A multi-chamber Wine, Cheese & Connections event will be from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, at University Hospitals Portage Medical Center under the pavilion at 6847 N. Chestnut St. in Ravenna. Participating chambers are Ravenna, Aurora, Streetsboro, Kent, Garrettsville, Mantua/Shalersville and Rootstown. Network with fellow chamber members. Light appetizers created by UH Nutrition Services and a glass of wine will be provided. The admission fee is $10. RSVP at tinyurl.com/UHBAH917.

Ravenna Township

Ravenna Township will have a 4.5-mill EMS levy on the Nov. 3 ballot. A 2-mill levy will be expiring, and the township is not going to renew it. Back in 2024, Ravenna Township passed a 6.1-mill levy, but the state reduced it down to 4.5, which cost the township approximately $327,000 each year for 2025, 2026 and 2027.

“They also didn’t use the calendar year evaluations,” township Trustee Vince Coia said. “They went with 2023, instead of 2024 like we were believed to be, because even the Board of Elections didn’t fill us in on this, nor the prosecutor’s office.”

The Ravenna Township Fire Department will host a Coffee with the Crew from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the fire department at 6115 S. Spring St. Check out the fire department and talk to Fire Chief Abbie Buday about any questions or concerns.

“There will be people there who can show residents around and show them the equipment and all of that kind of stuff,” Coia said.

Coffee and refreshments will be available.

The township voted to pass tax increment financing (TIF) for the Forest Ridge housing development. The money raised from the TIF will be used strictly for infrastructure for that housing development. It will not raise anybody’s taxes. It can only be used for that development.

Two road projects in the township are well underway and should be completed by the end of September:

Paving in the Forest Ridge development by Perrin Asphalt at a cost of $173,044.

Chip-and-seal on Fairhill Drive, Hodgson Road, Longfield Road and Susan Road by Ronyak Paving at a cost of $45,983.

Two more columbariums for Grandview Memorial Cemetery are expected to be delivered sometime in October. The cement has been poured.

The township has placed a six-month moratorium on storage units because, as Coia said, “we feel there are more than an adequate amount of storage units in the area.”

The fire department is looking to hire a full-time firefighter/EMT. Anyone interested in applying for the position should call (330) 297-2192.

The township’s annual Trunk-or-Treat will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, on the campus of the township at 6115 S. Spring St.

City of Ravenna  

The Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce’s third annual Inclusive Hiring Event will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, at Reed Memorial Library at 167 E. Main St. Whether someone is entering the workforce for the first time, returning after a break, changing careers or facing challenges along the way, they are welcome to attend. All job seekers are invited, including individuals with disabilities, veterans, students and recent graduates, second-chance candidates and anyone ready to work. Onsite supports will be available to help individuals feel confident, prepared and ready to make strong connections with local employers who are hiring now. This is more than a job fair. It is a chance to explore career options, get support and meet employers who value what people bring to the table.

Why someone should attend:

• Connect with inclusive employers who are actively hiring
• Learn about job openings in a variety of fields and industries
• Explore opportunities for training, support and career advancement

Job seeker supports include:

• Resume review and editing
• Mock interviews to help candidates practice and build confidence
• Free professional head shots
• Resource tables to address common questions and barriers
• Transportation guidance to help ensure reliable access to work 

For free interview outfits or more information, email tiffanyj@portagedd.org.

The 2026 Ravenna Scarecrow Contest will be held in October. The contest is open to individuals, businesses, organizations and schools. Get a kit now! Kits can be purchased from It’s All Fine at 6560 N. Chestnut St. Kits cost $18; previously purchased kits can also be used. Scarecrows will be on display from Oct. 1 to Oct. 30. Winners announced on Oct. 30. The deadline for completed entry forms and scarecrows is Sept. 27. Drop-off is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday at 126 E. Main St. For more information, contact the Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce at (330) 281-3409 or It’s All Fine at (330) 552-2180.

