Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Association hosts State Legislative Briefings each year for constituents to meet with legislators. This year Shenandoah is represented by two new legislators partly due to new districting boundaries. Senator Tom Shipley, district 11, and Representative Tom Moore, district 2, will now represent Shenandoah in the Iowa State Legislature. Saturday January 28th, 8 a.m. at the Shenandoah Safety Center Bricker Community Room, 400 W. Sheridan Avenue is the first Legislative Briefing of the 2023 session.

     This is the first of the series of three question and answer sessions with state legislators. Other dates are February 25 and March 25, each beginning at 8 a.m. This is an opportunity for legislators to brief the public on what is happening in the Iowa Legislature, answer questions, and hear concerns. Pastries and coffee will be served at each session.

· 12th Annual Race, organized by Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Association, Southwest Iowa Nature Trails, City of Imogene and Sons & Daughters of Imogene

· Electronic Chip Timing, USATF Certified, Boston Qualifier

· The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is a mostly flat, tree-lined converted railroad line crossing through scenic Iowa countryside with a crushed limestone surfacing

· Out & back races begin and end in Shenandoah for the Marathon and Marathon Relay. Point-to-point Half Marathon begins in Imogene and finishes in Shenandoah

· Relay team divisions: Co-ed, Female, and Male

· 7:30 am start for Marathon & Relay in downtown Shenandoah

· 8:00 am start for Half at Imogene’s St. Patrick Church

· 6 Hour time limit, finish line closes at 1:30

· New policy for

 hazardous weather to post pone race start when

 possible, 10% discount in place at GetMeRegistered.com

 for runners in the canceled 2022 marathon with

 verification code from 2022

· Unique & fun water stations every 2 miles, first aid &

  emergency service on the trail

· Sign-up available for morning-of bus transportation

 from Shenandoah to Half Marathon start in Imogene.

 Bus will return drop bags to Depot for pick-up at end of

 race.

· Early packet & t-shirt pickup in Shenandoah (100 S.

 Maple St.) Friday, Sept. 8, 4-7 p.m. or at each start the

 morning of races

· Showers near finish line (423 W. Thomas Ave.)

· Medals, snacks & beverages at the finish. Awards presented at Depot Restaurant with free beer!

· Race results & photos at www.onlineraceresults.com

Register online www.GetMeRegistered.com or Print entry form at www.SCIAIowa.com

More Sweets, More Prizes in 2023 Shenandoah Chocolate Walk February 9  

     Celebrate the Valentine Day holiday with the Shenandoah Chocolate Walk Thursday February 9^th. Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Association businesses are giving shoppers an opportunity to indulge in chocolate treats and win prizes.

     All day shoppers will not only find winter bargains in stores but can also enjoy all kinds of chocolate at participating businesses. Shoppers will pick-up entry forms in stores for the drawing of over 40 prizes including items and gift certificates. More entry forms will be given with purchases. Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Association is offering $25, $50, $75, and $100 in Chamber Gift Certificates. Among the other prizes offered are a stay in a suite at Shenandoah Inn & Suites Hotel. Shoppers must bring entry forms to The Sanctuary Restaurant starting at 5 p.m. to enter and must be present to win. Drawings will begin at 6:30 p.m.

      The Sanctuary Restaurant at 207 S Elm St. is hosting the Chocolate Walk Party with free appetizers, Chocolate Walk logo mugs (100 available), and wine sampling from 5-7 p.m. Meals will be offered from the regular menu. Several Valentine design t-shirts can be purchased at County Line Design, 506 W Sheridan Avenue.

     Shop the Chocolate Walk, sample chocolate, and pickup entry forms in stores February 9 at these SCIA Businesses: Depot Restaurant 101 Railroad Street, Paper Trail 709 W Sheridan Avenue, Hansen Jewelers 603 W Sheridan Avenue, Angel Care Home Health 717 W Sheridan Avenue, Shenandoah Inn & Suites Hotel 620 W Sheridan Avenue, Shenandoah Floral 514 W Sheridan Avenue, County Line Design 506 W Sheridan Avenue,  Hineline Home Furnishings 1215 W Nishna Road, and The Sanctuary Restaurant 207 S Elm Street, Serenity Studio Flowers & Spa 110 S Elm Street, Brown’s Shoe Fit Store 611 W Sheridan Avenue, Shenandoah Medical Center Gift Shop 300 Pershing Avenue, Sheridan Decorating 1204 W Sheridan Avenue.

