March 2022 Akron Life Magazine

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 3 | MARCH 2022

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

SUPER

MARKETS 8 SPECIALTY STORES IN THE 330

STORY TIME MAKE A FAMILY PODCAST TOP DENTISTS 2022

VISIT LOCAL NICHE SHOPS TO LEVEL UP YOUR COOKING, p.18 photo by Tylar Calhoun

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MAR. 2022 $3.95

CAMP SPOTLIGHTS ENTERTAIN KIDS THIS SUMMER

PAGES

MARCH 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 3

Pages start here

On The Cover

| 18 Local Markets | photo by Tylar Calhoun

[ FEATURE ]

18 SUPER MARKETS Visit these niche shops for enhanced flavors. Whether you’re looking for organic produce, fresh meat or exciting spices, these specialty markets have what you need to level up your cooking.

photo by Tylar Calhoun

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UNCORKED

AGENDA

UNTAPPED

Jameson Ginger & Lime

[ the essential social digest ]

Fruit Tart Seltzer

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

08 MAIL BONDING 09 FROM THE PUBLISHER Golden Smile

10 RADAR [ seen + heard ]

11 UPFRONT Play On

12 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] 12 Entertainment listings

+ Calendar of events

26 GOOD EATS [ notable food + drink ] 26 Restaurant listings 27 Uncorked:

Jameson Ginger & Lime 28 Untapped: Fruit Tart Seltzer

51 PARTING SHOT Traditional Meal

Special Sections 30 TOP DENTISTS 2022 40 EDUCATION Entertain kids with hands-on summer camps

46 CELEBRATING DD AWARENESS MONTH 48 FOREVER YOUNG Posterity Podcasts helps preserve family stories.

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PAGES MAIL BONDING 330 FLAVO R

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE

AWAR DS

AKRON LIFE

5 BEST NEW R

20 YEARS!

O TRY NOW

20 YEARS!

RUBBER SOUL FEBRUARY 2022

DIVINE FOOD SPIR ITS WINE photo by Stefanie

CELEBRAT ES

FRESH TASTE ESTAURANTS T

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 2 |

Manley

How Akron Got on

Tell us what's on your mind.

1 | JANUARY 2022

the Map

330 FLAVOR AWARDS OVER 225 OF YOUR FAVORITES ALL STARS STUDENT ATHLETES EXCEL IN CLASS & ON THE FIELD FOREVER MORE DREAM WEDDINGS COME TO LIFE

PUMP IT IMPROVE YOUR HEART HEALTH FACES OF THE 330 MONEY MAP PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

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.

FIRESTONE TIRE BUILDER photo by Daniel Mainzer

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

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

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circulation@bakermediagroup.com 330-253-0056, ext. 104 whe t her yo u

DESIGN INTERN

want to hos t

Bingjie Cui

o r at t e n d a

EDITORIAL INTERN

v i r t u a l e v e n t,

London Green

33 0 T IX o f f e r s both ease and e n t e r ta i n m e n t .

MARCH 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 3 (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 FROM THE PUBLISHER

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

Golden Smile Find someone great to take care of your teeth.

My dental issues continued into my teens. I attempted to jump into a swimming pool — from a roof — and missed, knocking out my front tooth again. However, this was more of a teenage stupidity problem. Due to this incident, I started going to the dentist I still have today, Dr. Mastroianni, in Kent. He could’ve easily put in some cheap dentures and sent me out the door, but I appreciated that he wanted the best solution. He didn’t want to do anything permanent because dental technology was changing fast. He said, Better solutions will be available soon, and you are still very young. Over the years, I have been in Dr. Mastroianni’s dental chair too many times to count, and I’ve learned a few tricks to cope with it. First, the sounds are seldom related to the pain. I’m usually quite numb from the Novocain, so the sound of the drill is just a sound. I try to relax, and I also don’t get too worked up about what he might find. I can’t change it, but I don’t want to avoid it either. Going to the dentist is a dreaded event for many people. Whether you have a fear of needles (or drills) or just don’t like the idea of someone poking around in your mouth, it can be a daunting experience. It’s not just about sitting in a chair and getting your teeth cleaned. Many things can go wrong, from finding out you need a root canal to having cavities that need fillings. Between 10 and 20 percent of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of fear and anxiety, but I spent many hours in

the dental chair when I was young. I had an unfortunate accident where my face met a baseball bat unexpectedly. Let me just say, When you are playing catcher, you really should wear a mask.

Thanks to the invention of implants, I’m part cyborg today. I don’t even worry about chipping a tooth now because the dentist can just get out his little wrench and rachet in a new one.

The first dentist I remember going to see was after that baseball accident. What I remember about him was that he had gold fillings between his teeth. I’m not sure you should trust a dentist with gold teeth. If he can’t find a better solution for his own teeth, just imagine what he will do with yours. I also remember this dentist drove a pretty nice Porsche 911. I later realized that my visits likely paid for a good portion of that car.

While some of you may be nervous about seeing a dentist for the first time, keep in mind that it is far better to go to a good one. Check out The 330’s Top Dentists list on pg. 30, and make it a starting point for your next dental visit. If your dentist isn’t on our list, look at their smile and make sure they don’t have a mouth full of golden teeth.

[ Publisher Colin Baker is a retired racing driver and gearhead. ] MARCH 2022 | akronlife.com

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PAGES RADAR

SOUND OF AKRON March 2003: By 1977 downtown Akron and aesthetics didn’t belong in the same sentence. As the rubber industry was rapidly closing plants and offices, downtown became a ghostly image of its former self. ... The Crypt located near the Goodyear plant served as an incubator of Akron’s brief reign as a center of the punk and new wave movement. The Crypt’s owner was weary of night-to-night operations and offered Rod Firestone and Buzz Clic, members of a punk garage band named King Cobra, a chance to manage the place. They promptly showcased local acts like DEVO, The Dead Boys, Pere Ubu and The Bizarros, as well as their own band, which was later named The Rubber City Rebels. ... It was then that British label Stiff Records released “Akron Compilation” in 1978, an album that included a cut by the Rebels. Among other acts included was Chi Pig, a band that originally started as the Poor Girls at Firestone High School. ... The album itself appears to be well-known in collector circles. ... It is fascinating that in the midst of utter despair, Akron let out a howl that was heard around the world. March 30, 2022: Music continues to connect people around The 330, and The Summit 90.7 FM is all about supporting local artists. Back live and in person for the first time in two years, the radio station’s 330 Day Concert is set to rock Stambaugh Auditorium in Youngstown March 30. Artists from the area like the Labra Brothers, J.D. Eicher, Leanne Binder, Rolling Boxcar International and more are set to get people moving in celebration of all The 330 has to offer. For more information, visit thesummit.fm.

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by London Green

seen + heard

20 YEARS photo provided by Akron Zoo

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

SHINING ART

BUNDLE OF FUR

Learn the art of glassblowing at Akron Glass Works, housed in an old church adorned with stained glass windows. Complementing the windows are hand-blown glass chandeliers made in the studio. Sign up for on-site workshops, with options this month like making marbles, friendship ball ornaments and birds. Check out the online info sheet for dos and don’ts as well as tips for making the glassblowing experience memorable. Handmade art, decor and glass gifts can be purchased in the on-site gallery. 421 Spicer St., Akron, akronglassworks.com

In December, the Akron Zoo got quite the gift — its first whitecheeked gibbon birth. Born to duo Parker and Milo, who moved to the zoo in late 2020, the baby, who the community named Lolani, has a safe place to live at the zoo, as the gibbon species is endangered due to deforestation. Baby gibbons cling to their mother from the time they are born, and Parker has been caring for the baby while zoo staff have been largely hands-off. The baby’s name is meaningful, too. Lolani is Lao for “royal hawk, soaring to new heights.” Visit the gibbon family, standing strong, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. now and between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. starting April 1. 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org

PAGES UPFRONT

[ Assistant Editor | Alexandra Sobczak | asobczak@bakermediagroup.com ]

Play On Going to camp can change your life.

photo by Kristen Hardesty Photography LLC

I was 13 the first time I went to camp. I was an eighth grader attending band camp for my hometown’s high school marching band. I didn’t anticipate it would be the start of years (and years) of band camps to come. By that point, I had been playing clarinet for three years, but it was the first time I would be marching and playing an instrument at the same time. I had a strong background in performing and considered myself to be well-coordinated thanks to years of twirling baton, so I figured band camp wouldn’t be too hard. I was very much mistaken. It challenged me, both mentally and physically. We were outside marching and practicing in the summer heat for about 10 hours a day, and it was my first time being away from home like that, staying in cabins with a bunch of kids from my school, which I found challenging as a shy kid. And yet, I fell completely in love with it. Throughout my five years in my hometown’s marching band, I played clarinet, spun flag and twirled baton. It made me feel like I was a part of something bigger than myself, and I wanted to keep going. So I auditioned to spin flag for the color guard at Kent State University. That’s when I found out how much work marching band really was. During our 10-day camp, we spent days doing physical conditioning before we started learning our halftime shows, and the flag work had my muscles burning as I put everything I had into memorizing the routines.

But it paid off — I learned so many new things, made great friends, experienced the rush of performing at football games over and over again and fell in love with the marching arts in a whole new way. Naturally, I wanted more. I landed a job as the instructor of my hometown’s color guard, entering the activity from a new angle. With how intensely I loved performing, I didn’t expect to enjoy anything else as much, but I was wrong. I’m still coaching each fall, and I adore the creative aspects of it almost as much as I love watching students expand their skills and grow to love spinning. And I love getting to go to camp.

There’s no need to wait until the age I started camp — get kids started early on, having fun and finding their passions. Check out our camp guide on pg. 40 for spotlights on Canton Country Day School’s camp for lower school students and the University of Akron’s STEM camps for middle and high school girls, along with a list of camps to consider for some ideas. That first year of camp ended up being a life-changing experience for me. It introduced me to an activity that I absolutely love, and I’m so grateful that it led me down the path it has. There are so many camps offered in The 330, and I say, Give them a try.

[ Assistant Editor Alexandra Sobczak is passionate about inclusivity, correct grammar and pop music. ] MARCH 2022 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

MARCH 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 3

Agenda

the essential social digest

3/5 EarthQuaker Symphony p15 A special collaboration with Akron’s own EarthQuaker Devices presents the Orchestra’s talents in a way they have never been heard, as Jon Sonnenberg and Jake Gunnar Walsh use EarthQuaker’s effects pedals to fuse electronica and acoustic instruments, emulating innovators like Haydn and Beethoven. E.J. Thomas Hall. 198 Hill St., Akron. 8 p.m. $15-$60. akronsymphony.org

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AGENDA

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

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

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

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

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

Akron-Summit County Public Library

Canton Symphony Orchestra

Summit Metro Parks

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

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

Cleveland Orchestra

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

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 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

Magical Theatre Company

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

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

Akron Symphony Orchestra

Nightlight Cinema

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

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

Apollo’s Fire Indulge in music, art and literature 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

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

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.

Up Front Art Space

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

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

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

Events Through 3/6 “Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross” This comic book artist has produced some of

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

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. 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

Radio on the Lake Theatre

Through 3/26 Haymaker Farmers’ Market

Ohio Shakespeare Festival

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

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

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

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

Enjoy the winter season of this year-round market by shopping indoors for local food, art, 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. $3-$12. Gallery admission is free every Thursday. akronartmuseum.org

Through 3/13 “The Color Purple” With a joyous

score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, “The Color Purple” is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love, and a celebration of life. It was nominated for eleven 2006 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Original Score. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron. $12-$35. weathervaneplayhouse.com

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

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

MARCH 2022 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

Through 3/31 Featured Musicians at the Still House Gervasi features a variety of talented musicians at multiple venues on the estate. Visit The Still House for live performances Wednesday-Sunday evenings all year long. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. Free. For a full list of performers and showtimes, visit gervasivineyard.com.

