December 2023

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 12

DECEMBER 2023

SHAMMAS MALIK AKRON’S

CHANGE LEADER Mayor-elect works tirelessly to create a thriving future for his hometown

COUNT DOWN 3 PARTIES TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR

TOP DOCTORS 2023

DEC. 2023 $4.95

AKRON MAYOR-ELECT SHAMMAS MALIK photo by Meghan Winkler

LIFE CHANGING PATIENTS GET CUTTING - EDGE TREATMENTS

PAGES

DECEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 12

Pages start here

On The Cover

| 22 Akron Mayor-elect | photo by Meghan Winkler

[ FEATURES ]

22 THE EQUALIZER Shammas Malik vows to be a mayor of the people. He is breaking barriers and bringing change to make Akron a city for all.

32

LIFE CHANGING Read about patients who received remarkable treatments that can lead to life-altering improvements. Plus, see which doctors were voted tops by their peers.

Shammas Malik photo by Meghan Winkler

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UNTAPPED

AGENDA

PARTING SHOT

Cranberry Turbo Shandy Citrus Ale

[ the essential social digest ]

Special Delivery

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

06 MAIL BONDING 07 FROM THE PUBLISHER Top Notch

08 RADAR [ seen + heard ]

09 UPFRONT

10 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] 11 Entertainment listings

+ Calendar of events 14 Flash: W3 Cares Day

Special Section 28 FOREVER YOUNG Attend college as an older adult.

49 GOOD EATS [ notable food + drink ] 49 Restaurant listings 50 Uncorked:

Firelands Winery 52 Untapped: Cranberry Turbo Shandy Citrus Ale

One for All

55 PARTING SHOT Goodyear holiday blimp

DECEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

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VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 11

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PAGES FROM THE PUBLISHER

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

Top Notch Akron’s doctors make a huge impact.

December has always been our health care issue. The Top Doctors list is compiled from doctors voting for other doctors they believe are the best in the area. One of the first things I do every year is scan the list and see if any of my doctors are on it — there are several, and it’s welldeserved. Check out the list and our feature on pg. 32.

Last November, my family’s world changed.

My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.

After getting over the initial shock, thinking, This isn’t real and, She’s too young and healthy, the reality sank in. Then all our priorities changed to how she can beat cancer. It seemed like there were doctor appointments every day. We explored all kinds of treatment options, and there are so many differing views on treating cancer. But based on her cancer type, we chose the route of chemotherapy followed by radiation. I had no idea what we were in for, and neither did she. We had a 2-year-old at the time, and we knew it was going to be a rough road ahead, but you can only deal with what is in front of you at the moment. Every possibility and scenario would race through my head, and I couldn’t imagine how she felt.

I went with her to chemo appointments and stayed through all her treatments, but the side effects hit several days later. Most of the time, she would go back to work the next day after chemo because she felt better, but two to three days later, she was in misery.

They gave her a regimen of pills to combat the side effects, but it was tough. The spacing of getting chemo was three weeks apart, so she would start to feel better right before she had to go in again.

My role was to be there for whatever she needed and take care of the details, so she didn’t have to worry. I felt like I did all the worrying for her. We were blessed with lots of help around us, from babysitting to a meal train. We had so much support, and we accepted everything that came our way.

It was much needed, because the last thing we needed to worry about was what was for dinner.

The doctors involved in my wife’s care at Cleveland Clinic Akron General were topnotch. Dr. Ariel Sindel was her oncologist and was exceptional. He was always there to answer questions and explore alternatives and cutting-edge treatments. His honesty, positivity and confidence were essential components of my wife’s attitude toward treatment. Dr. Amanda Mendiola was her breast surgeon and was incredible as well. Her expertise, thorough explanations and empathetic bedside manner couldn’t be beat. Lastly, Dr. Susan Hong was her radiation oncology specialist. She gets another five-star rating as far as we are concerned. Hong was warm and empathetic. She was a fantastic communicator.

Her conscientious care was top of the line.

All three doctors exceeded our expectations.

My wife has been very fortunate. After getting chemo and radiation, the tumor completely disappeared, with no signs of cancer left. She was able to have surgery with the minimum amount of tissue removed. Currently, she is still on some medications to keep cancer at bay, but she is on the road to recovery. There is still a lot in front of us, and she is still very tired from all that she went through, but her prognosis is very positive overall.

We are so fortunate to have such great hospital systems in Akron. Having so much health care in a city our size is a real blessing.

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

DECEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

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PAGES RADAR

by Ashley Caudill and photo provided by LeBron James Family Foundation

seen + heard All Star Walk through NBA legend LeBron James’ prolific life at the world’s first museum dedicated to him. Opened Nov. 25 at House Three Thirty in Akron, LeBron James’ Home Court journeys you through his milestones including his Fab Five years, the 2003 NBA Draft, his championship games in Cleveland, Miami and Los Angeles, and his gold medal-winning Olympic Games.

The immersive museum takes you into

re-creations of his Spring Hill Akron apartment and the St. Vincent-St. Mary High School Akron arena with the original backboard and rim he played on. See memorabilia including the all-white 2003 NBA Draft suit and original sneakers he wore.

Appropriately priced at $23 for admission, proceeds support House Three Thirty’s innovative job training program. 532 W. Market St., Akron, housethreethirty.com

+3

Fun NYE Parties Rock in the New Year with Mr. Pink Blast to the past with covers of Bad Company, Led Zeppelin and more by Akron-based Mr. Pink at Jilly’s Music Room. Opt for a ticket including a Champagne toast and food like mahimahi skewers and spinach artichoke-stuffed mushrooms.

Dec. 31, 8 p.m., 111 N. Main St., Akron, jillysmusicroom.com

New Year’s Eve Formal Royal Masquerade Ball Dress in an elegant suit or gown and mask to celebrate with intrigue at Royal Docks Brewing Co. Dance to Cleveland-based Pop Fiction performing hits ranging from Dua Lipa to Earth, Wind, & Fire. Break to enjoy an open bar and hors d’oeuvres. Dec. 31, 8 p.m., 5646 Wales Ave. NW, Massillon, docks.beer

Start Over The pandemic prompted Canton native Macy Gray to rethink what matters. That led to her new album, “The Reset,” which she wrote with her band, the California Jet Club. See the Grammy Award-winning singer at the Kent Stage Dec. 16, and listen as her uniquely recognizable, raspy voice dances through disco-inspired songs like “Every Night” and “The Disco Song,” which 8

akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2023

will get you moving and singing. The album addresses societal issues like police brutality on “Mr. Policeman” and a cover of Ice-T and Body Count’s controversial “Cop Killer” and division on “America.” As her cover art of different skin tones making up a part of the American flag suggests, she calls us to reset toward unity. 175 E. Main St., Kent, kentstage.org

New Year’s Eve Rainbow Ball Ring in the new year with Akron-based Ladies Night’s pop diva covers and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant Nina West’s performance at this fourth annual Akron Pride Festival party at the Akron Civic Theatre. Fuel up with hors d’oeuvres and toast with Champagne. Dec. 31, 8 p.m., 182 S. Main St., Akron, akroncivic.com

PAGES UPFRONT

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

One for All Shammas Malik is working to be the people’s mayor in Akron.

Informed citizens were firing off many well-formed questions to then-presumptive Akron mayor Shammas Malik, and it was clear by his responses that he had a different, more hands-on approach than most politicians.

Speak to some of the ideas you have to create jobs so people will want to come to Akron, stay in Akron and move to Akron, said one resident at the Sept. 14 Yours and Mine Akron United Communities Civics Organization meeting at Robinson Community Learning Center.

“I went down to the Goodyear airdock.

They took me up on the roof. I’m afraid of heights. A company that is funded by Google, Lighter Than Air, is building airships in that building, and it’s going to bring hundreds of jobs here by building the largest airships in the history of the world,” says the 32-year-old Northwest Akron native and resident. “This is happening right here. I’m not saying everyone can work at Lighter Than Air, but these are the kinds of things we can pursue.”

Malik is not just a figurehead. He goes out into the city, talks to all types of people and sees what’s going on firsthand so he can determine how to address it.

Read about his vision for Akron and journey to being the youngest and first mayor of color in Akron in our feature, “The Equalizer,” on pg. 22.

Akron is on the brink of one of the biggest changes it’s seen in years, and it’s an exciting time when a younger, more diverse generation is leading our city.

One of the things that pushes him to be

out with the people is that he is grounded, and he gets that from the strong example set by his mother.

“She was really down to earth. She didn’t ever get caught up in chasing people’s approval,” he says. “There’s a community meeting, and I’m putting away chairs. The mayor should be willing to do every job that anybody else does.”

Malik and his team tirelessly worked to campaign throughout every city ward, knocking on thousands of doors and meeting with hundreds of people. He is driven to get the pulse of what the people want and the changes that need to be made.

he came back. Luckily, some of my friends did too.

We’ve always had the elements to live a fulfilling life here, and we just need to keep improving them. Malik sees you and everyone else as a part of Akron’s story. Perhaps for the first time, we can all feel reflected in Akron and truly remember why it is home.

[

Managing Editor Kelly Petryszyn is an adventure seeker, forever a dreamer and an avid supporter of #TeamFiona.

]

“Whether in a nice neighborhood or they were in a more difficult neighborhood, people are talking about safety, making sure their kids had a good education and prospects,” he says.

His ability to relate to everyone might be what got him elected and is what shapes his platform of equity as well as his vision of a diverse cabinet.

“It’s always important to try to be looking for that thing you can connect with someone on,” he says, “so you can step in their shoes and try to understand people.”

I related to him talking about seeing his friends leave Akron. I went to Kent State University, and naturally, people go their separate ways after college, but it stung every time a friend moved away. Northeast Ohio has always struggled with brain drain and being a place people leave for seemingly grander prospects in bigger cities.

Akron mayor-elect Shammas Malik, photo by Meghan Winkler

Malik left to attend The Ohio State University and Harvard Law School and to do internships in Washington, D.C. — but

DECEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

DECEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 12

Agenda

the essential social digest

photo provided by City of Akron

Through 2/19 Winterblast Enjoy the season with an ice skating rink, ice bumper cars, ice bikes, Archie the Snowman, vintage holiday displays and more family-friendly holiday fun. Between the State Street bridge and Canal Park stadium, Akron. WednesdayThursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. & Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. lock3live.com

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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.

Through 12/16 Fall Exhibitions Peruse exhibits such as “Anywhere”

by Lizzi Aronhalt and group exhibits “Imagine Infinite: Where Wonder Meets Transcendence,” “Blurred Lines” and “Too Dark.” Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Friday noon-7 p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. summitartspace.org

Through 12/16 Winter Exhibitions Take in exhibits like poet Raja Belle Freeman’s “Consider This Your Trigger Warning” and artist Debra DeGregorio’s “co≈rrelate.” Akron Soul Train, 191 S. Main St., Akron. Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. akronsoultrain.org

Through 12/17 “Posing Beauty in African American Culture” See over

100 photographs spanning the 20th and 21st centuries and focusing on African and African American beauty. 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

Through 12/17 “Shakespeare in Hollywood” Enter the Golden

Age of Hollywood in 1934 and follow Shakespeare’s fairies as they get into the movie business with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” during this laugh-out-loud comedy.

Greystone, 103 S. High St., Akron. ThursdaySaturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $5-$35, pay what you will Dec. 3, free students Dec. 7. ohioshakespeare.com

Through 12/23 Ohio Christmas Factory Get immersed in a new winter wonderland where you can visit Santa, stroll through Christmas trees, look at a gingerbread mansion, meet holiday characters, partake in an indoor snowball fight, play with the kiddos in a fun zone, go on a holiday bar crawl and more on select dates. Attend an adults-only ugly sweater party Dec. 14. 4125 Mahoning Road NE, Suite B, Canton, Fridays 6-11:30 p.m., Saturday noon-11:30 p.m. & Sunday noon-9:30 p.m. and Tuesday-Saturday the week before Christmas, times vary. $17.95 children 4-12, $23.95 adults. ohiochristmasfacutory.com

AGENDA

Through 12/29 Wild Lights Tour past over 1 million lights and fun photo ops throughout Akron Zoo on select dates. Visit Santa until Dec. 23 and the Grinch. Enjoy sweets, beer or hot cocoa or coffee with an adult jolt. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. 5-9 p.m. Member adults $11, member children 2-14 $8, nonmember adults $15, nonmember children 2-14 $11. akronzoo.org

Through 1/7 “Artwork by Members of the Boys and Girls Club of Massillon” View artworks in mediums like watercolor, pastel, acrylic paint, collage, mixed-media and more by young artists. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. massillonmuseum.org

Through 1/7 “A Way to Win: Paul Brown’s Innovations” Catch this exhibit at the Paul Brown Museum.

Massillon Museum, Paul Brown Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. TuesdaySaturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

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Through 1/14 “Elena Masrour: Bingo! I’m the King Now!” See ink drawings

by Elena Masrour. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. massillonmuseum.org

Through 1/14 “Stark County Artists Exhibition” Discover two-

and three-dimensional artworks 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

Through 2/19 Winterblast Enjoy the season with an ice skating rink, ice bumper cars, ice bikes, Archie the Snowman, vintage holiday displays and more family-friendly holiday fun.

Between the State Street bridge and Canal Park stadium, Akron. WednesdayThursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. & Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. lock3live.com

Through 3/30 “Habitat” This exhibit examines the need for diverse habitats and what we can do to protect them.

McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. mckinleymuseum.org

Through 4/24 “A Life in Style: The Wardrobe of James E. Mulholland” Follow the personal story of fashion industry insider James Mulholland’s life through selections from his wardrobe.

Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. TuesdaySaturday 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

AGENDA

The King’s Singers Bring Holiday Cheer from Across the Pond Through 4/27 “Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis” Peruse neverbefore-seen artifacts that provide perspective on the life of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. First Ladies National Historical Site, 205 Market Ave. S, Canton. TuesdaySaturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. firstladies.org

Through 8/1 “Knitting Beyond the Body” Browse pieces that highlight

innovation and technological advances in relation to textiles and knitting. 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

12/3, 12/10 & 12/17 Distillery Tasting Tour Go behind the scenes of the distillery at Gervasi Vineyard during a tour, then enjoy three spirit tastings and take home a shot glass. Gervasi Vineyard, the Still House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton.

3 p.m. $21. gervasivineyard.com

A holiday concert by the King’s Singers of Great Britain is up next for Tuesday Musical’s Akron Concert Series on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at E.J. Thomas Hall.

Listen to festive music from their recent travels across the world, remember their spiritual home at King’s College in Cambridge, and celebrate some of the most important musical anniversaries of the past year — including 400 years of the great English composer William Byrd and 100 years of Disney magic.

Their grand finale features the Symphonic Choir from Akron Public Schools’ Firestone Community Learning Center.

Available at tuesdaymusical.org and 330-761-3460, tickets start at $19.

Visit us online for all things 330.

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AGENDA FLASH

Cares Day Over 30 W3 Financial Group employees took part in the company’s semiannual Cares Day Nov. 14 to give back to the Akron community through various service projects. One team headed to Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to help sort and pack over 4,000 fresh, hot meals for delivery to local individuals and families in need. In addition to Cares Day, W3 also challenged its employees to come up with creative ways to give back all month, including hosting food drives, donating clothing to shelters and giving blood. “We are so proud of our dedicated employees who truly embody the spirit of giving,” says Steve Catalano, managing partner for W3 Financial Group. “We are committed to continue finding impactful ways to assist those in need.”

Photos provided by W3 Financial Group

1. Left back to front: Amy Cassel, Sharon Brustoski and Stephanie Seese; Right back to front: Parker Doerrer, Nate Zappola, Nick Benson and Jasem Jwayyed 2. Top left to right: Ben Severence, Lisa Meany, Amy Vaccaro, Kelly Galambos, Sandi Reeves, Michael Guban, Alicia Lazzaro, Jim Koney and Leah Thompson; Bottom left to right: Pamela Moore, Tyler Labas and Ben Gommel 3. Left to right: Jasam Jwayyed, Nick Benson, Parker Doerrer, Amy Cassel, Kelly Galambos, Nata Zappola, Stephanie Seese and Sharon Brustoski 14

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AGENDA

12/1-12/3 Dance ’23: One World See performances

by dance faculty and guest choreographers Micaela Taylor and Michael Uthoff. Kent State University, Center for Performing Arts, 1325 Theatre Drive, Kent.

Dec. 1 10 a.m. & 7:30 p.m., Dec. 2 7:30 p.m. & Dec 3 2 p.m. $18 adults, $14 faculty, staff and seniors, $10 18 and under. kent. edu/theatredance

12/1, 12/8 & 12/15 Lunch with the Grinch Dine at the Bistro and

enjoy a special appearance by the Grinch. Gervasi Vineyard, the Bistro, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. gervasivineyard.com

12/1-12/17 “Paddington Saves Christmas” Watch the

play adaptation of the Michael Bond book that follows the famous accident-prone bear as he sets out to save the day in time for the holidays. Magical Theatre Company, 565 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton. Friday 7:30 p.m. & Saturday-Sunday 2 p.m. magicaltheatre.org

12/1-2, 12/8-9, 12/15-16 & 12/2223 Carolers Enjoy dinner at the Bistro

and also listen to carolers, who are outside. Gervasi Vineyard, the Bistro, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 7-9 p.m. gervasivineyard.com

12/1-3, 12/7-23 & 12/2630 Deck the Hall Take in

1.2 million holiday lights and the manor house decorated for the holidays. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 3-9 p.m. MondayThursday $16 members, $20 nonmembers & Friday-Sunday $18 members, $24 nonmembers. stanhywet.org

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akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2023

AGENDA 12/1-1/6 Centennial Christmas The Summit

County Historical Society of Akron, Ohio is turning 100 and celebrating with this look back at holiday memorabilia and decor. Summit County Historical Society of Akron, Ohio, 550 Copley Road, Akron. WednesdaySaturday tours at 1, 2 & 3 p.m. summithistory.org

12/2 & 12/3 “Nutcracker” Celebrate the season with this performance of this classic holiday story by Ballet Theatre of Ohio. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. $45-$55. akroncivic.com

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akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2023

12/2, 12/9 & 12/16 Lunch with Santa Eat at the Bistro

and visit with Santa. Gervasi Vineyard, the Bistro, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. gervasivineyard.com

12/2, 12/18, 12/19, 12/20 & 12/21 Holiday Movies View holiday classics including “The Polar Express,” “Elf,” “Home Alone,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. Dec. 2 11 a.m. sensory screening & 3 p.m., Dec. 18-21 7:30 p.m. $10. cantonpalacetheatre.org

12/2-3, 12/8-10, 12/1517 & 12/20-23 Holiday Lantern Tours Go on this lantern-lit walking tour of Hale Farm & Village decorated for the holidays. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath. Tours depart 5:20-9 p.m. $15-$25. wrhs.org

AGENDA

12/5 Holiday a Cappella: The King’s Singers Listen to festive

a cappella music from the King’s Singers’ recent travels as well as big musical moments from last year including Disney’s 100th anniversary and the 400-year anniversary of music by English composer William Byrd. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $19-$65. tuesdaymusical.org

12/6 Sleigh It Ain’t So Dress

to the nines for photo ops and sip a Sleigh It Ain’t So cocktail, munch on a holiday cookie and enjoy a night out. Gervasi Vineyard, the Distillery, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 5-6 p.m. $21. gervasivineyard.com 12/6 Vino Musica at the Cave Hear music from Rolando inspired by four wine selections you can taste. A small bite is included. Gervasi Vineyard, the Cave, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6-7 p.m. $34. gervasivineyard.com 12/6 Whiskey Myers & Friends See the genre-bending band known for its energetic live shows. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $39.50-$109.50. akroncivic.com

12/6, 12/17 & 12/28 Intro to Archery Learn international-

style target archery and flex your marksmanship skills at an indoor range. Must be at least 9 years old and 50 inches tall. Registration required. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. Dec. 6 6:30-8 p.m., Dec. 17 & 28 10-11:30 a.m. & 12:30-2 p.m. $10. summitmetroparks.org 12/7 Wellness Through Art: Printmaking Use printmaking

techniques to make holiday cards during this workshop that starts and ends with a time of relaxation or meditation. Ages 14 and up. Akron ArtWorks, 1684 Merriman Road, Akron. 6:30-7:45 p.m. $27.50. akronartworks.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 DECEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

12/7-12/8 School of Art Holiday Sale Shop unique gifts made by Kent State

12/14 Wellness Through Art: Winter Landscapes and Textures Explore

University’s School of Art clubs, including ceramics, glass, print, textiles, jewelry and more. Kent State University, Center for Visual Arts, CVA Gallery, 325 Terrace Drive, Kent. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. kent.edu/art

winter colors and textures during this workshop that starts and ends with a time for relaxation or meditation. Ages 14 and up. Akron ArtWorks, 1684 Merriman Road, Akron. 6:30-7:45 p.m. $27.50. akronartworks.com

12/8 Procession of Advent Lessons & Carols Witness the annual holiday concert

12/15 Holiday Dinner Stroll back to

featuring vocalists and instrumentalists sharing the story of Advent. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 50 N. Prospect St., Akron.

7:30 p.m. Free. artsholytrinity.org

12/8-12/10 “The Nutcracker” Experience the classic holiday ballet performed by the Canton Ballet. Evening performances feature the Canton Symphony Orchestra. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. Dec. 8 7 p.m., Dec. 9 2 and 7 p.m. & Dec. 10 2 p.m. $18-$45. cantonpalacetheatre.org

the early 1900s with this event featuring holiday shopping, a dinner from That Little Italian Kitchen, cocktails and entertainment

by East Canton Echoes Choir. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton.

5:30-8 p.m. $55 members, $60 nonmembers.

RSVP by Dec. 2. mckinleymuseum.org

12/15 Ugly Sweater Night Hike Don an ugly sweater and do a short hike and then head to the campfire for s’mores, hot cocoa and games. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, campfire area, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 5:30-7:30 p.m. summitmetroparks. org

12/15 & 12/16 Vocal Fusion: All I Want for Christmas Enjoy innovative a capella arrangements of holiday favorites. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7 p.m. $20-$25. cantonpalacetheatre.org

12/16 A Celebration of Christmas This Brass Band of the Western Reserve holiday concert also features Summit Bells and the Medina High School Concert Choir. Medina Performing Arts Center, 851 Weymouth Road, Medina. 7-9 p.m. $12-$15. bbwesternreserve.com

12/16 Santa Cookie Plate Drop-in Event Decorate a cookie plate. Akron

ArtWorks, 1684 Merriman Road, Akron. Drop in between 3:30 & 5:30 p.m. $15 per plate. akronartworks.com

12/20 Vino Versity at the Cave Get an interactive educational overview of Gervasi Vineyard’s wines, sample lambrusco, prosecco and Franciacorta, and nibble on a cookie. Gervasi Vineyard, the Cave, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6-7 p.m. $29. gervasivineyard.com

12/20-12/22 Noel, Noel This concert pairs festive Baroque music, carols and poetry with soprano Amanda Powell as part of Les Delices’ 15th anniversary season.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 50 N. Prospect St., Akron. 7:30-9 p.m. $28-$45 general admission, $10 students. artsholytrinity.org

12/21 Winter Solstice Hike and Fire

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.

The Peanut Shoppe of Akron 203 S Main St. | Akron 330-376-7020 facebook.com/peanutakron

20

3'$ /$ -43 2'.//$

Specializing in Fresh Roasted Peanuts, Deluxe Nut & Party Mixes, Old-Fashioned Candies akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2023 and raw nuts. Gift packaging

Celebrate the shortest day of the year by strolling past luminaries on the quartermile Maple Loop Trail, learn about the meaning of winter solstice and reindeer in the folktale, “Mother Deer.” Afterward, sip hot cocoa by a fire inside. Liberty Park, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 7:30-9:30 p.m. summitmetroparks.org

12/23 TubaChristmas Listen as tuba players ring in the holidays. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. Noon. Free. uakron. edu/music 12/29 Red Wanting Blue: End of the Year Bash 2023 Celebrate the end of

2023 with the indie-rock band from Athens, Ohio, and special guests the Labra Brothers.

Opt for a VIP sound check experience to make it extra special. Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 7:30 p.m. $40-$50. kentstage. org

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by Kelly Petryszyn

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Shammas Malik vows to be a mayor of the people. He is breaking barriers and bringing change to make Akron a city for all.

Shammas Malik photo by Meghan Winkler 22

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photo by Tyron Hoisten

BEFORE HIS SPEECH ON EQUITY, SHAMMAS MALIK joins the people in the crowd. Wearing a crisp white button-down shirt and dark slacks, the then-presumptive Akron mayor shakes supporters’ hands and introduces himself to new faces at Robinson Community Learning Center Sept. 14.

While he is only 32 and younger than most people at the Yours and Mine Akron United Communities Civics Organization meeting, he speaks with firm confidence and a deep understanding of Akron when he takes the stage. He pleads for more community policing to stop violence, more ways to invest in youth and more jobs so people stay in the city. Afterward, several audience members’ hands shoot up with questions. Do you have a plan for the middle generation, ages 25 to 45? How do you get them more involved in the community? asks one woman.

“My whole life I’ve watched a lot of my friends and classmates leave,” says the Northwest Akron resident and native. “I was over at [Archbishop] Hoban [High School] Monday because we need to get these young kids inspired and excited about civics. Now, they are excited and inspired to leave. We have to push back on that.”

Malik won the Democratic Akron mayoral primary May 2 with 43 percent of the votes over six other candidates. With no Republican or independent challengers, it made him the presumptive mayor, and it became official in November.

He is shattering barriers — he is the youngest mayor, first Muslim mayor and first mayor of color in Akron. His election represents a turning point from the old guard of previous Akron mayors — including 60-year-old Dan Horrigan and Don Plusquellic, who served before him for 28 years and was 65 years old at the end of his term.

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“The vote for someone who is not the traditional white male profile is something that we as a community should celebrate,” says Tracy Carter, one of four Malik transition team co-chairs. “We are welcoming the next generation of diverse leaders to serve Akron.”

The Ward 8 Akron City Council member’s message of transparent government that represents all people and parts of the city to make changes in safety, education, housing and jobs resonated with Akronites. His ceaseless hard work brought victory.

Impressively, he and his campaign team covered every city ward — and knocked on a staggering 10,000-plus doors. That visibility led to him winning seven out of 10 wards. While some might say his age equates to a lack of experience, residents are looking for a fresh, energetic leader.

“A lot of older people said, I want to see young people embracing the city,” says Malik, who has been on council for four years. “People want change.”

With an unprecedented nearly eight months to prepare for his transition into office Jan. 1, he and his team have been listening to as many voices as possible — taking over 250 meetings.

“He had a hunger and fight,” Carter says. “He had a desire to talk to anyone — executives, laborers, stay-at-home parents, educators, business leaders, officers — so that he can fully understand what Akron wants and needs.”

But he takes office as Akron is dealing with significant challenges. It’s still bouncing back from pandemic losses and years of construction, confronting racial tensions surrounding the killing of Jayland Walker

by Akron police, reeling from significant job cuts and grappling with gun violence and an opioid crisis. The city continues to redefine itself after multiple rubber factories closed and thousands of workers left decades ago.

“There are systems that don’t work well,” he says, adding the city has lost about 1,000 workers over the past 15 years or so. “Responsible,

thoughtful, systematic change looks like … building a downtown people want to come to and feel safe. … If people feel safe, we can be more of a destination than Cuyahoga Falls, Kent and other places.

