🗞️Honey at 30,000 Feet?

Good Morning, Akron!

Welcome to your first Akron Digest of 2025! 🎉 Did you know that 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the first time a TV image was successfully transmitted? It’s true—John Logie Baird sent the first moving silhouette over the airwaves in 1925, paving the way for us to binge-watch Squid Game a century later.

In this issue:

• Bees are working hard at CAK

• Square Scullery serves it last meal

• Colin Mochrie comes to Akron

… and more.

Let’s get to it.

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The Digest

Summa Health and Anthem's New Year’s Eve Save

Talk about a buzzer-beater: Less than six hours before ringing in 2025, Summa Health and Anthem struck a multiyear deal to keep 67,000 patients covered in-network.

The agreement ensures employer-sponsored, individual, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid members retain access to Summa’s services without interruption. Both organizations touted the partnership as a win for the community, with plans to focus on value-based care and improving health outcomes.

The negotiations had been tense, with Summa accusing Anthem of lowballing its rates and Anthem claiming Summa was pushing for unsustainable cost increases. Ultimately, a last-minute compromise avoided disruption for patients across Northeast Ohio.

Akron-Canton Airport’s Sweet Side Hustle 🍯✈️

Turns out, Akron-Canton Airport isn’t just about connecting you to your destination—it’s also buzzing with over 6 million bees producing locally harvested honey.

Launched in 2023, the airport's 96 hives have already yielded 15 gallons of honey under the new brand, 1946 Honeybee Co., named after the airport’s founding year. Sold at the Observation Deck Restaurant, jars retail for $8 (3 oz) and $15 (8 oz), with proceeds supporting the airport’s Environmental Services.

Joining a growing trend of U.S. airports hosting bees, Akron-Canton has turned its 2,700-acre property into a sweet side hustle. Expect bigger batches next year as the operation grows—proof that even the busiest places can find time for a little honey-making. 🐝🍯

Summit County Property Owners: Disagree With Your Home’s Value? Here’s Your Move 🏠

Starting Jan. 1, Summit County homeowners who think their property valuation is off can file a formal complaint with the county fiscal office. The deadline to submit your case to the Board of Revision is March 31.

The board will review your evidence and testimony at a hearing before deciding if an adjustment is warranted. Just remember, this process is strictly for property valuations—complaints about real estate taxes won’t fly.

To get started, grab Form DTE 1 by calling 330-926-2559, emailing [email protected], or visiting the county’s website (link here). Don’t forget: forms must be signed, dated, and notarized before submission! 📄✍️

Akron Bites 🍔 

Square Scullery will serve its final meals on Jan. 4, the owners announced on Instagram. Co-owner and chef Matt Ulichney shared a heartfelt Instagram post detailing the challenges and self-reflections that led to the closure. Known for its diverse menu of comfort food and intimate dining atmosphere, Square Scullery began as a food truck and catering business before evolving into a Highland Square ghost kitchen, then opening its current 67-seat North Hill location earlier this year. The owners are seeking potential buyers to carry on the restaurant’s legacy, leaving the door open for a possible future for this Akron favorite.

What’s Happening?

Here is our list of hand-picked events around the area:

Two Improv Legends, Zero Script 🎭

Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, the comedy masterminds of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, are bringing their improv magic to the stage for Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble. Armed with nothing but quick wit and audience suggestions, this one-night-only show promises an evening of unpredictable laughs and comedy gold. Prepare for a wild, unscripted ride as these improv icons prove why they’re still the best in the business.

Tonight at 7:30 at Akron Civic. Tickets Here.

Paint, Sip, Repeat at Sour Haus 🖌️ 🍺 

Get ready for a glowing night out at Pints & Paint! Hosted at Thirsty Dog Brewing Company's historic Sour Haus, this 122-year-old space sets the stage for a chill, UV-lit painting session. Guided by artist Amanda Locher, you’ll create your own neon masterpiece in just one hour while sipping drinks from the bar (and yes, you can BYO snacks). Whether you're flying solo, on a date, or rolling in with friends, it’s the perfect mix of creativity, brews, and good vibes.

Paint sessions are held Fridays at 7:00 PM. Tickets and info here.

If You're Not Ready to Say Goodbye to Christmas... 🎄

The Perkins Stone Mansion has you covered with its Society Centennial Christmas exhibit. Each room takes you on a festive journey through the decades, showcasing the most popular toys, gifts, and color palettes of yesteryear. Whether it’s a nostalgic blast from your past or a glimpse of something you always wanted, this display is fun, festive, and perfect for extending that holiday magic just a little longer.

Today is the last day of the exhibit with tours happening at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00. Plus, the Wood Shop Emporium Gift Shop is stocked with unique finds, including ornaments and handmade wooden gifts from the Society property. Don’t miss this seasonal stroll down memory lane! Tickets Here

 A Classic Horror Tale Returns to Haunt the Big Screen 🧛‍♂️

This weekend, Nightlight Theatre brings a spooky treat with Nosferatu, a fresh take on the classic vampire story. The movie follows the creepy Count Nosferatu as he brings terror into the lives of a young married couple.

Set in a dark and eerie world, this film is packed with incredible visuals and plenty of chills to keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you're a vampire fan or just love a good scare, Nosferatu promises a thrilling night at the movies. Don’t miss your chance to experience this haunting tale on the big screen! Tickets Here

Shell-ebrate School Break at House Three Thirty 🐢🍿

If the kids are bouncing off the walls as winter break winds down, House Three Thirty has your back! Bring the family for a free screening of TMNT: Mutant Mayhem today. Doors open at 11 a.m., and the movie kicks off at noon sharp. It’s the perfect way to keep everyone entertained—no mutant ninja skills required. 👀🎥 Info on their Instagram post.

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Live Music Breakdown

Here is a summary of live music happening all around Akron this weekend:

Friday
The Knight Stage | Those Men Inside My Brain (Cheap Trick Cover) | 7:30
Rialto Theatre | Avarice/Torre$ + MSNGR/ DUD | 7:00

Saturday
The Knight Stage | The Michael Austin Project | 7:30
The 1 Food & Spirits | Joe Fagan | 6:00
Mustard Seed Highland Square | The Silk Band | 8:30
Rialto Theatre | Dave Rich and His Enablers/Posture/First Days of Spring | 7:00

Weather

Today

29 🌡️ 19 | 🌨️ | 89% 🌨️ 

Saturday

26 🌡️ 17 | ☁️ | 65% 🌧️ 

Sunday

27 🌡️ 21 | 🌨️ | 8% 🌧️

Thanks!

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Talk to you next Friday!