Happy Thursday, Akron–Canton!
We’re officially in that stretch where Christmas is right around the corner, calendars are full, and the week seems to be moving a little faster than usual. If things feel busy or unfinished, you’re definitely not alone.
This week’s letter has a bit of everything. We have new budgets, community giveaways, and of course, more snow!
Take what you need from today’s email, save the rest for later, and enjoy the rest of the week at your own pace.
Now, in today’s edition:
• Canton’s new temporary budget
• Providence Baptist Church Community Giveaway
• Kent State Cuts Multiple Majors • Upcoming Events & More
-JJ
Canton City Council Approves $339 Million Temporary Budget for 2026
The Canton City Council voted on December 15 to approve a temporary spending plan of $339 million for the 2026 fiscal year. This budget will keep essential city services running while the permanent budget is finalized early next year.
Here’s what to know:
The temporary budget funds core city operations, including police, fire, and public services, while officials work on a full budget. Mainly focusing on critical services.
This spending plan lets Canton maintain payroll and services into early 2026 without interruption as revenue projections and program priorities are finalized.
Final approval of the full 2026 budget is expected in the coming months. The permanent budget will be finalized by March of 2026.
~Make Sure to Email in your favorite restaurants, coffee shops, and other spots for us as we continue to build out guides for this area and send recommendations on these weekly newsletters!
Free Toys and Winter Coats Available at Akron “Stop the Violence” Event
Providence Baptist Church is hosting a free giveaway of toys and winter jackets on Saturday, December 20 at the Ed Davis Community Center in Akron. The event is part of the church’s Stop the Violence effort to bring neighbors together and support local families during the holiday season.
Here’s what to know:
The giveaway will include free toys and winter coats for children and families.
It takes place December 20 at the Ed Davis Community Center in Akron from 10 am to 4 pm.
The event is organized by Providence Baptist Church as a community support initiative during the winter months.
For many local families, this event offers practical help and holiday support as winter settles in.
Kent State University Plans to Eliminate 19 Undergraduate Degree Programs by Fall 2026
Kent State University announced plans to cut 19 undergraduate majors that have had consistently low enrollment, ahead of the 2026 academic year. The changes are part of the university’s compliance with Ohio Senate Bill 1, a state law requiring public colleges to phase out programs with very few graduates.
Here’s what to know:
The 19 programs being cut are those that did not meet minimum enrollment or graduation numbers and will be phased out by fall 2026.
Kent State asked for a one-year waiver for these degrees so current students can finish their coursework before they fully close or merge with other programs.
These moves follow state rules under Senate Bill 1, which aims to eliminate programs graduating fewer than five students over several years.
The university says students currently enrolled in affected majors will still be able to complete their degrees.
For students and families connected to these fields, this means adjusting academic plans but not losing existing credits or the ability to graduate.
To read more head to→ Senate Bill 1 Information | The Ohio Department of Higher Education
Hit the Slopes!
Boston Mills Ski Resort in Peninsula (Summit County) will open for the 2025–26 ski season on Friday, December 19, with lifts starting at 10 a.m. and early season terrain available for skiing and snowboarding. Brandywine Ski Resort, the sister location, hasn’t set its opening date yet.
Here’s what to know:
Boston Mills is kicking off the season Friday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m., with several lifts and trails ready for winter fun.
Brandywine’s opening date hasn’t been announced yet, but resort officials say it’s coming soon.
Skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor winter recreation opportunities are expanding in Northeast Ohio as cold weather and snow arrive.
If you’re already thinking beyond local hills, Peek-n-Peak Resort in western New York has officially kicked off its winter season. The resort opened earlier this month with limited lift tickets, marking one of the first larger ski areas in the region to get going this winter.
For Akron-Canton locals looking for a bigger winter outing later this season, this is a good one to have on the radar.
Events Coming Up (After Dec 19)
Boston Mills Night Skiing Begins
Ongoing after Dec 19
Peninsula, OH
Evening skiing and snowboarding return as the season ramps up, making it an easy after-work or weekend option close to home.
ZooLights at Akron Zoo
Select nights through late December
Akron Zoo
A winter favorite featuring light displays, warm drinks, and family-friendly activities.
Downtown Canton Holiday Lights & Winter Walk
Week of Dec 20
Downtown Canton
A relaxed way to spend an evening downtown with lights, local shops, and seasonal displays.
First Day Hikes – Ohio State Parks
January 1
Various locations across Northeast Ohio
Kick off the new year with guided hikes at nearby state parks- a low-key, outdoorsy way to reset after the holidays.
That’s it for this week. Whether you’re finishing up holiday plans, staying close to home, or just taking things one day at a time, we hope this helped you feel a little more caught up. We’ll be back soon with another midweek check-in.