🕯️ Celebrating change - Portage County

Good morning, Portage County. In the depths of winter, two remarkable stories of freedom and reinvention are lighting up Northeast Ohio. At Hale Farm and Village, the legacies of civil rights champions Sara Lucy Bagby and Sojourner Truth are being celebrated through powerful artifacts and stories that remind us how far we've come – and how far we still have to go.

Meanwhile, Akron's punk scene is getting an acoustic makeover as Tracey Thomas, the fierce frontwoman of Unit 5, trades power chords for personal poetry at 65. And for those seeking spine-tingling thrills, Vincent Price's daughter Victoria is leading a parade of horror icons into Cuyahoga Falls this weekend, proving that February doesn't have to wait for Halloween to get delightfully spooky.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Kent

32°

42°

89%

Streetsboro

32°

42°

89%

Aurora

31°

42°

89%

Ravenna

32°

42°

89%

Brimfield

32°

42°

89%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

✊ Historic civil rights champions honored at special Akron gathering. Hale Farm and Village is hosting "Pathways to Freedom," celebrating the legacies of Sara Lucy Bagby, the last person returned to slavery under the Fugitive Slave Act, and Sojourner Truth, famous for her 1851 Akron speech. The free February 8th event will showcase historical artifacts and stories of both remarkable women, who fought for freedom and justice. Truth's legacy is permanently marked by a life-size statue at the recently christened Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza. Bagby, who later found freedom during the Civil War, ultimately returned to Cleveland, where she lived until 1906.

🎸 Akron punk icon reinvents herself at 65 with acoustic album. Tracey Thomas, former frontwoman of the 1970s underground band Unit 5, is releasing both a memoir "Little Miss Akron" and a new acoustic album "Words Can't Save Us Now." Though her early punk bands never achieved mainstream success despite industry attention, Thomas found her true voice by learning instruments and writing personal songs. The album, produced with Ryan Humbert of The Shootouts, features original compositions and covers ranging from Jim Ballard to Taylor Swift. Thomas will debut her new work at Weathervane Playhouse, backed by a six-piece ensemble.

🎃 Horror fans ready for star-studded spookfest in Cuyahoga Falls. The Akronomicon convention brings together horror movie celebrities and enthusiasts this Saturday at Emidio's Expo Center. Notable guests include Vincent Price's daughter Victoria and several actors from "The Walking Dead" and classic horror films. Visitors can explore exhibits, attend talks, and meet performers from beloved scary movies like "My Bloody Valentine" and "House of Wax." Adult tickets are $15, with discounted admission for children under 10.

🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)

LaBrae's defense put on a clinic in their 44-34 road win over Garfield, proving that sometimes the best offense is just stopping the other team from scoring. The Vikings improved to 15-3, while they prepare for a David vs. Goliath matchup against winless Liberty tomorrow.The Roosevelt Rough Riders lived up to their name, roughing up Revere 47-34 in a convincing league victory that pushed their record to 11-8. The Minutemen might want to consider a name change to the Second Men after this one.Crestwood's Red Devils brought the heat to Kirtland, walking away with a 56-43 road win that bumped their impressive record to 15-4. The Hornets got stung on their home court and will look to rebound against a struggling Geneva squad.

Team	Opponent	Score
Crestwood (15-4)
	@ Kirtland	W 56-43
Garfield (7-10)
	vs LaBrae	L 44-34
Rootstown (17-1)
	@ Chaney	W 72-49
Roosevelt (11-8)
	vs Revere	W 47-34
Windham (3-15)
	vs Berkshire	L 53-33

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Serene ranch home on spacious lot: On the market for $210,000, this charming 1958 ranch home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,240 square feet on a serene 1.7-acre lot in Edinburg Township, merging country charm with modern convenience.

Mid-Century Modern with potential: Discover a charming Mid-Century Modern home in Kent, Ohio, listed at $330,000, featuring five bedrooms, a spacious layout, and a nearly half-acre vacant lot for future potential. Enjoy the wooded surroundings while being just minutes from KSU and local amenities.

Spacious rural retreat with versatility: Located in Randolph, this 4,777 square foot brick home on 36.4 acres features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a large eat-in kitchen, and geothermal heating, all for $800,000. Perfect for farming, hunting, or hosting family and friends, this property offers versatile living close to local universities.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎲 Jan. 31 - Social Gaming Night: Get your detective hat on for Friday Night Social Sessions! Join fellow sleuths for engaging party games like Werewolf and Two Rooms and a Boom at 141 E Summit St in Kent.

