November 2022 Akron Life Magazine

CAMEOS OF CARING NURSES WHO GO BEYOND THEIR CALLS

RAISE A GLASS MAKE A TOAST WITH 3 SPARKLING WINES

NEXT CHAPTER FINANCIAL STRATEGIES AFTER RETIREMENT

20 VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 11

NOVEMBER 2022

CELEBRATING

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NOV. 2022 $3.95

YEARS

The Symbolic Surface / Christmas in July

PAGES

NOVEMBER 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 11 volume 1 3 / issue 7

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Photo Essay The Ledges at Virginia Kendall

NORKA

things that make The 330 awesome

Pages

Bringing back a taste of the past, one sip at a time

Cake provided by West Side Bakery and photo by Shane Wynn

start here

Making Summer Sweeter at Szalay’s

On The Cover

| 26 Anniversary VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 2

FEBRUARY 2017

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jXj~ +

A Man Named

OHIO

BOOMERS

Decoding Diets

[ FEATURE ]

26 AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS We salute our 20th anniversary by talking to regional leaders, glancing back at our history and looking toward our future.

/

UNCORKED

The Color of Wine

/

TRAVEL

State Capitals

illustration by Jamie Skarupa, coloring by Jessica Burkhart

VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 3

MARCH 2020

CRAVINGS TRIP

The Best of Akron

FOLLOW YOUR HUNGER TO THESE

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FOODIE DESTINATIONS

The Magazine of Greater Akron

July 2007 $3.95

Goodbye, Dodie’s

COLUMBUS COLUMBU US CLEVELAND CLEVELA AND DETROIT DETROIT T PITTSBURGH PITTSBU URGH

THINK PINK: FRESH & FUN ROSÉS TO BRIGHTEN SPRING

ASHTABULA ASHTABU ULA

Summer Travel

TOP DENTISTS 2020

photo by Tylar Sutton

DISCOV ERY ZONE : SUMMER CAMPS THAT PACK IN LESSONS & ADVENTURE

Weekend escapes worth the drive

Best Homes

20

YEARS

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 4 | APRIL 2022

FINE WINE & DINING MEET SIR ELTON THE ROCKETDOG, p.24 photo by Rachael Reynolds

The Magazine of Greater Akron

September 2008

A Day at the Farm

How a local dairy farm survives despite modern struggles

Fight for the Wagon Wheel History of the UA-KSU football rivalry and what to expect this year

A Mighty Force Female volunteers ban together to build a local Habitat for Humanity house

Plus: Neighborhood: Fairlawn Travel to Amish Country Sleep your way to better health

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akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2022

www.akronlifeandleisure.com

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8/20/08 10:40:45 AM

Call The

Pawparazzi!

Meet these Instagram Instagramfamous pets from The 330.

Plus, 7 pet photos you submitted.

PLAY TIME SOLVE KIDS’ CABIN FEVER

330 HOMES AMISH COUNTRY PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP

PAGES

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UNCORKED

AGENDA

UNTAPPED

Sparkling wines

[ the essential social digest ]

Jackie O’s Deck the Hills

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

08 MAIL BONDING 09 FROM THE PUBLISHER

12 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] 14 Entertainment listings

Party Time

+ Calendar of events 18 Flash: Sapphire Ball 23 Holiday Gift Guide

10 RADAR

55 GOOD EATS

[ seen + heard ]

[ notable food + drink ] 55 Restaurant listings 56 Uncorked:

11 UPFRONT Rising Tide

Sparkling wines 58 Untapped: Jackie O’s Deck the Hills

67 PARTING SHOT City Mission

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akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2022

Special Sections 42 CAMEOS OF CARING Nurses who go beyond their calls.

52 FINANCIAL PLANNING Get expert tips on finances after retirement.

59 BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES Akron Cleveland Association of Realtors

PAGES MAIL BONDING FALL 2022

Tell us what's on your mind.

SILVER L AK E EST ATE STU NS

330 HOMES TRANSFORMATIONS THAT CAPTIVATE

TOP OF MIND KSU’S WORLD-CLASS BRAIN RESEARCH

BEST LAWYERS IN THE AKRON AREA

20 YEARS

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES

20 YEARS!

allll Fa orrF avvo SSa

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 10 |

OCTOBER 2022

CASSIE and JOEL TESTA'S SILVER LAKE HOME photo by Joel Testa

utumn eeats ats and andtreats ntastic aautumn treats r fafantastic pots fofor 99sspots INSIDE TIKTOK STARS' GREEN DIY HOUSE

FENG SHUI YOUR SPACE

FUN FALL FROM IZZY P DECOR AT HOME

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pumpkin cheesecake from Chef Gina’s Bakeshop photo by Meghan Winkler

orchards and farms to embrace the season

Comments? Got something to say about an article you read in Akron Life?

Or maybe you want to tell us about something great happening in the area.

Send comments and suggestions to: Akron Life, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313, and please include your name and address.

Or email them to editor@bakermediagroup.com.

We reserve the right to edit letters for length and clarity.

HAVE AKRON, WILL TRAVEL

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

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

FOUNDER

Don Baker Jr. [ 1940-2018 ] PUBLISHER

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

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

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

interview by Nathalia Teixeira

STORIES FOR A LIFETIME As Akron Life celebrates 20 years, we catch up with Medina area resident Sean Leatherman, a reader who signed up for a lifetime subscription shortly after the launch of the magazine, then called Akron Life & Leisure.

Why did you decide to be a lifetime subscriber?

Sean Leatherman: There was kind of a unique thing with a magazine coming out from a local area.

What is your favorite aspect of the magazine?

SL: I really think it’s just the local culture that I like the most — digging into stories and information about people and things that are going on in the Akron area.

How has it shaped your involvement in the region?

SL: It makes you a little more familiar with some of the opportunities for activities and different places to go and see. Without some of the information that the magazine communicates, I wouldn’t know about some of the hidden gems in and around Akron.

How have you seen the magazine change over the years?

SL: I think for the first couple of years, they were trying to kind of define themselves … but I think it’s grown for the better over time.

Why would you tell someone to subscribe?

SL: If they’ve lived here a long time, or if they’re new to the area, there’s always new things to learn about.

Why are you glad you became a lifetime subscriber?

SL: I like it in print form. When it comes in the mail, I always find myself leafing through it and reading things that catch my attention. So, it’s a welcomed piece in my mail. I’m glad that I signed up for it.

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Alexandra Sobczak asobczak@bakermediagroup.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER

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

Aaron Fowler Eric Van Sant SALES

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

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

Nathalia Teixeira

NOVEMBER 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 11 (ISSN No. 74 470 5787 1) 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 ]

Party Time Join us in commemorating two decades of the magazine.

It’s officially Akron Life’s 20th anniversary!

My career in publishing began in October 1996, but Akron Life began in November 2002. Since the magazine began as Akron Life & Leisure and shortened its name to Akron Life in 2011, I can figure out your age and time in the community quickly by if you call us Akron Life or Akron Life & Leisure. There are plenty of people who work with us regularly who still call us the latter. I guess it’s like trying to get used to the new Cleveland Guardians team name; it takes a while to sink in.

Everything started with a meeting in the Summit Metro Parks at the Shady Hollow Lodge, where we put together a focus group to discuss our Akron Business Magazine and what the next move for our publishing company would be. At the time, my dad, Don, had held onto an idea that Dennis Kleidon from the marketing agency Kleidon & Associates had suggested — that Akron could use a city magazine. He said he had several advertisers he thought would be interested in being a part of that, and I’m sure that perked my dad’s ears up because one of the most difficult parts about starting a new magazine is finding enough companies to support it with advertising.

My journey took a detour after that, as I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay in the business.

I thought I might want to be a financial planner, and at the time, I had two small kids and wasn’t sure I was in for the ride of a startup and everything it entails.

At the time, my dad had partnered with Bill Melver, who helped him put a business plan together and started to pitch the idea around town. I was studying for my Series 7 license to become a financial planner and needed to make some money along the way, so I said I would help sell some advertising. There were about six weeks between the idea and launch of the magazine.

That is a ridiculously short time to set up a new magazine, create content and sell ads. On staff, besides myself, Bill and my dad, we kept our photographer from Akron Business Magazine, Ray Saviciunas, and recruited my aunt, Kathy Moorhouse, as our art director. We also brought in editor Kurt Kleidon and a slew of supporting cast and interns.

The first cover of Akron Life & Leisure featured a night shot of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, beautifully lit up with holiday lights in the trees. Although Stan Hywet is an Akron icon and fitting for the first cover, the truth is that we didn’t have the equipment to shoot a highresolution photograph and have it drumscanned for the quality that we wanted.

And Stan Hywet had one ready to go.

The process wasn’t like today, where we have high-quality digital images from our phones. We were still using film or lowquality digital cameras.

holiday traditions and memories. Among those interviews was my then-4-year-old daughter, Xaverie. She said she wanted a talking Barbie head and a toy machine that makes more toys. It still cracks me up to see that flash from the past, and that same personality is still there today at 24.

I never became a financial planner, and everyone who was on staff for that first issue has moved on except me, but I can’t thank the countless staffers who have been here to shape the last 20 years enough. And I can’t wait to see what the next 20 years has in store for the magazine and The 330.

One of the features in that first issue was “Decades of December,” where we asked several Akronites about their

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

NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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RADAR

by Nathalia Teixeira

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

seen + heard

THEN & NOW: TUESDAY MUSICAL 2003: “The arts are not a luxury,” says Marcianne Herr, the then-president of Tuesday Musical in Akron Life’s 2003 story. She explains youth arts education is a cornerstone of the mostly volunteer-run nonprofit that brings classical music to Akron. It was founded in 1887 as the Tuesday Musical Club by 13 women, and a key early volunteer was Gertrude Seiberling, who attracted acclaimed performers and hosted some concerts in the music room at her home, Stan Hywet. Since 1955, Tuesday Musical’s scholarship program has provided financial assistance to hundreds of university music students studying or living in Ohio, like Dina Kuznetsova, a 1996 scholarship recipient, who became recognized for her vocal abilities and performed at Carnegie Hall in 2003 after playing Tuesday Musical’s E.J. Thomas Hall series. Tuesday Musical “is grand enough to attract the most prominent artists in the world,” she says in the story, “and yet so supportive of aspiring singers.”

Today: Back for a 135th season, Tuesday Musical’s six-concert series at E.J. Thomas Hall includes Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir Nov. 27 and an evening with legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman April 27. Community education and outreach are still going strong with free tickets for all students, almost all guest artists performing at schools and the newer Decompression Chamber bringing free concerts to stressful environments like hospitals and factories. Plus, the robust Ohio music scholarship program continues, awarding nearly $37,000 among 24 students this year. tuesdaymusical.org

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20 YEARS

photo provided by Tuesday Musical

PAGES

Itzhak Perlman

SPREADING CHEERS

ON THE VERGE

It’s the most thankful time of the year, and we’re grateful for the Akron Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area’s recent expansion from just four businesses to 40, stretching from R. Shea Brewing to Lock 15 Brewing Co. Take alcoholic drinks to-go and celebrate with the Fall in Love with Akron passport featuring over 80 businesses. Start on holiday shopping with gifts like a handmade Indian jacquard beaded wristlet from Northside Cellar or a stylish selfie session from Oh Snap Photo Lab. Make purchases at 10 businesses and turn in completed passports by Nov. 25 for a chance to win prizes. Make it festive by shopping Nov. 5 during the Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival downtown or Nov. 25 during the Lock 3 tree lighting. downtownakron.com

There is so much talent in The 330 music scene, and thanks to 91.3 the Summit FM and the Rialto Theatre, you can see up-and-comers perform in the new Emerging Sounds Showcase.

Starting this month, hear rising acts every third Thursday like punk-rock band Dangerously Close and folkrock band bored Approval Nov. 17 at the Kenmore theater. Bring friends because performers with at least 50 audience members get to earn a free song in Rialto’s recording studio and a weekend concert. Come early for on-site paninis, desserts and drinks, and enjoy music by artists who could be the next big thing. 1000 Kenmore Blvd., Akron, therialtotheatre.com

PAGES UPFRONT

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

Rising Tide Innovation has kept our region strong over the past 20 years.

photo by Bruce Ford

started when the city began restoring itself, opening Canal Park, Lock 3 and the main Akron-Summit County Public Library, all of which have remained cornerstones of downtown.

Lieberth explains that while Akron has become known for different industries over the years, it has always been able to innovate a new path.

To reach artists’ studios for a recent interview at Bounce Innovation Hub in Akron, I entered the former B.F. Goodrich Co. tire factory through a loading dock and rode in a freight elevator. It was a full-circle moment for me. My dad worked as a director of process computer systems at B.F. Goodrich, which merged with Uniroyal and later became Michelin, from 1983 to 1994. While tire manufacturing left, research centers remained.

For Akron Life’s 20th anniversary feature on pg. 26, Akron historian Dave Lieberth helped trace Akron’s evolution from a struggling Rust Belt city to a thriving city that is undergoing a renaissance and finding strength in new areas. Akron Life

It’s exciting that my dad contributed to the innovation that thrust Akron toward a tech and research economy. His team made programs that automated machines to build different specifications and sizes of tires throughout North America. When he traveled to factories elsewhere, he says the fine carbon black powders heavily coated your skin and hair. Carbon Black is what Crafty Mart calls its new permanent artisan space in Bounce, and to get it ready for people, the team spent months cleaning out carbon black dust. All these years later, new types of innovation are continuing with more than 50 organizations and startups in that building, with over 250 jobs and $110 million generated in revenue.

When Don Baker Jr. and his team founded Akron Life with few resources, they didn’t know if it was going to last, but they believed in the region, and a strong reader response validated that

belief. To this day, we still get people who remember our late founder and his handlebar mustache. His long entrepreneurial legacy and passion for this region are what have paved the way for the magazine to continue.

