January 2011

vote for the best of akron 2011 / fashion sense / resolution revolution

volume 9 / issue 1

Januar y 201 1

state of

TheUnion 11 WEDDING TRENDS FOR 2011 THAT THROW TRADITION FOR A LOOP The “I Do” Diaries: Four local brides tell all

DEADLY BULLYING FOUR TORMENTED LOCAL TEENS HAVE COMMITTED SUICIDE IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. WHAT CAN WE DO?

+ $3.95

01 >

0

7447 0 5 7 8 71

0

Rock Star of Science Dr. Frank Douglas NARI Remodeling Special Supplement Roth IRA Conversions: Should you?

The Church Agency wants to thank our customers that have trusted their insurance needs to us for over 20 years.

Allan Sveda & Garnet Sveda

Del-Ter

Holiday Industrial Park, LLC

Shanafelt Building Services

Allied Infotech Corp

Don Drumm Studios

St Marks Lutheran Church

Anderson and Company

Dr. Joseph Smith

Kent Free Will Baptist Church

Automotive Industrial

Family Dental Team Inc

Maynard Investments

Tell Real Estate Temarex Corporation

Barrett & Associates

Furnace Street Mission

Mogadore Industrial Park LLC

Boldry Brothers Inc

Grant Vision Care, Inc

Ohio Roundtable

The Hatterie Inc

Burger Iron

Great Trail Council

The Karg Corporation

Burghardt Metal Fabricating

Guardian Self Storage Ltd

Pete Pappas DBA Pappas Realty

Chaboudy Plaza

Hasenstab Architects Inc

Dar Investments

Hawkins Machine Co

David Wolfe Design

Herman Machine

Randolph Tool Co Inc

The Goodyear Barber Shop

Top Echelon Network Inc

Rea Building Corporation

Young Mens Christian Association (YMCA)

Ridenour Trucking

Zomar Group Ltd

Rose Upholstery

Check out our new Virtual Insurance Office! www.churchagency.com

The Church Agency, Inc. 600 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave. Akron, OH 44310 330-733-1800

january 2010 / vol. 9 / issue 1

paGEs start here

On The Cover

30 / Old, New, Plus a Wedding Dress (or two) / Some people still want the traditional, but they want it the way they want it. These 11 trends for 2011 are just that: traditional, but with a twist.

38

Features

26

/ Bullied to Death / Several recent, high-profile teen suicides linked to bullying — including four within two years in suburban Cleveland — have rallied unprecedented concern and action across the nation.

But not enough.

38

/ The “I Do” Diaries / Four local brides tell all about their big day, from pairing Converse sneakers with a wedding dress to the police escort needed to get to the church on time.

akronlife

january 2011

At FirstMerit Wealth Management Services, we are always around

We’ll surround you

(in a good, positive, wealth-building, helpful way). We believe in a comprehensive team approach designed to roll you smoothly forward.

with advice, solutions

Our strength is not only in what we offer, but also in how we offer

and integrity.

it. We deliver unbiased proactive advice from a true team of pros

That’s how we roll.

directly to your success. For over 165 years, FirstMerit has been

assembled specifically for your needs and we link our success a strong, positive local presence, always learning from the past and forever looking forward.

To roll with us, talk with Leigh Gerstenberger and team at 888-384-6388.

Or, go to firstmerit.com/mywealth.

ONE TEAM. ONE FOCUS.

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT PRIVATE BANKING TRUST & ESTATE ENDOWMENT & FOUNDATION SERVICES CHARITABLE ADVISORY SERVICES RISK MANAGEMENT 401(K) SERVICES FAMILY OFFICE Past displays of talent, integrity and passion are absolutely guarantees of future displays of talent, integrity and passion.

pages

14 agenda

86 the mad platter 10

radar

Departments

Special Section

49 National Association of the Remodeling Industry — Northeast Ohio Chapter A comprehensive guide for remodeling/expansion projects.

7

/ Mail Bonding

8

/ Best of Akron Ballot

9

/ From the Publisher

24

/ Radar (seen + heard)

11

/ From the Editor

12

/ The Interview ABIA CEO Dr. Douglas discusses being a Rock Star of Science and improving the health of millions of people he doesn’t even know.

14

85

91 Kitchen Profiles: This special ad section features chefs from area restaurants.

94

86

/ Good Eats (notable food & drink)

86 The Mad Platter: 1/17 is “Ditch New Years Resolutions Day.” Anyone for ice cream?

social digest)

january 2011

/ Financial Planning There’s no one-size-fits-all answer on whether, how much and when to convert your traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs.

/ Healthy Tips Ten resolutions for a healthier you.

/ Agenda (the essential

akronlife

90 Uncorked: This semisweet red sparkling wine is love at first sip.

/ Education Increase your child’s chances of acceptance by avoiding these 8 common privateschool admissions mistakes.

15 Entertainment Listings: a calendar of featured events 6

89 Small Bites: Retired Marine makes everything from scratch at the Golden Goose Bakery.

(New department!)

Spend less and look fabulous by understanding the three elements of style.

44 10

/ Fashion Sense

98

/ Parting Shot Shoot ... and score! The Zips bring home the national title.

mail bonding

akronlife Readers Settle Local Food Feuds Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Don Baker Jr. dbakerjr@bakermediagroup.com

Associate Publisher Colin Baker cbaker@bakermediagroup.com

Creative Director Kathy Baker Moorhouse kmoorhouse@bakermediagroup.com

Editor Georgina K. Carson gcarson@bakermediagroup.com

Assistant Editor Abby Cymerman acymerman@bakermediagroup.com

Contributing Writers Tricia Dever Karen Edwards Bev Shaffer Mary Ethridge Susan Luc Betsy Tabatcher Candice Monroe Matthew Wojtecki Daniel Burke Graphic Designer William Teckmyer III wteckmyer@bakermediagroup.com

Photographer Shane Wynn swynnr@bakermediagroup.com

Bookkeeper Debbie Jacobs Sales sales@bakermediagroup.com

Colin Baker Ben DiCola Carol Null Tim O’Connell Circulation

Criminal Intent

>>

I well remember all three of these happenings from the ’70s [“Criminal Intent,” November 2010].

Kathie Zipp did a great job of highlighting the infamous stories that took place back then.

We put it to a vote in December by asking all of you to go online and tell us who’s your favorite — and why.

The votes are in, and the winners are…

/ Skyway 31%

Swensons 69%

Diana E Walters Kent

Another reader wrote: “No comparison — Galley Boy rocks my world!”

You’re Hired!

I’m still getting daily feedback on the article I wrote (“You’re Hired!” November 2010).

While the accolades I’ve received for my article have been great, the most rewarding response has been the people who’ve identified with me and told me their stories.

What’s also amazing is that the people who reached out to me are capable individuals with work experience and master’s degrees — not people you’d think would have a problem finding a full-time job. I’m honored and humbled to have been given this opportunity to start a discussion about the unique obstacles my peers and I face.

M. Abigail Keating Akron

akronlife is published by Baker Media Group, LLC, 90 S. Maple St., Akron, Ohio 443021629. Copyright 2010 © by Baker Media Group, LLC, ISSN No. 74470 57871. 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.

>> I’m writing in response to the arti-

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

Did Symon get it right? Apparently so.

I totally enjoy akronlife with more articles and the newer format. Keep up the good work.

jburkhart@bakermediagroup.com

Jessica Burkhart 330-253-0056 ext. 112

Cleveland’s own Iron Chef Michael Symon attempted to settle two local heated rivalries when he chose Swensons over Skyway and Belgrade over Whitehouse on recent episodes of his TV show, “Food Feuds.”

“The Galley Boy is the best double cheeseburger in the country, let alone Ohio,” wrote one reader.

Belgrade Gardens 69% Chicken 31%

/ Whitehouse

“Whitehouse Chicken is by far the best,” wrote one reader, who was clearly in the minority. “The breading is the perfect thickness, and the chicken is tasteful and moist.”

Other readers felt passionately about their dislikes. “I really don’t like either,” wrote one reader.

“Barberton chicken sucks.”

Have Akron, Will Travel

Comments?

Pictured are Diane and Pete Kalgreen, after climbing to the peak of the 7,500-foot Mount Sinai in Egypt — the mountain where Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments. After straining to crest the mountain in just over 2 1/2 hours, Pete received a few commandments of his own from Diane regarding diet and exercise. Also in the photo is the best bedouin guide in all of the Sinai Peninsula, a man named Seliman. In the background is the highest peak in Egypt, Mount Saint Catherine. Our return was along a trail known as the “3700 Stairs of Repentance.”

E-mail Georgina K. Carson at gcarson@bakermediagroup.com. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and clarity.

Pete Kalgreen Akron

cle “You’re Hired!” by Abigail Keating. I really enjoyed hearing her story. I, too, am in a very similar situation, and at times, I felt as if she was writing about my life.

Megan Kayser Mentor

www.akronlife.com

akr

vote online for akronlife’s

on li

fe

BEST

ak

ro

nl

OF THE

CITY 2011

National chains are great, but let’s keep it local! *You must complete at least 10 categories to be eligible.

to vote online, go to www.akronlife.com.

ife

.com

Food

Best Wings

Best Nature Walk

Best Women’s Hair Salon

Best Bakery

Best Festival

Best Massage

Drink

Best-Kept Secret

akr

Best New Restaurant (last 12 months) Best Meal Deal

Best Landmark Best Splurge

Best Specialty Coffee (drink name and coffeehouse)

Arts & Entertainment

Best Outdoor Dining Best Coffeehouse Best Local Band (original music)

Best Bar Best Dive Bar

Best Landscaper Best Place for Live Music

Best Winery

Best Travel Agent

Best Sunday Brunch

Best Local Venue

Best Cocktails

Best Dating Service

Best Breakfast

Best Culture Fix

Best Bartender

Best Spray Tan

Best Sports Bar

Best Hot Spot

Best Wine Selection Best Restaurant to Nurse a Hangover

Best Dance Club

Best Beers on Tap Best Restaurant for a Power Lunch

Best Bar Games

ak

Best Happy Hour

Best Unusual Ethnic Dish (meal and restaurant)

Best Mexican Best Pizza

Best Girls Night Out

Sports & Recreation Best Guys Night Out

ro

Best Pasta Dish

nl

Best “Guilty Pleasure” Spa Treatment (treatment and name of spa)

Best Old-School Jukebox (not digital)

Best Sports Team

ife

Best Theater

Best Team Mascot Best Coach

.com

Best High School Football Game (last 12 months)

Best Sandwiches

fe

Best Cover Band

Best Neighborhood Joint

Best Indian

Best Holistic Spa

Best Dog Walker

Best “Date” Restaurant (no budget)

Best Burger

on

Best Acupuncturist

li

Best “Date” Restaurant (on a budget)

Best “Turn Back the Clock” Facial

Best Public Artwork

Services

Shopping

Best New Store (last 12 months) Best Cool Affordable Clothes Best Boutique Best Vintage Clothing Best Men’s Wear Best Bridal Shop Best Toy Store Best Shoes

Best Male Athlete Best Auto Detailing

Best Seafood

Best Furniture Store

Best Female Athlete Best Gym

Best Steak

Best Art Gallery

Best Public Golf Course Best Dance Lessons

Best Sushi

Best Jeweler

Best Bowling Best Florist

Best Vegetarian/Vegan

Best Bargain

Best People Watching Spot

NAME*

E-MAIL*

*REQUIRED INFORMATION. BALLOTS WITHOUT WILL NOT BE COUNTED.

Vote online or mail completed form to: Editor, akronlife magazine, 90 S. Maple St., Akron, OH 44302-1629

from the publisher

Move Forward or Get Out of the Way >> Well, what do you think?

I know you looked at the front cover and said, “What the … ?”

Magazines redesign all the time, and you probably haven’t even noticed how much the inside of this magazine has changed since our first issue in 2002. The cover, however, has remained basically the same.

>> So with the start of a new decade, we’re going all the way

with our redesign — revamping both the inside and the outside, and shortening our name. Akron Life & Leisure will now be known as akronlife. This falls in line with our new website introduced early in 2010: akronlife.com.

The old logo, in my opinion, got somewhat stale over the last couple of years, and it was difficult to design covers that reflected our new direction with the old logo. akronlife makes perfect sense, given the more youthful culture in which we all now live.

With the advent of social media came new ways to communicate, advertise and entertain. Some of us will embrace these advancements; others won’t. We want to move forward, and I think what you hold in your hands does that in two very important ways.

When we launched this magazine in 2002, I gave the staff but one leading principle that would guide our new publication: excellence. “Excellence,” I told the staff, “is more important than perfection.” Excellence is still our guiding principle. And with this new look, akronlife continues this tradition of excellence,

reaching into a new age for inspiration. After all, in our everchanging world, you need to move forward or get run over. I didn’t want old Akron Life & Leisure to become an anachronism, so we’re breathing new life into it. akronlife features the latest in design and a new direction in content. Akron Life & Leisure was started as an arts and culture magazine. akronlife will be more well-rounded, including everything from arts and entertainment to food and drink to human interest to harder-hitting relevant topics. Whatever matters to you matters to us.

The second important way the new akronlife has changed is Georgina Carson. She’s our new editor — the one we’ve been looking for for several years. She has credentials as long as your arm with more than a couple of editorial assignments on her résumé, including 13 years at Akron’s automotive aftermarket publisher Babcox, as the editor of BodyShop Business.

And remember, you haven’t seen Akron life until you’ve seen akronlife.

Don Baker Jr. dbakerjr@bakermediagroup.com

www.akronlife.com

january 2010 / vol. 9 / issue 1

26% of Americans don’t know we won our independence from Great Britain.

RaDaR seen + heard

Cavs vs Heat by the #s

“It’s nothing personal. It’s a basketball game.

And I had to maintain my focus no matter what’s said or what’s done throughout that game.”

4 ejections

!?!

12 confiscated T-shirts

1 arrest

Lebron James, after the Heat-Cavs debacle at the Q

!?!

24 confiscated signs

*as reported by the Cavs

The Black Keys’ FORCIBLE TAKEOVER

lowcal morale / The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Gallup Poll surveyed 1,000 Summit and Portage county residents in 2010 for their “Soul of the Community” report. Residents in 26 U.S. cities, including Akron, were contacted over a threeyear period to gauge how attached they are to their communities. /

Here’s how YOU feel about akron

SIX GRAMMY NOMINATIONS Best Alternative Music Album Best Rock Song Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals Best Rock Instrumental Performance Best Recording Package Producer of the Year (Danger Mouse)

“B ROTHERS” RANKED #2 ON ROLLING STONE’ S BEST ALBUMS OF 2010.

“EVERLASTING LIGHT” RANKED #11 ON ROLLING STONE’S BEST SINGLES OF 2010 NEED YOUR USELESS KNOWLEDGE 10

akronlife

25% 7% 45% 4% 21% are proud to live here

feel it’s a good place for college grads

aren’t satisfied with the community

trust our local government

are likely to recommend the community

To see how Akron compares to other cities surveyed, go to http://soulofthecommunity.org/findings-community

Got some random (local) fun facts? Heard a rumor? Know about something that belongs on this page?

Contact akronlife editor Georgina K. Carson at gcarson@bakermediagroup.com. january 2011

from the editor

Change Is Good

>> Welcome to

the new and improved akronlife magazine (and I’m not just saying that because I’m the new editor)! I’m saying that because we’ve made some big changes for the new year, such as…

>> I’m the new editor (oh … wait … I already covered that). We also have an exciting new look, a shorter name: akronlife and more relevant, must-read articles.

Our New Year’s resolution to you: to do an even better job of serving the Greater Akron community.

And that means running the types of articles that are important to you — articles that amuse, inspire, inform, enlighten, entertain, celebrate and maybe even at times, irritate.

We’re your city magazine — and we want to hear what you think. Which articles in this issue did you find the most — and least — interesting? (Don’t worry. We can handle the critique. I might cry in the bathroom when no one’s around, but I’ll be fine. Really.) Which departments are must-reads?

What do you want to see more of?

Our goal is to make akronlife the best possible magazine for you. We think we’re off to a great start.

But, more importantly, what do you think?

Georgina K. Carson, Editor gcarson@bakermediagroup.com

The E-mail Trail / How Mary Ethridge’s “Bullied to Death” article went from idea to page 24 /

>> -----Original Message-----

From: Georgina Carson [mailto: gcarson@bakermediagroup.com] Sent: Monday, November 15, 2010 11:18 AM To: gcarson@bakermediagroup.com Subject: Ready for another assignment?

Hi Mary!

I’m glad you like my ideas for the magazine — but I need people like you to make them happen. I’d like to assign you another article — if you’re interested. (Hopefully.)

I’ve been throwing around a few ideas, like: an article on Deadly Bullying.

Mentor Public School District is being sued by two families who claim their children’s deaths were caused by bullying.

This is the fourth time in a little more than two years that a bullied high school student in Mentor has killed himself (one was bullied for having a learning disability, another for being gay and another for being a boy who liked wearing pink).

Cyberbullying, traditional bullying, etc. is a huge issue, and I’m sure if you did some digging, you’d find that the Greater Akron area isn’t immune.

-----Original Message---->> From: Mary Ethridge Sent: Monday, November 15, 2010 12:50 PM To: gcarson@bakermediagroup.com Subject: Re: Ready for another assignment?

The story on bullying has such potential, I think. I could talk to the kids, allowing them anonymity if they wish. How prevalent is it in our schools — both public and private. My daughter is now 21, and I think of her junior high years as such a nightmare. Are girls worse than boys? Or do their methods of bullying and resulting effects differ by gender? I know a lot of parents out there who will want to know what’s happening and what they can do about it.

Calling all Readers!

Do you know a Greater Akronite living on another continent?

Contact Georgina K. Carson at gcarson@bakermediagroup.com www.akronlife.com

11

the interview

by Georgina K. Carson and photo by Shane Wynn

Dr. Frank Douglas

/ President and Chief Executive, Austin Bio-Innovation Institute /

>>Dr. Frank L. Douglas is a rock star ... ... of science.

Douglas — president, CEO and chief strategist of Akron’s Austen BioInnovation Institute — was recently honored as one of the 2010 Rock Stars of Science and featured with musician Jay Sean in a pictorial spread in GQ magazine’s December issue.

The only recipient from Ohio, Douglas is part of an elite group of 16 other “scientific heroes” honored, including Nobel Laureate Dr. Elizabeth H. Blackburn, president of the American Association for Cancer Research, and medical researchers from such institutions as Johns Hopkins, Stanford University Medical School and Columbia University.

The Rock Stars of Science is a collaborative effort among Geoffrey Beene Gives Back®, GQ and the Entertainment Industry Foundation/SU2C to bring together celebrity musicians and the nation’s top medical researchers — to help bridge the gap between science and pop culture, to attract the next generation of students and to create awareness regarding how research saves lives and drives economic growth.

National surveys confirm that a greater awareness is needed: Nearly half of the people polled couldn’t name a single living scientist.

Can you? (Hint: Dr. Douglas!)

What’s the role of the Austen BioInnovation Institute?

ABIA — which is an exceptional collaboration of Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron General Health System, Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Summa Health System, The University of Akron and The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation — is focused on patient-centered innovation and commercialization. This unique alignment of institutional, state, federal and philanthropic support is working to pioneer the next generation of life-enhancing and life-saving innovation that will make Akron a global model for discovery 12

akronlife

january 2011

and enterprise. ABIA is also working to secure Akron’s economic future by accelerating the creation of 2,400 jobs within the next decade.

Now that you’re a rock star, are you going to grow your hair and start wearing leather pants?

Unfortunately, at my age, it would take too long to grow my hair to shoulder length — but I might re-grow my beard and start wearing dark glasses to keep the paparazzi away.

What work did you do specifically that earned you the Rock Star of Science designation?

I was nominated by the leaders of the R.A.R.E Project in recognition of the innovative and important research and development I led in the pharmaceutical industry. The innovations have resulted in more than 20 drugs that treat diseases, such as various cancers and diabetes.

The R.A.R.E. Project exists to connect the rare disease community and aid in the development of effective therapies and treatments for children within their lifetime.

At the photo shoot in L.A., who were you most excited to meet?

It’s always exciting to meet other scientists — some of whom, like Dr. Phil Sharpe from MIT — I know. I was also really impressed with Jay Sean, who studied medicine for two years, and was articulate and clearly artistic.

Was it tough to venture out of your comfort zone and into the spotlight as a Rock Star of Science?

It was a little uncomfortable. I’ve never thought of myself as a rock star. But the

photo shoot in L.A. was a very positive event.

We could feel the pride and commitment of the representatives from GQ magazine and the Geoffrey Beene Foundation as they brought the scientists and rock stars together.

Is there a shortage of kids going into the sciences? If so, why do you think that is?

Our culture today seems to favor immediate gratification and feedback. There’s a rush to have external evidence of material success, and we’re forgetting the famous line of President Kennedy: Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.

If you do this, then you find joy and fulfillment in science because the application of it contributes to everyone.

What’s your favorite part of being a scientist?

I get to experience the joy of contributing to improving the health of literally millions of people in the world who I don’t even know.

Who’s your favorite mad scientist? ___ Dr. Frankenstein ___ 3 Dr. Jekyll ___ Dr. No (Bond villain) ___ Doc Brown (Back to the Future) ___ Dr. Evil (Austin Powers) ___ Dr. Moreau ___ Lex Luthor (Superman) ___ Professor Frink (The Simpsons)

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture Series

Andre Thornton

Follow the journey of a man whose brilliant career has taken him from the top of the sports field to the top of the business field as President and CEO of ASW Global.

The Akron-Summit County Public Library presents respected business leader and baseball Hall of Famer Andre Thornton as the 2011 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture speaker.

Sunday, January 16, 2011, 2 p.m. Main Library, 60 S. High St. Call 330-643-9090 or visit www.akronlibrary.org for more information.

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture Series is sponsored by the Akron-Summit County Public Library and the Eta Tau Lamba Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Interpretive services are available. Please inquire.

___ Other

Who’s your favorite rock star?

Michael Jackson.

What don’t people know about science, but should?

Science affects and is involved in everything we think and do. It presents and unravels puzzles.

It can be used for good as well as evil. When it’s used for good, it brings joy and happiness to the scientist and to all who benefit from it.

And it’s fun.

What would surprise people about you?

That I’m a closet introvert and like to watch TV detective shows.

Know someone We should profile Here?

Contact Georgina K. Carson at gcarson@bakermediagroup.com.

www.akronlife.com

13

ja n ua r y 2010 / vo l. 9 / is su e 1

Ten parts of the human body can be spelled with three letters.

aGENDa the essential social digest

1/2 G ET S HORTY Put in your two cents on some of the short subject films that’ll play at the 35th Cleveland International Film Festival (March 24-April 3). Eat, drink and screen films.

House of Blues Cambridge Room, Cleveland or the Plaza Cinemas at Chapel Hill, Akron. (Programs the same at both locations.) 7 p.m. $75 per person. 216-623-3456, ext. 14 (credit card only). www.clevelandfilm.org

H IM #2, G INGR VAUGHN

1/21-2/26 THE H UMAN E LEMENT EXHIBITION Summit Artspace. pg. 19

1/8 U NIVERSITY OF A KRON VS . K ENT STATE M EN ’S B ASKETBALL

1/5 SARAH M C L ACHLAN AND FRIENDS

University of Akron, James A. Rhodes Arena, Akron. 7 p.m. $12-$35. www.gozips.com

Fans can submit questions before the show, which Sarah will choose randomly and answer from the stage. EJ Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $29.50-$65.

330-972-7570

1/1 WHAT ’S O N YOUR PLATE? This witty, provocative documentary follows two 11-year-old New York City kids as they explore their place in the food chain and address questions regarding the origin of the food they eat. Bring locally grown/ raised dish to share, plates, silverware, nonalcoholic beverages and blankets. Proceeds benefit the Akron/Canton Regional Food Bank.

Spring Garden Waldorf School gymnasium (in partnership with the Countryside Conservancy), 1791 S. Jacoby Rd., Copley. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Adults $2, kids are free. www.whatsonyourplateproject.org 14

akronlife

january 2011

1/2 CRAZY WITH THE PAPERS TO PROVE IT Plain Dealer reporter Dan Coughlin shares stories about the most outlandish people he has met during his 45 years of sports writing. Akron Summit County Public Library, Fairlawn-Bath Branch, 3101 Smith Road, Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free.

330-666-4888

agenda

There are 336 dimples in a regulation golf ball.

Through 1/2 The Paleomorphic Series by Cheri Mohn A series of paintings inspired by the patterns exhibited by minerals on the microscopic level in natural and polarized light. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way East, Massillon. Free. 330-873-3408

1/2 New Year’s Brunch Buffet Grab your family and celebrate 2011 with a delicious, gourmet meal. Mustard Seed Market and Café, 3885 W. Market St., Akron.

10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Adults $19.99, children 12 and under $9.99. 330-666-7333

1/7 Hal Walker This local multi-instrumentalist, composes and improvises on the guitar, piano, harmonica, khaen, jew’s harp and concertina. Musica, 51 E. Market St., Akron. 7 p.m. $10. www.akronmusica. com

Through 1/23 Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 - Present The exhibition features 163 works of photography and eight videos by over 100 photographers and videographers. Also featured are costumes worn by Phil Spector, Elton John, Tina Turner, Fred Schneider and Madonna. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High, Akron. 330-376-9185

1/2 Wild Treasure Hunt Join naturalist Sarah Putnam on a scavenger hunt to discover nature’s treasures.

Don’t forget to dress for the weather. Furnace Run Metro Park, Brushwood Pavilion, 4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield. 1 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065

1/8-1/9 3rd annual Yoga and Breema Retreat Experience the arts of yoga and breema, and enjoy delicious food and beautiful surroundings. The Inn at Honey Run, 6920 County Road 203, Millersburg.

Saturday welcome, 9:45 a.m. $240-$299 plus tax. 800708-9394, ext. 234

Through 1/30 Ice Skating Perfect your figure 8s at Ohio’s largest seasonal ice rink. Lock 3, Thurs. - Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sun. noon-6 p.m. Free admission.

Skate rental: $3 adults 18 and over, $2 children 6 to 17.

330-375-2877 Through 2/4 Shape Language The Visual Art Foundations exhibit. Kent State University Stark, 6000 Frank Ave. NW, Canton. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 330-499-9600 Through 2/27 Culture Revolution: Contemporary Chinese Paintings Featuring works by four internationally renowned artists: Zeng Fanzhi, Wang Guangyi, Shen Jiawei and Hung Liu. A glimpse into the rapidly changing terrain of contemporary Chinese culture. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron.

330-376-9185 Through 2/25 Firestone High School Visual Art Department exhibition Includes works from student artists of all levels in a wide variety of media. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 23 W. Market St., Akron. Public reception 2/13 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 330-873-3315 Through 2/27 Between Two Worlds: The Photography of Nell Dorr No reservations necessary. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way East, Massillon. 7-9 p.m. Free. 330873-3408

1/2 Wildflowers in Winter The change of seasons has left beautiful dried flowers on the sides of the trail. A naturalist will help you identify some of them. Silver Creek Metro Park, Pheasant Run Area, 5000 Hametown Rd., Norton. 3 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/3 Akron vs. Oral Roberts Cheer on the Zips basketball team! University of Akron, James A. Rhodes Arena, Akron. $7-$30. 7 p.m.

1/4-1/8 Traci Kanaan with Katrina Brown “The Princess of Parodies” creatively combines standup comedy with piano and vocal performances. The Funny Stop Comedy Club, 1757 State Rd., Cuyahoga Falls. Call for times and ticket prices. 330-923-4700

1/8 Extended Hike Hike five miles roundtrip on the Bike & Hike Trail. Meet at SR 303 trailhead, and then the group will head north to Boston Mills. Bike & Hike Trail, 64 W. Streetsboro Rd., Boston Heights. 9 a.m.

Free. 330-865-8065

1/4 Pet Peeves A meeting of the museum’s history discussion group. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way East, Massillon. 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Coffee and sweets available for a donation. 330-873-3408 1/5 Refreshing Night Hike Join naturalist Mike Greene to discover nature at night while hiking one mile on the Cherry Lane and Fernwood trails. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. 330-8658065 1/6 Feel Good Crew Alternative band. Musica, 51 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $7. www.akronmusica.com 1/6 Open Mic Night Calling all writers and poets! Come and share your creativity, and express yourself in front of a captive audience. Participants can bring their original work or read from library poetry books. Akron-Summit County Public Library, Maple Valley Branch, 1187 Copley Rd., Akron. 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Contact Tonya Wright at 330864-5721 or twright@akronlibrary.org 1/7, 1/8, 1/11, 1/12 and 1/13 Kinderealm: Making Sense of Your Senses Children 3 to 6 and adults will discover why it’s important for animals to smell, taste, see, hear and feel. Program includes a craft and short hike. Metro Parks, serving Summit County. Locations, dates and times vary. Free. Call 330-865-8065 to find the event location near you.

Through 3/6 Space, People & Places Award-winning artist Dean Mitchell captures the spirit and essence of African-American life with 40 recent watercolors, depicting the people and places of his life in the south.

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

Call for hours. $4-$6. Free for members and children 12 and under. 330-453-7666

1/8-1/29 Sporties 4 Shorties & More New Saturday session for 4- to 6-year-olds. Uses a variety of sports to help kids build their skills. Session will focus on skills used in floor hockey. Massillon Parks and Recreation Department, 505 Erie St. N., Massillon. 10-11:45 a.m. $17-$25. 330-832-1621

1/7 5th Annual Firefighters Chili Challenge For a $5 donation to the Akron Children’s Hospital Burn Unit, a guest can sample the wares of every chili chef on hand.

Lock 3, Downtown Akron. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. www. lock3live.com 1/7 One-Act Play Festival The always popular one-act festival features five short plays under the direction of staff, students and guest artists. Firestone Theatre, 333 Rampart Ave., Akron. 330-873-3408

1/8 Someone’s in the Kitchen Families with kids ages 5 to 12 are invited to attend the Akron Zoo’s Family Winter Weekend Workshop, which includes an animal encounter, a tour of a zookeeper kitchen area and a take-home memento. Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron. 10 a.m.-noon. $20-$25. www.akronzoo.org 1/8 Winter Tree I.D. A naturalist will teach you how to identify trees without their leaves while hiking the twomile Chippewa Trail. Silver Creek Metro Park, Pheasant Run Area, 5000 Hametown Rd., Norton. 10 a.m. Free.

330-865-8065 1/8 Winter Re-Tweet Learn what kinds of birds visit our feeders during the wintertime and what birdfeeders and birdseed work best. Participants will count and record the numbers of birds they see, and the information will be sent to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as part of the Project Feeder Watch program. All ages. Susan Hambley Nature Center, 1473 Parschen Blvd., Brunswick. Noon-2 p.m. Free.

330-722-9364 1/8 Super Hike Join this invigorating 3.5-mile hike on the Deer Run and Buckeye trails through winter woods and river bottoms. Be prepared for one uphill climb.

O’Neil Woods Metro Park, Trail Lot, 2550 Martin Rd., Bath. 1 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065

www.akronlife.com

15

1/8 Alex Bevan Celebrating music from the Grand River. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. $10. 330-677-5005 1/9 Today’s Bride Show 150 exhibitors will be available to help you plan your wedding day. John S. Knight Convention Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10. 330-670-9545

EXPERIENCE RELIEF

1/9 Happy Birthday Elvis A fundraiser meal to benefit the Cloverleaf Relay For Life, American Cancer Society.

Featuring Jerry Wright as Elvis. Cash bar. Medina Country Club, 5588 Wedgewood Rd., Lodi. 12:30-3 p.m. $20-$40. 330-948-1027

New Eco-friendly office in Stow!

Ohio Foot & Ankle is a full-service podiatric office and corporation that strives for excellence in patient care and patient satisfaction.

We specialize in reconstructive, diabetic and traumatic surgery of the foot and ankle along with treatment of common and uncommon lower extremity ailments.

1/9 Indoor Sports Swimming in the indoor pool, basketball competition, an Israel Fair, chair massages, Zumba demos, a Family Assembly Kitchen, blanket crafts to be donated to The Battered Women’s Shelter, kids snacks, a recycled materials art project, family game time and a preview of Cognifit — a computer game designed to improve cognitive skills. Shaw JCC, 750 White Pond Dr., Akron. 2-5 p.m. Free. 330-8350036 1/9 Young Birders of the Metro Parks Young birders ages 8 and up take a hands-on approach to getting acquainted with birds using study skins, wings, feet and bones. After the indoor session, head outdoors with expert leaders to use your new information. Binoculars and field guides will be available. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 2 p.m.

Free. 330-865-8065

STOW OFFICE

3226 Kent Road, Stow 44224 p:330-929-3331 f:330-929-5408

Dr. Aaron J. Chokan DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA

www.ohiofac.com

Who’s watching your home or business when you’re not there?

