AKRON BLACK ARTIST GUILD PRESENTS ART IN BLOOM

In Cuyahoga Valley National Park! Led by professional teaching artists, attendees will explore unique art mediums while connecting to nature and promoting well-being.

RSVP for FREE TICKETS

• Check-In for Art in Bloom will take place on paved area near the Boston pedestrian bridge (Finding Our Way Home mural).

• All Supplies provided except for camera or a phone needed to participate in Photography Workshop

• Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in all three workshops. Each workshop will run four times from 10:00am to 3:00pm

• Parking is available at Boston Trailhead, 1498 Boston Mills Rd West, Peninsula, OH 44264.

It’s time for another Film Club 🎬 and we can’t wait to gather for “Gather”—  a powerful documentary on Indigenous food sovereignty.

Join us next Friday, July 18 at 7pm for a free screening of “Gather” with community conversation to follow. 💫

Get there early to mix and mingle 🍿with popcorn, snacks and sodas on the house. Doors open at 6:30pm. BYOB those fancy drinks. 🍹

Meet us upstairs in the Civic Saturday space in the former church on the corner of W Market and N Rose (981 W Market St). Bus line 1 stops out front. Parking lot around back and free street parking on most surrounding streets.

Questions, ideas for future Film Clubs? Email us! 💌

Volunteer with People Feeding People for their bi-weekly food drop, and help bring fresh nutritious food to communities without access to affordable, healthy groceries. Set up begins at 3:30pm, folks arrive for groceries at 5:30pm. Volunteers are invited to go through the line and stock up on delicious free food. Sign up at https://volunteersignup.org/WT8Q9

GAYME Night OUT is happening every month in 2025!

Come join us at The Green Dragon Inn Board Game Bar and Cafe in downtown Akron anytime from 6-11pm, every 2nd Monday of every month!

An LGBTQ+ and Allied event for all ages to play board games, card games, enjoy snacks - and we even offer a crafting corner for folks who want to bring a craft to make, a book to read, or their knitting to spend time with community too!

Come out and celebrate the 4th of July (a little early) the old fashioned way at July's West Hill Wednesday! West Hill Neigbhorhood Association is hosting a cookout and pie baking contest for this month's West Hill Wednesday. WHNO is providing free food and drinks, you bring the pies. A West Hill panel of celebrity judges will give out fabulous prizes for the top three pies. The competition is stiff, so bring your best pie game!

We'll also have music, games, craft activities for kids and adults, and more neighbors than you can shake a sparkler at.

Bring your family, friends, neighbors, and friendly pets for a fun night out in our neighborhood.

Tickets are not required, but they sure help us plan! Reserve your free tickets at bit.ly/July25WHW.

Questions? You can contact us at hello@whno.org.

#akron #AkronOH #akronohio #akronevents #westhill #westhillakron #westhillakronohio

Mark your calendars for this free event & register here: https://my.lwv.org/ohio/akron-area

The Roles and Responsibilities of School Boards and Their Members - A Panel Discussion

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 5:30pm

Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 South High St, Akron Ohio

School boards across Summit County have open seats on the November ballot. Boards play a key role in ensuring the best educational outcomes for our youth. The board member role is very rewarding, but not without challenges.

Join us to learn:

• What does a school board member do?

• What’s the profile of an effective school board member?

• What resources are available to support current and prospective board members?

Moderator:

• Lathardus Goggins II, Ed.D., Applied Academics Solutions

Panelists:

• Reno Contipelli, Ohio School Board Association

• Ana Chapman, Berea Board of Education

• Malia Lewis, Cleveland Hts.-University Hts. Board of Education

This nonpartisan event is free and open to the public.

Register to attend here: https://my.lwv.org/ohio/akron-area

It’s going for #Juneteenth @ the Freedom BLOC.. come join us for fun, food and a fireworks show. Free and open to everyone..this Thursday starting at 5pm .. food @ 7 while supplies last..fireworks show and dusk!!

Volunteer with People Feeding People for their bi-weekly food drop, and help bring fresh nutritious food to communities without access to affordable, healthy groceries. Set up begins at 3:30pm, folks arrive for groceries at 5:30pm. Volunteers are invited to go through the line and stock up on delicious free food. Sign up at https://volunteersignup.org/WT8Q9

The 2025 Charity Ball

Step into Elegance, Give with Purpose

Join us for a night of glamour and generosity at the 2025 Charity Ball, hosted at the stunning House Three Thirty! This unforgettable evening will be filled with entertainment, philanthropy, and community spirit, all in support of an incredible local non-profit making a difference.

