Issuu

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 2

FEBRUARY 2023

SISTERHOOD PERSISTS Akron Woman's City Club celebrates 100 years and endures as the last of its kind in Akron

ROMANCE AWAITS A NEW DATE NIGHT SPOT IN KENT FACES OF THE 330

FEB. 2023 $4.95

HELEN WOLLE, FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE AKRON WOMAN’S CITY CLUB photo by Alexandra Sobczak

MIRACLE WORKERS VISITING ANGELS BRING SUPPORT HOME

FEBRUARY 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 2

PAGES

Pages start here

On The Cover

| 26 Woman’s Club | photo by Alexandra Sobczak

[ FEATURE ]

26 100 YEARS YOUNG The Akron Woman’s City Club celebrates a century and its status as the last social dining club for women in Akron. The centennial comes with a fight to survive, and the ladies are up to the task.

photo provided by Akron Woman’s City Club archives

FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

PAGES

UNCORKED

AGENDA

UNTAPPED

Terra d’Oro

[ the essential social digest ]

Stone Brewing

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

06 MAIL BONDING 07 FROM THE PUBLISHER Yada Yada

08 RADAR [ seen + heard ]

10 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] 11 Entertainment listings

+ Calendar of events

38 GOOD EATS [ notable food + drink ] 38 Restaurant listings 39 Uncorked:

Terra d’Oro 40 Untapped:

09 UPFRONT Super Women

akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

18 FACES OF THE 330 34 FOREVER YOUNG Home care gives older adults extra support.

Stone Brewing Delicious Mixed Pack

75 PARTING SHOT Furnace Street Mission

Special Sections

43 BBB TRUST GUIDE

PAGES MAIL BONDING VOLUME 20 | ISSUE

JUST A DAD FROM AK

Tell us what's on your mind.

330 FLAVOR AWA SHOP LOCAL FIND GIFTS AT 12 HUDSON STORES

DECEMBER 2022

RON

Kenny Lambert lifts up Kenmore

RDS

ELITE PHYSICIANS 2022 JANUARY 2023

GIVE BACK DONATE TO THESE CHARITIES THIS SEASON

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 1

MEANT TO BE 4 DREAM WEDDINGS EXUDE CHARM

WIT

H S

TAND

OUT DIS

HES AND A

KENNY AND AMELIA LAMBERT

GO OD VI BE S S RE

MÉL ANGE POR K TENDER LOIN

photo by Alan Chavez

Comments? Got something to say about an article you read in Akron Life? Or maybe you want to tell us about something great happening in the area. Send comments and suggestions to: Akron Life, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313, and please include your name and address. Or email them to editor@bakermediagroup.com. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and clarity.

GREAT RESILIENCE PRIVATE SCHOOLS BOUNCE BACK

photo by Meghan Winkler

HAVE AKRON, WILL TRAVEL

FOUNDER

Don Baker Jr. [ 1940-2018 ] PUBLISHER

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FEBRUARY 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 2

33 0 T IX o f f e r s both ease and

(ISSN No. 74 470 5787 1)

e n t e r ta i n m e n t .

akronlife is published monthly by Baker Media Group, LLC, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313. Copyright 2023© by Baker Media Group, LLC, All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited without written permission. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by an addressed envelope and sufficient postage. Baker Media Group, LLC and akronlife accept no responsibility for unsolicited material. Subscription rates: Continental U.S., One year —$19.95, Two years —$34.95. Call for Alaska, Hawaii or international rates. Single issues available by calling the circulation department or visiting akronlife.com/store. $3.95 each plus $3.50 shipping & handling. Editorial, advertising and business offices: (330) 253-0056, fax (330) 253-5868.

YO U R T I CKE T TO LO C A L E V E N T S

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akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

PAGES FROM THE PUBLISHER

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

Yada Yada Here’s how I overcome writer’s block and embrace the “Seinfeld” mentality.

Writing can be challenging. Whenever I struggle to think of what to write about for this column, I often think of my late dad, Don Baker Jr., who wrote a column for Akron Life as well as various other magazines for well over 40 years. He said to me, Resist writing the monthly column, because once you start, it never stops. Yet here I am. I have always sat on the business side of the table and gladly let others write the stories. It’s not that I don’t have a lot to say — I do, but I struggle to reach the word counts. Sometimes I think I have plenty to say on the topic, and then I look down at the word count just to see that it was only a 50-word thought. When my dad was writing the publisher’s page, I would often get on him about being late and coming in with his column minutes before we went to press. He is probably looking down at me laughing because my deadline for this article was a couple of days before I turned it in. Now I know how he must have felt at that time. It’s one thing to start writing because you are inspired and totally another if you aren’t inspired at all. Most of the time I have an idea or a theme in mind, and I just throw it all down on paper. Later I look at it — sometimes I keep it, and sometimes

I start over. But throwing it all down on paper is the problem this month. This isn’t the first time I have started a column about nothing. I have several drafts in my folder about nothing. The truth is, I have a few topics in my back pocket that I have felt I could use if I am ever in a jam, and the topic about nothing is one of them. If you are a “Seinfeld” fan, then you are probably familiar with them discussing a “show about nothing.”

During “The Pitch” episode, Jerry Seinfeld and George Costanza pitched a TV executive on a sitcom about nothing. The dilemma I am having now is whether this is a good time to use this theme about nothing. I’m wondering, Is this a good time to pull the get-out-of-jail free card? I guess it’s as good a time as any. I am extremely busy with lots of new and exciting projects we are working on for Akron Life and Baker Media Group overall. Stay tuned.

[ Publisher Colin Baker is a retired racing driver and gearhead. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com]. FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

PAGES RADAR by Kelly Petryszyn

IGNITE ROMANCE This Valentine’s Day, go beyond drugstore chocolates and raise the bar with an evening at the Standard. The swanky new Kent restaurant aims to elevate the Tree City with refined small plates such as Korean barbecue octopus over jicama slaw and a poached lobster BLT with lemon truffle aioli, as well as craft cocktails like the dirty martini with squid ink. The clientele often dresses nicer for the lower level spot that exudes speakeasy vibes with a dark wood bar, candles, barrels and a performance area where blues or jazz acts like saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio play every Friday as couples dance the night away. 176 E. Main St., Unit B, Kent, thestandardko.wixsite.com/the-standard

ASTOUNDING FEATS

STOLEN AWAY

Find an extreme cure for cabin fever at Ninja Hub Gym in North Canton. Swoop across long rings, muscle through cliffhanger suspended ledges and fly down the ring slider. For the ultimate test, get a running start and scale the 18-foot warped wall. With classes or open gym time, you might be ready for competitions or maybe even aim to be the next American Ninja Warrior. 6207 Dressler Road NW, North Canton, ninjahubgym.com

Bootlegger Rocco Piscazzi distilled moonshine and whiskey in Akron during Prohibition and set up networks of warehouses, stills and transports via the Ohio & Erie Canal to run his soughtafter spirits. Now Piscazzi’s descendants are carrying on that tradition with the new Towpath Distillery located inside the family’s Merchant Tavern. It mixes old family recipes with new techniques to produce highquality bourbon, gin, vodka and rum. Toast with craft cocktails made using Towpath spirits like a tart grapefruit rum daiquiri at Merchant Tavern or shake up your home cocktail bar with Towpath recipes like a frothy bourbon sour. Bottoms up! 1824 Merriman Road, Akron, towpathdistillery.com

akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

Visit akronlife.com for Towpath Distillery cocktail recipes.

photos provided by the Standard and Towpath Distillery

seen + heard

PAGES UPFRONT

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

Super Women Join us in celebrating female friendship and empowerment.

In this issue, we feature influential women who have been honored as part of the Women’s History Project of the Akron Area and commemorate the centennial of the Akron Woman’s City Club. Kelly and Nicole

Rather than saying they are self-made, people I’ve interviewed typically credit their achievements to the help of others. When I wrote a piece on former U.S. poet laureate Rita Dove, I discovered that a teacher at her alma mater, Buchtel High School, introduced her to a poet, and that helped spark her interest in poetry.

I’ve been fortunate to speak with Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Connie Schultz a few times. We became Facebook friends after she shared an article I wrote about her appearance at Brews & Prose in Cleveland. But a comment she made when I spoke to her after an arts panel I covered during the Republican National Convention has stayed with me. After I told her I was then a Cleveland Magazine associate editor, she encouraged me, saying something to the tune of, We need more female editors in journalism. It helped me reflect on the fact that I am a woman in leadership, which is meaningful. As Akron Life managing editor, I’m thankful to lead the edit team with assistant editor Alexandra Sobczak, and we strive to represent many perspectives.

I’ve always known that I wanted to be a journalist, and many people got me here. I started pursuing my dream as a part of my high school newspaper staff under the guidance of my teacher, Stacie Leatherman. My stories were painfully fluffy — students’ takes on their dream careers and parking lot traffic — but it cemented that I could do this as a career. My Kent State University journalism professors have been huge influences. Carl Schierhorn was a helpful guide on the Daily Kent Stater staff, and his wife, Ann Schierhorn, taught a magazine class through which I submitted my story on record stores’ comebacks that made an Akron Life cover in 2011. Barb Hipsman Springer pushed me out of my comfort zone when it came to hard news, and she remains supportive. My photography professor David LaBelle and lecturer Gary Harwood deepened my passion for visual storytelling, and Harwood helped me on a special project that made the Record-Courier. I’m in city and regional magazines because professor Jacquie Marino introduced me to them and advised me on producing my

first student publication when I was editor of The Burr Magazine. She’s still a resource for career advice and recruiting interns. A number of my friends work in journalism, including Kelly, Regina and Nicole, and it means a lot to be able to talk with other journalists and trade notes on stories. The support of female mentors and friends has helped me develop confidence in being a leader in a time when men still hold the majority of leadership positions and I’m navigating the challenges of being a working mom. I found these bonds are key when I interviewed Schultz in 2020 about her spectacular novel, “The Daughters of Erietown,” which I highly recommend. The protagonist developed female friendships, and that helped her escape the weight of the past and regain a sense of self to move forward. The Woman’s City Club story discusses sisterhood. The club has helped its members create relationships that have carried them through their lives. It’s vital to the community, but its membership is down. It needs more support from the younger generation. That downward trend is nationwide, as there are far fewer social dining clubs for women than there were decades ago. Still, the Woman’s City Club has persevered. It turns 100 this month, making it one of the oldest in the country and the last in Akron. With Women’s History Month in March, it’s important to pay tribute to the legacy of the club and the notable women we featured. Our area has produced groundbreaking women, and like me, they wouldn’t have found success without the support of others.

[ Managing Editor Kelly Petryszyn is an adventure seeker, forever a dreamer and an avid supporter of #TeamFiona. ] FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

AGENDA

FEBRUARY 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 2

Agenda

Elizabeth Taylor, Andy Warhol print, provided by Canton Museum of Art

the essential social digest

Through 4/9 “Color Wonder from the CMA Collection” p14 Discover how color can impact you through emotions, symbolism and more. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton. Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 1-5 p.m. Free members, $8 adults. cantonart.org

akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

AGENDA

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

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

Virtual Events Akron Art Museum

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

Akron Civic Theatre

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

Akron Soul Train

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

Akron-Summit County Public Library

Sit kids down for story times with children’s librarians or various book talks via videos on its Facebook page. Books are available inside or for curbside pickup. facebook.com/ akronlibrary

Akron Symphony Orchestra

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

Akron Zoo

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

FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

AGENDA

The Americana Roundup

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

ArtsInStark

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

Apollo’s Fire

Indulge in music, art and literature from the Cleveland Baroque orchestra with past concert videos, interviews and readings. See shows through a digital portal or in person. apollosfire.org

Blu Jazz

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

Canton Symphony Orchestra

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

Cleveland Orchestra

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

akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

Gage House Sessions

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

Jilly’s Music Room

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

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

The Nightlight

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

Radio on the Lake Theatre

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

Rubber City Theatre

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

AGENDA

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

The North American Reciprocal Museum Association is offering virtual tours of the first floor of the manor house at Stan Hywet. Guests can tour the most impressive floor without leaving their homes. stanhywet.org

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

Summit Metro Parks

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

Up Front Art Space

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

Virtual Jukebox

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

Wandering Aesthetics Theatre

Go on this Akron troupe’s Facebook page for performance videos from members and fans — it could be play readings, poetry, comedy, puppets, dance or whatever else artists submit. facebook.com/watheatre FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

AGENDA

Weathervane Playhouse

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

InPerson Events Through 2/19 Epiphany Arts Festival View art by over 200 local

artists at this 23rd annual festival hosted by and held at the Bath United Church of Christ. 3980 W. Bath Road, Akron. Sunday noon-3 p.m. Wednesday 1-4 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. bathucc.org

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

Through 2/25 “The Me Decade” Peruse clothing and artifacts from the 1970s under a disco ball on a dance floor. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Kids $8, adults $10. mckinleymuseum.org

Through 2/28 “World of Wonders” Curated Storefront is

offering guided tours of this exhibit with work by sculptor Clayton Bailey. Polsky Building, 225 S. Main St., Akron. curatedstorefront.org

Through 3/5 “Potion Park: The Kaleidoscopic Garden of Steve Ehret and Kat Francis” Take in

collaborative mixed-media pieces inspired by the natural world. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton. TuesdayThursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 1-5 p.m. Free members, $8 adults. cantonart.org

Through 3/18 “Link Between Roots (Mexican / Mexican American Print Show)” See over

30 pieces made with printmaking techniques focused on Mexican culture. KSU Downtown Gallery, 141 E. Main St., Kent. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.6 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. kent. edu/galleries

Through 3/18 Winter Exhibitions See exhibits like the

“Fresh” juried exhibit, “Still Moving” by Atefeh Farajolahzadeh, “The Corner” by Chris Harvey, “Social Justice Student Art” and more. Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Friday noon-7 p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. summitartspace.org

Through 4/9 “Color Wonder from the CMA Collection” Discover how color can impact you through emotions, symbolism and more. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton. TuesdayThursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., FridaySaturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 1-5 p.m. Free members, $8 adults. cantonart.org

Through 5/14 “Good Hope” View wall-size pieces by a South African illustration studio. Pieces are inspired by the artists’ hometown environments. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Wednesday, Friday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $12 adults. akronartmusuem.org

