It’s been HOT out there in the past weeks. So naturally, we took refuge in the coolest place on Boardman Poland Road this week: Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt.

But Leann and I didn’t just walk in and play it safe. lol
No swirl of vanilla + rainbow sprinkles here (although, respect).

We got a little weird.
We went bold.

We blended Nilla Wafers and Hazelnut.
Yes, like a snack aisle and European café fusion.
And actually - it worked. Like, shockingly well. Because we both were fantasizing about it two days later and went back!

It was sweet. It was toasty. It felt like dessert in Italy... made by your grandma in curlers.

That’s the thing I love about Menchie’s - is it’s not an “off-the-menu” kind of place. And the kid in me LOVES that creative opportunity.

Patio weather is here this weekend! 80s (83F-88F) and sunny. It’s the perfect time to really enjoy every spoonful without melting through your makeup. This is your sign to get creative with some froyo that matches your personality.

Let us know what flavors you’re digging into! Maybe it will be our next fave!!

📍 Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
813 Boardman Poland Rd, Boardman, OH
menchiesfroyo.com

Foxconn Bets on the Future in Youngstown

When Foxconn sold the Lordstown plant, critics thought it was another retreat. But instead of disappearing, the global tech giant stayed put—shifting gears from EVs to AI and data centers.

Translation: fewer assembly lines, more algorithm design.
It’s a smart pivot—and perfectly timed.

According to a new AP poll, 74% of adults under 30 are already using AI to brainstorm, organize, and problem-solve. From meal prepping to email writing, younger professionals are treating AI like a digital co-pilot. And while only 4 in 10 Americans use AI for work (yet), that number is growing fast—especially in fields like coding, design, marketing, and health.

Foxconn sees what’s coming: AI isn’t killing jobs. It’s creating new, unique ones.

Jobs in AI engineering, AI-assisted care, automation design, and data analysis don’t require decades of experience—but they do require vision, flexibility, and up-skilling. (BTW, they’re hiring)

The Mahoning Valley isn’t falling behind. It’s quietly becoming a proving ground for AI-era careers. The question isn’t if AI will transform the economy—it’s who will be ready. And for once, the answer just might be: us.

Tucked inside Skin Solution MedSpa in Boardman, Silver Hand Massotherapy offers a refined, deeply healing experience that blends skill, intuition, and peace — all in one beautifully clean, spa-like space.

Led by Ryan Szoke, whose natural gift for bodywork was first recognized by his martial arts teacher, each session is tailored to support real, restorative healing. Clients often say his touch is among the most effective they’ve ever experienced — and many return week after week to feel the difference.

✨ Exclusive access: Silver Hand is available only to VIP clients of Skin Solution MedSpa

🧖‍♂️ Luxurious space: Exceptionally clean, serene, and thoughtfully designed with a rustic sense of home

🎁 Gift cards available: A meaningful gift for someone who needs relief, renewal, or simply a moment of calm

Whether you’re carrying stress, recovering from injury, or simply want to treat your body to expert care, Silver Hand Massotherapy is a destination worth prioritizing.

Appointments are limited and available by referral only through Skin Solution MedSpa.

📍 755 Boardman-Canfield Rd Suite D1 West, Boardman

🔗 Text "MASSAGE” to 330-977-5788 to book

So….summer took a turn! What’s with these cool nights all of a sudden? It’s got me cracking open the flannel pajama drawer already. I can’t complain though…I LOOOOVE fall!

Is it just me, or does fall have an actual flavor? There’s something about the crisp air, cozy sweaters, and the smell of cinnamon that makes everything feel a little more magical. Around here, we’re leaning all the way in—with warm drinks, comfort food, and festive treats that make gatherings even sweeter.

This week we’re prepping for fall get-togethers and we’re trying to decide on our favorite design… I love the adorable leaf-shaped cookies with the marble effect and these Thanksgiving turkeys from local favorite, Susan’s Sweet Side—we’re obsessed. Perfect for fall parties and Friendsgiving, or a “just because” moment with my favorite festive fall beverage…I’m looking at you pumpkin spice and caramel.

