From Boardman to the 'Burg:

The other day, I stopped into What's Cook'n on South Avenue in Boardman (here’s a link to their Facebook page). I'd never been before, and since it's our next Boardman Brunch location, I wanted to check it out and meet the owner, Pamela Pyle Guidos.

People had told me it was a great restaurant with good food, but I didn't expect what I saw when I walked in. The place was wide open, bright, and welcoming. Every table was visible, and unlike many places today, no one was buried in their phone. People were talking, laughing, connecting.

When someone got up to leave, everyone around them said goodbye—not just their table. There was a rare kind of connection in that room.

One couple told me they meet their group of friends here every month—some they've known since kindergarten. They've been there for each other through tragedies, illness, loss, weddings, grandbabies, retirements.

The energy inside felt so good—like I'd been there before. I instantly looked around for my pap, who 30 years ago would've sat there cross-legged with a cigarette, chumming with the boys.

It was THAT kind of place. A place that makes you smile, relax, and maybe even live longer—because connection is good for the heart.

Have you been to What's Cook'n? Tell us what you loved about it on our Mahoning Valley Support Local Facebook page! 🚀

Here in the Youngstown area music scene, you won’t find a bigger name than Broken Reins. Made up of veterans of several former area bands such as No-Xcuse, Haymaker, Wild Oats, and others, Broken Reins brings a distinct Youngstown area flavor to modern country music. Every member comes from a rock background, and it is that special fusion of country with a rock flavor that packs the house wherever they play.

Broken Reins is more than just a cover band. They have released numerous modern country originals (my i-Tunes is full of their stuff) that will have you singing along in the car. Rather than just playing covers of the latest radio hits, the band stays true to who they are in their shows and plays each song with that special Broken Reins sound that people pack venues to experience time after time. The band has played in distant venues as well, playing shows in Arkansas and other country-loving places where they were influenced by the experience.

When you attend a Broken Reins show, the first thing you’ll notice is the happy atmosphere. This is a band that prides itself on bringing people together for a good time. All bands say that, but Broken Reins walks the walk. You’ll find them mingling with the crowd during breaks and thanking people for coming out. They learn people’s names and greet them by name, which shows how much they appreciate the support of each person. They always deliver a very professional show that is technically precise and sounds amazing, but they never forget that a concert is all about the party. Hard-working people come to have a good time, and the band works overtime to provide just that. They play danceable music you’ll enjoy at a volume that won’t leave your eardrums aching.
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Broken Reins has become more than just a band. They are a cherished part of weekends in our area for so many.

Boardman, OH – Get ready for a treasure hunt like no other! This weekend only, Mr. Darby’s Antique & Collectible Emporium is rolling out its famous Trunk Sale — a once-a-season event that turns the parking lot into a vintage lover’s paradise.

👜 Think of it like an upscale flea market meets curated chaos. Dozens of vendors. One-of-a-kind finds. Jewelry, vinyl records, retro decor, oddities, and rarities you won’t see anywhere else.

📅 Date: This Saturday, July 12th
🕙 Time: 9am - 3pm
📍 Location: Mr. Darby’s Emporium,
Market St., Boardman, OH
Next to Guitar Center at the corner of 224 & Market Street

Whether you’re a seasoned picker, a casual thrifter, or just love that nostalgic vibe, this is the event to hit. Bring cash, comfy shoes, and an eye for the extraordinary — because when it’s gone, it’s gone.

Bonus: Chat with local collectors, meet artists, and maybe even walk away with something weird and wonderful for your home.

Tag a friend, bring a bag, and get trunkin’!

🎡 THIS WEEKEND IN YOTOWN (July 11-14)

TRUMBULL COUNTY FAIR: Funnel Cakes & Ferris Wheels Galore!

Now through Sunday, July 14th | Daily 10 AM–10 PM

📍 Trumbull County Fairgrounds – 899 Everett Hull Rd, Cortland, OH

The Trumbull County Fair is in full swing—and it's everything summer dreams are made of! Think mouthwatering fair food, thrilling rides, livestock shows, tractor pulls, car demolition derbies, and fireworks.

🎟️ Admission:

General (Thurs–Sun): $14 (includes unlimited rides!)

Seniors (62+): $5 Wed–Sun

Children under 3: Free!

Grease – New Castle Playhouse | Fri–Sat 7:30 pm | Sun 2:30 pm

Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Youngstown Playhouse | Fri–Sat 7:30 pm | Sun 2:30 pm

From Oil to Art – Medici Museum | Daily 11 am | Free

Summer Festival of the Arts – Wean Park, YSU campus | Sat 10 am–6 pm | Sun 11 am–5 pm

LIVE MUSIC – Halliday's Winery | Fri & Sat 6 pm, Sun 2 pm

Music on the Patio – L'uva Bella Winery & Bistro | Fri & Sat 6 pm

Wine & Jazz Fest ft. Lindsey Webster – Youngstown Amphitheatre | Sat 7 pm

Crochet Class – Café Rosé | Sat 1 pm & 2 pm

Book Club – Café Rosé | Sat 11 am

Cookbook Club (Bravetart) – McKinley Center, Niles | Sat 10:30 am

Trivia – Paladin Brewing | Fri 6 pm

Chess Club – Mercer Library | Fri 5 pm

Briar Brook Barn Monthly Sale & Farmers Market – New Castle | Sat–Sun 10 am

Fresh Marketplace w/ Live Music – New Wilmington | Sat 10 am

💬 Final Thought…

Thanks for subscribing to our local labor of love. If you found something useful in today's edition, do your friends a favor and forward this email. They'll thank you for it later.

OK Youngstown,
Keep your head high, your porch light on, and your playlist loud.
See you next week, YoTown neighbors 💛