1/9 Mark Ballas This “Dancing With the Stars” performer will be playing songs from his debut solo CD. With Ryan Humbert and Emily Bates. Northside Bar and Grille, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. $10.

330-434-0611 1/9 Starry, Starry Night Discover the stars, constellations and hidden treasures of the winter night sky indoors with naturalist Sarah Matheny.

Listen to stories based on Roman and Greek myths.

Each participant receives a star finder to help navigate the stars at home. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Pavilion, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 7 p.m. Free.

330-865-8065 1/10 History of the White House Join Curator Kim Kenney for tea and learn more about the history of the White House. Program includes a tour of the Smithsonian traveling exhibition, “White House Gardens.” Tea and breakfast sweets are included. Wm. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton. 10-11:30 a.m. $15 prepaid. 330-455-7043

800-860-7413 www.securitec1.com Locally Owned & Operated Since 1990 16

akronlife

january 2011

1/10 and 1/12 Craft Akron T-Shirt Quilt Class We all have a box or two full of concert T-shirts too special to toss (but, well, they’re just not your size anymore).

Learn to make them into a 52 x 68 quilt during these two two-hour classes, including prepping the shirts,

sashing and finishing the top of the quilt. Basic sewing skills needed. Craft Akron, 1478 N. Portage Path, Akron.

6-8 p.m. $45. www.craftakron.com 1/11-1/15 Rob Allen with Dee Cameron Since moving from class clown to professional comedian, Allen has performed with Jamie Foxx, Martin Lawrence, Bernie Mack, Patti LaBelle, Brad Garrett and Cedric the Entertainer. The Funny Stop Comedy Club, 1757 State Rd., Cuyahoga Falls. Call for times and ticket prices.

330-923-4700 1/11 Kent vs. Bowling Green Help cheer on the Golden Flashes basketball team. Kent State University, MAC Center, 1025 Risman Dr., Kent. 7 p.m. $10-$40. www. kentstatesports.com 1/11, 1/18 and 1/25 Winter Camping Join outdoor recreation volunteers and naturalist Dave Gates for three workshops on the proper clothing, gear, food and first aid needed to camp during winter. After attending all three workshops, participants may camp in a Metro Park from 2/4 to 2/6, location to be determined. Food and equipment not provided. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 7 p.m. Call for fees. 330-865-8065 1/12 After the Holidays, Now What? Those who’ve experienced the death of a loved one know the days following a major holiday season can be stressful. Group participants will focus on overcoming the lows experienced after holidays and other special days. Hospice of VNS Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Rd., Fairlawn. Two classes: 2-3:30 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. Free. 330-668-4662 1/12 Akron vs. Ohio U Help cheer on the Zips basketball team! University of Akron, James A. Rhodes Arena, Akron. 7 p.m. $7-$30. www.gozips.com 1/13-1/30 “Romantic Fools” By Rich Orloff From first date to first marriage, from desire to boredom, this play is a riotously funny look at all of us. Actors’ Summit, 103 High St., Sixth Floor, Akron. $17-$30. 330-3747568

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED...

What’s the coolest way to

WE’VE GOT A FEW IDEAS… H Hit the slopes at Seven Springs, Hidden Valley or Nemacolin Woodlands Resorts H Sign the family up for Ski School H Go snow tubing or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride H Cozy up by the fire at your own mountain chalet For more information, deals and to find out how you can WIN A GETAWAY to the Laurel Highlands, visit us online at www.laurelhighlands.org.

1/13-1/19 “Crumbs from the Table of Joy” From the award-winning playwright of “Intimate Apparel,” this memory play introduces us to a black family in Brooklyn in the early 1950s. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron. $18. 330-836-2626 1/14 Heat Up the Night Hike with a naturalist on the 1.6-mile Willow Trail, and discover how animals handle freezing temperatures and life in the dark. After the hike, get toasty around the campfire; marshmallows provided for roasting. Firestone Metro Park, Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron. 7 p.m.

Free. 330-865-8065 1/14 Natural Knitters Discover wildlife “knitters” with naturalist Sarah Matheny. You’ll become a knitter yourself and will take home the makings of your first scarf. Registration required. For all knitting levels. Bring your own needles and yarn. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 7 p.m. Free.

330-865-8065 1/15 Hike and Breakfast Registration required.

Participants are asked to contribute to the morning feast. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron.

8 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/15 Clues to Wildlife With naturalist Sarah Putnam, learn to find signs of winter’s active animals, including scat, tracks and more. Meet in the Signal Tree lot.

Cascade Valley Metro Park, Chuckery Area, 837 Cuyahoga St., Akron. 1 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065

P ann you Pl you ourr tr trip ip at: laurelhighlands.org | 800.925.SNOW Main photo: Seven Springs Mountain Resort

:,//,$06 +$5':22' )/225,1* ,QVWDOODWLRQV

VT IW 6KRZURRP

3UHILQLVKHG

8QILQLVKHG

5HSDLUV 6DQG )LQLVK 'XVW (YDFXDWLRQ 6\VWHP

:HVW 1RUWK 6WUHHW $NURQ 2KLR

ZLOOLDPVIORRULQJ FRP www.akronlife.com

17

1/15 Gorge History Hike Join a naturalist to learn about the people who walked these trails before us. Meet at the kiosk for this 1.8-mile hike. Gorge Metro Park, Main Entrance, 1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls. 3 p.m. Free.

330-865-8065 1/15 Studio M Exhibition Opening Meet Judi Krew, view work from her “Fascinating Faces from Interesting Places” exhibition and enjoy refreshments. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way East, Massillon. 6-8 p.m.

Free. 330-873-3408 1/15 PWO Wrestling PWO utilizes the most exciting and talented professional wrestlers in the region today and has raised funds and awareness for the Cops & Kids program, the local National Guard and Family Readiness Group. Akron Civic Theater, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. $10-$25. 330-253-2488 1/15 Conya Doss Doss is known for sweet, supple delivery of heartfelt lyrics with childlike charm and melodic soul sounds. Enjoy this intimate concert in MassMu’s main gallery. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way East, Massillon. 8 p.m. $10 students, $12.50 members, $15 non-members. 330-873-3408 1/15 eighth blackbird The most influential chamber ensemble of our time joins the Akron Symphony. EJ Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 8 p.m. $25.75-$46.75.

330-972-7570 1/16 Akron Rotary Camp Respite Day This program allows children with disabilities to come to camp for the afternoon and enjoy fun camp activities, develop social skills and gain independence. A great intro for first-time campers. Akron YMCA, 209 S. Main St., Suite 501, Akron. 1-5 p.m. 330-376-1335 1/16 Nature Drawing For Kids: Owls Kids ages 6 to 12 join naturalist and artist Danette Rushboldt for this “hoot” of a lesson. Bring a sketchbook and a pencil.

Registration required. Space is limited. Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Pavilion, 2077 Newton St., Akron.

1 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/16 How to Shop Second-Hand Devona Brazier will discuss simple garment alterations that can help you make better second-hand shopping choices and stretch your dollars even farther, while looking like you have a custom wardrobe. Craft Akron, 1478 N. Portage Path, Akron. 1:30-3 p.m. $15. www.craftakron.com 1/16 Puppets Say the Darndest Things For all ages.

Join the Metro Parks puppets for another adventure and craft. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 2 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/16 Stone-Cold Hike Deep Lock Quarry provided much of the building stone for Akron and vicinity.

Brave the cold to explore the beauty and history of the 1.2-mile Quarry Trail with naturalist Dave Gates and experience this unique Metro Park. Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, 5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula. 2 p.m. Free.

330-865-8065 1/16 André Thornton Respected business leader and Cleveland Indians Hall of Famer André Thornton is the featured speaker at the Akron-Summit County Public Library’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture Series. Main Library Auditorium, 60 S. Main St., Akron. 2 p.m. Free. 330643-9000

18

akronlife

january 2011

1/16-1/17 Will Power, Erotic Hypnosis Show Returning by popular demand, Will Power performs an over-the-top, uncensored, adults-only comedy hypnosis show.

The Funny Stop Comedy Club, 1757 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls. Call for times and ticket prices.

330-923-4700 1/17 Festival of Nations 2011 The Lakota Nation Dancers, Allegro Dance Company, Krakowiaki Polish Folk Circle, O’Hare Irish Dancers, Shri Kalaa Mandhir and The Gracanica Folklore Group. Akron Civic Theater, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 11 a.m. $8-$10. Children 18 and under free, but must have a child ticket. (When ordering tickets, give the number of children you expect to bring.) 330-253-2488 1/17 Road Kill Café: School’s Out Cookout Bring your own hot dogs and buns to cook in the fireplace of the Road Kill Café at Pioneer Shelter, and we’ll provide the condiments and hot chocolate. Enjoy a hike after the feast. Dress for the weather. Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Pioneer Area, 550 Frazier Ave., Akron. 11:30 a.m.

Free. 330-865-8065 1/18-1/22 Claude Stuart Described as “a human cartoon onstage,” Stuart uses hilarious physicality, shameless stories of his consistent bad luck and unpredictable audience improv to make this a must-see show. The Funny Stop Comedy Club, 1757 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls. Call for times and ticket prices. 330923-4700 1/19 Sharon Butler-McCray Butler-McCray, the CEO, founder and trainer of Pride through Empowerment Foundation, will discuss HUD-approved services during this luncheon meeting. Presented by the Community Welfare Forum. First Congregational Church, 292 E. Market St., Akron. Noon-1 p.m. Members $7, nonmembers $7.50. 330 864-1359 1/19 Better Than The News: Remarkable Ohio Join volunteer photographer Denny Reiser to see fantastic pictures of Ohio, and find out how you can use Photoshop to merge images and create your own remarkable pictures. You can bring your dinner; decaf coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be supplied.

Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, 6:30 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/19 Full Moon Night Hike The Chippewa Indians of the Great Lakes referred to January’s full moon as the Great Spirit Moon. Enjoy this winter’s eve night hike on the 1.2-mile Quarry Trail under the light of the “great spirit” with naturalist Maureen McGinty. Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, 5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula. 7 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/20 Moving the President Join Chris Kenney for an illustrated look at the history of presidential transportation. From the horse-and-carriage to advanced jet aircraft, the program will cover how our presidents have moved from place to place. Evening includes a signature soup, fresh baked bread, beverage and dessert. Wm. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton.

6-7:30 p.m. $15 prepaid. 330-455-7043 1/20 Rain Gardens & Rain Barrels Join naturalist Meghan Doran and Sandy Barbic, Summit Soil & Water Conservation District education specialist, for the second in a series of programs on ways to become a better steward. This month will focus on ideas for rain

gardens and how to use a rain barrel. Come prepared with questions. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 7 p.m. Free.

330-865-8065

1/21-2/26 The Human Element Exhibition The 11 featured artists refer to themselves as “The Gathering” since they periodically get together to eat, drink and make art. The group includes college art professors, public school art teachers and people with degrees in fine art who show and publish their work professionally. Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Thursday through Saturday, noon 5 p.m.

Admission and parking are free. www.akronareaarts.org 1/21 Nature and a Movie Wake up from hibernation to join naturalist Meghan Doran for the family-friendly nature movie, “A Bug’s Life.” Bring your own blanket, chairs and drinks; popcorn supplied. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Pavilion, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/21 Carlos Jones & The Plus Band With Human Nature and The Stagecoach Robbery. Musica, 51 E. Market St., Akron. 9 p.m. $10. www.akronmusica.com 1/21-2/19 PJ Rogers A Retrospective The opening reception on 1/21 from 5:30-8 p.m. is free, and everyone is welcome. Free parking. Harris Stanton Gallery, 2301 West Market St., Akron. 330-867-7600 1/22 ArtSpash Performances by the Canton Ballet, the Players Guild Theatre, Spotlight Theatre and Canton Idol. Activities include face painting, instrumentmaking with the Canton Symphony Orchestra and free admission to the Canton Museum of Art. Cultural Center for the Arts, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton. 1-4 p.m. Free. www.artsinstark.com 1/22 See and Ski Bring your skis to see nature in winter. Join naturalist Maureen McGinty for this threemile trek. If there ‘s not adequate snow, the group will hike instead. Silver Creek Metro Park, Pheasant Run Area, 5000 Hametown Rd., Norton. 1 p.m. Free. 330865-8065 1/22 Snow for Kids Did you know every snowflake is different? Kids 6 to 12 will join a naturalist to discover neat things about the snow around us. Program includes a craft and hike, so dress for the weather.

Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 2 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/22 Akron vs. Bowling Green University of Akron, James A. Rhodes Arena, Akron. 7:30 p.m. $7-$30. www.gozips.com

1/22 BluesNite An informal open mike jam for all levels of musicians interested in playing and learning the blues. Bring your electric or acoustic instruments and join in, or sit back, bring your own food and drink and enjoy the music. Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 W. Mill St., Peninsula. 7-10 p.m. 330-657-2248 www.akronlife.com

19

1/22 An Evening with Earl Klugh In a recording career that spans over three decades, master guitarist Earl Klugh has been lauded as a prodigy, groundbreaker and ultimately as one of the true statesmen of contemporary jazz. EJ Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 8 p.m. $10$20. 330-972-7570

1/23 Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles Rain is a multimedia, multi-dimensional experience. A fusion of historical footage and hilarious television commercials from the 1960s lights up video screens, and live cameras zoom in for close-ups. EJ Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7 p.m. $32.50-$52.50. 330-972-7570

1/22 Mr. Speed - Kiss Tribute Band

1/24 Sisters on a Shoestring

With 16 years of experience under their spandex, Mr. Speed forges ahead writing their own chapter in KISS-tory. Akron Civic Theater, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $14. 330-253-2488

Savvy shoppers Sara Steigerwald and Lisa Steigerwald will teach you how to stretch your money through couponing. Learn how to shave 70 percent off groceries, score freebies and shop the most coupon-friendly stores around. AkronSummit County Public Library, Green Branch, 4046 Massillon Rd., Uniontown. 7-8 p.m. Free.

330-896-9074

1/22 Orchestra Showcase Featuring music director Gerhardt Zimmerman, violist Jessica Oudin, clarinetist Randy Klein and violinist Nathan Olson. Canton Symphony Orchestra, Umstattd Hall at McKinley High School, 232 17th St. N.W., Canton. 8 p.m.

330-452-2094 1/23 Nature’s Changing Seasons Enjoy a 2.2-mile morning hike while discovering how nature is always changing and what creatures benefit from them. Meet at the trail lot. Munroe Falls Metro Park, 521 S. River Rd., Munroe Falls. 11 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/23 Outdoor Cooking Join outdoor recreation volunteers and naturalist Dave Gates for a demonstration of techniques and recipes for campfire meals, drinks and desserts. Then, sample three to four great campfire foods from Dutch ovens, pie irons and foil-cooking methods. Be sure to bring your own utensils, plates and cups. Meet in the field behind the pavilion. Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Main Entrance, 2077 Newton St., Akron. 1-3 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/23 Snowshoe Stomp Walk on snow as we learn snowshoe history and skills. Snowshoes will be provided for kids 7 to 12. Family members owning their own snowshoes are invited. Insufficient snow?

It’ll be a hike instead. Registration required. Wolf Creek Environmental Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Sharon Center. 1 p.m. Free. 330-722-9364 1/23 Kent State University Faculty Recital Hugh A. Glauser School of Music faculty Yu Jin, viola, and Donna Lee, piano, will perform. Music and Speech Building, 1325 Theatre Dr., Kent. 1 p.m. Free. 330-672-2172 1/23 Kent vs. Miami (Ohio) Help cheer on the Golden Flashes basketball team! Kent State University, MAC Center, 1025 Risman Dr., Kent. 2 p.m. $10-$40. www. kentstatesports.com 1/23 Cabin Fever Hike Hike the rugged 1.6-mile Spring Hollow Trail with naturalist Mike Greene and search for signs of wildlife activity. Expect difficult terrain.

Hampton Hills Metro Park, Main Entrance, 2925 AkronPeninsula Rd., Akron. 2 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/23 Zobapago This Akron-based band embodies entertainment and education. For pre-schoolers and early elementary students. Akron Civic Theater, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 2:30 p.m. $8-$10. Children 18 and under free, but must have a child ticket. (When ordering tickets, give the number of children you expect to bring.) 330-253-2488 1/23 Kent State University Voice Faculty Recital Hugh A. Glauser School of Music faculty Fenlon Lamb and Timothy Culver will perform. Music and Speech Building, 1325 Theatre Dr., Kent. 5 p.m. Free. 330-6722172

20

akronlife

january 2011

1/25-1/29 Ben Creed with Bill Boronky With comedy specials on HBO, Showtime and A&E, Creed’s quick wit and charisma keep the audience rolling in the aisles. The Funny Stop Comedy Club, 1757 State Rd., Cuyahoga Falls. Call for times and ticket prices. 330923-4700 1/25 Jessica Bennett, ARThology Bring a brown bag lunch, enjoy complimentary coffee and cookies, and hear Bennett speak about Stark County’s anthology of contemporary artists. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way East, Massillon. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Free. 330-8733408 1/27-2/20 “The Unexpected Guest” Get your tickets early for this murder mystery from Agatha Christie, the “Queen of Crime.” Coach House Theatre, 732 W. Exchange St., Akron. Call for times. $12-$18.

330-434-7741 1/27 Red and White on Thursday Night The Arthritis Foundation, Northeastern Ohio Chapter, is hosting its 14th annual strolling wine and food event.

RSVP by 1/19. John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron. 5:30-9 p.m.

Tickets: $85 in advance, $95 at the door. V.I.P. tickets: $125 each.

800.245.2275, ext. 105 1/27 Dinosaurs Although Glen Kuban’s formal career is in computer programming, his passion is paleontology.

When he’s not studying dinosaur tracks and collecting fossils, he’s busy making museum fossil replicas.

He’ll have tracks, molds, casts and other fossils for viewing. Ages 10 to adult. Wolf Creek Environmental Center, 6100 Ridge Rd., Sharon Center. 7 p.m. Free.

330-722-9364 1/28-1/30 “And Then They Came For Me, Remembering the World of Anne Frank” Part oral history, part dramatic action, part remembrance, this play breaks new ground and has won world-wide acclaim. Suggested for students up to Grade 12.

Magical Theatre Company, 565 Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton. $9. 330-848-3708

1/28 Night Hike and Campfire Hike with naturalist Maureen McGinty to explore the nightlife of the Nature Realm. Afterwards, enjoy a campfire on the Seneca Deck. Marshmallows provided, and you’re welcome to bring something to cook. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/28 Colin Dussault’s Blues Project Award-winning harmonica driven, blues-based, roots, rock and soul music. Water Street Tavern, 132 S. Water St., Kent. 7 p.m. 330-677-0700 1/28 Ohio A tribute band honoring the exceptional music of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Akron Civic Theater, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $14. 330-2532488 1/28 Zach Deputy With Eclyptic and Hayden Calling.

Musica, 51 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $10. www. akronmusica.com 1/29 Cup O’ Joe Hike Join naturalist Meghan Doran for an early morning wakeup with a hike and your favorite hot beverage. Bring your own drink, and prepare to take a leisurely walk along the trail to admire the beauty of winter. Afterwards, warm up by the campfire. Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Pioneer Area, 550 Frazier Ave., Akron. 9 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/29 Wildlife & Wood Workshop Discover the types of birds you can attract to your backyard, and build a hanging bird feeder. Registration required. Space is limited. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 11 a.m. $10 per kit, one per family.

330-865-8065 1/29 Animal Myths and Lore Is a bat really blind?

Does it ever rain cats and dogs? Don’t be fooled! Join a naturalist for a 1.4-mile hike to discuss nature myths and separate fact from fiction. Sand Run Metro Park, Treaty Line Area, 995 Treaty Line Rd., Akron. 2 p.m.

Free. 330-865-8065 1/29 An Acoustic Evening with Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt These artists are teaming up to perform songs from their respective careers. Using their dynamic chemistry, they mix witty banter with finely crafted country, swing, folk and blues. Akron Civic Theater, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $38-$58. 330-253-2488

eighth blackbird JAN. 15, 2011 I 8 PM

CLASSIC

E.J. Thomas Hall, The University of Akron

4

eighth blackbird, guest ensemble Alan Bodman, violin

VAUGHAN WILLIAMS The Lark Ascending SUNG The Phoenix Rising STRAVINSKY The Firebird Suite GANDOLFI Selections from The Garden of Cosmic Speculation HIGDON On a Wire*

Concert Sponsor:

Guest Artist Sponsor:

Greater Akron Musical Association Board of Trustees

* World Premiere Consortium

T I C K E T S

FROM $20 – $40*

CHRISTOPHER WILKINS, MUSIC DIRECTOR

akronsymphony.org

* discounts available for seniors, students, & groups

CALL 330.535.8131 TO ORDER

18TH ANNUAL

1/29 8th Annual International Short Film Festival Presented by Standing Rock Cultural Arts, this audiovisual extravaganza will celebrate independent-minded film and video artists from The Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Israel and exotic Kent, OH and will include animation, music videos, short comedy, experimental films, documentaries and more.

The event will also include films from last year’s Best of Fest Winner, Ilana Yahav of Israel; a music video competition; and silent films by Mike Hovancsek and Cindy Penter, accompanied live by local legend Hal Walker. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. $10 general, $7 students/seniors. 330-673-4970. www. standingrock.net

Meets Symphony

February 5, 2011

Gospel Meets Symphony is now a superstar.

Enjoyed by viewers nationwide on Public Television in the spring of 2010, Akron's premier collaborative concert is nonetheless community based and locally inspired. It brings together professionals and amateurs, VSHFLDOLVWV DQG ÀUVW WLPHUV FHOHEUDQWV DQG KDQG FODSSHUV LQ DQ XQIRUJHWWDEOH evening of inspiration and celebration.

Saturday at 7:30 PM E.J. Thomas Hall, The University of Akron

Concert Sponsor: Media Partner:

T I C K E T S

FROM $20 – $40*

CHRISTOPHER WILKINS, MUSIC DIRECTOR

akronsymphony.org

* discounts available for seniors, students, & groups

CALL 330.535.8131 TO ORDER www.akronlife.com

21

Metropolitan Living in Downtown Akron

1/30 Children’s Cheer Classic American Elite of Ohio and Akron Children’s Hospital present this 6th annual cheerleading and dance competition. John S. Knight Convention Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. $25. 330-633-3160 1/30 Chickadee Sunday Spend some relaxing family time around the campfire learning about one of Ohio’s most endearing feathered friends, then participate in handfeeding the chickadees along Cherry Lane Trail. Seed provided. Seiberling Nature Realm, Seneca Deck, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron.

1 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/30 Nature Realm Book Club Naturalist Sarah Matheny leads this discussion of the first Nature Realm Book Club selection: “Letters from Eden: A Year at Home, in the Woods” by Julie Zickefoose. Warm drinks and snacks provided. The book is available for purchase in the Nature Realm gift shop.

Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 2 p.m. Free. 330865-8065 1/30 Kent vs. Toledo Kent State University, MAC Center, 1025 Risman Dr., Kent. 2 p.m. $10-$40. www.kentstatesports.com 1/30 Akron vs. Central Michigan University of Akron, James A. Rhodes Arena, Akron. 6 p.m. $7-$30. www. gozips.com

Loft Condos

1/31 Akron Roundtable: Senator Sherrod Brown U.S. Senator, Ohio. Quaker Square Inn at University of Akron, 135 S. Broadway, Akron. 11:45 a.m. $15.

330-247-8682

1/31 Cornel West — Diversity and Multiculturalism One of America’s most provocative public intellectuals, Cornel West weaves together the traditions of the black Baptist Church, progressive politics, and jazz.

EJ Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $4-$8. 330-972-7570

Closet Full of Clothes and Nothing to Wear?

Brownstone Townhomes Style Consulting • Wardrobe Planning • Personal Shopping

northsidelofts.com

by appointment

330.322.3611

Incredible Financing

www.shop-your-closet.com

3.75% 30 yr fixed rate loans with 0 points*

Trade-in, Buy-Back & Lease Purchase Programs Available *available to qualified buyers, contact sales agent for details. Rates are current as of February 2010 and subject to change. Minimum down payment 3-10%

22

akronlife

january 2011

FLasH “Sunset in Santorini” The Shaw Jewish Community Center and The Lippman School annual benefit gala — was held Nov. 13, 2010 at The Hilton Akron/Fairlawn.

A crowd of more than 225 gathered at the Greek-themed, formal affair, which featured a cocktail reception, gourmet Greek-style dinner, open bar, entertainment by the band Expressway, and live and silent auctions. The Honorable Marvin Shapiro and Thomas Strauss, president and CEO of Summa Health Systems, were honored at the event for their lifetime of service to the Jewish community. The event was chaired by Mrs. Margaret Slesnick.

1

2

3

4

/ Sunset in Santorini / 1. Sid Zetzer, Shirley Zetzer and the Honorable Marvin Shapiro 2. Event volunteers tori Slonsky and taylor Slonsky 3. Jerrod Woll, tamar Sternfeld, Aaron Leff, Korrie Leff, Andrea Woll 4. Sue Spector, Marty Spector, Susan Strauss, tom Strauss, Bob Cooper, Regina Cooper

“A Night to Build Hope” Habitat for Humanity of Summit County’s 3rd annual A Night to Build Hope event was held Nov. 5, 2010 at Portage Country Club.

Proceeds from the event support Habitat for Humanity of Summit County’s work and help families in need build the walls, raise the roof and open the door to a brighter future. The event was sold out with over 270 people attending the wine and beer tasting and auction.

The organization raised just over $36,000 in support of its mission.

1

2

3

4

/ A Night to Build Hope / 1. Habitat for Humanity of Summit County partner family Pam and Naomi Banks 2. Guests browsing the auction tables 3. Board members Sue Strauss and Mark Krohn 4. Winning bidder Judy Read and Mark Krohn

www.akronlife.com

23

fashion sense

by Susan Luc and Betsy Tabatcher; photo by Shane Wynn

What’s Your style

/ It’s not about following trends — it’s about knowing and understanding who you are. /

>>Who has a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear?

Who had three or more outfits on before they left the house this morning? Who spends too much money on clothes?

Lots of hands go up every time we’re in a room with a group of women and ask these questions.

style 911:

We’re Susan Luc and Betsy Tabatcher, coowners of Shop Your Closet. We do style consulting, wardrobe planning and personal shopping — and we’re reformed shop-aholics!

After working together in the retail industry and watching women spend tons of money on clothes (while doing the same ourselves), we began to feel there had to be a better way.

to wear something? Send your style

Figuring out how to help women shop less, spend less, look better and feel fabulous became our new passion. And that’s our goal here in this new department: to help you find your great style. Ready? Then let’s get started…

There are three keys to having great style: understanding your body type, identifying your personal style and knowing your lifestyle.

1.

Understanding your body type means getting real about yourself. (We all know the good and bad about our own bodies.) And think about where you are today, not where you will be when you lose 10 pounds.

Know what you love about your features, and then figure out how to dress accordingly. And be realistic about your size and your age! Body types include Curvy, Petite, Tall, Pear-Shaped, Apple-Shaped, etc.

For example, our client Katie was in her mid40s, yet looked like she was stealing clothes from her grandmother’s closet — and not the good vintage stuff either! Katie is curvy, so she really needed to find her waist and fall in love with it. We helped get her out of the over-

24

akronlife

send Us Your style Questions Don’t know what to wear or how questions to Susan and Betsy at susanbetsy@shop-your-closet.com

sized, shapeless pieces and into more tailored ones, like great-fitting trouser-style jeans that accentuate her waistline while minimizing her bottom line. Dressing for her body type showed off her figure, and she went from an apple-dumpling to a sleek, young professional.

2.

What’s your personal style? Are you a Romantic? Classic? Trendy? Casual?

Think about who you are. Have you ever thought about your style? Do you even have a style? If you don’t know what your personal style is, check out what other people are wearing, what you see in magazines and catalogs, look on the web, or read some style books.

Ask yourself: How do I want to look?

Take our client Beth. She just turned 30 and worked in a corporate setting with many people nearly twice her age, so she felt she needed a classic style of suits, twinsets and pumps. In reality, she was 30 going on 60!

We were able to help her discover her real style. We showed her how to break up her suits, ditch the shells from the cardigans, and mixed it all up with skinny jeans for casual days and sleek black pants for work. She was able to stay true to her classic personal style, while updating her look and adding appropriate trends.

january 2011

3.

Lifestyle is where the rubber meets the road. Be realistic. You might like what you see on models in magazines, but they aren’t running to the grocery store or trying to chase after kids in six-inch heels. Maybe you have a casual lifestyle that leaves room to dress up on the weekends. Or, you have a classic style for the office, but can be trendy on the weekends. Think about what works for you.

Take our client Laura, a young professional.

After having kids and surviving a corporate takeover, she was given the option to work from home, which she took advantage of. But she called us right away because she didn’t want to fall into the “T-shirt and sweatpants” rut. While working from home, she’d still be running errands, taking the kids to school and stopping at the office. She needed a new casual wardrobe that was polished — but fun. We remixed her blazers with tees and added chunky cardigans with jeans tucked into Hunter Wellies. Skirts, tights and ballet flats also lend themselves well to her new lifestyle. And by throwing on a beautiful wool coat and scarf, she can dash into the office and look great.

So how do you start? Spend time analyzing your style and wardrobe. By making sure you have all the right pieces, the stress of “what do I wear today (and every day)?” will be gone.

And we’ll help you get there. / Writers Susan Luc and Betsy Tabatcher are coowners of Shop Your Closet. They do style consulting, wardrobe planning and personal shopping.

You can contact them at 330-322-3611.

Comments?

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

>>

To show you how the three elements of great style translate to real people, we’re using ourselves as examples. While we each have different body types and styles, we have similar pieces in our wardrobes that can be worked according to our own body type, personal style and lifestyle.

/ Betsy’s body type is tall and slim, her personal style is sophisticated classic with trendy tendencies, and her lifestyle is fabulous. She’s co-owner of Shop Your Closet, works from home and has been married for six years. /

the White Blouse – a long, tunic style (Brooks Brothers). She can wear this look because she’s tall and slim.

the Accessories – wide patent belt (Ann taylor) and cuff bracelet (Gerri’s Closet).

Betsy can wear a wide belt because she’s long-waisted, and it helps define her shape.

/ Susan’s body type is petite and curvy, her personal style is classic and age appropriate, and her lifestyle is fabulous. She’s co-owner of Shop Your Closet, works from home and has been married a long time, with two wonderful kids. /

the White Blouse – classic and tailored (Brooks Brothers). Susan is petite, so a shorter, more classic style blouse works with her look. And it’s age appropriate.

the Jeans – skinny and dark (Loft). Jeans should always be dark because lightness around the hips and thighs adds volume to the body.

the Accessories – pearls and pashmina (Fashion Jewelry Superstore).

Susan’s style is classic, and there’s nothing more classic than pearls.

the Bag – hobo (Cole Haan).

A hobo is a classic, wear-witheverything bag that takes her from day to night.

the Jeans – slim and dark (talbots). A slim leg style of jean gives her the “skinny” look without being too trendy.

the Shoes – 4-inch highheel shoe booties (Ralph Lauren) bring some edge to her style.

the Shoes – classic patent penny loafers (Cole Haan). Penny loafers are good for Susan because she prefers a flat shoe. And they never go out of style!

www.akronlife.com

25

Bullied to Death

by Mary Ethridge

S

everal recent, high-profile teen suicides linked to bullying — including four within two years in suburban Cleveland — have rallied unprecedented concern and action across the nation. But not enough. Anti-bullying bills still aren’t broad enough, one-third of tormented teens won’t “tattle,” and we’re only just beginning to learn how bullying scars the teen brain.

26

akronlife

january 2011

“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim.” — Harvey S. Firestone, founder of Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., 1868-1938 Harvey Firestone’s inspirational words were written when this distinguished son of Akron was at the pinnacle of his remarkable career. But imagine for a moment how 12-year-old Harvey — toiling at his family’s humble Ohio farm in 1880 — would have responded if asked to expound on bullying.

The young Harvey, like many generations of children before (and since), likely lived by the entrenched schoolyard code of silence in which tattling is taboo and bullies are just “joking around.”

a two-year federal stimulus grant that will run out in June — which, according to Bennett Buzzelli, means the positions will be eliminated unless the district can land the alternative funding it’s seeking.

But these days, school bullying — and its sometimes deadly consequences and legal ramifications — are being discussed and dissected in an astonishing diversity of venues, from neurobiology labs to the pages of People magazine.

Several recent, high-profile teen suicides linked to bullying — including four within two years in suburban Cleveland — have rallied unprecedented concern and action among researchers, educators, journalists and parents across the nation.

“We’re really passionate about our work, and we’ll do whatever we can to keep it going,” she says. “By being in the schools every week, we get to know the kids and their issues. We’re able to identify the chronic victims and bullies and provide compassion and help for them.”

