January 2016 Akron Life Magazine

Meet Marshall Preston / Best of the City Ballot

volume 14 / issue 1

januar y 2016

Private Schools 5 cool classes in The 330

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Bridal

What to do after “I do”

Gamut: The Crazy Path 3 Artists, 3 Points of View

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$3.95

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74470 57871

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photo by Shane Wynn

Give your family and friends an amazing night of happiness and wonder!

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A must see.”

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— Mark Horning, Cleveland Fine Arts Examiner

“The The choreography was absolutely beautiful. The costumes were stunning.”

“My heart was open and I started to cry.

—Barbara Sexton Smith, Former President and CEO of Fund for the Arts

The spirit of hope, beauty, and blessing....

It’s a fabulous gift to us.”

— Sine McKenna, award-winning d-winn Celtic singer

“I was filled with hopee....Th Thee

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PAGES start here

On The Cover / 36 Education / Alyssa Young / photo by Shane Wynn

Features

36 Classes So Cool For School From mastering a “dead language” to writing computer code, five students in The 330 are soaking up a rich education in several unique classes.

48 Weddings for the Whole Family A time to celebrate family and love, local weddings can be the epitome of family-friendly. From venues, to the day itself, the bridal section has the skinny on your big day.

Photo by Shane Wynn

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january 2016

pages

10 gamut

63 untappd

16

agenda

Departments

6

/ Mail Bonding

7

/ From the Editor

8

/ Radar (Seen + Heard)

9

/ Up Front

10

/ The Gamut

16

The Crazy Path In which we (attempt to) celebrate the uncertain road

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/ The Interview Marshall Preston Metro Bus Driver

14

/ Subject Matter “Hudson”

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/ Agenda

Special Sections

17 Entertainment listings & Calendar of events 28 Spotlight: New exhibit in Cuyahoga Falls features 3 distinct viewpoints 22 FLASH: Goodwill’s Taste of Vintage 24 FLASH: Summa Health Sapphire Ball 24 FLASH: Paula Chesser’s Holiday Celebration

/ 36 Education Q&A Informational Comparison Chart

/ 57 Financial Planning What to do after the wedding

/ Good Eats (notable food & drink) 61 Restaurant listings 63 Untapped: Ommegang Brewery’s Three Philosophers 65 Big Bite: R Shea Brewing Co. 66 Uncorked: Markham Vineyards

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mail bonding

Tell us what's on your mind.

The Ronald McDonald House of Akron / Holiday Gift Guide

volume 1 3 / issue 1 2

BEST 2015

DOCTORS

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december 2015

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'GPQR /GEF R "IPM L

Comments? Got something to say about an article you read in akronlife? Or maybe you want to tell us about something great happening in the area. Send comments and suggestions to: akronlife, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313 and please include your name and address. Or, email them to editor@bakermediagroup.com.

Six Local Philanthropic Physicians

Gamut: Thoughts on the big picture

Photo by Shane Wynn

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

Get Your Face In Our Magazine HAVE AKRON, WILL TRAVEL - Send us pics of yourself with a copy of akronlife magazine from your travels around the globe and end up on this page!

Publisher Colin Baker cbaker@bakermediagroup.com

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

Creative Director William L. Teckmyer III wteckmyer@bakermediagroup.com

Managing Editor Molly Gase mgase@bakermediagroup.com

Editorial Associate Sharon Cebula

Sharing the Spirit of Giving Greetings akronlife, I’m writing in regards to your December issue in akronlife magazine.

I have always enjoyed this issue because of the Best Doctors findings, but this year’s issue was the best yet. I was thrilled to see Sharon Cebula’s piece “A Place of Love” and found her article was timed perfectly to illustrate the importance of giving this time of year.

I was born and raised here in Akron and was unfamiliar with the Akron Ronald McDonald House and the help that they offer so many families that are in need during a difficult time. During my childhood, my family was a recipient of our community’s generosity due to medical issues with my father; So, I’m excited to now know there is a place I can offer a returned service that is right here in my community of Akron. Describing the needs of this important organization and how they survive by the involvement of the community is exactly the kind of resource that I look for in akronlife to provide your readers/subscribers with. Congratulations on a great issue. I’m excited to see what’s coming next…

Larry DeAngelis Akron

Look for these special features in upcoming issues.

In February, look for our Jewelry feature, Valentine’s Day Gift Guide and Faces of The 330 section.

In March, look for our Personalities feature, Top Dentists, Home & Garden and Education: Summer Planning section.

In April, look for our Pets feature, Camp Directory and Travel Beyond The 330 section.

To advertise in one of these special issues, contact Colin Baker at 330-253-0056 ext. 104 t cbaker@bakermediagroup.com 6

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january 2016

Contributing Writers Aaron Fowler Denise Henry Nancy Nierman Rick Rodger Rodney Wilson Photographers Shane Wynn swynn@bakermediagroup.com

Sales Colin Baker Bunny Lacey Steve Tyson Ben DiCola sales@bakermediagroup.com

Circulation Jessica Burkhart jburkhart@bakermediagroup.com

330-253-0056 ext. 112 January 2016, Volume 14, Issue 1 (ISSN No. 74470 57871) akronlife is published monthly by Baker Media Group, LLC, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313. Copyright 2015© 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

An antidote to winter – Tybee Island to make it into a family-friendly destination may take a while. Don’t get me wrong, I can testify to the quality of life in the off-season, and it is idyllic.

It’s January. The Holiday Season is over. Now we face the long, grim winter months ahead.

Most of us face winter with forbearance because we’ve gotten through it before. We are a hearty people who thrive on adversity. But wait, I’ve just visited the true antidote to our Akron, Ohio winters.

Its name is Tybee Island.

The island, located in a suburb of Savannah, Georgia, is an island much as Peninsula, Ohio is a peninsula. It is cut off from the mainland by the Tybee River. Tybee has been the playground for Georgians for over 100 years, just like Put-In-Bay in Lake Erie have been for Ohioans. In fact, Tybee reminded me very much of Put-In-Bay in the off-season: quiet, peaceful and calm.

We visited Tybee Island during the off-season in December, when the town is quiet and you can get a seat in almost any restaurant with no wait. The streets are mostly empty save for delivery trucks and a few locals. There is really only one street in Tybee that really matters, Butler Ave., which runs from the western end of the island through town and connects with U.S.80 into Savannah.

We stayed in a Mermaid Cottage ($150 $350 a night) right on the beach with only a sand dune to separate us from the Atlantic Ocean. Just as it has been in Akron for the last few months, it was unseasonably warm in Tybee in December. We walked the beach in shorts and a t-shirt for our entire fourday stay, each day getting warmer and more cloudless. The cottage slept six and had a spacious living room. It was air conditioned, but it was so beautiful that we kept the doors open all day long. There is excellent cell and internet reception; there are many channels on cable TV, but we soon forgot about those things as we settled into the relaxing lifestyle that is Tybee Island in the off-season. I was content just watching the beach and listening to the ocean’s arrhythmic chant. Since we were on the western tip of the island, we could watch both the sunrise and the sunset from our front deck.

As you can imagine, wonderful fresh seafood is available in many fine restaurants and bars across town. We ate in two owned by the same local couple, who are riding the same rising economic tide we are all feeling. Sarah and Kurtis Schumm have opened three highend restaurants since 2010. The first is Tybee Island Social Club, which is a casual lunch and dinner place, while the second, Tybee Fish Camp, is more formal while still serving mostly fresh seafood. We tried both places, and I will put their fish tacos up there with the best I have ever eaten. Another bar and grill you don’t want to miss is CoCo’s Sunset Grille. Owner Tracy McMahon was the one to tell us that Tybee is trying to switch its image from a college party town to more of a family destination as it used to be. We also ate lunch at a new place located in a strip mall off 1st Street called Sundae Cafe where we again had excellent fresh seafood. We ate breakfast in the “World Famous Breakfast Club” which has many rules for its patrons; it must be very successful.

We rented bicycles from Fat Tire Bikes and were able to pedal to almost any spot on the island. That which we could not reach by bike we could easily reach in a taxi, or in our case, Uber. We visited Tybee Marine Science Center, the Tybee Island Lighthouse and the newly-renovated pavilion and pier. At the end of the pier is a sign that reads, “No Shark Fishing”; I looked over the railing of the pier and saw several people swimming—go figure.

All of the peace and quiet that we experienced is turned on its head on weekends and in the summer time. No one told me, but by counting the bars and gift shops I could see that this is indeed a party town, and trying

But, let’s face it, the big draw for most people to Tybee Island is its long, wide sandy beach. Though I didn’t swim, I saw others do so, and I did splash my feet in the warm waters along the shore. We were privileged to take a two-person tour of Little Tybee Island, which is uninhabited, and the salt marshes beyond. Our captain, Rene of Sundial Charters Boat Tours, is a serious local birder, so we came to recognize turns, gulls, loons, painted bunting, rakes, sand pipers and three bald eagles perched about 100 yards away on a sand bank, eating a dead fish. They were young, Rene pointed out, because their heads had not yet begun to turn their signature white. Tybee Island is on the Colonial Coastal Birding trail and hosts over 211 bird species. Additionally, we saw dolphins (a family of three), gators and small sharks that also live here and up the rivers by as many as eight miles.

Tybee Island was Savannah’s playground for many years, first for it’s fishing, then when the railroad went through in 1887, opening it up to tourists from all over, including many from Ohio, it seems. Part of the island was taken over by the military of various armies at Fort Screven from 1897 until it was sold to the town of Tybee in 1947.

You can watch the Agnes Marie shrimping boat chugging out to sea to catch your dinner.

You can visit the many fine restaurants (most are informal) or gift shops or bars if that is your inclination. In fact, open container laws are suspended in Tybee; even the bicycles we rode had beer holders built right onto the handlebars. But for me and many people from up north, we appreciate the calm and serenity of Tybee in December, the busiest month of the year.

Don Baker, Jr., Founder and Editor-in-Chief dbakerjr@bakermediagroup.com

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january 2016 / vol. 14 / issue 1

RADAR seen+heard

$252,000 December 1 was a warm day, and not only because of the weather.

Kent State University President Beverly Warren matched $25,000 of donations from over 700 alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and friends to the Distinctive Kent State Fund on this global day of philanthropy. The combined total of $252,000 will support programs that set KSU apart through efforts to bridge its academic programs with the wider campus community. Warren said she was “impressed but not surprised by the overwhelming display of pride and generosity.”

935,000

Dr. Kenneth Swanson has bequeathed a generous donation to the Children’s Concert Society (CCS) to create an endowed fund that the Akron Community Foundation will steward. The fund will provide perpetual support for programs that bring live, high-quality performing arts experiences to Summit County students in preschool through high school, as well as to area seniors. Since 1947, CCS estimates that they have introduced some 935,000 children to the concert hall experience.

$1,182,000 ArtsinStark board chair Max Deuble announced in December that $1,182,000 in grants has been approved for various programs and projects in Stark County that “show the incredible impact of the arts on community and economic development.” The funds will support large organizations, like the Massillon Museum and Voices of Canton, as well as smaller non-profits and individuals, like Craig Joseph who will receive $750 to produce a Sondheim musical about the lives of American presidents. Money is also allotted to both public and private schools for programs that incorporate arts education into math, reading, social studies and language arts classes.

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city watch

by Rodney Wilson

An Akron man credits Hot Pockets with his life, stating a last-minute trip to the store kept him from his apartment just long enough to avoid November’s deadly plane crash. “It really made me question a lot of

my life choices,” said the man as he slid a dinner burrito into the microwave.

The Akron Symphony offered tickets to a musical event in exchange for Browns tickets, an idea borrowed from comedian Drew Carey. The event, titled “Showcase

Showdown,” was an hour of chorus girls in muumuus dancing to a symphonic “Cleveland Rocks.”

Police recently had to monitor a “right to carry” rifleman roaming the streets of Akron. “We’re so lucky for the protection

of guys like him,” said a local first-grade teacher from inside her locked-down classroom of bawling children.

A Summit County councilwoman was arrested for taking bribe money at BiRite, a drive-thru convenience store. “The

defendant reportedly had addiction problems,” said an official. “We know she had it really bad for Combos, and we suspect some Twinkie abuse.”

Kent State President Beverly Warren recently stated she wants KSU to be “America’s healthiest university.” The local populace

agreed, vowing to make fewer “special brownies” and more “special nut bars.”

up front

Unconventional Education A good education prepares you for a promising life. The idea that the toil of completing each overly-complicated math equation or memorizing the names of long-dead bewigged gentlemen will help you have a great life can make study sessions feel more purposeful. However, as the years outside of the classroom begin to outnumber the ones in it, the classes that stick with you are not necessarily the basics. For me, some of the strangest offerings are the ones that made a lasting impact on my daily life.

In junior high, my fellow tweens and I shuffled into a musty garagelike space attached to the end of our school building. This space wasn’t much to look at, but it was the place where our very calm instructor took us through the basics of woodworking. In small clusters of borderline terrified mini-adults, we crafted penny hockey games and paper towel holders, and learned how to feel confident around tools of all shapes and sizes. The projects didn’t always go exactly as planned—my parents still have the singed key holder that I accidently lit on fire— but no one lost any limbs or did any permanent damage. Years later, when I walked into the basement where my husband was working on constructing a custom coffee table, I was able to assist him with the cuts. The confidence we established as middle-schoolers in woodshop expanded beyond gender norms and provided my classmates and me with a practical skill.

I should preface this next memory by saying that my school was in a rural setting, surrounded by vast amounts of farmland. Because of this locale, we picked up a lot of practical skills along the way. One of these skills was meant to help us put food on the table—bow hunting. Many people in my community hunted and filled their freezers with hardwon meat. Because of the practicality of this skill, it only makes sense that it was on our curriculum. However, I have heard from teachers of the subject—one of which was my father for part of his career—that there is nothing more terrifying than a large group of 12- and 13-yearolds all pointing loaded bows at you. Once we all stopped aiming at our teachers, we worked with basic bullseyes and fake deer mannequins with specific targets on them. I even became efficient with a crossbow.

The only hunting I do now for food is on the shelves of a grocery store. But as television and pop culture constantly tell me, bow and arrow skills would be really useful in a post-apocalyptic world. So, come doomsday I am ready.

My practical education continued in high school where we learned how to secure a tree stand—once again helpful if you are hunting for your food—how to drive a tractor and all of the information you could ever want to know about caring for farm animals. We even had a barn on the school property with a whole host of animals residing there.

Managing these animals was delegated to teens in the ag department, except when they would escape. On one such occasion, our football team’s day of conditioning turned into an exercise in recapturing and securing all missing sheep. The guys mastered their defensive skills right there in that cornfield versus the wily sheep.

Whatever the specific course, there are a lot of things to learn during your formative years. Students pick up skills they will constantly put to use in their everyday lives. This month, we spoke to five students at five different area schools about a unique class they enjoy. These kids are learning and exploring topics that do not necessarily fit into the STEM mold. They are playing games, learning “dead” languages and smashing pumpkins for science. The skills they are picking up are different than those I gained in school, but this is a different time.

Unlike young Lincoln Reeling, most of us didn’t know a lot about nd computers in the 2 grade. He, and many children like him, are getting this amazing head-start on understanding technology. When young learners get the opportunity to develop their skills and talents, technological advances will surely follow.

Education is a constantly evolving field, and it is amazing to see these unique and interesting classes in The 330. I can only hope that as the years go by, students who experience these courses can feel the value of them in their everyday lives. After all, even the most random skillset could one day help you out of a jam—hopefully it won’t involve a crossbow.

/ Managing Editor Molly Gase is gearing up to make homemade noodles for the fall. Foot after foot of long, delicious noodles.

Comments? Email them to Molly Gase at mgase@bakermediagroup.com.

the gamut

by Rodney Wilson and illustration by Carla Wilson

The Crazy Path

/ In which we (attempt to) celebrate the uncertain road /

I've spoken many times, within these pages even, of how I lack a "fixed notion of self." And by "spoken" I mean bemoaned, lamented, mourned.... For once, though, I want to try something new: I want to flip this too-familiar (to me at least) train of thought and celebrate the migratory, champion inconsistency.

Today, I'm here to praise the ever-changing path.

As I type this, change swirls around me like a temporal twister. There's the overall change, still very active in my consciousness, affected when my family and I left the business we'd run for 12 years to live in the literal wilderness. The fallout from this move has been slow, often boring, occasionally tumultuous, but we've now effectively established this weird life shared with two bossy cows, a mess of pigs and countless chickens and the winds of change have started picking up again. I can smell a storm brewing.

My gut reaction involves fear and anxiety, and I won't lie to you, there's a buzz of terror humming inside me 24/7. I feel it now, churning unbidden, and I don't like it. But just the other day I heard a radio program that celebrated oddballs like me and mine, folks like the NYC bus driver who, one morning in 1947, turned right rather than left onto his route and didn't stop until he reached a warm, Florida beach. Yes, he was arrested, but public acclaim for his detour landed him on talk shows rather than behind bars. The general populous loves an active, preferably public redefinition of a self otherwise determined by routine and consistency. The other day an office worker with a state job and a writing habit told me, after learning of my own writing career, that "the rest of us are living through you." Truth is, I silently coveted the steady reliability of her desk job the entire conversation.

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But we love the weirdos, don't we? At the risk of equating myself with superior luminaries, I'll call your attention to Apple's iconic "Think different." campaign that championed the "crazy ones," outside-the-box thinkers such as Jim Henson, Amelia Earhart, Pablo Picasso. While my understanding of these figures is that unwavering dedication to their dreams drove them ever-forward into uncertainty, the key word "different" speaks to the change I'm feebly attempting to celebrate, that shift away from normalcy, from office jobs and (sigh) regular paychecks.

This celebration of change, of the constant, headlong bus drive away from familiarity into the shadowy unknown...well, it really is easier to do from inside the box. Most folks remember Frost's metaphorical path, the lesstraveled one, for all the difference it made to the narrator. I've long loved that poem, but it's always been abundantly clear to me that Frost never actually said the difference was a good one. He speaks of a late-in-life "sigh" as he recounts the choice, and the poem's second line states a wish to travel both. I recall footage of Frost reading at JFK's inauguration and wonder where his ambivalence came from.

The poetry path certainly worked out for the man who, previous to national acclaim, worked as a farmer and an English teacher, so why would he even remember the moremanicured trail? Is it because he understood that, for every poet who enjoyed Frost's suc-

januar y 2016

cess, thousands more languished in poverty and uncertainty until their final breath?

So it's in this last luminary, the rural and gravelly and didactic Frost, that my hand is forced. I must compare myself. Though a failed farmer, he owned farmland throughout his life; despite a body of published work, he always wondered about that other path.

My farm is wildly unprofitable, and touch the page before you my work is published, and not irregularly. And when I stand at the farmer's market, listening to a gainfullyemployed woman tell me how she envies my career, I'm mentally picturing money silently appearing in her bank account every Friday. I stumble down the long, gravel driveway to my mailbox, drawn along this path by the hope I'll find a check from one of the magazines I write for.

Because, you see, we can't celebrate this change, wherein folks buck the system to forge their own paths, without ambivalence.

I mean, they're called "crazy ones" for a reason, and that reason is the system works.

The system takes care of those inside its box.

Some people step off the trail to find a hidden fortune in the wilderness, but plenty of folks get lost in the forest; taking that first step, you never really know which one you're going to be.

Back to the incomplete Frost comparison for

a minute: Before and after his transformation into what some believe was the finest poet of the 20th century, Robert Frost was an English teacher. I've never been an English teacher but, for many years, I believed my path led in that direction. And now, in the woods on what appears to be a totally different trail, tripping along as way leads on to way, I remember Mr. Pingilley, my high school English teacher, reading Frost's most famous poem (his was the more conventional interpretation of Frost's meaning). I emailed

this teacher the other day, in fact, not to discuss Frost but to share some news: After years of metaphorical burrs and thorns and brambles and, yes, the occasional clearing filled with unspeakable beauty, I've begun the process of earning my teaching certificate.

/ Rodney Wilson is either a pig farmer who writes or a writer who farms pigs. Either way, he’s got a freezer full of bacon and a finished manuscript, and he’s trying to sell both.

Comments? Email them to Molly Gase mgase@bakermediagroup.com.

Because, really, there's just one path, and it's yours. Champion every twist, every blind curve, every shifting footing. Celebrate change, and be a crazy one.

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the interview

by Sharon Cebula and photo by Shane Wynn

Marshall Preston / Metro RTA Bus Driver /

When the doors to a Metro bus open at your neighborhood stop, you probably don’t think too much about the person behind the wheel. You might not think he’s a published author, or a stand-up comedian, or a musician. But that’s exactly what you get with Marshall Preston, morning operator of the Number One Inbound.

