August 2009

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36 A Pooch’s Palace

Stan Hywet exhibit showcases designer doghouses.

40 Farming in the Valley

Restoring the small-farm dream.

48 Details

Five remarkable houses, each with its own unique style.

Jeff Brunty on the farm with his brood of loyal followers.

Cover photo by Ray Saviciunas

Have Akron Will Travel

This is your magazine. Whether you live within Akron city limits, out west by Medina, to the east in Ravenna, down by the Canton area or beyond, we publish Akron Life & Leisure every month for you, and we would love to hear your feedback. If you’ve got a story idea brewing, send it. If you think we’re doing great, or if a story really struck a chord with you, tell us. If something we published upset you, tell us that, too. And when you go on vacation, take us with you. We love it when readers send in their Have Akron Will Travel photos. We exist for you and rely on your input to help make each issue the best yet.

editor@bakermediagroup.com

Akron Life & Leisure

90 S. Maple St. Akron, OH 44302

330.253.0056 ext. 107

Thank you again for the gifts awarded for entering your “Best of Akron” poll. The Stan Hywet tickets were perfectly timed, as we used them to entertain and enlighten weekend guests from Chicago. Our guests also enjoyed the Pinot Grigio we obtained with the gift certificate from the new 750ml Wines in Pilgrim Square.

We had a delightful, Akron Life & Leisure weekend!

Jim & Maureen Kovach

Akron

Please find attached a photo of me in front of Machu Picchu in Peru. The photo was taken on the morning of May 28. I was the only hiker from Akron (and Ohio) in my group of 10 friends from around the United States who gathered for this four-day, 40-kilometer hike on the Inca Trail. We climbed as high as 14,000 feet. It was my pleasure to insist on a photo with your fine magazine at this historic “Wonder of the World.”

Christopher (Kit) Arn

Bath Township

The Summit Choral Society’s Touring Choir says hello from sunny Malta where the choir landed on a beautiful sunny day—the perfect start to their 2009 Performance Tour of the islands of Malta, Gozo and Sicily.

For more information on the groups’ journey, please visit the SCS Blog: http://scschoir-incantatotours.blogspot.com/

Sandra Weinacht Akron

What’s Your s tory?

Many of the stories you see in Akron Life & Leisure actually originate with our readers. I get a lot of e-mails (people don’t send letters anymore) that start out, “Why don’t you do a story about...so and so.” Many times they’re self-serving suggestions like “Why don’t you write a story about me so all of my family and friends can see me in the magazine?” or “Why don’t you write a story about my special interest group that is promoting a special cause?” Sometimes, though, the ideas really turn into something.

A couple of years ago, Akron Deputy Mayor Dave Lieberth suggested a story about his friendship with Akron junkyard artist P.R. Miller. It was an interesting story, if you’ll remember, about how Lieberth and Miller were fraternity brothers and how divergent their lives had been ever since. Lieberth even suggested the title, “Frat Boys,” which we used when we featured the two on the March 2005 cover. Several months back, Warner Mendenhall (he of recall fame) stopped in to see if we would write a piece on him just before the special recall election. I did in a column entitled “Recall the Recall.” Not exactly what he had in mind, I’m sure, but it did inspire words that included his name and the name of his organization, Change Akron Now. More recently, my attorney, Susan Pritchard, suggested a story about Paul Martin, father of the now famous Fred Martin. It is an interesting story about the elder Martin’s philanthropy that will appear in a fall issue.

But you don’t have to be a friend of mine or be famous (or infamous for that matter), to have your story suggestion get our editorial attention. I’ve been a writer for many years, and what I’ve learned is that everyone has a story in them. Some people’s stories might be more poignant than others, but everyone has a story. I am a curious person by nature and I like to know how people got to where they are. I like to know the story behind the story that most people put out, the one most organizations want you to see. That’s where the real story begins, where reality meets perception.

Now for the good part: We have decided to offer a little incentive to encourage readers to write in with story suggestions. Anyone who provides us with a story idea (that we use in the magazine) will receive a full year’s subscription to Akron Life & Leisure . If you are already a subscriber, we will add an extra year to your current subscription.

When you provide story ideas, make sure you give us some pertinent information such as who the story is about, why the story would be of interest to our readers and how we can contact you. And if you’re an experienced writer, send us your best pitch, and maybe we’ll assign the story for you to write. To submit your story ideas, send them to me or Managing Editor Kristin Lindsey via e-mail (dbakerjr@bakermediagroup.com or klindsey@bakermediagroup.com) or mail them to 90 S. Maple St., Akron, Ohio, 44302. After all, this magazine is not only produced for you, but in some cases, it is produced by you. Thanks and we hope to hear from you soon.

Don Baker Jr. dbakerjr@bakermediagroup.com

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WITAN Celebrates 65 Years

WITAN, Women in Touch with Akron’s Needs, celebrated 65 years of community service with its past presidents luncheon, held April 29 at The University of Akron Martin Center. The event honored past presidents and reflected on the difference WITAN has made in the local community. Since its inception in 1943, the group has contributed more than $1 million and more than 3 million volunteer hours to the Greater Akron community.

1. Beth Aufmuth and Patrice Leeds Richmond

2. President Heather Jalbert and and Chris Walton

3. Teresa Good and Marcia Mandala

4. Tracie Baumgardner, Pat Bigelow, Ginger Marchetta and Cheryl Dunphy

Extravaganza: La Fiesta Grande

Archbishop Hoban High School held its 24th annual Extravaganza, La Fiesta Grande, on Saturday, April 4. With more than 420 guests in attendance, the annual event celebrated Archbishop Hoban students and included food, fellowship and lively bidding. A net total of more than $169,000 was raised to provide students with financial aid for the 2009-10 school year.

1. Ralph Bernard with student Dylan Irvine

2. Jim and Karen Evans, Georgianne and Kevin Green and Vicki and John LaGuardia

3. Dave ’75 and Patty (Bralek ’77) Wartko with Dan Cody

4. Dominic Rizzo and his wife, Patty

5. Michael Del Medico ’73 and Maryann Del Medico

Junior League teas and tours

On May 3, about 200 Junior League members and guests gathered on the lawn of the M.A. Knight Estate, where they dined on scones, truffles and assorted tea sandwiches, for Teas and Tours. Prior to the luncheon, guests toured the 2009 Designer Showhouse. Teas and Tours raised $1,400 for the group’s projects. The Junior League of Akron is a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for women to gain volunteer experience and professional skills while working on vital community projects.

1. Jill Leech and Susan Tuel

2. Linda Clouser and Sea Houser

3. Andrea Wlasyzn and Stacey Gardner Buckshaw

4. Monica and Katie Keehner

5. Susan Flowers and Terri Nass Reeder

Fanfare 2009: s imply s inatra

The Akron Symphony held its annual gala fundraiser May 16. The evening began with dinner and a combination live and silent auction at the Akron City Centre. Afterward, guests headed to the Akron Civic Theatre where they enjoyed a performance by vocalist Steve Lippia. Accompanied by the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Lippia performed many of Frank Sinatra’s most popular songs. The concert marked the first time that the orchestra played the gala fundraiser.

1.

2. Lippia with Guy and Renee Pipitone

3.

4. Madeline Bozzelli and Lippia

5. Nancy Irby, Lippia and Jerry Irby

6. Deborah Snell, Lippia and Susan Gillman

Steve Lippia and the evening’s emcee, Stan Piatt

Tom Jewett, Lippia and Tom Clark

CrossROADS

Veterans Memorial Park is on the corner of Center and Ridge roads at the hub of the township. It’s small, but you can’t miss its multiple flags honoring every branch of the military and multiple monuments honoring local veterans.

Just across the street is Cottage Farms, a small country store specializing in locally made goods. You’ll find Alpaca yarns, hats and scarves, felted bags, nature photographs, jewelry, wool scraps for rug making and fresh cut flowers from nearby artisans and growers. Plenty of

buzzard tee shirts and stuffed animals are available here, too.

Owner Shari May makes her organic “Cottage Farms Soaps”—more than 16 creative varieties—right in the back of the store. (She was making pink clay ladies’ spa soap and a special batch of soap for horses on the day we visited.)

With names like “Better Left Alone” PMS soap, which contains a blend of essential oils to alleviate tension and irritability, and “Sow Your Oats,” a mild exfoliating soap with apricot and wheat germ oils, you’re sure to find something that suits you.

On Saturday mornings through October, May’s store is also the site of a local farmers’ market. This year, she’s growing specialty white and blue pumpkins and decorative gourds to sell in the fall.

The neighboring Hinckley’s Coffee and Donuts is open until noon on weekdays and Saturdays, and until 1 p.m. on Sundays.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat later in the day, Foster’s Tavern offers fine food, homemade pizza and spirits. Foster’s also has a deli and beverage store if you want something to go.

Across the street, Jim Rollins, who puts together hunting trips to Canada and throughout the U.S., operates Hinckley Outfitters. His log cabin store offers

By Jane Day

live bait, archery equipment, guns and ammunition. It also serves as his taxidermy studio.

For some great outdoor activities, travel east on 303, turn right onto Hinckley Hills Road (state Route 606), then left onto Bellus Road. The Buzzard Cove is a 36-hole fantasy mini-golf course with a driving range, nine-hole flag golf game and barn-sized indoor game room.

Just next door, Hinckley Reservation (part of the Cleveland Metroparks), is a beautiful backdrop for all kinds of summer fun. Anchored by the 90-acre Hinckley Lake, for boating and fishing, you can also enjoy an old-fashioned swimming hole and wading area called Spillway Pool, below the dam. A small concession stand, sandy beach areas, a footbridge and plenty of shaded spots for picnicking add to its charm.

Launch your own boat or canoe at Hinckley Lake Boathouse or rent a rowboat, motor boat, canoe, kayak, paddleboat or “Hinckley Queen” pontoon.

If you prefer pool swimming, the park also operates a lovely heated outdoor pool with sand volleyball courts on Ledge Road between Kellogg and State roads.

With so much to do, it’s no wonder the buzzards always come back here.

By Liz Laubscher

by Ray Saviciunas

Rockin’ on the River Promoter Bob Earley

Elvis Presley may be the king of rock n’ roll, but Bob Earley is the king of Rockin’ on the River in Cuyahoga Falls. Earley has been the event coordinator for the past six years, though the concert series has been around for the past 23. Rockin’ on the River is held outdoors at Falls River Square, every Friday night, from the end of May until the end of August.

Earley says that under his leadership the event offers something for everyone. “It’s family friendly and a social get together,” Earley said. “The social interaction is the big success of it.”

Besides being a fun event to attend on Friday nights, Rockin’ on the River supports local nonprofits.

Volunteers work each week and their organizations receive a portion of the proceeds for their involvement.

Not only does Earley seem to take over Cuyahoga Falls on Friday nights, he has begun to take over the WNIR 100 FM radio station on the weekends. He recently began hosting his own radio show on Saturday and Sunday nights from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Earley describes his show, “Earley in the Evening,” as a potpourri radio show. “I talk about

everything from politics, to entertainment, to sports,” he says, “but my primary focus is on local news stories.”

A regular fill-in for Howie Chizek and Bob Golic, Earley was no stranger to the radio station when management approached him about the show.

Because of his active involvement within the community, Earley was awarded Cuyahoga Falls 2009 Business Person of the Year Award. “It was the greatest honor of my life,” he says. “It really meant a lot to me and it was nice to be recognized for what I do.”

Although Earley is grateful for the community recognition, he says he couldn’t have accomplished his achievements without the help of his wife, Sandy. And he doesn’t take his success for granted. Earley says he wakes up every morning and thinks, “I’m the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”

A Heavenly Visit to Paradise

Paradise begins halfway down Elm Street. Actually, it’s Elm Road, but after sharing cinematic nightmares provoked by a character named Freddy Krueger, it’s hard to think of the word Elm being followed by anything but the word Street. But I disgress even before I begin…

Paradise Drive is a residential street in Stow. It is nestled among tall trees and runs about a fifth of a mile between Elm and Oak roads in a neighborhood that was named Paradise Park when it was developed south of Graham Road 91 years ago. I was to learn more about Paradise Park from another fellow named Fred. More on him later.

Artist Chuck Ayers and I knew little about the neighborhood when we decided to take a stroll along Paradise. The name alone was enough to interest us. But as we studied our street map and dipped into local histories we really became intrigued.

Wetmore Street, which runs at the south end of Elm and Oak, caught our eyes first and we guessed—correctly, we would learn—that it was named for early settlers, brothers William and Titus Wetmore. The neighborhood’s other streets include Beech Street, which runs east off Elm to Darrow Road (state Route 91), and Sycamore Drive, which runs from the west end of Wetmore and crosses Kent Road (state Route 59) and runs to Gorge Park Bouvelard.

We parked our car at the west end of Paradise and walked east, noting there are no sidewalks on the street except

for the northeast corner of Paradise and Elm. Also, only one home fronts on Paradise, so we found ourselves looking at the sides and yards of homes that front on Oak and Elm, as well as Edgewood Road, which runs parallel between Oak and Elm.

It was a peaceful stroll to Elm and back, with only the “Caw Caw Caw “ of a bird and the sound of someone’s lawn

mower breaking the silence. The neighborhood was as neat as a pin except for one home, which stood apparently vacant amid tall grass that begged to be mowed.

Paradise is within short walking distance of the Stow City Center, which is to the north across Graham Road; the Stow Cemetery, which is to the south across Kent Road; and the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library on Darrow at Beech.

By Russ Musarra and Illustration by Chuck Ayers

It was at the City Center I later met Fred Long, a Stow native, the city’s retired police chief and author of two local histories, “Recollections of Living and Working in Stow, Ohio, 1936 to ........” and “Stories From a Stow Native,” published by the Stow Historical Society in 1998 and 2001, respectively.

