There’s hot… and then there’s July-in-Ohio hot. The kind where your car feels like an oven, your flip-flops start to melt on the driveway, and you’re this close to making friends with the freezer aisle at the grocery store.

That’s exactly when Menchie’s swoops in to save the day.

Picture this: you step inside and the blast of cool air hits you. The bright swirl of colors. The wall of froyo flavors just waiting for you—rich chocolate, tart pomegranate, creamy vanilla bean… and maybe that wild seasonal flavor you just have to try because it sounds like summer in a cup.

Then comes the toppings bar. Fresh berries piled high like a Pinterest board. Oreos and cookie dough for the little devil on your shoulder. A mountain of whipped cream because… well, why not? You’re already here, and calories don’t count when you’re grinning this much.

It’s not just frozen yogurt—it’s a mini vacation in a cup. A “yes” to summer joy. A sweet, cold reminder that life’s too short not to eat the rainbow (with sprinkles).

So grab a friend, a date, the kids, or just your own fabulous self and head to Menchie’s today.

Because the sun’s hot, the froyo’s cold, and honestly… you deserve this.

School’s almost in session—but you don’t have to spend big to send your kid back in style. Here’s where to score free supplies, services, and fun before the first bell rings:

📅 Sun, Aug 24 — “Bigger Than Us” Back-to-School Giveaway
Where: East High School
When: Service at 11:30 a.m., event 1–6 p.m.
What you’ll find: Free backpacks & supplies, haircuts, food, games, and community resource tables. Bring the kids—this one’s a citywide celebration.

📅 Aug 19–25 — YCSD Open Houses & Supply Drop-Offs
Many schools are making meet-the-teacher night extra sweet with free snacks, small school-spirit swag, and community partner giveaways. Check your school’s schedule to see what’s on.

💇 Free Haircuts for Students
A number of local barbers and salons are offering complimentary back-to-school cuts—perfect for fresh-photo-day confidence. Keep an eye on community pages for pop-up events.

🍎 Bonus: Supply Lists Online
Get organized without spending a dime—YCSD has all grade-level supply lists posted on their site so you can shop smarter and avoid last-minute scrambles.

💰 Today Only — Last Day for Tax-Free Shopping
Don’t forget: today is the final day of Ohio’s sales tax holiday. It’s the perfect time to grab clothing, school supplies, and instructional materials without paying state sales tax—a big win for back-to-school budgets.

✏️ Want to see your star student in the spotlight this school year?
If you’d like to feature your child in our Student Spotlight section, email us their name, grade, school, and a quick brag blurb to [email protected].

Mark Your Calendar (Next Weekend)

YCSD’s citywide Bigger Than Us” Back‑to‑School Giveaway lands Sunday, Aug 24 at East High—school supplies, haircuts, food, games, and community resources. Event kicks off after an 11:30 a.m. service; expo/giveaway runs 1:00–6:00 p.m.

Don’t miss it!

Some people have a way of making you feel like you’ve known them forever.

That’s exactly what it’s like when I met Youngstown real estate agent, Theresa Robin.

Cheerful, down-to-earth, and always on top of things, Theresa has a rare blend of hustle and heart. She’s the type who will roll up her sleeves to make something happen for you— but keep the whole process calm and enjoyable.

Her connection to the Mahoning Valley runs deep. Years ago, she made a big move from Boston to Youngstown, and not long after, took a leap into real estate with the same drive and determination that has carried her ever since. Along the way, she’s earned an MBA from YSU, built a career she loves, and mentored others to do the same.

Theresa’s clients often talk about how she listens—really listens—to what they want, and how she finds creative ways to make it happen. They describe her as reliable, reputable, and responsive. (I can attest to that because she gets back to me faster than most people!) Around here, that’s the kind of reputation that’s earned, not given.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work with someone who truly loves what they do, Theresa is living proof. You’ll probably see her out in the community, meeting neighbors, checking in with clients, and doing what she does best—helping YOU make your next move. 

Ready to buy, sell, or just explore your real estate options in Youngstown? Theresa’s the one you want in your corner. Reach out today and see how easy your next move can be when you’ve got a pro who knows the Valley inside and out.

The air still feels like summer, but there’s that little shift—early mornings are cooler, the sun sets a touch earlier, and you catch yourself daydreaming about cinnamon, candles, and crisp leaves underfoot. (Or is it just me?)

