The Update | Jewish Film Festival Lineup; History Lesson on Ursuline Sisters

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The 2023 Youngstown Area Jewish Film Festival will begin Sunday, Oct. 15, with eight movies screened over a two-week period.

The festival features films from all over the world that provide a glimpse into the Jewish experience. All films will be shown at the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown, 505 Gypsy Lane, unless otherwise noted.

Go to jccyoungstown.org/filmfest to purchase tickets in advance.

Here is the schedule:

• “The Prince of Egypt,” 1 p.m. Oct. 15 (includes family pizza party at 12:30 p.m.; advance ticket purchase required).
• “The Fabelmans,” by Steven Spielberg, 4 p.m. Oct. 15.
• “10 Questions for Henry Ford,” 7 p.m. Oct. 17 (includes a question-and-answer session with filmmaker Andy Kirsher).
• “A Night of Short Films,” 7 p.m. Oct 18 (featuring “More Than a Roll with a Hole”).
• “Gentleman’s Agreement,” 4 p.m. Oct. 22 (at First Presbyterian Church, 201 Wick Ave.).
• “Reckonings,” 7 p.m. Oct. 24.
• “Speer Goes to Hollywood,” 7 p.m. Oct. 25.
• “Tango Sholom,” 2 p.m. Oct. 29 (includes dessert reception).

Lecture on History of Ursuline Sisters

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Sister Mary McCormick of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown will discuss the order’s 150-year history in the area at Tyler History Center, downtown, at noon Thursday, Oct. 19.

The event is part of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s Bites and Bits of History series. Admission is free, and attendees can bring a lunch.

The Ursuline Sisters have been an integral part of Youngstown since 1874. As teachers, counselors, social workers, administrators and spiritual directors, they have contributed to the area in many ways.

Their mission is to advocate for all in recognizing their humanity and divinity as laid out from St. Angela Merici, their founder, in 1535.

Pug Fest at Penguin City

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The second annual Mahoning Valley Pug Fest will take place Saturday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Penguin City Brewing Co.

Originally slated for DeBartolo Commons at Southern Park Mall, the location was switched to Penguin City in anticipation of inclement weather.

The event this year will feature more activities and games and prizes for the dogs – including a pug parade, costume contest, peanut butter licking contests, races and a contest for the oldest and youngest pug in attendance. Vendors will offer food, pug portraits and more.

Admission is free, and all breeds of dogs are welcome but must be leashed.

Youngstown Schools Receives Arts Grants

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown City School District has been awarded nine grants from the Ohio Arts Council totaling $39,800 to support programs at elementary and middle schools.

Hip-hop artist Demetrius Thomas, aka Nova the Rebel, will return in the 2023-24 school year to conduct Music Artist Development Part 2 workshops. He brings his experiences from performing in Cuba and Mozambique to increase every student’s awareness about their culture’s impact on the world.

Thomas will work with students in grades K-8 for three days in each quarter.

“Our district is full of talented scholars who need the magic of the arts to unlock their potential to achieve their dreams,” said Bridget Lambright-Tammelleo, Y-STEAM supervisor. “The generous grant will allow our scholars to have that creative outlet to express themselves and gain valuable communications skills.”

Fall Foliage Conditions Vary Across State

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Fall foliage is slowly being seen statewide with color conditions varying by region, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

“The wide-ranging fall color reports statewide are due to the weather patterns throughout the year with some areas of the state seeing more rain than others,” said David Parrott, ODNR fall color forester. “Current changes include black walnut showing brilliant yellows and sycamores ablaze in oranges and yellows. Even our state native fruit bearing tree, the pawpaw, is showing its yellows.”

To find the most eye-catching leaves throughout the season, go to ODNR’s fall color website, the official guide to the changing colors. Click HERE.

Cliffe College at YSU Plans Open House

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown State University’s Cliffe College of Creative Arts will have an open house Oct. 18 for prospective students interested in studying art, music and theater.

Prospective students can register HERE.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.