In The Yo

The Bloggers of Youngstown

2009-01-01T09:08:00.000-08:00

On the right is a list displaying the 25 most recent posts published by the writers of the Youngstown blogosphere.

This list is automatically generated, so feel free to visit www.intheyo.com everyday to see the most recent posts from our mayor, our congressman, our newspaper editors, and perhaps even your neighbors.

news: 15 aug 2008

2008-08-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

Some interesting tidbits in the news today, continuing with yesterday's article in the Australian Financial Review about revitalization efforts in the city of Youngstown.

Local Lawmakers meet with Officials of Ohio Hub Plan
read here about taking a train going 110 mph to Cleveland and Pittsburgh

Multi-Story Tower to Display YSU Signage
200 ft at&t structure change to be ready in October. here

First Weekend of YGH Campaign Raises $14,000
Joe Kaluza's wife says $160,000 had been donated to family here

Site Prep Begins for New Business College
new structure to become anchor of downtown here
watch construction live here

Idora Park Neighborhood Group Meets with City Officials
efforts to clean up a spot on the south side here.

Bob Hannon to lead local United Way
voice of the Penguins and all-around nice guy makes commitment here.

Saturday around the blogs, and how you can help

2008-07-19T19:05:00.000-07:00

On behalf of the In The Yo management, I want to say that while we have been going gangbusters on our individual blogs, this aggregate blog, despite our best intentions, has suffered from neglect over the past couple of months. If you can volunteer to sponsor a day of the week, please let us know; we may be able to use your help.

As you can tell from reading past posts, the format is one of basically three options: (a) significant bits of news, (b) best of the blogs or (c) a bit o' both. Original content, of course, is also welcomed. It only takes maybe 15-30 minutes to put up a post, which is why we aren't offering any lame excuses for the crickets you hear chirping around here.

One post of significant interest to Valley residents young and old comes from MVHS, about the famed Idora Park carousel:

In 1984 Jane Walentas purchased the 1922 Idora Park Carousel at an auction. She has spent the past 22 years painstakingly restoring this beautiful ornament to its original beauty. The carousel resides in Brooklyn, New York and Ms. Walentas is looking forward to the day when a Carousel Pavilion will be in the Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the Idora Park Carousel will have a permanent home.

A bus trip is being organized to see (and ride) the Carousel

Check out the post for more details, and be sure to report back if you take the trip!

Steel Valley Outdoors speculates on how the Vindicator comes up with story ideas and provides a poll to verify its hypothesis:

This is one of those stories that was assigned before any research was done. The poor reporter was told to go out and find out how gas was “forcing” people to cut back.

Well, they were. If they’re boaters or drag racers. D’uh. But most outdoor sports don’t take that much gas. Especially if you stay in your own back yard.

Meanwhile, Cleveburgh Disapora visited Youngstown recently and came away very impressed and waxing about liminal spaces:

I would characterize Rust Belt urban liminal space as the landscape beyond the purview of the inert politics crippling the economic development of the mega-region. This is where we Rust Belt Bloggers can have the greatest impact in terms of improving our cities. One of my goals for the trip back to Cleveburgh was to explore the in-between neighborhoods and business districts, what I believe to be a geography of innovation.

On that count, Youngstown delivers and exceeded my own expectations.

A follow-up post builds on the enthusiasm:

I want to proclaim Y-Town as the official cultural capital of Rust Belt Chic. The model I have in mind is the migration of Slackers to Austin with Dallas-Ft. Worth being the actual global economic engine and ascendant world city. Youngstown and Pittsburgh have that kind of potential.

The way the rest of country knows so little about Pittsburgh, the entire Rust Belt lacks an appreciation of Youngstown. After touring Youngstown, I'm anxious to visit other Rust Belt cities and see the hidden gems residing there. Cincinnati tops my list. But in my mind, the "Y" in Generation Y stands for Youngstown.

This excitement stems from a recent blogger summit in Buffalo and the Youngstown hospitality and tour-guide prowess of Shout Youngstown's Janko. More coverage of the summit from Pittsburgh City Paper.

Blogging in Style

2008-07-01T23:38:00.000-07:00

Let's take a look around the blogs tonight:

Steel Valley Outdoors is Camping in Style. Check it out for some video.

A Commonplace Book is a bridesmaid. A bridesmaid to be reckoned with:

According to Bizarre Origins of Wedding Traditions, “Historically, that dress you’ll never wear again was actually selected with the purpose of tricking the eye of evil spirits and jealous ex-lovers (spicy!). Brides’ faithful attendants were instructed to wear a dress similar to that of the bride so that during their group stroll to the church it would be hard for any ill-willed spirits or former boy-toys to spot the bride and curse/kidnap/throw rocks at her.”

First of all, it’s a great dress (really it is). Now, I’m fully prepared to deal with evil spirits. Jealous ex-lovers too, for that matter, and this bit of history led me to speculate which of Nina’s exes might actually turn out to be a wedding day stalker (I won’t name him here, but let’s just say he published a book about a certain evil and anorexic blond conservative media gadfly/demon). Is it wrong that I fantasize just a little about going all crazy white girl on him? It’s that displaced anger again.

The job of the best man was even better: “the original duty of a “Best Man” was to serve as armed backup for the groom in case he had to resort to kidnapping his intended bride away from disapproving parents. The “best” part of that title refers to his skill with a sword, should the need arise.”

Shit. Why can’t the maid of honor have a sword?

Shout Youngstown covers the recent Regional Learning Conference at the Youngstown Club:

One of the benefits of the meeting was the ability for individuals to interact with their counterparts from each region - bloggers met other bloggers, economic development professionals met other economic development professionals, and neighborhood leaders met other neighborhood leaders.

And after lunch, participants moved throughout the Youngstown Club to attend presentations on the following topics:

* Data-Driven Decision Making
* CDCs as Agents of Change
* Addressing Vacancy
* Economic Development Strategies
* Designing Sustainable Communities
* Networking and Blogging for Change

Ryan Brings Home the Bacon

2008-06-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

Congressman Tim Ryan Secures $1.2 Million Dollars for Crime Prevention Programs

Money secured in Commerce, Justice and Science Spending Bill to be used for inner city youth-sports programs, crime cameras, help corrections track inmates, rehabilitate woman offenders

(Washington, DC) -- Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-17), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, has secured $1.2 million dollars from the Commerce, Justice and Science spending bill for purposes of crime prevention and justice. The four earmarks target every level of the justice system, including prevention, detection, corrections and rehabilitation.

“Crime is a complex problem with many root causes. It’s my belief that these earmarks will help keep our citizens from going down the wrong path, help solve violent crimes in communities, help officers keep track of inmates and help rehabilitate some criminals in hopes they can find a better life,” said Congressman Ryan. “These programs compliment the other work I have been doing to bring better education, better jobs and a better quality of life to the valley.”

“Congressman Ryan has once again shown an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life in the City of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley,” said Mayor Jay Williams of Youngstown. “The work of reducing crime and improving safety must begin at the grass roots level however, without the critical financial resources to assist in those efforts the task becomes insurmountable. The financial investment in the safety of our citizens made possible through Congressman Tim Ryan, speaks volumes to his ongoing dedication and concern for our communities. We look forward to continuing our charge of Defending Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.”

"It is widely known that positive police/community relationships assist in deterring crime. The City of Warren is grateful for Congressman Ryan’s efforts in securing funds to assist our community so that we can develop an ongoing Police Athletic League Program which will add to the quality of life in our community," said Mayor Michael O’Brien of Warren

An explanation of the programs can be found below:

AWARD: $300,000

Mahoning County: Inmate Management; Request: $390,000 from the Edward Byrne Grant (U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs).

Acquiring Jailview® Management System technology allows Mahoning County to interface current County and City Courts systems, Courtview®, to the Mahoning County Justice Center. The program supports single point data entry and up-to-the-minute inmate information. Jail data would be seamlessly derived through software licensing and integrated through a RAM Server. Jailview® has 125 pre-defined reports but allows flexibility to create and define new reports, track cell assignments, sentencing information and more.

AWARD: $530,000.

Youngstown: Youngstown Shotspotters (City of Youngstown Neighborhood Safety Initiative); Request: $750,000 from the Edward Byrne Grant (U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs). The City of Youngstown is embarking on a series of new safety initiatives in an effort to reduce crime in various neighborhoods. In addition to traditional crime fighting activities, the city is seeking to deploy equipment and technology that will allow for gunshot detection and video surveillance in areas that have statistical patterns of heightened criminal activity.The total project cost:

AWARD: $300,000.

Youngstown/Warren: Ohio Police Athletic League, Request $300,000 from the Edward Byrne Grant. To organize, create, and maintain recreational and educational activities twelve months out of the year for the youth of our community and surrounding areas as an alternative to delinquent acts and/or criminal behavior. Our organization uses police officers working as participants (coaches/mentors) and supervisors in these activities thereby forging a friendship between the youth and police officers. The organization provides opportunities for youth to participate in team sports in a safe well-supervised environment. It promotes the ideals of good sportsmanship, fair play, teamwork, “healthy” competition, healthy lifestyles, drug free environments, and educational success. Funds will be used for equipment, insurance, site preparation, tutoring, transportation and medical services.

AWARD: $120,000.

Warren: UMIDOAP, Project 180; Request: $121,000 from the Edward Byrne Grant (U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs). Project 180 is designed to work with incarcerated women through targeted Pre-Release Initiatives and reduce the recidivism rates upon release from the institution. Project 180 will also assist women who are at any stage of contact within the criminal justice system to achieve stability, meet short and long term goals on their way to becoming full participants in community life. The program’s goal is to improve the success rates for women’s full reintegration into their communities and families.

New tech center opens downtown

2008-05-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

bit by bit, a growing tech cluster is emering dowtown.

More on the grand opening here.

"Since 2000, said Garry Mrozek, chairman of the incubator board and area president of National City Bank, the incubator has contributed to the creation of 250 jobs and 17 patents. The success of incubator, he noted, has forced the organization to revisit its plans for growth. “We’re more of an accelerator rather than an incubator,” he stated.

Future endeavors call for working with the CIC to transform the Semple Building into new offices for technology-based companies.

Much of this growth has been fueled by Turning Technologies, which officially moved into the Taft Center two weeks ago.

Turning Chief Executive Officer Michael Broderick said the building is critical to the continued growth of his company. Five years ago, Turning consisted of a handful of employees. Today, it employs more than 135 -- 120 of whom work from the corporate headquarters downtown.

Broderick reported the company topped $28 million in sales least year and expects to increase revenues by 50%, or $14 million. The company occupies portions of all three floors of the new building."

how technologies from Youngstown save you money

2008-05-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

from the Business-Journal
HMHP Works with Eris to Ensure Billing Accuracy

How can the the technologies being developed downtown help you?

Check out this recently announced partnership?

"Humility of Mary Health Partners is working with Eris Medical Technologies, a new tenant of the Youngstown Business Incubator, to reduce the errors and omissions that occur when health-care insurers are charged for the treatments patients receive.

Eris is providing HMHP with software tools to help health-care insurers, HMHP management and physicians achieve a greater level of confidence that medical charges that should be billed are billed and at the right prices."

what's up with the river's restoration?

2008-05-20T05:39:00.000-07:00

This article from the Youngstown Vindicator explores how the revitalization of polluted riverbeds have helped other regions.

So how goes it for the Mahoning River?

". . . the dredging project is at a standstill in its second phase, “feasibility.” During this phase, the corps will investigate restoration methods and proposed costs and determine who is responsible for paying for the project.