Preston’s latest children’s book, “Love at First Sight,” is soon to be in print, and his sketch comedy group, Christian Concepts Through Comedy, performs upon request for local churches.

When he’s not driving, writing, hamming it up on stage, or playing the saxophone with his church band, Preston relaxes with his high school sweetheart and wife, Devonn, and their three daughters, Cherish, Chanté, and Cherise, in their Goodyear heights home.

Preston’s 100-watt smile has been lighting up the morning Metro line for ten years, though he and his six siblings practically grew up on the bus their father also drove for many years.

How did you end up behind the wheel for Akron Metro?

MP: I started my driving career at Pyramid delivery, a small trucking company in Barberton. I believe I drove through every city in Ohio. I loved being on the open road. My father worked at Metro and asked if I was interested in working with him. I had never thought about driving for Metro; I was used to over-the-road driving. But I decided to give it a try. He helped me get my foot in the door, and the fact that I had previous experience made the transition easier.

Did you need any special training?

MP: You need a commercial driver's license(CDL), and to complete sensitivity training, several weeks 12

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What was your dream job as a kid?

of route training, a course in CPR and ADA laws and regulations, as well as in night driving—everything looks different when the sun goes down.

MP: When I was younger, I was always into the arts. I sang in choir and was in the drama club. When I attended The University of Akron, I was studying to become a teacher. I love helping people and wanted to pass on my love for the arts with the next generation.

What is your favorite part of your job?

MP: I would have to say the people. When you're on a bus, you meet people from all walks of life. You never know who you'll meet when you open that door and say hello.

What advice do you have for someone who is considering driving a bus as an occupation?

If the people are the best, what’s the worst?

MP: Snow! Our city does a fine job clearing the streets for us, but when we have snow storms, it's hard to keep up with Mother Nature. Winter driving presents a different challenge every day, but our training helps us to deal with winter conditions. Still, there are days when the weather makes it very difficult to press on.

What is one of the most interesting situations you have encountered while driving for Metro?

MP: I find it interesting that we have customers with different disabilities who are able to navigate through our bus system on their own. For example, one of my regular fares is a visually and hearing impaired gentleman who catches the buses like a pro. He knows when to get on and when to ring the bell for his stop to go home. He's very impressive!

MP: If you love meeting new people and dealing with new challenges every day, this would be the perfect job for you. You'll meet people from all walks of life, from school children to business owners. Every day is a new adventure and a chance to make a difference in someone's life. Because of this job, I've had the opportunity to travel this country and the world. Life is a highway; join the journey!

How do you keep a smile on your face day in and day out?

MP: I've learned that smiling is contagious. If you smile at someone, it's disarming. When you are dealing with the public, you have to maintain a level of professionalism. I don't know what people are going through, but if a smile or a hello makes them feel better, I've made a difference. We all have days where we wake up on the wrong side of the bed or just have things going on in our life. Sometimes the kindness of a stranger can change your whole day.

/ Editorial Associate Sharon Cebula lives in West Akron with her very patient husband, two obnoxious cats, and an enormous collection of owl paraphernalia.

Comments?

Email them to Molly Gase at mgase@bakermediagroup.com.

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subject matter

by Mark Oprea

A Town Frozen in Time / "Hudson" captures the moving spirit of a town seemingly rooted in the past. /

“The effort to preserve the past while forging ahead into the future,” Jill Grunenwald writes in the introduction in her latest book, “is the legacy on which Hudson is built.”

Something she says town natives, like herself, are well aware of.

Her first published book, “Hudson” (Arcadia Publishing, 2015) is a photo-essay tour of the town’s lengthy history, from its roots as a lively hub for Northern abolitionists to its present-day incarnation as a commercial mecca. Part of Arcadia’s “Images of America” series—now made up of over 9,000 titles—“Hudson” reads as a historical catalogue, detailing picturesque homes and family-run businesses of note. They include 79 Hudson St., which once housed professor Rufus Nutting, the Learned Owl independent bookstore and the iconic Saywell’s Drug Store that greeted almost a century of business before shutting its doors in 2005. There’s also the Spring Hill Farm, where John Brown, who led the 1859 raid on Harper’s Ferry, once lived with his father Owen. “We don’t have a lot of names to claim,” Grunenwald says, “but he’s definitely one of them.”

In many ways, Grunenwald is a cataloguer of local history. She begins her book with the infamous Great Fire of 1892 that paved the way to a new Hudsonian image—one tied together, come 1912, with the medieval-style clock tower that marks the main grassy plaza, known for decades as the Green. Another set of photos shows a group of residents at the formerly-named Euclid Plant (a part of General Motors), which, despite fear that it would industrialize the small town, was a beacon for families to settle in its vicinity, adding numbers to the population. Another shot shows the back view of white-shirted workers at the Terex Plant, which subsumed the Euclid name after a 1968 lawsuit. Today, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores Headquarters, surrounded by plazas of chain restaurants and banks, sits where the Plant used to be.

The book also displays Hudson’s academic side, represented by shots of the prestigious Western Reserve Academy and the Montessori School, “the 13th oldest of its kind in the nation,” Grunenwald writes. But Greek-columned architecture isn’t the sole mark of Hudson’s academia. There’s also a photo of British fantasy author Brian Jacques signing a cartoon mural in the middle school; another is a poster image of a recent Hudson Explorers graduation ceremony, “93 percent who were college-bound.” And then there’s the iconic chapel of the Academy, its caption detailing how, in the 1970s, the private school became coed, breaking a 50-year tradition of gender segregation.

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Grunenwald herself is a good fit as author. Other than attending a full schooling career in Hudson (known to locals as being in the “Thirteen Year Club”), she worked at the Hudson Library and Historical Society during the summers while in college. This turned out to be a huge source of guidance for her book—along with the source for many of its images. Grunenwald also turned to her co-workers and peers for

details, including historical anecdotes and nearly-forgotten stories. “This was a group effort in a lot of ways,” Grunenwald says.

The project even brought back memories from Grunewald’s own past. A 1987 shot from the “Author’s Collection” shows a smiling child in a mauve-colored toy car à la Safety Town.

“Yep, that’s me,” she says.

In the 21st century, Hudson has endured a major facelift and witnessed the closing of many shops and locales begotten a century before. One of the major acts of transporting the town to the next era was the relocation of the Hudson Library and Historical Society. A golden-tinted 1960s image of the library reads “CLOSED FOR REMODELING.” It’s now one of the 27 “Star” libraries in the State of Ohio. Another page shows an in-construction First and Main and the flashy, modern-style commercial addition, to match the vintage shops on the “old” Main. “[The renovations] always feel like they have been there,” Grunenwald says. “They fit in so well with the community.”

The whole idea of keeping Hudson uniform in design goes back to when town native James Ellsworth returned to his city in 1909.

Seeing the destructive effects of the 1892 fire, he invested part of his fortune to turn Hudson into “a new model town,” even encouraging homeowners to re-roof their houses with the same color of shingles. Since then, the city appears to have promised itself uniformity.

“That’s incredible to me,” Grunenwald says, “just this pride that people like Ellsworth and others had. And that’s why the city continues to this day. I mean, even the McDonald’s looks like it fits in with the town’s aesthetics.”

Now working in Cleveland at a career college, and traveling from time to time back to her hometown, Grunenwald says documenting Hudson has given her a sense of gratitude for a town once overlooked in her highschool days. As a matter of fact, she balks at any slight change of Hudson’s image. “Now as an adult, and especially researching the book, I totally understand why Hudson has gone to those efforts to maintain historical consistency,” she says. “I have much appreciation for the fact that so little has changed.” / Writer Mark Oprea is a recent graduate of Kent State University.

Comments?

Email them to Molly Gase at mgase@bakermediagroup.com.

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january 2016 / vol. 14 / issue 1

AGENDA the essential social digest

1/21 BLU JAZZ+ PRESENTS BLU J AZZ JAM WITH THERON B ROWN Bring your horn and come be part of Akron’s jazz history in the making.

The BLU Jazz Jam is for musicians and music lovers alike, so come and experience this exciting forum for musical expression. Featuring Theron Brown, Dan Pappalardo and Zaire Darden. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $8. Free for jam session musicians. For tickets, visit www.blujazzakron.com.

1/2-1/31 PENGUIN PALOOZA, AKRON ZOO, p18

1/16 CMT PRESENTS JENNIFER NETTLES WITH 2016 NEXT WOMEN OF C OUNTRY TOUR

Jennifer Nettles, former Sugarland member, headlines this Women of Country tour alongside Tara Thompson, Lindsay Ell and Brandy Clark for a night of country music. Hard Rock Rocksino, Northfield Park, Hard Rock Live, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield. 8 p.m. $48-$65.50. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

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

Through 1/2/2016 Deck the Hall: “Home for the Holidays” Bring the whole family to enjoy one of Ohio’s largest and most spectacular holiday traditions. The estate is illuminated inside and out with over 800,000 lights and the historic Manor House is decorated and inspired by the theme of “Home for the Holidays.” “Dazzle” is a fantastic outdoor light show animated to new music each year and Gingerbread Land is dressed up for the holiday season. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 5-8 p.m. $6-$18. Free for children ages 5 and under. www.stanhywet.org.

Through 1/3/2016 Charles Beneke: “Specter” Beneke offers pleasure in lush surface decoration, as well as a reminder of the impact of our love for excess. Visitors are encouraged to exchange a behavior that harms the earth for a take-away print that reminds them of their promise and the magnificent installation. 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. Gallery admission is free every Thursday. www.akronartmuseum.org.

Through 1/8/2016 The Ahh Gallery Holiday Show This holiday show features pottery by Judie Singer and Kris Marshall, hand-blown glass by Abi Yeagley, paintings

by Vivian Huff Geaghan, watercolors by Jack Fetzer and much more. In addition, the Historical Society will present a “Historical Moments in Time” exhibit. Ahh Gallery’s new gift shop displays pottery, blown glass, jewelry, coloring books, pencil art cards, paintings, drawings and works by local authors. The Ahh Gallery & Gift Shop, 120 E. Main St., Louisville, Ohio. www. lsvlnimhistsoc.org.

Through 1/20/2016 12 X Twelve Art Exhibition Curated by Charles Beneke The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation in conjunction with The University of Akron Myers School of Art presents 12 X Twelve. Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation Gallery, 10 West Streetsboro Street, Hudson. Free. For gallery hours, visit www.mcmfdn.org.

Through 2/7/2015 “Same Time Next Year” One of the world’s most widely produced plays, the plot follows a love affair between two people, Doris and George, married to others, who rendezvous once a year. Twenty-five years of manners and morals are hilariously and touchingly played out by the lovers.

Actors’ Summit Theater, Greystone Hall, 103 S. High Street, Akron. $10-$33. For showtimes, visit www. actorssummit.org.

Through 2/15/2016 The Ice Rink at Lock 3 Bundle up in your warmest winter wear and come down to Lock 3 for the winter festivities. Enjoy free ice-skating at the outdoor rink or bring the kids to Zippy’s Little Roo Rink. Play nine holes of Polar Putt-Putt or enjoy 150 feet of downhill fun on the Reindeer Run slide designed for children ages 14 and under. At the concession stand, chili, soups and hot chocolate will warm skating and sledding enthusiasts. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. Skate rental, $3. For a complete list of Lock 3 winter events, visit www.lock3live.com.

Through 2/18/2016 “Murder on the Nile” In this thriller by Agatha Christie, a young couple on their honeymoon cruise of the Nile is surrounded by mysterious, potentially dangerous characters, as well as the groom’s jilted fiancé. Coach House Theatre, 732 W. Exchange St., Akron. $12-$22. For tickets and showtimes, visit www.coachhousetheatre.org.

Through 2/21/2016 Andrea Modica: “Extended Moments” This exhibition focuses on photographs Modica has taken in Italy since 1990, when she traveled to Sicily on a Fulbright Scholarship. Thirty photographs offer insights into the artist’s career, with the prints dating as early as 1986 on view alongside studies from recent projects.

All are distinguished in offering quiet moments and conveying the humanity of their subjects. 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. Gallery admission is free every Thursday. www. akronartmuseum.org.

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JAN. 16 Vivaldi Violin Concerto in C Minor, RV 202 8:00 PM EJ THOMAS

Vivaldi Concerto in A Minor for Two Violins Bach Violin Concerto in A Minor Vivaldi Concerto for Two Violins and Cello in D Minor from L’estro armonico Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G Major

Through 2/28/2016 Island of Misfit Toys In celebration of a decade of misfit toys at the Akron Art Museum, the museum asked local school children and professional artists to transform Munny, blank vinyl toys, into works of art. Artists of all ages have decorated Munny using pens, pencils, markers, paint, femo, clay, feathers, rocks, found objects and other supplies. 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. Gallery admission is free every Thursday. www. akronartmuseum.org.

Through 4/24/2016 Fashion Outlaws This exhibition explores the social history of women’s clothing from the Industrial Revolution to World War II. Fashion outlaws are women who rebelled against tightly laced corsets and heavy, full skirts, to gain the ease of movement necessary to run, drive, bicycle, and more, all while earning greater social freedom.

Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E., Canton. For details, visit www.massillonmuseum.org.

1/1 Lake Anna Holiday Lights The City of Barberton hosts this free display of multi-colored holiday lights as part of the annual Lake Anna Holiday Light Display at Lake Anna Park. Don’t miss this last chance to see the holiday lights. Lake Anna Park, 615 W. Park Ave., Barberton. 5-10 p.m. Free. For details, visit www. cityofbarberton.com.

1/1 Canton’s First Friday: “New Years in Ice” First Friday is a monthly party in the downtown Canton Arts District featuring themed music, performances and visual arts events, as well as a few surprises for adults and children. It is a self-guided tour of local art galleries, studios, stores and restaurants beginning with a first stop at the Canton Museum of Art at 5:30 p.m. Downtown Canton, 321 Court Ave. NW, Canton. 6-10 p.m. Free. www.cantonartsdistrict.com/ firstfriday.

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Christopher Wilkins, conductor Olivier Brault, violin and conductor Alan Bodman, Linda Nagy Johnston, violins Miles Richardson, cello Barbara O’Brien, Kyra Kester, flutes

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1/2 Pinecone Bird Feeders Make pinecone bird feeders to use this winter, then head outside to feed the birds from your hand. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron.

10:30 a.m.-Noon. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

1/2-1/31 Penguin Palooza Celebrate the Akron Zoo’s Humboldt penguins throughout the weekends in January. Warm up with free hot chocolate while you create your own penguin craft. Plus, you can feed the penguins for only $3. Saturdays and Sundays in January. Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Drive, Akron.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. $2-$11. Free to Akron Zoo members. www.akronzoo.org.

1/3 Hike for Cocoa Join in for a winter’s walk and search for signs of wildlife along the way. Then, warm up by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa. Liberty Park, Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg.

1-2:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

1/4 Hibernation Hike & Campfire Could a bear be hibernating in the Twinsburg Ledges? Join a naturalist in the shelter to learn how hibernation works and which animals use it. Marshmallows will be provided, while supplies last. Liberty Park, Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 10 a.m.-Noon. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

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Christopher Wilkins Music Director 1/5 Nature Stories Kids ages 18 months to 3 years old, with adult companions, join a naturalist for an interactive, natureinspired story time. Registration required.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 9:3010 a.m. and 10:30-11 a.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

1/6 Trail Strut Learn about and search for signs of turkey and other wildlife while hiking both Pheasant Run and Chippewa trails at a moderate pace.

Silver Creek Metro Park, Pheasant Run Area. 5000 Hametown Road, Norton. 1-3 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

1/6 Solo at Sarah’s Vineyard presents Grady Miller Local musicians perform at this Countryside Initiative farm. Enjoy wine and light food in the 1840s postand-beam tasting room. Sarah’s Vineyard, 1204 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 7-10 p.m. Free. For details, visit sarahsvineyardwinery.com.

1/6 BLU Jazz+ presents Joe Leaman: Solo Piano Joe Leaman is an in-demand pianist, percussionist and instructor in the Northeast Ohio region, and has performed with the bands Special Request, Charita Franks, and Axon Neuron, just to name a few. BLU’s Solo Piano Wednesday series showcases the finest pianists in the greater Northeast Ohio area. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 7-11 p.m. Free. For tickets, visit www.blujazzakron.com.

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Bus ess Health of

WKSU News ews will air a 7-part 7 part health heal series about healthcare as an economic driver, focusing on: Co

O n Re o e tion t e Fi o e

Listen every Tuesday during Morning Edition, between 5am – 9am December 8th – January 19th

Listen at 89.7 or wksu.org 1/7 Voices in the Valley presents Roger Hoover’s Pastures of Plenty The Peninsula Foundation supports the arts community by presenting Voices in the Valley, a showcase of traditional roots music. Kick back and relax for a night of music in the Historic G.A.R. Hall. Beer, wine and adult beverages available. G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. 7 p.m. $10$15. www.peninsulahistory.org.

1/7 BLU Jazz+ presents Big Band Residency with The Sam Blakeslee Large Group Join BLU as they kick off the new first Thursday of the month artist residency in 2016, featuring the very best in local and regional big band jazz. The debut resident ensemble is led by composer, Sam Blakeslee. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $10. For tickets, visit www. blujazzakron.com.

1/8 Winter Hike Get outside and enjoy the beauty of winter. Join a naturalist for this leisurely hike to talk about adaptations that help plants and animals survive colder temperatures. Please dress for the weather. Firestone Metro Park, Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Road, Akron. 10:30 a.m.Noon. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

1/8 Homeschoolers: Stories from the Wild Homeschoolers, ages 7 to 10: American Indians often use stories to make sense of nature, teach lessons and pass on history. Learn how to read nature and then retell its story. Registration begins 1/2. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 10:30 a.m.-Noon and 1-2:30 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

1/8 BLU Jazz+ presents Charles Walker Band Neofunk, R&B, and soul are infused into a high-energy pop and gospel dance band led by saxophonist Charles Walker and vocalist Porsche Carmon in a groovy, Rubber City debut. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $10. For tickets, visit www. blujazzakron.com.

1/7 Yoga in the Park Join a naturalist and certified yoga instructor from Yoga Bliss for an energizing practice to help us make it through the long Ohio winter. Wear comfortable clothing, and bring a yoga mat or large towel and drinking water. Registration begins 1/2. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 7 - 8 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

1/8 Jilly’s Music Room presents Scarlet and the Harlots This local band fuses the down-to-earth groove of blues with the freedom of jazz. The core band, consisting of two guitars, bass and drums provides the up-tempo foundation for Scarlet’s powerful lead vocals and passionate lyrics, with the horn section adding fullness to their dynamic sound.

Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 9 p.m.

Free. For details, visit www.jillysmusicroom.com.

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Prepare.

The FAFSA you get it done the better.

Apply early!

Log in.

Fill out.

Follow up.

Some things can’t wait. Like securing money for college.

With up to $5,700 in free tuition grants on the line – plus low-interest loans – submitting your child’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid [FAFSA] before the deadline is a must. So don’t delay. Visit FAFSA.gov today and follow the simple steps to see how much your student can receive. Go to FAFSA Summit County on Facebook for helpful tips!

1/8 Hotel California: “A Salute to the Eagles” sponsored by WONE Comprised of five respected, multi-talented music industry professionals, Hotel California presents a dynamic show saluting the music of The Eagles, a group whose music has proven to have a staying power that few bands lay claim to. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $25. For tickets, visit www.akroncivic.com.

1/8-2/19 Michael McCullough: “A Cacophony of Thoughtful Splendor” Inspired by philosophy and history, science and religion, art and music, McCullough presses his artistic limits through music, sketching, or painting, in the hope of finding a voice lost so long ago. Nine Muses Gallery, 584 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton. For gallery hours and details, visit www.ninemusesart.com.

1/9 Oxbow Hike Got cabin fever? Join a naturalist to hike Oxbow and Overlook trails to enjoy the beauty of this chilly season. Please dress for the weather.

Cascade Valley Metro Park, Oxbow Area, 1061 Cuyahoga St., Akron. Noon- 1:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

1/9 Archery for Kids Children ages 9 to 12 can learn international-style target archery and test their marksmanship at the temporary indoor range.

Program good for beginning and practiced archers.

All equipment and hands-on instruction provided.

Must be 50 inches or taller. Registration required.

Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 10:30 a.m.-Noon. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

1/9 Voices in the Valley presents Mo’ Mojo The Peninsula Foundation supports the arts community by presenting Voices in the Valley, a showcase of traditional roots music. Kick back and relax for a night of music in the Historic G.A.R. Hall. Beer, wine and adult beverages available. G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. 7 p.m. $10-$15. www.peninsulahistory.org.