And Akron is no exception.

Akron Public Schools district is on the leading edge of the anti-bullying movement. According to Merle Bennett Buzzelli, manager of the district’s anti-drug and violence program, APS is the only district in the state with specialists dedicated solely to bullying prevention. In fact, she says she knows of no other school district in the nation with employees whose sole job is to prevent and deal with bullying.

The eight part-time experts rotate among two elementary and six middle schools, which studies show are hothouses of mean-spiritedness.

The 2009 Indicators of School Crime and Safety — a compendium of various studies — show that half of all middle schools reported bullying problems compared to 20 percent of high schools. And rates of sexual, racial and ethnic harassment as well as violent crimes were highest among middle school children.

S

chools, unfortunately, can’t control what happens outside their halls. And now bullying has a relatively new tool even the imaginative Harvey Firestone couldn’t have foreseen: instant mass communication that allows anonymity. Using computers and cell phones, bullies can torment a victim 24 hours a day in front of an audience of thousands of virtual bystanders. And it’s happening right here in our backyard. In 2006, an Ohio girl committed suicide after nude photos of her taken with a cell phone made the rounds of her high school.

Other victims have lived to tell about it, but still fear retribution — even years later. Ashley, an 18-year-old senior at Firestone High School who asked that her last name not be used, says she was the victim of cyber-bullying during her years at Litchfield Middle School.

“Some girls spread rumors about me on Myspace [a social network website], and they’d send terrible messages to people, pretending to be me,” she says. “It got better in high school, but I could never figure out what I’d done to make them hate me so much.”

Statistics from The Cyberbullying Research Center show that between 20 and 25 percent of students have been victims of online bullying — with about the same number acting as perpetrators — and that these student victims are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts.

The number of reported bullying cases in the Akron district has risen dramatically over the past two years, but Bennett Buzzelli says that’s actually good news; it means the new program is working, nipping issues in the bud and offering students alternatives to suffering in silence.

“There’s a level of anonymity on a computer.

You don’t have to see the person’s reaction, their face, when you browbeat them,” says Bennett Buzzelli. “You don’t have to see them cry.”

The part-time APS positions, which are 24 hours a week, were created 18 months ago with

“I always advise parents and teachers that the worst thing you can possibly tell a bullied child is to ignore it. It doesn’t work,” says Blanco, in front of an audience of teachers from several Akron-area schools who had gathered at St. Hilary’s to hear her presentation. “The outcast needs to stand up for himself or herself, so there’s no confusion — no just saying, ‘I was just joking.’ I tell students that standing up for yourself at the time you feel abused is your God-given right.”

A father of one of the dead Mentor students called Ohio’s anti-bullying bill, “worthless.”

“Middle school kids in particular can be just brutal to each other,” says Bennett Buzzelli.

“But we’re fortunate here. We’ve been able to create an awareness of the problem, a safe place for the students to turn to and effective ways to educate the teachers, who are our first responders.”

“There’s not more bullying going on,” she says.

“It’s that now we have ways of dealing with it.”

is actually harmful, says author Jodee Blanco, whose 2003 New York Times bestseller, “Please Don’t Laugh at Me” chronicles her experiences as a bullied child. Blanco spoke recently to area students, teachers and parents at St. Hilary School, a Catholic elementary and middle school in Fairlawn.

Ashley said she did cry often during the months of online abuse — and was chronically depressed. Her mother told her just to ignore it, that it would stop eventually, and that she shouldn’t stoop to the level of the bullies.

That advice, while common and well-meaning,

Especially since you can’t count on others to fight your battles for you. Lisa Massello, principal of Our Lady of the Elms High School, an all-girls Catholic school in West Akron, says 90 percent of students are simply bystanders to bullying. But the Elms program stresses that exposing the issue — or “tattling” as it was once called — is not only the most constructive action, but the Christian thing to do. “It’s part of our theology,” she says. “Our girls hear about respect for each other every day in our classrooms.”

One of Blanco’s missions is to reach what she calls the “elite tormentor,” the child who doesn’t realize that her behavior — often passive exclusion — is actually bullying. And she’s making progress. After Blanco’s sessions, many of these children seek her out to ask how to make amends. “That gives me hope in the face of this tragic issue,” she says.

The statistics are, indeed, tragic — and startling.

The 2009 Indicators of School Crime and Safety found that one-third of teens say they’ve been bullied at school. About 20 percent of teens had been made fun of by a bully; 18 percent of teens had rumors spread about them; 11 percent were physically bullied, such as being shoved, tripped or spit on; 6 percent were threatened; 5 percent were excluded from activwww.akronlife.com

27

Teen Bullying: By the Numbers

What Parents Can Do Anti-bullying expert and New York Times bestselling author Jodee Blanco says most parents are clueless when it comes to dealing with a bullied child.

She shared some of her advice on her recent visit to the Akron area.

• Be alert to the warning signs your child is being bullied. those signs could include lethargy, depression, self-mutilation, extreme makeover attempts, diminished personal hygiene, lack of interest in social activities, sudden change in weight, inexplicable fits of rage, a sudden increase or decrease in grades, and faking illness or willing oneself sick to avoid going to school.

• Never say to a bullied child, “Ignore the bully.” Advise them to confront the bully nonviolently and tell them to stop.

Play out the possible scenarios with your child.

• Contact local park districts, libraries and community centers one town over to find youth programs outside of school where they’re not likely to encounter their bullies.

• Contact your child’s school counselor and calmly explain what’s been going on. You might want to start out with something like, “My child’s been encountering some challenges with his classmates, and I’d like to sit down and discuss possible solutions with you.”

• If you feel the school isn’t being helpful enough, work your way up the chain of command. If the principal and the superintendent are unresponsive, present your case at a school board meeting, and if that doesn’t work, contact the education writer at your local paper or a television reporter.

• If you think it would be helpful for your child to see a therapist, make sure you attend the first few sessions with your child, so he or she feels you’re addressing this problem together as opposed to, “I am the problem.”

Anti-Bullying Resources for Students and Parents 28

akronlife

20% Made fun of by a bully

5% Excluded from activities they

18% Had rumors spread about them

4% Coerced into something they

11% Physically bullied

didn’t want to do

6% Threatened

4% Personal belongings destroyed

ities they wanted to participate in; 4 percent were coerced into something they didn’t want to do; and 4 percent had their personal belongings destroyed by bullies. About 10 percent were bullied daily or several times a week. And only about a third of bully victims reported the bullying to someone at school.

Studies have indicated that females may be the victims of bullying more often than males. Boys are more likely to experience physical or verbal bullying, while females are more likely to experience social or psychological bullying, known as relational aggression.

“Girls hold grudges,” says Ashley of Firestone High School.

Bennett Buzzelli agrees. “Girls can hold on to things for years — to the point they forget what upset them in the first place,” she says, recalling her own experience of returning to one of her high-school reunions — only to be shunned by the same girls who gave her the cold shoulder 20 years earlier. So, during her next reunion, she approached them, brought up the subject and they all had a good laugh.

U

wanted to participate in

nfortunately, bullying may have lasting consequences on our bodies that can’t be healed with a few jokes over a punch

bowl.

The Boston Globe recently reported that a new wave of research into bullying’s effects suggest it can leave an indelible imprint on a teen’s brain at a time when it’s still developing. Being bullied or shunned by peers can alter already tumultuous adolescent hormones, reduce connectivity in the brain and even “sabotage” the growth of new neurons.

These neurological scars closely resemble those of children who are physically and sexually

abused in early childhood. Bullying can weaken the immune system and can damage and even kill neurons in the hippocampus, potentially leading to memory problems that could make academics more difficult.

A researcher at the University of Chicago Medical School put young subordinate rats in cages belonging to much larger, older, more aggressive rats. The dominant rats — the schoolyard bullies — pushed the smaller ones around to the point of biting once or twice before the young rats were rescued by researchers.

The researcher, whose findings were published in the journal “Neuroscience,” found that just a single session of this kind of bullying was enough to leave a mark on the development of a smaller rat’s brain cells.

Research into the neurological effects of bullying is still in the early stages. But these preliminary signs point to the notion that peer bullying is more similar to physical and sexual abuse than anyone previously imagined.

These biological studies could have great significance for Bennett Buzzelli and others working to eradicate childhood bullying. As the Boston Globe pointed out, if victims are undergoing profound physiological changes, would medical interventions be more useful than therapy?

Would demonstrating that bullying scars the brain provide ammunition for parents like those in Mentor who are suing the school system or for the attorneys in Massachusetts who are prosecuting the bullies of Phoebe Prince, a 15-year-old who killed herself after relentless tormenting?

Perhaps the reason for the level of alarm across the country about bullying is the familiarity of its landscape in tandem with the unanswered

www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa

www.netfamilynews.org

www.getnetwise.org

www.safeyouth.org

www.netsmartz.org

www.childnet-int.org

www.missingkids.com

facebookforparents.org

www.isafe.org

www.fosi.org/cms

january 2011

“Some girls spread rumors about me on Myspace … I could never figure out what I’d done to make them hate me so much.” — Ashley, an 18-year-old senior at Firestone High School

Akron Public Schools’ Bullying Prevention Team.

Back Row (left to right): Lynda Dobbins, elementary specialist; John Bryson, middle school specialist; Julie Krause, middle school specialist; Matt Lasher, elementary specialist; and Candi Harris, middle school specialist.

Front Row (left to right): Jackie Summers, middle school specialist; Katy Nehlsen, middle school specialist; and Vicki Bennett, secretary.

Forefront: Merle Bennett Buzzelli, program manager.

photo by Shane Wynn

questions of its full consequences. School bullying isn’t about Mexican drug gangs or selfdestructive, bratty celebrities. Bullying plays out in ordinary schools in ordinary towns with ordinary kids, some of whom, sadly, use a permanent solution to solve a temporary problem.

And we’re just beginning to learn of its effects on the human body and mind.

Most states, including Ohio, recognize the seriousness of bullying and have legislation in place to help protect children. Yet a father of one of the dead Mentor students called Ohio’s anti-bullying bill, which went into effect in 2007, “worthless.” In essence, the legislation requires school districts to adopt anti-bullying and harassment policies and the state auditor to make certain that they do — but it’s left to

each district to create and implement its own policies.

The Ohio law is in stark contrast to those adopted recently in Massachusetts and New Jersey in the wake of high-profile bullying-related suicides there. Those laws are far broader than Ohio’s and call for closer oversight of school programs. Many Ohio experts would like to see similar legislation here.

“I don’t really know what the answer to bullying is,” says 18-year-old Firestone student Ashley, who’s applying to several Ivy League colleges and wants to be a psychiatrist. “I don’t think schools can really solve bullying. It’s been going on forever. But looking back, I wish I hadn’t just taken it. I should have stood up for myself. That’s what I’d tell younger kids.”

/ Mary Ethridge is a freelance writer in Akron. She spent 18 years at the Akron Beacon Journal, primarily covering business news. Her stories have appeared in news outlets across the country, including the Miami Herald, MSN. com and Newsweek. She’s currently an associate producer on a film about the All American Soap Box Derby with Corbin Bernsen that’s set to premiere in Akron in July.

Comments?

Got something to say about this article (or another article) in akronlife? We want to hear from you! E-mail editor Georgina K. Carson at gcarson@bakermediagroup.com.

www.akronlife.com

29

by Tricia Dever

bridal

Old, New, Plus a Wedding Dress (or Two)

When it come to today’s weddings, anything really does go. (Gone are the days of cookiecutter weddings.) Some people still want the traditional, but they want it the way they want it. These 11 trends for 2011 are just that: traditional, but with a twist.

4 >>

photos by Genevieve Nisly Photography

30

akronlife

Erica and Ryan have planned a wedding that’s all about fun! The wedding and reception will be close together, both in timing and location. They’ve chosen bridesmaid dresses in a bright teal, and the groomsmen will be in traditional black tuxedos. The wedding ceremony will be a traditional Catholic affair, but with lots of musicians — an organist and soloist, accompanied by a trumpet trio. Guests at the reception will be greeted with champagne upon entry to cocktail hour and will nosh on soup shooters and shrimp cocktail.

The cocktail hour décor is stark white, a contrast to the reception décor of silver shimmer linens and teal runners. Simple flower arrangements are adorned with crystals and lots of bling. After dinner, dancing is aplenty … and then the late-night lounge opens — a separate area with bright teal and purple lighting, with an ice sculpture at the bar and white leather lounge furniture where guests can mingle.

january 2011

A couple years ago, this sort of wedding would’ve been “out there,” but today, it’s typical of the weddings I’m coordinating.

Take color, for example. My wedding nine years ago was basically a white wedding, but at my sister’s wedding last year, we did cool linens, mirrors, lots of bling — it was totally hip!

1

4

2 Today’s bride is lucky because anything really does go. And each wedding is completely different — no cookie-cutter weddings! Don’t get me wrong. Some people still want the traditional, but they want it the way they want it — which, again, is very individualized. It’s traditional, but with a twist.

For 2011, I see 11 trends that are bringing new spark to old standbys. I’ve also included my professional “best guess” for how each trend will evolve next.

www.akronlife.com

31

Trend #1: Paper Products Traditional: The way to purchase wedding invitations was to visit a stationery store and look through the “books” — what most wedding professionals call the 10-pound books that house dozens of invitation options. Many companies put these books together, and these invitations are mass-produced for clientele.

Trend: Today, many brides are working with a designer to create custom paper products that incorporate the color and theme of the wedding into the design.

Many weddings are featuring Save the Dates, Invitations, Programs, Menus, Out of Town Bag letters, Valet Cards, Place Cards, Table Numbers and Thank You notes that all carry the same concept in color, theme and motif. The other big trend in paper products is eliminating Place Cards for guests and using Guest Boards instead — in essence, guests go to a beautifully framed board and find their names alphabetically with their table assignments.

4

photos by Genevieve Nisly Photography

1

What’s Next: Out: Pocket invitations, which have been trendy for a few years, are on their way out because of the cost of mailing and the bulk of the invites. In: According to Laura Woofter, founder of Paper Allure, a Canton, OH-based couture invitation company: “Bright colors in invitations and wording are going to continue to be in — with purple and aqua being hot colors once again. Brides being more creative on the wording of paper products — thinking out of the box — is also going to be big in the future.”

Trend #2: Food & Drink Traditional: Guests walk into a cocktail hour and are immediately welcomed by a large display of cheese, crackers, vegetables, fruit and dips. Most wedding dinners are either sit-down meals or large buffets of pasta and chicken. Drinks typically consist of a full bar — beer, wine, mixed drinks and sodas. The wedding cake is typically the main dessert, sometimes accompanied by

32

akronlife

2 the ethnic family’s cookies. Italians (like me!) especially love their cookie displays!

Trend: Food stations, ethnic stations, small plate dinners instead of large sit downs, and family-style dinners are all becoming popular. The biggest trend in wedding cuisine is the presentation — treating food like art.

Specialty drinks are also in, in combination with full bars, or with just wine and beer.

What’s Next: In many ways, it’s already here: creatively designed cuisine displayed in an artful manner. Informal wedding cuisine may also make a bigger appearance — i.e. ice cream stations, casual tapas plates — to create a casual feel and more enjoyment for guests.

Trend #3: Music/Entertainment Traditional: Brides often pick a DJ or band for their reception and trust them with making sure the crowd is entertained.

Trend: “Brides are becoming more selective in the music that’s played for their special day, taking the task of selecting just the right songs very seriously, almost like planning out their own iPod wedding,” says DJ Scott Jones of january 2011

Jerry Bruno Productions in Cleveland. The playing of Top 40 music throughout the celebration is also becoming more popular; for DJ’s, that’s simple to accommodate, but for bands, it means hours of rehearsal. Another trend is the exclusion of specialty dances, like the father/daughter dance and the mother/son dance; others are combining these two dances so it’s one song instead of two. Many brides want to have their first dance and then let the party begin. Out: the garter and bouquet toss.

In: the Anniversary Dance, which honors the longest married couple in attendance.

What’s Next: multiple performance weddings — weddings that have string quartets for cocktail hour, jazz groups for dinner music and a band for dancing.

Trend #4: Photography Traditional: Wedding photographers have traditionally focused on posed shots of family and friends. Guests would be stopped here and there to pose for a photo, and the bridal party would be stuck for hours in photo sessions. After the wedding, most brides would be presented with a traditional wedding album — with cutouts for each photo to be placed.

Trend: Wedding photography has evolved dramatically over the last several years, and the days of the classically posed are gone.

“Nowadays, the poses are more fashionable,

casual and interactive,” says Genevieve Nisly, of Genevieve Nisly Photography in Canton.

“Photography studios are developing distinct styles where the photographer is more of an artist than a simple camera operator.” Today, wedding photography is all about the word, “Photojournalistic” — candid pictures of anything, and everything! Photographers are all over the place at today’s weddings, gathering detail photos and pictures of emotions; they’re truly capturing the day’s events. Afterward, a bride often designs a Wedding Coffee Table Book — a beautiful album in bright colors with an artistic flair, which allows the bride and groom to relive their day.

What’s Next: The dramatic changes in photography over the last few years won’t be reversed anytime soon. We’ll continue to see more and more artistic photographs from weddings.

Wedding photography continues to become more about art and less about point-and-click.

Trend #5: Videography Traditional: The wedding video is a two-hour production of the entire wedding day. Most begin with a photo montage of the bride and groom growing up and end with the bride and groom waving goodbye at the end of their day.

Trend: Technology has taken wedding videos to a completely new level. Today, they’re more of a documentary of the day and are edited in an artistic fashion to truly show the emotion and details. The end video is approximately 30 minutes and sometimes has separate chapters for toasts and the full wedding ceremony.

Same Day Edits are also becoming popular (and are done by only a handful of videographers). These clips show the wedding day from makeup/hair/preparations to the ceremony to the post-ceremony bridal party photo shoot leading right into the reception. A select few videographers can take the footage they filmed from say, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and edit it down right there (during cocktail hour and dinner) into a one-song video. Then they’ll play it to guests after dinner. Talk about a “Wow!” moment.

What’s Next: “While TV and movies are headed for 3D, this won’t be the direction for wedding videos,” says Brian Morris, co-owner of 2nd Mile Productions based in Malvern.

“Instead, the artistic nature of the video will become more and more like a movie. It’ll be more about the narrative of the entire day and the story leading up to the day than of just ‘Event A, Event B.’”

Elegant Events &

Chef Driven Cuisine

at Affordable prices.

Seats up to 400 guests

Make your next event or dining destination spectacular! Celebrate at Prime/93 and Prime event center; you deserve the best!

Chef John G, Bahas II and his experienced staff has created memorable events in the community for over 16 years. From rock stars to the White House, they have learned to create a perfect menu, setting, and budget to meet any corporate, civic, or private event need.

4315 Manchester Road | Akron 330-644-2239 | PrimeAtAnthes.com

Already selected a location?

Waterloo Catering offers custom catering to any location 330-773-5158 | waterloorestaurantandcatering.com

6

Something old, something new, something borrowed and something sparkling blue.

This destination wedding bridal bracelet is fun and feminine with a combination of classic and personalized beads.

taylormadejewelry.com 2492 Wedgewood Dr., Akron, OH 44312 330-733-8000 Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri - 10am to 6pm, Thurs - 10am to 8pm & Sat - 9am to 3pm www.akronlife.com

33

Trend #8: Décor Traditional: Brides concentrated their décor efforts on flowers. White was the primary color in linens, and décor with accent colors was used to enhance.

6 Trend #6: Colors Traditional: White, white and more white.

Brides use accent colors such as gold, silver and maybe a touch of true color on dresses, ribbon, sashes and such.

Trend: Though white will always be a primary wedding color and a true “White Wedding” may never completely go out of style, for today’s wedding, the more color, the better! Today’s brides aren’t afraid of color and use it in everything from linens to lighting.

Many shades of purple and blue have been very popular lately and show signs of sticking around for awhile.

What’s Next: Colors that will be hot in 2011: lilac, Clementine orange, sangria, amethyst, coral, emerald and yellow.

Trend #7: Setup Traditional: The wedding reception setup consists of round tables for guests with a straight, long head table for the bridal party.

Most reception facilities own the types of tables needed for this setup, so it’s the easy option for planning.

changing. The traditional straight head tables are somewhat out of style. Instead, brides are choosing to sit at Sweetheart Tables for Two, at rounds with their families or at King’s Tables, which can be made as large as desired to accommodate even the dates of the bridal party.

What’s Next: Different-shaped tables are continuing to be designed and used more often in our area. Larger square tables are going to be used more frequently, as well as different configurations of tables to accommodate more guests. For example, putting four six-foot tables together seats 16 guests and leaves an interesting hole in the middle for a creative floral designer.

4

Trend: Many brides are adding a modern flair to their reception setups by renting a combination of different-shaped tables — some square, some round, some rectangle — to add interest. The bridal table or head table is also photos by Genevieve Nisly Photography

34

akronlife

january 2011

Trend: Today’s weddings are all about color and texture. Many brides are taking advantage of the beautiful color options available in linens today. Also, flowers are no longer in simple vases. Wonderful floral designers in our area can take your flower design to the next level. Incorporating beading, feathers, fruit and other textural pieces into arrangements has become very popular. Lighting has become essential and adds a completely different dimension to weddings. And no more white walls; they’re now uplit in mocha, pink, red, amber and more. Today’s weddings can be classic, modern, artistic or off the wall — you can showcase your personality like never before.

What’s Next: the continuation of great floral design. Says Neil Leeson, of Neil Leeson Décor Floral in Akron: “It’s all about personality. As long as you walk into the reception and see the bride’s personality in the design, then you know you did it. This year, being daring with linens and lighting is going to continue. Mixing up the centerpieces is also continuing to be popular; three and four different centerpieces allow the infusion of different ideas from the bride and add personality to the design.”

7

,/(%5 ")1-

.3&#-"5 & ! ( 5 ),5 0 ,35 ,#

#'5 $ &'5 ,# & 5 ,/ ,35hj7hm )"(( 5 )5 ,# & , "5gg7gi &3( 5 ,# & *,#&5hn7if (( 5 ,! /( 5i7gh

8

˰MƉ ˱SJEFǶ

ƽ5ƽ5ƽ5ƽ5ƽ5ƽ5ƽ5 555 555 555 555 555 555 555 555 5ƽ5ƽ5ƽ5ƽ5ƽ5ƽ5ƽ5ƽ5 555555hgo5 5 #(5 ., .555O555 / -)(65 "#)55jjhil 555555555555555555 **)#(.' (.-5 )'' ( 555555iif7lkk7giio555O5551118 && ,# - /.# /&8 )' 55

Trend #9: Details Traditional: Weddings are often remembered for their details. In the past, details consisted of the food, beverages, flowers and possibly a favor. Favors traditionally were candies and candles.

Trend: Today’s weddings are packed with details and special touches that make each wedding unique. (And finding the details that a bride wants to include in her day can take months of research.) Today, favors are actually falling out of favor; instead, many brides

make a donation to a charity in the name of their guests. (Placing that information on a menu card or place seating board is perfect for letting the guests know.) Candy buffets are another detail that have been popular for a few years now. Having an actual photobooth at the wedding to capture guests pictures (which can then be placed in a scrapbook for the bride and groom) is another detail trend that has really grown in popularity recently.

Also popular, incorporating the detail of your wedding dress into other facets of the day, such as cake design, motif on the invitation, etc.

What’s Next: Eco-friendly weddings are going to become more and more popular. “Green” weddings with recycled paper, LED lighting and donations instead of gifts may make a bigger appearance.

Trend #10: Late-Night Action Traditional: After dancing, most guests exited at a fast pace. Some might linger and grab a cookie from the large cookie table, but many would head home to bed.

www.akronlife.com

35

9 F

I

N

E

J

E

W

E

L

R Y

116 N O RT H M A I N S T R E E T • H U D S O N • 330.650.9011 • W W W . J E W E L RYA RT H U D S O N . C O M

photos by Shane Wynn Studio

Groom’s Cakes • Cupcakes • Gourmet Cookie & Pastry Trays

Making Memories Sweeter

Trend: Create a late-night party. After dinner, many weddings open a “lounge” area for guests who don’t want to dance. This area can be decorated with bright linens, ice bars (literally, a bar made of ice), white lounge furniture — no rules! The late-night cookie displays may never go away thanks to our wonderful aunts and grandmothers, but why limit the guests to sweet treats? Late-night food is becoming more and more popular; after dancing begins, out comes the sliders, pizzas and Oreos (with a milk shooter)!

What’s Next: Actual “after parties” may make a showing — ending the reception a bit earlier and moving the party to another location, either at a hotel or within the reception facility, to continue the party with guests who are night owls!

Trend #11: Attire

2303 W. Market Street • Akron, OH 44313 330.836.4101 • www.thewestsidebakery.com

36

akronlife

january 2011

Traditional: Is there such a thing as “traditional” wedding attire? Fashion changes so radically from decade to decade that the only thing I can say about traditional attire is that most wedding gowns are white or ivory and the groom wears a tuxedo.

11

photos by Genevieve Nisly Photography

Trend: Today’s bride has more options than ever before. Strapless gowns have continued to be the norm, but if that style doesn’t suit you, try something else! A fun trend I’ve seen more and more of is the bride wearing two dresses — one for the ceremony and formal part of the reception, and then a more playful cocktail wedding dress for dinner and dancing. Brides are also wearing a bit of color;

brightly colored shoes under the stark white dress are hip and fun! Dramatic veils have been popular for a few seasons now, but I’m also seeing brides use feathers, jewels and flowers for headpieces. For the groom, a black tuxedo is always in, but suits are also making a comeback. A wedding’s formality can often be gauged by the attire of the groom.

What’s Next: Sleeves and straps may make a comeback, especially one-shoulder dresses.

Vintage will continue to be in, with lace remaining popular. Shorter dresses will pop up more and more, but I’m betting we’ll see those more as a second dress for late-evening dancing. And dresses with pockets — genius! / Tricia Dever is a full-service wedding coordinator in the Northeast Ohio market with more than 10 years of event experience. Dever was an event planner at the Pro Football Hall of Fame for several years before becoming the wedding planner for Glenmoor Country Club in Canton. In 2004, she started her own company, Always Eventful, Inc., which specializes in full-service wedding coordination and day-of-wedding assistance. Dever lives in North Canton with her husband, Rich, and their daughter, Katie.

Comments?

Got something to say about this article (or another article) in akronlife? We want to hear from you! E-mail editor Georgina K. Carson at gcarson@bakermediagroup.com.

Where tradition meets contemporary elegance, style and glamour.

Let me help you design & dress up your special event.

– Dede Duell, Professionally Trained Wedding Consultant.

The Metropolitan Centre’s magnificently restored ballroom provides an exceptional backdrop for your special event.

The ballroom seats approximately 270 guests and includes a formal stage. We can tailor this beautiful room for large or intimate events.

Our facility offers a choice of either indoor or outdoor weddings.

6 0 1 C l e v e l a n d A v e . N W, C a n t o n • 3 3 0 - 7 5 4 - 0 3 6 5 w w w. m e t r o p o l i t a n c e n t re o n l i n e . c o m

Exclusively for the Metropolitan Centre - or for you at the venue of your choice.

601 Cleveland Ave., NW • Canton 330.265.8976 www.dselegantevents.com

www.akronlife.com

37

Heather Burns and Matt Neidert/photos by Shane Wynn Studio

bridal: q&a

by Georgina K. Carson

The “I Do” Diaries / Four local brides tell all about their big day, from pairing Converse sneakers with a wedding dress to the police escort needed to get to the church on time. /

Heather Burns and Matt Neidert Married: Aug. 12, 2010 (reception Aug. 13th) Location of your first kiss: my hammock Where he proposed: He was planning to wake me up one morning to surprise me bedside, but I’d gone into the bathroom to get ready for the day, and I ended up surprising him in the hallway, holding champagne, a flower — and the ring. It was great — and luckily I had just brushed my teeth!

Best part of your wedding: The “police escort” down Mayfield Road during the Feast of the Assumption to get to the wedding. Six of us were in my car (three girlfriends and two photographers). We almost missed it!

38

akronlife

january 2011

What made your wedding unique: It was in Little Italy on the first night of the Feast, so the road was closed for a big street party with food vendors, etc. After we ate dinner, we all worked our way out into the festival. It was fun walking through the crowd in our wedding clothes. We entered the beer tent just as Beyoncé’s “Put a Ring on It” came on, and Matt and I just started to dance. People kind of cleared back to watch us and cheer — people love love, you know. The owner came up to buy us a beer; he was so touched

that we essentially had our first dance in his place! The next night at our reception, we had our first dance and then asked the guests to join us on the dance floor for the next song — which was James Brown. This got everybody up and moving and talking to each other well before dinner. We also did a cake for each table — various flavors — so after dinner, people went around trying different cakes and meeting each other. And instead of favors, we donated money to two of our favorite charities.

Your first dance: Sheryl Crow’s “Summer Day” Infamous reception songs on your playlist: We did have the “Electric Slide,” though not because either of us likes it. My dad loves it and knows the dance (though I don’t), and Matt’s mom loves it too — so we surprised them and had it right after our more traditional mother-son, father-daughter dance, to break up the seriousness. They thought it was a blast! And did I mention it was 85 degrees? We had some very sweaty Electric Sliders that night!

The honeymoon: Positano on the Amalfi Coast of Italy When you get in bed at night, who has colder toes: HIM! Favorite part of being married: sharing our days with each other. It’s nice to come home and talk about what we’ve been doing while we were apart, laughing at what’s happened, encouraging each other after a rough day, etc.

Advice for a bride-to-be: Go small, save your money and focus on the memories. Those you’ll keep; the “stuff ” goes away eventually.

Go someplace quiet, get married, come home, buy a house and then have a party there!

Kristin (Lindsey) and Colin Brimfield Married: May 22, 2010 What made your wedding unique: We refused to be slaves to tradition. Our officiant was a close friend. Another close friend read a poem in Spanish (since Colin and I met in Spanish class). I wore chocolate brown Converse for the ceremony and reception, and walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of “Bella Notte” from Lady and the

www.akronlife.com

39

Tramp. We had a pasta bar and taco bar for our main course, complete with Colin’s corn salsa recipe. We’re very environmentally conscious, so our centerpieces were wheatgrass planted in biodegradable pots with a few Gerbera daisies, and we gave personalized tree seedlings for favors.

Best part of your wedding: sharing the day with out closest family and friends. Our wedding date was also our 10th anniversary, so it was a long time coming!

Location of your first kiss: a friend’s house

S

Kristin (Lindsey) and Colin Brimfield/photos by Dave Shepherd of Dabe Alan Photography

ShaneWynn Studio

photography • videography • slide shows

shanewynn.com 40

akronlife

Where he proposed: Ken Stewart’s Grille.

Colin is a very private person, so I was shocked that he actually got down on one knee in public like that.

Were you at any point a Bridezilla: I was the anti-Bridezilla. My main goal was for everyone to have a good time and be comfortable. I let my bridesmaids pick out their own dress styles in the fabric and color I selected, and they wore whatever shoes, jewelry and hairstyles they wanted. Usually brides are trying to convince everyone of all the expensive things they “need,” but I continually had to convince family members that I didn’t need (or want) a lot of that fancy stuff that no one remembers and, to me, is just a waste of money.

Your first dance: “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton

joshuatreevideo.com january 2011

Infamous reception songs on your playlist: They were all on our “Do Not Play” list, except “YMCA.” Our DJ was a lot of fun, and he has this tradition of having the groom and groomsmen put on various accessories to dress like the Village People and then perform the dance along with custom moves like the lawnmower, the sprinkler, etc., in front of the entire crowd. No one but us knew about it, so everyone was pleasantly surprised. It was a big hit, and there are a few videos floating around out there.

The honeymoon: Kauai, Hawaii When you get in bed at night, who has colder toes: definitely me. My hands and feet are always freezing.

Advice for a bride-to-be: Relax, and don’t allow the wedding planning to control your life. And when your day arrives, let it all go and just have fun. Your guests likely won’t even realize those little snafus that are bound to happen. They will, however, notice if you’re not having a good time. Whatever happens, at the end of the day, you’re married to the one you love — and that’s what matters.

Favorite part of being married: knowing no matter what life throws at us, we’ll face it together

Cassie and Evan Clark Married: Oct. 9, 2010 Advice for a bride-to-be: Pick your battles!

Know what you’re willing to compromise on and what you really want. We wanted an outside wedding in October, and everyone told us we were crazy — but we did it anyway.

And ladies, you need to ask what your fiancé wants. That’s right, he has a say, too!

Casssie and Evan Clark/photos by Shane Wynn Studio

Location of your first kiss: at my apartment in Akron. It was after our first date, where we went on a picnic and I flew my first kite!

Where he proposed: at the University of Akron on the Student Union Balcony. Below us were pieces of poster board that his roommates had laid out that read, “Cassie, will you marry me?” Each poster board had a huge letter on it. I looked over at him, and he was on one knee.