Long, 73, took me on motor tour of Paradise Park and the cemetery. We

also visited the library, where Long obtained for me a photo copy of an early 20th Century brochure for Paradise Park, which, according to the developer’s map, included what would become Wetmore Park at the south end of Adaline Drive and Kent Road, and extended across Kent Road to Gorge Park and included Gorge Park Boulevard.

The HermanHoffman Company brochure featured, among other things, a photo showing the site as viewed from across the old interurban tracks and featuring a caption that read “Beautiful Panoramic View of old ‘Wetmore Farm’

89 acres Subdivided into 186 Big Lots.” The lots were 70 feet by 200 feet and sold for $900 to $1,800.

The developer called Paradise Park “The Subdivision Masterpiece of Stow Corners” and the “greatest historical

spot in Northeast Ohio” and said, “This farm never had a mortgage on it.... Four generations have lived here since 1803 and improved this property. Members of our firm have already reserved lots for their own choice home sites.”

The brochure boasted of the site’s proximity to Silver Lake, which Long pointed out was originally called Wetmore’s Pond and Stow Pond. He also noted that nearby Crystal Lake was called both Gold Lake and Cochran Pond in earlier times.

Long also showed me the home in which he was raised at the south end of Oak, adjacent to Holy Family Catholic Church and School, which were built on property his family sold to the Cleveland Catholic Diocese in 1946.

Long also pointed out that Edgewood was called Maple Road on the developer’s map and said the name was changed when city fathers pointed out Stow already had a Maple Road running east off Darrow (which in the early days was called Hudson Road).

Ayers and I left Stow on information overload—a good thing for anyone interested in local history but frustrating for one who’s writing space is limited. The good news was that Long’s books are among the many local histories available at the library.

As if to punctuate the end of our visit, the Goodyear blimp flew over as we walked to the car.

August aakronite&day

venue

Through 10/4 The Knight Purchase Award: Helen Levitt at the Akron Art Museum

LLooking Ahead

Sept. 5 STOMP Bicycle Adventure at Howe Meadow in Peninsula

Sept. 5-6 “Bugs Bunny at Blossom” with the Blossom Festival Orchestra

Sept. 12 Grand Opening of Infocision Stadium/Summa Field: Akron Zips vs. Morgan State Football Game

Through 8/2 Summit County Fair Affordable family fun includes amusement rides, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, competitions, demolition derby, fair food and more. Summit County Fairgrounds, 229 E. Howe Ave., Tallmadge. 330-633-6200

Through 8/9 “Madelline and the Gypsies” Madeline and Pepito begin a rousing adventure with a traveling circus in this charming musical based on Bemelmans’ book. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron. Tuesday-Thursday, 12:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 3:30 p.m. $12. 330-836-2626

Through 8/16 “Romeo and Juliet” Enjoy live theater under the stars presented by Stan Hywet and the Ohio Shakespeare Festival in this story of two teenaged lovers whose untimely deaths unite their feuding households. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. $10-$27. Thursday-Sunday. Greenshow at 7:30 p.m. Performance at 8 p.m. 330-836-5533

Through 8/29 Victorian Mansion Tours Step back in time in this 28-room mansion filled with furnishings and treasures from the late 1800s. Hower House, 60 Fir Hill, Akron. Wednesday-Saturday, noon-3:30 p.m. $2-$6. 330-972-6909

Through 9/30 Cuyahoga Challenge Hike 10 designated Cuyahoga Valley National Park trails and earn a commemorative patch designed by local artist Chuck Ayers. Download entry forms at www.cvnpa.org. Free. 330-657-2909

Through 10/31 Barkitecture Whimsical display of one-of-a-kind doghouses designed by local artists and architects. Special programming for pet owners and dogs on selected days. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Third Thursday of the month, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. $4-$8. 330-836-5533

Through 10/31 Once Upon A Pond Interactive exhibit depicting Ohio pond life. Corbin Conservatory, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. TuesdaySunday, 10 p.m.-6 p.m. $4-$8. 330-836-5533

8/1 Akron Artwalk More than two dozen destinations including restaurants, wine bars and shops featuring handblown glass, pottery ceramics, paintings, textiles, jewelry and eclectic housewares in Northside and Downtown. Parking near Luigi’s. Free trolley runs 5-10 p.m. 330-375-2977

8/1 Blossom Festival Concert Conductor David Zinman returns to the Blossom stage joined by pianist Ingrid Fliter as The Cleveland Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky and Schumann. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 8 p.m. $19-$82. 800-686-1141

8/1 Comedian Dale Jones Enjoy this comedian whose rapid-fire delivery and animated facial contortions helped him advance to the finals in the “Last Comic Standing.” Funny Stop Comedy Club, 1757 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 8 and 10:30 p.m. $5-$14. 330-923-4700

8/1 Porch Stories A tour of Hudson’s historic porches with stories from the town’s history narrated by an actor from The Hudson Players. Clocktower Green, N. Main and Church, Hudson. 3-8 p.m. 330-319-3193

8/1-8/2 Akron Racers vs. Washington

Women’s professional fastpitch. Firestone Stadium, 1575 Firestone Parkway, Akron. Saturday, 7:35 p.m.; Sunday, 2:05 p.m. $7-$12. 330-376-8188

8/2 Blossom Festival Concert Former Blossom Festival Director Jahja Ling returns for Dvořák's Eighth Symphony with The Cleveland Orchestra in this Symphonic Marathon. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 7 p.m. $19-$82. 800-686-1141

8/2 Mastersingers Summer concert choral music in the romantic tradition featuring a “Requium” by Johann Michael Haydn. Highland Theater, 826 W. Market St. Akron. 3 p.m. $10-$18. 330-865-9581

8/3 Haven of Rest’s Second Annual Golf Outing Enjoy a day of golf to benefit the Haven’s 90 Days of Summer. More than $7,000 in cash prizes. Silver Lake Country Club, 1325 Graham Road, Silver Lake. Shotgun start, 8:30 a.m. $125. 330-535-1563

8/4-8/6 Akron Aeros vs. Connecticut Defenders Minor league baseball. Canal Park, Akron. 7:05 p.m. $7-$10. 330-253-5151

8/4-8/9 World Golf ChampionshipsBridgestone Invitational The world’s top golfers compete in Akron’s biggest golf event. Daily tickets and weekly packages available. Firestone Country Club, 452 E. Warner Road, Akron. 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. $35 and up. 877-942-4849

8/5 Music in the Meadow Sammy De Leon Latin Jazz Orchestra spices up traditional salsa with their own progressive style. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Howe Meadow, 4040 Riverview Road, Peninsula. 5:30 p.m. Orderahead dinners $10 for adults; $5 for children. 216-524-1497

King for Kids Bikeathon

LeBron James’ State Farm King for Kids Bikeathon is back, and scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22 in downtown Akron. The popular cycling fundraiser, which is expected to attract more than 3,500 riders, will recognize and reward Akron-area children who have achieved academic success, improved their physical fitness and made important contributions to the community. The bikeathon is made possible with the support and cooperation with the City of Akron, and proceeds from the event will be donated to the Akron Area YMCA and the Akron Urban League.

“Being able to honor the kids who have achieved success on so many different levels and are contributing to my hometown of Akron is really important to me,” James said in a recent statement. “I’m thrilled that once again my foundation can help the community by bringing together families for great day.”

This year’s title sponsor is State Farm. The event is being produced by UMCA Sport, a communications solutions company that specializes in unique and creative marketing, producing events for companies such as Nike, HBO and Sega.

Registration for the bikeathon is $15 for individuals and, $50 for teams and groups (up to four) and $75 for families (up to six). All registered riders will receive a free “King for Kids” T-shirt to be worn during the bikeathon. For more information or to ask questions about the bikeathon, please send e-mail to info@kingforkidsbikeathon.com.

Following the completion of the ride, all riders, spectators, families and individuals are invited to the Lock 3 Community Celebration. Admission is free. James, his friends and family will be on hand along with entertainment, food, beverages, games and other fun activities including an awards presentation acknowledging all the riders and bikeathon partners.—KL

8/5 Come Alive with Jazz! Enjoy local jazz band Flohism in a great location. Refreshments and appetizers available for purchase. Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron. 6-9 p.m. $5-11. 330-375-2550

8/5-8/8 Comedian Tommy Blaze. An all-time club favorite, Blaze is known for this opinionated, thoughtprovoking and controversial humor. Funny Stop Comedy Club, 1757 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 8 and 10:30 p.m. $5-$14. 330-923-4700

8/6 Candlelight Labyrinth Walk Leave your shoes at the door and walk the labyrinth in silence and prayer, accompanied by folk guitarist/vocalist Kathy Johnson. First Congregational Church of Akron, 292 E. Market St., Akron. Program starts at 6:30 p.m. Last walk starts at 8 p.m. 330-253-5109

8/6 Lil’ Wayne Live musical performance. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 7 p.m. $35.75-$85.75 330-920-8040

8/6 Movies at Main Carl Allen decides to change his life and say “yes” to everything in “Yes Man,” a wacky comedy with Jim Carrey. Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. 330-643-9015

8/7 Rascal Flatts with Special Guest

Darius Rucker Live musical performance. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 8 p.m. $35.50-$75.50. 330-920-8040

8/7 Rock the Lock Live music by The U-2 Incident. A tribute to U2. Lock 3 Park, Downtown Akron. 6-11 p.m. Free. 330-375-2877

8/7 Lake Anna Concert Series Live music with Jeff Pecon. Lake Anna Park, 615 Park Ave., Barberton. 7:30 p.m. 330-848-6740

8/7 Rockin’ on the River Outdoor concert featuring Victory Highway and Jersey, tributes to Heart/Fleetwood Mac and Bruce Springsteen. Falls River Square, Cuyahoga Falls. 5-11:30 p.m. Free. 330-730-7591

8/7-8/9 Akron Aeros vs. New Britain Rock Cats Minor league baseball. Fireworks after Friday’s game. Canal Park, Akron. Friday-Saturday, 7:05 p.m.; Sunday, 1:35 p.m. $7-$10. 330-253-5151

8/8 Day of the Vegetable Music, samples and special activities celebrating vegetables. Mustard Seed Market and Café. 3885 W. Market St., Montrose. Noon-4 p.m. Free. 330-666-7333

8/8 Blues & Brews A day of specialty beers and live music. Designated drivers enjoy discounted admission and free non-alcoholic beverages. Ages 21 and older. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. Noon-6 p.m. $15-$60. 330-836-5533

8/8-8/9 Civil War Encampment Listen to the drums of August and see the invasion of Civil War reenactors. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5-$10. 330-666-3711

8/8-8/9 Twins Days Festival Enjoy “double take” parade, talent shows, contests, fireworks and food in this festival that attracts twins, visitors and media from around the globe. Glen Chamberlin Park, Downtown Twinsburg. Saturday, 9 a.m.-dusk; Sunday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 330-425-3652

8/9 Victorian Tea Step back in time for a relaxing tea at this lovely Victorian mansion. Hower House, 60 Fir Hill, Akron. 1-4 p.m. $12-$25. 330-972-6909

8/9 Music at the Farmstead Category-shattering trio, Time for Three, incorporates classical, country western, gypsy and jazz idioms to form a blend all its own. Complimentary dessert reception follows concert. The Conrad Botzum Farmstead, 3486 Riverview Road, Akron. 6:30 p.m. $18. 330-666-9686

8/9 Blossom Festival Concert Garrick Ohlsson plays “Brahms’s Piano Concerto No.2” in his performance with The Cleveland Orchestra. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 7 p.m. $19-$82.

800-686-1141

Lake Anna

8/11 Music by the Lake Enjoy an evening of free lake swimming and a one-hour performance by the Metro Parks Ensemble. Dessert while supplies last. Concert cancelled if it rains. Munroe Falls Metro Park, 521 S. River Road, Munroe Falls. 6:30 p.m. Free. 330-865-8060

8/11 Nature’s Fireworks Join Ranger Paul Motts for an opportunity to observe the Perseid Meteor Shower from a prime location. Program cancelled if it rains. Oak Hill Trailhead, 3901 Oak Hill Road, Peninsula. 9:30-11:30 p.m. Free. 800-445-9667

8/11-8/12 Comedian Keith Lenart Multitalented Detroit native makes his first headlining appearance at the club. Funny Stop Comedy Club, 1757 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 8 and 10:30 p.m. $5-$14. 330-923-4700

8/12-8/16 Akron Racers vs. New England

Women’s professional fastpitch softball. Firestone Stadium, 1575 Firestone Parkway, Akron. Wednesday-Saturday, 7:05 p.m.; Sunday, 2:05 p.m. 47-&9 330-376-8188

8/13 Movies at Main Doris Day and Howard Keel star in the classic western musical “Calamity Jane.” Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. 330-643-9015

8/13 Pops n More Weather-permitting family night out. Kids’ activities, Akron Pops Orchestra concert, dessert while supplies last. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 7-8:30 p.m. Free. 330-865-8060

May 9 through October 31, 2009 Sponsored

Saturday, August 8,

October

714 Nor th Por tage Path Akron 330-836-5533 www.stanhywet.org

Open Apr il through December

NDS has SSC certified staff to perform carbon footprint audits. An audit includes several components such as analysis of utility bills, travel history, daily commutes, recycling, interviews and sur veys with staff, data collection, computation with a special carbon measuring calculator, analysis of data collected, final reports that can lead to follow ups to your organization.

NDS offers a wide array of services, but highly recommend that organizations receive an audit to establish their carbon footprint as well as establishing their position as a reputable environmentally friendly organization.

Call today (330) 297-6400 ask for John ext. 227 or Stacy ext. 222 or jcapitoni@ndsohio.org or sbrown@ndsohio.org.

• Carbon footprint audits help you to access your carbon use and gives you effective ways to reduce it.

• Will reduce your organizations operating and energy costs.

• Being recognized as a “green” friendly organization is an excellent marketing tool.

• It helps you do your part to help with environmental issues plaguing our world.

