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There’s a lot to love in this week’s edition—from rubber ducks and sword fights to rising athletes and rain-soaked city planning. We’re talking tree planting, track victories, backyard budget decisions, and a whole lot more. Think of it as your unofficial guide to what Hudson’s buzzing about this week—no fluff, no filler, just the good stuff.

In This Issue:

• ⛈️ The Scoop on Hudson Weather: A little bit of everything: sunshine, storms, and some spring surprises.
• 🌳 Arbor Day Deep Dive: From gossiping trees to 4,800-year-old pines, we’re getting leafy.
• 🏛️ City Council Recap: Stormwater studies, fire fund dilemmas, and new ideas for downtown.
• 🦆 The Rubber Duck Dash Is On: The most chaotic river race of the year hits the water this Sunday.
• 🌲 Volunteer Tree Planting: Hudson Springs Park needs your shovel power this Saturday.
• ⚾ Guardians vs. Red Sox: Warm nights, cold drinks, and solid baseball in Cleveland.
• 🎭 WRA’s The Three Musketeers: Free shows, flying swords, and high school talent on full display.
• 🎤 Brian Regan in Akron: A night of laugh-‘til-you-wheeze stand-up at Civic Theatre.
• 🏅 Explorer Sports Recap: Baseball wins big, girls lacrosse stays undefeated, and the track team makes history.

Ready to Scoop when you are! 👇

☀️ The Scoop on Hudson Weather

Alright Hudson, get ready for a true Ohio spring sampler—sunshine, storms, a bit of chill, and a warm-up. By next weekend, it might finally be time to pack away your sweaters. Let’s break it down day by day:

• ☁️ Today (Friday), Apr. 25 – High: 74°F / Low: 46°F
  Clouds, sun, and the occasional rumble of thunder. A little dramatic, but hey—so is the weekend forecast.


• 🌥 Saturday, Apr. 26 – High: 51°F / Low: 38°F
  Cooler with some morning drizzle, then clearing up later. Not exactly shorts weather, but a great excuse for your coziest flannel.


• ☀️ Sunday, Apr. 27 – High: 63°F / Low: 42°F
  Sunny, warmer, and shaping up to be the pick of the weekend. Great day for a Duck Dash (see below for details!), a Guardians game (at 1:40), or a little backyard hammock time.


• ⛅ Monday, Apr. 28 – High: 70°F / Low: 57°F
  A mellow, partly sunny start to the week. Feels like the kind of day where everything just moves a little smoother.


• 🌬 Tuesday, Apr. 29 – High: 78°F / Low: 55°F
  Warm and breezy with clouds moving in. Not too shabby for late April—leave the jacket, grab the iced coffee.


• ⛈ Wednesday, Apr. 30 – High: 62°F / Low: 44°F
  Storms in the morning, showers in the afternoon, and a whole lot of moodiness in between. You know the drill: raincoat in the car, just in case.

Wrap it all up, and you’ve got a little bit of everything—but nothing Hudson can’t handle. Onward to May!

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

📰 Fresh Off the Clocktower

🌲 Leaf It to Us to Make Arbor Day Fun!

Today, April 25 is Arbor Day, and if you’re wondering why everyone suddenly wants to plant a tree and wax poetic about branches—it all started back in 1872 when Nebraska newspaper editor J. Sterling Morton said, “Let’s green up this prairie.” The state held a massive tree-planting party, and over 1 million trees went into the ground that first Arbor Day. Clearly, it was a hit. Now it’s celebrated all over the country as a day to show some appreciation for the leafy legends around us.

But trees do way more than just stand there looking majestic. They’re the original multitaskers—cleaning our air, cooling our streets, and apparently… gossiping underground?

That’s right. Scientists discovered that trees actually talk to each other through a hidden underground network of fungi (adorably nicknamed the "Wood Wide Web"). They use it to share nutrients, send danger alerts, and even support struggling neighbors. Hudson’s oaks are out here running woodland wellness checks.

And here’s another reason to be impressed: just one large tree can produce enough oxygen for four people a day. That’s one tree, allowing 80,000 breaths, every single day. Basically, your neighborhood maple is working overtime while asking for nothing more than a little sunshine.

