Good morning, Akron.

Don Padgett III, a longtime PGA Tour executive, began his role as senior director of strategy at Akron Children's Foundation on Dec.

18. He will work with the team to boost donor engagement and strengthen community ties as he transitions from professional golf.

On Dec. 8, Summit County Council approved a $1.5 million contract for Vantage Aging to continue delivering meals to income-qualified seniors enrolled in the Aging in Place Program, which ends on Dec.

31; eligible residents will receive diet meals and wellness checks (80% income requirement) to support aging in place.

Parma woman Denise Novakovic has repurposed 27,000 old Christmas cards into postcards for service members and veterans, with her latest donation of 12,000 cards going to the American Red Cross in downtown Cleveland.

The cards will reach military bases + VA clinics across Northeast Ohio.

Metropolis Popcorn in Cuyahoga Falls partnered with actor Zack Ward (from A Christmas Story) to launch a new Farkus Ginger Snap Popcorn flavor with a portion of proceeds benefiting a local charity.

The shop has seen its best holiday sales rush in five years from both in-store and online orders.

Art x Love expanded the Akron Stories project by producing 100 new mini-documentary films and hosting four free screenings marking the Bicentennial at historic venues downtown.

Hundreds attended each event (including a Linda Theatre reunion) as the community celebrated local history.

Intellectual property law professors at the University of Akron noted that federal research funding helped drive local innovation — such as PolyEnergy’s improved battery technology — by enabling university discoveries to reach the market.

They warned that proposals to divert licensing revenue could hinder economic growth.

Akron will build a polymer testing facility on the University of Akron campus by demolishing the 100-year-old Lincoln Building; a federal grant and UA’s matching $1 million fund the project that will let companies test materials beyond the lab and finish in 2027.

Our Lady of the Elms launched the Elms Eats program this fall at its downtown campus — a five-week rotating class where middle schoolers learn to follow recipes and measure ingredients as part of a broader kitchen skills initiative.

The American Heart Association hosted its Northeast Ohio STEM Goes Red event on Dec.

8 at Northeast Ohio Medical University where 227 seventh and eighth grade girls explored different STEM careers. Breakout sessions offered hands-on demonstrations and a panel featuring local women in STEM to inspire the next generation.

A multi-state coalition including Ohio reached a settlement with Menards over deceptive rebate ads on Dec.

18. Menards must pay ($4.25 million) and update its rebate program and pricing practices within 90 days.

St. Vincent-St. Mary High School named Marcus Wattley Sr. as its head football coach and director of retention and academic success downtown Akron.

Wattley brings over 20 years of coaching experience (including 11 seasons at the school) to lead the Irish into a sustainable, winning era.

Kent State University announced women's wrestling as its 20th varsity sport, making it Ohio's first Division I school to sponsor the sport.

The program will begin competition in fall 2027, with the first head coach hired by summer 2026 and facility renovations planned for updated locker rooms and coaches' offices.

Browns All-Pro Myles Garrett may break the sack record on Dec.

21 if he sacks Bills quarterback Josh Allen twice; Allen said he isn’t eager to appear on Garrett’s highlight reel. He remains focused on improving his play (per reports).

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.

Deck the Hall

3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — $15-$28 — Experience holiday magic with dazzling lights, festive décor, and visits with Santa in a beautiful estate setting.

Deck the Hall

3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — Adults $28, Youth $15 — Experience a magical holiday season with 1.4 million lights and festive decor throughout the estate.

SmokeFace NYE Jam Session

9 PM–1 AM — Musica — $7 — Experience an exciting NYE jam session with Akron's own SmokeFace featuring music and creativity.