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

diverse approaches to fashion by Kent State University alumni who have at least six years of experience after graduation, such as Jules Acree, Deanna First, Keama Garrett, Joshua Hupper, Miyako Nakamura and Anne Skoch. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. 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

akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

AGENDA

Through 8/27 “As the World Weds: Global Wedding Traditions” This Kent State

University Museum exhibit features pieces of clothing beyond white dresses that are incorporated in wedding ceremonies around the world. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum

2/2 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration This annual Kent State

University celebration features Dr. Bernice A. King as the keynote speaker. Kent Student Center Ballroom, 1075 Risman Drive, Kent. 5:30 p.m. Free. kent. edu/diversity/MLK

photo provided by Tuesday Musical

2/2 “Muse of Fire” Enjoy 17thcentury music performed by Alan Choo, Andrea Walker and Edward Vogel. First United Methodist Church of Akron, 263 E. Mill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $23. apollosfire.org

2/2 Our Song, Our Story Hear Janinah Burnett,

Jacqueline Echols, Justin Austin and more celebrate those who paved the way for Black singers. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $19-$49. tuesdaymusical.org

FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

AGENDA

2/3, 2/10, 2/17 & 2/24 Lunchtime Yoga Relax with some

beginner-friendly yoga at the Massillon Museum each Friday. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 12:301:15 p.m. $6 class, $15 three classes. massillonmuseum.org

2/3-2/25 “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” Catch the Hudson Players performing this play by Neil Simon and directed by Dave Stebbins on select dates. 41 S. Oviatt St., Hudson. 2 or 8 p.m. hudsonplayers.com

2/4 Groundhog Day Meet Terra the groundhog and learn about both the history of Groundhog Day and about groundhogs as a species. William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. 10-11 a.m. mckinleymuseum.org 2/4, 2/11, 2/18 & 2/25 Winery Tours Learn about Gervasi Vineyard’s

2/4-2/26 “Blueing of the Light: The Gloaming” View this exhibit by

2/10 Galentine’s Day Wine Pairing Celebrate female friendship

2/5 & 2/19 Healthful Hike

2/11 Black History Celebration

Increase your physical and mental wellbeing during these 3.5-, 4- or 7-mile hikes. Pine Hollow, 5465 Quick Road, Peninsula & Kendall Lake, 1000 Truxell Road, Peninsula. 9 a.m.-noon. nps.gov

This event highlights Black narratives through living history, music and art. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath. Noon-4 p.m. Free. halefarm.org

Jordi Rowe, with pieces including one made with oil, acrylic, pigment and spray paint on canvas. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. TuesdaySaturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. massillonmuseum.org

2/5, 2/12, 2/19 & 2/26 Distillery Tasting Tours Go behind the scenes

of the distillery at Gervasi Vineyard during a tour, then enjoy three spirit tastings and take home a shot glass and a salty snack. Gervasi Vineyard, the Still House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 2-3 p.m. $17. gervasivineyard.com

winemaking facility, then enjoy four wine tastingsand four chef-selected bites. Gervasi Vineyard, the Crush House, 1700 LAST-MINUTE TAX TIPS FOR FILING 2022 RETURNS 55th St. NE, Canton. 1:30-2:30 p.m. or 3:30-4:30 p.m. $27. gervasivineyard.com

and enjoy bites like coconut shrimp, braised pork, cheese ravioli and raspberry cream cake, all paired with wine. Gervasi Vineyard, Villa Grande Ballroom, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6-7 p.m. $39. gervasivineyard.com

2/11 Wine, Cheese & Chocolate, Darling The tasting

event is set to feature 55 different wines and a wide variety of cheeses and chocolates from local vendors. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. $65. akroncivic.com

2/12 Kent Keyboard Series Check out the fourth concert in this series with a performance by faculty artist Kent McWilliams. Kent Center for the Performing Arts, 1325 Theatre Drive, Kent. 5-7 p.m. kent.edu/music

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akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

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AGENDA

2/14 Valentine’s Day Dinner Enjoy a romantic four-course meal at Gervasi Vineyard, featuring dishes like creamy chicken tortellini soup, grilled fillet, chocolate torte and more. Gervasi Vineyard, Villa Grande Ballroom, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6:30-8 p.m. $79. gervasivineyard.com

2/16 Akron Roundtable: Stephen Satterfield Listen to food

writer Stephen Satterfield, who also hosts Netflix’s “High on the Hog.” Hilton Akron/Fairlawn, 3180 W. Market St., Akron. Noon. $25. akronroundtable.org

2/17 Wine and Paint Paint a tenrec during this event led by an instructor. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. 6-9 p.m. $35 members, $40 nonmembers. akronzoo.org 2/20 Turtle Parade Meet some box turtles and sliders and then learn about the turtles that live in Ohio. William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. 10-11 a.m. mckinleymuseum.org 2/22 “Menopause the Musical” This musical parody features classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7 p.m. $45. cantonpalacetheatre.org

2/25 Winter Woods Walk Get some fresh air during this winter wonderland walk. Receive location information upon registration. 2-3:30 p.m. Free. nps.gov

2/26 GV Classics Wine Pairing Enjoy bites paired

photo provided by Gervasi Vineyard

with Ciao Bella, Piove, Truscano and Abbraccio wines. Gervasi Vineyard, Villa Grande Ballroom, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 2-3 p.m. $39. gervasivineyard.com

FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

2023

THE 330 IS A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE WHO CARE. We care about our neighbors, education, businesses and institutions and health care. When you put a face on a business, every interaction becomes more than a transaction — it becomes a connection. Whether they’re helping us access quality health care, get a higher education or say goodbye to a loved one, the people of The 330 keep us all connected in our quests for good lives. The 2023 Faces of The 330 introduces some of the people who help build our community on expertise, service and compassion. Their names and faces reflect a wealth of talent and pride of place that make our region unique.

akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

FACES OF THE 330

early one out of every four women have a pelvic floor disorder, including pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, chronic constipation, endometriosis and fecal incontinence — and the problem impacts every part of their lives. Dr. Costas A. Apostolis and his skilled team at Summit Urogynecology can help those with these issues improve their quality of life. They provide individualized treatment that eliminates embarrassment and uncomfortable situations caused by these common women’s health issues.

THE FACE OF

UROGYNECOLOGY

Dr. Apostolis has been serving patients in Akron since 2012 and has treated over 5,000 women with pelvic floor conditions throughout Summit County and Northeast Ohio. He specializes in minimally invasive techniques and is double board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, of which he is also fellowship trained. Improving pelvic floor health begins with an evaluation by a specialist. Dr. Apostolis and his team offer a comfortable and private atmosphere to provide education and care so patients have the tools they need for the best possible outcome. Summit Urogynecology 330-953-3414 summiturogyn.com Costas A. Apostolis, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., F.P.M.R.S. photo by Talia Hodge

FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

FACES OF THE 330

W THE FACES OF

ETERNAL SERVICE

hy do we serve?

Serving others takes many forms from volunteering at a nonprofit to service through a job. The greatest acts of service come from The 330’s first responders and front-line workers. We applaud our brave doctors and nurses, as well as our beloved police, firefighters and EMS crews, who continue to serve bravely. You inspire us. The pandemic has made the staff at the Billow Co. reaffirm our commitment to serving you. A call goes out in the middle of the night when a death has occurred, and the staff at Billow Co. will be there on your darkest night. We will help you usher in new dawn by paying tribute to your loved one. We serve because it is our calling. It is a sacred duty. We remain humbly and loyally at your service, just as we have since our company was founded in 1875. When you need us the most, we promise you our very best. The Billow Co. 330-867-4141 billowfuneralhomes. com

Stacy Billow, Charles Billow and Nathanael Billow

akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

FACES OF THE 330

ver 200,000 Americans go through some sort of bariatric procedure each year. Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a common procedure for those who struggle with weight loss from non-surgical methods such as diet and exercise.

THE FACE OF

BARIATRIC SURGERY

Dr. Walter Chlysta, a board-certified surgeon, was one of the first surgeons to introduce minimally invasive weight loss surgery in Summit County and has now performed over 1,000 bariatric procedures with outstanding results. Bariatric surgery helps patients conquer life’s challenges and get back to enjoying daily activities. Are you aware of lifestyle changes that need to be made relating to weight gain and retention? Are you 80 to 100 pounds overweight? Have you been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, joint disease or sleep apnea as a result of excess weight? Dr. Chlysta and his team of nurses and dietitians are dedicated to supporting all patients from their first appointment through their surgical weight loss journey. Western Reserve Hospital Bariatric Center 330-926-3443 wrhpi.org/bariatricsurgery

Bob Pontius, Stacy Walter Mize, J. Marge Chlysta, Sullivan M.D., F.A.C.S., and Morgan F.A.S.M.B.S. Vacula photo photo by Meghan by TaliaWinkler Hodge

FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

n 1948, Nickitas “Nick” Thomarios started a small painting company to serve Greater Akron residents. His business grew into the commercial fields and incorporated in 1969. Since the construction group was added in 1994, the development, growth and diversity of projects have expanded the company to a new level.

Nick taught his son, Paul, to paint houses alongside him at an early age. After graduating from The University of Akron, Paul grew the business by adhering to the key components of quality and integrity his father instilled in him. Under Paul’s leadership, the Thomarios team has grown into an international powerhouse of construction, coatings, powder coatings and historic restoration. From the Saturn V rocket to the LED-lit parking garage at Akron Children’s Hospital, Paul helps build his father’s vision of making Akron a great place to live, one project at a time. Thomarios recently renovated office space for Babcock & Wilcox in the former Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. headquarters in Akron. The renovations utilized existing space to house approximately 650 employees and create new office and common spaces that help them work efficiently. Thomarios 330-670-9900 thomarios.com Left to right: Mallory Danks, Joe Hricovec, Cindy Veltri, David DiPerna and Ted Whitcomb photo by Talia Hodge

akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

FACES OF THE 330

THE FACES OF

CONSTRUCTION

FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

FACES OF THE 330

E THE FACE OF

COSMETIC SURGERY

xcess skin, fat deposits, body disproportions and other physical imperfections can make anyone feel selfconscious. Cosmetic surgery helps improve or enhance overall physical appearance to increase selfconfidence and selfesteem. Dr. Gregory M. Beddell of Serenity Plastic Surgery, a Western Reserve Hospital Physicians Inc. practice, offers an array of services to help patients reach their physical goals according to their desires and specific needs. He and his team offer surgical and non-surgical options, including body contouring, tummy tucks, liposuctions, facial rejuvenation, Botox, fillers and breast augmentation.

Dr. Beddell is a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon. He has completed general and plastic surgery residencies, where he gained extensive knowledge in breast procedures, body contouring procedures, cancer management and reconstruction, and all aspects of cosmetic surgery. He has recently received multiple recognitions for his successful cosmetic practice including Cleveland Magazine’s Top Doctors for plastic and reconstructive surgery and Akron Beacon Journal’s Beacon’s Best cosmetic and plastic surgeon.

Gregory M. Beddell, M.D. photo by Talia Hodge

akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

Serenity Plastic Surgery 330-971-9730 serenityplastics.com

FACES OF THE 330

tark State College Akron provides students with affordable, quality higher education that leads to immediate, rewarding employment and/or university transfer. Our accredited, transferable programs prepare students for high-demand careers in engineering technology and manufacturing, health and nursing, business, information technology, public service and more.

Dr. Para Jones (president), Morgan Maffett (student), Catherine McKinley (academic advisor) photo by Talia Hodge

THE FACES OF

SUCCESS

Students attend classes at Stark State’s 68,000-square-foot facility in Akron as well as at the main campus in North Canton. Our 21st-century classrooms connect students in Akron and main campus, saving students time and money. Students can also attend online. For the second year in a row, Newsweek magazine has listed Stark State among top colleges and universities in online learning. Students of all ages benefit from the educational programs and opportunities Stark State provides – from College Credit Plus classes for high school students to employer partnerships to advance incumbent workers. A few of our partners include Akron Children’s Hospital, Summa Health System, Akron Public Schools, Cuyahoga Falls Schools, City of Akron, LeBron James Family Foundation and more. Stark State College is where students spend less, earn more and go further. Stark State College Akron 330-494-6170 starkstate.edu/akron

photo by Meghan Winkler

FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

HISTORICAL 330

by Alexandra Sobczak historical photos courtesy of Akron Woman’s City Club archives the Summit County Historical Society of Akron, OH, Summit Memory/Akron-Summit County Public Library and The University of Akron Archives & Special Collections

100 YEARS YOUNG

akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

photo provided by Akron Woman’s City Club archives

The Akron Woman’s City Club celebrates a century and its status as the last social dining club for women in Akron. The centennial comes with a fight to survive, and the ladies are up to the task.

HISTORICAL 330

At a table bathed in natural light inside the Akron Woman’s City Club, Patricia Brown, Suzanne Shriber, Charlotte Buzzelli and Julie Randall munch on pancakes, eggs and bacon and sip coffee, reminiscing on the combined decades they’ve spent as members. The club is known for having persevered when others haven’t and for its status as one of the oldest social dining clubs for women in the country. It’s fighting to continue for 100 more years. It got its start in 1923, just a few years after women gained the right to vote. Women were becoming more independent, and their roles were changing. With the addition of electricity to homes, household tasks took less time, so they had opportunities to embrace their education and interests. “When you look at the women who were prominent in the ’20s, most of them had college degrees, but they had no place to exercise their education,” says Akron historian Dave Lieberth. “They did that through women’s clubs.” In 1923, the club was formed when about 50 women met at the home of Helen Wolle, who was F.A. Seiberling’s niece and the club’s first president. Supported by the women-led Tuesday Musical, the Woman’s City Club spent its early years focused on the arts, educating members about current events and community fundraising for food for children, camp opportunities for girls, wheelchairs for polio patients and more. Influential members included Ethel Seiberling, who was on the board, and Mabel Graham, who was president. Patricia Brown (joined in 1960 and became president in 2013 and 2018): It was at a good time in history. Because in ’22, women were starting to get out, do things and be on their

own more. … A group of very well-educated and well-traveled women … wanted a club just for women. … They started with 100 members. Their goal was to make 1,000 members, and they did that in a few years. Suzanne Shriber ( joined in 2019 and president since 2022): They met, … a very smart group of women that just didn’t want to stay home. They wanted to learn, provide arts for children and other people, and use their skills in the community. Charlotte Buzzelli ( joined in 1980): We had movers and shakers. Mrs. Graham started the Akron Symphony Orchestra. We had all sorts of women that were leaders in the community. And also, they were the wives of CEOs of rubber companies. By 1946, World War II had ended, and the club became a nonprofit. Members were dedicated to it surviving the recession. They began searching for a clubhouse they could purchase to avoid renting as they did at their previous Akron locations, the Mason House and the Pythian Temple. Known as the Grey Lodge, the Italian Renaissance Revival building they picked is as full of history as the club itself. Built in 1901, it was formerly owned by Bertram G. Work and then George M. Stadelman, the presidents of B.F. Goodrich Co. and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. respectively. The club purchased it for about $30,000. “The economy was not that great,” Brown says. “That was a pretty daring thing for the women to do.” The leap of faith was worth it — the Grey Lodge remains the club’s home. Social clubs gained popularity that peaked in the ’50s and ’60s, Lieberth says. Throughout the country, nearly every major industrial city had a social club. He added that there were dozens of social clubs in Akron for men and women, often of prominent social status. A common choice for men was Akron City Club, which operated from the ’20s through the late ’80s.

FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

(left to right) Charlotte Buzzelli, Patricia Brown, Suzanne Shriber, Jane Delcamp and Julie Randall

photo provided by Akron Woman’s City Club

We salute local groundbreaking women, including Akron Woman's City Club members and Women's History Project of the Akron Area honorees.

The Woman’s City Club paid off its mortgage in 1951 and held a mortgage burning ceremony in 1952. During the ’60s, it hosted events like member weddings and had thriving memberships for juniors starting at 20 years old and seniors starting at 30.

Sister Mary Ignatia, 1889-1966 Why She’s Notable: Known as the “Angel of Alcoholics Anonymous,” this Irish nun helped found AA with “Dr. Bob” Smith and Bill Wilson. In 1939, she established Ignatia Hall, the first treatment unit for people with alcoholism, at Akron’s St. Thomas Hospital. It became a national model, saving lives with dignified treatment. “Her strength and her belief in the human spirit is what sets her apart,” says Leianne Neff Heppner, president and CEO of Summit Historical Society of Akron, OH, which has the Women’s History Project. Her Local Impact: About 10,000 people descend upon Akron annually to celebrate AA on Founders’ Day. A 14-bed Ignatia Hall detox unit lives on at Summa Health’s new behavioral health facility, 28

which has a heritage center honoring Ignatia. Her Legacy: Millions worldwide have found sobriety through AA. Ignatia was recognized in a letter from former President John F. Kennedy. AA and Ignatia Hall not only helped develop an effective treatment, but they also removed the stigma. At Ignatia Hall’s start, people with alcoholism were cast out and sent to asylums. Ignatia overcame pushback of admitting hospital patients — sometimes having to sneak them in — and advocated for the treatment of alcoholism as a disease. “This is something that she and Dr. Bob did without support of others in a time when it wasn’t recognized,” Heppner says. “It was her mission to help these individuals have better lives.”

akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

PB: When I joined in the ’60s, there was a two-year waiting list to become a member — 1,000 [senior] members and 100 junior members. It was active all the time. … We had dinners. Every night it would be full. [The juniors] had big Monte Carlo nights, and we filled the ballroom. … Our Christmas parties, because we all had children, … the ballroom was absolutely packed with kids. SS: I remember reading about some bridge benefits with 250 people. And lots of speakers, doctors, politicians that would travel across states to speak here. PB: As soon as you turn 30, you got at the top of the [senior] list. SS: Most [juniors] did step up. CB: A lot of them came from families that had generations belonging to this club. During the ’70s, memberships in social clubs started to decline, Lieberth says. The women’s movement was in full force in the ’70s and ’80s, and more women were working full time, leaving less time for extracurriculars. Akron was changing too, with popular restaurants lessening the need for private dining clubs.

Sister Mary Ignatia photo provided by Summa Health

Inspiring Innovator:

On a daily basis, seniors had section programs about art, music, poetry, travel, film, flowers, antique furniture, economics, history and more, and they had evening sections for working women. They also hosted tea parties, fashion shows, guest lectures, fundraisers and formal dances.

Minnie J. Ellet, 1861-1945 Why She’s Notable: From a young age, Minnie J. Ellet was an advocate for the temperance and women’s suffrage movements and Christian ideals. “She, as a young girl, was out there praying in front of saloons and bars to try to keep men from drinking,” says Leianne Neff Heppner. “Minnie Ellet was a fireball.” She became a columnist and correspondent for the Akron Beacon Journal in 1882, according to the Akron-

Summit County Public Library, and she wrote about faith and women’s issues. She remained an activist and philanthropist until her death. Her Local Impact: Ellet is often remembered for her conviction and commitment to her community, Heppner says, adding that the Ellet neighborhood is named after her family. Her work with the temperance movement is particularly notable. “She was an ardent feminist,”

Heppner says. “She’s trying to help women whose spouses are drinking away their paychecks.” Her Legacy: She got to see women gain the right to vote in 1920. Although Ellet lived long enough to see Prohibition, change was not at the level she had hoped so she continued advocating. “She was involved in a movement of women to try to show the results of alcoholism,” Heppner says. “She really stood her ground for what she believed in.”

photo provided by Summit Memory/Akron-Summit County Public Library

Minnie J. Ellet photo provided by The University of Akron Archives & Special Collections

Inspiring Innovator:

FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

Helen Wolle, photo provided by Summit Memory/Akron-Summit County Public Library

Inspiring Innovator:

Mabel Graham, 1905-2002

Her Local Impact: At the Woman’s City Club, Graham was president in 1946, when its 1,000 members moved into its current home, the Grey Lodge, and was the chairperson of the board of club managers before that. The Silver Lake resident’s dedication led to the Akron

Symphony Orchestra and its Akron Youth Symphony, Akron Youth Philharmonic and Akron Symphony Chorus ensembles thriving at performances and in music education. Fundraising for the causes she cared about continued even after her death. The Akron Beacon obituary directed donations to the orchestra, Tuesday Musical and First Congressional. Her Legacy: From the first orchestra performance at Central-Hower High School to the opening performance at E.J. Thomas Hall in 1973 and beyond, Graham was there for the orchestra — she even toured the E.J. construction site, clad in a hard hat, Gillman says. The orchestra continues to educate and entertain the community after over 70 years. “She was the guiding force — accepted the initial money from John Barry, and the rest is history,” Gillman says.

akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

As of December 2022, the Woman’s City Club was at 88 members, including some male members and dining members, like Lieberth. There are some young female members, but most members are 60 and over. The club is recruiting members and staying current — making changes that break tradition. Instead of having a private chef, the club hired Catering by Mark DiFeo in 2022. And Shriber teamed up with her husband and owner of Shriber Auto Parts, Scott, to devise a plan to lower debt the club accumulated. PB: It was a real shock — the membership down. I suggested that we needed a caterer. If I would have said that we wanted a house of prostitution on the second floor — it would’ve gone over just as well. CB: [Shriber] came in and said, This is it. We need to change. SS: The club wasn’t making enough revenue to be alone, to pay all the bills, and to operate by itself. … [Now we are] debt free. The club has continued educational programs for members and partners with community organizations, hosting events like a tea party for elementary school girls and meals in its dining room for the Akron Police Department and donating to many local charities.

Mabel Graham photo provided by Akron Symphony Orchestra

Why She’s Notable: In 1949, John Barry, the thenpublisher of the Akron Beacon Journal, gave Mabel Graham $500 to begin fundraising for the formation of the Akron Symphony Orchestra, which had its first performance in 1953. “Mabel was the one that I always jokingly said cracked the whip and got everybody rounded up to support an orchestra,” says Sue Gillman, a former orchestra board member. Graham was also the founding president of the Greater Akron Musical Association in 1950 and was a prominent member of the Akron Woman’s City Club, Tuesday Musical and First Congressional Church.

Helen Wolle (back left), photos provided by Akron Woman’s City Club archives Mary Perkins Raymond photo provided by the Summit County Historical Society of Akron, OH

Inspiring Innovator:

Mary Perkins Raymond, 1871-1948 Why She’s Notable: The Perkins name is one of the area’s most impactful, as the family helped found Akron and Summit County. Perkins Raymond’s father was instrumental in bringing B.F. Goodrich Co. to Akron and became its second president, and her husband was its vice board chairperson. But not as many know that Perkins Raymond, along with her mother, father and other members of the Kings Daughters of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, helped start Akron’s first day care, Mary Day Nursery. It expanded into a kindergarten and medical ward — eventually becoming Akron Children’s Hospital. Her Local Impact: Perkins Raymond inherited the massive Perkins Hill estate where Summit Historical now stands and was an Akron Woman’s City Club member. She not only personally cared for children but also organized

charity balls and donated money to support Mary Day Nursery and its expansion into Akron Children’s. “She had money and clout. They had politics and industry, but really, she was interested in ... making sure children have a foundation to grow upon,” says Leianne Neff Heppner. And Akron Children’s has grown into a leading regional hospital that helps many children. “You needed someone like her to make sure there was solid ground for it to grow to what it has become.” Her Legacy: Mary Day Nursery was launched during the industrial revolution, so it helped relieve pressure when some women were beginning to work, and child care emerged as an issue — and remains one. “It’s still so pertinent in today’s society — that discussion of women in the workplace and children in their care,” Heppner says. “She was really ahead of her time.”

FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

photo by Alexandra Sobczak

Members’ dedication to their causes, especially legacy members, is what has kept the club going as others have closed. “It’s the loyalty of members that has by and large saved it,” Lieberth says.

Judith Resnik, 1949-1986 Why She’s Notable: As the second American woman and first Jewish woman in space, Judith Resnik literally reached for the stars — and saw them up close. She was one of six women in the first female class of astronauts in 1978. Resnik went on the maiden flight of the Discovery shuttle orbiter in 1984 and was part of the “Icebusters” team that deployed satellites and removed ice particles from the orbiter. A photograph of her on that mission with a sign that read “Hi Dad” captured hearts. Her second mission was on the Challenger shuttle in 1986, and to the shock of the nation, she died at only 36 when it exploded upon liftoff. Her Local Impact: Through local speaking engagements like the Akron Roundtable, the Firestone High School grad, whose mom 32

was an Akron Woman’s City Club member, encouraged students to pursue anything they wanted — despite gender or society’s expectations. Although there were few female engineers in the ’70s, Resnik earned a doctorate in electrical engineering, and that led to her becoming an astronaut. “She was often the only female in male-dominated classes, programs, organizations,” says Leianne Neff Heppner. “She personified the inventive and innovative spirit of our community.” Her Legacy: Resnik was honored posthumously with a Congressional Space Medal of Honor and is enshrined in the International Women’s Air & Space Museum in Cleveland. Her pioneering spirit lives on. “She broke the mold in terms of what women can accomplish,” Heppner says.

akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

PB: I moved … and there was women’s clubs, but they weren’t the same. You didn’t have that closeness. … I missed that. I came back, and I had some of my friends that I had for 50 years. Jenny Thomas … I talk to her every couple of days. We go every place together. … Jenny spent every holiday and everything with us. … That’s the kind of friendships you develop here. Julie Randall ( joined in the 1960s): My mother … and most of her friends never worked outside of the home. So this became her friendship-building place. She learned how to play bridge. She and my dad would play bridge many nights of the week. … They made some of their best life friends here. PB: B.J. Hittle, who was so active for so many years, … when she was dying, her helper would get her dressed up, and they would bring her to the club. … It’s sort of a safe haven. CB: We call it the family of friendship. We’re all survivors in this house and this community. And that’s our goal, to keep our Akron Woman’s City Club going — to survive in this beautiful community.

Judith Resnik, NASA, WIkimedia Commons

Inspiring Innovator:

It’s the last social dining club for women in Akron, and one of few nationwide. With the future at stake, members are continuing to fight for the club’s existence. They’re celebrating the achievement of making it to 100 years with a Feb. 8 tea party and yearlong events. Above all, it’s about camaraderie and support. Members are often driving each other to doctors or checking in on each other if they miss events, and many have made lifelong friends.

photo provided by The University of Akron Archives & Special Collections

HISTORICAL 330

Inspiring Innovator:

Rita Dove photo by Leianne Neff Heppner

Rita Dove, 1952Why She’s Notable: Poet Rita Dove is truly a voice of the people. In 1993, the Akron native was appointed U.S. Poet Laureate Consultant in poetry to the Library of Congress at just 40 years old — becoming the youngest person and first Black person to receive the highest honor in American letters. She redefined the position by meeting everyday people and using everyday language to make poetry accessible. “She makes poetry cool,” muses Leianne Neff Heppner. Dove wrote

her Pulitzer Prize-winning “Thomas and Beulah” book about her Akron grandparents and has called it a love letter to her family and town. She has written several more books and poems, including her latest, “Playlist for the Apocalypse.” Her Local Impact: The University of Virginia professor has said one of her Buchtel High School teachers helped pique her interest in poetry. She has returned for local lectures, including one Dec. 1 at Buchtel CLC. “She was so approachable,” says Heppner,

who attended, adding that Dove stayed to sign everyone’s books. “When I listen to her speak, the way she breathes and the flow of words, it’s really comforting.” Her Legacy: She is the only poet to be honored with both the National Humanities Medal and National Medal of Arts. Her poetry continues to inspire. “What she has done through her work is teach people how to express themselves,” Heppner says. “It makes you reflect on how you deal with your emotions.”

FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

FOREVER YOUNG

by Kelly Petryszyn

Miracle Workers

photos by Caitlin Ross Photography and provided by Visiting Angels

Home care can give older adults independence and extra support.

Visiting Angels caregiver Faylene Ball arrived at a patient’s home just in time. The State Tested Nursing Assistant found her patient on the floor after a fall and quickly called paramedics. She was OK, but that close call might not have been caught without a caregiver checking in.

akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

FOREVER YOUNG

“It can be a lifesaver,” says Jodi Wood, president of the Visiting Angels Greater Akron location of the national franchise. Visiting Angels can provide supervision for safety and assistance with basic needs while allowing older adults with disabilities or medical conditions to stay in their homes in Summit, Stark and Portage counties.

INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION Home care might be right for a loved one who needs assistance but has no close family members to help, or when local family members need a respite from caregiving. Major incidents can be signs families need to look into home care, like one family that called after their loved one fell in the shower and was found after 24 hours.

“That gives families a lot of peace of mind that they didn’t have to move them,” says Wood, “Often after a fall is a time “and peace of mind that your where a family says, We really mom is eating, taking her medi- need more help,” Wood says. cines, has had her shower.” When deciding between home She and Visiting Angels caregiv- care or a skilled nursing or ers discuss when to get home assisted living facility, Wood care, how it works and how it notes that facilities often handle can impact your loved one. up to 10 patients at a time, while home care is one-onone. For Alzheimer’s disease or dementia patients, a move

FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

FOREVER YOUNG left: Visiting Angels Greater Akron staff, below: Jodi Wood, photos by Caitlin Ross Photography

to an unfamiliar place can be disorienting. Plus, home care can cost less, Wood says. She advises contacting Direction Home Akron Canton to see if your family meets requirements to qualify for the Passport Medicaid program that covers some costs. The home care Visiting Angels offers is non-medical, so if your loved one needs help with administering medication or changing wound dressings, a medical-based option is best. And some might want to be in a community living setting to socialize with people their age. Caregivers can visit monthly, a few days a week or provide 24/7 care, which can be common for those coming out of the hospital. Twenty percent of older adults on Medicare are hospitalized within 30 days of hospital discharge. Having a caregiver during recovery can help reduce readmission rates, according to Visiting Angels. The family and caregiver work together to create a schedule 36

akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

to keep the patient active, like one Visiting Angels home health aide Michele Kaiser made for her patient. “When I first got there, she would just sleep in the chair all day,” she says. “I was trying to get her to go outside and walk around. … That turned into our routine, and she liked that.”

COMFORT OF HOME Visiting Angels can help with grocery shopping, bathing, bathroom use, feeding pets and more. One Greek patient can no longer cook, so she taught Kaiser to make baklava and moussaka for her. According to Visiting Angels, connecting over the internet can reduce depression in older adults by 20 percent, so caregivers can teach patients tech tools like FaceTime to communicate with family and friends. Caregivers also combat isolation with companionship by playing cards, reading books aloud or simply having conversations.

“Having somebody come into the home relieves that depression,” says Ball. “They smile more.” For those who are bedbound, caregivers can use tools such as a Hoyer lift to transfer them to a wheelchair so they can use the bathroom and get around. Caregivers also encourage families to set up pillboxes with medications sorted out, and they can ensure patients take them. “Medication mismanagement by a client is one of the leading reasons besides falls someone can end up in the hospital,” says Wood.

Visiting Angels might recommend that patients wear a Lifeline, which is a necklace or a bracelet that can alert emergency services. And for Alzheimer’s or dementia patients, caregivers can help prevent wandering by occupying patients’ time and keeping a close eye on them. Having a caregiver monitor patients at home near the end of their lives makes a big impact. “The fact that their loved one was able to pass away peacefully at home means a lot to people,” Wood says. Ball has held patients’ hands at their bedsides as they have died, and she has notified families when a patient is close so they can be there. She took care of one patient for three years, helping out as a guardian came and went. When she died, Ball attended the funeral and the guardian expressed his immense gratitude. Ball says the woman was like a mother to her.

To avoid injuries, Visiting Angels do assessments, notifying the family of hazards like throw rugs or safety measures that can be implemented like handrails in the shower. Falls can happen because of decreased strength, reduced eyesight, stiff joints, cognitive disorders and more. “We want “We become a part of their famto prevent any sort of fracture,” ily,” she says, “if we’re doing our says Wood, adding that fracjob like we should.” tures can prevent older adults from being able to live at home. visitingangels.com

photo provided by Visiting Angels

FOREVER YOUNG

[ Managing Editor Kelly Petryszyn is an adventure seeker and an avid supporter of #TeamFiona. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

The magazine of The 330 20

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AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

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FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

GOOD EATS

FEBRUARY 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 2

Restaurants [ notable food & drink ]

B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner A Alcohol available T Takeout available V Valet parking W Wheelchair Accessible $ average entrees less than $6 $$ average entrees between $6-$10 $$$ average entrees between $11-$16 $$$$ average entrees are $17 or higher Information subject to change. Please call ahead to verify location, hours and events.

Akron Family Restaurant Neighborhood meeting place, homey atmosphere, reasonable prices. 250 W. Market St., Akron, 330-376-0600 $$ B, L, D, T, W Alexander Pierce Restaurant Fine dining menu of steaks, house-made pastas, calamari misto and cavatelli alla vodka in an intimate speakeasy-style atmosphere. 797 E. Market St., Akron, 330-529-2003 $$$ D, A Arnie’s Public House An attractive, affordable restaurant with a modern twist on comfort food. Featuring award-winning burgers, chicken and waffles, fish and chips, pasta and vegetarian dishes. 1682 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-0154 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Arnie’s West Branch Steak House Casual dining, specializing in steak, ribs and seafood. 5343 state Route 14, Ravenna, 330-297-1717 $$$ D, A, T Basil Asian Bistro Menu features Thai, Chinese and Korean dishes, as well as sushi and Vietnamese specialties. 585 Market Ave. N, Canton, 330-4523888; 145 W Liberty St., Wooster, 330601-0885 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Beau’s Grille Well-regarded, innovative menu at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. 3180 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330867-5218 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T, W Beau’s on the River Stunning views of the falls with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary decor. Fusion eclectic cuisine, lunch buffet and Sun. brunch. Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7530 $$$ B, 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 38

akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

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 $$ L, D, T The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard Situated on a 55-acre estate in a renovated historic barn that overlooks a beautiful lake. Serving rustic Italian fare using only fresh and seasonal ingredients. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000 $$$ 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 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 $$ B, L, D, W, T Boiling House Authentic Louisiana seafood boils with king crab legs and lobster tail. A unique sushi menu diversifies the offerings. 1 W. Exchange St., Suite 150, Akron, 234571-9692 $$$$ L, D, T Brew Wall Sample a vast amount of pour-it-yourself beers and wines while you nosh on wood-fired pizza and more from the crew behind Antonio’s Pizza. 3161 Heritage Center Drive, Copley, 330-576-6880 $$$ L, D, A, W, T

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 $$$$ L, D, A, T, W The Cabin Upscale Italian within the Mario’s International Spa and Hotel complex. 35 E. Garfield Road, Aurora, 330-562-9171 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T Cana Valley Winery Check out this winery’s 13 varieties. Bring in your own food. 5665 Waterloo Road, Atwater, 330-596-3017 $$$$ D, A Canal Tavern of Zoar Fine casual dining in Zoar’s original tavern and inn. Features steaks and chops, seafood and Zoar-inspired German cuisine, as well as draft brews and extensive wine list. Sun. brunch. Patio bar and dining along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. 8806 Towpath Road, NE, Bolivar, 330-874-4444 $$$ L, D, A, T Caston & Main Brew Yard This cozy, casual gastropub 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 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 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

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Chameleon Cafe With a variety of coffee flavors and drinks, it’s a great stop for some caffeine or a quick bite. Features vegan grilled cheeses like the “Not Yo Daddy’s” grilled cheese. The cafe also offers breakfast sandwiches, lunch power bowls, appetizers, lunchtime options and bakery muffins. 23 S. Main St., Akron, 234-334-3603 $$ B, L, T Chowder House Cafe Salads, seafood dishes, oysters and clam chowder. 1244 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330794-7102 $$$ L, D, A, T Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant Upscale Thai and Japanese, extensive menu, fresh ingredients, handselected sushi and no monosodium glutamate. 326 S. Main St., Akron, 330-434-2876 $$$ L, D, A, T Circle L Steakhouse at the Galaxy The new menu offers a wide selection of steak cuts, and the atmosphere provides an upscale, rustic feel. Sun. brunch and live entertainment. 201 Park Centre Drive, Wadsworth, 330-3343663 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T Corkscrew Saloon Specializes in fresh seafood, steaks and chops, prepared by executive chef Ryan Marino. Live entertainment Wed. nights. 811 W. Liberty, Medina, 330-725-0220 $$$$ L, D, A, T Craft Social Bar A large variety of craft beer, cocktails, wines and whiskeys that accompany upscale bar food. Watermark Building, 1846 Front St., Suite G, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-8052826 $$$ D, A, T, V Crave Creative comfort foods, slightly eccentric with bold tastes served up in a sensational setting. 156 S. Main St., Akron, 330-253-1234 $$ L, D, A, T, V Crave Cantina Latin fare meets global tacos at this modern, artistic eatery from the owner of Crave in downtown Akron. Pair your eclectic taco choices with a rum flight of your choice. 2097 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-940-2000 $$$$ L, D, A, T The Crush House at Gervasi Vineyard A modern industrial building that houses a state-of-the-art winery facility, wine bar and eatery. Perfect for a fun lunch, casual dinner or late snack. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330497-1000, ext. 5 $$ L, D, A

GOOD EATS UNCORKED by Eric Van Sant

Terra d’Oro Plymouth, California

Located in the Sierra Foothills of California, Terra d’Oro Winery is led by winemaker Emily Haines and has over 800 acres of vineyards, all sustainably farmed. “Terra d’Oro” means “Land of Gold” in Italian, and its history spans back to the gold rush of the late 1800s. Italian immigrants traveled to California to find fortune in the Sierra Foothills, and they brought vine cuttings that they planted to ensure that they would be able to enjoy one of their favorite things — wine, primarily zinfandel. Now, the region is best known for its quality zinfandel. Haines joined Terra d’Oro in 2017 with a degree in biotechnology and biochemistry from Eastern Washington University. After falling in love with wine while working part time at a tasting room, she decided to quit her research job and go into winemaking. Following sharpening her skills in Washington at Wahluke Wine Co., she moved to Terra d’Oro, where she continues to refine the wines produced. Here are some standouts to try.

ZINFANDEL A perfect expression of Amador County zinfandel, 93 percent of the grapes used for this wine ($18.99) are estate fruit picked at night. It’s fermented in stainless steel and then aged in a mix of American and French oak barrels. With full notes of jam and blackberry on the nose, it’s full and rich on the palate with highlights of cacao and clove through the finish. This is a perfectly rounded bottle of wine, and it pairs well with fullbodied Italian fare or grilled lamb skewers.

ZINFANDEL PORT If you are a fan of ports, this wine ($22.99) is a must-try. These zinfandel grapes are harvested last in the season to allow for maximum sweetness and reduced acidity. Once the wine reaches the correct sugar levels during fermentation, unaged grape brandy is added as part of the fortification process. This stops fermentation and leaves the fortified wine with a subtle sweet edge. Aged in a variety of Hungarian, American and French oak barrels, this wine is smooth and velvety soft, making for an ideal after-dinner aperitif year-round.

MOSCATO This wine ($13.99) is a great moscato for the person who doesn’t care for moscato. Bright and floral on the nose, this moscato is sweet but not overly cloying. You will not feel that your mouth is completely coated, as the acidity on the

finish cuts through for a lingering, enjoyable experience. Try it with Asian cuisine. Find Terra d’Oro wines at select Giant Eagle, Acme Fresh Market, Heinen’s and Discount Drug Mart locations.

[ Eric Van Sant is a sales manager at Heidelberg Distributing Co. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com]. FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

GOOD EATS UNTAPPED by Aaron Fowler

Delicious Mixed Pack Stone Brewing | San Diego six-pa

Founded in 1996, San Diego’s Stone Brewing will celebrate its 27th anniversary this year, and it’s continuing to awe craft beer enthusiasts with the Delicious Mixed Pack of India pale ales. Since Stone Brewing Delicious IPA joined the brewery’s portfolio eight years ago, it has become one of its most popular beers, filled with hoppy goodness. And its crowd-pleasing mixed pack wraps up three different versions of the brewery’s popular Delicious IPA — Delicious, Double Delicious and Citrus Delicious. Last year also brought big news: Sapporo, Japan’s oldest beer brand, purchased Stone Brewing for a whopping $165 million. Stone Brewing, which is the ninth largest United States brewery by volume according to the Brewers Association, saw exponential growth in 2022 thanks to the addition of an IPA variety 12-pack to its already impressive year-round lineup. It has production facilities on both sides of the U.S., with its home base in Escondido, California, and an East Coast home away from home in Richmond, Virginia, which

9 $11.9

opened in 2016. You can find this Delicious Mixed Pack on local shelves and experience its flavor-packed goodness for yourself. Here is what you will get in the six-pack.

DELICIOUS Brewed with Columbus, calypso and lemon drop hops then dry hopped with El Dorado hops, Delicious comes in at 7.7 percent alcohol by volume. It explodes with aroma and notes of lemon and citrus characteristics that should please any hops lover.

DOUBLE DELICIOUS This beer kicks the original version into second gear. At 9.4 percent alcohol by volume, this imperial IPA is hopped with classics like Amarillo and centennial, taking your palate on a wild ride of the tropical fruitiness that Stone Brewing fans have grown to expect over the last two and a half decades.

CITRUS DELICIOUS Arguably the most anticipated option is Citrus Delicious. It’s 7.7 percent alcohol by volume and brings forth even more vibrant citrus notes with the

addition of talus hops, which uncover notes of both tangerine and orange peel — like a mouthwatering firecracker. Stone Brewing Delicious Mixed Pack is available in six-pack cans at select Acme Fresh Market, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Fishers Foods, Heinen’s and Giant Eagle locations, as well as craft beer stops such as Mustard Seed Market & Cafe and 101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.

