🐎 Healing hooves

Good morning, Portage County. Talent blooms in unexpected places, as demonstrated by 18-year-old Christiana Paul, whose poignant photograph of two "hugging" horses captured during pandemic isolation has earned her a prestigious national art scholarship. This Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin senior found healing through her creative expression, proving that sometimes our most meaningful work emerges from challenging times—a reminder worth framing as she prepares to balance volleyball, art studies, and pre-professional coursework at Kenyon College this fall.

Mother Nature herself seems to be celebrating artistic achievement, with 87 pristine acres in Copley Township transitioning from farmland to Summit Metro Parks' newest natural canvas. While you're marking your calendar for the transformation of this ecological treasure, don't forget the rich tapestry of community gatherings happening weekly throughout our region—from Monday morning book reviews to Friday fish fries, our local social landscape is as diverse as the wetlands, forests and streams soon to be preserved for future generations.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Kent

26°

31°

Streetsboro

26°

33°

Aurora

26°

33°

Ravenna

27°

33°

Brimfield

26°

31°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎨 Chardon teen's art wins prestigious national scholarship. Christiana Paul, an 18-year-old Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin senior, earned the Visual Arts Scholarship from the National Society of High School Scholars for her charcoal painting and a photograph titled "Equine Embrace." The winning photo, taken at Lake Metroparks FarmPark during pandemic quarantine, captures two horses that appeared to be hugging and holds special significance as her mother stood beside her when she took it. Art has been therapeutic for Paul throughout her life, helping her relax while pushing her creative boundaries. Heading to Kenyon College this fall on a volleyball scholarship, she plans to minor in studio art while pursuing pre-law or pre-veterinary studies.

📅 Your community calendar is packed with local events for everyone! The Weekly Villager's "We're All Invited" section highlights numerous recurring activities throughout Portage and Geauga counties. From Monday morning book reviews at the YMCA to Friday fish fries at the Eagles Club, residents can find something happening nearly every day of the week. Community meals are offered regularly, including free dinners at Covenant Bible Fellowship and St. Ambrose's popular BINGO nights. Special seasonal events include the How Sweet It Is Maple Tour in March and Parkman's traditional Pancake Breakfasts, ensuring locals stay connected through food, fellowship, and fun.

🌳 Summit Metro Parks receives 87-acre land donation for new park. The Western Reserve Land Conservancy donated the Boughton family property in Copley Township, which had been used for farming since 1850. This will become the park district's 17th park and the first in Copley, advancing their goal of having parks throughout Summit County. The conservancy will restore the land's ecology with funding from H2Ohio grants and assistance from US Fish and Wildlife Services. While development will take years, initial plans include a parking lot and hiking trail to make the wetlands, forest and streams accessible to the public.

Remodeled Ravenna home move-in ready: Priced at $215,000, this Ravenna home comes completely remodeled and move-in ready with updated kitchen, bathrooms, new flooring, and mechanical systems including furnace, AC, and waterproofed basement.

Ranch Home Complete Package: Priced at $234,900, this cozy ranch-style home in Ravenna offers three bedrooms, beautiful hardwood floors, an eat-in kitchen, and a screened-in porch, with added bonuses of a two-car garage and partially finished lower level.

Cozy campus-adjacent ranch home: This $149,900 ranch-style home offers 2-3 bedrooms, remodeled bath, hardwood floors, and a full basement. The property features a large covered porch and sits minutes from Kent State University and downtown Kent.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🧠 Mar. 6 - Trivia Night at LHK: Test your knowledge at Trivia Night at Lake House Kitchen + Bar! Challenge friends and enjoy good food on March 6 at 7508 OH-43 in Kent. Bring your thinking cap and competitive spirit!

🗣️ Mar. 06 - Streetsboro AM Discussion: Join the conversation at Streetsboro AM Discussion on March 6 at 8940 OH-43. Start your morning with community connection and engaging dialogue in this welcoming local gathering.

🌿 Mar. 6 - Essential Oil Living Workshop: Unlock the power of essential oils with expert Jackie Palumbo at Sandi's Creative Corner on March 6! Discover her decade of experience and learn which oils are must-haves for your home wellness toolkit.

🎮 Mar. 7 - Friday Night Social Games: Unleash your inner detective at Friday Night Social Sessions! Gather with friends at 141 E Summit St in Kent on March 7 for thrilling social deduction games like Werewolf, Blood on the Clocktower, and more.

🛩️ Mar. 8 - Kent State Indoor Fly: Take flight at Kent State's Indoor Fun Fly on March 8! Model aircraft enthusiasts will gather at Kent State University (800 E Summit St) for this community aerial event. Check Facebook for latest updates.

🎤 Mar. 8 - Recovery Open Mic Night: Express yourself at Saturday Night Vibes! OUR Place in Downtown Ravenna hosts an uplifting open mic night on March 8 where you can share music, poetry, or simply enjoy local talent in a supportive space.

🎻 Mar. 9 - Tunes at the Tower: Catch lively melodies with Ed Caner at Bell Tower Brewing's Tunes at the Tower series on March 9. Enjoy craft beer and toe-tapping tunes at this cozy Kent hotspot on Park Avenue.

🙏 In Remembrance

Madonna Elana Esposito

Madonna Elana Esposito, 74, passed away on March 2, 2025, at Arden Courts in Parma, Ohio after battling an illness. She was born in Ravenna, Ohio in 1950, retired from ODOT after 39 years of service, and was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church. Madonna is survived by her five sisters, one brother, 16 nieces and nephews, and 22 great-nieces and nephews. Her funeral mass will be held on March 6, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna, with the family suggesting donations to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital or Miracle City Hospice in lieu of flowers.