This past Sunday’s Health Expo—organized by Pure Cycle—was such a great day, all in support of Every Dog Matters. We met so many wonderful people who care deeply about animals and community.

Our favorite meet of the day? Loki 🖤 A black pug with a liver disorder, the sweetest personality, and that unforgettable little tongue hanging out. His friendly face was pure joy—one of those moments that sticks with you and reminds you exactly why this cause matters.

If you’ve been thinking about expanding your family, Poppy would be a great addition.

This magnificent young lady is about 6 months old and as sweet as could be. She is outgoing, energetic, dog friendly and super lovable. Just look at that face

She is crate trained and doesn’t make a peep when it’s time to go to bed.

She is learning house training and is starting to let you know when she has to go potty outside. She’s a quick learner, eager to please, and is ready to find her forever family!

To apply to adopt Poppy visit everydogmattersrescue.org

Grateful for events like this, the people behind them, and dogs like Loki and Poppy who steal hearts without even trying.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

That moment when the water’s cold.

The basement smells off.

Or a friend texts, “Do you know anyone good?”

That’s why this is one of those save-it-now, thank-yourself-later situations.

Our friends at 1-800-Plumber + Air are offering YoTown Scoop readers $200 off any water heater when you mention this feature. No gimmicks. No weird fine print. Just real help when something expensive decides to break at the worst possible time.

📱 Save this number in your phone right now — 330-234-9402.

Not because something’s wrong today.
But because one day it will be. Or someone you care about will need a solid referral fast.

This is the kind of number you pass to your parents.
Your neighbor.
That friend who just bought an older house and is learning things the hard way.

And when you’re the one who says, “Yeah, I’ve got a guy,” that feels good.

Youngstown runs on looking out for each other. Having the right contacts matters. This is one worth keeping.

👉 Save 330-234-9402 now.

Your future self (or someone you help) will be glad you did.

📍 Covelli Centre, Downtown Youngstown

📍 Metroplex Expo Center (Girard / Youngstown area)

📅 January 9–11, 2026

A big show for fishing enthusiasts with vendors, gear, educational seminars, and activities for all ages.  

YSU Mens Basketball Schedule

YSU Womens Basketball Schedule

Your garage door usually isn’t one of them.

That’s where Open Garage Doors comes in.

Owned and operated by Anthony and Marc Centofanti, this family-run business serves Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania with straightforward garage door repairs, replacements, openers, and installs.

No sales pitch. No guessing games. Just people who know what they’re doing and take pride in doing it right.

Your garage door is something you rely on every day. When it’s off, it affects your routine fast. Open Garage Doors focuses on getting things working properly and keeping them that way.

Save their info now so you have it when you need it:

👉 getopendoors.com
👉 (330) 540-9762

P. S. If you’ve worked with them before, you already know why locals keep recommending them.

Bridal Showcase with Monte Durham (runway show)

This one’s in Boardman at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center on Saturday, January 10, 2026 (doors 5:00 PM, fashion show 7:00 PM). 

Evaline’s Premier Bridal Show (includes a bridal fashion show)

At Waypoint 4180 in Canfield on Sunday, January 11, 2026 (doors open 12:00 PM). 

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The Maronite Center Bridal Show

At The Maronite Center in Youngstown on Sunday, February 1, 2026 (tickets listed as advance/door). 

Apollo Bridal & Event Showcase

At The Apollo Event Center downtown on Sunday, February 22, 2026 (2:00–4:00 PM). 

Breathtaking Bridal Expo

At the Youngstown Saxon Club on Sunday, February 22, 2026 (the listing shows 12:30–2:30 PM). 

Today’s Bride Cleveland Wedding Show (runway)

At the I-X Center on January 24–25, 2026. 

Pittsburgh Bridal Showcase

Sunday, January 11, 2026 (LeMont Restaurant) and

Sunday, March 22, 2026 (David L. Lawrence Convention Center). 

Love Starts Here! Cavanaugh’s Wedding Show

A 2-day show at Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown on January 24–25, 2026.

OUT in 2026:

WHAT’S IN:

Because more effort isn’t better anymore—smarter is. This is what modern weight wellness looks like.