🎨 What’s your go-to fall cookie? Classic pumpkins? Intricate leaves? Or something with a little sparkle? Let us know!

Reply to chime in —we’re collecting faves for next week’s round-up (and maybe placing another cookie order 👀).

If you’re planning an event and want something that wows, Susan’s cookies impress your friends and your tastebuds. 🍪💕

Cook Forest State Park
G.M. Gotti

One of the great things about living here is that we are a drivable distance from so many different interesting things. Cleveland is this way, and Pittsburgh is that with the Yo lying roughly halfway between the two. There is much more to see than just those two regions though, and you can easily drive to see all of them. Today, we will focus on one of those area treasures you might not be familiar with: Cook Forest in Pennsylvania.

Cook Forest lies just south of the massive Allegheny National Forest in northwestern PA. It features many landmarks for curious sightseers that are easily accessible for people of all ages. There is an old fire tower you can climb that overlooks a valley where one can see up to ten miles away over the top of the trees below. If you are a hiker, there are more trails here than you will know what to do with. Some are short and easy if you want a happy, casual stroll, and there are more challenging trails for those who prefer a more vigorous journey through the woods. Regardless of your preference, each trail is well-marked with arrows leading you back to wherever you came from, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost.

There are numerous picnic and recreation areas where people can have a cookout or picnic, play a game of touch football, or just relax along the streams that run throughout the mountainside. There are swim areas for the whole family to enjoy as well. If you enjoy tubing or kayaking, there are places to rent such things and float down the river with your friends or family. There is more outdoor fun here than you’ll know what to do with!

The area is full of cabins for rent, and these are very affordable. On our recent trip, we were able to rent a cabin with friends for the whole weekend for just over $500. There were trails with axe throwing setups, paintball, and other things to enjoy. During the evening, we relaxed and enjoyed the stars and conversation around the firepit. Some deer even stopped by to say hello! It is a perfect getaway for when you want to relax and recharge. There are also lots of restaurants and little shops nearby with all sorts of interesting things to check out.

Cook Forest is just under two hours from the Yo, so it is a perfect opportunity to shut off your electronic screens and reconnect with nature. Check it out! If you enjoy the outdoors, you will love it here!

Want to feature your business/even in an upcoming issue of YoTown Scoop?

So picture this: A few months ago I walked into the grand opening of Bibibop in Boardman, and this lady handed me a scratch-off card to see if I won some free food. I think, “Cool, maybe I’ll win a side dish or something.” I scratch it. Pause. I just won free Bibibop for an ENTIRE YEAR. 🧡

Yes, really. They gave me a whole stack of 50 cards, each one good for a free meal every week. And you better believe I’ve been using them! 

Here’s why I kept going back:

🔥 The food is so good and always fresh

🌱 Tons of vegan and gluten-free options

🍚 I’m obsessed with their rice bowls topped with Korean BBQ or salmon

🥬 Crisp veggies, flavorful toppings, and that Yum Yum Sauce? Life-changing.

✨ The place is spotless, the staff is genuinely kind, and everything tastes like it was made just for you, cuz it was. 

Bibibop is like the ultimate build-your-own Asian bowl experience, and way better than hitting up some greasy fast food joint.

If you’re hungry right now and want something clean, filling, and full of flavor—run, don’t walk to Bibibop in Boardman.

Seriously, I’ve never had a bad bite there. So if you’ve been thinking about trying it… this is your sign. 👇

Have you been to Bibibop yet? What’s your go-to order?
Let us know! —we’re hungry already.

