Good morning, Kent.

Charlie Thomas, longtime owner of Ray’s Place, died Sept.

14 at 81 — he was a devoted Kent State graduate who provided a welcoming spot for students, alumni and locals for nearly 50 years.

On Sept. 24, community leaders gather at the New Center at Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown for the 12th Annual Celebrate Portage! gala featuring dinner, entertainment and awards.

David and Janet Dix will be honored for their contributions with the Great Achievement Award.

Portage Gathers is a free community event offering food, crafts, and activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept.

20 at Ravenna's Castle Park (130 Chestnut Hill Drive) where local organizations provide resources to residents.

The Flash Activities Board (FAB) has connected Kent State students by hosting weekly events from trivia nights to the annual Black Squirrel Festival.

FAB President Elizabeth Pomarico said the group helps students make friends and feel at home on campus.

Hummingbirds are beginning their fall migration today from Kent and local experts advise keeping feeders up through October to help the birds refuel before they head south — take them down when visits decrease.

Hellgrammites, the larval stage of dobsonflies, show that local streams are clean, experts say; mature larvae living underwater for up to five years indicate low pollution, so residents should avoid handling these insects (their pinch can be painful).

U.S. health officials declared the cyclosporiasis outbreak over after Ohio reported a 78.5% drop in new cases, with 15 cases this week compared with 70 last week; the CDC has stopped updating its surveillance data.

Kent residents may keep mowing their lawns into fall as warm weather allows grass to continue growing.

Experts advise homeowners to wait ten to fourteen days with little growth and daytime temperatures near 50 degrees before ceasing routine mowing.

The Garfield G-Men dominated their league opener last Friday at JAG Stadium by defeating Labrae 49-0, and the team will face MVAC Grey Tier rival Champion tonight at 7 p.m. in Warren.