What is a Carbon Footprint?

A carbon footprint is a “measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide”

Why should my organization get a Carbon Footprint Audit?

• Will reduce your organizations operating and energy costs

• Carbon Footprint Audits help organizations become environmentally friendly

• Job retention and recruitment will increase due to being an environmentally aware company

• Potential customers are looking for environmentally friendly firms

The Summit Memor y Project is an online scrapbook of photographs and historic documents from local historical and cultural organizations.

Funded by the Robert W. Little Foundation

Administered by the Special Collections Division of The Akron-Summit County Public Library

www.SummitMemor y.org

info@SummitMemor y.org

8/14 Lake Anna Concert Series Live music with LaFlavour. Lake Anna Park, 615 Park Ave., Barberton. 7:30 p.m. 330-848-6740

8/14 Rockin’ on the River Outdoor concert featuring Ekoostic Hookah with Red Sun Rising. Falls River Square, Cuyahoga Falls. 5-11:30 p.m. Free. 330-730-7591

8/14 Fourth Annual Summer Safari Elegant evening at the zoo with fine food tasting, live music, silent and live auctions to benefit zoo education and wildlife conservation. Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron. 7-10 p.m. $90. 330-375-2550

8/14 Nickelback with Hinder, Papa Roach and Saving Abel Live music performance. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 6 p.m. $35-$69.50 330-920-8040

8/14 Rock the Lock Live music by Majesty, a tribute to Queen. Lock 3 Park, Akron. 6-11 p.m. Free. 330-375-2877

8/15 Blossom Festival Concert The Cleveland Orchestra performs Mozart Masterpieces with conductor Jayce Ogren and pianist David Fray. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 8 p.m. $19-$82. 800-686-1141

8/16 Blossom Festival Concert Sci-Fi Spectacular concert by The Cleveland Orchestra with conductor Jack Everly and narrator George Takei, Star Trek’s Mr. Sulu. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 7 p.m. $21-$87. 800-686-1141

8/18-8/20 Akron Aeros vs. Bowie Baysox Minor league baseball. Canal Park, Akron. 7:05 p.m. $7-$10. 330-253-5151

8/18-8/22 Comedian Rob Allen While working on the follow up to his groundbreaking film, “Sugar,” Allen continues doing stand-up. Funny Stop Comedy Club, 1757 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 8 and 10:30 p.m. $5-$14. 330-923-4700

8/19 Music in the Meadow Carlos Jones & the P.L.U.S. Band blends soulful reggae with infectious percussion rhythms. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Howe Meadow, 4040 Riverview Road, Peninsula. 5:30 p.m. Order-ahead dinners $10 for adults; $5 for children. 216-524-1497

8/20 Movies at Main When criminals place the mall under siege, it’s up to “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” to thwart them in this hilarious comedy with Kevin James. Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. 330-643-9015

8/20-8/23 Fun Fest Rides, games, kids’ corner, food, car show, continuous entertainment and bands mark this four-day festival. Queen of Heaven Parish, 1800 Steese Road, Uniontown. Thursday-Saturday, 6-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-7 p.m. 330-896-2586

8/21 Rock the Lock Live music by Rumors, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Lock 3 Park, Akron. 6-11 p.m. Free. 330-375-2877

All Dogs Go to Stan Hywet

Head out to Stan Hywet for their “Throw Us a Bone” fundraiser, a roving party through the gardens and grounds, and you’re sure to unleash a good time.

The fun starts Friday, August 21 at 6 p.m. and includes live entertainment and pet demonstrations, the chance to bid on some of your favorite “Barkitecture” doghouses in a silent auction and four creatively themed food stations along the way.

Call Jennifer Highfield at 330-315-3248 for tickets ($50 for guests without dogs; $75-$100 for patron tickets which include pet portraits and other special treats.)

Proceeds benefit Stan Hywet and One-of-a-Kind Pet Rescue.—JD

Catch the Howard Street Jazz Express

This year, The Cascade Locks Park Association is taking Hot Jazz to the Rails for its annual summer fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 29. Food and spirits will be available before and during the ride, and the sounds of jazz will fill the train as it travels from Akron’s Northside Station to Canton.

The evening starts with a reception at 5:15 p.m. Train departs at 6 p.m. and will return to Northside by 9 p.m. Tickets are $75 which includes the meal catered by Kirbie’s of Stow. Buy tickets online at www.cascadelocks.org or by phone at 330-374-5625.—JD

8/21 Lake Anna Concert Series Live music with First Class. Lake Anna Park, 615 Park Ave., Barberton.

7:30 p.m. 330-848-6740

8/21 Rockin’ on the River Outdoor concert featuring Vicious Cycle, tribute to Lynrd Skynrd, with Rhythm Syndicate. Falls River Square, Cuyahoga Falls. 5-11:30 p.m. Free. 330-730-7591

8/22 Rubber City Rollergirls Women’s flat-track roller derby. John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron. 6 p.m. $5-$12.50. 330-256-4101

8/22 Rio Neon and The Smokin’ Fez Monkeys These bands display complex and unique vocal harmonies and instrumental diversity. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. Call for ticket prices. 330-677-5005

8/22 Murder Aboard the CVSR Express Enjoy dinner at The Spaghetti Warehouse, then leave your car at CVSR’s Akron Northside Station and board the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for a vintage mystery/dessert train ride. The Spaghetti Warehouse, 510 S. Main St., Akron. 5:30 p.m. $60. 800-468-4070

8/22-8/23 Blossom Festival Concert The Joffrey Ballet returns with an irresistible variety of dances accompanied by The Cleveland Orchestra; Tito Muñoz, conductor. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday 7 p.m. $23$92. 800-686-1141

8/23 Antique and Classic Car Show See hundreds of meticulously-restored vehicles from the early 1900s to the 1980s. New this year is an Auto Swap Meet. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5-$12.50. 330-666-3711

8/23 ETC, All American Youth Choir Lively song and dance show by young local performers. Copley High School, 3807 Ridgewood Road, Akron. 7 p.m. Free. 330-666-9047

8/23-9/9 “Annie Get Your Gun” Oakley joins Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show in this classic Irving Berlin musical. Porthouse Theatre, 1145 E. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. Tuesday-Saturday, 8 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m. $13-$33. 330-672-3884

8/25-8/29 Comedian Ryan Dalton Hilarious observations and deep thoughts from this Westlake, Ohio native who plays clubs all over North America. Funny Stop Comedy Club, 1757 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 8 and 10:30 p.m. $5-$14. 330-923-4700

8/26 Early Evening Hike Hike 3.5 miles along the Towpath and Hale Farm connector trails passing lovely Indigo Lake. Hunt Farm Visitor Information Center, 2054 Bolanz Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 7-9 p.m. Free. 800-445-9667

8/26 Creed Live musical performance. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 7:30 p.m. $35.50-$91 330-920-8040

8/27 Movies at Main John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, Angie Dickinson and Walter Brennan star in the classic Western “Rio Bravo.” Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. 330-643-9015

8/27 Cuyahoga Valley Contra Dance Learn traditional contra dancing to reels and jigs by “Hushmoney.” Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Boston Township School House, 1775 Main St., Peninsula. Instruction at 7 p.m.; dancing, 8-10:30 p.m. $6. 800-445-9667

8/27 Norton Summer Concert Series Live performance by Get Back. Columbia Woods Park Gazebo, 4060 Columbia Woods Drive, Norton. 7-9 p.m. Free.

330-825-7815

8/28 Brad Paisley with Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne Live musical performance. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 7:30 p.m. $29.50-$57. 330-920-8040

8/28 Lake Anna Concert Series Live music with The Legends. Lake Anna Park, 615 Park Ave., Barberton. 7:30 p.m. 330-848-6740

8/28 Rock the Lock Live music by Draw The Line, a tribute to Aerosmith. Lock 3 Park, Akron. 6-11 p.m. Free. 330-375-2877

8/28 “Disney Live!” This brand new adventure with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald includes lots of great songs and special appearances by favorite characters like Cinderella and Tigger as well as Woody and Buzz from “Toy Story.” Canton Memorial Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave N., Canton, 6:30 p.m. $16-$32. 330-489-3090

8/28 Rockin’ on the River Outdoor concert featuring Majestic with Evil Ways, tributes to Journey and Santana. Falls River Square, Cuyahoga Falls. 5-11:30 p.m. Free. 330-730-7591

8/28-8/31 Akron Aeros vs. Binghamton Mets Minor league baseball. Fireworks after Friday’s game. Canal Park, Akron. Friday, Saturday, Monday, 7:05 p.m.; Sunday, 1:35 p.m. $7-$10. 330-253-5151

8/29 Blossom Festival Concert The Cleveland Orchestra performs Debussy’s La Mer in this all-French program with guest conductor James Gaffigan and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 8 p.m. $19-$82. 800-686-1141

8/29 Bustapalooza. Breast cancer fundraiser by Northeast Ohio Rock 'n' Roller Girls. Breast casts of team members auctioned at halftime to benefit Stewart's Caring Place. Summit County Fairgrounds Arena Complex, 229 E. Howe Road (enter on Route 91), Tallmadge. Bout starts at 6 p.m. $10-$13 330-633-6200

8/29 Ohio Region Studebaker/Packard

Cruise-In Rally This popular event celebrates its 17th year at a new location. Summit Racing Complex, 1200 Southeast Ave., Tallmadge. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Free. 330-882-3235

8/29-8/30 Ohio Summer Classic Car

Auction More than 250 classic vehicles including vintage Mercedes, Jaguars and Pierce-Arrows. Plus tin signs, toys, antique gas pumps, art, jewelry, fashion and more. John S. Knight Center, Akron. Preview, 9 a.m.; memorabilia auction, 11 a.m.; car auction, noon. $10$20. 330-453-8900

8/30 46th Annual Fall Hiking Spree

Kickoff Hiking forms will be available and naturalists will be on hand to help you get an early start on the Fall Hiking Spree. Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, 5779 Riverview Road, Peninsula. 1-3 p.m. Free to Summit County residents. 330-865-8065

8/30 Blossom Festival Concert. The Cleveland Orchestra performs Ravel’s Bolero with conductor Giancarlo Guerrero. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 7 p.m. $21-$87. 800-686-1141

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Through 10/4 Rethinking Art: Objects and Ideas from the 1960s and '70s at the Akron Art Museum

Art Shows

Through 8/16 William Wegman: Fay A witty and moving exhibition of photographs and videos about the collaboration between William Wegman and his celebrated Weimaraner. Akron Art Museum, One S. High St., Akron.

Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $5-$7. 330-376-9185

Through 10/4 Rethinking Art: Objects and Ideas from the 1960s and ‘70s Features artists whose radical actions like the burial of an abandoned woodshed on the KSU campus or the wrapping of walkways in a Kansas City park urge us to reconsider familiar objects and meanings. Akron Art Museum, One S. High St., Akron.

Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $5-$7. 330-376-9185

Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $5-$7. 330-376-9185 price.

Through 10/4 The Knight Purchase Award: Helen Levitt Held 66 years after her rst solo exhibit at the Modern Museum of Art, Levitt’s photographs capture city life in the days before air conditioning and television. Akron Art Museum, One S. High St., Akron.

& Exhibits

8/1-8/30 “Chillin’ Out” Art exhibit in historic setting coordinated by Crooked River Gang which promotes art in the Cuyahoga Valley. M.D. Garage, 1556 W. Boston Mills Road, Peninsula. Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Most artwork is available for purchase. 800-445-9667

8/29 Art-A-Palooza Art festival featuring over 60 local and regional artists, “Taste of Green” specialty foods event, children’s activity tent, wine garden and more. Boettler Park, 5300 Massillon Road, Green.10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free 330-608-5542

8/29-8/30 Art on the Green Fine arts and crafts show and sale features favorite artists from around the country and some exciting new talent. Multiple dining/ concession options and live music. Downtown Hudson. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 330-659-0810

aakronite&day palate

B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner

A Alcohol available T Takeout available V Valet parking

$ average entrees less than $6

$$ average entrees between $6-$10

$$$ average entrees between $11-$16

$$$$ average entrees are $17 or higher

Information subject to change.

Please call ahead to verify location, hours and events.

