A Little History to Get Us Started
Shenandoah is a community that is rich in diversity and full of tradition. Many of the long-time residents and business owners fondly refer to it as “my town.” Shenandoah has an incredible history. It was once a bustling community with more than 30,000 residents and a downtown that was described as a Mini New York City. Every storefront was filled with thriving businesses and every home and apartment was occupied. The borough was busy with daily activity.
Unfortunately, when Schuylkill County’s two largest employers, the coal and garment industries declined, so did the Shenandoah and surrounding area’s population. People left their hometowns to find jobs to support their families. Not long after, downtown businesses closed their doors leaving empty storefronts and blighted buildings. But where there is hope there is opportunity, and two passionate community members went to work to create change.
Nearly 20 years ago, Valerie MacDonald and Attorney Eric Mika knew they could start to revitalize Shenandoah. They started a group of local community members who were also interested in improving their hometown. They spearheaded a fundraising campaign, and successfully exceeded their financial goal to become the only accredited Main Street America program in Schuylkill County. They named the group Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. with Valerie becoming the first Executive Director. Today, DSI continues as a self-sustaining 501c3 nonprofit organization with an dedicated board of directors.
DSI Continues A Mission To Revitalize The Community
Throughout the years, DSI has formed strong relationships with the Shenandoah Chamber of Commerce, The Shenandoah Borough Hall, government officials, area business leaders and community members, who all work together to improve the area.
“Shenandoah is "my town," said Brad Oravitz, DSI Board member and owner of Oravitz Home For Funerals. “I see a positive future and encourage others to do the same. We can work together today to change our community into something even better than it once was.". Board member and former executive director, Mary Luscavage agrees. "I am so proud to be a part of DSI and work with our community. “Shenandoah is “my town,” and I feel honored to be a part of an organization that is working to strengthen it for today and a bright future.”
DSI Board of Directors Volunteer Time & Talent
President: Karen Kenderdine, Senior Vice President, Manager of Relationship Services
Vice President: Joe Anczarski, Owner, Mark’s Supply
Secretary: Andrea Pytak, Retired Nurse, Administrative Assistant, DSI
Treasurer: Karen Kenderdine, Senior Vice President, Manager of Relationship Services
DSI Board Members:
Joe Anczarski, Jr., Owner, Analog Archaeology
Mary Luscavage, Retired Executive Director, DSI
Brad Oravitz, Owner, Oravitz Home For Funerals
Mary Ellen Matunis, Retired Teacher, Pottsville Area School District
Allen Palubinsky, Retired, Schuylkill County Juvenile Probation
Joe Palubinsky, Retired, Shenandoah Borough Manager
Dr. Sasha Sherry, Owner, Sherry Dental
Ted Souchuck, Owner, Souchuck Lumber
Ann Taylor: Teacher, Shenandoah Valley School District
Fundraising Events Highlight History And Heritage
DSI organizes and hosts popular fundraising events that generate hundreds of visitors to Shenandoah each year. Kielbasi Festival celebrates the area's ethnic foods, Heritage Day/Parade of Nations showcases the area’s international diversity, and the Pierogi/Kielbasi Golf Outing brings golfers back home for a day of food, fun, and friendship. DSI also hosts a free community event, Coal Cracker Christmas to give back to a community that helps them out in so many ways throughout the year. But as the old saying goes, “it takes a village or borough in this case for everything to come together. DSI depends on community and business leaders to make great things happen.
"I volunteer and serve on the boards of many organizations," said Andrea Pytak, a DSI Board Member. "DSI has a special place in my heart because I've always considered Shenandoah to be my hometown," she added.
“As a community volunteer, I have been blessed to work beside some really inspiring people, said Annie Taylor, a DSI Board Member. “Our volunteers have always worked together to highlight what is unique and wonderful about Shenandoah—our history and our heritage! Annie is instrumental in making the Heritage Day, Parade of Nations successful and feels this is a tradition that brings a source of pride to our community “I absolutely love to work with our ethnic groups while lining up the annual Parade of Nations—from our original groups to our latest African American marchers in the most recent parade!"
Smiling Volunteers Always Welcome
If someone is looking for volunteer hours, they can contact the DSI office. DSI depends on the community in many ways and is grateful for its ongoing involvement. Shenandoah Valley High School is one organization that steps up year after year. “Since the Shenandoah Valley High School has a community service requirement, many high school students who have volunteered throughout the years, and still help DSI as adults,” said Annie Taylor. Annie explained that students have carried banners in the parade, decorated floats, served goodies, set up tables and chairs, changed out garbage bags, blown up balloons, delivered kielbasa for the contest, helped event vendors set up, watched golf holes and so much more. “We’ve had so many talented, hardworking kids help us over the years. I can’t stop smiling now just thinking of them all!” she added.
