AKRON, Ohio – A local radio station raised enough money over the weekend to make up for the loss of $130,000 in federal funding.

The Summit FM had an emergency on-air fundraising appeal after Congress on Friday approved a rescission of $1.1 billion that had been earmarked for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The Akron-based station, which also broadcasts at 90.7 FM in the Mahoning Valley, was to receive $130,000 as its share of the federal funds.

The station announced Sunday night that it met the goal. It raised the money from listeners of the modern rock station in roughly 48 hours.

The Summit would have had to make cuts in programming or staffing if it did not recover the $130,000, which it had been relying on for its upcoming budget.

The staff celebrated its feat Sunday night and thanked its audience for its generosity.

“Thanks to you, our loyal audience, we hit our goal of $130,000,” the station wrote in an email to its supporters. “While we may have lost our CPB funding, you helped keep the music alive.” 

Tommy Bruno is the station manager.

The station will continue its fundraising effort for future budgeting.

“While we won this battle, the fight continues,” the email reads. 

To donate, go to TheSummit.fm. 

Amazing History Race Seeks Entries

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s annual Amazing History Race will take place Aug. 8.

It’s a scavenger hunt and road trip that tests participants’ knowledge of local history.

Participants will meet at 5 p.m. at the Tyler History Center, 250 E. Federal St., downtown, the day of the event. Teams will receive a set of clues directing them to six historical sites throughout the Mahoning Valley.

The teams will then begin their quests at 5:30 p.m. The first team that returns with all of the sites correctly identified will win a trophy.

Participants will need a smartphone or digital camera to record the landmarks.

A pizza party will take place after the race.

The cost is $8 per person ($6 for seniors 60 and older and students ages 5 to 13; free for children age 4 and under).

To register a team and pay, go to MahoningHistory.org. All registration must be done online.

Tacos and Tequila Festival Is Canceled

NILES, Ohio – the Tacos and Tequila festival scheduled for Saturday, July 26, at Eastwood Field has been canceled by the outside promotion company that was presenting the event.

Those who have purchased tickets can get a refund by contacting the box office at 330 505 0000 or by emailing bmasirovits@mvscrappers.com.

Film About WW II Hero to be Screened at JCC

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown Area Jewish Film Festival, in partnership with Simply Slavic, will screen the historical drama “One Life” at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, at the Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane.

The film is based on the true story of Sir Nicholas Winton and his heroic deeds during World War II. As a young British broker, he traveled to Prague in 1938, three months after the war broke out. He found destitute Jews who fled Nazi persecution in Austria and Germany. Families were willing to send their children away before the borders closed, and Winton helped them ship the children out. But in his older years, he is haunted by the thought that he didn’t do enough to help more children.

The film is 1:50 and is rated PG.

Admission is free, but registration is required HERE by July 22. Donations will be accepted at the door. 

Expo Offers Info for Senior Citizens, Caregivers

AUSTINTOWN, Ohio – Relations Inc. will present the Seniors and Caregivers Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 1 at Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course.

This event will provide information and support, connecting older adults and their families with a variety of resources. It will feature vendors specializing in senior care, health care, financial planning, housing and other essential services. Attendees can connect directly with experts, attend informative presentations and access valuable resources to enhance their quality of life.

Information on Medicare/Medicaid, senior program services, senior housing and other topics will be available.

Family Campout at JCC’s Logan Campus

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The JCC of Youngstown will host a family campout from 8 p.m. to 10 a.m. July 26-27 at its Logan Campus, 3245 Logan Way.
Participants will enjoy s’mores on a campfire and a movie. The outdoor pool will be open for swimming until 11 p.m. Participants should bring their own tent and sleeping bag. They can also bring hot dogs and other food to cook over the fire.
The cost is $10 for JCC members and $20 for nonmembers. Register HERE.