They’re eating our lunch now.”

In a stunning moment of vulnerability, Malik spoke about his dad, who he doesn’t have a relationship with anymore, during the second mayoral debate in April and was shaken when answering a question about integrity.

After decades of status quo leadership in Akron, it needs innovative ideas. Malik is determined to lead the city to its full potential as a place where everyone feels like they belong.

“I have a father who is a very dishonest guy. This impacted me a lot as a kid. I talked to my dad through prison glass,” he said. “It has guided my life to live every day with honesty.”

“My entire life Akron has lost population, and we’ve struggled. There’s a lot of bright spots, but we don’t have a common vision,” Malik says.

“I can put forward a vision — no matter what part of town you’re from, no matter what brings you to the table, you could be a part of Akron’s future.”

Malik focused on his schoolwork and graduated as a valedictorian and National Honor Society member, and earned the rigorous International Baccalaureate diploma, which requires 150 hours of community service.

MALIK AND HIS BROTHER, NAJJAM, grew up visiting The University of Akron, where their mom, Helen Killory Qammar, taught chemical engineering. At her office, Malik often saw her locked in conversation with colleagues, gesturing and smiling.

His growing interest in politics spurred him to major in political science and international studies at The Ohio State University in Columbus. Malik was an Undergraduate Student Government senator, International Studies Honors Society president and intern for former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland’s unsuccessful reelection campaign. But tragedy struck again his senior year — his mother died when he was only 21.

“Her life was about service,” he says. “Her life was about doing something you loved and using it to give back to other people. That made a huge impression on me.”

Growing up as a biracial Muslim kid with a white Irish mom who converted to being Muslim and a Pakistani immigrant father, Malik felt like he didn’t fit in.

“I felt different because I was a different religion,” he recalls. “Then when I go to the mosque, I have a white mom, and most people’s parents are both immigrants.”

When he was 10, terrorists attacked the U.S. on 9/11. “I was trying to understand the terrible thing that happened,” Malik says. “It caused me to learn more about international relations and foreign policy.”

That drive deepened on a freezing March day during high school. He waited around the block of the John S. Knight Center for hours to see then-presidential candidate Barack Obama speak, and his words inspired Malik.

“He called people to be a part of something bigger than themselves,” he says. “Government can be a force for good.”

At Firestone High School, Malik was a standout student involved in the pre-engineering program, mock trial, academic challenge, tennis and the debate team on which he showed off his budding speaking skills.

“He was able to cut to the heart of any argument or discussion,” recalls Judith Harrison, his former teacher and International Baccalaureate diploma program coordinator. “Shammas was one of the quieter students but was still able to have his voice heard. He garnered the respect of his classmates as well as his teachers.”

While he was excelling, his world was crashing down. During his junior year, his mother — who had been raising him and Najjam alone since separating from their father about seven years back — was battling cancer. And it hurt when it came to light that his dad had a double life. His dad was arrested by the FBI for wire fraud charges that involved blackmail, and he had other children.

“That’s where he probably learned to give back,” says Robert Zupke, former Firestone assistant principal.

“That deeply changed him,” says Meghan Meeker, friend and Ward 8 constituent. “She was everything — an example of a brilliant, academic mind but also civic-minded and a teacher.”

He threw himself back into his studies and had a bright turn, graduating cum laude from Harvard Law School and interning in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Defense Department at the Pentagon, Center for American Progress and Muslim Public Affairs Council. But he wanted to make an impact in his hometown, so he returned to Akron. In 2016, he became a lawyer and assistant director of law for the Akron law department.

“In college and law school, I thought I would work in Washington. …

But ultimately I thought, Why don’t I do it back home?” he recalls. “I could have more of a happy, thriving life here than in D.C.” Losing his role model factored into his decision to carry on his mother’s legacy here.

“I’m sure that’s part of him coming back to Akron,” says Meeker, “to honor her and help build up the city that she loved and he loves.”

ON A BONE-CHILLING DAY IN 2019, Malik and Meeker bundled up and knocked on doors in her Northwest Akron neighborhood, canvassing for his Ward 8 council campaign.

Residents were inviting them in to share hot chocolate. But he already had so many connections.

“He knew every house, every person, what their interests were. It was like a ‘Rain Man’ level of knowledge,” she says. “I love watching people drop their defenses in front of him once they see his genuine interest in them and the city.”

Ever since Meeker met him in 2017 while they were in the Torchbearers young professionals leadership group, Malik has been DECEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

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telling her about changes he wants for Akron. After he won his council seat by a landslide in 2019, Meeker saw him grow into being a politician while beginning to work toward change. In early 2020, he spoke at a Leadership Akron event, and he asked Meeker how he did.

Although he spoke with eloquence, she admitted he said “you know” a lot. He quickly fixed that and speaks with charisma and assuredness.

to get a child care center and a grocery store built and find sustainable reuse for historic buildings and vacant offices. Malik wants to see equitable developments and get public feedback.

“His speaking has changed, his confidence,” says Meeker. “It’s cool to watch how he can control a room now.”

He’s been meeting with Horrigan weekly to understand the inner workings of Akron’s government and plug into ongoing tasks like hiring a new police chief since Steve Mylett is retiring Jan. 1. Malik has also met with other diverse mayors including Cincinnati mayor Aftab Pureval, an Asian millennial man, and Cleveland mayor Justin Bibb, a Black millennial man, and talked with Lima mayor Sharetta Smith, a Black woman. He’s gotten inspiration for initiatives to implement like Lima’s program to cut down on mowing city-owned vacant lots and Cleveland’s work on targeting gun trafficking and getting guns off the streets.

As a council member, he had big victories like helping to make the Right to Counsel program, which gives tenants facing eviction legal representation, a line item in the city budget. He also worked to solve even the smallest disputes. When some constituents were getting fined for having a boat in their driveway, Malik helped them find a solution.

The homeowners were registered Republicans in their 50s who had never voted for a Democrat, but Malik made such a good impression that they donated to his campaign and even put up his campaign sign in their yard.

“It was cool to see change in those hearts and minds,” Meeker says.

“That’s the magic of him —talking to somebody and finding common ground is his superpower.”

While shoe-leather campaigning for mayor, he kept hearing residents’ repeated concerns about wanting to feel safe. He listened, making safety the focus of his platform. Malik still thinks about when he asked middle schoolers at a Summit Lake summer camp, What would make you feel safer? He got a sobering answer: A middle school girl said, I wish we could all carry guns.

“It knocked me out,” he says. “If young people don’t feel safe, we’re not going to make any progress.”

Another pivotal moment for Malik came in the wake of the 2022 killing of Jayland Walker, a Black man involved in a chase, by eight Akron police officers, who a grand jury declined to indict. After Walker died and following the release of the body cam footage, unrest broke out in Akron.

“I’ll never forget those weeks,” Malik says. “It was difficult for the whole city.”

It spurred him to help get Issue 10 passed, which created the Citizens’ Police Oversight Board to provide an external and independent review of Akron policing practices. Malik also fought for a co-responder model, in which plainclothes officers and a fire medic are accompanied by mental health or social workers on nonviolent, mental healthrelated calls. It has been successful in Cleveland and Columbus and is set to be rolled out in Akron.

His vision for equity also includes education. Akron Public Schools received 2.5 stars overall out of five on the Ohio Report Card. “We cannot be satisfied until our kids are getting the same number of stars they’re getting out in the suburbs,” he says at Robinson CLC. Plus, Akron is the only major Ohio city without a plan for universal pre-K, so that’s needed, he adds. The city is still paying off debts for its community learning center schools, and Malik vows to utilize them as intended community centers with activities for youth, health and legal clinics as well as vocational learning, bringing those resources within walking distance of all Akronites. He also hopes for Akron to plug into Summit Connects to bring fiber-optic internet to all residents.

Malik wants to see downtown better serve people, including nearly 2,000 downtown residents, which is the most in his lifetime. He plans 26

akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2023

“We should not be moving forward with any big initiatives until people have an opportunity to weigh in,” Malik says at Robinson CLC.

His actions go beyond meetings, getting hands-on at organizations like Open M, an Akron nonprofit that distributes food and provides health care and employment services.

Inside Open M’s warehouse Sept. 15, Malik, dressed down in track pants and a Nike pullover, places red peppers in grocery bags and chats with two volunteers. Outside, a line of cars fills Princeton Street to pick up groceries. CEO Julie Carneal calls for everyone to circle up and leads a prayer during which she prays that God blesses Malik’s leadership.

Two days earlier, Malik spoke about a more equitable and sustainable future for Akron as part of a panel and fundraiser for Open M, which last year provided over 880,400 pounds of food to over 50,600 people, health care during over 1,000 patient visits, holiday gifts and food to 170 families and direct employment support to nearly 150 people.

Volunteering at impactful organizations like Open M means a lot to Malik. “It’s important to get out from behind a desk and help with your own two hands,” he says.

MALIK IS TRYING TO ANSWER as many audience questions as time allows at Robinson CLC. One woman gets the mic and challenges the then-presumptive mayor. I’ve heard you speak on mental illness, but you forgot about hearing and visual challenges. … There’s a special need for … a mayoral advisory committee to address problems.

“I’ve worked with constituents who have various forms of disabilities.

We realize the world and society is not built for that, so we all have a responsibility,” Malik says, vowing to follow up with her and appoint a diverse cabinet. “In our city, we want to have racial, gender, geographic representation … and that includes those with disabilities.”

Promising to deliver change is a big charge. To have residents hold him accountable, he plans to post his administration’s goals and progress online.

His transparency includes his own mental health. He has shared that he sees a counselor once a month and that he still has a lot to process surrounding losing his mom, and in many ways, his dad.

“I’ve dealt with trauma, grief and loss. I’ve always made it a point to tackle these things head-on,” he says. “It’s important to recognize we are all going through stuff.”

He says breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health is key to solving big problems.

“We’re seeing large increases in suicide and overdose deaths because people have a lot of hopelessness, and they aren’t getting help,” he says. “I’ve been talking with folks at ADM [County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services] Board about, How do we get these resources better into our schools for our students and also for adults?”

As he prepares to hit the ground running Jan. 1, he’s trying to be mindful of his own time management and combating burnout.

“He’s given 110 percent. He’s working around the clock to get ready,” Tracy Carter says. “We are reminding him the importance of trying to better strike a balance between work and life.”

While Meghan Meeker says he doesn’t have an off button, he does take breaks by hiking in parks, hanging out with his cat, reading presidential biographies and going on trips. But he admits rest is a challenge. “I probably could do a little better,” he says. “People have entrusted me with an important responsibility. I take it really seriously.”

Meeker recalls him attending a Well CDC fundraiser and a Torchbearers forum on the same night. “He was run ragged. He hadn’t really eaten and showed up to both things, answered as many questions as possible,” she says. “It’s a servant leader that gives themselves so openly and willingly.”

That work ethic won over community members from all walks of life.

“The importance of working with communities to impact their community is something people want and need,” Carter says.

“He’s going to be the face of equity and diversity,” adds Judith Harrison. “He’s going to prove to be that individual who can listen and make a difference.”

At the watch party during his Democratic primary win in May, Malik, dressed in a suit with a red tie, took the Knight center stage to cheers, whoops and hollers from the crowd.

Arell Tee, Shammas Malik, Alice Duey and Julie Caruso // photo by Tyron Hoisten

GET TO KNOW SHAMMAS MALIK The Akron mayor-elect answers a few personal questions.

How do you start your day? I like to start with going for a walk or meditating.

What’s your favorite movie? Hard to decide. “Star Wars: Episode I” was my favorite movie as a child, and it might still be.

What’s your favorite book? “Robert Kennedy and His Times” by Arthur Schlesinger [Jr.] is a really beautiful portrait of someone who loses his brother and turns that grief into service toward others.

What was your first concert? Lupe Fiasco at Kent State [University].

What’s your favorite Akron holiday tradition?

July Fourth fireworks on the Innerbelt were very memorable!

“People have asked me over the last few weeks whether I’m getting tired. These folks don’t know me,” he says. “I’ve never been more energized!”

What’s the best thing you ate in Akron?

Swensons [Drive-In] or Luigi’s [Restaurant]. But probably Swensons.

He explained that he believes in the people of Akron, loves his community and will use the example of service set by his mother to guide him through turning Akron around.

What’s your secret talent? I have a really great sense of direction, no matter where I am.

“Akron is an amazing place that has everything it needs to reverse decline, to succeed and to thrive,” he says. “At the center of this vision, we need a city hall that is more open, more responsive, more collaborative — a city hall that is ready to partner with the people.”

To thunderous applause from the people, he vowed to join them and make Akron a flourishing city for all.

“CHANGE IS COMING!” he declares.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Akron on a Saturday night? Go to Mustard Seed [Market & Cafe] and listen to live music.

What’s your favorite thing to do downtown? Walk or run on the Towpath.

What don’t people know about you? I have a cat named Graeters, after the Cincinnati ice cream.

DECEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

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FOREVER YOUNG

by Alexandra Sobczak and photo by Kaitlyn Murray

School Years The University of Akron’s oldest graduate shares the benefits of higher education.

Ninety-threeyear-old Robert Greathouse’s private graduation ceremony featured the pomp and circumstance of a traditional ceremony, along with a cap-andgown-clad Zippy the kangaroo, the university’s mascot. Greathouse also donned a cap and gown, received a diploma and celebrated alongside university staff and his family and friends.

In August, the Green resident made history as the oldest person to earn a degree from The University of Akron — he graduated with an associate in technical studies, 65 years after enrolling in his first class there.

Robert Greathouse

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FOREVER YOUNG

“That was remarkable,” says Greathouse, who grew up in East Akron and moved to Medina before graduating from Sharon Center High School. “I don’t think I’ll ever get over that.”

“For that, you need science, and you need physics, chemistry,” he says. “To get the physics and the chemistry, you have to have the math.”

