YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The entrance signage at the Strossmayer Croatian Picnic Grounds in Vienna has been replaced, thanks to the Simply Slavic festival cultural preservation fund.

It’s the first completed project funded by the fund, which is part of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

A new entrance for the center was designed and fabricated, replacing aging signage that had deteriorated.

Strossmayer’s, as it is known, has been a gathering place for generations of Croatian Americans in the Mahoning Valley. As an outgrowth of the Strossmayer Singing Society formed in 1911, this site continues to host cultural festivals, folk music performances, traditional dance presentations and family celebrations.

“One of Simply Slavic’s core missions is preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage that helped shape our region,” said John Slanina, president of Simply Slavic. “When we established the cultural preservation fund, we envisioned supporting projects that help sustain the institutions, traditions and community spaces that keep our heritage alive.”

The grounds are named for Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer, a noted Croatian religious leader, philanthropist and advocate for Slavic cultural advancement.

Vampire Circus Coming to Robins Theatre

WARREN, Ohio – The Vampire Circus, a live show that combines circus-style acrobatics, cabaret and theater into a dark stage production, will come to the Robins Theatre for a 7:30 performance Oct. 28. 

Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at RobinsTheatre.com and the theater box office, 160 E. Market St.

Inspired by the magic of traveling carnivals and gothic fantasy, the show includes gymnastics, acrobatics, contortionists, jugglers, comedy, illusions and audience interaction.

The 90-minute show is set in a world of vampires and the underworld, made authentic with lighting, costumes and sets.

One-Act Opera at Penguin City Taproom

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – “The Voice!,” a one-act opera, will be presented by Opera Western Reserve at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at the Penguin City Brewing taproom, downtown.

Written by Francis Poulenc in 1958, “The Voice!” is based on the French play “La Voix Humane” by Jean Cocteau. It will be sung in English.

“The Voice!” tells the story of a woman, known as Elle, who engages in a final phone call with her lover, who has left her for another woman. As the conversation unfolds, the audience witnesses Elle’s emotional unravelling.

The evening will include raffle items, a cash bar and Suzie’s food truck. Doors will open to the public at 4 p.m., with the event starting at 5:30 p.m. and the performance at 6 p.m.

General admission tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. VIP tables are $300 for a table of eight or $160 for a table of four. VIP tables include one drink per guest and a charcuterie board from Jimmy’s Italian Specialties.

‘Brier Hill’ Film Available on Online Sites

COLUMBIANA, Ohio – “Brier Hill,” the film written and directed by Jimmy Taaffe of Struthers, will be available for streaming on multiple platforms including Tubi and Amazon Prime.

The fictional story is set in Youngstown’s Brier Hill neighborhood and involves a young couple that runs afoul of the mafia. Taaffe shot the film at various sites in the Mahoning Valley and screened it multiple times at Columbiana Art Theater.

Taaffe will begin filming his next film, “Mink,” this summer. It is also a Youngstown-based organized crime story that is based on actual events.

Selah Dessert Theater Unveils Lineup

STRUTHERS, Ohio – Selah Dessert Theater’s 2026-27 season will include three plays. 

The theater is under the direction of Mary Ruth Lynn, with Brian Palumbo and Jeff Chann. It is located on the second floor of Selah Restaurant, 130 S. Bridge St. For tickets, go to SelahDessertTheater.com.

Patrons are seated at small tables during the performances and receive cake and coffee during the intermission of each play. Dinner reservations can also be made at Selah before each performance by calling 330 755 2759.

Here is a look at the upcoming season:

  • “Ages of the Moon,” by Sam Shepard, Oct. 22-24, Oct. 30-31 and Nov. 6-7. Two old friends meet after many years to reminisce when a past memory leads to a dark, unexpected outcome.
  • “Madbury Winter,” by Jeffrey Kinghorn, Feb. 25-27, March 5-6 and 12-13. Written in poetic prose, this play tells the story of a New Hampshire family facing the impact of their choices that ultimately calls one of them back home. This show was originally scheduled for the current season but had to be postponed.
  • “The Second-to-Last Chance Ladies League,” by Jones Hope Wooten, May 13-15, 21-22 and 28-29. Five Southern women take over an event center, which leads to mayhem and sidesplitting results.

Students Make Cup Sleeves for Coffee Trail

NEW CASTLE, Pa. – Coffee sleeves made by students in local schools are now being added to purchases in Visit Lawrence County’s coffee club.

Eight coffee shops are part of the coffee trail: 3 Thirty-Three Apothecary, Joseph’s Coffee Shop, Lottie’s Sips and Sweets, Mohawk Coffee House, National Grind Coffee & Tea Shop, Papa Gelateria, Pulse Coffee Company and Wampum Coffee & Tea. Passports can be picked up at participating locations. Participants who get their passport stamped at all locations will receive a coffee mug.

Approximately 1,000 students in kindergarten through fifth grade created art for the sleeves that show their patriotic pride as part of the America 250 celebration.

Lemonade Day Event at Berk Enterprises

WARREN, Ohio – On Friday, June 12, Berk Enterprises will host a lemonade stand from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside its corporate headquarters at 1554 Thomas Road SE. 

It’s part of Berk’s partnership with Lemonade Day, a national fundraising event presented by Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which raises money for pediatric cancer research.

In addition to freshly squeezed fair-style lemonade, guests will enjoy music, face painting, cornhole, raffle baskets and other attractions.

The lemonade will be served in a co-branded cup in collaboration with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. The suggested donation is $3 per lemonade, with all proceeds directly supporting the foundation.

To contribute to the fun, click HERE.

Little Brick Church Plans 5K Run/Walk

CANFIELD, Ohio – Community members of all ages are invited to participate in the first Little Brick Church 5K on June 27 at Paradise Church, 10020 New Buffalo Road.

The community run/walk will begin at 10 a.m., with registration starting at 9:30 a.m.

“This event is really about creating space for people to come together,” said organizer Jessica Valsi of Rhinestones Optional. “Whether someone participates in memory of a loved one, in support of the community or simply to spend time with others, we hope this becomes something meaningful and lasting.”

Participants are encouraged to personalize their race shirts in honor or memory of loved ones or in celebration of community and creativity. Organizers are also planning a community T-shirt decorating gathering prior to the event, where supplies including fabric markers, rhinestones, gems and other materials will be provided.

The registration fee is $40 ($35 for early bird; $25 for students and veterans; free for children 12 and under).

Sponsors, volunteers, raffle items and refreshments are being sought. Contact Jessica Valsi at 330 397 2145.

Pictured at top: The new entranceway signage at Strossmayer’s Picnic Grounds in Vienna.