🗓️ Spring social surge

Good morning, Portage County. Spring has officially sprung, and your social calendar might need reinforcements to handle the explosion of community events on the horizon. The Weekly Villager's community calendar is bursting with everything from Swiss steak dinners to book sales, with dozens of activities stretching through April and May. Whether you're looking to grow vegetables from seed or dive into local courthouse history, there's a gathering with your name on it.

Meanwhile, the food scene is serving up some delicious developments. Cleveland's Brandon Chrostowski just claimed a prestigious James Beard Foundation Impact Award for his work giving formerly incarcerated individuals a fresh start through culinary education. And for those craving a nostalgic bite, Arthur Treacher's fish and chips is staging a remarkable comeback with its third Northeast Ohio location now open in Cleveland Heights, proving some flavors are simply too good to fade away.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Kent

51°

69°

86%

Streetsboro

52°

70°

80%

Aurora

52°

70°

80%

Ravenna

49°

71°

84%

Brimfield

52°

70°

80%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

📅 Portage County communities buzzing with events for all ages. From book reviews to fish fries, the Weekly Villager's community calendar showcases dozens of recurring and special activities throughout April and May. Highlights include a Swiss Steak Dinner on April 5, the Friends of Garrettsville Library Book Sale April 9-12, and EGG FEST 2025 on April 12. The calendar also features educational opportunities like "Growing Vegetables from Seed" on April 2 and the "History of the 1881 Portage County Courthouse" presentation on April 26. Whether you're interested in community meals, historical society meetings, or family Easter activities, there's something for everyone.

🍽️ Cleveland chef wins prestigious James Beard Award for social impact.Brandon Chrostowski, founder of Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute, has been honored with a 2025 James Beard Foundation Impact Award. The Beard Awards, often called the "Oscars of the food industry," recognize excellence across restaurant, media, and humanitarian categories. Chrostowski's organization is known for providing culinary education and opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. The recognition highlights his commitment to using the restaurant industry as a vehicle for social change and second chances.

🐟 Cleveland's iconic fish and chips chain is making a comeback. Arthur Treacher's just opened its third Northeast Ohio restaurant at 13216 Cedar Road in Cleveland Heights. This expansion follows decades where only a single location in Cuyahoga Falls remained after the once-popular chain shuttered nearly all its restaurants nationwide. The new Cleveland Heights location, which officially opened Tuesday, comes after the recent addition of a second restaurant in Garfield Heights. Just a few years ago, the Cuyahoga Falls location was celebrating its 50th anniversary as a nostalgic destination for fish and chips lovers.

Tri-level Winner Under 250k: Priced at $210,000, this tri-level home offers 3 bedrooms, updated kitchen, and new flooring, plus a cozy lower level with gas fireplace and large 2-car detached garage ready for you to move in.

Modern Walden condo no hassle: Priced at $335,000, this stylish and well-maintained 2-bedroom condo in Walden offers modern living with quartz counters, updated bathrooms, and a tranquil setting perfect for those seeking comfort without maintenance headaches.

Massive colonial masterpiece worth exploring: This sprawling $410,000 colonial offers 3,266 square feet with a first-floor master suite, vaulted great room, and four additional bedrooms. Recent updates include a 2020 roof, waterproofed basement, and an oversized garage with hot and cold water access.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🧠 Apr. 3 - Trivia at Lake House: Test your knowledge at Trivia Night at Lake House Kitchen + Bar in Kent! Gather your smartest friends and head to 7508 OH-43 on April 3 for an evening of brain-teasing fun.

🧠 Apr. 3 - Trivia at MadCap: Test your knowledge and enjoy craft brews at MadCap Brew Co's Trivia Night! Join fellow trivia buffs on April 3 at 1422 Mogadore Rd in Kent for an evening of friendly competition.

🎸 Apr. 4 - Noah Smith Live: Cincinnati songwriter Noah Smith brings his whiskey blues and soulful roots to The Outpost Concert Club on April 4. Catch this road-warrior's captivating sound that delights both country and rock fans alike.

🎮 Apr. 4 - Friday Night Social Games: Game night alert! Rally your friends for Friday Night Social Sessions on April 4 at 141 E Summit St in Kent. Dive into Werewolf, Blood on the Clocktower, and more party games with fellow gaming enthusiasts.

🍫 Apr. 4 - Cacao Ceremony with Erica: Immerse yourself in the ancient ritual of cacao at SHINE Ohio! Join Erica Crystol for a 90-minute ceremony on April 4 at 6:00pm. Just $40 for this soul-warming experience in Kent.

🎸 Apr. 05 - Maddox Batson Live: Country sensation Maddox Batson takes the stage at The Dusty Armadillo on April 5! Grab your boots and head to Rootstown for an unforgettable evening of live music starting at 5pm.

🤠 Apr. 5 - Golden Flash Country Bash: Nashville's Yours for the Taking brings country rock vibes to Kent State's Golden Flash Bash! Catch these talented brothers live on April 5 at 800 E Summit St for an unforgettable musical evening.

🙏 Apr. 6 - Upward Church Preview Service: Be part of something new! Join Upward City Church for preview services at Ravenna 7 Movies as they prepare for their Easter 2025 launch. Experience this exciting new community on April 6.

🙏 In Remembrance

Arthur Walker "Junie" Jones Jr.

Arthur Walker Jones Jr. (Junie), born September 4, 1947, passed away on March 28, 2025, in Kent, Ohio at age 77. He served in the US Army from 1968-1970 and worked diligently until retiring in 2020 at age 72. Known for his love of dancing, playing softball, shooting pool, and his memorable smile and laugh, Arthur was a dependable pillar of the Jones family. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, siblings, and numerous other family members, with memorial services scheduled for April 6, 2025, at the Shorts Spicer Crislip Funeral Homes Ravenna Chapel.

Peter P. "Pete" Lorenz

Peter Lorenz, born on November 1, 1948, in Buffalo, New York, passed away on March 29, 2025. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he worked in construction while pursuing higher education, eventually becoming an attorney in Ravenna until his retirement. He was a nature enthusiast who enjoyed fishing, scuba diving, and construction projects, and is survived by his wife Judith, son Christopher, and various family members. Following Peter's wishes, there will be no funeral services, with cremation arrangements handled by Shorts-Spicer-Crislip Funeral Home.

Mary Ann Laubert

Mary Ann Laubert, 84, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, passed away on March 26, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Hooversville, PA, she moved to Kent, OH as a child, later attending University School at Kent State University where she met her husband of 58 years, Robert Laubert. Mary worked in accounting before becoming a stay-at-home mother, later working at Franklin Elementary School, and was known for her volunteer work, baking, gardening, and love of travel. She is survived by her four children, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two sisters-in-law, with funeral services to be held at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kent, OH.

Nancy H Richards

Nancy H. Richards, 86, of Aurora, Ohio passed away on March 23, 2025 at the Arbors at Streetsboro. Born in Cleveland on May 24, 1938 to Michael and Doris Oslovic, she spent most of her life in Aurora as a homemaker and member of St. Joseph Church in Mantua. Nancy is survived by her daughters Bonnie, Brenda, and Liz, her son Walter, eight grandchildren, and multiple great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on April 5, 2025 at the Shorts Spicer Crislip Funeral Homes Streetsboro Chapel.