Some trees go beyond impressive and into mind-blowing territory. Take Pando, a clonal colony of 47,000 quaking aspens in Utah that’s all part of one interconnected root system. Technically one organism. Technically a 100-acre overachiever. And speaking of mind-blowing, there’s Methuselah, a bristlecone pine in California that’s over 4,800 years old. That tree was sprouting back when humans still thought the wheel was a hot new concept. Let that sink in.

On top of all that, trees are basically nature’s chill pill. Spending time around them—what scientists call forest bathing—can lower your stress levels and blood pressure. So if this week has been a lot (and let’s be real, it usually is), maybe skip the screen scroll and take a stroll under some leaves instead.

Here’s to Arbor Day, where the best way to celebrate is doing absolutely nothing—under a tree. Plant one. Hug one. Or just enjoy the view. Your stress can take a hike.

🏛️ City Council Catch-Up: Flood Fixes, Fire Fund Woes & A Downtown Glow-Up

Tuesday night’s workshop meeting packed in the updates—from soggy backyards to downtown development and one big financial red flag. Here’s what happened under the dome:

💧 Stormwater Fixes Are Flowing
City staff shared early wins from neighborhood-level stormwater studies—targeting spots hit hardest in last August’s “what-is-happening??” rain event. One big idea? Using Darrow Park for stormwater storage that could help multiple neighborhoods downstream. More in-depth studies (like Tinker’s Creek and Brandywine Creek) are rolling out later this year.

🏘️ Downtown Phase 2: What Could It Be?
Council reviewed three potential layouts for the downtown expansion, with mixes of detached housing, green space, and possible public-use buildings like a year-round pavilion or indoor market hall (think garage doors, food vendors, beer garden vibes). They’re also considering leading the design process themselves—then bringing in a developer once there’s a clear vision on the table.

🔥 Fire Fund Alert: Short on Water, Short on Cash
The fire and EMS fund is heading into rough waters. The new hybrid staffing model is more sustainable during the day, but full 24/7 coverage? That’s going to need serious funding. Council is weighing options—reallocating funds, trimming non-critical projects, or having a future convo with voters about a tax levy. No final decisions yet, but everyone agrees this can’t be kicked down the road much longer.

🪜 Gutter Cleaning for Seniors: Great Idea, Bad Timing
Inspired by Macedonia’s popular program, a one-time fall gutter cleanout for eligible seniors was proposed. Council liked the concept, but after just reviewing budget shortfalls… decided it’s not the time to add even small expenses. This one’s going back on the shelf (for now).

🚧 Budget Juggling & Project Priorities
The city’s updated five-year financial plan showed the general fund dipping just below Hudson’s comfort zone (a 40% carryover). No panic yet, but the fire fund’s drop-off is more concerning. Council discussed possibly delaying non-urgent sidewalk or bridge projects and prioritizing investments like the Hines Hill bridge and fire station renovations. The general vibe: be smart, not scared.

🔜 What’s Coming
Council will meet again on May 6, with more discussion expected around sidewalk priorities, stormwater funding, and how to move forward with the fire department model. A few proclamations are also in the works—including one for the team behind Hudson’s inclusive playground and another to celebrate National Bike Month.

From pipe upgrades to pocket parks, we’ll keep translating City Hall into Scoop-speak. You're welcome.

📅 The Scoop To-Do List

🦆 The Ohio Rubber Duck Dash: It’s Finally Happening!

You might have seen the big inflatable ducks around town. You might have heard about this in previous Scoop issues. But now, it's finally happening! Mark your calendars for this Sunday, April 27—because nearly 11,000 rubber ducks are about to invade the Cuyahoga River in what might be Northeast Ohio’s most delightfully absurd race of the year.

We've highlighted this event in different ways in previous issues. But in case you've missed it, we're talking about the Ohio Rubber Duck Dash, and it’s all going down at Waterworks Park in Cuyahoga Falls. The action runs from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, and the main event—the duck race—starts at 2:00 PM sharp. Picture thousands of bright yellow ducks bobbing their way downstream like a floating traffic jam of fun. Winners will be announced at 2:45 PM, and there’s actual money on the line.

Here’s the deal:
- $5 gets you a duck in the race.
- First place wins $1,000.
- Second gets 4 Cavs tickets.
- Third? A VIP Akron RubberDucks package and a first pitch.
- Fourth wins a family four-pack of Cedar Point Gold season passes. Not too shabby for a plastic duck.

