tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95939422012-02-16T15:17:39.257-05:00Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.comBlogger4111100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-70911343318713011752011-03-14T20:56:00.000-04:002011-03-14T20:56:24.971-04:00

The circus as a first date? Don't laugh until you've tried it. I had a crush on a girl in college and living in Cleveland at the time, wondered what there was to do for a first date. Dinner at Chipotle was probably the most offered suggestion by my friends. I thought that was weak so checking the paper (yes, when people read the paper to see what was going on), I discovered that the Ringling

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-36964160730039045872011-02-02T22:18:00.001-05:002011-02-05T17:24:07.185-05:00

WhoThe Valley Listens! Enlightened community dialogue @TheLemonGrove WhenMonday, February 7, 20117:00pm - All Ages WhereLemon Grove Cafe (map)122 W Federal St Youngstown, OH Other InfoThink nobody cares about your ideas for a better Youngstown? THINK AGAIN! This is your chance to disagree without being disagreeable. Come together for a worthwhile exchange of ideas and solutions. This is some

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-43775267828090402112011-01-11T07:46:00.001-05:002011-01-11T07:46:07.390-05:00

Get a shave! Sorry, ladies. This one is for the men. William Leonard Extraordinary Gentlemen at West Federal Street and Phelps is the perfect place to relax, get a haircut, shave and massage. The owner, Lisa Reali, has turned a dumpy storefront into a magnificent and affordable spa for men. The prices are inexpensive, the service great, and even better, it keeps your money in the Yo.Hours:Monday

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-38398475050907620332010-12-30T17:05:00.001-05:002010-12-30T17:05:43.148-05:00

So after some requests I'll be slowly bringing back the 365 Things. I may not hit 365 right away but I'll get there eventually. Maybe one new post week? If anything, it will kill time on my commute and give me a reason to play with my ipad. I'll be starting back in the new year. Until then, happy new year Youngstown.- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadLocation:NE Ohio

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-27572852527695514182010-06-07T19:57:00.003-04:002010-06-07T20:32:57.367-04:00

Visit the Arms Museum. The Arms Family Museum of Local History in Youngstown is an early 20th Century Arts & Crafts-style home built by the Arms family, known formally as "Greystone". The first floor is furnished in period, creating the medieval ambience it must have had when Olive A. and Wilford P. Arms owned the home. When walking through the house, one will find many bronze animal statues and

Colleen Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09784298968411658931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-62570661671840800262010-06-04T14:38:00.004-04:002010-06-04T15:27:06.217-04:00

Help beautify Youngstown! On June 5, 2010 (that's tomorrow!) the city of Youngstown will be holding CityScape's 13th Annual Planting Day. Over 400 volunteers help out at CityScape each year, and you should be one of them! Registration begins at the information booth of the Central Square Tent at 7:45am and there are free t-shirts to the first 400 people registered. Planting begins at 8:00am and

Colleen Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09784298968411658931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-17583955653753490982010-05-19T08:48:00.000-04:002010-05-19T08:48:27.102-04:00

What the White House pool reporters were seeing... Sent: Tue May 18 12:58:43 2010 Subject: Pool report #4 President Obama exited Air Force One at 12:41 p.m. Gov. Ted Strickland, Reps. Charlie Wilson, John Boccieri and Tim Ryan and Youngstown Mayor William Jay greeted him on the tarmac, bursting into applause as POTUS got close to the foot of the stairs. Lt Gov Lee Fisher was a no-show.

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-45779458076471533542010-05-13T16:04:00.000-04:002010-05-13T16:04:58.684-04:00

Attend a spaghetti dinner on Sunday! (There is nothing more 'Youngstown' than spaghetti dinners, fish fries and pirogi dinners, anyway). This one is for an incredibly good cause. I went to high school with Taylor. She was incredibly talented in speech and debate and theatre at Ursuline High School before graduating in 2000. She was killed by a drunk driver while driving on Salt Springs Road in

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-22669259898845296082010-05-04T14:18:00.001-04:002010-05-04T14:18:36.620-04:00

This is definitely worth sharing. Welcome to the New Youngstown.Inc. Magazine article on Youngstown

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-77870166700670844852010-05-04T13:24:00.000-04:002010-05-04T13:24:34.402-04:00

One of my many nicknames as a child was Bud Light. It has nothing to do with my love of beer, but was a take on one of my dad's nicknames, Bud. (Get it? I can explain, if necessary). Unfortunately, both Bud and Bud Light have worn off as nicknames. My love of beer, however, remains strong. It's nice to be able to satisfy that love with a beer brewed a mere two miles from home. Rust Belt Brewing

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-41759081484288241682010-05-03T22:50:00.000-04:002010-05-03T22:50:07.975-04:00

I posted this 6 months ago when he first started talking about it. I repost it today because it still feels the same way:In what can best be described as a giant step backward for mankind, Jim Traficant has announced a major press conference for Thursday morning. As reported in the Vindicator, “He’ll be talking about Congress,” said Dennis Malloy, Traficant’s communications director. It pains me

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-58889781820239567852010-05-03T22:11:00.001-04:002010-05-03T22:12:33.139-04:00

As we head down the list, #16 is something that should be required for every Youngstown resident: A visit to the Museum of Labor and Industry. It reminds me of a quote that's been tossed around, including by this blogger a number of times and even appeared on our mast head for a while. "Everybody breathing dirt, eating dirt-they call it 'pay dirt,' for Youngstown clean would be Youngstown out of

