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This edition is packed with things to watch, try, and cheer for. We’ve got garden inspo, high-end tools, a blindfolded dining adventure, city council updates, library gems, and another week of varsity highs and lows. There’s always something blooming, building, or buzzing — and we’re bringing it straight to your inbox. Here’s what you’ll find in today’s Scoop:

• ⛈️ The Scoop on Hudson Weather: Spring’s throwing us a mixed bag—thunderstorms, chilly breezes, and a glimmer of sunshine.
• 🐶 Pet Feature: Meet Hudson’s own Cash & Lando, our first spotlight for National Pet Day cuteness.
• 🌱 National Gardening Day: It’s the perfect time to dream up your garden, swap seeds, and start a little green magic.
• 🧰 Gardening Tools That Go the Extra Mile: Our top picks from Amazon to upgrade your gardening setup this spring.
• ❤️ A Slice of Hudson History Says Goodbye: We wish Dave Janotka a wonderful retirement and welcome DeCheco's.
• 🧾 City Council Catch-Up: From playground plans to Earth Day previews, here’s what happened at the April 8th meeting.
• 📚 Events at the Hudson Library: Dig into rain gardens, melting glaciers, and a book club full of quirky seniors.
• 💃 Hudson Senior Network’s Spring Classes: Yoga, dancing, book club, art classes, and more for the 60+ crew.
• 🍽️ Dining in the Dark: Take your taste buds on an adventure at this blindfolded dinner in Cleveland.
• 🏅 Explorer Recap: Girls' lacrosse stays undefeated, boys' lacrosse drops a heartbreaker, baseball splits with North Royalton, and softball shows promise despite a tough loss.

Ready to Scoop when you are! 👇

☀️ The Scoop on Hudson Weather

It’s mid-April in Hudson, which means the forecast is keeping us on our toes. From thunderstorm drama to glimpses of spring sunshine, this week’s weather is doing the absolute most. ☁️⛈️☀️

Grab the umbrella, keep the layers handy, and let’s take a look at what’s headed our way:

• 🌩️ Today, April 14 – A thick cloud cover with periods of rain and a thunderstorm in the afternoon; thunderstorms can bring hail and damaging winds. High: 64°F | Low: 41°F (Keep an eye on the sky — storms could bring hail and strong winds.)


• 🌧️ Tuesday, April 15 – Cloudy, becoming windier and chilly with a couple of showers. High: 46°F | Low: 33°F (Definitely one of those "coat and coffee" kind of days.)


• 🌥️ Wednesday, April 16 – Breezy in the morning with low clouds followed by clouds breaking for some sun; chilly. High: 46°F | Low: 31°F (A clear but brisk day — bundle up if you're out early.)


• 🌦️ Thursday, April 17 – Warmer with sun followed by clouds; a couple of afternoon showers. High: 56°F | Low: 44°F (A bit of sunshine makes a comeback — finally.)


• 🌦️ Friday, April 18 – Some sun, then increasing clouds with a couple of showers in the afternoon. High: 55°F | Low: 39°F (Spring’s mood swings continue — but at least it’s not snow.)

From thunderstorms to chilly breezes, it's a week that keeps you guessing. Dress smart, stay warm, and know that brighter days are coming… eventually. ☕🌦️

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By sponsoring The Scoop, you’ll connect with a loyal, local audience that genuinely cares about what’s happening in Hudson. It’s a great way to build awareness while supporting a community-first newsletter that keeps neighbors informed, inspired, and in the loop.

📩 Want in? Shoot us an email at [email protected] and let’s make something great happen.

Let’s keep Hudson thriving — together! 🌟

🐶 Pet Feature Alert: Meet Cash & Lando!

We asked for pet pics for National Pet Day — and Hudson delivered. Kicking things off with some serious cuteness are Cash and Lando, two golden-hearted goofballs sent in by Terra Howell-Muth.

Cash is clearly the responsible one — proudly presenting his plush snack like a straight-A student showing off a science fair ribbon. And Lando? Let’s just say he’s mastered the art of the “I brought you something, please love me” face. And yes, we do. 💛

We’re loving seeing Hudson’s furry family members, so if you haven’t sent us your pet’s best pose yet — what are you waiting for?

📩 Send yours to: [email protected]

Let’s keep this cuteness train rolling! 🐾

📰 Fresh Off the Clocktower

🌱 Happy National Gardening Day!

It might not quite be garden-ready weather, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start getting your hands (figuratively) dirty. April 14 is National Gardening Day, and it’s the perfect excuse to dream up your summer garden, dust off your tools, or finally pick out the seeds you’ve been eyeing since January.