Through 4/3 “Pop Op” See pop and op art from

Through 7/17 “What’s in Your Bag?” The Kent State Museum features an exhibit inspired by a purse in its 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

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. 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 8/7 “Textures: The History and Art of Black Hair” The Kent State University Museum

Through 4/30 Countryside Winter Farmers’ Market Shop from local farmers, food entrepreneurs

3/4 The Kent Stage presents Keillor and Company Keillor & Company is an evening of stand-

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. $3-$12. Gallery admission is free every Thursday. akronartmuseum.org

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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

up, storytelling, audience song, and poetry starring Garrison Keillor and featuring pianist Dan Chouinard and vocalist Prudence Johnson. There are sung sonnets, limericks and musical jokes, and the thread that runs through it is the beauty of growing old. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. $40-$50. thekentstage.com

3/4, 3/11, 3/18 Fish Fry Dinners Join the German

Family Society of Akron for Friday evenings in March, with all the proceeds directly benefiting the youth dance programs. German Family Society of Akron, 3871 Ranfield Road, Kent. 5:30 p.m. germanfamilysociety.com

3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 CVSR Dinner on the Train Experience the luxury of the golden age

of rail travel aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. This excursion is an experience to remember. Whether you are looking for a date night out or an evening with friends, this is the perfect way to dine in sophisticated comfort. Passengers must be 21 and over to ride. Rockside Station, 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence. 6:30 p.m. $105-$120. cvsr.com

3/5 The Kent Stage presents Standing Rock Cultural Arts Short Film & Video Festival This 19th annual film shorts festival will feature short films from around the world, including animation, music videos, short comedy, experimental films, documentaries and more. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 6:30 p.m. $5-$10. thekentstage.com

3/5 Special Film Presentation: “The Big Lebowski” “The Dude” Lebowski, mistaken for a

millionaire Lebowski, seeks restitution for his ruined rug and enlists his bowling buddies to help get it. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Avenue N., Canton. 7:30 p.m. $10. cantonpalacetheatre.org

3/5 Celebration of the CSO Two composers

make their Masterworks series debuts in this evening’s performance. Molly Leach was our inaugural Composer Fellow with the Canton Youth Symphony Advanced Orchestra in the 21-22 season. Composed to fulfill the fellowship’s commission, Glow takes inspiration from the glistening and glimmering of the natural world. Canton Symphony Orchestra, 2331 17th St. N.W., Canton. 7:30 p.m. $12-$52. cantonsymphony.org

AGENDA

3/5 EarthQuaker Symphony A special collaboration with Akron’s own EarthQuaker Devices presents the Orchestra’s talents in a way they have never been heard, as Jon Sonnenberg and Jake Gunnar Walsh use EarthQuaker’s effects pedals to fuse electronica and acoustic instruments, emulating innovators like Haydn and Beethoven. E.J. Thomas Hall. 198 Hill St., Akron. 8 p.m. $15-$60. akronsymphony.org 3/5 Jilly’s presents The Claudettes This band

fuses Chicago piano blues with the full-throttle energy of rockabilly and punk and the sultriness of ’60s soul to write a thrilling new chapter in American roots music. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $5-$10. jillysmusicroom.com

3/5-3/7 Inclusion Day at Akron Zoo Wear orange to the zoo and receive free admission for the day. March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and to kick off the month, the Akron Zoo is partnering with Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities and celebrating people of all abilities. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. 11 a.m.4 p.m. $9. akronzoo.org 3/6 The Kent Stage presents Arielle Arielle

released her most recent studio album titled “Analog Girl In A Digital World.” Her music videos released include “Inside & Outside” and “Peace of Mind.” The collection of songs exhibited her true love of the 60’s and 70’s, and the inspiration that lives in her art from a connection to this wondrous time. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 7 p.m. $20-$30. thekentstage.com

3/9 Women’s Endowment Fund’s “For Women, Forever” Annual Dinner Save the date

for the Women’s Endowment Fund’s 2022 annual dinner celebrating uplifting women and girls in the community. This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Ernst & Young LLP Vice Chair and US-Central Region Managing Partner, Julie Boland. Goodyear Hall at The East End, 1201 E. Market St., Akron. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $75 and up. eventbrite.com

3/9 Voices in the Valley presents Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas The musical partnership

between consummate performer Alasdair Fraser and brilliant Californian cellist, Natalie Haas, spans the full spectrum between intimate chamber music and ecstatic dance energy. Over the last 16 years of creating a buzz at festivals and concert halls across the world, they have truly set the standard for fiddle and cello in traditional music. G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. 8 p.m. $28. peninsulahistory.org

3/10 Ladies Night Out Grab the girlfriends and

stroll the beautiful Medina Square for an evening of shopping, tasting, socializing and fun. Medina Square, 39 Public Square, Medina. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. mainstreetmedina.com

3/10 Jilly’s presents Dr. Sketchy’s Dr. Sketchy’s

Anti-Art School is the world’s premier alternative drawing movement. Artists draw glamorous underground performers in an atmosphere of boozy conviviality. Found 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

3/10 The Kent Stage presents The High Kings The High Kings formed in June 2007 when Brian, Darren, Finbarr and former member Martin Furey were asked to join a brand-new Irish ballad group by David Kavanagh after he had noticed a gap in the market for a band specialising in traditional Irish music. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. $30-$40. thekentstage.com

MARCH 2022 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

3/11 CVSR Ales on Rails Beer Tasting Excursion: Irish Ales Climb aboard for a two-hour

train ride through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park while enjoying four beer selections paired with light appetizers. Seating is assigned. Commemorative glass is included. You must be at least 21 years of age to ride. Rockside Station, 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence. 6:30 p.m. $50-$60. cvsr.com

3/12, 3/13 Ballet Excel Ohio presents “Beauty and the Beast” Enjoy a classical ballet

MUSIC & MORE... 91.3 FM AKRON CANTON A handpicked, eclectic selection of music including rock, indie, folk, local, reggae, blues and more curated for Northeast Ohio Listen now – on-air, online at thesummit.fm or download The Summit app

choreographed by internationally known dancer and choreographer Tom Gold. Based on the classic fairy tale, this enchanting story is about the relationship between an arrogant prince and a young maiden. Ballet Excel Ohio, one of the first youth ballets in the country, is a nationally acclaimed pre-professional dance not-forprofit company that performs original works under the artistic direction of Mia Klinger. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 2 p.m. $25-$35. akroncivic.com

3/13 Celebrate Spring Wine Pairing Celebrate

Spring at Gervasi’s wine pairing event in The Villa Grande. Try bites of delicious food paired with Gervasi’s award-winning wines. Reservations are recommended. Gervasi Vineyard, The Villa Grande, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 2 p.m. $39. gervasivineyard.com

3/13 Voices in the Valley presents Mipso with Belle White Since making their acclaimed

debut, North Carolina-bred four-piece Mipso has captivated audiences with their finely layered vocal harmonies, graceful fluency in the timeless musical traditions of their home state. G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. 7 p.m. $30-$35. peninsulahistory.org

3/13 The Kent Stage presents Rick Wakeman: The Even Grumpier Old Rock Star Tour In his solo shows, Wakeman returns to

his roots with a program packed with virtuosic piano performances and hilarious anecdotes inspired by his 50-plus-year career. His repertoire will range from his solo works and his stints in the band Yes, through to his early days as a session musician playing keyboards on such classics as David Bowie’s “Life On Mars.” The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. $65-$260. thekentstage.com

3/17 Akron Roundtable presents Hans von Spakovsky Spend lunch with the manager of the

Election Law Reform Initiative and Senior Legal Fellow for the Meese Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, as well as The Heritage Foundation. Akron Roundtable, Quaker Station, 135 S. Broadway St., Akron. Noon. $25. akronroundtable.org

3/17 Wellness through Art: Painting and Renewal Join Dr. Karin Coifman for a series of

workshops that integrate wellness and relaxation through art. Take a moment each week to destress while exploring your creativity with a variety of artistic media. Each class begins and ends with brief relaxation or easy meditation. Explore fun art activities that will leave you refreshed and enriched. Session includes all instruction and materials. Akron Artworks, 1684 Merriman Road, Akron. 6:30-7:45 p.m. $25. akronartworks.com

3/17 Jilly’s Music Room presents St Patrick’s Day Party with The Mickeys Founded in 1994,

LISTENER-SUPPORTED MISSION-DRIVEN PUBLIC RADIO 16

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the Mickeys combines traditional Celtic sounds with rock ’n’ roll versions of old favorites. Live performances consist of melodic Celtic covers, as well as originals penned by band members. Also look out for food and drink specials. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $5-$10. jillysmusicroom.com

3/18 Jilly’s presents Easton Union with Yankee Bravo Easton Union’s music is a

coalescence of all things town and country. Blending the styles of Americana, roots rock, R&B as well as straight ahead barn burners, this brand of music produces inspiring songs that look inward while also observing the outside world. Yankee Bravo blends roots with Americana and rock. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $5-$10. jillysmusicroom.com

3/19 Jilly’s Music Room presents 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

3/20 Clint Black This country artist has sold over

20 million records, earned more than a dozen gold and platinum awards in the U.S. and Canada including a Grammy, landed nearly two dozen major awards and nominations, and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $40-$113. akroncivic.com

3/20 Voices in the Valley presents Ordinary Elephant International Folk Music Awards 2017 Artist

of the Year Ordinary Elephant captivates audiences with their emotionally powerful and vulnerable songs, letting the listener know that they are not alone in this world. G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. 8 p.m. $22. peninsulahistory.org

3/22 Apollo’s Fire presents Virtuoso Bach & Vivaldi Apollo’s Fire and Jeannette Sorrell set sparks

flying in this program that heads to Carnegie Hall following local performances. The program includes Bach’s beloved Brandenburg Concerto no. 3, selections from the Orchestral Suite no. 3 in D, and the Vivaldi Concerto in A Minor for Two Violins, featuring Olivier Brault and Susanna Perry Gilmore. Violinist Francisco Fullana joins the fun with Bach’s Violin Concerto in D Minor. The Bath Church, 3980 W. Bath Road, Akron. 7:30 p.m. $10-$70. apollosfire.org

3/24-3/26 Jason Banks at The Funny Stop Comedy Club Jason Banks is a stand-up comedian

based out of Columbus, Ohio. His unique and refreshing style of comedy has helped him emerge as one of the top rising talents on the comedy scene. The Funny Stop Comedy Club, 1757 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls. funnystop.com

3/25 & 3/26 The Vindys The Vindys have become one of the most sought-after bands in the Northeast Ohio area with their unique blend of alt-rock. They are in Akron to promote their new album, “Bugs.” Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $25. akroncivic.com 3/26 Celebrate! Akron Symphony Gala 2022 Celebrate Akron Symphony’s return to live

symphonic music, meaningful community partnerships, inspirational educational programming and much more. Enjoy music performed by members of the Akron Symphony, a gourmet dinner and irresistible live and silent auction items. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 5:30-11 p.m. $175-$225. akronsymphony.org

3/26 The Red Hot Chili Pipers The Chilis have a pool of the very best musicians from Scotland and across the globe, many holding World Champion titles and all serious players with impressive credentials and qualifications. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $33. akroncivic.com

AGENDA

3/26 The Kent Stage presents Mardi Gras Mamba featuring The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Nathan Williams & The Zydeco Cha Cha’s For more than 40 years, the group has taken the traditional foundation of brass band music and incorporated it into a blend of genres including Bebop Jazz, Funk and R&B and Soul. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. $30. thekentstage.com

3/27 Gervasi Spirits Experience Join this exclusive event in The Villa Grande, where guests will experience three delightful cocktail demonstrations and tastings paired with savory bites. Gervasi Vineyard, The Villa Grande, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 2 p.m. $39. gervasivineyard.com 3/31 Wellness through Art: Spring Mandala Join Dr. Karin Coifman for a series of workshops that integrate wellness and relaxation through art. Take a moment each week to destress while exploring your creativity with a variety of artistic media. Each class begins and ends with brief relaxation or easy meditation. Explore fun, art activities that will leave you refreshed and enriched. Session includes all instruction and materials. Akron Artworks, 1684 Merriman Road, Akron. 6:30-7:45 p.m. $25. akronartworks.com

