The Update | Art Exhibit at Hospital; Pug Fest Returns; Scarecrows in Sharon

NEW CASTLE, Pa. – An exhibition of paintings by Michael Cantelmo opens today in the Hoyt Atrium at UPMC Jameson Hospital and runs through Jan. 29.

Titled “Recollections,” the exhibition features 22 watercolors of scenic views completed by the largely self-taught painter over the past eight years.

Cantelmo served as an adjunct instructor in drawing for engineers at Youngstown State University from 1974 to 1984. He also taught mechanics and fluid mechanics.

Pug Fest at Penguin City Brewing

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The third annual Mahoning Valley Pug Fest will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at Penguin City Brewing, downtown. 

The event will feature activities and games, a pug parade, owner-pug costume contest, peanut butter licking contest, whipped cream agility course, pug races and more, with prizes going to the winners.

There will also be a vendor market and a barbecue food truck. A vetted breeder will be in attendance, offering pugs for sale, and rescue organizations will also be represented.

Admission is free, and preregistration is not required.

Penguin City Brewery is dog friendly every day, but only pugs and pug-related breeds will be able to participate in the competitions.

The Mahoning Valley Pug Fest was born when long-time pug owners Judge Anthony and Melissa D’Apolito, Bergen Giordani and Morgen Chretien adopted pugs from the same litter in 2020.

For information, call 330 531 6170 or go to the Mahoning Valley Pug Fest Facebook page.

Scarecrows to Grace Downtown Sharon Stores

SHARON, Pa. – The second annual Sharon Scarecrow Showdown will take place Oct. 11-Nov. 1, with more than 30 downtown businesses showcasing their own uniquely themed scarecrow display either outside their storefronts or in their windows.

Visitors to town can vote for their favorites by scanning QR codes on posters displayed at each participating business. In addition, a panel of judges will determine the first-, second- and third-place winners.

Swap-A-Palooza Clothing Exchange Returns

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The annual Swap-A-Palooza clothing swap event will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, at Penguin City Brewing, downtown. Admission is free.

The event, sponsored by The Neighborhood social organization, promotes sustainability by extending the life of clothing and reducing waste in northeastern Ohio.

The swap meet, which is free to enter and open to the public, offers something for everyone and in all sizes. It will include a few vintage vendors selling pre-owned collectable pieces.

All leftover clothing items will be donated to the Warren Family Mission.

Those who want to swap clothing are asked to drop off their clothes at Penguin City after 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12.

“On average, clothing items are only worn seven times before being discarded,” said Alison Green of The Neighborhood. “Our Swap-A-Palooza is a fun, community-centric way to keep perfectly good clothing out of the landfill while giving attendees an option to clean out their closet.”

Designer Purse Bingo at Tiffany Banquet Hall

BROOKFIELD, Ohio – Brunch, Bubbly & Bingo will take place at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at Tiffany Banquet Center.

Hosted by The Warrior in Her, the women will raise money and awareness for women’s health.

Guests will enjoy a Breakfast at Tiffany’s buffet with mimosas and then try their luck in 10 rounds of bingo to win designer purses.

There will be door prizes, a dauber and other surprises.

The Warrior in Her provides essential resources and support to women facing chronic mental and physical health challenges.

Tickets are available HERE.

Sight for All to Present Eye Ball at Eastwood

NILES, Ohio – Sight for All United’s annual Eye Ball of the Mahoning Valley will take place Saturday, Nov. 9, at Eastwood Event Center with an Alice in Wonderland theme. 

Guests will enjoy tea with the Mad Hatter, outwit the Tweedles and try to defeat the Queen of Hearts in a game of chance.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a performance by two-time Grammy Award nominee Blessing Offer at 6:30 p.m. After the live auction, local band RDNA will take the stage.

Event registration and sponsorship opportunities close Oct. 18 and can be completed online HERE.

Lecture on History of Valley Prior to 1875

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Traci Manning, curator of education of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, will discuss life in the Valley prior to 1875 (the year MVHS was founded) at the next Bites and Bits of History lecture at noon Thursday, Oct. 17, in the ballroom of Tyler History Center, downtown.

Admission is free.

Pictured at top: “Ristorante De Niro” by Michael Cantelmo.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.