Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Summit County / April 4, 2025

📚 History takes center

Summit County • April 4, 2025

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Good morning, Summit County. Mark your calendars for a rare chance to speak directly with your local leadership next week. District 6 Councilwoman Christine Higham is setting aside time to hear from constituents on Tuesday at the Ellet Branch Library, creating a valuable opportunity for Tallmadge and North Akron residents to voice their concerns face-to-face in this one-hour session.

Meanwhile, Akron's rich 200-year legacy finally has a proper home with this weekend's opening of the Akron History Center. This free, three-floor museum showcases everything from canal-era artifacts to rubber industry innovations through 62 exhibits. In another celebration of history, County Clerk Tavia Galonski recently made some history herself, delivering the Akron Bar Association's first-ever legal education course focused on women's contributions to the profession and pathways toward gender equality—a fitting tribute during International Women's Day observances.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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📅 Summit County residents invited to meet with their councilwoman. Christine Higham, who represents District 6, will host public office hours on Tuesday, April 8 from 5-6 p.m. at the Ellet Branch Library in Akron. Constituents will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis during the one-hour session. District 6 encompasses Tallmadge and parts of Akron including Ellet, Goodyear Heights, and North Hill. Those seeking more information can call 330-643-2725 for details.

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🏛️ Akron's 200-year story finds a home in new downtown museum. The Akron History Center, opening this weekend, is the first comprehensive museum dedicated to telling the city's complete history. Spanning three floors with 62 exhibits and 115 artifacts, the free museum showcases everything from the Ohio & Erie Canal to the rubber industry boom and Akron's contributions to music. Museum president David Lieberth hopes the $2.2 million facility will inspire the next generation by highlighting notable Akronites who have made national impacts across various fields.

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⚖️ Summit County Clerk delivers historic women's legal education course. Tavia Galonski presented the first-ever continuing legal education course celebrating International Women's Day to the Akron Bar Association. The one-hour session explored women's history in law, professional barriers, and paths toward gender equality. Galonski incorporated personal experiences navigating the legal field as a woman and emphasized mentorship's crucial role. This year's International Women's Day theme focused on "Accelerating Action for Gender Equality."

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Spacious Colonial Community Living: Priced at $489,900, this Wedgewood Contemporary Colonial offers 4,150 square feet of elegant living space, featuring four bedrooms, soaring ceilings, and community amenities, all within minutes of shopping, dining, and major cities.
Real estate listing image Ranch Near Park Awaits You: Priced at $179,000, this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch home offers a spacious layout with gas fireplace, eat-in kitchen, primary suite with ensuite bath, unfinished basement with potential, and a large fenced backyard near Goodyear Metropolitan Park.
Real estate listing image Luxurious flexible brick ranch haven: Priced at $725,000, this custom brick ranch boasts two kitchens, curved staircase leading to a walk-out lower level, and a dreamy spa-like master bathroom with fireplace, all within a flexible floor plan.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏠 Apr. 4 - Summit County Home Expo: Transform your home at the Summit County Home Expo! Browse the latest in remodeling and outdoor living while connecting with local contractors—all for FREE at Summit County Fairgrounds on April 4.
📚 Apr. 4 - Bicentennial Literary Festival: Celebrate the written word at Western Reserve Academy's Bicentennial Literary Festival! Join four acclaimed short fiction authors for readings and inspiration on April 4 at 115 College St, Hudson.
🎵 Apr. 4 - Jeremy Camp Live: Grammy-nominated Christian rocker Jeremy Camp brings his soul-stirring melodies to Goodyear Theater on April 4. Catch this powerful live performance at 7:00 PM in downtown Akron.
🎭 Apr. 5 - Akron Comedy Jam: Laugh until your sides hurt at the Akron Comedy Jam! Join the hilarity April 5 at the historic Akron Civic Theatre's Knight Stage, where local comics bring their A-game to this community favorite.
🗣️ Apr. 5 - Spanish Language Meetup: Practice your español at the weekly Summit County Spanish Language Meetup! Join fellow language enthusiasts at Panera Bread on Howe Ave this Friday—we'll gather in the meeting room or patio, weather permitting.
🎤 Apr. 5 - TDE Hip Hop Debut: Get ready for hip-hop heat at The TDE Affair! Till Death Entertainment debuts live performances at The Vortex on April 5. Come turn up with the label team for an unforgettable night.
🏠 Apr. 5 - Spring Home Show: Transform your home at the Summit County Spring Home Show! Browse local and national vendors for all your renovation needs—completely free admission—at Summit County Fairgrounds on April 5.
🥃 Apr. 5 - Angel's Envy Bourbon Tasting: Sip the spirits of excellence at South Point Tavern's Angel's Envy Tasting on April 5. Savor four premium pours, including Triple Oak and rare Single Barrel varieties at 1947 W Market St in Akron.

💰 Financial Friday

Consider setting up an automatic transfer to your savings account each month; even a small, consistent amount can add up over time and help create a financial cushion for unexpected expenses.

🙏 In Remembrance

Deborah Ann Holmes

Deborah passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, surrounded by family, and is survived by her mother, siblings, three sons, and two grandchildren, while being reunited with her father, brother, and son who preceded her in death. A lifelong Akron resident and 1975 Ellet High School graduate, she worked at General Tire and other local factories, while also pursuing education at Brown Mackie College and Akron Institute. Known for her unwavering work ethic, Deborah consistently showed dedication to her responsibilities regardless of personal challenges or weather conditions. Her remains will be cremated, with funeral service and celebration of life details to be announced later.

