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Herald
June 2021
Downtown Shendandoah, Inc. 116 North Main St., Shenandoah, PA 17976 Tel: 570-462-2060
DSI website: www.downtownshenandoah.com CEBA website: discoverCEBA.com
Thanks to funding received from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, a special facade grant is dedicated to improving storefronts and curb appeal along the Shenandoah Main Street Business District.

Applications will be accepted for any commercial property within the designated boundaries of the Main Street Business district defined as Main Street between Washington Street south to Laurel Street, and Centre Street between Jardin Street east to White Street. DSI will accept applications through June 30, 2021.

Facade guidelines are established to encourage commercial property owners and businesses to restore the outside appearance of their building while maintaining the building's historical and architectural character. "Improving storefronts and curb appeal will attract more visitors and foot traffic to our area," said Susan Williams of DSI.

"DSI is committed to revitalizing Shenandoah and Schuylkill County. This Special Facade program is part of our continuing efforts to work collaboratively with state and local government officials and community members to improve the economic landscape in our area, said Williams. 
Help Us Create a Bright Future For Our Community!
Learn about The Neighborhood Assistance Program
The Center For Education, Business and the Arts (CEBA) is very close to becoming a reality! This innovation center will become a community hub where all people of all walks of life, ages, and backgrounds can gather, share ideas and learn and grow together.

Take a Look How Far We've Come
  • Thanks to a generous grant from the Regional Housing Legal Services, we are working with Chris Gulotta of the Gulotta Group to assist us in obtaining financing and processing grant and loan applications
  • We have received a $1.5 RACP state grant that requires a dollar-to-dollar match. An ongoing capital campaign continues for the match and to raise match funding and for commitments that are not covered by state grants.
  • Murphy Dittenhafer is the architect selected for the building's layout and design
  • DSI is seeking banks and businesses to invest in CEBA through the Neighborhood Assistance Program. Participants have the opportunity to receive a 75% state tax deduction on their investment of $1,000 or more
  • Multiple letters of intent and letters of support from area business leaders, organizations, government officials, and community members who support CEBA are arriving daily
  • DSI is accepting requests for naming rights for rooms within CEBA
  • DSI is accepting requests for naming bricks for the CEBA building
  • Everyone who donates will have their name included on a Giving Tree located in the building's lobby
  • DSI plans to start CEBA construction in early 2022

CEBA’s collaborative environment will enable individuals to grow their business ideas to a point where they can open their own storefronts, thereby helping to revitalize the community, fill empty storefronts, and create new jobs.

We're making headway every day. Be a part of history and please donate today. Every dollar counts...your dollar counts.
Our Donation List Is Growing!
Add your name to this growing list! Donate online, mail a check or stop by the office and say, "hi!"
Joe & Barbara Anczarski
Jamie Anczarski
Joseph & Cassandra Anczarski
Lynn Anczarski
Alfred Bronakowski
Betty Ann Bugden
Michael Creasy
John Elliott Esq.
The Palubinsky Family
Gina Ross
Delance Family
Desiree Dunleavy
Scott Herring
Karen Kenderdine
Francesco Logozz
Ron & Mary Luscavage
Mary Ellen Matunis
Joe & Andrea Pytak
Peter & Anne Skirmantas
Mary Ann Budd
Ted Souchuck
Kawika Daguio
Anthony Sajone
Francesco Logozzo
Frank Matunis
Joe & Nancy Schlitzer
Joseph Yeck
Schuylkill Area Community Foundation
Williamson, Friedberg & Jones
Murphy & Dittenhafer, Inc.
Francis & Bernadette Matunis
Dr. Sasha Sherry
Joe &Mary Wilanosky
Loretta Redcleft Shine
Frank & Lisa Breznik
Anna Marie Segal
Susan M. Bobbin
Ruth Schuch Williams (Lyric Restaurant)
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home
Patrick Jones
Dr. John Lazur
Elizabeth Del Valle
The Bolick Family
Darlene Robbins
Daguio Family-Constable
Alfred Bronakowski
John Thomas
Janis Blaskovich


Congressman Daniel Meuser
Matt Carduff
Renee Buchanan
Joseph Anczarski Jr.
Stephen Rich
Dr. Eric Petterson
Anne Taylor
Pamela Twardzik
Thomas Twardzik
Lynn Anczarski
John Thomas
Anne Kane
Paul Prybolsky
Charles & Arlene Vascavage
Bob Yudinsky & Joyce Smith
Jim & Dot Setcavage
Rob & Annie Taylor
Kurt Bauman
Jean Farooki
Scott & Susan Williams
Darlene Robbins
Paul Prybolosky
Murphy & Dittenhafer, Inc.
Mr. Thomas Mervine
Main Street Laundromat
Barron & Robin Hetherington
Wm, Johathan & Mary Jo Moss
Explore Schuylkill
Theresa Kolonsky
Damian Birchess
Robert & Joan Racis
John Karpovich
Ann Cadau
John Slatick
Redner's Food Market
Edward Schrepple
Service Electric Cablevision
Joseph and Margaret Rejent
Gulotta Group
Kowalonek's Kielbasy Shop
Commissioner Gary Hess
Regina Gargano
Patricia Shoener
Rose Holburn
Dulce Cruz
Maria Paulonis
Mandy Fitzpatrick
Mary Ann Budd
The Greater Shenandoah Area Chamber of Commerce

