January 2012

Thai Curry Crawl / 15 Minutes with … Cesar Millan / Inspired Local Weddings

volume 10 / issue 1

januar y 201 2

A last look inside King Elementary

Hunt for ghosts Scuba dive Eat squid Climb a big rock Jump out of a plane

The Ultimate

Snow golf

AKRONITE

Perform stand-up Lease a sheep

Bucket List46

Learn to tango

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Run a marathon

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Two Wrongs Don’t Make Mr. Right p10

Shannon Miller, competitive musher. p14 The KNOW: Networking for Success p67

(local) things to do this year

Vote for ‘Best Of Akron’ 2012 — and Win Stuff! p11

january 2012 / vol. 10 / issue 1

PAGES start here

On The Cover / 30 The Ultimate AKRONITE Bucket List

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Vote for ‘Best Of Akron 2012’ & Win Stuff! p11

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Features

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/ The Ultimate AKRONITE Bucket List / 46 (local) things to do before you die. (They’re cooler than you think!)

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/ School’s Out / Cherished for its architectural beauty and historic connection to the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous, King Elementary School has closed the doors on its 88-year history.

Dressed in a lizard costume, Adam Rosenberger takes part in the Polar Bear Jump.

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january 2012

pages

8 city watch

60

big bite

16 agenda

Departments

Special Sections

6

/ Mail Bonding

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/ From the Editor

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/ Radar (Seen + Heard)

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/ Dating Diary

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/ Flash / 42 On Tour

No matter how fun Julie’s curly hair may look, do not attempt to run your fingers through it.

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/ The Interview Shannon Miller, Competitive Musher/Sled Dog Breeder

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/ Agenda 17 Entertainment listings/ calendar of featured events 18 15 Minutes with …

Cesar Millan

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/ Speak Easy I Said “I Do” — Now Who Are You?

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/ Good Eats (notable food & drink) 59 Restaurant Listings 60 Big Bite: A Taste of Thai 64 Uncorked: Textbook Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon “Fin de journée”/Textbook Napa Valley Chardonnay “Fin de journée”

How to prepare for and navigate a private school open house

/ 44 Designing Your Day When it comes to wedding-day décor, trust your gut and speak your mind — so your designer can create a look that’s uniquely you.

/ 49 Wedding Rewind Three local brides wax nostalgic on their nuptials

/ 54 Tips for Two To find common ground on financial issues, couples need to uncover the why behind money management.

/ 67 Getting to Know the KNOW The Knowledgeable Network of Women (KNOW) is a personal and professional development program in Greater Akron for today’s women executives and tomorrow’s leaders.

www.akronlife.com

5

mail bonding

>> For the Record

>> Big Hair, Good Day

I liked your article “What Goes Around, Comes Around” [October 2011], and hopefully it helps people come around to the idea that vinyl is — and should be — here to stay. I’ve been a vinyl /@EPC @J 8:B collector for 20-plus CAW + years (since I was about 7) and a full-time record dealer/store owner for seven years.

My own collection spans thousands of records from every genre of music dating from the 1930s to today, and my store covers the same kind of variety.

My store also sells turntables, home audio, cartridges and styli (needles), turntable and record accessories and music-related shirts, books and so on.

Loved your “big hair” weather barometer in “From the Editor” [November 2011]!

Monster fun with Fred Coladonato

Wine and Cheese, Please

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singles in the city contest p11

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Creative Director Kathy Baker Moorhouse Editor Georgina K. Carson

>> In the December issue on page 50,

gcarson@bakermediagroup.com

the fourth paragraph reads, “John Kramer, who was the chief resident at the time ...” It should have read, “The late John Kramer, who was the Director of Cardiology and Pediatric Residency Director ...”

Have Akron, Will Travel

Pete Freeman The Vinyl Underground Kent

Assistant Editor Abby Cymerman acymerman@bakermediagroup.com

Contributing Writers Jessica Burkhart-Zuschin Julie Herron Amy Antenora Greathouse Neil Leeson Tess Michaels Tom Noe Rick Rodger Tina Thelin Kristin S. Toth Rodney Wilson Artistic Director / Production Manager William L. Teckmyer III wteckmyer@bakermediagroup.com

>> Trust in Goddard I certainly admire Dick Goddard and enjoy his educational forecasting. I also enjoyed the article on him in November’s akronlife [“The Reign The Bomb Shelter: of Rainman]. One Got Retro? clarification I’d like >> to make is that Mr. Dick Goddard Goddard was returning home from the + Valley City Frog Jump Festival (which celebrated its 50th year in 2011) when he was inspired to create the Woollybear Festival, not Hinckley

Associate Publisher Colin Baker

Correction

OF THE

3 Signs a Zombie’s from Akron p16

dbakerjr@bakermediagroup.com

kmoorhouse@bakermediagroup.com

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vol volume 9 / issue ssue 10

Karin Maloney Stifler Hudson

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Don Baker Jr.

Photographers Vicki Lantz Shane Wynn swynn@bakermediagroup.com

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

volume 9 / issue 1 1

november 201 20111

Uncensored.

Honest.

And ornery.

1 1>

MSC owners talk world cupcake domination p14

sexy singles contest p13

Bike date, bad idea p12

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Linda Garrett Valley City

This photo with akronlife was taken in Beijing, China this past July. My husband, Dr. Bruce Cushing, and I were there nine days. Bruce is a biology professor at The University of Akron.

He was an invited speaker to two scientific conferences, one in Beijing and one in Xi’an. The Xi’an conference was the First Asia-Pacific Conference on Integrative Behavioral Science with Sino-Japan Integrative Symposium on Behavior and its Neuro-Mechanisms.

This photo was taken in the Forbidden City.

Nancy Cushing Bath Township

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

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

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january 2012

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

Circulation Jessica Burkhart jburkhart@bakermediagroup.com

330-253-0056 ext. 112 January 2012, Volume 10, Issue 1 (ISSN No. 74470 57871) akronlife is published monthly by Baker Media Group, LLC, 90 S. Maple St., Akron, Ohio 443021629. Copyright 2012 © by Baker Media Group, LLC, All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited without written permission. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by an addressed envelope and sufficient postage. Baker Media Group, LLC and akronlife accept no responsibility for unsolicited material. Subscription rates: Continental U.S., One year —19.95, Two years —34.95. Call for Alaska, Hawaii or international rates. Single issues available by calling the circulation department. $3.95 each plus $3.50 shipping & handling.

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

from the editor Go to www.akronlife.com for details on “The Ultimate AKRONITE Bucket List” CHALLENGE. Do you have what it takes?

Footnotes

Let It Go, Man >>

“You may be a king or a little street sweeper, but sooner or later you dance with the reaper!” – Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991) I’m not big on resolutions.

(I’m always certain on New Year’s Eve that I can workout four days a week, stop cursing and show more patience with bad drivers, but the next day, in the sober light of day, I realize I was just drunk.)

I do, however, like lists. And I really like checking stuff off lists. It makes me happy to acknowledge an accomplishment — something I can’t really do with a resolution because at what point do I know it’s accomplished? Three days of not swearing? Three weeks? Three months? When?! [muttering curse words to self ] In that anti-resolution spirit, we opted instead to go the bucket list route for this issue. And not the “ride an elephant in Africa before you kick it” type list. A local bucket list.

“Local?” you say. “What’s there to do here that’s so great I have to do it before I die?”

Back off, snarky reader. There’s lots to do.

Much like a longtime spouse — whom we take for granted, knowing we once thought they were cool but can’t really remember why — Greater Akron is underappreciated.

I can honestly say this because since I assigned this article to Amy Antenora Greathouse many, many months ago, I couldn’t stop finding new stuff to add to it.

I even woke up in the middle of the night with ideas. It’s ridiculous. Bordering on obsessional. And everyone — from my husband, to Amy, to the entire akronlife creative team — might just hate me at this point.

When’s the article finished? Where does it end?

“Let it go, man,” advised my assistant editor Abby Cymerman, on handing over the article to graphics so they could finally get started on it.

Hesitantly, I did just that. What more could we do? We had already put together a list that included everything from acts of courage to acts of kindness, from highbrow to high altitude, from poetic to pastoral.

Random facts, useless tidbits and silly stats behind this issue >> 6 months, 3 weeks and 1 day length of time to put together this month’s cover story. Is it ironic that creating “The Ultimate AKRONITE Bucket List” on pg 30 almost killed me?

I think so. The hardest part (besides trying to get through to someone at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park) was deciding when it was finished. I realize now, it’ll

What’s left?

Going on a sleigh ride. That’s what.

Because I didn’t dare ask for yet another addition to the story, I’ve included that bucket list item here … ___ DASH through the snow on a twohorse open sleigh — at Spring Mist Farms in Brunswick Hills. This third-generation working family farm offers quintessential sleigh rides over the 45-acre property on weekends during winter (weather permitting). Your wooden sleigh is hitched to a noble Percheron pair that will lead you on your trek through a winter wonderland.

never be done. I also realize I have some OCD issues.

>> Patience one of the many things competitive mushing has taught Shannon Miller. “I’ve been dragged, bit while breaking up a dog fight, clothes-lined — when two dogs run into you while hooked together — and peed on,” says Miller, owner of Diamond Dogs Racing. “But I can’t be angry at the dog because, really, he was just being a dog.” For more with Miller, go to pg. 14.

>> A few minutes it took to extricate HIS hand from HER hair.

Julie Herron had warned this overly touchy-feely fellow not to attempt to run his hand through her thick, curly hair. “Although apologetic, he wasn’t really con-

As much as I hate to admit this (to myself ), I know we didn’t include everything possible in “The Ultimate AKRONITE Bucket List” on pg. 30. Also, we can’t account for your taste; some of these things may not be your thing. That’s OK. My advice: Pick one item to do from each section (Be a Local Culture Vulture, Take a Bite Out of Akron, Frankie Says Relax and Extreme Fun) to get you out of your comfort zone — and out of the habit of taking Akron for granted.

And tell your significant other you love ’em, for God’s sake.

cerned,” says Herron about this month’s “See Julie Date” on pg. 10. “And he went right back to trying to stroke my thigh. Ugh.”

>> 2X longer than expected. “Cesar would’ve been happy to talk for hours, so I had to wrap it up,” says Lisa Langford, who wrote “15 Minutes with … Cesar Millan” on pg. 18, but actually talked to him for 30.

“He was kind, joyful, inspiring. You feel better about the world when you talk to him.”

>> 48 number of tube lights purchased by Tess Michaels’ hubby when ONE light in their house burned out.

Under protest (his), she lowered the number to 24 in her essay, “I Said ‘I Do’ — Now Who Are You?” on pg. 52.

Georgina K. Carson, Editor gcarson@bakermediagroup.com www.akronlife.com

7

january 2012

vol. 10

issue 1

edited by Georgina K. Carson

The first toilet seen on TV was on “Leave It to Beaver.”

RADAR

designed by William Teckmyer lll

seen+heard

“I … look forward to enjoying these new buses with my constituents.”

Spotting Betty Sutton on an Akron bus

— Congresswoman Betty Sutton, on the U.S. Transportation Department spending $2 million to replace Akron’s outdated Metro buses with ones that run on compressed natural gas

Hitting the Ohio lottery

1 in 175 million, give or take

1

aving Stow police with roughly suspects.

er at Jackson Township’s bi Japanese Steakhouse een charged with squirting o the mouth of a two-

Wo rd o n the Street Regret Ceiling: The point at which you stop feeling remorseful regarding a thought, comment or action. Ever since my wife asked me if those jeans made her look fat and I said, ‘a little,’ I’ve been sleeping on the couch. I hit my regret ceiling last night after apologizing for the 100th time.

Keating’s Comments: “I really like regret ceiling for two reasons,” says akronlife Word-on-the-Street tester Abigail Keating. “One, it’s easy to understand, and two, it puts a cap on feeling bad about something.”

akronlife

anas. The defendant claims he was

police officers found hi-tech equipment and $15,000 worth of marijuana plants in a vacant ouse. Stow borders the city of

Ohio governor John Kasich will finally have his way this time next year: The — as he calls it — “pink driver’s license” will be gone for good. (It’s technically salmon.) Kasich has been avidly anti-pink since he renewed his license in 2011. “And then I realized: I’m governor. I can fix this kind of a thing.”

8

by Rodney Wilson

icipating in “Occupy That Dude’s se.” #otdh

license to kill

Rating:

city watch

Akron police arrested a man after he broke into a house, lit candles, brewed a pot of coffee and enjoyed three

****

*

january 2012

The brave toddler headed ight to AA, where he just received (and promptly swallowed) his 1-month sobriety chip.

A Ravenna man was arrested after police discovered a portable meth lab in his bookbag. The bag was from JanSport’s new “AMPh’d” line, advertised as a “smart, stylish solution for today’s on-the-go meth heads.”

The congregation at Medina’s Connection Church took a five-day challenge to eat only rice and beans, giving their grocery budgets to an aid group in Kenya. Sunday services following the dietary trial were also a challenge, as over 50 people dining solely on beans gathered into one room.

dating diary

by Julie Herron and illustration by Chad O’Malley

See Julie Date

/ One woman’s quest to find her so-called soul mate /

Last month, I went to Ireland with two good friends, and we had a ball seeing the sights and soaking up the culture. One afternoon while sitting in the hotel bar, I struck up a conversation with another couple, and I discovered that they’d met on a popular online dating site. They were vacationing to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary, and I was impressed by how well they got along.

I was thrilled beyond belief that they had met online. And incredibly depressed at the same time.

I tell myself that I’m still at this dating thing because I’m a hopeless romantic, a dyed-in-the-wool optimist who just knows the perfect man is out there somewhere. But I tell you, I’m beginning to wonder — and I never have to look too far to get another “Dating Reality 101” check, as was the case with both of the following fiascos.

Date No. 1 seemed nice enough, with a secure and semi-exciting career (a camera man for a local television station) and no immediately visible baggage based on our phone conversation. So I agreed to meet him.

As he stood on the sidewalk, clearly stunned, he began yelling at me as I walked to my car and drove off.

Odd things began to happen immediately. He was extraordinarily touchy-feely. When I sat back in my bar stool, his hands were there.

Seconds later — and faster than the human eye could follow — his hands moved from one target to the next; now he was trying to stroke my thigh. As I sipped my wine, I scooted away from him as discreetly as I could while pushing his hands off my lap. It wasn’t long before his eyelids began to droop and his speech became slightly slurry — yet he was only a few sips into his wine. I continued to struggle making conversation, even as the evening got creepier: He began to make remarks about my fingers (so long!), my skin (so soft!), my nails (they’re real!) and my hair.

This is where things went from bad to ghastly in a nanosecond.

We spent the next several minutes extracting his fingers.

I can ignore a lot of things and don’t mind touchy-feely too much (I can fend that off easily enough), but my hair is a different story. It’s super thick and curly, and no matter how fun it looks, I do not have the kind of hair that you can run your fingers through. They will get stuck.

Remember those Chinese finger puzzles, the ones that you could put your fingers in and when you pull, you’re trapped? Uh-huh.

As soon as I saw him mooning over my hair, his hands wavering toward me, I started protesting.

“No, no,” I told him. “Do not put your hands in my hair! Do NOT …”

Date No. 2 didn’t fare much better.

Too late.

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akronlife

january 2012

This guy had a lot going on, coaching little league baseball, remodeling his home and working a good job. And when we talked on the phone, he asked a lot of questions, something I took as a good sign — since many guys don’t understand the need to converse at all.

I agreed to meet him at a chain restaurant and arrived earlier than I’d planned, so I texted to tell him I was there and at the bar. He called me back, huffy that I hadn’t called him when I was on my way. I laughed and said I’d see him soon.

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Vote online for akronlife’s Best Of the City 2012 The ninth annual Best of Akron competition is your chance to vote for your local favorites.

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.DWH 5D\PRQG ' ' 6 He arrived and hoisted himself onto his stool, in front of his diet beverage. He was barely 5’5” — not something I care about generally, but as it turns out, he really did have a need to control and conquer.

It didn’t take long for him to begin questioning me like a drill sergeant: Did I like baseball? (It’s okay.) Large families? (Sure.)

Italian food? (Duh.) Did I read the paper every morning? (No.) What side of the bed do I sleep on? (Um … what??) These were not gentle, fact-finding questions; these were bullets being fired at me, one after another, determining my fit into his ordered world. I suffered through the inquisition, made bearable only by the thought that I’d never have to see him again.

Two hours into the evening, he said he’d have to be leaving shortly because he needs two hours in bed every night to wind down before sleeping. I held in my sigh of relief.

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On the way to our cars, he asked me if I’d like to do this again, and I responded that I didn’t think so — but that we could be friends, certainly.

As he stood on the sidewalk, clearly stunned, he began yelling at me as I walked to my car and drove off. “Will I see you again?” he shouted. I shrugged and kept walking. “When?” he continued. I walked faster. “When? WHEN?” He texted me four or five times after that and called twice. I guess he finally gave up.

So how was your month?

NEXT MONTH: Roses are red, violets are blue. Have I got a Valentine’s story for you. / Writer Julie Herron is an IT professional who spends her spare time biking, running, taking care of her old house, texting her teenagers, meeting up with her girlfriends, making lists, laughing at herself, dating and writing about all of it. She does not paint her toenails.

Comments?

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

The Cleveland Orchestra Franz Welser-Möst, Music Director Yefim Bronfman, piano

Brahms Piano Concerto #2 l Shepherd Wanderlust l Shostakovich Symphony #2

January 31, 2012 l 7:30pm at EJ Thomas Performing Arts Hall, The University of Akron Scan this QR code for more information about the Tuesday Musical Season

Concert Sponsor:

Season Support:

Call 330.972.7570 for Tickets www.akronlife.com

13

the interview

by Abby Cymerman and photo by Shane Wynn

Shannon Miller Miller’s life has gone to the dogs. mond Dogs er love of sledss in 2006. the bills,” ps subsidize ding sled dogs, al presentag for racing e farm in er husband, 12-year-old ar-old Elise; ee-range chick6 adult sled uppies. Her can be traced of Doug me Iditarod e ‘traditional’ ler says. out how small rage about 40 rently compete someday, she’d na. And maybe pete … t race last year rk, and Elise led soon,” she daughters.

How did you go from English major to musher?

SM: I started out as a biology major and was a zookeeper at the Akron Zoo when I was 23. I switched my major to English after I attempted organic chemistry. I actually wrote part of my master’s thesis in creative writing from a one-room cabin in Teton National Forest, outside of Jackson Hole, Wyo., in 1997. [I was] working for eighttime Iditarod veteran, Frank Teasley, at his kennel, Jackson Hole Iditarod, caring for his 180 huskies. Dogs have always been a part of my life — my parents showed English Bulldogs when I was a kid.

How did your family react when you first got into mushing?

SM: When I told my mom I was leaving graduate school to live in a one-room cabin without running water and work with those 180 huskies, my parents weren’t in support, to say the least! But living out there was the best experience of my life.

What’s it like to be a woman in a male-dominated sport?

SM: Women have to think about things differently than male mushers. Women don’t typically have the upper-body strength of men, which is beneficial for steering. They also have to think about basic things differently, like how to go to the bathroom in the woods when it’s 20 degrees below! Like a lot of sports, women have to almost prove themselves above and beyond to gain the respect of their male peers.

What’s the strangest thing that’s happened to you while mushing?

SM: It takes more sacrifice and dedication than people realize. We train with a fourwheeler in the fall, but only when the temps are 55 degrees and colder. It’s a lot like training them for a marathon. We start with small runs of about six miles and build up over four months, training four days a week. By December, they were at 40- or 50-mile runs.

Because I have limited access to trails for these longer runs, I trained a lot in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this season, starting at the end of September.

SM: The pinnacle weird experience for me was during a race in Marquette, Mich., in February 2010. I had a team of very young, inexperienced dogs, and at one place on the course, the trail goes down ‘Marquette Mountain’ — a ski hill at the local ski resort.

I had lost my brake from my sled early on in the race because it was old, and trying to navigate my way straight down that hill without a brake and with skiers flying past us was not something my dogs wanted to do.

What speed are your dogs running?

SM: In mid-distance mushing, which is what I do, you don’t want your dogs to go full bore at top speed because they can’t maintain their stamina for 40+ miles. When we first take off, if I were to let my dogs go, they’ve reached speeds of about 21 miles an hour.

However, mid-distance teams generally average 13 to 15 miles an hour. As a reference point, Iditarod teams average 10 miles an hour.

Have you ever encountered wild animals during a race?

SM: There are certainly bear and wolves where I train in the Upper Peninsula, and I have friends who’ve had significant encounters with wolves. A bigger threat, which may seem surprising, are porcupines. I’ve heard horror stories about dogs encountering porcupines and nearly dying from quills entering the roof of their mouths or getting infections from quills. I haven’t personally had a run-in with a porky yet, and I hope I never do!

Which cartoon canine would you most like on your team: ___ Scooby-Doo ___ Pluto ___ Snoopy _X_ Underdog ___ Other. Please explain: SM: While I’m not sure he’d be one I’d want on my team, he can fly — an obvious advantage. And I’ve always had a soft spot for the underdog in any situation.

They stopped dead right under the chair lift — dogs will spook just like horses at weird things they’re not used to — and they would not budge no matter what I did! Volunteers tried to pull my [lead dogs] through, but they wouldn’t move. I eventually had someone stand on my sled while I pulled my leaders through under the chair lift. We were stuck on that hill for about 30 minutes and won the ‘red lantern’ — the prize given to the last team that comes in from a race. It was a very hard-earned red lantern.

What about mushing appeals to you?

SM: Mushing is something that’s in you.

You either get it, or you don’t; there’s no inbetween. Marriages break up because of it.

Friendships change, lifestyles change, everything changes because of the passion for this sport.

Mushing is character building. Chopping firewood, building fires, running dogs in the rain, wind and snow when you’d really rather stay in a cozy sleeping bag, not to mention the sawing of raw meat — it’s a lot of work and not for the faint of heart.

My friend and I were talking, and we decided mushing is like trying to hook 10 very strong, meat-eating, high-octane preschoolers to a line and expecting them to behave. And believe it or not, this is one of my favorite things about mushing. Most days, it’s beautiful chaos.

www.thomarios.com

You’re competing in four races this winter. How do you train?

/ Writer Abby Cymerman is assistant editor of akronlife.

Comments?

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

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january 2012 / vol. 10 / issue 1

In New York City, approximately 1,600 people are bitten by other humans annually.

AGENDA the essential social digest

2/5 CHICKADEE A PPRECIATION DAY Black-capped chickadees weigh about as much as a half dollar. Learn how this tiny bird survives Ohio winters, and take a short hike to look for them in their natural habitat and to observe them feeding at bird feeders. All ages. Wolf Creek Environmental Center, 6100 Ridge Rd., Sharon Center. 2 p.m. Free. www.medinacountyparks.com

1/28 “ROCKY H ORROR P ICTURE S HOW” The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. Midnight.

Call for ticket prices.

330-677-5005

2/1 HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS Canton Memorial Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave. N., Canton. 7 p.m. $27.70-$78.50. www.cantonciviccenter.com

T HROUGH 1/16 I CE S KATING Lock 3, downtown Akron.

Skate rental: $3; strap-on skates for toddlers are free when available. Visit www.lock3live. com for dates and times.

1/19-1/22 C ULINARY WEEKEND WITH C HEF FABIO B ONGIANNI, P 22

1/21 M ETROPOLITAN O PERA – “T HE E NCHANTED ISLAND” LIVE, M ONTROSE M OVIES 12. $18-$24. P24

1/6 6 TH A NNUAL FIREFIGHTERS’ C HILI C HALLENGE Lock 3, downtown Akron.

11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $5 donation to the Akron Children’s Hospital Burn Unit. www.lock3live.com

1/27-1/29 “TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD” For ages 12 and up.

Magical Theatre Company, Barberton. $11$15. p24

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january 2012

Through 1/15 Studio M Exhibition Massillon Art Battle Winner Mike Skaggs’ exhibit: The Hilarious Misadventures of Skaggs. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tues.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 2-5 p.m. Free. www.massillonmuseum.org Through 1/29 Reindeer Run The new 150-foot sledding hill inside Lock 3 is an all-season slide designed to provide a fun ride for younger children.

