April 2012

La Vida Locavore / See Julie Date — the Final Chapter / Go Red for Women

volume 10 / issue 4

april 201 2

Fantastic (outdoor) fireplaces p44 Courtney Watt talks dancing, determination and disco. p10

Ken Love, photographer

Pat’s house made of straw. p8

Curious what your neighbor makes?

Or if you’re underpaid?

Take a peek.

You know you want to.

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$3.95

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74470 57871

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Whatever springtime mode you’re in, whether it’s a daytime swing or a nightime cling, we have the trends, the styles, the outfits and the accessories to help you make up your new wardrobe and your mind.

Dillard’s, Macy’s, Apple, Aveda, Banana Republic, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, The Children’s Place, Coach, Coldwater Creek, Francesca’s Collections, The Limited, LOFT, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Sephora, Swarovski, Williams-Sonoma Located on Rt. 18 in Fairlawn Shopping Line® 330.867.1555

april 2012 / vol. 10 / issue 4

PAGES start here

On The Cover / 28 What Akronites Earn / Self-portrait by Ken Love

30

Feature

Eric Mansfield

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28

/ What Akronites Earn / Curious what your neighbor makes? Or if you’re underpaid?

Take a peek. You know you want to.

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akronlife

april 2012

pages

12

dating diary

38

good eats

14 agenda

Departments

Special Sections

6

/ Mail Bonding

7

/ From the Editor

27

/ Flash / 44 Fantastic Fireplaces

36

/ Good Eats (notable food & drink)

8 10

/ Radar (Seen + Heard) / The Interview Courtney Watt, owner/lead instructor Franklin School of Dance

12

/ Dating Diary See Julie date — the final chapter.

14

36 Restaurant Listings 37 First Bite: New Spring Dishes

The FYI on this hot outdoor living trend

/ 51 Go Red for Women The American Heart Association spreads awareness about women and heart disease.

38 Uncorked: 2008 Wente Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay 40 Big Bite: La Vida Locavore 43 Eat Seasonably: spring spinach

/ Agenda 15 Entertainment listings/ calendar of featured events

www.akronlife.com

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mail bonding

>> Flattery Accepted Here

Eat Seasonably / 15 Minutes with Michael Stanley / Akron’s Top Dentists

volume 10 / issue 3

march 2012

&HEERS Intoxicating gourmet cupcakes inspired by St. Patty’s Day

,QVLGH $NURQ¶V &HQWHU IRU WKH +LVWRU\ RI 3V\FKRORJ\ 0 3>

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74470 57871

Lucy Pramudji Akron

>> Intoxicating Cupcakes Loved the cupcake story [“Cheers!” March 2011]. I like all cupcakes, boozy or not. I’ll try that Irish Bomb for sure.

Mot Buchanan talks showbiz funny business p10 Generation Txt p80

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Shawna Rollheiser, owner A Cupcake A Day Medina

akronlife

kmoorhouse@bakermediagroup.com

Editor Georgina K. Carson gcarson@bakermediagroup.com

Assistant Editor Abby Cymerman Contributing Writers Mary Ethridge Julie Herron Beth Knorr Tom Noe Rick Rodger Rodney Wilson Artistic Director / Production Manager William L. Teckmyer III wteckmyer@bakermediagroup.com

Shannon Miller [January 2012, “The Interview”] took akronlife along for the ride during her first-ever Midnight Run 90-mile sled dog race in Marquette, Mich., in late February. Although Miller’s team rocked the first 48 miles at 15.9 mph, her dogs caught a nasty virus from being surrounded by so many other dogs, and the last half of the race was considerably slower. They placed 27 out of 31 teams.

“I didn’t expect to place in the top 10.

My dogs are young, and this was our first race of this length. I’m super proud of them for finishing strong considering the circumstances, and with all eight dogs that I started with,” she says.

“Quite a few people came out of that race with injuries and broken sleds, but we sailed through a very technical and challenging course without any problems — other than the virus.”

Comments? Got something to say about an article you read in akronlife? Send comments to: akronlife, 90 South Maple St., Akron, OH 44302 and please include your name and address. Or, e-mail editor Georgina K. Carson at gcarson@bakermediagroup.com.

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

6

Creative Director Kathy Baker Moorhouse

acymerman@bakermediagroup.com

Have Akron, Will Travel

There’s always next year …

Dave Desimone Euclid

cbaker@bakermediagroup.com

The Tortilla Chip Incident p12

>> A Place to Call Home

There will always be enough room for one more.

Associate Publisher Colin Baker

+

Helen Farmer Akron

I’d like to applaud Sharon Cebula for her article [“A Place to Call Home,” December 2011], which I ran across when I attended the recent Asian Festival in downtown Akron. Her writing skills are superb and her message was informative. The map, the short history and the pictures all helped. Before I read the article, I wondered why refugees still kept coming from Southeast Asia, knowing the wars and political conflict were over decades ago.

Now I understand that refugees have to spend years waiting to be relocated somewhere in the world. It’s so sad. I’m glad Amber Subba finally made it to the United States.

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Don Baker Jr. dbakerjr@bakermediagroup.com

I just received the newest issue of akronlife magazine. Congratulations on another home run Georgina! I love the new format and the attention given to the young, hip and professional in Summit County. When my akronlife comes in the mail, I have a specific method that allows me to enjoy it from cover to cover: I treat it like a great meal. First, I skim through and see all the wonderful delights that await me. Then I sit down and savor every word cover to cover. Lastly, I hook up with friends and we share our favorite bites with each other, giving us the opportunity to enjoy everything all over again! I haven’t been this excited about a magazine in a long time.

You’ve done a smashing job of breaking down the old and tired and giving us something fresh and vibrant. Move over Oprah, there’s a new girl in town!

I just wanted to thank you again for letting me be part of the article!

It looks wonderful, and all the cupcakes look deliHEAD GAMES cious! My phone has been ringing off the hook since the issue was mailed out!

april 2012

Graphic Designer Rachel Chillcott rchillcott@bakermediagroup.com

Photographers Ken Love Shane Wynn swynn@bakermediagroup.com

Sales Colin Baker Ben DiCola Bunny Lacey Carol Null Tim O’Connell sales@bakermediagroup.com

Circulation Jessica Burkhart jburkhart@bakermediagroup.com

330-253-0056 ext. 112 April 2012, Volume 10, Issue 4 (ISSN No. 74470 57871) akronlife is published monthly by Baker Media Group, LLC, 90 S. Maple St., Akron, Ohio 443021629. Copyright 2012 © 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. $3.95 each plus $3.50 shipping & handling.

Editorial, advertising and business offices: (330) 253-0056, fax (330) 253-5868.

from the editor

Footnotes The Last Taboo? >> A recent Glassdoor. com survey revealed that 17 percent of employed adults (up from 11 percent in ‘08) aren’t comfortable discussing their current compensation with anyone. Anyone.

Not even their significant other.

Think about that.

Of the employees who are comfortable sharing compensation details, only 66 percent talk salary with their significant other and only 33 percent with their best friend.

“People feel exposed when others know their salaries,” theorizes Paul E. Levy, professor and chair of the University of Akron’s Department of Psychology. “It also can change interactions because, for instance, we may seem disingenuous if we talk about how tight things are or how we can’t afford to go out for lunch if others know we’re making more than they are. … I think [talking money] is viewed as … socially inappropriate.”

Huh. Yet, as a society, it’s perfectly acceptable to discuss ad nauseam emotions, sex, depression, death, disease, bodily functions, Botox and boob jobs. Just don’t ask about money.

That’s where we draw the line.

Random facts, useless tidbits and silly stats behind this issue

“Are you kidding?”

“Rather not.”

>> At least 80 number of people Mary Ethridge called for our

“Didn’t your mother ever tell you never to ask such a thing?”

Why yes, she did. Then I became a journalist.

But even fellow journalists wouldn’t come clean.

“Ethridge: When hell freezes over,” emailed Beacon Journal columnist Bob Dyer. “Hey, good luck with that assignment. Hahaha.

Dyer”

cover story, “What Akronites Earn.” “Getting people’s salaries is like pulling teeth — only worse,” says Ethridge. “Some people hung up on me; some people called me ‘rude.’ Most people simply politely declined.” Check out the result of Ethridge’s blood, sweat and tears on pg. 28.

>> 8 days late. I hear a lot of reasons for missed deadlines, but Rodney Wilson’s most recent really takes the … “I know, I know, it’s late. But I have a

The only people who would tell Ethridge their exact salaries were those whose wages were public record. And even then, many of those folks begged not to be singled out in the article. (One such person claimed that printing his salary would be “detrimental.” Hmph.

Getting hit by a bus is detrimental.)

good reason: pie. You see, my wife makes pie

We had imagined this story would be easy enough to do. After all, Parade magazine does something similar every year. “But somehow opening up to the whole nation must feel less intimate than putting it out there just for your neighbors,” says Ethridge. “Or maybe it’s the “Biggest Loser” effect — just being in the national spotlight, however humiliating, is reward enough.”

promised me, Rodney?

and she’s really good at it, so the logical next step is to sell it by the slice [at my coffee shop in Kent]. But how do we sell pie? Build a display case — or buy one, but I’m nominally handy and [truly] cheap, so we don’t buy one.” Luckily, Wilson’s CityWatch on pg. 8 is always worth the wait. Speaking of waiting, where’s that pie you

>> 15 years old age Courtney Watt knew she wanted to own Franklin School of Dance in Kent. “That’s when I got my first job at Sea World and told myself I wanted to save my money to buy a car and own a dance studio,” says Watt, who grew up taking lessons at Franklin. For more with Watt, turn to pg. 10.

Sure, we know precisely how much most CEOs make (thanks to some new laws). But our co-workers? Our neighbors? Our in-laws?

Most of us have no idea. And no matter how curious we may be, on the flip side of that coin, we’re reluctant to discuss our salaries.

Mary Ethridge learned this the hard way in writing this month’s cover story, “What Akronites Earn” on pg. 28.

“I’ve spent years as a reporter peppering people with all sorts of difficult questions they don’t want to answer,” says Ethridge. “But never in all my years have I had people clam up the way they did when I asked them to reveal their salaries.”

But the show, or in this case, the story, must go on. And so it did, a credit to Ethridge’s perseverance.

>> Open it!

Julie Herron’s response when I told her a man

If, by chance, our article probing local salaries offends your delicate sensibilities, you’ll want to reconsider that move to Norway, where the annual income of every Norwegian taxpayer — from reindeer herders to Nobel Peace Prize committee members — is published online.

had just dropped off a sealed letter to our offices for her. "Can you scan it in and email it to me after you open it up?” asked Herron via email, who couldn’t wait (and neither could I) to find out if it was a love letter or hate mail. “Maybe it’s a proposal?!” I wrote back. “That’d be a great way to wrap up your series!” Find out all about this hand-delivered, hand-written note in Herron’s last dating-diary installment on pg. 12.

Georgina K. Carson, Editor gcarson@bakermediagroup.com

www.akronlife.com

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april 2012 / vol. 10 / issue 4

North Dakota is the only state in the U.S. that has never had an earthquake.

RADAR seen+heard

“He survived, but he wasn’t very happy.”

Snapping turtle gets wedged in storm sewer

— Cuyahoga Falls Water Distribution Manager Fred Williams, on a snapping turtle (the size of a small tire) that was recently stuck in a storm sewer. The turtle was freed using jet spray and a sewer-clearing device.

Successfully repositioned Timken Co. reports record revenue for fiscal 2011

city watch

by Rodney Wilson

Two men, roommates from Akron, were arrested for playing “sound equipment” loudly on a public bus.

Eyewitnesses reported the pair was playing the music of Ke$ha, a special offense that carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.

— GKC

An armed assailant robbed an Akron Pizza Hut delivery driver of cash and demanded his cell-phone battery. “I

A few facts about Pat’s house made of straw Some contend the Big Bad Wolf gave straw houses a bad rap.

I, however, blame the first little pig, who obviously didn’t know what he was doing …

A 1,200-pound steer attacked a Pioneer Career and Technology Center instructor during a meatprocessing class. A federal

Construction is underway on a super-energy-efficient, ecofriendly home on North Maple Street that’s just as sturdy as its brick brethren: straw bale and earth plaster combined with a wood frame, full basement and supplemental cellulose insulation (foam and ground-up newspapers).

“This hybrid design enabled us to insulate within an inch of its life," says homeowner Patricia Maher. "I’ll heat with a [small] wood-burning stove.”

Neighbor Marcia Wolff (no relation to the Big Bad) already lives in a straw bale home nearby. —GKC

8

akronlife

was hungry and wanted to order some food,” the robber later claimed, “but I was out of cash and my phone was dead and ... oh.”

investigation has been opened exploring the cow’s possible involvement with a militant arm of PETA.

Television show “This Old House” cited Peninsula as one of the “Best Old House Neighborhoods” in the Midwest. Officials from nearby Kent took a break from tearing down historic buildings to wonder why their city wasn’t considered for the recognition.

+

1,769 sq. ft.

285K: cost to build Up to 25K: City of Akron “green” rebates 2x > code structural integrity 50% less annual utilities

april 2012

A man took a sledgehammer to the windows of a Cuyahoga Falls Wendy’s.

Upon learning that the incident was spurred by the “Where’s the Beef?” ad campaign, the judge exonerated the man of all charges, saying, “Yeah. I get it.”

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the interview

by Abby Cymerman and photo by Shane Wynn

Courtney Watt

/ Owner/lead instructor Franklin School of Dance /

>>

Some little girls dream of owning a pony.

Courtney Watt dreamed of owning a dance studio.

>> Watt began dancing at Franklin School of Dance in Kent when she was just 3.

She continued taking classes there throughout high school and started teaching at the school after earning her certification through Dance Masters of America.

Last summer, she fulfilled her lifelong wish and became the owner and lead instructor at the dance school, which was founded by Bill Franklin and recently celebrated its 75th anniversary.

“Of all the jobs I’ve had, nothing has been as satisfying as teaching people to dance,” she says. “Being your own boss doing something that you love is a pretty special thing.”

Your studio offers classes in ballet, tap, pointe, hip-hop, cheer dance, lyrical, jazz and tumbling. What’s your favorite?

CW: Lyrical. This style has a base of ballet but also the fusion of jazz, contemporary and modern. I love the emotion, expressiveness and musicality.

What kind of dance teacher are you more like: Jennifer Lopez in “Shall We Dance?” or Debbie Allen in “Fame”?

CW: Debbie Allen. I have great respect for her. I watched ‘Fame’ on TV growing up and always loved the scenes of her teaching dance classes: ‘You want fame? Well, fame costs, and right here is where you start paying … in sweat.’

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Which kind of student is harder to teach: a 4-year-old, a teenager or an adult?

CW: The attention span of a 4-year-old is very short so you have to stay on your toes! It’s harder to keep them engaged so you must keep the classes fun, can’t spend too much time on the same movement and need to nurture them with praise and encouragement.

Is “having rhythm” something you can learn, or do you have to come by it naturally?

CW: A lot of people are lucky to naturally have a sense of rhythm, but it can be learned as well. For some people, it takes extra practice, which could be as simple as tapping along to the beat of a song on the radio, clapping hands or counting along: 1-2-3-4. The important thing is to try and stay loose. Rhythm isn’t just something you hear; it’s something that you feel.

Have you ever turned away students who couldn’t dance?

CW: I’ve never turned a student away. They do the best that they can, and the bottom line is that they have fun.

What do you think of TV shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance”?

CW: To have these types of shows on network TV with such a great audience-following is wonderful. I think it can encourage people to want to take dance classes or simply to appreciate dance in general. Ballroom dancing is on the rise because of ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ and styles like locking, popping, krumping, street, contemporary and many others are being introduced to the public with ‘So You Think You Can Dance.’

I’m a huge fan. The talent on that show is unreal. I’m inspired every time I watch it.

Is there a dance style you still want to learn?

CW: Ballroom dancing. I’ve actually never taken ballroom dancing but would love to learn. It can be such an elegant and beautiful dance form. It’s nice to see renewed interest in it these days.

The Pole Fitness Association and other groups are petitioning to get pole dancing added as a sport for the 2012 London Olympic Games. They argue that serious pole dancers have athletic chops similar to some Olympic gymnasts. Is pole dancing a real form of dance?

CW: I suppose it’s all in the eye of the beholder. I’ve seen a little of it on TV competition shows, and it certainly must require a lot of strength and endurance.

What’s your favorite pop song to dance to?

CW: At the moment, I’d say ‘Party Rock Anthem’ by LMFAO. My advanced jazz class is dancing to this song, and they love it! To see their energy, excitement and eagerness to learn is awesome.

What are your thoughts on disco? (My editor is a Bee Gees fan.)

CW: All for disco! I remember my dad playing the Bee Gees on the home stereo when I was growing up. It’s such fun music that just makes you want to move.

Speaking of moving, are you always graceful, or do you bump into walls like the rest of us?

CW: No, I’m not always graceful. I still lose my balance on movements, forget things, trip over things.

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What do you like to do in your spare time?

CW: I love to run. I’ve been running for about two years, and I’ve run countless 5K races, three half-marathons and one full marathon.

What makes a great dancer?

CW: Technique and determination are hugely important parts of being a dancer, but what makes a great dancer is an ability to harness emotion and communicate it through body movement. It’s less about trying to be a great dancer and more about being brave enough to tap into the emotions inside of you and letting other people in.

Finer Things: Jewelry & Accessories from the 1880s-1930s Opens April 1

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/ Writer Abby Cymerman is assistant editor of akronlife. She coerced (er, strongly encouraged) her husband to take ballroom dance lessons with her before their wedding nearly 10 years ago.

Thanks again, honey, for being such a good sport!

Comments?

E-mail them to editor Georgina K. Carson at gcarson@bakermediagroup.com.

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Call or order online today: 330.535.8131 akronsymphony.org www.akronlife.com

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11

dating diary

by Julie Herron and illustration by Chad O’Malley

See Julie Date – The Final Chapter / One woman’s quest to find her so-called soul mate /

Seasons come and go, as do the people in our lives and the number of zeros in our bank accounts. There are, however, a few things I consider steadfast, certain and true: 1) Every season in NEO is a bad sinus season. 2) Girl Scout cookies. 3) Dating is a fruitless, ridiculous gesture that’s certain to drive me around the bend.

he “wasn’t an intelligent man,” while offering up a couple phone numbers of people he worked with that I might call to ask about his general character. At the end of the letter, he asked if I might be willing to meet him, and gave me two dates and times that he would be at a coffee shop in the area.

While writing this dating diary, I’ve had more than a few lousy dates, to be sure: one with a guy who claimed to be a “young 56,” but spent our entire two hours talking about his knee replacement surgery and the fact that he’s been on disability for over 20 years; another with an Italian cop who wasn’t familiar with the term, “compromise”; and even one with a man who was immediately impressed with how confident I was but spent so much time talking about his past relationship that I finally asked and was told that he really didn’t want to date, just yet.

It was all very “Sleepless in Seattle”-ish, don’t you think? My editor and I certainly did! So I decided to throw caution to the wind and go to the coffee shop.

On the specified day and time, I arrived five minutes early, looked around, saw only one person who

No need to point out that I’m halfway around the bend already, thanks very much.

With the immutable end of my column in sight (this one is it), I have to admit I was feeling a little perplexed, a little flummoxed, a little discombobulated. (Actually I just wanted to use all three of those words in one sentence; it makes me laugh.) I truly can’t understand, though, why my dating track record remains as dismal as a Cleveland Browns season.

And then, a delivery to the akronlife offices — an envelope, addressed and hand-delivered one afternoon in early February.

Inside, three pages of handwritten soliloquy, three pages of admiration for my monthly articles, of kudos for writing about my life (and making him laugh about it), of introspection about what he himself had experienced.

The letter is, perhaps, one of the sweetest things I’ve ever been gifted with.

The “Mystery Man,” as my friends and I came to call him, claimed to have some similar interests — music, the outdoors, the arts — and said that he had three daughters. He didn’t give specifics about who he was or what he did, except to note that 12

akronlife

april 2012

since I was the only woman in the place by herself. So I bought a cup of java and parked myself at the counter. I even put the letter out, next to my cup of coffee.

There, I sat, I sipped and I waited.

The letter from Mystery Man is, perhaps, one of the sweetest things I’ve ever been gifted with. might be him — but decided it couldn’t be. He was sitting at a table that was completely covered with newspapers, books and periodicals — not something I’d expect of a guy who said that he’s not intelligent.

Listen, finding a guy who knows how to read more than the sports page is like finding a needle in a haystack, so I just assumed this wasn’t him. No worries, though —

Surely, I figured, if “Mystery Man” was sitting at that table, he would approach me.

Perhaps it wasn’t him. During the 20 minutes I sat there sipping coffee and looking around, I was never approached and no one new came into the shop. So when I finished my coffee, I left.

Here’s the thing: I’m not upset, I’m not sad, I’m not angry — I’m just kind of numb. All my attempts at finding someone to spend my life with have been unsuccessful, and I’m thinking it’s time to regroup.

And it’s not so bad, being alone. I don’t have to answer to anybody.

I can eat Fritos and Ho-Ho’s for

dinner, while standing up, drinking a glass of wine (I don’t, but I could). I can sleep till noon on Sundays (though I don’t do that either).

Personal Banking “It’s nice to know that there are still a few places that remember your name and greet you with a smile when you walk in.”

-Robert DeVitis

I do still believe in the possibility of love. I also still believe that laughter is the best medicine, that the glass is half full and that my kids are better than everyone else’s.

As for “Mystery Man,” if you’d like to try again, email Georgina, the editor of akronlife at gcarson@bakermediagroup.com. She’ll pass along the message. And thank you for that sweet, sweet letter. I was — and remain — incredibly touched.

Slainte! / Writer Julie Herron is an IT professional who spends her spare time biking, running, taking care of her old house, texting her teenagers, meeting up with her girlfriends, making lists, laughing at herself, dating and writing about all of it.

She does not paint her toenails.

Comments?

E-mail them to editor Georgina K. Carson at gcarson@bakermediagroup.com.

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april 2012 / vol. 10 / issue 4

In every episode of Seinfeld, there was a Superman somewhere.

AGENDA the essential social digest

T HROUGH 4/15 T HE I-X I NDOOR AMUSEMENT PARK P 15

4/12 AZIZ ANSARI’ S BURIED ALIVE COMEDY SHOW. A NSARI, FROM THE NBC SITCOM , “P ARKS AND RECREATION,” HITS THE STAGE WITH HIS STAND - UP ROUTINE . K ENT S TATE UNIVERSITY MAC CENTER, 1025 RISMAN D RIVE, KENT. 7 P . M. $10$30. WWW.TICKETMASTER. COM

zoo 4/21 P ARTY FOR THE PLANET AKRON Z OO. P 22

4/6 FUZE! CONCERT: P ABLO ZIEGLER AND M AYA B EISER, “CANYENGUE: T HE SOUL OF TANGO,” AKRON A RT MUSEUM. P18

4/20 JERRY SEINFELD, A KRON C IVIC THEATRE. $47-$77. P 22

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4/28 AND 4/29 SPRING FABULOUS F OOD S HOW P 24

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

Through 4/1 Kent Dance Ensemble: Break Out The Kent Dance Ensemble’s 2011-2012 season is filled with ground-breaking original dance pieces choreographed by School of Theatre and Dance faculty and nationally-recognized guest artists. E. Turner Stump Theater, Music and Speech Center, Kent State University, Kent. 8 p.m. Call for ticket prices.