      More prizes provided by SCIA businesses: Hy-Vee, Subway, Legacy 3 Theatre, Scooters Coffee, Sheri’s Restaurant, Nishna Valley Café, Healthy Tails Retreat, Pizza Hut, Orscheln Farm & Home Supply, Earl May Garden Center, Fareway, El Porton Mexican Grill, and SCIA.

     “Chocolate Walk is a promotion that Shenandoah SCIA businesses have participated in since 2014. It’s a fun way to celebrate Valentines and an opportunity for businesses to show appreciation to customers for shopping in Shenandoah,” said SCIA Marketing Director Shelly Warner. “It’s an event that gets people into the businesses to checkout winter sale merchandise and breaks up the long winter days with a fun party with friends.” Contact SCIA for more information or stop by the SCIA office at 619 W Sheridan Avenue to pick-up a list of the participating stores. It will also be posted the Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Association facebook and website www.sciaiowa.com.

Apply By March 9 Online for SCIA Agriculture Future of America Scholarships

      Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Association Ag Committee and Agriculture Future of America join forces each year to support an agricultural scholarship program. Applications are now being accepted online at the website www.agfuture.org under the Community Scholarship tab through March 9, 2023.

     This year the SCIA Ag Committee will award up to two scholarships. AFA matches community funds, now being raised by the SCIA Ag Committee, to offer $4,450 in each scholarship, including $3,200 academic scholarship and $1,250 to cover the AFA Leaders Conference expenses in Kansas City the following November.

     Qualified applicants are Shenandoah, Sidney or Essex high school seniors who will pursue a degree in agriculture or any related field at an accredited college or university. Many majors qualify if they will be applied to the agriculture industry, such as…business, chemistry, horticulture, animal science, education, computer science etc.

    The application process also includes an essay sharing the applicant’s personal vision for agriculture and why their interest in an agricultural career. An interview will be conducted soon after March 9th at the SCIA office, 619 W. Sheridan Avenue. Applications must be posted online by March 9th so they can set up interview times. The link to the application is http://www.agfuture.org then click on the community partner scholarship.

    The goal of the AFA Scholarship is to identify students with strong potential. Students are also scored on community service and citizenship, activities, work experience, family need, references, grade point (3.0 and above) and student rank. The Essay has the greatest weight in scoring applicants.

    The Scholarship winners will be announced at the SCIA Annual Meeting and Ag Banquet to be held later in the spring. SCIA Ag Committee members are now gathering donations for the Agriculture Future of America scholarship. Agriculture Future of America Foundation provides $2,000 to match $2,450 raised locally for each scholarship. Businesses and individuals that wish to contribute should contact SCIA at 246-3455, chamber@sciaiowa.com or drop off a check. Checks should be made to Greater Shenandoah Foundation.

Free Kids Movie—Legacy 3 Theater 10 a.m. December 3. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Space limited to 140. Small popcorn & pop free for kids. Sponsored by Legacy 3 & SCIA. See “Polar Express” Movie.

Live Reindeer & Santa featured Nov. 26 for Shenandoah Christmas Jingle Jam Night the Lights Come On

Live reindeer, Santa and Mrs.  Claus are the main attraction at the annual Night the Lights Come On Saturday November 26 downtown. Christmas Jingle Jam is the theme for this year’s event organized by Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Association. The activities are free to all and sponsored by SCIA, Community 1^st Credit Union, Wilson Insurance and Legacy 3 Theater.

Jingle Jam Christmas music and hot chocolate served by the Shenandoah Forum organization will add to the festivities. From 3 to 5 p.m. children will have the opportunity to sit with Santa in his sleigh for photos next to the flatiron clock. Children can see the live reindeer and touch fur and antlers in a display. Mrs. Clause and Miss Shenandoah Carys Woolsey will pass out jingle necklaces to help ring in the holiday season. Santa and Mrs. Claus will count down to the downtown lighting at 5:30 p.m.

Stores will be open for Christmas shopping and many downtown small businesses are accepting SCIA Sno-dough payments which enable shoppers to save money and signup for a $500 drawing awarded in January.