No shame. No extremes. Just real, sustainable results.
Ready to move into the IN column?

Call or text us at 330-977-5788

Now you don’t have to crash any weddings to get to the cookie table.

Cookie Table and Cocktails is coming up on Saturday, February 21. 

Cookie Baker registration is now open. 

Event tickets will be available mid-January.  More information can be found at: https://mahoninghistory.org/cookie-table/

Book a ride for your next vacation or business trip with Seth »

Want more of The Scoop? Join our Facebook group where we post often…plus you can chat with us there!

🎓 Sports Communication Visit Day
🕘 9:30 AM
📍 Youngstown State University – Meshel Hall
🎟️ Free
Perfect for students exploring sports media & communications.

🎶 John Reese Trio (Live Music)
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Cafe 422 – Boardman, OH
🎟️ Free
Dinner + live jazz = solid Thursday night plan.

🎤 LIVE MUSIC: Robin Roseberry
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 2400 NE River Rd, Lake Milton, OH
🎟️ Free
A cozy night out with live vocals.

🍽️ Welcome Chef Jason Rutushin – Four Course Preview
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Bar Tempo, 212 N Main St
🎟️ Paid
A foodie favorite—limited spots.

💃 Line Dance Night
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 The New Manhattan
🎟️ Free
Beginner-friendly and always a crowd-pleaser.

🤠 Country Line Dancing (Every Friday)
🕘 9:00 PM
📍 460 E Federal St, Youngstown
🎟️ Free
Late-night energy + boots encouraged.

✍️ 2026 Intensives: Flash Non-Fiction
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 323 Wick Ave, Youngstown
🎟️ Paid
For writers looking to sharpen their voice.

🧶 Crocheted Rugs with Rachel
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 8273 Main St, Kinsman
🎟️ Paid
Hands-on + creative = perfect winter activity.

🌶️ Chili Sale
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 Ohltown UMC
🎟️ Paid
Homemade comfort food for a good cause.

🎲 ICG Hobbies & Games – Grand Opening
🕚 11:00 AM
📍 7394 Market St, Boardman
🎟️ Free
New shop, games, and community vibes.

🎤 Sing-A-Long Brunch
🕚 11:00 AM
📍 Candywood Wine Cellar
🎟️ Paid
Brunch + belting out your favorites.

🐾 Tattoos for Rescues 2026
🕛 12:00 PM
📍 State Street Tattoo
🎟️ Paid
Ink with a purpose—benefits animal rescues.

🎻 Ruby at Biker BrewHouse
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Biker BrewHouse, Youngstown, OH
🎟️ Free
Live soul + brewery atmosphere.

🕺 Stayin’ Alive – One Night of the Bee Gees
🕢 7:30 PM
📍 160 E Market St, Warren
🎟️ Paid
Disco nostalgia done right.

✏️ Charcoal Drawing Class: Snowmen
🕐 1:00 PM
📍 4767 Mahoning Ave
🎟️ Paid
Low-pressure art class for all levels.

🎤 Karaoke Night with Simply Ed
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Westside Bowl, Youngstown
🎟️ Free (No Cover)
Sing loud. Judgment-free zone.

Our hope for you in 2026 is simple—but powerful.

We hope this is the year you say yes more often.
Yes to showing up.
Yes to trying something new.
Yes to leaving the house even when it would be easier to stay in.

We hope you discover places in the Mahoning Valley you’ve driven past a hundred times but never walked into. That you meet people who start as strangers and end up as familiar faces. That your weekends feel fuller—not busier, just richer.

We hope 2026 brings you moments that surprise you. The kind that make you think, “I’m really glad I went.” A local event, a small business, a cause, a conversation that shifts something in you.

Most of all, we hope this year reminds you that you don’t have to go far to feel inspired. Community isn’t a big, abstract idea—it’s built in coffee shops, libraries, parks, fundraisers, classrooms, and everyday interactions.

Here’s to a year of curiosity, connection, and being just a little more present in the place we call home.

We’ll be right here with you, sharing what’s happening, what’s worth showing up for, and what makes this community special.

— The YoTown Scoop Team