Issuu

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LEBRON JAMES’ I PROMISE SCHOOL GETS FRESH START

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 9

SEPTEMBER 2023

CREATE TOGETHER ARTISTS TEAM UP TO CRAFT MEANINGFUL WORKS

NATURAL BEAUTY OUTDOOR ART IN AMISH COUNTRY BRIGHT SIGHT DRAGONFLY MURAL LANDS AT AKRON ZOO CRISP SIPS SIX FALL BEERS TO TRY

SEP. 2023 $4.95

ELISA GARGARELLA & MARISSA MCCLELLAN photo by Talia Hodge

PAGES

SEPTEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 9

Pages start here

On The Cover

| 34 Arts | photo by Talia Hodge

[ FEATURES ]

EXCLUSIVE: CHANGE LEADER New principal Stephanie Davis steps up to the challenge of leading LeBron James’ I Promise School into a fresh era.

34 GROUP PROJECTS Creativity flourishes when we work together. From teaming up for public art that honors history to partnering on innovative pieces, these artists show collaboration leads to inspired and meaningful art.

“Knitting Beyond the Body” installation by Sean Ahlquist

akronlife.com | SEPTEMBER 2023

PAGES

AMISH COUNTRY

AGENDA

UNTAPPED

Art in nature

[ the essential social digest ]

Fall beers

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

07 FROM THE PUBLISHER School Days and Football Plays

10 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] 12 Entertainment listings

+ Calendar of events

08 RADAR [ seen + heard ]

09 UPFRONT Helping Hand

Special Sections 30 AMISH COUNTRY See art in nature.

51 GOOD EATS

48 FOREVER YOUNG

[ notable food + drink ] 51 Restaurant listings 52 Untapped:

Enroll in Medicare with expert tips.

Fall beers 54 Uncorked:

Bully Hill Vineyards

59 PARTING SHOT Artist Don Getz

SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.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

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

Talia Hodge 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 /PHOTOGR APHY INTERNS

Maggie Harris Kaitlyn Murray

SEPTEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 9 (ISSN No. 74 470 5787 1) akronlife is published monthly by Baker Media Group, LLC, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313. Copyright 2023© by Baker Media Group, LLC, All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited without written permission. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by an addressed envelope and sufficient postage. Baker Media Group, LLC and akronlife accept no responsibility for unsolicited material. Subscription rates: Continental U.S., One year —$19.95, Two years —$34.95. Call for Alaska, Hawaii or international rates. Single issues available by calling the circulation department or visiting akronlife.com/store. $3.95 each plus $3.50 shipping & handling. Editorial, advertising and business offices: (330) 253-0056, fax (330) 253-5868.

akronlife.com | SEPTEMBER 2023

PAGES FROM THE PUBLISHER

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

School Days and Football Plays Fall brings memories of going back to school and engaging in fun football rivalries.

With the arrival of September and the crispness of the morning air, I’m immediately transported back to the anticipation of the back-toschool days. Those final moments of summer were invariably marked by a frenzy — a last-minute dash to secure every item on the teacher’s school supply list. I often found myself musing, Where did all those crayons and colored pencils vanish to? It seemed as if I was purchasing hundreds annually, and I’m confident I wasn’t the only parent caught in this loop. Such memories often spark laughter between my wife and me. We share a quirky connection — a recurring dream. In it, we are high school students again, wandering aimlessly through hallways, desperately searching for our new classes. There’s always that one elusive class that we never attend. The fear of inevitable failure looms large, yet we never muster the courage to attend or drop the subject. It’s amusing how, even several decades since graduating, that dream revisits us, echoing the anxiety of youth. My household is momentarily free from the back-to-school rush — my youngest isn’t school-age yet — so I cherish the respite from that annual chaos. September, however, isn’t just about school. It also kicks off the regular football season. Growing up in Oregon, my time as a football player was limited. Our school system only permitted flag football until junior high. By the time tackle football was an option, my interest had waned. Interestingly, I shared this system with

Justin Herbert, the quarterback of the Los Angeles Chargers. It’s fascinating how he honed his skills in flag football, transforming those early lessons into professional prowess; but with me, nothing. Maybe it’s because he is 6-foot-6 and has a cannon for an arm while I have neither of those attributes. My hometown allegiance was always with the Oregon Ducks. Autzen Stadium, where the Ducks play, was a stone’s throw from my home. I have memories of cheering them on during the 1980s. Marital alliances sometimes shift our sporting allegiances. My wife, a native of the Columbus area, and her family are die-hard Ohio State Buckeyes fans. Over time, her enthusiasm rubbed off on me, and we began cheering for the Buckeyes together. Working together to reach a common goal can be powerful. Check out stories about locals who are collaborating on art projects on pg. 34. Eventually, the Ducks faded into the background as the Buckeyes took center stage in our household. The 2015 national championship was memorable. It saw the Ducks and the Buckeyes go head-to-head. Tensions ran high in our home, but it was all in good spirits. The Buckeyes took that one. But I’ve always believed in enjoying the game rather than agonizing over outcomes. Intriguingly, the upcoming 2024 season promises even more excitement, with the Ducks set to join the same division as the Buckeyes — the Big Ten. Next year promises spirited rivalry in the Baker household. I might have to retrieve my old Ducks jersey and layer it atop my Buckeyes one, as rivalry will begin again.

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

PAGES RADAR by Maggie Harris and photo provided by Akron Zoo

seen + heard

Artist Mac Love and Akron Zoo president and CEO Doug Piekarz

Bright Sight Beat Goes On Catch the new Downtown Canton Music Fest with more than a dozen bands and musicians Sept. 7 and 8. Replacing the Canton Blues Fest, the free festival’s lineup includes alt-rock band Ravenwood featuring Canton native and former Eagles percussionist Joe Vitale Sr., acclaimed Rust Belt honky-tonk band the Shootouts and local favorite indie pop-rock band the Scenic Route. Plus, find tribute bands to Tom Petty, Rush, the Temptations and more. There are plenty of tunes to keep you grooving all day. Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW, Canton, facebook.com/ downtowncantonmusicfest

akronlife.com | SEPTEMBER 2023

A vibrant dragonfly mural has landed at the Akron Zoo. Designed and painted by Mac Love of Art x Love, it’s in the main fountain in the Lehner Family Zoo Gardens. The mural, which took 100 hours to complete, consists of 11 colors and thousands of shapes such as diamonds, hearts, houses, stars, water lilies, waves and fish that create a mosaic appearance. The gardens already have a butterfly maze and a caterpillar centerpiece, and now the wetland pollinators — a symbol of life, change and new beginnings — are represented too. 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org

Sip Anywhere Get the taste of local cocktails with top-shelf spirits — in cans. After the owners of Lager & Vine GastroPub & Wine Bar in Hudson began selling their popular cocktails for takeout in 2020, their kids in college created canned North Shore Crafted Cocktails. Find preservative-free options like El Diablo Margatini with agave spirit, fresh lime juice and jalapeno-infused honey, and pomegranate martini with vodka and fresh pomegranate and orange juices and orange wine on shelves at Acme Fresh Market and Lager & Vine. 30 W. Streetsboro St., Hudson, northshorecrafted.com

PAGES UPFRONT

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

Helping Hand The I Promise School is giving struggling students the chance they need.

To “Waste of taxpayer’s money” and “They need to stop spending money on this failed experiment,” a commenter wrote, “How is education a waste of taxpayer’s money? Education is progress. We need schools. Schools are NEVER a waste. … You are just looking at achievement instead of progress.”

photo by Maggie Harris

“LeBron’s School Flop Proves Money Can’t Buy Student Success.” “Why LeBron James’s I Promise School Has Failed to Live Up to Its Potential.” We’ve all seen the harsh headlines that sent shock waves throughout the country after an Akron Board of Education meeting revealed not a single I Promise School eighth grader passed the Ohio math test in the last three years. With an exclusive interview with new I Promise School principal Stephanie Davis, we strived to tell the full story behind the headlines on pg. 24 and show why Davis may very well be the right leader to bring change. Plus, we compare the numbers to districtwide data that reveals other Akron Public Schools students are struggling too and show encouraging I Promise School student growth data that demonstrates progress. The story went online after school started July 31, and the comments started coming in. It was heartening to see readers respectfully counter negative comments. To “I Promise to give your children nothing,” one commenter responded, “Give them a chance!”

Some praised Akron Life for not relying on shock value and digging deeper into the school’s wraparound model. “This is the whole story. My students matter in entirety. These children are more than a test score,” an educator commented. The students are just kids and don’t deserve hateful online comments. We must remember that the students come in about two grade levels behind academically because they are chosen from a lottery pool of the lowest 25th percentile of Akron Public Schools students in reading and math. More than two-thirds of the students are from low-income families, and some have faced trauma from violence, homelessness and more. James picked the lowest performers because he was a struggling student who didn’t have a stable place to live and famously missed 82 school days in fourth grade. The school uses social-emotional learning to build trust with students, check on how they’re feeling and fill gaps. “If I trust you I can say, I had a really bad night last night. I haven’t eaten anything, and I’m starving. I can’t focus,” says Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation, which helps fund and operate the school. “It’s our job to help figure out what’s happening outside of school that might affect their learning in a negative way and fix it.”

Davis was an intervention specialist and principal of the nontraditional Bridges Learning Center, so she is confident and enthusiastic to take on a challenge. “What an opportunity for growth if your kids are coming in not performing at grade level,” she says. You feel that encouragement as you walk the school’s halls and enter classrooms, filled with vivid murals and graphics that say “Believe,” “Dream Big” and “We Are Family.” The school takes students who have been counted out and treats them like they are worthy. It needs time for that kind of transformation. The students are not just learning. Some of them are getting food from the food pantry, their parents have found jobs at House Three Thirty and their families have found housing at the I Promise Village or I Promise Housing. It’s more than a school. It’s a way to change lives. Why not give kids and families in need a better chance at thriving? I’m a parent, and when your child struggles, you don’t give up and walk away — you help them try again. Davis is here for as many tries as it takes to get students caught up. When students get full support, she has seen them flourish. “I don’t ever want a child to think that they have failed,” she says. “I have seen firsthand the impact of not only telling a child that I love them unconditionally but continuing to show up for them every day unconditionally because that’s what they deserve.”

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

AGENDA

SEPTEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 9

Agenda

the essential social digest

photo provided by Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

9/13, 10/19 & 11/16 Twilight Walks pg. 19

Explore Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens during the evening, while discussing educational topics with staff members. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. September & October 8-9 p.m. & November 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free members, $13 nonmembers. stanhywet.org

akronlife.com | SEPTEMBER 2023

SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

AGENDA

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

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

THROUGH 9/4 STARK COUNTY FAIR Enjoy rides, live music, demolition derbies and more. Stark County Fairgrounds, 305 Wertz Ave. NW, Canton. Tuesday-Sunday 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. & Monday 8 a.m.-7 p.m. $8. starkcountyfair.com Through 9/16 Summer Exhibitions Take in exhibitions such as Patricia Zinsmeister Parker’s “I Did It My Way,” Joseph T. Dick’s “The Art of a Lifetime,” Debra DeGregorio’s “Disorganized Attachment,” Susan Yingling’s “Place,” as well as “The Art of Rex Mitchell,” “Human: Nature” and “Social Justice.” Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Friday noon-7 p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. summitartspace.org

akronlife.com | SEPTEMBER 2023

Through 9/17 “Hilary Gent: Waters of Motherhood” View latex paintings inspired by natural landscapes. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

Through 9/30 “Brick Flicks” Check out this Lego exhibit, featuring Lego scenes from beloved movies and the work by winners of a Lego contest. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. 6-8 p.m. $5-$15. mckinleymuseum.org

Through 9/21 Workout on the Plaza Get active during outdoor workout classes like yoga, kickboxing, line dancing, Zumba, Pilates, boot camp and more. Cascade Plaza, Akron. Days and times vary. Free. downtownakron.com

Through 9/30 “World of Wonders: Weird Science Laboratory” This exhibit with work by pop funk sculptor Clayton Bailey is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Polsky Building, 225 S. Main St., Akron. 4-8 p.m. curatedstorefront.org

Through 9/29 “Holocaust Heroes: Fierce Females Tapestries and Sculpture by Linda Stein” See pieces like sculptures and tapestries depicting women who risked their lives during the Holocaust. Kent State University, Center for Visual Arts, CVA Gallery, 325 Terrace Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. & Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. kent.edu/ artscollege

Through 10/7 Roller Skating on the Plaza Listen to music as you skate on select dates. Cascade Plaza, 1 Cascade Plaza, Akron. 5-8 p.m. $2 rental skates. downtownakron.com Through 10/15 “Ten Point Perspective” Browse pieces by the Artists of Group Ten. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

AGENDA

Through 10/31 “Connections: Love & The Ties That Bind” During any tour of the Manor House, check out this exhibit about the Seiberling family, the marriages of F.A. and Gertrude’s six children and the connections they made. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. TuesdaySunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. stanhywet.org

illustration by Zoe Neely

Through 12/17 “Posing Beauty in African American Culture” View over 100 photographs spanning the 20th and 21st centuries and focusing on African and African American beauty. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum Through 1/7/2024 “A Way to Win: Paul Brown’s Innovations” Catch this new exhibit at the Paul Brown Museum. Massillon Museum, Paul Brown Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