330-672-2497 Through 4/4 SuperNatural: Landscapes by Bruce Checefsky and Barry Underwood Each artist utilizes the effects of atmospheric light and outside light sources to create ephemeral moments in the landscape that give viewers the sense of discovering hidden worlds. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 11 a.m.9 p.m.; closed Mon., Tues. and all major holidays. $5-$7; free for members and children 12 and under. www.akronartmuseum.org Through 4/6 Waterfowl Watch For new and experienced birdwatchers. Join a naturalist at a different location every Friday morning to view waterfowl during their spring migration. Firestone Metro Park, Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron. 8 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065 Through 4/8 “A Moon for the Misbegotten” A classic American drama and the final work of the incomparable playwright Eugene O’Neill. Coach House Theater, 732 W. Exchange St., Akron. Call for showtimes. $12-$18. 330-434-7741 Through 4/8 Studio M Exhibition Features the works of Dr. Sketchy artists. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tues.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 2-5 p.m. Free. www.massillonmuseum.org Through 4/14 Fresh Art Show: Fresh & Springy This popular annual exhibition challenged artists to stretch their creative muscles and work in novel styles, new directions and unusual materials. Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Thurs.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Open 4/1, noon-5 p.m., for the Sunday Sampler artwalk, and 4/7 for the Downtown Akron artwalk. Free. www.akronareaarts.org

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED...

Where spring fun is

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Activities abound in the Laurel Highlands this spring! From biking and hiking, to rafting and golf – whatever your interest or desire – we have you covered.

Spend the weekend immersed in the blossoming beauty of the Laurel Highlands… your gateway to spring fun!

Plan your spring adventure at: laurelhighlands.org | 800.925.7669

Scan for deals, packages, and Laurel Highlands giveaways this spring!

Through 4/15 The I-X Indoor Amusement Park Returning for its 23rd year, this event has expanded its footprint to include even more entertainment and excitement!

New this year is Cirque Shanghai, featuring world-class acrobats from China showcasing a spectacular combination of acrobatic skills, athletic prowess and jaw-dropping tricks. I-X Center, Route 237, adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins Airport.

Dates and times vary. $10-$24; $21 advance; free for kids 3 and under. www. ixamusementpark.com

Through 4/15 “Amadeus” A production of Project STAGE (Students Through Acting Gain Education).

Austria is the setting for this dramatization of a great struggle for power and artistic dominance between composers Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron. Call for showtimes. $15-$21. 330-8362626 Through 4/22 “Ladies Man” In the 112 years since its premiere, this “trivial comedy for serious people” has probably generated more laughter than any other piece of dramatic literature. Actors’ Summit, 103 High St., 6th Floor, Akron. Call for times. $17-$30. 330374-7568

Through 5/5 The Project and the Draft This show focuses on the different paths artists take on the way to a completed artwork by showing both the original draft and completed project. Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 W. Mill St., Peninsula. Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. www. peninsulaartacademy.com Through 5/15 Community Art Project: Peace Crane Contribute an origami crane to this summer’s community art display of 1,000 pieces. Use your own recycled paper — or stop by the Visitors Center to pick up an instruction packet — and start folding!

Drop off your completed cranes during open hours.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. Free. Call 330-865-8065 for details.

www.akronlife.com

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More than 10 people a year are killed by vending machines.

Through 8/26 “On the Home Front: Civil War Fashions & Domestic Life Through the display of women’s and children’s costumes, supplemented with photographs, decorative arts and women’s magazines, this exhibit focuses on the daily life and experiences of the American civilian population during the Civil War. Kent State University Museum, Broadbent Gallery, 515 Hilltop Dr., Kent. Call for times. $3-$5; free for children under 7, KSU students, staff and faculty, and on Sunday. www.kent.edu/ museum

Through 5/27 Ray Turner: Population A unique exhibition of nearly 200 portraits of a wide cross-section of people from around the country, including several downtown Akron residents, executed with oil paint on glass. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $5-$7; free for members and children 12 and under. www.AkronArtMuseum.org Through 5/27 That’s Entertainment Exhibit A look back at how Stark County residents amused themselves in the past: German singing societies, Meyers Lake, Mother Gooseland, theaters, opera houses, parades, festivals and more. Wm. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton. Call for times and prices. www.mckinleymuseum.org Through 6/3 Stranger in Paradise: The Works of Reverend Howard Finster This is the first major retrospective of the folk art icon, offering visitors an in-depth look at the life and career of a visionary artist represented in the museum’s collection. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $5-$7; free for members and children 12 and under. www.AkronArtMuseum. org

Through 10/7 “A Day at the Beach” The image of women at the seaside in elegant white gowns was a popular subject for Impressionist painters.

This exhibit explores the reality of summer tourism with a selection of actual garments dating from the 1860s-1910s. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Dr., Kent. Call for dates, times and ticket prices. www.kent.edu/museum

4/4 Cook Like a Personal Chef Learn flexible cooking techniques and meal-planning strategies from Akron personal chef Tamara Mitchell. The Cucina at Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6:309:30 p.m. $75. 330-497-1000 4/4 Josh Buskirk Instrumental blues guitar. The Winery at Wolf Creek, 2637 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Norton. 7-9 p.m. Free. 800-436-0426 4/4 Canton Charge vs. Fort Wayne Mad Ants Catch the inaugural season of the Cavs’ NBA minor league team. Canton Memorial Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave. N., Canton. 7 p.m. Call for ticket prices. 330489-3090

4/1-10/7 The Art of Living Beautifully – Finer Things: Jewelry & Accessories from the 1880s-1930s Guest-curated by Elyse Karlin.

The centerpiece of the exhibit is F.A. Seiberling’s “Presentation Watch,” given to him in 1928. Other pieces include exquisite examples of necklaces, brooches, earrings and bracelets of the era, as well as clothing, fans, hats, hatpins and purses. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. Tues.Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call for ticket prices. www. stanhywet.org 4/1 Humor Hike Join a naturalist for nature jokes and riddles as you move at a steady pace along the 1.6-mile Spring Hollow Trail. Hampton Hills Metro Park, Main Entrance, 2925 Akron-Peninsula Rd., Akron. 1 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 4/1 Nature Games from in the Saddle Bring your own horse and tack to learn about nature with a naturalist through fun games on horseback.

Registration begins 3/27. Silver Creek Metro Park, Boathouse, 5171 S. Medina Line Rd., Norton. 2 p.m.

Free. 330-865-8065

4/4 “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Sing-Along Starring Donny Osmond as Joseph. Includes subtitles so audiences can join in.

Montrose Movies 12, 4020 Medina Rd., Akron. 330-666-9357; Hudson Cinema 10, 5339 Darrow Rd., Hudson. 330-655-3584.

7 p.m. $15. www.fathomevents.com

4/1 Paragon Brass Quintet, “April Foolishness,” with Todd Fiegel Paragon Brass reprises the musical shenanigans of their many years together. Silent movie expert and composer/arranger Todd Fiegel joins in the multi-media movie mayhem. Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 3 p.m. $5-$10; free for UA students with ZipCard. 330-972-7570

4/5 Thursday Movies @Main: “Hop” An animated family comedy starring the voices of James Marsden, Russell Brand and Kaley Cuoco. Rated PG. AkronSummit County Public Library, Main Library, 60 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. www.akronlibrary. org

4/2 Brian Henke Fingerstyle guitar. The Winery at Wolf Creek, 2637 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Norton.

7-9 p.m. Free. 800-436-0426 4/2 The University of Akron Symphony Orchestra With guest violinist Maria Bachmann. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $5-$10; free for UA students with ZipCard. 330-972-7570

Through 7/8 String of Hearts: Photographs by Bea Nettles Nettles’ photographs often depict intimate family life, yet also speak to the broad ideas of what it means to be a mother, teacher and artist, which she describes as her greatest roles. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $5-$7; free for members and children 12 and under. www.

AkronArtMuseum.org

show, hop back on the bus for more wine, homemade chocolates and the 50/50 raffle. Meet at Buehler’s River Styx, 3626 Medina Rd., Medina. 11 a.m. $40$76. ormaco.org

4/4 Day Book Club This month’s selection is “A Night to Remember” by Walter Lord. April 2012 commemorates the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, and Lord’s book is filled with information about the historic incident. Bring a friend. Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave., Barberton. 10:30 a.m. Free. www.barbertonlibrary. org 4/4 “Memphis” Party Bus Ohio Regional Music Arts Cultural Outreach invites you to hop on the party bus to Playhouse Square to see this new Broadway musical about fame and forbidden love. Enjoy a boxed lunch, flowing wine and trivia quizzes. After the

4/5 Rascal Flatts – Changed This one-night-only in-theater event will deliver never-before-seen access into the lives of the band members, along with performances of their biggest hits and music from their new album. Montrose Movies 12, 4020 Medina Rd., Akron. 330-666-9357; Hudson Cinema 10, 5339 Darrow Rd., Hudson. 330-655-3584; Cinemark 15, 8161 Macedonia Commons Blvd., Macedonia. 330908-1005. Log on for ticket prices. 8 p.m. www. fathomevents.com 4/6-4/15 “Anton in Show Business” As three actresses of wildly varied backgrounds pursue their dream of performing in Chekhov’s “Three Sisters,” they tumble down a rabbit hole and into the strange wonderland of theatre. Kent State University-Stark Campus, Fine Arts Theatre, 6000 Frank Ave. NW, N. Canton. Sunday show at 2:30 p.m., other shows at 8 p.m. $7-$10; free for KSU students. 330-244-5151

4/6 and 4/7 Kinderealm: Baby Animals For children 3 to 6. Includes a craft and hike to look for animal homes. Registration begins 3/27. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron.

Friday, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Sat., 10:30 a.m. Free.

330-865-8065

4/6-3/17/13 “RESIST: A World of Resist Dye Techniques” Showcases textiles and costumes from all over the world that incorporate several resist dye techniques.

Don’t miss the Chanel cape from the 1920s and the tie-dyed Halston caftan. Kent State Museum, 515 Hilltop Dr., Kent. Wed., Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-8:45 p.m.; Sun., noon-4:45 p.m. $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children under 18, free with Kent State ID; free to public on Sun. 330-672-3450 4/6, 4/8, 4/20 and 5/4 Dance Dance Party Party Akron hosts one of the many chapters of this femaleonly cult phenomenon. Unlike typical workout or dance classes, this event has no instructors, no fitness goals and nothing to prove. There are only three rules: no boys, no booze and no judgment. Martell’s School of Dance, 788 W. Market St., Akron. Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 4 p.m. $2. ddppakron.wordpress.com/about 4/6 Waterfowl Watch For new and experienced birdwatchers. Join a naturalist to view waterfowl during their spring migration. Towpath Trail, Manchester Road Trailhead, 2740 Manchester Rd., Akron. 8 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065 4/6 Canton First Friday – Sew Artistic Themed, monthly street party. Downtown Canton Arts District, between Cleveland and Market avenues, and between 6th St. NE and Tuscarawas St. 6-10 p.m. Free. www. cantonfirstFri.com

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www.akronlife.com

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All polar bears are left-handed.

565 N. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Akron. $18. 7 p.m. ormaco.org 4/7 Canton Charge vs. Erie Bayhawks Canton Memorial Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave. N., Canton.

7:30 p.m. Call for ticket prices. 330-489-3090

4/6 FUZE! Concert: Pablo Ziegler and Maya Beiser, “Canyengue: The Soul of Tango” “Cello goddess” Maya Beiser with renowned Argentine, Latin Grammy-winning pianist and composer Pablo Ziegler, called “the outstanding representative of the nuevo tango in his generation.” Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 6 p.m. $15-$30. www. akronartmuseum.com

4/7 J.S. Bach’s “St. John Passion” This concert features Summit Choral Society’s Masterworks Chorale accompanied by a full Baroque orchestra and tenor Randall Black singing the role of an impassioned Evangelist, along with a visual representation of paintings from the Renaissance and Baroque eras depicting the events of the final week in the life of Jesus. E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $15-$25. 330-972-7570 4/7 Big Bird Night: Woodcocks & Owls Join a naturalist to discover the amazing woodcock, witness the male bird’s spectacular courtship flight over nearby fields and then hike to search for owls. Bring binoculars and flashlights. Silver Creek Metro Park, Pheasant Run Area, 5000 Hametown Rd., Norton. 8 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065

4/7 and 4/22 Glassblowing with Bob Pozarski Dip molten glass from a furnace, and shape it into a paperweight. Blow a bubble and shape it into a tumbler or small vase. Pozarski will walk you through the steps. Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 W. Mill St., Peninsula. Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. $90 members; $110 non-members. 330-836-6758 4/7 and 4/28 Countryside Winter Farmers’ Markets More than 50 vendors. Old Trail School, 2315 Ira Rd., Akron. 9 a.m.-noon. Free. www.cvcountryside.org 4/7 No-Knead Artisan Bread Workshop Chef Kathy Lehr will show students how to make beautiful artisan-style breads without kneading and storing the dough for days. Students will shape and bake three breads and make one of the doughs to take home.

The Cucina at Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $75. 330-497-1000 4/7 Do the Mu! Drop in for this monthly all-ages activity. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Noon-2 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org 4/7 Young Birders: Put on Your Birding Ears Learn common bird songs from a naturalist and expert birding volunteers. Then test your skills on a fun, interactive hike. Field guides and binoculars provided.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 2 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 4/7 Winery Tours Go to the area in-between the Bistro and the Marketplace. A winery employee will provide the 20-30 minute tour. The Cucina at Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 2-4 p.m. Free.

330-497-1000 x 122.

4/7 The Kingdom’s Finest: Akron’s 1st Annual Gospel Talent Search and Competition Twenty finalists will compete in four rounds to find a $1,000 winner. Hosted by Orator Pat Reese from The House of the Lord. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. $10-$30. www.akroncivic.com 4/7 Orion Express Ohio Regional Music Arts Cultural Outreach invites you to dance and shout “Opa!” as you enjoy an evening of traditional Greek music. Montrose Zion Methodist Church,

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4/10 Off Season Market A great place to shop for pastries, grass-fed beef, pork and free-range chicken, blade sharpening, vegetarian patties, pierogies, sausage sandwiches and eggs. John Torok Community/Senior Center, 4224 Massillon Rd., Green. 3:30-6:30 p.m. Free. www.cityofgreen.org 4/10 The Knights This fellowship of adventurous musicians cultivate collaborative music making and creatively engage audiences in the shared joy of musical performance. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $22-$40. 330-972-7570 4/11 Heart-Healthy Hike A naturalist answers your nature and history questions on this steady two-mile stroll of Piney Woods Trail. Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Pioneer Area, 550 Frazier Ave., Akron. 10 a.m.

Free. 330-865-8065 4/11 Diana Chittester Singer/songwriter, guitar. The Winery at Wolf Creek, 2637 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Norton. 7-9 p.m. Free. 800-436-0426 4/12 Mountaineer Casino and Gaming Resort Trip For adults 55 and up. Join the Green Seniors for this bus trip. Lunch is on your own. John Torok Community/Senior Center, 4224 Massillon Rd., Green. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. $20 per person (includes $25 of free-play.) 330-896-6621 4/12 Rhythms Concert A cappella quartet, Up in the Air, will perform. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert begins at 6:30 p.m. $10-$17. massillonmuseum.org

4/7 Metropolitan Opera – Massenet’s “Manon” Live Anna Netrebko’s dazzling portrayal of the tragic heroine in Laurent Pelly’s new production travels to the Met from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Montrose Movies 12. 4020 Medina Rd., Akron; Hudson Cinema 10, 5339 Darrow Rd., Hudson; Tinseltown USA 290, 4720 Mega St. NW, N. Canton. Noon. $18-$24. www.fathomevents.com 4/9 Kinderealm: Baby Animals For children 3 to 6.

Includes a craft and hike to look for animal homes.

Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Pavilion, 2077 Newton St., Akron. 10:30 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065 4/9 Passport Series: Destination Tuscany In Chef Anne Haynam’s hands-on class, students will explore the flavors and culinary traditions of Italy. She’ll also share a selection of little bites common in the wine bars of Florence and some classic Tuscan dishes.

The Cucina at Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $75. 330-497-1000 4/9 Genuine Good Time Groove Mountain pop.

The Winery at Wolf Creek, 2637 S. ClevelandMassillon Rd., Norton. 7-9 p.m. Free. 800-436-0426 4/10 Joyology Club People who share in joylogy are healthy, happy, grateful and optimistic, having learned to celebrate life no matter the circumstances.

Stop in, have a cup of coffee and refreshments, and share something happy. Peninsula Library, 6105 Riverview Rd., Peninsula. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. www. peninsulalibrary.org

april 2012

4/12 Thursday Movies @Main: “Puss in Boots” An animated family comedy starring the voices of Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, Amy Sedaris and Billy Bob Thornton. Rated PG. Akron-Summit County Public Library, Main Library, 60 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. www. akronlibrary.org 4/12 Buckeye Brewing Beer Class Cleveland brewery owner Garin Wright will introduce students to Hippie IPA, Christmas Girl Belgian Blond Ale, Wheat Cloud, Kolsch and Altbier. Classes are offered at the restaurant’s communal table, and family-style appetizers are served. The Rail, 3265 W. Market St., Akron. Call for class time. $12 pre-paid. 330-8647245 4/12 Lecture with Bea Nettles Nettles has been exhibiting and publishing her autobiographical photographs and books for over 40 years. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. www. akronartmuseum.org 4/12 Enjoying Wine Series, Class 1: Wine Appreciation Basics Gervasi winemaker Andy Codispoti discusses the role of the vineyard, major grape varieties and the primary elements of winemaking. The class will conclude with a lesson on how serve, taste and appreciate wine. The Cucina at Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 7-9 p.m. $50. 330-497-1000 4/12 Akron Aeros vs. Trenton Thunder Fireworks show post-game. Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron.

7:05 p.m. $5-$9 in advance; $6-$10 day of game; children 3 and under are free. www.akronaeros.com 4/13 and 4/14 ArtisAlive 2012: Not for the Faint of Art A top-notch selection of indie artists, music and food, packed into one space for a weekend’s worth of fun and frolic. Buy artwork that’s 100 hand-made, and hear music that’s 100 percent home-grown.

Cultural Center for the Arts, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton. Fri., 6-10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $2. www.

ArtisAlive.com

4/13-4/15 The Art of Living Beautifully – Inspiration In Bloom Features a display of fresh flower arrangements throughout the Manor House, created by florists, designers and garden clubs. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron.

Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call for ticket prices. www.stanhywet.org 4/13, 4/20 and 4/27 Bird Walk: Friday Firestone Feathers & Friends For new and experienced birdwatchers. Join a naturalist for spring bird walks along the Tuscarawas River migratory flyway.

Binoculars recommended. Firestone Metro Park, Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron. 7:30 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065 4/13-4/22 “Nathan the Wise” The tale of a Jewish merchant at the time of the Christian Crusades in Muslim Jerusalem. A play both timeless and timely, making a fervent plea for religious tolerance. WrightCurtis Theatre, Music and Speech Center, Kent State University, Kent. 8 p.m. Call for ticket prices. 330672-2497

4/13 AultCare Fast Break Breakfast Self-proclaimed “Word Guy” Tim Kraft will show you how to write in a way to get better business results. Also meet new business contacts, and enjoy breakfast.

Bring a door prize valued at $15 or more, and you’ll star in your own 30-second commercial to promote your business.

Courtyard by Marriot, 4375 Metro Cir. NW, North Canton. 7-9 a.m. $18-$25.

330-458-2070

www.akronlife.com

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It’s possible to lead a cow upstairs, but not downstairs.

4/13 Show and Tell Me a Story For kids 1 and older.

Join a naturalist for this story time with puppets, songs, activities and a craft. Registration begins 4/5.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Free. 330865-8065 4/13 Akron Aeros vs. Trenton Thunder Fireworks show post-game. Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron.

7:05 p.m. $5-$9 in advance; $6-$10 day of game; children 3 and under are free. www.akronaeros.com

2400 Harrington Rd., Akron. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

330-865-8065 4/14 “I Thee Wed” Bridal Show Enjoy an elegant brunch among the history galleries and a style show featuring more than 100 years of bridal fashion.

Reservations required. Wm. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $30. 330-455-7043 4/14 Homemade Filled Pastas Explore the art of making filled pastas with Chef Carla Snyder. Learn how to make pasta dough from scratch, roll it out, cut it and shape it around delicious homemade fillings.

The Cucina at Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $75. 330-497-1000

4/14 Trout Derby Anglers 15 and younger will receive a $1 cash prize if they catch a tagged fish in the fully stocked Little Turtle Pond. Bring fishing gear.

Adults not permitted to fish. Firestone Metro Park,

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4/14 The University of Akron Steel Drum Band With guest artist Victor Provost. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 8 p.m. $9-$18. 330-972-7570 4/15 Mediterranean Cuisine, Part 1 In the first of two classes, Chef Matthew Ridgway will teach students how to select and prepare quality fresh ingredients for dishes that will become household favorites. The Cucina at Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $75. 330-497-1000

4/14 Nature 4 Families/Being Green Discover easy everyday practices to make our lives more “green,” and enjoy a recycling craft. Wolf Creek Environmental Center, 6100 Ridge Rd., Sharon Center. 1 p.m. Free. www.medinacountyparks.com

4/15 Signs of Spring Join a naturalist to explore the 1.2-mile Oxbow Trail in search of wildflowers and other signs of the season. Cascade Valley Metro Park, Oxbow Area, 1061 Cuyahoga St., Akron. 1 p.m. Free.

330-865-8065

4/14 Akron Aeros vs. Trenton Thunder Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. 1:05 p.m. $5-$9 in advance; $6-$10 day of game; children 3 and under are free. www.akronaeros.com

4/15 Akron Aeros vs. Trenton Thunder Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. 1:05 p.m. $5-$9 in advance; $6-$10 day of game; children 3 and under are free. www.akronaeros.com 4/15 Slithering Snakes Join a naturalist and get answers to questions like, “How do snakes eat such large prey without suffocating?” F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron.

3 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 4/15 “Mother, Is the Battle Over?” This recital features songs of the Civil War that are familiar to audiences today, as well as songs shared by Union and Confederate soldiers. Performed by KSU voice students with historical notes provided by Dr. Richard DeVore. Murphy Auditorium, Hugh A. Glauser School of Music, Kent State University, Kent. 3 p.m. Call for ticket prices. 330-672-2172 4/15 The Almeda Trio A group of musicians playing violin, viola and piano. Traditional repertoire, dynamic forays into contemporary, folk and jazz, and a stage presence that merges bold whimsy with classical sophistication. Christ Church Episcopal, 21 Aurora St., Hudson. 5 p.m. $15 adults; free for students. www. musicfromthewesternreserve.org

4/14 and 4/29 Glassblowing II with Bob Pozarski For advanced students who’ve had at least two beginning classes. Projects will be selected by instructor and student based on student experience level. Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 W. Mill St., Peninsula. Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. $90 members; $110 non-members. 330-836-6758

4/14 Extended Hike Join a volunteer to hike 6.5 miles on the Quarry and Towpath trails, turning around at Hunt Farm. Meet in the parking lot.

Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, 5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula. 9 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065

4/14 Rubber City Rollergirls vs. Glass City Rollers/ Burning River Rollergirls John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron. Doors open at 5 p.m.; first bout, 6 p.m. $5-$9 in advance; $6-$13 at the door. www. rubbercityrollergirls.com

4/14 Wildflower Quest Hike with a naturalist in search of woodland wildflowers after a brief indoor presentation. Sand Run Metro Park, Shady Hollow Pavilion, 1750 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron. 1 p.m. Free.

330-865-8065

4/14 Metropolitan Opera – Verdi’s “La Traviata” Live Natalie Dessay puts on the red dress in her first role as Violetta at the Met, in Willy Decker’s stunning production. Montrose Movies 12. 4020 Medina Rd., Akron; Hudson Cinema 10, 5339 Darrow Rd., Hudson; Tinseltown USA 290, 4720 Mega St. NW, N. Canton. 12:55 p.m. $18-$24. www.fathomevents.com

4/14 Writing in Cloth with Connie Bloom For beginners and experienced artists and appropriate for adults and older teens. Register by emailing psargent@neo.rr.com. Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Log on for class time. Free. www. akronareaarts.org

4/14 “Celebration in Art” Exhibition Opening Annual exhibition from area schools and their artists in grades K-12. Refreshments. Continues through 4/29. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 3-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

4/14 “Titanic: The Musical” The Akron Symphony presents its first staged Broadway musical with Maury Yeston and Peter Stone’s Tony Award-winning “Titanic” performed on the 100th Anniversary of the ship’s fateful voyage. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. Call for ticket prices. 330-535-8131 4/14 Studio M Exhibition Opening: ”Image to Image: Walsh Photojournalism Students” Refreshments. Exhibition continues through 5/20.

Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 3-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

april 2012

4/15 Cooking with Wine with Jim Reynolds Learn how to pair wine with food and how it can add flavor and depth to your favorite dishes. Samples will feature seasonal produce and fresh herbs from Dayton Nursery, and you’ll receive recipes to try at home. The Winery at Wolf Creek, 2637 S. ClevelandMassillon Rd., Norton. 5:30 p.m. $15 prepayment is required. 800-436-0426 4/16 Zach Acoustic pop. The Winery at Wolf Creek, 2637 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Norton. 7-9 p.m.

Free. 800-436-0426 4/16 Akron Aeros vs. Bowie Baysox Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. 7:05 p.m. $5-$9 in advance; $6$10 day of game; children 3 and under are free. www. akronaeros.com

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Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, 5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula. 10 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065

4/17 Joshua Foer Named “One of the 10 People Who Could Change the World”

by The New Statesman, freelance science journalist Foer will detail the science and history of memorization, sharing how we can overcome limitations by using ancient techniques to unlock the brain’s potential.

Kent State University at Stark’s Timken Great Hall, 6000 Frank Ave. NW, Jackson Township. 6:45 p.m. Free, but tickets required; available beginning 3/28 at the Main Hall Information Desk. www.stark. kent.edu/about/events/featuredspeakers

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4/17 Akron Aeros vs. Bowie Baysox Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. 7:05 p.m. $5-$9 in advance; $6$10 day of game; children 3 and under are free. www. akronaeros.com 4/18 Heart-Healthy Hike A naturalist answers your nature and history questions on this steady stroll of the 1.1-mile Ledges Trail. Liberty Park, Twinsburg Ledges Area, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg. 10 a.m.

Free. 330-865-8065 4/18 Ryann Anderson Acoustic guitar. The Winery at Wolf Creek, 2637 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Norton. 7-9 p.m. Free. 800-436-0426 4/18 Honeybees Join the Stark County Bee Keepers for this informative lecture. Exploration Gateway (Stark Parks’ facility at Sippo Lake), 5712 12th St. NW, Canton. 7 p.m. Free. www.cantonaudubon.org 4/18 Akron Aeros vs. Bowie Baysox Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. 7:05 p.m. $5-$9 in advance; $6$10 day of game; children 3 and under are free. www. akronaeros.com 4/18 Hump Day at Jilbert’s Enjoy a fabulous dinner at Medina County’s premier winery, and help the Kidney Foundation. Jilbert Winery, 1496 Columbia Rd., Valley City. Call Jean Holland at 330-350-6430 for time and ticket prices.

4/19-5/24 Drawing Classes with Diane Keske Talmadge For teens and adults. In this six-week class, you’ll learn basic drawing: value study, shading and perspective. Work at your own level with individual instruction. Bring an inexpensive 16”x20” drawing tablet, assorted drawing pencils, charcoal

The Knights A Chamber Orchestra

Performing the works of Ives, Frank, Barber, Golijov, Bielawa & Copland

April 10, 2012 l 7:30pm at EJ Thomas Performing Arts Hall, The University of Akron Concert Sponsors:

Season Support:

The Gertrude F. Orr Trust Advised Fund The Lloyd L. & Louise K. Smith Foundation

Call 330.972.7570 for Tickets www.akronlife.com

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and erasers. Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 W. Mill St., Peninsula. 2-4 p.m. $81 for members, $90 for nonmembers. www.dktalmadgefinearts.com 4/19 Kinderealm: Animal Babies For children 3 to 6. Includes a craft and hike to look for animal homes.

Registration begins 3/27. Furnace Run Metro Park, Brushwood Area, 4995 Townsend Rd., Richfield.

10:30 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065 4/19 Akron Roundtable: Gary Garfield Garfield is the CEO and president of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. Quaker Square Inn, The University of Akron, 135 S. Broadway, Akron. 11:45 a.m. $20. www. akronroundtable.org 4/19 Thursday Movies @Main: “Real Steel” A science-fiction action-adventure starring Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, Anthony Mackie and Dakota Goyo. Rated PG-13. Akron-Summit County Public Library, Main Library, 60 S. High St., Akron.

6:30 p.m. Free. www.akronlibrary.org 4/19 Murmurs and Mystical Visions Matthew Sutton traces how folk art icon Howard Finster’s career benefited from the unlikely patronage and connoisseurship of Athens, GA, rock band R.E.M. in the 1980s. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. $5-$7; free for members. www.

AkronArtMuseum.org

4/20 Jerry Seinfeld Back by popular demand, Seinfeld is returning to his first love: stand-up comedy. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. $47-$77. www.akroncivic.com 4/20 and 4/21 Pollywogs to Frogs’ Children’s Consignment Event Don’t pay full-price for kids’ clothes, shoes, toys, books and baby items. St. Thomas Banquet Hall, 555 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Fairlawn. Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with a 30 percent discount all day on certain items. $1 admission. www.pollywogstofrogs.com 4/20 and 4/21 The Annual Rock Is Dead Festival Two days, 20 bands, two stages, one unforgettable musical experience. The Outpost Concert Complex, 4962 State Rt. 43, Kent. Log on for times, ticket prices and bands. www.anatomymusicgroup.com 4/20-4/22 NOADA Art Expo 2012 Northeast Ohio art dealers showcase and sell their wares. Among UIF QBSUJDJQBOUT JT "LSPO T )BSSJT 4UBOUPO (BMMFSZ Show opens Friday with a wine and cheese reception.

MOCA Cleveland, 8501 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland.

Fri., 5-9 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.

Free.

4/20-5/6 “Driving Miss Daisy” A warm-hearted, humorous and affecting study of the unlikely relationship between an aging, crotchety white Southern lady and a proud, soft-spoken black man.

The Players Guild Theatre, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton. Call for showtimes. $11. 330-453-7617 4/20 Collage Techniques with Gretchen Bierbaum Based on Bierbaum’s new book, “Creating Collage in All Dimensions Techniques to Alter and Transfer Images.” Well-behaved children are invited to sign up with a parent. Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 W. Mill St., Peninsula. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $45 for PAA and National Collage Society members; $50 for nonmembers. www.peninsulaartacademy.com

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akronlife

4/21-4/28 Clean Up Akron Week For this one week, Keep Akron Beautiful will provide free cleanup supplies and arrange for free disposal. The first 1,000 volunteers to register receive free admission to the Akron Zoo for the annual volunteer appreciation picnic 4/28 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. To get registration form, call 330-375-2116 or register online at www.keepakronbeautiful.org.

4/21-4/28 Earth Week Gift Shop Special Receive 15 percent off Ohio-made recycled glass sun catchers, made by a non-profit whose proceeds support social services. The gift shop also offers other eco-friendly items made in the USA. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron.

330-865-8065 4/21 and 4/28 Beginning Watercolor with Nicki Lanzi Join Lanzi’s “no stress” beginning class and learn negative painting, glazing and more, as well as info on brushes, paints, papers and composition.

You’ll begin with basic landscapes, seascapes and still-life paintings, and practice different techniques.

All levels welcome. Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 W. Mill St., Peninsula. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $45 members; $50 non-members. 330-657-2248 4/21 Hike and Breakfast Join the Nature Realm chefs for a spring hike and breakfast. Registration begins 4/16. Participants will contribute to the feast.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 8 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065 4/21 Morning Bird Hike Enjoy a guided bird walk with a naturalist to enjoy the last views of winter birds and the first views of early migrants. Silver Creek Metro Park, Pheasant Run Area, 5000 Hametown Rd., Norton. 10 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065 4/21 Kendal’s Founding Day Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the founding of Kendal, Ohio.

Enjoy free pioneer games and activities, learn about the canal, attend a Quaker meeting, take a tour of Spring Hill. Food and drink available for purchase.

Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org 4/21 Fused Glass Flower Pendant with Marianne Hite Create your own unique flower pendant from hand-pulled glass petals provided. Make one for a gift and one for yourself. They’re fired overnight and can be picked up on a designated date. Bring a friend or child 8 and up. Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 W. Mill St., Peninsula. 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $40 members; $45 non-members. Plus $15 material fee. 330-657-2248 4/21 Easy and Fast Entertaining with Sauces Author of eight award-winning cookbooks, Chef George Geary will teach students how to make their menus pop with delicious sauces. The Cucina at Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 11 a.m.2 p.m. $115. 330-497-1000 4/21 Party for the Planet Learn about what we can to help the environment. Local exhibitors will offer information on green practices, plus giveaways.

Crafts, activities, animal encounters and visits from Conrad Conservation. Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular admission rates apply; free for members. www.akronzoo.org 4/21 The Blessing of the Sheep Annual ceremony featuring fiber artists and craftsmen, bagpipe music and a border collie demonstration. The Spicy Lamb Farm, Peninsula. Noon-4 p.m. $8 adults, $5 children. www.thespicylambfarm.com

april 2012

4/21 Kip and Suzi Petroff These Dallasbased authors will be discussing their book, “Battling Goliath: Inside a $22 Billion Legal Scandal” and signing copies. Barnes & Noble, 4015 Medina Rd., Akron. 3 p.m.

Free. 330-665-5199 4/21 Raising the Roof: Lake Erie Island Bash A fundraiser for Medina Creative Housing. Enjoy food and fare from the Lake Erie Islands, bid on live and silent auction items, and groove to the music of Pat Dailey. Weymouth Country Club, 3946 Weymouth Rd., Medina. 6-10:30 p.m. For ticket prices, log on to www.medinacreativehousing.com.

4/21 American Visions: 60th Anniversary Concert Christopher Wilkins conducts the Akron Symphony in this world premiere of Zahab’s “Akron Chronogram” and works by Brubeck and Dvorak. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 8 p.m. Call for ticket prices. 330535-8131 4/21 Lights – The Ultimate Journey Re-enactment Band A VIP ticket gets you into a private party, backstage passes to the private sky box viewing area, a private acoustic set with the band, valet parking, hearty appetizers, desserts and private bar. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8:30 p.m. $10$80. www.akroncivic.com 4/22 Cruising Australia For the past five years, Chef George Geary has been teaching cooking classes aboard the Holland America Lines cruise ships. Take a culinary adventure to “the land down under” with Geary, and sample Australia’s multicultural cuisine.

The Cucina at Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $115. 330-497-1000 4/22 Earth Day Open House Join naturalists for an afternoon of green ideas, the chance to make your own recycled bandana and more. Donate items that can be reused in future programs: water bottles, 2-liter pop bottles, lids from milk and juice, buttons and beads. You can also recycle paper, cell phones and accessories. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. Noon-4 p.m. Free.

330-865-8065 4/22 Spring at Springfield Bog Join a naturalist for a springtime discovery of what’s happening in the prairie. Wear shoes that can get muddy, and bring binoculars. Springfield Bog Metro Park, 1400 Portage Line Rd., Springfield Twp. 1 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 4/22 Canton Cougars vs. Johnstown Generals Cheer on your hometown team in the Ultimate Indoor Football League. Canton Memorial Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave. N., Canton. 4 p.m. Call for ticket prices.

330-588-8000

4/22 Yom HaShoah/Holocaust Commemoration A Yom HaShoah/Holocaust commemoration, including a memorial service, candle lighting and guest speaker Max Edelman, a blind Holocaust survivor who’ll share his story of triumph and ultimate victory over cruelty and bigotry. Shaw JCC, 750 White Pond Dr., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. www.shawjcc.org

4/22 Imagination Movers Featuring Rich, Scott, Dave and Smitty, of the Emmywinning Disney Channel TV series. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. $24.50-$38.50. www. akroncivic.com

4/22 Akron Symphony Chorus’ Spring Concert Conductor Maria Sensi Sellner leads the chorus in a concert of works by Rutter, Finzi and Bernstein. St. Sebastian Church, 476 Mull Ave., Akron. 3 p.m. Call for ticket prices. 330-535-8131

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4/23 Celebrate Earth Day Celebrate 42 years of environmental achievements, followed by a hike to take in the sights, sounds and smells of spring. Sand Run Metro Park, Shady Hollow Pavilion, 1750 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron. 10 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065 4/23 Earth Day Recycling Drive Recycle your paper and electronic waste: phone books, magazines, books, batteries, cell phones, radios, VCRs and more. TVs, computer monitors and small appliances not accepted. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Pavilion, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 5-7 p.m. Free. 330867-5511 4/23 Victor Samalot Solo guitarist. The Winery at Wolf Creek, 2637 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Norton.

7-9 p.m. Free. 800-436-0426 4/24 Brown Bag Lunch: “Massillon Major Leaguers” A roundtable discussion with David Lundquist, Richard Kettler, David Schultz and Roland Centrone.

Bring lunch, or buy one at the Chit Chat Coffee Shoppe. Free coffee and cookies. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

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23

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4/24 Cooking with Amanda New and seasonal recipes featuring Wolf Creek wines and fresh produce and herbs from Dayton Nursery, along with demos of the dishes prepared, food and wine samples, and recipes to try at home. The Winery at Wolf Creek, 2637 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Norton. 5:30 p.m. $15 prepayment. 800-436-0426

4/28 Brunswick Early Childhood PTA’s Kids Sale Spring and summertime items for kids: bikes, wagons, strollers and more. Brunswick High East Cafe, 3581 Center Rd., Brunswick. 9 a.m.-noon. $1; $3 for earlybird shopping at 8 a.m. www.becpta.com

4/24 Spring in the Hollow Join a naturalist for a hike, looking for the colors of the season. Hampton Hills Metro Park, Main Entrance, 2925 AkronPeninsula Rd., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 4/25 Heart-Healthy Hike A naturalist answers your nature and history questions on this steady stroll of the 1.8-mile Dogwood Trail. Sand Run Metro Park, Wadsworth Area, 1400 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron. 10 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065 4/25 Jim Gill & Cathy Miller Singer/songwriter and fiddle. The Winery at Wolf Creek, 2637 S. ClevelandMassillon Rd., Norton. 7-9 p.m. Free. 800-436-0426 4/25 The Big Read One-act original plays, related to the short stories of Edgar Allan Poe, performed by Washington High School students. Funded by The National Endowment for the Arts. Washington High School auditorium, 1 Paul Brown Dr. SE, Massillon. 7 p.m. Free. www.massillon.sparcc.org

4/27 and 4/28 “The Secret Garden” Young Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle and cousin following the death of her parents. While living at the manor house, she discovers a secret walled garden hidden in the grounds and releases the magic and adventures locked inside. The Hudson Players, The Barlow Community Center, 41 S. Oviatt St., Hudson. 8 p.m. $12-$14. www.hudsonplayers.com

4/26 Lunchtime Akron History Hike See Akron through the skywalks with tour leaders from the Summit County Historical Society and Metro Parks.

Bring a bagged lunch and an umbrella, just in case.

Lock 3, Akron History Exhibit, 200 S. Main St., Akron.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 4/26 Cooking with Sandy This class will focus on “Savoring Ohio: A Tribute to Ohio Gourmet Foods.”

Root Candles, 623 W. Liberty St., Medina. 6-7 p.m. $15. 330-723-4359 for reservations.

4/26 Thursday Movies @Main: “Tower Heist” A caper comedy starring Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck, Alan Alda and Matthew Broderick.

Rated PG-13. Akron-Summit County Public Library, Main Library, 60 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. www.akronlibrary.org 4/26 Spanish Wines and Tapas Wine expert Dave Baloun will select varietal blends representing the most important wine regions of Spain, and Chef Victoria Todd-Smith will delight you with authentic tapas. The Cucina at Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 7-9 p.m. $60. 330-497-1000 4/27-4/29 17th Annual Adventures in Stamping Learn the latest crafting techniques at this rubber stamping convention. John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron. Go to www.adventuresinstamping.com for times and ticket prices.

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akronlife

4/28 Rainbarrel Workshop Learn why these barrels are good for you, and then build one with a naturalist.

Registration begins 4/3. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 11 a.m. $70 single barrel, $30 linking barrels; fees due 4/20. 330865-8065 4/28 North Canton YMCA Healthy Kids Day A Family Health and Safety Expo, activities, snacks, games, door prizes and more. North Canton YMCA, 200 S. Main St., Canton. Noon-3 p.m. Free. www. ymcastark.org 4/28 Kids’ Fishing Kids ages 15 and under will learn the basics. A few rods and reels available. Bait provided. Adults not permitted to fish. Firestone Metro Park, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron. 1-3 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065

4/25 Bach’s “Brandenburg Concertos” A concert

by Apollo’s Fire. Fairlawn Lutheran Church, 3415 W. Market St., Fairlawn. 7:30 p.m. $20-$58; free for fulltime students under 30. www.apollosfire.org 4/25 Art Battle Round 4 contestants Scot Phillips, Sandi Thouvenin and Joe Cortese compete for a solo show in Massillon Museum’s Studio M. Bender’s, 50 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 8-10 p.m. Free.

Massillonmuseum.org

4/28 ArtforKids: Fused Glass Bugs with Marianne Hite Ages 8 and up. Design a beautiful glass bug with legs of metal fired into the glass. Allow 1-2 weeks to pickup, or we can mail it to you. Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 W. Mill St., Peninsula. 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $40 members; $45 non-members. 330657-2248

4/28 Akron Aeros vs. Altoona Curve Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. 1:05 p.m. $5-$9 in advance; $6-$10 day of game; children 3 and under are free. www.akronaeros.com

4/27 Three Stooges Film Festival Don’t miss the Curly Shuffle at intermission.

Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. North, Canton. Doors open at 7 p.m. $6. www.cantonpalacetheatre.org 4/27 Akron Aeros vs. Altoona Curve Fireworks show post-game. Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron.

7:05 p.m. $5-$9 in advance; $6-$10 day of game; children 3 and under are free. www.akronaeros.com 4/27 Lantern Hike Explore the sights and sounds of a spring evening on this strenuous and rugged 1.8mile lantern hike with a naturalist. Bring your own flashlights or lanterns. O’Neil Woods Metro Park, Trail Lot, 2550 Martin Rd., Bath. 8 p.m. Free. 330865-8065

4/28 and 4/29 Spring Fabulous Food Show The first-ever Cleveland edition of the Spring Fabulous Food Show pays homage to the masters of the flame, including Fabulous Food Show favorite Bobby Flay and first-time appearances by Emeril Lagasse, “Barbeque Bible” grilling authority Steven Raichlen and Weber Grills’ Jamie Purviance. I-X Center, Route 237, adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins Airport.

Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $25 advance, $30 at the door. www. fabulousfoodshow.com

april 2012

4/28 MasterWorks Concert – Sound the Trumpets! The Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps joins forces with the Canton Symphony Orchestra’s brass section to perform Janácek’s “Sinfonietta,” featuring 25 brass players. Next, Jongen’s “Sinfonia Concertante” features Peter Richard Conte, the Grand Court Organist of the famous Wanamaker Organ in Philadelphia. The program will finish with Khatchaturian’s “Symphony No. 3.” Umstattd Performing Arts Hall, 2323 17th St. NW, Canton. 8 p.m. Call for ticket prices. www.cantonsymphony.org 4/29 “Fix It” Painting Workshop with Diane K. Talmadge Do you have half-finished paintings? Or is there something you want to paint but don’t know how to start? Bring in your “problems” and your paints, and this teacher will help you find solutions.

Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 W. Mill St., Peninsula.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. $45 members; $50 non-members.

330-657-2248 4/29 Nature’s Treasure Hunt Learn about nature’s treasures through this hunt full of rhymes, riddles and family activities with a naturalist. Liberty Park, Recreation Area, 9385 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg. 1 p.m.

Free. 330-865-8065 4/29 Akron Aeros vs. Altoona Curve Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. 1:05 p.m. $5-$9 in advance; $6-$10 day of game; children 3 and under are free. www.akronaeros.com 4/29 Nature Realm Book Club This month’s selection is “Following the Water: A Hydromancer’s Notebook” by David M. Carroll, available at the Nature Realm for 10 percent off. Warm drinks provided. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 2 p.m. Free. 330-8658065

FANFARE 2012 4/29 Akron Youth Symphony’s Spring Concert Conductor Levi Hammer leads this concert of works

by Wagner and Tchaikovsky. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 3 p.m. Call for ticket prices. 330-535-8131 4/29 Dottering Diva: Soprano Jean Blair and Friends Throughout her 41 years teaching and performing at the UA School of Music, Blair has personified grace, beauty and humor. This is her final faculty recital, followed by a reception. Guzzetta Recital Hall, 139 E. Buchtel Ave., Akron. 3 p.m. $5-$10; free for UA students with ZipCard.

330-972-8301 4/29 Drag Bingo Play bingo, and stay for the drag show. Admission fee includes five games of bingo, complimentary appetizers and the show. Advance reservations suggested. Community AIDS Network, 895 N. Main St., Akron. 5-9:30 p.m. $20. www.canapi.org

AKRON SYMPHONY’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY

BLACK TIE FUNDRAISER

May 19, 2012 | 6pm Hilton Akron/Fairlawn SOTHEBY-STYLE LIVE AUCTION, DINNER & DANCING

4/30-6/15 Spring Show 2012 Presented by the Women’s Art League of Akron. Artist reception: 5/4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Seiberling Gallery at Hines Hill Center, 1403 W. Hines Hill Rd., Peninsula. Free. 330-6572909 4/30 Evening Book Club This month’s selection is “One Thousand White Women” by Jim Fergus. Bring a friend. Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave., Barberton. 6 p.m. Free. www.barbertonlibrary.org

For tickets, event details or to become a sponsor, call 330.535.8131 or email fanfare@akronsymphony.org

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Call for an Appointment Today

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4322 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. Norton, OH 44203 www.akronlife.com

25

For event listings in akronlife, please go to our website

4/30 Lovely Lemons Chef Marilou Suszko will teach students to make Morroccan Preserved Lemons, a Lively Mediterranean Salad, Pasta with Scallops and Bacon, Chicken Piccata, Grilled Salmon Filets with Lemon Ginger Butter, Lemon Tuiles and Lemon Curd.

