January 2022 Akron Life Magazine

330 FLAVOR AWARDS

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 1 | JANUARY 2022

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

FRESH TASTE

5 BEST NEW RESTAURANTS TO TRY NOW

DIVINE FOOD SPIR ITS WINE photo by Stefanie Manley

330 FLAVOR AWARDS OVER 225 OF YOUR FAVORITES

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74470 57871

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JAN. 2022 $3.95

ALL STARS STUDENT ATHLETES EXCEL IN CLASS & ON THE FIELD FOREVER MORE DREAM WEDDINGS COME TO LIFE

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JANUARY 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 1

Pages start here

On The Cover

| 20 330 Flavor Awards | photo by Stefanie Manley

[ FEATURE ]

20 330 FLAVOR AWARDS Discover five best new restaurants to try now.

Plus, find over 225 of your top dining picks.

shrimp Divine photo by Stefanie Manley

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UNCORKED

AGENDA

UNTAPPED

Folie à Deux

[ the essential social digest ]

Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

07 UPFRONT Happy Birthday

11 FROM THE PUBLISHER

Special Sections

Mr. Brightside

36 BRIDAL

08 MAIL BONDING

09 RADAR

12 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] 13 Entertainment listings

+ Calendar of events

[ seen + heard ]

10 20 YEARS OF AKRON LIFE Akron Life & Leisure's first Publisher's Page

30 GOOD EATS [ notable food + drink ] 30 Restaurant listings 31 Uncorked: Folie à Deux 32 Untapped: Sublimely

Self-Righteous Black IPA

59 PARTING SHOT Cuyahoga Falls championship team

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Dream weddings come to life.

48 EDUCATION Student athletes excel in class and on the field.

PAGES UPFRONT Managing Editor | Kelly Petryszyn | kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com

Happy Birthday This year celebrates the start of Akron Life and the rebirth of Akron.

photo provided by the city of Akron

This past August, I wrote an article about the reopening of the Civic’s renovated arcade and lobby and the addition of the new Knight Stage and teased Lock 3’s massive makeover. All are reestablishing South Main Street as an anchor of downtown.

From the beginning, dining has been a large part of Akron Life, and this issue presents our fourth annual 330 Flavor Awards, with over 225 winners voted on by readers.

This year we’re highlighting new restaurants. I find it so encouraging that despite pandemic struggles with staffing and supply shortages, locals are still opening restaurants and customers are coming out.

The Flavor Awards are a newer addition to Akron Life, but it returns to Don’s mission of celebrating the best that Greater Akron has to offer.

I finally experienced the thrill of the reopened Main Street in downtown Akron this past summer when it warmed up and vaccines made it safer to be in crowds at Akron RubberDucks games. At Akron Life, we work with the Downtown Akron Partnership to produce the annual downtown Akron guide and had been writing about the multiphase project for years, so the anticipation had built. When my family and I attended one late July game, Main Street was so packed that it was tough to find parking and the restaurants outside of Canal Park were all full. The crowds brought an exhilarating energy — the renaissance had begun.

As Akron Life approaches its 20th anniversary in November 2022, we are celebrating all year by sharing content from our archives and updates on the rich life The 330 offers. Find founder Don Baker Jr.’s first column on pg. 10. In it, he writes about downtown, Canal Park and the redesigned Akron Civic Theatre of the “new Akron,” reborn after the desolate days of rubber factories leaving Akron in the ’70s and ’80s. It’s not lost on me that two decades later, we are experiencing another revival with even more on the horizon, as phase II of the Main Street Corridor project is underway and new businesses and apartments continue to emerge. It’s a great coincidence that Akron Life’s first year covered the people, places and events that shaped the new Akron, and one of those was the restoration of the Civic’s main auditorium.

It amazes me that the excitement for The 330 Don wrote about experiencing at an Akron Aeros game is as strong as ever. And nearly two decades later, I found myself in the same ballpark among another generation of passionate locals, and I’m editing the magazine that he started to give the Greater Akron region its own publication to record and share stories about the residents, businesses and things that make it vibrant.

Thank you for reading Akron Life and for your continued support. I’m excited to embark on this anniversary year with you as we salute where we came from, our burgeoning renaissance and the bright future ahead.

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

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PAGES MAIL BONDING

VOLUME 19 | ISSUE 12

Tell us what's on your mind.

DECEMBER 2021

FINDING G FAMILY A new Portage County group home helps foster youth feel at home

STOW & KENT EXPLORE NEW SPACES & THINGS TO DO IN THE TREE CITY

TOP DOCTORS 2021 KELLI CONNELL

Program Manager at Group Home photo by Shane Wynn

STILL FIGHTING DOCTORS & NURSES STAY STRONG IN THE COVID-19 BATTLE

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.

HAVE AKRON, WILL TRAVEL

FOUNDER

Don Baker Jr. [ 1940-2018 ] PUBLISHER

Colin Baker cbaker@bakermediagroup.com C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R

William L. Teckmyer III w teckmyer@bakermediagroup.com MANAGING EDITOR

Get Your Face In Our Magazine Send us pics of yourself with a copy of Akron Life and end up on this page!

Images and descriptions can be sent to editor@bakermediagroup.com.

Kelly Petryszyn kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R

Alexandra Sobczak asobczak@bakermediagroup.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Tylar Calhoun tsut ton@bakermediagroup.com CO N T R I B U T I N G WRITERS

Brendan Baker Aaron Fowler Mike McKenney POWERED BY

CO N T R I B U T I N G PHOTOGR APHER

Stefanie Manley SALES

Bunny Lacey Steve Tyson Ben DiCola sales@bakermediagroup.com C I R C U L AT I O N

circulation@bakermediagroup.com 330-253-0056, ext. 104

WHE T HER YO U WANT TO HOS T

EDITORIAL INTERNS

O R AT T E N D A

Marcus Anderson Halena Sepulveda

V I R T U A L E V E N T,

33 0 T I X O F F E R S BOTH EASE AND E N T E R TA I N M E N T .

JANUARY 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 1 (ISSN No. 74 470 5787 1)

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

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akronlife is published monthly by Baker Media Group, LLC, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313. Copyright 2022© 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.

PAGES RADAR

by Marcus Anderson and photo provided by Katie Gross

seen + heard

WAZZUP Those of us who remember the ’90s often find ourselves reminiscing about boy bands, Walkmans and slap bracelets.

“The One with All The 90's’’ podcast, ranked in the top 10 percent of popular podcasts globally by Listen Score, takes you back to those fly times with episodes featuring special guests and trivia about TGIF shows, Britney Spears, $1.50 gas prices and more. It’s hosted by Katie Gross, owner of Suburban Lash & Beauty in Macedonia and current Mrs. Northeast Ohio.

And if you’re totally into it, head to its website for merchandise like pencils with sitcom phrases and an “Ugh! As If!” pin from “Clueless.” allthe90s.com

THE REVOLUTION

BUILDING SKILLS

It’s OK to drink in church at the new Belltower Brewing Co. in Kent. Located in a more than 150-yearold former church, Belltower Brewing taps house-made German-style brews like kölsch and Marvin’s märzen crafted by head brewer and Market Garden Brewery vet Jennifer Hermann. Nosh on inventive options from beer cheese burgers to mussels steamed in beer as you sip, relax and listen to the historical bell ring. 310 Park Ave., Kent, belltowerbrewing.com

The new year is the perfect time to tackle home improvement projects, and it can be rewarding to do them yourself. Access helpful resources through the Community Tool Library, a Well Community Development Corp. program. If it's your first time embarking on home improvement, learn more in some of the Well's home maintenance classes taught by pros. Choose from over 500 tools in the library, including ratchets, drain snakes and drills. Find whatever you need to fix your home and master your space. 647 E. Market St., Akron, thewellakron.com

JANUARY 2022 | akronlife.com

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PAGES 20 YEARS OF AKRON LIFE Founder | Don Baker Jr. | 1940-2018

Akron Life & Leisure's first Publisher's Page November 2002

Making Memories

Publisher's Page

I

t kind of snuck up on me. This cultural and architectural renaissance in Akron did not come as a complete surprise, but it took me awhile to recognize that the Akron in which I grew up wasn't the same city I live in today. I think it was the opening game at Canal Park when Jaret Wright pitched the first game for the Aeros in freezing April weather. The place was absolutely packed; there were no seats left and standing room was at a premium. I looked around and realized that well over 10,000 people had come to downtown in winter-like conditions to not only watch a baseball game, but to celebrate the new Akron.

There was a time in the mid-70s when I could not have conceived of Greater Akron as anything more than the typical, Midwestern, rust-belt city fighting to stay alive. ln 1976, this town was paralyzed by a massive United Rubber Workers strike that almost put all of the shopkeepers and merchants out of business. Then, one by one, the rubber companies left town to set up shop in greener, non-union pastures. When the rubber companies departed so did the movers and shakers that made things happen in Akron, and it appeared that the city and surrounding region would die a cruel and ignominious death. The rubber barons who founded this city had created a rich cultural environment in which to live. They funded the arts and charities and entertainment venues that reflected their lifestyle. The Seiberling mansion known as Stan Hywet was a symbol of what this area had once been: a savvy, culturally rich area in which many folks wanted to live.

So, there I was, standing in the middle of 10,000-plus freezing celebrants in downtown Akron, waiting for Jaret Wright to throw the first pitch, when I realized that the Akron in which I have lived and worked all these years, had changed right in front of my eyes. I could no longer smell even the faintest hint of that uniquely Akron aroma of burnt rubber and roasting oats; things had definitely changed.

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The genesis for this magazine reaches back to 1968 on a business trip with the late Tom Babcox, president of Babcox Publications and one of the biggest Akron boosters I have ever known. He confided in me that he wanted to start a city magazine for Greater Akron, to celebrate all of the wonderful things he saw here. At the time, I couldn't see what he saw; I thought his idea was a daydream. If he were alive today, he certainly would be celebrating this wonderful city along with us.

Just look at what we have to celebrate: a rich and thriving downtown, Canal Park, the new Akron Civic Theatre, the new library, the art museum, the symphony, the Ohio Ballet, E.J. Thomas Hall, Blossom Music Center, Carousel Theatre, the Highland Theater, Kent State University, The University of Akron, Inventure Place, the John S. Knight Center, the Soap Box Derby, the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Stan Hywet, Hale Farm & Village, Quaker Square and much, much more. But Akron Life & Leisure does not just celebrate Akron proper, but the surrounding communities in Summit, Portage, Medina and northern Stark we see as Greater Akron, a thriving community of almost a million people.

Couple this with moderate housing costs and an adequate supply of decent jobs and you've got a community that is a model for the rest of the country.

This first issue is just the beginning. Our vision for future issues is to bring you the best that Greater Akron has to offer. From fine dining, theater, live performances, to elegant homes and how to create a way of life; we will also bring you the best in writing, photography and ideas. We invite you to join us in this celebration of the place in which we live and work and play. Let us know what you think of your new magazine, and by all means subscribe for yourself and your friends. Your ideas are important to us, and your support is essential.

Don Baker Jr.

PAGES FROM THE PUBLISHER Publisher | Colin Baker | cbaker@bakermediagroup.com

Mr. Brightside I’m kicking off the new year by looking forward.

It’s a new year, and with that comes all the possibilities. I guess you could call me an optimist.

I always find something to look forward to. I am able to wake up and feel motivated by something in the future.

The magazine business is all about the future. We work on and write about subjects that are months away, and sometimes that can create challenges, like with photography. It’s hard to do a spring issue when current photos are snowy, so we have had to plan some photo shoots a year in advance or use a file photo. I was recently listening to a psychologist speak about the positive emotions you feel when moving toward a goal, and he said, The more valuable the goal is to you, the more positive the emotion is that you feel. I find that to be true for myself and the way I think about Akron Life. Those first few years of the magazine, I’m sure a business consultant could have come in, looked at our operation and said, You might want to just shut the doors, but we never did. We just kept publishing.

So, what is it I look forward to? On the personal side, I am joining the world of Peloton exercise bikes. Since I’m writing this column in 2021, I don’t have the bike yet. Maybe if you never hear about it in another one, it’s because I only rode it a few times and it’s now being used as a coat rack.

But I am so looking forward to getting it.

Since I have a toddler running around the house, a gym has been low on the priority list, and I am going to try a home gym, or at least a home bike.

My other go-to thing I look forward to is improving my golf game. Now, this doesn’t always happen. Often, I have good games followed by games that I walk away from saying, I am done with this sport and It’s a complete waste of time. But the laws of the universe will give me just one shot, usually on the last few holes, and I think, Wow, that

was an awesome hit or putt. I will play one more time. Then the cycle continues.

With the magazine, it’s new story ideas and expanding our digital presence for our 20th anniversary year. We are also looking at adding a podcast this year. Stay tuned.

JANUARY 2022 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

JANUARY 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 1

Agenda the essential social digest

Through 1/26 “Susan Byrnes: The Viscosity Series” View this Ohio artist’s inventive exhibit of landscapeinspired sculptural drawings, including this piece, “Begonias.” Massillon Museum, Studio M Gallery, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

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AGENDA

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

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

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

Akron Civic Theatre The Civic has an assortment of live performances from all over with its Live Virtually portal. Check its Facebook for local musicians’ streams, events, stage shows and other performances. facebook.com/akroncivic

Akron Symphony Orchestra

Blu Jazz

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 new podcast, “Backstage at the Hi Hat,” available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more. akronsymphony.org

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

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

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

ArtsInStark

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

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

Akron-Summit County Public Library

Apollo’s Fire

Akron Soul Train

Canton Symphony Orchestra The orchestra is offering fun ways to connect virtually.