DeCicco estimates that 99 percent of the feasibility study is complete."

news: 15 Dec 2008

2008-05-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

Unfortunate but Necessary: Marc Dann had to Go
from the Business-Journal

"In a statement issued by his office, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan offered only that his prayers were with Dann and his family. Dann was appointed in 2002 to the state senate seat held by Ryan, who had defeated him in the 2000 Democratic primary for the seat.

Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams reflected that Dann’s involvement in monitoring the financial problems at Forum Health “was truly both necessary and vital to brining that particular situation to a stage” where the parties involved could sit down and address it.

“Mark was really doing some good work on behalf of this community, and to have all of that now come to an end the way it did is just tragic,” he remarked.

Additionally, Williams said he was “saddened and frustrated at what’s being said about the Mahoning Valley and the city of Youngstown” as a result of the scandal. “None of this happened in Youngstown, but it’s Youngstown that is being held up and this is not really a Youngstown issue,” the mayor remarked."

Going Downtown

2008-05-14T23:26:00.000-07:00

Kudos to Mark Peyko for a wonderfully enlightening tour of downtown's business district. Federal Street has always drawn my attention as I've walked along it, and I will now have a deeper appreciation for its history and its details thanks to the tour.

You can catch another tour next month, so keep your ears open for the date. I have always wanted to learn about the theaters and skyscrapers and department stores and banks here and gone. Mark covered all these and more!

Be sure to check out Lincoln Avenue's interview with Phil Kidd:

One of the things that has impressed me about Phil is his ability to turn ideas into action. I’m excited about all the thoughtful conversation that has developed out of the “thinkers and drinkers” gatherings, but I’m also always a little skeptical about the value of talk. And yet I know from my own experience how easy it is to comment on issues and how much harder it is to go out and do something. But Phil has a philosophy about how to make things happen. He believes that getting people involved means creating opportunities for them to speak and act, and those who have the resources and power to make things happen need to listen to what others want, not just forge ahead on their own. He understands, too, that community engagement is not only a good way to get things done but also a way to transform the community by building relationships and changing attitudes. He also knows how to organize a project, a skill he says he learned in the military.

Audio available here

The Pearl Paradigm

2008-05-13T20:20:00.000-07:00

Shout Youngstown provides today's featured post:

Youngstown is building a mixed-used residential/commercial neighborhood adjacent to the univeristy and downtown in Smoky Hollow, but many design elements and construction have yet to be accomplished. What places can they emulate as the project moves forward?

Atlanta created the uninspiring Atlantic Station on the grounds of an old steel mill, a tacky collection of disneyland-esque buildings, a destination adjacent to the interstate north of Midtown with an "in and out, but not staying" existence.

Portland's emerging Pearl District, anchored by many LEED certified buildings and free wi-fi throughout, is a nice mix of old and new, livable and walkable designs of which Youngstown may learn from.

The rest of this post shows photos from three separate smaller "pocket" parks in the Pearl, possible role models for downtown youngstown, wick park, and the smoky hollow. The Pearl's wikipedia article has a good aerial photo of what the railroad yards used to look like.

Visit the post for the pictures and more details.

If you're looking for some new music, check out Jason Mraz's latest, "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things", just out today. It's been on repeat on my iPod all day. And "Dynamo of Volition" makes a great workout track, FYI.

community college to begin in 16 months

2008-05-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

Mahoning Valley Community College Becomes Certainty
in the Business-Journal

The Mahoning Valley will have a community college, the chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents announced Monday, and it will open its doors to students for the fall 2009 term.

In the Chevrolet Centre Monday, Chancellor Eric Fingerhut promised a room filled with Mahoning Valley education and political leaders that the two-year college will be ready for students in roughly 16 months with an undetermined number of classrooms and instructors prepared to begin teaching.

The college, however, will not have its own campus and be concentrated in one location. Instead it will likely use classrooms at Youngstown State University, in the Salem and Champion campuses of Kent State University, and the Mahoning County and Trumbull County technical and careers centers.

more here.

calling for blockwatch captains

2008-05-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

Councilman Paul Drennen coninues to use to blog to promotes events and get public participation. bravo!

Now is is looking for "Block Watch Captains in these areas on the West Side and South Side":

find out more here.

YBI's Zethus links with YSU research

2008-05-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

from the NEO Inc blog:

"Zethus Software, a portfolio tenant company of the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI), has entered into a contract with Youngstown State University (YSU) for software development to support its CyberLabNet Project.

The CyberLabNet system will allow people at multiple locations to remotely control analytical and testing equipment used to perform chemical analyses on a variety of materials, including pharmaceuticals, ceramics, plastics, and composites."

The YLM story

2008-05-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

Jambrain provides a historical perspective to the beginning of Youngstown Local Music - YLM.

"VexFest proved it was possible to have a major musical event in downtown Youngstown without the hassles associated with the area in the past. That was not a minor accomplishment.

Now, knowing they could do it, DeCapua and his Youngstown Local Music partners wanted to do a festival that was purely festive; to kick off springtime downtown with good time music, games, food, drinks. That’s what JonesFest, May 31 will be. Good music, positive vibes, all day; influencing local music by selecting and promoting it.

Jimmy D envisions Jones For Revival as a regional touring band, playing 100 shows a year on three tours and providing a living (and health insurance) for the band members, and sees Youngstown Local Music influencing the development of local music and even the rebirth and growth of Youngstown, which he loves."

read more on the players involved and upcoming events here.

the miracle of loaves and fishes

2008-05-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

Tales from the Rust Belt tells of a recent visit to Pymatuning Reservoir, where the Mahoning Valley goes to see fish literally jumping on top of each other for bread.

This is how one can walk on water.

"There is plenty to do once you watch the carp crawl all over each other trying to score some bread. And if you watch the video, you will see that they literally crawl over one another for those tasty morsels."

more fish here.

youngstown pride is back!

2008-05-01T20:55:00.000-07:00

After a few month haitus, Youngstown Pride is back up and running. Here's component from the most recent post:

"The "da Vinci," a robot that is already changing how surgery is done in Youngstown, is only one of the ways that the city is changing from a manufacturing base into a high technology corridor. While high-tech companies like Turning Technology are leading the charge to make Youngstown a player in the software industry, we shouldn't discount the significance of St. Elizabeth Medical Center getting its own high tech robot that will change the way health care is delivered in the Valley.

The St. Elizabeth's Center for Robotic Surgery has been in operation since September of last year, and using the da Vinci have already performed 40 robotic prostatectomies (prostate surgery), 20 robotic hysterectomies, one robotic pyeloplasty (removal of a blockage in the ureter leading from one of the kidneys to the bladder), and one robotic cystectomy (removal of all or part of the urinary bladder)."

I heard it make milkshakes as well.

read more about it here.

2nd YBI building open for business

2008-04-30T02:57:00.000-07:00

Turning Technologies heads to its new home
from the Youngstown Vindicator

"The company’s local staff has grown from 50 to 125 in the past two years as schools, universities and corporate trainers have rushed to adopt its audience response system. It allows presenters to receive real-time feedback from audience members using small response cards.

All of the new workers have been shoehorned into small offices on four separate floors of the Youngstown Business Incubator on Federal Plaza West.

The adjacent Technology Center offers a much different environment. The front and back walls are made mostly of glass, allowing plenty of natural light to spill into the offices. A glass-enclosed shaft has been built through the third floor to allow sunlight to reach into the middle of the second floor.

For Broderick, the best feature is the open-floor environment. Most of each floor is without interior walls, and the work stations have movable petitions so that workers can easily gather in teams.

“There aren’t any private offices in the building, not even for me,” Broderick said.

The design is meant to help people in the same department share ideas and work together."

Last month, the Shout Youngstown blog reviewd the design of the new building. Check out the photos here

Reactions to Senator McCain's Visit

2008-04-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

Yoments comments on the visit:

It seems that with every election cycle, we’re aggressively courted by the hopefuls, and it’s worthwhile to listen to what they have to say. It’s also easy to get caught up in all of the excitement and momentum of a presidential election.

What to me is particularly interesting about McCain’s visit is that he is here because he (or his people) sees Youngstown as a disenfranchised pocket of poverty. Youngstown has been, without question, struggling economically for some time now; however, if the hopefuls didn’t see a stop in Youngstown as worthwhile, they would’ve moved on by. Yet, we’ve been visited multiple times this election cycle. In other words…we’ve got potential.

While it’s fun to be visited by the famous folks, it’s important to remember that there are local activists who live and work daily with their beliefs in Youngstown’s potential . This month’s issue of The Sun magazine features an interview with political/spiritual writer Andrew Harvey, who speaks of radical humility and sacred activism. He speaks against “top-down” organization: “it is often authoritative and patriarchal and driven by an agenda.”

Here's the real shocker: Steel Valley Outdoors gets... political?

[E]ven though I started this blog to help promote the area, I have not been too political here. Until Now…

Retraining will not work for Youngstown- Retraining is why our population is shrinking. If you have a skill or know a trade, you will leave Youngstown and go where you are needed. We have less engineers here than either the state or national averages, even though YSU still has a major, well known engineering school pumping out the graduates. We have less College graduates than the national and state averages. We have a larger percentage of retirees. All these are symptoms. We do not have the business or industry to support college graduates. Until we do, things will not improve. Asking our young to get an education, then waving as they leave will not help us.

Promote The Right Benefits- As long as I can remember, this region has been promoted as “Halfway between Cleveland and Pittsburgh and halfway between New York and Chicago.” Great. We’re also halfway between China and China. In the global economy, and with the collapse of manufacturing, these benefits no longer matter. There’s a lot of disparagement locally about the “Service Economy” because around here “service” means restaurants. That’s not what the service economy is. It’s Banks and Insurance and Computers and the industries that support these businesses. And these businesses and these entrepreneurs don’t care where they’re located, so long as they have an educated workforce and can keep them happy. They want Arts, Culture and Leisure Activities, which we have in spades, one of our last remaining legacies of the power the mills had.

Entrepreneurship begins at home- Nobody is coming to rescue us. Not the state, not the feds, not GM or Toyota or China. We are not going to get Barge missiles, Pentagon Payroll facilities or blimp factories. The economy of the future cannot be one or two large facilities and the businesses that support them. It will be many small businesses that create a network of jobs. Offices, factories, storefronts and homes that can be enticed to do business here. And we have to do it ourselves. And to do this, we have to stop thinking of Business as “Them” and workers as “Us.” After all we’ve been through, we still have this top-to-bottom Mill mentality. That we only do what we’re told, when we’re told and it’s somebody else’s responsibility to make the decisions. This has to change. We have to help and promote those small businesses that want to support our area and do business here, whether it’s a small manufacturer, a laborer with a buyout following his dreams, or a new business idea in the incubator. This means supporting them with tax incentives and grants, good press and a positive attitude.

Regionalism begins at home- Any Organization that has “NEO” in its name is designed to do one thing: Bring state and federal pork to Cleveland and Akron. Youngstown will always be the ugly stepchild of these two bigger, more powerful siblings. Really, for all the good press Cleveland Plus is getting, does anyone think it’ll benefit us? In order to compete for these resources, we’ll have to start doing it ourselves. And that means looking for funding in ways and areas we’ve never done before. Tim Ryan understands this. Jay Williams understands this.