And the whole thing is powered by high school students from the Six District EntrepreNEW Pathways program, which includes Hudson, Tallmadge, Cuyahoga Falls, Kent, Woodridge, and Stow-Munroe Falls. These students are running the show—pitching sponsors, marketing the event, handling logistics, and basically proving they know how to launch a business and a duck.

There’s way more than just the dash, too:
🎶 Live music and entertainment
🍔 Food trucks
🎯 Family games and vendors
🏃‍♀️ A one-mile Waddle Race at 12:30 PM—costumes encouraged, prizes awarded, registration is $20 (includes a t-shirt and medal)

You can find all the details or grab your race duck at ohiorubberduckdash.com.

Winning’s fun, but let’s be honest—so is seeing a rubber duck stampede on the river. Hudson’s students are helping make it happen—let’s show up and cheer them (and their ducks!) on!

🌳 Tree Planting at Hudson Springs Park — Volunteers Needed!

Grab your shovel and some elbow grease—Hudson’s getting 160 new trees, and you’re invited to help plant them!

Friends of Hudson Parks is calling on volunteers to join them at Hudson Springs Park tomorrow (Saturday), April 26 at 10:00 AM for a massive tree-planting effort. It’s all part of an Arbor Day celebration that goes beyond just appreciating trees—it’s about getting your hands in the dirt and giving back to the park we all love.

Thanks to generous donations from Erie Insurance (through the Arbor Day Foundation) and the American Chestnut Foundation, Hudson Springs will soon welcome a fresh mix of Red Maples, Black Gums, and 100 Hybrid Chestnut trees.

If the turnout is strong, no one will have to plant more than a few. Bring a friend, a relative, or your favorite tree enthusiast. All you need is a large shove, gardening gloves, plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, and a love of nature.

It’s a great way to celebrate Arbor Day, spend some time outdoors, and make a real impact—one tree at a time. Let’s root for a greener Hudson together!

🍁 Sweet Traditions at the Geauga County Maple Festival

Mark your calendars, syrup lovers—because one of the sweetest traditions in Northeast Ohio is just around the corner.

From tonight (April 25) through Sunday (April 27), Chardon Square will be packed with food, fun, and the unmistakable scent of maple in the air. That’s right, it’s time for the Geauga County Maple Festival—a celebration of all things sticky, sweet, and time-honored.

Started back in 1926 by local shopkeeper Art Carlson (who was selling syrup for just 50 cents a gallon!), the festival was born to boost Ohio’s maple syrup industry and rival that Vermont variety. More than 15,000 people showed up to the very first one—despite an April ice storm—and the rest is delicious history.

What to expect this year:

• - Lumberjack competitions and bathtub races (yes, really!)
• - Two grand parades
• - Amusement rides with $25 all-day wristbands
• - Pancakes in the park (with maple syrup, of course)
• - Arts & crafts, pageants, live music, and a whole lot more

There's even a ceremonial Tappin’ Sunday to kick things off—complete with maple stirs straight from the tree.

It’s a weekend of community, heritage, and the best kind of sugar rush. Full schedule is available here: 👉 Check out the festival lineup

🥞 See you in Chardon!

⚾ Spring Nights & Stadium Lights: Guardians Take on the Sox

It finally feels like spring in Northeast Ohio, and that means one thing: baseball nights are back.

This weekend, the Cleveland Guardians take the field against the Boston Red Sox, and it’s shaping up to be a series worth catching live. José Ramírez has been lighting it up early this season, and the team’s off to one of its strongest starts in years. Add in Progressive Field’s skyline views and fresh stadium eats, and you’ve got a very solid way to spend a spring evening.

Game Times at Progressive Field:
- Tonight, April 25 — 7:10 PM
- Saturday, April 26 — 6:10 PM
- Sunday, April 27 — 1:40 PM (day game fans, this one’s for you)

Before the game, hit the Gateway District for dinner or a drink—grab tacos, a pint, or a pretzel the size of your head. Then settle in for nine innings of big-league baseball, hot dogs, and crowd chants that make your voice crack just a little.

Tickets start around $25, and you can snag yours here: mlb.com/guardians

Let’s play ball. Cleveland-style.

