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🎭 Comedy king cometh

Summit County • September 16, 2025

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Good morning, Summit County. The King of Comedy is coming to court! Kevin James, the beloved "King of Queens" star who transformed mall security into cinematic gold with "Paul Blart," will bring his "Eat the Frog" stand-up tour to the Akron Civic Theatre next spring. While James prepares his comedy throne, the Akron Art Museum is finally giving overdue recognition to homegrown artistic genius Alfred McMoore, whose distinctive works captured everything from LeBron James to the iconic Goodyear Blimp.

Meanwhile, there's genuine cause for celebration in our classrooms as Akron Public Schools leaped to 3.5 stars in Ohio's readiness ratings, outshining Cleveland and earning top workforce readiness marks among urban districts. The success stems from an innovative approach connecting 300 business partners with students through 54 career pathways – proving that when it comes to preparing tomorrow's workforce, Summit County is already ahead of the curve.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🎭 Kevin James brings his comedy to Akron next spring. The "King of Queens" star will perform his "Eat the Frog" stand-up tour at the Akron Civic Theatre on March 6, 2026. Known for movies like "Paul Blart" and "Grown Ups," James released his latest special "Irregardless" on Prime Video last year. He also co-wrote and stars in the upcoming film "Solo Mio" alongside Alyson Hanigan, set for release in February 2026. Presale tickets become available Wednesday before general sales begin Friday at akroncivic.com and kevinjames.com.

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🎨 Akron's hidden artistic genius finally gets his spotlight. The Akron Art Museum is preparing to unveil "Alfred McMoore: All This Luck in My Head," celebrating the self-taught local artist who passed away in 2009. Curator Wendy Earle recently provided a preview of the exhibition, which features McMoore's distinctive pencil drawings, crayon works depicting LeBron James and the Goodyear Blimp, and massive scroll pieces. The late artist's legacy was championed by retired Beacon Journal reporter Jim Carney and supported by The Black Keys, who held a benefit concert after McMoore's death.

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🎓 Akron schools soar while Cleveland drops in new readiness ratings. Akron Public Schools jumped from 2.5 to 3.5 stars thanks to their innovative College and Career Academies program, which earned the highest workforce readiness score among Ohio's urban districts. Meanwhile, Cleveland's overall rating fell from 3 to 2.5 stars due to struggles with college and career preparation. Akron's success stems from 54 career pathways taught by industry professionals and partnerships with 300 businesses providing real-world experience for students. Despite improvements in some areas, both districts continue to battle high chronic absenteeism rates.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Scenic split-level woodland retreat: Charming $325,000 split-level home in Copley featuring lightly wooded backyard, firepit, deck, and wood-burning fireplace. Enjoy enclosed porch, large recreation room, and recently updated roof and septic system.
Real estate listing image Stately Colonial Loaded With Luxury: Priced at $735,000, this grand colonial in Hudson's Winston Manor community offers four bedrooms, four and a half baths, three gas fireplaces, and luxury features throughout, plus access to neighborhood pool and tennis courts.
Real estate listing image Modern luxury spacious family home: Priced at $619,900, this modern 5-year-old Pulte home features four bedrooms with walk-in closets, a flexible floorplan with office space options, and luxury finishes including quartz counters and a gas fireplace.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

💼 Sep. 16 - Library Business Resources: Need help reaching your goals? Stop by Firestone Park Branch Library on September 16 where Summit County Department of Development offers resources, computer access, and one-on-one tech assistance to boost your personal and professional journey.
📋 Sep. 16 - Medicare 101 Basics: Demystify Medicare at Highland Square Library with Sharon Honroth on September 16! Learn about Advantage plans, supplements, and prescription coverage in this free, informative session for those approaching 65 or changing coverage.
🍽️ Sep. 17 - Retirement Planning Dinner Workshop: Secure your golden years at Bricco West's free dinner workshop in Akron on Sep 17! Learn essential retirement strategies and sidestep the four biggest risks threatening your financial future. 991 W Market St.
🎨 Sep. 18 - Summit Arts Welcome Mixer: Welcome new and familiar faces at the Summit County Arts & Culture Meetup! Mingle with fellow creatives in a casual atmosphere at Mustard Seed Market on September 18. Perfect for artists and arts administrators.
🧩 Sep. 18 - Puzzle Night with Friends: Piece together fun at Jigsaw Puzzle Night! Drop by Portage Lakes Branch Library on September 18 to tackle new challenges with friends. Come and go as you please during this free community event.
🎵 Sep. 19 - Sounds From The Cellar: Get ready for foot-stomping fun as Sounds From the Cellar returns to Kenmore's hottest venue! Catch this free music event at Old 97 on September 19 and experience Akron's local talent live.
🍲 Sep. 19 - Mountain of Food Drive-Thru: Fill your pantry at OPEN M's Mountain of Food drive-thru distribution on September 19 at 941 Princeton St, Akron. This monthly community event offers bulk foods to those in need every third Friday.
🔥 Sep. 20 - Grupo Fuego Latin Festival: Feel the heat at Lock 3 Park when Grupo Fuego brings their fiery Latin rhythms to Akron Latin Festival on September 20. Two decades of unstoppable energy hits downtown Akron's favorite outdoor venue!

🙏 In Remembrance

Bambi L. Williams

Bambi L. Williams, a longtime Barberton resident, passed away on September 12, 2025, at age 71 after a brief battle with cancer. She is survived by her three daughters, many grandchildren and great-grandsons, siblings, and other family members. Bambi enjoyed family time, walking on the towpath, Halloween celebrations, and had a final wish to return to Ocean City, MD. The family will receive visitors on September 27 at the Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home, with donations requested in lieu of flowers to help cover final expenses.

Bambi L. Williams

Andrea Tomaiko

Andrea "Andy" Tomaiko, 82, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on September 12, 2025, after a four-year battle with Alzheimer's and Dementia, surrounded by family. Born in 1942, she grew up in Akron, graduated from Garfield High School in 1960, and later worked as a head cashier at Acme Clicks and managed Taco Bell stores. Though quiet by nature, Andrea enjoyed cooking, gardening, painting, collecting antiques, and raising Chow dogs, taking special pride in making her house a home with her late husband Paul. She will be cremated as requested and eventually spread in the oceans of California, leaving behind a legacy of beautifully decorated family gatherings and cherished everyday moments with loved ones.

Andrea Tomaiko

Paul S. Huffman

Paul S. Huffman, 83, of Akron, passed away on September 12, 2025, having been born in Wadsworth in 1942 to Murray and Dorothy Huffman. He is survived by his daughter Tammy, son Paul II, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, two brothers, and extended family. Paul worked as a driver for Lyons Transportation Lines Trucking for 25 years, was employed by the US Postal Service, and served as a trustee for Teamster's Local 24. He enjoyed spending time by his pool with family and friends and was known for making friends easily, including regular connections at local establishments.

Paul S. Huffman
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