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

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

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 Sit kids down for regular storytimes 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

Indulge in music, art and literature with the Music for the Soul video series from the Cleveland Baroque orchestra.

The group posts past concert videos, interviews with people like the Grammy Award-winning conductor Jeannette Sorrell and related readings. See shows through a digital portal or in person. apollosfire.org

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

JANUARY 2022 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA Magical Theatre Co. 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

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Weathervane Playhouse

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

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

Nightlight Cinema

Summit County Historical Society of Akron, OH Learn about historical figures on their

Events

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.

birthdays, join virtual book talks, view artifacts and more on its Facebook page. facebook.com/ summitcountyhistoricalsociety

Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Summit Metro Parks

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

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

Radio on the Lake Theatre

Up Front Art Space

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

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

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

Dance and sing along to videos made by local artists.

You may have heard some of these 330 artists, like Jim Ballard, Shelby Olive and Adrian Labra on 90.7 and 91.3 Summit FM radio waves in the past. Check out the 50-plus videos to enjoy your favorites and discover new sounds. the330.net/virtual-jukebox

Standing Rock Cultural Arts

Wandering Aesthetics Theatre

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

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

Through 1/9 “Afterimages: Geometric Abstraction and Perception” This Akron Art Museum exhibit showcases art from the ’60s and ’70s with perceptual effects based on the science of eyesight, from pulsating patterns to afterimages that linger after the viewer looks at something else. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday, FridaySunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. akronartmuseum.org

Through 1/9 “Artwork by Members of the Boys and Girls Club of Massillon” Visit the Massillon Museum to see some colorful, uplifting pieces made by youth. Massillon Museum, Fred F. Silk Community Room Gallery, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. TuesdaySaturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

Through 1/16 “Stark County Artists Exhibition” This annual juried show highlights the work of local artists who live or work in Stark County. Massillon Museum, Aultman Health Foundation Gallery, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon.

Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 2-5 p.m.

Free. massillonmuseum.org

2022 is already a lucky year for high school seniors.

They’re eligible for an ENTIRE SEMESTER of FREE COLLEGE TUITION next fall at Stark State College.

Any major.

Unlimited credit hours.

Online or on campus.

And there’s more: Even after their free start at Stark State, they’ll get the lowest tuition in the area.

Of course, Stark State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, important for any family, whether their student takes their SSC degree straight to a good-paying, in-demand job or transfers for a baccalaureate degree at SSC’s partner institutions such as The University of Akron, Kent State University, The Ohio State University and Northeast Ohio Medical University.

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Families can learn more about why Stark State is the place to start at February’s senior night.

Get the details:

AGENDA

Through 2/21 WinterBlast at Lock 3 The city of Akron provides winter activities for adults and children, like Ohio’s largest outdoor seasonal ice skating rink, polar cub kids’ rink, reindeer run slide, polar indoor mini golf, the magical train and more. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. lock3live.com

Through 2/27 “Continuum: Historical Resonances in Contemporary Art” Five special pairings of past and present works encourage surprise and delight. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron.

Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday, Friday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. akronartmuseum.org

Through 2/27 “Forever Chanel/ Coco & Karl” This exhibit at the Kent State University Museum features more than 40 examples of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld, such as dresses and suits. Kent State University Museum, Stager and Blum Galleries, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. TuesdaySaturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum

Through 3/6 “Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross” This comic book artist has produced some of the most iconic images for the Marvel Universe today, including Captain America, Spider-Man, Black Panther and more. See art from his recent book, “Marvelocity,” and learn about Ross through childhood drawings, sketches, head busts and more. 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 nonmember adults. cantonart.org

Through 4/3 “Pop Op” See pop and op art from the Canton Museum of Art’s collection and lenders, with featured artists including Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Roy Lichtenstein and Clevelander Julian Stanczak. 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 nonmember adults. cantonart.org

Through 3/26 Haymaker Farmers’ Through 4/30 Countryside Market Enjoy the winter season of this yearround market by shopping indoors for local food, art, Winter Farmers’ Market Shop handmade products and more. United Methodist Church of Kent, 1435 E. Main St., Kent. Saturdays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. haymakermarket.com

Through 3/27 “More is More: Visual Richness in Contemporary Art” Viewers who look closely are rewarded at this Akron Art Museum exhibit of intricate art with rich patterns, ornate surfaces and unexpected details. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday, Friday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. akronartmuseum.org

from local farmers, food entrepreneurs and artists at Countryside’s indoor farmers market on select Saturdays. Old Trail School, 2315 Ira Road, Bath. 9 a.m.noon. countrysidefoodandfarms.org

Through 5/15 “The 10,000 Things” Cleveland artist Jordan Wong melds inspiration from Asian art with graphic design, iconographies and his musings on triumph and growth.

The exhibit features brightly colored large-scale vinyl printworks both inside the museum and outside in the Bud and Susie Rogers Garden. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday, Friday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. akronartmuseum.org

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AGENDA

Through 7/17 “What’s in Your Bag?” The Kent State Museum features an exhibit inspired by a purse in the museum’s collection that still had personal items in it. This display imagines what could be in others’ purses. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent.

Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent. edu/museum

Through 8/7 “Textures: The History and Art of Black Hair” The Kent State University Museum features an exhibit that connects the history, fashion and art of Black hair.

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

1/3 Art Camp: Graffiti Kids ages 7 to 14 learn about and practice lettering, design and stencil making associated with graffiti, tagging and image making. Materials are provided by the studio.

Akron ArtWorks, 1684 Merriman Road, Akron. 8:30 a.m.-noon half day, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. full day. $40-$70. akronartworks.com

1/6 Wellness through Art: Drawing and Doodles Make art from mindless and mindful attention. Explore contour drawing and simple but mindful doodles with pencil and pastels. Take a moment to destress while exploring your creativity with a variety of artistic media. The class begins and ends with brief relaxation or an easy meditation. Akron ArtWorks, 1684 Merriman Road, Akron.

6:30-7:45 p.m. $25. akronartworks.com

1/6-1/8 Levit Plays Brahms Second Piano Concerto Igor Levit brings his probing curiosity, extraordinary musicianship and immeasurable empathy to Brahms’s towering Second Piano Concerto performed by the Cleveland Orchestra. Rounding out the concert is a new work by Hans Abrahamsen, whose work “Let Me Tell You” has been called the best classical work of the 21st century.

Mandel Concert Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 7:30 p.m. $21-$151. clevelandorchestra.com

1/7 First Friday Family Movie: “Frozen” The Canton Palace Theatre presents a familyfriendly movie as a part of the Canton First Friday celebration. Say hi to Anna and Elsa entertainers. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7 p.m. cantonpalacetheatre.org

1/7 Cleveland’s Clearwater Revival: The Sights and Sounds of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty Take a trip back to the late ’60s and early ’70s as Cleveland’s Clearwater Revival immerses its audience in the complete experience of the swamp rock and Americana-roots music of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty’s solo career, which spans five decades. Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $20. akroncivic.com

1/8 Concert Film Presentation: “Rocketman” The Canton Palace Theatre presents a unique concert movie experience, combining elements of both a live event and film screening in one night. See the film on Canton’s largest screen while being immersed in the Palace’s theatrical lighting during the concert scenes. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7:30 p.m. $10. cantonpalacetheatre.org

1/8 Thomas Mulready & Vanity Crash: Bowie@75 - Ziggy Stardust Revisited This show features live original music and Bowie classics alternating with exclusive interviews conducted with members of the Spiders From Mars, Bowie’s hard rocking band during his Ziggy Stardust period. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $20-$25. jillysmusicroom.com

1/12 Today’s Bride Akron Wedding Show Gather your wedding party, family or fiance and plan your entire wedding under one roof. Shop everything you need to create your dream wedding with over 100 of Northeast Ohio’s best wedding professionals. Take advantage of special discounts, deals, prizes and giveaways. John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $15-$40. todaysbride.com/ bridal-shows

1/13 Wellness through Art: Clay Bas Relief Learn relief techniques to reveal the images below. Take a moment to destress while exploring your creativity with a variety of artistic media.

The class begins and ends with brief relaxation or an easy meditation. Akron ArtWorks, 1684 Merriman Road, Akron. 6:30-7:45 p.m. $25. akronartworks.com

1/13 Divergent Sounds Series: Rock Meets the Symphony featuring Hey Monea Discover the new sound of two different musical genres combined into one unique concert series. Hear Canton Symphony Orchestra musicians perform with some of the region’s most popular musicians. Enjoy free admission with a donation of a gently used musical instrument for the Summit’s Music Alive Program. Umstattd Performing Arts Hall, Zimmermann Symphony Center, 2323 17th St. NW, Canton. 7:30 p.m. $20-$45. cantonsymphony.org 16

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2022

AGENDA

Room to experience Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School, the world’s premier alternative drawing movement.

Artists draw glamorous underground performers in an atmosphere of boozy conviviality. Founded in 2005 in a dive bar in Brooklyn, Dr. Sketchy’s has now spread to over 100 cities around the world. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $10. jillysmusicroom.com

JOSHUA BELL & LARISA MARTINEZ FEBRUARY 8 EJ THOMAS HALL

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1/13-1/15 Welser-Möst Conducts Mozart & Dvořák Franz Welser-Möst leads

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the Cleveland Orchestra in a concert that opens with a charming work with a sentimental connection: the Linz symphony is named after his hometown. Mozart wrote it when stopping over on a trip from Vienna to Salzburg, both in Austria. Concluding the concert is Dvořák’s Eighth, as exciting and tuneful as his famous New World Symphony. Mandel Concert Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 7:30 p.m. $21-$151. clevelandorchestra.com

1/13-1/23 8x10 TheatreFest

Valentine’s date night.

Weathervane Playhouse celebrates the art of the short play with its 10th 8x10 TheatreFest. Each play is written with a specific prop selected by the previous season’s audiences. $18-$22. weathervaneplayhouse.com

1/14 Akron Zoo Wine & Paint This event features an animalthemed painting led by an instructor. During the intermission, a zoo animal ambassador paints. Tickets include one drink, appetizers and an 11-by-14-inch painting to take home.

Additional drinks are available for purchase.

Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. 6-8 p.m. $35-$40. akronzoo.org

A union of voice and violin Married in 2019, this extraordinary couple tours together for the first time – a can’t-miss event.

tuesdaymusical.org tuesdaymusical.org

1/14 Morrison Hotel This Doors tribute has been thrilling crowds with accurate versions of the Doors hits since 1994. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $5-$10. jillysmusicroom.com

1/14 The Thor Platter Trio Born and raised in Buffalo, singer-songwriter Thor Platter received a good dose of classic rock as a youth when his sister introduced him to her record collection. Her Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan albums influenced Platter while he forged his own songwriting style, built around strong vocals and a great group of musicians backing him. G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. 8 p.m. $15. peninsulahistory.org

1/14-15, 1/21-22 & 1/28-29 “Rent” This rock opera tells the story of one year in the life of a group of bohemians struggling in modern day East Village, New York. The group deals with love, loss, the AIDS epidemic and life in one truly powerful story. Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. $20. akroncivic.com

1/14-15, 1/21-22 & 1/28-29 “Hear What’s In The Heart: A Shoemaker’s Tale” This play brings to life all the passion, comedy and drama inherent in a SicilianAmerican family. Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. $20. akroncivic.com

1/15 “Baroque Virtuosos” The Akron Symphony Orchestra presents an evening of the world’s best from the Baroque era, including a world premiere of a tuba concerto. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron.

8 p.m. $15-$60. akronsymphony.org JANUARY 2022 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

1/15 Hotel California: The Original Tribute to the Eagles This

1/25 “Dancing with the Stars: Live Tour 2022” Favorite dancers from this

tribute band has shared the stage with the Doobie Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Gretchen Wilson and more international artists. They’ve performed in places like Tahiti, Dubai, Japan, India, Bermuda and more. Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. $20-$30. akroncivic.com.

iconic TV series hit the stage this winter with a new show, starring Brandon Armstrong, Alan Bersten, Artem Chigvintsev and more. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. $45-$80. 8 p.m. akroncivic.com

1/16 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Concert This uplifting concert showcases the music of prominent Black composers, such as Dolores White, Mary D. Watkins, Carlos Simon, Brian Raphael Nabors, William Grant Still and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, as well as music in the African American spiritual tradition. The program concludes with James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson’s beloved hymn “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Mandel Concert Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 7 p.m. Free. clevelandorchestra.com

1/17 Akron Zoo’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Guests can enjoy free admission and fun activities provided by the Akron Chapter of NAACP. Online reservations are required. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. akronzoo.org

1/21 Satisfaction: the International Rolling Stones Show This is the international touring tribute show to one of the world’s greatest rock bands. This Billboard and Pollstar highly rated show is entering its 20th year in production with over 4,000 performances listed to its credit. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $5-$10. jillysmusicroom.com

1/22 Outback presents Rodney Carrington: “Let Me In!” Rodney Carrington is a multitalented comedian, actor, singer and writer playing sold-out shows around the world as one of the top 10 highestgrossing touring comedians for the past two decades. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7 p.m. $50-$200. cantonpalacetheatre.org

1/22 Highway 61 This Rust Belt-based band features Bob Moughler on harmonica and vocals, Mike Lenz on guitar and vocals and Dylan Roth on drums. Moughler’s quest was to form a band that would incorporate Chicago-style blues and West Coast boogie.

Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $5-$10. jillysmusicroom.com

1/23 University of Akron Steel Drum Band Dr. Larry Snider founded the University of Akron Steel Drum Band in 1980. At the time, it was one of only three colleges in the U.S. to have a steel drum ensemble. For over 40 years, all of the band’s steel drums were exclusively built and maintained by master tuner Dr. Clifford Alexis. This ensemble is dedicated to performing the musical art form of Trinidad and educating people about that history. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. $7-$12. 2:30 p.m. akroncivic.com

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1/28 Roxxymoron Voted best local band

by Akron Life readers, Roxxymoron is an eight-piece rockpop cover band with horns, tight vocals and a song list spanning generations. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. $5-$10. jillysmusicroom.com

1/29 Dungeon Mapping for Beginner Game Masters Adults 21 and over can join an in-person tutorial on how to draw dungeon maps for any game master who wants to take their game to the next level and present their players with original maps and design. Have a drink and get creative. Materials and your first glass of wine are included. Registration is required. Akron ArtWorks, 1684 Merriman Road, Akron. 7-9 p.m. $30. akronartworks.com

2/2 Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets This band is made up of Pink Floyd’s formidable drummer and co-founder Nick Mason along with other musical legends Gary Kemp, Guy Pratt, Lee Harris and Dom Beken. Aptly named after Pink Floyd’s second album, fans get treated to songs from Floyd’s iconic early catalog up to the 1972 album “Obscured

by Clouds,” including the epic “Echoes.” Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $60-$105. akroncivic.com

2/3 Alla Boara This critically acclaimed group of artists seeks to bring recognition and new life to Italy’s diverse history of regional folk music. The modern arrangements of near-extinct folk songs are surprising, playful, mournful, tender and bewitching.

Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $20. akroncivic.com

2/4 “15 60 75” The Numbers Band This long-running blues-rock combo formed in Kent in 1969 with an original lineup that included guitarist-keyboardist Hank Smith, bassist Greg Colbert and drummer Tim Hudson. Jilly’s Music Room Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $5-$10. jillysmusicroom.com

2/4-2/26 “Something Rotten” Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadows of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theater involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. See it on select dates. The Hudson Players, 41 S. Oviatt St., Hudson. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. $15. hudsonplayers.com

2/5 “Lift Ev’ry Voice: A Celebration of Brotherhood & Sisterhood” Monteverdi’s beautiful “Nigra Sum” from the Vespers of 1610 meets a stunning 2019 composition of the same title by Black composer Jonathan Woody. Renowned countertenor Reggie Mobley shares tales of his childhood growing up Black in the deep south. A suite by Joseph Bologne, known as “the Black Mozart” in the 18th century, leads to Civil War-era spirituals. The Apollo’s Musettes youth choir join Apollo’s Fire musicians and soloists in this celebration of our shared humanity. Arlington Church of God, 539 S. Arlington St., Akron. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. $10-$72. apollosfire.org

AGENDA

2/5 Zoso with Ravenwood Zoso: the Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience formed in 1995 to perform the most accurate and captivating Led Zeppelin live show since the real thing. Each band member has been carefully selected to portray both the appearance and playing styles of their Led Zeppelin counterparts.

Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron.

8 p.m. $20. akroncivic.com

2/5 All Grateful Dead Show featuring the JiMiller Band JiMiller blends together blues, country, Cajun, old rock ‘n’ roll, jazz and bluegrass into a musical Americana that is described as “fresh and timeless.” The band, however, is best-known for its freeform improv rock that was made famous by the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers. Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $20. akroncivic.com

2/5 Jim Ballard & the Strangs with Jon Mosey Trio An Akron native, Jim Ballard has long been a part of the Northeast Ohio music scene. The lineup of the Jon Mosey Trio is Mosey on guitar, vocals and songwriter, Tb Player on bass and Erik Diaz on drums. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $5-$10. jillysmusicroom.com

2/6 MadCap Puppets present “The Story Quest” Royal storyteller Everett Hickenbottom has spun 999 tales in as many nights for the queen. He recounts two adventurous tales before getting help from the audience to imagine one final wondrous story. This family-favorite includes loads of audience participation and hilarious puppets in this charming production. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 2:30 p.m. $5-$14. akroncivic.com

2/8 Violinist Joshua Bell and Soprano Larisa Martinez Bell is one of the world’s most recognized and in-demand classical musicians. Martinez is the operatic soprano who debuted to acclaim at Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall in 2019 and has performed extensively with Andrea Bocelli. Together, they are coming to Akron as one of the first stops on their first tour as a married couple during Tuesday Musical’s latest show. E.J. Thomas Hall. 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $25-$70. tuesdaymusical.org

2/11 Dwight Yoakam presented

by Latshaw Productions Enjoy a show

by Dwight Yoakam, who has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide and is a Grammy Award-winning performer. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7 p.m. $52-$122. cantonpalacetheatre.org

2/11-2/27 “Charlotte’s Web” Based on E.B. White’s classic story, the show centers around the tender, life-changing friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte who manages to save his life. This show is full of love, devotion and heartwarming humor. See it on select dates. Players Guild Theatre, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton. $25. playersguildtheatre.com

2/12 Wine, Cheese and Chocolate, Darling Celebrate life’s little pleasures at this unique and immersive tasting event that showcases numerous different wines, both domestic and international. Patrons can enjoy wines from dry to sweet, white to red and Champagne to port. Tastings are paired with amazing different cheeses and chocolates presented by local purveyors.

Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. $45. akroncivic.com

2/12 Gospel Meets Symphony The concert — one of Northeast Ohio’s proudest and most enduring musical traditions — features the Akron Symphony Orchestra as well as a variety of inspirational songs performed by some of the area’s best musicians and vocalists, including the GMS 2.0 Choir, the junior gospel choir. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $15-$60. akronsymphony.org

Looking for a perfect Valentine’s date night?

How about a sexy, intimate concert by newlywed superstars Joshua Bell and Larisa Martinez?

He’s one of the world’s most famous violinists. She’s the soprano who has performed extensively with Andrea Bocelli. They’re both coming to EJ Thomas Hall on February 8 for Tuesday Musical’s Akron Concert Series.

Tickets start at just $25. Or, for $50, get a three-concert package that also includes Tuesday Musical’s March 1 classicaland-jazz concert reuniting long-separated Cuban brothers and May 4 concert by Miami’s sizzling Nu Deco orchestra.

Married in 2019, superstar violinist Joshua Bell and soprano Larisa Martinez are coming to Akron for a concert that’s a perfect Valentine’s date night.

For details: akronconcertseries.org 330-761-3460.

JANUARY 2022 | akronlife.com

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330 FLAVOR AWARDS

by Kelly Petryszyn and Alexandra Sobczak

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TAKE A SEAT AT THESE BEST NEW RESTAURANTS. AMID THE PANDEMIC, THEY OPENED TO OFFER AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FARE, RUSTIC SMOKEHOUSE PL AT TERS AND ECLECTIC GLOBAL CUISINE. ENJOY THESE UNIQUE CULINARY EXPERIENCES, AND CHECK OUT OVER 225 OF YOUR PICKS FOR BEST GASTROPUB, JOJOS, BREWERY AND MORE.

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330 FLAVOR AWARDS

Owner Cameron Thomas delivers the roasted vegetable orzo and fire-roasted feta dip.

When Cameron Thomas opened the River Merchant in early 2020, he had already spent years planning how to preserve the spot’s legacy.

Formerly Riverside Wine & Imports, the Kent location has long been beloved by locals looking to shop for wine and get a scenic view of the Cuyahoga River. But now, you can shop, take in the sights and dine, all in one trip.

“The big thinking for me is the lineage of this being a great location for retail,” says Thomas. The River Merchant still maintains a small market with specialty wine and beer.

“A lot of people come to not

DEEP DIVE just eat, drink and have a good time, but also to buy beer and wine on their way out or even on separate occasions.”

The menu features formal dishes like shrimp scampi and petite filet while also serving elevated casual fare like chicken pesto flatbreads and fire-roasted feta dip.

“The main inspiration was to bring something a little more mature, a little more refined to Kent,” he says. “We’re looking to use high-quality ingredients utilizing some higher-end elements but also be very approachable.”

The roasted vegetable orzo ($14) embodies that mission.

With sauteed veggies like

zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, tomato, artichoke and bok choy that get mixed with lemon garlic oil and house-made pesto over orzo and topped with goat cheese, the dish appeals to vegetarians, while also having the option to add shrimp, chicken or steak.

“It has a nice crisp taste with the vegetables and a rich mouthfeel with the cheese,” Thomas says. “It’s perfect to add chicken to. It has a luscious, lingering finish.”

Like Riverside, the River Merchant focuses on drinks, with an extensive menu of whiskey, gin, scotch, cocktails and more. Enjoy a seasonal drink like the gin-based spiced hibiscus honeypot

while dining by the restaurant’s large windows or on its wraparound porch and soaking up views of wildlife such as beavers, foxes, wild turkeys and a bald eagle.

“There’s definitely a diverse array, especially in a more urbanized area,” he says.

Also look for railroad tracks, where trains go by at least once per hour, and old canal markings, which inspired the restaurant’s name.

“It just landed on River Merchant, trying to harken back to the mercantile canal railroad lineage,” Thomas says.

AS 911 N. Mantua St., Kent, therivermerchantkent.com JANUARY 2022 | akronlife.com

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330 FLAVOR AWARDS

Best Restaurant in The 330 1 . Sylvester’s North End Grille 2 . The Merchant Tavern 3 . Luigi’s Restaurant Best New Restaurant in The 330 1 . El Patron Tequileria & Cuisine 2 . Vinifera Wineto-Whiskey 3 . Mama’s Hot Dogs Best Restaurant in Downtown Akron 1 . Diamond Grille 2 . Luigi’s Restaurant 3 . Crave Best Restaurant in Medina County 1 . Santosuossos’ Pizza Pasta Vino 2 . Thyme2 3 . 111 Bistro Best Restaurant in Summit County 1 . Luigi’s Restaurant 2 . Kingfish 3 . The Bistro of Green Best Restaurant in Portage County 1 . Ray’s Place 2 . Arnie’s West Branch Steak House 3 . The River Merchant Best Restaurant in Stark County 1 . Sylvester’s North End Grille 2 . Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery 3 . Bender’s Tavern Best Chef in The 330 1 . Tony Sledge, Kingfish 2 . Beau Schmidt, Beau’s Grille 3 . John G. Bahas, Waterloo Restaurant and Catering

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WINNERS Best Restaurateur 1 . John G. Bahas 2 . Ken Stewart 2 . John Kolar 3 . Beau Schmidt Best Service Staff 1 . Rosewood Grill 2 . Kingfish 3 . Beau’s Grille Best Breakfast 1 . Farmer Boy Restaurant 2 . Fred’s Diner 3 . Wally Waffle Best Chicken and Waffles 1 . Beau’s Grille 2 . Wally Waffle 3 . Blue Door Cafe & Bakery Best Benedict 1 . Rosewood Grill 2 . Wally Waffle 3 . Beau’s Grille Best Sandwiches 1 . D & M Grille 2 . Menches Bros.

Restaurant 3 . Beau’s Grille Best Classic Burger 1 . D & M Grille 2 . Swensons Drive-In 3 . Pub Bricco Best Specialty Burger 1 . Menches Bros.

Restaurant 2 . Swensons Drive-In 3 . The Rail Best Veggie Burger 1 . The Merchant Tavern 2 . Swensons Drive-In 3 . Butcher & Sprout 3 . Mustard Seed Market & Cafe Best Reuben 1 . Diamond Deli 2 . Beau’s Grille 3 . Waterloo Restaurant and Catering

carnitas

esquites

330 FLAVOR AWARDS

MISSION FIELD Some dishes are twists, like the At the Battleground, molcajetes ($25), the Mexican each dish tells the story version of American fajitas that of Mexico. Owner Rosi Nieto created, which are now Peruyero-Noden is a common on menus nationwide. native of Papantla, Mexico, Get grilled skirt steak, shrimp or and has been living in chicken in a scorching hot lava Kent for the past 15 years rock bowl filled with grilled scalwith her children and lions, grilled cactus, tomatillo husband, Munroe Falls salsa and Chihuahua cheese that native Kirk Noden. She you pile into tortillas. had been cooking Mexican “It finishes cooking the cheeses,” family recipes at home Peruyero-Noden says. “It’s fun since she couldn’t find the to scrape the cheeses out of the food she ate growing up. side of a molcajete.”

She set out to fill that gap when the spouses opened The Battleground not only the Battleground in South shares culture through food but Kent in January 2020. also advocates through Drink Your Values — the only social “I wanted to bring traditional justice beer project of its kind Mexican food to Northeast in the country — in which Ohio,” says Peruyero-Noden. exclusive beers are brewed by Modern Methods Brewing She teamed with award-winCo. in Warren. A percentage ning chef Dudley Nieto, whom from every beer sold benefits she worked with at a Chicago a different charity, with causes restaurant, to create a menu spanning from immigration of chef-driven dishes that hail reform to the revitalization of from Mexico and are made the working-class South Kent using authentic ingredients, neighborhood. including about 19 imported Mexican spices. Much of the “We’re very transparent about our food is crafted from scratch, values,” says Noden, who leads including its chips, salsas and the project. “People appreciate tortillas. For the latter, Nieto’s that and want that authenticity.”

Mexican grandmother helped him learn a perfected recipe.

The community response Nieto’s travels to Mexico influenced the carnitas ($24), which feature juicy pork marinated in orange juice and served with guacamole, black beans and salsa borracha, a classic thick chilebased salsa made with alcohol.

has been strong, with over 30,000 customers its first year.

Peruyero-Noden is excited to see locals come to love her Mexican entrees and specials, which they aren’t always familiar with.

“I want to serve those that appreciate a dish that has history and “He goes to very remote towns, culture,” she says. “Those are very faraway places and explores the food of that region,” Peruyero- the ones that are supporting me in making this place unique.”

Noden says. “He takes time to KP talk to local people and learn the way they make it.”