Note: If you donated and your name isn't on our list or spelled incorrectly, please call the office and we'll correct it for our next issue. Thank you!
Invest In You! Complimentary Sessions To Learn Something New!
Downtown Shenandoh, Inc. continues its monthly presentation series, CEBA Connects2021. The series features community professionals who volunteer their time to share their expertise.
Make Your Own Greeting Card:
Introduction To Paper Quilling
Presenter: Marky Barto, Art By Marky
Thursday, July 15, 2021
6:00pm - 7:00 pm

This event is co-sponsored by The Walk In Art Center

Let’s have fun creating your own greeting card!  In this live, virtual class, you will learn the techniques of paper quilling, also known as paper filigree. Marky will show you step by step how to make a colorful card to gift or to frame.

Marky is a professional artist originally from Czech Republic, now based in Schuylkill County. Her focus lies on traditional classical arts such as oil painting and charcoal drawing and the folk art of paper filigree (paper quilling). Through involvement with many art organizations, she brings these arts to the community.

This class is limited to 20 participants so register soon! There are no registration or materials fees thanks to a co-sponsorship of Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. and the Walk In Art Center.
Leadership Skills to Transform your Team 
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Presenter: Dr. Tiffany Cresswell, Gwynedd Mercy University
12:00 noon - 1:00 pm

What is Transformational Leadership? Dr. Tiffany Cresswell, assistant professor of Higher Education Leadership at Gwynedd Mercy University will explain how the success of any organization depends on good leadership. 

Discover your strengths to empower others to achieve the organization’s goals. Learn four components of becoming a transformational leader. Model effective communication and establish trust. Motivate others to commit to the vision of the organization Encourage creativity and innovation. Develop the leadership of your employees. When they achieve, the organization achieves.
Business Spotlight: Sweety Multi Service
"I want to get more involved with DSI and the community, The more I understand what is available, I can help new people settle in Shenandoah.

Dulce Cruz, Owner Sweety Multi Service
"New small businesses help breathe new life into older communities like Shenandoah. It was a pleasure to welcome Dulce and wish her great success,"

Senator Dave Argall
Shenandoah is a diverse community made up of people from all walks of life and has a history of welcoming different ethnicities to the area. Throughout the years, hundreds of people throughout the United States and from around the world now call Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, “home”.
 
Many of these people are bilingual or cannot speak English yet. They are on an ongoing journey to learn how to navigate becoming United States citizens, including how to register for colleges, apply for permits to upgrade their properties, and how to get a driver's license. They also are interested in obtaining employment and starting new businesses in Shenandoah and Schuylkill County.
 
Dulce Cruz, owner of Sweety Multi Service understands how challenging and difficult it can be to start over. She is originally from Puerto Rico and before moving to Shenandoah last year, lived in New Jersey. She became familiar with Shenandoah when a friend told her that Shenandoah needed a multiservice business. "He told me that people were going to Hazleton for help and suggested I consider bringing my business here," she said.

After visiting Shenandoah a few times, she liked the community and decided to relocate her home and business. Sweety Multi Service opened in 2020. She renovated the former Little Venice building located at 108 N. Main Street into a welcoming office space. She also moved into the apartment above her business. She lives there with her husband, Rafael Castillo, and their children.

"My friend was right," said Dulce. "There was an untapped market for her multi-service business in Shenandoah and I'm glad I'm here. Helping others makes me feel good. I do whatever I can to help my customers." Dulce schedules appointments and takes walk-ins, too. "Sometimes the waiting room is full but I tell everyone to be patient, and I'll get to them as soon as I can."

Dulce sees exciting opportunities in Shenandoah and Schuylkill County. "I want to get more involved in DSI and the community," she explained. "The more I understand about what is available, I can help new people settle in." Dulce is already making a positive impact as a spokesperson for the Hispanic Community. She is the spokesperson for the CDC's Reach program that provides health and medical assistance to diverse groups. She was also asked to help Senator Argall's office properly translate informational brochures from English to Spanish. During a recent visit to Shenandoah, Senator Argall and Mary Beth Doughtery visited Sweety Multi Service. "New small businesses help breathe new life into older communities like Shenandoah. It was a pleasure to welcome Dulce and wish her great success," said Senator Argall.

