October 5, 2012
A Byrd’s Eye View N
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ABOUT MOVIES, TV, ARTS AND EVENTS IN THE VALLEY
Hotel Transylvania Worth Checking In To. By Art Byrd
A Quote By
Horror movies are usually a no-no for kids under 10. The movies could have blood-sucking Dracula, the brute Frankenstein and the slow walking, undead Mummy. What if, you turn these frightening characters into funny characters. Now, you have a top-notch animated movie that not only can kids see, but adults like myself can have a good time, too. Hotel Transylvania was one of the best places, you could check-in for laughs and fun. As adults, we take the world so seriously. This movie brings out the laughter and the kid in us. The story is about a hotel called Hotel Transylvania run by Count Dracula who is voiced by Adam Sandler (Happy Gilmore). The hotel is where monsters and their families can have a good time and have the freedom to be monsters without the threat of humans to bother them. Famous monsters like Frankenstein and his bride, the Mummy, the Invisible Man and the Werewolf, who has lots of bad kids and other assorted characters are at the hotel. They are there to celebrate Dracula's daughter, Mavis’ 118th birthday. Mavis, voiced by Selena Gomez (Wizards of Waverly Place), who wants to see the real world. Daddy Dracula has drummed into Mavis's head that the humans are mean and will do her harm. Stiil, she wants to go. Then, Johnny, voiced by Andy Sandberg (Saturday Night Live), a human traveling by backpack who stumbles onto Hotel Transylvania. He encounters Dracula who tries to hide him from his guests by painting him blue and saying that he is the cousin of Frankenstein called Johnny Stein.
“I don't know who I touch and who I don't. I work hard trying to make people laugh. I try to do the kind of stuff that made me laugh growing up. I don't have any secrets. I don't know the reasons I've been so well received.” Actor/Producer, Adam Sandler, plays Count Dracula in the animation hit movie, Hotel Transylvania, now in theaters.
October 5, 2012
Johnny interacts with the monsters who start to like him, even though they don’t know he is a human. When Johnny meets Mavis, they are instantly attracted to each other. Some of the funniest parts of the movie are when Dracula tries to separate Johnny and Mavis. The audience gets to see their affections grow. Very nice for a young audience to see. The movie works as the secondary characters like the Invisible Man, Frankenstein and the Mummy get their moments to be funny. While, I was watching the movie in the theater, there was a 5-year-old boy sitting on his father's lap. He was laughing and clapping as the final musical number was playing. What a great moment for a kid; his parents and a great movie. I was so glad to check into Hotel Transylvania for an hour and a half. I was laughing, having my heart tugged and then, laughing again. What an amazing feeling to laugh out loud with others doing the same thing in the theater. I suggest that you check into Hotel Transylvania and bring a kid or not and you'll be glad you pay the ticket price for your visit.
The Youngstown Complaints Choir Will Hit Some Interesting Notes. Is there something you want to get off your chest: the economy, jobs, politics or etc. Instead of talking about it, you can sing about it, by joining the Youngstown Complaints Choir (YCC). The YCC is part of the international movement of Complaints Choirs. Singers and non-singers are welcome and do not have to read music. Instrumentalist are needed, too. The YCC practices thursday nights: October 18, 25 and Nov 1 and 8 from 6-7 p.m at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1105 Elm Street, Youngstown. Performances will be Friday, November 9, 6:30 pm. Bliss Recital Hall, Youngstown State University, Sunday, November 11. 11am service Universalist Unitarian Church, 1105 Elm Street, Youngstown and Saturday, November 17- Holiday Open Studio and Sale, Ward Bakery Building, 1024 Mahoning Ave, Youngstown. If you are interested in being part of the YCC email Kelly Bancroft at yocomplaintschoir@gmail.com or call at 330-941-1400.