Always, 
-Leann 

Brier Hill Italian Fest
Youngstown
Calvin & Victoria Streets, Brier Hill neighborhood)
Thu Aug 14–Sun Aug 17

Warren Italian-American Heritage Festival
August 7, 8, 9, 10
Downtown Warren, Ohio

Paranormal Cirque (ALL PERFORMANCES LISTED HERE)
Youngstown (Southern Park Mall)
Friday–Sunday, Aug. 8–10
Ticketed Showtimes as follows:

Friday, August 8
• 7:30 PM

Saturday, August 9
• 6:30 PM
• 9:30 PM

Sunday, August 10
• 5:30 PM
• 8:30 PM


Scarecrow Sip ‘n Paint
CharBenay’s Wine on the River, Warren
18 inches tall.
$30.00
Message them to have one ready

OLD SKOOL
Biker BrewHouse, Austintown
7PM-10PM

—------------------------------------------------

Amazing History Race
Youngstown (Start: 250 E. Federal St.
End: Tyler History Center, 325 W. Federal St.
5:00–7:30 PM
$8 adult / $6 youth/seniors / <5 free


Mahoning Valley Slovak Fest – Dinner & Music
Youngstown (Saint Christine Parish & St. Matthias Church)
Friday, Aug. 8
6:00–9:00 PM
Donation or dinner purchase

Family Night & Music in the Park
Boardman (Maag Outdoor Theatre, Boardman Park)
Friday, Aug. 8
5:00 PM (Music at 6:30)
Free

OH Wow! On Tap
OH WOW! Science Center - Youngstown
Live Entertainment, Wine, beer, and spirit tasting
Over 60 hands-on interactive exhibits to explore
Friday, Aug. 8
6-9pm
Tickets »

Trivia Night at Paladin
Paladin Brewing - Austintown
Friday, Aug 8
6pm (6:30pm start)


Paranormal Cirque (ALL PERFORMANCES LISTED HERE)
Youngstown (Southern Park Mall)
Friday–Sunday, Aug. 8–10
Ticketed Showtimes as follows:

Friday, August 8
• 7:30 PM

Shaker Woods Festival – Canfield (Shaker Woods Park & Golf Course) Sat Aug 9, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM & Sun Aug 10, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM – Family‑friendly: Yes – Pet‑friendly: Probably (outdoors) – Free entry (vendors separately priced) – URL: Youngstown Live event listing

Food Truck Festival
Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course
Saturday, August 9 from 2:00pm-9:00pm. Family Friendly


Youngstown Flea – August
Youngstown (365 E. Boardman St.)
Sat Aug 9, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Free entry

Lake Milton Arts & Crafts at the Beach
Lake Milton (Beach area, Trumbull Co.) – Sat Aug 9, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Free


Crochet Class at Café Rosé
Youngstown (Café Rosé)
Saturday, Aug. 9
1:00 PM
Class fee TBD

National Bowling Day – Camelot Lanes
Boardman (Camelot Lanes)
Saturday, Aug. 9
1:30–5:30 PM

Paranormal Cirque (ALL PERFORMANCES LISTED HERE)
Youngstown (Southern Park Mall)
Friday–Sunday, Aug. 8–10
Ticketed Showtimes as follows:

Saturday, August 9
• 6:30 PM
• 9:30 PM

Kids Carnival Brunch
Youngstown (Penguin City Brewing Company)
Sun Aug 10, 12:00–4:00 PM
Free entry (activities priced)


Jazz in the Park Youngstown
Youngstown (Wick Park, 260 Park Ave NE, 44504)
Sun Aug 10, 3:00–7:00 PM

Butler Lecture Series
Butler Institute of American Art
Youngstown, 2PM
Free

Paranormal Cirque (ALL PERFORMANCES LISTED HERE)
Youngstown (Southern Park Mall)
Friday–Sunday, Aug. 8–10
Ticketed Showtimes as follows:
Sunday, August 10
• 5:30 PM
• 8:30 PM

Is this your first time getting YoTown Scoop? Thanks for supporting local. Forward this to the person in your life who says, “We never do anything fun anymore.” Boom, Solved.