1/9 Archery for Seniors Seniors ages 55 and over can learn international-style target archery and test their marksmanship at the temporary indoor range. Program good for beginning and practiced archers. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 1-2:30 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

1/9 Second Saturday Curator Gallery Talks: Donald Judd Want to know more about Donald Judd and the Chinati Foundation, a museum devoted to his work? Here’s a chance to have an insider’s look at works in the museum’s collection on new second Saturday, curator-led tours. Presented by Associate Curator Theresa Bembnister. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Meet at the Visitor Services desk at 1:30 pm. Free with gallery admission. www. akronartmuseum.org.

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“Striving for 48,000 college degrees by 2025!” seisummit.org

januar y 2016

1/9 “I Can Laugh About It Now”: an Evening with Jeff Allen Allen is regarded as one of the premium clean comedians working today. Most of his humor centers on marriage and living with teenagers: material to which everyone can relate.

Kent State University Tuscarawas Campus, Performing Arts Center, 330 University Drive NE, New Philadelphia. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $20-$30. For tickets, visit www.kent. edu/tusc/pac.

1/9 The Club @ the Civic presents Jumpin’ Jack Flash: A Tribute to the Rolling Stones Popular Pittsburgh, PA-based Rolling Stones tribute band, Jumpin’ Jack Flash will perform top Stones hits, as well as several lesser known classics that die-hard fans are certain to appreciate. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $20. For tickets, visit www.akroncivic.com.

1/9, 1/23 Countryside Farmers’ Market at Old Trail School A vibrant, producers-only farmers’ market established and managed by Countryside Conservancy. Old Trail School, 4040 Riverview Road, Peninsula. 9 a.m.-Noon. Free. www.cvcountryside. org.

1/10 Nature Drawing for Kids Children ages 6 to 12 join a naturalist-artist for this lesson in nature drawing. Paper and pencils will be provided.

Registration begins 1/3. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks. org.

1/10 Archery for Adults Adults 18 and over can learn international-style target archery and test their marksmanship at the temporary indoor range.

Program good for beginning and practiced archers.

All equipment and hands-on instruction provided.

Registration required. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 1-2:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

1/10 Archery for Teens Teens ages 13 to 17 can learn international-style archery and test their marksmanship at the temporary indoor range.

Program good for beginning and practiced archers.

All equipment and hands-on instruction provided.

Registration required. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 3-4:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

1/12, 1/13 Broadway in Akron presents “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” This musical sees the climb and legendary adventures of Buddy Holly that set the music world on fire and forever changed the face and sound of rock ‘n’ roll. The University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Hall Performing Arts Center, 198 Hill St., Akron.

7:30 p.m. $30-$60. For tickets, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

1/13 CMA UnTapped: Coloring Books and Beer!

Untap your creativity and join the adult coloring book craze at the Canton Museum of Art. Enjoy craft beer flights, music and friends while coloring your stress away. Additional beverages available for purchase.

Ticket price includes one craft beer flight and all coloring supplies. Copies of books will be available at the gift shop for purchase. Must be 21 and over.

Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton.

6-8 p.m. $20. To register, call 330-453-7666, Ext. 104.

1/13 Winter on the O&E Canal While shipping on the canal often stopped during winter, the waterway was still an active place. Join a naturalist to learn how canal families and others used the canal during the year’s colder months. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 7-8 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

1/13 Solo at Sarah’s Vineyard presents Lindsay Dunphy Local musicians perform at this Countryside Initiative farm. Enjoy wine and light food in the 1840s post-and-beam tasting room. Sarah’s Vineyard, 1204 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 7-10 p.m.

Free. For details, visit sarahsvineyardwinery.com.

1/14 Dinner in the Valley: Exploring Beer Following a dinner by Chef Larkin Rogers (using beer as a star ingredient,) join in a discussion with a local beer expert about different types of beer and the basics of home brewing. Reservations required.

Happy Days Lodge, 500 W. Streetsboro Road, Peninsula. 6-8 p.m. $20-$48. For tickets, visit www.conservancyforcvnp.org.

1/14 Small Footprint: Power Savers Unplug, save your socks and paint items white. Join us for a bimonthly conversation about ways to become energyefficient this year. Bring a notebook and a head full of ideas. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 6:30-8 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

1/14-1/31 “Clybourne Park” Winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2012 Tony Award for Best Play, Clybourne Park examines the “life” of one house over a 50-year span. With a nod to Weathervane Playhouse’s recent production of "A Raisin in the Sun," the celebrated Clybourne Park can be viewed as a kind of “sequel” to Lorraine Hansberry’s classic play. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron.

For tickets and showtimes, visit www. weathervaneplayhouse.com.

1/15 Kinderealm: Woodpeckers Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions find out why these birds play the “drums.” A craft and short walk are included.

Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers.

Registration begins 1/5. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

1/15 Heritage Concert: Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards Laura Cortese has a vision for her quartet’s bold, elegant sound. Schooled in lyrical folk rituals, their grooves alternately inspire Cajun twostepping and rock-n-roll hip swagger. The band’s cello, fiddle, and bass pair their sophisticated strings and vocal harmonies to Cortese’s poignant, powerful singing.

Happy Days Lodge, 500 W. Streetsboro Road, Peninsula. 8-10:30 p.m. $5-$17. For tickets, visit www.conservancyforcvnp.org.

1/15 Jazz @ the Civic presents The Stingers The Stingers have been creating and performing their style of smooth jazz for over 25 years. Northeast Ohio is the neighborhood where they have hung their hats and established their sound. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $20 or 2/$35 date night special. For tickets, visit www.akroncivic.org.

1/15 BLU Jazz+ presents Lucas Kadish Spearhead Quintet Premier up-and-coming NYC guitarist returns to Northeast Ohio for his only big show in the area this winter with his big city band for a special evening of hard-swinging original music. Featuring Lucas Kadish, Daniel Berkey, Devon Gillingham and Adriel Vincent-Brown. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $12. For tickets, visit www. blujazzakron.com.

1/16 Coffee with the Birds Join in for a peaceful morning discussion at the wildlife viewing area. Find out why this area is a favorite of the winter residents.

Bring a mug. Coffee is provided. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 10 a.m.-Noon. Free. www.summitmetroparks. org.

1/16 Ledges Trail Throughout the Year Hike Ledges Trail each month this year and take a photographic record of the seasonal changes that happen. In December, come in from the cold and review the year in pictures. You can take your own pictures or just enjoy the hikes. Liberty Park, Twinsburg Ledges Area, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 1-2 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

1/15 Jilly’s Music Room presents Brian Lisik, Ray Flannagan & the Authorities and Gretchen Pleuss Born and raised in Akron, Lisik blends grassroots rock and pop with country blues. Ray Flannagan & the Authorities create an exciting and organic hybrid of classic rock, blues, folk, country and progressive rock.

Ohio native Pleuss is an up-and-coming songwriter with a seasoned sound influenced by Joni Mitchell, Shawn Colvin and Paul Simon. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. For details, visit www.jillysmusicroom.com.

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1/16 Bees for Kids Join a naturalist to find out where the bees are and what they are doing. Children will also participate in a fun craft. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron.

2-3:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

1/16 CVSR “Ales on Rails” Beer-Tasting Train: Warm up for Winter-Strong Ales It’s time to cozy up to winter and sample five strong ales while you enjoy catered appetizers specially designed to complement each brew. Commemorative glasses are included with your ticket. Climb aboard the CVSR and experience the National Park in a new way. Registration required.

For ages 21 and over. Akron Northside Station, 27 Ridge St., Akron. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $50-$94. To register, visit www.cvsr.com.

1/16 Vivaldi and Bach: Inspired Connection Music by the two most popular composers of the Baroque era will be performed by the electrifying concertmaster of Apollo’s Fire. Bach carried the Baroque concerto to its pinnacle, and Vivaldi was one of his greatest inspirations.

Christopher Wilkins conducting. The University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $12.50-$55. For tickets, visit www.akronsymphony.org.

1/16 The Club @ the Civic presents Art Knows No Boundaries II Join Thrive Theatre Company for this “variety -type” show, featuring twenty performers entertaining the audience with edgy, inspiring and hair-raising acting, music and a night of fun-filled entertainment. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $15. For tickets, visit www.akroncivic. com.

1/16 BLU Jazz+ presents Ernie Krivda All-Star Quartet: “Requiem for a Jazz Lady” Album Release Event Legendary tenor saxophonist returns to the Rubber City with a swingin’ live show to celebrate his brand new album on Capri Records. Featuring David Thomas, Jeff Halsey and Renell Gonsalves. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $12. For tickets, visit www.blujazzakron.com.

1/16 CMT presents Jennifer Nettles with 2016 Next Women of Country Tour Jennifer Nettles, former Sugarland member, headlines this Women of Country tour alongside Tara Thompson, Lindsay Ell and Brandy Clark for a night of country music. Hard Rock Rocksino, Northfield Park, Hard Rock Live, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield. 8 p.m. $48-$65.50. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

1/17 Feeding Time Ever wonder what the display animals are fed at the Nature Realm? Children ages 5 and over can help feed the animals and learn more about them. Registration begins 1/8. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm / Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 12:30-1:30 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

1/17 Children’s Songs and Stories with Sam Sapp Children of all ages will enjoy the animal and nature songs by singer/songwriter Sam Sapp. Meet some of these animals, and maybe one of them will sing along. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 2-3:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks. org.

1/17 Winter Art Fest & Sale The Winter Art Fest & Sale will feature art and sculpture of local artists, and music will be provided by the Musicians of the Academy for Culture & Art of St. Sebastian. St. Sebastian Parish, Zwisler Hall, 476 Mull Ave., Akron.

2-6 p.m. Free. For details, visit www.stsebastian.org.

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Goodwill’s Taste of Vintage

Goodwill’s 10th Annual Taste of Vintage gala, held at the Quaker Station on November 5, 2015, was attended by more than 500 guests and honored the philanthropic efforts of James and Julie Merklin in the greater Akron community.

Guests enjoyed a showcase of fashions from the 1940s to 1990s from Goodwill’s vast Vintage Collection, as well as silent and live auctions and food tastings offered by a variety of restaurants and specialty businesses, including Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar, Aladdin’s Eatery, Saffron Patch and West Side Bakery, to name a few.

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Goodwill Industries serving Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland and Richland Counties along with honorary event chairs George and Beth Sherwood, raised nearly $90,000 at the 2015 event. All proceeds from The Taste of Vintage support Goodwill’s mission to help individuals prepare for, find and retain employment in our community.

1. Rachel Myers (Goodwill Volunteer) wearing a floral 1970s dress 2. Anne Lazzerini wearing disco-era attire of the 1970s 3. Danielle Cantrell modeling a gold brocade dress with a mink from the 1950s.

4. Debbie Gooden with Tridia Hospice in a 1970s floral cutout gown by Richilene of New York 5. Sylvia Trundle (Akron Police Dept) wearing evening attire from the 1980s.

6. Honorary event chairs George & Beth Sherwood 7. Jessica Burkhart-Zuschin modeling a popular peplum style dress and spiked heels of the 1960 era 8. Mindy Marsden of Bober Markey Fedorich with Ralph Sinistro in a 1990s hooped dress 9. Sarah Webster (left) and JJ MeskoKimmich (right) with Allen Nichols in 1960s gala attire 10. Honorees James & Julie Merklin 11. Robert J. – Events & Catering one of the restaurants and specialty businesses supporting the event.

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flash The 14th annual Summa Health Sapphire Ball Presented by Saber Healthcare, held October 3 at the John S. Knight Center in Akron, raised nearly $1.2 million to support Summa’s Behavioral Health programs and other important services throughout the health system. Some 1,000 people attended the event, which featured the music of Frank Sinatra Jr.

1. Left to Right: Thomas A. Malone, MD; Megan Malone; Bill Weisberg; Gia Weisberg; Phylis Ferrara 2. Frank Sinatra Jr. 3. Kathy and Paul Testa 4. Regina and Bob Cooper 5. Rob and Alyssa Briggs—Sapphire Ball Co-Chairs

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1/17 The “Bear” Necessities of Hibernation Join a naturalist to investigate the mysterious hibernation of the American black bear, then take a short hike to discover which other animals may be hibernating nearby. Please dress for the weather. Furnace Run Metro Park, Brushwood Area, 4955 Townsend Road, Richfield. 3-4:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks. org.

532 W. Market St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $45-$98. For tickets, visit www.thetangier.com/entertainment.

1/17 Cuyahoga Valley House Concerts Fiddler Ed Caner has performed as a sideman for over 50 major acts. He is also a founding member of his own band, Hey Mavis. Ed invites different guest musicians to perform with him each month. Hines Hill Conference Center, 1403 W. Hines Hill Road, Peninsula. 7 p.m. $8-$10. www.conservancyforcvnp.org.

1/17 The Tangier presents Maysa Smooth jazz artist, Maysa, and her jazz funk orchestra will perform music from her “Back to Love” album. The Tangier, 24

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1/18 Kinderealm: Woodpeckers Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions find out why these birds play the “drums.” A craft and short walk are included.

Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers.

Registration begins 1/5. Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Pavilion, 2077 Newton St., Akron. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

1/18 Martin Luther King Day Enjoy a day at the Akron Zoo. Free admission is available to all visitors to celebrate the holiday. Tell your friends and bring a guest. Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave, Akron. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. www.akronzoo.org.

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1/18 Martin Luther King Day Kids Movie: “Minions” Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited

by Scarlett Overkill, a super-villain who, alongside her inventor husband Herb, hatches a plot to take over the world. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N., Canton. 1-3 p.m. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. $1. Tickets are available at the door. www. cantonpalacetheatre.org.

1/19 Quarry Hike At one point in time, two-thirds of sandstone shipped from the U.S. came from Ohio.

The quarries at Deep Lock Quarry provided stone to the region for nearly 100 years. Join a naturalist on Quarry Trail to learn about this park’s unique history.

Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, 5779 Riverview Road, Peninsula. 2-3:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks. org.

1/19 Full Circle Storytelling: “Drinkin’ Buddies” Open to the public, Full Circle Storytelling events revolve around a theme and an idea: everyone has a story. Sign up to tell a true story related to the evening’s theme or just come to enjoy the show. This intimate evening of storytelling will conjure the spirit of community. Aqueduct Brewing, 529 Grant St., Ste. 106, Akron. 6-8 p.m. Free. To register, visit www. watheatre.com/FullCircle.

1/19 CMA Uncorked “Pop Art Lichtenstein” Come enjoy wine, music and friends while creating a personal masterpiece at the Canton Museum of Art. Learn to re-create a Roy Lichtenstein-inspired painting. Materials, wine and refreshments are included. Must be 21 or older. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton. 6-8 p.m. $35. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com.

1/19 CVNP Countryside Food Swap Countryside Local Food Swaps are gatherings of cooks, bakers, brewers, growers and general DIYers bringing homemade and homegrown items to swap via silent auction-style bidding. All items must be homemade or homegrown, and a list of ingredients must be provided.

Locations are given at registration. 7:30-8 p.m. For January location details and to register, visit www.cvcountryside.org.

1/21 CVPS Behind the Lens with Janet Macoska: 40 Years of Rock and Roll Since 1974, Janet Macoska has been capturing images of rock music’s premier artists. Her photographs have appeared on albums and compact discs, and in major magazines and newspapers. They are in the permanent collections of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and London’s National Portrait Gallery. Join in on an entertaining evening of classic rock and roll photos and behind-the-scenes stories. Happy Days Lodge, 500 W. Streetsboro Road, Peninsula. 7-9 p.m. Free.

For information, call 330-657-2909.

1/21 Birds of Prey I.D. Learn how to identify raptors as they soar overhead or perch. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron.

7-8:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

1/21 BLU Jazz+ presents BLU Jazz Jam with Theron Brown Bring your horn and come be part of Akron’s jazz history in the making. The BLU Jazz Jam is for musicians and music lovers alike, so come and experience this exciting forum for musical expression.

Featuring Theron Brown, Dan Pappalardo and Zaire Darden. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $8. Free for jam session musicians. For tickets, visit www.blujazzakron.com.

1/22 Homeschoolers: Stories from the Wild Homeschoolers, ages 11 to 14: American Indians often use stories to make sense of nature, teach lessons and pass on history. Learn how to read nature and then retell its story. Registration begins 1/2. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 1-3 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks. org.

1/19 “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Andy Blankenbuehler, this new production is a reimagining of the story of Joseph, his 11 brothers and the coat of many colors. Kent State University Tuscarawas Campus, Performing Arts Center, 330 University Drive NE, New Philadelphia.

7:30-9:30 p.m. $55-$72. For tickets, visit www.kent. edu/tusc/pac.

1/22 Voices in the Valley presents Thor Platter The Peninsula Foundation supports the arts community by presenting Voices in the Valley, a showcase of traditional roots music. Kick back and relax for a night of music in the Historic G.A.R. Hall. Beer, wine and adult beverages available. G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. 7 p.m. $10-$15. www.peninsulahistory.org.

1/20 Nature Drawing for Adults Join a naturalistartist for this entertaining lesson in nature drawing.

Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor.

Beginners are welcome. Registration begins 1/9. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 10 a.m.-Noon and 1-3 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

1/22 Donny Osmond Known for his 6-year run in the lead role of Joseph in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Osmond has been entertaining audiences for over 50 years. Hard Rock Rocksino, Northfield Park, Hard Rock Live, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield. 7:30 p.m. $50-$80. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

1/20 Solo at Sarah’s Vineyard presents Alex Bevan Local musicians perform at this Countryside Initiative farm. Enjoy wine and light food in the 1840s postand-beam tasting room. Sarah’s Vineyard, 1204 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 7-10 p.m. Free.

For details, visit sarahsvineyardwinery.com.

1/22 Owl Prowl Explore for owls with a naturalist.

Patience and silence are essential when prowling for owls. Program for children ages 6 and over. No dogs, please. Sand Run Metro Park, Treaty Line Area, 995 Treaty Line Road, Akron. 7-8:30 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

1/21 Akron Roundtable presents City of Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan Dan Horrigan brings sixteen years of distinguished public service to his position as the new Mayor of Akron. His experience in elected office and a family legacy rooted in Akron’s North Hill have fueled his desire to lead Akron in the 21st century. Quaker Station, 135 S. Broadway, Akron. Doors open at 11:30.

Lunch is at Noon. $20. To register, visit www.akronroundtable.org.

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1/22 BLU Jazz+ presents Michael Valeanu Parisborn jazz guitar virtuoso and Wes Montgomery International Jazz Guitar Competition finalist returns to BLU by way of New York City with an all-star band to perform music from his all-new album, “Hard to Cook.” BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $15. For tickets, visit www.blujazzakron.com.

1/22 Heritage Concert: Mountain Heart Mountain Heart has been fearlessly revolutionizing the way acoustic music is presented and played for years.

Thanks to this quintet’s superlative musicianship, they’ve appeared on the revered Grand Ole Opry stage over 130 times. Armed with a new lineup, Mountain Heart is beyond excited for the journey ahead. Happy Days Lodge, 500 W. Streetsboro Road, Peninsula. 8-10:30 p.m. $5-$17. For tickets, visit www.conservancyforcvnp.org.

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Holiday Celebration On December 2, 2015 Paula Chesser’s clients, family and friends attended her Holiday Celebration - an event that celebrates continuous & successful relationships, and adds some extra cheer to the holiday season. Guests mingled the evening away at Portage Country Club while enjoying an array of tasty treats and the cool sounds of Patrick Mumford. Paula’s team hosts a variety of fun and educational events throughout the year. To learn more, visit paulachesser.com.

Paula R. Chesser, Vice President and Sr. Investment Consultant at R.W. Baird & Co.

1. Nino Millin and Susan Dark 2. Pamela Sayre 3. Paula R. Chesser and Hannah Flesch 4. Lisa Thomas, Patrick Mumford, Pat Shallahamer 5. Patrick Mumford, Tim Flora, Debbie Flora, Paula R. Chesser, Howard Myers 6. Susan Pozzuto and Ed Bell 7. Ann and Jerry Cohen

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1/22-1/24 Girl Scout Cadet Weekend Activities support Journeys, a program where Girl Scouts earn awards to put on their uniforms, and earn the NPS Girl Scout Ranger patch. Fee includes programming, meals, snacks and lodging. Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center, 3675 Oak Hill Road, Peninsula. 6 p.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Sunday. $95 per scout, $50 per adult chaperone. For details and registration, call 330-657-2796, Ext. 100.

1/23 Hike & Breakfast: Snowflake Hike Join us for a brisk winter hike and “comfort” breakfast of oatmeal and more. Participants will be asked to contribute to the feast. Registration begins 1/10.

Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Pavilion, 2077 Newton St., Akron. 8-10:30 a.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

1/23 Survival Critters A cactus in Ohio? Yes! Learn about some of the unusual native plants and animals surviving our cold Ohio winter. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 2-3:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

1/23 Full Moon Hike and Campfire Join a naturalist on a moderate hike under the full Cold Moon, looking and listening for signs of wildlife. Afterward, we’ll gather around a fire for hot chocolate and marshmallows. Liberty Park, Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 6-8 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

1/23 CVSR “Grape Escape” Wine-Tasting Train: South for the Winter The CVSR is making winter wonderful with these five unique wines to sample, all while you enjoy chef-prepared hors d’oeuvres and ride the rails through the National Park. Registration required. For ages 21 and over. Akron Northside Station, 27 Ridge St., Akron. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $60-$96.

To register, visit www.cvsr.com.

Davinci Floors & Granite 229 S. Court St. Medina, OH 330-764-3232 davinciflooringmedina.com

1/23 Voices in the Valley presents Marti Jones & Don Dixon The Peninsula Foundation supports the arts community by presenting Voices in the Valley, a showcase of traditional roots music. Kick back and relax for a night of music in the Historic G.A.R. Hall.

Beer, wine and adult beverages available. G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. 7 p.m. $10-$15. www. peninsulahistory.org.

1/23 BLU Jazz+ presents Diane Marino Quartet This dynamic, Nashville-based jazz vocalist and pianist sensation brings hard-swingin’ timeless standards to her BLU debut. Featuring Diane Marino, Chris Burge, Frank Marino and Glenn Davis. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 7 and 9:30 p.m. $15.

For tickets, visit www.blujazzakron.com.

1/23 Joel McHale McHale is an American comedian, actor, writer, television producer and television host best known for hosting “The Soup” and portraying Jeff Winger on the NBC/Yahoo comedy series “Community.” Hard Rock Rocksino, Northfield Park, Hard Rock Live, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield.

8 p.m. $48-$63. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster. com.

1/23 Jazz @ the Civic presents Hubbs Groove Sponsored by Akron General Join in for an evening of jazz, soul, gospel, classical and R&B music. Hubbs Groove has opened up for Earth, Wind and Fire, Yellow Jackets, Randy Crawford, Marian Meadows and Pieces of a Dream. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $20 or 2/$35 date night special. For tickets, visit www.akroncivic.com.

1/23 MasterWorks 4: Earth, An HD Odyssey This is the second film commissioned by the Houston Symphony in the HD Odyssey series, this time focused on planet Earth. With striking high-definition images taken from NASA missions to Earth’s orbit and accompanied by Richard Strauss, Adams and Mendelssohn. Zimmermann Symphony Center’s Umstattd Hall, 2331 17th St. NW, Canton. 8 p.m. $13$48. For tickets, visit www.cantonsymphony.org.

1/24 Metro Parks Book Club Join a naturalist for this month’s lively discussion of “Central Park in the Dark: More Mysteries of Urban Wildlife” by Marie Winn. Drinks are provided. Please bring a mug.

Sand Run Metro Park, Shady Hollow Pavilion, 1750 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron. 2-3:30 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

1/24 Scat, Tracks & Splat Join a naturalist in this peaceful wonderland to search for signs of wildlife.

Please wear boots and dress warmly. Munroe Falls Metro Park, Tallmadge Meadows Area, 1088 North Ave., Tallmadge. 2-4 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

1/24 The University of Akron Steel Drum Band Sponsored by Akron Children’s Hospital Leave the winter blues behind and escape to the rhythms of the Caribbean with The University of Akron Steel Drum Band. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron.

2:30 p.m. $5-$10. For tickets, visit www.akroncivic. com.

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by: Nancy Nierman

$ 9LHZ $SDUW New Exhibit in Front Street mall features three distinct viewpoints

The boy with the shell necklace, 12”x9”, pastel

Whether you like the traditional styles of the past or are into a fresh new take, you will enjoy exploring the viewpoints of three artists who are featured in the Downstairs Gallery during the Grand Opening exhibit of The New Studios of Jack Richard, “Three Artists, Three Viewpoints.”

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The beat goes on, 19”x11”, Pastel

Whose viewpoint will you choose? If you are an artist or art aficionado, you might go for the traditional. If you are a student of art, you might gravitate toward the abstract or abstract-expressionist. Some of you may call it conceptual. Whatever your viewpoint, there is something in this show for everyone. You don’t have to know anything about art to have a viewpoint! You can just enjoy being in an artistic environment.

The show expresses three different thoughts and feelings that are based on the same themes. Viewers will be amazed at how cohesive the disparate expressions become, considering that the only common element among the featured painters is their representational style.

The three viewpoints come from three area artists. Paul Jersik often paints in

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watercolor, but extends to other mediums as well. Carolyn Lewis, a signature member of Plein Air, paints in open air with oil like the old masters and has a book available about her step-by-step Plein Air style. Jana Volkmer concentrates on oils, pastel portraits and luminous pastel florals.

The changes in the Studios give the area its ambiance. The rooms are vast, brightly lit and chock-full of art. Surrounding the featured exhibit are portraits, landscapes, pottery, sculpture, three-dimensional collage, tiles decorating tabletops and tiles sold separately as gifts. Window displays feature furniture and glass cases tempt patrons with jewelry.

Both floors of the Studios have a main gallery that will become the stage for students, well-known area artists and the Artists in Residence to exhibit their work, which offers a broad selection of styles and mediums. Private studios for the Artists in Residence open off of the Upstairs Main Gallery. One such resident artist is also an Art Therapist who is eager to share with visitors the symbolic language of images.

Ahhhh Spring, 11”x14”, pastel.

The Downstairs Gallery has been newly opened this year for area artists, but the spirit and history of the Studios cannot be denied.

For 50 years, students have come and gone through the doors of this unique Front Street space, so it’s likely many of the exhibiting artists were students here at some point.

They keep the artistic spirit alive.

The Grand Opening of both the Upstairs and Downstairs Galleries is Friday, January 15, with a meetthe-artists reception from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. “Three Artists, Three Viewpoints” continues through Tuesday, March 15, 2016. The New Studios of Jack Richard is located at 2250 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls. For more information, please call 330-929-1575.

Whatcha doing-Nothing, 12”x16”, oil

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1/25 The Australian Bee Gees Show: A Tribute to the Bee Gees The performers’ authentic take on the Bee Gees clothes, style and moves showcases five decades of the brothers’ success as rock and disco legends, while audiences groove to their memorable music and are immersed in the disco era. Kent State University Tuscarawas Campus, Performing Arts Center, 330 University Drive NE, New Philadelphia.

7:30-9:30 p.m. $28-$48. For tickets, visit www.kent. edu/tusc/pac.

1/26 Winter Wine Pairing Dinner Gervasi invites you to join our Wine Steward, Abraham McCune, as he leads you through his selection of Gervasi wines for this exclusive dining experience in the Bistro.

The wines were paired with a five-course gourmet meal created by Executive Chef Jerry Risner. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6 p.m. $80-$90. For reservations, visit www.gervasivineyard. com.

1/27 Weekday Walkers Join a naturalist for a leisurely stroll on Chuckery Trail with stops along the way to discover nature and history. Cascade Valley Metro Park, Chuckery Area, 837 Cuyahoga St., Akron.

10 a.m.-Noon. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

1/27 Meet Me in the Garden: Urban Wildlife – Coyotes in Our Parks Join the Master Gardeners of Summit County and Summit Metro Parks biologist Marlo Perdicas to discover how coyotes have found their way to our parks and how they have adapted to urban life. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 7-9 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

1/27 Solo at Sarah’s Vineyard presents Dolinar Spahija Local musicians perform at this Countryside Initiative farm. Enjoy wine and light food in the 1840s post-and-beam tasting room. Sarah’s Vineyard, 1204 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 7-10 p.m.

Free. For details, visit sarahsvineyardwinery.com.

1/27 BLU Jazz+ presents Rock Wehrmann: Solo Piano Jazz pianist Wehrmann is a first-call musician for Playhouse Square, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and the Cleveland Pops, and has established himself as both a well-respected and talented performer and educator. BLU’s Solo Piano Wednesday series showcases the finest pianists in the greater Northeast Ohio area. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 7-11 p.m. Free. For tickets, visit www.blujazzakron.com.

1/28 The 14th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Joy-Ann Reid, national correspondent for MSNBC and author of “Fracture: Barack Obama, the Clintons and the Racial Divide,” is the keynote speaker. The event is followed by a book-signing. Kent State University Campus, Kent Student Center, 1075 Risman Drive, Kent. 4-5:30 p.m. This event is free, but tickets are required for Ms. Reid’s lecture. For free tickets, visit www.kent.edu/diversity.

1/28 The 19th Annual Red & White on Thursday Night One of the most anticipated events in Akron, Red & White on Thursday Night features some of Akron’s top chefs, a wide variety of wines from around the world, exciting silent and live auctions and more. This event benefits the Arthritis Foundation. Quaker Station, 135 S. Broadway St., Akron. 5:30-9 p.m. $85-$125. For tickets, visit www. akronredandwhite.com.

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1/28 Metro Parks Family Tree: Brush Family Have you ever wondered about the families that donated land or worked to make Summit Metro Parks what it is today? Join a naturalist to explore the lives of the influential families behind Summit Metro Parks.

Furnace Run Metro Park, Brushwood Area, 4955 Townsend Road, Richfield. 7-8:30 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

1/28 Dwight Yoakam Popular since the early 1980s, Yoakam has recorded more than 21 albums and compilations, charted more than 30 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, and sold more than 25 million records. Hard Rock Rocksino, Northfield Park, Hard Rock Live, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield. 7:30 p.m. $38$60. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster. com.

1/29 Tailing Night Talons A naturalist will attempt to call owls using recordings with hope that owls will respond. Patience and silence are essential when prowling for owls. For children ages 6 and over. No dogs, please. Liberty Park, Twinsburg Ledges Area, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 6-7:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

1/29 Lyceum Distinguished Speakers: Tim Krynak, Where Have All the Bats Gone? Tim Krynak, Natural Resources Project Manager at Cleveland Metroparks, presents the devastating environmental impacts of white-nose syndrome. Krynak will also detail efforts by scientists to treat and revitalize decimated bat populations. Happy Days Lodge, 500 W. Streetsboro Rd., Peninsula. 7 p.m. $3-$6. For details, visit conservancyforcvnp.org.

1/29 Voices in the Valley presents 10 String Symphony The Peninsula Foundation supports the arts community by presenting Voices in the Valley, a showcase of traditional roots music. Kick back and relax for a night of music in the Historic G.A.R. Hall. Beer, wine and adult beverages available. G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. 7 p.m. $10-$15. www. peninsulahistory.org.

1/29-1/31 “Quoth the Raven” News of the death of Edgar Allan Poe leads an ensemble into recreating some of his most mysterious and macabre works: "The Raven," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Fall of the House of Usher," "Annabel Lee," and "The Masque of the Red Death."

Great literature about death brought to life. Magical Theatre Company, 565 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton. $12-$16.

For tickets and showtimes, visit www. magicaltheatre.org.

1/30 Archery Games for Adults Adults ages 18 and over will play different games to build archery skills in a fun and exciting way. Participants must have already taken one of the Intro to Archery programs.

All equipment and hands-on instruction provided.

Registration begins 1/12. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

1/30 Groundhogs and American Folklore Can groundhogs actually predict the weather? Join wildlife rehabilitator Fran Kitchen and a naturalist to learn about groundhogs and the folklore associated with them. Includes a craft, a chance to see a groundhog up close and a short hike. Please bring a donation of laundry products or small wicker baskets to help Kitchen with injured and orphaned animals. Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Pavilion, 2077 Newton St., Akron. 1-2:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks. org.

1/30 Wildlife & Wood Workshop: Suet Feeder Discover the types of birds you can attract to your back yard, and then build a hanging suet feeder. Limit one kit per family. Participation is required to purchase a $15 kit. Space is limited.

Registration begins 1/22. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron.

1- 2:30 p.m. $15. www.summitmetroparks. org.

1/30 Animal Tales Children and their adult companions will enjoy a story about our chickadee friends. After the story, the children will hike outside and try to hand feed the birds. Dress for the weather.

Registration begins 1/22. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

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subscribe to magazine today at akronlife.com/subscribe Illustration by Patrick Lowden

1/30 Archery Games for Teens Teens ages 13 to 17 will play different games to build archery skills in a fun and exciting way. Participants must have already taken one of the Intro to Archery programs.

All equipment and hands-on instruction provided.

Registration begins 1/12. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

1/31 Archery Games for Seniors Seniors 55 and older will play different games to build archery skills in a fun and exciting way. Participants must have already taken one of the Intro to Archery programs.

All equipment and hands-on instruction provided.

Registration begins 1/12. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 3-5 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

1/30 Campfire Tales: Road Trip Join the CVNP for a fun look at how the automobile changed from a horseless carriage to a hot rod, with costumed characters bringing the past to life. Happy Days Lodge, 500 W. Streetsboro Road, Peninsula. 7-8 p.m.

Free. www.nps.gov.

2/3-2/4 Winter Special Olympics Ohio Come to cheer on these athletes as they brave freezing temperatures to compete in the Winter Special Olympics. The games will feature 200 competing athletes from Ohio. Cross-country and downhill skiing events will be held at Brandywine Ski Resort, 1146 W. Highland Road, Sagamore Hills. Ice skating will be held at Kent State University’s Ice Arena, 650 Loop Road, Kent. For a complete list of events, visit www.nps.gov/cuva.

1/30 Lewis Black The Emperor’s New Clothes: The Naked Truth Tour This Grammy award-winning, stand-up comedian is one of the most prolific and popular performers working today, as well as a rare comic who can cause an audience to laugh at themselves while making compelling points about the absurdity of our world. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $37-$67. For tickets, visit www.akroncivic.com.

1/30 Quonset Hut presents “Floyd: The Sound of Pink Floyd” “Floyd” is the culmination of several well seasoned players from various Pink Floyd tributes coming together with a common desire to create the most authentic show one will ever experience. Don’t miss this incredible evening with “Floyd” in concert including their laser light spectacular. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N., Canton.

8-11 p.m. $20-$25. For tickets, visit www. cantonpalacetheatre.org.

2/3 Solo at Sarah’s Vineyard presents Little Steve-O’s Blues Local musicians perform at this Countryside Initiative farm. Enjoy wine and light food in the 1840s post-and-beam tasting room.

Sarah’s Vineyard, 1204 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 7-10 p.m. Free. For details, visit sarahsvineyardwinery.com.

2/4 Apollo’s Fire presents “Sephardic Journeys: Wanderings of the Spanish Jews” Cast out of Jerusalem and out of Spain, the Spanish Jews in their travels absorbed the colorful musical accents of Italy and the Middle East, including exotic percussion. This musical journey interweaves Sephardic folk song with the Monteverdi-like Hebrew choral work of the Songs of Solomon. Fairlawn Lutheran Church, 3415 W. Market St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $20-$60. Students are free. For tickets, visit www.apollosfire.org.

2/4 Wynonna & The Big Noise: Stories & Song Touring to promote her newest studio album, “Wynonna & The Big Noise,” Judd promotes her first album, with all new material, in over four years.

Hard Rock Rocksino, Northfield Park, Hard Rock Live, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield. 7:30 p.m. $30$58. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

2/4 The Tangier presents Little River Band Little River Band is considered to be one of Australia’s most significant bands. Their current lineup brings new energy and arrangements to the classic hits, making new memories for the audience out of each live performance. The Tangier, 532 W. Market St., Akron.

8 p.m. $50. For tickets, visit www.thetangier.com/ entertainment.

1/30 The Tangier presents The Buck Naked Band Come party and dance to the tri-state area’s hottest, stompin’ country club band. The band is comprised of some of Akron’s finest police officers. Dance off the holiday blues to Buck Naked. The Tangier, 532 W. Market St., Akron. 8:30 p.m. $10. www.thetangier. com/entertainment.

1/31 Archery Games for Kids Kids ages 9 to 12 will play different games to build archery skills in a fun and exciting way. Participants must have already taken one of the Intro to Archery programs.

All equipment and hands-on instruction provided.

Must be 50 inches or taller. Registration begins 1/12. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 1-2:30 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

2/6 Rubber City Rollergirls A diverse group of women built for hard hits and speed. The Rollergirls’ bouts promise fun times and excitement for everyone. John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron.

5 p.m. doors; 6 p.m. bout. Adult tickets $9-$13; Children $5-$6. Advance tickets available. www. rubbercityrollergirls.com.

2/6 Music and the Mind Psychiatrist Dr. Kogan speaks about creativity and performs Rachmaninoff’s most popular concerto, dedicated to his hypnotist.

The emotional impact of Berlioz’s youthful Symphonie Fantastique is as forceful today as ever. Christopher Wilkins conducting. The University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $12.50$55. For tickets, visit www.akronsymphony.org.

2/6 Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Tribute Band sponsored by WONE Formed to create an accurate depiction of Led Zeppelin, each member was selected to portray both the appearance and playing styles of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham and John Paul Jones. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $20. For tickets, visit www.akroncivic.com. w w w. akronlife.com

19 th Annual Red & White On Thursday Night Presented by:

Akron’s premier wine and food event A benefit for the Arthritis Foundation, Great Lakes Region, Northeastern Ohio

January 28, 2016 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Quaker Station at The University of Akron For more information, contact the Arthritis Foundation at 216.285.2822 or email kburnside@arthritis.org.

Buy Tickets at: AkronRedandWhite.com Use promo code AKRONLIFE (case sensitive) for $10 off your ticket purchase.

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By Denise Henry

Classes

So Cool for School Pumpkins sail through the air at the Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy campus. Here, teams of budding engineers—eleventhand twelfth-graders—are testing their trebuchet designs.

Across town at St. Hilary School, a girl named Dorothy, a Cowardly Lion and other “Wizard of Oz” characters become subjects of drawings and class discussions in a third grade classroom.

At Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Wadsworth, Angry Birds and Jedi Masters make their way through challenges and journeys thanks to the programming skills of second graders.

It’s class time in The 330.

Meet five local students and find out what they have to say about their coolest classes.

Alyssa Young Engineering Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Smashed pumpkins on a schoolyard might look like trouble, but at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, they’re remnants of an engineering project. Junior Alyssa Young and her classmates launched pumpkins from trebuchets they designed in CVCA’s Engineering School of Distinction.

Young entered into the program to learn about engineering before she starts college. “I wanted to determine whether or not engineering is a field I would want to go into and [also] learn more about engineering in general,” Young says.

The course, which CVCA juniors and seniors take in addition to their required curriculum, helps students explore various engineering special-

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ties through design projects, guest presentations and field trips. “Our main objective is to help students find an area of engineering they can be passionate about,” says instructor Doug Fairchild, who worked as an electrical engineer before he began his teaching career.

Students get a jump-start on making decisions about a college major and also learn practical skills such as SolidWorks computer-aided design programming and teamwork.

“The most important field experience we receive is learning how to interact with each other and understand each other’s ideas so that we can come up with a design that works better than it would have if we had made it [individually],” Young says.

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Silvia Peterson Enrichment Arts St. Hilary School It’s movie time at St. Hilary School in Fairlawn. It’s also time for enrichment arts class, where kindergarteners through third graders learn about classic artists, authors, musicians and religious figures.

Third-grade student Silvia Peterson and her classmates translate their favorite scenes from classic films such as “The Wizard of Oz” into drawings in a class that provides comprehensive and often overlooked exposure to the arts.

“We learn so many things. We learn about religion, art and literature that have lessons for us,” she says.

Creativity, understanding and individuality brim in a class Sister Carol Joy Cincerelli has taught at St. Hilary School for the past 21 years.

“The students learn differently, but need to incorporate feelings and other knowledge in a subject area,” says Sister Cincerelli of the process students undergo as they learn about writers, illustrators, composers, saints and others and their works.

The students start in kindergarten, with lessons linked to fairy tales, and progress to works like those of Roald Dahl, Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens, Van Gogh and Mozart.

“Sister makes learning interesting and fun,” says Peterson. “It’s like art class, but it’s also not because we learn about authors and other famous people.”

Although college is a long way off for Peterson, don’t be surprised if she pays a visit back to her old classroom 10 years from now.

“Students come back from high school and college to tell me how they miss having enrichment and what they love about the program,” Sister Cincerelli says.

“They come every year. They all say they have never loved learning so much as they learned to in this class.”

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Brigitta Hall Latin Immaculate Heart of Mary School Even though more than 1,000 years have passed since Latin was spoken as a native language, it’s anything but dead for Immaculate Heart of Mary School (IHM) eighth grader Brigitta Hall.

An avid reader with a fondness for Greek and Roman mythology, Hall admits that she has been “looking forward for years to the opportunity to study Latin.”

Thomas McCaffrey, IHM Latin teacher, says his students enjoy learning how English words are derived from Latin and discovering how classical myths make an appearence in modern books and movies.

