Good morning, Akron.

Adele Hamad will turn 100 on Jan.

29, celebrating with four children, nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. The longtime Akron resident — who co-owned local restaurants Hamad’s on Main Street and Tip Top Café — remains active in bowling and golfing.

Summit Metro Parks earned an Award of Excellence from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association for its age-friendly initiatives (second place in management innovation).

Staff will accept the award on Feb. 3 at the OPRA Awards Celebration in Sandusky.

Akron retailers kept modified hours for the holiday weekend, with many staying open on New Year's Eve while some—such as ALDI, Costco, and Sam's Club—closed or reduced hours today.

Shoppers can plan accordingly using these updated schedules (additional details may vary by store).

Akron Soul Train announced its 2026 Artists in Residence, welcoming local creators whose work spans music, sculpture, painting, photography and design.

The program marks 10 years of community impact and will include public events + exhibitions to engage audiences.

On Dec. 15, Akron Public Art Commission launched an interactive inventory with over 700 pieces of art spanning 24 neighborhoods to help plan future maintenance; the digital tool created by Art x Love also features Traffic Control Box Wraps from local artists + invites residents to submit artwork details.

Akron Public Schools' new board members Nathan Jarosz, Karmaya Kelly and Phil Montgomery, along with incumbent Gregory Harrison, are set to take their oaths on Monday, Jan.

5 at Garfield Community Learning Center on Brown St. A public reception with light refreshments will follow.

At Dec. 15, Highland Local Schools Board in Granger honored retiring board member Robert Kelly with its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award after 28 years of service, recognizing his leadership during school construction and the COVID-19 challenges.

Ohio has lowered the CPA education requirements starting today to 120 college credits for candidates with two years of work experience, or (for those with a master’s degree) one year of experience, while keeping the CPA exam mandatory.

The change, set by House Bill 238, aims to ease the CPA shortage.

Pierre Mays (60) received a donor heart in January 2024 and reflected on his recovery journey during a Dec.

15 visit at the Akron-Summit County Main Library, where his mother Christina supported him.

Archbishop Hoban and Walsh Jesuit will bowl against each other on Jan.

8 in Greater Akron; both teams are set for a friendly yet high-stakes match as coaches (who recall past showdowns) emphasize teamwork and leadership to boost season morale.

Richard Lloyd Live Performance

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Musica — $23 — Experience the legendary guitarist Richard Lloyd as he showcases classic rock sounds in an intimate setting.

Spiritual New Year's Resolution Discussion

9:30-11:30 a.m. — Portage Path CLC — Free entry — Explore the spiritual path to happiness and personal growth inspired by Bahá’í teachings.

Karaoke Thursday at Musica

9 PM - 1 AM — Musica — Free entry — Grab a drink and take the mic at this fun karaoke night.

Susan Carson Live at Front St Social

7-11 p.m. — Front St Social — Free entry — Experience an evening of diverse music by Susan Carson and Rikk Mayr.

Female Fronted Rock Night

7-10 p.m. — Musica — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy an evening filled with vibrant performances by talented female-fronted bands.

DJ Dracula

8-11 p.m. — Musica — Free entry — DJ Dracula returns to spin classic alternative, new wave, and punk vinyl for a nostalgic night out.

FREE FRIDAY: Outdated View, Cabin Fever, SpAIR Jordans

8-11 p.m. — Musica — Free entry — Enjoy a night of psychedelic blues rock and indie vibes from three amazing bands.

Square Records Closing Fundraiser

7-10 p.m. — Musica — $9.07 — Celebrate the legacy of Square Records as it bids farewell to Akron's music scene.

TB Book Club Meeting

6-7:30 p.m. — 750ml Wines Akron — Open to all Torchbearers — Connect over books and join a fun book swap at this month's meeting.

Cucina Demonstration Dinner – Home-Style Tuscan Comforts

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa — $75.00 - $80.00 USD — Explore comforting Tuscan recipes and culinary techniques in an engaging demonstration dinner.