Hi YoTown Friends! 👋🎂
Grab a slice of cake and crack open your favorite beverage — it's our Anniversary Edition, and we're celebrating the whole reason the Scoop exists: YOU and the people right around you that you didn’t know were there. You've driven past their shops a hundred times. You've waved at them at the fair. But odds are there's a whole roster of local people and places in the Mahoning Valley you've never actually met or been to — until today.
This week we're throwing open the doors on 47 local faces/places you should know… from the water guy to the mobile bar in a horse trailer to the medspa that started it all … plus a huge weekend of events across Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, and just over the line into PA. Every event name is a clickable link to the details.
💡 Tip: bookmark and share this one. Somewhere in here is the exact business a friend of yours has been searching for.
This Week's Edition
1. 📣 Editor’s Pick
2. Local Good News
3. The Story We Love: A Mural on the South Side
3. 🐾 Good Dog Roll Call
4. Editor's Pick: Greater Youngstown Italian Fest
5. ⭐The Businesses that Make Youngstown Look Good
6. PLUS 47 People You Should Know: The Anniversary Directory
7. Homes in the Neighborhoods You Love
8. 🎪 The Ultimate Weekend Guide (Thu → Sun)
9. Looking Ahead — August and beyond
10. Want Your Business in the Scoop?
11. P.S.
🎆 Editor’s Pick:
It’s Here!!: Greater Youngstown Italian Fest
(July 31–August 2, Downtown Youngstown)
If there's one thing that captures a year of the Scoop — food, family, and a whole lot of "nobody does it like YoTown" — it's this. The 2026 Greater Youngstown Italian Fest takes over downtown Friday through Sunday (Aug 1–3) with the wedding soup, the cavatelli, the porketta, the live music, and the kind of crowd where you'll run into everyone you know.
🎨 The Story We Love:
A New Mural on the South Side
Tucked along Firnley Avenue between Midlothian and Indianola on Youngstown's South Side, there's a wooden fence that just became something beautiful. At the Happy Place Sanctuary — an urban garden of fountains, walkways, trees, and flowers dreamed up by Darla Ballinger — a brand-new mural now blooms across the fence line, painted in nature imagery and crowned with the words "Let the beauty we love be what we do."
The artists behind it are pure Valley talent: recent YSU art graduates Juan Marin and Sarah Sharber, alongside recent Chaney High School graduate Lil Snider, with the whole project overseen by YSU art professor Dr. Dragana Crnjak and sponsored by the Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past. It's exactly the kind of quiet, homegrown good we started this newsletter to notice — neighbors turning a fence into a landmark.
🐾 Good Dog Roll Call: Make Memories with Furry Friends
Everyone needs a true friend — and every dog deserves a loving home.
These three pups are ready for a friend!
Adoptable dogs from Mahoning County Dog Warden
🐜 Nobody wants to find out they
have pests the hard way.
Whether it’s ants in the kitchen, wasps around the deck, mice looking for a warm place this fall, or something bigger, having a trusted local company on your side makes all the difference.
That’s why we’re happy to recommend Complete Pest Solutions , led by local owner Dave Roemer. Their team has been helping homeowners and businesses protect their properties since 2008 with year-round pest management, wildlife removal, termite protection, and more. They also offer quarterly service plans that help stop problems before they start.
If you’ve been putting off calling someone, now’s a great time to get ahead of it before the seasons change.
Have they helped you before? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
LOCAL EATS WE LIKE:
✨ Anniversary Glow Up
Every anniversary deserves a glow-up — and this one's personal. Every event deserves picture-perfect skin. Summer is rough on your skin: sun, sweat, sunscreen, and long fair days leave it dull. A facial hits reset, and if there's an old tattoo you've outgrown, ask about laser tattoo removal — new season, clean canvas. Treating yourself counts as celebrating, and gift cards are available if you'd rather spoil the person who does everything for everyone else. Come find out why this little medspa started a movement. 💛
🕯️ One Year, One Very Quiet Hour
Celebrating a year of go-go-go? Then here's your permission slip to stop — completely — for one hour. Youngstown Head Spa is the Valley's best-kept secret for a deep-cleansing, warm-water head treatment that melts a whole week of stress off your shoulders and scalp. It's the kind of quiet reset you didn't know you were allowed to have. Perfect for the person who's always taking care of everyone else, and gift cards make it an easy "you deserve this." Tucked in the same building as Skin Solution, so you can make a whole treat-yourself afternoon of it.