A Little Earth Day for Ya

2008-04-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

Two Earth Day posts to feature today. Here's photographer Jaci Clark:

In honor of Earth Day, here are some fun or not so fun facts:

* We, as Americans, make up 5% of the world's population but use 25% of the world's resources.
* Americans use over one billion plastic bottles a week.
* Plastic takes up to 500 years to decompose.
* In one year, we generate enough hazardous waste to fill the New Orleans Superdome 1,500 times over.
* In 1987, Americans generated almost enough trash to fill a 24-lane highway one foot deep from Boston to Los Angeles. Disposable diapers alone make up enough trash to fill a barge half a city block long, every six hours, every day! (Can you imagine how those numbers have changed today?)
* Each person throws away approximately four pounds of garbage every day.
* The amount of wood and paper we throw away is enough to heat 50 million homes for 20 years.
* 14 billion pounds of trash is dumped into the ocean every year.
* Computers pose an environmental threat because much of the material that makes them up is hazardous. A typical monitor contains 4-5 pounds of lead.

I'm certainly not one to say you must change your lifestyle and be green but there's gotta be at least one thing you can do. One less paper towel a day, bring your own coffee cup to work, catch a ride with a friend. One thing across the span of the world can change a lot!

And here's Jean Engle's letter to the Vindy editor, courtesy Youngstown Moxie:

[O]ur individual choices magnified a billion-fold add up to disaster for the planet. We in the post-industrial nations won’t feel the pain in our own lives for a while. If I read the papers or listen to the news, I’ll know that the Haitians are starving, right in our Caribbean back yard, in part because the price of staples like corn has skyrocketed, now that corn is going into wealthy nations’ gas tanks and not into poor nations’ bellies. I’ll know that the Arctic ice cap is melting rapidly and that the magnificent polar bear is probably doomed. But those of us in relatively privileged nations will be the last left standing, and, while the fate of the polar bear is tragic, there seems to be little we can do to prevent it. Maybe the zoos can keep them going for a while.

So is that all? Do I just shrug and walk away from it? Do I just go fill up the tank and run some errands, buy some more stuff to distract me from the pain I might feel? Maybe. Or maybe I join the millions of people who are finding ways to do things differently, in ways that sustain the environment rather than deplete it. Maybe I change my incandescent light bulbs to low-consumption compact fluorescents; maybe I put up a clothesline — the original solar dryer; maybe I turn lights off when I’m not in the room; maybe I install an on-demand water heater in my house; maybe I plant some new trees in my yard; maybe I ride my bike for short errands and carpool or take a bus to work (and vote for the WRTA levy); maybe I get involved with non-profits like Treez Please and Grow Youngstown that are working to make a difference at the local level.

Be sure to click and read more. Support your local bloggers!

Exploring NEO revenue sharing

2008-04-21T06:10:00.000-07:00

A story in the Akron Beacon-Journal discusses some possible future directions as a region:

"Mayors and community leaders in 16 Northeast Ohio counties are studying a proposal for regional planning and the sharing of new tax revenue to boost economic growth and reduce suburban sprawl.

The Northeast Ohio Mayors and City Managers Association will vote next month on whether to pursue recommendations from the Regional Economic Revenue Study, a group of elected officials, business leaders and educators who have been analyzing land use and tax sharing nationwide"

You can explore the webpage of the Northeast Ohio Regional Economic Renevue Sharing project here.

jaci's review of the stage

2008-04-21T06:06:00.001-07:00

Some incredible photos were just posted from the latest Stage. See one woman's many steps to becoming a drag queen.

"I had a great night! BTW...the next Stage will be May 22nd at 8:00pm so if you're local, get your bootie down to the Oakland!"

More here.

Options

2008-04-16T23:05:00.000-07:00

Looking for something to do Thursday? Head out to the English Festival:

My favorite YSU event is going on right now–the YSU English Festival. This year’s is the 30th, and while I’m not on campus today, I’m conducting workshops tomorrow and Friday. And I plan to spend much of Friday morning being a festival groupie and autograph seeker (the perks of being an insider).

Or check out the Warner Brothers exhibition at the Butler Institute of American Art:

This exhibition, curated by Steve Schneider, features original drawings, paintings and animation cels from Warner Bros. created from 1930 to 1969. At their best, Warner's "Looney Tunes" and "Merrie Melodies" starring Bugs, Daffy, Porky, Sylvester, Tweetie et al., were the zaniest and most inventive of all the movie cartoons. This exhibition chronicles Warner's animation growth and development over four decades, and features all the major characters and their unique personalities. Factual matter on the directors, artists, and other talent as well as many animation drawings, layout sketches, background paintings, and color cels are displayed in this exhibit.

And at night, be at the Oakland for The Stage for the most eclectic mix of talent in the valley. It's sure to be fodder for your Friday-morning watercooler conversations:

Dr. Ray's Sideshow of Science promises new amazing acts including the World's Tiniest Box of Blades, and the incredible writing duo Panning and Liller will be debuting their skit, "Rock n' Roll Jesus," complete with live action photos (pending we get the projector set up). Don Connors is developing something or a cult following at the Stage, and he'll be back with a few songs.

Smorgasbord

2008-04-15T23:15:00.000-07:00

Today we catch up on a variety of posts from the past few days, so buckle in.

Youngstown Renaissance covers a panel discussion with Korean journalists at City Hall:

But what was being suggested, again, was that the media was manufacturing this false working-class representation of our city, when in reality YSU's Center for Working-Class Studies went to great pains to work with the Wall Street Journal to arrange the interviews.

We as a region and as a nation won't start addressing our problems until we drop our cynicism about media misrepresentations and face our weaknesses and hard truths. I'm not suggesting we believe everything we read. But let's be realistic about the challenges we have yet to overcome rather than pretending we're all innocence and roses.

Steel Valley Outdoors plugs an upcoming Bass Tournament at Mosquito Reservoir:

On April 19, Head out to the Northern Open Anglers Association Bass Tournament at Mosquito Reservoir, 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m., State Park Ramp. Two-angler teams.

Shout Youngstown plugs Tim Ryan, though you wouldn't know it from Google:

That lack of macro-perspective and ability to anticipate and assist the future needs of a region is exactly why leadership matters.

The great tragedy of Youngstown's past Congressional leadership was its inability to prepare a region for the future. That's why we as a region are twenty years behind other regions in some matters.

Not that that awesome responsibility should lie in the hands of one person, but the burden of leadership is to take the hard steps to ensure the growth and prosperity of future generations - and not the growth and prosperity of your own wallet and ego. Very little of the personas on local talk radio seem to comprehend this fact.

And, finally, Lincoln Avenue highlights the 30th English Festival at YSU:

Our interview can’t fully convey the behind-the-scenes story of the Festival, but as a member of the English department, I see it all the time. Planning goes on all year. The committee, which includes both YSU faculty and area teachers, meets regularly to select books, identify guest speakers, organize the distribution of materials, plan the Festival schedule, recruit volunteers, and judge contests. While a dozen or so people do all the planning, another cadre of volunteers steps in during Festival week to lead discussions, staff information tables, and run workshops. It’s a time-consuming project, and the organizers commit incredible amounts of time and energy.

Why do all that work, year after year? Because the English Festival makes a difference for so many students in our community. By promoting the value of reading for pleasure as well as for study, by engaging students in creative writing and production of several kinds (essays, songs, videos, and more), and by recognizing the power of young adult literature, the English Festival helps to foster literacy and an appreciation for education among young people in our Valley. It also reminds students that reading and talking about literature can be fun. It all sounds very serious, but playing language games, debating aspects of the Festival books, and listening to visiting writers talk about their work is also a good time.

Getting Serious

2008-04-09T21:40:00.000-07:00

Some blogs like to chronicle the little quirks of life, not that there's anything wrong with that. But we know there are hard-hitting subjects out there that need to be considered. Thank goodness there are blogs with the moxie to tackle them, like Youngstown Moxie's spotlight on the 15th Anniversary of the Lucasville Prison Uprising:

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio opposes capital punishment under all circumstances because it violates the Constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment. It is administered arbitrarily and unfairly and fails to deter crime or improve public safety.

More often than not, the quality of a defendant's legal representation determines whether or not he or she will be sentenced to death. Most currently sitting on death row could not afford a qualified attorney.

Another determining factor is whether or not a prosecutor on a case decides to pursue capital sentencing. Unfortunately, the race of the victim often determines whether or not the prosecutor will do so.

In September 2007, the United States Supreme Court heard Baze v. Rees, a case challenging the constitutionality of lethal injection procedures used in Kentucky. As a consequence there have been no executions since the end of September and there will almost surely not be any until after the court decides the case.

Conversations

2008-04-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

Yoments laments having "the conversation" with students and the point of no return:

Every semester, I have to have the it-isn’t-mathematically-possible-to-pass-this-course conversation with a student. And it usually happens during week ten or eleven of the semester when the student has gotten around to adding up his or her grades. Sometimes, the student has spent the past ten weeks skipping, texting, and making excuses for late work.

A Commonplace Book shares a story of spring:

While we were eating, Mira stopped in midbite, and with the wrinkliest of eight-year-old noses asked, “Mommy what’s in your hair?”

Jaci is relieved to find her son retains his innocence for another day:

"At McDonald's, when we were playing, there was boy who said, 'she said the "S" word and the "A" word.' " Then he says, "I know what the "S" word is but I don't know what the "A" word means?"
Me, semi-mortified: "You know what the "S" word means?!"

how to get a 1936 Ford

2008-04-07T05:57:00.000-07:00

order one from Clarencedale Cakes!

check out their latest creation.

10,000 books and counting

2008-04-07T05:48:00.000-07:00

The First Book of the Mahoning Valley blog discusses an important milestone:

"To date, First Book- Mahoning Valley has distributed over 10,000 books to children in the Mahoning Valley.

While we would love to stop and celebrate this wonderful achievement, there are countless children in our area who still do not have their own new books at home. Having these books at home to read at their disposal increases test scores, literacy skills, and often inspires children to look forward to futures that they may not see in their immediate environments.

Help us continue to get books into the hands of the children who need them. There are several events you can participate in:"

click here to find out more about upcoming event.

plus, the group has a few items for its wishlist.

can we as a community help them?

a voice from the inside

2008-04-07T05:44:00.000-07:00

a student from East High School writes a letter to the paper:

"As an East High student, I must say that this district is by far the most complex, yet caring, system I have been a part of.

Teachers and staff find themselves taking on parental roles due to the lack of discipline at home. Students tend to attach themselves to the authoritative figures outside their home, due to a lack of parental support. We have nearly 1,000 students attending East High School and roughly 100 parents attended the parent-teacher conferences this year.

When I moved to Youngstown in 2005, I found students who lacked basic morals, self-respect, a need to strive for their very best and some who did not want to comply with our society. I was stunned at the value placed on education and the value of life."

- - -

"Bottom line, don’t give up on them, don’t you dare give up on these students. They are the immediate future of Youngstown. Children are considered to be miniature figures of their parents or guardians, and if you do not find our students to be appealing, we have learned our values from you"

read the whole passage here.

follow the comments on federal street

2008-04-07T05:22:00.000-07:00

The Reason blog considers if moving forward on the West Federal Street plans are the best move for the city at the present moment.

Looking at some of the comments . . .

"Substandard ideas breeds substandard cities. We can be small, but something completely different from other cities if we have planners who are bound to banality."

Get out and get trout

2008-04-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

Apparently it's time to get your trout on. So says the region's Premiere Outdoor Enthusiast Weblog today:

Trout fishing starts on April 12th in the western part of PA.

To find a list of stocking locations, click here.