ARTS

IN THE

330

GUIDE

Through 4/27/2024 “Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis” Peruse never-before-seen artifacts that provide perspective on the life of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. First Ladies National Historic Site, 205 Market Ave. S, Canton. Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. firstladies.org 9/1-11/30 Fall Hiking Spree Hike Summit Metro Parks trails ranging from easy to challenging during the 60th annual spree. Locations vary. summitmetroparks.org 9/1-9/3 Akron Pizza Festival Sample slices from local pizza parlors, enjoy live music, play cornhole and more. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m., Saturday noon-10 p.m. & Sunday noon-6 p.m. Free-$5. akronpizzafest.com 9/1-9/3 Akron RubberDucks vs. Bowie Baysox Cheer on the Akron RubberDucks, our minor league baseball team affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. Times and prices vary. Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. akronrubberducks.com 9/1, 9/15, 9/22 & 9/29 Films with Fireflies Summit Metro Parks hosts outdoor movie screenings of “Annie,” “Horton Hears a Who,” “The Princess Bride” and “Epic.” Locations vary. 8-10:30 p.m. or 7:30-10 p.m. summitmetroparks.org

Magical Theatre Company G R O W I N G I M A G I N AT I O N S Sept.: Tuscany on Tusc Oct.: “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” Dec.: “Paddington Saves Christmas” Feb.: “Twelve Angry Jurors” May: “Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt” On Tour: “Aesop’s Fables,” “Mother Goose” and KidScripts

Magical Theatre Company 565 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton 330-848-3708 magicaltheatre.org

akronlife.com | SEPTEMBER 2023

9/1, 9/8, 9/15, 9/22 & 9/29 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 9/2 Peninsula Flea Browse handmade and vintage items from artists and collectors at this flea market. Heritage Farms, 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. heritagefarms.com 9/2, 9/9 & 9/16 Winery Pairings Tour Explore Gervasi Vineyard’s winemaking facility, then enjoy four wine tastings and four chef-selected bites. Gervasi Vineyard, the Crush House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. $29. gervasivineyard.com 9/2, 9/11, 9/23, 9/25 & 9/30 Down to Earth Yoga Focus on relaxation and strength during this session on select dates. Sippo Lake Park, 5712 12th St. NW, Canton. 10 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. $8. starkparks.com

SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

AGENDA

9/3, 9/10, 9/17 & 9/24 DISTILLERY TASTING TOUR Go behind the scenes of the distillery at Gervasi Vineyard during a tour, then enjoy three spirit tastings and take home a shot glass. Gervasi Vineyard, the Still House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 3 p.m. $21. gervasivineyard.com

Zeber-Martell Gallery and Clay Studio Voted best retail therapy in the 19th annual Zenith Awards from the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau, Zeber-Martell Gallery and Clay Studio is an urban gallery filled with original finely crafted vases, lighting, wall art, artisan jewelry and gifts by local, regional and national artists. It’s in Akron’s Northside District. See Zeber-Martell’s ceramic artwork at Ohio Mart Oct. 5-8 at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.

Zeber-Martell Gallery and Clay Studio 43 Furnace St., Akron 330-253-3808 zeber-martell.com

9/4 Try It: Kayaking Beginners are welcome to try paddling out on the water in a relaxed and educational atmosphere. Summit Lake Nature Center, 411 Ira Ave., Akron. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 9/5 & 9/12 Pilates in the Pavilion Center yourself during this outdoor session led by Yoga Strong. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6-7 p.m. gervasivineyard. com 9/7 Hard Day’s Night Jam to this Beatles tribute band. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 8-9:30 p.m. $19-$29. gervasivineyard.com 9/7 & 9/8 Downtown Canton Music Fest Listen to the Shootouts, Wintrip, the Scenic Route, Ravenwood and more. Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW, Canton. Thursday 3:3010:30 p.m. & Friday noon-10:30 p.m. Free. facebook.com/ downtowncantonmusicfest 9/8 & 9/13 Kinderealm: Indigenous Peoples Children 3 to 6 and an adult can learn about indigenous culture, influences and more. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 10:30-11:30 a.m. summitmetroparks.org 9/9 Bob Meister Special Needs Fishing Derby Individuals with special needs can fish and win prizes at this event hosted by Stark Parks and the Berkley Fishing Team. Sippo Lake Park East, 5300 Tyner St., Canton. 8 a.m.-noon. starkparks.com 9/9 Eliot Lewis with Marc Lee Shannon Watch multiinstrumentalist Eliot Lewis, who has toured the world as a member of the Hall & Oates band, perform. Marc Lee Shannon opens the show. Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $20. akroncivic.com

Apollo’s Fire

Named for the ancient god of music and the sun, Grammy Award-winning ensemble Apollo’s Fire has won international praise for its “dazzling” and “incandescent” performances (The Sunday Times, London). Founded by harpsichordist and conductor Jeannette Sorrell, the period band brings to life music of the past for audiences of today with passion. Apollo’s Fire’s 29th season in Akron includes Handel’s celebrated Water Music, stunning works by Bach and Vivaldi, lively music from Spain and Ireland, and more!

Tickets & Info: info@apollosfire.org 216-320-0012 800-314-2535 apollosfire.org

akronlife.com | SEPTEMBER 2023

9/9 Hope. Healing. Poetry. Hear poets from Stewart’s Caring Place’s poetry group. Akron Civic Theatre, Wild Oscar’s, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $10. akroncivic.com

9/9 SHADES OF YELLOW Learn about the yellow flowers that grow in meadows and fields in Ohio. Liberty Park, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 1-3 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 9/9 Starry, Starry Nights at Letha House Use the Cuyahoga Astronomical Association’s telescopes to get a close-up view of planets and the moon. Letha House Lodge West, 5800 Richman Road, Spencer. 9-11 p.m. Free. medinacountyparks. com 9/10 Molto Bella Auto Show See 300 exotic, classic and rare cars. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $16 members, $19 nonmembers. stanhywet.org 9/10 Music at the Lodge Relax with some live music by Steve Madewell. The Lodge at Allardale, 141 Remsen Road, Medina. 2-3 p.m. Free. medinacountyparks.com

AGENDA

photo provided by Stark Parks

9/10 QUICK START KAYAK This event is open to both new and experienced paddlers. Walborn Reservoir Marina, 11324 Prince St. NE, Alliance. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. starkparks.com

9/10 Sunrise Kayak Paddle Watch the sun rise while enjoying a hot cup of coffee and a relaxing early-morning paddle. Walborn Reservoir Marina, 11324 Prince St. NE, Alliance. 6:30-8:30 a.m. $10-$15. starkparks.com

9/10 Woodland Mushrooms Join a naturalist on a walk to learn about the ecology and variety of mushrooms. Liberty Park, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 1-3 p.m. summitmetroparks.org

9/10 Try It: Stand-up Paddleboarding Those 13 and older can get a workout while trying this quickly growing water sport. Summit Lake Nature Center, 411 Ira Ave., Akron. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. summitmetroparks.org

9/12 Music in the Park Enjoy a performance by the Metro Parks Ensemble while out in nature. Cascade Valley Metro Park, Valley View Area, 1212 Cuyahoga St., Akron. 7-8 p.m. summitmetroparks.org

SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

AGENDA

9/22 TUSCANY ON TUSC Head to this exciting street festival on Tuscarawas Avenue that has Italian food, music, arts activities and more. Magical Theatre Company, 565 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton. 6-9 p.m. Free. magicaltheatre.org

Summit Artspace Summit Artspace is home to artist studios, creative businesses and five galleries with new exhibitions four times each year. We provide public programs to engage the community with local artists. Our hours are Fridays noon to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For info about our resident artists, exhibitions, Artist Care programming, Akron ArtWalk and more, follow us on social media and visit summitartspace.org..

Summit Artspace 140 E. Market St., Akron 330-376-8480 summitartspace.org

9/12 & 9/26 Yoga in the Pavilion Relax during this outdoor session led by Yoga Strong. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6-7 p.m. gervasivineyard.com 9/12-9/17 Akron RubberDucks vs. Altoona Curve Cheer on the Akron RubberDucks, our minor league baseball team affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. Times and prices vary. Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. akronrubberducks.com

GroundWorks DanceTheater GroundWorks DanceTheater’s 25th anniversary season continues with a program of world premiere dance works by FLOCK (Alice Klock & Florian Lochner, former dancers with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago) and GroundWorks’ artist-in-residence Antonio Brown. Plus, the company performs a revival of founding artistic director David Shimotakahara’s acclaimed 2007 duet “Sweet.”

Nov. 3 & 4, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $10-$25 Knight Stage 182 S. Main St., Akron groundworksdance.org/fall2023 18

akronlife.com | SEPTEMBER 2023

9/13 Hooks & Books Discuss what you’ve been reading while you sew or knit. White Rabbit Galleries, 571 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton. 6 p.m. Free. barbertonlibrary.org 9/13 Try It: Archery Experience the sport of archery at this program open to both beginning and experienced archers ages 9 and over. Hampton Hills, Archery Range, 1940 W. Steels Corner Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 4:30, 5:30 & 6:30 p.m. summitmetroparks.org

9/13 WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS LUNCHEON Celebrate the Women’s History Project’s award winners at a ceremony and listen as Maureen O’Connor, a retired Ohio Supreme Court justice, speaks. St. George Fellowship Centre, 3204 Ridgewood Road, Fairlawn. Noon-1:30 p.m. $40$800. summithistory.org

AGENDA

photo provided by Magical Theatre Company

9/13, 10/19 & 11/16 Twilight Walks Explore Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens during the evening, while discussing educational topics with staff members. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. September & October 8-9 p.m. & November 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free members, $13 nonmembers. stanhywet.org 9/14 Author Talk: Carl Sferrazza Anthony Historian Carl Sferrazza Anthony, author of “Camera Girl,” discusses his book, signs copies and gives a talk about Jackie Kennedy Onassis. First Ladies National Historic Site, 205 Market Ave. S, Canton. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $30-$60. firstladies. org 9/14 ASO Birthday Party Celebrate 70 years of the Akron Symphony Orchestra with games, food, prizes and more. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 5-7 p.m. Free. akronsymphony.org 9/16 Akron Independent Horror Short Film Festival Watch 20 films made by artists who currently live or have lived in Ohio, join a Q&A with local film experts, listen to live music and more. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 6 p.m. $15. akroncivic.com SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

AGENDA

9/16 Concert Movie Experience: “Bohemian Rhapsody” See this film about the British rock band Queen, and enjoy immersive theatrical lighting during the concert scenes. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7:30 p.m. $10. cantonpalacetheatre.org 9/16 Gossip, Scandals & Delicious Details of Jackie O Monte Durham from TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta” discusses Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ life in celebration of what would have been the Kennedys’ 70th wedding anniversary. Enjoy appetizers and drinks. First Ladies National Historic Site, 205 Market Ave. S, Canton. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $50. firstladies. org

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9/16-11/12 “John W. Carlson: Set the Twilight Reeling” View paintings, prints, drawings, notes and objects by late Cleveland artist John W. Carlson. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org 9/17 Rachel Sings Dolly Rachel Brown, known as Northeast Ohio’s “Honky Tonk Queen” plays both original tunes and tributes to Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline and Linda Ronstadt. Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 3:30 p.m. $20. akroncivic.com 9/19-9/21 Wildlife Rehabilitation Camp Those 16 to 18 can gain hands-on training related to wildlife rehabilitation. Sippo Lake Park West, 800 Genoa Ave., Massillon. 6-8 p.m. $20-$25. starkparks. com 9/21 Akron Roundtable: David Pelleg Listen to this presentation titled “The Crypto Conundrum: Breaking Down Bitcoin Basics” by David Pelleg from the department of finance at Kent State University. Quaker Station, 135 S. Broadway St., Akron. Noon. $25. akronroundtable.org 9/21 An Evening with Frank & Dean Take in the greatest hits of the Rat Pack while enjoying a cannoli trio and a glass of wine. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 8-9:30 p.m. $39-$49. gervasivineyard.com

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AGENDA

9/21 Life with the Afterlife: True Tales of the Paranormal with Ghost Hunter Amy Bruni Hear tales of some of America’s most haunted locations from Amy Bruni, who is a paranormal investigator, author, podcaster and star of “Kindred Spirits” and “Ghost Hunters.” Goodyear Theater, 1201 E. Market St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $25-$49. goodyeartheater.com 9/21 Red Carpet Spectacular Dress as your favorite movie character for a costume contest, enter a raffle, enjoy classic movie snacks and test your movie knowledge at this McKinley Presidential Library & Museum fundraiser. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton, 6-8 p.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. mckinleymuseum.org 9/22 Amy Grant Hear this gospel and pop performer. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7:30 p.m. $40-$125. cantonpalacetheatre.org 9/23 Canal Stroll: New Portage Step back in time to experience an 1850s canal town during this walk. Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Barberton Trailhead, 5 Fairview Ave., Barberton. Noon-1 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 9/23 Zips Marching Band Invitational Watch as marching bands from across Ohio perform their halftime shows and compete. The University of Akron, InfoCision Stadium, 375 E. Exchange St., Akron. $8. uakron.edu/music 9/23 720 Market Browse goods from over 100 makers, bakers, brewers and more. St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 141 N. Main St., North Canton. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. eventsby720.com 9/23-10/22 Pumpkin Pandemonium Embark on a challenging scavenger hunt, get lost in the Harvest Maze and take a hayride around Heritage Farms. Plus, shop for pumpkins and gourds of all kinds. Heritage Farms, 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula. MondayThursday 2-6 p.m., Friday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Kids 2 and under free, all access $13-$17. heritagefarms.com 9/24 Fall Harvest Pavilion Dinner Taste a five-course gourmet meal with wine pairings as you listen to live music outdoors. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. Noon. $140. gervasivineyard.com SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