🥖 Jan. 31 - Sourdough Baking Workshop: Knead some knowledge at The Bohemian Mama's sourdough masterclass! Join bread experts Bessie Zinz and Brian Brinkman for an evening of doughy delights at the BoMa Barn on January 31st, 6-8pm.

📚 Feb. 01 - Hey! Book Journey Talk: Ever wonder how books make it to library shelves? Join local librarian Julie for a behind-the-scenes peek into a book's journey at Reed Memorial Library in Ravenna on February 1.

🌾 Feb. 01 - 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 with fresh produce and artisanal goods.

🎨 Feb. 01 - Community Hobby Hangout: Unleash your creative side at Community Hobby Day! Join fellow makers for a fun afternoon of building and painting projects on February 1st at 141 E Summit Street in Kent.

🏺 Feb. 02 - Antique Bottle Treasure Hunt: Calling all bottle enthusiasts! Discover the fascinating world of antique bottles at Reed Memorial Library in Ravenna on Feb 2, where experts will share history and provide free appraisals of your vintage finds.

💰 Financial Friday

Consider setting up an automatic transfer to your savings or investment accounts each month; treating your savings like a fixed expense can help grow your wealth over time without requiring much effort on your part.

🙏 In Remembrance

Mary Davis

Mary Ann Davis (nee Wolpert), age 91, of Aurora, OH, passed away, leaving behind cherished memories as the beloved wife of the late Charles Davis. She is survived by her loving children, Elizabeth, Laura, and Alice, and dear grandchildren, Matthew, Caroline, and Elizabeth. Mary Ann was also a treasured sister to Regina Bower. In her memory, contributions may be made to The Cleveland Orchestra or Plymouth Church, where a memorial service will be held at a later date, followed by a private entombment at Lake View Cemetery.

Sondra M. Cooney

Sondra M. Cooney, 88, of Kent, OH, passed away on January 20, 2025, at Akron General Medical Center. Born on May 31, 1936, in Mount Vernon, OH, she had a distinguished academic career, earning degrees from Manchester College, the University of Michigan, and The Ohio State University, where she met her husband, James. Sondra taught literature and writing for over thirty years at Kent State University's Stark Campus and was known for her expertise on 19th-century Scottish publishers, William and Robert Chambers. A member of Christ Episcopal Church for over 50 years, she was celebrated for her vibrant personality, deep faith, and commitment to research. She is survived by her daughter Margaret, son Charles, and granddaughter Katherine, with services scheduled at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Christ Episcopal Church.

June D. Dressel

June D. Dressel, 96, of Kent, passed away on January 24, 2025, with her son Don by her side. A lifelong resident and member of the United Methodist Church, June was a dedicated single mother and a beloved grandmother, known for her commitment to family and friends. She retired after over 30 years as a Biology teacher in the Streetsboro school system, where she made a lasting impact on her students. June is survived by her son Donald, grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation and funeral services will be held on February 1, 2025, at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home, with private burial to follow.

Tyrone Hornbuckle

Tyrone Hornbuckle, 65, of Windham, OH, passed away on January 25, 2025, due to cardiac arrest. Born on May 2, 1959, in Cleveland, he was a talented musician and lifelong learner, known for his generosity and love for teaching. He cherished his time spent outdoors, traveling with his life partner, Jennifer Wampler, and enjoyed golf, fishing, and visiting various attractions. Tyrone is survived by his partner, children, siblings, grandchildren, and beloved pets. A memorial service will be held on January 30, 2025, with an invitation for friends to join the family afterwards for a meal.

Margaret S. Arnold

Margaret S. Arnold, 72, of Lakemore Village, formerly of Peninsula, passed away on January 17, 2025. Born in Cleveland on August 14, 1952, she was a graduate of Woodridge High School and earned her Master's in Library Science from Kent State University. A U.S. Army veteran, she worked at the Akron Public Library and was known for her love of reading and animals, particularly horses and rescued cats. She is survived by her brother John W. Arnold and sister-in-law Gayle Klauser. Margaret will be cremated, with a graveside service set for February 3, 2025, at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

Jason M. Cushing

Jason M. Cushing, 42, of Streetsboro, unexpectedly passed away on January 25, 2025. A supervisor at NOVO Health Services and previously at Cleveland Steel Corporation, Jason was known for his comedic personality and love for activities like bowling and camping. He is survived by his mother, fiancée, three sons, brother, sister, grandmother, and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held on February 9, 2025, with cremation honoring his wishes. Memorial donations can be made to the Autism Society of Greater Akron.

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🔥 Rising from the ashes

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