October 5, 2012
Youngstown Has Its First Film Festival The First Annual Youngstown Film Festival will run Oct 12-14th, 2012. The program guide is online at the Youngstown Film Festival Facebook page. Michele Simonelli, the festival’s director talked with us about the festival. Why is it is important for Youngstown to have a film festival? A film festival is one way to reflect the cultural and artistic sensibilities of a community. The quality of films that we have received from natives, even those that have moved to other locations, demonstrates the impact of growing up in a place like Youngstown has on its people. People tend to be slightly apologetic about growing up or living here but these films should serve as a source of pride for residents and intrigue to others. How important do you think independent films are? We truly believe that independent films, although lacking in big budgets and heavy marketing, allow the filmmaker to tell a story with a creative freedom that leads to a more intimate experience for the audience. There are a lot of local filmmakers such as Derrick Jones and John Chenhitelli on the schedule. Was that by design? Over the years we have been aware that there is a wealth of native filmmaking talent that has never really had one true venue in town to showcase their work for Youngstown. After we opened the call for entries we received great submissions and sought out others to give Festival goers a sense of awe at the wealth of local talent. Even our guest speaker for Born Into Brothels has a local connection to the area and we feel that was an important component to making the Youngstown Film Festival a success. There is a mix of different genres of films like comedy, documentaries, animation, LGBT, and drama themes. Was it difficult to program a film festival with the mix like that? Several genres does create a lot of work for the Festival Board but we felt that Youngstown has a wide variety of tastes and we wanted to make the Festival truly one for the residents where all tastes were represented and to ensure that there was something for everyone. What do you hope the people of the Valley get out of the first Youngstown Film Festival? Again, a sense of pride in the community is what we really want people to come away with and to see great films shown on the big screen again. We hope to grow and provide even more educational and workshop events with each year. The Youngstown Film Festival screenings will be held at Stambaugh Auditorium, OH WOW! Children's Center, The Oakland Center for the Arts, and Butler Institute of American Art. Tickets: Any single screening $10, Festival Pass $70, Opening Night VIP $50, Opening Night General Admission $25. (Childrern’s Animation requires $4 and admission to Oh Wow!) Tickets are available at http://www.ticketderby.com/vendor/michele-simonelli-id-4652 Individuals or businesses can still support the festival by emailing info@youngstownfilm.org
October 5, 2012
Vernon’s Exemplifies Valley’s Fine Dining Editor’s note: To read the full version of this review, visit http:// mahoningvalleyeats.blogspot.com. If you've read the introduction to my Mahoning Valley Eats & Treats blog, you know the reason I started it in the first place is that I truly believe the restaurants here are the best you'll find anywhere. Right at the top of my list of reasons my husband Jack and I make that claim is Vernon's Cafe. Not long ago, we decided to go there for lunch, arriving around 1 p.m. thinking we'd miss the lunch crowd. We did, but barely; quite a few folks were still there, but we were seated immediately. While we looked over the daily specials, our server brought a basket of fresh Italian bread, which we happily dipped in the tasty herb-infused olive oil that’s on each table. We found some great specials, but then I spotted the petite grilled salmon over angel hair pasta with tomatoes, scallions, asparagus and scampi butter sauce ($9.50) from the regular lunch menu. Jack, too, picked from the regular menu - his all-time favorite linguine with red clam sauce ($9). With our entrees come garden salads, with a choice of Italian or raspberry vinaigrette dressings, both made in-house. Both are delicious - he picked one and I the other - and I said yes to our server's offer of topping it off with fresh ground pepper. The entree portions were quite sizable for lunch, and although both of us expected to take some home, it didn’t happen. As we were lamenting our lack of self-control, Jack reminded me of the main reason we love Vernon's: Almost all entrees have some kind of unique touch - something we'd expect to find in big-city restaurants where, I must add, we'd also expect to pay a lot more. Our next time here, for dinner, we were accompanied by our restaurant-loving