Adults may accompany children on the slide. Lock 3, downtown Akron. Log on for dates and times. $3 for 33 minutes of sled rental; only toboggans and tubes provided by Lock 3 may be used. www.lock3live.com

Through 2/5 “Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism” A broad survey of landscape painting as practiced by leading French artists from Gustave Courbet to Claude Monet and their most significant American followers, including Childe Hassam and John Singer Sargent. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Wed.Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; closed Monday, Tuesday and all major holidays. $5-$7; free for members and children 12 and under. www. akronartmuseum.org Through 2/19 Michelle Droll: Landslide – Between a Rock and a Place Kent-area artist Michelle Droll uses paint scraps from her studio, Styrofoam and other recycled man-made materials to construct objects that represent landscape as both a physical and imaginary place. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; closed Monday, Tuesday and all major holidays. $5-$7; free for members and children 12 and under. www.akronartmuseum.org Through 4/4 SuperNatural: Landscapes by Bruce Checefsky and Barry Underwood Each artist utilizes the effects of atmospheric light and outside light sources to create ephemeral moments in the landscape that give viewers the sense of discovering hidden worlds. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; closed Monday, Tuesday and all major holidays. $5-$7; free for members and children 12 and under. www.akronartmuseum.org Through 8/26 “On the Home Front: Civil War Fashions & Domestic Life This exhibit focuses on the daily life and experiences of the American civilian population during the Civil War through the display of women’s and children’s costumes, supplemented with photographs, decorative arts and women’s magazines. Kent State University Museum, Broadbent Gallery, 515 Hilltop Dr., Kent. Call for times. $3-$5; free for children under 7, KSU students, staff and faculty, and on Sunday. www.kent.edu/museum

Through 10/7 “A Day at the Beach” The image of women at the seaside in elegant white gowns was a popular subject for Impressionist painters. This exhibit explores the reality of summer tourism with a selection of garments dating from the 1860s-1910s, including summer daywear and swimwear for women and children. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Dr., Kent. Call for dates, times and ticket prices. www.kent.edu/museum

1/1-1/31 New Year Book Sale The Library Shop on Main will feature books written by and about Winston Churchill, as well as books on diet and nutrition. Halfprice sale on selected books, 1/3-1/5. Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 S. High St., Akron. Mon.Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 1-4 p.m. www.lsom.org 1/2 Knit Wits & Crochet Chicks Learn how to knit and crochet, and share tips. All materials supplied for beginners. Akron-Summit County Public Library, Ellet Branch, 2470 E. Market St., Akron. 3:30-5 p.m. Free. www.akronlibrary.org

1/3 History Discussion Group: “Massillon Factories and Industries” Moderated by Chris Craft. Coffee and sweets available for a donation. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 10 a.m.noon. Free. www.massillonmuseum.org

1/4 Book Club Join this group as they discuss this month’s selection, “Unbroken”

by Laura Hillenbrand. Bring a friend.

Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave., Barberton. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. www. barbertonlibrary.org

1/2 Kent State University Basketball vs. Shawnee State Cheer on the Golden Flashes! MAC Center, 1025 Risman Dr., Kent. 7 p.m. Call for prices. 330672-2244

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

www.akronlife.com

17

15 minutes with ...

by Lisa Langford

Cesar Millan The Dog Whisperer

Talk to Cesar Millan — aka “The Dog Whisperer” — for five minutes and before you know it, you’ll be smiling, laughing and pondering the mysteries of life. Millan, who has worked with the pooches of A-list celebrities like Oprah and Scarlett Johansson, is recognized throughout the world as the premier authority in dog care and rehabilitation. He’s conquered books, TV and the hearts of fans with his techniques for creating harmony between humans and dogs. Millan will be at the Akron Civic Theatre on Feb. 3, and akronlife got the chance to chat with him.

Is this your first time visiting Akron? Think you could find it on a map?

I travel a lot. But I do remember Ohio.

It was where my first speaking engagement of 2,000 people was, so Ohio is very meaningful to me.

Thanks, Ohio!

Akron is pretty different from where you live in Southern California. Do you think overcast skies this time of year make dogs living in Akron more depressed than their canine pals in sunnier climates?

I don’t think it’s the weather; it’s the people. Dogs get the feedback from people. A dog is a mirror of human behavior. The problem is what the human shows emotionally. If people celebrate an overcast environment, you’ll find the dog will be joyful as well.

Are there regional differences in dogs? Do you find that dogs in a Midwestern city like Akron have behavioral issues that East and West Coast dogs don’t?

There are many ways to create aggression in a dog no matter where you live. If you don’t challenge a dog enough, you’re going to get aggression. Every time a human does not fulfill the needs of a dog — walking, exercise — we are going to see aggression no matter where he’s from.

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akronlife

You’ve worked with the pets of some pretty big names in show business. What prompts them to reach out to you?

With my celebrity clients, I’m their last hope. The good part about people that come to me is that they’re at rock bottom. I bring common sense to the table. With people, it’s always ‘why?’ — ‘Why does my dog act this way?’ I come with ‘how’ — how we can get him to stop? By the time someone has an aggressive dog, that person is already fearful or anxious on a higher level. I train people and rehabilitate dogs. The right way to begin a relationship with any animal is with respect and trust. Most people want to start with love, but I give respect and trust so I can get that back in return.

That’s interesting, because you’ve said before that you’ve been able to rehabilitate 99 percent of the dogs you encounter, but that owners are another story. Why are owners harder to train?

It’s not about the dogs! People need to ask, ‘How can I learn to calm myself down?’ We’re animals first, species second.

You know that old saying, “Lord, help me to be the person my dog thinks I am?” What can we learn from dogs that will inspire us to live our best lives?

A dog teaches us that everything counts. Dogs live in the now, enjoying every little thing. No disrespect to humans, but people don’t want to focus on giving trust and respect; they place value on money. Animals could care less about money — give an animal a million dollars and I guarantee he will pee on it.

Not everyone is at the point of transforming. When someone is not openminded, it’s impossible. When a human does not want to hear the truth, how can you transform the dog? It’s hard because the dog has a human who’s not ready to transform. A dog will never say no to helping his human.

/ Lisa Langford is practicing her pack-leading skills with her partner’s dog, Izzo.

What’s the one thing you wish someone would ask you about dogs that nobody ever does?

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

january 2012

Comments?

Cesar Millan will be at the Akron Civic Theatre on Feb. 3 for an evening of inspirational storytelling and training tips. Bring your questions — but not your dog; no dogs are allowed in the theatre. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $35.75-$75.

330-253-2488

1/4 Snow Songs to Keep You Warm Ages 3-6.

Join Mary Jo to sing, play instruments and dance the winter chills away with musical games, stories and movement. You’ll even learn a bit about bears.

Dress appropriately for outdoor activities. Register by 1/3. Wolf Creek Environmental Center, 6100 Ridge Rd., Sharon Center. 10:30 a.m. Free. www. medinacountyparks.com 1/4 Confunkshun One of the premiere funk bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s, Confunkshun developed a huge following with a string of memorable funky cuts and slow jams that are still receiving airplay more than 20 years after release. The Tangier, 532 W. Market St., Akron. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. $30-$45. www.thetangier. com 1/5 Thursday Movies@Main: “Captain America: The First Avenger” Parking is free in the High/Market Street deck after 6 p.m. Akron-Summit County Public Library, Main Library Auditorium, 60 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. www.ascpl.lib.oh.us

1/6-1/8, 1/13-1/15, 1/20-1/22, 1/27-1/29, 2/3-2/5 Putt-ing Through the Ages Golf Medina County Park District hosts this 12-hole miniature golf course inside Buffalo Creek Retreat that will take you through the amazing journey of the geologic ages of Ohio. Buffalo Creek Retreat, 8708 Hubbard Valley Rd., Seville. Noon-8 p.m. Free. www.medinacountyparks.com 1/6 and 1/7 Kinderealm: Fox and Coyote Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions explore the differences between Ohio’s foxes and coyotes.

Includes a hike and craft. Registration begins 12/29.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. Fri., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Sat., 10:30 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/6 Canton First Friday – Ice Ice Baby This themed, monthly street party features art exhibits, workshops, poetry slams, kids activities, concerts, restaurant specials and more. Downtown Canton Arts District, between Cleveland and Market avenues, and between 6th St. NE and Tuscarawas St. 6-10 p.m. Free. www. cantonfirstFri.com 1/6 First Friday Family Movie: “Ice Age” A sabertooth tiger, a sloth and a wooly mammoth find a lost human infant, and they try to return him to his tribe. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 6:30 p.m.

Free. www.cantonpalacetheatre.org 1/6 Cabin Fever Join a naturalist for an evening around the fireplace with crafts, activities and hot cocoa. Sand Run Metro Park/Shady Hollow Pavilion, 1750 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free.

330-865-8065 1/6 Canton Charge vs. Fort Wayne Mad Ants Catch the inaugural season of the Cavs’ NBA minor league team. Canton Memorial Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave. N., Canton. 7:30 p.m. Call for ticket prices. 330489-3090 1/6 Iris Dement This singer/songwriter is one of the most celebrated country-folk performers of her day.

The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. $25.50. www.kentstage.org 1/6 Room and Board Columbus-based, dark indie pop band performs an all-ages show. The Auricle, 601 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton. 8 p.m. $6 ($2 surcharge under 21). 330-353-8694

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1/7 and 1/14 Caldecott-Inspired Art Activities 2nd-4th graders can try their hands at different art techniques, from cutpaper to stamping to collage. We’ll explore the titles that could win the Caldecott Medal for distinguished children’s book and try out the art styles and techniques they use. Snacks provided. Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, 3512 Darrow Rd., Stow.

10-11:15 a.m. Free. To register, call 330688-3295, ext. 5.

1/7 Nordonia Hills Scrapbookers Bring your supplies and your imagination. Come for an hour or the entire day. No experience necessary; just bring some photos. Nordonia Hills /Akron-Summit County Public Library, 9458 Olde Eight Rd., Northfield. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. www.akronlibrary.org/nordoniahills/ 1/7 Do the Mu! Hoop Dancing Join in this monthly activity time for all ages. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Noon-2 p.m. Free. www. massillonmuseum.org 1/7 Amateur Photography Exhibit Reception The Metro Parks Photo Club hosts this opening reception with refreshments for the 2012 Amateur Photography Exhibit. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 2-4 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 www.akronlife.com

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Clark Gable used to shower at least four times a day.

1/7 Scavenger Hunt from in the Saddle Enjoy a ride learning from a naturalist about our hearty winter animals. Bring your own horse and tack. Silver Creek Metro Park/Boathouse, 5171 S. Medina Line Rd., Norton. 2 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/7 Owl Prowl Join a naturalist to discover local owls and what makes them such great hunters while exploring the 1.6-mile Willow Trail. Firestone Metro Park/Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065

1/9 Akron Roundtable: U.S. Senator Rob Portman Portman was elected in 2010, running a campaign that focused on conservative ideas to help create jobs and manage the deficit. Quaker Square Inn, The University of Akron, 135 S. Broadway, Akron. 11:45 a.m. $20. www.akronroundtable.org 1/11 Heart-Healthy Hike A naturalist answers your nature and history questions on this steady two-mile stroll. Munroe Falls Metro Park/Tallmadge Meadows Area, 1088 North Ave., Tallmadge. 10 a.m. Free. 330865-8065 1/11 Nature Drawing for Seniors Join a naturalist for this instructional and entertaining program. Bring a sketch book and a pencil. Beginners welcome.

Registration begins 1/3. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/ Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 10 a.m. Free.

330-865-8065 1/11 Kent State University Basketball vs. Miami Cheer on the Golden Flashes! MAC Center, 1025 Risman Dr., Kent. 7 p.m. Call for prices. 330-6722244

1/7 Red Wanting Blue An all-ages CD release party featuring this Columbusbased band. Musica, 51 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $10-$15. www.akronmusica. com 1/7 The Nightmare The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. Call for showtimes and ticket prices. 330-6775005 1/8 Footsteps to the Past Join a naturalist to learn about the geology and history of Gorge Metro Park and celebrate the park district’s 90th anniversary.

Gorge Metro Park/Main Entrance, 1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls. 2 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/8 Puppet Show All ages will enjoy another hilarious adventure with the Metro Parks puppets.

Includes a craft. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 2 p.m. Free. 330-8658065 1/8 FolkNite A casual acoustic open jam with Greg Canda. The computer and projector will be hooked up so all the musicians can play the same music and sing the same lyrics. If you have something to share, bring it on a USB drive. Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 W. Mill St., Peninsula. 7-10 p.m. Free. www. peninsulaartacademy.com

1/11 Mother Earth Series: Shade Gardening with Natives Learn about native plants and making easy choices for your garden with a naturalist and Garret Ormiston from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/11 Regina Brett Brett will be promoting her new book, “Be the Miracle: 50 Lessons for Making the Impossible Possible.” First Congregational Church, 47 Aurora St., Hudson. 7 p.m. Free. 330-650-4048 1/12-1/28 “Yellowman” One man and one woman play multiple characters in this drama that explores the complicated dimensions of racial distinction. For audiences 13 and up. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron. Call for showtimes. $18.

330-836-2626 1/12 “The Private Lives of the Impressionists” book club Sue Roe’s book is a lively biography of key artists of the Impressionist movement. Includes guided gallery tour. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 6 p.m. Free, but registration is required. 330376-9186 x 230

1/12 Thursday Movies@Main: “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” Parking is free in the High/Market Street deck after 6 p.m. Akron-Summit County Public Library, Main Library Auditorium, 60 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. www. ascpl.lib.oh.us

1/9 Kinderealm: Fox and Coyote Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions explore the differences between Ohio’s foxes and coyotes. Includes a hike and craft.

Registration not required. Goodyear Heights Metro Park/Pavilion, 2077 Newton St., Akron. 10:30 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065

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1/12 Thrity Umrigar Umrigar will be promoting her new book, “The World We Found” — a skillfully wrought, emotionally resonant story of four women and the indelible friendship they share. Hudson Library, 96 Library St., Hudson. 7 p.m.

Free. 330-653-6658 1/13-2/11 Phyllis Sloane, A 30-Year Print Retrospective This exhibition includes silkscreens, cork cuts, etching, drypoint and heat transfer prints.

Sloane’s works are part of the permanent collections of numerous museums and private corporations. Free opening reception: 1/13, 5:30-8 p.m. Harris Stanton Gallery, 2301 W. Market St., Akron. Tues.-Fri., 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. www.

HarrisStantonGallery.com 1/13 Family & Friends Connected Military Support Group Support meeting for military families of all branches. 1053 S. Hawkins Ave., Akron. 6-8 p.m.

Free. familyfriendsconnected.com

1/13 Couch Burner The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. Call for showtimes and ticket prices. 330-677-5005 1/14 Breakfast with the Birds Join the Canton Audubon Society as members share a light continental breakfast, and walk in the woods or sit in the round room to watch the birds, depending on the weather. Families encouraged!. Mount Union, Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center, 16146 Daniel St. NE, Minerva. 8-11 a.m. Free. www.cantonaudubon. org 1/14 Countryside Winter Farmers’ Markets More than 50 vendors will be selling fresh produce, artisan breads, croissants, jams and jellies, maple syrup, honey, fresh pasta and ravioli, nut rolls, cookies, chocolates, eggs, beef, pork, bison, lamb, cheese, handcrafted soaps and balms, jewelry, herbs, freshroasted coffee and locally blended teas. Old Trail School, 2315 Ira Rd., Akron. 9 a.m.-noon. Free. www. cvcountryside.org 1/14 University of Akron Basketball vs. Ohio U Cheer on the Zips! James A. Rhodes Arena, 373 Carroll St., Akron. Call for time. $7-$30. 330-9726920 1/14 Extended Hike Join volunteer Pat Patterson for a three-mile hike on the Jogging Trail. Sand Run Metro Park/Old Portage Area, 1300 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron.

9 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065

january 2012

1/14 Cup O’ Joe Hike Bring your favorite cup o’ joe to walk with a naturalist in search of winter wildlife. Liberty Park/ Recreation Area, 9385 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg. 10 a.m. Free. Call 330-8658065 after 8 a.m. in the case of extreme weather conditions.

1/14 Getting Started in Family History An intro to genealogy for new family historians. Includes an overview of genealogical sources available at the library, suggestions for getting started and tips for organizing your research. Special Collections Division, Akron-Summit County Public Library, 3rd floor, 60 S. High St., Akron. 10 a.m.-noon. Free. 330643-9030 1/14 Winter Birds Join a naturalist to discover horned larks, snow buntings and other birds spending the winter here. Springfield Bog Metro Park, 1400 Portage Line Rd., Springfield Twp. 1 p.m. Free. 330865-8065 1/14 Getting Better Photos Learn the basics of photo composition. Techniques covered include the art of seeing, cropping, hot spots, angles, backgrounds, lines, your own style and breaking the rules. Bring some of your photos on a flash stick or other media, and receive suggestions to make them even better. Ages 16 and up. Register by 1/13. Wolf Creek Environmental Center, 6100 Ridge Rd., Sharon Center. 1-4 p.m. $25. www.medinacountyparks.com 1/14 Kent State University Basketball vs. Bowling Green Cheer on the Golden Flashes! MAC Center, 1025 Risman Dr., Kent. 7 p.m. Call for prices. 330672-2244

1/14 Astronomy: To Infinity and Beyond!

Discover winter constellations, celestial bodies and other hidden treasures of the winter night-sky indoors, and then head outside to test your stargazing skills (weather permitting). Firestone Metro Park/ Coventry Oaks Pavilion, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065

WORLD CLASS BEGINS AT HOME

1/14 Canton Charge vs. Rio Grande Valley Vipers Catch the inaugural season of the Cavs’ NBA minor league team. Canton Memorial Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave. N., Canton. 7:30 p.m. Call for ticket prices. 330-489-3090 1/14 Boogie Matrix The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. Call for showtimes and ticket prices. 330-6775005 1/15 Young Birders: Bird Tracks Ages 8 and older join a naturalist and volunteers to discover the birds dining under pines here. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 11 a.m.

Free. 330-865-8065

1/15 Winter Tree ID Join a naturalist to discover how to identify trees without their leaves while hiking two miles on the Chippewa Trail. Silver Creek Metro Park/ Pheasant Run Area, 5000 Hametown Rd., Norton. 1 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065

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21

China has more English speakers than the United States.

1/15 Nature Drawing for Kids: Scat & Tracks Ages 6 to 12 join us for this lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook and pencil. Registration begins 1/5. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 2 p.m. Free. 330865-8065

1/18 Kinderealm: Fox and Coyote Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions explore the differences between Ohio’s foxes and coyotes. Includes a hike and craft. Registration begins 12/29. Firestone Metro Park/Coventry Oaks Pavilion, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 1 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065

1/15 Akron Baroque on Westminster Presbyterian’s 5@5 Series A concert of works by Telemann and Stamitz and a piece by J.S. Bach, featuring organist Jim Mismas and harpsichordist Valerie Thorson.

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1250 W. Exchange St., Akron. 5 p.m. Free. 330-836-2226 1/16 Winter Scavenger Hike Sharpen your observation skills, and enjoy the wonders of nature with a naturalist on the Cherry Lane Trail. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Seneca Deck, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 10:30 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/16 Afternoon Stroll Stroll through the park with a naturalist to learn about local animals and their tracks. Hampton Hills Metro Park/Main Entrance, 2925 Akron-Peninsula Rd., Akron. 1 p.m. Free. 330865-8065 1/16 Cabin Fever Hike Hear fascinating winter facts and stories while hiking the 1.6-mile Willow Trail with a naturalist. Firestone Metro Park/Coventry Oaks Pavilion, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 3 p.m. Free. 330-8658065

1/18 Costa Rica and Biodiversity The Canton Audubon Society hosts this talk provided by Dr. Charles McClaugherty of Mount Union. Exploration Gateway, Stark Parks’ facility at Sippo Lake, 5712 12th St. NW, Canton. 7 p.m. Free. www. cantonaudubon.org 1/19 to 2/5 “Bully” Military hero, president, cowboy, Secretary of the Navy, Nobel Peace Prize winner, conservationist, trust buster, police commissioner, vice-president, explorer, big-game hunter, author, governor — all accomplished by Teddy Roosevelt in the course of his 60 years. One actor attempts to explore some of the roles Teddy played. Actors’ Summit, 103 High St., 6th Floor, Akron. Call for times. $17-$30. 330-374-7568

1/17 Chocolate Olympics Sorting M&Ms, Whopper races, Oreo stacking and other chocolate fun! For grades 2-6. Wadsworth Public Library, 32 Broad St., Wadsworth.

6:15 p.m. Free. Call 330-335-2604 to register.

1/17 “All-Star” Bands Festival Students are selected based upon their musical ability, interest, potential for growth and the instrumentation of the ensembles. Michael Foster is scheduled to be this year’s guest conductor. Highland High School, 4150 Ridge Rd., Medina. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. www. medina-esc.org 1/18 Heart-Healthy Hike A naturalist answers your nature and history questions on this steady two-mile stroll. Silver Creek Metro Park/Pheasant Run Area, 5000 Hametown Rd., Norton. 10 a.m. Free. 330-8658065 22

akronlife

january 2012

1/19-1/22 Culinary Weekend with Chef Fabio Bongianni Join Chef Bongianni from Rome for delectable authentic Italian cuisine demonstration classes Thursday and Friday, as well as hands-on classes Saturday and Sunday. The Cucina at Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. Thurs. and Fri., 6:30-9:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Sun., noon3 p.m. Go to www.gervasivineyard.com for pricing.

1/19 Grape Possibilities An elegant evening of wines from around the world. Great food and a silent auction. All proceeds benefit The Arc of Stark County.

Canton Civic Center, 3818 Darlington Ave. NW, Canton. 5:30-10 p.m. $45-$60. www.arcstark.org 1/19 Soup, The Civil War and McKinley Join teacher and Civil War reenactor Larry Snyder as he teaches about the 23 OVI and William McKinley from the time they enlisted to the end of the war. Retrace their steps from Poland, Ohio to Cumberland, Md. Meal includes soup, bread, dessert and beverage.

Wm. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton. 6-7:30 p.m. $15. To register, call 330-455-7043.

1/19 “There Were Nights” Part of the Shaw JCC’s Celebration of Israeli Cinema, this movie won a Haifa International Film Festival award in 2009 for best actress. As a child, Goni was charmed by the charisma and intensity of her father, a successful actor and director. Then, at age seven, that world came tumbling down. Shaw JCC, 750 White Pond Dr., Akron. 6:30 p.m. $5, includes snacks. 330-867-7850 1/19 Thursday Movies@Main: “Super 8” Parking is free in the High/Market Street deck for those arriving after 6 p.m. Akron-Summit County Public Library, Main Library Auditorium, 60 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. www.ascpl.lib.oh.us

1/19 Travel to Costa Rica Join us for an armchair adventure to Costa Rica and discover what our forests have in common with rainforests. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate provided. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/20 Regina Brett This local author will be signing her new book, “Be the Miracle: 50 Lessons for Making the Impossible Possible.” Barnes and Noble, 4015 Medina Rd., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. 330-665-5199 1/20 Owl Prowl Join a naturalist to discover local owls and what makes them such great hunters while hiking one mile. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/20 Blues Night at the Palace Featuring Jeff Poulos, Blues Revue and the Brighter Side Band. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7 p.m. $10. www.cantonpalacetheatre.org 1/20 Ohio Vortex Cheer on our local professional indoor soccer team. Canton Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave. S., Canton. 8 p.m. $7. 330-489-3090 1/20 Music on Main Street The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. Call for showtimes and ticket prices.

330-677-5005

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

1/21-3/25 Another Look at the New Look Fashions from 1940 to 1965 from the MassMu collection and loans from the KSU Museum. Guest curator Steven Rosengard, “Project Runway Season 4” contestant and assistant curator at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. Opening party: 1/21, 7-9 p.m.

Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon.

Tues.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 2-5 p.m. Free. www.massillonmuseum.org

1/21 University of Akron Basketball vs.

Kent State James A. Rhodes Arena, 373 Carroll St., Akron. Call for time. $12-$35.

330-972-6920 1/21 Hike & Breakfast Participants will contribute to the feast. Registration begins 1/12. Goodyear Heights Metro Park/Pavilion, 2077 Newton St., Akron. 8 a.m.

Free. 330-865-8065 1/21 Branching Out: Second Steps in Genealogy A detailed continuation of the “Getting Started in Family History” workshop, this class is geared toward those who’ve already done some research. Learn what to expect when working with vital records and obituaries, and search strategies for finding them online and through traditional sources. Akron-Summit County Public Library, Meeting Room 2AB, 60 S. High St., Akron. 10 a.m.-noon. Free. 330-643-9030

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

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Dueling is legal in Paraguay as long as both parties are registered blood donors.