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-70378644895439670822010-05-03T21:59:00.000-04:002010-05-03T21:59:01.655-04:00

So I'm a bit behind. If you ran a blog and had to post every single day, you would probably miss one or two (or five) as well. The weather tomorrow is going to be beautiful. With the exception of some rain in the morning (thanks, Weather.com!), it should be an awesome day for a hike. Why not head to Mill Creek Park, strap on your hiking boots, grab a Clif bar and go hiking? You can find the

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-31844081065564622882010-05-03T21:16:00.000-04:002010-05-03T21:16:59.588-04:00

Defend Youngstown and Shout Youngstown hosted a Detroit reporter. This is the evidence.

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-48617822462887094412010-04-30T09:00:00.000-04:002010-04-30T09:00:09.288-04:00

Try taking in the Calvin Center for the Arts Grand Opening Festival! Artists of the Rust Belt will be holding a show at this new location tomorrow (12-7) and Sunday (12-5). The show will feature local artists, food and beer. Check it out at 755 Mahoning Avenue, Youngstown. Find out more about this group and event at their website.

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-21733093194778549072010-04-28T14:02:00.004-04:002010-04-28T15:16:07.797-04:00

From the Associated Press... Motor City may provide model for urban agriculture By DAVID RUNK, Associated Press WriterFriday, April 23, 2010(AP) --Detroit, which revolutionized manufacturing with its auto assembly lines, could once again be a model for the world as residents transform vacant, often-blighted land into a source of fresh food. With growing interest in locally raised food,

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-1755453161662494012010-04-27T15:34:00.000-04:002010-04-28T15:35:17.029-04:00

Youngstown's personality and place in history allows it to have some of the greatest cultural wonders not thought of in the average city of 70,000. One of those wonders is the Butler Institute of American Art. If you haven't been there in a while (and I haven't), you should check out the Jackson Pollack piece on loan, 'Silver and Black,' or the paintings of John Stobart, a leading artist of ships

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-68318917299877042082010-04-26T15:17:00.001-04:002010-04-28T15:18:58.398-04:00

(I realize that I'm a few days late, but the beauty of Blogger is being able to backdate my posts... Thanks, Blogger Team!)It's Wednesday (err... Monday). How about heading over to Salsita's for margaritas? Youngstown is blessed with some great ethnic restaurants. In fact, you can't find a respectable chain joint that people will go out of their way to get into to. The same can't be said for the

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-1463868657058915582010-04-25T09:06:00.000-04:002010-04-26T10:27:06.027-04:00

When I was a child, I had a minor fascination with rocks and minerals after a visit to Discovery Place. Think COSI but in Charlotte, North Carolina. I had no idea that we have a mineral museum in Youngstown, but incredibly, we do. How about a visit to the Clarence R. Smith Mineral Museum which is located at YSU and sponsored by the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences. The museum

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-80019217689001223182010-04-24T16:10:00.008-04:002010-04-28T14:04:00.326-04:00

Today is a pretty dreary day in Youngstown. So if you don't get out to see anything today, put on some coffee and hang around the house. But before the summer is out, you've got to see (and taste) what is going on right here under your nose.In the past few years a number of community gardens have started up in Youngstown. I'll just mention a few and if there is not one near you, feel free to

Youngstown Born and Still Herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11210203457262317245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-9880030707153120772010-04-23T09:27:00.001-04:002010-04-23T09:29:27.931-04:00

It is my favorite day of the week. Why not eat my favorite food? Ice cream. Stop by the original Handel's Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt on off Market Street. There is nothing better than the atmosphere of the yellow lights of Mrs. Handel's flagship store and a sugar cone full of chocolate pecan.3931 Handel's CourtYoungstown330-788-0356(The menu is from Handel's Williamsburg, VA location. I saw a

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-8449193720464281072010-04-22T10:18:00.003-04:002010-04-22T10:22:16.942-04:00

Check out a couple of things going on in Youngstown today:YNG has a new director. Only in the job for less than 24 hours, he already has an agenda focusing on expanding cargo operations at the airport. With the expansion of technologies and manufacturing in the region, improved access for cargo is a great direction for Youngstown's airport.Rep. Tim Ryan introduced a bill into the House of

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-38437625782769804582010-04-22T10:08:00.004-04:002010-04-23T10:01:56.084-04:00

Two words: DiRusso's sausage. I try and promote those awesome things about Youngstown, even if it causes a run on sausage sandwiches. John Slanina (owner/operator of Shout Youngstown) is setting up camp downtown for an hour today in front of the Youngstown Business Incubator with some free lunch. Check it out between noon and 1-ish where he promises sausage, boca burgers, turkey burgers, kelbasi,

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-78816743965562965532010-04-21T09:49:00.000-04:002010-04-21T09:49:17.812-04:00

There is nothing I love more than finding a new book to read. With my new Kindle, I miss turning the pages but can carry hundreds of books in a nice little package. There is nothing better than browsing the stacks, however. Take 20 minutes and head over to the library. The main branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is open until 5:30 today. For those hipsters who like

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-41264496721109312462010-04-21T09:29:00.001-04:002010-04-22T10:30:48.180-04:00

Not much Youngstown-related news this morning, but still some winners.CNN has an interesting piece with ideas for small airports to win big money. They sound skeptical that an airport with three flights a day (like the featured North Central West Virginia Airport) is worth it, but maybe YNG can mooch some ideas.It was not a 3-year-old, but the mother of a 1-year-old who was the 1,000,000th

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-91459624759443143162010-04-20T13:26:00.003-04:002010-04-20T13:29:24.485-04:00

According to the Vindy, the Covelli Centre will hit its 1-millionth visitor tonight. Tonight's visitor will be attending the Nickelodeon show 'Storytime Live!' The winning fan receives a one year pass to all Covelli Centre events, including to see Elton John on May 1. There is no word on what they will do if a 3-year-old wins.