Gardening doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. Maybe it’s a backyard veggie patch, a pot of herbs on the windowsill, or a sketch for a community garden that brings neighbors together. However you dig in, today is all about celebrating the joy of watching something grow.

A few ways to mark the day:

• Start some seeds indoors (it’s not too late!)
• Pick up a gardening book
• Surprise your favorite gardener with gloves or a fresh pack of seeds
• Teach a kid how to plant something and watch it grow
• Look up local gardening clubs—or start one of your own

Fun fact: National Gardening Day was launched in 2018 by Cool Springs Press to inspire people to get outside, get creative, and share the joy of growing. So even if the ground’s still frosty, it’s a great day to plant an idea. Enjoy your gardens, Hudson! 🌼

🌿 Garden Like a Pro: Tools Worth the Upgrade

Looking to step up your gardening game this season? We dug around (see what we did there?) and found some top-rated tools that thousands of other gardeners already love. These aren’t just pretty additions to the shed—they’re built to last and make gardening feel a whole lot easier.

Here’s the list of splurge-worthy favorites—all with over 1,000 glowing Amazon reviews:

1. Grampa’s Weeder – Stand-Up Weed Puller Tool
No bending, no back pain—just step, twist, and pull. This classic tool has been winning over gardeners for years.
👉 Get the item here

2. Grenebo 9-Piece Rust-Proof Gardening Tool Set
It’s got everything: rust-proof tools, a comfortable grip, a handy storage bag, and even gloves.
👉 Get the item here

3. KVR Foldable Garden Kneeler and Seat with Tool Pouch
Protect your knees, store your tools, and take a well-earned seat—all in one lightweight design.
👉 Get the item here

4. Giraffe Retractable Garden Hose Reel with 180° Swivel Bracket
No more wrestling with tangled hoses. This reel keeps your space neat and your watering hassle-free.
👉 Get the item here

5. Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Garden Dump Cart
Haul mulch, tools, or even bags of soil—this cart is tough, reliable, and has no-flat tires for easy rolling.
👉 Get the item here

Heads up: These are affiliate links. If you decide to buy something, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). It helps us keep the Scoop running and full of great finds!

🍕 One Hudson Legend Says Goodbye, Another Pizza Star Is on the Rise

There’s a bittersweet pizza update in town—and yes, we’re feeling all the emotions.

After decades of slinging some of the best slices around, Dave Janotka is retiring, and Farinacci’s Pizza will be closing its doors in about 18 months when the lease on the building runs out. Dave has been a fixture in Hudson—mentoring local teens, greeting regulars by name, and keeping the tradition of great pizza alive with kindness, care, and that signature sauce.

We wish him the happiest of retirements (you’ve earned that extra slice, Dave), but we know we’re not alone in feeling the loss. As one local said, “This pizza shop and Dave are a treasure.” We couldn’t agree more.

The building has been sold, and while it’s not totally clear what will go up in its place, we do know it means saying goodbye to a spot that’s been part of the fabric of Hudson for a long time.

But here’s the upside: Hudson is getting a new pizzeria—and not just any pizzeria. The winner of the Akron Beacon Journal’s “Best Pizza in Akron” bracket is coming to town: DeCheco’s Pizzeria! Known for its creative pies (we’re talking Doritos, pickles, Nashville hot chicken, the works), DeCheco’s blends bold toppings with high-quality ingredients, and they’re planning to open a Hudson location sometime in 2025.

The exact spot hasn’t been announced yet, but with other new locations planned in Munroe Falls and Cuyahoga Falls, it’s clear they’re on the rise—and Hudson made the cut. That’s pretty exciting.

So while it’s tough to imagine Hudson without Farinacci’s, we’re grateful for the memories (and the pizza), and looking forward to what’s next.

Welcome to the neighborhood, DeCheco’s—and Dave, thank you for everything. ❤️

🧾 City Council Catch-Up: What Went Down on April 8th

Hudson’s City Council packed a lot into last Tuesday’s meeting — and we’re here with your easy-to-read recap. Here's what you should know:

• 🧯 Fire & EMS Upgrades: Council reviewed a two-phase plan to improve fire services. Phase one includes adding daytime staff and renovating the current fire station to eventually support 24/7 in-house coverage.


• 🎠 Inclusive Playground Progress: The Barlow Farm Park site is emerging as the top pick for the Hudson Inclusive Playground. It offers accessibility, nearby restrooms, and room to grow — all within budget.


