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🚌 Free ride summer

Summit County • May 30, 2025

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Good morning, Summit County. Summer is officially rolling into town with some welcome news for your wallet. Metro RTA is bringing back free weekend rides throughout the season, removing transportation barriers for nearly 58,000 potential trips to festivals, concerts, and farmers markets across the county. Starting June 1, you can hop aboard any direct route on Saturdays and Sundays without reaching for your fare card—a post-pandemic initiative that's become a community favorite.

From local transit to national stages, Summit County's musical talent continues making waves beyond our borders. Akron's honkytonk heroes The Shootouts have completed quite the journey—from playing local hotdog restaurants to gracing the Grand Ole Opry. Their fourth album "Switchback" drops May 30, featuring country legend Vince Gill and Willie Nelson's harmonica player. Meanwhile, Rep. Emilia Sykes is raising concerns about potential healthcare and food assistance cuts that could affect thousands of local residents if a House-passed budget bill clears the Senate.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🚨 Trump budget cuts threaten thousands in Ohio's 13th District. Rep. Emilia Sykes warns that approximately 10,200 residents could lose healthcare coverage, while nearly 28,000 might lose Medicaid benefits. An additional 23,000 people risk losing SNAP food assistance if the House-passed budget bill becomes law. During a Fairlawn town hall, Sykes emphasized that hospitals would suffer financially from Medicaid cuts, potentially leading to layoffs and reduced services. The bill, now in the Senate, aims to slash spending by $625 billion but faces criticism that healthcare coverage losses could offset any savings.

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🚌 Free weekend rides return to Summit County this summer. Metro RTA will offer complimentary Saturday and Sunday transportation throughout June, July and August on all direct routes. The popular program, which provided nearly 58,000 trips last summer, was initially created post-pandemic to help revitalize community mobility. The free service begins June 1 and runs through August 31, with ADA riders also qualifying for the fare-free weekends. Metro RTA sees this initiative as a way to remove transportation barriers for residents attending Summit County's numerous summer events.

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🎸 Akron's The Shootouts soar from hotdog restaurants to Grand Ole Opry. The honkytonk band is celebrating their fourth album "Switchback," featuring country legend Vince Gill on their latest single "I'll Be Damned." Frontman Ryan Humbert describes the new release as a transitional album that finally captures their authentic sound beyond their influences. With guest appearances from Rodney Crowell and Willie Nelson's harmonica player Mickey Raphael, the album drops May 30, followed by a release concert at Goodyear Theater on May 31. The band shows no signs of slowing down after spending 15 weeks in the Top 10 of the Americana Radio Chart with their previous album.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Spacious Colonial Fixer Basement Potential: This charming colonial in Goodyear Heights offers four bedrooms, beautiful hardwood floors, a 20-foot granite kitchen countertop, and additional basement living space potential for $99,000.
Real estate listing image Colonial Gem On Peaceful Cul-de-sac: This expansive colonial home in Sagamore Hills is priced at $499,000, featuring 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a renovated kitchen, and a finished walk-out basement, all nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac with community amenities nearby.
Real estate listing image Campus Perfection All New Everything: Priced at $189,900, this fully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home near campus features all-new everything, from roof to kitchen, plus stainless appliances and first-floor laundry with washer/dryer included.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🍖 May 30 - Wrexx's Community Cook-Out: Sizzle up your spring at Wrexx's Community Cook-Out! Join friends and neighbors for delicious food and fun activities at Firestone Park Community Center on May 30, 2025. Everyone's welcome!
💘 May 30 - Akron Speed Dating 30s/40s: Looking for love in Akron? Speed dating comes to BARMACY Bar & Grill on May 30, offering 30s/40s singles a fun, civilized way to meet potential matches in a relaxed setting.
🎨 May 31 - Black Excellence Arts Festival: Celebrate creativity and culture at the BE Arts Festival 2025! Immerse yourself in Black Excellence at Hardesty Park on May 31, where art and community unite for an empowering day of expression.
🎡 May 31 - ECCOG Community Fun Fest: Join the fun at ECCOG Community Festival on May 31 at 2700 Priscilla Ave! Bounce houses, food vendors, games and more await at this free community celebration. Vendor spaces available for just $10.
🎂 May 31 - Akron Bicentennial Block Party: Celebrate Akron's 200th birthday at the Bicentennial Block Party on May 31! Join the community festivities at The Salvation Army Summit County on S Maple St for a day of hometown pride and fun.
🗣️ May 31 - Spanish Meetup @ Panera: Practice your español at the Summit County Spanish Language Meetup every Friday at Panera Bread on Howe Ave! Join fellow language enthusiasts in the meeting room or patio, weather permitting, on May 31.
✊🏾 Jun. 1 - Downtown Akron Juneteenth Celebration: Celebrate freedom and heritage at Downtown Akron's Juneteenth festivities in Lock 3 Park! Mark your calendar for June 1, 2025, and join the community for this meaningful celebration. Stay tuned for more details.
🎨 Jun. 1 - Bath Art Festival: Immerse yourself in creativity at the Bath Art Festival on June 1! Enjoy food, entertainment, and local artistry at Bath Community Park in scenic Bath Township, Akron. A perfect summer celebration for all ages.