Best part of your wedding: having so many people who love us come together to help create a really special day for us. We’re both really creative, but we were only engaged six months, so we couldn’t make all the hand-

www.akronlife.com

41

Were you at any point a Bridezilla: I’m sure I was. No one ever called me one (at least that I know of ), but I get stressed out easily and overreact a lot. Sometimes, everything can be a big deal for me!

The honeymoon: Las Vegas Infamous reception songs on your playlist: We had so many kids at our wedding that I had to sneak the “Hokey Pokey” on.

We also played the “Chicken Dance” because my mom begged us for months. We started playing it right after a rap song, and everyone just stood there for a moment, like, “What?”

Some of our friends really got into it! I was being twirled around so much that I almost fell! Sometimes the corniest songs end up being the most fun. Way to go Mom for suggesting it!

Jim and Julie Thomasson Married: Sept. 4, 2010 Location of your first kiss: at my house, as he was leaving from one of our first dates four years ago

Jim and Julie thomasson/photos by Christopher Kovacevich of CK Studio

made items ourselves. We had a lot of friends and family help us, so on our wedding day, we really felt the love.

our guests were probably like, “They took lessons for this?” But we had so much fun we didn’t even care.

Your first dance: a mix of two songs: Ray Lamontange’s, “Let It Be Me,” and then we switched halfway through to a swing song — Michael Franti Spearhead, “Sound of Sunshine.” We wanted to wow our guests with our dance moves, but even with lessons, it was impossible to swing dance in my dress!

I’m pretty sure the dance looked awful, and

What made your wedding unique: It was “us.” It was a combination of rustic and vintage. Evan and I handmade almost every single thing that was there. My bouquet was made out of brooches (some were my grandma’s). Evan cut down a tree and made stumps for our table numbers, and he made the arbor we said our vows under.

42

akronlife

january 2011

Where he proposed: at the bottom of his staircase on Thanksgiving morning. We waited to tell our family until we sat down to dinner later that day. I had the ring in my pocket the whole time. The suspense almost killed me!

Best part of your wedding: our tented reception at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. We had the biggest tent I’ve ever seen, and it was absolutely gorgeous. Everyone worked very hard to make it look perfect, and I felt like a princess walking in.

Your first dance: “Amazing” by One eskimO. Leading up to the wedding, we couldn’t listen to the song without crying. We took dancing lessons, which I highly recommend!

What made your wedding unique: A month before our wedding, we found out Jim had kidney cancer. Part of me wanted to cancel everything and just elope, since our wedding was suddenly not the most important thing in our lives. But we still wanted our dream wedding, so we decided to move forward. The night before our wedding, our priest administered the anointing of the sick to Jim. Right away, we were living by our vows, loving each other in sickness and in health. We left it in the hands of God, and we were able to truly enjoy every minute of our wedding day. Two months later, Jim had his kidney removed and was given a clean bill of health. Although it was a very scary time, it only made us stronger — and our wedding day was the best day of our lives.

Were you a Bridezilla: not during the planning. Although I did have a brief meltdown at the reception over my shoes. Thank God I brought backups!

Hospitality Division Table Tops • Napkins • Towels • Aprons :H DOVR RIIHU /RJR PDWV DUHD SURWHFWLRQ PDWV GLUHFW VDOH FDWDORJ K\JLHQH SDSHU SURGXFWV FDQ OLQHUV DQG DQWLEDFWHULDO VRDS

1050 Northview Avenue, Barberton 44203 www.liniform.com

Advice for a bride-to-be: Be true to who you are on your wedding day. Listen to everyone’s advice, but trust your own instinct. My mom was my wedding planner, and although she always gave me choices, she ultimately let me make all the decisions. When I look back on the day, I have no regrets because I never tried to be anyone other than me.

You can simply be the Bride; we will handle the details.

Pet names for each other: I asked my husband how to answer this question. He said that I’m “sweetie,” and he’s “idiot.” So there you go.

The honeymoon: Guanacaste, Costa Rica. It was beautiful, and so relaxing.

When you get in bed at night, who has colder toes: definitely me, although since he’s over a foot taller than me, they hardly ever touch!

Favorite part of being married: just knowing that you always have your best friend with you.

Everything is better when he’s by my side.

Comments?

Got something to say about this article (or another article) in akronlife? We want to hear from you! E-mail editor Georgina K. Carson at gcarson@bakermediagroup.com.

Event Planning with

Tricia Dever 330.244.0613

www.ALWAYSEVENTFUL.com

www.akronlife.com

43

education

by Abby Cymerman

8 private-school admission Mistakes

/ Applying to a private school requires a lot of work, but if you do your research and avoid these pitfalls, you can increase your child’s chance for success. /

>> Because Northeast Ohio provides a lot of options when it

comes to private schools — from nursery school to high school — deciding on an institution and enrolling your child can often be an overwhelming and stressful task. To simplify the process, be sure to avoid these eight admission mistakes.

•

The safe school – You’re positive your child will be accepted into this institu tion.

If your child doesn’t have a safe school on his list, ask him to add it. Otherwise, you may have to choose another school at crunch time — and why add more stress to your family’s life?

4. Give recommendation forms in advance.

1. Don’t believe the hype.

You have your heart set on sending your toddler to a particular private preschool, but other parents at the playground have negative things to say about that school. Should you listen to the “sidewalk banter”?

Listening to other people’s opinions can be helpful, but the best way to make an informed decision is to tour the school and form opinions based on your own observations.

Even if you’re initially reluctant or turned off by some aspect of a school, take a look at it anyway. Visiting a school that you’re not interested in may raise important questions or confirm that your child’s original school selection is a better fit.

2. Do your homework.

Your child wants to attend the same private school as his friend next door, but you’re not sure if that school’s educational techniques will benefit your son in the long-run.

When you begin shopping for a private school, it’s important to do your due diligence. Understand the philosophy of education you’re choosing. Make an educated decision about what type of school your child

44

akronlife

is applying to and what the school will ask of you, as a family, to support the educational process.

Making sure the school is the right fit at the beginning of your child’s educational career will prevent headaches and frustration down the line.

You’re planning to send your middle-school-aged son to a private high school, which requires recommendation forms from his current math and English teachers. Your son gave the form to his teachers a week before it was due.

3. Make three good choices.

Your teenager insists on applying solely to his dream school, even though he doesn’t have the grades to get accepted. You believe he’d have a better chance at another school, and the application deadlines are coming up. What happens if he doesn’t get accepted at his dream school?

Private schools are competitive, and parents shouldn’t assume their child will be accepted.

The website, www.privateschoolreview.com suggests that your child apply to three categories of schools:

Experts advise parents not to do this — ever.

It leaves a bad impression on your child’s teacher, and it’s just plain rude. If you want to start off on the right foot, the first step is to plan ahead.

•

The dream school – This school is a stretch for your child, but it’s worth a shot. (And letting your child apply is much better than listening to hours of teenage angst.)

•

The middle-ground school – Your child has a fairly good chance of getting accept ed here.

Download the teacher recommendation forms from the private school’s website. Fill in your child’s information on the top of the form, and then give the form to your child’s teacher.

Don’t forget to provide an envelope, stamped with the correct postage, and addressed to the private school’s admissions office.

january 2011

promotional editorial

Walsh University Salutes

Michael Reolfi as Its 2010 Outstanding Educator of the Year Reolfi was nominated as Walsh’s Outstanding Educator of the Year for his ability to engage students by incorporating their experiences into his teaching. He’s known for maintaining an open and friendly classroom that’s conducive to learning at all times.

A

ssistant Professor of Business Dr. Michael Reolfi was drawn to teaching long before he made a career of it. Today, both he and his students are glad he did. “Well into my career as a lawyer, I realized that I enjoyed the part-time teaching more than practicing law full-time. So I switched those priorities and just two years into teaching at Walsh, I’m very honored that the students have recognized me in this way,” said Reolfi.

The Walsh University Outstanding Educator of the Year is awarded annually by Walsh students and honors the faculty member who has provided positive inspiration and academic standards of the highest order. Recipients of this distinguished award are a tribute to excellence in higher education.

“I absolutely believe in Walsh’s close student-teacher interaction, and I know that Walsh’s formula for academic excellence works,” said Reolfi.

Reolfi teaches courses in Business Law, Individual Taxation, Corporate Taxation, Negotiations, Human Resources and Ethics for The DeVille School of Business at Walsh University. He is an accountant and attorney with experience practicing corporate and estate planning law. He has also served as a police advisor/prosecutor for Jackson Township. He began his career at Ford Motor Company in Canton.

Prior to joining Walsh full time in 2008, Reolfi was an adjunct professor at Walsh and Malone University, and served as a junior high substitute teacher at St. Michael’s School in Canton. Over the years, he has generously given of his time to the Stark County Academy of Trial Lawyers (People’s Law School) and to local school children through the DARE program and Gang Resistance Education and Training.

Reolfi earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting and a juris doctorate degree from The University of Akron. He and his wife, Elaine, live in North Canton and are the proud parents of three children.

The DeVille School of Business

at Walsh University

Accounting Global Business Management Marketing Accelerated MBA

www.walsh.edu 330.490.7172

Advance Manage Strategize Innovate Achieve

7.3125x4.75_AL&L Ad_final.indd 1

www.akronlife.com

11/30/10 2:20 PM 45

Side-by-Side / A parents’ comparison guide to private and public schools /

>>

Choosing your child’s school can be overwhelming, especially in Summit, Portage, Medina and Stark counties, where there’s an abundance of private and public schools. Use this chart to help you make an educated decision that’s right for your family.

Private Schools

Public Schools

Administration

Local school support staff manages the day-to-day operations.

Local school and district layers of administrative staff support the day-to-day operations.

Admissions

Selective. Students must meet whatever admissions standards are set.

Students must meet residency and age requirements. Students are admitted without regard to academic ability.

Arts

All kinds of arts programs are essential in a private school. Performing arts include orchestras, bands and choirs. Fine arts and theater are also part of the program.

Arts programs are generally considered extras in a public school budget. they’re usually the first area of expense to be cut when savings must be found.

Class Size

Private schools have small classes with 12 to 15 students the norm.

Depending on staffing, public schools can have as many as 25 to 35 students per class.

Curriculum

Private schools teach the subjects they wish to teach, as well as meeting the state minimums. they use various assessment methods to determine a child’s performance.

Public schools must teach what the state and the district board tell them to teach. they also must prepare students for state assessments on a regular basis.

Discipline

Zero tolerance is the norm. Students are governed by contract law and can be dismissed for cause.

Discipline is subject to due process and a student’s rights under the Constitution. It can take weeks or months to resolve issues.

Extracurricular Activities

Private schools usually offer many activities depending on the kind of school and its program.

Clubs and activities are considered extras. they tend to be reduced or cut when budgets are tight.

Funding Sources

Private schools rely on tuition and other fees, gifts and endowments for their operating revenues. they’re generally taxexempt.

Public school districts derive their revenue from local property taxes and some state and federal aid.

Parental Involvement

Parents are expected to be involved and supportive of their child’s education.

Parents are expected to be involved and supportive of their child’s education.

Policy and Management

Private schools typically are tax-exempt not-for-profit entities run by a board or trustees. they operate under the terms of their charter as they see fit.

Public schools are managed by an elected board or members. their meetings are governed by state and local regulations and laws.

Single Sex Education

the board decides whether a private While there are some public single-sex schools, school is a boys’ school or a girls’ school. they can be controversial depending on the feelings of the local populace.

Sports

Sports are an integral part of a private school program. Private school teachers are responsible for coaching a sport.

Sports tend to be reduced or cut when budgets are tight. teachers aren’t required to coach unless specified in their union contract.

teachers

Private school teachers don’t belong to a union. they don’t have to be certified and licensed, though most of them are.

Public school teachers belong to a union, except teachers in many charter schools. Public school teachers must be certified and licensed by the state in which they teach.

transportation

Parents drive their children to day school or pay for private carriers.

transportation is provided by the district.

Uniforms and Dress Codes

Most private schools have a dress code, and many of them require students to wear school uniforms.

Dress codes and uniforms are controversial in public schools. their existence depends on school board policies.

Source: www.privateschoolreview.co 46

akronlife

january 2011

Recommendation forms allow teachers to evaluate your child’s work in certain academic fields.

They only take 15 to 20 minutes to fill out but, remember, your child’s teacher may be writing recommendations for more than one student — so give him adequate time to write a glowing review of your child. Encourage the teacher to mail the form as soon as possible to allow for snail mail snafus. (And don’t ask to see the form; the teacher’s comments about your child are confidential.)

Taking the time to put these little things in place will not only ensure that the recommendation gets to the private school on time, but it’s also a way to be considerate to the teacher, who’s essentially doing a favor for your family.

5. Don’t miss application deadlines.

You and your spouse are looking forward to sending your kindergartener to a private elementary school. In the craziness of everyday life, you didn’t read the application carefully and missed the deadline.

Admissions directors set deadlines because they expect to receive hundreds of applications that need to be processed. According to www.privateschoolreview.com, missing deadlines may not be a big deal to you, but it sends the wrong signal to the admissions staff.

If something comes up that prevents you from meeting the deadline (like an out-of-town funeral), call the private school immediately to let them know why your child’s application will be late. The staff is more likely to accommodate your needs if you clue them in on the situation.

Canton Country Day School

And, be sure to completely fill out every line of the paperwork. Many parents accidentally leave spaces blank, which slows down the processing time.

6. Be punctual for the interview.

Your family is always “fashionably late.” Although you know it’s a bad habit, chances are, you won’t get your child to her admissions interview on time.

Adults know that being late for a job interview is a huge turn-off to a potential employer (and, possibly, a deal breaker), so take these steps to make sure your child isn’t late for her admissions interview.

When you schedule the interview, think of it as being a half-hour earlier. If you figure that extra 30 minutes into your schedule, the worst thing that will happen is you and your child will have

Empowering Students

for Success in the 21st Century through Canton Country Day’s “One to One” laptop program for every child in grades four through eight

Preschool through Grade Eight 3000 Demington Avenue NW / Canton, OH 44718 / 330-453-8279

www.cantoncountryday.org

www.akronlife.com

47

By the Number / Ohio Private Schools: 1,047 / Number of Private School Students: 246,396 Ohio Private School Students Enrolled in:

Go to

Preschool: 24,587

////////////////////////

Kindergarten: 21,011

/////////////////////

akronlife.com

1st Grade: 18,439

//////////////////

2nd Grade: 18,603

//////////////////

to see a

3rd Grade: 18,726

//////////////////

complete list

4th Grade: 18,339

//////////////////

5th Grade: 17,862

/////////////////

of Greater

6th Grade: 17,613

/////////////////

7th Grade: 17,163

/////////////////

8th Grade: 16,545

////////////////

9th Grade: 14,171

//////////////

10th Grade: 13,318

/////////////

11th Grade: 12,698

////////////

12th Grade: 12,299

////////////

Akron K-12 Private Schools.

Source: EducationBug.com

We learn like girls... try to keep up!

Come to our

OPreK, PEN HOUSE K and grades 1-8 Jan 30, 2011 12:30-2pm or

www.TheElms.org to learn about the benefits of a single gender education and how Our Lady of the Elms can help your daughter succeed!

Grades 1-12 - All Girls

PreK & K - Co-ed

Elementary, PreK & K

1290 W Market St Akron, 44313 330.864.7210

Middle School

1375 W Exchange St Akron 44313 330.867.0918 Rooted in Dominican Tradition

48

akronlife

to wait. But it gives you both time to relax, read or visit the restroom before the interview — and that’s not such a bad thing.

If something unforeseen happens, and you’re going to be late, be considerate and call the admissions director.

And be sure to leave younger siblings at home with a sitter. Don’t drag them along to the interview because you won’t be able to give your full attention to the older child. This is probably your child’s first interview experience, and she needs you to be present — in body and in mind.

7. Practice to avoid test anxiety.

Your child is bright, but every time he takes a test in school, he chokes. He wants to attend a private school, but the admissions test is coming up and he’s dreading it.

Private schools use standardized admissions tests to compare applicants. Experts suggest that your child start practicing at least six months before the actual test date. Take advantage of the books, CDs and websites that are available as study guides Parents can help by setting up a practice under test conditions, with no distractions like iPods, Wiis or little brothers. Admissions tests usu-

january 2011

ally take place in the a.m. so practice with your child on a Saturday or Sunday morning. The more times he practices, the more comfortable he’ll be during the actual test.

8. Know that you can afford it.

You’re sure that your child would thrive in a private-school environment, but the tuition is too steep for your family’s budget. Does this rule out your private school options altogether?

One of the biggest mistakes parents make is assuming they won’t be able to afford the school. Most private schools have significant financial aid budgets that make the actual cost to parents less than many other school options, assuming the family shows need.

The hardest part for students is getting in. If your child is a strong student, and if there’s a financial need, the funding will follow. / Writer Abby Cymerman is the assistant editor of akronlife magazine. You can contact her at acymerman@bakermediagroup.com.

Comments?

Got something to say about this article (or another article) in akronlife? We want to hear from you! E-mail editor Georgina K. Carson at gcarson@bakermediagroup.com.

A Comprehensive Resource for Remodeling / Expansion Projects

Choose a

Remodeler Instead of a

Homebuilder Everyone You Need To Know To Complete Your Project

N ort h e a s t Oh i o

ddooititwith withstyle style FULL PAGE AD

TheThe elegance and strength elegance and strength of quality furniture. of quality furniture.

WorkWork with with the professionals at at the professionals WOLFF BROS. SUPPLY, Inc. Inc. WOLFF BROS. SUPPLY, 12001200 KellyKelly Ave.,Ave., Akron, OH 44306 Akron, OH 44306 Call: Call: 330-330-773-0200 330-330-773-0200

MAKING YOUR DREAM HOME A REALITY

The Elite

By Category

6

8 4 6 8

Cover Images: Artistic Renovations, LLC East Central regional COTY winner, 2009 Residential Addition $100,000-$250,000

Layout & Design by :

(330) 899-4927

Alphabetically

20

Choosing the Right Remodeler NARI Helps Take Away the Worry of Finding Quality Workers and Workmanship The Elite NARI of Northeast Ohio Certified Remodelers Everyone You Need To Know To Complete Your Project Directory of Remodelers by Category

14

Why Homeowners Should Choose A Remodeler When You Have a Remodel Project, Choose a Remodeler Instead of a Homebuilder

16

Lead-Safe Remodeling New EPA Guidelines Aim to Keep Everyone Safe from Lead Poisoning

18 20 22 24 35

Making a Wise Choice for a Home Remodeler What are the questions I should ask potential contractors?

Warning Signs Warning Signs During Interviews - Take Notice So You Don’t Get Taken Just How Different is a NARI Certified Professional?

Quality and Trustworthy Craftsmanship for Your Project Directory of Remodelers : Alphabetical Stay On Top of the Details Comprehensive Checklist for Your Remodeling Project

HELPFUL RESOURCE

Choosing the Right Remodeler NARI helps take away the worry of finding quality workers and workmanship

A

s homeowners e a g e r l y await a positive turnaround in the residential real estate market, many are fixing up or adding on to their existing homes in an effort to improve their value, style or f u n c t i o n a l it y.

Before you dive into a major home remodel, however, the National Association of the Remodeling I n d u s t r y (NARI) reminds homeowners to take a close look at the contractor they plan to hire for the job.

William Carter, CR, CKBR, owner of the William E. Carter Co. in Sacramento, Calif., is a remodeling veteran with more than 35 years experience who says homeowners need to ask the right questions before committing to a contractor. As a professional remodeler and as vice president of NARI, Carter has made it his job to inform consumers about what to look for before signing on the dotted line.

“Homeowners are always looking at the bottom line, but they should be aware of what it represents,” he says. “Many homeowners have 60 percent or more of 4

Absolute Roofing & Construction, inc.

East Central regional COTY winner, 2009 Residential Kitchen - $ 40,000 - $ 80,000

their net worth invested in their homes, so a remodeler can be responsible for half of someone’s physical existence.”

That’s a big responsibility.

Carter recommends that homeowners do their homework by asking the right

Take a close look at the contractor you plan to hire for the job.

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

questions. The goal is ferret out whether the remodeler has a track record of happy customers, if he or she will communicate with you openly, work on a realistic time schedule and within your budget.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

◊ What type of contractor do I need?

Deciding which type of professional to hire will depend on the size and scope of your project. A general remodeling contractor works on a variety of home projects that don’t require professional design services. A design/build contractor, on the other hand, provides both quality design and construction services within the same company.

visit us online : www.narineo.com

They will oversee a project from start to finish, keeping design, budget and engineering in mind. Seek the help of an architect if you are planning a major remodeling project that requires construction drawings and permit procurement. For remodels, it’s important to work with an architect who has done remodeling work in the past because they will be sensitive to the challenges existing structures may represent.

◊ How do I estimate the cost?

Call around for different bids on the project, and when you do, make sure that each contractor provides a quote for the same scope and level of quality for the work. Beware of bids that are much lower than others.

◊ Check references Ask the contractor how long they have been in business and request the names and numbers of references.

Also, look at photos of completed work to determine the quality, fit and finish of installations.

phone number so that they can call him any time of day to ask questions or voice concerns.

◊ Opt for a NARI certified remodeler NARI certification is a challenging process that requires a contractor have extensive knowledge of the industry and a commitment to professional conduct. Contractors who are certified

by NARI have received an acceptable review by the NARI Certification Board by providing an outline of their handson experience, training, education, technical skills and practices in business management. They are committed to staying current with industry issues, and they have successfully completed a written exam, which includes questions about business management, building codes, construction law, specification, safe use of tools and equipment, safety standards, math and other special skills.

◊ Trust in the professionals Lastly, once you’ve decided on a plan and the contractor, let them do their job.

Too much micromanaging or design changes can take additional time and ultimately cut into your bottom line, Carter says.

Remodeling your home can be one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Homeowners can gain a sense of security knowing they’ve done their homework before choosing a remodeling professional. To find a NARI remodeler in your area, log on to www.remodeltoday. com ______________________________

•

About NARI: The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. With more than 7,700 member companies nationwide, the Association -- based in Des Plaines, Illinois — is “The Voice of the Remodeling Industry.”™ For membership information, or to locate a local NARI chapter or a remodeling professional, visit NARI’s Web site at www.RemodelToday.com, or contact the national headquarters office at 800-611-NARI.

◊ Insurance is important Inquire about the contractor’s certification insurance and request to see a copy, or get the name of the insurance agency, to verify coverage.

Most states require that contractors carry property damage, personal liability and worker’s compensation insurance, but don’t assume a contractor has it.

◊ Shop for honesty and professionalism Choose a remodeler who is communicative and straight forward.

Carter says he gives his clients his cell visit us online : www.narineo.com

Tamer Construction, Inc. East Central regional COTY winner, 2009 Residential Universal Design NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

5

Certified Remodelers The certification of a remodeling contractor, under the certification program of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), is the association’s recognition that the contractor has met certain criteria for experience, commitment to ethical conduct and professionalism.

This program establishes professional standards for the remodeling industry, which encourage and reward those who continually strive to improve the products and services offered to the consumer.

Certification is credibility.

It is a testimonial to a commitment to the industry and profession.

The Certified Remodeler designation is designed to qualify and identify full-service remodelers (residential and/or commercial) projects.

Candidates for this certification have an all-encompassing professional background in remodeling and have demonstrated experience in all aspects of operating a remodeling business.

Candidates must have continuous full-time employment in the remodeling business for a minimum of five years, uphold the NARI Code of Ethics, complete and pass a comprehensive qualification matrix and written examination, approved by the certification Board and all codes.

6

Brad Opacich, CR

John Tamer, CR

Benjamin Ruhlin, CR

Quality Home Remodeling

9360 Broadview Rd. Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147 440-526-0015 www.NorthCoastHome.com

6134 State Road Parma, Ohio 44134 440-886-4700 www.tamerconstruction.com

3499 State Road Suite C Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223 330-928-8472

Brad Opacich has been a full time builder/remodeler since 1975 and founded North Coast Home Improvement Corp. in 1981.

We specialize in all phases of Design /Build & Renovating & Remodeling including; Room Additions, Kitchen remodeling, Bathroom remodeling, Basement finishing, Renovations & whole house Remodeling.

Let true professionals handle your project with a knowledgeable, courteous full time staff.

Every aspect is important & attention to detail is our specialty.

Visit our website for more information & job photo’s www.NorthCoastHome.com

John M. Tamer, CR, is a multi-award winning contractor dedicated to delivering the highest level of quality and customer service that is unsurpassed.

In business since 1988, Tamer Construction has completed hundreds of remodeling projects from small repairs to major additions and renovations.

They have won many awards for their design and workmanship throughout the years. They offer complete, one-stop service for design, remodeling and building using state of the art 3-D computer software. Specialties include Additions, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basement Remodeling, Interior and Exterior Renovations.

They are a BBB Accredited Business, member of NARI and the Professional Remodelers of Ohio.

The Ben H. Ruhlin Co. is a third generation general contracting company established in 1957.

For 50 years, we have been specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, roofing, siding, and windows, while staying committed to the highest standards in the remodeling industry.

Craftsmanship is a rare commodity and we pride ourselves on using only the finest skilled trades personnel, with a certified remodeler on staff to help meet our customer’s needs.

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

visit us online : www.narineo.com

Northeast Ohio Chapter Members with NARI Certification

Louis Aloi, CR

Brad Opacich, CR

Capital Builders & Supply, Division of Aloi Building Corp.

North Coast Home Improvement Corp.

Robert Petrone, CR RC Norman Construction Co, Inc.

Doug Ausperk, CR Doug Ausperk Remodeling, Ltd.

Robert Picco, CR B. P. Building Co., Inc.

Roger Bodosi, CR RDB and Company, Inc.

Craig Redner, CR Craig Builders & Remodelers

Hallie Bowie, GCP New Leaf Home Design

Jeff Rexroad, CLC Tim Englert Construction, Inc.

Robert Cogdeill, CR Robert’s Remodeling & Construction Co., Inc.

Benjamin Ruhlin, CR Ben H. Ruhlin Company

Tim Dawson, CR T. J. Shannon Construction, Inc.

N ort h e a s t Oh i o

Rick Salerno, CR S & K Remodeling, Inc.

Tim Englert, CR Tim Englert Construction, Inc.

Steven Schubert, CLC Robert’s Remodeling & Construction Co., Inc.

Lee Fenrich, CR Lee Builders, Inc.

John Tamer, UDCR Tamer Construction, Inc.

Douglas Fleming, CR Robert’s Remodeling & Construction Co., Inc.

Frederick Freer, CR Four Square Restorations

Scott Kemp, CLC Tim Englert Construction, Inc.

William Mavrakis, CR Mavrakis Construction, Inc.

Mike Midagliotti, CR Friar Home Improvement visit us online : www.narineo.com

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

7

REMODELER CATEGORY DIRECTORY CATEGORY DIRECTORY

NARI Northeast Ohio Chapter Member Roster listed by job categories

Company

Phone

ADDITIONS

Company

Phone

BASEMENT WATERPROOFING

Artistic Renovations, LLC

216-520-0838

D & D Home Improvement

330-688-5542

Holland Remodeling & Building, LLC

330-925-3895

North Coast Home Improvement Corp.

440-526-0015

R.C. Norman Construction

330-929-2260

Robert’s Remodeling & Construction Co. Inc.

330-923-1940

Tamer Construction, Inc.

440-886-4700

Tim Englert Construction, Inc.

330-336-2770

AGING-IN-PLACE REMODELING North Coast Home Improvement Corp.

440-526-0015

AIR PURIFICATION Wayne Garage Door Sales & Service, Inc.

800-532-2216

APPLIANCES MAS, Inc.

All American Basement Waterproofing & Home Services, Inc.

330-464-0391

BATHROOM REMODELING Artistic Renovations, LLC

216-520-0838

Craig Builders & Remodelers

330-678-4497

D & D Home Improvement

330-688-5542

Holland Remodeling & Building, LLC

330-925-3895

North Coast Home Improvement Corp.

440-526-0015

Ohio Bath Solutions, LLC dba Bath Fitter

614-785-1040

R.C. Norman Construction

330-929-2260

Robert’s Remodeling & Construction Co. Inc.

330-923-1940

S & K Remodeling, Inc.

330-278-3716

Tamer Construction, Inc.

440-886-4700

Tim Englert Construction, Inc.

330-336-2770

Tri-County Kitchens & Baths, Inc.

330-630-0577

330-247-5113

BUILDING PRODUCTS Famous Supply of Akron

ARCHITECTS Pervanje Architects, LLC

330-425-3151

New Leaf Home Design

330-329-6901

AUDIO & VIDEO : SALES / INSTALLATION Audio Video Interiors

330-723-6696

330-434-5194

CABINETRY: CUSTOM/STOCK 4-B Wood Custom Cabinets

330-769-2188

American Wood Reface

800-645-4594

Architectural Woodworking

330-865-6600

Wolff Bros. Supply, Inc.

330-773-0200

AWNINGS / PATIO COVERS / DOOR CANOPIES Champion Windows of Akron

800-678-5056

CEILINGS: ACCOUSTIC/TIN/WOOD, DOME DeGeorge Ceiling Co., Inc.

330-773-3357

BASEMENT REMODELING

8

Craig Builders & Remodelers

330-678-4497

CENTRAL VACUUM SYSTEMS: INSTALLATION/SERVICE

D & D Home Improvement

330-688-5542

Audio Video Interiors

330-723-6696

Holland Remodeling & Building, LLC

330-925-3895

Wayne Garage Door Sales & Service, Inc.

800-532-2216

Robert’s Remodeling & Construction Co. Inc.

330-923-1940

Tim Englert Construction, Inc.

330-336-2770

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

visit us online : www.narineo.com

CATEGORY DIRECTORY

Company

Phone

COMPLETE REMODELING

Company

Phone

DESIGN/BUILD

Artistic Renovations, LLC

216-520-0838

Artistic Renovations, LLC

216-520-0838

Craig Builders & Remodelers

330-678-4497

Holland Remodeling & Building, LLC

330-925-3895

RDB and Company, Inc.

330-836-0611

North Coast Home Improvement Corp.

440-526-0015

R.C. Norman Construction

330-929-2260

Robert’s Remodeling & Construction Co. Inc.

330-923-1940

Tim Englert Construction, Inc.

330-336-2770

CONCRETE CONTRACTORS/SUPPLIERS Cardinal Asphalt Company, Inc.

330-928-7325

Miracle Concrete Contractors, Inc.

330-453-3625

CONTRACTOR – COMMERCIAL REMODELING

DOORS/STORM DOORS

Robert’s Remodeling & Construction Co. Inc.

Champion Windows of Akron

800-678-5056

Northcoast Energy Masters, Inc.

440-439-8250

Pella Window & Door

330-836-5548

Wayne Garage Door Sales & Service, Inc.

800-532-2216

330-923-1940

CONTRACTOR – GENERAL B. P. Building Co. Inc.

440-843-3817

Ben H. Ruhlin Company

330-928-8472

Blazer Construction, Inc.

330-833-5558

Courtesy Construction & Remodeling, Inc.

440-834-4500

Craig Builders & Remodelers

330-678-4497

D & D Home Improvement

330-688-5542

Four Square Restorations

440-446-8000

Igor Olefir Construction, Inc.

330-867-8937

EXCAVATING

J.E. Harrison Construction

330-630-3657

Michael Firestone, Inc.

M. Gruver Construction, Inc.

330-715-6554

Milbro Carpenters, Inc.

330-335-6308

FIRE RESTORATION

Paul Davis Restoration of Akron

330-920-1936

Holland Remodeling & Building, LLC

330-925-3895

R.C. Norman Construction

330-929-2260

Robert’s Remodeling & Construction Co. Inc.

330-923-1940

North Shore Renovations, Inc.

216-676-4700

The Ray Company Construction, Inc.

330-628-2613

Tim Englert Construction, Inc.

330-336-2770

CONTRACTOR – NEW CONSTRUCTION / HOME BUILDING Robert’s Remodeling & Construction Co. Inc.

330-923-1940

COUNTER TOPS: SOLID SURFACE/LAMINATE/MARBLE/GRANITE Marble & Granite Works, LLC.

216-898-4000

Top Advantage Surfaces

330-877-2138 visit us online : www.narineo.com

ELECTRICAL : SALES/SERVICE/INSTALLATION Speelman Electric, Inc.

330-633-1410

Thompson Electric, Inc.

330-686-2300 ext.3007

330-494-4738

FIREPLACE EQUIPMENT Custom Fireplace Equipment

330-499-7341

FLOORING NEEDS ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings of Akron

330-798-5558

WCCV Flooring Design Center

330-688-0114

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

9

CATEGORY DIRECTORY

Company

Phone

FULL-SERVICE REMODELING

Company

Phone

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Craig Builders & Remodelers

330-678-4497

Handyman Connection

330-724-9300

Mavrakis Construction, Inc.