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-64774087813134069682010-04-20T10:08:00.000-04:002010-04-20T10:08:17.239-04:00

A couple of cool things out there this morning: That Youngstown schools have issues is not in doubt, but in a creative way, turning to the students for help may provide solutions. The Vindicator has the story. There is a lot of good news emerging from YSU. Being an 'emerging center' is just part of it. Check this out (from the Vindy) or this (from the Business Journal) 890 YSU students are

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-35047140592550722652010-04-20T09:00:00.001-04:002010-04-20T09:00:08.316-04:00

Have you ever considered getting involved with community support agriculture? Now is the perfect time to look into a CSA in the Youngstown area. If you aren't in the know, a CSA (and its members) provides financial support to local agriculture and in exchange, you get some of the goods dropped at your door every week. Want some fresh swiss chard, strawberries, or peaches? Join one of the several

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-14151040566280220462010-04-19T09:00:00.000-04:002010-04-19T12:41:35.433-04:00

Get rid of the Monday blues with some kolachi! Ghossain's Mid East Bakery on South Avenue has a wide variety of Lebanese and other Middle Eastern foods, including fresh baked pita and lavash, desserts and confections. Check out their website for a full list of options. Not in the Youngstown area? They will ship to you!Ghossain's Mid East Bakery3990 South Avenue(330) 788-6003

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-56005652752727120382010-04-18T09:00:00.001-04:002010-04-19T12:26:43.610-04:00

How about some ribs? Head over to Charlie Staples and try the best BBQ in Ohio. I recommend the combo platter, with ribs, chicken, slaw and fries. Find the white bread buried on your plate in order to soak up the delicious sauce.Charlie Staples327 West Rayen Avenue(330) 743-7427

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-77366611839745178322010-04-17T09:00:00.002-04:002010-04-17T09:00:01.056-04:00

Tulips, daffodils, and magnolias, oh my! It is peak time to see the blooms at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park. Because of the early warm weather, many flowers popped up early and the next two weeks provide the best time to see the garden in full bloom! If you've got the day off, why not make the trip to the South Side and take it all in? Check out the Garden's website here. 123

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-17933056394649840992010-04-16T09:00:00.001-04:002010-04-16T09:00:05.718-04:00

It's Friday Happy Hour! Why not head downtown and visit the Lemon Grove. Urbanspoon.com rates them as one of the best happy hour joints in the Mahoning Valley. They have over 30 beers on draft or in bottles as well as an extensive wine list. Stay for dinner and the musical stylings of Akron musicians 'Trouble Books'. Find their website here. BTW: They have their own art blog! 122 W Federal

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-91386663777123195252010-04-15T09:00:00.010-04:002010-04-15T13:03:59.208-04:00

Head to the Youngstown Playhouse and take in a show! The playhouse has risen like a phoenix as it rebuilds its theater and its image. Try Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, showing 4/16-4/25. For all the details, visit the Youngstown Playhouse website.

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-34551374381293823102010-04-14T09:00:00.008-04:002010-04-14T09:03:50.494-04:00

What a better way to start this adventure than to head to the Golden Dawn and have a slice of pizza and a schooner of beer? Head there on a Saturday morning and have the most inexpensive breakfast in town. This institution is my favorite place to go in Youngstown, so I selfishly made it number 1. I swear, I will try and diversify for the remaining 364.Find out what it's all about: Golden Dawn1245

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-23744802348915998782010-04-13T16:29:00.001-04:002010-04-23T13:35:56.530-04:00

I was recently inspired by a Facebook group called "365 Things To Do In D.C." and thought, 'Why not Youngstown?' Starting tomorrow, I will post one daily tip, helping Youngstown residents connect with their city and find new things to talk about. If you have something you want me to feature, drop me an email or leave a comment. I am excited to take this journey through Youngstown, its places and

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-27238392514491947672010-04-08T09:02:00.001-04:002010-04-08T09:03:04.530-04:00

I love walking tours and am fortunate to live in a town where they are the norm, not the exception. In fact, every year D.C. has weekends offering dozens of free walking tours. I most recently made my wife suffer through a tour of Fort Stevens which included several men and women in period costumes. Let's just say that it really isn't her bag.Anyway, it isn't Fort Stevens, but a pretty cool

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-58660992877912791712010-04-01T10:00:00.019-04:002010-04-02T10:42:05.351-04:00

In a bold and unprecedented move, Mayor Jay Williams announced today that he would cede the entire city of Youngstown to Girard effective immediately. Williams made the move because of the fiscal constraints existing in the city and the realization that many of the planned 'Youngstown 2010' initiatives will be impossible to accomplish by the end of 2010. Williams feels that Girard can best handle