The Cucina at Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $75. 330-497-1000 4/30 Alexis Antes Pop, rock, folk. The Winery at Wolf Creek, 2637 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Norton.

7-9 p.m. Free. 800-436-0426 4/30 Akron Aeros vs. Binghamton Mets Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. 7:05 p.m. $5-$9 in advance; $6-$10 day of game; children 3 and under are free. www.akronaeros.com

May 2012 5/1-6/30 Spree For All Hikers on foot and those with strollers, wheelchairs, walkers and canes will enjoy flat, easy trails during this 9th-annual hiking series. Complete at least five hikes to receive rewards. For info, call 330-865-8065 or visit summitmetroparks.org.

5/1 Akron Aeros vs. Binghamton Mets Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. 7:05 p.m. $5-$9 in advance; $6-$10 day of game; children 3 and under are free. www.akronaeros.com

5/3 Film Screening: “Rock My Religion” Preacher and artist Howard Finster and rock band R.E.M. may seem like strange collaborators, but artist Dan Graham’s video art piece “Rock My Religion” makes a strong argument that religion and rock are more interconnected than we think. The film features original music by Glenn Branca and Sonic Youth.

Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. www.AkronArtMuseum.org 5/3 Akron Aeros vs. Binghamton Mets Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. 7:05 p.m. $5-$9 in advance; $6-$10 day of game; children 3 and under are free. www.akronaeros.com 5/4-5/12 “Miss Nelson Has a Field Day” Viola Swamp, the meanest substitute teacher in the whole world, returns to Horace B. Smedley School and finds the Smedley Tornadoes haven’t scored a single point all season. Will “The Swamp” turn them from football zeroes to heroes? For ages 5 and up. Magical Theatre Company, 565 Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton. Call for showtimes. $9-$13. www.magicaltheatre.org

5/5 Resnik CLC’s Annual Reverse Raffle/ Auction Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with friends of Resnik CLC and raise money for the school. Todaro’s Party Center, 1820 Akron-Peninsula Rd., Akron. 7-11 p.m. For details, call the school at 330-873-3370.

5/4, 5/11, 5/18 and 5/25 Bird Walk: Friday Firestone Feathers & Friends For new and experienced birdwatchers. Join a naturalist every Friday morning for spring bird walks along the Tuscarawas River migratory flyway. Binoculars recommended. Firestone Metro Park, Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron. 7:30 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065

5/5 and 5/6 Coppelia The Ballet Theatre of Ohio presents this light-hearted whimsical ballet filled with old-world charm. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. Sat., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. $18$40. www.akroncivic.com

5/4 Show and Tell Me a Story For kids 1 and older.

Join a naturalist for this story time with puppets, songs, activities and a craft. Registration begins 4/27.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Free. 330865-8065

5/2 Heart-Healthy Hike A naturalist answers your nature and history questions on this steady stroll of the 1.8-mile Glens Trail. Gorge Metro Park, Main Entrance, 1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls. 10 a.m.

Free. 330-865-8065

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5/5 The Almost-Vegetarian Tourist Many are limiting their meat intake for health, economic or environmental reasons. Utilizing vegetables, legumes and grains is delicious, healthy, cheap and sustainable. Join Chef Carla Snyder for a flavorful tour of the rich world of almost-vegetarian cuisine.

The Cucina at Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE,

5/5 NEO Roller Derby bout Watch NEO Roller Derby take on other leagues from Ohio and surrounding states. All home bouts are doubleheaders. Summit County Fairgrounds Arena, 1100 North Ave., Tallmadge. Doors open at 5 p.m. $12 advance; $15 at the door; free for kids 12 and under. www.neorollerderby.com

5/2 Josh Buskirk Instrumental blues guitar. The Winery at Wolf Creek, 2637 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Norton. 7-9 p.m. Free. 800-436-0426

5/3-5/20 “See How They Run” Against a backdrop of mistaken identities and outrageous situations, you’ll meet a former actress, her husband the vicar, a Cockney maid and a woman whose lips have never touched alcohol — all of whom create blissful hilarity.

Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron. Call for showtimes. $15-$21. 330-836-2626

330-865-8065

Canton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $75. 330-497-1000

5/2 Day Book Club This month’s selection is “Bliss Remembered” by Frank DeFord. Bring a friend. Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave., Barberton. 10:30 a.m. Free. www.barbertonlibrary. org

5/2 Akron Aeros vs. Binghamton Mets Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. 7:05 p.m. $5-$9 in advance; $6-$10 day of game; children 3 and under are free. www.akronaeros.com

5/5 Kinderealm: Bees Children 3 to 6 and adult companions will learn about one of nature’s busiest creatures. Includes a hike and craft. Registration begins 4/26. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 10:30 a.m. Free.

5/5 and 5/6 The 21st Annual International Battle of Magicians Spectacular magic acts from around the world, including Jason Hudy, Kerry Pollock, Eric Buss, Trigg Watson, Amber Alberts, Mr. Mysto and the battle award winner. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. Sat. show, 8 p.m. Sun. show, 2 p.m. $25. www. battleofmagicians.com

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5/6 Whole Wheat Bread for Beginners Chef Kathy Lehr will show students how to make healthy, wholegrain breads in their own kitchen. The Cucina at Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 11 a.m.2 p.m. $75. 330-497-1000 5/6 Spring at Springfield Bog Join a naturalist for a springtime discovery of what’s happening in the prairie. Wear shoes that can get muddy, and bring binoculars. Springfield Bog Metro Park, 1400 Portage Line Rd., Springfield Twp. 1 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 5/6 Wildflowers at The Ledges Join naturalists to search for wildflowers that have returned since this land was preserved. Bring cameras and binoculars.

Liberty Park, Twinsburg Ledges Area, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg. 2 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065

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Goodwill’s Sixth Annual Taste of Vintage Event About 465 people attended Goodwill Industries’ Sixth Annual Taste of Vintage Event Nov. 17 at Quaker Station in Akron. As Goodwill’s signature fundraiser, this event was co-chaired by Julie and James Merklin.

Russ Vernon, retired chairman of West Point Market, was honored at the event for his significant contributions of time, talent and treasure in support of Goodwill and other community organizations.

Partygoers sampled food from 15 area restaurants and specialty businesses and bid on over 120 packages as part of the evening’s silent auction.

Rounding out the evening was A Vintage Voyage. Forty models wore garments from Goodwill’s Vintage Clothing Collection, which spans the roaring ’20s through the disco era.

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1. Angela Bateman 2. Laura Fink 3. Auction table 4. Gretchen Giannatti 5. Honoree Russ Vernon

YMCA Friday@5 Silent and Oral Auction The University Park YMCA and event sponsor Dr. Geraldine McDonald Carter, Ph.D., LLC, hosted the 17th Annual Friday@5 Silent & Oral Auction Feb. 3 at Portage Country Club.

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1. Akron Area YMCA President/CEO Doug Kohl, Cazzell Smith Sr. and Michelle Smith 2. John Cassiday and Grady Appleton 3. Event sponsor Dr. Geraldine McDonald Carter and Michael Robinson, executive director of University Park YMCA

Friday@5 participants enjoyed a “grazing” dinner, dessert buffet, beverages and an evening of fun, bidding on auction items such as an African safari adventure, Hilton Head and Orlando condos, a hot air balloon ride, Akron Aeros loge and more.

This year, 213 people attended the event, and $34,100 was raised to benefit the Akron Area YMCA’s Partners With Youth Annual Giving Campaign. In 2011, the campaign provided more than 4,300 kids, teens and families with the experience of day camps, child care, swim lessons and additional programs offered through the Y. www.akronlife.com

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april 2012

by Mary Ethridge and photos by Shane Wynn

Curious what your neighbor makes?

Or if you’re underpaid?

Take a peek.

You know you want to.

With all the noise these past few years about the economy — Occupy Wall Street, the other 99 percent, credit-default swaps, Greece’s meltdown, Freddie Mac, Solyara, etc., etc. — we’ve become a nation obsessed with the “haves” and “have nots” — and just where, exactly, we fit into that picture.

Be honest now, have you ever tried to get a peek at your pod-mate’s pay stub? Did you ever brood for days when you found out that your (inept) colleague makes more than you?

Have you ever, perhaps in a petulant mood, driven slowly past the palatial homes in the Akron area — like those perched on Top O’ the Hill Drive in Bath or ensconced in the old-money hive of Fairlawn Heights — and wondered just what the owners do for a living?

Once upon a time, there was no need for such crass curiosity. One was born into a family of certain station and remained there until death. But with the Industrial Revolution and the influx of hopeful immigrants, Americans began to define themselves more by their work than by their birth, making the rote introductory question, “What do you do?” — with its subtext, “How much do you make?” — far more common than the gentile, “Are you of the Newport Higgenbothams?”

Adding to the mystery, it’s easier to live well (and look wealthy) in Akron, since a dollar goes further here. Akron’s cost of living is 14.2 percent lower than the U.S. average. Of course, Akron’s average salary of $45,706 is lower, too — about 7 percent lower than the national average. (But if you do that math, we come out ahead.) If you want to feel really good, our cost of living is 30 percent lower than Los Angeles, while our average wage is only 14 percent less.

Akron’s average salary — $45,706 — is 7 percent lower than the U.S. average.

And wouldn’t you rather have a mansion on Turkeyfoot Lake than a hovel on Santa Monica pier? (OK, don’t answer that.) My point is this: Many of us are forever seeking the informational passkeys to permanent residence in the land of home theaters and lap pools. Let me help you out a bit. (And certainly, all that driving around town wastes gas, especially at these prices.)

The salary smorgasbord presented here includes a look at the latest numbers for the Akron metropolitan statistical area (MSA) — brought to you courtesy of your tax dollars and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. See how your paycheck stacks up.

Along with those numbers, I’ve profiled a handful of Akronites in both the public and private sectors, representing different education levels and skills. For example, I chose a surgeon because, as a group, they represent Akron’s highest-paying profession. I picked a polymer saleswoman since polymers and sales jobs are important to Akron’s economy. I also wanted to profile someone — in this case, photographer Ken Love — who was proving the averages wrong (in a good way).

And what he and the others interviewed here have to say about their work and their money may just give you some of that information you need to unlock the gates to Swankyland.

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around by myself in a seven-year-old car with a camera trying to do it all.”

“These days, it’s just me.

I even put on my own make-up.”

These days, the 43-year-old veteran journalist is what’s called an “MMJ” — short for multimedia journalist, otherwise known as a one-man band. He reports his own stories, writes the copy, videotapes the interviews (with the help of a locking tripod), edits the video, narrates (called voicing over) and writes the introduction for the anchor. And then he Tweets, blogs and Facebooks about it.

In the good old days of TV journalism, about a decade ago or so, four people would typically work on a single story.

“These days, it’s just me. I even put on my own make-up,” says Mansfield. “I feel sorry for the kids just getting into the business now because they’re not working alongside anyone to show them the ropes. I learned alongside some great journalists.”

And long gone are the large salaries TV stations showered on big (and big-haired) talent.

ERIC MANSFIELD Anchor, Multimedia Journalist Average area salary for radio/TV announcers: $39,420 Mansfield’s annual salary: off the record When people tell Akron native Eric Mansfield he has such a glamorous job as a news reporter and weekend anchor for WKYC-TV, Channel 3, he laughs and suggests they follow him around for a day. Long gone are the days when television anchors were expected only to sit in make-up for an hour, saunter onto the set a few minutes before showtime, sit in the anchor chair and read — convincingly — what had been written for them.

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“Every once in a while, someone will come straight out of a beauty pageant and into the anchor chair making a lot of money, but that’s rare,” he says. “Some of the major anchors still make decent money, but it’s not the kind of huge money they used to make.”

With so much competition from alternative entertainment, the 6 o’clock news is no longer must-see TV. And that means less ad revenue to bolster hefty salaries for stars.

Mansfield’s wife, Lisa, teaches. Between their two incomes, they’re able to raise their three boys with most of life’s nice things, but it’s not easy.

“Look, I’m the No. 2 guy at Channel 3, and I’m not getting rich,” he says. “I’m riding

april 2012

Those thinking about going into journalism should do it, says Mansfield, because they believe in the power of the press to change lives for the better. They also need to love the fast-paced and unpredictable.

“All that bit about comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable is true about good journalism,” says Mansfield. “If that’s your motivation, you’ll never find a better job. I get to do something different every day.

I never know what’s going to happen. That’s the excitement. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

AMMENAH Belly Dancing Instructor/Business Owner Average area salary for teacher/instructor (unlisted): $32,030 Ammenah’s annual salary: $25,000ish A little more than a decade ago, Toni Kearns was a wife, mother and project manager at Davey Tree in Kent, making a solid, mid-level executive’s salary — when she took a leave to take care of her husband’s ailing aunt.

“They’ve become confident women by the time they leave the studio.”

After the aunt passed away, Kearns had “a gut feeling” it was time to pursue her love of belly dancing — an art with ancient origins. While many theories exist, most scholars agree that belly dancing started primarily in Egypt and Northern India as a dance that women in a tribe performed to encourage a woman in labor. In fact, fitness experts say that many of the moves in belly dancing are similar to those currently used to ease labor pains.

“It’s a dance style performed by women for women,” says Kearns, who now goes by the Arabic name Ammenah, meaning honest and

“If you tell me I can’t do something, I’ll do everything I can to prove you wrong.”

KEN LOVE Commercial Photographer Average area salary for photographers: $28,500 Love’s annual salary: 200k+

faithful. And it was this spirit of women-helping-women that convinced Ammenah she’d found her calling.

Although there were a handful of belly dancing teachers in Ohio at the time, there was no studio dedicated to it. So Ammenah opened Visions of the Nile in West Akron. There, she charges $64 for six weeks of group classes and $50 an hour for private lessons.

Luckily, Hollywood cooperated with Ammenah’s business plan by bringing to the forefront artists such as Shakira and Britney Spears, who borrow heavily from classic belly dancing, juggernauting it into the mainstream.

Most of Ammenah’s clients, however, aren’t aspiring to pop stardom; they just want to feel better about their bodies and gain some confidence. While many of her clients do lose weight, it’s the change within that most pleases Ammenah.

“They have a glow. They carry themselves well,” she says. “They’ve become confident women by the time they leave the studio.

That’s my reward.”

When Ken Love left his job as photographer at the Akron Beacon Journal in 2008 after 20 years in photojournalism to go solo, plenty of people said he’d fail. After all, there were hundreds of photographers in Northeast Ohio who already had a lock on the most lucrative segments: senior portraits and weddings. And the money wasn’t big. The average salary for an Akron photographer is $28,500, less than half of what Love was making as a Beacon staff photographer.

But Love was unfazed. He had studied photography at art schools in Rhode Island and Pittsburgh and had a wall of awards to back up his skill, including the coveted Ohio Photographer of the Year title bestowed by the Associated Press. Another plus, he says, is that he’s always been completely dedicated to his profession.

“I’m a photographer,” says Love. “I’m not a guy who works on cars or taxes and then takes pictures on the side.”

Still, the naysayers said he was crazy to leave the security of the Beacon, especially since he’d just gotten married and purchased a home/studio on seven acres in Copley Township.

“That’s the wrong thing to say. If you tell me I can’t do something, I’ll do everything I can to prove you wrong,” he says.

According to Love, it didn’t take him more than a year to surpass his financial goals, and he now brings home at least quadruple what he made at the paper. In fact, for his 43rd birthday recently, he celebrated by buying himself a luxury Rolex. “I felt a little guilty about it, but I wanted to reward myself for all the hard work,” he says. “I knew I’d earned it.”

Love makes a lot of money, he says, because he works a lot. Most days began at 7 a.m. and end at midnight. And he works seven days a week.

“There are people who just want to put in their time, get a paycheck and go home.

That’s fine,” says Love. “They can come work for me.”

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Jobs & Wages for Akron Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

*Jobs with an asterisk represent people profiled in the article.

“No one ever leaves here, so we’re just like family.”

Job

Average Annual Wage

Management (Total)

$104,330

Chief Executives

$180,230

Sales Managers

$109,900

IT Managers

$104,740

HR Managers

$102,850

Education Managers

$89,770

Industrial Managers

$90,980

Food Service Managers

$47,020

typed, answered phones and filled out forms.

She eventually ended up working several years at Garfield High School, where she developed some close friendships with staff members and students. She now works at the APS headquarters building downtown as a clerk in the human resources department — doing “basically whatever they ask me to,” she says.

Med/Health Managers

$86,850

“We’ve all been here forever,” she says. “No one ever leaves here, so we’re just like family.”

Business & Financial Jobs (Total)

$59,420

Purchasing Agents

$55,510

Accountants/Auditors

$65,810

Personal Finance Advisors

$76,550

Management Analyst

$72,100

Financial Examiners

$79,400

Tax Preparers

$38,690

Event Planners

$35,630

Education, Training & Library (Total) $50,340

Though Frost hasn’t had a raise in four years due to budget cuts, you won’t catch her complaining.

“I have a job I really like that pays me pretty well. I have good friends here,” she says.

“Those are the important things.”

PHILLIP GOLDEN ANNIE FROST

Sanitation Worker, City of Akron

Clerk, Akron Public Schools

Average area salary for refuse/recycling workers: $31,340

Average area salary for office clerks: $26,700

Golden’s annual salary: $31,040

Frost’s annual salary: $33,000 Annie Frost has worked for the Akron Public Schools for 27 years, although she hadn’t planned to make a career of it.

She spent two years in college at Otterbein studying public relations but had to take a break to make some money. At the time, a lot of her friends were trying to get jobs with public schools, known for providing steady work with decent pay.

Her father introduced her to an Akron Public Schools administrator, who hired her as a substitute clerk. At first, she was a floater, traveling wherever she was needed. She filed, 32

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Business Professors

$54,270

Computer Professors

$70,540

Health Specialties Professors

$102,250

Art, Drama, Music Professors

$46,690

Elementary School Teacher

$55,600

High School Teacher

$57,890

Librarians

$54,910

*Teachers/instructor (unlisted)

$31,500

Preschool Teachers

$24,300

Computer & Math Jobs (Total)

$66,920

Computer Scientists

$91,720

Software Developers

$77,930

Support Specialists

$44,510

Network Administrators

$63,580

Architecture/Engineering (Total)

$65,550

Phillip Golden joined the City of Akron sanitation services department not long after high school because he knew that without a college education, a job with the government was probably his best bet. And, says Golden, the world will always need trash haulers, making it a career with staying power.

Architects (except landscape)

$66,130

He also appreciates that he’s paid a manageable wage, which helps to support his two children.

“These days, I feel lucky to have a job,” says Golden, “and even luckier to have one I like.”

While some might not like the idea of being a “garbage man,” Golden loves it. And, it’s not april 2012

Chemical Engineers

$88,840

Civil Engineers

$71,900

Electrical Engineers

$74,730

Environmental Engineers

$82,960

Health/Safety Engineers

$64,560

Materials Engineers

$74,710

Mechanical Engineers

$72,190

Survey Technicians

$39,710

Job

Average Annual Wage

Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, Media (Total) $40,190 Art Directors

$72,720

Floral Designers

$21,290

Graphic Designers

$38,340

*Radio/TV Announcers

$39,420

Reporters

$33,740

PR Specialists

$45,630

*Photographers

$28,540

Life, Physical & Social Sciences (Total) $57,020 Physicists

$84,670

Chemists

$59,950

Materials Scientists

$79,320

Environmental Scientists

$66,180

Psychologists

$70,790

Bio-technicians

$34,050

Community & Social Services (Total) $39,920 Drug Counselors

$37,800

School Counselors

$56,820

Child, Family, School, Social Workers

$35,880

Health Teachers

$50,460

Probation Officers

$46,740

Legal Professions (Total)

$76,070

Lawyers

$106,300

Judges

$57,030

Paralegals

$44,070

“These days, I feel lucky to have a job. And even luckier to have one I like.” the same dirty, backbreaking job it once was.

Akron residents put their trash into designated containers, which are then picked up by a robotic arm attached to the garbage truck.

Rarely, says Golden, does he have to get out of the truck and manually haul the trash.

Some days he rides with a colleague; other days, he’s alone. He particularly likes the job he has now: driving the “special” truck designed to help homeowners who can’t haul their cans to the curb. He also likes that he’s not chained to a desk and that he’s always meeting new people — and keeping an eye on the old ones.

“We get to know our customers. It’s an important part of our job. If something’s not right with them, if they’ve gotten sick or something, we’re often the first to know,” he says.

“We make sure they’re taken care of.”

Healthcare Practitioners & Technicians (Total) $73,040 Dentists

$162,590

Pharmacists

$108,810

Family Doctors

$187,360

Ob/Gyns

$225,520

*Surgeons

$246,680

RNs

$62,280

Physical Therapists

$75,980

Vets

$118,030

Dental Hygienists

$63,450

EMT/Paramedics

$28,310

Health Care Support Jobs (Total)

$23,550

Home Health Aides

$19,750

Massage Therapists

$25,770

Dental Assistants

$30,940

Transcriptionists

$31,900

MARY ASHMAN Polymer Sales Average area salary for sales reps/manufacturing: $78,030 Ashman’s annual salary: six figures When Mary Ashman began selling polymers nearly 17 years ago, it was on straight commission. No sales that day? No dinner that night.

These days, the 57-year-old still sells solely on commission. But, she adds with a smile, her pantry is full and her income is a healthy six figures, although some years, those six figures are more robust than others.

“There were times during those early days I ate a lot of noodles, but I managed,” she says

with a laugh. “I just kept at it. I saw it as a challenge.”

Employed by New York-based Matrix Polymers, Ashman sells four types of polymers to both U.S. and Canadian manufacturers.

(Polymers are used to make garbage bags, shrink wrap, plastic lumber, cosmetic bags, water bottles and just about anything else you can think of.) She travels only on occasion, and most of her work is done by phone and computer. Sometimes in her slippers.

“Some people just aren’t cut out to live like this, but I definitely am.”

It may sound ideal, but remember, Ashman has no guaranteed wage. She pays for her own health insurance; she does her own paperwork. Any crisis that comes up is hers to handle. And she eats her mistakes, financially speaking.

Ashman, who once ran a clothing company in New York City, moved back to Akron 18 years ago to be near family and was desperate for work. She came across an ad for a polymer salesperson and was hired immediately, even though she knew almost nothing about polymers. But her business background was considered a plus, and she was willing to work only on commission.

“Some people just aren’t cut out to live like this, but I definitely am,” she says.

Ashman believes she was the only woman in her sales territory when she first started out.

