Safety A Top Priority During CEBA Construction

DSI Continues Fundraising for Phase 2

Wagman Construction is working daily to set the foundation for The Center For Education, & Arts, an innovation center located in the heart of Shenandoah. According the Joe Matthews, Wagman's superintendent for the project, "Building footers have been completed, including elevator pit foundation. Block foundations have begun."

Matthews added that safety is the number one priority of Wagman, and all subcontractors and visitors on the construction site. "All tradesmen are required to wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) as demonstrated above by DSI representatives, Mary Luscavage, board secretary, and Susan Williams, Executive Director. PPE includes closed-toe shoes, hard hats, safety glasses, and orange vests.

Wagman is supporting local businesses during their time in Schuylkill County. To date, Kass Construction, Biros Utilities, Quandel Concrete, and Souchuck Lumber, have provided supplies and services. Construction crews are also frequenting retailers for lunch, snacks, and miscellaneous items. This will continue as the project moves forward and more workers are in Shenandoah. "We would like to thank the business community for their cooperation during this construction period," said Luscavage. "We would also like to thank the Shenandoah Borough team, DSI Board of Directors, Aqua PA, and everyone, for providing assistance and information to Wagman when requested."

CEBA is expected to open in mid-2025. DSI has raised enough funding to complete Phase 1 of this two-phase project. "We are excited that construction is underway for Phase 1 but are still actively seeking donations for Phase 2," said Williams "Phase 1 includes the entire shell of the building and finishing the ground and first floors. "Please donate any amount you can and be part of history!" She added that every dollar counts, your dollar counts. Learn more about CEBA and donate today,

Business Spotlight: Art by Marky: Local Artist Turns Passion Into Thriving Business

Pictured above: Left: Artist Marky Barto stands beside, her award-winning oil on panel, "Cornelia". Right: She assists Mike and Charlotte Vernalis during a paper quilling workshop held at DSI.

There is something special and appealing about artist and entrepreneur, Marky Barto, owner of Art By Marky. Her artwork reflects her personality, beautiful, genuine, and timeless. Whether she is painting a gorgeous portrait, creating a charming folk art design, or teaching others how to appreciate art, her passion for her craft is clear. Marky has worked hard to turn her talent into a business that she nurtures every day. But it didn't happen overnight. It's taken time, traveling the world and trusting her instincts.

Marky has always had a love for art. It dates back to when she was a young girl growing up in Czechoslovakia. "I graduated from a bilingual high school and moved to the Netherlands one of the most art-rich places in the world. There I was inspired to explore painting and drawing, and enrolled in an art class, a decision that forever changed my life," she shared. She also explained that through the years she had the opportunity to live in different countries where she found a deep love of languages, various cultures, and reflective art. "I fell in love with local museums and architectural sights that provided some of my greatest inspirations. In particular, classical art has a special place in my heart," she said.

Unlike many artists who simply consider their talent a hobby, Marky has worked hard to build her Art By Marky business. Through the years, she applied and won business competitions, entered and won art exhibitions, and joined multiple artist associations, many in Schuylkill County. Each experience opened new doors to many exciting opportunities.

"As an artist, I enjoy fostering creativity in others and encourage everyone to appreciate all the beautiful art our ancestors have left behind. "I know from experience that art is a universal language that always bridges the gap between cultures," said Marky.

Today, Marky lives in Shenandoah, but sells her art throughout Northeastern PA. She wants everyone to appreciate and own art so she creates artwork with varying price points. Some of her commissioned oil on panel originals have sold for thousands of dollars while her paper- quilled ornaments sell for $10. “Marky is an example of the American Dream,” said DSI spokesperson Susan Williams. “I’ve known her for nearly six years and have watched her transform her love for art into a small business. She continues to find new ways and opportunities to expand and I look forward to her future success,” she added.

One of the locations where Marky holds paper quilling workshops is the DSI office. One is scheduled for September 10. "DSI is a very welcoming organization bringing lots to our little town. I love to teach my paper quilling workshops there, " said Marky. "It feels good to contribute to the community by teaching this traditional art form. The classes are always full and we have a great time!" she added.

Learn more about Art By Marky on her website and Facebook page. Register for the upcoming DSI paper quilling class on the CEBA website.

Pictured above: Left: An assortment of Marky's paper quilled creations including ornaments for sale at Vernalis Restaurant, Shenandoah. Right: Marky's Snow White Elegance oil on panel showcases her eye for design and detail.

Two Folk Art Classes Scheduled

Get "MOO"-ving and Regster Today

Attention business owners. Have you taken a look at your outside entrance lately? Potential customers have and if they don't like what they see, they might keep walking. It's all about curb appeal. Curb appeal is the attractiveness of a property and its surroundings when viewed from the street. It is the first impression that your business makes on potential customers – and first impressions count. 

According to a survey of 1,000 shoppers, 95 percent shared that a store’s external appearance influenced their decisions about where to shop, while 52 percent avoided a store because of a dirty outside appearance, and 39 percent explained that they wouldn’t enter a store that “doesn’t look like a place I would normally shop.” 

Easy Curb Appeal Tips To Add To Your Routine

Take a look at your storefront, decide how you can improve it, and consider the following tips.

• Sweep the sidewalk every day and remove all trash on both the sidewalk and the street. This simple task takes just a few minutes but instantly makes your store more appealing.
• Clean the windows and entrance to your store regularly.
• Add greenery or flowers out front. Hanging flower baskets or planters at either side of the door adds a splash of color.
• Add a welcome mat by the front door. This always makes every customer feel welcome.
• Repaint walls and window frames to refresh and update the look.
• Create an outdoor display of products you sell and how to use them. Make it seasonal to inspire and generate sales.
• Change your window display regularly. This can keep regular passers-by interested in your store.
• Make it clear what your business does. Use attractive signage and displays. Hang a welcome flag, add a chalkboard sign outside to list specials, and welcome people inside.
• De-clutter. Clutter looks untidy and can be confusing for the customer. Less is more when it comes to signage.
• If you are a restaurant, coffee shop, or diner, consider creating an outside seating area.

Curb Appeal Is Important For Homeowners and Renters, Too

The same is true for homeowners and renters. Keep your neighborhoods attractive and welcoming by practicing the same tips above. It will look better and increase your property values. Happy cleaning!

The Shenandoah Chamber of Commerce sponsored fresh farmer's market returns this summer providing fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and baked goods.

Every Tuesday and Friday between 8 am and 12 noon through November, local farmers will set up and sell their produce right outside the Rite Aid Parking Lot on the southeast corner of Main and Centre Street.

This is a market that everyone in our community looks forward to," said Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. Board Member, Mary Luscavage. "It's always a pleasure to support our local hard-working farmers," she added.

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