425 Cherry St., Kent, battlegroundbar.com Owner Rosi Peruyero-Noden serves up the pollito al tamarindo.

JANUARY 2022 | akronlife.com

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330 FLAVOR AWARDS

FINE TIME Many bits and pieces of Akron’s history went into creating Divine Food Spirits Wine.

Its owner, Renee Kintz, spent 26 years working as a bartender and server at classic spots like Darby’s on Fifty-Nine, Tangier, Moe’s Restaurant, Northside Speakeasy and more. She used her experience to open her dream restaurant in the building that housed the original Rockne’s in Cuyahoga Falls.

“Had it not been this building in particular, I might not have had as much confidence,” she says.

“But I believed in it so much that I was willing to risk it all.”

That risk paid off. Divine opened December 2020, adding sophisticated flair to the familiar spot, even drawing in Rockne’s founder Rockne Becker for a meal.

“I wanted to create a little oasis,” Kintz says. “I wanted it to be upscale and semi fine dining, but very casual. I want people to feel welcome.”

The food is made from scratch using mostly local ingredients, with choices like sauerkraut bombs, lobster rolls, grilled portobello sandwiches, elotes and more. Its signature dish, shrimp Divine ($27), features fresh butterfly shrimp that are dusted with breadcrumbs before being broiled in garlic butter and served with a lemon beurre blanc. It comes with a fresh vegetable of the day and housemade focaccia.

“People say they could drink the sauce,” Kintz says.

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There’s plenty to imbibe at Divine, including wine, whiskey, cocktails and nightly drink specials. Try the toasted marshmallow smoked bourbon, made with Elijah Craig and housemade toasted marshmallow simple syrup while listening to live music four to five nights a week from local musicians like Mike Lenz, the Conway Brothers and Ben Gage.

The place completes a long-held dream, both for Renee and her late father, Tom Kintz. The pair always wanted to open a wine bar or restaurant together.

“My dad passed away six years ago,” she says. “I just wanted to honor his work ethic and try to do what we always had talked about.”

There are pieces of him all around the refined restaurant, including some framed paintings from his collection. Local handblown glass bottles — purple, his favorite color — are displayed on a shelf. And the logo itself is in Tom’s handwriting, comprised of letters taken from a message written in the last birthday card he gave Renee.

Just like its name suggests, Divine is an example of things falling perfectly into place.

“This building has such a crazy full-circle aspect to it,” she says.

“Everything happened in divine timing.” AS 2752 Hudson Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, divinefoodspiritswine.com

Aric Frank and owner Renee Kintz

WINNERS Best Barbecue 1 . Big Eu’es BBQ 2 . City Barbeque and Catering 3 . Winking Lizard Tavern Best Wings 1 . The Merchant Tavern 2 . Winking Lizard Tavern 3 . Beau’s Grille

shrimp Divine

330 FLAVOR AWARDS

Best Appetizer Menu 1 . Kingfish 2 . Beau’s Grille 3 . Rosewood Grill Best Charcuterie 1 . Beau’s on the River 1 . 750 ml Wine Bar 2 . Vinifera Wineto-Whiskey 3 . Butcher & Sprout

Best Fried Chicken 1 . Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery 2 . Waterloo Restaurant and Catering 3 . Gionino’s Pizzeria

Spiciest Food in The 330 1 . Sushi Asia Gourmet 2 . Cilantro 3 . Taste of Bangkok 3 . House of Hunan

Best Steakhouse 1 . Diamond Grille 2 . Rosewood Grill 3 . Beau’s Grille

Best Cocktails 1 . Kingfish 2 . Brubaker’s Pub 3 . Beau’s Grille

Best Gastropub 1 . The Merchant Tavern 2 . Table Six Kitchen & Bar 3 . Lager and Vine Gastropub & Wine Bar

Best Happy Hour 1 . Kingfish 2 . Rosewood Grill 3 . Brubaker’s Pub

executive chef Patrick Amato

Best Tacos 1 . El Fogon Mexican Grill 2 . Bomba Taco & Bar 3 . Barrio Best Mexican Restaurant 1 . El Fogon Mexican Grill 2 . Tres Potrillos 3 . El Patron Tequileria & Cuisine Best Jojos 1 . Euro Gyro 1 . Gionino’s Pizzeria 2 . Rizzi’s Ristorante & Pizzeria 3 . Showcase Meats 3 . Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery Best Sauerkraut Balls 1 . The Merchant Tavern 2 . Waterloo Restaurant and Catering 3 . Ken Stewart’s Grille

Best A.M. Adult Drinks 1 . Burntwood Tavern 2 . Waterloo Restaurant and Catering 3 . Caston & Main Brew Yard Best Margarita 1 . El Fogon Mexican Grill 2 . El Patron Tequileria & Cuisine 3 . El Meson Mexican Restaurant Best Mules 1 . The Merchant Tavern 2 . Beau’s Grille 3 . Edgar’s Restaurant Best Restaurant Beer Selection 1 . Winking Lizard Tavern 2 . The Lockview 3 . Ray’s Place

JANUARY 2022 | akronlife.com

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330 FLAVOR AWARDS

Best Brewery 1 . Eighty-Three Brewery 2 . Lock 15 Brewing Co. 2 . Hoppin’ Frog Brewery 3 . Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. 3 . Fat Head’s Brewery Best Wine Selection 1 . Rosewood Grill 2 . Ken Stewart’s Grille 3 . Beau’s Grille

Best Ethnic Market 1 . DeVitis Italian Market 2 . Asia Market 3 . Falls Mediterranean Best Pizza 1 . Gionino’s Pizzeria 2 . Pavona’s Pizza Joint 3 . Foster’s Tavern of Hinckley

Best Winery 1 . Red Horse Winery 2 . The Winery at Wolf Creek 3 . Sarah’s Vineyard 3 . Gervasi Vineyard

Best Italian Restaurant 1 . Luigi’s Restaurant 2 . Santosoussos’ Pizza Pasta Vino 3 . Vacarro’s Trattoria 3 . Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine

Best Coffee / Espresso 1 . Nervous Dog Coffee Bar 2 . Angel Falls Coffee Co. 3 . Artisan Coffee

Best Noodles 1 . Sushi Asia Gourmet 2 . Rice Paper Thai Cuisine 3 . Pad Thai

Best Coffee Shop Atmosphere 1 . Angel Falls Coffee Co. 2 . Nervous Dog Coffee Bar 3 . Artisan Coffee

Best Seafood 1 . Kingfish 2 . Beau’s Grille 3 . Bender’s Tavern

Best Sushi 1 . Kasai Japanese Restaurant 2 . Sushi Asia Gourmet 3 . Sushi Katsu Best Chinese Takeout 1 . Lucky Star Chinese Carryout 2 . House of Hunan 3 . Sushi Asia Gourmet Best Thai Cuisine 1 . Rice Paper Thai Cuisine 2 . Cilantro 3 . Thai Lanna & Sushi Bar Best Indian Food 1 . The Saffron Patch 2 . Bombay Sitar 3 . Jaipur Junction Best Mediterranean Food 1 . Aladdin’s Eatery 2 . Papa Gyros 3 . Continental Cuisine 26

WINNERS

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2022

Best Salads 1 . Beau’s Grille 2 . Waterloo Restaurant and Catering 3 . Luigi’s Restaurant Best Vegetarian / Vegan Food 1 . Nepali Kitchen 2 . Mustard Seed Market & Cafe 3 . Ms. Julie’s Kitchen Best House-made White French Dressing 1 . The Merchant Tavern 2 . Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery 3 . Beau’s Grille Best House-made Italian Dressing 1 . Luigi’s Restaurant 2 . Waterloo Restaurant and Catering 3 . Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery

330 FLAVOR AWARDS

ROOTS REVIVAL

Polish supper platter and Southtown burger

Not only does the Farmer’s Table serve rustic dishes crafted using farm-fresh Ohio ingredients, but it also cooks them like farmers traditionally have for years.

You can often smell the smoker going out back.

“A lot of people on farms would have smokers. It’s part of the farm — to do stuff low and slow, get that nice smoky flavor,” says owner Jon Stahl.

“It’s an element we thought should be in a farm-to-fork.”

Find oh-so-tender smoked items like brisket, turkey, pulled pork and even baked beans on the menu featuring smokehouse sandwiches, salads and steaks, which rotate seasonally with the harvest. The spot opened in January 2020 and is one

of the businesses reviving a condemned Medina building where farmers once exchanged goods.

Stahl and his wife, Patty, who also own P.J. Marley’s Restaurant & Pub in Medina, decorated the Farmer’s Table in weathered woods, barrels and metal farm signs as a nod to that rich history and collaborated on menu items with local farmers like Oberlinbased McConnell Meats, which delivers truckloads of beef, pork and bacon weekly.

platter ($19) that comes with potato-and-cheese Pierogies of Cleveland. Like many items on the menu, the dish reflects the heritage of several Northeast Ohioans, including Stahl, who grew up eating those foods on his Polish family’s farm. Similarly, the Southtown burger ($15) is a custom McConnell chuck, sirloin and brisket blend and showcases a Cleveland-made Orlando Baking Co. brioche bun, Amish cheddar, a housemade aioli and house-cured garlic dill pickles.

“They’re a fourth-generation “The flavor and texture of the farming family that’s right meat — you know it’s a qualnext door. It’s healthy land, ity burger,” Stahl says. “The healthy farming, healthy food,” juices explode in your mouth.”

Stahl says. “Local is something we try not to compromise on.” For the buttermilk chicken sandwich ($13), the Ohio McConnell ages its meats onchicken is pounded, marisite, including the kielbasa nated in buttermilk and used in the Polish supper spices, dredged in flour, fried

and then topped with house garlic dill pickles, a house buttermilk ranch and fresh greens grown at Root 42 Harvests in Medina. The Farmer’s Table also carries local drinks like Medinamade Voudoux Vodka and Wrecking Crew Brew Works.

While supply chain challenges have prompted some restaurants to switch to massproduced ingredients, the Farmer’s Table hasn’t, and customers savor the results.

“Some people haven’t eaten fresh in a while. They’re like, Wow, that tastes totally different,” Stahl says. “It’s not a big secret. It’s a quality product from a great local family farm.”

KP 320 S. Court St., Suite 100, Medina, thefarmerstablemedina.com JANUARY 2022 | akronlife.com

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330 FLAVOR AWARDS

HISTORY MAKER The Romanesque 1840s Stone House mansion in Massillon intrigues passersby with its beauty and history that predate the Civil War. When patrons dine at the Social at the Stone House restaurant inside the 4,000-square-foot gem, they can satisfy that curiosity.

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ing the home in a swanky, upscale style that matches its elegant local sandstone exterior, wood-paneled foyer, hand-carved wooden grand staircase, circular gazebo and five fireplaces. She themed each room, including the third-floor Overlook Lounge with great views of Massillon, vaulted ceilings, Prohibitionera liquor cabinets hidden in the bench seating and a long wooden bar. A large patio with a fire pit and cigar lounge is set to open this spring. Doll says dining in the grand environment is a highlight.

“They like to check out the house and look at all the floors in the rooms, which we encourage and love. I want it to be an experience,” says owner Sandy Doll, who previously ran an event center in the space and launched the restaurant in July 2021.

“First it’s the house and atmosphere, and then it’s the food and service,” she says. “It’s a whole night out.”

Her frequent global travels influenced her while redesign-

The menu features eclectic global cuisine with elevated

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2022

large and small plates, such as “It’s a two for one. It’s a nice, the tuna tartare avocado stack light flatbread,” she says, “then ($18) that’s served with kettle you have the salad on top.” chips. Chef Jeff Herman dices The cocktails are stunners tuna, marinates it in soy with artful garnishes such sesame oil and stacks it with as the refreshing vodka lime avocado and green onions. gimlet ($12), which is topped A Sriracha drizzle adds heat with a cucumber ribbon. that’s balanced by the avocado.

“It cools it down and makes it a little more refreshing and lighter,” Doll says.

A favorite Doll has been serving at events for years is the prosciutto and arugula flatbread ($14). The base packs a tiny tart punch from an artichoke bruschetta made of marinated artichokes, garlic, olive oil and Parmesan. It’s topped with a prosciutto and peppery arugula salad tossed in olive oil and lemon juice for a dash of zestiness.

While Doll is new to the restaurant business, her experience with charity work and event planning shines, as the environment, dishes and drinks keep piquing interest.

“I’m thrilled when somebody says, I’ve been two or three times,” she says. “That’s what keeps me going — how to be more creative and put different spins on things.” KP 824 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, socialstonehouse.com

WINNERS

330 FLAVOR AWARDS

Best Cheesecake 1 . Sweet Mary’s Bakery 2 . Niko’s Sandwich Board 3 . Papa Gyros Greek Grill

Best Sports Bar 1 . Jerzee’s Sports Grille 2 . Winking Lizard Tavern 3 . Brubaker’s Pub

Best Cake 1 . The West Side Bakery 2 . Sweet Mary’s Bakery 3 . Aladdin’s Eatery 3 . Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery

Best Place to Eat and Watch a Live Performance 1 . Jilly’s Music Room 2 . Gervasi Vineyard 3 . Blu Jazz

Best Cupcake 1 . Sweet Mary’s Bakery 2 . A Cupcake a Day 3 . The West Side Bakery

Best Place to Eat at the Bar 1 . The Merchant Tavern 2 . Kingfish 3 . Beau’s Grille

tuna tartare avocado stack

Best Doughnuts 1 . Jubilee Donuts 2 . North Hill Donuts 3 . Mary Ann Donuts Best Frozen Dessert 1 . Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt 2 . Pav’s Creamery 3 . Stricklands Frozen Custard Best Chocolate 1 . Hartville Chocolate Factory 2 . Heggy’s Nut Shop 3 . Malley’s Chocolates

gimlet

Best Caterer 1 . D & M Grille 2 . Beau’s Grille 3 . Waterloo Restaurant and Catering Best Food Truck 1 . D & M Grille 2 . Barrio 2 . Swensons Drive-In 3 . The Funky Truckeria

Most Romantic Restaurant 1 . The Bistro of Green 2 . Lanning’s Restaurant 3 . D.B.A. Best Restaurant to Take the Kids 1 . Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery 2 . Waterloo Restaurant and Catering 3 . Dewey’s Pizza Best Casual Dining 1 . The Merchant Tavern 2 . Rosewood Grill 3 . The Lockview Best Fine Dining 1 . Diamond Grille 2 . Kingfish 3 . The Bistro of Green Best Festival 1 . Summit County ItalianAmerican Festival 2 . FreedomFest 3 . Rib White & Blue

Best View 1 . Beau’s on the River 1 . Gervasi Vineyard 2 . The Jetty at Sheraton Suites 3 . Lannings Restaurant

JANUARY 2022 | akronlife.com

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GOOD EATS

JANUARY 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 1

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.