AGENDA

9/24 VINTAGE BASE BALL Cheer on the Akron Black Stockings during a game of vintage “base ball.” Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. Noon-4 p.m. stanhywet. org 9/24 Yoga on the West Terrace Relax with a yoga class then take a stroll through the gardens. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 10:30-11:30 a.m. $12 members, $16 nonmembers. stanhywet.org 9/26 Brown Bag Lunch: Jamie Capuzza Listen to this presentation titled “Ohio’s Fight for Women’s Right to Vote.” Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org 9/28 Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert Watch the full “Encanto” film, hear a live band play the Grammy Awardwinning songs and sing along. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 6 p.m. $28-$143. akroncivic.com

9/28 SYMPHONY UNCORKED A Canton Symphony Orchestra French horn duo plays in the open air. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 8 p.m. $20. gervasivineyard.com 9/29 Fall Fundraiser & Casino Night Enjoy dinner, a DJ, a costume contest and more to support Zane’s Inc. and its mission to provide resources for children and adults with special needs. Tangier Restaurant & Cabaret, 507 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Fairlawn. 6-10:30 p.m. $100. zanesinc.org 9/29 Hub New Music Listen to this ensemble play works by Angélica Negrón, Kati Agócs, Jessica Meyer, and Julius Eastman during The University of Akron’s Kulas Concert Series. uakron. edu/music 9/29 & 9/30 Kristin Chenoweth Emmy and Tony-award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth performs. She is known for playing Glinda the Good Witch in “Wicked” and appearances on shows like “Glee” and “The West Wing.” A red carpet gala for E.J. Thomas Hall’s 50th anniversary kicks off the event at 5 p.m. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 8 p.m. $56-$174. uakron.edu/ej 22

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AGENDA

9/29-8/1/2024 “KNITTING BEYOND THE BODY” View pieces that highlight innovation and technological advances in relation to textiles and knitting. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum 9/30 Canton Latino Fest Take in live music, cultural dances, Latin food trucks and more during this event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW, Canton. Noon-10 p.m. Free. facebook.com/ cantonlatinofest 9/30 Ranger for a Day Children can try on ballistic vests, climb in rangers’ vehicles, race in an obstacle course, watch a K-9 dog in action, earn a ranger badge and more. Sippo Lake Park North, 5712 12th St. NW, Canton. 1-4 p.m. starkparks.com

9/30 WORLD’S LARGEST GHOST HUNT Team Spectre hosts this investigation open to people with any level of experience. Bring flashlights, cameras, audio recorders and any other ghost hunting gear. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 3:30-7:30 p.m. or 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $30-$40. cantonpalacetheatre.org 9/30-11/12 “ISH ISHMAEL: MANIFESTATIONS OF THE DYSTOPIAN REVERIE” Explore this lens-based installation. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. TuesdaySaturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

Ex ro n clu Li siv fe e

by Kelly Petryszyn and photos by Maggie Harris

Change Leader New principal Stephanie Davis steps up to the challenge of leading LeBron James’ I Promise School into a fresh era.

Stephanie Davis, photo provided by LeBron James Family Foundation

Stephanie Davis gets down to eye level. While the new I Promise School principal pulls up directions to the July 13 Meet the Principal event at House Three Thirty for an incoming student and her family, she sits down on a bench in the school’s lobby to get to know the student. She smiles and compliments the student’s pale yellow flouncy dress and rainbow Crocs. 24

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“I super-duper love the tie-dyed Crocs,” says Davis, sporting thickframed brown glasses, chandelier earrings and a gray “We Are Family” T-shirt. She keeps the conversation going. Where did you go last year? Tell me something fun you did this summer. Any brothers or sisters? For the latter, the girl says she has a big and little brother. “Same-sies!” Davis exclaims and hands the girl directions she wrote on pink notebook paper, asking her to deliver it to her parents, who wait across the lobby.

It was Davis’ first official week at the I Promise School that many students enter about two grade levels behind academically. Akron native NBA superstar LeBron James, Akron Public Schools and the LeBron James Family Foundation started the unprecedented now full-capacity third-to-eighth-grade school as an extension of the I Promise student program to raise graduation rates. APS students are chosen for the school through a lottery pool of those in the lowest 25th percentile for reading and math, according to APS. About 70 percent of I Promise School students receive assistance from the Department of Job and Family

Services, according to APS. Many students were told they wouldn’t make it, but Davis believes they have potential.

disabilities, including half of sixth graders. But Davis isn’t backing down. She is ready to step in to help students.

“I don’t see any kind of deficits,” says the Akron native and Hudson resident. “When I look at a kid, I see lots of opportunities to increase the likelihood they’re going to be successful.”

“We will do whatever it takes academically, socially, emotionally, behaviorally to guarantee their success,” she says. “We are a family. We value every child.”

Her work is cut out for her. Before the first day of school July 31, an Akron Board of Education meeting July 24 revealed low I Promise School test scores that sounded an alarm nationwide. The state labeled the school as an Additional Targeted Support and Improvement school because Black students and students with disabilities tested in the lowest 5 percent in the state, according to APS. About 60 percent of its 555 students are Black and 28 percent have

The path to success is a tough one. The I Promise School opened in July 2018, and Davis is its third full-time principal. The school started strong. In its first year, 90 percent of third and fourth graders met or exceeded their expected

growth goals in math and reading on fall-to-winter MAP tests, outpacing many other APS schools, according to APS. Then the pandemic hit, and the school was remote for parts of two school years. During the 2021-2022 school year, the school’s founding principal resigned in a tumultuous exit, and two interim principals followed along with a full-time one who left in late May 2023. Over the last two years, 17 teachers have left, according to APS.

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“We’ve had a change in leadership, and you have interim principals come in. You have COVID, and then you send home children that are used to getting hugs every day and learning together as a family,” says Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. “It was like a perfect storm for us.” The I Promise School has seen some postpandemic recovery. On the state math test, fifth graders rose from 11.5 percent to 23 percent proficient by 2022-2023. But other scores plummeted. Eighth graders started at 17 percent proficient on the Ohio math test their first year, but over the past three years, not a single one passed. It’s difficult news, but other eighth graders in the bottom 25th percentile districtwide are not far off. Only 5 percent of those students scored proficient in math, according to APS. Yet progress has been made, as 42 percent of I Promise School eighth graders met typical growth goals in math, according to APS iReady data. I Promise School gets more than $1.4 million annually from the LeBron James Family Foundation for extra teachers, tutors and other supports in addition to the same government funding as other public schools, and at the July 24 meeting, the Akron Board of Education president posed the point that those extra resources haven’t led to better results. “We know the gap widened as kids age up. It’s a battle we fight everywhere. We know that math nationally took a dip over the pandemic, especially in urban settings,” says Keith Liechty-Clifford, director of school improvement for APS. “We’ve said a long time, It’s gonna take a while to hit those achievement marks. If we hit growth marks, and we continue to close the gap, we’ll see that achievement go up.” Davis understands pulling together the lowest performers means that achievement scores will take time to rise, so she is focusing on growth. In English language arts, 54 percent of all I Promise School students met typical growth goals and 27 percent met stretch growth goals beyond that, and in math, 48 percent of all I Promise School students met typical growth goals and 12 percent met stretch growth goals beyond that, according to APS iReady data. “Growth data points are really encouraging because they’re showing us that we are filling in gaps the kids have, that they are

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growing at a more than expected rate in some cases,” Davis says. The I Promise School needs stable leadership, a fresh start and someone who understands the extra needs of at-risk students — Campbell says Davis is that person. With a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in special education from the Ohio State University, Davis has been with APS since 1998. Her tenure includes working as an intervention specialist, teaching and leading most recently as principal of Bridges Learning Center, which serves students with emotional or

behavioral needs. Campbell observed Davis at Bridges and says her strong track record of positively educating the whole child makes her a perfect fit for the I Promise School. “That intervention specialist, that work at Bridges — all that equips her with a greater toolbox and more tools to reach all of our kids,” Campbell says. “I want every child to wake up excited to go to school … because we have a leader creating that culture.” To close gaps, Davis aims to fortify social-emotional learning, create defined intervention systems in the rigorous STEM curriculum that

saw him was nothing I’d ever seen before,” she says. “I felt it to my core: This is what I’m meant to do.” While she was principal at the nontraditional Bridges school, she saw 10 percent of students each year reintegrate back to their home schools — which aren’t as rigorous — and compassionate relationships made the difference. “Becoming a predictable force in their life, that builds a relationship of trust,” she says. “When a child trusts you … they begin to take risks academically, socially and behaviorally.” She saw students begin to implement coping skills and use kind words when things escalated. Bridges added a high school in 2018, and Davis has seen students graduate who might have struggled at a traditional school. “I have seen firsthand the impact of not only telling a child that I love them unconditionally but continuing to show up for them every day,” says Davis, her voice breaking with emotion. “I absolutely saw students who were marginalized start to believe they were enough.”

remediate missing skills and build more wraparound services and support for positive behavior. The challenges don’t daunt Davis because overcoming obstacles is her background. “One of the gifts of being an intervention specialist is the ability to see the child in front of you. … Intervention specialists come from a place of breaking down barriers to make instruction accessible,” Davis says. “I love that the mission of the school is identical to the mission in my heart.”

At just 8 years old, Davis saw her future. The King Elementary School third grader took a field trip to Weaver School and Workshop for students with disabilities. A special education teacher interacting with a student using a wheelchair caught her attention. “The way she approached the child in a way that was not condescending and looking at him like she really

Poverty, domestic violence, gun violence, drugs, homelessness and food insecurity — some I Promise School students and their families have experienced trauma, says Victoria McGee, senior director of the school’s Family Resource Center. During the pandemic, needs skyrocketed. There have been higher levels of food insecurity and housing, addiction and mental health challenges, she adds. All that impacts students’ abilities to learn. “You’re worried about where you’re going to lay your head or are you going to have food at night — trauma brain works differently,” McGee says. “If you don’t have the correct resources, that student will likely have a slower process

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if you didn’t. If that happens again, I want you to find the same adult and say, It’s still going on. If you feel like your message isn’t being heard, come see Mr. Ziccardi, Mrs. Pestello, Mrs. Parks or me — we’re here.”

Stephanie Davis

to move the needle closing that achievement gap.” “Struggling through a reading passage or not being able to figure out a math problem, sometimes that can be, I’ve had these horrific events happen, and I can’t recoup because my brain is in survival mode,” Davis adds. Social-emotional learning is the heart of I Promise School, and it helps students with trauma by establishing clear rituals and routines, Davis says. Part of that is reciting the I Promise pledges daily like, I promise to go to school, to do my homework and to finish school. Each day starts with students sitting in an “I Promise circle” so they can process their feelings before learning happens. Throughout the day, students identify what zone of regulation they fit into based on their feelings: yellow is worry or frustration, blue is sick or sad, red is angry and green is happy and ready to learn. Teachers discuss how kids can get to green with coping tools such as using a stress ball or talking to a friend. “They learn ways to label their emotions,” Davis says. “They learn ways to match the size of their reaction with the size of the problem.” It’s about building trusted relationships so students are more likely to open up and teachers can help remove barriers. If a student discloses an issue like abuse or hunger, teachers report it or link the 28

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student to the proper resources. Students and their families can go to the Family Resource Center for help with access to medical care, mental health care, legal aid, Job and Family Services, financial literacy, GED classes, ESL classes, eye care, laundry and a full-time food pantry with food and household goods. It’s been so successful that there are now similar centers in other APS schools. And like other APS schools, there are free breakfasts and lunches, and I Promise School students also get bikes and We Are Family clothing, in addition to activities like an annual family reunion at Cedar Point. These extra opportunities help deepen bonds. Being family means teachers and staffers are there when students struggle. At the Meet the Principal event, Davis fields questions from students, guardians and parents about sports and field trips but also tackles some complex ones about bullying. On the playground, I usually get bullied. I would tell the teacher, and I think they would deal with it. The next day I always get bullied again, one student says. Davis looks her in the eyes, clutching a mic and wearing a We Are Family T-shirt. “I don’t want you to feel like that,” she says. “I believe that the teachers probably did deal with it. Did you say, Hey, dude’s doing it again? It’s OK

The serene, blue-painted R&R Room with natural wood, calming lights, plants, a chamomile diffuser, a crafting area, a sound-deadening egg chair and more helps teachers and staffers destress. The new space was developed with a Trauma Responsive Educational Practices consultant as a place teachers and staffers can go to refresh, combat burnout and turnover and get the extra support they need. “Akron Public Schools is a microcosm of what’s happening nationwide with people leaving the profession,” Davis says. “I try with all my staff to bring selfcare and self-regulation to the forefront. … People are seeing that teachers and educators are prone to secondary posttraumatic stress, compassion fatigue. [We’re] bringing light to those things and how they can be very real and creating space for working through some of those issues.” Teachers can work closely with students because the I Promise School teacher-tostudent ratio is smaller, 1 to 20, according to Davis, versus that of the district’s lower grade levels, which is 1 to 24, according to APS. Longer 9 a.m.-to-4 p.m. school days offer teachers dedicated time to work with students in small groups or individually, plus students can do extracurriculars or recently added sports such as step, basketball, soccer, cheerleading and track, and that enrichment helps with behavioral issues. Intensive summer camps help combat summer slide, and Campbell says the foundation is considering adding more intentional camps to help kids catch up.