Shenandoah Veterans Memorial Museum at 603 W Lowell Avenue will host a fundraising Soup & Pie Supper in their large meeting room from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. They are partnering with the VFW for the supper and will accept free will donations. The museum will be open for tours also.

Mrs. Claus hosts a free Kids Christmas movie with free popcorn and pop for children Saturday December 3, 10 a.m. at Legacy 3 Theatre. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. The movie shown in all three theatres will be Polar Express. Seating is limited to 140 seats. Parents can join their small children at the theatre or drop off older children and shop Shenandoah for Christmas gifts.

December 3, 10, and 17^th kids can visit Santa at the Everly Brothers Childhood Home, 800 W. Sheridan Avenue, 2-4 p.m. He will have treats and gifts for the kids. Parents are welcome to take photos.

SCIA Marketing Director Shelly Warner encourages everyone to, “See Shenandoah’s beautiful downtown Christmas lights and shop small, shop local. Christmas is an important time for the viability of small businesses and restaurants. Shenandoah is fortunate to have such a retail variety to choose from,” Warner said. “Shenandoah’s lighting is unique. Each year our downtown trees grow suspending the icicle lights higher and higher. The city goes to great effort to continue to create this magical Christmas atmosphere downtown on Sheridan Avenue.”

SCIA is partnering with Forum to Revitalize Shenandoah for a children’s event December 17 “A Day at the North Pole” in the Historical Society Building, 100 S. Maple St. The event will include breakfast with Mrs. Claus 9- 10 a.m. with stories and crafts followed by Santa’s workshop shopping for kids to purchase gifts for Mom and Dad till 1 p.m. Donations of items or dollars for the merchandise are being accepted at Sorensen Auto Plaza. There will be a festive atmosphere and elves and Santa on hand to assist. Reservations are required for breakfast and space is limited to 50 kids. Call SCIA to reserve a spot 712-246-3455. More information for all the Christmas activities at www.sciaiowa.com.

Sno-Dough is back in Shenandoah for the holidays.  Don’t miss the

Sno-Dough Sale, November 12^th at 8 a.m.   Buy packets of $100

Sno-Dough for only $80 to spend at Shenandoah Businesses! It’s like

getting free $20 bills. Shop Small Businesses with Sno-dough and enter a

$500 drawing. Quantities are limited so hurry to the chamber on

Sheridan Avenue Nov. 12th to save through Dec. 31^st. Cash sales only.

Shop local and Save big with Sno-dough in Shenandoah.

Sno-Dough is back in Shenandoah for the holidays.  Don’t miss the

Sno-Dough Sale, November 12^th at 8 a.m.   Buy packets of $100

Sno-Dough for only $80 to spend at Shenandoah Businesses! It’s like

getting free $20 bills. Shop Small Businesses with Sno-dough and enter a

$500 drawing. Quantities are limited so hurry to the chamber on

Sheridan Avenue Nov. 12th to save through Dec. 31^st. Cash sales only.

Shop local and Save big with Sno-dough in Shenandoah.

Earl May Garden Center SCIA Coffee. Meet the new store manager and the company CEO. Enjoy Coffee and a snack. See you at the store 301 S. Fremont St. (Everly Brothers Avenue).

We need a little Christmas right this very minute! Shop Shenandoah’s Holiday

open house event in stores November 4^th & 5^th. Enjoy treats and get a head start

on decorating and shopping at Shenandoah Floral, County Line Design,

Hansen Jewelers, Browns Shoe Fit, Paper Trail, Sheridan Decorating, Earl May

Garden Center, Hineline Home Furnishings and Shenandoah Medical Center Gift

Shop. A very Merry Christmas Open House in Shenandoah Friday & Saturday!

MOONLIGHT MAGIC TRICK OR TREATING DOWNTOWN

 Wed. October 26, 4:30 p.m. start at First National Bank with hot dogs at city hall Gazebo. Sponsored by First National Bank, Fareway, & Shenandoah Family Dentistry. Come in Costume!

Attention Shenandoah Retailers and Restaurants:

Meetings to discuss possible holiday promotions for businesses at SCIA Conference Rm. 619 W Sheridan Ave. Oct. 5th at noon or Oct. 6th at 8 a.m. Please reply to this email if you can meet either time or suggest another time.