friends Jerry and Barb from Niles. Once again, we dug in on that wonderful bread and olive oil dip; three of us had ordered salads, while I had Vernon’s to-die-for wedding soup. For our entrees, Jerry ordered Chicken Saltimbocca ($14), two chicken breasts smothered in cheese and asparagus with Yukon gold smashed potatoes. Jack chose chicken cacciatore ($14), two chicken breasts with peppers, onions and other vegetables in a flavorful sauce that he’s had many times before and loves. Barb loves lamb, so she couldn’t resist Colorado chops ($17.50). And when I saw the blackened swordfish with rice ($17.50), I was hooked. The beautifully presented lamb chops included asparagus and au jus - and the only time Barb stopped saying "Wow!" was when she was eating. My swordfish was a very large chunk, and the blackened seasoning was quite spicy and delicious. The rice and grilled vegetables complemented it perfectly. If you go: Vernon's Cafe 720 Youngstown-Warren Road Niles, Ohio 44446
October 5, 2012
What’s Happening Around The Valley: Oct. 5th-Oct 9th Saturday, Oct 6 Riverfest The event celebrates the Mahoning River at the B&O Station. The day will include river activities, hiking, crafts, children’s activities, food and educational displays. The event gets underway at 9 a.m and goes on to 2 p.m. Free. B&O Station is located at 530 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown.
Lawn-Con 3 Free Comic Book Show Lawn-Con returns for its third year today. Chris Yambar, award-winning “Mr. Beat” indie comics creator and writer for Bart Simpson, Spongebob, Popeye and other character titles, opens his yard for a face-to-face meet and greet between the general public and those working in the comic industry and have their comics signed and more. The free events starts at Noon-5 p.m. Free. Lawn-Con takes places at 23 S. Hartford Ave., Youngstown.
Sunday, Oct 7 Pick of the Patch A Booootful Time At MetroParks Farm, people get a chance to on a wagon ride through the fields, over the creek, and to the Pumpkin Patch. They can pick their own pint size pumpkin and afterwards, the riders can decorate their pumpkin (no carving) for a fall display. Wagon rides will leave approximately every hour. Occurs on Sundays in October.1-4 p.m. $2 per person and $3.50 per person with pumpkin. MetroParks Farm is located at 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Canfield;
Lily Pond: Stories Around and Beyond Join Bill Whitehouse and hear about the first goldfish, the Home Cemetery, the Blue Cut, and much more. The Lily Pond at Mill Creek MetroParks walk is a moderate 2 miles from 1:30-3:30 p.m. The participants will at the Lily Pond parking lot. For more information call 330-740-7107.
“The Facts of Fracking” Dr. Jeff Dick, Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Youngstown State University. will present “The Facts of Fracking” The free lecture will take place at Boardman Friends Meeting, Public Library, Boardman Branch, 7680 Glenwood Ave at 10 a.m.
Muffins And Memories: Remembering Y-Town – Idora Park Have muffins, coffee, and enjoy a presentation/slideshow of historic places, events, and people in Y-Town at the Public Library, Newport branch. You can remember Idora Park. Attendees are encourged to bring their memorabilia, souvenirs, photographs and memories to share. The remembering and sharing goes from 10-11 a.m. Public Library, Newport branch is located at 3730 Market St., Youngstown. Need more information, call 330-744-8636.
Learn about Nonviolence with Sojourn of the Past’s Jeff Steinberg In observance of Nonviolence Week, Jeff Steinberg, creator of Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past, will speak about this important topic. Free and open to the public. To learn more about the organization: http:// sojourntothepast.mahoningvalley.info/ 6 p.m. Public Library, Main Library, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown.
October 5, 2012
What’s Happening Around The Valley: Oct. 5th-Oct 9th (cont’d) Tuesday, October 9 Young Writer’s Club @ W-TCPL Kids ages 10 – 14 can improve their writing through exercises, sharing, critiquing, and more in the Young Writer’s Club. The club will meet at 4 p.m. at the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library, Main Library. The library is located at 444 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren
Botanical Pottery: Holiday Berry Bowl Students will learn how to fabricate clay into both a decorative berry bowl and leaf plate at the Fellows Riverside Gardens. The pottery will be glazed, fired, and ready for pickup four weeks after the class. The class is 5:30-8 p.m. $39 ($30 FFRG members). Fellows Riverside Gardens is located at 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown. Call to register at 330-740-7116.