Through data, teachers can see the areas where students struggle and work more of that content into the curriculum, even if it’s a grade level or two behind. That strategy has shown growth. For example, 2.5 percent of all I Promise School students fell on or above grade level on the 2022-2023 iReady English language arts assessment in the fall and 19.9 percent fell on or above grade level in the spring, which is more than 17.9 percent of other APS students in the lowest 25th percentile in the spring, according to APS. There’s a new instructional coach in place to help guide teachers. The school aims to close grade-level gaps by the time students enter high school. “I’ve got a group in third grade that’s really struggling. They are missing phonetic awareness, especially because this group was very impacted in their early literacy by COVID,” Davis says. “It’s not too late just because they’re in third grade to give them those things that they missed in first grade.” To continue making the environment more nurturing for learning, administrators did further work with the TREP expert to group classes into grade-level pods so the kids have fewer transitions throughout the day. Plus, the common areas are filled with signs showing expectations like one that reads, I will act with integrity in the hallway by being respectful of learning in the classrooms, keeping the hallway neat and clean and walking to my destination. “Transitioning from class to class is always scary,” Davis says. “That is the biggest fear of every sixth grader, I’m gonna get lost, right? But we’ve made the world smaller so that stress is gone. … They feel safer.”

For one student, the unthinkable happened — their parent overdosed on drugs and died. The student and two siblings were thrown into instability and needed a permanent home, but they were faced with separation. A grandmother

stepped up as the caregiver but needed help to keep the kids together and settle custody issues, so the Family Resource Center’s Community Legal Aid team spent hours working the legal system. Thanks to that hard work, the kids are together and safe — they’re living with their grandmother, who was connected with Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, legal support and Job and Family Services to provide long-term assistance. It’s undeniable — the I Promise School changes lives. “It motivated them to overcome a lot of their challenges and just be a student in a classroom,” McGee says.

class of eighth graders is 75 percent over multiple years, and other similar APS schools have 50 percent or less over one year, according to APS. Although there aren’t any plans in place, foundation staffers would love to expand and open a high school. Currently, students go on to APS high schools, and 12 I Promise School students who were labeled at-risk for not graduating are now at two of the district’s top high schools, according to APS. If they meet the requirements, I Promise students can get full scholarships to The University of Akron, Stark State College or Kent State University. Currently, 76 students are on scholarship, and the support continues in college with the I Promise Institute at The University of Akron that offers mentoring, a studying spot and more. Now the school needs to keep helping students grow so they can close the achievement gap, and Campbell is confident that Davis can tackle the challenge.

The wraparound supports keep growing. House Three Thirty recently opened in the former Tangier as a community and event center with a focus on job training, a Starbucks community store, financial counseling from JPMorgan Chase and more. It provides jobs for I Promise program high school students, teachers and parents. Additionally, the 1,600 students in the I Promise program, including in the school and their families, have access to the 18-unit I Promise Village transitional housing and the new 50-unit longer-term I Promise Housing apartments that recently opened. For the first time, some students have their own bedrooms, and they have tables for family dinners.

“When you’re talking about changing the way a community operates to serve everybody in the community, that work from the ground up takes time. Our society is like, Are all your students 4.0 right now? No,” Campbell says. “I sit here today and tell you how hard the work is. But I’m the most hopeful that I feel like I’ve ever been knowing what’s to come when we open those doors and welcome our third graders and the rest of our school back under Stephanie Davis’ leadership.”

In 2024, the I Promise HealthQuarters will open with medical, dental, optometry and lab services and a pharmacy from AxessPointe Community Health Partners and mental health counseling from Coleman Health Services.

“The most important thing we can do for our kiddos is not only say, We are family, but then become a family,” she says. “Your success is my success. Your trials and tribulations are my trials and tribulations. A family is unconditional love. No matter where you are — I love you. We’re gonna get through this together.”

The majority of students are choosing to stay at the I Promise School. The attendance rate is 88.9 percent, which is about 4 percent higher than the district, and the retention rate of the inaugural

Davis is working on building trust and laying a fresh foundation of love and support to show students they are worthy.

SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

AMISH COUNTRY by Kelly Petryszyn photos provided by Inn at Honey Run

Beauty in Nature See artworks in a natural atmosphere at the Holmes County Open Air Art Museum.

“Around the Bend”

Natural elements make the art come alive at the Holmes County Open Air Art Museum at the Inn at Honey Run. It’s open yearround and spectacular to visit during each season to see how the changing climate, like leaves falling, affects pieces like a 90-by-22foot underwater scene mural.

akronlife.com | SEPTEMBER 2023

“If you get a good sunny day and it’s a little windy, the leaves that are on the trees will flicker light where it almost looks like the water is alive and rippling,” says inn proprietor Jason Nies. Follow a 1.5-mile trail to spot around 10 art installations ranging from a 10-foot totem pole made

from found metal objects by former Holmes County artists to a series of five primitive gateways adorned with undulating carvings and woodcuts connected by a circular stone path. The elements add art of their own with picturesque forest, prairie and gently sloping hills surrounding you.

“It walks you up and down hills and shows you different vistas in addition to the art we’ve created by human hands,” Nies says. “It can be a very spiritual, peaceful time, or it could be just a swift walk and you enjoy a little bit of art.” Nies shares stories behind a few pieces.

AMISH COUNTRY

“3 C’s, 2 B’s, at 1 Honey Run”

SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

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AMISH COUNTRY

“3 C’s, 2 B’s, at 1 Honey Run” The inn is a retreat among Ohio’s three C’s — Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati — in this piece by retired Columbus educator Scott Ebbrecht that’s made up of 12-by-24-foot panels of reclaimed barn woods that are displayed unchanged. “It’s propagating and keeping the history of these buildings,” says Nies. “They came from all these different farms and different places around the state.”

Lehman’s Connection to the Amish Community Lehman’s was founded by Jay Lehman (1929-2020) to serve the local Amish community. Jay greatly admired the Amish community and wanted to provide them with the products they needed to maintain their agrarian way of life. He was concerned that the practical hands-on skills people knew would disappear if the younger generation didn’t learn them. As Lehman’s grew into a rambling 35,000-square-foot store and attracted more visitors and tourists, many Amish people turned to relatives and smaller local vendors to purchase items. Yet the connection remains strong today, as the Amish community is a key vendor for Lehman’s, producing handcrafted home decor, apparel and hand tools.

Charm Days at Keim Home Center Off the beaten path and tucked away in the rolling hills of Holmes County, find the community of Charm. It is a place where life has stood still in many ways. If you’ve ever been to Charm, you know there is great reason why it has become a destination: its small businesses. The largest business in Charm is one of the largest singlelocation lumber yards in the country. Over the years it has morphed into a large retail store and showroom. At Keim Home Center, find everything you need to build a house and make it a home.

Lehman’s is still helping the Amish community maintain their way of life since they are able to work at home producing the tried-and-true products they have been using for generations.

Keep your eye out for events throughout the year, including the upcoming Charm Days sale Oct. 13 and 14.

4779 Kidron Road, Kidron lehmans.com

4465 state Route 557, Charm keimlumber.com

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“Around the Bend” Three hundred glass discs melted down from recycled wine and liquor bottles from the inn’s restaurant become leaves and a tree trunk in this sculpture inspired by the curves of Northeast Ohio’s hillsides and created by Columbus-area metal artists Brian Sell and Joel Burke and glass artist Jim Lehnert. “You want to catch it at different times of the day because the glass reflects the light,” says Nies. “Chance Medley” While Columbus artist Mandi Caskey is known for creating forest scenes, Nies wanted something different. She delivered a massive mixed-media underwater scene mural that features violence with blood in the water. Caskey views it as chaos amongst serenity. While some think it’s too sharp of a contrast, Nies says that’s the beauty of it. “We’re going to excite you and try to give you a different perspective,” he says. Haiku Walk Find 30 boulders throughout the trail with original English and Japanese haikus gathered by Julie Warther of the Haiku Society of America and etched into steel plates shaped into ginkgo leaves by local metal sculptors. When it opened as the museum’s first installation in 2015, it was the first haiku trail in the U.S., according to Nies. The haikus take you on a journey through the seasons and have inspired guests to write their own. “One of the last ones talks about warm light in the wintertime. If you’re on the trail, it’s snowing and you’re reading that haiku, you look above the stone, you’re staring at the inn,” Nies says. “We have soft lights, gas lanterns going. It’s the most Norman Rockwell scene — it’s incredible.”

AMISH COUNTRY

“Chance Medley”

Haiku Walk

SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

by Kelly Petryszyn and Alexandra Sobczak

Group Projects

Creativity flourishes when we work together. From teaming up for public art that honors history to partnering on innovative pieces, these artists show collaboration leads to inspired and meaningful art.

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Sean Ahlquist’s installation photo by Sean Ahlquist

COMMON !"#$%&' Different colors and textures abound in a tent-like structure with stretchy tubes that aims to appeal to people of all ages and all sensory needs. It’s 8 feet tall and 20 feet long, made of textiles like nylastic and polyester yarn, and held up by fiberglass rods. Explore it at the “Knitting Beyond the Body” exhibit at the Kent State University Museum. “You can stand up inside of it, but you can also pull it up and down, you can swing it, twist it side to side. It has a lot more freedom to engage the different sensory interactions,” says Sean Ahlquist, an associate professor of architecture at the University of Michigan, who created the piece, has an autistic daughter and researches how to create sensory environments that are interactive and inclusive for disabled or neurodivergent people. “Knitting Beyond the Body,” which is on display from Sept. 29 to Aug. 1, 2024, is based on cutting-edge research from the School of Fashion’s high-tech KnitLab, which has crossdisciplinary partners like Kent State’s Liquid Crystal Institute and Design Innovation Hub. The exhibit brings together artists who are focusing on innovation through textiles and knitting. See examples of garments and products used in fashion, medicine, interior design, architecture and more. For Ahlquist’s piece, which has many versions, he worked with a University of Michigan engineering professor to make sure it stays standing but also with the community he’s hoping to reach by getting feedback and doing redesigns. “There’s definitely a community collaboration,” he says, “working with different therapy centers, with public schools, with the disability community.”

SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

Krissi Riewe Stevenson (pictured) and Jennifer Meakins’ pieces photos by Talia Hodge

“Soft Boundaries II,” another piece in the exhibit, was made by Krissi Riewe Stevenson, a Kent State assistant professor of fashion design, and Jennifer Meakins, a University of Kentucky assistant professor in the School of Interiors. It is a partition that’s approximately 72-inches-tall, made out of recycled polyester yarn wrapped around tubes stuffed with pool noodles.

That kind of back-and-forth collaboration allowed the duo to amp up from their previous “Soft Boundaries I” knitted works, which include a chair, wall panels and a garment.

“The front textile is not stretchy but the back is,” Stevenson says, “so it lets it kind of curl and move.”

“It kind of folds and meanders and comes off of this sort of hard, white box of a typical museum space, and is able to really create something different,” says Meakins. “We’re able, because of our collaboration together, to look at other disciplines and bring them into each other.” 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent, kent.edu/museum // AS

The pair worked together to brainstorm the piece, try out and select materials and program a digital knitting machine from the KnitLab. 36

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The bigger scale makes the piece jump off the gallery wall, and that’s exactly what you should expect to see at the exhibit.

Sean Ahlquist’s installation photo by Sean Ahlquist SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

Dominic Moore-Dunson and Chris Coles photo by Blaak Media

"$%( TOGETHER Frustrated. Tired. Filled. Empty. These were all things audience members felt after seeing the summer 2023 premiere of the dance-theater project “inCOPnegro: Aftermath,” which addresses police violence and is led by Akron choreographer Dominic Moore-Dunson. At the show’s end, the performers realized some audience members were crying — it hit them hard. Looking at how a community heals from police violence is what Moore-Dunson wanted from the piece; not to protest. “This is about what happens to everyone else who’s dealing with the aftermath of these killings in their city because the rest of us are still here,” says Moore-Dunson, who was named one of the 25 to Watch in 2023 by Dance Magazine. The project started in spring 2020 after George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police, which spurred Moore-Dunson, who has been stopped by police more than 40 times, to think about what he was going to tell his unborn Black son about police. He talked to Black police officers, presumptive next Akron mayor Shammas Malik, family members and more about issues surrounding police violence for his “inCOPnegro: Black

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& Blue” podcast. He brought together Black artists including saxophonist Chris Coles, hip-hop artist Floco Torres and dancers Kevin Parker Jr. and Matt Roberts, to workshop the dance’s characters. They’ve all had experiences with violence. Coles lost a friend to a drugrelated shooting and another to a random shooting in Cleveland. “You learn to be grateful because we’ve all survived it, and we can write about it,” says Coles. “It’s really difficult because you’re opening yourself up to this pain that is very familiar.” The project came into sharper focus after Jayland Walker was killed by Akron police in 2022. The questioner character in the dance, played by Torres, is inspired by a Black Minneapolis police officer who didn’t know if she stood with the community or the police. The untrusting, played by Parker Jr. and Roberts, is a Black son inspired by a Garfield Community Learning Center football player who encountered a drive-by shooting. The protector, played by Moore-Dunson, is a Black father trying to protect his son. The mourner, played by Coles, is musical to illustrate cries from family members who had a loved one killed by police.