330-477-1983

McCaulley Building & Home Improvement

330-484-0555

HEATING & COOLING: SALES/SERVICE/INSTALLATION

Tamer Construction, Inc.

440-886-4700

Beckwith Heating & Cooling, Inc.

330-923-1333

GARAGE CABINETS/FLOORING/ORGANIZERS

HISTORICAL RESTORATION/RENOVATION

Premier Garage of Akron

Artistic Renovations, LLC

216-520-0838

Craig Builders & Remodelers

330-678-4497

330-922-4411

GARAGE DOORS Premier Garage of Akron

330-922-4411

GARAGE FLOORS Wayne Garage Door Sales & Service, Inc.

800-532-2216

GLASS BLOCK/INSTALLATION Champion Windows of Akron

800-678-5056

GREEN REMODELING

HOME IMPROVEMENTS Energy Wise Home Improvement, Inc.

330-755-4300

KDCO Home Improvement

330-645-6521

Keim Lumber

330-893-2251

LeafGuard NE Ohio

330-908-3000

Tim Longfellow Home Improvement

330-658-5015

Tri-County Kitchens & Baths, Inc.

330-630-0577

HOME THEATER

Artistic Renovations, LLC

216-520-0838

Tomorrow’s Home Solutions

888-590-ENERGY

Audio Video Interiors

330-723-6696

HONORARY MEMBERS GUTTERS/SPOUTING

216-621-7350

Champion Windows of Akron

800-678-5056

FBOA Tri County Building Officials

330-753-7421

Miller Custom Exteriors

330-695-4905

The Better Business Bureau - Akron

330-253-4590

Gutter Cover Co.

440-366-0688

The Better Business Bureau - Canton

330-454-9401

Leaf Fitter NE, LLC

800-290-6106

The Better Business Bureau - Cleveland

216-241-7678

Vaughn Spouting Co., Inc.

330-825-1127

NAWIC Chapter #124

330-686-2300

Rebuilding Together - Summit County

330-733-4100

Summit County Community Development

330-643-7769

HANDICAP CONSTRUCTION Tamer Construction, Inc.

10

Cleveland Action to Support Housing, Inc.

440-886-4700

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

visit us online : www.narineo.com

CATEGORY DIRECTORY

Company

Phone

INFRARED INSPECTION SERVICES Northcoast Energy Masters, Inc.

Company

Phone

LIGHTING 440-439-8250

INSULATION: RESIDENTIAL

Wolff Bros. Supply, Inc.

330-773-0200

LUMBER

Foam of Akron

330-848-4551

Northcoast Energy Masters, Inc.

440-439-8250

Mohler Lumber Company

330-499-5461

PATIO ROOMS/PORCH ENCLOSURES INSURANCE: BUSINESS / PERSONAL Carney Insurance Agency

Champion Windows of Akron

800-678-5056

330-467-8900

PEST CONTROL INSURANCE: EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Brimlow Benefits Agency, Inc.

Rose Pest Solutions

330-922-3111

330-777-0542

REMODELING INSURANCE: HEALTH INSURANCE Brimlow Benefits Agency, Inc.

330-777-0542

KITCHEN REMODELING Anthony M. Slabaugh Construction, Inc.

330-940-3237

Artistic Renovations, LLC

216-520-0838

Craig Builders & Remodelers

330-678-4497

Holland Remodeling & Building, LLC

330-925-3895

Hostetler’s Kitchens & Bath

888-569-4371

Hughes Kitchens & Baths

330-455-5269

North Coast Home Improvement Corp.

440-526-0015

R.C. Norman Construction

330-929-2260

Robert’s Remodeling & Construction Co. Inc.

330-923-1940

Tamer Construction, Inc.

440-886-4700

Tim Englert Construction, Inc.

330-336-2770

Tri-County Kitchens & Baths, Inc.

330-630-0577

Captial Builders & Supply, Division of Aloi Building Corp.

330-467-3040

Case Handyman & Remodeling

440-734-2273

Chapman Home Remodeling

330-336-1236

Colucci Contracting, Inc.

216-396-2766

Desborough Construction, Inc.

440-259-1050

Don Jason Builders & Remodelers

440-365-0303

Doug Ausperk Remodeling, Ltd.

330-947-3287

Dover Home Remodelers, Inc.

440-777-7555

Miller Custom Exteriors / ABC Seamless

800-589-4905

North Coast Home Improvement Corp.

440-526-0015

Riley Home Builders, LLC.

440-236-5131

Tamer Construction, Inc.

440-886-4700

T.J. Shannon Construction, Inc.

330-334-3686

Tim Englert Construction, Inc.

330-336-2770

Tri-County Kitchens & Baths, Inc.

330-630-0577

LEGAL SERVICES Roetzel & Andress

330-376-2700 visit us online : www.narineo.com

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

11

CATEGORY DIRECTORY

Company

Phone

RESIDENTIAL REMODELING

Company

Phone

SIDING (CONTINUED)

Lee Builders, Inc.

440-235-9378

Northcoast Energy Masters, Inc.

440-439-8250

Tri-County Kitchens & Baths, Inc.

330-630-0577

Precision Siding & Construction Co.

330-633-7232

ROOFING

STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Absolute Roofing and Construction, Inc.

216-898-1563

Storage Buildings Unlimited, Inc.

330-334-5803

American Roofing & Siding

330-928-8368

Brad Smith Roofing

440-835-3377

STORM WINDOWS

C. C. Supply Co.

330-753-7718

Champion Windows of Akron

800-678-5056

C. F. Roof & Gutter Co.

330-929-4429

Northcoast Energy Masters, Inc.

440-439-8250

Dun-Rite Construction, Inc.

330-650-5322

J. Mac Roofing & Construction, LLC

330-374-1220

TOOLS/TOOL RENTAL

Lloyd’s Construction Services, Inc.

330-848-0242

Wolff Bros. Supply, Inc.

M. A. Stewart Roofing, Inc.

216-531-2687

M. R. Plank Roofing Company

330-929-1785

TRADE SHOWS

M.C.I. Michael’s Construction

330-724-2400

Expositions, Inc.

Roofing by Simon, Inc.

330-676-1002

330-773-0200

216-529-1300

TUBS & SHOWERS ROOFING SUPPLIES ABC Supply Co., Inc.

Wolff Bros. Supply, Inc.

330-773-0200

330-785-7000

UNIVERSAL DESIGN REMODELING SAFETY PRODUCTS Wolff Bros. Supply, Inc.

North Coast Home Improvement Corp.

440-526-0015

330-773-0200

WATER & FIRE DAMAGE RESTORATION SENIOR NEEDS REMODELING

Servpro

Craig Builders & Remodelers

330-678-4497

North Coast Home Improvement Corp.

440-526-0015

WEBSITE CREATION JMP Productions, Inc.

SIDING

12

Canton Aluminum & Vinyl

330-456-0021

Champion Windows of Akron

800-678-5056

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

800-648-1212

330-899-4927

WHOLE HOUSE RENOVATION Artistic Renovations, LLC

216-520-0838

Tamer Construction, Inc.

440-886-4700

visit us online : www.narineo.com

CATEGORY DIRECTORY

Company

Phone

WHOLESALE SUPPLIER

Company

Phone

WINDOWS (CONTINUED)

Associated Materials

419-853-4656

Pella Window & Door

330-836-5548

Modern Builders Supply Co. Inc.

330-376-1031

Regency Windows Corp.

800-453-9861

W. L. Tucker Supply Company

330-928-2155

Stanek Vinyl Windows Corp.

216-341-7700

The Window Pro

440-243-9020

Window World of Akron/Canton

330-733-7940

Windows & More, Inc.

330-453-5225

WINDOWS Andersen Window Corp.

216-346-9970

Champion Windows of Akron

800-678-5056

Euclid Jalousies

216-486-1112

WINDOWS/SKYLIGHTS

Gursky Aluminum & Vinyl, Inc.

330-477-8405

Friar Home Improvement

216-741-3440

Home Appeal, LLC

330-995-0551

Tim Englert Construction, Inc.

330-336-2770

Northcoast Energy Masters, Inc.

440-439-8250

visit us online : www.narineo.com

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

13

HELPFUL RESOURCE

Why Homeowners Should Choose A Remodeler When you have a remodel project, choose a remodeler instead of a homebuilder

A

s new home construction has slowed to a crawl, more new home builders are trying their hand at remodeling as a way to boost their revenue stream. From a homeowner’s perspective, there might not be a lot of difference between builders and remodelers. Both deal with home construction, create bids and recommend products, but how they approach their jobs is quite different.

Remodeling requires a skill set that relies heavily on attention to detail and managing customer expectations— two factors that play big roles on the success of any remodeling project.

Here are some of the ways choosing a remodeler, instead of a builder, can help homeowners achieve their vision without breaking the bottom line.

Earning trust Contractors have a big responsibility when they go into a home for a remodeling project. “We are invading their privacy and working in the inner sanctum of a family,” explains Dean Herriges, CR, CKBR, and owner of Urban Herrigas & Sons, a residential remodeling company in Milwaukee, Wis. “We recognize that family unit more than any builder because they are used to working on a home without the family inside.”

Working on occupied homes requires a much high level of oversight and regard for the homeowner’s belongings and living conditions during construction, according to Paul Zuch, CCR, CGB, and president of Capital Improvements in Dallas. Most builders don’t have systems in place to manage a 14

remodeling client’s expectations.

“Simple common sense things such as dress code, protection for homeowners possessions, language, daily clean-up and loud radios are things most new construction trades are not accustomed to,” Zuch says. “Remodelers have experience working with homeowner emotions and know how to manage the project while being respectful to the home environment. “ Thanks to this experience, remodeling contractors can adequately prepare homeowners for what to anticipate during the project, and with that preparation, give them advice on how to live through the remodel comfortably and be sensitive to a families needs.

Managing Expectations It’s common for new home builders to have one project manager oversee 10 to 20 projects at any given time.

Their attention is displaced, and their job depends on getting the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible.

In comparison, occupied remodels require much more oversight of the work being done and management of the homeowner’s expectations and concerns. Too many things can go wrong when you send trades to an occupied house without proper oversight, Zuch says. Communication is key, and changes need to be communicated between the crew, the contractor and the client.

Surprises are inevitable in remodels, and it’s a contractor’s job to explain unexpected problems to their clients.

A contractor doesn’t always know what secrets lie beneath the floors and

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

behind the walls until things are taken down and dismantled, so a lot of handholding and preparation is necessary to keep homeowners satisfied with the way a project is progressing.

Most home builders don’t have systems in place to manage a remodeling client’s expectations.

“I was trained as a carpenter, and I can tell when there is a structural issue on a project,” Herriges said. It has become common practice for remodelers to call in structural engineers for jobs where there are a lot of changes to loadbearing walls and other structural issues. “I don’t know if builders have as much common experience,” Herriges says. “They can get really close, and one issue that is left unsolved could be a $6,000 or $10,000 addendum.”

A Balanced Budget Dealing with customers is also a delicate dance between supporting their vision and keeping the project within the allotted budget. Many builders don’t have experience pricing remodel projects or accounting for all the unforeseen circumstances that professional remodelers can anticipate.

“We are upfront with our clients about establishing a budget from the

visit us online : www.narineo.com

beginning and being able to work within that budget,” Herriges says. “If we see a difference between their wants and desires and the budget, we let them know right away.” Professional remodelers have a firm grasp on the products they recommend and act as a facilitator through the remodeling process to ensure that the project stays within budget constraints. Choosing products that require standard installations is one way to manage costs. Builders, in comparison, often work with allowances, or a specific amount of money that is “allowed” the client for specific item in a house. Since deviations in product selections can occur in these situations, it’s likely that the final price for these items would stray from the original allowance and potentially break the budget.

“Allowances can be very misleading,” Herriges says. “I like to pick products ahead of time to know what a project is going to cost.”

Remodeling projects also need additional insurance protections for moving a homeowner’s personal belongings and for potential structural issues, which a builder may not know to calculate into the price. This oversight often puts the builder in a low-bid position and makes the builder likely to get awarded the project, Zuch says, but it’s not always the best deal for the client.

many tools at their fingertips to help dreams become reality. Many middleand high-end remodelers invest in 3-D software that can cost a company tens of thousands of dollars. They stay updated on software revisions and keep their employees trained on how to best use the systems. “We consider software a tool, like carpenters have a truckload of tools,” Herriges says. The software helps remodelers facilitate the design, plan workflow and help their clients see a rendering of the final project before the project is started.

Anticipating the Punch List Most builders wait until the end of a project to go over the final punch list. For remodeling projects, it’s best to go over project issues and questions on a daily or weekly basis. “Some of the things, if we waited until the end, cannot be corrected or adjusted,” Herriges said. “We as project leaders

will work with clients sometimes on a daily basis or once a week to over their questions and concerns. There is a lot of hand holding, and we are wellequipped to do that.”

Remodelers support vendor businesses Remodelers rely on their business partners to get jobs done right. Vendors who want to build relationships with remodelers will gain valuable opportunities to grow their businesses by joining NARI. “Remodelers are typically very loyal to the suppliers that take care of them,” Zuch says.

“We treat our vendors and tradesmen as team members, not subordinates.

We are strong on building lasting relationships to ensure our clients' needs are being met.” Vendors that support NARI can become active in the local chapters and are in tune with the needs and concerns of remodelers.

•

Design Services Homeowners may think that builders can do a better job designing the remodel of their dreams, but the reality is that remodeling contractors have visit us online : www.narineo.com

Franklin & Associates East Central regional COTY winner, 2009 Residential Bath - $ 30,000 - $ 60,000

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

15

HELPFUL RESOURCE

Lead-Safe Remodeling New EPA guidelines aim to keep everyone safe from lead poisoning

D

es Plaines, Illinois, Oct. 1, 2008— If you live in a home built before 1978, chances are you may be exposed to lead. Common renovation activities like sanding, drilling and demolition can distribute harmful lead dust and chips, creating a hazardous environment for homeowners.

To protect against this risk, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a rule requiring the use of more stringent lead-safe practices aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the new rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

“When you’re doing remodeling of a home built pre-1978 there is an awful amount of lead dust that gets released into the air—if you don’t take the proper precautions,” said Michael Hydeck, CR, CKBR, vice president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and owner of Hydeck & MacKay Builders in Telford, Pa. “This is particularly dangerous for children under six years of age and pregnant women, but it’s also not good for the worker.”

Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children six years old and under are most at risk because babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths, possibly exposing themselves to lead.

The EPA has encouraged lead-safe

16

practices for many years, but the new regulations give remodelers and homeowners a higher standard to which to refer. According to the new rules, contractors working on homes built before 1978 will have to have a certified lead remodeler on staff. Remodelers will get certified by the EPA by participating and passing a concentrated eight-hour training course about the dangers of lead paint, how to set up work areas that will not expose residents, minimize dust and leave the work area clean. Contractors will use a number of protective measures, including: wearing appropriate eyewear, clothing and repertory protection on the job. Inside the work areas remodelers will remove furniture and belongings during the project or cover them with heavy plastic sheeting, close and seal vents and turn-off forced air heat and air conditioning systems if necessary.

To minimize the spread of lead dust, workers should mist areas before sanding, scraping or drilling and cutting; score paint before separating it from surfaces and pry and pull it away instead of hammering; and always use a shroud with a HEPA vacuum attachment when using power tools and equipment. Leaving the work area clean is of utmost importance.

To do this, remodelers will remove waste using heavy plastic bags or sheeting, ensure everything is free of dust before removing it from the work area and cleaning with a HEPA vacuum. Changing out of dusty work clothes also helps to reduce the spread of potentially harmful dust. “It’s the stuff that you can’t see that can hurt you,” Hydeck noted.

In addition, remodelers will be required to give each homeowner a pamphlet called, “Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools,” which includes sheet in it for the homeowner to sign that acknowledges that they have read it. The new lead-safe pamphlet is now available.

While there won’t be a ‘lead police” looking for remodelers who break the new lead rules, Hydeck said he hopes the new regulations will persuade everyone to be more aware of the potential for lead poisoning. Homeowners are encouraged to report questionable work practices to the EPA. “There are people that won’t undergo the certification, but those are also the people who might sneak under the radar and work jobs without a license or insurance,” Hydeck said. “There are already people out there practicing lead-safe practices. It only makes sense that contractors protect themselves and their customers.”

Although the new rules don’t kick in until 2010, the EPA recommends that anyone performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb leadbased paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools follow lead-safe work practices. Contractors working on projects with the potential of lead exposure should follow these three simple procedures: contain the work area, minimize dust and clean up thoroughly.

NARI has a podcast for homeowners about what they need to look out for in terms of the new EPA Lead Rule. Visit www.nari. org/NARIradio and click on consumer to listen and learn.

If you are planning a home remodel, NARI remodelers can help homeowners complete the project using lead-safe practices. Log on to www.RemodelToday. com to find a remodeler in your area. •

visit us online : www.narineo.com

You heard it on NARI Radio

NARI provides homeowners short podcasts to help guide them through the remodeling process.

Programs include: � How to select a remodeling professional � Energy-savings tips � Move vs. remodel � Cost vs. value � Incorporating Universal Design elements � What homeowners need to know about lead

www.nari.org/NARIRadio To find a NARI member, visit www.narineo.com or call (330) 762-9951.

visit us online : www.narineo.com

N ort h e a s t Oh i o

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

17

HELPFUL RESOURCE

Making a Wise Choice for a Home Remodeler What are the questions I should ask potential contractors?

N

ARI members share the short list of questions they are usually asked by homeowners and offer a list of questions that you should ask: Timing and money are the most common questions a home improvement contractor hears, but during an interview with a homeowner when homeowners should be asking about credentials and verifying business practices what is often heard is, “When can you start? When will it be finished? How much will it cost?”

These simply aren’t enough. Yes, timing may be “everything” in comedy, but that certainly isn’t the case when it comes to remodeling.

If you are going to have a successful remodeling project, you need to learn the right questions to ask and how to ask them.

When a group of NARI remodeling contractors were asked what questions homeowners asked most frequently, the group unanimously agreed that their most popular queries were: 18

• When can you start?

• When will you be finished?

• What time will you knock on my door each morning?

have your home to yourselves again.

• What time will you quit for the day?

Here are some questions NARI members recommend you ask before signing a remodeling contract:

• Are you going to work everyday?

• How long have you been in business?

• Can you finish before (insert any major holiday or significant family event)?

• How much will it cost per square foot?

Unfortunately, these are not the type of questions that are going to tell you much about a particular contractor.

While a reasonable timetable and budget is important, it shouldn’t be the primary focus of an interview or a job. Homeowners should also focus on trust and quality.

Start by asking questions about a company’s business practices and experience in a similar type of project.

If you decide you want to hire a particular remodeling contractor, then you can discuss when he or she can start, what time he or she can knock on your door each morning and when you will

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

• Who will be assigned as project supervisor for the job?

• Who will be working on the project? Are they employees or subcontractors?

• Does your company carry workers compensation and liability insurance? (Always verify this information by calling the agency. A copy of an insurance certificate does not let you know if the policy is still current. Even if the certificate has an expiration date. you cannot tell if the insurance has been canceled by either party. If licensing is required in your state also ask if the contractor is licensed and call to verify compliance with the law. Not all states offer or require licensing. Check with your local or state government agencies.)

visit us online : www.narineo.com

• What is your approach to a project such as this?

• How many projects like mine have you completed in the past year?

• May I have a list of reference from those projects?

• May I have a list of business referrals or suppliers?

• What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?

• Are you a member of a national trade association?

• Have you or your employees been certified in remodeling or had any special training or education, such as earning a Certified Remodeler (CR), Certified Remodeler Specialist (CRS) or Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC) or Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler (CKBR) designation?

information is missing.

Unlike your accountant or stockbroker, your remodeler will be a part of your daily life and available for some on-the-job education. He or she will be privy to your personal life, more so than your doctor or lawyer. Your contractor will know how you look early in the morning and how well behaved your dog is. It makes sense that you should take some time to carefully select this person

and make sure that it is someone to whom you can ask questions.

Remodeling can be a fun experience. You get to create your dream room or home and learn a little about design and building along the way.

All you need to do is ask questions. Questions that, according to NARI members, remodelers don’t feel that are getting enough of. So tap into your curiosity and ask away. •

The right tools to find the right remodeler.

Visit www.nariremodelers.com or call 1.800.611.NARI (6274) for a trustworthy contractor in your area.

It’s also important to realize that sometimes it’s not the answers you get that are significant, but what you don’t get. Asking the right questions is not enough.

You need to pay attention to your instincts and to what visit us online : www.narineo.com

N ort h e a s t Oh i o

NARI of Northeast Ohio www.narineo.com 330.762.9951 ©2009 NARI

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

19

HELPFUL RESOURCE

Warning Signs Warning Signs During Interviews - Take Notice So You Don’t Get Taken

A

void remodelers at all costs when:

• You can’t verify the name, address, telephone number or credentials of the remodeler.

• The salesperson tries to pressure you into signing a contract.

• Information you receive from the contractor is out-of-date or no longer valid.

• The company or salesperson says your home will be used for advertising purposes so you will be given a “special, low rate.”

• You are unable to verify the license or insurance information.

• The builder/remodeler tells you a special price is available only if you sign the contract “today.”

• No references are furnished.

. . .

L A R U T A IT ’S ONLY NE VERY BEST H TO WANT T HGranite Works d M ar ble an

• You are asked to pay for the entire job in advance, or to pay in cash to a salesperson instead of by check or money order to the company itself.

• The company cannot be found in the telephone book, is not listed with

MARBLE AND GRANITE WORKS

Is your builder or remodeler working with maintenance free granite?

15 Year Stain Warranty 100% Stain Protection Clean with Common Household Cleaners Suitable for Outdoor Applications

Whether you are looking for granite, quartz, or solid surface material, let Marble and Granite Works be your one-stop-shop TWO LOCATIONS TO BETTER SERVE YOU!

Visit www.mgworks.com

7635 Commerce Place • Plain City, OH 43064 & 18029 Cleveland Parkway • Cleveland, OH 44135 20

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

visit us online : www.narineo.com

the local Better Business Bureau, or with a local trade association, such as NARI. • The contractor does not offer, inform or extend notice of your right to cancel the contract within three days. Notification in writing of your Right of Recision is required by law.

This grace period allows you to change your mind and declare the contract null and void without penalty (if

the agreement was solicited at some place other than the contractor’s place of business or appropriate trade premises-in your home, for instance.)

In addition, be cautious when: • You are given vague or reluctant answers.

• The contractor exhibits poor communication skills or descriptive powers.

• The contractor is not accessible.

• Your questions are not answered to your satisfaction.

• The contractor is impatient and does not listen.

• Only the work is addressed, instead of your needs as the homeowner.

• There is no presentation book of previous projects presented. •

Remodelers that won’t put your blueprint in the red.

Visit www.nariremodelers.com or call 1.800.611.NARI (6274) for a trustworthy contractor in your area.

Since 1974 we have been providing full service remodeling and new construction services. We are licensed, insured and have a "Certified Remodeler" on staff. Our clients say that they are very pleased with the high quality and close attention to detail that we provide.

Call Today! 330-678-4497

NARI of Northeast Ohio www.narineo.com 330.762.9951

N ort h e a s t Oh i o

©2009 NARI

visit us online : www.narineo.com

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

21

HELPFUL RESOURCE

Just How Different is a NARI Certified Professional?

Quality and trustworthy craftsmanship for your project

H

omeowners who hire a NARI Certified Professional have the assurance that they have chosen a professional remodeler with specific experience, dedication to training, and a commitment to ethical conduct through participation in the NARI certification program.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only national association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. NARI’s focus is on professional conduct, continuing education and training, and fair and ethical treatment within the industry. NARI certification of professional remodeling contractors serves as the association’s recognition of remodeling professionals who have met stringent criteria for experience and pledged a commitment to high standards of practice and NARI’s Code of Ethics. Among the factors to consider selecting a remodeling contractor, in addition to NARI certification, is your assessment of and satisfaction with the remodeling contractor’s workmanship, reputation and integrity, durability of materials used, and equipment. Before hiring any remodeling contractor, visit and inspect similar projects that he or she has completed, and

establish that you will be able to communicate well with one another to ensure your complete satisfaction with final product.

How Does a Remodeling Contractor Become Certified?

NARI certification is a challenging process, requiring extensive knowledge of the industry and a commitment to professional conduct. Even highly experienced

N ort h e a s t Oh i o

22

and skilled remodelers find the screening and testing process formidable. Homeowners can gain a sense of security knowing that the NARI certified remodeling professional they hire has: Received an acceptable review by the NARI Certification Board by

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

providing an outline detailing their hands-on experience, industry training, involvement in continuing education, technical skills, practices in business management, as well as association and community service.

Committed to intensive study on a broad range of critical industry issues. Most certification candidates participate in a formal study group and spend eight to twelve weeks studying in preparation for a oneday written exam. Successfully completed a comprehensive written examination covering critical subjects areas such as sound business management practices, knowledge of building codes and construction law, plans and specification, proper and safe use of tools and equipment, safety, standards of practice, math, and several special skill areas.

Once awarded their certification, NARI certified remodeling professionals must meet annual recertification requirements involving continuing education and participation in industry-related programs.

What does NARI Certification Mean to You? Deciding to remodel your home is a big decision. Outside of buying your home, it may be the single

visit us online : www.narineo.com

MORE ABOUT NARI PROFESSIONALS

biggest investment you make. You Design Certified Remodeler need to know that the remodeling (UDCR) and Master Certified contractor you choose is a full-time, Remodeler (MCR). dedicated remodeling professional.

NARI CRs would equal a fullNARI’s certification program offers service remodeler. To become this assurance through its extensive a CR, candidates must possess screening and testing process. skill and knowledge in a broad Only full-time, professional range of business management remodeling contractors are eligible and technical skill areas. CRSs, or for certification by NARI. You can Certified Remodeling Specialists, be assured that any an offshoot of a CR, time you hire a NARI focus on specific NARI’s focus is certified remodeling type of work, such as contractor, you are concrete and masonry on professional hiring an individual work, electrical work, conduct, education who has made a insulation, etc. NARI and training, and strong commitment Certified Remodeling to the professionalism Associates (CRA), fair and ethical of the remodeling another CR offshoot, treatment within the industry and to his actively support the industry. or her business. And remodeling industry because remodelers in professions such as are not eligible for architects, designers, certification until they have been manufacturers and consultants. actively involved in the remodeling CKBRs provide remodeling services industry for at least five years, specific to kitchens and bathrooms. you know that the NARI certified NARI GCPs consider sustainability remodeling professional you hire has in maximizing nature’s resources had a number of years to develop the and energy in an efficient and experience and skills that can only responsible manner in the conduct be gained through extensive handsof their business and in design on practice. Isn’t it good to know and construction of their client’s that your remodeling contractor remodeling projects. A UDCR is has a long-term commitment to his trained to remodel the home to make or her work? it usable not only to those who wish to age-in-place but also families Who are NARI Certified with special needs and families that Professionals? are forward thinking. CLCs are NARI’s certification programs the hands-on field personnel who recognize the skills and achievements oversee every aspect of the project: of six distinct groups of remodeling customer satisfaction, personnel professionals: Certified Remodelers management, administration, (CR), Certified Kitchen and Bath etc. And finally, a MCR has held Remodelers (CKBR), Certified Lead a CR for 10 years, holds another Carpenters (CLC), Green Certified certification and is active in his/her Professional (GCP), Universal community or NARI chapter. visit us online : www.narineo.com

•

When you work with a NARI Professional you get.... A full-time, dedicated remodeling professional who has experience, and voluntarily adheres to NARI's strict Code of Ethics. NARI members have access to the latest information in the industry through publications, educational programs, educational seminars and conferences.

NARI is a not-for-profit trade association with more than 50 years of industry experience. NARI represents professional remodeling contractors, product manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, trade publications, utilities and lending institutions. The association is committed to enhancing the professionalism of the remodeling industry and serving as an ally to you, the homeowner.

The NARI Code of Ethics Each member is pledged to observe high standards of honesty, integrity and responsibility in the conduct of business: 1. By promoting in good faith only those products and services which are known to be functionally and economically sound, and which are known to be consistent with objective standards of health and safety; 2. By making all advertising and sales promotion factually accurate, avoiding those practices which tend to mislead or deceive the customer.

3. By writing all contracts and warranties such that they comply with federal, state, and local laws.

4. By promptly acknowledging and taking appropriate action on all customer complaints.

5. By refraining from any act intended to restrain trade or suppress competition.

6. By attaining and retaining insurance as required by federal, state, and local authorities.

7. By attaining and retaining licensing and/or registration as required by federal, state, and local authorities.

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

23

REMODELER ALPHA DIRECTORY ALPHA DIRECTORY

NARI Northeast Ohio Chapter Member Roster

Company

Contact Name

Address

Phone / Fax

Website / Email

4-B Wood Custom Cabinets

Tracy Romanotto

5125 Greenwich Rd. Seville, Ohio 44273

330-769-2188

w: www.4bwood.com e: 4bwood@4bwood.com

4-B Wood specializes in everything from kitchens, baths and offices to entertainment centers and bars. We also manufacture commercial cabinets. Whether you’re interested in cabinetry for a new construction or looking to remodel existing living spaces, you can be sure that the skilled craftsmen at 4B Wood will do the job right. We have local craftsmen that work in our shop and qualified designers in our office that can provide the services that our customers need.

ABC Supply Company

Scott Morgan

1320 Starlight Dr. Akron, Ohio 44306

330-785-7000

w: www.abcsupply.com

Absolute Roofing and Construction, Inc.

Chris Kamis

5295 West 130th St. Parma, Ohio 44130

216-898-1563 216-898-1853 FAX

w: www.absoluteroofinginc.com e: ckamis@sbcglobal.net

All American Basement Waterproofing & Home Services, Inc.

Mike Johns

298 E. Walnut St. Wadsworth, Ohio 44281

330-464-0391

e: dryforlife@aol.com

American Wood Reface DBA I.P.R. Builders Remodelers, Inc.

Jason Hicks

1351 S. Cleve. - Mass. Rd. Unit G Copley, Ohio 44321

Toll-free: 800-645-4594 Akron: 330-666-7828 Canton: 330-492-0800

w: www.woodreface.com e: info@woodreface.com

Andersen Window Corp.

Kim Lyon

20819 Bellhaven Place Strongsville, Ohio 44136

216-346-9970

w: www.andersenwindows.com e: klyon@andersencorp.com

Anthony Slabaugh Remodeling & Design “Craftsmen with Integrity”

Anthony Slabaugh

2047 Arndale Rd. Stow, Ohio 44224

330-940-3237 330-437-0404 FAX

w: www.anthonyslabaughremodeling.com e: tom@anthonyslabaughremodeling.com

Architectural Woodworking

Noel Frazer

1570 Akron-Peninsula Rd. Suite 3 Akron, Ohio 44313

330-620-7471

e: noelfrazer@hotmail.com

Artistic Renovations, LLC

Ken Perrin

479 Elm Court Seven Hills, Ohio 44131

216-520-0838 216-524-3398 FAX

w: www.artisticreno.com e: ken@artisticreno.com

Audio Video Interiors, Inc.

Josh Wood

2753-L Medina Rd. Medina, Ohio 44256

330-723-6696 330-722-6548 FAX

w: www.audiovideointeriors.net e: joshw@audiovideointeriors.net

Award-winning Systems Integrator devoted to integrating entertainment, safety and life-enhancing electronic solutions & emerging technologies for homes & business. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service through integrity, teamwork and education & to being our client’s technology advisor. Certified Designers, Engineers, Programmers & Installers support our philosophy of providing engineered solutions that exceed expectations.

Custom Home Theaters, Multi-Room Audio, Video and Control, Gaming Systems, Security & Life Safety Systems & Monitoring, Fire Test & Inspect, Central Vacs, HVAC, Lighting & Shade Control, Green Technologies, Digital Signage, Video Conferencing.

Credited Continuing Education courses offered to NARI & NAHB partners.

24

B. P. Building Co., Inc.

Robert Picco,

1114 N. Court St. Medina, Ohio 44256

440-843-3817

e: rap4814@cs.com

Beckwith Heating & Cooling

Bruce Beckwith

418 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave. Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223

330-923-1333

w: www.beckwithheatcool.com e: bruce@beckwithheatcool.com

Certified Remodeler

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

visit us online : www.narineo.com

ALPHA DIRECTORY

Company

Contact Name

Address

Phone / Fax

Website / Email

Ben H. Ruhlin Co.

Benjamin J. Ruhlin,

3499 State Rd. Suite C Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223

330-928-8472 330-929-9933 FAX

e: benhruhlin@yahoo.com

Certified Remodeler

The Ben H. Ruhlin Company is a third generation general contracting company established in 1957. For 50 years, we have been specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, roofing, siding, and windows, while staying committed to the highest standards in the remodeling industry.

