🌸 Mother's day magic

Good morning, Summit County. Mother's Day is blooming across our area with a kaleidoscope of celebrations that go far beyond the standard brunch. From wandering through Stan Hywet's gardens to striking yoga poses alongside goats in Cuyahoga Falls, moms of every stripe can find their perfect May tribute. The creativity on display is impressive—Victorian tea with psychic readings, candle-making workshops, and even a 5K around Munroe Falls Lake for the fitness-focused mothers among us.

Meanwhile, mental health support could see a boost as county officials contemplate increasing the ADAMH levy by 0.5 mills, potentially costing homeowners about $18 annually per $100,000 of property value. On the education front, Project GRAD Akron recently celebrated a successful fundraising event through their March GRADness competition, securing vital resources for scholarships and mentoring programs that help local students reach their academic potential.

🌤 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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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🌸 Akron area bursts with Mother's Day events for every mom. From free garden tours at Stan Hywet Hall to goat yoga sessions in Cuyahoga Falls, the region offers dozens of special activities throughout May. Options include Victorian tea with psychic readings, candle-making workshops, wine walks, and brunch buffets at local venues. Most events require tickets ranging from $20-$300, with several scheduled for the weekend of May 10-12. Many celebrations incorporate creative elements like flower arranging, journaling workshops, and even a Mother's Day 5K run around Munroe Falls Lake.

💊 Summit County plans to increase mental health levy by 0.5 mills. The proposed renewal and increase for the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Board would raise the total to 3.45 mills through 2032. County officials estimate the increase would cost homeowners approximately $18 annually per $100,000 of property value. The current 2.95-mill levy, approved in 2019, funds mental health and recovery programs for children, adults and families. County Council will have a more detailed discussion about the levy at their June 9 meeting before it potentially appears on the November 2025 ballot.

🎓 Akron's Project GRAD raises vital funds through friendly competition. The organization hosted its 11th annual March GRADness event on March 31, exceeding fundraising expectations. Money raised will support college scholarships, mentoring programs, and career readiness initiatives for Akron Public School students. The event featured interactive games designed to help local students achieve their educational goals. Project GRAD Akron's mission and additional information can be found at projectgradakron.org.

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Masterful Colonial Quiet Retreat Stow: This $445,000 contemporary colonial in Stow features a first-floor master suite, dramatic two-story great room, and sits on a private half-acre at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac with a 2018 roof and updated systems.

Sleek modern home private yard: This $285,000 Northfield home offers a modern, open-concept design with maple cabinetry, granite countertops, three bedrooms, two baths, and a private fenced yard perfect for pets or entertaining.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎸 May 9 - Company Live in Akron: Experience the iconic musical "Company" at Akron Civic Theatre on Friday, May 9, 2025! Don't miss this Broadway favorite bringing laughter, love and life lessons to 182 S Main St, Akron.

⚾ May 9 - Patriots vs. RubberDucks: Catch the Somerset Patriots as they take on the Akron RubberDucks at Canal Park! Join the excitement on May 9 at 300 S Main St for a thrilling night of minor league baseball action.

🍷 May 10 - Wine & Chocolate Walk: Sip and savor at the Women's Wine & Chocolate Walk along Mainstreet Barberton! Indulge in decadent chocolates and perfectly paired wines while exploring downtown charm on May 10.

🗣️ May 10 - Spanish Language Meetup: ¡Hablemos español! Join the Summit County Spanish Language Meetup at Panera Bread on May 10, where 8-10 friendly regulars gather weekly in the party room to practice conversation skills together.

🎷 May. 10 - Walter Beasley Live: Smooth jazz sensation Walter Beasley brings his soulful saxophone stylings to Goodyear Theater on May 10. Catch this musical master live in Akron at 7:30 PM for an unforgettable evening of rhythm.

🫖 May 11 - Victorian Tea for Mothers: Step back in time at the 6th Annual Mother's Day Victorian Tea! Enjoy elegant refreshments and spiritual connection at The Healing Brew on May 11—a perfect way to celebrate mom in timeless style.