If you're in the mood to share your political thoughts, local author Chris Barzak posted a notice about an upcoming publication:

Tin House is putting together another interesting issue for this coming fall. If you’ve got stories involving political trends, you might try them out

A relative newcomer in blogland, at least to my radar, "A Commonplace Book", muses about trashy television:

My current fixation is Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York City. The show focuses on the lives of five very wealthy New York women, four of whom are married with children. The fifth is a reality TV veteran (from Martha Stewart’s Apprentice) and also very wealthy. I wouldn’t consider any of these women “housewives,” but the title refers more to Brie, Susan, and Gabriella, than to say, June Cleever.

As any show that focuses on the relationships between women, Real Housewives draws its drama from highlighting the differences between the women and focusing on the conflicts that arise. During those reality-tv “confessional” moments, they criticize and make fun of each other’s lives, spouses… even kids’ names aren’t off-limits. Granted, some of these moments are truly funny, like when Bethenny took a shot at Alex’s obsession with making her kids bi-cultural by insisting that the au pairs (yes, she has more than one) speak French exclusively with her children, one of whom is named Francois.

These women, despite their status (one is actually a Countess) are depicted as petty, jealous, and undermining. Their relationships seem based on class and maintaining the right contacts, but yet, they whine about not being invited to each other’s parties; they compete through their children; they compete through their marriages. And although they see themselves as supportive, these women regularly exchange thinly veiled snide comments and send gossipy text-messages about the others.

The most tantalizing post of the day goes to Phil Kidd, over at "44503 LIVE":

2008 BUDGET AND 2007 EXPENSE REVIEW. Review finished and figures finalized. To be posted May 1st with release of 2008 Summer Calendar of Events.

What does the Youngstown Kidd have in store for downtown? Inquiring minds want to know! Stay tuned, indeed...

Good Humor, in multiple senses

2008-04-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

Shout Youngstown highlights a hopeful bit of news today:

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society (MVHS) will be expanding its operations to create a new History Center downtown. The 132 year old organization recently purchased the 22,000 sq. ft. Burt Building (continuously occupied since 1935 by Ross Radio) for renovation. It was at this location that Harry Burt first produced his patented invention in the early 1920s: the “Good Humor” ice cream bar on a stick, now famous all over the world.

The History Center will include:
- permanent space for exhibits and education
- climate controlled storage and conservation facilites
- exhibition space for traveling history shows
- downtown space for community activites and group events

And if you missed out on the good humor of April 1, The Vindicator compiled a round up of some April Foolery:

John Conti, a Boardman Rotary member, said fellow members used the jokester’s day to have fun with Lou Young, a longtime club member who has since died. Young was known for his perfect Rotary attendance.

One year at the annual Maple Syrup and Pancake Festival, practical jokers including Conti placed a piece of cardboard in between cakes in Young’s pancake stack.

“He was trying to cut and trying to cut through his pancakes, and he couldn’t get through,” he said.

I think the pancake joke is alright, but the stolen car jokes seem a bit too far for me. In fact, I thought the Vindicator came up a bit short in their search for April Fool's jokes. Anybody want to top them? Post yours in the comments here. If you missed the Pavlik joke, check it here.

If you missed your New Year's resolutions, well, spring's here, so you've got another excuse to start anew, and Jaci Clark's posted a thought on how you can think positive in your personal finances.

Finally, if you're not listening to Lincoln Avenue Wednesday nights on WYSU, you're missing out on some of the most thought-provoking talk in the valley. You can catch it on podcast if you miss it live at 7:30pm. This week's topic is building global solidarity:

This week’s Lincoln Avenue interview might be a bit tough for listeners in the Mahoning Valley, because it focuses on the problems faced by Chinese workers – the very people who are doing some jobs that used to be done here. So the first thing I asked my guest, Katie Quan, is why Americans should care about the situation of Chinese workers.

The answer isn’t revolutionary, but it does matter: it’s not just about human rights but of fair economic competition and the broader interests of workers around the world. Chinese labor is cheap because it’s so exploitative. Workers are regularly not paid; have almost no rights to object to their hours (she describes how some people work 17 hours days, 7 days a week), working conditions, or treatment; and don’t have the knowledge or skills to organize to stand up for themselves. Quan argues that the American labor movement can help Chinese workers fight for better conditions and better pay, largely through outreach that brings workers together across global divides.

news: 1 Apr 2008

2008-04-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

Mahoning Valley Comm. College to Open in 2010
in the Youngstown Vindicator

"YSU took the lead on the local community college issue two years ago when its board of trustees directed the university administration to begin looking at the process and to develop an implementation plan.

However, it now appears that the Ohio Board of Regents, which oversees public higher education in the state, will be in the driver’s seat.

Fingerhut said the board of regents has received a grant from the Raymond John Wean Foundation in Warren to hire state and national experts to help devise a local community college plan for the Mahoning Valley.

It will be accomplished in collaboration with YSU, Kent, Jefferson Community College and the adult work force centers, according to the 10-year plan."

- - -

"With the development of a local community college relieving some of the pressure YSU has been under to provide remedial courses for incoming students, the university will be freed to pursue a more focused mission in the field of economic research and development, the chancellor said.

That can change the face of a city like Youngstown, he said, noting that the University of Akron has done a similar thing for the Akron community.

The state will authorize and support undergraduate and graduate programs that focus on quality and have relevance to economic rebirth, he said."

more here.

lincoln, canals, cuban coups and ytown

2008-03-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

The YSU Archives and Special Collections blog finds some amazing things.

On Lincoln:

"I came across a local tie to one of the nation's most well-known events, the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Quoting from John Turk's book The Musical Danas of Warren, Ohio page 6.

"On the evening of April 14, 1865, when President Lincoln was shot and mortally wounded, not only was the Vice-President away from the city but the Secretary of State, Frederick Seward, lay seriously wounded as the result of a similar assassination attempt. Setting up an office in the room across from where Lincoln lay, Stanton took full control of the government. With Dana at his side, he spent the night dictation orders and telegrams to alert the country, keep the military advised, and attempt to solved the crime. For a period of almost twenty-four hours, Charles Anderson Dana was the de facto Vice-President of the United States."

Charles Anderson Dana was the uncle of William Henry Dana, founder of the [YSU] Dana School of Music in 1869."

more here.

On canals:

"An entire chapter is also devoted to Kirwan’s favorite project: The Lake Erie-Ohio River Inter-Connecting Waterway.

Kirwan envisioned the cheap waterborne transportation of goods into the American heartland, as well as the creation of a connecting link between the Atlantic Ocean (via the St. Lawrence Seaway) with the Gulf of Mexico (by way of the Mississippi River). Kirwan fought a thirty-year struggle for the Waterway's construction, but failed in the end when the Republican governor of Pennsylvania, Raymond P. Shafer, killed the Waterway by refusing to grant a right-of-way passage through his state. Would the canal have provided the economic benefits that its supporters promised?"

more here.

On conspiracies:

"I highly recommend visiting this site, not only to inform one self about the hidden history we sometimes miss (and incorrectly label as conspiratorial). But to get a better understanding of what an archives does and can accomplish for a society."

more here.

news: 30 Mar 2008

2008-03-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

The city of Akron and Summit County are looking into becoming more efficient by cooperating regionally.

"The Summit County sheriff will help run Akron police for the next 18 months while the departments see if they can save money and boost crime fighting.

Mayor Don Plusquellic on Friday assigned his new deputy mayor of public safety, Larry Givens, to work with Sheriff Drew Alexander on a plan that may be the first step toward a metropolitan police department, the first in Ohio."

more here.

YSU's Dr. Carroll gets to the $4 million point for his work on nuclear isomers.

"YSU’s Isomer Physics Project concentrates on discovery research, trying to develop a better understanding of the fundamental processes with new experiments, he said, rather than looking for applications.

Grant funds pay student wages and research release time for Carroll, buy materials and equipment, and pay the research team’s travel expenses. Carroll plans to take a group to Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago later this year for some off-site experiments there, and another experiment may be scheduled at a facility near Tokyo."

more here.

everyone needs a 3rd arm

2008-03-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

The Jambrain blog features some local cooperation:

"Jason Tibolla is on a musical mission: he and his cohorts are making a market for original, local music. Their Pre-Pat Party Saturday at Salty Grog’s was one shining example of their work.

Tibolla, Viking Jim and Pete Drivere host the Sunday night (9-10) Home Grown show on Clear Channel 93.3 which they started this past Thanksgiving to feature local bands doing their original work."

"Most of their shows are at Salty Grog’s (where Commesso tends bar), Barley’s downtown and the Cellar in Struthers. “We are putting 3-5 bands in each show,” Tibolla explained. “They get part of the door, so they know they’re getting something. We take care of all the up-front costs: venue rental, sound, lights, security,” and then make sure it works with a very visible presence.

Cooperative contacts with promoters in other tri-state areas are broadening the exposure for local bands and bringing other bands to Youngstown."

more here.

OMG, it's the RJW.

2008-03-28T05:33:00.000-07:00

The Raymond John Wean Foundation is stepping up big-time to the plate to assist the urban communities in the Mahoning Valley. You can go to their website for more information about this great organization and the grant programs they offer, especially for neighborhood development.

Here are some highlights of their recent March 2008 awards:

"A group that has created a national model fighting foreclosures will receive $50,000. The group, based in Cleveland and known as the East Side Organizing Project, brings subprime lenders to the table through organizing. Homeowners who have mortgages with ballooning payments are then offered an opportunity to renegotiate their loan. The money will be used to hire an organizer for the Mahoning Valley.

Lien Forward is Mahoning County's effort to return vacant lots to usage. After the properties become abandoned, the County Treasurer is able to pass the lots on to local residents who own adjacent property and are seeking to use the lots. A grant of $50,000 will allow Lien Forward to expand its outreach capability.

Three groups in Youngstown will receive funding to hire community organizers. These grants are part of a neighborhood organizing initiative that the Foundation is supporting. The Northeast Homeowners and Concerned Citizens Assn. will receive $65,000, and on the North side a group of stakeholders will oversee an organizer ($60,000), as well as the 7th Ward Citizens Coalition ($60,000) on the City's Southeast side.

The Youngstown-Downtown Revitalization Committee is a project to bring residents and stakeholders together to discuss improving Wick Park. A grant was made to support Youngstown Cityscape's involvement in the process. The Kent State Urban Design Coalition will also be a resource to the group in its efforts ($70,000)."

more here.

tonight's event is free, no euros needed

2008-03-14T05:41:00.000-07:00

First off, Art Youngstown is having a community-wide gallery showing tonight, March 14th from 7pm to 10:30pm in the Ohio One Building downtown.

This event is free and open to the public.

If it's similar to the last gallery event on Federal Street, there will be plenty of people, art covering every corner of the space, food, drink, and excitement.

Everyone in Ohio and Pennsylvania is welcome to attend.

The Youngstown Artblog has been really cranking out posts recently. First, here is a post about the space for the reception this evening:

"Art Youngstown is having what promises to be a great show. How could it be otherwise in a venue known as The Great Room?

This fantastic space is five thousand square feet , has 25 foot high ceilings and is completely decorated in heavy wood work to nearly the ceiling. There are even hand carved wood griffins above the entry. The lighting is seductive and warm and the space is an incredible place to display original art. If you have never seen the Great Room in the Ohio One building this is your chance to enjoy the splendor and grandeur of Old Youngstown."

more on the space here.

Next, he shows his love for the interesting lady known only as Rita.

