🏙 Downtown's new chapter

Good morning, Summit County. In the heart of downtown Akron, a subtle shift is taking place that speaks volumes about our city's resilience. The historic PNC Center, one of our skyline's most recognizable landmarks, is changing hands - marking the second major downtown property sale in recent months. Like watching the first green shoots break through after winter, these transactions hint at renewed faith in our city's commercial core.

As we embrace signs of downtown's renewal, our community continues to honor its past while building bridges to the future. The Summit County Historical Society is shining a spotlight on the pioneering women who helped shape Akron's story during a special Black History Month presentation. These celebrations of progress arrive during a week that also reminds us of life's fragility, as we mourn the loss of a beloved Lakemore resident at Springfield Lake.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Akron

33°

51°

80%

Cuyahoga Falls

33°

51°

80%

Stow

33°

47°

75%

Barberton

32°

50°

71%

Green

34°

48°

75%

Hudson

32°

47°

Tallmadge

33°

47°

79%

Macedonia

32°

47°

Twinsburg

32°

47°

Norton

32°

50°

71%

Munroe Falls

33°

47°

75%

Fairlawn

33°

51°

80%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

💔 86-year-old man drowns in tragic accident at Springfield Lake. Theodore Balko, a Lakemore resident, was found in the water near his Lakeview Drive property on February 19. Police investigators believe he may have suffered a cardiac event while walking along the water's edge. The Lakemore Police Department and Summit County Medical Examiner ruled the death accidental or medical in nature. Multiple emergency response teams, including the South Summit Dive Team, quickly shifted from rescue to recovery operations.

👑 Akron celebrates pioneering women in free Black History Month talk. The Summit County Historical Society's CEO Leianne Neff Heppner will lead a discussion about influential female trailblazers who shaped Akron's history. The event, part of the Forgotten History Forum Series, takes place Tuesday evening at the Akron-Summit County Public Library. The free program includes a Q&A session and is sponsored by FirstEnergy Foundation and PBS Western Reserve. The talk coincides with Akron's bicentennial celebration, offering residents a chance to explore their city's rich heritage.

🏢 Downtown Akron's historic PNC Center finds new local owner. The sale marks the second major downtown Akron office building to change hands recently, signaling renewed investor interest in the city's commercial real estate market. The PNC Center, part of Akron's prestigious 'Big 5' downtown buildings, had faced challenges since the pandemic alongside other prominent properties in the area. The transaction represents a potential turning point for downtown Akron's commercial district, which has struggled with occupancy rates since 2020.

Modern townhomes in serene community: Experience contemporary living at The Summit at Forest Lakes in Green, Ohio, with new townhomes priced at $265,990 featuring 4 beds, 2.5 baths, and engaging community amenities in a natural setting.

Flexible space with spacious kitchen: Willwood is listed at $474,990 and features a flexible downstairs space, a spacious kitchen with an oversized island, and a cozy loft upstairs, perfect for family movie nights. Plus, there's a convenient three-car tandem garage for those with teenage drivers.

Affordable lot for dream home: An affordable vacant residential lot is available for $20,000, offering a great opportunity to build your dream home or investment property, complete with available utilities and a level landscape for easy construction.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎸 Feb. 27 - SABON Ska Punk Fusion: Get ready to skank the night away with SABON, Akron's hottest Ska/Punk fusion band, performing live at Afterlife Recording Studio on February 27. Catch them before their debut album drops next year!

💀 Feb. 28 - The Convalescence: Brace yourself for a bone-crushing night of metal as The Convalescence takes over The Vortex in Akron! Doors open at 6:00 PM on February 28, 2025 at 1167 Brittain Rd.

🌾 Feb. 28 - Harvest For Hunger Kickoff: Help fight hunger while breaking bread with community leaders at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank's 34th annual Harvest for Hunger Campaign Kick-Off Luncheon, February 28 at the John S. Knight Center.

💼 Feb. 28 - Summit Development Office Hours: Need help with housing or home repairs? Connect one-on-one with Summit County Development specialists during special office hours at Maple Valley Library on February 28. Walk-ins welcome!

🧡 Mar. 01 - Inclusion Day at Zoo: Sport your brightest orange and enjoy free admission at Akron Zoo during Inclusion Days! Kick off National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month at 500 Edgewood Ave on March 1.

🎭 Mar. 01 - Fire & Ice Karneval: Step into a mystical winter celebration as the Fasnacht Karneval brings ancient European traditions to Akron! Experience mesmerizing fire ceremonies and spirited performances on March 1st at 133 Merriman Rd.

🗣️ Mar. 01 - Spanish Language Meetup: ¡Hola, amigos! Practice your Spanish in a friendly, casual setting at Panera Bread's weekly language meetup. Join fellow learners in the meeting room or patio at 689 Howe Ave, Cuyahoga Falls.

🐱 Mar. 01 - Whiskers & Tales Prom: Dust off your dancing shoes for Whiskers & Tales: Prom Night at House Three Thirty! Join this nostalgic evening of fun starting at 5pm on March 1, all while supporting a worthy cause.

🙏 In Remembrance

Douglas J. Roose

Douglas J. Roose, 74, of Canton, passed away on February 20, 2025. A U.S. Army veteran and former repair technician for Power Tool Repair, he enjoyed darts, bowling, cooking, and roller skating with his family. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Terri Paquette-Roose, and is survived by his daughters, grandchildren, and sister. A funeral service will be held on February 25, 2025, at Redmon Funeral Home, with interment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans organization.

Gayle Curnow

Gayle D. Curnow, age 82, of Sagamore Hills, passed away on February 22, 2025. Born in Meriden, CT, she was the beloved wife of the late Richard E. Curnow and is survived by her children, Keith and Beth, and her cherished granddaughter, Samantha. Gayle had a career at Revco Headquarters and as a travel agent. Friends may visit the Johnson-Romito Funeral Home on February 27, with funeral services following on February 28. The family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association in lieu of flowers.

Mildred R. Valant

Mildred Williams Reed Valant, 103, of Twinsburg, Ohio, passed away on February 19, 2025, at the David Simpson Hospice House. A dedicated mother and grandmother, she was known for her unwavering family devotion, vibrant humor, and love for the New England Patriots. Born in Brockton, MA, Mildred broke barriers as a female cobbler and worked in various roles, including at Costco into her 80s. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. The family expresses gratitude for the compassionate care received at the hospice during her final days.