During its first year, Akron Life identified 10 developments that shaped the region, so for our anniversary, we’ve identified 10 more impacting our region and continuing our tradition of innovation. Akron keeps improving because passionate, engaged citizens continue to collaborate and believe in a better tomorrow. The future of Akron is not waiting for big corporations to save us, but is in supporting our own, Lieberth says. What we do at Akron Life is tell the stories of dedicated citizens, whether it be shop owners who have built a national following, leaders of our park system who are linking more regional green space or artists who have received global acclaim but have chosen to stay in Akron and represent our city.

We are happy to present this issue with past and present leaders discussing what this region means to them. I’ve learned that reading about and witnessing examples of success helps plant the seed of belief that you can pursue your dream and you can do it right here as Don did two decades ago. That rising tide is how Akron Life has grown, and it’s how the region will continue to grow and thrive.

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

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AGENDA

NOVEMBER 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 11

Agenda

the essential social digest

11/27 Soweto Gospel Choir p22 A three-time Grammy Award-winning choir drawn from churches throughout South Africa performs as a part of Tuesday Musical’s season. Hear African gospel music as well as songs by Billie Holiday, James Brown and more. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. tuesdaymusical.org

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AGENDA

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

Akron-Summit County Public Library Sit kids down for storytimes

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

Remote Akron Art Museum Explore the museum’s collections online.

Kiddos and those wanting to get creative can craft via video lessons. akronartmuseum.org/at-home

Akron Civic Theatre Check its Facebook for local musicians’ 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

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

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

Akron Symphony Orchestra

ArtsInStark Go to its Facebook for

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

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

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

$1 = 4 meals

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The Americana Roundup Akron

Apollo’s Fire Indulge in music, art and literature from the Cleveland Baroque orchestra with posts of 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

AGENDA

Blu Jazz Jazz enthusiasts can enjoy

Jilly’s Music Room The Akron

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

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

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

Magical Theatre Company The

Rubber City Theatre Dive into

Barberton theater company is offering game nights and educational videos.

Children can also enjoy stories read by local theater veterans during Magical Storytime. magicaltheatre.org

the 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

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

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

Gage House Sessions 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

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

Ohio Shakespeare Festival Look

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

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

NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

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

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

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

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

Virtual Jukebox Dance and sing SPONSORED CONTENT

New date!

Soweto Gospel Choir Coming to Akron Experience a powerful and uplifting evening as the Soweto Gospel Choir comes to Akron this month to pay tribute to the fight for civil rights with “Hope — It’s Been a Long Time Coming.”

The Grammy Award-winning choir’s singers, dancers and drummers perform South African freedom songs, including gospel music and spirituals. Then they shift to music of the civil rights movement in the U.S., with works by Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye and more.

Presented by Tuesday Musical, it’s Sunday, Nov. 27, at 7:30 p.m. at E.J. Thomas Hall.

Tickets start at just $19.

E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron, 330-761-3460, tuesdaymusical.org

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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. Browse the 50-plus videos to enjoy your favorites and discover new sounds. the330.net/virtual-jukebox

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

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

AGENDA

Events Through 11/2 “Artwork by Members of the Boys and Girls Club of Massillon” See artwork of different mediums by kids of different age groups in this community exhibit. Massillon Museum, Fred F. Silk Community Room Gallery, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. massillonmuseum.org

Through 11/9 “Missing History of Massillon: Unheard African American Stories” Take in the stories, photos and artifacts that represent Massillon’s Black community.

Massillon Museum, Aultman Health Foundation Gallery, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

Through 11/30 “Barrie Kaufman: A Fragile Environment” View this exhibit of glass, ceramic and 2D artwork.

Massillon Museum, Studio M Gallery, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon.

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

Through 12/3 “Here, There and Everywhere” See new work based on locals’

stories about the redevelopment of Akron by Akron Soul Train residency artist Drew Ippoliti, a local sculptor and assistant professor in the ceramics department at The University of Akron. Akron Soul Train, 191 King James Way, Akron. WednesdaySaturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. akronsoultrain.org

Through 12/14 North Canton Farmers’ Market Browse fresh produce, meats, baked

goods and more at this year-round market. North Canton Civic Center, 845 W. Maple St., North Canton.

Wednesday 3-6 p.m. ncantonfarmersmarket.com

Through 12/17 Fall Exhibitions View exhibits

at Summit Artspace, including group exhibits “Kaleidoscope Juried Exhibition” and “Group 10 Member Exhibition” and solo exhibits “little by little and was by was,” “Caught in the Branches” and “In Bloom.” Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Friday noon-7 p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. summitartspace.org

Through 11/30 Fall Hiking Spree Explore at least eight trails throughout the Summit Metro Parks to earn a shield for your hiking staff. This year’s spree highlights native plants. summitmetroparks.org

Through 11/30 Summit Brew Path Go to local breweries to complete this passport presented by the Akron/ Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau that has 23 stops, including Hoppin’ Frog Brewery, Magic City Brewing Co., Ohio Brewing Co., Missing Mountain Brewing Co. and more. summitbrewpath.com

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

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

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

NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA FLASH

Sapphire Ball The 19th annual Sapphire Ball hosted by Summa Health returned to the John S. Knight Center Oct. 8. In the heart of Akron, the gala was themed vintage New York, and guests, clad in black-tie attire, enjoyed a performance

by Verb Ballets, dinner music by the Theron Brown Quintet and dancing music by New York-based Bob Hardwick Sound Sensation, one of the top dance orchestras in the country. Sandra Smith, a longtime philanthropic leader in the Akron community, represented Summa Health as the honorary chair, and Don Rife served as the fundraising committee chair, leading a group of 15 volunteers in fundraising efforts. Overall, the ball highlighted Summa Health Emergency Services, which provide 24/7 life-saving care in Akron, Barberton, Green and the WadsworthRittman area. The event raised about $860,000.

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photos by Jason Miller, Pixelate Photography 1. Verb Ballets 2. Bob Hardwick and Sound Sensation 3. Event space 4. Don Rife, Dr. Cliff Deveny, Sandra Smith, Phylis Ferrara, Dr. Michael Beeson and Dr. David Seaberg

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akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2022

Congratulations on an outstanding event!

AGENDA

Through 2/25/23 “The Me Decade” Take in clothing and artifacts from the 1970s under a disco ball on a dance floor. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. TuesdaySaturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Kids $8, adults $10. mckinleymuseum.org

Through 5/14/23 “Good Hope” View wall-size pieces by a South African illustration studio. Pieces are inspired by the artists’ hometown environments.

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

Wednesday, Friday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $12 adult general admission. akronartmusuem.org Through 5/28/23 “Pathfinders: Kent State University School of Fashion Alumni” Check out diverse approaches to fashion by Kent State University alumni who have at least six years of experience after graduation, such as Jules Acree, Deanna First, Keama Garrett, Joshua Hupper, Miyako Nakamura and Anne Skoch. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff and all on Sunday, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum

NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

Through 8/27/23 “As the World Weds: Global Wedding Traditions” This Kent State University Museum exhibit features clothing beyond white dresses that are incorporated in wedding ceremonies around the world. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent.

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

11/3 & 11/4 Murder in the Mansion: A Double Dose of Death Don late 1920s attire and head to the music room to interact with troupe members to figure out who is hiding something. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 6:309 p.m. $38 members, $48 nonmembers. stanhywet.org 11/4 Senior Saunter Enjoy nature at a leisurely

pace and participate in a nature conversation. Liberty Park, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. Noon-1 p.m. summitmetroparks.org

11/9 & 11/16 Kinderealm: Turkeys Kiddos ages 3 to 6 can learn about wild turkeys, turkey vultures and turkey tail fungus. Liberty Park, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg or F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 10:30-11:30 a.m. or 1-2 p.m. summitmetroparks.org

11/4, 11/11, 11/18 & 11/25 Lunchtime Yoga Relax with some beginner-friendly yoga at the

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

11/5 Hartville Sports Card Show Browse cards, memorabilia and more from over 30 vendors. Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market, 1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. hartvillemarketplace.com 11/5 “No Vacancy” Mystery Dinner Dare

to join this interactive murder mystery dinner set in 1925 during the jazz age. Blu-tique Hotel, 1 S. Main St., Akron. 6-9 p.m. $79-$125. blu-tique.com

11/5 Three Stooges Film Fest Catch four Three Stooges films. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton.

7:30 p.m. $10. cantonpalacetheatre.org 11/5, 11/12, 11/19 & 11/26 Winery Tours Learn about Gervasi Vineyard’s winemaking facility, then enjoy four wine tastings, a wine glass and four chef-selected bites. Gervasi Vineyard, the Crush House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 1:30-2:30 p.m. or 3:30-4:30 p.m. $27. gervasivineyard.com

11/6, 11/13, 11/20 & 11/27 Distillery Tasting Tours Go behind the scenes of the distillery at

Gervasi Vineyard during a tour, then enjoy three spirit tastings and take home a shot glass and a salty snack.

Gervasi Vineyard, the Still House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 2-3 p.m. $17. gervasivineyard.com

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akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2022

11/10 “Storms & Tempests” Get inspired by nature at this performance including Vivaldi’s “Tempesta di Mare.”

First United Methodist Church, 263 E. Mill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $10-$73. apollosfire.org

11/11 Ruben Sings Luther Hear R&B, pop and gospel singer Ruben Studdard. Goodyear Theater, 1201 E. Market St., Akron. 7 p.m. $30-$55. goodyeartheater.com 11/12-1/4/23 “Into Light Ohio Project: Continuing the Conversation” This exhibit

uses portraits by Heather Bullach and Theresa Clower to humanize people and remove the stigma associated with the disease of addiction. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. TuesdaySaturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. massillonmuseum.org

AGENDA

11/19 Distance Hike Challenge yourself with a 5-mile hike. Sand Run Metro Park, Wadsworth area, 1400 Sand Run Parkway, Akron. 10 a.m.-noon. summitmetroparks.org

11/12 VeteRun 5K and 1-mile Fun Run Honor veterans during this run or walk lined with American flags. Quail Hollow Park, 13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville. 9 a.m. Free. starkparks.com 11/18 Date Night: Sip and Paint Enjoy a drink with a special someone while an instructor guides you through painting a fall nature scene. Tam O’Shanter Park, 5055 Hills & Dales Road, Canton. 6 p.m. $20-$30. starkparks.com

11/18-12/31 “Sawdust and Glitter” Take in

11/20 Owl Prowl Join a naturalist and search for these creatures during a quiet hike. Silver Creek Metro Park, Pheasant Run area, 5000 Hametown Road, Norton. 7-8:30 p.m. summitmetroparks.org

Athena Abood Brown’s solo exhibit featuring colorful and glittery wood-burned pieces. Up Front Art Space, 127 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls. Wednesday 4-7 p.m., Thursday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday noon-3 p.m. upfrontartspace.com

11/19 Almost Queen Jam as this Queen tribute band performs, as well as Steve Leonard. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $29.50-$69.50. akroncivic.com

11/26-12/4 “The Nutcracker” Watch this classic holiday show performed by Ballet Theatre of Ohio.

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

2 p.m. or 7 p.m. $40-$50. akroncivic.com

NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

21

AGENDA

11/27 Artists Sunday Celebrated the first Sunday after Thanksgiving, Artists Sunday is a chance to shop for something handcrafted to give during the holiday season. Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Noon-5 p.m. Free. summitartspace.org

11/27 Soweto Gospel Choir A threetime Grammy Award-winning choir drawn from churches throughout South Africa performs as a part of Tuesday Musical’s season. Hear African gospel music as well as songs by Billie Holiday, James Brown and more. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron.

7:30 p.m. tuesdaymusical.org 11/29 Stark Library Speaking of Books Author Series: Nigella Lawson Spend an evening with Nigella Lawson to celebrate her latest book, “Cook, Eat, Repeat.” Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 6:30 p.m. Free. cantonpalacetheatre.org

12/3 JingleDog 5K Join in this annual dog-friendly

5K or 1-mile fun run. Firestone Metro Park, Tuscarawas Shelter, 2620 Harrington Road, Akron. 9 a.m.-1:05 p.m. $20-$35. runningdog.org

12/4 Sugar Plum Tour Tour five beautifully decorated homes in the Greater Akron area in-person. Virtual expanded tour Dec. 10 & 11. $35. sugarplumtour.org 12/8 Brew at the Zoo Wander the Akron Zoo after

hours while enjoying a beer or glass of wine. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. 6:30- 9:30 p.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. akronzoo.org

22

akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2022

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NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

23

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

BBB Standards for Charity Accountability BBB of Akron’s Charity Program helps donors, consumers and businesses find charities that have proven donor dollars are spent responsibly and carry our their missions ethically. that are honest and fair. BBB began reviewing charities in the 1920’s and our evaluations involve the most comprehensive set of standards among all major charity monitoring groups. BBB of Akron provides non-profit evaluations free to the public and our approach measures organizations on 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Governance and Oversight T The he governing board has the ultimate oversight authority for any charitable organization. The five standards within this pillar seek to ensure that the volunteer board is active, independent and free of self-dealing.

Measuring EEectiveness T The he eeectiveness of a charity in achieving its mission is of the utmost importance. Potential donors must know that when they give to a charity, their money is going to have an impact. The two standards within this pillar seek to ensure that charities set defined, measured goals and objectives, put processes in place to evaluate the success and impact of its programming, and report on the organization’s progress.

Finances A charity’s charity finances only tell part of the story of how they are performing, but they can also identify organizations that may be demonstrating poor financial management and/or questionable accounting practices. We have standards in place that establish minimum financial thresholds we believe are necessary for any charitable organization. The seven standards within this pillar seek to ensure the charity is financially transparent and spends its fund in accordance with its mission and donor expectations.

Solicitations and Informational Materials A charity’s charity fundraising appeal is often the only contact a donor has with a charity and may be the sole impetus for giving. The six standards within this pillar seek to ensure that a charity’s representations to the public are accurate, complete and respectful.

LOOK FOR THE SEAL Learn more about accredited charities at bbb.org/akron

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‘TIS THE SEASON Tuesday, November 29th Join the #GivingTuesday movement and consider supporting our local accredited charities.

Look L ook for the Accredited Charity Seal or look them up on bbb.org to see if the charity meets all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

SHOW YOUR DONORS THAT YOU ARE A TRUSTED CHARITY Utilize the BBB trusted Utili name to highlight your charity’s dedication to ethics and integrity.