1/21 The 1940 Census is Coming! Presented by the Summit County chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society. Julie Wilson will point us to the available tools to help locate our relatives and ancestors, even without the use of an surname index, and learn what we can find out from the 1940 Census, which will be released to the public April 2, 2012 by the National Archives and Records Administration. Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 S. High St., Akron. 1 p.m.

Free. www.summitogs.org

1/22 Meadow Walk Explore this unique park and search for evidence of other creatures in a winter wonderland. Munroe Falls Metro Park/Tallmadge Meadows, 1088 North Ave., Tallmadge. 10 a.m. Free.

330-865-8065

1/26 Thursday Movies@Main: “Cowboys & Aliens” Parking is free in the High/Market Street deck for those arriving after 6 p.m. Akron-Summit County Public Library, Main Library Auditorium, 60 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. www.ascpl.lib.oh.us

1/22 Hiking Spree Shield Assistance Did you complete the Fall Hiking Spree? Volunteers will help attach your 2011 hiking shield. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 1-4 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065

1/26 Rise Against With opening acts A Day to Remember and The Menzingers. Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center, Kent State University, Kent.

7 p.m. $41.25. www.kent.edu

1/21 Metropolitan Opera – “The Enchanted Island” Live In one extraordinary new work, lovers of Baroque opera have it all: the world’s best singers, glorious music of the Baroque masters and a story drawn from Shakespeare. Montrose Movies 12.

4020 Medina Rd., Akron; Hudson Cinema 10, 5339 Darrow Rd., Hudson; Tinseltown USA 290, 4720 Mega St. NW, N. Canton. 12:55 p.m. $18-$24. www. fathomevents.com

1/22 Top of the South Ledges Hike with naturalists to look for winter beasts and birds by sight, tracks and scat in an undeveloped part of the park. Liberty Park/Recreation Area, 9385 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg. 2 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065

1/21 “Arrr” You Ready for a Wild Treasure Hunt?

Find some of nature’s many surprises on the Parcours Trail by following maps and tricky riddles. Everyone will share in the treasure. Goodyear Heights Metro Park/Main Entrance, 2077 Newton St., Akron. 2 p.m.

Free. 330-865-8065

1/24 Brown Bag Lunch Moderated by Carol Starre, this program focuses on “Dorothy Fuldheim, First Lady of Broadcasting.” Bring your lunch or buy lunch at the museum’s Chit Chat Coffee Shoppe. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Free. www.massillonmuseum.org

1/21 Studio M Opening Chris Muller presents a photographic collection, “Year of Chris.”

Exhibition runs through 3/4. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 7-9 p.m. Free. www. massillonmuseum.org

1/24 Canton Charge vs. Springfield Armor Catch the inaugural season of the Cavs’ NBA minor league team. Canton Memorial Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave. N., Canton. 7 p.m. Call for ticket prices. 330489-3090

1/21 Ohio Vortex Cheer on our local professional indoor soccer team. Canton Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave. S., Canton. 7 p.m. $7. 330-489-3090

1/25 Heart-Healthy Hike A naturalist answers your nature and history questions on this steady two-mile stroll along Piney Woods Trail. Goodyear Heights Metro Park/Pioneer Area, 550 Frazier Ave., Akron. 10 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/25 Orienteering for Homeschool Families Learn the basics during this family-oriented indoor/outdoor program. Some compasses will be provided. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 11 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/25 Kent State University Basketball vs. Northern Illinois Cheer on the Golden Flashes! MAC Center, 1025 Risman Dr., Kent. 7 p.m. Call for prices. 330672-2244

1/21 Local Artists Showcase The lineup for this show includes Madison Cummins, Ashley Brooke Toussant and trio Unseen Masterpiece. This concert is presented cabaret-style with both audience and artists together on the beautiful Civic stage. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $12. www.akroncivic.com 1/21 Ekoostik Hookah The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. Call for showtimes and ticket prices 330677-5005.

1/21 Akron Symphony Orchestra: World Class Begins at Home Conductor Christopher Wilkins leads the orchestra through works by Copland, Debussy, Mozart, Bach and Stravinsky. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 8 p.m. Call for ticket prices.

330-535-8131

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1/25 Meet Me in the Garden Learn about houseplants that can brighten your home during the winter months. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/26-2/19 “And Then There Were None” Lured to an island and then murdered, one by one ... From the pen of the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie. Coach House Theater, 732 W. Exchange St., Akron. Call for showtimes. $12-$18. 330-434-7741 1/26 Cooking Class: Hearty Winter Soup Ann Passerell from Comfort Keepers will give a demonstration focused on cooking healthy meals for one or two. After class, attendees take home delicious samples of the recipe. Wadsworth Center for Older Adults, 138 High St., Wadsworth. 2 p.m. Free. 330335-1513 1/26 15th Annual Red & White on Thursday Night This benefit for the Arthritis Foundation, Great Lakes Region, Northeastern Ohio is a strolling wine and food event featuring raffles, silent and live auctions, wines from around the world and delectable cuisine from the Akron area’s best restaurants. John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron. 5:30-9 p.m. Pre-sale tickets, $85 until 1/26; at the door, $95. 800-245-2275

january 2012

1/27-1/29 “To Kill a Mockingbird” One of the finest novels of our time reverberates onto the stage. Dignity, injustice and tolerance are explored through the eyes of young “Scout” Finch and her father, Atticus, a lawyer defending a black man wrongly accused of raping a white woman in fictional Alabama in 1935. For ages 12 and up. Magical Theatre Company, 565 Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton. Call for showtimes. $11-$15. www.magicaltheatre.org 1/27 Natural Knitters Discover wildlife “knitters” in our Metro Parks. Learn the basics of knitting, and start a knitted dishcloth to take home. For all knitting levels. Needles provided. Bring 100 percent cotton yarn. Firestone Metro Park/Coventry Oaks Pavilion, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/27 Come Wind With opening acts Wolves At The Gate, The Orphan, The Poet and Greater Than I. The Auricle, 601 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton. 8 p.m. $6 ($2 surcharge under 21). 330-353-8694 1/28 Solo and Ensemble Festival Provides students an opportunity to showcase their musical talents, and serves as a preparation for the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) District VI adjudicated events at the high school and junior high/middle school levels.

Buckeye High School, 3084 Columbia Rd., Medina. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. www.medina-esc.org

1/28 McKinley Day Celebration Celebrate President McKinley’s birthday! Openhearth cooking demonstrations, Civil War reenactors, spinners and weavers, Discover World shows, “Meet the President” talks and planetarium shows. Local veterans and an Army General representing the White House will lay wreaths in memory of the president. Wm. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $5. www.mckinleymuseum.org 1/28 Migration of Birds Join a naturalist to learn about migration and which birds stay here, and then head outdoors for a short hike. Firestone Metro Park/ Coventry Oaks Pavilion, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 10 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/28 Fiber Café meeting Bring your current projects.

Plan upcoming events and classes, and meet fellow fiber artists. Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 W. Mill St., Peninsula. 10 a.m.-noon. Free. 330-657-2248 1/28 Wildlife & Wood Workshop Discover the types of birds you can attract to your backyard, and then build a hanging bird feeder. $10 per kit; one kit per family. Registration begins 1/17. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 11 a.m.

Free. 330-865-8065 1/28 A Naturalist’s Utopia: Winter Enjoy a peaceful morning in the woods to seek out rare birds and coyote and fox tracks. Bring binoculars and field

guides. Warm, waterproof boots necessary. Liberty Park/Pond Brook Conservation Area, 3973 E. Aurora Rd., Twinsburg. 1 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/28 BluesNite An informal open mike jam for all levels of musicians interested in playing and learning the blues. Bring your instruments and join in, or sit back and enjoy the music. Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 W. Mill St., Peninsula. 7:30-10 p.m. Free. www. peninsulaartacademy.com

1/28 Brian McKnight This multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter will perform an acoustic show featuring new songs from his recently released 14th album, “Just Me.” Joining him on stage will be his brother, Claude McKnight, and sons, BJ and Niko. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $27-$59. www.

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shanewynn.com 1/28 MasterWorks Concert – Winter Dreams Featuring Emily Cornelius, violin, and Daniel Boye, baritone. Umstattd Performing Arts Hall, 2323 17th St. NW, Canton. 8 p.m. Call for ticket prices. 330452-3434

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1/28 Standing Rock Film Fest The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. Call for ticket prices. 330677-5005 1/29 “Hair” Party Bus Ohio Regional Music Arts Cultural Outreach invites you to hop on the party bus to see the new Tony-winning production of “Hair” at Playhouse Square. Enjoy a boxed lunch, flowing wine and trivia quizzes. After the show, hop back on the bus for more wine, homemade chocolates and a 50/50 raffle. Meet at Buehler’s River Styx, 3626 Medina Rd., Medina. 11 a.m. $40-$76. ormaco.org 1/29 Nature Realm Book Club Discuss this month’s selection, “Pilgrim at Tinker Creek” by Annie Dillard, available at the Nature Realm for 10 percent off.

Warm drinks and snacks provided. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron.

2 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 1/29 Zobapago Akron-based Zobapago embodies dynamic entertainment and educational material, with a focus on science, health and hygiene. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 2:30 p.m. $5-$10; free for kids under 2. www.akroncivic.com 1/29 Glen Campbell The Kent Stage kicks off its 10th anniversary celebration with this concert. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. $50.50$90.50 plus fees. www.kentstage.org 1/30 Evening Book Club The group will discuss “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot. Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave., Barberton. 6-7 p.m. Free. www.barbertonlibrary.org

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1/30 An Evening with Geena Davis Geena Davis will enlighten, entertain and inspire.

E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $4-$8. 330-972-7570 1/31 The Cleveland Orchestra Under the leadership of Music Director Franz Welser-Most, the Cleveland Orchestra has become one of the most sought-after performing ensembles in the world. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $22-$40. 330-972-7570

February 2012

Discover how SS&G is most likely to help you succeed.

2/3 Show & Tell Me a Story Kids 1 and older can join a naturalist for this special story time with puppets, songs, activities and a craft. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 10:30 a.m. Free. 330-865-8065

2/1 University of Akron Basketball vs. Toledo Cheer on the Zips! James A. Rhodes Arena, 373 Carroll St., Akron. Call for time. $7-$30. 330-972-6920

2/3 Canton First Friday This themed, monthly street party features art exhibits, workshops, poetry slams, kids activities, concerts, restaurant specials and more.

Downtown Canton Arts District, between Cleveland and Market avenues, and between 6th St. NE and Tuscarawas St. 6-10 p.m. Free. www.cantonfirstFri. com

2/2 Kevin Smith: Live From Behind An opportunity for fans to interact with independent film pioneer Kevin Smith. The three-hour event will begin with Smith (Silent Bob) and frequent co-star Jason Mewes (Jay) hosting their highly rated podcast, “Jay and Silent Bob Get Old,” followed by a live interactive Q&A with theater audiences across the U.S. Not suitable for younger audiences. Montrose Movies 12, 4020 Medina Rd., Akron; Hudson Cinema 10, 5339 Darrow Rd., Hudson. 9:30 p.m. Log on for ticket prices. www.fathomevents.com 2/3-2/5, 2/10-2/12, 2/17-2/19, 2/24-2/26 Putt-ing Through the Ages Golf Medina County Park District hosts this 12-hole miniature golf course inside Buffalo Creek Retreat that will take you through the amazing journey of the geologic ages of Ohio. Buffalo Creek Retreat, 8708 Hubbard Valley Rd., Seville. Noon-8 p.m. Free. www.medinacountyparks.com

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2/3 First Friday Family Movie: “Clue: The Movie” Six guests are invited to a strange house and must cooperate with the staff to solve a murder mystery.

Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton.

6:30 p.m. Free. www.cantonpalacetheatre.org 2/3 Canton Charge vs. Austin Toros Catch the inaugural season of the Cavs’ NBA minor league team. Canton Memorial Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave. N., Canton. 7:30 p.m. Call for ticket prices. 330489-3090 2/3 Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer An evening of inspirational storytelling and helpful training tips, along with a Q&A with the star of National Geographic Channel’s “The Dog Whisperer.” No dogs allowed in theatre. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $35.75-$75. 330-253-2488 2/3 Aaron Neville The Tangier, 532 W. Market St., Akron. 8:30 p.m. $30-$55. www.thetangier.com 2/4 and 2/18 Countryside Winter Farmers’ Markets More than 50 vendors. Old Trail School, 2315 Ira Rd., Akron. 9 a.m.-noon. Free. www.cvcountryside.org 2/4 and 2/12 Crystal Palace Hike See huge, colorful icicles that make up the “Crystal Palace” on this rugged 1.8-mile hike with a naturalist. Gorge Metro Park/Main Entrance, 1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls.

2/4 at 10 a.m.; 2/12 at 1 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065

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2/3 and 2/4 “The Color Purple” An inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who – through love – finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St, Akron. 8 p.m. $32.50-$52.50. www.ejthomashall.com

2/1 Heart-Healthy Hike A naturalist answers your nature and history questions on this steady stroll along the 1.2-mile Oxbow Trail. Cascade Valley Metro Park/Oxbow Area, 1061 Cuyahoga St., Akron. 10 a.m.

Free. 330-865-8065

2/2-2/19 “The Taming of the Shrew” A production of Project STAGE (Students Through Acting Gain Education). When outspoken Kate meets Petruchio and they fall in love, he challenges her temperament and tries to make her behave. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron. Call for showtimes. $12-$14. 330-836-2626

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2/3 and 2/4, 2/10 and 2/11, 2/17-2/19, 2/24 and 2/25 “Bingo! The Winning New Musical” Join in the bingo game at Hamerin County’s St. Luke’s Church basement, where you’ll meet three pals who’ve driven through a hurricane in the name of their weekly obsession. The Hudson Players, The Barlow Community Center, 41 S. Oviatt St., Hudson. 8 p.m.

(2/19 at 2 p.m.) $12-$14. www.hudsonplayers.com

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2/4 Finding Your Family in the Census U.S. Census records are rich sources of genealogical information.

Join us to learn more about using these valuable records in your family research. Basic computer skills recommended. Akron-Summit County Public Library, Computer Lab 2, 1st floor, 60 S. High St., Akron. 10 a.m.-noon. Free. 330-643-9030

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2/4 15th Annual “For the Love of Chocolate” Festival The American Red Cross of Medina County and the J.M. Smucker Co. are hosting this decadent event featuring chocolate items from over 30 chocolatiers, both chocolate cookie and chocolate dessert contests, a children’s Candyland area and a bake sale featuring contest winners. Medina Performing Arts Center, Medina High School, 851 Weymouth Rd., Medina. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $7-$12.

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2/4 Groundhogs & Weather Predictions The entire family can join a naturalist to learn more about nature’s forecasters.

Includes a hike outdoors, weather permitting. Goodyear Heights Metro Park/ Pavilion, 2077 Newton St., Akron. 1 p.m.

Free. 330-865-8065

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2/4 American Indians From in the Saddle Enjoy a ride learning from a naturalist about Ohio’s American Indians. Bring your own horse and tack. Silver Creek Metro Park/Boathouse, 5171 S. Medina Line Rd., Norton. 2 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065

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2/4 University of Akron Basketball vs. Eastern Michigan Cheer on the Zips! James A. Rhodes Arena, 373 Carroll St., Akron. Call for time. $7-$30.

330-972-6920 2/4 Kent State University Basketball vs. Western Michigan Cheer on the Golden Flashes! MAC Center, 1025 Risman Dr., Kent. 7 p.m. Call for prices.

330-672-2244 2/4 Maidens IV Ohio Regional Music Arts Cultural Outreach invites you to see these four sisters ignite the stage with high action Celtic music. Broadway Hall Auditorium, 144 N. Broadway, Medina. $18. 7 p.m. ormaco.org 2/4 Zoso With opening acts Sky Dragster and Panama. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron.

7:30 p.m. $15. www.akroncivic.com 2/4 Canton Charge vs. Austin Toros Catch the inaugural season of the Cavs’ NBA minor league team. Canton Memorial Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave. N., Canton. 7:30 p.m. Call for ticket prices.

330-489-3090 2/5 Bird Food Café Join a naturalist to cook up nutritious, delicious and fun high-energy treats to take home for your backyard birds. Sand Run Metro Park/Mingo Pavilion, 1501 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron. 1 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065

2/5 Where Have the Bees Gone? Join a naturalist to find out where the bees are and what they’re doing. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 2 p.m. Free. 330-865-8065 2/5 Regina Brett Brett will be promoting her new book, “Be the Miracle: 50 Lessons for Making the Impossible Possible.” Hudson Library, 96 Library St., Hudson. 2 p.m. Free. 330-653-6658

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FLASH A Night to Build Hope Habitat for Humanity of Summit County’s 4th annual “A Night to Build Hope” event was held Nov. 4 at Portage Country Club. Proceeds support the organization’s work to help families in need open the door to a brighter future. More than 300 people attended the wine and beer tasting/auction, which helped raise more than $40,000 in support of its mission.

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1. Event attendees bidding on auction items and enjoying the evening 2. Cory Myers and Nikki Johnson volunteered at the event after getting engaged earlier that evening.

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3. Partner Family speakers Shannon and Sharon Smothers tell of their Habitat journey.

4. HFHSC President and CEO Rochelle Fisher speaks before Kiko auctioneer Brooked Ames starts the live auction.

5. Honorary Chair Captain Sylvia Trundle talking with event Chair, Erin Victor and attendee Judy Fowler

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The Masque of the Red Death The Akron Civic Theatre and Evant, Inc. hosted The Masque of the Red Death on Oct. 29 — a macabre masquerade party based loosely on Edgar Allan Poe’s tale of decadence and devastation.

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Photos by Dale Dong 1. The fantastic costumes of Sherrine Selzer and Michael Kobywck 2. Candice Jones Carlyon and Bill Carlyon enjoy the ghoulish festivities.

3. It was a night to see-and-be-seen for Claire and Jeremy Heestard, Suzie Graham and John Moore.

4. Jane Startzman, dressed in her peacock regalia 28

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More than 500 fashionably-, eerily- and, in some cases, scantily-clad guests enjoyed music by The Cult of the Psychic Fetus; dance performances from Verb Ballets, The Seelie Players and Red Dance Company; psychic readings; henna body art by The Artful Cricket; and macabre portraiture from Andrew McAllister. Guests danced the night away on the Civic stage with DJ John Kerata spinning the tunes while classic monster movies showed on the big screen.

This was the second year for the event, which is a fundraiser for both The Akron Civic Theatre and Evant, a nonprofit that provides residential support to people with disabilities.

The Pawsibility Ball

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Donors, attendees and volunteers raised $200,000 during the 2011 Humane Society of Greater Akron’s Pawsibility Ball on Sept. 24 at the Hilton West in Fairlawn. Event proceeds will support the homeless animals of Summit County.

During the evening, Dick Goddard was named 2011 Animal Hero and was honored for his passion, dedication and commitment to animals.

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1. (Left to right): Tom and Mary Hanley, Steve and Sherryl Owens, Ron and Pat Hill, and Fred and Karen Schrekengost 2. 2011 Animal Hero Dick Goddard 3. PHSGA volunteer Sarah Whitford shows an adoptable puppy to Pawsibility Ball guests.

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Art Blooms!

The Akron Garden Club celebrated its flower show, Art Blooms! Kaleidoscope 2011, with a fundraising gala at the Akron Art Museum Sept. 23. With 250 guests in attendance, $65,000 was raised to help restore, improve and protect the City of 2 Akron’s largest urban green space, the Cascade Locks Park, as well as fund additional community-related projects.

Special guest at the gala was renowned Brooklyn, N.Y., fiber artist Paula Nadelstern, whose 4 Kaleidoscope Quilts were on exhibition at the museum. The gala included a reception, dinner, entertainment and silent auction featuring a collection of unique gardenthemed items and services. The gala was catered by Spice of Life Co. of Cleveland with food from local family farms practicing sustainable agriculture, and The Gene Fiocca Band provided entertainment. Table floral arrangements were created by members of The Akron Garden Club and featured full stems of pale green Cymbidium orchids in 20-inch lighted crystal cylinder vases.

Art Blooms! Kaleidoscope 2011 was a Garden Club of America flower show, with entries in floral design, horticulture, photography and botanical jewelry. Nearly 1,600 visitors viewed the four-day show, which was featured throughout the museum’s galleries Sept. 22-25.

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1. Special guest fiber artist Paula Nadelstern with a floral design by Akron Garden Club members Debby Bauman and Bonnie Johnson, interpreting Nadelstern’s quilt, Kaleidoscope XV: Eccentric Circles, 1995. This floral design took first place in the Manipulations class.

2. Gala Chair Jean Preston and Flower Show Co-Chair Colleen Wernig, both of West Akron 3. Akron Garden Club President Sherrie Kimberly and Akron Art Museum Director and CEO Mitchell Kahan

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4. Left to right: Ruth Moorhead, Fran Buchholzer and Donna Bender. Moorhead co-chaired the flower show’s Horticulture Division and received the Akron Garden Club Silver Trowel Award, presented to the exhibitor accumulating the most points for entries in the Horticulture Division. Buchholzer hosted a special cocktail party for patron supporters of the gala. Bender received the Akron Garden Club Edna R. Sewell Bowl for Best in Show in Flower Arranging for an interpretation of a 1958 untitled acrylic work on canvas by Morris Louis.

5. Gala guests Ron and Ann Allan and Sandra Smith

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The Ultimate AKRONITE

Bucket List 46 (local) things to do before you die (They’re cooler than you think!)

5 4 # a

b m i l c k c o r big

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by Amy Antenora Greathouse edited by Georgina K. Carson

Disclaimer: I know we didn’t include every possible bucket list item for Greater Akron in this article.

That said, consider this just a starting point of the things you need to see and do in Akron before you die. Hopefully, you’re not actually looking to seize the last six weeks you have left on this earth but, rather, just looking to seize next Saturday.

If you’re a longtime Akron resident like me, you may be thinking that you’ve pretty much been there, done that.

Not so fast. As Buddhists like to say, you’re not bored, you’re boring.

The problem isn’t Akron.

So grab your keys, your wallet and your sense of adventure, and let’s get to it, shall we?

#a5 se

le a sheep

Be a (local) culture vulture Despite what many around here may say, Akron’s historical and cultural landscape is rich and colorful, even if the weather might not always be.

#1 Roll down the windows, enjoy a

starry night and TAKE IN a double feature at Blue Sky in Wadsworth, Magic City Drive-In in Barberton or Mid-Way Twin Drive-In Theater in Ravenna. Few vanishing American venues evoke as many nostalgic memories as drive-in theaters — and we’re lucky enough have several to choose from, right in our backyard.

#2 LEARN to dance. Local dance

institutions like Martell School of Dance and Sharon Rae Dance Studio offer a range of traditional dance classes from jazz to hip hop. If you’re suffering from “Dancing with the Stars” envy, Riverfront Ballroom & Latin Dance Center in Cuyahoga Falls offers everything from waltz to tango and salsa to swing. And if you really want to get your groove on, give Visions of the Nile Belly Dance School a call.

#3 ATTEND a concert over the valley

at Mapleside Farms — a 100-acre apple orchard in Brunswick that was voted the most beautiful farm in the America by chooseoutdoors.org.

Blanket? Check.

Wine? Check.

One of the most picturesque hilltops in Ohio, overlooking a valley of 4,000 apple

trees with a 50-mile view of the Northeast Ohio landscape? Checkity check.

#4 CULTIVATE your appreciation for

the performing arts at the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival, honoring the legacy of the founding artistic director of Ohio Ballet with free public performances by respected dance companies. Beautiful GDQFHUV EDOP\ ZHDWKHU ¿UHÀLHV « ,W¶V D perfect summer evening.

#5 Cultivate your appreciation for rural

Ohio, and LEASE a sheep. For $250, a Dorset ewe from The Spicy Lamb Farm in Peninsula can be yours — from November through May. Visit your sheep any time throughout the season, attend special events at no charge, get photos and reports on your ewe and the rest of WKH ÀRFN YLD HPDLO DQG FRPH VSULQJ KHOS shear her. Though you can’t keep your sheep, you will receive an heirloom queen blanket made from your ewe’s wool to remember her by.

#6 GET LOST in the labyrinth of Don

Drumm Studios & Gallery during the holidays — when it transforms into a magical winter wonderland, with a touch of twinkle lights and colorful menorah candles throughout. (Take a respite from the visual chaos by stepping out onto the covered terrace, where whimsical garden sculptures sit quietly amid the clanging of wind chimes.) www.akronlife.com

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#7 EXPERIENCE life on the canals

#t1lo6cal

of yore in Canal Fulton aboard the St. Helena III, a replica cargo canal boat pulled by two work horses and manned by a crew steering with a rudder and poles. Themes for the river boat cruise include wine and cheese, the Underground Railroad and ghostly tales.

