Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Portage County / April 23, 2025

🏒 New spaces, new places

Portage County • April 23, 2025

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Good morning, Portage County. The landscape of local services is shifting as Hattie Larlham prepares to relocate its adult disability programs from Bedford Heights to a newly leased space in Solon on August 1. This strategic move represents a significant operational change for the Mantua-based nonprofit, which has built its reputation on creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Northeast Ohio.

Meanwhile, Ravenna has plenty to celebrate according to Mayor Frank Seman's State of the City address, with the general fund reaching a record $13.2 million and infrastructure improvements transforming the community. And as the Cuyahoga Valley National Park marks its 50th anniversary, it's also bidding farewell to a defining leaderβ€”Deb Yandala steps down as Conservancy CEO this June after shepherding transformative projects like the Boston Mills Visitor Center and the purchase of Brandywine Golf Course during her remarkable tenure.

🌀 Sky Skoop

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β˜•οΈ What's Brewing Locally

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β™Ώ Nonprofit relocates disability services to new Solon location. Hattie Larlham, which provides programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will move its adult day services from Bedford Heights to Solon on August 1. The Mantua-based organization has leased new space in Solon while shuttering its Bedford Heights location. This move represents a significant operational change for the nonprofit, which focuses on creating opportunities and support for individuals with disabilities throughout Northeast Ohio.

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πŸ™οΈ Ravenna mayor celebrates financial turnaround in State of the City address. Frank Seman highlighted the city's economic recovery, noting the general fund reached an all-time high of $13.2 million and the bond rating improved to A1. The city completed significant infrastructure projects including Main Street paving and demolition of the old Oak Rubber property, while also strengthening police and fire department staffing. LG Chem's manufacturing facility opened after delays, marking significant economic growth for the area. Seman, a self-described "Blue Dog Democrat," also urged support for the upcoming school levy, warning of state oversight if it fails for a fifth time.

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🌳 Deb Yandala steps down after shaping Cuyahoga Valley National Park's legacy. As CEO of the Conservancy for nearly half of the park's 50-year existence, Yandala has overseen major projects including the purchase of Brandywine Golf Course and completion of Boston Mills Visitor Center. She's especially proud of her work educating the next generation of park stewards through the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center. Despite recent challenges with federal budget cuts that temporarily eliminated four positions, Yandala remains optimistic about the park's future as she prepares to retire in June. She plans to begin part-time work with the National Park Foundation while hoping her successor maintains the commitment to keeping the park accessible to all.

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🏑 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Mystery home needs details: This property is available for $210,000, but unfortunately no description is provided to highlight its features or amenities. Contact the listing agent for more details about this mystery home.
Real estate listing image Brick Cape Modern Luxury Upgrades: This charming $274,900 brick cape offers hardwood floors, a fireplace, and new stainless steel appliances, plus a large rear deck with privacy fence, 4-seasons porch, and a luxurious owner's suite with dual closets.
Real estate listing image Countryside ranch near highway 82: For $199,000, this quaint 2-bedroom ranch sits on nearly 2 acres of countryside, offering peaceful rural living with modern comforts while providing convenient access to amenities via nearby State Route 82.

πŸ—“οΈ Happenings & Hoopla

🧠 Apr. 24 - Trivia at Lake House: Test your knowledge and win big at Trivia Night at Lake House Kitchen + Bar! Gather your smartest friends on April 24 for a brain-bending evening of fun at 7508 OH-43 in Kent.
πŸͺ• Apr. 25 - American Roots Music Festival: Tap your toes at the free American Roots Music Festival on April 25! The Loft (112 W Main St, Kent) comes alive with soulful Bluegrass and Country performances all day long.
🎸 Apr. 25 - Ben Gage Live: Folk troubadour Ben Gage brings his soulful melodies to Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center on April 25. Catch this intimate performance at 7:00 PM in the heart of downtown Kent.
🀠 Apr. 25 - Country Honk: Stomp your boots and raise a glass at Country Honk, bringing toe-tapping tunes to Water Street Tavern on April 25. The music kicks off at 6:00 PM in downtown Kent.
πŸ’‘ Apr. 25 - Marriage Encounter Weekend: Rekindle the spark at the Marriage Encounter weekend in Streetsboro! Enrich your relationship with your spouse in the casual, welcoming atmosphere of Fairfield Inn & Suites on April 25.
🎸 Apr. 25 - Jason Michael Carroll: Country star Jason Michael Carroll brings his chart-topping hits to The Dusty Armadillo in Rootstown on April 25. Grab your boots and join the fun starting at 7:00 PM!
πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Apr. 26 - Family Fun Day: Jump into family fun at Ravenna School System on April 26! Portage County Job and Family Services hosts a free day of games, crafts, bounce houses, food, prizes and more at 703 Oakwood St.
🌎 Apr. 26 - Earth Day Park Cleanup: Roll up your sleeves for Earth Day at West Branch State Park! Join the community clean-up effort on April 26th from 9-11am, with garbage bags provided by ODNR. Meet at 5570 Esworthy Rd, Ravenna.
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