Portage Community Bank will host a chamber Lunch and Learn from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the English Pub & Bistro at 320 E. Main St. Ste. 108. The topic will be “Beyond Banking: Financial Solutions for Every Stage of Your Business.” The admission fees are $20 for chamber members and $25 for non-members.

Bruce and Lucy Ribelin have been named the 2026 Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce Honorary Way recipients. The Ribelins are lifelong Ravenna residents. Bruce taught government and coached football and track for the Ravenna schools for many years, while Lucy was a pharmacist in town. Bruce also served as a Ravenna City councilman, and Lucy volunteered with the health department. The two of them donated countless hours and immeasurable effort toward many other community projects. Together they raised two children, Ben and Anne.

The Ravenna Balloon A-Fair will be from Thursday, Sept. 24, to Sunday, Sept. 27, downtown and at the Portage County Fairgrounds.

Elite Pharmacy, previously Medical Arts Pharmacy, will host a grand reopening from noon to 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, at its location of 6693 N. Chestnut St. Giveaways, hot dogs, chips and light refreshments provided.  

Aurora

The Aurora Chamber of Commerce Luncheon will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at The Kohanski Center at 119 W. Pioneer Trail. The topic will be “The Essential Plan: Investing in Aurora City Schools,” featuring Superintendent Paul Milcetich.

Topics will include:

• Why the district developed “The Essential Plan”
• The needs it addresses
• The planning process that led to the proposal
• The project timeline and next steps

There will be an opportunity to ask questions. The admission fee is $20. Register at allaboutaurora.com.

The chamber’s David M. Benjamin Memorial Golf Outing will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Tanglewood Golf Club at 8745 Tanglewood Trail in Chagrin Falls.
The fee of $175 includes:

• 18 holes with cart
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Drinks
• Contests
• Prizes
• And more!

Register at allaboutaurora.com.

The Howard Hanna Aurora Pickleball Fundraiser benefiting the Children’s Free Care Fund will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Western Reserve Racquet & Fitness Club at 11013 Aurora-Hudson Rd. in Streetsboro. What to expect:

• Fun, competitive play for all levels
• Amazing raffles, prizes and giveaways
• Dinner
• Cash bar

Fees are $50 to play and $35 to cheer. Sponsorships available. For details, contact the chamber at (330) 562-3355 or lisa@allaboutaurora.com.

A multi-chamber fall hike will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10. Join the Aurora Chamber of Commerce for a guided hike, followed by refreshments sponsored by the Portage Park District Foundation. Meet at 10 a.m. at Kame-Esker Bog at 801 Howe Rd. in Kent. To register, contact the Aurora chamber at (330) 562-3355 or lisa@allaboutaurora.com.

The next Aurora City Council meeting is at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, at City Hall at 130 S. Chillicothe Rd.

Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin’s administration is asking for approval of drainage work on a ballfield at Hartman Park for $33,700 that will help the field be more usable and safer.

The mayor’s administration is seeking council’s approval to purchase two vacant lots on Fairview Avenue at a cost of $80,000. These lots would give the city added flexibility in accessing its new adjacent Aurora Park.

“The park will be available to use as we see fit going down the road,” Womer Benjamin said.

The mayor’s administration is asking City Council for approval of a contract for the demolition of the aquarium building at Aurora Park at a cost of $480,000. The aquarium building is the iconic turquoise structure that is no longer usable, but the administration has developed plans for it and hopes to rebuild it on land in the park in the next several years.

The city is going to begin manufacturing and storing brine, which will be used on roads during the winter. Brine is a special salt mixture that is applied to the roads that makes the salt even more effective. A grant for $73,623 from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will allow the city to purchase the equipment to manufacture and store the brine. The full purchase price will be $82,315, but the grant money will offset the purchase price.

Mike Reker, Aurora’s longtime water supervisor, is retiring. Promoted from within to replace Reker will be Jason Miller, who has been with the city for several years and currently is a service tech lead. Miller’s promotion will likely be made official at the Sept. 14 City Council meeting when the mayor’s administration will ask for council’s confirmation. Miller’s salary would be $78,000. If council gives confirmation, Miller’s first day at his new position will be Sept. 15.