"I receive so many benefits from the city that at times I am actually glad to pay. These days so many organizations get a chunk of my money, including the Church and various art and cultural organizations, that I figure I am paying my dues to be a part of a club of 85,000 members.

Consider what you are getting for your money: great location in the state, great inner city parks, a convocation center, impressive downtown events to name just a few. So take my advice: pay it, shut up and enjoy the city."

This post made me chuckle. Read more here.

And next, a very interesting post on the devaluation of the dollar, the rise of the euro, and how Youngstown artists can take advantage of this:

"The American Dollar continues to fall like so many dead leaves from Autumn trees and a cold winter wind is blowing. The Euro however is rocketing into prominence like a 4th of July firework. Many reports are coming out of Manhattan stating that Europeans are spending Euros like mad on American Art and Antiques, because of their currency's strength against the feeble Dollar. In fact signs saying "Euros Only" are appearing in gallery windows."

"To reiterate what I have been saying in this blog, we have a tremendous resource in the artists of our Valley. Many of us have been selling our work to those very collectors for years now. We can easily tap into the National and International Art Markets in a much more profound way if we can work together and get REAL support from the powers within our community.

Here is a list of things I would like to accomplish in the next 6 months: Create a stronger unity amongst Valley artists, Use this unity to promote Valley art nationally and internationally, establish strong contacts with European collectors, and establish Youngstown in the Manhattan and European mindset as a Cultural Mecca. To help assist in accomplishing these goals I would be happy to hold meetings to discuss and formulate plans.

Email me: Artbake777(at)aol.com."

more on this topic can be found here.

If you are surfing the internet instead of being downtown tonight, well, then you need to get out more. (if you are physically capable)

Yes, that means you Aunt Betty.

If I can do it, you can do it.

support the arts in downtown youngstown

sticks and stones

2008-03-14T05:08:00.000-07:00

Very interesting post in the Reason blog today:

"Of course I'm not equating Kern and Ferraro. It was just interesting to contrast two free speech items in the news this week. Kern is a zealot and a bigot who clearly needs to get out some more and meet cooler people. I feel sorry for her and hope all the gay and lesbian friends she doesn't know she already has don't take her comments to heart. I believe that Ferraro is an intelligent woman with her heart in the right place. She just needs to polish her rhetorical skills. There was a message in what she said that could have been delivered more effectively. I'm imagining her words might go something like,
"Senator Obama has found himself in a remarkable position in this campaign, and it's hard for many people to look away. They want to be a part of that movement, even if it's about history and not Mr. Obama himself."
More bite, less perceived racist tenor."

wo we think we are

2008-03-14T05:01:00.000-07:00

Meditations in an Emergency considers a recent New York Times article about how Barack Obama is doing in fairly mixed-race states:

The growing counties an hour’s drive from Cleveland and St. Louis are filled with white voters whose parents fled the industrial cities of their youth before a wave of African-Americans and for whom social friction and economic competition, especially in an age of declining opportunity, are as much a part of daily life as traffic and mortgage payments. As Erica Goode wrote in these pages last year, Robert Putnam and other sociologists have, in fact, found that people living in more diverse areas evince less trust for others — no matter what their race. Maybe it shouldn’t surprise us that while white Democrats in rural states are apparently willing to accept the notion of a racially transcendent candidate, those living in the shadow of postindustrial atrophy seem to have a harder time detaching from enduring stereotypes, and they may be less optimistic that the country as a whole would actually elect a black candidate.

"What I find interesting about this is that we can no longer think along lines of urban/suburban/rural. The mention of communities that are somewhere between these categories, and in existence outside of formerly successful urban empires, is a new sort of population that’s only recently beginning to enter the cultural consciousness for many Americans who assumed that everything was either New York City, the suburbs of Desperate Housewives, or Mayberry. There are many different kinds of communities between each of those sorts of points on the scale."

Read more at Meditations here.

And a very interesting article on Barack Obama's mom who died of ovarian cancer at 53 in the New York Times here.

news: 12 march 2008

2008-03-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

Akron-Canton airport to launch $110 million expansion
in The Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Akron-Canton Airport will make room for international flights, three more gates and a new airline over the next decade as part of its $110 million plan announced this afternoon.

That means bigger parking lots, a new ticket counter, a 25-percent-bigger passenger screening area and a runway long enough to send planes anywhere in North America."

Helpers Sought to Beautify City
in the Youngstown Vindicator

"Youngstown CityScape is looking for volunteers to help with its Streetscape beautification program.

Among the focus areas for the June 7 event are Wick Park, East Federal Street, the John Young Memorial, the Police Memorial, near the Choffin Career Center and near city hall."

more info here.

$500,000 pledged for YSU Business School
in the Youngstown Vindicator

"Youngstown State University graduate Jocelyne Kollay Linsalata has pledged $500,000 to help in the construction of a new building for YSU’s Williamson College of Business Administration.

In recognition of the gift, YSU will name the Gallery in the new business building in Linsalata’s honor."

Consultant to Study Scholarship Plan
in the Youngstown Vindicator

"The board approved a contract Tuesday with Hodge Cramer and Associates Inc. of Dublin, Ohio, a national philanthropic consulting company, to determine if the Youngstown Promise will work. The cost will be covered with grant funds.

The plan is to model the scholarship program after the Kalamazoo Promise in Michigan, which has proved to be beneficial to public education partnerships with higher education by providing college scholarships for Kalamazoo high school graduates to attend any state college or university in Michigan."

North Side to Get $3.4 Million Rec Center
in the Youngstown Vindicator

"Plans for the 15,800-square-foot Arlington Heights Park and Fitness Center include an all-purpose gym, workout equipment and weights, a patio, conference rooms and a cafe. The facility is to be surrounded by an 11.5-acre park complete with basketball courts, two playgrounds, a tennis court and a picnic shelter."

People in this town still have a lot of money
in the Youngstown Vindicator

"The event was expected to raise $100,000 for U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., who won last week’s Ohio primary by 10 percentage points over U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.

Though Zoldan didn’t count the cash, he said the amount raised surpassed the $100,000 goal.

Harry Meshel of Youngstown, Mahoning County coordinator of Clinton’s presidential campaign and a former Ohio Senate president, said the candidate’s husband did “a terrific job explaining why Hillary should be president."

a terrific job.

release the hounds!

2008-03-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

feel like it's time to bombard the midwest with our thoughts?

GLUEspace has some ideas how:

"If you agree that it’s been way too long since our nation had a plan for fixing our cities’ problems, you could make your voice heard, by either: (1) writing to the presidential frontrunner of your choice, or (2) writing to the editor of your local paper. Below are some samples that you could follow (See full list of Great Lakes papers with links to editorial/letters pages below). Just some ideas to get you going."

more here.

Also, props to Abby for making it into Newsweek this week. Read more here.

can't keep up with the burgh

2008-03-11T20:42:00.000-07:00

look.

here is the math:

aggressive blogging by Jim + work week travels + eating/sleeping in the margins = needing to play major catch-up with the Burgh Diaspora blog.

Here are some of the ones (among many) that received by attention over the past four weeks:

On Top of the Political World

"Hillary Clinton appeals to Pittsburgh's old guard and Barack Obama is the voice of Pittsburgh's ongoing transformation. The same scenario played out in nearby Youngstown during the Ohio primary. Clinton used Youngstown as a backdrop to highlight the failures of NAFTA. What she ignored, apparently to considerable political gain, are the agents of change infusing the region with energy and hope.

While I appreciate the more nuanced perspective of the region, Newsweek incorrectly identifies Mayor Luke Ravenstahl as the face of "newer Pittsburgh." Ravenstahl represents business-as-usual, quite different from the situation in Youngstown with Mayor Jay Williams."

Pittsburgh's Near-Abroad

"Regardless, the national and international impression must be one of the entire Rust Belt as depressed, backwards, and pissed off. While shrinking cities share many of the same problems, there still exists quite a bit economic geographic variation within the region."

Cleveburgh Globalization Project

"I propose a Yo Cleveburgh pilot, making good use of the Youngstown urban laboratory to develop a set of best practices for addressing the inherent instabilities of globalization. The goal is to develop the Cleveburgh Corridor into a world city on par with Chicago. One of the solutions that Longworth puts on the table is educational reform, though doing so is notoriously difficult.

My hunch is that Youngstown would be more open to innovative approaches in education than just about any other Rust Belt city."

Jim is setting the table for you Youngstown, read more here.

Rust Belt High Skill Immigration Zone Update

"Renowned Law Professor/Author William Hing, UC Davis School of Law, member of Senator Obama's Immigration Policy Group, has picked up on the "High Skill Immigration Zone" proposal and is spreading the word!"

SBIR/STTR workshops in town

2008-03-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

Hey knuckleheads, this is important:

"The Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) and TechLift are presenting a series of workshops on the Federal SBIR and STTR programs. The Department of Defense (DoD) SBIR and STTR programs fund a billion dollars each year in early-stage R&D projects at small technology companies - projects that serve a DoD need and have commercial applications."

"Knowing the ins and outs of how the program works, how best to apply, and what you need to do in order to increase your odds of an award is the basis of the OAI/TechLift workshops."

As a region our SBIR/STTR numbers are very low or non-existant compared to other portions of the state, and definitely other parts of the country.

youngstown's treasures moved to other communities

2008-03-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

While it nice to see this story about the renovation of the Idora Park Carousel, one can't help but feel Youngstown's history is being taken away from it:

"Now, the carousel is on display in a storefront in Brooklyn, waiting for its final resting spot to be determined. But it won’t have to travel far. Walentas and her husband — a real estate developer — had selected a site for the carousel before the couple ever set eyes on the 1922 Philadelphia Toboggan model that delighted generations of children in Youngstown.

Walentas’ career with the Idora Park carousel began in the early ‘80s, when her husband was charged with revitalizing a former industrial neighborhood known as DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). A partner in the project suggested that the derelict park in the neighborhood’s center — with its striking view of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge — would be an ideal spot for a merry-go-round."

"The Idora carousel was a rare find in more ways than one, Walentas said. Handcrafted by master woodcarver Frank Carretta, it was one of the few Walentas that hadn’t been dismembered or relocated. It was one of the most detailed, as well.

Youngstown helped to build this country, and now piece by piece, this history is being removed.

irish to go

2008-03-10T05:52:00.000-07:00

FREE event today from the Mahoning Valley History blog:

"The [Mahoning Valley Historical Society] Young Leaders Advisory Board is pleased to announce the next event in the popular History to Go lecture series: Irish in the Valley.

Join the Mahoning Valley Historical Society on Monday, March 10th at 6:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1410 Oak Hill Ave. in Youngstown, for a presentation on the rich history of the Irish in the Mahoning Valley by Sally Murphy Pallante of The Irish American Archival Society."

more here.

what to do on friday

2008-03-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

The Youngstown Moxie blog writes:

"I have sometimes heard people in the Youngstown area complain about the lack of things to do. I've even heard people say they are bored. Well, as Dorothy Parker said, "The cure for boredom is curiosity..." Obviously, the bored folks around here merely need a good dose of it.

I then recommend they have an adventure. "But where?" you say?

Downtown Youngstown of course.

Let me offer a suggestion or two for an adventure in Youngstown next Friday night, March 14th.

read Moxie'sitenary here here.

Plus, a bonus post on artist and entertainers from youngstown was also posted. read this list here.

connecting to expats

2008-03-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

the Steeltown Entertainment Project:

"The mission of the Steeltown Entertainment Project ("Steeltown") is to nurture promising talent and to incubate meaningful and commercially viable entertainment projects in Southwestern Pennsylvania by connecting former Pittsburghers who are working in the entertainment industry with the region's human, cultural, educational and economic resources."

