Good morning, Kent.

Portage County Job and Family Services will host its Spring Senior Forum on Wednesday, April 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Streetsboro Community Center (8970 Kirby Lane); seniors aged 55 and older can benefit from health screenings, presentations and giveaways.

The annual Hunger Challenge supports local food pantries by collecting sealed, unexpired donations in Kent and Ravenna until April 30.

Donations drop off 24 hours at the Kent Police Department and during regular hours at the Portage County Health District in Ravenna.

The Hiram Community Trust is now accepting grant applications for its 2026-2027 cycle in Hiram; submissions must be received by May 8 and will be awarded to collaborative projects linking local schools and community programs.

Spring has arrived as worms after rain and Amish in straw hats signal warmer weather (Luther Burbank’s birthday is today, National Gardening Day is on April 14, and Earth Day will remind us to care for nature) while a May EMS levy aims to boost emergency services.

Streetsboro School District will ask voters on May 5 to approve a new operating levy to raise $7 million over five years and help reverse cuts to athletic programs and teaching staff; if approved, it will cancel planned 2026—27 cuts.

Two Kent State University faculty members co-directed a short film that won best live action short film at the St. Louis Film Festival and is available today at the Cleveland International Film Festival (making it eligible for Academy submission) while offering students hands-on production experience.

Coach Aaron Gilbert reached 300 career wins after 19 seasons with the Garfield G-Men and three seasons at New Riegel.

He is Portage County's third-winningest girls’ basketball coach and has built lasting bonds with his players.

Crestwood third grader Kayden Miller won his second consecutive state title by going 5-0 in the Division II 75-pound class at the OAC meet at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown; he now prepares for the Viper Pit Nationals today and the Tournament of Champions on April 25 in West Virginia.

Last Friday, Crestwood girls won the William E.

Fisher Invitational in Middlefield with 117 points while Garfield boys claimed their title with 105 points — both teams will face challenges at the Don Faix Invitational at Jack Lambert Stadium in Mantua on Saturday at 9 a.m.

The Cardinal Huskies dominated their NAC debut with a 12-0 win against Chalker on Thursday, hosted Matthews on Friday, and will face Garfield at Garrettsville today at 10 a.m.

Brain Break: Run Away From Your Stress 5k

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Kent State University Cunningham Hall — Registration fee required — Participate in a fun run to support mental health awareness and enjoy scenic routes on campus.

Doug Tallamy Presents: 'How Can I Help?' Saving Nature with Your Yard

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. — SEED Campus - Davey Tree Expert Company — Free entry — Learn how your yard can make a big difference in preserving nature with Doug Tallamy's insights.

Bell Tower Brewing Saison Fest

12-4 p.m. — Bell Tower Brewing Co. — Ticket required — Celebrate the art of Saison brewing with tastings from over 20 local breweries.

Rooted and Rising: A Collective Affirmation Gathering

7-9 p.m. — The Healing Brew, LLC — $20 — Ground yourself with guided meditation and affirmations in a heart-centered community gathering.

American Roots Festival

3-9 p.m. — Ray’s Place — Free entry — Celebrate Americana, Bluegrass & Country music with a range of performances at this annual festival.

Paint a Pot: Mother's Day Gift Workshop

11 AM – 1 PM — Acorn & Evergreen Floral Studio — $20 per person — Create a handmade pot and plant gift for Mom in this kid-friendly workshop.

Race into Finals 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk

8:30-11:00 a.m. — Henderson Hall — Funds raised benefit the College of Nursing — Lace up and enjoy a community race to celebrate the end of finals.

Plant Bingo for Moms

7-9 p.m. — Acorn & Evergreen Floral Studio — BYOB, donations welcomed — Play bingo, win plants, and support moms in need while having fun.