Moore-Dunson devised intentional choreography that conveyed emotion, so if the character didn’t feel safe and was threatened, they made small movements. Even Torres and Coles had choreography, along with performing spoken word and music, respectively. Coles played a grave site scene and took inspiration from John Coltrane’s “Alabama,” which was written after the Birmingham church bombing and sounds like mournful wailing. “Saxophone lends itself to this ability to sound very guttural, almost like the human voice,” Coles says. Toward the show’s end, Moore-Dunson’s character delivered a powerful monologue to the son. “A lot of it’s about I can’t protect you because me, myself, am Black. But what I can do is protect your heart,” he says, “not let you get so cynical the only thing you see is darkness — that you keep some love, that you keep light inside of you.” Find the podcast at incopnegro.com. // KP

SPEAK !#)!" At 6-foot-1, Sojourner Truth will stand, arms reaching out — a stunning new bronze statue displayed in a plaza dedicated to the abolitionist and women’s suffrage activist. “I wanted her to provoke thought and conversation as people enter the park and feel invited — that’s why her arms are extended with the Bible in one hand,” says renowned Akron artist Woodrow Nash, who was commissioned to create the statue for the Sojourner Truth plaza estimated to be completed in October. The statue will rest at the closest approximation of where Truth delivered her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech about the exclusion of Black women in the women’s suffrage movement at the 1851 Ohio Women’s Rights Convention in Akron at the former Old Stone Church, which is now the site of the United Way of Summit & Medina building. Nash researched Truth and planned to make a life-size statue that is more realistic than his typical sculptural style. He also researched period clothing and listened to Library of Congress recordings of poetry and music from the era. “I was trying to place myself in that particular period in history, what she might have been going through not only being a Black person but being a woman,” Nash says. He crafted a prototype out of clay, which he used to make a mold and then a wax image that went into another mold, which molten bronze is poured into. The wax melts away, leaving the statue to stand on its own.

A striking feature is the brick impala lily centerpiece that the statue sits on, which harkens to Truth’s roots in Ghana as its national flower, as well as its reputation in Africa for its resilience. “She’s a strong structural piece, with this beautiful flower coming out,” says Summit Metro Parks landscape architect Dion Harris, who designed the plaza. A winding path on either side of it, representative of the canalways used during the time, leads visitors in the footsteps of Truth’s life, with plaques detailing facts about her. Four 10-foot-tall pillars with natural stone surround the statue, representing the architecture of the Old Stone Church. And the entry wall is made out of Corten steel to reference Akron’s industrial roots and features Truth’s name.

images provided by Sojourner Truth Project: Akron

Powerhouse organizations collaborated to make the project bigger than just a statue. The Summit Suffrage Centennial started in 2019 to celebrate the centennial of the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote, and it partnered with United Way, John S. Knight Foundation, African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and more to research Truth further and plan a 10,000-square-foot plaza that honors her legacy. It’s the largest public art display dedicated to Sojourner Truth in the United States, according to Towanda Mullins, the chair of Sojourner Truth Project: Akron.

Above: Sojourner Truth mini statue prototype Below: Plaza renderings

“She named herself Sojourner because she was traveling,” Nash says, “and Truth because she … wanted to deliver the truth to power.” 37 N. High St., Akron, summitsuffragecentennial.com // AS

SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

Elisa Gargarella and Marissa McClellan photos by Talia Hodge

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*+$#,$ REPRESENTATION Art can completely transform a space — and that’s what Sabertooth Public Art hopes to accomplish through its murals. “It’s a safe place of pride and a landmark for a neighborhood,” says Elisa Gargarella, who co-founded Sabertooth with Marissa McClellan. The two artists collaborate on projects customized for a location, focusing each piece on creative placemaking, which means they’re incorporating the location’s story and history into the design. A perfect example is the mural in Bounce Innovation Hub’s generator space. The duo brainstormed with Bounce employees and researched the space before designing it. The mural has monstera and snake plant leaves, which symbolize good fortune and persistence, respectively. The artists were inspired by the planters that were already in the space. “Snake plants just grow no matter what. And that generator space has to do with growth — growth in your entrepreneurial business,” McClellan says. The circles in the mural represent marbles, which are featured in glass separators that are a part of custom desks in the space and also harken back to the history of marble-making in Akron. The creative process began with the women working on collages featuring shapes they planned to use in the mural, and McClellan took over the design

process, getting feedback from Gargarella. They then spent a weekend painting, using bold pinks and purples, with complementing orange and green hues, to liven the space and foster people’s bold creative ideas. “I hope that they feel excited. I hope that they feel joy,” McClellan says. “I hope that they feel encouraged and enthusiastic about what they’re there to do.” The two enjoy collaborating with Bounce, and they are working on more murals for its headquarters that represent its pillars to be done in the new year. Other upcoming Sabertooth pieces include its second installation for an ArtSparks performance. “I like working with other organizations because it’s inspiring for us,” Gargarella says. “We also love to align ourselves with people who are doing good things in our society, so collaborating for us is sort of second nature, because we have a reciprocity in learning and serving by creating.” Sabertooth has been a vessel for not only community growth through creative placemaking but also for McClellan and Gargarella to grow through collaboration. “We both have evolved as artists individually,” Gargarella says, “but also are really in a mega flow when we create together.” sabertoothpublicart.com // AS

SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

This page: John W. Carlson by Bryon Miller Opposite page: Top left: “Blues Man,” Top right: John W. Carlson and Shari Wilkins by Halim Ina, Bottom: John W. Carlson by Bryon Miller

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EVERY $-.!+./ A grief-stricken face, a couple embracing, a mother on her deathbed, a body collapsed in relaxation — late Cleveland artist John W. Carlson’s paintings, mixed-media pieces and drawings display visceral, relatable emotions using variations in figure, expressive lines, color, layer and scale. “Emotion is a common thread running through the human condition,” Carlson wrote. “My work is every emotion.” See more than 75 paintings, drawings and objects in “John W. Carlson: Set the Twilight Reeling” from Sept. 16 to Nov. 12 at the Massillon Museum. A portion of the exhibit re-creates his former studio in the ArtCraft building in Cleveland so visitors can see how he used his sketches and journals to create his final works. He collaborated with visual artists, writers and musicians, and visitors can view artworks that are products of those collaborations. He spoke with his friend and Jamaican-born photographer, Radcliffe “Ruddy” Roye, about music and race for his “Blues” series. For example, the oil-and-charcoal work “On a Sea of Forgotten Teardrops” features a Black family holding up a baby to a full moon on a raft, which is made out of driftwood Carlson sourced from Mississippi. “The blues here is the space to escape their wretchedness, and it is where John hopes to catapult his viewers, for them to also feel the plight,” Roye wrote. Carlson’s frequent collaborator was his partner, Shari Wilkins, who is the founder and strategic director of the Cleveland Print Room dedicated to film photography. The two co-created the American Emotionalism manifesto, which states art should {continued on pg. 45}

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This page: “Nebraska” Opposite page: Top: “On a Sea of Forgotten Teardrops,” Bottom: “Drawing #49”

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{continued from pg. 43}

be profound, passionate and elicit deep feelings on its own rather than be accompanied by extensive wall text instructing viewers how to feel. Carlson did this by recording emotion anywhere he went, like a sad boy on a New York City subway he drew and later painted. “He was always mining the world for inspiration,” says Alexandra Nicholis Coon, executive director of Massillon Museum. The ultimate expression of grief comes with Carlson’s 7.6-by7-foot “Nebraska” that stretches over multiple canvases and features oil sticks, newsprint, sticks and prairie grass from the Nebraska house where his son, Ryan, died and Wilkins’ photo of the house. There was a brilliant sunset, which provides a spec of light in the painting that’s a wash of black, blue and pink and show-

cases a lone blade of prairie grass surviving through a cement crack. “He thought that was some kind of omen,” Wilkins says of the sunset. “He did feel that there was some closure.” As Carlson intended with the manifesto, Nicholis Coon says you will feel something when you see “Twilight Reeling.” “He was able to connect deeply with people and put himself in every painting,” she says. “The legacy he leaves is being able to translate human emotion on a surface in a way that is so powerful.” 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, massillonmuseum.org // KP

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Opposite page: “His Girl” This page: Top: “Dark Was the Night,” Bottom: “In the Afternoon”

SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

FOREVER YOUNG

by Alexandra Sobczak

Get Covered Enroll in Medicare with the help of these expert tips.

Mailers, phone calls, invitations to events — if you’re nearing 65, the age when you can access Medicare, you’re probably getting bombarded with information. Daniel Core, owner of Core Insurance Pro, a health insurance broker agency in Tallmadge, recommends doing some of your own research with credible sources ahead of the open enrollment period, which is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 this year, to prevent yourself from getting overwhelmed.

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“The best way to do it is to go to your local library, find a ‘Medicare & You’ handbook, and also go to medicare.gov,” says the licensed insurance agent. “Explore the plans, then try to find the broker that is going to be a good fit.” Core was the No. 1 agent in the United States for selling Medicare Advantage plans for one of the top carriers in the country, so he knows

what people should be keeping an eye out for. “People would be on the phone like, Oh my gosh, you saved me so much money on prescriptions. I couldn’t even afford food or to go to the pharmacy,” he says. “This industry does have an impact.” Core provides expert tips on picking a Medicare plan that best fits your needs.

Back to Basics Medicare Parts A, B, C, D and G — it’s important to know the basics. Medicare Parts A and B, which are always joint, cover hospital visits and doctor visits, respectively. With them, you can visit any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare, which can be beneficial if you snowbird or travel a lot.

FOREVER YOUNG

Medicare Part C is the Medicare Advantage plan. Both Parts A and B and Part C can include Part D prescription coverage. Medicare Advantage also includes benefits like hearing and dental plans, gym memberships, traveling benefits, set emergency room copays, some skilled nursing facility coverage, free over-the-counter medications, free or low-cost doctor and specialist copays and more. Often, under Medicare Advantage plans, age-appropriate labs and tests are free or up to $20 each, and medical supplies like diabetes testing supplies are free or up to 20 percent of their usual costs. There are more network stipulations, however, so you can only visit doctors who are in your plan’s network. “Most people think that when you go on a Medicare Advantage plan, you’re losing Parts A and B, which isn’t true. It’s subsidized by Medicare to give you the additional benefits,” Core says. “Overall, Medicare Advantage is one of the most allinclusive, affordable coverages that exist.”

Your coverage through Parts A and B or Part C can also include Part G, which can be especially helpful for people with frequent doctor visits. Part G, also known as Medigap, is a supplement that can be beneficial for people with specific needs that may amount to high medical bills otherwise. “If they go to the doctor every day, or multiple times a week, then they need to go to a supplement plan so they don’t have high out-of-pocket costs,” Core says. “That person gets to make that choice of which plan would be the most suitable for them.”

On the Lookout There are three main things to check when selecting the Medicare plan that fits you best — prescription drugs, specialty doctors and preferred hospitals. You or an insurance broker can enter any of that information into the system and check which plans offer the most coverage for your specific situation.

Many older adults have multiple prescriptions, and if the costs aren’t covered, they can be very high. “A lot of the plans that people enroll in, they don’t realize that their drugs, eventually, based on how much they are, could hit a coverage gap,” Core says. “That’s usually the rule of thumb: We want to make sure that drugs are going to be affordable.” New this year, the cost of a one-month supply of insulin caps at $35 under Part D, according to medicare.gov. It’s also important to check that your doctors, especially if you have specialists you visit, remain in-network if you have Medicare Advantage. If the doctor switches locations, you can switch plans, and Core Insurance can help you consider that as an option. “You want to make sure that your doctor that you’ve been going to for let’s say 15, 20 years, they’re in that network,” Core says, adding that if you have a hospital or pharmacy you prefer, you’ll want to make sure those are in-network too.

SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

FOREVER YOUNG

When to Act You should access Medicare as soon as you can. Typically, you have to be 65 or older, but people with a disability, end-stage renal disease and ALS can often access it before they turn 65, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Often, people don’t enroll in Medicare right away because they still have benefits through their employer or their spouse’s employer, but Core advises you to not wait. “Even if they have employer benefits, it could be beneficial for them to explore other Medicare plan options,” Core says, adding that waiting might make you pressed for time and overwhelm you. “You won’t be able to really make a clear decision when it comes time to enroll. You’ll make a quick decision. So it’s best to start early.” If you plan ahead, you should feel equipped with knowledge before the open enrollment period Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. If you miss it, there’s a late sign-up period, or Core Insurance can help you get on a temporary short-term medical plan. But if you feel like you don’t have time to sit down and do a bunch of research, you can keep an eye out for Core Insurance kiosks at places like the Center of Hope in Ravenna. Filling out some basic information about yourself can lead to an appointment with a broker from the company, which will allow you to get help and guidance quickly. With these kiosks, Core Insurance hopes to meet people where they are, especially in underserved areas, Core says. “They’ll be able to kind of skip the line and not have to go through the process of calling and scheduling,” he says. “We will reach out to them and then give them whatever help they desire.” Overall, he recommends that you consider all of your Medicare options and reach out to a professional if you have any questions or concerns. “Make sure you secure that because it’s your right,” Core says. “You’ve paid into it for working in the United States of America, so that’s something to be proud of.”