Check out disovercanalfulton.com.

#8 MAKE a difference. As a Greek SURYHUE VWDWHV ³$ FLYLOL]DWLRQ ÀRXULVKHV when people plant trees under which they ZLOO QHYHU VLW ´ 2QH RI WKH PRVW VLJQL¿FDQW things you can do is volunteer your time and skills. Whether you have only a day to devote or several hours a week, there are plenty of opportunities locally to give back. Check out volunteermatch.org to get started.

#9 ROOT for the home

team at an Akron Aeros Game at Canal Park. Summertime EDVHEDOO DQG ¿UHZRUNV Throw in some apple pie, and you have an AllAmerican Trifecta.

#10 MIND your manners. Whether \RX ZDQW WR IHHO PRUH FRQ¿GHQW DW your next fancy dinner party or simply want to feel more superior through the display of elegant table manners, learning the difference between a salad fork and a Spork is truly an underrated skill. Lucky for us, we can learn from Trinka Taylor (trinkataylor. net) and her team of etiquette experts at Professional Protocol Consultants of Akron. Drawing upon her experiences as a runway model, public relations professional and author (“Common Sense Manners for Today’s Youth”), Taylor offers courses to help us avoid common etiquette pitfalls.

#11 REVEL in the majestic power

created at the annual Gospel Meets Symphony concert — performed by the heavenly combo of the Akron Symphony Orchestra and some 200 gospel voices.

#12 APRENDER un segundo idioma.

Whether you want to make yourself more recruitable to the international ¿UPV FRPLQJ WR WRZQ RU ZDQW WR ZRR your sweetheart in a romance language, learning a new language is great way to make your brain — and your world — a little bit bigger. If a language degree is too much of a commitment, consider:

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ea sweet corn

The University of Akron’s Workforce Development & Continuing Education offers noncredit conversational language classes, ranging from Beginning Japanese and Spanish to Sign Language to Conversational Chinese to Italian for Tourists (classes vary by semester; call 330-972-7577). Stark State’s Corporate Services and Continuing Education Center in North Canton offers noncredit language courses in Conversational Spanish, Chinese and French; Beginning Arabic; and Sign Language (languages vary by semester; call 330-966-5455). For everything Italian, check out La Gazetta Italiana’s website at www.lagazzettaitaliana.com, and click on Educational Classes on the left for noncredit Italian classes offered in Summit County.

#13 MARCH to the beat of a different

drummer — the University of Akron Steel Drum Band. Nominated for a Grammy Award for its CD, “Live at E.J. Thomas Hall,” this ensemble of percussion students has performed for everyone from President Clinton to your neighbor’s Aunt Martha, bringing a taste of tropical Trinidad right here to NEO.

#14 Are you a poet, but no one knows

it? Go public, and ENTER your work into Kent State University’s national Stan and Tom Wick Poetry Prize competition.

The annual contest is open to poets who haven’t previously published a full-length collection of poetry, and the winner receives $2,000; publication of KLV ¿UVW IXOO OHQJWK ERRN RI SRHWU\ E\ WKH Kent State University Press; a reading on the KSU campus; and bragging rights.

Manuscripts for this year’s contest must be postmarked between Feb. 1, 2012, and May 1, 2012.

january 2012

TAKE A BITE OUT OF AKRON What we lack in skyscrapers or classical architecture, we make up for in calories and the infinite ways you can consume them.

#15 EAT your way through the ethnic

church food fairs — Greek, Slovak, Lebanese, Italian, Russian. Once bustling with ethnic neighborhoods, Akron sadly has seen the graying of its Italian, Slovak and other local ethnic suburbs as these ¿UVW DQG VHFRQG JHQHUDWLRQV SDVV RQ Thankfully, a dedicated few hold true to their traditions and share them with the rest of us, offering up something that many of us just don’t have — the time, skills or grandmother to make us homemade spanikopita and pierogies.

#16 CELEBRATE summer with a

steaming plate of locally grown sweet corn from Szalay’s or Graf Growers.

Whether you like it grilled, roasted or dripping in salted butter, sweet corn from Ohio just tastes better.

#17 PLAY tooth or dare with your

palette. Chicken feet, anyone? (Yes, they are edible.) If nibbling on avian toes is way too wild for you, start easy with D OLWWOH GDE RI ¿VK HJJV DND FDYLDU RQ a water cracker. Local specialty food store West Point Market sells shelfstable caviar and beluga caviar (on special order). Next, belly up to the bar at Sakura Sushi in Montrose or House

(Hartville), Gervasi Vineyard (Canton) and The Winery at Wolf Creek (Norton).

If you hate planning itineraries, send RetroRider a “trip request” via their website, and they’ll plan the tour for you.

#20 72,/ LQ WKH ¿HOGV DW Walnut Drive

Gardens in Mogadore. Since 1862, six generations of the Saal family have worked on their 230-acre produce farm.

And you can, too. Pick everything from beans to raspberries to strawberries to green, yellow, sweet, cubenelle, banana and jalapeno peppers to canning and paste tomatoes to eggplant. When in season, squash, watermelon, cantaloupe and cabbage also are available at their farm market.

#21 From Luigi’s to Skyway to

Belgrade Gardens to Strickland’s to so many notable others, ENJOY our local food experiences, places you go not just for the food, but for the uniquely Akron — where the secret sauce is our own sentimentality. Experience the little things that makes eating Akron-style a subtle joy, a hidden perk, like the brown sugar in a Swensons burger.

3 #2 a be beach bum

of Hunan downtown, for all manner of super-fresh sushi (bonus points if you try the tentacle-laden squid salad). If you’re extremely daring, or just want to freak out your kids, grab a pound of head cheese from the Giant Eagle deli. Terrifyingly true to its name, head cheese is a traditional European cold cut made from meat from the head of a fourlegged animal, such as pig, sheep or cow, set in aspic (gelatin).

#18 Barter and MUNCH at the Hartville Farmer’s Market. Where else can you

haggle on a 10-pound bag of Vidalia onions for a buck at one table and buy a $5 vintage concert tee at the next? It’s a bargain hunter’s delight. Don’t leave without getting some tasty Amish treats and some jerky from Duma’s for the car ride home.

#19 TOUR wine country. Rent a RetroRider party bus, complete with sober driver and a stand-up service center for serving cheese plates and drinks. Now you’re UHDG\ WR ZHDYH \RXU ZD\ WKURXJK WKH ¿HOGV RI IUXLW\ RUEV 1RW WR EH PLVVHG Viking Vineyards (Kent), Sarah’s Vineyard (Cuyahoga Falls), Maize Valley Winery

#22 STEP BACK in time at Queen

Right Colonies, a nostalgic century farm where you can witness the science of apiculture (beekeeping) and buy naturally delicious NEO honey. Owners Sheila and Denzil St. Clair also host an annual Field Day the second Saturday of May that includes tours of the bee yard and kids’ activities. While you’re there, check out The Beekeeper Shop, where you can purchase candles, hand cream, lip balm, fragrances and more. The farm is located at 43655 State Route 162 in Spencer.

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which has an observation bridge over the river and a walkway to a viewing area halfway down the cliffs.

#28 ROUGH IT, in style. For many

FRANKIE SAYS RELAX

Now that your belly is full, it’s time to kick back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenic views this area has to offer.

#23 BE a beach bum. Options range from the dramatic setting of Nelson Ledges Quarry Park ($7 weekdays/ $10 weekends) — a spring-fed quarry nestled in 250 acres of woods in Garrettsville complete with quartz and sandstone cliff formations, sandy beaches and clear water that’s ideal for snorkeling and scuba (#38) — to the family-friendly Turkeyfoot Lake at Portage Lakes State Park on Manchester Road in Akron — where swimming is free and you’ve got 900 feet of sandy beach to wiggle your toes in. You can also get beachy at Silver Creek Metro Park Serving Summit County in Norton — where you can doggie paddle your way around a spring-fed, 50-acre lake set against a backdrop of a stately old dairy farm — and the 500-acre Clay’s Park Resort in Canal Fulton — featuring a 10-acre, man-made, sandbottom swimming lake with sandy beaches, tanning docks, water hammocks, an island, 150-foot water slides, ring swings, zip lines and four white sand volleyball courts. Take that Hermosa Beach.

#24 WATCH the sun set at the Overlook in Virginia Kendall Ledges, and

treat yourself to one of the city’s most spectacular views. If you squint, you can VWLOO VHH ZKHUH RXU EHORYHG 5LFK¿HOG &ROLVHXP XVHG WR VWDQG RII LQ WKH GLVWDQFH beyond the tree tops.

#29 TAKE the train, ride your bike.

Pontoon Boat Rentals or Dusty’s Landing II, and explore our 2,000 acres of connecting lakes. Dock at The Olde Harbor Inn (self-proclaimed as “Akron’s .H\ :HVW´ DQG VRDN XS WKH WURSLFDO DWPRVSKHUH ,I \RX¶G OLNH WR ÀRDW EXW QRW drive the boat, plunk down the 20 bucks for a two-hour cruise on the charming Portage Princess Tour Boat RXW¿WWHG WR ORRN OLNH DQ ROG WLPH\ VWHDPERDW

Rent bikes at Century Cycles (or bring your own), hop on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad at the Peninsula Depot (Bike Aboard! $3 per person one way), unload at Rockside and pedal your way back on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath.

#26 RELAX to the sound of falling waters. Take an early morning drive to

#30 AWAKEN your childlike sense of

#25 SET sail. Rent a pontoon boat on Portage Lakes from Baine’s 619 Pier

Brandywine Falls. Park in the lot on Stanford Road, and follow the boardwalk DQG VWHSV WKDW GURS LQWR D JOHQ ¿OOHG ZLWK PDSOHV JUHHQ KHPORFN IHUQV DQG moss. When the boardwalk splits, one section leads to the top of the falls, and the other descends toward a platform at the lower part of the falls.

Benches here invite sitting, giving you time to soak in the tranquil view.

#27 OOH and AWE over

the spectacular display of icicles in January and February at the Cuyahoga River Gorge in Cuyahoga Falls. Visit the observation platforms at the Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls on Front Street or Highbridge Glens Park (next to the hotel),

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of us, camping is a bucket list item that can be problematic. Whether it’s our fondness for bathing or the wisdom that comes with age (along with aching joints and unexplained body pain), we’re selfaware enough to know we’re not hardcore backpackers. We could, however, be glampers. Glamorous camping is a wilderness experience complete with mattress and sheets. If you’re game, head to Clay’s Park Resort in Canal Fulton. These custom-built canvas cabins around the lake feature one queen bed, one set of bunk beds and a couch bed, all built by local Amish; electric RXWOHWV D SLFQLF WDEOH D ZDWHUIURQW ¿UH ring for toasting marshmallows; and a complimentary wine and cheese basket.

Want running water? The shower facilities, steam room, hot tub and dry sauna are just a short walk. And right outside your front door is a stocked ¿VKLQJ ODNH QR ¿VKLQJ OLFHQVH UHTXLUHG You’ll also have unlimited use of the water park, water kayaks, miniature golf, indoor pool and, upon request, bicycles.

Rates are $80 to $145 per night for two people.

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#2t9 he hop train y

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wonder at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival’s Balloon Classic Invitational in Canton. There’s nothing quite like seeing the summer sky dotted

#39 slide fast

of hot-air balloons — and the lawn dotted with NFL-jersey-clad fans as far as the eye can see.

#31 SNOWSHOE or CROSS-

COUNTRY SKI in the valley. The staff at the Winter Sports Center at Kendall Lake Shelter in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park can provide you with updated weather forecasts, area maps, and snowshoe and cross-country ski instruction. (There must be at least 4 inches of snow for snowshoe rental and 6 inches for cross-country ski rental.)

#32 PLAY dead. Not since Vincent

Price was alive has the macabre seemed so festive as it does at the Massillon Zombie Walk. Zombie lovers young and old gather annually at Duncan Plaza to

put their best zombie face on and revel in all things ghoulish. The night kicks off at 6 p.m. with a choreographed corps of dancing zombies re-enacting Michael Jackson’s ³7KULOOHU´ YLGHR IROORZHG E\ WKH XQGHDG VKXIÀLQJ WKURXJK GRZQWRZQ FKLOGUHQ¶V crafts and trick or treat. The evening wraps up with a screening of the 1968 cult classic “Night of the Living Dead.” Go to www.facebook.com/ massillonzombiewalk for all the deadly details.

#33 RIDE in the Goodyear blimp. It’s by

company invitation only, but isn’t part of the fun in the challenge? (Think silent auctions at charity events.)

#34 PINE for the holidays at Medina Christmas

Tree Farm. As you wander the carefully constructed green maze to choose a pre-cut tree (or cut one down yourself), majestic blue spruces and Scotch pines VFHQW WKH DLU DV KDZNV VRDU RYHUKHDG :KLOH FDPS¿UHV burn throughout to keep everyone warm as the snow falls, families spend hours looking for just the right tree, strangers nod and say “hello” and holiday stress is temporarily forgotten. www.akronlife.com

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EXTREME FUN When the only reference to “extreme” in your life is next to the words “cheese” and “flavor” on your favorite bag of chips, it’s time for a little excitement. As First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.”

#35 PILOT a plane at Skypark LQ :DGVZRUWK 7DNH À\LQJ

lessons just for kicks, or get serious and earn your private SLORW¶V OLFHQVH DQG HYHQ \RXU FHUWL¿HG ÀLJKW LQVWUXFWRU¶V &), UDWLQJ $V WKH VD\LQJ JRHV LI \RX FDQ GULYH D FDU \RX FDQ À\ D SODQH «

#36 JUMP OUT of a plane at Canton Air Sports. If

you’re afraid of heights, skydiving — and freefalling at 120 mph — is a great way to face your fears. Or die trying.

Tandem skydives (i.e. with an expert diver strapped to your back) require only a brief training session.

#37 DIVE deep: Scuba dive at Nelson Ledges Quarry

Park in Garrettsville. Depths average 30 feet, with several deep trenches — the deepest of which (known as The Abyss) is 70 feet. Visibility in the spring-fed quarry can average 15 feet or more, giving divers a great view of IUHVKZDWHU ¿VK WXUWOHV DQG FDW¿VK ZLWK UXPRUHG VLJKWLQJV of behemoths in the 4- to 5-foot range), along with rare IUHVKZDWHU MHOO\¿VK 'RQ¶W NQRZ KRZ WR VFXED GLYH" Whiz’s Dive Locker in Ravenna will teach you. Classes begin in -DQXDU\ \HV ULJKW QRZ DQG WKH\ KLW WKH ZDWHU DW WKH 4XDUU\ WKH ¿UVW ZHHN RI May.

#38 DRIVE fast. Channel your inner Speed Racer at Barberton Speedway.

The Barberton Karting Association offers 14 different kart racing classes (for ages 5 to 75) on kid karts, road coarse karts and oval course karts.

#39 SLIDE fast. Go “Extreme Tubing” at Polar Blast Snow Tubing in

Sagamore Hills (next to Brandywine Ski Resort).These evening tubing adventures run till midnight most Friday and Saturday nights starting in January.

Expect a faster ride once the sun goes down and temperatures drop.

#40 PERFORM for a live audience at The Funny Stop in Cuyahoga Falls.

Bungee jumping? No problem. Standing up in front of a judgmental crowd and trying to get laughs? Now that is truly terrifying. Think you’ve got what it takes?

Tuesdays are open mic night.

#41 RELIVE your childhood by sled riding in the Metro Parks, Serving

Summit County +DZNLQV +LOO RU *RRG\HDU +HLJKWV" 'HFLVLRQV GHFLVLRQV «

#42 RUN the 26.2-mile Akron Marathon. Thousands of spectators (many with

cocktails) will cheer you on every step of the way — as you cross the All-America Bridge and enjoy views of the Little Cuyahoga River and the valley below; travel through parks, past museums and the old Firestone building onto the scenic Towpath; pound the pavement through West Akron, up “Heart Rate Hill” and back into downtown; pass the 25-mile mark near St. Vincent-St. Mary High School;

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DQG HQWHU &DQDO 3DUN LQ ULJKW FHQWHU ¿HOG IRU DQ 2O\PSLF VW\OH ¿QLVK QHDU VHFRQG base — your image on the scoreboard and your name called out by the public address announcer. Oh, and free beer.

#43 SNOW GOLF. Stir crazy madness

is a good way to describe how NEO golfers feel about the forced hiatus that winter brings. If you’re one of them, you’d likely do just about anything right now to hit some balls. Who says you can’t? Grab your clubs (and an orange ball), and head to Hale Farm and Village in Bath on Feb. 4, where the grounds will be transformed into seven golf courses with nine holes each — distances ranging 65 to 125 yards — for the annual Wayne Homes Chili Open Golf Classic (www. chiliopen.net). You just might be able to make it to spring now.

#44 HUNT for ghosts with S.I.G.H.T.

of Ohio, led by psychic and angel reader /DXUD /\Q ,W¶V \RXU FKDQFH WR ¿QDOO\ VD\ “I see dead Akronites.”

Polar Bear Jump pictures clockwise from opposite page: Heather Pariso and Vince Bernard with Dan Majnaric of the New Franklin Fire Department; Dan Majnaric; April Proctor

Banana, Christ Died Crack, Buzzard, The Cave and Cigarettes After Sex. (For more info on the individual routes, go to mountainproject.com, and search for Whipps Ledges.). A few are low-intensity climbs; a couple are monster climbs. Once you get to the WRS ¿QG DQRWKHU ZD\ XS WKHQ DQRWKHU way down. Repeat.

#46 PLUNGE into 32-degree waters for the annual Polar Bear Jump held in February at the Portage Lakes State Park beach area. The Portage Lakes Polar Bear club will cut a hole in the ice so you — and a few hundred others — can raise money for local charities and check an item off your bucket list.

/ Writer Amy Antenora Greathouse likes to chip away at her own Bucket List when she’s not writing, parenting or making handmade jewelry.

Additional reporting by Georgina K. Carson, William Teckmyer III and Abby Cymerman.

Comments?

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

#45 CLIMB a big rock. Located in

the once quiet, little-known Hinckley Reservation Metropark in Medina County, Whipp’s Ledges has become a bastion of the local outdoors scene — a haven for climbers and hikers alike. The cliffs afford both a beautiful backdrop for a leisurely walk and a challenging climb for thrill-seekers. (For the required climbing permit, call Visitor Services at 216-635-3200). Like all great climbing locales, Whipp’s has clever pet names for its climbing routes like Angels Arete,

#46 e take th plunge

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by Jessica Burkhart and photos by Shane Wynn

S c h o o l ’s O u t Cherished for its architectural beauty and historic connection to the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous, King Elementary School has closed the doors on its 88-year history.

At 905 Memorial Parkway stands an empty shell of a building.

Once very much alive with the bustle of elementary school students, its halls are now eerily silent. Lockers hang open and empty like gaping mouths, while classrooms seem lonesome and desolate. If these walls could talk, the stories they would tell.

“Don’t knock it down” — last requests written below a chalkboard in Room 106. Look at all the woodwork that could have been salvaged.

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Standing alone in one of the classrooms, I can still smell paper, chalk and wood shavings, lingering in the air like memories not yet ready to be forgotten. With a familiar lump in my throat, I head down the stairway to the basement and into the art room, where hundreds of vibrantly colored handprints splatter the

The students and teachers personalized the school walls with thoughts, prayers, poems and ideas as a final goodbye.

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Hundreds of brightly colored, tiny handprints were scattered throughout King’s basement.

Above: Vertigo from the second floor balcony.

I can almost hear the footsteps of children like an echoing memory.

Below: These antique cabinets in Room 201 were hidden for years by tables and desks. Some of the floors were still glossy and the fixtures still original.

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walls, doors and windows — last masterpieces made by tiny hands before the historic school closed its doors forever.

Scribbled on the walls are well-wishes, final good-byes, quotes and poetry from both students and teachers.

“We will miss you, King School!” wrote one child.

On June 10th, 2011, King Elementary School closed the doors on its 88-year history.

Most of the old Akron schools are undergoing transformations similar to King Elementary, which was razed in early December to make way for a brand-new school. My feelings are mixed regarding the Akron Public Schools rebuilding project, known as Community Learning Centers or CLCs. I believe in the restoration of our landmarks and in preserving the history of our city, but as I roam the deserted halls of King Elementary, I realize its disrepair and neglect would cost the city and taxpayers far more to restore than to rebuild.

I feel grateful to have taken this solitary tour — to have wandered the halls and to have paid my respects to our past as we leave it behind. Taking what little comfort I can in that knowledge, I smile sadly as I turn to leave, bidding King Elementary School adieu. / Jessica Burkhart-Zuschin is the circulation manager of akronlife magazine. Her 8-year old daughter is a third-grade student at King Elementary School.

The children called this playground favorite, “The Dome.”

Above: “And that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth.” An excerpt from the Gettysburg Address was featured prominently on the cornice at the top of the King Elementary building.

Left: Boilers in the belly of the building. The one on the right came from a different school. Re-installing the boiler was quite an undertaking, according to King’s principal, Mary Dean.

These fifth-grade artists’ depictions of King School were left behind. Already forgotten. The fold-away

Comments?

stage is stacked, ready to

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

be hauled away.

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education

by Kirstin S. Toth

On Tour

/ How to prepare for and then navigate a private school open house /

What happens this time of year, besides snow flurries?

Private school open houses.

January is when many private schools open their doors to prospective students and their families for a visit. So if you’re considering a private school education for your child, what follows are some tried-and-true tips to help you get the most out of your first or even second visit as a prospective private school family.

Do a Road Test Before searching for a private school for your child, consider taking a simple drive around your neighborhood and/or the geographic area most appropriate for your student. For example, if you’ll be driving your child to school every day, consider the amount of time you want to drive or the time it will take your child to get to the school of your choice.

Research Some Options With your preferred geographical area in mind, research your school choices on the Web and look closely at the admission sections of each school’s website.

Almost all of them have a site dedicated to prospective students and a “frequently asked questions” section. Many of your initial questions about school size, faculty and tuition can be answered right away.

Keep in mind that schools will put their best features on their website, so it’s only the beginning of your homework. Other, more important considerations 42

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can only be fully realized once you visit the school and assess the environment with your child’s needs in mind.

Visit the School Depending on the age of your child, admissions counselors often suggest that the first visit to the school be with the parents only, especially for parents of younger children.

“Much of that first visit is going to center on adult dialogue, sometimes for an hour or more, and younger children may run out of steam and distract the parents,” says Susan Holding, director of admissions at Old Trail School in Bath.

After that initial conversation, Holding suggests that parents ask themselves if they can actually picture their child in the school; if so, they might want to consider a follow-up visit that’s more focused on a personal tour. And at that second visit, the younger child’s participation is definitely preferred.

On the other hand, older children such as middle-schoolers, who are more focused on preparing for high school and beyond, should be involved in the high school selection process as early as possible. Holding suggests these students take the lead in researching the schools they’re most interested in exploring.

“These [older] kids often know ahead of time the best fit for them,” she says, “and can and should take the lead.” january 2012

11,720

number of students in Summit County attending a private or parochial school.

That’s a little more than 14 percent. This is in addition to the more than 2,400 Summit County students attending “community” schools — Ohio’s name for charter schools. Nationwide, about 10 percent of students attend private schools.

Attend an Open House When you’re at the open house, take in the learning environment and facilities and the amenities that would be most important for your child. For example, if the school has sparkling athletic facilities but your child is most interested in music and not so much in sports, observe closely how current students are interacting with their music teacher and how often performance opportunities are made available. Try to observe how engaged students are with their classmates as well as the teacher, and try to assess if the teaching and learning atmosphere fits your child.

Hold specific questions that are relevant only to your child for a follow-up, personal tour. The Open House is truly meant as the first — and a general — step in your research.

Late fall and early winter are key decision times not only for families, but also for schools — which are determining enrollment and how many students they can and will accept for the following school year, something

that can often vary by grade level.

It’s never too early to start the research and visitation process.

Many schools offer “drop-in” open houses on Saturdays, and at almost all area schools — including Archbishop Hoban (Akron), St. Vincent-St. Mary (Akron) and Walsh Jesuit (Cuyahoga Falls) high schools — potential students can even sign up to shadow a current student for an entire day. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA) additionally schedules many of its community open houses at a time offered just before a school activity or an event such as a football game.

“We want students and their families to see that the overall family-oriented social environment we promote is an important aspect of the school,” says CVCA director of admissions Mindy Fullerton.

Many schools, like CVCA, offer student-led tours providing an opportunity to hear directly from a student about their experiences.