Craftsmanship is a rare commodity and we pride ourselves on using only the finest skilled trades personnel, with a certified remodeler on staff to help meet our customer’s needs.

The Better Business Bureau (Akron) The Better Business Bureau (Canton)

Victor J. Wlaszyn

222 West Market St. Akron, Ohio 44303

330-253-4590 330-253-6249 FAX

w: www.akronbbb.org e: info@akronbbb.org

Amanda Tietze

1434 Cleveland Ave. NW Canton, Ohio 44703

1-800-362-0494 330-454-9401 330-456-8957 FAX

w: www.cantonbbb.org e: amanda@cantonbbb.org

2217 East 9th St. Suite 200 Cleveland, OH 441151299

216-241-7678 800-233-0361 216-861-6365 FAX

V.P. of Public Relations

The Better Business Bureau (Cleveland)

Blazer Construction, Inc.

Ruth Ann Glasgow

2200 Venture Circle SE Massillon, Ohio 44646

330-833-5558

e: ragbhi@tusconet.com

Brad Smith Roofing

Brad Smith

24550 Sperry Dr. Unit 2 Westlake, Ohio 44145

440-835-3377

w: www.bradsmithroofing.com e: b.smith@bradsmithroofing.com

Brimlow Benefits Agency

Larry Brimlow,

P.O. Box 1711 Stow, Ohio 44224

330-777-0542 330-777-0542 FAX

e: brimlowbenefits@hotmail.com

C.C. Supply Co.

Larry Crookston

250 S. Van Buren Ave. Barberton, Ohio 44203

330-753-7718

w: www.ccsupply.com e: larry@ccsupply.com

1330 Tuscarawas St. East Canton, Ohio 44707

330-456-0021 330-456-8937 FAX

w: www.cantonaluminum.com e: info@cantonaluminum.com

President

Canton Aluminum & Vinyl

Capital Builders & Supply Division of ALOI Building Corp.

Louis R. Aloi,

7792 Capital Blvd.

Macedonia, Ohio 44056

1-800-447-2343 330-467-3040 330-908-1088 FAX

w: www.capitalbuildersandsupply.com e: aloicbs@windstream.net

Cardinal Asphalt Company, Inc.

Marilyn Richardson

1380 Orlen Ave. Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221

330-928-7325 330-928-4105 FAX

e: Cardinalasphalt1@aol.com

Carney Insurance Agency

Mary Ann Carney

1653 Main Street Peninsula, Ohio 44264

330-467-8900

w: www.erieinsurance.com e: razcar2@aol.com

Champion Windows of Akron

Dave Hampton

1163-B Holiday Dr. Kent, Ohio 44240

330-678-2345 330-678-8234 FAX

w: www.championfactorydirect.com e: akron@championfactorydirect.com

President

visit us online : www.narineo.com

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

25

ALPHA DIRECTORY

26

Company

Contact Name

Address

Phone / Fax

Website / Email

Chapman Home Remodeling

Bob Chapman

8619 Markley Dr. Wadsworth, Ohio 44281

330-336-1236 330-336-1236 FAX

Cleveland Action To Support Housing, Inc.

Marcia Nolan

4001 Detroit Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44113

216-621-7350

w: www.cashcleveland.org e: mnolan@cashcleveland.org

Colucci Contracting, Inc.

Joseph Colucci

141 Filly Lane Northfield Village, Ohio 44067

216-396-2766

e: Coluccicontractinginc@yahoo.com

Courtesy Construction & Remodeling

Ralph Continenza

14333 Kinsman Rd. Burton, Ohio 44021

440-834-4500 440-834-4535 FAX

e: Courtesy@nls.net

Craig Builders & Remodelers

Certified Remodeler

Craig S. Redner,

1205 E. Main Street Kent, Ohio 44240

330-678-4497 330-697-5357 CELL

e: craigremodelers@aol.com

Custom Fireplace Shop

Denise Heil

5537 Whipple Ave. NW North Canton, Ohio 44720

330-499-7341 330-499-6550 FAX

e: customfireplaceoffice@gmail.com

D&D Home Improvement

Mark Babarick

3883 Baird Rd. Stow, Ohio 44224

330-688-5542 330-688-4460 FAX

w: www.ddhomeimprovement.net e: mark@ddhomeimprovement.net

DeGeorge Ceiling Co., Inc.

Angela J. Zonneyville

1177 Krumroy Rd. Akron, Ohio 44306

330-773-3357

w: www.degeorgeforyou.com e: azonneyville@neo.rr.com

Desborough Construction Inc.

John Desborough

3335 Teresa Court Perry, Ohio 44081

440-259-1050

w. www.desboroughconstruction.com e: jndesborough@windstream.net

Don Jason Builders & Remodelers

Don Jason

771 Sugar Lane Elyria, Ohio 44035

440-365-0303 440-365-0305 FAX

w: donjasonremodeling.com e: jasonb6@windstream.com

Doug Ausperk Remodeling, LTD

Doug Ausperk

1671 Industry Rd. Atwater, Ohio 44201

866-783-4501 330-947-3287 330-947-3287 FAX

w: www.remodelwithdoug.com e: jausperk@neo.rr.com

Dover Home Remodelers, Inc. (Cleveland)

Dave Frye

29341 Lorain Rd. North Olmsted, Ohio 44070

440-777-7555 440-777-8188-FAX

w: www.doverremodeling.com e: fryed@doverremodeling.com

Tomorrow’s Home Solutions, LLC, dba. Dr. Engery Saver

Michael Rusk

8287 Darrow Rd. Twinsburg, Ohio 44087

888-590-ENGERY 330-425-1241 FAX

w: www.basementsystemsohio.com e: mruskths@gmail.com

Dun-Rite Construction, Inc.

Dia Ray

6395 Chittenden Rd. Hudson, Ohio 44236

330-650-5322

w: www.dun-riteconstruction.com e: dia@dun-riteconstruction.com

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

visit us online : www.narineo.com

ALPHA DIRECTORY

Company

Contact Name

Address

Phone / Fax

Website / Email

Energy Wise Home Improvements, Inc.

Scott Cross

5164 Youngstown Poland Rd. Youngstown, Ohio 44514

330-755-4300 330-755-4574 FAX

w: www.energywisehomeimprovement. com

Euclid Jalousies, Inc.

Tim Azuila

490 E. 200th St. Cleveland, Ohio 44119

216-486-1112 216-486-1113 FAX

e: ej490@yahoo.com

Expositions, Inc.

Christopher Fassnacht

P.O. Box 550 Cleveland, Ohio 44107

216-529-1300 216-529-0311 FAX

w: www.homeandflower.com e: chrisfassnacht@expoinc.com

Famous Supply of Akron

Tim Vogel

166 N. Union St. Akron, Ohio 44304

330-434-5194 330-434-9358

w: www.famous-supply.com e: tvogel@famous-supply.com

FBOA Tri County Building Officials

John Hymes

2250 Samuel Ave. Akron, Ohio 44314

330-753-7421

Foam of Akron

Don Morefield

P.O. Box 3709 Akron, Ohio 44314

330-848-4551 330-848-9931 FAX

w: www.foamofakron.com e: sales@foamofakron.com

Four Square Restorations, Inc.

Fred Freer, CR, CGR, CAFS, CKBI, CGP

6736 Eastgate Dr. Mayfield Village, Ohio 44142

440-446-8000 440-446-8075 FAX

w: www.foursquarerestorations.com e: fred@foursquarerestorations.com

Mike Midagliotti

3435 Brookpark Rd. Parma, Ohio 44134

216-741-3440 216-741-3514 FAX

w: www.friarhomeimprovement.com e: info@friarhomeimprovement.com

Gutter Cover Co.

Michael Shanks

175 S. Abbe Rd. Elyria, Ohio 44035

440-366-0688 440-366-0882

w: guttercover.tv e: guttercoverco@alltel.net

Handyman Connection

David McNair

215 E. Waterloo Rd. Suite 18 Akron, Ohio 44319

330-724-9300 330-724-9430 FAX

w: www.handymanconnection.com e: dmcnair@handymanconnection.com

Holland Remodeling & Building, LLC

Kurt Karhoff

41 Cheyenne Dr. Rittman, Ohio 44270

330-925-3895 801-925-3897 FAX

w: www.hollandrb.com e: kurt@hollandrb.com

Home Appeal, LLC

Michael P. Maida

4047 Baird Rd. Stow, Ohio 44224

330-995-0551 330-686-7825 1-800-401-1628

w: www.homeappealohio.com e: michael@homeappealohio.com

Hostetler’s Design Center

Shane Reed

10223 Cleveland Ave. NW Uniontown, Ohio 44685

330-494-3151 330-494-1796 FAX

w: www.HKANDB.com e: shane@HKANDB.com

Hughes Kitchens & Bath LLC.

Mike Pierce

1258 Cleveland Ave. NW Canton, Ohio 44703

333-455-5269 330-452-2240 FAX

w: www.hugheskitchens.com e: mike@hugheskitchens.com

Friar Home Improvement

Certified Remodeler

visit us online : www.narineo.com

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

27

ALPHA DIRECTORY

28

Company

Contact Name

Address

Phone / Fax

Website / Email

Igor Olefir Construction, Inc.

Igor Olefir

75 S. Case Ave. Akron, Ohio 44305

330-867-8937 330-867-0278 FAX

e: info@olefirconstruction.com

J.E. Harrison Construction

Joe Harrison

1098 Woods Dr. Tallmadge, Ohio 44278

330-630-3657 330-630-2106 FAX

e: jharrison5679@neo.rr.com

J. Mac Roofing & Construction, LLC.

Ron Gerhardt

694 N. Main St. Akron, Ohio 44310

330-374-1220 330-374-1767 FAX

w: www.jmacroofing.com e: jmacroofing@sbcglobal.net

JMP Productions, Inc.

Joe Pryor

4679 Iroquois Circle Stow, Ohio 44224

330-899-4927

w: www.jmpproductions.net e: joe@jmpproductions.net

KDCO Home Improvement, Inc.

Sabrina Johnson,

4844 S. Main St. Akron, Ohio 44319

330-645-6521

e: kdcohomeimp@aol.com

Keim Lumber Company

Robbi Eggeman

4465 SR 557 Charm, Ohio 44617

330-893-2251 330-893-3325 FAX

w: www.keimlumber.com e: bobbi.eggeman@ keimlumber.com

Leaf Fitter North, Inc.

Matt Kaulig

1595 Georgetown Rd. Suite G Hudson, Ohio 44236

800-290-7850 330-655-7956 FAX

w: www.noclogs.com e: mattk@noclogs.com

Leaf Guard

Cliff Miller

8601 Freeway Dr. Macedonia, Ohio 44056

330-908-3000 330-468-1973 FAX

w: www.leafguard.com e: cliffmiller@beldon.com

Lee Builders, Inc.

Lee & Joan Fenrich

8893 Columbia Rd. Olmsted Falls, Ohio 44138

440-235-9378 440-235-6197 FAX

w: www.leebuilders.net e: leebuilders@cox.net

Lloyd’s Construction Services Inc.

Bruce R. Lloyd,

P.O. Box 288 Barberton, Ohio 44203

330-848-0242 330-848-2082 FAX

e: Bdlloyd@hotmail.com

M.A. Stewart Roofing, Inc.

Michael Stewart

25528 Highland Rd. Cleveland, Ohio 44143

216-531-2687 216-531-5028 FAX

w: www.mastewartroofing.com e: mastewartroofing@hotmail.com

M. Gruver Construction, Inc.

Michael Gruver

180 Baird Ave. Wadsworth, Ohio 44281

330-336-6827 330-336-6827 FAX

e: tbdbitl@wadsnet.com

M.R. Plank Construction Co., Inc.

Mickey Plank

100 Pettit Rd. Hudson, Ohio 44236

330-929-1785 330-655-5921 FAX

w: www.mrplank.com e: drene@mrplank.com

MCI Michael’s Construction

Michael Bellak

3465 S. Arlington Rd. Suite 302 Akron, Ohio 44312

330-724-2400 330-724-4200 FAX

e: mciinfo99@yahoo.com

President

President

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

visit us online : www.narineo.com

ALPHA DIRECTORY

Company

Contact Name

Address

Phone / Fax

Website / Email

Marble & Granite Works, LLC.

Regina Readd

18029 Cleveland Pkwy Cleveland, Ohio 44135

216-898-4000 216-898-4001 FAX

w: www.mgworks.com e: rreadd@mgworks.com

MAS, Inc.

Dave Cundiff

2718 Breckville Rd. Richfield, Ohio 44286

330-247-5113 330-659-6093 FAX

w: www.masdistribution.com e: dlundiff@masdist.com

Certified Remodeler

Bill Mavrakis

1743 Whipple Ave. NW Canton, Ohio 44708

330-477-1983 330-477-5955 FAX

w: www.MavrakisConstruction.com e: tnldesign@aol.com

McCaulley Building & Home Improvement

Raymond C. McCaulley

5201 Cleveland Ave. SW Canton, Ohio 44707

330-484-0555 330-484-0555 FAX

w: www.mccaulleybuilding.com e: projects@mccaulleybuilding.com

Michael Firestone, Inc.

Michael Firestone

2463 Foxway Circle NW North Canton, Ohio 44720

330-494-4738

Milbro Carpenters, Inc.

Barry Mills

72 Mt. View Ave. Akron, Ohio 44303

330-335-6308 330-336-4341 FAX

w: www.milbrocarpenters.com e: barry@milbrocarpenters.com

Miller Custom Exteriors / ABC Seamless of Northeast Ohio

Ann Peterson Miller

9238 CR 245 Fredricksburg, Ohio 44627

330-695-4905

w: www.millercustomexteriors.com e: annpetersonmiller@yahoo.com

Miracle Concrete Contractors, Inc.

Sam Monastra

1905 23rd St. NE Canton, Ohio 44705

330-453-3625 330-453-2930 FAX

Modern Builders Supply Co., Inc.

Douglas J. Lamusga

809 E. Exchange St. Akron, Ohio 44306

330-376-1031 330-376-5053 FAX

w: www.modernbuilderssupply.com

Mohler Lumber Company

Dave Collins

4214 Portage St. NW Canton, Ohio 44720

330-499-5461

e: mohlerlbr@aol.com

NAWIC Chapter #124

Linda Jones

2570 Pressler Rd. Akron, Ohio 44312

330-644-0044 330-644-0189 FAX

e: ankever@aol.com

New Leaf Home Design

Hallie Bowie

1792 Brookshire Rd. Akron, Ohio 44313

330-329-6901

w: www.newleafhomedesign.com e: hallie@newleafhomedesign.com

North Coast Home Improvement Corp.

Certified Remodeler

Brad Opacich

9360 Broadview Rd. Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147

440-526-0015 440-526-0155 FAX

w: www.northcoasthome.com e: brad@northcoasthome.com

Tony Ciero

5160 W. 164th St. Brookpark, Ohio 44142

216-676-4700 216-676-4776

w: www.nsr911.com e: northshoreren@ameritech.net

George P. Minello

7007 Krick Rd. Bedford, Ohio 44146

440-439-8250 440-439-0670 FAX

w: www.northcoastenergymasters.com e: ncem@sbcglobal.net

Mavrakis Construction, Inc.

North Shore Renovations, Inc. Northcoast Energy Masters, Inc.

President

visit us online : www.narineo.com

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

29

ALPHA DIRECTORY

Company

Contact Name

Address

Phone / Fax

Website / Email

Ohio Bath Solutions, LLC (dba Bath Fitter)

Aaron Gross

777 Dearborn Park Lane Columbus, Ohio 43085

614-785-1040

w: www.bathfitter.com e: agross@bathsaver.com

Paul Davis Restoration of Akron

Jack Pogue

2735 Second St. Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221

330-920-1936 330-920-1941 FAX

w: www.pdrestoration.us e: jpogue@pdr-usa.net

Pella Window & Door

Ryan Pietila

2965 W. Market St. Suite I Akron, Ohio 44333

330-836-5548 330-836-5547

w: www.pella.com e: ryan_pietila@gunton.com

Pervanje Architects, LLC

Thomas Pervanje

P.O. Box 497 Twinsburg, Ohio 44087

330-425-3151

w: www.ohio-architect.com e: tp@ohio-architect.com

Precision Siding and Construction Co.

Ron Mirman

1384 Vane Ave. Akron, Ohio 44310

330-633-7232 330-633-9583 FAX

w: www.precision-siding.com e: precisionsiding@sbcglobal.net

Premier Garage of Akron

Michael Padden

1570 Akron-Peninsula Rd. Akron, Ohio 44313

330-922-4411 330-922-4434

w: www.premiergarage.com e: mpadden.akron@premiergarage.com

R.C. Norman Construction

Robert Petrone,

2708 Front St. Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221

330-929-2260 330-929-8147 FAX

w: www.rcnorman.com e: chuber2@neo.rr.com

The Ray Company Construction

Randy Rininger

1151 St. Rt. 43 Mogadore, Ohio 44260

330-628-2613 330-628-2614

w: www.raycompanyconstruction.com e: randyrininger@msn.com

RDB & Company

Roger Bodosi

514 Somerset Rd. Akron, Ohio 44313

330-836-0611 330-836-0611 FAX

w: www.rdbco.com e: rdbco@att.com

Rebuilding Together Summit County

Paul Holm

788 Donald Ave. Akron, Ohio 44306

330-773-4100

w: www.rebuildingtogether-sc.org e: paul@www.rebuildingtogether-sc.org

Regency Windows

Dave Gordon

2288 East Aurora Rd. Twinsburg, OH 44087

800-453-9861 330-963-4092 FAX

w: www.regencywindow.com

Riley Home Builders, LLC

Amy Riley

16746 W. River Rd. Columbia Station, Ohio 44028

440-236-5131

w: www.rileyhomebuilders.com e: rileyhomebuilders@yahoo.com

Robert’s Remodeling & Construction Co., Inc

Robert M. Cogdeill

211 Prospect Ave. Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221

330-923-1940 330-923-1946 FAX

w: www.robertsremodel.com e: office@robertsremodel.com

President

Robert’s Remodeling & Construction is a local, regional and national award winning company recognized by the remodeling industry as being among the top 500 remodeling professionals nationwide. Robert’s Remodeling & Construction has also been featured on HGTV’s Before & After, and in “This Old House”, “Builder Architect” and “Qualified Remodeler” trade publications. We offer full-service remodeling and in-house design/build services. With NARI Certified Remodelers on staff and over twenty-five years experience, we can hand all your remodeling projects. Visit us at www.robertsremodel.com.

30

Roetzel & Andress

Candace Carter

222 S. Main St. Akron, Ohio 44308

330-376-2700 330-376-4577 FAX

w: www.ralaw.com e: tharpst@ralaw.com

Roofing By Simon, Inc.

Simon Semonin

989 Sandy Lake Rd. Kent, Ohio 44240

330-676-1002 330-676-1099 FAX

w: www.roofingbysimon.com e: roofingbysimon@sbc.net

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

visit us online : www.narineo.com

ALPHA DIRECTORY

Company

Contact Name

Address

Phone / Fax

Website / Email

Rose Pest Solutions

Myles Hastings

3499 State Rd. Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223

330-922-3111 330-922-3221 FAX

w: www.rosepestsolutions.com

Richard Salerno

616 Lyonswood Dr. Hinckley, Ohio 44233

330-278-3716

w: www.skremodelinginc.com e: sksalerno@gmail.com

Servpro

Tamra Wood

1546 Georgetown Rd. Hudson, Ohio 44236

800-650-1212 330-650-2321 FAX

w: www.servprorri.com e: info@servprorri.com

Speelman Electric, Inc.

Nick Hunt

358 Commerce St. Tallmadge, Ohio 44278

330-633-1410 330-633-4244 FAX

w: www.speelmanelectric.com e: nickh@speelmanelectric.com

Stanek Windows

Sven Kramer

4565 Willow Parkway Cuyahoga Heights, Ohio 44125

216-341-7700 216-641-0784 FAX

w: www.stanekwindows.com e: skramer@stanekwindows.com

Storage Buildings Unlimited, Inc.

Mark Dantimo

278 Main St. Wadsworth, Ohio 44281

330-334-5803 330-334-5142 FAX

w: www.storagebuildingsunlimited.com e: submachine@sbcglobal.net

Summit County Community Development

Scott Wagner

1030 E. Tallmadge Ave. Akron, Ohio 44310

330-643-7769

Tim Dawson

319 Main St. Wadsworth, Ohio 44281

330-334-3686 330-334-5718 FAX

w: www.tjshannon.com e: info@tjshannon.com

John M. Tamer

6134 State Rd. Parma, Ohio 44134

440-886-4700 440-842-6400 FAX

w: www.tamerconstruction.com e: john@tamerconstruction.com

Brian Lawrence

49 Northmoreland Ave. Munroe Falls, Ohio 44262

330-686-2300 330-686-2362 FAX

w: www.thompsonelectric.com e: brian@thompsonelectric.com

Tim Englert

7176 Boneta Rd. Wadsworth, Ohio 44281

330-336-2770 330-336-7924 FAX

w: www.remodelmyhome.com e: info@remodelmyhome.com

S & K Remodeling, Inc.

T.J. Shannon Construction, Inc.

Tamer Construction, Inc.

Thompson Electric, Inc.

Tim Englert Construction, Inc.

Certified Remodeler

Certified Remodeler

Certified Remodeler

Certified Remodeler

Tim Englert Construction, Inc. is a full service remodeling company located in Wadsworth, Ohio. We offer a wide range of services that include: design/build, room additions, kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, basement remodeling, whole house renovations and home improvements. Tim Englert Construction, Inc. employs a team of certified professionals to insure satisfaction. You can visit us at www.remodelmyhome.com Tim Longfellow Home Improvement

Tim Longfellow

12041 Whitman Rd. Doylestown, Ohio 44230

330-658-5015 330-658-5014 FAX

e : kjl1@brightdsl.net

Top Advantage Surfaces

Paul Miller

139 E. Maple St. Hartville, Ohio 44632

330-877-2138 330-877-4439 FAX

e: paulmiller@topadvantage.com w: www.topadvantage.com

Tri-County Kitchen & Baths

Karl J. Dierker

1196 Newton St. Tallmadge, Ohio 44278

330-630-0577

w: www.tricountykitchandbath.com e: kdierker@neo.rr.com

Vaughn Spouting Co., Inc.

Bruce M. Vaughn

6411 Fairland Rd. Clinton, Ohio 44216

330-825-1127 330-825-1128 FAX

w: www.vaughnspouting.com e: bmv1725@yahoo.com

visit us online : www.narineo.com

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

31

ALPHA DIRECTORY

Company

Contact Name

Address

Phone / Fax

Website / Email

W.L. Tucker Supply Co.

Rich Lenhart

2800 Second St. Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221

330-928-2155

w: www.wltucker.com e: svaughan@wltucker.com

Wayne Garage Door Sales & Service

Victor Roth

2150 State Route 39 NW Dover, Ohio 44622

800-532-2216 330-343-7444 FAX

w: www.waynedoor.com e: victor@waynedoor.com

Wayne Garage Door Sales and Service, Inc. has been serving Eastern Ohio since 1973.

We are focused on the residential, commercial and industrial markets. The residential products we install and service are garage doors, entry doors, vinyl replacement windows & central vacuum systems. The commercial and industrial products are sectional doors, rolling steel service doors, Rolling fire doors, high speed doors, hangar doors steel entry doors, and loading dock equipment. We offer 24 hour emergency service, planned maintenance programs and fire door drop testing.

WCCV Flooring

Michael Mavrakis

3479 State Rd. Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223

330-688-0114 330-688-5812 FAX

w: www.wccv.com e: mmavarakis@wccv.com

The Window Pro, LTD

Larry Bierman

16900 Bagley Rd. Middleburg Hts., Ohio 44130

440-243-9020

e: ccoyne@windowpro.com

Window World of Akron, Canton, Cleveland

Hubert M. Rohrer Jr.

2424 Gilchrist Rd. Akron, Ohio 44305

330-733-7940 330-733-7955 FAX

w: www.windowworldakron.com

Windows & More, Inc.

Jeff Ralston

2525 34th St. NE Canton, Ohio 44705

330-453-5255 330-453-5848 FAX

w: www.windowsandmore.org e: jeff@windowsandmore.org

Wolff Bros. Supply, Inc.

Bob Doherty, Jr.

1200 Kelly Ave. Akron, Ohio 44306

330-773-0200 330-773-2153

w: www.wolffbros.com e: bdoherty@wolffbros.com

Tamer Construction, Inc. East Central regional COTY winner, 2009 Residential Kitchen - $ 80,000 - $ 120,000 32

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

visit us online : www.narineo.com

A good remodeler shouldn’t keep vanishing.

A good remodeler shouldn’t keep vanishing.

It happens all the time—“I can never get a hold of this guy.“ If only they’d used a NARI contractor. NARI contractors undergo a thorough background check and are screened using stringent criteria for experience and workmanship, and must display a commitment to the NARI Code of Ethics. For more information on NARI or a referral to a NARI remodeler near you, visit www.nariremodelers.com or call 1.800.611.NARI (6274).

It happens all the time—“I can never get a hold of this guy.“ If only they’d used a NARI contractor. NARI contractors undergo a thorough background check and are screened using stringent criteria for experience and workmanship, and must display a commitment to the NARI Code of Ethics. For more information on NARI or a referral to a NARI remodeler near you, visit www.nariremodelers.com or call 1.800.611.NARI (6274).

©2009 NARI

NARI of Northeast Ohio � www.narineo.com � 330.762.9951

©2009 NARI

NARI of Northeast Ohio � www.narineo.com � 330.762.9951

N ort h e a s t Oh i o

N ort h e a s t Oh i o

R eferen ce Que st io

ns

an es se nt ial re fe re nces . Th is is 's or ct ra nt co e th fe w qu es tio ns to alwa ys ch ec k ct . He re are ju st a oje pr To prot ec t yo urse lf, ur yo r fo on th e rig ht pe rs st ag e of qu alify ing ers: as k prev iou s cu st om th e re mo de le r? un ica te we ll wi th es tio n, ho we ve r, 1 . Co ul d th ey co mm (T his is a to ug h qu ? rk wo of ity al qu k to se e th e co mse d wi th th e mu ch be tt er to as is 2. Were th ey pl ea It ly. nt re fe dif es "q ua lit y" ) sin ce ever yo ne de fin qu ality fo r yo urse lf. rm ine th e le ve l of te de to ct oje pr ed ? pl et bu sin es s prac tices th th e re mo de le r's wi d fie tis sa ey th 3. Were ow up on tim e? ac te d to ?

4 . Di d th e crew sh re mo de le r su bcon tr e th le op pe es ad or ta bl e wi th th e tr 5. Were th ey co mf le ? mp le te d on sc he du 6 . Was th e jo b co co nt ra ct? r fu lfi ll his or he r 7. Di d th e re mo de le proje ct? uc h th ro ug ho ut th e to in ay st or ct ra 8 . Di d th e co nt y ma nn er? fin ish ed in a tim el ils ta de al fin e th e 9 . Wer ? wi th ou t he sit at ion th e re mo de le r ag ain e us u yo ld ou W .

10 th e proje ct? ke pt cl ea n du rin g e sit b jo e th as W * ug ho ut th e process? ho nest an d fa ir th ro , al hic et , al ion ss r profe * Was th e re mode le proces s in overall proje ct an d e th ge na ma r le * Di d th e re mo de ? re yo ur sa tis fa ct ion su ch a wa y to en su ler handle them?

How did the remode t? jec pro e th g rin du * Did any issues arise

N ort h e a

34

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

s t Oh i o

visit us online : www.narineo.com

Stay On Top Of the Details

Comprehensive Checklist For Your Remodeling Pro ject

□ Find a professional remodeling contractor for your job using this comprehensive resource guide

N ort h e a s t Oh i o

□ Hire a professional contractor who is

familiar with the building codes in your area.

76 E. North St. Akron, Ohio 44304

Serving Summit, Portage, Medina, Cuyahoga, Stark, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Ashtabula & Wayne Counties

330-762-9951 1-877-292-6774 330-762-9960 FAX www.NARINEO.com

2011 NARI of Northeast Ohio Board of Directors

□

Contact your local municipality and/or county building office for registration and bonding requirements for contractors. Be certain the remodeling contractor you have chosen meets these requirements.

□ A well–written contract can prevent costly

mistakes or additions to the scope of your project.

□ Plan ahead. Go through the design

process first and choose everything you want to include in the new room(s), from appliances to light fixtures, etc. Include all your product and material selections in the contract.

□ Look around to determine whether you can Back Row (L-R) : Noel Frazer, Ben Ruhlin, Paul Miller, John Tamer, Ken Perrin Front Row (L-R) : Robert Doherty, Jr., Mark Babarick, Barry Mills, Candice Carter, Kurt Karhoff, Brad Opacich Not Pictured : Tamra Wood, Tom Pervanje

Tamra Wood, President

Paul Miller, Director

Servpro

Top Advantage Surfaces

Robert Doherty, Jr., Treasurer

Brad Opacich, Director

Wolff Bros. Supply

North Coast Home Improvement

Candice Carter, Legal Counsel

Ken Perrin, Director Artistic Renovations, LLC

Barry Mills, Ethics

Tom Pervanje, Director

Milbro Carpenters, Inc.

Pervanje Architects, LLC

Mark Babarick, Director

Ben Ruhlin, Director

D & D Home Improvement

Ben H. Ruhlin Co.

Noel Frazer, Director Architectural Woodworking, LLC

John Tamer, Director Tamer Construction, Inc.

Kurt Karhoff, Director Holland Remodeling & Building LLC

visit us online : www.narineo.com

achieve a similar look with a less expensive product.

□ Compare products and their prices carefully

before you make final decisions. And keep an open mind when you discuss product and design ideas with your contractor.

□ Make decisions based on value and quality, not just price.

□ Think about staging the work being done to minimize the initial financial impact.

□ Be creative. There are often multiple

solutions to accomplish a design objective, some more expensive than others. Discuss various options with your contractor.

NARI / Northeast Ohio Consumer Guide

35

A good remodeler shouldn’t leave you hanging.

A good remodeler shouldn’t leave you hanging.

We’ve all heard it before—“This job will never get finished!“ If only they’d used a NARI contractor. NARI contractors undergo a thorough background check and are screened using stringent criteria for experience and workmanship, and must display a commitment to the NARI Code of Ethics. For more information on NARI or a referral to a NARI remodeler near you, visit www.nariremodelers.com or call 1.800.611.NARI (6274).

We’ve all heard it before—“This job will never get finished!“ If only they’d used a NARI contractor. NARI contractors undergo a thorough background check and are screened using stringent criteria for experience and workmanship, and must display a commitment to the NARI Code of Ethics. For more information on NARI or a referral to a NARI remodeler near you, visit www.nariremodelers.com or call 1.800.611.NARI (6274).

©2009 NARI

NARI of Northeast Ohio � www.narineo.com � 330.762.9951

©2009 NARI

NARI of Northeast Ohio � www.narineo.com � 330.762.9951

N ort h e a s t Oh i o

N ort h e a s t Oh i o

Healthy Tips

10 R esolutions for a H ealthie r You in the N ew Year

By Dr. Christina Peters

The holiday decorations have been put away, and your social calendar has returned to normal. The next time-honored tradition — for many of us — is the breaking of our New Year’s resolutions.

Nearly 50 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, but only about 3 percent are fulfilled. And many don’t last through the first week. Still, making resolutions is worthwhile, especially when the goal is to improve your health.

Remember, lifestyle changes take time and (repeated) effort.

Below is a list of the resolutions I’d suggest for those who want to be healthier: 1. Exercise regularly — If you do only one thing to improve your health this year, exercise regularly. If it’s a struggle, begin slowly.

Resolve to walk just five minutes every day for a week. Bump it up to 10 minutes the next week and so on until you’re walking 30 minutes a day.

2. Eat right — Eat a balanced diet that’s high in fiber and whole grains, and low in fat and sugar. Resolve to eat smaller portions.

3. Quit smoking — Smoking damages your lungs, heart, teeth, skin and more. It inhibits the healing process, too. Resolve to quit.

4. Wash your hands — Resolve to wash your hands regularly.

Done properly, it’s the best way to prevent the spread of infection.

5. Sleep — Get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. You can’t “catch up” on sleep.

6. Get regular checkups — You are an important part of your healthcare team. Resolve to see your doctor at least once a year, and follow through with prescribed tests.

7. Turn it off — The average American spends about five hours a day watching television, followed closely by the amount of time spent online. Resolve to exercise your brain every day. Read. Talk to others. Find a new hobby.

8. Clean out your medicine cabinets — Discard all expired medications whether prescription or over-the-counter. Communities differ on how to safely dispose of medication, so contact your sanitation department or pharmacy for a recommendation.