And there are only a few more now. One of the primary requirements for success, then, is being comfortable working with men.

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Job

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard a doctor say they’re in it for the money.”

“First they want to see how much you know.

Once you get over that, they’re fine,” she says.

“And I’m pretty good at just being one of the guys.”

Though the economic downturn hurt her sales dramatically, she’s nowhere near the noodle-eating stage.

“I build strong relationships with my people — the kind that last through the hard times,” she says. “When it’s time for them to order again, they come to me.”

SCOTT WEINER, M.D. Orthopedic, Oncological Surgeon Average area salary for surgeons: $246,680 Weiner’s annual salary: considerably more According to government statistics, there are 30 surgeons in Akron. As a group, they have the highest average salary of any profession here: $246,680. Nationally, orthopedic surgeons — bone guys — make $410,903 on average. But Dr. Scott Weiner is not only a surgeon, he’s an administrator at Summa Health Systems and is paid accordingly.

He’s not the highest-paid surgeon in Akron, but he’s among the top.

and med school. “About $100,000 was average among my friends,” says Weiner, about the debt they graduated with. “Sometimes it was worse.”

Experts bear that out. Loans accumulated through college and medical school can reach $300,527 and take more than 20 years to pay off — depriving a doctor of $788,880 in net income. In addition, doctors work, on average, 60 hours each week — the equivalent of one and a half full-time jobs.

Weiner’s day begins about 6 a.m. with patient rounds and ends after 6 p.m. with evening meetings at the hospital. He’s in surgery three days a week, sees patients in the office one day and spends another couple catching up on administrative work — that’s six 12-hour workdays each week. And he has meetings four to five evenings a month.

For doctors in private practice — unlike Weiner, who’s hospital-affiliated — close to half of their income goes toward maintaining their practice. And that excludes payments on college and med-school debt. These doctors devote about 30 percent of their gross profit toward office overhead, and required licenses and certifications cost about $5,000 annually.

Then, there’s medical malpractice insurance, which can run tens of thousands each year.

With yearly expenses like these — before taxes — a doctor’s seemingly high income vanishes quickly.

Weiner (as do most highly paid doctors) combines patient care with administration. He’s chairman of Summa’s orthopedics department and division chief of oncology services within orthopedics; he sees patients at Akron Children’s Hospital, particularly those with bone and soft-tissue cancers; and he’s a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Northeast Ohio Medical University.

Comments?

He’s blessed, he says, that his parents were able to pay for both his undergraduate work

E-mail them to editor Georgina K. Carson at gcarson@bakermediagroup.com.

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“We do this because we love it,” says Weiner.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard a doctor say they’re in it for the money. That just doesn’t make sense.”

april 2012

Average Annual Wage

Protective Services (Total)

$40,080

Police Supervisors

$72,730

Fire Supervisors

$61,320

Firefighters

$43,640

Police Officers

$52,270

Security Guards

$26,400

Food Preparation (Total)

$19,520

Chefs/Head Cooks

$43,660

Fast Food Cooks

$17,980

Institutional Cooks

$26,710

Bartenders

$17,220

Wait Staff

$18,070

Personal Care & Service jobs (Total)

$23,280

Supervisors

$33,270

Animal Caretakers

$19,050

Funeral Directors

$59,320

Hair Stylists

$26,160

Child Care Workers

$22,600

Fitness Trainers

$26,270

Sales (Total)

$35,280

Supervisors/Retail

$36,750

Cashiers

$18,410

Supervisors/Non-Retail

$84,660

Retail Salesperson

$23,190

Ad Sales

$45,770

Insurance Sales

$65,350

Securities/Financial Sales

$65,720

Real Estate Agents

$47,710

*Sales Reps/Manufacturing

$78,030

Sales Engineers

$92,410

Telemarketers

$21,430

Office & Administration Support Services (Total) $31,350 Supervisors

$47,410

Switchboard Operator

$22,880

Bill Collectors

$31,420

Payroll Clerks

$35,320

Tellers

$24,620

Court Clerks

$35,770

Hotel Clerks

$17,760

411 Dispatchers

$32,670

Mail Carriers

$51,570

Executive Secretaries

$42,440

Secretaries

$30,520

*Office Clerk

$26,700

Job

Average Annual Wage

Farming, Fishing & Forestry (Total)

$26,060

Construction & Extractions (Total)

$44,830

Supervisors

$61,510

Carpenters

$45,350

Laborers

$38,910

Electricians

$51,700

Roofers

$42,660

Plumbers

$45,620

Installation Maintenance & Repair (Total) $41,030 ATM, Computers, Office Machines

$34,230

The Cable Guy

$34,340

Auto Body Repairs

$41,630

Auto Technicians

$35,870

HVAC

$43,070

Production Workers (Total)

$25,870

Metal Fabricators

$39,010

Assembly Workers

$27,020

Meatcutters/Butchers

$29,770

CNC Machinist

$48,190

Laundry/Dry Cleaners

$19,930

Sewer Plant Workers

$43,940

Transportation & Material Moving (Total) $30,530 Commercial Pilot

$63,240

School Bus Drivers

$25,960

*Refuse/Recycling Workers

$31,340

Truck Drivers

$41,850

Taxi Drivers

$19,980

Building, Grounds, Cleaning, Maintenance (Total) $25,270 Supervisors/Housekeeping

$40,560

Supervisors/Landscaping

$51,570

Janitors

$26,370

Maids

$19,780

Pest Control

$35,590

Tree Trimmers

$30,700

THE CEO

Anthony J. Alexander

The Akron area has 513 people who claim the title of chief executive officer, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Their average salary? Just a whiff over $180,000. Not a bad living, right? But where are the mountains of loot we’ve come to associate with CEOs?

Salary $1,328,404 Bonus $0 Value of Stock Awards $4,890,717 Value of Option Awards $0 Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation $2,468,950 Change in Pension Value & Deferred Compensation Earnings $2,883,006 All Other Compensation $56,580

Well, for one thing, the category of CEO includes, for instance, the heads of small nonprofits and one-man bands in which the CEO is the sole employee. Even low-paid educators can be titled CEOs. No big money there.

TOTAL

Plus — and here’s tricky part — salary doesn’t necessarily mean total compensation, which can include such things as extravagant retirement plans, no-interest loans, stock options and a golden parachute with which to escape after carpet bombing the company.

Salary $671,400 Bonus $0 Value of Stock Awards $927,971 Value of Option Awards $0 Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation $1,967,034 Change in Pension Value & Deferred Compensation Earnings $126,173 All Other Compensation $80,120

The Obama administration, rocked by Wall Street’s latest meltdown, has attempted to add some transparency to the reporting of CEO compensation. New laws include a rule that a company must publish the ratio of its CEO’s pay to that of its average worker. In 1980, the nation’s CEO to worker pay ratio was 80 to 1, according to Business Week. Last year, that figure was 213 to 1.

Akron has its share of well-compensated chief executives, as a quick tour of proxy statements of public companies will tell you.

(Private companies don’t have to reveal financial details.)

First Energy Corp.

$11,627,657

In 2010, Alexander made 343 times the median worker’s pay.

Kevin M. McMullen OMNOVA Solutions

TOTAL

$3,772,698

In 2010, McMullen made 111 times the median worker’s pay.

Terry Burman Signet Corp. (Sterling) Salary $1,704,668 Bonus $0 Value of Stock Awards $0 Value of Option Awards $0 Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation $3,111,568 Change in Pension Value & Deferred Compensation Earnings $0 All Other Compensation $6,980,901 TOTAL

$11,797,137

In 2011, Burman made 348 times the median worker’s pay.

www.akronlife.com

35

good eats

restaurants / notable food & drink / Acoustix Cafe An upscale live music club with sandwiches named after famous guitarists. Try the “Joe Satriani” Pastrami with a starter of deep-fried corn-on-the-cob. Open Mon.-Sat. 662 Canton Rd. (Akron) 234-678-6466 $$ L, D, A, T Akron Family Restaurant Neighborhood meeting place, homey atmosphere, reasonable prices. 250 W. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330376-0600 $ B, L, D, T Aladdin’s Eatery Outdoor dining area, tasty Mediterranean cuisine. 782 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330-535-0110; First and Main streets (Hudson) 330-656-0560; 3895 Medina Rd. (Fairlawn) 330-665-3102 $$$ L, D, A, T Al’s Corner Restaurant Old-world comfort food served cafeteria style. Cabbage rolls and sausage made locally are a favorite. 545 W. Tuscarawas Ave. (Barberton) 330-753-7216 $$ L, T Angello’s Historic building with an Italian neighborhood feel. 4905 Tuscarawas St. W. (Canton) 330-477-1486 $$ L, D, A, T

Go to akronlife.com to view more area restaurants.

Arcadia Grille Authentic Italian cuisine with pasta and chops. Breakfast served Sat. and Sun. A local favorite for more than 85 years. 321 Court Ave. (Canton: Downtown) 330-454-6055 $$ B, L, D, A Arnie’s West Branch Steak House Casual dining, specializing in steak, ribs and seafood. Closed Sun. 5343 State Route 14 (Ravenna) 330-297-1717 $$$ D, A, T B Loco Mexican Grill Tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, salads, quesadillas, monster nachos and monster fries. Plus Mexican cannoli and elephant ears. 7216 Fulton Dr. NW (Canton) 330-830-5020 $ L, D, T Babushka’s Kitchen Old World food with a Polish influence. Handmade fresh kielbasa, stuffed cabbage, pierogi, paprikash and more. 9199 Olde Eight Rd. (Northfield Center) 330-468-0402 $$ L, D, T Barley House Hot and cold deli sandwiches, gourmet pizzas, soups and more. 222 S. Main St. (Akron) 330-374-0925 $$ L, D, A, T Beau’s Grille Upscale, well-regarded, innovative menu at the Fairlawn Hilton. 3180 W. Market St. (Fairlawn) 330-865-5577 $$$$ L, D, A, T The Beer Haus Try the Bratwurst, slowed cooked in beer, served with sautéed onions, whole grain mustard and sauerkraut on a pretzel roll. Lunch served weekends only. 1824 Merriman Rd. (Akron: Merriman Valley) 330-865-9510. $$ L, D, A, T

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Belgrade Gardens Famous for fried chicken and home-style cooking. 401 E. State St. (Barberton) 330-745-0113; 3476 Massillon Rd. (Green) 330-8963396 $$$ L, D, A, T Bellacino’s Known for grinders, pizza, pasta and fresh salads. Full bar, patio and banquet room with dance floor. 3657 Fishcreek Rd. (Stow) 330-6783000 $$ L, D, A, T Bender’s Tavern Largest restaurant wine selection in Stark County. Menu features seafood. 137 Court Ave. SW (Canton: Downtown) 330-453-8424 $$$$ L, D, A, T Bennett’s Family Restaurant Comfort food, standard American fare. 13211 Cleveland Ave. NW (Uniontown) 330-699-9291 $ B, L, D, T No credit cards Beside the Point Café Specialty sandwiches, main-event salads, homemade soups and hot kitchen creations at this West Point Market restaurant.

1711 W. Market St. (Akron) 330-864-2151 $$ B, L, D, T Bialy’s At the Lakes American menu with lots of seafood choices. 493 Portage Lakes Dr. (Portage Lakes) 330-644-7177 $$ B, L, D, T Bianca’s Italian Ristorante & Lounge Traditional Italian, juicy steaks and fresh seafood.

4284 Beverly Hills Dr. (Brunswick) 330-225-0927 $$$ L, D, A, T Bistro on Main House-made desserts, hand-cut steaks and fresh pasta. Closed Sundays. 1313 W. Main St. (Kent) 330-673-9900 $$$ L, D, A, T Blue Canyon Creative American cuisine in six nature-inspired dining environments. Sunday brunch buffet. 8960 Wilcox Dr. (Twinsburg) 330-486-2583 $$$$ L, D, A, T Blue Door Café and Bakery Sandwiches, quiche, soup, crepes and omelets. Open Wed.-Sun., 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 1970 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330926-9774 $$ B, L, T Bombay Sitar Fine Indian cuisine. Food is natural and prepared fresh daily. 4633 Belden Village St. NW (North Canton) 330-493-0671 $$ L, D, T Bricco Unique pizza and pasta. 1 W. Exchange St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-475-1600 $$$ L, D, A, T The Cabin Upscale Italian within the Mario’s International Spa and Inn complex. 35 E. Garfield Rd. (Aurora) 330-562-9171 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T Cafe Tandoor Casual atmosphere, Indian cuisine.

Closed Mon. 96 Barrington Town Center (Aurora) 330-562-5334 $$$ L, D, A, T Caffé Gelato Italian coffee drinks, paninis, salads, soups, pizza, desserts and homemade Italian gelato.

Coffee house nights with live entertainment. 506 S. Main St. (North Canton) 330-494-1123 $ B, L, D, T Cajun Dave’s at the Water Street Tavern.

Specializes in Cajun classics, homestyle southern foods, Ohio grass-fed hamburgers and homemade pizza. 138 S. Water St. (Kent) 330-474-0800 $$ april 2012

B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner A Alcohol available T Takeout available V Valet parking $ 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.

L, D, A, T Capri Pizza Pizza, pasta, wings and barbeque ribs.

810 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330-762-9131 $ L, D, T Casa Del Ranchero Authentic Mexican. Try a 44-ounce jumbo lime margarita, Arroz Con Pollo and flan for dessert. Kids’ menu and vegetarian menu.

562 W. Tuscarawas Ave. (Barberton) 330-753-8494 $$ L, D, A, T Casa Del Rio Mexican dining. 839 High St. (Wadsworth) 330-335-4001 $$ L, D, A, T Chicken Manor Restaurant Menu includes pasta, seafood, steaks and chops. Kids’ and seniors’ menu. Closed Mon. 8043 Cleveland Ave. NW (North Canton) 330-499-2159 $$ L, D, T China City Traditional Chinese cuisine in an elegant setting. 156 Cherry St. (Kent) 330-673-6566 $$ L, D, A, T China Gourmet Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin and Cantonese dishes. Known for General Tso’s Chicken.

1971 W. Market St. (Akron: West) 330-867-8838 $$$ L, D, A, T Chowder House Café Salads, soups, sandwiches and clam chowder. Bring your own wine and beer ($5 corkage fee). Open Sun. for brunch only.

2028 Chestnut Blvd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-794-7102 $$$ L, D, T No credit cards Cilantro Upscale Thai and Japanese, extensive menu, fresh ingredients, hand-selected sushi and no MSG. Eclectic atmosphere. 326 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-434-2876 $$$ L, D, A, T Cipriano’s Downtown Casual Italian dining and cocktails. Specialties include veal and pasta dishes. Closed Sun. 161 N. Chestnut St. (Ravenna) 330-298-9773 $$$ L, D, A, T The Corkscrew Saloon Specializes in fresh seafood, steaks and chops, prepared by executive chef Ryan Marino. Live entertainment Wednesday nights. 811 W. Liberty (Medina) 330-725-0220 $$$$ L, D, A, T Crave Creative comfort foods, slightly eccentric with bold tastes served up in a sensational setting. 57 E. Market St. (Akron) 330-253-1234 $$ L, D, A, T, V Cristo’s House of Pasta Pizza, manicotti and stuffed shells are a few of the favorites. Closed Sun. 1275 Norton Ave. (Norton) 330-825-1994 $$ L, D, A, T Crooked River Grill Full-service catering and restaurant. Ribs are a specialty. 403 N. Main St. (Munroe Falls) 330-688-9911 $$$ L, D, A, T D’Agneses Tomato Grill Wide array of entrée choices. Sunday brunch. Catering available. 106 First St. (Hudson) 330-342-3771 $$$$ L, D, A, T D’Agneses Trattoria and Café Northern and Southern Italian cuisine made in-house with fresh ingredients. Sunday brunch only. 566 White Pond Dr. (Akron) 234-678-3612 $$$$ 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, the Hammy Davis Jr. Melt or The Chairman of the Board Calzone. 6081 Dressler Rd. N (Canton: Belden Village) 330-499-3726 $$$ L, D, A, T Dave’s Cosmic Subs Sign the walls at this sub stop, featuring psychedelic and music memorabilia decor. 186 N. Main St. (Hudson) 330-342-5666; 1176 N. Court St. (Medina) 330-721-8675 $$ L, D, T Dave’s Tip Top Pleasant atmosphere with homestyle menu. Perfect for family dining. 3428 Darrow Rd. (Stow) 330-688-3171 $$ B, L, D, T David B’s Grill & Pub Known locally for excellent service and a variety of foods. 3900 Medina Rd. (Montrose) 330-666-1191; 526 W. Tuscarawas Ave. (Barberton) 330-745-7677 $$ L, D, A, T Delanie’s Neighborhood Grille Comfort food, sporty atmosphere and full bar. 67 West Ave. (Tallmadge) 330-630-2888 $$$ L, D, A, T Desert Inn Family-owned since 1970. Specializes in “Family Style” shish kabobs. 204 12th St. NW (Canton) 330-456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A Diamond Deli A local favorite with fat sandwiches and fresh soups. Falls location is takeout only. 378 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-762-5877; 2202 Front St. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-928-7304 $ B, L, A, T Diamond Grille Akron’s oldest steakhouse, authentic 1950s-style décor. All steaks are handcut, and seafood is flown in fresh. 77 W. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-253-0041 $$$$ L, D, A No credit cards Dontino’s Restaurant Home-style Italian cuisine, popular community meeting place. 555 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave. (Akron: North) 330-928-9530 $$ L, D, A, T Eadie’s Fish House Bar & Grill All kinds of seafood, including fried alligator bites, lobster tail and homemade lump crabcakes. 6616 Wise Ave. NW (North Canton) 330-494-4000 $$$ L, D, A, T Eddy’s Deli and Restaurant Try the banana-split waffle, a corned beef sandwich or chicken paprikash. 2655 Oakwood Dr. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-928-7489; 4581 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330346-0551 $$ B, L, D, T Edgar’s Serves a variety of entrées, such as chargrilled grouper. Homemade soups, salads and starters. 530 Nome Ave. at Good Park Golf Course (Akron) 330-869-3000 $$$ L, D, A, T El Campesino Authentic Mexican cuisine. 4360 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330-686-5561; 9169 State Route 14 (Streetsboro) 330-626-9777; 4048 Lincolnway E. (Massillon) 330-477-8731 $$ 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. Open 7 days. 1080 Interstate Pkwy. (Green) 330-644-7700 $$ L, D, A, T El Rincon Authentic Mexican cuisine. 1485 S.

first bite

New Spring Dishes at D’Agnese’s in Akron and Hudson The Tomato Grill in Hudson and its newer sister restaurant D’Agnese’s Trattoria and Café on White Pond Drive in Akron have added a few specialties to their menu this spring, including dishes featuring the freshest seasonally caught fish and seafood, along with dishes inspired by seasonal produce.

Pan-seared Diver scallops

Pan-seared Mahi Mahi

Chef Brent Wuhr of Tomato Grill will tempt his customers with the freshly prepared pan-seared Mahi Mahi served over risotto with crispy prosciutto, balsamic reduction and truffle oil.

butter — created by Chef Joe Gallagher.

Both chefs also highly recommend the veal saltimbocca with proscuitto, baby spinach and marsala mushroom sauce.

The restaurants are open seven days a week; catering and business luncheons also are available for any event, large or small.

Equally delicious is D’Agnese’s Trattoria and Café’s pan-seared Diver scallops over spring vegetables, risotto with asparagus and lemon

D’Agnese’s Trattoria and Café is located at 566 White Pond Dr. For more information, call 234-678-3612 or visit www.

DagnesesWhitePond.com. The Tomato Grill is located at 106 First St. in Hudson, at First and Main. For more information, call 330-342-3771 or visit www. tomatogrill.com.

www.akronlife.com

37

uncorked

by Rick Rodger

Wente Vineyards

Livermore, California

2008 Wente Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon / 2009 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay

>> Wente Vineyards is one of oldest continuously family-owned and operated wineries in California, and this last harvest was their 129th vintage of making estategrown wines.

C.H. Wente settled in the Livermore region in 1883 and founded the winery on 48 acres; the Wente family now owns more than 5,000 acres in the Livermore and Arroyo Seco appellations.

C.H. Wente was not only responsible for bringing the Chardonnay clone to California from France, but Wente Vineyards was also the first to produce Sauvignon Blanc and Semillion in California. Today, many of the great California wine producers are using the Wente Chardonnay clone in their vineyards. Wente Vineyards also produces fine varietal red wines, in addition to their well-known whites.

The 2008 Wente Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon is an estate-grown wine from the southern region of the Livermore Valley. The vineyard is 100 percent sustainably farmed and is ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is aged for 14 months in American and French oak

Arlington St. (Akron: South) 330-785-3724; 720 S. Main St. (North Canton) 330-497-2229 $$ L, D, A, T Erie Station Grille Features such classics as baby-back ribs seared with homemade BBQ sauce and prime rib of beef au jus. 70 East Ave. (Tallmadge) 330-634-9900. $$$ L, D, A, T The Eye Opener Diner-style menu features jams and jellies from Crooked River Herb Farm. Upscale décor includes photos of historic Akron. 1688 W. Market St. (Akron) 330-867-1114 $$ B, L, D, T Farmer Boy Restaurant House specialties include Greek souvlaki, broaster chicken and delicious desserts. 1324 Canton Rd. (Akron: East) 330-7844052 $$ B, L, D, T Firehouse Grill & Pub Watch sports and enjoy steaks and buffalo wings. 1677 E. Market St. (Akron: East) 330-733-6279; 2727 Manchester Rd. (Akron) 330-848-2426; 2437 Canton Rd. (Akron) 330-699-3616; 4809 S. Prospect St. (Rootstown) 330-325-0706; 76 West Ave. (Tallmadge) 330-6349967 $$ L, D, A Fisher’s Café & Pub American cuisine. 1607 Main St. (Peninsula) 330-657-2651 $$ L, D, A, T Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Aged beef, chops, fresh seafood, salad and more than 100 wines by the glass. 4000 Medina Rd. (Akron) 330-670-5200 $$$$ D, A, T Flip Side Gourmet, Ohio-raised beef burgers with chef-crafted condiments, toppings and sides; free-range organic chicken breast sandwiches; and market fresh salads. Craft beer on tap. 49 Village Way (Hudson) 330-655-3547 $$ L, D, A, T Franklin Square Deli Quality sandwich shop

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with an auto-racing theme. 108 S. Water St. (Kent) 330-673-2942 $$ B, L, D, T Fred’s Diner Well-known North Hill stop for breakfast and lunch. 930 Home Ave. (Akron: North) 330-535-3733 $ B, L, T The French Coffee Shop French cuisine at reasonable prices. French onion soup, chicken crepes with béchamel sauce, cinnamon-sugar dessert crepes. Closed Sun., Mon., Wed. 1911 Bailey Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-923-3987 $$ L, D, T The Galaxy Restaurant Diverse selection of dishes in a creative building. Fantastic desserts. 201 Park Centre Dr. (Wadsworth) 330-334-3663 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Garretts Mill Breakfast items, sandwiches, soup and homemade ice cream. 4226 Hudson Dr. (Stow) 330-926-1344 $$ B, L, T Gasoline Alley Eclectic menu featuring pizza, salads, sandwiches and sauerkraut balls. 870 N. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. (Bath) 330-666-2670 $$$ L, D, A, T Geisen Haus Generous portions, great beer selection. 6955 Promway Ave. NW (North Canton) 330-499-9116 $$$ L, D, A, T Gervasi Vineyard & Italian Bistro 55-acre estate, winery and bistro, outdoor seating, six-acre lake with swans and outdoor bocce courts.