And every school has a unique

atmosphere and usually a unique teaching philosophy tailored by its faculty and tailored for its constituency. All of the parochial and independent high schools in the Greater Akron area, for example, offer a college preparatory curriculum, and some may have special attributes that are more important for one child or family over another.

For example, Robert Brodbeck, principal of St. Paul’s School in the Firestone Park neighborhood of Akron, hopes to convey the school’s blend of a “warm and caring atmosphere.”

“I want families to feel the caring environment we have here, as well as the strong ‘Catholicity’ we impart,” he says. “You can see it in all of the artwork we display.”

Visit a Parochial School During CSW Many Catholic schools, especially at the elementary levels, don’t host open houses for new-student recruiting as much as for existing parents and students, except during the annual Catholic Schools Week (CSW), a national celebration of Catholic education — when schools like St. Sebastian Parish School (Akron) and St. Hilary School (Fairlawn) will host open houses for prospective parents and students.

CSW, beginning the last Sunday of January annually, helps local schools open their doors to the neighborhood and to the school’s families to showcase accomplishments — and to show off the school. At last year’s CSW open house, Brodbeck says that St. Paul’s teachers presented a sample lesson to parents, complete with the use of technology and its application within the curriculum.

Get Started Whether your hope is to provide a religiousbased curriculum and environment for your child or an independent academic setting, there are more than 100 private or parochial schools in Summit, Stark, Medina and Portage counties — and one is sure to meet your needs.

If you’re considering a private school for your child for the coming academic year, it’s important to not only begin your research, but to start making calls to admissions offices to arrange visits now. / Kirstin Toth is Senior Vice President at GAR Foundation and has a special interest in education.

Comments?

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

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Photo by Z Media

Designing Your Day When it comes to wedding-day décor, trust your gut and speak your mind — so your designer can create a look that’s uniquely you.

by Neil Leeson

It’s sometimes easier to commit to your fiancé than it is to commit to your weddingday décor.

As the owner of Neil Leeson Decor Floral and Be Seated, I know just how difficult that commitment can be because I’ve spent the last 15 years designing flowers, linens, lighting, furniture and every other type of décor for weddings and events. I’ve met with hundreds of brides, and I’ve worked with just as many different personalities, styles and budgets. And while many brides-to-be come in with a very clear vision of what look they’d like for their wedding, just as many come in feeling unsure of exactly what they want.

What they do know, however, is that they want a beautiful, memorable wedding.

If you’re one of those brides who just isn’t quite sure, I’d like to share some of my design experience, which will hopefully give you more confidence when making décor decisions about your big day.

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Photo by Andrew Jordan Photography

she couldn’t stop dreaming of an all-pink wedding. No other color combination made her face light up like a pink-on-pink wedding.

So we went with pink — and she absolutely loved it.

A little advice: Before heading into that initial consultation, write down:

Trust Your Instincts First and foremost: Trust your gut. I often say that deciding on a wedding décor is a doubleedged sword: On one hand, you have all these possibilities. On the other hand, you have all these possibilities. It can sometimes be difficult to figure out where to even start. But let me assure you. As long as the final design reflects your and your fiancé’s taste and personalities, you’ve achieved your goal.

Several years ago I worked with a bride who absolutely hated pink. Hated it. But for some reason (which neither of us ever understood),

january 2012

t B MJTU PG BEKFDUJWFT OP NBUUFS IPX SBOEPN that describe the “feel” you’d like for your wedding and reception t B MJTU PG DPMPST UIBU ZPV MPWF BOE IBUF t B RVJDL MJTU PG XPSET EFTDSJCJOH XIP ZPV BSF and what you’re about A wedding is a very personal experience, and a good designer will be able to help you translate these words into a 3-dimensional design.

If you’re torn between two ideas, go with your gut — or do both. The important thing is to have no regrets later.

You’re not as clueless as you might think you are! Just because you’re not expert on flowers,

the color wheel or how to turn a blank room into a showplace, it doesn’t mean you don’t have an opinion. You really only need to know what you like and what you don’t regarding color, shape, style, etc.

of the ‘30s and ‘40s and the super-sleek look of Miami nightclubs — so we developed a “Great Gatsby Meets South Beach” theme, complete with white leather sofas, ostrich plumes and mirrored tabletops.

Also, don’t be afraid to tell your designer what you honestly think of any suggestion he makes. And what you don’t like is just as important as what you do. This honesty will give him the parameters he needs and will help him guide you toward the floral and décor items that will best reflect the look you want.

Also, the more elements you mix and match within a common concept, the better. Instead of just tall or low centerpieces, try three or four different styles of centerpieces. Instead of every table being round, throw in some squares and rectangles. You’ll be amazed how it changes the look of the room.

Mix It Up Chances are, if you pick things you love, your guests will love it all, too.

Most of us have many different interests and many styles that we love, and some of the best looks come from mixing together two styles that are complete opposites or two styles that are more closely related — depending on how much impact you want for the finished look.

The secret is to trust your designer to pull the elements that work best together into the design. For example, I once designed a wedding for a bride who loved the vintage look

be no flowers in nature in Tiffany Blue or the exact shade of Celery that you’ve chosen.

While your bridesmaid bouquets should certainly match the dresses, remember that A) Your bridesmaids’ gowns are only a few in a sea of a couple hundred at the reception, so everything in the room doesn’t need to be the same color as they are, and B) “Match” doesn’t always mean “exactly the same color as.”

Linens are another area where you can mix and match a bit. For example, choose three different pale pink linens that each have a different texture or tone-on-tone pattern, but have the same silver napkin to provide continuity. Mixing and matching like this lets you have your cake and eat it, too (pun intended) by allowing you to incorporate more of the looks you like into the final design.

Instead, if you work within an entire palette of colors that you like, you’ll get a more impactful look — enabling you to create a much more interesting room. When in doubt, a fool-proof formula is: one or two main colors, an accent color or two, and a metallic (silver, gold, etc.). Remember that with flowers, blue and green are neutrals just as much as black or white or silver. Every flower has a green stem, and every flower looks great against a blue sky.

Pick a Palette

Create Focal Points

It used to be that you picked out your bridesmaid gowns — and that was the color that would dominate everything else, from flowers to invitations to napkin color. But this can be extremely limiting, considering there may

Designing a room that’s exciting and impressive doesn’t always mean you have to use every flower grown in Holland. A perfect way to create impact in a room is to incorporate one or more focal points.

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Groom’s Cakes t Mini Cakes t Cupcakes t Gourmet Pastry Trays

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A common focal point is the head table. Here, you can create some drama, be it through a fabric backdrop or dramatic lighting or by using an unusual centerpiece or a tablescape.

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Another way to achieve this is by doing, say, two (or more) very large, very tall centerpieces, one on each side of the room. These are the first thing your eye will go to upon entering the room, and they act as visual anchors for the rest of the decor. It’s also a great way to get a lot of bang for your buck, since by doing this, you can now simplify the rest of the centerpieces.

Have a Seat Both chair covers and chiavari chairs come in a variety of colors, but sometimes one is a better choice than the other — depending on the overall style of the event.

Chair covers come in three main styles: basic fitted poly/cotton; self-tie satin, which is fitted at the top with puddled fabric at the bottom and great for soft, feminine, classic looks; and spandex, which is tightly fitted with a slight sheen and is used to give a clean, modern feel. You can also mix and match a chair cover and a linen — for example, using a spandex chair cover with a classic linen to put a modern edge on a more traditional design.

Chiavari chairs provide a rich, timeless look, work well for anything very formal and clean, and can be customized using a chair sash or a colored seat cushion. They’re very versatile, and work well in both classic and modern designs.

Linens & Lighting Linens are, along with lighting, the background color for all the flowers and table settings. When choosing tablecloths, floor-length is best, and the napkin color should contrast yet complement them. I always start with the tablecloth color and build from there, picking flower and napkin colors that will “pop” or blend, depending on the desired effect we want to achieve.

I choose the lighting color last to assure that the linen and flower colors jump forward visually. But just because I choose it last doesn’t mean it’s not important.

Lighting has become very big in weddings over the past several years and is something that can take a room from great to amazing.

Think of the difference it makes in the mood in your own home when you simply turn a dimmer switch.

Where tradition meets contemporary elegance, style and glamour.

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.

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Lighting design can transform and personalize a room that’s basic and “usual” into a room that’s alive and unique. I’ve used lighting to transform average ballrooms into sleek nightclubs and to enhance some really incredible classic architecture.

A typical lighting design usually consists of spotlights washing the walls in color; smaller white spotlights (pinspots), often on dimmers, highlighting the centerpieces and cake; a wash of light on the dance floor, band/DJ and head table; and, sometimes, a monogram on a wall or dance floor and/or a pattern on the ceiling or the walls, called a gobo.

Any color can be used on the walls, but when choosing colors that will cast onto people, be sure to use shades of light pink, amber or pale chocolate, all of which flatter skin tone. Use blue or green only if you want your guests to look seasick.

Perfect For Rehearsal Dinners and Showers!

Photo by Neil Leeson

Lounge Around

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Another great way to add a cool design element to your day is to create a lounge area or two within your cocktail hour or reception space. This can be created by renting modern leather furniture for your guests to hang out in before or after dinner and by adding a custom bar and/or some hi-top tables nearby.

They’re great for conversation and add a real custom flair to the overall look of the event.

Lounges also look great and work well near the dance floor, giving it a real “nightclub” feel once the dancing begins. a

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/ Neil Leeson has been designing weddings and events for the past 15 years. With a background in fine art, his unique creations range from classic with a twist to sleek and modern to wild and over-the-top. Leeson has been featured in local and national publications and on television, and continues to pursue moving his Akron-based design company into the national spotlight.

Subscribe online or call 330-253-0056

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Januar y 201 1

TheUnion state of

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?

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

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

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Wedding Rewind Three local brides wax nostalgic on their nuptials

Jessica Burkhart & Ron Zuschin “I DOs”: Sept. 4, 2011, First Congregational Church of Akron; reception, Guy’s Party Center Favorite part: After the wedding, our photographer took us to Glendale Cemetery, and it was really quite intimate. I also loved being announced at the reception as Mr. and Mrs. Zuschin.

Tough call: We couldn’t decide on having people RSVP with a card or through a website. If we could do anything differently, it would be sending traditional, already stamped RSVP cards to guests.

Dress love: Once it was altered, my gorgeous dress fit me like a glove and accented my figure. It’s a timeless style so I won’t be embarrassed 20 years from now when I see photographs.

Piece of cake: almond with off-white buttercream frosting Wedding wisdom: Don’t try to do everything yourself.

Photos by Shane Wynn Studios

My day, my way: I incorporated a lot of red and a lot of pearls because there were tiny pearls all over my dress and my favorite color is red. I wore apple red shoes and sash at the reception, which was a bold move, but I think it was striking and tasteful.

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Anna Stitzel & Ted Olsen “I DOs”: June 25, 2011, St. Sebastian Church; reception, Greek Community Center Favorite part: Before walking into our reception — to the theme of ‘Star Wars’ — we were reminded to take a moment and look around the room at all the faces of our family and friends, sharing in the happiest day of our lives. There will never be another moment so joyous with all of those people together at once, so it’s something neither of us will ever forget.

Tough call: picking the wedding date Dress love: It was simple and comfortable, yet unique and beautiful. I like that it wasn’t your ‘everyday’ wedding dress, but just very me.

Kids at the wedding: cute or chaos?

We love kids, but we also really love to dance! We limited kid attendance at the reception to our nine nieces

and nephews so the adults could really enjoy the dance floor and not worry about stepping on anyone.

Piece of cake: chocolate cake with raspberry ganache filling, almond with white butter cream filling and lemon with lemon cream filling. It was five tiers!

My day, my way: We had a Catholic wedding in a church so we couldn’t have the furry love of our lives there — our English Bulldog, Olive. To incorporate her into our day, we took pictures of her next to numbers for each table setting at the reception, and we had ceramic kissing bulldogs as our cake topper.

Photos by Shane Wynn Studios

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Gina Snyder & Benson Heckerman “I DOs”: June 25, 2011, Akron Art Museum (wedding and reception) Favorite part: The ceremony. My father walked me down the aisle to a string quartet playing ‘Moondance,’ and I’ll never forget the sound of that music! Our officiant had us customize the whole thing, start to finish, and all of the wording really felt like us. It was fun and lighthearted. Our guests were cracking up and cheering the whole time.

Biggest hit: the mashed potato martini bar Dress love: It was sexy, but in a bridal way! I loved the cut, the shape and especially my crystal belt.

rockin’ — bright blue Ivanka Trump crystal heels that were the opposite of practical!

Piece of (cup)cake: We did mini cupcakes in a variety of flavors. My favorites were Bellini and Miami Vice.

Wedding wisdom: Be yourself! Whether it’s goth, glam, preppy or traditional, let your personality shine through.

Photos by Ken Love Photography

My day, my way: We wanted the whole night to feel like a high-energy party at a dance club, so we splurged on a fabulous lighting design that would have made Studio 54 jealous!

If the shoe fits: My shoes were pretty www.akronlife.com

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speak easy

by Tess Michaels

I Said “I Do”

/ Now who are you? /

My husband and I chose to have both our >> wedding and reception at one locale (the Hilton Akron Fairlawn), and it was lovely. Other than being in a hotel rather than a church, it was a traditional wedding where I vowed to love, honor and cherish my husband.

What I neglected to ask was if it meant all the time. Or, for that matter, all at the same time.

>> My dad gave my husband-to-be some marital advice. “There are just two words you need to know for a happy marriage,” he said. “And those words are, ‘Yes, dear.’ ”

I laughed and enlightened my mom.

“That’s not how it will be for us. He’s very capable and would just ask me for help if he was dealing with something within my area of expertise rather than his.” Mom shook her head.

one knows his name) for a replacement bulb, but he didn’t know which shade of white he’d like best. We also have two such lights in the family room, with three tubes each, so he bought enough of each shade for all possible combinations.

I laughed and corrected my dad. “That’s not how it’ll be for us. We’ll discuss our differences, come to a mutual understanding and agree on the best course of action to meet both our needs.” Dad roared with laughter.

We got new dental insurance last year.

My hubby took charge of the plan and with switching everything over. We just received a bill for his six-month cleaning: $1,200.

Unfortunately, he opened all the packages and threw away all the packaging and the receipt — so we get to keep all of them.

It took my husband and me three years to pick out a couch.

My mother warned me. “Your husband will not be same man you married. He’ll do things you can’t begin to understand.”

Each time we visited Akron’s Wayside Furniture, we did discuss our differences and often came to the mutual understanding that, should we ever actually buy a couch, one of us would be sleeping on it. When we told my parents about the difficulties of agreeing on a couch, my dad would lean over and whisper to my husband, “Yes, dear.”

My mom gave me some advice. “Just remember,” she said, “They’re lost without us, but we can never let them know it.”

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I laughed and reassured her. “That’s not how it will be for us. He’s so practical and consistent. I know how he does things. I can almost finish his sentences. I can predict his behavior.” Mom closed her eyes and sighed.

There are 24 4-foot fluorescent tube lights in varying shades of whiteness sitting in our basement. Why? Because one light in the laundry room burned out.

My husband went to our neighborhood Home Depot (where, like Cheers, every-

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Each one is guaranteed to last at least seven years. By my calculations, if they all burn out at approximately the same time, we’ll have light (in various shades of whiteness) until … I’m dead.

And for a long time thereafter. / Tess Michaels is a humor writer who has been blessed with extraordinarily funny family and friends. By day, she’s a marketing/communications professional; by night, she’s a college instructor. In the off hours, she tries to get it all down on paper because it’s just too funny to keep to herself. She lives in Greater Akron.

Comments?

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

Guy’s Party Centre After all, your wedding day is the most important day of your life, let us work with you to make it a day you will never forget.

We encourage you and your fiancé to tour our elegant ballrooms, we are sure you will like what you see.

Call today for an appointment

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financial planning

by Jane Honeck

Tips for Two

/ To find common ground on financial issues, couples need to uncover the why behind money management. /

Couples often agree to disagree.

But when it comes to money, this strategy won’t work.

One of the most important services that financial planners offer their clients is guidance in crafting an overall vision and money strategy. And helping clients achieve financial success comes not only from knowing the numbers, but from understanding how clients think about money. When working with couples, the key to opening the door to productive communication is by negotiating common ground.

Finding common ground is essential when making joint life decisions, but when it involves money, it becomes more complicated.

Listening to any economic news illustrates the challenging nature of the process whenever two or more are involved in money decisions. Congress’ inability to make budget or fiscal policy decisions proves just how difficult it is to find that common ground necessary for moving forward.

Same goes for couples. Combine the expectation of divorce for new couples at around 50 percent with a variety of studies that suggest money is the most divisive topic in relationships, and it’s easy to see why finding common ground is vital.

Whether it’s a spouse, partner, sibling or Congress, duo money management is tough. Why? Because we can’t find that illusive common ground if we, as a society, don’t really talk about money.

“What do you mean?” you ask. “All we ever do is talk about money!”

Do we?

While a “SmartMoney Magazine” survey revealed that 70 percent of all couples talk about money at least once a week, the communication isn’t effective because we only talk about the mechanical side of money — what we do with money. And we talk about that incessantly.

Think back to Congress. What do we hear? Cut spending or raise taxes. We hear what to do without the why behind it. I’m talking about the deep down why at the beliefs and values level.

And without examining this level, there’s no chance of working toward a common good.

It’s the same with couples: Spend less or earn more, cut up credit cards or put more into savings. Because we focus on the what of our current problems, we never get to the underlying issues that 54

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divide us. Consequently, we can’t find our way to a firm foundation for making joint decisions.

To bring couples together on financial issues, we need to uncover the why behind money management. We need to dig deep to understand why we do what we do with our money.

Without understanding the why, we can never fix the what, or move forward with our joint financial life. With couples, this is exactly where the difficulty begins. It’s tough enough to understand why I do what I do, but now I’m being asked to understand another person. What’s more, finding this understanding is difficult at best because we’re standing in two different places and operating from two dissimilar sets of beliefs and values.

Most of us picked up our money beliefs, values and behaviors by osmosis — that’s right, osmosis.

As children, we watched from a distance as our families, communities and society all managed money. We listened to conversations and arguments, advertisements and commercials, news and commentaries. We took it all in. And because no one explained the why behind this passive financial education, we put our own spin on it and made it our truth. We interpreted the situation our way and either accepted or rejected it. One way or another, we made our version the truth and operated accordingly without full understanding.

This unexamined, misinterpreted version became the foundation for our money beliefs and values.

And today, we look at anyone who operates differently as questionable.

Only by knowing your retirement plans can we honestly say, “keep working” or “start golfing.”

Let’s get to know each other.

We believe the best first step you can take towards retirement is talking about it. And that’s where our Financial Services professionals come in—retirement experts who will listen to your needs, analyze your current financial situation, and give you their sincere recommendation.

So, stop by for a productive conversation. Hopefully, one that ends with, “Hit the links.”

firstmerit.com/youfirst

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stop by your local FirstMerit Branch or call Karrie Stefanov, CPA Vice President & Senior Financial Advisor 330-733-4407

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Let me give you a quick example. Charlie’s parents taught him how to save. Always worried that there wouldn’t be enough, they passed their belief on to Charlie. Even though his financial affairs are in order, Charlie can’t find peace unless he’s constantly scrimping and saving. His wife, Judy, on the other hand, grew up with a carefree, creative mother who never worried about money (or debt). Living for today was more important than worrying about the future. After all, money wasn’t everything.

Which belief is right?

Well, it depends who’s living it.

It’s these incongruent, unexamined beliefs that make joint financial decisions complicated because before we can hear an opposing viewpoint, we label it as wrong and write it off. There’s no room for negotiation because it doesn’t fit our imagined truth. We look at our partner as unreasonable, out of touch or irresponsible. There’s no room for negotiation — only compromise with a big dose of resentment.

This is where the importance of real communication and finding common ground comes in. Arguing about money can be a thing of the past if you start your money conversation

in a place of exploration and openness about where your partner’s money beliefs originated.

This exploration is where you can start establishing the common ground for making joint decisions.

Then, after you uncover the why, you can begin moving forward together. With this new awareness, you can find middle ground to move beyond fears and stretch to find alternative solutions. Talking, really talking, about money opens the door to meaningful dialogue for designing a money plan that works for the greater good.

Once you have clear communication, know why you both do what you do and find your common ground, it’s then easy to focus on an overall vision and money plan that will keep both of you moving in the same direction. And once you have that joint vision, the small, everyday decisions about what to spend your money on take care of themselves with little or no effort.

Here are some easy tips to follow to keep the communication going: t 5BML – Talk, talk, talk. Money, like sex, is still a taboo topic, and we often don’t have a clear idea about how our partner thinks or feels about money.

t 'JOE #BMBODF – Balance power around money. One person making all the decisions and having all the control is a recipe for disaster. Find ways for you both to be equally engaged in all money decisions. t .BLF %FDJTJPOT – Decide together what’s mine, yours and ours. Most couples have their own hybrid system for what works best. Find the one that’s best for both of you. t %FGJOF :PVS 4ZTUFN – Have a clearly defined money-management system all the way from who handles the mail to who sends out the checks. Without a well thought-out operational plan, things fall through the cracks. t "EESFTT 1SPCMFNT – When things get tough, address problems immediately (no secrets allowed). Avoiding the issue only makes it more toxic and drives a wedge in the relationship. t 1FSGPSN $IFDLVQT – Schedule an annual money checkup with each other. Things change, and just like our physical health, money management needs an annual checkup to keep it healthy and relevant.

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56

akronlife

january 2012

t 5BML B -JUUMF .PSF – The most important thing is to have open communication with no blame or shame. We all have hang-ups around money. Treat your partner with compassion.

Benefit Checking

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Don’t become victims of your finances.

Talking about money from a common perspective enables you to operate as a team, which is exactly what you are. / Jane Honeck is a CPA, personal financial specialist and author of the book, “The Problem With Money? It’s Not About the Money!” She’s also a money coach specializing in financial and life planning for individuals and couples.

Comments?

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

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What you need is what I do.

Every client’s financial goals, situation and personal investment preferences are unique.

As your Financial Advisor, my most important job is to understand who you are and what you want your assets to accomplish for you. I draw upon Baird’s broad pool of research, resources and planning expertise to design customized solutions based on my knowledge of your specific needs.

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View paulachesser.com for further details on how I can help you and for upcoming events you won’t want to miss.

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Reach out to me for a complimentary consultation at pchesser@rwbaird.com or 330-664-5500 . 877-792-7868.

3875 Embassy Parkway Suite 300 Akron, OH 44333

©2011 Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. Member SIPC. MC-34213. www.akronlife.com

57

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT | RETIREMENT/PRE-RETIREMENT PLANNING | ESTATE AND LEGACY PLANNING

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We listen intently to your dreams and celebrate your accomplishments. Experience, integrity, trust and compassion are the tools we use to help guide you toward Significant Tomorrows™.

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The Millennial Group Team From Left to Right Jess W. Hurst II CFP® Certified Financial Planner, Co-Founder

Kenneth Wilhelm

Talking Money with Your Honey Take this pop quiz to determine how well you know each other’s money habits.

Most couples — whether married, engaged or cohabitating — admit to having an occasional tiff about finances. But there’s no reason for your “conversations” about finances to end with one of you sleeping on the couch. The more you talk about money with your mate, the richer (metaphorically and literally) your relationship will be.

To ease you both into the conversation, grab a sheet of paper for each of you, and take this (ungraded!) pop quiz — to see how well you know each other’s money habits.

Financial Advisor, Co-Founder

Thomas M. Presper CFP® Certified Financial Planner, Partner

520 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SUITE 2552, AKRON, OH 44311 MILLENNIALGROUP.US 330.374.1616 3ECURITIES AND )NVESTMENT !DVISORY 3ERVICES OFFERED THROUGH -ULTI &INANCIAL 3ECURITIES #ORPORATION s -EMBER &).2! 3)0# Millennial Group is independent of Multi Financial Securities Corporation.

Work through the questions, write down your answers and then compare them at the end.

1. You get $1,000 back as a tax refund. What would you spend it on? What would your partner spend it on?

2. You view money as (choose one): (a) A necessary evil. (b) The key to happiness. (c) Nice to have, but not everything. (d) Dude, where’s my wallet?

3. Which of you is more likely to: (1) Know how much is in the checking account (2) Buy an expensive gift (3) Blow 20 bucks in a gas-station convenience store (4) Shop around for the best deal (5) Watch a “Get Rich” infomercial from beginning to end (6) Pick up a penny from the ground (7) Know how the stock market fared today (8) Do the taxes 4. What are the three best purchases you’ve made as a couple? The three worst?

