Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Summit County / February 21, 2025

💍 Love in the air

Summit County • February 21, 2025

​

Good morning, Summit County. Love stories have a way of finding us when we least expect them - just ask Alexa Livadas and Bobby Nero, whose casual swipe on Hinge led to a picture-perfect Greek Orthodox wedding that would make even the most romantic Hollywood classics swoon. Their celebration at Annunciation Church, where family legacy meets modern romance, reminds us that some of life's best moments can start with a simple hello.

Meanwhile, our community is weaving its own beautiful story, quite literally, through Green's upcoming quilting project. And if you're already counting down to St. Patrick's Day, you're in luck - Akron's getting the jump on Irish festivities with its 42nd annual parade rolling down Main Street on March 8. No need to wait until the 17th to channel your inner leprechaun.

🌤 Sky Skoop

AkronWeather Icon
18°
27°
rain 0%
Cuyahoga FallsWeather Icon
18°
27°
rain 0%
StowWeather Icon
17°
27°
rain 0%
BarbertonWeather Icon
18°
28°
rain 0%
GreenWeather Icon
18°
27°
rain 0%
HudsonWeather Icon
17°
27°
rain 0%
TallmadgeWeather Icon
18°
26°
rain 0%
MacedoniaWeather Icon
17°
27°
rain 0%
TwinsburgWeather Icon
17°
27°
rain 0%
NortonWeather Icon
18°
28°
rain 0%
Munroe FallsWeather Icon
17°
27°
rain 0%
FairlawnWeather Icon
18°
27°
rain 0%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

Brewing Locally Image

💑 Dating app match leads to picture-perfect Greek Orthodox wedding in Akron. Alexa Livadas and Bobby Nero's instant connection on Hinge blossomed into a love story built on shared values of family, time, and money. The couple celebrated their union at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, where Alexa's parents were married, followed by an old Hollywood-themed reception at Greystone. They honored Bobby's late brother with thoughtful tributes throughout the ceremony and reception. The newlyweds capped their fairytale with a two-week Italian honeymoon, treasuring their first moments of married life together.

Read more

🎨 Green residents invited to weave community stories through quilting project. The City of Green's Inclusion and Belonging Committee is organizing a unique community art initiative during the upcoming Celebration of Education event on February 22. Participants will create personalized paper quilt squares representing their individuality and culture at Green High School Library. The project, inspired by Mayor Rocco Yeargin's State of the City address, aims to symbolize how individual residents contribute to the city's collective identity. The completed quilt will be displayed throughout the day-long celebration, highlighting the community's unity and diversity.

Read more

☘️ Akron's St. Patrick's Day parade brings Irish spirit early on March 8. The 42nd annual celebration kicks off at noon on Main Street, featuring a festive lineup of floats, marching bands, and community organizations. Early birds can fuel up at the Hibernian Club's parade day breakfast before the rain-or-shine event. While Akron celebrates ahead of the official March 17 holiday, Northeast Ohio offers plenty more St. Patrick's Day festivities throughout the region.

Read more

🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)

Green's defense put on a clinic, stifling Firestone in a 51-29 rout that was about as exciting as watching paint dry. Meanwhile, across town, Ellet's Orangemen squeezed out a sweet 65-48 victory over John Hay, continuing their impressive 15-7 campaign as they gear up for a Saturday showdown with Highland's powerhouse squad.

TeamOpponentScore
Firestone Logo Firestone (3-18)
vs Green
L 51-29
Ellet Logo Ellet (15-7)
vs John Hay**
W 65-48
Green Logo Green (5-15)
@ Firestone
W 51-29

🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)

Talk about a night of lopsided victories! Hudson, Archbishop Hoban, and St. Vincent-St. Mary all flexed their muscles with dominant 40+ point wins, while Green dropped the hammer on John Adams in a eye-popping 69-7 rout. The night's lone nail-biter came courtesy of Avon, who held off a scrappy Nordonia squad 53-46, proving that not every game needed a mercy rule.

TeamOpponentScore
St. Vincent-St. Mary Logo St. Vincent-St. Mary (21-2)
vs Barberton*
W 74-11
Archbishop Hoban Logo Archbishop Hoban (21-2)
vs North Olmsted*
W 65-15
Firestone Logo Firestone (8-14)
@ Hudson*
L 60-14
Ellet Logo Ellet (20-4)
@ Rocky River*
W 49-37
Copley Logo Copley (18-6)
vs NDCL**
W 47-29
Barberton Logo Barberton (1-21)
@ St. Vincent-St. Mary*
L 74-11
Tallmadge Logo Tallmadge (16-8)
@ CVCA*
L 44-40
Stow-Munroe Falls Logo Stow-Munroe Falls (9-14)
@ Mentor*
W 50-31
Cuyahoga Falls Logo Cuyahoga Falls (11-13)
@ BBHHS*
L 60-17
Twinsburg Logo Twinsburg (16-7)
vs Steele*
W 56-22
Nordonia Logo Nordonia (7-16)
@ Avon*
L 53-46
Hudson Logo Hudson (19-4)
vs Firestone*
W 60-14
Green Logo Green (18-5)
vs John Adams*
W 69-7