Deborah Ann Holmes

Dean Martin Taucher

Dean Martin Taucher, 74, passed away on March 30, 2025, after working for many years with Roadway Express in logistics. A skilled handyman who enjoyed DIY projects, car repairs, and woodworking, Dean shared nearly 50 years of marriage with his wife Martha, with whom he raised a family and enjoyed traveling. He was an outdoor enthusiast who loved cycling and fishing, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and passion for life. Dean is survived by his wife, three children, five grandchildren, and his brother, with a private family celebration of life planned in his memory.

Dean Martin Taucher

Pamela Edwards

Pamela Jean Edwards, 69, of Northfield, Ohio, passed away on March 31, 2025, after being born in Cleveland to Walter Edwards and Dolores Dillon on July 17, 1955. She is survived by her three children, two grandchildren, and eight siblings, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Known for her incredible work ethic since age 16, Pamela had a sweet demeanor and was described as generous and selfless, particularly devoted to her children and grandchildren. Funeral services will include a visitation and remembrance service on April 4 at Crown Hill Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service on April 5 at Crown Hill Cemetery.

Pamela Edwards

Jimmie Joseph Benoit

Jimmie Joseph Benoit, 76, of Kent, Ohio, died on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. He is survived by his former wife Margie, three children—Michelle, Janel, and Bill—along with their spouses, and six grandchildren. Private services will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, with funeral arrangements handled by Busch-Romito Funeral Home in Hudson.

Jimmie Joseph Benoit

Jadako "Ej" Taylor

Jadako "EJ" Taylor, born April 16, 2012, to Taylor Fannin, passed away on March 22, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and ambition. Known for his charm, style, and passion for music and sports, he excelled as a football player for the Sim Raiders and Akron Titans. Jadako was an exceptional student with entrepreneurial aspirations, serving as Financial Analyst Executive in a family e-commerce business. Though his life was brief, he made an immeasurable impact on his family, including his mothers Taylor and Stephanie, his brothers, sisters, and extended family who will forever cherish his memory.

Jadako Ej Taylor

Dennis J. Sega

Dennis John Sega, 78, passed away on April 1, 2025, after a lifetime in Hartville. A Wadsworth High School graduate and U.S. Army veteran, he worked for 30 years at K&D Construction before retiring. He was predeceased by his wife Debra, his parents, and his sister Connie, and is survived by his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandson, brother, and sisters. Services will be held at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home on April 7th, with military honors and burial at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery on April 8th.

Dennis J. Sega

Carolyn Sisco Eckart

Carolyn Sisco Eckart passed away on March 31, 2025, at the age of 85. Born in Hohenwald, Tennessee on October 10, 1939, she was the daughter of Leland and Lilli Bella Sisco. Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 11 from 10:30-11:30 A.M. at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel in Akron, Ohio, followed by a funeral service at 11:30 A.M. and burial at Rose Hill Burial Park. The family is still preparing the complete obituary, which will be available on the Billow Funeral Homes website once completed.

Carolyn Sisco Eckart

Kay Crawford

Kay Crawford passed away on March 31, 2025. Her funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the Divine Chapel, with visitation beginning at 4:00 PM. Rhoden Memorial Home in Canton, Ohio will be handling the funeral arrangements, and they can be contacted at 330-455-7944. Those wishing to express condolences may send flowers or plant a tree in Kay's memory through the funeral home's floral store.

Kay Crawford

Ciara Miller

Ciara Miller, born on March 20, 1984, to Cynthia Miller and Eddie Grant, passed away on March 25, 2025. She was a devoted mother to her three children and prioritized her family relationships above all else. Ciara enjoyed arts and crafts projects and founded "The Many Colors of Hope," a non-profit organization dedicated to prison ministries and youth mentorship in honor of her late aunt. She is survived by her children, parents, life partner, siblings, and extended family, with services scheduled for April 5, 2025, at Sommerville Funeral Services in Akron, Ohio.

Ciara Miller

Joyce D. Keys

Joyce D. Keys passed away on April 1, 2025, at her home in Akron, Ohio, after a life filled with love and joy that began on February 29, 1948, in Beverly, West Virginia. She was a devoted wife to William Keys Jr. for 57 years, a loving mother to two sons, and a doting grandmother who took special pride in her grandchildren. Joyce enjoyed cooking, baking, decorating for her favorite holiday Christmas, and occasional casino gambling. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, two brothers, and extended family, with no formal services planned and her final resting place at Hillside Memorial Park.

Suzanne Swanson

Suzanne Swanson, a lifelong resident of Kent, Ohio, passed away on March 12, 2025, at age 74. Born in Pennsylvania in 1950, she dedicated her life to her family, especially her grandchildren Gabrielle and Isabelle, who were the center of her world. Known for her nurturing spirit and community involvement, Suzanne touched many lives with her warmth and kindness. She is survived by her daughter Rebecca, son Tom, two great-grandchildren, two brothers, and extended family, while being preceded in death by her parents and husband David.

Suzanne Swanson

Roger P. Kaser

Roger P. Kaser, 75, died on March 29, 2025, after spending his entire life in the Akron area. He enjoyed reading and following the Cleveland Browns and Indians sports teams. Roger was predeceased by his wife Cora, his parents William and Verda, and his grandmother Mavis Windsor. He is survived by his longtime companion Sharon Lane, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends, and will be buried at Hillside Memorial Park on April 7th.

Roger P. Kaser
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