[ Aaron Fowler is the key account manager at Cavalier Distributing. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com]. 40

akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

GOOD EATS D’Agnese’s at White Pond Akron Contemporary Italian food served in a classy yet casual setting. Live entertainment. Full service catering. 566 White Pond Drive, Akron, 234678-3612 $$$ L, D, A, T Darby’s on Fifty-Nine Rustic dining with an assortment of dishes, including crispy calamari and filet mignon sliders, complemented by craft beer. 2764 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330922-7540 $$$ L, D, A, T D.B.A., Dante Boccuzzi Akron Modern American food in a rock ‘n’ roll palace setting. Several menu items can be ordered in varied portion sizes, based on your appetite. Vegetarian and vegan options available. Order a drink and relax on the restaurant’s spacious patio. 21 Furnace St., Akron, 330-375-5050 $$$$ D, A, T, V Desert Inn Family-owned since 1970. Specializes in family-style shish kebabs. 204 12th St. NW, Canton, 330-456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A DeVitis Italian Market Has used traditional recipes to bring fresh Italian food to the Akron area for the last 40 years. Offers six varieties of pasta sauce, including house-made regular, hot and Sicilian. The housemade Italian sausage is a longtime favorite, and a gourmet deli case is fully stocked with a selection of entrees that are ready to heat and eat. 560 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron, 330-535-2626 $$ L, D, T Diamond Deli A local favorite with fat sandwiches and fresh soups. 378 S. Main St., Akron, 330-762-5877 $ B, L, A, D (Saturdays only), T Diamond Grille Akron’s oldest steakhouse, 1950s-style decor. All steaks are hand-cut, and seafood is flown in fresh. 77 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-0041 $$$$ L, D, A, No credit cards Divine Food Spirits Wine Casual and upscale American fare, a scratch kitchen and a wide drink selection. 2752 Hudson Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-4400 $$$$ D, A, T Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine Homestyle Italian cuisine, popular community meeting place. 555 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-928-9530 $$ L, D, A, T Driftwood Modern American Bistro Upscale casual dining featuring multiaward-winning chili, handmade pasta and more crafted in an open kitchen. Save room for made-fromscratch desserts, including our cinnamon roll cheesecake. Inside Embassy Suites by Hilton Akron Canton Airport, 7883 Freedom Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-305-0500 $$$ D Edgar’s Restaurant Serves a variety of entrees, such as chargrilled grouper, along with homemade soups, salads and starters. 530 Nome Ave. at Good Park Golf Course, Akron, 330-8693000 $$$ D, A, T

The Eye Opener Diner-style menu features jams and jellies from Crooked River Herb Farm. Upscale decor includes photos of historic Akron. 1688 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-1114 $$ B, L, D, T Fat Head’s Brewery A brewpub with wellknown beers, sandwiches as big as your head and hearty appetizers like fried pickles, pepper jack bites and big barbecue wings. 3885 Everhard Road NW, Canton, 330-244-8601 $$$ L, D, W, A, T Fred’s Diner Well-known North Hill stop for breakfast and lunch. 930 Home Ave., Akron, 330-535-3733 $ B, L, 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 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. $$ B, L, T, W Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery Serving homestyle meals since 1966, we are known for our pressure fried chicken, fresh mashed potatoes, house-made salad dressings, 21 varieties of pies and more. Carryout and curbside pickup. 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330-877-9353 $$$ L, D, T, W Hibachi Japan Steak House Japanese hibachi-style cooking, great steak and sushi. 1803 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-3333 $$$ L, D, A, T Honeymoon Grille Check out our new building: We even have patio seating! Portage Lakes neighborhood gathering place since 2013 that features made-to-order breakfast, lobster bisque, organic salads, handcut steaks, specialty sandwiches, fresh-ground burgers, colossal onion rings, hand-battered mushrooms and more. Catering menu and private room rental available. 3458 Manchester Road, Akron, 330-6444355 $$$ B, 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 $$$ B, L, D, A, T The Howlin Bird Features a menu full of chicken comfort food entrees as well as an apple spinach salmon salad and house burger. Brunch is served on weekends. 123 S. Main St., North Canton, 234-714-9000 $$$ B, L, D, T, A, P

The Jetty River Bar and Grill Located on the north end of the Sheraton Suites, it is a posh place to have dinner and a drink with a view. Choose from a menu of casual salads, flatbreads and small entrees. 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7544 $$$ L, D, T, A, P Jilly’s Music Room All gluten-free menu of creative American tapas in a sophisticated setting. Live music, concerts and events Wed. through Sat. 111 N. Main St., Akron, 330-5763757 $$, D, A, T, W Kasai Japanese Restaurant Sushi, hibachi, noodles, don buri, agamono and more. Finish your meal with tempura cheesecake. 295 Weatherstone Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-7141; 3875 Massillon Road, Suite 300, Uniontown, 330-899-9788 $$$ L, D, A, T Ken Stewart’s Grille Widely recognized as one of Akron’s finest. Upscale, eclectic cuisine. Emphasis on steak and seafood. 1970 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-2555 $$$$ L, D, A, T, V Ken Stewart’s Lodge Casual, Adirondackstyle atmosphere, eclectic cuisine. 1911 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-8881 $$$$ D, A, T Ken Stewart’s Tre Belle Italian atmosphere and authentic cuisine. Specialties include an antipasto bar, big drinks and an extensive wine list. 1911 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-9990 $$$ D, A, V, T Kingfish A posh yet sleek interior features the freshest seafood of North Coast. Dress is business casual. Reservations recommended. 115 Montrose West Ave., Copley. 330777-2005 $$$$ D, A Kosar’s Wood-Fired Grill Award-winning steakhouse tasefully offering aged steaks, fresh chops and seafood in an upscale space decorated with beloved former Cleveland Browns player Bernie Kosar’s own authentic memorabilia. At the MGM Northfield Park casino. 21 and over only. 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-9087602 $$$$ D, A Lanning’s Restaurant Elegant dining atmosphere with a beautiful view. More than 150 types of wine. 826 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330666-1159, 330-864-2553 $$$$ D, A, T, V Laziza High-end Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare, plus steak and seafood dishes and a full bar. Acorn Alley, 195 E. Erie St., Kent, 330-6777000 $$$ L, D, A, T Leo’s Italian Social Nosh on comfort food Italian favorites with a chef-driven twist. It’s a great spot for groups to dine inside or on the large patio. Also take in live music. 2251 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-400-4427 $$$$ B, L, D, T, A, P The Lockview Traditional American favorites. Fresh menu with spotlight on gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. 207 S. Main St., Akron, 330-252-5128 $$ L, D, A, T

Lucca Downtown Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Tuscan Italianinspired menu. Now managed by Tony Ly, who also owns Basil Asian Bistro. Call for reservations. 228 Fourth St. NW, Canton, 330-456-2534. $$$$ L, D, A, T Lucia’s Steakhouse Fresh seafood, signature garlic butter-topped steaks, Italian favorites and Lucia classics, like house-made lump crab cakes or cubanella and long, hot peppers. 4769 Belpar St. NW, Canton, 330-492-9933 $$$$ D, A Luigi’s Restaurant An Akron icon. Open late. Serves superb Italian cuisine, salads and award-winning pizza. Voted best pizza and best Italian restaurant by Akron Life readers. Party trays and sheet-pan pizzas available with 24-hour notice. 105 N. Main St., Akron, 330-253-2999 $$ L, D, A, T, No credit cards Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery Sample wine by bottle or glass, as well as craft beer. Taste 100-plus types of cheeses. Appetizers and sandwiches. 6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville, 330-877-8344 $$ L, D, A, T Menches Bros. Restaurant Inventors of the hamburger and ice cream cone. In Akron since 1901. 4887 Tuscawaras St. W, Canton, 234-410-3444; 3700 Massillon Road, Green, 330-896-2288; 235 Lincoln Way W, Massillon, 330832-6200 $$ B, L, D, A, T The Merchant Tavern With Owner Anthony Piscazzi’s family history running Akron’s beloved Wine Merchant restaurant and Chef Victor Todaro in the kitchen, this new restaurant already has a great start. Retail wines available. 1824 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-865-9510 $$$ L, D, A, T Moe’s Restaurant Hip, intimate atmosphere featuring a diverse chalkboard menu that changes monthly. Martinis, cocktails and extensive selection of wines by the glass. 2385 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-6600 $$$$ L, D, A, T Ms. Julie’s Kitchen Opened by Akron native and author of three vegan cookbooks. Specialties include salads, whole grain-foods and spelt flour waffles. 1809 S. Main St., Akron, 330-819-3834 $ B, L, D, T Mustard Seed Market & Cafe Mezzanine overlooking the Highland Square natural foods market. Menu reflects same strict standards as the market, with naturally raised meats, free-range poultry and foods free from artificial flavors, colorings and preservatives. Live music on weekends. Sun. brunch. 3885 W. Market St., Montrose, 330-666-7333; 867 W. Market St., Akron, 330-4347333 $$$ L, D, T Go to akronlife.com to view more area restaurants & events.

FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com

GOOD EATS 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 $$$ D, A, T Oak and Embers Tavern Southern-style barbecue brisket, pork, ribs and chicken with signature drinks including the Devil’s Grandma and the Revolver. 7774 Darrow Road, Hudson, 234-602-1056 $$$ 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 $$$$ D, A 111 Bistro House Manager Meghan Pender and Executive Chef Anthony Scolaro own this eatery which features starters, soups and salads, sandwiches, pasta and entrees, as well as an extensive wine, craft beer and cocktail list. Weekend brunch available. 2736 Medina Road, Medina, 330-952-1122 $$$$ D, A, T Papa Gyros Greek Grill Authentic Greek fare, wine and beer. 3939 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0707; 4760 Everhard Road, Canton, 330-4971100; 320 W. State St., Alliance, 330823-7773; 2045 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330-456-9000; 1 N. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-247-2475 $$ L, D, A, T Papa Joe’s Iacomini’s Extensive wine list, fine Italian fare, seafood and steaks. 1561 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron, 330-923-7999 $$$ L, D, A, T Poke Fresh Create your own poke bowl by choosing your protein like chicken, tofu and a variety of seafood. Then pick from toppings ranging from edamame to pineapple, before adding your finishing touch with sauces like big island barbecue or crunches like crispy onion or tempura flakes. Or choose from Poke’s signature bowls. 2022 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-217-1017 $$ L, D, 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, 234-678-6370 $$$$ L, D, A, T Ray’s Place Great burgers, hearty dinners and the area’s largest selection of foreign and domestic beer in the bottle and on draft. 135 Franklin Ave., Kent, 330-673-2233; 25 Ghent Road, Fairlawn, 330-835-2233 $$ L, D, A, T 42

akronlife.com | FEBRUARY 2023

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 $$$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Rose Garden Restaurant Authentic Indian and Nepali meals include curry and gulab jamun, a sweet deep-fried cheese dessert, in the space that was formerly Everest Restaurant. 2033 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-7066630 $$ L, D, W, T Rosewood Grill Seasonally inspired. Fresh appeal of a local farmers market. 36 E. Streetsboro St., Hudson, 330-6562100 $$$$ L Fri/Sat only, D, A, T Russo’s Unique cuisine featuring Cajun and Italian influences. Fine dining atmosphere. 4895 State Road, Peninsula, 330-923-2665 $$$$ L, D, A, T Sarah’s Vineyard Sample high-quality wines, appetizers and desserts in the tasting room, on the deck or in the butterfly garden. 1204 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330929-8057 $$ L, D, A, T Serenite Restaurant Fine French dining includes oysters, escargot, duck confit and smoked salmon. Socially conscious mission with a staff made up of people in recovery from addiction. 538 W. Liberty St., Medina, 330-952-2611 $$$ L, D, A, T Shawarma Bros. Get a taste of authentic shawarma lamb, chicken or beef in a rice bowl or on pita bread and falafel, then finish off your meal with baklava at this affordable takeout restaurant. 1808 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-3996 $$ L, D, T Table Six Kitchen & Bar Innovative and shareable dishes made from scratch in a gastropub where the drinks are also held to the same high standard. Road 6113 Whipple Ave NW, North Canton, 330-305-1666 $$$ L, D, W, A, T Thano’s Family Restaurant Burgers, chops, chicken, wraps, seafood and pasta. Breakfast served all day, daily specials, Friday fish fry. 50-seat party room. 71 Fifth St., Barberton, 330861-1300 $$ B, L, D, A, T Thyme2 Pub & Fine Dining Contemporary cuisine with worldly influences, served in an upscale, modern setting. 113 W. Smith Road, Medina, 330-7644114 $$$$ L, D, A, T Timber Lodge Steaks are hand-selected from the finest USDA Prime and Choice aged beef. Seafood is flown in daily to assure the peak of flavor and freshness. Prime rib is slow roasted rotisserie-style and hand-carved to your taste. Famous for its No. 1 giant lobster tail. 2809 Pearl Road, Medina, 330-725-6288 $$$ D, A, T

Tomaso’s Italian Villa Family-owned and operated for over 50 years. Features classic Italian cuisine. Pasta dinners, pizza, fortunes, calzones, salads, desserts, beer and wine. Kids’ menu. 3271 Barber Road, Norton, 330-7456063 $$ L, D, A, T Tomato Grill Wide array of entreeschoices. Catering available. 106 First St., Hudson, 330-342-3771 $$$$ L, D, A, T Totally Cooked To-Go Comfort foods, soups, made-to-order sandwiches and salads, and desserts. Menu changes weekly. 388 S. Main St., Akron, 330-294-1102 $$ B, L, D, T Town Tavern A finer take on bar food in an upbeat atmosphere that sets the tone for a fun night or weekend brunch. 3900 Medina Road Unit J, Akron, 330-666-1191; 1840 Town Park Blvd., Uniontown, 330-896-4433, $$$ B, L, D, T, A Trecaso’s Mary Coyle Strong pasta selection. Six-time winner of Pasta Yule’s best red sauce. Highland Square spot known for several ice cream options. 780 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-1511 $$ L, D, T Twiisted Sushi and traditional Japanese food, with gourmet burgers and steaks, salads, appetizers, desserts and a full bar. 985 Boardman Alley, Medina, 330-661-0606 $$$ D, A, T Twisted Citrus The daytime eatery offers breakfast and lunch dishes with a twist. It puts unique spins on classics like its Maui Waui French toast or the breakfast nachos with chorizo, black beans, nacho cheese, pico de gallo and avocado. 1649 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-305-9680 $$ B, L The Twisted Olive Casual classic ItalianAmerican fare grilled or baked wood-fire ovens. Indoor and outdoor seating. 5430 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0550 $$$ L, D, A, T Vaccaro’s Trattoria Traditional Italian cuisine with a twist on nouveau. Famous since 1957. An Italian and Akron classic. 1000 Ghent Road, Akron, 330-666-6158 $$$ L, D, A, T Valley Cafe Owned by a five-star gourmet chef. Features friendly service, dishes made from scratch and famous cabbage soup. 1212 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-8650101; 101 High St., Wadsworth, 330331-7555 $ B, L, D (Wadsworth only), T Vasili’s Greek Cuisine A welcome addition to Akron’s restaurant scene, Vasili’s provides big flavors and huge portions at a reasonable price with excellent customer service. The moussaka is excellent, and the baklava is decadent. 1702 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-864-0722 $$ L, D, T Village Gardens Restaurant and Pub Family restaurant. House-made meals, including house-favorites Macedonian bean soup, chicken vlaki and chicken paprikash. Full-service lounge. 2437 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-5751 $ B, L, D, A, T