“In my experience, the culture of the ancient Romans is intrinsically interesting, but students love to see connections,” says McCaffrey, who began teaching Latin to IHM sixth-, seventhand eighth-graders last fall.

Hall says she appreciates how McCaffrey teaches students “not only the language, but the culture that shaped our civilization.”

Hall’s interest in Latin fits a surprising trend nationwide. Latin programs are growing among schools and the number of students taking the AP Latin exam has doubled in the last 10 years, according to IHM. With a teacher who is “anxious for students to recognize the influence of Latin in their lives,” Hall proclaims, “Carpe diem.”

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Dimitry Melnikov Middle School Humanities The Lippman School Language arts and social studies meet in The Lippman School’s middle school humanities class. Here, history studies merge with reading, writing and arithmetic. Students learn about “sometimes gruesome, but sometimes amazing details and aspects of history,” says eighth grader Dimitry Melnikov.

Young learners become entrenched in studies rich in experiential education. For instance, they’re partnering with the Northern Cheyenne Native American tribe in southeastern Montana to exchange lessons in history, culture and traditions.

Northern Cheyenne students, tribal leaders and artists visit Lippman each fall to lead a variety of cultural programs. And, every other spring, Lippman seventh and eighth graders visit the reservation. “It includes an ongoing digital storytelling project and learning about history in an authentic, immersive way,” says Matt Russ, who teaches the class.

For another project, middle school students in the humanities class are working with Lippman School’s elementary pupils to develop content for an App about the Portage Path. The goal is to educate members of the public—as they walk along the path—about the ancient native trail that connected the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas rivers.

“We want students to have a wider, fuller understanding of local, state and American history…in order to better understand the world in which they live,” Russ says. “One cannot fully understand our history without understanding the cultures that shaped it.”

Melnikov says that studying about the Holocaust in class has had a powerful impact on him. “I’m able to learn about the many harsh things that should never be repeated again,” he says.

As for the course overall, Melnikov gives it a thumbs-up. “It’s a really good class. I like it,” he says.

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9]QKS 9 ) Learn more about local private schools.

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you can make for your child. What sets the private schools of The 330 apart from each other? Whether your child is in elementary, middle, or high school, or preparing for college, akronlife can help.

This section invites you to review the information our featured schools have provided with your child. Each school has its own mission, vision and teaching style. Which one is right for you?

Use our Private Schools Comparison Chart to help make an educated decision.

Next, check out the schools’ upcoming open house dates. You and your child can visit the schools for a closer look and to chat with admission directors about the curriculum, learning environment, and availability of scholarships.

Lincoln Reeling Pilot Class for Coding Sacred Heart of Jesus School, Wadsworth

Lincoln Reeling has to figure out how to navigate R2-D2 to get to a Rebel pilot before game time runs out. It’s not playtime for this second grader. Instead, he’s learning how to write computer programs in school and using popular video game characters to test them out.

Sacred Heart of Jesus School second grade teacher Sue Bott and school librarian Janet Palte introduced a pilot class for coding last August to teach computer programming fundamentals to 7- and 8-year-olds like Reeling.

“They’re able to write a basic three-line program, run it and see if it works. They do this in a game format, which makes it fun for them,” Bott says.

As the students learn how to program a computer, words like algorithms, looping, analysis and binary float around as freely in the classroom as any typical vocabulary word.

“It’s a great way to teach computer terminology in a way they can understand it,” Bott says.

Paired in driver-and-navigator teams, the pupils use popular characters to solve problems. If they place programming blocks in the right order, voila, Angry Bird “Red” makes it to the end.

If they hit a roadblock, it’s OK, says Bott.

These challenges help students to rethink a process in order to solve the problem.

“They’re continuously being encouraged to think outside of the box,” she says.

Using curriculum from Code.org, Bott and Palte say characters from popular games make learning programming appealing to students.

Just ask Reeling.

“You can be a Star Wars, Frozen or Minecraft character,” says Reeling, who enjoys sharing class lessons with his favorite robot, BB-8.

St. Hilary School Our mission is to keep Christ at the center of all that we do. In partnership with our parents and parish community, we will inspire our students through innovative and challenging academic experiences to be leaders capable of making a positive change in the world.

How does St. Hilary School combine tradition and innovation in the classroom?

From Catholicity to cursive to cyber-learning… St. Hilary School does it all with a unique blend of tradition spanning more than half a century and innovation as cutting-edge as the latest e-device, all packaged neatly into a faith-based environment.

Traditional teaching methods, time-tested curriculum and solid core values form the foundation of this school that is also a leader in technology and innovation in the classroom. We foster servant leadership, respect, self-discipline and development of interests while emphasizing fundamental skills in math, language arts and other key areas as the basis for learning modern concepts.

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St. Vincent de Paul Parish School 6RXWK 0DSOH 6WUHHW Ř $NURQ 2+ Ř Ř VWYLQFHQWFKXUFK FRP

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

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www.sgws.org

We provide a STEM Curriculum aligned with Diocesan teaching standards.

All students have access to iPads to assist in their studies. St. Hilary is the first elementary school in the area to offer a 1:1 iPad program for its sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. Apple TV technology merges with students’ iPads and classroom SmartBoards to check individual understanding during classes.

Hands-on lessons and participatory learning help students master and retain information in courses across the curriculum. With this dynamic blended approach, the school provides a complete and well-rounded academic, spiritual and social package that prepares students for success in high school and beyond, enabling them to develop into the leaders they are meant to become.

What sets St. Hilary apart?

The tie that binds the school to the community and sets it apart from others is faith. Prayer begins and ends each school day and is sprinkled throughout the day. Service to the com-

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munity is a natural extension of the faith and values upon which the school is based, and every student performs service in a variety of ways. At least once during the school year, all students go into the community to engage in hands-on, real-world service to others.

Respect for others, kindness and servant leadership also extend from the faith-based environment of the school. The school’s buddy program bridges the gap between younger and older students and helps foster leadership qualities and solid character attributes.

Leadership opportunities, such as Student Council, Future Catholic Teachers, musical and speaking performances, are abundant at the school.

Further bridging gaps is the school’s foreign language program, whose three languages promote an understanding of and respect for cultural diversity. In this faith-filled, extended family environment, nurturing faculty and involved parents care about all children as their own and want to help them succeed.

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blog.sgws.org

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

How do students become wellrounded through an education at your school?

St. Vincent de Paul Parish School has so much to offer to every learner who chooses our education.

2 As we continue to grow a S TEM (Stewardship, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) academic program, we find some learners have a passion for problem solving through our Technology and Engineering courses. We also have a phenomenal Fine Arts academic program that focuses on the creativity and originality of each indi-

vidual. Learners may find their passion in our Visual Arts, Music, Band, Orchestra or Foreign Language programs. The spiritual aspect of our academic program is a highly significant part of our success. Each student knows and understands they are given talents and gifts from God, and they use their gifts to better our school, our community, and the world around us.

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How does your school measure success?

St. Vincent de Paul Parish School measures success by the achievement of each individual learner.

Whether a fantastic test score, a generous use of time through a service-learning opportunity, an effective use of critical thinking skills to problem-solve, or even just displaying characteristics of changing the world to make it a better place—each child at St. Vincent de Paul is successful.

The Lippman School Founded in 1965, The Lippman School is celebrating 50 years of excellence in Akron as a co-ed, independent school for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. With small classes, carefully selected teachers and a fast-paced curriculum, The Lippman School encourages students to flourish in a diverse, vibrant, hands-on, dual language environment.

A global perspective is woven throughout academics, art and experiential programming. With value-added character development, international perspective and a robust sense of community, students easily connect with their peer group and gain confidence through a sense of belonging.

Your child is unique. Whether their potential is untapped or overflowing, WRA is where they can become their best selves. Our supportive community and challenging academics encourage students to try something new, advance their skills and find out who they are. Scholars,

What does your school do to maximize a student's potential?

scientists, athletes and artists — WRA students are inspired to be anything they want.

The Lippman School offers very low student-teacher ratios and a highly individualized curriculum.

This model allows us to help students work to their ability, not bound by a singular curriculum that is necessary in schools with larger, less flexible models. In many cases, we are either bringing advanced curriculum into the classroom, or accelerating students beyond their grade level for multi-age groupings. This model offers academic as well as social/emotional benefits for our students.

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What are three unique aspects of an education at your school?

First, The Lippman School offers a cross-cultural exchange with the Northern Cheyenne Nation where middle school students from Akron visit the reservation in Montana, living and learning with tribal peers and elders. Also, our flexible multi-age groups allow students the ability to work one and two years beyond their typical grade level. Finally, our valuesbased learning concepts emphasize comparative cultural and religious study that results in a highly diverse student population.

67 6(%$67,$1 3$5,6+ 6&+22/ 2))(56 # Technology consisting of iPads, Chromebooks and laptops # SMARTboards in every classroom including kindergarten # New Technology Learning Lab (August 2015) # State-of-the-art Science Lab # STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) lessons in every grade # Voice amplification system in every classroom # Auxiliary tutoring and classroom aides

# Our School Garden, an outdoor classroom for our students # After Care Program # Daily Hot Lunch Program # Extracurricular programs such as Science Olympiad, Power of the Pen, Robotics and Drone Club, Coding, Student Council, Student Ambassadors, School Band, CYO Sports, Youth Ministry, Community Service Projects and many more.

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St. Sebastian Parish School St. Sebastian School is dedicated to Christ and committed to excellence in education.

We honor the Catholic traditions of the past, work to develop our talents today, and prepare for Christian service in the future.

How does your STEM program benefit students?

St. Sebastian Parish School concentrates on inspiring the criticalthinkers and problem-solvers of tomorrow. In September, the Parish school launched its new STEM education program that emphasizes Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The program in year one focuses on professional development, robotics, coding and hands-on, studentcentered investigations across all grade levels.

The goal is for students to learn how to question, think, analyze, predict, evaluate, communicate, collaborate, design and create in ways critical to STEM fields. Skills and knowledge in STEM topics will benefit students and help prepare them for careers in this increasingly important segment of our economy.

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St. Sebastian School prepares students to become lifelong learners using a three-faceted approach.

First, students need to have strong foundations on which to build knowledge. We provide students with a rigorous academic

experience that builds a strong foundation.

Lifelong learning only occurs when there is a genuine sense of curiosity and wonder about the world. We are building an academic experience that allows students to question, experiment, explore, discover and make connections between subjects that will drive their inquisitiveness. Students also need to know how to use the tools at their disposal to uncover, process and evaluate new information. We have a state-of-the-art Learning Resource Lab, iPads, Chromebooks and other technologies that students use to reinforce their learning. We support this by helping students learn how to find, assess and utilize the information that technology makes so available to them.

Spring Garden Waldorf School We are committed to educating each child so that he or she will contribute to the future of the world with clear and creative thinking, compassion, moral strength and courage.

Spring Garden Waldorf School is part of a long-standing Waldorf tradition, a worldwide movement putting Rudolf Steiner’s

educational philosophy into practice. This method works because it addresses the whole child—cognitive, social and creative—and meets the needs of each individual through a challenging and multi-sensory environment.

How do Waldorf teachers help students become critical thinkers?

Storytelling plays an essential role in how Waldorf teachers help students become critical thinkers. Academic material is presented through fairy tales and mythology in the early and middle grades. These stories contain moral dilemmas that encourage conversations about respect for diversity and finding alternative solutions to problems. In the upper grades, stories become lectures about history, science, literature and math. Moreover, especially in science and math, students are given the opportunity to observe, explore and experiment with concepts prior to lectures, allowing them to develop critical thinking skills as they test

their own hypotheses about the subject at hand.

What are some of the advantages to a Waldorf education?

SGWS offers many key advantages over other educational philosophies.

Here we will highlight two. First is the amount of time children spend working and playing outdoors, in all seasons.

In addition to daily recess periods, class work in gardening, science and physical education is often conducted outdoors, fostering in students a reverence and respect for nature.

Another SGWS advantage is that main lesson teachers "follow" their students through the grades. This creates a strong relationship between the teacher and child, allowing the teacher to truly know, challenge and support the child while working in tandem with parents to develop each child's capacities to the fullest.

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Lawrence School To teach students who have distinct learning styles, ignite their potential, and inspire academic and social success.

What do your teachers do to encourage leadership among students?

How is technology incorporated into lessons at your school?

At Lawrence School, it is our goal to empower each student to explore their unique learning styles in order to gain the ability and confidence to successfully advocate for themselves, both in the classroom and in life.

Furthermore, we provide student life opportunities that allow them to explore a wide range of personal interests, give back to the community and help shape their school experience—all in an environment that allows and encourages personal growth, and develops strengths and passions.

Simply put, technology levels the playing field for students whose learning differences prevent them from achieving success in a traditional classroom environment.

As such, technology at Lawrence School is embedded and integrated into the learning and teaching that takes place each day. The use of assistive technology and an array of other everpresent tools help bridge deficits in executive function and language processing, allowing students to learn and explore in a manner consistent with their skills and interests.

School Name

Teacher Class to Student Size Ratio

Graduation Rate

Tuition

Open House Dates

Western Reserve Acadamy

12

1:7

100%

$34,250 + boarding = $51,750

Immaculate Heart of Mary School

19

1:19

100%

$3,700 – $4,350

9

1:9

~~

$16,800 – $21,500

Jan. 20, 9-11 a.m.; Mar. 2, 9-11 a.m.; May 4, 9-11 a.m.; June 22, 6-8 p.m.

11

1:11

~~

$23,700 – $25,400

Jan. 21, 6-8 p.m.; Mar. 3, 6-8 p.m.; June 23, 6-8 p.m.

12

1:9

100%

Transitional K: $5,950 K-8: $10,000

call school for additional dates

18

1:9

100%

$3,400-$18,500

20

1:20

100%

$3,670 – $5,700

January 31, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

23

1:23

100%

$3,860 – $6,000*

January 24

12

1:6

100%

3-yr.-olds: $2,117-$7,938

Begins Jan 11, 1-3 p.m.

PreK-K: $7,938*

call school for additional dates

18

1:9

100%

$7,938*

20–25

1:25

100%

$8,040*

Begins Jan 13, 9 a.m.

22

1:20

100%

$3,500-$5,620

January 24, Noon-2 p.m.

(K-8th grade)

Lawrence School (K-6th Grade)

Lawrence School (7th-12th Grade)

The Lippman School (Transitional K-8th grade)

Old Trail School (Toddler-8th grade)

St. Sebastian Parish School (K-8th grade)

St. Hilary School (K-8th grade)

Spring Garden Waldorf School (3-year olds)

Spring Garden Waldorf School (Preschool / Kindergarten)

Spring Garden Waldorf School (Grades 1–8)

St. Vincent de Paul Parish School (PreK-8th grade)

April 17, 1 p.m.

Jan. 31, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. call school for additional dates

Jan. 10, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

February 3, March 9, April 24

Begins Jan 11, 1-3 p.m. call school for additional dates

call school for additional dates

* Fees can vary depending on student’s grade, parishioner / non-parishioner, number of children from the same family attending the school. ~~ Lawrence School exclusively serves students with learning differences and attention deficit disorders.

That said, 86 percent of its students directly matriculate to a two- or four-year college/university. ++ For PreK-1st grade

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Kindergarten Quandary When will my child be ready for kindergarten?

Who Is ProTech Security?

ProTech Security is a family owned and operated business based in North Canton. We aim to be the leading provider of trustworthy security solutions and use these solutions to create safer communities. Your homes, businesses, and schools have been protected by ProTech Security since 1981. ProTech Security is proud to help so many of our community members know the difference between feeling secure and being secure using the power of our technology and services.

Protecting the Classrooms in Our Communities We offer security solutions to keep your family safe at home, work, and even school. From Kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms to higher education institutions, ProTech Security offers comprehensive security solutions customized for the education industry. We specialize in educational safety services, such as: t t t t t t t

Video surveillance Visitor management Classroom communication Emergency / panic buttons Access control Fire detection systems Gunshot monitoring

For over three decades, ProTech Security has been ensuring the safety and security of the students and staff in the schools of our community. We work with educational institutions to prevent dangerous individuals from accessing secure areas, and we monitor properties and entryways to make sure there is a helpful eye in our schoolyards.

Call us today to learn more about how we can protect you and your family at home, work, or even school.

JANUARY 13, 6:00 PM Discussion led by Dr. David Steinweg, Ph.D. Free admission with reserv /$*) s *(+'$( )/ary babysitting

RSVP by Monday, January 11: www.thelippmanschool.org or call 330-836-0419

750 White Pond Dr., Akron 44320

330.836.0419

Open House: Sunday January 10, 1:00-3:00 PM

www.thelippmanschool.org

St.Hilary School Deevveloping tomorrow’ tomorrow w s le leaders today through throug ughh faith and service, traditional and inn nnovativee t aching methods, cutting-edge tec te e hnolog ogy and science facilities, 1:1 iPPads, threee foreign languages, enrichm men ent and e trtraccurricular opportunities, and much more ex -\SS KH` 2 ZJOVVS ;\P[PVU HZZPZ[HUJL H]HPSHISL 67,5 /6<:, 1HU WT 9LNPZ[YH[PVU MVY -LI HT WT

A Tradition of Excellence in Catholic Education 645 Moorfield Road, Fairrla lawn 330-867-87200, eext. 34 3433 st-hi sthilaryysch schoo ool.or ool .org

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bridal

by Sharon Cebula and photos by Vanessa Gilbert

A Family Affair Sometimes a wedding joins more than just the couple—it creates a family

You know the old saying: you don’t just marry the love of your life; you marry their family as well. That’s never more true than when someone in the couple has children from a previous relationship. For these couples, an entirely new family is created the moment they say “I do.”

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Amber Stroh and Eric Drake both knew from the beginning that theirs would not be a cookie-cutter, traditional wedding. Their quirky styles and tastes had been nurtured by close family relationships, so involving their family and friends in the big day was a given.

When Eric and Amber tied the knot on Amber’s parents’ property in Copley, it was all about family. From Eric’s son, Aiden, approving the proposal, to Eric’s brother serving his home-made mead and both the dads’ bands playing at the reception, to Amber’s mom making a gluten-free wedding cake, the couple truly gave new meaning to family-friendly on their special day.

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Eric works for The Ohio State University in Information Technology; Amber is a former flight attendant transitioning to management for an airline out of Port Columbus International Airport. Besides celebrating each other’s fun families, the couple recently bought a new home in Westerville where they enjoy gardening and cooking together.

The meet-cute We met making pear cider together. I had a well-producing pear tree in the yard of my house, and my [then] boyfriend, who worked with Eric, called Eric to help us, since he has years of experience with home brewing. Eric

Over 40 years of banquet and catering experience in the greater Akron area

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$IIRUGDEOH HOHJDQFH IRU \RXU ZHGGLQJ

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Call today to set up a consultation.

330-929-3377 www.todaros.com 1820 Akron Peninsula Rd. Akron, OH 44313

Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center

and I hit it off immediately.

After that relationship ended, Eric and I started dating. He came over one day to bottle the cider and pretty much never left.

The venue I never wanted a wedding; I wanted a party! Every August, we throw a birthday party for my parents here that is the best party I’ve ever been to. I couldn’t imagine having our wedding anywhere else. The neighbor’s organic farm is one of my favorite places on the planet, and having that as a backdrop couldn’t have been better.

If you're looking for an enjoyable, worry-free wedding experience, Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center couldn't be more perfect. Located in the heart of downtown Kent, we provide the perfect setting for your big day!

With your reception and guests' rooms all under one roof, friends and family will appreciate—and welcome—all the benefits of a boutique hotel while enjoying a wedding-filled weekend. The nostalgic college town is brimming with new local shops, galleries and restaurants, all just a short stroll from our front doors.

The Kent State Hotel has the ideal space to host receptions of all sizes, big or small. Our Pizzuti Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 250 guests in its entirety or be divided for more intimate wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal luncheons or any other wedding-related events. Our experienced coordinators provide a personalized experience, are happy to do the footwork and tend to all the details, and ensure that you truly get to experience your newly-wedded bliss. From setting the date to clearing the last plate, we make sure your wedding goes off without a hitch and is everything that you imagine it to be!

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The dress

The cake

Purple is my favorite color, so I knew it would be purple. I originally envisioned something a lighter shade with lace. But shopping at Macy’s and not even looking for a wedding dress, I walked into a dressing room and saw this one hanging there, just waiting for me. I knew it was perfect! I also bought a short, fun “party” dress that I changed into for dancing.

My mother has made wedding cakes for several of our friends and family over the years, so she wouldn’t let anyone else make it. I’m glutenfree, so she had to make several gluten-free layers, which was more of a challenge, but she rose to it. She made an amazing almond cake for those layers and a chocolate side cake. We had a tumble of the top layers when Eric and I were cutting it, but [they were caught], thankfully!

