The Hudson Scoop - 05/02/2025

Weather, wellness, wildflowers, wizards, and weekend plans—Scoop’s got it all this issue!

May 02, 2025

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Hello, Hudson!


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May is off to a strong start—sunny skies (except for maybe today!), local wins, and a reminder to slow down and check in with ourselves. It’s Mental Health Month, and we’re big fans of anything that makes life feel a little lighter. From events and hikes to Harry Potter Day and Cavs playoff hype, this issue has it.


Kick back and scroll on — we've got things to share with you!


🗂️ In This Issue


  • 🌦️ The Scoop on Hudson Weather: May rolls in with one rainy day and five straight days of sunshine. Yes, really.
  • 💛 Be Part of What Makes Hudson Shine: How to sponsor The Scoop and help keep Hudson connected.
  • 🧠 May Is Mental Health Month: Local resources, reminders to check in, and why your mental health matters.
  • ⚡ Harry Potter Day: A quick dose of wizardly joy and why May 2 is magical for more than one reason.
  • 🎢 Epic Universe & Cedar Point Reopenings: Theme park season is officially back—with coasters, dragons, and yes, Mario Kart.
  • 📚 Hudson Library Events: Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, digital grave hunting, and a Saturday double feature you’ll actually want to attend.
  • 🌼 Wildflower & History Hike: Walk through Trumbull Woods and Hudson’s early roots—all in one afternoon.
  • 🎨 Screw Factory Art Show: Over 80 artists, open studios, and an opportunity to bring home a new treasure.
  • 🏐 Volleyball Victory: Hudson dominates Normandy on the home court in a clean sweep.
  • 🥎 Softball Bounce Back: A rough Monday loss followed by a Tuesday blowout win. That’s the spirit!
  • 🏀 Cavs Sweep the Heat: Round one? Handled. Next up: the Pacers, and we’ve got the full playoff schedule.

Ready to Scoop when you are! 👇


☀️ The Scoop on Hudson Weather


This week’s forecast is basically May showing off. A little rain to kick things off today, then straight-up spring bliss through midweek. After today, it’s sunshine, patio weather, and “should we grill tonight?” vibes. Here’s the breakdown:


  • 🌧 Today (Friday), May 2 – High: 63°F | Low: 44°F
    Cloudy with scattered showers, especially in the afternoon. (Not a total washout, but might want to skip the suede shoes.)
  • 🌥 Saturday, May 3 – High: 59°F | Low: 42°F
    Partly cloudy and a little cool. (A decent day to pretend your yard work was rained out.)
  • ☀️ Sunday, May 4 – High: 71°F | Low: 49°F
    Full sun and perfect temps. (This is your “sit on the patio with a cold drink” kind of day.)
  • ⛅ Monday, May 5 – High: 74°F | Low: 52°F
    Partly cloudy but staying warm. (A great excuse to take the long way home.)
  • 🌤 Tuesday, May 6 – High: 75°F | Low: 54°F
    Warm with a mix of sun and clouds. (We’re calling this pre-summer training.)
  • 🌤 Wednesday, May 7 – High: 77°F | Low: 56°F
    Mostly sunny and almost suspiciously perfect. (Go ahead and schedule something outdoors — we dare you.)

Looks like May is officially showing off. We’ll take it. Just maybe keep an umbrella in your backseat—this is Ohio.


💛 Be Part of What Makes Hudson Shine


Here at The Scoop, we highlight everything that makes Hudson feel like home. From standout students and city updates to small business wins and big backyard events, we’re all about the people and stories that make this place special.


When you sponsor The Scoop, you're not just putting your name out there — you're showing up for your neighbors, your customers, and your community. It's more than great visibility. It's meaningful connection.


📩 Want in? Shoot us a note at [email protected] and we’ll send the scoop on how to get involved.


Your support helps keep Hudson connected — one story, one sponsor, and one smile at a time.


📰 Fresh Off the Clocktower


🧠 May Is National Mental Health Month


May is a reminder that taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of everything else. Life moves fast, and it’s easy to power through stress, exhaustion, or feeling overwhelmed like it’s no big deal. But it is a big deal — and we’re all better when we give ourselves space to rest, reset, and reach out.


This month, take a moment to check in with yourself and the people around you. Go for the walk. Say no to the extra thing. Call the friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with. Let’s normalize talking about mental health as something we all deal with — not something to hide or handle alone.


Hudson is full of support, from school counselors and mental health providers to neighbors who really do care. Keep checking in. Keep showing up. And know that however you're feeling, you're not the only one. 💚


Local Mental Health Resources:



If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the 24/7 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.


Taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies. Let’s keep the conversations going — and keep looking out for each other. And just in case you need a little reminder: You matter. You're doing better than you think. And we're glad you're here. 💚


🪄 Happy Harry Potter Day, Hudson!


