial Park right next to the DSI offices at 116 N. Main St., Shenandoah. Everyone is invited to enjoy this family-friendly event. Dress warmly, it's an outside event. Here's what's on the schedule:

Grinch-inspired Play at 5:45 pm

See a Grinch-Inspired Christmas play compliments of the Shenandoah Valley High School Drama Club members. Get in the Christmas spirit during this 20-minute play. Then, sing along with the cast and gather around as we light a beautiful Christmas tree.

Cookies and Hot Cocoa in Damato Post Sponsored by Mid Penn Bank

Head over to the Damato Post and enjoy a cookie and hot cocoa sponsored by Mid Penn Bank and candy canes generously donated by Shenandoah Recreation.

Horse Drawn Trolley Rides Sponsored by Shenandoah One Stop and Ringtown One Stop

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Take a ride on a horse-drawn trolley with Leiby's Carriage Service, always a holiday hit! A very special thank you and shout out to our friends at Shenandoah One Stop, and Ringtown One Stop our 2023 trolley sponsors.

Santa's Magical Mailbox

Bring your letters to Santa and mail them directly to the North Pole!l Thank you to Mrs. T's Pierogies for sponsoring the magical mailbox that will remain in Veterans Memorial Park until Christmas. Ho, Ho, Ho!

See a Special Train Collection At The Ambulance Garage

Stop by the Shenandoah Ambulance Garage, right on North Main Street, and see a vintage train collection sponsored by the Fire Police. You just might see Santa there, too!

Thank you, Volunteers And Santa's Little Helpers

Thank everyone in advance who is volunteering to make this special event possible. Those who cleaned up Main Street, delivered the Christmas tree, decorated, hung lights, donated, provided security, promoted, and everything in between. You're definitely on Santa's Nice List! Thank you!

Two Ways To Win & Support DSI

Picture Perfect and February '24 Lottery Calendar

1 Picture Perfect Lottery Tickets & Cash: Winner Drawn During Coal Cracker Christmas!

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.

2 February 2024 Lottery Calendar

Get Your Lucky Number Today!

Want some extra cash in your pocket? Pick your lucky number and if it matches the PA Pic 3 Evening Lottery number for that day in February, you're a winner! $5 each...great gift and stocking stuffer idea.

Business Spotlight:

Catizone's Barber Shop: Like a Walk Back In Time

Pictured: Like father, like son. John Catizone and John Catizone Jr. work side by side in nostalgic Catizone's Barber Shop located at 132 North Main Street in Shenandoah, PA.

When you walk into Catizone's Barber Shop in Shenandoah, it's like walking back in time. This old-fashioned two-chair barber shop is a treasure trove of antiques, relics, and memorabilia of a time gone by. Most of them are Shenandoah-related, many honoring the coal crackers of yesteryear. So why does a barber shop double as a mini museum? Because of owner John Catizone's ongoing tribute to Schuylkill County history.

Collections With History and Meaning

"I enjoy collecting bottles, postcards, signs, and pictures from our area," John explained. "I also pick up mining and barber collectibles." It goes without saying that there is something interesting to see as the customers wait for a haircut. He is always on the lookout for interesting items to add to his growing collection. "People love to look at everything and reminisce," he added. Longtime customer and DSI Board member, Allen Palubinsky shared it's the camaraderie that he appreciates. "I enjoy the friendship and welcoming atmosphere," he said. John shared that most of his clients are local, but some travel from Hazleton, Eagle Rock, and others. "There are special occasions that people who now live in Philly and other cities will come home for the holidays and stop by for a trim," he added.

Commitment To Community

John started his career when he was a young man in high school. "My dad advised me to become a barber," said John. "He came to the United States from Italy and became a barber after working in the mines." John shared that his parents taught him to carry his own weight and to make sure he helped anyone in need. "They were very generous and that is something I've always carried with me."

John's daughter and Shenandoah Borough Council president Katie Catizone explained that her dad has always had the community at heart. "His generosity and commitment to our community is what led me to be a public servant. As long as I can remember, he encouraged us to volunteer and help others in need. His character is one of the most special things about him. I just think the world of him," she said.

Like Father Like Son

Today, the third generation of Catizones continues the family legacy. John's son, John Jr. joined the business in 2001, and the two have worked side by side ever since. John explained that he loves his community and his customers. "Our customers have been good to us. I enjoy the area and the wonderful people. They welcomed me warmly and I've always loved the history of this town," he shared.

Catizone's Barber Shop is located at 132 N. Main Street, Shenandoah.

CEBA Update

The Center For Education, Business & Arts (CEBA) Is For You, Your Family, Friends And Neighbors

Contractors Invited to Bid

We continue to move forward and are closer to a CEBA groundbreaking. Contractor bid packets are available at the DSI office and sealed bids must be submitted by December 12, 2023. The off-street parking lot located on South Main Street is completed. Within walking distance from CEBA, it will provide additional parking for CEBA visitors and tenants.

Giving Tree and Naming Brick Opportunities

Our goal is to engage the community in multiple ways. Everyone, who donates any amount of money will get their name on our special Giving Tree that will be located in the CEBA lobby. This "tree" will symbolize how we all worked together to create change for our community. Additionally, outside naming bricks will line a wall and walkway leading from the front of the building to the rear. This is a long-lasting special way to recognize your family or pay tribute to something special in your life. Contact the DSI office for details and to purchase naming bricks.

Give Today And Help Make Your Community Better

Thanks to local, state, and federal funding and $1.7 million of donations to DSI, we have secured enough funding to start building. This is only the beginning and there is still more money needed.

Please add DSI and CEBA to your giving list this season. We are excited to bring this economic game-changing innovation center to our community. Remember...Every dollar counts...your dollar counts!

For more information about CEBA, visit the DSI website or The CEBA website today.

New Home For Nativity Scene

The Veterans Memorial Park right next to our DSI offices is the new home for a beautiful nativity scene. Stop by and see how it adds a festive touch to the park. Thanks to the team at Oravitz Home For Funerals and The veterans at the Damato Post for working together.

Check Out All The Fall-tastic Gift Calendar Winners

Click the Graphic Below

Shop Local Spread the Love

Small Business Saturday Is A Great Reminder to Shop Small

Small Business Saturday, the Saturday following Thanksgiving and Black Friday, is a day to celebrate our community's small businesses.

Before shopping online or in a big box store, visit a local retailer and show them some love. Enjoy a bite to eat at a local restaurant and pick up a special treat at a small deli or bakery. They are instrumental in making our community special.