Aladdin’s Eatery

Nice atmosphere, charming outdoor dining area, tasty Mediterranean cuisine. 782 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330-535-0110 First and Main streets (Hudson) 330-656-0560 $$ L, D, A, T

Angello’s Historic building with an Italian neighborhood feel. People’s Choice award winner for best pizza 1997-2000 Downtown Canton Pizza Challenge. 4905 Tuscarawas St. W. (Canton) 330-477-1486 $$ L, D, A, T

Anthe’s

The perfect place for a first date or a special celebration. The filets are first-rate. 4315 Manchester Road (Akron: South) 330-644-2239 $$$$ L, D, A, T

Barley House

Menu includes hot and cold deli sandwiches, gourmet pizzas, soups and more. 222 S. Main St.(Akron) 330-374-0925 $$ L, D, A, T

Beau’s Grille

Upscale, well-regarded, innovative menu at the Fairlawn Hilton. 3180 W. Market St. (Fairlawn) 330-865-5577

$$$$ L, D, A, T

Bender’s Tavern

Largest restaurant wine selection in Stark County. Menu features seafood. 137 Court Ave. SW (Canton) 330-453-8424 $$$$ L, D, A, T

Bialy’s At the Lakes

An American menu in the Portage Lakes. 493 Portage Lakes Drive (Portage Lakes) 330-644-7177 $$ L, D, A, T

Big City Chophouse

Enjoy great steaks and authentic Italian cuisine. 6041 Whipple Ave. NW (North Canton) 330-494-6758, 45 E. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-535-6410 $$$ L,D, A,T

Blue Canyon

Creative American cuisine in six natureinspired dining environments. Sunday jazz brunch. 8960 Wilcox Drive (Twinsburg) 330-486-2583 $$$

L, D, A, T

Bombay Sitar

Home of the finest Indian cuisine. All food is natural and prepared fresh daily. 4633 Belden Village St. NW (North Canton) 330-493-0671 $$ L, D, T

Bricco

Unique pizza and pasta. 1 W. Exchange St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-475-1600 $$$ L, D, A, T

Caffé Gelato

Imported Italian coffee drinks as well as paninis, salads, soups, pizza, desserts and, of course, homemade authentic Italian gelato. Live entertainment on weekend evenings. 506 S. Main St. (North Canton) 330-494-1123 $ B, L, D, T

Capri

Longtime Highland Square joint with pizza, rigatoni, wings and barbeque ribs. 810 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330-762-9131 $ L, D, T

Country Diner

A locally owned after-church favorite that also has 100 percent employee and management contribution to the United Way. 520 E. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-376-9300 $$ B, L, D, T

Crave

Moderately priced, creative comfort foods, slightly eccentric with bold tastes served up in a sensational setting. 57 E. Market St. (Akron) 330-253-1234 $$ L, D, A, T, V

Desert Inn

Family-owned since 1970. Specializes in shish kabobs, “Family Style.” 204 12th St. NW (Canton) 330-456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A

Diamond Deli

A downtown Akron favorite with fat sandwiches and fresh soups. 378 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-762-5877

$ B, L, A, T

Diamond Grille

Akron’s oldest steakhouse. Highly regarded, authentic 1950s-style décor. All steaks are hand-cut and seafood is flown in fresh. 77 W. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-253-0041 $$$$ L, D, A No credit cards

Double Decker Stone Grill

Gourmet sandwich shop combines lava stone grilling with highest-quality steaks and fresh seafood. 1662 Merriman Road (Akron) 330-864-3663 $$$ L, D, A, T

Downtown 140

Wine bar with 50 wines by the glass. Small plates and appetizers allow for variety of choices. 140 N. Main St. (Hudson) 330-656-1294 $$$ L, D, A, T

Egg Castle

A Fairlawn/West Akron meeting place for breakfast and lunch. Home cooking. Omelets a specialty. Killer baked goods. 25 Ghent Road (Fairlawn) 330-836-1767

$$ B, L, T

Emilio’s Restaurant & Lounge

This upscale restaurant features fresh seafood, pasta, steaks, chicken and other dishes with a Spanish influence. 180 W. Streetsboro St. (Hudson) 330-655-9200

$$$$ L, D, A, T

Fisher’s American cuisine. 1607 Main St. (Peninsula) 330-657-2651 $$ L, D, A, T

The Galaxy Restaurant

A diverse selection of dishes in a creative building. Fantastic desserts. 201 Park Centre Drive (Wadsworth) 330-334-3663 $$$ B, L, D, A, T

Gasoline Alley

Eclectic menu featuring pizza, salads, sandwiches and sauerkraut balls. 870 N. Cleveland-Massillon Road (Bath) 330-666-2670 $$$ L, D, A, T

Geisen Haus

Generous portions, great beer selection. 6955 Promway Ave. NW (North Canton) 330-499-9116 $$ L, D, A, T

Gina Ciresi’s Ristorante de Zeppe

Gracious Italian servings in a quiet and cozy atmosphere. 5834 Darrow Road (Hudson) 330-655-9600 $$ L, D, A, T

Grinders Above & Beyond

This casual, family restaurant serves a variety of items including grinders, burgers, dinners and appetizers. Homemade soups and pies a specialty. 1671 N. Main St. (North Canton) 330-497-4800, 3114 Whipple Ave. (Canton) 330-477-5411, 1820 W. State St. (Alliance) 330-821-6665, 404 E. Lincoln Way (Minerva) 330-868-7824, 500 W. Main St. (Louisville) 330-875-9700 $ B, L, D, A, T

Hattie’s Café, Fountain and Gifts

This café, operated by Hattie Larlham, serves as a training and vocational site for people with disabilities. Features coffee, pastries baked on site, ice cream, soups, salads,

Cajun Dave’s Opens

Chef Dave Russo, Cuyahoga Falls native and owner of Russo’s Restaurant in Peninsula, opened Cajun Dave’s in the Water Street Tavern in Kent. Patrons can order ahead for carry-out or enjoy a meal in the bar. The menu includes traditional favorites such as pizza and burgers, but also has bayou inspired dishes such as Jambalya and shrimp creole. All the food is prepared with its own unique “southern flair and New Orleans flavor.” Cajun Dave’s and the Water Street Tavern are located at 138 S. Water Street in Kent. For more information, call 330-474-0800. —LL

sandwiches. 164 N. Main St. (Hudson) 330-655-0044, 491 Brown St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-379-0260, 60 S. High St. (at Akron Library) 330-762-0853 $ B, L, D, T.

House of Hunan

Common favorites to spicy specialties. Oriental décor includes rock garden fountain, ceramic tile mural imported from China. 12 E. Exchange St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-253-1888, Fairlawn Town Centre 2717 W. Market St. (Fairlawn) 330-864-8201, 18 Public Square (Medina) 330-722-1899 $$$ L, D, A, T, V

Hudson’s Restaurant on the Green Neighborhood restaurant and bar serving fresh, chefdriven dishes at casual dining prices in a family-friendly atmosphere. 80 N. Main Street (Hudson) 330-650-1955 $$ B, L, D, A, T

Ken Stewart’s Grille

Widely recognized as one of Akron’s finest. Upscale eclectic cuisine with an emphasis on steak and seafood. 1970 W. Market St. (Akron: West) 330867-2555 $$$$ L, D, A, T, V

Ken Stewart’s Lodge

Casual, Adirondack-style atmosphere, eclectic cuisine. 1911 N. Cleveland-Massillon Road (Bath) 330-666-8881 $$$$ D, A, T

Lanning’s Restaurant

Elegant dining atmosphere with a beautiful view. More than 150 varieties of wine. 826 N. Cleveland-Massillon Road (Bath) 330-666-1159, 330-864-2553 $$$$ D, A, T, V

Larry’s Main Entrance

English pub style, burgers of note. 1964 W. Market St. (Akron: West) 330-864-8162 $$ L, D, A, T

LeFever’s River Grille

Regional cuisine in an upscale setting overlooking the Cuyahoga River. 2291 Riverfront Pkwy. Ste. 100 (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-923-4233

$$$ L, D, A, T, V

The Lockview

The Lockview boasts a fresh menu that puts a spotlight on gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches in addition to traditional American favorites. 207 S. Main St. (Downtown Akron) 330-252-5128 $$ L, D, A, T

Luchita’s

Authentic Mexican cuisine with a four-star rating and voted No. 1 by NOL and Scene Magazine. 36 Park Lane (Hudson) 330-655-0059 $$$ L, D, A, T, V

Luigi’s Restaurant

An Akron icon, Luigi’s is open late serving superb and affordable Italian cuisine, salads and awardwinning pizza. Voted Best Pizza and Best Italian Restaurant by Akron Life & Leisure readers in 2004, 2006–2008. Party trays and sheet pan pizzas available with 24-hour notice. 105 N. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330253-2999 $$ L, D, A, T No credit cards

Marcelita’s

Southwestern atmosphere, guacamole made fresh daily, authentic Mexican fare at reasonable prices. 7774 Darrow Road (Hudson) 330-650-1121 $$ L, D, A, T

Market Street Café 
A Chicago-style cafe located in West Akron. Serving paninis, gourmet pizzas, pasta, gourmet sandwiches, salads and burgers. Homemade pies and desserts are available daily. 1688 W. Market St. (Akron) 330-835-9202 $$ L, D

Mary Coyle

Known for endless ice cream options, also has a strong pasta selection. Six-time winner of Pasta Yule’s Best Red Sauce. 780 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330-253-1511 $$ L, D

Menches Brothers Restaurant

Inventors of the hamburger and the ice cream cone. In Akron since 1901. Downtown location overlooks the Akron Aeros’ field. 300 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-375-1717, 3700 Massillon Road (Green) 330-896-2288 $$ B, L, D, A, T

wine The Hess Collection Winery

In 1986, Swiss businessman Donald Hess began leasing the historic Christian Brothers’ production facilities on Mount Veeder in California’s Napa Valley. Upon completing a major renovation of the winery, which includes 13,000 square feet of Mr. Hess’ personal contemporary art collection, Hess Collection was born in 1989. The winery was launched with the purchase of 900 acres on Mount Veeder, and Hess not only planted vines but also set aside 600 acres to support wildlife and implemented a vineyard program that incorporated fish-friendly farming practices. A pioneer in sustainability, the Hess Collection Winery welcomed its current director of winemaking, Dave Guffy, in the late 1990s and has continued to produce high-quality wines that also offer great value to the consumer. The 2007 Su’skol Chardonnay reveals the distinctive attributes of the single vineyard with its shallow soils brushed by a cool marine breeze. The Su’skol name is in homage to the history of the land and the native people who used the site as a meeting place. Winemaking balanc-

Michael’s AM

Casual, family-style dining. Full breakfast and lunch menu featuring sandwiches and daily specials. 1562 AkronPeninsula Road (Merriman Valley) 330-929-3447

$ B, L, T No credit cards

Moe’s

Hip and intimate atmosphere featuring a diverse chalkboard menu that changes weekly. Martinis, cocktails and an extensive selection of wines by the glass. Closed Sundays. 2385 Front St. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-928-6600

$$$$ L, D, A, T

Mustard Seed Market Café

Located on the mezzanine overlooking a unique natural foods market. The menu reflects the same strict standards as the market with naturally raised meats, free-range poultry and foods free from artificial flavors, colorings and preservatives. Full bar, juice bar and espresso. Live music weekends. Sunday brunch. 3885 W. Market St. (Montrose) 330-666-7333 $$$ L, D, T

Northside

Loud food and spicy music in an historic, turn-of-the-century saloon featuring an all-organic menu. Live music six nights a week. Attached to Northside is Snook’s, an intimate jazz lounge featuring fine wine and spirits. 111 N. Main St. (Akron) 330-434-7625 $$ L, D, A, T

91, Wood Fired Oven

Upscale casual. Pizza and pasta are specialties. West coast atmosphere with patio dining available. Washington Square Plaza 1983 Easton St. NW (North Canton) 330-498-9191, 5570 Fulton Drive NW (Canton) 330-497-9111 $$$ D, A, T

es the natural crisp acidity of the grapes from this vineyard with a judicious use of French oak, yielding creamy mouth feel and balanced structure. Signature flavors of Asian pear and citrus are hallmarks of this Napa Valley Chardonnay. It’s ideal for pairing with a variety of food, from cheese to shellfish, spring vegetables to sand dabs.

The Hess 2006 Allomi Vineyard Cabernet Saugvignon was harvested from part of the original Spanish land grant at the eastern base of Howell Mountain. The grapes for this medim-bodied Cabernet come from the site’s best blocks, creating an extremely lush wine, with soft tannins and ripe fruit. Bing cherries, cassis, Santa Rosa plums and hint of baking spice wash over the palate and linger ever so slightly on the finish. You can easily drink one now-great with grilled meats and roasted veggies-or put it aside for a few years, and it will be even better with a little age on it. Both wines retail for around $25 and can be found at West Point Market, Papa Joe’s, Mustard Seed Market, 750 ML, Riverside Wine & Imports, Wine Reserve of Medina, North End Market, select Acme stores and other fine wine retailers around Greater Akron.

The Office

Metropolitan bistro and lounge with an eclectic ambiance and timeless decor. 778 N. Main St. (Akron) 330-376-9550 $$$ L, D, A, T

Olde Harbor Inn

Upscale dining with contemporary cuisine. Overlooks the Portage Lakes. 562 Portage Lakes Drive (Portage Lakes) 330-644-1664 $$$$ L, D, A, T, V

Pad Thai

Elegant restaurant with extensive menu of many traditional Thai dishes. 3545 Brookwall Drive. (Fairlawn) 330-6689981, 5657 Darrow Road (Hudson) 330-650-9998

$$ L, D, A, T

Papa Bear’s Pizza Oven Italian Restaurant

This is the place to be for great, authentic, homemade Italian food. 4990 Dressler Road NW (Canton) 330-493-0090

$$$ L, D, A, T

Papa Joe’s

A classy atmosphere with an extensive wine list, fine Italian fare, seafood and steaks. 1561 AkronPeninsula Road (Merriman Valley) 330-923-7999

$$$ L, D, A, T

Peter Shears Downtown

New York City atmosphere. Upscale with small, intimate rooms, muted lighting, romantic atmosphere. Families and children are also welcome. 427 E. Tuscarawas St. (Canton) 330-588-8300 $$$$ L, D, A, T

Piatto Novo

Authentic Italian fare including steaks and seafood, coupled with a breathtaking view of the Cuyahoga River, make this a must-do experience.1989 Front St. at the Sheraton (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-929-3000

$$$$ L, D, A, V

Rob Hawk, Wine Trends

Ray’s Place

The area’s largest selection of foreign and domestic beer in the bottle and on draft. 135 Franklin Ave. (Kent) 330-673-2253

$$ L, D, A, T

Reserve Inn

A Hudson landmark featuring fine cuisine and an upscale setting. Traditional steaks and ribs with a Cajun selection or two. 30 W. Streetsboro St. (Hudson) 330-650-1717

$$$ L, D, A, T

Russo’s

Chef from the former Liberty Street Brewing Co. flexes his culinary muscles with unique cuisine featuring Cajun and Italian influences. Fine dining atmosphere. 4895 State Road (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-923-2665 $$$$ L, D, A, T

Saffron Patch

Features fine Indian cuisine including tandoori chicken, ginger-seasoned yellow lentils and garlic naan. 1224 Weathervane Lane (Akron) 330-836-7777 $$$ L, D, A, T

