Neighbors Spotlight: Patti Wirtz

Q. What do you like best about living in your town?

A. I really like being a small business owner here and contributing to our community. I also like the fact that Austintown has just about everything you need without having to travel very often to the more congested areas like 224.

Q. What one thing would you add to your town if money was not an issue?

A. I would love to see a community swimming pool or lake and an ice skating rink.

Q. Describe the last community event you went to:

A. When my daughter was practicing tennis, I used to take her and her friends/teammates to Austintown Park on Tuesdays. I would take a lawn chair or a blanket and watch the free concerts while they practiced. It is a great way to spend a lazy warm Tuesday night. I especially like the country bands.

Q. If there was a store or business to add to your town, which would you like it to be?

A. I would really like to see a large scale sporting goods store, like Dicks. Maybe a Hobby Lobby (I miss the old Piece Goods store that had all the sewing stuff). Also, an Olive Garden.

Q. If you could name a street after someone, who would it be?

A. I would have to change the name of Notre Dame to Wirtz Blvd. because 15 Wirtz’s grew up on that street, the old “Family Homestead” is still there and still inhabited by a Wirtz (Jerry and his wife Karen).

Q. Where is your favorite place in town to go for a little hideaway time or bite to eat?

A. Wow, we are so busy, we hardly go out at all, but I love the Upstairs Lounge. They have awesome food and a really quiet, romantic atmosphere.

Q. What one place would you direct an outsider to visit to experience your town?

A. If it were summer or fall, I would have to say Austintown Park or the walking trail. They are both such peaceful places and in the fall, the colors here are out of this world!

Q. Is there a song, book or movie that you hear or see and say “They’re describing me?

A. I don’t know about “describing” me, but I’m a huge country fan and I love a lot of songs by Sugarland. I just love their style and lyrics, especially their upbeat, fun songs.