🎂 Akron turns 200

Good morning, Summit County. Akron's turning 200, and the city is throwing a birthday bash for the ages! The Heart of Akron Festival will transform Lock 3 Park into a three-day celebration July 3-5, featuring local bands, what's being billed as "the biggest Akron parade in half a century," and nightly fireworks illuminating the city's bicentennial milestone. The festivities honor two centuries since Simon Perkins and Paul Williams established the community along the Cuyahoga River.

Meanwhile, history is calling in another form as Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens launches "The Families That Built Akron" exhibit. The historic mansion is seeking your family treasures—photos, letters, diaries—that capture everyday Akron life through the decades. Selected items will be featured in the 2026 exhibit coinciding with America's 250th birthday celebrations. Across the county, Brimfield is also embracing summer with Independence Day celebrations and a packed July calendar of community events.

🌤 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

🏛️ Historic mansion seeks family treasures to tell Akron's story. Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is calling on Summit County residents to submit historical artifacts for "The Families That Built Akron" exhibit opening in 2026. The museum wants photos, videos, diaries, letters and personal stories that capture everyday life in Akron throughout its history. This project is part of Ohio's participation in America's 250th birthday celebrations. Submissions will be accepted through August 31, 2025, with selected items featured in both the exhibit and a monthly video series.

🎵 Akron's 200th birthday bash kicks off with music, fireworks, and pride. The Heart of Akron Festival will transform Lock 3 Park on July 3-5, featuring eight local bands performing two-hour sets across the celebration. Highlights include The Shootouts, Apostle Jones, and The Vindys, with each evening culminating in spectacular fireworks displays at 9:45 p.m. Saturday will showcase what's being called "the biggest Akron parade in half a century," honoring the bicentennial of the city founded by Simon Perkins and Paul Williams near the Cuyahoga River. Festival attendees can also enjoy vendors, artists, and local food throughout the weekend celebration.

🇺🇸 Brimfield celebrates Independence Day while community events fill July calendar. The township is welcoming The Village of St. Edward, a faith-based senior living facility breaking ground mid-July that has already made generous community donations. John Dalziel is retiring after 19 years as fiscal officer, with trustees seeking a replacement to complete his term through 2027. Numerous activities are scheduled throughout July, including senior yoga, summer day camps, a car show, and multiple library events for all ages. The Parks & Recreation department offers various programs while the Young at Heart Club has planned several outings for seniors.

Historic fixer-upper needs love: For $299,000, this historic Colonial diamond-in-the-rough offers nearly 4,000 sq ft with original hardwood floors, four fireplaces, and stunning stained glass windows, though it needs significant restoration including roof repair for water damage and mold.

Luxury ranch spacious dream home: This $419,000 ranch in Arbor Chase features an open floor plan with 9' ceilings, a chef's kitchen with granite countertops, a spacious owner's suite, and a bonus storage room above the garage.

Spacious home loving updates included: Priced at $359,900, this 4-bedroom Stow home features a flowing floor plan with updated kitchen, spacious bedrooms, finished basement, and new roof, all meticulously maintained by its loving owners.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

📚 Jul. 03 - Thursday Half Day Afternoon: Bounce into summer fun at Super Ninja World's One Full Day Thursday! Kids can leap, climb, and play at 69 Graham Rd in Cuyahoga Falls on July 3, from 12:30-4:00 PM.

🌍 Jul. 4 - Umojah Nation Festival: Groove to the vibrant rhythms of Umojah Nation at the Soul Of The City Festival! Join the celebration on July 4 at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron for this free summer concert experience.

⚾ Jul. 4 - RubberDucks vs. Sea Wolves: Cheer on the Akron RubberDucks as they face the Erie Sea Wolves this Fourth of July at Canal Park! Catch all the baseball action and holiday excitement in downtown Akron.

🚀 Jul. 4 - Akronauts at Lock 3: Blast off with the Akronauts at Lock 3 Park this Independence Day! Enjoy this exciting local showcase on July 4th at 3:00 PM in downtown Akron. Tickets available now.

🎉 Jul. 5 - Akron Bicentennial Parade: Join the celebration at Lock 3 Park as Goodyear's Bicentennial Downtown Parade marches through the heart of Akron on July 5. A perfect way to experience the city's rich history and community spirit!

🍽️ Jul. 5 - Sample the City: Tantalize your taste buds at Sample the City on July 5, 2025! Explore a flavorful journey through Akron's best local cuisine at Lock 3 Park, 200 S Main St.

🎨 Jul. 6 - Boston Mills Artfest: Immerse yourself in creativity at Boston Mills Artfest! Browse works from 300 talented artists at 7100 Riverview Rd in Peninsula on July 6, with craft beverages to enhance your art-filled adventure.

🙏 In Remembrance

Jeanette T. Korth

Jeanette, aged 86, passed away on June 22, 2025, after battling kidney disease for several years. Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, she later moved to Pennsylvania with her husband Kenneth to raise their four children before returning to Akron in 1987. Jeanette, a 1957 graduate of Akron Hower Vocational High School, was known for her compassion and dedication to helping others, as well as her love for people, pets, and plants. She is survived by her sister Judith, son Michael, daughter Larenda, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family members, while being preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, two children, and other relatives. Her funeral service will be held on July 9th, 2025, at Visitation of Mary Parish, Annunciation Church in Akron.