His lifelong learning journey began when he enlisted in the Air Force in 1950 and was taught an entirely new skill during the Korean War.

He started with math courses, and he remembers taking algebra trigonometry, which he enrolled in 10 years after graduating from high school. He was worried about whether he’d remember what he learned previously, but he said much of it came back to him, and he had a great instructor. Another memorable math course was integral calculus.

“I got put into aircraft mechanics, and I’ve been eternally grateful for that ever since,” Greathouse says. “I really enjoyed the work I did. I loved working on aircrafts.”

When he was discharged in 1954, he got a job as a Goodyear Aerospace Corp. electronic technician. He got married to Rose Marie, who he had known since he was around 8 years old.

“Halfway around the world, came back and married the girl around the corner,” Greathouse says, adding that they went on to have seven children. “In the meantime, I was working days and going to school at night.”

He enrolled at The University of Akron in 1958 on an engineering track. His goal wasn’t necessarily a degree — he hoped to gain the skills that would get him a position doing mechanical or electrical engineering at Goodyear Aerospace.

“It really made a big difference,” he says. “It made it a lot easier once you had calculus.”

Many of his fellow students were around his age of 28 and came back from the Korean War, so he had a lot in common with them. He made friends and enjoyed his classes, which had a large age range of students.

His hard work paid off — he advanced his career, getting those engineering positions he was going for. Later when he was in his 30s, he found himself in a similar situation again, looking to gain skills to help him at work while Goodyear Aerospace was incorporating more technology.

“We started using computers in order to test company products,” he says. “Went back to Akron U[niversity] again.”

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FOREVER YOUNG

He took computer programming courses, which ended up being some of the most memorable of his 20-plus years of taking courses on and off. Those courses helped him later when he began working at Lucas Aerospace at age 35, training technicians on how to use the equipment. Later on, they wanted him to do computer programming, and because of the classes, he knew how.

He continued to take classes into his 60s and married his second wife, Shirley, when he was 67, about seven years after Rose Marie died. In his 90s, he was surprised to learn from his daughter, Jane Rotsching, that all the credits he had from years of classes amounted to a degree. At the August graduation ceremony, he was joined by his children, grandchildren and second wife, Shirley, who died in September.

“That was kind of addictive,” he says. “I enjoyed it.”

“There were speeches. The faculty were there with their robes,” Greathouse says. “I never expected to get something like that.

The pageantry was really something else.”

Although taking extra classes was helping him, there were moments when he struggled as an older student with a family, working to balance everything.

“There were challenges every day. Working, family life, student life, the amount of time you had to spend on each. That took a bit of doing some days,” he says. “But my wife and kids were really good, gave me all kinds of support.”

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by Tylar MIC photo

akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2023

by Talia

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FOREVER YOUNG

New Knowledge The University of Akron’s Adult Focus program helps older students achieve their goals and the 60+ auditing program helps students ages 60 and older continue learning.

FOR CREDIT

AUDITING

What You Do: Many adults enroll in college courses to finish a degree they previously started or to earn a new degree to help them with their career, and The University of Akron’s Adult Focus program can assist them during their studies. Adult Focus provides academic support like advising and scholarships to help adult learners navigate a path to completing a degree. For a new degree, an associate in technical studies is a popular choice, as it combines the skills a student has gained through outside employment with general education college courses. “Let’s say I was a cosmetologist. … I can take that cosmetology license and turn it into coursework,” says Laura Conley, the director of Adult Focus at The University of Akron. “Then all I have to do are the basics. And I can walk out semesters early with an associate degree.”

What You Do: The University of Akron’s 60+ Program allows students 60 and over to audit college courses, which entails taking them, doing schoolwork and participating in class without receiving academic credit. They can take up to 11 hours per semester, paying class fees for things like books and parking instead of having to pay tuition. “They tend to go toward history, art, political science, geology or environmental sciences, anything that would be an interest … or connected to a hobby,” Conley says.

Benefits: For many older adults, auditing classes provides not only new knowledge

but also opportunities for socializing and alleviating isolation. Conley says there are groups of friends who audit classes together year after year. “After class, they’re gonna go out to breakfast or lunch, and they’re going to talk about what they heard in class today. And it’s a connection,” she says. “It’s a community connection, and it’s invaluable.” Auditors can also access university facilities like libraries, the student recreation and wellness center, art galleries and more.

Learn more at uakron.edu/uaaf and uakron.edu/60.

Benefits: Going back to school and earning a degree can help adults earn more money, receive promotions or get more opportunities at work, Conley says.

She gives the example of one adult student who was in danger of getting laid off from his auto worker job. “He could come back and get a certificate or … an associate degree, then he had an opportunity to not get laid off or move to a different part of the plant,” she says. “He completed it. … He moved on to bigger and better things.” Through the Adult Focus program, students also have access to a computer lab, a study lounge and more.

DECEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

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TOP DOCTORS

by Kelly Petryszyn and Alexandra Sobczak

LIFE CHANGING

These patients received remarkable treatments that can lead to life-altering improvements. Read about their phenomenal journeys and the doctors who helped them. Plus, see which local doctors were voted tops by their peers.

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akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2023

TOP DOCTORS

WORLD CLASS The second Duchenne muscular dystrophy patient in the world to receive a newly Food and Drug Administrationapproved gene therapy got it right here at Akron Children’s Hospital. The life-altering Elevidys that now6-year-old Massillon resident Vinny DeMando received in August has shown amazingly promising trial results to improve mobility, strength and endurance for patients with the rare progressive genetic neuromuscular disease with no cure.

“This is the biggest breakthrough we’ve ever had,” says Dr. Kathryn Mosher, an Akron Children’s pediatric physiatrist.

Since Vinny was 11 months old, he was behind on crawling on all fours then walking and was falling often. By 3 years old, he struggled to get up off the floor and a physical therapist referred him to Mosher, who did genetic testing and confirmed he has Duchenne.

It’s caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which results in the absence of the dystrophin protein that’s a shock absorber for muscle movement. Duchenne leads to progressive muscle weakness, the loss of the ability to walk by about age 12 and complications including cardiac and pulmonary issues, learning disabilities, respiratory failure and early death.

The news was devastating to his mom, Jill DeMando, who became a Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy connect coordinator. She learned about Elevidys while it was in clinical trials. When it was approved by the FDA, Akron Children’s secured the one-dose $3.2 million therapy. DeMando, a new Synchrony Financial employee, emailed the CEO of the billion-plus company, and miraculously got full insurance approval between it and United Healthcare. Vinny was the right candidate because he was 5 years old (it was just nine days before his sixth birthday), didn’t have certain genetic exclusions and didn’t have antibodies to the nonharmful AAVrh74 virus used to deliver microdystrophin to the cell through an infusion.

“They use the capsule of the virus. They take out the genetic material the virus has and replace it with microdystrophin,” Mosher says.

“The virus can enter into the cell and deliver the microdystrophin gene.”

Then the body starts producing a version of dystrophin. It’s not a cure, but it aims to make the disease milder. The results, which typically take at least several months to appear, can be astounding.

“After the treatment, they saw a significant increase in the presence of dystrophin in the muscles, which is very exciting,” Mosher says.

“They started seeing them keep up with their siblings, running, ascending stairs without an issue,” DeMando says.

Vinny got Elevidys on DeMando’s birthday, and she couldn’t have asked for a better present than this cutting-edge treatment that could change his life.

“We’re hoping that this will start to rewrite the history of Duchenne muscular dystrophy,” says Mosher. KP Opposite Page: Dr. Kathryn Mosher with the DeMando family, This Page: Vinny DeMando, photos by Ted Stevens, Akron Children’s Hospital

DECEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

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TOP DOCTORS

WARNING SIGNS At 5:15 a.m., Eddie Cook got so dizzy he could barely walk while working at Belden Brick Co. He soon noticed the left side of his mouth was drooping, and he developed double vision and slurred speech.

“It was scary. It put me in panic mode to call 911,” says the 68-year-old Dover resident. “I knew I had to do something.”

An ambulance took him to Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital in Dover, and after a CT scan, doctors determined he was experiencing a basilar artery stroke. He was transferred by helicopter — despite his condition he remembers looking out the window as it flew — to Cleveland Clinic Akron General.

There, Dr. Jenny Tsai explained Cook’s treatment options, which were to take a strong blood thinner to stabilize and gradually dissolve the clot or undergo a mechanical thrombectomy, a surgical procedure that removes the clot. Because Cook had experienced two small strokes months before, with less severe symptoms, he was afraid of having another one in the future, and he trusted Tsai.

“She was my angel,” he says.

He opted for the mechanical thrombectomy, which Tsai performed, threading a catheter through his right arm up to his brain and connecting it to a vacuum-like pump.

“We were able to remove the blood clot and allow the blood to flow back very quickly. The whole procedure took half an hour,” says Tsai. “We certainly are always racing against the clock whenever we’re trying to re-establish blood flow to the brain during a stroke, so our team moves very fast.”

Cook woke up next to his wife, and he no longer had slurred speech or other symptoms.

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Top: Dr. Jenny Tsai, photo by Kaitlyn Murray, Bottom: Eddie Cook, photo provided

by Cleveland Clinic Akron General

“She could tell right away — I was back to normal,” Cook says. “I’ve been good, knock on wood, since then.”

He’s back to work, and he’s enjoying his hobbies, doing housework, taking rides with his wife and visiting his sons out of state. Before this, Cook didn’t like going to the doctor. But he now has a new perspective.

“I tell people, Go for your annual checkups.

Go whenever you think there’s something wrong.”

Tsai says Cook’s quick action to call 911 likely contributed to his successful recovery, and she recommends people call 911 if they experience stroke symptoms such as sudden changes in balance, eyesight or speech or facial droopiness or arm or leg weakness.

“Every moment that we think that somebody’s having a stroke, the message is always to call 911 right away,” she says.

“Every minute during an acute stoke, we can lose approximately 2 million brain cells. … Time is brain.” AS

TOP DOCTORS

BEATING THE ODDS

“I talked to all my family and I decided that to get a better quality of life, I needed to do this,” Karnuth adds, “to be not only around for my existing family, but any future family that comes along.”

She did an under-six-hour open heart surgery to implant the LVAD into Karnuth Sept. 6. It must always be powered by a cord that exits through the abdomen and attaches to rechargeable batteries or wall power. It isn’t a cure, but it offers improvement in symptoms and longevity.

“We make a hole in the very tip of the left ventricle and sew the device in place,” Cheung says. “It receives the blood that should be going into the left ventricle and bypasses it to the ascending aorta, and then it pumps the blood all over the body.”

She adds that there is a great need for this treatment. While around 27,000 people nationwide are candidates for the LVAD, only 3,000 to 4,000 are implanted each year due to low awareness or availability.

Many patients with end-stage heart failure need a heart transplant to live, but hearts are scarce, and some people don’t qualify. But many do qualify for a left ventricular assist device, which can keep them alive.

It helps the heart better pump oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout the body. Patients can get the electrical pump implanted on the heart at Summa Health Akron — one of only eight Ohio hospitals that offers it.

“The left ventricle is really the workhorse of the heart. It’s what pumps blood all over the body out to the aorta, to every organ,” says Dr. Maureen Cheung, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Summa. “None of your organs

are getting enough blood. So really, your quality of life and your quantity of life are limited by that.”

Robert Karnuth, a 71-year-old Akron native, had a stroke about five years ago.

He had left-sided heart failure beginning in 2019, and it progressed to end-stage by summer 2023. He had a team of doctors caring for him and was on medication, but still, he was experiencing shortness of breath, constant tiredness and problems walking.

His team, including Cheung, recommended he receive the LVAD. “People really do very well with it, so there is an alternative for heart failure that isn’t hospice,” she says.

For Karnuth, it’s given him a second chance at doing the things he loves, like babysitting his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren whom he watches cartoons with, taking walks and spending time with his wife, whom he has been married to for almost 50 years.

“Going forward, I’m looking forward to the grandkids and my anniversary coming up,” he says.

“It really is life-changing,” Cheung says. AS

Left: Dr. Maureen Cheung and Robert Karnuth, photo by Kaitlyn Murray, Above: LVAD image provided by Summa Health

DECEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

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TOP DOCTORS

Dr. Marvin Rossi, photo by Kaitlyn Murray

GREAT IMPROVEMENT

Grace Lindgren had a brain tumor that was removed, but nearly two decades later, she was experiencing seizures about a few times a week. She had both generalized and gelastic seizures, which presented as violent muscle contractions and bouts of uncontrollable laughter, respectively.

“I almost was in a bubble, where I couldn’t go out without my mom or dad being right next to me. Always, an ambulance would have to be called,” says the now-24-year-old Grace, who has epilepsy. “The activities I could do even when I was home were limited because of how my brain was working and because of how many seizures I was having. It was that bad.”

Grace lives in Elburn, a Chicago suburb, and she was seeing Dr. Marvin Rossi, then a neurologist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, before he moved to become the director of the Summa Health Comprehensive Epilepsy Center in Akron.

She sought different care in Chicago, but it wasn’t working.

“Other doctors would not seem to be listening to the anecdotal stuff. ... Dr. Rossi, he listens,” says David Lindgren, Grace’s dad. “It really stuck out that he actually cares about his patients.”

They followed Rossi to Summa Health, meeting with him virtually and then driving to Akron. It was worth the drive, David says, as Summa Health’s epilepsy center offers medication, surgery, psychiatric care, a diet clinic and more. It opened in 2021 and is one of only 200

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of its kind in the country.

Rossi recommended Grace get a vagus nerve stimulator implanted. It sends electrical signals to the brain, decreasing the frequency and severity of seizures.

“The device is implanted in the left chest under the skin. … The wire goes to the vagus nerve in the neck,” Rossi says, adding that the battery lasts about 10 years before needing to be replaced.

He determined it was right for Grace, who, like many with epilepsy, had developed a tolerance to the medications she was on.