[

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

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]

GOOD EATS

SEPTEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 9

Restaurants [ notable food & drink ]

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

Akron Family Restaurant Neighborhood meeting place, homey atmosphere, reasonable prices. 250 W. Market St., Akron, 330-376-0600 $$ B, L, D, T, W Aladdin’s Eatery Outdoor dining area, tasty Mediterranean cuisine. 782 W. Market St., Akron, 330-535-0110; 1991 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-4640; 44 Park Lane, Hudson 330-656-0560; 3895 Medina Road, Fairlawn, 330-665-3102 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Al’s Corner Restaurant Old World comfort food served cafeteria style. Cabbage rolls and sausage made locally are a favorite. 155 Second St. NW, Barberton, 330-475-7978 $$ L, T, W Alexander Pierce Restaurant Fine dining menu of steaks, house-made pastas, calamari misto and cavatelli alla vodka in an intimate speakeasy-style atmosphere. 797 E. Market St., Akron, 330-529-2003 $$$ D, A Barley House Hot and cold deli sandwiches, gourmet pizzas, soups and more. 222 S. Main St., Akron, 330-374-0925 $$ L, D, A, T, W Basil Asian Bistro Menu features Thai, Chinese and Korean dishes, as well as sushi and Vietnamese specialties. 585 Market Ave. N, Canton, 330-4523888; 145 W Liberty St., Wooster, 330601-0885 $$$ L, D, A, T, W The Battleground Authentic Mexican food in an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. It specializes in tortillas and salsa that are made fresh daily. Guests can enjoy street tacos, pozole, carnitas and delicious flan for dessert. 425 Cherry St., Kent, 330548-9019 $$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Beau’s Grille Well-regarded, innovative menu at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. 3180 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-867-

5218 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T, W Beau’s on the River Stunning views of the falls with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary decor. Fusion eclectic cuisine, lunch buffet and Sun. brunch. Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7530 $$$ B, L, D, A, T, W Belgrade Gardens Famous for fried chicken and homestyle cooking. 401 E. State St., Barberton, 330-745-0113; 3476 Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330-896-3396 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Bellacino’s Known for grinders, pizza, pasta and fresh salads. Full bar, patio and banquet room with dance floor. 3657 Fishcreek Road, Stow, 330-6783000 $$ L, D, A, T, W Bender’s Tavern Largest restaurant wine selection in Stark County. Menu features seafood. 137 Court Ave. SW, Canton, 330-453-8424 $$$$ L, D, A, T Bianca’s Ristorante Italian Traditional Italian, juicy steaks and fresh seafood. 4284 Beverly Hills Drive, Brunswick, 330-225-0927 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Big Eu’es BBQ Known for delicious barbecue meals and Kool Aid pies. The takeout spot also has a small dining area. 1730 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-706-6700 $$ L, D, T Big Eye Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar Menu offers a variety of sushi as well as salads, soups, appetizers, cooked entrees and vegan options to suit everyone at your table. 2965 W. Market St., Fairlawn, Suite L, 330-8364433 $$$ L, D, A, T, W The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard Situated on a 55-acre estate in a renovated historic barn that overlooks a beautiful lake. Serving rustic Italian fare using only fresh and seasonal ingredients. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000 $$$ L, D, A The Bistro of Green An upscale dining establishment with a diverse menu that features some of Akron’s finest cuisine and gluten-free options made from fresh ingredients. Has a large selection of wine, beer and cocktails, and the inviting atmosphere offers a memorable experience. 3459 Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330-8961434 $$$$ D, T, A

Bistro on Main House-made desserts, hand-cut steaks and fresh pasta. 1313 W. Main St., Kent, 330-673-9900 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Block 7 Bar & Grill Fresh-ground burgers, unique sandwiches, onion rings and more. 524 W. Tuscarawas St., Barberton, 330-745-7677 $$ L, D, A, T, W Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern Creative American fare in six nature-inspired dining environments. Sun. brunch buffet. 8960 Wilcox Drive, Twinsburg, 330-486-2583 $$$$ L, D, A, T, W Blue Door Cafe & Bakery Chef-driven sandwiches, quiche, crepes, housemade pastries and rotating specials made using local ingredients. Voted No. 1 brunch in Ohio. Drive-thru available. 1970 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-926-9774 $$$ B, L, T, A Berlin Farmstead Enjoy regionallyinspired homestyle meals including the all-you-can-eat Barn Raising Buffet with mashed potatoes and a salad bar. 4757 Township Road 366, Berlin, 330-893-4600 $$ B, L, D, W, T Bob’s Hamburg Classic family diner with affordable favorites such as the BBQ Bonanza burger. 1351 East Ave., Akron, 330-253-2627; Inside Ray’s Pub, 801. W. Market St., Akron, 330805-1456 $ B, L, D, W, T Boiling House Authentic Louisiana seafood boils with king crab legs and lobster tail. A unique sushi menu diversifies the offerings. 1 W. Exchange St., Suite 150, Akron, 234571-9692 $$$$ L, D, T Bomba Taco & Bar Chef-inspired Latin tacos, international rice bowls and creative desserts like mango mojito sorbet and churro ice cream sandwiches. 3900 Medina Road, Akron, 234-466-7180 $$$ L, D, A, T Bombay Sitar Fine Indian cuisine. Food is natural and prepared fresh daily. 5111 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330305-0671 $$ L, D, T, W Bricco Open since September 2003, this restaurant is known for its eclectic seasonal menu, wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes. 1 W. Exchange St., Akron, 330-475-1600 $$$ L, D, A, T, V, W Bricco in Kent Menu is modeled after the original Bricco in downtown Akron. A la carte brunch on Sun. 210 S. Depeyster St., Kent, 330-677-1335

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$$$ L, D, A, T Brew Wall Sample a vast amount of pour-it-yourself beers and wines while you nosh on wood-fired pizza and more from the crew behind Antonio’s Pizza. 3161 Heritage Center Drive, Copley, 330-576-6880 $$$ L, D, A, W, T Brubaker’s Pub Specialty sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, appetizers and a full bar. Bottomless soup and salad special. 4005 Medina Road, Montrose, 330-666-8021; 5823 Darrow Road, Hudson, 330-650-9401; 3939 Massillon Road, Green, 330896-8803; 4141 Bridgewater Parkway, Stow, 330-475-1525 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Burntwood Tavern Owned by the same couple that runs the other Burntwood locations, this restaurant’s menu features steaks, sliders, smoked, planked and woodgrilled food. 2291 Riverfront Parkway, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-794-7085; 4320 Everhard Road NW, Canton, 234-2099746; 3750 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 234-466-7372 $$$$ L, D, A, T, W The Cabin Upscale Italian within the Mario’s International Spa and Hotel complex. 35 E. Garfield Road, Aurora, 330-562-9171 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T Cafe Bricco This menu is a smaller version of the one at the original Bricco location downtown. DoubleTree Hotel, 3150 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-835-2203 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Cafe Tandoor Casual atmosphere, Indian cuisine. 96 Barrington Town Center, Aurora, 330-562-5334 $$$ L, D, A, T Cana Valley Winery Check out this winery’s 13 varieties. Bring in your own food. 5665 Waterloo Road, Atwater, 330-596-3017 $$$$ D, A Canal Tavern of Zoar Fine casual dining in Zoar’s original tavern and inn. Features steaks and chops, seafood and Zoar-inspired German cuisine, as well as draft brews and extensive wine list. Sun. brunch. Patio bar and dining along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. 8806 Towpath Road, NE, Bolivar, 330-874-4444 $$$ L, D, A, T Casa Del Rio Mexican dining. 839 High St., Wadsworth, 330-335-4001; Express location, 2927 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-849-5160 $$ L, D, A, T Caston & Main Brew Yard This cozy, casual gastropub with a fireplace SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

GOOD EATS UNTAPPED by Aaron Fowler

Drink in Autumn Here are some of the best fall craft beer releases for when the air gets crisp.

ERDINGER BREWERY’S OKTOBERFEST For those seeking a truly authentic German Oktoberfest, look out for Erdinger Brewery’s contribution (four-pack, 16.9ounce cans, $8.99) to the style. Authenticity can’t come any closer than Erdinger Weissbräu, which brews and bottles its portfolio in Erding, Germany. Think traditional Oktoberfest meets wheat ale, and you have a perfect idea of what Erdinger’s Oktoberfest brings to the game.

HOPPIN’ FROG BREWERY’S S’MORIS AROUND THE CAMPFIRE An incredible take on the Akron brewery’s famed BORIS the Crusher imperial stout, this reimagining evolves with the addition of graham crackers, toasted marshmallows and rich chocolate. At 10.7 percent alcohol by volume, S’Moris Around the Campfire (16-ounce can, $6.49) takes an already impressive stout and adds yet another level of complexity.

LEFT HAND BREWING CO.’S PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE NITRO If you are in the mood for one of the most creative fall beers, take a gander at Left Hand Brewing Co.’s Pumpkin Spice Latte Nitro (four-pack, 13.65ounce cans, $14.99). Blended with allspice, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, this Colorado beer

takes your coffee shop favorite to unbelievable new heights. Left Hand’s Pumpkin Spice Latte Nitro even goes above and beyond by bringing nitrogen to the table to create a smooth yet equally complex pumpkin ale.

LEXINGTON BREWING AND DISTILLING CO.’S KENTUCKY PUMPKIN BARREL ALE Best known for its Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co. also has a few cards up its sleeve when it comes to satisfying seasonal releases. Lexington’s Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel Ale (four-pack, 12-ounce bottles, $15.99) is by far the brewery’s most sought-after limited release. Made with pumpkins sourced from Kentucky, this popular seasonal offering is brewed with cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice.

URBAN ARTIFACT’S BUSHEL Another Ohio option comes from Cincinnati’s Urban Artifact via Bushel (six-pack, 12-ounce cans, $12.99), a spiced apple fruit tart ale. Imagine a tart apple pie in liquid form, and you get a picture of how sensational Urban Artifact’s autumn seasonal Bushel can be the first time you take a sip.

ATHLETIC BREWING CO.’S OKTOBERFEST

egory and can be consumed without the next day hangover.

With the continued explosion of nonalcoholic options, the list could not be complete without the inclusion of Athletic Brewing Co.’s take on a NA festbier. Brewed with German Vienna and Munich malts along with German Hersbrucker hops, Athletic’s Oktoberfest (six-pack, 12-ounce cans, $10.99) is just as enjoyable as others in its cat-

These beers are available at select Acme Fresh Market, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Fishers Foods, Giant Eagle and Heinen’s locations, as well as craft beer stops such as Mustard Seed Market & Cafe and 101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.

[ Aaron Fowler is the key account manager at Cavalier Distributing. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com]. 52

akronlife.com | SEPTEMBER 2023

GOOD EATS UNTAPPED

SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

GOOD EATS UNCORKED by Eric Van Sant and photo by Kaitlyn Murray

Bully Hill Vineyards Hammondsport | New York

You can find this storied winery in the Finger Lakes of New York just east of Ithaca. Bully Hill Vineyards was originally the vineyard of Taylor Wine Co. The family had been involved in winemaking in the region since around the late 1800s and survived Prohibition by selling grape juice. In 1967, father and son Greyton and Walter Taylor established a small estate winery, Bully Hill Vineyards. They converted the vineyard from American grapes to American French grapes. It survived despite a controversy involving the owners of Taylor Wine Co.

Bully Hill Vineyards now has over 40 wine offerings and produces roughly 200,000 cases annually. Distributed in 30 states, Bully Hill Vineyards is the second-largest wine producer in New York. The current winery offers many amenities, such as a restaurant, a museum, tours and tastings.

LE GOAT BLUSH A blend of red and white wines, this wine ($9.99) is more on the dry side. There are notes of strawberry, cherry and melon on the nose and mid-palate. Serve it chilled, and enjoy it with light fare or Asian cuisine.

GOAT WHITE Light and crisp on the palate, it ($9.99) has notes of apple and pear. It’s medium-sweet and best served chilled. Enjoy it with white meats, grilled seafood or salads.

SWEET WALTER RED This full-on sweet wine ($9.99) is deep red and rich in texture and cloying on the palate. Serve it chilled and relax on the patio. Add club soda for a delightful spritzer. Find Bully Hill Vineyards wines at select Giant Eagle, Acme Fresh Market, Heinen’s or Discount Drug Mart locations.

WINE WISDOM

In 1982, Bully Hill Vineyards came out with Space Shuttle Rosé. The name was fought over in a lawsuit by NASA, which lost its challenge.