The Neighbor Who’s Got You Covered
Moore Family Insurance (Preston Moore, Allstate)
A year of celebrating the Valley, and here's the boring-but-important truth: all our summer fun deserves a safety net. Boats, campers, the road-trip car, the house full of anniversary guests — Preston Moore makes sure the stuff you love is actually protected, and he explains it like a neighbor, not a salesman. No jargon, no pressure — just a real local person who'll sit down, look at what you've got, and tell you straight where the gaps are. Peace of mind is a gift that never goes out of style. Give Preston a call and check it off your list.
🎉 Celebrate the Party, Skip the Cleanup
All Spruced Up Cleaning Co
Throwing an anniversary cookout, a birthday, or just tired of chasing the same dust bunnies? The best gift you can give yourself is walking into a spotless house you didn't have to scrub. All Spruced Up handles the deep cleans, the before-the-guests-arrive rescues, and the weekly upkeep that keeps life feeling fresh. Their team is trustworthy, thorough, and genuinely nice to have around — and here's the catch: they book a few weeks out, so grab your spot before the fall-hosting rush. Get a free online estimate in a couple of clicks and reclaim your weekend.
🔧The Number You’ll Be Glad You Saved
1-800-Plumber +Air Youngstown
Nothing crashes an anniversary party like an AC that quits in the August heat or a drain that backs up mid-cookout. Save this number now and thank yourself later:
1-800-Plumber + Air is fast, licensed, and fixes it right the first time — cooling, heating, and plumbing all under one roof. Summer puts everything under strain, from guest-heavy bathrooms to hard-working air conditioners, and these folks show up when they say they will and explain what they're doing. Program the number into your phone today so future-you isn't frantically Googling at 9 p.m. with a flooded kitchen.
🏡 A Home That Fits the Life You’re Building
Hailey Ditullio, Realtor · Howard Hanna
A year of exploring the Valley together, and if it's got you dreaming about a new front porch, Hailey's your person. She helps buyers and sellers across Poland, Boardman, and Canfield find not just a house but a home that fits the life they're building — patient with first-timers, sharp on pricing, and genuinely fun to work with. Whether you're ready to list this fall or just curious what your place is worth, start the conversation now. 🔑
🚴 Toast Anniversaries on Two Wheels
Here's a "business you should know" that turns Mill Creek Park into a whole adventure. Cruise the Creek rents electric bikes that make the hills feel flat and the miles fly by — the perfect anniversary date, family outing, or gift-an-experience idea. New riders love the flat, paved Trailside Journey; confident riders can Unleash the Adventure on the wooded, hilly routes. You glide past the lake and the covered bridge with a grin the whole way. Text to reserve, pick up at Kirk Road or Bears Den, and go make a memory instead of buying another thing nobody needs.
?? Do You Know These Local Folks??
Matt Smith — Savannah Springs
💧 Water filters and water-delivery services for cleaner water at home.
Dave Buker — Team Office Technologies
🖨️ Office printers and color printers — especially set up for churches.
Monty McGriff — Handyman Services
🔧 General handyman work and small home repairs, done right.
Denise Christenson — DC Graphics
🪧 Custom yard signs for plumbers, landscapers, contractors, and outdoor pros.
Carrie Cybulski — Small Business & Consumer Lending
🏦 Small-business & consumer loans; ~4% CDs and zero-out-of-pocket HELOCs (4–6 weeks).
Tibitha Matheny — Century 21
🏠 Makes buying or selling your home feel smooth and manageable.