Vinifera Wine-to-Whiskey Extensive beverage list with an enomatic wine dispenser system of more than 60 wine selections, more than 80 whiskey and bourbon options and food. 3236 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-571-0233 $$$ D, A, T Virtues Signature foods such as a tempura calamari appetizer, filet mignon and other gourmet items with high nutritional values on Summa Health System Akron Campus. 525 E. Market St., Akron, 330-375-7444 $$$ B, L, D, A, T, V Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse Hibachi steakhouse and sushi bar. Chefs prepare food right before your eyes. 150 Montrose West Ave., Copley, 330666-5522; 6338 Strip Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-966-8866 $$$$ L, D, T Waterloo Restaurant Eclectic menu. Famous for the Waterloo Big Apple and French onion soup. 423 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, 330-773-5158 $$ B, L, D, T Water Main Grille Sandwiches, soups and dinner platters. 339 Main St., Wadsworth, 330-331-7757 $$ L, D, T The West Side Bakery Specialties include cakes, pastries and cookies. Breakfast items include scones, muffins and yogurt parfaits. All sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups are made from scratch. 2303 W. Market St., Akron, 330-836-4101 $ B, L, T The Wine Mill Open daily for wine, craft beer, and bites made from fresh, local ingredients. The rustic Wine Mill serves salads, sliders and cheeseboards, along with Mason jar desserts. The Wine Mill is available for weddings and private events. 4964 Akron Cleveland Road, Peninsula, 234-571-2594 $$$ L, D, A, V Wise Guys Lounge & Grill Located in the former Nick Anthe Restaurant, this spot, owned by Tom Procaccio, features steaks, seafood and pasta dishes. 1008 N. Main St., Akron, 330922-3006 $$$$ L, D, A, T Wolf Creek Tavern Housed in the former Loyal Oak Tavern, this restaurant serves craft beer, wine, salads, wraps, burgers, pasta, steaks and house-made pie. Kids menu. 3044 Wadsworth Road, Norton, 234-5714531 $$$$ L, D, A, T Yours Truly This award-winning restaurant is family-owned and operated, with an emphasis on customer service and family-friendly dining. 36 S. Main St., Hudson, 330-656-2900; 3725 Medina Road, Medina, 330-722-5800 $$ B, L, D, A, T Please send any changes or corrections to kpetryszyn@ bakermediagroup.com. Go to akronlife.com to view more area restaurants & events.

Start with Trust

TRUST GUIDE LOOK INSIDE FOR LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS, COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS AND MORE.

EXPERT ADVICE

COMMUNITY CRAWL

Industry experts in our service area share their insights and top tips for finding local businesses you can TRUST.

Take a walk through our communities’ hidden gems. Explore local parks and recreational activities in each county.

Serving Ashland, Medina, Portage, Richland, Summit and Wayne Counties

BBB.org | 330-253-4590

LOOK OUT FOR IT IT’S LOOKING OUT FOR YOU

Search BBB.org for accredited businesses

2023 BBB Trust Guide • bbb.org

Table of Contents President’s Update Why BBB Customer Reviews Make a Difference BBB in the Community Expert Q & A: The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory The Standards for Trust Expert Q & A: KDCO Home Improvement What We Wish We Knew About Getting a New Pet Community Crawl: Explore Ashland, Medina, Portage, Richland, Summit and Wayne Counties Expert Q & A: Dealer Connection Auto Service Expert Q & A: Pearl Coffee Company Charity Guide Expert Q & A: BFG Federal Credit Union 2022 BBB Scam Tracker 2022 BBB Year in Review

04 05 07 09 11 13 15 16 - 17 19 21 22 - 23 25 27 31

Find an Accredited Business • bbb.org

President’s Update

Shannon Siegferth, President & CEO Another year has come and gone - and what a year it was! After being named the new President and CEO at the start of 2022, the team and I hit the ground running and maximized efforts across many different initiatives. Much like 2021, this year was not without its challenges to overcome, however we also have been able to achieve some great results throughout the year. It is my belief that 2023 will present even more opportunities for growth and development throughout the community and BBB brand. Whether you have been an Accredited Business for many years or you are brand new to our organization, I want to take a moment and personally thank you for your support. Our team will continue to strive to deliver the best service, care and communication that we are capable of. To the community, I thank you for entrusting your complaints, reviews and scam information with our team. I would also like to take a moment to thank our staff for their tireless work and without whom we would not be in the position we are today. The accomplishments and impact our BBB has created within the community has been achieved by a team of fifteen hard working individuals. We serve over 1.1 million people and over 31,000 businesses throughout the six county service area. The success of BBB is a large tribute to your dedication. In 2023 we have many new initiatives in the works. We are excited to roll out some additional benefits to our Accredited Businesses, reach new students and senior citizens with our community outreach, award more in scholarships with our Laws of Life Essay Contest, revamp our digital advertising capabilities, increase our resolution rate and so much more. It is our hope to continue making a positive impact within the community and build marketplace trust.

2023 Board of Directors Executive Committee Mr. Ray Dunkle, Chair Red Flag Reporting

Mr. Matt Baker, Vice Chair SummaCare

Mr. Nathanael Billow, Treasurer The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory

Mr. Jay Mellon, Secretary AtNetPlus, Inc.

Ms. Barbara Gruse Signet Jewelers, Inc.

Ms. Rochelle Sibbio Habitat for Humanity of Summit County

Dr. Steven Ash The University of Akron

Mr. Chip Billow The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory

Mr. Bryan Clapper Summit Racing

Ms. Denise DeCluett FirstEnergy Corp.

Mr. James Fein The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

Mr. Dan Flowers Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank

Mr. Mike Foraker Jennings Heating and Cooling

Ms. Pamela Harris ASW Global

Ms. Sabrina Johnson KDCO Home Improvement

Mr. Jim Leone Akron Monument & Granite Company

Mr. Joe McNeill Westfield Bank

Ms. Sue Myers Huntington Bank

I am extremely proud and humbled at the work our organization has been able to accomplish this year. Thank you once again for being with us in 2022 and I eagerly look forward to all that is to come in 2023. Forward Together,

Shannon L. Siegferth President & CEO

BBB is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who offer a wide range of business and community experience. These volunteer directors are elected to three-year terms and are responsible for ensuring the organization remains in compliance with the operating standards set forth by the BBB system.

2023 BBB Trust Guide • bbb.org

Mr. Bob Oborn Kent Elastomer Products

Mr. Patrick Primm Cascade Auto Group

Mr. Scott Reisberg Akron Blind Center

Mr. Timothy J. Truby Roderick Linton Belfance LLP *Legal Counsel

Why BBB Customer Reviews Make A Difference W Your local BBB processed 5,692 e’ve all asked ourselves “Does leaving a review for a business actually make a difference?” and our answer is an enthusiastic “Yes!”

Customer reviews play a vital role in the marketplace ecosystem. Many shoppers take to the internet to scour through star-ratings, reviews and first-hand accounts of products or services. Reviews can make or break your purchase, so it is important to look for reviews in the right place. Many reviews online are anonymous. Anonymity affords us a degree of safety because our names aren’t on the internet. Plus, we are often more honest behind the comfort of a keyboard. However, that same anonymity allows people to leave reviews for businesses without ever interacting with their services or products.

Fake accounts will often spam review sites with bogus reviews, which can mislead or confuse someone looking to purchase a product or service. So, what makes BBB Customer Reviews different? Our team!

Reviews are vetted by BBB team members. By removing the ability to leave anonymous reviews, we are better able to confirm that a marketplace interaction took place between reviewer and the business. By verifying with the business that an interaction actually happened, the BBB team can stop fake reviews in their tracks. Consumers rely on honesty when searching for reviews online. BBB works hard to keep BBB.org a reliable and trustworthy source for real consumer reviews.

Customer Reviews in 2022. Reviews BBB Customer Reviews allow consumers to submit positive, negative or neutral reviews about a marketplace interaction with a local business or charity. Reviews do not affect a company’s letter grade rating; however, they do impact the star

rating. Reviews are vetted by the BBB team. Complaints BBB Complaints allow a consumer to request help from BBB to resolve a marketplace dispute or issue with a company. Complaints can affect a company’s rating.

Find an Accredited Business • bbb.org

330-928-3127 local family owned business, serving the community since 1994.

FINANCING AVAILABLE

Showroom

3473 Wyoga Lake Road Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44224

WINDOWS & DOORS

ROOFING

SIDING

Energy efficient windows & doors

Lifetime roofing systems

Styles & Colors for all budgets

OVER 3,500 SATISFIED CUSTOMERS

WOMEN-OWNED

acaspersenco.com 6

2023 BBB Trust Guide • bbb.org

BBB in the Community BBB Accredited Businesses go above and beyond in adhering to BBB’s Standards for Trust. They also invest, through their annual dues, in the BBB’s Marketplace Education Initiative. Though BBBME, BBB takes vital information into middle schools, high schools and college campuses. BBBME also reaches out to the senior population, helping them discern the trustworthy business owner from the fraudster.

RETURN

IN OUR

ON MISSION

COMMUNITY

for every $1 invested in BBB

$4.08 direct return on mission

$12.98 estimated media outreach impact BBBME is a non-profit formed by BBB Akron that supports community outreach efforts, where free interactive presentations are conducted. Designed to be conversational, classes cover age appropriate ethics, online safety, fraud prevention and more. It is one of the many services BBB provides to the community to help build trust and safety.

$17.06 total estimated return on mission

Schools Throughout 62 schools we provided 77 presentations on BBB ethics, financial literacy and scam education to 1,619 students. We awarded $10,000 in scholarships to high school students.

Seniors We provided 43 Smart Seniors presentations on scam prevention and financial literacy to 716 seniors.

Events We planned or attended 150 events to spread the BBB message of marketplace protection for consumers to over 11,000 community members.

Thank you to our 2023 Sponsor

This service is free of charge for all schools, non-profits, businesses and other organizations within our six county service area. For more information on these programs or to schedule a speaker visit bbb.org/akron BBB Community Outreach Coordinator • info@akronbbb.org • 330-564-2488 Find an Accredited Business • bbb.org

BBB Tip: You can call or chat with a member of our team at 330-253-4590 or bbb.org/akron if you have questions about a business’ accreditation status.

DEMOLITION • EXCAVATING FOUNDATIONS • HAULING LOT IMPROVEMENT • PATIO RETAINING WALLS • SITE PREP SNOW PLOW & SALT • UTILITY LINES

R. COOLEY ENT. ROGER, OWNER CELL: 330-554-5849 rcooleyenterprises.com

3426 WORK RD. RAVENNA, OHIO 44226

TRUSTED

Avoid the box store hassle and support your local small business.

Add Value & Curb Appeal to your home with a new asphalt installation. One Year Warranty. Trusted, Honest, Reliable Over 40 years experience Call for FREE estimate.

The BBB of Akron workers’ compensation group rating programs are a great way to save on your workers’ compensation premiums.

SPONSORED BY:

Mark’s Custom Carpet 330-678-5519 markscustomcarpet.com

Mid-Ohio Asphalt & Concrete 330-467-1378

Sedgwick 614-764-7600 ext. 58595 sedgwick.com/OhioTPA

Akron Bearing Company 800-686-9540 akronbearing.com

BUSINESS TIP

mid-ohio-asphalt-concrete.business.site

2023 BBB Trust Guide • bbb.org

BUSINESS TIP

TRUSTED

BUSINESS TIP Trusted by Northeast Ohio since 1940. Call or stop by today!

BBB Akron Asks the Experts Q & A with BBB Akron’s Accredited Businesses

The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory Chip Billow, Owner

e asked Chip Billow, Owner of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, for his expert tips on how to prepare for funeral arrangements. Coping with grief is difficult but we hope his answers help ease some stress. Q: What are the most important factors for a consumer to consider when looking for funeral services? A: Well, we are no different than any other business. First impressions are always important. As a funeral director, I need to put on my consumer hat and think about my competition. What it boils down to is finding your comfort level. So much of what we do is based on personal relationships. Historically, the window where we are notified of a death is very short. Usually 3-5 days between notification and the funeral. With Covid, we started having delays due to restrictions and so these relationships we are building with families could extend much longer. With these factors, it is important to choose a funeral service provider that fits your needs and is going to provide the best possible services to your family during what is a very difficult time. We make care calls to check in and that has cemented a lot of relationships with families in our community. Ask about education and best practices to see how their business operates. Ask about their availability. We operate a 24-hour model, someone is here at all times. Q: What does that 24-hour model look like? What are the benefits for families? A: We would have three eight-hour shifts that rotate around the clock. We do transfers and care work at night. We can answer the phones ourselves at night instead of utilizing an answering service. We have seven directors that work one night a week so that we always have one director available for families if they have questions or concerns. Q: As a local organization with 78 years as an Accredited Business, what does that mean to you? A: We were an Accredited Business from before I came on as the head of the business. Being accredited shows our community that we have standards. It is like the Good Housekeeping stamp of approval for businesses. I am familiar with being a member of the Board, that reputation means everything, and solving people’s problems mean everything. To be accredited means the world to me. I am really proud to be accredited for as long as we have.