Possible promotions are:

1. Snow Dough  2. A coupon rewards program  3. Auctions Bucks Promo

Holiday Open House events could be scheduled all on the same day or weekend. Open to other suggestions!

SCIA is planning a Free movie for kids at Legacy 3 Theatre, Santa’s Workshop, Night the Lights Come On with live reindeer and carriage rides, and possibly Cookies & Cocoa event at the School.

Shenfest Sept. 24 “Imagine the Future”

     Shenfest 2022 theme is “Imagine the Future”. Shenandoah’s future is bright, and everyone is invited to celebrate Saturday September 24^th.

     “This theme gives entrants in the parade a chance to look to the future to imagine the possibilities. Youth will especially have the opportunity to dream of what their future might hold,” said Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Association Marketing Director Shelly Warner. “Industry and businesses are expanding and growing in Shenandoah adding more jobs and a positive future.”

     A full day of activities is planned with the focal event, the 2 p.m. parade led by grand marshal Dr. Gary Connell, retiring Shenandoah veterinarian. An outstanding Shenandoah athlete and 1965 graduate he went on to attain his veterinarian degree from Iowa State University. He served Shenandoah livestock and pet owners for 49 years with compassion. His is a career that has had a positive impact on Shenandoah pets and their owners. He will be joined by his wife Jane of 52 years.

     Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Association at 619 W. Sheridan Avenue is accepting entries into the parade at their office or through email chamber@sciaiowa.com or by phone 712-246-3455. Entries are encouraged to send announcer comments to SCIA by email. Parade volunteers are needed on Friday late afternoon September 23 to help put out parade markers and Saturday to assist with the parade lineup at noon till the parade starts at 2 p.m. Parade entries should go to the corner of Clarinda Avenue and Center Street for parade check-in beginning at noon.  If they are late entries and haven’t given announcer comments, they can fill out a parade card there. Entries will be guided to their spot in the parade. High School and Middle School Bands lineup on Church St. and will be assisted by Shenandoah teachers. Shenandoah class reunions will be in full force in the parade this year with Mustang Homecoming the evening before.

     Following the parade marching band awards will be presented at the Everly Brother’s Childhood Home. The Everly Brothers Home will be open for tours starting at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

     The Zmed Brothers of the Everly Brothers Experience will play at the Depot Restaurant following the parade. They will play Everly Brothers tunes plus much more. Later in the evening Union County Strings band will also play at the Depot.

     Shenfest day begins with the traditional Fireman’s Pancake Feed at the fire station on Sheridan Avenue 7- 10 a.m. Cost is $4 for children and $6 for adults.

      7:45 –8:15 a.m. Register for Shenandoah Medical Center Shenfest 3 Mile Fun Walk with 8 a.m. start or 3 Mile Fun Run with 8:30 a.m. state will be at Wabash Depot Sportsman’s Park. Prizes will follow the race. Entry forms can be picked up at SMC Wellness Center and SCIA.

      8:30 a.m. Alumni & Alum-not Tennis Tournament will be at Gee Park. Check in at 8 a.m. with cost $20 per team. For more information contact Mr. Daoust at Shenandoah High School daoustb@shecsd.com.   

     Forum to Revitalize Shenandoah is hosting the Priest Park games, arts, crafts, & antique vendors and food from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Garden City Farmers Market will also be setup at the park gazebo from 8 a.m. to noon.

    Shenandoah Education Foundation also has a fundraising golf tournament scheduled at Shenandoah Golf Course. Second annual Peter J. Weber “Swing for Education Golf Tournament” starts at 10 a.m. Fee is $100 per golfer. Register online at https://givebutter.com/Peteweber.

     9 a.m. Shenfest Tractor Show across from Safety Center with Demos, Dash Plaques, and tractors are invited to enter the parade.

     Shenfest Car Show is a show and shine event this year running 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at 607 W Lowell Ave. There will be trophies for Best GM, Best Ford, Best Mo Par, and Best of Show Car and Truck. Sponsors are Doug Meyer Chevrolet, JB Auto Parts, Select Motors, Lance Cornelius State Farm, Earl May, and Red Oak Chrysler.