Be Becoming an Accredited Charity is free of charge.

Local charities can contact BBB of Akron for the local charity evaluation forms.

by Kelly Petryszyn and Alexandra Sobczak

20 CELEBRATES p 01-02-83-84 july05

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Akron Life & Leisure

The Magazine of G r eat er A kr on

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YEARS

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of

Akron

CAMPS TO MAKE THIS SUMMER YOUR KID'S BEST EVER p 01-02-83-84 mar06

2/13/06

10:11 AM

RISE AND SHINE WITH THESE 13 TASTY BREAKFASTS

SMILE BRIGHTER WITH THE 330’S TOP DENTISTS

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Put on a fresh face for spring Akron Life & Leisure

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS! VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 3

B e s t L o c a l L i ve M u s i c

Trips for the Adventure Junkie / Mary Myers talks serial killers Subject Matter: "A is for Akron"

B e s t L o c a l L i ve T h e a t e r B e s t L o c a l Ra d i o S t a t i o n

The Magazin e o f G rea ter A kro n

akr

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B e s t Loc al Br eak fa s t B e s t L o c a l B a ke r y

A SCHOOL CAN BECOME A FAMILY

Best Local Burger

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Best Local Susshi

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Be s t Loc al W ing s

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Best Local Chef

com

Best Locaal Live Musicc Best Local Toy Store

Akronite digs up her Irish roots and unearths a surpirise discovery

Beest Local Free Event Beest Local Spa

Live Long, Live Happy

FRAT BOYS

Home & Garden Guide

Akron’s improbable pair

Best Local Museeum Best Local Live Theateer

MEET I PROMISE SCHOOL STUDENT CALEB AND HIS MOM, DASHUA HOLLIDAY, P.22 photo by Tylar Sutton

B e s t L o c a l Ra d i o S t a t i o n B e s t L oc a l Go l f C o u r s e Be s t Loc al Sw im ming Pool B e s t L o c a l H i ke

Bye-bye body hair? p14 Build a Better You p60 Inside/Out Design p74 Flour(less) Power: Going Gluten-Free p96

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Best City

Best Local Sushi

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B e s t L o c a l l y- B r e w e d B e e r B e s t L o c a l B a ke r y Best Local Burger

B e s t Loc al Br eak fa s t

330 FLAVOR AWARDS

Be s t Loc al W ing s Best Local Chef

Best Local Free Event Best Local Spa

0

Best Local Museum Best Local Toy Store VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 1 | JANUARY 2020

Comfort-Food Fix / 2011 Arts Alive! Awards / Winevolution

Neighborhood: Stow / Save Our Schoolhouse

volume 9 / issue 1 1

november 2011 201 1 volume vo v lum lume e 1 2 / is issue s sue 3

The Bomb Shelter: Got Retro?

march ma rch 2014 20 14

Single City

PARTY

in the

Uncensored.

Honest.

And ornery.

Dick Goddard

These singles make the Greater Akron area a better place to live

5 New hot spots turn dining into an experience

TABLE

SPOTTED OW L PINEAPPLE DAIQUIR I photo by Tylar Sutton

Slice in Time

Restored bandbox keeps memories alive at Luigi's

Emilia Sykes on location at the Akron Art Museum

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MSC owners talk world cupcake domination p14

SWEET FANTASY 4 DREAM WEDDINGS SERVICE CALL STUDENTS LEND A HAND AT HOME AND ABROAD CHILL OUT CBD DRINKS MAKE A DEBUT IN THE 330

photo by Dennis Roliff

WINNERS OF THE 330 FLAVOR AWARDS

Education: Extracurricular Activities A new book from Dave Lieberth

Bike date, bad idea p12

Summit DD

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Top DenTisTs

VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 5

MAY 2020

Top Teachers / Photographing Nature Right / Discover Medina

2 2 The Magazine of Greater Akron

March 2009

theCity Spring Fashion

JIM volume 10 / issue 5

Style&

Plus: Camps for Kids MRDD Awareness Month Guide to Exotic Fruits

TRESSEL on strategic engagement, second chances and sweaters — sans sleeves.

All Things Irish

may 2012

VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 4

THE CORONAVIRUS SHOCKED US ALL. MEET THE HEROES WHO AROSE IN THE 330.

+

It’s an urban redevelopment entrepreneur! p14 Dust off those hiking boots! p18

Benjamin Rexroad The talented director of Heads Up Productions C UYAH OGA FALLS

Make Your Dream Home A Reality

NARI Remodeling Special Supplement

APRIL 2017

Cry Me a River p56

THE CURIOUS CASE OF

G O RED FOR WOMEN C AM PS DIREC T ORY

Greater Akron

ZOAR VILLAGE

Disassembled

CHAD, METRO RTA photo by AUTUMN BLAND

AM ISH C OUN T RY

APhoto Essay

REAL ESTATE

www.akronlifeandleisure.com

NEW THIS MONTH!

Health Matters

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Gully the Schnauzer, photo by Tylar Sutton

VOLUME 19 | ISSUE 3

MARCH 2021

Stir Crazy

inside Hepburn’s closet / dating misadventures / music to die for

15

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DAY IVIT IES

Mix up cooking at home with local ingredients + recipes

ACT

volume 9 / issue 3

march 201 1 VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 5

MAY 2017

Down &Derby

330 HOMES GET INSPIRED

BY SIX UNIQUE SPACES

BAD-ASS ALTER EGOS, HIGH-SPEED HIJINKS AND THE OCCASIONAL BLACK EYE

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BE ALERT HOW TO WATCH FOR COVID-19 SCAMS

CULTURE

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Best Locaal Cofffeee House

Seventh-term Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic introduces our 2014 Best of the City.

03 >

Vol.4 Issue 3

Circle of Life

MARRCH 201 MAR 09

LEBRON JAMES’ PROMISE

Salad crafted with VIGEO GARDENS MICROGREENS, LETTUCE and EDIBLE FLOWERS

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Betsy Kling photo by Tylar Sutton

NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

27

photo by Bruce Ford

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

photo by Bruce Ford

Greater Akron’s 10

photo provided by Kent Historical Society & Museum

People, places and events that have reshaped this region 2003 List • Renovated Akron

Civic Theatre

photo by Tylar Calhoun

• New Canal Park • Summit Metro Parks

and Cuyahoga Valley National Park

• National Inventors

Hall of Fame

• Soap Box Derby • NEC Invitational • Downtown Akron nightlife • The University of Akron

and Kent State University

photo by Charlotte Gintert photo provided by Summit Metro Parks

• Don Drumm and local artists • Mayor Don Plusquellic

and the future

New List • Akron’s downtown

renovations

• Akron Civic Theatre

expansion and renovation

• Canton’s Centennial Plaza

and Hall of Fame Village

• Bounce Innovation Hub • Summit Metro Parks

expanding and connecting trails

• I Promise development • Cuyahoga Falls’ Front

Street renovation

photo provided by Tammie Pruett

• Kent’s expanded downtown • Downtown Akron and

photos provided by Summit Metro Parks

28

akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2022

Cuyahoga Falls apartments

• Craft brewery boom

in memory of Akron Life’s founder

DO N BA K ER J R . [ 1 9 4 0 -2 0 1 8 ]

Colin Baker

My dad, Don Baker Jr.’s, Publisher’s Page was the true beginning of our monthly Akron Life magazine. After the November 2002 issue, we took a few months off to work on what it takes to produce a monthly publication. Since the column below was published in the March 2003 issue, we have been monthly. For that issue, our staff photographer, Ray Saviciunas, who went on to win multiple Press Club of Cleveland awards, shot our first cover photo of the Akron Civic Theatre shortly after its auditorium renovation. A story on the freshly renovated Civic kicked off our yearlong Greater Akron 10 feature on 10 developments shaping Greater Akron. For our 20th anniversary this year, we created a list of 10 more emerging developments shaping The 330. My dad kept writing his column until shortly before his death in early February 2018, and I took it over at the end of the year. I would like to add to his list of thank yous. To all of the readers who have stuck with Akron Life throughout these past two decades, those who found us along the way and those who are new to the magazine, thank you.

Thank You I don’t know what I expected after the publication of our first issue of Akron Life & Leisure: the magazine of Greater Akron. I think I was too busy helping produce it to think forward to what the reaction might be. I just assumed that some people would love the new magazine and some would hate it and a whole bunch of other folks would react somewhere in the middle. I guess I just wasn’t prepared for the overwhelmingly enthusiastic response we got from all of you who saw, bought and read our first issue.

I’ve been approached at church by people whom I didn’t think knew my name let alone knew I was the publisher of this new magazine. They wanted to congratulate us for producing Akron Life & Leisure and to tell me how much “we” need this magazine.

People whom I hardly know have stopped me in elevators and hallways to tell me how much “we” need this magazine. I have received phone calls and emails from people I haven’t heard from in years to tell how much they liked our first issue. We have gotten letters from major civic and business leaders in the Greater Akron area, who actually thanked us for coming out with a publication about the Greater Akron area.

Usually, in the publishing business, the only time we hear from our readers is to tell us we made a mistake or how wrongheaded something we printed appeared to them. We did, I must admit, get a couple of corrections to our restaurant guide; seems a couple of the establishments we listed were out of business or we didn’t list some newer restaurants that were in business.

To all of you who have contacted me and the rest of the staff with your congratulations and words of encouragement, I say thank you.

Thank you for validating our belief that the Greater Akron area is full of people just like you who care about this community and are as proud of it as we are. Don’t stop talking to us now that the first issue is history; we need to know what you think and base many of our story lines on suggestions from you, our readers.

On the cover this issue is a spectacular photo of the Akron Civic Theatre taken by our staff shutterbug, Ray Saviciunas. I think it is a breathtaking shot that brings out the color and beauty of one of the Akron area’s most treasured landmarks. This shot came about because we wanted to use our cover space to show off what we think of as the new Akron. The new Akron, as we define it, is the places we take visitors when we want to show off our hometown; the people we talk about when we give credit for all of the good things that have happened in our area over the past 25 years; and the events or things that we feel best define this new Akron. We have 10 issues during the balance of 2003. We have decided to showcase 10 people, places or things that epitomize the best this area has to offer. We have compiled lists of what we believe those people, places or things are. From that list we have chosen 10 to feature on our covers during 2003. I won’t tell you in advance which 10 made the cut, because I want you to share your picks with us. Email or call me or any of our staff with your suggestions.

We want to celebrate our home with you.

Don Baker Jr. dbakerjr@bakerpublishing.com

NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

29

A PL ACE TO B E Dave Lieberth

Downtown Akron’s renovated Main Street is lined with bike lanes, artistic banners depicting diverse residents and a rubber worker statue. But 60 years ago, downtown was far from welcoming.

“Akron was just plain ugly.

Not only was there a lot of smoke in the sky, the streets weren’t very clean,” says Akron historian and author Dave Lieberth.

Rubber manufacturers left Akron, and by the early ’80s, the world was in a recession. “We had undergone about a 10-year period when 30,000 manufacturing jobs had been lost within Greater Akron,” he says. But Akron pivoted.

In 1985, Akron mayor Tom Sawyer began touting polymers. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., B.F. Goodrich Co., Firestone Tire Co. and General Tire Rubber Co. research facilities remained in Akron.

Yet when Don Plusquellic became Akron mayor in 1987, many vacant buildings lined Main Street.

Good news was on its way.

An Akron historian explains how the area continues to evolve.

Lieberth: [Plusquellic] was heavily criticized for placing Canal Park where he did. … He knew if he put it in the middle of downtown that it would stimulate downtown activities.

That is what happened.

There was a positive spirit that hadn’t existed before people started to see new construction.

It was the largest investment in downtown since World War II. That began the renaissance of downtown.

When Akron Life & Leisure started in 2002, downtown Akron was buzzing, with openings including Lock 3 in 2003, main Akron-Summit County Public Library in 2004 and Lock 4 in 2007, and completed renovations including Akron Civic Theatre in 2002 and Akron Art Museum in 2007.

As deputy mayor from 2002 to 2012, Lieberth operated Lock 3 and his team added cover bands and festivals like Rib, White and Blue. In 2011, Akron was among the first to finish its Towpath Trail, which ran through Lock 3. Lieberth attended every Lock 3 program while he was deputy mayor.

Lieberth: We went from having no people on a weeknight or weekend night to about 250,000 visitors a year.

Dave Lieberth: National Inventors Hall of Fame was looking for a new home. We put together a group of people to advocate for its relocation in Akron. … It stimulated other things.

In 2004, we had the Black Keys play the Fourth of July. That was one of their first big shows.

There were major openings, with John S. Knight convention center in 1994, Inventors Hall of Fame in 1995 and Canal Park in 1997.

We didn’t know whether we would be successful with AfricanAmerican audiences. So we decided to program Old School Soul. It was a rousing success. …

30

akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2022

Canal Park

We were having 5, 6, 7,000 people.

At Fourth of July … we were having 10,000 people. Not only cheek to jowl in the park, but on Main Street as well.

That has led to millions of people coming to Akron since 2003 for entertainment that didn’t exist before.

Downtown was more of a destination, and one that appealed to families. … We suddenly saw toddlers in hand, babes in arms, strollers.

For a city that had not had a downtown nightlife … you would see 1,000 people on Main Street easily on a Friday or Saturday night.

Akron is an entertainment center. … We have people from Stark, Wayne, Tuscarawas, Mahoning and Trumbull counties …

Medina, Portage … driving to Akron. That’s true today.

While the Inventors Hall of Fame left, it launched STEM schools in 2009 and 2012.

Plusquellic recruited businesses to relocate into what is now the Bounce Innovation Hub and industrial parks including German plastics manufacturer Rochling Automotive USA. “That was to make certain that we had enough income tax money so we could pay for city services that would allow the city to improve and invest in itself,” Lieberth says.

Lieberth: [Plusquellic] became an international spokesman for successful cities and the importance of cities.

In 2006, he came up with the idea, on an economic trip to Israel, of a biomedical corridor. ...

That led to the new collaborations between Akron General, Summa and [Akron] Children’s Hospital.