“It would seem like it was working for a while, and then she’d start having seizures again,” David says.

She received the VNS in summer 2023 and has experienced great results.

“She already is doing much better,” says Rossi, adding that the VNS stimulates brain remodeling over a period of years. “Her seizures are already better controlled.”

Grace says she’s only had a few seizures since and credits her success to Rossi’s excellent care.

“He was always there for me, no matter what. He would come into the hospital room morning, day or night if something bad was happening,” she says. “He’s the best epileptologist out there.” AS

TOP DOCTORS

LIFE SAVER Immediately, William Moulton recognized the serious signs on a fall 2016 day.

“I went to get up to put the dishes in the sink, and my left arm went numb,” says the now-68-year-old Ravenna resident. “My left leg was beginning to act numb.”

Moulton, who had a stroke around 1993, could sense he was having another one and rushed to the emergency room at University Hospitals Portage Medical Center in Ravenna. They confirmed he was having a stroke. He had an abnormal CT scan calcium score, which usually indicates cholesterol plaque formation in the heart arteries with possible blockages. A heart catheterization confirmed a significant blockage in his left anterior descending coronary artery.

Dr. Anjan Gupta, an interventional cardiologist with University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, performed a life-saving angioplasty and stent placement to open the blockage. Moulton became one of the first patients to get that procedure at UH Portage Medical Center’s interventional cardiology lab, which eliminates the need for patients to be transferred to Akron or Cleveland. Gupta put a catheter with a balloon and stent through an arm artery, guiding it to the blockage. He blew up the balloon, which broke the plaque in the artery. Gupta inserted a stent, which is like a tiny spring, into the heart artery.

“The stent gets lined by the normal lining of the blood vessels,” says Gupta. “It becomes a part of the body that prevents the area from collapsing again.”

Moulton felt great until 2021 when he was recovering from back surgery. A nurse found his blood pressure spiked to 200, and he was having leg pain and increasingly struggling to breathe.

“I was puffing like a freight train,” he recalls.

An EMS squad hurried to him, deployed supplemental oxygen and raced him to the ER, where he saw Gupta.

“I said, Boy, am I glad to see you!” Moulton recalls.

Through a CT scan, doctors discovered a pulmonary embolism, in which there are blood clots in the lungs. When patients aren’t very mobile after surgery, blood clots can form in the legs and travel through the heart into the lungs and block blood flow to the lungs.

Dr. Anjan Gupta and William Moulton, photo by Talia Hodge

“That is a very dangerous thing because when circulation to the lung is cut off, the heart is stunned,” says Gupta. “You can die.”

Gupta performed a pulmonary embolectomy to remove blood clots using a catheter going from the groin area to the lungs.

It used vacuum pressure to suck out the clots. While Moulton required 100 percent supplemental oxygen upon his arrival, he didn’t need any supplemental oxygen when he left.

Moulton is happy the cath lab can help more local patients like him and couldn’t be more thankful to Gupta.

“The guy saved me twice,” he says. “That’s a big feat!” KP

DECEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

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ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY Ravi Karnani

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Allergy & Immunology 330-543-0140 Richard Lavi

Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Relief Center 330-423-4444 Sheila Cain

Medina Hospital Medical Office 330-721-5700

ANESTHESIOLOGY Paul Shin

Medina Hospital Medical Office 216-721-5700 Kevin D. Cox

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7133 Mark S. Smilek

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7133

2023

TOP

DOCTORS Martin P. Smilek

Roger B. Chaffee

Eric A. Espinal

Alison Durham

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7133

SPI NEOCS Barberton 330-745-7634

SPI Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists 330-384-9001

Apex Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center 234-274-7546

CARDIOLOGY Robert Schweikert

Akron General 330-344-7400 Khaled Sleik

Akron General Physician Office 330-344-7400 Ramana Podugu

Aultman Deuble Heart and Vascular Hospital 330-454-8076 David Utlak

Dr. David J. Utlak, MD 330-492-2102 Michael Amalfitano

Medina Hospital Medical Office 330-721-5700

Stephen M. Heupler

SPI NEOCS West 330-376-0500 Mark A. Iler

SPI NEOCS West 330-376-0500 Michael Bage

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7989 Joseph Restivo

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7989

COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY Michael J. Cullado

SHMG Colorectal 330-434-5978 Truong D. Ma

SHMG Colorectal 330-564-0728 Kellen C. Welch

SHMG Colorectal 330-434-5978

DERMATOLOGY

Joseph Rinaldi

Eliot Mostow

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7989

Akron Dermatology 330-535-7100

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

Jennifer Cummings

Joseph Lahorra

Mercy Hospital Medical Office 330-588-4676

Akron General 330-344-1400

Summary. DataJoe Research is a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification, and conducts various nominations across the United States on behalf of publishers.

To create the “top doctors” list, DataJoe Research facilitated an online peer-nomination process, also referencing government sources. In addition, DataJoe often conducts media analysis through Internet research to factor in public perception. DataJoe then tallied the nominations per category for each doctor to isolate the top nominees in each category. After collecting nominations and factoring additional information from the media analysis, DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had a current, active license status with the state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a doctor’s current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that doctor was excluded from the list. In addition, any doctor who has been disciplined, up to the time-frame of our review process for an infraction by the state regulatory board, was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine staff for final review and adjustments.

James F. Libecco

Allied Dermatology and Skin Surgery 866-337-6631 Nely Aldrich

Apex Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center 330-653-3376

Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga

Apex Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center 330-653-3376 Neera Agarwal-Antal

Hudson Dermatology 330-650-4200 Julie A. Mark

SPI Dermatology 330-835-9158 Helen M. Torok

Trillium Creek Dermatology 330-725-0569 Thomas C Myers

Unity Health Network LLC 330-926-3495

EMERGENCY MEDICINE Erin Simon

Akron General 330-344-6000

Final note. We recognize that there are many good doctors who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding doctors in the region and the results of our research campaign. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective doctors may not appear on the list.

Disclaimers. DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate.

DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe. Questions? For research/methodology questions, contact the research team at surveys@datajoe.com.

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akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2023

TOP DOCTORS Michael Beeson

Richard J. Dom Dera

Jay C. Williamson

William F. Shaheen

US Acute Care Solutions 800-828-0898

Ohio Family Practice Centers Inc 330-836-8471

Summa Health Family Medicine Center 330-375-3584

Digestive Health Center 330-899-4194

Kelli R. Sabin

Andrea A. Jopperi

Ohio Family Practice Centers Inc 330-836-8471

Summa Health Medical Group Family Medicine 330-773-7866

Digestive Health Center 330-899-4194

Mark Meyer

Lawrence Witmer

Pioneer Physicians Network 330-633-6601

UH Aurora Family Medicine 234-781-8558

Nicholas Jouriles

US Acute Care Solutions 800-828-0898

ENDOCRINOLOGY DIABETES AND METABOLISM Manjinder Kaur

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-650-5110 Mehr Khan

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-650-5110 Mikhail Koren

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-650-5110 Jennifer Wojtowicz

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-650-5110

FAMILY MEDICINE

Adarsh E. Krishen Planned Parenthood Of Greater Ohio 330-535-2671 Cynthia S. Kelley

SHMG Complex Care Clinic 330-375-3952 Dawn R. Hubbard

SHMG Rootstown Primary Care 330-325-7171 Michael A. DeRubeis

South Central Family Physicians Inc 330-644-0022

Isabelle Lane

UH Portage Family Medicine 330-422-3147 David Dulle

UH Sharon Family Physicians 234-248-3749 Sean Hoynes

UH Sharon Family Physicians 234-248-3749 Todd Zeiger

UH Sharon Family Physicians 234-248-3749

Ganesh R. Veerappan

Manzoor Qadir

Summit Gastroenterology 330-753-6643 Scott A. Fulton

The Gastroenterology Group Inc 330-869-0954 Jeffrey D. Gellis

The Gastroenterology Group Inc 330-869-0954 John Park

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-926-3313 Corey Sievers

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-926-3313

GENERAL SURGERY

Elliot Davidson

David L. Jackson

Akron General 330-344-6047

South Central Family Physicians Inc 330-644-0022

Janice Camino

Unity Health Network LLC 330-425-1485

Akron General 330-344-6699

Jeffrey D. Kile

J. Matthew Chase

Steven M. Kelly

South Central Family Physicians Inc 330-644-0022

Unity Health Network LLC 330-688-9501

Aultman General Surgery 330-453-4300

Matthew J. Mivsek

Jeffrey D. Bachtel

Unity Health Network LLC 330-655-3820

Susan MiljkovicGoodrich

Dean P. Rich

Allenside Family Practice 330-848-3377 Rosanna Dean-Scott

Axesspointe Community Health Centers 330-673-1016 E. Demond Scott

Axesspointe Community Health Centers 330-673-1016 Brian R. Cain

Brian R Cain MD and Associates LLC 330-877-3008 Andrea Cerone

Northampton Primary Care 330-923-4500 Anita Amlani

Northeast Family Health Care 330-633-6601

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SPI Tallmadge Family Medicine 330-630-9726 Colin J. Drolshagen

SPI Tallmadge Family Medicine 330-630-9726

Jon Tosino

Unity Health Network LLC 330-662-5666

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Mark Horattas

Medina Hospital Medical Office 330-721-5700 Victoria L. Van Fossen

SHMG Drs. Dalton & Van Fossen 330-564-2438

Bipin K. Sharma

Walter J. Chlysta

Summa Health Family Medicine Center 330-375-3584

Digestive Disease Consultants 877-891-3636

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-926-3443

Anne M. Valeri-White

Edward J. Esber

Rick A. Gemma

Digestive Health Center 330-899-4194

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7753

Lynn M. Hamrich

Summa Health Family Medicine Center 330-375-3584

akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2023

Costas H. Kefalas

Digestive Health Center 330-899-4194

GERIATRIC MEDICINE Natalie A. Kayani

SPI Summit County Geriatricians 330-375-4100

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY Sareena Singh

Aultman Gynecologic Oncology 330-994-1280 Stephen J. Andrews

SPI Gynecological Oncology 330-379-3514 Robin A. Laskey-Jobkar

SPI Gynecological Oncology 330-379-3514 Clarrisa L. Polen-De

SPI Gynecological Oncology 330-379-3514

HAND SURGERY John W. Dietrich

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4055 Mollie Manley

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4055 Thomas J. Reilly

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4055 Ajay K. Seth

OrthoUnited Spectrum North Canton Campus 330-305-0838 Dylan R. Childs

SPI Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine 330-835-5533 Derek J. Klaus

SPI Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine 330-835-5533 Gregory Hill

Unity Health Network LLC 330-922-1922

TOP DOCTORS HEMATOLOGY Jeffrey Hord

Akron Children’s Hospital Cancer and Blood Disorders 330-353-8580 Steven Kuerbitz

Akron Children’s Hospital Cancer and Blood Disorders 330-543-8580 Bradley T. Clifford

SHMG Oncology 330-376-1043 Mehool Patel

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7892 Jennifer E. Payne

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7892

HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE Sarah Elizabeth Friebert

Elizabeth Salay

Peter M. Bittenbender

M.Cristina Victorio

John N. Hutzler

Medina Hospital Internal Medicine and Geriatrics 330-225-8886

SPI NEOCS Summa 330-376-7000

Women’s Health Group 330-633-1350

Susan Tucker

SPI NEOCS Summa 330-376-7000

Akron Children’s Hospital NeuroDevelopmental Science Center 330-543-8050 Deborah Ewing-Wilson

Prasad Bodas

Northeast Family Health Care 330-633-6601 Michael Gedeon

Springside Internal Medicine 330-376-1071 Michael W. Rich

Irene L. Dejak

Summa Health Weight Management Institute Bariatric Care Center 330-375-6590

Shelby Cash

SPI Akron Infectious Disease 330-375-3894 Shanu Agarwal

SPI Care Center 330-375-4851 Rajiv Sahni

Unity Health Network LLC 330-253-9727 Rana Wajahat

Unity Health Network LLC 330-253-9727

INTERNAL MEDICINE Erwin Maseelall

AxessPointe Community Health Centers 888-975-9188 42

MATERNAL & FETAL MEDICINE Michael Krew

Katherine Wolfe

Summa Health Internal Medicine Center 330-375-3315

UH Medina Family and Internal Medicine/Pediatrics 330-721-8500 UH Western Reserve Physicians 234-304-3656 Patrick Blakeslee

Unity Health Network LLC 330-929-2685

Akron Children’s Hospital Maternal Fetal Medicine Center 330-543-4500

NEPHROLOGY Shefali Mahesh

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Nephrology 330-543-8950 Natthavat Tanphaichitr

Joseph Zarconi

Northeast Ohio Nephrology Associates Inc 330-252-0600

Akron Children’s Hospital NeuroDevelopmental Science Center 330-543-8050

NEUROLOGY Bruce H. Cohen

Unity Health Network LLC 330-678-7782

Akron Children’s Hospital NeuroDevelopmental Science Center 330-543-8050

akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2023

Laurie Matt-Amaral

Akron Children’s Hospital Maternal Fetal Medicine 330-438-6296

Akron General Physician Office 330-344-6505

Jennifer Carroll

Greg V. Manson

Northeast Ohio OB/GYN 330-626-2710

SHMG Oncology 330-376-1043

Mary South

Northeast Ohio Urogynecology 234-742-4295 Maura K. O’Shea

OPHTHALMOLOGY Anthony J. Locastro

Akron Oculoplastics Inc 330-374-5666

Marc F. Jones

Kevin Mineo

SPI NEOCS Summa 330-376-7000

Prabhcharan Gill

Jenifer N. Byrnes

Americare Kidney Institute 330-436-3150

Tsulee Chen

William B. Bauman

Akron Children’s Hospital Cancer and Blood Disorders 330-543-8580

Miriam P. Zidehsarai

Paul Gibbons

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

Stephanie Savelli

Richard Ellison

NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY

Unity Health Network LLC 330-678-7782

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Akron Children’s Hospital Cancer and Blood Disorders 330-543-8580

