🌟 Homeward bound

Good morning, Portage County. When 16-year-old Ezra Epstein and 27 Cleveland-area teens departed for an educational program in Israel, they never imagined they'd find themselves sheltering underground during missile attacks. Their harrowing journey home—removing Jewish identifiers, crossing borders as sirens wailed, and navigating through multiple countries—ended safely but left a profound impact. "I learned a lot about what it means to be Jewish, and to be prideful of who you are," Epstein reflected after his unexpected odyssey.

Across Northeast Ohio, communities are charting different paths forward. Beachwood has emerged as a regional standout, acquiring 60 acres for future development without raising taxes while pioneering environmental initiatives like Ohio's first solar-powered streetlight program. Meanwhile, Hudson's City Council has taken a different approach to change, voting 5-1 to prohibit all cannabis-related businesses despite statewide legalization and interest from potential operators and hundreds of supportive residents.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Kent

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Streetsboro

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Aurora

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Ravenna

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Brimfield

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🚨 Teen's Israel trip became a terrifying escape from missile attacks. Ezra Epstein and 27 Cleveland-area teens found themselves sheltering underground when Iran launched missiles at Israel during their educational program. The group was forced to remove all Jewish identifiers before crossing into Jordan as sirens wailed overhead, eventually making their way home through Cyprus and Greece. Despite the harrowing experience, the 16-year-old Shaker Heights student says he feels more connected to Israel and his Jewish identity than before. "I learned a lot about what it means to be Jewish, and to be prideful of who you are," Epstein reflected.

🏙️ Beachwood shines as Northeast Ohio's model city of excellence. Mayor Justin Berns highlights the city's achievements in public safety, including the Police Chief's prestigious FBI National Academy graduation and enhanced terrorism task force partnerships. Economically, Beachwood made strategic land acquisitions totaling 60 acres without raising taxes, positioning the city for future growth and residential development. The city earned top marks for fiscal responsibility with over $43 million in investment funds and nearly $3.9 million in grants secured in 2024. Environmental initiatives include Ohio's first solar-powered streetlight program and a composting service that diverted 40 tons of food waste from landfills.

🚫 Hudson bans marijuana businesses despite statewide legalization. The City Council voted 5-1 to prohibit all cannabis-related facilities within city limits, including medical marijuana operations. Council President Chris Foster argued that while Hudson residents narrowly supported Ohio's 2023 recreational marijuana initiative, they didn't necessarily want dispensaries in their community. The decision comes despite nine business inquiries and 210 residents supporting allowing cannabis facilities in a city survey, compared to 333 who favored a ban. Neighboring communities are split on the issue, with several cities like Cuyahoga Falls and Streetsboro permitting marijuana businesses.

Spacious ranch wooded cul-de-sac views: Priced at $440,000, this spacious ranch in Hannum Crossing offers 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and an expansive walk-out basement, nestled on a serene cul-de-sac with wooded views and a one-year home warranty.

Bright townhouse awaits your touch: Priced at $299,990, this spacious townhome offers first-floor living with a granite kitchen, private outdoor patio, and luxury owner's suite, plus two upstairs bedrooms and future community amenities.

Modern ranch living with loft: Priced at $450,000, this Walden Ranch Condo offers a spacious great room with stone fireplace, multiple patios, kitchen with ample counter space, plus flexible loft area that could restore the home to three bedrooms.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

📚 Jul. 3 - Toddler Tuesday Storytime Adventure: Little explorers set sail for adventure at Toddler Tuesday Storytime! Bring your 1½-3 year old to Reed Memorial Library on July 3 for stories, songs, movement, and crafts designed just for them.

🪕 Jul. 3 - The Travelin' McCourys: Grammy-winning bluegrass magic comes to Nelson Ledges as The Travelin' McCourys light up the quarry park on July 3! Catch these string virtuosos at 5:00 PM in Garrettsville for an unforgettable summer evening.

🎆 Jul. 4 - Festival & Family Fun: Celebrate Independence Day with a bang at Kiwanis-Moore Park! Aurora's July 4th Festival brings food trucks, carnival treats, free entertainment, inflatables, balloon art, and glitter tattoos for the whole family to enjoy.

🎸 Jul. 5 - Back Alley Relics Live: Groove to the soulful sounds of Back Alley Relics at Kent's Heritage Festival! Catch their lively performance at Dan Smith Community Park on July 5, from 2:30 to 4:30pm—bring your own seating for maximum comfort.

🦋 Jul. 5 - Butterfly Puddler Workshop: Create butterfly havens at Dix Park with Wild Ones Greater Cleveland! Join this FREE workshop on July 5 to craft butterfly puddlers and discover more about these winged wonders in Ravenna.

🎭 Jul. 5 - Kent Heritage Festival: Celebrate hometown pride at the Kent Heritage Festival on July 5! Main Street comes alive with live music on two stages, children's activities, and more. A perfect summer community gathering in downtown Kent.

🚗 Jul. 5 - Heritage Fest Car Show: Rev up your engines for Heritage Fest's Classic Car Show at Bent Tree Coffee Roasters on July 5! Show off your vintage wheels at this Klaben-sponsored event, but hurry—spaces are limited.

🧨 Jul. 6 - Independence Day Fun Fly: Celebrate Independence Day with high-flying fun at the 4th of July Picnic/Fun Fly! Join fellow aviation enthusiasts on July 6 at 7648 Peck Rd in Ravenna for food and aerial excitement.

🙏 In Remembrance

Shirley Jean Beaumont

Shirley Jean Beaumont, 90, passed away on June 27, 2025, in Atwater, Ohio, surrounded by her family. Born in Cleveland in 1935, she was married to David Beaumont Sr. for 56 years until his passing in 2015. Shirley worked for Allstate Insurance before becoming a full-time homemaker and was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Kent for over fifty years. She is survived by her three children, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and her sister, while her husband and brother preceded her in death. Funeral services will be held on July 7, 2025, at the United Methodist Church of Kent with burial at Standing Rock Cemetery.

Eugene B Robinson Sr.

Eugene B. Robinson, Sr., a 93-year-old resident of Brimfield, passed away on June 29, 2025, at Heather Knoll Nursing Home in Tallmadge, Ohio. A Korean War veteran who retired from Chrysler Corp in Twinsburg, Mr. Robinson had lived in Brimfield Township for 27 years after previously residing in Streetsboro. He is survived by his wife Carolyn, his children Vanessa and Dale, five step-children, 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. Funeral services will be held on July 5, 2025, at Shorts Spicer Crislip Funeral Homes Streetsboro Chapel, followed by a private burial at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon, Ohio.

Megan Kathleen Heideman

Megan Kathleen Heideman, 65, of Munroe Falls, OH, passed away on June 27, 2025. Born in Ravenna, OH, she devoted her career to nursing, spending her final working years with Summa Home Hospice. Megan enjoyed crafting flower arrangements, country-style crafts, and gardening, but her greatest joy was being a grandmother to her three beloved grandchildren whom she affectionately called "monkeys." She is survived by her daughter, three grandchildren, siblings, and extended family, having been preceded in death by her son Adam, her parents, and her brother Kelly.

Mary L. Messerly

Mary L. Messerly, 85, passed away on June 29, 2025, at her home in Stow with her husband by her side. Born in Ravenna in 1940, she was a graduate of Stow High School and Kent State University, where she earned a degree in Mathematics. Mary was passionate about nature, art, and many hobbies including hiking, birdwatching, watercolor painting, and bridge. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, James, their four children, four grandchildren, and her sister Norma.