The Hudson Scoop - 07/07/2025

World Chocolate Day, side hustles galore, the Buck Moon, Bon Jovi in Twinsburg, free fried chicken, Fin Fest, a girls soccer fundraiser, and more!

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Summer’s turning up the drama this week—loud skies, big moons, bold snacks, and a few surprise freebies just waiting to be claimed. From local strolls and yoga flows to full-on superhero moments, this edition’s got something for every kind of curious, cozy, or caffeine-fueled Hudsonite.


Here’s what’s in today’s Scoop:


  • ☀️ The Scoop on Hudson Weather — Expect a little bit of everything
  • 🍫 World Chocolate Day — Sweet facts and a local treat worth trying
  • 🍗 Free Fried Chicken Alert — A tasty Sunday deal you’ll want to know about
  • 🌕 The Buck Moon — A midsummer glow with some cool trivia
  • 🧘‍♀️ Gentle Flow Yoga at the Library — Your new favorite way to start the week
  • 🇺🇸 WWI Walking Tour — Hudson history with a twist
  • 🦈 Fin Fest at the Aquarium — Sharks, prizes, and summer fun
  • 🩸 Red Cross Blood Drive — Do some good and walk away with extras
  • 🦸‍♂️ Superman Premiere Party — A local celebration for the ultimate superhero fan
  • 🎬 Flix on the Falls — A free night out under the stars
  • 🎸 Bon Jovi Tribute in Twinsburg — Big energy and even bigger hair
  • 👟 Hudson Girls Soccer Fundraiser — A clever way to clean out your closet for a cause
  • 🌭 Joey Chestnut’s Hot Dog Victory — One man. Many hot dogs.

Ready to Scoop when you are. 👇



BROUGHT TO YOU BY

INNOVATIVE EXTRACTS


🌾 Farm-Grown Focus, Scoop-Approved


Let’s talk calm, clarity, and a little Pennsylvania grit. If you’ve been around the Scoop for a bit, you’ve already heard about Innovative Extracts—the veteran-owned CBD crew from Portage, PA who do things the right way: from seed to shelf, all on their own family farm.


They’ve got a no-shortcuts vibe that shows up in everything they make—CBD oils, gummies, sleep aids, cooling creams, even stress-busting treats for your dog. Every batch is third-party tested, and if you’re steering clear of THC, they’ve got a broad-spectrum line that’s fully THC-free without skimping on benefits.


But what really stands out? Their story hasn’t changed—it’s just gotten stronger. What started as a few acres of hemp and a DIY extraction lab has grown into a full-blown wellness operation grounded in service, transparency, and affordability. Still family-run. Still veteran-led. Still focused on quality over flash.


So if your summer to-do list includes chilling out, supporting small farms, or just feeling a little more like yourself—Innovative Extracts is worth another look. Hudson-approved.



☀️ The Scoop on Hudson Weather


It’s one of those weeks, folks. The kind where the sky can’t decide if it’s moody, mellow, or just messing with us. We’ve got a classic Ohio summer mix on the way—some sun, some storms, and a good chance your umbrella will see some action.


Here’s how it’s shaping up:


  • ⛈️ Mon 7 – 84°/65° – PM Thunderstorms
    Rain rolls in late, just in time to interrupt dinner on the patio. Keep an eye out for rumbles and wet pavement.

  • 🌤️ Tue 8 – 81°/64° – Partly Cloudy
    A rare break in the clouds! Soak up the sunshine while it lasts—this might be the best day of the week.

  • ☁️ Wed 9 – 82°/66° – Mostly Cloudy
    No storms expected, but don’t be fooled—it’s still a “just bring the raincoat anyway” kind of day.

  • 🌦️ Thu 10 – 83°/66° – Scattered Thunderstorms
    Pack your patience and maybe delay the lawn mowing. Storms could pop up when you least expect it.

  • ⛈️ Fri 11 – 85°/67° – PM Thunderstorms
    Warm, humid, and likely stormy. Basically, the weather equivalent of a teenager’s mood.

  • 🌧️ Sat 12 – 84°/67° – Scattered Thunderstorms
    A coin-flip kind of day. Outdoor plans? Have a backup just in case.

