Good morning, Portage County. As winter's curtain prepares to fall on two of Akron's grandest historic homes, the Summit County Historical Society is offering one final weekend of holiday magic. The Perkins Stone Mansion and John Brown House are throwing open their doors for a free celebration that's part time machine, part cultural festival - complete with century-spanning Christmas displays and the kind of cookies that make history taste delicious.
Speaking of celebrations that warm the heart, West Hill Baptist Church just marked 75 years of faith and fellowship, proving that some foundations only grow stronger with time. And in a touching tribute to enduring love, local author Ronald-Stephane Gilbert has captured his mother's journey with dementia in a new book that finds beauty in life's changing tides, much like the Maine coastline that serves as its backdrop.
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0% ☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏛️ Historic Akron mansions open doors for one last winter weekend. The Summit County Historical Society is hosting a free open house at two iconic properties - the John Brown House and Perkins Stone Mansion. Visitors can enjoy cookies and special-blend coffee while exploring rooms decorated to showcase 100 years of Christmas traditions. The Perkins mansion features decade-themed rooms from 1920-2020, while the John Brown House displays Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and vintage Akron window decorations. After Saturday's event, both historic homes will close until April for their winter break.The summary captures the key points while maintaining an engaging flow, starting with the attention-grabbing first sentence that emphasizes both the timely nature and special access. The emoji represents the historical/architectural aspect of the story.
⛪ Small church's big milestone: 75 years of faith and fellowship. West Hill Baptist Church in Akron marked its diamond anniversary with a celebratory dinner attended by 130 guests and featured speeches from former pastors throughout November 2023. From its humble beginnings at Schumacher School in 1949, the church found its permanent home on North Revere Road in 1971, where it continues to thrive under Rev. Aaron Varner's leadership. The congregation maintains strong community ties through events like "Trunk 'N Treat" and family carnivals, living out their mission of service and sharing the gospel. Looking ahead, the church remains committed to its Biblical foundation while seeking new ways to serve its growing community.
💝 Son chronicles mother's grace as dementia slowly claims her mind. Beachwood author Ronald-Stephane Gilbert turned his visits to coastal Maine into a touching novel about his mother's journey with vascular dementia. Despite the illness's progression, Gilbert celebrates how his mother's fundamental kindness and wit remained intact, comparing her enduring spirit to Maine's changing but still beautiful coastline. The book, "Conversations with My Mother," weaves actual recorded conversations with fictional elements to capture both his mother's dignity and his sister's heroic caregiving role. Gilbert's work has earned praise for its sensitive portrayal of finding joy and connection even as loved ones fade into dementia's grip.
🏀 Basketball Schedule Slam (Boys)
| Team | Opponent | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|
 Crestwood Red Devils | ||
| @ Rootstown | 1/3 @ 7:00pm | |
| @ Wickliffe | 1/7 @ 7:00pm | |
 Field Falcons | ||
| @ Ravenna | 1/7 @ 7:00pm | |
 Garfield G-Men | ||
| vs Newton Falls | 1/6 @ 7:00pm | |
 Rootstown Rovers | ||
| vs Crestwood | 1/3 @ 7:00pm | |
 Southeast Pirates | ||
| vs Jackson-Milton | 1/3 @ 6:45pm | |
| vs Cardinal | 1/4 @ 6:45pm | |
| vs Brookfield | 1/6 @ 6:45pm | |
 Windham Bombers | ||
| vs Aquinas | 1/6 @ 7:00pm | |
 Waterloo Vikings | ||
| @ Springfield | 1/6 @ 7:00pm |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Stylish condo with lovely pond views
This gorgeous free-standing condo in the heart of Ravenna is listed at $229,900 and offers three bedrooms and three baths, including a first-floor master suite. With an open floor plan perfect for entertaining, it features a cozy living room, a sunlit kitchen with all appliances, and a partially finished walk-out basement that leads to a lovely outdoor patio overlooking a scenic community pond.
Spacious home with great amenities
1485 Evergreen Dr in Streetsboro, OH is a charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home listed at $229,900. This well-maintained property features a spacious living room with updated flooring, a kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances, and a fenced backyard perfect for outdoor gatherings, all situated near top-rated schools and local amenities.
Charming and centrally located, this home is listed at $147,900 and sits on a .24-acre lot. With a lovely kitchen and dining area, a cozy living room that includes an office space, and outdoor features like a covered porch and deck for relaxation or barbecues, this property is just minutes from I-80 and conveniently close to schools and shopping.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
-Joshua 1:9