Find an Accredited Business • bbb.org

2023 BBB Trust Guide • bbb.org

nandremodel@ tructio g ons tionandremodeli mail. c esc onstruc ngll n c c.c om o om st ones st

BBB Accreditation Standards for Trust

Specializing in:

◦ Custom additions ◦ Custom kitchens ◦ Basements ◦ Bathrooms ◦ Sunrooms ◦ Complete rehabs ◦ Full service remodeling

Phone:

he BBB Standards for Trust are eight principles that summarize important elements of creating and maintaining trust in business. The standards are based on BBB’s determination of the attributes of a better business. They incorporate not only lawful business

practices, but also BBB’s experience with ethical advertising, selling and customer experience. For a business to qualify for BBB accreditation, it must continually meet these standards. To be accredited by BBB, a business affirms that it meets and will abide by the following:

330-396-6487

Auto Sales

1 3

5 Family Owned and Operated 10 13 16 Yard Containers Residential · Commercial Construction · Roofing House & Estate Clean-ups Demolition · Rubbish Garage Clean Outs One Time Customers Welcome - No Contract Needed LOW, LOW PRICES FAST, RELIABLE SERVICE

330-794-2961

Build Trust

Advertise Honestly

Establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace.

Adhere to established standards of advertising and selling.

Tell the Truth

Be Transparent

Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosure of all material terms.

Openly identify the nature, location, and ownership of the business, and clearly disclose all policies, guarantees and procedures that bear on a customer’s decision to buy.

Honor Promises

Be Responsive

Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations.

Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally, and in good faith.

Safeguard Privacy

Embody Integrity

2 4

6 8

Protect any data collected Approach all business dealings, against mishandling and fraud, marketplace transactions and collect personal information commitments with integrity. only as needed, and respect *Not all businesses who apply for the preferences of consumers BBB Accreditation will qualify. regarding the use of their information.

Find an Accredited Business • bbb.org

Expires 12/2023

Waterproofing & Foundation Repair Basement Finishing

330-773-0109

Locally Owned & Operate Since 1979 All Methods Available No Gimmick or Sales Pressure

Award Winning Customer Service A+ pioneerbasementsolutions.com 12

2023 BBB Trust Guide • bbb.org

BBB Akron Asks the Experts Q & A with BBB Akron’s Accredited Businesses

KDCO Home Improvement Sabrina Johnson, Owner

abrina Johnson, Owner of KDCO Home Improvement, shares her tips and tricks to finding the right contractor for your home. Q: Where should consumers start when searching for a contractor in a home improvement job? A: The BBB website is amazing for a place to start. The attitude for finding contractors online is shifting. People used to think contractors paid to get a good rating but that is not true! You can also call supply houses. Supply houses know who has paid for their supplies and they will be honest if someone hasn’t. Q: What are some important things to ask when choosing a contractor? A: Ask them if they’ve ever installed the product themselves. If it is a sales rep out there, ask if they have observed how the

product is installed. You can also ask about what education they’ve taken. There are a lot of courses and training that they can take to ensure they recommend the right products. Ask if they are registered with the county and municipal building departments. They have to before they start a job, so make sure payment doesn’t happen before they are registered. And ask for proof! Q: What are some things to look out for in your home that we might not think about? A: Proper ventilation. If undertaking a siding project with an overhead, ask about the holes they will cut for ventilation. Often bathrooms don’t have proper ventilation to get all of the moisture out and you end up with black mold in your attic. Sometimes ridge vents aren’t cut properly so air can’t escape. Your house has to breathe properly. If

not, products don’t last as long. It affects everything: insulation, windows, everything. Ventilation isn’t taken into consideration before other projects but it is really important. Q: What does being an Accredited Business mean to you? A: The biggest take-away is that it is a source for the consumer to get as close as they can to knowing that an organization has professional and ethical ideas by being BBB Accredited. It keeps us accountable and gives the consumer a little more information than what they would get from the business itself. Q: Anything else you would like to share with our consumers? A: Every project is a job interview, so I carry my resume with me! The consumer is my boss.

Find an Accredited Business • bbb.org

Meet the experts in beautiful landscaping.

Landscaping • Lawn Maintenance • Snow Removal Fertilization • Outdoor Living • Landscape Supply Center

330-725-2102 lamphearlawn.com

3344 Pearl Road • Medina, OH 44256

th i s i s

HO ME OF TH E ad ve

nt ur ou s.

be d l i n e rs | ac c es s o r i es | p rote ct i v e c oati n g s

X-TREME FINISHES line-x

387 MEDINA ROAD, SUITE 1000, MEDINA, OH 44256 (330) 474-0614 | WWW.X-TREMEFINISHES.com

2023 BBB Trust Guide • bbb.org

What We Wish We Knew By: Abigail Miller, BBB Akron Photo credit: Abigail Miller About Getting a New Pet f you’re considering taking home an adorable furry friend, it’s wise to check your budget first. According to the IAkron American Kennel Club, dog owners can expect to spend at least $15,000 over the lifetime of their pet. Our BBB team shares their tips and advice they wish they would have planned for before taking on a new animal companion.

Renting Rules: If you rent, find out if your rental has breed and weight restrictions. Also, many rentals require a nonrefundable pet deposit and additional monthly pet fees. Pet Sitting: Many of us initially struggled to figure out who would watch our pets when we traveled. Reach out to your friends and family to ask them who they use. Responsible college and high school students can be perfect for the job! Make sure your pet and the sitter are a good fit. Invite them over before you travel and discuss the pet’s usual schedule and worst-case scenarios. For example, explain what to do if the pet escapes, ruins something in the home or gets severely sick. Tell the sitter how your pet interacts with other animals and people. Give the sitter the vet number and emergency contacts that live close by that are willing to help in an emergency. Most sitters charge depending on the type of animal, number of pets in the home and time or expertise required for care. Monthly Expenses: A few of us were caught off guard by monthly food and supply costs, so make sure to include those ongoing expenses when deciding if a pet is within your budget. Things to consider: » Finding a credible, reliable and experienced groomer » Making sure your lifestyle fits the needs of all your pet’s requirements and habits » Ensuring ample time for proper training, both verbal and nonverbal Remember, pets are a long-term commitment, so think ahead. Please evaluate your current environment, availability, budget and desire prior to bringing home a new member of the family. While we can all agree that these four legged, or winged, friends have the ability to change our lives forever, ensuring their needs are met is vital. Use BBB.org to research local groomers, veterinarians, breeders, trainers, boarding facilities and non-profit adoption or fostering centers. If you think you have been scammed or have found a suspicious website while looking for animals online, report it to BBB Scam Tracker and the Federal Trade Commission.

Find an Accredited Business • bbb.org

Explore Ashland, Medina, Portage,

BBB Community Crawl | Richland, Summit & Wayne Ashland, Medina, Portage, Richland, Summit and Wayne Counties have so much to offer. Plan a day of fun in your home county (or make a road trip to a neighboring area) and explore our parks, cool off at splash pads and wading pools, or take your canine companions to a dog park for a game of fetch.

Medina County Ashland County

Richland County 16

2023 BBB Trust Guide • bbb.org

Portage County Summit County Map Key Park Splash Pad & Wading Pools Dog Park Parks within 10 miles of one another are marked with one icon.

Wayne County

Scan Me

BBB Tip: Make sure to check for weather, park hours and splash pad/wading pool rules before heading out for your day of fun.

for the full list of parks, splash pads, wading pools and dog parks featured in the Community Crawl.

Find an Accredited Business • bbb.org

WWW.BDRYOHIO.COM TRUSTED BUSINESS

J.W. Didado Electric 330-374-0070 jwdidado.com

TRUSTED

BUSINESS TIP Clean out last years ash from your wood burning fireplace. Spice up you fireplace with new logs and door or with a new gas insert.

TRUSTED

BUSINESS TIP

TRUSTED

BUSINESS TIP

Where friends send friends. Your local, family owned business serving the community with quality work.

Specializing in concrete driveways, garages, patios, walks, etc.

SPONSORED BY:

Behr Necessities 419-884-3988 behr-necessities.com

A J & S Concrete, Inc 330-733-8012

Allscape Landscaping 330-352-0220 allscapelandscapeohio.com

2023 BBB Trust Guide • bbb.org

Facebook @ A J & S Concrete

BBB Akron Asks the Experts Q & A with BBB Akron’s Accredited Businesses

Dealer Connection Auto Service Rob Stair, President

e asked Rob Stair, President of Dealer Connection Auto Service, to share his expert advice with consumers about all things automotive repair. Q: Where should consumers start when searching for an auto repair shop? A: They should look for a shop that fits their needs based on what they need to get repaired. Conduct a Google search or ask for recommendations from friends and coworkers. Q: What about specialized shops for different repairs? A: There are specialized shops but there are also general repairs shops that will be able to take care of all your issues. If you have one mechanic, they know your car and they know everything that has been done to your car. They know when the last time your

transmission fluid or antifreeze was changed or refilled. Q: How do you build trust with customers or potential customers? A: Just being honest and upfront. We don’t try to upsell the customer but we are honest when letting them know what they need and making sure important repairs are prioritized. We try to help them plan ahead and give them a heads up on repairs that will be needed in the future. That’s not always possible but we do our best. Q: What is the most often forgotten about maintenance or repair, that could end up a problem before you know it? A: Maintenance on fluids, like oil or transmission fluid changes. These cost a few hundred dollars to maintain but could turn into

thousands of dollars in repairs if something goes wrong. Everyone gets busy and they don’t always have time for their cars but that can end up costing them. Q: What does being an Accredited Business mean to you? A: BBB has become a name that people trust. If you are accredited, people know you are held up to certain standards. People know the BBB name for reviews and complaints. Q: Anything else you would like to share with our consumers? A: We are a family run business and have been around since 1998. If you come in and see us for repairs, you’ll see the same faces. We try to do the best we can and communicate honestly and openly with people.

Find an Accredited Business • bbb.org

BBB Tip: Let unknown numbers go to voicemail. If their intent is legitimate, they will leave a message. It is always safer to verify phone numbers before returning a call.

TRUSTED

Jim Leone, Helping Families Choose Their Memorials Since 1973.

Call for the most reliable tree service in the Medina, Summit, Cuyahoga, and Wayne County!

Dryer vents are all we do!

SPONSORED BY:

Mills Tree Care, LLC 330-336-7472

Dryer Vent Wizard of Summit County 234-706-3238 dryerventwizard.com

KDCO Home Improvement, Inc. 330-645-6521 kdcohomeimprovement.com

BUSINESS TIP

Akron Monument & Granite Co 330-252-1746

BUSINESS TIP

2023 BBB Trust Guide • bbb.org

TRUSTED

BUSINESS TIP

TRUSTED

BUSINESS TIP For a woman’s touch in exterior remodeling. Call Sabrina!

BBB Akron Asks the Experts Q & A with BBB Akron’s Accredited Businesses

Pearl Coffee Company Johnna Economou, Owner

e asked Johnna Economou, Owner of Pearl Coffee Company, to share some insight into being a family-owned business in our community. Q: What are some of the benefits of being a long standing local business in Akron? A: We are frequently honored and amused that we are a “tourist” destination for those visiting Akron! Many people come in to tell us their grandparents/ great-grandparents or parents always had Diana Coffee at home and that it brings back fond memories of a different time. Having served the Akron community for over 100 years has been an honor that I continue to be proud of!

Expires 12/2023

Q: What is it like taking on leadership of a family owned business? A: I have to admit, it has been stressful. I learned every aspect of the business through experience, but making a great cup of quality coffee like my father and grandfather is an ever challenging task! Coffee has different cupping notes and profiles and I am proud of the product we produce here. I feel you can’t find a finer cup of coffee in Northeast Ohio! Pearl Coffee has weathered and continues to weather changing times, but I am sure my father would be satisfied with the product we produce. Q: Why shop local for coffee instead of bigger brands? A: There is always a huge selection of coffee to choose from in the grocery store, but none meet the quality and freshness of our locally roasted, right in downtown Akron coffee! We hold the advantage of knowing the region, the farm, the characteristics of the coffee, when it was roasted and packaged and then bought by the consumer. We are a gourmet craft coffee roaster and cup each roast. Our single origin beans are the best around and our blends are coffee “perfection!” Roasting coffee is truly an art and I continue my family’s fine tradition! Q: What does being Accredited mean to you? A: We strive to surpass the standards of the business community. I hope our accreditation with the BBB shows how customer-oriented we are. We use and appreciate the services and advice the BBB offers us. Find an Accredited Business • bbb.org

Ms. Rochelle Sibbio President & CEO

Mr. Dan Flowers President & CEO

Ms. Laurie Jackson Executive Director

Since 1986, Habitat for Humanity of Summit County has built over 220 homes with qualified low-income families and completed nearly 200 critical home repairs in Summit County.

The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank was established in 1982 by community members committed to providing emergency food to charities in the region. The Foodbank and its network of hunger-relief partners serve as the difference between hunger and hope for the 1 in 7 individuals and 1 in 6 children who may be food insecure in its service region.

Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes criminally abused, neglected and abandoned farm animals.

Mission: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build home, communities and hope. Vision: A world where everyone has a decent place to live. How can you get involved? We accept volunteers on home build sites and in the ReStore to assist with our mission. We do build year round, so we are always looking for more winter warrior volunteers. You can also look into volunteering on Habitat for Humanity of Summit County’s board committee or Board of Trustees. What is the importance of becoming a BBB Accredited Charity? We find that the trust factor of our customers and donors is positively impacted by being an Accredited Charity with the BBB. We are also a Platinum Seal Charity under Candid. The accreditation process keeps us on a path to transparency with our community and that’s important to us as we use donor dollars for our mission. What is the organization’s greatest need? Sometimes its vacant land to build upon, sometimes its families who want to own a home by going through our program. Of course, like any non profit, sometimes its funding. We always say we invite people into our mission and we hope affordable homeownership is something they can be passionate about and that everyone deserves a decent place to live to raise their family that they can afford.

Mission: To lead a collaborative network that empowers people to experience healthy and hunger-free lives. How can you get involved? The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank relies heavily on volunteers – they are vital to the organization’s operations. In 2021, nearly 4,500 volunteers donated more than 54,000 hours of service to the Foodbank. Volunteer opportunities include inspecting and sorting donated food items, office and administrative work, event support, distributing food at distributions, working in the food pantry, picking up and delivering food items and so much more. What is the importance of becoming a BBB Accredited Charity? Accreditation by the BBB helps community members gain trust in knowing that the AkronCanton Regional Foodbank is making a positive impact within the community and is a good steward of the community’s support. What is the organization’s greatest need? The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank encourages community members to get connected to local hunger-relief efforts. This can be through volunteering at the Foodbank or one of its hunger-relief partners, signing up to receive advocacy alerts, touring one of its facilities or making a financial contribution.

