Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Portage County / April 29, 2025

🧩 Autism access maze

Portage County • April 29, 2025

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Good morning, Portage County. Across America, nearly 1 in 44 children have autism spectrum disorder, yet for Hispanic families like Maria Paula Bozoklian and her son Landon, language barriers can transform the already complex journey of accessing support into a labyrinth of challenges. While organizations like Milestones Autism Resources are stepping up with Spanish-language services, the intersection of cultural stigma, healthcare complexity, and communication hurdles remains a significant obstacle for many families navigating these essential resources.

Meanwhile, excellence flourishes in our community as Chagrin Falls senior Jack Medhurst balances academics, employment, and leadership with remarkable poise, earning Rotary recognition while maintaining a 4.0+ GPA. And for the foodies among us, Cleveland Magazine's Silver Spoon Awards have officially crowned the region's culinary champions for 2025, with westside establishments claiming top honors and Lago East Bank dominating multiple categories. Mark your calendars for the celebration event on May 14 at Huntington Bank Field.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🧩 Hispanic families battle language barriers in accessing autism support. Maria Paula Bozoklian faced challenges after her son Landon's autism diagnosis, but her English skills helped her navigate resources. Many Hispanic families struggle with language barriers when seeking services, as providers often lack interpretation options. Cultural perceptions, stigma, immigration concerns, and complex healthcare systems create additional obstacles. Milestones Autism Resources offers a Spanish helpdesk to bridge these gaps, helping families understand their rights and access translation services.

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🎓 Chagrin Falls senior balances work, academics, and leadership excellence. Jack Medhurst earned Chagrin Valley Rotary Club's April Student of the Month recognition for his outstanding community service and leadership qualities. With a GPA over 4.0 and Advanced Placement Scholar status, Jack also led his school's Small Business Management Team to third place at state competition, qualifying for nationals in Orlando. Beyond academics, he works at ETalian restaurant and C.O. Landscaping while immersing himself in Spanish culture studies. Jack plans to pursue global business at the University of South Florida, hoping to build meaningful cross-cultural connections.

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🍽️ Cleveland foodies have crowned their culinary champions for 2025. The annual Silver Spoon Awards, voted by Cleveland Magazine readers, celebrate the city's top dining establishments across dozens of categories. Westsiders claimed Best New Restaurant honors, while Lago East Bank dominated multiple categories including Downtown Restaurant and Best Wine List. The comprehensive awards span cuisine types from African to Vietnamese, plus specialty categories like Best Brunch and Best Food Truck. Winners will be celebrated at a special event on May 14 at Huntington Bank Field.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Hillside split-level no land: This custom build priced at $218,850 offers a hillside-friendly split-level home with three bedrooms, two baths, and a drive-under garage, but note that land costs aren't included.
Real estate listing image Affordable updated ranch with extras: Priced at $189,000, this newly renovated ranch home offers three bedrooms, updated bathroom, modern kitchen, full basement, and a spacious backyard with deck, all complemented by 2020 roof and siding updates.
Real estate listing image Gorgeous acreage with modern rustic: For $289,000, this 2021 ranch home sits on 4+ acres with a nearly new horse barn featuring stalls, a storage building, wood stove, propane tank, solar system, and a 2022 well, but no electricity.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🧠 Apr. 29 - Zephyr Pub Trivia Night: Test your trivia skills at Zephyr Pub's weekly brain battle on April 29! Gather your smartest friends at 106 W Main St in Kent for an evening of fun competition and pub favorites.
🎨 Apr. 29 - Spring Sip & Paint: Unleash your creativity at West Main St Winery's Spring Sip and Paint on April 29! Brush in one hand, wine in the other as you create a unique masterpiece in this fun, memorable evening.
🐴 Apr. 30 - Centerra Equine Night: Saddle up for Equine Night at Centerra Country Store Ravenna! Horse enthusiasts will gather at Edinburg Town Hall on Wednesday, April 30th at 6 PM for this not-to-be-missed community event.
🧠 May 1 - Trivia at Lake House: Test your knowledge at Trivia Night at Lake House Kitchen + Bar! Gather your smartest friends and head to Kent on May 1 for an evening of fun competition and delicious eats.
🏴‍☠️ May 1 - Corsair Club Meetup: Calling all Corsair enthusiasts! Join the Corsair Club Meeting on May 1 at 7648 Peck Rd in Ravenna for camaraderie and conversation with fellow aviation buffs. New members always welcome!
🏎️ May 3 - Portage Soap Box Derby: Rev up for thrills at the Portage County Spring Rally! Young racers will zoom down Derby Downs on May 3 at the Soap Box Derby track in Akron. A day of speed and smiles awaits!
🎸 May 3 - Terri Clark Country Concert: Country star Terri Clark brings her powerhouse vocals to The Dusty Armadillo on May 3, joined by Wade Hayes for an unforgettable night of toe-tapping tunes and honky-tonk hits in Rootstown.
🧘‍♀️ May 3 - Prenatal Yoga Certification: Nurture your teaching practice at SHINE Ohio's Prenatal Yoga Certification on May 3. This 7-hour program at 5190 Cline Rd in Kent welcomes all participants and qualifies for YA CE credits.

🙏 In Remembrance

Andrea Dianum Williams

Andrea Dianum Williams, a 60-year-old Toledo resident known as "The Queen" and "Mommy," passed away unexpectedly on March 25, 2025, in Kent, OH. Born January 10, 1965, she was preceded in death by her husband Edward and is survived by her six children and two grandchildren. Andrea served as a church treasurer at Latter Day Kingdom Ministries and worked as a Nurse's Aide, library security member, and cook at the Library Cafe. Her memorial service will be held on May 17, 2025, at Latter Day Kingdom Ministries in Toledo, followed by a repass at Walbridge Park.

Andrea Dianum Williams
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