Today, May 2, is officially International Harry Potter Day — the perfect excuse to dust off your wand, wear your house colors, and maybe sneak a butterbeer into your afternoon.


The day honors the Battle of Hogwarts, which took place on May 2, 1998 — the epic final showdown where Harry and his crew faced off against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named once and for all. But for fans everywhere, it's just a great day to celebrate the magic, mischief, and friendship that’s kept this story alive for more than two decades.


So reread a chapter, stream your favorite movie, quote Dumbledore like it’s gospel, or just show up to Acme in full wizard robes. We won’t judge.


⚡ Raise your wands, Hudson — the magic lives on!


🎢 Universal’s Epic Universe Opens This Month


Got summer trip planning on your mind? Universal is swinging open the gates to its biggest, boldest park yet — Epic Universe — on May 22, 2025, and it’s shaping up to be a whole new level of theme park magic.


This is Universal Orlando’s first new park in over 25 years, and it’s not holding back. You’ll find five wildly immersive worlds packed with more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions. Just a few highlights:


  • Super Nintendo World — race Bowser in Mario Kart, go mine-carting with Donkey Kong, and meet your favorite Mushroom Kingdom crew.
  • Wizarding World – Ministry of Magic — a brand-new Harry Potter ride set inside the magical world of the Ministry.
  • Isle of Berk — soar with dragons in this How to Train Your Dragon-themed land that’s straight out of the movies.
  • Dark Universe — where classic Universal monsters like Frankenstein and Dracula come to life in a gothic thrill zone.
  • Celestial Park — the dreamy heart of the park, with gardens, fountains, and a high-speed roller coaster called Stardust Racers.

Soft openings are already underway, but the full public launch hits later this month. If you’re planning a Florida trip, this one’s worth penciling in.


🎟️ Find more info here


Theme park fans, this one's going to be epic (literally). Let us know if you go — and send pics if you spot Dumbledore in the wild! 🧙‍♂️🎢


📅 The Scoop To-Do List


📚 Two Great Reasons to Head to the Library This Saturday


The Hudson Library is giving history buffs and curious minds alike a double-feature of in-person events on Saturday, May 3, and both are worth penciling into your weekend plans.


🪦 10:00 a.m. – Introduction to Find a Grave
Derrick Ranostaj, the library’s Emerging Technologies Librarian, is diving into the online genealogy tool Find a Grave. If you’ve ever wondered how to track down burial records or contribute to a global database of memorials, this session is for you. He’ll cover everything from search tips to how you can help expand the project.


📖 2:00 p.m. – Pulitzer Prize-Winning Historian Rick Atkinson
Later in the day, acclaimed historian Rick Atkinson will present his latest book, The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777–1780. It's the second volume in his epic American Revolution trilogy, arriving just in time for the 250th anniversary of the Revolution. Expect deep research, dramatic storytelling, and a fresh perspective on how democracy asks everything of the people who live in it.


🗓️ Want the details? Find more information here


History, storytelling, and hands-on genealogy — all before dinner. That’s a solid Saturday, Hudson.


🌸 Step Into Hudson’s Past (and Wildflower Season!)


Get outside and into the story on Sunday, May 4 at 1:00 p.m. with the Friends of Hudson Parks Wildflower & History Hike at Trumbull Woods Park (3200 Middleton Road).


Board member Sue Ramlo will share the fascinating backstory of the Trumbull family and the land they cared for, while Marcia Carsten and Jonathan Foise help you spot and identify the blooming spring wildflowers that still thrive there today.


It’s a mix of nature walk and local history tour — all in one peaceful afternoon.


👟 Bring sturdy shoes, your own water, and maybe your favorite wildflower questions.


📍 Register here


Hudson’s spring colors are showing off — come see them up close!


🎢 Cedar Point Reopens May 3 — Thrills Incoming


The gates to summer open this weekend — Cedar Point is back in action starting tomorrow (Saturday), May 3, and the coasters are ready to roll.


Top Thrill 2 is the big headline this year. After a short-lived debut and some behind-the-scenes fine-tuning, this triple-launch monster is finally ready for a full season. It’ll shoot you forward, then backward, then forward again—hitting up to 120 mph before launching you 420 feet into the sky. (Yep. That's a 40-story building...we did the math so that you didn't have to!)


Also coming later this summer: Siren’s Curse, a tilt coaster that promises to be the tallest, fastest, and longest of its kind in North America. It’s not open yet, but it’s on the way.


If coasters aren’t your thing, there’s still plenty to love: updated food spots (like the revamped Happy Friar and a new Famous Dave’s), high-energy shows, and some solid people-watching while you wait for your crew to finish their 13th ride on Steel Vengeance.


Weekend operations run through mid-May, then it’s daily summer fun from there.


🎟️ More details and tickets here


Get your sunscreen ready, Hudson — coaster season is here!


📖 “Between the Lines” Brings Bookish Magic to the Stage


If you’ve ever felt a little lost, a little different, or like your favorite fictional character just gets you — this one’s for you.