Sarah’s Vineyard Sample high-quality wines, appetizers, sandwiches and desserts while relaxing in the tasting room, on the deck or in the educational butterfly garden. Open Wednesday-Sunday. 1204 W. Steels Corners Road (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-929-8057

$$ L, D, A

Skyway Drive-In Restaurant

A West Akron tradition, drive-in burgers, fast fare. 2781 W. Market St. (Fairlawn) 330-836-2806, 951 E. Turkeyfoot Road (Green) 330-896-9350, 3296 Medina Road (Medina) 330-721-8561, 4216 Allen Road (Stow) 330-929-5641

$ L, D, T No credit cards

Steak on a Stone

Steaks, seafood and poultry served at your table on volcanic stone heated to more than 750 degrees. Sunday brunch includes carving station, eggs benedict and waffle station.145 Montrose West Ave. (Copley) 330-665-2929

$$$$ L, D, A, T

Swensons Drive In

Voted best cheeseburger in America. The Galley Boy is the signature burger. 658 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave. (Akron: North) 330-928-8515, 18 S. Hawkins Ave. (Akron: West) 330-864-8416, 4466 Kent Road (Stow) 330-678-7775, 40 Brookmont Road (Montrose) 330-665-1858, 5815 Wales Road NW (Jackson Twp.) 330-833-5454, 1558 N. Main St. (North Canton) 330-499-9494 $ L, D, T

Taco Tontos

Funky, college atmosphere featuring authentic Mexican cuisine made from scratch. Good selection of vegetarian dishes. 123 Franklin Ave. (Kent) 330-677-0223 $$ L, D, T

The 356th Fighter Group

World War II theme restaurant, casual fine dining, locally owned and operated. 4919 Mt. Pleasant Road (North Canton) 330-494-3500, 800-994-2662 $$$ L, D, A, T

Totally Cooked To Go Market

Located adjacent to the catering offices, the market offers a casual comfort food menu that changes weekly. 2730 Front St. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-923-9964 $$ B, L, D, A, T

Tre Belle

Ken Stewart brings an Italian atmosphere and authentic cuisine. Specialties include an antipasto bar, big drinks and an extensive wine list. 1911 N Cleveland-Massillon Road (Bath) 330-666-9990 $$$ D, A, V, T

Valley Café

Delicious home cooking, friendly service and famous cabbage soup. 1212 Weathervane Lane (Merriman Valley) 330-865-0101 $ B, L, T No credit cards

VegiTerranean

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chrissie Hynde’s award-winning vegetarian restaurant, which also features a coffee house and bakery. Northside Lofts (Downtown Akron) 330-374-5550 $$$ L, D, A, T, V

Virtues

Features signature foods such as a tempura calamari appetizer, roasted pear and arugala salad, specialty pizzas, grilled scallops, filet mignon, other gourmet items with high nutritional values. 525 E. Market St. (in Akron City Hospital’s Ann and David Brennan CCU) 330-375-7444

$$$ L, D, A, T, V

Vue

Pan Asian-, Italian- and French-inspired menu items set in a 1940s décor. 49 Village Way (Hudson) 330-650-1883

$$$$ L, D, A, V

West Market Grille in Tangier

Restaurant and nightclub occasionally featuring live entertainment from around the country. Elaborate décor. Quality steaks and seafood. 532 W. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-376-7171, 800-826-4437 $$$$ D, A, T, V

West Side Bakery

In addition to cookies, pastries and cakes, this bakery also carries a variety of breakfast items including scones, muffins and yogurt parfaits. Sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups served at lunch.

2303 W. Market St. (Akron: Pilgrim Square) 330-836-4101

$ B, L, T

Wild Goats Coffee & Café

Offers light entrees, vegan and vegetarian soups, exceptional coffee. 1708 E. Main St. (Kent) 330-677-2326 $$ B, L, D, T

Yellowtail

Japanese-style seafood and sushi buffet. 4054 Medina Road (Montrose) 330-666-9988 $$$$ L, D, A, T

Please send any changes or corrections to editor@bakermediagroup.com.

PalaceA P ch’s

In May, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens debuted the Barkitecture exhibit, which runs through Oct. 31. Doghouse designs were submitted by local architects, artists and designers, with 12 winners selected to have their doghouses displayed throughout the 70-acre garden. Inspired by 2007’s Tremendous Treehouse exhibit and last year’s Woof Walk Sundays, the outdoor exhibit is included in admission to the garden grounds. As an added bonus, dog lovers are welcome to bring their pampered pooches to stroll the grounds and enjoy the exhibit Sundays (except Oct. 4) through the end of October.—LL

Poochie Play Pavilion

There’s much to see and do at this puppy playground. Dogs’ days include playing, exercising, eating, drinking, sleeping and just hanging out with their human pals.

Designed by Meyer Design Inc.

Photos by Ray Savicuinas

FireDog House

Sparky the FireDog greets visitors to his red brick, white-trimmed firehouse that includes a hose tower and bell. And of course, no FireDog House would be complete without a fire hydrant.

Designed by TC Architects, Inc.

Not Your Average Joe

Imagine a dog’s life on a grand estate. Picture Joe being a part of the action—observing his surroundings, guarding his territory and always ready to play. The house is an abstract sculpture of a dog’s body sitting tall and proud, allowing everyone to recognize its traits of loyalty, courage and nobility. Please no climbing beyond the “neck” of this dog.

Designed by Dorsky Hodgson Parrish Yue Architects

An American Dog in Paris

J’aime les chiens! From poodles to bulldogs, the French love dogs and this mini Eiffel Tower will bring joie de vivre to any dog and owner.

Designed by Kimberly Stehli

American Gothic

Courtesy of sponsor: One of a Kind Pet Rescue

You’ll love this doghouse

inspired by the American Gothic Revival houses built between 1840 and 1870. Reminiscent of a “gingerbread house,” this is a perfect canine get-away.

Designed by Doty and Miller Architects

Frank Lloyd “Bite”

Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian home, this doghouse uses sustainable ideas including a vegetative roof, a living wall and straw insulation. These elements, the large overhangs and shading walls provide its canine occupant with protection from the heat and sun of summer.

Designed by Jeffrey Henderson

Oops...Bottoms Up!

Enjoy this skosh of comedy and color as a game of “fetch” goes surprisingly wrong! This wacky residence is one that only a dog could love.

Designed by GPD Associates

I Thought I Thaw A Puddy Cat

This doghouse is made entirely of recyclable materialsaluminum cans, plastic bottles and other items. It relies on the sun and gentle breezes for its fullest effect. A whimsical cat chandelier decorates the interior.

Designed by Debbie Apple-Presser

in the Valley

Six-year-old Ian Balana eyes a mound of freshly picked blueberries at Greenfield Berry Farm.

By Jane Day and photos by Ray Saviciunas

Restoring the small-farm dream.

More than 2.8 million people visited the Cuyahoga Valley National Park last year, but recreation is not the only thing changing the face of the Valley. Since 2001, nearly a dozen small farms have sprung up inside the boundaries of the National Park.

Through a program called the Countryside Initiative, a select group of entrepreneurial farmers were granted long-term (60-year) leases to make the

land productive again. By restoring individual farms, they are helping to preserve the rural heritage of the Valley while making more healthy, local foods available to people in our region every year.

Here’s a look at three of those Countryside Initiative farms and the farmers who live and work on them. Their crops and livestock are similar to their 19th and 20th century predecessors but their approach combines the best of traditional farming with the best new sustainable production methods.

Eric Walters, Basket of Life Farm

“So much to grow in a 20-week season!”

Basket of Life Farm

Nothing ever grows as fast as they think it should, and there are new problems to deal with every year. “Last year, it was an infestation of Colorado Potato Beetles,” Heather Walters says. “We spent so many hours hand picking those darn things off the plants.”

Pest control is just one challenge Heather and her husband, Eric, face as they work out their dream of creating a future for their family on a natural and sustainable farm.

The Walters operate the Basket of Life Farm in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Their farm is a CSA, which stands for Community Supported Agriculture, a relatively new idea where members buy a share of the season in early spring, then come back weekly or biweekly, for about 18 weeks, to pick up their portion of what is harvested.

CSA members share in the risks and the rewards of the farm. At Basket of Life, members typically get five to 15 pounds of produce each week—a mix of five to nine different varieties. Their investment comes with no guarantees because some

We are picky about what we eat, and if we would not eat it, we will not sell it to you.

years will be more productive than others. Plus, certain crops may fail and others may be harvested only on a small scale.

“By the end of the season, we hope to give members a little of most veggies which will grow in Ohio,” Heather says. Greens, radishes, lettuce, summer and winter squash, peppers, tomatoes, onions, potatoes and root crops—heirloom varieties whenever practical—are some examples.

Last year, Basket of Life was able to provide food for 38 CSAmember families. This year they’ve expanded enough to provide fresh local produce for more than 60 families. Still, the demand for their produce exceeds the supply.

The Walters find great satisfaction in the life they are creating and the food their small but growing farm can produce. “We are picky about what we eat, and if we would not eat it, we will not sell it to you,” Heather says.

Despite the difficulties, the pair is thrilled to have the opportunity to lease the land for their farm from the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. “It was one of those things that seemed too good to be true... one of those programs you hear about but never get a chance to try for,” Heather says.

They moved to the 30-acre property in mid-summer 2006, planted their first veggies on about half an acre in 2007 and expect to have three acres in the ground by the end of this growing season.

This April, Eric left his job as a sales and technical rep to work on the farm full-time. Now, he does the lions’ share of day to day work on the farm—managing the crops, watering, weeding as well as doing the tractor, building and repair work.

Heather works as a “green” building project manager for an architectural firm. On the farm, she communicates with CSA members, does bookkeeping and runs pickups.

The couple plants new crops and harvests them together.

“For now, it’s just my husband and I on the farm,” Heather says. “We look forward to starting our family here. You could not ask for a better place to raise children.”

For a closer look at the tears and joys of this new farm family, check out Heather’s blog at csa-days.blogspot.com.

Valley’s new poultry farmer is a veteran at 23. Brunty Farms LLC

After tasting fresh eggs at a friend’s house, Jeff Brunty decided to get a few laying hens of his own. Initially, his hens provided enough eggs for his family to enjoy, but soon they had more than they could use. With his grandparents’ help, he remembers selling extra eggs to the Springfield VFW for a dollar a dozen.

“It was a hobby,” says the young man who started out at the age of 14 with seven chickens, “but I always wanted to turn it into a business.” Brunty lived with his mom but raised his hens on his grandparents’ land, a former pig farm, in Springfield Township.

While still in high school, Brunty spent lots of time researching various breeds of meat birds and how to raise them in a natural habitat. When he discovered that meat birds could be ready to sell in just a matter of weeks, he decided to try to raise a few of his own. He started with 15 meat chickens which he sold to neighbors and friends. Soon, Brunty’s meat birds became as popular as his eggs.

By the time Brunty was 20, his business grew—“mostly by word of mouth”—into a full-scale game bird and poultry

Jeff Brunty moves a chicken pen, giving them a fresh place to feed. Over time, the process allows for natural fertilization of the entire field.

farm raising laying hens, meat birds, game birds and ornamental pheasants, and shipping them all over the United States.

When he heard about the Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy’s mission to restore the historic farms in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, he believed this might be just the opportunity he was looking for.

With the help of his girlfriend, Melanie Schenk, an international business and marketing major at The University of Akron, Brunty completed the intense application process for a lease on a 17-acre property in Bath. He filed the application in April 2008, earned the lease, and then moved into his new farm on Martin Road last October.

Brunty Farms LLC currently has 250 Golden Comet laying hens, each producing six eggs per week—about one egg every 25 hours. He plans to double egg production, adding 250 more hens to his operation, this month.

Brunty sells his eggs right from his farm. He’s also a regular at the Countryside Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings at Howe Meadow in Peninsula. In fact, they use his eggs in the breakfast burritos there. His brown eggs sell for $3.50 a dozen; double-yolk eggs are $5 a dozen.

Because Brunty’s hens are grass-fed and pasture raised, his eggs are much lower in bad cholesterol than eggs from grainfed hens. They also contain high levels of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.

In addition to selling eggs year round, Brunty provides about 200 fresh chickens to customers every two weeks. This will be his seventh year to offer turkeys, and he plans to sell 500 this year, processing them through mid-November.

No stranger to hard work, Brunty supplements his farm income working for a roofing contractor during the day.

“It’s not easy,” Brunty says. “I couldn’t do it without my family.” Brunty’s dad helps process the meat birds, his mom and grandparents work the farm markets, and his stepdad helps with the vegetable garden.

Brunty wants to give customers “a true healthy alternative to what you would find at the store.” In the process, he’s trying hard to go “above and beyond” what he proposed to the conservancy in his lease agreement. “We’re like a model for national parks all across the country, so it’s very important that we succeed in this,” he says.

“When you’re growing something good, it sells itself”

Living close to the land and trying to make it produce was a longtime dream for Dan Greenfield, who jokes that he must have been born with a farm gene—a longing and desire to get back to the land. He and his wife, Michele, moved into their farm on the outskirts of Peninsula Village in the fall of 2006.

The Greenfields operate a Certified Naturally Grown farm, (an eco-label for small farmers that grow using organic methods, but have chosen not to become USDA certified organic). Their farm features pick-your-own blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. It also offers a CSA program for member subscribers.

Greenfield Berry Farm offers a wide array of produce including garlic, onions, cabbage, peppers, gourmet potatoes, beets, radishes, carrots, okra, spinach, tomatillos, beans, peas, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, squash, cucumbers, kale, kohlrabi, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and sunflowers for cutting.

A beekeeper, Dan also harvests honey, lightly filtered with cheesecloth. Michele makes strawberry, blueberry and

Dan Greenfield, Greenfield Berry Farm

raspberry jams, which are available at the farm and at the Countryside Farmers’ Markets.

Always on the lookout for unusual varieties of vegetables, the couple loves Purple Majesty potatoes, which are a little bigger than a large egg. They’re great roasted and topped with a smoky brie cheese, Dan says. Stored properly in a dark, cool place, they’ll keep for a few weeks.