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

and two outdoor patios with fire features offers a large variety of craft beer including 32 taps, with wine, specialty cocktails and 140-plus bourbons, whiskeys and spirits including rare selections. The chefdriven menu offers house-made flatbreads, sandwiches and beer cheese, as well as Sun. brunch. 5010 S. Main St., Akron, 330-882-CASK (2275) $$$ L, D, A Ceedo’s Eatery Traditional Middle Eastern food — kosher and halal — including shawarma and falafel, stuffed whole lamb, hummus, tabbouleh and kibbeh. Closed Mon. 4147 Bridgewater Parkway, Stow, 330-940-2424 $$ B, L, D, T Cellar 59 Wine Bar & Wine Shop The menu in this renovated 19th-century farmhouse features small plates, desserts, bottles of wine and craft beer. Closed Sun. and Mon. 3984 Kent Road, Stow, 330-688-2684 $$$ L, D, A, T 54

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Chalet in the Valley Located in the heart of Amish Country and known for its authentic Swiss and Austrian cuisine. While the menu features a new spin on sandwich classics like the Chalet deluxe Reuben or Rachel, it’s famous for schnitzels, which come in six different varieties: weiner, chicken, schwein, jaeger, kase and Reuben. 5060 state Route 557, Millersburg, 330-893-2550 $$$ L, D, T Cool Beans Cafe Try a peaches and cream frappe for breakfast, a sun-dried tomato turkey sandwich for lunch or take home a warm quart of soup for dinner at the community staple on the Medina square. 103 W. Liberty St., Medina, 330-723-7174 $$ B, L, D, T Corkscrew Saloon Specializes in fresh seafood, steaks and chops, prepared by executive chef Ryan Marino. Live entertainment Wed. nights. 811 W. Liberty, Medina, 330-725-0220 $$$$ L, D, A, T Craft Social Bar A large variety of craft

beer, cocktails, wines and whiskeys that accompany upscale bar food. Watermark Building, 1846 Front St., Suite G, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-8052826 $$$ D, A, T, V Crave Creative comfort foods, slightly eccentric with bold tastes served up in a sensational setting. 156 S. Main St., Akron, 330-253-1234 $$ L, D, A, T, V Crave Cantina Latin fare meets global tacos at this modern, artistic eatery from the owner of Crave in downtown Akron. Pair your eclectic taco choices with a rum flight of your choice. 2097 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-940-2000 $$$$ L, D, A, T The Crush House at Gervasi Vineyard A modern industrial building that houses a state-of-the-art winery facility, wine bar and eatery. Perfect for a fun lunch, casual dinner or late snack. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330497-1000, ext. 5 $$ L, D, A D’Agnese’s at White Pond Akron Contemporary Italian food served

in a classy yet casual setting. Live entertainment. Full service catering. 566 White Pond Drive, Akron, 234678-3612 $$$ L, D, A, T Danny Boy’s If you love the Rat Pack, you’ll love this menu. Try the Old Blue Eyes Mac & Cheese or the Chairman of the Board Calzone. 6081 Dressler Road N, Canton, 330-4993726; 10 Tallmadge Circle, Tallmadge, 330-633-7844 $$$ L, D, A, T Darby’s on Fifty-Nine Rustic dining with an assortment of dishes, including crispy calamari and filet mignon sliders, complemented by craft beer. 2764 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330922-7540 $$$ L, D, A, T Dave’s Cosmic Subs Sign the walls at this sub shop, featuring psychedelic and music memorabilia. 186 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-342-5666 $$ L, D, T D.B.A., Dante Boccuzzi Akron Modern American food in a rock ‘n’ roll palace setting. Several menu items can be ordered in varied portion sizes,

GOOD EATS

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 $$$$ D, A, T, V Deli Ohio Fresh deli sandwiches made with all-natural products from throughout Ohio. 328 Walnut Ave. NE, Canton, 330-453-7777 $$ L, D, T Der Dutchman A family-friendly comfort food restaurant in Amish Country offering a seniors’ menu, housemade pies and options for vegan and other diets. 720 state Route 97 W, Bellville, 419-866-7070 $$ B, L, D, W, T Desert Inn Family-owned since 1970. Specializes in family-style shish kebabs. 204 12th St. NW, Canton, 330-456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A Diamond Deli A local favorite with fat sandwiches and fresh soups. 378 S. Main St., Akron, 330-762-5877 $ B, L, A, D (Saturdays only), T Diamond Grille Akron’s oldest steakhouse, 1950s-style decor. All steaks are hand-cut, and seafood is flown in fresh. 77 W. Market St.,

Akron, 330-253-0041 $$$$ L, D, A, No credit cards Divine Food Spirits Wine Casual and upscale American fare, a scratch kitchen and a wide drink selection. 2752 Hudson Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-4400 $$$$ D, A, T Dominic’s Italian Restaurant Since 1987, Dominic Carrino has been using the finest products available for his pizzas, as well as burgers, paninis and other lunch and dinner options. Carrino is also the owner of JoJo’s Sports Bar, located directly behind the Italian restaurant. 221 S. Jefferson St., Medina, 330-725-8424 $$ L, D, T, P Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine Homestyle Italian cuisine, popular community meeting place. 555 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-928-9530 $$ L, D, A, T El Campesino Authentic Mexican cuisine. Carryout or delivery available. 4360 Kent Road, Stow, 330-686-5561; 9169 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-6269777; 4048 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, 330-477-8731 $$$ L, D, A, T

El Fogon Mexican Grill Traditional Mexican fare from the owner of El Campesino in Canton and Perry Township. Full bar and weekly margarita specials. 1080 Interstate Parkway, Green, 330644-7700 $$ L, D, A, T El Rancho Traditional Mexican fare made fresh from scratch each day. 4065 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-9228112; 1678 W. Exchange St., Akron, 330-864-3300 $$ L, D, A, T El Rincon Authentic Mexican cuisine. 720 S. Main St., North Canton, 330-4972229 $$ L, D, A, T Fred’s Diner Well-known North Hill stop for breakfast and lunch. 930 Home Ave., Akron, 330-535-3733 $ B, L, T Fresco Mexican Grill and Salsa Bar Mexican cuisine including gig burritos, tacos, warm soups, quesadillas and more. Known for its beer selection and extensive salsa bar. 100 E. Erie St., Kent, 330-677-2588 $$ L, D, A, T Fronimo’s Downtown Located within the Canton Arts District, it prides itself on serving creative food. The menu features small plates such as

lettuce wraps or tempura cauliflower, salads, sandwiches and entrees. 315 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 234-6408665 $$ D, A The Galaxy Restaurant Diverse selection of dishes in a creative building. Fantastic desserts. 201 Park Center Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-3663 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Garretts Mill Diner Breakfast items, sandwiches, soup and house-made ice cream. 4226 Hudson Drive, Stow, 330-926-1344 $$ B, L, T Gasoline Alley Eclectic menu featuring pizza, sandwiches and sauerkraut balls. 870 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-2670 $$$ L, D, A, T George’s Lounge Handcrafted food made from fresh ingredients and housemade sauces. Known for substantial gourmet burgers, or you can create your own. Menu also includes handscooped milkshakes that come in classic flavors like strawberry, vanilla and chocolate, along with unique flavors like maple cream, creamy mocha and Dutch apple pie. 229 SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com

GOOD EATS

Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330-4520029 $$ B, L, D, T, A Girves Brown Derby An Akron favorite since 1941. Hardwood-fired freshcut steaks, seafood, wine, craft beer and full-service bar. 4670 Everhard Road, Canton, 330-494-4413; 5051 Eastpointe Drive, Medina, 330-721-1731; 9230 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-626-2171; brownderbyusa.com $$$$ L (only on weekends), D, A, T, W Golden Dragon Chinese fare. Also offers traditional Japanese cooking and sushi. 1634 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-1109 $$ L, D, A, T Greatness Cafe Healthy and delicious options — smoothies, paninis, salads with house-made dressings and juices all paired with positive affirmations and a welcoming atmosphere — in the Massillon Museum’s lobby. 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. $$ B, L, T, W Green Diamond Grille & Pub Upscale dining without upscale pricing. Specializes in steaks, chops, baby back ribs and seafood. 125 Second St. NW, Barberton, 330-745-1900 $$$ L, D, A, T Grinders Above & Beyond Family restaurant. Grinders, burgers, dinners, appetizers and pies. 1671 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-4974800; 3114 Whipple Ave., Canton, 330-477-5411; 1212 W. Maple St., Hartville, 330-587-4280; 1820 W. State St., Alliance, 330-821-6665; 404 E. Lincolnway, Minerva, 330-868-7824; 500 W. Main St., Louisville, 330-8759700 $ L, D, A, T Guiseppe’s Pizza Family-owned pizzeria known for its Sicilian-style square pizza. 14 E. Caston Road, Akron, 330644-8842 $$ L, D, T Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery Serving homestyle meals since 1966, we are known for our pressure fried chicken, fresh mashed potatoes, house-made salad dressings, 21 varieties of pies and more. Carryout and curbside pickup. 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330-877-9353 $$$ L, D, T, W Hopocan Gardens Barberton-style chicken. 4396 W. Hopocan Ave., Barberton, 330-825-9923 $$ L, D, A, T, No credit cards House of Hunan Common favorites to spicy specialties. Oriental decor. 2717 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330864-8215; 18 Public Square, Medina, 330-722-1899 $$ L, D, A, T Hudson’s Restaurant Neighborhood restaurant and bar serving fresh, chef-driven dishes. Family-friendly atmosphere. 80 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-650-1955 $$$ B, L, D, A, T The Jetty River Bar and Grill Located on the north end of the Sheraton Suites, it is a posh place to have dinner and a drink with a view. Choose from a menu of casual salads, flatbreads 56

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and small entrees. 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7544 $$$ L, D, T, A, P Jilly’s Music Room All gluten-free menu of creative American tapas in a sophisticated setting. Live music, concerts and events Wed. through Sat. 111 N. Main St., Akron, 330-5763757 $$, D, A, T, W Kasai Japanese Restaurant Sushi, hibachi, noodles, don buri, agamono and more. Finish your meal with tempura cheesecake. 295 Weatherstone Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-7141; 3875 Massillon Road, Suite 300, Uniontown, 330-899-9788 $$$ L, D, A, T Ken Stewart’s Grille Widely recognized as one of Akron’s finest. Upscale, eclectic cuisine. Emphasis on steak and seafood. 1970 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-2555 $$$$ L, D, A, T, V Ken Stewart’s Lodge Casual, Adirondackstyle atmosphere, eclectic cuisine. 1911 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-8881 $$$$ D, A, T Ken Stewart’s Tre Belle Italian atmosphere and authentic cuisine. Specialties include an antipasto bar, big drinks and an extensive wine list. 1911 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-9990 $$$ D, A, V, T Kennedy’s Bar-B-Que Pit-smoked ham, pork, beef, turkey, pulled pork sandwiches topped with cabbage relish, bean soup, chili and Troyer’s pie by the slice. 1420 Seventh St. NW, Canton, 330-454-0193 $ L, D, T Kingfish A posh yet sleek interior features the freshest seafood of North Coast. Dress is business casual. Reservations recommended. 115 Montrose West Ave., Copley. 330-7772005 $$$$ D, A Lanning’s Restaurant Elegant dining atmosphere with a beautiful view. More than 150 types of wine. 826 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330666-1159, 330-864-2553 $$$$ D, A, T, V Larry’s Main Entrance English-pub style, burgers of note. 1964 W. Market St., Akron, 330-864-8162 $$ L, D, A, T Laziza High-end Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare, plus steak and seafood dishes and a full bar. Acorn Alley, 195 E. Erie St., Kent, 330-6777000 $$$ L, D, A, T Lembo’s Italian Restaurant Weekday lunch salad and pizza buffet, Italian specialties, chicken and sandwiches. Daily specials, lunch specials, kids’ menu. 1186 Canton Road, Akron, 330-733-7586 $$$ L, D, A, T The Leopard Eclectic menu with American, Asian, French and Italian influences. Features seven-course chef’s table. 600 N. Aurora Road, Aurora, 330-562-2111 $$$$ D, A, T, V Leo’s Italian Social Nosh on comfort food Italian favorites with a chefdriven twist. With everything from wood-fired pizza to certified angus beef strip steaks, it’s a great spot for

groups to dine inside or on the large patio with bocce. Also take in live music. 2251 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-400-4427 $$$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Lizardville Large selection of draft and bottled beers, whiskey and cigars to enjoy on site or take home. Try the Wild Western burger and a glass of Weller Antique Winking Lizard Edition. 21 and over only. 79 Springside Drive, Akron, 330-6441782 $$ D, A, T The Lockview Traditional American favorites. Fresh menu with spotlight on gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. 207 S. Main St., Akron, 330-252-5128 $$ L, D, A, T Luca’s New York Style Pizza Pizza, calzones, stromboli, cheesesteaks and subs. 3451 Darrow Road, Stow, 330-688-9595 $$$ D, T Lucca Downtown Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Tuscan Italianinspired menu. Now managed by Tony Ly, who also owns Basil Asian Bistro. Call for reservations. 228 Fourth St. NW, Canton, 330-456-2534. $$$$ L, D, A, T Lucia’s Steakhouse Fresh seafood, signature garlic butter-topped steaks, Italian favorites and Lucia classics, like house-made lump crab cakes or cubanella and long, hot peppers. 4769 Belpar St. NW, Canton, 330-4929933 $$$$ D, A Lucci’s Voted best pizza in Portage County. The family-owned shop has been serving New York-style pizza with house-made sauce, freshly made dough and a variety of toppings for over 30 years. Also offers wings, chicken tenders and fries, Stromboli and breadsticks and pretzel bites. 2457 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-571-0053, 405 E. Main St., Kent, 330-673-9833 $$ L, D, T Luigi’s Restaurant An Akron icon. Open late. Serves superb Italian cuisine, salads and award-winning pizza. Voted best pizza and best Italian restaurant by Akron Life readers. Party trays and sheet-pan pizzas available with 24-hour notice. 105 N. Main St., Akron, 330-253-2999 $$ L, D, A, T, No credit cards Lukity Country Inn Homestyle comfort food. 2697 Manchester Road, Akron, 330-753-5983 $$ B, L, D, T Magic City’s Remarkable Diner Chef-driven breakfast and lunch menu with surprising twists on diner classics, like the smoked salmon and Brie omelet. 451 Fairview Ave., Barberton, 330-983-9787 $$ B, L, T Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery Sample wine by bottle or glass, as well as craft beer. Taste 100-plus types of cheeses. Appetizers and sandwiches. 6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville, 330-877-8344 $$ L, D, A, T Michael’s AM Casual, family-style dining. Full breakfast and lunch menu