• 💡 Clocktower Lighting: Council revisited a request to light the historic Clocktower for awareness events, but decided to maintain the current policy. Want to promote a cause? The city’s banner program is your best bet.


• 🏛️ Redevelopment Planning: A subcommittee has been formed to explore redevelopment options for the former JOANN Fabrics site. More details to come.


• 🦆 Rubber Duck Dash Recap: The giant ducks made a splash in Hudson ahead of the April 27 race — and residents loved it!


• 🍃 Earth Day Preview: Mark your calendar for April 19 on the Clocktower Green! Expect crayon and electronics recycling, an EV car show, demos, food trucks, and more family fun. We'll have more on the Earth Day activities in the April 18 issue of the Hudson Scoop!

That’s your scoop from City Hall! Want to catch the full meeting? You can watch the video here: Council Agendas, Minutes & Videos

📅 The Scoop To-Do List

📚 Coming Up at the Hudson Library: Gardens, Glaciers & a Dash of Mayhem

We love a good lineup, and the Hudson Library’s got one this month — from stormwater-smart landscaping to ice-age archaeology to a mystery-solving octogenarian. Here’s what’s happening:

• 🌿 Tuesday, April 15 @ 10:00 AM — Rain Gardens with Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners
  Thinking of adding a little beauty and function to your yard? Matt Seifert will show you how rain gardens can manage stormwater and boost curb appeal. You’ll learn about choosing the right spot, building basics, and which native plants do best.


• 📘 Thursday, April 17 @ 6:30 PM — Science Writer Lisa Baril on “The Age of Melt”
  This fascinating in-person talk dives into what ice mummies, ancient artifacts, and melting glaciers reveal about our climate and culture. A must for anyone curious about what happens when the ice disappears.


• 💻 Monday, April 21 @ 7:00 PM — Virtual Book Club: “Old Girls Behaving Badly”
  No author visit, just book-loving chaos. Join the club as they dive into Kat Galley’s tale of post-divorce reinvention, unlikely friendships, and an elderly partner-in-crime who’s anything but boring.

👉 Register here for any (or all) of the events!

🧘‍♀️ Get Moving, Get Social — Hudson Senior Network's Spring Lineup is Here!

Ready to stretch, shake, and socialize this spring? The Hudson Senior Network has packed April through June with activities that are good for the body, mind, and mood. From balance classes and line dancing to book club banter and creative workshops, there’s something for every flavor of 60+ fun.

💪 Wellness Classes (Mondays & Tuesdays @ City Hall)

A little movement goes a long way — and these classes are perfect for staying strong, steady, and energized.

• Monday Balance Class (9:30–10:15 AM)
  For those who like a challenge — this is an active class focused on strength and stability.
  👉 Offered every Monday from April 14 to June 30(except Memorial Day)


• Monday Chair Yoga (10:30–11:15 AM)
  A gentler stretch session you can enjoy from your seat — assistive devices welcome!
  👉 Offered every Monday from April 14 to June 30(except Memorial Day)


• Tuesday Line Dancing (10:00–10:45 AM)
  Come for the steps, stay for the smiles. No experience (or partner) required!
  👉 Offered every Tuesday from April 15 to June 24


• Tuesday Chair Core Strengthening (11:00–11:30 AM)
  Tighten that core and loosen those limbs — this 30-minute class mixes ab work and stretching.
  👉 Offered every Tuesday from April 15 to June 24

📚 Social Events & Good Company

• 📖 Page Turners Book Club (2nd Wednesdays @ 12:30 PM)
  Grab your next read and pull up a chair — this group is all about great stories and great conversations.
  - May 14: The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell
  - June 11: The Queens of Crime


• 🎨 Special Events (2nd & 4th Wednesdays @ 11:30 AM)
  Doors open at 11:15 AM, light lunch or snacks served, followed by a fun guest or activity.
  - April 23: Abstract Art Class (starts at 11:00 AM — bring $15 for materials)
  - May 14: Taking Care of Our Oral Health
  - May 28: Relaxation & Stress Relief Techniques
  - June 11: Senior Fair with vendors
  - June 25: Clogging Demo

💵 Heads up! Some activities request a small donation — 📝 Ready to join in?Click here to register and view full details

🍽️ And Now For A Taste of Something...Different

Ready for a dinner you’ll never forget? Dining in the Dark is coming to the Green Goat Café in Cleveland on Tuesday, April 15 from 8:30–9:45 PM, and it’s exactly what it sounds like—an immersive blindfolded dining experience designed to heighten your senses and surprise your palate. We bet you didn't see that coming!