💰 Financial Friday

When planning your budget, allocate a portion of your income to savings before you address your expenses; this "pay yourself first" approach can help you build wealth over time while ensuring you're not just living paycheck to paycheck.

🙏 In Remembrance

Marilyn "Jingle" Kain

Marilyn "Jingle" Kain, who passed away on May 25, 2025, will be remembered at a private graveside service to be held at a later date. Born in Zanesville, Ohio on June 23, 1930, she was known for her cooking, baking, love of bowling, puzzles, and especially playing and singing old songs. Jingle was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Russell A. Kain, two sisters, and three descendants. She is survived by her three daughters, 12 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and numerous other family members and friends.

Marilyn Jingle Kain

Richard Thomas Reynolds

Richard Thomas Reynolds, a devoted Christian, husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully at age 79 on May 27, 2025. Born in Akron, Ohio in 1946, he was married to his beloved wife Pam for over 57 years, and together they raised three children and enjoyed five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. After working as a machinist for over 20 years, Rick fulfilled his dream of owning a bakery, operating Stahl's Bakery in Kent with his family for 15 years. Known for his storytelling, wisdom, and passion for cars and learning new skills, Rick will be remembered at a memorial service on June 6th at Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Richard Thomas Reynolds

William J Longfellow Jr.

William Joseph Longfellow Jr., 74, of Akron, passed away unexpectedly on May 26, 2025, after retiring from GoJo Industries following 21 years of service. He is survived by his mother Patsy Martin, daughter Shawna Harmon, grandson Seth, great-grandson Sora, and numerous siblings and extended family. William was known for his storytelling abilities, love of fishing, embroidery, and poetry, as well as his dedication to brightening others' days with his humor and kindness. A memorial service will be held on June 2, 2025, at the Schlup-Pucak & Wilson Funeral Home in Akron.

William J Longfellow Jr.

Angelina Natalie Rubino (nee Aloisi)

Angelina Natalie Rubino, age 92, passed away on May 25, 2025, after a life dedicated to her family. Born in 1932, she was a high school graduate who worked at BF Goodrich Chemical, where she met her husband Joseph, and later retired from Alside in 1991. Angelina was known for her love of books and her exceptional cooking skills, particularly her renowned cheesecake. She is survived by her three children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, siblings, and other family members, having been preceded in death by her husband, an infant son, and other relatives.

Angelina Natalie Rubino (nee Aloisi)

Terry A. Stonestreet

Terry A. Stonestreet, 69, passed away at home on May 23, 2025, after living his entire life in Akron and Portage County, Ohio. He worked at Ramco Specialties Inc. and enjoyed fishing, watching Westerns and Cleveland Browns games, and spending time with his family. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, wife Deborah, and two siblings, and is survived by his two children, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, his cat Ziggy, and two siblings. A celebration of life will be held later, with memorial donations suggested to Summa Hospice.

Terry A. Stonestreet

Suzanne Marie Monago

Suzanne Marie Monago, 71, died peacefully on May 25, 2025, in her sleep after living her entire life in the Akron area. She worked as a special education aide for Green Local School District until retiring in 2017 and enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and casino gambling. Sue is survived by her husband Tony, two daughters and their spouses, five grandchildren, and extended family. Visitation will be held on June 4 at Anthony Funeral Home of Green, followed by a funeral service on June 5 and interment at Uniontown Greenlawn Cemetery.

