Benders reunite for benefit show June 6 at Robins

The Benders will reunite to play a benefit show for the Ross Griffin Memorial Foundation on June 6 at the Robins Theatre.

The band featuring Jeff Draime, Dante Cerni, Dave LeMasters and Bill Griffin played out extensively from 2000 to 2004 and opened for such acts as Michael Stanley, Cheap Trick Dennis DeYoung, Gin Blossoms, Bad Company and ZZTop. Bill Griffin died in 2019, but the three remaining members will be joined by Lake Baum (Brass Metropolis) on bass and vocals and Alex Draime, guitar.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday and range from $18 to $25 with proceeds benefiting the foundation started in memory of Griffin’s late son.

YSU hosts automotive educator, influencer

Automotive expert, educator, journalist and influencer Chaya Milchstein will do two programs at Youngstown State University on Monday as part of its Women’s History Month celebration.

Milchstein, founder of Mechanic Shop Femme, will do a workshop on “Are All Mechanics Scammers?” from 3 to 4:15 p.m. Monday in the Presidents’ Suites of Kilcawley Center. It will be followed by a 6 p.m. lecture on “Queering the Industry” at the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor, 151 W. Wood St., Youngstown.

Admission to both events is free.

Lecture looks at local foods with national reach

Local author, artist and historian Tom Welsh will speak on food companies with Mahoning Valley roots for the next William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society’s Memories of a Lifetime program.

Welsh, who’s written books on such topics as classic area restaurants and William M. Cafaro, will focus on Isaly’s, whose ice cream, dairy products and deli meats were available regionally; the Good Humor ice cream, a national favorite created in Youngstown; and Arby’s, an international fast food chain that started in Boardman.

The program starts at 10 a.m. March 22 at Denny’s meeting room, 4020 Belmont Ave., Liberty. Admission is $10 for McGuffey members and $15 for non-members. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling 330-726-8277.