OBGYN Associates of Akron, Inc. 330-668-6545

Unity Health Network LLC 330-678-7782

Nathan R Lucardie

Unity Health Network LLC 330-572-1011

ONCOLOGY

Americare Kidney Institute 330-436-3150

David F. Fantelli

Unity Health Network LLC 330-688-9501

UH Twinsburg Health Center 330-954-7233 Lawrence M. Saltis

David B. Sweet

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Michael J. Tan

UH Portage Medical Center 330-298-5708

Akron Children’s Hospital Maternal Fetal Medicine 330-363-6296

Karen Hummel

SPI Akron Infectious Disease 330-375-3894

Anjan Gupta

Summa Health Internal Medicine Center 330-375-3315

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Palliative Care 330-543-3343

Thomas M. File

Kevin H. Silver

Michael Kohrman

Akron Children’s Hospital NeuroDevelopmental Science Center 330-543-8050

SPI Urogynecology ACH 330-434-0543 Phillip E. Dayley

Summa Health Medical Group Behavioral Health 330-379-8190 Christine M. Arnold

Cole Eye Institute 330-864-8060 Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons 330-590-5671 Lawrence E. Lohman

Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons 330-590-5671

Summa Health Medical Group Obstetrics & Gynecology 330-869-9777

Paul W Turgeon

Thomas J. Mendise

Thomas P. Hull

Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons 330-966-1111

Summa Health Women’s Health Center 330-375-4844

Retina Associates of Cleveland Inc 330-996-9800

Marc Snelson

Thomas J. Tsai

UH MacDonald Women’s Hospital 234-837-6302 Steven Gorsuch

Women’s Health Group 330-633-1350

Retina Associates of Cleveland Inc 330-922-9860

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY William Schrader

Akron Children’s Hospital Spine Center 330-543-3500

TOP DOCTORS Gregory Vrabec

Kiel J. Pfefferle

Akron General Physician Office 330-344-2663

SPI Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine 330-835-5533

David V. Mungo

Scott D. Weiner

Aultman Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine 330-596-6500

SPI Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine 330-835-5533

David B. Kay

Koan Heindel

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4040

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7571

Jovan R. Laskovski

Steven B. Jackson

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-644-7436

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7571

Daniel M. Myer

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-929-9136 Jeffrey S. Noble

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4040 William A. Pakan

OTOLARYNGOLOGY Kenneth Mooney

Akron ENT Associates Inc 330-762-8959 Hassan Abbass

Ohio ENT Associates 330-297-9080

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-673-6299

Phillip L. Khalil

William F. Scully

Seth Willen

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-929-9136 Christopher Tisdel

UH Portage Orthopedics 330-298-5723 Amy E. Tucker

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7571

ORTHOPEDICS Ronald C. Mineo

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-673-6299 Curtis Noel

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 800-342-7744 Jeffrey T. Junko

SPI Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine 330-835-5533

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SHMG ENT 330-375-6917 Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-923-0399

PAIN MANAGEMENT

PEDIATRIC ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY Heather Minto

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Allergy & Immunology 330-543-0140 Lisa Sammon

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Allergy & Immunology 330-543-0140

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY John Clark

Akron Children’s Hospital Heart Center 330-543-8521 Wasim Khan

Akron Children’s Hospital Heart Center 330-543-8521 John Lane

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

Akron Children’s Hospital Heart Center 330-543-8521 Ashish Saini

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

Samer Narouze

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7246 James T. Sable

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7246 Dmitri Souza

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7246

PATHOLOGY Mark Steele

Akron Children’s Hospital Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 330-543-8572

akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2023

PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY Nicholas Nguyen

Akron Children’s Hospital Dermatology 330-543-3376

PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY Jaime Haidet

Akron Children’s Hospital Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology 330-543-3276 Ryan Heksch

Akron Children’s Hospital Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology 330-543-3276

Mamatha Kambalapalli

Akron Children’s Hospital Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology 330-543-3276 Alicia Lowes

Akron Children’s Hospital Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology 330-543-3276 Kimberly Martin

Akron Children’s Hospital Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology 330-543-3276 Natinder Saini

PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDICS / ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY Mark Adamczyk

Akron Children’s Hospital Orthopedics 330-543-3500 Kerwyn Jones

Akron Children’s Hospital Orthopedics 330-543-3500 Patrick Riley

Akron Children’s Hospital Orthopedics 330-543-3500

Akron Children’s Hospital Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology 330-543-3276

Todd Ritzman

Naveen Uli

Paul R. Fleissner

Akron Children’s Hospital Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology 330-543-3276

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4040

Bradley Van Sickle

Akron Children’s Hospital Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology 330-543-3276

PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY Reinaldo Garcia-Naveiro

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Gastroenterology 330-543-2778 Christine Pasquarella

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Gastroenterology 330-543-2778 Kevin Watson

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Gastroenterology 330-543-2778 Matthew Wyneski

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Gastroenterology 330-543-2778

Akron Children’s Hospital Spine Center 330-543-3500

PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY ENT

Anton Milo Akron Children’s Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat Center (ENT) 330-543-4930 Marc Nelson Akron Children’s Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat Center (ENT) 330-543-4930

PEDIATRIC SURGERY Scott Boulanger

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Surgery 330-543-6060 Nathan Heinzerling

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Surgery 330-543-6060 Joseph Iocono

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Surgery 330-543-6060 Mark Wulkan

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Surgery 330-543-6060

TOP DOCTORS David Andrews

Daniel Lebovitz

Erin Spies

James Klejka

Akron Pediatric Surgical Associates 330-434-5341

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care 330-543-8639

Akron Children’s Pediatrics 330-342-6700

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4094

Timothy Pittinger

John Pope

Akron Pediatric Surgical Associates 330-434-5341

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care 330-543-8639

Akron Children’s Pediatrics 330-676-1020

PEDIATRICS GENERAL Michael Forbes

Akron Children’s Hospital 330-543-4492 Kathryn Mansel

Akron Children’s Hospital Medicine Program 330-543-4440 Douglas Moses

Akron Children’s Hospital Medicine Program 330-543-4440 Eugene Mowad

Akron Children’s Hospital Medicine Program 330-543-4440 James Nard

Akron Children’s Hospital Medicine Program 330-543-4440 Brittany Potts

Akron Children’s Hospital Medicine Program 330-543-4440 Troy Sands

Patricia Raimer

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care 330-543-8639 Joel Davidson

Akron Children’s Locust Pediatric Care Group 330-543-8530 Amanda GogolTagliaferro

Akron Children’s Locust Pediatric Care Group 330-543-8530 P. Cooper White

Akron Children’s Locust Pediatric Care Group 330-543-8530 Jeffrey Archinal

Akron Children’s Pediatrics 330-336-3539 Sarah Ayers

Akron Children’s Pediatrics 330-676-1020 Sabrina Ben-Zion

Akron Children’s Pediatrics 330-336-3539

Akron Children’s Hospital Medicine Program 330-543-4440

Jennifer Dwyer

Jeffrey Solomon

John Leonard

Akron Children’s Hospital Medicine Program 330-543-4440 Wendy Van Ittersum

Akron Children’s Pediatrics 330-753-0345

Children’s Medical Group 330-486-9780 Susan Vargo

Children’s Medical Group 234-365-0031 David Burke

Medina Hospital Medical Office 330-721-5700 Douglas Fall

Medina Pediatrics 330-723-7005 Stacey Memberg

Medina Pediatrics 330-723-7005 Martha Myers

Medina Pediatrics 330-723-7005 Laurel Roach-Armao

Medina Pediatrics 330-723-7005 John Ahmann

MEDNAX/Pediatrix Medical Group of Ohio 330-543-8350 Jennifer Grow

Angela Vitiello

Akron Children’s Pediatrics 330-252-1135

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Donald Hackenberg

William Oehlenschlager

Diane Langkamp

Akron Children’s Hospital NICU at Aultman 330-363-5433

Akron General Medical Office Building 330-344-7350

MEDNAX/Pediatrix Medical Group of Ohio 330-543-8350

Akron Children’s Pediatrics 330-335-7337

Roger Vazquez

Paula Sabella

Akron Children’s Pediatrics 330-626-4080

Akron Children’s Hospital Medicine Program 330-543-4440 Akron Children’s Hospital NeuroDevelopmental Science Center 330-543-8050

Catharine Symmonds

Pediatricenter of Greater Cleveland 330-405-9147

Margaret Pfeffer

Emma Raizman

Akron Children’s Pediatrics 330-764-3457 Molly Shaw

Akron Children’s Pediatrics 330-865-1252

akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2023

Ali Shakir

Ohio Pain & Rehab Specialists 330-498-9865 Daniel Dorfman

OrthoUnited OMNI Canton Campus 330-492-9200

PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY Ananth Murthy

Akron Children’s Hospital Craniofacial Center 330-543-2778 Derek Cody

Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons 330-668-4065 Lewis A. Diulus

Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons 330-668-4065 Gary A. Pennington

Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons 330-668-4065 Douglas S. Wagner

Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons 330-668-4065 Gregory M. Beddell

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-9730

PODIATRY Jordan Grossman

Akron General Physician Office 330-344-2663 Nicholas Campitelli

PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION Travis Cleland

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4094

Unity Health Network LLC 330-926-3231 Richard J. Rasper

Unity Health Network LLC 330-662-5667

PSYCHIATRY John A. Kasper

SHMG Juve Behavioral Health Pavilion 330-379-8190 Dustin K. Blakeslee

Unity Health Network LLC 330-248-5397

PULMONOLOGY Anand V. Khandelwal

A & S Khandelwal MD 330-723-7999 Starla Martinez

Akron Children’s Hospital Pulmonary Medicine 330-543-8885 Gregory Omlor

Akron Children’s Hospital Pulmonary Medicine 330-543-8885 Debbie Toder

Akron Children’s Hospital Pulmonary Medicine 330-543-8885 Matthew L. Krauza

CCF Pulmonary 330-471-5936 Eyad Nashawati

Pulmonary Physicians Inc. and Sleep Center 330-452-8844 Paul T. Tsivitse

SHMG Pulmonary/Sleep Medicine 330-319-9700 Masroor Mustafa

SHMG Summit Pulmonary 330-753-1383 Chelsea M. KennedySnodgrass

SPI ALS Lake Medina 330-721-7604 Michael D. Dentler

Unity Health Network LLC 330-253-1411 Charles Fuenning

Unity Health Network LLC 330-253-1411 Hitesh Makkar

Unity Health Network LLC 330-253-1411

TOP DOCTORS RADIATION ONCOLOGY Desiree E. Doncals

SPI Radiation Oncology ACH 330-375-3557

RADIOLOGY Michael Rubin

Akron Children’s Hospital Radiology 330-543-8301 Thomas Herbener

Akron General 330-344-6450 Krikor Malajikian

Akron Radiology Inc 330-375-3043 Yun Robert Sheu

Akron Radiology Inc 330-375-3043 Jeffrey Unger

Akron Radiology Inc 330-375-3043 Anthony J. Ventimiglia

RHEUMATOLOGY

SPINE SURGERY

Niharika Sharma

Richard S. Brower

Akron General Health and Wellness Center 330-344-7820

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 866-870-0016

Inderprit Singh

Douglas M. Ehrler

Akron General Medical Office 330-344-7820

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 866-870-0016

David E. Bacha

Rajiv V. Taliwal

Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility 330-375-7722

Crystal Arthritis Center Inc 330-668-4045

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 866-870-0016

Priya B. Maseelall

Unity Health Network LLC 330-926-3240

Firas Al-Ali

OhioStroke/Summit Neuroendovascular Specialists 330-344-2387

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY/ INFERTILITY Shweta J. Bhatt

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

Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility 330-375-7722 Jessica R. Zolton

Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility 330-375-7722

Akron Radiology Inc 330-375-3043

Rachel L. Waldman

SLEEP MEDICINE Jyoti Krishna

Akron Children’s Hospital Pulmonary Medicine 330-543-8885 Nader A. Botros

CCF Pulmonary 330-471-5936 Albert B. Kim

CCF Pulmonary 330-471-5936

Toomas Anton

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-926-3322

SPORTS MEDICINE

Julie Z. Shott

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7571

UROLOGY Eric Massanyi

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

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric and Adolescent Urology 330-376-3332 Lawrence L. Geller

SPI Urology 330-374-1255

Joseph Congeni

Joshua B. Nething

Akron Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine Center 330-543-8260

SPI Urology Wadsworth 330-374-1255

Nilesh Shah

Summa Health Medical Group Urology 330-374-1255

Summa Health Medical Group Orthopedics and Sports Medicine 330-835-5533

Elizabeth A. Boes

Costas A. Apostolis

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-953-3414

VASCULAR SURGERY Dennis Wright

Akron General 330-344-1400 Joseph R. McShannic

SPI Akron Vascular Associates 330-434-4145 John A. Moawad

SPI Akron Vascular Associates 330-434-4145 Drazen Petrinec

SPI Akron Vascular Associates 330-434-4145 Nicole Ramon

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7758

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GOOD EATS

DECEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 21 | 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: Downtown) 330-376-0600 $ B, L, D, T

Akron Family Restaurant Neighborhood meeting place, homey atmosphere, reasonable prices. 250 W. Market St., Akron, 330-376-0600 $$ B, L, D, T, W Aladdin’s Eatery Outdoor dining area, tasty Mediterranean cuisine. 782 W. Market St., Akron, 330-535-0110; 1991 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-4640; 44 Park Lane, Hudson 330-656-0560; 3895 Medina Road, Fairlawn, 330-665-3102 $$$ L, D, A, 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 Barley House Hot and cold deli sandwiches, gourmet pizzas, soups and more. 222 S. Main St., Akron, 330-374-0925 $$ L, D, A, T, W 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 The Battleground Authentic Mexican food in an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. It specializes in tortillas and salsa that are made fresh daily.