Open Poetry Reading Pig Iron Literary and Art Works host its monthly open poetry reading. Participants may read from original works or read favorite works by others. The readings are open to all – either as presenters or listeners. Readings get under way at 7:30 p.m. Call for more information at 330-747-6932. Pig Iron Press, is located at 26 N. Phelps St. in Downtown Youngstown.
Jigsaw Puzzle Swap Jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts can swap puzzles and have a lot of fun. The swap happens at the Public Library, Boardman Branch at 5 p.m. The library is located at 7680 Glenwood Ave. Boardman.
What Happens Next Book Launch with Colleen Clayton A book launch with a reading and book signing with local writer, Colleen Clayton, whose debut YA novel from Poppy/Little, Brown arrives in stores Oct. 9. The launch will happen at the McDonough Museum of Art on the campus of YSU from 6-8 p.m. Light refreshments and soft drinks will be served. McDonough Museum of Art is at 525 Wick Ave., Youngstown.
ACTION Meeting with Local Public Officials Public officials that include U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, State Senator Joe Schiavoni, Youngstown Schools Superintendent Dr. Connie Hathorn, Youngstown Police Chief Rod Foley, and Youngstown Chief of Staff DeMaine Kitchen will meet at St. Patrick Church for an ACTION Meeting. Participants will discuss topics related to timely social issues. The public is invited. 7-8:30 p.m. The church is located at 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown. Liberty Comics Has Thousands of Comics Books. There is a new place to buy the latest comics and get action figures. Liberty Comics opened last week at 4686 Belmont Ave in the Church Hill Commons Plaza, Liberty. The store has thousands of old and new comic books. Store hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-6 p.m, Sunday 10-6 and Monday Closed.
October 5, 2012
On Stage Youngstown Playhouse: The Women of Lockerbie Inspired by a true story and written in the structure of a Greek tragedy, “The Women of Lockerbie” is a drama about a group of women who want to convert an act of hatred into an act of love. The show runs Oct 5- 6. $17 (adults), $14 (seniors and students), $10 (children). Youngstown Playhouse is located at 600 Playhouse Lane, Youngstown. For ticket info call 330-788-8739.
The Oakland Center for the Arts: The Normal Heart The Normal Heart tells of a city in denial, while a tight-knit group of friends refuses to let doctors, politicians and the press bury the truth of an unspoken epidemic behind a wall of silence. The production will run this weekend starting Friday, October 5 through Saturday, October 6th. Evening performances are at 8 p.m. For tickets or more information, call 330-746-0404. Friday, October 5th performance will benefit the Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry. The Oakland Center for the Arts is located at 220 West Boardman Street in downtown Youngstown
Youngstown State University: The Cherry Orchard Youngstown State University Theater presenst Anton Chekov's The Cherry Orchard, running weekends through Sunday, October 14th in the Spotlight Theater in Bliss Hall. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m. The Cherry Orchard concerns an aristocratic Russian woman and her family as they return to the family estate, which includes a large and well-known cherry orchard just before it is auctioned to pay the mortgage. For tickets or more information, call 330-941-3105.
Stage Left Players: On Golden Pond Ethel and Norman Thayer are returning to their summer home on Golden Pond for the 48th year. They’re visited by their middle-aged daughter and her fiancé, who leave his teenage son behind for the summer. The producction runs Oct. 6-14. Saturday performances begin at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., while Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Stage Left Players is located at 234 E. Lincoln Way, Lisbon. For ticket information call 330-424-5093.