2023 BBB Trust Guide • bbb.org

Rescue: Working in cooperation with law enforcement and county humane organizations, we provide our service to Ohio and any state beyond requesting assistance. Rehabilitation: Providing the veterinary attention, nutrition and maintenance care and nurture to each animal who enters the sanctuary. Re-home: Networking to find loving and forever homes for each animal based on the best match of people, personalities and facilities. How can you get involved? If you love farm animals, consider volunteering. We take in horses, ponies, potbelly pigs, farms pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, sheep, goats, and cows so there is never a shortage of work to be done. What is the importance of becoming a BBB Accredited Charity? Having the backing of the BBB Accreditation shows the community that Happy Trails is ethical, professional and good stewards of volunteer hours or donation dollars. It is a way for potential donors to know that Happy Trails does what we say we are doing. We pay for certification through other organizations but applying for the Charity Program is a free way to have another verification method in place. What is the organization’s greatest need? Happy Trails greatest need is a new Welcome Center. This new center will be the hub for administrative and animal care staff, as well as the reception and retail space. Right now, staff operations take place in several buildings throughout the sanctuary. So, getting our new Welcome Center up and running is the priority.

4 Pillars & 20 Standards To Verifying A Trustworthy Charity

The four pillars below provide just a summary of the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. To access the full text along with an explanation of how they are applied, visit Give.org.

ACCREDITED CHARITY

Akron Blind Center & Workshop 330-253-2555 akronblindcenter.org

ACCREDITED CHARITY

Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank 330-535-6900 akroncantonfoodbank.org

Greenleaf Family Center 330-376-9494 greenleafctr.org

Alliance for Healthy Youth 330-864-1359 all4youth.org ®

Habitat for Humanity of Portage County 330-296-2880 habitatofportage.org

Habitat For Humanity of Summit County, Inc. 330-745-7734 hfhsummitcounty.org

ACCREDITED CHARITY

Appleseed Community Mental Health Center 419-281-3716 appleseedmentalhealth.com ACCREDITED CHARITY

Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, Inc. 330-296-5914 happytrailsfarm.org

Central American Medical Outreach, Inc. 330-683-5956 camo.org

ACCREDITED CHARITY

Humane Society of Summit County 330-487-0333 summithumane.org

Community Support Services, Inc. 330-253-9388 cssbh.org

Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park 330-657-2909 conservancyforcvnp.org Family & Community Services, Inc. 330-297-7027 fcsserves.org

ACCREDITED CHARITY

VANTAGE Aging 330-253-4597 vantageaging.org Victim Assistance Program, Inc. 330-376-0040 victimassistanceprogram.org

Weaver Industries, Inc. 330-379-3660 weaverindustries.org Akron Area YMCA 330-376-1335 akronymca.org

Keep Akron Beautiful 330-375-2116 keepakronbeautiful.org

ACCREDITED CHARITY

Our Community Hunger Center 330-963-3663 ochc-food.org

Family Promise of Summit County 330-253-8081 familypromisesc.org

Palestine Childrens Relief 330-678-2645 pcrf.net

First Tee - Greater Akron 330-253-8081 familypromisesc.org

Paws and Prayers Pet Rescue 330-475-8300 pawsandprayers.org

Good Neighbors, Inc. 330-733-1453 good-neighbors.org

The Emergency Assistance Center, Inc. 330-467-7945 teacenter.org United Way of Summit & Medina 330-762-7601 uwsummit.org

ACCREDITED CHARITY

India Gospel League 330-650-5900 iglworld.org

Summit Missions International 330.896.9300 summitmissions.org

Haven of Rest Ministries 330-535-1563 havenofrest.org

Christian Childrens Home of Ohio, Inc. 330-345-7949 ccho.org

ACCREDITED CHARITY

Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties 877-906-4273 hopeandhealingresources.org

ACCREDITED CHARITY

Battered Women’s Shelter 888-395-4357 hopeandhealingresources.org

ACCREDITED CHARITY

Goodwill Industries 330-724-6995 goodwillakron.org

ACCREDITED CHARITY

Project Learn of Summit County 330-434-9461 projectlearnsummit.org

ACCREDITED CHARITY

Charities that meet all BBB standards are automatically deemed “BBB Accredited” at no cost. BBB Accredited charities are invited to consider joining the Charity Seal program, which is available with a licensing agreement and a modest Seal fee. The BBB Charity logo indicates BBB Charity Seal Holders.

Find an Accredited Business • bbb.org

OFF

ANY SERVICE Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer.

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Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer.

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Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer.

PROUD TO BE A BBB A+ ACCREDITED BUSINESS!

330-408-5734 FREE ESTIMATES

SENIOR CITIZEN & MILITARY DISCOUNTS

No trip or travel fee FINANCING Same low prices 24/7 AVAILABLE! Licensed, Insured & Bonded (LIC. 36619) Locally Family Owned & Operated

Let our family be your family plumber! Trusted, Reliable, and Affordable www.ThePlumbing911.com

2023 BBB Trust Guide • bbb.org

BBB Akron Asks the Experts Q & A with BBB Akron’s Accredited Businesses

Energy Efficient, Leak-Free Roooing Systems Roofing RAY TROYER

www.TroyerRoof.com

BFG Federal Credit Union Cheryl Foster, President/CEO

330-857-7865 info@TroyerRoof.com

Specializing in Commercial & Residential Proudly serving Stow and surrounding communities for over 30 years!

e asked Cheryl Foster, President/CEO of BFG Federal Credit Union, for advice on researching financial institutions and their services. Q: What are the most important factors for a consumer to consider when choosing a financial institution to trust with their funds? A: Safety of their deposits. We are insured by National Credit Union Administration, a federal government agency. We are a federal credit union which means deposits are insured up to $250,000 by the federal government. Most state credit unions and some banks are not federally insured.

1337 Commerce Drive, Suite 8 | Stow, OH 44224 phone: 330.686.9828 | fax: 330.686.9904

Q: What are important things for consumers to note when shopping for interest rates? What questions should they ask to choose the right fit? A: Interest rates are only one consideration. There are others: What are their fees? (application fee, etc) What are their services to help you make your payments on time? (text messages, alerts, etc) Do they offer online and mobile banking? Do they offer fixed or variable rate? Q: How can consumers navigate all of the available options to them at credit unions? A: BFG FCU has the same product offerings as a bank. We offer products for long term savings goals (retirement), and short term (savings & money market), as well as checking accounts. Q: What does being accredited mean to you? A: Being accredited by the BBB helps new members looking for an account or loan financing to know that BFG FCU can help and we are a local financial institution that they can trust. Q: Anything else you would like to share with our consumers? A: In 2005, our membership charter was expanded to include anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Summit County and their immediate family members and household members.

Find an Accredited Business • bbb.org

BBB Tip: If something sounds to good to be true, like “free money” or “just pay shipping & handling,” it most likely is. It never hurts to double and triple check before you buy.

TRUSTED

Committed to Quality. BBB Accredited for 20+ Years. Contact us for all of your residential and commercial roofing needs!

Get exceptional auto repairs, part replacement, and installation services from the ASE-certified professionals at The Alinement Shop Inc.

Things are always changing in the Same Day Delivery Industry and New Age Courier & Freight Systems is here to help.

TRUSTED VENDING SINCE 1983 IN NORTHEAST OHIO AND CLEVELAND

SPONSORED BY: Roofing by Simon 330-676-1002 roofingbysimon.com

SPONSORED BY: The Alinement Shop 330-633-4696 alinementshop.com

SPONSORED BY:

BUSINESS TIP

New Age Courier and Freight Systems, LLC 216-289-1309 nacfs.com

BUSINESS TIP

SPONSORED BY: Elite Vending Services 216-690-1560 www.elitevendingco.com

Loudonville, OH Phone: (419) 930-4277 sales@hhcustomhomes.com H&H Custom Homes builds forever homes and commercial projects for customers who treasure reputaaon, craasmanship, reliability, and long-term value. We build our reputaaon on strong client relaaonships and high-quality construcaon. construccon. With a can-do aatude, paaent customizaaon and seasoned craasmanship, we deliver what we say we will. We look forward to turning your dreams into reality!

It’s your home. It’s our passion. Let’s build it together.

TRUSTED

BUSINESS TIP Change your filters regularly and wash the pollen out of your outside unit for better efficiency!

TRUSTED

BUSINESS TIP When seeking to place or adopt, choose a state licensed adoption agency. Licensed agencies are monitored to ensure safe and ethical standards for all involved in the adoption process.

SPONSORED BY:

Joe Behr Plumbing & Heating 419-884-3278 joebehrheating.com

Building Blocks Adoption Service 330-725-5521 bbas.org

2023 BBB Trust Guide • bbb.org

TRUSTED

Do you suspect radon?

Prolong the life of your roof with regular inspections and maintenance. We can identify issues and perform repairs before major issues arise.

BUSINESS TIP Radon Survey Systems offers radon testing, diagnostic and abatement. SPONSORED BY: Radon Survey Systems 330-963-6633 radonsurveysystems.com

BUSINESS TIP

SPONSORED BY: A. Shepherd Roofing Company, LLC 330-666-0009 ashepherdroofing.com

Top Ten Scams of 2022 1 Phishing

6 Advance Fee Loans

2 Online Purchases

7 Counterfeit Products

3 Employment

8 Fake Check/Money Order

4 Sweepstakes/Lottery

9 Utilities

5 Debt Collections

10 Romance

$180,625.41 lost to scams in 2022 from consumers in our service area

How BBB Scam Tracker Works Report a Scam The Coﬀee Experts Since 1919

Roasting for over 100 Years! • Coffee Roasters • Open To The Public • Many Flavorful & Fun Gifts • Providing Workplace Coffee Delivery Services • Wide Selection of Coffee & Tea for Retail Business

Greek Goddess Diana hunts for the finest coffee beans to be roasted and offered at Pearl Coffee Company

330-253-7184

Get started by visiting BBB.org/ScamTracker and clicking on “Report a Scam.” Use our guided “Report a Scam” form to provide critical information about your scam experience.

Your scam report will help: » Empower the public to avoid the same scam » Identify new scam tactics » Inform consumer education campaigns » Identify new scam trends

Find an Accredited Business • bbb.org

2021 - 2009

So far I have spoken with customer service, Jason, in particular about 3 times. Technician, Josh, came out to the homes, and Eric, the comfort consultant. The 3 men have been wonderful to work with on my HVAC system. Answering my questions and concerns and helping me understand the process. I will be anxious to have my units installed in a few weeks. Grateful for Sal’s advertising on the Fish radio station. Thank you for the care you have provided so far to me! Update: Today Jesse and Rob installed my new water heater! The technicians were polite, punctual, and knew their job, I have wonderful hot water! Thank you Sal’s for your employees, service, and products!

Sharon Jakob, Akron

2023 BBB Trust Guide • bbb.org

CHIMNEY AND MASONRY REPAIRS

CARPET. HARDWOOD. LAMINATE. LUXURY VINYL PLANKS AND TILES.

Experienced Mason With Over 30 Years Experience

Repointing • Mortar Crowns • Cultured Stone Steps & Small Sidewalks Seamless Gutters • Metal Roofing & Asphalt

Owned & Operated by The Miller Family Since 1964

Each Franchise is a Locally Owned and Independently Operated Business.

Book a Free Consultation!

330-695-4905

www.MillerCustomExteriors.com

(330) 595-4710 clevelandsouth.ﬂoorcoveringsinternational.com

TRUSTED BUSINESS

Dutch Dannemiller Electric Company 330-658-2312 ddelectric.net

TRUSTED

BUSINESS TIP Some call it a dream, we call it a plan. Give us a call to start planning your kitchen or bathroom remodeling project. SPONSORED BY: Clazak Kitchen & Bathroom 330-264-4691 clazak.com

Find an Accredited Business • bbb.org

TRUSTED

Quality roofing at a fair price. Call us today to discuss your next roofing project. Mention BBB and get 20% off! Free Estimates

Always get Pre-Approved before shopping for a home.

BUSINESS TIP

SPONSORED BY: Ridgeline Roofing 330-317-0679

BUSINESS TIP

SPONSORED BY: Armor Mortgage 330-760-9609 www.armormortgage.com

2023 BBB Trust Guide • bbb.org

2022 Year in Review

Help us celebrate BBB Akron’s achievements!

56 Investigations & Ad Reviews Conducted by our local office

177 Scam Tracker Reports Submitted by consumers in our service area

9,956 Customer Reviews & Complaints Submitted for businesses in our service area

16,400

Smile at the future. Build the life you desire with stable, flexible, and budget-friendly healthcare.

Social Media Followers

Consumers on our local pages

11,027 Phone Calls

With consumers and our local office. Our office also conducted 4,021 live chats

850,405 Inquiries

Consumer pre-purchase requests for Business Profiles regarding specific businesses in our service area

2,741,563 Page Views

To BBB.org and BBB.org/akron from consumers in our service area

Find an Accredited Business • bbb.org

Quality Work at Competitive Prices

Insurance Claim Experts Licensed - Bonded - Insured

330-785-9931

2151 S. Arlington Rd. - Akron, OH

www.teamlcd.net

- Roofing - Siding - Complete Interior & Exterior Restoration - New - Re-Roofs - Flat Roofs - Repair

PARTING SHOT

by Kelly Petryszyn, photo cour tesy of the Furnace Street Mission Collection-Summit Memory/Akron-Summit County Public Library

“

Feeding the Soul Akron, 1940

”

Dubbed “The Brightest Spot in the Underworld,” Furnace Street Mission had a glowing cross atop its original building that beckoned to lost souls in an Akron neighborhood where stabbings and shootings were nearly daily in the ’20s, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. Since 1929, the nonprofit distributed clothing and up to 6,000 holiday meals annually. Its late unorthodox founder, known as the Rev. “Crazy Bill Denton,” caught attention with extreme demonstrations like burning an RSV Bible to protest that translation. His preaching left a mark, and his WADC program is one of the oldest religious radio shows in the country. Furnace Street Mission expanded to youth programs, prison ministries and halfway houses, and Denton’s son took over and founded the Victim Assistance Program bringing national recognition to Akron and helping thousands.

FEBRUARY 2023 | akronlife.com