We have been and still are a center of innovation. There are still more patent applications filed out of the Akron standard metropolitan statistical area than in any other in Ohio. ... Fifteen percent of Summit County’s workforce is still involved in manufacturing.

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

Akron Art Museum

John S. Knight Center

Towpath Akron Marathon

Lock 3

... There’s 400 companies in Akron metropolitan that deal with polymer materials.

We’re never gonna get another huge manufacturing industry to relocate in Akron.

photos by Bruce Ford

Bounce Innovation Hub … that’s been very critical to the development of the new economy. ... We’ve supported homegrown businesses that have expanded. There are jobs here for the future.

Today, downtown storefronts are mostly filled, and many new apartments are quickly getting rented, including 139 at the Goodrich and 107 at 159 Main. In 2021, the Civic added the Wild Oscar’s and Knight Stage venues and is adding a patio linking it to Lock 3.

Construction is set to start later this year on Lock 3, adding a permanent stage, art, green space and seating to reimagine it into the city’s central park. Lieberth

is helping to open the Akron History Center in late 2023 and celebrate Akron’s bicentennial in 2025.

Firestone Stadium

Lieberth: We’ve learned we are an agile community.

We have the ability to be flexible and to make changes as the situation requires.

One of our biggest assets is our size. … We’re big enough to have problems. But we’re small enough to be able to embrace them and find ways to attack and solve them.

It’s been a long, hard slog to get Main Street done.

It enhances the best of downtown as a living area. ... You can’t attract people downtown if it’s not reasonably attractive and feels safe.

Goodyear World Headquarters

The city has never looked better than it does today.

— by Kelly Petryszyn Canal Place

NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

31

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

Happy Healthy & Wise / China Week / Big Bite: Nuevo

volume 1 2 / issue 9

5HE "QSR *RRTE

Creative Couples

p 01-02-83-84 apr06

OAQS SHQEE NF SHQEE

Plus

Ted Lawson's Love for The Big Apple p50

Emily Speelman and Barberton's New Arts District p14

Museum & Gallery Guide p46

Page 3

Ap r i l 2 0 0 6 $3.95

Born to Rhythm

After 85 years, the beat goes on for Halim El-Dabh

Plus: • Spring Dining • Education • Condo Spectacular www.akronlifeandleisure.com

Drumm’s Sun

The Arts Issue

The Magazine of Greater Akron

VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 9

May 2008

Artist of the Year Mark Soppeland

SEPTEMBER 2017

The State of the Arts in Akron

Roller Derby Rampage

Plus: Travel to Amish Country Education Success Stories An interview with Patrick Carney of The Black Keys

The Northeast Ohio Rock’n’Roller Girls bring roller derby back to the AkronCanton area.

THE ARTS ISSUE

www.akronlifeandleisure.com

B O O ME R S : ART THERAPY 001_013_may08.indd 1

Local Artist Dinara Mirtalipova photo by Tylar Sutton

VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 9

AROUND TOWN: ST. LUCIE SOUND TRAIN CAR RESTORATION

SEPTEMBER 2019

Stage Craft 8

10

M U S T- S E E SHOWS WILD CA R D S : HUMANS COLLIDE WITH NATURE IN THE RUST BELT

PLAYWRIGHT JOSY JONES photo by Tylar Sutton

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DYNAMIC P L AY E R S S TA R R I N G IN LOCAL T H E AT E R S

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3/20/06

Subscribe and get a FREE Don Drumm Poster

Vol.4 Issue 4

Akron native and Black Keys drummer, May 2008

5HE

" QCH I SECS

April 2006

Patrick Carney

5H E 'IK L L AJEQ 5H E %AT G HSEQ

Akron Life & Leisure

At the Lime Spider, different generations could get together and enjoy music. …

We believe in the city.

We do everything we can to try and help it. … I do think Akron has always supported local music.

“

“

september 2014

THE ARTS GUIDE FRESH HA U NT: SQUARE SCULLERY DELIVERS A GHOST KITCHEN

4/15/08 11:25:20 AM

R AY O F LIG H T

Don Drumm

“I’m very proud of this piece,” work, he shares that it was his People have supported me here.

Don Drumm just wants says Drumm, who developed upbringing at the Warren auto Akron is small enough to have to keep working on the expertise by studying under garage his dad ran that laid the close friends and big enough to pewter sculpture in front tradespeople like foundry workfoundation for his metalwork. support the arts. … I’m very of him. The 87-yearers and cement finishers. proud to be in Akron. old globally acclaimed “Coming of age, I learned to weld. sculptor, who is known Drumm and his wife, Lisa, I started drawing faces within One of the first things I ever for pioneering sandlaunched a one-room Akron a circle. … Sun faces, people made were a couple of birds out cast aluminum artworks, gallery in 1971, selling national relate to. of rusty cans. especially sun faces, still artists’ craft works. Over 50 The sun is the thing that makes art almost every years later, it’s grown into two Early on … I went to breakfast keeps us alive. … Doing a sun day. Set to be installed this gallery buildings selling creations with a business friend. He said, sculpture is a thank you.” fall in downtown Cuyahoga from over 500 craftspeople. … I don’t really see you making a Falls, his new nearly While Drumm, who is living doing art.

— as told to Kelly Petryszyn 20-foot-tall sculpture is dyslexic, says one of his biggest Somehow, I didn’t listen. … Here accomplishments is earning his made from stainless steel I am. I own buildings, making a Master of Fine Arts from Kent to uniquely reflect sunlight. living. I’m 87 and still creating.

State University after years of

Lisa and Don, 2022

photos provided by Don Drumm Studios & Gallery

2021

’80s

’70s

NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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T O P

Akron Life & Leisure

ST E A DY B E AT

10/24/06

N U R S E S

Th e M ag az in e of Gr e ate r A k r on

While patrons listen to local bands and occasional national

There’s something special about Akron and the arts.

We’ve got Annabell’s, which serves a punkier, hard rock, younger crowd. We’ve got Nashville Nights that does country.

One of the cool things about Akron is it has room for everyone.

It’s a historic 1910 building.

It’s always been a bar and has always been live music.

We give people ages 30 to 90 someplace to go and let their hair down and dance and have a great time.

The Anatomy of the Belly Dance

PLUS: Holiday Dining Guide Reflections of Judaic Tradition Senior Living www.akronlifeandleisure.com

“It doesn’t happen everywhere like this. I grew up outside of Detroit. … There weren’t a lot of live music-oriented clubs.

I wanted to build a music venue that grew up with us.

Vol.4 Issue 11

“The amount of talent that exists in Akron … is amazing — has always been amazing,” says owner Jill Bacon Madden. She bought and renovated the building that was formerly Northside, an allgenre venue open from 1994 to 2012 where she worked as a talent booker. “It struck me that that was one of the most entertaining things I had ever done in my life,” she says. She opened Jilly’s in 2013.

touring acts — Winslow and the Ryan Humbert Band were some of the first to take the venue’s stage — they can pick from over 100 beer options and over 30 gluten-free small plates. Catch shows like Daddy Longleg’s Homegrown Revival and Indré Nov. 12 and Jim Ballard & the Strangs Nov. 19.

November 2006

In the Northside District, formerly known as the jazz corridor, Jilly’s Music Room continues the tradition of live music, showcasing local bands of all genres, such as blues, Motown, zydeco and jazz.

N ov e m b e r 2 0 0 6

Meet Akron’s New Maestro

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We’ve had people get up in the middle of a show and propose, we’ve had kids and grandkids surprise their grandparents, we’ve had whole families get up onstage together.

Every single band that comes in here is memorable, is incredibly talented. … Every night is memorable.”

— as told to Alexandra Sobczak

VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 2

Jim Noel

“

“

It was quite a time. We’d take a break and go up to another club to hear other musicians playing. … Everybody got along.

Probably the music did it.

FEBRUARY 2019

On

KENT ROCKS TREE CITY GROWS BIG STARS

NEW CATS CARRY THE RHYTHM OF AKRON’S JAZZ LEGACY

FACES OF THE 330 BRIGHT SPOT EAT LIKE YOU LIVE ON THE AZURE COAST

Theron Brown photo by Tylar Sutton

MATCH POINT GET IN THE GAME TO FIND LOVE AT ANY AGE

VOLUME 19 | ISSUE 9

SEPTEMBER 2021

SHOW TIME

THE ARTS ARE BACK! CATCH 18 CONCERTS, MUSICALS, EXHIBITS AND EVENTS THIS FALL

late Akron saxophonist on playing jazz on Akron’s Howard Street, February 2019 HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAIRLAWN CELEBRATES 50 YEARS FULL COURSE TIRETOWN GOLF CLUB DRIVES HOME PURPOSE

THE VINDYS MATT JACKSON, ED DAVIS, JOHN ANTHONY, JACKIE POPOVEC AND RICK DEAK photo by Leslie Davis, Cusano Photography

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akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2022

AUTUMN CROSSING VENTURE NORTH TO COVERED BRIDGES

photo provided by Jill Bacon Madden

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AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

p 01-02-83-84 june05

05/24/2005

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3:26 PM

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This has always been a lifelong dream, and I’m looking forward to coaching youths on how to play the game and the importance of teamwork in sports and in life.

E x h i b i t s

Akron Life & Leisure

The Magazine o f G reater Ak r on

Vol.3 Issue 6

$3.95

Akron native and NBA star on his LeBron James Family Foundation, June 2006

With new Aeros manager Torey Lovullo

www.akronlifeandleisure.com

photo provided by Pro Football Hall of Fame

June 2005

The First Pitch

LeBron James

June 2005

The Akron area’s finest doctors Slowing down life with a trip to Sugarcreek

K I CK O FF Jim Porter

When the Pro Football Hall of Fame closes, the busts talk to each other — that’s what inductee and late coach John Madden said he believes.

That inspired new hall president Jim Porter to close the museum one night during enshrinement week, only allowing Hall of Famers into the bust gallery to toast with legends.

VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 5

MAY 2019

D OM I N IQU E MO C E A N U OLYMPIAN’S MEDINA CENTER FLIPS THE MAT ON THE CULTURE OF GYMNASTICS

PLUS ... MEET 5 OTHER GAME CHANGERS IN THE 330

UNEARTH A MASTER’S GARDEN CASTON & MAIN BREW YARD EXPANDS

GREEN’S

PALATE

B EA U T Y G U IDE: DISCOVER YOUR STYLE DRINK UP AT THESE 11

MEDINA COUNTY HOT SPOTS

GOLD MEDALIST DOMINIQUE MOCEANU photo by Tylar Sutton

UNTAPPED: COLLECTIVE ARTS BREWING

“One Hall of Famer told me that he still gets chills thinking about it,” says Porter, who started in fall 2021. “People whisper. That room has a reverence.”

His inductee-focused approach is upping participation, with 108 of the 184 living Hall of

Famers attending the last enshrinement. Plus, there’s more fan engagement with the museum serving birthday cake for all 362 inductees and having Hall of Famers speak at local businesses and sign autographs at the store. And Canton is gaining traction with the new Centennial Plaza and the Hall of Fame Village opening attractions like a zip line.

Porter shares how the museum connects people with Canton’s roots as the birthplace of the NFL. “I was the kid who was sitting on the wall when the enshrinement was on the steps. … I’m counting down the days till enshrinement — I couldn’t wait. I’m Canton through and through.

To have one [Hall of Famer] come into your business and say, Listen, this is what I came from, and this is how I achieved what I achieved, … that’s a powerful message.

Some fans paint their faces on Sunday. … From the second they get out of their car, they have this energized [museum] experience like they would at a tailgate party or walking into a stadium of 70,000 people.

All over Stark County, football brings communities together. They celebrate and commiserate it.

Football emulates life. … All these people are coming together for one goal — miracles happen in that huddle.”

— as told to Kelly Petryszyn NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

35

photos provided by Summit Metro Parks Lisa King

There are over 5.5 million visits to Summit Metro Parks each year, and executive director Lisa King is behind many big improvements including the transformations of Liberty Park in Twinsburg and F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm in Akron. She added nature centers and accessible trails to both, and at Liberty Park, she also added an outdoor classroom and indoor exhibits designed for those with sensory impairments.

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akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2022

N AT U R E SCO U T King started as a Metro Parks “I had landed home when I landscape architect 24 years ago, interviewed here, and I saw the and now she seeks public input kind of work that was going on. and increases inclusivity. She is … Man, I fell in love with it. overlooking projects such as connecting trails across 1,800 acres in We follow the philosophy of the father of landscape Cascade Valley, Gorge and Sand architecture: The building Run parks and developing the should be of the land.

Freedom Trail, which connects Akron and Kent and two universi- Liberty Park … there’s a little ties along an unused railroad corwalk to get to the building — ridor owned by Metro RTA. that’s part of your experience.

There’s interesting things along “By being in the community as the way.

The trees open up, and much as possible,” King says, there’s the building. It’s that “I’m out there advocating.” aha moment.

She shares how she helps make We’ve continued to do that each experience with nature a with as many of the buildings journey. as we could.

Partnerships have allowed us to expand what we’re able to do.

It helps us connect people to nature in new ways.

We’ve got some wonderful programs that anybody, including our senior population, can take advantage of.

We want to have parks that everyone can come to. They all feel safe, they feel welcome and they feel curious.”

— as told to Alexandra Sobczak

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 8

AUGUST 2019

OUTDOORS Drift Away

20+

Ways to DIP INTO our lakes & rivers

S O U ND S O F S U MME R : MEET THE METRO PARKS ENSEMBLE DIG UP AN E CO - F R I E ND LY B A CKYA R D OASIS

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E D U CATI O N: LOCALS RESPOND TO CYBER ATTACKS THE B E ST L AW YE RS I N A ME R I CA

FLOAT THE RIVER at Brust Park photo by Tylar Sutton

The Magazine of Greater Akron

November 2008

Remembering

John F. Seiberling

VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 6

Walks of Discovery with Russ Musarra and Chuck Ayers

JUNE 2020

Dream Land 20+ OUTDOOR WONDERS TO UNCOVER

Plus: Top Nurses Financial Planning Holiday Dining Guide www.akronlifeandleisure.com

Holiday Gift Guide

Wayne County / Best Lawyers ®

TALLMADGE MEADOWS photo by ROB BLAIR

volume 1 3 / issue 8

august 201 5

20

YEARS

+

Weathervane’s “Peter Pan” takes flight VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 6 | JUNE 2022

2XWGRRUV

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

GONE CAMPING 6 near and far outdoor getaways await you

Hiking / Cycling / Fishing / Kayaking / Climbing

Blue Hen Falls

Betsy Kling

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“

My grandfather worked at the rubber company so we have tires in our background. … There’s something about Northeast Ohio that’s home and this is who I am, this is who I want to be and this is where I worked so hard to get back to.