🎭 All for One, and One for Hudson: WRA’s The Three Musketeers

Western Reserve Academy is bringing high drama, sharp wit, and some seriously well-choreographed sword fights to the stage with its spring production of The Three Musketeers.

Catch the action inside the Knight Fine Arts Center:
- Tonight (Friday), April 25 at 7:30 PM
- Saturday, April 26 at 7:30 PM
- Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 PM

This free production promises big energy and even bigger adventure, as d’Artagnan joins forces with the legendary Athos, Porthos, and Aramis in a whirlwind of duels, double-crosses, and daring escapes. It's a classic tale of loyalty and courage, brought to life by WRA’s talented cast.

No tickets, no reservations—just open seating and an open invitation to experience a timeless story on stage. If you’ve been craving a little swashbuckling this spring, this one’s calling your name. En garde!

🎤 Brian Regan Brings the Laughs to Akron

If your idea of a good Saturday night includes laughing so hard your face hurts, you’re in luck—Brian Regan is coming to the Akron Civic Theatre on April 26, and this is not a night to skip.

Regan’s been cracking up crowds for decades with his one-of-a-kind blend of clean, observational comedy. He’s the kind of guy who can turn a trip to the eye doctor or a microwave beep into a full-blown comedy bit. You’ve seen him on Netflix, Letterman, Fallon, maybe even heard Jerry Seinfeld call him “one of my favorite, favorite stand-up comedians.” Now you can catch him live, doing what he does best—finding the funny in everyday life and absolutely running with it.

Details:
📍 Akron Civic Theatre
🗓️ Saturday, April 26
⏰ 8:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets start around $25 (yes, really!)
🔗 Get tickets here

His shows are high-energy, family friendly, totally relatable, and full of clever twists you didn’t see coming. It’s sharp comedy without the edge—perfect for anyone who loves to laugh and doesn’t want to worry about dodging awkward moments.

So grab a seat, bring your best laugh, and prepare for a master class in stand-up. This one’s going to be good!

🏅 Roll Hud Recap

🏅 Big Wins, Tough Losses, and a Whole Lot of Hustle

⚾ Baseball

The Hudson Explorers are cooking. On Monday, they roared back from a slow start to crush the Mayfield Wildcats 13-6, including an 8-run seventh inning that sealed it with style. And they kept the momentum going Wednesday, shutting out Stow-Munroe Falls 4-0. That makes six wins in the last seven games and brings their record to a crisp 10-2. Safe to say, last season’s struggles are firmly in the rearview.

🥎 Softball

It’s been a rough stretch for the softball squad. The Explorers dropped their fifth straight at home in a 14-2 loss to Brecksville-Broadview Heights. Despite the score, Shawna Baylor gave fans a reason to cheer with a solo home run. This squad is still hunting for their first win, but the heart’s there.

🥍 Girls Lacrosse

The girls are on fire. After crushing Copley 17-1 on Tuesday, they turned around and steamrolled Magnificat 18-3 the next night. Mackie Stickler led the charge with 5 goals, Lexie St. Pierre added 3 goals and an assist, and Lauren Brownley also found the back of the net three times. Shoutout to Hannah Clark for 5 saves in goal. The squad moves to a perfect 7-0.

🥍 Boys Lacrosse

The boys had a close one on Tuesday but came up short, falling 7-5 to Copley in a home non-conference matchup. They’ll regroup and look to bounce back in their next outing.

👟 Girls Track & Field

The Explorers crushed it at the Royalton Relays, snagging first place with 71 points. Big wins included Sejal Bhatia in the 100m hurdles, and relay victories by squads featuring Stella Schmitt, Alyssa Maniar, Samantha Rosenberg, Brooke Iuston, Madilyn Forst, Brooke Pulte, Kyla Dunphy, and Abby Henderson. In their dual against Stow, Brooke Iuston sprinted her way into school history with a 12.77 in the 100m dash—placing her fifth all-time. Zeynep Mutlu, Claire Taylor, Katherine Huber, Maddie Halford, and Chloe Yanoff also turned in standout performances.

More meets and matchups are on deck—so keep cheering for our young athletes, Hudson!

#RollHUD!

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👋 Consider Yourself Scooped!

That’s a wrap on this week’s edition—packed with big plays, local wins, river races, and some truly ancient trees. Thanks for spending a few minutes with us in the know lane.

We'll see you again on Monday. Until then...

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