Yes, PeCan!

2008-03-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

New Obama-inspired ice cream flavors via Slashfood.

Can you choose an ice-cream flavor that represents Hillary?

what's at the Trumbull Art Gallery

2008-03-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

The Youngstown Art blog discusses Jim Pernotto:

"Jim lived in worked in Youngstown during a time when many were fleeing the city for greener pastures, and when he did eventually work for a time in Manhattan as the director of Pacifico Fine Art Gallery, he made sure his peers from Ytown found art connections in his new home. Even while in NYC he still found time to have his hand in Youngstown art concerns.

I'd like to thank Jim for the time and effort he has put into helping me with my art career over the years. When I arrived at the YSU Art Department from the deep country side of Central Ohio, I was a young, brash redneck boy with a lot of energy and not a lot of brains. Jim saw my talent, encouraged me in his printing classes, and was one of the very few people I knew that took a real concern for my future as an artist. Throughout the years he has given me valuable and hard to come by art business advice and even today, when my stubborn redneckedness rears its ugly head, he has enough patience and vision to point me in the right direction."

more here.

a request from the fly YNG blog

2008-03-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

From the Fly Youngstown blog:

"Once again I would request everyone to join me in a grassroots effort to attract Skybus Airlines to the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. Below is a link that is a Contact Form that allows passengers and airport supporters like myself to voice support for our local airport."

more here.

the value of street art?

2008-03-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

Subpopular posts a neat video with an interesting question:

How is public art perceived here in Youngstown? Would people stop and ponder it or want their photos taken next to it?

"For over an hour, Jeremy Gibbs stood across the street from a fresh piece by Banksy on Essex Road and filmed people who stopped to look at the piece and take photos. What we find to be most important about the video is the diversity of the people who stopped, noticed, and most importantly - appreciated - the work. The video is a terrific testament to the "value" of street art."

read more here.

news: 7 March 2008

2008-03-08T17:08:00.000-08:00

Physicist wins Congressional Seat in Illinois

The Av, the Golden Dawn, and Jay on npr

$5,000 down payment voucher for pruchasing homes in the city

JEDDs report is online

2008-03-07T22:11:00.000-08:00

Available at the Youngstown 2010 site, or here.

btw, whoever wrote this report in Cleveland needs to do some proofreading.

It looks really bad when words are spelled incorrectly in the Executive Summary of a study, especially one you have been working on for many many months. Folks, disregard this statement if they re-edited this document by the time you downloaded the report.

100 parks within 100 miles

2008-03-07T05:40:00.000-08:00

Cool idea from the Steel Valley Outdoors site:

The list of 100 parks and rec areas within 100 miles of Youngstown.

check it out

How To Use this List:
I’ve kept State Parks and related State Forests as two lines. This might be cheating, but they usually offer different experiences.

Each Link goes directly to the appropriate site, not to a directory, wherever possible.

Scroll down to your favorite area. Look right above it.

Have you been here? How about the area right below it?

YSU Joins Polymer Research Consortium

2008-03-07T05:35:00.000-08:00

From a story/press release in the Business-Journal:

"Youngstown State University now is affiliated with the National Science Foundation's Center for Layered Polymeric Systems. Led by researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, the $19 million center focuses on layered polymers -- combining thin layers of plastic or other synthetic materials to create products ranging from packaging materials to optical switches."

"At YSU, the academic collaboration will include work in polymer physics and polymer engineering within the physics and chemical engineering programs. Facilitators are Jim Andrews, professor of physics; Doug Price, associate professor of chemical engineering; and Tom Oder, assistant professor of physics.

Andrews, who has spent most of his career researching optical materials and polymers, said YSU was chosen as an affiliate because of its growing research programs, its strong focus on undergraduate education, and its educational outreach in the YSU service area. “The research leaders at Case were impressed with the way YSU’s new College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics facilitates collaboration among the engineering and science disciplines,” he said."

how the falling dollar impacts the economy

2008-03-07T05:29:00.000-08:00

good story from the News Hour with Jim Lerher:

Dollar's Falling Value Ripples Through U.S. Economy

As the value of the dollar has fallen, the U.S. economy has had to adjust in a multitude of areas. While some sectors have benefitted from cheaper U.S. exports, others have felt the pinch of inflation. Paul Solman examines the impact of the dollar's value.

Youngstown, this globalization train is moving fast, with or without you. We need to figure out how to have advantage of the system in addition to complaining about it.

time to fish in Mill Creek Park

2008-03-02T11:40:00.000-08:00

This news from Steel Valley Outdoors:

"The Spring fishing season began yesterday in Mill Creek Park. Licensed fisherman can fish at both Lake Newport and Lake Glacier, from shore on from boats.

Shore fishing is also permitted at Yellow Creek Park in Struthers."

more info here.

steps for the railroad museum

2008-03-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

The Youngstown Steel Heritage Preservation blog writes:

"In January the Mahoning Valley Railroad Heritage Association moved their Pollock open top hot metal car from Brier Hill to their proposed Steel Valley Railroad Museum site on Poland Avenue in Youngstown. This car was built for either YS&T or Valley Mould & Iron, and was acquired from Ellwood Engineered Castings in 1993. At the time it had been sitting off track in front of EEC's melt shop.

The appearance of the car is a good sign that the MVRHA is making progress toward constructing their museum facility. They have a long road ahead as they own almost 20 pieces of equipment and have about 200 feet of track laid thus far!"

read more here.

new park post

2008-03-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

In his blog, 5th Ward councilman Paul Drennen put this up:

"Just an FYI that there is an opening on the Park and Recreation Board appointed by Council. All interested should get their information to the 6th floor of city council. Information including a resume and letter of intent."

his blog is here.

steel valley outdoors on WRTA

2008-03-01T11:01:00.000-08:00

A statement from the Steel Valley Outdoors blog:

"But sometimes, just sometimes, we end up having to pay for something just because we need to continue it. MRDD renewals almost always pass. We put up with the orange barrels for smooth roads. Educating our kids gives them good jobs, so they can then pay our Social Security."

"My wife has a vision problem. She cannot drive.

She works in Austintown. I work in Cranberry. We are not poor. We do not expect anyone to support us. I do not understand the argument that only the poor use the bus, that it’s a class warfare thing.

We do not live in the city. We live in Boardman. I do not understand the argument that this is a city thing. This is a regional thing.

This is about providing necessary services to all residents. I pass through New Castle every day. I cannot figure out how come there is a bus [system running] from the hilltop area outside Poland, to the Park and Ride in Portersville and then on to Cranberry and the North Hills, when Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley cannot fund a system that can reliably get you across town.

I said before I’m selfish. I started this blog as a way to promote those activities I like. I want to make money here and bring good jobs into the area so I won’t have to drive an hour to work. I want to teach the next generation about outdoor recreation so it’s protected for me.

And I want my wife to be able to continue to work. I don’t want to have to worry about her being stuck in weather like this, waiting for me or and friend or a taxi to get her home every single day.

We need WRTA. If it’s been mismanaged, if it doesn’t provide a service you use, I understand. But this is a service we need.

Please support it."

accent on youngstown

2008-03-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

The Accent Media Matters blog presents a new project:

"My next big announcement, is our new Accent Media webcast called, Accent on Youngstown. We have been thinking about putting together a :30 minute television show or infomercial for a couple of months, and have decided to test the waters with a :10 minute webcast on our website, blog and MySpace pages.

We will be starting out with at least a bi-weekly pre-recorded webcast, and possibly weekly depending on our workload. We will playing around with the format the first few weeks to see how it best works for us. The plan is to get into a groove to tape segments at our studio on Wednesdays, and have the webcast up by Thursday evening or Friday morning."

the unforgettable Sean Jones

2008-03-01T09:57:00.000-08:00

The Youngstown Moxie blog recalls Mr. Jones and his trumpet:

"I don't know exactly why Sean Jones popped into my mind this morning but he did. I was drinking my coffee as usual and reading the daily blogs - and there he was playing in my mind's eye. I went in search of a video to share with you. I hope you enjoy it."

"When I first heard Sean I think he must have been about nineteen or twenty years old. Since then he has traveled far and wide playing awesome music. Occasionally, he has dropped in at various clubs in town, usually around the holidays, but I haven't heard tell of him being around lately, except this morning in my head, so hit the button to demand that he make a visit home."

Sean Jones is one of this country's greatest jazz musicians, and just a few years ago he was tearing down the house at YSU's Jazz Ensembles.

She has started a online petition to bring Mr. Jones back to town. Read more here

still waiting to be saved?

2008-03-01T09:47:00.000-08:00

Tales from the Rust Belt offers a perspective on the tough questions that remain after the Democratic candidates leave Youngstown:

"I go shopping and I see Wal-Mart and K-Mart packed with people enjoying cheap goods imported from the very countries they disdain. It makes you start to ask some tough questions."

"So Clinton and Obama came to ask for our votes and we told them how tough it has been. You have to ask yourself, though; are we doing everything we can to succeed or are we still waiting to be saved?".

read more here.

bertram's pabulum

2008-03-01T09:25:00.000-08:00

The Reason blog produces a post "Why Obama Over Clinton" as a response to Mr DeSouza's column titled "Why Clinton Over Obama". Among the arguements:

"Illinois Senator Barack Obama is certainly not waiting his turn. Indeed, that is a principle issue that seems to be roiling the Democratic establishment. Hillary Clinton, one of their own, with all the right connections, DLC leanings, not to mention the historic trappings of being the first woman nominee is poised for the White House, and this young upstart thinks he can come along and take it from her?! It is this same presumption that has doomed the Clinton campaign and would cause it to falter in the general election, though it is unlikely now to make it that far. It's a good thing, too."

"Both Democratic candidates are proven, capable leaders and executives. After pabulum like that repeated in Bertram de Souza's recent column—that because one Obama supporter couldn't speak intelligently about his Senate record, he must not have accomplished anything of substance—you might be surprised to read real research about Senator Obama's legislative record."

check out more the this quite detailed arguement here.

new stories, new responses, new blogs

2008-02-28T13:54:00.000-08:00

Elections bring the national media to Youngstown

On the Ground in Youngstown 5 minute video from the New York Times

The Politics of Trade in Ohio in the New York Times

Rust Belt Clamors for Fix, hears Rhetoric in the Chicago Tribune

Ohioans Hear Populist Pleas By Democrats in the New York Times

Democrats Appeal to Working Class Voters in Ohio in the Kansas City Star

Local blogs react

a MUST-READ post in the Defend Youngstownblog

Rust Belt Blues in the Five Husbands blog

Making the News in Meditations in an Emergency

YBI Scores in Connected Youngstown+

NY Times in Youngstown in Meditations in an Emergency

New local blogs to notice

5th Ward Councilman - Paul Drennen
www.councilmanpauldrennen.blogspot.com

the 5 husbands blog
http://fivehusbands.wordpress.com/

note: this post is cross-posted at Shout Youngstown

news: 28 Feb 2008

2008-02-28T12:52:00.000-08:00

Youngstown approves contract to aid YSU project
in the Youngstown Vindicator

"The city’s board of control approved a $393,000 contract to have six structures demolished and asphalt removed from a parking lot.

The work is needed for a $30 million Youngstown State University building and a street extension project."