Copley native, WKYC anchor and chief meteorologist, May 2017

Trailblazers of the Cuyahoga Valley

Photo by Natalie Spencer

Skiing in the Sunshine MBA Programs: Graduate Level Success TIGERS PRIDE DISCOVER THE NEW DOWNTOWN MASSILLON

330 HOMES

CAMPING AT POINT PELEE NATIONAL PARK photo by Parks Canada, Scott Munn

FRESH PICKS SUMMER RECIPES & HEALTHY EATING TIPS

NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree / Visit Amish Country

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Chef Sherry Schie of Shy Cellars and her dish Prima-Puttanesca, photo by Micah Beree

+ Quality of Consciousness The Finleys never forgot their fi rst experience with the afterlife.

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Interior Design Working with wallpaper

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VOLUME 19 | ISSUE 8

October 2008 20 08

AUGUST 2021

Treat Yourself 20

Spider Myths: Fact or Fiction?

Plus: Welcome to Wooster

frozen goodies to enjoy

Spruce Up Your Fireplace

GONE CAMPING VENTURE NEAR OR FAR IN AN RV PEAK NATURE SUMMIT METRO PARKS CELEBRATES 100 YEARS CURTAIN CALL AKRON CIVIC DEBUTS IMPRESSIVE RENOVATIONS

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HOUSE OF HUNAN TONK ATSU R AMEN AND PAN-FR IED POR K BUNS photo by Tylar Sutton

Great Educators 2008 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

VOLUME 19 | ISSUE 1 | JANUARY 2021

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11:20 AM

T h e Ma ga z i n e of Gr ea t er A kron

Copley resident and chef at Beau’s Grille and Beau’s on the River and co-owner of Beau’s Market & Deli January 2019

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11/30/05

Neighborhoods: Seeing double in Twinsburg

February 2005

Beau Schmidt

By their own hands

Akron Life & Leisure

With the growing community of restaurants, you’ve always got to think how you’re going to keep yourself relevant. …

It’s scary to think that you can outlast chains when you’re a little independent guy, but we’ve outlasted so many of them. It’s unbelievable.

october 201 3

Local chefs and their favorite dishes

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“

volume 1 1 / issue 10

GET COMFY

www.akronlifeandleisure.com

Charlie Thomas

Before a soldier boarded a train to serve in World War II, he grabbed a cold beer at Ray’s Place in Kent.

The story is one of many in the “Meet Me At Ray’s” book that chronicles the local institution, which was named the first sports bar in Ohio, and a 1948 picture of a TV in Ray’s playing a Cleveland Indians game proves it.

photos provided by Ray’s Place

Ray Salitore opened the popular restaurant in 1937, selling items like Gerty’s chili for 5

CL AS S I C H U B cents that’s still on the menu.

Charlie Thomas has owned it since 1978 when it had a concert venue upstairs he called Mother’s Junction.

Celebrities like Joe Walsh and Drew Carey have visited, chef Michael Symon praised the Mo-Fo burger on “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” Food Network show and a second location opened in Fairlawn.

Thomas reminisces how Ray’s remains a spot for connecting over food, a game and a cold beer.

“Kent was like a mecca. People [came] from Akron, Canton.

At nighttime, even in the summertime, we were packed with young people drinking and having fun.

We had all kinds of bands. We had reggae from around the country, Jamaica, England. At one time, I ran a band seven times a week.

It was the place to go to party.

They still do. They just don’t as much. … [COVID] changed a lot of habits.

On any given day, people come: I remember when you threw me out of here in 1982.

[Former coach] Lou Holtz’s fraternity brother was in town. He said Holtz met his wife back in that booth. [Director] Oliver Stone was in here having some drinks.

I always say Ray’s is constantly changing but remaining the same.

You have to stick with things that made you what you are.”

— as told to Kelly Petryszyn

1978

NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

39

Brad Root

Amos Ives Root helped with beekeeping as a young boy on his Medina family farm. But it wasn’t until the 1860s, when he owned a jewelry store on the Medina square, that he really dove into it.

“A bunch of bees landed on their window,” says Brad Root, the fifth-generation president of A.I. Root Co. “He still had this jewelry business, but he was beginning to focus on beekeeping.”

beekeeping equipment, selling harvested honey and then selling beeswax religious candles to churches, eventually becoming the largest U.S. direct supplier to Catholic churches.

Now Root Candles, it offers spiritual candles, dinner candles, fragrance candles and more made with an all-natural blend of beeswax, hydrogenated soybean oil, palm wax and vegetable oil. It has facilities in Texas and Iowa and a flagship Medina store, with over 25 color and 70 fragrance options.

Root says Medina’s Victorian architecture and atmosphere

were “too near and dear” to them to leave.

Root explains why Root Candles has thrived in Medina and throughout the country.

“It’s really the whole thing of eliciting memories of your life … from the burning of devotional lights in the church to the use of dinner candles on a tablescape.

We’re unique in the candle industry that we produce many of our own wicks.

There are a lot of generational families here. They certainly express their appreciation for

what our business and our family has been to the community.

They’ve either worked here or an ancestor worked here, or they just love the smell of the company.

[Medina is] definitely a growing community through many decades that keeps growing further out.

It’s trying to keep that connection to what we had on that central town square.

It’s nice to see. … You want to hang on to those little bits of charm.”

— as told to Alexandra Sobczak

photos provided by Root Candles

The company evolved, publishing an educational magazine about beekeeping, manufacturing

CO M M U N I T Y BUZ Z

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akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2022

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

volume 1 1 / issue 8

august 201 3

Betsy Hartschuh Akron Children's Museum co-founder p10 Mia Saltis

Making a Meal Out of a Snack p12

Seven interesting people and the jobs they love

Untapped Jolly Pumpkin's La Roja p60

+ A Dam Problem

Unleashing the mighty Cuyahoga

Neighborhood: Kent / Cameos of Caring

volume 1 2 / issue 1 1

november 2014

Shop

Local

Gift +Guide 2014

Our annual guide to shopping where you live Presents for a cause

The Blimp That Almost Wasn't How Goodyear's brand icon came to be Christine Lamendola photographed by Dennis Roliff

City Guide Arts & Entertainment Attractions Recreation Sports Education Health Care

The Magazine of Greater Akron

2008

5 Cool Activities for Kids

C A M EOS OF C A R IN G MEET LOCAL NURSES WHO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND

S E AS O N’ S G R E E TI NG S THE HOLIDAY TREE FESTIVAL MAKES HEARTS GLOW

U NCO R K E D 4 WINES TO BRING TO THE TURKEY DAY TABLE

VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 11

NOVEMBER 2019

Akron’s Live Music Scene

Reflections

The story of Kenmore’s 100-year history

www.akronlifeandleisure.com

OUTSIDE FRONT COVER MAR08.indd 3

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MAPLETON ROAD CRAFT GOODS CO. photo by Tylar Sutton

GO RED FOR WOMEN

R U S T B E LT R E V I V A L

“

Four of the greatest years of my life were spent at Akron as a graduate student and then as an assistant coach and instructor.

No matter where my career took me after that, it always had to match up with that Akron experience.

Artisan foods, luxury bags, cool tech and 20 other locally crafted gifts

The Magazine of Greater Akron

April 2009

Akron’s Virtual Scrapbook Plus: Spring Dining Golf Guide Gardening Tips

9CoolJobs

VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 11

POWER SHOP

NOVEMBER 2020

Frank Miller III and Preston Clark of 7th Floor Clothing photo by Tylar Sutton

and the people who love them

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GET M ERRY FIND YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE IN WAYNE COUNTY

Jim Tressel

“

Angel Falls' Magnificent Mural / Your Fall Garden Plan

Mentor native, former Ohio State University football coach and former University of Akron vice president of strategic engagement, May 2012

C RISP SIP COCKTAILS TO DRINK ON THE GO IN HUDSON C AM EOS OF C ARIN G 330 NURSES WHO RISE TO THE CALL

NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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CAMEOS OF CARING

CAMEOS of

CARING

2022 AWARD RECIPIENT S Each year, local nurses are honored through Cameos of Caring, an awards program of The University of Akron’s School of Nursing.

They continue to be needed more than ever. These heroes are recognized for their dedication to delivering essential health care throughout The 330.

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akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2022

CAMEOS OF CARING

TERRI L . ALE X ANDER Summa Health, Akron campus, Registered Nurse

EDUCATION: Associate degree in nursing, Stark State College; licensed practical nurse, Akron School of Practical Nursing; Progressive Care Certified Nurse

HONORS & AWARDS: Daisy Award nominee and recipient, Care Beyond Award, Barbra Donaho Leadership Award, Summa Preceptor Award

Why did you become a nurse?

TERRI L. ALEXANDER: When I was 11 years old, I came across an old anatomy book that belonged to my great-grandmother.

I opened it to a page that showed the anatomy of the lungs and thought, This is the coolest thing I have ever seen! I was hooked. I graduated from the same LPN school that my greatgrandmother did, and for a time, our class pictures hung in the same hallway at the school.

every day and the challenge that comes with finding ways to help the patients who need more than just medicine to feel better. Caring for patients at the bedside is a different job every day because the needs of our patients are so diverse. It means a lot to me that I get to be a part of their journeys and that maybe I helped make them feel less alone or scared or helped them take charge of the unknown by helping them understand it a little better.

CINDY C ARTER Western Reserve Hospital, Registered Nurse

EDUCATION: Associate degree, Stark State College

HONORS & AWARDS: Nursing Excellence Award recipient, secretary of Nurse Council 2020-present

Why did you become a nurse?

Share a story about a special patient or situation.

CINDY CARTER: I come from a family of nurses — my mom, aunt, grandmother. We did hospice care at home with my grandparents. I want patients to be able to die with dignity.

TA: So many come to mind over 27 years. I suppose the one

What is the most satisfying part of your career?

that stands out was when I was a new nurse. I worked on a stepdown unit for open-heart patients, and I was taking care of an elderly woman who had a stroke post-open-heart surgery. She was this wonderful person with a personality and social calendar to match. Her stroke left her with some pretty significant deficits, and I often found myself feeling so sad for her and asking myself, Why? a lot. To me, this seemed so lifechanging and insurmountable, and she never once let it show that she was discouraged. She just kept trying. A few months later I see this woman walking toward me from the opposite end of the hall — walking and smiling. I was so happy and so stunned and just could not believe my eyes. She was so happy with the care she received and the progress she’d made and wanted to share it with our unit. It was a great moment.

CC: Teaching new nurses. I enjoy precepting immensely.

Comforting patients and their families, but most importantly, educating patients.

Share a story about a special patient or situation.

CC: I took care of a young man who was chronically sick for many years. I took care of him until his death. He asked me who the night nurse would be. He told me I was his favorite nurse and that he wanted to die on my shift. He wanted me to prepare his body after death to be seen by his family for the last time. He died at the end of my shift. I stayed over to respect and honor his request.

Share your feelings about your profession, community or professional activities.

Share your feelings about your profession, community or professional activities.

TA: I love that I get to be a part of a team that helps people

CC: I never felt more appreciated as a nurse than when I worked NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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CAMEOS OF CARING

through COVID. I was overwhelmed by the community’s support. The local schools colored the sidewalks into the hospital with thanks, praise and encouraging phrases with chalk.

I took pictures and cried. It felt good that people took the time to thank us. I felt the nursing profession was finally respected. I can’t think of doing anything other than nursing!

TIFFANY COLLINS Summa Health, Akron campus, Registered Nurse, Charge Nurse and Preceptor

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in nursing and minor in criminal justice, Kent State University

HONORS & AWARDS: Care Beyond Award, Daisy Award, Magnet Ambassador, stroke certified registered nurse

Why did you become a nurse?

TIFFANY COLLINS: My grandma was a nurse, and I loved her and admired her so very much. … Whenever anyone was sick, I would watch what she did and how she did it. I also knew at an early age I wanted to help people. I wanted to take care of them, give them comfort and make them smile.

What is the most satisfying part of your career?

TC: With stroke and trauma patients, they are immediately faced with a dramatic change to everything they have ever known.

They are scared and they are angry, with a million questions in their heads. Will I walk again? Can I eat normal food? Can I walk my daughter down the aisle for her wedding? It’s my job to educate them, give them hope, get them working on how to make it better. … Sometimes that means sitting with them, holding their hand and listening. Sometimes it’s calling a doctor again, asking them to come back to a room and discuss what’s happening. It’s taking time to show them they matter and what happens to them matters to me. And some people don’t have that, but for 12 hours they will.

Share a story about a special patient or situation.

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akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2022

TC: He had fallen and had bleeding in his brain. … His name was Tony. Every morning I came in and greeted him as “Tony Bologna” with a big smile on my face. His wife, God love her, was at his side, terrified if she fell asleep or left him alone, he would fall again. … We always started our day with, What questions do you have? What are you worried about? Then I assessed him. We did exercises with his mouth and speech. We moved his hands and feet, increasing his activity every day … with a final goal of walking his daughter down the aisle [in] October. His wife left after the first time I had Tony; she knew I was going to care for Tony. Every day we worked, and Tony got stronger, more confident. His speech came back … and we were walking! …We both cried a little at shift change the night before he left for rehab.

Share your feelings about your profession, community or professional activities.

TC: Never forget the impact you have on the patient when you walk into the room. Many times when I greet them, I touch their hand. It shows compassion, it’s comforting and it establishes connection — a bond, I am here. The power of touch has an enormous impact.