  • 🌧️ Sun 13 – 84°/65° – Scattered Thunderstorms
    Sunday showers might crash your brunch, but hey—it’s perfect weather for staying in and catching up on Scoop editions you missed.

The skies may be dramatic, but at least they keep things interesting. Bonus points if you dodge the downpours like a local legend.



Got a business in Hudson? Cool. Let’s talk.


We’re not big on billboards, banner ads, or “As Seen On TV” vibes. But we are big on celebrating the people and places that make Hudson awesome.


If you’re doing something worth knowing about—running a shop, building something great, making people’s lives easier—we’d love to shine a little light on it.


No pressure, no polished pitch required. Just shoot us an email at [email protected]. We’re all ears (and pretty quick on the reply button).



📰 Fresh Off the Clocktower


🍫 Happy World Chocolate Day, Hudson!


It’s July 7, which means chocolate gets the spotlight it deserves. First introduced to Europe in 1550, this once-bitter ceremonial drink has evolved into the sweet, silky classic we know today. And honestly? It’s still getting better.


  • Chocolate melts at 93°F. That’s just below body temperature, which is why it practically disappears the second it hits your tongue. Science is delicious.

  • Those glossy bars don’t happen by accident. Tempering—carefully heating and cooling chocolate—gives it that perfect shine and satisfying snap. Skip it, and you get chalky, crumbly sad chocolate. No thanks.

  • Conching is what makes it smooth. Invented in 1879, it’s a long mixing process that can last up to 78 hours. The more conching, the smoother the chocolate. Some artisans still do it the slow, old-school way.

  • Dark chocolate’s got perks. Besides tasting rich and bold, it’s full of antioxidants and may support heart health, brain function, and mood. So yes—it might actually be good for you.

  • And technically, it comes from fruit. Chocolate starts its life inside a tropical cacao pod, where the seeds (yep, not beans!) are surrounded by a sweet, tangy pulp. Nature’s version of a surprise filling.

Want something local? Nona’s Hudson Crafted Confectionery on Main Street is a perfect stop—they handcraft bold-flavored chocolates, custom treats, and even s’mores brownies that are basically summer in a bite.


So today, grab something rich, melty, and maybe just a little fancy. Chocolate’s come a long way—and you deserve some indulgence.



🍗 Fried Chicken Day Was Yesterday… But the Free Sandwiches Aren’t Over Yet


We may have missed the crispy memo by a day, but here’s your finger-lickin’ good reason to still celebrate: Shake Shack is giving away free Chicken Shack sandwiches every Sunday in July.


That’s right. Even though National Fried Chicken Day was yesterday (July 6), the celebration continues all month long thanks to this seriously tasty deal.


Here’s how to snag your free sandwich:

  • Place an order of $10 or more through the Shake Shack app, website, or in-Shack kiosk (sorry, delivery doesn’t count)
  • Use the code CHICKENSUNDAY at checkout
  • Get one free Chicken Shack sandwich every Sunday through July 27

What’s in the Chicken Shack? Just a perfectly crispy chicken breast with lettuce, pickles, and herbed mayo on a potato bun. It’s Shake Shack—so it hits.


So if your Sunday plans were feeling a little bland… now they’re battered, seasoned, and back on track.



🌕 The Buck Moon Is Back—And It’s Looking Mighty Fine


Look up this week and you’ll spot July’s full moon doing its thing—big, bright, and beaming down over Hudson with some extra midsummer flair.


It’s called the Buck Moon, a name passed down from Native American and early colonial calendars. Why “buck”? Because this is the time of year when male deer start regrowing their velvety new antlers. Nature’s own version of a seasonal upgrade.


The Buck Moon hits peak brightness Thursday night, July 10. Best time to catch it? Right at moonrise, when it hangs low on the horizon and glows golden-orange. (Fun fact: it only looks bigger then—your brain’s playing tricks thanks to something called the “moon illusion.” Still totally worth the “whoa.”)


And here’s a little extra moon trivia to impress someone while you’re watching it:

  • 🌕 It’s the first full moon of summer.
  • ⚡ It sometimes goes by the Thunder Moon because July tends to bring a lot of storms. (In Ohio? That tracks.)
  • 🌱 Many cultures see it as a symbol of growth, energy, and fresh starts—kind of perfect for mid-year vibes.