Guests can enjoy street tacos,

pozole, carnitas and delicious flan for dessert. 425 Cherry St., Kent, 330548-9019 $$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Beau’s Grille Well-regarded, innovative menu at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn.

3180 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330867-5218 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T, W Beau’s on the River Stunning views of the falls with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary decor. Fusion eclectic cuisine, lunch buffet and Sun. brunch. Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7530 $$$ B, L, D, A, T, W Belgrade Gardens Famous for fried chicken and homestyle cooking. 401 E. State St., Barberton, 330-745-0113; 3476 Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330-896-3396 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Bellacino’s Known for grinders, pizza, pasta and fresh salads. Full bar, patio and banquet room with dance floor.

3657 Fishcreek Road, Stow, 330-6783000 $$ L, D, A, T, W Bender’s Tavern Largest restaurant wine selection in Stark County. Menu features seafood. 137 Court Ave. SW, Canton, 330-453-8424 $$$$ L, D, A, T Bianca’s Ristorante Italian Traditional Italian, juicy steaks and fresh seafood. 4284 Beverly Hills Drive, Brunswick, 330-225-0927 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Big Eu’es BBQ Known for delicious barbecue meals and Kool Aid pies.

The takeout spot also has a small dining area. 1730 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-706-6700 $$ L, D, T Big Eye Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar Menu offers a variety of sushi as well as salads, soups, appetizers, cooked entrees and vegan options to suit everyone at your table. 2965 W. Market St., Fairlawn, Suite L, 330-8364433 $$$ L, D, A, T, W 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 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Block 7 Bar & Grill Fresh-ground burgers, unique sandwiches, onion rings and more. 524 W. Tuscarawas St., Barberton, 330-745-7677 $$ L, D, A, T, W Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern Creative American fare in six nature-inspired dining environments. Sun. brunch buffet. 8960 Wilcox Drive, Twinsburg, 330-486-2583 $$$$ L, D, A, T, W Blue Door Cafe & Bakery Chef-driven sandwiches, quiche, crepes, housemade pastries and rotating specials made using local ingredients. Voted No. 1 brunch in Ohio. Drive-thru available. 1970 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-926-9774 $$$ B, L, T, A Berlin Farmstead Enjoy regionallyinspired homestyle meals including the all-you-can-eat Barn Raising Buffet with mashed potatoes and a salad bar. 4757 Township Road 366, Berlin, 330-893-4600 $$ B, L, D, W, T Bob’s Hamburg Classic family diner with affordable favorites such as the BBQ Bonanza burger. 1351 East Ave., Akron, 330-253-2627; Inside Ray’s Pub, 801. W. Market St., Akron, 330805-1456 $ B, L, D, W, T Boiling House Authentic Louisiana seafood boils with king crab legs and lobster tail. A unique sushi menu diversifies the offerings. 1 W. Exchange St., Suite 150, Akron, 234571-9692 $$$$ L, D, T Bomba Taco & Bar Chef-inspired Latin tacos, international rice bowls and creative desserts like mango mojito sorbet and churro ice cream sandwiches. 3900 Medina Road, Akron, 234-466-7180 $$$ L, D, A, T Bombay Sitar Fine Indian cuisine. Food is natural and prepared fresh daily.

5111 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330305-0671 $$ L, D, T, W Bricco Open since September 2003, this restaurant is known for its eclectic seasonal menu, wood-fired pizzas

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and pasta dishes. 1 W. Exchange St., Akron, 330-475-1600 $$$ L, D, A, T, V, W Bricco in Kent Menu is modeled after the original Bricco in downtown Akron. A la carte brunch on Sun. 210 S. Depeyster St., Kent, 330-677-1335 $$$ L, D, A, T Brew Wall Sample a vast amount of pour-it-yourself beers and wines while you nosh on wood-fired pizza and more from the crew behind Antonio’s Pizza. 3161 Heritage Center Drive, Copley, 330-576-6880 $$$ L, D, A, W, T Brubaker’s Pub Specialty sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, appetizers and a full bar. Bottomless soup and salad special. 4005 Medina Road, Montrose, 330-666-8021; 5823 Darrow Road, Hudson, 330-650-9401; 3939 Massillon Road, Green, 330896-8803; 4141 Bridgewater Parkway, Stow, 330-475-1525 $$$ L, D, A, T, W 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 $$$$ L, D, A, T, W The Cabin Upscale Italian within the Mario’s International Spa and Hotel complex. 35 E. Garfield Road, Aurora, 330-562-9171 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T Cafe Bricco This menu is a smaller version of the one at the original Bricco location downtown.

DoubleTree Hotel, 3150 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-835-2203 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Cafe Tandoor Casual atmosphere, Indian cuisine. 96 Barrington Town Center, Aurora, 330-562-5334 $$$ L, D, A, T Cana Valley Winery Check out this winery’s 13 varieties. Bring in your own food. 5665 Waterloo Road, Atwater, 330-596-3017 $$$$ D, A Canal Tavern of Zoar Fine casual dining in Zoar’s original tavern and inn.

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

DECEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

49

GOOD EATS UNCORKED

by Eric Van Sant and photos by Kaitlyn Murray

Firelands Winery Sandusky, Ohio Founded in 1880, Firelands Winery is one of the oldest wineries in Ohio. Its name is derived from history.

During the Revolutionary War, the Firelands region of Ohio was allotted to Connecticut citizens whose homes were burned by the British. Upon resettling, the citizens retained their winemaking heritage.

Firelands is now one of the largest wine producers in Ohio.

It makes wine from vita vinifera grapes. Native to Europe, these grapes include cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, pinot grigio, pinot noir, riesling and cabernet franc, among others. Firelands was the first winery in Ohio to plant pinot grigio, which has become one of its signature award-winning wines.

For the estate wines, harvesting starts in September as the grapes reach their peak ripeness.

All estate fruit is hand-harvested with rigorous testing standards to ensure the highest quality. The whites are pressed in whole clusters while the reds are destemmed for fermentation.

During fermentation, the whites are stored in cold tanks while the reds can warm up. All red wines and certain whites are placed in oak barrels to age. Here are some Firelands wines to enjoy this holiday season.

FIRELANDS ICE WINE Lush and balanced, this sweet dessert wine ($28.99) is a signature to the Great Lakes region, and it’s made from vidal grapes.

To be classified as an ice wine, the grape clusters must be frozen naturally on the vine, harvested then pressed before they thaw.

The result is a small amount of intense highly concentrated, viscous nectar, so it’s sold in smaller bottles at a higher price. It has a sweet honey and apricot character and is perfect as an afterdinner aperitif.

FIRELANDS PINOT GRIGIO Made from pinot grigio grapes grown in Ohio, this dry wine ($10.99) is medium-bodied.

It’s bright on the palate with full acidity. With notes of green apple and citrus, this pinot grigio is great with a charcuterie board and good friends.

FIRELANDS GEWURZTRAMINER Traditionally a German grape varietal, the gewurztraminer grape also grows very well in the northeastern United States.

Medium-bodied, this wine ($10.99) has subtle acidity and dryness with notes of lemon and honeysuckle. Sip it alongside seafood or spicy Asian fare.

[ Eric Van Sant is a sales manager at Heidelberg Distributing Co. ]

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

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akronlife.com | DECEMBER 2023

Find these Firelands Winery wines at select Giant Eagle, Acme Fresh Market, Heinen’s and Discount Drug Mart locations.

GOOD EATS

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, 330-9402000 $$$$ L, D, A, T The Crush House at Gervasi Vineyard A modern industrial building that houses a state-of-the-art winery facility, wine bar and eatery. Perfect for a fun lunch, casual dinner or late snack. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330497-1000, ext. 5 $$ L, D, A 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, 234-6783612 $$$ L, D, A, T Danny Boy’s If you love the Rat Pack, you’ll love this menu. Try the Old Blue Eyes Mac & Cheese or the Chairman of the Board Calzone. 6081 Dressler Road N, Canton, 330-499-3726; 10 Tallmadge Circle, Tallmadge, 330-6337844 $$$ L, D, A, T Darby’s on Fifty-Nine Rustic dining with an assortment of dishes, including crispy calamari and filet mignon sliders, complemented by craft beer. 2764 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-9227540 $$$ L, D, A, T Dave’s Cosmic Subs Sign the walls at this sub shop, featuring psychedelic and music memorabilia. 186 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-342-5666 $$ L, D, 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, 330-3755050 $$$$ D, A, T, V Deli Ohio Fresh deli sandwiches made with all-natural products from throughout Ohio. 328 Walnut Ave. NE, Canton, 330-453-7777 $$ L, D, T Der Dutchman A family-friendly comfort food restaurant in Amish Country offering a seniors’ menu, house-made pies and options for vegan and other diets. 720 state Route 97 W, Bellville, 419-866-7070 $$ B, L, D, W, T Desert Inn Family-owned since 1970.

Specializes in family-style shish kebabs. 204 12th St. NW, Canton, 330456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A Diamond Deli A local favorite with fat sandwiches and fresh soups. 378 S. Main St., Akron, 330-762-5877 $ B, L, A, D (Saturdays only), T Diamond Grille Akron’s oldest steakhouse, 1950s-style decor. All steaks are handcut, and seafood is flown in fresh. 77 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-0041 $$$$ L, D, A, No credit cards Divine Food Spirits Wine Casual and upscale American fare, a scratch kitchen and a wide drink selection.

2752 Hudson Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-4400 $$$$ D, A, T Dominic’s Italian Restaurant Since 1987, Dominic Carrino has been using the finest products available for his pizzas, as well as burgers, paninis and other lunch and dinner options.

Carrino is also the owner of JoJo’s Sports Bar, located directly behind the Italian restaurant. 221 S. Jefferson St., Medina, 330-725-8424 $$ L, D, T, P Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine Homestyle Italian cuisine, popular community meeting place. 555 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-928-9530 $$ L, D, A, T El Campesino Authentic Mexican cuisine.

Carryout or delivery available. 4360 Kent Road, Stow, 330-686-5561; 9169 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-6269777; 4048 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, 330-477-8731 $$$ L, D, A, T El Fogon Mexican Grill Traditional Mexican fare from the owner of El Campesino in Canton and Perry Township. Full bar and weekly margarita specials.

1080 Interstate Parkway, Green, 330644-7700 $$ L, D, A, T El Rancho Traditional Mexican fare made fresh from scratch each day. 4065 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-9228112; 1678 W. Exchange St., Akron, 330-864-3300 $$ L, D, A, T El Rincon Authentic Mexican cuisine. 720 S. Main St., North Canton, 330-4972229 $$ L, D, A, T Fred’s Diner Well-known North Hill stop for breakfast and lunch. 930 Home Ave., Akron, 330-535-3733 $ B, L, T Fresco Mexican Grill and Salsa Bar Mexican cuisine including gig burritos, tacos, warm soups, quesadillas and more.

Known for its beer selection and extensive salsa bar. 100 E. Erie St., Kent, 330-677-2588 $$ L, D, A, T Fronimo’s Downtown Located within the Canton Arts District, it prides itself on serving creative food. The menu features small plates such as lettuce wraps or tempura cauliflower, salads, sandwiches and entrees. 315 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 234-6408665 $$ D, A The Galaxy Restaurant Diverse selection of dishes in a creative building.

Fantastic desserts. 201 Park Center Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-3663 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Garretts Mill Diner Breakfast items, sandwiches, soup and house-made ice cream. 4226 Hudson Drive, Stow, 330-926-1344 $$ B, L, T Gasoline Alley Eclectic menu featuring pizza, sandwiches and sauerkraut

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

DECEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

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GOOD EATS UNTAPPED

by Aaron Fowler

Cranberry Turbo Shandy Citrus Ale Hoppin’ Frog Brewery | Akron pack four-

$15.9

You aren’t alone if you feel wistful for warmer weather when winter is only just beginning. Akron’s Hoppin’ Frog Brewery has just the fruit-packed brew for you with the release of its cranberry version of the bestselling Turbo Shandy Citrus Ale.

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First established back in 2006 by owner and brewmaster Fred Karm, Hoppin’ Frog beers are now available in 22 states and over 40 countries throughout the world. Karm has been brewing eccentric award-winning creations since 1994. The brewery has taken home an arsenal of awards over the last two decades, most recently winning a silver medal at the 2023 World Beer Cup and a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival — the two most prestigious award ceremonies in the beer industry — for its Smashing Honey Blonde.

Hoppin’ Frog Cranberry Turbo Shandy Citrus Ale is what you would expect — a perfect winter holiday take on arguably the brewery’s most cherished year-round offering. Like its base beer, Cranberry Turbo Shandy Citrus Ale is 7 percent alcohol by volume, which raises it above other shandy-style options. Whether you are craving something sweet or tart, Hoppin’ Frog’s Cranberry Turbo Shandy Citrus Ale brings the best of both worlds. The cranberry tartness balances expertly with the malty sweetness to create a juicy brew that reminds you of the freshness of warmer seasons but equally grounds you with wintertime flavors.

Find Hoppin’ Frog Brewery’s Cranberry Turbo Shandy Citrus Ale at select Giant Eagle, Acme Fresh Market, Heinen’s, Mustard Seed Market & Cafe, Buehler’s Fresh Foods and Fisher’s Foods locations, as well as craft beer stops throughout the state.