JENNY CROF T Akron Children’s Hospital, Registered Nurse

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, Bowling Green State University; Bachelor of Science in nursing, The University of Akron

Why did you become a nurse?

JENNY CROFT: Nursing actually wasn’t my first career choice. I went to Bowling Green State University for exercise science and was interested in working in cardiac rehabilitation. I’ve always wanted a career that helps other people, but at the time I was nervous around needles. During my internship, I learned how much I loved caring for patients and decided to challenge myself and further my education with a second degree in nursing. During my pediatrics rotation, I knew I was meant to work with kids. I truly cannot imagine myself doing anything different!

CAMEOS OF CARING

What is the most satisfying part of your career?

What is the most satisfying part of your career?

JC: The most satisfying part is getting to support families

RD: Helping the babies I care for get to the point where they are strong enough to go home with their families.

during some of the most difficult times of their lives. I love to celebrate each little milestone and see the babies go home weeks, months and sometimes even a year or two later. Babies are so resilient, and it makes our jobs so rewarding!

Share a story about a special patient or situation.

JC: One of my favorite things about the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is being a primary nurse. This entails taking care of babies, sometimes from admission all the way through to their discharge. … Although I was “their nurse,” I felt as though I was part of their family and vice versa. A primary nurse gets to advocate and be the primary teacher to families as they navigate the intimidating NICU world. … I’ve gotten to see babies progress, beat odds, accomplish milestones and so much more through my experiences.

Share a story about a special patient or situation.

RD: Over the past 15 years, I have had the privilege of helping families bring new life into the world and providing specialized care to some of the more medically fragile newborns.

Share your feelings about your profession, community or professional activities.

RD: Nursing is a profession that allows you the opportunity to explore different areas and find what makes you happy or meets your needs. I have been blessed to work on a couple different units. That has helped me grow into the nurse I am today.

Share your feelings about your profession, community or professional activities.

TORRI HILEM AN

JC: I personally love working at Akron Children’s Hospital. …

Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, Transitional Care Coordinator and Case Management Registered Nurse

It values personal and family-centered care. For example, in the NICU, we decorate each hospital room door to celebrate both milestones and holidays. It makes our unit feel less like a hospital and provides a keepsake for both the family and the baby. We also value including family’s input regarding care and medical decisions. Not all organizations are that unique!

REBECC A DRESS

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Science in nursing, Kent State University

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Malone University; associate degree in nursing, Stark State College; licensed practical nurse, Canton City School

HONORS & AWARDS:

recipient

Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Registered Nurse

EDUCATION:

HONORS & AWARDS: Clinical Excellence nomination and award

Clinical Ladder

Why did you become a nurse?

REBECCA DRESS: I knew from the time I was in elementary school that I wanted to be a nurse. I have always had a strong desire to help people.

46

akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2022

What is the most satisfying part of your career?

TORRI HILEMAN: I love being able to provide assistance and support to patients and families. I am most heart happy when I can assist in making a positive difference in their lives.

Share a story about a special patient or situation.

TH: There was a gentleman who came in with chest pain. Testing revealed he had a significant heart blockage and would need a multiple vessel coronary artery bypass graft. The patient had

CAMEOS OF CARING

reservations about the surgery because he did not have any medical insurance. He felt he could go home, save some money and come back later. The cardiothoracic surgeon and his team let the patient know the severity of his heart damage and told him the likeliness of him returning to the hospital alive was very slim. … As his case manager, I got the pleasure of diving in and listening about his life and what meant the most to him. He told me about his daughter and his new 3-month-old grandson. He stated they are the light of his life. He was hesitant about having the surgery because of the potential cost he may incur that may potentially be left for his daughter. I shared that I had lost my father when I was in my early 30s. I explained how that loss affected me. I asked him what he feels his daughter would think about the options presented. … I explained that I could assist in helping him apply for Medicaid and that if accepted, the coverage would retroactively cover the last three months. I followed up with him the next day, and to my delight, he decided to have surgery. … I received a phone call approximately six months later from this patient.

He stated that he appreciated the extensive time I took to really discuss his situation with him. … He said he would not be here on this earth if it were not for me. He stated he is enjoying being a grandfather and feels blessed to be here.

Share your feelings about your profession, community or professional activities.

TH: I am very passionate about case management and the positive effects this role has. Our team is made up of the most fantastic case managers and licensed social workers. … I am very humbled and blessed to provide case management services to our patients and families.

NICOLE M ANN

What is the most satisfying part of your career?

NM: Making those connections with patients and families, whether it’s sharing a laugh, providing comfort or just being a listening ear.

Share a story about a special patient or situation.

NM: I had a patient who was a teacher in an underprivileged school system. She had all of her testing done, and everything was OK. She really wanted to be discharged so she could be there for her students the next day. I made so many phone calls and stayed a little late to get her discharged. She was so appreciative.

Share your feelings about your profession, community or professional activities.

NM: I learned back in nursing school that nurses are experts in caring. The last few years have made that statement stand out for me. We have been faced with so many challenges and have been pushed to our limit. However, in the chaos, those moments of connection with our patients reminds us why we do what we do.

KRIS TIN WHEELER Summa Health, Akron campus, Registered Nurse

EDUCATION:

Summa Health, Barberton campus, Registered Nurse

Bachelor of Science in nursing, The University of Akron

EDUCATION:

HONORS & AWARDS: Peer

Bachelor of Science in nursing, The University of Akron

HONORS & AWARDS: Daisy Award nomination, representative at Magnet Conference

Why did you become a nurse?

48

NICOLE MANN: I’ve always loved helping people — nursing was a natural choice.

akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2022

recognition award in unit

Why did you become a nurse?

KRISTIN WHEELER: I originally went to college with the intention to become a social worker.

During my studies, I realized that my gifts would be better suited as a nurse. It was always my intention to do something that would help people. Nursing seemed like the best fit because you can help people in all aspects of their lives.

Not all HEROES Wear Capes Some Wear SCRUBS

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

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

Visit us online at alliedderm.com

CAMEOS OF CARING

What is the most satisfying part of your career?

KW: The most satisfying part of my career is getting to know my patients and educating patients. Teaching patients how to care for themselves and helping them understand their disease process is something I enjoy.

Share a story about a special patient or situation.

KW: While working in outpatient surgery, I had an elderly man come in for a procedure. I brought his wife back to see him once he was awake, and she brought a notebook with her to the bedside. Once I started going over his discharge instructions, his wife started taking notes. She stated that she had a lot of questions that she wanted answered before she left and that she wanted to be able to remember the answers. I sat with her and the patient while she read me her questions, and I answered them as best as I could or deferred them to the physician. … They left having a better understanding of how to care for the patient postoperatively at home, and his wife thanked me for taking the time to answer all her questions.

Share your feelings about your profession, community or professional activities.

KW: I enjoy being a nurse in the post-anesthesia care unit. …

As an experienced nurse in my unit, I enjoy training new staff. I encourage my co-workers to become certified in

50

akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2022

peri anesthesia nursing so that we are always giving great, evidence-based care. This is the best way to stay up to date on new practices and guidelines for us at the bedside. Nurses are in a situation where they have to be ready to change or accommodate to new situations. When the pandemic started, we had to be ready to take care of the unknown with limited supplies. I felt that nurses stepped up, took charge and led the way to give the best care they could.

THANK YOU NURSES! CONG R ATUL ATIONS TO ALL 2022 C A MEOS OF C ARING AWARD RECIPIENT S!

The magazine of The 330 20

YEARS

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 4 | APRIL 2022

MEET SIR ELTON THE ROCKETDOG, p.24 photo by Rachael Reynolds

Call The

Pawparazzi!

Meet these Instagramfamous pets from The 330.

Plus, 7 pet photos you submitted.

PLAY TIME SOLVE KIDS’ CABIN FEVER

330 HOMES AMISH COUNTRY PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP

20

225+

YEARS

WINNERS

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

BEST of The CITY

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 7 | JULY 2022

2022

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EXPLORE CANTON BUY LOCAL IN THE HALL OF FAME CITY VALUE BOOST HOME EQUITY CAN UNLOCK DREAMS OUTDOOR SIPS TRY 4 MISSING MOUNTAIN BREWS

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by Tylar Calhoun, cats by Alex Meier and Milada Vigerova

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SUMMER 2022

TEXTURES POP IN COLORFUL R ANCH

CHERYL and JIM NILSEN'S STRIKING FAIRLAWN DREAM HOME photo by Tylar Calhoun

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A CONTEMPORARY AKRON STANDOUT

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NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

51

FINANCIAL PLANNING

by Alexandra Sobczak

Next Chapter Get expert tips on finances after retirement.

So much focus is put into saving for retirement, but it’s important to consider your finances after hitting that milestone too.

“You need to have a plan, a map, a checklist that you go through to make sure that you have covered all your bases,” says Tom Presper, a financial adviser and founder of Presper Financial Architects in Akron and North Canton.

To create that plan, Presper walks retirees through different financial situations that can appear during retirement, such as different forms of income and increased health care 52

akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2022

costs. They also tweak the plan as time goes on for the different stages of retirement.

BRING IT IN

“From the early retirement to the midretirement and then to later years, each one of those has a little bit of a nuance to the planning that we do,” Presper says.

“We bring confidence to the decisions that they’re making.”

Retirement is worth celebrating, but it also makes some people nervous.

“Retirement can be such a great chapter in their life if they make good decisions,” adds Dan Garner, another financial adviser at Presper. “We talk about each one of those, and we help them along the way.”

“All these years, they’ve had a paycheck coming in, and then all of a sudden … that paycheck is going to stop,” Garner says. “How are they going to be able to continue to travel and do the things they like to do? … That’s where income planning comes into the mix.”

After retiring, income can take a few different forms, including collecting a pension.

Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protection.

“Fewer and fewer people are having pensions,” Presper says, adding that less than half of his clients have them.

Still, some professionals receive pensions, like teachers, firefighters, police officers and employees of large companies, with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. as a local example.

Pension options vary, but you may be able to collect a monthly amount or a lump sum, and you may be able to split that money with a spouse through a survivorship. That choice can depend on what your former employer offers or how much money you think you will need each month.

“Much of the decision with pensions is: What is your income need? What other sources do you have to draw income from?” Presper says.

FAP-1966F-A

An example of an additional income source is Social Security payments.

You can start receiving these anywhere between ages 62 and 70, and every year you delay these payments, they increase by 8 percent.

“We could tell someone the exact perfect time to start Social Security if we knew how long they’re going to live. But of course, we don’t know that,” Garner says. “So we try to change the conversation on Social Security. …

When do I want the most money from the government? Because that is a decision that we absolutely can control.”

He gives the example of people who love to travel. If you plan to retire early and spend the first years of your retirement traveling, you may want to receive Social Security payments earlier, since you will be spending more money during those years.

Another option is withdrawing funds from individual retirement accounts, 401(k)s and Roth IRAs, which are especially popular because of tax-free withdrawals.

“We like to have sources of income in retirement where we don’t have to pay taxes to the government every time we withdraw money, and that’s what the Roth allows us to do,” Garner says.

By using our Insured Bank Deposit program, you gain the convenience of having your FDIC-insured deposit and FINANCIAL your PLANNING investments on one statement. This can mean less paperwork and SIPC > edwardjones.com | Member help ensure everything is working together to support your overall financial strategy.

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I want to see the world...

WHAT’S

NEXT?

It’s easy to aim high when you want to create memories and enjoy new experiences, but it’s often difficult to find the right starting point. We can help you quantify these expenses to make your goals more attainable.

NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

53

FINANCIAL PLANNING

“It depends on your income needs. It depends on longevity. It depends on how much money you’ve saved. It depends on how long you want to work,” Presper adds.

“We throw all these different factors in, and you come up with a plan that makes the most sense for that person or that couple.”

SPENDING TIME Upon reaching retirement age, higher health care costs may be on your mind. The number of doctors’ visits you attend might increase, and the potential need for medication and surgeries may present challenges.

One option Presper and Garner often discuss with clients is traditional Medicare, which consists of Part A, which is free, Part B, which costs about $175 each month, and a Medicare supplement used on expenses like doctors’ visits. “The health care coverage through Medicare, in our opinion, is good coverage for the cost,” Presper says, adding that with traditional Medicare, you don’t have to worry about being out of network since it is not run through a private company.

You might also consider Medicare Advantage, that kind of policy is lost. The last option also known as Part C, which operates Garner discusses with clients is asset-based through a specific health system, such as long-term care insurance, which can proSumma Health locally, and provides lowvide you some money back when you enter cost coverage for doctors’ visits within that a facility, or it can provide your family with system. With this plan, however, if you need some money back if you do not need to to get care outside of that health system move to a facility. such as during a vacation, the costs likely “Somebody’s going to get value for this will not be covered and can be hefty. money,” Garner says. “It’s either going to be Then there’s the challenge of long-term me in a facility, or it’s going to be my family care, such as assisted living or nursing home — my beneficiaries — when I pass away.” facilities, which Medicare does not cover.

It’s important to remember that when it “The challenge with long-term care is there’s comes to choices involving health care, or huge costs involved,” Garner says. any other financial challenge after retirement, the best path is different for everyone.

He often explains three different options to clients. The first is to not purchase long- “Although some of the strategies may be term care insurance and instead have a plan the same, it still is going to be different for in place to save and draw money from choeach individual,” Presper says. “So that’s sen accounts if you eventually need to move why you have to take a step back, look into a facility or hire in-home care. The at all the pieces and come up with a plan next is to purchase traditional long-term that’s really individualized.” care insurance, which involves a premium each year and policy benefits if you enter a facility. If you do not ever need long-term care, however, the money you’ve invested in

CHECK LIST Financial adviser Tom Presper gives tips on what to do toward the end of the year.

• Medicare open enrollment: Through Dec. 7, you can start or switch Medicare plans.

• Required minimum distributions: By age 72 you’re required to make distributions from your retirement account.

Check with your financial adviser about the amount you’re required to withdraw before Dec. 31.

• Final gifts: It’s time to give taxfree distributions to charities, which can be done out of an IRA if you are at least 70 ½ years old.