✨ Event Highlights ✨

📍 Venue: House Three Thirty – A stunning backdrop for an evening of sophistication and celebration.

🎶 Entertainment: DJ TashBeatz will be providing the sounds for the evening, setting the perfect atmosphere for an elegant and lively night. Our charismatic host will guide you through the evening’s program.

📸 Capturing the Night: Enjoy professional photography, videography, and photobooths to make your evening truly memorable.

🍸 Open Bar & Cocktail Hour: Enjoy a selection of premium beverages throughout the evening and network during our cocktail hour.

🎟️ Raffles: Enter for a chance to win fantastic prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night.

🏆 Non-Profit Selection: Cast your vote live at the event to support one of five outstanding local non-profits:

• Akron Sneaker Academy

• Empowering Queens

• Sarah's House

• Dream's Academy

• People Feeding People

👔 Dress Code: Strictly Formal & Black & White Theme

This year, we are introducing an all black and white dress code. Attendees must comply by embracing the elegance of the evening in formal black and white attire:

✔ Men: Dinner suits, tuxedos, dress shirts, tailored suits.
✔ Women: Full-length evening gowns or tailored suits.

❌ Not permitted: Jeans, t-shirts, athletic gear, sneakers, cocktail dresses, or casual wear. Guests who do not adhere to the dress code will not be admitted.

🔞 Age Restriction

🚫 21+ ONLY | A valid photo ID is required at the registration desk.
⏳ Final Entry: To guarantee entrance, please arrive no later than 8:30 PM. No entry permitted after 8:30 PM.

🎟️ Ticket Information: Limited Availability

General Admission & Table Options

🎟 General Admission (Individual Tickets) – Grants entry to the event with access to the cocktail hour, open bar, presentation, ceremony, entertainment, and raffles.
⚠️ Limited seating available for general admission ticket holders. A seat is not guaranteed unless a half or full table is purchased.

🪑 Half Table (Seats 4) – Secure reserved seating at a shared table for you and your guests.
🪑 Full Table (Seats 8) – Reserve an entire table for your party to enjoy the evening together.

❌ No tickets will be sold at the door.

📸 Photo & Media Disclaimer

By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree that photographs and videos may be taken throughout the evening. These images may be used for promotional purposes, including social media and marketing materials.

💼 Sponsorship Opportunities

Want to support the 2025 Charity Ball as a sponsor? Contact us at thecharityball23@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities and ways to get involved.

Let's get dressed up, celebrate, and make a lasting impact at the 2025 Charity Ball! We look forward to an elegant evening of giving, community, and unforgettable moments.

Neighborhood Network Middlebury Meeting

We are less than a month away from the next Middlebury Meeting! Hope to see you there primed and ready to take action and get involved. We have discussed the different concerns around housing, safety, and health of the community. Now we work on building solutions for these together.

Ideas into Action!

Action into Results!

Results into Change!

This town hall-style conversation invites residents, leaders, and nonprofits to share what can be done, the actions one can take to address some of these neighborhood issues. Let's work together to create positive change!

Tuesday, June 10th from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at Family of Faith UMC (800 East Market Street, Akron).

Dinner will be provided.

More information on our Facebook!

Have any questions? Email ArellT@hfhsummitcounty.org

GAYME Night OUT is happening every month in 2025!

Come join us at The Green Dragon Inn Board Game Bar and Cafe in downtown Akron anytime from 6-11pm, every 2nd Monday of every month!

An LGBTQ+ and Allied event for all ages to play board games, card games, enjoy snacks - and we even offer a crafting corner for folks who want to bring a craft to make, a book to read, or their knitting to spend time with community too!

Volunteer with People Feeding People for their bi-weekly food drop, and help bring fresh nutritious food to communities without access to affordable, healthy groceries. Set up begins at 3:30pm, folks arrive for groceries at 5:30pm. Volunteers are invited to go through the line and stock up on delicious free food. Sign up at https://volunteersignup.org/WT8Q9

Wednesday, May 21 · 6 - 8:30pm EDT

House Three Thirty - 532 West Market Street Akron, OH 44303

Get tickets here.

It’s time to honor the best and brightest representing local arts and culture!

Since 2002, the Arts Alive Awards have recognized gifted artists, talented arts educators, and change-making advocates who bring art to life and help shape our community’s culture.