Bee Cruz — Honesty Plumbing
🚰 Straightforward plumbing services, including help with leaking pipes.
Nicole Swogger — Kensington Golf Club
⛳ Full Swing indoor golf sim (100+ courses), plus pool, putt-putt & more.
Katelynn — Americon Restoration
🛠️ Storm, water, mold, fire, and roofing restoration & construction.
Armand DePaul
💼 Guidance for tough financial decisions and caring for aging parents.
Dean Bofenkamp — VTF Landscaping
🍂 Smaller landscaping jobs — mulching, seasonal cleanup, and fall cleanup.
Anthony — Open Garage Doors
🚪 Garage-door service plus surveillance cameras for garages and surroundings.
Dr. Ashley Rice — Health Source of Boardman
💆 Chiropractor helping with neck and shoulder pain that radiates.
Will Perez — Thryve Digital Marketing & Business Automation
📱 Social media and marketing help for local businesses.
Dom Daltorio — P&D Painting
🎨 Residential and commercial painting services.
Greg Clear — Clear Roofing and Siding
🏘️ Roofing & siding repairs or full replacements — choose trusted pros.
Erik Cromer — CrossCountry Mortgage
🔑 Mortgages for primary homes, second homes, and investment properties.
Patsy Daltorio — P&D Power Washing
💦 Power washing, storm cleanup, and driveway/patio prep & sealing.
Megan Walker — Megan's Beauty Shop
☀️ Summer skin-care reminders: hydrate, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Mark Renzenbrink — Century 21, Any Space Any Place
🏢 Commercial real estate services across the Valley.
Dave Romer — Complete Pest Solutions
🐜 Pest control — currently looking to connect with property managers.
Dave Moliterno — Insurance Advisor
🛡️ Personalized insurance reviews to spot gaps and keep you properly protected.
Bill Bacho — Health & Life Insurance
🩺 Health, life, disability & Medicare coverage — plus help when your plan is changing or ending.
Aaron Bowles — TSI
☎️ Business phone systems and communication tools that keep teams connected.
LaTresha — Airport Transportation
✈️ Reliable, professional airport rides — skip the driving and parking stress.
Alex Prokop — Window Depot & Home Improvements
🪟 Replacement windows, doors, siding & roofing, backed by warranties.
Ahmed — Business Growth Consultant
📈 One-on-one consulting on operations, systems, growth, and strategy. Know These Women in Business??
Valley women building something of their own — worth knowing, worth rooting for.
Melanie — Concrete Queen
20 years in concrete, now working alongside her two sons. Quality craftsmanship on every pour — a true family business.
Catherine — Stumbling Stable Mobile Bar
A horse trailer reborn as a gorgeous mobile bar for weddings, parties, and events. Newly launched and ready to book.
Dorothy — Gingerbread Bakery & Wellness
Sourdough plus sound therapy, sound bowls, handpan sessions, and tuning-fork therapy. A one-stop treat for body and soul.
Pandee Antonas Fusillo — Gloss Studio
Master colorist with her own new salon — a welcoming space for beautiful, healthy hair.
Nancy Walker — Neora
Premium skincare and wellness products to help you look and feel your best.
Raylene — Mary Kay
Skincare and beauty solutions, backed by a warm, supportive community of women.
Kathy Collet — Natural Candle Company
Clean-burning candles with no black smoke — plus custom labels and fundraiser partnerships.
Jeanie Steves — Damsel in Defense
10 years empowering women & children with personal-safety products, classes, and anti-trafficking work.
🌟 Also Recommended Around Town
A few more local favorites we love to point people toward.
💅 QT Nails — nails and pampering close to home.
More Scoop Between Issues
The newsletter hits Thursdays. The Facebook group? That's where the magic happens all week long — last-minute event adds, reader tips, breaking good news, and the best kind of YoTown conversation.
🔗 YoTown Scoop on Facebook ·
🔗 yotownscoop.com
Local events bring people out — but YoTown Scoop helps local businesses stay in front of them all week long. If you want Mahoning Valley locals to know who you are, what you do, and why they should choose you, newsletter sponsorship is a simple way to show up where the community is already paying attention.