featuring daily specials. 1562 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron, 330-929-3447 $$ B, L, T, No credit cards Mike’s Place Unique atmosphere, extensive menu. 1700 S. Water St., Kent, 330-673-6501 $$ B, L, D, A, T Missing Falls Brewery Located in the historic BF Goodrich factory, Missing Falls Brewery is the latest addition to Akron’s craft brewery scene. Offering sixteen craft beers, a spacious taproom, an open brewery concept, and a family friendly environment in a turn of the century piece of Americana. Oh, did we mention artisan pizza too? 540 S. Main St., Suite 112, Akron, 234-231-1000 $$ A Mulligan’s Pub Local antique decor, award-winning ribs, extensive menu. 4118 Belden Village St. NW, Canton, 330-493-8239 $$$ L, D, A, T Mustard Seed Market & Cafe Mezzanine overlooking the Highland Square natural foods market. Menu reflects same strict standards as the market, with naturally raised meats, freerange poultry and foods free from artificial flavors, colorings and preservatives. Full bar and juice bar. Live music on weekends. Sun. brunch. 3885 W. Market St., Montrose, 330-666-7333; 867 W. Market St., Akron, 330-434-7333 $$$ L, D, T Nepali Kitchen Authentic Nepali cuisine like paneer pakora alongside familiar Asian favorites like chicken curry and chow Mein. 399 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-631-1112 $$$ L, D, W, T New Era Restaurant A mainstay of the Akron area. Heavenly paprikash and other Hungarian favorites. 10 Massillon Road, Akron, 330-784-0087 $$ B, L, D, A, T Niko’s Sandwich Board Cafe Menu of fresh salads, small-batch soups and handcrafted sandwiches, including several veggie, vegan and gluten-free selections. 1947 W. Market St., Suite 104, Akron, 330-794-5444 $$ L, D, T 91 Wood Fired Oven Upscale casual West Coast atmosphere. Pizza and pasta are specialties. Patio dining. 1983 Easton St. NW in Washington Square Plaza, North Canton, 330-498-9191; 5570 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330497-9111 $$$ D, A, T Nomz Café Provides customers with farm-fresh, local eats that showcase favorites like the ham and cheese breakfast sandwich and the chicken sandwich marinated in Thirsty Dog Brewing’s Citra Dog beer that are made from scratch inside the Northside Marketplace. 21 Furnace St., Akron, 330-286-1315 $$$ B, L, D,

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

GOOD EATS

T, A Oak and Embers Tavern Southern-style barbecue brisket, pork, ribs and chicken with signature drinks including the Devil’s Grandma and the Revolver. 7774 Darrow Road, Hudson, 234-602-1056 $$$ L, D, W, A, T The Oaks Lakeside Casual dining, fabulous ambiance in 1914 estate. Outdoor dining with water views. 5878 Longacre Lane, Chippewa Lake, 330769-2601 $$$$ D, A 111 Bistro House Manager Meghan Pender and Executive Chef Anthony Scolaro own this eatery which features starters, soups and salads, sandwiches, pasta and entrees, as well as an extensive wine, craft beer and cocktail list. Weekend brunch available. 2736 Medina Road, Medina, 330-952-1122 $$$$ D, A, T One Red Door Decadent menu featuring gourmet pizzas, share plates such as bacon-wrapped roasted dates and burgers. 49 Village Way, Hudson, 330342-3667 $$$$ L, D, A Papa Gyros Greek Grill Authentic Greek fare, wine and beer. 3939 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0707; 4760 Everhard Road, Canton, 330-4971100; 320 W. State St., Alliance, 330823-7773; 2045 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330-456-9000; 1 N. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-247-2475 $$ L, D, A, T Papa Joe’s Iacomini’s Extensive wine list, fine Italian fare, seafood and steaks. 1561 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron, 330-923-7999 $$$ L, D, A, T Primo’s Deli An Akron mainstay since 1979. Try their famous corned beef sandwich or spicy Italian sub, and finish with a slice of house-made carrot cake. 1707 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, 330-745-9056 $$ L, D, A, T Pub Bricco The menu features gourmet hamburgers, appetizers, salads and drinks served in a pub atmosphere in the Merriman Valley. 1841 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-869-0035 $$ L, D, A, T R. Shea Brewing Traditional and experimental beers with brewpub fare in the Merriman Valley and Canal Place. 1662 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-794-5654; 540 S. Main St., Suite 214, Akron, 234-571-5036, $$ L,D, A, T The Rail High-quality Ohio beef used for burgers. Top with specialty condiments like truffle butter or sunflower-basil pesto. Veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, milkshakes, and local and craft beers. 3265 W. Market St., Akron, 330-8647245 $$ L, D, A, T The Ramp Restaurant Unique entrees include seafood pasta and French pork chop. Dine on the back deck for a waterfront view of Portage Lakes. 3719 S. Main St., Akron, 234-678-6370 $$$$ L, D, A, T Rasicci’s Pizza Deep-dish pizza, fried chicken and jojos from owner Rick

Rasicci. 513 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-923-1999 $$ L, D, T Ray’s Place Great burgers, hearty dinners and the area’s largest selection of foreign and domestic beer in the bottle and on draft. 135 Franklin Ave., Kent, 330-673-2233; 25 Ghent Road, Fairlawn, 330-835-2233 $$ L, D, A, T The River Merchant Kent’s riverfront restaurant offers guests a beautiful dining experience with a chef-inspired menu, a wood-fired oven and a wine and beer market. Try favorites like the Nashville hot chicken gyro or the smoked salmon flatbread. Guests can also sip cocktails like the PB Banana Split or a selection from its extensive beer, wine and spirits menu. 911 N. Mantua St., Kent, 330-968-6376 $$$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Rizzi’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Northern Italian recipes shine at this familyowned restaurant with fried chicken that has garnered its own trademark. 2809 Copley Road, Copley, 330-6661221, 330-668-2626 $$ L, D, T Rose Garden Restaurant Authentic Indian and Nepali meals include curry and gulab jamun, a sweet deep-fried cheese dessert, in the space that was formerly Everest Restaurant. 2033 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-7066630 $$ L, D, W, T Rosewood Grill Seasonally inspired. Fresh appeal of a local farmers market. 36 E. Streetsboro St., Hudson, 330-656-2100 $$$$ L Fri/Sat only, D, A, T Serenite Restaurant Fine French dining includes oysters, escargot, duck confit and smoked salmon. Socially conscious mission with a staff made up of people in recovery from addiction. 538 W. Liberty St., Medina, 330-952-2611 $$$ L, D, A, T Shawarma Bros. Get a taste of authentic shawarma lamb, chicken or beef in a rice bowl or on pita bread and falafel, then finish off your meal with baklava at this affordable takeout restaurant. 1808 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-3996 $$ L, D, T Sisters Century House Historic building overlooks Ohio Canal. Known for twice-baked potatoes. 123 S. Canal St., Canal Fulton, 330-854-9914 $$ B, L, D, T Skyway Drive-In Restaurant A West Akron tradition. Drive-in burgers, fast fare. 2781 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-8362806; 951 E. Turkeyfoot Road, Green, 330-896-9350 $ L, D, T Social at Stone House Welcoming guests with craft cocktails and a global menu in a pre-Civil War mansion. Enjoy a relaxing dinner of dishes like the prosciutto arugula flatbread or the Sriracha Caesar salad in a themed rooms or the Overlook lounge featuring a view of Massillon. Be sure to order an artfully garnished cocktail like the JD Manhattan or gimlet. 824

Lincoln Way E, Massillon, 330-8090461 $$$ L, D, T, A, P Taggart’s Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant Established in 1926, this landmark features wrought-iron ice cream parlor chairs and high-backed booths. Try the Bittner! Homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. Kids’ menu and vegetarian options. 1401 Fulton Road NW, Canton, 330-452-6844 $ L, D, T Tail Gators Sports Pub & Grille This sports pub and grill features burgers, wings and the longest happy hour around. 469 College St., Wadsworth, 330-3345151 $$ L, D, A, T Taqueria La Loma Traditional Mexican street food in a colorful environment and market. The house special, the al pastor, features a rub with a secret recipe that gives the pork a smokysweet flavor. 459 Darrow Road, Akron, 330-784-9300 $$ L, D, T, A Tong-Tong First Chinese restaurant in Hudson and Stow area. Family-style dining. 1646 Norton Road, Stow, 330655-2550 $$ L, D, A, T Totally Cooked To-Go Comfort foods, soups, made-to-order sandwiches and salads, and desserts. Menu changes weekly. 388 S. Main St., Akron, 330-294-1102 $$ B, L, D, T Trecaso’s Mary Coyle Strong pasta selection. Six-time winner of Pasta Yule’s best red sauce. Highland Square spot known for several ice cream options. 780 W. Market St., Akron, 330253-1511 $$ L, D, T Twiisted Sushi and traditional Japanese food, with gourmet burgers and steaks, salads, appetizers, desserts and a full bar. 985 Boardman Alley, Medina, 330-661-0606 $$$ D, A, T Twisted Citrus The daytime eatery offers breakfast and lunch dishes with a twist. It puts unique spins on classics like French toast, with its Maui Waui French toast featuring a pina colada compote or the breakfast nachos with chorizo, black beans, nacho cheese, pico de gallo and avocado. 1649 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-305-9680 $$ B, L The Twisted Olive Casual classic ItalianAmerican fare grilled or baked wood-fire ovens. Indoor and outdoor seating. 5430 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0550 $$$ L, D, A, T Vaccaro’s Trattoria Traditional Italian cuisine with a twist on nouveau. Famous since 1957. An Italian and Akron classic. 1000 Ghent Road, Akron, 330-666-6158 $$$ L, D, A, T Valley Cafe Owned by a five-star gourmet chef. Features friendly service, dishes made from scratch and famous cabbage soup. 1212 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-865-0101; 101 High St., Wadsworth, 330-331-7555 $ B, L, D (Wadsworth only), T Vasili’s Greek Cuisine A welcome addition to Akron’s restaurant scene, Vasili’s

provides big flavors and huge portions at a reasonable price with excellent customer service. The moussaka is excellent, and the baklava is decadent. 1702 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-864-0722 $$ L, D, T Village Inn Chicken Formerly Milich’s Village Inn, under new ownership with the same great fried chicken, hot sauce and coleslaw recipes. 4444 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Barberton, 330-825-4553 $$ L, D, T Village Gardens Restaurant and Pub Family restaurant. House-made meals, including house-favorites Macedonian bean soup, chicken vlaki and chicken paprikash. Full-service lounge. 2437 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-9285751 $ B, L, D, A, T Vinifera Wine-to-Whiskey Extensive beverage list with an enomatic wine dispenser system of more than 60 wine selections, more than 80 whiskey and bourbon options and food. 3236 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-5710233 $$$ D, A, T Virtues Signature foods such as a tempura calamari appetizer, specialty pizzas, filet mignon and other gourmet items with high nutritional values on Summa Health System Akron Campus. 525 E. Market St., Akron, 330-375-7444 $$$ B, L, D, A, T, V Waterloo Restaurant Eclectic menu. Famous for the Waterloo Big Apple and French onion soup. 423 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, 330-773-5158 $$ B, L, D, T Water Main Grille Sandwiches, soups and dinner platters. 339 Main St., Wadsworth, 330-331-7757 $$ L, D, T The West Side Bakery Specialties include cakes, pastries and cookies. Breakfast items include scones, muffins and yogurt parfaits. All sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups are made from scratch. 2303 W. Market St., Akron, 330-836-4101 $ B, L, T Wolf Creek Tavern Housed in the former Loyal Oak Tavern, this restaurant serves craft beer, wine, salads, wraps, burgers, pasta, steaks and house-made pie. Kids menu. 3044 Wadsworth Road, Norton, 234-5714531 $$$$ L, D, A, T Yours Truly This award-winning restaurant is family-owned and operated, with an emphasis on customer service and family-friendly dining. Try the burgers and breakfast items. 36 S. Main St., Hudson, 330656-2900; 3725 Medina Road, Medina, 330-722-5800 $$ B, L, D, A, T Please send any changes or corrections to kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup. com.

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akronlife.com | SEPTEMBER 2023

PARTING SHOT

by Maggie Harris photo by Ott Gangl, provided by Summit Memory / Akron-Summit County Public Library

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Driving Force

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Growing up in Salem, Ohio, Don Getz sketched cars in his dad’s steel fabrication shop. He later had a career in commercial art but loved painting automobiles, seascapes and landscapes, including the Cuyahoga Valley. Getz started the Boston Mills ArtFest in 1972, and in 1978, he created the Ohio Watercolor Society, starting with 18 artists who met in his Peninsula home. He also organized weekend art shows at M.D. Garage, a restored 1940s gas station in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park that doesn’t host exhibits anymore but the nearby Gallery does. The late artist has three watercolor paintings in the Canton Museum of Art’s permanent collection, including one of an Ohio license plate with his birth year, 1934, paying homage to both his home state and his lifelong passion for cars.

SEPTEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com