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-4883712522487517792010-03-26T12:40:00.002-04:002010-03-26T12:56:20.010-04:00

It has been an interesting couple of weeks for Youngstown and the United States. I've been busier than usual and have missed several opportunities to post some thoughts and news, so let me get caught up with a couple of things. First, we have healthcare reform in America! After a year of interesting (and rather ugly) debate, the healthcare reform bill passed the Senate and House and then again

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-91660427984149022842010-03-05T13:46:00.005-05:002010-03-26T11:50:48.444-04:00

I am a huge Google nerd. With little exception, I love the company and what they do. I use Gmail, Google calendar, reader, documents, etc. The only thing I haven't fully grappled with yet is Buzz. It is too much too soon. I was put off by their initial 'in-your-face' shove of Buzz into the world.That said, I would be super excited if a plan by the YBI came to fruition. The redesigned Vindicator

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-50416572187619055182010-02-23T13:53:00.003-05:002010-02-23T13:56:56.565-05:00

them apples? Third shift coming back to G.M. Lordstown.http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/feb/23/gm-update-third-shift-coming-lordstown/The vital stats:Will increase the Lordstown workforce from 3,300 to 4,500Expected to generate $47 million in additional payrollExpected to generate $470,000 in local income taxesExpected to generate $1.4 million in state income taxGood stuff in the Valley.

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-42395532147870929282010-02-16T09:14:00.004-05:002010-02-16T15:30:31.298-05:00

Two links I figured I would share with the populace, neither directly tied to Youngstown. The first represents the cruelest thing I can even imagine. Old ladies all over Youngstown are shuddering. Bake sale profits are being donated. Poles all over the world are in mourning. Yes, the unthinkable has happened, as the Vindicator headline reads, "Police seek man who robbed Pa. church pierogi sale".

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-20073040248867617302010-01-21T11:29:00.003-05:002010-01-21T11:38:33.066-05:00

Check out Youngstown State take on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee LIVE on ESPNU (which is nationally televised) tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m.ESPNU is Channel 303 on Time Warner Cable (Youngstown) and well, Dish and Direct TV aren't cooperating with me so find it yourself. Either way: YSU. National TV. Watch it.

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-42784253608278148822010-01-20T09:31:00.006-05:002010-01-20T11:30:46.955-05:00

At the risk of alienating readers in the Youngstown burbs, I am often amazed how some (not all) who live in the Mahoning Valley feel that Youngstown's problems aren't their problems. I've seen it consistently in issues ranging from economic development zones to crime and water sharing. The truth of the matter is that crime or economic decay in Youngstown are just as likely to have an effect on

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-48735396775858364552010-01-15T10:27:00.006-05:002010-04-28T14:03:37.507-04:00

Vegetables, that is. I stumbled upon a new blog, The Infrastructurist, which asks, 'What should we do with a semi-abandoned city?' The answer is gardening. The article speaks of Detroits loss of 70% of its population and infrastructure that can support three times as many people as currently live there. I've added this blog to my daily list of reads. You should too.http://www.infrastructurist.com

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-40223267378199874742010-01-14T15:13:00.006-05:002010-01-14T18:03:24.540-05:00

'HUD to Mahoning Valley: Drop Dead.' Those were the words the Vindy used to describe Youngstown being rejected for a share of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds given by the Federal government to communities across America. Of $2 billion going out the door for housing and community projects (such as acquiring land and property, demolishing and/or rehabilitating abandoned properties, to

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-30587748657274029912010-01-12T13:53:00.002-05:002010-01-12T13:57:11.898-05:00

The New York Times editorial page spreads the word on what I've been saying (with many others) for a long time now:Youngstown YawnsThe article's lead doesn't necessarily reflect the topic of the rest of the op-ed, but it fits with the hearts of so many people I know."Anyone who’s spent time in Youngstown, Ohio, is entitled to nagging affection for the gritty old steeltown that has long struggled

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-65862417000369572142010-01-06T09:52:00.003-05:002010-01-06T10:15:52.284-05:00

First, let me wish each of you a Happy New Year. 2009 was the return of Youngstown Pride and I hope for more good things for this blog in 2010.Now, on to the morning reads:The New York Times has an interesting article on U.A.W. Local 1112, the Lordstown local which chronicles the G.M. plants past as a rebellious local, filing 15,000 grievances a year to one that works with management and sees the

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-55151061891662895852009-12-29T14:37:00.003-05:002009-12-29T14:41:07.783-05:00

While I'm in Florida, failing to avoid the internet and therefore avoiding the sun and warm air, I came across this article as part of Reuters Route to Recovery series. This blog series has highlighted the recession and economic successes and failures of several towns, Youngstown being one. Today's piece seems to be a capstone and worth a read.America’s Route to Recovery: Part One – Castles Built

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-2150803358904185102009-12-28T16:28:00.005-05:002009-12-28T16:39:03.498-05:00

While yours truly will be sitting on the beach in Florida on New Year's Eve, I would like to do my part to promote First Night Youngstown. Hundreds of volunteers devote time each year to putting on one of the best New Year's Eve events in the state. This year's event will feature bands, comedians, fireworks displays, and other cultural events. For those who won't be soaking up the sun, this not

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-27429757518086869122009-12-28T15:49:00.005-05:002009-12-28T16:02:07.080-05:00