9. Safety first — Practice safe habits. For example, wear sunscreen daily, and wear your seat belt every time you’re in a moving vehicle.

10. Laugh — Laughter benefits us both mentally and physically. It reduces stress and releases health-enhancing hormones. Resolve to laugh every day. It’s fun and good for you.

Review this list and choose just one resolution. Focus on it until it’s a habit, and then choose another and do the same. Whichever one you choose, resolve to be a healthier you.

Dr. Christina Peters is a board-certified internal medicine specialist with Summa Physicians, Inc. and has privileges at both Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital and Summa Akron City Hospital.

Dr. Peters has special interests in women’s health and diabetes care. Her office is located at 1 Park Centre Drive, Suite 304, in Wadsworth, Ohio. To make an appointment with a Summa Physician, call (800) 237-8662, ext. 234.

the mad platter

by Bev Shaffer

anti-Resolutions

/ There’s a better

chance you’ll find me eating ice cream this time of year than carrot sticks. /

Happiness is served up with a scoop of acceptance, a topping of tolerance and sprinkles of hope — although chocolate sprinkles also work.” – Robert Brault, writer

On that note, indulge vicariously with me as we take a journey through my favorite ice cream hangouts — and flavors.

Honey Hut Ice Cream Shoppe Bay Village, Brecksville, Cleveland, Parma

Open mid-March to early November. The first shop was opened in 1974 by Frank Page, a Cleveland firefighter. These premium ice creams are all natural with no additives or preservatives, and honey is used in place of sugar. Each month features special flavors as well as their standards, so try a scoop of Red Raspberry or Coconut … and don’t skip the Honey Pecan.

Graeter’s Ice Cream Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati (or pick up a pint or half gallon at many local supermarkets)

>>

I have a confession to make. While some of you have been counting calories, I’ve been eating ice cream.

I know — and I apologize only slightly for rubbing it in. Calculating your fiber intake, water consumption and minutes needed on the elliptical at the gym must be exhausting … only to find that in slightly less time than it takes you to read this article, your willpower has already wavered.

Perhaps you’re already thinking, “If I eat 3,000 carrot sticks and a salad with just

86

akronlife

enough dressing to moisten the tines of my fork, a piece of sustainable fish cooked without anything added, drink six eight-ounce glasses of water and then wwtake bathroom breaks only in bathrooms at least three floors away from me, I can have one tablespoon of a low-fat ice cream treat.”

Call me a bad influence, but I can’t help but think about something Erma Bombeck once said: “Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart.”

january 2011

Considered the founding family of Ohio ice cream (why wasn’t I born in that household?), this Cincy family has been “dishing it out” since 1870, making them the oldest continuous ice cream maker in the country. They talk up their “highest quality ingredients” — such as fresh cream from farms that pledge not to use artificial grown hormones and chocolate from the oldest milk-chocolate maker in the world, Peter’s Chocolate, established in 1875.

Graeter’s is famous for the massive chunks of chocolate found in their signature chocolate Rebel Bev Shaffer bucks the traditional system of making New Year’s Resolutions and not only condones, but promotes, ice-cream eating in the month of January.

chip flavors (Black Raspberry Chip, Cookie Dough Chip, Vanilla Chocolate Chip, Mint Chocolate Chip and more). They create these unique chips by pouring specially prepared liquid chocolate (liquid gold?!) into their French pots just as the ice cream is finish-

ing. A paddle is then used to break up the frozen layer into the randomly sized chunks of chocolate, resulting in a “crunch and a tease” in every spoonful! Each time I visit, I look over the menu and ponder — before getting the same thing: a strawberry ice cream soda with strawberry ice cream, not too sweet. This request always stops the servers in their tracks.

“What do you mean, not too sweet?” they ask.

I know they’re thinking less ice cream. Is she crazy? “Go easy on the syrup,” I respond. And the results? A perfect ice cream soda!

“There’s nothing wrong with me a little ice cream won’t fix.”

— Author unknown Hartzler’s Ice Cream Shoppe Wooster The Hartzler Family Dairy has been in business since 1964, and their cows are chemical and hormone free. It’s the perfect place to stop while driving through Wayne County.

You can pick up some bottled milk and enjoy the creativity of their uniquely named ice cream flavors. Anyone for Chicken Feed (lots of almonds, butterscotch swirl and homemade brownies tossed into vanilla ice cream)?

Tempted by Cow Pies and Cream (big, round brownies mixed with pecans and chocolate swirled into their homemade vanilla ice cream)? On at least one trip, try the vanilla — it’s their No. 1 seller and is incredibly rich and creamy. I love the vanilla with fresh strawberries when they’re in season.

Country Maid Richfield They’ve been scooping out quality ice cream since 1948, but are closed January through March. It’s a beautiful country drive during the summer and fall. Their ice creams aren’t mass-produced, so you get fresh flavor every time. Try the Maple Nut in the fall or the Black Cherry for a refreshing summer treat.

And sit outside on the deck to enjoy the licks and people watch.

Mary Coyle Akron A trip to Mary Coyle (in business since 1937) always reminds me of one of the shameless tricks my husband played on me before we were married. I was visiting Akron for the first time, so he wanted to take me to some of his favorite places. When we arrived at Mary Coyle, he convinced me to order a banana

bowl because, he said, everyone gets a banana bowl. Naïve to the ways of portion control in Akron, I ordered it. The waitress raised her eyebrow (you think I would have suspected).

Shortly after, this massive amount of ice cream and sauces and banana arrives — enough to feed several (very) hungry teenagers.

Strickland’s Frozen Custard Akron, Brunswick, Brimfield, Cuyahoga Falls, Green, Medina, Montrose, Norton-Barberton, Streetsboro and more

The first Strickland’s was founded in 1936 in Akron. Part of what makes Strickland’s special is the Flavor of the Day. You can even have them e-mail it to you — perfect if you want to plan your meal around dessert! One of the coolest things is watching them scoop your cone, which has a unique “stretched” appearance that’s facilitated by the antique custard dippers used in the store for generations.

Unlike traditional round dippers that produce ball shapes, their dippers are conical. Their staff believes that the shape of the stretched cone keeps the custard colder longer and enhances the customer experience. I say, you be the judge of that!

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt Canton, Cuyahoga Falls, Green, Massillon, North Canton, Stow, Tallmadge, Youngstown and more

Handel’s was featured in National Geographic’s, “The 10 Best of Everything.”

Since 1945, their ice cream and yogurt have been made fresh daily at each location, and you can taste that they don’t skimp on ingredient quality — fresh nuts, creamy caramel, rich dark chocolate. There’s TLC in each scoop!

Don’t wait for the warm weather and crowds.

(Their stands are known for serving 1,700 customers in a three-hour period.) The best part of Handel’s? Open all year!

By now you’re probably thinking, “If she eats this much ice cream, she’d be very … well … you know — fat!”

All things in moderation, my friends, all things in moderation.

When I’m having an “ice cream with a heaping amount of guilt” attack, I reach for my favorite substitute: Stonyfield Organic Gotta Have Vanilla Organic Fat Free Frozen Yogurt. Trust me. You have never tasted fat-free anything this good. It would make the perfect banana boat.

Which gives me an idea…

Lesson Learned: Lick Down!

My Dad was a loving but very strict parent. For a special treat when I was growing up, he’d take me to the local ice cream parlor for a cone.

He’d allow me to order something simple — and I’d request my favorite: a single dip cone of coffee ice cream with chocolate “jimmies” (New Jersey for sprinkles) on a sugar cone.

One such trip, I took my cone, thanked the clerk and my dad, and proceeded to enjoy — carelessly and hungrily licking the cone. two licks and plop — the untethered scoop of poorly packed down ice cream that I’d been licking “up” flipped off the cone and onto the shop’s floor. My dad, undeterred, continued to walk out with me. I was heartbroken. Surely he would buy me another one right away. Didn’t he notice? Didn’t he feel sorry for me?

My dad turned to me and said, “I hope you’ve learned a valuable lesson today on how to eat an ice cream cone.” And I did. From that day on, I always lick the scoop of ice cream down, ensuring that it’ll remain on the cone until every last delicious morsel is gone.

Age doesn’t diminish the extreme disappointment of having a scoop of ice cream fall from the cone!

/ Writer Bev Shaffer is a chef, food writer, culinary instructor and author of five cookbooks. Her latest is “CAKES to Die For!” You can find links to her blogs, “Gadget Freak” and “Eat Plants,” at bevshaffer.com.

Comments?

Got something to say about this article (or another article) in akronlife? We want to hear from you! E-mail editor Georgina K. Carson at gcarson@bakermediagroup.com.

www.akronlife.com

87

good eats

restaurants / notable food & drink /

Adam House Tavern & Dining A former stagecoach inn and tavern built in the 1840s. 3044 Wadsworth Rd. (Norton) 330-825-8280 $$$ L, D, A, T Akron Family Restaurant Neighborhood meeting place, homey atmosphere, reasonable prices.

250 W. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-376-0600 $ B, L, D, T Aladdin’s Eatery Nice atmosphere, charming outdoor dining area, tasty Mediterranean cuisine.

782 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330-535-0110; First and Main streets (Hudson) 330-656-0560 $$ L, D, A, T Al’s Corner Restaurant Old-world comfort food served cafeteria style. Cabbage rolls and sausage made locally are a favorite. 545 W. Tuscarawas Ave. (Barberton) 330-753-7216 $$ L, T Angello’s Historic building with an Italian neighborhood feel. 4905 Tuscarawas St. W. (Canton) 330-477-1486 $$ L, D, A, T Arcadia Grille Authentic Italian cuisine with pasta and chops. Breakfast served Saturday and Sunday. A local favorite for more than 85 years. 321 Court Ave. (Canton: Downtown) 330-454-6055 $$ B, L, D, A Arnie’s West Branch Steak House Casual dining, specializing in steak, ribs and seafood. Closed Sundays. 5343 State Route 14 (Ravenna) 330-2971717 $$$ D, A, T Barley House Menu includes hot and cold deli sandwiches, gourmet pizzas, soups and more. 222 S. Main St. (Akron) 330-374-0925 $$ L, D, A, T Beau’s Grille Upscale, well-regarded, innovative menu at the Fairlawn Hilton. 3180 W. Market St. (Fairlawn) 330-865-5577 $$$$ L, D, A, T Belgrade Gardens Famous for fried chicken and home-style cooking. 401 E. State St. (Barberton) 330745-0113; 3476 Massillon Rd. (Green) 330-896-3396 $$ 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) 330-678-3000 $$ L, D, A, T Bender’s Tavern Largest restaurant wine selection in Stark County. Menu features seafood. 137 Court Ave. SW (Canton: Downtown) 330-453-8424 $$$$ L, D, A, T Bennett’s Family Restaurant Comfort food, standard American fare. 13211 Cleveland Ave. NW (Uniontown) 330-699-9291 $ B, L, D, T No credit cards Beside the Point Café Treat yourself to specialty sandwiches, main-event salads, homemade soups and hot kitchen creations at this West Point Market restaurant. 1711 W. Market St. (Akron) 330864-2151 $$ B, L, D, T

88

akronlife

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

4284 Beverly Hills Dr. (Brunswick) 330-225-0927 $$ L, D, A, T Bistro on Main House-made desserts, hand-cut steaks and fresh pasta. Closed Sundays. 1313 W. Main St. (Kent) 330-673-9900 $$$$ L, D, A, T Blue Canyon Creative American cuisine in six nature-inspired dining environments. Sunday jazz brunch. 8960 Wilcox Dr. (Twinsburg) 330-486-2583 $$$ L, D, A, T Bombay Sitar Fine Indian cuisine. Food is natural and prepared fresh daily. 4633 Belden Village St. NW (North Canton) 330-493-0671 $$ L, D, T Bricco Unique pizza and pasta. 1 W. Exchange St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-475-1600 $$$ L, D, A, T The Cabin Upscale Italian within the Mario’s International Spa and Inn complex. 49 E. Garfield Rd. (Aurora) 330-562-9171 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T Cafe Tandoor Casual atmosphere, Indian cuisine.

Closed Mondays. 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.

Live entertainment on weekend evenings. 506 S. Main St. (North Canton) 330-494-1123 $ B, L, D, T Capri Pizza Longtime Highland Square joint with pizza, pasta, wings and barbeque ribs. 810 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330-762-9131 $ L, D, T Casa Del Rio Mexican dining. 839 High St. (Wadsworth) 330-335-4001 $$ L, D, A, T China City Traditional Chinese cuisine in an elegant setting. 156 Cherry St. (Kent) 330-673-6566 $$ 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 $$$ L, D, A, T The Chophouse Great steaks and seafood. 6041 Whipple Ave. NW (North Canton) 330-494-6758; 45 E. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-535-6410 $$$$ L, D, A, T, V Chowder House Café Salads, soups, sandwiches and clam chowder. Bring your own wine and beer ($5 corkage fee). Open weekdays for lunch; Saturday lunch and dinner. Closed Sundays. 2028 Chestnut Blvd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-794-7102 L, D, T $$$ No credit cards Cilantro Upscale Thai and Japanese, extensive menu, fresh ingredients, hand-selected sushi and no MSG. Spice levels from 0 to 5. Eclectic atmosphere. 326 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-434-2876 $$$ L, D, A, T january 2011

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.

Coopers in the Valley American-style classics including soups, chili and BBQ ribs. Most entrées made from scratch. 1824 Merriman Rd. (Merriman Valley) 330-865-9510 $$ L, D, A, T Crave Creative comfort foods, slightly eccentric with bold tastes served up in a sensational setting. 57 E. Market St. (Akron) 330-253-1234 $$ L, D, A, T, V Cristo’s House of Pasta Pizza, manicotti and stuffed shells are a few of the favorites. Closed Sundays. 1275 Norton Ave. (Norton) 330-825-1994 $$ L, D, A, T Crooked River Grill Full-service catering and restaurant. Ribs are a specialty. 403 N. Main St. (Munroe Falls) 330-688-9911 $$$ L, D, A, T D’Agneses Tomato Grill Wide array of entrée choices. Sunday brunch.106 First St. (Hudson) 330342-3771 $$$$ L, D, A, T D’Agneses Trattoria and Café Northern and Southern Italian cuisine made in-house with fresh ingredients. Specialties include chicken and veal saltimbocca and gorgonzola crusted grouper.

566 White Pond Dr. (Akron) 234-678-3612 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T Dave’s Cosmic Subs Sign the walls at this sub stop, featuring psychedelic and music memorabilia decor. 186 N. Main St. (Hudson) 330-342-5666 $$ L, D, T Dave’s Tip Top Pleasant atmosphere with homestyle menu. Perfect for family dining. 3428 Darrow Rd. (Stow) 330-688-3171 $$ B, L, D, T David B’s Grill & Pub Known locally for excellent service and a variety of foods. 3900 Medina Rd. (Montrose) 330-666-1191; 526 W. Tuscarawas Ave. (Barberton) 330-745-7677 $$$ L, D, A, T Delanie’s Neighborhood Grille Comfort food, sporty atmosphere and full bar. 67 West Ave. (Tallmadge) 330-630-2888 $$$ L, D, A, T Deli on Rye Excellent variety of sandwiches. Meats and cheeses sliced to order. Deli-style dill pickles on each table are the house tradition. 180 W. Streetsboro St. (Hudson) 330-650-1617 $$ 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, T Diamond Grille Akron’s oldest steakhouse, authentic 1950s-style décor, highly regarded. 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

Double Decker Stone Grill Gourmet sandwich shop combines lava stone grilling with highest-quality steaks and fresh seafood. Homemade corned beef and pastrami from Ohio-fed beef.

Wine-tasting Tuesdays. 1662 Merriman Rd. (Akron) 330-864-3663 $$$ L, D, A, T Edgar’s Serves a variety of entrées, such as chargrilled grouper. Homemade soups, salads and starters. 530 Nome Ave. at Good Park Golf Course (Akron) 330869-3000 $$$ L, D, A, T Egg Castle Meeting place for breakfast and lunch.

Omelets a specialty. Killer baked goods. 25 Ghent Rd. (Fairlawn) 330-836-1767 $$ B, L, T El Campesino Authentic Mexican cuisine. 4360 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330-686-5561; 9169 State Route 14 (Streetsboro) 330-626-9777; 4048 Lincolnway E. (Massillon) 330-477-8731 $$ L, D, A, T El Rincon Authentic Mexican cuisine. 1485 S. Arlington St. (Akron: South) 330-785-3724; 720 S. Main St. (North Canton) 330-497-2229; 3212 Tuscarawas St. W. (Canton) 330-453-9200 $$ L, D, A, T Erie Station Grille Features such classics as baby-back ribs seared with homemade BBQ sauce and prime rib of beef au jus. 70 East Ave. (Tallmadge) 330-634-9900. $$$ L, D, A, T The Eye Opener Owned by operators of Arnie’s Standing Room Only. Diner-style menu features jams and jellies from Crooked River Herb Farm. Upscale decor includes photos of historic Akron. Located in the former Market Street Cafe. 1688 W. Market St. (Akron) 330-867-1114 $$ B, L, D, T Farmer Boy Restaurant House specialties include Greek souvlaki, broaster chicken and delicious desserts. 1324 Canton Rd. (Akron: East) 330-7844052 $$ B, L, D, T Firehouse Grill & Pub Watch sports and enjoy steaks, buffalo wings or crab legs. 1677 E. Market St. (Akron: East) 330-733-6279; 2727 Manchester Rd. (Akron) 330-848-2426; 581 Norton Rd. (Barberton) 330-861-0300; 4809 State Route 44 (Rootstown) 330-325-0706; 76 West Ave. (Tallmadge) 330-6349967 $$ L, D, A Fisher’s Café & Pub American cuisine. 1607 Main St. (Peninsula) 330-657-2651 $$ L, D, A, T Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Upscale steakhouse offering aged beef, chops, fresh seafood, salad and more than 100 wines by the glass. 4000 Medina Rd. (Akron) 330-670-5200 $$$$ D, A, T Franklin Square Deli Quality sandwich shop with an auto-racing theme. 108 S. Water St. (Kent) 330-673-2942 $$ 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

FRESH – Healthy Café Upscale healthy options, quick-service setting. Smoothies, organic coffees, wraps, grilled paninis, wheatgrass shots, antioxidant drinks and more. 3265 West Market St. in Summit Mall (Fairlawn) 330-865-8133 $$ B, L, D The Galaxy Restaurant Diverse selection of dishes in a creative building. Fantastic desserts. 201 Park Centre Dr. (Wadsworth) 330-334-3663 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Gasoline Alley Eclectic menu featuring pizza, salads, sandwiches and sauerkraut balls. 870 N. ClevelandMassillon Rd. (Bath) 330-666-2670 $$$ L, D, A, T Geisen Haus Generous portions, great beer selection.

6955 Promway Ave. NW (North Canton) 330-499-9116 $$ L, D, A, T Gervasi Vineyard & Italian Bistro 55-acre estate, winery and bistro, outdoor seating, six-acre lake with resident swans and outdoor bocce courts. Committed to fresh ingredients and the locavore movement. Closed Mondays. Lunch Saturdays and Sundays. 1700 55th St. NE (Canton) 330-497-1000 $$$$ L, D, A Golden Dragon Chinese fare. Also offers traditional Japanese cooking and sushi. 1634 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-929-1109 $$ L, D, A, T Great Harvest Bread Co. Neighborhood bakery specializing in natural, whole grain breads, cookies and breakfast items. Deli sandwiches and soup served at lunch.

3900 Medina Rd. (Fairlawn) 330-666-7497 $ B, L, T Great Shanghai Buffet Chinese and Japanese buffet-style food. 1619 Streetsboro Plaza (Streetsboro) 330-626-8000 $$ L, D, A, T Green Diamond Grille & Pub Upscale dining without upscale pricing. Specializes in steaks and chops.

125 Second St. (Barberton) 330-745-1900 $$$ L, D, A, T Gregory’s Grille & Pub American food in a country setting within Mario’s International Spa and Inn. 30 Shawnee Trail (Aurora) 330-562-6121 $$$ B, L, D, A, T The Grill Room at Martin University Center Former members-only University Club. Casual upscale, sandwiches, salads and entrées. 105 Fir Hill (Akron: Downtown) 330-972-7711 $$ L, A, T Grille 39 Soup, salads, sandwiches, steaks, chicken, pasta and seafood. Everything made from scratch, including the salad dressings. Meat is locally raised. 3939 Massillon Rd. (Uniontown) 330-899-1616 $$$ L, D, A Grinders Above & Beyond Family restaurant.

Grinders, burgers, dinners, appetizers, homemade soups and pies. 1671 N. Main St. (North Canton) 330-497-4800; 3114 Whipple Ave. (Canton) 330-477-5411; 1820 W. State St. (Alliance) 330-821-6665; 404 E. Lincoln Way (Minerva) 330-868-7824; 500 W. Main St. (Louisville) 330-875-9700 $ B, L, D, A, T Gus’ Chalet A North Hill institution, popular meeting place for Akron area politicos. Serves variety of dishes, from Greek favorites to standard American fare. 938 E. Tallmadge Ave. (Akron: North) 330-633-2322 $$ L, D, A, T Hattie’s Café & Gifts Serves as a training and vocational site for people with disabilities. Features coffee, homemade pastries, ice cream, soups, salads and sandwiches. 164 N. Main St. (Hudson) 330-655-0044; 520 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-535-1779; 60 S. High St. (at Akron Library) 330-762-0853; 166 S. High St. (at Akron municipal building) 330-252-0556; 1 S. High St. (at Akron Art Museum) 330-376-9186 $ B, L, D, T Henry Wahner’s Restaurant An old favorite across from KSU. Complete German menu. German-style bar with beers served in ice-cold steins. 1609 E. Main St. (Kent) 330-678-4055 $$$$ D, A, T No credit cards Hibachi Japan Steak House Japanese Hibachistyle cooking, great steak and sushi. 2251 Front St. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-928-3333 $$$ L, D, A, T Hopocan Gardens Barberton-style chicken. 4396 W. Hopocan Ave. (Barberton) 330-825-9923 $$ L, D, A, T No credit cards

big bite

by Candice Monroe and photo by Shane Wynn

They taste as good as they look.

Stop by the Golden Goose Bakery for a decadent Danish, the todie-for Pain au Chocolat (made with 1-oz of 55 percent Valrhona chocolate) or a mouth-watering croissant. Your taste buds will thank you.

From Marine to pastry Chef / Retired Marine infantry officer makes everything from scratch at the Golden Goose Bakery. /

>>

When Michael Bruno and

his wife, Martina, opened the Golden Goose Bakery last year in Cuyahoga Falls, their vision was to have people stop in for breakfast pastry on their way to work — but with the bakery located inside the Golden Goose Restaurant, it’s been difficult making that happen.

“Being in a restaurant is great in some ways, in other ways it’s not. People have no idea that I’m here,” says Bruno, a retired Marine Corps infantry officer. “Right now, my customer base is relatively small because it’s all word of mouth.

I’ll have a day where I can’t make enough pastry. The very next day I’ll have half of the case left. … With a restaurant, if you don’t sell your Swiss steak special today, you can sell it tomorrow. Everything I do is a breakfast pastry. So its shelf life is a couple of hours. ... It’s frustrating.”

And costly. Bruno uses only high-end ingredients, such as Nieman Ranch Ham; Valrhona Chocolates; organic, free range eggs; and Myers Dark Rum. “I like using good, nice ingredients.

I think people appreciate it big time,” says Bruno, who’s essentially a one-man operation (he has an assistant help him three hours a day and his wife “runs the books … and organizes me”).

So how did an infantry officer in the Marines become a pastry chef? Growing up in a German family, Bruno was always around food. Good food. So when he went to college and experienced … well … college food, he decided to teach himself to cook. At first it was a just a hobby — to survive college. And then after he became a Marine, he baked on the weekends and then a little more once he got married.

Did his Marine buddies know he baked? “I kept it somewhat quiet. [For a] holiday, I’d bake a Black Forest cake … and of course I’d say my wife baked it.”

Right before Bruno retired from the Marines, he began taking classes at a local culinary school. He later decided he wanted to make a career out of baking.

His bakery is a true testament to his dedication — and work ethic. “I was an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, and I don’t think I’ve ever worked harder in my entire life than right now.”

The bakery — located at 1970 State Road in Cuyahoga Falls (inside the Golden Goose Restaurant) — specializes in breakfast Viennoiserie, along with quiche, crepes, breads “and other products based on the time I have available,” says Bruno. The bakery is open Wednesday – Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit Facebook @ The Golden Goose Bakery or better yet, stop by in person to taste test a Danish. www.akronlife.com

89

uncorked

Love at First sip Banfi Rosa Regale Piedmont, Italy

by Rick Rodger

It’s been said that it’s love at first sip after tasting this semisweet red sparkling wine. It’s also been said that there’s no other wine like it in the world. (Heads up: this bubbly is the perfect choice for Valentine’s Day because it goes great with chocolate.) this sparkling wine has a vibrant cranberry color and floral fragrance with hints of strawberry and raspberry flavors. While it has a fresh raspberry taste, it also has a luscious finish — which is why it matches up so well with chocolate (the darker, the better) or as a stand-alone aperitif. (It would also pair well with a deep, dark chocolate cake from West Side Bakery.)

So remember guys: flowers and a bottle of semisweet Banfi Rosa Regale. And I’m giving you plenty of time here. It’s only January.

You can find Rosa Regale at Acme Fresh Markets, Fisher’s, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Heinen’s, Giant Eagle, River Side Wine, Unexpected Wine and Gift, Mustard Seed, West Point Market, Papa Joe’s, 750 ML wine shop or your favorite wine retailers in the greater Akron Area.

It retails for $24.99.

Cheers!

Writer Rick Rodger is a manager at Heidelberg Distributing Company.

90

akronlife

House of Hunan Common favorites to spicy specialties. Oriental décor. 12 E. Exchange St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-253-1888; 2717 W. Market St. (Fairlawn Town Centre) 330-864-8201; 18 Public Square (Medina) 330-722-1899 $$$ L, D, A, T, V Hudson’s Restaurant Neighborhood restaurant and bar serving fresh, chef-driven dishes. Family-friendly atmosphere. 80 N. Main St. (Hudson) 330-650-1955; 3900 Median Rd. (Akron: West) 330-666-7777 $$ B, L, D, A, T Hyde Park Grille New York-style upscale steakhouse. 4073 Medina Rd. (Montrose) 330670-6303 $$$$ D, A, T, V Ido Bar & Grill Home of the beloved Ido Burger. An Akron tradition since World War II. 1537 S. Main St. (Akron: South) 330-773-1724 $$$ L, D, A, T Iris Restaurant American eclectic food.

Seasonal menu and daily specials. Exceptional American wines offering good quality and value. Closed Sundays and Mondays. 228 Fourth St. NW (Canton: Downtown) 330-3131519 $$$$ L, D, A Ken Stewart’s Grille Widely recognized as one of Akron’s finest. Upscale, eclectic cuisine. Emphasis on steak and seafood. 1970 W. Market St. (Akron: West) 330-867-2555 $$$$ L, D, A, T, V Ken Stewart’s Lodge Casual, Adirondack-style atmosphere, eclectic cuisine.

1911 N. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. (Bath) 330666-8881 $$$$ D, A, T Ken Stewart’s Tre Belle Italian atmosphere and authentic cuisine. Specialties include an antipasto bar, big drinks and an extensive wine list. 1911 N. ClevelandMassillon Rd. (Bath) 330-666-9990 $$$ D, A, V, T Kozmo’s Grille Stone-hearth pizzas, upscale pasta dishes, fresh seafood and steaks.

37 First St. NW (Massillon) 330-832-8807 $$$ L, D, A, T Lanning’s Restaurant Elegant dining atmosphere with a beautiful view. More than 150 types of wine. 826 N. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. (Bath) 330-666-1159, 330-864-2553 $$$$ D, A, T, V Larry’s Main Entrance English-pub style, burgers of note. 1964 W. Market St. (Akron: West) 330-864-8162 $$ 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 Lolli’s Well-regarded Italian cuisine, suitable for private parties. 4801 Dressler Rd. NW (Canton) 330-492-6846 $$$ L, D, A, T Longfellow’s Tavern American fare with frequent live music. 127 Watrusa Ave. (Wadsworth) 330-336-0028 $$ L, D, A, T

january 2011

Louie’s Bar & Grille Local reputation for burgers. 739 E. Glenwood Ave. (Akron: North) 330-535-5030 $ L, D, A, T Luchita’s Authentic Mexican cuisine with a four-star rating. Voted No. 1 by Scene magazine. 36 Park Lane (Hudson) 330-6550059 $$$ 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 Sundays. 4769 Belpar St. NW (Canton: Belden Village) 330-492-9933 $$$$ D, A Luigi’s Restaurant An Akron icon. Open late. Serves superb Italian cuisine, salads and award-winning pizza. Voted Best Pizza and Best Italian Restaurant by Akron Life readers in 2004, 2006–2009. Party trays and sheet-pan pizzas available with 24-hour notice. 105 N. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-253-2999 $$ L, D, A, T No credit cards Lukity Country Inn Home-style comfort food. 2697 Manchester Rd. (Akron: South) 330-753-5983 $$ B, L, A, T Main Wok Fast Chinese cuisine. 2855 W. Market St. (Fairlawn) 330-865-8885 $$ L, D, T Accepts Discover and MasterCard Maize Valley Winery Sample wine by bottle or glass. Taste 100+ types of cheeses.

Appetizers and sandwiches served daily. Full dinner menu on Saturday evenings. 6193 Edison St. NE (Hartville) 330-877-8344 $$ L, D, A Mandarin House Mandarin-style cuisine is an interesting change from traditional Cantonese food. 3201 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-929-8157 $$ L, D, A, T Mapleside Farms & Restaurant Country dining room with fireplace, beautiful view. Try the cinnamon crescents and apple pie. 294 Pearl Rd. (Brunswick) 330-225-5576 $$$ L, D, A Marcelita’s Southwestern atmosphere, guacamole made fresh daily, authentic Mexican fare. 7774 Darrow Rd. (Hudson) 330650-1121 $$ L, D, A, T Mariachi Cocos Mexican restaurant and cantina with daily happy hour. 1682 Merriman Rd. (Akron: Merriman Valley) 330-836-1167; 10333 Northfield Rd. (Northfield) 330-4676655 $$ L, D, A, T Mariachi Locos Fast, authentic Mexican cuisine. 2215 E. Waterloo Rd. (Akron: East) 330-733-4065; 4161 Steels Point (Stow) 330922-3307 $$ L, D, A, T Mary Coyle Strong pasta selection. Six-time winner of Pasta Yule’s Best Red Sauce. Known for endless ice cream options. 780 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330-253-1511 $$ L, D Mavis Winkle’s Irish Pub Attentive, friendly service. Large, eclectic menu, cozy atmosphere and live music. 5005 Rockside Rd. (Independence) 216-525-0770; 8870 Darrow Rd. (Twinsburg) 330-405-3663 $$ L, D, A, T Medina Steakhouse & Saloon Oldfashioned 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) 330-8776477 $ B, L, T Menches Brothers Restaurant Inventors of the hamburger and ice cream cone. In Akron since 1901. 3700 Massillon Rd. (Green) 330-896-2288 $$ B, L, D, A, T Michael’s AM Casual, family-style dining.

Full breakfast and lunch menu featuring sandwiches and daily specials.1562 AkronPeninsula Rd. (Merriman Valley) 330-9293447 $ B, L, T No credit cards Mike’s Place Unique atmosphere, extensive menu. 1700 S. Water St. (Kent) 330-673-6501 $ B, L, D, A, T Milich’s Village Inn Finger-lickin’ chicken prepared Barberton style. The tenders are a twist on the famous recipe. 4444 S. ClevelandMassillon Rd. (Norton) 330-825-4553 $$ L, D, T The Mill 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 Moe’s Hip, intimate atmosphere featuring a diverse chalkboard menu that changes weekly.

Martinis, cocktails and extensive selection of wines by the glass. Closed Sundays. 2385 Front St. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-928-6600 $$$$ L, D, A, T Mr. Zubs Deli New Highland Square deli at the Matinee features hot and cold sandwiches named after movie characters, cream cheese spreads, salads and sides. Open late-night. 812 W. Market St. (Akron) 330-252-0272 $ L, D, T Ms. Julie’s Kitchen Opened by Akron native and author of three vegan cookbooks.

Specialties include salads, whole grain-foods and spelt flour waffles. 1809 S. Main St. (Akron) 330-819-3834 $ B, L, D, T Mulligan’s Pub Local antique décor, awardwinning barbecued ribs, extensive menu. 4118 Belden Village St. NW (Canton: Belden Village) 330-493-8239 $$$ L, D, A, T Mustard Seed Market Café Located on mezzanine overlooking unique 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; 6025 Kruze Dr. (Solon) 440-519-3663 $$$ L, D, T New Era Restaurant A mainstay of the Akron area. Heavenly paprikash and other Hungarian favorites. 10 Massillon Rd. (Akron: East) 330-784-0087 $$ B, L, D, A, T The New Peter Shears Downtown New York City atmosphere.