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Spacious colonial on private cul-de-sac: This extraordinary Green colonial home, listed at $324,900, offers 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths on 1.59 acres, featuring a spacious living area, formal dining room, and a finished basement with an office. Set on a private cul-de-sac, it’s perfect for those seeking both comfort and tranquility.
Real estate listing image Ranch home with inviting spaces: This stunning ranch home in Twinsburg, listed at $365,000, features an open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, a chef's dream kitchen, and a finished lower level for entertaining, all surrounded by a beautifully landscaped yard.
Real estate listing image Updated 3-bedroom near Firestone Park: Nestled in Akron's Firestone Park, this updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home at 576 Cole Ave offers off-street parking and recent upgrades, presenting an attractive option for owners or investors at $125,000.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎤 Feb. 21 - Downtown Comedy Night: Unleash your inner comedian at Downtown Akron's newest Tuesday night open mic at The Daily Pressed! Sign up at 7PM, laughs start at 7:30PM, with $7 cocktail specials and no cover charge.
🌭 Feb. 22 - Annual Salsicciata Dinner Dance: Mangia! Dance the night away at the 92nd Annual Salsicciata, where six delicious courses and top-shelf drinks meet live entertainment. Join the festivities February 22nd at Cuyahoga Falls Avenue in Akron.
🎵 Feb. 22 - District 6 Honors Fest: Young musicians shine at the OMEA District 6 Honors Festival, showcasing the area's top student talent at Barberton High School, 555 Barber Rd, on February 22.
🌵 Feb. 22 - Tequila Tasting Fiesta: Sip and savor premium tequilas at Uncle Tito's Mexican Grill's tasting night! Join fellow spirits enthusiasts on February 22nd at 2215 E Waterloo Rd for this spirited community event.
🗣️ Feb. 22 - Spanish Meetup @ Panera: ¡Hola, amigos! Practice your Spanish in a friendly, casual setting at the weekly Summit County Language Meetup. Join fellow language enthusiasts at Panera Bread on Howe Ave this Thursday evening.
🤘 Feb. 22 - Inherently Lost Metal Night: Unleash your inner headbanger at The Vortex as Inherently Lost joins forces with Convey The Signs, Oblivea, Pyrovext, and Adonis Boyd for an electrifying night of metal mayhem on February 22.
📚 Feb. 22 - County Development Library Day: Get expert guidance on local development programs when Summit County specialists visit the Akron-Summit County Public Library. Stop by 60 S High Street on February 22, 2025 for this free community session.
🖤 Feb. 22 - Black Excellence Wellness Celebration: Nourish your body and soul at Summa Health Equity Center's Black History Month celebration! Join us February 22 for fresh juicing demos, gentle movement, and a joyful celebration of Black excellence. Free admission.

💰 Financial Friday

Consider setting up an automatic transfer to your savings account each payday; this "pay yourself first" approach helps build your savings effortlessly over time and keeps you on track towards your financial goals.

🙏 In Remembrance

Burdetta R. Barnes

Burdetta R. Barnes, 92, passed away on February 17, 2025, after a lifetime of devotion to her faith and community. Born in Kings Mountain, KY, she was a longtime resident of Akron and a graduate of Garfield High School. A charter member of Brown Street Baptist Church, she was involved in the PTA and performed in a local singing group. Burdetta is survived by her three children, multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as her siblings. A memorial service will be held on February 22, 2025, at Hope Baptist Church in Akron, with a reception to follow.

Burdetta R. Barnes

Margaret McDonald

Margaret O. McDonald, a longtime resident of Aurora and Hudson, passed away on January 20, 2025, after a prolonged illness. She is survived by her two sons, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, and was predeceased by her husband, John G. McDonald. Born in Ottosen, Iowa, Margaret graduated from Simpson College and enjoyed a career as a home economist and teacher before dedicating herself to her family and various volunteer efforts. She was known for her beautiful soprano voice, which she shared through church choirs alongside her husband. A memorial service will be held on March 8, 2025, at the First Congregational Church of Hudson, with private burial services to follow.

Margaret McDonald

Karen A. Lundstrom

Karen Ann Lundstrom, 77, of Barberton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2025. Known for her love of camping, visiting the zoo, and her passion for the ocean, pink flamingos, and palm trees, she was deeply cherished by her family. Karen is preceded in death by her parents, brother, and grandson. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and several brothers, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Donations in her memory can be made to Oceana, and condolences can be shared in the guest book.

Karen A. Lundstrom

Kathleen N. Bechter

Kathleen N. Bechter, 88, passed away on February 18, 2025. Funeral services are scheduled for March 6, 2025, at 10 A.M. at the Billow Falls Chapel, with calling hours on March 5 from 4 to 6 P.M. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron. A full obituary is being prepared by the family and will be available on the Billow's website.