[ Assistant Editor Alexandra Sobczak is passionate about inclusivity, correct grammar and pop music. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

54

akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2022

NOVEMBER 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 11

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 Basil Asian Bistro Menu features Thai, Chinese and Korean dishes, as well as sushi and Vietnamese specialties.

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

3180 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330867-5218 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T, W Beau’s on the River Stunning views of the falls with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary decor. Fusion eclectic cuisine, lunch buffet and Sun. brunch. Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7530 $$$ B, L, D, A, T, W Big Eu’es BBQ Known for delicious barbecue and Kool Aid pies. The takeout spot also has a small dining area. 1730 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-706-6700 $$ L, D, T The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard Situated on a 55-acre estate in a renovated historic barn that overlooks a beautiful lake. Serving rustic Italian fare using only fresh and seasonal ingredients. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000 $$$ L, D, A

The Bistro of Green An upscale dining establishment with a diverse menu that features some of Akron’s finest cuisine and gluten-free options made from fresh ingredients. Has a large selection of wine, beer and cocktails, and the inviting atmosphere offers a memorable experience. 3459 Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330-896-1434 $$$$ D, T, A Boiling House Authentic Louisiana seafood boils with king crab legs and lobster tail. A unique sushi menu diversifies the offerings. 1 W. Exchange St., Suite 150, Akron, 234571-9692 $$$$ L, D, T Bombay Sitar Fine Indian cuisine. Food is natural and prepared fresh daily.

5111 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330305-0671 $$ L, D, T, W Burntwood Tavern Owned by the same couple that runs the other Burntwood locations, this restaurant’s menu features steaks, sliders, smoked, planked and woodgrilled food. 2291 Riverfront Parkway, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-794-7085; 4320 Everhard Road NW, Canton, 234-2099746; 3750 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 234-466-7372 $$$$ L, D, A, T, W Canal Tavern of Zoar Fine casual dining in Zoar’s original tavern and inn.

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 Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant Upscale Thai and Japanese, extensive menu, fresh ingredients, handselected sushi and no monosodium glutamate. 326 S. Main St., Akron, 330-434-2876 $$$ L, D, A, T

Circle L Steakhouse at the Galaxy The new menu offers a wide selection of steak cuts, and the atmosphere provides an upscale, rustic feel. Sun. brunch and live entertainment. 201 Park Centre Drive, Wadsworth, 330-3343663 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T 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 $$$ D, A, T, V The Crush House at Gervasi Vineyard A modern industrial building that houses a state-of-the-art winery facility, wine bar and eatery. Perfect for a fun lunch, casual dinner or late snack. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330497-1000, ext. 5 $$ 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. Order a drink and relax on the restaurant’s spacious patio.

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

Specializes in family-style shish kebabs. 204 12th St. NW, Canton, 330-456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A DeVitis Italian Market Has used traditional recipes to bring fresh Italian food to the Akron area for the last 40 years. 560 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron, 330-535-2626 $$ L, D, T Diamond Deli A local favorite with fat sandwiches and fresh soups. 378 S. Main St., Akron, 330-762-5877 $ B, L, A, D (Saturdays only), T Diamond Grille Akron’s oldest steakhouse, 1950s-style decor. All steaks are hand-cut, and seafood is flown in fresh. 77 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-0041 $$$$ L, D, A, No credit cards Driftwood Modern American Bistro Upscale casual dining featuring multi-awardwinning chili, handmade pasta and more. Save room for made-fromscratch desserts, including our cinnamon roll cheesecake. Inside Embassy Suites by Hilton Akron Canton Airport, 7883 Freedom Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-305-0500 $$$ D

Go t

GOOD EATS

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.com nlife ore akro m

w to vie aurants st e r . a re a ents & ev

The Eye Opener Diner-style menu features jams and jellies from Crooked River Herb Farm. Upscale decor includes photos of historic Akron. 1688 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-1114 $$ B, L, D, T Fat Head’s Brewery A brewpub with wellknown beers, sandwiches as big as your head and hearty appetizers like fried pickles, pepper jack bites and big barbecue wings. 3885 Everhard Road NW, Canton, 330-244-8601 $$$ L, D, W, A, T The Galaxy Restaurant Diverse selection of dishes in a creative building.

Fantastic desserts. 201 Park Center Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-3663 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Greatness Cafe Healthy and delicious options — smoothies, paninis, salads with house-made dressings and juices all paired with positive affirmations and a welcoming atmosphere — in the Massillon Museum’s lobby, open Tuesday through Sunday. 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. $$ B, L, T, W Guiseppe’s Pizza Family-owned pizzeria known for its Sicilian-style square pizza. 14 E. Caston Road, Akron, 330644-8842 $$ L, D, T Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery Serving homestyle meals since 1966, we are known for our pressure fried chicken, fresh mashed potatoes, house-made salad dressings, 21 varieties of pies and more. Carryout and curbside pickup. 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330-877-9353 $$$ L, D, T, W Hibachi Japan Steak House Japanese hibachi-style cooking, great steak and sushi. 1803 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-3333 $$$ L, D, A, T Honeymoon Grille Check out our new building: We even have patio seating!

Portage Lakes neighborhood gathering place since 2013 that features made-to-order breakfast, lobster bisque, organic salads, handcut steaks, specialty sandwiches, fresh-ground burgers, colossal onion rings, hand-battered mushrooms and more. Catering menu and private room rental available. 3458 Manchester Road, Akron, 330-6444355 $$$ B, L, D, A, T

NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

55

GOOD EATS UNCORKED

by Eric Van Sant

Toast Masters Salute Akron Life’s 20th anniversary with some bubbly.

Sur lie aging occurs

when the wine is left in contact with remnants of the decomposing yeast, which provides extra depth and complexity to a wine.

Champagne and sparkling wine sales have recently increased significantly, and sparkling wines have taken the lead.

Most sparkling wines are primarily chardonnay blended with pinot noir, with a slight addition of select varietals. These sparkling wines are all from California.

Pop one of these open, and celebrate this month.

MUMM NAPA BRUT PRESTIGE SPARKLING

DOMAINE CARNEROS BRUT SPARKLING

DECOY BRUT CUVEE SPARKLING

Hailing from Napa, California, this sparkling wine ($19.99) is roughly 45 percent chardonnay and 45 percent pinot noir, with the balance being pinot gris and pinot meunier. It undergoes stainless-steel fermentation, with selected lots seeing some French oak, and is aged for 18 months with an additional three months in the bottle. Done in the brut style, dry and crisp, it has notes of tropical fruit and pear on the nose. The bubbles are bright and effervescent.

It’s great with smoked fish, ripe cheeses or fresh greens.

With grapes grown on a beautiful 400-acre California estate vineyard, this Domaine Carneros Brut ($37.99) is mainly pinot noir with the remaining balance made up of chardonnay. It’s aged for a minimum of three years in the bottle and undergoes more sur lie aging before release. This process provides toasty, brioche aromas with notes of toasted almonds. Try it with goat cheeses, oysters and shellfish.

The famed Duckhorn Winery presents this selection ($20.99) that’s almost exactly even with pinot noir and chardonnay, with a splash of pinot meunier thrown in for balance. Crisp, tight bubbles tickle the nose, with notes of apple and honeysuckle. With subtle sweetness, this sparkler is well-suited for Asian fare or spicy dishes.

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

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

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GOOD EATS

The Jetty River Bar and Grill Located on the north end of the Sheraton Suites, it is a posh place to have dinner and a drink with a view. Choose from a menu of casual salads, flatbreads and small entrees. 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330920-7544 $$$ L, D, T, A, P Jilly’s Music Room All gluten-free menu of creative American tapas in a sophisticated setting.

Live music, concerts and events Wed. through Sat. 111 N. Main St., Akron, 330576-3757 $$, D, A, T, W Kasai Japanese Restaurant Sushi, hibachi, noodles, don buri, agamono and more.

Finish your meal with tempura cheesecake.

295 Weatherstone Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-7141; 3875 Massillon Road, Suite 300, Uniontown, 330899-9788 $$$ L, D, A, T Ken Stewart’s Grille Widely recognized as one of Akron’s finest. Upscale, eclectic cuisine.

Emphasis on steak and seafood. 1970 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-2555 $$$$ L, D, A, T, V Ken Stewart’s Lodge Casual, Adirondackstyle atmosphere, eclectic cuisine. 1911 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-6668881 $$$$ 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. 330-777-2005 $$$$ 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, 330908-7602 $$$$ D, A Lucia’s Steakhouse Fresh seafood, signature garlic butter-topped steaks, Italian favorites and Lucia classics, like house-made lump crab cakes or cubanella and long, hot peppers. 4769 Belpar St. NW, Canton, 330-492-9933 $$$$ D, A Menches Bros. Restaurant Inventors of the hamburger and ice cream cone. In Akron since 1901. 4887 Tuscawaras St. W, Canton, 234-410-3444; 3700 Massillon Road, Green, 330-896-2288; 235 Lincoln Way W, Massillon, 330-8326200 $$ B, L, D, A, T Missing Falls Brewery Located in the historic BF Goodrich factory, Missing Falls Brewery is the latest addition to Akron’s craft brewery scene. Offering sixteen craft beers, a spacious taproom, an open brewery concept, and a family friendly environment in a turn of the century piece of Americana. Oh, did we mention artisan pizza too? 540 S. Main St., Suite 112, Akron, 234231-1000 $$ A Moe’s Restaurant Hip, intimate atmosphere featuring a diverse chalkboard menu that changes monthly.

Martinis, cocktails and extensive selection of wines by the glass. 2385 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330928-6600 $$$$ L, D, A, T

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

The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory

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

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

Fairlawn • Cuyahoga Falls • 330-867-4141 • www.billowfuneralhomes.com NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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GOOD EATS UNTAPPED

by Aaron Fowler

Jackie O’s Deck the Hills Athens, Ohio six-pa

This month, Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery releases its first-ever holiday beer, Deck the Hills. This English-style holiday ale is available throughout the state for a limited time, so don’t drag your feet on trying this Ohio beer.

Brewed with American, British and German malts and hopped with East Kent Goldings grown in the United Kingdom, Deck the Hills is a perfect mixture of a strong malt backbone and a floral hop presence that is likely to become a crowd pleaser each winter. Craft beer enthusiasts should admire this light yet rich offering, which is ideal for colder weather and comes in at just 5.6 percent alcohol by volume.

Also this month, the brewery unveils a new location in the heart of Columbus with the offi-

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9 $11.9

cial opening of Jackie O’s on Fourth, which features a bottle shop, an indoor bar and an outdoor patio.

The Jackie O’s story started in 2005 when owner Art Oestrike purchased O’Hooley’s, a popular Irish pub and staple of the Athens, Ohio, community. He transformed it into the pub and brewery he named after his late mother, Jackie.

As its popularity grew, the brewery answered demand by creating a production facility in spring 2013 where Oestrike and his crew could package beers into kegs and cans. Thanks to beers like Mystic Mama, its flagship West Coast-style India pale ale, Who Cooks for You, its double

dry-hopped hazy pale ale and other fan-favorites, Jackie O’s has become one of the most cherished breweries in the state and beyond. This holiday season say cheers with Deck the Hills.

Deck the Hills is available in six-pack cans at select Giant

Eagle, Acme Fresh Market, Heinen’s, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Fishers Foods and Mustard Seed Market & Cafe locations, as well as craft beer stops such as Lizardville and 101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.

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

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 $$ L, D, A, T The Rail High-quality Ohio beef used for burgers. Top with specialty condiments like truffle butter or sunflower-basil pesto. Veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, milkshakes, and local and craft beers. 3265 W. Market St., Akron, 330864-7245 $$ L, D, A, T 58

akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2022

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 $$ L, D, A, T Russo’s Unique cuisine featuring Cajun and Italian influences. Fine dining atmosphere. 4895 State Road, Peninsula, 330-923-2665 $$$$ L, D, A, T Sarah’s Vineyard Sample high-quality wines, appetizers and desserts. 1204 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-8057 $$ L, D, A, 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 Village Inn Chicken Formerly Milich’s Village Inn, under new ownership with the same great fried chicken, hot sauce and coleslaw recipes.

4444 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Barberton, 330-825-4553 $$ L, D, T Waterloo Restaurant Eclectic menu.

Famous for the Waterloo Big Apple and French onion soup. 423 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, 330-773-5158 $$ B, L, D, T

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 Wolf Creek Tavern Serveing craft beer, wine, salads, wraps, burgers, pasta, steaks and house-made pie. Kids menu. 3044 Wadsworth Road, Norton, 234-571-4531 $$$$ L, D, A, T Please send any changes or corrections to kpetryszyn@ bakermediagroup.com.

Better

BUILDING COMMUNITIES How REALTORS® Champion the American Dream

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

CASE in POINT

The Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS® explores how point-of-sale inspections can hinder transactions and what progressive cities are doing to alleviate burdens on sellers and buyers.

By Kristen Hampshire

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2 Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS

have to be taken care of, but I assumed they would be little things — not crazy.”

Anyone who’s been in a real estate transaction with a hope for “no surprises” would understand why Boera’s situation unraveled into a frustrating chain of events.

The inspector visited his home, doled out a ticker list of violations and an estimated price tag for each. Boera was obligated to put that money into an escrow account, then complete repairs before he could get the funds back. That basically meant earmarking double the cost of repairs.

But when the inspector returned to review repairs and confirm that all violations were addressed, he cited the fence. Yet another violation for Boera to manage and finance before his home could close for the buyer. “All of a sudden, we are trying to close, and I have to spend another $5,000 to put a fence up,” he says.

Another pain point is that many of the initial violations could have been rectified with less-expensive repairs vs. replacements. For example, some windows were missing screens, and the city mandated that

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hen Zack Boera listed his rental property for sale in Newburgh Heights, he knew about filing an application with the city’s building department for a point-of-sale inspection, but he wasn’t sure what “damage” would result from the interior/exterior examination of a property he had maintained for his tenants over the years.

“It was an older house, and I had done a lot of work on it over the years,” Boera relates. “It was in good shape, and I knew there would be some things that would

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Boera replace the entire window. A kitchen door had some gouges and scratches on the corners, and a replacement was required rather than a fix.