So pour something cold, find a comfy patch of grass, and give the Buck Moon a proper Hudson-style nod. It only rolls around once a year, and honestly, it puts on a better show than most TV.



💼 Extra Cash, Hudson-Style


We’ve been hearing from a bunch of you lately asking how to make a little side income—without upending your life or giving up patio season. Totally fair.


The good news? There are legit, flexible side hustles out there you can do from home. No weird sales pitches. No “just recruit five friends.” Just stuff that fits into your life and pays actual money.


Here’s the scoop:


🖥️ Be Someone’s Go-To Virtual Assistant

Good with emails, calendars, and online organizing? You could help small businesses stay on track—all from your laptop.


✍️ Write Stuff, Get Paid

If you’ve got a way with words, there’s a market for it. From blog posts to product descriptions, you can get started here:


📚 Tutor from Home

Know your way around algebra, grammar, or Spanish verbs? Plenty of students could use the help. Pick your subject and set your hours:


🤖 Help Train AI (Yes, Really)

AI models don’t teach themselves. Companies pay people to review and label content so systems can “learn.” It’s quiet, focused work—and the pay isn’t bad. ($15-$40/hour!)


📊 Take On High-Level AI Projects

If you’ve got a background in education, science, or languages, Outlier connects freelancers with expert-level gigs—like evaluating AI-generated content. Higher pay, flexible hours.


🎨 Sell Something Digital

Got an eye for design? Or a knack for planners, templates, or printable art? Digital products are a great way to build passive income. You create it once and keep earning as it sells.


None of this requires quitting your job, launching a brand, or spending a fortune on equipment. Just some Wi-Fi, a bit of your time, and maybe a fresh cup of coffee.


Thinking about giving one a try? Let us know—we’d love to hear how it goes. And if you turn your side hustle into a full-blown local success story, well... you already know we’ll be the first to feature it!



🧐 Did You Know?


Bananas ripen faster when stored near other fruits like apples or avocados. That’s because they all release ethylene gas, which speeds things up. To slow the ripening, keep bananas separate, wrap the stems in foil or plastic, and store them in a cool, dark spot. Once they’re ripe, you can toss them in the fridge—the peel may darken, but the fruit will stay fresher longer.


Stay curious, Hudson!



📅 The Scoop To-Do List


🧘‍♀️ Find Your Flow at the Library – Starts Today!


Feeling a little stiff from the weekend? Or just need a gentler start to your Monday? The Hudson Library has you covered.


Starting today—Monday, July 7 at 10 a.m.— you can ease into the week with Gentle Flow Yoga, a free, beginner-friendly class led by certified instructor Lora Gray. It’s the first in a four-week series happening every Monday this month.


These one-hour sessions focus on slow movement, mindful breathing, and a little peace before the chaos of the day kicks in. No yoga experience needed—just bring a mat, wear something comfy, and show up ready to stretch and relax.


✨ Great for:

  • Reducing stress
  • Improving flexibility
  • Breathing deeply
  • Avoiding your inbox for one more hour

👉 Registration is required for each session.
Sign up here before spots fill up!



🎬 Mystery Movie Monday Returns Tonight in Hudson


Back for another round of cinematic roulette—Mystery Movie Monday is lighting up the screen again tonight at Regal Hudson. If you’ve been following along, you know how this works: $5 gets you into an early screening of a brand-new movie… but the title stays secret until the lights dim.


Tonight’s mystery pick is rated R and clocks in around 1 hour and 40 minutes, so expect something with a little edge—maybe a thriller, maybe an action flick, maybe something that’ll leave you saying “Wait… what did we just watch?”


When: Tonight (Monday, July 7) at 7:00 PM
Where: Regal Hudson Cinema — 5339 Darrow Rd
Tickets: $5 (plus a small online fee if you grab them ahead of time)
Link:Check times at the local Hudson theater here


These mystery nights always draw a crowd, so show up a little early, load up on snacks, and place your bets. And if you figure it out before the previews start—we want your psychic secrets.



Hudson on the Home Front – WWI Walking Tour


Got room in your Tuesday morning for a little local history and a light stroll? This one’s a gem.


