CEBA Taking Shape & On Schedule for October Opening

We're Over the Moon with Excitement

Pictured above are CEBA construction progress pictures taken in March 2025. Thank you, Joe Matthews, of Wagman Construction for sharing and especially for the amazing morning photo. The early bird really does get the worm, well photo. The middle photos are front and back and the bottom are inside of the building.

We're Breathing New Life Into Shenandoah and Our Region

The Center For Education, Business & Arts (CEBA) is right on target and scheduled to open in October. This exciting community center will include a commercial kitchen, a Penn State classroom, the new DSI office, and a facility for the EARN, workforce development program. It will also include an event center and a health component. "Everyone is welcome to participate in events, activities, and special events at CEBA when our doors open," said Mary Luscavage, Acting Executive Director and DSI Board Secretary. She added that thanks to the construction team, progress is moving right along and we are on target. "It's nice to see how they have become part of the everyday North Main Street routine," she said.

The Wagman Construction team is instrumental in keeping CEBA on track, working through excessive winter weather, and now thankfully into warmer spring temperatures. They have become a part of the local family and are noticing the Shenandoah hospitality, not always experienced on job sites. "I get a real sense of community in Shenandoah," said Joe Matthews, project superintendent. "Everywhere I am in town, people stop me to chat. And yell, "hello," as they drive past. It's very welcoming. I sense an excitement for CEBA to open," he added.

CEBA will breathe new life into the region and spur economic growth. It will be an active hub for people from all walks of life to collaborate, learn, and grow. When the doors open, DSI will continue to rely on the community's participation. "We have rooms to fill, classes to teach, and a kitchen to help home-based businesses and local restaurants needing more space to grow their operations," said Luscavage.

DSI welcomes donations for The Center for Education, Business & Arts. Every dollar counts, your dollar counts! Donate at the DSI office at 116 N. Main St. or learn more about the project and visit downtownshenandoah.com or discoverceba.com.

Business Spotlight: Shenandoah One Stop Growing As An Anchor Store in Shenandoah's Community

Pictured above is the Shenandoah One Stop team, Kunal Patel, Kirit Patel (Pops), Brenda Sillers, and PInky Patel. Below, Albert Victor, PInky, and Brenda showcase Shenandoah One Stop products during DSI's Kielbasi Festival/Heritage Day.

Shenandoah One Stop owners, Kunal and Pinky Patel are partners in business and partners in life. This hardworking couple is the perfect example of the American entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout the years they have grown their family business to include seven convenient store locations throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. In addition to Shenandoah they own stores in Bangor, Hamburg, Jonestown, Marietta, Ringtown, Scranton, and Stroudsburg.

Both Kunal and Pinky left the corporate world to have more flexibility. The Patels' first priority is to their family. They decided to open their own business for two important reasons. "One was to be close to our family and second, was to give our children the family values that we have received," Pinky said. She continued to explain that her parents immigrated to the United States to give their family a better education and more opportunities. "It is very difficult in today’s world to balance work and family life. I wanted to manage my own time so I can be home for my kids when they come home from school," she added. The couple have three children, Kashish, Raghuveer, and Vihaan.

Most folks in the community aren't aware of what doing business locally means to them. When the couple purchases a new business, they don't change the name for a very important reason. They understand there is a community connection, a history that goes along with the business. "We want to maintain the community feel," explained Pinky. "I would like people to give us an opportunity to get to know us and who we are. I feel that some people have a bad impression about the One Stop from the past and don’t even realize that we are different owners." Since the Patels took ownership, they improved everything from the products and services to the outside facade.

Shenandoah One Stop has an impressive product mix and everyone is welcome to stop by and see for themselves. "We have it all," said Pinky. "You can purchase your basic household goods, groceries, and even have lunch." She added their menu includes a variety of hot foods, breakfast sandwiches and our popular hoagies. "We also sell The Pennsylvania Lottery and provide Money Gram and Check Cashing services."

The Patels care and are committed to helping improve the Shenandoah area. They both agree the future is bright if the community joins together. "We all need to do our part in making Shenandoah a better and safe place to raise our families," she said. A joint effort from everyone in the community will make a big difference in making our town better." Since we made Shenandoah our home 15 years ago it is great to see how everything has been improving in our store and throughout town.

Pinky is an active DSI volunteer and shares her time and talent through donations, informative presentations, and sponsorships. If you would like to meet Pinky, register for her upcoming, "Let's Talk Empowerment" lunch presentation scheduled on April 17 at DSI's office. Register today.

Call Out to Vendors & Sponsors

Thousands of people travel from all over the country to attend this amazing festival. Share your products and services during this incredible outdoor event held on Main Street in Shenandoah, PA.

Space is available for our annual Kielbasi Festival/Heritage Day! Get your sponsorship and vendor forms. Contact dsi@downtownshenandoahinc.com or call 570-462-2060. Contact us today to secure your space!

Good things are coming in 2025. Mark Your Calendars & Save The Dates

Picture Perfect Lottery Frame: Going on now.

Spring Fling Gift Card Calendar: Selling through May. Announcing winners in June

Kielbasi Festival & Heritage Day: Saturday, May 17

Annual Golf Outing: Friday, June 20

Fall-tastic Gift Card Calendar: Selling in August and September. Announcing winners in Oct.

CEBA Ribbon Cutting: October TBD

Coal Cracker Christmas: Friday, November 29

More to come...stay tuned!

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