(Intangibles count, i.e. that vacation to Cancun.)

5. Credit cards are (choose one): (a) The greatest invention ever! (b) Meant to be paid off monthly (c) Evil. I only pay by cash or check. (d) Handy when you need a new transmission 6. My biggest financial concern is: I think my significant other’s biggest financial concern is: 7. Who has more cash in his or her wallet right now (winner takes all!)?

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akronlife

january 2012

good eats

restaurants / notable food & drink / Akron Family Restaurant Neighborhood meeting place, homey atmosphere, reasonable prices. 250 W. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330376-0600 $ B, L, D, T Aladdin’s Eatery Outdoor dining area, tasty Mediterranean cuisine. 782 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330-535-0110; First and Main streets (Hudson) 330-656-0560 $$$ L, D, A, T Angello’s Historic building with an Italian neighborhood feel. 4905 Tuscarawas St. W. (Canton) 330-477-1486 $$ L, D, A, T Arnie’s West Branch Steak House Casual dining, specializing in steak, ribs and seafood. Closed Sun. 5343 State Route 14 (Ravenna) 330-297-1717 $$$ D, A, T B Loco Mexican Grill Tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, salads, quesadillas, monster nachos and monster fries. Plus Mexican cannoli and elephant ears. 7216 Fulton Dr. NW (Canton) 330-830-5020 $ L, D, T

Go to akronlife.com to view more area restaurants.

Babushka’s Kitchen Old World food with a Polish influence. Handmade fresh kielbasa, stuffed cabbage, pierogi, paprikash and more. 9199 Olde Eight Rd. (Northfield Center) 330-468-0402 $$ L, D, T Barley House Hot and cold deli sandwiches, gourmet pizzas, soups and more. 222 S. Main St. (Akron) 330-374-0925 $$ L, D, A, T Beau’s Grille Upscale, well-regarded, innovative menu at the Fairlawn Hilton. 3180 W. Market St. (Fairlawn) 330-865-5577 $$$$ L, D, A, T Belgrade Gardens Famous for fried chicken and home-style cooking. 401 E. State St. (Barberton) 330-745-0113; 3476 Massillon Rd. (Green) 330-8963396 $$$ L, D, A, T Bellacino’s Known for grinders, pizza, pasta and fresh salads. Full bar, patio and banquet room with dance floor. 3657 Fishcreek Rd. (Stow) 330-6783000 $$ L, D, A, T Bender’s Tavern Largest restaurant wine selection in Stark County. Menu features seafood. 137 Court Ave. SW (Canton: Downtown) 330-453-8424 $$$$ L, D, A, T Bennett’s Family Restaurant Comfort food, standard American fare. 13211 Cleveland Ave. NW (Uniontown) 330-699-9291 $ B, L, D, T No credit cards

Beside the Point Café Specialty sandwiches, main-event salads, homemade soups and hot kitchen creations at this West Point Market restaurant.

1711 W. Market St. (Akron) 330-864-2151 $$ B, L, D, T Bistro on Main House-made desserts, hand-cut steaks and fresh pasta. Closed Sundays. 1313 W. Main St. (Kent) 330-673-9900 $$$ L, D, A, T Blue Canyon Creative American cuisine in six nature-inspired dining environments. Sunday brunch buffet. 8960 Wilcox Dr. (Twinsburg) 330-486-2583 $$$$ L, D, A, T Blue Door Cafe and Bakery Sandwiches, quiche, soup, crepes and omelets. Open Wed.-Sun., 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 1970 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330926-9774 $$ B, L, T Bombay Sitar Fine Indian cuisine. Food is natural and prepared fresh daily. 4633 Belden Village St. NW (North Canton) 330-493-0671 $$ L, D, T Bricco Unique pizza and pasta. 1 W. Exchange St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-475-1600 $$$ L, D, A, T The Cabin Upscale Italian within the Mario’s International Spa and Inn complex. 35 E. Garfield Rd. (Aurora) 330-562-9171 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T Cafe Tandoor Casual atmosphere, Indian cuisine.

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

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

Specializes in Cajun classics, homestyle southern foods, Ohio grass-fed hamburgers and homemade pizza. 138 S. Water St. (Kent) 330-474-0800 $$ L, D, A, T Capri Pizza Pizza, pasta, wings and barbeque ribs.

810 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330-762-9131 $ L, D, T Chicken Manor Restaurant Menu includes pasta, seafood, steaks and chops. Kids’ and seniors’ menu. Closed Mon. 8043 Cleveland Ave. NW (North Canton) 330-499-2159 $$ L, D, T Chowder House Café Salads, soups, sandwiches and clam chowder. Bring your own wine and beer ($5 corkage fee). Open Sun. for brunch only.

2028 Chestnut Blvd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-794-7102 $$$ L, D, T No credit cards Cilantro Upscale Thai and Japanese, extensive menu, fresh ingredients, hand-selected sushi and no MSG. Eclectic atmosphere. 326 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-434-2876 $$$ L, D, A, T

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.

The Corkscrew Saloon Specializes in fresh seafood, steaks and chops, prepared by executive chef Ryan Marino. Live entertainment Wednesday nights. 811 W. Liberty (Medina) 330-725-0220 $$$$ L, D, A, T Crave Creative comfort foods, slightly eccentric with bold tastes served up in a sensational setting. 57 E. Market St. (Akron) 330-253-1234 $$ L, D, A, T, V Crooked River Grill Full-service catering and restaurant. Ribs are a specialty. 403 N. Main St. (Munroe Falls) 330-688-9911 $$$ L, D, A, T D’Agneses Tomato Grill Wide array of entrée choices. Sunday brunch. Catering available. 106 First St. (Hudson) 330-342-3771 $$$$ L, D, A, T D’Agneses Trattoria and Café Northern and Southern Italian cuisine made in-house with fresh ingredients. Sunday brunch only. 566 White Pond Dr. (Akron) 234-678-3612 $$$$ L, D, A, T Danny Boy’s If you love the Rat Pack, you’ll love this menu. Try the Old Blue Eyes Mac & Cheese, the Hammy Davis Jr. Melt or The Chairman of the Board Calzone. 6081 Dressler Rd. N (Canton: Belden Village) 330-499-3726 $$$ L, D, A, T Delanie’s Neighborhood Grille Comfort food, sporty atmosphere and full bar. 67 West Ave. (Tallmadge) 330-630-2888 $$$ L, D, A, T Desert Inn Family-owned since 1970. Specializes in “Family Style” shish kabobs. 204 12th St. NW (Canton) 330-456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A Diamond Deli A local favorite with fat sandwiches and fresh soups. 378 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-762-5877 $ B, L, A, T Diamond Grille Akron’s oldest steakhouse, authentic 1950s-style décor. All steaks are handcut, and seafood is flown in fresh. 77 W. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-253-0041 $$$$ L, D, A No credit cards Eadie’s Fish House Bar & Grill All kinds of seafood, including fried alligator bites, lobster tail and homemade lump crabcakes. 6616 Wise Ave. NW (North Canton) 330-494-4000 $$$ L, D, A, T Eddy’s Deli and Restaurant Try the banana-split waffle, a corned beef sandwich or chicken paprikash. 2655 Oakwood Dr. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-928-7489; 4581 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330346-0551 $$ B, L, D, T El Campesino Authentic Mexican cuisine. 4360 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330-686-5561; 9169 State Route 14 (Streetsboro) 330-626-9777; 4048 Lincolnway E. (Massillon) 330-477-8731 $$ L, D, A, T The Eye Opener Diner-style menu features jams and jellies from Crooked River Herb Farm. Upscale décor includes photos of historic Akron. 1688 W. Market St. (Akron) 330-867-1114 $$ B, L, D, T

Firehouse Grill & Pub Watch sports and enjoy steaks and buffalo wings. 1677 E. Market St. (Akron: East) 330-733-6279; 2727 Manchester Rd. (Akron) 330-848-2426; 2437 Canton Rd. (Akron) 330-699-3616; 4809 S. Prospect St. (Rootstown) 330-325-0706; 76 West Ave. (Tallmadge) 330-6349967 $$ L, D, A Fisher’s Café & Pub American cuisine. 1607 Main St. (Peninsula) 330-657-2651 $$ L, D, A, T Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Aged beef, chops, fresh seafood, salad and more than 100 wines by the glass. 4000 Medina Rd. (Akron) 330-670-5200 $$$$ D, A, T Flip Side Gourmet, Ohio-raised beef burgers with chef-crafted condiments, toppings and sides; free-range organic chicken breast sandwiches; and market fresh salads. Craft beer on tap. 49 Village Way (Hudson) 330-655-3547 $$ L, D, A, T Franklin Square Deli Quality sandwich shop with an auto-racing theme. 108 S. Water St. (Kent) 330-673-2942 $$ B, L, D, T Fred’s Diner Well-known North Hill stop for breakfast and lunch. 930 Home Ave. (Akron: North) 330-535-3733 $ B, L, T The Galaxy Restaurant Diverse selection of dishes in a creative building. Fantastic desserts. 201 Park Centre Dr. (Wadsworth) 330-334-3663 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Garretts Mill Breakfast items, sandwiches, soup and homemade ice cream. 4226 Hudson Dr. (Stow) 330-926-1344 $$ B, L, T Gasoline Alley Eclectic menu featuring pizza, salads, sandwiches and sauerkraut balls. 870 N. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. (Bath) 330-666-2670 $$$ L, D, A, T Geisen Haus Generous portions, great beer selection. 6955 Promway Ave. NW (North Canton) 330-499-9116 $$$ L, D, A, T Gervasi Vineyard & Italian Bistro 55-acre estate, winery and bistro, outdoor seating, six-acre lake with swans and outdoor bocce courts.

Committed to fresh ingredients and the locavore movement. Closed Mon. Lunch Sat. and Sun. 1700 55th St. NE (Canton) 330-497-1000 $$$ L, D, A Green Diamond Grille & Pub Upscale dining without upscale pricing. Specializes in steaks, chops, baby back ribs and seafood. 125 Second St. (Barberton) 330-745-1900 $$$ L, D, A, T The Grill Room at Martin University Center Casual upscale, sandwiches, salads and entrées. 105 Fir Hill (Akron: Downtown) 330-9727711 $$ L, A, T

www.akronlife.com

59

by Tom Noe

big bite

A Taste of Thai / Did someone say “curry crawl”? /

>> Once you’ve experienced the magical

Photo by Tom Noe

smell and tasted the deeply complex flavors of a proper Thai curry, when you crave it, nothing else will satisfy. Fortunately, Thai restaurants have become so prevalent in our area that it’s hard not to find a taste of Thai when you want it.

Hungry?

Then let’s get started ... >> I began my “curry crawl” by listing all of the Thai restaurants in the immediate vicinity and came up with 14 in Medina, Stark, Summit and Portage counties. Discounting restaurants that had multiple locations and narrowing the field down to a manageable number, I ended up with five restaurants to visit over the course of a week. My rules were simple: Order only what’s available on the menu, pay for my own meals and actually eat the curry I ordered.

My crawl began somewhat inauspiciously at the Medina location of House of Hunan (18 Public Square, Medina, www.houseofhunan. net). Originally serving Americanized Chinese cuisine, this local chain added Japanese and Thai cuisine, too.

After being seated at a table by the lovely water fountain, I began to study the menu in earnest. According to the menu, House of Hunan brought in a “locally renowned Thai chef ” with a “perfect ‘soft’ hand for the spice.”

Translation? These dishes aren’t going to blow the roof off your mouth.

For dinner, I decided on the Red Curry with Chicken ($14). Visually, the dish felt Chinese — an melange of vegetables and chicken thrown together and stir-fried in a wok. What identified it as Thai was the sauce. Sadly, this dish greatly disappointed. My biggest complaint is that it lacked any sort of depth of flavor or complexity; it was missing a Thai soul. Flavors peaked early and disappeared quickly on my tongue as I took bite after bite.

I quickly came to the conclusion that while a locally renowned Thai chef may have designed the recipes, whoever cooked it either didn’t 60

akronlife

Khing Curry with Tilapia from Siamone’s Thai Pub, Akron.

TASTE-TEST RANKING: #2.

like Thai food, has never tasted Thai food or simply needed to learn to follow a recipe.

Traveling east, I found myself sitting at a quaint little spot smack dab in the middle of Canal Fulton.

V-Li’s Thai Cuisine (129 Canal St. North, Canal Fulton, www.vilisthaicuisine.com) differentiates itself from the competition because it’s one of the few restaurants to only serve Thai cuisine. V-Li’s is also noteworthy because the chef refuses to serve dishes at the more authentic “Thai Spicy” level in an effort to ensure the diner is able to taste the nuance in the curries. january 2012

The Curious Case of Curry The word “curry” is frequently misunderstood. Many Americans associate it with that often-overlooked spice in our kitchen cupboards commonly used to create Indian cuisine — curry powder. But, as it turns out, curry powder isn’t a single spice. In fact, the concept of a single-spice curry powder doesn’t even exist in India. There, each cook toasts, grinds and blends coriander, cumin, cardamom, tumeric and other spices to create his own unique flavor.

Curry is derived from the Middle English “cury,” which means “to cook.” As this aromatic spice blend began to travel around the world, the English adopted the word “curry” to describe slowly simmered dishes, such as stews, that included this ingredient.

Popular throughout much of Asia, curries are common in cuisines from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and southern China.

Although curries tend to stay true to the long-simmered stew concept, they differ in composition.

While Indian curry powder is a dry mix of spices, Thai curries combine both dry spices with fresh ingredients such as fresh and fried chiles, garlic, shallots, Kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass and galangal (a form of ginger). The resulting flavors — salty, sour, spicy and sweet — are a cornerstone of authentic Thai cooking.

For my visit, I ordered the Red Curry with Shrimp ($13) and instead of the “1 chile pepper” spice level, I asked for a more incendiary “5 chile peppers.” Unlike my last stop, my mouth was sufficiently ablaze after just one bite. The shrimp, perfectly cooked, were tender and succulent. The vegetables — zucchini, bell pepper and bamboo shoots — had a nice balance in texture that yielded to the tooth yet retained a small amount of crunch to them.

The red curry, while spiced a bit much for the average diner’s taste, was a pleasant blend of spicy and mildly sweet.

Almost due east from V-Li’s was my next destination, Sukho Thai (4430 Belden Village St. NW, Canton, www.sukhothaicuisine.com).

Located between Buffalo Wild Wings and Buffet Dynasty, Sukho offers diners a mix of Thai cuisine and a fresh sushi bar.

While most restaurants serving Thai curries offer a standard curry sauce protein complement of chicken, beef, pork and shrimp, Sukho was unique in that it also offered diners a choice of cuttlefish, crab and lobster. Having already had my fill of red curry from my previous two visits, I ordered the Emerald Green Curry with Chicken ($11).

What arrived at my table were tender slices of chicken; zucchini, squash and cabbage; strips of red bell pepper; and a garnish of fresh basil.

The sauce — fairly mild even when I asked for it to be “medium” spicy — nevertheless was somewhat complex and had a bit of zip.

And the coconut milk helped to temper the spice and enrich the sauce. While certainly a better curry than what I had experienced during my first stop, this particular curry was pretty good — but could’ve been better.

Traveling to the Springfield Lake area of Akron on Rt. 224, my fourth stop was Siamone’s Thai Pub (2215 East Waterloo Rd., #114, Akron, www.siamones.com). I first discovered Siamone’s several years ago by accident — lured in by the colorful lights of other restaurants and bars in the same complex. It wasn’t until I drove around the entire lot that I noticed the signs for this unassuming little eatery.

Interestingly, while I’ve enjoyed many of the other items off Siamone’s menu, I’d never eaten one of the curries. Tonight I decided to try the Khing Curry with Tilapia ($13).

Siamone’s is one of the few Asian restaurants where I find I don’t have to fight with the kitchen to get my dish spiced to the appropriate level. If you ask for it spicy, it comes out spicy. Tonight’s dish was marked “medium,” and I decided to keep it as it came.

www.akronlife.com

61

Kitchen Profiles

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I was quickly rewarded with a dish that was stunningly fresh and tasty and had an amazing amount of complexity and depth of flavor.

The fish was cooked beautifully — opaque, tender and incredibly moist. The green beans and broccoli still had a slight bit of snap to them, and the chopped red pepper offered a wonderful sweetness and color contrast. The star of this plate, however, was the curry sauce.

I could’ve eaten it with plain rice and been quite happy. Siamone’s is truly a hidden Akron gem worth discovering.

To finish up my crawl, I found myself at a recent addition to the Kent scene, Wild Papaya Thai Cuisine (1665 East Main St., Kent, www.wildpapayaohio.com). Located in the same spot as the now-defunct Shorty’s, Wild Papaya had re-done the interior to appeal to a more Asian asthetic (but didn’t feel over the top) and was the second restaurant I visited that served only Thai cuisine.

While I was looking at the portion of the menu dealing with curries, my server suggested that if I like Thai curry, I should consider the Siam Duck ($17), listed under the house spe62

akronlife

cialties. Since the dish was on the pricier end of the menu, I thought at first my server might simply be trying to steer me toward a more expensive final check. Fortunately for my taste buds, I decided to try it.

Hands down, this was one of the most delicious Thai curries I’ve ever tasted. The fact that the dish came with tender slices of duck — skin crisped perfectly — was almost moot. The sauce had a level of complexity that surpassed even the Khing Curry I’d eaten at Siamone’s. I could’ve easily sat there and eaten the sauce with the brown rice and left a happy diner. >> My conclusion? There are plenty of fantastic examples of this cuisine in our area. And considering that there were nine restaurants I wasn’t able to cover on my crawl, clearly plenty of opportunities exist for further exploration. If you’ve never had a Thai curry, do yourself a favor and give one a try. january 2012

Photo by Tom Noe

Red Curry with Shrimp from V-Li’s Thai Cuisine, Canal Fulton.

TASTE-TEST RANKING: #3

/ Writer Tom Noe is a computer programmer by day and an avid food enthusiast, writer and photographer just about every other waking moment. He currently writes a local food blog, Exploring Food My Way, where he critically reviews NEO restaurants, occasionally posts a recipe or two, and when he’s feeling particularly loquacious, writes essays and poems on anything food-related.

Grinders Above & Beyond Family restaurant. Grinders, burgers, dinners, appetizers, homemade soups and pies. 1671 N. Main St. (North Canton) 330-497-4800; 3114 Whipple Ave. (Canton) 330-477-5411; 1820 W. State St. (Alliance) 330-8216665; 404 E. Lincoln Way (Minerva) 330-868-7824; 500 W. Main St. (Louisville) 330-875-9700 $ B, L, D, A, T Hattie’s Café & Gifts Training and vocational site for people with disabilities. Features coffee, homemade pastries, ice cream, soups, salads and sandwiches. 164 N. Main St. (Hudson) 330-6550044; 520 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-5351779; 60 S. High St. (at Akron Library) 330-7620853; 166 S. High St. (at Akron municipal building) 330-252-0556; 1 S. High St. (at Akron Art Museum) 330-376-9186 $ B, L, D, T House of Hunan Common favorites to spicy specialties. Oriental décor. 12 E. Exchange St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-253-1888; 2717 W. Market St. (Fairlawn Town Centre) 330-864-8201; 18 Public Square (Medina) 330-722-1899 $$ L, D, A, T Hudson’s Restaurant Neighborhood restaurant and bar serving fresh, chef-driven dishes.

Family-friendly atmosphere. 80 N. Main St. (Hudson) 330-650-1955; 3900 Medina Rd. (Akron: West) 330666-7777 $$ B, L, D, A, T Hyde Park Grille New York-style upscale steakhouse. 4073 Medina Rd. (Montrose) 330-6706303 $$$$ D, A, T, V Ido Bar & Grill Home of the beloved Ido Burger.

An Akron tradition since World War II. 1537 S. Main St. (Akron: South) 330-773-1724 $$$ L, D, A, T Ken Stewart’s Grille Widely recognized as one of Akron’s finest. Upscale, eclectic cuisine. Emphasis on steak and seafood. 1970 W. Market St. (Akron: West) 330-867-2555 $$$$ L, D, A, T, V Ken Stewart’s Lodge Casual, Adirondack-style atmosphere, eclectic cuisine. 1911 N. ClevelandMassillon Rd. (Bath) 330-666-8881 $$$$ D, A, T Ken Stewart’s Tre Belle Italian atmosphere and authentic cuisine. Specialties include an antipasto bar, big drinks and an extensive wine list.

1911 N. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. (Bath) 330-6669990 $$$ D, A, V, T Kozmo’s Grille Stone-hearth pizzas, upscale pasta dishes, fresh seafood and steaks. 37 First St. NW (Massillon) 330-832-8807 $$$ 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 Lockview Traditional American favorites.

Fresh menu with spotlight on gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. 207 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-252-5128 $$ L, D, A, T Louie’s Bar & Grille Local reputation for burgers.

739 E. Glenwood Ave. (Akron: North) 330-535-5030 $ L, D, A, T Luca’s New York Style Pizza Pizza, calzones, stromboli, cheese steaks and subs. 3451 Darrow Rd. (Stow) 330-688-9595 $$$ L, D, T Luchita’s Authentic Mexican cuisine with a four-star rating. 36 Park Lane (Hudson) 330-655-0059 $$$ L, D, A, T, V Lucia’s Steakhouse Fresh seafood, signature garlic butter-topped steaks, Italian favorites and Lucia classics, like homemade crab cakes or cubanella and long, hot peppers. Closed Sun. 4769 Belpar St. NW (Canton: Belden Village) 330-492-9933 $$$$ D, A Luigi’s Restaurant An Akron icon. Open late.

Serves superb Italian cuisine, salads and awardwinning pizza. Voted Best Pizza and Best Italian Restaurant by akronlife readers. Party trays and sheet-pan pizzas available with 24-hour notice. 105 N. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-253-2999 $$ L, D, A, T No credit cards The Main Street Grill A unique concept in in-store dining. The pancake special starts your day off right. 175 Great Oaks Trail in Buehler’s Foods (Wadsworth) 330-336-3588 $$ B, L, D, T Maize Valley Winery Sample wine by bottle or glass. Taste 100+ types of cheeses. Appetizers and sandwiches. Full dinner menu on Saturday evenings.

6193 Edison St. NE (Hartville) 330-877-8344 $$ L, D, A Mavis Winkle’s Irish Pub Large, eclectic menu, cozy atmosphere and live music. 5005 Rockside Rd. (Independence) 216-525-0770; 8870 Darrow Rd. (Twinsburg) 330-405-3663 $$$ L, D, A, T Medina Steakhouse & Saloon 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 Melrose Grille Specialties include pulled pork, beef briskets, grilled pizzas and smoked foods.

Sunday brunch. 294 Pearl Rd. (Brunswick) 330-2255576 $$$ L, D, A, T Menches Brothers Restaurant Inventors of the hamburger and ice cream cone. In Akron since 1901. 3700 Massillon Rd. (Green) 330-896-2288 $$ B, L, D, A, T Metro Burger Over 33 million combinations of burgers. Veggie, chicken and turkey burgers also available. 845 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330253-8743 $$ L, D, A, T

Moe’s Hip, intimate atmosphere featuring a diverse chalkboard menu that changes monthly. Martinis, cocktails and extensive selection of wines by the glass. Closed Sun. 2385 Front St. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-928-6600 $$$$ L, D, A, T Mr. Zubs Deli At the Matinee. Features hot and cold sandwiches named after movie characters, cream cheese spreads, salads and sides. Open late-night. 812 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330252-0272 $ 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) 330493-8239 $$$ L, D, A, T Mustard Seed Market Café Located on mezzanine overlooking natural foods market. Menu reflects same strict standards as the market, with naturally raised meats, free-range poultry and foods free from artificial flavors, colorings and preservatives.