On Tuesday, July 8 at 10 a.m., the Hudson Library is hosting a WWI-themed walking tour that dives into what life looked like here at home during the Great War. You’ll hear stories about local figures like David Hudson Lee, visit the town’s war memorial, and uncover the quieter but powerful ways Hudson showed up during the conflict.


The tour meets at the library entrance and winds through familiar streets with some lesser-known tales along the way. Just make sure to wear comfy shoes and dress for whatever Ohio decides to throw at us that morning.


👉 Save your spot here before it fills up!



🦈 Shark Season Is Here — Dive into Fin Fest!


If your kids are part-time marine biologists or just really into sharks right now (who isn’t?), we’ve got the perfect summer outing.


Fin Fest is happening now through August 5 at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, and it’s everything shark-obsessed families could hope for—stingray feedings, diver talks, crafts, trivia, and even a photo op with their mascot, Finn the landshark (yes, he’s a thing).


And here’s the kicker: show up in shark-themed gear—socks, t-shirts, full-on costume, whatever—and you’ll be entered to win a $125 shark-and-ray-themed gift shop prize pack. Fin-tastic, right?


It’s all included with your ticket and runs daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.


👉 Buy tickets here before the sharks eat ‘em all.



🩸 Free thrills for a little spill? Sounds like a win.


Heads up, Hudson: the Red Cross is running a blood drive this Tuesday, July 8, and they’re sweetening the deal in a big way.


Swing by the Hilton Garden Inn in Mayfield between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM, roll up a sleeve, and walk out with:


  • 🎟️ A FREE Cedar Point ticket

  • 🕶️ A pair of polarized goodr sunglasses (yep, the cool ones)

Got Type O blood? Even better:

  • 💰 Get an extra $20 e-gift card for a whole blood donation

  • 💪 Or $25 if you do a Power Red donation (that’s when you donate two units of red blood cells—they return your plasma and platelets, so you leave feeling less wiped out than you’d think)

Location: Hilton Garden Inn – Tuscany Rooms 1–3

Address: 700 Beta Dr, Mayfield

Date: Tuesday, July 8

Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM


Appointments go fast, so if you want the swag (and the good karma), don’t wait. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code CedarPoint to grab your spot.


Blood + adrenaline? Let’s go.



🦸‍♂️ Got a Superman Fan in Your Life? This One’s for Them


Okay, so maybe you’re not the kind of person who collects comic books or knows every version of Clark Kent’s origin story. But if someone in your life wears a cape (figuratively or literally), you’re going to want to pass this along.


To celebrate the release of the new Superman movie—partially filmed right here in Northeast Ohio—the Greater Cleveland Film Commission is throwing a fan celebration on Thursday, July 10 at Phoenix Theatres at Great Northern Mall. And they’re pulling out all the stops.


Here’s what’s included in the $50 Superhero Package:

  • Reserved movie ticket for the 7 PM premiere
  • A custom GV Art + Design Superman tee
  • A chance to win signed art by James Gunn, David Corenswet, or Rachel Brosnahan
  • Barbecue from Famous Dave’s, photo ops with cosplayers, and a peek at rare Superman items from the Cleveland Public Library

Pre-movie festivities kick off at 5 PM, and it’s all happening in luxury seating with Dolby Atmos sound—because even superheroes like surround sound.


So if you know a mega-fan (or someone who just really loves a good blockbuster), this might just be their Kryptonite.


👉 Snag tickets here and let them know you’ve got the inside Scoop.



🎬 Flix on the Falls: Summer Movie Nights Are Back!


Looking for a fun (and free!) night out that doesn’t require a reservation or a babysitter who charges surge pricing? We’ve got you.


Flix on the Falls is returning to Downtown Cuyahoga Falls, and it’s bringing all the summer magic: live entertainment, food trucks, photo ops, and movies under the stars.


The first event kicks off this Friday, July 11, with a showing of “Wicked”—a magical trip to Oz filled with music, family activities, and enough snacks to satisfy even the pickiest little munchkin.

  • 🎉 Pre-movie fun starts at 6:30 PM
  • 🎥 Movie begins at dusk
  • 📍 2085 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls (right in the amphitheater)

It’s the perfect excuse to grab the kids, invite your neighbors, and soak up a summer night downtown. Pack your lawn chairs, bring a blanket, and come hungry—those food trucks don’t mess around.