4/1 Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens 2022 Season This year, the focus will be how the Seiberling family used the estate to entertain family and friends as well as the wider Akron community. An exhibit in the Manor House will showcase how the estate was used as an event space, with a deep dive into the types of parties and events that were held there, and who attended. The exhibit will also explore how the staff created these events, and what was going on behind-the-scenes to orchestrate a party or event. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. stanhywet.org

4/2 Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience The Perondi’s dogs have been featured on national television numerous times. They have been guests on talk shows such as the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Ellen” and “Oprah Winfrey.” Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 2 and 6 p.m. $15-$25. akroncivic.com

4/2 Symphonic Dances A performance of color,

movement and a kaleidoscope of international styles will be capped off by Rachmaninoff’s last score. The concert will also feature the virtuosic Korean Three Drum Dance, which amazes for its multi-layered brilliance: the music, the dance, and the remarkable women who perform both at the same time. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 8 p.m. $15-$60. akronsymphony.org

4/2, 4/3, 4/9, 4/10, 4/16 Egg-stra Wild Egg Hunt The zoo is hosting a wild egg hunt, perfect for

your little kiddos. All participants will receive a bag of holiday treats. Tickets include admission to the zoo following the event. Costume characters are provided by Imaginos Productions, LLC. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Avenue, Akron. 8:30-11 a.m. $7-$18. akronzoo.org

4/3 Brit Floyd World Tour 2022 Brit Floyd has

circled the world with sold-out tours across Europe, North and South America, the Middle East and some of the world’s greatest venues. The Brit Floyd show has become a phenomenon widely regarded as the world’s greatest rock tribute show, faithfully recreating the scale and pomp of the final 1994 Pink Floyd tour. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $40-$160. akroncivic.com

MAPLE Sugar March 12, 13, 19 & 20 9AM - 4PM

DAYS

& Pancake Breakfast

Explore the sweet side of history and experience how maple sap processing changed through the 19th century

330-666-3711 | HaleFarm.org | 2686 Oak Hil Road, Bath, OH 44210 MARCH 2022 | akronlife.com

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by Brendan Baker, Kelly Petryszyn and Alexandra Sobczak photos by Tylar Calhoun and Alan Chavez

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MARKETS photo by Tylar Calhoun

WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR ORGANIC PRODUCE, FRESH MEAT OR EXCITING SPICES, THESE SPECIALTY MARKETS HAVE WHAT YOU NEED TO LEVEL UP YOUR COOKING.

LOCAL MARKETS

FARM STAND Something kept drawing Kayleigh Keller to a condemned 50,000-squarefoot historic Medina building. “I kept sitting in the dilapidated parking lot, having a conversation with God,” says the Keller Meats owner. “What could we do with this building? How could we put a butcher shop into it?” Keller got her answer when Jon and Patty Stahl, the owners of P.J. Marley’s Restaurant & Pub, called, saying they were looking to open a local fare-focused restaurant. She began envisioning not only a Keller Meats butcher shop, but a complex featuring other farmfresh businesses. The rich agricultural history of the 1904 building, where farmers traded supplies through the Medina Farmers Exchange and a grain mill and feed store operated before being condemned in 2016, could flourish again. “We are a fifth-generation farm family in Medina County,” Keller says. “We can tell that story inside of a building that helped other farms survive and thrive.” She teamed with the Stahls, developer Beacon Marshall Co. and others to purchase the structure and embark on a massive $5.5 million remodel. The hub opened in early 2020 with tenants including Jon Stahl’s rustic Farmer’s Table restaurant, Medina Brewing Co., 16 apartments and the Exchange Market anchored by main vendor Keller Meats. Where silos once stood, a sleek Keller Meats counter displays fresh beef, pork and poultry from crop-fed livestock raised at its 130acre Medina farm. Head butcher, Gary Quesada, who was a chef at Main Street Cafe in Medina, is known for his artisanal cuts like bone-in tomahawk steaks and prepared foods such as smoked bacon-wrapped corn. “He has an exquisite palate,” Keller notes. Enjoy that same craft at the 1904 coffee bar, another vendor in the Exchange Market. Sip custom drinks like the Alotta Colada, a take on a Cuban breakfast coffee. Also browse the marketplace for smallbatch goods like Wooster-based Ol’ Dirty Sheets Hot Sauce products and Medina-based Ravine’s Edge carrot glow antiaging cream.

photos by Alan Chavez

The Exchange Market led to a Main Street Medina-run seasonal Sunday market, the Mill Street Makers’ Market and the burgeoning South Town entertainment district. It embodies Medina’s legacy of supporting its own. “The city has used this building as an exciting piece to revitalize on,” Keller adds. “Medina turns up for local businesses.” KP 320 S. Court St., Medina, facebook.com/theexchangemarket.com

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LOCAL MARKETS

COME TOGETHER Kent Natural Foods Co-op opened in 1971, during a time when residents were working together to brighten the community and bring people together following the shootings at Kent State University on May 4, 1970. That effort to cultivate positivity became the Kent Community Project, through which residents met to brainstorm and eventually launch multiple local businesses. “They met in people’s houses and just said, Let’s do something that’s more community-minded ... and do something out of kindness,” says Jeff Ingram, the facilities coordinator at Kent Natural Foods. “A bunch of folks just wanted to create something positive after such a harsh tragedy.” One of those businesses was Kent Natural Foods, a general store that focuses on healthy living by selling products that are primarily organic and locally sourced. Patrons can find items like fresh produce, meat, herbs, vitamins and supplements and household goods — many of which were found by Kent Natural Foods staff at the year-round Haymaker Farmers’ Market. Go-to options for many regulars include meat and eggs from Tierra Verde Farms in Deerfield and soaps and essential oils from Emily’s Soaps in Ravenna. “Tierra Verde Farms, the way they treat their animals — they just have a beautiful philosophy,” Ingram says. “[Emily’s Soaps] has all these wonderful scents, all natural.” Another popular pick is the organic produce that’s delivered to the store each week. “People can come in here and get food that’s going to be good for them and good for the planet,” Ingram says. “A lot of our shoppers are concerned about the health of the planet as well as the health of themselves.” The Kent Natural Foods staff works to facilitate conversations and increase education about healthy eating and sustainable choices. “People come here asking questions all the time, and we’re willing to research it if we don’t know or haven’t had an experience ourselves,” he says.

“The bottom line is about sharing the knowledge of everybody in the community and sharing locally made products.” Ingram says. “It’s really a community vibe when you walk through the door.” AS 151 E. Main St., Kent, kentnaturalfoods.org

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photos by Alan Chavez

In addition to emphasizing education and eco-friendly practices, Kent Natural Foods still has that original mission of community at its center.

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photo by Tylar Calhoun

BOOSTING TRADITION

If you’ve been around Copley much in the past 20 years, you’ve probably stopped in for a sandwich and some cheese at Shisler’s Cheese House, located on South Cleveland Massillon Road, just off Copley Circle. When restaurateur Beau Schmidt heard Shisler’s was closing, he saw an opening for a new market-themed restaurant and deli. Schmidt, along with his business partners, Rennick Andreoli and Jeff Lynch, aimed to create something new without losing what Shisler’s offered. That’s how the new Beau’s Market came to be. It’s a slightly different endeavor for the three partners, who own spots like Beau’s Grille, Beau’s on the River and some local hotels. Beau’s Market is similar to Shisler’s, only a bit more “amped up.” Shoppers can expect

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more wine labels and more groceries, according to Lynch. “We want to keep the country market feel, but also add a bit more on the gourmet side,” he says. “We’re going to bring a lot more cheeses, like a mini-West Point Market.” The market is certainly stocked with experience. “We’ve hired two co-managers to run the facility,” Lynch notes. “One is Jamie Boyd, who used to manage the wine department at West Point Market. We also hired Christina Lusk, who managed the cheese department at West Point. I also worked at West Point for about five years in the wine department as a consultant.” Schmidt adds that Beau’s Market features a variety of fresh foods for quick service. “You will be able to stop, get some hummus, some cheese, some carrot sticks, a cucumber and whatever else you might

want to take home — perhaps a sandwich and a bottle of wine,” he says. “There will be plenty of variety.”

table seating, some new fixtures. We’ve also got wine racks that will dress up the area around the steps.”

Like at Shisler’s, patrons can still order things like Boar’s Head meat from the deli counter and get a sandwich to-go, but as a new addition, there is also a full-service restaurant.

Schmidt envisions happy hours from 4 to 6:30 p.m. with some tastings of cheeses or sandwiches and wine. “We’ll do events as we’ve done at the Sheraton and Hilton,” he says. “We’ll have about 40 to 50 different craft beers to choose from, as well as specialty sodas from Norka.”

“We will still have the counter service to purchase sliced meats, cheeses and grocery items. But then we’re going more towards specialty food,” Schmidt says. “We’re trying to bring a cozy restaurant experience and tie it in with the market and deli.” Beau’s Market plans to expand beyond its 53 seats in the spring or early summer, with 40 or 50 more seats on the patio. As for what they might call the new motif? “It could be country chic,” Lynch says. “We didn’t want to move too far away from the country feel, but we wanted to freshen the place up with more

The market also features items like unique hot sauces — since Lynch is a self-described “chilihead” — and products like Cleveland Ketchup, specialty pickles and local pasta and sauces. “We’re taking the systems that [Shisler’s] did well and enhancing them. We did a lot of research,” Lynch says. “We want to become a destination like it was before.” BB 1275 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Copley, beausmarket.com

LOCAL MARKETS

HEALTHY HARVEST When Mike and Jean Krieger started their business in 1963, they didn’t even have a name for their farm stand, which was just an open-air market selling fresh produce. After a few years, however, Mike got the idea to call it Krieger’s Ranch Market, as he had seen one out in California during a trip. Now, Krieger’s Health Foods Market is a landmark in the community where generations of customers have shopped for fresh, local produce and Ohio-made products for nearly 60 years. “We pride ourselves on having a wide variety of Ohio products,” says the owner’s daughter, Susan Krieger Kraus, who has worked at the market since she was 12 years old and is now the general manager. “We promote products like Ohio Amish cheeses and baked goods, pies, maple syrup, Ohio honey, and when in season, a wide variety of Ohio produce that’s grown right here.” Owner and president Jean Krieger adds that throughout Krieger’s Market’s 50-plus years, customers’ shopping habits have changed a great deal, now shifting towards organics and dark, leafy greens. “When we first started, shoppers wanted to buy 50-pound bags of potatoes and 50-pound bags of onions. They wanted cabbage and head lettuce. You could hardly sell them enough,” Jean says. “We stocked some Romain and Bibb lettuce, but it was a tiny percentage. ... There’s been a lot of changes over the years.” Other changes include the whole front of the building. Mike built the original farm stand with his bare hands. Despite renovations, that part is still there when you walk in, offering the feeling of a farmer’s market. “That’s the way my parents wanted it,” says Krieger Kraus. “And that’s what our customers love, too.” Krieger’s Market still has a lot of customers that have been coming in from the beginning, when there was a gravel drive and a chainlink fence. “Customers still remember my kids running around on gravel floors,” Jean says. “We weren’t big for many years. It wasn’t until 1986 when we did the addition.”

photos by Alan Chavez

While Jean says she didn’t necessarily see the market growing to what it is today, she believes her husband had the vision for it. “I think that was always a dream that both of us had,” she says. “Whatever he wanted to do was my dream too.” Krieger Kraus notes that her parents have lived the American dream. “Both my father and my mother always appreciated the opportunities of this great country,” she says. “They really have lived the American dream.” BB Item to buy: Buckeye Basket $57.99, 615 Graham Road, Cuyahoga Falls, kriegersmarket.com

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LOCAL MARKETS

SPICING IT UP A conversation on Christmas Day 2004 led to a new venture in specialty foods for Karen Marks. “As the story goes, there was probably a little too much eggnog involved,” the Heather’s Heat & Flavor owner laughs. “[My son] said he was going to have trouble leveling inventory with just one store. I said, No problem, I’ll open another store. But it is a little like having a baby. It takes about nine months from the time you find the spot and then open for business.” The first store was opened in Beachwood by Marks’ son and daughterin-law (Heather) about a year before the second location opened in Hudson. Marks initially offered the same products as her son’s store. But the front window didn’t “pop” enough for the retail traffic in Hudson, especially during lunch hour when people were out browsing the storefronts. “I realized that the front window was just dull,” she says. “I started bringing in colorful pottery. Eventually, colorful teapots were added along with the [loose-leaf ] tea.” But the store has evolved even more since the early days. Heather’s has expanded its tea selection from the basics to varieties like Liquid Jade, Lemon Myrtle, Tippy South Cloud and Second Flush Darjeeling — most of it organic. “We probably have four times as much tea in here today,” she says. “They’re good organic loose-leaf teas — much better than the bags. The stuff that’s at the bottom of the teabag is very much like the stuff that we throw out.” Other staples include a wide assortment of hot sauces and spices. Heather’s doesn’t carry just one of anything — the shop has multiple kinds of peppercorns and at least four types of paprika! It also stocks a complete section of hot sauces from mild to inferno for chili-head patrons, some of its most loyal shoppers. Then there is the selection of spice blends, which Marks points to and says is the best part of the store. The dry rub, called Heather’s Butt Rub, is the most popular, and Marks notes it can go on just about anything, including popcorn and baked potatoes.