The vows The promises we made to each other are kind of what weddings are all about, right?

They’re something that will stick with us forever.

The West Side Bakery

The Groom’s Take

The proposal When Amber asked me to marry her—not the other way around—I made her wait a couple of days so I could talk to my son, Aiden, about it. We are a package deal, and Amber wanted us both. You can tell we chucked a lot of tradition to the curb and had the most relaxed day. Our families are good at hosting this sort of thing, so we worried about nothing.

Our guests are still talking about: The open-floor toasts. Amber’s dad opened it up to anyone, and they said the nicest things. We all cried a lot.

There is a good reason why West Side Bakery has been recognized both locally and nationally as one of the top 50 wedding cake bakeries, and one of the top 75 bakeries in the entire country by the Daily Meal.

For the past 15 years, West Side Bakery has developed a well-respected reputation for their timeless, elegant and classic wedding cake designs. Their accomplished artistry also shows in their unique and contemporary creations.

Regardless of style preference, the West Side Bakery's team of designers can fashion an exclusive cake design based on the couple's theme and vision. Not only is the design of a cake important to them, but the flavor and quality is of the utmost importance.

What sets them apart is their commitment to making the best product possible. Using time-honored, from-scratch recipes, quality ingredients and great care, they continue to earn accolades. Voted Best of the City by akronlife readers, Akronites have also honored them for the best chocolate cake in the area. Although these recognitions mean a great deal to their team, the most cherished reward is when a newlywed couple returns and says, "Our cake was beautiful and tasted great!" Call the bakery to set up a personalized wedding cake tasting and consultation.

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Crown Point Ecology Center

By Sharon Cebula & Molly Gase

Tying the knot in style From rustic to opulent, 5 must-see venues The ring is on your finger, the guest list is finalized, the dress is purchased and tucked safely away—but what about the party? Once the stress of planning the wedding is behind you, the reception can be a victory party to look forward to. Celebrate the momentous day in style at one of these five amazing venues in The 330.

Crown Point Ecology Center is the perfect venue for a memorable country wedding with its historic Century Barn (circa: 1910) nestled in the Bath countryside on Ira Road.

Crown Point’s 115-acres transports guests back to an earlier time of agrarian America while lying in close proximity to hotels and lodging in nearby Montrose.

Crown Point can accommodate weddings of various sizes commensurate with a bride’s vision—as casual or formal as desired.

Ceremonies are often held inside the barn, complete with a center aisle and alter bedecked with flowers. Outdoor weddings are an option, although weather constraints in Northeast Ohio need consideration. For larger weddings, a large white tent may be rented to accommodate seating for dinner, with the barn reserved for the ceremony and dancing. Smaller weddings (125 or less) may choose to host their entire event in the rustic, casual barn.

Ample parking is available, and guests are welcome to explore the property—meadows, woods, wetlands, greenhouses and barns. The barn was updated in 2014 with an ADAaccessible walkway and restroom facility for the convenience and comfort of guests.

The Crown Point staff works hard to ensure that set-up and tear-down arrangements do not detract from your special day. Backto-back weddings are normally avoided in a weekend to ensure a more satisfying experience for the wedding party.

Todaro’s Party Center 1820 Akron Peninsula Rd., Akron

Reservations are currently being accepted for 2017 and some dates remain for 2016. To discuss your wedding plans or special event, please contact Ellen Otto at Crown Point at ellen@crownpt.org or 330-668-8992. Ellen would love to help make your special day one your family will not soon forget.

Nothing beats timeless elegance for an unforgettable wedding. Todaro’s classic ballrooms offer tasteful options for up to 1000 guests, including an on-site bakery, full-service wedding planners and available themed ice sculptures to make your day memorable. Professional staff and color-coordinated linens help

52

januar y 2016

akronlife

you create your dream event. The property features a beautiful outdoor space with white columns and trellises against a backdrop of natural splendor for a unique ceremony or photography option. Visit todaros.com to learn more.

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www.thewestsidebakery.com

Groom’s Cakes Cookie & Pastry Trays Wedding Favors

Celebrating our 21st year in business!

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53

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens 714 N Portage Path, Akron For those looking to combine a love of history with refined elegance, look no further than Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. The Akron icon may have once housed a titan of local industry, but now it is a place to make your own personal history. A wedding day at Stan Hywet can take on many different forms. The Manor House Auditorium, located on the lower level of the manor house, accommodates 175 guests, a balcony stage and a fireplace hearth. For smaller events, the Carriage House Auditorium or a tented reception are both timeless options on the property. Holding 85 guests indoors, 125 guests when combined with a tented space, the Carriage House is a unique space that is full of charm. If your dream day happens to take place during the warmer months, look into the tented outdoor receptions. These can take place on several places throughout the grounds, with the gorgeous gardens as the perfect backdrop. For more information, visit stanhywet.org/receptions.

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>OLU P[­Z [OL ;PTL ;OPZ PZ [OL 7SHJL Conveniently located in downtown Kent, the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center has everything you and your guests could possibly wish for. We are the perfect venue for weddings up to 250 guests!

Happy Days Lodge Cuyahoga Valley National Park, 500 W. Streetsboro St., Peninsula For rustic charm amid the stunning natural beauty of the Cuyahoga Valley, Happy Days Lodge offers a unique venue for up to 200 wedding guests. The 4000-square-foot Great Hall and large screened patio can accommodate indoor or outdoor ceremonies, dining and dancing for a romantic wedding in a historic setting. Lush greenery and an adjacent National Parks trailhead offer sumptuous photography backdrops.

For more info, call the Wedding Sales and Services Manager at 330-657-2909 ext. 135 or email weddings@forcvnp.org.

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Extraordinary Love Enchanting Country Wedding

WEDDINGS CORPORATE RETREATS REUNIONS

Guy’s Party Center 500 E. Waterloo Rd., Akron Guy’s Party Center offers three ballrooms for flexible and family-friendly accommodations of guest lists ranging from 50-400.

With in-house service that includes everything from white chair covers and crystal champagne flutes to a three-tiered punch fountain and twinkle lights, Guy’s can help make your special day worry-free. Whether you choose a sit-down dinner, buffet, or weekend luncheon, Guy’s unique lighting options and all-inclusive pricing will help create special memories that won’t break the bank. Visit guyspartycentre.com for more info.

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55

Gervasi Vineyard 1700 55th St. NE, Canton Nestled in a picturesque woods outside of Canton is Gervasi Vineyard. This romantic destination takes the natural beauty of a vineyard and creates an unforgettable backdrop for your dream day. The 55-acre Italian-inspired estate can host both indoor and outdoor weddings in either the Pavilion or the Villa Grande.

Basking in the great outdoors, up to 200 guests can take in the breath-taking landscape in the Pavilion.

The indoor space is no less gorgeous. With seating for up to 120 guests, the Villa Grande brings all of the romance of an Italian Villa to an address near home. Guests wishing to stay overnight can even look into the Villas. For more information, visit www.gervasivineyard.com.

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“Helping Smart Women Become Investment Savvy” The Savvy Women Club Introduces Educational Web Events for 2016!

Paula R. Chesser, CSA® V ce P Vi Pre resi re siide d nt Seni Se nior ni or Inv Inv nves esstm men entt Co Cons nsul ns u ta ul tant nt

Continuing our tradition of educating women about current financial topics, we’re thrilled to now offer web events reaching more and more female investors.

Robert W. W Baird & Co. 3875 Embassy Parkway, Suite 300 Akron, OH 44333

Visit paulachesser.com for details about upcoming 2016 events and how you can participate!

330-664-5500 | 877-792-7868 6 pchesser@rwbaird.com paulachesser.com

Join the conversation | paulachesser.com ©2016 Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. Member SIPC.

After the Ceremony A Post-Honeymoon Guide

by Sharon Cebula

You planned the perfect wedding. You went on your dream honeymoon. You may not have finished the thank you notes for all those fabulous wedding gifts, but it’s time to get back to the real world. How do you merge your two lives and begin your happily-ever-after?

First off, changing your name, while not mandatory, is an easy way to solidify your new bond and communicate your new status to the world. Whether you choose to hyphenate your two names or take your spouse’s family name, a legal name change is pretty simple.

If you start by changing the name on your Social Security card, all the other changes will be a lot easier.

You cannot do this online, but it’s free and you can get the form you’ll need from the Social Security website (ssa.org).

Take the form, your original marriage certificate, or a certified copy with a raised stamp, and your driver’s license to a Social w w w. akronlife.com

57

DOWNTOWN OFFICE SPACE

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333 S Main St at Exchange. Ideal Location in the Historic Evans Building. All Utilities Included. Building Management/ Maintenance is On-Site for Prompt, Dependable Service. » Free Customer Parking in rear. Staff Parking $35/mo. » Space available in the building. Single office suite/Two office suite. 4 office suite with reception. » Entire second floor (10,881 sq ft).

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Security office, wait a few minutes, and your new card will arrive in the mail a week or so later. You’ll need that new card and your marriage certificate again at the BMV when you go to update your driver’s license, as well.

While you’re waiting for the new card, consider what your living arrangements will be as a married couple. Are you moving to his place? Is he moving to yours? Are the two of you getting a new place to begin your new life together? Whatever you decide, be sure to update your marital status and address with all your important contacts: doctor’s offices, bank, places of employment, insurance carrier, credit card companies. Most of these you can quickly and easily change online.

In the spirit of your new union, also consider updating your phone or data service plan to a family plan. Many companies offer great savings on multi-phone or data sharing plans.

Check their websites for the deal that’s right for you.

Because sharing is caring, here are a few more important details to consider when merging your lives into one:

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Health and life insurance Jennifer Corwin, a State Farm agent in Tallmadge advises newlyweds that combining insurance coverage allows new families to take advantage of all new family policies.

Muli-Line and Mulit-Car discounts are also available and allow the couple to save quite a bit of money. “It is also a wise idea to obtain life insurance to cover any debt that your new spouse may bring to the marriage (i.e. credit card debt or student loans) along with protection for any combined family debt such as a mortgage or vehicle purchase.” Consulting an insurance professional will definitely make sure your new family is covered.

Investments “When you get married, you tie a financial knot to your spouse, so it is important to have a serious discussion about how you will manage your financial future together. Money discussions aren’t always easy for newlyweds, but, as with any marriage issue, it’s best to approach them with an open mind and as a

januar y 2016

team,” says Caryl-Lyn Mazullo, CRPC, Senior Vice President of Wealth Management and Branch Manager of UBS Financial Services in Montrose. A financial advisor can advise both of you about your goals and needs, explain financial instruments, and help keep you ontrack for the long view. A little time spent together on these matters now can ensure financial harmony for your future together.

Legal matters Tom T. Mullen, Esq., an attorney with private legal offices in Fairlawn, says couples shouldn’t forget about legal issues when beginning their new lives. “Each new couple should review their wills, living wills and power of attorney documents and perhaps consider more complex estate planning to assure wealth transfers, like a transfer on death affidavit (TODA) deed to allow for the ease of transfer of the marital home upon death of a spouse,” says Mullen. He also suggests couples consider prenuptial agreements, especially if children from previous relationships are involved, or if business ownership is part of the union. If your lives are complicated, definitely consult a lawyer.

You’ll also want to look into changing your tax filing status to take advantage of lower rates when filing jointly. Check out www.irs. gov for more information on your specific situation.

Though it may sound overwhelming at first, spending a little time on these details will make sure your new union has staying power.

The professional, personally tailored advice you’ll get from people like Jennifer Corwin, Caryl-Lyn Mazullo and Tom T. Mullen is indispensable for merging your lives and getting your future together started in the right direction. As your family grows and changes, the relationship you build with these advisors will grow along with you, so you and your new spouse can focus on the exciting adventure ahead.

Taking the fear out of finances

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When discussing investments and financial matters, something strange can happen. Columns of digits that otherwise would have no meaning transform into hopes and dreams.

Each series of numbers becomes a part of a potential future. Perhaps they represent a college education, a house to call home or leisure time worth years of hard work. No matter what the goal, Paula R Chesser, Senior Investment Consultant at Baird, helps her clients turn dreams into realities.

With over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Chesser has long loved working in the field.

“My love for investing began at age 26 when I was first exposed to an opportunity to invest in an initial public offering,” she says. From past to present, she has continued to work for her clients with an understanding of the weight of her work. Chesser joined Baird in September of 2000 and has since worked with her team to make “putting the client’s interest first” more than just a saying. “Our team understands what we do has a direct impact on our clients’ lives and we take that understanding very seriously.”

Investments can be intimidating. They involve crafting a plan of goals and hopes that stretch far into the future.

“Most people are driven by a purpose that goes beyond their immediate needs and concerns. It’s about who we are and what we want to accomplish in life that motivates and inspires us on a daily basis,” says Chesser.

Determining what a client really wants is accomplished through the understanding that communication is key.

“Without it there is no relationship and without a good relationship, there is no trust.” By communicating well, Chesser can help an entire family understand their financial plan. “Growing up, my parents regularly enjoyed open conversations about money, budgeting and savings.

Dad was the breadwinner while Mom spearheaded the investment decision-making and ran the household budget,” says Chesser.

Expanding the plan even further, Chesser encourages discussing with children how to save and invest, as well as the reasons why. By utilizing basic bank sav-

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Paula R. Chesser ings accounts, tracking how money accumulates over time and discussing the basics of mutual funds, stocks and other investments, young ones can establish good financial habits early on. “So much of what the child learns is from the parent and their personal outlook on money. The parents that make it fun and educational find it time well-spent with their children.”

Through a consultative process called the Chesser Wealth Management Experience, Chesser works to accomplish the wants and needs of clients. Chesser has developed many ways to tailor her financial services to her clients’ specific situations, such as the Lifestyle Wealth Management Plan, the Purposeful Wealth Process, and her electronic newsletter called the “Chesser Report.”

Often, subjects that strike fear into the heart can be conquered through knowledge and the confidence that comes from it. Throughout her career, Chesser noticed that many women feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed when stepping into decision-making roles for their investments. “It was clear to me that the financial services industry had simply missed the boat by not recognizing the value and unique concerns of the female client,” she says. Empowering women to feel confident and comfortable with their financial decisions spurred Chesser to create the Savvy Women Club in 2011. Although membership to the club is reserved for Chesser’s female clients, all women interested in learning more about financial responsibility are welcome to attend the events.

Savvy Woman Club “Whether you are a single woman or the CEO of your family you deserve an environment that encourages you to embrace your financial life before an unexpected event occurs” says Chesser. A variety of educational and specialty events are designed specifically to deepen your knowledge and elevate your confidence as you embrace your financial life. Visit paulachesser.com to learn about upcoming events.

Baird 3875 Embassy Parkway, Suite 300 Akron, OH 44333 330-644-5500 877-792-7868 pchesser@rwbaird.com www.paulachesser.com

Akron Life’s 2015 Best Local Wealth Manager award is not directly based on the quality of service provided nor is it based on criteria such as client retention rates, client assets administered, professional designations or experience in the industry.

Rather, the distinction is based on the number of votes received in the category. The award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Neither Paula Chesser nor her firm, Robert W. Baird & Co., paid any fees to be nominated or to otherwise be considered for the recognition.

good eats

restaurants

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.

/ notable food & drink / Go to akronlife.com to view more area restaurants & events.

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 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 $$ B, L, D, A Arnie’s West Branch Steak House Casual dining, specializing in steak, ribs and seafood. Closed Sun. 5343 State Rte. 14 (Ravenna) 330-297-1717 $$$ 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. 6531 Brecksville Rd. (Independence) 216-447-9275 $$ L, D, T Bar145 This Gastropub features bar fare and an extensive menu of burgers made with Niman Ranch

beef. 100 E. Erie St. (Kent) 330-9686201 $$ L, D, A, T Barley House Hot and cold deli sandwiches, gourmet pizzas, soups and more. 222 S. Main St. (Akron) 330-374-0925 $$ L, D, A, T Basil Asian Bistro Menu features Thai, Chinese and Korean dishes, as well as sushi and Vietnamese specialties. Closed Mon. 585 Market Ave. N. (Canton) 330-452-3888; 4195 Massillon Rd. (Green) 330-915-6893 $$$

L, D, A, T BayLobsters Fish Market & Café Open since May 2012, the café serves seafood meals fresh and hot, including Captain John’s award-winning fish and chips, crab cakes, lobster rolls, grilled salmon, fish tacos and po’ boys. 9224 Darrow Rd. (Twinsburg) 330-486-0713 $$$ L, D, T Beau’s Grille Upscale, well-regarded, innovative menu at the Fairlawn Hilton. 3180 W. Market St. (Fairlawn) 330-865-5577 $$$$ L, D, A, T Beau’s on the River Stunning views of the falls with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary décor. Fusion/eclectic cuisine, lunch buffet and Sunday brunch. Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-920-7530 $$$ B, L, D, A, T 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

Luigi’s Restaurant /'$7 $Q $NURQ LFRQ 2SHQ ODWH 6HUYHV VXSHUE ,WDOLDQ FXLVLQH VDODGV DQG DZDUG ZLQQLQJ SL]]D 9RWHG %HVW 3L]]D DQG %HVW ,WDOLDQ 5HVWDXUDQW E\ DNURQOLIH UHDGHUV 3DUW\ WUD\V DQG VKHHW SDQ SL]]DV DYDLODEOH ZLWK KRXU QRWLFH 105 N. Main St. (Akr www.luigisrestaurant.com

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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 $$ B, L, D, T Best Sports Bar Specialties include: Jumbo Wings, Mile High Nachos, Jameson Glazed Entrees, Burgers and Specialty Sandwiches. Daily Specials Mon-Fri. 4 Locations - www.johnnyjspub.com $$ L, D, A, T Bianca’s Italian Ristorante & Lounge Traditional Italian, juicy steaks and fresh seafood.

4284 Beverly Hills Dr. (Brunswick) 330-225-0927 $$$ L, D, A, T Big Eye Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar Menu offers a wide variety of sushi as well as salads, soups, appetizers, cooked entrees and vegan options to suit everyone at your table. Closed Sun. 2965 W. Market St. (Fairlawn) 330-836-4433 $$$ L, D, A, T The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard Situated on a 55-acre estate in a renovated historic barn that overlooks a beautiful lake. Serving rustic Italian fare using only fresh and seasonal ingredients. Closed Mon. Open for lunch Sat. and Sun. 1700 55th St. NE (Canton) 330-497-1000 $$$ L, D, A Bistro on Main House-made desserts, hand-cut steaks and fresh pasta. Closed Sun. 1313 W. Main St. (Kent) 330-673-9900 $$$ L, D, A, T Block 7 Fresh-ground burgers, unique sandwiches, onion rings and more. Closed Sun. 524 W. Tuscarawas St. (Barberton) 330-745-7677 $$ L, D, A, T Blue Canyon Creative American cuisine in six nature-inspired dining environments. Sunday brunch buffet. 8960 Wilcox Dr. (Twinsburg) 330-486-2583 $$$$ L, D, A, T Blue Door Café and Bakery Sandwiches, quiche, soup, crepes and omelets. Open Wed.-Sun., 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Dinner served Thurs.-Sat. from 6-9 p.m. 1970 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-926-9774 $$ B, L, T Bombay Sitar Fine Indian cuisine. Food is natural and prepared fresh daily. 5111 Fulton Dr. NW (Canton) 330-305-0671 $$ L, D, T Bricco Open since Sept. 2003, this restaurant is known for its eclectic seasonal menu, wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes. Open Sun. for brunch and dinner. 1 W. Exchange St. (Akron) 330-475-1600 $$$ L, D, A, T, V Bricco in Kent Menu is modeled after the original Bricco in downtown Akron. À la carte brunch on Sun. 210 S. Depeyster St. (Kent) 330-677-1335 $$$ L, D, A, T The Brickoven Brewpub Hand-crafted traditional, deep-dish, specialty and dessert pizzas, calzones, appetizers, salads and nanobrewed beer.

604 Canton Road (Ellet) 330-475-7005 $$ D, A, T Brubaker’s Specialty sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, appetizers and a full bar. Bottomless soup and salad special. 4005 Medina Rd. (Montrose) 330-6668021; 5823 Darrow Rd. (Hudson) 330-650-9401; 3939 Massillon Rd. (Green) 330-896-8803; 1922 Buchholzer Blvd. (Chapel Hill) 330-630-2237; 357 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-253-7160; 4141 Bridgewater Pkwy. (Stow) 330-475-1525 $$$ L, D, A, T The Burntwood Tavern Owned by the same couple that runs the other Burntwood locations in Rocky River, Brecksville, Chagrin Falls and Solon, this restaurant’s menu features steaks, sliders, hand-cut fries, smoked, planked, and wood-grilled food. 2291 Riverfront Pkwy. (Cuyahoga Falls) www. burntwoodtavern.com $$$ L, D, A, T The Cabin Upscale Italian within the Mario’s International Spa and Inn complex. 35 E. Garfield Rd. (Aurora) 330-562-9171 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T Café Bricco This menu is a smaller version of the one at the original Bricco location downtown.

