The Update | Empty Mall Gets First Store in 20 Years; Lecture on Dana School of Music

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s Bites and Bits of History lunchtime program at Tyler History Center, 325 W. Federal St., will present “The Journey to Excellence: The Dana School of Music” at noon on Thursday, June 16. Cassie Nespor, curator of Youngstown State University’s Melnick Medical Museum, will present the program.

William Dana started his music school in 1869 to provide the type of rigorous study he believed was
necessary for professional musicians.

This presentation will use historical photographs, programs, and recorded audio.

Store Opens in Cascade Galleria

NEW CASTLE, PA – The Cascade Galleria, formerly the Towne Mall, downtown, on Saturday will welcome its first new occupant in nearly two decades when Bones ’n’ Stones opens. The store is a joint venture between Pawsitively Natural Puppy Treats and Kat’s Treasure Tree.

Pawsitively Natural Puppy Treats was started a year ago when New Castle resident and owner JoAnna Stoner discovered that her dog had chicken allergies and after hours of research figured out how to use natural ingredients to create her own recipes and dog treats.

The mall has been empty for many years but is attempting a revitalization.

After a successful Hometown Markets and other temporary sales events at the mall organized by local event producer Jeff Feola, Stoner realized there was enough demand to open the store. She hopes it encourages more entrepreneurs to take the steps necessary to bringing their visions to fruition. “I was really encouraged by the crowds and enthusiasm at the market events and hope that my business is the first of many who will locate at the Galleria,” she says.

During the Hometown Markets, Stoner met Katrina Durant, owner of Kat’s Treasure Tree, a gift boutique specializing in everything from candles to crystals. Durant combines her love for nature and art by creating specialty products and jewelry and using them as a catalyst for healing.

Together, the two women decided to co-locate their complementary businesses in the Galleria.

“It’s encouraging to see the Galleria begin to regain some of its past glory with these creative new businesses finding a home there,” says Feola, who is also vice chairman of the Citywide Development Corp.

Saturday’s grand opening will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will include a reception and several vendors offering handmade items.

Bones ‘n’ Stones will be open Tuesday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For information on renting space in the mall, contact Mark Hutton at MHutton@MainStreetInvst.com.

Mall Offers Summer Programs for Kids

NILES, Ohio – Eastwood Mall is offering a series of fun and educational summer programs. All are free and take place in the mall’s Center Court.

Go to EastwoodMall.com for information. Here is the schedule:

• Tuesday for Toddlers (the second Tuesday of every month), 11 a.m. Children from age 2 to 5 can enjoy crafts, snacks and a storytime.    
• Thursdays: The Medici Museum of Art summer for children 7, teaching the basic principles of art, with a focus on art history and a culture. This program will run until July 7 from 1 to 2 p.m. Space is limited, and parents are encouraged to register online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/medici-summer-art-camp-at-eastwood-mall  
• Camp Marshmallow, June 28-July 26. Every Tuesday at 11 a.m., children age 5 and up will learn about the great outdoors through activities, guest speakers and interactive programs.  Each week will have a new theme. 

Pictured at top: Shoppers crowded into the Cascade Galleria for a Christmas pop-up market. The long-empty mall in downtown New Castle will get a new tenant on Saturday.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.