Committed to fresh ingredients and the locavore movement. Closed Mon. Lunch Sat. and Sun. 1700 55th St. NE (Canton) 330-497-1000 $$$ L, D, A Golden Dragon Chinese fare. Also offers traditional Japanese cooking and sushi. 1634 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-929-1109 $$ L, D, A, T

april 2012

barrels. It’s deep red in color with mouth-filling flavors of black cherry and plum, and its rich, yet approachable tannins provide a long, smooth finish. It retails for $14.99.

The 2009 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay, also an estate-grown wine from the Livermore Valley, is aged for seven months in oak barrels and then aged on the lees for another seven months in stainless steel. It has aromas and flavors of apple and tropical fruits, well-balanced with oak overtones that deliver a lingering, refreshing finish. It also retails for $14.99.

Wente wines are available at Acme Fresh Foods, Buehler’s Fresh Markets, Giant Eagle, Mustard Seed, West Point Market, Wine Reserve of Medina, Papa Joe’s and better wine retailers throughout Northeast Ohio.

On a sidenote: Karl Wente — a fifth-generation winemaker who’s producing outstanding estate wines — will be the guest winemaker in June at the Akron Wine Auction, a fundraiser for the Akron Art Museum. / Rick Rodger is a manager at Heidelberg Distributing Company.

Green Diamond Grille & Pub Upscale dining without upscale pricing. Specializes in steaks, chops, baby back ribs and seafood. 125 Second St. (Barberton) 330-745-1900 $$$ L, D, A, T The Grill Room at Martin University Center Casual upscale, sandwiches, salads and entrées. 105 Fir Hill (Akron: Downtown) 330-9727711 $$ L, A, T Grinders Above & Beyond Family restaurant. Grinders, burgers, dinners, appetizers, homemade soups and pies. 1671 N. Main St. (North Canton) 330-497-4800; 3114 Whipple Ave. (Canton) 330-477-5411; 1820 W. State St. (Alliance) 330-8216665; 404 E. Lincoln Way (Minerva) 330-868-7824; 500 W. Main St. (Louisville) 330-875-9700 $ B, L, D, A, T Gus’ Chalet A North Hill institution, popular meeting place for Akron area politicos. Serves variety of dishes, from Greek favorites to standard American fare. 938 E. Tallmadge Ave. (Akron: North) 330-6332322 $$$ L, D, A, T Hattie’s Café & Gifts Training and vocational site for people with disabilities. Features coffee, homemade pastries, ice cream, soups, salads and sandwiches. 164 N. Main St. (Hudson) 330-6550044; 520 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-5351779; 60 S. High St. (at Akron Library) 330-7620853; 166 S. High St. (at Akron municipal building) 330-252-0556; 1 S. High St. (at Akron Art Museum) 330-376-9186 $ B, L, D, T Henry Wahner’s Restaurant An old favorite across from KSU. Complete German menu. Germanstyle bar with beers served in ice-cold steins. 1609

E. Main St. (Kent) 330-678-4055 $$$$ D, A, T No credit cards Hibachi Japan Steak House Japanese Hibachi-style cooking, great steak and sushi. 2251 Front St. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-928-3333 $$$ L, D, A, T Hook, Line & Drinkers Try HLD’s famous Grilled Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer or their fresh-cut fries tossed with Jamaican spice, lime zest, salt and cracked pepper. Seafood, burgers, salads, grilled menu items, desserts. 530 Portage Lakes Dr. (Akron) 330-864-6653 $$ L, D, A, T Hopocan Gardens Barberton-style chicken.

4396 W. Hopocan Ave. (Barberton) 330-825-9923 $$ L, D, A, T No credit cards House of Hunan Common favorites to spicy specialties. Oriental décor. 12 E. Exchange St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-253-1888; 2717 W. Market St. (Fairlawn Town Centre) 330-864-8201; 18 Public Square (Medina) 330-722-1899 $$ 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; 3900 Medina Rd. (Akron: West) 330666-7777 $$ B, L, D, A, T Hyde Park Grille New York-style upscale steakhouse. 4073 Medina Rd. (Montrose) 330-6706303 $$$$ D, A, T, V Ido Bar & Grill Home of the beloved Ido Burger.

An Akron tradition since World War II. 1537 S. Main St. (Akron: South) 330-773-1724 $$$ L, D, A, T Inferno Gourmet Burger Bar Build your perfect fire-grilled burger with a variety of meat,

Akron’s Best Casual Dining Restaurant &HOHEUDWH (DVWHU DW +XGVRQ·V $SULO WK (DVWHU %XIIHW LQ 0RQWURVH (DVWHU %UXQFK LQ +XGVRQ &DOO WR PDNH \RXU 5HVHUYDWLRQ

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buns, cheeses and toppings. Also custom hot dogs, milkshakes and root beer floats. 1100 N. Court St. (Medina) 330-764-4060 $$ L, D, A, T Istocki’s Shish Kebob House Souvlaki, gyros, salads and grilled entrees. Homemade baklava, cheesecake roll and cinnamon pita with icing.

77 Westgate Circle (Akron: Wallhaven) 330-869-2550. $$ L, D, A, T Ivan’s Diner Menu includes sandwiches, burgers, subs and salads. Open Mon.-Sat. 2927 W. Market St. (Akron) 330-836-3553 $$ L, T Jimmy Bigg’s Grille Burgers, Italian subs, Reubens, wings, Philly cheese steak, BLTs, salads, hand-breaded onion rings and more. 1927 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-929-2444 $$$$ 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: West) 330-867-2555 $$$$ L, D, A, T, V Ken Stewart’s Lodge Casual, Adirondack-style atmosphere, eclectic cuisine. 1911 N. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. (Bath) 330-666-8881 $$$$ 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 Rd. (Bath) 330-666-9990 $$$ D, A, V, T Kennedy’s BBQ Pit-smoked ham, pork, beef, turkey, pulled pork sandwiches topped with cabbage relish, bean soup, chili and Troyer’s pie by the slice. 1420 7th St. NW (Canton) 330-454-0193 $ L, D, T Kozmo’s Grille Stone-hearth pizzas, upscale pasta dishes, fresh seafood and steaks. 37 First St. NW (Massillon) 330-832-8807 $$$ L, D, A, T Lanning’s Restaurant Elegant dining atmosphere with a beautiful view. More than 150 types of wine. 826 N. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. (Bath) 330-666-1159, 330-864-2553 $$$$ D, A, T, V Laroush Mediterranean Food and Smoothies Handroasted vegetables, meat and produce from local farms. Falafel, hummus, spinach pies and salads. Vegetarian and vegan items. 425 Franklin Ave. (Kent) 330-677-1282 $$ L, D, T Larry’s Main Entrance English-pub style, burgers of note. 1964 W. Market St. (Akron: West) 330-864-8162 $$ L, D, A, T Laziza High-end Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare, plus steak and seafood dishes and a full bar. Acorn Alley, 195 E. Erie St. (Kent) 330-6737000 $$$ L, D, A, T Lembo’s Italian Restaurant Weekday lunchtime salad and pizza buffet, Italian specialties, chicken dinners and sandwiches. Daily specials, lunch specials, kids’ menu. 1186 Canton Rd. (Akron) 330-733-5757 $$$ L, D, A, T The Leopard Eclectic menu with American, Asian, French and Italian influences. Features seven-course chef’s table, prix fixe. 600 N. Aurora Rd. (Aurora) 330-562-2111 $$$$ D, A, T, V The Lockview Traditional American favorites. Fresh menu with spotlight on gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. 207 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-252-5128 $$ L, D, A, T Louie’s Bar & Grille Local reputation for burgers. 739 E. Glenwood Ave. (Akron: North) 330-535-5030 $ L, D, A, T Luca’s New York Style Pizza Pizza, calzones, stromboli, cheese steaks and subs. 3451 Darrow Rd. (Stow) 330-688-9595 $$$ L, D, T Lucca Downtown Locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. Italianinspired menu. Call for reservations. 228 4th St. NW (Canton) 330-4562534. $$$$ L, D, A, T Luchita’s Authentic Mexican cuisine with a four-star rating. 36 Park Lane (Hudson) 330-655-0059 $$$ L, D, A, T, V Lucia’s Steakhouse Fresh seafood, signature garlic butter-topped steaks, Italian favorites and Lucia classics, like homemade crab cakes or cubanella and long, hot peppers. Closed Sun. 4769 Belpar St. NW (Canton: Belden Village) 330-492-9933 $$$$ D, A Luigi’s Restaurant An Akron icon. Open late. Serves superb Italian cuisine, salads and award-winning pizza. Voted Best Pizza and Best Italian Restaurant by akronlife readers. Party trays and sheet-pan pizzas available with 24-hour notice. 105 N. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-253-2999 $$ L, D, A, T No credit cards Lukity Country Inn Home-style comfort food. 2697 Manchester Rd. (Akron: South) 330-753-5983 $$ B, L, D, T The Main Street Grill A unique concept in in-store dining. The pancake special starts your day off right. 175 Great Oaks Trail in Buehler’s Foods (Wadsworth) 330-336-3588 $$ B, L, D, T Main Wok Fast Chinese cuisine. 2855 W. Market St. (Fairlawn) 330-8658885 $$ L, D, T Accepts Discover and MasterCard Maize Valley Winery Sample wine by bottle or glass. Taste 100+ types of cheeses. Appetizers and sandwiches. Full dinner menu on Saturday evenings. 6193 Edison St. NE (Hartville) 330-877-8344 $$ L, D, A

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by Tom Noe and photos by Ray Saviciunas

big bite

La Vida Locavore / As more of us opt to “eat local,” restaurants are embracing seasonal variations and rotating menus. /

lo·ca·vore QRXQ ?OĿ Nκ YRU? One who eats foods grown locally whenever possible While some of us are more vigilant about adopting the “locavore” practice, others have a more “do it when you can” mentality.

As it just so happens, it’s getting easier to do.

Ten years ago, consumers had to search for where to buy local produce and meats, but in the last five years, the demand for markets serving the local food movement has grown exponentially. The convenience of having a “one-stop shop” that was once offered only by grocery stores and supermarket giants is now available on your weekly visit to the nearest farmers’ market.

Ever reinventing themselves in order to meet demand, restaurants are taking notice.

Chefs have long held that great food comes from great ingredients, treating it minimally and allowing the natural flavors to sing.

Some restaurants, like Fat Casual BBQ in Macedonia, buy locally but don’t go out of their way to advertise the fact — even though, says co-owner Walter Hyde, they typically buy nearly half of their raw ingredients from local farmers and purveyors. He, along with many owners and chefs I spoke with, says that not only is he getting much better products locally because they come in at their flavor peak, he’s also reinvesting back into the local economy.

Michael Bruno, coowner and pastry chef at Blue Door Bakery and Café in Cuyahoga Falls, says he can source about three-quarters of his ingredients from local purveyors, which in turn, helps support other local businesses that can then use those profits to expand their operation and hire new employees.

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On the other hand, using local produce, meats and dairy means limited supply. Many restaurants strive for consistency and having to modify their menu to fit the seasons is a time-consuming, difficult task. Another challenge: Consumers and chefs are at the mercy of what farmers grow.

Some chefs, like Louis Prpich of Chowder House Café and Sugo Modern Italian Restaurant in Cuyahoga Falls, welcome the seasonal variations and have the ability to rotate the menus as supply changes. Last summer, Prpich started his “Barn Appetit!” program to proudly showcase the best of what was in season and local to Northeast Ohio.

And regardless of how often the main menus change, nearly every chef offers daily specials to highlight what was found that morning at the markets. >> How has this push to offer locally sourced cuisine been received? It’s nearly universally agreed upon that “local” doesn’t mean “less expensive.” In fact, it’s often quite the opposite. But because of the work of activists like Michael Pollan, author of “The Omnivore’s Dilemma,” consumers are beginning to understand that cheap food ends up costing more in the long run — among other things, rising health care costs associated with poor diet.

Also, many people are willing to pay more for local because they appreciate that it tastes betapril 2012

ter, is better for them, boosts the local economy and keeps their carbon footprint smaller.

As a food enthusiast myself, the true test of whether a concept has merit or is simply another passing fad is the taste test. Knowing that the tomato I’m about to eat was picked that morning on a farm just miles away from me at its peak of flavor and freshness can truly be a much-anticipated experience. As a child, I remember picking red, ripe tomatoes right off the vine from my family’s backyard garden, still warm from the morning sun. Sinking my teeth into the soft flesh, the juice from the vine-ripe tomato filled my mouth with sweet liquor and ran down my chin, dropping onto the ground.

Eating locally and seasonally means that, as an adult, I can repeat this same exercise in gastronomic gratification for about six weeks as the heat of summer draws to a close, when tomatoes are at their best. With the knowledge that a little kosher salt sprinkled on the tomato can take something particularly good and make it sublime, I can’t help but think that this was the way we were meant to eat all along. / Writer Tom Noe is a computer programmer by day and an avid food enthusiast, writer and photographer just about every other waking moment. He currently writes a local food blog, Exploring Food My Way.

Eat Where You Live “Local” food — food that comes from near where you live — isn’t a recent idea. Though the intertwining of the words “local,” “organic” and “green” certainly has been pushed heavily in the dining scene over the last five years, the notion of local foods has been around since ... well ... forever. And after the arrival of European settlers, entire communities grew up and ate what was available around them since transportation was limited. This also meant they ate seasonally.

Much of the European culinary tradition fell along the path of seasonality and locality of ingredients, too.

Different regions of Italy, for instance, use native ingredients in cuisine because that’s what was available to them. The trend was the same in America — until the early to mid-1900s, when communities began to homogenize.

Ultimately, eating local in the United States fell victim to commerce, convenience and cost. Starting first with the railroad infrastructure gradually put in place in the mid-1800s to the advancements of refrigerated trucks, ships and cargo planes, every corner of the globe is now reachable within just a few days. While this is great because we can now experience cuisine from every culture in the world, it also means that Ohio peaches grown by a small, local farmer are competing with peaches from Mexico or Brazil that are cheaper to grow, pick, process and ship.

Eating local started gaining popularity again in the United States — in part — when Alice Waters opened Chez Panisse in 1971 in Berkeley, Calif. Waters championed the cause of serving produce when it was at its best, prepared simply to highlight the natural flavors, and developed a network of local farmers, ranchers and dairy farms — gaining the attention of both diners and other chefs and inspiring the “California cuisine” movement.

The local food movement also resurfaced as a reaction to U.S. agricultural policy changes in the early ‘70s.

Corn farmers were no longer paid to not plant all of their fields and were encouraged to “get big or get out” — which many did, as the rise of industrial agri-business began edging smaller family farms. As a result, the remaining farmers began to grow massive quantities of crops that would be subsidized: corn and soy. It literally changed our diets, ushering in the era of processed, fast foods.

During this time, it was mostly hippies and environmentalists promoting local food. Fast forward a few decades, and the correlation between our food supply and many of our societal problems (economic, health, environmental) has catapulted the local food movement into the mainstream. As a society, we’re finally realizing that if we don’t demand better, healthier options, we aren’t going to get them.

Mandarin House Chinese and South Asian entrees. 3201 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-929-8157 $$ L, D, A, T Marcelita’s Southwestern atmosphere, guacamole made fresh daily, authentic Mexican fare. 7774 Darrow Rd. (Hudson) 330-650-1121 $$ L, D, A, T Mariachi Locos Fast, authentic Mexican cuisine. 2215 E. Waterloo Rd. (Akron: East) 330-733-4065; 4161 Steels Point (Stow) 330-922-3307 $$ L, D, A, T Mary Coyle Strong pasta selection.

Six-time winner of Pasta Yule’s Best Red Sauce. Known for endless ice cream options. 780 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330-253-1511 $$ L, D Mavis Winkle’s Irish Pub Large, eclectic menu, cozy atmosphere and live music. 5005 Rockside Rd. (Independence) 216-525-0770; 8870 Darrow Rd. (Twinsburg) 330-405-3663 $$$ L, D, A, T Medina Steakhouse & Saloon Old-fashioned décor turns this once stagecoach stop into an open, casual place for food. 538 W. Liberty St. (Medina) 330-723-2853 $$$ L, D, A Meet Me At Irene’s House favorites include chili, omelets and daily specials, such as Swiss steak, beef tips, meatloaf and tuna melts. 264 Kent Ave. N.E. (Hartville) 330-877-6477 $ B, L, T Melrose Grille Specialties include pulled pork, beef briskets, grilled pizzas and smoked foods. Sunday brunch. 294 Pearl Rd. (Brunswick) 330-225-5576 $$$ L, D, A, T Menches Brothers Restaurant Inventors of the hamburger and ice cream cone. In Akron since 1901. 3700 Massillon Rd. (Green) 330-896-2288 $$ B, L, D, A, T Michael’s AM Casual, family-style dining. Full breakfast and lunch menu featuring sandwiches and daily specials.1562 Akron-Peninsula Rd. (Merriman Valley) 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 Milich’s Village Inn Finger-lickin’ chicken prepared Barberton style.

The tenders are a twist on the famous recipe. 4444 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. (Norton) 330-825-4553 $$ L, D, T Moe’s Hip, intimate atmosphere featuring a diverse chalkboard menu that changes monthly. Martinis, cocktails and extensive selection of wines by the glass.

Closed Sun. 2385 Front St. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-928-6600 $$$$ L, D, A, T Molly Brown’s Country Cafe Big breakfasts, South of the Border menu items and large portions. 1792 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-945-4407; 519 Canton Rd. (Ellet) 330-784-4711; 5151 Fulton Dr. NW (Canton) 330-244-9322 $$ B, L, T Mr. Zubs Deli At the Matinee. Features hot and cold sandwiches named after movie characters, cream cheese spreads, salads and sides. Open late-night. 812 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330-2520272 $ L, D, T Ms. Julie’s Kitchen Opened by

Akron native and author of three vegan cookbooks. Specialties include salads, whole grain-foods and spelt flour waffles. 1809 S. Main St. (Akron) 330819-3834 $ B, L, D, T Mulligan’s Pub Local antique décor, award-winning barbecued ribs, extensive menu. 4118 Belden Village St. NW (Canton: Belden Village) 330-493-8239 $$$ L, D, A, T Mustard Seed Market Café Located on mezzanine overlooking natural foods market. Menu reflects same strict standards as the market, with naturally raised meats, free-range poultry and foods free from artificial flavors, colorings and preservatives. Full bar, juice bar and espresso. Live music on weekends. Sunday brunch. 3885 W. Market St. (Montrose) 330-666-7333 $$$ L, D, T New Era Restaurant A mainstay of the Akron area. Heavenly paprikash and other Hungarian favorites. 10 Massillon Rd. (Akron: East) 330-784-0087 $$ B, L, D, A, T The New Peter Shears Downtown NYC atmosphere.

Upscale with small, intimate rooms and muted lighting. Families and kids welcome. 427 E. Tuscarawas St. (Canton: Downtown) 330-588-8300 $$$$ L, D, A, T New York 2 Chicago Pizzeria Menu inspired by the famous thin crust pizza of New York and the deep-dish pizza of Chicago. Sauce and dough made fresh daily. Salads and wings. Closed Sun. 4320-1 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330-686-6922 $$ L, D, T Nicolinni’s Ristorante Traditional Italian recipes by way of Youngstown.

Pasta, veal, chicken, steak and seafood.

85 W. Montrose Ave. (Akron) 330-6640808 $$$ L, D, A, T Northside Bar food and live music six nights a week in an historic, turnof-the-century saloon. Intimate jazz lounge featuring fine wine and spirits.

111 N. Main St. (Akron) 330-434-0611 $$$ L, D, A, T 91 Wood Fired Oven Upscale casual, West Coast atmosphere. Pizza and pasta are specialties. Patio dining. 1983 Easton St. NW in Washington Square Plaza (North Canton) 330-498-9191; 5570 Fulton Dr. NW (Canton) 330-4979111 $$$ D, A, T The Oaks Lakeside Casual dining, fabulous ambiance in 1914 estate. Outdoor dining and water views. Banquet facility. 5878 Longacre Lane (Chippewa Lake) 800-922-5736 $$$$ D, A The Office Metropolitan bistro and lounge with eclectic ambiance and timeless decor. 778 N. Main St. (Akron) 330-376-9550 $$$ L, D, A, T Olde Harbor Inn Upscale dining with contemporary cuisine. Overlooks Portage Lakes. 562 Portage Lakes Dr. (Akron) 330-644-1664 $$$$ L, D, A, T On Tap Relaxed atmosphere, great gyros and Greek food. 3263 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-922-0464; 2905 Medina Rd. (Medina) 330-725-1972;

4396 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330-686-5359; 3997 Medina Rd. (Akron) 330-668-1116 $$ L, D, A, T One Red Door Decadent menu featuring gourmet pizzas, share plates such as bacon-wrapped roasted dates, and burgers. Closed Sun. 49 Village Way (Hudson) 330-342-3667 $$$$ L, D, A Pad Thai Elegant restaurant, extensive menu of traditional Thai dishes. 3545 Brookwall Dr. (Fairlawn) 330-668-9981; 5657 Darrow Rd. (Hudson) 330-6509998 $$$ L, D, A, T Pammie’s Get your fill of soul food, ribs, chicken and fish. 1364 Copley Rd. (Akron) 330-475-0406 $$ L, D, T Pancho & Lefty’s Popular neighborhood cantina. 3254 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330-686-6781 $$ L, D, A, T Pantry Restaurant Casual dining in a country setting. Wraparound balcony seating (weather permitting).

Homecooked meals, fresh-made pies and kids’menu. 101 N. Prospect Ave. (Hartville) 330-818-5531 $$ B, L, D, T Paolo’s Small menu of appetizers, paninis and salads. Tues., martini specials; Wed., sushi specials; Thurs., university night drink specials. 1 W. Exchange St. (Akron: Downtown) 330252-1995 $$ L, D, A, T Papa Bear’s Italian Restaurant Authentic, homemade Italian food. 4990 Dressler Rd. NW (Canton: Belden Village) 330-493-0090 $$$ L, D, A, T Papa Gyros Greek Grill Authentic Greek fare. Greek wine and beer. 4760 Everhard Rd. NW (Canton: Belden Village) 330-497-1100; 2045 Cleveland Ave. NW (Canton) 330-456-9000 $$ L, D, A, T Papa Joe’s Classy atmosphere, extensive wine list, fine Italian fare, seafood and steaks. 1561 AkronPeninsula Rd. (Merriman Valley) 330923-7999 $$$ L, D, A, T Parasson’s Good pasta. Great for family dining. 501 N. Main St. (Akron: North) 330-376-2117; 959 E. Waterloo Rd. (Akron) 330-724-9375; 3983 Darrow Rd. (Stow) 330-688-3650; 364 Wooster Rd. N. (Barberton) 330-753-2264 $$ L, D, A, T Piatto Novo Authentic Italian fare including steaks and seafood, coupled with a breathtaking view of the Cuyahoga River. 1989 Front St. at the Sheraton (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-920-7530 $$$$ L, D, A Pillitiere’s The sub sandwiches and affordable lunches are a Firestone Park tradition. 61 E. Waterloo Rd. (Akron: South) 330-773-0206 $ B, L, D, A, T PINTS! Your Premiere Liquid Grille Numerous tap offerings along with sandwiches, pizza, wings and fried delicacies. 426 E. Exchange St. (Akron: University Park) 330-535-2276 $ L, D, A, T Platinum Dragon A great spot for people-watching. Menu features a variety of Chinese favorites. 814 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330-4348108 $$ L, D, A, T Prime/93 Appetizers, specials, handcut and aged steaks, chops and fresh

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seafood. Chef-driven restaurant. Entertainment on weekends. 4315 Manchester Rd. (Akron: South) 330644-2239 $$$$ 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 homemade carrot cake.