It could just as easily be about Brier Hill or Smoky Hollow. Instead, it's about Buffalo's 'Lower West Side':Just west of downtown, the Lower West Side was historically a blue-collar Italian neighborhood, but in recent decades, Puerto Ricans and other Hispanics settled into the community. In recent years, the area has become home to resettled refugees from Myanmar, Somalia and other countries

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-13858409645056097712009-12-19T22:51:00.007-05:002009-12-19T23:01:36.940-05:00

As I endure the Snowpocalypse, AKA the Capital Crippler, AKA Blizzard 2009, here in Washington, D.C., you can also endure a Youngstown Pride social media blizzard by following us on Facebook and Twitter (@ytownpride). The Facebook and Twitter feeds will have some content that the blog doesn't have, including more of my random news and notes that don't warrant a full blog post. (The highway exit

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-33236098840151609852009-12-18T11:00:00.008-05:002009-12-18T13:34:45.437-05:00

Recent local news articles have touted the Department of Labor's Trade Adjustment Assistance Act as a means for unemployed workers to learn a new trade in the face of plant closures, diminished product demand and the transfer of jobs overseas.A lesson learned from faraway Caldwell County, N.C. shows us that retraining and retooling isn't the only thing needed to correct unemployment. Caldwell

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-32275810196457861752009-12-17T09:45:00.008-05:002009-12-18T09:19:04.807-05:00

For so much of it's history, Youngstown was caked in black soot. In 1915, socialist leader Frank Bohn stated that, "Everybody breathing dirt, eating dirt-they call it "pay dirt," for Youngstown clean would be Youngstown out of work." In an exciting announcement, there is a new partnership to take Youngstown from the black coal and brown fields to a green community. Today in Copenhagen, while

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-26937809045394141912009-12-17T09:23:00.004-05:002010-01-06T10:16:24.721-05:00

There are several great articles out there worth reading this morning:The Washington Post has a long feature about the struggles many are facing in the Mahoning Valley. We talk so much about the progressive change occurring in Youngstown but there are real people with real struggles to survive in this economy. This article does a great job capturing this pain experienced by our friends and

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-58369136317170369012009-12-16T15:32:00.009-05:002009-12-16T18:20:28.590-05:00

It was actually a line item in the contract with my wedding hall vendor - a table for cookies had to be provided. I can't imagine a wedding in Youngstown without one. Friends from around the country are in awe by this tradition, but it's expected, if not demanded, in Youngstown.My wedding closed out with close to 250 dozen cookies. Do the math. The saddest part was that I have no idea where the

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-46001569329252164002009-12-15T09:13:00.004-05:002009-12-15T10:08:49.770-05:00

This week represents my fifth year and 357th post in the blogosphere, with my first post from December 13, 2004 entitled 'Here in Northeast Ohio, back in 1803' and starting off with some of the history of this great city. Thanks to all of you who continually come back to read. Back from my long winter, I hope to continue to provide some great information, history, insight and commentary. When all

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-45768960804673424272009-12-13T15:39:00.007-05:002009-12-14T10:33:43.119-05:00

When you talk of great Youngstown patriarchs, John Manning's name is at the top of the list. Northsider's knew the Manning's and Lowry's as probably the largest Catholic families ever to run the halls of St. Ed's, Ursuline and Rayen. Many people I met, when looking at me, would ask, "Are you a Manning?" When I replied 'No, a Lowry,' the comment back usually ended with, 'same thing'. Mr. Manning

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-10298739747279687022009-12-04T12:26:00.006-05:002009-12-04T13:12:32.374-05:00

The visuals are stunning. Stacks spewing clouds of smoke into the sky, nearly obscuring the Home Savings & Loan building while men and women, all wearing hats, jump on and off busses at street level. Rivers of molten ore running down chutes to create the ships, tanks or guns that in peacetime would be office buildings. In Youngstown we make steel. We make steel and talk steel.A World War II -era

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-56405384997259835012009-12-02T16:26:00.006-05:002009-12-02T16:39:29.122-05:00

It's not the neighborhood in which Ruby Yates raised her children or sent them down the block to the amusement park, but there's a lot of promise afoot for Idora, a small Youngstown neighborhood that some would call the west end of Fosterville. A great Vindicator article highlights the renewal occurring in the this area. It is worth checking out here: http://www.vindy.com/news/2009/dec/02/

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-91712884718983628332009-11-30T14:13:00.005-05:002009-11-30T14:31:36.721-05:00

My initial objection to being a casual writer to this blog was that my readership, assuming I had one, would get frustrated at long gaps between posts. I felt that I brought some closure to my initial (4-year) attempt at this blog by at least telling people that I wasn't coming back any more.Next thing I know, the city decides to sell Fire Station 7. I later learned that it was a planned move and

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-41900907209301658012009-11-20T09:24:00.010-05:002009-11-20T10:59:13.155-05:00

Call is nostalgia, call it love, call it what you will. Youngstown's Fire Station 7 has always been 'my' firehouse. It's not difficult to see the beautify and history in this firehouse that this year celebrated its 105th anniversary.It started in the fall of 1989 when YFD Fire Inspector Hubert Clardy, recently retired, and the crew of Engine 7 brought to St. Edward School the finest fire engine

