The Hudson Scoop - 04/18/2025

Weather whiplash, Council news, Earth Day fun, and a Cavs playoff kind of weekend.

šŸ‘‹ Ready, Set, Scoop!


Hello, Hudson!


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This edition is packed with things to watch, try, and cheer for. We’ve got breezy forecasts, nostalgic snacks, green celebrations, closet makeovers, and another round of varsity wins and learning moments. There’s always something happening in Hudson — and we’re bringing it straight to your inbox. Here’s what you’ll find in today’s Scoop:


  • ā›ˆļø The Scoop on Hudson Weather: Sunshine, sprinkles, and serious ā€œIs it hoodie season?ā€ confusion.
  • 🧺 Locals We Love: Meet Hudson Closet Company—a local duo turning chaotic closets into dreamy, organized spaces.
  • 🦁 National Animal Crackers Day: A walk down snack-memory lane (and yes, there was once a monkey in a fez).
  • šŸ› City Council Catch-Up: Big conversations on fire response, planning updates, and a new commission appointment.
  • šŸŒ Earth Day in Hudson: Recycling, food trucks, face painting, and all the eco fun you can handle.
  • 🄚 Still Hoppin’ Easter Events: From Akron Zoo to Stan Hywet, the egg hunts keep going this weekend.
  • šŸŽ­ Whose Line in Cleveland: A night of improv madness with the stars of ā€œWhose Line Is It Anyway?ā€
  • šŸ€ Cavs Playoff Push: The Land is lit—get the details and ticket links before they’re gone.
  • šŸ… Explorer Recap: Boys volleyball wins big, baseball throws a shutout, and softball keeps swinging.

Ready to Scoop when you are! šŸ‘‡




ā˜€ļø The Scoop on Hudson Weather


One day you’re reaching for SPF 50, the next you’re googling ā€œcan I cover plants with a beach towel?ā€


Here’s your Hudson weather lineup for the days ahead:


  • 🌤 Today, April 18 – High: 76°F | Low: 60°F
    Breezy and warmer; considerable cloudiness in the morning followed by sun and areas of high clouds in the afternoon. (It’s giving ā€œopen your windows and pretend you're on vacationā€ energy.)

  • 🌧 Saturday, April 19 – High: 69°F | Low: 46°F
    Cloudy with a couple of showers; breezy in the morning. (If your weekend plans involve sunshine… maybe pivot. Good soup day, though.)

  • 🌦 Sunday, April 20 – High: 63°F | Low: 53°F
    Clouds and sun with a shower possible. (A little of this, a little of that. Showers may pop in like an uninvited guest.)

  • 🌧 Monday, April 21 – High: 64°F | Low: 43°F
    Times of rain in the morning; otherwise, decreasing clouds and breezy. (Another soggy start to the week. Might be time to dig out that favorite hoodie.)

  • 🌤 Tuesday, April 22 – High: 60°F | Low: 46°F
    Partly sunny. (Sun peeks through just enough to boost your mood—patio lunch, anyone?)

  • 🌄 Wednesday, April 23 – High: 65°F | Low: 46°F
    Clouds and sun. (One of those ā€œis it jacket weather or not?ā€ kind of days. We vote layers.)

🌼 Spring’s still figuring itself out—but hey, aren’t we all? We’ll keep the updates coming, rain or shine.




šŸ¤ Support The Scoop, Support Hudson


The Scoop is all about what makes Hudson shine—local events, new businesses, hidden gems, and all the little things that make this town feel like home. We’re proud to tell those stories—and your business can be part of that story too.


When you sponsor The Scoop, you’re not just putting your name out there. You’re connecting with a loyal, hometown audience that loves staying plugged into what’s happening right here in Hudson. It’s a great way to build buzz and show your support for a newsletter that’s all about keeping neighbors in the know.


šŸ“© Interested? Drop us a line at [email protected] and let’s chat.


Here’s to keeping Hudson local, lively, and thriving—together. 🌟




🧺 Locals We Love: Hudson Closet Company


If your closet currently resembles a game of Tetris (and you're losing), allow us to introduce you to a local gem: Hudson Closet Company. Owned and operated by Hudson residents Jeff and Jackie Pallack, this husband-and-wife duo is helping neighbors turn chaotic closets into dreamy, functional spaces—without the big-box drama.


Here’s how it works: They come to your home, walk through your needs, design something just for you, and handle the install start to finish. It’s personal, it’s custom, and it’s completely tailored to your lifestyle (and your scarves, shoes, and that random bin of belts you haven’t looked at in years).


Their services go beyond shelves and rods—they can help with lighting, organizing, decluttering, and even finding the perfect acrylic accessory trays to make your wardrobe feel like a boutique.