Today, Heather’s stocks a treasure trove of spices, teas and other specialty products that the grocery stores just don’t have. “You can buy virtually any kind of spice here and more,” Marks says. “Grocery stores only carry the basics, and people want more than that.” BB 94 First St., Hudson, facebook.com/Heathers-Heat-and-Flavor

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photos by Alan Chavez

“We’ve won two awards for it,” she says. “This rub was designed for a pork roast, pulled pork or a rack of ribs. There’s enough in this bag for a rack of ribs or a 7-pound shoulder roast. But people put it on anything.”

+3 MORE Seven Grains Natural Market: This Tallmadge market offers extensive vegan and gluten-free organic food options like produce, seafood, meat, bakery items, prepared foods and the largest organic wine selection in Northeast Ohio. Co-owners Gina and David Krieger aim to keep organic food accessible at affordable prices in an environment that isn’t intimidating. “It’s just everyday food that the average person can relate to,” Gina says. “We see all walks of life in here, and they’re comfortable.” Keep an eye out for Easter family dinners of no-nitrates spiral ham, scalloped potatoes, dinner rolls, veggies and dessert, also available in vegan and gluten-free versions. 92 West Ave., Tallmadge, sevengrains.com

Family Groceries: For high-quality Asian ingredients, visit this familyowned international market in North Hill. Whether you’re looking for Nepali, Thai, Burmese or Indian foods, find them all under one roof. While there, also browse delicious African and Hispanic options. 768 N. Main St., Akron, facebook.com/family.groceries

The Farmer’s Rail: Shop for poultry, pork, beef, lamb and more at this farmer-owned artisanal meats and butcher shop. Sustainable practices at Brunty Farms in Akron and Ashland make for fresh, healthy options at the Akron, Cuyahoga Falls and Hudson Farmer’s Rail locations. 1572 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Akron, 2231 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 98 Main St., Hudson, thefarmersrail.com AS

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GOOD EATS

MARCH 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 3

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.

Alexander Pierce Restaurant Fine dining menu of steaks, house-made pastas, calamari misto and cavatelli alla vodka in an intimate speakeasy-style atmosphere. 797 E. Market St., Akron, 330-529-2003 $$$ D, A Arnie’s Public House An attractive, affordable restaurant with a modern twist on comfort food. Featuring award-winning burgers, chicken and waffles, fish and chips, pasta and vegetarian dishes. 1682 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-0154 $$$ L, D, A, T, W 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 $$$ L, D, A The Bistro of Green An upscale dining establishment with a diverse menu that features some of Akron’s finest cuisine and gluten-free options made from fresh ingredients. Has a large selection of wine, beer and cocktails, and the inviting atmosphere offers a memorable experience. 3459 Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330-896-1434 $$$$ D, T, A

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Blu Plate Southern-inspired fare in the Blu Jazz club with dinner and show packages available. 45 E. Market St., Akron, 330-252-1190 $$$ D, W, A, T Bricco Open since September 2003, this restaurant is known for its eclectic seasonal menu, wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes. 1 W. Exchange St., Akron, 330-475-1600 $$$ L, D, A, T, V, W Bricco in Kent Menu is modeled after the original Bricco in downtown Akron. A la carte brunch on Sun. 210 S. Depeyster St., Kent, 330-677-1335 $$$ L, D, A, T Burntwood Tavern Owned by the same couple that runs the other Burntwood locations, this restaurant’s menu features steaks, sliders, smoked, planked and woodgrilled food. 2291 Riverfront Parkway, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-794-7085; 4320 Everhard Road NW, Canton, 234-2099746; 3750 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 234-466-7372 $$$$ L, D, A, T, W Cafe Bricco This menu is a smaller version of the one at the original Bricco location downtown. DoubleTree Hotel, 3150 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-835-2203 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Canal Tavern of Zoar Fine casual dining in Zoar’s original tavern and inn. Features steaks and chops, seafood and Zoar-inspired German cuisine, as well as draft brews and extensive wine list. Sun. brunch. Patio bar and dining along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. 8806 Towpath Road, NE, Bolivar, 330-874-4444 $$$ L, D, A, T Caston & Main Brew Yard This cozy, casual gastropub with a fireplace and two outdoor patios with fire features offers a large variety of craft beer including 32 taps, with wine, specialty cocktails and 140-plus bourbons, whiskeys and spirits including rare selections. The chefdriven menu offers house-made flatbreads, sandwiches and beer cheese, as well as Sun. brunch. 5010 S. Main St., Akron, 330-882-CASK (2275) $$$ L, D, A Cellar 59 Wine Bar & Wine Shop The menu in this renovated 19th-century farmhouse features small plates, desserts, bottles of wine and craft beer. Closed Sun. and Mon. 3984 Kent Road, Stow, 330-688-2684 $$$ L, D, A, T

Circle L Steakhouse at the Galaxy The new menu offers a wide selection of steak cuts, and the atmosphere provides an upscale, rustic feel. Sun. brunch and live entertainment. 201 Park Centre Drive, Wadsworth, 330-3343663 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T Corkscrew Saloon Specializes in fresh seafood, steaks and chops, prepared by executive chef Ryan Marino. Live entertainment Wed. nights. 811 W. Liberty, Medina, 330-725-0220 $$$$ L, D, A, T Craft Social Bar A large variety of craft beer, cocktails, wines and whiskeys that accompany upscale bar food. Watermark Building, 1846 Front St., Suite G, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-8052826 $$$ D, A, T, V Crave Creative comfort foods, slightly eccentric with bold tastes served up in a sensational setting. 57 E. Market St., Akron, 330-253-1234 $$ L, D, A, T, V Crave Cantina Latin fare meets global tacos at this modern, artistic eatery from the owner of Crave in downtown Akron. Pair your eclectic taco choices with a rum flight of your choice. 2097 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-940-2000 $$$$ L, D, A, T The Crush House at Gervasi Vineyard A modern industrial building that houses a state-of-the-art winery facility, wine bar and eatery. Perfect for a fun lunch, casual dinner or late snack. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330497-1000, ext. 5 $$ L, D, A D.B.A., Dante Boccuzzi Akron Modern American food in a rock ‘n’ roll palace setting. Several menu items can be ordered in varied portion sizes, based on your appetite. Vegetarian and vegan options available. 21 Furnace St., Akron, 330375-5050 $$$$ D, A, T, V Desert Inn Family-owned since 1970. Specializes in family-style shish kebabs. 204 12th St. NW, Canton, 330-456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A DeVitis Italian Market Has used traditional recipes to bring fresh Italian food to the Akron area for the last 40 years. Offers six varieties of pasta sauce, including house-made regular, hot and Sicilian. 560 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron, 330-535-2626 $$ L, D, T

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Diamond Deli A local favorite with fat sandwiches and fresh soups. 378 S. Main St., Akron, 330-762-5877 $ B, L, A, D (Saturdays only), T Diamond Grille Akron’s oldest steakhouse, 1950s-style decor. All steaks are hand-cut, and seafood is flown in fresh. 77 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-0041 $$$$ L, D, A No credit cards Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine Homestyle Italian cuisine, popular community meeting place. 555 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-928-9530 $$ L, D, A, T Downtown 140 New American cuisine using as few ingredients as possible to make an impact and keep clean flavors on the menu at this finedining establishment. 140 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-655-2940 $$$$ L, D, A Driftwood Modern American Bistro Upscale casual dining featuring multiaward-winning chili, handmade pasta and more crafted in an open kitchen. Save room for made-fromscratch desserts, including our cinnamon roll cheesecake. Inside Embassy Suites by Hilton Akron Canton Airport, 7883 Freedom Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-305-0500 $$$ D 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 $$ B, L, D, T The Galaxy Restaurant Diverse selection of dishes in a creative building. Fantastic desserts. 201 Park Center Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-3663 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Hibachi Japan Steak House Japanese hibachi-style cooking, great steak and sushi. 1803 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-3333 $$$ L, D, A, T Jilly’s Music Room All gluten-free menu of creative American tapas in a sophisticated setting. Live music, concerts and events Wed. through Sat. 111 N. Main St., Akron, 330-5763757 $$, 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

GOOD EATS UNCORKED by Mike McKenney

Jameson Ginger & Lime Jameson Distillery | Dublin, Ireland pack four-

$11.9

As you begin putting winter behind you and start gearing up for spring, it’s time to look forward to St. Patrick’s Day. This year, luck can strike your St. Paddy’s celebrations with the new Jameson Ginger & Lime available just in time. Expected to be the hottest beverage to launch in 2022, Ginger & Lime is groundbreaking. Jameson is the first Irish whiskey to bring a ready-to-drink offering to the market, and Ginger & Lime checks many boxes. Trends show that demand for convenient formats is through the roof. The ready-to-drink

9

category has increased 102 percent, and this momentum is expected to continue. Spiritbased cocktails are expected to grow 41 percent, and whiskey is the fastest growing ready-todrink option. These green cans have 6 percent alcohol by volume, allowing you to indulge in a favorite signature cocktail that can be enjoyed chilled, directly from the can or over ice. Jameson Ginger & Lime is available in four-packs of 355-milliliter cans for $11.99 at select Giant Eagle, Acme Fresh Market, Heinen’s, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Discount Drug Mart and Meijer locations.

