🎸 Fifth wheel returns - Summit County

Good morning, Summit County. The Fifth Wheel is rolling back into town, proving that rock-and-roll reunions aren't just for the coasts. The beloved Cleveland rockers who captured our region's alternative spirit in the '90s are setting up at Akron's House Thirty Three Cabaret Room to immortalize their legacy with a live album recording. This historic venue—which once hosted the legendary Michael Stanley—continues its tradition as the backdrop for musical moments that define Northeast Ohio's cultural soundtrack.

Meanwhile, our area code is becoming a three-day celebration as the annual 330 Shirt Day expands into a full weekend of local pride next March. And speaking of iconic creations with staying power, Akron native Renée Rosen's new novel pulls back the curtain on Barbie's controversial beginnings—from shocking focus groups to global phenomenon. Like our humble 330 area code, sometimes the most enduring cultural touchstones start with the simplest ideas.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Akron

31°

58°

Cuyahoga Falls

32°

59°

Stow

32°

59°

Barberton

31°

58°

Green

30°

63°

Hudson

32°

59°

Tallmadge

30°

63°

Macedonia

32°

59°

Twinsburg

32°

59°

Norton

31°

58°

Munroe Falls

32°

59°

Fairlawn

31°

58°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎸 Cleveland rockers reunite for live album recording in historic venue. The Fifth Wheel, an alternative rock band that gained prominence in the 1990s before disbanding, has been enjoying a successful second act since 2015. Original members Tom Weyand, Matt Coughlin, Jeff Koval, and Josh Stone will perform songs spanning their career at Akron's House Thirty Three Cabaret Room on March 8th. The venue has hosted numerous live recordings since the 1970s, including an iconic Michael Stanley album. Fans can witness this special event featuring collaborations with Tim Longfellow, Lauren Brabson, and Wes McCraw as the band captures their legacy on a live album.

👕 Summit County celebrates 330 Shirt Day with weekend-long pride fest. The Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau is extending the annual 330 Shirt Day to a full weekend from March 28-30, 2025. Residents are encouraged to wear locally-themed apparel representing their favorite Summit County businesses, schools, teams, or events. Participants who post photos on social media with the hashtag #330ShirtDay and tag the ASCVB could win a $330 prize package. The bureau will also make a donation to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank in the winner's name, celebrating community spirit while giving back.

🪆 Barbie's creation story comes alive in Akron native's new novel. Renée Rosen's "Let's Call Her Barbie" explores the iconic doll's controversial beginnings through Ruth Handler, Mattel's tough-as-nails founder, and Jack Ryan, the troubled engineer who brought Barbie to life. The novel reveals how the doll initially shocked focus groups with her adult proportions before becoming a worldwide phenomenon. Rosen weaves in fictional character Stevie Klein to provide an outsider perspective on Barbie's development and cultural impact. The book's timely release follows the Barbie movie's success, with Rosen appearing at Ohio bookstores this week.

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Affordable condo with high-end updates: Priced at $99,000, this completely updated one-bedroom condo in Seven Stories East complex features granite countertops, stainless appliances, in-unit washer/dryer, and access to community pool and clubhouse.

Affordable balcony condo limestone accents: This charming $109,900 end-unit condo features an open concept with limestone accents, modern kitchen, spacious bedroom, and private balcony overlooking a peaceful courtyard, plus community amenities just steps away.

Fixer-upper investment awaits renovator: For $89,900, this solid property offers a great investment opportunity for those handy with tools. Perfect for buyers looking to add value through renovations.

🙏 In Remembrance

Luther Vinson

Luther "Sonny" Vinson passed away peacefully at age 88 on March 2, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Akron, Ohio on August 22, 1936, he spent his entire life there, working in the rubber industry for 15 years before becoming a custodial engineer until retirement. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing with his brother and was passionate about basketball as both a player and fan. He is survived by siblings Vonnie Lewis, Clare Dixon, and Cecil Oden; four children; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Mary Christine Redfern

Mary Christine Redfern, age 73, passed away on March 6, 2025, in Stow. She is survived by her two sons, James and Timothy, three grandchildren, and two brothers with their spouses. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on March 12 at St. Eugene Catholic Church in Cuyahoga Falls, with burial following at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. The family has requested donations to the Humane Society of Summit County instead of flowers.

Theodore Gene Kozma

Theodore "Ted" Kozma, 74, passed away on March 4, 2025, after battling health conditions, surrounded by family. A dedicated small business banker at First Merit for 39 years, Ted was also actively involved in community service through organizations like the Red Cross and Akron Children's Hospital. Following retirement, he devoted his time to daily church attendance, family activities, and maintaining connections with friends throughout Cuyahoga Falls. Ted's greatest joy was his family—his four children and four grandchildren—with whom he shared beach trips, holiday traditions, and never missed an important event. He is survived by his brothers, children, and grandchildren, with services scheduled for March 14-15, 2025.

Susan E. Roman

Susan E. Roman, 62, died on March 5, 2025, after a four-month battle with brain cancer. A lifelong resident of the Canton-Massillon area, she was a graphic artist who graduated from The Columbus College of Art and Design and worked most recently at Hendricks Vacuum Forming. Susan was known for her beautiful smile, artistic talent, and dedication to her sons, as well as her love for gardening, Christmas decorating, beach trips, and antiquing. She is survived by her two sons, father, sisters, former husband, partner, and several nieces and nephews, with a Celebration of Life planned for March 23, 2025, at The Reserve at Stone Creek.

David E. Harlow

David E. Harlow, 93, passed away on January 16, 2025, in Munroe Falls. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ellen, his parents Buell and Lois, and his brother Robert. David is survived by his children Julie and Scott, along with three grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at First Christian Church of Stow on March 22, 2025, with private interment to follow at Stow Cemetery.

Allan L. Riley

Allan L. Riley, 84, of Bedford Heights, passed away on March 6, 2025, joining his late wife Lois. A graduate of John Adams, Allan worked at Republic Steel and later owned a travel agency, enjoying trips worldwide, especially to Las Vegas and Jamaica. He was dedicated to community service, serving as President of the Jaycees and on various Bedford Heights boards. Allan is survived by his daughters Marybeth and Suzy, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother James, and numerous other family members who will remember him as an avid golfer and charismatic presence who "lit up every room."

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