That’s why a few festive souls like to start Halloween early. Not with the scary stuff—just little hints: a pumpkin on the porch, a cozy blanket on the couch… maybe even a plate of cookies that look like they came straight out of a fall fairytale. The shelves are already stocking up with Halloween gear. I have to admit, I do love to look at all the spooky new things they’ve conjured up for the season.

In the spirit of the season, I also love an adorable or cleverly crafted Halloween cookie. Sweet treats are the best part of any Halloween shindig.

If you’re ready to lean into that fall/Halloween feeling, Susan’s Sweet Side has a way of making it taste even better. Her Halloween cookies are like autumn on a plate—warm, inviting, and just sweet enough to make August feel like October.

If you’re planning a Halloween event or want to serve up some cute cookies for your kid’s school party….but you want something that wows, Susan’s cookies will have you FALLing in love Halloween all over again.
🍪💕

G.M. Gotti

That is exactly what went down last weekend just up the road in Howland. Located in a cul-de-sac surrounded by tall trees, the Luman Rockin’ Summer Bash featured eight different bands, lots of different delicious foods, and a great gathering of wonderful people. Everyone brought a different dish, much like a traditional church potluck party, and the food was just amazing. The air was filled with the sound of terrific local music, the mouthwatering smell of various foods, and the sound of happy people enjoying the beautiful summer weather together.

The band lineup featured a mix of veterans and newer musical talents. Miss Heard Melody started the day off rocking, followed by the super-fun sound of Cherry Bomb. Next up was Morticia’s Secret (playing in Austintown this Saturday 8pm) , which is a band that has been entertaining valley residents for three decades. Wicked Season took over from there and rocked the crowd until it was time for Whiskey Pete, which is the solo act of Peter Dohar. Pete is a veteran of several well-regarded local bands such as Wet Lemon and the Scott Gearheart Band and is one of the better guitar players in the Youngstown area. Thu@Five brought their unique musical stylings after that before the eagerly awaited set of Fetish began. Fetish is a band that always brings a good party anywhere they play, and this day was no different. Sharon Luman’s voice and guitar work had the crowd engaged and singing along as the happy sound of music filled the air. Once Fetish had finished their set, it was time for the debut of Moxxie, which brought a satisfying conclusion to a wonderful summer day. The people in attendance all went home happy as smiling faces filled the street while people walked back to their cars.

One of the common complaints we hear from people is that there is that America has lost its sense of community. They lament the loss of bygone pancake breakfasts at the local church and the weekly fish fry that so many enjoyed each Friday. But there are happy things going on all around us here in this community of good people. We just need to get out there and get to know our neighbors. Any of us could organize a small neighborhood party that ends up becoming a bigger annual event. For us, we are grateful for this happy day the Luman’s made possible for so many here in the Yo.

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

If your weekend plans don’t include Toasted Elvis… you’re doing it wrong. Thick-cut multigrain toast gets the rockstar treatment with creamy peanut butter, sliced bananas, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of crunchy peanuts and chia seed. One bite, and you’ll understand why this one’s fit for The King himself. (Insert hip roll here)

But don’t stop there—Grain & Berry’s Fig Flatbread is the savory-sweet upgrade you didn’t know you needed. Imagine warm, flatbread layered with creamy brie cheese, ripe figs, crisp apple & arugula, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and a whisper of extra nutrition when you put it on a cauliflower crust. It’s the kind of flavor combo that makes you pause mid-bite just to say, “Oh. My. Gosh.”

Whether you’re a brunch traditionalist or an adventurous foodie, these two plates deserve a spot on your must-try list.

Not sure what to order, ask Jen…she steered me in all the right directions and she even gave me a free sample of their Strawberry Fields Smoothie

Just don’t plan on sharing. 😉

THURSDAY, Aug 14 & MULTI-DAY EVENTS
📍 Plan ahead – events at the top of this list run more than one day!

FRIDAY, Aug 15
📍 Weekend fun kicks off here!

SATURDAY, Aug 16
📍 Biggest event day of the week!

SUNDAY, Aug 17
📍 Wrap up the weekend in style!

First time grabbing the YoTown Scoop? 🎉 Thanks for keeping it local (and way cooler than national chains). Now forward this to the person in your life who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do in this town,” while scrolling on their phone for the 97th time today.