Closed Sun. and Mon. 1707 Vernon Odom Blvd.

(Akron) 330-745-9056 $$ L, D, A, T Primo’s Deli and Club A downtown version of the original Primo’s with different owners. Has a similar deli menu, plus DJs and live music on Thurs., Fri. and Sat. 271 S. Main St. (Akron) 330-376-3663 $$ L, D, A, T Pufferbelly Ltd. Located in historic Kent railroad depot. 152 Franklin Ave. (Kent) 330-673-1771 $$$ 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. in Summit Mall (Akron) 330-864-7245 $$ L, D, A, T Raj Mahal Traditional Indian cuisine with excellent lamb and chicken curry dishes. Daily lunch buffet.

2035 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-926-0795 $$$ L, D, T Ray’s Place Great burgers, hearty dinners and the area’s largest selection of foreign and domestic beer in the bottle and on draft. 135 Franklin Ave. (Kent) 330-673-2253 $$ L, D, A, T Reggie’s Cheerful atmosphere, home-style cooking from breakfast to burgers. Perfect for family dining.

4065 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-923-1234 $$ B, L, D, T Reserve Inn A Hudson landmark featuring fine cuisine and an upscale setting. Traditional steaks and ribs with a Cajun selection or two. 30 W. Streetsboro St. (Hudson) 330-650-1717 $$$$ L, D, A, T Rosewood Grill Seasonally inspired with the fresh appeal of a local farmer’s market. Happy hour, Mon.-Fri., 3-6 p.m. 36 E. Streetsboro St. (Hudson) 330-656-2100 $$$$ L (Fri/Sat only), D, A, T Rush Hour Bar & Grill American menu. 8870 Darrow Rd. (Twinsburg) 330-425-3221 $$ L, D, A, T Russo’s Unique cuisine featuring Cajun and Italian influences. Fine-dining atmosphere. 4895 State Rd. (Peninsula) 330-923-2665 $$$$ L, D, A, T Rusty Nail Casual atmosphere serving quality steak, seafood and chicken. 7291 State Route 43 (Kent) 330-673-2297 $$$ D, A, T Saffron Patch Fine Indian cuisine including tandoori chicken, ginger-seasoned yellow lentils and garlic naan. 1224 Weathervane Lane (Akron) 330836-7777 $$$ L, D, A, T Sakura Fresh sushi served daily. Wide selection of specialty rolls. 3900 Medina Rd. (Akron) 330-6700288 $$$ L, D, T Samira Chef-inspired entrées, casual comfort foods and tavern-style appetizers. Closed Sun. 2291 Riverfront Pkwy. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-923-4233 $$$$ L, D, A, T, V Sarah’s Vineyard Sample high-quality wines, appetizers and desserts in the tasting room, on the deck or in the butterfly garden. Open Wed.-Sun. 1204 W. Steels Corners Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-929-8057 $$ L, D, A Schwebel Room Fine dining on KSU campus.

(Kent) 330-672-2583 $$$ L, D, A, T Siamone’s Restaurant Specializing in Thai and Cambodian cuisine. 2215 E. Waterloo Rd. (Akron) 330-733-5070 $$$ L, D, A, T Sisters Century House Historic building overlooks Ohio Canal. Known for twice-baked potatoes. 123 S. Canal St. (Canal Fulton) 330-8549914 $$ B, L, D, T 42

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Skyway Drive-In Restaurant A West Akron tradition. Drive-in burgers, fast fare. 2781 W. Market St. (Fairlawn) 330-836-2806; 951 E. Turkeyfoot Rd. (Green) 330-896-9350; 3296 Medina Rd. (Medina) 330-721-8561 $ L, D, T Sonnets Espresso Bar & Restaurant Signature blend coffee, local craft beer, made-toorder sandwiches, salads, soups, kids’meals and live music every weekend. Closed Sunday. 117 College St. (Wadsworth) 330-336-5557 $$ B, L, D, A, T Spaghetti Warehouse Generous portions, Italian favorites and a unique atmosphere. Eat in an old railroad car or a converted bed. 510 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-374-0025 $$ L, D, A, T Spennato’s Italian Ristorante Seafood, chicken, pasta and pizza, as well as attentive service and a casual dining atmosphere. 10446 Northfield Rd. (Northfield) 330-468-8688 $$$ L, D, A, T Steak on a Stone Steaks, seafood and poultry served on volcanic stone heated to more than 750 degrees. Sunday brunch.145 Montrose West Ave. (Copley) 330-665-2929 $$$$ L, D, A, T Steinly’s Down-home breakfasts are a mainstay.

235 E. Waterloo Rd. (Akron: South) 330-773-6422 $ B, L, D, T Steve’s Dakota Grill Upscale casual NW lodge setting with prime-rib specialty voted Best of the Best. Fresh seafood daily. 2809 Pearl Rd. (Medina) 330-725-6288 $$$$ D, A, T Stew Pot Kitchen Serves soups, stews, slowcooked meals, beer-flavored brats and more. Menu changes weekly. Specials offer unique flavors and pairings. Closed weekends. 23 S. Main St. (Akron) 330-376-7839 $ L, D, T Strickland’s Founded in 1936. Run by the third generation of the Strickland family. 1809 Triplett Blvd.

(Akron); 4050 Cascades Blvd., Unit A, (Brimfield) 330-346-0166; 294 Pearl Rd. (Brunswick) 330-2734600; 2629 Bailey Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-9298498; 3465 S. Arlington Rd. (Green) 330-899-9477; 2930 Medina Rd. (Medina) 330-721-9567; 3985 Medina Rd. (Montrose) 330-670-0811; 3916 Cleveland-Massillon Rd. (Norton) 330-706-9920; 9070 State Rt. 14 (Streetsboro) 330-626-2750 $ T Sugo Modern Italian Bistro Seasonal menu, bar menu, wine dinners and nightly fixedprice 4-course dinners that include wine, coffee and dessert. Closed Mon. 2485 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 234-678-7153 $$$$ L, D, A, T Sweet Pea Café Traditional breakfast fare plus homemade granola, omelets and frittatas. Soup, salad, sandwiches, mac and cheese, and meatloaf, all made from scratch. 117 Merz Blvd. (Fairlawn) 330794-7952 $$ B, L, T Swensons Drive In Voted best cheeseburger in America. Signature burger is the Galley Boy. 658 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave. (Akron: North) 330-928-8515; 40 S. Hawkins Ave. (Akron: West) 330-864-8416; 4466 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330-678-7775; 40 Brookmont Rd. (Montrose) 330-665-1858; 5815 Wales Ave. (Jackson Twp.) 330-833-5454; 1558 N. Main St. (North Canton) 330-499-9494 $ L, D, T Taco Tontos Funky, college atmosphere featuring authentic Mexican cuisine made from scratch. Good selection of vegetarian dishes. 123 Franklin Ave. (Kent) 330-677-0223 $$ L, D, T Taggart’s Ice Cream 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 Rd. NW (Canton) 330-452-6844; 107 S. Main (Magnolia) 330-866-9344 $ L, D, T Tai Wah Popular area Chinese takeout, dine in also.

Nice lunch buffet. 5835 Darrow Rd. (Hudson) 330528-0888 $$ L, D, A, T april 2012

Tangier Banquet and Events Center Occasionally featuring live entertainment from around the country. Elaborate décor. Quality steaks and seafood. 532 W. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-376-7171, 800-826-4437 $$$$ D, A, T Taste of Bangkok & Sushi Bar Menu includes curries, noodle dishes and hand-rolled sushi.

Variety of lunch specials. 514 E. Exchange St. (Akron: University Park) 330-252-2270 $$ L, D, T Tequila Pancho’s Many flavors of margaritas.

5893 Akron-Cleveland Rd. (Boston Heights) 330342-9401 $$ L, D, A, T Thano’s Family Restaurant Burgers, chops, chicken, wraps, seafood and pasta. Breakfast served all day, daily specials, Friday fish fry. 50-seat party room. Open 7 days. 71 5th St. (Barberton) 330-8611300 $$ B, L, D, A, T 3 Point Upscale casual American dining with a gourmet twist. Hand-cut steaks, pastas, and fresh chicken and seafood. Craft beers from around the world, boutique wine list. 45 E. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-535-6410 $$$ L, D, A, T, V 356th Fighter Group World War II-theme restaurant, casual fine dining, locally owned and operated. 4919 Mt. Pleasant Rd. (North Canton) 330494-3500, 800-994-2662 $$$ L, D, A, T Thyme the Restaurant Fine dining.

Contemporary cuisine with worldly influences, served in an upscale, modern setting. 716 N. Court St. (Medina) 330-674-4114 $$$$ L, D, A, T Tim’s Pizzeria and Pub Casual, sit-down restaurant serving pizza, pasta, homemade soups, sandwiches and desserts. Open for lunch only on weekends. 2823 Bailey Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330928-1530 $$ D, A, T Tito’s Mexican Grill Dining room features wooden chairs and tables hand-carved in Mexico.

Run by the owners of El Rincon on South Arlington.

Great meals and even greater margaritas. 25 Ghent Rd. (Fairlawn) 330-835-9801 $$ L, D, A, T Tomaso’s Italian Villa Family-owned and operated for over 50 years. Features classic Italian cuisine. Pasta dinners, pizza, fortunes (calzones), salads, desserts, beer and wine. Kids’menu. 3271 Barber Rd. (Norton) 330-745-6063 $$ L, D, A, T Tong-Tong First Chinese restaurant in Hudson/Stow area. Family-style dining. 1646 Norton Rd. (Stow) 330-655-2550 $$ L, D, A, T Tony’s Speakeasy A great place to chill.

Home of the Chocolate Martini. Sandwich originals including The Godfather, Sleeps with the Fishes, Joe the Boss and The SpeakEasy Burger. Call for hours.

560 W Tuscarawas Ave. (Barberton) 330-753-9454 $$ D, A, T Totally Cooked To-Go Market Comfort foods, soups, made-to-order sandwiches and salads, and desserts. Menu changes weekly. Cuyahoga Falls open Mon.-Sat. Akron open weekdays for breakfast and lunch. 2730 Front St. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-9239964; 388 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-2941120 $$ B, L, D, T Trackside Grille at Quaker Square Train-themed restaurant with three actual railroad cars inside. 135 S. Broadway St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-253-4541 $$ L, D, T Twigs Diner Don’t let the small exterior fool you. There’s plenty of room inside. Everything from burgers to breakfast specials. 334 31st St. NW (Norton) 330-825-1016 $ B, L, T No credit cards Urban Eats - A Pop Art Café Open M-F, 8 am-4 pm. 51 E. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330310-7135 $ B, L, A, V Vaccaro’s Trattoria One of the area’s best-kept Italian secrets. 1000 Ghent Rd. (Bath) 330-666-6158 $$$$ D, A, T

Valley Café Owned by a five-star gourmet chef.

Features friendly service, dishes made from scratch and famous cabbage soup. 1212 Weathervane Lane (Merriman Valley) 330-865-0101 $ B, L, T The Valley Inn This one-time country roadhouse has been transformed into a family hot-spot. The prime rib is gigantic. 15004 Portage St. (Doylestown) 330-658-9859 $$$ L, D, A, T Varsity Bar & Grill Beer-battered shrimp, chipotle BBQ ribs, Italian trio and twisted BLTs are menu standouts. DJ on Thurs.; live bands Fri. and Sat. Imported and domestic beer; 11 on draft. 271 S. Main St., Suite A (Akron) 330-376-3663 $$ L, D, A, T Village Gardens Restaurant and Pub Family restaurant. Homemade meals, including house-favorites Macedonian bean soup, chicken vlaki and chicken paprikash. Full-service lounge.

2437 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-928-5751 $ B, L, D, A, T Virtues Signature foods such as a tempura calamari appetizer. Specialty pizzas, filet mignon and other gourmet items with high nutritional values. 525 E. Market St. (in Akron City Hospital’s Ann and David Brennan CCU) 330-375-7444 $$$ B, L, D, A, T, V V-Li’s Cuisine Thai dishes. 129 N. Canal St. (Canal Fulton) 330-854-5344 $$ L, D, A, T Wally Waffle Quaint breakfast place, perfect for Sunday brunch. 338 Locust St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-762-3388; 750 Darrow Rd. (Tallmadge) 330633-7400 $ B, L, T Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse Hibachi steakhouse and sushi bar. Chefs prepare food right before your eyes. 150 Montrose West Ave. (Copley) 330-666-5522; 6338 Strip Ave. NW (North Canton) 330-966-8866 $$$$ L, D, T Waterloo Restaurant Eclectic menu. Famous for the Waterloo Big Apple and French onion soup.

423 E. Waterloo Rd. (Akron: South) 330-773-5158 $$ B, L, D, T 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: Pilgrim Square) 330-836-4101 $ B, L, T Whitehouse Chicken A Barberton tradition.

180 Wooster Rd. N. (Barberton) 330-745-0449; 2457 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-945-6555; 1941 Triplet (Ellet) 330-784-3000; 4195 Massillon Rd. (Green) 330-896-5644; 137 East Ave. (Tallmadge) 330-633-4001; 199 Great Oaks Trail (Wadsworth) 330-335-6000; 247 S. Chestnut St. (Ravenna) 330296-2800 $$ L, D, T Whitey’s Booze N’ Burgers Famous chili, generous portions and live entertainment on the weekends. 3600 Brecksville Rd. (Richfield) 330-6593600 $$ D, A No credit cards Wild Goats Coffee & Café Offers light entrées, vegan and vegetarian soups, and exceptional coffee. 319 W. Main St. (Kent) 330-677-2326 $$ B, L, D, T Winking Lizard Come to see the lizard, stay for the extensive beer selection and food. 25 Ghent Rd. (Fairlawn) 330-836-6129; 1615 Main St. (Peninsula) 330-467-1002; 5710 Fulton Dr. NW (Canton) 330497-1133 $$$ L, D, A, T Yellowtail Japanese-style seafood and sushi buffet.

4054 Medina Rd. (Montrose) 330-666-9988 $$$$ L, D, A, T

Please send any changes or corrections to gcarson@ bakermediagroup.com

by Beth Knorr

big bite

Eat Seasonably / What to buy this month from the local farmers’ market. / April is a month when local farmers’ high tunnels begin to burst forth with delicious green things. All manner of lettuces, spicy arugula and fresh Asian greens such as bok choy, tatsoi and mizuna become more abundant this time of year. And one of our favorites returns in its tender, splendid glory: spinach.

What’s in Season: Spinach

When to Eat

Spring spinach is particularly delightful. Farmers are harvesting it young, so it’s suitable for salads as well as cooking. You’ll typically find two types of spinach at the market. The first are the more ubiquitous, smooth-leafed varieties, and the second are the savoyed — or wrinkly — leafed varieties. They can be used interchangeably, but the savoyed add a bit of visual and textural interest, especially if you’re eating them in salads.

As with nearly all other greens, spinach should be eaten within one to two days of purchase. It can be stored in the crisper drawer in a plastic bag.

Some people add a slightly damp paper towel to the bag to help it retain moisture. One thing I can’t stress enough is the need to rinse your spinach thoroughly before preparing. Spinach grows low to the ground and has a nasty habit of catching soil particles between its leaves.

Even if the grower has rinsed it, giving it a thorough rinse in a couple changes of water will save you from the unpleasant experience of grit in your final dish.

How to Prepare My favorite way to eat spinach is a simple preparation I learned while living in Japan.

(Before that, I had no love in my heart for spinach!)

4 Tbsp. sesame seeds 1½ Tbsp. soy sauce 1 Tbsp. mirin or sugar ½ lb. of spinach, thoroughly rinsed

How to Buy Depending on how you’ll use it, you can purchase baby or mature spinach. Size of the leaves is the primary indicator of its stage and, for the most part, farmers tend to bag their baby spinaches. There will also be less stem associated with baby spinach, and because it’s younger, it’s more tender and especially suitable for raw salads. More mature spinaches may be bunched, the leaves will be larger and the stems will usually still be attached. Mature spinach is suitable as a side dish as well as for salads that call for wilting the greens. Regardless of which type you’re purchasing, the leaves should be vibrant green and perky, with no yellowing or bruised leaves.

Bring a pot of water to boil.

Meanwhile, lightly toast the sesame seeds and then grind with a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.

(Food processors work, too.) Add the soy sauce and mirin (or sugar) and mix thoroughly. When the water comes to a boil, add the spinach and cook until it turns a bright green. Drain, and immediately plunge into cold water.

Drain again, and then gently squeeze out any excess water. Roughly chop the spinach. Put the spinach in a bowl, and toss it with the sesame mixture until thoroughly coated. Serve!

/ Beth Knorr is the Market and Local Food Programs Coordinator at Countryside Conservancy in Peninsula. Countryside Conservancy advances the vision of a Northeast Ohio filled with thriving farming and food entrepreneurs — where farms are viable businesses, farmland is a treasured resource and local food is commonplace. For more information, go to cvcountryside.org.

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43

home & garden

Fantastic Fireplaces

home & garden

/ The FYI on this hot outdoor living trend /

44

Photo courtesy of Vizmeg Landscape

More than ever, Northeast Ohio homeowners are choosing to stay put — rather than moving to a larger home — and they’re increasing their home’s value by adding an outdoor room with a fireplace.

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april 2012

In this region, having an outdoor fireplace allows homeowners to enjoy the great outdoors earlier in the spring and later into autumn. This major design element is a plus for people who like to entertain on a larger scale because it cre-

ates a relaxed atmosphere for any gathering of friends and family.

An outdoor room with a fireplace can be designed according to the homeowner’s needs. It can serve as a sanctuary, a get-away-

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45

Before After

from-it-all office or, with the proper kitchen facilities, a place to serve food.

If you’re thinking about an outdoor fireplace, consider the following questions to determine your needs and to prepare yourself before meeting with a landscape contractor: 1. How will the fireplace fit in with the overall scheme of the outdoor living area?

2. Should the fireplace be under a roof or in the open air?

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akronlife

april 2012

3. Will the fireplace have access to a natural gas line?

4. Does local building code require specific placement of an outdoor fireplace on the property?

5. How does the fireplace area interact with the dining area of the patio?

6. Do you want the fireplace materials to match or complement the house?

7. What style do you want your outdoor room to convey: rustic, modern, formal or casual?

8. What material(s) works with your home and your budget?

9. If you’re adding a kitchen to your outdoor room, do you want an oven adjoining the fireplace?

10. Consider the view of your fireplace from every angle. What’s behind the fireplace, and what’s around it? Do you want to add shrubs, trees, special lighting or other landscaping features?

Once you have a vision in mind, contact a few landscape contractors or general contractors. Ask to see photographs of the designs they’ve created for other homes in your area.

Ask them for prices and references. And, keep in mind: The longer the company has been in business, the better.

www.akronlife.com

47

Photos courtesy of Vizmeg Landscape

"The impact of our outdoor patioroom has been tremendous. It’s added a totally new dimension to our lifestyle. And Vizmeg Landscape was outstanding in designing, installing and maintaining it."

– Douglas Weintraub, Akron (His outdoor room is pictured on p.44 & 46)

48

akronlife

april 2012

5 Reasons Why Landscaping Is a Good Investment Landscaping is still one of the best investments you can make for your home. Why?

1. A quality landscape increases the value of your home by as much as 20 percent.

Some estimate that good landscaping can be worth 100 to 200 percent of your original investment, topping return on investment for kitchens and baths.

2. If your home is on the market, good landscaping is part of the curb appeal of your home — and part of a potential buyer’s first impression.

3. A good landscape design can save up to 25 percent in heating and cooling costs.

Proper plantings can save you money on your energy bill, and trees provide wind breaks that reduce energy demand in the winter and give shade to the property during hot summer months.

4. The interest in landscaping and property enhancement is a natural extension of the boom in home renovation and improvement.

Homeowners are paying more attention to the link between indoors and outdoors.

5. Additional (non-monetary) gains a quality landscape investment can provide include lowering noise levels, blocking or buffering unpleasant views, and reducing vandalism and crime. And how can you put a price on summer evenings barbecuing with friends and family, or quiet mornings spent in an outdoor space drinking your coffee?

For information on what you can do with your landscape, call Vizmeg Landscape at 330-6860901 or visit www.vizmeg.com.

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april 2012

go

RED

for women 2012

Photo by John Ashley Photography A special supplement to akronlife magazine

go

RED

for women 2012

Go Red For Women

LUNCHEON Tues., May 8, 2012 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Quaker Station, 135 S. Broadway St., Akron

Dear Readers,

$100 per person

It may seem strange for me — a man — to be writing the opening letter of the 9th annual Go Red For Women special supplement to akronlife magazine, but I’m a husband, and the father of a grown daughter. Heart health is an important issue to me.

Emcee: Betsy Kling, Chief Meteorologist, WKYC Keynote Address: Lisa Lisson, President of FedEx Express Canada Medical Message: Dr. Tara Scott, Paragon Health Associates Go Red Chair: Virginia Albanese, President and CEO, FedEx Custom Critical

I’m writing on behalf of all the board members, volunteers and staff of the American Heart Association. We hope to create a world in which prevalence of heart disease decreases among us all.

For ticket information, please call 330-664-1908.

It’s startling to hear these statistics: One in three American women will suffer from heart disease in their lifetimes. What is equally troubling is many women ignore the signs and symptoms of heart attacks and strokes, too often leading to frightening trips to emergency rooms for them and those who love them.

That’s why I’m passionate about this Go Red For Women supplement, as it has the potential to change lives in our community through its educational information, health resources and moving personal stories of survivors.

As you read this year’s Go Red For Women supplement, I urge you to share the stories with those you love. If you’re a woman, share the tips with your friends and children so they may know what you now know. If you’re a man reading this, I encourage you to share this special section with all the women in your life so they may know how much you love and care for them.

The more we know, the greater chance we have at winning the fight against heart disease, America’s leading cause of death among women. Help change someone’s life for the better, and you might be giving a mother, a sister, a wife, a daughter or a friend the best gift of all — more time to enjoy with those they love.

Sincerely,

Steve Fry Board President American Heart Association Akron Go to akronlife.com to read more survivor stories and get heart-healthy tips and recipes.

