Good morning, Akron.

Businessman Brian Steere is set to open a new Crafty Steere at 222 S.

Main St with a market offering beef from a local farm, prepared foods, and a bar with beer & wine. The 18,000 sqft space will open mid to late August near Lock 3 as a family dining and shopping destination.

Akron's advanced manufacturing sector is set to boost with a $160 million NSF grant as part of the NEO-SMART Engine that starts Aug.

1. It will provide $7.5 million annually for two years to spur research on polymers + metals and chemicals while aiming to create up to 20,000 jobs over the next decade.

Akron extended its Unified Early Learning System pilot through year-end after early care programs showed promising results (12% enrollment increase and 59% drop in staff turnover), as reported by education strategist Richelle Wardell.

Cuyahoga Falls City Schools is holding test drive events for school bus and van on July 25 and Aug.

8, from 10 a.m. to noon in the former Cuyahoga Falls High School parking lot (participants must be 21 and hold a valid driver's license) where staff will explain hiring opportunities.

Summit Academy purchased the empty Belle Stone Elementary School after a July auction and will host an open house July 22 (6–7 p.m.) before relocating from its current building.

The Canton City Board of Education also renamed Gibbs Elementary as Paralee Watkins Compton Learning Center to consolidate students.

Akron is asking residents for input on safer streets through its Safe Streets 4 All Program.

Community meetings are scheduled on July 16, 21, 22, and 29 in Copley-Maple + East Akron to guide future transportation improvements.

Ohio health officials are investigating a cyclosporiasis outbreak with 364 reported cases from 51 counties (46 hospitalizations) while Michigan has reported thousands of cases.

Investigators are focusing on lettuce and salad greens as possible sources, with more details expected soon.

Leonora Hall in Highland Square is set to be sold for $2.7 million to an unnamed nonprofit that plans to use it for transitional housing after closing due to financial challenges.

The sale is expected to close in about a week.

Richie Furay Concert

7:30 – 10:30 PM — The Kent Stage — $36.17 to $55.52 — Celebrate a music legend with Richie Furay's latest country album showcase after 60 years in the industry.

Thunderchief at The Matinee

7-11:30 p.m. — The Matinee — Ticket info pending — Thunderchief returns to Akron for an electrifying live performance with Radian.

Flight of the Heron 5K & Fun Run

Flight of the Heron 5K & Fun Run — Saturday — Akron, Ohio — Registration fee applies — A fun community run with options for kids and adults alike in a scenic road course.

BIG VINYL SALE! Cleveland South Record Riot

10 AM-4 PM — Woodside Event Center at St Michael's — Free entry — Dive into a vibrant vinyl digging party featuring LPs, CDs, and family fun.

Dance Intensive Program

All day — Weathervane Playhouse — Prices vary — Enhance your dance skills with personalized instruction from professional choreographers.

Santino Sings Live

7-11 p.m. — Firestone Country Club — Tickets available — Experience powerhouse vocals and soulful songwriting from international artist Santino Tomasetti.

Casey James Live in Akron

Evening — The Vortex — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night with Casey James, a standout from American Idol Season 9.

Perfectly Polite Dining Etiquette Class

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — M Italian — Cost information not provided — Enhance your dining skills with an etiquette class covering table settings and various cuisines.

Free Water Family Day

12-3 p.m. — Akron Art Museum — Free entry — Enjoy a splash-filled creative day with art activities and fun water play.

Snapology Robotics Workshop

1:30-5:30 p.m. — Northwest Akron Branch Library — Free entry — Build, code, and create machines with robotics and Legos for ages 7-12.