Full bar, juice bar and espresso. Live music on weekends. Sunday brunch. 3885 W. Market St. (Montrose) 330-666-7333 $$$ L, D, T The New Peter Shears Downtown NYC atmosphere. Upscale with small, intimate rooms and muted lighting. Families and kids welcome. 427 E. Tuscarawas St. (Canton: Downtown) 330-588-8300 $$$$ L, D, A, T 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 $$$ D, A, T The Office Metropolitan bistro and lounge with eclectic ambiance and timeless decor. 778 N. Main St. (Akron) 330-376-9550 $$$ L, D, A, T One Red Door Decadent menu featuring gourmet pizzas, share plates such as bacon-wrapped roasted dates, and burgers. Closed Sun. 49 Village Way (Hudson) 330342-3667 $$$$ L, D, A Papa Gyros Greek Grill Authentic Greek fare. Greek wine and beer. 4760 Everhard Rd. NW (Canton: Belden Village) 330497-1100; 2045 Cleveland Ave. NW (Canton) 330-456-9000 $$ 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

Piatto Novo Authentic Italian fare including steaks and seafood, coupled with a breathtaking view of the Cuyahoga River. 1989 Front St. at the Sheraton (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-920-7530 $$$$ L, D, A Platinum Dragon A great spot for peoplewatching. Menu features a variety of Chinese favorites. 814 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330434-8108 $$ L, D, A, T Prime/93 Appetizers, specials, hand-cut and aged steaks, chops and fresh seafood. Chef-driven restaurant. Entertainment on weekends. 4315 Manchester Rd. (Akron: South) 330-644-2239 $$$$ L, D, A, T Primo’s Deli An Akron mainstay since 1979. Try their famous corned beef sandwich or spicy Italian sub, and finish with a slice of homemade carrot cake.

Closed Sun. and Mon. 1707 Vernon Odom Blvd.

(Akron) 330-745-9056 $$ L, D, A, T Primo’s Deli and Club A downtown version of the original Primo’s with different owners. Has a similar deli menu, plus DJs and live music on Thurs., Fri. and Sat. 271 S. Main St. (Akron) 330-376-3663 $$ L, D, A, T The Rail High-quality Ohio beef used for burgers.

Top with specialty condiments like truffle butter or sunflower-basil pesto. Veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, milkshakes, and local and craft beers. 3265 W. Market St. in Summit Mall (Akron) 330-864-7245 $$ L, D, A, T Ray’s Place Great burgers, hearty dinners and the area’s largest selection of foreign and domestic beer in the bottle and on draft. 135 Franklin Ave. (Kent) 330-673-2253 $$ L, D, A, T 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

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uncorked

by Rob Hawk

Textbook Vineyards Napa Valley, California Textbook Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon “Fin de journée” Textbook Napa Valley Chardonnay “Fin de journée”

>> Textbook Vineyards is one of six California wine projects (each boasting its own label) founded by growers/vintners Jonathan and Susan Pey — who grow and produce a handful of very small parcels of wines from western Marin County, Oakville

Jonathan studied in France and later earned a bachelor’s in agriculture and an MBA. He enjoyed a career in the ultra-premium wine industry and has worked with some of the best — Domaine Louis Jadot and Chateau de Pommard (Burgundy), Robert Mondavi and Sterling Vineyards (Napa Valley) and Australia’s iconic Penfolds.

Susan is a recognized leader in the “service” side of the wine industry with extensive training and experience in California and Europe.

After attending university in Italy, she earned her bachelor’s in the United States and soon began working as wine director for a large, prestigious restaurant group based in the San Francisco Bay area. Today she’s one of the most prominent restaurant wine buyers in North America.

(Napa Valley) and other vineyards across California’s most scenic and celebrated winegrowing regions. As stewards of the land and to ensure superb quality and style, Textbook’s wines are sustainably or organically farmed, with only about 15 barrels (375 cases) of each wine produced annually.

Rosewood Grill Seasonally inspired with the fresh appeal of a local farmer’s market. Happy hour, Mon.-Fri., 3-6 p.m. 36 E. Streetsboro St. (Hudson) 330-656-2100 $$$$ L (Fri/Sat only), D, A, T Russo’s Unique cuisine featuring Cajun and Italian influences. Fine-dining atmosphere. 4895 State Rd. (Peninsula) 330-923-2665 $$$$ L, D, A, T Rusty Nail Casual atmosphere serving quality steak, seafood and chicken. 7291 State Route 43 (Kent) 330-673-2297 $$$ D, A, T Saffron Patch Fine Indian cuisine including tandoori chicken, ginger-seasoned yellow lentils and garlic naan. 1224 Weathervane Lane (Akron) 330836-7777 $$$ L, D, A, T Sarah’s Vineyard Sample high-quality wines, appetizers and desserts in the tasting room, on the deck or in the butterfly garden. Open Wed.-Sun. 1204 W. Steels Corners Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-929-8057 $$ L, D, A 64

akronlife

The core of the 2009 Textbook Cabernet Sauvignon “Fin de journée” comes from carefully selected single vineyard sites located within the Rutherford and Oakville American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). The Rutherford site exemplifies its character with incredible density, color and the classic “dusty” Rutherford nose. The Oakville District site delivers intense aromas, texture and highquality grape tannins. Barrels were of the highest quality: 100 percent French, 30 percent new, three-year air-dried, medium toast.

Sonnets Espresso Bar & Restaurant Signature blend coffee, local craft beer, made-toorder sandwiches, salads, soups, kids’ meals and live music every weekend. Closed Sunday. 117 College St. (Wadsworth) 330-336-5557 $$ B, L, D, A, T Stew Pot Kitchen Serves soups, stews, slowcooked meals, beer-flavored brats and more. Menu changes weekly. Specials offer unique flavors and pairings. Closed weekends. 23 S. Main St. (Akron) 330-376-7839 $ L, D, T Sugo Modern Italian Bistro The newest restaurant operated by Chef Louis Prpich, proprietor of Chowder House Café. Sugo offers a seasonal menu, bar menu, wine dinners and nightly fixedprice 4-course dinners that include wine, coffee and dessert. Closed Sun. and Mon. 2485 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 234-678-7153 $$$$ L, D, A, T

january 2012

A touch of Merlot added a dollop of bright fruit and acidity. Fourteen months barrel maturation with three hand-rackings and one egg-white fining developed its wonderfully classic mouth-feel. They call this Cabernet Sauvignon “Fin de journée” (“at the close of the day”) to express the optimal time to enjoy drinking it. It’s a great companion to roasted curry beef tenderloin and carmelized onions, and it retails for around $29.

The 2010 Textbook Chardonnay “Fin de journée” comes from two superb Napa Valley sites. The first is located in the Los Carneros AVA, near the cold San Pablo Bay, where its long, cool season brings tropical and stone fruit aromas and terrific depth of flavor. The second site, representing 40 percent of the blend, is located at the Yountville Crossroads and is more than 25 years old. These rugged, older vines deliver a fraction of the yield of today’s more prolific clones, but the results are exceptional, offering unctuous texture and aromatic complexity. Nine months barrel maturation with battonage (lees stirring) helped develop texture and its classic mouth-feel. The balance (40 percent) was fermented in stainless steel to capture freshness. Cultured yeasts finished off the indigenous fermentation beautifully. The end result is a wine with bright fruit, depth, creamy texture and zippy acidity.

It’s fantastic with smoked salmon bruschetta and garlic shrimp. It retails for around $24.

Both wines are available at West Point Market, Papa Joe’s, 750 ML, Regency Wine Shop, North End Market, Riverside Wine & Imports, Wine Reserve of Medina and Mustard Seed Market. / Rob Hawk is a regional sales manager at Wine Trends, Inc.

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

Variety of lunch specials. 514 E. Exchange St. (Akron: University Park) 330-252-2270 $$ L, D, T

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 $$$$ L, D, A, T Tomaso’s Italian Villa Family-owned and operated for over 50 years. Features classic Italian cuisine. Pasta dinners, pizza, fortunes (calzones), salads, desserts, beer and wine. Kids’ menu. 3271 Barber Rd. (Norton) 330-745-6063 $$ L, D, A, T

Kitchen Profiles

Hudson’s Restaurant & Catering Enjoy casual dining in a warm and inviting atmosphere at Hudson’s Restaurant. Chefs JJ and Kevin Altomare started working in their father’s restaurants at a young age. Both graduates of the Culinary Institute of America returned to their hometown to open Hudson’s Restaurant with their father 5 years ago. The Altomares have created two award-winning restaurants serving fresh, local chef-inspired food at moderate prices. Open for lunch and dinner daily. Reservations accepted. Gift cards available.

promotional editorial

Lucia’s Steakhouse, a longtime Canton staple recently relocated to Belden Village, is home to the culinary talents of Executive Chef Rick Young. With over 35 years of experience, Chef Rick — supported by his culinary team of Chef Emilio Ramirez and Chef Carla Carpinelli-Ball — use their talents to create weekly features which compliment the selection of fresh seafood, pasta and “The best steaks around” since 1941. Lucia’s invites you to join us for an unforgettable dining experience. Reservations accepted!

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Head Chef and General Manager of Pete’s Grill Yianni Pappas is working on one of Pete’s Grill and Pizza’s signature dishes: Gouda Mac and Cheese. Shell pasta covered in melted Gouda cheese and tossed with grilled chicken, bacon and broccoli make this dish one of the more popular mouth-watering entrées offered by the Gastro Pub, located in Downtown Canton. Along with entrées like this, Pete’s also offers unique specialty pizzas, appetizers and desserts and has just added 19 new Micro Brewed Craft and Seasonal beers on a stainless steel draft system. A full menu along with specials and events can be found at the website below. Call today to make your reservations!

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Piatto NoVo in the 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.

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by Georgina K. Carson

small bite

Acclaimed Chef Cooks Up New Venture in Akron >> It wasn’t long after Chrissie Hynde’s restaurant VegiTerranean closed its doors that Akron gained another rock-star-owned establishment (of sorts).

The Akron Art Museum. Akron-Summit County Public Library. Coffee shops.

Galleries. And an array of restaurants.

All just steps away from the recently renovated United Building, located at the corner of Market and Main. This eight-story historic structure is the centerpiece of the revived north end. A premiere location for visibility, it’s also easily accessible from I-77, as well as all major interstates. * Up to 50,000 square feet * Open floor for space planning flexibility * State-of-the-art communication capabilities * Room for near-term growth and future expansion * Convenient parking in recently constructed city deck * Within walking distance of central business district, restaurants, coffee shops and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park

The United Building Today’s Address for Commerce, Culture and Art

Leasing Opportunities Now Available Call Tony Troppe at (330) 535-3218 or email at tnt_everettgrp@yahoo.com 1 South Main Str ' , %on, Ohio 44308

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akronlife

Rock-star chef Dante Boccuzzi has partnered with Akron developer Joel Testa and others to open DBA (Dante Boccuzzi Akron) in the former VegiTerranean location in Northside Lofts — marking the first time a member of Cleveland’s hot cadre of chef/restaurant owners has ventured south to Akron.

“It’s kind of cool to be the first or a ‘pioneer,’ ” says Boccuzzi. “It occurred to me that a lot of Cleveland chefs were focusing their expansion projects mostly in just Cleveland suburbs. Akron is a market that’s not oversaturated — with room to grow.”

A Parma native, Boccuzzi has a résumé that includes time spent working at Charlie Palmer’s Aureole in New York, with designer Giorgio Totally Cooked To Go Market Adjacent to the catering offices. Casual comfort food menu that changes weekly.

2730 Front St. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-923-9964 $$ B, L, D, A, T Urban Eats - A Pop Art Café Open M-F, 8 am-4 pm. 51 E. Market St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-310-7135 $ B, L, A, V Vaccaro’s Trattoria One of the area’s best-kept Italian secrets. 1000 Ghent Rd. (Bath) 330-666-6158 $$$$ L, D, A, T The Valley Inn This one-time country roadhouse has been transformed into a family hot-spot. The prime rib is gigantic. 15004 Portage St. (Doylestown) 330-658-9859 $$$ L, D, A, T Virtues Signature foods such as a tempura calamari appetizer. Specialty pizzas, filet mignon and other gourmet items with high nutritional values. 525 E. Market St. (in Akron City Hospital’s Ann and David Brennan CCU) 330-375-7444 $$$ B, L, D, A, T, V january 2012

Armani and at chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Armani/Nobu in Milan. Boccuzzi returned to Ohio in 2007, and now owns Dante in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood and Ginko, which serves contemporary Japanese cuisine and sushi downstairs from Dante.

He’s also a partner in the soon-to-open D.C. Pasta Co. in Strongsville.

DBA is on track for a spring/summer opening and will emulate the modern American culinary style, menu and pricing of Dante — with dinner entrees in the V-Li’s Cuisine Thai dishes. 129 N. Canal St. (Canal Fulton) 330-854-5344 $$ L, D, A, T Wally Waffle Quaint breakfast place, perfect for Sunday brunch. 338 Locust St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-762-3388; 750 Darrow Rd. (Tallmadge) 330-633-7400 $ B, L, T Waterloo Restaurant Eclectic menu.

Famous for the Waterloo Big Apple and French onion soup. 423 E. Waterloo Rd. (Akron: South) 330-773-5158 $$ B, L, D, T West Side Bakery Specialties include cakes, pastries and cookies. Breakfast items include scones, muffins and yogurt parfaits.

All sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups are made from scratch. 2303 W. Market St. (Akron: Pilgrim Square) 330-836-4101 $ B, L, T

$20 to $30 range. Boccuzzi also plans to make every dish available as a taste, appetizer or full entree.

He’s bringing in longtime friend Torsten Schulz as executive chef — who will be “running things under my guidance,” says Boccuzzi, adding that opening DBA in Akron makes sense since he lives Broadview Heights, went to high school in Cuyahoga Falls and considers Akron a city “on the rebound, changing for the better and starting to grow and expand.”

Whitehouse Chicken A Barberton tradition. 180 Wooster Rd. N. (Barberton) 330-745-0449; 2457 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-945-6555; 1941 Triplet (Ellet) 330784-3000; 4195 Massillon Rd. (Green) 330896-5644; 137 East Ave. (Tallmadge) 330633-4001; 199 Great Oaks Trail (Wadsworth) 330-335-6000; 247 S. Chestnut St. (Ravenna) 330-296-2800 $$ L, D, T Winking Lizard Come to see the lizard, stay for the extensive beer selection and food.

25 Ghent Rd. (Fairlawn) 330-836-6129; 1615 Main St. (Peninsula) 330-467-1002; 5710 Fulton Dr. NW (Canton) 330-497-1133 $$$ L, D, A, T

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

KNOW Knowledgeable Network of Women

Networking for Success

A promotional supplement to akronlife magazine

Spirit of Belonging At FedEx Custom Critical, we celebrate the diversity of our workforce. We embrace the uniqueness of every team member, while encouraging their personal and professional development.

Interested in joining our company?

Complete a Job Finder profile at

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Knowledgeable Network of Women

What Is KNOW? KNOW (Knowledgeable Network of Women) is a personal and professional development program for business women in the Greater Akron Region. KNOW was established in 2004 to provide a niche networking forum to openly discuss emerging issues impacting women of our business community in a supportive environment.

KNOW’s mission is to cultivate the talent within one another by reaching out to today’s women executives and tomorrow’s leaders. We’d like to personally invite you to join this energizing group.

There’s an annual membership fee of $35, and membership in the Greater Akron Chamber is required. For more information about KNOW membership, contact Sarah Vojtek at (330) 2371254 or e-mail vojtek@greaterakronchamber.org.

There are exciting things happening in the world of women in business!

Become known at KNOW Quarterly Knowledge Luncheons:

In the Greater Akron Region, we’re privileged to have a successful program that brings professional women together to network, inspire one another and help their businesses grow.

Jan. 18, 2012 April 18, 2012 July 25, 2012 - KNOW Business Showcase Oct. 17, 2012

The Greater Akron Chamber proudly supports local businesses through programs like the KNOW as part of our strategy to contribute to the economic vitality of the region.

KNOW has experienced tremendous growth and I look forward to the future of this energizing group.

Daniel C. Colantone, CCE Greater Akron Chamber President & CEO

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Registration and Networking: 11 a.m.

Program: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Cost: $20, KNOW members; $30, Chamber members; $50, non-members Register online at www.greaterakronchamber.org or call (330) 376-5550 to RSVP. These quarterly luncheons provide opportunities for Greater Akron businesswomen to learn new skills, get inspired, meet potential customers and make new friends.

KNOW on the GO! .12: RQ WKH *2 LV D PRQWKO\ OXQcheon for KNOW members only. It’s intended to help build stronger relationships, share ideas and best practices outside of the quarterly luncheons.

KNOW Members are dynamic women who together develop practical solutions based on innovative ideas woven with life experiences. They:

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All luncheons are held at the Rosemont Country Club in Fairlawn.

ON THE COVER: The KNOW Board Front Row: L-R Nancy Kropko, Amanda Barna, Carol L’Esperance, Emily Kelly

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Back Row: L-R Margaret Sell, Leslianne Love, Paula Chesser, Mary Mittica

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Not Pictured: Helen Farmer

KNOW on the Go is currently offered at seven different locations within the Greater Akron region: Fairlawn, South Summit County, Stow, Medina, Wadsworth, North Summit County and Downtown Akron.

(DFK JURXS PHHWV RQ D PRQWKO\ EDVLV typically at a local restaurant or at a member company during the lunch hour.

Each luncheon lasts about an hour, and there’s usually a topic of discussion decided prior to the meeting date.

Cover photo: Vicki Lantz Photography KNOW

KNOW Committee For more information about the KNOW and how you can get involved, you’re welcome to contact any member of the KNOW Committee: 2012 Chair Paula Chesser Robert W. Baird & Company pchesser@rwbaird.com Membership Chair Amanda Barna Center for Marketing & Opinion Research abarna@cmoresearch.com Hospitality Chair Margaret Sell United Way of Summit County msell@uwsummit.org Marketing/Comm. Chair Emily Kelly Rainmaker Consulting emilymkelly@hotmail.com Speaker/Programming Chair Helen Farmer SACS Consulting, Inc. helen@sacsconsulting.com Service Committee Chair Carol L’Esperance United Way of Summit County clesperance@uwsummit.org

Membership Application Yes, I wish to join KNOW. I am a member is good standing of the Greater Akron Chamber. My application and payment are enclosed.

Yes, I wish to join KNOW. I understand that membership in the Greater Akron Chamber is required. Please rush me membership information.

Name Title/Position Company Address City

State

Phone

Zip Fax

E-mail Referred by (Name/Company)

Payment Options (Annual fee of $35)

KNOW on the GO Chair Leslianne Love Old Carolina Barbecue & Catering llove@oldcarolina.com

Check enclosed. (make payable to Greater Akron Chamber)

2011 Chair Nancy Kropko AXA Advisors nancy.kropko@axa-advisors.com

American Express

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Knowledgeable Network of Women

by Tina Thelin and photos by Vicki Lantz

Driven to Success As members of the KNOW, these female entrepreneurs are living their dreams despite the challenging economy.

An entrepreneur is a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk. – Dictionary.com

If you want to take the pulse of the female entrepreneur in Akron, start with the Knowledgeable Network of Women (KNOW).

KNOW is offered to the female membership of the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce and is a personal and professional development program for business women in the Greater Akron region. KNOW was established in 2004 to provide a niche networking forum to openly discuss emerging issues impacting women in our business community — with its mission to cultivate the talent within one another by reaching out to today’s women executives and tomorrow’s leaders.

Amanda Barna and Michelle Henry, co-owners of Center for Marketing and Opinion Research

Despite the current economic climate, Greater Akron’s female entrepreneurial spirit is strong, showing no signs of fading. In fact, KNOW membership hasn’t experienced any decline; rather, it continues to grow with 430-plus members and counting. This continued growth despite difficult times illustrates the determined attitude of the women who have joined and are still joining the ranks of the KNOW organization.

To determine just how the KNOW benefits female entrepreneurs, we interviewed several members to learn about their journey to follow their dreams despite the challenging economy. s !MANDA h-ANDYv "ARNA AND Michelle Henry are co-owners of Center for Marketing and Opinion Research, a business that provides other businesses with research to aid in focusING THEIR MISSION "OTH WOMEN agree that their biggest struggle is to balance their passion for what they do with good business practices — i.e. don’t forget the bottom line.

At the same time, it’s important to find what you’re passionate about and base what YOU DO AROUND THAT "OTH believe that life is too short not to feel passionate about what you do. They also see an advantage to being a woman, saying their ability to multi-task is invaluable as they deal with the diverse demands of running a successful business.

And with running a business come successes — and failures.

"OTH HOWEVER SEE THEIR FAILures as valuable learning expe-

KNOW

s ,ESLIE 5NGAR AGREES ADDING that she’s learned a lot from BEING A PART OF THE +./7 5NGAR is owner of Electric Impulse Communications, Inc., a source for coaching, consulting and confidence-building in the executive and business worlds, helping companies and individuals realize their untapped potential and set them on course to achieve a topNOTCH PERFORMANCE LEVEL 5NGAR works with companies in a range of markets: healthcare, manufacturing, environmental, hospitality, real estate, homebuilding, legal, media and consulting to supercharge their communication and leadership performance.

An active member of the KNOW, 5NGAR HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE Programming Committee and has been the keynote speaker for KNOW quarterly luncheons.

Leslie Ungar, owner of Electric Impulse Communications, Inc.

riences, a necessary part of growth and development. They also recommend getting as much training and support as you possibly can. Which is where the KNOW comes in.

While both ladies are members, Barna has also served as chair of the KNOW Membership Committee for the past year and a half.

“KNOW has been a valuable resource in gaining knowledge about issues facing professional women, in addition to meeting and forming relationships with other women in the area,” says Barna, who always dreamed of being her own boss and initially developed her love of research and non-profits while in college. “I have particularly enjoyed being part of the membership committee and getting to meet new members as they join KNOW. Being involved in a committee is a wonderful opportunity to grow and give back to the organization.”

Knowledgeable Network of Women

!T 3CHERTZ BEGAN HELPING HER aunt care for an elderly man, and it didn’t take long for her aunt to notice her compassion and to encourage her to pursue nursing. After serving in the military, 3CHERTZ RETURNED HOME EARNED her nursing degree and began working for a hospital. Once she’d gained that much-needed hospital experience, she returned to the home health field and looked for ways to improve the LIVES OF THOSE SHE SERVED 3HE concluded that much of what her patients needed was access to medical professional care at home — so she went back to school to obtain an advanced nursing degree. After working in a retail clinic, she decided to use that model to provide home service.

“The KNOW has reminded me and confirmed the significance of being connected,” says 5NGAR ADDING THAT THE ST century brought with it a very different business environment. As a result, leaders in both national organizations and emerging small businesses need to leverage every opportunity to be more visible. s !NGELA 3CHERTZ OWNER operator of The Traveling Nurse Practitioner, says although there have been plenty of obstacles along the way, being a woman hasn’t been one of them. Rather, she sees changes to Medicare and difficulty in obtaining business loans as the challenges facing her as she struggles to sustain her dream of improving home health care for those in need.

Yet she remains determined.

“Nothing will ever be handed to you,” she says. “You have to go and work hard to get it.”

Angela Schertz, owner of The Traveling Nurse Practitioner.

Throughout her journey, Schertz has struggled with the constant conflict between her heart and her head — of wanting to provide the assistance that people need while dealing with the realities of running a profitable business. Though Schertz has only been a member of the KNOW for a short time, she anticipates that her involvement will help to make her a better businessperson.

7HICH IS EXACTLY WHAT 5NGAR CREDITS the KNOW with — teaching her to be a better businessperson and making her more aware of the companies and services that are out there. h4HERE S SUCH VALUE TO BEING VISible within your community and tremendous impact when you have the opportunity to meet people FACE TO FACE v SAYS 5NGAR h%VEN IN this technological world, there’s no replacement for meeting and talking TO PEOPLE v

Kyle Eberhardt, DDS &

Bronlynn Turner-Eberhardt, DDS ՟

OUR FAMILY SERVING YOURS New Patients Always Welcome

Our commitment is to provide you and your family with the highest standard of care in a relaxed family practice environment using the most current techniques and dental knowledge. We take the time to answer all of your questions, and work hard to build a relationship based on trust and respect.

1655 West Market St. Suite #540 Akron, OH 44313

330.836.5585 www.westakrondental.com

Why Join KNOW? KNOW member benefits include: /DVWLQJ UHODWLRQVKLSV ZLWK RWKHU .12: members ,QYLWDWLRQV WR PHPEHUV RQO\ HYHQWV DQG KNOW on the GO luncheons 2SSRUWXQLWLHV IRU H[SRVXUH LQ .12:·V quarterly newsletter, “News from the KNOW” /LVWLQJ LQ WKH .12: 0HPEHUVKLS Directory 6SHFLDO .12: PHPEHU SULFLQJ IRU WKH quarterly luncheons 2SSRUWXQLWLHV WR MRLQ D .12: FRPPLWWHH helping to plan and coordinate each year’s programming 7R MRLQ WKH .12: PHPEHUVKLS LQ WKH Greater Akron Chamber is required, along with a $35 annual membership fee. )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ FRQWDFW 6DUDK 9RMWHN DW RU H PDLO YRMWHN#JUHDWHUakronchamber.org

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/@TK@ 1 "GDRRDQ "2 2DMHNQ (MUDRSLDMS "NMRTKS@MS Women in Business /QNÊKDR Advice and guidance to give other women business owners a boost up the entrepreneurial ladder

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VVV O@TK@BGDRRDQ BNL What’s your main role within your business? A critical component to my role as a Financial Advisor specializing in Life’s Transitional Events is being an excellent listener. I ask open-ended questions and really listen to the answers. It’s how I learn what’s important to my clients and come to understand their expectations and needs. Then, I can educate them about the available solutions so they can make informed decisions about their finances. My objective is to help get them where they want to go and make sure they feel good about getting there.