People We Recommend:
🎪 The ULTIMATE Weekend Guide
Everything worth leaving the house for, Thursday through Sunday. Every title is a clickable link — tap for hours, maps, and details. Some are right at home; a few are worth the drive.
Suncatcher Class
📍 Mystic Angels Reiki LLC — Boardman, OH
🕰️ Thu, Jul 30 · 6 PM
Make your own hanging glass suncatcher tonight.
July Chef's Table
📍 6597 Center Rd — Lowellville, OH
🕰️ Thu, Jul 30 · 6 PM
A multi-course chef's tasting dinner.
Outdoor Plant Bingo Pt. 3
📍 Sundog Ciderhouse & Winery — Youngstown, OH
🕰️ Fri, Jul 31 · 6:30 PM
Bingo with plants to win, played outdoors.
1988 @ Up A Creek
📍 Up A Creek Bar — Warren, OH
🕰️ Fri, Jul 31 · 7 PM
'80s tribute band lights up Warren.
Sunflower Event
📍 Trotacre Farm — Columbiana, OH
🕰️ Sat, Aug 1 · All day
Wander rows of blooming sunflowers.
Greektown Casino Day Trip
📍 Departs 3500 Union St — Mineral Ridge, OH
🕰️ Sat, Aug 1 · 7 AM
Bus trip to Greektown Casino, Detroit.
Big Country Breakfast
📍 2380 State Route 225 — Deerfield, OH
🕰️ Sat, Aug 1 · 8 AM
Hearty country breakfast to start Saturday.
Steel Valley Card Show
📍 Eastwood Event Centre — Niles, OH
🕰️ Sat, Aug 1 · 9 AM
Sports cards, collectibles, and traders.
KYL — Know Your Limits
📍 Beaver Creek Sportsman's Club — East Liverpool, OH
🕰️ Sat, Aug 1 · 10 AM
Firearms safety and shooting skills clinic.
All American Car Show
📍 Quaker Steak & Lube — Sharon, PA
🕰️ Sat, Aug 1 · 12 PM
Classic cars, chrome, and cookout eats.
United Way Polo Cup
📍 Chippers Practice Range — Canfield, OH
🕰️ Sat, Aug 1 · 1 PM
Charity polo match and lawn social.
Patriotic Paint & Sip
📍 Lil John's Campground — Berlin Center, OH
🕰️ Sat, Aug 1 · 1 PM
Red-white-and-blue painting with drinks outdoors.
Road Rash Bash 2026
📍 3760 Warren-Ravenna Rd — Newton Falls, OH
🕰️ Sat, Aug 1 · 1 PM
Bikes, bands, and an all-day outdoor bash.
FROG FEST (Farm Fest 6)
📍 Nature Way Farms — Columbiana, OH
🕰️ Sat, Aug 1 · 1 PM
Farm festival with music and family fun.
Adult Book Bedazzling
📍 222 E Market St — Warren, OH
🕰️ Sat, Aug 1 · 6 PM
Bedazzle and craft — grown-ups only.
Biker Brewhouse
📍 Biker BrewHouse — Girard, OH
🕰️ Sat, Aug 1 · 7 PM
Bikes, brews, and live music night.
3 Three Yo
📍 8942 Youngstown-Pittsburgh Rd — Poland, OH
🕰️ Sat, Aug 1 · 8 PM
Local live music in Poland.
Pints & Paws 🐾🍻
📍 The 1547 Project — Youngstown, OH
🕰️ Sun, Aug 2 · 1 PM
Bring your dog for pints and play.
🔭 Looking Ahead — August
Mark your calendar — the Valley's America 250 celebrations are just getting started.
🌟 P.S. 🌟
A year in, and here's what we've learned: the best town in the world is the one you actually notice. So this week, pick one business you'd never heard of and go say hi. That's how a Valley stays a home. 💛
Know something we should cover?
Hit reply. The best tips come from people paying attention.
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