CIC Suspends Rules on How It Sells Properties
in the Business-Journal

"The board of the Youngstown Central Area Community Improvement Corp. placed its purchase program in abeyance Tuesday, that is, it suspended its procedures on the sale of the 12 remaining properties it could offer in the downtown.

Last week, the CIC’s counsel, Edwin Romero, advised the property committee that the commercial real estate in the downtown is rebounding, becoming a sellers’ market. The redevelopment agency, he said, should reconsider how it transfers ownership of the properties in the Masters block, the Kress Building and Two Guys Clothing Store."

Singer finds Self in Youngstown
in the Youngstown Vindicator

"Youngstown even inspired one song on the record. “‘Just Plain Whiskey’ was written while reflecting on that lost month in Youngstown,” said Palka. “You can almost hear the crackling ice drenched in whiskey on this jazzy midnight groove.”

Palka and The Caravan will give a preview of the new album, including “Just Plain Whiskey,” when the band performs at Cedars Lounge in Youngstown on Saturday."

Cleveland's mayor to announce joint ED efforts in speech

2008-02-28T12:46:00.000-08:00

Henry Gomez from the PD reports:
Jackson wants to work on development opportunities with Youngstown

"Cleveland is pursuing joint economic development opportunities with Youngstown, a fellow Rust Belt city 74 miles to the southeast, Mayor Frank Jackson was expected to announce this afternoon.

In his annual State of the City address at the Crowne Plaza Hotel downtown, Jackson was planning to stress the importance of regionalism.

Jackson also intended to note recent conversations with his counterpart in Youngstown, Mayor Jay Williams. According to a draft of the speech obtained in advance, the City Council in the Mahoning County seat already has signed off on a partnership with Cleveland."

two gems from the venture capital conference

2008-02-28T11:24:00.000-08:00

From the Northeast Ohio Incubator Collaborativeblog:

"If you didn’t attend last week’s Ohio Venture Association’s Venture Capital Summit III last week at Corporate College East, you missed a great event. Panels included a conversation with leading Northeast Ohio angels, representatives of three VC firms that have recently set up shop in Northeast Ohio, and a panel on how to present to VC’s.

The last panel was especially interesting as Jerry Frantz, an EIR from JumpStart, was tapped to “present” to three area VC partners. The presentation was a real proposal for funding, courtesy of an area entrepreneur. What was interesting was that at any time during the presentation, you could yell “freeze” and ask any of the VCs a question. It was fascinating to hear what actually goes through their mind during one of these presentations."

want to see what they we thinking? read more here.

where I'm writing from

2008-02-28T11:19:00.000-08:00

Meditations in an Emergency writes:

"Greg Van Eekhout is always posting pictures from cafes where he writes, and I always like looking at his blog to see what sort of place the cafe is today, and what sorts of mugs or cups they use to serve coffee. I know, mundane, and yet it fascinates me. Maybe because I don’t write outside of my home very often. For me it’s too distracting. I end up people-watching, and drinking too much coffee, and buying one too many cookies, and…and…and…

So it’s better for me to stay at home and write, and live vicariously through Greg’s photo travelogue.

But here is basically what I see every day at my writing desk:"

Care to see? Check out the view here.

2 supurb opinion pieces in the vindy

2008-02-25T17:41:00.000-08:00

The original post is at Shout Youngstown.

two great editorials this week:

Youngstown still sees its shadow by Eric Planey

No one likes to pay taxes, but WRTA provides a public service worth supporting by Timothy Wagner

politics abounds at meditations

2008-02-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

Meditations in an Emergency has been prolific as well lately.

Here's a sample . . .

"Why are Obama and Clinton running around Youngstown and its surrounding suburbs like it’s the newest thing since, well, whatever–you know that saying. It’s been so strange these recent days leading up to March 4th to see so much attention being paid to this area. Part of me, frankly, wants to give any of these people the finger."

"I’m torn between wanting to support someone who will actually help advocate and arrange for change in my community, because we desperately need it, and yet there is this part of me that says, “Don’t hold your breath, Chris, they want your vote, and then they’ll forget about this place, just like always."

another post reviews the Obama visit (with pictures):

"On my way out of the rally, I was stopped by a reporter from the Chicago Tribune, and interviewed about what I thought of Obama and his ideas for Youngstown. I was supportive, but in my own usual manner demanded more than I heard.

I don’t want this area to find itself just another manufacturing region again, like it was. I want green jobs, and a creative economy, and investment in education for the rural and urban poor. I want a community college for this valley."

Also, an announcement for the next Art Youngstown gallery show:

"Call to Artists for the The Second Exhibition

Artists (18 y.o. and older) may deliver their paintings, sculptures, films and other mediums of art for on Saturday, March 1st, 2008 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm & Sunday, March 2nd, 2008 from noon to 4:00 pm. Artists are asked to present only those items which are to be offered for sale and please do not include any items previously shown by Art Youngstown Inc.

Please visit ArtYoungstown.org for further details. For more information call 330-788-5678, or contact Robert Dubec at bdubec@zoominternet.net or 330-782-0346 or Judith Szabo at j_szabo@sbcglobal.net.

The Second Exhibition
Friday, March 14, 2008
7:00 pm to 10:30 pm

The Great Room at 25 E. Boardman Street, Ohio One Bldg.
The public is invited to attend free of charge.

Independent Film Night
Local filmmakers will present productions on Friday, March 21st, 2008 from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm."

lost and found

2008-02-24T08:56:00.000-08:00

Tales from the Rust Belt presents one of his original stories, titled Lost and Found:

"John Bagley wandered sullenly down Franklin Street. He pulled his overcoat tight around his neck against the cold, late November wind. It raced down between the buildings and bit into the exposed skin of his hands. He jammed them in his pockets and continued along the street.

It was just past two o’clock on Friday afternoon. “Of course they did it on a Friday,” he mumbled. “They always do it on Fridays.”

It really hadn’t been a shock, he realized. The failure of two high profile projects was bad enough. The reasons for the failure were what had really sunk him."

read the rest of the story here.

Youngstown Art is really churning

2008-02-24T08:02:00.000-08:00

The Youngstown Art blog three posts this week worth reading:

The first reviews the opening of the Frederic Molden collection now at the Star Gallery at the Oakland Theater.

"A Youngstown based artist with a substantial resume', his work has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, and is in the collections of such personalities as Michael Jordan and Jerome Bettis."

"The skill level is amazing as is the use of color and composition. Much of the work is heavy with history and nostalgia, which some people may feel is a negative in certain artistic circumstances. However, Molden's rich technique and insight take this genre to a new and pleasing level. In many ways I am reminded of the great African American painter from Cleveland, Huey Lee Smith, although Molden certainly has his own unique style."

"The Star Gallery is open during regular performance hours and one does not have to attend the performance to visit the gallery."

The second post is a request:

"In fact, if I wrote a blog every single day of the year, I would not adequately cover all the events , artists and the issues surrounding them. Currently this blog barely scratches the surface. I am writing only on the things that affect me directly.

I am requesting that others get involved. It would be so nice to have the Butler Institute and the McDonough Museum offer blogs on their shows and events. Other art organizations such as TAG and the Art Outreach Gallery (Eastwood Mall) need bloggers as well.

I often hear art supporters and artists complaining about various issues but I don't often see them actually doing anything to change the situations. Blogging is an excellent way to make a difference. One of the problems that afflict our art community is lack of communication. Many people are working to dispel the misconceptions and wrong assumptions that have arisen.

Blogging is effective cure for the diseases of miscommunication and lack of communication. Besides, blogging is fun, easy, and definitely creates immediate change. Don't hesitate!"

The third post reviews the Art Youngstown Inc. Wine Tasting Event at the Youngstown Club downtown:

"Congratulations again to Art Youngstown for yet another successful, well attended art event. Thanks to Emerine Estates and the Youngstown Club for the Wine, the use of the hall and the staff.

These pics were shot well before most of the guests arrived and the place was full by mid evening, but not uncomfortably so.

To say this event was a "wine tasting" is an understatement as the wine flowed freely and abundantly all night."

UK brings arts to econ dev mainstream

2008-02-24T07:24:00.000-08:00

From The Guardian:

"Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the culture secretary, Andy Burnham, today unveiled the action plan, Creative Britain: New Talents for the New Economy, in what the government is labelling the first-ever comprehensive, state-supported plan to move the creative industries from the "margins to the mainstream of economic and policy thinking" in the UK.

The action plan outlines 26 commitments for both government and the creative industries to nurture talent, create jobs and to drive the UK's international competitiveness.

One of the initiatives is to develop a new annual World Creative Business Conference that will act as the "centrepiece" of an international push to make the UK the "world's creative hub"."

learn more here.

The UK Government has made a concentrated effort in its cities at a level not seen in the US. read more on the effort here.

american midwest in the age of globalization

2008-02-23T16:57:00.000-08:00

listen here.

see the conversation that linked to this at BFD.

the old rules

2008-02-23T12:39:00.000-08:00

powerful post from the Reason blog:

"Youngstown is ever what it was, albeit in miniature, Steel is still manufactured, just not inside the city limits, theatres are still bustling, just not as frequently, and you don't have to look hard to see Jim Traficant's lieutenants still wielding influence, though we're one down there, too. (More on this in a moment.)

Youngstown 2010, the Youngstown Business Incubator, and Kelly Pavlik have recently brought us a new reputation from the steel-bust-/Mafia-corrupt-/Trafficant-crooked-image it has been so convenient for the media to latch on to. The newest incarnation of the City Council has seen more changes that square with positive change."

it gets more interesting. read more here.

fnb buys another bank, brain drain

2008-02-23T12:20:00.000-08:00

Found this on the PGH Quarterly blog:

"Hermitage-based FNB Corp. continued its bank-buying spree this past week announcing a deal to buy Iron & Glass Bank, a South Side fixture for nearly 140 years whose name alone was a daily reminder of the broad shoulders on which the region’s economy once stood."

F.N.B., headquartered in Hermitage PA just over the state line, has assests of $6.1 billion dollars. It is also the bank which is housed in Youngstown's tallest building, the Metropolitan Tower.

Also on the PGH Quarterly blog, you can read Jim's recent post on brian drain in Pittsburgh.

"Brain drain is a real problem for Pittsburgh and just about any other city. But I want to highlight that educating the local workforce will enable more out-migration. Trying to keep people from leaving is working against the flow. That CMU spillovers benefit innovation centers such as Silicon Valley and Seattle is not necessarily a bad outcome for Pittsburgh. A powerful, but latent network is already in place and can facilitate brain circulation."

barack v. clinton : the breakdown

2008-02-23T11:47:00.000-08:00

Youngstown Renaissance breaks down two speeches by the lwo leading candidates:

"The media like to focus on the political horse race, because it's exciting and because it's easy. It doesn't require breaking down issues, which it thinks will cause voters to yawn and tune out. You may not know, but I take requests."

"So, as a public service, I have gone through the texts of the most recent speech available on both Clinton's and Obama's Web sites and highlighted each issue or policy statement I could identify. I then pasted each into a table and organized them by topic and drew some conclusions which I will share below."

read more here, where you can download his comparisons.

jay visits wierton

2008-02-23T08:16:00.000-08:00

The Herald-Star, based in Steubenville, writes about Mayor's Williams' trip to visit the leaders of Weirton, WV:

"According to Williams, Youngstown just recently awoke from a 30-year paralysis. During that time, he explained, its citizens and government were convinced the steel industry would come back. He stated this dealt psychological and emotional damage which increased the city’s economic trouble and population decline.