Running May 2–12 at Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, Between the Lines is a musical based on the bestselling novel by Jodi Picoult and her daughter Samantha van Leer. It tells the story of Delilah, a teen navigating life in a new school who finds comfort in the pages of her favorite fairytale — until the lines between fantasy and reality start to blur.


There’s heart, humor, music, and a powerful reminder that you can change your story — even if it’s not the one you were handed.


🎟️ Purchase tickets here.


If you’ve got a reader, a dreamer, or a theater lover in your life — this is a show worth the drive.


🎨 Spring Art Show & Open Studios at the Screw Factory


Looking for a little creative spark this weekend? Head to Lakewood for the Screw Factory’s Spring Art Show & Open Studios, where you’ll find three floors packed with paintings, pottery, jewelry, textiles, and more — all made by some seriously talented local artists.


Over 80 resident and guest artists will have their studios open, giving you the chance to explore, shop, and chat with the people behind the work. It's part gallery stroll, part treasure hunt, and fully worth the drive.


  • 🗓️ Friday, May 2: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • 🗓️ Saturday, May 3: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • 📍 Location: 13000 Athens Ave., Lakewood
  • 💸 Admission: Free
  • 🚗 Parking: Free

Grab a friend, bring a tote bag, and get ready to find something original and inspiring.


🏆 Roll Hud Recap


🥎 Softball: Highs, Lows, and a Team That Keeps Swinging


It’s been a packed stretch for the Hudson softball team—and it’s had just about everything: tough losses, a big bounce-back win, and a few standout moments worth spotlighting.


It started Monday with a rough one on the road. Hudson fell 17-2 to North Royalton after a game that got away early and didn’t let up. But the Explorers came out swinging the next day with a huge 16-5 win over Cuyahoga Falls. The bats came alive early, racking up 13 runs in the first three innings and sealing the deal with 16 hits overall. A much-needed spark.


Unfortunately, that energy didn’t carry into Wednesday’s matchup with Solon. The Explorers dropped that game 8-5—marking their third straight loss to the Comets. Still, Bailey Deutsch stood out with a 1-for-3 line that included a double, three runs scored, and her first stolen base of the season.


Hudson’s record now sits at 2-12, but it’s clear this team hasn’t lost its fight.



🏐 Volleyball: Two Wins, Two Sweeps, No Doubt


Meanwhile, Hudson’s boys volleyball squad is cruising. The team followed up Tuesday’s dominant sweep of Normandy (25-19, 25-16, 25-11) with another convincing win Wednesday against Medina—this time finishing 25-20, 25-17, 25-17.


Fisher Zappone led the way against Normandy with 12 kills and two aces, while Jackson Battaglia kept the offense running smoothly with 22 assists.


Against Medina, it was James Hummel stepping up, also finishing with 12 kills. He shared ace honors with Sam Disney, each racking up two. Battaglia delivered again with 26 assists.


The Explorers are now 12-7 and riding a three-game home win streak. In other words: hot.


#RollHUD!


🏀 Cavs Crush the Heat—Next Stop: Indiana


Cleveland just made NBA playoff history, and yep, we’re still buzzing. The Cavs swept the Miami Heat in the first round and wrapped it all up with a ridiculous 138–83 blowout in Game 4. That 55-point margin? Largest series-clinching win in playoff history. No big deal.


Next up: the Indiana Pacers. They just knocked out the Bucks in overtime, so this series won’t be a cakewalk. Game 1 is Sunday in Cleveland, and if you’re not watching, we’re not speaking.


Here’s the full second-round schedule:

  • Game 1 – Sunday, May 4 (Cleveland)
  • Game 2 – Tuesday, May 6 (Cleveland)
  • Game 3 – Thursday, May 8 (Indiana)
  • Game 4 – Saturday, May 10 (Indiana)
  • Game 5 – Monday, May 12 (Cleveland, if needed)
  • Game 6 – Wednesday, May 14 (Indiana, if needed)
  • Game 7 – Friday, May 16 (Cleveland, if needed)

Want in on the action? You can grab official playoff tickets straight from the team at Cavs.com/Playoffs.


Round one: Handled. Round two: Bring It On.


📬 Got Scoop for The Scoop?


We’re always on the lookout for local gems, cool events, and community shoutouts. Know something we should cover? Just want to say hi? Drop us a note at [email protected]. Your emails seriously make our day—and sometimes our whole week.


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👋 Consider Yourself Scooped!


That’s a wrap on this week’s edition. From playoff wins and blooming trails to mental health check-ins and wizarding trivia, we’ve covered a little bit of everything. Thanks for spending a few minutes with us—we love being a small part of your day. If you enjoyed today’s Scoop, share it with a person who still gets a little excited when they hear the ice cream truck. Until next time...


Support local, spread kindness, and stay awesome. 💙

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