[ Mike McKenney is a manager at Heidelberg Distributing Co. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com]. 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, fresh chops and expertly prepared 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 $$$$ D, A Lanning’s Restaurant Elegant dining atmosphere with a beautiful view. More than 150 types of wine. 826 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330666-1159, 330-864-2553 $$$$ D, A, T, V

Leo’s Italian Social Nosh on comfort food Italian favorites with a chefdriven twist. With everything from wood-fired pizza to certified angus beef strip steaks, it’s a great spot for groups to dine inside or on the large patio with bocce. Also take in live music. 2251 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-400-4427 $$$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Lucca Downtown Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Tuscan Italianinspired menu. Now managed by Tony Ly, who also owns Basil Asian Bistro. Call for reservations. 228 Fourth St. NW, Canton, 330-456-2534. $$$$ L, D, A, T

Luigi’s Restaurant An Akron icon. Open late. Serves superb Italian cuisine, salads and award-winning pizza. Voted best pizza and best Italian restaurant by Akron Life readers. Party trays and sheet-pan pizzas available with 24-hour notice. 105 N. Main St., Akron, 330-253-2999 $$ L, D, A, T No credit cards

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

MARCH 2022 | akronlife.com

27

GOOD EATS UNTAPPED by Aaron Fowler

Fruit Tart Seltzer Urban Artifact | Cincinnati, Ohio 12-pa

Let’s be real — we all need to shake off all the snow from this brutal winter and let the springtime peek on through. This month, Cincinnati’s Urban Artifact takes the ever-popular hard seltzer category and goes in a delicious direction. As the sun begins to rear its head, so does the Ohio brewery’s new Fruit Tart Seltzer mix pack. Over the years, Urban Artifact has paved the way for the fruited sour beer style in Ohio and beyond. Located in a historic St. Patrick’s church in the heart of Cincinnati’s Northside neighborhood, Urban Artifact continues to grow its portfolio with innovation around every corner. The

brewery now distributes to 11 states and offers direct-toconsumer shipping to nearly a dozen others. The Fruit Tart Seltzer mix pack offers four different options, which will rotate throughout the year. Variety Pack No. 1 features such options as Orange Creamsicle, Black Cherry, Cranberry & Grape and Strawberry & Lemon. Each flavor is made with real whole fruit and uses no artificial ingredients at any time in its creation. Each comes in at 5 percent alcohol by volume, 110 calories, 4 grams of carbohydrates and 0 grams of sugar per serving. For those looking for something more diverse than most everything on the market, this fusion of fruited sour ales and

ck

9 $19.9

hard seltzers is just what you have been looking for. The Fruit Tart Seltzer mix pack is available in 12-pack cans for $19.99 at select Acme Fresh Market, Heinen’s,

Fisher’s Foods, Buehler’s Fresh Foods and Mustard Seed Market and Cafe locations, as well as at finer craft beer stops such as Lizardville and 101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.

[ Aaron Fowler is the key account manager at Cavalier Distributing. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com]. Menches Bros. Restaurant Inventors of the hamburger and ice cream cone. In Akron since 1901. 4887 Tuscawaras St. W, Canton, 234-410-3444; 3700 Massillon Road, Green, 330-896-2288; 235 Lincoln Way W, Massillon, 330832-6200 $$ B, L, D, A, T The Merchant Tavern With Owner Anthony Piscazzi’s family history running Akron’s beloved Wine Merchant restaurant and Chef Victor Todaro in the kitchen, this new restaurant already has a great start. Retail wines available. 1824 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-865-9510 $$$ L, D, A, T Moe’s Restaurant Hip, intimate atmosphere featuring a diverse

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chalkboard menu that changes monthly. Martinis, cocktails and extensive selection of wines by the glass. 2385 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-6600 $$$$ L, D, A, T Niko’s Sandwich Board Cafe Menu of fresh salads, small-batch soups and handcrafted sandwiches, including several veggie, vegan and gluten-free selections. 1947 W. Market St., Suite 104, Akron, 330-794-5444 $$ L, D, T Nomz Café Provides customers with farm-fresh, local eats that showcase favorites like the ham and cheese breakfast sandwich and the chicken sandwich marinated in Thirsty Dog Brewing’s Citra Dog beer that

are made from scratch inside the Northside Marketplace. 21 Furnace St., Akron, 330-286-1315 $$$ B, L, D, T, A Papa Bear’s Authentic, house-made Italian food. 4990 Dressler Road NW, Canton, 330-493-0090 $$$ L, D, A, T Papa Gyros Greek Grill Authentic Greek fare, wine and beer. 3939 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0707; 4760 Everhard Road, Canton, 330-4971100; 320 W. State St., Alliance, 330823-7773; 2045 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330-456-9000; 1 N. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-247-2475 $$ L, D, A, T Primo’s Deli An Akron mainstay since 1979. Try their famous corned beef

sandwich or spicy Italian sub, and finish with a slice of house-made carrot cake. 1707 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, 330-745-9056 $$ L, D, A, T Pub Bricco The menu features gourmet hamburgers, appetizers, salads and drinks served in a pub atmosphere in the Merriman Valley. 1841 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-869-0035 $$ 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

GOOD EATS

Rosewood Grill Seasonally inspired. Fresh appeal of a local farmers market. 36 E. Streetsboro St., Hudson, 330-656-2100 $$$$ L Fri/Sat only, D, A, T Russo’s Unique cuisine featuring Cajun and Italian influences. Fine dining atmosphere. 4895 State Road, Peninsula, 330-9232665 $$$$ L, D, A, T Sarah’s Vineyard Sample high-quality wines, appetizers and desserts in the tasting room, on the deck or in the butterfly garden. 1204 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-8057 $$ L, D, A, T Serenite Restaurant Fine French dining includes oysters, escargot, duck confit and smoked salmon. Socially conscious mission with a staff made up of people in recovery from addiction. 538 W. Liberty St., Medina, 330-952-2611 $$$ L, D, A, T Table Six Kitchen & Bar Innovative and shareable dishes made from scratch in a gastropub where the drinks are also held to the same high standard. Road 6113 Whipple Ave NW, North Canton, 330-305-1666 $$$ L, D, W, A, T Timber Lodge Steaks are hand-selected from the finest USDA Prime and Choice aged beef. Seafood is flown in daily to assure the peak of flavor and freshness. Prime rib is slow roasted rotisserie-style and hand-carved to your taste. Famous for its No. 1 giant lobster tail. 2809 Pearl Road, Medina, 330-725-6288 $$$ D, A, T

Totally Cooked To-Go Comfort foods, soups, made-to-order sandwiches and salads, and desserts. Menu changes weekly. 388 S. Main St., Akron, 330-294-1102 $$ B, L, D, T The Twisted Olive Casual classic ItalianAmerican fare grilled or baked wood-fire ovens. Indoor and outdoor seating. 5430 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0550 $$$ L, D, A, T The West Side Bakery Specialties include cakes, pastries and cookies. Breakfast items include scones, muffins and yogurt parfaits. All sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups are made from scratch. 2303 W. Market St., Akron, 330-836-4101 $ B, L, T The Wine Mill Open daily for wine, craft beer, and bites made from fresh, local ingredients. The rustic Wine Mill serves salads, sliders and cheeseboards, along with Mason jar desserts. The Wine Mill is available for weddings and private events. 4964 Akron Cleveland Road, Peninsula, 234-5712594 $$$ L, D, A, V Wolf Creek Tavern Housed in the former Loyal Oak Tavern, this restaurant serves craft beer, wine, salads, wraps, burgers, pasta, steaks and housemade pie. Kids menu. 3044 Wadsworth Road, Norton, 234-571-4531 $$$$ L, D, A, T Please send any changes or corrections to kpetryszyn@ bakermediagroup.com.

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

MARCH 2022 | akronlife.com

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TOP DENTISTS

TOPDENTISTS 2022

Your smile says a lot about you. But a fear of going to the dentist can keep many people from seeking the care they need for a bright, toothy grin. The dentists of The 330 are working hard to dispel those fears, offering state-ofthe-art technology and pampering services that turn a dreaded appointment into a pleasant visit. From painless anesthesia to spa-like amenities, these dentists know how to help you look forward to your next dental checkup. Get ready to flash that smile — and find your new favorite dentist with this list.

This list is excerpted from the topDentists™ list, a database which includes listings for more than 65 dentists and specialists in the vicinity of Akron, Ohio. The Akron list is based on thousands of detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at www.usatopdentists.com. For more information call 706-364-0853; email info@usatopdentists.com or visit www.usatopdentists.com.

S E LEC T I O N PR O CE S S “If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?” This is the question we’ve asked thousands of dentists to help us determine who the topDentists should be. Dentists and specialists are asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and of course physical results. The nomination pool of dentists consists of dentists listed online with the American Dental Association as well as dentists listed online with their local dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists who we have missed that they feel should be included in our list. Respondents are asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and to use only their knowledge of their peer’s work when evaluating the other nominees. Voters are asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballot whose work they are familiar with. Once the balloting is completed, the scores are compiled and then averaged. The numerical average required for inclusion varies depending on the average for all the nominees within the specialty and the geographic area. Borderline cases are given a careful consideration by the editors. Voting characteristics and comments are taken into consideration while making decisions. Past awards a dentist has received, status in various dental academies (Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Periodontology, etc.) can play a factor in our decisions. Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board. Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists. Of course there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in the United States. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that our polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate, and useful list of dentists available anywhere.

D IS C LA I M E R This list is excerpted from the topDentists™ list, which includes listings for more than 65 dentists and specialists in the Akron area. For more information call 706-364-0853; or write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; or email info@usatopdentists.com or visit www.usatopdentists.com. topDentists has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Copyright 2009-2022 by topDentists, LLC of Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists, LLC. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.

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akronlife.com | MARCH 2022

TOP DENTISTS

2022

TOPDENTISTS

EN D OD ONTIC S David J. Harris, Jr.

Advanced Care Endodontics 3869 Darrow Road, Suite 209 Stow 330-688-3800 330-688-3100 endodavid@aol.com acendodontics.com

A. Christopher Kayafas

3075 Smith Road, Suite 201 Fairlawn 330-666-0400 330-666-0130 twok_endo@frontier.com akronendo.com

James G. Kotapish, Jr.

Ronald M. Wolf

3075 Smith Road, Suite 201 Akron 330-666-0400 330-666-0130 jkotapish@gmail.com akronendo.com

Stephen H. Moore

Falls Endodontics 939 Portage Trail Cuyahoga Falls 330-928-7571 330-928-9921 docmoore99@yahoo.com fallsendo.com

LIST

William R. Davidson

Summit Endodontic Specialists 3611 Darrow Road Stow 330-686-0080 330-686-8622 ses@summit-endo.com summit-endo.com

Tomorrow’s Dentistry 9365 Olde Eight Road Northfield 330-467-6066 330-467-0504 wrdds@aol.com tomorrowsdentistry.com

GEN ERA L D EN T I S TRY

Demboski Family Dental 525 North Cleveland Massillon Road, Suite 105 Akron 330-666-6111 330-666-6161 robertdemboskidds@hotmail.com demboskidentistry.com

Robert J. Demboski

G. Michael Appel

540 White Pond Drive, Suite C Akron 330-869-9090 gmadds@aol.com mikeappeldds.com

promotional editorial

DENTIST PROFILES

Delivering State-of-the-Art Dentistry at an Affordable Price Dr. Angela Marino is passionate about offering a wide range of affordable dental services conveniently under one roof. As a member of the International Academy of Facial Esthetics, she focuses on enhancing the whole face using Botox and dermal fillers to create a more youthful appearance. The team of dentists at Dr. Marino & Associates have served the greater Cleveland and Akron areas for over three decades with quality, value, and convenience. Dr. Marino & Associates has proudly been voted Akron Beacon Journal’s Best of The Best No.1 dentist five years in a row for offering exceptional service for over 30 years. Visit one of the many locations to see why they can be your one-stop-shop for all your dental needs. Request an appointment online at drmarinoassociates.com, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Angela K. Marino, D.D.S. Dr. Marino & Associates

CUYAHOGA FALLS OFFICE

A K RON OF F I C E

C H A R DON OF F I C E

C L E V E L A N D H T S O F F ICE

State Valley Dental 63 Graham Road, Suite 3

Marino Dental on Darrow 381 Darrow Road

Center Street Dental 320 Center St,. Suite G2

5 Severance Cir., Suite 412 Severance Medical Arts Bldg

330-752-1300 drmarinoassociates.com 32

akronlife.com | MARCH 2022

TOP DENTISTS

promotional editorial

DENTIST PROFILES

Bringing Dental Care to the Next Level I’m Dr. Ryan Walton, and I’m proud of what we’re doing at Akron Smile – Complete Health Dentistry. I have assembled a team of highly skilled, dedicated and caring clinicians to meet your dental needs, care about your overall health, and exceed your every expectation. Our passion is to provide our patients with the highest quality dental care possible. This commitment to dental excellence has inspired us to create an atmosphere and overall experience for patients that is just as outstanding as their results. We strive to enhance our patients’ lives by offering state-of-the-art family, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry in an environment that exudes the “essence of modern dentistry.” By designing an office that accommodates the unique lifestyles and personal preferences of our patients, we believe you can achieve optimal dental health, translating to improvements in your overall health as well. MY EXPERIENCE • I have a passion for knowledge and continuous improvement, and I have completed over 1,000 hours of continuing education to enhance my skills in the most recent advances in dentistry, and to bring them to you in the most expert manner possible. • I studied comprehensive occlusion at the Spear Center for Dentistry, with a focus on esthetic and functional rehabilitation of worn, damaged, and missing teeth. • We employ CEREC technology in our office, for which I have completed advanced curriculum training at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry — allowing for the fabrication of same day, in-office crowns, veneers, bridges and implant restorations. We can complete almost anything in one day. • I served as a beta tester for the Solea dental laser – the most innovative hard and soft tissue laser available in dentistry today, and completed over 4,000 procedures to date. I welcome you to visit our office to see what happens when modern technology, top-level care and a focus on complete health combine for an unbelievable patient experience.