This evening celebrating the 2025 recipients and benefitting Summit Artspace, music, entertainment, and a special program honoring this year's recipients. Heavy appetizers, desserts, and signature cocktails will be served.

GOLD VIP Tickets - $250 each

Includes a Meet & Greet with Arts Alive Award recipients in VIP reception rooms from 5:30-6:30 pm featuring hors d'oeuvres and signature cocktail, two drink tickets, entertainment, swag bag featuring local artists' work, Arts Alive Award Ceremony, and VIP Mitchell's Ice Cream Dessert.

Tax-deductible portion: $150 per person

VIP Tickets - $150 each

Includes a Meet & Greet with Arts Alive Award recipients in VIP reception rooms from 5:30-6:30 pm featuring passed hors d'oeuvres and signature cocktail, drink ticket, local artist gift item, entertainment, Arts Alive Award Ceremony, and VIP Mitchell's Ice Cream dessert.

Tax-deductible portion: $90 per person

Patron Tickets $80 each

Includes heavy appetizers, drink ticket, entertainment, and Arts Alive Award Ceremony.

Tax-deductible portion: $25 per person

PROGRAM

5:30-6:30 p.m. VIP/Sponsor Reception, Meet & Greet Award Recipients

6:00:-7:00 p.m. Doors Open, General Reception

7:00-8:00 p.m. Arts Alive Awards Ceremony Evening Program

8:00 p.m. Dessert Reception

VIRTUAL AWARDS BROADCAST

Do you know someone who would like to attend but can't make it in person? They can register for our 30-minute pre-recorded virtual ceremony broadcast on our Virtual Event Eventbrite page.

For more information on the virtual broadcast, CLICK HERE.

Volunteer with People Feeding People for their bi-weekly food drop, and help bring fresh nutritious food to communities without access to affordable, healthy groceries. Set up begins at 3:30pm, folks arrive for groceries at 5:30pm. Volunteers are invited to go through the line and stock up on delicious free food. Sign up at https://volunteersignup.org/WT8Q9

GAYME Night OUT is happening every month in 2025!

Come join us at The Green Dragon Inn Board Game Bar and Cafe in downtown Akron anytime from 6-11pm, every 2nd Monday of every month!

An LGBTQ+ and Allied event for all ages to play board games, card games, enjoy snacks - and we even offer a crafting corner for folks who want to bring a craft to make, a book to read, or their knitting to spend time with community too!

What Are We Voting On?

Akron City Council SEATs for Ward 1 and Ward 8

Not sure what ward you’re in? View your sample ballot here. FYI, all candidates running for city council are running as Democrats and will only show up on the Democratic ballot.

OHIO ISSUE 2

There's one statewide Issue on the May 6 ballot -- and that's Ohio Issue 2, which would take effect immediately if approved.

So what's it all about? Ballot language as listed by the Ohio Secretary of State's Office outlines Issue 2 as follows:

1. Authorize the state to issue bonds or other obligations to finance or assist in financing public infrastructure capital improvements for local governments and other governmental entities. Capital improvement projects would be limited to roads and bridges, waste water treatment systems, water supply systems, solid waste disposal facilities, storm water and sanitary collection, storage, and treatment facilities.

2. Determine that such capital improvements are necessary to preserve and expand the public infrastructure, ensure public health, safety and welfare, create and preserve jobs, enhance employment opportunities, and improve the economic welfare of the people of Ohio.

3. Limit the total principal amount of the state general obligations issued under the amendment to no more than $2.5 billion over a ten-year period. Any principal amount that could have been issued in any prior fiscal year, but was not issued, may subsequently be issued.

4. Require that obligations issued under this amendment mature no later than thirty (30) years after their date of issuance, and that any obligation issued to retire or refund other obligations mature no later than the permitted maturity date for the obligations being retired or refunded.

5. Authorize the General Assembly to pass laws implementing this amendment, including laws establishing procedures for incurring and issuing obligations, and laws providing for the use of Ohio products, materials, services and labor to the extent possible.

ISSUE 18

Voters in Summit County will see Issue 18 on the May 6 ballot, which is a bond issue for the Akron-Summit County Public Library that would cost homeowners an extra $35 annually for each $100,000 of appraised value.

“The funding is needed to make necessary repairs and improvements to buildings," according to the library's site.

