Good morning, Akron.

Shepherd's House in Ravenna housed 52 people as it operated a warming center when temperatures dropped below 20 and now is asking for donations and volunteers to support its services amid rising rental costs.

Akron’s Time Traveler Records, a long-standing vinyl shop on West Market Street, faces financial challenges while younger buyers fuel a vinyl revival, and owner Scott Shepherd remains determined to keep the store open after considering a post-Christmas closing.

Akron Food Works, operated by The Well Community Development Corp in Middlebury, will add a third kitchen by early 2026 at a cost of about $95,000 to $100,000 to serve 55 local food entrepreneurs who rely on shared spaces—boosting startup growth through expanded kitchen options.

Akron-born singer John Vincent III will perform with co-headliner Michael Marcagi at 7 p.m. Dec.

19 at the Agora Theater and Ballroom and donate a portion of ticket sales to benefit Cleveland Providence House. He returns home to share his music during the holiday season.

Martin Poder resigned as football coach at Stow-Munroe Falls High School on Dec.

15 after four seasons and will join American Landscaping Partners as a regional sales manager; the school is now accepting applications and will begin interviews on Jan. 12.

The American Red Cross hosts the Cuyahoga Falls Holiday Blood Drive today at Sheraton Suites on Front Street from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Donors earn a $15 Amazon gift card and a chance at grand prizes (Santa appears from 10:30 a.m.) at Northern Ohio’s largest blood drive.

Health officials advise residents to cover exposed skin with warm water to help prevent frostbite as temperatures drop today.

They also stress self-care during holiday stress and note the FDA approved an oral antibiotic for resistant gonorrhea that could benefit Northeast Ohio.

Andrew T. Goodrich, 49, was hired as University of Akron’s athletic director in April.

In a Q&A, he explained his tie to Akron through Benjamin Franklin Goodrich (founder of the city's historic rubber industry) and said his family legacy motivates him to lead the Zips and support sports programs.

Charcuterie Wreath Workshop

6 PM – 8 PM — Constance Fromagerie & Café — Ticket price includes materials — Create a beautiful charcuterie wreath while enjoying champagne in a relaxed atmosphere.

Deck the Hall

3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — $15-$28 — Experience festive lights and holiday cheer with family and friends at this enchanting winter event.

Poetry Night with CC Speaks

7:30-10 p.m. — House Three Thirty — Specialty food and beverages for purchase — Experience a moving evening of poetic expressions from the local community.

Akron's ReaL DeaL ~ Old School & Motown Concert

7:30 PM - 1:30 AM — House Three Thirty — Specialty food and beverages available — Dance to the classic hits from renowned artists like The Temptations and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Sunday Afternoon Charcuterie Wreath Workshop

2-4:30 p.m. — Constance Fromagerie & Café — Ticket price includes materials and a glass of champagne — Create a stunning cheese and charcuterie wreath for your holiday gatherings.

Holiday Lantern Tours

5:00 PM – 8:40 PM — Hale Farm & Village — Ticket purchase required — Experience a nostalgic lantern-lit walking tour through a festive 19th-century village.

Holiday Lantern Tours

5-8:40 p.m. — Hale Farm & Village — Ticket purchase required — Experience the charm of a lantern-lit village tour showcasing festive 19th-century traditions.

Deck the Hall Event

3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — Free parking — Celebrate the holiday season with an enchanting experience at this historic venue.

Deck the Hall

3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — Free Parking — Experience the festive charm of the season at a historic venue filled with holiday spirit.

Deck the Hall Celebration

3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — Adults $28, Youth $15 — Experience 1.4 million lights and festive fun with family and friends.