UPCOMING The Victorian Players: The Masque Of The Red Death Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Mask of the Red Death,” which tells the story of a violent disease that is ravaging the countryside. The play will run from Oct. 12-28. The opening night audience will be treated to a wine and cheese reception prior to the performance, and two midnight shows will be offered (Oct. 20, Oct. 27). 7:30 p.m. $10 (adults), $8 (seniors and students). The Victorian Players is located at 702 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown 330-746-5455.
Kent Trumbull Theatre: The Importance Of Being Earnest Two young gentlemen living in 1890s England who have started bending the truth in order to put excitement into their lives. This production of Oscar Wilde’s classic play runs Oct. 12-14 and 19-21. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m., while Sunday matinees begin at 3 p.m. 8 p.m. $10 (adults), $8 (seniors and students), $6 (children under 12). Kent Trumbull Theatre is located at 4314 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren. For ticket information, call 330-675-8833.
October 5, 2012
An Open House at YSU’s College of Fine & Performing Arts For Students. Youngstown State University’s College of Fine & Performing Arts will hold an open house on Monday, October 8. The Dana School of Music will begin activities at 8:30 a.m. in the Bliss Hall first floor lobby. Art, Communication and Theater & Dance Department activities will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Bliss Hall first floor lobby. Students and families interested in any of the four departments housed within the College: Art, Communication, Music or Theater & Dance will have the opportunity to participate in tours, classroom visits, presentations and to meet with faculty and students. Attendees will learn about scholarships, University admissions & financial aid, careers from the four departments. Students interested in attending any portion of the College of Fine & Performing Arts Open House should call 330-941-3625. The events are free; parking is available for a nominal fee in the M1 Wick Avenue parking deck.
A Contest For A Book Cover Illustration Bella Nitesh Spiritual Arts & Education Center is looking to showcase a local artist as its book cover illustrator. “Through the Eyes of a Butterfly” is a multi-author book dedicated to inspirational stories of personal growth and transformation. The concept is based on the life cycle of a butterfly. They are seeking the artist’s interpretation of the butterfly, in watercolor, pencil, acrylic, charcoal, photography and mixed media.. Artwork must be matted and not to exceed 20”X 20” including the matte. The Artist needs to be submitted the art with a signed release form for judging on or before October 26th. Artwork can be dropped off at Bella Nitesh Spiritual Arts & Education Center, 837 Boardman-Canfield Rd. Suite 200 Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m-5 p.m. Release forms will be available at Bella Nitesh. For more information, you can call 330-729-2987. All artwork will be displayed in a show where the winner will be announced. This will take place on November 2, 2012. The location of the event will be announced at a later date.
October 5, 2012
PRIVACY POLICY Some of you on A Byrd’s Eye View newsletter mailing list came to us from other e-mails sent to us regarding stories about Arts events in the area. We thought you would be interested in reading about additional Arts-related information of interest in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys, and added you. However, if you no longer wish to receive the newsletter, simply send a blank e-mail to artbyrdagain@yahoo.com with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
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Excerpts from A Byrd’s Eye View can be read in The Review, Newspaper, available throughout the Valley and online at http://www.thereviewnewspapers.com/
Movie reivews from A Byrd’s Eye View can be read in The Buckeye Review Newspaper, available throughout the Valley at various newstands.
Art Byrd Jr. has won awards as a filmmaker and journalist. After working many years as a videographer and director for WFMJ TV News, he retired from broadcasting to share his experience and insight with students as an instructor at Youngstown State University. Art has written and produced numerous Indie films, which have been shown at prestigious film festivals. In addition to teaching and writing/ producing A Byrd’s Eye View newsletter, Art also does freelance media work. He is based in Youngstown, Ohio.
Monnie Ryan retired in 2003 after 14 years as managing editor of The Business Journal in Youngstown, where she continues to contribute to the print and online editions. Articles she has written have appeared in more than 20 national publications and at several travelrelated Web sites, and she has won numerous awards for photography. Contact her at mryan62692@aol.com.