“We did it, and what a journey it has been,” Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. President Karen Kenderdine told a standing room only crowd during the April CEBA ribbon cutting celebration. “It has been nothing short of a miracle that we arrived here today,” she added.
Excitement filled the lobby of The Center for Education, Business & Arts, located at 115 N. Main Street. Karen Kenderdine opened the ceremony by thanking everyone involved in making this dream come true. She said the project is due to government leadership, from borough officials to the state legislature, "from the start." The room was packed with local dignitaries, business leaders, project funders, and community members.
Multiple speakers stepped up to the podium to express their thoughts and memories. Senator Dave Argall shared fond memories of growing up in northern Schuylkill County. He was one of the many leaders who believed in DSI and its vision. “One thing I learned is Shenandoah people never give up,” he said. “I am so glad that they took on what was an eyesore and decided to do something for economic growth, for revitalization.” CEBA is located on the former properties of Davidson Furniture Store and Thunder Road Night Club, both destroyed by fire.
Former Shenandoah state representative Neil Goodman said, "never take for granted what a small group of people can do when they really put their mind to it.” Goodman was instrumental in the project's beginning. He expressed that grants are extremely competitive and hard to get. "You have to have the reputation of being an organization that gets things done," he said.
More kind words were shared by Dr. Sasha Sherry, secretary of the Greater Shenandoah Chamber of Commerce and DSI board member. “To everybody who played a role in bringing CEBA to life, your dedication and resilience have created something that is going to have a lasting impact for years to come. This building took vision, hard work, partnerships, and a shared belief that this community deserves more,” she added.
Kenderdine explained that CEBA was made possible through multiple funding sources, including $3 million donated by three late Shenandoah residents, Charles Shucofsky, Stanley Ptaszowski, and Jack Schwab. "Each floor of the three-story center will be named in their honor," she said. The commercial kitchen, named, The Jean and Ted Twardzik Kitchen, honors the founders of Mrs. T's Pierogies. Tom and Pam Twardzik, longtime supporters and residents of Shenandoah, donated $120,000 from their private foundation to name the commercial kitchen after his parents.
The ribbon cutting event also included tours of the building and a Taste of Shenandoah in the event center. Local restaurants donated samples of their delicious culinary creations for attendees to enjoy. The buffet included many Shenandoah favorites, including pierogies, bundukies, empanadas, kielbasi, pasta, and more. "We have the most generous community, and we thank each restaurant owner for their generosity," said Luscavage.
The economic revitalization story by opening CEBA is just beginning. We look forward to the next chapters and welcome donations to continue its mission. Every dollar counts, your dollar counts! Donate at the DSI office at 115 N. Main St. or learn more about the project, and visit downtownshenandoah.com or discoverceba.com.
