🎵 Cultural harmony - Summit County

Good morning, Summit County. Grammy-nominated artist John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting is bringing his hits like "Superman" and "100 Years" to Akron's Goodyear Theatre on May 4. The performance headlines Israel's 77th Independence Day celebration, featuring Israeli singer-songwriter Rami Feinstein alongside local musicians. Beyond the music, attendees can enjoy food and interactive children's activities in what promises to be a culturally rich community gathering.

The local landscape continues evolving as an Akron tech company invests $4.2 million in industrial land, purchasing nearly 43 acres in Weathersfield Township. Meanwhile, Richard Zelin is carrying forward a meaningful family tradition as the new president of Jewish Family Service of Akron. After 25 years of volunteering with the organization, his retirement has only deepened his commitment to ensuring dignified care for seniors—a mission inspired by his father-in-law's example of community service.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Akron

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Cuyahoga Falls

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Stow

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Barberton

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Green

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Hudson

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Tallmadge

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Macedonia

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Twinsburg

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Norton

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Munroe Falls

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Fairlawn

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎵 Five for Fighting's John Ondrasik to headline Israel's 77th Independence Day. The Grammy-nominated artist will perform at Akron's "Israel @ 77" celebration on May 4 at the Goodyear Theatre, alongside Israeli singer-songwriter Rami Feinstein. Ondrasik, known for hits like "Superman" and "100 Years," has been vocal in his support for Israel following the October 7 Hamas attack, even releasing a song called "OK" in response. The event will feature food, interactive children's activities, and performances by local musicians including the Akron for Israel Six ensemble. Despite not being Jewish, Ondrasik says standing with the Jewish community during this difficult time has been "an honor."

🏭 Akron tech company drops $4.2 million on industrial land. The firm purchased five parcels totaling nearly 43 acres in Weathersfield Township, marking a significant investment in the area. Meanwhile, the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation has broken ground on three new duplexes on Glenwood Avenue. In other local development news, the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber is partnering with Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries to tackle workforce participation challenges in the Mahoning Valley. These initiatives represent ongoing efforts to revitalize the region's economy and infrastructure.

🤝 Richard Zelin carries on family tradition of service to Jewish community. The Akron resident has become the new president of Jewish Family Service of Akron, where he's volunteered for 25 years in various roles. Inspired by his father-in-law Stanley Minster's example, Zelin finds fulfillment in delivering meals, providing transportation, and advocating for older adults. His compassion for seniors drives his commitment to ensure they receive dignified care. Now retired, Zelin looks forward to continuing his volunteer work, especially during High Holy Days when he connects personally with homebound seniors.

⚾ Baseball Scoreboard

Badin Rams delivered a 13-1 beatdown to Archbishop Hoban in Saturday's non-league showdown, proving that in baseball, as in life, some days you're the hammer and some days you're the nail. The Rams improved to 6-3 while handing the Knights (5-2) a humbling reminder that road trips to Hamilton, Ohio aren't exactly vacation destinations.

Team	Opponent	Score
St. Vincent-St. Mary (3-3)
	@ Westerville North	L 8-0
Archbishop Hoban (5-2)
	@ Badin	L 13-1
Firestone (3-0)
	@ Chippewa	W 4-3
Ellet (4-2)
	@ McKinley	L 11-2
Revere (8-1)
	vs Firelands	W 1-0 (8)
	vs Norton	W 4-0
Norton (4-1)
	@ Revere	L 4-0
Coventry (3-5)
	vs Mansfield Christian	W 10-4
	vs Mansfield Christian	W 12-2
Hudson (6-1)
	vs Avon Lake	W 1-0
Twinsburg (6-1)
	@ Clay	W 4-0

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

Archbishop Hoban delivered a softball masterclass, blanking Geneva 24-0 in a Saturday shellacking that was over before it started. The Knights showed no mercy in their non-league challenge, improving to 8-4 while leaving the Eagles to nurse their wounds before facing Lakeside next.

Team	Opponent	Score
Archbishop Hoban (8-4)
	vs West Branch	W 9-6
	vs Geneva	W 24-0
Copley (4-8)
	vs Boardman	L 10-0
	vs GlenOak	L 12-10
Norton (2-3)
	vs Mogadore	L 2-1
Cuyahoga Falls (1-5)
	@ Woodridge	L 13-5
	@ CVCA	L 10-6
Woodridge (2-5)
	@ CVCA	L 17-7
	vs Cuyahoga Falls	W 13-5
Twinsburg (4-3)
	@ Mayfield	L 8-3
	vs West Geauga	W 10-6
Hudson (0-5)
	@ Streetsboro	L 10-7
	vs Howland	L 16-3
Manchester (7-2)
	vs Medina	W 15-3
	@ Louisville	W 8-4
Mogadore (6-0)
	@ Norton	W 2-1

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Classic Home Huge Lot Luxury: Priced at $349,900, this spacious Dutch Colonial boasts 3-4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a double-sized lot, and luxurious features like 9' ceilings, a gas fireplace, and an owner's retreat with abundant storage.