Dr. Ryan Walton is one of the only Solea dentists in Northeast Ohio and serves as a beta-tester for this

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry 508 E. Exchange St. Akron, OH 44304 330-434-3485 akronsmile.com

SOLEA DENTAL LASER The Solea Dental Laser is the most advanced all-tissue laser available for dentistry. Imagine a dental visit without the drill, the needle, the noise and the pain! The Solea experience, virtually free of the needle and the sound of the drill, is quick, easy and done in a single visit, able to get you back to your day in minutes

Ryan M. Walton, D.D.S.

amazing technology. Less than 1% of dentists in Ohio are certified as Solea users. Visit akronsmile.com or ilovesolea.com to find out more!

MARCH 2022 | akronlife.com

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TOP DENTISTS

promotional editorial

DENTIST PROFILES

Comfort and Compassion It’s no secret that most people aren’t excited to visit the dentist. When you walk into Drs. Kyle and Bronlynn Eberhardt’s office, however, your mind is at ease knowing you are being cared for by well-respected and compassionate dentists. In the summer of 2020, the practice welcomed Dr. Marina Ojaimi whose kindness and exceptional care fit the values and culture of Eberhardt Dentistry. Eberhardt Dentistry has built the foundation of the practice on trust, faith and service. Kyle Eberhardt is committed to providing the most comfortable experience possible. His passion for excellence in dentistry has led him to constantly pursue advanced continuing education and to invest in the most current dental technology. Eberhardt Dentistry provides services from routine preventative care to smile makeovers and implant dentistry. The practice strives to deliver the best clinical care possible while making the visit as comfortable as possible. Each patient’s situation is unique, and so is the individualized care, concern and treatment each patient receives. Patients are like extended family, and that relationship is important when it comes to finding the right dentist for you and yours. Eberhardt Dentistry invites you to visit its practice.

G EN ERA L D ENTIS TRY [c o n ti nue d] Jennifer DiPiero

DiPiero Family Dental 1376 North Portage Path Akron 330-867-9494 dipierofamilydental@gmail.com dipierofamilydental.com

Bronlynn Eberhardt

Eberhardt Dentistry 1655 West Market Street, Suite 540 Akron 330-836-5585 dreberhardt@gmail.com eberhardtdentistry.com

Kyle S. Eberhardt

Eberhardt Dentistry 1655 West Market Street, Suite 540 Akron 330-836-5585 330-836-8003 info@eberhardtdentistry.com eberhardtdentistry.com

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Mark S. Grucella

620 Ridgewood Drive Akron 330-733-7911 330-376-5214 akronbestdentist.com

Keith A. Hoover

Drs. Hoover and Yanda 39 Milford Drive Hudson 330-650-0360 330-656-9308 drhoover@drshooverandyanda.com drshooverandyanda.com

Mark Iati

Stow Dental Group 3506 Darrow Road Stow 330-688-6456 330-688-4178 miatidds1@gmail.com stowdental.com

Christine Kepley

Merit Dental 9769 Valley View Road Macedonia 330-510-3969 meritdental.com/locations/ohiodental-centers/macedonia-oh/

Kyle Eberhardt, D.D.S. Eberhardt Dentistry 1655 W. Market St., Suite 540, Akron 330-836-5585 eberhardtdentistry.com

Michael A. Kimberly

Valley Dental Group 1852 Merriman Road Akron 330-867-8354 330-867-6960 valleydentalgroupakron.com

Joanna R. Kleckner

2080 State Road Cuyahoga Falls 330-923-5287 330-923-6033 info@joannaklecknerdds.com joannaklecknerdds.com

Gregory A. Lis

100 East Elm Street Kent 330-673-0121 g_lis@sbcglobal.net mykentdentist.com

Angela K. Marino

State Valley Dental 63 Graham Road, Suite 3 Cuyahoga Falls 330-752-1300 appt@centraldentalcorp.com drmarinonassociates.com

Christopher J. Martin Martin Dental Care 337 East Main Street Kent 330-673-9745 cmartindds@aol.com martindentalcare.com

William E. Morisak

3515 Manchester Road, Suite 7 Akron 330-644-6397 morisakdds@aol.com

Michael E. Murphy

525 North Cleveland-Massillon Road, Suite 106 Akron 330-666-1855 murphy182@frontier.com

Gary D. Olson

465 East Bath Road Cuyahoga Falls 330-253-8711 dro1026@att.net fabrydental.com

TOP DENTISTS

promotional editorial

DENTIST PROFILES

Reducing the Stress of Root Canals When Dr. David Harris began his dental studies at Case Western Reserve University, he had no intention of becoming an endodontist. However, when he performed his first root canal on a patient it came so naturally he knew he’d found his calling. He began his practice in 1992 and moved to his current Stow location in 2009. Knowing how to perform a root canal is just the beginning — making it as painless and stress-free as possible is key. Harris continues to educate himself and others on the latest technology, the most efficient tools and the newest methods of sedation and anesthesia. One example is cone beam computed tomography, a medical imaging technique which allows Harris to get a more complete image of the patient’s head. The tomography shows different views of the mouth, sinuses and the temporomandibular joint — as well as fractures, miscanals or extra roots — providing a thorough image

of the area to be addressed during the procedure. For many patients, just the thought of being numbed before a dental procedure evokes a feeling of fear and dread. Harris and his team are among the few dentists in the area trained in oral conscious sedation. No needles, just pills. The patient is monitored closely throughout, ensuring safety during the procedure. This is a game changer for many, reducing the stress of traditional sedation techniques.

TOP DENTIST 2022

Harris is a member of the American Association of Endodontists, the American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association, the Chicago Dental Society and the Akron Dental Society. At Advanced Care Endodontics, Harris and his team strive to offer you the highest standard of professional care in a friendly, comfortable environment. Their main goal is to exceed your expectations and relieve any anxiety you may have about root canal treatment.

David J. Harris, D.D.S., M.S.D. Advanced Care Endodontics 3869 Darrow Road Suite 209, Stow 330-688-3800 877-STOWOHIO acendo.com

V I S I T A C E N D O.C O M

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TOP DENTISTS

G EN ERA L D ENTIS TRY [c o n ti nue d] Maria Papich-Forsyth

555 Graham Road, Suite 100 Cuyahoga Falls 330-928-1417 330-928-6497 info@cuyahogafallsdentalarts.com cuyahogafallsdentalarts.com

Samuel N. Pupino

539 White Pond Drive, Suite B Akron 330-836-0485 330-836-0486

W. Tyler Rogus

Valley Dental Group 1852 Merriman Road Akron 330-867-8354 330-867-6960 KarryRogus@frontier.com Valleydentalgroupakron.com

Chris S. Ruggiero

531 East Smith Road Medina 330-725-0455 330-722-1911 csruggierodmd.com

David W. Schlosser

Stow Dental Group 3506 Darrow Road Stow 330-688-6456 330-688-4178 dschlosser@NEO.RR.com stowdental.com

Thomas D. Semans

Semans Family Dentistry 2660 West Market Street, Suite 200 Fairlawn 330-867-4461 330-867-4628 drsemans@semansfamilydentistry. com semansfamilydentistry.com

Gerald Sisko

Sisko Dentistry 60 Metric Drive Tallmadge 330-633-9510 330-633-9185 susan@siskodentistry.com tallmadgedentist.com

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Michael A. Stefan

Barsan & Stefan Family Dental 330 Stow Avenue Cuyahoga Falls 330-928-5575 barsandental@neo.rr.com barsanstefandental.com

Bryan Stephens

60 North Miller Road Fairlawn 330-867-7741 330-867-0221 drbms@icloud.com bryanstephensdds.com

Michelle S. Taylor

Taylor Dental 9795 Ravenna Road Twinsburg 330-227-6009 330-963-0852 office@twinsburgsmiles.com twinsburgsmiles.com

Samuel E. Taylor

Taylor Dental 9795 Ravenna Road Twinsburg 330-227-6009 330-963-0852 office@twinsburgsmiles.com twinsburgsmiles.com

Grant B. Turner

585 White Pond Drive, Suite B Akron 330-836-9870 gturnerdds@gmail.com

Todd W. Westhafer

667 West Turkeyfoot Lake Road Akron 330-644-9511 drwesthafer@sbcglobal.net westhaferdds.com

April A. Yanda

Drs. Hoover and Yanda 39 Milford Drive Hudson 330-650-0360 330-656-9308 aprilyanda@hotmail.com drshooverandyanda.com

Philip J. Znidarsic

Nordonia Dental Group 147 East Aurora Road Northfield 330-467-6466 330-467-5118 philmichelleZ@yahoo.com nordoniadental.com

ORAL AND MA XILLO FA C IA L S UR GERY Dominick C. Adornato III

1129 East Aurora Road, Suite 101 Macedonia 330-468-1188 330-468-0464 puller3rds@yahoo.com drdominickadornatoiii.com

David C. Ash

The Institue of Jaw & Facial Surgery 789 White Pond Drive, Suite B Akron 330-867-8347 330-867-3912 dca@jawandfacialsurgery.com jawandfacialsurgery.com

W. Stephen Barnes II

Falls Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center 57 Graham Road Cuyahoga Falls 330-929-2808 330-929-5542 info@fallsoralsurgery.com fallsoralsurgery.com

Michael J. Hoffman

Falls Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center 57 Graham Road Cuyahoga Falls 330-929-2808 330-929-5542 sandwedge13@aol.com fallsoralsurgery.com

Michael P. Horan

Frontier Dental 5155 Buehlers Drive, Suite 107 Medina 330-952-2015 330-952-2013 info@frontierdental.org frontierdentalohio.com/MedinaDentist-Dr-Michael-Horan-DDSMD-Ph-D-FACS-24608

Edward T. Marshall, Jr.