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-21019112440100742502008-07-10T10:50:00.000-04:002009-02-11T11:14:30.378-05:00

After four years, it's unfortunetly time to hang it up. I just don't have the time due to work, being heavily involved in a volunteer fire department, and the fact that I live three states away. I wish all of my former readers the best of luck in '08.Defend Youngstown.Respectfully,Joe LowryProprietor

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-45770481481133048212008-06-03T12:02:00.000-04:002008-12-09T04:41:07.211-05:00

The "da Vinci," a robot that is already changing how surgery is done in Youngstown, is only one of the ways that the city is changing from a manufacturing base into a high technology corridor. While high-tech companies like Turning Technology are leading the charge to make Youngstown a player in the software industry, we shouldn't discount the significance of St. Elizabeth Medical Center getting

Youngstown Born and Still Herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11210203457262317245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-10826494939559991902008-04-08T10:48:00.004-04:002008-12-09T04:41:07.369-05:00

If you haven’t been downtown for a while, the Taft Technology Center on West Federal Street is nearly complete. Turning Technology will be moving 130 jobs into the building by May 1st. What does this mean for a Valley that is still losing manufacturing jobs? Recently, Indalex, GE, and Mold-Tech have either ceased or significantly cut back operations. In spite of the difficult transition—one that

Youngstown Born and Still Herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11210203457262317245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-62939900978620162202007-09-19T00:17:00.000-04:002007-09-20T09:58:03.794-04:00

There are two new blogs on my links list to the right. First is Linkon Avenue, which is run by Dr. Sherry Linkon, an English Professor at Youngstown State and Co-Director of the Center for Working-Class Studies. She now has her own radio program on WYSU titled 'Lincoln Avenue' (pun intended). The blog generally has followup commentary to her radio pieces.The other new blog is written by Lou

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-73941025274125978512007-09-19T00:00:00.000-04:002008-12-09T04:41:08.260-05:00

The Youngstown of 2007 does not resemble the Youngstown of year's past. In the last several years, three decades of complacency and failed action have been countered with sweeping changes which have resulted in Youngstown turning from a rusting dead city into one with future and promise. These changes come as the result of people of action, tired of waiting for someone to make the first move.In

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-90490729141182360502007-09-18T13:59:00.000-04:002008-12-09T04:41:08.409-05:00

The Steel Museum will play host to an event to mark the 30th anniversary of Black Monday.What: Remembering Black Monday 1977-2007When: 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 19Where: Youngstown Historical Center, also known as the Steel Museum, 151 W. Wood St.According to the Vindicator, some of those who were directly involved with the closings and the efforts to save the mills will share their

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-81965091949859808812007-09-17T13:23:00.001-04:002008-12-09T04:41:08.507-05:00

The meeting planned for the today to discuss the West Federal Street tree project has been postponed.Who: YOU!What: Yougstown City Council's buildings and grounds committee meetingWhen: 5:30 p.m., Friday, September 21Where: City Council Chambers, 6th Floor, 26 S. Phelps Street.Why: Because we can't let those hooligans cut down our treesTyler, you get a second chance to attend this meeting after

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-31773439469532287652007-09-17T09:43:00.000-04:002008-12-09T04:41:08.608-05:00

A few random things for the day. First, where did http://www.downtownyoungstown.com/ disappear to?Second, on this date 25 years ago, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development granted $2.8 million for refurbishing the Kimmel Brook Homes in Youngstown and Sheriff James A. Traficant Jr. met with famed Boston defense lawyer F. Lee Bailey to discuss the possibility of Bailey representing

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-47967864358418015282007-09-13T18:27:00.001-04:002007-09-13T18:37:59.169-04:00

Even after I said a few weeks ago that I was going to regularly post, I only threw out two posts in the last two weeks. Well, I figured I should explain myself. Previously, I used the excuse that I wanted a two week vacation from the blog. Well, yes, but it was more deliberate than that. I just plain didn't want to look at this thing. I can't explain why, but I couldn't bring myself to open

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-34075283779155931582007-09-13T11:03:00.001-04:002007-09-13T18:27:11.465-04:00

I like to report the good news about Youngstown, and why wouldn't I, but this one can't and shouldn't be avoided. Well, here it is... gulp... Youngstown is the poorest mid-size city in America. It is a real surprise that we are on this list? Not exactly. No one in Youngstown is flush in cash and there are enough dilapidated properties that we wouldn't be fooling anyone if we said we were a rich

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-52913714220776112502007-09-11T15:31:00.000-04:002007-09-11T15:34:00.188-04:00

I found another article on our shrinking city worth reading. MuniNetGuide describes Youngstown as a mini-metropolis, but it includes a magnificant history of where we are and how we got there, going back to the steel era lost 30 years ago.“Maybe Bruce Springsteen will have to write some new lyrics to his song.”

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-12973022780176455822007-08-29T12:52:00.000-04:002007-08-29T13:00:30.510-04:00

3,707.9%. A large number, don't you think? That is the 3-year growth percentage of Turning Technologies, the Youngstown Business Incubator's marquee company.Inc.com looked into the future (the story will be published in their print edition next month) and ran a brief story on Mike Broderick and TT. It is the plain and simple on what makes Youngstown an attractive place to do business and how

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-32468332279536251802007-08-29T12:42:00.000-04:002007-08-29T12:44:37.328-04:00

Well, some people take time to go to the beach, others go to museums. I went home and decided I wanted to take a small vacation from the blog. Sorry for it being unannounced. I promise to get a few posts a week out now for the foreseeable future.