"Without levy funds from Issue 18, the library will not be able to make needed repairs or modernize buildings to keep pace with ever-expanding community needs," according to the library's site, which also notes the last time they asked voters for capital funding was back in 1997.

Here's the full ballot language for Issue 18:

Shall bonds be issued by the Akron-Summit County Public Library District for the purpose of constructing, adding to, renovating, remodeling, furnishing, equipping and otherwise improving library buildings and facilities, and acquiring, clearing and improving the sites thereof in the principal amount of $160,000,000, to be repaid annually over a maximum period of 20 years, and an annual levy of property taxes to be made outside the ten-mill limitation, estimated by the county fiscal officer to average over the repayment period of the bond Issue 1 mill for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $35 for each $100,000 of the county fiscal officer’s appraised value, commencing in 2025, first due in calendar year 2026, to pay the annual debt charges on the bonds, and to pay debt charges on any notes issued in anticipation of those bonds?

EARLY VOTING HOURS

Early in-person voting begins Tuesday, April 8 at Summit County Board of Elections.

• April 8-11: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• April 14-18: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• April 21-25: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• April 28: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• April 29: 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

• April 30 - May 2: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• May 3: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• May 4: 1-5 p.m.

VOTING ON ELECTION DAY May 6

Polls are open throughout Ohio for the May 6 primary election from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Remember, you are still permitted to vote as long as you're in line before the polls close at 7:30 p.m.

VOTING ABSENTEE?

Request your ballot here.

• April 8: Absentee voting begins.

• May 5: Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by this date.

• May 6: If not returned by mail, absentee ballots must be received by your Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m.

WHAT FORM OF ID SHOULD I BRING SO I CAN VOTE?

Acceptable forms of identification as listed by the Secretary of State's office are:

• Ohio driver's license

• State of Ohio ID card

• Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV

• A U.S. passport

• A U.S. passport card

• U.S. military ID card

• Ohio National Guard ID card

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card

Have housing issues? Landlord problems, or ideas for living conditions… join us! We believe Housing is a human right!. Housing Meetings every 1st Thursday of the month. 848 W Exchange St, Akron 44302 For more info visit https://www.thefreedombloc.org/

There are two bonds on the May 6 election (currently in early voting!)

The League of Women Voters invites you to join them Monday, April 21 at 5pm at the Akron Summit County Public Library, 60 S. High Street, to learn all about the two bond issues on the ballot - what they are, how they work, and most importantly, what they mean for you.

Candidates vying for Akron City Council seats in wards 1 and 8 are also on the May ballot.  Go to VOTE411.org to find background on the candidates and their responses to LWV questions in their own words, as well as more information on the bond issues.

Register for the free forum here.

Summit County Young Dems invite you to get to know the candidates running for City Council Ward 1 & Ward 8 on April 16th from 6 - 8:30 pm at 981 W Market St Akron, corner of W Market and N Rose.

Not sure if Ward 1 or Ward 8 is on your ballot this May? View your sample ballot here.

FYI, all candidates running for city council are running as Democrats and will only show up on the Democratic ballot.

EARLY VOTING HOURS

Early in-person voting begins Tuesday, April 8 at Summit County Board of Elections.

• April 8-11: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• April 14-18: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• April 21-25: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• April 28: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• April 29: 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

• April 30 - May 2: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• May 3: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• May 4: 1-5 p.m.

VOTING ON ELECTION DAY May 6

Polls are open throughout Ohio for the May 6 primary election from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Remember, you are still permitted to vote as long as you're in line before the polls close at 7:30 p.m.

VOTING ABSENTEE?

Request your ballot here.

• April 8: Absentee voting begins.

• May 5: Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by this date.

• May 6: If not returned by mail, absentee ballots must be received by your Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m.

WHAT FORM OF ID SHOULD I BRING SO I CAN VOTE?

Acceptable forms of identification as listed by the Secretary of State's office are:

• Ohio driver's license

• State of Ohio ID card

• Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV

• A U.S. passport

• A U.S. passport card

• U.S. military ID card

• Ohio National Guard ID card

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card

GAYME Night OUT is happening every month in 2025!

Come join us at The Green Dragon Inn Board Game Bar and Cafe in downtown Akron anytime from 6-11pm, every 2nd Monday of every month!

An LGBTQ+ and Allied event for all ages to play board games, card games, enjoy snacks - and we even offer a crafting corner for folks who want to bring a craft to make, a book to read, or their knitting to spend time with community too!