Doubletree Hotel, 3150 W. Market St. (Fairlawn) 330835-2203 $$$ 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 Cana Valley Winery Check out this winery’s 13 varieties. Bring in your own food. Open Wed.-Sat. 5665 Waterloo Rd. (Atwater) 330-596-3017 $ D, A 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 Ceedo’s Eatery Traditional Middle Eastern food — kosher and halal — including shwarma and falafel, stuffed whole lamb, hummus, tabbouleh and kibbeh. Closed Mon. 4147 Bridgewater Pkwy. (Stow) 330-940-2424 $$ B, L, D, T Cellar 59 Wine Bar & Wine Shop The menu in this renovated 19th century farmhouse features small plates and desserts, as well as bottles of wine and craft beer. Closed Sun. and Mon. 3984 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330-688-2684 $$$ 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 Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sat. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Closed Sun. and Mon. 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 Circle L Steakhouse The new menu offers a wide selection of steak cuts, and the atmosphere provides an upscale, rustic feel. Sunday brunch and live entertainment. 201 Park Centre Dr. (Wadsworth) 330-335-7913 $$$$ B, L, D, A Cleats Club Seat Grille This sports pub and grill features burgers, “the official chicken wing of the Cleveland Indians” and the longest happy hour around, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Entertainment at 10 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 469 College St. (Wadsworth) 330-3345151 $$ L, D, A, T Coffee Pot Cafe Attached to the Akron-Summit County Public Library downtown. Coffee, salads & sandwiches. Open Mon. - Thurs. 8 a.m - 5 p.m,. Fri. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., and special events. 75 S. Main St. (Akron). 330-807-8039. $ B, L, T The Corkscrew Saloon Specializes in fresh seafood, steaks and chops, prepared by executive chef Ryan Marino. Live entertainment Wed. nights. 811 W. Liberty (Medina) 330-7250220 $$$$ L, D, A, T Cortabella’s Italian Eatery In addition to a soup, salad and pasta bar, the menu includes seafood, poultry, steak, pizzas and calzones, desserts and a wine list and full bar. 10 Tallmadge Circle (Tallmadge) 330-633-7844 $$ L, D, A, T Craft Beer Bar A large variety of craft beer, cocktails, wines and whiskeys that accompany upscale bar food. Watermark Building, 1846 Front St., Suite G (Cuyahoga Falls) 234-571-1409 $$$ D, A, T, V Crave Creative comfort foods, slightly eccentric with bold tastes served up in a sensational setting. 57 E. Market St. (Akron) 330253-1234 $$ 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 $$ L, D, A, T The Crush House at Gervasi Vineyard A modern industrial building that houses a state-of-the-art winery facility, wine bar and eatery. Perfect for a fun lunch, casual dinner or late snack. Closed Sun. Opens 11 a.m., Mon.-Sat. 1700 55th St. NE (Canton) 330-497-1000 $$ L, D, A D’Agneses Tomato Grill Wide array of entrée choices.

Sunday brunch. Catering available. 106 First St. (Hudson) 330342-3771 $$$$ L, D, A, T D’Agnese’s White Pond Contemporary Italian food served in a classy yet casual setting. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Live entertainment in the lounge. Full service catering. 566 White Pond Dr. (Akron) 234-678-3612 $$$ 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 $$$ L, D, A, T Dave’s Cosmic Subs Sign the walls at this sub stop, featuring psychedelic and music memorabilia decor. 186 N. Main St. (Hudson) 330-342-5666; 215 S. Water St. (Kent) 330346-0620 $$ L, D, T Dave’s Tip Top Pleasant atmosphere with home-style menu.

Perfect for family dining. 3428 Darrow Rd. (Stow) 330-6883171 $$ B, L, D, T David B’s Grill & Pub Known locally for excellent service and a variety of foods. 3900 Medina Rd. (Montrose) 330-6661191 $$ L, D, A, T

D.B.A. (Dante Boccuzzi Akron) Modern American food in a rock ‘n’ roll palace setting. Several menu items can be ordered in varied portion sizes, based on your appetite.

Vegetarian and vegan options available. Order a drink and relax on the restaurant’s spacious patio. 21 Furnace St. (Akron) 330-375-5050 $$$$ D, A, T, V Delanie’s Neighborhood Grille Comfort food, sporty atmosphere and full bar. 67 West Ave. (Tallmadge) 330-630-2888 $$$ L, D, A, T Desert Inn Family-owned since 1970.

Specializes in “Family Style” shish kabobs.

204 12th St. NW (Canton) 330-456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A Diamond Deli A local favorite with fat sandwiches and fresh soups. 378 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-762-5877 $ B, L, A, D (Saturdays only), T Diamond Grille Akron’s oldest steakhouse, authentic 1950s-style décor. All steaks are hand-cut, and seafood is flown in fresh. 77 W. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-253-0041 $$$$ L, D, A No credit cards Dontino’s Restaurant Home-style Italian cuisine, popular community meeting place. 555 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave. (Akron: North) 330-928-9530 $$ L, D, A, T Downtown 140 Executive Chef Richard E. Bennett IV calls his food style “minimalist new American.” He uses as few ingredients as possible to make an impact and keep clean flavors on the menu at this fine-dining establishment. 140 N. Main St. (Hudson) 330655-2940 $$$$ L, D, A 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) 330-4944000 $$$ L, D, A, T Eddy’s Deli and Restaurant Try the banana-split waffle, a corned beef sandwich or chicken paprikash. 2655 Oakwood Dr. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-928-7489; 4581 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330-346-0551 $$ 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 $$$ D, A, T El Campesino Authentic Mexican cuisine.

4360 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330-686-5561; 9169 State Rte. 14 (Streetsboro) 330-626-9777; 4048 Lincolnway E. (Massillon) 330-4778731 $$ L, D, A, T El Fogon Mexican Grill Traditional Mexican fare from the owner of El Campesino in Canton and Perry Township. Full bar and weekly margarita specials. Open 7 days. 1080 Interstate Pkwy. (Green) 330-644-7700 $$ L, D, A, T El Rancho Traditional Mexican fare made fresh from scratch each day.Weekly margarita and happy hour specials. Open 7 days. 4065 State Road,(Cuyahoga Falls) 330-922-8112; 1666 West Exchange St. (Akron) 330-8643300 $$ L,D,A,T El Rincon Authentic Mexican cuisine. 1485 S. Arlington St. (Akron: South) 330-785-3724; 720 S. Main St. (North Canton) 330-497-2229 $$ L, D, A, T Emma Marie’s Italiano Casual Italian dining and cocktails. Specialties include veal and pasta dishes. Closed Sun. 161 N. Chestnut w w w. akronlife.com

St. (Ravenna) 330-298-9773 $$$ L, D, A, T The Eye Opener Diner-style menu features jams and jellies from Crooked River Herb Farm. Upscale décor includes photos of historic Akron. 1688 W. Market St. (Akron) 330-867-1114 $$ B, L, D, T The Falls Deli Under new ownership of Lisa and Chip Thayer. Menu includes salads, subs, paninis, as well as corned beef and brisket sandwiches. Closed Sun. 2625 Bailey Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-923-3500 $ L, D, T Farmer Boy Restaurant House specialties include Greek souvlaki, broaster chicken and delicious desserts. 1324 Canton Rd. (Akron: East) 330-784-4052 $$ B, L, D, T The Fat Bob Grill Housed in The American Legion building, this restaurant provides big portions at low prices. Burgers, pizza and salads. Chef David Tate also offers homecooked meals for four for only $25. Pickup or delivery only. 783 W. Market St. (Akron: Highland Square) 330-926-7919 $$ B, L, D, T Firehouse Grill & Pub Watch sports and enjoy steaks and buffalo wings. 1677 E. Market St. (Akron: East) 330-733-6279; 2437 Canton Rd. (Akron) 330-699-3616; 4809 S. Prospect St. (Rootstown) 330-325-0706; 76 West Ave. (Tallmadge) 330-634-9967 $$ 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 61

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 $$ L, D, A, T Franklin Square Deli Quality sandwich shop with an auto-racing theme. 108 S. Water St. (Kent) 330-673-2942 $$ 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 Fresco Mexican Grill and Salsa Bar A new Mexican cuisine experience in the Kent area. Big burritos, tacos, warm soups, quesadillas and more. Known for its beer selection and extensive salsa bar. 100 E. Erie St. (Kent) 330-677-2588 $$ L, D, A, T The Galaxy Restaurant Diverse selection of dishes in a creative building. Fantastic desserts. 201 Park Centre Dr. (Wadsworth) 330-3343663 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Game Grill + Bar The menu of the new street-level restaurant at Akron’s Canal Park includes several local classics, including sauerkraut balls and Whitey’s chili. Steve Smith, formerly with One Red Door in Hudson and Ken Stewart’s in Akron, is executive chef. Saturday and Sunday brunch.

Canal Park, 300 S. Main St. (Akron) B, L, D, A, T, V 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 $$$ L, D, A, T Golden Dragon Chinese fare. Also offers traditional Japanese cooking and sushi. 1634 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-929-1109 $$ L, D, A, T 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 Gas Pump Bar & Grille Fresh homemade food at a reasonable price.

Try their specialty hot dogs. Kids’ menu and daily specials. Closed Sun. 2215 E. Waterloo Rd. (Akron) 330-794-2222 $$ L, D, A, T Grinders Above & Beyond Family restaurant. Grinders, burgers, dinners, appetizers, homemade soups and pies. 1671 N. Main St. (North Canton) 330-497-4800; 3114 Whipple Ave. (Canton) 330-477-5411; 1212 Maple (Hartville) 330-587-4280; 1820 W. State St. (Alliance) 330821-6665; 404 E. Lincoln Way (Minerva) 330-868-7824; 500 W. Main St. (Louisville) 330-875-9700 $ B, L, D, A, T H2 Huth & Harris Wine Merchants With a selection of over 200 wines, this Medina-based winery serves up a sizable selection in a rustic, cellar-like atmosphere. Also offers large selection of craft beers, ciders, kombucha, meads and a large selection of tapas dishes. 221 South Court St. (Medina) 330-815-4959 $$$ L, D, A Hattie’s Café & Gifts Training and vocational site for people with disabilities. Features coffee, homemade pastries, ice cream, soups, salads and sandwiches. 520 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-535-1779 $ B, L, D, T Henry Wahner’s Restaurant An old favorite across from KSU. Complete German menu. German-style 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 Hoppin’ Frog Brewery This spot offers 24 beers on tap and more than 50 bottles, including imports, and nightly events. Gastropub seasonal menu available. Open Tues.-Sat. 1680 E. Waterloo Rd. (Akron) 234-5253764 $$ D, A 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) 330722-1899 $$ L, D, A, T Hyde Park Grille New York-style upscale steakhouse. 4073 Medina Rd. (Montrose) 330-670-6303 $$$$ D, A, T, V 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. $$ L, D, A, T Ivan’s Diner Menu includes sandwiches, burgers, subs and salads. Open Mon.-Fri. 2925 Embassy Pkwy. (Fairlawn) 330-836-3553 $$ L, T Jilly’s Music Room Creative American tapas in a sophisticated setting with live music, concerts and events Wednesday through Saturday. All gluten-free menu. 111 N. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-576-5960

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$$ D, A Jimmy Bigg’s Grille Burgers, Italian subs, Reubens, wings, Philly cheese steak, BLTs, salads, hand-breaded onion rings and more. 1927 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-929-2444 $$ L, D, A, T Kasai Japanese Restaurant Sushi, hibachi, noodles, don buri, agamono and more. Enjoy a glass of wine, and finish your meal with tempura cheesecake. 295 Weatherstone Dr. (Wadsworth) 330-334-7141 $$$ 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 LagerHeads BBQ Smokehouse and Brewing Co. Try the BBQ ribs, smoked wings and beer cheese soup, made with Barnburner lager. For dessert, taste the fruit crisp made with grains used to brew their signature beers. 2832 Abbeyville Rd. (Medina) 330-725-1947 $$$ L, D, A, T Lanning’s Restaurant Elegant dining atmosphere with a beautiful view. More than 150 types of wine. 826 N. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. (Bath) 330-666-1159, 330-864-2553 $$$$ D, A, T, V Laroush Mediterranean Food and Smoothies Handroasted vegetables, meat and produce from local farms. Falafel, hummus, spinach pies and salads. Vegetarian and vegan items. 425 Franklin Ave. (Kent) 330-677-1282 $$ L, D, T Larry’s Main Entrance English-pub style, burgers of note. 1964 W. Market St. (Akron: West) 330-864-8162 $$ L, D, A, T Laziza High-end Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare, plus steak and seafood dishes and a full bar. Acorn Alley, 195 E. Erie St. (Kent) 330-6777000 $$$ 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 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 $$$$ D, A Luigi’s Restaurant An Akron icon. Open late. Serves superb Italian cuisine, salads and award-winning pizza. Voted Best Pizza and Best Italian Restaurant by akronlife readers. Party trays and sheet-pan pizzas available with 24-hour notice. Open Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m. to Midnight, Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sat. 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sun. 3 p.m. to Midnight. 105 N. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-253-2999 $$ 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 Street Grille Perfect for date nights. Sit in the cellar and enjoy the music of a local pianist while you enjoy a casual upscale dinner. We suggest the chicken pesto penne and the Kahlua mocha cheesecake. 123

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S. Main St. (North Canton) 330-497-1117 $$$$ L, D, A, T Main Wok Fast Chinese cuisine. 2855 W. Market St. (Fairlawn) 330-8658885 $$ L, D, T Accepts Discover and MasterCard Maize Valley Winery Sample wine by bottle or glass, as well as craft beer. Taste 100+ types of cheeses. Appetizers and sandwiches. Full dinner menu on Sat. evenings. 6193 Edison St. NE (Hartville) 330-877-8344 $$ L, D, A Mandarin House Chinese and South Asian entrees. 3201 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-929-8157 $$ 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 Marques Cajun, Creole and soul food on the plate, and live jazz and blues music in the air. Gospel brunch on Sundays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 111 Cleveland Ave. SW (Canton) 330-313-1030 $$ B, L, D, A, T Mary Coyle Strong pasta selection. Six-time winner of Pasta Yule’s Best Red Sauce. Known for endless ice cream options. 780 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330-253-1511 $$ 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 Menches Brothers Restaurant Inventors of the hamburger and ice cream cone. In Akron since 1901. 3700 Massillon Rd. (Green) 330-8962288 $$ B, L, D, A, T Michael’s AM Casual, family-style dining. Full breakfast and lunch menu featuring sandwiches and daily specials.1562 Akron-Peninsula Rd. (Merriman Valley) 330-929-3447 $ B, L, T No credit cards Mike’s Place Unique atmosphere, extensive menu. 1700 S. Water St. (Kent) 330-673-6501 $ B, L, D, A, T Moe’s Hip, intimate atmosphere featuring a diverse chalkboard menu that changes monthly. Martinis, cocktails and extensive selection of wines by the glass. Closed Sun. 2385 Front St. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-928-6600 $$$$ L, D, A, T Molly Brown’s Country Cafe Big breakfasts, South of the Border menu items and large portions. 1792 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-9454407; 519 Canton Rd. (Ellet) 330-784-4711; 5151 Fulton Dr. NW (Canton) 330-244-9322 $$ B, L, 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) 330-819-3834 $ B, L, D, 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; 867 W. Market St. (Akron) 330-434-7333 $$$ L, D, T New Era Restaurant A mainstay of the Akron area. Heavenly paprikash and other Hungarian favorites. 10 Massillon Rd. (Akron: East) 330-784-0087 $$ B, L, D, A, T 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) 330-497-9111 $$$ D, A, T Nuevo Modern Mexican and Tequila Bar Owned by Zack and Lisa Hirt, this restaurant serves fresh Mexican cuisine in the downtown Gothic Building. Try a tequila flight. Gluten-free menu also available. 54 E. Mill St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-762-8000 $$$$ L, 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 $$$$ D, A The Office Metropolitan bistro and lounge with eclectic ambiance and timeless decor. 778 N. Main St. (Akron) 330-376-9550; 1846 Front St. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-376-9550 $$$ L, D, A, T, V (Cuyahoga Falls location only)

untapped

Brewery Ommegang

by Aaron Fowler

Three Philopshers Quadrupel Ale $14.99 4pks, $9.99 750ml bottles

On the lookout for something that will warm your soul during these cold winter months? Look no further than Cooperstown, New York, where baseball is not the only thing flying high these days. Known for such beers as Gnomegang Blond Ale, Hennepin Farmhouse Saison and Rare Vos, as well as a series of limited collaboration ales with HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones, Brewery Ommegang’s master craftsmanship shines in arguably their finest moment as brewers—the creation of Three Philosophers Quadrupel Ale. Built in 1997 on 136 acres of land meant to be a hop farm in Cooperstown, New York, Ommegang is the only brewery in the United States dedicated to brewing nothing but bottle-conditioned Belgian ales. In 2003, beloved Belgian behemoth Duvel Moortgat purchased full ownership of Brewery Ommegang and helped propel it further into the limelight. Recognized with nearly two dozen esteemed awards over the last two decades—including numerous medals at both the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival—Ommegang brews 35,000 barrels a year and is now distributed in 44 states.

On Tap Relaxed atmosphere, great gyros and Greek food. 3263 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-922-0464; 2905 Medina Rd. (Medina) 330-7251972; 4396 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330-686-5359; 562 Portage Lakes Dr. (Akron) 330-644-1664; 2736 Medina Rd. (Akron) 330-725-1972 $$ L, D, A, T Open Door Coffee Co. This café is housed in the landmark Saywell building, across from the Hudson green. Coffee, smoothies, pastries, music and art. 164 N. Main St. (Hudson) 330-653-5900 $ B, L, D, T Orchard House Restaurant Menu features a variety of comfort foods and BBQ favorites prepared in the area’s only applewood smoker.

Closed Mon. Sunday brunch. 294 Pearl Rd. (Brunswick) 330-225-5576 $$$ L, D, T Pad Thai Elegant restaurant, extensive menu of traditional Thai dishes.

3545 Brookwall Dr. (Fairlawn) 330-668-9981; 5657 Darrow Rd. (Hudson) 330-650-9998 $$$ L, D, A, T Pancho & Lefty’s Popular neighborhood cantina. 3254 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330-686-6781 $$ L, D, A, T

Pouring out in a dark, yet soothing color with notes of sweet dark fruits, sour cherries and raisins, Three Philosophers goes down incredibly smooth with a nice warming and dry finish that will please even those unfamiliar with the style.

This Belgian-style blend of Ommegang Quadruple ale and Liefmans Kriek clocks in at 9.7 percent ABV and begs for aging. Some lucky consumers may even be able to get their hands on gift sets featuring vintage bottles from the past few years. Like a fine wine, Three Philosophers only gets better with age, so don’t be afraid to purchase a few to keep in your ever growing wine/ beer cellar.

Available in both 12oz four packs ($14.99) and 750ml cork-and-cage bottles ($9.99), this elegant selection can be found at select Acme, Fishers Foods and Giant Eagle locations, as well as your finer craft beer stops such as Mustard Seed, World Market, Lizardville and 101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall. / Writer Aaron Fowler is a sales representative at Cavalier Distributing.

Comments?

Email them to Molly Gase at mgase@bakermediagroup.com.

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 $$ L, D, A, T Papa Joe’s Classy atmosphere, extensive wine list, fine Italian fare, seafood and steaks. 1561 Akron-Peninsula Rd. (Merriman Valley) 330923-7999 $$$ 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) 330753-2264 $$ L, D, A, T Peachtree Southern Kitchen & Cocktails An upscale, family-friendly spot serving Southern fare from the Low Country. Sunday brunch. 200 N. Main St. (Hudson) 216-978-9640 L, D, A

Piscazzi’s The Merchant Tavern With owner Anthony Piscazzi’s family history running Akron’s beloved Wine Merchant restaurant and chef Victor Todaro in the kitchen, this new restaurant already has a great start.