Kathleen N. Bechter

William J Cardina

William (Will) James Cardina, 34, tragically took his own life on February 16 in Dover, Ohio. Born in Akron, he graduated from Archbishop Hoban High School and spent two years at Kent State University. Will was known for his passion for music, especially playing guitar, and was cherished as an old soul by those who knew him. He is survived by his parents, sister, girlfriend, and many relatives and friends who will deeply miss him. Calling hours will be held on February 21, followed by a funeral Mass on February 22 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church.

William J Cardina

John Rupp

John A. Rupp, born December 17, 1956, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 16, 2025. Known for his integrity and compassion, he deeply valued his family and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He is survived by his wife Andrea, sons Sean, Adam, and Kevin, along with his grandchildren and great-grandchild. A service to celebrate his life will take place on February 23, 2025, at AMVETS Post 176 in Richfield, OH. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of choice are encouraged in his memory.

John Rupp

Vanniel Glenn Pauley

Vanniel (Glenn) Pauley, 83, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, passed away at home on February 15, 2025. A retired heavy equipment operator from Cavanaugh Construction, he was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 18. Glenn was preceded in death by his son Michael and daughter Jennifer, and is survived by his wife Carolyn, daughter Angela, four grandchildren, and two sisters. Graveside services will be held at Shaffer Cemetery on February 22nd at 1:00 p.m.

Vanniel Glenn Pauley

LeAnne Blaes-Lewis

LeAnne Denise Blaes-Lewis, born on August 26, 1970, passed away peacefully at her home on February 17, 2025. A devoted caregiver and mother, she is remembered for her deep love for her family, her faith in Christ, and her passions for gardening and cooking. LeAnne leaves behind her husband Mark, five children, and numerous family members and friends. A celebration of her life will be held on February 22, 2025, at Suffield Fellowship Church in Mogadore, OH, where attendees are encouraged to wear tie dye or floral attire in her honor. In lieu of flowers, donations to plant a tree or flowers in her memory are requested.

LeAnne Blaes-Lewis

Thomas R McCray

Thomas R. McCray, age 94, of Oakwood Village, passed away unexpectedly on February 18, 2025. He was a devoted husband to the late Mary Alice and a loving father to four sons, including the late Barry. Tom had a distinguished military career in the US Air Force and Army National Guard, followed by a long tenure as a postal carrier, known for his people skills and love of walking. He was an active member of the Oakwood Village Volunteer Fire Department and cherished family reunions and picnics. A graveside service is scheduled for February 22, 2025, with a Celebration of Life ceremony to be held in the spring.

Thomas R McCray

Virginia Luscombe Rogers

Virginia Luscombe Rogers, known as "Ginger," passed away on January 24, 2025, at Summa Hospital in Akron, Ohio, surrounded by her three children. Born on May 13, 1928, in Colorado, she dedicated her life to architectural preservation and the decorative arts, becoming a prominent member of the Hudson Heritage Association. An accomplished athlete and hostess, Ginger also had a passion for dancing and was actively involved in her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, fostering lifelong friendships. She is survived by her children and grandson, with a memorial service scheduled for May 17, 2025, at Christ Church Episcopal in Hudson.

Virginia Luscombe Rogers

Gary I. Wilson

Gary I. Wilson, 73, of Uniontown, Ohio, passed away on February 13, 2025. Born on February 28, 1951, in Akron, Ohio, he was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Pamela. A dedicated member of Grace United Methodist Church, Gary retired from American Business Machines and enjoyed outdoor activities like hunting and skeet shooting, often sharing stories at his West Virginia cabin. He is survived by many cousins, friends, and his dog, Persis. Visitation and services will be held on February 21, 2025, with interment at Uniontown Greenlawn Cemetery.

Gary I. Wilson

Charles W. Walker

Charles Walker, 77, passed away on February 15, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service to his beloved community. A visitation will be held on March 1, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at New Trinity Baptist Church, followed by a memorial breakfast. He will be interred at Mount Peace Cemetery. Donations in his memory can be made to the Akron Blind Center instead of flowers. Charles will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Charles W. Walker

Todd Jeffrey VanNostran

Todd VanNostran, 59, passed away on February 18, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on December 16, 1965, he was a Green High School graduate and dedicated his career to sales. A passionate Browns fan, Todd enjoyed music, playing guitar, and cherished moments spent with his loved ones, often sharing dad jokes. He is survived by his wife Lisa, children Marissa and Marlowe, and grandson Mateo, among others. A celebration of life will be held on March 9 at Paradise Lake Country Club.

Todd Jeffrey VanNostran
{% if subscriber.rh_reflink != blank %}

Share with friends, get cool stuff, grow local!

Have friends who'd love our newsletter too? Give them your unique referral link (below) and get an awesome local reward when they subscribe.

{{subscriber.rh_reflink}}

PS: You have referred {{subscriber.rh_totref}} people so far

{% endif %}
Instagram

Interested in advertising? Get in touch.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.

Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here

Next →
🏛 Legacy in the plaza