Marshall Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery 3075 Smith Road, Suite 102 Akron 330-670-0050 330-670-0097 info@dredwardmarshall.com dredwardmarshall.com

Edward J. McDonnell

Akron Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 554 White Pond Drive, Suite B Akron 330-836-2882 330-836-6085 akron@akronoralsurgerygroup.com akronoralsurgerygroup.com

Matthew D. Pavlick

Pavlick & Reppas Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 1551 South Water Street Kent 330-678-6564 330-676-6973 contact@pavlickandreppas.com pavlickandreppas.com

Faisal Quereshy

Visage Surgical Institute 3591 Reserve Commons Drive, Suite 300 Medina 330-721-2323 330-721-1344 DrFace@me.com visagefacialsurgery.com

Serafim N. Reppas

Pavlick & Reppas Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 1551 South Water Street Kent 330-678-6564 330-676-6973 contact@pavlickandreppas.com pavlickandreppas.com

Gary R. Schween

Drs. Benninger, Schween and Schmidt 5002 Foote Road Medina 330-725-8449 330-722-1805 garyschween@gmail.com medinaoralsurgeons.com

O RTH O D O N TI C S Stephen J. Belli

Belli & Streit Orthodontics 1551 South Water Street Kent 330-673-6411 330-673-3949 info@bellismiles.com bellistreitsmiles.com

TOP DENTISTS

promotional editorial

DENTIST PROFILES

Beautiful Smiles Begin with Healthy Teeth Dr. Gerald Sisko, an Akron native and graduate of the Ohio State University College of Dentistry, has been practicing general dentistry for over 34 years. He and his well-trained team at Sisko Dentistry have a mission to provide exceptional preventative dental care to patients in a comfortable, friendly setting, which is a critical step in a patient’s overall wellness. Through continuing education and training, the team offers several innovative services including Invisalign, comprehensive smile designs and Oral DNA. The goal of Dr. Sisko and his team is to deliver the highest quality cosmetic and implant restorative dentistry utilizing the latest technology. They understand the patients’ financial concerns as well, and strive to provide an allinclusive, positive experience by addressing those needs. The Business Team works to maximize benefits for patients with insurance and offer an in-house Membership Plan to make optimal dental health affordable for those without

insurance. Our patients’ health and safety are our top priorities. We continue to update and follow protocols and guidelines established for dentistry, by the government.

TOP DENTIST 2022

Providing dental care to generations of families and being an active part of the community has been both an honor and a blessing. The team at Sisko Dentistry enjoys educating school health classes on the importance of dental health, as well as providing necessary dental treatment to the less fortunate through the Faithful Servants program. “I was born and raised here. Being able to give back to this community is very important to me,” stated Dr. Sisko. Dr. Sisko would like to graciously thank his peers, for voting him as TOP DENTIST in the area. He thanks his patients for their continued support and confidence in Sisko Dentistry. Sisko Dentistry is conveniently located a quarter mile east of the historic Tallmadge Circle at 60 Metric Drive.

Gerald Sisko, D.D.S. Sisko Dentistry 60 Metric Drive Tallmadge 330-633-9510 tallmadgedentist.com

MARCH 2022 | akronlife.com

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TOP DENTISTS

OR THOD ONTIC S [c o n ti nue d]

Robert C. McElhinney

McElhinney & Breha Orthodontics 4831 Darrow Road, Suite 102 Stow 330-650-0880 info@mcelhinneybrehasmiles.com mcelhinneybrehasmiles.com

Maria C. Haas

3500 West Market Street, Suite 1 Akron 330-576-4017 330-666-5039 mhaas6@neo.rr.com smilesforme.com

Alex Mellion

46 East Streetsboro Street Hudson 330-650-1119 khallgarth@roadrunner.com

Mellion Orthodontics 41 Baker Boulevard Akron 330-867-2410 330-867-8358 info@mellionortho.com mellionortho.com

Michael A. Jack

Joseph T. Mellion

Kevin J. Hallgarth

Mellion Orthodontics 41 Baker Boulevard Akron 330-867-2410 330-867-8358 info@mellionortho.com mellionortho.com

822 Portage Trail, Suite 1 Cuyahoga Falls 330-929-2853 330-929-3831 majwads@hotmail.com mjackortho.com

E G STAT SWIN LS SHAR ES GIFFE IES DAVID RS’ STOR VOTE

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Zachary J. Mellion

Mellion Orthodontics 41 Baker Boulevard Akron 330-867-2410 330-867-8358 info@mellionortho.com mellionortho.com

Jack Gerstenmaier

Gerstenmaier Pediatric Dentistry 3094 West Market Street, Suite 260 Akron 330-867-5688 330-867-9921 info@gerstenmaierdds.com gerstenmaierdds.com

Laura Streit

Belli & Streit Orthodontics 1551 South Water Street Kent 330-673-6411 330-673-3949 info@bellistreitsmiles.com bellistreitsmiles.com

Manish Valiathan

John H. Gerstenmaier, Jr.

Summit Dental Specialists 8600 Alexandria Drive, Suite B Macedonia 330-467-2763 330-467-2768 gindi@summitspecialists.com summitspecialists.com

Gerstenmaier Pediatric Dentistry 3094 West Market Street, Suite 260 Fairlawn 330-867-5688 330-867-9921 jgerstenma@aol.com gerstenmaierdds.com

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TOP DENTISTS

Daniel M. Gindi

Summit Dental Specialists 8600 Alexandria Drive, Suite B Macedonia 330-467-2763 330-467-2768 gindi@summitspecialists.com summitspecialists.com

Gregory C. Mertes

Mertes Pediatric Dentistry 5655 Hudson Drive, Suite 300 Hudson 330-655-5437 info@mertesdental.com mertesdental.com

Rajesh Vij

Dentistry 4 Kids 3523 Commercial Drive Fairlawn 330-668-9977 RViJ1@hotmail.com dentist4kidz.com

PER IOD ONTIC S Joseph A. Koberlein

3869 Darrow Road, Suite 201 Stow 330-688-9922 330-688-1314 summitperio@att.net

With years of combined experience, we offer a warm environment of comfort and personalized care, as well as knowledge of the latest techniques and materials used in dentistry. We are passionate about dentistry and make it our focus to provide comprehensive and preventative care that keeps you healthy and smiling!

Dr. Ernie Mastroianni and his associate, Dr. Laura Martin Miller are proud to provide Kent and the surrounding communities with excellence in dentistry. 110 E. Elm Street, Kent, Ohio 44240 330-673-7155 | kentohiodentist.com

Joseph Locaffaro

727 Graham Road, Suite 1 Cuyahoga Falls 330-928-5551 drjlocaoffice@aol.com

Mark S. Obernesser

Akron Periodontics & Dental Implantology 484 South Miller Road, Suite 200 Fairlawn 330-867-3320 330-867-3339 info@akronperio.com akronperio.com

Luis Pires

Fairlawn Periodontics 33 Baker Boulevard, Suite 201 Fairlawn 330-836-9341 luisf.pires@gmail.com fairlawnperio.com

Everett Wu

High Point Periodontics 20925 Lorain Road Fairlawn 440-331-6116 440-333-8816 highpointperio.com

MARCH 2022 | akronlife.com

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EDUCATION

by Brendan Baker and London Green

Camp Spotlights Entertain the kids with hands-on summer camps.

photos provided by Camp Country Day

These camps offer more than just a playground or daycare for kids. They can have fun while exploring engineering, theater and more.

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EDUCATION

COLLEGE EXPERIENCE University of Akron camp helps girls learn engineering.

“They work with a professor, and we try to give them more of an experience like what they’re going to have in college by working in a lab environment,” Cressman says.

Engineering doesn’t have to be a daunting field for students. “You don’t come out of the womb knowing math. Everyone learns it in school. The same is true of engineering,” says Heidi Cressman, the director of diversity and inclusion in the University of Akron’s College of Engineering and Polymer Science. “Some kids have no exposure to it. So [STEM camps] are a great way to get exposure to these fields at a young age.” The University of Akron’s “Multiply Your Options” day camp is geared toward seventhand eighth-grade girls interested in exploring the different engineering fields. Each day is different, with focuses corresponding to the university’s five major 42

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engineering degrees: mechanical, electrical, chemical, civil and biomedical. “We sprinkle in some aerospace systems, corrosion engineering and computer engineering because we offer those,” Cressman adds, “but we focus on the five big ones, primarily.” Middle school kids start the day with a lecture, about 30 to 45 minutes long, from a faculty member and are led through a hands-on project. Then they get to observe engineering in action. “After lunch, we usually go on a company tour related to that particular major,” Cressman says. “If we’re studying civil engineering that day, we try to take a tour on a civil engineering site with a local company that we partner with.”

The kids also work on a weeklong engineering design project in the late afternoon, like building cardboard pinball machines. “The kids design and build their own game boards ... to include hazards and can even wire lights and alarm buzzers.” The goal, Cressman says, is to influence the kids’ coursework going into high school. “In a perfect world, we would introduce this sort of thing to even younger girls. But in seventh and eighth grade, you can influence the coursework they’re getting ready to take in high school by introducing them to camps like this,” she says. “I think this age, and even a little younger, is ideal for helping make some career decisions a little earlier on.”

One of the highlights is that the high school campers get to build a robot to bolster their knowledge of computer engineering. “We have an LED display the kids learn to program,” Cressman says. “And then they program the LED to light up in a specific way to make it say, I love you, for example.” Cressman says her own college experiences have inspired her to teach more girls engineering and math skills. “When I went here as a student, there were so few women choosing engineering as a career. There was nothing like this for girls,” she says. “So whatever I can do to encourage the next generation, I’m all about it.” For more information, visit uakron.edu/engineering/ k12-programs. BB

photos provided by The Univeristy of Akron

The University of Akron also offers a camp for high school girls called “Summer Experience in Engineering,” which is similar to the middle school camp, but is more advanced and involves staying on campus the whole week. The kids work on projects that are more complicated and in-depth.

EDUCATION

CREATIVE BLAST Canton camp combines outdoor fun and artistic education. Summer is a great time to get kids outside — especially now, when some families don’t feel comfortable taking children to places like trampoline parks or laser tag arenas. Camp Country Day provides safe indoor and outdoor activities that put parents at ease while providing kids a fun-filled time. “My biggest thing with summer camp is just providing that safe, fun, social interaction,” says Amber Cole, the director of Canton Country Day School’s lower school summer camp. Rising first through fifth graders can partake in an exciting week of field trips and on-site activities that aim to be both educational and fun.

Cole says that field trips may include activities like mini golf and places like the Farm at Walnut Creek in Sugarcreek and Gorge Metro Park in Cuyahoga Falls. Walnut Creek has a petting zoo where kids can interact with animals such as giraffes and zebras. At Gorge Park, kids can walk through the woods and are free to take their shoes off and wade in the creeks. Each week on-site at the camp is different, with themes like Harry Potter, Star Wars, science, music, hiking and more. Activities include learning how to play instruments, reading music, collecting bugs and examining them under microscopes, roasting hot dogs for lunch, roasting marshmallows for dessert and much more.

This year, Cole is implementing a new activity — theater. She is brainstorming ideas for opportunities for kids to reenact a Shakespearean play, create costumes, learn lines and practice acting skills. This wide range of activities helps children be well-rounded, and Cole works to connect with kids of various learning styles, whether they work best in groups or with a partner. “We try to come up with activities that suit all the needs,” she says. “We try to do as many things hands-on as possible because that hits most kids. For some kids, hands-on is creating a model on the computer rather than creating a 3D model. And we absolutely are all for that.”