The Battleground Authentic Mexican food in an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. It specializes in tortillas and salsa that are made fresh daily.

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

3180 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330867-5218 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T, W Beau’s on the River Stunning views of the falls with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary decor. Fusion eclectic cuisine, lunch buffet and Sun. brunch. Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7530 $$$ B, L, D, A, T, W 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 Bistro on Main House-made desserts, hand-cut steaks and fresh pasta.

1313 W. Main St., Kent, 330-673-9900 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Burntwood Tavern Owned by the same couple that runs the other Burntwood locations, this restaurant’s menu features steaks, sliders, smoked, planked and woodgrilled food. 2291 Riverfront Parkway, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-794-7085; 4320 Everhard Road NW, Canton, 234-2099746; 3750 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 234-466-7372 $$$$ L, D, A, T, W Canal Tavern of Zoar Fine casual dining in Zoar’s original tavern and inn.

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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 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 Desert Inn Family-owned since 1970.

Specializes in family-style shish kebabs. 204 12th St. NW, Canton, 330-456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A Diamond Deli A local favorite with fat sandwiches and fresh soups. 378 S. Main St., Akron, 330-762-5877 $ B, L, A, D (Saturdays only), T Diamond Grille Akron’s oldest steakhouse. All steaks are hand-cut, and seafood is flown in fresh. 77 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-0041 $$$$ 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 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 Farmer’s Table With a full from-scratch menu, fresh food comes from the farm to your table. Choose from

small plate favorites like charcuterie, or if you’re feeling hungrier, try the buttermilk chicken dinner or applewood smoked beef brisket. 320 S. Court St., Suite 100, Medina, 330952-2079 $$$$ L D T A P Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery A spacious restaurant serving homestyle food made from scratch with a bakery, oil and vinegar tasting room and candy shop on the site of the Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market. 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330-877-9353 $$$ L, D, T, W 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 Ken Stewart’s Grille Widely recognized as one of Akron’s finest. Upscale, eclectic cuisine. Emphasis on steak and seafood. 1970 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-2555 $$$$ L, D, A, T, V Ken Stewart’s Lodge Casual, Adirondackstyle atmosphere, eclectic cuisine.

1911 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-8881 $$$$ D, A, T Ken Stewart’s Tre Belle Italian atmosphere and authentic cuisine.

Specialties include an antipasto bar, big drinks and an extensive wine list.

1911 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-9990 $$$ D, A, V, T Kingfish A posh yet sleek interior features the freshest seafood of North Coast. Dress is business casual. Reservations recommended.

115 Montrose West Ave., Copley. 330777-2005 $$$$ D, A Kosar’s Wood-Fired Grill Award-winning steakhouse offering aged steaks and seafood tastefully in an upscale space decorated with beloved former Cleveland Browns player Bernie Kosar’s own authentic memorabilia.

At the MGM Northfield Park casino. 21 and over only. 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-908-7602 $$$$ D, A

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Luigi’s Restaurant An Akron icon. 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 24hour notice. 105 N. Main St., Akron, 330-253-2999 $$ L, D, A, T No credit cards Menches Bros. Restaurant Inventors of the hamburger and ice cream cone. In Akron since 1901. 4887 Tuscawaras St. W, Canton, 234-410-3444; 3700 Massillon Road, Green, 330-896-2288; 235 Lincoln Way W, Massillon, 330832-6200 $$ B, L, D, A, T Niko’s Sandwich Board 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 $$ L, D, T Papa Gyros Greek Grill Authentic Greek fare, wine and beer. 3939 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0707; 4760 Everhard Road, Canton, 330-4971100; 320 W. State St., Alliance, 330823-7773; 2045 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330-456-9000; 1 N. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-247-2475 $$ L, D, A, T 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 River Merchant Riverfront restaurant offers guests a beautiful dining experience with a chef-inspired 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, 330968-6376 $$$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Russo’s Unique cuisine featuring Cajun and Italian influences. Fine dining atmosphere. 4895 State Road, Peninsula, 330-923-2665 $$$$ L, D, A, T Sarah’s Vineyard Sample high-quality wines, appetizers and desserts in the tasting room, on the deck or in the butterfly garden. 1204 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330929-8057 $$ L, D, A, T

GOOD EATS UNCORKED

by Mike McKenney

Folie à Deux Trinchero Family Estates | California

Made using grapes from the most sought-after vineyards of Sonoma County’s sub-appellations, Folie à Deux wines are excellent to share with loved ones in the new year. Folie à Deux is a noteworthy brand from Trinchero Family Estates, founded in 1981 by two psychiatrists who are crazy about wine.

Trinchero has over 50 global wine and spirit brands. This one is a must-try, with enchanting red and white varietals.

Here are some to uncork with those close to you.

PINOT GRIS From the Sonoma Coast appellation that has a cooler climate and more rainfall that’s ideal for growing pinot gris grapes, this varietal ($14.99) is very concentrated and loaded with acidity. That acidity is what makes your mouth water and crave another sip. Aromas of stone fruit like peaches and pear hit you instantly. The flavor profile of this pinot gris comes from tropical fruit along with honey and spice. With a medium body and smooth finish, it’s a versatile, foodfriendly choice to pair with chicken, cheese and seafood.

PINOT NOIR

ZINFANDEL

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

These grapes from the Sonoma Coast appellation are gently pressed and then aged in French oak barrels that create layers of flavors. If you like cherry cola and raspberry or strawberry jam, swirl and sniff this wine ($22.99) before tasting. Complementary flavors of spice, cola and vanilla come through on the palate with a balanced finish.

With well-drained stony soil, warm summer days and morning fog, the Dry Creek Valley appellation is ideal for growing zinfandel grapes. With a firm finish, savor the aromas and layered flavors of fruit, mocha and cedar. This silky and juicy wine ($18.99) is a perfect pairing with short ribs or cigars during a poker game.

Also from the Alexander Valley appellation and layered with flavors and complexity, this wine ($22.99) is a welldefined balance between the aromas and flavors of dark fruit. Let it breathe to fully experience the juicy aromas of the fruit, cassis and spicy oak.

The ripe concentrated flavors make this wine stand out by itself or with a meal like a favorite steak or burger.

MERLOT CHARDONNAY Influenced by the fog off the Pacific Ocean, this chardonnay’s ($14.99) grapes come from the Russian River Valley appellation, which has a long growing season. The beautiful texture is produced from aging in French, American and Hungarian oak barrels. Enjoy this complex wine and its well-integrated flavors of pear, apple, apricot and nutmeg with a salmon dish.

The warm climate, marine influence and well-drained soils of the Alexander Valley help create this well-structured, rich and smooth merlot ($18.99).

The dark berry fruit produces aromas of plum, dried tea and graphite. Like all great merlots, it has velvety tannins and a firm plush finish.

Find Folie à Deux wines at select Heinen’s, Acme Fresh Market, Giant Eagle and Buehler’s Fresh Foods locations.

[ Mike McKenney is a manager at Heidelberg Distributing Co. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

JANUARY 2022 | akronlife.com

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GOOD EATS UNTAPPED

by Aaron Fowler

Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA Stone Brewing | California six-pa

One of the most cherished beers throughout Stone Brewing’s 26-year history is back this month.

Sublimely Self-Righteous Black India pale ale wreaks havoc on your palate in the best way possible.

First brewed 15 years ago, Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA capped off a beloved run in the beer market in 2015. After years of requests, Stone Brewing brought back the beer as a winter seasonal last year, and it once again pops up this month.

This extremely hoppy yet dark and decadent beer erupts with notes of pine and tropical fruits fused with chocolate and coffee reminiscent of a flavorful imperial stout.

It conjures a chocolate-covered hop cone to your taste buds.

The vibrant black IPA packs a gnarly punch at 8.7 alcohol by volume and 90 international bitterness units.

Founded in 1996, Stone Brewing is the creation of masterminds Greg Koch and Steve Wagner. Over the last two and a half-plus decades, Stone Brewing has led the way in the craft beer industry as a pioneer of the west coast IPA and continues to innovate. This past year, Stone Brewing ranked ninth in the Brewer’s Association Top 50 craft breweries in the U.S. by volume. So catch this award-winning brewery’s Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA while it returns.

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9 $16.9

Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA is available in six-packs of 12-ounce cans at select Giant Eagle, Acme Fresh Market, Heinen’s, Mustard Seed Market

& Cafe, Buehler’s Fresh Foods and Fisher’s Foods locations, as well as your finer craft beer stops like Lizardville and 101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.

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

Social at Stone House Welcoming guests with craft cocktails and a global menu in a pre-Civil War mansion.

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

Be sure to order an artfully garnished cocktail like the JD Manhattan or gimlet. 824 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, 330-809-0461 $$$ L D T A P Swensons Drive-In Voted best burger in Akron Life’s Best of the City.

Signature burger is the Galley Boy. 658 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-928-8515; 40 S. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-864-8416; 4466 Kent

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Road, Stow, 330-678-7775; 40 Brookmont Road, Montrose, 330665-1858; 5815 Wales Ave., Jackson Township, 330-833-5454; 1558 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-4999494 $ L, D, T Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. Named Ohio Brewery of the Year at the 2016 New York International Beer Competition, this brewery received medals for several of their brews. These medals included gold for Siberian Night aged in Bourbon Barrels, silver for Rail Dog Smoked Black Lager and bronze for Cerasus Dog. 529 Grant Street, Akron, 330-252-2739 $$ A

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 1 pound giant lobster tail. 2809 Pearl Road, Medina, 330-725-6288 $$$ D, A, T Totally Cooked To-Go Comfort foods, soups, made-to-order sandwiches and salads, and desserts. Menu changes weekly. 388 S. Main St., Akron, 330-294-1102 $$ B, L, D, T 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 The West Side Bakery Specialties include cakes, pastries and cookies.

Breakfast items include scones and yogurt parfaits. All sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups are made from scratch. 2303 W. Market St., Akron, 330-836-4101 $ B, L, T Please send any changes or corrections to kpetryszyn@ bakermediagroup.com.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Hospitality Restaurants Salutes 30 Years with 30 Charities for 30 Days of Giving Back

partners David Hale, George Schindler and Kay Ameen

Hospitality Restaurants celebrates 30 years in Northeast Ohio. With eight award-winning restaurants between Akron and Cleveland, it marches into its fourth decade of providing upscale dining experiences to loyal patrons. Company founders and lifelong best friends Kay Ameen and George Schindler are commemorating this anniversary with a special campaign.

“We are so grateful for the support the communities we serve have given us,” Schindler says. “As we humbly look back on our success, we wanted to do something especially meaningful and knew that there was no better way to celebrate than to give back.”

For its 30th anniversary celebration in January, Hospitality Restaurants is donating

$1,000 for 30 days to 30 charities. The company reached out to suburban mayors CPF EQOOWPKV[ NGCFGTU VQ ƒPF UOCNN NQECN charitable organizations that would best be impacted by the donation, emphasizing volunteer groups that provide food and comfort to those most in need.

Hospitality Restaurants has won a trove of awards since 1991, including seven Top Workplace awards from Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. The company’s greatest achievements are the personal success stories of more than 300 staff members who have built long-standing careers carrying out the company’s mission of doing “whatever it takes” to make each guest feel special.

The original Hospitality Restaurant was an authentic log cabin structure that began as a local shot-and-beer hangout in 1940s

Westlake and got remodeled into the thriving Cabin Club Steakhouse. Hospitality Restaurants now runs an event-driven URQTVU DCT CPF UGXGP CFFKVKQPCN ƒPG FKPKPI restaurants including the iconic Blue Point Grille in downtown Cleveland, Salmon Dave’s in Rocky River, Delmonico’s Steakhouse in +PFGRGPFGPEG -KPIƒUJ 5GCHQQF KP #MTQP CPF Rosewood Grill in three locations.

Unique concepts in historical properties, an unwavering commitment to serving the highest quality ingredients and its bond to its loyal staff has characterized Hospitality Restaurants’ establishments.

“We have so many employees who have stayed with us for 10 to 20 years or more, and it’s just incredibly humbling that they’ve chosen to build a career and life with us,” says Schindler.

JANUARY 2022 | akronlife.com

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ON LIFE’S A KR

330

FLAVOR AWA R D S

THE RIVER MERCHANT Finalist: Best Restaurant in Portage County

DINING GUIDE

Choose from dishes on the chef-inspired seasonal menu, with flatbreads, burgers, pasta and more. Also enjoy an extensive list of elevated beer, wine and cocktail options. Stop by our retail section for craft beers and boutique wines.

