I Went Down to Lock 3

I went to Lock 3 this weekend and I have to tell you it was wonderful. I'm not sure what I expected besides no parking or expensive parking, but the whole day was wonderful.

• Affordable Concession stands
• Clean Restrooms
• Free Parking (Right Next Door)

I also discovered lock 4 which has more small theater stages. It was lovely. If you haven't gone down yet, you should as they are going to begin renovating it (which makes it should like it will be more like a park with trees) see further Development Plans.

Ride the Bus for Free This Week

The Akron Metro Regional Transit Authority is providing free fares for all passengers from Aug. 14-20 in recognition of Metro passengers winning the Community Champion Award from the Akron Urban League.

Gloria Rodgers District 3 Open Q&A

Summit County Council District 3 representative Gloria Rodgers will host public office hours from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, 3512 Darrow Road, Stow.

Rodgers will be available to answer questions and hear concerns from constituents. District 3 includes Hudson, Stow, Silver Lake and portions of Cuyahoga Falls.

Akron Events

Check out what is going on in your city on our Event Calendar.

The Return of Party City

Those planning a birthday party or another celebration will have a new place to purchase their balloons, decor and other party supplies.

Party City is scheduled to open in The Shops of Fairlawn on West Market Street on 8/19. It will open in the former Pier 1 Imports location.

According to a Party City representative, this location "will be the first Next Generation Party City store in the market." This will spotlight the store's Balloon Experience, which includes a counter in the middle of the store with its own checkout. Other highlights include lower shelf heights, shorter isles and overall "easier access" to the products in the store.

In addition, Party City will offer curbside pickup, and same-day or scheduled delivery, as well as online shopping.

For details, visit www.partycity.com online.

We Salute the AFD

Two Akron firefighters were injured after a house exploded in West Akron early Monday, according to the Beacon Journal.

The department was called to the scene of a fire at a home on Winton Avenue around 2:30 a.m., and when firefighters tried to enter the house, it exploded.

The two firefighters were transported to the hospital but no major injuries were reported, according to the department.

We need to stop and think that when everyone is trying to get OUT of these buildings, the AFD is trying to go in. We thank you for your courage.

Stream Movies From the Library

While I knew that you could get audio books online, I didn't know you could stream movies from the Library. See all of the Library's different digital options at https://www.akronlibrary.org/books-more/digital

Akron Podcast Now on Amazon Alexa

I've taken to steps to add the Akron Podcast to Amazon. Just say, "Alexa, Play Akron Podcast" and she will play the latest episode. If you stop and ask again, she picks up where you left off. If you know someone who would like the show but doesn't understand podcasts, be sure to show them how easy it is to keep up with the show.

Mentioned in this episode:

Give Back to the Akron Podcast

If you are finding value in...