Area couple opens candle production and distribution company Candelles in CAN BE Business Innovation Center
Kelley Major and C.J. Graaf embody the strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit that has come to define Greater Hazleton residents and put the area on the map as one of the best places to do business. In just four years, Major and Graaf have combined their passion for making all-natural, hand-poured soy candles with hard work and dedication to grow into an international business shipping upwards of 200 candles a day. With the company continuing to expand, Candelles became the newest tenant of the CAN BE Business Innovation Center in the Valmont Industrial Park in early November. CAN BE is a subsidiary of CAN DO, Greater Hazleton’s economic development organization.
CAN DO Community Christmas to be held Wednesday
The CAN DO Student Action Committee will host CAN DO Community Christmas this Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 210 West Green Street, in downtown Hazleton. Pictured are, from left: Nancy Stasko, CAN DO Student Action Committee co-adviser; Sandra Hoppey, McAdoo/Kelayres Elementary/Middle School chorus director; Corrin Dagostin, CAN DO Community Christmas co-chair; Kim Sharonoff, Hazleton Area High School Chamber Singers director; Joseph Stefanko, Hazleton Area High School Jazz Ensemble director; and Charles Burkhardt, CAN DO Student Action Committee co-adviser. Missing from photo are: Tina Lizbinski, MMI Preparatory School Chamber Ensemble director, and Rachel Brimmer, Heights Terrace Elementary School third grade chorus director.
Downtown building to become Irish style pub and restaurant
Downtown Hazleton’s revitalization is moving ahead full steam on the north side of Broad Street between Wyoming and Laurel streets, where construction crews are working on the future home of Broad and Barrel, an Irish style pub and restaurant that is expected to open in mid 2018.
CAN DO, Inc. purchased the building at 21-23 West Broad Street a year ago as part of its continuing commitment to the downtown with plans to renovate it into a beautiful addition to the streetscape and to attract a tenant like the one that will be leasing the building to operate the eatery.
Gottstein Chiriboga Holdings, Inc., has entered into a lease agreement with CAN DO for the building with plans on offering a pub-style lunch and dinner menu, craft and domestic beers, a full bar and entertainment several nights a week, said Scott Gottstein, a Gottstein Chiriboga vice president. The corporation is owned by Scott, his parents Ken and Barbara, sister, Kathy and her husband, Pablo.