“It held up the sale of the property, and then it also cut into my profit on the house because there were unexpected costs we didn’t plan for,” Boera says.

Lack of consistency is Boera’s problem with the system. Inspectors interpret violations differently. Municipal inspectors are not required to be licensed or accredited like independent, general home inspectors.

Not all cities require a point-of-sale inspection, and requirements vary depending on where you live.

And to be clear, a point-of-sale inspection is not a general home inspection.

“Point-of-sale inspections are city mandated and must occur before a property can transfer, and they are conducted by cities,” explains Jamie McMillen, vice president of government affairs for the Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS® (ACAR). “The cities are doing them under the guise of health and safety for the public, but what we see is that they can become a barrier to home ownership.”

There were so many great homes in my price range, but I knew I could not consider homes in cities with a pointof-sale escrow. Student loans made it very challenging for me to save money for a down payment and other expenses like paying for an appraisal, private inspection, etc. I would have had to wait years longer before having enough savings to cover escrow in addition to everything else. I like my home in Akron, but my options were limited to cities in my price range without that policy.

— JL , Akron A HOMEOWNERSHIP OBSTACLE As a real estate investor, Kevin Stewart has purchased single and multifamily homes in several states, mostly California — and now in the Cleveland market. Point of sale inspections exist in small pockets across the United States. However, some of the most onerous exist in Northeast Ohio.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” he says.

Stewart works with Realtor Seth Task of The Task Team, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Reality, who is also a member of the Board of Directors of the National Associations of REALTORS®.

“I’ve never seen this before,” Stewart says, relating that he chose the Cleveland area because there were opportunities to invest in more properties to expand his portfolio.

But there were some barriers because of point-of-sale inspections.

“The cities think they are doing residents a favor because they are making sure the outsides of buildings are taken care of, but we don’t have that problem here [in the San Francisco Bay Area],” he says. “We saw some violations on listings that added up to $25,000 or $30,000, and we didn’t even look at those. “And each city is different, so you never know which inspector you are going to get.”

Stewart says, “We had to do some maneuvering, trying to find properties without the extra cost from the inspections, and that became tricky.”

Task points out that communities’ intention to protect housing stock quality by implementing the point-of-sale inspections just doesn’t play out in real life. “If you ask the municipality, they will say it’s a way of maintaining a vibrant housing stock in good condition without blight,” he says. “That was disproven during the mortgage meltdown because a point-of-sale inspection is no way to prevent blight if you are not maintaining the integrity of the entire community and only those that are selling. What about the person living next door who has owned the house for 30 years and does not maintain it and rarely does their landscaping?”

Again, not all municipalities have these inspections in place, and they are largely implemented in communities in the inner-ring and eastern suburbs of Cleveland, with some into Summit County. “Mayfield Heights, Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS

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I have several FHA clients with a budget of $130,000 or less who want to live in Euclid. Out of the few properties available in this city, most sellers are unwilling or unable to complete the extensive violations, which prohibits my customer from qualifying to purchase the home. It creates a sense of defeat in many buyers.

— CK, Euclid

4 Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS

ANOTHER EXPENSE Cost is a big factor impeding home closings if a point-of-sale inspection produces multiple, expensive violations. A seller can write in the real estate contract that the buyer will assume violations, which can mean responsibility for posting escrow and paying for repairs. Consider a buyer who has saved enough for a minimal down payment and closing costs. Discovering that another $5,000 or more is required to complete the deal could kill it.

When someone is buying or selling a home, they could be going through a major life experience — a death, birth, divorce, new job or job loss,” McMillen says. “You don’t know what is going on in a person’s life, and if you are forced to sell or buy, a point-of-sale inspection only adds to the

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Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights — most of the ‘Heights’ have them, and some include escrow or are just exterior,” Task explains.

Task thinks a positive, effective model is that of communities like Lakewood and Beachwood. “They have a defined process for regular inspections of the exterior of homes as they appear from the street,” he says.

This way, inspections truly maintain the beauty of a community and its housing stock as opposed to reserving the review of violations to sellers alone. As Task points out, if only sellers are required to get the inspections, how does that help the community at large if longtime homeowners are not held to the same standards?

Lakewood, Task says, divides the city into four quadrants and each is inspected every four years. There are no point of sale inspections on owner-occupied properties.

If the home was a rental, there is a required inspection policy before transfer. “That way, their inspectors are not bogged down,” he explains. “Because what can happen is when the market is hotter, you don’t have enough inspectors, and it can take many weeks to get an inspection. And then if there are violations, they have to be repaired, and the inspector has to go back. That delays closing, and people have lives and jobs, and they have to arrange movers. How is a real estate market supposed to work effectively?”

What can happen when a municipality loosens its point-of-sale inspection policy?

“Garfield Heights removed escrow several years ago and does exterior inspections only and you can see, when they did that, within two to three years compared to a neighboring community, what happened in terms of the returns in the housing market,” Task says. “There was a legitimate return of values.”

complexity in an already substantial activity in a person’s life.”

Jeannet Wright is the legislative committee chair for ACAR and an agent with FASS Real Estate Services in Shaker Heights, which has a point-of-sale inspection requirement. “Point-of-sale inspections can deter or hinder FHA buyers from being eligible to purchase a home,” she says, pointing to FHA buyers.

These government-insured FHA loans are easier to qualify for, require a lower down payment and credit score and usually have lower closing costs. The goal is to give responsible potential homeowners an opportunity to live the American Dream. Specifically, down payments can be as low as 3.5%, and credit scores can skim the 620 level.

“Depending on the municipality, if there is a point-of-sale escrow requirement the buyers must assume, those monies are needed upfront, and repairs have to be finished before you can get that money back,” Wright says. “So, you actually need double.”

This amounts to more out-of-pocket cash for buyers who are pinching pennies to save for the minimal down payment and closing.

Task says, “[The inspections] are a barrier to homeownership. If a seller will not bring

a house to a violation-free status prior to the transfer, then the buyer — depending on the community — must unequivocally assume the violations and make the repairs within a certain period of time, which is usually 90 days.”

“You can’t change the law of economics,” Task says. “If you have a law that limits the pool of buyers, whether they are investors or owner-occupants, you are reducing the value of your community. I have buyers who love a house in a community and can’t buy it because they can’t place escrow or they do not want to deal with the violations. They want to handle the work in their own time.”

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REIMAGINING REGULATIONS Euclid is a case study in how a community can elevate values and make homeownership more accessible to buyers.

It removed its escrow requirement and financial verification process. And now, sellers can choose an exterior or interior/ exterior inspection.

Previously, sellers complete the pointof-sale application, which is valid for one year. Within 30 days of the expiration, they can request an extension if they are close to a sale. “They could fix the home and sell it violation-free or sell it and have the buyers assume the violations,” explains Kristal Grida, assistant to the mayor in Euclid.

I just had a point of sale inspection on my dad’s house, everything they found was expensive: Driveway Apron, Central A/C had corrosion, so that had to be replaced. I wrote to the commissioner and asked him to look at the apron and offer some options. There were no uneven areas, no trip hazards, it was just old. I further explained that I’m a disabled senior in a wheelchair, and I can’t afford a new apron. He never answered. The buyer has already backed out, and I’m out $6000.

— DH, Garlfield Heights Escrow was required, as was proof of finances, which as Grida says, “Are good for that day because things change.”

The city met with McMillen and ACAR and learned more about how changes to the point-of-sale requirements might increase home ownership and values. During the past number of years, some of the housing stock that might have gone to investors who potentially had more resources to take on the cost of repairs than first-time home buyers.

“We found through working with ACAR that we were trying to attract people who want to move into a home, live there, improve it and make it their home for a long time, but the escrow requirement was a barrier,” says Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail.

Gail relates her own experience when she and her husband moved to Euclid. “We bought our house and didn’t have extra money to put into escrow,” she says. “We were thrilled to be able to buy a home, and we bought an older one that needed repairs. If we had to put that money in

escrow, we wouldn’t have been able to make the improvements to the home.

“In essence, the people who had money to buy were maybe the LLCs or people flipping homes, and that was not our intended buyer,” Gail says. “The city would like to do what it can to encourage home purchasing by those who want to occupy their home and enjoy the City of Euclid.

The city was sensitive to some residents’ perspectives that the existing process protected values. And a council meeting open to the public allowed an opportunity to explain what ACAR showed through home values studies and anecdotal feedback. “There were a lot of longtime Euclid residents that felt comforted that we were doing escrow because they felt like buyers would have the money to fix violations,” Grida says. “But we know that financial security and escrow don’t ensure the work will get done, so we shared this information so everyone would understand.”

Since lifting escrow, proof of finances and giving sellers the choice of exterior Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS

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inspections or inside/outside, home values have increased, Gail reports. The updates may have contributed to the increased home values., as well. The last triannual appraisal from Cuyahoga County showed an 18% increase, above the county average.

“We have also seen a change from some properties that were previously rentals and are now owner-occupied,” she says.

Gail adds, “We have been working on a number of initiatives to increase attraction to Euclid as a community, and we have seen increased interest in houses. Sales have gone up, we’ve seen a lot of investment in homes, a record number of housing permits — even from existing owners wanting to improve their homes. We are certainly happy about that.”

A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD Are point-of-sale inspections fair? It depends how they are conducted. A federal court class action suit against the City of Bedford ruled that enforced point of sales and presale programs that require citizens to pass arbitrary, warrantless inspections (interior) before selling a home is a violation of Fourth Amendment rights. For instance, in Bedford, the city claimed it could block home sales because of architectural style and detail, color and lack of orderly appearance.

Bedford enacted a freeze on its inspections. Now, they are voluntary and performed upon written request.

“Our call to action is that we want consumers to share their stories — it can

Our point-of-sale inspection was requested, and rehab work began. The city was in and out for months. Once completed, we called for a reinspection. The city said we would then need a new POS inspection to be completed! The new report indicated many more items that had to be repaired. We were supposed to close in mid-April, but the actual close date was not until two months later! The office help was uneducated as to the rules and never returned calls or emails unless we added a supervisor to the email.

6 Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS

Tell us your story.

Has a city inspection derailed or delayed achieving your dream of becoming a homeowner?

We want to hear from you!

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— MW, Cleveland Heights

hurt local real estate markets if you have lower home sale prices, lower property tax values…and likely that could be because of escrow,” McMillen says.

She applauds Euclid and others that are rolling back policies. “They’re making homeownership more achievable,” McMillen says.

As Task says, there’s value in periodic home inspections — the mailman’s perspective from the street, exterior only—on a regular basis, and not just for sellers.

And, buyers should get a general home inspection to assure their purchase is a good investment.

Wright encourages, “Work with your municipality to look at their point-of-sale requirements and come up with another way to ensure that the housing stock is safe, sanitary, running well — but not in such a way that it penalizes buyers and sellers at the time of transfer.”

Inside the Sale

In 2019, the Ohio REALTORS® commissioned the University of Cincinnati to study the potential impact that Point of Sale Inspection policies have on the local real estate market. This study compared cities with a POS inspection policy to similar cities without a point-of-sale policy. The results are in. While perhaps well-intentioned, point-of-sale inspections may have a negative impact on a community.

Municipalities with POS inspections have higher vacancy rates than municipalities without inspections. > Municipalities with POS inspections were found to have an average vacancy rate of 12.1% compared to 9.7% for municipalities without inspections in 2017.

Municipalities with POS inspections have slower rates of housing transactions per 1,000 households, on average, over the years 2010-2017. > The overall average for POS municipalities was a rate of approximately 34 transactions or sales per 1,000 households.

Conversely, non-POS municipalities had a rate of approximately 47 sales per 1,000 households.

POS inspections are correlated to decreased sales prices. > For the years 2000 to 2018, POS inspections are correlated with decreased sales prices. Point-of-sale Ordinances are associated with an 18% decrease in transaction price. > The impact of POS ordinances on sales price was found to be more than four times the impact of a recession.

Municipalities with POS inspections had fewer transactions per 1,000 households in 2017, compared to municipalities without inspection requirements.

The age of the property and sale year impacted the selling price.

> Regression analysis on the rate of transactions per 1,000 households in 2017 revealed that areas with POS inspections had 19 fewer transactions per 1,000 households than in areas without POS inspections. Transactions occurring with sales prices below the 2017 median price had a negative relationship with transaction rate and resulted in 11 fewer transactions.

> Properties sold during recessions had a negative relationship to sales price. If the sale took place during a recession, the price was approximately 4.3% lower than a nonrecession year.

Municipalities with POS inspections have lower median and average sales prices. > The average sale price for transactions occurring under a POS inspection was $162,559, while the average sale price for all transactions without inspections was $186,456. > The median sale price for areas with POS inspections was lower than the median price for homes in areas without inspection ordinances — at $135,000 for POS and $149,706 for non-POS.

> Regression results found that as the age of the house increases by 10 years, the sales price declines by 0.1 percent.

Municipalities with POS inspections have lower percentages of individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher, as well as higher unemployment rates, than those without POS inspections. > Approximately 34% of the population age 25 years and older in municipalities with POS inspections have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 35.3% of municipalities without inspections in 2017.

Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS

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Promoting Diversity in Housing and Homeownership in Northeast Ohio ACAR’s #HomeForAll movement: • Advocates to remove the barriers of homeownership • Supports local efforts that support and promote homeownership including education programs, homebuyer incentives, homeowner incentive programs and more!

For More Info Contact ACAR at (216) 901-0130

AkronClevelandRealtors.com

PARTING SHOT

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

“

Dignity in Care Akron, circa 1930

”

Music can bring joy and restore hope, so musicians played their instruments in the Eastman Studio for those at the City Mission. Founded in 1926 by Akronite Frank Wise, the City Mission served those in need in Akron until 1934. Here, Frank can be seen in the far back center and his wife, Louise, is the third woman in the front row. While the City Mission only operated for nine years, other charities like Haven of Rest Ministries serve those in need in Akron today. Started in 1943, it offers thousands of people without housing free shelter, clothing and food, and helps them get out of homelessness through education and career programs.

NOVEMBER 2022 | akronlife.com

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