What’s been your biggest success in the business world? I’m successful every time I help women become savvy with their money. Women often shy away from making financial decisions simply because they don’t have the knowledge to feel confident in making them.

That’s why I created my Savvy Women Club. A community were women feel comfortable asking questions, deepening their financial knowledge and gaining a greater understanding of their financial life.

How do you think women have changed the business world in the last 10 years? More and more women are taking leadership roles, becoming entrepreneurs and stepping into high-level management positions. Their expertise and guidance are leading an increasing number of companies to success and inspiring a generation of future leaders.

What one piece of advice would you give to women just starting out in business? Believe in yourself and GO FOR IT! How do you think women approach business differently than men? There are a number of subtle differences, but primarily, I think women tend to want more information and context prior to making decisions. My experience has been that they like to fully understand their options before taking action.

What are your personal business goals? My goal is to help women become engaged in their financial lives before, during and after life transitions. I realize most life-changing events can cause stress and anxiety. There’s a tendency to make momentary decisions that can create negative long-term financial consequences. My real value is listening to their story, learning what’s important to them, treating them with respect and offering a clear sense of direction today, as well as throughout their lifetime.

What do you feel is the greatest benefit of the KNOW program? I’ve had the pleasure to chair and serve on a number of committees with so many wonderful, professional and energetic women within the KNOW. The KNOW offers an environment that cultivates women’s talents and professionalism and encourages us to work together in the business community.

Knowledgeable Network of Women

Marjorie Weaver Women’s Shoes and Accessories Buyer Lucky Shoes Inc. 330-836-9542 www.LuckyShoes.com

What’s your main role within the business? Some would say that I have every woman’s dream job: buying shoes, handbags, jewelry and other accessories. My focus is to create a mix of footwear and accessory items that appeals to the customers who SHOP OUR THREE ,UCKY 3HOE 3TORES WHILE MAINTAINING PROFITability for the company.

What’s been your biggest success in the business world? Nearly half OF MY RETAIL CAREER HAS BEEN WITH ,UCKY 3HOES AND ) M GRATEFUL TO -R ,UCK FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY FOR MY GREATEST success — the addition of our Accessories Department includING "RIGHTON 6ERA "RADLEY AND MOST RECENTLY 7AXING 0OETIC Shoes are my first love, but it has been the introduction and success of our accessory lines that I feel the greatest sense of accomplishment. Accessories allow a woman to fully express herself and complete every outfit.

How do you think women have changed the business world in the last 10 years? Over the past 10 years, more women have broken through the proverbial ‘glass ceiling’ into management and ownership roles in business, changing the diversity of the workplace population in both gender and age. Woman-owned firms have a much closer gender balance among their workforce than like-owned male businesses and have proven 1.7 times more productive than their male counterparts. Female-run organizations are less hierarchical and more inclusive in decision making, and I believe this adds to their success. The need to balance family and career has led to the introduction of FLEX TIME AND THE &AMILY -EDICAL ,EAVE !CT BOTH ALLOWING FOR family needs to be met and career goals to stay on track.

:KDW RQH SLHFH RI DGYLFH ZRXOG \RX JLYH WR ZRPHQ MXVW VWDUWLQJ RXW LQ business? Never stop learning, be true to yourself and do not buy into the myth that you have to do it all!

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve received? Sandy Smith, MY DEAR FRIEND AND MENTOR HERE AT ,UCKY 3HOES ONCE TOLD ME ‘Careers, like rockets, don’t always take off on schedule. The key is to keep working on the engines.’

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman in business? Maintaining a balance between my personal and professional life. After 36 years, it’s still my biggest challenge.

How do you think women approach business differently than men?

Men have an amazing ability to compartmentalize their thoughts. Therefore, their focus is singular, and they tend to be great visionaries or good taskers. Women’s thoughts are an unending stream, which allows them to multi-task more effectively. And of course, there’s something to be said for women’s intuition.

What are your personal business goals? Short term, I would say to help facilitate a successful move to our new location while maintaining our customer base and profitability. Although I have no immediate plans to retire, my long-term goal is to mentor my successor. It was through the course of time and in relationship with some tremendous retail minds that I learned this business, and it’s that knowledge that I hope to pass on.

Since Lucky Shoes is relocating and expanding all departments in spring 2012, what new things can the Akron community expect to see? We’re very excited about this move and the addition OF MORE SPACE *OHN ,UCK AND ) ARE PLANNING AN EXPANSION of our men’s and women’s professional dress shoe selection. Personally, I have had a great time designing the new Accessory Department and am planning on adding hats by a local millinery artist. As for specifics, you’ll have to wait until spring 2012, and come in and see for yourself!

How have you adapted your business to weather the economic downturn? We’re very fortunate to have a loyal customer base, and we’re grateful for their support. As the economy tightens, value is key to consumer spending. Time and again, I help new customers who say they’re investing in quality shoes, as OPPOSED TO A FEW PAIRS OF LESSER ONES ,UCKY 3HOES OFFERS QUALity, value and personalized service that has an intrinsic value not found in many places these days.

KNOW

Marcie Price and Jackie Symons Ramona Hood Senior Manager %DC$W 3QTBJKN@C Brokerage 888-444-5940

What’s your main role within your business? I’m currently responsible for providing leadership to the FedEx Truckload Brokerage organization to assure the sales, revenue and strategic plans are achieved.

What’s been your biggest success in the business world? I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far, but I feel my biggest success is yet to come. I have a great opportunity to shape the future of our business unit, and I’d like the success to be reflected well beyond my days. An ability to leave a legacy would be my biggest success.

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve received? Be accountable. You will make mistakes. Own them, learn from them, don’t dwell on them! I try to live by those words.

What are your personal business goals? My personal business goals are to work for an organization where all my goals are aligned — personal, professional, community, etc. I’m afforded that opportunity at FedEx Truckload Brokerage.

How have you adapted your business to weather the economic downturn? It’s always important to know the opportunities and threats to your business. Last year, we added a lot of employees. We realized the economy provided an opportunity to hire experienced talent. We’re also hiring this year. Our approach is to hire people with experience who can work remotely.

Locally, we have the option to hire both experienced people and people new to the industry. You can learn more about the position at the FedEx Custom Critical section of the FedEx careers page: www.fedex.com/us/careers.

What do you feel is the greatest benefit of the KNOW program?

KNOW promotes an opportunity to further develop yourself and your business. Many of my business contacts have come from KNOW events.

Knowledgeable Network of Women

!DRS !DMDÊSR "KTA 330-273-5756 !DRS!DMDÊSR"KTA BNL What’s your main role within your business? We’re

co-founders of J & M Business Solutions, which we began in 1994 over the ‘backyard fence’ — as we’re next-door neighbors. We combined our experience and opened for business as an office support company, which quickly became an association management company. J & M began as a home-based business to allow us to stay at home with our young children. We moved into our first office in 2001 and kicked off Best Benefits Club in the spring of 2002.

What’s been your biggest success in the business world? It’s been growing our Best Benefits Club from the ground up in less than 10 years to represent more than 500 employers, 600,000 employees and 400 vendors.

What one piece of advice would you give to women just starting out in business? Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. We made that mistake and had to go without a paycheck for six months in order to get our business back on its feet.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman in business? As women, we’ve found that we’re too easily taken advantage of. We’ve had to learn to be tougher while still remaining true to our fundamental philosophy of treating our clients as we would like to be treated.

How do you think women approach business differently than men?

We feel that women tend to be more nurturing and because of that, we’re better at building long-term relationships with clients. We feel that our customers are part of our extended family.

How have you adapted your business to weather the economic downturn? We took a leap of faith when the economy began to spiral downward and started offering our Best Benefits Club free to employers so that they could at least give their employees a little something extra, even if their company couldn’t afford to give raises. This proved to be a great move because we increased the number of employers offering our vendor discounts to their employees, which, in turn, helped us greatly increase the number of vendors offering discounts through Best Benefits Club. We have more than made up for the loss in revenue from employers with revenue from vendors seeking a cost-effective way to market their products and services.

Amanda Yurechko and Tracy Schwotzer Karen C. Lefton attorney, Labor & Employment Brouse McDowell 330-535-5711 klefton@brouse.com www.brouse.com What’s your main role within your business?

I solve problems.

How do you think women have changed the business world in the last 10 years? We’ve raised the bar.

What one piece of advice would you give to women just starting out in business?

Read the sports section every morning.

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve received?

Anticipate. Be like Wayne Gretzky. He was always skating to where the puck was going to be.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman in business?

Learning to hit from the rough.

How do you think women approach business differently than men?

We are as adept at using a scalpel as we are a sledgehammer.

What are your personal business goals?

To give my clients the confidence to sleep well.

How have you adapted your business to weather the economic downturn?

I’m more creative, more strategic and more focused on my clients’ core business. I help them increase their revenues by erasing the distractions caused by personnel issues.

Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA 216-685-1000 www.weltman.com What’s your main role within your business? We’re

both attorneys at WWR. Tracy is in Consumer Collections and focuses her efforts in the Collateral/ Replevin Recovery Group; Amanda is in Consumer & Commercial Collections, focusing on government, healthcare and utility damage recovery claims.

What’s been your biggest success in the business world? Being able to address our client’s recovery needs is exciting and rewarding, as we know we’re helping them better manage their bottom lines — so beneficial in today’s economic climate.

What one piece of advice would you give to women just starting out in business? Amanda: At some point in your career you may be faced with the dilemma of how to juggle a successful career with raising a family. It may seem impossible at first, but you just have to find a way to make it work within your organization. During the interview process, be sure you understand the corporate culture, job expectations and if internal support is provided to meet daily activities and workload. It’s not easy, but you shouldn’t have to sacrifice family for work or work for family.

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve received? Tracy: I recently read Tina Fey’s book, Bossy Pants. In it, Fey writes, ‘You’re not in competition with other women, you’re in competition with everyone.’ That statement really rang true with me. We’re not in competition with the other women in the workplace; we’re simply competing to provide the best service to our clients.

How have you adapted your business to weather the economic downturn? Amanda: In this climate, personal contacts are key in building rewarding relationships that can lead to trust and new business opportunities. You have to work harder to satisfy client’s needs, surpassing their expectations while providing unique value-added solutions. Networking and community involvement should be part of your routine to meet new people.

What do you feel is the greatest benefit of the KNOW program? KNOW is a network of professional women who want to meet other women, support each other’s efforts and provide meaningful business contacts. More than other organizations, KNOW women are very willing to reach out and teach one another, creating a strong and vibrant women’s professional network.

KNOW

Barbara Johnson and Georgianna Bojtos owners Jewelry Art 116 N. Main St. Hudson 330-650-9011 www.jewelryarthudson.com What’s your main role within your business?

"ARBARA MANAGES AND drives the business while Georgianna specializes in design.

What’s been your biggest success in the business world? "UILDING A BUSIness that offers beautiful unique fine jewelry and excellent service.

We also represent phenomenal jewelry designers and specialize in custom design in-house. We strive to furnish or create family heirlooms to celebrate life moments. :KDW RQH SLHFH RI DGYLFH ZRXOG \RX JLYH WR ZRPHQ MXVW VWDUWLQJ RXW in business? Persevere! Have a solid business plan. To be successful, you must do what you love and have a passion for. Find your niche, and stay true to it.

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve received?

Never veer from quality. Always keep high standards, and work hard to exceed expectations. Don’t be afraid to take risks every so often.

What are your personal business goals? To always keep improving the business so that our customers are consistently best served.

How have you adapted your business to weather the economic downturn? "Y KEEPING AN OPEN MIND AND FINDING THE RIGHT merchandise to fit the times while maintaining high quality standards and always striving to excel in service.

What do you feel is the greatest benefit of the KNOW program? The greatest benefit of the KNOW program is to be able to continually share and gain knowledge by networking with intelligent, successful women.

Knowledgeable Network of Women

Dee Siegferth President and CEO The Milestone Center for Retirement and Estate Planning LLC 330-644-0284 www.themilestonecenter.com What’s your main role within your business? I assist individuals and families to take the necessary steps to reach their financial and retirement goals by providing them the education, suitable investments, insurance products, tax structure and important documents that they need to have a safe and secure life plan for themselves and their loved ones. I take a special interest in empowering women to be in control of their retirement by providing educational workshops throughout Summit and Stark counties. :KDW DGYLFH ZRXOG \RX JLYH WR ZRPHQ MXVW VWDUWLQJ RXW LQ EXVLQHVV" Get information and education offered through local chambers or other women’s groups. I remember taking A CLASS IN THE @ S TAUGHT BY .ORMA 2IST h3TARTING 9OUR /WN "USINESS FOR 7OMEN /NLY v !LSO DO YOUR RESEARCH on whether there’s a need for your business in your area.

Again, seek advice from a local Chamber! I’d also enroll in business start-up classes. Talk to someone like me who would provide financial, tax and start-up procedures that YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING OUT ,ASTLY YOU RE READY FOR YOUR BUSINESS PLAN 3#/2% WILL HELP YOU COMPLETE THIS last step.

What’s the best advice you’ve received? To build my business by building a referral team! Work with others who serve your ideal client to form your own network team, and ask your satisfied clients for referrals.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman in business? It’s no different than what a male business owner faces: Working on your business and not in your business. You can’t grow without business.

How do you think women approach business differently than men?

Women get more involved in their business and build relationships. Building relationships can have good results, but I believe that working on your business still has to be the main focus for women and men. Men tend to ask for referrals more easily than women at social events. Women may feel they’re being pushy and shy away from asking for referrals.

What are your personal business goals? To continue to strive to work on my business by creating a team of like-focused business owners who serve my ideal client — who is a Baby Boomer who’s saved for retirement mostly in retirement accounts and knows little about how to build a successful retirement.

Emily M. Kelly, CEO Rainmaker Consulting, LLC 330-603-0086 rainmakermarketingandsales. wordpress.com Rainmaker Consulting helps small businesses with their sales and marketing strategies by acting as their offsite marketing department, assisting them in three ways: putting together a plan, implementing that plan and evaluating the success of that plan. I have over a decade of demonstrated success growing revenue for businesses in a broad range of markets, and I’m a life-long Akron resident, passionate about growing the local economy, one business at a time.

Carol Null Account Executive Baker Media Group/akronlife 330-253-0056 ext 102 cnull@bakermediagroup.com For more than YEARS "AKER -EDIA 'ROUP ,,# has developed publications and staged events for a wide variety of audiences and needs. Our team offers services that include print and online magazines, Web sites, direct mail, newsletters and more. With over 13 years experience, Carol has helped companies leverage their strengths to gain results and grow presence in their core market with our products and services, including custom publishing, akronlife. com, akronlife magazine and My Symphony publication.

Margaret Sell Senior Resource Development Director United Way of Summit County 330-762-7601 www.uwsummit.org Margaret focuses her energies on building relationships with donors and companies in southern Summit County by providing opportunities to Give, Advocate and 6OLUNTEER THROUGH 5NITED 7AY )N addition, Margaret has worked with programs such as the Youth Initiative AND THE 9OUNG ,EADERS 3OCIETY AND now oversees the Dorothy O. Jackson Society, which serves to promote ENGAGEMENT WITH 5NITED 7AY AMONG minorities. Margaret is actively involved in the KNOW, Magic City Kiwanis and Torchbearers.

Helen Farmer "GHDE 1DK@SHNMRGHO .EÊBDQ SACS Consulting, Inc. 330-255-1101 www.sacsconsulting.com SACS Consulting, Inc. embodies three areas of excellence: human resources support; safety and security for your employees and property; and a wide range of corporate and personal investigations. Our 20+ years in business are built on solid relationships. I, personally, am responsible for the quality of every encounter you have with us. It is my distinct pleasure to offer you the considerable resources at my disposal THAT WILL HELP MAKE 9/52 BUSINESS A success!

Carol A. L’Esperance Leadership Giving Director United Way of Summit County 330-643-5519 www.uwsummit.org Carol is highly involved in building relationships, growing awareness OF 5NITED 7AY and marketing to various professional groups and retired individuals to secure donor gifts of $1,000 - $9,999. She also directs its 7OMEN S ,EADERSHIP #OUNCIL #AROL IS A GRADUATE OF "OWLING 'REEN 3TATE 5NIVERSITY AND FOR OVER YEARS pursued her career in marketing, management, strategic planning and product development in forprofit corporations and non-profit organizations in Denver, Colorado.

Jennifer Jesser-Ringer Integrated Wealth Management, Inc Director of Client Care and Development

330-896-1644 ext. 102 www.iwmblueprint.com Integrated Wealth Management,Inc. is a unique financial services firm that is committed to simplifying and enhancing the lives of the clientswe serve. We recognize that financial decisions in today’s world are both complex and time-sensitive, as our clients live in a real world of time pressures and priorities that require urgent attention. Therefore, we have developed a number of unique processes to serve our clients in the most effective way. I’m personally responsible for marketing, events and for the quality of every encounter that you have with our company while building relationships.

KNOW

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KNOW Holiday Party On Thursday, Dec. 8 in the Waterford Building Atrium, more than 70 KNOW members attended the first-annual KNOW Holiday Party.

Diamond Ladies Club from Open M greeted guests, members of the Firestone High School Orchestra provided entertainment, and food and beverages were donated by KNOW members and companies. Thirteen gift baskets were won through the purchase of raffle tickets, with a portion of the proceeds and the party’s registration fee donated to The Haven of Rest.

1. KNOW Holiday Party in the Atrium at the Waterford Building 2. Members of the Firestone High School Orchestra 3. L-R: Paula Chesser (R.W. Baird) and Holly Rhoads (The Ruby Group) 4. Paula Lewis (Junkaway), Shawna Rollheiser (A Cupcake A Day), Karen SaraDibartolomeo (Champaign Bank & Trust) 5. Denise Russell (Mary Kay Cosmetics)

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KNOW Committees KNOW Committee Members are a volunteer group who interact with fellow Chamber and KNOW members and serve as an additional resource and communication link. Eligibility requirements to serve on a KNOW committee include: 0XVW EH DQ HPSOR\HH RI D &KDPEHU member business in good standing, and must have the approval of direct supervisor.

the “hostess” (table facilitator) at your assigned table; and thanking guests for attending as they leave 1HZ 0HPEHU 2ULHQWDWLRQ LQYLWDWLRQ WR attend New Member Orientations; and working to engage new members in KNOW committees and KNOW events 2WKHU ZHOFRPLQJ QHZ PHPEHUV DW KNOW social events; and attending committee meetings as scheduled by Chair

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KNOW on the Go Committee Members are Facilitators. Responsibilities include:

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plan; working with Chamber to develop and secure additional corporate sponsorship opportunities; creating important metrics that track KNOW event and program successes and/ or challenges (the MC committee will work with other committee chairs to gather predetermined metrics and compile data); working on a basic annual report that showcases KNOW events, programs and other activities; and attending Committee meetings as scheduled by Chair

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RED

LIFE ALONG THE CROOKED RIVER

for women 2011

An interview with Canton-born Hall of Famer Dan Dierdorf

Trips for the Adventure Junkie / Mary Myers talks serial killers

volume 9 / issue 7

THE MEANING OF [A QUALITY] LIFE CUYAHOGA FALLS CELEBRATES THE BIG 200 ENJOYING THE GREAT OUTDOORS

& A special supplement to

A special supplement to akronlife magazine

Hear and Now: The Auricle

MY SYMPHONY

Living

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SHOW PARTNERS:

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akronlife magazine

A special supplement to akronlife

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From giraffes to flash mobs to stilt-walkers, this monthly street party is bringing businesses, money and the masses back downtown.

John S. Knight Center - Akron, Ohio

PRESENTING PARTNER:

The quarterly program of the Akron Symphony Orchestra

A First-Timer’s Guide to First Friday

February 25 - 27, 2011 Photo by John Ashley Photography

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Presented by

September 11, 2010

27 Opening Night

YPs to Watch

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

Canton Arts District Studio & Gallery Guide

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October 16, 2010

33 Early Romantice November 6, 2010

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Asset Protection:

Homeowner’s Insurance Review Has it been a while since you reviewed your homeowner’s insurance?

Perhaps you aren’t aware of the significant differences among the product offerings. In today’s market, we may think of homeowner’s insurance simply as a commodity and choose Susan J. Peirce the lowest price. It’s time to refresh our thinking about the CPA, MTax, Principal Apple Wealth Advisors way to protect one of our most important asset – our homes.

Homeowner’s insurance policies offer a variety of coverage. Some allow you to build the coverage based on any number of perils (fire, wind, lightning, vandalism). Some add in protection for personal property in the house. There are even special policies for older homes, condominiums and renters. No matter which coverage you choose, the details of the policy can make a huge difference if the policy is put into action. Be sure to carefully review the following: Extended replacement cost – If the cost to replace a home following a total loss is greater than the amount of coverage on the policy, the insurer will only pay the reconstruction cost up to a certain limit, sometimes as low as 20% of the reconstruction cost.

Valuation of home and personal property – Common methods for valuations include multiplying square footage by standard construction costs for the geographic area, room estimators as provided by certain insurance resources, drive-by exterior inspections and in-house appraisals. Each of these methods is compared to real estate tax values, but often don’t reflect the insured value.

Settlement basis replacement cost v.. actual cash value – Make certain you know what your policy dictates. For replacement cost, the insurer will pay the full cost to replace a covered item with no depreciation. For actual cash value, the insurer will pay only the current depreciated value.

Premises liability – Homeowner’s insurance generally provides only a moderate amount of personal liability coverage. Know your risk factors - swimming pools, trampolines, dogs, domestic help - and obtain an “umbrella policy” to cover your personal excess liability.

Common endorsements – You can add endorsements (additional coverage) on your policy for things like jewelry, computers, and other valuables (appraisal may be required), credit card fraud protection, and home value inflation protection.

Common exclusions – If a property is left vacant for 30-60 days, the policy may be voided. Also, damage from terrorism and other external influences on the exclusions list will not be covered by the policy.

Is your premium rising more than your home value?

Make sure your review includes a look at ways to gain discounts and reduce premiums while keeping your coverage at an appropriate level. r Companies offer discounts of at least 5% for a smoke detector, burglar alarm or dead-bolt locks. Installation of a sprinkler system and a fire/burglar alarm with police, fire or other station monitoring can cut premiums 15-20%.

Check with your insurer on approved systems, system cost and potential savings on premiums. r Some companies offer discounts to retired people because they stay at home more (theoretically), limiting their exposure to theft, fire and other damage. If you’re at least 55 years old and retired, you may qualify for a discount of up to 10%. r Everyone who smokes pays a higher home insurance premium. Nonsmokers may receive discounts but must also not allow any smoking on their property to qualify. r Some employers, unions, and professional associations administer group insurance programs that may offer a better deal than you can get in the public market. If you are a member, ask if group programs exist. r Raising your deductible may result in as much as 25% savings on premiums.

Just make sure you have cash available to cover the deductible. r Don’t include land value when deciding how much insurance you should buy. The land on which your house stands is not at risk for fire, theft, windstorm or other losses covered by the policy. r Distance from the nearest fire station and a fire hydrant impacts the premium. Typically, homes outside a 5 mile radius from the fire department and/or more than 1,000 feet from a hydrant will have higher premiums. r Consider purchasing your home and car policies from the same insurance company. Multi-line (auto, home, umbrella) coverage can reduce your premiums from 5% to 15%. r Shop around and compare the finer points of the polices to make sure coverage is indeed equal. Be sure to look at the carrier’s financial activity and complaint records. Websites like Bank Rate Monitor provide estimates of provider costs and value.

Your home is one of your most valuable assets. Be sure it is protected with a comprehensive insurance review. The independent experts at Apple Wealth Advisors can help. Please call us at 330.867.7350 to schedule a review.

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AN ADVISOR WHO KNOWS THAT

COMMUNITY MEANS MORE THAN JUST LOCATION.

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

Akron & Associates Daniel W. Renz, CFM Complex Director (800) 284-3058 50 South Main Street, 4th Floor Akron, OH 44308

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