Hopefully everyone has had an amazing last month! Looking forward to pushing our community growth!
• New Health Foundation Grants
• Broadway in Akron News
• New Traffic Planning
-Events
-JJ
New health foundation eyes first grants by early 2027
Akron’s new Trailhead Community Health Foundation says it expects to begin awarding grants to local health and wellness nonprofits by late 2026 or early 2027. The organization, created with proceeds tied to Summa Health’s sale, is still building out its team and strategic priorities, but leaders say the goal is to make a major long-term impact across Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark, and Wayne counties.
What makes this worth watching is the potential scale. Trailhead is expected to receive assets estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars, which could make it a major future funding source for regional nonprofits. Since January, the foundation has already held roughly 30 conversations with nonprofits, universities, and local governments as it works to identify the biggest health and wellness needs in the region.
Broadway in Akron just announced its 2026–27 season at E.J. Thomas Hall, with four touring shows coming to town: Beetlejuice on Sept. 22–23, The Bodyguard on Oct. 27–28, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical on March 16–17, 2027, and The Wiz on April 26–27, 2027. The series is presented through Playhouse Square in partnership with The University of Akron.
For local theater fans, it is a strong mix of crowd-pleasers, from big-name movie adaptations to music-driven classics. Season ticket packages are already on sale, starting at $95, and Playhouse Square says package holders also get perks like ticket exchange options, presale access, and parking at select package levels.
Akron rolls out new traffic-calming plan across city streets
Akron is moving forward with a $500,000 traffic-calming plan that will bring 13 new asphalt speed tables to eight locations and 40 new solar-powered speed-limit signs to 20 streets across the city. Officials say the goal is to slow drivers down in neighborhood areas and improve safety for both pedestrians and residents. The permanent speed tables are expected to go in during late June or early July, while the new solar signs are planned for later this summer.
The city is also continuing other road-safety efforts, including speed limit reductions on Albrecht and Delia avenues, restriping on Cuyahoga Falls Avenue, Kelly Avenue, and Hazel Street, and additional study work on high-accident corridors near Copley Road and Arlington Street. For readers, the big picture is simple: Akron is putting real money into neighborhood traffic safety, and drivers in several parts of the city will likely notice changes over the next few months.
Several local libraries and parks are offering hands-on, kid-friendly programs later this month:
Snack-tastic Creations – Children in grades 2–5 can learn to make creative snacks from 4:30–5:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at the North Canton Public Library. Registration opens Jan. 12.
Symphonyland Strings – A free Canton Symphony Orchestra program introducing ages 3–6 to orchestra instruments through storybooks will be held at 10 and 11 a.m. Jan. 17 at the Stark Library Plain Community Branch.
The Wilderness Center programs – The The Wilderness Center is hosting a New Moon Night Hike (Jan. 16, $10), plus a free Guided Hike and Creature Feature on Jan. 17.
Stark Parks activities – Stark Parks will offer Beginner Bee School (Jan. 24) at Sippo Lake Park and Youth Archery for ages 10–17 on Jan. 22 at the park’s Exploration Gateway.
These events offer a mix of creativity, music, outdoor exploration, and hands-on learning for kids and families across the area.
Monday, April 13 – Thursday, April 16
UA JazzWeek 26: “Overjoyed” at The University of Akron. It runs across campus and brings together students, faculty, alumni, and guest artists for multiple jazz performances and events.
Tuesday, April 14 – Sunday, April 19
Akron RubberDucks home games at 7 17 Credit Union Park. The team’s upcoming home stretch starts April 14, and the club is also promoting themed nights that week including Homers, Nurse Appreciation Night, and Los Perros Calientes COPA Night.
Thursday, April 16
Puscifer – The Normal Isn’t Tour With Dave Hill at Akron Civic Theatre at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 16
Harriet: Trying To Get The Feeling Again at E.J. Thomas Hall at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 17
A Whiskey Deemed Worthy at Akron Civic Theatre at 7:30 p.m. It is set up as a whiskey tasting experience rather than a standard concert or play.
Friday, April 17
The Sweet Delilah Swim Club at Carnation City Players’ Firehouse Theater in Alliance from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Friday, April 17 – Sunday, April 19
Summit County Home Expo at the Summit County Fairgrounds in Tallmadge. It is listed as free admission and runs across all three days.
Saturday, April 18
Poetry is Life x Forever R Children Poetry Slam and Book Release at Wild Oscar’s at 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 18
Tim Hawkins Live at Akron Civic Theatre at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 19
Spring 2026 Pancake Breakfast at MAPS Air Museum in North Canton from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 19
Earth Day Celebration at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 19
Woof Walks at Stan Hywet, part of the site’s Sunday event series running through the season.