Reservations are available. Call ahead.

THE RIVER MERCHANT 911 N. Mantua St., Kent 330-968-6376 therivermerchantkent.com

MENCHES BROS. RESTAURANT

D & M GRILLE

Best Specialty Burger, Finalist: Best Sandwiches

Best Food Truck, Best Caterer, Best Sandwiches, Best Classic Burger

Enjoy the best burgers in Canton, Green and Massillon at a Menches Bros. Restaurant location, with 50 varieties to choose from. We should know — we invented the hamburger back in 1885 and have perfected this iconic all-American sandwich ever since. But it doesn’t stop there. You ECP ƒPF JQWUG OCFG UQWRU RCUVC EJQRU EJKEMGP OGCVNQCH RK\\C CPF handcrafted cocktails from our full-service bar.

MENCHES BROS. RESTAURANT 3700 Massillon Road, in the Shops of Green 330-896-2288 menchesbros.com 34

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2022

Enjoy friendly and professional service while dining on fresh quality food from our food truck or catering service. We offer 12 regular menu items, plus daily specials, as well as locally made ice cream from Pav’s Creamery. We can be your go-to option for private parties, large functions and your other catering needs.

D & M GRILLE 330-990-1111 dandmgrille.com

DINING GUIDE

330 FLAVOR AWARDS

DONTINO’S FINE ITALIAN CUISINE

DIAMOND GRILLE

Finalist: Best Italian Restaurant

Best Restaurant in Downtown Akron, Best Steakhouse, Best Fine Dining

Dontino and Anna Maltempi spent many evenings solving the world’s problems over a plate of spaghetti, a glass of Chianti and an espresso.

Experience their family recipes at Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine. Whether you order spaghetti and meatballs, veal Parmigiano or authentic pizza, you’ll appreciate sauces and pastas made with the same care used in the Maltempi house. Dontino’s — an Akron tradition since 1930. Very modern, very Italian and very good.

DONTINO’S FINE ITALIAN CUISINE 555 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron 330-928-9530 dontinos.com

Be assured that the steak you choose is aged to perfection at Diamond )TKNNG 9JGVJGT [QW EJQQUG QWT TQ[CN ƒNGV OKIPQP DTQKNGF FQWDNG (TGPEJ lamb chops or specialties such as sliced beef tenderloin, you will receive the ƒPGUV VCUVG RTGUGPVCVKQP CPF UGTXKEG +P CFFKVKQP VQ &KCOQPF )TKNNGŨU HCOQWU entrees from the broiler, we take pride in our variety of appetizers, seafood and poultry dishes, as well as our fully stocked bar.

DIAMOND GRILLE 77 W. Market St., Akron 330-253-0041 diamondgrille.com

JANUARY 2022 | akronlife.com

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BRIDAL GUIDE

by Marcus Anderson, Halena Sepulveda and Alexandra Sobczak

forever more DREAM WEDDINGS COME TO LIFE.

The day they’ve been looking forward to has finally arrived.

From an appearance by a college mascot to a record player guest book, these weddings reflect each couple and their love.

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akronlife.com | JANUARY 2022

BRIDAL GUIDE

Shelby + Quinn Miller photographers: Genevieve & James Nisly Genevieve Nisly Photography genevievenisly.com

Throughout his eight years dating Shelby Barnes, Quinn Miller kept picturing their future together.

“Every plan I’ve ever considered making since I met Shelby has included her,” Quinn says. “When I looked down the road, she was still in every vision I had about what I wanted in my life.”

The two, who met through mutual friends while attending Kent State University, got engaged during a trip to Cape Cod in 2019. Following his proposal at Dowses Beach, Quinn arranged for friends and family to be waiting nearby so they could toast together.

“It was everything I dreamt that it would be for us,” he says. “I finally was able to pop Champagne. We celebrated for hours and hours.”

The now Atlanta residents tied the knot June 19 on the west terrace of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron.

They marked the fete with a reception at Portage Country Club in Akron, surrounded by their friends, families and even their college mascot.

From the Bride Cake Boss: We wanted to make it a part of our decorations, so we had seven cakes.

We had one main cake that was ours that we cut. … Each cake had its own unique design and was tiered on different pedestals.

Mix Master: We had specialty drinks. Mine was called the Golden Flash for Kent. It was a nice bourbon lemonade, a refreshing summer beverage. Quinn went with the Miller High Life because it’s a namesake, but also it’s one of our favorite beers.

Happy Place: We don’t want to do something that’s traditional if it doesn’t have significance to our lives. At Kent … they had a class on Adam Sandler films. Quinn and I took that class together, and we are huge Adam Sandler fans. … We had a friend play the song “Grow Old with You” from “The Wedding Singer.” … We ended up going to Hawaii on our honeymoon, and we ran into Adam Sandler. I never in a million years would have thought that would have happened.

From the Groom Something Flashy: My brother is friends with a gal who works in the athletics department [at Kent State], and she was the one in the Golden Flash costume. She danced around for a bit, and it was a complete surprise!

Magic Aisle: It’s hard not to get butterflies in that moment. The music stops for a second and then begins the processional of her, flinging open the beautiful back door of the manor house and she comes out with her dad. I immediately lost it. I mean I’m not afraid to say it: I was a blubbery mess. She looked beautiful. The day was perfect. It was like an instant time-hop to think back to the night that I met her and all the amazing things we’ve done together, and then to realize that in 30 seconds’ time, all of that culminates in me being able to call her “my wife” — it was super surreal.

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BRIDAL GUIDE

Tylar + Andrew Calhoun photographer: Courtney Burns Fleeting Fox Photography fleetingfoxphotography.com

Tylar Sutton was getting ready for what she thought was a typical date when her musician boyfriend of four years, Andrew Calhoun, came over to her Akron home and started playing guitar downstairs. He shouted up that he wanted her to hear a new song.

She came down, and he was singing “First Day of My Life”

by Bright Eyes, the couple’s favorite song since they had met at Restoration Church in North Canton, where he was a worship leader and she was a graphic designer. He popped the question, and she said yes! What made it even more exciting was they had an audience — 25 family members were secretly on a Zoom call on a nearby laptop and got to celebrate with them. A few minutes later, her parents showed up on the front porch with a bottle of Champagne.

The ring was another lovely surprise, as the diamond was her mother’s and Andrew had gotten it from her dad a few months before.

“He got it set. It’s really special because it was my mom’s, and now it’s mine,” says Tylar, who is also the graphic designer for Akron Life.

The now Leesburg, Virginia, residents were married May 22, with their ceremony and 38

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intimate ’70s-inspired reception at Old 97 Cafe in Akron’s Kenmore neighborhood.

From the Bride Joyous Tears: Marrying Andrew was something I was very excited about, and I looked forward to and prayed about for a really long time. … I remember smiling so big that my cheeks hurt. During the ceremony, I was like jumping up and down because I was so excited. [Andrew] cried. I was just happy. I’ve never been more thrilled.

Mood Set: The space is already so pretty and whimsical, which is kind of what we were going for, and really relaxed. His brother

handmade our backdrop, a wooden arch with little wings.

We put florals around it, which was beautiful.

Tune In: Our guest book was a record, which was really cool.

Andrew picked out an old record he really liked. It was Paul Simon. We had everyone sign it with a gold marker. We had our vintage record player sitting out beside it.

From the Groom No Jitters: I was ready for it. I felt really calm. We’ve waited, and we knew what we wanted.

There was no question.

Smoke Signal: We had a cigar bar after the ceremony. We

knew we were probably going to move to Virginia. So it was a lot of fun to be able to be like, Hey, let’s hang out with our people while we’re here.

We got a chance to connect with everyone.

Emotions Taking Over: The first look was the most memorable for me. It was like a Polaroid moment. Like, This is going to be a moment that you’re going to remember forever. I don’t cry often. But I think it just hit me all at once what the day was. Both of us said, Oh, wow, this is about us and what we’re building together, our love, where we’re going to be in 20 years. MA

BRIDAL GUIDE

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BRIDAL GUIDE

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BRIDAL GUIDE

Alyssa + Jonathan Hadinger photographer: Alan Chavez Alan Chavez Photography alanchavezphotography. mypixieset.com

Alyssa Drury and Jonathan Hadinger had only been dating for six months when she took a leap — she moved from Minnesota to Jonathan’s Hartville home. They had been dating long-distance after meeting online during the beginning of the pandemic. After about two months of FaceTime dates, Jonathan traveled to Alyssa for a 24-hour visit.

“I felt like I had known him forever,” says Alyssa, who had lived in Northeast Ohio before moving to Minnesota.

“Everything felt natural and like it was meant to be.”

A year later, Jonathan proposed during a visit to Gervasi Vineyard, and Alyssa happily said yes. The now Uniontown residents wed Sept. 24 in a bespoke ceremony at Faith Family Church in Canton, which they attend,

and a reception at the barn at Windham Acres, that Jonathan’s family owns.

From the Bride Elegant Display: I love a lot of details, so my dress was a lot of beading and lacework on it and the train. I love hints of vintage and classic, traditional kind of looks. I definitely had that in my dress but a modern twist on it with it being off the shoulder.

Family Ceremony: We had a moment where our parents could come up and pray over us, which was really cool and emotional.

Cherish It: One of my favorite parts was right after the ceremony. Jonathan and I went alone into a room just to process everything. And we’re like, Oh my gosh, we’re married. This is real.

Hearts Unsealed: Back when we were dating longdistance, we’d write each other letters. We put those around the reception area with pictures and stuff like that, which were really fun to look back on.

Shining Exit: I’ve always wanted a sparkler send-off.

It was so fun, seeing everyone lined up, all of our favorite people. … The sparklers made it seem so magical.

From the Groom So Familiar: What I liked about the venues is they felt like home, because one’s on our family’s property, and the other is where we spend so much time already — at the church.

Time Keeper: Like I got her necklace the day of the wedding, she got me my watch

that I wore, which was gold.

I think I’ve worn it every day since.

Musical Gift: I play cello for weddings. I wanted to not have to play at my own wedding. Brandon, my brother, learned “Perfect,” by Ed Sheeran. It was a song she always wanted played [while she walked down the aisle], but knowing that it was my brother playing it was really important to me. … I can still envision every memory.

AS

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BRIDAL GUIDE

by Halena Sepulveda, photos by TN Photographics

dress up

BECOME THE BRIDE YOU’VE ENVISIONED WITH A FULL STYLING SESSION.

I

T CAN BE TOUGH FOR BRIDES TO SAY “YES” TO THE DRESS, LET ALONE PUT TOGETHER THE REST OF THEIR WEDDING DAY LOOK. IVORY & ASH BRIDAL STYLING STUDIO HELPS YOU FIND THE ENSEMBLE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED WITH A COMPLETE STYLING SESSION — AND IT CAN ALL BE DONE FROM YOUR HOME.

“Bridal shopping has been one way for so long, and it’s hard to get people’s minds wrapped around, I can just have a party at my house and everything comes to me,” says Ivory & Ash owner and stylist Annie McGinty, who launched the mobile boutique and styling service in October 2019.

Along with traveling to clients’ houses for appointments, McGinty also has a bridal studio in her Hudson home and does pop-up boutiques at locations like the CoLounge in Fairlawn. She curates up to 10 dresses, veils, jewelry pieces and snacks, so brides can have an unforgettable experience.

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“I had her come over to my house with a selection of dresses, which is nice because I was able to have a few more people over at my house where we can spread out,” says Beachwood bride Erika Loeffel, who got married at the Glidden House in Cleveland last July. “I didn’t feel overwhelmed having to sift through racks and racks of dresses. She brought Champagne. She brought a charcuterie board. It was an event.”

Fashion Show

McGinty and Loeffel share tips on how to make the most of the bridal styling experience.

Right now, “hand beaded is off the charts,” McGinty says.

Choosing a contemporary beaded dress allows brides to be elegant while adding a hint of glimmer. The detail-

Dress shopping can be overwhelming, especially if brides aren’t sure what styles to look for. Ivory & Ash stylists call brides to get to know their tastes, then curate unique dresses by independent designers while also adding in other flattering styles. For example, if a bride wants a ballgown, McGinty mixes in a few A-line or slim-figure dresses to give brides some surprising extra options.

ing plays into the popular Hollywood glam aesthetic.

Statement pieces like feathers are also trending this season and so are dresses with sleeves.

McGinty encourages brides to try styles outside of their comfort zones, but ultimately, they should feel confident, which was exactly why Loeffel chose her glitzy, slim-figure dress.

“The dress I got was a fully beaded, fitted V-neck, sparkle from head to toe,” Loeffel says. “I put it on, and I was like, This is a badass dress.”

BRIDAL GUIDE

“I Do” Beauty Many brides who come into the styling session already have ideas about their wedding day hair and makeup.

“More than 90 percent say immediately, I’m wearing my hair up or I’m gonna wear it down,” says McGinty.

But she has seen that change because of a dress, so she recommends keeping an open mind to different looks and accessories, whether that be an updo or a headpiece. Something that McGinty brings to every styling appointment is a selection of veils because it helps give a full preview of the special day.

“A lot of brides say, I don’t want a veil,” she says.

“Then they put on a veil, and they’re like, Oh my gosh.”

It can be easier to envision yourself as a bride when you look the part in every aspect, so McGinty suggests brides do their hair and makeup before the session. Loeffel did hers before and chose bold black lashes, a natural mauve lipstick and soft curls with a flowy long veil for her vintage glamour wedding look. But if brides aren’t sure, McGinty can offer suggestions of makeup artists, salons and styles.

“I go off what their vibe is,” she says, “give them recommendations.”