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-90785752918521220092007-08-15T10:10:00.000-04:002008-12-09T04:41:08.741-05:00

The Vindicator has a great story today which seems to blend a lot of things including the blog movement in the city, the "youth movement" centered around such groups as Mahoning Valley Professional 20/30 Club and Phil Kidd's "Thinkers and Drinkers."The entire emphasis, however, is the fact that people are finally involved in the City. You have bloggers, activists, politicians, developers, young

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-90460634741633219852007-08-15T09:14:00.000-04:002007-08-15T09:25:18.905-04:00

I got a note from YBI Director Jim Cossler about an event that everyone should be aware of hosted by the Mahoning Valley Professionals 20/30 Club.Young professionals from Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Medina will all be converging on the DeYor Performing Arts Center in Downtown Youngstown at 6:00PM on August 23 for the third edition of Networking in the Middle.The free event, hosted by the

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-30468115528882743252007-08-14T13:27:00.000-04:002007-08-17T11:12:51.915-04:00

Here are the results from my new banner quiz. Most guesses were dead on; I was very surprised.Update: I have been informed by a few that the gallery code I used isn't compatible with some browsers. You can also see the images in this Flickr gallery.

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-35285621871541611642007-08-09T16:28:00.001-04:002007-08-09T16:34:33.350-04:00

I decided it was time for a real site banner after three years without one. As you can see, it is a copy and paste job from none other than random signs around Youngstown (and one that may be outside Youngstown, but I couldn't be certain).So, I put effort into creating the banner and now you get to guess which letters came from which sign around Youngstown. This certainly won't be easy. Only two

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-64829129650507062742007-08-08T18:14:00.000-04:002007-08-09T09:08:26.631-04:00

This morning I got a call from Glenn Stevens of WFMJ. They are doing a story on blogging and Youngstown. Like Tyler Clark of Youngstown Renaissance, I was out of town, which is obvious since I live out of town.Reglaardless, the story ran on the 6 p.m. broadcast but didn't make the 11 p.m. cut.YoungstownPride was at least mentioned according to my sources and I know Phil Kidd of Defend Youngstown,

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-47461178492206191222007-08-06T15:38:00.000-04:002007-08-09T16:08:00.659-04:00

Youngstown Pride has gone three years without any sort of custom header beyond a photo with our name on it. If you have some sort of graphic design skills and want to design the header/banner for Youngstown's oldest and one of its most popular redevelopment/history/awesomeness blogs, please drop me an email at joseph.lowry-at-gmail.com.The winner gets my respect and the chance to have their

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-20149607568699021492007-08-06T09:33:00.001-04:002007-08-06T09:51:09.956-04:00

TODAY! Today! today!The city will be discussing plans for the "redevelopment" of West Federal Street this afternoon. This plan includes removing the medians and changing the current parking arrangement. I encourage all to attend this meeting and voice your support that green space and not more concrete is the way to improve the Federal Street corridor.Info:Monday, August 6, 2007, 3:00 pm, at City

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-41408811119450158132007-08-03T13:37:00.000-04:002007-08-03T13:47:53.981-04:00

The Voice of America is now on the bandwagon as a media outlet covering Youngstown. The Federal government's external media arm, sending its signal to countless countries in 45 different languages, discussed our shrinking city plan. Check out the link below for the story or download the audio.StoryMP3 audio

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-39319379633884820302007-08-03T13:16:00.000-04:002007-08-03T13:17:54.030-04:00

Whoever you are, whatever situation you’re in, I am trying to persuade you to believe in this.WorldMeganThe "this" in her case is the same as my "this": Youngstown

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-77655073335471952832007-07-31T12:08:00.000-04:002008-12-09T04:41:09.116-05:00

Well, it isn't quite the first day of summer, but one of Youngstown's surest signs of summer finally opened last Friday after much delay and almost two summers shuttered. A new North Side Pool, originally opened in 1939, opened on Friday with much fanfare and a $1.28 million price tag. For those swimming for free on the first day, it probably didn't matter.Anyone who has read the Vindy, checked

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-9366644157947794762007-07-30T13:37:00.000-04:002007-07-30T13:51:43.581-04:00

First, Mayor Jay Williams jas just become one of the first mayors in the United States to start blogging. This is exciting to see in an era where so much of what government does is behind closed doors that the mayor is willing to open himself up like that. Kudos!The blog can be found at http://mayorjaywilliams.blogspot.com/In other news, the Vindy wrote a great editorial, which I have reprinted

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-85850444897441809292007-07-23T10:14:00.001-04:002008-12-09T04:41:10.161-05:00

I am hoping to periodically post things from downtown that people generally don't know about. I heard of this first gem from my dad and was quick to find a magnificent room inside the Ohio One building (formerly the Ohio Edison Building, 25 East Boardman Street). This 80'x60' Great Room appears to have been the former lobby for the Ohio Edison offices as the building is addressed off of E.