Cole aims to facilitate many outdoor activities to give the kids a break from masking and let them enjoy some fresh summer air. “We have them pack their own lunches. That adds a fun little layer to it,” Cole says. “We take lunch outside, we sit in the grass and we have a little picnic.” Overall, she wants to create experiences kids will never forget. “I just want them to have memories that maybe they couldn’t have elsewhere,” Cole says. “I want them to have a blast.” Camp Country Day runs each week from June 13 to July 22. For more information, contact Amber Cole at 330-453-8279 or visit cantoncountryday.org. LG

MARCH 2022 | akronlife.com

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EDUCATION

by London Green

CAMPS to CONSIDER GENERAL I N T E R E ST Akron YMCA Get out of the house, explore the beauty of the nearby Summit Metro Parks and learn all about the natural world on trips to museums and nature centers with Akron YMCA summer camps from June through August. Options include the overnight Camp YNoah, day camps or a special needs Rotary Camp, with choices for kids from preschool age to 16 years old. Campers make new friends during classic activities like rock climbing, arts and crafts and swimming. akronymca.org Camp Ledgewood All girls in kindergarten through 11th grade are welcome to enjoy day camp sessions, family camp and more. Some age groups can stay overnight in cabins, platform tents and more during Girl Scout camp in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, with sessions available from June to August. With activities like zip lining, swimming, rope climbing, archery, a discovery kitchen and more, there’s plenty of excitement. gsneo.org

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Camp JCC With weekly themed camps, such as space, Harry Potter, Dinoland and Hawaiian Luau, and traditional camps from June 6 to Aug. 12, Shaw Jewish Community Center of Akron has day camps to cover many interests for first through eighth graders. New for 2021 are camps in partnership with Challenge Island that offer science, tech, engineering, arts and math-based lessons, so campers learn as they create. Kids with disabilities are welcome, and after-camp care is available. shawjcc.org

EDU C A T ION A L Akron ZooCamp Take a walk on the wild side with ZooCamp. Campers ages 3 to 12 tour the Akron Zoo, meet education animals up close, craft and do other activities in small groups during fiveday camps, with sessions available from June to August. akronzoo.org

Lawrence School Learning doesn’t have to mean boring lectures in dreary classrooms. It can be a fun and all-encompassing experience. Lawrence School offers educational day camps, including Lions Leap camp to improve reading, writing and math skills for rising first through sixth graders June 13 to July 8 at the Broadview Heights campus and Jump Start to build study and tech skills for rising sixth through eighth graders Aug. 1 to 5 at the Sagamore Hills campus. The Lions Leap camp is aimed at students with learning differences and incorporates a holistic and multisensory approach. lawrenceschool.org Old Trail School Each day, campers partake in something new, whether it be forts and tunnels or plein air landscape painting. Find morning, afternoon or full-day camps June 6 to Aug. 5 for kids 3 to 14. Fun lessons include music, nature, cooking and STEAM. Lunch, transportation, before-camp care and after-camp care are available at the Bath school. oldtrail.org

EDUCATION

Soap Box Derby STEM Where you’re going, you won’t need engines — gravity’s on your side at the Soap Box Derby camp in Akron. Campers ages 8 to 13 make friends and use STEM principles and teamwork to design, build and race their own wooden car during this day camp June 6 to 10. soapboxderby.org Spring Garden Waldorf School The Cyber Civics summer camp might have you picturing a room of children on screens all day — but not at the Waldorf School in Copley. Rising sixth to ninth graders spend most of the day outside, learning critical thinking and digital literacy skills through discussions and workshops at this day camp July 19 to 23. After-camp care is available. sgws.org

Western Reserve Academy Whether your child is passionate about sports, arts or STEM, Western Reserve Academy has a ton of day or overnight camps for them to choose from. There’s also an adventure day camp that’s more traditional, with a mix of everything. Camps at the Hudson school cater to kids 7 to 13 years old. wra.net

ARTS Magical Theatre Company All the world’s a stage, so encourage your child to get up there and take a bow! Magical Theatre Company in Barberton offers summer drama day camps in June, July and August, where kids in third to eighth grades can learn lines, rehearse and perform their own show. magicaltheatre.org

The University of Akron Myers School of Art With the unique ArtsLift apprenticeship day program, high school students from Akron Public Schools can hone their craft and practice art at a top-of-the-line university. Students create a piece of art in a public space, alongside college students and a professional artist over a few weeks. uakron.edu Weathervane Playhouse If your child has a knack for the stage, check out these Akron camps that teach acting, singing, dancing, tech skills and more, with many that end with a show. With multiple sessions from June 6 to Aug. 12, kids ages 5 to 17 can learn all about the principles of performance at day camps. weathervaneplayhouse.com

S P OR T S Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy The friendships forged on the basketball court, soccer field, tennis court or football field last a lifetime. Enjoy these, as well as lacrosse, cheer and football at camps in June, July and August at the Cuyahoga Falls school to stay fit and active this summer while building lasting bonds. cvcaroyals.org i9 Sports Take summer fun the whole nine yards with sports day camps in June, July and August for children ages 3 and up. With options of baseball, soccer, cheerleading, lacrosse and multi-sports camps in Copley, Tallmadge, Northfield, Medina, North Canton and more cities, there’s ample opportunity for all kids to enjoy their favorite game this summer. i9sports.com

MARCH 2022 | akronlife.com

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SUMMIT DD

text and photo provided by the Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board

Celebrating DD Awareness Month Learn ways to get involved.

MARCH IS DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH!

©SummitDD

We’re looking forward to a month full of activities, events and spotlights to help bring people together and make Summit County a place where everyone feels included. Help us make our community more inclusive for people of every ability by joining our month-long celebration. Need ideas? Check these out:

3/7 Inclusion Day Help us paint the county orange to kick off DD Awareness Month and promote community inclusion. Check out our website for downloadable activities and ideas. SummitDD.org 3/5-3/7 Inclusion Day(s) at the Zoo Join Summit DD and the Akron Zoo for some good, inclusive fun! Did we mention it’s on us? Visit SummitDD. org/Events for details. 3/29 Appreciation Breakfast and Awards Celebration Join us as we honor everyday heroes who continue to make a difference in our community. 3/1–3/31: Celebration of Appreciation Award Winners Check out our Facebook page all month long to meet local inclusion champions and see how they are changing perceptions in our community. 3/1–3/31 DIY: Visit our website for downloadable profile badges, stickers and posters.

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LEARN MORE AT SUMMITDD.ORG WHAT IS NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH? National Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month officially began in 1987 with a proclamation from former President Ronald Reagan to help bring awareness and acceptance for people of every ability. Since then, families, self-advocates, advocacy groups and Ohio’s county boards have been working to increase opportunities for people with disabilities. But there’s still more progress to be made.

GET STARTED! We are committed to helping people reach their full potential through meaningful connections, but we need your help to make lasting progress. This March, ask yourself if you are doing all you can to make your community welcoming for people of every ability. Send us a message at SummitDD.org/Contact-Us • Are you looking to hire people with disabilities? We can help connect and support your business. • Do you want to get involved or volunteer? Check out opportunities with some of our partners. • Does your organization need help to become more inclusive? Contact us and let us help. • Get involved and be part of the change.

FOREVER YOUNG

by Alexandra Sobczak, illustration by Bingjie Cui and photo provided by PodPopuli

Record Player Posterity Podcasts helps preserve family stories.

Brian Howie treasures a voicemail from a beloved friend. It is the only way he can still hear his late friend’s voice. For Christina Forward, a recording of her parents reading a Charlie Brown book serves as a way for her and her children to hear the late couple’s voices.

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These experiences of loss and its aftermath left Howie and Forward wishing they had more audio recordings of their loved ones, so they decided to facilitate that for others. They created the Posterity Podcasts program in response, which is run through PodPopuli, a podcast recording studio with a location in Hudson, which Howie founded. Forward owns Posterity Podcasts, in

which she records, edits and produces oral histories for families. The program initially intended to focus on older adults and their stories, but Forward encourages anyone looking to preserve their experiences to participate. “We help people from all walks of life — whoever has a voice and wants to get it out there,” she says. The podcast, which Forward calls an audio album, can be

made private for the family, and it serves as a way to preserve memories that can then get passed down the family. “We all have pictures of our loved ones, but there’s so many stories behind those pictures,” Forward says. “To hear their voice telling those stories, and hear their laugh, their tone and everything — it just brings a whole other element.”

FOREVER YOUNG

GET STARTED Once a family, couple or individual decides to create a Posterity Podcasts audio album, Forward sends the participants a list of sample questions to think about before the recording process begins. Questions are typically about childhood memories, meeting a spouse, raising a family, places lived, things they’re proud of and life advice. To create the audio album, Forward travels to the participant so they can talk face-to-face in their homes or another quiet place. She talks with participants for two recording sessions, which are each about two or three hours long. “We get comfortable, and we just have a conversation,” she says.

Although Forward prompts people with the sample questions, she allows the conversation to flow to whatever is most interesting to the family. Sometimes younger family members ask the questions during the recording sessions instead, which Forward says can allow for more personalized questions, such as asking about specific family members and life experiences. Whichever method is chosen, the audio album’s eight chapters end up sounding like conversational stories, around 20 to 45 minutes each. They generally reveal participants’ stories in chronological order, from childhood to adulthood to life lessons. “At the end, I take my voice out, so all you’re hearing is them,” Forward says, adding that the family can receive the audio album in whatever digital format they prefer.

Hearing these stories has been eye-opening for Forward, too.

STORY TIME The options are almost endless when it comes to what to talk about in the audio album. Forward recalls an older couple she spoke to who had some emotional moments while recording. “He was confessing his love for his wife, and she just started tearing up,” she says. “Then she was talking about her grandchildren and how it was such a blessing being a part of their life.” Sometimes older adults look back at historical moments or how society has changed throughout their lives. “A lot of people will talk about how technology has evolved … or the different presidents and what was going on during that time,” Forward says. “It almost takes them back to that time.”

“I just thought it was fascinating how they remember so much detail, like what they were doing when JFK was shot,” she says. “They’re well into their 80s and 90s, and they can still remember very specific moments of their life.” No matter the topic, the conversations during the recording sessions are often honest and touching. “I’ve sat there and cried with some people just because they’re opening up so much,” Forward says. “It’s an honor to be a part of each recording and be able to provide a memoir.”

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FOREVER YOUNG

CAPTURE IT Participants’ families have been grateful for the audio albums, which serve as a kind of heirloom filled with family history. “They have this time capsule of their parents’ life, and some of these stories they’ve never heard before,” Forward says. “It sounds so much more meaningful when it is recorded like that, and they are being really honest.” And it isn’t just the participants’ family members who are grateful. Forward says the process often makes people feel valued. “I think it makes them feel loved and appreciated, like, Somebody actually cares about my stories,” she says, “I know that they will be passed on, and I won’t be forgotten.” But the opportunity isn’t limited to older adults, Forward says,

adding it could also be meaningful for terminally ill people. “I think it would be a therapeutic way for them to feel like they are going to be remembered,” she says. “I have several friends who have gone through cancer. Some of them have very young kids. And if they were to pass on, this is a way to remember their voice and their laughter.”

MAKE IT MEMORABLE Whoever wants to record their story can, and Forward has some tips for making the most of the experience. Participants should start by taking a look at the sample questions she sends them. They should sit with the questions for a while, take some notes and consider what main points they’d like to discuss. Forward recom-

mends looking through old photo albums and thinking back to the impactful moments to jog their memories further. These could be great stories to bring up during the recording sessions. No matter what stories they decide to tell, honesty and authenticity can make the experience truly meaningful for generations to come.

“It can be a platform for them to get out things that they wouldn’t say at the dinner table together or during a holiday,” Forward says. “We have so much going on every day that we don’t really sit down and express how we feel or how much we mean to each other.”

The magazine of The 330 330 FLAVOR AWARDS

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THINK PINK: FRESH & FUN ROSÉS TO BRIGHT EN SPRING

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DISCO VERY ZONE: SUMME R CAMPS THAT PACK IN & LESSON S ADVEN TURE

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Tylar Sutton

PARTING SHOT

by London Green, photo cour tesy of Summit Memory/Akron-Summit County Public Library

“

Traditional Meal

After the Akron Jewish Center opened its doors in 1929, community members often visited for sports tournaments, social clubs, theater groups, camps and religious schools — and the hungry participants got to enjoy meals prepared according to the traditional Jewish diet. Pictured here is Sonia Allison, the resident cook in the Kosher Kitchen, standing in front of the kitchen’s rules:

Akron, 1948

“This is a Kosher Kitchen. Please abide by these rules: Milk Dishes for Milk Meals Only, Meat Dishes for Meat Meals Only. Maintenance staff has no authority to change these rules. If you want something, ask Mrs. Allison.” These rules allowed ingredients to be kept apart from one another, as Jewish tradition requires that meat and milk be kept separate in the kitchen, on the table and in the

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stomach. The Akron Jewish Center moved out of the building on Balch Street in 1973, relocating to a bigger headquarters on White Pond Drive, which is the present-day Shaw Jewish Community Center. Today, the city of Akron-owned building on Balch Street is a community center, and Shaw JCC offers swimming lessons, fitness classes and camps for teens and young children.

MARCH 2022 | akronlife.com

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