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BRIDAL GUIDE

Greystone With an imposing seven-story stone facade, Greystone remains one of downtown Akron’s most majestic structures. Originally built by the Freemasons in 1917 for their business and social gatherings, the building now offers exceptionally appointed spaces for weddings and special celebrations. Upon entering Greystone’s first-floor lobby, the marble walls and floor immediately convey an unmatched level of elegance and sophistication. Regardless of its location within the building, your event receives the highest level of attention and service from our staff — making it memorable for years to come.

A grand staircase or elevator carries your guests to the second floor that features three unique rooms. The barrister’s lounge is anchored by a 20-foot bar and fireplace, with Greystone’s original billiards room accessible through a set of adjacent double French doors.

These rooms accommodate more intimate functions from 50 to 80 people. The two-story ballroom comprises the remainder of the second floor. Large windows, a tiered balcony staircase ascending to the third floor above and ornate decor combine to make the ballroom a signature banquet space. Two hundred (200) guests can enjoy fine dining, dancing and entertainment from the ballroom’s main stage.

The third floor offers a bird’s-eye view of the ballroom below and also a newly furnished sitting parlor, separate dining in the garden room and a multipurpose suite for use by bridal parties and special guests. greystonehall.org | 330-374-7590 103 S. High St., Akron

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BRIDAL GUIDE

Aisle Ready The magic of a bride on her wedding day is truly in the details, and jewelry, belts, sashes and other accessories finish the ensemble to give each bride her own unique feel.

To stay trendy, McGinty strays from traditional accessories like rhinestones and fake diamonds and brings brides more modern pieces, which are handmade and crafted by independent studios.

“We’re seeing a lot of mixed metals, a lot of asymmetrical,” she says.

Brides can browse recommendations at a complimentary half-hour accessory session at Ivory & Ash’s studio or get suggestions on jewelers to consult.

McGinty brought accessories to Loeffel’s session, and Loeffel got everything through Ivory & Ash except her peep-toe shoes. Loeffel went to the website of the designer dress she purchased and found a jeweler for her dangly beaded earrings, which McGinty delivered to Loeffel’s door with a steamed veil, her dress and a bottle of Champagne.

The entire styling experience helped Loeffel feel comfortable and confident in the glitzy, glam look she curated for her wedding.

“It was the easiest thing,” says Loeffel. “We had a great time.”

312-339-1140, ivoryandash.com Erika Loeffel wedding photo by Birch Tree Photography

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BRIDAL GUIDE

Glenmoor Country Club & Resort As Northeast Ohio’s premier wedding destination getaway, Glenmoor Country Club & Resort can make your bridal dreams come true. With everything you need in one location, it can be a weekend you and your guests remember forever.

can accommodate all sizes and styles to make your wedding ceremony and reception special. Your guests will be delighted with the location that is also close to the Interstate and hotels.

Hale Farm & Village Make your special day historic. Hale Farm & Village is one of Ohio’s top living history museums, nestled in the picturesque heart of the Cuyahoga Valley. Choose from a variety of indoor and outdoor options to create your wedding memories. From our rustic century barns and beautiful gardens to our more modern Gatehouse and new Hartwell community space, we

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Rental options include: •Modern climate-controlled banquet space available year-round •Rustic pavilion overlooking the historical village •1800s barns offering vintage charm for ceremonies and small events •Greek Revival white chapel holding up to 180 guests for ceremonies •Lush landscapes framing outdoor weddings and tented receptions

The clubhouse boasts two distinctive ballrooms and outdoor spaces. The signature chapel takes your breath away with vaulted ceilings, while the traditional Turnberry Room offers simple elegance. The tranquil grounds are meticulously manicured, making it an amazing outdoor venue perfect for photos.

Glenmoor is the ultimate destination for a celebratory wedding weekend. Let the castlelike ambience in its clubhouse be the backdrop for the most important weekend of your life.

The staff is dedicated to helping every couple create the wedding of their dreams. For more information, contact 330-666-3711, ext. 1712 or halerentals@wrhs.org.

wrhs.org/rentals

glenmoorcc.com

2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath 330-666-3711, ext. 1712

4191 Glenmoor Road NW, Canton 330-966-3600

BRIDAL GUIDE

by Halena Sepulveda, photo provided by Akron Municipal Court

short & sweet UNIQUE POP-UP WEDDINGS MAY BE FOR YOU.

S

OMETIMES BREAKING TRADITION IS THE BEST WAY TO PERSONALIZE YOUR WEDDING. For Brittni and Derek Coontz, who met on a dating app in 2019 and bonded over a love for scary movies and Halloween, that meant having a spooky pop-up wedding. The couple happened to see a Facebook event for pop-up Halloween weddings at the Akron Civic Theatre and knew it was for them.

“Doing something fun … that was going to be memorable for us,” says Derek, “was way better than any kind of formal, over-the-top thing.”

The two married Oct. 28 in a 10-minute ceremony held by the Akron Municipal Court at the top of the newly restored Civic grand lobby staircase. They share how pop-up weddings can be special and fun.

Look the Part Lean into the surprising nature of a pop-up wedding by dressing untraditionally.

The Coontzes embraced the Halloween theme with costumes inspired by horror films — “Midsommar” for her and “Halloween” for him. Brittni’s look included a flowy, bell-sleeve

white dress from Torrid’s Halloween collection, a lavender and apple blossom flower headdress and a sunflower bouquet, while Derek stuck with a Michael Myers mask and a black carpenter’s suit. They kept the getups on to take pictures around downtown after the ceremony, and Derek had fun spooking passersby.

“In the crosswalk, I would turn and kind of give the cars waiting at the red light a look,” he says. “That was a good time for me.”

sonalize the ceremony with vows, prayers and more.

The pair opted for a poem reading instead of a formal prayer. They also decided to recite their own vows, during which Derek removed his mask, leaving it off to kiss his bride, a quirky moment they both enjoyed.

“Getting married is between you and the person you’re getting married to and what’s going to make you guys happy,” Derek says.

Salute Love Personal Touch Depending on which pop-up wedding event you choose, there can be options to per-

The post-ceremony festivity doesn’t have to be a big, fancy reception. The Coontzes kept their special

day to themselves, sharing an experience at Akron ArtWorks.

“I love art and I’ve done splatter painting before, but he hasn’t,” Brittni says.

By spending their wedding day doing things they delighted in, the couple was able to enjoy a celebration unique to their love.

“It was like a nice little experience to cap the day off together,” Derek concludes.

For more info on Akron Municipal Court’s periodic pop-up weddings, visit akronmunicipalcourt.org.

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EDUCATION

by Brendan Baker, Kelly Petryszyn and Alexandra Sobczak

ALL STARS S RS Private school students score big in the classroom and on the field. Whether it’s kicking an amazing goal, tackling an intense playoff run or achieving a 4.3 GPA, these student

Shawn Parnell, photo by Scott Dudek Photography

athletes put in A-plus effort.

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EDUCATION

GREAT ARM Archbishop Hoban High School pitcher and shortstop Shawn Parnell is inching toward graduation — and his dream of becoming a Major League Baseball player. Now, he’s months away from playing college ball on a partial baseball scholarship at the University of Cincinnati.

“He’s consistently somewhere in the 90 mph range,” Bonnette says. “He has a cutter, splitter, change-up and fastball that gets up there on a kid. He has all the action on his pitches in the world, but we just keep finetuning his location even better and better every year.”

At the Akron school, Parnell has had great success on the field, winning a baseball championship and two football championships. He has been a defensive end on the football team for four years. His dad is the defensive football coordinator, so that prepared him not only for the competitive team but for the rigorous academic demands of Hoban and helped him get good grades.

“He had a good idea coming into Hoban what it was going to be like for him,” Bonnette says.

Despite his family being a part of Hoban’s top-ranked football program, his dad is OK with Parnell being more passionate about baseball.

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“We have a very football-oriented family,” Parnell says. “But he’s always preached to me, If you love something, do it, and I will always support you. I love baseball, and once I figured that out, I knew that is what I want to do. He has supported me ever since.”

This baseball season, Parnell and Bonnette are working on his accuracy in throwing more strikes, and they are chasing another championship.

Before he graduates, Parnell hopes to leave his mark by mentoring young players who want to move up to the varsity level.

“It’s special to me to be able to pass on my knowledge,” Parnell says, “and help them grow as baseball players before I leave and take my next step to Cincinnati.” BB

photos by Scott Dudek Photography

His baseball coach and a Hoban teacher, Andrew Bonnette, says Parnell has all of the tools to achieve his dream of becoming a professional baseball pitcher.

EDUCATION

photo by James Wood Photography

ALL SET Many student athletes have been playing their sport for years by the time they reach high school, but not Gracie Turner — she joined the volleyball team her sophomore year at Central Catholic High School in Canton, with no prior experience.

This past fall, the middle blocker finished her senior season strong, competing at district finals with the girls varsity team. But it was a long road to get there.

“There were a couple of tough games that we should have had that we fumbled on a little,” Turner says. “But we ended up

being the underdogs, really pulling through and making it as far as we could.”

The pivotal factors were hard work and a change of mindset, which Turner encouraged. “We were taking charge in talking to our teammates,” she says, “telling them, Listen, we all want to go far. Let’s really push.”

“That’s what you want “Getting to districts is defias a coach: People nitely going to be a great who are going to memory that I’ll always keep hustle and … lead by close to me,” she says. example,” adds Lauren Sharnsky, the girls vol- Turner’s spirit doesn’t stop at volleyball head coach and leyball. She works hard in her classes, excelling throughout her a Central Catholic years at Central Catholic, with a social studies teacher.

4.3 GPA her senior year. She also “She wants to continuplays basketball, which she started ally get better.” in fourth grade, and is enterWhen there were ing her fourth season at Central challenges, she kept Catholic as a guard and forward. encouraging her teamShe’s considering continuing mates. “If anyone, basketball into college. She myself or anybody else around knows she’ll use the lessons she me makes a mistake, we shake learned through sports in her it off, look to the next play,” next endeavors.

Turner says.

The team’s efforts to improve set it up for some competitive matches at district finals. The team finished as district runnerup, and making it that far impacted her.

“Every single athlete at Central just has that grind, that work ethic,” she says. “I think that’s super important, especially for the future life too, when we stumble on challenges.” AS

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GOAL DRIVEN

“I was always that player that would be scared to be aggressive around the ball,” says Wood, who has played soccer since grade school. “But when I came back, I fought for my team.”

“I see the difference on the field,” adds girls varsity head soccer coach Kevin Destefano, who coached Wood for all four of her high school seasons.

“Instead of trying to go around people, it was mostly trying to go through people.”

Wood scored the majority of the team’s goals this season, and her best goal was during a Canton South High School game when she dribbled the ball past a few defenders and kicked it about 25 yards from left field into the right corner of the goal.

“It was amazing, like a curveball,” says Wood, a four-year soccer letterman and two-time STA offensive player of the year.

She’s readying to bring that competitive edge to her senior track season, running the 200meter dash and the 4x100 meter and 4x200 meter relays. With all her commitments, she still succeeds in the classroom, with a 3.9 GPA and a National Honors Society membership, while also volunteering over 100 hours the last three years. She also helped her soccer teammates catch up in classes after COVID absences.

This fall, she is set to attend St. Leo University in Florida, where she will do ROTC and is still deciding on a major.

That steadfast approach was needed for the 2021 season as COVID continued to quarantine players. There were only a Being an athlete, student and few games out of 15 where the aspiring soldier while rising Louisville school had its full team, to the challenges COVID and that led to losses. Since presented has equipped Wood Wood can play any position, she to tackle whatever the future helped teammates learn new throws at her. positions, subbed in on defense “I was able to solve something and ran a conditioning practice. going into things head on,” she “She can lead,” Destefano says. says. “It made me feel complete.”

“She’s a fierce competitor.”

KP

NICE SERVE From the time summer break starts until when the tennis team resumes in August, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School student Andie McKnight practices tennis for two or three hours daily. To her, it’s not work. She has enjoyed the game since she began playing the summer before second grade.

“I instantly fell in love with it. I put in 110 percent,” says the now senior. “When I found out how much I like tennis, I kept playing and trying as hard as I could.” “[She’s] really dedicated to selfimprovement, likes to challenge herself,” adds head tennis coach Alan Walker. “It’s gotten results.”

McKnight was the only freshman to make the Akron school’s varsity tennis team, and she was named its best doubles player that year. She played first singles the rest of high school, getting named MVP twice and becoming captain her junior and senior years, yet remaining humble and focused.

“I always saw a tough match or tough loss as a learning experience rather than a reason to give up,” she says. “I took a good win as a gift and a reward for how hard I work and never took it for granted.”

Kendall Wood (center), photo by Lora Geisse Oyster 52

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photo by Scott Dudek Photography

Instead of relaxing over summer break, St. Thomas Aquinas High School senior Kendall Wood was toughing out 10 weeks of U.S. Army basic training. She enlisted to help finance college but was happy it also strengthened her performance as a varsity soccer midfielder, forward and captain.

After she made it to districts her junior year but didn’t place, her positive attitude helped her be grateful for the opportunity and set a goal to qualify for districts again her senior year.

She did, playing an emotional match against her best friend.

She advanced onto the next round, finishing sixth, just short of states.

“I’d gone further and done better than the year before,” McKnight says, “so [I was] very proud of myself.”

Her determined work ethic translates to the classroom, making the principal’s list every year for achieving a 4.0 GPA or higher and receiving two academic letters. She also stays busy by volunteering, including teaching at Buddy Up Tennis, a program for those with Down syndrome. Plus, she helped Walker teach 5- and 6-year-olds tennis at Fairlawn Swim & Tennis, where he is head pro.

It’s inspired her to pursue early childhood education in college, and Walker says she has great potential in that field.