Each year, the Greenfields refine their operation, learning from the successes and trials of the year before. This year, for the first time, Dan is cultivating edamame—healthy, inthe-pod baby soybeans.

Dan, who has his PhD in the cultural foundations of education with a focus on the philosophy of farm-based environmental education, came into farming as a result of his interest in the organic, local foods movement.

He read about the Countryside Initiative program and started researching it in 2001. Along the way, he explored many aspects of farming and continues to take every opportunity he can to add to his skill set. He has been active in organic farming conferences and workshops, taken master gardening classes and even completed blueberry school.

While Dan admits he was perhaps “more gung ho, originally” on the idea of living and working on a farm, Michele, who works off the farm writing computer software manuals, has become the ideal partner on the farm. “She follows all my crazy ideas,” he says with a chuckle. “She’s really the better of

the two workers. I start a lot of things, but she’s able to finish them. I call her the finisher.”

Dan loves sharing what he’s learned with willing learners and he loves having visitors on his farm. He enjoys watching people gather their own potatoes from the field—“it’s like a big Easter egg hunt,” he says. He offers custom farm-based educational experiences to school, church and scout groups.

The organic fashion of farming is “a hell of a lot harder than we thought it would be, but that’s okay,” Dan says. “We have a real sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. We have to be clever and work with nature. It’s a constant exercise in problem solving.”

Dan and Michele are always thinking of new ways to generate more income from the farm. They’ve been bringing in volunteers to help with harvesting, but there’s still a limit to how much they can realistically produce.

On the up side, the market is definitely there, Dan says. “When you’re growing something good, it sells itself.”

For more information about Countryside Initiative, visit the Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy Web site at www.cvcountryside.org.

Marlon Balana and daughter Alessandra, both of Ellet, pick blueberries together at Greenfield Berry Farm.

Details

Five remarkable houses, each with its own unique style.

By Kristin Lindsey and photos by Ray Saviciunas

Every individual likely has a different point of view with regard to what constitutes “the perfect home.” Whether it’s big rooms (or simply a lot of them), state-of-the-art appliances, high-tech audio and visual setup, eco-friendly building materials or an outdoor oasis, everyone has a wish list of must-have features. What matters are the details that make it your own.

Take a look at these five houses. Though they vary in price, size and location, they each have special details that make them one-of-a-kind. And for someone, they make the perfect home.

Opulent Rooms

BainBR iDgE

Highlights include:

• Family foyer for a comfortable “drop zone,” complete with cubbies for coats and shoes

• Walk-out lower level with patio, wood-fire pizza oven, grill and fountain

• Whole-house audio and video

• Library with stone fireplace, beams and built-in bookcases with secret passage to master suite and “morning kitchen”

not all three-bedroom homes are created equal. Take, for instance, this $1.9 million ranch built by Prestige Homes. With 7,212 square feet and four and half bathrooms, it far exceeds the expectations for most three-bedroom homes. And that’s the point.

The builder wanted to break the mold and design a home that features all the rooms residents need, and none they don’t. How many times have you seen a beautiful home, but wondered what anyone could possibly do with all those rooms? Instead of having wasted square footage in rooms no one ever visits, this home optimizes the space by creating rooms that help the residents function better.

A front view of this home is pictured on our cover.

City Living

New spaces, such as a planning center built off the chef’s kitchen in the heart of the home, adapt to the homeowner’s lifestyle. The lower level expands the interior living space for recreation and entertaining with a bar, media center, games, pool table and workout room. And those are just a few of the added features.

Accented by a 10-foot stained and glazed, antique-finished door, this European country estate home features an exterior design of stone and cedar. Inside, the home exudes oldworld charm with knotting in the trim and doors, stone walls and beams.

a K ROn

Highlights include:

• Private limo and concierge service

• Within walking distance to shopping, art, culture and nightlife

• 9- to 14-foot ceilings

• Bonus work or apartment rental space on first floor

Located in the heart of the Northside arts and entertainment district, this 2,000 square-foot townhome features two bedrooms, a loft, three bathrooms and a two-car attached garage. As part of the Northside Lofts Development, it also includes amenities such as private limousine and concierge.

Architectural features include distressed vinyl wood floors, concrete

and quartz counters, and high-gloss cabinets as well as high ceilings and a private balcony. The first floor of this $274,900 townhome features a space that can be used for working or as an apartment rental, to garner added income.

In all, it offers the space and privacy you’d expect from a suburban home, but with the convenience of city living.

Highlights include:

• Two high-efficiency boilers provide radiant floor heating inside the home, in the garage and to melt snow and ice leading to the front entry and on the lower terrace

• Kitchen appliances include a steam oven and automated coffee system

• Landscape features native plants for low-maintenance and deer resistance

• Outdoor fireplace provides a cozy spot to gather in the evening

A rear view of the house is pictured on page 48.

natural Beauty RiChfiELD

This 8,000 square-foot home is situated on a natural ridge in the beauty of a wooded lot. Large French paned windows on the main level provide treehouse views of the foliage in the back, while the woods provide privacy and a kaleidoscope of color as the seasons change.

When constructing this home, Dwight Yoder Builders emphasized the use of Ohio materials, from the Ohio field

rock used in the foundation and worked throughout the masonry to the chimney pots atop the double chimneys. The exterior of wood shake siding and brick from Ohio clays blend natural colors and provide a feel that the house grew on the site rather than being recently built.

Inside, the main level features a great room, gourmet kitchen, hearth room, his and hers office, a master bedroom suite and a large room for sewing and laundry. Two additional bedroom suites, a computer center and a large loft are located on the second floor, which can be reached via a curved stairway with wrought iron leads.

Another curved, open stairway leads to the lower level, where a snack bar, game room, theater room, exercise room and second master suite are located. High ceilings, large ground-level windows and French doors give the space a light, airy feel.

Custom accents

W Es T aKROn

This three-story cluster home with interior design by Alan Garren and renovation by Boggs Custom Homes/Classic Cabinet Design, is all about contemporary, custom accents. A bronze and glass elevator, a combination library/media room with eucalyptus paneling and a living room with a vaulted ceiling and an etched bronze mirrored fireplace are just a few examples.

The 3,200 square-foot home features large windows throughout, and all woodwork and cabinets were custom designed. The master bedroom suite has custom fiddleback maple cabinets and upholstered walls.

Highlights include:

• Bronze and glass elevator

• Custom-designed woodwork and cabinets

• Etched bronze mirrored fireplace

• Upholstered walls

In the kitchen, cabinets are made from quarter-sawn maple with a cream-colored limed finish. Cambria Natural Quartz counters installed by Top Advantage, along with bronze hardware and appliances add additional character to the room. The floor features a limestone tile similar to porcelain, and the walls are covered in a chocolate brown cloth. Ceiling beams with v-grooved diagonal planking finish off the design.

scenic Location

a K ROn

The Mustill Store, located along the Towpath Trail, was influential in the design of this 1,868 square-foot home, inspiring the exterior appeal, archways, hallways and color choices. Canal Town Builders constructed the two-bedroom, two and a half bath home using sustainable materials, such as HardiPlank, which is engineered for Ohio’s climate and has a 30-year non-prorated warranty.

Inside, the $224,900 home features a second-floor “away” room, perfectly suited for use as a computer room, reading nook or play area. The first-floor laundry room has a large utility tub and plenty of storage space. The crown jewel of the home, however, is a well-designed kitchen-perfect for cooking and entertaining.

Commutes are shorter due to the home’s central location, and the Hickory Assembly Homeowner’s Association takes care of lawn mowing and maintenance, so homeowners are left with more time to relax and enjoy the property.

Highlights include:

• Location near the Towpath Trail’s Memorial Trailhead

• Full bath in each large bedroom

• Master suite features a walk-in closet, double sink vanity, Jacuzzi tub and freestanding shower

• Custom-built using sustainable materials

By Kristin Lindsey

Ready to Sell

With the right preparation, anyone can sell their home at a fair price—even in a down housing market.

Most news headlines these days proclaim what a terrible time it is to sell your home. With so many homes on the market, sellers are forced to slash their home’s price for the smallest chance at a sale. But with a little bit of effort, it is possible to sell your home without losing your investment.

In 1972, Barb Schwartz created The Staged Home Concept. Since then, she has taught millions of people about home staging, and operates offices in Seattle and Chicago as well as Northern and Southern California. The practice of home staging has become widely known and has even become the topic of popular shows on HGTV.

Simply put, home staging is the act of preparing a home for sale. “Staging is not decorating,” Schwartz clarifies. “Decorating is personalizing a home, and staging is de-personalizing a home.

The fact of the matter is, potential homebuyers have a difficult time imagining themselves in a home when there is too much personal stuff scattered throughout. Schwartz likens home staging to setting the scene for a movie. A home stager’s role is that of the set director. He or she must create an environment where homebuyers can picture themselves living.

“Staging is a communication tool,” Schwartz explains. “Your home is sending a message to all the agents and buyers.” Even the outside of the home must be set to entice people to see the inside. This means keeping the landscaping and outside of the home looking well-kempt.

While there are simple things any seller can do to increase the attractiveness of their home, some things may be best

left to the experts. Across the country, accredited staging professionals have undergone education and accreditation to offer consultations and home staging report plans. The average fee for such a service begins at about $350 for a report plan or up to $1,800 if you want the ASP to actually do the maintenance for the seller. To find a nearby ASP, ask your realtor or visit www.iahsp.com. Before selecting an ASP, Schwartz recommends interviewing several candidates.

Is your life going by too fast these days?

Are your days hur r ying by so fast that you can’t fully savor them anymore? Are “PLAY” and “REST” foreign words in your lifestyle vocabular y?

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When was the last time you found yourself enjoying life?

When was the last time you just relaxed at home?

If it’s been too long...

Discover Hickor y!

“A Great Place to Live Along the Towpath Trail”

Meet the Builders & Lear n More

1st Tuesday of the Month

Aug.4th,7p.m. at 750 HickorySt.,Akron

Let Hickor y breathe some fresh air into your life.

Give your self the gift of more time when you live here.

Custom Homes with 8 ft. deep fr ont porches. Bike without traf fic.

Walk along the river.

Right on the Towpath Trail.

Close to ever ything, but far fr om the hectic pace. Less drive time = Mor e live time.

Low Maintenance Yards and Homes.

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Prices star t in the $190s. Premium Sites & IncentivesAvailable. Special Financing available, up to 1.5% below market rates.

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330-990-4236

Getting Started

In her most recent book, “Staging to Sell: The Secret to Selling Homes in a Down Market,” Barb Schwartz offers home staging strategies to help anyone sell their home. Here are 11 tips Schwartz suggests for getting the inside of your home ready to sell.

1. Clear away all unnecessary objects throughout the home.

2. Rearrange the dining room furniture to create more space.

3. Clear away unnecessary objects from the kitchen countertops, refrigerator and kitchen table.

4. Remove all unnecessary items in bathrooms.

5. Rearrange the furniture.

6. Take down or rearrange pictures or other objects on the wall.

7. Paint any rooms that need it.

8. Clean the carpets or drapes.

9. Clean the windows.

10. Eliminate any odors.

11. Clean the fireplace.

In the meantime, Schwartz offers her three Cs to get your home ready to sell:

1. Clean

When prospective buyers are visiting your home, it needs to be “Q-tip clean,” Schwartz says. Often people aren’t able to see their own dirt, and this is one area where an outsider, such as an ASP, can help you see what areas need the most attention.

2. Clutter-Free

“Pick it up, and put it away,” Schwartz says. Either find somewhere to store all that extra junk, or give it away. When looking at higher end homes, people want to see an empty garage. People are more accepting of those extra tools and lawn equipment taking up space in the garages of lower-end homes. However, regardless of the home’s price range, the inside should always be clutter-free.

3. Color

Buyers want a neutral background. “Neutral colors unify a space to make it appear larger and give a good flow,” Schwartz explains. Instead of painting the walls bright red, have fun with color that is moveable-bedspreads, towels, area rugs, artwork, etc.

The biggest mistake Schwartz says she sees people make is leaving too much out for buyers to see. Decorate the home with the bare minimum. Schwartz believes three is the magic staging number. For instance, a living room should have three pieces of upholstered furniture and three pieces of wood furniture, such as a coffee table or end tables. On the tables, should be three items of varying heights-a tall lamp, a silk flower arrangement and a book, for example. If it’s a small table, limit the items on top to just one. In any room there should be no more than three paintings hung on the wall, and

the outside of the home should have no more than three colors of paint.

Another problem Schwartz witnesses are people who have become accustomed to their home’s smells, such as pet odor, cooking odors, the smell of must and mildew, etc. Buyers are going to notice these smells instantly, so it’s a good idea to have an outsider take a whiff and let you know of any odors you need to take care of. To reduce odors, Schwartz recommends a product called Pure Ayre. It eliminates odors, rather than covering them up, and it’s made of plant enzymes so it’s 100 percent safe.

In the end, remember that staged homes sell more often and at a higher price than non-staged homes. Take the time and effort up front to make your home move-in ready, and you’ll be glad you did.

Looks Do Matter

When preparing your home for the market, the National Association of Realtors suggests showing that the house has been maintained while spending as little money as possible. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new roof, but they aren’t likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it. There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive “polishes” and “touch-ups” to your house, such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations, like installing a new kitchen. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice on what specific improvements need to be made.

Before putting your house on the market, take as much time as necessary (and as little money as possible) to maximize its appeal.

Here are a few tips from the National Association of Realtors to enhance your home’s exterior and curb appeal:

• Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly.

• Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees regularly.

• Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling.

• Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint.

• Clean and align gutters.

• Inspect and clean the chimney.

• Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.

• Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.

• In the winter, keep walks neatly cleared of snow and ice.