        11 a.m.-2p.m. Veterans Memorial Museum will be open at new location on 603 W. Lowell Avenue, with hot dog cookout fundraiser and DJ music outside next to the car show.

       Shenfest food court near city hall begins at 10 a.m. to parade time with DJ music. More vendors welcome. Contact SCIA 712-246-3455.

     Pre-Shenfest Events include Miss Shenandoah and Little Miss Shenandoah Pageant, Shenandoah High School Auditorium Sept. 18 at 4 p.m.

     Sept. 22, 6 p.m. “Night Out” sponsored by Eagles Club allows kids to see up close City and County Law Enforcement, Fire Dept., Rescue, Life Flight vehicles, Canine police demos, meet officers and rescue personnel, near Safety Center. They invite any businesses to join them. that evening.

     For more information visit the Shenandoah Chamber and Industry website www.sciaiowa.com or call 712-246-3455.

SMC Shenfest Fun Run and Walk
7:45 –8:15 a.m. Register for Shenandoah Medical Center Shenfest 3 Mile Fun Walk with 8 a.m. start or 3 Mile Fun Run with 8:30 a.m. state will be at Wabash Depot Sportsman’s Park. Prizes will follow the race. Entry forms can be picked up at SMC Wellness Center and SCIA.

· 11th Annual Race, locally-organized by Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Association, Southwest Iowa Nature Trails, City of Imogene and Sons & Daughters of Imogene. Volunteer to help by calling 712-246-3455 or email chamber@sciaiowa.com.

· Electronic Chip Timing, USATF Certified, Boston Qualifier

· The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is a mostly flat, tree-lined converted railroad line crossing through scenic Iowa countryside with a crushed limestone surfacing

· Out & back races begin and end in Shenandoah for both the Marathon and Marathon Relay. Point-to-point Half Marathon begins in Imogene and finishes in Shenandoah

· Relay team divisions: Co-ed, Female, and Male

· 7:30 am start for Marathon & Relay in downtown Shenandoah; 8:00 am start for Half Half at Imogene’s St. Patrick Church

· 6 Hour time limit, finish line closes at 1:30

· Unique & fun water stations every 2 miles, first aid & emergency service on the trail

· Sign-up available for morning-of bus

   transportation from Shenandoah to Half

   Marathon start in Imogene. Bus will return

   drop bags to Depot for pick-up at end of race.

· Early packet & t-shirt pickup in Shenandoah (100 S. Maple St.) Friday, Sept. 9, 4-7 p.m. or at each start the morning of

· Showers near finish line (423 W. Thomas Ave.)

· Medals, snacks & beverages at the finish. Awards presented at Depot Restaurant with free beer!

·  Race results & photos at www.onlineraceresults.com

Register online www.GetMeRegistered.com or Print entry form at www.SCIAIowa.com

New SCIA member – American Senior Benefits (Medicare Supplements, Life Ins., Long Term Care Ins., Annuities) located next to Chat Mobility now (409 1/2 Fremont St. Hwy 59). They will move downtown after bldg. remodel in October (717 1/2 W Sheridan Ave. next to Angel Care). Join us for a SCIA Ribbon Cutting Coffee Wednesday Aug. 24, 10 a.m. at the Hwy 59 location! Coffee and a snack served. Meet the staff, 5 employees!

The Forum to Revitalize Shenandoah and SCIA are proud to announce that the upcoming Shenandoah “ShenDig” Barbeque Competition has been designated as an official Qualifier event with the Kansas City Barbeque Society. To achieve this certain levels of expectations from the KCBS organization must be obtained by the local competition committee and its organizers. All of those requirements have been met and the Shenandoah “ShenDig” has achieved that designation of “Qualifier”.

With the “Qualifier” designation the “ShenDig” will have a Grand Champion that will be awarded an automatic invitation to compete at the American Royal BBQ Competition in Kansas City, will be in the lottery pool for the Jack Daniels invitational AND will be awarded an automatic invitation to the World BBQ competition in Alabama as long as that Grand Champion is a KCBS member.

The Forum to Revitalize Shenandoah is proud to accept this designation and organizers Stacy Truex and Mace Hensen credit the huge amount of support from the community for being able to achieve that designation in the first year of hosting the competition! To the community of Shenandoah and SW Iowa the Forum would like to say “Thanks You!”