Sweety Multi Service is located at 108 North Main St., Shenandoah, PA. For more information contact Dulce Cruz at 570-462-0648, sweetymultiservice@gmail.com
Two Celebrations! One Big Day!
Kielbasi Festival and Heritage Day Combined For 2021
Call Out To Vendors and Sponsors
The annual Kielbasi Festival and Heritage Day celebrations will be combined and celebrated together in 2021. Save the date for August 21. Vendor registrations and sponsorships are available. All sponsors' names will be included on the back of the commemorative t-shirt that will be sold at the event and online. Contact DSI today!
Parade Of Nations Planned For August 21

The DSI Promotions Committee is planning our annual Parade of Nations to be held on August 21 at 10:00 am to kick off the Kielbsi Festival & Heritage Day event.

All ethnicities, local bands, and community members are invited and encouraged to participate in this one-of-a-kind parade. Everyone is welcome to walk and celebrate!

Contact DSI at 570-462-2060 for information.
Kaitlyn Carduff Receives DSI's John Kutchinsky Service Award
Shenandoah Valley HS graduate, Kaitlyn Carduff was recently awarded DSI's Annual John Kutchinsky Service Award.

Kaitlyn was selected due to her countless hours of community involvement and volunteer work. DSI recognized her participation in Coal Cracker Christmas, Kilebasi Festival, Heritage Day, and other fundraising events.

"I enjoy volunteering in my hometown. It's my responsibility to build my town and help the younger generation keep it alive," said Kaitlyn.

She also volunteers regularly at the Shenandoah Historical Society. "Our volunteers like Kaitlyn are hard workers and we appreciate their time," said Mary Luscavage, DSI Board Member.

Kaitlyn was an outstanding student at Shenandoah Valley, In addition to being the president of the National Honor Society, she was involved in many extracurricular activities including, the marching and concert bands, theatre group, and Mini Thon committee. Kaitlyn will attend Bucknell University in the fall.

"On behalf of everyone at DSI, thank you Kaitlyn for helping us throughout the years. We know you'll do fantastic things in the future. Good luck at Bucknell!" said Susan Williams of DSI.
Gorgeous Day On The Golf Course!
9th Annual Kielbasy-Pierogie Golf Tournament A Success!
Thank you, golfers, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone for the donations!
Thanks To Our Awesome Sponsors
The success of this annual event is thanks to the continued support from sponsorships, golf participants, food donations, and gifts we receive from the community. Your generosity will help DSI continue our mission! Thanks to you it was a great day at Mountain Valley.

A BIG Tasty Thank you to Our Lunch Sponsors
Capital Food Market
Kowalonek's Kilebasy Shop
Lucky's Corner Deli & Kielbasi Shop
Mrs. T's Pierogies
Vernalis Restaurant
Ron Luscavage

Water Sponsor: Boyer's Food Market
Beer Sponsor: Yuengling

Hole Sponsors
Alfred Benesch & Company
Antz Energy Systems, Inc.
Boyer's Food Markets
Captial Foods
Commissioner Gary Hess
David A. Kurzinsky DDS
Explore Schuylkill
Fanelli, Evans & Patel P.C.
Kowalonek's Kielbasy Shop
Lucky's Kielbasi Shop
Mrs. T's Pierogies
O'Connor Law
Oravitz Home For Funerals, Inc.
PennTeleData
Sherry Dental
Souchuck Lumber
Sweety MultiService
Representative Tim Twardzik
Vernalis Restaurant

Silver Sponsors
Binder Insurance Agency

Bronze Sponsors
Betty Ann Bugden's Total Image & Hair Replacement Center
Cotts, Inc., Digital Marketing
First National Bank
Kelly Print & Embroidery
Shenandoah Pharmacy

Welcome Bag Sponsors:
Mid Penn Bank
Explore Schuylkill

A Great BIG SHOUT OUT to all the local businesses, restaurants, organizations, and community members who donated items and gift cards for the Welcome Bags and Raffle Drawings! Thank you!
Here's The Dish!
Flitch Peanut Butter Candy
Shenandoah Chamber Presents DSI With Donation For CEBA
The Greater Shenandoah Area Chamber of Commerce recently presented a check for $5,000 to Susan Williams, (center) of Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. The donation is to help the nonprofit organization reach its financial goals for building The Center of Education, Business and the Arts (CEBA).

We are thrilled that the Shenandoah Chamber supports our ongoing efforts to revitalize our community, "said Williams. "Thank you for your generous donation"

Pictured are, from left, Betty Ann Bugden, Dr. Sasha Serry, Susan Willams, Louis Truskowsky, and Mark Bernardyn.
Feeling Lucky? Enter To Win!
Enter to win this "picture perfect" lottery and cash bundle with $100 worth of lottery tickets and $100 cash!

Chances are 3 for $5.00. The winner will be drawn and announced on August 21.

Stop by the DSI office or contact us at 570-462-2060.

The winner of our last lottery basket is Paula Reinhoel. Congratulations, Paula!
Here's Some Americana Coloring Fun
Happy 4th Of July! Have Fun and Enjoy Your Holiday!
Thanks, Ed Munley for sharing your coloring page with us.