Retail wines available. Hours: Tues.,Wed.,Thurs. 3:30 p.m. - 12 a.m., Fri. 3:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m., Sat. Noon - 1:30 a.m., Sun. Noon - 9 p.m. Lunch served on weekends. 1824 Merriman Rd. (Akron: Merriman Valley) $$$ L, D, A, T Pizza Fire The first fast casual, fast-fired pizza restaurant in Northeast Ohio. 22 W. Exchange St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-535-4545 $$ 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) 330434-8108 $$ L, D, A, T Prime/93 Appetizers, specials, hand-cut and aged steaks, chops and fresh seafood. Chef-driven restaurant. Entertainment on weekends. 4315 Manchester Rd. (Akron: South) 330-644-2239 $$$$ L, D, A, T Primo’s Deli An Akron mainstay since 1979. Try their famous corned

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beef sandwich or spicy Italian sub, and finish with a slice of homemade carrot cake. Closed Sun. and Mon. 1707 Vernon Odom Blvd. (Akron) 330745-9056 $$ L, D, A, T Pub Bricco The menu features gourmet hamburgers, appetizers, salads and drinks served in a pub atmosphere. 1841 Merriman Rd. (Merriman Valley) 330-869-0035 $$ L, D, A, T Pufferbelly Ltd. Located in historic Kent railroad depot. 152 Franklin Ave. (Kent) 330-673-1771 $$$ L, D, A, T The Rail High-quality Ohio beef used for burgers. Top with specialty condiments like truffle butter or sunflower-basil pesto. Veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, milkshakes, and local and craft beers. 3265 W. Market St. in Summit Mall (Akron) 330-864-7245; 4347 Belden Village Mall (Canton) 330-497-7550 $$ L, D, A, T Ray’s Place Great burgers, hearty dinners and the area’s largest selection of foreign and domestic beer in the bottle and on draft. 135 Franklin Ave. (Kent) 330-673-2253; 25 Ghent Rd. (Fairlawn) 330-835-2233 $$ L, D, A, T Reserve Inn A Hudson landmark featuring fine cuisine and an upscale setting. Traditional steaks and ribs with a Cajun selection or two. 30 W. Streetsboro St. (Hudson) 330-650-1717 $$$$ L, D, A, T Retro Dog Family-owned and operated, this dine-in/drive-in restaurant serves char-grilled hotdogs, hand-patted burgers, fresh-cut fries, tempurabattered onion rings, vegetarian-friendly items, home-brewed root beer and homemade custard, floats, shakes and treats. 350 E. Steels Corners Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-928-3500 $ L, D, T Rosewood Grill Seasonally inspired with the fresh appeal of a local farmer’s market. Happy hour, Mon.-Fri., 3-6 p.m. 36 E. Streetsboro St. (Hudson) 330-656-2100 $$$$ L (Fri/Sat only), D, A, T Rush Hour Bar & Grill American menu. 8870 Darrow Rd. (Twinsburg) 330-425-3221 $$ 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 Rte. 43 (Kent) 330-673-2297 $$$ D, A, T Saffron Patch Fine Indian cuisine including tandoori chicken, gingerseasoned yellow lentils and garlic naan. 1224 Weathervane Lane (Akron) 330-836-7777 $$$ L, D, A, T Sakura Fresh sushi served daily. Wide selection of specialty rolls. 3900 Medina Rd. (Akron) 330-670-0288 $$$ L, D, T Sammie’s Bar and Grill Dave DeLapa’s restaurant menu features burgers, sandwiches, comfort food and appetizers. 498 South Ave. (Tallmadge) 234-678-8334 $$ L, D, A, T Sarah’s Vineyard Sample high-quality wines, appetizers and desserts in the tasting room, on the deck or in the butterfly garden. 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 $$$ L, D, A, T Smoke-N-Joe’s BBQ and Soul Food Barbecued beef, ribs, brisket, chicken, fish, shrimp, sausages, pulled pork and Southern-style side dishes.1458 Lakemore Rd. (Lakemore) 330-687-9591 L, D, T Sonnets Espresso Bar & Restaurant Signature blend coffee, local craft beer, made-to-order sandwiches, salads, soups, kids’ meals and live music every weekend. Closed Sun. 117 College St. (Wadsworth) 330336-5557 $$ B, L, D, A, T The Sound Garden Café Live music, spirits and burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches. 2156 E. Waterloo Rd. (Akron) 330-858-3951 $$ L, D, A, T Southern Gardens Restaurant & Tea Room Enjoy quiche, soups, sandwiches and salads, as well as Southern-style and authentic Southeast Asian cuisine. Over 50 loose leaf teas are brewed by the pot right at your table and are available for purchase to take home. Children’s menu available. Closed Mon. 497 Portage Lakes Dr. (Akron) 330-644-8363 $$ L, D, 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 Steinly’s Down-home breakfasts are a mainstay. 235 E. Waterloo Rd. (Akron: South) 330-773-6422 $ B, L, D, T Stew Pot Kitchen Serves soups, stews, slow-cooked meals, beerflavored brats and more. Menu changes weekly. Specials offer unique flavors and pairings. Closed weekends. 23 S. Main St. (Akron) 330-3767839 $ L, D, T Sweet Pea Café Traditional breakfast fare plus homemade granola, 64

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omelets and frittatas. Soup, salad, sandwiches, mac and cheese, and meatloaf, all made from scratch. 117 Merz Blvd. (Fairlawn) 330-794-7952 $$ B, L, T Swensons Drive In Voted Best Burger in akronlife’s Best of the City.

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) 330665-1858; 5815 Wales Ave. (Jackson Twp.) 330-833-5454; 1558 N. Main St. (North Canton) 330-499-9494 $ L, D, T Table Six Kitchen + Bar This gastro pub serves small plates so guests are welcome to order several items and share with each other for a unique culinary experience. Food comes out as it’s ready, so dig in until the next plate arrives. Specialty drinks available. 6113 Whipple Ave. NW (North Canton) 330-305-1666 $$$ L, D, A, T Taco Tontos Funky, college atmosphere featuring authentic Mexican cuisine made from scratch. Good selection of vegetarian dishes. 123 Franklin Ave. (Kent) 330-677-0223 $$ L, D, T Tai Wah Popular area Chinese takeout, dine in also. Nice lunch buffet. 5835 Darrow Rd. (Hudson) 330-528-0888 $$ L, D, A, T Tangier Banquet and Events Center Occasionally featuring live entertainment from around the country. Elaborate décor. Quality steaks and seafood. 532 W. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-376-7171, 800826-4437 $$$$ D, A, T Taste of Bangkok & Sushi Bar Menu includes curries, noodle dishes and hand-rolled sushi. Variety of lunch specials. 514 E. Exchange St. (Akron: University Park) 330-252-2270 $$ L, D, T Tequila Pancho’s Many flavors of margaritas. 5893 Akron-Cleveland Rd. (Boston Heights) 330-342-9401 $$ 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) 330-861-1300 $$ B, L, D, A, T Thyme2 the Restaurant Contemporary cuisine with worldly influences, served in an upscale, modern setting. 113 W. Smith Rd. (Medina) 330-764-4114 $$$$ L, D, A, T Tim’s Pizzeria and Pub Casual, sit-down restaurant serving pizza, pasta, homemade soups, sandwiches and desserts. Open for lunch only on weekends. 2823 Bailey Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-928-1530 $$ D, A, T Timber Lodge Steaks are hand-selected from the finest USDA Prime and Choice aged beef. Seafood is flown in daily to assure the peak of flavor and freshness. Prime Rib is slow roasted rotisserie-style and hand-carved to your taste. Open Mon.-Thurs. 4 -10 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 4-11 p.m. , Sun. 1-9 p.m. (brunch until 2 p.m.) and kids’ menu. 2809 Pearl Rd., Rte. 42 (Medina) 330-725-6288 $$$ D, A, T Tito’s Mexican Grill Dining room features wooden chairs and tables hand-carved in Mexico. Run by the owners of El Rincon on South Arlington. Great meals and even greater margaritas. 25 Ghent Rd. (Fairlawn) 330-835-9801 $$ L, D, A, T Tokyo Hibachi and Sushi Hibachi meals cooked at your table, entrees from the kitchen, as well as sushi and sashimi. 1132 N. Court St. (Medina) 330-952-2818 $$$$ L, D, 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 $$ D, A, T Totally Cooked Lunch Dock Chef Dante D’Avello prepares lunch at his newest location. Guests can dine inside or enjoy live music on the covered patio. Check out the 18-foot chuckwagon on BBQ Fridays. Open Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 975 E. Tallmadge Ave. (Akron) $$ L, T Totally Cooked To-Go Market Comfort foods, soups, madeto-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) 330-923-9964; 388 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-294-1120 $$ B, L, D, T Tozzi’s Restaurant Downtown Canton Chef Mark Green creates an Italian-influenced menu that includes steaks, fish, chicken and pasta dishes, as well as sandwiches, soups and salads. Lunch served Thurs. and Fri. Closed Sun. and Mon. 218 Court Ave. (Canton) 330-471-8000. $$$$ L, D, A, T, V

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Trackside Grille at Quaker Square Train-themed restaurant with three actual railroad cars inside. 135 S. Broadway St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-253-4541 $$ L, D, T Twiisted Sushi and traditional Japanese food, with gourmet burgers and steaks, salads, appetizers, desserts and a full bar. Closed Mon. 985 Boardman Alley (Medina) 330-661-0600 $$$ D, A, T Twisted Meltz Nestled in Acorn Alley, this restaurant serves gourmet grilled cheese, salads, soups and ice cream. 164B E. Main St. (Kent) 330968-4104 L, D, T The Twisted Olive Italian American Kitchen Casual classic Italian-American fare prepared in wood-fire ovens and on grills.

Indoor and outdoor seating. 5430 Massillon Rd. (Green) 330-497-1000 $$$ L, D, A, T Urban Eats - A Pop Art Café Open Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 51 E. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-310-7135 $ B, L, A, V Vaccaro’s Trattoria One of the area’s best-kept Italian secrets. 1000 Ghent Rd. (Bath) 330-666-6158 $$$$ L, D, A, T Valley Café Owned by a five-star gourmet chef. Features friendly service, dishes made from scratch and famous cabbage soup. 1212 Weathervane Lane (Merriman Valley) 330-865-0101; 101 High St. (Wadsworth) 330331-7555 $ B, L, T The Valley Inn This one-time country roadhouse has been transformed into a family hot-spot. The prime rib is gigantic. 15004 Portage St. (Doylestown) 330-658-9859 $$$ 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 $$ L, D, A, T Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse Hibachi steakhouse and sushi bar. Chefs prepare food right before your eyes. 150 Montrose West Ave. (Copley) 330-666-5522; 6338 Strip Ave. NW (North Canton) 330-9668866 $$$$ 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; 1840 Town Park Blvd.

(Green) 330-899-9968 $ B, L, T Whitehouse Chicken A Barberton tradition. 180 Wooster Rd. N. (Barberton) 330-745-0449; 2457 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-9456555; 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 $$ L, D, T Whitey’s Booze N’ Burgers Famous chili, generous portions and live entertainment on the weekends. 3600 Brecksville Rd. (Richfield) 330659-3600 $$ D, A No credit cards Wild Goats Coffee & Café Offers light entrées, vegan and vegetarian soups, and exceptional coffee. 319 W. Main St. (Kent) 330-6772326 $$ B, L, D, T The Wine Mill Open daily for wine, craft beer, and bites made from fresh, local ingredients, The rustic Wine Mill serves salads, sliders and cheeseboards, along with Mason jar desserts. The Wine Mill is available for weddings and private events. Closed Sun. 4964 Akron Cleveland Rd. (Peninsula) 234-571-2594 $$$ L, D, A, V Winking Lizard Come to see the lizard, stay for the extensive beer selection and food. 79 Springside Dr. (Akron) 330-644-1780; 1615 Main St. (Peninsula) 330-467-1002; 5710 Fulton Dr. NW (Canton) 330-4971133 $$$ L, D, A, T Wise Guys Lounge & Grill Located in the former Nick Anthe Restaurant, this spot, owned by Tom Procaccio, features steaks, seafood and pasta dishes. Closed Sun. 1008 N. Main St. (Akron) 330-922-3006 $$$$ L, D, A, T Wolf Creek Tavern Housed in the former Loyal Oak Tavern, this restaurant serves craft beer, wine, salads, wraps, burgers, pasta, steaks and homemade pie. Kids menu. Sunday brunch. 3044 Wadsworth Rd. (Norton) 234-571-4531 $$$$ L, D, A, T Yellowtail Japanese-style seafood and sushi buffet. 4054 Medina Rd. (Montrose) 330-666-9988 $$$$ L, D, A, T Yours Truly This award-winning restaurant is family-owned and operated, with an emphasis on customer service and family-friendly dining. Try the burger, chili and breakfast items. 36 S. Main St. (Hudson) 330-650-2900; 3725 Medina Rd. (Medina) 330-722-5800 $$ B, L, D, A, T

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

big bite

R. Shea Brewing Co. 1662 Merriman Rd, Akron

Merriman Road in the valley offers a plethora of small businesses to explore. From bicycles and flowers to food and drink, the stretch of road alongside the Cuyahoga Valley Railroad is filled with unique shops and tempting flavors. Sandwiched between a short row of buildings on one side and a multi-story office complex—home to akronlife—on the other, one of these intriguing places is R. Shea Brewing Co.’s tasting room. Owner Ron Shea opened the brewery in September and runs it himself.

A native Akronite, Shea grew up about a quarter mile away from his brewery. After years of working with a home brewing kit, he decided to dive into the business when the right location opened up. “It had all of the main things, like parking space, [and] it’s a main thoroughfare, so there are cars lined up all day,” Shea says. “It all came together and it was enough space to start big enough to be able to [grow] and take that next step, instead of starting too small.”

With degrees in biology and chemistry, Shea applies his knowledge to crafting a variety of beers that a wide range of people can enjoy. He brews the beers himself and works hard to craft a product that many people will be able to enjoy to the fullest. Shea says that his customers represent a broad spectrum of age groups, from mid-20s to mid-80s.

“It’s a nice spread of people,” he says.

One element that helps attract such a wide range according to the brewer is a lower proof. “The way I make beer is that I want to drink a pint and have another pint, and not get hammered,” says Shea. With brews like Rubber City Red (4.5 percent abv.), Uncommon Blonde (5 percent abv.), Chocolate Coffee Stout (6.50 percent abv.) and East Coast Amarillo IPA (6 percent abv.), patrons can enjoy their beverages without forgetting the experience. The lower proof is perfect for what Shea describes as “gulpers.”

by Molly Gase

“I’m not a ‘sipping beer’ guy, I’m a ‘gulper.’ I like to take good gulps.

That’s why I have a lot of wheats, a peach and a blueberry with low alcohol. It’s good for a hot day so that you can just guzzle and you’re fine.”

Sitting at the beautiful wooden bar, visitors can take their pick from a wide array of beers. From the colorful menu to the wooden tap pulls—handmade by Shea himself—the options are bountiful. “People are surprised that there are 12 taps and the variety. I like variety. I’m a seasonal drinker; if it’s hot outside, I’ll drink one thing. If it’s cool, I’ll drink another,” Shea says. Whatever the weather, there are lots of things to try.

In the New Year, Shea hopes to keep patrons in his establishment for not only drinks, but also dinner. “We’ve noticed that people will come in after dinner and they’ll fill the place, but it’s after dinner. So, getting people in before then is the next step.” Food is an absolute must while enjoying a good brew. Over the last few months, R. Shea has been a B.Y.O.F—bring your own food—establishment. “People need food when they drink,” says Shea. Because of its location in the valley, patrons have easy access to pizza, sushi, Mexican and Greek food to pair with their pints.

For more information about this new brewery, visit their website at rsheabrewing.com, or better yet, test out the drinks yourself with a visit. Located at 1662 Merriman Rd., in Akron, R. Shea is currently open Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Comments?

Email them to Molly Gase at mgase@bakermediagroup.com.

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uncorked

by Rick Rodger

MARKHAM VINEYARDS St. Helena, California In 1874, a Frenchman from Bordeaux built a winery just north of the city of St. Helena, Calif. It was one of the first wineries in the Napa Valley—along with its neighbor Charles Krug—and its stone cellar remains the heart of the present-day winery, much as it was 140 years ago.

The property went through a number of owners until 1978, when Bruce Markham purchased the thendefunct winery. At about the same time, he also purchased 100 acres of choice vineyards in the Yountville area of Napa Valley, about 20 minutes south of St. Helena.

Today the winery covers 330 acres, and Markham grapes come from vineyards in Yountville, Rutherford, Oak Knoll, Calistoga and other parts of the Napa Valley. Markham Vineyards is a Napa Green Certified winery and a Napa Green Certified Land winery that practices sustainable farming in the vineyards and at the winery.

I first met Bruce Markham in 1979 when he was just beginning to upgrade the winery. This year, I returned to Napa Valley and again visited the Markham Winery. It was a pleasure meeting their president Bryan Del Bondio who has been at Markham since 1978. He is dedicated to creating a family environment and preserving the winery’s history. I also met winemaker Kimberlee Nicholls, who has been at the Markham Winery for over 20 years. It was a delight to visit and talk to both of them and learn about their history and dedication to creating high quality Markham wines.

Today the winery is owned by Terlato Wines International, which has developed a global network of wineries around the world. If you are in the Napa Valley, take the time to visit Markham Vineyards, soak up its history and try their wines.

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Winemaker’s Notes for the 2012 Markham Merlot tell us that “on the nose, this wine has attractive red cherry jam layered with vanilla crème caramel and spicy cinnamon. On the palate, the wine feels lush and silky with harmonious cherry jam, ripe plum and hints of spearmint flavors.”

Pair this wine with a peppered rib eye steak, mild to medium hard cheeses or baked pasta dishes in a red sauce like lasagna. The Merlot retails for $24.99.

For the 2014 Markham Chardonnay, the winemaker notes that “aromas of roasted hazelnuts and caramel covered apples create a decadent first impression. The sur-lie barrel aging adds oodles of texture but also allows each swirl of the glass to open up new aromas like nutmeg, vanilla and pineapple. On the palate, it has a lush mouth feel with just the right amount of acidity and juicy, ripe fruit character to pair with your favorite meal.” Pair this wine with steamed or grilled fish, grilled salmon, chicken or vegetable terrines and pasta or risotto with spring vegetables. Enjoy a glass of this Chardonnay with a chunk of hard cheese and a slice or two of artisanal bread. It retails for $16.99.

Markham Vineyard wines are available at Acme Fresh Markets, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Giant Eagle, Papa Joe’s, Mustard Seed, Regency Wines, Wine Reserve of Medina, and fine wine retailers throughout Northeast Ohio and the Greater Akron Area.

Wine Wisdom: The longer the growing season—the time it takes for grapes to reach full maturity— the more complex the resulting wines will be. That’s why wines from warm weather climates such as California, France and Italy are more complex than wines from more northern climates, like Michigan. januar y 2016

/ Rick Rodger is a manager at Heidelberg Distributing Company.

Comments?

Email them to Molly Gase at mgase@bakermediagroup.com.

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Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A not so amusing condition of the “funny bone”

OrthoAdvice

By Mollie Manley, MD

Known to many as the “funny bone,” the ulnar nerve provides feeling to the little finger and ring finger. It’s also responsible for the fine motor movement of your hand, such as using chopsticks or shuffling cards. When it becomes compressed or irritated, cubital tunnel syndrome can occur. The most common place that happens is behind the inside part of the elbow, where the nerve travels through a tight, narrow space.

In many cases of cubital tunnel syndrome, the exact cause is not known. However, your risk increases if you sleep with your elbows flexed or if you’ve had previous elbow issues such as fractures or arthritis. Some people are more prone to the nerve actually snapping back and forth over a bony prominence in the elbow, which causes irritation. And other people have an extra muscle in the elbow from birth that causes the compression of the nerve.

Symptoms include pain, clumsiness, weakness and periodic numbness or tingling in the hand and fingers—similar to what you feel when you hit your funny bone.

In more severe cases, constant loss of sensation and strength in the hand can occur.

A doctor can diagnosis this condition through learning more about your work, activities, and symptoms, and by physical examination

of your arm and hand. Other tests, such as electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction study (NCS), are often performed to assess how much the nerve and muscle are being affected and if the damage is reversible.

Initially, changing activities and bracing your arm may relieve most symptoms. Additionally, anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen may be prescribed to reduce swelling around the nerve.

But, if those approaches don’t help, your doctor may recommend surgery.

There are several surgical options that can be considered for treating cubital tunnel syndrome. These involve releasing the tight bands around the nerve to give it more room. In some cases the nerve will be moved to the front of the arm to protect it. Depending on the type of surgery that’s recommended, it may be necessary to wear a splint for a few weeks afterwards. It can take many months for the nerve to heal and recover after surgery. Unfortunately, in some severe cases, the weakness, numbness and tingling may never go away.

Based on the severity of your symptoms, the specialists at the Crystal Clinic Summit Hand Center can determine the right treatment for you.

Dr. Manley is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in medical conditions of the arm: from the fingertips to the shoulder. She is a graduate of the California University of Pennsylvania and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Her additional training includes a five-year orthopedic residency as well as a hand and upper extremity fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Dr. Manley is a candidate member of the American Society of the Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). She practices at the Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center on Embassy Parkway in Akron.