🌳 Parks and sparkle

Good morning, Portage County. Aurora is literally writing its next chapter in concrete and classrooms. At the State of the City luncheon, officials celebrated a rare educational hat trick—five stars in all state report card components for the third consecutive year—while unveiling transformative plans for the 47-acre Geauga Lake property. Rather than another shopping center, residents will soon enjoy a sprawling public park, with $415,000 in grant funding already secured for spring groundbreaking.

The landscape of opportunity extends beyond Aurora, with Orange Village reimagining its vacant Bahama Breeze site as an upscale mixed-use development reminiscent of RH Cleveland. Meanwhile, the village welcomed firefighter Patrick Heraghty to its ranks, raised spending thresholds for greater efficiency, and adopted tree canopy ordinances that ensure the community grows both upward and outward with intention.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Kent

26°

42°

85%

Streetsboro

25°

42°

81%

Aurora

25°

42°

81%

Ravenna

24°

42°

75%

Brimfield

26°

42°

85%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏙️ Aurora's future shines bright with new park plans and top schools. At the annual State of the City luncheon, outgoing Superintendent Mike Roberto highlighted Aurora Schools' achievement of five stars in all components on the state report card for the third consecutive year. Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin announced exciting plans for the newly purchased 47-acre Geauga Lake property, which will be transformed into a public park rather than commercial development. The city has secured a $415,000 grant for demolition work on the Aurora side of the property, with groundbreaking scheduled for spring. Despite challenges like declining state funding for public schools, Aurora continues to thrive with new businesses opening and infrastructure improvements.

🏙️ Vacant Bahama Breeze site to transform into mixed-use development. Orange Village Council will hold public hearings on March 12 to discuss plans for demolishing the former Caribbean restaurant and replacing it with a showroom-office complex similar to RH Cleveland. Mayor Judson Kline announced the redevelopment proposal for the property at 3900 Orange Place, which has been empty since 2020. The council must determine whether to allow showrooms as an accessory to interior design services in the planned mixed-use development district. Additional hearings will address variance requests for the Lakes of Orange residential development and non-age-restricted townhomes at the Vitalia Omni Lifestyle property.

🚒 Orange Village welcomes new firefighter amid busy council meeting. Patrick Heraghty, a paramedic with Mayfield Heights Fire Department, was sworn in as a part-time firefighter/paramedic. Council also raised the mayor's spending limit from $15,000 to $25,000 and increased the threshold for mandatory public bidding to $75,000. The village adopted a tree canopy ordinance to complement its tree preservation rules, ensuring proper planting guidance. Additionally, council authorized the purchase of police and fire radios and discussed filling a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission due to a member's medical leave.

Luxurious golf course adjacent refuge: This $400,000 four-bedroom home features hardwood floors, a kitchen overlooking a fireplace-equipped family room, and a primary suite with vaulted ceilings, all nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac near Club Walden Golf Course.

Spacious colonial modern meets classic: Listed for $375,000, this 2,024 sq. ft. colonial offers 3 bedrooms, modern upgrades like vinyl plank flooring, and a finished basement, all wrapped in timeless charm with a private fenced backyard.

Riverside luxury worth every penny: This stunning $499,000 riverfront haven boasts a meticulously remodeled open-concept interior with vaulted ceilings, gourmet kitchen featuring quartz countertops, and luxurious amenities including a private boat ramp on the picturesque Cuyahoga River.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🧠 Mar. 7 - Trivia Night at Lake: Test your knowledge at Trivia Night at Lake House Kitchen + Bar! Gather your smartest friends and head to Kent on March 7 for brain-teasing fun, good food, and friendly competition.

🎮 Mar. 7 - Social Deduction Game Night: Gather your friends for Friday Night Social Sessions at 141 E Summit St in Kent! Join the fun on March 7 playing Werewolf, Blood on the Clocktower, and more party games with new pals.

🌿 Mar. 7 - Essential Oils Workshop: Discover the power of essential oils with Jackie Palumbo at Sandi's Creative Corner on March 7! Learn which oils this decade-long enthusiast considers must-haves for your home during this enlightening workshop.

🧠 Mar. 7 - Sensory Play for Tots: Little explorers will delight in "Sensory Sensations" at Reed Memorial Library on March 7, where kids ages 2-5 can discover and play at interactive stations during this drop-in experience.

💬 Mar. 7 - Streetsboro Morning Discussion: Join the conversation at Streetsboro AM Discussion on March 7th at 8940 OH-43. Start your morning with engaging local dialogue in this welcoming community gathering spot in Streetsboro.

👑 Mar. 7 - Greek Gods Fashion Show: Strike a pose for charity at TKE's Greek Gods & Monsters Fashion Show benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Join the mythological runway magic on March 7 at 1075 Risman Dr, Kent.

✨ Mar. 7 - Magnetic Mending + Rest: Revitalize your spirit at SHINE Ohio's Magnetic Mending + Rest Immersion! Join Cortney Martinelli on March 7 for this transformative experience combining energy healing and deep restoration at 5190 Cline Rd, Kent.

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

💰 Financial Friday

Review your subscriptions regularly to identify any services you may no longer use or need; cancelling unused memberships can free up extra cash that can be redirected towards your savings or investments.

🙏 In Remembrance

Frank E Hanna

Frank E. Hanna, 89, of Charlestown Township passed away on March 2, 2025, at Altercare Post Acute Rehabilitation Center in Brimfield. Born in Palestine, WV in 1935, Frank was a foreman for Chrysler Corporation, a volunteer firefighter, and a member of the Charlestown United Methodist Church. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and special friend Karen Knoll, while being preceded in death by his parents, wife Carol, and brother William. Frank was remembered as someone who was loved by everyone he met and was always willing to help others.