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❄️ Winter Wonderland Events

Dev Test County • January 9, 2025

Good morning, Dev Test County. There's something magical about small-town Ohio winters, when community calendars fill up faster than hot chocolate mugs at a sledding party. From weekly fish fries to family bingo nights, Garrettsville is transforming these chilly months into a season of connection, complete with book clubs, craft circles, and even a special presentation whisking us away to Morocco at the local library.

While some communities hibernate during winter, ours is springing to life with dramatic flair. As Charlotte's Web spins its heartwarming tale at James A. Garfield High School, Cleveland's historic University East Building begins its own transformation story with a $4 million makeover. Though Solon residents might need to reroute their morning commutes due to that massive water main break, at least they'll have plenty of community events to look forward to once they arrive.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

📅 Small-town Ohio comes alive with community events galore this winter. The Garrettsville area is buzzing with activities ranging from book clubs and crafting circles to weekly fish fries and bingo nights. Local institutions like the YMCA, churches, and community centers are hosting regular gatherings designed to bring neighbors together through shared meals, activities, and learning opportunities. A special winter reading challenge at the Portage County District Library runs through February 22, offering prizes and family-friendly activities. The cultural calendar peaks with a production of Charlotte's Web at James A Garfield High School and a special presentation about Morocco at the Garrettsville Library.The summary captures the community-focused nature of the events, opens with a strong hook about small-town life, and highlights key activities while maintaining a warm, engaging tone. The calendar emoji represents the listing of scheduled events, and the five sentences provide a complete picture of the community happenings.

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🏗️ Historic Cleveland apartment building gets $4 million facelift. First Interstate Properties is taking over management of the 98-year-old University East Building in Cleveland's University Circle, planning extensive renovations to modernize its 48 apartments while keeping them affordable for workforce housing. The project, set to debut in August 2025, will add modern amenities like central air conditioning, updated kitchens, and new community spaces to the 1926-built structure. Located at a prime spot near major educational and medical institutions, the building will target both students and healthcare workers. The renovations aim to help the property compete with newer apartment buildings while maintaining more affordable price points for the growing University Circle area.

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🚧 Massive water main break paralyzes major road in Solon, Ohio. Aurora Road has been completely shut down between Richmond Road and Hawthorne Parkway, with no estimated reopening time provided by city officials. The closure, announced Wednesday morning, is forcing all truck traffic to divert to Harper Road or Cochran Road. Drivers attempting to reach Emerald Ridge Parkway must now approach from the eastern side only. Local authorities are urging motorists to plan alternative routes and exercise caution while repairs are underway.

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🏀 Basketball Schedule Slam (Boys)

Team Opponent Date/Time
Aurora Greenmen Logo Aurora Greenmen
@ Cuyahoga Falls
1/10 @ 6:00pm
@ Tallmadge
1/14 @ 7:30pm
Ravenna Ravens Logo Ravenna Ravens
vs South
1/9 @ 6:30pm
@ Norton
1/15 @ 7:00pm
Streetsboro Rockets Logo Streetsboro Rockets
@ Coventry
1/15 @ 7:00pm

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Amy Jackson, CENTURY 21 Logo

PRESENTED BY Amy Jackson, CENTURY 21

Elegant condo with scenic views

Experience modern elegance and cozy comfort in this beautifully renovated condo situated in one of Aurora's most sought-after communities, now listed at $595,000. The home features a striking two-story fireplace, a spacious open floor plan perfect for entertaining, and a large master suite that feels like a private spa. With an outdoor patio overlooking scenic landscapes, complete with a hot tub, this hidden gem in the heart of Walden Farms invites you to escape into nature.

Serene lakeside living awaits you

This stunning home in the Hawthorn community is listed for $885,000 and offers easy access to a private 305-acre lake, a community pool, and sports courts, making it perfect for active living. Featuring five bedrooms and four and a half baths, the open layout includes a spacious kitchen with modern amenities, a cozy living room with vaulted ceilings, and a luxurious owner's suite, all set against serene wooded and creek views in a welcoming cul-de-sac.

Stunning home with ample space

This stunning home, listed at $749,900, boasts custom updates and sits on a spacious 5 acres, perfect for hobbyists or car lovers. The open kitchen features a granite island and top-of-the-line appliances, while the luxurious master suite includes a vaulted ceiling and a marble-appointed bath, complemented by impressive outbuildings that offer extensive storage and workspace.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🌟 Jan. 13 - Join Girl Scouts Launch: Calling all future Girl Scouts! Join an exciting launch event at Reed Memorial Library in Ravenna, where girls can discover what scouting is all about. Stop by January 13 at 6:24 PM.
📚 Jan. 14 - Faith UMC Book Club: Calling all bookworms! Join the cozy monthly book club at Portage Faith United Methodist Church (9922 OH-44, Mantua) on January 14th for friendly discussions and literary connections.
🌑 Jan. 15 - Dine in the Dark: Experience dining like never before at NEOMED's unique "Dine in the Dark" workshop. Partner with Akron Blind Center on January 15th to explore your non-visual senses at 4209 OH-44, Rootstown.
🧩 Jan. 16 - Lake House Trivia Night: Put your trivia knowledge to the test at Lake House Kitchen + Bar's weekly brain-teasing night! Join fellow quiz enthusiasts at 7508 OH-43 in Kent for an evening of friendly competition.
❤️ Jan. 16 - Heart Support Group: Connect with others on your heart health journey at UH Portage Medical Center's supportive monthly gathering. Join fellow community members on January 16 at 6847 N Chestnut St in Ravenna.
🏃 Jan. 16 - Brewery Run Club: Lace up those running shoes and join the fun at North Water Brewing's weekly Run Club! All paces welcome every Thursday at 101 Crain Ave in Kent - reward yourself with a post-run brew.
🏀 Jan. 18 - Miami vs Kent State: Catch all the MAC basketball action as Miami RedHawks battle Kent State Golden Flashes at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center. The collegiate showdown tips off January 18, 2025 in Kent, Ohio.
🌾 Jan. 18 - Winter Farmers' Market: Warm up your winter Saturday mornings at Kent's cozy indoor farmers' market! Local vendors gather at the UU Church's Hobbs Hall (217 N. Mantua St) from 10am to 1pm to offer fresh, seasonal goods.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Northbend Church Logo

PRESENTED BY Northbend Church

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

-1 Corinthians 13:4

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