Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: See how Akron kids with medical challenges will light up the stage
Coming up on the Akron Patch calendar: Stow Heritage Ringers - Winterscape: Scenes of Christmas

Morning Akron! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- See how Akron kids with medical challenges will light up the stage
- How will this $25,000 boost services for Akron’s LGBTQ+ community?
- How is an Akron resident tied to this major drug case?
Also on today's calendar: Stow Heritage Ringers - Winterscape: Scenes of Christmas and 9 more events.
Find out what's happening in Akronfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Akronfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Very cold with snow showers, with a high of 27 and low of 22 degrees.
- Friday: Cloudy and cold with flurries, temps: high: 29, low: 23.
- Saturday: Cold; a little afternoon snow, with a high of 27 and low of 12 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
📰 News we're reading
1. 'They really can do anything': Kids, teens with medical challenges to grace this Akron stage (news5cleveland.com) — Families in Akron can head to the Akron-Summit County Main Library this Saturday at 3 p.m. for a free, inclusive holiday recital featuring kids and teens with medical challenges. Supported by Akron Children’s Hospital’s Dance Unlimited Program and local partners, the performance offers a rare big-stage moment of joy and normalcy for participants and their families.
![]()
2. Akron LGBTQ+ nonprofit receives $25,000 national courage award (nbc4i.com) — An Akron-based LGBTQ+ nonprofit has received a $25,000 national Courage Project award, helping expand its HIV advocacy, housing support, and basic-needs services for local residents. Leaders say the funding will bolster programs for homeless and transgender community members, older LGBTQ+ adults, and food and clothing assistance, even as they face funding pressures and push for HIV law reforms in Ohio.
![]()
3. Two local men charged in large-scale international drug trafficking operation (fox8.com) — Federal prosecutors say a 37-year-old Akron resident is among four men indicted in a large meth and fentanyl trafficking conspiracy stretching from Mexico and Arizona into northern Ohio. The Akron suspect is accused of supplying fentanyl, while others allegedly handled large drug shipments, distribution and money laundering tied to the operation.
![]()
4. Akron-Canton Airport debuts updated sensory room (beaconjournal.com) — Families traveling through the Akron-Canton Airport now have access to a revamped sensory room designed to better support kids with autism and other sensory needs. The updated space, created with a Fairlawn autism center, features interactive projection games, calming tactile elements, and visual guides to flying, all aimed at making air travel less stressful for Akron-area travelers.
![]()
5. Gray Areas: Leavittsburg's Douglas returns with Krauss, Dando shouts out Cedars in memoir (vindy.com) — Alison Krauss & Union Station are bringing their 2026 tour to E.J. Thomas Hall in Akron on June 24, with tickets going on sale this Friday through Ticketmaster. The column also touches on a Youngstown shout-out in a rock memoir and remembers the powerful voice of late Mavericks frontman Raul Malo.
![]()
📸 Around Akron
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Akron
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Stow Heritage Ringers - Winterscape: Scenes of Christmas
Stow Presbyterian Church, 4150 Fishcreek Rd, Stow
7:30 pm - Jingle in the Woods: A Creepmas Holifest & Misfit Market
Boston Township School House, 1775 Main St, Peninsula
1:00 pm - Music at Bath: Burning River Brass Christmas Concert
The Bath Church, United Church of Christ, 3980 W Bath Rd, Akron
7:00 pm
Friday December 12
Saturday December 13
Thursday December 18
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Holiday Craft Bazaar
3300 Morewood Rd, Fairlawn, OH
9:30 am - Holiday Gift Bazaar
3300 Morewood Rd, Fairlawn, OH
9:30 am - Winter Wonderland
North Hill Branch Library - Community Room
11:00 am - Questing Club
Firestone Park Branch Library - Community Room
1:00 pm - Project Learn GED Classes at Firestone Park Branch Library
Firestone Park Branch Library - Community Room
10:30 am - Tween and Teen Tuesdays: TikTok Hits Music Bingo
Maple Valley Branch Library - Community Room
3:30 pm - Graphic Novel Book Club
Firestone Park Branch Library - Conference Room
6:00 pm - Project Learn GED Classes at Firestone Park Branch Library
Firestone Park Branch Library - Community Room
10:30 am - The Great Gingerbread Games
Maple Valley Branch Library - Community Room
3:00 pm
Saturday December 13
Monday December 15
Tuesday December 16
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
📣 Akron Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Anyone on here hang lights outside?
I haven’t been able to get to them. DM me please. This is for christmas (Nextdoor West Akron) - Had a random conversation at work.
Thought I’d bring it here. Who has dealt with bed bugs, who did you use and what process did you use to exterminate them. And roughly how much did it… (Nextdoor Springfield / Lakemore)
- O'Reilly Auto Parts posted a job opening for Merchandiser/Stocker - Hub in Akron. Apply here.
- P.F. Chang's China Bistro posted a job opening for Expeditor in Akron. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Akron here.
Ok Akron! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.