🎭 May 11 - Sondheim's Modern Relationships Musical: Experience Sondheim's groundbreaking musical "Company" at Akron Civic Theatre on May 11! This sophisticated look at modern relationships brings Broadway's most renowned composer to our local stage.

🙏 In Remembrance

Betty Muhlberg

Betty J. Muhlberg, 95, of Akron, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025. Born on January 11, 1930, to Richard and Margaret Moffett, she was known as the "Bingo Queen of Heritage Crossing" and was the soul mate of Lou Adler. Betty is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will deeply miss her. Memorial contributions can be made to the Summit County Humane Society or the International Institute of Akron, and she will be laid to rest in Florida.

Rev. Fred W. Quigley

Fred Quigley, who passed away at 91, was a beloved family man survived by his five children, 13 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren, while predeceased by his wife Ruth, parents, and three siblings. He served honorably as a chaplain in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after a distinguished military career. With a Doctorate in Ministry, he dedicated many years as the pastor of Maple Heights Presbyterian Church. His memorial service will be held at Ferfolia Funeral Home on May 13th, followed by inurnment with military honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

Jonni Lerch

Jonni Lerch, 51, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on May 2, 2025. Summit Simple Cremation in Uniontown is handling the cremation services. The funeral home is located at 3755 Boettler Oaks Drive #E2, Uniontown, OH 44685. No further details about services or survivors were provided in the brief obituary notice.

Charles Bryan Krahling

Charles Bryan Krahling passed away on April 29, 2025, at the age of 66. He was a resident of Kent, Ohio at the time of his death. Summit Simple Cremation in Uniontown, Ohio is handling his cremation services. No additional information about his life, family, or memorial services was provided in the brief announcement.

Bonnie L. Neidert

Bonnie L. Neidert, 91, passed away on April 26, 2025, after a life dedicated to service and family. Born in 1933, she pursued education at Garrettsville High School and Carnegie College, leading to careers at Barberton Citizens Hospital and Babcock & Wilcox. She devoted over 50 years as a volunteer with the American Red Cross and was an active member of St. Paul's UMC, where she met her husband Henry, whom she married in 1984 and was widowed from in 2001. Bonnie is survived by her stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren, with a private memorial service to be held at Lakemore UMC.

Donna M. Cook

Donna Marie (VanFossen) Cook passed away on May 5th, 2025, after being born in Barnesville in 1948 to Wladyslawa Walczuk and Earl VanFossen. She is survived by her daughter Michele Lynn Hunter, son-in-law Paul Thomas Hunter, and granddaughter Alexandra "Ally" Peyton Hunter. Despite struggling with bipolar disorder and health challenges throughout her life, Donna was remembered as a patient and loving mother who pursued education in accounting and had a wonderful sense of humor and gift for connecting with others. After moving to Stow to be closer to her family, she developed a special relationship with her granddaughter and remained resilient even after beating COVID during the pandemic.

Eula Mae Thomas

Eula Mae Thomas, born in 1943 in Arkansas, passed away on April 4, 2025, at a nursing facility in Ohio. She was preceded in death by her daughter, parents, several siblings, and is survived by her husband of 45 years, three sons, one sister, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Known for her joyful attitude and love for family, Eula was a devoted Catholic Church member. At her request, there will be no memorial service, and mourners are invited to remember her in their own way.

Patrick Mason Brady

Patrick Mason Brady, a 74-year-old Vietnam War veteran from Tallmadge, Ohio, passed away on May 5, 2025. After his military service, Patrick worked as an automotive mechanic and warehouse worker, known for his skillful hands and ability to connect with people through his humor and kindness. He enjoyed home improvement projects, motorcycle riding in his youth, and fishing with his grandchildren later in life. Patrick is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nina, his two children, and four grandchildren who will carry on his legacy of kindness and humor.

Barbara Gay Norrod

Barbara Gay Norrod, born January 6, 1936, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, passed away on April 30, 2025. She was an actress known for films such as "The Dead Next Door" and "The Sandman," and spent most of her life in Akron, Ohio. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Donald and three sons, but is survived by two children, Mark and Sherry, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Prentice Funeral Home in Akron on May 12, 2025, followed by burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park.