• During spring and summer months consider adding a few showy annuals, perhaps in pots, near your front entrance.

• Re-seal an asphalt driveway.

• Keep your garage door closed.

• Store RVs or old and beaten up cars elsewhere while the house is on the market.

• Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door.

By Kristin Lindsey

A Buyer’s Market

Expanded tax credit offers additional incentive for first-time homebuyers.

Last fall we wrote about the First-Time Homebuyer Credit potentially worth $7,500 for homes purchased April 9, 2008 through July 1, 2009. A few changes have since been made to the credit, and now the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expanded the first-time homebuyer credit, increasing the credit amount to $8,000 for purchases made in 2009 prior to Dec. 1.

Unlike last year’s credit, which had to be repaid over a 15-year period or when the home was sold, the 2009 credit does not have to be paid back “unless the home ceases to be the taxpayer’s main residence within a three-year period following the purchase,” according to the IRS Web site (www.irs.gov). The IRS defines a first-time homebuyer as “a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the homebuyer and his or her spouse.”

First-time homebuyers who purchase a home with a closing date prior to Dec. 1 of this year can claim the credit

using Form 5405 on their 2009 tax return, which is due April 15, 2010. The amount should also be claimed on line 69 of their 1040 income tax return. The credit amount is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price, with a maximum credit of $8,000.

Once again, the tax credit comes with income limits—$75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers who file a joint return. For those with a modified adjusted gross income over those limits, the tax credit amount is reduced. To learn more about these limits and the modified credit, visit the IRS Web site or ask a trusted financial adviser or tax professional.

Any home with planned use as a principal residence will qualify for the credit. Examples include single-family detached homes, attached homes such

as townhomes and condominiums, manufactured (mobile) homes and houseboats. The credit applies to preexisting homes as well as newly manufactured homes. For homes constructed by the homeowner, the “purchase” date for tax purposes is the date the owner first occupies the house. Therefore, for this particular credit, the date of first occupancy must be on or after Jan. 1, 2009 and before Dec. 1, 2009. For newly constructed homes bought from a home builder, eligibility for the tax credit is determined by the settlement date.

with more than 20 years of experience designing kitchens, bathrooms and home offices, Freedom Design is one of KraftMaid’s premier dealers in Northeastern Ohio. Visit our showrooms conveniently located in Garfield Heights and Cuyahoga Falls to see more than 40 beautiful design displays. Don’t trust just anyone to design your kitchen, we offer the personalized service as well as the competitive pricing you deserve.

For more information, visit www.irs.gov or www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com.

By Kristin Lindsey and photos by Ray Saviciunas

At Home on Hickory

Jeff and Judy James achieve their goals of building green and living in the city.

In the late-1980s, Jeff James bought a couple of plots of blighted land on the south end of Hickory Street at a sheriff’s sale. He saw the purchase as a good investment, having the foresight to realize the potential this neighborhood held, if it could just get a little facelift.

In 2004, the City of Akron passed the Hickory Corridor and Cascade Locks Area Renewal Plan. As a result, the city acquired deteriorating properties, which are available for purchase by local residents for $1 per square foot. The only requirement is that potential buyers must submit design plans so they can be matched to housing guidelines detailed in the renewal plan, explains Jerry Egan, comprehensive planning manager for the Department of Planning and Urban Development. The guidelines are in place to set certain visual and green building standards. For example, they seek minimal disturbance of the land and ask builders to maintain as many trees on the property as possible. “Our intentions for these lots is unlike some of the other developments that the city

has engaged in where we have sold the property to home builders to put up spec houses,” Egan says. “We wanted to reserve the lots at Hickory so people could design and build their own homes.”

James and his wife, Judy, sold one of their plots of land to friends, and both couples contracted Galehouse Companies Inc. to build their homes, partly because of the company’s interest in green building, which was important to James. According to the company’s co-president John Galehouse, both homes are being tested and verified to be Energy Star Rated, and they achieved bronze level certification from the Northeast Ohio Green Building

Initiative, the National Association of Home Builders’ green building program that evaluates homes on seven categories:

• Lot design, preparation and development

• Resource efficiency

• Energy efficiency

• Water efficiency

• Indoor environment (indoor air quality)

• Operation, maintenance and homeowner education

• Global impact

The Homes On Hickory

Build Your Home On The “GREENEST “ Street In The City.

Walk to downtown, bike to the Merriman Valley, stroll the Towpath Trail and listen to the Littl e Cuyahoga River, hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic RR or watch wildlife from your front porch or rear deck.

“Countr y” living in the center of town!

Drive the gently cur ving Hickor y Street just off North Street to view generous wooded lots at an unbeatable price on a beautifully rebuilt street.

Priced at $1.00 a square foot, development on these lots is guided by standards that let you meet your sustainable ambitions.

Select from numerous local builders, who are combining stylish homes with sustainable features that appeal to families who want to make green living a natural part of their ever yday life.

Discover which lots are still available. Discuss the simple design review and purchase process. For these and other desirable building locations in the City, contact Darryl Kleinhenz of the Akron Department of Planning and Urban Development at 330-375-2696.

Donald L. Plusquellic Mayor

“We’re

on the edge of a forest yet less than one mile from downtown.”

Green aspects of the home included things like recycling all construction waste, using certified wood from managed forests, installing Energy Star appliances and a tankless water heater, using HardiPlank rather than vinyl siding, and choosing low-voc indoor paints, just to name a few. “With green building, the whole house needs to work as a system,” Galehouse explains. “It has to be done with a whole-house approach, not just individual parts.”

In addition to the sustainable building practices used, what James really loves about his home is the location. “You feel like you’re in the woods,” he says. The couple can look outside their window and see small fawns that follow their mothers, wild turkeys and birds galore. They’ve even become somewhat of amateur ornithologists,

buying a bird field guide to keep track of what they see.

Proximity to downtown allows the couple a short commute to work, as well as to restaurants, shopping, the art museum and the ballpark. And whenever possible, they bike and hike on the Towpath, sometimes biking their way up to Peninsula and then taking the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad back home again. “We’re on the edge of a forest yet less than one mile from downtown,” James says.

You would do anything to make him feel safe...

“The whole north side has gone under a big change in the last five to 10 years,” Egan adds. “With private investment and city investment, it’s really turning into a very attractive, interesting and vibrant area.”

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By Liz Laubscher

Akron After School

Program provides educational fun outside the classroom.

The Akron After School program was designed to keep children busy after school while giving them a chance to have fun, experience new things and continue to learn in a safe environment. “Learning doesn’t stop just because the bell has rung,” says Desiree Bolden, director of AAS. “Learning is 24/7.”

The program offers tutoring to struggling students. Afterward, students participate in fun activities they may never have had the chance to try without the program. Some of the activities include the Akron ZooMobile, where zoo ambassadors bring live animals, and ballet, where students are taught the basic elements of the art. Because

of the program’s popularity, many students are on a waitlist to participate. Unfortunately, there is not enough room to accommodate everyone.

Perhaps part of the program’s success is due to the “hidden” learning. Bolden says some of the kids may not even realize how much they learn because they are having so much fun. “The key component of reading is having a vocabulary,” Bolden explains. “If you are in ballet, you are learning all of the terms, which increases your vocabulary and you are even exposed to some of the words in French.” She says the program not only increases children’s vocabulary, but it also teaches them teamwork, how to interact with people, organizational structure and other positive skills.

Bolden works with 65 community organizations to provide the 475 afterschool activities to the program’s 11 elementary schools and three middle schools. She says she hopes to eventually get the AAS program at all of Akron’s elementary and middle schools, but expanding the program depends on how much funding AAS receives.

The State of Ohio is researching how the AAS program works.

The Ohio Schools Facilities Commission recently asked researchers at The Ohio State University to study the AAS program and how it’s run.

Dawn Anderson-Butcher, one of the lead researchers from the OSU study, says AAS is a great example of afterschool programming. “Part of why our team was asked to look at Akron is because it is an exemplar in the state of Ohio and nationally for some if its innovations around afterschool programming as well as the infrastructure development around it,” she explains.

Anderson-Butcher also worked with Kent State University researchers who studied the AAS program’s effect on participants. The study shows that kids who attend the afterschool programs in Akron perform better at school than their non-participating counterparts.

According to Anderson-Butcher, the results of the research are a testimony to the program’s effectiveness, and Bolden agrees. “It’s a proven program that works,” Bolden says.

By Liz Laubscher

Learning Ignited

SPARK prepares children and their parents for kindergarten.

Many children start kindergarten on different levels of readiness, some children not ready at all. Because of this, the Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids program was designed to help build reading, language and social skills in children who are going to start kindergarten.

SPARK began in 2003 in Stark County through the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton with funding by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Because of the program’s success in Stark County, they decided to replicate it in Summit County.

Judy Hummel, executive director of the Summit Education Initiative, a group dedicated to improving education throughout Summit County, says the University Park Alliance came to SEI with the hope of improving education in the neighborhood. The GAR Foundation agreed to help fund SPARK and the Greenleaf Family Center agreed to train the parent partners, the individuals who administer the program in the participant’s homes.

SPARK is a 12-month program where parent partners make monthly visits to teach children kindergarten skills and teach parents how to do the activities with their children. “The parent partners are helping the parents become the child’s first teacher,” Hummel says. When parent partners visit they bring new books, activities and art supplies for the children. They also have lesson plans to go along with the items, which

helps make learning fun for the children.

“Once they get kids involved in the program, they were able to get the kids engaged,” Hummel says.

Locally, the program targets 4-year-olds who will be attending Leggett and Mason elementary schools.

The 42 children currently participating in SPARK became involved with the program in August 2008. They’ll be starting school this month, and a new group of children will begin the program.

findings have been consistent every year.”

Dr. Peter Leahy from The University of Akron evaluates children’s test scores once they start school. He says his findings show the program has been beneficial and the proof is in the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment of Literacy test scores. The test, which is administered by the Ohio Department of Education, is graded on a 29.0 scale. He says the test results show that on average, students who participate in SPARK score 20.0 on the KRA-L where as non-SPARK students score a 17.9.

“There has been data for four years, and each year SPARK children have done significantly better than nonSPARK children,” Leahy says. “The

Along with providing anonymous KRAL test scores, school districts are willing to provide data so Leahy can continue to compare SPARK and non-SPARK students through the third grade. He says this helps to determine if SPARK’s advantage will continue as children progress throughout school.

While SPARK helps prepare children for kindergarten and helps parents become their children’s first teachers, SPARK also continues to grow. Leahy says new locations for the SPARK program are being discussed in areas such as Cincinnati and Dayton. And expansion is also possible in Canton and Akron. For more information, visit www.sparkohio.org.

Archbishop Hoban High School

Over 98 percent will attend college, earning $18.5 million in scholarships.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognized 13 seniors—four Finalists and nine Commended Students. Over the past 10 years, 105 students have been recognized by the NMSC, with 45 students reaching finalist status.

The Academic Challenge team finished first in the WEWS Channel 5 overall competition.

Hoban students performed over 19,000 ser vice hours this year in the Akron community Students and faculty also made mission trips to Chicago, Kentucky, Mexico and Ghana.

Educating Hearts and Minds in the Holy Cross Tradition

330.773.6658 www.hoban.org

The Plaza at Chapel Hill has you covered for all your back-to-school shopping!

Back to School with Books

Get your youngster in the mood to head back to school with these reading suggestions compiled by the librarians at the Akron-Summit County Library’s Main Children’s Library.

PL AZ A C INE MAS

SHOE CARNIVAL

QUES T DIAGNOSTICS • RADI O SHACK • SALLY BEAUTY SUPP LY

• TOYS R US

• TJ MA XX

• TH IR D FEDERA L S& L

• WE LL’S FARGO

Applebee’s • Burger King • Chick- Fil-A • China King Buf fet • Eat ‘n Park

McDonald’s • The Olive Garden • Taco Bell/Pizza Hut Express • Wendy’s

Located at Howe Avenue & Main Street, Cuyahoga Falls

“Arthur’s Back-to-School Surprise” by Marc Brown. Random House, 2002.

The ever-popular Arthur is in for some embarrassing moments after he, D.W., and their mother shop for school supplies and end up buying two identical backpacks in this beginning reader.

“Dancing Dinos Go to School” by Sally Lucas. Random House, 2006.

This beginning reader features a surprised librarian and a student who watch as dancing dinosaurs leap from a book and into the school, causing havoc in the classroom and on the playground.

“Garmann’s Summer ” by Stian Hole. Eerdmans, 2008.

This picture book features Garmann, who has vague fears about starting school. Three ancient aunts visit in the summer and help him as they talk of what scares them.

“Hamsters, Shells, and Spelling Bees: School Poems” edited by Lee Bennett Hopkins. Harper Collins, 2008.

These 20 short poems by different poets are written in an easy-to-read format and are highlighted by brightly colored illustrations.

“It’s Back to School We Go!

First Day Stories from Around the World” by Ellen Jackson. Millbrook Press, 2003.

Illustrations and text tell about the first day of school for children in 11 countries from Australia to Kazakhstan and Peru.

“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn. Various editions.

This modern classic tells of young Chester, a raccoon who learns a secret way to carry his mother’s love for him when he goes to kindergarten for the first time.

“Llama Llama Misses Mama” by Anna Dewdney. Viking, 2009.

The third in this picture book series, Llama Llama experiences separation anxiety on his first day of nursery school.

“Schooled” by Gordon Korman. Hyperion, 2007.

This novel follows Capricorn Anderson as he adapts from home schooling to middle school life when his guardian grandmother lands in the hospital.

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Destination: Hudson

Summer/Fall 2009

Shopping, dining, entertainment—Hudson has it all. That’s why more than 20,000 people call Hudson home, and even more flock to the city to soak up its charm throughout the year. Hudson is like a magnet attracting specialty shops and restaurants that, along with the city’s character, help make it a destination for visitors throughout Northeast Ohio. Read ahead to find out what Hudson has in store for you.