Joanne E.M. Tortoriello

Joanne E.M. Tortoriello, 76, of Hudson passed away on June 28, 2025, following a life dedicated to education as a Professor of Communications at the University of Akron and Miami of Ohio. She is survived by her two daughters, Beth and Amy, three grandchildren, and her brother John, having been preceded in death by her husband Thomas. Joanne was deeply involved with the First Congregational Church of Hudson as a Deaconess and committee member, and enjoyed bridge and mahjong, forming many meaningful friendships. A memorial service will be held on July 2, 2025, at the First Congregational Church of Hudson, with memorial donations suggested to the church in lieu of flowers.

Mary Lil Stokes

Mary "Lil" Stokes, 76, passed away on June 30, 2025, leaving behind her sons Vincent and Eric, as well as several siblings and extended family. She was known for her warm-hearted, loving nature and her compassionate, hardworking personality. Mary enjoyed crafts, visiting Myrtle Beach, and was devoted to creating a happy home for her family. Visitation will be held on July 7 at Cox-McNulty Funeral Home in Barberton, Ohio, followed by a graveside service on July 8 at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron.

Frances Marie Shuster

Frances "Fran" Marie Shuster (Scalf) passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, surrounded by her husband Mark and her children. Originally from Inez, Kentucky, Fran is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives. She spent most of her life in Columbus, Ohio, where she worked for 25 years as an Activity Assistant at an adult day care center, touching many lives with her compassion and joy. A memorial service will be held on July 26, 2025, at Avalon New Albany to celebrate her life and legacy of love and kindness.

Stavros Catsoulakis

Stavros "Steve" Catsoulakis passed away on June 29th, 2025, at age 91 after a short illness. Born in Crete, Greece, he assisted the Greek resistance during the German Occupation before immigrating to Canada in 1958, where he met his wife Chrisoula through exchanged letters. After moving to Akron, Ohio in 1972, Steve operated "Steve's Sunoco" service station for 50 years, demonstrating his exceptional work ethic. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, children, granddaughter, sisters, and extended family, with funeral services to be held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

Chad Allen White

Chad Allen White of Kenmore, Ohio, passed away on June 22, 2025, at age 54, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication to his family. He is survived by his daughter Faith Marie, ex-wife Tammy, parents Walter and Susan, brother Craig, and extended family. Known for his unwavering commitment to his loved ones, Chad found joy in hiking and music during his leisure time. A memorial gathering to celebrate his life will be held on July 12, 2025, at Kenmore Church of the Nazarene in Akron.

Donald Marvin McNeil

Donald M. McNeil, 76, of Akron, passed away on June 29, 2025, leaving behind his wife of 53 years, Emilie, two daughters, and two granddaughters. Born and raised in the Akron area, he worked at BFGoodrich before teaching at Resnik Elementary for 17 years. Donald was a dedicated member of the Chapel for 38 years, serving in the choir and children's ministry, and volunteered extensively at First Glance Student Center. Funeral services will be held on July 3 at the Chapel, with Donald's wish that attendees wear bright colors.

Linda K. (Chapman) Winkler

Linda K. (Chapman) Winkler, 75, of Mogadore, passed away on June 29, 2025, after battling ALS. Born in 1949, she grew up in Kenmore and had a long career at Nationwide Insurance. Linda enjoyed camping, garage sales, travel, and was a devoted fan of General Hospital and Motown music. She is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and her brother, while being preceded in death by her partner Kenneth Friend, with whom she spent winters in Florida.

Stacy M. Ward

Stacy M. Ward, 57, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, passed away on June 26, 2025, after battling cancer. A lifelong resident of Cuyahoga Falls and accomplished welder for Alloy Welding, Stacy was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his sisters, niece, extended family, and many friends. He enjoyed good food, fires, concerts, and was a loyal Steelers fan. The family expressed gratitude to friends Denny and Debbie for their care during Stacy's illness, as well as to his colleagues at Alloy Welding for their support.

Ernest D. Pitts

Ernest Darnell Pitts, age 72, passed away on June 24, 2025, after living a rich and vibrant life. A Central High School graduate who worked for the Steelworkers of America and later retired from the City of Akron, Darnell was known for his outspoken nature, many passions including fishing and hunting, and his favorite saying "toot-a-loo." He was a devoted member of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, Afro Dogs Motorcycle Bikers club, and Central Starlight Missionary Baptist Church. Darnell leaves behind his wife Tracey, his children, numerous stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and many other loved ones who will remember him for his warm heart and infectious smile.

Steven B. Stranger

Steven B. Stranger, 68, passed away on June 28, 2025, leaving behind his wife of 33 years, Tammy, four children, seven grandchildren, and his brother Sam. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Steve retired from Metro RTA as a mechanic after 25 years of service. He was passionate about drag racing, boating, four wheeling, and building computers, and was known for his willingness to fix anything for anyone. Steve will be remembered for his sense of humor, wisdom, strength, and love for his family, particularly enjoying his later years spending summers on his boat at Lake Erie.

Kathryn I. Smith

Kathryn I. Smith, 78, passed away on June 29, 2025, after being born on December 13, 1946, to Raymond Vinson and Doris Williams. She was married to Edward Smith for 60 years after meeting him at Springfield High School, and retired from Akron Cotton Products after 10 years of service. Kathryn was known for her gardening and sewing skills, particularly her beautiful quilts. She is survived by her husband, two children, four grandchildren, and her brother Richard, with cremation and a private celebration of life planned per her wishes.