“It comes back to a love of playing the game, hitting the ball and trying to discover how to do it better,” he says. “Even a 5-year-old can pick up on that from her.” KP

EDUCATION

photo by Visualizations Photography

FIGHTING SPIRIT Walsh Jesuit High School student John Paul Fyda has tackled some of his toughest challenges over the last two years. Despite the obstacles, he has not only reached the top 10 in his senior class academically, but he is also a starting defensive end for one of the best high school football programs in the region.

experience at the Cuyahoga Falls school and the close relationships he developed with classmates and football teammates.

The football players’ trust in each other grew through adversity, culminating in an exhilarating regional final run against rival Archbishop Hoban High School this season. While Walsh Jesuit lost the playoffs, the team got some new coaches and made a huge improvement in its overall record, from a combined 1-19 Fyda’s freshman and sophomore years to 11-3 his senior year.

“His dad passed away from cancer, but JP has maintained an incredible spirit and is a great role model for our student body,” “We were able to turn it around,” says athletic director Mark Fyda says. “We made a deep playHassman. “He is a wonderful off run, and it was a lot of fun.” young man who has persevered through a lot.”

About 20 of his teammates from those difficult first two years A big part of that spirit and stuck it out to enjoy the winning tenacity comes from the season and playoffs. smaller, more personal learning

“They are some of my best friends now,” he says. “The team has grown over our four years together, building relationships and teaching valuable life lessons.”

Fyda’s friends, family and faith were crucial when his dad died in November 2020, which he says is still like yesterday.

“I don’t think you’re ever really ready for it. But I’ve gone through it with a lot of help from my family. I have a great

family that is very supportive,” he says. “My friends were really good for me during this time.

Just the whole support system really helps.” BB

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EDUCATION LET TERS FROM THE MAIN OFFICE

LAKE CENTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Lake Center Christian School assists Christian families and their churches in equipping students for lifelong learning and service to Christ. The school offers an accredited pre-K to 12th grade education, which is centered in Jesus Christ.

The first Lake Center Christian School classes for kindergarten through eighth grade started Sept. 15, 1947, with 183 students in four classrooms on Woodmont Street. The day was a celebration of God’s faithfulness to answer prayers for a local school dedicated to Christian education values in Lake Township.

In celebration of our 75th year, Lake Center welcomed 750 students in pre-K through 12th grade in 49 classrooms at its beautiful 50-acre campus on Kaufman Avenue in Hartville.

Lake Center assists Christian families and their churches in equipping students for

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lifelong learning and service to Christ, infusing a biblical worldview in all we do.

Serving others and developing a love for serving Christ are of equal importance to academic knowledge.

We value diversity in ethnicity, economics and learning styles. We nurture Christian character through godly role models, chapels and service opportunities. We commit to academic excellence, preparing students for college and careers with challenging curricula. Our students consistently score above the state average ACT composite score, and 73 percent of the class of 2021 pursued a four-year degree after graduation, with scholarship awards totaling $1,928,010.

View our school and learn more at lccs.com.

OUR LADY OF THE ELMS Elms girls become confident leaders, accomplished professionals and advocates for justice and the common good. Prepared to succeed in life, they possess a spiritual, educational, global and experiential foundation shaped at the Elms.

FROM ACADEMIC DEAN KEVIN KELLY:

Our Lady of the Elms is the only all-girls, faith-based school grades 1 through 12 with a coed preschool and kindergarten in the Cleveland Diocese. Our mission is to educate girls and young women to live their lives boldly with purpose, confidence, kindness, resilience, justice and faith.

Ranked as one of the top private schools in Summit County, we are known for our academic excellence, caring atmosphere and strong community spirit. We strive for every girl to become an inquiring lifelong learner, a compassionate and engaged global citizen

EDUCATION

and a confident and caring leader.

Every girl can reach her full potential.

By the very nature of our mission, the Elms is an individualized educational experience. Because we endeavor to inspire each girl to reach her full potential, there are as many different versions of that as there are girls in the school. Girls who are curious, openminded and hard-working will thrive at the Elms and in our community.

SPRING GARDEN WALDORF SCHOOL Waldorf education upholds the principles of freedom in education by offering a developmentally appropriate, experiential and academically rigorous approach integrated with the arts, allowing teachers to generate inner enthusiasm for learning within every child. Students can develop their unique capacities and engage with the world as clear and creative thinkers with compassion, moral strength and courage.

FROM DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION TRACY EDWARDS:

Located in a rural setting in Copley, Spring Garden Waldorf School serves students from age 3 through eighth grade. Rigorous academics are a hallmark of Waldorf education, which is hands-on, relevant, character-centric, intrinsically motivating and joyful.

Our approach considers the child as a threefold human being — mind, body and spirit. We provide the lessons and environment to help children reach their full potential, educating them and encouraging creative, intellectual, physical and ethical development.

Classes like Spanish, instrumental and choral music, handwork, woodwork, gym and gardening cultivate interdisciplinary learning and make connections across our curricula.

Middle school students can take part in our athletics program, which includes cross-country, basketball and track and field.

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EDUCATION LET TERS FROM THE MAIN OFFICE As Jean Piaget eloquently stated, “The principal goal of education in the schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done, men and women who are creative, inventive and discoverers, ... [who] can be critical and verify, and not accept, everything they are offered.”

To schedule a private tour or receive more information, contact Amy Hecky at admissions@sgws.org or call 330-666-0574.

ST. HILARY SCHOOL Our mission is to keep Christ at the center of all that we do. In solidarity with our parish and school community, we will inspire our students to be leaders capable of making a positive change in the world through inclusive, innovative and challenging academic and spiritual experiences.

FROM PRINCIPAL JENNIFER WOODMAN:

As the principal of St. Hilary School, I could not be prouder of our school and what we offer. St. Hilary empowers students by giving them the tools, skills and confidence they need to become the next generation of career-ready leaders. Last year marked our 60th year shaping children’s lives, and we continue raising the bar.

Our students from kindergarten through eighth grade are immersed in experiential learning that fosters independent critical thinking, global awareness, leadership and character. Students have opportunities to learn three foreign languages, perform hands-on service, engage in public speaking, work with technology and hold leadership roles. Our classes and extracurriculars engage and challenge students of all ages and abilities, preparing them for future careers.

A two-time Blue Ribbon school and a recipient of the Governor’s Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education and Student Research, we are a model of excellence in Catholic education. Differentiation is in practice in every classroom, and we welcome students with diverse learning needs.

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The future begins here, and we can’t wait to show you why. For more information, join our open house Jan. 30 from noon to 2 p.m., or call 330-867-8720, ext. 343.

ST. VINCENT-ST. MARY HIGH SCHOOL In the spirit of the Gospel, we are committed to educating the whole person; to lead and to serve, enlightening the mind, developing the body, touching the heart and inspiring the soul.

FROM PRINCIPAL KIMBERLEE GORR:

St. Vincent-St. Mary High School is a Catholic School in the Marianist tradition.

In the spirit of the Gospel, we are committed to educating the entire person. We are continually enhancing our programming to provide an excellent education for our students.

We are proud to be the only STEMdesignated Catholic high school in Ohio.

We are leading the way in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We offer a wide range of academic courses and extracurriculars structured to cultivate creativity, imagination and innovation. These experiences are designed to enlighten and engage our students in mind, body and spirit.

In 2020, we introduced the house system to our school community to allow our students to grow in leadership, community, service and faith. It offers opportunities in academic and spiritual development while encouraging students to bond with peers across all grade levels. As students begin their STVM journeys, they are sorted into one of four houses (Ash, Hawthorn, Holly or Oak), which gives students an additional layer of support as they navigate their high school years.

The roots of our STVM community run deep, and so does our continued dedication to the high school experience for our students. We are committed to the current and future success of each and every student.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL PARISH SCHOOL The mission of St. Vincent de Paul Parish School is to develop young Catholic men and women with creative minds, a sense of understanding for one another and the ability to change the world while keeping Christ in the mind, body and heart.

FROM PRINCIPAL DIANE SALAMON:

St. Vincent de Paul Parish School is an amazing community that has been educating hearts and minds since 1853. We are dedicated to inspiring a love to learn and empowering students to reach their potential in spiritual growth, academic achievement, creativity and citizenship.

We believe children learn best in a positive faith-filled environment with guidance from teachers who genuinely care for students’ successes. As a state STEMdesignated school, our students receive opportunities that develop their skills to solve real-world problems.

Our preschool through eighth grade curriculum include religion, engineering, Spanish, technology, music, art, health, physical education, math, science, English language arts and social studies. Our eighth graders receive the opportunity to attend daily algebra one classes at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.

We collaborate with community groups and businesses to help bring awareness to their causes and work on a variety of projects.

Blessed by the spiritual and financial support of the parish community, our students learn and use technology with all curricula from air-conditioned classrooms.

We would love for you to become part of the St. Vincent de Paul community. Call 330-762-5912 to schedule a tour.

EDUCATION

ST. SEBASTIAN PARISH SCHOOL

2022 Admissions Event January 10 - February 28

St. Sebastian Parish School is dedicated to Christ and committed to excellence in education. We honor the Catholic traditions of the past, work to develop our talents today and prepare for Christian service in the future.

Private Tour Invitation <RX KDYH D FKRLFH Prospective families that tour Lake Center Christian

by February 28th and submit an application by March 4th will receive a $100 enrollment fee credit.

FROM PRINCIPAL ANTHONY ROHR:

At St. Sebastian Parish School, we create leaders through our faith-based whole-child approach that provides students with a variety of learning experiences in an intellectually stimulating environment. Students are challenged to reach their full potential by remaining mindful of love for God and love for one another and to be guided by the Holy Spirit to develop high ideals to assume active roles of leadership within society.

Here is how some of our current eighth grade students describe St. Sebastian: “Many experiences here have impacted me and the path I will take. My favorite experiences have been my math classes. I’ve struggled a lot this year, as the content is challenging. There were times when I thought I was definitely going to fail, but the teachers helped me through.”

“Establishing friendships is something everyone hopes they can do. And through St. Sebastian, I have learned what a true, respectful and passionate friend is.”

“My seventh and eighth grade years have been so amazing. Each teacher here has something special about them, but the seventh and eighth grade teachers just bring new light to each student’s face.”

/LPLW RQH SHU IDPLO\

Glorifying Glorify f ing God Through A Christian Community of Excellence

Schedule Schedule A Visit Visit Time!

Call Jackie Gilin

Director Dire ector of Admissions

330-877-2049

St. Hilary School The Future Begins Here E N V I S I O N I N G

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E N G A G I N G

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E M P O W E R I N G

Leading the way to the future through faith and service, traditional and innovative teaching methods, cutting-edge science and technology facilities and equipment, three foreign languages, enrichment and extracurricular opportunities, and much more Open House January 30, 2022 12:00 – 2:00 PM All K-8 Families are Invited to Explore our School!

Registration for 2022-2023 Grades K-8 Begins February 7, 2022 Details: st-hilaryschool.org

Come see the benefits of a St. Sebastian education.

Serving a range of learners in grades K-8 | Over $150,000 in tuition assistance awarded annually 529 plan funds may potentially be used toward tuition

Comprehensive Preparation for a Complex World 645 Moorfield Road, Fairlawn | 330-867-8720, ext. 343 | st-hilaryschool.org St. Hilary School admits qualified students of any gender, race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

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EDUCATION

Private Schools

BY THE NUMBERS SCHOOL NAME

Class Size

Teacherto-Student Ratio

Graduation Rate

Lake Center Christian School

25

Dependent on class

100%

Tuition

Open House Dates

$9,220

Call 330-877-2049 for a private tour.

plus $500 operational fee

(Ninth to 12th Grade)

Virtual Open Houses

Our Lady of the Elms

21

1:9

100%

(Preschool to 12th Grade)

Spring Garden Waldorf School (Pre-K to Eighth Grade)

St. Hilary School (Kindergarten to Eighth Grade)

St. Sebastian Parish School

Pre-K-K:

Pre-K-K:

12

2:12

(Financial aid and scholarships available)

$3,850-$9,733

In-Person Open House

Jan. 30, Noon-2 p.m.

Tours year-round by appointment

Private tours available upon request while classes are in session

100%

(Financial aid and EdChoice scholarships available)

$4,400-$6,525

Jan. 30 Noon-2 p.m.

1-8:

1-8:

18

1:18

20

1:20

100%

1:18

100%

$4,150-$6,180

Jan. 30 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

18

(Financial aid and scholarships available)

Tours year-round by appointment

20

1:20

100%

$4,000-$6,179

Call 330-762-5912 for a personal tour.

20

1:12

99%

$12,200

(Preschool to Eighth Grade)

St. Vincent de Paul Parish School

$6,500-$12,100

Jan. 7 & 28, Noon-12:45 p.m.

Call for tours.

(Preschool to Eighth Grade)

St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (Ninth to 12th Grade)

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(for 2021-22 academic year)

March 30 Tours year-round by appointment

PARTING SHOT

photo cour tesy of Summit Memory/Akron-Summit County Public Library / Summit County Historical Society of Akron, OH

“

Nothing But Net Cuyahoga Falls, 1930s

”

The Cuyahoga Falls High School girls basketball team has been playing hard on the court for decades. The 1935-36 team, pictured here, clawed its way to victory, claiming the championship that season. Since then, the team that now goes by the Black Tigers has maintained that ferocity and held the title of league champs a dozen times from 1979 to 1996. In the 2019-20 season, led by nine-year head coach Joe Nowak, the Tigers had a championship run with guard and forward Chelsea Huffman breaking the school’s record for all-time leading scorer with 1,334 points. Now that’s a slam dunk!

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