2

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2012

Lisa Lisson

Dr. Tara Scott

Join us at the 2012 Go Red For Women Luncheon at Quaker Station, with heart-healthy keynote speaker Lisa Lisson.

Lisson, featured in an upcoming episode of the CBS show “Undercover Boss,” is FedEx Express Canada’s first Canadian/first female president. She’ll share the powerful story of her husband’s heart attack, their family’s two-year struggle to revive him from a vegetative state and the challenges she’s faced in raising her four children after her husband’s death.

This luncheon will also include exhibits, the inspiring stories of local survivors and the opportunity to begin your own journey toward cardiovascular health.

Go Red For Women began in 2004 as a way to raise awareness that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of American women. Today, Go Red For Women challenges all women to know their personal risk of developing cardiovascular disease and to take steps to decrease that risk.

Funds from Go Red For Women go to ensure the cardiovascular health of women is addressed through research and education specifically related to the unique needs of women.

goredforwomen.org

Is your heart skipping a beat?

Is your heart beating too fast or too slow? This condition, known as an irregular heartbeat, is more common than you think. If left untreated, some types of irregular heartbeats could cause severe complications or stroke.

Akron General is proud to have state-of-the-art services and technology to diagnose and treat irregular heartbeats. Our board-certified physicians are specially trained in medication management as well as the newest procedures to get your heart beating normal again.

If you think you have an irregular heartbeat, don’t delay.

Call Akron General’s Afib Center at 330-344-AFIB (2342) or visit akrongeneral.org/heart to learn more about different heart conditions and our services.

Robert A. Schweikert, MD

Jeffery P. Courson, DO

Sergey Vitebskiy, MD

RED

go

“I GO RED...”

for women 2012

Circle of Red members

ues to inspire me to make a difference for others.”

Mary Adams-Fazio

“ … Because I’m a triple bypass survivor, and I want all women to know and recognize the signs and symptoms of heart Elizabeth Bartz disease.” “ … For my mom, my sisters, my daughter, my aunts, my cousins and all of my friends.”

Candace CampbellJackson

“ … Because I want to model for the next generation of women that we can make a difference in heart health.”

Debra AdamsSimmons

Becky Considine

Suzy Hughes

“ … Because I go “ … Because I believe in the with my heart.” power of the Go Red mission to Dee Lowery save lives.” “ … To educate my family and friends on how to be hearthealthy.”

Belinda Cox

“ … For my father, who died in his sleep of a heart attack on the night of my 12th birthday; in honor of the ancestors who came before me and the children who have come since; and to raise awareness in our community about the impact of heart disease.”

“ … In memory of my mother, and to honor my children and grandchildren.”

Joanie Belair

“ … For my family.”

Kathryn Hunter

“ … Because of my parents who had heart disease.”

Theresa Carter

“ … Because I care about ALL the women in my life.”

Kim Haws-Falasco

“ … For my grandparents and to spread awareness!”

Carolynne Breaux

“ … Because I celebrate the memory of my mom.”

Unhee Kim

“ … Because I support women’s cardiovascular health.”

Sallie Lux

“ … For my husband Bob; for the women I love who enrich and nurture the lives of many, including my own; and in memory of my dear friend and partner, Linda Kersker.”

Anne Collins

“ ... Because I have a responsibility to myself and the other women in my life to care about heart health.”

Virginia Albanese

“ … Because I want to educate women about heart disease.”

4

goRED

Eileen Burg

“ ... Because I have a heart!”

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Arlene Heisleman

“ … Because of my commitment to women’s health!”

Joan Marsh Eileen Korey

“ … In tribute to my father, whose courageous battle against heart disease contin-

“ … Because I want better lives for all women.”

goredforwomen.org

go

THE REDWomen

2012

On the Cover

20. Peggy Zanin, Akron General Sue McMains

Betty Oprian

“ … For my aunts.”

“ … Because heart health is personal; my mother and husband have heart disease.

My husband had his heart surgery on Valentine’s Day.”

50

21. Belinda Cox, Medical Mutual and Mutual Health Services

51

52

37

18 15

22. Meg Andreeff-Matejkovic, The University of Akron 23. Paula Harmon, BCG & Company 24. Kim Haws-Falasco, Robert W. Baird & Co.

11

25. Anne Collins, Ronald McDonald House of Akron 26. Shelley Beavers, Sterling Jewelers Inc.

Cindy Misheff

“ … Because of my mother.”

27. Roxia Boykin, Summa Health System 28. Kay Park, The University of Akron 20

29. Sandy Upperman, Huntington National Bank 30. Jeff Heintz, Brouse McDowell

8 33

Debra Shifrin

32. Kaye Reiter, Summa Health System

“ … Because of my family.”

33. Julianne Scott, Tara’s daughter 34. Dr. Tara Scott, Paragon Health Associates

Kyle Passmore

“ … Because of my family.”

31. Audrey Schweikert, 2012 Heart Ball Co-Chair

Not Pictured: Kim Ray Brenda Gainer

Red Tie Society members Bill Albanese “ … For my mother, wife and daughter.”

Paul Belair

“ … For the women in my life.”

1.

Denise Czech-Dydo, Crossroads Hospice

35. Joan Marsh, Community Volunteer

2.

Elizabeth Bartz, State and Federal Communications

36. Bev Bokovitz, Akron General

3.

Abby Cymerman, akronlife magazine

4.

Mitzi Horn, The University of Akron

38. Theresa Carter, OMNOVA Solutions Foundation

5.

Hannah Thaxton, Survivor

39. Arlene Heiselman, Merck

6.

Dee Lowery, FirstEnergy

40. Kyle Passmore, The University of Akron

7.

Joyce Lagios, Rubber City Radio Group

41. Bernett Williams, Akron Children’s Hospital

8.

Alexandra Albanese, daughter of Bill and Virginia

42. Kim Enoch, American Heart Association

9.

Bill Albanese, Survivor

44. Gina Berila, American Heart Association

“ … Because I treasure my wife’s heart.”

43. Jenn Ewing, American Heart Association

10. Virginia Albanese, FedEx Custom Critical

45. Sallie Lux, Brouse McDowell

11. Betty Oprian, Akron General

46. Carolynne Breaux, Community Volunteer

12. Jan Pajk, Interim Healthcare

47. Dr. Vivian von Gruenigen, Summa Health System

13. Martha Giangiulio, Akron Children’s Hospital 14. Joanie Belair, Community Volunteer 15. Candace Campbell-Jackson, The University of Akron

Jeff Heintz

37. Debra Adams-Simmons, The Plain Dealer

48. Dr. Debbie Plate, Akron General Center for Family Medicine 49. Molly Palmer, American Heart Association

16. Cindy Misheff, Community Volunteer

50. Scott Leeser, Macy’s

17. Susan McMains, Community Volunteer

51. Alice Luse, American Heart Association

18. Colleen Repie, American Heart Association

52. Eileen Korey, The University of Akron

19. Shirley Wilkinson, Survivor

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5

HEALTH HEART OF THE FAMILY

Go Red For Women Chair Virginia Albanese helps her family fight cardiovascular disease.

“In sickness and in health” aren’t just words in a wedding vow. For Virginia Albanese — president and CEO of FedEx Custom Critical — they’re promises for the long haul.

When Carolynne Breaux was in her 20s, she noticed her cholesterol and blood pressure numbers were high — something she had inherited from her paternal grandparents and mother.

Taking her doctor’s advice, she changed her diet, began exercising regularly and stopped smoking.

After years of battling this condition, Pat received a heart transplant in 1999 and lived for 11 more years.

A year after Pat’s transplant, Albanese’s daughter, Alexandra, was born and diagnosed at 10 weeks with the same genetic condition. Although she’s been symptomfree to date, Alexandra has been under the care of Dr. Mark Jacobstein at Akron Children’s Hospital for the past 11 years to ensure the best outcome later in life.

Albanese’s son, Peter, now 14, received a clean bill of health from Jacobstein.

Her husband, Bill, had been diagnosed with a heart murmur as a child, but it wasn’t until he had a stroke at 37 that his hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was identified. By his early 40s, his health was declining, and he was added to a heart transplant waiting list.

Having been on the list for a year and “close to the edge of life and death,” Bill received his heart transplant at the Cleveland Clinic on Jan. 11, 2009 — his 45th birthday.

“When the call came that there was a heart available, it was exciting to know that he would receive a new heart, sad knowing that someone else had died and their family was grieving, and scary with the prospect of the surgery ahead,” Albanese says. “We were informed that Bill’s heart came from a young woman, and we’ll be 6

goRED

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WALKING THE WALK Circle of Red member Carolynne Breaux makes heart-health knowledge, education and awareness her personal mission.

Albanese’s husband, Bill, daughter Alexandra and late mother-in-law Pat all had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy — a genetic heart condition that thickens the heart muscle, makes it more difficult for blood to leave the heart and forces it to work harder.

“Without her gift of life, Pat wouldn’t have seen two new grandchildren, traveled and really enjoyed her family,” says Albanese.

By Abby Cymerman

forever grateful to the donor’s family for their courage of donation during a very difficult time in their lives.”

Today, the Albanese family stays healthy by playing tennis, golfing, skiing, hiking and biking together, and Bill has been working with a trainer at Akron General Lifestyles for the past year.

“It’s so important for us to help our children keep in the best shape possible, especially improving their cardio health,” says Albanese.

She also encourages annual medical checkups and those with a family history of heart ailments to have a thorough baseline checkup with a cardiologist.

“Some heart issues — hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for one — can’t be detected by a routine EKG and need further tests for an accurate diagnosis,” she says.

Whether your family has a genetic disposition for cardiac disease or not, Albanese says heart-health should be everyone’s priority.

“Keeping a strong heart helps keep the rest of the body healthy and also allows us to live good lives,” she says. “Looking at Bill now and seeing what he can do is simply amazing, and we’re blessed to have him back to great health.”

“Even with all my healthy habits, my numbers remain a challenge,” she says.

“So I do all I can to lower the possibility of developing serious heart issues. My health is very important to me as I want to be around to continue to enjoy my husband, children and grandchildren.”

Maintaining a healthy heart has been a personal challenge for Breaux, but it really hit home as her mother struggled to battle coronary heart disease.

“My mother was a nurse and was definitely a person that believed in knowing and practicing preventive health measures, but her health issues were too great and she lost her battle,” she says.

“I remember going with her to attend information classes for patients with heart disease. I remember how sad and how drained she was because she was so sick and had lost control of her health.

I miss her every day, and I know she would want me to do all I can to learn how to protect myself from the disease that took her life.”

Over the years, Breaux has found a partner in the American Heart Association, an organization that focuses on knowledge, education and awareness.

In her mission to fight heart disease, Breaux made a financial donation and became a member of the AHA’s Circle of Red. This group funds vital research and programs, spreads the word to goredforwomen.org

LIFE

(Continued from pg 6)

By Abby Cymerman

A LIFE CHANGER Shirley Wilkinson’s day started just like any other.

Last summer, Shirley Wilkinson was with her granddaughter when she got a bad case of indigestion.

Attributing her symptoms to a reaction she often had from eating foods with MSG and gluten, the 61-year-old Wilkinson took an antacid and laid down until the symptoms passed. A sharp pain in her jaw also came and passed. After taking her granddaughter to a friend’s house, she returned home and finished her household tasks.

The next day, she still didn’t feel well, and her daughter convinced her to have an EKG at Akron General West.

“I was in denial, and sure enough the test came back abnormal,” she says. “Everything happened quickly confirming I had a heart attack. I was taken to Akron General, and two days later, I got my first stent.”

women about their risk of developing heart disease, distributes critical patient information on women and heart disease to healthcare providers, supports federal legislation and helps people learn CPR.

She had a procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention, commonly known as coronary angioplasty, which treats the narrowed coronary arteries of the heart.

“Being a member of Circle of Red means everything to me because I know I’m helping to make a difference in my community. So many of my friends have been affected by heart-related diseases — if not directly, then through parents, children, relatives or neighbors,” she says. “Also, you get to meet other women that are just as passionate as you are, and the camaraderie is wonderful.”

“Symptoms for heart attacks for women are so different from what a man experiences, and they can be different from person to person,” she says. “I thought a heart attack [would be] immediate, with pain and not being able to breathe — but it wasn’t that way for me.”

Wilkinson says her first warning sign should have been her family’s medical history.

“My brother died from a heart attack at 51 and complications from MS. My paternal grandfather died from a heart attack, but I’m the first woman in the family on both sides to have that experience,” she says.

After raising four children and helping with her grandchildren, Wilkinson’s lifestyle had become sedentary and, in turn, she had gained weight. Today, with the help of her husband, her faith and her doctors, Wilkinson’s prognosis is good, and she continues taking cardiac rehab classes.

Breaux says joining the Circle of Red has taught her how giving and resilient women are as a group.

Never one to eat a lot of red meat or use salt, today she uses butter alternatives and eats smaller food portions. Fast food, potato chips and pop are off the menu, and she’s added more fish, vegetables and fruit to her diet.

“Women are fighters, and I’m proud to work with an organization that’s all about prevention and education,” she says. “We are better people and have a stronger community because the AHA cares.”

“So far it hasn’t been hard to implement,” she says. “Staying on track is fairly easy because I don’t want to go down this road again.”

Wilkinson says women need to take care of themselves because no one else will do that for them.

Her mother would certainly be proud.

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“We are caregivers for many, and we have much to do, but we always put ourselves on the back burner until an issue arrives,” she says. “We need to head it off before it ever gets to be a problem. There are other things that can be fixed and patched, but we need to care for our hearts.”

2012

goredforwomen.org

GENEROUS HEARTS The 2012 American Heart Association Heart Ball

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3 Photos by John Luse

More than 380 guests from the Greater Akron area attended the American Heart Association’s 2012 Heart Ball, Feb. 11 at the Quaker Station. They gathered in support of cardiovascular and stroke research and enjoyed a wonderful dinner and unique silent and live auctions.

The evening was made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Sterling Jewelers Inc. Sterling’s leaders took part in the festivities and made a meaningful contribution to Open Your Heart, a special appeal for continued pediatric cardiac research.

As a testimony to the power of funding pediatric research, 11-year-old Katherine Schroeder spoke about her experience as a heart defect survivor and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

The Heart Ball also honored two local leaders as Heart Champions: Marty Hauser, president of SummaCare, and Dr. Debbie Plate, Associate Clinical Director at Akron General’s Center for Family Medicine. Their work in support of the American Heart Association’s mission has had a positive impact on the community and beyond.

YOUR HEART Warning Signs

Knowing these symptoms can save a life Signs of a Heart Attack:

Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest.

Symptoms could last more than a few minutes, or go away and come back.

Other sponsors of this event included Summa Health System and Akron General.

Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

1. L to R: 2012 Distinguished Corporate Leader Thomas Mandel, owner of Rubber City Radio Group; 2012 Heart Champion Dr. Debbie Plate, of Akron General’s Center for Family Medicine; and SummaCare President Marty Hauser

Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

2. Dr. John Clark, pediatric cardiologist at Akron Children’s Hospital, introduces 11-year-old Katherine Schroeder to speak about the importance of research. Clark has treated Schroeder for her congenital heart defects.

Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Rubber City Radio Group and its stations — WAKR, WONE, WQMX and WNWV — were honored for their ardent support of heart health in the community.

This year’s black-tie event, co-chaired by Dr. Bob and Audrey Schweikert, raised approximately $240,000 for the American Heart Association’s heart and stroke research and education programs.

3. George Murray, of Sterling Jewelers Inc., accepts an award recognizing Sterling Jewelers Inc. as the first Heart Society Member for support of the Heart Ball, from event chairs Dr. Bob and Audrey Schweikert.

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, excessive fatigue, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

If you have any of these signs, don’t wait more than five minutes before calling for help. Call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away.

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goredforwomen.org

You have one heart.

We have one mission.

Heart disease is the number one threat to women.

That’s why University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute is the proud local presenting sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Cleveland Go Red For Women campaign. Together, we’re working hard to keep your heart healthy.

Our institute’s 11 cardiovascular centers of excellence are committed to delivering leading-edge care.

Our services include: Cardiac and Vascular Surgery Electrophysiology Cardiovascular Imaging Minimally Invasive Interventions

Heart Failure Treatment and Transplantation Atrial Fibrillation and Other Arrhythmias Stem Cell Regeneration Prevention Strategies

To make an appointment for your heart today, and to access our expansive network of hospitals and health centers throughout Northeast Ohio, call or visit:

1-866-UH4-CARE 1-866-844-2273 UHhospitals.org/heart

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‘IT STRUCK WITHOUT WARNING’ Sophia Hammond shares her heart story.

It was a normal October morning for Sophia Hammond until the 46-year-old Akron resident began feeling nauseous.

“I had been having chest pains on and off for a year, but I felt really bad that morning,” she says. “So I called my daughter and asked her to take me to the hospital. I still had no idea that it was life threatening.”

Indeed, Hammond’s aorta, a life-sustaining blood vessel that runs from the top of the heart through the chest and abdomen, was slowly tearing. And, as the inner lining of the aorta separated from its outer walls, blood was pumping into the space between. As time passed, Hammond’s aorta was weakening with the potential for deadly rupture.

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Aortic Dissection and Repair

Due to the emergency, called an aortic dissection, her brain wasn’t getting enough oxygen, and she suffered a small stroke.

The race for her life was on.

Hammond’s daughter took her to Summa Akron City Hospital, a Certified Chest Pain and Stroke Center, where Hammond went straight to emergency surgery.

“I remember them rolling me down the hall, and I have no memory after that,” she says.

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Dr. Eric Espinal, of Summa Cardiovascular Institute, and Summa’s surgical team put Hammond to sleep, created an opening in her chest and began a meticulous series of maneuvers. They stopped her heart and began delivering oxygen artificially to her bloodstream, knowing exactly how much time was on the clock. Then, working inches away from her heart, Dr. Espinal replaced the damaged aorta with an artificial blood vessel and repaired the valve at the aorta’s base. When they restarted her heart, the surgical team could see it beating. goredforwomen.org

Hammond was kept asleep for about five days. When she finally awoke, her five relieved daughters had so much to tell her.

Aortic dissection affects about two in every 10,000 people, and about 80 percent of its victims do not survive.

“Although some patients may have a previously unknown abnormality in the structure of their major blood vessels, others have a higher risk from high blood pressure,” says Dr. Espinal. “There may also be a correlation between aortic dissection and smoking.”

Hammond did smoke about a pack or more of cigarettes daily, but kicked the habit after 15 days in the hospital.

Whether smoking or years of untreated high blood pressure caused the problem, she’ll never know. Regardless, Hammond’s thankful she can play with her grandchildren and has no deficiencies from the stroke.

“I live my life much healthier now,” she says. “I quit smoking. I eat better. I’m more likely to seek help at the beginning of a problem versus waiting. Before, my philosophy was, ‘Oh well, it will go away.’ But women shouldn’t put things off.”

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New for 2012 6DYY\ :RPHQ &OXE It’s time there was an environment specifically designed to help women become more financially engaged in their lives.

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That’s why I created my 6DYY\ :RPHQ &OXE

3875 Embassy Parkway Suite 300 Akron, OH 44333

My 6DYY\ :RPHQ &OXE is a community where women can have fun and feel comfortable asking questions, deepen their financial knowledge and gain a greater understanding of their financial lives. The club promotes interactive communication and education in small group settings so you can explore and learn unfamiliar financial topics in a familiar and comfortable environment.

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Join me at an upcoming 6DYY\ :RPHQ &OXE Event.

Visit paulachesser.com and click on the 6DYY\ :RPHQ &OXE link for membership and event details.

©2012 Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. Member SIPC. MC-34518. www.akronlife.com

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SIGN RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS Stroke survivor Martha Giangiulio has learned to listen to her body.

As a nurse at Akron Children’s Hospital, Martha Giangiulio is familiar with the warning signs of stroke.

Two days before her 48th birthday, she experienced a number of them.

She had pain in her neck and a pounding headache. Her speech was slurred, and her eye felt half-swollen shut. Naturally, she sought advice from her doctor.

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As an ambulance transported her to the emergency room at Mercy Medical Center in Canton, she remembers thinking: “Will I get to see my kids again and my husband? Will I be here tomorrow? Will I have lasting side-effects?”

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Giangiulio was aware of her family’s medical history: Her mother, grandmother and uncle all had experienced strokes.

She was taking blood pressure medication and was seeing a cardiologist. Still, paying attention to the warning signs was tough.

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Looking back, she says it would have been safer to call an ambulance, but at the time, she thought she was able to drive herself to her doctor’s office. She had trouble remembering how to get there and had a hard time recalling her name when speaking to the receptionist. In the waiting room, someone pointed out that the left side of her face was drooping.

That’s when it became clear … she was having a stroke.

2012

“As a nurse, we take care of everybody else,” she says. “We don’t like to be the patient.”

At the hospital, she learned that she had a small vessel stroke. She was treated, and her blood pressure was brought down.

She suffered eye trauma but feels fortunate things turned out the way they did.

She sees a nephrologist now every six months and monitors her blood pressure while leading a healthy lifestyle. Unless people are told, most would never know she had a stroke.

goredforwomen.org

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By Abby Cymerman

Giangiulio’s experience became the impetus for her passion to share her story. A participant in the 2011 Akron Heart Walk, Giangiulio has embraced her desire to continue down a healthier path.

She remains committed to controlling her blood pressure, enjoying a healthy diet, exercising regularly and scheduling appointments with her doctors.

Her real focus, though, has been encouraging others to be the best health advocates they can be. Whenever she encounters someone complaining of symptoms that don’t go away after taking an overthe-counter pain reliever, she does what she can to persuade them to seek immediate medical attention.

FedEx Custom Critical is a proud supporter of Go Red for Women and the American Heart Association.

© 2012 FedEx

“It’s so important for everyone to know the warning signs of strokes and to listen to their bodies,” Giangiulio says. Taking that step, she says, can make all the difference.

Anyone can be part of You’re the Cure. To learn more and become an advocate, visit www.YouretheCure.org.

www.akronlife.com

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I believe in getting more out of life.

My time is precious. Every moment counts. That’s why I chose Kaiser Permanente. My doctor is close to home, so when I go for a checkup, I can visit the lab and pharmacy, too—all in one trip. Back home, I can go online and e-mail my doctor, check most lab test results, schedule routine appointments, order most prescription refills, and more.* It’s that easy. This way, I have more time to spend on what matters most—life. *These features are available when you receive care at Kaiser Permanente medical centers.

Care from practitioners you see outside our medical centers or the results of tests and Aorticcenters dissection repaironline. screenings performed outside our medical may notand be available

For more information about Kaiser Permanente, visit us online at kaiserpermanente.org.

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AN ADVISOR WHO KNOWS THAT

COMMUNITY MEANS MORE THAN JUST LOCATION.

Merrill Lynch is committed to serving individuals and businesses in the Akron, Canton and Youngstown communities. Merrill Lynch Financial Advisors can help you develop a customized strategy that combines financial know-how with a deep understanding of who you are. We are proud to be here.

Akron & Associates Daniel W. Renz, CFM Complex Director

Merrill Lynch 50 South Main Street, 4th Floor Akron, OH 44308

(800) 284-3058

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer and member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

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Are Not Bank Guaranteed

© 2012 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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