HARRISBURG — The June edition of the local TV program hosted by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) highlights a community effort to build an innovation center and community hub at the former site of a row of blighted buildings in downtown Shenandoah. Local leaders recently gathered to celebrate the opening of Downtown Shenandoah, Inc.’s Center for Education, Business, and the Arts.
“The Center for Education, Business and the Arts will provide training for budding entrepreneurs and artists, a business incubator, community event space, a healthcare center and Penn State classrooms — this downtown hub will spur additional investment in Shenandoah,” Argall said.
A fire in 2007 led to a vacant, unattractive hole in the middle of downtown Shenandoah on Main Street. In the aftermath, dedicated volunteers led by DSI began their work to breathe new life into the lot.
Argall worked with Rep. Tim Twardzik, Rep. Dane Watro, and former Rep. Neal Goodman to help secure over $6 million in bipartisan state grants, matched by $3.6 million in private donations.
“DSI realized this property was an eyesore in the middle of the business district, and they wanted to do something about it,” Argall said. “Karen Kenderdine, Mary Luscavage and their entire team were relentless in their efforts to raise funds to make it a reality. .”
This edition of the Argall Report will air on:
Blue Ridge Communications (Channel 13) every Monday at 10 a.m. and every Wednesday at 10:30 p.m.
Service Electric Cablevision: Hazleton, Mahanoy City; Shenandoah – on Hazleton’s WYLN TV 35 Channel 507 and MetroCast Communications Channel 10. Please check local listings for airtimes.
Berks Community Television (Comcast – Channel 15 and Service Electric – Channel 19). Please check local listings for airtimes.
All editions of the Argall Report can also be viewed on Argall’s website.