Upscale with small, intimate rooms and muted lighting. Families and children welcome. 427 E. Tuscarawas St. (Canton: Downtown) 330-5888300 $$$$ L, D, A, T Nick Anthe’s An established tradition in Akron’s North Hill. Halibut is a favorite. Steaks,

Kitchen Profiles

promotional editorial

Virtues Restaurant

Virtues Inside Akron City Hospital’s Ann and David Brennan CCU 525 E. Market St. 330-375-7444 virtuesrestaurant.com

Luxurious dining begins with flavorful dishes, which is the essence of Virtues Restaurant.

Virtues’ approach to healthy living requires neither sacrifice nor denial; it is about great taste and enjoyment. the organic ingredients and artistic presentations create a sophisticated panache to wellness-based, holistic dining. Conceived by internationally renowned Executive Chef Frank Zifer and supported by his culinary team (including Chef Paul Gerstenmaier and Chef tim Carson), the menu showcases fresh organic ingredients with artistic presentations. Daily signature dishes are inspired by the freshest produce, seafood and meat available; they boast a fusion of the culinary team’s Northeast Ohio roots coupled with Chef Z’s experience in Switzerland, France, Italy and Canada.

Nutritional information is available on all menu items upon request, many of which support diets low in gluten, fat, calories, sugar and sodium.

www.akronlife.com

91

lamb chops and rack of lamb are also popular. 1008 N. Main St. (Akron: North) 330-929-6425 $$$$ L, D, A, T Northside Loud food and spicy music in an historic, turn-of-the-century saloon. All-organic menu. Live music six nights a week. Attached to Northside is Snook’s, an intimate jazz lounge featuring fine wine and spirits. 111 N. Main St. (Akron) 330-434-0611 $$ L, D, A, T 91 Wood Fired Oven Upscale casual, West Coast atmosphere. Pizza and pasta are specialties.

Patio dining. 1983 Easton St. NW in Washington Square Plaza (North Canton) 330-498-9191; 5570 Fulton Dr. NW (Canton) 330-497-9111 $$$ D, A, T The Oaks Lakeside Casual dining, fabulous ambiance in 1914 estate. Outdoor dining and water views. 5878 Longacre Lane (Chippewa Lake) 800922-5736 $$$$ L, D, A The Office Metropolitan bistro and lounge with eclectic ambiance and timeless decor. 778 N. Main St. (Akron) 330-376-9550 $$$ L, D, A, T Olde Harbor Inn Upscale dining with contemporary cuisine. Overlooks Portage Lakes. 562 Portage Lakes Dr. (Akron) 330-644-1664 $$$$ L, D, A, T, V On Tap Relaxed atmosphere, great gyros and Greek food. 3263 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-922-0464; 2905 Medina Rd. (Medina) 330-725-1972; 4396 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330-686-5359; 3997 Medina Rd. (Akron) 330-668-1116 $$ L, D, A, T One Red Door Decadent menu featuring gourmet pizzas, share plates such as bacon-wrapped roasted dates, and burgers. Closed Sundays. 49 Village Way (Hudson) 330-342-3667 $$$$ L, D, A Otani’s Japanese Hibachi-style tableside cooking.

1684 Merriman Rd. (Akron) 330-836-1500 $$$$ L, D, A, T Pad Thai Elegant restaurant, extensive menu of traditional Thai dishes. 3545 Brookwall Dr. (Fairlawn) 330-668-9981; 5657 Darrow Rd. (Hudson) 330-6509998 $$ L, D, A, T Pancho & Lefty’s Popular neighborhood cantina.

3254 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330-686-6781 $$ L, D, A, T Pancho’s Southwestern Grill Tex-Mex, Southwestern chicken specialties, charbroiled pizza, steaks and seafood. 4325 Massillon Rd. (Green) 330896-1991 $$ L, D, A, T Pantry Restaurant Casual dining in a country setting. Wraparound balcony seating (weather permitting). Homecooked meals, fresh-made pies and kids’ menu. 101 N. Prospect Ave. (Hartville) 330-8185531 $$ B, L, D, T Papa Bear’s Italian Restaurant Great, authentic, homemade Italian food. 4990 Dressler Rd. NW (Canton) 330-493-0090 $$$ L, D, A, T Papa Gyros Greek Grill Authentic Greek fare including gyros, souvlaki platters, baklava and more.

Greek wine and beer. 4760 Everhard Rd. NW (Canton: Belden Village) 330-497-1100; 2045 Cleveland Ave. NW (Canton) 330-456-9000 $$ L, D, A, T Papa Joe’s Classy atmosphere, extensive wine list, fine Italian fare, seafood and steaks. 1561 AkronPeninsula Rd. (Merriman Valley) 330-923-7999 $$$ L, D, A, T Parasson’s Good pasta. Great for family dining. 501 N. Main St. (Akron: North) 330-376-2117; 959 E. Waterloo Rd. (Akron) 330-724-9375; 3983 Darrow Rd. (Stow) 330-688-3650; 364 Wooster Rd. N. (Barberton) 330-753-2264 $$ L, D, A, T Piatto Novo Authentic Italian fare including steaks and seafood, coupled with a breathtaking view of the Cuyahoga River, make this a must-do experience.1989 Front St. at the Sheraton (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-9207530 $$$$ L, D, A, V

92

akronlife

Pillitiere’s The sub sandwiches and affordable lunches are a Firestone Park tradition. 61 E. Waterloo Rd. (Akron: South) 330-773-0206 $ B, L, D, A, T Platinum Dragon Facing the heart of Highland Square, a great spot for people-watching. Menu features a variety of Chinese favorites. 814 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330-434-8108 $ L, D, A, T Prime/93 Formerly Anthes’. 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 $$$$ L, D, A, T Pufferbelly Ltd. Located in historic Kent railroad depot. 152 Franklin Ave. (Kent) 330-673-1771 $$$ L, D, A, T Raj Mahal Traditional Indian cuisine with excellent lamb and chicken curry dishes. Daily lunch buffet.

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

4065 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-923-1234 $$ B, L, D, A, T Reserve Inn A Hudson landmark featuring fine cuisine and an upscale setting. Traditional steaks and ribs with a Cajun selection or two. 30 W. Streetsboro St. (Hudson) 330-650-1717 $$$ L, D, A, T Rose Villa American menu. 368 Portage Lakes Dr. (Portage Lakes) 330-644-5522 $$$ L, D, A, T Rush Hour Bar & Grill American menu. 8870 Darrow Rd. (Twinsburg) 330-425-3221 $$ L, D, A, T Russo’s Chef from former Liberty Street Brewing Co. flexes his culinary muscles with unique cuisine featuring Cajun and Italian influences. Fine-dining atmosphere. 4895 State Rd. (Peninsula) 330-9232665 $$$$ L, D, A, T Rusty Nail Casual atmosphere serving quality steak, seafood and chicken. 7291 State Route 43 (Kent) 330673-2297 $$$ D, A, T Saffron Patch Features fine Indian cuisine including tandoori chicken, ginger-seasoned yellow lentils and garlic naan. 1224 Weathervane Lane (Akron) 330-836-7777 $$$ L, D, A, T Sakura Fresh sushi served daily. Wide selection of specialty rolls. 3900 Medina Rd. (Akron) 330-6700288 $$$ L, D, T Samira Formerly the River Brasserie & Bar. Run by owner Nick Dadich and executive chef Michael Fiala.

Menu features chef-inspired entrées, casual comfort foods and tavern-style appetizers. Closed Sundays.

2291 Riverfront Pkwy. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-9234233 $$$$ L, D, A, T, V Sarah’s Vineyard Sample high-quality wines, appetizers, sandwiches and desserts in the tasting room, on the deck or in the butterfly garden. Open Wednesday-Sunday. 1204 W. Steels Corners Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-929-8057 $$ L, D, A Skyway Drive-In Restaurant A West Akron tradition. Drive-in burgers, fast fare. 2781 W. Market St. (Fairlawn) 330-836-2806; 951 E. Turkeyfoot Rd. (Green) 330-896-9350; 3296 Medina Rd. (Medina) 330-721-8561 $ L, D, T Stables Restaurant & Hall of Fame Grille Unique atmosphere in former Timken estate stables, just a few blocks from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Perfect for sports fans. 2317 13th St. NW (Canton) 330-452-1230 $$$ L, D, A, T Steak on a Stone Steaks, seafood and poultry served at your table on volcanic stone heated to more than 750 degrees. Sunday brunch includes carving station, eggs benedict and waffle station.145 Montrose West Ave. (Copley) 330-665-2929 $$$$ L, D, A, T january 2011

Steinly’s Down-home breakfasts are a mainstay.

235 E. Waterloo Rd. (Akron: South) 330-773-6422 $ B, L, D, T Steve’s Dakota Grill Upscale casual NW lodge setting with prime-rib specialty voted Best of the Best. Fresh seafood daily. 2809 Pearl Rd. (Medina) 330-725-6288 $$$$ L, D, A, T Stew Pot Kitchen Serves soups, stews, slowcooked meals, beer-flavored brats and more. Menu changes daily. Weekly specials offer unique flavors and pairings. Closed weekends. 30 N. High St (Akron: Downtown) 330-376-7839 $ L, D, T Sweet Pea Café Traditional breakfast fare plus homemade granola, omelets and frittatas. Soup, salad, sandwiches, mac and cheese and meatloaf, all made from scratch. 117 Merz Blvd. (Fairlawn) 330794-7952 $$ B, L, T Swensons Drive In Voted best cheeseburger in America. Signature burger is the Galley Boy. 658 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave. (Akron: North) 330-928-8515; 40 S. Hawkins Ave. (Akron: West) 330-864-8416; 4466 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330-678-7775; 40 Brookmont Rd. (Montrose) 330-665-1858; 5815 Wales Ave. (Jackson Twp.) 330-833-5454; 1558 N. Main St. (North Canton) 330-499-9494 $ L, D, T Taco Tontos Funky, college atmosphere featuring authentic Mexican cuisine made from scratch. Good selection of vegetarian dishes. 123 Franklin Ave. (Kent) 330-677-0223 $$ L, D, T Tai Wah Popular area Chinese takeout, dine in also.

Nice lunch buffet. 5835 Darrow Rd. (Hudson) 330528-0888 $$ L, D, A, T Tangier Restaurant Occasionally featuring live entertainment from around the country. Elaborate décor. Quality steaks and seafood. 532 W. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-376-7171, 800-826-4437 $$$$ D, A, T, V Taste of Bangkok & Sushi Bar Run by brother and sister duo. 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) 330-3429401 $$ L, D, A, T 3 Point Upscale casual American dining with a gourmet twist. Hand-cut steaks, pastas, and fresh chicken and seafood. Craft beers from around the world, boutique wine list. 45 E. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-535-6410 $$$ L, D, A, T, V 356th Fighter Group World War II-theme restaurant, casual fine dining, locally owned and operated. 4919 Mt. Pleasant Rd. (North Canton) 330494-3500, 800-994-2662 $$$ L, D, A, T Thyme the Restaurant Fine dining.

Contemporary cuisine with worldly influences, served in an upscale, modern setting. 716 N. Court St. (Medina) 330-674-4114 $$$$ L, D, A, T Totally Cooked To Go Market Adjacent to the catering offices. Casual comfort food menu that changes weekly. 2730 Front St. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330923-9964 $$ B, L, D, A, T Trackside Grille at Quaker Square Train-themed restaurant with three actual railroad cars inside. 135 S. Broadway St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-253-4541 $$ L, D, T Triple Crown Restaurant Landmark finedining. Certified Angus beef house. Also serves pastas and seafood. Signature dishes include sesame seared ahi tuna. Closed Mondays. 335 S. Main St. Rt 91 (Munroe Falls) 330-633-4200 $$$ L, D, A, T Twigs Diner Don’t let the small exterior fool you.

There’s plenty of room inside. Everything from burgers to breakfast specials. 334 31st St. NW (Norton) 330825-1016 $ B, L, T No credit cards

Urban Eats A variety of specialties, including Asian chicken wraps, paninis and “the best little Mexican pizza you’ve ever had.” Open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. only.

51 E. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-310-7135 $ L, A, V Vaccaro’s Trattoria One of the area’s best-kept Italian secrets. 1000 Ghent Rd. (Montrose) 330-6666158 $$$$ 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 $ 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 VegiTerranean Akronite and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Chrissie Hynde’s award-winning restaurant.

Deliciously indulgent gourmet vegan fare with a modern Italian flair. 21 Furnace St. at Northside Lofts (Akron: Downtown) 330-374-5550 $$$ L, D, A, T, V Virtues Signature foods such as a tempura calamari appetizer, roasted pear and arugala salad. Specialty pizzas, grilled scallops, filet mignon and other gourmet items with high nutritional values. 525 E. Market St. (in Akron City Hospital’s Ann and David Brennan CCU) 330-375-7444 $$$ L, D, A, T, V Vito’s An Italian Grill in the old-country style. 395 N. Aurora Rd. (Aurora) 330-562-6010 $$$ A, T V-Li’s Cuisine Thai dishes. 129 N. Canal St. (Canal Fulton) 330-854-5344 $$ L, D, A, T Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse Sensational hibachi steakhouse and sushi bar. Chefs prepare food right before your eyes. 150 Montrose West Ave. (Copley) 330-666-5522; 6338 Strip Ave. NW (North Canton) 330-966-8866 $$$$ L, D, T Waterloo Restaurant Eclectic menu. Famous for the Waterloo Big Apple and French onion soup.

423 E. Waterloo Rd. (Akron: South) 330-773-5158 $$ B, L, D, T West Side Bakery In addition to cookies, pastries and cakes, the bakery also carries a variety of breakfast items including scones, muffins and yogurt parfaits. Sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups served at lunch. 2303 W. Market St. (Akron: Pilgrim’s Square) 330-836-4101 $ B, L, T Whitehouse Chicken A Barberton tradition.

180 Wooster Rd. N. (Barberton) 330-745-0449; 1948 Portage Trail (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-945-6555; 1941 Triplet (Ellet) 330-784-3000; 4195 Massillon Rd. (Green) 330-896-5644; 137 East Ave. (Tallmadge) 330-633-4001; 199 Great Oaks Trail (Wadsworth) 330-335-6000 $$ L, D, T No credit cards Whitey’s Booze N’ Burgers Famous chili, generous portions and live entertainment on the weekends. 3600 Brecksville Rd. (Richfield) 330-6593600 $$ L, D, A No credit cards Wild Goats Coffee & Café Offers light entrées, vegan and vegetarian soups, and exceptional coffee. 319 W. Main St. (Kent) 330-677-2326 $$ B, L, D, T Winking Lizard Come to see the lizard, stay for the extensive beer selection and outdoor patio. 25 Ghent Rd. (Fairlawn) 330-836-6129; 1615 Main St. (Peninsula) 330-467-1002; 5710 Fulton Dr. NW (Canton) 330-497-1133 $$$ L, D, A, T Yellowtail Japanese-style seafood and sushi buffet.

4054 Medina Rd. (Montrose) 330-666-9988 $$$$ L, D, A, T Yocono’s Homey, Italian restaurant with reasonable prices. 1666 W. Exchange St. (Akron: West) 330-8675550 $$ B, L, D, A, T

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

Kitchen Profiles

promotional editorial

t

Beau’s Grille

C

hef Beau Schmidt started cooking with his grandmother at the age of 5 and never looked back. He worked in the family catering business, tossed pizza dough at his first job and opened his first restaurant at age 19. today the award-winning restaurant, Beau’s Grille, is celebrating its eighth year at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn with Chef Beau still creating longtime customer favorites and continuing to keep the menu fresh and innovative. Enjoy the finest outdoor dining in the area on the terrace at Beau’s Grille spring through fall. Beau’s Grille offers private dining, gift cards and Beau’s toGo.

Inside the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn 3180 West Market St. Akron • beausgrille.com 330-867-5218 or 330-867-5000

Piatto noVo Inside the Sheraton Suites Hotel 1989 Front St. Cuyahoga Falls 330-920-7530 piatto-novo.com

Prime/93

Cajun Dave’s

C

ajun Dave’s at the Water Street tavern’s Chef/Owner Brian Bower grew up on a cattle farm in Harrison County, Ohio, graduated from the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute, and cut his teeth in some of the finest restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina. His experiences formed the concept that is Cajun Dave’s — fresh local farm products and made-from-scratch Southern home cooking. Cajun Dave’s specializes in Cajun classics, homestyle southern foods, Ohio grassfed 1/2-lb. hamburgers, and delicious homemade pizza.

Cajun Dave’s at the Water Street Tavern 138 South Water St. Kent 330-474-0800 cajun-daves.com

he comfortable and welcoming ambiance of Piatto NoVo in Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls is the perfect setting for the cuisine of acclaimed Executive Chef Roger thomas. With training in France, Italy, England and Scotland as well as with several world-renowned American chefs in his background, Chef thomas mixes his creative passion with European experience and the best local and domestic products to bring you “Food that you’ll remember in a setting you’ll never forget.”

Roger and his culinary team invite you to enjoy their craft in the beautiful surroundings of Piatto NoVo.

A T T H E W A T E R S T R E E T T AV E R N

I

ndulge in a contemporary approach to classic cuisine with Prime/93.

Chef John G. Bahas II and staff create a kitchen that daily designs specials with fresh ingredients and seasonal flare. Colossal shrimp cocktail, fresh seafood, house-aged hand-cut steaks, savory chops and surprising salads fill the menu with any foodie’s new favorites.

Party in the most beautiful bar in town, experience our extensive and ever-changing wine list, and relish our homemade desserts and pastries. Experience Prime/93.

Prime/93 4315 Manchester Road Akron 330-644-2239 PrimeAtAnthes.com www.akronlife.com

93

financial planning

by Matthew Wojtecki and Daniel Burke

Tax and Convert?

/ There’s no one-size-

fits-all answer on whether, how much and when to convert your traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs. The decision depends on several factors, unique to your situation. /

>>The federal budget deficit for 2010 was $1.3 trillion.

It’s an unthinkable number, which the government has gone through extensive planning to attempt to (carefully) reduce. One way to help reduce that massive number is through Roth IRA conversions.

According to the Congressional Budget office, the bump to baseline revenue from Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) conversions was estimated in 2006 to be more than $8 billion, and the revenue generated from Roth IRA conversions in 2010 could actually reduce the deficit by half — what some in Washington would call a “tax miracle.”

While it’s not exactly a tax miracle for ordinary savers, converting traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs can be advantageous. In essence, a Roth IRA conversion requires paying taxes on the portion of your IRA or 401(k) that you convert, allowing that money to grow tax-free … forever.

As great as that sounds, a conversion isn’t right for everyone.

Roth 101 Many investors began saving in a time when the only IRA option available for retirement was the traditional IRA. But in 1997, the Taxpayer Relief Act allowed taxpayers to open Roth IRAs, named after Senator William Roth of Delaware. Roth IRAs changed the landscape for many taxpayers with earned income. To accommodate this changing land-

94

akronlife

scape, provisions within the IRS guidelines allowed conversions of traditional IRAs to Roths, in certain situations.

One of the major differences between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA is the tax treatment of earnings. With a traditional IRA, contributions can be up to $5,000 (in 2010), and these contributions are potentially tax deductible. After age 59½, you can withdraw the money, but the entire withdrawal will be taxed as ordinary income. If you take money out prior to 59½, you’ll pay a 10 percent penalty in addition to ordinary income. On the flip side, traditional IRAs require you to take withdrawals at 70½, often called Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) — or else you’ll face IRS penalties of as much as 50 percent.

For Roth IRAs, contributions are made with after-tax money, and your earnings will grow tax-free. When you’re 59½ and you’ve held the Roth IRA for five years, you can take withdrawals tax-free. And RMDs aren’t required at any age.

Potential Impacts on Your Financial Plan When thinking about converting a traditional IRA or rolling over a traditional

january 2011

401(k) to a Roth IRA, you need to ask yourself: What are the potential tax consequences now? And do I have the financial capacity to handle this burden now versus later (i.e. during retirement)?

Most people would rather put off such a potentially large tax burden because, let’s face it, who wants to owe the government money?

But when you run the numbers with your financial planner, the tax burden now may seem surprisingly small compared to what you’ll pay in the long run.

Factors to consider: • Roth conversions can be used strategically in portfolio planning to potentially reduce tax rates by keeping you in a lower tax bracket. For example, if a married couple (after consulting with their tax advisor) anticipates being in a 20 percent marginal tax rate and have a sizeable pre-tax rollover that they’re considering converting to a Roth IRA, they can do a partial conversion over multiple years to keep their tax rate around 20 percent.

• If you anticipate a higher tax bracket in retirement and want to reduce tax liability in the future, you can choose to convert a por-

Dollars & Sense: Get the most bang for your conversion buck by using money outside of your IRA to pay the conversion taxes.

Drawing from a cash account can be a good way to cover the taxes. tion of your traditional IRA now. For example, taxes on a current traditional IRA at ordinary income rates now may be much less than accumulating gains on the funds and then paying taxes on a larger value in a higher tax bracket at retirement.

• If you anticipate being in a lower tax bracket at retirement, it might make more sense to hold off on converting. However, you run the risk of the provision being repealed (i.e. the IRS does away with Roth conversions) or pay-

ing higher taxes in the future if your portfolio experiences a large increase in value independent of tax changes.

• If one of your goals for your overall financial plan is to leave an inheritance to your spouse and/or children, keep in mind that leaving funds in a traditional IRA or 401(k) means that your heirs will have to shoulder the tax burden.

This can be at least partially avoided by doing a partial or full Roth IRA conversion. Paying taxes now and allowing the money to pass to your beneficiaries tax-free could preserve more of your legacy.

Tax Implications and Benefits The Roth IRA was designed to produce tax-free income from retirement assets. After-tax funds are placed into a Roth IRA, and as long as certain qualifications are met, the contributions and earnings aren’t taxed when withdrawn.

Conceptually, tax-free income seems ideal, but before converting, you should carefully consider all the tax implications.

A Roth IRA conversion allows a traditional IRA owner to convert to a Roth IRA, which is done

by paying ordinary income tax on the converted amount in the current year. Regardless of age, there’s no tax penalty when converting to a Roth IRA. After converting, you have to meet important holding period and age requirements before withdrawals become tax- and penaltyfree. Also, those who considered but didn’t perform Roth IRA conversions in 2010 may find that a few of the attractive benefits have expired.

Prior to 2010, a taxpayer’s adjusted gross income (AGI) for all filing statuses had to be below $100,000 to qualify for a Roth conversion. This exclusion was waived for 2010, and tentatively expired on Dec. 31, 2010. Another special provision in 2010 allowed taxes on the Roth IRA conversion to be split into equal payments in 2011 and 2012. Because you may be placed in a higher tax bracket when performing a conversion, splitting the liability over two years could ease the overall tax burden. This privilege was also scheduled to expire at the end of 2010. (Congress may extend the AGI exclusion and tax-splitting option, but they hadn’t decided one way or the other at the time of our article deadline.)

Do you have a financial partner you can rely on?

A true financial partnership is designed to last your lifetime and beyond. It demands an in-depth understanding of not only your current situation and goals, but also of who you are and what’s important to you. It requires consistent communication and attention to your evolving needs from someone you can trust to always act in your best interests.

Discover a true partner with a passion for creating great outcomes in your financial life.

Paula Chesser, CSA®

Senior Investment Consultant 3875 Embassy Parkway, Suite 300 Akron, OH 44333 330-664-5500 . 877-792-7868 pchesser@rwbaird.com paulachesserfinancialadvisor.com

Private Wealth Management | rwbaird.com

Capital Markets – Investment Banking Private Equity Asset Management

©2010 Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. Member SIPC. MC-31227.

www.akronlife.com

95

It’s not how much you save.

It’s how much you keep.

Starting this year, anyone can convert a Traditional IRA or 401(k) to a Roth IRA. Whether retirement is a long time away or just around the corner, I can work with you and help you decide if a Roth IRA conversion is right for you. /HDUQ KRZ \RX FDQ SXW \RXU FRQ¿GHQW UHWLUHPHQW more within reach. Call me at (330) 628-8036.

MORE WITHIN REACH SM Brian Lake, CRPC® Senior Financial Advisor 3333 Massillon Rd Akron, OH 44312 (330) 628 - 8036 brian.c.lake@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/brian.c.lake

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. © 2010 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

% *

APR 15 Year Fixed Rate Real Estate Mortgage Need a predictable loan payment? The fixed rate mortgage is a great option!

We can help.

North Akron Savings Bank is a trusted lender - we’ve been lending in your community for more than 88 years.

Rated 4-stars by BauerFinancial, Inc.!

Call one of our experienced and friendly loan officers:

%DDIE .ORMAN s *ENNIFER "RANNON s $ORIS &LOYD s *Annual Percentage Rate (APR) accurate as of 12/16/2010. APR is a sample based on the following terms: loan amount of $100,000, 4.375% interest rate, 4.408% APR, 179 monthly payments of $758.62 and a final payment of $758.76. These payment amounts do not include taxes and insurance premiums on the property securing the loan, so your actual obligation will be greater. Loan-to-value ratio must be 80% or less and first lien position is required. Interest rates change daily and may vary based on credit quality, loan amount, and property type.

Applies to owner-occupied property. All loans are subject to credit approval, and acceptable appraisal and title search. Other rates, terms, payments and loan amounts available. Please contact us at 330-434-9137 for an up to date quote or to discuss your specific needs.

www.northakronsavingsbank.com

Call (330) 434-9137 and ask for the location nearest you.

Akron | Cuyahoga Falls | Munroe Falls | Norton

96

akronlife

january 2011

Dollars & Sense: Full Roth conversions may increase your taxable income so if you’re close to being in a higher bracket, do a partial conversion for the amount slightly below the next tax bracket.

The unknown aspects of the future tax structure and personal income tax rates play a pivotal role in evaluating a Roth IRA conversion.

For instance, the amount converted to a Roth IRA would be taxed in the year of the conversion (aside from the 2010 splitting privilege), so you should consider your current as well as future tax rates. In many cases, your tax rate during your working years is higher than your tax rate during retirement.

The concept of the traditional IRA is to defer taxes until retirement to benefit from lower tax rates. The purpose of the Roth IRA, of course, is to pay taxes now and not pay any at retirement. But, keep in mind, tax rate changes aren’t limited to individual changes.

The entire tax structure can be overhauled by the federal government. For example, Ronald Reagan reduced the top tax rate in 1981 from 70 percent to 50 percent; he again reduced the top rate from 50 percent to 28 percent in 1986. As of Dec. 31, 2010, the top tax rate was 35 percent for taxpayers earning more than $373,350. Future tax rates are unknown — yet their importance when considering a Roth IRA conversion is vital.

After the conversion is complete, important provisions must be fulfilled to create penaltyfree and tax-free withdrawals. The Roth IRA’s main benefit — tax-free treatment of earnings — isn’t recognized until two qualifications are met: You must reach age 59½, and the Roth IRA must be held for five years. If those qualifications aren’t met, withdrawal of the converted amount could result in a 10 percent penalty and taxation on the earnings. While the penalty would potentially apply to the entire withdrawal, ordinary income tax would only be levied on the earnings. (Taxes are paid on the converted amount at the time of conversion and aren’t double-taxed when withdrawn early.)

Dollars & Sense: Decreased portfolio values (due to the recession) may provide a temporary advantage to convert a traditional IRA — since intermediary losses may reduce the overall Roth IRA conversion tax bill.

Should You or Shouldn’t You? Many questions arise when considering a Roth IRA conversion, so be sure to consult your financial planner and tax advisor who can help you determine what’s right for your situation.

Using Roth conversions to reduce tax rates, increase retirement income, reduce tax brackets or create a tax-free dynasty make Roth conversions worth thinking about.

ȘɤɜɤɑȐ

Fine tuning your

ɄɑȃȣȐɕɜɑǸɜȨɄȽ

...requires some

3URIHVVLRQDO DQG REMHFWLYH ÀQDQFLDO DGYLFH FRQGXFWHG RQ \RXU WHUPV FUHDWHV WKH FULWLFDO FRQQHFWLRQ WR KHOS \RX SUHVHUYH JURZ DQG WUDQVIHU WKH DVVHWV \RX KDYH DFFXPXODWHG 7KDW·V ZK\ ZH·UH LQ EXVLQHVV ,Q IDFW WKDW LV RXU EXVLQHVV 6DJHPDUN 3ULYDWH :HDOWK 6HUYLFHV LV D SUHHPLQHQW JURXS RI ÀQDQFLDO SODQQHUV ZLWKLQ /LQFROQ )LQDQFLDO $GYLVRUV 6DJHPDUN &RQVXOWLQJ ZKR KDYH XQSDUDOOHOHG H[SHULHQFH LQ ZHDOWK PDQDJHPHQW EXVLQHVV FRQWLQXLW\ DQG VRSKLVWLFDWHG ZHDOWK WUDQVIHU VWUDWHJLHV :H VSHFLDOL]H LQ ZRUNLQJ ZLWK DIÁXHQW IDPLOLHV WKURXJKRXW $PHULFD :LWK PRUH WKDQ \HDUV RI H[SHULHQFH LQ DVVLVWLQJ FOLHQWV WR EXLOG DQG SUHVHUYH WKHLU ÀQDQFLDO OHJDFLHV ² DQG KHOSLQJ WKHLU IXWXUH JHQHUDWLRQV WR EHFRPH RXWVWDQGLQJ VWHZDUGV RI WKHLU ZHDOWK ² ZH FDQ KHOS \RX FRPSRVH D IXWXUH WKDW LV LQ KDUPRQ\ ZLWK \RXU JRDOV

Ronald R. Cain, CFP ®, CPA*, PFS, RFC

But who in their right mind would want to pay taxes before they have to?

Private Wealth Advisor

Maybe you.

/ Co-writer Matthew Wojtecki attended Kent State University, where he earned Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees. As a Marine, he spent seven months of 2005 in Iraq. His book, “Every Other Four,” depicts his experiences in Iraq and in combat. Wojtecki lives Akron with his wife, Angela, and their two cats.

Co-writer Daniel Burke attended Malone University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Management degree. He’s currently enrolled at Baldwin-Wallace College and working toward a Master of Business Administration degree with a specialization in accounting. Burke lives in Cleveland with his fiancé, Christina, daughter Audrey and their two dogs.

Securities offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker/dealer. Member SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor. Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies. It is not our position to offer legal or tax advice.

CRN201005-2042163

3421 Ridgewood Road, Suite 250 Fairlawn, OH 44333-3119 phone: 330.294.1220 fax: 330.294.1299 cell: 330.352.6464

*Licensed but not practicing.

Ronald Cain is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.

Comments?

Got something to say about this article (or another article) in akronlife? We want to hear from you! E-mail editor Georgina K. Carson at gcarson@bakermediagroup.com.

www.akronlife.com

97

parting shot

photo courtesy of the University of Akron

Victory ... at Last! >> Sophomore Scott Caldwell breaks a

Zips’ (and UA’s) first-ever NCAA Championship.

scoreless tie with a 15-yard corner kick in the

For the past three years, the Zips have been

79th minute of the College Cup final against

the undisputed best soccer team in the nation

the Louisville Cardinals — bringing home the

— and now they have the title to prove it.

Got a Great Photo?

If you’ve got an amazing photo to feature on “Parting Shot,” e-mail it to kmoorhouse@bakermediagroup.com.

98

akronlife

january 2011

Ganley Akron, Inc. More advanced. More luxurious. And amazingly, more affordable.

Come by and find out why we are the fastest growing Mercedes-Benz dealership in Ohio!

Brand new 2011 Mercedes-Benz

C300 4MATIC

359

$

per month, only 27 months

1

Special offers from

.9%

APR ON SELECT MODELS

27 MONTH LEASE WITH $3,445 DUE AT SIGNING INCLUDES 1ST MONTH, BANK FEE, $2291 CAP COST REDUCTION, PLUS DOC FEE, PLATES, AND TAXES. 10,000 MILES PER YEAR, 25 CENTS PER MILE THEREAFTER. NO SECURITY DEPOSIT REQUIRED.

* based on new Mercedes-Benz sales year January-September.

Come Visit Our New State Of The Art Facility!

Ganley Akron, Inc. 1361 E. Market Street Akron, Ohio 44305 330-733-7511 Open 24/7 at: www.ganleymercedesbenz.com

We’ll pick up your Mercedes-Benz for service, and leave you a Mercedes-Benz loaner at no additional charge while your vehicle is being serviced. Give us a try, you’ll be glad you did!

Ganley Akron, Inc., your local Mercedes-Benz new and pre-owned dealership.

*