By Kristin Lindsey

Something Special

Hudson provides more than your average shopping experience.

When I’m searching for a unique gift or just want to spend an afternoon doing some leisurely shopping, Hudson is one of my favorite destinations. The historic district has the perfect mix of smalltown charm and modern conveniences, offering upscale retailers and high-end specialty stores. With such variety and selection, it’s rare to go home emptyhanded. As an added bonus, I’m able to park the car once, and then get out in the sunshine and walk from one shop or restaurant to the next.

Necklace designed by Krysia

In Style Accessories

As a brideto-be in the process of planning my own wedding, I find myself drawn to all things bridal. A great place to browse bridal collections is Jewelry Art, a couture jeweler on North Main Street. The shop carries engagement and wedding rings from some of the biggest names including Simon G, Novell and Christian Bauer. And I’m not the only one impressed by the store’s collection. Jewelry Art sales associate Janie Peters says bridal jewelry and custom designs are a primary source of business for the store. “We want to provide our customers a great experience and be able to achieve their dreams,” she adds.

Just down the street, All Brides Beautiful is another place to fulfill wedding fantasies. The full-service salon has exclusive designer wedding gowns and accessories, and owner Bobbie Lopez says that on average the shop sells one wedding dress per week. While bridal gowns are a huge part of the store’s inventory, Lopez also stocks a selection of gowns appropriate for prom, cotillion, graduation and first communion, as well as dresses for bridesmaids and flower girls. Bargain hunters will want to take advantage of the shop’s sample sales and trunk shows.

Over on First Street, In Style Accessories has the latest trends in shoes, handbags and other fashion acces-

Eco-friendly water bottles

Heather’s Heat & Flavor

sories and apparel. It’s a great place to stop when you want something to add a little pizzazz to an outfit or are looking for the perfect gift for a female friend or family member. You know whatever you buy will be fashion forward and, best of all, at a price that won’t break the bank. And if you need a second opinion when deciding what looks best, the friendly staff is always willing to help.

If you’re looking for a fun and tasty shopping experience, check out Heather’s Heat & Flavor, which is also located on First Street. The flashy fun aprons and shapely soap dispensers make fabulous shower and housewarming gifts, says Karen Marks, owner of the Hudson location. The ecofriendly water bottles have been a huge hit this season coming in adult and kid friendly sizes. Gourmet chefs will love the selection of herbs, spices and sauces and all the accessories to go along with them. Those with fewer culinary skills will appreciate the prepackaged mixes and readymade salsas that require a little less effort. Many of the items also make great gifts. At Christmas, I certainly stocked up for all the foodies in my life!

Southeast of the town center, Cambridge Jewelers is another Hudson treasure. Though the store carries all types of jewelry, some of the most unique pieces come in the way of gemstones and custom designs. The experts here can take any gemstone and turn it into the fashion accessory of your dreams. Cambridge Jewelers’ Maple Street showroom has an eclectic mix of bracelets, necklaces, rings and watches for every occasion and every style.

These Scott Keating rings were designed with the circle within the square symbolizing the connection between two people.

Jewelry Art

“Robinson” by Amy Kuschel All Brides Beautiful

Flip-flop coasters: attachable coasters for the foot of your drink

Heather’s Heat & Flavor

Lorenzo rings; Honey Citrine, Madeira Citrine, Lemon Citrine, and Garnet Cambridge Jewelers

All Brides Beautiful marries smart service and beautiful gowns. Knowledgeable staff can assess a bride-to-be’s body architecture and assist in finding the perfect wedding gown, with coordinating accessories, in spacious, private dressing rooms. Exclusive designer gowns, personal attention, and expert on-site alterations have proven to be an award winning combination! Cambridge

Cambridge Jewelers has 15 years experience and has firmly established itself as a premier merchant in the Hudson community. Cambridge products and services are beyond reproach. You’ll find Cambridge is very different from most jewelers both in its client approach and “feel.”

In Style Accessories

96 First St. Hudson

In Style Accessories is the fashion accessory boutique for women featuring Chamila Jewelry, sterling silver, one of a kind pieces, handbags, evening bags and scarves. This fashion-forward specialty store is the perfect place to buy a gift for you or a friend. Voted “Best Boutique” in 2008 by readers of Akron Life & Leisure.

Open 7 Days a Week!

Fun & Flavor with an ATTITUDE

Heather’s Heat & Flavor offers everything you need to add a little spice to your next meal along with an assortment of unique kitchen-related items. Select from herbs, spices and sauces for the gourmet and not-so-gourmet chefs. Fun and clever gift items are to be found for all occasions. Pick up some ecofriendly water bottles that come in a variety of sizes and fashionable colors. $19-$26.

This metropolitan-style restaurant and lounge features a modern twist on the 1940s supper club, and has become one of Hudson’s most popular dining destinations. Weekly specials such as weekday Happy Hour, Wino Wednesdays (half-off selected bottles of international wine) and Sunday Brunch continue to be customer favorites.

Whether you dine on the patio, in the restaurant, at the bar and lounge or in one of the private dining rooms, you’re guaranteed an unparalleled dining experience. Executive Chef Rich Carson prepares seasonal menus featuring fresh seafood, specialty salads and creative appetizers. A more casual dining experience is available in the bar and lounge with the bistro menu, which includes pizza, burgers and small plates. And with more than 500 wines by the bottle and 40 by the glass, you’re never at loss for something to pair with your meal.

EVENTS

Hudson Farmers Market

Saturdays through Sept. 26

8:30 a.m.-Noon

Downtown Hudson

www.hudsonfarmersmarket.org

More than 30 local vendors will gather on the town green with fresh produce, baked goods and other items for sale.

Hudson Summer Music Festival

Sundays through Labor Day

6 p.m.

Bandstand Green

330-650-0300

Enjoy live music appealing to a variety of tastes, provided by local bands on the town green.

Life is Good Watermelon Festival

Aug. 16

11 a.m.-5 p.m.

First and Main Green

www.jakesgoodlife.com

Features the Greatest Backyard Athlete Competition, a kids’ play area, free watermelon, great food and more.

Art on the Green

Aug. 29

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Downtown Hudson

www.hudsonsocietyofartists.com

Art exhibit organized by the Hudson Society of Artists.

Taste of Hudson

Sept. 6-7

Sunday, Noon-8 p.m.; Monday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Downtown Hudson

www.tasteofhudson.com

Sample items from local food vendors while enjoying live entertainment, children’s activities, fine arts and other outdoor fun.

Women of Western Reserve Antiques Festival

Sept. 7

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Western Reserve Academy Campus

www.antiquesfestival.com

This premier one-day festival showcases more than 100 antiques exhibitors from across Ohio and neighboring states.

Hudson 5K Chili Challenge

Sept. 19

6:30-10 p.m.

Village Way in First & Main

www.hudson5k.com

The event kicks off with a 5K run and 1M fun run for the kids. Afterward, enjoy children’s activities, live music, a beer garden, and local restaurants competing for the title of “Hudson’s Best Chili.”

ON the TOWN

Hail to the Chefs

Nearly 200 guests turned out at the Hudson Library and Historical Society on May 30 for the fourth annual Hail to the Chefs. The event previews chefs for the upcoming Taste of Hudson, which will be held Labor Day weekend, and proceeds benefit the Safe Kids Coalition of Summit County along with other Taste of Hudson charities. Hudson resident James Hackney received the Children at Heart Award, honoring individuals who go above and beyond in service to children and others in need. He accepted the award from Taste of Hudson Executive Director Andy Malitz and Hudson Mayor Bill Currin.

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Participating chefs pause for a photo

Local chefs and proprietors of Hudson’s on the Green and 3 Foodies Catering, the Altomores

James Hackney, Mayor Bill Currin and Andy Malitz

Chef Roger Thomas of Piatto Novo

We are pleased to announce the expansion of Day Ketterer Ltd. in Northeast Ohio.

Two new office locations in Hudson & Cleveland to better serve our clients & business partners.

Regionalism in action

DK is advancing the cause.

State-of-the-art technology combined with personalized service, a convenient location, and flexible payment plans.

Call 330.342.0930 to schedule a free consultation, or email us as: appointments@drscottorthodontics.com

The Health Center at Western Reserve 5565 Hudson Drive, Suite 310 Hudson, Ohio 44236

For more information and directions, visit drscottorthodontics.com

Here! See Your Face

We’re gear ing up fo r ou r 2010 Ci ty Guide, and we need your help. Your mission, if you choose to accept it (and we hope you do), is to send us a photo of you or your family holding a copy of Ak ron Li fe & Leisure in a notable Ak ron location. It could be your favo rite shop, restau rant, festival, at traction or landma rk , anything you can think of

Ou r goal is to showcase your favo rite ways to live, wo rk and play in Ak ron Many of the submissions wil l be featured in ou r Ma rch City Guide, and the pe rson with the most creative submission wil l be chosen to win a pr ize.

You have two ways to ente r:

E- ma il a hi gh -r esolut ion (300 dpi or hi gher) di gita l im ag e to klinds ey @b aker me di ag roup.com

Ma il a photo pr int to Kr is ti n Li nd se y, Ma na gi ng Ed itor

Ak ron Li fe & Le isure 90 S. Ma ple St . Ak ron, OH 44 30 8 or

*B e su re to include your full na me, addres s, phone nu mb er and where your photo wa s ta ken. Only your na me and photo lo cation w ill be published. To be el ig ible, photos mu st be received by Dec. 1, 20 09.

Healthy Tips

Screening and Early Detection Key to Effective Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

By Julie Uehara

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women in this country, not counting skin cancers. In 2009, it is estimated that there will be 106,100 new cases of colon cancer and 40,870 new cases of rectal cancer in the United States and the cancers combined would cause nearly 50,000 deaths.

However, through screening and early detection, colorectal cancer can be effectively treated. “Colorectal cancer is a disease that can be prevented through regular screenings, a healthy diet and regular exercise,” explains Fredrick A. Slezak, M.D., a colorectal surgeon with Summa Physicians Inc.

To lower your risk of colorectal cancer, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons provides the following recommendations:

• Undergo regular colorectal cancer screenings after age 50.

• Stick to a low-fat, high-fiber diet.

• If you consume alcohol, make sure to do so only in moderation. If you use tobacco, quit. Alcohol and tobacco in combination are linked to colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers.

• Exercise for at least 20 minutes three to four days each week. Moderate exercise such as walking,

gardening or climbing steps may help in preventing the disease.

Since there are very few symptoms associated with colorectal cancer, regular screening is essential. Screening is beneficial for two main reasons: colorectal cancer is preventable if polyps that lead to the cancer are detected and removed, and it is curable if the cancer is detected in its early stages.

“In most cases, colorectal cancer requires surgery for a complete cure, sometimes in conjunction with radiation and chemotherapy,” Slezak says. “Between 80 and 90 percent of patients are restored to normal health if the cancer is detected and treated in the earliest stages. However, the cure rate drops to 50 percent or less when diagnosed in the later stages.”

The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. All men and women age 50 and older are at risk for developing colorectal cancer, and should be screened. Some people are at a higher risk and should be screened at an age younger than 50, including those with a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer or polyps, or ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer.

Individuals should ask their primary care physician for more information.

To find a physician, visit Summa Health System’s website at www.summahealth.org.

Frederick A. Slezak, M.D.

the old stone school

It sits on Broadway and Buchtel as silent witness to a time when children did ‘rithmetic on slates, practiced writing with nibs carefully whittled for them by their teachers and learned morality along with their reading from McGuffey Readers.

Built in 1840 on land donated by General Simon Perkins, the Old Stone School is the oldest public school building in Akron. It was used for primary classes during the day. At night, it was a community center for town meetings and political, religious and literary gatherings.

That may sound traditional by today’s standards, but in some ways what was happening in Akron educationally at the time was revolutionary.

The idea of public education was still new. Mothers typically taught their children at home and the schools that did exist functioned independently. Some families who could afford tuition enrolled their children in private schools or arranged for apprenticeships. Although Ohio began collecting a half mil property tax in 1825 to fund the establishment of “common schools,” children weren’t required to attend until 1921.

The citizens of Akron were early believers in public education. Under the Akron School Law of 1847, they created a single school district encompassing the entire city. They decided to create multiple elementary schools and to

divide them into separate “grades” based on achievement. They established a school board, elected by the community, to make management decisions and hire the professionals needed to run each school. They planned to add a high school to their system down the road.

Akron’s system became the model for the entire state, and just two years later the Ohio School Law was passed.

By the mid-1880s, the Old Stone School was sold to the railroad. Over the years, its original furnishings were lost.

Three separate preservation efforts have kept the facility alive for historical purposes. The most successful was a collaborative effort between the Summit County Historical Society and the Akron Public Schools in 1967. With funding from a number of community

foundations, the building’s exterior and grounds were repaired and new interior furnishings were added to make the museum look like a 19th century school again. A large blackboard was donated by Zion Lutheran Church whose parochial school used the building from 1876 to 1880. A pot-bellied stove, old cabinets for artifacts and books, an antique dictionary and a water crock with ladle were added to give the oneroom schoolhouse an old-time feel.

Two-seater bench desks were constructed by students from Hower Vocational School with materials paid for by local PTAs. Cotton fabric was donated so that students from Goodyear and Perkins Junior High schools could sew authentic-looking dresses and bonnets like those 1840s teachers may have worn.

Today, the Old Stone School is a stop on the history tour that gives Akron’s third graders a glimpse of their city’s past. The Historical Society also has plans for a public open house there this fall.

Photo Courtesy of The Ruth Clinefelter Collection

Photo courtesy of Summit County Historical Society

Get Summa excellence close to home.

Summa’s large network of local community hospitals provides easy access to excellent care.

Discover a Summa hospital near you!

Akron City Hospital

Barberton Hospital

Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital

Robinson Memorial Hospital

St. Thomas Hospital

Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital