December 2022 Akron Life Magazine

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 12

DECEMBER 2022

JUST A DAD FROM AKRON

SHOP LOCAL FIND GIFTS AT 12 HUDSON STORES

Kenny Lambert lifts up Kenmore

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DECEMBER 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 12

Pages start here

On The Cover

| 26 Just A Dad From Akron | photo by Alan Chavez

[ FEATURES ]

26 AMAZING GRACE Kenny Lambert is more than his past. He is sober and Just A Dad From Akron, using the business to uplift his community.

38 BARRIER BREAKERS These hospitals are working to resolve inequalities and close gaps. Plus, discover 160 Elite Physicians in more than 45 specialities.

Kenny Lambert photo by Alan Chavez

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akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2022

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UNCORKED

AGENDA

UNTAPPED

Ferrari-Carano Winery

[ the essential social digest ]

Ciderboys Hard Cider

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

08 MAIL BONDING 09 FROM THE PUBLISHER Life Saver

10 RADAR [ seen + heard ]

11 UPFRONT Be Present

12 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] 13 Entertainment listings

+ Calendar of events 18 Flash: Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame 22 Flash: Butterfly Gala

62 FOREVER YOUNG Bond with grandkids.

[ notable food + drink ] 70 Restaurant listings 71 Uncorked:

66 FINANCIAL PLANNING

Ferrari-Carano Winery 72 Untapped: Ciderboys Hard Cider

Georgian Room

akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2022

54 SHOP LOCAL HUDSON

70 GOOD EATS

75 PARTING SHOT

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[ Publisher | Colin Baker | cbaker@bakermediagroup.com ]

Life Saver Learning about our hospitals firsthand inspires gratitude.

Our health care issues have been a staple at Akron Life for 18 years.

They have been a way to connect with our readers and showcase the best doctors in our area. We have had many changes in our local health care industry, including new technologies and treatments that can help people live healthier.

Over the summer, I unfortunately visited some of our finest local providers. As a kid, I was what you would call “accident prone.”

I usually had a yearly visit for stitches or some other mishap. As I got older, this became less and less frequent, and I was moving closer to a life of safety. But the truth is, I probably wasn’t all that safe; rather, I was lucky.

This all started when I decided I was going to replace some flooring in a travel trailer that I purchased from my brother.

I was thinking, Wouldn’t it be great to take my 2-year-old camping and get out and enjoy the outdoors? I consider myself competent at fixing things and thought, This shouldn’t be too hard.

I needed a saw that could cut around tight corners and a circular saw wouldn’t work.

So, I put a saw blade on an angle grinder and thought it would do the trick. It was a Saturday morning, and I had a few hours to myself, so I decided I would head over to a storage facility where the trailer was parked and work on it.

I immediately broke many safety rules, so it wasn’t off to a good start. After the first cut

into the floor, the saw jumped away from me. To paraphrase the band the Clash with a little artistic license, “I fought the saw, and the saw won.” Both of my legs were hit, one on the thigh and the other on the calf. I stood up and thought, I better get myself to the urgent care or something, but it was worse than I thought. My phone was in my car about 50 feet away. I hobbled to my phone and thought I could drive, but after looking at my leg, I called 911. I didn’t know the address where I was and was feeling lightheaded. I stayed on the phone and was in shock. They must have used my cellphone location to find me, because within 5 minutes, an ambulance was there. They loaded me up, and I was on my way. I called my wife to say I was going to the hospital, and she knew something was wrong because I would have never gone to the hospital on my own accord. I was taken right to the emergency department and was stitched up.

These are the moments that everything changes — I could see it was close to an artery, and what I was doing was careless and could have been much worse. I feel very blessed to have had such urgent and quality care. It is easy to take for granted what resources in medicine we have around us until we need them. You can learn more about elite physicians in The 330 on pg. 38. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for those who save lives and saved mine. Going through an experience like that is eye-opening, and I think I will just hire someone to replace the trailer floor. I’m done with that project.

[ Publisher Colin Baker is a retired racing driver and gearhead. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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PAGES RADAR

by Kelly Petryszyn

seen + heard

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LO C A L GIFTS

F OR T WEEN S: “Play Like a Girl” Despite pushback from other kids, including male players, Misty Wilson joined her seventh-grade football team in Wadsworth. In this debut graphic memoir for 8- to 12-year-olds, Wilson captures what it was like being the only girl and charging through gender stereotypes. With nostalgic illustrations by her husband, David Wilson, and its status as a Junior Library Gold Standard Selection, it’s a winning pick to inspire young adolescents to follow their passions and be true to themselves. Paperback $12.99, Harper Collins/Balzer & Bray

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FESTI VE MISCHIEF

N EW T R ADI T I O N

Those who would rather be naughty than nice can head to the new Crafty Sirens altmaker showcase Dec. 10 at Missing Falls Brewery and R. Shea Brewing in Canal Place.

Appropriately dubbed Santa’s Little Heathens, the mischievous market’s crew brings together over 50 regional makers selling wicked good gifts like Hoops and Horror embroidery art of Drew Barrymore in “Scream” or Ethereal and Enchanting healing crystal jewelry. Plus, get henna tattoos, tarot card readings and pictures with a buff Santa. And you can have devilish fun without guilt — proceeds benefit One of a Kind Pet Rescue. 540 S. Main St., Suite 214, Akron, instagram.com/crafty.sirens

The Seiberlings stand in for the Stahlbaums in “The Akron Nutcracker,” which gives the popular ballet a Rubber City spin Dec. 22 and 23 at E.J. Thomas Hall. Back for a second year, this original work is set at Stan Hywet Hall. It includes 1930s set pieces of beloved local landmarks, like Polsky’s and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, done by community artists.

Diverse professional Verb Ballets dancers and University of Akron and ArtSparks students perform this reimagining of the classic that still features the mouse king, the eponymous nutcracker and Tchaikovsky’s resounding score played by the Akron Symphony Orchestra. 198 Hill St., Akron, uakron.edu/ej

akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2022

With a whole chapter on quintessential Akron sauerkraut balls, retired Akron librarian Judy Orr James helps home cooks discover recipes brought to Akron as people of different ethnicities made it their homes. Enjoy historical restaurant photos alongside local recipes like Italian-style city chicken or Polish Easter bread. Paperback $23.99, The History Press F OR M US I C LOVER S: “Where in the Hell is Akron, OH?” Vol. 4 Billed as a snapshot of the local music scene, this compilation of songs recorded at Akron Recording Co. brings all the vibes.

Through various genres, tracks offer a rich mix of local music ranging from queer Akron singersongwriter Samantha Grace’s “Light it Up” that rocks out with soft defiance to Akron hip-hop duo Free Black’s soulful “Don’t Make Me” that tackles societal issues and features Akron frontman Wesley Bright. Vinyl $25, akronrecordingcompany.com

photo by Bill Naiman

F OR F OODI ES: “Akron Family Recipes”

PAGES UPFRONT

[ Managing Editor | Kelly Petryszyn | kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com ]

Be Present

Kelly and Izzy, photo by Smilyn Photography

Letting go of the past can move you forward.

I began reading “What to Expect the First Year” and other books and articles to prep for becoming a parent.

But the more you research, the more conflicting the information gets and the more you realize there is no one way to raise your child. Parenting is challenging, but the love for your child drives you to persevere.

On pg. 26 read a feature story about Kenny Lambert, who was driven by the birth of his daughter to get sober. He opened the Just A Dad From Akron store that sells positive clothing and does giveaways in the inner-city Kenmore neighborhood. Learning about how he overcame his struggles has inspired others to get out of addiction and more parents and community members to step up.

My daughter, Izzy, turns 1 this month.

Becoming a parent brings the highest highs and the lowest lows. The first few weeks are a slog, since you have to feed babies every two to three hours, cutting into sleep.

You can often do less when the baby surpasses its birth weight. But we had to keep it up and go to weekly weigh-ins since Izzy hadn’t for five weeks. Most pediatricians encourage nursing so that’s what we chose, but to fix the issue, we went with our guts and gave her formula and did combo feeds. Sure enough, on the sixth week, she gained weight, and we could dial the night feedings back! There are other obstacles, but I’m happy to report that her weight is above average to the point that my mom calls her a “butterball.”

What has been most helpful in these gray areas is hearing other parents struggle too.

After Izzy rolled, she was so active that we had to rock her to sleep for hours. I reached out to my friend, who is also a new mom, and her baby started rolling and was struggling with sleeping as well. It was a relief I wasn’t alone, and a push to persist.

When you become a parent, people often say your life is over, but in so many ways, a new life has begun. You have to stop being selfish and put your kid’s needs first. That leads to joy. Your child rewards you — it was tearful to watch Izzy crawl for the first time, and it’s the best feeling to see her happily bounce when I greet her each morning.

Perhaps what is most gratifying at this stage is that she gives you grace and lovingly smiles at you even after you make inevitable mistakes — not catching her when she tumbles after pulling up to standing and bumping her head when getting her out of the car seat. It’s beautiful that through her eyes, you are more than your mishaps — so we should leave those in the past.

The Just A Dad story discusses how Lambert worked to repair relationships hurt by addiction and how people have given him grace and forgiveness. Not letting the past define him freed him to rehabilitate, become a present father and help so many people through Just A Dad. Wouldn’t it be transcendent if we looked at everyone beyond their pasts and saw each other for who we truly are? It may sound like a dream, and it would take a lot of work for everyone, including myself, but Lambert and his team are doing it and started a movement. Consider the article an invitation to join.

[ Managing Editor Kelly Petryszyn is an adventure seeker, forever a dreamer and an avid supporter of #TeamFiona. ] DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

DECEMBER 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 12

Agenda

photo provided by Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

the essential social digest

Through 12/30 Deck the Hall: Gracious Gatherings p19 Take in 1 million holiday lights and holiday decorations on select dates of Dec. 1-4, 8-23 and 26-30. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 3-8 p.m. Estate closes at 9 p.m. $16-19 members, $20-$24 nonmembers. stanhywet.org

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akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2022

AGENDA

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS on akronlife.com or email asobczak@ bakermediagroup.com.

NOTE: Dates, events, locations, times and prices are subject to change.

Please call ahead.

Remote Akron Art Museum Explore the museum’s collections online. Kiddos and those wanting to get creative can craft via video lessons. akronartmuseum. org/at-home

Akron Civic Theatre Check its Facebook for local musicians, events, stage shows and other performances. facebook. com/akroncivic

Akron Soul Train View video profiles from past, current and future Soul Train artists-inresidence. facebook. com/akronsoultrain

Akron-Summit County Public Library Sit kids down for story times with children’s librarians or various book talks via videos on its Facebook page.

Books are available inside or for curbside pickup. facebook.com/akronlibrary

DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

Akron Symphony Orchestra Theron Brown, an Akron-based jazz musician, and Thomas Moore, director of marketing for the Akron Symphony Orchestra, discuss different jazz-centered topics in their podcast, “Backstage at the Hi Hat,” available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more. akronsymphony.org

Akron Zoo Visit the zoo digitally to enjoy live keeper talks, animal encounters and presentations from local experts. akronzoo.org

The Americana Roundup Akron musician Ryan Humbert launched an online radio station, the Americana Roundup, which plays more than 3,000 songs he handpicked. The station plays all day and focuses on rock, country, folk and more. americanaroundup.com

akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2022

Canton Symphony Orchestra Watch mini concerts and learn about the issue of diversity in classical music during the “Orchestrating Change” podcast. cantonsymphony.org

Cleveland Orchestra Connect with the orchestra via the streaming platform Adella to access performances recorded in Severance Hall, as well as the “On a Personal Note” podcast that’s about classical music. clevelandorchestra.com

Gage House Sessions

Go to its Facebook for videos with fun things to do at home including crafts and dance lessons, music performances and book readings. facebook.com/artsinstark

Grab your favorite drink and enjoy an evening with local musicians via Gage House’s live sessions. Check out previous shows from artists including Madison Cummins and Ben Gage, who both make for evenings of soothing tunes. facebook. com/gagehousesessions

Apollo’s Fire

Jilly’s Music Room

Indulge in music, art and literature from the Cleveland Baroque orchestra with posts of past concert videos, interviews with people like the Grammy Awardwinning conductor Jeannette Sorrell and related readings. See shows through a digital portal or in person. apollosfire.org

The Akron music venue is hosting select Streaming Fridays on its YouTube channel. Watch the livestreams and visit the online store to order dinner, tip the band, make a donation and buy merchandise. jillysmusicroom.com

ArtsInStark

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Blu Jazz Jazz enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite tunes through livestreams on Blu Jazz’s Facebook page and support local artists. facebook.com/blujazzakron

AGENDA

Magical Theatre Company The Barberton theater company is offering game nights and educational videos. Children can also enjoy stories read by local theater veterans during Magical Storytime. magicaltheatre.org

The Nightlight Purchase tickets to rent movies online through the Akron art house cinema’s virtual screening room — you’ll have access to the films at nightlightcinema.com/ virtual-screening-room.

Ohio Shakespeare Festival Look up its venture, Ohio Shakespeare Festival Radio Plays, in which the troupe adapts plays and short stories for livestreaming. facebook. com/ohioshakespeare

Radio on the Lake Theatre The Shaker Heights-based organization utilizes modern technology to connect with actors, directors and artists from throughout the country to perform and record radio plays. radioonthelaketheatre.org

Rubber City Theatre Dive into the world of online theater with its Shakespeare in the Living Room series in which professional actors perform Shakespearean works using props they found lying around their homes. facebook. com/rubbercitytheatre

DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

Standing Rock Cultural Arts Enjoy a podcast of “Arcade Cheezy Town,” a play written and performed by students in the New World Children’s Theatre based in Kent. standingrock.podbean.com

The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory

Family owned and operated since 1875, with chapels in Fairlawn and Cuyahoga Falls. Now celebrating the sixth-generation of family leadership in dedicated service to the city of Akron.

Complimentary Live Streaming. Virtual Arrangements. Digital Tribute Wall and Guestbook

Fairlawn • Cuyahoga Falls • 330-867-4141 • www.billowfuneralhomes.com SPONSORED CONTENT

Exceptional Accents Offers Unique Art & Upcycled Furniture If you are looking for a unique gift or an accent piece for your home, Exceptional Accents features original art, upcycled and vintage furniture and rare collectibles that are truly one of a kind. Just a short drive from Amish Country, Exceptional Accents features paintings, sculptures and functional art pieces such as handpainted jewelry, jewelry boxes, clocks and lamps by artist and owner Susan Stuck and pottery by artist Susan Nolt-Banks

Open Friday noon-4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. & Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., closed January 101 Canal St. W, Navarre, facebook.com/exceptionalaccents

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akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2022

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens The North American Reciprocal Museum Association is offering virtual tours of the first floor of the manor house at Stan Hywet.

Guests can tour the most impressive floor without leaving their homes. stanhywet.org

Summit County Historical Society of Akron, OH Learn about historical figures on their birthdays, join virtual book talks, view artifacts and more on its Facebook page. facebook.com/ summitcountyhistoricalsociety

AGENDA

Summit Metro Parks Explore many different topics, including animals, plants, different habitats, fitness and more, through virtual events. summitmetroparks.org

Up Front Art Space This Cuyahoga Falls gallery is sharing photos and videos of artwork for sale to support local creatives. facebook. com/upfrontartspace

photo provided by Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Virtual Jukebox Dance and sing along to videos made by local artists. You may have heard some of these 330 artists, like Jim Ballard, Shelby Olive and Adrian Labra on 90.7 and 91.3 Summit FM radio waves. Browse the 50-plus videos to enjoy your favorites and discover new sounds. the330.net/virtual-jukebox

Wandering Aesthetics Theatre Go on this Akron troupe’s Facebook page for performance videos from members and fans — it could be play readings, poetry, comedy, puppets, dance or whatever else artists submit. facebook.com/watheatre

Weathervane Playhouse Sign up for virtual workshops and classes for all ages that focus on dancing, acting and more. Also view short films on the theater’s YouTube channel. weathervaneplayhouse.com

DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA FLASH

Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank hosted the 15th annual Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Sept. 13 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. Hall of Famers Isaac Bruce, Steve Largent and Randall McDaniel attended and shared stories from their time playing during a panel discussion moderated by Dan Flowers, president and CEO of the foodbank.

Guests enjoyed food and drink from spots like Canton Brewing Co. and Gervasi Vineyard, and they had the chance to bid on live and silent auction items like a ride in the Goodyear blimp. The nearly 400 guests helped raise more than $214,000, which is the equivalent of giving about 800,000 meals to local residents facing food insecurity.

photos courtesy of Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank

1. Planning committee

members took a moment with Hall of Famers.

2. Nearly 400 guests attended the event.

3. Auction committee member Patty Spinelli met football legend Randall McDaniel.

4. A bidding war ensued over the Goodyear blimp.

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akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2022

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AGENDA

Events Through 12/3 “Here, There and Everywhere” See new work based on locals’ stories about the redevelopment of Akron by Akron Soul Train residency artist Drew Ippoliti, a local sculptor and assistant professor in the ceramics department at The University of Akron.

Akron Soul Train, 191 King James Way, Akron. Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. akronsoultrain.org

Through 12/14 North Canton Farmers’ Market Browse fresh produce, meats, baked goods and more at this year-round market. North Canton Civic Center, 845 W. Maple St., North Canton. Wednesday 3-6 p.m. ncantonfarmersmarket.com

Through 12/17 Fall Exhibits View exhibits at Summit Artspace, including group exhibits “Kaleidoscope Juried Exhibition” and “Group 10 Member Exhibition” and solo exhibits “little by little and was by was,” “Caught in the Branches” and “In Bloom.” Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron.

Friday noon-7 p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. summitartspace.org Through 12/30 Wild Lights Celebrate the holidays at the wildest lighting display around on select dates including Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-23 and 2630 at the Akron Zoo. Surround yourself with dazzling lights, animals, special entertainment and the sounds of the holidays. Tell Santa your holiday wishes and treat yourself to delicious goodies and warm beverages. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. 5-9 p.m. $14 members, $18 nonmembers. akronzoo.org

Through 12/30 Deck the Hall: Gracious Gatherings Take in 1 million holiday lights and holiday decorations on select dates of Dec. 1-4, 8-23 and 26-30. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 3-8 p.m. Estate closes at 9 p.m. $16-$19 members, $20-$24 nonmembers. stanhywet.org

DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

Through 12/31 “Sawdust and Glitter” Take in Athena Abood Brown’s solo exhibit featuring colorful and glittery wood-burned pieces. Up Front Art Space, 127 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls.

Wednesday 4-7 p.m., Thursday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday noon-3 p.m. upfrontartspace.com

View wall-size pieces by a South African illustration studio. Pieces are inspired by the artists’ hometown environments.

Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron.

Wednesday, Friday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $12 adult general admission. akronartmusuem.org

Through 1/4/23 “Into Light Project Ohio: Continuing the Conversation” This exhibit uses

Through 5/28/23 “Pathfinders: Kent State University School of Fashion Alumni” Check out diverse

portraits by Heather Bullach and Theresa Clower to humanize people and remove the stigma associated with the disease of addiction. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon.

Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. massillonmuseum.org

approaches to fashion by Kent State University alumni who have at least six years of experience after graduation, such as Jules Acree, Deanna First, Keama Garrett, Joshua Hupper, Miyako Nakamura and Anne Skoch. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff and all on Sunday, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum

Through 1/8/23 “Carry On: A Century of Swing” Learn about the history of swing-style marching band.

Massillon Museum, Paul Brown Museum Gallery, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon.

Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. massillonmuseum.org

Through 1/22/23 “Stark County Artists Exhibition” Take in two- and three-dimensional pieces at this annual juried exhibit. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. TuesdaySaturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. massillonmuseum.org

2 for 1 Holiday Sale

Through 2/20/23 Winterblast Embrace the season with ice bumper cars, ice bikes, mini golf, Archie the Snowman and more. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. lock3live.com

330 FLAVOR AWARDS

VOLUME 19 | ISSUE 1 | JANUARY 2021

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Through 2/25/23 “The Me Decade”

2021

PEP SQUAD 5 EDUCATORS INSPIRE SMILES

akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2022

Through 5/14/23 “Good Hope”

Peruse clothing and artifacts from the 1970s under a disco ball on a dance floor. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. TuesdaySaturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Kids $8, adults $10. mckinleymuseum.org

Through 8/27/23 “As the World Weds: Global Wedding Traditions” This Kent State University Museum exhibit features clothing beyond white dresses that are incorporated in wedding ceremonies around the world. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum

12/1-4, 12/8-11 & 12/15-18 “Cinderella” See this classic fairy tale with a modern twist performed by the Ohio Shakespeare Festival. Greystone Hall, 103 S. High St., Akron. 2 or 8 p.m. $5-$35. ohioshakespearefestival.com

12/2 & 12/3 Kenmore Winter Break Music Festival Listen to performances by Detention, Big Pop, Floco Torres and more during this festival hosted by the Rialto Theatre and 91.3 the Summit FM. Rialto Theatre, 1000 Kenmore Boulevard, Akron. 6 p.m. $15-$25. therialtotheatre.com

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Be the Reason for Brighter Futures

There are more than 800 children in the custody of Summit County Children Services. These children need safe, loving, caring families due to concerns of child abuse, neglect or dependency. Nearly 40 percent of these children are placed with kinship families; however, the remaining children need foster homes, and more importantly, families.

Summit County Children Services currently has about 170 foster homes, and that is not enough to meet the need.

BECOME A FOSTERTO-ADOPT PARENT Meet the Jefferson Family Ms. Jefferson has been a licensed foster-to-adopt parent for Summit County Children Services for over 11 years. Becoming a foster-toadopt parent has been on her heart since she was a young girl watching the “Punky Brewster” TV show. The show featured a young girl who did not have a family and was

being raised by a foster parent.

From that time, Jefferson knew in her heart that she wanted to become a foster parent one day and make a difference in the life of a child.

children after permanency has been achieved. She has made a difference in the lives of many children and has welcomed many new extended family members.

Upon becoming a fosterto-adopt parent, Jefferson has fostered nine children and adopted three girls.

Jefferson strives to make and maintain primary family connections for the children who enter her home. She recognizes the importance of family bonds and has been successful in building relationships that encourage reunification or that provide ongoing connections for

“I really love to work with Ms. Jefferson and her family,” says Christina Horner, foster home coordinator for Summit County Children Services.

“Ms. Jefferson continues to be committed to provide love and care for the children in her home and nurtures extended family relationships.”

Summit County Children Services 264 S. Arlington St., Akron 24-hour foster care and adoption inquiry line: 330-379-1990 summitkids.org DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA FLASH

Butterfly Gala One of Stewart’s Caring Place’s largest fundraisers ever, the 19th annual Butterfly Gala was sold out Sept. 10 with over 400 guests. Hosted at the home of supporters Michael Gangel Jr. and Brandi Gangel, the gala raised money for the nonprofit that offers 150 free services and programs to more than 2,000 local individuals and families impacted by cancer. Guests enjoyed music by DT & the Shakes and a live auction. This year’s Spirit Award winners were Roger and Sally Read, and board member Angela Wharton, who came to Stewart’s Caring Place after receiving a cancer diagnosis, shared that the organization taught her selfadvocacy skills that “saved her life.”

photos provided by Stewart’s Caring Place

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akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2022

AGENDA

12/2, 12/9 & 12/15-16 Dinner & Deck the Hall: An Evening of Holiday Magic Enjoy a buffet dinner before touring the estate decorated with 1 million holiday lights. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron.

5-9 p.m. $91.75-$96.02. stanhywet.org

12/2-3, 12/9-10 & 12/16-17 “Scrooge! The Musical” Boom Theater performs this musical adaptation of the timeless story by Charles Dickens.

Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $25. akroncivic.com

12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/23 & 12/30 Lunchtime Yoga Relax with some beginner-friendly yoga at the Massillon Museum each Friday.

Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 12:30-1:15 p.m. $6 class, $15 three classes. massillonmuseum.org

12/3 JingleDog 5K Race in this annual dog-friendly 5K or 1-mile fun run. Firestone Metro Park, Tuscarawas Shelter, 2620 Harrington Road, Akron. 9 a.m.-1:05 p.m. $20-$35. runningdog.org

12/3 Jingle Dog Parade & Holiday Market Check out the most festive dogs as they parade up Front Street.

Also shop at the dog-friendly holiday market. Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls.

Noon-3 p.m. downtowncf.com

12/3 Woodpeckers of Wood Hollow Join a naturalist to learn about woodpecker’s lives. Wood Hollow Metro Park, 2121 Barlow Road, Hudson.

9:30-11 a.m. summitmetroparks.org

12/3 & 12/4 “The Nutcracker” Watch this classic holiday show performed

by Ballet Theatre of Ohio. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. $40-$50. akroncivic.com

12/3, 12/10 & 12/17 Lunch with Santa & Carolers Enjoy lunch with Santa or listen to vintage carolers outside the Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard as you sit down to have a bite. Gervasi Vineyard, the Bistro, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. Santa 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & carolers 7-9 p.m. gervasivineyard.com

12/3, 12/10 & 12/17 Winery Tours Learn about Gervasi Vineyard’s winemaking facility, then enjoy four wine tastings, a wine glass and four chef-selected bites. Gervasi Vineyard, the Crush House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 1:30-2:30 p.m. or 3:30-4:30 p.m. $27. gervasivineyard.com

12/4 Pajama Hike & Fire Take a nighttime walk and sip some cocoa by a campfire. Liberty Park, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 6:30-7:30 p.m. summitmetroparks.org

DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

12/4 Sugar Plum Tour Stroll through five beautifully decorated homes in the Greater Akron area inperson. Virtual expanded tour Dec. 10 & 11. $35. sugarplumtour.org

12/9 Chickadee Feeding Get up-

12/4 & 12/11 Healthful Hikes Boost your physical and mental health during these hikes on Buckeye, Stanford, O’Neil Woods and Towpath trails. Distances, trails and times vary. nps.gov/cuva

12/9 Winterfest This family event

12/4, 12/11 & 12/18 Distillery Tasting Tours Go behind the scenes of the distillery at Gervasi Vineyard during a tour, then enjoy three spirit tastings and take home a shot glass and a salty snack. Gervasi Vineyard, the Still House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton.

2-3 p.m. $17. gervasivineyard.com

12/6 Symphony Uncorked: Holiday Duo Celebrate the season at this concert performed by Canton Symphony Orchestra musicians Nancy Paterson on harp and Jenny Robinson on flute. Gervasi Vineyard, Villa Grande Ballroom, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton.

7 p.m. $39. gervasivineyard.com

12/8 Brew at the Zoo Wander the Akron Zoo after hours while enjoying a beer or glass of wine.

Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron.

6:30- 9:30 p.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. akronzoo.org

12/8 Christmas Cookie Exchange Bring two batches of homemade cookies and get some wine, cheese and cookies in return. Grande Cafe & Roastery, 4080 Creative Living Way, Medina. 5-7 p.m. $30. facebook.com/medinacreativehousing

12/8 “Handel’s Messiah” Enjoy this performance that brings storytelling, spirituality and theatricality to Handel’s layered piece. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St., Akron.

7 p.m. $10-$78. apollosfire.org 12/9 ArtWalk Head to the Historic Arts District to enjoy food, music, art and more. Downtown Akron.

4-9 p.m. summitartspace.org

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close to chickadees and hand feed them. Firestone Metro Park, Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Road, Akron. 3-4:30 p.m. summitmetroparks.org

features horse-drawn carriage rides, ice carving, treats and more. Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market, 1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville. 5-9 p.m.

Free. hartvillemarketplace.com

12/9, 12/16 & 12/23 Lunch with the Grinch & Carolers Enjoy lunch

12/10-1/22/23 “Coty Gianelli: Days with Delsie” See digital photography at this Massillon Museum exhibition. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. TuesdaySaturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. massillonmuseum.org

12/13 The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass Listen to a festive holiday program that combines swing, classical and jazz. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $19-$49. tuesdaymusical.org

with the Grinch or listen to vintage carolers outside the Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard as you sit down to have a bite.

Gervasi Vineyard, the Bistro, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. Grinch noon-3 p.m. & carolers 7-9 p.m. gervasivineyard.com

12/14 & 12/28 Hooks & Books

12/10 Crafty Sirens Appropriately

12/19-22 Holiday Movies Catch

dubbed Santa’s Little Heathens, this mischievous new market brings together over 50 regional makers selling wicked good gifts and offering henna tattoos, tarot card readings and pictures with a buff Santa. Proceeds benefit One of a Kind Pet Rescue. R. Shea Brewing Co. and Missing Falls Brewery, 540 S. Main St., Suite 214, Akron, 2-7 p.m., instagram.com/crafty.sirens

12/22 & 12/23 “The Akron Nutcracker: A Holiday in the Rubber City” Hear Tchaikovsky’s

12/10 Saturday Adventure: Bird Watching for Beginners Discover how to use binoculars, field guides and birding apps during this walk. Boston Mill Visitor Center, 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula. 9-10:30 a.m. nps.gov/cuva

12/10 & 12/11 Christmas in the Valley Join a singalong, run or walk in the Reindeer Dash, decorate cookies, meet Santa and more during this holiday festival. Downtown Valley City. Saturday 6 p.m. & Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $15 Reindeer Dash. nmccalliance.com

12/10-11 & 12/17-18 Breakfast with Santa Get a bite from Breakfast Box, get a photo with Santa, decorate a cookie and more. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $12-$15. lock3live.com

Discuss what you’ve been reading while you sew or knit at this event Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. or Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. White Rabbit Galleries, 571 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton. barbertonlibrary.org

the classic holiday films “Elf,” “White Christmas,” “Home Alone” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7:30 p.m. $10. cantonpalacetheatre.org

magical score performed by the Akron Symphony Orchestra in this local reimagining that adds Main Street, Polsky’s and Stan Hywet Hall into the classic tale. It features diverse dancers from Verb Ballets, ArtSparks and The University of Akron. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $15-$23-$43. uakron.edu/ej

12/31 New Year’s Eve Dine and drink at the Bistro, Crush House or Still House, and ring in the new year with a variety of live music including a DJ and sax performance at the Still House. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. gervasivineyard.com

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AGENDA

blue / A GOODWILL® BOUTIQUE / Visit the boutique for upscale clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories — whether they’re new with tags or just look new, you’re sure to find great deals.

illustration by Zoe Neely

Good finds. Great impact. Bring good home.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

blue / A GOODWILL® BOUTIQUE / 3900 Medina Road, Suite T, Copley 234-200-0130 goodwillakron.org/blue

Sing Stark Presents Vox Audio’s performance of “Believe” Join Sing Stark’s Vox Audio in a magical, spirited Christmas show for all ages. The beautiful a cappella harmonies, soulful vocals and thrilling beatboxing percussion will lift your hearts and inspire you to believe in the magic of the season! Shows Saturday, December 17th at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 18th at 3 p.m. on the Main Stage.

Nuts for the Holidays!

The Peanut Shoppe of Akron specializes in fresh roasted peanuts, deluxe nuts and party mixes, old-fashioned candies and holiday treats. Raw nuts also available. Perfect for entertaining and corporate gift-giving. Gift packaging available.

Sing Stark

The Peanut Shoppe of Akron

Cultural Center for the Arts

203 S Main St. | Akron

1001 Market Ave. N | Canton

330-376-7020

singstark.org

facebook.com/peanutakron

3'$ /$ -43 2'.//$ Specializing in Fresh Roasted DPeanuts, E C E M B E R 2 0Deluxe 2 2 | a k r oNut n l i f e .& c oParty m 25 Mixes, Old-Fashioned Candies

by Alexandra Sobczak

photos by Alan Chavez

Kenny and Amelia Lambert

AMAZING GRACE

Kenny Lambert is more than his past. He is sober and Just A Dad From Akron, using the business to uplift Kenmore.

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On a blustery 10-degree day in December 2020, families lined Kenmore Boulevard, waiting for up to two hours, some without warm clothing to bundle in.

“That’s how people are very much in need of stuff,” says Kenny Lambert, the now-32-yearold founder of Just A Dad From Akron, who organized its first holiday gift giveaway.

With a dyed-red mohawk and just a few of his 100-plus tattoos visible, Lambert passed out hats, gloves and blankets to some people in line, talking to as many as possible, all while carrying his then-3-year-old daughter, Amelia.

She’s the reason he’s Just A Dad From Akron — both literally and figuratively — as he started the apparel company that does community outreach events for Christmas, Halloween, Father’s Day, back to school and more after he finished treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, with his daughter as his driving force.

stack of three presents to a woman wrapped in a blanket, and when the last people reached the storefront — an 8-year-old and 10-year-old whose parents dropped them off — he and the team filled their arms with the remaining bags of toys.

He’s happy to take away some of the stress of holiday gift-giving from families who can’t afford it. He grew up in Kenmore, a neighborhood where the median household income was about $13,000 lower than the state median, accoding to 2010 census data and the city of Akron. Parents struggling to afford presents is something Lambert saw firsthand as a kid.

“We never really had much. It was, for Christmas, a heads-up, like, Hey, we’re not going to have Christmas presents unless God provides a way,” Lambert says. “Those mothers or dads or whoever’s out there … to give them some relief … and give them a Christmas — that alone, it’s priceless.”

“I feel like God gave me a daughter,” Lambert says. “That’s how this all started — the inspiration behind it, how I got sober, how I have a life today.”

Lambert refers to his time in addiction as his “past life,” and the change has been significant.

His work, focused on Kenmore, has received great community response, including 1,500 people attending the premiere of the documentary about Just A Dad, “The Movement,” at the Akron Civic Theatre in October.

Now accustomed to running free community events instead of self-described “running the streets,” Lambert and other volunteers passed out presents wrapped in festive red, white and green paper to 200 diverse families at the first gift giveaway. Community members donated gifts, including one who dropped off $500 worth of toys and others who wheeled more than 10 tricycles and bicycles up to a barebones Kenmore storefront decorated with gold tinsel garland that later opened as Just A Dad From Akron in 2021. Lambert gave a

DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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Lambert’s part in Kenmore hasn’t always been so uplifting.

Kenmore is where he hit rock bottom — homeless and struggling with addiction in spring 2018. “Sleeping in the car, eating fudge rounds for like a month straight because that’s all I could afford,” he says, “I didn’t see how twisted I was.”

Growing up in Kenmore, he was the only one of his friends who had a dad, he recalls, and one of the only kids in the neighborhood who lived with both of his parents — things he took for granted at the time. At first, he was unaware of the drugs that were prevalent in Kenmore, as his dad, who worked three or four jobs at a time, was strict, and his mom cautioned Lambert to stay away from marijuana. And drugs weren’t common at Springfield Junior High School, where he went until eighth grade.

When he switched to Kenmore High School in ninth grade, the pressure was immediate.

“Kids in Kenmore smoked cigarettes. I know a lot of kids that drank, smoked weed, all that stuff, at like 9 years old,” Lambert says. “No one could believe that I never smoked weed or drank. That’s how I got drunk the first time. It was like, Mission: Get Kenny drunk on Friday.”

Later that school year, he smoked marijuana for the first time, and when he was 16, he started running the streets with friends, skateboarding around and hanging out without parental supervision. He continued drinking and smoking marijuana, and then he began doing harder drugs.

His first run-in with the law was for driving under the influence in 2009, but he was in addiction for over 10 years — a period full of alcohol, drugs, criminal charges, DUIs, jail time and homelessness. He went to jail about 20 times between 2009 and 2018 and was convicted of aggravated possession of drugs, possession of heroin and driving under suspension.

During his stints in jail, which ranged from a weekend to seven months, he kept vowing to change his life, but he wasn’t fully committing, often relapsing during the sickness that accompanies getting sober. He went to court-ordered rehab in 2016 but was sober on and off between then and Amelia’s birth in October 2017.

“I was so selfish,” Lambert says. “Everyone that called and told me, Congratulations. Can we come meet your daughter? My response was, Not unless you have drugs.”

By spring 2018, people in his life cut him off, with his parents no longer allowing him to stay at their house and his ex not letting him be around then-10-month-old Amelia anymore — his rock bottom.

“I became so miserable. … My family, friends and loved ones — I had burned every bridge.

And I wasn’t able to see my daughter,” he says.

“I remember praying like, God, if I have a purpose, put me in jail.”

He began going to Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and sober support

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meetings and sitting outside, never going in, trying to fool loved ones into thinking he was trying to get sober. It worked, and he regained privileges to see Amelia, so he got on the road — but he didn’t make it to her.

High behind the wheel, he fell asleep while at a red light. He woke up to a concerned passerby thinking he was dead. “I’m like, No, I’m not dead,” Lambert says, adding that he began driving again since the light turned green, just to get pulled over by the police about 200 feet later. “I remember telling them, Thank you.”

That time, with his prayers answered, he was truly ready to change. He went to get treatment at Parkman Recovery Center, now First Step Recovery, in Warren, away from anyone he knew who might tempt him to use again.

“I was fully willing to learn everything, learn how to live a new life,” he says. “The hardest part is the work, putting in the work to make you a better person. … You can be content, like, I think I’m a pretty good person. … Then you just slowly decline back to who you were, who you don’t want to be.”

After completing treatment in summer 2018, he began mentoring kids at First Glance Student Center in Kenmore and started repairing strained relationships. He now coparents Amelia, who lives with him part-time in his Kenmore apartment, and has rebuilt his relationship with his parents, who Lambert says raised him in a loving Christian home.

“When he was doing rehab … he did turn back to God,” says his dad, Kirk. “He prays about a lot of things, and he just waits for God’s answer, instead of going out on his own, like he always did before, doing, a lot of times, the wrong thing.”

Lambert says he used to avoid his dad, and whenever Kirk would ask him for help, he’d agree and then not follow through. After treatment, Lambert started being more present in his dad’s life and focused on treating him with the kind of respect his dad raised him to show.

Kirk says it took about a year of Lambert stay-

ing sober to regain trust in his son.

“The whole first year … people just didn’t want to set expectations,” Lambert says.

“Once I started stepping up and being a good dad, holding down a job, … he said he could feel that it was more serious. This was gonna be the time I actually stayed sober.”

Lambert has been sober for over four and a half years. He talks to Kirk every day, and Kirk volunteers at Just A Dad events and appreciates how involved Lambert is in Amelia’s life. “He spends as much time as he can with her,” Kirk says. “He’s turned around like 100 percent.”

Above all, his drive to be a good father keeps him on track.

“In active addiction, I knew I was not able to be the dad I wanted to be. I was not able to be the dad that I was raised by,” Lambert says.

“If I don’t put God first then I can’t stay sober.

If I can’t stay sober, then I can’t be a dad.”

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Police greeted Lambert March 6, 2021, the day Just A Dad’s store opened.

They were there to block off Kenmore Boulevard for its grand opening, but still, seeing police was jarring.

“She remembers very, very well, like exactly how many days away it is,” Lambert says.

“It’s cool to see my daughter soak it up like a sponge, everything going on, the lovingness that she’s learning.”

“My past life, you walk into that situation, you’re going to jail,” Lambert says. “My life had changed.”

Amelia even helps Lambert prepare. Before the first gift giveaway, the pair gathered about seven shopping carts full of toys and checked out.

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan helped him cut a red ribbon, and customers quickly bought apparel — all of it.

“She looks at the cashier and she goes, You think all these toys are for me, huh? ... We’re giving these all to kids,” Lambert says. “She actually understood.”

“I printed merch to like 6 in the morning, and then woke up at 9,” Lambert says. “We ended up selling out of everything. We had 600 items.”

The store-emptying success wasn’t the end of the excitement that day. One community member presented Lambert a check worth six months of the store’s rent. “What the company is about is inspiring people to change, to make a difference,” Lambert says, “and coming together as a community, so we can grow together.”

Her favorite events are the holiday gift giveaways because she loves Christmas, Kenmore First Fridays because of the interactions, and of course, the trunk or treats because she gets candy, she says.

But Just A Dad business is only one of many things the father-daughter pair do together, often hitting up Akron RubberDucks baseball games, carnivals, fireworks shows and trampoline parks — the latter is Amelia’s favorite, she says with a smile, but it’s Lambert’s least favorite — “I’m in fear she’s gonna break her leg,” he says. He adds that they both love going on hikes and going out to eat and cooking because they share steak as a favorite food.

That mission has remained, exemplified on the apparel. Rotating pieces, many of which Lambert designs, include T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies with sayings like “Recovery is priceless,” “Prayers are free,” “Stop the violence,” “Inspire,” “Be the change Akron needs” “We always have fun,” Lambert says. and more, available in-person and online, Amelia fits right in at Just A Dad. Lambert with a percentage of each item benefiting says she gets a lot of attention at events, but future Just A Dad community events. she reciprocates. “She can also give love out,” he says. “She’s like a mini-me — like the Positivity flourishes inside the store, with good version — and it’s beautiful.” colorful, playful murals of aliens, cartoons and inspirational quotes painted by local artists and a wall with painted handprints signifying those who helped make the store what it is. And depending on when you stop by, Amelia might suggest pieces for you to buy and help you cash out. Her favorite thing to do at the store is to be the “teller,” she says. She swipes cards and bags apparel.

She attends every Just A Dad event she can, looking forward to them as they approach.

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A group of kids, around 16 to 18 years old, showed up to Just A Dad one day in February 2022 — armed with a gun.

“Kids came in and tried to rob me,” Lambert says, adding that he was shocked but decided to start talking to them, explaining the story of Just A Dad. His method worked.

“They took their hands out of their waistband, because they’re holding the gun in there, took their masks off,” Lambert says. And one of the kids surprised him by asking if he recognized him. “I used to mentor one of the kids when I first got sober.”

The tension dissipated. The kids, who had never been in the store before, told Lambert that it was amazing, especially because one was going to be a dad. He told the kid he knew that he’ll be there for him if he needs anything.

Despite the frightening event, Lambert maintains an open-door policy during Just A Dad’s business hours.

“Anyone’s welcome. People come here that are homeless, and they sleep on the chair while we’re open because they have nowhere to sleep,” he says. “That’s cool, ’cause I’ve been there.”

Kids often come after school to hang out.

They greet customers, eat donated snacks, watch YouTube videos and talk with him about their goals and role models. “I wish there was something like this around when I was a kid,” Lambert says.

“Little kids immediately are warmed up to him, … but the teenage kids — that’s where I really see the huge impact,” says Kristi Watson, the director of operations for Just A Dad and Lambert’s girlfriend. “They come to him for support and inspiration.”

“I’m asking them, Who’s your role model? Who do you look up to?,” Lambert recalls. “They all said the same thing. They all said their

grandpas because their dads are dead, in jail or run the streets.”

Students also share their struggles and seek advice. For example, when they got suspended from school, Lambert suggested apologizing to teachers to make the situation better.

“Being able to see him provide a safe space, have those open conversations, is really cool,” Watson says.

One 17-year-old with a difficult home life has visited the store nearly every day for a year.

He’s a great artist, and Lambert encouraged him to design a Just A Dad hoodie, which sold very well.

“He’s very, very talented. His parents, they take his art and throw it in the trash,” Lambert says.

“He comes to the store. He’s loved.”

Lambert’s support extends to adults as well.

Just A Dad hosts sober support mental health meetings on Fridays, where he facilitates conversation in a packed room of 17- to 65-yearolds, welcoming openness about struggles like depression, eating disorders and substance use.

Recovery and mental health are lifelong journeys.

“The stuff that got me sober — I have to do that every day, like pray, be around positive people, talk about anything that’s bothering me,” Lambert says, adding that he doesn’t feel tempted to break his sobriety anymore, instead focusing on his mental health, since he struggles with depression. He stays busy when the store isn’t open, with side projects such as home renovation work to help hold him accountable while also making sure to rest. He also sponsors four people through Alcoholics Anonymous and meets with his sponsor, and he gets support from Watson, who attends Just A Dad meetings with him and is nearly three years sober from alcohol.

It’s especially meaningful when people Lambert knows get inspired, like his brother,

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Kyle Lambert. The two were in jail together, attended meetings together and worked on being sober together. Kyle didn’t stay sober when Lambert did, but now, using Just A Dad meetings to help him, he has been sober for over eight months, and he’s involved in his son’s life.

Another is Ben Rich, a Just A Dad employee and a friend of Lambert for over 10 years. The two used to party together, but now, the two are sober and Amelia is friends with Rilynn, Rich’s 6-year-old daughter. Rich says being around Lambert and being involved with Just A Dad helps him hold himself accountable, and he’s over eight months sober.

“Being super active in the recovery community especially, but the community in general, going to meetings, giving back to people, helping people, service work, going to church,” Rich says, “[Lambert’s] laid a blueprint that I try to follow.”

It’s a sunny October day in Kenmore, and Batman jumps up and down and dances around. A ninja mirrors Lambert’s thumbs-up and gives him a fist bump. A woman accompanying a cheerleader thanks Lambert for everything he does while he passes out candy and toys like bubbles. Amelia, dressed in a red panda jumpsuit, pours out her candy and searches for Fun Dip. A line filled with Minecraft characters, superheroes and witches wraps around the parking lot.

At Just A Dad’s third annual trunk or treat Oct. 30, volunteers in over 40 cars passed out candy to more than 1,000 trick-or-treaters. It was an increase from last year’s 500 kids, and it isn’t the only sign of growth Just A Dad has seen recently.

The company is expecting 400 families at this year’s holiday gift giveaway Dec. 18 at the store — which would double last year’s turnout. And it is reaching more people through its 12,000 Facebook followers and “The Movement” documentary, directed by filmmaker and now Just A Dad employee Nate Ankrom, which is streaming on YouTube.

Lambert turned down an opportunity to stream it on Netflix, as he thought that would limit its accessibility.

“The whole purpose of the documentary is to reach as many people as possible and use that as a helping tool to inspire change,” Lambert says. “People can leave comments.

You can watch it at home. They can share it at treatment facilities.”

That’s part of the plan. In March, Summit County’s Turning Point Program, which Lambert did, is set to offer a showing of the documentary to its participants who are on probation — over 300 people. It has already inspired some people to get further involved

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in Just A Dad’s movement, such as Debbie Constant and Vicki Monsour, who volunteered at trunk or treat after attending the premiere.

“It was awesome seeing so many kids and their stories in recovery, how Kenny helped them, how Kenny helped himself,” Constant says.

The Just A Dad movement and Lambert’s story of addiction and recovery in Kenmore really hit home for Monsour.

“I used in this area too,” says Monsour, 61, who has been sober for eight years. “So for him to make this movement here, … it’s really special.”

Success is crucial — lives are at stake.

“I’ve lost a lot of friends through addiction,” Lambert says. He and Amelia used to spend time with one father and his son, and the dad died of an overdose. With drug use, Lambert knows it could be anyone. “If I never got sober, I’d definitely be dead. There’s no doubt in my mind,” he says.

Relapsing could mean not only risking death but also leaving Amelia without a father — so he keeps doing the work.

people share their stories and focus on their struggles made her feel like using.

“In the documentary, they told their story, but they didn’t dwell on that,” she says. “They didn’t dwell on where they were in the past.

They look toward the future and what they’re doing now to change their lives.”

Envisioning the future is exactly what Lambert hopes people are doing.

“I was actually at one point wanting to leave Kenmore, and I heard Kenny say that if all the good people leave Kenmore, there’s nobody left to help bring the community back,” says Watson. “So I decided to buy a house and plant my roots.”

She’s now been in Kenmore for 15 years and is hoping to keep impacting the community through Just A Dad. Lambert aims to not only inspire people to change, but also to prevent kids from going down the same path he did. He hopes to create entrepreneurial opportunities for kids in Kenmore and to teach kids the importance of avoiding drugs, something he is already doing by showing kids the documentary when they come to the store.

Although she is just 5 years old, Amelia knows about her dad’s history of addiction.

“We’re in a tough neighborhood, and so when She’s been going to meetings with him since good things like this are happening ... nothing she was 11 months old and saw the documen- bad is happening,” Watson says. “The bad stays tary. While he has been open with her about away because there’s such a light right here.” the challenges, he wants to show her that you can overcome anything and that anyone can Through Just A Dad, Lambert hopes to conmake an impact. tinue bringing that light.

“I hope that she takes away the positive stuff, that she can be a light, that she is a light in the community,” he says, “and that she can do anything that she puts her mind to, and her dad will support her 100 percent.”

“When I was in addiction and ran the streets as a kid, I took so much away from the community,” Lambert says. “That’s why I feel like I was placed here, is to change the environment and change the community.”

Monsour says Lambert’s approach to recovery is different than others she has heard. To her, meetings for organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous could be triggering. Hearing

And so, looking toward the future, he stays. justadadfromakron.com

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by Kelly Petryszyn and Alexandra Sobczak

Barrier Breakers Hospitals are working to resolve inequalities and close gaps. Whether it’s making space for more mental health treatments or addressing racial disparities in childbirth, these regional leaders are improving health care for all.

Plus, discover 160 Elite Physicians in more than 45 specialities.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

HEAD START

left: Dr. Steven Jewell, right: Lois and John Orr Family Behavioral Health Center at Akron Children’s Hospital’s main campus, photos provided by Akron Children’s Hospital

Twenty percent of adolescents have a mental illness, such as anxiety or depression, severe enough to impair their lives, according to Dr. Steven Jewell, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and a chair of the Department of Behavioral Health and Psychiatry at Akron Children’s Hospital.

“The numbers are striking,” he says. “Yet only one in five of those individuals ever get diagnosed and treated during adolescence. The other four go on into adulthood … with growing levels of disability.”

The pandemic has significantly increased the need for mental health care, and a shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists can be a barrier to that. While there are currently about 8,000 to 9,000 of these professionals in the country, according to the federal government, there would have to be about 50,000 to meet the need. It has caused the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry to declare a national emergency in behavioral health.

Young people getting help — as early as possible — is the goal, Jewell says. He offers the example of a now-20-year-old he treated who initially experienced anxiety and depression symptoms in elementary school, but her pediatrician didn’t screen for mental illnesses. She later attempted suicide and spent time at a hospital. She received treatment, including medication for bipolar disorder, and is doing much better, preparing to go to college.

“I wound up presenting her case to our staff saying, This is an example of what we are capable of doing as an institution to help kids going forward,” Jewell says.

When risk assessments are performed by the Akron Children’s emergency department, youths who are actively suicidal are admitted into the hospital, but others may participate in the intensive outpatient program or partial hospital program, which offers individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy and expressive therapies like art and music therapy.

“Some of the kids who’ve been exposed to traumatic events have trouble talking about that stuff,” Jewell says, “and so sometimes it needs to come out in nonverbal ways through the expressive therapies.”

To meet patients where they are, Akron Children’s has further integrated mental health services into pediatric practices by increasing the number of therapists, educating pediatricians, employing telehealth services in rural areas and building regional behavioral health centers that also offer the intensive outpatient program and partial hospital program. Centers in Canton and Mansfield are set to open in June and July, respectively.

“The Akron Children’s Hospital leadership has really invested heavily in behavioral health services, mental health services, recognizing the importance of that,” Jewell says. “As the saying goes, No health without mental health.” AS DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

BORN NEW Despite income and other socioeconomic factors, Black people are two to three times more likely to die during childbirth or within the year after than white people, and Black babies are three times more likely to die than white babies in the U.S., says Dr. Jennifer Savitski, Cleveland Clinic Akron General chair of obstetrics and gynecology.

“We are really facing a crisis,” she says.

“Institutional and structural racism exists within our communities.”

Akron General is adopting recommendations including ensuring it has accurate race and ethnicity patient data, enacting antiracism practices, considering recommendations from a March of Dimes community accountability panel and creating more transparency for patients.

For the latter, a solution is a planning board with the pregnant person’s team members and preferences, plans for the patient and baby, labor progress and when the next assessment occurs — so patients have more autonomy in labor, which doesn’t always happen.

“We have changed the way the conversation happens so that the patient is a part of it,” says Savitski, offering an example of a mother who struggles with addiction. “What does narcotic use mean to them? What does it mean to the baby or the labor progress? We shouldn’t be embarrassed or reserved about having an open and honest conversation.”

Another disparity is cesarean section rates, which are 35.8 percent for Black women and 30.9 percent for white women in the U.S., according to the March of Dimes. A goal of TeamBirth is to reduce C-sections, which Savitski says increase the risk of problems for the patient during labor and subsequent pregnancies. By getting patients more involved in their health care, TeamBirth can reduce risks and potentially save lives.

“This model forces us to find language and ways to care for patients that put them at the center of the care,” Savitski says, “not what we want but what’s best for the patient KP and what the patient wants.”

Dr. Jennifer Savitski and TeamBirth planning board, photo provided by Cleveland Clinic Akron General

Racism can affect relationships with doctors and create mistrust. A George Mason University study showed the infant mortality gap is smaller when Black doctors care for Black babies versus white doctors.

Other factors include quality in health care, underlying chronic conditions, implicit bias and more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To combat this, Akron General is one of four U.S. hospitals to take part in the Maternal HealthCare initiative, a partnership between the March of Dimes and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. An aspect of that is TeamBirth, which was developed by Ariadne Labs and is enacting Maternal HealthCare recommendations to address disparities.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

SKY WARD Megan Gargano carried her baby, Luna, for 37 weeks, counting down the time to meet her firstborn in 2019. Then the Richfield resident noticed Luna’s movement decreased and went to her OB-GYN for an ultrasound. She received devastating news — there was no heartbeat, and Luna had died.

She underwent a full labor to deliver Luna with her husband, Anthony, by her side at Cleveland Clinic Akron General.

While stillborn babies are whisked away at many hospitals, at Akron General, families can choose to use a Cuddle Cot cooling unit to extend the time they can spend with their baby by hours. Because of the Cuddle Cot, the Garganos were able to remember all of their daughter’s tiny features — her little hands, feet and hair.

“You’re trying to absorb and create as many memories as possible,” Megan says. “The choice is what’s so important because so many people in the past never had that choice.”

Butterfly Suite, photos provided by Cleveland Clinic Akron General

The nurses helped set their grief journey in the right direction by helping the Garganos create molds of Luna’s feet, bathe her, dress her, get a lock of hair and take photos. Yet Megan says it was “very triggering” being in the labor and delivery unit surrounded by crying babies and fetal equipment.

That inspired the couple to create the Butterfly Suite to help parents who lose babies connect with them in a separate homelike setting and peacefully grieve. They raised over $30,000, and it opened in Akron General in May 2022. The room, decorated with butterflies, has a private entrance, full-size bed and bassinet with the Cuddle Cot donated by North Canton-based Ashlie’s Embrace. There’s also a bathing area, a rocking chair with books and a Bluetooth speaker and clothing like preemie wraps handmade by Megan.

“What studies have found is that if we give that pregnant patient and their family the opportunity to express grief and to spend time with that baby — if that’s what’s good for them — their healing process is much better,” says Dr. Jennifer Savitski, Akron General chair of obstetrics and gynecology, adding that stillbirth affects about one in 175 births in the U.S. The Garganos now have a 2-year-old son, Arlo, and Anthony wrote “Penny Goes to the Moon,” a book to tell siblings about infant loss, with proceeds benefiting organizations with related causes.

Recently, a family had to use the Butterfly Suite, and because it was so helpful, they had the baby’s obituary direct donations to the suite. The Garganos hope to launch more suites and make it standard care.

“What I charge hospitals with is the ability to look inward and say, This needs to be a line item in our budget,” says Megan. “I hope that we can build upon that and really change the type of care given.” KP DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Juve Family Behavioral Health Pavilion, rendering provided by Summa Health

MIND FRAME

Sometimes patients need medical care and mental health care at the same time. Previously, Summa Health patients would get treated at the main Akron City Hospital and then transferred, sometimes by ambulance, to St. Thomas Hospital for behavioral health treatment or vice versa. But once Summa opens a 60-bed behavioral health facility on the Akron campus in January, patients can get their needs treated in one place.

patients and those with addiction and mental health needs. It has space for outpatient services for mental health, addiction and trauma. There’s also a unique traumatic stress center to help veterans and patients who have dealt with physical assault, sexual assault and child abuse process their trauma through talk therapy and other evidencebased treatments. Plus, the facility honors Sister Ignatia and St. Thomas’ legacy as the nation’s first hospital unit, Ignatia Hall, to treat alcoholism as a disease and its part in founding Alcoholics Anonymous.

Ignatia Hall has relocated to a new 14-bed “We don’t have to artificially decide, What detox unit in Akron City that offers a wide does someone need more: mental health care range of treatments including connecting or medical care? Because sometimes, and not patients with people who found sobriety to uncommonly, they need both,” says Dr. Joe provide peer recovery coaches and sponsors.

Varley, chair of the department of psychiatry, “[It’s] individualized for that person’s ciradding that while the pandemic brought more attention to behavioral health services, cumstances, whether it’s fixing relationships that have fell apart during their time of use demand has always been high. or it’s legal or psychological stressors,” says The seven-story facility has four seperate Jaimie McKinnon, vice president of the units to treat general adult patients, geriatric behavioral health service line.

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There are also 15 new behavioral health beds in the emergency department of Akron City to provide psychiatric assessments, and across all Summa emergency departments, Suboxone medically assisted addiction treatment is offered through a First Step program that also matches patients with same- or next-day community partners like Portage Path Behavioral Health.

Dignity for patients undergoing challenging journeys is important. While the St. Thomas rooms were shared, all new rooms are private, and patients can relax in a reflection center and garden. The rooms are also on the top four floors of the building and ample window light makes it a serene healing space.

“The views are really quite spectacular,” says Varley. “It’s respectful that the people who are in the most difficulty and stress be given … a sense of being in a place that’s designed to be helpful.” KP

WISH I NG YOU A

Beautiful Holiday AKRON/FAIRLAWN 3624 West Market St. 330-665-0555 GREEN 1560 Corporate Woods Pkwy.

330-665-0555 MAYFIELD HEIGHTS 5915 Landerbrook Dr. Suite 120 216-382-3806 MENTOR 9485 Mentor Ave. Suite 102 440-266-5500

Visit us online at alliedderm.com

Kalpana Ghimire, medical office associate in Western Reserve Hospital’s Center for Pain Medicine, photo provided by Western Reserve Hospital

HEALTH & WELLNESS

PATIENT AIDE Around the time 18-year-old Cuyahoga Falls High School graduate Kalpana Ghimire was starting at The University of Akron, she already had a parttime professional job as a medical office associate at Western Reserve Hospital. Ghimire, Bhawana Biswa and two others were hired after taking part in Western Reserve Hospital’s first-of-itskind Charting Careers program in which high school students do paid co-op internships at the hospital to gain exposure to health care jobs.

Entering the health care field as a teen is challenging.

“I remember one of the first times that she took calls. I could see this look on her face,” says Vanessa Case, the office manager at the Center for Pain Medicine where Ghimire works. “She said, Whoa, these calls are a lot.”

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To help ease the transition, students at six participating high schools take health care classes as part of the program that started in 2020. They then apply for health care jobs or co-op internships, which helps alleviate staffing shortages. Since this spring, Western Reserve has had eight interns in the medical procedures, information technology, phlebotomy, facility management and nursing departments.

Ghimire took classes on medical terminology, anatomy and medical billing during her junior and senior years, worked in a local nursing home and then began the Western Reserve internship where she did scheduling, billing and more. The fast pace and high stress of dealing with patients in chronic pain who want immediate solutions make it a difficult job.

“It’s a lot of critical thinking and problemsolving skills,” Case says. “It seems like everyone says at least once, I can’t do this.

Once you start, everything connects.”

Ghimire was so overwhelmed at first that she cried in Case’s office, but Case has seen her learn to speak with confidence and be firm with patients.

“I had this patient that I said, There’s no slot I could put you in this week, and she got really mad,” Ghimire recalls. She scheduled a later appointment and when the patient came in, she remembered Ghimire. “She was like, It’s OK because now I’m all better and I understand. … It feels nice being appreciated.”

While some other Charting Careers students are pursuing jobs as nurses or doctors, it taught Ghimire that she doesn’t want to work in health care but can use what she learned to pursue an international business degree.

“I like being in a leadership role,” Ghimire says. “I’m stronger than I thought.” KP

ELITE

PHYSICIANS

2022

ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Sheila A. Cain, M.D.

Michael L. Amalfitano, D.O.

Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital 330-721-5700 Richard F. Lavi, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Western Reserve Hospital, Allergy Asthma and Sinus Relief Center 330-423-4444

Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital 330-721-5700 Michael Bage, M.D.

Western Reserve Hospital, Cardiology 330-971-7989 Ramana Podugu, M.D.

CARDIAC ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY

Aultman Deuble Heart and Vascular Hospital, Cardiovascular Consultants 330-454-8076

Jennifer E. Cummings, M.D.

Roger B. Chaffee, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, Cardiovascular Institute 330-588-4676 Robert Schweikert, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Cardiology 330-344-7400

Lauren K. Guren, M.D.

Allied Dermatology 866-337-6631

CLINICAL GENETICS

Allied Dermatology 866-337-6631

Catherine Melver, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Genetic Center 330-543-8792

COLON & RECTAL SURGERY Michael Cullado, M.D.

Summa Health – Akron Campus Colorectal 330-434-5978

Summa Health – Akron Campus NEOCS 330-376-7000, NEOCS Barberton 330-745-7634

Summa Health – Akron Campus Colorectal 330-434-5978

Khaled M. Sleik, M.D.

DERMATOLOGY

Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Cardiology 330-344-7400

CHILD NEUROLOGY Bruce H. Cohen, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital 330-543-8050

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M. Cristina Victorio, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital 330-543-8050

akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2022

John C. Fondran, M.D.

Jorge A. Garcia-Zuazaga, M.D.

Apex Dermatology Hudson 440-443-0429, Apex Dermatology Medina 440-443-0434

James F. Lebecco, M.D.

Julie A. Mark, M.D.

Summa Health – Akron Campus Dermatology 330-835-9158 Eliot N. Mostow, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-535-7100 Helen M. Torok, M.D.

Trillium Creek Dermatology 330-725-0569

FAMILY MEDICINE Brian R. Cain, M.D.

Brian R. Cain M.D. and Associates 330-877-3008 Abigail M. Cay, M.D.

Northampton Primary Care 330-923-4500 Andrea Cerone, M.D.

Northampton Primary Care 330-923-4500 Lynn M. Hamrich, M.D.

Summa Health – Akron Campus 330-375-3584 Isabelle Lane, D.O.

ENDOCRINOLOGY, DIABETES & METABOLISM Jennifer Wojtowicz, D.O.

Western Reserve Hospital 330-650-5110

University Hospitals Portage Family Medicine 330-626-5566 Jon E. Tosino, M.D.

Unity Health Network 330-655-3820

ELITE PHYSICIANS GASTROENTEROLOGY Edward J. Esber, M.D.

Digestive Health Center 330-899-4194

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY Stephen J. Andrews, M.D.

Costas H. Kefalas, M.D.

Summa Health – Akron Campus 330-379-3514, Rootstown Medical Center 330-434-0543, Green Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic, Stow-Kent Medical Center 330-379-3514

Digestive Health Center 330-899-4194

Sareena Singh, M.D., F.A.C.O.G

Jeffrey Gellis, D.O.

Digestive Health Center 330-899-4194, Summa Health — Barberton Campus 330-615-3000

David B. Myers, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital, Digestive Disease Consultants 330-225-6468 Manzoor Qadir, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic, Summit Gastroenterology 330-753-6643 William F. Shaheen, M.D.

Digestive Health Center 330-899-4194 Bipin K. Sharma, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital, Digestive Disease Consultants 330-225-6468 Ganesh Raman Veerappan, M.D.

Digestive Health Center 330-899-4194

Aultman Gynecologic Oncology 330-994-1280

HAND SURGERY Ajay Seth, M.D.

Philip Donald Junglas, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic 216-553-7430 Erwin A. Maseelall, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-666-2700

MATERNAL & FETAL MEDICINE Michael A. Krew, M.D.

Jennifer Carroll, M.D.

University Hospitals Aurora Health Center 330-626-2710

Abdelaziz Saleh, M.D.

Mercy Health St. Joseph Warren Hospital, Akron Children’s Hospital 330-543-4500

Janet Morgan, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic 216-533-7430 Elizabeth Salay, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic, Brunswick Family Health Center 330-225-8886 Titus Sheers, M.D.

NEONATAL-PERINATAL MEDICINE John R. Ahmann, D.O.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-543-8348 Roger L. Vazquez, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, Spectrum Orthopaedics 330-305-0838

Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital 330-438-7430

Inderprit Singh, M.D.

HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE MEDICINE

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-344-7820

NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY

Sarah E. Friebert, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital 330-543-3343

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

William B. Bauman, M.D.

Thomas M. File, M.D.

Summa Health – NEOCS Akron Campus 330-376-7000

Summa Health – Akron Campus 330-375-3894, Akron Care Center 330-375-4851

Fadi N. Bashour, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital, Digestive Disease Consultants 330-225-6468

akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2022

Peter M. Bittenbender, M.D.

Summa Health – NEOCS Akron Campus 330-376-7000 Anjan Gupta, M.D.

University Hospitals Portage Medical Center 330-297-2934 Kevin H. Silver, M.D.

Summa Health – NEOCS Akron Campus 330-376-7000

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Akron Children’s Hospital 330-363-6296

Cleveland Clinic Cystic Fibrosis Center, Cleveland Clinic 216-442-4623

INTERNAL MEDICINE

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David F. Fantelli, M.D.

Unity Health Network 330-678-7782

Tsulee Chen, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital 330-543-8050

NEUROLOGY Deborah Ewing-Wilson, D.O.

University Hospitals Portage Medical Arts Building 330-954-7233

NEURORADIOLOGY

Cecilia Ellis, D.O.

Cleveland Clinic Akron General, OBGYN Associates of Akron 330-668-6545 Edward M. Ferris, M.D.

Summa Health – Akron Campus 330-375-3000, Akron OB/GYN 330-869-9777, Cuyahoga Falls OB/GYN 330-923-3138, Green OB/GYN 330-899-9696, Hudson OB/GYN 234-334-2486, Springfield OB/GYN 330-784-5406, Stow-Kent Medical Center 330-869-9777 Steven M. Gorsuch, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-899-9626 John Hutzler, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-899-9626 Patrick J. Naples, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital 330-722-7664

Firas Al-Ali, M.D.

Maura K. O’Shea, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Summit Neuro Endovascular Specialists 330-344-2387

Cleveland Clinic Akron General, OBGYN Associates of Akron 330-668-6545

ELITE PHYSICIANS OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY (continued) Brenda L. Rice, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital 330-722-7005 Daniel Rzepka, M.D.

University Hospitals MacDonald Women’s Hospital, University Hospitals Richmond Medical Center 330-405-6661

OPHTHALMOLOGY

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY Mark Adamczyk, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 330-543-3500 Richard Brower, M.D.

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 866-870-0016 David B. Kay, M.D., F.A.A.O.S.

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4050 Kerwyn Jones, M.D.

James A. Cannatti, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic, Cole Eye Institute Summit Ophthalmology 330-864-8060 Richard R. Ellison, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic, Cole Eye Institute Summit Ophthalmology 330-678-0201 Marc F. Jones, M.D.

Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons 330-678-0201 Steven J. Kuerbitz, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital 330-543-8580 Thomas J. Tsai, M.D.

Summa Health, 330-922-9860, Retina Associates 330-869-0738

Christopher L. Tisdel, M.D.

University Hospitals Portage Medical Center 330-543-3500 Gregory A. Vrabec, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Orthopedics 330-344-2663 Scott D. Weiner, M.D.

Summa Health – White Pond Medical Center 330-835-5533

Akron Children’s Hospital, Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 330-543-3500

OTOLARYNGOLOGY

David Mungo, M.D.

Ohio ENT Associates 330-297-9080

Aultman Orthopedics and Sports Medicine 330-596-6500 Jeffrey S. Noble, M.D.

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4050 William Pakan, M.D.

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-673-6299 John D. Polousky, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital 330-344-2663 Patrick M. Riley, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 330-297-6030 Thomas J. Reilly, M.D.

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4055

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William C. Schrader, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 330-543-3500

akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2022

Hassan Abbass, M.D.

Anton Milo, M.D./D.D.S.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Ear, Nose and Throat Center 216-488-4800 Kenneth Mooney, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron ENT Associates 330-762-8959

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

PEDIATRIC CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE Michael L. Forbes, M.D.

Shefali S. Mahesh, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center 330-543-8639

Akron Children’s Hospital, Specialty Care 330-543-8950

PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY Jaime Haidet, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Diabetes & Endocrinology 330-543-3276 Kimberly D. Martin, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Diabetes & Endocrinology 330-543-3276 Bradley Van Sickle, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Diabetes & Endocrinology 330-543-3276

PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY Reinaldo Garcia-Naveiro, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Gastroenterology 330-543-4488

PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGYONCOLOGY

John M. Clark, M.D.

Jeffrey D. Hord, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Heart Center 330-543-8521

Akron Children’s Hospital 330-353-8580

John R. Lane, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic 216-444-5517

Akron Children’s Hospital, Heart Center 330-543-8521 Chandrakant R. Patel, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Heart Center 330-543-8521

PEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY

Michael E. Kelly, M.D.

Stephanie L. Savelli, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital 330-543-8580

PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY Marc E. Nelson, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Ear, Nose and Throat Center 330-543-4930

PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY Starla Martinez, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Specialty Care 330-543-8885 Debbie Toder, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Specialty Care 330-543-8885

PEDIATRIC SURGERY David A. Andrews, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron Pediatric Surgical Associates 330-434-5341 Scott Boulanger, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital 330-543-1000 Joseph A. Iocono, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Pediatric General Surgery 330-543-6060 Timothy Pittinger, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron Pediatric Surgical Associates 330-543-6060

ELITE PHYSICIANS Mark L. Wulkan, M.D.

Kimberly A. Blair, M.D.

Margaret M. Pfeffer, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Pediatric General Surgery 330-434-5341

Akron Children’s Hospital, Wadsworth Pediatrics 330-723-7005

Akron Children’s Hospital, Pediatrics 330-336-3539

Lori D’Avello, M.D.

Emma J. Raizman, M.D.

University Hospitals Fairlawn Health Center 330-664-8120

Akron Children’s Hospital, Pediatrics 330-543-8050

Jennifer Dwyer, M.D.

Paula Sabella, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital 330-723-7005

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-753-0345

PEDIATRIC UROLOGY Daniel R. McMahon, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Pediatric and Adolescent Urology 330-376-3332

PEDIATRICS Sarah A. Adams, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital 330-342-5555 Jeffrey Archinal, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital 330-676-1020 Sarah Ayers, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Pediatrics 330-723-7005

Diane L. Langkamp, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital 330-721-5700 John D. Leonard, D.O.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Pediatrics 330-676-1020 William Oehlenschlager, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Wadsworth Pediatrics 330-335-7337

Heidi Senokozlieff, D.O.

Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital 330-721-5700 Catharine Symmonds, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Pediatrics 330-344-7350

PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION

PULMONARY DISEASE Charles Fuenning, M.D.

Unity Health Network 330-253-1411

Arsal Ahmad, M.D.

Ohio Pain & Rehab Specialists 330-498-9865

Anand V. Khandelwal, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital 330-723-7999

Ali Shakir, M.D.

Ohio Pain & Rehab Specialists 330-498-9865

Matthew L. Krauza, M.D.

PLASTIC SURGERY Ananth Subbarao Murthy, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 330-543-4970

Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, Unity Health Network 330-253-1411 Hitesh Makkar, M.D.

Unity Health Network 330-253-1411

Douglas S. Wagner, M.D.

Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons 330-284-1488

DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

51

ELITE PHYSICIANS

Masroor Mustafa, M.D.

Summa Health – Barberton Campus Lung Nodule Clinic 330-615-4048, Barberton COPD Clinic 330-319-9700, Barberton Summit Pulmonary 330-753-1383, Portage Lakes Pulmonary 234-571-9933

RHEUMATOLOGY

Victoria L. Van Fossen, M.D.

Nikita Hegde, M.D.

Summa Health – Akron Campus 330-564-2438, Akron Breast Center 330-375-7494, Lake Medina Women’s Health Center 330-375-7494

Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron General Health and Wellness 330-344-7820 Niharika Sharma, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron General Health and Wellness 330-344-7820

SLEEP MEDICINE

Eyad Nashawati, M.D.

Jyoti Krishna, M.D.

Pulmonary Physicians Sleep Center 330-244-1879

Akron Children’s Hospital, Specialty Care 330-543-8885

Thomas Olbrych, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital 330-721-5700 Brian White, D.O.

Unity Health Network 330-253-1411

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY/ INFERTILITY Shweta J. Bhatt, M.D.

Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility Akron 330-375-7722 Jeffrey M. Goldberg, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic, Twinsburg Family Health and Surgery Center 330-888-4000 Priya B. Maseelall, M.D.

Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility Akron 330-375-7722 David M. Nash, M.D.

Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility Akron 330-375-7722

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THORACIC & CARDIAC SURGERY Eric Espinal, M.D.

Summa Health – Akron Campus Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists 330-384-9001 Joseph Lahorra, M.D.

SPORTS MEDICINE Joseph Congeni, M.D.

Akron Children’s Hospital, Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 330-835-5533 Nilesh Shah, M.D.

Summa Health – White Pond Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine 330-835-5533, Hudson Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine 330-835-5533

SURGERY

Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Cardiac, Thoracic & Vascular Specialists 330-344-1400 Serrie C. Lico, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, Mercy Cardiovascular Institute 330-344-1400

UROGYNECOLOGY/ WOMEN’S HEALTH FEMALE PELVIC MEDICINE & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY Costas A. Apostolis, M.D.

Kristen Dawson, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital 330-721-5700 Susan Miljkovic-Goodrich, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital 330-721-5700 Steven Kelly, M.D.

Aultman General Surgery 330-453-4300

akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2022

Western Reserve Hospital, Summit Urogynecology 330-953-3414 Raymond A. Bologna, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-535-4428

VASCULAR & INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY David Ira Rosenblum, D.O.

Summa Health – Akron Campus, Western Reserve Hospital, Akron Radiology 330-375-4028

VASCULAR SURGERY Brett A. Butler, M.D.

Union Hospital, Regional Vascular & Vein Institute 330-588-8900 John A. Moawad, M.D.

Summa Health – Akron Campus Vascular Associates 330-434-4145, Akron Wound Care Center 330-375-6363, Barberton Campus Vascular Surgery 330-475-1616 Drazen Petrinec, M.D.

Summa Health – Akron Campus Vascular Associates 330-434-4145, Akron Wound Care Center 330-375-6363, Barberton Campus Vascular Surgery 330-475-1616 Dennis J. Wright, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Cardiac, Thoracic & Vascular Specialists 330-344-1400

ELITE PHYSICIANS

PULMONARY DISEASE (continued)

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Summa Health Joint Replacement Center of Excellence | 877-203-0686 | summahealth.org/joint-replacement-center DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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by Kelly Petryszyn and Alexandra Sobczak

Shop Local

OY-L products by Sharon Hughes Photography

photos by Alexandra Sobczak

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Rosy Outlook A sleek lab adorned with a neon yellow sign reading “Made with love” is Andrea Pierce-Naymon’s home away from home. She can look out over Orange Rose Apothecary, her Hudson retail space, while handmaking the products in her OY-L skin care line, but her makerspace wasn’t always so chic.

product photo by Sharon Hughes Photography

“I set my kids’ old playroom into a lab,” says Pierce-Naymon, who started the line because she wanted clean products with healthy ingredients for her daughter who has postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. “I covered the air hockey table and put out all my essential oils. I got a mixer.

I started whipping up things.”

She developed her OY-L brand of allnatural serums, face washes, lip balms, bath salts and more made with plant-based oils like avocado, hemp seed, rose hip and lavender, which are available through her website and Saks online. Then she opened her store in October 2021 to sell OY-L products as well as other local goods.

A popular OY-L choice is the face cream, a moisturizing cream that’s made by whipping 12 hydrating oils and was spotlighted in Allure, and another is the Vitamin C-packed facial cleansing powder. “The Vitamin C will help brighten your face,” Pierce-Naymon says.

The spot, which has faux branches, butterflies and orange slices hanging from the ceiling, was inspired by David Rose’s general store in the popular sitcom “Schitt’s Creek.” Customers can find quirky references to the show, such as crows and toilet plungers, as well as Rose family photos and other memorabilia, mixed into the local and sustainable items from businesses like Nosh Butters in Cuyahoga Falls and Eco Scentsations candle company in Hudson.

“I wanted a happy place for people to come and find something unusual,” she says.

The products Pierce-Naymon makes have had huge impacts. Her daughter has been doing better, and Pierce-Naymon donates 15 percent of all salt sales to Dysautonomia International and POTS research. She also gifted some lavender body butter to her sister-in-law, who has eczema.

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More Hudson Gift Shops

Ohio Organics & Nature ohio-organics.com Metropolis Gourmet Popcorn metropolisohio.com Fair Trade on Main fairtradeonmain.com

“Lavender is more than a beautiful scent. It’s actually antibacterial, antiviral,” say PierceNaymon, adding that her sister-in-law reported a big change. “She goes, … I’ve been using this on my body, and it’s gone.” AS

Gift to buy: Orange Rose Body Butter, 3.2 ounces, $30, 51 S. Main St., Hudson, orangeroseapothecary.com

DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

57

Perfect Fit

A woman who lost 80-some pounds recently came into the new location of Mainstream Boutique in Hudson, overwhelmed trying to figure out what clothes to wear to fit her new physique.

Co-owner Barb Mucci helped her find a few pieces by explaining that instead of picking bigger items, choosing those with cinching at the waist better complements her new shape.

3

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More Hudson Boutiques

Grey Colt thegreycolt.com Vignettes facebook.com/vignetteshudson Gracylane facebook.com/gracylanehudson

“With positive encouragement, she walked out with a big smile,” Mucci recalls. “Everybody’s body style is different, but we’re going to come up with something that makes you feel your best.”

akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2022

Beyond pandemic shutdowns, Mucci says comfort and color are trending this winter and spring.

“People just want fun. They’re tired of being in black yoga pants and a gray sweatshirt,” she says.

Expect fuchsia sweaters, ’70s-inspired smiley face T-shirts and flared, cropped rust-colored corduroys. Also in are casual pieces like Clara Sunwoo’s liquid leather jacket that was one of Oprah Winfrey’s favorite things.

Mucci, a former Plain Township resident, felt that support when she first The house Mac and Me denim pants are visited a Mainstream Boutique while both distinctive and comfortable with traveling in South Carolina. She was a jagged hems and wider leg lines. founding member of Women’s Impact in Stark County, and female empowerment “Now everything has this glorious has always been important to her. So stretch,” Mucci says.

Mucci and her daughter, Erica Sutton, With a “Hey Gorgeous” sign, crystal chanopened a Mainstream in Hudson’s First & Main shopping district in late August. deliers and pastel plush seating, it’s a stylish gathering place. Events include wine The mother-daughter approach is how sip ‘n’ shops, local artisan pop-ups, private Marie DeNicola founded it 30 years group shopping parties and fundraisers. ago and manages it with her daughter, Mikayla Ketterling, in Minneapolis, and But the personal shopping approach now there are stores in 24 states. to help customers find pieces they feel good about wearing is the main goal.

Gift to buy: Mac and Me cascade earrings, $36, 93 First St., Hudson, mainstreamboutique.com/pages/hudson

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About a third of the inventory is the house brand Mac and Me, and the rest is unique clothing, accessories and gifts bought by Sutton, 31, and Mucci, 59, so the selection suits all ages.

“When somebody has something on that they feel confident in,” says Mucci, “it just radiates from inside out.” KP

photos by Kelly Petryszyn

DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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photos by Kelly Petryszyn 60

akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2022

World's Fair Each piece Together Textiles in Turkey crafts is hand-spun on a loom using techniques passed down for generations, and you can find towels, robes and blankets custom made by the family business at House in Hudson.

“These were looms that are multigenerational, that are creating textiles that are steeped in tradition,” says Amy Derethik, who previously ran a linen business and opened House in 2020 with Jean Sukys, who upcycles furniture. “We’re committed to expanding female entrepreneurship.”

Derethik recently traveled to Turkey and brought back Turkish hand-painted porcelain and Turkish silk jackets for the store.

Other global finds include colorful kantha jackets, which are crafted by female makers in India who stitch together five reclaimed saris for each. Derethik thoughtfully sources items throughout the world, visiting international makers, keeping customer input in mind and ensuring items are ethically made.

and Haley Raines epoxy resin and polymer clay jewelry handmade in Lyndhurst. And Sukys’ upcycled painted furniture and hook pillows are for sale too. Sometimes Derethik purchases materials during her travels, and Sukys makes pillows and covers chairs with them. It’s all displayed in vignettes of new and vintage items in different rooms set up like a house.

“Amy’s designs will show them how to mix old and new, whether it’s on your tablescape, whether it’s in your closet,” Sukys says, “and make it one-of-a-kind.”

Derethik and Sukys go all out for Christmas, with each room showcasing a different style of decor including classic red-and-green plaid, whimsical felt pinks and glitzy white gold and silver. Great gifts include House brand block-printed pajamas from India and cashmere scarves, wraps and socks from Europe.

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More Hudson Home Stores

MOD: Matter of Design, modmatterofdesign.com Feather and Elm facebook.com/featherandelm Smiths Curated smithscurated.com

“They’re really warm,” Sukys says of the latter, “so they just feel heavenly.”

The store brings together the best wares from throughout the world in one homey place, lifting up makers.

“Our primary focus is really to understand where something’s developed through the entire supply chain of it, understand how it’s being developed, who’s creating it, making sure that there’s fair pricing with the labor of that,” she says.

“We’re really working at House to work with female entrepreneurs across the globe to create this curated experience,” Derethik says. KP

House also sells wares by local female artisans, including Common Goods Co. purses and leather clutches made by an Aurora teacher, Pineapple Apothecary all-natural lotions and scrubs handmade in Hinckley

Gift to buy: Pajamas, $85, 46 Ravenna St., Suite D4, Hudson, houseathudson.com

DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

61

FOREVER YOUNG

By Nathalia Teixeira

Skill Sharpeners

From the time Pamela Chervank Cyphers’ granddaughters were babies and small enough to be held in her lap to when they became children who sang and danced, AkronSummit County Public Library story times have allowed her to bond with her grandchildren.

Chervank Cyphers has been attending story times and other programs with her grandkids for about seven years, and her youngest granddaughter, Esther, is now able to appreciate going.

Chervank Cyphers enjoys how librarians engage with Esther.

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photos courtesy of Sip Savor Soul

Bond with grandkids while helping them learn new things this winter.

“There are and have been some very special people there for her,” Chervank Cyphers says. “You feel like they know you. They call us by our names, know things about us and quirky little things that have happened.

There’s an enthusiasm that they have for doing what they do that makes me want to come back. It’s probably not the closest library to me — we’re in Cuyahoga

Falls — but we go there because we were welcomed and recognized.”

With much time indoors, winter is a great time to connect more with grandchildren at educational activities like library programs and cooking classes.

At the main Akron library, several grandparents attend baby story times on Wednesdays and preschool

story times on Thursdays, and both incorporate play.

“You get an opportunity to engage with your children, … singing along, trying an interactive activity,” says Lucy Carney, the children’s library and teen division manager at the main library.

Another fun option is the Paws for Reading program in which preschoolers to fifth graders can practice reading

FOREVER YOUNG

to certified therapy dogs Dec. 3, 8, 10, 12, 13, 19 and 31 at various locations.

Around winter break, kids can enjoy experimental and sensorial science, technology, engineering, arts and math programs that help them explore nature and celebrate the season. Every second Tuesday at the main library, take part in Time to Play for 2- to 5-year-olds, and on Dec. 13, a whimsical wonderlandthemed program involves fun with snow, lights, bells and ribbon. Try winter experiments at the Library Scientists: Snowy Steam program Dec. 20 at the Northwest Akron library for 8to 12-year-olds.

Participating in programs and story times can inspire grandparents to be more engaged.

When reading to kids at home, use imagination to tell a story and read in animated tones. It

also helps to ask kids questions such as, What would you do if you were in the story and this was happening? What would you think? What’s going to happen next?

“This can make a child feel like they are part of that context,” Carney says. “It can impact their readiness for school by developing critical thinking skills or expressing themselves verbally.”

For kids up to 5 years old, try interactive books with repetition or rhyming. When they become readers around first grade, help them explore favorite and different genres. For kids between third and fifth grades, ask them what topics interest them and then choose books on those topics, or try a new format.

“There are the graphic novels that seemed to be a really big hit,” Carney says. “They are very literature-based, excellent

DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

63

FOREVER YOUNG

NUTRITION LESSON Try this Sip Savor Soul recipe with grandkids.

books that help kids that may be a little delayed in their reading levels. It helps them get the context of the story while looking at pictures to get context better than words.”

To encourage kids to develop reading habits themselves as they get older, have books around the house, and take them to the library regularly, having them explore new sections to introduce new topics to them.

Another great way to connect with grandkids while teaching them skills is cooking together. One option for learning is attending Sip Savor Soul, which opened in late September in Akron and offers healthy cooking classes for kids and adults of all ages as well as holiday classes this month.

“The problem is many people … don’t like the word ‘healthy’ because people think it means elimination or denial of something that they really like,” says chef and founder Dannika Stevenson.

To reframe the word “healthy,” for example, she taught students to replace french fries with zucchini, squash and eggplant fries and create their own from-scratch ketchup.

Some ways to teach kids nutrition include taking them to the grocery store and letting them pick up some of their favorite foods but also introducing healthy and balanced choices. You might take kids to a farmers market instead, or if you do go to the grocery store, you might stay only within the produce section.

“Kids mimic your eating style,” Stevenson says. “If you don’t like fruit,

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guess what’s going to happen? Your kids or your grandkids are not going to like it either. If you want them to eat healthily, guess what? You have to eat healthily. This is a family unit.

You have to do it together.”

Families can learn to cook through her classes as well as her Cook Well, Live Well, Eat Well program every other Saturday at the Summa Health Equity Center in Akron. Participants use produce from Let’s Grow Akron, a nutrition nonprofit, to cook healthy recipes.

And to help your grandkids better develop a cooking habit, Stevenson says to introduce new things so they build curiosity to try them and dive into the fresh recipes, letting them make tweaks to use their creativity. Through experience, confidence in the kitchen comes.

“Cooking is a skill that everyone should acquire,” Stevenson says. “Just like breathing and drinking water, cooking is the sustainability of life.”

Using time indoors to help grandkids learn new skills and foster more interaction could reap a lifetime of rewards.

“If the kids are physically participating, that makes a big difference,” Chervank Cyphers says. “When the kids participate, there is an increase in socialization, as well, amongst the kids and the grandparents too.”

[

Nathalia Teixeira is a senior majoring in journalism and minoring in sociology and photojournalism at Kent State University.

]

Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

WINTER ROOT MASH TIME: 30 MINUTES SERVES: 6 Ingredients: • 2-3 pounds of mixed root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, yams, parsnips, turnips, onions or garlic • 1/4 cup vegetable broth • 1-2 teaspoons each of salt, pepper and garlic powder • 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter Instructions: Peel and cut vegetables into samesize chunks. In a large pot, cover the vegetables in cold, salted water and bring water to a boil. Cook vegetables roughly 15 to 20 minutes or until they can be pierced through.

Drain vegetables and return to pot.

Mash vegetables. Add liquid, butter and seasonings. Mash well. Add more seasonings and/or liquid if needed. Add your favorite toppings.

Visit facebook.com/sipsavorsoul to learn about holiday classes in December and more.

FOREVER YOUNG

COZY COMPANIONS Read these Akron-Summit County Public Library books to grandkids this winter.

FOR PRESCHOOLERS AND KINDERGARTNERS TO THIRD GRADERS “Thank you, Omu!” by Oge Mora

FOR PRESCHOOLERS AND EARLY ELEMENTARY STUDENTS “Snowballs” by Lois Ehlert By combining colorful cut paper and textured found objects like buttons, fabric and seeds, Lois Ehlert’s book contains collages of snowmen. It might inspire readers to create their own snowmen or make one out of craft supplies as the book playfully demonstrates.

Learn about generosity in this vibrant Caldecott Honor winner about Omu cooking a stew and her interacting with neighbors when they show up for a bite one by one. “That’s a wonderful book because there’s repetition,” says Lucy Carney, the children’s library and teen division manager at the main Akron library.

“It talks about the community, how people take care of one another and how important food is in the world.”

FOR KINDERGARTNERS TO SIXTH GRADERS

FOR PRESCHOOLERS TO SECOND GRADERS:

“The Secret Life of a Snowflake: An Up-Close Look at the Art and Science of Snowflakes”

by Kenneth Libbrecht

“Anansi and the MossCovered Rock” by Eric Kimmel

Before making its way onto a child’s mitten, each snowflake is created in clouds, and this book tells the story of that journey.

Written by a scientist who is a foremost expert on snowflakes, it features his stunning photos of real snowflakes, including snowflakes forming (in his lab), water evaporating, clouds forming, ice crystals, rain, dew and frost. Each step builds to show how so many tiny flakes amount to a blanket of winter white.

Based on tales originated in West African and Caribbean cultures, this book with an audio player follows Anansi the spider who tricks animals in the forest by using a peculiar, moss-covered rock until Little Bush Deer decides to teach him a lesson. “You push the button, and it reads it to you,” Carney says. “The story is about Anansi who is always a trickster. In the end, the trickster gets tricked.

It’s a fun, silly, fairy tale kind of story.” akronlibrary.org

DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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FINANCIAL PLANNING

by Nathalia Teixeira

Giving Season Giving Doll Started by Ohioan Jan Householder, hand-sewn dolls have been given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital patients, families at Ronald McDonald houses, children in Haiti and recently, community members in Uvalde, Texas, where an elementary school shooting took place.

Over 64,800 dolls have been donated locally and to 64 countries. Visit its Norton shop. Your Impact: Help volunteers sew and deliver dolls to children in need of comfort, to local spots such as Akron Children’s Hospital, local fire and police stations, Summit County Child and Family Services, homeless shelters and more. Norton, thegivingdoll.org

Goodwill

! " # $ % &' $!!()!

Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank Inflation and the pandemic have contributed to a 14 percent increase in people using local hunger relief programs, with 25 percent of people being first timers, and food donations are down by 27 percent, according to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank — the need is urgent.

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More than 600 food pantries, hot meal locations, shelters and other hunger-relief initiatives are run by foodbank member programs in eight Northeast Ohio counties. Your Impact: Join the holiday campaign in December by volunteering, donating — $1 amounts to four meals — or taking part in the 10th annual Selfless Elf 5K Dec. 17 to raise money and awareness. Akronbased, akroncantonfoodbank.org

Shopping at Goodwill thrift stores supports its mission of helping individuals prepare for, find and retain employment, but you can donate too. Your Impact: Contribute to everything from career counseling and assistance to facilitating and providing job training and other community-based programs for people with disabilities, at-risk youths and others.

Akron, goodwillakron.org

Haven of Rest Ministries Celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2023, Haven of Rest

Ministries has provided free shelter, food and clothing to thousands of people without housing. It also focuses on helping people find employment and other means of transitioning out of homelessness. Your Impact: Assist in providing meals, shelter or clothing, lifechanging programs and counseling. Akron, havenofrest.org

Pegasus Farm With five students, two horses and one backyard, Pegasus Farm opened as a therapeutic equestrian program in spring 1986. Now it serves about 500 people annually, many of whom have emotional, developmental, behavioral, cognitive or physical challenges, and horses provide positive benefits to help them learn independence and grow beyond ways they do in daily life. Plus, it employs people with developmental disabilities.

Your Impact: Help provide supplies, horse therapy and scholarships to attend the programs, and support the military center that helps veterans, first responders and their families.

Hartville, pegasusfarm.org

Rahab Ministries Human trafficking and prostitution happen in our region, and Rahab Ministries works to prevent trafficking and help victims.

Your Impact: It has drop-in centers for at-risk youths and adults, a partnership with Summit

photo courtesy of Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank

Get your donations in to local charities by the end of the year.

FINANCIAL PLANNING

County Juvenile Court’s human trafficking docket to help human trafficking survivors and at-risk youths, a safe house for human trafficking survivors and the Oaks, which is a transitional housing and mentorship program for human trafficking survivors. Volunteers reach out to women to prevent or help them escape human trafficking and visit incarcerated women in jail or become pen pals to provide support. Canton, rahabministries.org

Whitehawk Ranch Lifelong equestrian, certified life coach and certified recovery coach Rachel Whitehawk offers programs that involve horses to empower women and girls to overcome negative thought patterns, reduce stress and improve

self-esteem. Your Impact: Giving helps make its programs possible for at-risk teen girls as well as those at homeless shelters, where Whitehawk also helps with employment readiness and life skills. Copley, whitehawkranch.info

Whole Latte Love Cafe Only 17.9 percent of people with disabilities were employed in 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So Whole Latte Love Cafe hires high school graduates with intellectual or developmental disabilities to work at the register, serve drinks and more. Your Impact: Offer employment opportunities to those with disabilities. North Canton, wholelattelovecafe.org

* ) % & + *' #%(!)!

Ashlie’s Embrace After giving birth to a stillborn daughter, Ashlie, at 41 weeks, Erin Maroon and her husband didn’t get to connect much with their baby due to a lack of cooling units. As the founder and president of Ashlie’s Embrace, she began raising money to place Cuddle Cot cooling units in hospitals in all 50 states to help support families experiencing stillbirth or infant loss — but so many more are needed. Your Impact: Get Cuddle Cots placed in more hospitals and support fundraising efforts. North Canton, ashliesembrace.org

Families Against Fentanyl Through the grief of losing his son, Thomas, to fentanyl, Jim Rauh started this nonprofit to raise awareness, do research and lobby those in Washington, D.C., to take action on the fentanyl epidemic, which kills about 187 Americans daily.

Your Impact: Head to the Network for Good website to direct donations toward Families Against Fentanyl Co. and help get federal and state legislation passed, provide awareness and hold foreign manufacturers accountable.

Akron-based, familiesagainstfentanyl.org

Let’s Grow Akron With a sack of donated potatoes and the willingness to work

The magazine of The 330 20

YEARS

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 4 | APRIL 2022

CAMEO S OF CARING NURSE S WHO BEYON D THEIR GO CALLS

RAISE A GLASS MAKE A TOAST SPARK LING WITH 3 WINES

MEET SIR ELTON THE ROCKETDOG, p.24

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L AK E SI LV ER ST U NS ES TA TE

Call The

| ISSUE 11

CELEBR

Pawparazzi!

Meet these Instagramfamous pets from The 330.

Plus, 7 pet photos you submitted.

Joel Testa photo by

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PLAY TIME SOLVE KIDS’ CABIN FEVER

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S' OK STAR INSID E TIKT HOU SE GREE N DIY

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FINANCIAL PLANNING

health screenings throughout the year. It has opened the Kim Jacobs Breast Cancer Resource Center in Kenmore and hosts an annual breast cancer fundraiser walk. Your Impact: All donations go to research and assistance for Summit Countyarea families currently battling breast cancer, with services including free transportation to appointments, lawn mowing, massages, snow plowing and life coaching. Summit County, notjustoctober.org

Not Just October

Ronald McDonald House Akron

In memory of his mother, Kim, who passed away in 2009 from breast cancer, Lavar Jacobs created this organization to change the way communities think and talk about breast cancer, stressing the importance of regular

Loved ones of youths receiving treatment at Akron Children’s Hospital are accommodated at the Ronald McDonald House in Akron. A homelike atmosphere helps take care of basic needs to put the focus on the

child’s health and welcomes families during some of the hardest moments of their lives.

Your Impact: Donations help pay for stays, rooms and more.

Akron, rmhcneo.org

Stage 4 Former cancer patients and others offer support to those fighting cancer through this nonprofit supported by St. Luke’s Church that creates free comfort bags distributed to cancer patients. The bags feature items and notes from former patients about what helped them make it through. Your Impact: Click the give button and select Stage 4, and everything goes toward purchasing materials and items for the bags. Copley, stlukesakron.net/announcement/stage-4

,)-).%& 100 Women Strong Ohio Over 100 Ohio women have banded together to donate at least $200 each annually to support different local charities like Fostering Hope and Stewart’s Caring Place and offer events to empower middle and high school girls. A committee under the 100 Women Strong Ohio board is responsible for helping plan, organize and execute the events and pick charities to donate to. Your Impact: All member donations go directly to local nonprofit organizations, and donations beyond that support events and operations.

Northeast Ohio-based, 100womenstrongohio.org

SPONSORED CONTENT

Financial Support from KeyBank Helps Boost Akron Public Schools KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation are proud to support Akron Public Schools. We are dedicated to connecting our neighbors, communities and students to opportunities that allow them to thrive, and the Financial Services Lab inside the East Community Learning Center, along with the KeyCash program, are just two of the many ways we can accomplish that.

Since its inception in 2019, the KeyCash program has proven to have a positive impact on students who attend East CLC. The program allows students to accumulate KeyCash for behaviors such as earning good grades or demonstrating positive behaviors and good citizenship. They then have the opportunity to purchase items in the school store or tickets to experiences such as football games or prom.

For the 2023-2024 school year, KeyBank is thrilled to support the program with

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akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2022

an additional $15,000 grant, bringing our total support to more than a half a million dollars since 2019. East CLC expects the KeyCash program to record even greater success as students increase their financial literacy skills, preparing them for life after high school.

KeyBank is grateful for the transformative partnership with Akron Public Schools that allows us to bring our financial wellness message to students and give them the tools they need to form good habits and be successful in their professional and personal lives.

photo courtesy of 100 Women Strong Ohio

with neighbors to clear an overgrown vacant lot on Long Street in the Summit Lake neighborhood, Elaine Evans started this nonprofit community gardening organization. It focuses on alleviating hunger in the community by teaching people how to grow, prepare and preserve their own food while working alongside them to beautify neighborhoods. Your Impact: Fund programs, garden tools and supplies, or designate funds toward a certain site. Akron, letsgrowakron.org

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Andrea Teodosio Foundation

Humane Society of Summit County

After losing their daughter in a skiing accident, area judges started this foundation that supports various local charities, including the Summit Medina County Battered Women’s Shelter. Recently, its grant helped Summit Metro Parks buy tri-shaws, electrically assisted bikes with seats that transport riders of all abilities as another person bikes. Your Impact: Allow the foundation to continue to honor Andrea Rose’s legacy of kindness by supporting causes dedicated to the elderly, children, the arts and nature. Munroe Falls, andrearose.org

Through animal adoption services, humane law enforcement and education, the organization welcomes animals for however long it takes to find new homes, as long as the animals are medically and behaviorally healthy.

Partnering with other animal welfare organizations and specialized rescues to help find loving homes for animals when appropriate, Summit County Humane Society cares and advocates for vulnerable animals and enriches the lives of pets and people. Your Impact: Help save pets in Summit County that are victims of cruelty, neglect and abandonment and find them homes through adoption. Twinsburg, summithumane.org

TAX-SAVING TIPS

[ Nathalia Teixeira is a senior majoring in journalism and minoring in sociology and photojournalism at Kent State University. ] SPONSORED CONTENT

EVERGREEN TIPS

TA SAVING One X Size Does Not FitTIPS All. Tax tips are helpful, but strategies will differ for each

individual and business. Work with a professional who can customize a plan that identifies specific tax-saving opportunities for your unique circumstances.

EVERGREEN TIPS

Start Early. Although there may be last-minute actions you can take to save on One Size Does Not Fit All. Tax tips are helpful, but strategies will differ for each individual and taxes, planning early enables you and your accounting advisor to optimize the full business. Work with a professional who can customize a plan that identifies specific tax-saving spectrum of tax-saving opportunities for yourstrategies. unique circumstances.

Work with aAlthough Professional. laws constantlyactions changing and many Start Early. thereTax may beare last-minute you can taketax-saving to save on taxes, planning early strategies are complex.

Getting professional advice helps assure that you areofon top enables you and your accounting advisor to optimize the full spectrum tax-saving strategies. of the latest tax law changes and are taking full advantage of available tax-saving Work with a Professional. Tax laws are constantly changing and many tax-saving strategies are opportunities.

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YEAR END TAX-SAVING TIPS After a challenging year of high inflation and stock market losses, the following are YEARexamples END TAX-SAVING TIPS three of year-end tax-saving tips to discuss with your advisor.

After a challenging year of high inflation and stock market losses, the following are three examples of

Weigh Roth IRA Conversions. With the S&P 500 Index down more than 20% in year-end tax-saving tips to discuss with your advisor.

2022, this may be a good time to consider a Roth IRA conversion which enables Weigh Roth IRA Conversions. theIRA S&P Index down more than 20% in 2022, this may be you to transfer pre-tax IRA funds toWith a Roth for500 future tax-free growth.

a good time to consider a Roth IRA conversion which enables you to transfer pre-tax IRA funds to a

Fee-Based Planning offered through W3 Wealth Advisors, LLC, a State Registered Investment Advisor. Third Party Money Management offered through Valmark Advisers, Inc., a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through Valmark Securities, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. W3 Global Accounting provides only tax and accounting. W3 Financial Group, LLC, W3 Wealth Advisors, LLC and W3 Global Accounting are separate entities from Valmark Securities, Inc. and Valmark Advisers, Inc. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for accounting, legal or tax advice. The services of an appropriate professional should be sought regarding your individual situation.

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DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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DECEMBER 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 12

Restaurants [ notable food & drink ]

B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner A Alcohol available T Takeout available V Valet parking W Wheelchair Accessible $ 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.

Akron Family Restaurant Neighborhood meeting place, homey atmosphere, reasonable prices. 250 W. Market St., Akron, 330-376-0600 $$ B, L, D, T, W Al’s Corner Restaurant Old World comfort food served cafeteria style. Cabbage rolls and sausage made locally are a favorite. 155 Second St. NW, Barberton, 330-475-7978 $$ L, T, W Alexander Pierce Restaurant Fine dining menu of steaks, house-made pastas, calamari misto and cavatelli alla vodka in an intimate speakeasy-style atmosphere. 797 E. Market St., Akron, 330-529-2003 $$$ D, A Arnie’s Public House An attractive, affordable restaurant with a modern twist on comfort food. Featuring award-winning burgers, chicken and waffles, fish and chips, pasta and vegetarian dishes. 1682 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-0154 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Arnie’s West Branch Steak House Casual dining, specializing in steak, ribs and seafood. 5343 state Route 14, Ravenna, 330-297-1717 $$$ D, A, T Basil Asian Bistro Menu features Thai, Chinese and Korean dishes, as well as sushi and Vietnamese specialties.

585 Market Ave. N, Canton, 330-4523888; 145 W Liberty St., Wooster, 330601-0885 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Beau’s Grille Well-regarded, innovative menu at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn.

3180 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330867-5218 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T, W Beau’s on the River Stunning views of the falls with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary decor. Fusion eclectic cuisine and Sun. brunch.

Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7530 $$$ B, L, D, A, T, W 70

akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2022

Big Eu’es BBQ Known for delicious barbecue meals and Kool Aid pies.

The takeout spot also has a dining area. 1730 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-706-6700 $$ L, D, T The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard Situated on a 55-acre estate in a renovated historic barn that overlooks a beautiful lake. Serving rustic Italian fare using only fresh and seasonal ingredients. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000 $$$ L, D, A The Bistro of Green An upscale dining establishment with a diverse menu that features some of Akron’s finest cuisine and gluten-free options made from fresh ingredients. Has a large selection of wine, beer and cocktails, and the inviting atmosphere offers a memorable experience. 3459 Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330-896-1434 $$$$ D, T, A Bistro on Main House-made desserts, hand-cut steaks and fresh pasta.

1313 W. Main St., Kent, 330-673-9900 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Boiling House Authentic Louisiana seafood boils with king crab legs and lobster tail. A unique sushi menu diversifies the offerings. 1 W. Exchange St., Suite 150, Akron, 234571-9692 $$$$ L, D, T Burntwood Tavern Owned by the same couple that runs the other Burntwood locations, this restaurant’s menu features steaks, sliders, smoked, planked and woodgrilled food. 2291 Riverfront Parkway, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-794-7085; 4320 Everhard Road NW, Canton, 234-2099746; 3750 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 234-466-7372 $$$$ L, D, A, T, W Canal Tavern of Zoar Fine casual dining in Zoar’s original tavern and inn.

Features steaks and chops, seafood and Zoar-inspired German cuisine, as well as draft brews and extensive wine list. Sun. brunch. Patio bar and dining along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. 8806 Towpath Road, NE, Bolivar, 330-874-4444 $$$ L, D, A, T Caston & Main Brew Yard This cozy, casual gastropub features offers a large variety of craft beer, wine, specialty cocktails and 140-plus bourbons, whiskeys and spirits including rare selections. 5010 S. Main St., Akron, 330-882-CASK (2275) $$$ L, D, A

Chameleon Cafe With a variety of coffee flavors and drinks, it’s a great stop for some caffeine or a quick bite.

Features vegan grilled cheeses like the “Not Yo Daddy’s” grilled cheese.

The cafe also offers breakfast sandwiches, lunch power bowls, appetizers, lunchtime options and bakery muffins. 23 S. Main St., Akron, 234-334-3603 $$ B, L, T Chowder House Cafe Salads, seafood dishes, oysters and clam chowder.

1244 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330794-7102 $$$ L, D, A, T Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant Upscale Thai and Japanese, extensive menu, fresh ingredients, handselected sushi and no monosodium glutamate. 326 S. Main St., Akron, 330-434-2876 $$$ L, D, A, T Circle L Steakhouse at the Galaxy The new menu offers a wide selection of steak cuts, and the atmosphere provides an upscale, rustic feel. Sun. brunch and live entertainment. 201 Park Centre Drive, Wadsworth, 330-3343663 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T Corkscrew Saloon Specializes in fresh seafood, steaks and chops, prepared by executive chef Ryan Marino. Live entertainment Wed. nights. 811 W. Liberty, Medina, 330-725-0220 $$$$ L, D, A, T Craft Social Bar A large variety of craft beer, cocktails, wines and whiskeys that accompany upscale bar food.

Watermark Building, 1846 Front St., Suite G, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-8052826 $$$ D, A, T, V Crave Creative comfort foods, slightly eccentric with bold tastes served up in a sensational setting. 156 S. Main St., Akron, 330-253-1234 $$ L, D, A, T, V Crave Cantina Latin fare meets global tacos at this modern, artistic eatery from the owner of Crave in downtown Akron. Pair your eclectic taco choices with a rum flight of your choice. 2097 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-940-2000 $$$$ L, D, A, T The Crush House at Gervasi Vineyard A modern industrial building that houses a state-of-the-art winery facility, wine bar and eatery. Perfect for a fun lunch, casual dinner or late snack. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330497-1000, ext. 5 $$ L, D, A

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D’Agnese’s at White Pond Akron Contemporary Italian food served in a classy yet casual setting. Live entertainment. Full service catering.

566 White Pond Drive, Akron, 234678-3612 $$$ L, D, A, T D.B.A., Dante Boccuzzi Akron Modern American food in a rock ‘n’ roll palace setting. Several menu items can be ordered in varied portion sizes, based on your appetite.

Vegetarian and vegan options available. Order a drink and relax on the restaurant’s spacious patio.

21 Furnace St., Akron, 330-375-5050 $$$$ D, A, T, V Desert Inn Family-owned since 1970.

Specializes in family-style shish kebabs. 204 12th St. NW, Canton, 330-456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A DeVitis Italian Market Has used traditional recipes to bring fresh Italian food to the Akron area for the last 40 years. Offers six varieties of pasta sauce, including house-made regular, hot and Sicilian. The housemade Italian sausage is a longtime favorite, and a gourmet deli case is fully stocked with a selection of entrees that are ready to heat and eat. 560 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron, 330-535-2626 $$ L, D, T Diamond Deli A local favorite with fat sandwiches and fresh soups. 378 S. Main St., Akron, 330-762-5877 $ B, L, A, D (Saturdays only), T Diamond Grille Akron’s oldest steakhouse, 1950s-style decor. All steaks are hand-cut, and seafood is flown in fresh. 77 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-0041 $$$$ L, D, A, No credit cards Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine Homestyle Italian cuisine, popular community meeting place. 555 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-928-9530 $$ L, D, A, T Driftwood Modern American Bistro Upscale casual dining featuring multiaward-winning chili, handmade pasta and more crafted in an open kitchen. Save room for made-fromscratch desserts, including our cinnamon roll cheesecake. Inside Embassy Suites by Hilton Akron Canton Airport, 7883 Freedom Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-305-0500 $$$ D

GOOD EATS UNCORKED

by Eric Van Sant

Ferrari-Carano Winery Healdsburg, California

Sauvignon blanc has become Americans’ go-to wine during the pandemic, so it’s a must to try one from an iconic sauvignon blanc winery in California: FerrariCarano Winery in Sonoma County. Don and Rhonda Carano, Nevada casino owners and second-generation Italian Americans, founded it in 1981 after discovering great Sonoma County wines while searching for wines to add to their casino’s wine list. Eventually, they purchased a property for a vineyard there.

Today, the winery is owned by the Foley family, who bought it in 2019.

The current winery, in Dry Creek Valley, was constructed starting in 1985. The first wines bearing the FerrariCarano name were sauvignon blanc and chardonnay, which were released in 1987 and are still cornerstones of the winery.

Learn more about those white varietals in addition to a red option.

CHARDONNAY

SIENA

Blended from over 60 different lots throughout Sonoma County, this chardonnay ($18.99) is first settled in stainlesssteel tanks before being transferred into oak barrels. It’s then aged in French oak and bottled.

There are notes of lemon and vanilla on the nose, peach and citrus on the palate and toasted oak and creamy butterscotch on the finish. Enjoy with poultry and creamy cheeses.

A proprietary blend of primarily sangiovese, with malbec, petit sirah and cabernet sauvignon, Siena ($22.99) is fermented and blended up to 27 months of cave aging in oak barrels. The sangiovese adds deep strawberry and currant notes. There are also lovely notes of allspice and coffee with a full lingering finish. For pairings, think rich Italian dishes or a fatty prosciutto plate with fresh mozzarella.

FUME BLANC Another term for sauvignon blanc, this fume blanc ($13.99) comes from Sonoma properties in Dry Creek, Alexander, Russian River, and Knights valleys. It is 92 percent sauvignon blanc grapes with an added blend of chardonnay, pinot gris and others to round it out.

Seventy percent of the wine is aged in stainless steel and 30 percent is aged in oak barrels for two months then blended and bottled. With bright tropical flowers on the nose, the wine is crisp and smooth on the palate, with balanced acidity on the finish, while not being overly herbaceous or grassy. It complements seafood, pasta in white sauces and Asian cuisine.

Find these wines at select Giant Eagle, Acme Fresh Market and Buehler’s Fresh Food locations.

[ Eric Van Sant is a sales manager at Heidelberg Distributing Co. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

DECEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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GOOD EATS UNTAPPED

by Aaron Fowler

Ciderboys Hard Cider Mad Bark six-pa

Sometimes you start drinking Christmas ales so early that you’re already burnt out on them before Christmas arrives. If you are looking for something entirely different this winter, Ciderboys Hard Cider has a great alternative to rejuvenate that holiday cheer: Mad Bark.

The hard cider crafted by Stevens Point Brewery in Wisconsin is what you need to refresh your taste buds in December. The all-natural offering is infused with cinnamon, is gluten free and is made from 100 percent real apple juice.

Think of a scrumptious apple pie sprinkled with cinnamon in liquid form, and you can get the taste of Mad Bark.

Its maker, Stevens Point, dates back to 1857 and is now considered the 18th largest brewery by volume according to the Brewers Association. The brewery’s splash into the world of ciders began in 2012 when Stevens Point established its beloved Ciderboys line, which has grown each year and has continued to be the secondlargest selling cider in Ohio.

Ciderboys has become a favorite among Ohioans and beyond with ciders like Pineapple Hula, Peach County and Strawberry Magic. Mad Bark is released each winter and is around until February, and it has become one of its most cherished offerings. At only 5 percent alcohol by volume, Mad Bark warms you up on chilly December nights and makes you yearn for more this season.

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Ciderboys Mad Bark is available in six-pack bottles for $10.99 at select Giant Eagle, Acme Fresh Market, Heinen’s, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Fishers Foods and Mustard Seed Market & Cafe locations, as well as craft beer stops such as Lizardville and 101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.

[ Aaron Fowler is the key account manager at Cavalier Distributing. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

Eadie’s Fish House Bar & Grill All kinds of seafood, including fried alligator bites, lobster tail and homemade crab cakes. 6616 Wise Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-494-4000 $$$ L, D, A, T Eddy’s Deli and Restaurant Try the banana split waffle, a corned beef sandwich or chicken paprikash. 2655 Oakwood Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-7489; 4581 Kent Road, Stow, 330-346-0551 $$ B, L, D, T Edgar’s Restaurant Serves a variety of entrees, such as chargrilled grouper, along with homemade soups, salads and starters. 530 Nome Ave. at Good Park Golf Course, Akron, 330-8693000 $$$ D, A, T

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The Eye Opener Diner-style menu features jams and jellies from Crooked River Herb Farm. Upscale decor includes photos of historic Akron. 1688 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-1114 $$ B, L, D, T Fat Head’s Brewery A brewpub with wellknown beers, sandwiches as big as your head and hearty appetizers like fried pickles, pepper jack bites and big barbecue wings. 3885 Everhard Road NW, Canton, 330-244-8601 $$$ L, D, W, A, T Franklin Hotel Bar An upscale downtown Kent bar featuring craft cocktails, share plates and small plates. 176 E. Main St., Kent, 330-676-1000 $$ D, A

Fred’s Diner Well-known North Hill stop for breakfast and lunch. 930 Home Ave., Akron, 330-535-3733 $ B, L, T The Galaxy Restaurant Diverse selection of dishes in a creative building.

Fantastic desserts. 201 Park Center Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-3663 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Gasoline Alley Eclectic menu featuring pizza, sandwiches and sauerkraut balls. 870 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-2670 $$$ L, D, A, T Green Diamond Grille & Pub Upscale dining without upscale pricing. Specializes in steaks, chops, baby back ribs and seafood. 125 Second St. NW, Barberton, 330-745-1900 $$$ L, D, A, T

Guiseppe’s Pizza Family-owned pizzeria known for its Sicilian-style square pizza. 14 E. Caston Road, Akron, 330644-8842 $$ L, D, T Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery Serving homestyle meals since 1966, we are known for our pressure fried chicken, house-made salad dressings, 21 varieties of pies and more. Carryout and curbside pickup.

1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330877-9353 $$$ L, D, T, W Hibachi Japan Steak House Japanese hibachi-style cooking, great steak and sushi. 1803 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-3333 $$$ L, D, A, T

GOOD EATS HiHO Brewing Co. Former educators and co-owners Ali and Jon Hovan plate up fresh pizza with house-made dough and sauce along with myriad draft beers brewed in house. 1707 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 234-3347564 $$$ L, D, A The Jetty River Bar and Grill Located on the north end of the Sheraton Suites, it is a posh place to have dinner and a drink with a view. Choose from a menu of casual salads, flatbreads and small entrees. 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7544 $$$ L, D, T, A, P Jilly’s Music Room All gluten-free menu of creative American tapas in a sophisticated setting. Live music, concerts and events Wed. through Sat. 111 N. Main St., Akron, 330-5763757 $$, D, A, T, W Kasai Japanese Restaurant Sushi, hibachi, noodles, don buri, agamono and more. Finish your meal with tempura cheesecake. 295 Weatherstone Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-7141; 3875 Massillon Road, Suite 300, Uniontown, 330-899-9788 $$$ L, D, A, T Ken Stewart’s Grille Widely recognized as one of Akron’s finest. Upscale, eclectic cuisine. Emphasis on steak and seafood. 1970 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-2555 $$$$ L, D, A, T, V Ken Stewart’s Lodge Casual, Adirondackstyle atmosphere, eclectic cuisine.

1911 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-8881 $$$$ D, A, T Ken Stewart’s Tre Belle 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 Kingfish A posh yet sleek interior features the freshest seafood of North Coast. Dress is business casual. Reservations recommended.

115 Montrose West Ave., Copley. 330777-2005 $$$$ D, A Kosar’s Wood-Fired Grill Award-winning steakhouse offering aged steaks, chops and seafood tastefully in an upscale space decorated with beloved former Cleveland Browns player Bernie Kosar’s own authentic memorabilia. At the MGM Northfield Park casino. 21 and over only. 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-9087602 $$$$ D, A LagerHeads BBQ Smokehouse and Brewing Co . Try the ribs, smoked wings and beer cheese soup, made with Barnburner lager. For dessert, taste the fruit crisp made with grains used to brew their signature beers. 2832 Abbeyville Road, Medina, 330-7251947 $$$ L, D, A, T Lager & Vine Gastropub and Wine Bar Scratch food and a bar that has offered a comfortable atmosphere since 2012. Try small entrees like the grilled vegetable ravioli or larger plates like double bone pork chop.

30 W. Streetsboro St., Hudson, 330650-1717 $$$ L, D, T, A, P

Lanning’s Restaurant Elegant dining atmosphere with a beautiful view.

More than 150 types of wine. 826 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330666-1159, 330-864-2553 $$$$ D, A, T, V Laziza High-end Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare, plus steak and seafood dishes and a full bar. Acorn Alley, 195 E. Erie St., Kent, 330-6777000 $$$ L, D, A, T Leo’s Italian Social Nosh on comfort food Italian favorites with a chefdriven twist. With everything from wood-fired pizza to certified angus beef strip steaks, it’s a great spot for groups to dine inside or on the large patio with bocce. Also take in live music. 2251 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-400-4427 $$$$ B, L, D, T, A, P The Lockview Traditional American favorites. Fresh menu with spotlight on gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. 207 S. Main St., Akron, 330-252-5128 $$ L, D, A, T Lucca Downtown Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Tuscan Italianinspired menu. Now managed by Tony Ly, who also owns Basil Asian Bistro. Call for reservations. 228 Fourth St. NW, Canton, 330-456-2534. $$$$ L, D, A, T Lucia’s Steakhouse Fresh seafood, signature garlic butter-topped steaks, Italian favorites and Lucia classics, like house-made lump crab cakes or cubanella and long, hot peppers. 4769 Belpar St. NW, Canton, 330-492-9933 $$$$ D, A Luigi’s Restaurant An Akron icon. Open late. Serves superb Italian cuisine, salads and award-winning pizza.

Voted best pizza and best Italian restaurant by Akron Life readers.

Party trays and sheet-pan pizzas available with 24-hour notice. 105 N. Main St., Akron, 330-253-2999 $$ L, D, A, T, No credit cards Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery Sample wine by bottle or glass, as well as craft beer. Taste 100-plus types of cheeses. Appetizers and sandwiches. 6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville, 330-877-8344 $$ L, D, A, T Menches Bros. Restaurant Inventors of the hamburger and ice cream cone. In Akron since 1901. 4887 Tuscawaras St. W, Canton, 234-410-3444; 3700 Massillon Road, Green, 330-896-2288; 235 Lincoln Way W, Massillon, 330832-6200 $$ B, L, D, A, T Missing Falls Brewery Offering sixteen craft beers, a spacious taproom, an open brewery concept, and a family friendly environment in a turn of the century piece of Americana. Oh, did we mention artisan pizza too? 540 S. Main St., Suite 112, Akron, 234-2311000 $$ A Moe’s Restaurant Hip, intimate atmosphere featuring a diverse chalkboard menu that changes monthly. Martinis, cocktails and extensive selection of wines by the glass. 2385 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-6600 $$$$ L, D, A, T

Ms. Julie’s Kitchen Opened by Akron native and author of three vegan cookbooks. Specialties include salads, whole grain-foods and spelt flour waffles. 1809 S. Main St., Akron, 330-819-3834 $ B, L, D, T Mustard Seed Market & Cafe Mezzanine overlooking the Highland Square natural foods market. Menu reflects same strict standards as the market, with naturally raised meats, free-range poultry and foods free from artificial flavors, colorings and preservatives. Full bar and juice bar. Live music on weekends.

Sun. brunch. 3885 W. Market St., Montrose, 330-666-7333; 867 W. Market St., Akron, 330-434-7333 $$$ L, D, T Nepali Kitchen Authentic Nepali cuisine like paneer pakora alongside familiar Asian favorites like chicken curry and chow Mein. 399 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-631-1112 $$$ L, D, W, T New Era Restaurant A mainstay of the Akron area. Heavenly paprikash and other Hungarian favorites. 10 Massillon Road, Akron, 330-784-0087 $$ B, L, D, A, T Niko’s Sandwich Board Cafe Menu of fresh salads, small-batch soups and handcrafted sandwiches, including several veggie, vegan and gluten-free selections. 1947 W. Market St., Suite 104, Akron, 330-794-5444 $$ L, D, T 91 Wood Fired Oven Upscale casual West Coast atmosphere. Pizza and pasta are specialties. Patio dining. 1983 Easton St. NW in Washington Square Plaza, North Canton, 330-498-9191; 5570 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330497-9111 $$$ D, A, T Nomz Café Provides customers with farm-fresh, local eats that showcase favorites like the chicken sandwich marinated in Thirsty Dog Brewing’s Citra Dog beer that are made from scratch inside the Northside Marketplace. 21 Furnace St., Akron, 330-286-1315 $$$ B, L, D, T, A Papa Bear’s Authentic, house-made Italian food. 4990 Dressler Road NW, Canton, 330-493-0090 $$$ L, D, A, T Papa Gyros Greek Grill Authentic Greek fare, wine and beer. 3939 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0707; 4760 Everhard Road, Canton, 330-4971100; 320 W. State St., Alliance, 330823-7773; 2045 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330-456-9000; 1 N. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-247-2475 $$ L, D, A, T Papa Joe’s Iacomini’s Extensive wine list, fine Italian fare, seafood and steaks.

1561 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron, 330-923-7999 $$$ L, D, A, T The Rail High-quality Ohio beef used for burgers. Top with specialty condiments like truffle butter or sunflower-basil pesto. Veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, milkshakes, and local and craft beers. 3265 W. Market St., Akron, 330864-7245 $$ L, D, A, T

Ray’s Place Great burgers, hearty dinners and the area’s largest selection of foreign and domestic beer in the bottle and on draft. 135 Franklin Ave., Kent, 330-673-2233; 25 Ghent Road, Fairlawn, 330-835-2233 $$ L, D, A, T Rice Paper Thai Cuisine Fine Thai cuisine that features curry dishes, vegetarian options and more. The spiciness of the dishes can be altered to suit customers. 3867 Medina Road, Fairlawn, 234-466-0499 $$$ L, D, T The River Merchant Kent’s riverfront restaurant offers guests a beautiful dining experience with a chefinspired menu, a wood-fired oven and a wine and beer market. Try favorites like the Nashville hot chicken gyro or the smoked salmon flatbread. Guests can also sip cocktails like the PB Banana Split or a selection from its extensive beer, wine and spirits menu. 911 N. Mantua St., Kent, 330-968-6376 $$$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Rizzi’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Northern Italian recipes shine at this familyowned restaurant with fried chicken that has garnered its own trademark.

2809 Copley Road, Copley, 330-6661221, 330-668-2626 $$ L, D, T Rockne’s Pub Notorious for huge sandwiches and pub food at a great price. Try Rockne’s Terminator Sub with shaved beef, grill-seared and covered in cheese and fries, topped with lettuce, mayo and Rockne’s dressing on a buttered, grilled long bun. Children’s menu available. 7 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-762-7555; 1203 Bailey Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-922-3663; 2914 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-836-7662; 1450 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-0904; 155 Lincoln Way W, Massillon, 330-833-8800; 5000 Portage St., North Canton, 330244-4212; 4240 Hudson Drive, Stow, 330-922-9960; 9406 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-422-8010 $$ L, D, A, T Rose Garden Restaurant Authentic Indian and Nepali meals include curry and gulab jamun, a sweet deep-fried cheese dessert, in the space that was formerly Everest Restaurant. 2033 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-7066630 $$ L, D, W, T Rosewood Grill Seasonally inspired. Fresh appeal of a local farmers market. 36 E. Streetsboro St., Hudson, 330-6562100 $$$$ L Fri/Sat only, D, A, T Rush Hour Grille Classic American fare.

10735 Ravenna Road, Twinsburg, 330-405-4990 $$ L, D, A, T Russo’s Unique cuisine featuring Cajun and Italian influences. Fine dining atmosphere. 4895 State Road, Peninsula, 330-923-2665 $$$$ L, D, A, T

Go to akronlife.com to view more area restaurants & events.

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GOOD EATS Saffron Patch Fine Indian cuisine including tandoori chicken, gingerseasoned yellow lentils and garlic naan. 1238 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-836-7777 $$$ L, D, A, T Sakura Fresh sushi. Wide selection of specialty rolls. 3900 Medina Road, Akron, 330-670-0288 $$$ L, D, T Samantha’s Restaurant Canton staple known for its substantial menu featuring many varieties of eggs Benedict, like the California with spinach, asparagus, portobello mushrooms, red onion and feta. 4954 Portage St. NW, North Canton, 330499-9700 $$ B, L, D, A, W, T Sammie’s Bar and Grill Dave DeLapa’s restaurant menu features burgers, sandwiches, comfort food and appetizers. 498 South Ave., Tallmadge, 234-678-8334 $$ L, D, A, T Sam Sylk’s Chicken & Fish Satisfy cravings with a large menu of chicken, fish or a combo dishes. 1400 S. Arlington Road, Akron, 234-571-0802 $$$ L, D, T, W Sarah’s Vineyard Sample high-quality wines, appetizers and desserts in the tasting room, on the deck or in the butterfly garden. 1204 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330929-8057 $$ L, D, A, T Serenite Restaurant Fine French dining includes oysters, escargot, duck confit and smoked salmon. Socially conscious mission with a staff made up of people in recovery from addiction. 538 W. Liberty St., Medina, 330-952-2611 $$$ L, D, A, T Shale Brewing Co. A menu focused on flatbreads and handhelds. An extensive selection of alcoholic beverages that feature craft beertails like the beer margarita and the blackberry bramble. Also has another location in Oakwood and a coffeehouse in Canton that showcases craft coffee and breakfast sandwiches. 7253 Whipple Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-776-8812 $$ L, D, T, A Shawarma Bros. Get a taste of authentic shawarma lamb, chicken or beef in a rice bowl or on pita bread and falafel, then finish off your meal with baklava at this affordable takeout restaurant.

1808 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-3996 $$ L, D, T Skyway Drive-In Restaurant A West Akron tradition. Drive-in burgers, fast fare.

2781 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330836-2806; 951 E. Turkeyfoot Road, Green, 330-896-9350 $ L, D, T Social at Stone House Welcoming guests with craft cocktails and a global menu in a pre-Civil War mansion.

Enjoy a relaxing dinner of dishes like the prosciutto arugula flatbread or the Sriracha Caesar salad in a themed rooms or the Overlook lounge featuring a view of Massillon.

Be sure to order an artfully garnished cocktail like the JD Manhattan or gimlet. 824 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, 330-809-0461 $$$ L, D, T, A, P 74

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Spennato’s Italian Ristorante Seafood, chicken, pasta and pizza, as well as attentive service and a casual dining atmosphere. 10446 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-468-8688 $$$ L, D, A, T Steinly’s Down-home breakfasts are a mainstay. 235 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, 330-773-6422 $ B, L, D, T Sushi Katsu Award-winning sushi spot in the Merriman Valley. 1446 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-867-2334 $$$ L, D, A, T Swensons Drive-In Voted best burger in Akron Life’s Best of the City.

Signature burger is the Galley Boy. 658 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-928-8515; 40 S. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-864-8416; 4466 Kent Road, Stow, 330-678-7775; 40 Brookmont Road, Montrose, 330665-1858; 5815 Wales Ave., Jackson Township, 330-833-5454; 1558 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-499-9494 $ L, D, T Table Six Kitchen & Bar Innovative and shareable dishes made from scratch in a gastropub where the drinks are also held to the same high standard.

Road 6113 Whipple Ave NW, North Canton, 330-305-1666 $$$ L, D, W, A, T Taco Tontos Funky, college atmosphere featuring authentic Mexican cuisine made from scratch. Good selection of vegetarian dishes. 123 Franklin Ave., Kent, 330-677-0223 $$ L, D, T Tail Gators Sports Pub & Grille This sports pub and grill features burgers, wings and the longest happy hour around.

469 College St., Wadsworth, 330-3345151 $$ L, D, A, T Taqueria La Loma Traditional Mexican street food in a colorful environment and market. The house special, the al pastor, features a rub with a secret recipe that gives the pork a smokysweet flavor. 459 Darrow Road, Akron, 330-784-9300 $$ L, D, T, A Taste of Bangkok & Sushi Bar Menu includes curries, noodle dishes and hand-rolled sushi. Variety of lunch specials. 514 E. Exchange St., Akron, 330-252-2270 $$ L, D, T Thano’s Family Restaurant Burgers, chops, chicken, wraps, seafood and pasta. Breakfast served all day, daily specials, Friday fish fry. 50-seat party room. 71 Fifth St., Barberton, 330861-1300 $$ B, L, D, A, T 3 Palms Pizzeria Gourmet Neapolitan pizzas baked in an authentic Italianbuilt wood-burning oven, plus other Italian specialties. 60 Village Way, Hudson, 330-342-4545 $$$ L, D, T Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. Named Ohio Brewery of the Year at the 2016 New York International Beer Competition, this brewery received medals for several of their brews. These medals included gold for Siberian Night aged in Bourbon Barrels, silver for Rail Dog Smoked Black Lager and bronze for Cerasus Dog. Come and enjoy a cold one in their tasting room. 529 Grant Street, Akron,330-252-2739 $$ A

Thyme2 Pub & Fine Dining Contemporary cuisine with worldly influences, served in an upscale, modern setting.

113 W. Smith Road, Medina, 330-7644114 $$$$ L, D, A, T Timber Lodge Steaks are hand-selected from the finest USDA Prime and Choice aged beef. Seafood is flown in daily to assure the peak of flavor and freshness. Prime rib is slow roasted rotisserie-style and hand-carved to your taste. Famous for its No. 1 giant lobster tail. 2809 Pearl Road, Medina, 330-725-6288 $$$ D, A, T Totally Cooked To-Go Comfort foods, soups, made-to-order sandwiches and salads, and desserts. Menu changes weekly. 388 S. Main St., Akron, 330-294-1102 $$ B, L, D, T Town Tavern A finer take on bar food in an upbeat atmosphere that sets the tone for a fun night or weekend brunch. 3900 Medina Road Unit J, Akron, 330-666-1191; 1840 Town Park Blvd., Uniontown, 330-896-4433, $$$ B, L, D, T, A Trecaso’s Mary Coyle Strong pasta selection. Six-time winner of Pasta Yule’s best red sauce. Highland Square spot known for several ice cream options. 780 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-1511 $$ L, D, T Twiisted Sushi and traditional Japanese food, with gourmet burgers and steaks, salads, appetizers, desserts and a full bar. 985 Boardman Alley, Medina, 330-661-0606 $$$ D, A, T Twisted Meltz Nestled in Acorn Alley, this restaurant serves gourmet grilled cheese, salads and ice cream. 164B E. Main St., Kent, 330-968-4104 L, D, T The Twisted Olive Casual classic ItalianAmerican fare grilled or baked wood-fire ovens. Indoor and outdoor seating. 5430 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0550 $$$ L, D, A, T Vaccaro’s Trattoria Traditional Italian cuisine with a twist on nouveau.

Famous since 1957. An Italian and Akron classic. 1000 Ghent Road, Akron, 330-666-6158 $$$ L, D, A, T Valley Cafe Owned by a five-star gourmet chef. Features friendly service, dishes made from scratch and famous cabbage soup. 1212 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-8650101; 101 High St., Wadsworth, 330331-7555 $ B, L, D (Wadsworth only), T Vasili’s Greek Cuisine A welcome addition to Akron’s restaurant scene, Vasili’s provides big flavors and huge portions at a reasonable price with excellent customer service. The moussaka is excellent, and the baklava is decadent. 1702 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-864-0722 $$ L, D, T Vinifera Wine-to-Whiskey Extensive beverage list with an enomatic wine dispenser system of more than 60 wine selections, more than 80 whiskey and bourbon options and food. 3236 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-571-0233 $$$ D, A, T

Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse Hibachi steakhouse and sushi bar. Chefs prepare food right before your eyes.

150 Montrose West Ave., Copley, 330666-5522; 6338 Strip Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-966-8866 $$$$ L, D, T Waterloo Restaurant Eclectic menu.

Famous for the Waterloo Big Apple and French onion soup. 423 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, 330-773-5158 $$ B, L, D, T Water Main Grille Sandwiches, soups and dinner platters. 339 Main St., Wadsworth, 330-331-7757 $$ L, D, T The West Side Bakery Specialties include cakes, pastries and cookies.

Breakfast items include scones, muffins and yogurt parfaits. All sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups are made from scratch. 2303 W. Market St., Akron, 330-836-4101 $ B, L, T The Wine Mill Open daily for wine, craft beer, and bites made from fresh, local ingredients. The rustic Wine Mill serves salads, sliders and cheeseboards, along with Mason jar desserts. The Wine Mill is available for weddings and private events. 4964 Akron Cleveland Road, Peninsula, 234-571-2594 $$$ L, D, A, V Winking Lizard Come to see the lizard, stay for the extensive beer selection and food. 3634 Center Road, Brunswick, 330-220-9944; 5710 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330-4971133; 79 Springside Drive, Copley, 330-644-1780; 5111 E. Aurora Road, Macedonia, 330-467-6200; 2175 E. Maple St., North Canton, 330-4706460; 1615 Main St., Peninsula, 330467-1002 $$$ L, D, A, T Wise Guys Lounge & Grill Located in the former Nick Anthe Restaurant, this spot, owned by Tom Procaccio, features steaks, seafood and pasta dishes. 1008 N. Main St., Akron, 330922-3006 $$$$ L, D, A, T Wolf Creek Tavern Housed in the former Loyal Oak Tavern, this restaurant serves craft beer, wine, salads, wraps, burgers, pasta, steaks and house-made pie. Kids menu. 3044 Wadsworth Road, Norton, 234-5714531 $$$$ L, D, A, T Yours Truly This award-winning restaurant is family-owned and operated, with an emphasis on customer service and family-friendly dining. Try the burgers and breakfast items. 36 S. Main St., Hudson, 330-656-2900; 3725 Medina Road, Medina, 330-722-5800 $$ B, L, D, A, T Please send any changes or corrections to kpetryszyn@ bakermediagroup.com.

Go to akronlife.com to view more area restaurants & events.

PARTING SHOT

by Nathalia Teixeira, photo cour tesy of Summit Memory/Akron-Summit County Public Library

“

North Pole Landing Akron, 1958

”

Holiday shoppers decked out in dresses and ties packed the Georgian Room restaurant at O’Neil’s in downtown Akron, and Santa spread yuletide cheer to diners as well as the pictured kitchen crew. With an elegant 1930s atmosphere, the 225-seat Georgian Room had chandeliers, linen tablecloths, a salad bar surrounding a pillar and blue-and-apricot flowered wallpaper. Fruit salad topped with sherbet was a ladies’ luncheon favorite, while kids loved the creamed chicken casserole served in a ceramic red hen and milk served in a ceramic cow. The store got shoppers in a holly jolly spirit with large, intricate animated displays featuring elves in Santa’s workshop, nutcrackers, teddy bears, trains and ornately trimmed Christmas trees. Although O’Neil’s closed in 1989, Santa is still coming to town for pictures at Summit Mall through Christmas Eve.

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