Here’s how it works:

• 👀 You’ll wear a blindfold while enjoying a three-course mystery menu featuring an appetizer, main dish, and dessert.
• 🍲 Without your sight, your taste buds and sense of smell kick into high gear—turning each bite into an unexpected adventure.
• 💬 It’s fun and different—perfect for a date night, group outing, or something new with friends.

Choose your menu style after purchasing tickets:

• 🔴 Red Menu (Meat)
• 🔵 Blue Menu (Seafood)
• 🟢 Green Menu (Vegan)

📍 Location: Green Goat Café, 2125 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114
🎟️ Admission: $25–$75.

✨ Register here and share your thoughts with us if you decide to go!

🏅 Roll Hud Recap

⚾️ Hudson vs. North Royalton: A Two-Game Showdown

It was a battle of the bats this week as the Hudson Varsity Baseball team squared off in back-to-back Suburban League matchups against the North Royalton Bulldogs—and each game brought the drama.

Game 1 – Tuesday, April 8

Hudson hit the road and gave it everything they had, but North Royalton edged them out in a nail-biter, 3-4. Solo homers from Nathaniel Coates and Blake Bakonyi gave the offense a jolt, while Xavier Pallo chipped in with a pair of hits, including a double. On the mound, Luke Mager was sharp through four innings, giving up just one unearned run. Despite the strong effort, the Explorers dropped their first game of the season, moving to 4–1 overall.

Game 2 – Thursday, April 10

Back on home turf, Hudson was out for redemption—and they got it. Down 3–1 heading into the bottom of the sixth, the Explorers rallied for three huge runs to grab the lead and the eventual win, 4–3. Defensive heroics from Nathaniel Coates, who sealed the game with a diving catch, capped off the comeback. Offensively, James Lipinski drove in two clutch runs, Brady Studzinski and Bakonyi each knocked doubles, and Connor Eich shut the door with three strong innings of scoreless relief.

With the split, Hudson moves to 5–1 overall and 2–1 in league play. Let’s keep the momentum rolling!

💥 Boys Lacrosse Drops a Heartbreaker to Mason

In a down-to-the-wire Friday night thriller, Hudson Boys' Varsity Lacrosse came up just short on the road, falling 11–10 to the undefeated Mason Comets.

The Explorers kept it tight all game long, pushing one of Ohio’s top-ranked teams to the edge. Despite a strong offensive effort and solid play from goalie Chase Harphold, Mason edged out the win with just a one-goal margin scoring in the last 10 seconds of the game.

With the loss, Hudson moves to 3–5 overall, while Mason remains unbeaten at 7–0. Still, taking a powerhouse like Mason to the final whistle shows this Explorer squad is battle-tested and hungry for more.

We’ve got grit, and this one proved it. Let’s go, Explorers!

🥍 Explorers Dominate Medina in Home Showdown

The Hudson Girls' Varsity Lacrosse team continues to roll! On Thursday night, the squad hosted Medina and made a statement with a commanding victory in non-conference play.

The Explorers were firing on all cylinders on both ends of the field, holding the Battling Bees to just four goals while racking up 13 of their own. That win keeps Hudson's perfect record intact at 5-0 overall and 3-0 in league play.

With a balanced offensive attack and airtight defense, the team has now outscored opponents 72 to 14 this season. Medina drops to 2-2 overall with this loss.

The stands were loud, the energy was high, and Hudson delivered. This team is seriously fun to watch. Keep it up -Hudson is watching!

🥎 Tough Night at the Plate for Explorer Softball

The Hudson Girls’ Varsity Softball team faced a heavy-hitting Brecksville-Broadview Heights squad on Friday and fell 6-13 in a Suburban League matchup. The game started off with promise—Hudson jumped out to a 4-run lead in the first inning, but the Bees answered back with consistent offense and 16 total hits to take control.

Freshman Lily Harrington led the way at the plate for Hudson, going 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Gianna Pirtle added a big 3-RBI triple, and Corinne Stearns chipped in with a hit and 2 RBIs of her own. Despite the offensive flashes, errors and cold bats in the middle innings made it tough to keep pace.

The Explorers now sit at 0-3 on the season, but they’ll look to rebound and find their rhythm as the schedule picks up. This team has sparks—they just need to string them together.

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👋 Consider Yourself Scooped!

That’s a wrap for this edition — from garden goals to standout varsity moments, you’re officially up to speed. We’ll be back soon with more stories, more smiles, and more reasons to love life in Hudson.

Until next time...

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