Fixer triplex investment opportunity: Available for $91,500, this Akron triplex offers investors a fixer-upper opportunity with three units, separate utilities, and parking in a reportedly growing neighborhood market. The property can be purchased individually or as part of a nine-property package.

Diamond rough needs polishing: This $86,500 contractor special in Akron offers investors a duplex requiring renovation in a hot rental market, with potential for strong ROI through the BRRR method. The property is one of nine the seller is offloading.

🙏 In Remembrance

Charlita Scott

Charlita Scott passed away on April 6, 2025, while in the company of her mother. She was a participant at U.D.S. adult workshop in Akron, Ohio. Charlita is survived by her mother Pearlie Rumph, aunts Martha Rumph and Annette Grant, uncle George Rumph, and various other relatives, while her father William Scott preceded her in death. The family expressed gratitude to her caregivers, Stephanie and Jo-Jo, and noted that cremation has already occurred.

Jon Owen Paul

Jon Owen Paul, 69, passed away on April 8, 2025, after a life spent in Sales, Marketing, and New Product Development until his retirement in 2016. Originally from Webster, South Dakota, he had been a resident of Stow and Cuyahoga Falls since 1993 and enjoyed numerous outdoor activities including running, hiking, and biking. He volunteered actively with Children's Hospital, Metro Parks, and as a cross-country coach, while also serving on church council and condominium board. Jon is survived by his wife Janet, their sons, a Brazilian exchange student they hosted, eight grandchildren, and his siblings Susan and James.

Joseph Eugene Williams, PhD

Joseph Eugene Williams, PhD, passed away on April 10, 2025, at age 79. A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 18th at the Billow Fairlawn Chapel, with visitation hours from 9-11 A.M. before the service. The family requests memorial contributions to Dr. Bob's Home instead of flowers. A complete obituary is currently being prepared by the family and will be published at a later date. The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Keith D. Bevan

Keith Bevan, a 90-year-old former resident of Bentleyville, Ohio, passed away on April 11, 2025, in Hudson, Ohio. After serving in the U.S. Army and graduating from Kent State University, he worked at Ford Motor Company before becoming a lawyer in 1972, representing union workers for 26 years. Keith enjoyed boating, winters in Florida and Mexico, Cleveland sports, and organizing social events with friends and family. He is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Carol, three children, eight grandchildren, and many other family members and friends who remember him for his kindness and respect toward everyone.

Thomas Keenan

Thomas Keenan, born on January 5, 1953, in Germany to Thomas Keenan II and Jeanette Bilgari, has passed away. He worked as a machinist and quality control specialist, and enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and playing computer games with his beloved granddaughters. Thomas is survived by his wife of 44 years, Josie, his two sons, and three granddaughters. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, April 15th at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church, followed by inurnment at Holly Cross Cemetery.

Richard N. Crano

Richard Nicholas Crano, 79, of Akron, passed away on April 10, 2025. He worked in the tire industry for over forty years at General Tire/Continental and Goodyear before retiring. Known for his soft-spoken, kind, and patient nature, Rich was deeply devoted to his family and was an active member of St. Hilary Parish. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Randa, his children Michelle and Michael, and four grandchildren, while being preceded in death by his parents and three sisters. A Christian Burial Mass will be held at a later date.

Jeanette I. Harris

Jeanette I. Harris, 88, of Lakemore, passed away on April 10, 2025, after being born in Pennsylvania in 1936. After moving to Akron, she married Kenneth Harris Sr. in 1959, and they raised four children during their 61-year marriage until his death in 2020. A dedicated homemaker who later worked at Alphabet Inc., Jeanette was known for her cooking, baking, and annual Christmas cookie platters, along with her faithful service at Canton Road Baptist and later Community Baptist Temple. She is survived by her four children, twelve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and other family members who cherished her love of family and her joyful laughter.

Charles F. Stanley

Charles F. Stanley, 55, died on April 9, 2025, in Stow. Born in Akron, he managed restaurants and warehouses before pursuing his passion for massage therapy. He enjoyed sports, golf, and cherished spending time with his family, particularly his youngest daughter and grandchildren. Stanley is survived by his wife Suzie, four children, four grandchildren, his mother, sister, and niece; he was preceded in death by his father and sister. A memorial service will be held on April 14 at New Life Church in Stow.

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