From soft-close drawers and pull-out racks to beautifully displayed jewelry trays and proper hanging space for everything, Hudson Closet Company makes it easy to love your space again.


Ready to upgrade your closet game? You can call or text them at 330-618-4911, or check them out at hudsonclosetcompany.com. Your future organized self will thank you!




šŸ“° Fresh Off the Clocktower


šŸŽŖ It’s National Animal Crackers Day, and Yes—That’s a Real Thing!


Go ahead and cue the nostalgia: Today, April 18 is National Animal Crackers Day, and it’s the perfect excuse to munch your way through a box of lions, tigers, and... vaguely horse-shaped blobs.


If you grew up with these sweet little cookies, you know the magic—sharing them with friends, picking out your favorite shapes (elephants always win), or just biting the heads off first. No judgment.


Here’s some fun flavor to go with your snack:

  • Animal crackers aren’t technically crackers. They're cookies in disguise. Sugar cookies with a crunch. Cookie imposters, if you will.
  • The iconic red box? It used to come with a string so kids could hang it on the Christmas tree. Adorable, slightly odd, and very early 1900s.
  • More than 50 animals have made the cut over the years—including some curious picks like a koala, bison, and even a mythical unicorn (which feels like a cheat, but we’ll allow it).
  • Until 2018, the animals were shown in cages. Then Nabisco set them free. Now they roam the box like it’s the world’s happiest zoo.
  • And yes, there was once a monkey in a fez. With a cane. Because cookies were fancier back then.

You can celebrate today the classic way—by grabbing a box and sharing (or not sharing) it. Or get a little wild and use them to decorate cupcakes, try them with peanut butter (seriously, trust us on this one!), or attempt to guess the animal shapes with your eyes closed. Warning: most people only get about half right.


So grab your favorite box, unleash the nostalgia, and take a bite out of one of the quirkiest food holidays of the year.


We aren't lion — animal crackers are the mane event today! 🦁




šŸ› City Council Meeting Recap


The April 16th council meeting was packed—from honoring community changemakers to addressing one of the most difficult fires Hudson has seen in years. Here’s what went down:


šŸ”„ Biggest Topic of the Night: Sullivan Road Fire Response


Hudson’s Fire Chief Jerry Varnes provided a detailed, sobering report on the April 11 house fire on Sullivan Road. The fire, which tragically resulted in a total loss of the home, is still under investigation by the State Fire Marshal and the ATF due to claims made at the scene suggesting arson. It was also revealed that the home contained hundreds of gas cylinders and other hazards that created multiple explosions during the fire.


Chief Varnes emphasized that the fire was already fully engulfed just minutes after the 911 call—well before any fire truck could’ve arrived, no matter the department. The mutual aid system worked exactly as designed, with neighboring departments arriving on scene before Hudson's own crew due to proximity. Sadly, the fire had already advanced beyond what could be saved.


The chief and city manager made it clear: more staffing or even a hydrant nearby wouldn’t have changed the outcome. But they also stressed that big improvements are coming—including the biggest staffing and infrastructure upgrade Hudson’s fire department has seen in over a century.


šŸ§‘ā€šŸš’ Council’s Take:

Council members stood firmly behind the fire department. They praised the bravery of Hudson’s first responders and emphasized the need for more community education—especially about fire prevention, working smoke detectors, and smart emergency planning.


They also talked water. Literally. Several members floated ideas about expanding hydrant access in rural areas, though they noted the cost is steep and many residents have previously turned down city water hookups. Still, expect more conversation in future workshops.


šŸ“£ Also at the Meeting:


🌳 Proclamations Galore
Three official proclamations were issued:

  • Senator Casey Weinstein was honored for helping Hudson land a $680,000 grant for the Inclusive Playground.
  • Lemonade Day got a sweet shoutout, with students from Seton Catholic School sharing how they're learning entrepreneurship by building their own mini-businesses.
  • Arbor Day is coming up April 25, and the Tree Commission is planting a tree at Veterans Way Park that morning. Bonus: You can sign the commemorative brick at the Earth Day event this weekend.

šŸ” A Big Welcome to Jessie Obert
One of the biggest highlights of the night? Hudson native and local real estate rockstar Jessie Obert was officially appointed to the city’s Planning Commission! Jessie’s deep roots in the community and her passion for smart, thoughtful growth make her a fantastic fit for the role.
And spoiler alert—she also happens to be our newest sponsor of The Scoop! Look for details in Monday's issue! We’re thrilled to have her on board in more ways than one.


šŸ“… Coming Soon:

  • Council will revisit legislation related to utility right-of-way regulations on May 20.
  • An open forum hosted by council members is scheduled for April 30 at the library.
  • Earth Day celebrations are happening Saturday, April 20 from 11–3 on the Gazebo Green. See below for all the details!

Hudson’s doing the hard work—asking tough questions, digging into big issues, and showing up for each other. From fire safety to future planning, these conversations matter. And when neighbors like Jessie Obert step into leadership roles and support community storytelling like The Scoop, it reminds us how connected this town really is.


Council meets again May 7. We’ll keep delivering the headlines and the heart—because staying informed shouldn’t feel like homework. šŸ’›




šŸ“… The Scoop To-Do List


šŸŒ Hudson’s Earth Day Celebration is Back!


Ready to go green, get inspired, and maybe eat a cake pop while you’re at it? Hudson’s Earth Day Celebration returns on Saturday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and it’s packed with family fun, free recycling, local vendors, and live music—all set against the scenic backdrop of the Clocktower and Gazebo Greens.


Here’s what’s happening all day long:

  • Sensitive Document Shredding & E-Waste Drop-Off on E. Main Street. Bring your old papers, electronics, modems, ink cartridges, laptops—basically anything with a plug—and dispose of it the responsible way. No limit, no cost!
  • Crayon Recycling at the Gazebo Green—because broken crayons still color, and now they get a second life!
  • Electric Vehicle Show and Hudson Public Power Demos—peek under the hood of the future and learn how electricity flows from the source to your home.
  • Rain Barrel Workshop at 1 p.m. on the Clocktower Green, hosted by Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners. (Barrels aren’t free, but knowledge is!)
  • Kids Zone with face painting, crafts, library checkout, and even a visit from the Summit Metro Parks mascot.
  • Food trucks? Absolutely. Chick-fil-A and Daisy Pops will be there to refuel your Earth-loving energy.

šŸ’Ŗ Want to do even more for the planet? The GoGreenGo Micro-Plog Series is happening Friday night and Saturday morning!

  • Friday, April 18 at 6 p.m. – Meet at the HHS west parking lot and help clean up the creek along Hudson-Aurora Rd.
  • Saturday, April 19 at 11 a.m. – Meet at the Gazebo and join in a quick downtown litter sweep before diving into the day’s festivities.

Bags, gloves, and grabbers are provided—just show up in bright colors and good spirits. Sign up here: gogreengo.org/plog


Local vendors will also be sharing their green expertise—from composting and zero-waste products to backyard gardening and radon testing. It’s like a farmer’s market meets eco-fair meets community block party. And it’s all free.


šŸ’š So bring the kids, bring your paper clutter, bring your curiosity—and let’s celebrate the planet, Hudson-style.


More details at: Hudson's Official Earth Day Celebration site




🄚 Still Hoppin’: Easter Events Around the Area


Hudson’s Easter Egg Hunt may have wrapped up last weekend (shoutout to all the fast little feet who cleaned the lawn in record time), but the celebration isn’t over yet. There are still plenty of festive events happening nearby for anyone looking to squeeze a little more fun out of Easter weekend.


Here’s a roundup of egg-cellent options:


🌸 Stan Hywet’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt
šŸ“ Akron | šŸ—“ļø April 19 | ā° 9 a.m.–Noon & 1:30–4:30 p.m.
This one’s a springtime favorite. Expect a full-on experience with a visual egg hunt inside the Manor House, photos with the Easter Bunny, crafts, magic shows, balloon art, and even a ride on the Easter Eggspress. Tickets are required and go fast.


🐣 Akron Zoo’s Egg-stra Wild Egg Hunt
šŸ“ Akron | šŸ—“ļø April 19 | ā° 8:30–10 a.m.
Start your day with a traditional egg hunt across the zoo grounds—plus photos with the Easter Bunny, crafts, and goody bags. Kids hunt in age groups, and ticket reservations are a must.


šŸŽ‰ Kent’s Youth Easter Egg Hunt
šŸ“ Kent | šŸ—“ļø April 19 | ā° 1 p.m.
Fred Fuller Park will be buzzing with kids ages 9 and under searching for candy-filled eggs. There’ll be separate hunting zones by age and photo ops with the Easter Bunny. Free to attend!


🌼 Cuyahoga Falls’ 69th Annual Egg Dash
šŸ“ Cuyahoga Falls | šŸ—“ļø April 19 | ā° 11 a.m.
Three locations—Water Works Park, Keyser Park, and the Quirk Cultural Center—will host this long-running community favorite. Expect candy, toys, free snacks, crafts, and, of course, the Easter Bunny.


šŸ“ø Bunny Photos at Summit Mall
šŸ“ Fairlawn | šŸ—“ļø Through April 19
Still need that Easter Bunny photo? Summit Mall’s got you covered. Hop over to Dillard’s North Court for a last-minute snap before the big day.


No matter where you end up, there’s still plenty of spring magic (and plastic eggs) to be found. Happy hunting, Hudson!




šŸŽ¤ Whose Line... LIVE in Cleveland!


Heads up, comedy lovers—this is not a drill. The cast of the hit improv show Whose Line Is It Anyway? is bringing the laughs to Cleveland on Saturday, April 19 at 8:00 PM, and the show’s as unscripted and unpredictable as ever.


WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? features Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray doing what they do best: turning audience suggestions into 90 minutes of completely improvised comedy and music. If you've ever wanted to shout out something ridiculous and see it turned into a sketch (or a song), this is your moment.


There’s no script, no safety net—just a bunch of seasoned pros making magic out of thin air. Plus, audience participation is part of the fun... so don’t be surprised if you get pulled into the action.


šŸŽŸļø Buy tickets here


Bring your quick wit and your loudest laugh—because none of this is made up... until it is.




šŸ… Roll Hud Recap


šŸ€ Cavs Are Playoff Bound—Let’s #LetEmKnow!


It’s official—the Cleveland Cavaliers are heading to the playoffs, and the energy is already buzzing. The first game of the series tips off this Sunday, April 21 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and while we don’t know the opponent just yet, one thing’s clear: it’s gonna be electric.


If you’re thinking about heading up to The Land for the game, now’s the time to grab those tickets before they’re gone faster than a Donovan Mitchell fast break.


šŸŽŸļø You can snag seats here:


It’s the perfect chance to throw on your wine and gold, lose your voice for a good cause, and cheer on the Cavs as they chase a deep playoff run.


Game time is still TBD—but hey, you’ve got Sunday plans now. Let’s go Cavs! šŸ‘šŸ”„




šŸ… Roll Hud Recap: Big Swings, Big Wins, and a Few Bumps in the Road


It was a jam-packed week for Hudson sports, with action on the diamond and the court — and enough stats to make your calculator break a sweat.


Let’s start with softball. The girls showed serious heart in three tough matchups. On Saturday, they dropped a 10–7 non-league battle to Streetsboro, despite a 12-hit effort. Lily Harrington led the charge with three hits and 2 RBIs. Shawna Baylor and Corinne Stearns each had two hits and scored a run. Bailey Deutsch, Makayla Duvall, Kylie Smith, Gianna Pirtle, and Claire Eland all chipped in at the plate.


On Monday, the bats stayed warm but the scoreboard didn’t cooperate, as Hudson fell 16–6 to Stow-Munroe Falls. Eva Masiella stole two bases and scored twice. Deutsch and Stearns each drove in runs, while Baylor, Duvall, and Pirtle also logged hits. Pitching duties were split between Duvall and Eland, who each battled through a lineup that just wouldn’t quit.


Wednesday brought another close call, this time a 5–2 loss to Twinsburg. Stearns stayed locked in with a 2-for-4 day and an RBI. Baylor, Deutsch, Illana Jones, and Pirtle all added hits, and Baylor, Harrington, and Pirtle swiped bases like pros.


Meanwhile, Explorer Baseball is riding a red-hot streak. On Monday, they blanked Nordonia 5–0 behind a complete-game shutout from Luke Mager, who fanned seven and only gave up three hits. Offensively, Brady Studzinski smashed a double and an RBI, while Justin Morgan, Xavier Pallo, Luke Humenansky, Braeden Deutsch, and Tyler Havens all contributed at the plate.


They weren’t done yet—on Wednesday, Hudson edged out Solon 5–4 for their fourth straight win and sixth in a row at home. This squad is 8–1, and with pitching like that, they're not slowing down anytime soon.


And let’s not forget Boys' Volleyball, who had a strong showing this week. On Saturday at the Polar Bear Bash, they knocked off Firestone 2–1 thanks to 15 kills from Owen Stearns, 10 more from James Hummel, and 6 from Fisher Zappone. John Jordan delivered 4 blocks, Hummel added 2, and Jackson Battaglia dished out 27 assists. Zappone led with 10 digs, and Battaglia picked up 6 more.


Then on Tuesday, the boys swept Stow-Munroe Falls 3–0 at home. Stearns racked up 13 kills and Battaglia was again the maestro with 30 assists. Zappone and Owen Tandy served up a pair of aces each. That makes two wins over the Bulldogs this season and a 7–5 overall record.


So while some teams are working through growing pains, others are stacking W’s — and all of them are putting in the work. Keep it up, Explorers! šŸ’Ŗ


#RollHUD!




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šŸ‘‹ Consider Yourself Scooped!


That’s a wrap on this edition of The Scoop! If you laughed, learned, or made weekend plans, our job here is done (for now). Catch you next time!


Until then...


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