The Update | Cattle Baron’s Ball Returns; Dyngus Day with the Polka Pals

POLAND, Ohio – The 18th annual American Cancer Society Cattle Baron’s Ball will take place April 13 at The Lake Club.

The fundraiser sells out each year and raises tens of thousands of dollars for the fight against cancer. Over the past 17 years, it has raised over $2 million, with last year’s event raising $290,000.

The honorary chairs are longtime supporters Gary and Sherri Clayman of Niles Iron and Metal. 

The 2024 survivor honorees are Frank Lazzeri and Mary “Meg” Kohler, and the medical honoree is Dr. David Dunch, Southwoods Health colorectal surgeon.

Ava Timko, a pediatric cancer survivor who was first honored at the event in 2013 and who has been a guest of the ball for the past 11 years, will be honored.

The volunteer event chairs are Annette Camacci and Carole Weimer.

The Cattle Baron’s Ball will offer attendees a country-themed party featuring gourmet cuisine, live music and dancing, live and silent auctions and more. Attendees are encouraged to don  Western clothing for the “Denim and Diamonds” event. 

Entertainment will be provided by Mary Jo Maluso and Rick Blackson of Beyond Broadway during the cocktail hour, and the K Street Band will provide entertainment for the balance of the evening. 

This year’s emcee is Lauren Lindvig of Bliss 360 Marketing and host of the Valley Spotlight show. Mike Berland of Chartwell Auctioneers will serve as the auctioneer. Event decor will be provided by Design House Events, Nazih and Jennifer Sayavich Banna.

The presenting sponsor is OSUCCC – James: Cancer Treatment and Research Center. Other major sponsors include Farmers National Bank and Farmers Trust, Packer Thomas, Richard and Susan Sokolov, Ed and Chris Muransky, Millwood Inc., Niles Iron and Metal and Phantom Fireworks.

To purchase tickets, provide a sponsorship or donate auction items, contact the American Cancer Society at 330 754 1088 or [email protected], or go to youngstowncattlebaronsball.org.

Polka Pals to Present Dyngus Day Dance

WARREN, Ohio – The Penn-Ohio Polka Pals’ annual Dyngus Day Dance will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. April 1 at DeLucia’s Banquet Center, 2610 Elm Road NE.

The Ron Pivovar group from Canonsburg, Pa., and The Zolkas from Youngstown will provide continuous music listening and dancing.

Admission is $15 per person at the door. Food and snacks will be provided by DeLucia’s at no extra charge. The event will include a 50/50 raffle and a cash bar (no BYOB). 

For information, call 330 783 2222.

Authors Will Read Works for Lit Youngstown

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Lit Youngstown’s First Wednesday Reader Series will present poets Liz Hill and Adam Brodsky at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, at Westside Bowl, 2617 Mahoning Ave. 

The reading will be in the Trophy Room on the lower level, which is accessible only by stairs.

Hill is the co-author of “The Last Brass Ring” and three other novels for teens. A co-founder of Lit Youngstown who lived in the area for several years, she now divides her time between western North Carolina and Jalisco, Mexico.

Brodsky, of Youngstown, has been writing since the late 1980s. His work tends to be language-focused, meditative and riddle-like in its approach to exploring life’s mysteries.

Pictured at top: The 2024 Cattle Baron’s Ball honorees are Frank Lazzeri (survivor); Dr. David Dunch (medical); Meg Kohler (survivor); and Sherri and Gary Clayman (honorary chairs).

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.