The mayor’s administration is asking council for its purchase of road salt for this winter not to exceed $400,000. The city goes about this through the Regional Councils of Governments, so it is a consortium that obtains the prices.

The mayor’s administration is seeking council’s approval of a five-year contract to continue using Rumpke for trash and recycling.

“We secure the contract, and the residents pay for the service,” Womer Benjamin said.

The city is looking to purchase three parcels of vacant land in the Geauga Lake neighborhood on Dora Lane for $1 – yes, $1.

“These lots are not buildable, but we’ll be able to access issues on nearby properties that we have without going to other residents and asking for permission,” Womer Benjamin said.

The mayor’s administration is seeking council’s approval to give Ory, the city’s retiring K-9, to his current handler. Another K-9, Queso, is actively in service.    

The Aurora Parks and Rec Trail Challenge will go through the month of October. To sign up and for details, click on this link: Parks and Recreation Department.

The city’s annual Fall Festival and Business Showcase will be from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Sunny Lake Park with giveaways, hayrides, games and many other family activities.

The city’s next Shred Day will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Service Department at 158 W. Pioneer Trail. The limit per household is six bankers boxes.

Aurora’s Trick-or-Treat will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31.

The city’s annual Veterans Day program will be at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial Park.

Two new restaurants opened recently: The Chefs’ Kitchen and Cocktails at 204 S. Chillicothe Rd. (where Mad Jack’s Grill & Pub used to be) and the Inner Circle Tavern at 271 E. Garfield Rd. (where James Place formerly was).

Streetsboro

The Do It for James Foundation is now part of the Streetsboro Area Chamber of Commerce.

Founded by Tim and Tamia Woods in honor of their son, James, the foundation works to educate and support youth, families and communities around cyberbullying, sextortion and other crimes against children. The foundation’s work also includes prevention, intervention and resources for youth and families in crisis.

The Do It for James Foundation First Annual Gala Charity Event will be at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 532 W. Market St. in Akron. Join in for an evening supporting a mission that is making a difference for young people and families. For tickets and details, contact the Streetsboro Area Chamber of Commerce at (330) 626-4769 or sacc@streetsborochamber.org.

The chamber’s next Coffee & Collaborations multi-chamber networking event will be from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Home Appliance – Twinsburg showroom at 2695 Creekside Dr. in Twinsburg. Participating chambers are Streetsboro, Twinsburg, Solon and Hudson. Light breakfast bites and complimentary coffee will be available.

Shalersville

The Shalersville Township Trustees regular meeting held Aug. 18 drew such a large number of residents, it was moved to the Town Hall meeting room to accommodate everyone. Community interest remains high, particularly regarding zoning enforcement and data center discussions.

The zoning inspector reported that six notices were issued for violations in the Red Fox housing development. The property owners have 30 days to respond before cases are forwarded to the Portage County prosecutor. The trustees passed a resolution authorizing the prosecutor’s office to pursue legal actions for violations. The maximum fine per day for zoning violations was increased to $500 in April of 2025. The trustees passed a motion formally adopting $500 as the maximum fine.

The trustees continued reviewing issues related to potential data center development. A sound study will be performed the week of Oct. 12 to establish baseline noise levels. These measurements will inform future sound-limit standards in the zoning code. The city of Massillon recently amended its zoning to allow data centers only in heavy industry districts, reflecting regional concern about impacts. Kevin Watts, a Geis employee, stated that the proposed data center would use 300 generators, each rated at 2.5 Mw.

The dedication ceremony for the new Veterans Point was held on Aug. 26 at Shalersville Park. This project marks a major milestone in the township’s ongoing efforts to honor local veterans and enhance community spaces.

Longtime Town Hall custodian Mikki DeVos is retiring at the end of the year. DeVos draws great praise from township Trustee Jack Bias: “She did an excellent job and will be greatly missed.”