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-32116085830908916682007-07-23T09:45:00.000-04:002007-07-23T09:43:39.001-04:00

In Pittsburgh, a divorce court withheld decision last week in the case of Gladys Johnson, who protested that when Lewis J. Johnson, U. S. marine, came home in his uniform and asked her to elope with him to Youngstown, Ohio, she had done so without recognizing Mr. Johnson as her father's brother. Time magazine Monday, May. 16, 1927

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-36601158045575573512007-07-22T00:53:00.001-04:002007-08-09T09:19:31.681-04:00

I had the opportunity this weekend to chat with two of my fellow Youngstown bloggers, which is always a good time. I had the honor of meeting Phil Kidd on Friday at Bean Counter's Jazz Festival (more on that event later). We spent a brief time discussing the future of Downtown and where he is going with the new Defend Youngstown shirts. I won't spoil it for him but he has some great designs

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-88813691747313921792007-07-20T09:31:00.000-04:002007-07-20T09:40:12.123-04:00

Jack Kerouac I am not but I am traveling the highways and byways of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Ohio this morning heading back to Youngstown. I was excited to see the first sign of civilization about 45 minutes out of DC when I pulled up next to a Falcon Trucking rig "flying" back to its nest in Yo., Oh. A little piece of home right there on I-70E.I hope to get around the city this

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-85960597550674148652007-07-17T16:33:00.000-04:002008-12-09T04:41:10.332-05:00

NPR's Morning Edition finally ran the piece this morning which they have been sitting on for two weeks. It was retooled a bit to also highlight today's John Edwards visit.The tagline: Youngstown, Ohio, a former steel town an hour west of Pittsburgh, is getting ready to spend millions of tax dollars to shrink. It's a fairly radical plan, but one that Youngstown's mayor says is the best way to

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-70820120676941549752007-07-17T09:35:00.001-04:002007-07-17T09:37:13.202-04:00

Why is Bertram de Souza's blog entitled "Stirfry"?

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-67694088492214817752007-07-16T19:02:00.000-04:002007-07-17T09:25:31.745-04:00

That might just be what the Youngstown Business Incubator is looking for. According to it's page on Myspace.com, YBI is a 21 year-old female, looking for serious relationships, and an Aquarius. Toledo's WTOL has a small story on how YBI is using Myspace here.I love how they are using Myspace and Facebook. This is another great way that YBI is thinking outside the box in the development and

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-60465582220478004322007-07-09T16:25:00.000-04:002007-07-09T16:41:49.336-04:00

This was the headline of a Vindy article today regarding an apartment complex on Hillman Way, one block into Boardman at the Boardman-Youngstown border: "Boardman historic district fears possibility of blight." The article just conjures up images of Boardman residents cowering in the corner hiding from Blight.Reading this article, it is apparent these Boardman-tonian's don't cross Midlothian and

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-22054451929327735232007-07-05T09:14:00.001-04:002007-07-05T09:28:09.257-04:00

I don't know why, but I found this headline funny: "Foreign kids in town." The article is not as funny but it is nice to see people from other countries getting a Youngstown experience.

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-89327915662086892752007-07-04T07:18:00.003-04:002008-12-09T04:41:10.627-05:00

I just want to wish everyone a safe and patriotic 4th of July!This photo isn't mine. I found it using The Google. Can anyone name the location? Hint: It IS in Youngstown.

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-74365727464346896572007-07-03T10:17:00.000-04:002007-07-03T11:08:49.133-04:00

There are a ton of great events in downtown both tomorrow and this weekend. Youngstown's July 4th fireworks display will be at 10 p.m. by the B&O Station on Mahoning Avenue sponsored by the city and Anthony's On The River. Frankie and the Sensations will perform at Anthony's from 7-11 p.m. Wednesday.Also this weekend is the Annual Festival of the Arts up and down Wick Avenue and on the campus of

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-18342251777312841372007-07-03T10:02:00.000-04:002007-07-03T10:05:53.648-04:00

It seems the bloggers have been writing to the Vindy in great numbers recently. I too wrote in last week and saw that my letter appeared in today's Vindy. It isn't about Youngstown, but about my other passion: Firefighting. Besides being a Youngstownphile, I am an active firefighter/EMT in Virginia.Firefighters earn flags as protectors of the homelandTuesday, July 3, 2007EDITOR: I was

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-44938576219540552712007-06-29T09:33:00.000-04:002008-12-09T04:41:10.730-05:00

Imagine a lazy flowing river with great shops and restaurants with crowds that show this place to be a true destination. I happened to be in San Antonio a few weeks ago for work and was amazed by the River Walk. For those who have never been to San Antonio before or heard of the River Walk, the San Antonio River winds it way through downtown San Antonio and along its banks are a string of

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-75966800868901639422007-06-27T20:07:00.000-04:002007-06-27T20:10:20.056-04:00

CINCINNATI (AP) - The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will provide more than seven million dollars to improve educational performance in some of Ohio's urban high schools.The investment by the foundation set up by the Microsoft Corporation chairman and his wife will help continue funding for the next phase of the statewide Ohio High School Transformation Initiative.KnowledgeWorks, the Gates

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9593942.post-7259120600855192102007-06-25T10:23:00.000-04:002008-12-09T04:41:10.865-05:00

Another "shrinking city" article is out across the AP wire. This one takes the standard approach that shrinking your footprint can be effective means of "damage control" and revitalization for former industrial cities. The article doesn't really say anything new that hasn't been put out by similar articles in the past, but I felt that I would share it for those who might be interested.The

Joe Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15504601286813488873noreply@blogger.com0