“We were looking in the rearview mirror for the answers to get us to the future,” he said. “It was the biggest mistake to ever happen to the city. Pride cannot get in the way of change.”

nytimes interrupts lunch with the mayor

2008-02-22T06:11:00.000-08:00

Todd has his lunch interrupted:

"But our fifth or so interruption was a surprise: "Hi, I'm Andrew Jacobs from the New York Times. Can I talk to you?"

He's doing a story centering on the thing we're all seeing now: The Valley is all of a sudden relevant in the presidential race. Hillary twice, Barack, Kennedy, Gephardt, etc.

So his first question to the mayor was, essentially, "Why you guys? Why is the area so important to the candidates."

The mayor had a good answer. I imagine he's had to answer for Youngstown a million or so times in the last two years."

read more here.

time to clean the streets

2008-02-22T06:06:00.000-08:00

The Wizard of Yo writes:

"Last week the Ohio Departmentof Natural Resources released the receipients of their spring litter clean up grants. Mahoning County organizations (including the city of Youngstown) received 6 grants out of the 50 total awarded. Each organization received the full amount requested. The only county that received more grants was Columbiana with 7. The Valley is gonna get her clean on."

more movement at Kent

2008-02-22T05:58:00.000-08:00

The NEO Incubator Collaborative blog has an update on what's going on in the region:

"Centennial Research Park at Kent State University is open for business.

With 44,000 current square feet in the business incubator and the surrounding 10 acres available for development, Kent State has created a valuable resource for the region, particularly for high-tech companies.

The first phase of the incubator houses the FLEXMatters Accelerator, a collaboration that works with local companies to develop and produce devices that are typically rigid on flexible polymer substrates."

see how other universities are moving here.

how to help the MVHS archives

2008-02-22T05:56:00.000-08:00

The Mahoning Valley History blog discusses how old photos from presidential candidates are some of their most requested items:

Here's how you can help:
If you attended any of the events hosted by Senators Clinton or Obama, or any other event related to their campaign, and have pictures, please consider donating a set of prints to the archives.

One request:
Prints produced at a photo lab (drug stores, photo shops, and online services) are best for long term preservation. Prints produced on ink-jet or home photo printers are not as stable, and could flake and fade over time.

more here

pulling out of town

2008-02-22T05:53:00.000-08:00

Matt Palka writes about his recording session in Youngstown the his most recent departure in the snow:

"The bus swung slowly out of downtown. I leaned my head against the window and turned the volume up on my CD player. The scratch demo spun hard inside. Youngstown was to be my final time in the studio. Barely five minutes on the interstate, I knew that was a false statement. I had to cut new vocals. The focus on my Youngstown sessions was brass and keys. I left vocals for last minute when everyone in the studio was glassy eyed from exhaustion. Vocal quality had been sacrificed."

What will he do next? read more here

diggin' in the archives

2008-02-22T05:46:00.000-08:00

on Lincoln Avenue this week:

"2008, as you may have heard, is YSU’s centennial. As part of the celebration, the University has opened an archive of materials documenting the institution’s history. This week on Lincoln Avenue, I’m talking with Maag Library Director Paul Kobulnicky about why the archive matters and how it works."

more here.

live at the dawn

2008-02-22T05:41:00.000-08:00

npr interviews two Youngstowners for that whole Obama v. Clinton thingy.

listen here.

his night on the streets of the Yo

2008-02-19T17:53:00.000-08:00

Matt Palka describes his recent return to Youngstown and the recording studio (and downtown establishments):

"I've been back in the studio in the YO (Youngstown, OH) adding brass, keys, harmonica and vocals. What was supposed to be one full day of recording turned into a week of adventures."

"Working with engineer Pete Drivere was a privilege. He gets the classic, timeless landscape that I inhabit and captured that in the recording. I even got Pete to lay down some guitar licks on a couple tracks, which really glued the whole composition together.

Local keys wizard Chris Leonardi worked his magic armed with a 1971 Hammond B3 w/ Leslie, Fender Rhodes, and piano to boot! The result being - half of the record sounds reminiscent of the late 60s and early 70s. Rounding out the caravan of musicians was Fredo on Saxophone from local jam band Jones 4 Revival. What a positive personality to add to the mix, not to mention soulful phrasings."

and then after some film editing . . .

"I was locked out of his apartment complex. By 3 AM I was wandering the Youngstown streets among snow flurries . . .

Then salvation came in a phone call. My heavy boot steps plodded over the snow dusted sidewalks. Minutes later my limp body fell into the couch and I was out. I think I've earned my Youngstown stripes."

are TIFs an answer?

2008-02-19T17:41:00.000-08:00

from the GLUEspace blog:

"Three main ingredients are essential to spur the economic development that each of our Great Lakes cities sorely needs: smart people, good ideas and financing. I will talk here about one possible piece to the financing puzzle.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a tool at the disposal of municipal governments throughout the United States. In the seven-county Milwaukee region alone, over $8.5 billion of property wealth is flowing toward TIF districts. These districts fund industrial, retail, residential and office real estate development in both urban and rural settings. Some criticize TIF as “corporate welfare” and, indeed, in some cases the tool has been wielded improperly. Fortunately, TIF is being increasingly used by cities to fund ambitious and far-sighted community development projects.

The challenge is to move beyond thinking of TIF as merely a “project-based” tool and start thinking of it as a way to achieve regional and community development goals, as we build our niche in the global marketplace. Proactive regional leadership is vital to achieving such a paradigm shift. TIF can be an powerful tool for the evolution of our cities."

more here.

More on the Beltline here.

note: It's been fun to see this project go from a master's thesis at Georgia Tech to a multi-billion dollar project. Good work Ryan . . .

A Concept On Drawing Airlines To YNG

2008-02-19T17:32:00.000-08:00

The Fly Youngstown blog compares what is going on elsewhere in the country:

"Last month I touched on a topic relating to the creation of passenger flow to the Youngstown-Warren Airport. I pointed out that even a small start in the right direction I would consider a success. This time I wish to specifically focus in on techniques that are being used at another airport to acquire airlines to it. First we need to read a rather recent short article which includes exactly what we are looking for.

her new resolution

2008-02-19T17:28:00.000-08:00

Mahoning Valley View writes:

"A snowy trek back up Wick to my office is always made better by a steaming cup of java, one of my two favorite beverages. Kudos to Greg and George -and pastry chef beyond compare Barry, though I gave up sweets for Lent. Thanks for taking a chance on Downtown Youngstown and providing the atmosphere about which I've been reminiscing since I moved back to Ohio."

read more here.

pavlik's pants

2008-02-15T06:16:00.000-08:00

As kelly-hysteria reaches a fever pitch (hey, it's good to be excited), an exclusive from the Vindicator:

what pavlik will have plastered on his butt

the unelectable clinton

2008-02-15T06:13:00.000-08:00

from Youngstown Renaissance:

"I still submit that Hillary Clinton is unelectable in the general election. The GOP will have none of it, and the mainstream media, talk radio and the Sunday morning talk shows will continue to pillory her just as they did John Kerry, and we'll have another eight Republican years to contend with, mark my words.

However, two noteworthy op-eds appeared in the Times this week that gave me pause, so I felt compelled to share. Ponder and enjoy."

historians on ice cream stealth mode

2008-02-15T06:04:00.000-08:00

After reading Kelly Pavlik's line in The Los Angeles Times about Youngstown's being the home of the first ice cream wagon, the Mahoning Valley History blog swoops in and presents the history of Harry Burt and Good Humor Bars.

"In downtown Youngstown between 1893 and 1922, Harry B. Burt (1875-1926) worked as a confectioner who produced candy, then added ice cream, soda fountain and grill to his store, expanding his business to include a bakery and restaurant, finally adding twelve refrigerator trucks to distribute Good Humor bars to Mahoning Valley and Youngstown city neighborhoods. All these successes he accomplished during the decades of Youngstown’s greatest social, commercial and industrial expansion."

"When the Burt’s West Federal Street store opened on April 3,1922, The Vindicator dedicated two front-page photos and most of an inside page to “A great addition to W. Federal Street’s new shopping district” (Vindicator, 4.3.22).

Burt purchased twelve refrigerator trucks for neighborhood distribution of his new ice cream bars. A Burt family bobsled bell called children to the Good Humor delivery trucks where customers could buy Good Humor bars from the truck driver who wore a white uniform. Descriptions often mention the Good Humor Truck drivers as “chauffeurs.”

new press release from GLUEspace

2008-02-15T05:49:00.000-08:00

This press release just posted at the Great Lakes Urban Exchange.

‘Rustbelt’ Cities Coalition Thanks Presidential Frontrunners for Supporting Great Lakes Compact,
Calls for Regional Urban Agenda in Three Upcoming Great Lakes Primaries

GLUE operates on four guiding principles:

Urbanism: Cities are our world’s economic drivers. Decision makers cannot afford to underestimate their value nor overlook their needs.

Regionalism: Great Lakes urban centers need to overcome outlooks of despair and isolation by forging a shared perspective and developing strength in numbers.

Storytelling: White papers alone cannot propel an agenda, particularly for the emerging generation of leadership. No need is expressed more powerfully than via human narrative.

Building Networks: Connecting people and institutions who share challenges and objectives will foster regional collaboration and transfer examples of success throughout the basin.

30 blogs in 30 days

2008-02-14T06:17:00.000-08:00

Steel Valley Outdoors writes about the future:

"In order to accomplish this, I’ve promised myself a blog entry a day for 30 days, so you should see more new items posted. Not all are going to be features: I like YouTube videos and they’re still the easiest to do. But there’s going to be regular news items for the next month or so.

Also I’m Asking for help from regular visitors. If you want a soapbox, now’s your chance. We’ve always been about supporting regional events and activities, so if you see something you want covered, drop me a line. Write an article. get involved.

So I hope you stick around to see what this two prong attack brings to Steel Valley Outdoors. I think You’ll like it."

cincy 360

2008-02-14T06:11:00.000-08:00

GLUEspace posts an embedded video about the new visioning process taking place at the opposite corner of the state.

Something to watch for Youngstown 2020?

check it out here

the appalachian influence

2008-02-14T06:06:00.000-08:00

from JamBrain:

"Dulci-More, a loose association of about 100 folk and traditional musicians formed in 1993, gave their 15th annual concert, Feb. 10 at the First United Methodist Church in Salem before an enthusiastic audience of more than 100.

The 25 members who performed Sunday played a wide variety of Appalachian-style musical instruments: mountain and hammer dulcimers, guitars, harmonicas, autoharps, fiddles, bass, recorders, cello, banjo, mandolin and jug. They were joined by six members of the Dulci-More Little Eagles from United Local Elementary School, a group formed three years ago with help from a one-time arts grant."

read more here.

a DY exclusive

2008-02-14T05:44:00.000-08:00

Defend Youngstown links to a story:

"Greg Smith, a freelance journalist from Cincinnati, has completed an absolutely remarkable article analyzing the current state of affairs regarding the sport of boxing, American culture, economy, generational differences as well as the die-hard city Youngstown, Ohio and Kelly Pavlik.

It is a story of how Kelly Pavlik and his city are bucking modern trends and discarding traditional labels, respectively...the significance and symbolism of his rise to stardom despite the most improbable of odds in today's post-industrial culture- one mixed with a generation who built the cities only to see them crumble attempting to coexist and understand an independent minded generation who must appreciate the past to recreate the future...and the complex, iconic Rust Belt city in the middle of it all - one that has stubbornly called its own shots and has blazed it's own trails…sometimes, tragically, to a fault."

read more here.