Suzanne Marie Monago

Susan M. Floyd

Susan M. Floyd, 85, passed away on May 26, 2025, having been born on August 16, 1939, to Robert and Catherine Moore of Washington, DC. She was a woman of strong faith who dedicated herself to serving others through her work at Chapel Hill Nursing Home, Hospice, and her church, Akron Baptist Temple. Susan enjoyed various activities including bowling, softball, playing music by ear, writing, and beach trips to Myrtle Beach. She is survived by her daughters Kim and Terri, son Randy, eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, her sister Virginia, and numerous other family members and friends.

Susan M. Floyd

Margaret Grace Taylor

Margay Cooper, born in 1940 in Steubenville, OH, was known for her love of sports, her skills as a seamstress, and her green thumb. She was married to Kermit for nearly 61 years, building a beautiful life together that included their daughter Taunie (born 1967) and grandson Everett, whom she adored. Margay and Kermit's home was a welcoming gathering place for friends and family, hosting memorable holiday parties and fostering lively conversation. She passed away peacefully with Kermit by her side, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, style, and progressive values.

Margaret Grace Taylor

Brenda Joyce Teeple

Brenda Joyce Teeple, 81, of Akron, passed away on May 24, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A lifelong Akron resident and Central High School graduate, she was known for her vibrant spirit and gift for bringing people together through various gatherings and celebrations. Brenda, who enjoyed dancing and entertaining, is remembered for her contagious laughter and zest for life that left lasting impressions on those who knew her. She is survived by her children Christy and Eric, two siblings, and 32 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, while being preceded in death by her husband Donn, daughter Tina, and two sisters.

Brenda Joyce Teeple

Patricia Ann "Pam" Callsen

Patricia Ann Miller "Pam" Callsen (1937-2025) was born in New Jersey, educated at several institutions, and met her husband Chris while working in New York City. After marrying in 1962, they lived in several cities before settling in Hudson, Ohio in 1975, where they raised their two sons. Despite being diagnosed with glaucoma in her 40s and eventually becoming blind, Pam led an active life as a gracious hostess, art gallery worker, and charity volunteer, while enjoying travel and adventure with her husband until her death on May 21, 2025.

Patricia Ann Pam Callsen

Gerald Robert Lockard

Gerald Robert Lockard (Jerry), 91, passed away on May 26, 2025, after battling Parkinson's Disease for three years, surrounded by his family at home. Born in Akron, OH in 1934, he is survived by his wife of over 63 years, Mabel, two sons, grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. Jerry was a Master Carpenter who managed the University of Akron's carpenter shop for 18 years before retirement, when he developed interests in gardening and woodcarving. A devoted member of The Chapel for over 50 years, he served in various capacities and later attended Chapel Hill Church.

Gerald Robert Lockard

William M. Smith,

William M. Smith, Jr., 65, was a machinist who worked for various companies before founding his own successful business, D.E.S. Machine Services. He was active in his church and enjoyed traveling with his wife as part of the HOG Harley Davidson Group, as well as outdoor activities like off-roading, boating, and attending Cleveland sports games. His family was his greatest joy, especially his grandchildren. William is survived by his wife of 44 years, Debora, his parents, three children, seven grandchildren, and several siblings, with services to be held at Redmon Funeral Home.

William M. Smith,

Brian Alan Taylor

Brian Alan Taylor, 38, of Akron, passed away on May 25, 2025, and was born in Barberton, Ohio in 1986. He was passionate about sports, playing baseball as a child, and enjoyed basketball, movies, and games on his tablet. Brian, described as a fun and loving young man, is survived by his parents, siblings, nephews, niece, and extended family. A visitation and memorial service will be held on June 5, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home in Akron, followed by a celebration of his life at Uniontown Fire Department.

Brian Alan Taylor

Jeff M. Vernarge

Jeffrey M. Venarge passed away on Saturday, May 24th, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Born in 1965, Jeff spent most of his life in Uniontown, Ohio, where he was a graduate of Lake schools. He was an artist at heart, passionate about music and guitar, and authored a book under the pen name Basil Bachelor. Jeff is remembered as a generous person who cherished his role as uncle to his six nieces, and is survived by his father, stepmother, siblings, and nieces, while being preceded in death by his mother and grandparents.

Jeff M. Vernarge
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