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

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 $$$ L, D, A, T Casa Del Rio Mexican dining. 839 High St., Wadsworth, 330-335-4001; Express location, 2927 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-849-5160 $$ L, D, A, T Caston & Main Brew Yard This cozy, casual gastropub with a fireplace and two outdoor patios with fire features offers a large variety of craft beer including 32 taps, with wine, specialty cocktails and 140-plus

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bourbons, whiskeys and spirits including rare selections. The chefdriven menu offers house-made flatbreads, sandwiches and beer cheese, as well as Sun. brunch. 5010 S. Main St., Akron, 330-882-CASK (2275) $$$ L, D, A Ceedo’s Eatery Traditional Middle Eastern food — kosher and halal — including shawarma and falafel, stuffed whole lamb, hummus, tabbouleh and kibbeh. Closed Mon. 4147 Bridgewater Parkway, Stow, 330-940-2424 $$ B, L, D, T Cellar 59 Wine Bar & Wine Shop The menu in this renovated 19th-century farmhouse features small plates,

desserts, bottles of wine and craft beer. Closed Sun. and Mon. 3984 Kent Road, Stow, 330-688-2684 $$$ L, D, A, T Chalet in the Valley Located in the heart of Amish Country and known for its authentic Swiss and Austrian cuisine.

While the menu features a new spin on sandwich classics like the Chalet deluxe Reuben or Rachel, it’s famous for schnitzels, which come in six different varieties: weiner, chicken, schwein, jaeger, kase and Reuben.

5060 state Route 557, Millersburg, 330-893-2550 $$$ L, D, T Cool Beans Cafe Try a peaches and cream frappe for breakfast, a sun-dried

tomato turkey sandwich for lunch or take home a warm quart of soup for dinner at the community staple on the Medina square. 103 W. Liberty St., Medina, 330-723-7174 $$ B, L, D, T Corkscrew Saloon Specializes in fresh seafood, steaks and chops, prepared by executive chef Ryan Marino. Live entertainment Wed. nights. 811 W. Liberty, Medina, 330-725-0220 $$$$ L, D, A, T Crave Creative comfort foods, slightly eccentric with bold tastes served up in a sensational setting. 156 S. Main St., Akron, 330-253-1234 $$ L, D, A, T, V Crave Cantina Latin fare meets global tacos at this modern, artistic eatery

GOOD EATS balls. 870 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-2670 $$$ L, D, A, T George’s Lounge Handcrafted food made from fresh ingredients and housemade sauces. Known for substantial gourmet burgers, or you can create your own. Menu also includes handscooped milkshakes that come in classic flavors like strawberry, vanilla and chocolate, along with unique flavors like maple cream, creamy mocha and Dutch apple pie. 229 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330-4520029 $$ B, L, D, T, A Girves Brown Derby An Akron favorite since 1941. Hardwood-fired freshcut steaks, seafood, wine, craft beer and full-service bar. 4670 Everhard Road, Canton, 330-494-4413; 5051 Eastpointe Drive, Medina, 330-721-1731; 9230 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-626-2171; brownderbyusa.com $$$$ L (only on weekends), D, A, T, W Golden Dragon Chinese fare. Also offers traditional Japanese cooking and sushi. 1634 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-1109 $$ L, D, A, T Greatness Cafe Healthy and delicious options — smoothies, paninis, salads with house-made dressings and juices all paired with positive affirmations and a welcoming atmosphere — in the Massillon Museum’s lobby. 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. $$ B, L, T, W Green Diamond Grille & Pub Upscale dining without upscale pricing. Specializes in steaks, chops, baby back ribs and seafood. 125 Second St. NW, Barberton, 330-745-1900 $$$ L, D, A, T Grinders Above & Beyond Family restaurant. Grinders, burgers, dinners, appetizers and pies. 1671 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-4974800; 3114 Whipple Ave., Canton, 330-477-5411; 1212 W. Maple St., Hartville, 330-587-4280; 1820 W. State St., Alliance, 330-821-6665; 404 E. Lincolnway, Minerva, 330-868-7824; 500 W. Main St., Louisville, 330-8759700 $ L, D, A, T Guiseppe’s Pizza Family-owned pizzeria known for its Sicilian-style square pizza. 14 E. Caston Road, Akron, 330644-8842 $$ L, D, T Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery Serving homestyle meals since 1966, we are known for our pressure fried chicken, fresh mashed potatoes, house-made salad dressings, 21 varieties of pies and more. Carryout and curbside pickup. 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330-877-9353 $$$ L, D, T, W Hopocan Gardens Barberton-style chicken. 4396 W. Hopocan Ave., Barberton, 330-825-9923 $$ L, D, A, T, No credit cards House of Hunan Common favorites to spicy specialties. Oriental decor.

2717 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330864-8215; 18 Public Square, Medina, 330-722-1899 $$ L, D, A, T

Hudson’s Restaurant Neighborhood restaurant and bar serving fresh, chef-driven dishes. Family-friendly atmosphere. 80 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-650-1955 $$$ B, L, D, A, T The Jetty River Bar and Grill Located on the north end of the Sheraton Suites, it is a posh place to have dinner and a drink with a view. Choose from a menu of casual salads, flatbreads and small entrees. 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7544 $$$ 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 Kennedy’s Bar-B-Que Pit-smoked ham, pork, beef, turkey, pulled pork sandwiches topped with cabbage relish, bean soup, chili and Troyer’s pie by the slice. 1420 Seventh St. NW, Canton, 330-454-0193 $ L, D, 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 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 $$$$ D, A, T, V Larry’s Main Entrance English-pub style, burgers of note. 1964 W. Market St., Akron, 330-864-8162 $$ L, D, A, T 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 Lembo’s Italian Restaurant Weekday lunch salad and pizza buffet, Italian specialties, chicken and sandwiches.

Daily specials, lunch specials, kids’ menu. 1186 Canton Road, Akron, 330-733-7586 $$$ L, D, A, T The Leopard Eclectic menu with American, Asian, French and Italian

influences. Features seven-course chef’s table. 600 N. Aurora Road, Aurora, 330-562-2111 $$$$ D, A, T, V Leo’s Italian Social Nosh on comfort food Italian favorites with a chefdriven twist. With everything from wood-fired pizza to certified angus beef strip steaks, it’s a great spot for groups to dine inside or on the large patio with bocce. Also take in live music. 2251 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-400-4427 $$$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Lizardville Large selection of draft and bottled beers, whiskey and cigars to enjoy on site or take home. Try the Wild Western burger and a glass of Weller Antique Winking Lizard Edition. 21 and over only. 79 Springside Drive, Akron, 330-6441782 $$ D, A, T The Lockview Traditional American favorites. Fresh menu with spotlight on gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. 207 S. Main St., Akron, 330-252-5128 $$ L, D, A, T Luca’s New York Style Pizza Pizza, calzones, stromboli, cheesesteaks and subs. 3451 Darrow Road, Stow, 330-688-9595 $$$ D, 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. $$$$ L, D, A, T Lucia’s Steakhouse Fresh seafood, signature garlic butter-topped steaks, Italian favorites and Lucia classics, like house-made lump crab cakes or cubanella and long, hot peppers. 4769 Belpar St. NW, Canton, 330-492-9933 $$$$ D, A Lucci’s Voted best pizza in Portage County. The family-owned shop has been serving New York-style pizza with house-made sauce, freshly made dough and a variety of toppings for over 30 years. Also offers wings, chicken tenders and fries, Stromboli and breadsticks and pretzel bites. 2457 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-571-0053, 405 E. Main St., Kent, 330-673-9833 $$ L, D, T 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 $$ L, D, A, T, No credit cards Lukity Country Inn Homestyle comfort food. 2697 Manchester Road, Akron, 330-753-5983 $$ B, L, D, T Magic City’s Remarkable Diner Chef-driven breakfast and lunch menu with surprising twists on diner classics, like the smoked salmon and Brie omelet. 451 Fairview Ave., Barberton, 330-983-9787 $$ B, L, T 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 Michael’s AM Casual, family-style dining.

Full breakfast and lunch menu featuring daily specials. 1562 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron, 330-929-3447 $$ B, L, T, No credit cards Mike’s Place Unique atmosphere, extensive menu. 1700 S. Water St., Kent, 330-673-6501 $$ B, L, D, A, T Missing Falls Brewery Located in the historic BF Goodrich factory, Missing Falls Brewery is the latest addition to Akron’s craft brewery scene. 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, 234-231-1000 $$ A Mulligan’s Pub Local antique decor, award-winning ribs, extensive menu.

4118 Belden Village St. NW, Canton, 330-493-8239 $$$ L, D, A, 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 $$$ D, A, T Nomz Café Provides customers with farm-fresh, local eats that showcase favorites like the ham and cheese breakfast sandwich and the chicken sandwich marinated in Thirsty Dog Brewing’s Citra Dog beer that are made from scratch inside the Northside Marketplace. 21 Furnace St., Akron, 330-286-1315 $$$ B, L, D, T, A

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GOOD EATS

Oak and Embers Tavern Southern-style barbecue brisket, pork, ribs and chicken with signature drinks including the Devil’s Grandma and the Revolver. 7774 Darrow Road, Hudson, 234-602-1056 $$$ L, D, W, A, T The Oaks Lakeside Casual dining, fabulous ambiance in 1914 estate.

Outdoor dining with water views.

5878 Longacre Lane, Chippewa Lake, 330-769-2601 $$$$ D, A 111 Bistro House Manager Meghan Pender and Executive Chef Anthony Scolaro own this eatery which features starters, soups and salads, sandwiches, pasta and entrees, as well as an extensive wine, craft beer and cocktail list. Weekend brunch available. 2736 Medina Road, Medina, 330-952-1122 $$$$ D, A, T One Red Door Decadent menu featuring gourmet pizzas, share plates such as bacon-wrapped roasted dates and burgers. 49 Village Way, Hudson, 330-342-3667 $$$$ L, D, A Papa Gyros Greek Grill Authentic Greek fare, wine and beer. 3939 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0707; 4760 Everhard Road, Canton, 330-4971100; 320 W. State St., Alliance, 330-823-7773; 2045 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330-456-9000; 1 N. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-247-2475 $$ L, D, A, T

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Papa Joe’s Iacomini’s Extensive wine list, fine Italian fare, seafood and steaks. 1561 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron, 330-923-7999 $$$ L, D, A, T Primo’s Deli An Akron mainstay since 1979. Try their famous corned beef sandwich or spicy Italian sub, and finish with a slice of house-made carrot cake. 1707 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, 330-745-9056 $$ L, D, A, T Pub Bricco The menu features gourmet hamburgers, appetizers, salads and drinks served in a pub atmosphere in the Merriman Valley. 1841 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-8690035 $$ L, D, A, T R. Shea Brewing Traditional and experimental beers with brewpub fare in the Merriman Valley and Canal Place. 1662 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-794-5654; 540 S. Main St., Suite 214, Akron, 234-571-5036, $$ 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, 330-864-7245 $$ L, D, A, T The Ramp Restaurant Unique entrees include seafood pasta and French pork chop. Dine on the back deck

for a waterfront view of Portage Lakes. 3719 S. Main St., Akron, 234678-6370 $$$$ L, D, A, T Rasicci’s Pizza Deep-dish pizza, fried chicken and jojos from owner Rick Rasicci. 513 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-923-1999 $$ L, D, 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, 330-8352233 $$ L, D, A, T The River Merchant Kent’s riverfront restaurant offers guests a beautiful dining experience with a chefinspired menu, a wood-fired oven and a wine and beer market. Try favorites like the Nashville hot chicken gyro or the smoked salmon flatbread. Guests can also sip cocktails like the PB Banana Split or a selection from its extensive beer, wine and spirits menu. 911 N. Mantua St., Kent, 330-968-6376 $$$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Rizzi’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Northern Italian recipes shine at this familyowned restaurant with fried chicken that has garnered its own trademark. 2809 Copley Road, Copley, 330-666-1221, 330-6682626 $$ L, D, 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, 234-706-6630 $$ L, D, W, T Rosewood Grill Seasonally inspired.

Fresh appeal of a local farmers market. 36 E. Streetsboro St., Hudson, 330-656-2100 $$$$ L Fri/Sat only, D, A, T Serenite Restaurant Fine French dining includes oysters, escargot, duck confit and smoked salmon. Socially conscious mission with a staff made up of people in recovery from addiction. 538 W. Liberty St., Medina, 330-952-2611 $$$ L, D, A, T 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, 234334-3996 $$ L, D, T Sisters Century House Historic building overlooks Ohio Canal. Known for twice-baked potatoes. 123 S. Canal St., Canal Fulton, 330-854-9914 $$ B, L, D, T Skyway Drive-In Restaurant A West Akron tradition. Drive-in burgers, fast fare. 2781 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-836-2806; 951 E. Turkeyfoot Road, Green, 330-8969350 $ 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, 330-8090461 $$$ L, D, T, A, P Taggart’s Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant Established in 1926, this landmark features wrought-iron ice cream parlor chairs and high-backed booths. Try the Bittner! Homemade soups, salads and sandwiches.

Kids’ menu and vegetarian options.

1401 Fulton Road NW, Canton, 330452-6844 $ 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, 330-334-5151 $$ L, D, A, T Taqueria La Loma Traditional Mexican street food in a colorful environment and market. The house special, the al pastor, features a rub with a secret recipe that gives the pork a smoky-sweet flavor. 459 Darrow Road, Akron, 330-784-9300 $$ L, D, T, A

PARTING SHOT

by Kaitlyn Murray, photo courtesy of Summit Memory/Akron-Summit County Public Library

“

Special Delivery Akron, 1920s

”

Instead of a sleigh, St. Nick delivered toys from a Goodyear blimp known as the Santa Claus Express starting in 1925. First known as Pilgrim 1, it was the first blimp inflated by helium. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. treasurer Charles Seiberling portrayed Santa in 1925 when he visited children at Sunshine Cottage, an Akron tuberculosis treatment center.

The blimp retired in 1930. Goodyear partnered with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and Toys for Tots to get it operating again in 2010. Since 2010, it has delivered over 200,000 toys like bikes and Legos and collected $525,000 for Toys for Tots, going on its 13th consecutive year. While it’s not flying this year, you can see it and drop off toys at the Wingfoot Lake blimp hangar Dec. 1 to 3 and be a part of the holiday magic.

DECEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

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