Downtown Shendandoah, Inc. 116 North Main St., Shenandoah, PA 17976 Tel: 570-462-2060
DSI website: www.downtownshenandoah.com CEBA website: discoverCEBA.com
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Merry Christmas From Your Friends At DSI!
Annual Coal Cracker Christmas Rings in The Holiday Season
Caroling, Horse Drawn Trolley Rides and A Visit From Santa
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A crisp and chilly night was the perfect weather for the return of DSI's annual Coal Cracker Christmas held Friday, November 25. Community members gathered in the Veterans Memorial Park and rang in the holiday season with Christmas carols and a Christmas tree lighting.
The highlight of the night was the horse drawn trolley rides provided by Leiby's Carriage Service and sponsored by Shenandoah One Stop and Ringtown One Stop. "We are grateful for all those who volunteered to make this event successful," said Susan Williams, of DSI. "It's an incredible feeling to see everyone work together to put smiles on so many faces."
A big holiday shout out to everyone who helped make this free community event a success! From the little elves who spruced up and decorated Main Street to all the wonderful volunteers...our trolley sponsor, and the Shenandoah Valley Highschool volunteers, singers Shaina Graff, Gabriella Fugon, George Lopez, DJ Dan Helfer, and Shenandoah Recreation who donated the candy canes, our special Santa Claus, Shenandoah Borough, Shenandoah Fire Police, Shenandoah Chamber of Commerce, DSI Board members, and everyone who helped in so many ways... the list goes on and on and on!
What a way to kick off the holiday season. Thank you & Merry Christmas!
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There's Still Time To Get Your Letters To Santa
Thank you to Mrs. T's Pierogies For Sponsoring Our Magical Mailbox
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Progress Update: The Center For Education, Business & Arts (CEBA) |
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Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. is committed to bringing you The Center for Education, Business & Arts (CEBA). This exciting community center will include a Penn State classroom, commercial kitchen, event center, offices, and co-working spaces. CEBA will bring a breath of fresh air to our region and create a hub of activity for economic development, entrepreneurship, and education.
We are already seeing new businesses opening, blighted buildings being removed, and increasing positive energy happening throughout our community. CEBA is one of the reasons positive things are happening. Let's keep the momentum going!
Our original goal was to break ground this year, however, construction is now planned to begin in 2023. Like our president and treasurer, Karen Kenderdine always says, “It’s all good!” And she’s right… it is! A project of this magnitude always brings its share of challenges and this one is no exception. We have accomplished so much and look forward to accomplishing even more in the new year.
Our small nonprofit organization, with the help and assistance of many others who support CEBA’s mission, made major progress this year, including raising almost enough money to put a shovel in the ground.
DSI has received generous donations and multiple grants that are getting us closer to reaching our goal. We've also applied for additional funding including a Keystone Communities Grant which will be the final piece of the funding puzzle to get the construction process started. We should hear the result of this application by the end of this year.
DSI Celebrates 20 Years Serving Our Community in 2023
Happy Anniversary! DSI celebrates our 20th anniversary in 2023. This exciting milestone gives us a reason to reflect and celebrate everything we have already accomplished together. It is also an opportunity to look forward to new opportunities and excitement that CEBA will bring our way.
Give Today And Help Us Make Your Community Better
There is so much more work to do. Your generous donation is an investment that will help us continue to strengthen our community Please give to Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. today.
Every dollar counts...your dollar counts! Thank you.
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Business Spotlight: Merengue Cakes & Deli Serving Authentic Dominican Fare |
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Pictured are Dulce Cruz, left, and Belkys Ogando enjoying a conversation at Merenque's Cakes and Deli located at 107 N. Main Street, Shenandoah. Belkys, the owner of the restaurant, is celebrating her one-year anniversary at this location. |
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Walk into Merenge Cakes and Deli in Shenandoah and enjoy a charming atmosphere with a Latino-inspired flair. Belkys Ogando, owner and cocinera, (chef) learned her way around the kitchen from her father. While growing up in the Dominican Republic, cooking was a family affair. “My father told me I needed to start cooking when I was eight years old,” Belkys said with a smile. “He taught me how to cook recipes that he learned from his parents. These are the same traditional recipes I serve in my restaurant today and passed on to my two children," she explained.
Authentic Dominican Menu Delights
Merengue Cakes & Deli has a variety of delicious items on the menu including authentic Dominican food, soups, and desserts. The Cuban sandwich loaded with roasted pork, honey-cured ham, pickles, and Swiss cheese is a popular choice as is the Mangu. Mangu is made by boiling green plantains until soft and mashed similar to mashed potatoes. It is served with fried cheese, fried eggs, and fried salami. “One of my favorite dishes is the Mofongo,” said customer Dulce Cruz. She explained that Mofongo is fried fish served with green plantains and fried pork. “It’s very, very good, “ she added.
Merengues Cakes and Deli also bakes special Dominican-style cakes and cookies. Topping the list are Bizcocho Dulce De Leche and Bizcocho Con Suspiro. Not everything is Latin-inspired, though. You can also order a bagel, tuna salad sandwich, a fresh smoothie, or a hot cup of coffee or tea. “Both the food and the service are very good,” said customer Jacqueline Delgado.
Belkys relocated from New Jersey to Shenandoah because a friend told her about how friendly and welcoming the people are. She was looking for a quiet, safe community and after visiting, she decided to open at 107 N. Main Street. On December 26, Belkys deli will celebrate its one-year anniversary. Belkys explained that she is grateful for the opportunity to share her love for cooking with the community. “I am very grateful to everyone who welcomed us and supported us," she said. Belkys explained that she is excited that her business is growing and that new customers are stopping in to enjoy a meal. “In the last month, I have noticed more new faces,” she said. "One new customer told me her meal was the best ever."
Belkys looks forward to growing her business, fixing up a home she recently purchased, and giving back to the community that has welcomed her with open arms. “When the community gives to you, you should give back to the community,” she said.
Merengue Cakes & Deli is open every day from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm for onsite dining and delivery serving Schuylkill County through Uber and Door Dash. Give them a call at 570-462-0635.
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Picture Perfect Winner: Congratulations Diane |
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Holiday Ornaments & January 2023 Lottery Calendar Fundraisers |
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Our ornaments are perfect for that someone who has everything. Our January 2023 Lottery Calendar is perfect to tuck into a Christmas card or a stocking. All proceeds benefit DSI. Thank you.
Stop by the DSI Office, 116 N. Main St., Shenandoah, or give us a call at 570-462-2060.
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Forward This Newsletter To A Friend
We'd like to connect with more people and spread the good work DSI is doing to improve our communities. Please forward this email and share with a friend! Thank you
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