This is the first of four family-friendly movie nights happening all summer, courtesy of Cuyahoga Falls Parks and Rec. And yes, it’s completely free.


So skip the couch, skip the streaming—and go see “Wicked” the way it was meant to be watched: surrounded by friends and family, snacks, and a summer breeze.



🎸 Livin’ on a Prayer in Twinsburg – Bon Jovi Tribute Night!


If your summer playlist needs more hair, more power chords, and just a little more “You Give Love a Bad Name,” this one’s for you.


The Rock the Park concert series rolls into Twinsburg’s Perici Amphitheatre this Friday, July 11, with a powerhouse double bill:

  • Wanted, the world’s #1 Bon Jovi tribute band
  • Pet the Cougar, a tribute to both Tom Petty and John Cougar Mellencamp

This show is packed with all the anthems that defined denim jackets and air guitar greatness. Expect hits like Runaway, Livin' on a Prayer, Wanted Dead or Alive, and more—all played the way Bon Jovi fans expect: loud, emotional, and with just the right amount of ‘80s soul.


Event Details:

  • 🗓️ Friday, July 11
  • 🕖 7:00–10:00 PM (Doors at 6:30 PM)
  • 📍 Perici Amphitheatre – 10260 Ravenna Rd, Twinsburg
  • 🎟️ Tickets: $17.80 GA or $38.90 VIP (includes drinks, snacks & a chair!)
  • 💡 Bonus: Proceeds support the Twinsburg Community Hunger Center.

Parking is free, seating is all on the lawn, and the show goes on rain or shine. So pack your blanket, channel your inner rockstar, and head out for a night that promises a whole lotta throwback energy.


Ready to rock? Grab tickets before they’re gone and we’ll see you under the stars.



#RollHUD Sports Recap


👟 A Fundraiser That’s Good for the Planet and Hudson Girls Soccer


We spotted this on the Facebook Hudson Roundtable, and while we try not to just echo everything posted there… this one felt too good to keep quiet.


The Hudson girls soccer team is collecting used sneakers and cleats for their summer fundraiser—and it’s a total win-win. Not only does it help raise money for the team, it also keeps worn-out shoes out of landfills. (Yes, even your smelly gym sneaks can do some good.)


Here’s when and where to donate:

  • Tuesday, July 8 from 10–11 AM
  • Wednesday, July 9 from 3–7 PM
  • Drop-off spot: Hudson High School circle, near the main office

They’re accepting sneakers (over 10 inches long) and cleats—just give them a quick check to make sure they’re in decent shape (no holes in the soles, please!).


So if your garage or mudroom has a graveyard of old athletic shoes, now’s the time to send them off for a cause that’ll help fuel the next generation of Hudson athletes. Let’s kick this fundraiser into gear!



🌭 Joey Chestnut Reclaims His Crown (Yes, We're Calling It "Sports")


Look, we’re not totally sure where competitive eating falls on the spectrum between athleticism and chaos—but it airs on ESPN, so we’re slotting it into the Sports section and running with it.


Joey “Jaws” Chestnut is back on top after devouring 70.5 hot dogs and buns in just ten minutes at this year’s Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4. That’s right—after missing last year’s competition, Chestnut returned to Coney Island with something to prove… and absolutely steamrolled the field.


This marks his 17th Mustard Belt win (yes, that’s the official title), and he left runner-up Derek Hendrikson in the ketchup dust with a 24-dog lead. And over on the women’s side, Miki Sudo snagged her 11th title with 33 hot dogs and buns—because greatness recognizes greatness.


Is it a sport? That’s debatable. But between the training, the intensity, and the post-contest regret, we’re at least giving it a strong honorable mention.


Hungry for the replay? You can watch Joey's winning moment here.


We promise we’ll return to more traditional sports coverage after this. Maybe.



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📝 Consider Yourself Scooped


From cocoa trivia and chicken sandwich deals to moonlit strolls and mystery movie nights, this one had a little sparkle, a little sizzle, and at least one reason to dig those old cleats out of the closet.


Thanks for reading and keeping the Hudson vibe strong. If you enjoyed this edition of the Scoop, share it with someone who thinks chocolate should be its own food group.


Until next time...


Support local, spread kindness, and stay awesome. 💙



"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." — Coretta Scott King



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